2018 desktop flora & fauna study india bore diamond holdings … · 2019-06-28 · 2018 desktop...

08 November 2018 – Final – Version 1

Exploration Tenements: E04/2398 & E04/2404.

Prepared By:

KEG (ABN: 63 985 545 404)

Phone: (+61) 419 276 205

Email: [email protected]

2018 Desktop Flora & Fauna Study

India Bore Diamond Holdings West-Kimberley Diamond

Exploration Project

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Executive Summary

Kimberley Environment and Geotechnical (KEG) was commissioned in August 2018 to undertake a desktop flora and

fauna study covering exploration tenements E04/2398 and E04/2404 of the Indian Bore Diamond Project.

Two main literature resources were used to compile the information for the desktop report:

State and Federal databases were accessed to compile a species list and a rare, threatened or vulnerable list

of flora and fauna that are likely to occur in the Project area.

A comprehensive review of flora and fauna surveys of the directly adjacent Ellendale Diamond Mine was

undertaken to provide detailed background information and a local and regional perspective, and to expand

the species list with flora and fauna known to occur in the area and to use this information to compile a

comprehensive species list and rare, threatened or vulnerable flora and fauna list.

NatureMap was utilised as the primary database to undertake a search for flora and fauna predicted to occur within

a twenty kilometre radius of the centroid of the two Project tenements. This search generated a list comprising 269

species; 140 Animalia, five Fungi and 124 Plantae. Of these, eleven are conservation significant; five mammals, one

bird, and five plants.

Compiling all previous fauna surveys, a total of 240 species have been recorded at the Ellendale Diamond Mine; 138

birds, 29 mammals, 12 frogs and 61 reptiles.1 Compiling all previous flora surveys, a total of 397 taxa from 190 genera

and 72 families have been recorded at the Ellendale Diamond Mine.2 When the NatureBase results and the Ellendale

Diamond Mine flora and fauna surveys were combined and cross referenced for duplicates this generated a

comprehensive species list of 749 species of flora and fauna for the Project area. This list includes 21 conservation

significant species; 10 birds, 5 mammals and 6 plants.

Two of the 21 conservation significant species on the comprehensive list are on the Environmental Protection and

Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) threatened species list and are therefore protected from significant impact;

the Gouldian Finch and the Bilby. An impact assessment completed as part of the desktop study indicates the Project

should not have a significant adverse effect upon either the Bilby or the Gouldian Finch. Nonetheless, impact

mitigation measures are recommended within this report to further reduce threats to both species.

In addition to flora and fauna, six introduced mammals are likely to occur in the Project area and 13 exotic plant species

have been recorded at the neighbouring Ellendale Diamond Mine.3

1 (Ninox Wildlife Consulting, 2008) [47/51] 2 (Mattiske, 2009) [3] 3 (Mattiske, 2009) [3]

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Contents Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................................................... 2

1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................... 4

1.1 Location ......................................................................................................................................................... 4

1.2 Climate .......................................................................................................................................................... 4

1.3 Landforms and Soils ...................................................................................................................................... 4

1.4 Flora and Vegetation ..................................................................................................................................... 4

1.5 Rare and Threatened or Vulnerable Species ................................................................................................. 4

2 Objectives .............................................................................................................................................................. 7

3 Method.................................................................................................................................................................. 7

4 Results and Discussion .......................................................................................................................................... 8

4.1 Flora and Fauna Species List ......................................................................................................................... 8

4.2 Presence of Rare, Threatened or Vulnerable Species ................................................................................... 9

4.3 Potential for Impact to Conservation Significant Flora and Fauna ............................................................. 16

4.4 Introduced Species ...................................................................................................................................... 18

5 Impact Mitigation Measures ............................................................................................................................... 19

5.1 Protection of Conservation Significant Flora and Fauna ............................................................................. 19

5.2 Habitat Protection ....................................................................................................................................... 20

6 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................................................... 20

Bibliography .................................................................................................................................................................... 21

Appendix ................................................................................................................................................................... 22

Appendix 1: NatureMap E04/2398 Species List ..................................................................................................................

Appendix 2: NatureMap E04/2404 Species List ..................................................................................................................

Appendix 3: NatureMap Tenement Centroid with Twenty Kilometre Radius Species List ................................................

Appendix 4: Species List with Conservation Information (Tenement Centroid with Twenty Kilometre Radius) ...............

Appendix 5: Species List Compiled from NatureBase Results and all Species Confirmed during Ellendale Flora and Fauna

Field Surveys .......................................................................................................................................................................

Appendix 6: EPBC Gouldian Finch Conservation Advice .....................................................................................................

Appendix 7: EPBC Bilby Conservation Advice .....................................................................................................................

Figures

Figure 1: Tengraph map of NatureBase query area .......................................................................................................... 9

Tables

Table 1: Conservation codes for WA flora and fauna ....................................................................................................... 5

Table 2: Table 1: Conservation codes for Commonwealth listed flora and fauna ............................................................ 6

Table 3: Conservation Significant Species List ................................................................................................................ 10

Table 4: Gouldian Finch Impact Assessment .................................................................................................................. 16

Table 5: Bilby Impact Assesment .................................................................................................................................... 17

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1 Introduction Kimberley Environment and Geotechnical (KEG) was commissioned in August 2018 to undertake a desktop flora and

fauna study for tenements E04/2398 and E04/2404 of the Indian Bore Diamond Project (the Project). This report

summarises the results of this desktop assessment.

1.1 Location The Project lies approximately 110 kilometres (km) east of Derby, south of the Gibb River Road.

1.2 Climate The climate of this area is semi-arid to dry hot tropical, with a summer wet season for 2-4 months each year, and

annual precipitation between 250-800 mm.4

1.3 Landforms and Soils The landforms and soils of the region are described as extensive riverine plains with grey and brown cracking clays;

extensive sandplains on red earthy sands, low uplands of sandstone and limestone with shallow stony soils.5

Beard comments that much of the Kimberley is characterised by steep-sided tablelands and hills with rock outcrops

and shallow immature skeletal soils.6 Alluvial and erosional plains show relationships between soils, climate, drainage

and parent materials, with, for example basic igneous rocks having red earths on better drained slopes and cracking

clays on lower gentle slopes.7

The Project area lies within the West Kimberley. The land systems of the West Kimberley have been described by the

CSIRO8 and the Department of Agriculture9 as:

Neillabublica land system – undulating limestone country with scattered low hills and cracking clay plains.

