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BIG ISLAND MINING PTY LTD ABN 12 112 787 470

f o r t he

Dargues Reef Go ld Pro ject

Prepared by:

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED

Biodiversity Management Plan

This page has intentionally been left blank

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED

BIG ISLAND MINING PTY LTD ABN 12 112 787 470


for the

Dargues Reef Gold Project

Prepared for:

Big Island Mining Pty Ltd ABN: 12 112 787 470 Level 5, 72 Kings Park Road WEST PERTH WA 6005

Telephone: (08) 9485 0577 Facsimile: (08) 9485 0706 Email: [email protected]

Prepared by:

R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty. Limited

Geological & Environmental Consultants

ABN: 31 002 033 712

Brooklyn Office: 1st Floor, 12 Dangar Road PO Box 239 BROOKLYN NSW 2083 Telephone: (02) 9985 8511 Facsimile: (02) 9985 8208 Email: [email protected]

Orange Office: 62 Hill Street ORANGE NSW 2800 Telephone: (02) 6362 5411 Facsimile: (02) 6361 3622 Email: [email protected]

Brisbane Office: Level 19, 1 Eagle Street BRISBANE QLD 4000 Telephone: (07) 3360 0217 Facsimile: (07) 3360 0222 Email: [email protected]

Ref No. 752/16

May 2012

BIG ISLAND MINING PTY LTD BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Dargues Reef Gold Project Report No. 752/16

ii


Document Title Biodiversity Management Plan

Document Number DAR-HSE-PE-QU-PLN-505

Document Owner Environmental Supervisor

Revision Issue Date Originator Reviewed Approved

Version 1 05/03/2012 Mitchell Bland Mitchell Bland Ajanth Saverimutto

Version 2 09/05/2012 Mitchell Bland

Next Review Due within 3 months of:

the submission of an annual review under Condition 5(3);

the submission of an incident report under Condition 5(6);

the submission of an audit report under Condition 5(8); and

any modification to the conditions of PA10_0054.

This Copyright is included for the protection of this document

COPYRIGHT

© R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty Limited 2012

and

© Big Island Mining Pty Ltd 2012

All intellectual property and copyright reserved.

Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright

Act, 1968, no part of this report may be reproduced, transmitted, stored in a retrieval system or adapted in any form or by any

means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without written permission. Enquiries should be

addressed to R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty Limited.

BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN BIG ISLAND MINING PTY LTD

Report No. 752/16 Dargues Reef Gold Project

CONTENTS Page


iii

1. INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................. 1

2. CONSULTATION ............................................................................................................................. 2

3. LEGAL AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................ 2

4. OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES .................................................................................................... 8

5. PHREATOPHYTIC VEGETATION MANAGEMENT ....................................................................... 8

5.1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................... 8

5.2 ANTICIPATED GROUNDWATER IMPACTS ...................................................................... 10

5.2.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 10

5.2.2 Surrounding Groundwater Environment .................................................................... 10

5.2.3 Anticipated On-site Groundwater Impacts ................................................................. 11

5.2.4 Anticipated Off-site Groundwater Impacts ................................................................. 11

5.3 ANTICIPATED IMPACTS ON PHREATOPHYTIC VEGETATION ...................................... 13

5.3.1 Anticipated Impacts on Tableland Basalt Forest EEC ............................................... 13 5.3.1.1 Health Status of the Tableland Basalt EEC ................................................ 13 5.3.1.2 Anticipated Impacts on Tableland Basalt Forest EEC ................................ 14

5.3.2 Anticipated Impacts on Araluen Scarp Grassy Forest EEC ...................................... 16

5.4 PHREATOPHYTIC VEGETATION MONITORING PROGRAM .......................................... 17

5.5 OFF-SITE BIODIVERSITY OFFSET STRATEGY ............................................................... 18

6. MANAGEMENT OF THE ON-SITE BIODIVERSITY OFFSET AREA .......................................... 19

6.1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................. 19

6.2 OVERVIEW OF THE ON-SITE BIODIVERSITY OFFSET STRATEGY.............................. 19

6.3 SECURING THE ON-SITE BIODIVERSITY OFFSET STRATEGY .................................... 21

6.4 MANAGEMENT MEASURES .............................................................................................. 22

6.4.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 22

6.4.2 Management of Erosion and Gully Development ...................................................... 22

6.4.3 Management of Weeds and Pests ............................................................................ 23 6.4.3.1 Weed Management ..................................................................................... 23 6.4.3.2 Pest Management ....................................................................................... 23

6.4.4 Management of Tableland Basalt Forest EEC .......................................................... 24 6.4.4.1 Introduction .................................................................................................. 24 6.4.4.2 Fencing of the Tableland Basalt Forest EEC .............................................. 24 6.4.4.3 Management of Surface Disturbing Activities ............................................. 25 6.4.4.4 Habitat Amelioration and Reestablishment ................................................. 25 6.4.4.5 Management of Habitat for Majors Creek Leek Orchid ............................... 26 6.4.4.6 Management of Fire .................................................................................... 26 6.4.4.7 Management of the Tailings Storage Facility .............................................. 26

6.4.5 Management of the Native-dominated Pasture ......................................................... 27 6.4.5.1 Introduction .................................................................................................. 27 6.4.5.2 Management of Agricultural Practices ........................................................ 27 6.4.5.3 Habitat Amelioration and Re-establishment ................................................ 28 6.4.5.4 Use of the On-site Biodiversity Offset Area for Education Purposes .......... 28



CONTENTS Page

iv


7. BIODIVERSITY OFFSET MONITORING, COMPLETION CRITERIA AND TIMING ................... 29

7.1 BIODIVERSITY OFFSET MONITORING PROGRAM......................................................... 29

7.1.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 29

7.1.2 Vegetation Monitoring Program ................................................................................. 29

7.1.3 Fauna Monitoring Program ........................................................................................ 30

7.1.4 Aquatic Ecology and Monitoring Program ................................................................. 30

7.1.5 Stygofauna Monitoring Program ................................................................................ 31

7.2 BIODIVERSITY OFFSET PERFORMANCE AND COMPLETION CRITERIA .................... 31

7.3 BIODIVERSITY OFFSET TIMING AND IMPLEMENTATION ............................................. 31

8. MANAGEMENT OF REMAINING SECTIONS OF THE PROJECT SITE ..................................... 36

8.1 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................. 36

8.2 CONSULTATION ................................................................................................................. 36

8.3 FINAL LANDFORM AND LAND USE .................................................................................. 36

8.4 MANAGEMENT MEASURES .............................................................................................. 37

8.4.1 Management of Erosion and Gullying........................................................................ 37

8.4.2 Management of Weeds and Pests ............................................................................. 37 8.4.2.1 Weed Management ..................................................................................... 37 8.4.2.2 Pest Management ....................................................................................... 37

8.4.3 Management of Regenerating Wattles ...................................................................... 38

8.4.4 Management Disturbed and Cleared Land ................................................................ 38

9. MANAGEMENT OF WOMBATS ................................................................................................... 38

10. MONITORING AND EVALUATION OF COMPLIANCE ............................................................... 39

11. COMPLAINTS HANDLING AND RESPONSE .............................................................................. 39

12. PUBLICATION OF MONITORING INFORMATION ...................................................................... 40

13. INCIDENT REPORTING ................................................................................................................ 40

14. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITY ................................................................................................... 41

15. COMPETENCE TRAINING AND AWARENESS .......................................................................... 41

16. REVIEW ......................................................................................................................................... 42

17. REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................... 42

APPENDICES

Appendix 1 Tableland Basalt Forest Reports .......................................................................................... 45

Appendix 2 Weed Management Plan ...................................................................................................... 47

Appendix 3 Wombat Management Plan .................................................................................................. 55



CONTENTS Page


v

FIGURES

Figure 1 Simulated Piezometric Drawdown – End Year 5 ................................................................. 12

Figure 2 On-Site Biodiversity Offset Area .......................................................................................... 20

TABLES

Table 1 Relevant Biodiversity-related Conditions – PA10_0054 ........................................................ 2

Table 2 Project Approval Requirements ............................................................................................. 4

Table 3 Statement of Commitment Requirements .............................................................................. 5

Table 4 Objectives and Key Performance Outcomes ......................................................................... 9

Table 5 Vegetation Communities within the On-site Biodiversity Offset Area .................................. 21

Table 6 Biodiversity Offset Performance and Completion Criteria ................................................... 32

Table 7 Timing for Implementation of Biodiversity Management Measures ..................................... 35



vi






1

1. I N T RO D U C TI ON

RW Corkery & Co Pty Limited has co-ordinated preparation of this Biodiversity Management

Plan for the Dargues Reef Gold Project (the Project) on behalf of Big Island Mining Pty Ltd

(the Company). The Project Site is located approximately 60km southeast of Canberra, 13km

south of Braidwood and immediately north of the village of Majors Creek. The Project consists

of an underground gold mine, a run-of-mine (ROM) pad, temporary waste rock emplacement,

processing plant, tailings storage facility and associated infrastructure and ancillary activities.

