metro mining appendix h2 - metro mining community and … · 2018. 8. 9. · the project will be...

Metro MiningBauxite Hills Project

Environmental Impact Statement

Metro MiningChapter 8 - Biosecurity

Environmental Impact Statement

Metro MiningAppendix H2 - Metro Mining Community andSocial Responsibility Policy

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Table of Contents

8 Biosecurity ............................................................................................................................................. 8-1

8.2 Regulatory Framework ....................................................................................................................... 8-1 8.2.1 Plant Protection Act 1989 ........................................................................................................... 8-2 8.2.2 Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 ............................... 8-2 8.2.3 Biosecurity Act 2014 ...................................................................................................................... 8-3 8.2.4 Public Health Act 2005.................................................................................................................. 8-3 8.2.5 Agricultural Chemicals Distribution Control Act 1966................................................... 8-3 8.2.6 Quarantine Act 1908 ...................................................................................................................... 8-3 8.2.7 Biosecurity Act 2015 ...................................................................................................................... 8-3

8.3 Objectives and Performance Outcomes ....................................................................................... 8-4 8.3.1 Protection Objectives..................................................................................................................... 8-4 8.3.2 Performance Outcomes ................................................................................................................ 8-4

8.4 Assessment Method .............................................................................................................................. 8-4 8.5 Existing Environment .......................................................................................................................... 8-5

8.5.1 Terrestrial Pests (Fauna) ............................................................................................................. 8-5 8.5.2 Terrestrial Pests (Flora) ............................................................................................................... 8-6 8.5.3 Marine Pests ...................................................................................................................................... 8-6 8.5.4 Plant Disease ..................................................................................................................................... 8-8 8.5.5 Vector Borne Disease .................................................................................................................. 8-10

8.6 Potential Impacts ................................................................................................................................ 8-11 8.6.1 Terrestrial Pests (Fauna) .......................................................................................................... 8-11 8.6.2 Terrestrial Pests (Flora) ............................................................................................................ 8-12 8.6.3 Marine Pests ................................................................................................................................... 8-14 8.6.4 Plant Disease .................................................................................................................................. 8-15

8.7 Cumulative Impact ............................................................................................................................. 8-17 8.8 Management and Mitigation Measures ..................................................................................... 8-18

8.8.1 Terrestrial Pests (Fauna) .......................................................................................................... 8-18 8.8.2 Terrestrial Pests (Flora) ............................................................................................................ 8-19 8.8.3 Marine Pests ................................................................................................................................... 8-22 8.8.4 Plant Disease .................................................................................................................................. 8-24 8.8.5 Vector Borne Disease .................................................................................................................. 8-25

8.9 Qualitative Risk Assessment .......................................................................................................... 8-27 8.10 Summary................................................................................................................................................. 8-30 8.11 Commitments ....................................................................................................................................... 8-31 8.12 ToR Cross-reference .......................................................................................................................... 8-31

List of Figures

Figure 8-1 Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy Zone ................................................................................ 8-9

Bauxite Hills Project Biosecurity

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List of Tables

Table 8-1 Plant diseases ................................................................................................................................. 8-10 Table 8-2 Weeds with potential to invade disturbed areas and likely to be present in the locality ............. 8-13 Table 8-3 Qualitative risk assessment – biosecurity ...................................................................................... 8-27 Table 8-4 Commitments – biosecurity ........................................................................................................... 8-31 Table 8-5 ToR cross-reference – biosecurity .................................................................................................. 8-31

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8 Biosecurity

The purpose of this chapter is to evaluate the potential for the introduction of pest and weed species,

including marine species, through the Bauxite Hills Project (the Project) activities. This chapter

considers the potential for spread of the weeds and pests and proposes biosecurity management

activities to protect the environmental values.

This chapter also discusses the assessment and management of vector based diseases.

8.1 Project Overview

Aldoga Minerals Pty Ltd, a 100% owned subsidiary of Metro Mining Limited (Metro Mining),

proposes to develop the Project located on a greenfield site on the western coastline of Cape York,

Queensland, approximately 35 kilometres (km) northeast of Mapoon. The Project will include an

open cut operation, haul roads, Barge Loading Facility (BLF), Roll on/Roll off (RoRo) facility,

transhipping and will produce and transport up to 5 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of ore over

approximately 12 years. The mine will not be operational during the wet season.

The Project is characterised by several shallow open cut pits that will be connected via internal haul

roads. The internal haul roads will be connected to a main north-south haul road that will link with

the Mine Infrastructure Area (MIA), BLF and RoRo facility located to the north of the pits on the

Skardon River. Bauxite will be screened in-pit and then hauled to the product stockpile using road

train trucks.

Bauxite from the Project is suitable as a direct shipping ore product (i.e. ore is extracted and loaded

directly to ships with no washing or tailings dams required). Bauxite will be transported by barge

via the Skardon River to the transhipment site, approximately 12 km offshore, and loaded into ocean

going vessels (OGVs) and shipped to customers. No dredging or bed-levelling for transhipping is

proposed as part of this Project.

OGVs of between 50,000 to 120,000 tonne (t) each will be loaded at the transhipment anchorage

site. Vessels will be loaded and bauxite will be transported to OGVs 24 hours per day with barges

having an initial capacity of approximately 3,000 t to meet early production volumes, increasing up

to 7,000 t as the Project reaches a maximum production volume of 5 Mtpa.

The construction of the mine is due to commence in April 2017 and is expected to take seven months

to complete. The first shipment of bauxite is planned for October 2017. The Project will be 100%

fly-in fly-out (FIFO) due to its remote location. The Project will operate over two 12 hour shifts per

day for approximately eight months of the year and is expected to employ up to 254 employees

during peak operations. In addition to the workforce, it is expected that the Project will result in the

employment of additional workers through local and regional businesses servicing the

accommodation camp and the construction and operation of the mine.

8.2 Regulatory Framework

The relevant Queensland and Commonwealth biosecurity regulatory framework for the Project

includes:

Plant Protection Act 1989;

Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002;


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Biosecurity Act 2014;

Public Health Act 2005;

Public Health Regulation 2005;

Agricultural Chemicals Distribution Control Act 1966;

Quarantine Act 1908 (Cth); and

Biosecurity Act 2015 (Cth).

8.2.1 Plant Protection Act 1989

The Plant Protection Act 1989 provides for the prevention, control and removal of plant pest

infestations. The Act provides statutory powers to prohibit or restrict the introduction and spread

of declared plant pests within Queensland. Weeds and pests pose one of the most significant threats

to flora and fauna within the Project area. Accordingly, a range of management measures will be

implemented to restrict the introduction and/or spread of pest species.

8.2.2 Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002

The Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 (Land Protection Act) provides

for the declaration of Class 1, Class 2 or Class 3 pest plant and animal species. Under s77 of the Land

Protection Act, a landowner must take reasonable steps to keep their land free of Class 1 and Class

2 pests. The definition of landowner under the Land Protection Act includes the lessee for a mining

lease granted under the Mineral Resources Act 1989.

Under the Land Protection Act it is an offence to introduce, keep or supply a declared pest, feed a

declared pest animal or take a declared pest for commercial use. It is also an offence to supply

anything containing reproductive material of a Class 1 or Class 2 pest prescribed under the Land

Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Regulation 2003.

The Land Protection Act requires that Local Governments develop and implement a pest

management plan that reflects the National and State pest management strategies. The Cook Shire

Council Pest Management Plan 2012 – 2016 is due for review. The existing plan identifies Class 1, 2

and 3 pests that are found in the region. The specific objectives of the Plan are:

Involving all stakeholders, including neighbouring Shires, in a cooperative and coordinated

approach to all stages of Cook Shire pest management;

Collecting adequate information about the Shire’s pest plants and animals;

Educating local residents, visitors and relevant industries about the causes, impacts,

identification and management of pests in the Shire as well as the roles of all stakeholders in

pest management;

Pursuing the resources and fostering proactive stakeholder commitment necessary for the

implementation of effective pest management;

Preventing the introduction of new pests and the movement of pests from one part of the Shire

to another, and outside of the shire, eradicating isolated infestations and controlling established

infestations;

Assisting Land Managers in the management of the impacts caused by native animals;


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Encouraging and supporting best practice pest control techniques; and

Encouraging and supporting research into preventative measures and effective control of pests.

