Significant Residual Impact criteria Cause disruption to ecologically significant locations (breeding, feeding, nesting, migration or resting sites) of a species.
Assessment
Unlikely
Ecological surveys did not identify any evidence that the habitat within the project area has been used by koalas, and there are limited historical records of the species within the region. Whilst one LIKT and one ancillary habitat tree for the region were identified within the project area the project area is not considered to represent habitat that is essential to meet life cycle requirements due to the absence of any evidence of use by koalas. As such, the project is considered unlikely to cause disruption to ecologically significant locations (breeding, feeding, nesting, migration or resting sites) of a species.
Wulguru Technical Services Pty Ltd – Heritage Minerals Upper Mundic Gully TSF – Fauna Survey Assessment Report 47 Due to their broad hunting methods, all vegetation within REs 11.10.1, 11.10.2, 11.10.3 and 11.10.4 within the project area has been considered suitable foraging habitat for the species. The tunnel entrance was considered potentially suitable diurnal roosting habitat for the species, however due to its proximity the Mt Etna site likely fulfils the regions breeding requirements, making it unlikely that the tunnel within the project area functions as a maternity roost. In total, 19.95 ha of potential habitat for the ghost bat is present within the project area. Habitat within the project area has been described as a mixture of remnant and non-remnant vegetation. During investigation of the Project area’s history, the majority of the potentially suitable habitat that was identified within the project area was found to occur within a historically highly disturbed area. 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 This carnivorous bat forages for small mammals (such as other bats), birds, reptiles, frogs, and large insects using a surface foraging strategy where it perches in vegetation to ambush or gleans the ground while in flight (TSSC 2016a). Both male and female bats have been recorded foraging up to 12 km from their diurnal roost, with round trips of up to 30 km being recorded (Bat Call WA, 2023). The closest historical records of the species are located approximately 17 km north of the project area, dating back to 1994 (DETSI, 2025). A permanent colony exists at Mt Etna, around 70 km north of the project area, which serves as a key regional maternity roost (Bat Call WA, 2023). 4.3.Ghost bat ( Macroderma gigas ) The ghost bat ( Macroderma gigas) is listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act and endangered under the NC Act. Ghost bats inhabit a diverse range of environments, from the arid desert to tropical savanna woodlands and rainforests. During the day, they roost in caves, rock crevices, and abandoned mines, favouring deep caves or disused mines that provide stable microclimatic conditions (TSSC, 2016a). Seasonal movement between caves is common, driven by changing climatic conditions. Breeding sites are generally located in caves with multiple entrances, which are preferred for their microhabitat stability and security.
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