Open grassy woodlands, grasslands and Spinifex;

Yeeda land system – deep red and yellow sand plains. Pindan and tall woodlands;

Windjana land system – consisting of grey gravelly fine to medium grained predominantly calcareous soils;

Fossil land system – extensive dark cracking clay plains formed on limestone deposits with grasslands; and

Oscar land system – Cracking clay plains and limestone outcrop plains, grasslands, spinifex, and open

woodlands.10

1.4 Flora and Vegetation The survey area falls within the Dampier Botanical District of the Dampierland Region of the Northern Province of

Western Australia (WA).11 The Northern Botanical Province is typified by plants from the following families: Poaceae

(grasses), Mimosaceae (Acacia spp.) and Myrtaceae (Eucalypts) and Papilionaceae (Peas).12

1.5 Rare and Threatened or Vulnerable Species13 The following tables and subsections describe the various State and Commonwealth instruments that protect rare,

threatened, vulnerable or otherwise significant species of flora or fauna.14

4 (Beard, 1979) 5 (Beard, 1976) 6 (Beard, 1979) 7 (Beard, 1979) 8 (Speck, et al., 1964) 9 (Payne, et al., 1974) 10 (Speck, et al., 1964) 11 (Mattiske, 2009) [3/5] 12 (Mattiske, 2009) [3/5] 13 Correct at 19/08/2018. As changes are made to both State and Commonwealth legislation and new treaties are entered into, all current documentation regarding rare, threatened and vulnerable species should be periodically reviewed for any assessment of the status in a given area. 14 (Ninox Wildlife Consulting, 2003) [28/37]

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Table 1: Conservation codes for WA flora and fauna15

T Threatened species

Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WA) (WC Act) 16, and listed under Schedules 1 to 4

of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora)

Notice for Threatened Flora (which may also be referred to as Declared Rare Flora). Threatened fauna is that subset of ‘Specially

Protected Fauna’ declared to be ‘likely to become extinct’ pursuant to section 14(4) of the WC Act. Threatened flora is flora

that has been declared to be ‘likely to become extinct or is rare, or otherwise in need of special protection’, pursuant to section

23F(2) of the WC Act. The assessment of the conservation status of these species is based on their national extent and ranked

according to their level of threat using IUCN Red List categories and criteria as detailed below.

CR Critically endangered species

Threatened species considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. Published as Specially Protected

under the WC Act, in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and

Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora.

EN Endangered species

Threatened species considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild. Published as Specially Protected under the

WC Act, in Schedule 2 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and Wildlife

Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora.

VU Vulnerable species

Threatened species considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild. Published as Specially Protected under WC Act,

in Schedule 3 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and Wildlife Conservation

(Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora.

EX Presumed extinct species

Species which have been adequately searched for and there is no reasonable doubt that the last individual has died. Published

as Specially Protected under WC Act, in Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Presumed

Extinct Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Presumed Extinct Flora.

IA Migratory birds protected under an international agreement

Birds that are subject to an agreement between the government of Australia and the governments of Japan (JAMBA), China

(CAMBA) and The Republic of Korea (ROKAMBA), and the Bonn Convention, relating to the protection of migratory birds.

Published as Specially Protected under the WC Act, in Schedule 5 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna)

Notice.

CD Conservation dependent fauna

Fauna of special conservation need being species dependent on ongoing conservation intervention to prevent it becoming

eligible for listing as threatened. Published as Specially Protected under the WC Act, in Schedule 6 of the Wildlife Conservation

(Specially Protected Fauna) Notice.

OS Other specially protected fauna

Fauna otherwise in need of special protection to ensure their conservation. Published as Specially Protected under the WC Act,

in Schedule 7 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice.

P Priority species

Possibly threatened species that do not meet survey criteria, or are otherwise data deficient, are added to the Priority Fauna

or Priority Flora Lists under Priorities 1, 2 or 3. These three categories are ranked in order of priority for survey and evaluation

of conservation status so that consideration can be given to their declaration as threatened flora or fauna. Species that are

adequately known, are rare but not threatened, or meet criteria for near threatened, or that have been recently removed from

the threatened species or other specially protected fauna lists for other than taxonomic reasons, are placed in Priority 4. These

species require regular monitoring. Assessment of Priority codes is based on the WA distribution of the species, unless the

distribution in WA is part of a contiguous population extending into adjacent States, as defined by the known spread of

locations.

1 Priority 1: Poorly-known species

15 (Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, 2017) 16 On 3 December 2016, several parts of the new Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (WA) were proclaimed by the State Governor in the Government Gazette. However, provisions that replace those existing under the WC Act and Sandalwood Act (including threatened species listings and controls over the taking and keeping of native species) and their associated Regulations cannot be brought into effect until the necessary Biodiversity Conservation Regulations are developed. (Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, 2016)

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Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) which are potentially at risk. All occurrences are

either: very small; or on lands not managed for conservation, e.g. agricultural or pastoral lands, urban areas, road and rail

reserves, gravel reserves and active mineral leases; or otherwise under threat of habitat destruction or degradation. Species

may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of survey

requirements and appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes. Such species are in urgent need

of further survey.


Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less), some of which are on lands managed primarily for

nature conservation, e.g. national parks, conservation parks, nature reserves and other lands with secure tenure being managed

for conservation. Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet

adequacy of survey requirements and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes. Such species are in urgent

need of further survey.


Species that are known from several locations, and the species does not appear to be under imminent threat, or from few but

widespread locations with either large population size or significant remaining areas of apparently suitable habitat, much of it

not under imminent threat. Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from several locations but do not

meet adequacy of survey requirements and known threatening processes exist that could affect them. Such species are in need

of further survey.

4 Priority 4: Rare, Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring

Rare. Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed, or for which sufficient knowledge is available, and that

are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection, but could be if present circumstances change. These

species are usually represented on conservation lands. Near Threatened. Species that are considered to have been adequately

surveyed and that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable, but are not listed as Conservation Dependent. Species that have been

removed from the list of threatened species during the past five years for reasons other than taxonomy.

1.5.1 Commonwealth Protected species

Threatened flora and fauna species are a matter of national environmental significance under the Environment

Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act). A person must not take an action that has, will

have, or is likely to have a significant impact on a listed threatened species or ecological community, without approval

from the Commonwealth Minister for the Minister for the Environment and Energy.

