Significant Residual Impact criteria
Assessment
Fragment an existing population;
Unlikely
Ecological surveys did not identify a suitable density of potential breeding habitat within the project area. Whilst there is the potential for the project area to be used by greater gliders for foraging and/or dispersal, it is unlikely a population will occur within the project area that could be impacted. 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 into two or more populations. Ecological surveys did not identify a suitable density of potential breeding habitat within the project area. Whilst there is the potential for the project area to be used by greater gliders for foraging and/or dispersal, it is unlikely a population will occur within the project area that could be impacted. 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. Feral cats and European foxes are identified threats to this species. Feral animal control measures will be implemented throughout the duration of the Project as detailed in the EMP. There is also potential for the spread of invasive weeds during the construction and operation phase. This potential will be addressed within the EMP. Accordingly; the project is considered unlikely to result in invasive species that are harmful to an endangered species becoming established in the endangered species’ habitat. There are no identified diseases that threatened this species. The Project is not anticipated to introduce new diseases that may cause the species to decline. Feral species that may act as disease vectors will be managed as per the EMP. As such, the Project is not considered likely to introduce disease that may cause the species to decline. While potential foraging habitat will be removed, similar or better-quality habitat remains widely available throughout the region. Ecological surveys did not identify any potential breeding habitat within the project area. Whilst there is a low potential for the project area to be used by greater gliders for foraging and/or dispersal, it is unlikely a population will occur within the project area that could be impacted and therefore it is unlikely any project related impact could cause the species to decline. 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 interfere with the recovery of the species. While potential foraging habitat will be removed, similar or better-quality habitat remains widely available throughout the region. Only one suitably sized hollow-bearing tree and a handful of suitable forage trees were identified within the project area, this hollow density falls far short of the threshold required to support greater gliders. As such, the project is considered unlikely to cause disruption to ecologically significant locations (breeding, feeding, nesting, migration or resting sites) of a species.
Result in genetically distinct
Unlikely
populations forming as a result of habitat isolation;
Result in invasive species that are harmful to an endangered species becoming established in the endangered species’ habitat; Introduce disease that may
Unlikely
Unlikely
cause the species to decline;
Interfere with the recovery of the species; and
Unlikely
Cause disruption to ecologically significant locations (breeding, feeding, nesting, migration or
Unlikely
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Wulguru Technical Services Pty Ltd – Supporting Information to Amend an Environmental Authority
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