site based management plan

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SITE BASED MANAGEMENT PLAN

Edmonton Quarry and Mount Peter Quarry Lot 3 on RP744407 | Lot 11 on SP211977 | (Part of) Lot 3 on NR666

10161/R79494 Site Based Management Plan

1 10 Nov 2020

Separate Attachment to Clause No. 5 (Part 1) - Ordinary Meeting 22/9/21

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Document status

Version Purpose of document Authored by Reviewed by Approved by Review date

0 Draft K. Grundy/ M.Davis M. Davis M. Davis 18 Jun. 20

1 Final M. Davis M. Davis M. Davis 10 Nov 20

Approval for issue

Megan Davis

10 November 2020

This report was prepared by RPS within the terms of RPS’ engagement with its client and in direct response to a scope of services. This report is supplied for the sole and specific purpose for use by RPS’ client. The report does not account for any changes relating the subject matter of the report, or any legislative or regulatory changes that have occurred since the report was produced and that may affect the report. RPS does not accept any responsibility or liability for loss whatsoever to any third party caused by, related to or arising out of any use or reliance on the report.

Prepared by: Prepared for:

RPS Pioneer North Queensland Pty Ltd

Megan Davis Environment Manager

Paul Stokes Quarry Production Manager

135 Abbott Street Cairns QLD 4870

Lot 5, Maconachie St Woree QLD 4870

T +61 7 4031 1336

E [email protected]

T +61 7 4055 5720

E [email protected]

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Contents 1 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Purpose .......................................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Objectives ....................................................................................................................................... 1 1.3 Implementation ............................................................................................................................... 1

2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ....................................................................................................................... 2 2.1 Site Layout ..................................................................................................................................... 2 2.2 Surrounding Land Use and Sensitive Receptors ........................................................................... 2 2.3 Legislative Requirements, Permits and Approvals ........................................................................ 2 2.4 Application ...................................................................................................................................... 3

3 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS ...................................................................................................... 4

4 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES .......................................................................................................... 5 4.1 Site Manager .................................................................................................................................. 5 4.2 All Workers ..................................................................................................................................... 5 4.3 Subcontractors ............................................................................................................................... 5 4.4 Environmental Reporting Structure ................................................................................................ 5

5 ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES AND RISK ASSESSMENT ...................................................................... 7 5.1 Environmental Values .................................................................................................................... 7 5.2 Environmental Impacts and Risks .................................................................................................. 7

5.2.1 Risk Assessment Synopsis ............................................................................................... 7 5.2.2 Potential Environmental Impacts ...................................................................................... 8

6 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT MEASURES ...............................................................................10 6.1 Air .................................................................................................................................................10 6.2 Noise ............................................................................................................................................11 6.3 Water Management ......................................................................................................................12 6.4 Waste Management .....................................................................................................................14 6.5 Land and Rehabilitation Management .........................................................................................15

7 COMPLAINTS ........................................................................................................................................16 7.1 Complaints Procedure ..................................................................................................................16

8 EMERGENCY RESPONSE ...................................................................................................................17 8.1 Spill Response .............................................................................................................................17

8.1.1 Spill Kits ..........................................................................................................................17 8.2 Flooding and Stormwater Management .......................................................................................19 8.3 Fire Management .........................................................................................................................19

8.3.1 Potential Sources ............................................................................................................19 8.3.2 Risk Management ...........................................................................................................19 8.3.3 Fire Response.................................................................................................................19

8.4 Cyclone Management ..................................................................................................................19 8.4.1 Minimising Cyclone Damage ..........................................................................................20 8.4.2 Cyclone Issued Warnings ...............................................................................................20

8.5 Emergency Contact Numbers ......................................................................................................20

9 INCIDENT MANAGEMENT ...................................................................................................................22 9.1 What is an Incident .......................................................................................................................22 9.2 Incident Investigation ...................................................................................................................22 9.3 Incident Reporting ........................................................................................................................23 9.4 Incident Prevention ......................................................................................................................23

10 TRAINING, RECORDS, AND REVIEW .................................................................................................24

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10.1 Training ........................................................................................................................................24 10.2 Records Management ..................................................................................................................24 10.3 SBMP Review and Annual Return ...............................................................................................24 Site Based Management Plan Weekly Checklist ...................................................................................32

Tables Table 1: Summary of Licences, Legislation, Permits and Approvals. ................................................................ 3 Table 2: Site Reporting Structure ....................................................................................................................... 5 Table 3: Environmental Values ........................................................................................................................... 7 Table 4: Definitions of Likelihood ........................................................................................................................ 7 Table 5: Definitions of Consequences ................................................................................................................ 8 Table 6: Risk Assessment Matrix ....................................................................................................................... 8 Table 7: Indicative Management Option for Risk Assessment Ratings ............................................................. 8 Table 8: Identification of Potential Impacts from Site Activities on Environmental Values ................................. 9 Table 9: Assessment of Environmental Impacts ................................................................................................ 9

Figures Figure 1 Complaints Procedure ..................................................................................................................16 Figure 2 Spill Control and Clean-Up Process ............................................................................................18

Appendices Appendix A Site Location Plan .........................................................................................................................25 Appendix B Site Layout Plan ............................................................................................................................26 Appendix C Environmental Policy ....................................................................................................................27 Appendix D Incident Report Form ....................................................................................................................28 Appendix E Daily Checklist ...............................................................................................................................31

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1 INTRODUCTION Pioneer North Queensland Pty Ltd (PNQ) operate Edmonton Quarry and Mount Peter Quarry on Lot 3 on RP744407 and part of Lot 3 on NR666, respectively, with the intention of expanding the Edmonton Quarry onto Lot 11 on SP211977 as shown on the Site Location Plan, refer to Appendix A. As a result, PNQ have engaged RPS Group to prepare a Site Based Management Plan (SBMP) to manage and mitigate potential environmental impacts of the following existing and proposed Environmentally Relevant Activities at the sites: • ERA 6: Manufacturing more than 1,000t of asphalt in a year (Lot 3 on RP744407 only);

• ERA 16 – 2 (b): Extracting, other than by dredging, in a year, the following quantity of material, more than 100,000t but not more than 1,000,000t; and

• ERA 16 – 3 (b): Screening, in a year, the following quantity of material, more than 100,000t but not more than 1,000,000t.

1.1 Purpose The purpose of the SBMP is to outline work practices which address the specified regulatory requirements under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 to minimise the risk of environmental harm resulting from extractive operations and comply with Environmental Authority (EA) EPPR00676413.

It is noted that requirements under the Workplace Health and Safety Act 2011 are not included in this document and will be addressed by PNQ separately.

1.2 Objectives The objectives of this SBMP are to: • Identify environmental values of the project site and surrounds;

• Determine the potential risk of adverse environmental impacts associated with the operation of the quarry

• Describe measures to minimise the risk of environmental harm;

• To ensure all environmental safeguards are implemented correctly;

• Provide a mechanism for review and continual improvement of environmental performance; and

• Provide a reporting, monitoring and training schedule.

1.3 Implementation PNQ is responsible for implementing the SBMP for the project and ensuring compliance with the nominated requirements. PNQ is also responsible for ensuring appropriate corrective actions arising from a failure to meet stated performance requirements are implemented.

Where contracts are entered into for work associated with this project, PNQ shall:

• Induct the employees on the requirements of the SBMP and PNQ expectations;

• Ensure that all employees comply with the requirements of the SBMP;

• Require the employees and its contractors to report non-conformances with the SBMP; and

• Monitor and measure the performance of employees and its contractor against the requirements of the SBMP.

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2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

2.1 Site Layout The site layout plan has been provided for reference as Appendix B which shows the existing site layout and proposed extraction expansion area.

The site areas, infrastructure and equipment will include:

• Site office, weighbridge, car parking areas and access roads

• Workshop and refuelling bay

• Concrete batching plant

• Asphalt batching plant

• Earthmoving equipment

• Screening plant

• Processing and stockpiling

• Laydown areas

• Extraction areas

• Stormwater management infrastructure

• Sedimentation ponds

• Operational exclusion/environmental buffer zones, including native vegetation and watercourses

• Rehabilitated areas.

The quarries extract rock from steep terrain which peaks at approximately 250mAHD and is benched down to approximately 24mAHD within the extraction pits. The disturbed area of Edmonton Quarry is currently approximately 260,000m2 in total and the area of Mt Peter Quarry is 35,000m2.

2.2 Surrounding Land Use and Sensitive Receptors The land surrounding the site comprises extractive industry uses (Mt Peter Quarry, Edmonton Quarry and Zappala Quarry), agriculture/rural uses, predominately cane farming, natural areas (Little Mulgrave National Park to the south, Number Three Creek, Wright Creek and tributaries and remnant and regrowth vegetation) and rural residential/lifestyle uses.

Nearby natural areas and sensitive receptors are shown in Appendix B and include Little Mulgrave National Park to the south, Number Three Creek, Wrights Creek and tributaries, and indicated residential properties (sensitive receptors).

2.3 Legislative Requirements, Permits and Approvals Licences, permits and approvals required for this project are summarised in Table 1 below. PNQ have ensured that any licences, permits and approvals have or will be obtained prior to work commencing.

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Table 1: Summary of Licences, Legislation, Permits and Approvals.

Regulatory Authority

Licence / Permit / Approval Type Status Summary of Key Conditions and Monitoring

Required

Department of Environment and Science (DES)

Environmental Authority (Amalgamated) Approved

EPPR00676413 – approved ERA 16 (2b) and ERA 16 (3b) Extraction and screening of between 100,000 and 1,000,000 tonnes per year on Lot 3 on NR666 and Lot 3 on RP744407


Environmental Authority (Amalgamated) Approved EPPR00676413 – approved ERA 6

manufacture of asphalt on Lot 3 on RP744407

Cairns Regional Council

Development Approval Application

Application Development application for Material Change of Use on Lot 11 on SP211977.


Environmental Authority Application Application

Application for ERA 16 (2b) and ERA 16 (3b) Extraction and screening of between 100,000 and 1,000,000 tonnes per year on Lot 11 on SP211977.

Monitoring Required

2.4 Application This SBMP applies to all personnel (staff and contractors) and activities associated with the operation of the facility.

PNQ management is responsible for authorising this SBMP and monitoring its implementation at the site. The Site Manager is responsible for implementation of the SBMP and shall ensure that all persons employed or sub-contracted to the project are made aware of their environmental responsibilities as determined by this SBMP and as legislated by the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act).

Environmental duties of all personnel include the following:

• General Environmental Duty – whereby a person in the performance of their duties shall not do so in a manner which will cause, or is likely to cause, environmental harm unless the person takes all reasonable and practical measures to prevent or minimise the harm; and

• Duty to Notify Environmental Harm – whereby if a person in the performance of their duties becomes aware that serious or material environmental harm is caused or threatened, then the person must immediately contact the Site Manager who in turn must immediately notify the relevant authorities.

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3 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS PNQ, as a subsidiary of Hanson, accepts the responsibility for environmental protection which is integral to the conduct of its commercial operations, refer to Appendix C for Hanson’s Environmental Policy.

PNQ is committed to:

• Operating practices which seek to minimise impacts, prevent pollution and minimise the likelihood ofenvironmental harm through work and management practices, continual improvement, training and theuse of new technology;

• Compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations and Codes of Practice in existingoperations, new developments and upgrades;

• Management review of environmental objectives and targets;

• Waste management to minimise wastes, develop viable recycling opportunities, and ensure properhandling and disposal methods;

• Product development which seeks to combine commercial viability and efficient use and conservation ofresources;

• Environmental assessment of new projects, asset purchases, sales and existing operations;

• Environmental Incident Response – contingency plans to minimise health, safety and environmentalrisks;

• Rehabilitation of areas affected by business operations;

• Communication of the Hanson environmental policy;

• Striving to meet Community Expectations through consultation within Hanson and with other relevantbodies, community groups and neighbours about environmental matters of common concern;

• Water Management which is integral to achieving sustainability, balancing today’s needs with those ofthe future (refer to Water Policy for more information); and

• Energy management which is integral to managing greenhouse gas emissions from our operations andthus abating the impact of our business on the climate (refer to Energy Management Policy for moreinformation).

PNQ will encourage concern and respect for the environment and will emphasise every employee’s responsibility for environmental performance.

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4 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

4.1 Site Manager The Site Manager is responsible for promoting and maintaining good environmental management and ensures that this SBMP is effectively implemented. The Site Manager is required to support the Site Manager and hold them accountable for their specific responsibilities. The Site Manager is responsible for taking prompt remedial action to eliminate any non-compliance or environmentally risky conditions. The Site Manager must investigate and address complaints and incidents. The Site Manager is responsible for inducting all workers and subcontractors and directing site activities in accordance with this SBMP.

The Site Manager is responsible for taking all practical measures to ensure the site is operating according to this SBMP, and without risks to the environment. The Site Manager is responsible for detecting any non-compliance or environmentally risky conditions by undertaking regular inspections. If the Site Manager does not have the necessary authority to fix a problem, they are responsible for reporting the matter promptly and recommending remedial action to the Operations Manager - Extraction.

4.2 All Workers All workers are required to attend site inductions and follow this SBMP. All workers must undertake site works and comply with the general environmental duty as outlined within Section 319 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994 and a duty to notify of environmental harm as outlined within Section 320 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994. Workers must undertake activities in accordance with this SBMP and report all incidents, spills or non-conformances.

4.3 Subcontractors All subcontractors engaged to perform work for PNQ are required, as part of their contract, to comply with this SBMP and to comply with directions from the company’s designated officers. Failure to comply will be considered a breach of the contract and sufficient grounds for termination of the contract.

4.4 Environmental Reporting Structure The responsibilities and reporting structure for key environmental management roles at the site have been broadly described in Table 2 below.

Table 2: Site Reporting Structure

Role Role Responsibilities Reports To

PNQ Executive

Management (includes

Operations Manager)

• Provision of sufficient resources to manage the environment.• Ensure appropriate training is undertaken by all personnel.• Maintenance of correct permits and approvals.• Commission third party audits and investigation as required.• Review of monitoring outcomes and ensure corporate compliance.• Review SBMP effectiveness (including for continuous improvement).

DES and other administrating government authorities

Site Manager

• Management of personnel present at site.• Ensure personnel receive training to develop skills required.• Undertake site inductions and orientation.• Work with the PNQ Management to address complainants, community

groups and other stakeholders.• Perform regular inspections of the site e.g. the plant, equipment,

maintenance schedules, security fences, etc.• Implement the SBMP for all environmental matters on site, with

authority to direct compliance with the SBMP.• Undertake or coordinate scheduled and non-scheduled internal

environmental audits.• Undertake or coordinate environmental monitoring events.• Maintain complaints register and works to address improvements for

the site.

PNQ Management

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• Ensure measures to prevent unauthorised site access are in place, including gates at the main entrance which are to be closed outside of operation hours.

• Supervise persons entering the site. • Ensure any hazardous waste is dealt with as per Environmental

Protection (Waste Management) Policy 2000. • Ensure the SBMP is made available and communicated to all staff. • Allocate resources for environmental management, staff training and

SBMP duties. Environmental

Advisor/ Consultant

• Undertake requested monitoring and reporting • Undertake requested audits and technical assessments

Site Manager, PNQ

All Site Staff

• Undertake site works as instructed by the Site Manager. • Undertake site works with a duty of care under the Environmental

Protection Act and Regulations 1994. • Undertake activities in compliance with this SBMP. • Report all incidents, spills, or environmental non-compliances with the

SBMP to the Site Manager.

Site Manager, PNQ

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5 ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES AND RISK ASSESSMENT RPS has undertaken a detailed desktop assessment and site surveys to identify potential environmental values that maybe impacted on by the extractive industry. The following sections provide a brief overview of the environmental values within and adjacent to the site. An assessment of the potential impacts to these values is provided, with detailed management measures to be implemented to minimise the risk of environmental harm provided in Section 6 – Environmental Management Measures.

5.1 Environmental Values An assessment of potential environmental values is summarised in Table 3.

Table 3: Environmental Values

Environmental Value Description

Risk Assessment

Required

Air Air quality is an environmental value of the surrounding environment that must be protected Yes

Water The receiving water environment has community and ecological environmental values that must be protected Yes

Wetlands There are no identified wetlands in the receiving environment of the site No

Groundwater The receiving groundwater environment has community and ecological environmental values that must be protected Yes

Noise Noise is a potential impact to nearby sensitive receptors Yes

Waste Current and proposed operations will produce waste Yes

Land Land values of native vegetation, wildlife habitat, soil quality and natural landforms exist on the site and will be impacted by current and proposed activities

Yes

5.2 Environmental Impacts and Risks The following section describes risks to environmental values and likely magnitude of the impacts generated by the existing operations and proposed expansion.

5.2.1 Risk Assessment Synopsis The risk assessment adopted is a qualitative risk-based approach designed to assess risk based on the likelihood of an environmental impact or event occurring (refer to Table 4 – Definitions of Likelihood), and the consequences of the occurrence on the surrounding environmental values (Table 5 – Definitions of Consequence). The likelihood and consequences are scored between 1 and 5 for each potential impact or event. The risk assessment has been formulated considering potential for impact without control measures put in place to manage potential risk.

Table 4: Definitions of Likelihood

Rating Descriptor Score Rare May occur only in exceptional circumstances 1 Unlikely Could occur but doubtful 2 Possible Might occur at some point in the future 3 Likely Will probably occur 4 Almost Certain Is expected to occur in most circumstances 5

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Table 5: Definitions of Consequences

Rating Descriptor Score Negligible Impacts not requiring any treatment or management action 1 Minor Nuisance or insignificant environmental harm requiring minor management actions 2 Moderate Serious environmental impacts, readily manageable at low cost 3

Major Substantial environmental impacts, manageable but at considerable cost and some disruption 4

Catastrophic Severe environmental impacts with major consequent disruption and heavy cost 5

Table 6: Risk Assessment Matrix

Consequence of Said Impact

Likelihood of an Environmental Impact

Negligible Minor Moderate Major Catastrophic 1 2 3 4 5

Almost Certain 5 5

Medium 10

High 15

High 20

Extreme 25

Extreme

Likely 4 4

Low 8

Medium 12

High 16

High 20

Extreme

Possible 3 3 Low

6 Medium

9 Medium

12 High

15 High

Unlikely 2 2

Low 4

Low 6

Medium 8

Medium 10

High

Rare 1 1

Low 2

Low 3

Low 4

Low 5

Medium

The consequence and likelihood scores are then plotted on the risk assessment matrix, refer to Table 6 above. The final risk level assigned is thus a product of the likelihood and consequence scores. The higher the risk score, the higher the priority is for management.

Table 7 describes the possible actions required for each risk assessment rating.

Table 7: Indicative Management Option for Risk Assessment Ratings

Risk Rating Risk Rating Scores Indicative Management Option

Extreme 16 - 25 Manage by implementing site management and emergency procedures, plant design controls and regular monitoring.

High 10 - 15 Manage by implementing site management procedures, specific monitoring, and may require some operation/plant design controls.

Medium 5 – 9 Manage by implementing specific monitoring or response procedures.

Low 1 - 4 Manage by routine procedures, unlikely to need specific application of resources.

5.2.2 Potential Environmental Impacts Activities associated with the existing quarries and proposed expansion which have the potential to cause environmental harm and/or nuisance have been outlined in Table 8.

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Table 8: Identification of Potential Impacts from Site Activities on Environmental Values

Activity

Potential Impacts Environmental Values Impacted

Air Water Noise Land Waste Flora and Fauna

Clearing and Grubbing

Extraction and

stockpiling of topsoil

Extraction of material including blasting

Screening of material

Stockpiling

Heavy machinery movement

Light vehicle movement

Waste storage

Site activities have been tabulated against environmental values to determine the risk and likely magnitude of impacts and to provide a focus for management strategies, refer to Table 9 below.

Table 9: Assessment of Environmental Impacts

Activity

Potential Impacts Environmental Values Impacted

Air Water Noise Land Waste Flora and Fauna

Clearing and grubbing 3 x 2 = 6 4 x 3 = 12 4 x 3 = 12 3 x 2 = 6 3 x 1 = 3 4 x 3 = 12

Extraction and stockpiling of topsoil 3 x 2 = 6 4 x 3 = 12 4 x 3 = 12 4 x 2 = 8 3 x 1 = 3 4 x 2 = 8

Extraction of material including blasting 3 x 2 = 6 4 x 3 = 12 4 x 3 = 12 4 x 2 = 8 3 x 1 = 3 3 x 1 = 3

Crushing material 4 x 3 = 12 3 x 2 = 6 4 x 3 = 12 NA 3 x 1 = 3 3 x 1 = 3 Screening of material 4 x 3 = 12 3 x 2 = 6 4 x 3 = 12 4 x 2 = 8 3 x 1 = 3 3 x 1 = 3

Stockpiling 4 x 3 = 12 4 x 3 = 12 4 x 3 = 12 4 x 2 = 8 3 x 1 = 3 3 x 1 = 3 Heavy machinery

movement including haul trucks

3 x 1 = 3 3 x 2 = 6 4 x 3 = 12 4 x 2 = 8 3 x 1 = 3 3 x 1 = 3

Light vehicle movement 2 x 1 = 2 3 x 1 = 3 2 x 3 = 6 2 x 3 = 6 3 x 1 = 3 2 x 1 = 2 Waste storage NA 3 x 1 = 3 NA 2 x 3 = 6 4 x 2 = 8 NA

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6 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT MEASURES The identification of potential environmental impacts and associated risk matrix in Section 5 has informed the management measures set out below.

6.1 Air Aim

No environmental nuisance is caused by the release of noxious or offensive airborne odours or contaminants (e.g. sulphur dioxide, dust) resulting from site activity.

Success Criteria

• Dust deposition does not exceed 120 mg/m2/day at a nuisance sensitive or commercial place, and dust less than 10 micrometres (PM10) suspended in the air does not exceed 150 µg/m3 over a 24 hour average downwind of site at a nuisance sensitive or commercial place. Both monitoring methods are to be in accordance with the Australian Standard AS (3580.9.6 of 2003) or more recent edition. • Sulphur dioxide levels do not exceed 700 µg/m3 for 1 hour average and 365 µg/m3 for a 24 hour average, at a sensitive site (ground level). • Contaminants released from the rotary kiln used to manufacture asphalt (release point A1) do not exceed total suspended particulates mass emission rate of 90 µg/m3 for a 1 year average, and sulphur dioxide mass emission rates of 700 µg/m3 for a 10 minute average, 570 µg/m3 for a 1 hour average, and 60 µg/m3 for a 1 year average, at release point A1. • No dust and/or odour complaints received from adjoining operations, nearby sensitive places or from statutory authorities.

Management Actions Responsibility Frequency

Adhere to 40km/h speed limit across site. All staff At All Times

Report any dusty conditions to Site Manager. All staff As Required

Cover (i.e. with grass or mulch) or keep moist all long term (greater than 3 months) topsoil stockpiles. Site Manager As Required

Implement progressive rehabilitation to limit open extraction area to as small as feasible. Site Manager As Required

Increase frequency of water cart use on internal roads and stockpile areas as required to suppress dust. Site Manager As Required

Direct emissions from the rotary kiln vertically upwards without any impedance or hindrance, and release at release point A1 at a minimum height of 18 m and minimum velocity of 8 m/s

Site Manager As Required

Only burn Natural Gas, Fuel Oil or LPG with a sulphur content of 0.5 percent by weight, or less, in the rotary kiln used for manufacture of asphalt.


Routine Monitoring Program Responsibility Frequency

Visually inspect site, operations and effectiveness of dust controls. Site Manager Daily

Proactive dust deposition monitoring. Site Manager Monthly

Inspect asphalt batching plant for sources of odour which may generate complaints. Site Manager Daily

Inspect all filter systems on the asphalt batching plant and maintain in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. Site Manager Monthly

Complaint Response Monitoring

When requested by the administrating authority, dust and particulate monitoring must be undertaken to investigate any complaints of environmental nuisance caused by dust and/or particulate matter. The results of monitoring are to be passed to Department of Environment and Science (DES) within 14 days of completing the monitoring. Monitoring must

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be carried out at a place(s) relevant to the potentially affected dust sensitive place and at upwind control sites and must include: 1. For a complaint alleging dust nuisance, dust deposition monitoring shall be in accordance with AS3580.10.1 2003 (or more recent editions). 2. For a complaint alleging adverse health effects caused by dust, the PM10 concentration suspended in the atmosphere over a 24hr averaging time shall be monitored in accordance with AS3580.9.6 2003 (or more recent editions). When requested by the administrating authority, monitoring must be undertaken to investigate any complaint of environmental nuisance caused by a release to the atmosphere from release point A1 (asphalt rotary kiln) and comply with AS4323.1 1995 (or more recent editions). The results of monitoring are to be passed to DES within 14 days of completing the monitoring. Monitoring must occur when emissions are expected to be at maximum rates and include: 1. Gas velocity and volume flow rate; 2. Temperature; 3. Water vapour concentration (moisture content); 4. Production rate at time of sampling; 5. Raw materials used; 6. Number of equipment and mixing vessels operating; 7. Operating or mixing temperature; 8. Product made; and 9. Reference to the actual test methods and accuracy of the methods. PNQ is responsible for engaging a suitably qualified and experienced air quality consultant to undertake monitoring. All monitoring equipment used must be calibrated and appropriately operated and maintained. In the event of an odour complaint being submitted, measures must be undertaken as soon as practicable to minimise the release of the odour beyond the boundaries of the licensed place.