Table 2: Table 1: Conservation codes for Commonwealth listed flora and fauna

Ex Extinct

Taxa which at a particular time if, at that time, there is no reasonable doubt that the last member of the species has died.

ExW Extinct in the Wild

Taxa which is known only to survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalised population well outside its past range; or it

has not been recorded in its known and/or expected habitat, at appropriate seasons, anywhere in its past range, despite

exhaustive surveys over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form.

CE Critically Endangered

Taxa which at a particular time if, at that time, it is facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate

future, as determined in accordance with the prescribed criteria.

E Endangered

Taxa which is not critically endangered and it is facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate or near future,

as determined in accordance with the prescribed criteria.

V Vulnerable

Taxa which is not critically endangered or endangered and is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium-term

future, as determined in accordance with the prescribed criteria.

CD Conservation Dependent

Taxa which at a particular time if, at that time, the species is the focus of a specific conservation program, the cessation of

which would result in the species becoming vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered within a period of 5 years.

1.5.2 Local and regionally significant flora and habitat

The Environmental Protection Authority (2004) in Guidance Statement 51 states that “species, subspecies, varieties,

hybrids and ecotypes may be significant for a range of reasons, other than as Declared Rare Flora or Priority Flora”.

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According to Environmental Protection Authority (2004) Guidance Statement 51, other significant flora may include

taxa that:

have a keystone role in a particular habitat for threatened species, or supporting large populations

representing a significant proportion of the local regional population of a species;

have relic status;

have anomalous features that indicate a potential new discovery;

are representative of the range of a species (particularly, at the extremes of range, recently discovered range

extensions, or isolated outliers of the main range);

show the presence of restricted subspecies, varieties, or naturally occurring hybrids;

have local endemism/a restricted distribution;

are poorly reserved.

Australia-wide, a small number of Threatened Ecological Communities (TEC) has been defined under Commonwealth

legislation. These TEC’s are usually described in flora and vegetation reports as they may not be relevant to vertebrate

fauna. Whilst not protected by legislation, some fauna habitats may be defined as locally significant because they:

support rare or vulnerable species;

support specialised or habitat specific fauna;

are regionally or locally uncommon; or

are restricted in area.17

2 Objectives The general objective of this study was to describe anything sensitive/localised/special in the local environment, and

how impacts on this aspect can be avoided or minimised. This has been completed through the following:

search State and Federal databases and collate a list of flora and fauna species for the Project area.

review the conservation status of species by reference to current literature and current listings by the

Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) and current listings associated with the EPBC

Act,

undertake a literature review to provide background information, identify weed species and impact mitigation

measures, and

submit a report that summarises the findings.

3 Method Search NatureMap database (Parks and Wildlife 2007-):

Compile flora and fauna species lists for each tenement (Appendix 1: NatureMap E04/2398 Species List and

Appendix 2: NatureMap E04/2404 Species List).

Compile a flora and fauna species list for the greater area (centroid of both tenements + 20km radius)18

(Appendix 3: NatureMap Tenement Centroid with Twenty Kilometre Radius Species Lis).

Use FloraBase (Western Australian Herbarium 1998-) to locate and summarise Flora profiles.

Use the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA 2015) to locate and summarise Fauna profiles (with support from the Australian

Biological Resources Study Australian Faunal Directory (Australian Government Department of Environment and

Energy) and the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species database).

Compare flora and fauna species lists to the following to ensure no missing species:

EPBC Act Flora and Fauna list.

17 (Ninox Wildlife Consulting, 2008) [4/8] 18 Centroid = 170 41’ 56.1097S, 1240 51’ 48.1796E

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Threatened and priority Flora database (DBCA).

Threatened and priority Fauna database (DBCA).

Review the following reports to place the Project area into local and regional perspective:

Ellendale Flora 1981 (Dames and More)

Ellendale Flora 2001 (Mattiske)




Blina Flora 2011 (KDC and APM)

Ellendale Fauna 1981 (Harold and Barnes)

Ellendale Fauna 2001 (Ninox)


Ellendale Fauna 2005 (MBS)


Summarise information, such as habitat, identifying characteristics and flowering period, likely to be useful during any

future field survey to identify the characteristics and habitat of significant fauna and flora or vegetation.

Conduct a significance assessment for any matters protected by the EPBC Act.

Review species profiles, habitat requirements and threats to determine management measures to limit impacts to

listed conservation significant species.

4 Results and Discussion

4.1 Flora and Fauna Species List Two species lists have been compiled for the Project. The first list provides the results of the database searches of the

Project area, using the centroid of the two tenements of the Project with a 20 km radius (see map displayed in Figure

1 below). The second list is considerably more comprehensive and includes the results of the database searches as

well as all species identified during all field surveys at the Ellendale Diamond Mine (Ellendale). The species identified

at Ellendale are included on the list due to the geographical proximity, and in lieu of flora and fauna studies of the

Project area. Future flora and fauna studies of the Project area may rule out the presence of some of these species via

the absence of sightings and suitable habitat.

The NatureMap database search for flora and fauna within a 20 kilometre radius of the centroid of the two Project

tenements generated a list comprising 269 species; 140 Animalia, five Fungi and 124 Plantae. Of these, eleven are

conservation significant; five mammals, one bird, and five plants. The NatureBase report for this search is provided in

Appendix 3: NatureMap Tenement Centroid with Twenty Kilometre Radius Species Lis.

Compiling all previous fauna surveys, a total of 240 species have been recorded at Ellendale; 138 birds, 29 mammals,

12 frogs and 61 reptiles.19 Compiling all previous flora surveys, a total of 397 taxa from 190 genera and 72 families

have been recorded at Ellendale.20 When the NatureBase results and the flora and fauna surveys are combined and

cross referenced for duplicates a comprehensive species list of 749 species of flora and fauna is generated for the

Project area. This list includes 21 conservation significant species.

19 (Ninox Wildlife Consulting, 2008) [47/51] 20 (Mattiske, 2009) [3]

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Figure 1: Tengraph map of NatureBase query area

4.2 Presence of Rare, Threatened or Vulnerable Species The table below itemises the 21 conservation significant flora and fauna on the comprehensive species list. The

following subsections list and discuss each of the rare, threatened or vulnerable species which could potentially occur

in the Project area (NatureBase tenement searches) or have been recorded on the neighbouring lease (Ellendale

flora/fauna surveys).

