Overhead Transmission Line Project

Overhead Transmission Line Project Additional Information Response Report (EPBC 2020/8759)

ACCIONA Energy Australia Global Pty Ltd

9 September 2021

The Power of Commitment

The Power of Commitment

GHD Pty Ltd | ABN 39 008 488 373

145 Ann Street, Level 9

Brisbane, Queensland 4000, Australia

T +61 7 3316 3000 | F +61 7 3319 6038 | E [email protected] | ghd.com

Printed date 09/09/21 5:29:00 PM

Last saved date 09 September 2021

File name https://projectsportal.ghd.com/sites/pp14_02/accionamiwfrevisiono/_layouts/15/DocIdRedir.aspx?ID=12525037-15881-910

Author L. Rolfe

Project manager Matt Herbert

Client name ACCIONA Energy Australia Global Pty Ltd

Project name Acciona MIWF Revision of Planning and Approvals Scope

Document title Overhead Transmission Line Project | Additional Information Response Report (EPBC 2020/8759)

Revision version Rev 2

Project number 12525037

Document status

Status Code

Revision Author Reviewer Approved for issue

Name Signature Name Signature Date

S4 0 L. Rolfe G. Squires On file G. Squires On file 07/05/2021

S4 1 L. Rolfe G. Squires On file G. Squires On file 13/08/2021

S4 2 L. Rolfe G. Squires

G. Squires

09/09/2021

© GHD 2021

This document is and shall remain the property of GHD. The document may only be used for the purpose for

which it was commissioned and in accordance with the Terms of Engagement for the commission. Unauthorised

use of this document in any form whatsoever is prohibited.

http://www.ghd.com/

GHD | ACCIONA Energy Australia Global Pty Ltd | 12525037 | Overhead Transmission Line Project i

Contents

Abbreviations and acronyms iv

1. Introduction 1

1.1 Project overview 1

1.2 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 Referral 1

1.3 Purpose of this report 3

2. Description of the action 10

2.1 Information request 2.1(a) 10

2.1.1 Response 10

2.2 Information request 2.1(b) 14

2.2.1 Response 14 2.2.1.1 Overview 14 2.2.1.2 Transmission towers 14 2.2.1.3 Switching stations 15 2.2.1.4 Access tracks 15 2.2.1.5 Firebreaks 16 2.2.1.6 Site amenities 16 2.2.1.7 Laydown areas 16 2.2.1.8 Construction timeframes and construction hours 16 2.2.1.9 Construction equipment and machinery 17 2.2.1.10 Construction staging 17

2.3 Information request 2.1(c) 17

2.3.1 Response 17 2.3.1.1 Loss and disturbance of vegetation and habitat 18 2.3.1.2 Direct mortality and injury of wildlife 18 2.3.1.3 Habitat fragmentation and reduced connectivity 18 2.3.1.4 Disturbance of wildlife through light, noise and vibration 18 2.3.1.5 Indirect degradation of habitats by dust, run-off and sedimentation 19 2.3.1.6 Introduction and spread of invasive flora species 19 2.3.1.7 Introduction and spread of introduced fauna 19 2.3.1.8 Loss or disturbance to riparian or aquatic habitat 20

2.4 Information request 2.1(d) 20

2.4.1 Response 20

2.5 Information request 2.1(e) 20

2.5.1 Response 20

2.6 Information request 2.1(f) 21

2.6.1 Response 21 2.6.1.1 Decommissioning 21 2.6.1.2 Rehabilitation 21

3. Description of the environment and Matters of National Environmental Significance 22

3.1 Information request 3.1 22

3.1.1 Response 22


3.2.1 Response 23 3.2.1.1 Current land use 23 3.2.1.2 Topography 25 3.2.1.3 Water resources 25 3.2.1.4 Vegetation communities 28


3.3.1 Response 36

GHD | ACCIONA Energy Australia Global Pty Ltd | 12525037 | Overhead Transmission Line Project ii


3.4.1 Response 36

4. Quantification of impacts 37


4.1.1 Response 37 4.1.1.1 Intended land use of completed development 37 4.1.1.2 Associated ongoing activities 37 4.1.1.3 Future management responsibilities 37


4.2.1 Response 37 4.2.1.1 MNES 37 4.2.1.2 Conservation areas 38


4.3.1 Response 38


4.4.1 Response 38


4.5.1 Response 41

5. Avoidance and mitigation 42


5.2 Information request 5.1(a) 42

5.2.1 Response 42 5.2.1.1 Layout development 42 5.2.1.2 Description of potential impacts and proposed mitigation measures 44

5.3 Information request 5.1(b) 44

5.3.1 Response 44 5.3.1.1 Pre-clearance and clearance procedures to protect and manage species 44

5.4 Information request 5.1(c) 51

5.4.1 Response 51

5.5 Information request 5.1(d) 51

5.5.1 Response 51

5.6 Information request 5.1(e) 51

5.6.1 Response 51


5.7.1 Response 52


5.8.1 Response 52

6. Proposed offsets 71

7. Economic and social matters 73


7.1.1 Response 73


7.2.1 Response 73


7.3.1 Response 73


7.4.1 Response 75

8. Ecologically sustainable development 76


8.1.1 Response 76

GHD | ACCIONA Energy Australia Global Pty Ltd | 12525037 | Overhead Transmission Line Project iii

9. References 79

Table index

Table 1-1 Reference table 5

Table 2-1 Summary of ancillary infrastructure 14

Table 3-1 Habitat types 32

Table 4-1 Species presence within the Project area and predicted impact of Project footprint 40

Table 5-1 Environmental mitigation and management measures 45

Table 5-2 Pre-clearance and clearance procedures to protect and manage species 48

Table 5-3 Inspection and monitoring during pre-clearing and clearing activities 50

Table 5-4 Corrective actions for pre-clearing and clearing incidents 50

Table 5-5 Responsible parties, performance and completion criteria and monitoring programs 53

Table 5-6 Predicted effectiveness of avoidance and mitigation measures 59

Table 6-1 Summary of impacts on MNES 71

Table 8-1 Ecologically sustainable development assessment 76

Figure index

Figure 1-1 Project location, area and infrastructure 2

Figure 2-1 Project (disturbance) footprint 11

Figure 3-1 Land use 24

Figure 3-2 Topography 26

Figure 3-3 Water resources 27

Figure 3-4 Habitat types 29

Figure 4-1 Biodiversity corridors and protected areas 39

Plate Index

Plate 2-1 Examples of 330 kV double circuit lattice tower (left) and poly type (right) 15

GHD | ACCIONA Energy Australia Global Pty Ltd | 12525037 | Overhead Transmission Line Project iv

Abbreviations and acronyms

Abbreviation/ acronym Description

ACCIONA ACCIONA Energy Australia Global Pty Ltd

ACT Australian Capital Territory

AHD Australian Height Datum

CEMP Construction Environmental Management Plan

CleanCo CleanCo Queensland

DAWE Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment

DES (Queensland) Department of Environment and Science

EMP Environmental Management Plan

EPBC 2020/8755 EPBC Act referral Karara Wind Farm

EPBC 2020/8756 EPBC Act referral MacIntyre Wind Farm

EPBC 2020/8759 EPBC Act referral OHTL Project

EPBC Act (Commonwealth) Environment Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

EPC Engineering Procurement and Construction contractor

ESCP Erosion and Sediment Control Plan

ha hectare

HSE Health, Safety and Environment

kV kilovolt

LGA Local Government Area

MNES Matters of National Environmental Significance

MW Megawatt

NSW New South Wales

OHTL Overhead Transmission Line

PMST Protected Matters Search Tool

Qld Queensland

RE Regional Ecosystem

RFI Request for Information

RSA Rotor Swept Area

SMP Species Management Program

TEC Threatened Ecological Community

GHD | ACCIONA Energy Australia Global Pty Ltd | 12525037 | Overhead Transmission Line Project 1

1. Introduction

1.1 Project overview ACCIONA Energy Australia Global Pty Ltd (ACCIONA) proposes to develop the Overhead Transmission Line

(OHTL) Project (EPBC 2020/8759) (the Project), which will connect the proposed MacIntyre Wind Farm (EPBC

2020/8756) and proposed Karara Wind Farm (EPBC 2020/8755) to the national electricity grid. The Project

includes 64 km of high-voltage (330 kV) OHTL and ancillary infrastructure including:

– Two switching stations, namely MacIntyre switching station and Tummaville switching station

– Access tracks

– Firebreaks

– Site amenities

– Laydown areas.

An associated upgrade to the State-controlled Cunningham Highway and local Carbean Road intersection will be

required to support the combined construction of the Project, together with the adjacent proposed MacIntyre Wind

Farm Project (EPBC 2020/8756) and proposed Karara Wind Farm (EPBC 2020/8755). The road upgrades are

addressed as part of the MacIntyre Wind Farm Project (EPBC 2020/8756).

The Project traverses 26 freehold lots, as well as road reserves and easements within the Southern Downs

Regional Council, Goondiwindi Regional Council, and Toowoomba Regional Council Local Government Areas

(LGAs). The southern extent of the Project is located approximately 40 km west of the township of Warwick and

the northern extent of the Project is located approximately 8.5 km north-west of the township of Leyburn, as shown

on Figure 1-1.

1.2 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 Referral

A referral was lodged with the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) for

impacts on matters of national environmental significance (MNES) under the Environment Protection and

Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) on 17 August 2020 for the Project (EPBC 2020/8759).

A decision on the assessment of the referral was delivered by the DAWE on 24 September 2020 which

determined the Project (the proposed action) to be a controlled action due to the likelihood of significant impacts

on MNES protected under:

– Section 18 and 18A of the EPBC Act - listed threatened species and communities.

– Section 20 and 20A of the EPBC Act - listed migratory species.

The determination required the proposed action to be assessed by the submission of preliminary documentation

and that additional information was required. A request for information (RFI) was received on 16 October 2020.

"

"

"

"

"

PIKEDALE ROAD

TR

ALE

EROAD

S

PRIN

GC

R

EE

K R

OAD

CLEARY LANE

RABBIT FENCE R OAD

B

ENSO

NRO

AD

MO

UN

TAI N

MA

IDR

OA

D

LEY

BURNF

O

RESTRY R

OAD

RE

ED

YCRE

EK

ROA

D

DONO

VA

N

RO

AD

PO

ND

ER OSA RO A D

MOSQUIT

OC

REEKROA D

HAZELDE NE ROAD

RO

CK

DA

L

ER

OA

D

INVERA

RYR

OA D

WA

RA

HG

AIR

OA

D

CA RBEA N ROAD

COLUM BAROAD

WIC

KHA

MR

OA

D

FO

RES

TRY

R

O

A

D

CO

UP

ER

OAD

KIRBY ROAD

MU

RP

HY

RO

AD

B IGH ILL ROAD

S PRINGS ROAD

LUNA ROA D

LA

GO

ON

CR

EEK

ROAD

B LAKENEY ROAD

HE

NR

Y R

OA

D

BO

DU

M

BA

R

OAD

VALHALLA ROAD

GO

LD

FIE

LD

SR

OA

D

MO

UNTJA

NE

TR

OA

D

LAVELLE

ROAD

BA

CK CREEKRO

AD

SP

IERSCRE

EK ROA

D

OLE

AR

Y

ROAD

CO

STE

LLO

RO

AD

TURNER ROAD

KARARA ROAD

OWENS SCRUB ROAD

STONEHENGE ROAD

RE

IDR

OAD

SNAKE RIDG

ER

OAD

NYORARO

AD

STR

A

THYR

E ROAD

HUNTE RSHILL ROAD

BO

NNIED

OO

NR

OAD

CE

ME

NT

MIL

LSR

OA

D

MILLMERRANR

OAD

G

LEN SANNOX ROAD

TO

OW

OO

MB

AK

AR

AR

AR

OA

D

LEYBURN CUNNINGHAM ROAD

RY

EFO

RD

PRATT

E

NRO

AD

CU

NNINGHAM HIGHWAY

MILL

ME

RR

AN

LEYBUR

NR

OA

D

Gore

Pratten

Leyburn

Karara

Thane

Durikai

State

Forest

Leyburn

State Forest

Talgai

State

Forest

Macintyre

State Forest

Macin

tyre Bro

ok

Sandy Creek

Pike Creek

Condamine River

Dalrymple Creek

GoondiwindiRegionalCouncil

Southern DownsRegionalCouncil

ToowoombaRegionalCouncil

MacIntyre

Switching Station

Tummaville

Switching

Station

FIGURE 1-1

0 1 2 3

Kilometres

Project No.Revision No. 0

12525037Date 13/08/2021

Acciona Infrastructure AustraliaAdditional Information Response

Map Projection: Transverse MercatorHorizontal Datum: GDA 1994Grid: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 56

Paper Size ISO A3

oData source: Acciona: P roposed Layout (27/07 /2021); DES: Pro tected Area (2018); DoR: Imagery (2015), Localit y, Watercourses, Road, LGA , Cadastre (2019); GA: Mainlands, I slands, Place names (2007). Created by: xleeN:\AU\Brisbane\Pro jects\41\12525037\GIS\Maps\MXD\12525037_026_TL_MNESadd_ProjectArea_Rev0.mxd

Print date: 13 Aug 2021 - 10:05

Legend" Locality

HighwayMinor roadMajor watercourseCadastreLocal Government AreaProtected areaOverhead electrical transmission line (330kV)Access trackMacIntyre switching station (MISS)Tummaville switching station (TSS)Laydown areaPotential additional benchOHTL project areaMacIntyre Wind Farm project areaKarara Wind Farm project area

Project location, area and infrastructure

Based on or contains data provided by the State of Queensland 2021.In consideration of the State permitting use of this data you

acknowledge and agree that the State gives no warranty in relation tothe data (including accuracy, reliabil ity, completeness, currency or

suitabili ty) and accepts no l iability (including without limitation, liabil ity innegligence) for any loss, damage or costs (including consequentialdamage) relating to any use of the data. Data must not be used for

direct marketing or be used in breach of the privacy laws.

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

Project area

Queensland

New South Wales

DALBY

WARWICK

BRISBANE

BYRON BAY

TOOWOOMBA

GLEN INNES

GOLD COAST

TENTERFIELD

OWENS SCRUB

ROAD


1.3 Purpose of this report This Additional Information Response Report (this report) serves to provide a response to the RFI and covers:

– A description of the action

– A description of the environment and MNES – detailed species responses are provided in the MNES

(Preliminary Documentation) Assessment Report (GHD 2021) (MNES (PD) Assessment Report), for the

following matters that may, or are likely to, be significantly impacted by the proposed action:

• Poplar box grassy woodland on alluvial plains threatened ecological community (TEC) - endangered

• White box-yellow box-Blakely's red gum grassy woodland and derived native grassland TEC – critically

endangered

• Weeping myall woodlands TEC - endangered

• Macrozamia conferta – vulnerable

• Regent honeyeater (Anthochaera phrygia) – critically endangered

• Grey-headed flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) – vulnerable

• Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) (combined populations of Qld, NSW and the ACT) – vulnerable

• White-throated needletail (Hirundapus caudacutus) – vulnerable and migratory

• Squatter pigeon (southern) (Geophaps scripta scripta) – vulnerable

• Swift parrot (Lathamus discolor) – critically endangered

• Painted honeyeater (Grantiella picta) – critically endangered

• Grey falcon (Falco hypoleucos) - vulnerable

• Central greater glider (Petauroides volans) – vulnerable

• Spot-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus maculatus) (Southeast mainland population) - endangered

• Border thick-tailed gecko (Uvidicolus sphyrurus) – vulnerable

• Austral toadflax (Thesium australe) – vulnerable

• Bluegrass (Dichanthium setosum) – vulnerable

• Tylophora linearis (syn. Vincetoxicum forsteri) - endangered

– Quantification of impacts

– Avoidance and mitigation

– Proposed offsets

– Economic and social matters

– Ecologically sustainable development.

This report is supported by the following technical documents provided as standalone reports:

– MNES (PD) Assessment Report (GHD 2021), including:

• Revised and updated Protected Matters Search Tool (PMST) searches

• Updated searches of relevant Commonwealth and State databases to confirm the predicted presence or

absence of listed species, ecological communities and listed migratory species as at the time of EPBC

referral lodgement

• Revised species lists

– EPBC Act threatened birds – habitat and regional assessment and targeted surveys (Report No. 20033 (15.3)

August 2021) (Nature Advisory 2021)

– Construction Management Plan (12525037-REP-MWF-09) (GHD 2020a)

– Preliminary Fauna Management Plan (12525037-REP-MWF-013) (GHD 2020b)

– Preliminary Vegetation Management Plan (12525037-REP-MWF-014) (GHD 2020c)

– Overhead Transmission Line Environmental Offsets Strategy (Attexo 2021).


Table 1-1 provides a reference table which indicates where to find the information fulfilling each RFI request.

This additional information report, together with the technical reports, advances information as provided in the

referral (EPBC 2020/8759) as project design has progressed and additional surveys have been undertaken.

The Referral documentation comprised:

– EPBC Act referral (EPBC 2020/8759)

– Attachment A Figures

– Attachment B Lot/plans

– Attachment C MNES Assessment Report (12525037-REP-MWF-005-OHTL) (GHD, 2020d)

– Attachment D Stormwater Management Plan (12525037-REP-MWF-07) (GHD, July 2020e)

– Attachment E Construction Management Plan (12525037-REP-MWF-09) (GHD, July 2020a)

– Attachment F Preliminary Fauna Management Plan (12525037-REP-MWF-014) (GHD, July 2020b)

– Attachment G Preliminary Vegetation Management Plan (12525037-REP-MWF-013) (GHD July 2020c)

– Attachment H Environment Biodiversity Climate Change and Water Policy.