Corrective Actions

If success criteria are not met, examples of corrective actions may include: 1. Ensure tracks and stockpile area is dust suppressed (water cart) every morning and as required throughout the

day. 2. Cease operating air polluting machinery and undertake maintenance.

Reporting Responsibility Frequency

Record inspection notes, observations, actions and notifications from staff in diary. Site Manager As Required

Dust deposition monitoring report. Consultant Monthly

Release of contaminants at release point A1 not in compliance with the site’s EA conditions are to be reported to the Pollution Hotline on 1300 130 372 or local office as soon as practicable after becoming aware.

Site Manager Within 14 days of the completion of

monitoring.

Results from complaint monitoring shall be forwarded to the administering authority. Site Manager As Required

6.2 Noise Aim

No environmental nuisance is caused by noise from site activity at a noise sensitive or commercial place.

Success Criteria

• Noise emissions do not cause nuisance at any sensitive receptors. • Noise does not exceed 45 dB(A) measured as LA10, adj, 10 mins; and 50 dB(A) measured as LA1, adj, 10 mins. • Airblast overpressure from blasting is no more than 115 dB (Lin) Peak for 4 out of any 5 consecutive blasts; and >35

Hz ground vibrations are no more than 25 mm/s peak particle velocity or <35 Hz ground vibrations are no more than 10 mm/s peak particle velocity, at an affected building.


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No unnecessary use of horns or other audible signals on mobile plant or equipment. Use of directional low frequency reversing beepers. All staff At all Times

Plant and equipment will be maintained in good working order and maintained as required. Where required, noise suppressors will be installed.

Site Manager to schedule equipment

maintenance.

As per manufacturers specifications

Blasting will be carried out in a proper manner by a competent person in accordance with best practice environmental management. Site Manager As Required

Work will take place during nominated work hours only (7am until 6pm, 6 days per week). All Staff At all Times

Operators to report faulty equipment. As per manufacturers specifications At all Times


Inspect site in relation to noise emissions, noise controls and operations. Site Manager Daily

Complaint Response Monitoring

When requested by the administering authority noise monitoring must be undertaken to investigate any complaint of noise nuisance and must include: 1. LA 10, adj, 10 mins.2. LA 1, adj, 10 mins.3. The level and frequency of occurrence of impulsive or tonal noises.4. Atmospheric condition including wind speed and direction.5. Effects due to extraneous factors such as traffic noise.6. Location, date and time of recording.Results of the monitoring are to be submitted to DES within 14 days of the complaint being submitted.PNQ is responsible for engaging a suitably qualified and experienced acoustic consultant to undertake the monitoring as required. The method of measurement and reporting of noise levels must comply with the latest edition of the DES Noise Measurement Manual. All monitoring equipment used must be calibrated and appropriately operated and maintained.

Corrective Actions

If success criteria are not met, examples of corrective actions may include: 1. Review the use of any audible signals.2. Investigate feasible additional noise attenuation devices for plant or equipment.


Record inspection notes, observations, actions and notifications from staff in diary. Site Manager As Required

Results from complaint monitoring shall be forwarded to the administering authority. Site Manager

Within 14 days of the completion of

monitoring.

6.3 Water Management Aim

To minimise the risk of adverse impacts to surface or groundwater quality by implementing appropriate water pollution controls at the site.

Success Criteria

• No adverse impacts to existing surface water quality from site operations.• Oil spills and product spills are contained within 1 hour of the event and cleaned within 24 hours.• Spill kits are available and maintained.• No visual signs of erosion occurring onsite.• No wastewater discharge to the environment.

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• Suspended solids of released water, measured at release points, does not exceed background site concentration measured on the same day by more than 30%.


• Stockpiles – stockpiles will drain towards the sedimentation pond. • Bunds/Berms – Temporary bunds or berms will be constructed of

clean material only. • Equipment – Equipment will be relocated above flood levels and

checked for oil and hydraulic leaks – complete urgent & minor repairs using temporary bunding as required to prevent potential stormwater contamination.

• Internal Haul Roads – Minimise vehicle activity through stormwaters. • Waste - all generates waste into skip bins and ensure regularly

emptied. • Fuel Storage – install and maintain bunded storage area to AS1940

above flood levels. • Offices/minor services – locate above flood levels.

Site Manager At all Times

Implement the site’s Erosion and Sediment Control Plan. Site Manager At all Times

Erosion and sediment control structures maintained at all times during operation and checked, repaired or replaced as required after each rain event.


Diversion drains are installed to divert surface water from disturbed areas and stockpiles to sedimentation ponds. Site Manager As Required

Sedimentation ponds are managed to meet storage and aerobic condition requirements of the EA. Site Manager As Required

Surface water quality monitoring will be undertaken in accordance with the EA.

Consultant/Site Manager As Required

Machinery maintenance activities on site include limited/small repairs of light vehicles; regular servicing and major repairs of heavy vehicles/rebuild on a sealed bunded pad in the machinery shed.


Spill kits, oil collection trolley or containers, mobile drip trays shall be available and in place during servicing to contain any leaks or spills. All staff As Required

Chemicals and fuels in containers greater than 15L to be stored within a secondary containment system. All Staff At all Times

All spills shall be reported and cleaned up to minimise land or water contamination. Preference to dry methods of cleaning up spills to be given where possible.

All Staff At all Times

Long term cover and capping soil stockpiles to be seeded and stabilised. Silt fencing and/or bunding to be placed below short-term stockpiles to minimise sediment run off to the environment.



Surface water monitoring at release points, during overflow period. Site Manager Monthly as required

Visually inspect site, operations and effectiveness of erosion and sediment controls. Site Manager Daily

Corrective Actions

If success criteria are not met, examples of corrective actions may include: 1. Ensure wash down and maintenance activities are undertaken in contained areas to minimise the risk of water or

land contamination. 2. Employ rock mulching or graveling to reduce erosion occurring onsite. 3. Identify sources of sediment and adjust erosion controls. 4. Ag lime maybe used to treat the acidification of surface waters.

REPORT



Record inspection notes, observations, actions and notifications in diary. Site Manager Daily as Required

Record all uncontrolled spills and water quality sampling results. Site Manager As Required

Include a plan of surface water monitoring locations and results in the annual return. Site Manager Annually

Keep site vehicle maintenance records. Site Operators As Required

Surface water quality monitoring report. Consultant As Required

6.4 Waste Management Aim

All solid and liquid wastes are handled and transferred in a proper and efficient manner to minimise the risk of release to the environment.

Success Criteria

• No improper storage, transport or disposal of wastes. • All reasonable and practical measures are taken to contain litter.


All waste oils/fuels or other liquid waste will be stored in a sealed bunded area according to AS 1940 – Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids (bund volume to exceed volume of largest container plus 10%).

Site Operators At all Times

Appropriate space will be provided for the temporary storage of general refuse, recyclable and compostable waste to ensure separation of waste products.


Waste will be managed in the preferred order of avoid, re-use, recycle, recover, treat and dispose within the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011 (Qld).


If litter is blown or washed off site, it is to be retrieved and ensure it is disposed of in the appropriate manner and additional measures to prevent a recurrence (e.g. litter screens) are to be undertaken.

All Staff At all Times

Maintain spill kits and ensure clean up equipment is available at site office (240L wheelie bin with mobile kits in each vehicle) with annual inspection of spill kits.

Site Manager Replenish as

required following use.

Burning of waste is not to occur on site. Site Manager As Required


Monitor waste storage, handling and disposal practices. Site Manager Daily

Daily inspections to ensure the site is free of uncontrolled rubbish, tidy and all wastes are appropriately stored and managed. Site Manager At all Times

Corrective Actions

If success criteria are not met, examples of corrective actions may include: 1. Retrain staff in correct waste management and disposal procedures. 2. Ensure appropriate storage facilities are available for regulated and general waste. 3. Investigate incidents and incorporate findings into training and management resources to achieve continual

improvement.


Record site observations, actions and notifications in daily diary. Site Manager As Required

REPORT


6.5 Land and Rehabilitation Management Aim

To return the site to a stable landform once extractive operations have ceased.

Success Criteria

• Extracted areas are progressively rehabilitated as works are staged and new extraction areas commence. • Potential impacts from extraction are avoided, mitigated, or managed.


Implement the site’s Revegetation Management Plan (refer to Appendix F). Site Manager As Required

Earthen surfaces must be established with suitable species of vegetation for the location. Site Manager As Required

The potential for erosion should be minimised through staged development and the progressive rehabilitation of backfilled extraction pits. Site Manager As Required

The quality of water released from the site must not cause environmental harm.

Consultant/Site Manager Monthly

Water quality of any residual water body must not have the potential to cause environmental harm.

Consultant/Site Manager Monthly

The final landform of the site overall must be stable to ensure the protection of the public’s safety. Site Manager As Required


Monitor the quality of water released from the site. Consultant/Site Manager Monthly

Monitor residual water bodies. Consultant/Site Manager Monthly

Progressive rehabilitation will be monitored to ensure areas undergoing rehabilitation are safe and stable and do not have the potential for environmental harm or nuisance.

Site Manager Monthly


Record site observations, actions and notifications in diary. Site Manager Daily as Required

Retain records of progressive rehabilitation and actions performed. Site Manager As Required

Include a site development plan and documentation of progressive rehabilitation in the annual return. Site Manager Annually

REPORT


7 COMPLAINTS The Site Manager will maintain and update a complaints log.

The following details must be recorded for all complaints received:

1. Time, date, name and contact details of the complainant;

2. Reasons for complaint;

3. Any investigations undertaken;

4. Conclusions formed; and

5. Any actions taken.

The complaints log must be provided to the administering authority on request.

7.1 Complaints Procedure

Figure 1 Complaints Procedure

REPORT


8 EMERGENCY RESPONSE This section provides an overview of response requirements for emergencies that could potentially occur at the site.

Ensure that all weather access to the normal operation sections of the site are to be kept maintained whilst the site is open.

8.1 Spill Response If a spill threatens the safety or health of people, creates a fire hazard or has the potential to cause or causes serious environmental harm then the site emergency procedure shall be followed.

Where a chemical spill occurs, consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for spill procedures. The following steps should also be considered:

Stop the source and spread of the spill if safe to do so:

• Check for danger (see note);

• Prevent the spill from getting larger (turn off valves, block damaged tanks or pipes, roll 44-gallon drums so that the opening is at the top), and

• Use any suitable material or equipment to confine the spill by “damming it off” (e.g. use available spill response equipment such as booms or absorbent or if unavailable then use soil or other suitable material).

Clean up the spill

• Once the spill has been contained, retrieve as much of the spilled liquid as possible and place in an appropriate container (e.g. 20L drum or 1000L IBC). The liquid should then be appropriately disposed of off-site to a facility licensed to receive such waste. The spill is to be cleaned up with preference to dry methods of cleaning up;

• Absorb remaining spill with absorbent material and place used absorbent in the appropriate waste bin;

• Treat areas of contaminated soil in accordance with Figure 2 below; and

• Where applicable, replenish equipment used from Spill Response Kit.

Report the spill

• Report and investigate all spills in accordance with Incident Reporting and Analysis (Refer to Section 9.3).

Note: If a significant hazardous chemical spill occurs, and no SDS exists due to nature of the circumstance then the spill may need to be immediately notified to environmental and emergency response authorities before clean-up can commence. Specialised PPE or equipment may also be required.

8.1.1 Spill Kits Spill kits and/or spill clean-up equipment will be available at the Site Office/Workshop. Equipment contained in spill response kits shall be replenished upon use, equal to the specified list contained within the kit. The Site Manager will be responsible for the regular inspection of the Spill Response Kit and for replenishing missing/used items when necessary.

REPORT


Figure 2 Spill Control and Clean-Up Process

REPORT


8.2 Flooding and Stormwater Management If heavy rainfall or flooding is forecast for the area, the Site Manager shall prepare the site by:

• Relocating any mobile plant or equipment to higher parts of the site;

• Removing potential contaminants from site ensuring that potential contaminants are protected fromrainfall or stormwater flows; and

• Ensuring all erosion and sediment control measures have been maintained and are in place.

8.3 Fire Management

8.3.1 Potential Sources Fire scenarios on the site could potentially arise from:

• Electrical failures;

• Refuelling incidents; and

• Waste combustion.

8.3.2 Risk Management To minimise these risks the following measures have been adopted for the site:

• Fire Extinguishers must be installed beside refuelling areas;

• Maintaining accessible Fire Extinguishers at all times;

• Regular slashing of grassed or vegetated areas around the site;

• No unauthorised burning on the site;

• No stockpiling of vegetation on the site;

• The water truck used for dust prevention may also be used as an initial firefighting resource;

• Risk assessment on the co-storage of chemicals; and

• Clear access for fire-fighting vehicles.

Specific recommendations can be obtained by requesting an inspection by the local fire service.

8.3.3 Fire Response In the event of a small fire at the site, a portable fire extinguisher or water truck may be used to attempt to extinguish the fire. If this is unsuccessful or the fire is large, Queensland Fire and Rescue Service shall be contacted immediately. An emergency should be declared on site and all personnel should directly assemble at the site evacuation point for roll call.

8.4 Cyclone Management It is recommended that staff remain in contact with each other during times of extreme weather events and plan accordingly, eliminating the possibility of staff being caught out in extreme weather events.

REPORT


8.4.1 Minimising Cyclone Damage To minimise the potential damage caused by cyclones the following measures are to be adopted:

• Ensure buildings are built to cyclone standards of local council.

• Eliminate loose objects on site that can act as projectiles during cyclones.

8.4.2 Cyclone Issued Warnings When a cyclone warning is issued the progress of the cyclone is to be monitored and if requested by local authorities or Site Manager the site is to be evacuated.

All work is to cease, and erosion and sediment controls to be implemented to prevent loss of any stockpiled material. Cover materials must consist of soils that have been assessed as having low erodibility and are able to withstand water velocity up to 0.7m/s without any significant erosion.

Waste temporarily stored onsite must be removed from the site to a facility licensed to accept such wastes.

Under the circumstances, if the site is unable to be evacuated the following measures are to be undertaken:

• Park vehicles under shelter;

• All loose items to be secured;

• Tape or board up windows;

• Remain indoors until advised it’s safe;

• Disconnect electrical appliances; and

• Be aware of radio updates.

Any injuries obtained should be noted and treated. If injuries are outside the scope of medical expertise of personnel present, contact 000 or the local hospital directly.

8.5 Emergency Contact Numbers

Project Contact Details

Emergency Services

Ambulance, Fire or Police 000

Poisons Information 13 11 26

Utilities

Water 132 203

Electricity 132 090

Gas 131 388

Telephone 131 909

Dial Before You Dig 1100

DES (24-hour pollution line) 1300 130 372 or email: [email protected]

Site Manager

Paul Stokes Office: 07) 4055 5720

mailto:[email protected]

REPORT


Project Contact Details

Mobile: 0427 869 371

Other Contacts

Darren Caddy, Operations Manager - Extractive Office: 07) 4047 8315

Mobile: 0407 489 493

REPORT


9 INCIDENT MANAGEMENT

9.1 What is an Incident An incident is any non-compliance with this SBMP. This may include but is not limited to:

• Spills from vehicle maintenance or refuelling outside bunded areas;

• Complaints regarding the facility;

• Contaminated water leaving the site during high rainfall events/floods;

• Spilling of products;

• Damage to site bunds or chemical storage infrastructure;

• Damage to stormwater diversions and ESC;

• Dusty, odorous or noisy conditions; and

• Unauthorised waste disposal.

9.2 Incident Investigation All incidents shall be investigated by the Site Manager to determine:

• Nature, type, location and extent of the incident and the affected area;

• Actual and/or potential environmental impacts of the incident (see below);

• Suspected cause of the incident;

• Measures required to mitigate any further environmental harm;

• Remedial measures required to correct any environmental harm; and

• Measures to be implemented to prevent a recurrence of the incident.

The requirements for the environmental assessment of impacts of an incident shall be determined by an Environmental Consultant. The assessment may include environmental monitoring of contaminant releases in relation to land, water, noise, air and light (in addition to routine monitoring requirements). Based on the nature and type of the incident, the Environmental Consultant shall determine:

• Sampling and analytical requirements;

• Applicable guidelines or levels to apply to data for assessing compliance and level of impact; and

• Reporting requirements

Any monitoring shall be undertaken by a competent person and all monitoring equipment shall be appropriately maintained, calibrated and operated. Monitoring will be designed in consultation with PNQ and DES.

REPORT


9.3 Incident Reporting In accordance with the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act), serious or material environmental harm (Material harm defined as greater than $5,000 to clean up and/or restore environment, Serious harm defined as greater than $50,000 to clean up and/or restore environment) shall be reported by PNQ to the DES within 24 hours of becoming aware of the event in accordance with the Duty to Notify (refer to Section 320 of the EP Act). Minor incidents (e.g. hydraulic oil leaks less than 20L) are to be reported in the site diary and cleaned up / remediated.

All personnel are responsible for reporting all incidents to the Site Manager. All incidents are to be recorded on the Incident Report Form provided in Appendix C.

The Site Manager shall telephone DES as soon as practical after becoming aware of any release of contaminants not in accordance with the EA. Following this, a written notice detailing the following information must be provided to within 14 days of the initial notification:

• The name of the operator, including their approval / registration number;

• The name and telephone number of a designated contact person;

• Quantity and substance released;

• Vehicle and registration details;

• Person/s involved (driver and any others);

• The location and time of the release;

• The suspected cause of the release;

• A description of the effects of the release;

• The results of any sampling performed in relation to the release,

• Actions taken to mitigate any environmental harm caused by the release; and

• Proposed actions to prevent a recurrence of the release.

9.4 Incident Prevention • To increase site safety the appropriate personal protective equipment is required at all times;

• Analysis of past incidents and potential future incidents is required to identify and minimise reoccurrences;

• Training and environmental awareness information; and

• Liaison with environmental consultants and DES officers.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND SCIENCE Environmental Services and Regulation I Northern Region 5B Sheridan Street I Cairns QLD 4870 PO Box 937 I Cairns QLD 4870 PHONE: 13 1304

POLLUTION HOTLINE 1300 130 372

REPORT


10 TRAINING, RECORDS, AND REVIEW

10.1 Training All PNQ staff employed on the site to have completed a site induction by the Site Manager. The induction training will include the following:

• Familiarisation with the requirements of this Site Based Management Plan;

• Familiarisation with site environmental controls;

• Process for management of environmental incidents;

• Legislations applicable to the extractive industry such as permits, approvals, and licences;

• Environmental duty of care and duty to notify;

• Cultural heritage duty of care and duty to notify;

• Operational requirements to meet design specifications including pond management, stormwater management, surface water monitoring etc;

• Spill kit use and response;

• Guidelines on waste management and chemicals;

• Identification and source separation of recyclable materials;

• Equipment, maintenance, refuelling procedures;

• Dust control measures; and

• Stormwater management measures.

PNQ may combine the Work Health and Safety (WHS) and Environmental induction into one. A record of site induction for all personnel will be made on the Site Environmental Induction Register.

10.2 Records Management A copy of the EA and SBMP shall be kept in the PNQ site office at all times.

Any record or document required as an outcome of this SBMP or requested by a regulatory authority must be kept at the site for a period of 5 years in accordance with the EA and be available to an authorised person.

Records must be kept of the key environmental performance indicators, monitoring results, corrective actions, environmental incidents and complaints, reports to management, and any records required by law such as regulated waste tracking.

The records collected are to be made available upon request of administering authority. A weekly inspection checklist has been provided as Appendix D.

10.3 SBMP Review and Annual Return The SBMP shall be reviewed annually and updated where necessary.

An annual return must be prepared and submitted to the administering authority each year that includes:

• A site development plan showing the succession of extraction activities (including location of active and inactive extraction pits, location of sand stockpiles, stormwater management on site, etc;

• Documentation of progressive rehabilitation of the pits for each one (1) year period until cessation of extraction activities; and

• A plan showing locations of all surface water monitoring points and monitoring results.

REPORT

10161/R79494 | Site Based Management Plan | 1 | 10 Nov 2020 rpsgroup.com

Appendix A Site Location Plan

Site Location

Edmonton

Gordonvale

Cairns

White Rock

Mount Sheridan

Datum: MGA94 Z55 | Scale: 1:60,000 @ A3 | Date: 11-5-2020 | Drawing: 10161-10

Pioneer North QueenslandFigure 1 - Locality Plan

RPS Australia East Pty LtdACN 140 292 762135 Abbott StPO Box 1949CAIRNS QLD 4870T +61 7 4031 1336F +61 7 4031 2942W rpsgroup.com

0 600 1,200 1,800 2,400 3,000 6,000

REPORT


Appendix B Site Layout Plan

RP7444073

SP21197711

NR6663

4RP704201

2RP704196

12SP211977

10SP211977

12SP211977

65NPW898

Hussey Road

Fantin

Access

~17.01 ha

Basin 2BRoad

Basin 5

Basin 6a,b,c

SW1 (Background) SW2 (Main Pit)Basin 2a

Haul Road

SW4 (Main Pit Impact)

Outfall Pipe

Clean WaterDiversion Pipe

Wedge Pit

Oil & water separator

Fines Storage PitWedge Pit

Basin 4b

Basin 4c

Rumble Grid & Wedge Pit

Wedge Pit

Basin

Basin 4a

Fines Drying Pit

Haul

Sealed bitumen/clean catchment

Edmonton Main Pit

Stockpile

Weighbridge & Site Office

Stockpiles

Workshop

PrimaryScreeningEquipment

Crusher

Mt Peter Pit

WeatherStation

SW6 SedimentationPit Discharge

Conc BatchPlant

AsphaltPlant

Pipe to

de-wate

r pit

Datum: MGA94 Z55 | Scale: 1:6,000 @ A3 | Date: 4-6-2020 | Drawing: 10161-11a

Pioneer North QueenslandProposed Quarry ExpansionFigure 2 - Layout Plan


0 60 120 180 240 300 600

LegendProposed Quarry Expansion

Proposed Extraction Area

Watercourse (Water Act)

Unmapped Watercourse (Water Act)

REPORT


Appendix C Environmental Policy

Hanson | Environmental Policy

Environmental Policy

Effective Date: 1 May 2016 (Supersedes all previous related policies)

PRINCIPLES

Hanson accepts the responsibility for environmental protection which is integral to the conduct of its commercial operations. Hanson is committed to: Operating practices which seek to minimise impacts, prevent pollution and minimise the likelihood of

environmental harm through work and management practices, continual improvement, training and the use of new technology;

Compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations and Codes of Practice in existing operations, new developments and upgrades;

Management review of environmental objectives and targets; Waste management to minimise wastes, develop viable recycling opportunities, and ensure proper handling and

disposal methods; Product development which seeks to combine commercial viability and efficient use and conservation of

resources; Environmental assessment of new projects, asset purchases, sales and existing operations; Environmental Incident Response – contingency plans to minimise health, safety and environmental risks; Rehabilitation of areas affected by business operations; Communication of the Hanson environmental policy; Striving to meet Community Expectations through consultation within Hanson and with other relevant bodies,

community groups and neighbours about environmental matters of common concern; Water Management which is integral to achieving sustainability, balancing today’s needs with those of the future

(refer to Water Policy for more information); and Energy management which is integral to managing greenhouse gas emissions from our operations and thus

abating the impact of our business on the climate (refer to Energy Management Policy for more information). Hanson will encourage concern and respect for the environment and will emphasise every employee’s responsibility for environmental performance.