This document has been prepared in satisfaction of Condition 3(35) of Project Approval (PA)

10_0054.

A range of specialist consultants contributed to the preparation of this document. Relevant

specialists, their area of expertise and the principal sections they contributed to are as follows.

Mr Garry Daly of Gaia Research Pty Ltd (Sections 6, 7 and 8).

Mr Greg Stone of Woodlands Environmental Management (Sections 5, 6, 7

and 8).

Dr Steve Douglas of Ecological Surveys and Planning (Sections 5, 6, 7 and 8).

Mr Bill Waterhouse (Majors Creek resident and wombat expert) (Section 9).

The Project is fully described in the following documents and no further background

information is provided in this document.

Environmental Assessment dated September 2010 and associated documentation

prepared to support the application for Project approval.

Mining Operations Plan dated March 2012.

In addition, a range of management plans have been or will be prepared to guide

operations within the Project Site. These include the following.

– Blast Management Plan.

– Noise Management Plan.

– Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan.

– Water Management Plan.

– Aboriginal Heritage Management Plan.

– Traffic Management Plan.

– Waste Management Plan.

– Bushfire Management Plan.



2


2. C O N S U LTAT I ON

The following consultation was undertaken during preparation of this document.

An email requesting requirements for the Biodiversity Management Plan was

provided to the Office of Environment and Heritage on 8 September 2011. No

response were received

A draft copy of this document was provided to Office of Environment and

Heritage for review and comment on 5 March 2012. Feedback was received on

5 April 2012 and was taken into consideration during finalisation of this

document.

3. L E G AL AN D O T H E R R EQ U I REM E N TS

The Project was granted project approval (PA) 10_0054 on 2 September 2011 pursuant to the

Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act). Following two appeals to the

Land and Environment Court, the Court subsequently granted project approval with revised

conditions on 7 February 2012. The Project Approval stipulates the required criteria that the

construction and operational activities of the Project must comply with and sets out the core

requirements for this Plan. Relevant biodiversity-related conditions associated with this

approval are reproduced in Table 1.

Table 1

Relevant Biodiversity-related Conditions – PA10_0054

Page 1 of 2

Biodiversity Offset

3(32) The Proponent shall implement the offset strategy outlined in Table 9, described in the EA, and shown in Appendix 4 to the satisfaction of the Director-General.

Table 9: Biodiversity Offset

Community Type Area (ha)

Ribbon Gum Forest* 8.7

Fragmented Ribbon Gum Forest* 7.1

Regenerating wattles 7.6

Exotic vegetation 5.1

Natural Temperate Grassland** 0.2

Native – dominated pasture 235.7

Exotic pasture 2.5

Largely disturbed land 3.9

River Peppermint Open Forest 1.3

TOTAL 272.1

* Listed as an EEC under the Threatened Species Conservation Act, 1995 ** Listed as a CEEC under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, 1999

3(33) The Proponent shall ensure that the offset area is managed in a manner that would ensure the regeneration of native grassland, which is consistent with the Natural Temperate Grassland EEC.

3(34) The Proponent shall make suitable arrangements to provide appropriate long-term security for the offset area in the strategy to the satisfaction of the Director-General.




3

Table 1 (Cont’d) Relevant Biodiversity-related Conditions – PA10_0054

Page 2 of 2


3(35) The Proponent shall prepare a Biodiversity Management Plan for the project to the satisfaction of the Director-General. This plan must:

(a) be prepared in consultation with OEH, and submitted to the Director-General for approval prior to construction;

(b) include:

an assessment of the potential impacts of groundwater drawdown on groundwater dependent (phreatophytic) vegetation, including the Tableland Basalt Forest EEC and Araluen Scarp Grassy Forest EEC in the Majors Creek State Conservation Area using suitable methodology;

detailed baseline data on the health status of the Tableland Basalt Forest EEC within the project site;

mitigation and/or offsetting measures if adverse impacts on phreatophytic vegetation are predicted;

timing for the implementation of mitigation and/or offsetting measures;

scheduling for the implementation of the biodiversity offset;

detailed performance and completion criteria for the implementation of the biodiversity offset;

a detailed description of the measures that would be implemented to manage the remnant vegetation and habitat within the offset area, and ensure the biodiversity offset is suitably implemented, including the procedures for:

revegetating or regenerating parts of the offset area, if required;

managing or improving the quality of existing vegetation in the offset area;

controlling weeds, feral pests and access;

managing bushfires; and

details of who would be responsible for monitoring, reviewing and implementing the plan.

Conservation Bond

3(36) Within 3 months of the approval of the Biodiversity Management Plan, the Proponent shall lodge a conservation bond with the Department to ensure that the biodiversity offset is implemented in accordance with the performance and completion criteria of the Biodiversity Management Plan. The sum of the bond shall cover the full cost of implementing the Biodiversity Offset Strategy and be verified by a suitably qualified rehabilitation expert or quantity surveyor.

If the biodiversity offset is implemented to the satisfaction of the Director-General, the Director-General will release the conservation bond.

If the offset strategy is not implemented to the satisfaction of the Director-General, the Director-General will call in all or part of the conservation bond, and arrange for the satisfactory implementation of the biodiversity offset.



4


Table 2 presents the requirements arising from the conditional requirements of PA10_0054 for

this Biodiversity Management Plan and where each is addressed in this document. In addition,

Table 3 identifies the requirements for this Plan embodied in the Statement of Commitments

presented as Appendix 5 of PA10_0054.

Table 2

Project Approval Requirements

Page 1 of 2

Requirement Section


Condition 3(35)

The Proponent shall prepare a Biodiversity Management Plan for the project to the satisfaction of the Director-General. This plan must:

(a) be prepared in consultation with OEH, and submitted to the Director-General for approval prior to construction;

2

(b) include:

an assessment of the potential impacts of groundwater drawdown on groundwater dependent (phreatophytic) vegetation, including the Tableland Basalt Forest EEC and Araluen Scarp Grassy Forest EEC in the Majors Creek State Conservation Area using suitable methodology;

5.3

detailed baseline data on the health status of the Tableland Basalt Forest EEC within the project site;

5.3.1.1

mitigation and/or offsetting measures if adverse impacts on phreatophytic vegetation are predicted;

5.3.4

timing for the implementation of mitigation and/or offsetting measures; 7.3

scheduling for the implementation of the biodiversity offset; 7.3

detailed performance and completion criteria for the implementation of the biodiversity offset;

7.2

a detailed description of the measures that would be implemented to manage the remnant vegetation and habitat within the offset area, and ensure the biodiversity offset is suitably implemented, including the procedures for:

6 revegetating or regenerating parts of the offset area, if required;

managing or improving the quality of existing vegetation in the offset area;

controlling weeds, feral pests and access;

managing bushfires; and

details of who would be responsible for monitoring, reviewing and implementing the plan.

14

Condition 5(2)

The Proponent shall ensure that the management plans required under this approval are prepared in accordance with any relevant guidelines, and include:

(a) detailed baseline data; 5.2, 5.3.1.1

(b) a description of:

the relevant statutory requirements (including any relevant approval, licence or lease conditions);

3

any relevant limits or performance measures/criteria; 7.2

the specific performance indicators that are proposed to be used to judge the performance of, or guide the implementation of, the project or any management measures;

7.2




5

Table 2 (Cont’d)

Project Approval Requirements

Page 2 of 2

Requirement Section


Condition 5(2)

(c) a description of the measures that would be implemented to comply with the relevant statutory requirements, limits, or performance measures/criteria;

5, 6 & 7

(d) a program to monitor and report on the:

5.3.3, 7.1 impacts and environmental performance of the project;

effectiveness of any management measures (see c above);

(e) a contingency plan to manage any unpredicted impacts and their consequences; 5.3.4

(f) a program to investigate and implement ways to improve the environmental performance of the project over time;

16

(g) a protocol for managing and reporting any:

11, 13

incidents;

complaints;

non-compliances with statutory requirements; and

exceedances of the impact assessment criteria and/or performance criteria; and

(h) a protocol for periodic review of the plan. 16

Note: The Director-General may waive some of these requirements if they are unnecessary or unwarranted for particular management plans.