8.2.3 Biosecurity Act 2014

The Biosecurity Act 2014 has adopted a shared approach to managing biosecurity in Queensland.

The Act protects the economy, environment and community from pests, diseases and contaminants.

The Act also provides a range of tools to implement in a fast and effective manner in the event of an

emergency. Metro Mining will incorporate the incoming requirements of the Act in all management

procedures, and will take all reasonable steps to prevent or minimise biosecurity risks.

8.2.4 Public Health Act 2005

The Public Health Act 2005 aims to protect and promote the health of the Queensland public.

Division 2 of the Public Health Regulation 2005 requires the owner and/or occupier of premises to

prevent mosquito breeding on their premises and sets out the requirements for rainwater tanks to

ensure the tanks do not breed mosquitoes.

8.2.5 Agricultural Chemicals Distribution Control Act 1966

The Agricultural Chemicals Distribution Control Act 1966 regulates the distribution of agricultural

chemicals including some mosquito control products.

8.2.6 Quarantine Act 1908

The Quarantine Act 1908 (Cth) is the primary legislation relating to quarantine and biosecurity

regulation in Australia. The objective of the Act is to ensure the long term protection of the

Australian landscape, marine, agricultural and terrestrial environment through the exclusion of

pests and disease.

Australia has implemented ballast water management regulations under the Act (due to be

replaced), essentially as an extended interim measure until such time as the International

Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments 2004 (the

BWM Convention) ballast water treatment requirements enter into force internationally.

Under the Australian Ballast Water Management Requirements, all ballast water arriving in

Australia from overseas is considered 'high risk' and so banned from discharge in Australian

waters until specific permission for such discharge is received from the Department of

Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR), the responsible authority. In general terms, ships

are required to undertake ballast water exchange at sea, such that water taken up from shallow,

coastal or littoral waters overseas is replaced with water sourced from the open ocean. This

method is considered less likely to harbour marine species of potential quarantine concern. To

be considered effective, the ballast water exchange must be conducted outside Australia’s

12 nautical miles (nm) limit.

8.2.7 Biosecurity Act 2015

The Biosecurity Act 2015 will commence on 16 June 2016, 12 months after royal assent,

replacing the Quarantine Act 1908. Just as with the Quarantine Act 1908, the Biosecurity Act 2015

will be co-administered by the Ministers responsible for Agriculture and Water Resources and

Health.


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Until commencement of the Biosecurity Act 2015, the Quarantine Act 1908 remains the primary

piece of biosecurity legislation in Australia.

8.3 Objectives and Performance Outcomes

8.3.1 Protection Objectives

The protection objectives for the management of pest and weed species are to:

Minimise the introduction and spread of weeds, pests (including marine pests) and disease; and

Control existing weeds and pests, including marine pests.

The protection objective for the prevention of the occurrence or spread of vector borne diseases is

to:

Minimise the risk of vector borne diseases through the effective control of potential vectors.

The protection objective for the prevention of the occurrence or spread of plant diseases is to:

Minimise the risk of plant diseases through the implementation of effective control measures.

8.3.2 Performance Outcomes

The performance criteria relevant to achieve the aforementioned objectives for pest and weed

species are:

No new terrestrial or marine pest flora and/or fauna to be introduced to the site as a result of

the Project activities;

No contamination of land or waters from shipping transport;

Declared and environmental weed and pest populations are minimised; and

No reduction in native species as a direct result of the Project, outside the approved activities.

The performance criteria relevant to achieve the aforementioned objectives for managing potential

impacts of vector borne disease are:

No outbreaks of vector borne disease within the Project area; and

No environmental harm from management controls.

The performance criterion relevant to achieve the aforementioned objectives for managing

potential impacts of plant disease is:

No outbreaks of plant disease within the Project area.

8.4 Assessment Method

A desktop review and ecological field surveys were conducted by Amec Foster Wheeler for the

terrestrial component. Field surveys were conducted in the late dry season (between 4 to 11

November 2014) and the early wet season (31 January to 6 February 2015). Results from Gulf

Alumina’s terrestrial ecology surveys have also been included in the assessment. Further discussion


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on terrestrial pest and weed species is at Chapter 5 – Terrestrial and Freshwater Ecology and

Appendix B - Terrestrial Ecology Report.

Freshwater aquatic ecology surveys were undertaken between 4 and 11 November 2014,

corresponding to the late dry season. Follow-up surveys were undertaken between 31 January and

6 February 2015, corresponding to the early wet season. Results from Gulf Alumina’s terrestrial

ecology surveys have also been included in the assessment. Further discussion on aquatic pest and

weed species is at Chapter 5 – Terrestrial and Freshwater Ecology and Appendix B2 - Aquatic

Ecology Report.

To identify the existing marine pests and potential impacts the Aquenal Pty Ltd (Aquenal) report

‘Marine pest surveys of Skardon River and Port Kennedy, Qld’ was used. Aquenal conducted baseline

surveys for the Australian Fisheries Management Authority in 2008. Further discussion on marine

pest species is at Chapter 6 – Marine Ecology, Chapter 17 – Transport, Appendix B3 – Marine Ecology

and Coastal Processes Report and Appendix I – Shipping Assessment Report.

A desktop review was undertaken as part of the assessment of potential risks associated with vector

borne diseases.

8.5 Existing Environment

The existing terrestrial fauna and flora, aquatic and marine environment are described in Chapter 5

– Terrestrial and Freshwater Ecology and Chapter 6 – Marine Ecology, respectively. A summary of

the existing environment in terms of terrestrial pest flora and fauna and marine pest species are in

the following sections.

8.5.1 Terrestrial Pests (Fauna)

In Queensland, the Land Protection Act identifies declared animals which have been nominated for

control as these animals represent a threat to primary industries, natural resources and the

environment. Declaration of pest animals imposes a legal responsibility for control by all

landowners on land under their management, including all landowning state agencies. Under the

Act, it is considered an offence to introduce a pest animal to the state or feed, keep or release a

declared pest animal in Queensland without a permit. There are three categories of declared animal

pests in Queensland including:

Class 1 - declared animals i.e. pests are not commonly present in Queensland and if introduced,

would cause an adverse economic, environmental or social impact. Landowners must take

reasonable steps to keep land free of Class 1 pests;

Class 2 - declared animals i.e. pests already established in Queensland which have, or could have,

a substantial adverse economic, environmental or social impact. Landowners must take

reasonable steps to keep land free of Class 2 pests and it is an offence to introduce, keep, feed,

supply or release Class 2 pest animals without a permit; and

Class 3 - declared animals i.e. pests that are established in Queensland and have, or could have,

an adverse economic, environmental or social impact. Landholders are not required to control

Class 3 pests unless their land is in or adjacent to an environmentally significant area.

Other terrestrial animal pests of significance include those species identified as threatening

processes to the long-term viability of native fauna species of national environmental significance

listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.


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Feral animals declared as pests under the Land Protection Act can pose a threat to primary

industries and natural resources. Four introduced pest fauna species were recorded during the

surveys. All of the observed introduced species were Class 2 pests. The following pest animals are

recorded as occurring in the Project area:

Dingo (Canius lupus dingo);

Feral cat (Felis catus);

Feral pig (Sus scrofa); and

Cane toad (Rhinella marinus).

It is likely (identified via desktop searches) Wild Dogs (Canus lupus familiaris) are also present

within the region. Note that under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, the Dingo is a species declared

indigenous to Australia. Sections 17 and 62 of the Act provide for the legal protection of the dingo

as a natural resource in protected areas such as national parks. Consequently, a Dingo cannot be

interfered with on a protected area unless the chief executive has granted a permit or authority.