Phil Schacht

Chief Executive

1 May 2016 Replaces version 1/1/2014

REPORT


Appendix D Incident Report Form

REPORT


1. Project No & Name:

Log No:

2. Location Date Time 3. Type of Incident

Near Miss Environmental Damage to Equipment Other ________________

First Aid Injury Lost Time Injury Hazard Restricted Duties Injury

Dangerous Event Medical Treatment Injury Complaint

4. Incident Details (attach additional pages if required)

5. Details of person(s) involved

Name:__________________________________________ Male Female Date of Birth: __________________ Contact No: _________________________________ Residential Address:_________________________________________________________

6. Employment Basis

Full-time Casual

Part-time Other ________________

Sub-Contractor

7. Employment Type

Admin Tradesperson Other:_____________

Professional Labourers & related workers

Apprentice/Trainee Plant & Machine Operators/Drivers

8. Medical Treatment Taken

Did injury occur Yes No

Was first aid treatment given Yes No

9. Equipment/ Machinery Details

Make and Model: ______________________________ Plant/Rego No:__________________ Was the equipment/machinery repaired? returned to service? written off? other ______________________________

10. Witnesses (attach statements)

____________________________________ 1.Printed Name Position




11. Report Raised By __________________________________________________________________________

_ Printed Name Signature Position Date

12. Manager Review

___________________________________________________________________________ Printed Name Signature Position Date

13. HSE Advisor

Is further investigation required? Yes No Related First/Aid Incident Report No:

REPORT


Printed Name Signature Date 14. Closed Out By: __________________________________________________________________________

_ Printed Name Signature Position Date

REPORT


Appendix E Daily Checklist

REPORT


Site Based Management Plan Weekly Checklist SBMP ELEMENT Yes/No/NA Date Initial SURFACE AND GROUNDWATERS Are erosion and sediment controls in place at the site adequate for the works being undertaken? Do control measures require maintenance? Have overburden stockpiles and disturbed areas been stabilised where necessary? Are stabilised entry and exit points provided? Is any soil being transported onto public roads or highways? Are bunds in place to segregate clean and dirty water? Are drainage structures stabilised to minimise erosion? Has surface and groundwater monitoring been undertaken? CONTAMINATED LAND Are vehicles and plant in good operating condition (i.e. no oil or fuel leaks?) Are controls in place for refuelling or maintenance to prevent soil or water contamination from spills or leaks? Are chemicals stored in a covered and bunded impervious area? Is there evidence of any spills greater than 20 L at the site? Is any imported fill certified as clean (free of hazardous contaminants and not ASS)? Has any contaminated soil been encountered at the site? VEGETATION MANAGEMENT Are all works confined to the limits of the site? Has clearing of vegetation and ground disturbance been minimised where practicable? Is vegetation occurring progressively? BUSHFIRE Any unauthorised burning at the site? NOISE/DUST IMPACTS No unnecessary use of horns or other audible signals on mobile plant or equipment. No unnecessary revving or idling of engines on mobile and stationary machines. Site kept neat and tidy? Dust reduction measures implemented and adequate for conditions? WASTE MANAGEMENT General wastes stored in covered bins? Recyclable materials segregated for recycling? Regulated wastes (i.e. waste oil) only removed from site by a regulated waste contractor? Are waste tracking documents available? Have any wastes been disposed of on site? Wastes protected from rainfall and stormwater contact? DOCUMENTATION Is a copy of the SBMP readily available? Sight evidence of waste tracking paperwork, certification of fill, weed hygiene declarations and disposal receipts. Incident reporting and procedures - have all incidents have been documented on the “Incident Report Form” and correctly reported and investigated? Sight evidence of vehicle and equipment maintenance has been undertaken as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Review site manager has records of daily site observations, actions and notifications in diary.

REPORT


SBMP ELEMENT Yes/No/NA Date Initial Sight evidence of staff induction training. Have any complaints been received? Have incident reports been completed for complaints?

Record non-compliances as an incident and address accordingly.

Inspected by: __________________________________________________ Print Name

__________________________ _______________ Signature Date

Acknowledged by: __________________________________________________ Print Name

__________________________ _______________ Signature Date

rpsgroup.com

REVEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN

Edmonton Quarry Expansion

J1210161 R79488 2

11 Nov 2020

REPORT

J1210163 | Revegetation Management Plan | 2 | 11 Nov 2020 rpsgroup.com Page 2

Document status

Version Purpose of document Authored by Reviewed by Approved by Review date

0 Draft T. Richardson M. Davis M. Davis 11 June 2020

1 Updated to include amendments M. Palmer M. Davis M. Davis 30 July 2020

2 Final M. Davis M. Davis M. Davis 10 Nov 2020

Approval for issue

Megan Davis 10 November 2020

This report was prepared by RPS within the terms of RPS’ engagement with its client and in direct response to a scope of services. This report is supplied for the sole and specific purpose for use by RPS’ client. The report does not account for any changes relating the subject matter of the report, or any legislative or regulatory changes that have occurred since the report was produced and that may affect the report. RPS does not accept any responsibility or liability for loss whatsoever to any third party caused by, related to or arising out of any use or reliance on the report.

Prepared by: Prepared for:

RPS Pioneer North Queensland Pty Ltd

Tristam Richardson Environmental Scientist

Paul Stokes Quarry Production Manager

135 Abbott Street Cairns QLD 4870

75 Maconachie Street Woree QLD 4868

T +61 7 4031 1336 E [email protected]

T 07 4055 5720 E [email protected]

REPORT


Contents 1 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................... 5

1.1 Site Background ............................................................................................................................. 5 1.2 Vegetation Management Mapping ...............................................................................................10

1.2.1 Regional Ecosystem 7.11.19a ........................................................................................10 1.2.2 Regional Ecosystem 7.11.7a ..........................................................................................10 1.2.3 Regional Ecosystem 7.11.44 ..........................................................................................10 1.2.4 Regional Ecosystem 7.3.45b ..........................................................................................10

2 FIELD ASSESSMENT ...........................................................................................................................11

3 WEED ASSESSMENT ...........................................................................................................................14 3.1 Legislation ....................................................................................................................................14 3.2 General Biosecurity Obligation .....................................................................................................14 3.3 Cairns Regional Council Biosecurity Plan ....................................................................................15 3.4 Weed Management ......................................................................................................................15

3.4.1 Lantana camara ..............................................................................................................16

4 REHABILITATION MANAGEMENT PLAN ...........................................................................................17 4.1 Initial Soil Assessment .................................................................................................................19 4.2 Topsoil Management ....................................................................................................................19 4.3 Initial Cover ..................................................................................................................................19

4.3.1 Grass and Legume Cover ...............................................................................................19 4.3.2 Tree Cover ......................................................................................................................15

4.4 Watering .......................................................................................................................................15 4.5 Weed Management ......................................................................................................................15 4.6 Management Objectives ..............................................................................................................16

5 CONCLUSION .......................................................................................................................................17

Tables Table 1 Rehabilitation Species ..................................................................................................................15 Table 2 Rehabilitation Works Timing ........................................................................................................16

Plates Plate 1 Rehabilitated Benches in Existing Quarry, Looking South East June 2020 .................................. 6 Plate 2 Progressive Rehabilitated Benches in Existing Quarry, Looking West March 2020 ..................... 7 Plate 3 Progressive Rehabilitated Benches (3 – 5 years post extraction) View North June 2020............. 8 Plate 4 Progressive Rehabilitated Benches (8 –10 years post extraction), View South, June 2020 ......... 9

Figures Figure 1 Existing and Proposed Quarry ....................................................................................................... 5 Figure 2 Lantana Control Calendar ............................................................................................................16 Figure 3 Rehabilitation of Expanded Pit Area (Green) ...............................................................................17 Figure 4 Rehabilitation Plan - 5-20 Year Tree Heights ..............................................................................18

REPORT


Appendices Site Location Plan Vegetation Management Report Regional Ecosystem Mapping CRC Biosecurity Plan and DAF Fact Sheet

REPORT

J1210163 | Revegetation Management Plan | 2 | 11 Nov 2020

rpsgroup.com Page 5

1 INTRODUCTION

Pioneer North Queensland Pty Ltd (PNQ) have engaged RPS Australian East (RPS) to prepare a Rehabilitation Management Plan for their quarry operations located within Lot 3 on RP744407 and Lot 3 and the proposed expansion into Lot 11 of SP211977 as illustrated in Figure 1 below and Appendix A.

Figure 1 Existing and Proposed Quarry

1.1 Site Background

The proposed pit expansion will result in extractive activities expanding into Lot 11 on SP211977, which is located within the Cairns Regional Council and the Mulgrave-Russell Catchment of the Wet Tropics Bioregion (subregion Innisfail – Bellenden Ker – Lamb).

The existing quarry has been operational for approximately 20 years and rehabilitation of elevated benches has occurred and is well advanced, refer to Plates 1 and 2 below.

REPORT


Plate 1 Rehabilitated Benches in Existing Quarry, Looking South East June 2020

REPORT


Plate 2 Progressive Rehabilitated Benches in Existing Quarry, Looking West March 2020

REPORT


Plate 3 Progressive Rehabilitated Benches (3 – 5 years post extraction) View North June 2020

REPORT


Plate 4 Progressive Rehabilitated Benches (8 - 10 years post extraction), View South, June 2020

REPORT


1.2 Vegetation Management Mapping For the purposes of the Accepted Development Vegetation Clearing Codes and the State Development Assessment Provisions (SDAP), the site is regarded as “Coastal”, as per the Vegetation Management Report for the proposed expansion area, attached as Appendix B.

The vegetation management supporting map within Section 5.2 of the Vegetation Management Report (VMR) for the proposed expansion area illustrates the presence of watercourses through Lot 11 on SP211977. The VMR also illustrates that the proposed expansion area contains Essential Habitat within Category A or B of concern regional ecosystem (RE) 7.11.7, Category A or B containing of concern RE 7.11.19, Category C or R of concern RE 7.11.19, Category C or R of concern RE 7.11.44, and Category C or R of least concern RE 7.3.45. The regional ecosystem mapping within the proposed quarry expansion has also been illustrated in Appendix C.

Appendix C illustrates that the proposed expansion of approximately 17.01ha includes approximately:

• 5.462ha of Category A or B of concern RE 7.11.19a,

• 8.572ha of Category C or R of concern RE 7.11.19a,

• 3,710m2 of Category C or R least concern RE 7.3.45b, and

• 1,877m2 of Category A or B least concern RE 7.11.7a.

Further descriptions of the RE types present within the proposed expansion area have been provided below.

1.2.1 Regional Ecosystem 7.11.19a

RE 7.11.19a consists of Corymbia intermedia (pink bloodwood), Eucalyptus tereticornis, Allocasuarina torulosa, Allocasuarina littoralis, and/or Lophostemon suaveolens (swamp mahogany) constructing low open forest to woodland on metamorphic geology. The understory typically consists of Acacia cincinnata, Acacia flavescens, Banksia aquilonia, and Xanthorrhoea johnsonii.

1.2.2 Regional Ecosystem 7.11.7a

RE 7.11.7a consists of complex notophyll vine forest with Agathis robusta (kauri pine) emergents on metamorphic foothills and uplands within moist rainfall zones, excluding the Seaview Range Subregion.

1.2.3 Regional Ecosystem 7.11.44

RE 7.11.44 consists of Eucalyptus tereticornis (forest red gum) constructing open forest to woodland on coastal metamorphic foothills.

1.2.4 Regional Ecosystem 7.3.45b

RE 7.3.45b consists of Corymbia clarksoniana (Clarkson's bloodwood), and/or Corymbia tessellaris (Moreton Bay ash), and/or Eucalyptus drepanophylla (ironbark) constructing open forest to open woodland on alluvial plains. RE 7.3.45b may include small areas of Acacia leptostachya shrubland.

REPORT


2 FIELD ASSESSMENT A preliminary field assessment was undertaken by Botanist Dr Fanie Venter, Zoologist Dr Damian Morrant, and Environmental Scientist Lisa Stevenson over 5 days from 20-24 January 2020. The survey timing in late January was considered to be a suitable time to search for EVNT species on site and there was no issue with identification of species to species level.

The assessment observed four RE’s and two areas of non-remnant Category X. The vegetation closest to the National Park towards the south of the site is mapped as remnant vegetation, whereas the vegetation further downslope towards the north is mapped as high value regrowth.

The field assessment concluded that the RE mapping matched the vegetation communities observed except in RE 7.11.7 where there was a notable absence of Agathis robusta. However, the structure and species observed within the ecosystem still qualify the vegetation for RE 7.11.7 classification.

Listed threatened ecological communities (TEC) are matters of national environmental significance (MNES) under the EPBC Act. A desktop assessment of the Protected Matters Report (PMR) generated by the online Protected Matters Search Tool reported only one Endangered TEC modelled to occur within the area of assessment, the “Broad leaf tea-tree (Melaleuca viridiflora). It was determined through field assessment that Melaleuca viridiflora woodlands in high rainfall coastal north Queensland does not occur in the area of the proposed expansion.

A total of 71 families, 171 genera and 192 plant species were recorded during the field assessment. Of the species recorded, 29 were weeds. Most of the weed species were located next to roads, around the perimeter of camps and on old disturbed sites in the sclerophyll forest. A checklist of all flora species, native and exotic (ornamentals and weeds indicated by (*)), that were encountered during the field assessment have been listed below.

• Asplenium australasicum - Birds Nest Fern• Asplenium nidus - Birds Nest Fern• Lindsaea media• Lygodium flexuosum• Drynaria rigidula - Basket Fern• Drynaria sparsisora• Microsorum punctatum - Climbing Bird's Nest

Fern• Platycereum bifurcatum - Elk Horn• Pyrrosia lanceolata - Tongue Fern• Pyrrosia rupestris - Rock Felt Fern• Adiantum diaphanum - Filmy Maidenhair

Fern• Adiantum philippense• Cheilanthes nudiuscula• Cheilanthes sieberi• Christella dentata - Creek Fern• Cycas media - Queensland Cycas• Lepidozamia hopei - Hope's Cycad• Epipremnum pinnatum - Native Monstera• Pothos longipes - Pothos• Syngodium podophyllum - American

Evergreen*• Archantophoenix alexandrae - Alexandra

Palm• Arenga australasica - Australian Arenga• Calamus australis - Lawyer Cane• Calamus caryotoides - Fish-Tail Lawyer

Cane• Calamus moti - Yellow Lawyer Cane• Cordyline cannifolia - Palm-Lily

• Eustrephus latifolius - Wombat Berry• Pleomele angustifolia - Native Dracaena• Pollia macrophylla - Native Wandering Jew• Cyperus esculentus - Yellow Nutsedge*• Dioscorea transversa - Long Yam• Flagellaris indica - Supplejack• Curculigo ensifolia - Grass Potato• Freycinetia excelsa - Giant Climbing Pandan• Corymborkis veratrifolia - Cinnamon Orchid• Cymbidium suave - Snake Orchid• Dendrobium teretifolium - Pencil Orchid• Geodorum densiflorum - Shepherd's Crook

Orchid• Brachiaria mutica - Para Grass*• Cynodon dactylon - Bermuda Grass• Leptaspis banksii - Rainforest Grass• Megathyrsus maximus - Guinea Grass*• Melinis repens - Red natal grass*• Oplusmenis undulatifolius - Wavyleaf

basketgrass• Paspalum conjugatum – Sourgrass*• Themeda triandra - Kangaroo Grass• Urochloa mutica - Para Grass*• Smilax australis - Austral Sarsaparilla• Alpinia caerulea - Native Ginger• Dianella caerulea - Blue Flax Lily• Dianella pavopennacea var. major - Long-

stemmed Flax Lily• Pseuderanthemum variabile - Pastel Flower• Buchanania arborescens - Green plum

REPORT


• Euroschinus falcatus var. falcatus - Maiden'sBlush Wood

• Mangifera indica – Mango*• Rhus taitensis - Sumac• Polyalthia hispida - Queensland Hairy Beech• Polyalthia johnsonii - Johnson's Beech• Alstonia muelleriana - Hard Milkwood• Alstonia scholaris - White Cheesewood• Cerbera floribunda - Cassowary Plum• Hoya australis ssp. australis - Wax Flower• Hoya pottsii - Claret Hoya• Ichnocarpus frutescens - Black Creeper• Melodinus australis - Bellbird Vine• Tabernaemontana pandacaqui - Banana

Bush• Polyscias australiana - Basswood• Polyscias elegans - Silver Basswood• Schefflera actinophyla - Umbrella Tree• Aristolochia thozettii - Dutchmans Pipe• Ageratum houstonianum - Blue Billygoat

weed*• Praxelis clematidea – Praxelis*• Sphagnetocola trilobata - Singapore Daisy*• Balanophora fungosa - Balanophora• Deplanchea tetraphylla - Golden Bouquet

Tree• Spathodea campanulata - African tulip tree*• Canarium australianum var. australianum -

Island White Beech• Celtis philippensis - Celtis• Trema tomentosa var. tomentosa - Poison

Peach• Allocasuarina littoralis - Black She-oak• Elaeodendron melanocarpum - Black Olive• Hippocratea barbata - Knot Vine• Calophyllum australianum - Pink Calophyllum• Garcinia warrenii - Native Mangosteen• Terminalia microcarpa - Damson Plum• Cuscuta campestris – Dodder*• Davidsonia pruriens - Davidson's Plum• Tetracera nordtiana - Small-leaved Fire Vine• Diospyros australis - Black Plum• Elaeocarpus grandis - Quandong• Sloanea australis subsp. parviflora - Blush

Carabeen• Claoxylon hillii - Hill's Brittlewood• Codiaeum variegatum var. moluccanum -

Croton• Homalanthus novae-guineensis - Bleeding

Heart• Macaranga involucrata var. mallotoides -

Brown Macaranga• Macaranga tanarius - Blush Macaranga• Mallotus ficifolius - Fig-leaved mallotus• Mallotus philippensis - Red Kamala• Eupomatia laurina - Copper Laurel• Abrus precatorius - Crab's Eyes• Acacia aulacocarpa - Brown Salwood

• Acacia mangium - Broadleaf Salwood• Acacia crassicarpa - Northern Wattle• Acacia flavescens - Red wattle• Acacia mangium - Broadleaf Salwood• Acacia simsii - Sims’ Wattle• Calopogonium mucunoides – Calopo*• Centrosema pubescens - Centro*• Delonix regia – Poinceana*• Indigofera linnaei - Nine-leaved Indigo• Leucaena leucocephala - Leucaena*• Macrotyloma axillare - Perennial Horsegram*• Millettia pinnata - Pongamia• Mimosa pudica - Sensitive Weed*• Mucuna gigantea - Burney Vine• Peltophorum ptaerocarpum - Copper Pod• Rhynchosia minima - Rhynchosia• Callicarpa candicans - Malayan Lilac• Clerodendrum tomentosum - Lolly Bush• Hyptis capitata – Knobweed*• Oxera splendida - Glory Vine• Cryptocarya laevigata - Glossy Laurel• Neolitsea dealbata - Hairy-leaved Bollygum• Barringtonia calyptrata - Blue-fruited

Barringtonia• Planchonia careya - Cocky Apple• Dendrophthoe glabrescens - Orange

Mistletoe• Argyrodendron peralatum - Red Tulip oak• Sterculia quadrifida - Peanut tree• Urena lobata - Bur Mallow*• Melastoma malabathricum - Native Lasiandra• Wilkiea smithii - Smith's Wilkiea• Ficus virens - White Fig• Ficus opposita - Sandpaper Fig• Ficus hispida - Hairy Fig• Ficus variegata - Variegated Fig• Ficus racemosa - Cluster Fig• Ficus septica - Septic Fig• Maclura cochinchinensis - Cockspur• Myristica insipida - Queensland Nutmeg• Corymbia tesellaris - Moreton Bay Ash• Corymbia torreliana - Cadaghi• Eucalyptus tereticornis - Forest Red Gum• Gossia shepherdii - Shepherd's Ironwood• Lophostemon suaveolens - Swamp

Mahogany• Melaleuca leucadendra - Weeping Paperbark• Rhodamnia sessiliflora - Iron Malletwood• Psidium guajava - Guava*• Syncarpia glomulifera - Turpentine• Syzygium oleosum - Blue Lilly Pilly• Syzygium tierneyanum - River Cherry• Chionanthus ramiflorus - Northern Olive• Jasminum didymum ssp. didymum - Native

Jasmine• Passiflora foetida - Stinking Passionflower*• Passiflora suberosa - Corky Passion Flower*

REPORT


• Breynia cernua - Gamer• Glochidion ferdinandi - Buttonwood• Glochidion philippicum - Phillipine

Buttonwood• Glochidion sumatranum - Sumatran

Buttonwood• Phyllanthus cuscutiflorus - Phyllanthus• Rivina humilis - Coral Berry*• Piper caninum - Common piper• Piper umbellatum – Cordoncillo*• Pittosporum ferrugineum - Rusty Pittosporum• Pittosporum rubiginosum - Hairy Red

Pittosporum• Myrsine subsessilis subsp. cryptostemon -

Red Muttonwood• Grevillea glauca - Bushmen's Clothpegs• Persoonia falcata - Wild Pear• Alphitonia petriei - Soap Tree• Aidia racemosa - Archer Cherry• Atractocarpus fitzalanii - Orange Randia• Atractocarpus hirtus - Hairy Gardenia• Cyclophyllum multiflorum - Many-flowered

Canthium

• Nauclea orientalis - Leichardt's Tree• Neonauclea glabra - Moody Gum• Tarenna dallachiana - Tree Ixora• Timonius timon - Timonius• Citrus x jambhiri – Lemon*• Melicope elleryana - Pink Euodia• Zanthoxylum nitidum - Shiny-leaf Prickly-ash• Scolopia braunii - Mountain Cherry• Cupaniopsis flagelliformis - Brown Tuckeroo• Guioa acutifolia - Glossy Tamarind• Harpullia ramiflora - Cape York Tulipwood• Jagera pseudorhus var. pseudorhus - Pink

Tamarind• Mischocarpus anodontus - Pear fruited

Tamarind• Sarcopteryx martyana - Marty's Steelwood• Lantana camara – Lantana*• Stachytarpheta cayennensis - Dark-blue

Snakeweed*• Afrohybanthus stellarioides - Spade Flower• Ampelocissus acetosa - Native Grape• Cissus adnata - Heart-leaved Grape• Cissus hypoglauca - Water Vine• Leea novoguineensis - Bandicoot Berry

REPORT


3 WEED ASSESSMENT Weeds are a significant concern in Australia that affects the environment and economy. Under the Biosecurity Act 2014 (Qld), landowners, including state and local governments, are responsible for controlling invasive plants on their property. Landowners are responsible for taking all reasonable and practicable steps to minimise the risks associated with invasive plant under their control, which is known as the General Biosecurity Obligation (GBO). Local Government and Biosecurity Queensland provide weed control support services but may also enforce landowner responsibilities if necessary.

3.1 Legislation Prohibited invasive plants that are not present in Queensland, would seriously threaten Queensland primary industries, natural environment, livestock, human health, and people’s livelihood, and if found must be reported to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 within 24 hours of sighting.

Under the Biosecurity Act 2014, there are seven categories for restricted matters. Categories are established based on the risks associated with the pests and severity. Each category places restrictions on the dealings with the biosecurity matter or requires actions to be taken to minimise the spread and adverse impact of the biosecurity matter.

– Category 1 - Biosecurity Queensland needs to be made aware of this restricted matter to take action to contain and eradicate it. You must report category 1 restricted matter to a Department of Agriculture and Fisheries inspector within 24 hours of becoming aware of its presence. You may reach an inspector by contacting Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.

– Category 2 - For category 2 restricted matter there are requirements to report this to an inspector or authorised person. You may reach an inspector or authorised person by contacting Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23. Restricted matter is listed in Schedule 2 of the QLD Biosecurity Act 2014.

– Category 3 - Restricted matter must not be distributed or disposed. This means it must not be given as a gift, sold, traded or released into the environment unless the distribution or disposal is authorised in a regulation or under a permit.

– Category 4 - Restricted matter must not be moved. This is to ensure that it does not spread into other areas of the state.

– Category 5 - Restricted matter must not be possessed or kept under person’s control. You may only keep this restricted matter under a permit.

– Category 6 - Restricted matter must not be fed unless kept under a permit. Feeding for the purpose of preparing for or undertaking a control program is exempted.

– Category 7 - Must be killed as soon as practicable and disposed of in a way described under legislation. Generally limited to noxious fish.

The Queensland Local Government Act 2009 enables Council to make Local Laws. Under the Biosecurity Act 2014 local governments are responsible for ensuring invasive biosecurity matter s48 (1) (a-d) for the local government’s area is being managed in compliance with the Act.

3.2 General Biosecurity Obligation A General Biosecurity Obligation (GBO) is an overarching obligation that requires all persons who deal with biosecurity matter or a carrier to take all reasonable and practical measures to prevent or minimise the risk. However, the obligation only arises when the person knows or ought reasonably to know that the biosecurity matter, carrier or activity pose or is likely to pose a biosecurity risk.