Table 1-1 Reference table

RFI Item Response – this Report (section) Supporting technical report

ATTACHMENT A – Request for additional information required for assessment by preliminary documentation

1 General content, format and style n/a – overarching guidance n/a

2 Description of the action Section 2 n/a

2.1(a) Location, boundaries and size Section 2.1.1 n/a

2.1(b) Project components, timing and duration Section 2.2.1 n/a

2.1(c) Construction approach and methods Section 2.3.1 n/a

2.1(d) Indicative layout plans Section 2.4.1 n/a

2.1(e) External lighting Section 2.5.1 n/a

2.1(f) Decommissioning and rehabilitation Section 2.6.1 n/a

3 Description of the environment and Matters of National Environmental Significance

Section 3 MNES (PD) Assessment Report

EPBC Act threatened birds – habitat and regional assessment and targeted surveys

3.1 Description of MNES and habitat Section 3.1.1 MNES (PD) Assessment Report


3.2 Land use, topography, water resources and vegetation Section 3.2.1 MNES (PD) Assessment Report


3.3 Listed threatened species and ecological communities Section 3.3.1 MNES (PD) Assessment Report


3.3(a) Abundance, distribution, ecology and habitat Section 3.3.1 MNES (PD) Assessment Report


3.3(b) Habitat extent Section 3.3.1 MNES (PD) Assessment Report


3.3(c) Habitat quality and importance Section 3.3.1 MNES (PD) Assessment Report




3.3(d) Population information Section 3.3.1 MNES (PD) Assessment Report


3.3(e) Survey methods Section 3.3.1 MNES (PD) Assessment Report


3.3(f) Survey adequacy Section 3.3.1 MNES (PD) Assessment Report


3.3(g) Survey results Section 3.3.1 MNES (PD) Assessment Report


3.4 Methods and data used to assess environmental values Section 3.4.1 MNES (PD) Assessment Report


4 Quantification of impacts Section 4 MNES (PD) Assessment Report


4.1 Intended land use Section 4.1.1 n/a

4.2 Mapping and impact areas Section 4.2.1 MNES (PD) Assessment Report


4.3 Habitat impacts Section 4.3.1 MNES (PD) Assessment Report


4.4 Habitat quantity and quality Section 4.4.1 MNES (PD) Assessment Report


4.5 Impact assessment Section 4.5.1 MNES (PD) Assessment Report


5 Avoidance and mitigation Section 5 MNES (PD) Assessment Report

5.1(a) Alternatives Section 5.2.1 n/a



5.1(b)Pre-clearance and clearance procedures Section 5.3.1 n/a

5.1(c) Buffers, exclusions, barriers, etc. Section 5.4.1 n/a

5.1(d) Rehabilitation Section 5.5.1 n/a

5.1(e) Mitigation and management during operations Section 5.6.1 n/a

5.2 Roles, outcomes, milestones and monitoring Section 5.7.1 n/a

5.3 Effectiveness of avoidance and mitigation measures Section 5.8.1 Construction Management Plan

Preliminary Fauna Management Plan

Preliminary Vegetation Management Plan

6 Proposed offsets Section 6 Overhead Transmission Line Environmental Offsets Strategy (Attexo 2021)

7 Economic and social matters Section 7 n/a

7.1 Social and economic costs and benefits Section 7.1.1 n/a

7.2 Economic benefits and employment opportunities Section 7.2.1 n/a

7.3 Public stakeholder consultation Section 7.3.1 n/a

7.4 Indigenous stakeholder consultation Section 7.4.1 n/a

8 Ecologically sustainable development Section 8 n/a

ATTACHMENT B – Information requirements for EPBC offsets proposals

Details in relation to the proposed offset package n/a Overhead Transmission Line Environmental Offsets Strategy (Attexo 2021)

Details and justification demonstrating how the proposed offset package will maintain or improve the viability of the protected matter(s) consistent with the EPBC Environmental Offsets Policy and EPBC Act Offsets Assessment Guide

n/a Overhead Transmission Line Environmental Offsets Strategy (Attexo 2021)

ATTACHMENT C – Information to assist in the assessment of potential impacts on the koala

Survey methods, habitat assessments, quantification of impacts, supporting mapping

n/a MNES (PD) Assessment Report

Section 5.1

ATTACHMENT D – Listed threatened species and ecological communities and listed migratory species

Poplar box grassy woodland on alluvial plains ecological community – quality and extent of habitat, extent of impacts


Section 3.1



Regent honeyeater – quality and extent of habitat, extent of impacts


Section 5.6

Koala – quality and extent of habitat, extent of impacts n/a MNES (PD) Assessment Report

Section 5.1

Macrozamia conferta - population, habitat, potential impacts n/a MNES (PD) Assessment Report

Section 4.1

Grey-headed flying-fox – quality and extent of habitat, extent of impacts


Section 5.3

White-throated needletail – quality and extent of habitat, potential impacts


Section 5.5

White box-yellow box-Blakely’s red gum grassy woodland and derived native grassland – quality and extent of habitat


Section 3.2

Weeping myall woodlands – quality and extent of habitat n/a MNES (PD) Assessment Report

Appendix A

Painted honeyeater – quality and extent of habitat, extent of impacts


Section 5.7

Squatter pigeon (southern) – quality and extent of habitat n/a MNES (PD) Assessment Report

Section 5.4

Swift parrot – quality and extent of habitat, extent of impacts, potential indirect impacts


Section 5.8

Central greater glider – species presence, quality and extent of habitat, extent of impacts


Section 5.2

Border thick-tailed gecko – species presence, quality and extent of habitat


Appendix A

Thesium australe - species presence, quality and extent of habitat


Appendix A

Dichanthium setosum - species presence, quality and extent of habitat


Appendix A

Tylophora linearis - species presence, quality and extent of habitat


Appendix A



Grey falcon – presence of the species or habitat MNES (PD) Assessment Report

Appendix A

Spot-tailed quoll – species presence, quality and extent of habitat

MNES (PD) Assessment Report

Appendix A


2. Description of the action

2.1 Information request 2.1(a) The location, boundaries, and size (in hectares) of the disturbance footprint, and of adjoining areas and vegetation,

which may be indirectly impacted by the proposal, including from material stockpiles, vehicle access and other

associated activities.

2.1.1 Response

The proposed OHTL Project is located approximately 22 km east of Millmerran at the northern extent, and

approximately 45 km south-west of Warwick at the southern extent. The Project is located within the Southern

Downs Regional Council, Goondiwindi Regional Council, and Toowoomba Regional Council LGAs. The northern

extent of the Project is where the OHTL cuts into the existing Powerlink transmission network at the Millmerran-

Middle Ridge 330 kV OHTL. Approximately 27 km of the OHTL traverses the separately proposed MacIntyre Wind

Farm (EPBC 2020/8756) and Karara Wind Farm (EPBC 2020/8755) project areas.

The Project area (Figure 1-1) comprises a nominal 60 m wide corridor that traverses 26 subject host lots or

properties. The Project area also incorporates road and other tenures (easements) within which associated project

access routes and infrastructure are to be located and totals an area of approximately 507.98 ha in extent.

The direct impact area, as shown in Figure 2-1, is the Project footprint for the adopted Project layout that has

formed the basis of the assessment of impacts on MNES. The direct impact area is estimated at 425.8 ha across

all infrastructure components as discussed further below and includes temporary and permanent disturbance.

In addition to the OHTL, the Project includes a variety of ancillary infrastructure. Details of this infrastructure is

provided in Table 2-1. The locations of Project infrastructure are shown on Figure 1-1. OHTL components and

ancillary infrastructure are further described in Section 2.2

"

L EYBURN FORESTRYROAD

BENSON R OAD

RAUCHLE ROAD

D

ONOVANROAD

FALLA LA NE

SPRI

NTS

DRIVE

WICK

HAM ROAD

STRATHANEROAD

TUMM

AVI LL

ERO

AD

KIRBY ROAD

LAVELLE ROAD

THE TURKEY ROAD

LIBERATOR PLACE

DELAHAYE DRIVE

PUK ALLUS ROAD

SPIERSCRE EK ROAD

WIRRAW AY AVEN UE

KARARA ROAD

OWENS SCRUB ROAD

STONEHENGE ROAD

NYORA ROAD

STRATHYRE ROAD

BONNIE DOON ROAD

MILLMERRAN RO AD

GLEN SANNOX ROAD

TOOW

OOMB

A KAR

A RA R

OAD

LE YBURN CUNNINGHAM ROAD

MILLMERRANLEYBURN ROAD

Leyburn

DurikaiStateForest

LeyburnStateForest

Figure 2-1

0 1 2 3

Kilometres


12525037Date 28/04/2021

Acciona Energy Australia Global Pty LtdAdditional Information Response


Paper Size ISO A3

oDa ta so urce : A ccio na : Pro po sed La yo ut (2 6/03 /20 21 ); DE S: P rote cted A rea (20 18 ); Do R : Ima ge ry (2 01 5) , L oca li ty, R oa d, Ca d astre (20 19 ). Cre a te d b y: x le eN:\AU \B risb a ne \P rojec ts \4 1\1 25 2 50 37 \GIS \M ap s\MXD \12 5 25 03 7_ KBM _TL _M NE S_R FI_S eries.m xd

Prin t d a te : 2 8 Ap r 20 21 - 08 :02

Legend" Locality

Major roadMinor roadCadastreProject areaProject footprint

disturbance footprint

Based on or contains data prov ided by the State of Queensland 2021.In consideration of the State permitting use of this data you

acknowledge and agree that the State gives no warranty in relat ion tothe data (inc luding accuracy, reliability, com pleteness, currency or

suitability ) and accepts no liability (including without limitation, liability innegligence) for any loss, damage or costs (including consequentialdamage) relating to any use of the data. Data must not be used for

direct marketing or be used in breach of the privacy laws. Action area and

"

"

"

"

"

Gore

Pratten

Leyburn

Karara

Thane

Sheet 1

"

"

CARBEAN ROAD

STONEHENGE ROAD

BURRABARANGA RO AD

ROCKD AL

ERO

AD

ME IKLE JOHN RO AD

COLUMBA ROAD

WARAHGAI ROAD

WICK

HAM ROAD

DUNGORM ROAD

BACK CREEK ROADKARARA ROAD

NYORA ROAD

CEMEN T MILLS ROAD

RAB B ITFENCER OA D

STRATHYRE ROAD

MILLMERRAN ROAD

GLEN SANNOX ROAD

TOOWOOMBAKAR ARAROAD

CUNNINGHAM HIGHWAY

Gore

Karara

DurikaiStateForest

Figure 2-1

0 1 2 3

Kilometres


12525037Date 28/04/2021



Paper Size ISO A3


Prin t d a te : 2 8 Ap r 20 21 - 08 :02

Legend" Locality







"

"

"

"

"

Gore

Pratten

Leyburn

Karara

Thane

Sheet 2

"

RABBIT F ENCE ROAD

SPRING CREEK ROAD

BURRABARANGA RO AD

CLEARY LANE

DURIKAI ROADINVERARY ROAD

CARBE AN ROAD

ROCK

DALE

ROA D

COLUMBA ROAD

WARA

HGAI

ROAD

DUNGORM RO AD

LUNA ROAD

SNAKE RIDGE ROAD

HUNTERS HILL RO AD

CEME

NTMILLS

ROAD

CUNNINGHAM HIGHWAY

Gore

DurikaiStateForest

MacintyreState Forest

Figure 2-1

0 1 2 3

Kilometres


12525037Date 28/04/2021



Paper Size ISO A3


Prin t d a te : 2 8 Ap r 20 21 - 08 :02

Legend" Locality







"

"

"

"

"

Gore

Pratten

Leyburn

Karara

Thane

Sheet 3


Table 2-1 Summary of ancillary infrastructure

Component Number Maximum footprint

Approximate Dimensions

Permanent/ temporary

Tummaville switching station compound

1 4.95 ha 250 m x 220 m Permanent

MacIntyre switching station compound (includes laydown and additional bench area)

1 6.67 ha 260 m x 255 m Permanent

Access tracks Numerous 113.5 km 10 – 20 m wide Permanent

Laydown area 1 0.95 ha 100 m x 100 m Temporary

The Tummaville switching station, is the northernmost component of the Project, located adjacent to Owens Scrub

Road at the proposed tie-in point with the Powerlink transmission network. The Tummaville switching station

footprint within the compound is 2.75 ha (approximately 150 m x 90 m.

The MacIntyre switching station, in the south, is to be co-located within the (separately proposed) Karara Wind

Farm Project area. The MacIntyre switching station compound will include a laydown area of 1.1 ha, and an

additional bench area of 0.8 ha. The MacIntyre switching station footprint within the compound is 2.42 ha

(approximately 175 m x 140 m).

2.2 Information request 2.1(b) A description of all components of the proposed action, including the anticipated timing and duration, (including

start and completion dates) of each component of the proposed action. This should include a detailed outline of

the expected timing of any staged clearing or disturbance over the construction period and the expected life of the

overhead transmission line.

2.2.1 Response

2.2.1.1 Overview

The Project proposes to develop 64 km of high-voltage (330 kV) overhead transmission line that will connect the

proposed MacIntyre Wind Farm (EPBC 2020/8756) and proposed Karara Wind Farm (EPBC 2020/8755) to

Powerlink’s transmission network.

Additional Project components include two switching stations, access tracks, firebreaks, site amenities, and

laydown areas as described in Table 2-1.

2.2.1.2 Transmission towers

The Project will include double circuit 330 kV transmission lines with either steel lattice transmission towers or

monopoles, or a combination of the two. Plate 2-1 provides a visual representation of the two types of towers.

Towers or poles will generally have a maximum height of 60 m, except in areas of poplar box TEC, where two

poles have been raised to a height of approximately 68 m to avoid the TEC. Further specifications, including

spacing between towers/poles is subject to detailed design.


Plate 2-1 Examples of 330 kV double circuit lattice tower (left) and poly type (right)

Source: ACCIONA (2020)

2.2.1.3 Switching stations

The Project requires two switching stations to connect the proposed Karara Wind Farm and proposed MacIntyre

Wind Farm to the existing Powerlink transmission network.

The proposed MacIntyre switching station measures approximately 230 m x 200 m and will be co-located within

the proposed Karara Wind Farm (EPBC 2020/8755) at the southern extent of the Project. The MacIntyre switching

station enables both the proposed Karara Wind Farm and the proposed MacIntyre Wind Farm (EPBC 2020/8756)

to connect to the proposed OHTL.

The proposed Tummaville switching station measures approximately 160 m x 220 m and is the northernmost

component of the Project, located adjacent to Owens Scrub Road. The Tummaville switching station is the point

where the OHTL terminates and cuts into the existing Powerlink Millmerran to Middle Ridge 330 kV transmission

line.

The switching stations would include a control room, rack, bus bars, circuit breakers, capacitor bank, switch room,

carparking, diesel generator, water tanks and underground septic tanks. The final size and design of the switching

stations will be subject to detailed design.

2.2.1.4 Access tracks

Internal movement within the Project area will be via access tracks which will be constructed as part of the Project.

Access tracks will be constructed to enable heavy vehicles, workers, and machinery access to the transmission

tower locations during the construction, operation, and decommissioning phases. These will be constructed in part

by incorporating existing farm tracks, where practicable.

Access tracks located in proximity to ecologically significant vegetation have been individually refined to avoid and

minimise impacts to vegetation where practicable. It is likely that approximately 113.5 km of access tracks will be

required for the Project; however, detailed design will refine this further.

Tracks will typically be 5.5 m wide when finished and construction will involve grading and removing of topsoil,

placement and compaction of a suitable crushed rock base, and installation of required drainage works. Where

possible the access tracks will be constructed using local materials.


Tracks may be wider in some areas to allow for regular passing places, turning areas and to account for terrain.

During construction there may also be requirements for batters, swales or other construction disturbance;

however, none of this disturbance is expected to occur outside the direct impact area shown in Figure 2-1.

Tracks will be required to cross watercourses within the Project area; however, the number of crossings will be

minimised. The Stormwater Management Report provided as Attachment D within the initial referral describes the

typical works for access tracks to cross waterways. Crossings that constitute waterway barrier works under the

Queensland Fisheries Act 1994 will be required to meet the Accepted development requirements for waterway

barrier works. Profiles of waterway beds and banks will require restoration or rehabilitation, which will mitigate

impacts to aquatic fauna movement, bed and bank stability and water quality. Detailed hydrologic and hydraulic

assessment of peak design flow, flood immunity design standard, and design for access track waterway crossings

has not been completed but will be a part of the detailed design stage with infrastructure and crossings contained

within the Project footprint area.

Areas disturbed to construct internal access tracks, such as batters, passing lanes and any clearing, will be

rehabilitated. Staged rehabilitation of these disturbed areas will reduce impacts from stormwater runoff and

minimise erosion on site. Internal access tracks will remain during the operational stages of the wind farm to allow

for ongoing maintenance and decommissioning.

2.2.1.5 Firebreaks

Firebreaks will be established along the OHTL to reduce the risk of flashovers and damage that occurs when large

fires burn adjacent to or under high voltage transmission lines, and to provide access for firefighting in the event of

a bushfire.

2.2.1.6 Site amenities

Permanent site amenities required for the Project will include potable water and septic tanks at the switching

station locations.

2.2.1.7 Laydown areas

A temporary laydown area is proposed, which will accommodate temporary storage of construction plant

equipment, wind farm components, and construction materials prior to moving to their ultimate destination. The

laydown area may also be used for rock crushing and stockpiles.

The laydown area will be formed into a fenced-off hardstand area. Following completion of construction of the

Project, the disturbed land will be rehabilitated to a state agreed upon by the landowner.

The final size and location of the laydown area will be determined during detailed design once the construction

methodology has been determined. Site selection (within the Project footprint) will take into consideration the

sensitivity of the environment at that location, only selecting a site that will have minimal impact (i.e. the area is

already disturbed).

2.2.1.8 Construction timeframes and construction hours

Subject to agreement with and planning by the Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor, it is

anticipated construction will commence in late 2021 and the Project will be built over a period of approximately

11 to 16 months, depending on weather conditions, speed of construction and availability of materials.

During the construction phase, works could potentially occur for six days during each week, 12 hours per day

(6:30 am to 6:30 pm), with exceptions which may occur to these timings due to requirements of the Project

schedule. It is expected that some work will occur outside these times (e.g. for activities such as foundation pours

and tower installation during favourable weather conditions). A process for mitigating the impacts of construction

works outside these hours will be incorporated into the Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP).


2.2.1.9 Construction equipment and machinery

It is anticipated that much of the construction work may include excavation, rock hammering, drilling, bulldozing,

crushing and screening, concrete batching and, subject to geotechnical conditions, possible blasting.

It is anticipated that construction material will be sourced from on-site borrow pit(s) located within the adjacent

proposed MacIntyre Wind Farm (EPBC 2020/8756) Project area.

The following typical equipment is likely to be used during construction:

– Site mobilisation – road loaders, graders, backhoes, trucks, small crane, and generators

– Access tracks and hardstands – road loaders, bulldozers, excavators, graders, scrapers, rollers, articulated

dump trucks, belly dumper trucks rock crushing plant, semi-trailers, tractors water carts and hydroseed trucks

– Transmission towers – excavators, concrete trucks, flat-bed trucks, vacuum trucks, generators, telehandlers,

elevated work platforms, and Franna cranes

Other equipment and machinery may be required, depending on the nominated construction techniques.

2.2.1.10 Construction staging

Construction of the Project will be undertaken in a single stage and include the following activities, which will at

times overlap:

– Detailed site investigations, including the establishment of tracks, and clearing for the purposes of micro-siting

the transmission towers

– Obtaining all necessary secondary approvals/permits for construction

– Site mobilisation

– Establishing water supply, potentially through dams and bores

For the construction of the Project, the following activities are expected to occur:

– Site establishment (temporary site facilities, laydown areas, equipment, and materials)

– Earthworks, paving (where required) and drainage for access tracks and hardstands

– Excavation for the foundations

– Construction of transmission tower foundations

– Construction of switching stations

– Installation of electrical and communications cabling and equipment

– Commissioning and reliability testing of transmission lines

– Progressive rehabilitation and restoration where possible.

The activities listed above will generally occur in the order listed; however, some of these activities will be carried

out concurrently to minimise the overall length of the construction program.

2.3 Information request 2.1(c) A description of how the construction works would be undertaken and how operation of the overhead transmission

line and any associated works (i.e. activities that comprise its operation) would be undertaken, with a focus on how

these may impact matters of national environmental significance.

2.3.1 Response

Construction and operation of the Project is described in Section 2.2.1 above.

Impacts on species and species habitat are summarised below and discussed in more detail for specific species

and communities in the MNES (PD) Assessment Report.

Impacts associated with construction of the Project have been avoided as far as practicable and minimised by

locating the Project footprint predominantly in open areas that have been subject to historical land clearing and


sheep grazing (Section 4.2.1). Despite this, the Project is anticipated to generate direct and/or indirect impacts on

MNES within the Project area as detailed below:

– Loss of vegetation and habitat including habitat for conservation significant species and vegetation

communities.

– Direct mortality and injury of wildlife

– Habitat fragmentation and reduced connectivity

– Wildlife disturbance through light, noise and vibration

– Habitat degradation through dust, erosion, run-off and sedimentation

– Introduction and spread of invasive flora and fauna species

– Disturbance of surface waterways and waterbodies or groundwater systems.

2.3.1.1 Loss and disturbance of vegetation and habitat

Potential impacts resulting from clearing native vegetation can include:

– Loss of habitat leading to reduced biodiversity, including long term impacts to local populations and

genotypes

– Loss of microhabitats including tree hollows, hollow logs, leaf litter, rocks and substrate suitable for specific

fauna

– Loss of resources such as foliage, flowers, nectar, fruit and seeds

– Fragmentation of populations, which can reduce genetic exchange between smaller isolated populations.

2.3.1.2 Direct mortality and injury of wildlife

Vegetation clearance during construction may cause injury and mortality to local fauna sheltering in hollows, nests,

ground habitat (logs, burrows, soil, leaf litter, beneath rocks). Species most at risk include nocturnal species that

are likely to be sheltering during clearing activities and slow-moving species or sedentary species that are unlikely

to be able to flee the clearing zone (e.g. koalas, small ground–dwelling mammals, reptiles and frogs). Increased

traffic during the construction phase may increase local incidence of fauna injury and mortality. Species at

increased risk of collision impacts include the squatter pigeon (southern) and ground-dwelling fauna such as

macropods. Entrapment of wildlife within excavations poses an additional threat to wildlife. Most at risk wildlife

includes wide-roaming fauna like macropods, snakes and echidnas.

