Additionally, the identification of several dense patches of WONS around and within the population may further contribute to decline, both through competition and through increased fire risk and intensity through larger fuel loads. Whilst most cycads are fire-dependant for successful reproduction, the seedlings and seed of C. megacarpa, both on the plant and locally dispersed, are highly susceptible to being killed by fire. More intense fires can destroy the seed bank of a population and may even destroy mature plants. Cumulative seedling loss because of fires that are too frequent or too hot will ultimately result in a decline of the number of individuals within a population (Keith 1996). Habitat within the project area has been described as a mixture of remnant and non-remnant vegetation. Considering the historical disturbance and degraded nature of the project area, the habitat was determined by Grant Paterson (SQP) during his site visit to not meet the definition of ‘in the wild’ as defined in the Operational policy - Wildlife (Plants) - When a protected plant in Queensland is taken to be ‘in the wild’ (DESI, 2023). The policy states that the plant should be found in a relatively natural ecological situation (e.g. in bushland) to be considered ‘in the wild’. Considering the historical disturbance and degraded nature of the project area, including the modified hydrology, and the presence of dense patches of weeds, it is likely that the population of Cycas megacarpa within the project area will decline without intervention. The project proposes the implementation of a Cycas megacarpa Management Plan which will detail methods to translocate individuals impacted by the project out of the degraded habitat and into an existing population off-site, as well as propagate and plant additional individuals. The management plan will have a net-positive goal, to not only mitigate the impact of the project but also avoid and potentially reverse the natural decline of the population. Through the successful implementation of this plan, the project is considered unlikely to significantly impact the species .
Table 11. SRI assessment - Cycas megacarpa Significant Residual Impact criteria Assessment
Unlikely
C. megacarpa was confirmed within the project area during field investigations. A population of approximately 46 individuals were confirmed within the project area. All 46 confirmed individuals of C. megacarpa will be cleared by the proposed works. Due to the degraded nature of the project area, natural decline of the population is expected. However, through the implementation of the proposed Cycas megacarpa Management Plan, which will strive towards a net-positive outcome, the size of the population will be maintained or increased by translocating and/or propagating and planting cycads. As such, the Project is considered unlikely to lead to a long-term decrease in the size of a local population. C. megacarpa was confirmed within the project area during field investigations. A population of approximately 46 individuals were confirmed within the project area. All 46 confirmed individuals of C. megacarpa will be cleared by the proposed works. Due to the degraded nature of the project area, natural decline of the population is expected. However, through the implementation of the proposed Cycas megacarpa Management Plan, which will strive towards a net-positive outcome, the size of the population will be maintained or increased by translocating and/or propagating and planting cycads. Accordingly, the extent of occurence will
Lead to a long- term decrease in the size of a local population of the species;
Unlikely
Reduce the extent of occurrence of the species;
Wulguru Technical Services Pty Ltd – Heritage Minerals Upper Mundic Gully TSF – Fauna Survey Assessment Report 42
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