No vegetation communities within the Project area have been defined under any legislation.21

21 (Ninox Wildlife Consulting, 2008) [4/8]

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Table 3: Conservation Significant Species List

Code Conservation Information Species Name Common Name Source

T EPBC Act Threatened Species: Birds that are Endangered (54 EPBC species) & WC Act Priority Fauna

Erythrura gouldiae Gouldian Finch Ellendale Fauna Surveys

T EPBC Act Threatened Species: Mammals that are Vulnerable (65 EPBC species) & Vulnerable fauna (Schedule 3 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice 2017)

Macrotis lagotis Greater Bilby NatureMap (E04/2398 + E04/2404)

IA Migratory birds under international agreement (Schedule 5 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice 2017)

Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper NatureMap (E04/2398 + E04/2404)

Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift Ellendale Fauna Surveys

Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Ellendale Fauna Surveys

Calidris subminuta Long-toed Stint Ellendale Fauna Surveys

Glareola maldivarum Oriental Pratincole Ellendale Fauna Surveys

Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper Ellendale Fauna Surveys

Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank, Greenshank Ellendale Fauna Surveys

Tringa stagnatilis Marsh Sandpiper, Little Greenshank Ellendale Fauna Surveys

O WC Act: Other specially protected fauna (Schedule 7 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice 2017)

Falco peregrinus Peregrine falcon Ellendale Fauna Surveys

P1 DBCA Priority List: Priority 1

Aristida polyclados NatureMap (E04/2398 + E04/2404)

Fimbristylis dictyocolea NatureMap (E04/2398 + E04/2404)

Triodia pascoeana NatureMap (E04/2398 + E04/2404)

P2

DBCA Priority List: Priority 2

Cayratia cardiophylla NatureMap (E04/2398 + E04/2404)

P2 Vespadelus douglasorum Yellow-lipped Bat, Yellow-lipped Cave Bat

NatureMap (E04/2398 + E04/2404)

P3

DBCA Priority List: Priority 3

Petropseudes dahli Rock Possum, Rock Ringtail Possum NatureMap (E04/2398 + E04/2404)

P3 Solanum leopoldense NatureMap (E04/2398 + E04/2404)

P3 Triodia caelestialis NatureMap (E04/2398 + E04/2404)

P4 DBCA Priority List: Priority 4

Leggadina lakedownensis Northern Short-tailed Mouse, Lakeland Downs Mouse

NatureMap (E04/2398 + E04/2404)

P4 Rhinonicteris aurantia Orange Leaf-nosed Bat NatureMap (E04/2398 + E04/2404)

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4.2.1 Fauna

4.2.1.1 Birds

Ten birds of conservation significance could potentially occur within the vicinity of the Project, these are discussed

below. All ten birds have been recorded during fauna surveys of the Ellendale area.

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus):

Other Specially Protected Fauna under the WC Act.

Widespread throughout Australia, it occurs most commonly where cliffs and ranges provide good roosting and nesting

sites, and along wooded watercourses and lakes that provide food resources such as ducks, pigeons, doves and

parrots. This falcon was recorded at Ellendale during the 1980 Harold, 2005 Ninox, and 2008 Ninox surveys.22

Trans-equatorial Migratory Shorebirds: Actitis hypoleucos (Common Sandpiper), Calidris acuminate (Sharp-tailed

Sandpiper), Calidris subminuta (Long-toed Stint), Glareola maldivarum (Oriental Pratincole), Tringa glareola (Wood

Sandpiper), Tringa nebularia (Common Greenshank, Greenshank) and Tringa stagnatilis (Marsh Sandpiper, Little

Greenshank)

Each bird is listed under all or some of the EPBC Act 1999, the JAMBA, CAMBA, ROKAMBA Treaties.

These migratory shorebirds all inhabit coastal shorelines, especially mudflats. They may also occur in any inland lake

or dam wherever suitable shallows are available for feeding. Given the absence of large bodies of water, it is unlikely

that any of these birds will occur within the Project area although they were recorded on the Ellendale tailings dam

during the 2002 Ninox survey. The Common Greenshank was recorded at an Ellendale waterbody during the 2008

Ninox survey.23

Fork-tailed Swift (Apus pacificus):

JAMBA and CAMBA Treaties and as Migratory under Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act 1999.

There is no specific habitat for this bird because it is rarely seen to land. It breeds in Asia and usually migrates to

Australia in October. Relatively common over Kimberley islands and coasts but is an uncommon aerial feeder over the

mainland. It sporadically occurs in advance of storm fronts, particularly during cyclonic activity. Large flocks of up to

80 birds were observed on several occasions during the 2002 Ninox survey.24

Gouldian Finch (Erythrura gouldiae):

EPBC Act Threatened Species: Birds that are Endangered (54 EPBC species) & WC Act Priority Fauna.

In WA this spectacular finch is confined to the Kimberley region and occurs on grassy flats, scrublands with Spinifex

and vegetated watercourses. It breeds from December to April in savannah woodland on stony hills with eucalypts

over dense, tall (2m) native grasses.25 Most birds are seasonally nomadic, moving coastwards during the dry season,

returning inland for the wet season.26 This bird was recorded during the 1980 Harold study when two small flocks were

seen in mixed woodland over grasses near the exploration camp. In 2008 Ninox several birds were recorded at the

Ellendale camp and two were observed within the Ellendale Satellite Pipe area.27

4.2.1.2 Native Mammals

Five native mammals of conservation significance could potentially occur within the vicinity of the Project, these are

discussed below with the species that have been recorded during fauna surveys at Ellendale (1) listed first.

Lakeland Downs Mouse (Leggadina lakedownensis):

DBCA Priority List: Priority 4.

22 (Ninox Wildlife Consulting, 2008) 23 (Ninox Wildlife Consulting, 2008) 24 (Ninox Wildlife Consulting, 2008) 25 (Woinarski & Tidemann, 1992) 26 (Pizzey & Knight, 2007) 27 (Ninox Wildlife Consulting, 2008)

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This mouse is found from the Kimberley and Pilbara regions in WA and generally occurs in areas with clay-based soils

supporting native grasses. These habitats occur within the Project area. The mouse was recorded during the 1980

Harold survey (listed as Pseudomys forresti), the 2001 Ninox study, the 2002 Ninox survey and the 2008 Ninox survey.