2.3.1.3 Habitat fragmentation and reduced connectivity

Habitat fragmentation is the process in which large, continuous habitats are converted into smaller, more isolated

patches, often separated by a matrix of human-induced land cover (Haddad et al 2015; Wilcove et al. 1986).

Habitat fragmentation can isolate populations by creating barriers to local fauna movement and the dispersal of

plant seeds and fruit. The quality of persisting habitats can be degraded by edge effects associated with increased

exposure to light, noise, sediment-laden run-off, erosion and weed and pest infestation. The OHTL occurs within a

landscape that has already been extensively fragmented through clearing for agriculture. As much of the OHTL

Project footprint has been located within areas already subject to clearing, the impacts of habitat fragmentation are

expected to be relatively minor and localised.

For most species, the extent of clearing is within the context of the existing landscape and is unlikely to create a

substantial barrier effect. The movement of koalas and other MNES conservation significant species that are

known to occur within the Project areas is unlikely to be limited by the open spaces created. Consequently, the

fragmentation of habitat is expected to have only localised impacts on the composition of forest bird assemblages,

reptile and small ground mammal species, by reducing the area of available habitat for edge-sensitive forest

species that only occur in protected intact woodland remnants.

2.3.1.4 Disturbance of wildlife through light, noise and vibration

Clearance of vegetation has the capacity to cause indirect degradation of adjacent habitats due to an increase in

the exposure to light, noise and vibration. Consequently, this has the potential to adversely impact native wildlife

through the disruption of foraging, breeding and nesting behaviours (Longcore and Rich, 2004; Slabbekoorn et al.


2010; Popper and Hawkins, 2016). Construction will result in short-term, localised increase in vehicle movements.

This will increase light, noise and vibration disturbance on local wildlife. Increased light, noise and vibration can

alter individual species’ behaviours, and disrupt the balance of inter-species interactions. Such disruptions typically

favour feral predators and generalist species that owe their success to broad ecological tolerances and possess

the ability to tolerate or actively exploit disturbed environments (Hero et al. 2004).

2.3.1.5 Indirect degradation of habitats by dust, run-off and sedimentation

Construction activities have the potential to generate localised dust, erosion, run-off and sedimentation through

increased vehicle movements, clearance of vegetation and earthworks. This can reduce the abundance and

diversity of adjacent terrestrial and aquatic habitats by physically smothering vegetation, changing nutrient levels,

impeding the growth and germination of plant species, encouraging weed incursions and altering the movement

and behaviour of fauna species. The receiving environment has already been subject to high levels of erosion and

sedimentation as a result of past land-clearing and current grazing activities. Nevertheless, sensitive ecological

receptors (e.g. larger woodland remnants and aquatic habitats) are particularly susceptible to adverse impacts

associated with dust, erosion and sedimentation. These areas require protection through the implementation of

appropriate dust management and erosion and sediment control measures during construction, which will be

incorporated into the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan and CEMP.

Adverse weather conditions during construction can exacerbate the potential impact of erosion and sedimentation.

High rainfall has the potential to remove exposed topsoil, destabilise creek beds and distribute sediment through

creek lines. Strong winds have the potential to spread exposed topsoil, decreasing the likelihood of recolonisation

by vegetation and potentially distributing dust into nearby sensitive environments.

2.3.1.6 Introduction and spread of invasive flora species

Construction activities typically have the potential to introduce invasive species through the increased movement

of people and machinery. This occurs predominantly via the movement of contaminated vehicles, fill and

vegetative material. This can cause significant damage to Queensland’s primary industries and undermine the

ecological integrity of bushland remnants by competitively excluding native plant species that provide food, shelter

and nesting resources for native wildlife. Given the Project is located within a predominantly agricultural

landscape, the risks of weed introductions carry heightened consequences. Clearance of native vegetation creates

areas of disturbance that are naturally susceptible to colonisation by invasive weed species. These can form a

local source of future weed infestations within the surrounding landscape.

Two species listed as restricted invasive weeds under the Biosecurity Act 2014 were recorded in the Project area:

– Opuntia tomentosa*

– O. stricta*

Both species have the potential to be spread into new areas as a result of construction activities. Appropriate

treatment and disposal of Opuntia spp. is required under the Queensland Biosecurity Act 2014.

2.3.1.7 Introduction and spread of introduced fauna

Construction activities have the potential to introduce and/or spread exotic pests throughout the construction area.

This can result in substantial disruptions to natural ecosystem functioning by altering the balance of inter-species

competition and predation. Inappropriate waste disposal and provision of water has the capacity to attract higher

local concentrations of feral predators, increasing the predation pressures on local wildlife, particularly MNES. Pest

fauna species recorded within the Project areas included feral pigs, dog, cat and fox. Access tracks created for the

Project have the potential to facilitate movement of feral predators such as dogs and foxes, thereby increasing

predation pressures on local wildlife and MNES. Although the OHTL areas are already exposed to relatively high

levels of pest infestation, mitigation measures will be required to limit the spread of pest animals that could result

from construction activities.


2.3.1.8 Loss or disturbance to riparian or aquatic habitat

Transmission towers and other associated infrastructure have primarily been sited high on slopes away from

watercourses and drainage lines. Excavations are not anticipated to reach depths that will impact groundwater.

Access tracks have been sited to minimise the number of water crossings. Nevertheless, the proposed OHTL

access tracks intersect a number of mapped watercourses and ephemeral creek lines. These areas are

ecologically important for movement of wildlife, as habitat and drinking sites and are potentially susceptible to

construction-related disturbance.

While the Project will have minimal direct impact on watercourses, earthworks, vehicle movements and other

construction activities have the potential to cause indirect degradation of aquatic habitats. Construction activities

within and/or in the vicinity of watercourses have the potential to cause degradation of aquatic and riparian

habitats through:

– Removal of riparian vegetation

– Run-off, sedimentation and erosion

– Point-source pollution (chemical and fuel spills)

– Establishing barriers to the movement of aquatic fauna

– Disturbance associated with noise, vibration and/or artificial lighting.

Release of sediments into aquatic habitats can result in altered water chemistry (e.g. increased turbidity,

decreased oxygen levels, reduced light penetration), change in channel morphology and alteration of substrate

composition (Wood and Armitage 1997; Wheeler et al. 2005). These impacts can affect aquatic fauna both directly

and indirectly by reducing habitat value and altering trophic dynamics (particularly where substrate and

macrophytes are smothered) and feeding behaviours. Use of construction machinery in and around aquatic habitat

also has the potential to result in the introduction of contaminants, such as fuels and lubricants. These can result in

long-term impacts to aquatic wildlife and their habitats and can lead to a decline in aquatic species diversity as

sensitive species are competitively excluded by more tolerant species, particularly exotic pest species that typically

tolerate degraded habitats.

2.4 Information request 2.1(d) An indicative layout plan for the proposed action area, including the location and type of land use, key

infrastructure, access tracks and conservation areas.

2.4.1 Response

An indicative layout plan for the proposed OHTL, including locations of key infrastructure is included in Figure 1-1.

The Project footprint is shown in Figure 2-1.

2.5 Information request 2.1(e) Identify locations that would have external lighting and the type of lighting proposed.

2.5.1 Response

The Project does not propose external lighting on the OHTL or supporting infrastructure.

Additional information about general lighting for the Project includes:

– Site lighting will be kept to the minimum needed for safety. Lighting will also be directional to face the

construction area where possible and lighting shields will be used where required to avoid direct light into the

surrounding area outside the construction area.

– Wherever practicable, construction activities will be limited to daylight hours to reduce the need for lighting

and resultant light spill into adjacent habitat and to reduce noise and vibration impacts on nocturnal fauna

species.


2.6 Information request 2.1(f) A description of any decommissioning and rehabilitation activities and their likely timing.

2.6.1 Response

2.6.1.1 Decommissioning

At the end of the operational life of the OHTL, the site may be formally decommissioned. A decision will be made

at this point whether to erect new infrastructure on the site or to remove the existing OHTL and associated

infrastructure and rehabilitate the site.

Should the OHTL and associated infrastructure be removed after their designated lifetime of at least 40 years, the

process of decommissioning will be undertaken with the relevant legal requirements, conditions of the approval

and host landowner requirements. The decommissioning process would be subject to an assessment of impacts to

MNES and other relevant regulatory provisions at the time.

2.6.1.2 Rehabilitation

The following commitments have been made with respect to rehabilitation activities:

– Rehabilitation will occur at various stages of the Project. All rehabilitation will be undertaken in accordance

with best practice environmental management principles and in consultation with host landowners and

appropriate regulatory authorities. Following construction, areas requiring reinstatement will likely be

reseeded with pasture, in keeping with the existing land use.

– Exposed channel surfaces will be rehabilitated as soon as practicable to minimise the potential environmental

risk and in accordance with Table 4.4.7 of the Best Practice Erosion and Sediment Control Manual (IECA

Manual)

– Topsoil is to be stockpiled and reinstated during rehabilitation processes.

– Rehabilitation of temporary construction areas will be undertaken sequentially and as soon as practicable

after clearing to reconnect fragmented habitats.

– Areas of exposed earth will be minimised and rehabilitated with appropriate non-invasive species.

– Rehabilitation of temporary laydown areas, stockpiles, site offices and areas will be undertaken as soon as

practicable once these facilities are no longer required (subject to agreement with the landowner).

– Where practicable, areas of cut and fill will be rehabilitated, providing that roads are maintained for continued

operational use, allowing for oversized loads to facilitate transport of future maintenance, repair or

replacement of OHTL infrastructure.

– Where temporary construction facilities cannot be placed in previously cleared or disturbed areas,

rehabilitation of the areas will be undertaken as soon as practicable after the facilities are no longer required.

A rehabilitation plan will be prepared to outline rehabilitation goals and objectives, recommended approaches,

measurable completion criteria and maintenance and monitoring requirements. The broad objective of the

plan will be to provide rapid reestablishment of locally native vegetation. Topsoil retention and handling will be

a fundamental component of the plan.

– A rehabilitation plan will be prepared to provide details regarding species and stock selection, methodology

for rehabilitation works including site preparation requirements, and measurable completion criteria and

maintenance and monitoring requirements.


3. Description of the environment and Matters of National Environmental Significance

3.1 Information request 3.1 A description of any potential Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES) (including but not limited to

those listed in this request for information) that occur in the project area and adjacent areas.

3.1.1 Response

The MNES (PD) Assessment Report details and describes listed threatened species and ecological communities

and listed migratory species and their habitat that occur in the Project area and adjacent areas as follows:

– Poplar box grassy woodland on alluvial plains TEC

– White box-yellow box-Blakely’s red gum grassy woodland and derived native grassland TEC

– Macrozamia conferta

– Tylophora linearis

– Eucalyptus infera

– Koala

– Central greater glider

– Grey-headed flying-fox

– Squatter pigeon (southern)

– White-throated needletail

– Regent honeyeater

– Painted honeyeater

– Swift parrot

– Fork-tailed swift

– Rufous fantail.

For each species the MNES (PD) Assessment Report details:

– Conservation status and documentation

– Survey effort

– Criteria used to define habitat

– Desktop and survey results

– A description of the significance of the Project area for the species.

In response to the RFI, the MNES (PD) Assessment Report also provides further details and clarifications with

regards to the presence or absence, and the extent and quality of habitat for the following species:

– Weeping myall woodlands TEC

– Thesium australe

– Dicanthium setosum

– Grey falcon

– Spot-tailed quoll

– Border thick-tailed gecko.


To confirm listed threatened species and ecological communities and listed migratory species and their habitat that

may occur in or adjacent to the Project area, revised searches were undertaken of the PMST and the Queensland

Biomaps spatial layer on 2 December 2020 and are included in the MNES (PD) Assessment Report.

An updated likelihood of occurrence assessment was prepared for all species identified on the PMST and in

Biomaps searches. This included grey falcon (Falco hypoleucos) that was listed under the EPBC Act between the

time of drafting the referral. Grey falcon is considered unlikely to occur.

The updated likelihood of occurrence assessment is included in the MNES (PD) Assessment Report.

3.2 Information request 3.2 A description and map of the current land use/s, land topography, surface and ground water bodies, waterways

and vegetation communities (habitat types as they relate to potentially impacted listed threatened species) on the

proposed action site and adjoining areas.

3.2.1 Response

3.2.1.1 Current land use

As described in the referral (EPBC 2020/8759) and accompanying figures, current land use within and adjacent to

the Project area is predominantly rural, characterised as grazing native vegetation on the Queensland Land Use

Mapping Program (Queensland Department of Environment and Science, 2017)

The Project area is within the Southern Downs Regional Council, Goondiwindi Regional Council and Toowoomba

Regional Council local government areas (LGAs). The Southern Downs Regional Council LGA comprises a

mosaic of communities within extensive areas of land used for rural purposes. The key regional centres supporting

the region are Warwick and Stanthorpe. The Goondiwindi region contains a rich and varied cultural landscape,

with an economic context and settlement pattern established from pastoralism, agriculture and transportation. The

region’s economic and social wellbeing is linked to rural land uses including agriculture, and wool and beef cattle

production. The towns of Goondiwindi, Inglewood and Texas are the major settlements in the Goondiwindi region,

with several smaller townships throughout. Toowoomba is the principal regional centre for the Darling Downs

region and promotes a diverse range of business, industry and tourism activity, underpinned by a dynamic

agricultural and pastoral sector. Other industries supported by the Toowoomba region include defence, logistics,

knowledge-based industries and emerging energy industries (both renewable and non-renewable).

Leyburn State Forest and Talgai State Forest are located east of the OHTL in the north, with Durikai State Forest

located east of the OHTL in the south. Other state forests within the broader locality include Macintyre State

Forest, to the south-west, Passchendaele State Forest to the south-east, and Devine State Forest to the west.

The built form of the Project area and surrounding rural areas is generally comprised of single to two storey rural

residences with farm amenity buildings. The region has several small rural towns, with the larger regional centres

of Warwick and Stanthorpe located 40 km to the east and 40 km to the south-east, respectively. The closest towns

are Leyburn, population 476 (ABS, 2016), located approximately 7 km east of the northern extent of the Project

area, Karara, population 123 (ABS, 2016), located approximately 5 km east of the mid-section of the Project area,

and Gore, with a population of 36 (ABS, 2016) located approximately 3 km west of the mid-section of the Project

area

Current land uses for the region are shown in Figure 3-1.

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

Gore

Cement Mills

Goldfields

Pratten

Leyburn

Turallin

Karara

Millmerran

Amiens

Stonehenge

Thane

Kooroongarra

Oman Ama

MO

UN

TJA

NE

T RO

AD

PI K EDALE ROAD

B LACKWELL ROAD

S TONEHE NGE ROAD

TRALE

E

ROAD

CLEARY L ANE

RAB

B

IT FE NCE R OAD

PAULI ROAD

MOUN

TAIN

MA

IDR

OA

D

MIT

CHE

LLRO

AD

HA

LL

RO

AD

MO

S

QU

ITOC RE

EKROAD

HA ZELDENE RO AD

RO

CKDA

LE

RO

AD

TUM M

AVILLE RO

AD

PATON ROAD

COLUM BAR

O AD

CARB

EA N ROAD

HECKELS ROAD

MILLWOOD ROAD

WIC

K

HA

MR

OAD

F

OR

ESTRY

RO

AD

COU

PE

ROAD

COBBADA

MANA ROAD

BOSTOCK ROAD

FO

STE

RS

RO

AD

STRA

THA

NERO

AD

VO

LK

ER

SR

OA

D

FOXB

AR

RO

AD

KIRBY ROAD

HAIN

RO

AD

LOV

ELL

R

OAD

B

IGHILL ROAD

SO

BB

ER

OA

D

LUNA ROA D

HOGARTH ROA

D

WRIGHT ROAD

BO

D

UM

BAR

OA

D

PAS

SM

O

RE ROA

D

TO

BA

CC

OR

OAD

LUM

BY

R

OAD

CLIF

TO

NR

OA

D

THE TURKEY ROA D

EZZY ROA

D

LA

V ELLER OAD

TINH

U

TROAD

SPIERS

CREE

KR

OA

D

OL

EAR

Y

ROAD

PA

LG

RA

VE

ROA

D

GILG

AI L

AN

E

GR

EE

NU

PLIM

EV

AL

ER

OA

D

SOL DIE R

SS

ET

TL

EM

EN

TR

OA

D

KELLY ROAD

KIN

G R

OA

D

SPR

ING

C

REE

K RO

AD

HIN

Z R

OA

D

OWENS

SCRUB ROAD

NICOL CRE EK ROAD

DOO

LEY RO

AD

FY

SH ROAD

R

EID

RO

AD

NY

OR

AROAD

HECKENDORF ROA

D

LEMON

TREE RO

AD

HO

ME

BU

SH

RO

AD

STRA TH

YRE

ROAD

VE R

ON

A

RO

AD

HUNTERS HIL

L ROAD

B

ONNIE

DO

ON

RO

AD

MILLMERRAN

R

OAD

GO

LD

FIELD

SR

OA

D

TERRICA

ROA

D

GLEN SAN

N OX

RO

AD

INVERA

RY

ROA

D

CE

ME

NT

MIL

LS

RO

AD

TO

OW

OO

MB

AK

AR

AR

AR

OA

D

STANTHOR PE INGLEWOODROAD

MIL

LM

ER

RA

N

ING

LE

WO

OD

RO

AD

GO

REHIG

HWAY

CLIFTON LEYB URN ROAD


CUNNIN GHA

M

HIGHWAY

FELTO

NC

LIF

T ON ROAD

MILLMERRAN LEYBURN R OAD

DALR

YM

PLECREEK ROAD

DurikaiStateForest

MillmerranState Forest

CoolmundaConservation Park

YelarbonState

Forest

PasschendaeleState Forest

GreenupState Forest

LeyburnStateForest

Western CreekState Forest

BringalilyState Forest

TalgaiState

Forest

DomvilleState Forest

TerricaState

Forest

DevineStateForest


Figure 3-1

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Kilometres


12525037Date 28/04/2021



Paper Size ISO A3

oDa ta so urce : A ccio na : Pro po sed La yo ut (1 9/03 /20 21 ); Do R : L oca li ty, R oa d, Ra ilwa y, L an d use (20 1 9); DE S: P rote cted A rea (20 18 ). Cre a te d b y: x le eN:\AU \B risb a ne \P rojec ts \4 1\1 25 2 50 37 \GIS \M ap s\MXD \12 5 25 03 7_ KBM _M NE S_R FI_A dd .m xd

Prin t d a te : 2 8 Ap r 20 21 - 08 :03

Legend" Locality

RailwayHighwayMinor roadProject area

Land UseChannel/aqueductCroppingGrazing modified pasturesGrazing native vegetationIntensive animal production

Irrigated croppingIrrigated perennial horticultureIrrigated seasonal horticultureLakeLand in transitionManaged resource protectionManufacturing and industrialMarsh/wetlandMiningNature conservationOther minimal use

Perennial horticulturePlantation forestsProduction native forestsReservoir/damResidentialRiverServicesTransport and communicat ionUtilit iesWaste treatment and disposal

Land use






3.2.1.2 Topography

Topography in the southern extent of the OHTL (where it traverses the proposed MacIntyre Wind Farm and

proposed Karara Wind Farm project areas) consists of a series of low rolling hills at elevations of up to

670 m AHD. North of the Cunningham Highway, topography is more varied, as the OHTL extends north through

hilly areas and then into relatively flat topography at elevations of 440 m to 470 m AHD in the northern extent of

the OHTL.

The northern extent of the OHTL is approximately 2 km west of Kangaroo Mountain (514 m AHD) and extends

south through relatively flat terrain. The mid-section of the OHTL traverses east of the Herries Range before

extending south-east just north of Bald Hill (647 m AHD) and continuing south of the Herries Range.

The topography within the broader region generally comprises a series of continuous low rolling hills. Low hills to

more mountainous landforms appear towards the Great Dividing Range around the Stanthorpe area, and a more

undulating terrain is seen generally within the south of the Project area.

Topography within and surrounding the Project is shown in Figure 3-2.

3.2.1.3 Water resources

Water resources and hydrology were discussed in the EPBC Act referral (2020/8759) and supported by mapping.