8.5.2 Terrestrial Pests (Flora)

The Project area lies in close proximity to disturbance associated with the abandoned Skardon

Kaolin project. There are however extensive areas of woodland that are predominantly free from

disturbance, with the noted exception of riparian zones and swamps which have localised areas of

significant impact associated with feral pigs and cattle. While not listed as a fauna pest, cattle can

cause environmental impacts on native vegetation through overgrazing, transport of weed seeds,

walking tracks as a path of soil erosion and nutrient contamination of waterways. Although existing

weed issues on the site are relatively minor, there is potential that presently intact habitats could

be degraded by exotic species.

A search of the Queensland Herbarium and Wildlife Online databases for the Project area is

supported by observational evidence gathered during the ground truthing surveys enabling an

indicative list of species in the region. Surveys undertaken by Gulf Alumina at the already disturbed

sites of the Port of Skardon River and the previous Skardon Kaolin Project, recorded robust

populations of introduced flora including Mint Weed (Hyptis suaveolens) and Stylo (Stylosanthes

hamate). Surveys found no major weed issues in the undisturbed bushland or existing access roads

and tracks.

Those species that are considered to present a significant threat for the Project, in addition to pest

species know to occur within the broader Weipa area are discussed in Section 8.6 – Potential

Impacts.

8.5.3 Marine Pests

A set of measures addressing the threat from marine pests is being implemented under the National

System for the Prevention and Management of Marine Pest Incursions. Prevention and management

of marine pests from ballast waters is addressed under the Australian Ballast Water Management

Requirements Version 5, under the DAWR (formerly Department of Agriculture). The guideline is

consistent with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) guidelines for minimising the risk of

translocation of harmful aquatic species in ships’ ballast water. It is the Master’s responsibility to

ascertain additional ballast water management requirements over and above the department

requirements.


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The National System for the Prevention and Management of Marine Pest Incursions has three main

aims:

Preventing marine pests from arriving in Australian waters or spreading to new areas;

Providing a co-ordinated emergency response should a new pest arrive in Australian waters;

and

Controlling and managing marine pests already here, where eradication is not feasible.

These aims are targeted through:

Preventative measures to reduce the risk of introduction and spread of marine pests, including

management of ballast waters, biofouling and aquarium trade;

An Emergency Marine Pest Plan to control or eradicate pests that have entered Australian

waters; and

On-going management and control of marine pests already established in Australia, where

eradication is not feasible.

Introduced marine pests are non-native plants or animals that have been introduced to Australia

through human activities such as shipping. The introduction of foreign marine organisms through

ships’ ballast water and hull fouling is a major concern for Australia.

The two main vectors of marine pest invasions are biofouling, where marine pests attach themselves

to boat hulls, anchor chains and fishing gear, and through the containment of these species within a

vessel’s ballast waters.

The Australian Fisheries and Management Authority conducted the most recent marine pest

monitoring program for the Skardon River in 2008. No listed introduced marine species (IMS) were

detected in this survey, although as occurs almost universally in ports around Australia, a number

of non-invasive cosmopolitan and cryptogenic species were identified, such as the common fouling

barnacles the Striped Barnacle (Balanus amphitrite) and the Reticulated Barnacle (Balanus

reticulatus) (Aquenal, 2008). Given the minimal shipping activity in the Skardon River since the

close of the Skardon Kaolin Project in 1999, there is a low potential for the Skardon River to contain

marine pests.

Extensive surveying for marine pest species has been undertaken at the nearby Port of Weipa, with

no marine pest incursions having been recorded. Under the Department of Sustainability,

Environment, Water, Population and Communities (now Department of the Environment) approved

Port of Weipa Long Term Environment Management Plan for Dredging and Dumping Activities

(SKM, 2009), the Port of Weipa is considered a low risk port for marine pests and hence there is

currently no requirement to undertake a comprehensive marine pest survey of the port. However,

consistent with the low risk rating, limited routine monitoring is undertaken at the Port of Weipa.

Larval monitoring plates are deployed at three sites (Evans Landing, and Lorim Point Wharf east

and west). These traps are retrieved and checked every three months and no pest species have been

identified to date.

The anchorage area for the OGVs and the areas adjacent to the BLF and RoRo facility consist of a

muddy bottom with minimal vertical structure. This presents minimal amenable habitat for many

of the IMS listed by Australian authorities. Nevertheless, it is held that anthropogenic materials,

especially soon after placement into the marine environment, can provide vacant habitat for

‘pioneering’ species, and thus presents a period of vulnerability to colonisation by exotic biota. In


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the case of the Project, the construction of moorings, both outside the Skardon River mouth and

inside the river, together with the construction of infrastructure associated with the BLF and the

RoRo facility will potential provide habitat for marine pests should they occur. The vulnerability of

these infrastructure to recruitment of exotic marine species will diminish as such vacant substrate

is taken up by other (native) fouling species. This presents a low risk given the absence to date of

marine pests in the Skardon River.

8.5.4 Plant Disease

Australia quarantine regulations apply to all plant and plant products entering Australia. The DAWR

administers the Quarantine Act 1908 and subsequent legislation in order to minimise the risk of

exotic pests and diseases from entering the country and to protect Australia's plant health status.

All products and materials imported into Australia require inspection and clearance from DAWR.

The Queensland Government’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) identifies significant

plant pests and diseases that are of concern to Queensland’s agricultural industry, environment and

economy. Depending on their current extent and distribution, listed species are classified into two

management priorities:

Exotic pests: Exotic plant, pests and diseases are either not present in Australia, or are present

but not established and are under an official containment and/or eradication program; and

Emerging pests: Emerging plant, pests and diseases are present in Queensland but their

presence is being monitored.

In addition to this classification, plant diseases are further highlighted if they are considered

‘notifiable’ under Queensland’s Plant Protection Regulation 2002. Notifiable pests are considered of

such concern that there is a legal requirement to report sightings to the DAF.

8.5.4.1 Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy

The Project is located within The Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy (NAQS) (see Figure 8-1).

The NAQS was established in 1989 to provide an early warning system for exotic pest, weed and

disease detections across northern Australia and to help address unique biosecurity risks facing the

region. This is particularly important to Australia’s biosecurity as a number of serious pests and

diseases have been found in Torres Strait but are not as yet present on the Australian mainland.


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Figure 8-1 Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy Zone

The objectives of NAQS are to:

Identify and evaluate the unique biosecurity risks facing northern Australia;

Develop and implement measures for the early detection of targeted risk species;

Contribute to national and international initiatives relevant to the strategy;

Manage the biosecurity aspects of movements through the Torres Strait risk pathway; and

Engage with stakeholders, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, on

measures that support effective biosecurity surveillance and other objectives of the DAWR in

northern Australia.

To achieve these objectives, the department undertakes the following activities:

Animal and plant health surveillance of targeted pests, diseases and weeds in coastal areas

across northern Australia, from Broome in Western Australia to Cairns in Queensland (including

Torres Strait);

Quarantine operations to address biosecurity risks associated with southward movements of

people, cargo, aircraft and vessels into and between defined quarantine zones in Torres Strait,

and from these zones to mainland Australia;

Public awareness activities delivered under the ‘Biosecurity Top Watch’ initiative;

Collaborations with external stakeholders, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

communities and State and Territory agencies in support of biosecurity surveillance and other

departmental services; and


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Participation in surveillance and monitoring activities in neighbouring countries for early signs

of targeted pests, diseases and weeds.

All plant diseases listed in Table 8-1 are considered to be Alert Diseases. Alert Species are those

species which are uncommon or that do not currently occur in Queensland but have been recognised

as having the potential to occur and impact upon the Project site and the Cape York Region, based

on known and potential distributional ranges and habitat preferences. This may include species that

are not currently present in Australia, or that are present but not established. Alert species are

unlikely to be encountered at the Project area given its remoteness from international ports and the

extant controls in place at domestic ports in Queensland, but should still be recognised for their

potential invasiveness and potential impact to primary production, the environment and the

economy, should the species be introduced to the Project area. As no plant diseases are known to

occur at the Project area, none are considered as Priority Diseases.