The following three native mammals have not been recorded during any of the surveys at Ellendale to date. However,

given their habitat preferences, they could potentially occur within the Project area.

Bilby (Macrotis lagotis):

EPBC Act Threatened Species: Mammals that are Vulnerable (65 EPBC species) & Vulnerable fauna (Schedule 3 of the

Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice 2017).

Occupies mainly central deserts, inland Pilbara, and in the western portion of the Kimberley. It occurs in a variety of

habitats throughout its range but requires soils that will support large burrow systems. In the Project area the Acacia

shrublands on deep red sands (Pindan) provide the most likely habitat. The Bilby was not observed during any fauna

surveys at Ellendale. However, an abandoned burrow system was located during the 2002 Ninox survey and Kimberley

Diamond Company security staff reported seeing an animal which fitted the description of the Bilby during a night

patrol in 2002.28 This evidence would require further confirmation before a definite record of presence is stated.29

Orange Leaf-nosed Bat (Rhinonycteris aurantius):

DBCA Priority List: Priority 4 (the Pilbara form of this species is listed under the EPBC Act 1999).

In WA this small bat is known from the Pilbara and Kimberley regions. However their stringent roost requirements

limit their occurrence and their presence may be patchy. These bats will forage over most habitats for insect prey.

They are dependent on caves and mines with very hot and humid roost sites (28 to 32oC and 96 to 100% relative

humidity30). During the 1980 Harold survey the bat was noted as likely to be found at Mt Percy, east of the Project

area. It is likely this bat could frequent the Project area. However, due to the lack of suitable habitat it is unlikely to

roost in the Project area.

Rock Ringtail Possum (Petropseudes dahlia)


In WA this animal is restricted to the Kimberley Region where it prefers rocky outcrops with deep fissures and large

boulders. It feeds on flowers, fruit and leaves of a variety of trees and shrubs both within the rocky habitat where it

shelters and in adjacent vegetation.31 No evidence of this animal was recorded during surveys at Ellendale but rocky

outcrops in the Project area may provide suitable habitat.

Yellow-lipped Bat (Vespadelus douglasorum)


This bat occurs mainly in the Kimberley region where rainfall is greater than 800mm annually.32 It is at the southern

limit of its distribution in the Napier Range to the east of the Project area and is known from Tunnel Creek and Geikie

Gorge. It roosts in caves in both sandstone and limestone and could occur in the Devonian Reef Conservation Park.

Not recorded during any surveys at Ellendale to date but it may forage over the woodlands of the Project area.

4.2.1.3 Frogs and Reptiles

No frogs of conservation significance are listed within a 20 km radius of the Project centroid and none are known to

occur at Ellendale.

4.2.2 Flora

Compiling all previous flora surveys, a total of 397 taxa from 190 genera and 72 families have been recorded at

Ellendale.33 Six plant taxa listed as Priority Flora by the DPBC (2017) are listed within a 20 km radius of the Project

28 (Ninox Wildlife Consulting, 2003) 29 (Kimberley Diamond Company, 2009) 30 (Churchill, 1998) 31 (Collett, et al., 1995) 32 (Churchill, 1998) 33 (Mattiske, 2009) [3]

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centroid and/or have been recorded at Ellendale, including; Aristida polyclados (P1), Fimbristylis dictyocolea (P1),

Triodia pascoeana (P1), Cayratia cardiophylla (P2), Solanum leopoldense (P3), Triodia caelestialis (P3).

Aristida polyclados34

Domin (Biblioth.Bot. 85:338, Tab.13 (10-12) (1915)) Plants → Magnoliophyta → Liliopsida → Poales → Poaceae Barnhart & Barnh. → Aristida L. → Aristida polyclados Domin Conservation Code: Priority One Naturalised Status: Native to Western Australia Name Status: Current Brief Description (Grazyna Paczkowska, Friday 22 October 1993) Tufted annual, grass-like or herb, 0.3-0.4 m high. Fl. brown, Apr. Alluvium. Limestone gorges. Distribution Beard’s Provinces: Northern Province. IBRA Regions: Central Kimberley, Dampierland, Ord Victoria Plain. IBRA Subregions: Fitzroy Trough, Mount Eliza, South Kimberley Interzone. Local Government Areas (LGAs): Derby-West Kimberley, Halls Creek.

Fimbristylis dictyocolea35

S.T.Blake (J.Arnold Arbor. 35:209 (1954)) Plants → Magnoliophyta → Liliopsida → Poales → Cyperaceae Juss. → Fimbristylis Vahl → Fimbristylis dictyocolea S.T.BlakeConservation Code: Priority One Naturalised Status: Native to Western Australia Name Status: Current Brief Description (Grazyna Paczkowska, Wednesday 17 November 1993) Shortly rhizomatous, tufted perennial, grass-like or herb (sedge), 0.5-0.8 m high. Fl. brown/green, Feb to Jun. Edge of swamps or in water. Distribution Beard’s Provinces: Northern Province. IBRA Regions: Dampierland, Northern Kimberley. IBRA Subregions: Fitzroy Trough, Mitchell. Local Government Areas (LGAs): Derby-West Kimberley, Wyndham-East Kimberley.

Triodia pascoeana36

B.K.Simon (Nuytsia 8:241-243,Fig.1 (1992)) Plants → Magnoliophyta → Liliopsida → Poales → Poaceae Barnhart & Barnh. → Triodia R.Br. → Triodia pascoeana B.K.Simon Conservation Code: Priority One Naturalised Status: Native to Western Australia Name Status: Current Brief Description (Helen Coleman, Thursday 30 April 1998) Dense, tussock-forming perennial, grass-like or herb, 1-3 m

34 (Western Australian Herbarium (DBCA), 1998–) 35 (Western Australian Herbarium (DBCA), 1998–) 36 (Western Australian Herbarium (DBCA), 1998–)

high, non-resinous, panicle long-linear, extremely scabrous, lemma 3-lobed, awnless. Fl. Jan to Apr. Limestone. Limestone ranges & gorges, floodplains. Distribution Beard’s Provinces: Northern Province.

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IBRA Regions: Central Kimberley, Dampierland, Ord Victoria Plain. IBRA Subregions: Fitzroy Trough, Mount Eliza, South Kimberley Interzone. Local Government Areas (LGAs): Derby-West Kimberley, Halls Creek.