Table 3

Statement of Commitment Requirements

Page 1 of 4

Requirement Section

5 ECOLOGY

5.1 Ensure that no ground disturbing activities are undertaken within areas of identified Ribbon Gum Forest and Fragmented Ribbon Gum Forest.

6.4.4.3

5.1a Implement reasonable and feasible measures to ensure that fauna, including birds, do not enter the Tailings Storage Facility and monitor the facility for such use.

6.4.4.7

5.1b Conduct annual late winter surveys for the presence of active Little Eagle nests within the project site for the life of the Project. In the event that one or more nests are identified, prepare and implement an appropriate management plan in consultation with OEH.

7.1.3

5.2 Avoid the use of phosphate-based fertiliser in pasture areas to encourage the regeneration of native grasses.

6.4.5.2

5.3 Manage grazing operations, including stocking rates and fencing, in a manner to sustain and facilitate the spread of native grass species.

6.4.5.2

5.4 Fence all areas of Ribbon Gum Forest and Fragmented Ribbon Gum Forest to exclude stock.

6.4.4.2

5.4a Manage all areas of Ribbon Gum Forest and Fragmented Ribbon Gum Forest to maintain to improve biodiversity values.

6.4.4

5.5 Ensure that areas of habitat suitable for the Majors Creek Leek Orchid are appropriately identified and fenced with a 20m buffer and access restricted. Ensure no disturbance occurs within the fenced areas.

6.4.4.5



6


Table 3 (Cont’d) Statement of Commitment Requirements

Page 2 of 4

Requirement Section

5 ECOLOGY (Cont’d)

5.6 Prepare a management plan to ensure that Common Wombat are not harmed during establishment of the tailings storage facility. This plan may include the following.

9 and Appendix 3

Mark all wombat burrows prior to the commencement of ground disturbing activities.

Commence ground disturbing activities on the upper slopes of creek banks a few days before disturbing the identified hollows to allow individual wombats time to

vacate their burrows at night when equipment is not operating.

Inspect all burrows to ensure that common wombats have vacated the proposed area of disturbance.

Any remaining wombats would be relocated in consultation with a suitably qualified and experienced wildlife carer, fauna ecologist and/or local wombat expert.

5.7 Continue the existing weed and pest control program, with particular focus on managing Broom and Blackberry within the southern section of the Project Site.

6.4.3

5.8 Ensure that dead fallen and standing timber are not removed or disturbed to preserve fauna habitat.

6.4.4.4

5.9 Implement fully the Biodiversity Strategy described in Section 2.15 of the Environmental Assessment, including ensuring that the strategy would be implemented in perpetuity.

6

5.9a Identify and implement an offsite biodiversity strategy that would:

5.3.4

ensure the protection and enhancement of a minimum of 35.5ha of Tableland Basalt Forest in similar condition to that community within the project site;

include a Biodiversity Offset Area within the vicinity of the project site but outside the area of predicted groundwater drawdown;

be implemented in perpetuity; and

be described in the Biodiversity Management Plan for the project, as amended.

Alternatively, ensure that funding to an equivalent amount that would have been required under the abovementioned offsite Biodiversity Offset Strategy is made available in perpetuity for the management of Tableland Basalt Forest matters in the vicinity of the project site.

5.9b Extend the offset strategy to be implemented under conditions 32 and 33 in schedule 3 of the Project Approval as follows:

6.2

the extended biodiversity offset area will be as described in the following table and as shown in Appendix 8;

those portions of the approved Biodiversity Areas identified in Appendices 4 and 8 (Combined Biodiversity Offset Area) as either Ribbon Gum Forest or Fragmented Ribbon Gum Forest, or any area within the Combined Biodiversity Offset Area where it is appropriate to re-establish the Endangered Ecological Community Tableland Basalt Forest, will be managed in a manner that would ensure the regeneration of that community; and

the remainder of the Combined Biodiversity Offset Area, where appropriate, will be managed in a manner that would ensure the regeneration of native grassland which is consistent with the Natural Temperate Grassland EEC.




7


Page 3 of 4

Requirement Section

5 ECOLOGY (Cont’d)

Table: Extended Biodiversity Offset Area

Community Type Area (ha)

Ribbon Gum Forest* 17.8 ha

Woody Weeds Shrubland 2.3 ha

Native – dominated pasture 8 ha

TOTAL 28.1

* Listed as an EEC under the Threatened Species Conservation Act, 1995

6.2

5.10 Prepare a Biodiversity Management Plan in consultation with the relevant government agencies and the community consultative committee. That plan would:

specify biodiversity-related actions to be undertaken during the life of the Project and for several years after the site has been decommissioned;

6

incorporate the above commitments; As Above

include a program to determine the condition of Araluen Scarp Grassy Forest EEC adjacent to Majors Creek within the Majors Creek State Conservation Area, including ongoing monitoring:

5.3.2

include a program to identify any groundwater dependent (phreatophytic) vegetation within and outside the zone of groundwater drawdown, including an assessment of soil moisture;

5

specify that the required monitoring of phreatophytic vegetation should include pre-dawn measurement of water potential and transpiration by means of porometry at a series of measurement sites across the drawdown cone (not limited to the project site, but at 2 metres at the outermost). Monitoring to include monitoring of bore depth and rainfall, at least 4 times a year in August, November, January and March;

5.3.3

include a program to identify and monitor stygofauna within and surrounding the project site, including a program to collate onsite baseline data utilising the existing groundwater monitoring network;

7.1.4 and 7.1.5

describe management of the proposed biodiversity area(s); 6 and 7

require the collection, appropriate storage and recording of native seed within the project site to supply amelioration and rehabilitation activities;

6.4.4.4

describe the proposed revegetation and amelioration program, including identification of areas to be revegetated/ameliorated and the species to be used; and

6.4.4.4

involve, where practicable, local community groups in management of biodiversity with in the Project Site.

6.4.1

5.11 Construct the proposed water pipelines in a manner that would not disturb any Ribbon Gum Forest nor any vegetation over 3m height.

6.4.4.3

5.12 Identify a suitable final landform in consultation with the relevant government agency(ies), including reducing the angle of the walls of the box cut to permit placement of soil material and revegetation.

8.3



8



Page 4 of 4

Requirement Section

15 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING

15.3 Ensure that the following ecology-related monitoring is undertaken during the life of the Project. The results of the monitoring program would be reported in each Annual Review prepared for the Project.

Ensure that searches for Major’s Creek Leek Orchid are undertaken during the flowering period for the orchid, both within suitable habitat areas within the Project Site and within the Majors Creek Cemetery.

Complete

Ensure that all areas undergoing rehabilitation are be monitored on a 6 monthly basis to determine the success or otherwise of the management, mitigation and ameliorative measures and the rehabilitation programs.

7.1

Establish a set of photographic reference points and ensure that photographs are taken at six monthly intervals to document activities within the Project Site, including weed control and revegetation actions.

7.1.2

Ensure that flora and fauna species and vegetation communities within the Project Site are monitored regularly, indicatively every two years, to identify any Project-related impacts.

7.1

4. O B JE C TI VE S AN D O U T CO M E S

Table 4 presents the objectives and key performance outcomes for this Biodiversity

Management Plan and the Project.

5. P H R E ATO P H YT I C VEG E TAT I O N M AN AG E M E N T

5.1 INTRODUCTION

Phreatophytic vegetation obtains a significant portion of its water requirements from the

phreatic zone of the soil profile, i.e. the zone of groundwater saturation, or from the capillary

zone immediately above the saturated groundwater zone. As a result, phreatophytic vegetation

is typically found adjacent to water courses and in areas where groundwater is very close to the

surface. Alternatively, phreatophytic vegetation may access groundwater at greater depths

where it is able to penetrate sufficiently deeply, namely where the soil and underlying substrate

are sufficiently friable, and where climatic conditions encourage root development, principally

where extended periods without significant rainfall occur such as in Mediterranean or arid

climates.




9

Table 4

Objectives and Key Performance Outcomes

OBJECTIVES KEY PERFORMANCE OUTCOMES

Biodiversity

(a) To ensure compliance with all relevant Project approval conditions, statements of commitment and reasonable community expectations.

(i) Compliance with all relevant criteria and reasonable community expectations, as determined in consultation with the relevant government agencies.

(b) To implement appropriate biodiversity management and mitigation measures during all stages of the Project

(ii) All identified biodiversity management and mitigation measures implemented.