The GBO imposes an obligation on all relevant persons – individuals, industry and government to take an active role in preventing, managing and addressing biosecurity risks that relate to their activities. It provides a capacity for flexibility and ensures that the focus is on the management of biosecurity risk rather than following a prescribed process.

REPORT


As a landholder, it is expected that the following actions are undertaken to discharge your GBO:

• Report unusual plants and animals;

• Dispose of green waste responsibly;

• Select locally suitable garden plants;

• Participate in local area management activities;

• Report recurrence of priority pest and weeds;

• Develop strategic pest plans for managed properties;

• Install pest appropriate fencing;

• Reduce priority weeds on your property; and

• Be aware of priority pest species in the region.

In addition, the following obligations are placed on landholders in rural residential areas:

• Participate in baiting and trapping programs;

• Prevent the spread of declared weeds by focusing on high risk spread areas such as watercourses,roadways and property boundaries; and

• Provide/maintain access for biosecurity programs.

3.3 Cairns Regional Council Biosecurity Plan The Cairns Regional Council (CRC) Biosecurity Plan (Appendix D) provides strategic direction for the management of invasive biosecurity matter and other priority pests on all land tenures within the CRC area and has been developed by and for the entire community. The plan has identified species that pose or are likely to pose a significant biosecurity risk to agricultural production and the environment in the CRC area.

The key objectives of the CRC Biosecurity Plan are as follows:

• Prioritises invasive biosecurity matter and locally declared pests, prevents their spread and introduction,prevents spread of invasive biosecurity matter and animals within the CRC area;

• Identify the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders involved and provides direction on priority pestmanagement activities;

• Outlines obligations to minimize the impact of biosecurity risks on people, the economy and theenvironment;

• Clearly identifies practical management of pests and outlines the priorities so that resources aremanaged efficiently protecting the environment and clearly identify actions needed for effectivemanagement of pests;

• Ensures appropriate management of invasive biosecurity matter and improved scope and opportunitiesfor monitoring the efficiency and implementation of the Plan; and

• Identifying benchmarks for strategic success for continued monitoring and evaluation of pestmanagement in the region.

3.4 Weed Management During the field assessment undertaken by Botanist Dr Fanie Venter, Zoologist Dr Damian Morrant, and Environmental Scientist Lisa Stevenson over 5 days from 20-24 January 2020, 192 plant species were recorded of which 29 species were weeds. Of these 29 species of weeds only one (1) weed species occurs in the CRC Biosecurity Plan, Lantana camara.

REPORT


3.4.1 Lantana camara

A number of Lantana camara plants were observed in the rehabilitation area. Most individuals occur in the boundary area between the natural vegetation and the rehabilitated vegetation. These plants need to be removed/killed.

Lantana is widespread and is considered to occur in all areas where habitat is suitable across the Cairns region. Lantana displaces understorey species and alters the fire regimes within tropical woodlands. Because it is dispersed by birds it can quickly infest areas despite terrain characteristics and can reinfest previously cleared areas frequented by birds if no ongoing management is in place. The use of appropriate fire regimes, mechanical control, and grazing practices can assist to protect both environmental and grazing assets in woodland areas.

There are a wide range of biocontrol agents present in wild populations which may assist to reduce the vigour or reproduction of Lantana. Most are seasonal and will respond when conditions are suitable so they should not be relied upon as the sole management tool.

The CRC Biosecurity Plan (Appendix D) illustrates the best time to undertake management action against Lantana and what methods of management are ideal during certain times of the year, Figure 1 below. Specific management practices can be found on the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Biosecurity Queensland’s Fact Sheet for Lantana, which can also be found in Appendix D.

Figure 2 Lantana Control Calendar

REPORT


4 REHABILITATION MANAGEMENT PLAN Adequate planning of a biannual rehabilitation plan is crucial for successful revegetation. The sections outlined below identify steps within a biannual rehabilitation plan necessary to achieve successful rehabilitation. The area within the pit to be rehabilitated is approximately 16.2 hectare, refer to Figure 3 below which will be undertaken progressively. An indicative rehabilitation plan showing the likely rehabilitation at 5, 10 and 15 years is provided in Figure 4 below.

Figure 3 Rehabilitation of Expanded Pit Area (Green)

Regional Ecosystem: 7.11.19aCorymbia intermedia, Lophostemon suaveolens, Eucalyptus tereticornis5-15m tall after 5 years (soil and rainfall dependant)

Design benchheight ~12m

Design benchwidth ~10m

Regional Ecosystem: 7.11.19aCorymbia intermedia, Lophostemon suaveolens, Eucalyptus tereticornis15-25m tall after 10 years (soil and rainfall dependant)





Regional Ecosystem: 7.11.19aCorymbia intermedia, Lophostemon suaveolens 20-30m tall, Eucalyptus tereticornis30-50m tall after 20 years (soil and rainfall dependant)

Scale: 1:300 @ A3 | Date: 17-6-2020 | Drawing: 10161-16a

Pioneer North QueenslandProposed Quarry ExpansionFigure 4 - Rehabilitation Plan - 5-20 Year Tree Heights


0 3 6 9 12 15 30

REPORT


4.1 Initial Soil Assessment Suitability testing of the in-situ soil and decomposed rock percentage is a necessary stage for revegetation success. Before revegetation commences, tests need to be done on every soil type present within the rehabilitation zone. Soils of similar type from different areas can be grouped to save the number of tests.

The tests should be carried out by an accredited organisation with the minimum test requirements as follows:

• Texture

• pH levels and Electricalconductivity

• Organic content

• Major nutrients

• Calcium/Magnesium ratio

• Cation exchange capacity

Once testing has been completed the results will assist with the rehabilitation by identifying areas that need fertilization, areas of high decomposed rock percentage, or areas that lack of topsoil adequacy. Areas of high decomposed rock for example will be less suitable for grass but is suitable for trees.

4.2 Topsoil Management Topsoil should be collected from both areas to be cut, and areas to be buried under fill. Topsoil from this area will then be able to be salvaged and respread on areas most needed. Stockpiling of topsoil very important for symbiotic association between green plants and fungus in the soil, however, should last no longer than two (2) years as the viability of native seed in the soil can deteriorate.

4.3 Initial Cover Weed management is recommended to occur within the corresponding advised months prior to the commencement of initial ground cover and pioneer species sowing. Majority of seeding is advised to commence around November prior to the wet season. Grass sown at this time will germinate and help reduce erosion on steep slopes. Trees sown at this time will need little water to get a sound start.

The second sowing season is advised to be during April - May at the end of the wet season. Showers could still be expected to assist growth until June. This time could also be used to revegetate areas eroded during the wet season and to review works sown in November.

Initial soil assessments will determine the appropriate cover for each rehabilitation zone as to whether grass and legume cover or pioneer tree species cover should occur first.

4.3.1 Grass and Legume Cover

Areas of prominent topsoil are recommended to be sown with grass and legume cover to prevent erosion. If the surface has greater than 30% exposed stone cover grass cannot be used. Once grass and legume cover achieve 70% coverage, tree species can then be sown. Any substandard areas of grass and legume cover will need to be re-sown prior to tree species sown to ensure soil retention and prevent erosion of soil and seed.

All grass is recommended to be sown using the following species and rates;

• Couch @ 2kg/ha

• Cloris spp. / Chrysopogon spp. / Ishaemum spp. / Paspalidium spp. @ 5kg/ha

Fertiliser is recommended at rates illustrated within the soil test results.

Grass seed and growing medium should be collected from an area no more than 5km from the quarry as only this material will be ecologically and chemically compatible to the surrounding native vegetation.

Alyxia spicata may be sown on the edge of the batters which will provide stabilization and prevent erosion of the edges.

REPORT


4.3.2 Tree Cover

Fast growing pioneer species such as Acacia species are recommended to be sown first at a rate of 2kg/ha to establish soil retention and suitable growing habitat for tree species. Once pioneer species cover achieves an 80% survival rate in all areas, tree species can then be sown.

The end of the wet season is typically the best time for collecting seeds of the required tree species. Where possible local seed or seedlings should be used. Collecting seed from plants on site or collecting seed from trees and shrubs cleared for the quarry enlargement is recommended to be undertaken. Seed or seedlings from a different climate may not be suitable and should be avoided, a collection distance of 5km from the quarry is recommended. All tree seedlings are required to be planted in soft soil and thoroughly watered in 10L per plant and mulched. One Agriform slow release fertiliser tablet should be added per tree seedling.

Tree and pioneer species recommended have been illustrated below in Table 1.

It should be noted that a Tree species to Shrub species ratio of 70:30 should be maintained in order to produce a healthy soil profile the quickest as a result of the correct amount and type of dried leaf accumulation.

Table 1 Rehabilitation Species

Pioneer Species Tree Species

Acacia cincinnata Acacia flavescens Acacia mangium

Acacia simsii (Shrub) Allocasuarina littoralis Macaranga tanarius

Acacia flavescens Corymbia clarksoniana Corymbia intermedia Corymbia tessellaris

Ecalyptus drepanophylla Ecalyptus tereticornis Elaeocarpus grandis

Ficus racemosa Mallotus philippensis

4.4 Watering Planting the right tree in correctly prepared ground at the most appropriate time of the year will reduce the need for watering. Trees planted on quarry benches in direct sunlight will need supplementary water in their first year. This could be done by utilising the existing tank or quarry ponds on site and installing a drip system. In dry weather, trees should be watered thoroughly once a week.

Once there is an 80% or higher survival rate of flora species, the rate of irrigation can be reduced.

4.5 Weed Management If weeds are managed appropriately as described in Section 3.4 of this report and topsoil remains weed free, then the recurrence of weeds within the topsoil should not occur. Any weeds that become apparent within the first two years of establishing trees will need to be dealt with as per the CRC Biosecurity Plan and associate DAF fact sheets.

The continued removal of woody and dense species such as Lantana will continue to be undertaken to provide an opportunity for increased ecological value. Continued weed control and suppression is an important part of the natural regeneration process. Until the regional ecosystem has fully established weed removal strategies and ongoing weed management is considered critical for long-term rehabilitation success.

REPORT


4.6 Management Objectives The following table (Table 2) illustrates a timing summary of the proposed Rehabilitation Works Program and key management objectives for the site.

Table 2 Rehabilitation Works Timing

Task June 2020

July 2020

August 2020

September 2020

October 2020

November 2020

December 2020

January 2021

February 2021

March 2021

April 2021

May 2021

June 2021

Lantana removal via spray

First round of seeding grass and pioneer species

Second round of seeding tree species

Revegetation maintenance and weed maintenance works

Revegetation supplementary planting of tree species (if and when required) will be conducted during the onset of the 2021/2022 wet season (approximately November to mid-December).

REPORT


5 CONCLUSION RPS were engaged to prepare a Rehabilitation Management Plan for the proposed Edmonton Quarry expansion to ensure potential impacts from clearing of remnant and regrowth vegetation are mitigation through the progressive rehabilitation of terminal benches. This plan provides a methodology for successful and progressive rehabilitation and includes weed management measures. PNQ have demonstrated that this method is successful at the existing quarry.

REPORT


Site Location Plan

Site Location

Edmonton

Gordonvale

Cairns

White Rock

Mount Sheridan

Datum: MGA94 Z55 | Scale: 1:60,000 @ A3 | Date: 11-5-2020 | Drawing: 10161-10

Pioneer North QueenslandFigure 1 - Locality Plan


0 600 1,200 1,800 2,400 3,000 6,000

REPORT


Vegetation Management Report

For Lot: 11 Plan: SP211977

Current as at 11/06/2020

Vegetation management report, Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy, 2020

This publication has been compiled by Operations Support, Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy.

© State of Queensland, (2020)

The Queensland Government supports and encourages the dissemination and exchange of its information. The copyright inthis publication is licensed under a Creative Commons - Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY) licence.

Under this licence you are free, without having to seek our permission, to use this publication in accordance with the licenceterms.

You must keep intact the copyright notice and attribute the State of Queensland as the source of the publication.

Note: Some content in this publication may have different licence terms as indicated.

For more information on this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/au/deed.en

The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The Queensland Government shall not be liable fortechnical or other errors or omissions contained herein. The reader/user accepts all risks and responsibility for losses,damages, costs and other consequences resulting directly or indirectly from using this information.

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/au/deed.en


Recent changes

Updated mappingUpdated vegetation mapping was released on 6 April 2020 and includes the most recent Queensland Herbarium scientificupdates to the Regulated Vegetation Management Map, regional ecosystems, wetland, high-value regrowth and essentialhabitat mapping.

Overview

Based on the lot on plan details you have supplied, this report provides the following detailed information:• Vegetation management framework - an explanation of the application of the framework.• Property details - information about the specified Lot on Plan, lot size, local government area, bioregion(s),subregion(s), catchment(s), coastal or non coastal status, and any applicable area management plans associated withyour property.• Vegetation management details for the specified Lot on Plan - specific information about your property includingvegetation categories, regional ecosystems, watercourses, wetlands, essential habitat, protected plants, and koalahabitat.• Contact information.• Maps - a series of colour maps to assist in identifying regulated vegetation on your property.• Other legislation contact information.

This information will assist you to determine your options for managing vegetation under the vegetation managementframework, which may include:

• exempt clearing work• accepted development vegetation clearing code• an area management plan• a development approval.

Other laws

The clearing of native vegetation is regulated by both Queensland and Australian legislation, and some local governmentsalso regulate native vegetation clearing. You may need to obtain an approval or permit under another Act, such asQueensland's Protected Plants framework or the Commonwealth Government's Environment Protection and BiodiversityConservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). Section 6 of this guide provides contact details of other agencies you should confirmrequirements with, before commencing vegetation clearing.


Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51. Vegetation management framework

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51.1 Exempt clearing work

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51.2 Accepted development vegetation clearing codes

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61.3 Area management plans

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61.4 Development approvals

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62. Property details

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62.1 Tenure

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62.2 Property location

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83. Vegetation management details for Lot: 11 Plan: SP211977

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83.1 Vegetation categories

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93.2 Regional ecosystems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93.3 Watercourses

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103.4 Wetlands

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103.5 Essential habitat

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103.6 Protected plants (administered by the Department of Environment and Science (DES))

. 113.7 Koala priority area and koala habitat area (administered by the Department of Environment and Science (DES))

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123.8 Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124. Contact information for DNRME

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135. Maps

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145.1 Regulated vegetation management map

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155.2 Vegetation management supporting map

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165.3 Pre-clear map

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175.4 Coastal/non coastal map

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185.5 Agricultural Land Class A or B map

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195.6 Protected plants map administered by DES

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215.7 Koala priority area and koala habitat area map administered by DES

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226. Other relevant legislation contacts list


1. Vegetation management framework

The Vegetation Management Act 1999 (VMA), the Vegetation Management Regulation 2012, the Planning Act 2016 and thePlanning Regulation 2017, in conjunction with associated policies and codes, form the Vegetation Management Framework.

The VMA does not apply to all land tenures or vegetation types. State forests, national parks, forest reserves and sometenures under the Forestry Act 1959 and Nature Conservation Act 1992 are not regulated by the VMA. Managing or clearingvegetation on these tenures may require approvals under these laws.

The following native vegetation is not regulated under the VMA but may require permit(s) under other laws:• grass or non-woody herbage;• a plant within a grassland regional ecosystem prescribed under Schedule 5 of the Vegetation ManagementRegulation 2012; and• a mangrove.

1.1 Exempt clearing work

Exempt clearing work is an activity for which you do not need to notify DNRME or obtain an approval approval under thevegetation management framework. Exempt clearing work was previously known as exemptions.

In areas that are mapped as Category X (white in colour) on the regulated vegetation management map (see section 5.1),and where the land tenure is freehold, indigenous land and leasehold land for agriculture and grazing purposes, the clearingof vegetation is considered exempt clearing work and does not require notification or development approval approval underthe vegetation management framework. For all other land tenures, contact DNRME before commencing clearing to ensurethat the proposed activity is exempt clearing work.

A range of routine property management activities are considered exempt clearing work. A list of exempt clearing work isavailable athttps://www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/vegetation/exemptions/.

Exempt clearing work may be affected if the proposed clearing area is subject to development approval conditions, acovenant, an environmental offset, an exchange area, a restoration notice, or an area mapped as Category A. Exemptclearing work may require approval under other Commonwealth, State or Local Government laws, or local governmentplanning schemes. Contact DNRME prior to clearing in any of these areas.

1.2 Accepted development vegetation clearing codes

Some clearing activities can be undertaken under an accepted development vegetation clearing code. The codes can bedownloaded athttps://www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/vegetation/codes/

If you intend to clear vegetation under an accepted development vegetation clearing code, you must notify DNRME beforecommencing. The information in this report will assist you to complete the online notification form.

You can complete the online form athttps://apps.dnrm.qld.gov.au/vegetation/

https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/vegetation/exemptions/

https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/vegetation/codes/

https://apps.dnrm.qld.gov.au/vegetation/


1.3 Area management plans

Area Management Plans (AMP) provide an alternative approval system for vegetation clearing under the vegetationmanagement framework. They list the purposes and clearing conditions that have been approved for the areas covered bythe plan. It is not necessary to use an AMP, even when an AMP applies to your property.

On 8 March 2020, AMPs ended for fodder harvesting, managing thickened vegetation and managing encroachment. Newnotifications cannot be made for these AMPs. You will need to consider options for fodder harvesting, managing thickenedvegetation or encroachment under a relevant accepted development vegetation clearing code or apply for a developmentapproval.

New notifications can be made for all other AMPs. These will continue to apply until their nominated end date.

If an area management plan applies to your property for which you can make a new notification, it will be listed in Section 2.2of this report. Before clearing under one of these AMPs, you must first notify the DNRME and then follow the conditions andrequirements listed in the AMP.https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/vegetation/area-plans/

1.4 Development approvals

If under the vegetation management framework your proposed clearing is not exempt clearing work, or is not permitted underan accepted development vegetation clearing code, or an AMP, you may be able to apply for a development approval.Information on how to apply for a development approval is available athttps://www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/management/vegetation/development

2. Property details

2.1 Tenure

All of the lot, plan and tenure information associated with property Lot: 11 Plan: SP211977, including links to relevant SmartMaps, are listed in Table 1. The tenure of the property (whether it is freehold, leasehold, or other) may be viewed by clickingon the Smart Map link(s) provided.Table 1: Lot, plan and tenure information for the property

Lot Plan Tenure Link to property on SmartMap

11 SP211977 Freehold https://apps.information.qld.gov.au/data/cadastre/GenerateSmartMap?q=11\SP211

977

The tenure of the land may affect whether clearing is considered exempt clearing work or may be carried out under anaccepted development vegetation clearing code.

2.2 Property location

Table 2 provides a summary of the locations for property Lot: 11 Plan: SP211977, in relation to natural and administrativeboundaries.Table 2: Property location details

Local Government(s)

Cairns Regional

Bioregion(s) Subregion(s)

Wet Tropics Innisfail

Wet Tropics Bellenden Ker -Lamb

https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/vegetation/area-plans/

https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/management/vegetation/development/


Catchment(s)

Mulgrave-Russell

2.2.1 Area Management Plan(s)

Nil

2.2.2 For the purposes of the accepted development vegetation clearing codes and the State DevelopmentAssessment Provisions (SDAP), this property is regarded as*

Coastal

*See also Map 5.4

2.2.3 The following can be used to identify Agricultural Land Class A or B areas under the "Managing regulated regrowthvegetation" accepted development vegetation clearing code:Does this lot contain land that is mapped as Agricultural Land Class A or B in the State Planning Interactive MappingSystem?

Class A: 8.88ha

No Class B

Note - This confirms Agricultural Land Classes as per the State Planning Interactive Mapping System only. This responsedoes not include Agricultural Land Classes identified under local government planning schemes. For further information,check the Planning Scheme for your local government area.See section 5 to identify the location and extent of Class A and/or Class B Agricultural land on Lot: 11 Plan: SP211977.


3. Vegetation management details for Lot: 11 Plan: SP211977

3.1 Vegetation categories

Vegetation categories are shown on the regulated vegetation management map in section 5.1 of this report. A summary ofvegetation categories on the subject lot are listed in Table 3. Descriptions for these categories are shown in Table 4.

Table 3: Vegetation categories for subject property. Total area: 39.98ha

Vegetation category Area (ha)

Category B 11.9

Category C 13.9

Category R 2.8

Category X 11.3

Table 4

Category Colour on Map Description Requirements / options under thevegetation managementframework

A red Compliance areas, environmentaloffset areas and voluntarydeclaration areas

Special conditions apply to CategoryA areas. Before clearing, contactDNRME to confirm anyrequirements in a Category A area.

B dark blue Remnant vegetation areas Exempt clearing work, or notificationand compliance with accepteddevelopment vegetation clearingcodes, area management plans ordevelopment approval.

C light blue High-value regrowth areas Exempt clearing work, or notificationand compliance with managingCategory C regrowth vegetationaccepted development vegetationclearing code.

R yellow Regrowth within 50m of awatercourse or drainage feature inthe Great Barrier Reef catchmentareas

Exempt clearing work, or notificationand compliance with managingCategory R regrowth accepteddevelopment vegetation clearingcode or area management plans.

X white Clearing on freehold land,indigenous land and leasehold landfor agriculture and grazing purposesis considered exempt clearing workunder the vegetation managementframework. Contact DNRME toclarify whether a developmentapproval is required for other Stateland tenures.

No permit or notification required onfreehold land, indigenous land andleasehold land for agriculture andgrazing. A development approvalmay be required for some State landtenures.

Property Map of Assessable Vegetation (PMAV)

This report does not confirm if a Property Map of Assessable Vegetation (PMAV) exists on a lot. To confirm whether or not aPMAV exists on a lot, please check the PMAV layer on the Queensland Globe2, or contact DNRME on 135VEG (135 834).


3.2 Regional ecosystems

The endangered, of concern and least concern regional ecosystems on your property are shown on the vegetationmanagement supporting map in section 5.2 and are listed in Table 5.

A description of regional ecosystems can be accessed online athttps://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/plants/ecosystems/descriptions/

Table 5: Regional ecosystems present on subject property

RegionalEcosystem

VMA Status Category Area (Ha) Short Description StructureCategory

7.11.19 Of concern B 8.18 Corymbia intermedia and/or Lophostemonsuaveolens open forest to woodland onuplands on metamorphics

Mid-dense

7.11.19 Of concern C 7.86 Corymbia intermedia and/or Lophostemonsuaveolens open forest to woodland onuplands on metamorphics

Mid-dense

7.11.44 Of concern C 4.25 Eucalyptus tereticornis open forest towoodland on coastal metamorphic foothills

Mid-dense

7.11.44 Of concern R 2.02 Eucalyptus tereticornis open forest towoodland on coastal metamorphic foothills

Mid-dense

7.11.7 Leastconcern

B 3.75 Complex notophyll vine forest with Agathisrobusta emergents on foothills and uplandson metamorphics

Dense

7.11.7 Leastconcern

C 1.45 Complex notophyll vine forest with Agathisrobusta emergents on foothills and uplandson metamorphics

Dense

7.11.7 Leastconcern

R 0.73 Complex notophyll vine forest with Agathisrobusta emergents on foothills and uplandson metamorphics

Dense

7.3.45 Leastconcern

C 0.37 Corymbia clarksoniana +/- C. tessellaris +/-E. drepanophylla open forest to openwoodland on alluvial plains

Mid-dense

7.3.45 Leastconcern

R 0.06 Corymbia clarksoniana +/- C. tessellaris +/-E. drepanophylla open forest to openwoodland on alluvial plains

Mid-dense

non-rem None X 11.31 None None

Please note:1. All area and area derived figures included in this table have been calculated via reprojecting relevant spatial features to Albers equal-area conic projection(central meridian = 146, datum Geocentric Datum of Australia 1994). As a result, area figures may differ slightly if calculated for the same features using adifferent co-ordinate system.

2. If Table 5 contains a Category 'plant', please be aware that this refers to 'plantations' such as forestry, and these areas are considered non-remnant underthe VMA.

The VMA status of the regional ecosystem (whether it is endangered, of concern or least concern) also determines if any ofthe following are applicable:

• exempt clearing work• accepted development vegetation clearing codes• performance outcomes in State Development Assessment Provisions (SDAP).

3.3 Watercourses

Vegetation management watercourses and drainage features for this property are shown on the vegetation managementsupporting map in section 5.2.

https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/plants/ecosystems/descriptions/


3.4 Wetlands

There are no vegetation management wetlands present on this property.

3.5 Essential habitat

Protected wildlife is native wildlife prescribed under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NCA), and includes endangered,vulnerable or near-threatened wildlife.

Essential habitat for protected wildlife includes suitable habitat on the lot, or where a species has been known to occur up to1.1 kilometres from a lot on which there is assessable vegetation. These important habitat areas are protected under theVMA.