In summary, the Project area is located within the Border Rivers Drainage Basin. A series of ephemeral waterways

run through the Project area. These are mapped as first, second, third, fourth and fifth-order streams in the

Queensland Government stream order mapping.

The Project traverses Sandy Creek, a fifth-order stream in the northern extent. A fourth-order stream (Macintyre

Brook) flows in an east-west direction south of the mid-section of the Project; and intersect the OHTL further east.

The Project also traverses Muckinboy Creek, a fourth-order stream and Burrabaranga Creek, a third-order stream,

in the east, and Bandicoot Gully, a third order stream, in the south.

All first and second order streams are ephemeral in nature, completely drying during periods of low rainfall

(typically during the winter months). The third, fourth and fifth order streams are likely to be semi-permanent,

contracting to a series of isolated pools during periods of low rainfall. All streams had a rocky base where

observations were made. Most have been subject to extensive loss and degradation of the riparian vegetation due

to land clearing for agriculture.

There are several farm dams and registered groundwater bores within the Project area. Leslie Dam near Warwick

is also a nearby water catchment, supplying water to local areas (Figure 3-3).

!

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

Gore

Cement Mills

Goldfields

Pratten

Leyburn

Turallin

Karara

Millmerran

Amiens

Stonehenge

Thane

Kooroongarra

Oman Ama

Bald Hill

DurikaiStateForest


CoolmundaConservation

Park

YelarbonState

Forest


GreenupState Forest

LeyburnStateForest

Western CreekState Forest

BringalilyState Forest

TalgaiState

Forest

DomvilleState Forest

TerricaState

Forest

DevineStateForest


Her ries Range

H e rries Range

HerriesRange

He rries Ra n ge

900

80

0

650

600

500

50

0

400

550

500

500

450

50

0450

500

450

650

60

0

350

30

0

700

500

600

550

900

750

600

450

500

45

0

400

350

450

800

800

700

60

0

600

650

650

550

50

0

550

550

550

550

500

500

500

500

50

0

500

550

550

450

450

45

0

400

450

350

300

850

750

750

750

750

700

700

650

550

600

600

60

0

600

600

500

55

0550

550

550

45

0

500

500 5

00

500

500

500

500

500

50

0

500

500

500

500

400

400

450

450

450

450

450

400

400

350

350

Figure 3-2

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Kilometres


12525037Date 28/04/2021



Paper Size ISO A3

oDa ta so urce : A ccio na : Pro po sed La yo ut (1 9/03 /20 21 ); Do R : L oca li ty, Mo un tain R an ge s la be l (2 0 19 ); C SIR O: Elev atio n Grid 3 0m ( 20 10 ); GH D : 5 0m Co nto urs fro m C SIRO 3 0m Elev atio n Grid (2 02 0 ). C re ate d by : xleeN:\AU \B risb a ne \P rojec ts \4 1\1 25 2 50 37 \GIS \M ap s\MXD \12 5 25 03 7_ KBM _M NE S_R FI_A dd .m xd

Prin t d a te : 2 8 Ap r 20 21 - 08 :04

Legend" Locality

Project areaElevation contour (50 mAHD interval)

Elevation (mAHD)High : 1361.86

Low : 89.76

Topography





!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!!!

!

!!

! !

!

!!!!

!!!!!!!

!!

!!

!

!

!

! !!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!!

!

!

!

!

!

!!

!

!

!

!

!

!!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

! !!

!!

!!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!!

!

!

! ! !

!

!

!

!!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!!

!

!

!!

!!!!

!

!!

!

!

!!

!

!

!!!

!

!!!

!!!

!!!!!

!

!

!

!! !

!!

!

!!

!

!

!

!!

!

!

!

!

!!

!!!!

!

! !!!!

!

!!

!!!!

!

!!

!!! !

!

!

!

!

!!

!!

!!

!!

!

! !!

!

!

!

!

!

!

! !

!!!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!!

!!

!

!!!

!!!

!!

!

!

!!

! !

!

!!!

!

!

!!!!

!

!

!!

!

!

!

!

!

!!!!

! !

!

!

!!

!!!

! !

!

!

!!

!!

!

!!

!!

!

!

!

!!!!

!

!

!

!!

!

!

!

!

!

!!!

!

!!!

! !!

!

!

!

!

!

!!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!!

!

!

!

!

!

!!

!!!!!!!

!

!!

!

!

!

!!

!

!

!!

!

!!

!

!!

!!

!

!

!

!!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!!!

!!

!!!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!!

!

!!

!

!

!

!!

!

!

!!

!

!!

!

!!

!!

!!!

!! !

!

!

!!

!

!!

!

!

!!!!

!!

!

!!

!!!

!

!

!

!

!!

!

!

!

!

!!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!!!

!!!

!

!!!!!

!!

!

!

!

!!

!!!

! !

!!!!!! !

!!

!

! !

!

!

!

!

!!

!

!

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́ &́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́&́

&́

&́

&́

&́&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́&́

&́

&́

&́&́

&́&́

&́

&́

&́&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́&́

&́&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́&́

&́

&́

&́

&́&́ &́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́&́ &́&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́&́&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́&́

&́

&́

&́

&́&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́&́

&́

&́ &́&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́&́&́&́&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́ &́

&́

&́

&́

&́&́

&́&́

&́

&́

&́

&́&́

&́

&́

&́

&́&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́&́&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́&́

&́

&́&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́&́

&́

&́&́

&́&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́&́&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́&́&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́&́ &́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́&́ &́

&́

&́&́

&́ &́ &́&́&́

&́

&́&́&́

&́&́&́&́&́&́&́

&́

&́

&́

&́

&́&́&́

&́&́&́&́&́&́&́&́&́&́

&́&́&́&́&́&́ &́&́&́ &́

&́&́&́&́

&́

&́&́

&́ &́&́

&́

&́&́

&́

")

"

"

"

"

"

"

Gore

Cement Mills

Pratten

Karara

Thane

Macin

tyreBro

ok

Horse Gully

Canal Gully

Balonne-CondamineBasin

BorderRiversBasin

Figure 3-3

0 1 2 3 4

Kilometres


12525037Date 28/04/2021



Paper Size ISO A3

oDa ta so urce : A ccio na : Pro po sed La yo ut (1 9/03 /20 21 ); Do R : Ima ge ry (2 01 5) , Lo ca li ty, Water cou rse s, Da m, Dra in a ge B asin (2 01 9 ), Gro u nd wa ter Bo re s (20 21 ). Cre a te d b y: x le eN:\AU \B risb a ne \P rojec ts \4 1\1 25 2 50 37 \GIS \M ap s\MXD \12 5 25 03 7_ KBM _M NE S_R FI_A dd .m xd

Prin t d a te : 2 8 Ap r 20 21 - 15 :07

Legend" Locality

Major watercourseMinor watercourseProject area

") Dam&́ Registered groundwater bore! Farm dam

Drainage basin

Water resources






3.2.1.4 Vegetation communities

The Project area occurs in a landscape that has been subject to generations of sheep grazing and timber

harvesting. Through these land uses, the natural environment has been subject to loss and fragmentation of

natural habitat. Remnant vegetation has been extensively cleared through broad-acre clearing or ring-barking and

aerial poisoning. The understorey and natural substrates have been extensively degraded by grazing and

trampling by stock. Native habitat remnants are generally restricted to rocky hillsides and slopes that are

logistically impractical for grazing and narrow riparian fringes adjacent to waterways. These rocky hillsides and

fringing riparian vegetation represent the highest habitat values within the Project area, providing important

resources and microhabitats for a range of birds, reptiles, mammals and amphibians. Large amounts of fallen

woody debris and timber have been left across parts of the Project area. These areas retain modified habitat

values for a variety of birds, mammals and reptiles. Dams have been constructed across the Project area and

surrounds, and natural waterholes occur within isolated sections of semi-permanent watercourses. These provide

semi-permanent (to permanent) drinking sites that would be utilised by birds, mammals and provide breeding sites

for amphibians, fish and turtles. While the lower-lying alluvial areas have been subject to over 100 years of

grazing, weed importation and associated disturbance, all habitat types within the Project area will have some

value for native wildlife.

The seven broad habitat types listed below were observed within the Project area as shown in Figure 3-4:

– Low Eucalypt woodland on rocky hills and rises

– Mixed Eucalypt woodland/forest

– Ironbark open woodland with a grassy understorey

– Ephemeral or semi-permanent watercourses (and waterholes) with fringing riparian woodland

– Permanent dams

– Cleared or heavily modified grazing land

– Low regrowth woodland with a shrubby understorey.

These habitats and their value to MNES are described in Table 3-1. Species specific habitat requirements and

areas are described in the MNES (PD) Assessment Report.

"

L EYBURN FORESTRYROAD

BENSON R OAD

RAUCHLE ROAD

D

ONOVANROAD

FALLA LA NE

SPRI

NTS

DRIVE

WICK

HAM ROAD

STRATHANEROAD

TUMM

AVI LL

ERO

AD

KIRBY ROAD

LAVELLE ROAD

THE TURKEY ROAD

LIBERATOR PLACE

DELAHAYE DRIVE

PUK ALLUS ROAD

SPIERSCRE EK ROAD

WIRRAW AY AVEN UE

KARARA ROAD

OWENS SCRUB ROAD

STONEHENGE ROAD

NYORA ROAD

STRATHYRE ROAD

BONNIE DOON ROAD

MILLMERRAN RO AD

GLEN SANNOX ROAD

TOOW

OOMB

A KAR

A RA R

OAD

LE YBURN CUNNINGHAM ROAD

MILLMERRANLEYBURN ROAD

Leyburn

DurikaiStateForest

LeyburnStateForest

Figure 3-4

0 1 2 3

Kilometres


12525037Date 28/04/2021



Paper Size ISO A3

oDa ta so urce : A ccio na : Pro po sed La yo ut (2 6/03 /20 21 ); DE S: P rote cted A rea s (2 01 8); D oR : Ima g ery (2 01 5 ), L oc al ity, R oa d, Wate rco urs es, Ca d astre (20 19 ); GHD : H a bi ta t Typ es (2 0 20 ). C re ate d b y: xleeN:\AU \B risb a ne \P rojec ts \4 1\1 25 2 50 37 \GIS \M ap s\MXD \12 5 25 03 7_ KBM _TL _M NE S_R FI_S eries.m xd

Prin t d a te : 2 8 Ap r 20 21 - 15 :34

Legend" Locality

Major roadMinor roadCadastreOverhead electrical transmission lineProject area

Fauna habitat typeIronbark open woodlandMixed Eucalypt woodland/forestMixed Eucalypt on alluvial flatsLow Eucalypt woodland on rocky hills and risesDamEphemeral or semi-permanent watercourses w ith fringing riparianvegetationCleared and highly modified grazing land

Habitat types





"

"

"

"

"

Gore

Pratten

Leyburn

Karara

Thane

Sheet 1

"

"

CARBEAN ROAD

STONEHENGE ROAD

BURRABARANGA RO AD

ROCKD AL

ERO

AD

ME IKLE JOHN RO AD

COLUMBA ROAD

WARAHGAI ROAD

WICK

HAM ROAD

DUNGORM ROAD

BACK CREEK ROADKARARA ROAD

NYORA ROAD

CEMEN T MILLS ROAD

RAB B ITFENCER OA D

STRATHYRE ROAD

MILLMERRAN ROAD

GLEN SANNOX ROAD

TOOWOOMBAKAR ARAROAD

CUNNINGHAM HIGHWAY

Macinty

reBr

ook

Gore

Karara

DurikaiStateForest

Figure 3-4

0 1 2 3

Kilometres


12525037Date 28/04/2021



Paper Size ISO A3


Prin t d a te : 2 8 Ap r 20 21 - 15 :34

Legend" Locality

Major watercourseMajor roadMinor roadCadastreOverhead electrical transmission lineProject area

Fauna habitat typeIronbark open woodlandMixed Eucalypt woodland/forestMixed Eucalypt on alluvial flatsLow Eucalypt woodland on rocky hills and risesLow shrubby regrowthDamEphemeral or semi-permanent watercourses w ith fringing riparianvegetationCleared and highly modified grazing land

Habitat types





"

"

"

"

"

Gore

Pratten

Leyburn

Karara

Thane

Sheet 2

"

RABBIT F ENCE ROAD

SPRING CREEK ROAD

BURRABARANGA RO AD

CLEARY LANE

DURIKAI ROADINVERARY ROAD

CARBE AN ROAD

ROCK

DALE

ROA D

COLUMBA ROAD

WARA

HGAI

ROAD

DUNGORM RO AD

LUNA ROAD

SNAKE RIDGE ROAD

HUNTERS HILL RO AD

CEME

NTMILLS

ROAD

CUNNINGHAM HIGHWAY

Mac in

ty reBro

ok

Gore

DurikaiStateForest


Figure 3-4

0 1 2 3

Kilometres


12525037Date 28/04/2021



Paper Size ISO A3


Prin t d a te : 2 8 Ap r 20 21 - 15 :35

Legend" Locality

Major watercourseMajor roadMinor roadCadastreOverhead electrical transmission lineProject area

Fauna habitat typeIronbark open woodlandMixed Eucalypt woodland/forestLow Eucalypt woodland on rocky hills and risesLow shrubby regrowthDamEphemeral or semi-permanent watercourses w ith fringing riparianvegetationCleared and highly modified grazing land

Habitat types





"

"

"

"

"

Gore

Pratten

Leyburn

Karara

Thane

Sheet 3


Table 3-1 Habitat types

Habitat type Characteristics Ecological values

Low Eucalypt woodland on rocky hills and rises

Low canopy vegetation

Moderate abundance of hollow-bearing trees

Sparse low native shrubs including Casuarina

Logs, woody debris and other complex ground-level microhabitats present in high densities

Presence of rocky outcrops and boulders

Dense leaf litter

Mistletoes abundant in patches

Nesting and foraging habitat for canopy-dwelling birds

Refuges and basking areas for snakes, dragons, skinks and geckos

Foraging habitat for ground-dwelling mammals

Potential MNES and conservation significant species – koala, squatter pigeon, glossy black-cockatoo, grey-headed flying-fox, echidna and localised areas of habitat for painted honeyeater, swift parrot, regent honeyeater

Mixed Eucalypt woodland/forest

Mature canopy vegetation


Shrubs present in patches with isolated patches of Casuarina and Allocasuarina

Abundance of logs and fallen woody debris

Mistletoes abundant in patches

Nesting and foraging habitat for canopy and shrub-dwelling birds

Refugial habitat for snakes, dragons, skinks and geckos


Potential MNES and conservation significant species – koala, central greater glider, glossy black-cockatoo, powerful owl, grey-headed flying-fox, echidna and localised areas of habitat for regent honeyeater, swift parrot, painted honeyeater,



Ironbark open woodland

Low canopy vegetation


Sparse low native shrubs

Logs, woody debris and other complex ground-level microhabitats present in high densities

Presence of rocky outcrops and boulders

Dense leaf litter

Nesting and foraging habitat for canopy-dwelling birds

Refuges and basking areas for snakes, dragons, skinks and geckos


Potential MNES and conservation significant species – koala, central greater glider, powerful owl, , grey-headed flying-fox, echidna and localised areas of habitat for regent honeyeater, and painted honeyeater

Ephemeral or semi-permanent watercourses with fringing riparian vegetation

Mature canopy trees present in low abundance

High abundance of hollow-bearing trees

Patches of dense shrubs

Ephemeral and semi-permanent water sources

Sandy substrate suitable for burrowing

Den sites for arboreal mammals

Drinking sites for birds and mammals

Nesting and foraging habitat for canopy, shrub and ground-dwelling birds

Refuges and breeding sites for amphibians

Foraging habitat for snakes

Foraging and roosting habitat for microbats

Movement corridors for birds, reptiles and mammals

Potential MNES and conservation significant species – koala, grey-headed flying-fox, echidna and localised areas of habitat for the regent honeyeater, swift parrot and painted honeyeater



Dams

Occasional large hollow-bearing trees

Permanent water sources

Sandy substrate suitable for burrowing

Nesting and foraging habitat for waterbirds

Drinking sites for birds and mammals

Breeding and foraging habitat for amphibians

Foraging habitat for snakes

Breeding and foraging habitat for fish and turtles


Potential MNES and conservations significant species – squatter pigeon

Cleared and highly modified grazing land

Canopy and shrub layer generally absent

Notably high abundance of hollow stags

High density of course woody debris and hollow ground logs

Ground-layer heavily altered – subject to grazing

Foraging habitat for raptors and birds adapted to open landscapes


Refuge and foraging habitat for snakes, dragons and skinks

Foraging habitat for macropods and rabbits

Potential MNES and conservation significant species – Nil



Low shrubby regrowth

Immature regrowth canopy vegetation

No hollow-bearing trees present

Dense shrubby understorey of varying heights

Dense ground covering vegetation in places

Presence of rocky substrate and woody debris

Nesting habitat for shrub-dwelling birds

Refuges for reptiles and small ground-dwelling mammals

Potential MNES and conservation significant species – echidna


3.3 Information request 3.3 For listed threatened species and ecological communities that have the potential, or are likely, to be present at and

in the vicinity of the project site, including but not limited to those listed in this request for further information, this

section must provide the following:

a) Information on the abundance, distribution, ecology and habitat preference of the species or communities.

b) Quantification of the extent of habitat and (if known) the number of individuals present or historical patterns

of use on and surrounding the proposed action site (including maps identifying known or potential habitat).

c) Assessment of the quality and importance of known or potential habitat for the species or communities

within the proposed action site and surrounding areas.

d) Information detailing known populations or records within at least five kilometres of the development

footprint and (if known) the size of these populations.

e) Information on the survey methodology used, including a map/s of survey points or transects, how the

survey points or transects were selected, when surveys were conducted (e.g. dates, time of day, season,

etc.) and search effort (e.g. 20 hours over eight days).

f) An assessment of the adequacy of any surveys undertaken. In particular, the extent to which these

surveys were appropriate for the species and undertaken in accordance with relevant survey guidelines.

g) Results of any surveys undertaken.

3.3.1 Response

The MNES (PD) Assessment Report provides detailed responses to this request for listed threatened species and

ecological communities and listed migratory species as relevant to the Project and described in Section 1.3.

For listed woodland bird species, regent honeyeater, painted honeyeater and swift parrot, detailed responses are

provided in Nature Advisory’s EPBC Act threatened birds – habitat and regional assessment and targeted surveys

(Nature Advisory 2021).

3.4 Information request 3.4 Information about the methods, data and scientific literature used to identify and assess the environmental values

on the proposed action site and surrounding areas, including survey data and historical records. Survey data for

the proposed action site must be provided for the above listed threatened species, should be as recent as

possible, and must not have been collected more than five years before the date of this letter.

3.4.1 Response



For listed woodland bird species, regent honeyeater, painted honeyeater and swift parrot, detailed responses are

provided in Nature Advisory’s EPBC Act threatened birds – habitat and regional assessment and targeted surveys

(Nature Advisory 2021).


4. Quantification of impacts

4.1 Information request 4.1 Provide a description of the intended land uses proposed as part of the completed development, associated

ongoing activities, and details of the intended party that would be responsible for future management activities of

the overhead transmission line.

4.1.1 Response

4.1.1.1 Intended land use of completed development

The Project will include the construction and operation of 64 km of high voltage overhead transmission line and

ancillary infrastructure. Access tracks constructed during the construction of the OHTL will be retained for

operational and maintenance use.

The Project will be constructed on within an easement and will connect the proposed MacIntyre Wind Farm (EPBC

2020/8756) and proposed Karara Wind Farm (EPBC 2020/8755) to the national electrical grid at a connection

point on the Powerlink transmission network at the Millmerran-Middle Ridge 330 kV OHTL.

The Project infrastructure will be installed across a broad landscape that is currently used mostly for grazing and

will be able to continue this land use practice once the development is completed.

4.1.1.2 Associated ongoing activities

Once constructed, the OHTL will generally operate without intervention.

Most maintenance undertaken on the OHTL will be scheduled preventative maintenance. Reactive maintenance

will occur as required and priority works would be undertaken as soon as possible to ensure operation of the

OHTL.

