4.3 Flora results The project area presented as a landscape of steep rocky slopes ascending to sheer cliff faces comprised of parent rock. Crests presented as narrow flats with reduced and/or stunted vegetation. Soils throughout the project area were relatively uniform, comprised of relatively shallow, sandy soils derived predominantly derived from sandstone. Evidence of igneous basalt parent material was evident to a lesser extent, within the project area and was isolated to lower slopes and along the valley floor. Vegetation across the project area presented a mosaic of forest and woodland communities. Canopies were predominantly comprised of Corymbia trachyphloia, Syncarpia glomulifera, Corymbia citriodora and Acacia spp. A mixed canopy of C. trachyphloia and S. glomulifera was the most prevalent within the CIA. Canopy composition transitions were abrupt but infrequent, with smaller patches of Acacia spp dominant woodland and C. citriodora dominant open forest noted within the project area. 4.3.1 Threatened ecological communities Vegetation was assessed against the key diagnostics for the three TECs shortlisted by the desktop assessment. Vegetation within the project area did not meet TEC diagnostics, with none of the required characteristic canopy species ( Acacia pendula, Eucalyptus populnea, Eucalyptus coolabah, Eucalyptus largiflorens) confirmed during field surveys. Field verified REs (refer to Section 4.3.2), within the project area, similarly are not known to associated with any of the TECs. Given the surveys were able to comprehensively traverse the survey area, TECs are considered highly unlikely to occur with the project area. 4.3.2 Regulated vegetation Field surveys verified the presence of Category B (remnant), Category C High Value Regrowth (HVR) and Category X (non-remnant) vegetation within the project area. The majority (24.30 ha, 55.9%) of the project area was field verified as remnant stands of mixed eucalypt and Syncarpia glomulifera woodlands and open forests, which encompassed the north to northwestern half of the project area. Non-remnant vegetation was the next most prevalent (13.97 ha, 32.1%) vegetation noted within the project area. Most of this non-remnant vegetation was located in artificially built-up areas located along the southern and eastern extents of the project area. These areas were dominated by exotic grass species with sparse recruitment by opportunistic native species. Additional non- remnant vegetation was mapped along the slopes immediately west of the artificial flats. Vegetation along these slopes was characterised by young acacia regrowth, establishing above a mosaic of dense Lantana camara thickets and exotic native grasses. HVR vegetation was the least observed (5.20 ha, 12.0%) regulated vegetation within the project area. This vegetation was restricted to the upper slopes and crests along the southwestern extent of the project area. These areas predominantly presented as highly uniform canopies of Acacia species. Eucalypt species were notably absent relative to adjacent areas and may be an artifact of historical selective clearing. Regulated vegetation is depicted in Figure 4.1. 4.3.2.1 Regional ecosystems Three REs (11.10.2, 11.10.4, 11.12.6) were field verified within the project area. RE 11.10.2 is listed as Of concern under the VM Act. The other two REs are listed as Least concern. RE 11.10.2 was the most prevalent (20.11 ha, 46.3%) across the project area and varied from low woodlands to open forests with canopies dominated by a mix of Corymbia trachyphloia and Syncarpia glomulifera. RE 11.10.4 was only observed as high value regrowth (HVR) and was the next most represented vegetation community in the project area (5.20 ha, XXX12.0%). This RE presented as a low open forest with a canopy dominated by Acacia spp. over a sparse grassy understory. RE 11.12.6 was the least represented RE (4.19 ha, 9.6%) in the project area and was restricted to the lower slopes surrounding Upper Mundic Gully. This RE presented as open forest with a canopy dominated by Corymbia citriodora . These REs are further described in Table 4.4.
GHD | Heritage Minerals Pty Ltd | 12626510 | Heritage Minerals Mount Morgan 16 This document is in form. The contents, including any opinions, conclusions or recommendations contained in, or which may be implied from, this document must not be relied upon. GHD reserves the right, at any time, without notice, to modify or retract any part or all of the document. To the maximum extent permitted by law, GHD disclaims any responsibility or liability arising from or in connection with this document.
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