Any essential habitat on this property will be shown as blue hatching on the vegetation supporting map in section 5.2.

If essential habitat is identified on the lot, information about the protected wildlife species is provided in Table 6 below. Thenumeric labels on the vegetation management supporting map can be cross referenced with Table 6 to outline the essentialhabitat factors for that particular species. There may be essential habitat for more than one species on each lot, and areas ofCategory A, Category B and Category C can be mapped as Essential Habitat.

Essential habitat is compiled from a combination of species habitat models and buffered species records. Regionalecosystem is a mandatory essential habitat factor, unless otherwise stated. Essential habitat, for protected wildlife, means anarea of vegetation shown on the Regulated Vegetation Management Map as assessable vegetation -

1) that has at least 3 essential habitat factors for the protected wildlife that must include any essential habitat factorsthat are stated as mandatory for the protected wildlife in the essential habitat database. Essential habitat factors arecomprised of - regional ecosystem (mandatory for most species), vegetation community, altitude, soils, position inlandscape; or2) in which the protected wildlife, at any stage of its life cycle, is located.

If there is no essential habitat mapping shown on the vegetation management supporting map for this lot, and there is notable in the sections below, it confirms that there is no essential habitat on the lot.

Category A and/or Category B and/or Category C

Table 6: Essential habitat in Category A and/or Category B and/or Category C

Label Scientific Name Common Name NCA Status Vegetation Community Altitude Soils Position in

Landscape

1087 Casuarius casuarius

johnsonii (southern

population)

southern

cassowary

(southern

population)

E Dense lowland and highland tropical rainforest, closed gallery

forest, eucalypt forest with vine forest elements, swamp forest

and adjacent melaleuca swamps, littoral scrub, eucalypt

woodland and mangroves; often using a habitat mosaic; will

cross open eucalypt, canefields and dry ridges between

rainforest patches.

Sea level to

1500m.

None None

Label Regional Ecosystem (mandatory unless otherwise specified)

1087 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 7.1.3, 7.1.4, 7.1.5, 7.2.1, 7.2.2, 7.2.3, 7.2.4, 7.2.5, 7.2.6, 7.2.7, 7.2.8, 7.2.9, 7.2.10, 7.2.11, 7.3.1, 7.3.2, 7.3.3, 7.3.4, 7.3.5, 7.3.6, 7.3.7, 7.3.8, 7.3.9, 7.3.10, 7.3.12, 7.3.13, 7.3.17, 7.3.19, 7.3.20, 7.3.21, 7.3.23,

7.3.25, 7.3.28, 7.3.29, 7.3.30, 7.3.31, 7.3.34, 7.3.35, 7.3.36, 7.3.37, 7.3.38, 7.3.39, 7.3.40, 7.3.42, 7.3.45, 7.3.46, 7.3.47, 7.3.49, 7.8.1, 7.8.2, 7.8.3, 7.8.4, 7.8.11, 7.8.12, 7.8.13, 7.8.14, 7.8.15, 7.8.16, 7.8.18, 7.11.1, 7.11.2,

7.11.3, 7.11.5, 7.11.6, 7.11.7, 7.11.8, 7.11.10, 7.11.12, 7.11.13, 7.11.14, 7.11.16, 7.11.18, 7.11.19, 7.11.23, 7.11.24, 7.11.25, 7.11.26, 7.11.27, 7.11.28, 7.11.29, 7.11.30, 7.11.31, 7.11.32, 7.11.34, 7.11.36, 7.11.38, 7.11.39,

7.11.40, 7.11.42, 7.11.44, 7.11.46, 7.11.47, 7.11.49, 7.12.1, 7.12.2, 7.12.4, 7.12.5, 7.12.6, 7.12.7, 7.12.9, 7.12.10, 7.12.11, 7.12.12, 7.12.13, 7.12.16, 7.12.17, 7.12.19, 7.12.20, 7.12.21, 7.12.22, 7.12.23, 7.12.24, 7.12.25,

7.12.26, 7.12.29, 7.12.37, 7.12.38, 7.12.39, 7.12.40, 7.12.41, 7.12.43, 7.12.44, 7.12.45, 7.12.47, 7.12.48, 7.12.49, 7.12.50, 7.12.53, 7.12.59, 7.12.61, 7.12.66, 7.12.67, 7.12.68

3.6 Protected plants (administered by the Department of Environment andScience (DES))

In Queensland, all plants that are native to Australia are protected plants under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NCA),with clearing of protected plants in the wild regulated by the Nature Conservation (Wildlife Management) Regulation 2006.These requirements apply irrespective of the classification of the vegetation under the Vegetation Management Act 1999.

https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/sl-2006-0205


Prior to clearing, if the plants proposed to be cleared are in the wild (see Operational policy: When a protected plant inQueensland is considered to be 'in the wild') and the exemptions under the Nature Conservation (Wildlife Management)Regulation 2006 are not applicable to the proposed clearing, you must check the flora survey trigger map to determine if anypart of the area to be cleared is within a high risk area. The trigger map for this property is provided in section 5.6. Theexemptions relate to:

• imminent risk of death or serious injury (refer s261A)• imminent risk of serious damage to a building or other structure on land, or to personal property (refer s261B)• Fire and Emergency Service Act 1990 (refer 261C)• previously cleared areas (refer s261ZB)• maintenance activities (refer s261ZC)• firebreak or fire management line (refer s261ZD)• accepted development vegetation clearing code (refer s261ZE)• conservation purposes (refer s261ZG)• authorised in particular circumstances (refer s385).

Some exemptions under the NCA are the same as exempt clearing work (formerly known as exemptions) from the VegetationManagement Act 1999 (i.e. listed in the Planning Regulations 2017) while some are different.

If the proposed area to be cleared is shown as high risk on the flora survey trigger map, a flora survey of the clearing impactarea must be undertaken in accordance with the flora survey guidelines. The main objective of a flora survey is to locate anyendangered, vulnerable or near threatened plants (EVNT plants) that may be present in the clearing impact area.

If a flora survey identifies that EVNT plants are not present within the clearing impact area or clearing within 100m of EVNTplants can be avoided, the clearing activity is exempt from a permit. An exempt clearing notification form must be submitted tothe Department of Environment and Science, with a copy of the flora survey report, at least one week prior to clearing. Theclearing must be conducted within two years after the flora survey report was submitted.

If a flora survey identifies that EVNT plants are present in, or within 100m of, the area to be cleared, a clearing permit isrequired before any clearing is undertaken. The flora survey report, as well as an impact management report, must besubmitted with the application form clearing permit.

In an area other than a high risk area, a clearing permit is only required where a person is, or becomes aware that EVNTplants are present in, or within 100m of, the area to be cleared. You must keep a copy of the flora survey trigger map for thearea subject to clearing for five years from the day the clearing starts. If you do not clear within the 12 month period that theflora survey trigger map was printed, you need to print and check a new flora survey trigger map.

Further information on protected plants is available athttp://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/licences-permits/plants-animals/protected-plants/

For assistance on the protected plants flora survey trigger map for this property, please contact the Department ofEnvironment and Science at [email protected].

3.7 Koala priority area and koala habitat area (administered by theDepartment of Environment and Science (DES))

The koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) is listed in Queensland as vulnerable by the Queensland Government under the NatureConservation Act 1992 and by the Australian Government under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity ConservationAct 1999.

The Nature Conservation (Koala) Conservation Plan 2017 allows koala habitat areas and koala priority areas to bedetermined and requires that these are shown on the Koala Conservation Plan Map. Koala habitat areas are areas thatcontain koala habitat which is essential for the conservation of a viable koala population in the wild. Please note that theseareas only apply to lots in the South East Queensland "Shaping SEQ" Regional Plan area. These areas include the localgovernment areas of Brisbane, Gold Coast, Logan, Lockyer Valley, Ipswich, Moreton Bay, Noosa, Redland, Scenic Rim,Somerset, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba (urban extent).

Koala habitat areas include koala habitat areas (core) and koala habitat areas (locally refined). Following input from eachlocal government, koala habitat areas (locally refined) were developed. Koala habitat areas (locally refined) will be affordedthe same protection during a two year transitional period as if they were koala habitat areas (core) identified by the State.

Koala priority areas are areas where long-term management (e.g. habitat protection, habitat restoration and threat mitigation)and monitoring will be strategically focused as the areas have the highest likelihood of achieving conservation outcomes forkoalas.

https://www.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0029/99902/op-protected-plant-wild.pdf

https://www.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0029/99902/op-protected-plant-wild.pdf



https://www.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/word_doc/0015/100581/fm-wl-pp-clearing-exemption.doc

https://www.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/word_doc/0016/100609/ap-wl-pp-clearing.doc

http://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/licences-permits/plants-animals/protected-plants/



Clearing koala habitat areas in a koala priority area is prohibited, except for in certain circumstances (see Schedule 10, 16Aof the Planning Regulation 2017). Clearing cannot occur (other than for exempt activities) and a development applicationcannot be lodged for prohibited activities.

Development located inside a koala priority area on lots that contain koala habitat area, but do not involve clearing of koalahabitat, will be assessed by local government, except for in certain circumstances (see Schedule 11, Parts 1 and 2 of thePlanning Regulation 2017). This is to manage and minimise impacts on koala habitat, such as edge effects.

Outside of koala priority areas, clearing of koala habitat areas must be avoided, mitigated or offset. Development that isproposing to clear koala habitat area will be assessed by the Queensland Government, except for in certain circumstances(see Schedule 10, 16B of the Planning Regulation 2017).

For more information on development requirements seehttps://environment.des.qld.gov.au/wildlife/animals/living-with/koalas/mapping/legislation-policy.

Landholders (or a person acting on landholder's behalf) can request to have a koala habitat area determination for an areamade, amended or revoked if they believe there is an error. For more information, seehttps://environment.des.qld.gov.au/wildlife/animals/living-with/koalas/mapping/legislation-policy.

The koala conservation plan maps will be updated at least annually to include any koala habitat areas that have been made,amended or revoked.

In order to ensure that the most recent map for an area of interest can be accessed, prior to the annual update, a register ofchanges made to koala habitat areas as a result of the map amendment process will be available at:https://environment.des.qld.gov.au/wildlife/animals/living-with/koalas/mapping/. The register will include lot on plan for thechange, the date the decision was made and the map issued to the landholder which shows areas determined to be koalahabitat areas.

For further information on the regulatory framework for koala conservation, including koala priority areas and koala habitatareas, please see the Queensland Government website athttps://environment.des.qld.gov.au/wildlife/animals/living-with/koalas/mapping/legislation-policy or contact Koala Assessmentand Compliance, Department Environment and Science, at [email protected].

3.8 Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF)

The ERF is an Australian Government scheme which offers incentives for businesses and communities across the economyto reduce emissions.

Under the ERF, landholders can earn money from activities such as planting (and keeping) trees, managing regrowthvegetation and adopting more sustainable agricultural practices.

The purpose of a project is to remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Each project will provide new economicopportunities for farmers, forest growers and land managers.

Further information on ERF is available at https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/state/use/carbon-rights/.

4. Contact information for DNRME

For further information on vegetation management:Phone 135VEG (135 834)Email [email protected] https://www.dnrme.qld.gov.au/?contact=vegetation to submit an online enquiry.

For contact details for other State and Commonwealth agencies, please see Section 6.

https://environment.des.qld.gov.au/wildlife/animals/living-with/koalas/mapping/legislation-policy


https://environment.des.qld.gov.au/wildlife/animals/living-with/koalas/mapping/



https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/state/use/carbon-rights/

https://www.dnrme.qld.gov.au/?contact=vegetation


5. Maps

Maps included in this report may also be requested individually at:• https://www.dnrme.qld.gov.au/qld/environment/land/vegetation/vegetation-map-request-form• http://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/licences-permits/plants-animals/protected-plants/map-request.php

Regulated vegetation management mapThe regulated vegetation management map shows vegetation categories needed to determine clearing requirements. Thesemaps are updated monthly to show new property maps of assessable vegetation (PMAV).

Vegetation management supporting mapThe vegetation management supporting map provides information on regional ecosystems, wetlands, watercourses andessential habitat.

Pre-clear mapThe vegetation management pre-clear regional ecosystem mapping shows the regional ecosystem, location and extent whichis likely to have occurred at that location prior to clearing. This map can be used for identifying exchange areas under the"Managing regulated regrowth vegetation" accepted development vegetation clearing code. It may also be used for foridentifying offsets under the vegetation management framework.

Coastal/non coastal mapThe coastal/non-coastal map confirms whether the lot, or which parts of the lot, are considered coastal or non-coastal for thepurposes of the accepted development vegetation clearing codes and the State Development Assessment Provisions(SDAP).

Agricultural Land Class A or BThe Agricultural Land Class map confirms the location and extent of land mapped as Agricultural Land Classes A or B asidentified on the State Planning Interactive Mapping System. Please note that this map does not include areas identified asAgricultural Land Class A or B in local government planning schemes. This map can be used to identify Agricultural LandClass A or B areas under the "Managing regulated regrowth vegetation" accepted development vegetation clearing code.

Protected plants mapThe protected plants map shows areas where particular provisions of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 apply to the clearingof protected plants.

Koala priority area and koala habitat area mapThe koala map shows area of koala priority area and koala habitat under the Nature Conservation (Koala) Conservation Plan2017. Clearing of habitat in these areas is regulated under the Planning Regulation 2017. Please note that these areas onlyapply to lots in the South East Queensland "Shaping SEQ" Regional Plan area.

https://www.dnrme.qld.gov.au/qld/environment/land/vegetation/vegetation-map-request-form

http://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/licences-permits/plants-animals/protected-plants/map-request.php

https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/vegetation/map-correction/


5.1 Regulated vegetation management map


5.2 Vegetation management supporting map


5.3 Pre-clear map


5.4 Coastal/non coastal map


5.5 Agricultural Land Class A or B map


5.6 Protected plants map administered by DES


Protected plants flora survey trigger mapThe protected plants flora survey trigger map identifies 'high risk areas' where endangered, vulnerable or near threatenedplants are known to exist or are likely to exist. Under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (the Act) it is an offence to clearprotected plants that are 'in the wild' unless you are authorised or the clearing is exempt, for more information see section 89of the Act.

Please see the Department of Environment and Science webpage on the clearing of protected plants for information on whatexemptions may apply in your circumstances, whether you may need to undertake a flora survey, and whether you may needa protected plants clearing permit.

Updates to the data informing the flora survey trigger mapThe flora survey trigger map will be reviewed, and updated if necessary, at least every 12 months to ensure the map reflectsthe most up-to-date and accurate data available.

Species informationPlease note that flora survey trigger maps do not identify species associated with 'high risk areas'. While some speciesinformation may be publicly available, for example via the Queensland Spatial Catalogue, the Department of Environmentand Science does not provide species information on request. Regardless of whether species information is available for aparticular high risk area, clearing plants in a high risk area may require a flora survey and/or clearing permit. Please see theDepartment of Environment and Science webpage on the clearing of protected plants for more information.

https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-1992-020#sec.89

https://ehp.qld.gov.au/licences-permits/plants-animals/protected-plants/clearing/index.html

http://qldspatial.information.qld.gov.au/catalogue/custom/index.page

https://ehp.qld.gov.au/licences-permits/plants-animals/protected-plants/clearing/index.html


5.7 Koala priority area and koala habitat area map administered by DES

(Applies in South East Queensland "Shaping SEQ" Regional Plan area only).


6. Other relevant legislation contacts list

Activity Legislation Agency Contact details

• Interference with overland flow

• Earthworks, significant

disturbance

Water Act 2000

Soil Conservation Act 1986

Department of Natural Resources,

Mines and Energy

(Queensland Government)

Ph: 13 QGOV (13 74 68)

www.dnrme.qld.gov.au

• Indigenous Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act

2003

Torres Strait Islander Cultural

Heritage Act 2003

Department of Aboriginal and

Torres Strait Islander Partnerships


Ph: 13 QGOV (13 74 68)

www.datsip.qld.gov.au

• Mining and environmentally

relevant activities

• Infrastructure development

(coastal)

• Heritage issues

• Protected plants and protected

areas¹

• Koalas

Environmental Protection Act 1994

Coastal Protection and

Management Act 1995

Queensland Heritage Act 1992

Nature Conservation Act 1992

Department of Environment and

Science


Ph: 13 QGOV (13 74 68)

www.des.qld.gov.au

• Interference with fish passage in a

watercourse, mangroves

• Forestry activities²

Fisheries Act 1994

Forestry Act 1959

Department of Agriculture and

Fisheries


Ph: 13 QGOV (13 74 68)

www.daf.qld.gov.au

• Matters of National Environmental

Significance including listed

threatened species and ecological

communities

Environment Protection and

Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

Department of the Environment

(Australian Government)

Ph: 1800 803 772

www.environment.gov.au

• Development and planning

processes

Planning Act 2016

State Development and Public

Works Organisation Act 1971

Department of State Development,

Manufacturing, Infrastructure and

Planning


Ph: 13 QGOV (13 74 68)

www.dsdmip.qld.gov.au

• Local government requirements Local Government Act 2009

Planning Act 2016

Department of Local Government,

Racing and Multicultural Affairs


Ph: 13 QGOV (13 74 68)

Your relevant local government

office

1. In Queensland, all plants that are native to Australia are protected plants under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, whichendeavours to ensure that protected plants (whether whole plants or protected plants parts) are not illegally removed from thewild, or illegally traded. Prior to clearing, you should check the flora survey trigger map to determine if the clearing is within ahigh-risk area by visiting www.des.qld.gov.au. For further information or assistance on the protected plants flora surveytrigger map for your property, please contact the Department of Environment and Science on 13QGOV (13 74 68) or [email protected].

2. Contact the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries before clearing:• Any sandalwood on state-owned land (including leasehold land)• On freehold land in a 'forest consent area' or a 'forest entitlement area'• More than five hectares on state-owned land (including leasehold land) containing commercial timber species listedin parts 2 or 3 of Schedule 6 of the Vegetation Management Regulation 2012 and located within any of the followinglocal government management areas-Banana, Bundaberg Regional, Fraser Coast Regional, Gladstone Regional,Isaac Regional, North Burnett Regional, Somerset Regional, South Burnett Regional, Southern Downs Regional,Tablelands Regional, Toowoomba Regional, Western Downs Regional.

https://www.dnrme.qld.gov.au

https://www.datsip.qld.gov.au

https://www.des.qld.gov.au

https://www.daf.qld.gov.au

https://www.environment.gov.au

https://www.dsdmip.qld.gov.au

https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/N/NatureConA92.pdf

https://www.des.qld.gov.au


REPORT


Regional Ecosystem Mapping

Hussey Road

Fantin

Access

RP7444073

SP21197711

NR6663

4RP704201

2RP704196

12SP211977

10SP211977

12SP211977

65NPW898

NATIONAL PARK

6RP836140

2RP707243

3NR666

9SP211977

3RP704196

~17.01 ha

15 Y

ear Q

uarry

Exte

nt

5 Yea

r Qua

rry E

xtent

15 Year:2.2287ha

5 Year:1.371ha

Future:0.610ha

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7.11.7a

Datum: MGA94 Z55 | Scale: 1:6,000 @ A3 | Date: 17-9-2020 | Drawing: 10161-15b

Pioneer North QueenslandProposed Quarry ExpansionFigure 5 - Regional Ecosystems Mapping


0 60 120 180 240 300 600

LegendCategory A or B areacontaining endangered RE

Category A or B areacontaining of concern RE

Category A or B area that isleast concern RE

Category C or R areacontaining endangered RE

Category C or R areacontaining of concern RE

Category C or R area that is ofleast concern RE

5 Year Cleared Area

15 Year Cleared Area

Future Cleared Area

Proposed Quarry Expansion

Pit Extent

Pit Staging Lines

REPORT


CRC Biosecurity Plan and DAF Fact Sheet

Cairns Region Biosecurity Plan 2019 – 2024

of 88 Cairns Region Biosecurity Plan 2019 – 2024

Acronyms and Glossary 4TW Four Tropical Weeds Program – A National Eradication Program delivered

by Biosecurity Queensland (BQ), targets the eradication of five weeds listed as restricted matter (category 2,3,4 & 5) – Mikania vine, Miconia calvescens, Miconia racemosa, Miconia nervosa and Limnocharis flava.

BQ Biosecurity Queensland coordinates the government's efforts to prevent, respond to, and recover from pests and diseases that threaten the economy and environment. BQ is made up research, operations and policy. BQ is part of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF).

BWG/PWG Biosecurity Working Group prev. Pest Working Group; Local forum established to regularly bring all the relevant stakeholders together to discuss a range of land management priorities

CRC Cairns Regional Council – Council for Local Government area covered by this plan.

DES Department of Environment and Science (Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service).

EPBC Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Federal Act)

FNQROC Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils is made up of membership of Councils from Ingham north to Cooktown and west to Carpentaria in Far North Queensland. The organisation fosters cooperation and resource sharing between councils and advocates regional positions and priorities.

NAMAC Natural Asset Management Advisory Committee.

Terrain NRM Terrain Natural Resource Management - Regional Natural Resource Management organisation working over the Wet Tropics region which takes in the local government areas of Hinchinbrook Shire Council, Cassowary Coast Regional Council, Tablelands Regional Council and Cairns Regional Council.


Key terms and definitions – Biosecurity Act 2014

General Biosecurity Obligation The general biosecurity obligation applies to a person who deals with biosecurity matter or a carrier, or carries out an activity, if the person knows or ought reasonably to know that the biosecurity matter, carrier or activity poses or is likely to pose a biosecurity risk. The person has an obligation (a general biosecurity obligation) to take all reasonable and practical measures to prevent or minimise the biosecurity risk. Also, the person has an obligation (general biosecurity obligation) to prevent or minimise adverse effects on a biosecurity consideration of the person’s dealing with the biosecurity matter or carrier or carrying out the activity; and to minimise the likelihood of causing a biosecurity event, or to limit the consequences of a biosecurity event caused, by dealing with the biosecurity matter or carrier or carrying out the activity; and not to do or omit to do something if the person knows or ought reasonably to know that doing or omitting to do the thing may exacerbate the adverse effects, or potential adverse effects, of the biosecurity matter, carrier or activity on a biosecurity consideration.

Biosecurity Matter Biosecurity matter is a living thing, other than a human or part of a human; or a pathogenic agent that can cause disease in a living thing, other than a human; or in a human, by the transmission of the pathogenic agent from an animal to the human; or a disease; or a contaminant.

Biosecurity Risk A biosecurity risk is a risk of any adverse effect on a biosecurity consideration caused by, or likely to be caused by biosecurity matter; or dealing with biosecurity matter or a carrier; or carrying out an activity relating to biosecurity matter or a carrier.

Biosecurity Event A biosecurity event is an event comprising something that has happened, is happening or may happen; and has had, is having or may have a significant adverse effect on a biosecurity consideration and was or is being caused by, or may be or may have been caused by, biosecurity matter.

Biosecurity Consideration A biosecurity consideration is defined as being; human health, social amenity, the economy or the environment.

Carrier A carrier is any animal or plant, or part of any animal or plant, or any other thing capable of moving biosecurity matter attached to, or contained in, the animal, plant or other thing from a place to another place. Or containing biosecurity matter that may attach to or enter another animal or plant, or part of another animal or plant, or another thing.


Contents

Acronyms and Glossary .................................................................................................... 3

Key terms and definitions – Biosecurity Act 2014 .............................................................. 4

Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 6

Objectives of this Biosecurity Plan ..................................................................................... 7

Background ....................................................................................................................... 7

Plan Development ............................................................................................................. 7

The Cairns Biosecurity Working Group .............................................................................. 8

Legal Requirements .......................................................................................................... 9

Biosecurity Plans ............................................................................................................... 9

The General Biosecurity Obligation ................................................................................... 9

Compliance and Enforcement Strategy ........................................................................... 16

Biosecurity Programs ...................................................................................................... 16

Invasive Biosecurity Matter .............................................................................................. 16

Prioritisation Scoring ........................................................................................................ 18

Control Methods .............................................................................................................. 23

Methods of Spread .......................................................................................................... 28

Action Plans .................................................................................................................... 30

Additional Resources ....................................................................................................... 31

References ...................................................................................................................... 31

Appendices ..................................................................................................................... 32


Introduction The Cairns Regional Council area extends from Wangetti Beach in the north to Waugh’s Pocket in the south. Cairns is fringed by World Heritage rainforests lining the Great Dividing Range and is the largest urban centre in the Wet Tropics Area. Cairns is the largest tourism and commercial hub of the wet tropics comprising a wide mix of land uses including urban development, peri urban, agriculture and conservation areas.