Management of vegetation for the operational clearance boundary of the transmission line and access tracks

would be required for the life of the Project. Vegetation may also be removed for firebreaks or to reduce bushfire

risk.

4.1.1.3 Future management responsibilities

The OHTL is being developed by ACCIONA.

At present, ACCIONA will be responsible for building, owning and operating the proposed OHTL and retain

responsibility for future management activities.

4.2 Information request 4.2 Include current maps and coordinates/shapefile of the proposed impact area and areas of habitat for MNES

proposed to be retained. Maps must clearly identify development footprints, buffer zones, and any conservation

areas where impacts will be avoided, and areas of adjacent habitat that would be subject to indirect impacts,

including areas that are to be retained within and adjacent to the site.

4.2.1 Response

4.2.1.1 MNES

The proposed direct impact areas are shown in Figure 2-1. Areas of habitat for MNES that are outside the direct

impact area shown on Figure 2-1 will be retained. Shapefile data has been provided to DAWE separately.




4.2.1.2 Conservation areas

The Durikai State Forest and Leyburn State Forest are located east of the Project. Other state forests within the

broader locality include the Macintyre State Forest to the south-west, Talgai State Forest to the east,

Passchendaele State Forest to the south-east, and the Devine State Forest to the south-west.

Part of the Project area sits within the Traprock Important Bird Area (IBA). The Traprock IBA is an area of 627 km2

that is defined as an IBA due to recent occurrences of regent honeyeaters. The Traprock IBA includes the

Macintyre and Durikai state forests and the upper catchment of Macintyre Brook.

Most of the Project area intersects a State biodiversity corridor. A regional biodiversity corridor also intersects the

Project area. This corridor is associated with riparian habitat of Macintyre Brook.

The Project has been designed in a manner that sought to avoid and minimise potential impacts on biodiversity

within the conservation areas. Key conservation areas will not be impacted by the Project.

Conservation areas are shown on Figure 4-1.

4.3 Information request 4.3 Confirm the area of habitat that will be directly and indirectly impacted by the proposed action, including areas

where:

a) Connectivity to surrounding habitat will be retained, removed or functionally lost.

b) Adjacent habitat will be subject to intensification of ongoing impacts (for example, through increased levels

of dust or polluted runoff).

4.3.1 Response



4.4 Information request 4.4 Confirm the quantity and quality of suitable habitat to be impacted within the proposed action area.

4.4.1 Response



Table 4-1 provides a summary of the presence or absence of species or habitat within the Project area and

whether an impact on the species or habitat is predicted as a result of the Project footprint.

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

MO

UN

TJA

NE

TRO

AD

PIK EDALE ROAD

STONEHENGEROA D

TRALEE

ROAD

CLEARY LANE

RABBITFE

NCE

RO

AD

PAULI ROAD

MO

UN

TAIN

MA

ID

ROAD

LEYB

UR

N

FOR

ESTRY

ROAD

RO

CK

DALE

RO

AD

HA

LL

RO

AD

MO

S

QU

ITOCR

EEK ROA D

HA ZELDENE RO AD

TUMM

AVILLE RO

AD

CO LUM BAR

OAD

C ARB

EAN ROA D

PA

LG

RA

VE

RO

AD

WIC

KH

AM

RO

AD

FO

RES

TRY

RO

AD

CO

UP

E ROAD

STRATHA

N

EROAD

B

IGHILL ROAD

SO

BB

ER

OA

D

LUNA ROAD

PAS

SM

OR

E ROAD

WRIGHT ROAD

CLIF

TON

RO

AD

THE TURKEY RO AD

EZZY ROAD

L

AVELLEROAD

SPIERS

CREE

KR

OA

D

OL

EAR

Y

ROAD

KIN

G R

OA

D

SPRING

CR

E

EKR

OAD

HIN

ZR

OAD

OWENS

SCRUB ROAD

FY

SH ROAD

RE

IDR

O

AD

NYO

RA RO

AD

HO

ME

BU

SH

RO

AD

STRA

THY

R

EROAD

HUNTERS HIL

L ROAD

BONN

IE

DO

ON

ROAD

MILLMER

RANR

OAD

GO

LD

FIELD

SR

OAD

TERRICA

RO

AD

GLEN SAN

NOXR

OA

D

INVERA

RY

ROAD

CE

ME

NT

MIL

LS

RO

AD

TO

OW

OO

MB

AK

AR

AR

AR

OA

D

RY

EFO

RD

P

RAT

TEN

RO

AD

DALRYMPLECREEK ROAD

ST ANTHORPE ING LEWOOD ROAD

GORE HIGHW

AY

CLIFTO N LEYB URN ROAD


CUNNINGHA

M

HIGHWAY

FELTON CLIFTON ROADMILLMERRAN LEYBURN R OAD

Mac in

tyreBro

ok

CondamineR iv er

P ike Creek

Cannin

g Creek

Brac ker Creek

Dalrymple Creek

Sandy

Creek

Hodgson Creek

Kings

Creek

Gore

Pratten

Leyburn

Karara

Millmerran

Thane

Kooroongarra

DurikaiStateForest



Leyburn StateForest

BringalilyStateForest

TalgaiState

Forest

TerricaState

Forest

PozieresStateForest

DevineStateForest

MacintyreStateForest

Figure 4-1

0 2 4 6 8

Kilometres


12525037Date 13/08/2021



Paper Size ISO A3

oDa ta so urce : A ccio na : Pro po sed La yo ut (2 7/07 /20 21 ); DE S: B io diver sity Plan ning A rea - Ne w En g la nd Tab le la nd s v2 .3 (20 14 ), Briga lo w Be lt v2 .1 (2 01 8), Wildl ife C o rrid or, Pro te cte d ar ea s (20 18 ); Do R : Wa te rco urs es, L oca li ty, Ro a d

(20 19 ); GHD : Tra pro ck IBA (d ig itise d 2 02 0 ). C re ated by : xleeN:\AU \B risb a ne \P rojec ts \4 1\1 25 2 50 37 \GIS \M ap s\MXD \12 5 25 03 7_ KBM _TL _M NE S_R FI.mxdPrin t d a te : 1 3 Au g 2 02 1 - 1 0:2 0

Legend" Locality

Major watercourseMajor roadMinor roadOverhead electrical transmission lineProject areaTraprock Important Bird AreaProtected area

Wildlife CorridorStateRegional

Biodiversity SignificanceState Habitat for EVNT taxaStateRegionalLocal or Other ValuesNon Bioregion Ecosystem

and protected area




direct marketing or be used in breach of the privacy laws. Biodiversity corridors


Table 4-1 Species presence within the Project area and predicted impact of Project footprint

Matter Species / habitat present in Project area

Species / habitat impacted by Project footprint

Poplar box grassy woodlands on alluvial plains

Yes

1.33 ha

No - Project design has avoided clearing

White box-yellow box-Blakely’s red gum grassy woodland and derived natural grassland

No

Habitat absent

No

Weeping myall woodlands No

Habitat absent

No

Macrozamia conferta Yes

1,609 individuals

Yes

164 plants

Tylophora linearis No individuals present

0.77 ha habitat

No - Project design has avoided impact to individuals

Eucalyptus infera No

Species and habitat absent

No

Thesium australe No


No

Dicanthium setosum No


No

Koala Yes

266.84 ha

Yes

236.51 ha

Central greater glider Yes

94.51 ha

Yes

88.9 ha

Grey-headed flying-fox Yes

266.84 ha

Yes

236.51 ha

Spot-tailed quoll Yes

Sub-optimal foraging habitat present

No - Project avoids contiguous patches of potential habitat

Squatter pigeon (southern) Yes

135.09 ha

Yes

126.65 ha

White-throated needletail Yes

Species present

No

Regent honeyeater Yes

5.06 ha

Yes

4.67 ha

Painted honeyeater Yes

3.31 ha

Yes

2.99 ha of habitat that is not critical to the survival of the species

Swift parrot Yes

4.83 ha

Yes

4.47 ha of habitat that is not critical to the survival of the species

Grey falcon No


No

Border thick-tailed gecko No


No


4.5 Information request 4.5 Provide an assessment of the direct, indirect, consequential and cumulative impacts that may occur during

construction and operation phases, including:

a) The nature and extent of impacts (including direct, indirect and facilitated impacts*), including timing and

whether the impact is temporary or permanent.

b) Details of any policy guidelines, relevant studies, surveys or consultations with species experts/field

specialists, which were not included in the referral or additional information provided in support of the

referral.

c) A local and regional scale analysis of likely impacts, with reference to the project’s potential contribution to

cumulative impacts in the context of development patterns in the locality and region.

d) A risk assessment of potential impacts from the action that are likely to be unpredictable, severe, or

irreversible.

*Note: Facilitated impacts may include (but are not limited to) behavioural avoidance or other changes, movement

due to transmission lines or external lighting or the risk of injury or mortality to MNES as a result of vehicle strike.

4.5.1 Response




5. Avoidance and mitigation

5.1 Information request 5.1 Provide a consolidated description of all proposed measures to avoid and mitigate impacts, including those

provided in the referral and any additional to those described in the referral.

This should include:

a) Discussion of consideration and assessment of alternative strategies, plans and measures to avoid and

mitigate impacts (e.g. alternative plans, retention of habitat/movement corridors/buffers, and fauna-friendly

development and design measures).

b) Details about pre-clearance and clearance procedures to ensure that species are detected and managed

to minimise mortality, stress, injury, or introduction of disease.

c) A description (including maps and imagery) of the location, boundaries and size of buffer areas or

proposed exclusion zones, and details on how these areas will be enhanced, protected and maintained.

Also include a description of any fences or barriers which may be installed around areas where impacts

will be avoided.

d) Details of any rehabilitation measures to be implemented for disturbed areas, including rehabilitation

objectives, target species, timing of rehabilitation stages, methodology, maintenance measures,

schedules, and monitoring.

e) Details of any ongoing mitigation and management measures during the operation of the facility.

5.2 Information request 5.1(a) Discussion of consideration and assessment of alternative strategies, plans and measures to avoid and mitigate

impacts (e.g. alternative plans, retention of habitat/movement corridors/buffers, and fauna-friendly development

and design measures).

5.2.1 Response

5.2.1.1 Layout development

The layout of the Project has been based on the viability of the Project and has been significantly refined to avoid

and minimise impacts on known environmental constraints, where practicable, in areas approved by landholders.

Micro-siting of infrastructure during detailed design may further reduce the impacts of the Project.

Alternative strategies, plans and measures to avoid and mitigate impacts

A hierarchical approach of avoiding then minimising vegetation clearing was adopted in the design of the Project in

response to ecological constraints. Ecological assessments identified the following areas that helped to inform the

design:

– No-go areas: High-value regrowth vegetation (categorised as Category C vegetation under Queensland

legislation)

– High impact areas: high priority areas to avoid as far as practicable; particularly for temporary works, on the

basis that the areas contain one or more of the following:

• High value habitat for listed threatened species comprising of breeding, nesting or roosting habitat

• Values for a large number of species and/or species habitat collectively

• Endangered RE

• A TEC


• Non-fragmented parcels of good quality vegetation.

– Low impact areas: low priority areas to avoid on the basis that they contain:

• Moderate to low value listed threatened species habitat and/or foraging and general use habitat

• Smaller, fragmented areas of habitat

• Of Concern or Least Concern RE.

Following the constraints assessment, an iterative design process was adopted with the aim being to avoid areas

identified as no-go, high impact, and low impact, where practicable. Subsequent to the preparation of the MNES

Assessment Report, design progression has identified additional access requirements in some areas, largely col-

located within existing access routes, but such that the total area of the Project footprint is 425.8 ha from the

384 ha reported in the referral (EPBC 2020/8759). This increase is attributable to a more detailed understanding of

operational access requirements for the Project.

Where practicable, infrastructure has been located within areas of non-remnant vegetation or within existing

cleared areas and does not extend outside the adopted Project footprint.

Structures have been sited within Least Concern RE where possible, before being placed in Of Concern or

Endangered RE. Infrastructure has also been sited to avoid essential habitat to the greatest extent possible;

however, these areas have not been fully avoided.

In some cases, the identified constrained areas could not be avoided due to terrain and topography constraints

and consideration of landowner constraints. These factors are discussed in further detail below.

Topography

The topography of the site was a constraint in the selection of locations for a number of the access tracks and

tower locations. Where practicable and topography allowed, access tracks and hard stand areas are proposed in

areas of non-remnant vegetation.

To allow for the safety of the construction team and the transport of equipment, some of the infrastructure is

required to be located outside of non-remnant vegetation areas.

Landowners

The proposed location and placement of infrastructure, both temporary and permanent, required consent and

approval from the relevant landholder. Site selection was therefore limited to areas approved by landowners as

part of the overall Project design.

Where avoidance is not practicable, measures to minimise the impacts have been adopted including:

– Restriction of land clearing to the minimum required for safe construction. Detailed design, geotechnical and

land surveys will inform micro-siting of infrastructure with consideration of further reducing the extent of

clearing required.

– Use of existing farming tracks as access tracks and widening these to meet the needs of construction. This

will result in some vegetation clearing but tracks in existing disturbance areas will be used as much as

practicable to minimise new disturbance and fragmentation of habitat.

– Site offices, construction stockpiles and other temporary activities will be placed in previously disturbed areas

where possible

– Where temporary construction activities cannot be placed in previously disturbed or cleared areas,

rehabilitation of the areas will be undertaken as soon as practicable after the facilities are no longer required.

– Where infrastructure crosses watercourses, areas of existing disturbance (e.g. existing farming tracks) have

been selected. Where there is not practicable, the Project footprint has been minimised and clearing large

habitat trees have been avoided where practicable.

– Habitat enhancement features (e.g. salvaged hollows and nesting boxes) will be established outside of the

clearing area within suitable habitat and in accordance with management plans and legislative requirements,

as applicable.

– Infrastructure alignment and routes have been designed using direct routes where practicable, to minimise

the total amount of clearing required.


Additional measures to avoid impacts that have been incorporated into the design of the Project include the use of

infrastructure elements that do not preclude fauna movement. There will be no new fences constructed (with the

exception of a perimeter fence around the switching stations) and the OHTL will not have any external lighting.

5.2.1.2 Description of potential impacts and proposed mitigation measures

The assessment of impacts to MNES determined that the following impacting processes are those most likely to

result in a significant impact:

– Loss of habitat

– Injury or mortality

– Fragmentation of habitat and loss of connectivity

– Disturbance to habitat from noise, light, and vibration

– Habitat degradation and increased erosion

– Spread of invasive species.


ecological communities and listed migratory species as relevant to the Project and described in Section 1.3 and

has been informed by the:

– Construction Management Plan

– Preliminary Fauna Management Plan

– Preliminary Vegetation Management Plan

General mitigation measures have been consolidated in Table 5-1.

5.3 Information request 5.1(b) Details about pre-clearance and clearance procedures to ensure that species are detected and managed to

minimise mortality, stress, injury, or introduction of disease.

5.3.1 Response

5.3.1.1 Pre-clearance and clearance procedures to protect and manage species

A Preliminary Fauna Management Plan (2021b) and a Preliminary Vegetation Management Plan (GHD 2021c)

include a summary of legislation, environmental licenses, permits and approvals, a description of the existing

environment, and mitigation and management measures.

The measures to ensure that species are detected and managed to minimise mortality, stress, injury, or

introduction of disease are discussed in Table 5-2.

Inspection and monitoring activities to be undertaken during pre-clearing and clearing are outlined in Table 5-3.

Corrective actions for incidents during pre-clearing and clearing activities are outlined in Table 5-4.


Table 5-1 Environmental mitigation and management measures

Impact Mitigation and management measures

Flora and fauna (terrestrial and aquatic)

General impacts to flora and fauna All site personnel shall attend environmental training as part of the site induction process prior to entering the work site. As part of this training, all personnel will be instructed on their obligations with respect to vegetation clearing protocols. Areas identified for vegetation clearance are to be clearly defined and detailed in site inductions.

Existing access routes and previously disturbed areas have been utilised as far as practicable to minimise clearing required.

Project footprint has been located to minimise impacts to vegetation, threatened ecological communities, threatened flora and riparian vegetation.

Vegetation clearing The extent of vegetation clearing (and no-go areas) will be clearly identified on construction plans and in the field using high visibility flagging in the vicinity of high conservation significant areas prior to clearing activities.

If flagging is in poor condition, it should be replaced as soon as possible to reduce the potential of accidental clearing.

Where infrastructure must cross waterways, areas of existing disturbance (i.e. existing tracks) have been selected. Where this is not practicable, the Project footprint will be minimised and large habitat trees retained.

Where works extend outside of the approved disturbance footprint, a record is to be created in the incident management procedure and an investigation undertaken as to why works extended outside of the approved footprint.

Pre-clearance surveys will be undertaken to identify any threatened plants within the vicinity of the clearing footprint.

All clearing will be supervised by suitably qualified and experienced fauna spotter-catchers. This will involve searching and clearing hollow trees and logs prior to clearing and relocating resident fauna to the nearest suitable, safe habitat outside the clearing footprint.

Cleared vegetation or soil is not to be pushed up against trees, stored against fence lines or within 50 m of waterways.

Vegetation is to be reused on site wherever practicable (e.g. salvaged, mulched for revegetation areas, hollow logs left for habitat)

Topsoil is to be stockpiled and reinstated during rehabilitation processes.

Rehabilitation of temporary construction areas will be undertaken sequentially and as soon as practicable after clearing.

Injury and mortality of wildlife Pre-clearance surveys will specifically target areas of predicted habitat for conservation significant species that have the potential to occur within the clearing footprint. Preclearance surveys will be undertaken to mark the locations of potential breeding places for conservation significant species.

A high risk SMP will be prepared in accordance with the requirements of Section 332 of the Nature Conservation (Wildlife Management) Regulation 2006. Key species likely to be targeted in the high risk SMP include the squatter pigeon, glossy black-cockatoo, bulloak jewel butterfly, central greater glider, powerful owl and short-beaked echidna.


Temporary exclusion fencing will be established around cleared areas in locations of high ecological sensitivity to prevent wildlife from returning to works areas where deemed appropriate.

Relocate fauna captured during clearing to an appropriate nearby habitat area.



Vehicles to be restricted to 40 km/hr along access tracks within areas identified as habitat for squatter pigeon.

A Traffic Management Plan, consistent with objectives and controls described in the transport and road network mitigation measures of the CMP, will be developed for the Project with designated access routes, speed limits and identified sensitive ecological areas (i.e. particularly areas where squatter pigeons have the potential to occur on access roads) demarcated.

Employ sequential clearing practices and use a suitably qualified koala spotter during clearing activities.

Given the specific susceptibility of the squatter pigeon to vehicle collision – warning signs will be erected on all tracks that intersect locations in which the squatter pigeon has been confirmed present. Squatter pigeon awareness will be included in all worker inductions and in the Traffic Management Plan. A register of squatter pigeon sightings will be maintained to identify areas that have a high risk of collision.

Habitat fragmentation and reduced connectivity

Construction laydown areas and stockpiles limited to areas that have previously been cleared to minimise unnecessary clearing.

Where possible, temporary construction areas will be rehabilitated as soon as practicable after the completion of construction works to reconnect fragmented habitats.

Wildlife disturbance from increased light, noise and vibration

Site lighting is to be kept to the minimum (security) required for safety. Placement and orientation of lighting to be directed away from sensitive fauna habitat.

Direction of lighting beam downwards or use of shields and baffles to limit light spill beyond site boundary.

All construction vehicles to comply with maintenance schedules and operational restrictions designed to limit noise impacts during construction.

Vehicles and machinery to be switched off when not in use.

Habitat degradation by increased dust, run-off and sedimentation

Implement erosion and sediment controls developed as part of the CMP

Undertake routine dust suppression and monitoring

All vehicles to stay within the Project footprint and on existing access routes

Monitor weather conditions and implement temporary controls during extreme weather events in accordance with the CMP

Construction to cease during adverse weather conditions that have the potential to significantly increase dust, runoff or sedimentation

Duration of in-stream works will be minimised wherever practicable to reduce the potential for sedimentation

Weed and pest management

Impacts from introduction and spread of invasive fauna species

All putrescible waste to be stored in secure temporary holding containers and transported off site.