(c) To appropriately determine the degree of groundwater dependence of vegetation within the Project Site and determine the nature and significance of adverse Project-related impacts, if any.

(iii) Degree of groundwater dependence determined and appropriate ongoing monitoring program implemented

(d) To appropriately manage and offset Project-related adverse impacts, if any, on phreatophytic vegetation within the Project Site.

(iv) Off-site Biodiversity Offset Strategy identified and implemented with the identified timeframes

(e) To appropriately implement and manage the approved On-site Biodiversity Offset Strategy.

(v) On-site Biodiversity Offset Strategy identified and implemented with the identified timeframes

(f) To appropriately manage those sections of the Project Site not within the On-site Biodiversity Offset Area to achieve the approved final landform and land use.

(vi) Identified areas managed in a manner that does not result in off-site impacts and ensures that the identified final landform and land use is established.

(g) To implement an appropriate complaints handling and response protocol

(vii) Complaints (if any) handled and responded to in an appropriate manner.

(h) To implement appropriate corrective and preventative actions, if required.

(viii) Corrective and preventative actions implemented, if required

(i) To implement an appropriate incident reporting program, if required.

(ix) Incidents (if any) reported in an appropriate manner.

Within the Project Site, the only vegetation with the potential to be classified as phreatophytic

vegetation is:

some of the Eucalypts associated with the Ribbon Gum Forest which may be

classified as Tableland Basalt Forest Endangered Ecological Community

(Tableland Basalt Forest EEC); and

some of the native understorey and in-stream vegetation associated with and in the

immediate vicinity of spring-fed watercourses.



10


On the Araluen Escarpment, downslope and east of the Project Site, the Araluen Scarp Grassy

Forest Endangered Ecological Community (Araluen Scarp Grassy Forest EEC) is known to

occur. It was suggested by the Appellants to the project appeal that this community may be in

part phreatophytic. However there is no information available to confirm or reject that view. In

addition, Dr Steve Douglas notes in his expert report prepared for the appeal to the project

approval that the community is beyond the scope of the Project’s direct groundwater-related

impacts and that surface water flows would be unaffected by the Project due to the use of a

surface water flow compensation scheme.

This sub-section provides an assessment of the potential impacts to each of these communities

as a result of groundwater drawdown associated with the Project and a program for the ongoing

monitoring of the communities for actual impacts as the groundwater surrounding the approved

mine is lowered. This sub-section has been prepared with input from Dr Steve Douglas and Mr

Greg Stone, both of whom contributed to the ecological assessment for the Project.

5.2 ANTICIPATED GROUNDWATER IMPACTS

5.2.1 Introduction

Section 4.4 of the Environmental Assessment and Part 3 of the Specialist Consultant Studies

Compendium provide a full description of the groundwater environment within and surrounding

the Project Site and the anticipated Project-related groundwater impacts. This sub-section

provides an overview of the information presented in those sections to enable the assessment of

anticipated impacts to phreatophytic vegetation presented in Section 5.3 to be placed in context.

5.2.2 Surrounding Groundwater Environment

Three classes of aquifers exist within and surrounding the Project Site as follows. Figure 4.21

of the Environmental Assessment provides a schematic representation of the interrelationship of

these aquifers.

Fracture-controlled, granodiorite-hosted aquifer. A hydraulically “tight” massive

granodiorite with little or no primary permeability and localised fracture or fault

systems which may be open and transmit groundwater flow. This aquifer occurs

across the entire Project Site and surrounding catchments.

A regolith aquifer (a shallow, weathered aquifer overlying the granodiorite). This

aquifer is hosted by weathered granodiorite material which typically occurs to a

depth of approximately 15m.

A shallow alluvial aquifer (associated with the Majors Creek alluvial deposits).

This aquifer is comprised of sand and clay with boulders adjacent to and within

Majors Creek.

In addition, Figure 4.19 of the Environmental Assessment presents a plan showing the upper

surface of the groundwater table. In summary, except in close proximity to Spring and Major’s

Creeks and their tributaries, the groundwater table within the Project Site is between 8m and

15m below the surface.




11

Drainage lines within the northern section of the Project Site where the Tableland Basalt Forest

EEC occurs are typically deeply incised, with slope gradients increasing in mid- and lower-

slope areas (i.e. convex slopes).

Groundwater discharges to surface at a spring in the upper reaches of Spring Creek, with

measured base flows of approximately 0.3L/s.

5.2.3 Anticipated On-site Groundwater Impacts

The groundwater assessment determined that the Project would result in the following

groundwater-related impacts.

Drawdown of groundwater in the vicinity of the approved mine. Figure 1

presents the anticipated zone of groundwater drawdown. In summary, the

anticipated zone of drawdown as defined by the 1m drawdown contour is

expected to extend up to approximately 2.5km from the approved mine, including

all areas of Tableland Basalt Forest EEC within the Project Site.

As a result of the anticipated drawdown of groundwater levels within the Project

Site, the groundwater assessment determined that groundwater discharge to

Spring Creek would cease completely, resulting in a loss of approximately 0.3L/s.

In addition, groundwater discharge to Majors Creek is expected to be reduced by a

nett maximum of approximately 1.8L/s. As a result, the reduction in baseflow to

Spring and Majors Creeks is expected to increase during the life of the Project to a

maximum of approximately 2.1L/s or 66.2ML/yr. The Water Management Plan

provides an overview of the approved compensatory flow program that would

compensate for this loss of baseflow.

Following completion of mining operations, the groundwater assessment

determined that groundwater levels would recover within five years of the

completion of mining operations.

5.2.4 Anticipated Off-site Groundwater Impacts

As indicated on Figure 1, direct groundwater-related impacts associated with the Project would

be limited to the anticipated zone of groundwater drawdown, which is limited to an area with a

radius of approximately 2.5km from the Dargues Reef Mine. Notwithstanding this, the

reduction in groundwater level would result in reduction of groundwater discharge to Spring

and Majors Creeks of up to 2.1L/s or 66.2ML/yr. This reduction in base flow would not have

the potential to impact on Tableland Basalt Forest EEC within the Project Site, however, may

impact on Araluen Scarp Grassy Forest EEC located downstream of the Project Site,

particularly within the Majors Creek State Conservation Area (MC SCA).



12


Figure 1 Simulated Piezometric Drawdown – End Year 5

A4/colour

Figure dated 9/5/12 inserted 9/5/12




13

In order to compensate for the proposed loss of groundwater flows within Majors and Spring

Creeks, the Proponent committed to ensure that an equivalent volume of water would be

discharged to Majors Creek from the commencement of mining operations until such time as

the loss of baseflow is determined to be negligible. Discharge of this water is described in the

Water Management Plan for the Project. In summary, however, the water for the compensatory

flow program would be preferentially sourced from the approved harvestable rights dams to

ensure that the quality of water released meets the requirements of the relevant guidelines.

A site water balance was undertaken using 100 years of daily rainfall data. That assessment

concluded that the proposed harvestable rights dams could provide water required for the

proposed environmental flows on 97% of days modelled. On those days when water would not

be available from the harvestable rights dams, water for environmental flows would be sourced

from the historic workings and a water treatment plant within the processing plant.

5.3 ANTICIPATED IMPACTS ON PHREATOPHYTIC VEGETATION

5.3.1 Anticipated Impacts on Tableland Basalt Forest EEC

5.3.1.1 Health Status of the Tableland Basalt EEC

Historic land use and management practices including the clearing and fragmentation of native

vegetation, the unrestricted grazing of livestock within remnant vegetation, the establishment of

exotic pasture grasses, the unrestrained spread of woody weeds, historic mining activity and the

uncontrolled erosion of gullies and waterways have contributed to the present health status of

Tableland Basalt Forest EEC. The major consequence of these impacts on the pre-European

condition of Tableland Basalt Forest EEC has been fragmentation and the alteration and / or

loss of structure and species diversity.

Section 4.4.4 of Gaia (2010) identifies that the overstorey of the Tableland Basalt Forest EEC

within the Project Site is dominated by Ribbon Gum Eucalyptus viminalis and Narrow-leaved

Peppermint E. radiata with occasional Snow Gum E. pauciflora. Many trees are mature and

support hollows.

The sparse understorey includes small trees of Black Wattle Acacia mearnsii and Blackwood A.

melanoxylon and the exotic Hawthorn Crataegus sp. Patches of Broom Cytisus scoparius are

also present, although a weed management program targeting this species is currently in

progress.

