described as a mixture of remnant and non-remnant vegetation. During investigation of the Project area’s history, the majority of the potentially suitable habitat that was identified within the project area was found to occur within a historically highly disturbed area. Dumping of mine waste by previous site operators has resulted in land contamination across most of the Mount Morgan Mine. Contaminated runoff and seepage from existing mine infrastructure are actively contributing to land contamination. Prior to mining activities occurring at the Mount Morgan Mine, the headwater of the Mundic Gully flowed north to south before flowing in an easterly direction towards the Dee River. What should be the headwater of the Upper Mundic Creek is now an ephemeral waterbody at the lowest topographical point of the Upper Mundic Gully that drains through a stormwater diversion tunnel into Dam 8 located to the northeast, and as such less water is likely available within the project area compared to prior to disturbance. Due to the degraded nature of the project area, this habitat is likely less preferable than intact habitat in the surrounding region. Therefore, the Project is not anticipated to result in a significant impact on the koala. Table 54. SRI assessment - Koala ( Phascolarctos cinereus )
Significant Residual Impact criteria
Assessment
Lead to a long-term
Ecological surveys did not identify any evidence that the habitat within the project area has been used by koalas, and there are limited historical records of the species within the region. Whilst there is the potential for the project area to be used by koalas, it is unlikely a population will occur within the project area that could be impacted due to the degraded nature of the habitat and the presence of other more suitable habitat in the region. Additionally, to mitigate potential impacts to individuals, pre- clearance surveys will be conducted, with all activities supervised by qualified fauna spotter-catchers. As such, the project is considered unlikely to lead to a long-term decrease in the size of a local population of the species. Ecological surveys did not identify any evidence that the habitat within the project area has been used by koalas, and there are limited historical records of the species within the region. Whilst there is the potential for the project area to be used by koalas, it is unlikely a population will occur within the project area that could be impacted due to the degraded nature of the habitat and the presence of other more suitable habitat in the region. As such, the Project is considered unlikely to reduce the extent of occurrence of the species. Ecological surveys did not identify any evidence that the habitat within the project area has been used by koalas, and there are limited historical records of the species within the region. Whilst there is the potential for the project area to be used by koalas, it is unlikely a population will occur within the project area that could be impacted due to the degraded nature of the habitat and the presence of other more suitable habitat in the region. The project is situated on the interface between a large area of remnant vegetation and a large area of non-remnant cleared land associated with the Mount Morgan Mine. As such, the project is not expected to isolate or fragment any patches of habitat. A such, the project is considered unlikely to fragment an existing population.
Unlikely
decrease in the size of a local population of the species;
Reduce the extent of occurrence of the species;
Unlikely
Fragment an existing population;
Unlikely
Project number: 25B061
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