Sightings or evidence of pest animals will be recorded during construction in a weed and pest fauna register. If increased densities of pest animals are observed, or new pest animals are identified, humane pest controls will be implemented to manage numbers.

Construction staff will not bring domestic animals to the Project area.

Impacts from introduction and spread of invasive flora species

Weed management actions are included in the CMP and include:

– Hygiene protocols restricting the movement of vegetation and soil between impacted areas and areas of significantly lower weed infestation.



Protocols for monitoring and management of weeds to identify and appropriately respond to significant changes in weed distribution and density

A weed survey will be undertaken to confirm the initial extent of weeds on site, including the extent of Opuntia tomentosa and Opuntia stricta.

Preliminary weed mapping will be prepared to provide a baseline of existing weed infestation.

Declared weeds occurring within the construction footprint will be treated or removed prior to the commencement of construction. Any new weed infestation shall be treated at the earliest stage while small and manageable. If chemical treatment is required, chemicals may be used only in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications. Weed control measures are to minimise impacts on native fauna (e.g. use of aquatic and fauna friendly chemicals).

Vehicles and equipment travelling from a declared restricted place or quarantine area will be required to wash down and possess a current weed hygiene inspection certificate before moving to a weed free area

Vehicle access will be restricted to within the Project footprint and existing access routes.

Areas of exposed earth will be minimised and rehabilitated with appropriate non-invasive species

Materials sought from outside the Project area, other than those obtained from a quarry (e.g. fill for access tracks) will be required to hold weed free declarations

A record or all material imported on site is to be maintained. The log is to include material description, quantity, sources and deposition at the site.


Table 5-2 Pre-clearance and clearance procedures to protect and manage species

Pre-clearance and clearance procedures Responsibility

General

All site personnel shall attend environmental training as part of the site induction process prior to entering the work site. As part of this training, all personnel will be instructed on their obligations with respect to vegetation clearing protocols. Areas identified for vegetation clearance are to be clearly defined and detailed in site inductions.

Construction Manager

HSE Manager

Existing tracks and previously disturbed areas have been utilised where practicable to minimise clearing required.

Project footprint has been located to minimise impacts to vegetation, threatened ecological communities, threatened flora and riparian vegetation, where practicable.

All vehicles and machinery are to be cleaned prior to entering site to prevent the introduction and/or spread of weed material.

Vegetation clearing

The extent of vegetation clearing (and no-go areas) will be clearly identified on construction plans and in the field using high visibility flagging in the vicinity of high conservation significant areas prior to clearing activities.


HSE Manager

If flagging is in poor condition, it should be replaced as soon as practicable to reduce the potential of accidental clearing.


HSE Manager

If infrastructure must cross watercourses, areas of existing disturbance (i.e. existing tracks) have been selected. Where this is not practicable, the Project footprint will be minimised and large habitat trees will be preferentially retained.


HSE Manager

If works extend outside of the approved disturbance footprint, a record is to be created in the incident management procedure and an investigation undertaken as to why works extended outside of the approved footprint.


HSE Manager

Pre-clearance surveys should be undertaken to identify any threatened plants within the vicinity of the clearing footprint.


HSE Manager

No clearing of threatened plants without appropriate permits in place for their removal. Construction Manager

HSE Manager



HSE Manager

Cleared vegetation or soil will not be pushed up against trees, stored against fence lines or within 50 m of watercourses.


HSE Manager

Vegetation is to be reused on site wherever possible (e.g. salvaged, mulched for revegetation areas, hollow logs left for habitat).


HSE Manager

Topsoil is to be stockpiled and reinstated during rehabilitation. Construction Manager

HSE Manager



HSE Manager

Injury and mortality of wildlife

Pre-clearance surveys will specifically target areas of predicted habitat for conservation significant species that have the potential to occur within the clearing footprint. Pre-clearance surveys will be required as part of the standard requirements of the high risk SMP. Preclearance surveys will be undertaken to mark the locations of potential breeding places for conservation significant species


HSE Manager

A high risk SMP will be prepared in accordance with the requirements of Section 332 of the Nature Conservation (Wildlife Management) Regulation 2006. Key species likely to be targeted in the high risk SMP include the squatter pigeon, glossy black-cockatoo, bulloak jewel butterfly, central greater glider, powerful owl and short-beaked echidna


HSE Manager


Pre-clearance and clearance procedures Responsibility

All clearing will be supervised by suitably qualified and experienced fauna spotter-catchers. This will involve searching and clearing hollow trees and logs prior to clearing and relocating resident fauna to the nearest suitable, safe habitat outside the clearing footprint


HSE Manager

Temporary exclusion fencing will be established around cleared areas in locations of high ecological sensitivity to prevent wildlife from returning to works areas where deemed appropriate


HSE Manager

Relocate fauna captured during clearing to an appropriate nearby habitat area Construction Manager

HSE Manager

Employment of sequential clearing practices and use of suitably qualified koala spotters in accordance with EPBC referral guidelines for the vulnerable koala (DotE 2014) for reducing impact on koalas


HSE Manager

A Traffic Management Plan, consistent with objectives and controls described in the transport and road network mitigation measures of the CMP, will be developed for the Project with designated access routes, speed limits and identified sensitive ecological areas (i.e. particularly areas where squatter pigeons have the potential to occur on access roads) demarcated.


HSE Manager

Given the specific susceptibility of the squatter pigeon to vehicle collision warning signs will be erected on all tracks that intersect locations in which the squatter pigeon has been confirmed present. Squatter pigeon awareness will be included in all worker inductions and in the Traffic Management Plan. A register of squatter pigeon sightings will be maintained to identify areas that have a high risk of collision


HSE Manager


Construction laydown areas and stockpiles limited to areas that have previously been cleared to minimise unnecessary clearing


Temporary construction areas will be rehabilitated as soon as practicable after the completion of construction works to reconnect fragmented habitats

HSE Manager

Disturbance of wildlife through increased light, noise and vibration

Site lighting is to be kept to the minimum (security) required for safety. Placement and orientation of lighting to be directed away from sensitive fauna habitat


HSE Manager

Direction of lighting beam downwards or use of shields and baffles to limit light spill beyond site boundary


HSE Manager



HSE Manager

Vehicles and machinery to be switched off when not in use. Construction Manager

HSE Manager

Habitation degradation by increased dust, run-off and sedimentation

Erosion and sediment controls have been developed as part of the CMP. Construction Manager

HSE Manager

Undertake routine dust suppression and monitoring Construction Manager

HSE Manager

All vehicles to stay within Project footprint and on existing access routes Construction Manager

HSE Manager

Monitor weather conditions and implement temporary controls during extreme weather events Construction Manager

HSE Manager



HSE Manager



HSE Manager


Table 5-3 Inspection and monitoring during pre-clearing and clearing activities

Task Monitoring frequency

Reporting mechanism

Responsibility

Weather conditions Daily Daily environmental checklist

HSE Manager

Dust inspection Daily Daily environmental checklist

HSE Manager

Weekly in active work areas to assess the implementation of the above mitigation measures

Weekly Weekly environmental checklist

HSE Manager

Inspection of high visibility flagging and exclusion fencing of environmentally sensitive areas and no-go zones is in good conditions

Weekly Weekly environmental checklist

HSE Manager

Pre-clearing inspection by a suitably qualified fauna spotter/catcher and flushing of known squatter pigeon habitat prior to clearing.

Prior to clearing works

Pre-clearing inspection report

HSE Manager

Table 5-4 Corrective actions for pre-clearing and clearing incidents

Incident Corrective action

Dangerous weather conditions Works should cease until weather passes to minimise fun-off during significantly wet weather or dust during significantly windy conditions

Construction works extend outside of approved disturbance footprint

Natural ground surface to be rehabilitated where practicable

Immediate reinstatement of area where works are beyond approved limits of clearing

DES and/or DAWE to be contacted immediately if breach of approved clearing limits occurs

Temporary disturbance areas Temporary disturbance areas to be rehabilitated as soon as practicable

Pre-clearing inspection If during clearing an active breeding place is identified, works should cease immediately and a fauna spotter/catcher be contacted

Fauna within clearing area Relocation of fauna captured during clearing works to an appropriate nearby habitat area to be undertaken by a fauna spotter/catcher

Damage to high visibility flagging and exclusion fencing

If fencing or flagging is in poor condition, it should be replaced as soon as practicable to reduce the potential of accidental clearing

Injured animals To be taken immediately to a licensed wildlife carer.


5.4 Information request 5.1(c) A description (including maps and imagery) of the location, boundaries and size of buffer areas or proposed

exclusion zones, and details on how these areas will be enhanced, protected and maintained. Also include a

description of any fences or barriers which may be installed around areas where impacts will be avoided.

5.4.1 Response

Description of location, boundaries and size of buffer areas

The Project does not propose any defined buffer areas or exclusion zones The Action area has been refined

through an iterative design process that has resulted in an adopted OHTL alignment and infrastructure layout. No

works will be undertaken outside of the Action area shown in Figure 2-1.

5.5 Information request 5.1(d) Details of any rehabilitation measures to be implemented for disturbed areas, including rehabilitation objectives,

target species, timing of rehabilitation stages, methodology, maintenance measures, schedules, and monitoring.

5.5.1 Response

Where temporary construction facilities cannot be placed in previously cleared or disturbed areas, rehabilitation of

the areas will be undertaken as soon as practicable after the facilities are no longer required. A rehabilitation plan

will be prepared to outline rehabilitation goals and objectives, recommended approaches, measurable completion

criteria and maintenance and monitoring requirements. The broad objective of the plan will be to provide rapid

reestablishment of locally native vegetation. Topsoil retention and handling will be a fundamental component of the

plan.

While commitment is made to rehabilitation in keeping with good practice and will be undertake, given the

outcomes of rehabilitation cannot be confirmed or guaranteed at this time and are subject to detailed design and

construction planning, conservatively, all habitat within the Project footprint is for the purpose of the assessment

taken to be a loss.

5.6 Information request 5.1(e) Details of any ongoing mitigation and management measures during the operation of the facility.

5.6.1 Response

Ongoing mitigation and management measures during operation of the Project will include the following

operational management plans:

– Emergency Response Plan (including management of bushfire risk)

– Weed and Pest Management Plan

– Erosion and Sediment Control Plan.

5.7 Information request 5.2 For each measure proposed, indicate the:

a) Responsible party

b) Environmental outcomes to be achieved

c) Millstones / performance / completion criteria

d) Proposed monitoring and evaluation program.


5.7.1 Response

Information regarding responsible parties for environmental management measures, monitoring and corrective

actions have been informed by the following and included in Table 5-5:

– Construction Management Plan

– Preliminary Fauna Management Plan

– Preliminary Vegetation Management Plan.

5.8 Information request 5.3 Provide an assessment of the predicted effectiveness of each proposed avoidance or mitigation measure, noting

that the effectiveness of a particular measure is a reflection of confidence in the ability of the measure to reduce

the risk of a threat. The assessment of effectiveness should be evidence based and include examples of

demonstrated success of a particular measure to achieve the desired avoidance/mitigation outcome.

5.8.1 Response

This response supports the information outlined in Section 5.7.1 in response to Information Request 5.2, which

nominates performance indicators, monitoring and evaluation program, and environmental outcomes to be

achieved for each mitigation measure. The effectiveness of each of the proposed avoidance and mitigation

measures is included in Table 5-6.

Avoidance, mitigation and minimisation measures have been proposed to reduce the potential for impacts to

species, their habitat and other ecological values, with an overall predicted effectiveness for those measures in

mitigating potential impacts for each species.

Predicted effectiveness ratings are defined as follows:

– Very high effectiveness: complete avoidance of known occurrences and/or habitats

– High effectiveness: substantial avoidance of known occurrences and/or habitats

– Moderate effectiveness: areas of direct impact are minimised and/or indirect impacts to behaviours/life cycles

are minimised through design and construction methods.

– Low effectiveness: mitigation of impacts only through implementation of EMP, spotter-catchers, pest fauna

and weed control.

– Very low effectiveness: No mitigation strategies proposed.


Table 5-5 Responsible parties, performance and completion criteria and monitoring programs

Proposed management measure Milestones / performance criteria / completion criteria

Monitoring and evaluation program

Environmental outcomes to be achieved

Responsible party


All personnel have undertaken the environmental induction prior to commencing work.

Weekly inspections to assess the implementation of mitigation measures with records kept in a weekly environmental checklist.

Any non-conformances are to be documented and reported to ACCIONA and rectified immediately

General environmental duty

Compliance with all conditions


HSE Manager

Utilise existing tracks and previously disturbed areas where practicable to minimise clearing required.

Detailed design of access tracks and areas for ancillary infrastructure.

Weekly inspections to assess the implementation of mitigation measures with records kept in a weekly environmental checklist.

Any non-conformances are to be documented and reported to ACCIONA and rectified immediately

Extent of vegetation clearing minimised as much as practicable


HSE Manager

Micro-siting of infrastructure Detailed design of areas for infrastructure.

Detailed design Minimise impacts to vegetation, threatened ecological communities, threatened flora and riparian vegetation.


HSE Manager


No vegetation clearing outside the approved clearing footprint.

Weekly inspection of flagging

Weekly environmental checklist



HSE Manager

If flagging is in poor condition, it will be replaced as soon as possible to reduce the potential of accidental clearing.


Weekly inspection of flagging




HSE Manager

Where infrastructure must cross waterways, areas of existing disturbance (i.e. existing tracks) have been selected. Where this is not practicable, the Project footprint will be minimised and large habitat trees retained.

Detailed design of areas for infrastructure.


Compliance with clearing conditions

Minimise extent of vegetation clearing


HSE Manager





Responsible party

Where works extend outside of the approved Project footprint, a record is to be created in the incident management procedure and an investigation undertaken as to why works extended outside of the approved footprint.

Record created in incident management procedures and investigation undertaken as soon as possible


Compliance with clearing conditions

Minimise extent of vegetation clearing


HSE Manager

Pre-clearance surveys will be undertaken to identify any threatened plants within the vicinity of the clearing footprint.

Pre-clearing inspection report. Pre-clearing inspection report to be prepared prior to clearing works


Avoid clearance of threatened plants.


HSE Manager


Compliance with CEMP Weekly environmental checklist

No injury or death to native fauna species

No collision with fauna species


HSE Manager

Employ sequential clearing practices and use of a suitably qualified koala spotter.

Pre-clearing inspection report Pre-clearing inspection report to be prepared prior to clearing works




HSE Manager


Compliance with rehabilitation plan


Preservation of cleared vegetation ad soil for rehabilitation

Avoid sedimentation of waterways, and impacts to vegetation and infrastructure


HSE Manager

Vegetation is to be reused on site wherever possible (e.g. salvaged, mulched for revegetation areas, hollow logs left for habitat)



Reuse of vegetation for rehabilitation


HSE Manager


Stockpiling and reinstatement of topsoil as per rehabilitation plan


Successful rehabilitation of temporarily disturbed areas


HSE Manager




Minimised impact to temporarily disturbed areas


HSE Manager





Responsible party

Pre-clearance surveys will specifically target areas of predicted habitat for conservation significant species that have the potential to occur within the clearing footprint. Preclearance surveys will be undertaken to mark the locations of potential breeding places for conservation significant species.





HSE Manager

A high risk SMP will be prepared in accordance with the requirements of Section 332 of the Nature Conservation (Wildlife Management) Regulation 2006. Key species likely to be targeted in the high risk SMP include the squatter pigeon, glossy black-cockatoo, bulloak jewel butterfly, central greater glider, powerful owl and short-beaked echidna.

Completion of high-risk SMP Pre-clearing inspection report to be prepared prior to clearing works


No impact to native fauna breeding places


HSE Manager

Temporary exclusion fencing will be established around cleared areas in locations of high ecological sensitivity to prevent wildlife from returning to works areas where deemed appropriate.

Establishment of exclusion fencing

Weekly inspections of fencing





HSE Manager






HSE Manager

Areas of potential habitat for the squatter pigeon are to be flushed immediately prior to clearing (i.e. spotter catcher to walk in front of clearing machinery).





HSE Manager

Placement of warning signs around areas of known squatter pigeon habitat and development of a register for squatter pigeon sightings will be maintained.





HSE Manager

Vehicles to be restricted to 40 km/hr along access tracks within areas of squatter pigeon habitat.

Compliance with speed limit restrictions

Weekly environmental checklists




HSE Manager





Responsible party

A Traffic Management Plan, consistent with objectives and controls described in the transport and road network mitigation measures of the CMP, will be developed for the Project with designated access routes, established and enforced speed limits and identified sensitive ecological areas and no-go areas

Compliance with Traffic Management Plan




HSE Manager

Construction laydown areas and stockpiles limited to areas that have previously been cleared to minimise unnecessary clearing.

Detailed design Weekly environmental checklists

Minimal disturbance to habitat Construction Manager

HSE Manager

Where practicable, temporary construction areas will be rehabilitated as soon as practicable after the completion of construction works to reconnect fragmented habitats.

Compliance with Rehabilitation Plan


Rehabilitation of temporarily disturbed areas as soon as practicable


HSE Manager



Minimal disturbance to fauna from lighting impacts


HSE Manager



Minimal disturbance to fauna from lighting impacts


HSE Manager


Compliance with maintenance schedules and operational restrictions


Minimal disturbance to fauna from noise impacts


HSE Manager


Daily environmental checklist Minimal disturbance to fauna from noise impacts


HSE Manager

Erosion and sediment controls have been developed as part of the CMP

Compliance with Erosion and Sediment Control Plan

Erosion and Sediment Control daily/weekly inspection form

Avoidance of impacts to habitat from erosion and sedimentation


HSE Manager

Undertake routine dust suppression and monitoring

Daily dust inspection and report in the daily environmental checklist

Avoidance of dust impacts Construction Manager

HSE Manager





Responsible party

All vehicles to stay within the Project footprint and on existing access routes


Daily environmental checklist Avoidance of dust impacts



HSE Manager

Monitor weather conditions and implement temporary controls during extreme weather events

Daily monitoring of weather conditions

Monitor weather conditions daily and report in the daily environmental checklist

Avoid impacts from extreme weather conditions/events.


HSE Manager


Daily monitoring of weather conditions

Daily environmental checklists Avoid impacts from extreme weather conditions/events.


HSE Manager


Compliance with Erosion and Sediment Control Plan




HSE Manager


Compliance with CEMP - Waste Management Plan


No new infestations of pest species


HSE Manager

Sightings or evidence of pest animals will be recorded during construction in a weed and pest fauna register. If increased densities of pest animals are observed, or new pest animals are identified, humane pest controls will be implemented to manage numbers.

Compliance with CEMP Weekly environmental checklists



HSE Manager


Compliance with CEMP Weekly environmental checklists



HSE Manager

Weed management actions are included in the CMP and include:

– Hygiene protocols restricting the movement of vegetation and soil between impacted areas and areas of significantly lower weed infestation.

– Protocols for monitoring and management of weeds to identify and appropriately respond to significant changes in weed distribution and density

Compliance with Weed Management Plan


No new infestations of weed species or spread of existing weeds


HSE Manager





Responsible party

A weed survey will be undertaken to confirm the initial extent of weeds on site, including the extent of Opuntia tomentosa and Opuntia stricta.





HSE Manager

Preliminary weed mapping will be prepared to provide a baseline of existing weed infestation.





HSE Manager

Declared weeds occurring within the construction footprint will be treated or removed prior to the commencement of construction. Any new weed infestation shall be treated at the earliest stage while small and manageable. If chemical treatment is required, chemicals may be used only in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications. Weed control measures are to minimise impacts on native fauna (e.g. use of aquatic and fauna friendly chemicals).





HSE Manager

Vehicles / equipment travelling from a declared restricted place or quarantine area will be required to wash down and possess a current weed hygiene inspection certificate before moving to a weed free area.





HSE Manager

Vehicle access will be restricted to within the Project footprint and existing access routes.





HSE Manager






HSE Manager






HSE Manager

A record or all material imported on site is to be maintained. The log is to include material description, quantity, sources and deposition at the site.





