Original EA Amendment

5.7.3.2. Introduced Flora Species

Introduced flora species were generally restricted to the eastern half of the project area, with the most

abundant weed populations noted adjacent to and within the unnamed mine spoil dump adjacent to the

Open Cut Pit. Eight of the introduced flora species observed within the project area are considered

restricted matter flora species under the Biosecurity Act. These species included: Lantana camara

(creeping Lantana), Cenchrus setaceus (fountain grass), Harrisia martinii (Martin apple cactus),

Tecoma stans (yellow bells), Sporobolus natalensis (giant rats tail grass), Opuntia tomentosa (velvety

tree pear), Cryptostegia grandiflora (rubber vine) and Lantana camara (Lantana). The latter three

species are also considered Weeds of National Significance (WoNS). Each species is further discussed

in Table 40.

Table 40. Restricted matters and WoNs occurring in the project area

Name

Biosecurity

WoNS

Field Observation

Act

Cenchrus

Category 3

No

This species was the most abundant restricted matter in the

setaceus

project area. Where present, the species was generally observed

(fountain

as the dominant ground cover, occasionally creating dense

grass)

homogenous swards. The species was most abundant in the

south – south eastern extents of the project area, but was noted

else where on site as isolated tussocks along road verges. The

species generally presented as mature, healthy individuals with

evidence of active or recent reproduction (seed heads).

Cryptostegia

Category 3

Yes

This species was noted at three locations within the project area.

grandiflora

The species was only noted as isolated, young recruiting

(rubber vine)

individuals

Harrisia

Category 3

No

This species was noted at four locations across the eastern extent

martini

of the project area. At all locations the species was observed as

(Martin apple

solitary individuals. All individuals presented as healthy, with two

cactus)

currently in fruit.

Lantana

Category 3

Yes

This species was noted across the eastern half of the project area

camara

and was the second most abundant restricted matter observed

(Lantana)

during field surveys. The species varied in density from isolated

shrubs to dense thickets, with the latter frequently noted to have

grown over and smothered local vegetation. Most larger

individuals were considered healthy, with extensive with flower

and seed.

Lantana

Category 3

No

This species was generally observed from disjunct locations along

montevidensis

and adjacent to the artificial flat in the eastern extent of the project

(creeping

area. Where noted the species presented as frequent clusters to

Lantana)

dense lying mats, often growing over local vegetation. In all

135

Wulguru Technical Services Pty Ltd – Supporting Information to Amend an Environmental Authority

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