The diversity of land uses in the Cairns area is both an asset and a challenge for managing biosecurity. Managing biosecurity in such a diverse region requires an integrated approach tailored to meet the needs of the many different stakeholder groups.

The Cairns Region Biosecurity Plan 2019 - 2024 is a guiding document for managing biosecurity which has been formulated by Cairns Regional Council and Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (FNQROC) with the direct input of the Cairns Regional Pest and Biosecurity Working Groups.


Objectives of this Biosecurity Plan The Cairns Region Biosecurity Plan provides strategic direction for the management of invasive biosecurity matter and other priority pests on all land tenures within the Cairns Regional Council area and has been developed by and for the entire community. The plan has identified species that pose or are likely to pose a significant biosecurity risk to agricultural production and the environment in the Cairns Regional Council area.

The key objectives of the Cairns Region Biosecurity Plan are as follows:

Prioritises invasive biosecurity matter and locally declared pests, prevents their spread and introduction, prevents spread of invasive biosecurity matter and animals within the Cairns Regional Council area;

Identify the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders involved and provides direction on priority pest management activities;

Outlines obligations to minimize the impact of biosecurity risks on people, the economy and the environment;

Clearly identifies practical management of pests and outlines the priorities so that resources are managed efficiently protecting the environment and clearly identify actions needed for effective management of pests;

Ensures appropriate management of invasive biosecurity matter and improved scope and opportunities for monitoring the efficiency and implementation of the Plan.

Identifying benchmarks for strategic success for continued monitoring and evaluation of pest management in the region.

Background In 2015, Cairns Regional Council endorsed the Pest Management Plan 2015-2018. This plan outlined the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders as specified in the QLD Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002. The Biosecurity Act 2014 effectively replaced the Land Protection Act and required every local government in Queensland to develop a biosecurity plan for their area.

This plan provides up-to-date regional objectives building on the previous Pest Management Plan. This new planning framework represents a shift with a stronger focus on risk and activity based obligations and the General Biosecurity Obligation.

Plan Development The Cairns Biosecurity Plan 2019 – 2024 has been developed following the Local Government Pest Assessment, Prioritisation and Planning Framework developed by FNQROC www.fnqroc.qld.gov.au. The plan development aligns with a regional partnership with neighbouring councils and the natural assets management action committee (NAMAC) which CRC is a contributing member.

http://www.fnqroc.qld.gov.au/


The Cairns Biosecurity Working Group The Cairns Region Biosecurity Working Group (BWG) was originally formed in 1997. The BWG is the local forum established to regularly bring all the relevant stakeholders together to discuss a range of land management priorities in the Cairns Regional Council area.

The primary roles of the Biosecurity Working Group are:

To acknowledge the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders. To provide advice to the Cairns Regional Council, Regional and State agencies,

organisations and stakeholders of the biosecurity management priorities and requirements of the CRC area.

Prioritise invasive biosecurity matter and local priority pest species including the development of locally specific obligations to ensure pests are being managed, to a standard that is accepted by the community.

Ensure all stakeholders formally know, accept and acknowledge their roles and responsibilities in relation to the Biosecurity Management Plan. Key stakeholders are involved in monitoring, reviewing, and coordinating the implementation of the Biosecurity Plan.

The current Biosecurity Working Group consists of stakeholders invited from the following groups as well as other interested parties:

Far North QLD Regional Organisation of Councils Cairns Regional Council Biosecurity QLD Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Wet Tropics Management Authority QLD Parks and Wildlife Service Wet Tropics Biodiversity Foundation Terrain Natural Resource Management Cairns Airport MSF Sugar Canegrowers Roadtek/ Department of Main Roads Ergon Energy Conservation Volunteers Australia Regional Landcare Groups Treeforce Local Indigenous Groups Local Councillors and other representatives

One of the challenges in the development of a Biosecurity Plan is to balance the needs of rural land uses with those expectations from urban areas and the growing concern for natural resources within the community.

When conflicting needs in the community were evident, recommendations were made based on knowledge of the pest’s ecology, invasion potential, control methods available and other


factors, while keeping in mind the need for long-term sustainability of the range of land uses in the Cairns Regional Council.

Some pests are not yet present in the area but are considered important for their potential impact on the natural or productive values in our region. Table 6. Lists such plants.

Legal Requirements Under the Biosecurity Act 2014 local governments are responsible for ensuring invasive biosecurity matter s48 (1) (a-d) for the local government’s area is being managed in compliance with the Act.

Biosecurity Plans The Cairns Region Biosecurity Management Plan 2019 – 2024 will guide the management of all invasive biosecurity matter and locally declared pests in the Cairns Regional Council area as per section 53 of the Act. To fulfil these responsibilities, Council is expected to: (a) Control invasive biosecurity matter on land under its control. (b) Inspect private property to determine the presence of invasive biosecurity matter. (c) Provide advice to landholders on appropriate pest control options. (d) Carry out procedures to ensure control of invasive biosecurity matter on private property. The State government is responsible for: (a) Providing technical and management information and staff training to Council personnel. (b) Ensuring that invasive biosecurity matter controlled on land under the control of other Government Departments. The Biosecurity Act provides Authorised Officers a broad range of powers, and tools needed to ensure the level of response is appropriate to the level of biosecurity risk. The Biosecurity Action Plan defines what council and the community expects of individuals to discharge their General Biosecurity Obligation (GBO) regarding the priority invasive pests in specific areas. The General Biosecurity Obligation The General Biosecurity Obligation (GBO) is one of the core principles of the Biosecurity Act and represents a major shift in thinking – from prescriptive to outcome based management.

What is a general biosecurity obligation and who does it apply to? The GBO is an overarching obligation that requires all persons who deal with biosecurity matter or a carrier to take all reasonable and practical measures to prevent or minimise the risk. However, the obligation only arises when the person knows or ought reasonably to know that the biosecurity matter, carrier or activity pose or is likely to pose a biosecurity risk.

How is compliance with a GBO used to achieve local pest management outcomes? The GBO imposes an obligation on all relevant persons – individuals, industry and government to take an active role in preventing, managing and addressing biosecurity risks that relate to their activities. It provides a capacity for flexibility and ensures that the focus is on the management of biosecurity risk rather than following a prescribed process. The Cairns Regional Biosecurity Plan provides management outcomes for specific high priority pests. These management outcomes are outlined in the pest specific strategies and have been developed by the BWG based on priority, knowledge of distribution, feasibility,


achievability and the existing and potential impacts on the biosecurity considerations (human health, social amenity, the economy or the environment) in the local area. The management outcomes guide or set the standard for the actions and measures thought to be reasonable and practical by the Cairns Community that will help in addressing the biosecurity risk posed by these pests and achieve the identified local management objectives.

How to meet Your General Biosecurity Obligation? The following tables identify different groups of land owners, managers, or organisations that have a role to play in management of invasive biosecurity matter (Pest plants and animals). To meet your GBO in each of the identified zones the identified actions are the minimal actions required.


Table 1. Primary producers and community members Sector Actions Obligation (GBO) Primary producers sugar cane/ bananas

Headland and crop/risk area checks

Survey for weeds/animals during routine maintenance

Vehicle/machinery hygiene protocols

Weed declarations when moving plant material or machinery

Spot spraying, Manual removal, Bagging seed heads, use of fire or other control methods to reduce weed infestations and pest animal harbourage

Property and site specific signage identifying issue/risk

Crop rotation and Cover cropping

Manage off crop weeds on headlands, watercourse and adjacent roadways

Develop strategic pest plans for managed properties

Be aware of priority pest species in the region.

Participate in feral animal control programs

Reduce declared weeds on your property

Prevent the spread of declared weeds by focusing on high risk spread areas such as watercourses, roadways and property boundaries

Provide/maintain access for biosecurity programs

Primary producers wet/dry grazing

Boundary/risk area checks Survey for weeds/animals

during routine maintenance Vehicle/ machinery hygiene Weed declarations Holding paddocks Spot spraying, Manual

removal, Bagging seed heads, use of fire or other control methods to reduce weed infestations and pest animal harbourage


Chopper rolling, slashing, boom or aerial spraying


Install pest appropriate fencing







Sector Actions Obligation (GBO) Landholders fruit production/horticulture

Crop/risk area checks Survey during routine

maintenance Ensure equipment leaving

or entering your property is clean of contaminants

Weed declarations Spot spraying, Manual

removal, Bagging seed heads, use of fire or other control methods to reduce weed infestations and pest animal harbourage


Ground cover management Develop strategic pest

plans for managed properties

Install pest appropriate fencing

Reduce priority pests on your property






Nursery industry and plant sellers

Find out weed risk information before new stock lines are introduced

Spot spraying, Manual removal, Bagging seed heads, use of fire or other control methods to reduce weed infestations and pest animal harbourage





Report unusual plants and animals

Prevent sale of state, local and problem environmental weeds



Landholders rural residential and lifestyle

Report unusual plants and animals

Dispose of green waste responsibly

Select locally suitable garden plants

Participate in local area management activities

Report recurrence of priority pest and weeds

Develop strategic pest plans for managed

Participate in baiting and trapping programs




Sector Actions Obligation (GBO) properties

Install pest appropriatefencing

Reduce priority weeds onyour property

Be aware of priority pestspecies in the region.

Landholders urban and residential

Dispose of green wasteresponsibly

Select locally suitablegarden plants

Cooperate in deliveringlocal management priorities

Report recurrence of prioritypest and weeds

Develop strategic pestplans for managedproperties


Reduce priority weeds onyour property


Participate in baiting andtrapping programs wherepractical

Reduce declared weeds onyour property

Prevent the spread ofdeclared weeds by focusingon high risk spread areassuch as watercourses,roadways and propertyboundaries

Provide/maintain access forbiosecurity programs

Forestry Crop/risk area checks Survey during routine

maintenance Ensure equipment leaving

or entering your property isclean of contaminants

Spot spraying, Manualremoval, Bagging seedheads, use of fire or othercontrol methods to reduceweed infestations and pestanimal harbourage

Property and site specificsignage identifyingissue/risk

Ground cover management Develop strategic pest

plans for managedproperties



Participate in feral animalcontrol programs

Prevent the spread ofdeclared weeds by focusingon high risk spread areassuch as watercourses,roadways and propertyboundaries

Provide/maintain access forbiosecurity programs


Table 2. Government departments, asset managers and non-government organisations

Agencies/NGO’s Actions Obligation FNQROC Natural Area Management Advisory Committee

Maintain collaborative partnerships, advocacy and coordination across regional stakeholders

Undertake regional approaches to planning where relevant

Liaise with local, state and commonwealth government

Liaise with research organisations and programs

Biosecurity Working Group Maintain collaborative partnerships, advocacy and coordination across local stakeholders

Seek internal/external resources Participate in risk assessment Liaise with research

organisations and programs Cost and develop long term

operational works programmes Deploy coordinated early

intervention to new outbreaks Deliver extension and

communication Deliver disaster weed spread

prevention protocols when required

Monitor effectiveness of BQ plan

Disseminate information to represented groups

Deploy early intervention to new outbreaks

Deliver extension and communication

Deliver disaster weed spread prevention protocols when required

Report on progress Negotiate management programs

with road and fire management agencies

Maintain operational works programs

Discuss effectiveness of BQ Plan in implementation at regular meetings

Local Government Education Awareness Risk assessment Pest surveillance Vehicle/ equipment hygiene Visitor/user management Data collection Monitoring

Develop strategic pest plans for managed properties and procedures

Fire planning & management Pest management treatment in line

with pest risk on Council land

Biosecurity Queensland (DAF)

Education Awareness Risk assessment Aerial/ ground surveys Vehicle/ equipment hygiene Education and awareness Capacity building Data collection Monitoring Legislative advice

Invasive biology and management research

Release and monitor biocontrol Conduct control and impact

research

Corridor and infrastructure managers (Road and Rail, Power and Communications, Water and Sewage Network)

Ensure best management practice from operations.

Allocate appropriate resource, Report any outbreaks

immediately Risk assessment Aerial/ ground surveys Ensure clean equipment enters

clean zones. Adjust maintenance and design

practices Allocate resources to prevention

activities

Engage contractors to manage removal targets on managed easements

Engage with neighbouring land owners in joint management programs

Allocate sufficient resources to support management activities

Maintain GIS data for operational and design activities

Monitoring Work with biosecurity staff and

contractors to maintain buffer areas


Agencies/NGO’s Actions Obligation Vehicle/ equipment hygiene Signage in high risk areas

Queensland Parks & Wildlife & Unallocated State Land Management

Education Awareness Risk assessment Aerial/ ground surveys Vehicle/ equipment hygiene Visitor/user management Data collection Monitoring

Engage with neighbouring land owners in joint management programs

Maintain GIS data Maintain operational works

programs Fire planning & management Release and monitor biocontrol Engage with neighbouring land

owners in joint management programs

Natural Resource Management Bodies (Terrain NRM)

Education and awareness Capacity building Distribute information and

facilitate the securing of resources for management

Promote prevention targets and activities across stakeholder networks

Capacity building integration into management programs

Distribute information and facilitate the securing of resources for management

Align landscape restoration targets with pests management priorities

Facilitate education and awareness programs for tourists and recreational users

Engage with stakeholders Liaise with local, state and

commonwealth government

Indigenous, Catchment & Community groups

Distribute information and facilitate the securing of resources for management

Participate in on-ground activities

Record and report on local issues and projects

Actively search to make sure the area is free of target pests

Report any outbreaks immediately

Ensure clean equipment enters clean zones.

Collaborate with management agencies where possible

Report any outbreaks immediately

Collaborate with pest management staff on management programs

Align landscape restoration targets with pests management priorities

Implement on-ground works Facilitate education and awareness

programs for tourists and recreational users

Liaise with local, state and commonwealth government


Compliance and Enforcement Strategy A general expectation is that failure to comply with obligations related to pest management will result in some form of compliance or enforcement activity. Wherever possible and considering the urgency and priority of pest issues, education is considered the first response. Parties should reasonably be given opportunity to discharge their GBO and meet legislative obligations. As such the Pest Notice and Compliance Workflow is a rough guide for compliance activities and actions expected in the region and can be found in Appendix 4.

Biosecurity Orders A biosecurity order is the main enforcement tool that may be given to a person if an authorised officer reasonably believes that a person has failed, or may fail, to discharge their GBO (s373) or other biosecurity obligations. A person fails to discharge their GBO if they do not take ‘all reasonable and practical measures’ to mitigate a biosecurity risk. A biosecurity order can direct a person to treat, control, eradicate, destroy or dispose of biosecurity matter or a carrier in a particular way, clean or disinfect something, stop using the place or remove something from the place. A biosecurity order must be directed at ensuring the recipient discharges their GBO at the place; and may relate to a specific biosecurity matter. In addition, the biosecurity order may propose stated times or intervals for re-entry to the place, a vehicle or another place, to check compliance with the order; or state how the recipient may show that the stated action has been taken.

Biosecurity Programs Biosecurity programs (surveillance or prevention and control programs) have been implemented by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and Cairns Regional Council to enable proactive management of weeds and pest animals. The Cairns Regional Council surveillance program is intended to provide a mechanism for undertaking proactive surveillance to determine the presence or absence of stated invasive biosecurity matter, monitoring compliance with the Act or the effect of measures taken in response to a biosecurity risk, or levels of biosecurity matter in a carrier – within Cairns Regional Council local government area. A copy of all Biosecurity Programs can be obtained on request from those agencies that have implemented them. The Cairns Regional Council’s prevention and control program/s are aimed at strategically managing, reducing or eradicating a limited number of high priority pests that currently pose a significant risk to the biosecurity considerations in the region. Copies of the CRC Biosecurity programs are available for inspection at the CRC public office 119-145 Spence St, Cairns QLD 4870 or on the Council website.

Invasive Biosecurity Matter

Prohibited Matter Prohibited matter is listed in the Act, and includes a range of invasive plants and invasive animals in the Act that have the potential to have significant impacts and are currently not present or known to be established in Queensland.

Identifying prohibited matter It is the responsibility of all Queenslanders, as well as visitors from interstate and overseas, to be aware and take steps to prevent prohibited matter from entering our state. You are


expected to reasonably know about the prohibited matter that you may come across as part of your environment, business or hobby.

Reporting prohibited matter It is an offence to deal with prohibited matter and fail to report its presence. If you become aware of prohibited matter or you believe, or ought reasonably to believe, that something is prohibited matter you need to report it immediately to Biosecurity Queensland. You must also take all reasonable steps to minimise the risks of the prohibited matter and not make the situation worse. If you are unsure or to report suspected prohibited matter, contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.

Restricted Matter Restricted matter is listed in the Act, and includes a range of invasive plants and animals that are present in Queensland. These invasive plants and animals are having significant adverse impacts in Queensland and it is desirable to manage them and prevent their spread, thereby protecting un-infested parts of the State.

Categories of restricted matter There are seven categories for restricted matter. Categories are established based on the risks associated with the pests and severity. Each category places restrictions on the dealings with the biosecurity matter or requires actions to be taken to minimise the spread and adverse impact of the biosecurity matter.

Category 1 Biosecurity Queensland needs to be made aware of this restricted matter to take action to contain and eradicate it. You must report category 1 restricted matter to a Department of Agriculture and Fisheries inspector within 24 hours of becoming aware of its presence. You may reach an inspector by contacting Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.

Category 2 For category 2 restricted matter there are requirements to report this to

an inspector or authorised person. You may reach an inspector or authorised person by contacting Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23. Restricted matter is listed in Schedule 2 of the QLD Biosecurity Act 2014.

Category 3 restricted matter must not be distributed or disposed. This means it must

not be given as a gift, sold, traded or released into the environment unless the distribution or disposal is authorised in a regulation or under a permit.

Category 4 restricted matter must not be moved. This is to ensure that it does not

spread into other areas of the state.

Category 5 restricted matter must not be possessed or kept under person’s control. You may only keep this restricted matter under a permit.

Category 6 restricted matter must not be fed unless kept under a permit. Feeding for

the purpose of preparing for or undertaking a control program is exempted.

Category 7 must be killed as soon as practicable and disposed of in a way described under legislation. Generally limited to noxious fish.

Multiple categories can apply to any specific biosecurity matter.


Prioritisation Scoring An extensive prioritisation process has been undertaken utilising the Local Government Pest Assessment, Prioritisation and Planning framework. This process was modified to meet the needs of Cairns Regional Council region, community and subsequently workshopped with the Biosecurity Working Group. Additional categories of Human health impacts, Achievability and Local Impacts have been included in the Cairns prioritisation process to assist in the decision making process for determining local priorities.

The Biosecurity Working Group assessed each priority species in a detailed process to sub-catchment level to ensure that it was the most up-to-date information. The group determined which pests that would merit individual action plans listed below. Management strategies for each sub-catchment have been identified using the Management Target Workflow, (a copy of which is under Appendix 3).


Table 3. Pest Risk Matrix and Priority Scoring Theme Category Description Key questions Score Impacts and threats

Human health

Local residents and visitors

Does it have human health impacts or is it a human disease carrier?

1= Insignificant 2= Minor 3= Moderate 4= Major 5= Significant

Social amenity

Community areas, living places, lifestyle properties, parks, gardens and public areas

How does it or is it likely to impact on the places people live and recreation areas?


Economy Agriculture, industry, local business and water supplies

How does it or how is it likely to impact on the local economy? What are the costs of treatment in a catchment? Does it impact water supplies?


Environment Plants, animals, waterways and ecosystems

How does it or how is it likely to impact on plants, animals and ecosystems?


Capacity

Achievability Herbicides and other tools, easy to locate or identify, seed life known, reproduction rate. Current distribution and suitable habitats

Are there effective tools and approaches to manage it? Is it affordable and do you have the skills and the resources to achieve an outcome?

1.1= Insignificant 2.2= Minor 3.2= Moderate 4.4= Major 5.5= Significant

Existing priorities

Local impact/ values

Concern identified by local residents or groups, locally isolated, impacting community

Does it raise community concerns? Is it present in neighbouring areas? Are community and cultural values affected?

3= Low 4= Medium 5= High

Declaration status

Biosecurity Act 2014 classification

Is it declared under Queensland Legislation?

1= Environmental weed 1.5= Restricted Category 3,4,5,6,7 2.5= Restricted Category 1,2

National priority

Weeds of National Significance (WONS) and National Eradication Program targets

Is it a WONS weed or the target of a National Cost Shared Eradication Program?

5= Funded by National cost shared projects 2.5= all WONS listed weeds receive this score


Table 4. Priority Pest Plants in the Cairns Region The highest identified priorities are at the top of list

Common and species Name

Hum

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Limnocharis, yellow burrhead (Limnocharis flava) 1 2 3 3 5.5 3 2.5 5 25

Miconia tree (Miconia calvescens) 1 1 4 3 4.4 3 2.5 5 23.9

Senegalia spp. 1 3 4 2 5.5 3 5 0 23.5

Parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus) 3 2 2 3 5.5 3 1.5 2.5 22.5

Salvinia/Water fern (Salvinia molesta) 1 3 2 4 4.4 4 1.5 2.5 22.4

Olive hymenachne (Hymenachne amplexicaulis and hybrids) 1 4 2 4 3.3 4 1.5 2.5 22.3

Glush weed (Hygrophila costata) 1 3 2 4 4.4 5 1.5 0 20.9

Thunbergia (Thunbergia grandiflora syn. T. laurifolia) 1 2 3 4 4.4 5 1.5 0 20.9

Pond apple (Annona glabra) 2 2 3 4 2.2 3 1.5 2.5 20.2

Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) 1 3 3 3 4.4 3 1.5 0 18.9


Mexican bean tree (Cecropia pachystachya, C. palmata and C. peltata)

1 1 4 3 4.4 3 2.5 0 18.9

Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata) 2 2 4 3 3.3 3 2.7 3.1 18.8

Opuntioid cacti 2 1 1 1 5.5 3 5 0 18.5

Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) 1 2 2 2 4.4 3 1.5 2.5 18.4

Brillantaisia (Brillantaisia lamium ) 1 2 3 2 4.4 5 1 0 18.4

Water Mimosa (Neptunia oleracea and N. plena) 1 2 2 2 5.5 3 2.5 0 18

Lantana (Lantana camara and L. montevidensis) 2 2 2 3 1.1 3 1.5 2.5 17.1

Giant rat’s tail grass (Sporobolus pyramidalis and S.natalensis) 1 2 3 2 3.3 4 1.5 0 16.8

Cabomba (Cabomba caroliniana) 1 3 2 2 1.1 3 1.5 2.5 16.1

Amazon frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum) 2 3 2 3 1.1 4 1 0 16.1

Kudzu (Pueraria montana var. lobata syn. P. lobata, P. triloba 1 2 2 2 4.4 3 1.5 0 15.9

Sicklepods (Senna obtusifolia, S. hirsute and S. tora) 1 2 3 2 3.3 3 1.5 0 15.8

Panama Rubber tree (Castilla elastica) 1 1 1 1 5.5 5 1 0 15.5


Table 5. Priority Pest Animals in the Cairns Region The highest identified priorities are at the top of the list.

Common and species Name

Hum

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Econ

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Envi

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Electric Ants (Wasmannia auropunctata) 3 2 3 4 3.3 4 2.5 0 21.8

Feral Deer (all species) 3 2 2 2 5.5 4 1.5/

2.5 0 21/22

Yellow Crazy Ants (Anoplolepis gracilipes) 2 3 3 4 2.2 5 1.5 0 20.7

Feral Pig (Sus Scrofa) 2 2 5 3 3.3 3 1.5 0 19.8

Wild Dog (Canis familiaris) 2 2 3 2 2.2 3 1.5 0 15.7


Table 6. Priority Pests Watch List These Pests are not known in the Cairns region currently but are considered high risk for entry.

Common Name Species Category Red-eared slider turtle Trachemys scripta elegans 2,3,4,5,6

Alligator weed Alternanthera philoxeroides 3

Fire weed Senecio madagascariensis 3

Gamba grass Andropogon gayanus 3

Mikania vine Mikania micrantha 2,3,4,5

Koster's curse Clidemia hirta 2,3,4,5

Bog moss/weed Mayaca fluviatilis Environmental weed

Hiptage Hiptage benghalensis Locally declared

Sagittaria Sagittaria platyphylla 3

Control Methods The individual action plans list the current best practice management techniques for each species represented as the following icons.