HSE Manager


Table 5-6 Predicted effectiveness of avoidance and mitigation measures

Avoidance/mitigation measure Justification Mitigation effectiveness

General impacts to flora and fauna


This will ensure awareness of key environmental obligations across the entire workforce will assist personnel in meeting their General Environmental Duty (GED) under the Queensland Environmental Protection Act 1994, which states that a person must not carry out any activity that causes, or is likely to cause, environmental harm unless the person takes all reasonable and practicable measures to prevent or minimise the harm.

This induction process has been used effectively across a range of major infrastructure projects including recent ACCIONA wind farm construction projects – Mt Gellibrand Wind Farm and Mortlake Wind Farm.

Highly effective at educating personnel on rarely encountered species or nocturnal species that may be resting during daylight construction hours. For example:

– Swift parrot

– Regent honeyeater

– Koala

– Squatter pigeon


– Painted honeyeater.

Utilise existing tracks and previously disturbed areas where practicable to minimise clearing required.

This measure has been used previously on other linear projects (e.g. road construction and transmission line construction projects) and will minimise the amount of clearing required.

High effectiveness: substantial avoidance of known occurrences and/or habitats for threatened ecological communities and terrestrial flora and fauna species

Micro-siting of infrastructure within the Project footprint will occur considerate of minimising impacts to vegetation, threatened ecological communities, threatened flora and riparian vegetation.

This will minimise impacts to vegetation, threatened ecological communities, threatened flora and riparian vegetation and will assist the construction contractor in complying with the GED.

Each proposed micro-siting of infrastructure will be considered by dedicated environmentally focussed personnel to ensure impacts to key ecological features are minimised where practicable.

High effectiveness: substantial avoidance of known occurrences and/or habitats for threatened ecological communities and terrestrial flora and fauna species will occur where practicable.



Vegetation clearing


This will minimise impacts to vegetation, threatened ecological communities, threatened flora and riparian vegetation and will assist the construction contractor in complying with the GED.

Nomination of no-go zones is a common construction practice that is effective in keeping machinery and personnel out of environmentally sensitive areas and will assist construction contractors to comply with the GED.

This approach was very effective during the construction of the Mt Gellibrand Wind Farm. There were no incidents where vegetation was removed in those areas that were identified on construction plans / had high visibility flagging protecting it.

Highly effective for mitigating the risk of accidental clearing on conservation significant communities as well as conservation significant species with specialised habitat requirements. For example:


– Painted honeyeater.

If flagging is in poor condition, it should be replaced as soon as practicable to reduce the potential of accidental clearing.

This will assist in minimising direct impacts on protected communities and species and will assist contractors and personnel to comply with the GED.

The Project Environmental Management Plan will commit to this flagging being inspected and maintained on a weekly basis throughout construction. This process has been employed at both the Mortlake and Mt Gellibrand Wind Farms, proving to be effective.

Highly effective for mitigating the risk of accidental clearing on conservation significant communities and species. Weekly checks are highly likely to ensure flagging or fencing is well maintained throughout the construction period.

Where infrastructure must cross waterways, areas of existing disturbance (i.e. existing tracks) have been selected. Where this is not practicable, the Project footprint will be minimised and large habitat trees retained, wherever practicable.

This will assist in minimising impacts to MNES species and its habitat and will assist in minimising impacts on waterways. This measure has been used previously on other linear projects (e.g. road construction and transmission line construction projects) and will minimise the amount of disturbance required to important habitats in close proximity to waterways.

Moderate effectiveness: retention of large trees will mitigate the potential impacts of habitat loss for arboreal mammals, particularly the central greater glider and woodlands birds, including the regent honeyeater, swift parrot, painted honeyeater.

Where works extend outside of the approved Project footprint, a record is to be created in the incident management procedure and an investigation undertaken as to why works extended outside of the approved footprint.

This will assist in minimising further direct impacts on protected communities and species and will assist the construction contractor to comply with the GED.

Reporting the incident will assist in ensuring that it is not repeated.

Very low effectiveness: No mitigation strategies proposed.

Pre-clearance surveys should be undertaken to identify any threatened plants within the vicinity of the clearing footprint.

This will assist in minimising direct impacts on protected species, where practicable.

These surveys were implemented for the major coal seam gas pipeline projects in Central Queensland with a high level of effectiveness

High effectiveness: substantial avoidance of known occurrences and/or habitats for threatened terrestrial flora species.




This will assist in detecting fauna that are present within the clearing area and allow these individuals to move away from the impacted area, where practicable.

This is a common practice for a range of projects involving clearing and requires a fauna spotter-catcher to be licensed under the Queensland Nature Conservation (Administration) Regulation 2017, for the movement of wildlife. Fauna will be given the opportunity to move away to avoid stress through handling and relocation.

High effectiveness at mitigating the impacts of clearing / habitat loss for arboreal mammals, specifically, the central greater glider and koala.

Low effectiveness for cryptic or ‘hard to locate’ species, e.g. the border thick-tailed gecko as active searches are time consuming and do not always locate every individual.

Employ sequential clearing practices and use of a suitably qualified koala spotter.

Staging protects habitat for as long as reasonably practical and assists in the management of erosion and sediment control.

This will assist in detecting koalas that are present within the clearing area and allow these individuals to move away.

Sequential clearing is a requirement for clearing koala habitat trees in koala districts under the Queensland Nature Conservation (Koala Conservation) Plan 2017.

High effectiveness for mitigating the impacts of clearing on the koala.

Moderate effectiveness at opportunistic detection of arboreal mammals, e.g. the central greater glider.


This measure will reduce impacts on MNES and assist in reducing impacts to the ecosystem. This will assist the construction contractor to comply with the GED.

The Project Construction Environmental Management Plan will commit to this requirement and compliance will be regularly inspected throughout construction. This requirement has been employed at both the Mortlake and Mt Gellibrand Wind Farms, proving to be effective.

Moderate effectiveness: areas of direct impact are minimised and/or indirect impacts to behaviours/life cycles are minimised through this construction method.

Vegetation is to be reused on site wherever practicable (e.g. salvaged, mulched for revegetation areas, hollow logs left for habitat)

This measure will reduce impacts on MNES and assist in reducing impacts to the ecosystem. This will assist the construction contractor to comply with the GED.

This practice was employed for parts of the major coal seam gas pipeline projects in Central Queensland, with good effectiveness.

Moderate effectiveness: areas of direct impact are minimised and/or indirect impacts to behaviours/life cycles are minimised through this construction method.

Highly effective at mitigating the impacts of habitat loss for ground-dwelling species, e.g. the border thick-tailed gecko.


This measure will reduce long-term impacts on MNES and assist in reducing impacts to the ecosystem by encouraging temporarily disturbed areas to recover as quickly as possible. This will assist the construction contractor to comply with the GED.

This measure is a standard practice for contemporary construction projects.

Moderate effectiveness: areas of direct impact are minimised and/or indirect impacts to behaviours/life cycles are minimised through this construction method. This will maximise the chance of the rehabilitation process being successful.




This measure will minimise the potential for erosion and thereby mitigate against potential degradation of habitats through impacts such as sedimentation. This measure will also reduce opportunities for weed establishment, whilst encouraging temporarily disturbed areas to recover as quickly as possible and will assist the construction contractor to comply with the GED.


Moderate effectiveness: areas of direct impact are minimised and/or indirect impacts to behaviours/life cycles are minimised through this construction method. This will maximise the chance of the rehabilitation process being successful.

Injury and mortality of wildlife

Pre-clearance surveys will specifically target areas of predicted habitat for conservation significant species that have the potential to occur within the clearing footprint. Pre-clearance surveys will be required as part of the standard requirements of the high risk SMP. Pre-clearance surveys will be undertaken to mark the locations of potential breeding places for conservation significant species.


This will assist the construction contractor to comply with the GED.


High effectiveness: prevents injury and mortality of species.

A high risk SMP will be prepared in accordance with the requirements of Section 332 of the Nature Conservation (Wildlife Management) Regulation 2006. Key species likely to be targeted in the high risk SMP include the squatter pigeon and central greater glider.

This will provide measures to assist in detecting fauna that are present within the clearing area and allow these individuals to move away from the impacted area, where practicable.


High effectiveness: substantial avoidance of known occurrences and/or habitats of protected species.



The Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992 includes requirements for koala spotters for clearing in koala habitat areas.


Highly effective at mitigating the impacts of clearing / habitat loss for arboreal mammals, specifically, the central greater glider and koala.

Low effectiveness for cryptic or ‘hard to locate’ species, e.g. the border thick-tailed gecko as active searches are time consuming.



Temporary exclusion fencing will be established around cleared areas in locations of high ecological sensitivity to prevent wildlife from returning to works areas, where deemed appropriate.

This measure is considered effective in avoiding collision with wildlife and avoiding fauna habitat areas being disturbed by humans.

Fauna fencing is referenced in the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads’ Fauna Sensitive Road Design Manual Volume 2: Preferred Practises, as an effective management measure to reduce vehicle collisions with fauna on linear infrastructure.

High effectiveness: substantial avoidance of known occurrences and/or habitats.

Highly effective at deterring mobile, ground-dwelling mammals, particularly the koala.


This will assist in minimising further direct impacts on protected species. Relocation of fauna is to be undertaken by fauna spotter-catchers licensed under the Queensland Nature Conservation (Administration) Regulation 2017, for the movement of wildlife.

The Project Construction Environmental Management Plan will commit to this requirement throughout construction. This measure has been employed at both the Mortlake and Mt Gellibrand Wind Farms, proving to be effective.

Highly effective at reducing the risk of clearing, habitat loss and accidental vehicle strike for terrestrial fauna. Species will be released in similar habitat as close as practicable to the point of capture, whilst far enough way that species should not return to the active construction area.

Areas of potential habitat for the squatter pigeon are to be flushed immediately prior to clearing (i.e. spotter-catcher to walk in front of clearing machinery).


As the squatter pigeon is a relatively sedentary, ground-dwelling bird, this approach has been proven to be effective in identifying and encouraging birds to disperse prior to vegetation clearing, as demonstrated on the Australia Pacific LNG and QCLNG pipeline projects.

Highly effective at detecting the squatter pigeon and mitigate the impacts of accidental vehicle strikes and risk associated within vegetation clearing.

Placement of warning signs around areas of known squatter pigeon habitat and development of a register for squatter pigeon sightings will be maintained.

This measure will be incorporated into a Traffic Management Plan.

As the squatter pigeon is a slow-moving, ground-dwelling bird that is reluctant to flee danger, this measure will alert personnel to the possible presence of squatter pigeon so that impacts to squatter pigeon habitat can be avoided and will assist personnel in achieving compliance with the GED.

This approach was used on the Australia Pacific LNG and QCLNG pipeline projects.

Highly effective in avoiding squatter pigeon collisions with vehicles.



Vehicles to be restricted to 40 km/hr along access tracks within sensitive environmental areas.

This is considered to be effective in avoiding fauna injury and mortality due to individuals remaining within the clearing area.

The Koala-sensitive Design Guideline (DES, 2019) makes recommendations for road design, placement and traffic flow (including speed restrictions) to avoid or minimise habitat fragmentation and to allow koalas to safely move throughout the landscape. These guidelines can also be applied to roads where other species may be impacted.

This approach was used to prevent injury and mortality impacts to squatter pigeon on the Australia Pacific LNG and QCLNG pipeline projects.

Highly effective for mitigating the risk of vehicle strikes for slow moving mammals (e.g. the koala) and ground-dwelling birds like the squatter pigeon.


Construction laydown areas and stockpiles limited to areas that have previously been cleared to minimise clearing.

This will assist in minimising impacts to MNES species and its habitat. Assists construction contractor to comply with GED.

The Project Construction Environmental Management Plan will commit to this requirement throughout construction. This measure has been employed at both the Mortlake and Mt Gellibrand Wind Farms, proving to be effective.

High effectiveness: substantial avoidance of known occurrences and/or habitats for threatened ecological communities and terrestrial flora and fauna species.

Where practicable, temporary construction areas will be rehabilitated as soon as practicable after the completion of construction works to reconnect fragmented habitats.

Assists in erosion and sediment control and establishment of native species. Assists construction contractor to comply with GED.

The Project Construction Environmental Management Plan will commit to this requirement. This measure has been employed at both the Mortlake and Mt Gellibrand Wind Farms, proving to be effective in rehabilitating areas after construction impacts.

Moderate effectiveness: areas of direct impact are minimised and/or indirect impacts to behaviours/life cycles are minimised through design and construction methods.

Important for species with limited dispersal capacities, e.g. the koala, squatter pigeon (southern).



Wildlife disturbance from increased light, noise and vibration


The Draft Light Pollution Guidelines, National Light Pollution Guidelines for Wildlife including marine turtles, seabirds and migratory shorebirds (DoEE, 2019) discusses the potential for artificial light to adversely affect many species and ecological communities and lists best practice lighting design principles, including minimising lighting, lighting placement and direction.

This will assist in minimising direct impacts on protected species and not attracting pest species to the Project area.

The Project Construction Environmental Management Plan will commit to this requirement. This measure has been employed at both the Mortlake and Mt Gellibrand Wind Farms, proving to be effective. It should be noted that the extent of lighting associated with the Project is very limited.

Highly effective for nocturnal species, particularly the central greater glider and grey-headed flying-fox.


The Draft Light Pollution Guidelines, National Light Pollution Guidelines for Wildlife including marine turtles, seabirds and migratory shorebirds (DoEE, 2019) lists best practice lighting design principles, including direction of lighting and use of shields to avoid light spill.

This will assist in minimising direct impacts on protected species and not attracting pest species to the Project area.

The Project Construction Environmental Management Plan will commit to this requirement. This measure has been employed at both the Mortlake and Mt Gellibrand Wind Farms, proving to be effective. It should be noted that the extent of lighting associated with the Project is very limited.

Highly effective for nocturnal species, particularly the central greater glider and grey-headed flying-fox.


This will assist in minimising direct impacts on protected species from noise emissions and will ensure construction personnel can comply with the GED.

The Project Construction Environmental Management Plan will commit to this requirement. This measure has been employed at both the Mortlake and Mt Gellibrand Wind Farms, proving to be effective.

Moderate effectiveness: areas of direct impact are minimised and/or indirect impacts to behaviours/life cycles are minimised through construction methods.

Moderate effectiveness at mitigating the indirect impacts of noise on sensitive fauna, particularly nocturnal species like the central greater glider and grey-headed flying-fox.




This will assist in minimising direct impacts on protected species, by reducing noise and emissions and will ensure construction personnel can comply with the GED.


Moderate effectiveness: areas of direct impact are minimised and/or indirect impacts to behaviours/life cycles are minimised through construction methods.

Moderate effectiveness at mitigating the indirect impacts of noise on sensitive fauna, particularly nocturnal species like the central greater glider and grey-headed flying-fox.

Habitat degradation by increased dust, run-off and sedimentation

Implementation of Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) prepared in accordance with Best Practice Erosion and Sediment Control Manual (IECA Manual).

Erosion and sediment controls in accordance with the IECA Manual are industry accepted standards. This will assist in minimising indirect impacts on waterways by reducing sediment loss as well as associated water quality impacts. Furthermore, this mitigation measure will reduce impacts on the waterways through inclusion of management measures for vegetation clearing and general environmental management and will assist the construction contractor in achieving compliance with the GED.



Undertake routine dust suppression and monitoring. This is considered effective in reducing adverse impacts on protected species and adjoining habitats that could support MNES species. This will assist the construction contractor in achieving compliance with the GED.

The Project Construction Environmental Management Plan will commit to this requirement. This measure has been employed at both the Mortlake and Mt Gellibrand Wind Farms, proving to be effective with no notable indirect dust-related impacts observed to surrounding habitats.

Moderately effective at reducing the likelihood of habitat degradation and edge effects. Particularly important for herbivorous mammals (e.g. the koala and central greater glider) and nectivorous birds (e.g. the painted honeyeater, regent honeyeater and swift parrot) as dust may reduce the quality of foraging habitat.



All vehicles to stay within the Project footprint and on existing access routes.

This will assist in avoiding unnecessary impacts to known habitats and minimise direct impacts on protected species.

The Koala-sensitive Design Guideline (DES, 2019) makes recommendations for road design, placement and traffic flow to avoid or minimise habitat fragmentation and to allow koalas to safely move throughout the landscape. These guidelines can also be applied to roads where other species may be impacted.


Highly effective for mitigating the risk of vehicle strikes for slow moving mammals (e.g. the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) and ground-dwelling fauna like the squatter pigeon and border thick-tailed gecko.

Monitor weather conditions and implement temporary controls as per CMP during extreme weather events.

This will assist in minimising indirect impacts on waterways by reducing sediment loss as well as associated water quality impacts. Furthermore, this mitigation measure will reduce impacts on the waterways through inclusion of management measures for vegetation clearing and general environmental management and will assist the construction contractor in achieving compliance with the GED.



Construction to cease during adverse weather conditions that have the potential to significantly increase dust, increase runoff or sedimentation.

This will assist in preventing water quality and aquatic habitat degradation through minimising release of sediment and other contaminants to waterways as a result of the works. This will assist the construction contractor in achieving compliance with the GED.


Moderately effective at reducing the likelihood of habitat degradation and edge effects. Particularly important for herbivorous mammals (e.g. the koala and central greater glider) and nectivorous birds (e.g. the painted honeyeater, regent honeyeater and swift parrot) as dust may reduce the quality of foraging habitat.

Duration of in-stream works will be minimised wherever practicable to reduce the potential for sedimentation.

This will assist in preventing water quality and aquatic habitat degradation through minimising release of sediment and other contaminants to waterways as a result of the works. This will assist the construction contractor in achieving compliance with the GED.





Impacts from introduction and spread of invasive fauna species


This will assist in preventing the attraction of pest fauna species to the site. This will assist the construction contractor in achieving compliance with the Queensland Biosecurity Act 2014 general biosecurity obligation (GBO), which states that a person who deals with biosecurity matter or a carrier, or carries out an activity, must take all reasonable and practicable measures to prevent or minimise the biosecurity risk, 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.


Moderate effectiveness: reduces attraction of pest fauna species to the site.

Sightings or evidence of pest animals will be recorded during construction in a weed and pest fauna register. If significantly increased densities of pest animals are observed, or new pest animals are identified, humane pest controls will be implemented to manage numbers.

This will assist in preventing new infestations of pest fauna species and will assist the construction contractor to comply with the GBO.

The Project Construction Environmental Management Plan will commit to this requirement. This measure has been employed at both the Mortlake and Mt Gellibrand Wind Farms, proving to be an effective way of monitoring pest activity.

Moderate effectiveness: monitoring pest activity ensures mitigation of impacts can be implemented to prevent increase in pest numbers.


This will assist in preventing new infestations of pest fauna species and will assist personnel in achieving compliance with the GBO.

Moderate effectiveness: reduces potential for increased pest fauna activity.

Impacts from introduction and spread of invasive flora species

Construction contractor to prepare a Weed Management Plan. The Weed Management Plan will include hygiene protocols restricting the movement of vegetation and soil between impacted areas and areas of significantly lower weed infestation. The Weed Management Plan will include protocols for monitoring and management of weeds to identify and appropriately respond to significant changes in weed distribution and density.

This will prevent new infestations of weed species and/or the spread of existing weeds. This will also assist the construction contractor to comply with the GBO.

The Project Construction Environmental Management Plan will commit to this requirement. This measure has been employed at both the Mortlake and Mt Gellibrand Wind Farms, proving to be an effective way of monitoring weed break outs and density changes.


Highly effective in preventing new infestations and/or spread of existing weeds by ensuring weeds are monitored and managed appropriately.



A weed survey will be undertaken to confirm the preconstruction extent of weeds on site, including the extent of Opuntia tomentosa and Opuntia stricta.

This will inform the construction contractor of presence and extent of weeds so that appropriate controls can be implemented to prevent new infestations of weed species and/or the spread of existing weeds. This will also assist the construction contractor to comply with the GBO.

Highly effective in preventing new infestations and/or spread of existing infestations of weeds by triggering early control measures.

Declared weeds occurring within the construction footprint (that are not already growing throughout the Project area) will be treated or removed prior to the commencement of construction. Any new weed infestation shall be treated at the earliest stage while small and manageable. If chemical treatment is required, chemicals may be used only in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications. Weed control measures are to minimise impacts on native fauna (e.g. use of aquatic and fauna friendly chemicals).