The grassy groundcover includes native grasses and herbs such as Native Raspberry Rubus

parvifolius, Kidney Weed Dichondra spp., Twining Glycine Glycine clandestina, Slender Tick-

trefoil Desmodium varians, Prickly Starwort Stellaria pungens, Native Geranium Geranium

solander var. solanderi, Spiny-headed Mat Rush Lomandra longifolia, Weeping Grass

Microlaena stipoides, Wallaby Grasses Austrodanthonia spp., Kangaroo Grass Themeda

australis, Bracken Fern Pteridium esculentum, Bidgee-Widgee Acaena novae-zelandiae, River

Tussock Poa labillardierei, Common Raspwort Gonocarpus tetragynus, St. John’s Wort

Hypericum gramineum and Stinking Pennywort Hydrocotyle laxiflora and exotic species such

as Sorrel Acetosella vulgaris, Yorkshire Fog Holcus lanatus, Indian Hedge Mustard

Sisymbrium orientale, Rye Grass Lolium perrene and other common exotic pasture species.



14


The community is distributed over the Project Site in small fragmented patches (Figure 2).

Roads and land cleared as a result of previous mining and agricultural activities are the main

actions that have caused the fragmentation. Figure 2 classifies the community into fragmented

and less fragmented sections. One of the objects of the approved Biodiversity Offset Strategy is

to reduce the degree of fragmentation of this community.

In addition, the expert report of Dr Steve Douglas, prepared for the appeal to the Project

Approval, identifies the following in relation to the health status of the Tableland Basalt Forest

EEC within the Project Site.

The majority of the community that occurs within the Project Site does not exhibit

a species composition or structure that is indicative of groundwater dependency.

The exception is the in-stream and potentially some of the riparian vegetation

where groundwater is close to or at the surface. However, such areas are a small

proportion of the total community within the Project Site. Most of the in-stream

and riparian areas are in a highly modified condition due to previous mining and

subsequent degradation unrelated to the Project. They are already at risk from

existing erosion, historical catchment modifications (mostly related to alluvial

mining operations and land clearing for pastoralism) and weed infestation.

The dominant canopy species within the community is Ribbon Gum. This is a

species that occurs across a relatively wide rainfall range, extending from very

high to low annual rainfall averages across much of the coast, ranges, and slopes

of southeastern Australia. The Project Site has annual average rainfall far above

the driest sites in which this species occurs and the rainfall in the vicinity of the

Project Site is relatively evenly distributed throughout each year.

The majority of the area of and species within the Tableland Basalt Forest EEC

are unlikely to be groundwater dependent and the majority of trees within the

community are likely to be able to survive in the absence of groundwater.

Finally, it is noted that insect attack impacted adversely on the health of some of the canopy

trees associated with this community within and surrounding the Project Site in 2011. That

issue would appear to have been a temporary one, and while some trees were killed as a result,

the remainder appear to be recovering.

Further detailed information in relation to the health status of this community, including quadrat

and transect results, is provided in Appendices 2 and 3 of Gaia (2010). In addition, the expert

reports of Dr Steve Douglas and Mr Greg Stone and a report prepared by Mr Stone detailing the

results of a review of insect damage to canopy trees within the Tableland Basalt Forest EEC

within and surrounding the Project Site are included in Appendix 1.

5.3.1.2 Anticipated Impacts on Tableland Basalt Forest EEC

The Project will result in drawdown of groundwater within and immediately surrounding the

Project Site. The zone of drawdown include the full extent of Tableland Basalt Forest EEC

within the Project Site within two years of the commencement of mining operations Figure 2.

Further details in relation to the anticipated groundwater impacts are presented in Section 4.4.5

of the Environmental Assessment.




15

Whilst groundwater levels will be drawn down beneath the Tableland Basalt Forest EEC

remnants within the Project Site, this is unlikely to significantly compromise that vegetation at

the community scale. The majority of Tableland Basalt Forest EEC within the Project Site does

not exhibit a species composition or structure that is indicative of groundwater dependency.

Components of the community are likely use groundwater to some extent in some areas,

however, such use is not necessarily a dependency, and more so, not necessarily a dependency

at the community level.

The groundwater assessment determined that the groundwater level within the majority of the

area occupied by the Tableland Basalt Forest EEC is between 8m and 15m below the surface.

However, within the steeply incised creek lines the groundwater level is typically less than 8m

from the surface.

In light of the above, potential impacts to the Tableland Basalt Forest EEC may be divided into

two groups, namely impacts to the in-stream and riparian vegetation and impacts to the

remainder of the community

In-stream and Riparian Tableland Basalt Forest EEC

The section of the Tableland Basalt Forest EEC at greatest risk of being affected by

groundwater drawdown is the in-stream and (potentially) the riparian vegetation located within

steeply incised creek lines. However, such areas are a small proportion of the total Tableland

Basalt Forest EEC community within the Project Site. In addition, at least some of the

vegetation within the incised creek lines cannot be classified as Tableland Basalt Forest EEC.

Finally, most of the in-stream and riparian areas are in a highly modified condition due to

previous mining and subsequent degradation unrelated to the Project. They are already at risk

from existing erosion, historical catchment modifications (mostly land clearing for pastoralism)

and weed infestation. The majority of the vegetation within and immediately adjoining Spring

Creek and its tributaries is regrowth after earlier intensive alluvial mining.

As a result, the lowering of groundwater levels within the Project Site and the cessation of base

flows in Spring Creek for a period commencing around 12 months after the commencement of

mining operations and continuing for a period of up to four to five years post-mining, may

cause the contraction or death of some of the in-stream and riparian native vegetation. This

includes some typical ‘wetland’ species that have high moisture requirements.

Remainder of the Tableland Basalt Forest EEC

Given the depth to groundwater, with the exception of the in-stream and some riparian

Tableland Basalt Forest EEC, the only other component of the community that may be capable

of accessing groundwater is a portion of the canopy trees (principally Eucalyptus viminalis –

Ribbon Gum) and possible sections of the relatively sparse subcanopy (e.g. Acacia melanoxylon

- Blackwood). However, it is noted that use does not necessarily equate to dependency. Neither

of the identified species is typically indicative of groundwater dependency in other

environments and the climate of the Project Site, namely with relatively evenly distributed

annual rainfall, even during period of drought.



16


Notwithstanding the above, it is possible that some components and individuals within the

Tableland Basalt Forest EEC may accesses groundwater where root depth, soil depth, and rock

fractures permit. However, it remains unknown.

which areas of the community, other than riparian and in-stream component,

access the groundwater; and

whether any such use is a dependency.

Overview of the Anticipated Impacts

In summary, Dr Douglas and Mr Stone state that the effects of groundwater drawdown on the

Tableland Basalt Forest EEC within and adjacent to the Project Site is considered likely to be

negligible, with the exception of riparian and in-stream vegetation associated with the highly

modified Spring Creek.

In qualifying the above, however, Dr Douglas and Mr Stone also note that the riparian and in-

stream components of the Tableland Basalt Forest EEC occur within the highly modified

Spring Creek and that the Company will implement a range of measures to stabilise and

appropriately manage what are otherwise chronic existing threats to the remnant vegetation and

associated habitats associated with Spring Creek and its tributaries.

Riparian and in-stream vegetation associated with Majors Creek downstream of the Project Site

and outside of the area of groundwater drawdown is unlikely to be impacted by that drawdown

as a result of the compensatory flow program that will replace lost base flow within Majors

Creek.

5.3.2 Anticipated Impacts on Araluen Scarp Grassy Forest EEC

The Araluen Scarp Grassy Forest EEC is located downslope and east of the Project Site on the

Araluen Escarpment. None of this community is located with the Project Site or within or in

the immediate vicinity of the anticipated extent of the groundwater drawdown. In addition, the

compensatory flow program will ensure that the Project-related reduction in base flow within

Majors Creek will be replaced with the appropriate volume of water. As a result, the Project

will not have a significant direct impact on the Araluen Scarp Grassy Forest EEC or any

associated potentially groundwater dependent habitats downstream of the Project Site or within

the Majors Creek State Conservation Area.

In addition, it is noted that the composition of the Araluen Scarp Grassy Forest EEC is not such

that groundwater dependency is likely to be a significant requirement for the community.

Indeed, such dependency is not identified in the associated Final Determination for the

community (NSW Scientific Committee, 2008). Finally, Dr Douglas also notes the following

in relation to the community.