Table 8-1 Plant diseases

Plant Diseases Organism Status1

DAWR (NAQS) DAF

Black sigatoka Fungus Target disease Exotic2

Citrus canker Bacteria Target disease Exotic2

Citrus greening (Huanglongbing) Bacteria Target disease Exotic2

Panama disease Fungus Target disease Exotic2

Fatal diseases in coconuts Bacteria Target disease 1 Status: DAWR: Plant diseases identified as a management priority on the DAWR website. DAF: Significant plant diseases identified by DAF. 2Notifiable plant diseases also listed under the Plant Protection Regulation 2002.

8.5.5 Vector Borne Disease

Queensland has experienced an increase in mosquito-borne disease rates over the last 10 years

particularly Dengue, Ross River and Barmah Forest virus infections (Queensland Health, 2016). In

particular, North Queensland is experiencing regular outbreaks of dengue and the dengue vector,

Aedes aegypti, is dispersing across Queensland and has been detected in central and southwest

Queensland cities and towns.

The greatest threat to public health is posed by the potential introduction of mosquito-borne

diseases such as chikungunya and Japanese encephalitis brought into Queensland by viremic

travellers from countries where these diseases are endemic. The incursions of exotic vectors pose

similar threats where these vectors can readily adapt to the conditions.

The mosquito, Aedes albopictus, an exotic vector of dengue and chikungunya, has currently

established on several islands in the Torres Strait. This vector could easily spread to mainland

Australia.

To address the mosquito borne disease rates the Queensland Government has prepared The

Queensland Joint Strategic Framework for Mosquito Management 2010-2015. The Framework

provides a strategic direction for the management of mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases in

Queensland.

Priorities for Queensland under the strategic framework include:

Dengue and the distribution and density of the vector throughout Queensland;

Exotic mosquito-borne diseases of importance to Queenslanders e.g. Chikungunya (CHIKV),

malaria and Japanese encephalitis;


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Mosquito-borne diseases of high prevalence in Queensland e.g. Ross River virus (RRV) and

Barmah Forest virus (BFV);

Incursions of exotic mosquitoes e.g. Aedes albopictus; and

Climate change and its effect on vectors of mosquito-borne disease mosquito management

programs.

8.6 Potential Impacts


The potential impacts of the terrestrial (fauna) species, identified in Section 8.5.1, may impact the

densities of native fauna and flora species present within the Project area and broader region. The

storage of wastes, particularly food wastes from the accommodation camp, is a potential attractant

for existing pest fauna and may act as a vector for concentrating new populations into the area.

Terrestrial pest (fauna) species may become more abundant in the Project area through the

establishment of new populations of pest species as a result of the transportation of plant and

equipment to the site (i.e. rodents and tramp ant species hidden within the equipment).

Feral pigs are likely to have impacts to native fauna through competition for herbivorous resources,

the spreading of weeds and also creating erosional and water quality issues, particularly within

habitats such as Big Footprint Swamp and mangrove habitats. Feral pigs are also a concern given

their impacts on riparian and wetland vegetation, and on turtle nesting sites in the region. Feral pigs

are responsible for high levels of nest-predation of marine turtle species, such as the Flatback Turtle

(Natator depressus), with 90% of nests predated in west Cape York (Environment Australia, 2003).

Feral cats cause direct predation pressure on small native fauna within the region, and can respond

in large numbers to fluctuations in prey abundance placing pressure on native faunal assemblages.

Although considered a pest under the Land Protection Act, the presence of dingo and wild dogs has

been shown to reduce the levels of mesopredators (such as feral cats and foxes) and as such

retaining these higher level predators within the systems can keep mesopredator populations in

check.

The observation of cane toads in the area is of importance given that this region is also potential

habitat for Northern Quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus) which feed on the Cane Toad. Despite no Northern

Quolls being found within the Project area, it is relevant to note that ingestion of a Cane Toad by

animals can result in death and as a result the Cane Toad is recognised as a key threatening process

for species in the area.

As plant and equipment is likely to be barged from Cairns, the introduction of tramp ants is a

possible risk. Tramp ant species such as the Yellow Crazy Ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes) are those that

are able to establish invasive colonies from a small founder population once introduced to an area.

Yellow crazy ants, also known as crazy ants, are an introduced exotic species. They are widely

regarded as environmental pests and are included as one of the world's 100 worst invasive species.

The pest ant has spread extensively since it was first discovered in Cairns in 2001 and despite

Biosecurity Queensland's ongoing treatment and surveillance activities, the known infested areas

have increased since 2007. Several of the known infested areas were discovered in the past twelve

months, significantly increasing the total area of infestation.

The majority of tramp ant incursions into Australia are within sub-tropical and tropical region and

the frequency of establishment is linked to climate matching between source regions and target

localities. North Queensland represents a high risk area for tramp ant incursions because of the


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tropical environment. Invasive (tramp) ant species pose a major threat to Australian biodiversity

and agriculture (PIAG, 2004). The main vectors for introduction of tramp ant species are sea and air

freight (54% and 44% of total introductions respectively between 1983 and 2003).

The potential impacts of the aforementioned known pest fauna are likely to include:

Predation on native species;

Competition for food resources, which may decrease abundance of prey for native predator

species;

Habitat changes due to destruction of plants;

Changed floristic composition;

Reduced regeneration of plants;

Alteration of soil structure;

Increased invasion and spread of weeds;

Increased access for non-native predator species;

Toxicity to native species;

Increase in pest and feral animals from access to waste and food sources;

Reduced water quality and availability; and

Spread of exotic invertebrates and creation of habitats suitable for disease.


No highly invasive species currently occur within the Project area. Weeds known from the Weipa

locality outside of the Project area with the ability to completely dominate and severely alter the

ecosystems that they invade are:

Sicklepod (Senna obtusifolia) - Sicklepod is a Class 2 declared weed and is a highly invasive

species that prefers the more fertile soils of deeper alluvial situations. Sicklepod has a high

potential to invade alluvial habitats and any disturbance to these communities may increase the

risk of infestation. The seeds are very long lived and are easily dispersed by vehicles and

machinery, being difficult to displace by basic wash down procedures. Vehicles readily disperse

mature plants with seedpods.

Panicle Joint Vetch (Aeschynomene paniculata) - Panicle Joint Vetch is an erect perennial legume

attaining a height of 2.5 m. The plant, which was introduced to Batavia Downs as part of grazing

trials in the 1990’s, is a native of North and South America. The species is rarely grazed by cattle

and has the ability to rapidly displace native grass species and become a dominant monoculture

across large areas of Cape York Peninsula and northern Australia. Currently the weed is

restricted to areas south of the Batavia Downs Homestead and Mary Valley, Strathmay and

Sudley.

Gamba Grass (Andropogon gayanus) - Gamba Grass is a highly invasive tall robust tussock grass

that is known to out compete native grasses in similar woodland vegetation in the Northern

Territory. It has been introduced to the Cape York as a pasture grass and is known from a


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number of locations such as Kalinga Holding (Stanton and Teece, 1996), in the far north around

Bamaga, at Andoom and on Sudley Station. The latter occurrence is particularly troublesome

given its close proximity to the development area and the fact that it infests roadsides near the

Batavia – Weipa Development Road junction. It is a vigorous and highly robust grass species

that occurs in dense tussocky stands to 3 m in height and can dramatically increase fuel loads

to produces intense, late dry season fires that seriously damage native vegetation communities.

It has the greatest potential to invade soils with higher fertility and higher water holding

capacities although it will establish in any degraded areas providing soils have reasonable

drainage. Habitats that are at the greatest risk include the stringybark woodlands of RE 3.5.2.

Prickly Croton (Croton hirsutus) - Prickly Croton is an herbaceous weed species first detected in

2004 at the RAAF Scherger Royal Australian Air Force base east of Weipa. The plant is native to

South America and reported to be widespread in tropical environments of South-East Asia and

Papua New Guinea. The fact that the infestation was thought to be introduced by machinery

during construction of the airbase, highlights the potential of the proposed development to

facilitate introduction and dispersal of highly invasive weeds not previously known from the

region. At the Base, the weed was detected in dense infestations along drainage channels and in

the understorey of open forest vegetation likely to be equivalent to the widespread RE 3.5.2.