Vehicles / equipment travelling from declared weed areas will be required to wash down and possess a current weed hygiene inspection certificate before moving to a declared weed free area.


The Vehicle and Machinery Inspection Procedure Biosecurity Queensland Checklists (DAF, 2013), indicates that heavy machinery and vehicles are potential sources of contamination and provides advise for minimising the risk of transporting weed seeds on vehicles and machinery, including cleaning equipment, vehicles and machinery before entering clean sites.



Vehicle access will be restricted to within the Project footprint and on existing access routes.


The Vehicle and Machinery Inspection Procedure Biosecurity Queensland Checklists (DAF, 2013), suggests avoiding driving off road in areas known to contain declared pest plants, avoiding contaminated areas in wet or dewy conditions and avoiding driving in infested paddocks to minimise the risk of transporting weed seeds.







The Project Construction Environmental Management Plan will commit to this requirement. This measure has been employed at both the Mortlake and Mt Gellibrand Wind Farms, proving to be an effective way of minimising weed growth.


Moderate effectiveness: rehabilitation with non-invasive species reduces the potential for invasive species to colonise.


This will prevent new infestations of weed species. This will also assist the construction contractor to comply with the GBO.


A record of all material imported on site is to be maintained. The log is to include material description, quantity, sources and deposition at the site.

This will ensure that the source of materials can be tracked and managed to prevent new infestations of weed species and/or the spread of existing weeds. This will also assist the construction contractor to comply with the GBO.

Low effectiveness: does not lower the risk of infestations but allows tracking of the source of potential infestations.


6. Proposed offsets

Table 6-1 presents a summary of the Project’s anticipated impact on MNES communities and species as reported

in the MNES (PD) Assessment Report (GHD, 2021).

Significant residual impacts to MNES, after all efforts to avoid, minimise and mitigate have been applied, are

proposed to be offset through direct, land-based offsets; as set out in the Environmental Offsets Strategy for:

– Macrozamia conferta

– Koala


– Grey-headed flying-fox

– Squatter pigeon (southern)

– Regent honeyeater.

The Environmental Offsets Strategy has been developed to demonstrate the feasibility of securing and delivering a

scientifically robust offset program for the Project. The Environmental Offsets Strategy addresses requirements set

out in the EPBC Act Environmental Offsets Policy (DSEWPC 2012). Specifically, the strategy outlines the

following:

– The proposed offset delivery approach and timeframes for future tasks in the offset program

– Results of the offset availability analysis

– Information on the proposed offset site currently under investigation in relation to its suitability to provide the

necessary offsets for the Project

– Proposed habitat scoring methodologies for MNES values to be offset

For each MNES value to be offset, a description of the final conservation outcomes being sought, progressive

milestones to be achieved to demonstrate advancement towards these final outcomes and high-level management

measures proposed to achieve the progressive milestones and final conservation outcomes.

Table 6-1 Summary of impacts on MNES

Matter Impact Significance of impact / trigger

TEC

Poplar box grassy woodland on alluvial plains

No impact – clearing avoided through Project design

Not significant

White box-yellow box-Blakely’s red gum grassy woodland and derived native grassland

No impact - clearing avoided through Project design

Not significant

Flora species

Macrozamia conferta Loss of approximately 164 plants

Loss of habitat (4.93 ha) of habitat critical to the survival of the species

Significant

Lead to a long-term decrease in the size of an important population

Adverse impacts on habitat critical to the survival of the species

Tylophora linearis No impact – species not detected within Project area

Not significant

Eucalyptus infera No impact – species not detected within Project area

Not significant


Matter Impact Significance of impact / trigger

Fauna species

Koala Loss of habitat (236.51 ha) of habitat critical to the survival of the species

Significant


Central greater glider Loss of habitat (25.55 ha of denning habitat, 63.36 ha of foraging habitat)

Significant


Grey-headed flying-fox Loss of habitat (236.51 ha of foraging habitat)

Significant


Squatter pigeon (southern) Loss of habitat (126.65 ha of foraging habitat)

Significant


White-throated needletail No impact – habitat critical to the survival of the species is absent from the Project area

Not significant

Regent honeyeater Loss of habitat (4.67 ha) Significant


Painted honeyeater Loss of habitat (2.99 ha) Not significant

No adverse impact on habitat critical to the survival of the species

Swift parrot Loss of habitat (4.47 ha) Not significant


Migratory species

Fork-tailed swift No impact

The fork-tailed swift is exclusively aerial and does not have typical associations with habitat.

Not significant

Rufous fantail Loss of habitat (10.74 ha) Not significant



7. Economic and social matters

7.1 Information request 7.1 Provide details on the social and economic costs and/or benefits of undertaking the proposed action, including the

basis for any estimations of costs and/or benefits.

Where possible, please include the total economic capital investment and economic ongoing value of the project.

7.1.1 Response

The Project will provide economic benefits across three LGAs – Southern Downs Regional Council, Goondiwindi

Regional Council, and Toowoomba Regional Council, as well as significant economic and social benefits to

Queensland. The Project will maximise the use of local suppliers and encourage Indigenous business

participation. The construction of the transmission line is a significant part of the Macintyre Wind Energy Precinct,

for which more than 800 suppliers and contractors have already registered their interest in conducting business.

The key social and economic benefits of the Project include:

– An estimated 226 jobs supported by the construction of the transmission infrastructure (transmission line and

two switching stations)

– Increased business activities within the Goondiwindi Regional Council, Southern Downs Regional Council,

and Toowoomba Regional Council LGAs

– Financial contributions to local community programs, events and initiatives.

– Contribution to achieving Queensland State Government’s target of 50 percent renewable energy by 2030.

7.2 Information request 7.2 Identify if economic benefits and employment opportunities are in addition to what would have been expected if the

action were not to take place.

7.2.1 Response

If the action did not take place, the economic benefits and employment opportunities described above would not

be realised. The region has suffered economically in the past few years due to drought and the COVID-19

pandemic. This Project will help to improve economic and associated social conditions within the broader region.

7.3 Information request 7.3 Provide details of any public stakeholder consultation activities, including the outcomes of those consultations.

7.3.1 Response

The Overhead Transmission Line Project forms part of the MacIntyre Wind Farm Precinct, which comprises the

proposed MacIntyre Wind Farm, proposed Karara Wind Farm and the OHTL Project. The community views the

MacIntyre Wind Farm Precinct as one project, rather than three separate projects, therefore the community and

stakeholder engagement strategy has followed this vein and considers the Project from an all-of-precinct

perspective.

The proposed MacIntyre Wind Farm Precinct has been in development for many years. However, the level of

public stakeholder consultation has been greatest in the past two years.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, stakeholder engagement continued, however when face-to-face meetings were

not possible, the use of software programs Zoom and Microsoft Teams allowed the Project team to meet with


stakeholders and to keep them informed and engaged. The following engagement initiatives have been

undertaken:

– Meetings:

• Meetings with easement landowners to provide Project updates, advise of pre-constructions activities

and land access requests.

• Meetings and presentations to local government organisations – Southern Downs Regional Council,

Toowoomba Regional Council and Goondiwindi Regional Council to provide Project updates and discuss

potential community benefits, issues and sentiment.

• Meetings with Chambers of Commerce in Warwick, Goondiwindi and Toowoomba to provide Project

updates and discuss opportunities for local businesses to be involved in supply and contracting.

• Meetings with state government organisations in regard to planning and permitting, environmental

requirements, cultural heritage management, road usage and upgrades, water management, and

aviation.

• Meetings with Local Members of Parliament to provide Project updates and potential community issues,

benefits and sentiment.

• Information sessions with local residents of nearby communities to provide Project updates and discuss

community benefits and listen to concerns and questions about the Project.

• Meetings with Traditional Owner groups regarding the management of cultural heritage and the

importance of Aboriginal cultural awareness.

• Presentations to industry groups to provide Project updates and discuss opportunities for local

businesses to be involved in supply and contracting.

• Meetings with local businesses to discuss opportunities for involvement in the Project.

– Presentations to environmental organisations to provide Project updates and discuss issues and concerns

regarding environmental impacts and management.

– Established a Community Engagement Committee, which provides a forum for open discussion between

ACCIONA, the community and other stakeholders on issues directly relating to the wind farm’s construction

activities, operations, and community relations, and to keep the community informed on matters affecting

them relating to the Project. Meetings are held quarterly.

– Conducted a Social Impact Assessment to understand the social impacts and opportunities of the Project.

– Media articles in local newspapers and radio stations

– Published and distributed the MacIntyre Wind Farm Community Newsletters

– Established the MacIntyre Wind Farm Website -https://acciona.com.au/projects/macintyre-wind-farm/ which

includes:

• An overview of key Project information and a location map

• A Flyover Video of the proposed Project

• Fact Sheets

• How to register for Supply and Contracting Opportunities

• How to register for employment opportunities

• How to lodge a ‘Complaint’ about the Project

• Contact information, e.g., email; phone number and office address

• Project Newsletters

• Community Engagement Committee (CEC) information

• How to get involved in the Social Impact Assessment (SIA)

https://acciona.com.au/projects/macintyre-wind-farm/


Sentiment across the regions has been positive and supportive of the MacIntyre Wind Farm Precinct. This area of

Queensland has experienced severe drought over the past three years and many farmers and businesses are still

struggling to maintain their livelihoods. Local businesses are favourable of the opportunity to supply goods and

services to the Project and local residents are interested to obtain employment and training opportunities. Overall,

the people from the regions are looking forward to the social and economic benefits this Project will provide.

7.4 Information request 7.4 Provide details of any consultation with Indigenous stakeholders.

7.4.1 Response

ACCIONA and CleanCo have consulted with local Traditional Owner groups, the Githabul National Aboriginal

Council and Kambuwal Aboriginal Corporation for Culture Heritage and Land. The successful consultation has led

to the formation of a Cultural Heritage Management Plan which has been approved by the Queensland

Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships. Consultation will continue over the duration of

the Project with respect the management and protection of cultural heritage and the implementation of cultural

awareness training for Project employees.


8. Ecologically sustainable development

8.1 Information request 8.1 Provide a description of how the proposed action meets the principles of ecologically sustainable development, as

defined in section 3A of the EPBC Act.

8.1.1 Response

The Project conforms to the objectives for sustainable development through Project planning, assessment of

potential impacts, and proposed avoidance, mitigation and management measures as detailed in Table 8-1.

The principles of ecologically sustainable development are incorporated into Commonwealth and State legislation,

including the EPBC Act. The EPBC Act provides for the protection of the environment, especially MNES, and the

promotion of matters of ecologically sustainable development at a Commonwealth level. Section 3A of the EPBC

Act states:

The following principles are principles of ecologically sustainable development:

a) decision-making processes should effectively integrate both long-term and short-term economic,

environmental, social and equitable considerations

b) if there are threats of serious or irreversible environmental damage, lack of full scientific certainty should

not be used as a reason for postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation

c) the principle of inter-generational equity—that the present generation should ensure that the health,

diversity and productivity of the environment is maintained or enhanced for the benefit of future

generations

d) the conservation of biological diversity and ecological integrity should be a fundamental consideration in

decision-making

e) improved valuation, pricing and incentive mechanisms should be promoted.

Based on the assessment (Table 8-1), the planning, design, construction and operation of the Project has

considered the principles of ESD. In addition, it can be demonstrated that the Project can be undertaken in

accordance with ESD principles through the application of measures to avoid and mitigate the potential

environmental impacts, and where relevant, implementation of adaptive management

Table 8-1 Ecologically sustainable development assessment

EPBC Act principles Comments

Decision-making processes should effectively integrate both long-term and short-term economic, environmental, social and equitable considerations

The principle of integration requires the effective integration of long-term and short-term, economic, environmental, social and equitable considerations in decision making. This may include consideration of ecosystems, people, communities, natural and physical resources, the qualities and characteristics of locations, places and areas, and the social, economic and cultural aspects of these things in the present and future.

The Project incorporates a range of operational and physical controls and environmental management and mitigation measures to minimise potential impacts on the environment both short-term and long-term. These have been factored into the Project through the assessment of the social, economic and environmental impacts of the Project. Management measures to be implemented in relation to the potential impacts of the Project relate to terrestrial and aquatic ecology, biosecurity, water quality and stormwater, noise and vibration, landscape and visual amenity, traffic, aviation and electromagnetic interference.



If there are threats of serious or irreversible environmental damage, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation

The precautionary principle emphasises the need to address the threats of irreversible damage, even in circumstances where there is scientific uncertainty about environmental risk. Environmental assessment involves predicting what the environmental outcomes of a development are likely to be, while maintaining a conservative approach in the event of uncertainty.

During the construction phase, the Project is expected to cause localised losses of habitat predominately due to clearing for access and laydown sites, and temporary disturbance of wildlife through construction noise and vibration. During the operation phase, the Project is expected to be relatively benign for most environmental matters.

Mitigation measures to prevent environmental degradation and reduce adverse environmental effects on MNES and the surrounding environment will be incorporated into a CEMP, Fauna Management Plan and Vegetation Management Plan. The CEMP will outline and describe how the nominated contractor/developer will, during the construction phase and the operational phase, comply with the relevant environmental obligations and legislative requirements, outline how the contractor will minimise environmental risks and achieve environmental outcomes on the Project by providing a structured approach to ensure appropriate environmental management measures and controls are implemented.

In accordance with ESD principles, the Project has addressed the conservation of biodiversity and ecological integrity by proposing an environmental management framework designed to conserve ecological values, where practicable, after consideration of potential Project impacts.

This includes the development and implementation of the following management plans:

– CEMP

– ESC Plan

– Fauna Management Plan

– Vegetation Management Plan

The principle of inter-generational equity—that the present generation should ensure that the health, diversity and productivity of the environment is maintained or enhanced for the benefit of future generations

A key consideration of ESD when integrating both long and short-term economic, environmental and social considerations is inter-generational and intra-generational equity. Inter-generational equity is the concept that the present generation should ensure that the health, diversity and productivity of the environment is maintained or enhanced for the benefit of future generations, while intragenerational equity is applied within the same generation.

This Project would benefit current and future generations through direct and indirect employment and the sustainable generation of renewable energy. Notably, the Project will contribute significantly to the decarbonisation of the Queensland economy, with clear intergenerational benefits. It would also provide stimulus to local and regional economies, thus contributing to future generations through indirect social welfare, amenity and infrastructure.

The concept of inter-generational equity has been addressed through:

– Assessment of the likely social impacts of the Project

– Design and implementation of management measures, where required, to minimise potential construction, operation and decommissioning impacts of the Project on affected aspects of the environment, including land, water, noise, flora and fauna. These measures aim to mitigate risks of environmental impacts in order to ensure biodiversity and ecological integrity are not compromised by the Project.



The conservation of biological diversity and ecological integrity should be a fundamental consideration in decision-making;

The Project addresses the conservation of biodiversity and ecological integrity by proposing a comprehensive environmental management framework designed to conserve ecological values and long-term species diversity as far as practicable. This goal will remain at the forefront of decision making and actions in the construction, operation and decommissioning and rehabilitation phases of the Project.

The concept of conservation of biodiversity has been addressed through:

– Project infrastructure designed to avoid or minimise impacts on the existing environment. This design process has been iterative and has taken into consideration results from extensive and multiple ecological survey programs.

– Implementation of operating procedures, including site selection protocols to avoid disturbance to endangered, vulnerable and rare and threatened species as far as practicable, and to minimise fragmentation and habitat disturbance.

Improved valuation, pricing and incentive mechanisms should be promoted.

This principle requires that environmental factors be included in the valuation of assets and services.

This principle reflects the idea that if the real value of natural resources is incorporated into the cost of using those resources, it is more likely that resources will be used in a sustainable manner, adequately managed and not wasted.

Given this Project is the establishment of an OHTL to enable access to renewable energy, this principle is not applicable to this Project.

.


9. References

AEMO (2020), Draft 2020 Integrated System Plan (ISP), accessed 11 February 2021,

https://aemo.com.au/en/energy-systems/major-publications/integrated-system-plan-isp/2020-integrated-system-

plan-isp.

Attexo (2021), Overhead Transmission Line Offsets Strategy, Attexo, August 2021

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) (2016), 2016 Census QuickStats, accessed 11 February 2021,

https://quickstats.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2016/quickstat/SSC31225?opendoc

ument

Department of the Environment and Energy (DoEE) (2019) DRAFT Light Pollution Guidelines National Light

Pollution Guidelines for Wildlife Including marine turtles, seabirds and migratory shorebirds, September 2019,

viewed 01/04/21, https://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/consultations/f9d7b873-29a3-4ae6-8278-

3c3b64ee5a9f/files/draft-light-pollution-guidelines.pdf

GHD (2020a), Construction Management Plan (12525037-REP-MWF-09), GHD, July 2020.

GHD (2020b), Preliminary Fauna Management Plan (12525037-REP-MWF-013), GHD, July 2020.

GHD (2020c), Preliminary Vegetation Management Plan (12525037-REP-MWF-014, July 2020), GHD, July 2020.

GHD (2020d), MNES Assessment Report (12525037-REP-MWF-005-OHTL), GHD, July 2020.

GHD (2020e), Stormwater Management Plan (12525037-REP-MWF-07), GHD, July 2020.

GHD (2021), MNES (Preliminary Documentation) Assessment Report, GHD, August 2021.

Haddad, M.N., Brudvig, L.A., Clobert, J., Davies, K.F., Gonzalez, A., Holt, R.D., Lovejoy, T.E., Sexton, J.O.,

Austin, M.P., Collins, C.D., Cook W.M., Damschen, E.I., Ewers, R.M., Foster, B.L., Jenkins, C.N., King, A.J.,

Laureance, W.F., Levey, D.J., Margules, C.R., Melbourne, B.A. Nicholls, A.O., Orrock, J.L., Song, D.X.,

Townshend, J.R. (2015). Habitat fragmentation and its lasting impacts on Earth’s ecosystem. Science Advances,

Vol 1 (2).

Hero, Jean-Marc & Hodgkison, Simon & Hazell, Donna (2004). Winners and Losers: The impacts of modifying

natural landscapes on amphibian & reptile assemblages in eastern Australia.

Longcore, T. and Rich, C. (2004). Ecological light pollution. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, Vol 2 (4),

pp. 191-198.

Nature Advisory (2021). EPBC Act threatened birds – habitat and regional assessment and targeted surveys

(Report No. 20033 (15.3) (August 2021). Report prepared for the Overhead Transmission Line Project.

Popper, A. and Hawkins, A. (2016). The effects of noise on aquatic life (Vol. 730). Springer Science and Business

Media: New York, USA.

Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) (2013), Vehicle and Machinery Inspection Procedures

Biosecurity Queensland Checklists 2013, viewed 01/04/21,

https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/64006/IPA-Inspection-Procedures.pdf

Queensland Department of Environment and Science (2017), Queensland Land Use Mapping Program (QLUMP)

Land use classification, accessed 11 February 2021, Queensland Land Use Mapping Program

Queensland Department of Environment and Science (DES) (2019) Koala-sensitive Design Guideline, viewed

31/03/21, https://environment.des.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0025/102859/koala-sensitive-design-

guideline.pdf

https://aemo.com.au/en/energy-systems/major-publications/integrated-system-plan-isp/2020-integrated-system-plan-isp

https://aemo.com.au/en/energy-systems/major-publications/integrated-system-plan-isp/2020-integrated-system-plan-isp

https://quickstats.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2016/quickstat/SSC31225?opendocument

https://quickstats.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2016/quickstat/SSC31225?opendocument

https://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/consultations/f9d7b873-29a3-4ae6-8278-3c3b64ee5a9f/files/draft-light-pollution-guidelines.pdf

https://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/consultations/f9d7b873-29a3-4ae6-8278-3c3b64ee5a9f/files/draft-light-pollution-guidelines.pdf


Slabbekoorn, H., Bouton, N., van Opzeeland, I., Coers, A., ten Cate, C. and Popper, A.N. (2010). A noisy spring:

the impact of globally rising underwater sound levels on fish. Trends in ecology and evolution, Vol 25 (7), pp. 419-

427


ghd.com The Power of Commitment

http://www.ghd.com/

Documents

Overhead Transmission Line Project