Notwithstanding the fact that there is little to suggest groundwater dependency

associated with the Araluen Scarp Grassy Forest EEC, there is a ‘dry rainforest’

component to the community as evidenced by the species list for the community

identified by the Final Determination (NSW Scientific Committee, 2008). The

‘dry rainforest’ component is usually apparent by the presence of distinctive Ficus

rubiginosa (Rusty Fig) associated with rocky outcrops that lack sufficient soil

depth to support the community’s more typical canopy species of Eucalyptus and




17

Angophora. However, Dr Douglas notes that the ‘dry rainforest’ is likely a result

of increased shelter and/or reduced incidence / severity of fire, rather than being a

product of groundwater dependency or availability.

Irrespective of the above, it is feasible, however, that some occurrences of more

rainforest-like vegetation within very small sections of the Araluen Scarp Grassy

Forest EEC may be partially a result of groundwater seepage. However, there is

no evidence that such seepages will be impacted by the Project.

In light of the above, there is little to suggest that Araluen Scarp Grassy Forest EEC is a

groundwater-dependent community and, taking into account the compensatory flow program,

there is nothing to suggest that it will be adversely impacted by the Project. In addition, the

community will benefit from a reduced weed propagule load in the Majors Creek catchment

due to weed control operations to be undertaken as part of the Project.

5.4 PHREATOPHYTIC VEGETATION MONITORING PROGRAM

The Company would implement the following program to identify and monitor for potential

impacts to phreatophytic vegetation associated with the Tableland Basalt Forest EEC both

within and surrounding the Project Site. The program will include the following and will

generally be consistent with the methodology described in the joint experts report of Merchant,

Douglas, Stone and Briese prepared for the appeal to the project approval.

Pre-dawn water potential and transpiration via porometry (flux of water from leaf

surface measured by hand-held device clipped onto leaves) as described in

Identifying Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems (Eamus, 2009).

Measurement of groundwater levels within and surrounding the Project Site as

described in the Water Management Plan.

Measurement of rainfall and evaporation using an automated weather station

within the Project Site as described in the Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas

Management Plan.

Initial baseline data collection will be undertaken within six months of the commencement of

construction. That baseline sampling program will include establishment of an appropriate

number of monitoring locations. These locations would, in general, be located as follows.

On ridge tops and upper- and mid-slopes within the anticipated zone of

groundwater drawdown.

Within and adjacent to Spring Creek within the anticipated zone of groundwater

drawdown.

On ridge tops and upper- and mid-slopes in Tableland Basalt Forest EEC of

similar condition to that occurring within the Project Site outside the anticipated

zone of groundwater drawdown.

Within and adjacent to drainage lines in Tableland Basalt Forest EEC of similar

condition to that occurring within the Project Site outside the anticipated zone of

groundwater drawdown.

BIG ISLAND MINING PTY LTD BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN Dargues Reef Gold Project Report No. 752/16

18


The program would be designed to ensure that sufficient monitoring locations were selected to enable impacts associated with project-related groundwater drawdown to be differentiated from natural variation as a result of climatic variation.

Initially monitoring will be undertaken quarterly in August, November, January, and March, with the frequency of monitoring to be reviewed following the completion of 12 months of data collection. In general, late summer is recognised as the time when groundwater drawdown is most likely to affect any phreatophytic vegetation.

Following the completion of each monitoring program, a report will be prepared that includes the following.

The methodology employed.

The results of the monitoring program.

Recommendations for further monitoring, including the frequency of such monitoring and any recommendations for mitigation of drawdown effects should these become evident.

Trigger values and response plans would be developed following completion of the initial monitoring program and would be adjusted as further data becomes available. The results of the monitoring report, together with the revised trigger values and response plans (if required) will be summarised in the Annual Environmental Management Report and a revised version of this document.

5.5 OFF-SITE BIODIVERSITY OFFSET STRATEGY

As indicated in Section 5.3.4.1 and 5.3.2, adverse Project-related impacts on phreatophytic vegetation are not anticipated. However, during negotiations with the appellants to the project approval, the company agreed to establish an off-site Biodiversity Offset Strategy within 12 months of the commencement of construction. Alternatively, the Company would, in consultation with Office of Environment and Heritage, ensure that an equivalent amount of funds that would have been required to establish and manage the off-site Biodiversity Offset Strategy are made available in perpetuity for the management of Tableland Basalt Forest EEC in the vicinity of the Project Site. This commitment is embodied in Commitment 5.9a of the Statement of Commitments in Appendix 5 of PA 10_0054.

At the time of finalisation of this document, a suitable biodiversity offset area had not been identified, although the Company has been advised that suitable properties exist within the vicinity of the Project Site.

Once a suitable biodiversity offset area has been identified, or it has been determined that a monetary commitment would result in better biodiversity outcomes, the Company would prepare, in consultation with Office of Environment and Heritage, a suitable management plan for the biodiversity offset area or the management fund that would be established.




19

6. M AN AG EM E N T OF TH E O N -S I T E B I O DI VE RS I TY O F F SE T AR E A

6.1 INTRODUCTION

This section describes the approved On-site Biodiversity Offset Strategy and the measures that

will be implemented and timing for implementation of those measures within the On-site

Biodiversity Offset Area. Section 7 describes the performance and completion criteria that will

be used to determine the success or otherwise of the strategy. Section 8 describes the measures

that will be implemented to manage the remaining sections of the Project Site.

6.2 OVERVIEW OF THE ON-SITE BIODIVERSITY OFFSET STRATEGY

The on-site Biodiversity Offset Strategy is described in Section 2.15.4 of the Environmental

Assessment and the objectives of the strategy are identified in Section 4 of this document. That

section identifies that the On-site Biodiversity Offset Strategy would, in summary, include the

following.

Fencing and amelioration of areas of Tableland Basalt Forest EEC.

Re-establishment of native grassland in those areas of the Biodiversity Offset

Area identified as “Native-dominated Pasture” on Figure 2, with the objective of

establishing a community as close as possible to the composition of the Natural

Temperate Grassland EEC. This will be achieved through:

– ensuring that all agricultural activities, including grazing, are consistent with

increased biodiversity value of the grassland / pasture areas;

– refraining from the use of inappropriate fertilisers or tilling of the ground; and

– collection and spreading of the seed of suitable native grass species.

Continued soil stabilisation works adjacent to existing drainage lines to limit

further gully development and stabilise those drainage lines in the long term.

Continued management of weeds and feral animals.

During the assessment and subsequent negotiations associated with the project approval, the

Company agreed to extend the original biodiversity offset area. Figure 2 presents the approved

On-site Biodiversity Offset Area. In summary, the On-site Biodiversity Offset Area is

approximately 300ha in size and includes all areas of Tableland Basalt Forest within the Project

Site. The On-site Biodiversity Offset Area has been divided in to two domains, namely an area

that will be fenced and managed for the purpose of preserving and enhancing the Tableland

Basalt Forest EEC, with the remainder to be managed in a manner that would ensure the

preservation and enhancement of native-dominated pasture. Table 5 presents the areas of each

vegetation community within the On-site Biodiversity Offset Area.



20


Figure 2 On-Site Biodiversity Offset Area

A4/colour

Figure dated 9/5/12 inserted 9/5/12

NB: Leave this figure here not near first reference in text.

BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN BIG ISLAND MINING PTY LTD Report No. 752/16 Dargues Reef Gold Project

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED 21

Table 5

Vegetation Communities within the On-site Biodiversity Offset Area

Vegetation Community Area within the On-site Biodiversity Offset Area

Tableland Basalt Forest EEC 26.5 Fragmented Tableland Basalt Forest EEC 7.1 Woody Weeds 2.3 Regenerating wattles 7.6 Exotic vegetation 5.1 Natural Temperate Grassland 0.2 Native – dominated pasture 243.7 Exotic pasture 2.5 Largely disturbed land 3.9 River Peppermint Open Forest 1.3 TOTAL 300.2 Note 1: Existing areas prior to the commencement of mining operations

6.3 SECURING THE ON-SITE BIODIVERSITY OFFSET STRATEGY

Section 2.15.5 of the Environmental Assessment indicates that the On-site Biodiversity Offset Strategy would be secured in perpetuity through preparation of a Property Vegetation Plan under Part 4 of the Native Vegetation Act 2003 (NV Act). That plan would be placed on a register under the Real Property Act 1900 in accordance with Section 31(2)(b) of the NV Act.

The Company notes, however, that subsequent to the finalisation of the Environmental Assessment, Office of Environment and Heritage issued a document entitled NSW OEH interim policy on assessing and offsetting biodiversity impacts of Part 3A, State significant development (SSD) and State significant infrastructure (SSI) projects in June 2011. Section 5 of that document identifies that Office of Environment and Heritage’s preferred method for securing biodiversity offsets is through the BioBanking System. However, the guideline also identifies Conservation, Trust or Planning agreements, as well as Property Vegetation Plans as alternative methods to secure biodiversity offsets.