Frill/Stem Injection Herbicide may be directly applied to the vascular system of the plant by way of frilling or stem injection. Cuts are made in the bark of a tree or woody section of a vine so that access is opened to the cambium tissue and then herbicide is applied. Operators must be sure that the cuts are made low to the ground and that the cuts are made continuously around the perimeter of the trunk/ stem. It is common practice to stagger the cuts to maximise chemical application and to ensure that all of the vascular transport in the tree is disrupted. Cuts are made with an axe, or machete on a downward angle leaving a “frilly” scarf on the tree when done properly. The frilled notches aid in holding herbicide. In some applications, similar downward cuts can be made with a chainsaw. This technique is beneficial when trees are best left standing for follow up access, if felling is too complicated or restricted by resources. Note that dead trees and falling limbs can become a safety hazard during follow up work and during flood events. Chemical can be applied with an injection gun, low pressure spray pack or with a paint brush. Some trees that are known to sucker or coppice can be killed this way several weeks before felling, to kill the root system before felling.


Basal Bark Basal Bark technique refers to the spraying of a lower truck (basal area) of a tree or vine with herbicide which is usually suspended in diesel. This mixture is suited to many weedy trees and is often a quick way of achieving a kill while leaving the tree standing. This technique is not permitted in or close to water. When using basal bark technique, attention must be paid to manufacturer’s recommendations with regard to chemical rates and the maximum basal diameter that the chemical can be applied to gain consistent kills. Operators commonly use low pressure “pump pack” type spray equipment to apply the chemicals.

Chainsaw/Cut stump Felling trees and large woody weeds and vines is often the most thorough method to ensure consistent kills. Due to most plants’ ability to coppice, regrow or sucker, this method requires the application of herbicide to the freshly cut stump. It is important to apply the chemical quickly to the stump (within 10 seconds) to ensure that the tissue does not close over and prevent penetration of the herbicide. This method is common with chainsaw felling of large trees but is equally successful when treating smaller woody weeds and vines where cutting with sharp knife, secateurs or machete is followed quickly with application of a suitable herbicide. Always check label for permitted herbicide use or contact Local Government for best practice management advice.

Chop/Grub Due to its labour intensiveness, chopping or grubbing is often overlooked as a viable weed management practice. However, it remains an effective way of selectively removing weeds without chemicals. Using machetes, cane knives or hoes, operators can remove seed, flowers or even kill entire woody weeds or grasses. Many vines require chopping to gain access to roots and tubers where other methods can be deployed such as stem injection.

Drill/Stem Injection Herbicide may be directly applied to the vascular system of the plant by way of drilling or stem injection. Holes are drilled in the bark of a tree or woody section of a vine so that access is opened to the cambium tissue. This technique is also used with tuberous vines. Operators must ensure that the holes are drilled low to the ground and there are sufficient number if holes to kill the target species. Generally holes are drilled 5-10 cm apart all the way around the trunk. As with frilling, holes are drilled downwards to hold the chemical and when used with a 5mL injection gun, this technique results in less wasted chemical. Conversely, the drill and inject method is more time consuming and requires access to cordless drills and spare batteries which may not always be appropriate. Stem injection is beneficial when trees are best left standing for follow up access, if felling is too complicated or restricted by resources. Note that dead trees and falling limbs can become a safety hazard during


follow up work and during flood events. Chemical can be applied with an injection gun or low-pressure spray pack. Some trees that are known to sucker after felling can be killed this way several weeks before felling to ensure that the entire plant is killed. Always check label for permitted herbicide use or contact Local Government for best practice management advice.

Improved Grazing Practices Overgrazing can lead to depletion of desirable species and create other issues like compaction, and bare ground which provide opportunities for weeds to establish. Where serious weeds invade pastures, often stock avoid these species leading to a dominance of woody weeds or unpalatable grasses. Continued intensive grazing or overgrazing can lead total destruction of pastures or complete domination by woody weeds i.e. Sicklepod. Careless weed hygiene practices can lead to movement of seeds with stock and trucks to other properties over long distances. Yarding stock for several days can minimise this problem when stock are exposed to major pastoral weeds. Washing down equipment is recommended prior to movement. Spelling paddocks and slashing weeds prior to seed set, spot spraying and grubbing can all be effective in controlling pastoral weeds. For property pest management planning contact Local Government or contact QDAF for information regarding grazing and pasture management.

Hand Removal Many weeds can be controlled by simple hand removal. This method can be used on small-scale infestations and/or in places where equipment cannot be accessed. Hand removal may be the only option where chemical use is not legal or appropriate i.e. Hand removing salvinia in small ponds, or hand pulling pine seedlings. On removal, it is important to dispose of the living plant material appropriately. This may involve bagging the waste, composting on site, or ensuring that the roots of the plants cannot access soil/water and re-shoot.

Foliar Spray There are many herbicides registered for weeds and the most common method of application is spraying. Chemicals can be sprayed on the ground by hand, from a boom or from an aircraft or boat. Common methods of ground application include: 1) Low pressure application i.e. 20L pump up spray bottle. 2) 12v and petrol mechanised spray units i.e. PTO driven tractor spraying. 3) Controlled droplet application i.e. boom spraying The practice of spraying is complex and heavily regulated. Council employees must be licensed to spray herbicides on private and public lands and spray records must be kept in accordance with the QLD Agricultural Chemical Distribution Control Act 1966 (ACDC Act). Herbicides, target species and situations for spraying is controlled by permitted uses listed on product labels. There are also off-label permits available that operators may observe under particular qualification. The Australian Pesticides and Veterinarian Medicines Authority (APVMA) administer all permits that relate to pest management related herbicides, fungicides, adjuvants and toxins.


Always check label for permitted herbicide use or contact your Local Government for best practice management advice.

Biocontrol Biocontrol refers to the release of carefully selected natural pests of weeds and pest animals to assist in their management. They can be insects or diseases that target a certain part or lifecycle stage of the plant. Biocontrol can be a useful long term and low cost strategy to either control or reduce the vitality of a pest plant and is best used in conjunction with management techniques. Some common biocontrol agents present in the region include the salvinia weevil, rabbit calici-virus, rubber vine rust and the giant sensitive plant psyllid.

Slashing Slashing can be an effective tool in pasture management. Woody weeds, herbs and some grasses may be prevented from seeding by slashing at opportune times. For example, slashing sicklepod may be effective before setting seed to manage the potential seed bank. Using blunt blades or chains will smash stems minimising regrowth or recovery of the plant. Following up with spot spraying will minimise the use of expensive chemical and stop the annual seed cycle. It must be noted that this method can potentially spread seeds, so always carry out weed hygiene practices when moving machinery. i.e. Always wash down machinery and slasher decks.

Machinery removal Large-scale infestations sometimes call for mechanised removal or control. Excavators, backhoes, mulching bobcats, aquatic harvesters or even bulldozers may be employed where funding permits. With large tree species, machinery may be required to clean up after chainsaw work. Often, weeds infestations are associated with eroded creek and riverbanks so best practice repair work often requires earthworks bank reinstatement, rock works and revegetation. Note: always wash down machinery to prevent the spread of seed and stem fragments.

Fire Despite being labour, risk and planning intensive, fire can be a useful pest management tool. Fire can be used to: 1) Remove spoils from weed treatments including felled trees. Burn heaps may require attendance by earthworks machinery and fire crews. 2) Stimulate seed regeneration in certain seed banks. 3) Kill certain species where fuel loads allow a hot fire. 4) Kill dormant seeds. Agricultural landholders and State Government land managers know the value of fire for broad acre weed control. There is generally a limited window of opportunity for use of fire. Site preparation, permits, public notification and resources may limit its widespread use.


Exclusion Fencing/netting Fencing is used to exclude animal pests throughout world, particularly to mitigate pest damage to agriculture. Although often considered an expensive option, fencing is sometimes a sound investment to: 1) Contain livestock or exclude predators.2) Protect Crops from terrestrial pests such as pigs and rabbits.3) Protect fruit orchards with netting where it is not viable to controlthe birds/bats that may try to eat the fruit.Increasingly urban landholders are fencing to exclude pests such aswild pigs and dogs. Residents are advised to utilise netting to excludeaccess to urban roosts by exotic birds. Eradication of most naturalisedvertebrate pests is not viable or cost effective, so exclusion isconsidered a logical control option. There are many materialsavailable- some have been in production for over 100 years e.g.Chicken/bird wire, Pigwire/ringlock, barbed wire, chainwire, smoothwire, pickets, palings, colorbond and electric fences. An experiencedagricultural fencer can advise and cost a suitable fence design thatwill exclude pests ranging from snails to horses.

Poison There are special circumstances where poison may be approved for use on vertebrate pests. Commercial baits and poisons are available for rodents and insects at supermarkets. However, strict regulations control the distribution of poisons and toxins that may be used on larger pest animals. Dogs, cats, pigs, rabbits and foxes may be controlled under strict conditions with a toxin known as 1080 or fluoracetate. Use of 1080 is generally limited to lower density and agricultural areas and is distributed under regulation and guidance from local government, Biosecurity Queensland and Queensland Health. A bait program has legal requirements including signage, notification and risk management actions.

Trapping Trapping is a widely used control method for feral pigs in the wet tropics and to a lesser extent to manage wild dogs in close proximity to settlement. Trapping is done in accordance with well established guidelines relating to off target minimisation, firearms policy, humane treatment of animals, public/workplace health and safety and efficiency. Cage or ring fence traps are the most effective trapping techniques for feral pigs. Wild dogs can be targeted with soft jaw traps and domestic/stray dogs and cats are usually trapped using cage traps. All queries regarding management of native wildlife should be directed to Queensland Department of Environment and Science.

Shooting/hunting Hunting is a popular sporting pursuit in the region. Despite its recreational appeal and popularity, hunting has generally proved to be an ineffective and at times, a disruptive pest management practice. Hunting either with dogs or firearms can be an effective complement to an integrated property pest management strategy. Some landholders use hunting as their primary animal control option to good effect, but usually when a population is very small. However, hunting is best utilised after effective trapping/baiting programs to remove any


remaining individuals. More often though, uninvited hunters will target the biggest pigs and/or scatter them throughout an area making the whole population nervous and unpredictable. Urban fringe areas where inexperienced hunters/dogs often visit, pose a great challenge to landholders and Councils as these pigs are usually the hardest to trap. Aerial shooting is noted to be very effective in dry savannah to open woodland country but it is not suited to the Wet Tropics Area given the extensive cover and high residential population. Sniper style shooting can be effective when used with a feed station on dogs, deer and on the occasional pig. Individual wild dogs can be singled out where trapping and baiting may be too indiscriminate.

Methods of Spread

Cuttings-Vegetative Further to normal seed reproduction, many plants will reproduce from cuttings, stem or root fragments or even by leaf fragments. Some species reproduce only vegetatively. Many aquatic and riparian weeds reproduce from cuttings washed downstream with flood water.

Irresponsible and illegal dumping A common way for plants and animals to escape and colonise natural areas is by accidental or at times intentional release and cultivation by people. Often people will travel long distances to dump vegetation to avoid a small tipping fee. Others will throw exotic cuttings and weeds over their back fence and into creeks.

Machinery and vehicles Machinery of many forms can move plant material and pest animals. Slashers and earthworks equipment are most commonly blamed, but cars, 4wds, motorcycles, boats and caravans are all capable of moving pest plants and animals great distances.

People/Animals By sticking to either people’s clothes or animal’s fur, some plants have adapted seeds that can move long distances. Many of these seeds also find themselves attached to car radiators, livestock tails and can easily travel interstate and even overseas.


Droppings Many seeds have evolved as a food source for animals with the advantage of being relocated and dispersed in droppings. This can result in very difficult to predict and often relatively long distance dispersal patterns as pigs, cassowaries, cockatoos and bats all move certain fruits in various directions.

Water The Wet Tropics area is home to many aquatic species which are adapted to water based reproduction. Many weeds are adapted to benefit from annual floods to spread down a catchment. Seeds may float or they may send vegetative material and fragments with normal river flow or during annual flood events. Aquatic plants can also move across catchments attached to birds or boats.

Wind Many plant species use wind as a seed dispersal mechanism. Seeds are lightweight and either wing shaped or adorned with hairs to ensure that upon release they will travel away from the parent plant. Light weight seeds often get caught on vehicles.

Contaminated materials and produce Raw materials such as gravel, sand and mulch and produce including hay, animal feed, seed mixes and even livestock can contain or carry weed seed or other biosecurity risks like invasive ants, pathogens or diseases.

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For more information on using this biosecurity action plan fact sheet, and further information on control tools, refer to the Cairns Biosecurity Plan available at cairns.qld.gov.au and customer service centres.

Key Peak

First/last flush

Occasional

Optimal

Good

Marginal

Human Health Social Amenity Economy Environment Achievability Local Impact/

Values

Declaration

Status National priority

Miconia (Miconia calvescens)

Miconia is a serious weed in Tahiti and Hawaii, where it forms dense thickets in rainforests and displaces native

flora and fauna. Miconia was initially brought into Australia via botanic gardens, and was sold in some nurseries and markets between 1978 and the mid-1990s. Dispersal to new locations has been mainly via cultivation – gardeners

and plant collectors. Fruit eating birds are then the primary mechanism of dispersal into surrounding forests and gardens.

A community education and awareness program is an important part of the eradication program. Managing the risk

of spread to new areas through hygiene protocols for impacted nurseries and growers play an important role in preventing new infestations establishing. Hygiene protocols are also in place for survey and control operations.

Miconia calvescens was first discovered in Cairns Regional Council in 1997 at the Flecker Botanical Gardens. Miconia

has been detected at 14 locations in the CRC area since 1997.

A National eradication program is underway and is targeting survey, control and monitoring of all known

infestations. Bi-annual surveys are conducted to monitor all known infestations and to ensure no new outbreaks have gone undetected; and that plants do not produce seed.

Birds can disperse the small seeds out to many hundreds of metres. The seed of Miconia can remain viable for at

least 16 years so it is important to not disturb areas where mature plants have occurred in the past.

Flowering

Seeding

Spray

Hand pull

Cut stump

Best time Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Description Small tree (up to 15 m) with large leaves up to 70 cm long. The underside of the leaves is a distinct,

deep iridescent purple. Produces clusters of small white flowers followed by red/purple berries.

Distribution Current incursions and infestations occur in Babinda, Deeral, Frenchman’s Creek, Harvey Creek, Russell River and Whitfield. Miconia was typically introduced as a garden plant and then spread into neighbouring

rainforest and creek lines by birds.

Impacts Miconia produces hundreds of small berries every year which are attractive to birds and are spread long distances. It forms dense thickets in rainforest understoreys, potentially replacing native plants and affecting wildlife

populations.

Key projects Target of the National cost-shared Tropical Weeds Eradication Program led by Biosecurity Queensland. All plants should be reported to Biosecurity Queensland immediately on 13 25 23.

1.0/5 1.0/5 4.0/5 3.0/5 4.4/5.5 3.0/5 2.5/5 5.0/5

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What is my biosecurity obligation?

6

Do not

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5

Do not

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4

Do not

move

3

Do not

distribute

Biosecurity

Act

Restricted

matter

category

2

Must be

reported

Spread

Control

Perennial

Terrestrial

Woody

Miconia (Miconia calvescens)

In the

prevention

zone

Currently the target of the National cost-shared Tropical Weeds Eradication

Program. Landholders are required to report suspected infestations immediately to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.

For more information refer to the biosecurity programs of the Tropical Weed Eradication Program.

In the

eradication

zone

If you have an active infestation on your property you can assist the survey and

control team by maintaining property access points and tracks, and ensuring you do not move soil or plant material from the infestation area.

Landholders are required to report suspected infestations immediately to

Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23. For more information refer to the biosecurity programs of the Tropical Weed Eradication Program.

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Key Peak

First/last flush

Occasional Optimal

Good Marginal


Values

Declaration


Limnocharis (Limnocharis flava)

Due to it’s scattered occurrence across the Cairns region it is important to be on the lookout for Limnocharis in natural and artificial water features and wetlands. Regular media campaigns and community displays can assist to

identify new infestations. Limnocharis was first discovered in Cairns Regional Council area in 2001. Anecdotal information from the Cairns botanical gardens suggests that it may have been present there since the 1980s.

Limnocharis was introduced as an ornamental wetland plant and has escaped from cultivation into drains, creeks and wetlands. Ensuring that aquatic plants are sourced from a weed free source is essential to prevent further

spread of invasive aquarium plants. The seed is long-lived and can re-emerge many years after being buried in mud or soil in waterways.

The distinctive yellow flowers help distinguish it from native or introduced water hyacinth which have purple flowers. The leaf stems are also triangular on cross section. The seed longevity is at least fourteen years with plants

reaching reproductive maturity in 58 days. Thus infestations must be monitored every 3 -4 weeks to stop all seeding events. Dispersal to new locations has been mainly via cultivation – gardeners and plant collectors. Local

movement is via water dispersal of seed or vegetative plantlets.

The seed can remain viable buried in mud and soil for many years so any works in the vicinity of known sites require strict hygiene protocols, contact the eradication team on 13 25 23 for more information or if unsure of the

risk.

Flowering Vegetative Seeding Spray

Manual Best time Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

1.0/5 2.0/5 3.0/5 3.0/5 5.5/5.5 3.0/5 2.5/5 5.0/5

Description Limnocharis is a perennial aquatic weed which can grow to a height of 1 metre. It has pale green

leaves and small yellow cup-shaped flowers. Stems of leaves are triangular in cross-section.

Distribution Limnocharis can occur in natural or artificial water features and wetlands. There are active infestations in Centenary Lakes, Cairns CBD, Mirriwinni, White Rock, Smithfield and Redlynch. Historical

infestations have also occurred in Manunda, Clifton Beach, Woree, East Russell and Trinity Beach.

Impacts A major weed in many countries. Limnocharis is a perennial aquatic plant which will colonise shallow wetlands and margins of deeper waterways. It competes with native plants, blocks drains and displaces native flora

and fauna.

Key projects All known infestations within the Cairns Region are currently the target of the National cost-shared Tropical Weeds Eradication Program. Landholders are required to report suspected infestations immediately to

Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.

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6

Do not

feed

5

Do not

keep

4

Do not

move

3

Do not

distribute

Biosecurity

Act

Restricted

matter

category

2

Must be

reported

Spread

Control

Perennial

Aquatic

Herb

Limnocharis (Limnocharis flava)

In the

delimitation

zone

Ensure wetland and pond plants are sourced from a weed free area. Do not

dump wetland, aquarium plants or fish into waterways. Landholders are required to report suspected infestations immediately to

Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23. For more information refer to the biosecurity programs of the Tropical Weed Eradication Program.

Do not move soils and plants from infested sites. Ensure machinery and other plant operating in vicinity of the known infestation is operating under strict

weed hygiene protocols.

In the

prevention

zone

In the

eradication

zone


control team by maintaining property access points and tracks, and ensuring you do not move soil or plant material from the infestation area.

Landholders are required to report suspected infestations immediately to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23. For more information refer to the

biosecurity programs of the Tropical Weed Eradication Program.

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Key Peak

First/last flush

Occasional Optimal

Good Marginal


Values

Declaration


Mexican bean tree (Cecropia peltata, C. pachystachya C. palmata )

Seed longevity in Cecropia is short at less than 2 years. This gives great confidence in eradication programs as sites can be considered free quickly. Properties need to be free of Cecropia for a minimum of three years following the

removal of last mature female plant to be considered clear.

All infestations are believed to have originated from plant collections and subsequently spread and naturalised in the surrounding environment via vectors including birds, bats and water. Dispersal by birds or bats of up to 2km has been observed in Far North Queensland, however data suggests a management area which buffers 1.5km from

female plants is suitable.

Due to dispersal by birds and flying fox it is important to be on the lookout for Cecropia in gardens, forests and riparian areas.

A community education and awareness program is an important part of the eradication program. Managing risk of

spread to new areas through hygiene protocols for impacted nurseries and growers play an important role in prevention. Hygiene protocols are also in place for survey and control operations.

When searching for Cecropia in the field, programs have learnt to adopt three techniques to maximise detection

success, namely; 1) look up into the canopy, searching for the unique leaf shape and the leaves’ silvery/white underside; 2) look ahead for the distinctive leaf scars on the stems; and 3) look down for the large, dry, silvery grey

leaves on the ground.

Flowering Seeding Basal

Manual Cut stump Best time Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Description A rapidly growing tree to 20m with hollow stems and large deeply lobed leaves with flocked white

undersides. The tree has distinctive leaf scars on trunk which are similar to a paw paw. Cecropia has separate male and female plants with the female plant producing long finger-like fruiting spikes.

Distribution There are three known infestations in the Cairns Regional Council area located at Clifton Beach,

Cairns City and Garradunga which extends into Cassowary Coast Regional Council.

Impacts Cecropia spp. are rapid growing rainforest pioneers which can invade and dominate rainforests, urban gardens, agricultural land and riparian areas. Cecropia seed profusely and are spread by birds and bats and

subsequently can be dispersed long distances into adjoining landscapes and forests.

Key projects All known locations are the target of a regional eradication program led by Biosecurity Queensland. C. pachystachya, C. palmata are under monitoring towards eradication as they have not been detected since early

2017.

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Act

Restricted

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category

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Must be

reported

Spread

Control

Perennial

Terrestrial

Woody

Mexican bean tree (Cecropia peltata, C. pachystachya C. palmata )

In the

prevention

zone

All suspected sightings of this plant must be reported to Biosecurity

Queensland on 13 25 23 within 24 hours. It is an offence under the Biosecurity Act 2014 to sell, distribute or give away Cecropia plants or seeds. If moving to

a new property with a history of nursery or fruit tree production, be on the lookout for Cecropia plants.

In the

eradication

zone


Queensland on 13 25 23 within 24 hours. If you have an active infestation on your property you can assist the survey and control team by maintaining

property access points and tracks, and ensuring you do not move soil or plant material from the infestation area. Land managers are required to control all

known infestations on their land. As plants take 3 years to reach sexual maturity land managers are required to survey their part of the management

area twice in the first three years following detection and once every 2 years after until deemed eradicated by an Authorised Officer under the Biosecurity

Act 2014.

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First/last flush

Occasional Optimal

Good Marginal


Values

Declaration


Cha-om (Senegalia insuavis) and Soap Pod Wattle (Senegalia rugata)

Individual species can be distinguished through the following unique characteristics:

S. insuavis - being invasive it forms dense thickets, it has scattered thorns along the stems and the leaflets are fine

and feather-like. S. insuavis is also known as sewerage plant as it has a strong, distinctive odour.

S. rugata – also an invasive, it forms dense thickets, it has scattered thorns along the stems and these are larger and

recurved compared with S. insuavis, the leaflets are larger than that of S. insuavis and lacks the distinctive odour. It is

used as a vegetable in Asian cooking as an ingredient in soup.

S. albizioides - It is a native and ‘near threatened’ species found in the Wet Tropics from around Innisfail north. This

plant is not as aggressive like the exotics, the leaflets are the largest, thorns are spares and it lacks the distinctive

odour of S. insuavis.

S. insuavis and S. rugata may be confused with a range of other weeds and garden plants which have similar bi-pinnate leaves, including Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) and Poinciana (Delonix regia) with both lacking a distinctive strong odour and thorns. Poinciana grows into a large tree to 10m, has bright red flowers and produces

large woody seed pods up to 60 cm in length. Leucaena is a woody weed of disturbed and sometimes riparian

areas. Leucaena has much larger flowers.

Description Three Senegalia species have been detected in the Cairns Regional Council area including the near-

threatened native S. albizioides and the invasive pests S. insuavis and S. rugata introduced from South-East Asia. All three of these species start as shrubs but have tendency to climb and scramble like a vine when competing for light.

Their leaves are bi-pinnate and their flowers are yellow-cream and the fruit are a flattened pod.

Distribution There have been multiple detections of both S. insuavis and S. rugata (predominately the first) scattered throughout the entire Cairns Regional Council including, Kamerunga, Brinsmead, Bentley Park, Cairns

City, Bayview and Babinda. All detections have been linked with traditional Asian food gardens and subsequently spread and naturalised in the surrounding environment, through vegetative and seed propagation.

Impacts It has potential to impact on tropical pastures, beef production and the natural environment. It prefers

disturbed habitats, generally near rainforests so it poses a specific threat to the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.

Key projects As part of a regional eradication program, Biosecurity Officers in collaboration with Local Government have responded to all detections of invasive Senegalia spp. in in the region. Preventative management is

continuing.

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Flowering Seeding Basal

Manual Cut stump Best time Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

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What is my biosecurity obligation? Spread

Control

Perennial

Terrestrial

Woody

Cha-om (Senegalia insuavis) and Soap Pod Wattle (Senegalia rugata)


Queensland on 13 25 23 within 24 hours of sighting, unless previously

reported.

By law, everyone has a general biosecurity obligation (GBO) to take all reasonable and practical steps to minimise the risk of spread of S. insuavis and

S. rugata until they receive advice from an authorised officer. It must not be kept, moved, given away, sold, or released into the environment.