Other weeds with potential to invade disturbed areas and likely to be present in the locality are

listed in Table 8-2.

Table 8-2 Weeds with potential to invade disturbed areas and likely to be present in the locality

Common Name Scientific Name Occurrence

Grader Grass Themeda quadrivalvis Widespread on roadsides of the Peninsula Development Road and

other access roads and tracks.

Hyptis Hyptis suaveolens Widespread invader of disturbed areas often associated with stock.

Snake Weed Stachytarpheta spp. Common in the Weipa area.

Urena Burr Urena lobata Widespread weed of disturbed track edges.

Tree Lucerne Leucaena leucocephala Invasive small tree common around Weipa and introduced for

rehabilitation of mine sites.

Knob Weed Hyptis capitata Invasive weed of riverine frontages known from wetter habitats on

east coast but possibly occurring around Weipa.

Sida Sida retusa, S. acuta, S.

cordifolia, S. rhombifolia

Widespread weeds of track edges and disturbed sites.

Milkweed Euphorbia heterophylla Common on sandy coastal areas.

Khaki Weed Alternanthera pungens Widespread in disturbed sites.

Noogoora Burr Xanthium occidentale Invades riverine frontages.

Calopo Calopogonium mucunoides Vigorous leguminous vine of moister coastal areas possibly occurring

in Weipa area.

Chinese Burr Triumfetta rhomboidea Widespread in disturbed areas.

Coffee Senna Senna occidentalis Likely to be occur around Weipa in disturbed sites.

Sensitive Weed Mimosa pudica Groundcover of urban areas requiring disturbance for establishment.

Guinea Grass Megathrysus maximum Vigorous grass of moister coastal areas with potential to invade

riverine frontages.

Potential impacts of invasive weed species include loss of habitat for native plants and animals and

subsequent loss of biodiversity and safety hazards.

The potential terrestrial pests (flora) species, listed in Table 8-2 may impact existing vegetation

communities, and therefore existing native fauna habitat. Movement of personnel, vehicles and

equipment associated with construction and operational activities have the potential to facilitate

the introduction and/or dispersal of weeds within the Project area and to the surrounding lands.


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The introduction and/or dispersal of weeds have the potential to:

Increase competition for resources (e.g. space, light, nutrients) with native species;

Reduce productivity of the land;

Reduce natural biodiversity;

Alter hydrological regimes, fire regimes and geomorphic processes;

Injury or loss of native animals through injury or toxic death through consumption/contact; and

Facilitate animal pest movement and disease spread.

8.6.3 Marine Pests

Marine pests have the greatest potential to be introduced during construction activities, with a

lower risk continuing during operations. Marine pests can enter the environment through ballast

waters and biofouling of marine vessels and as such effective biosecurity measures are needed to

maintain the pest free status of the area. Marine pests are species with invasive traits that can cause

significant adverse impacts to marine industries, the environment, human health and or amenity if

introduced, established or translocated within Australia, as well as generating substantial costs for

eradication attempts or ongoing management.

8.6.3.1 Ballast Water

During the construction phase, shipping and marine vessels will be contracted to supply equipment

for the construction activities. Marine species and pests can be translocated to and around Australia

via biofouling on vessel hulls, in marine sediments and in damp or fluid filled spaces (niche areas)

such as anchor lockers, bilges, sea chests or internal seawater systems. Pests can successfully

establish in the new environment after discharge from a conveying vessel. The risk of vessels

spreading these pests can be reduced by incorporating practices that minimise the build-up of

biofouling into routine vessel maintenance programs.

A feature of OGV operations is the use of significant quantities of ballast water, primarily as a cargo

substitute for those ships arriving (empty) to take on cargo at a terminal. Under the Australian

ballast water management regulations, all ballast water arriving in Australia from overseas is

considered 'high risk' and so banned from discharge in Australian waters. In general terms, ships

are required to undertake ballast water exchange at sea, such that water taken up from shallow,

coastal or littoral waters overseas is replaced with water sourced from the open ocean, considered

less likely to harbour marine species of potential quarantine concern. To be considered effective,

the ballast water exchange must be conducted outside Australia's 12 nm limit. The requirement to

discharge ballast water outside Australia's 12 nm limits the potential for pest marine species to

enter the waters in and adjacent to the Skardon River.

8.6.3.2 Biofouling

Along with other IMS transport vectors, such as ballast water, biofouling is a quarantine concern

because of the risk that a vessel or other object is carrying fouling and may act as the means of

transport for a potential marine pest species into Australian waters, or between different regions

within Australia. Not all fouling species represent a biosecurity threat, and given the millions of

movements of vessels over many hundreds of years, many fouling species have already established

broad geographic distributions (i.e. the ‘cosmopolitan’ and ‘cryptogenic’ species). Some fouling

species; however, do pose significant quarantine risks to Australia and potentially to Skardon River.


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All vessels have some degree of biofouling, even those which may have been recently cleaned or had

a new anti-fouling coating applied. In general terms, the longer a vessel has been in water, the

greater the size and complexity of its biofouling community.

In essence, the biofouling which may be found on and in a vessel represents a cumulative and

integrated history of the vessel’s design, construction, maintenance and operations. Each of these

aspects introduces particular biofouling vulnerabilities.

By contrast, non-trading vessels, particularly those such as types typically engaged in port and

coastal development projects, are considered by the DAWR to represent high biofouling-mediated

risks. In recognition of these elevated biofouling risks, vessels of this type are usually subject to

specific biofouling cleaning and inspection requirements as an enforceable condition in order to

work on marine and coastal projects in Australian waters, as is expected to be the case for any such

vessels engaged in the Project development and maintenance activities.

Harbour craft, such as tugs and barges, may become excessively fouled if operating cycles are

interspersed with extended periods of inactivity. This level of fouling will not be a marine

biosecurity threat if the subject vessel remained in the same location, as the fouling assemblage will

represent locally available species. Thus, there will be no translocation potential should any of the

locally-sourced biota be a marine invasive species. Some degree of risk will arise; if a fouled harbour

craft arrives at Skardon River from some other, distant location.

8.6.4 Plant Disease

The NAQS surveillance program has a primary focus on a target list of pests, diseases and weeds

that are considered serious threats to Australia’s agricultural productivity, export markets or the

environment. The target list have potential to enter Australia from Timor Leste, Indonesia, Papua

New Guinea or other locations via northern Australia by non-conventional pathways (e.g. natural or

unregulated human-assisted pathways)

Target species are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure NAQS surveillance is risk-based and aligned

to national animal and plant health priorities. The NAQS target plant diseases and their potential

impacts are summaries in the following sections.

Black Sigatoka

Black sigatoka (Mycosphaerella fijiensis) is listed as an NAQS target disease and exotic pest in

Queensland; and is Notifiable under the Plant Protection Regulation 2002.

Black sigatoka is a fungal leaf spot disease of bananas. Early symptoms are narrow, rusty, reddish-

brown lesions which appear as streaks on the underside of leaves. These become dark brown or

black spots on both surfaces, and develop yellow margins and grey centres. In an advanced stage of

the disease, the plant will have mostly dead leaves and fruit bunches that have poorly filled fingers

that ripen unevenly.

Black sigatoka is present in all major banana-producing regions of the world. The disease is

widespread in countries to Australia’s north, including Papua New Guinea, and is found on several

outer islands of the Torres Strait. It has also occurred at five locations on Cape York Peninsula (i.e.

Bamaga, Pascoe River, Bloomfield River, Weipa and Daintree) since 1983. In April 2001, it was found

for the first time in a commercial production area near Tully in North Queensland, but has since

been eradicated.