In all cases the biodiversity offset is required to comply with the following criteria.

a) The unambiguous principal objective of ongoing site management is biodiversity conservation.

b) Management is undertaken in accordance with a Plan of Management.

c) There is reasonable likelihood that sufficient resourcing will be available to implement the Plan of Management over-time.

d) The arrangements are in-perpetuity, and conservation obligations are transparently transferred and disclosed to any new owners of the land through appropriate administrative procedures.

e) There are appropriate accountability mechanisms to secure the outcomes and these mechanisms cannot be altered without alternative and comparable offsetting arrangements being put in place.



22


In light of the above, the Company will undertake further negotiations with Office of

Environment and Heritage to identify the most appropriate method to secure the on-site

Biodiversity Offset Strategy.

6.4 MANAGEMENT MEASURES

6.4.1 Introduction

This section provides further details in relation to measures that would be implemented to

manage remnant vegetation and other habitat within the On-site Biodiversity Offset Area. In

particular, the following sub-sections identify management measures that would be

implemented in relation to the following.

Management of erosion and gully development.

Management of weeds and feral pests.

Management of areas of Tableland Basalt Forest EEC.

Management of the remainder of the On-site Biodiversity Offset Area.

It is noted that mining and agricultural, principally grazing, operations will be ongoing within

the On-site Biodiversity Offset Area throughout the life of the Project. Finally, the Company

will, where appropriate, engage with the local community in relation to management of the On-

site Biodiversity Offset Area and will seek to identify and implement joint biodiversity-related

projects.

6.4.2 Management of Erosion and Gully Development

Significant erosion and gully development has occurred along Spring Creek as a result of past

land use practices, including the removal of native vegetation, unrestricted grazing and alluvial

mining. In a number of locations, active erosion and gully development is evident.

Prior to the implementation of any remediation or amelioration activities in the vicinity of

actively eroding sections of Spring Creek, the Company will engage a suitably qualified

geomorphologist or similar to advise the Company on which sections of Spring Creek will

require remediation to ensure stability in the long-term and the most appropriate mechanism for

ensuring that stability. That report would be commissioned and completed within 12 months of

the commencement of construction operations.

Following receipt of the report, the Company will consider the recommendations contained

within the report and develop a program to implement those recommendations, taking into

account available funds and climatic conditions. Following development of that program, the

Company will provide both the expert’s report and the proposed program to implement the

recommendations to the following government agencies by way of consultation.

NSW Office of Water.

Office of Environment and Heritage.




23

Division of Resources and Energy.

Department of Planning and Infrastructure.

The purpose of that consultation will be to establish the approval/licencing requirements for the

proposed program and the concurrence of the agencies in relation to the program.

Once approved and all relevant licences have been obtained, the Company will implement the

agreed program in accordance with the timetable identified within the final report.

It is anticipated that the stabilisation program will include but not be limited to the following

activities.

Limited earthworks to reduce the slope of eroding sections of Spring Creek and its

tributaries, including placement of rock, soil and construction of soil stabilisation

structures as required.

Revegetation and stabilisation of reshaped and other areas with appropriate

species both within and on the banks of the drainage lines.

It is noted that fencing identified in Section 6.4.4.2 would have the effect of preventing further

damage by stock of those sections of Spring Creek within the identified area.

6.4.3 Management of Weeds and Pests

6.4.3.1 Weed Management

Sections of the Project Site have been previously and are currently heavily weed infested. The

company, following its purchase of the northern section of the Project Site in 2008, undertook

an intensive weed management program, removing extensive areas of Blackberry, Broom and

other weeds. As a result, the northern section of the Project Site which comprises the majority

of the On-site Biodiversity Offset Area is relatively weed free.

The southern section of the Project Site was purchased by the Company in 2010 and an

intensive weed management program is currently underway. Notwithstanding this, the southern

section of the Project Site is currently heavily infested with broom, blackberry and other woody

weeds (Figure 2). As far as practicable, weed infested areas have been excluded from the On-

site Biodiversity Offset Area. As a result, weed management within the On-site Biodiversity

Offset Area is discussed in Section 8.4.2.

6.4.3.2 Pest Management

Management of pest animals within the Biodiversity Offset Area will include annual pest

management programs in consultation with surrounding landholders and Palerang Council Pest

Officers for the following species known to occur within the Project Site.

Fox.

Rabbit.



24


Management measures would include laying of baits. When undertaking baiting programs, the

Company will ensure that baits used will not result in adverse impacts on threatened or other

native species.

6.4.4 Management of Tableland Basalt Forest EEC

6.4.4.1 Introduction

Section s 2.15.4 and 4.3.5 of the Environmental Assessment identify the following management

measures that will be implemented to ensure that the objectives of the Biodiversity Offset

Strategy are achieved in relation to the Tableland Basalt Forest EEC.

Identification and fencing of areas of Tableland Basalt Forest EEC.

Ensuring that there are no surface disturbing activities within areas of Tableland

Basalt Forest EEC.

Ameliorative planting of locally endemic tree and shrub species within areas of

Tableland Basalt Forest EEC.

Continued soil stabilisation works (addressed in Section 6.4.2).

Continued weed and pest control programs (addressed in Section 6.4.3).

Ensure that dead fallen and standing timber are not removed or disturbed to

preserve fauna habitat.

Management of fire.

The following sub-sections provide further information in relation to each of the above, as well

as additional management measures that will be implemented.

6.4.4.2 Fencing of the Tableland Basalt Forest EEC

The Company will fence the area of Tableland Basalt Forest EEC within the On-site

Biodiversity Offset Area as indicated on Figure 2. This area is referred to hereafter as the

“fenced area.” Fencing will be standard agricultural fencing with gates installed as required.

This will permit movement of native fauna into and out of the fenced area, while still permitting

access for land management purposes.

It is noted that areas of proposed disturbance indicated with a yellow boxed hatchure on

Figure 2 will be excluded from the fenced area during the operational phase of the Project.

However, during final landform establishment, these areas would be revegetated in a manner

consistent with the Tableland Basalt Forest EEC and the fenced area would be extended to

include the area indicated by the yellow boxed hatchure.




25

6.4.4.3 Management of Surface Disturbing Activities

The Company will ensure that surface disturbing activities are strictly limited to those required

for biodiversity or land management purposes. In light of this commitment the Company will

implement the following.

Exclude stock from the fenced area of Tableland Basalt Forest EEC, unless

introduction of stock is required for biodiversity purposes such as management of

weeds or reduction of fuel loads.

Ensure that there are no new tracks created and that existing tracks are maintained

in a manner that will ensure that they do not adversely impact on the biodiversity

values of the Tableland Basalt Forest EEC.

Ensure that pipelines to be constructed through the fenced areas are constructed in

areas that are currently not currently classified as Tableland Basalt Forest EEC.

Ensure that access to the fenced area is limited to approved personnel only.

6.4.4.4 Habitat Amelioration and Reestablishment

As indicated on Figure 2, sections of the Tableland Basalt Forest EEC within the Project Site

may be classified as “fragmented” where past land use practices have resulted in clearing of

land and fragmentation of the habitat associated with the community. In addition, sections of

the fenced area are identified as comprising regenerating wattles, woody weed shrubland or

native-dominated pasture. In each case, it is the Company’s intention to undertake a range of

ameliorative actions with the objective of increasing the habitat value of the On-site

Biodiversity Offset Area as a whole and establishing a self-sustaining ecosystem that will

require minimal land management following the completion of the Project.

In addition to the actions identified in the preceding and following sub-sections, the

ameliorative actions would indicatively include the following.

Management of weeds and pests as described in Sections 6.3.3.

Collection and storage of seed of species representative of the Tableland Basalt

Forest EEC.

Progressive rehabilitation of disturbed sections of the fenced area, including areas

disturbed for prior mineral exploration activities.

Progressive revegetation programs, where required, to provide linkages between

existing areas of Tableland Basalt Forest EEC. It is anticipated that with the

removal of stock, that natural regeneration will occur and that the proposed

amelioration will only be required where natural regeneration is not occurring or

where such regeneration would take an unreasonable length of time to establish.

Ensure that fallen timber and vegetation is left in place and import such material

from other sections of the Project Site where clearing operations are required.

This will provide further habitat for ground-dwelling fauna, increasing the

biodiversity value of the On-site Biodiversity Offset Area.