Cayratia cardiophylla37

Jackes (Austrobaileya 2:371-373,Fig.3 (1987)) Plants → Magnoliophyta → Magnoliopsida → Vitales → Vitaceae Juss. → Cayratia Juss. → Cayratia cardiophylla Jackes Conservation Code: Priority Two Naturalised Status: Native to Western Australia Name Status: Current Brief Description (Amanda Spooner, Wednesday 22 September 1999) Deciduous climber. Fl. green-white, Aug to Dec. Limestone. Seepage areas, amongst rocks. Distribution Beard’s Provinces: Northern Province. IBRA Regions: Dampierland, Northern Kimberley. IBRA Subregions: Fitzroy Trough, Mitchell. Local Government Areas (LGAs): Derby-West Kimberley, Wyndham-East Kimberley.

37 (Western Australian Herbarium (DBCA), 1998–)

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Solanum leopoldense38

Symon (Trans.Roy.Soc.South Australia 95:231-232 (1971)) Plants → Magnoliophyta → Magnoliopsida → Solanales → Solanaceae Juss. → Solanum L.→ Solanum leopoldense Symon Conservation Code: Priority Three Naturalised Status: Native to Western Australia Name Status: Current Brief Description (Grazyna Paczkowska, Friday 26 April 1996) Intricate, spreading shrub, 0.5-1 m high. Fl. blue-purple, May to Aug. Sandstone. Rocky gullies & creeklines. Distribution Beard’s Provinces: Northern Province. IBRA Regions: Central Kimberley, Northern Kimberley. IBRA Subregions: Mitchell, Mount Eliza, Pentecost. IMCRA Regions: Kimberley. Local Government Areas (LGAs): Derby-West Kimberley, Halls Creek.

Triodia caelestialis39

Triodia caelestialis is listed as a Priority Three species on the DBCA Threatened and Priority Species List. This species is not listed as conservation significant on NatureMap or FloraBase. G.Armstrong (J.Roy.Soc.Western Australia 91(4):314-317, Figs 1-2 (2008)) Plants → Magnoliophyta → Liliopsida → Poales → Poaceae Barnhart & Barnh. → Triodia R.Br. → Triodia caelestialis G.Armstrong Conservation Code: Not threatened Naturalised Status: Native to Western Australia Name Status: Current Distribution Beard’s Provinces: Northern Province. IBRA Regions: Central Kimberley, Dampierland, Northern Kimberley. IBRA Subregions: Fitzroy Trough, Mitchell, Pentecost, Pindanland. IMCRA Regions: Canning. Local Government Areas (LGAs): Broome, Derby-West Kimberley.

38 (Western Australian Herbarium (DBCA), 1998–) 39 (Western Australian Herbarium (DBCA), 1998–)

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4.3 Impact Assessment for EPBC Act Threatened Species Under the EPBC Act, actions that have, or are likely to have, a significant impact on a matter of national environmental

significance (including listed threatened species and ecological communities) require approval from the Australian

Government Minister for the Environment. The Minister will decide whether assessment and approval is required

under the EPBC Act. Therefore, it is important to assess the potential impacts of the Project on the identified listed

threatened species to determine if significant impact is likely to occur and referral is required.

General threats to flora and fauna in the region currently include the presence of exotic plant species (weeds), feral

cats, food competition from introduced rodents, grazing by domestic stock, kangaroos, dingos, habitat reduction from

mining and exploration associated activities and vehicular movements, not necessarily in that order or degree of

threat.40 The specific threats to the Gouldian Finch and the Bilby and how they relate to the activities of the Project

are considered in the impact assessments in the subsections below.

4.3.1 Gouldian Finch (Erythrura gouldiae):

EPBC Act Threatened Species: Birds that are Endangered and WC Act Priority Fauna.

The threats to the Gouldian Finch identified in the Threatened Species Scientific Committee (established under the

EPBC Act) Gouldian Finch (Erythrura gouldiae) Conservation Advice41 have been summarised in Table 4.42 The third

column, ‘Project impacts’ assessed the listed threats against the activities of the Project.

Table 4: Gouldian Finch Impact Assessment

Threat factor Evidence base Project impacts Invasive species

Routing by feral pigs (Sus scrofa)

Routing by feral pigs can cause significant damage to patches of cockatoo grass, and introduced herbivores can reduce or degrade waterholes used by Gouldian finches in the dry season by trampling and eating surrounding vegetation (O’Malley 2006).

Feral pigs have not been observed during any fauna surveys of Ellendale and are not known to frequent the area. The activities of the Project are highly unlikely to result in an increased feral pig population in the area.

Habitat loss and fragmentation

Land clearing There may be ongoing localised threats to some breeding habitat from developments such as mining.

The development of the Project will result in the direct destruction of vegetation. However, this would cover no more than a minor proportion of the expansive plains habitats of the region. Thus the overall effect should not represent a threat to the regional status of the Gouldian Finch.

Impacts of domestic species

Introduced herbivores & water points

Heavy grazing by cattle is known to reduce seed yields in grasses important to the finches (Crowley and Garnett 2001). Key Gouldian finch wet season grasses, such as cockatoo grass (Alloteropsis semialata) and golden beard grass (Chrysopogon fallax), are selectively grazed by cattle and horses leading to their seed production and extent being reduced (Crowley & Garnett 2001).

Whilst cattle are prevalent in the region and both donkeys and horses are likely to occur in the area. The Project does not require the introduction or presence of any domestic animals and should not result in an increase of any domestic species in the area.

Fire

Too frequent

Vegetation change through altered fire regimes and grazing by introduced herbivores are the factors most likely to have caused past declines, and to be preventing recovery, in Gouldian finch populations (O’Malley 2006; Legge et al., 2015).

The Project is highly unlikely to increase fire incidence or intensity in the area. Therefore, the impact to the Gouldian Finch from this threat should not be changed by the Project.

40 (Pringle, 1994) 41 The Minister approved this conservation advice and retained this species in the Endangered category, effective from 07/12/2016. 42 Appendix 6: EPBC Gouldian Finch Conservation Advice

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4.3.2 Bilby (Macrotis lagotis):

EPBC Act Threatened Species: Mammals that are Vulnerable and Vulnerable fauna (Schedule 3 of the Wildlife

Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice 2017).