Managing risk of spread to new areas through hygiene protocols for impacted properties plays an important role in prevention. Hygiene protocols are also in

place for survey and control operations. Properties affected by S. insuavis and S. rugata must not allow reproductive

material or carrier’s of to leave the property. Properties need to be free of S. insuavis and S. rugata for a minimum of seven years following the removal of the

last mature plant. With a surveillance schedule of years 1, 2, 5 and 7.

In the

prevention

zone

In the

eradication

zone

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Act

Prohibited

invasive plant

2

Must be

reported

S. rugata

S. insuavis

S. albizioide (Native)

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First/last flush

Occasional Optimal

Good Marginal


Values

Declaration


Parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorous)

Parthenium weed is often spread as a contaminant in stock and poultry feed. Keep a close watch on areas where

feed has been spread. Ensure that the supplier you source from can confirm the product is free from weed seed and not from a known infested area.

Ensure imported vehicles and machinery are free from weed seed and soil. Spell any stock in a holding paddock for at least 7 days to allow seed to pass through the gut or fall from the fur of livestock.

Hygiene for roadside management operators and wider community will assist to reduce the risk. Public awareness

targeted to areas surrounding infestations because it most likely is not familiar to many Cairns residents. Parthenium weed can develop a large and persistent soil seedbank. It’s fast germination rate and ability to undergo

dormancy make it well adapted to semi-arid and drier environments. It also releases chemicals that inhibit the germination and growth of pasture grasses and other plants. Parthenium weed can germinate, grow and set seed

within four weeks so close monitoring of known locations is critical in preventing more seed being added to the seedbank.

Parthenium weed prefers alkaline soils but will tolerate a wide range of soil types. It does not usually do well in

established, healthy pastures and cannot compete with undisturbed vegetation. Maintaining healthy pastures and ground cover will reduce the risk of establishment.

Flowering Seeding Spray

Biocontrol Grazing Fencing


Description Parthenium weed is an annual herb with a deep tap root and an erect stem that becomes woody with

age. As it matures, the plant develops many branches in its top half and may eventually reach a height of two metres. Parthenium weed forms small dense clusters of white flowers on the tips of numerous stems.

Distribution Known only from a single, isolated infestation in Edmonton. Individual plants have been sporadically

found along Bruce Highway but thought to be eradicated.

Impacts Parthenium is a weed of crops and grasslands causing loss of crop and pasture production. Parthenium weed also causes severe allergic reactions including hay fever and dermatitis in susceptible people.

Key projects All known locations are surveyed annually to monitor for any seedlings or flowering plants.

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Biosecurity

Act

Restricted

matter

category

2

Must be

reported

Spread

Control

Annual

Terrestrial

Herb

Parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorous)

In the

prevention

zone

Ensure that the supplier you source stock or poultry feed from can confirm the product is free from weed seed and not from a known infested area.

Spell any stock in a holding paddock for at least 7 days to allow seed to pass or fall from animals coats.

Report any suspected outbreaks or detections to Cairns Regional Council on 1300 692 247.

In the

eradication

zone

Make sure any machinery or vehicles moving from the infested areas are free

from plant material and soil. Ensure best practice weed hygiene measures are in place to reduce risk of spread to new locations. Maintain weed free areas.

Report any suspected outbreaks or detections to Cairns Regional Council on

1300 692 247.

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Key Peak

First/last flush

Occasional Optimal

Good Marginal


Values

Declaration


Salvinia (Salvinia molesta)

Areas marked for delimitation require on ground surveys to determine extent of distribution. No infestations are currently known in these areas.

Salvinia is most likely to be introduced as a contaminant of wetland plants sourced from infested locations or

aquariums. It may also spread on floodwaters from known locations. Keep an eye out in weed free areas. Promote land maintenance and active inspections in those areas.

Ensure that Salvinia is not introduced to ornamental ponds or water features. Report any suspected outbreaks or detections to Cairns Regional Council on 1300 692 247.

A systematic and top-of-catchment down approach is the most effective means of managing Salvinia as it can quickly reinfest an area if any plants are missed.

Infestations are currently controlled with herbicide and follow-up surveys are conducted to ensure all plant fragments have been treated.

Targeted control of key environmental and visitor assets and ongoing release of Salvinia weevil biocontrol agent are

the primary means to reduce the impacts of Salvinia.

The Salvinia weevil biocontrol agent is an effective management tool in dense infestations. The weevils are seasonal, often slowing down in the winter months then re-emerging when warmer weather arrives. The weevil may reduce

the density and cover of an infestation but will not remove it completely. In doing so they assist in keeping infestations at a manageable threshold.

Vegetative Spray

Biocontrol Manual


Description A floating fern with small, coarsely hairy oval leaves which repel water. As the plant matures it turns

from bright green to brown and bunches up into tight rafts. Reproduces by rapidly dividing into smaller plants.

Distribution Common and localised within several Cairns northern suburbs. Southern infestations include, Edmonton, Mulgrave River, Fishery Falls, Babinda and Bramston Beach. Salvinia occurs in the Barron to Lake Tinaroo

so re-infestation is always likely from upstream sources.

Impacts An aquatic weed that can choke waterways. It floats on still or slow-moving water and can rapidly spread to cover the entire water surface with a thick mat of vegetation. This shades out any submerged plant life and

impedes oxygen exchange, making the water unsuitable for fish and other aquatic animals.

Key projects As of publication, Council has implemented a Biosecurity Prevention and Control Program for this pest in riparian areas.

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Biosecurity

Act

Restricted

matter

category

2

Must be

reported

Control

Perennial

Aquatic

Floating

Salvinia (Salvinia molesta)

In the

delimitation

zone

Report any suspected outbreaks or detections to Contact Cairns Regional Council on 1300 692 247.

In the

prevention

zone

It is an offence under the Biosecurity Act to move, share, give away or sell this

plant. Ensure wetland and pond plants are sourced from a reliable supplier and are from a weed free area. Do not dump aquarium plants or fish into

waterways. Contact Cairns Regional Council on 1300 692 247 to report any suspect plants.

In the asset

protection

zone

Maintain weed free areas. Ensure best practice treatment of water bodies by reporting new infestations outside of known areas.

Treat isolated infestations with a high risk of spread.

Spread

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Key Peak

First/last flush

Occasional

Optimal

Good

Marginal


Values

Declaration


Olive hymenachne (Hymenachne amplexicaulis)

Areas marked for delimitation require on ground surveys to determine extent of distribution.

Hymenachne is likely to be moved around during flood events. Monitoring wetlands, waterways and drains on your

property will assist to detect new outbreaks early. A native Hymenachne species Hymenachne acutigluma may occur in the same location. The native lacks the clasping leaf base, has narrow upright leaves and distinctive reddish nodes

where the leaf joins the stem.

Participating in catchment management and water quality projects will assist to promote wider community awareness of the damaging effects of weeds to agricultural land and water ways. Improving water quality and the

condition of riparian vegetation will assist in making waterways more resilient to weed impacts into the future.

Maintaining weed free areas and treating isolated infestations will reduce the risk of further spread. Ensure best practice treatment and weed hygiene measures are in place for private water bodies and reporting new infestations outside of known areas.

Identify high value assets and protect them from impacts where possible. This should include targeted maintenance

of key fish passage areas, cane drains and farm infrastructure to allow for the breeding cycle of native fish species to take place. Landholders can assist by maintaining key flow areas, re-instating stream –side vegetation and reducing

nutrients and sediment into wetlands.

Flowering

Seeding

Spray

Graze


Description A robust, upright perennial aquatic grass 1-2m tall with distinctive stem clasping leaves. Olive

hymenachne has distinctive long cylindrical spike-like flowers. Hymenachne is capable of growing in water up to 1.2m metres deep and often rafts out over water on floating, pithy stems. Native hymenachne may co-occur with Olive.

Distribution Localised and abundant across the Cairns Region within the Mulgrave, Russell River and Barron

Catchments. Olive hymenache is most likely to be encountered in the waterways and wetlands of the floodplain.

Impacts Olive hymenachne blocks drainage systems and waterways. It readily invades and outcompetes native plants in wetlands and waterways. Dense mats can prevent fish passage for key species like Barramundi and provide

a breeding opportunity for pest fish species like Tilapia. It often blocks cane drains and can damage infrastructure.

Key projects As of publication, Council has implemented a Biosecurity Prevention and Control Program for this pest in riparian areas.

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Biosecurity

Act

Restricted

matter

category

2

Must be

reported

Spread

Control

Perennial

Aquatic

Grass

Olive hymenachne (Hymenachne amplexicaulis)

In the

delimitation

zone

Report any suspected outbreaks or detections to Contact Cairns Regional

Council on 1300 692 247.

In the

prevention

zone


plant. Ensure wetland and pond plants are sourced from a reliable supplier and are from a weed free area. Do not dump aquarium plants or fish into

waterways. Ensure any machinery or vehicles moving from infested areas are free from

plant material and soil. Contact Cairns Regional Council on 1300 692 247 to report any suspect

plants.

In the asset

protection

zone

Ensure best practice weed hygiene measures are in place to reduce risk of

spread to new locations. Maintain weed free areas. Identify high value assets and protect them from impacts where possible.

Treat isolated infestations with a high risk of spread. Provide access to waterways for council to continue control programs.

Native hymenachne

(Hymenachne acutigluma)

Olive hymenachne

(Hymenachne amplexicaulis)

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First/last flush

Occasional Optimal

Good Marginal


Values

Declaration


Hygrophila (Hygrophila costata)

Participating in catchment management and water quality projects will assist to promote wider community awareness of the damaging effects of weeds to agricultural land and water ways.

Improving water quality and the condition of riparian vegetation will assist in making waterways more

resilient to weed impacts into the future. Infestations are currently controlled with herbicide and follow-up surveys to ensure all plant fragments have been treated. On-going treatment efforts are required to

continue the reduction of infested sites across the catchments.

Monitoring of treated areas after control effort is essential to ensure infestations do not re-establish. Minimize the risk of spread with best practice weed hygiene. Systematic treatments from the top down of

each catchment.

Effective management should include treating new incursions as reported and treating existing outlying areas to prevent spread.

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Description An erect, aquatic herb up to 1m tall. Generally growing in a thick mat on banks and waters edge but

also extending over the water especially in still water. Hygrophila prefers full sun and tends not to grow as well in the shade. Small papery white flowers are developed at the junction of the stem and leaf.

Distribution Widespread and common throughout the lower Russell River and Babinda Creek. Localised

occasionally within Little Mulgrave Creek and Mulgrave River.

Impacts Hygrophila grows in a thick mat which smothers riparian vegetation. It blocks waterways and drainage infrastructure in both natural and artificial water ways. May provide habitat for pest fish species like Tilapia and

obstruct movement of native species.

Key projects Historical efforts combined with local environmental organisations based out of Babinda have worked to reduce the infestations within the Russell River Catchment.

Flowering Seeding Spray

Mechanical Best time Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

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Biosecurity

Act

Restricted

matter

category

2

Must be

reported

Spread

Control

Perennial

Aquatic

Herb

Hygrophila (Hygrophila costata)

In the

prevention

zone

Ensure wetland and pond plants are sourced from a reliable supplier and are from a weed free area. Do not dump aquarium plants or fish into waterways.

Contact Cairns Regional Council on 1300 692 247 to report any suspect plants.

In the

eradication

zone


control team by maintaining property access points and tracks. Contact Cairns Regional Council on 1300 692 247 to report any suspect plants

beyond known sites.

In the intensive

control zone

Provide access to waterways for council to continue control programs. Maintain best practice weed hygiene and do not remove plant matter from

infested sites. Manage accessible infestations to reduce risk of spread to new locations. Maintain current infestations to prevent spread into weed free areas. Treat isolated infestations with a high risk of spread.

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Key Peak

First/last flush

Occasional Optimal

Good Marginal


Values

Declaration


Thunbergia (Thunbergia grandiflora)

Areas marked for delimitation require on ground surveys to

determine extent of distribution.

The main method of spread for Thunbergia vine is through the sharing plants between gardeners. It is an offence under the

Biosecurity Act to move, share, give away or sell this plant.

Because it often grows on the banks of creeks and rivers Thunbergia may be spread during floods and cyclones, or during clean-up work afterwards. You can reduce the risk of spread by

reporting any suspect vines with purple or mauve flowers to council and by making sure machinery used is clean before

arriving to do any work.

Targeted treatment of upstream properties before downstream infestations is the most effective way to manage Thunbergia on a

catchment scale. Repeat treatments are required to ensure underground tubers do not re-establish. Define assets to protect.

As they become impacted, take reasonable measures to reduce impact on assets.

Flowering Seeding Spray Chop

Hand pull Tuber


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Description A rapidly growing vine which forms significant underground tubers. The separate species of T. laurifolia

and T. grandiflora have been merged into a single species. The lavender-blue trumpet shaped flowers are identical but the leaves may vary. Leaves form a choko-like shape to an oval shape with a narrow pointed tip.

Distribution Infestations occur in scattered but localised infestations throughout the entire Cairns region

particularly on forest edges, waterways and disturbed areas. The heaviest infestations occur in the Little Mulgrave area.

Impacts Thunbergia vine climbs and smothers native vegetation, killing and often pulling down mature trees with

the weight of the vine. Dense infestations can prevent the recruitment and growth of native vegetation. In urban areas it can smother fences, buildings and degrade remnant vegetation in reserves and along waterways.

Key projects A council led control program is underway on many of the known infestations in priority areas.

Council is focusing first on upstream infestations. As of publication, Council has implemented a Biosecurity Prevention and Control Program for Thunbergia vine.

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Act

Restricted

matter

category

2

Must be

reported

Spread

Control

Perennial

Terrestrial

Vine

Thunbergia (Thunbergia grandiflora)

In the

delimitation

zone

Report any suspected outbreaks or detections to Contact Cairns Regional Council on 1300 692 247

In the

prevention

zone

Ensure any machinery or vehicles moving from known infestation areas are

free from plant material and soil. Make sure garden and green waste is disposed of at your local transfer station

or processed on site. Report any suspected outbreaks or detections to Cairns Regional Council on

1300 692 247.

In the intensive

control zone



Treat isolated infestations with high a risk of spread.

In the asset

protection

zone

Make sure garden and green waste is disposed of at your local transfer station

or processed on site. It is an offence under the Biosecurity Act to move, share, give away or sell this plant.

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Key Peak

First/last flush

Occasional Optimal

Good Marginal


Values

Declaration


Pond apple (Annona glabra)

Areas marked for delimitation require on ground surveys to determine extent of distribution.

Pond Apple is most likely to grow along creeks and in wetlands but it may also be found in old orchards where it

was used as graft stock in the past or appear along beaches and beach swales where it is arrives as floating seeds. Keep an eye out for pond apple in swamps, mangroves, estuaries or islands and report any suspect plants to council.

Participating in catchment management and water quality projects will assist to promote wider community

awareness of the damaging effects of weeds to agricultural land and water ways. Improving water quality and the condition of riparian vegetation will assist in making waterways more resilient to weed impacts into the future.

Effective management includes identifying clean catchments and promoting maintenance and active inspections in

those areas. Treating new incursions when detected and controlling existing outlying infestations and high risk areas will assist to prevent spread to new locations. Reducing the spread and distribution of known infestations will

decrease the amount of seed entering waterways and wetlands. Targeted management and restoration of native vegetation in a top-of-catchment down approach is the most effective way to protect downstream assets.

Description Tall semi-deciduous shrub or tree reaching around 15m but typically 3-6 m. Pond Apple is most likely

to occur in wetlands and along stream margins but it may occur along beaches as well. Leaves are lighter below than above and have a green apple scent when crushed. The large fruit is similar to a custard apple and are filled with

floating seeds similar in size and shape to a pumpkin seed.

Distribution Pond apple is widespread at elevations below 20m throughout the southern half of Cairns region, and there are scattered Infestations in the north. Seed is dispersed on river and ocean currents and flood water.

Impacts Pond apple invades a wide range of natural and artificial wetlands and waterways. It forms dense thickets

that exclude most native ground and shrub layer plants, prevents regeneration of native vegetation and chokes drains. It is a significant modifier of wetlands and freshwater mangrove communities.

Key projects As of publication, Council has implemented a Biosecurity Prevention and Control Program for this

pest in riparian areas.

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Flower Seed

Cut stump Mechanical

Manual Burn


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Biosecurity

Act

Restricted

matter

category

2

Must be

reported

Spread

Control

Perennial

Terrestrial

Woody

Pond apple (Annona glabra)

In the

delimitation

zone


1300 692 247.

In the

prevention

zone

Maintain awareness, weed hygiene and report any suspected outbreaks or

detections to Cairns Regional Council on 1300 692 247.

In the intensive

control zone

Treat all infestations. Report unmanaged infestations to Cairns Regional Council on 1300 692 247.

In the

containment

zone



Treat isolated infestations with high risk of spread.

In the asset

protection

zone

Control plants in creeks and drains. Assist management programs by providing

and maintaining with access to water ways and wetlands. Report new infestations.

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Key Peak

First/last flush

Occasional Optimal

Good Marginal


Values

Declaration


Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes)

Water lettuce is most likely to be introduced via aquariums or water features. The plant could potentially be spread as a contaminant in water plants sourced from infested areas. Ensuring that sources of water plants like

water lily are weed free and do not contain water lettuce or other water weeds is the most effective way to prevent accidental introductions. Carefully disposing of aquarium or water feature plants and fish will prevent them

making their way into man-made or natural waterways.

Water lettuce has a limited distribution in the Wet Tropics so maintaining weed free areas by preventing spread to new locations is the most effective strategy for reducing the impact on waterways and wetlands. There are a range

of native alternatives for ornamental ponds and aquarium which don’t carry the same weed risk or potential penalties.

Most infestations in the Cairns region are currently small in size and restricted to slow moving water bodies or

ornamental ponds. By continuing to control known infestations and treating or removing new incursions when they are reported the wetlands and drainage infrastructure of the floodplain will be protected.

Flowering Vegetative

Seeding Spray


Description A free floating, aquatic weed which resembles an open head of lettuce. Leaves are spongy, light green

and water repellent. Water lettuce produces Small green flowers and reproduces from seeds or division. It can form dense mats on the surface of slow moving water, often in conjunction with other water weeds.

Distribution Isolated and occasional infestations occur in slow moving water bodies with high nutrients including

the lower Mulgrave River lagoons, Holloways Beach and Smithfield. Water lettuce may also be present in artificial water bodies, water features, ponds and aquariums.

Impacts It floats on still or slow-moving water and can rapidly spread to cover the entire water surface with a thick

mat of vegetation. This shades out any submerged plant life and impedes oxygen exchange making the water unsuitable for fish and other aquatic animals. Provides breeding opportunities for mosquitoes.

Key projects As of publication, Council has implemented a Biosecurity Prevention and Control Program for this

pest in riparian areas.

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Act

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Spread

Control

Perennial

Aquatic

Floating

Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes)

In the

prevention

zone


plant. Ensure wetland and pond plants are sourced from a reliable supplier and are

from a weed free area. Do not dump aquarium plants or fish into waterways. Ensure any machinery or vehicles moving from infested areas are free from

plant material and soil. Keep an eye out for water lettuce in any natural or man-made freshwater ponds or features. Contact Cairns Regional Council on 1300

692 247 to report any suspect plants.

In the

containment

zone

Manage infestations systematically from top of catchment down. Ensure

treatments occur in flood prone areas prior to flooding events. Ensure best practice weed hygiene measures are in place to reduce risk of spread to new

locations. Maintain weed free areas. Do not move, distribute, sell or give away water lettuce.

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Key Peak

First/last flush

Occasional

Optimal

Good

Marginal


Values

Declaration


Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata)

Areas marked for delimitation require on ground surveys to determine extent of distribution. No infestations are

currently known in these areas.

Siam weed is likely to arrive with contaminated stock, produce, vehicles or machinery from adjoining infested areas. Ensuring weed hygiene measures are in place and materials/produce are sourced from a clean site will assist to

protect your property.

Siam weed has a peak flowering period in May-June with another, less vigorous flowering in October. It is most visible at these times and this feature is used to detect plants prior to seeding. Siam weed is able to be spread by

wind and water as well as machinery and vehicles.

The seeds of Siam weed have been confirmed to remain viable in the soil for at least 7 years. Maintaining records of historical infestations and restricting disturbance and movement of soil is essential to prevent spread to new

locations.

Conducting surveys during the peak flowering time in May-June is the best way to detect any new outbreaks or to monitor previously controlled areas. Monitoring along forest edges, degraded pastures and riparian areas is a useful strategy to detect new infestations or single plants. Maintaining healthy native vegetation along watercourses and

vigorous pastures will assist to reduce opportunities for Siam weed to establish in new locations.

Flowering

Seeding

Spray

Burn

Hand pull

Cut stump


Description A scrambling woody shrub to 3 metres, (higher as a scrambling climber), with distinctive forked leaf

venation and purple flush on new leaves. Clusters of white to lilac flowers in May-June and October. Distinguish from the weeds Bluetop and Praxelis, which have short-tasselled mauve to purple flowers and different leaves.

Distribution There are occasional infestations of Siam weed in Goldsborough Valley and Little Mulgrave. Larger

infestations are throughout the Russell Catchment in Woopen Creek and Bartle Frere areas. A large infestation has recently been detected in Waugh’s pocket.

Impacts Siam weed forms dense thickets and outcompetes native species and pasture in both disturbed and

undisturbed sites. It prefers richer soils in alluvial and riparian zones but will grow in woodlands and coastal zones.

Key projects The target of a National Eradication Program up until 2012, Siam weed was devolved to local governments for further management. Contact Cairns Regional Council to report any suspect plants on 1300 692

247. As of publication, Council has implemented a Biosecurity Prevention and Control Program for this pest.

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Biosecurity

Act

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category

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Must be

reported

Spread

Control

Perennial

Terrestrial

Woody

Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata)

In the

delimitation

zone


1300 692 247. Conduct surveys during peak flowering period of May-June.

In the

prevention

zone


1300 692 247. Ensure weed hygiene measures are in place and materials/produce are sourced

from a clean site.

In the

containment

zone



Treat isolated infestations with high risk of spread. Conduct annual surveys during peak flowering time to detect any new

outbreaks or recruitment of new plants from dormant seeds in known locations.

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Good Marginal


Values

Declaration


Opuntoids (Austrocylindropuntia, Cylindropuntia and Opuntia spp. )

Different species have different legislative requirements. Contact Council or Biosecurity QLD for more

information regarding any pest Opuntoids and specific obligations. The plant’s sharp spines or barbs can cause injury to stock and native animals and contaminate produce reducing

or preventing grazing and recreation activities. The spines are capable of causing serious injury to animals and humans.

Animals and flooding can spread sections of plant, reshooting on contact with soil. Plant sections can survive long

periods separated from soil before reattachment. Gardeners and collectors often contribute to spread.

Flowering Seeding

Vegetative Spray


Description Opuntioid cacti vary significantly in their form and habit, ranging from low-growing shrubs under 50

cm to erect trees up to 8 m tall. Plants are normally leafless succulent shrubs. Stems are divided into segments (pads or joints) that are flat and often incorrectly called leaves. Young shoots have true leaves resembling small fleshy

scales that fall off as the shoot matures. Flowers are large, normally seen during spring and can be yellow, orange, red, pink, purple or white depending on the species. Fruits vary between species and can be red, purple, orange,

yellow or green. Areoles (spots with clusters of spines) are found on both the pads (joints, segments) and fruit. In addition to spines, areoles often have clusters of sharp bristles (glochids) and tufts of fibre (‘wool’). Each areole

contains a growing point that can produce roots or shoots.

Distribution Isolated small infestations of Prickly Pear are known across the Cairns Region and other Opuntoids are infrequently discovered in isolated cases usually through plant sellers or collectors.

Impacts Dense infestations compete with native vegetation, limiting the growth of small shrubs and groundcover

species.

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Biosecurity

Act

Restricted or

Prohibited

matter

2

Must be

reported

Spread

Control

Perennial

Terrestrial

Succulent

Opuntoids (Austrocylindropuntia, Cylindropuntia and Opuntia spp. )

In the

prevention

zone

Report any suspected Opuntoids to Cairns Regional Council on 1300 692 247.

Be aware of restrictions on the movement and import of species into and out of state if purchasing cactus varieties.

Effective Management should target identification of new incursions as they are found and identifying new outbreaks before established. Limit the introduction to the region through quick identification of specimens

by surveillance of vectors such as collectors. Educating the public on identification and restrictions on movements of these

pest plants. Targeted surveillance of digital platforms and on ground sales have successfully

identified many incursions as they occur.

In the

eradication

zone

Contact Cairns Regional Council on 1300 692 247 to advise on best treatment practices or for dense infestations to arrange biocontrol agents.

site based management plan

Documents