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 lack of an established population of the species in the vicinity of the Project area and no confirmed records within the Project area post field surveys, the Project is not anticipated to result in a significant impact on the species.
Table 20. SRI Assessment for Bertya pedicellata Significant Residual Impact criteria Assessment
Unlikely
There have been no confirmed records within the Project area. While there is potential habitat for the species within the Project area, the absence of the species within the Project area suggests that the Project is unlikely to lead to a long-term decrease in the size of a local population of the species. There have been no confirmed records within the Project area. Though potential habitat of 19.94 ha was identified within the Project area, the species is more likely to occur in less degraded habitat within the region. As such, the Project is considered unlikely to reduce the extent of occurrence of the species. There have been no confirmed records within the Project area with only 2 records present 1.5 km north of the Project area. 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. There have been no confirmed records of the species within the Project area, and the only existing records are 1.5 km to the north of the Project area. There no other individuals recorded within a 50 km radius from the Project area suggesting the lack of established populations of the species 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. As such, the project is considered unlikely to result in genetically distinct populations forming as a result of habitat isolation. Invasive flora species have been identified within the Project area. While invasive species is not listed as a threatening process for B. pedicellata (DETSI, 2025), several of the larger and more competitive invasive weed species (ie. Lantana, African fountain grass, etc) are likely to have the potential to establish and outcompete B. pedicellata. An EMP will address the potential spread of invasive weeds to prevent the establishment of invasive plants communities within the project area and limit the potential for spread of invasive plants into the surrounding landscape.
Lead to a long- term decrease in the size of a local population of the species; Reduce the extent of occurrence of the species;
Unlikely
Unlikely
Fragment an existing population;
Unlikely
Result in genetically distinct
populations forming as a result of habitat isolation;
Unlikely
Result in invasive species that are harmful to an endangered species becoming established in the endangered species’ habitat;
Wulguru Technical Services Pty Ltd – Heritage Minerals Upper Mundic Gully TSF – Fauna Survey Assessment Report 63
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