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee (established under the EPBC Act) Macrotis lagotis (greater bilby)

Conservation Advice43 summarises the threats to the Bilby in the first four columns of Table 5.44 The fifth column,

‘Project impacts’ has been added to assess the listed threats against the activities of the Project.

Table 5: Bilby Impact Assesment

Threat factor Range Threat type and status

Evidence base Project impacts

Invasive species

Predation by foxes (Vulpes vulpes)

Northern potential

Fox presence is negatively correlated with the presence of greater bilbies (Southgate, 1990); fox predation is a major cause of mammal extinction and decline in Australia (Kinnear et al., 2002). Foxes are more abundant, and therefore a more significant threat in the southern range (Bradley et al., 2015). Abundance of rabbits leads to elevated predator densities, and rabbits are also largely restricted to the Southern part of the bilby distribution (Bradley et al., 2015).

Foxes have not been observed during any fauna surveys of Ellendale and are not known to frequent the area. Therefore, the activities of the Project are highly unlikely to result in an increased fox population in the area.

Southern known current

Predation by feral cats (Felis catus)

Northern potential Predation by feral cats has been observed during attempted reintroduction at Dryandra, Arid Recovery, Lorna Glen (K. Morris pers. comm. cited in Woinarski et al., 2014), Venus Bay and in the Tanami Desert (Pavey 2006); predation by feral cats is severe in Queensland (Woinarski et al., 2014).

Feral cats have been observed at Ellendale and within the Project area. So long as the Project does not result in an increase in the feral cat population of the area the impact to the Bilby from this threat should not be changed by the Project.


Habitat loss and fragmentation

Land clearing

Northern potential Land clearing leads to loss of habitat, degradation of surrounding habitat, increased predation and fragmentation effects (Bradley et al., 2015).

The development of the Project will result in the direct destruction of vegetation. However, this would cover no more than a minor proportion of the expansive plains habitats of the region. Thus the overall effect should not represent a threat to the regional status of the Bilby.


43 The Minister’s delegate approved this Conservation Advice on 15/07/2016. 44Appendix 7: EPBC Bilby Conservation Advice

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Threat factor Range Threat type and status

Evidence base Project impacts

Infrastructure development

Northern potential Infrastructure associated with mining developments may threaten the greater bilby through vegetation clearance, increased risk of road kill, causing barriers to dispersal and gene flow, and elevated predator densities resulting from increases in food and water resources (Bradley et al., 2015).

The Project will increase the vehicular traffic in the area. However, so long as the low vehicular speeds are maintained, tracks are kept to a minimum and driving preferentially takes place during daylight hours the impact to the Bilby by the Project vehicles should be very limited. The Project will also store putrescible wastes. However, so long as garbage hygiene practices are maintained impact to the Bilby by garbage generated by the Project should be very limited.


Impacts of domestic species

Introduced herbivores & water points

Northern known current

Greater bilby distribution is associated with an absence or low intensity of both rabbits, and stock/pastoralism (Bradley et al., 2015; Woinarski et al 2012). Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) support higher densities of cats and foxes. Pastoralism leads to increases in water points, which can also cause elevated densities of introduced predators. There are anecdotal reports of fox expansion associated with increases in water points for example in the Pilbara (NatureMap, 2016). Introduced herbivores remove vegetative cover and cause soil compaction; these effects are greater closer to water points. Herbivores also congregate along drainage lines, which are often prime bilby habitat, in the Pilbara and Tanami (Bradley et al., 2015).

Whilst cattle are prevalent in the region and both donkeys and horses are likely to occur in the area. The Project does not require the introduction or presence of any domestic animals and should not result in an increase of any domestic species in the area. Southern

known current

Fire

Too frequent Northern

known current

Extensive and intense fires remove vegetation (cover) from large areas, potentially causing increased predation pressure, including by introduced predators. Extensive fires may also affect the availability of food resources. Fire frequency is higher in the northern range. (Bradley et al., 2015).

The Project is highly unlikely to increased fire incidence or intensity in the area. Therefore, the impact to the Bilby from this threat should not be changed by the Project. Southern Potential

4.4 Introduced Species

4.4.1 Mammals

Five introduced mammals are likely to be present or pass through the Project area.45 These are Mus musculus (House

Mouse), Felis catus (Feral cat), Equus astnus (Donkey), Equus caballus (Horse; Brumby) and Bos Taurus/Bos indicus

(Cattle). All have been recorded at Ellendale; the feral cat was observed during the 2002 Mattiske survey, evidence of

cattle was noted during all surveys, the donkey and horse were observed during the 1981 Harold survey and house

45 (Mattiske, 2009) [3]

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mice were observed during the 2001 Mattiske survey.46 India Bore representatives have also noted the presence of

feral cats and cattle in the area during previous work programs.

4.4.2 Exotic plants

A total of six introduced species have been directly observed at Ellendale; Cenchrus ciliaris (Buffel Grass), Cenchrus

setigerus (Birdweed Grass), Aerva javanica (Kapok Bush, Lamb’s Tails), Stylosanthes hamata (Carribean Stylo),

Euphorbia hirta (Asthma Plant) and Calotropis procera (Rubber Tree, Calotrope).

Of these introduced species, Calotropis procera is listed as a Priority 1 declared Plant in the Kimberley Region, under

the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007. This classification requires the landholder to restrict movement

of the species in the form of plant or seed, including contaminated machinery, stock and fodder. Due to the aggressive

nature of some of the other weed species it is advised that vehicle hygiene and cleaning procedures be implemented

to limit the spread of weeds within the Project area.

5 Impact Mitigation Measures

5.1 Protection of Conservation Significant Flora and Fauna The following series of recommendations are structured to generally enhance flora and fauna protection in the Project

Area and to limit potential impact to the Bilby (Macrotis lagotis) and the Gouldian Finch (Erythrura gouldiae).

1. Should any of the associated activities such as roads, waste disposal facilities, tailings dams, plant and/or

accommodation facilities be planned for areas beyond the area defined for this study, additional flora and

fauna surveys should be carried out prior to disturbance.

2. Do not take any action that has, will have, or is likely to have a significant impact on the Bilby or the Gouldian

Finch without prior approval from the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment and Energy. To do so is

an offence under the EPBC Act.47

3. The Project should be planned so that the habitats of the limestone ranges be disturbed as little as possible.

In addition to possible noise and dust from plant, disturbance of habitats could occur if people are enabled to

easily access the ranges by access road.