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Black sigatoka is spread by fungal spores carried in the wind. The spores can infect all parts of the

banana plant including leaves, suckers used for planting as well as leaf litter, which in turn can

contaminate fruit shipments. It results in the eventual death of infected leaves; reducing fruit yield

and making the fruit ripen prematurely. Overseas, growers control Black sigatoka with much higher

doses of pesticides than are currently used in Australia. This is harmful to the environment and

greatly raises the price of bananas (DAWR, 2016).

Citrus Canker

Citrus canker (Xanthomonas axonopodis) is listed as a NAQS target disease and an exotic pest in

Queensland, and is Notifiable under the Plant Protection Regulation 2002.

Citrus canker is a bacterial disease of citrus trees including grapefruit, lemons, limes and oranges

caused by the bacteria Xanthomonas axonopodis pathovar citri. Symptoms include the presence of

raised lesions on the leaves, fruits and stems of the plant, caused by the bacterium entering the plant

tissue. Lesions are usually tan to brown in colour, surrounded by an oily, water-soaked margin and

a yellow ring or halo. Large or older lesions may have a crater-like appearance. Symptoms are often

most noticeable on leaves as leaf tissue offers more opportunity for infection.

Widespread in many tropical and subtropical citrus growing areas of the world and common in

Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, Citrus canker is most severe in hot, wet areas. Previous outbreaks

of this disease have been eradicated from Queensland and the Northern Territory and the disease

is currently not established in Australia.

Spread locally (i.e. over a single plant) occurs when wet, as lesions ooze bacterial cells, which leads

to the infection of new sites on the plant. Dispersal over short distances is commonly via water

splash caused by rain or overhead irrigation systems. Spread over longer distances can occur during

severe weather events where strong winds and rain are present and by movement of contaminated

equipment, vehicles, tools, gardening equipment or people (hands, shoes and clothing). Citrus

canker can spread quickly and has the potential to devastate Australia’s healthy citrus industry. It

reduces the growth of new fruit and spoils healthy fruit (DAWR, 2016).

Citrus Greening (Huanglongbing)

Citrus greening (Huanglongbing) (Candidatus liberobacter spp.) is listed as a NAQS target disease

and an exotic pest in Queensland, and is Notifiable under the Plant Protection Regulation 2002.

Citrus greening is caused by the bacterium Candidatus Liberobacter spp. which invades citrus plant

conducting tissue. Symptoms appear similar to those of a nutrient deficiency and the disease can be

difficult to identify. Infected trees turn yellow, with blotchy, mottled leaves.

Fruit are small, lopsided, tend to remain mostly green even when mature and are bitter. Advanced

or chronically infected trees show yellowing of the entire canopy with sparse foliage and severe twig

dieback.

Citrus greening is suspected to originate in China. It currently affects citrus production in India, Asia,

South-East Asia (including Indonesia and The Philippines), the Arabian Peninsula, and Africa. The

bacterium is not present in Australia.

The disease is spread by psyllid insects or contaminated grafting material. Two psyllid insects are

important vectors of the disease. Diaphorina citri is found in Asia and Trioza erytreae is found in

Africa. D. citri, is the insect of most concern to Australia due to its proximity and known tolerance to

warm climates. Once a tree has become infected there is no existing cure, infection leads to eventual

plant death (DAWR, 2016).


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Panama Disease

Panama disease (Fusarium spp.) is listed as a NAQS target disease and an exotic pest in Queensland,

and is Notifiable under the Plant Protection Regulation 2002.

Panama disease (also known as Fusarium Wilt), is a disease of bananas caused by the Fusarium wilt

fungus. The fungus infects the roots of the banana plant, limiting its water supply. The first

symptoms are yellowing and dying of the leaf edges, often mistaken for effects of water stress, with

the leaves eventually collapsing. Internally, the water conducting tissue is discoloured.

The closest known location of Panama disease to Australia’s north is Indonesia. It is currently found

in areas of Queensland and the Northern Territory. The disease is primarily spread by moving

infected planting material (suckers), which can appear healthy on the outside. It can also be moved

in very small quantities of soil. Effects range from reduced yields to death of the plants. The soil

remains infested indefinitely and production of susceptible banana varieties such as Cavendish

bananas must cease in infected regions. This results in a reduction in fruit supply, affecting the

market value of the fruit and income for growers (DAF, 2015).

Fatal Disease in Coconuts

Fatal disease in coconuts is listed as a NAQS target group of diseases. There are several lethal

diseases of coconut and other palm trees around the world caused by phytoplasmas, which are

unique disease-causing agents related to bacteria, but which behave like viruses in many ways. The

phytoplasmas are spread from tree to tree by insects. Once infected, the tree quickly declines and

dies only several months after showing first symptoms.

Different phytoplasmas cause slightly different symptoms. In the case of diseases closest to

Australia, fronds turn brown and hang down the stem before later falling, eventually leaving only

the crownless stem. Dry rot develops in the newly expanding spear, progressing downwards to the

growing point where foul-smelling internal secondary rot develops. A common early symptom is

premature dropping of fruits of all ages, whether they are ripe or not. Another is rotting and

blackening of newly opened flowering shoots (inflorescences).

Four important coconut diseases are found in countries to Australia’s north. The closest threat to

Australia is a new disease recently discovered in Papua New Guinea. This phytoplasma is

devastating coconut production in northern New Guinea. Another phytoplasma has been spreading

through coconut plantings in parts of central Indonesia for much longer (DAWR, 2016).

8.7 Cumulative Impact

The only project that has the potential to result in cumulative impacts is the adjacent Skardon River

Bauxite Project by Gulf Alumina. The proposed SRBP involves mining of a bauxite ore body of 50 Mt.

The planned mine production rate would initially be 3 Mtpa initially and would rise to 5 Mtpa

subject to market conditions.

The total disturbance area for the bauxite mine across all three mining leases is approximately

1,515 ha - of which 139 ha has already been disturbed as part of the historical kaolin mining.

Therefore the proposed bauxite mine will create an additional 1,376 ha of new disturbance. Bauxite

products will be transported via the existing and new haul roads to the Port of Skardon River and

transhipped by barge to bulk carriers in deep water beyond the mouth of the river for export.

The potential impacts from both the Skardon River Bauxite Project and the Bauxite Hills Project will

be similar, and if managed correctly, should not result in any additional risk to biosecurity.


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For terrestrial pest flora and fauna, the additional clearing and operational movements when

combining both projects will extend the area over which potential impacts could occur. The entry

points for both projects are largely the same, with plant, machinery and equipment arriving and

departing site via barge and the airstrip being the major access point for personnel. Impacts will

predominantly be restricted to spread of existing terrestrial pests (fauna and flora) within the

Project and management will focus on this risk.

For marine pests, the two operations will export a total of up to 10 Mtpa of bauxite at peak

operations through the Skardon River, with up to 40 barge movements (20 loaded and 20 unloaded)

within the Skardon River itself each day once both projects are at peak operations. It is anticipated

that there will be between 80 and 100 OGV ship movements each year arriving into Australian

coastal waters from foreign ports.

Metro Mining will seek to work with Gulf Alumina to avoid and identify potential impacts from both

project activities. This may include collaborative monitoring programs and shipping management

plans. Ballast water management procedures in bulk carriers will be consistent with relevant

national and international standards aimed at preventing the spread of invasive species for both

projects. Vessels engaged in development and operation of the port will be subject to appropriate

biofouling management controls, consistent with the applicable national biofouling management

guidelines.

8.8 Management and Mitigation Measures


Metro Mining will develop a range of management and mitigation measures to control fauna pests,

incorporating both direct controls to reduce existing fauna pests and indirect controls to minimise

access to additional food and water sources that could facilitate new or increased pest populations.