4. A reporting procedure for cat sightings should be initiated so that if population levels appear to be increasing

an appropriate control program can be put in place to prevent additional pressure on small native animals.

5. Any areas earmarked for vegetation removal should be ground truthed prior to clearing for fauna nest sites

(including burrows, hollows etc.) and the presence of priority flora. Where fauna nest sites are identified any

animals present should be stimulated to move away and nesting sites relocated as practical.48 Where Priority

flora species are identified, where practical, these should be protected from disturbance or other regional

populations confirmed prior to disturbance.

6. Vehicle hygiene and cleaning procedures should be implemented to limit the spread of weeds within the

Project area.

7. Vehicle speeds should be limited and vehicular travel restricted to daylight hours wherever practical.

8. Waste should be removed from site as soon as is practicable so that its use by fauna is minimised.

Inappropriate domestic waste disposal methods can attract a range of scavenging animals such as the Dingo,

feral dogs, feral cats, Black Kites or animals that proliferate in such facilities, for example, the introduced House

Mouse. Large numbers of these animals attracted to an area can have an additional impact on fauna in the

vicinity.

9. As part of the induction process for site personnel, the legislative requirements for the protection of flora and

fauna should be presented, to raise workforce awareness and prevent the indiscriminate killing of animals

such as snakes.

10. All site personnel should be familiarised with the appearance of species considered rare, threatened or

vulnerable and a reporting procedure should be instigated.

46 (Ninox Wildlife Consulting, 2003) [11/20] 47 Please see: Department of the Environment, 2013. Matters of National Environmental Significance: Significant impact guidelines 1.1 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, Canberra: Australian Government. 48 Should a Bilby be located contact the DBCA Information Unit for advice (1800 803 772).

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11. In line with most mining and exploration areas, dogs and cats should be banned from the Project area to

minimise pressure on native fauna.

5.2 Habitat Protection The following series of recommendations are structured to minimise impact on the genera; fauna habitats of the

Project Area and to limit potential impact to Bilby (Macrotis lagotis) and Gouldian Finch (Erythrura gouldiae) habitat.

1. Avoid unnecessary clearing of vegetation beyond that strictly required.

2. Take a proactive approach to fire management within the Project Area wherever practical. Frequent low-

intensity fire is the best regime for seed-eating birds and may encourage the rare Gouldian Finch by providing

areas suitable for their feeding requirements.49

3. Remove and stockpile topsoil, log debris and other vegetation debris during clearing for future use in

rehabilitation programmes. The topsoil and plant debris contains a seed bank which, given the right

conditions, will assist in the revegetation of areas where it is used.

4. Preserve areas of natural vegetation within the area of construction, where the risk of fire, road safety

considerations or interference with mining operations is low.

5. Rapidly rehabilitate cleared areas such as laydown sites and access tracks which are no longer required after

construction.

6. Rehabilitation should be structured to encourage the return of fauna by providing micro-relief and dense

vegetation cover. This may be achieved, particularly in temporary laydown areas, by:

a. leaving patches or strips of vegetation;

b. placing equipment on low shrub vegetation rather than clearing;

c. retention of root stock in the ground by shallow scraping during clearing; and

d. retaining stockpiled vegetation debris in windrows.

6 Conclusion

The desktop study revealed a comprehensive species list of 749 species of flora and fauna for the Project area. This

list includes 21 conservation significant species; 10 birds, 5 mammals and 6 plants.

The Project is focused on the potentially diamond-bearing materials in the alluvia, and not the kimberlite pipes or

rocky relief of the ranges. The development of the site is likely to result in the direct destruction of vegetation and

small areas of habitat. However, this would cover no more than a minor proportion of the expansive plains habitats of

the region.

The plant communities expected to be in the Project area and/or recorded at Ellendale are well represented in the

regional context. Thus the overall effect of destruction of areas of vegetation and fauna habitat should not represent

a threat to the regional status of any of the species or communities identified, and hence not to any of the animals or

plants as species. The indirect effects, principally those from minor water abstraction, disposal and infiltration, and

from the introduction of people, should not have significant adverse effect upon the vegetation and wildlife in general.

Two of the 21 conservation significant species on the comprehensive species list for the Project are on the

Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) threatened species list and are therefore

protected from significant impact; the Gouldian Finch and the Bilby. The impact assessment completed indicates the

Project should not have a significant adverse effect upon either the Bilby or the Gouldian Finch. Nonetheless, the

impact mitigation measures recommended within this report should be implemented to further reduce threats to both

species.

49 (Dyer, et al., 2001)

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Company.

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Company.

Payne, Kubicki & Wilcox, 1974. Range Condition Guides for the West Kimberley Area, W.A., Perth: The Department of

Agriculture.

Pizzey, G. & Knight, F., 2007. The Graham Pizzey & Frank Knight field guide to the birds of Australia. s.l.:Harper Collins.

Pringle, H., 1994. An inventory and condition survey of rangelands in the north-eastern Goldfields, Western Australia,

Perth: The Department of Agriculture.

Speck, et al., 1964. General report on lands of the West Kimberley area. W.A CSIRO Land and Research Series, Volume

28, pp. 7-10.

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Available at: https://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/220


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Western Australian Herbarium (DBCA), 1998–. FloraBase: Fimbristylis dictyocolea. [Online]



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Western Australian Herbarium (DBCA), 1998–. FloraBase: Solanum leopoldense. [Online]



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Woinarski, J. & Tidemann, S., 1992. Survivorship and Some Population Parameters for the Endangered Gouldian Finch

Erythrura gouldiae and Two Other Finch Species at Two Sites in Tropical Northern Australia. Emu, 91(1), pp. 33-38.

Appendix

Appendix 1: NatureMap E04/2398 Species List

Appendix 2: NatureMap E04/2404 Species List

Appendix 3: NatureMap Tenement Centroid with Twenty Kilometre Radius Species List

Appendix 4: Species List with Conservation Information (Tenement Centroid with Twenty Kilometre Radius)

Appendix 5: Species List Compiled from NatureBase Results and all Species Confirmed during Ellendale Flora and Fauna Field Surveys

Appendix 6: EPBC Gouldian Finch Conservation Advice

Appendix 7: EPBC Bilby Conservation Advice

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