8.8.1.1 Mitigation Measures

Direct Controls

Direct controls are proposed to reduce or eradicate completely the existing fauna pest species that

occur in the Project area. A site-specific Pest and Weed Management Plan (PWMP) will be developed

for the Project in coordination with the Mapoon Land and Sea Ranges, and in accordance with the

Cook Shire Council Pest Management Plan 2012 – 2016. The pest fauna management aspect of the

PWMP would be developed with the following attributes:

The program would focus on feral pigs, which are the main pest in the Project area; however,

provision would be made for control of other fauna pests as required;

The feral animal management program would be developed and implemented in the early

stages of the Project;

The program would focus on reducing pig numbers in sensitive environmental areas where pig

populations are concentrated;

Control measures would be compatible with accepted animal welfare outcomes; and

The control program would include an appropriate monitoring plan for measuring program

performance and guiding subsequent control effort.


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Indirect Controls

Indirect controls are proposed to ensure that pest fauna populations are not increased or introduced

as a result of mining operations. This will incorporate management decisions in relation to waste

management, water source minimisation and camp design (i.e. they may live and/or shelter under

accommodation during the day).

The following specific mitigation measures are proposed for the management of terrestrial pests

(fauna) species:

Metro Mining will prepare a Waste Management Plan to ensure that wastes are appropriately

managed onsite, with a focus on reducing access to food wastes by pest species (refer to Chapter

14 – Waste Management);

Waste collection areas will be fenced and secured;

Water management systems will aim to avoid the creation of artificial water points that could

provide a source of drinking water to vertebrate pests or breeding habitat for invertebrate

pests; and

Camp design will incorporate fencing and/or options to limit fauna access to camp

accommodation areas.


The Project is not proposing to have any established road access into the site, therefore one of the

major opportunities for the introduction and spread of weeds has been removed. While the risk of

introducing weeds is minimised, importation of machinery and personnel into the area, particularly

during the construction phase, still presents an opportunity for weed introduction.

Preventative methods are proposed to further reduce the risk of weeds being introduced into the

area. These include:

A thorough washdown procedure will be required for all plant and machinery prior to it being

shipped to site;

Clearing will be minimised to the area directly required for mining operations; and

A washdown facility will be constructed on site for any vehicles that do enter/leave the mining

lease areas, with a standard washdown procedure to be followed.

Any weeds that are identified within the Project area will require appropriate treatment to reduce

the potential for these species to spread to new areas. Should weed infestations occur, the treatment

applications will be selected relevant to the species, the size and growth stage of each infestation

and the timing of application.

Treatment applications that may be used are described below.

8.8.2.1 Physical Control

Physical control methods can be highly effective for the treatment of small infestations and can often

be applied with machinery or equipment that is readily available. This type of control is often cost

effective and may help to retain ground cover and discourage germination of weed seeds; however,

it has potential to disturb the soil and would be avoided in areas with poor soil stability.


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Physical methods may include:

Hand-pulling;

Grubbing;

Slashing/mowing;

Cultivation (ripping/rotary hoeing/stick raking);

Bulldozing; and

Mulching.

8.8.2.2 Chemical Control

All chemical treatment methods will be undertaken by experienced and licensed spray operators in

accordance with the Queensland Agricultural Chemicals Distribution Control Act 1966 (ACDC Act).

The type and method of application for chemical treatments will vary depending on the targeted

species, situation (e.g. waterways, adjacent pastures), size of infestation and growth stage of

individuals (refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet [MSDS] for individual herbicides). As a general

rule, chemicals used for weed control will be chosen with a preference for chemicals that break

down quickly in the natural environment, do not bio-accumulate and are not hazardous for

freshwater and/or marine aquatic life.

8.8.2.3 Cultural Control

Cultural control refers to land management and focuses on adopting better management practices

in order to reduce weed infestations and prevent weed spread. These methods are most effective

when used in conjunction with appropriate physical, chemical and biological control applications

and may include:

Minimise land disturbance – reducing the area of open land that is open for weed colonisation;

Revegetation – to provide natural ecosystems that will compete with any weed species;

Quarantine – ensuring appropriate procedures are in place to ensure quarantine requirements

are in place (i.e. international requirements for OGVs and domestic requirements if barging

from high risk ports);

Fire – fire is a natural part of many native ecosystems and can assist their establishment while

reducing weed infestations; and

Hygiene – procedures to reduce the spread of weeds from contaminated areas to ‘clean’ areas

e.g. washdown.

8.8.2.4 Monitoring and Reporting

Monitoring is an integral part of the weed management strategy and establishes benchmarks for

assessing the extent and distribution of significant weed species within the Project area over time

and the effectiveness of management strategies including treatment to minimise the introduction

and/or spread of these species and diseases.


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Any significant weed infestation would be considered an environmental incident and would be

reported in the site incident reporting system (see Section 18 – Hazard and Safety) triggering

appropriate activities to be undertaken.

As a result of gathering information through the monitoring process, the management approaches

will be altered as needed to improve results and respond to changes in the environment, thereby

giving the management approaches resilience and flexibility to react to seasonal conditions and

changes that may compromise existing priorities and previously set goals.

Monitoring activities will focus on:

Extent and distribution of new weed infestations. Regular weed surveys will be undertaken

during construction activities. Following construction, surveys will be undertaken on a regular

basis to assess the extent and distribution of significant weed species present within the Project

area. This survey will include previously disturbed areas, retained vegetation and buffer areas;

and

Treatment applications – For any significant weed infestations, photos will be taken prior to and

after treatment applications to provide a visual assessment of the effectiveness of methods to

reduce weed density.

8.8.2.5 Mitigation Measures

The following mitigation measures are proposed for the management of terrestrial pests (flora)

species:

Endemic vegetation species will be used for revegetation and landscaping activities;

Disturbed areas will be rehabilitated at the earliest opportunity, and buffers will be created

around identified riparian and wetland areas to reduce edge effects;

While there will be limited vehicle access, a wash down facility will be constructed at the main

site access point for vehicles arriving and departing from the Project site. These facilities are to

be bunded and located away from drainage lines to minimise the risk of weed spread;

Vehicles entering and leaving the Project will be thoroughly washed down before entering clean

areas; ensuring that wheels, wheel arches and the undercarriage are free of mud and plant

material;

While on site, vehicles to keep to roads or compacted surfaces wherever possible and reduce

vehicle movements in wetted soil where avoidance is not possible;

Identified weeds of management concern, including declared and environmental weeds, to be

controlled in accordance with local best practice management as described in the Pest Fact

sheets published by the DAF;

Treated areas will be monitored to assess the success of declared weed eradication;

Weed management to be included in the site induction program for the Project to promote

awareness of weed management issues;

A site-specific PWMP will be developed for the Project in coordination with the Mapoon Land

and Sea Ranges and in accordance with the Cook Shire Council Pest Management Plan 2012 –

2016. The PWMP will include a management program such as:


8-22

- Weed surveys would be conducted post wet season, targeting all operational areas

and immediately adjacent ecosystems

- Periodic weed surveys would be conducted targeting habitats where key weed species

are most likely to become established in high value areas such as Big Footprint Swamp

and other riparian and wetland areas

- Detailed GIS mapping of the above areas would form the basis of the weed

management program and guide weed surveys

A site-specific Fire Management Plan is to be developed for the Project in coordination with the

Mapoon Land and Sea Ranges that will be interrelated with the proposed weed and pest

management practices.

8.8.3 Marine Pests

The DAF released guidance into the design, operation and reporting of marine pest monitoring

within Australia via the Australian marine pest monitoring guidelines and Australian pest

monitoring manual. These documents will be used to establish a practical monitoring, management

and reporting program for introduced marine pests as required in the draft Project Environmental

Management Plan (EMP). The objectives of the Marine Pest Monitoring Program will be:

Early detection of introduced marine pests into the Skardon River; and

Implementation of an introduced marine pest emergency response where an introduced marine

pest is detected.

The draft EMP provides an overview of the monitoring program and the timing of the monitoring

program components.

Shipping vessels are a recognised vector for the transfer of organisms which may pose both marine

and terrestrial quarantine risks. These include vertebrate and invertebrate animals, plants and

pathogens, which may be conveyed in the vessel itself, the cargo, or via garbage and cargo residues

(e.g. wooden crates, pallets and shoring). The DAWR is responsible for the imposition of Australian

border biosecurity arrangements. The Seaports Program, by the former Department of Agriculture

(now DAWR), has well developed protocols and procedures applying to vessels arriving in Australia

from overseas, including compulsory pre-arrival pratique declarations.

For Skardon River, ship-sourced terrestrial quarantine risks should be considered to be somewhat

limited compared to most ports by virtue of the distance from shore that the ships will anchor

(approximately 12 km from the mouth of the Skardon River). Noting this, it may be assumed that

ships arriving at Skardon River from overseas are unlikely to pose an unacceptable level of

terrestrial quarantine risks, with these risks appropriately managed by standard DAWR protocols.

Vessels arriving at Skardon River from other Australian ports are unlikely to represent any specific

quarantine hazard, assuming that they had already been accorded ‘coastal status’ by Australian

quarantine authorities. This will include the domestic movements of barges carrying materials from

Cairns and Weipa.

General biofouling and ballast water management requirements are presented below.


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8.8.3.1 Biofouling Management

The National Biofouling Management Guidelines for Commercial Vessels1 provide commercial

vessel operators with tools to minimise the amount of biofouling accumulating on their vessels and

thereby minimise the risk of spreading marine pests around the Australian coastline. This would

include the regular barges proposed to deliver goods and remove wastes from the Project, generally

operating between Cairns and/or Weipa, and the site. The Guidelines will be appended to the Project

EMP.

All non-trading vessels such as barges, heavy lift vessels and tugs to be used on the Project shall

observe the National Biofouling Management Guidelines for Non-Trading Vessels. These vessels

will be operating almost exclusively within the Project area, and will have limited opportunity to

collect and/or spread any marine pests. The Guidelines will be appended to the Project EMP.

The preferred supplier of marine support services will be required to demonstrate compliance with

the relevant requirements of both guidelines.

The OGVs used to export the bauxite are currently not required to implement the guidelines as due

to the short timeframes in Australian waters they are considered a low risk. Where a specific

biological risk is identified with OGVs they can be placed in quarantine until the risk managed in

accordance with current best practice.

8.8.3.2 Ballast Water Management

Under the Quarantine Act 1908, Australia has implemented stringent regulations regarding the

discharge of ballast water in Australian waters. Under the Australian Ballast Water Management

Requirements it is prohibited to discharge ballast waters which originate from areas deemed to be

of high risk. The DAWR defines all salt water from ports and coastal waters outside Australia’s

territorial sea as high risk. Australian Ballast Water Management Requirements prescribe:

High risk ballast waters are prohibited to be discharged in Australian ports or waters; and

Ballast water exchange (if required) can only occur outside Australian waters.

Ships entering Australian waters with ballast waters derived from potable water supplies are able

to discharge ballasts in Australian ports; however, appropriate supporting documentation is

required. The DAWR ensures that foreign ballast water has been managed in accordance with the

Australian Ballast Water Management Requirements before permitting its discharge inside

Australia’s territorial sea (12 nm limit generally applies).

In accordance with the Quarantine Act 1908, OGVs proposing to discharge high risk ballast water

will be required to complete their ballast water exchange in mid-ocean outside of Australia’s

territorial sea (the area within 12 nm of the Australian coastal baseline). Acceptable ballast water

exchange methods in deep ocean areas are:

Tanks to be drained until pump suction is lost;

Flow through method with includes pumping three times the volume of the ballast tank;

Compliance regime in agreement with the Australian Ballast Water Management Requirements Version 5; and

Other in-tank treatment agreed with DAWR.

1 For complete definitions of commercial and non-trading vessels, refer to the National Biofouling Management Guidelines for Commercial Vessels and National Biofouling Management Guidelines for Non-Trading Vessels, respectively.

http://www.daff.gov.au/aqis/avm/vessels/ballast/requirements#requirements#requirements


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Commercial vessels (barges, tugs, support vessels) operating between Australian ports e.g.

Cairns/Weipa and the site are considered to be low risk and as such no treatment of ballast water

is necessary.

8.8.3.3 Routine Monitoring

Routine marine pest monitoring in the Skardon River will provide early detection of new pest

translocations and inform emergency response. It is anticipated that a marine pest monitoring

program will be developed and led by Ports North with collaboration from Metro Mining and Gulf

Alumina. It is anticipated that the marine pest monitoring programme (MPMP) that will be based

on the National System processes, standards and rationale, as described in the Australian Marine

Pest Monitoring Manual and Guidelines.

The Australian Marine Pest Monitoring Manual details the:

Monitoring design, including sampling procedures and species selection;

Field guides for sampling techniques and collection processes;

Sample handling, preservation and analysis procedures; and

Reporting format, including standard data sheets and reporting forms.

The Australian Marine Pest Monitoring Guidelines outlines the:

Decision process for selecting the priority locations and monitoring target species in Australia;

Governance arrangements for the implementation of monitoring programs;

Design pathways and management actions stemming from monitoring results; and

Review process to ensure future improvement to the monitoring programs, the manual and

guidelines and the monitoring strategy.

8.8.4 Plant Disease

All vehicles, machinery, plant equipment or materials imported from overseas will be required to

enter Australia through international ports, in accordance with existing quarantine laws and

procedures. As such it is unlikely that plant diseases from overseas will be introduced into the

Project area. As another form of management Metro will ensures that any vehicles, machinery, plant

equipment or materials imported from overseas will; be inspected for plant material prior to

arriving at the Project area. Furthermore, no rubbish will be transferred to the site from OGVs which

further reduces the risk of introduction of plant disease into the Project.

To minimise the risk of inadvertently spreading plant disease from domestic sources the following

management measures will be considered. Metro Mining will source all supplies from mainland

supplies. Metro Mining will also consider a policy of prohibiting its workforce from bringing fruit

and vegetables, and plant matter to site. Construction contractors and visitors to the site will be

made aware of plant disease quarantine requirements. Where necessary quarantine bins will be

provided for the receipt of plants and/or plant materials which may potential be affected by disease

or bacteria. Plants and plant materials suspected of being affected by a plant disease will be

immediately reported to DAF so that they are then able to provide instruction on further actions to

be taken such as diagnosis, containment and treatment.


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8.8.5 Vector Borne Disease

Mosquito management strategies will be developed to manage mosquitoes (and midges) for the

purpose of public health at the site and broader community well-being. Mosquitoes pose a risk to

human health as mosquitoes are vectors for many serious diseases, such as Ross River Virus and

Barmah Forest Virus.

A range of approaches to managing vector borne diseases will be considered by Metro Mining.

Control measures targeting adult mosquitoes have a large and immediate impact on virus

transmission, whereas larval control removes the subsequent generation of mosquitoes within the

affected area. Measures to address both stages of development will be implemented by Metro

Mining.

The most effective measure to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne transmission is to prevent or

reduce mosquito breeding. Mosquito control in Queensland is the legislative responsibility of local

government; however, Metro Mining will implement a range of measures at the Project area to limit

the risk of the vector borne disease.

Mosquito management strategies will be incorporated into the EMP and will combine a variety of

control measures to reduce population numbers and disease risk of mosquitoes, while having

minimal impact on the environment. Mosquito management programs differ according to mosquito

type and habitat. The mosquito species Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, both vectors of Dengue

Fever, breed in artificial containers such as pot plant bases, rainwater tanks and tyres, as well as in

natural habitats such as tree holes, plant axils and bromeliads. Whereas the mosquito species Aedes

vigilax and Culex annulirostris, both vectors of Ross River Virus and Barmah Forest Virus, breed in

saltmarsh and freshwater areas respectively.

Illness symptoms in employees (such as temperature, fever, joint and muscle pain) that may indicate

vector borne disease will be monitored and reported to the appropriate authorities.

The following list of management strategies are listed in order of preference, however, for effective

mosquito and midge management an integrated approach is required with most likely a

combination of the management strategies needing to be adopted.

8.8.5.1 Personnel Protection Measures

Personal protection measures to be implemented to avoid and repel mosquitoes include:

Personnel will be educated on the mosquito and midge problem on site and educated in

managemen

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