26


6.4.4.5 Management of Habitat for Majors Creek Leek Orchid

As indicated on Figure 2, potential habitat for the Majors Creek Leek Orchid was originally

considered to exist in one location within the Project Site, namely adjacent to Spring Creek

within the area to fenced and managed for the Tableland Basalt Forest EEC. Targeted searches

for this species failed to locate it and the specialist consultant indicates that the habitat is highly

disturbed and would not support this orchid.

6.4.4.6 Management of Fire

It is noted that fire is a natural part of the Australian landscape and that native flora species are

typically well adapted to fire. In general, fire within the Project Site will be managed in

accordance with the approved Bushfire Management Plan. However, it is also recognised that

periodic burning is required to facilitate regeneration of some species of native flora. As a

result, planned burnings within the Project Site as a whole and the Tableland Basalt Forest EEC

in particular will be undertaken in consultation with Office of Environment and Heritage and

the local Rural Fire Service. The objectives of those programs will be as follows (in priority

order).

Fuel reduction to comply with Rural Fire Service requirements and good land

management practices.

Biodiversity management, including facilitating regeneration of fire-dependent

species.

6.4.4.7 Management of the Tailings Storage Facility

The expert report of Dr Ross Smith prepared for the appeal to the project approval identified

that the supernatant water within the Tailings Storage Facility is unlikely to be toxic to birds or

other fauna that may utilise the Tailings Storage Facility occasionally. Notwithstanding this,

the Company will implement the following to minimise the potential for fauna to be adversely

impacted through use of the facility.

Fence the facility.

Minimise the greatest extent possible the area of the supernatant pond on the

surface of the Tailings Storage Facility.

Include on the daily Tailings Storage Facility inspection checklist a requirement to

record whether the facility is being utilised by fauna. If so, determine the species

using the facility, the frequency and duration of that use and whether there are any

apparent adverse consequences associated with that use.

Contact Office of Environment and Heritage in the event that adverse

consequences associated with fauna use of the Tailings Storage Facility are

identified and identify appropriate management measures that may be

implemented to manage the issue. This may include use of bird scarers, lights or

noise generators.




27

6.4.5 Management of the Native-dominated Pasture

6.4.5.1 Introduction

Section s 2.15.4 and 4.3.5 of the Environmental Assessment identify the following management

measures that will be implemented to ensure that the objectives of the Biodiversity Offset

Strategy are achieved in relation to the Tableland Basalt Forest EEC.

Ensure that agricultural activities, including grazing practices, fertiliser use and

tilling, are consistent with increased biodiversity value of the grassland / pasture

areas.

Collect and spread the seed of suitable native grass species.

Continued weed and pest control programs (addressed in Section 6.4.3).

The following sub-sections provide further information in relation to each of the above, as well

as additional management measures that will be implemented.

6.4.5.2 Management of Agricultural Practices

As indicated in Section 2.15.2 of the Environmental Assessment, it was agreed during

consultation with Office of Environment and Heritage that continued grazing of the

grassland/pasture areas of the On-site Biodiversity Offset Area would be appropriate provided

that the use was consistent with management of the land for biodiversity purposes. This will

have the additional advantages of providing an ongoing beneficial use of the land that will

generate income following completion of the Project for the ongoing management of those

areas of the Project Site described in Section 6.4.4.

In light of the above, the Company will implement the following management measures to

ensure that the objectives identified above are achieved.

Develop a Grazing Management Plan within 6 months of the commencement of

construction operations. That plan will identify the following.

– All measures that will be implemented to ensure that the objective of re-

establishment of native grassland with a composition as close as possible to

the Natural Temperate Grassland EEC is achieved.

– The periods during which grazing may be undertaken, with grazing to be used

to facilitate the regeneration of preferred native grassland species while

suppressing exotic and other less desirable species.

– The style of grazing to be implemented, namely selective grazing over a

mosaic of small areas for short periods or more longer-term grazing over

larger areas.

– The minimum biomass to be maintained within the areas to be grazed.

– Whether soil additives may be used, and if so, the type and timing of

application. It is noted that phosphorus and nitrogen-based fertilisers will be

avoided. It is anticipated that a soil testing program will be required to

identify the required application additives, if at all.



28


Manage weeds, pests and fire as described in Sections 6.4.3.1, 6.4.3.2 and 6.4.4.6

respectively.

Fence all water storages, including existing and approved dams and the Tailings

Storage Facility and associated infrastructure.

6.4.5.3 Habitat Amelioration and Re-establishment

As indicated in Section 2.15.4 of the Environmental Assessment is to encourage a gradual

change within the grassland/pasture covered areas of the On-site Biodiversity Offset Area from

being merely native-dominated to a composition that is more closely aligned with the Natural

Temperate Grassland EEC. The Company anticipates that this may be achieved through

appropriate management of agricultural operations. However, in the event that monitoring

indicates that this is not the case or that the change in composition is likely to take an

unreasonable period of time, the Company would investigate methods to harvest seed of

suitable native grassland species within the On-site Biodiversity Offset Area for use in

ameliorative plantings.

The procedures, including timing and equipment, to be used to harvest that seed would be

determined in consultation with recognised experts and would depend on the species or range of

species to be harvested.

6.4.5.4 Use of the On-site Biodiversity Offset Area for Education Purposes

The Company anticipates that through trial-and-error, it will develop a range of agricultural

practices that may be of benefit to the surrounding agricultural community. The potential

benefits of such practices may include:

reduced cost of production through reduced input costs;

improved drought resistance through use of native species; and

improved soil management through maintenance of a minimum biomass.

In light of the above, the Company will maintain records of activities undertaken and the

associated financial and environmental returns. This information would be made available as

appropriate.



7. B I O DI VE R SI TY OF F SE T M O NI TO RI N G, C O M P LE TI O N C R I TE RI A AN D T I M I NG

7.1 BIODIVERSITY OFFSET MONITORING PROGRAM

7.1.1 Introduction

The Company will implement a biodiversity offset monitoring program throughout the life of the On-site Biodiversity Offset Strategy. This program is designed to measure performance of the strategy and to identify areas where further amelioration or other action is required to ensure the required performance and completion criteria identified in Section 7.2 are achieved. It is also noted that this monitoring program will be implemented in conjunction with the phreatophytic vegetation monitoring program identified in Section 5.3.3.

It is noted that Sections 6 and 7 of the Mining Operations Plan describe a range of rehabilitation activities that would be undertaken within sections of the Project Site that would be disturbed by the Project. This similarly includes a monitoring program and performance and completion criteria. The information presented in this sub-section and Section 6.5.2 is intended to be consistent with the procedures identified in that document.

7.1.2 Vegetation Monitoring Program

The Company has established a range of monitoring locations within the On-site Biodiversity Offset Area as indicated on Figure 2. These include the following.

Four quadrats, two within the Tableland Basalt Forest EEC and two within grassland areas. These are consistent with those identified on Map 4 of the Mining Operations Plan.

Seven photo monitoring locations.

In addition, the Company will, with landholder agreement, establish a minimum of one quadrat monitoring location in each of the Tableland Basalt Forest EEC and Natural Temperate Grassland EEC outside of the Project Site. These off-site monitoring locations will be located in areas where each of these communities is in good condition and will act as controls to gauge the performance of the On-site Biodiversity Offset Strategy.

The Company will initially undertake monitoring of vegetation quadrats on a six monthly basis commencing within six months of the commencement of construction, with the frequency of the monitoring to be reviewed following the initial 12 months of monitoring.

At each quadrat monitoring location a 20m by 20m quadrat or 100m transect will be established and permanently marked. The vegetation within that quadrat or transect would be identified using the methodology described in Section 3.2 of Gaia (2010) (presented as Part 2 of the Specialist Consultant Studies Compendium prepared to support the Environmental Assessment).



30


In addition, the Company has established a range of photo monitoring locations (Figure 2).

Each location has been clearly marked using a numbered steel peg. A photographic record of

the vegetation at each location will be collected every three months. Photographs will

preferentially be taken

using a similar zoom (approximately 50mm if an SLR camera is being used) on

each occasion;

at approximately the same time during the middle part of the day;

preferentially on bright but overcast days when there is limited direct light to

create distinctive shadows;

facing the north, west, south and east.

Following the completion of each quadrat or transect monitoring program, a report will be

prepared to tabulate comparable data between monitoring locations and over time at each

monitoring location. In addition, after each photographic monitoring program, the photographs

will be copied into a document identifying location, date and time of the photograph. Copies of

these reports will be provided in the Annual Environmental Management Report.

7.1.3 Fauna Monitoring Program

The Company will implement the following fauna monitoring programs throughout the life of

the Project.

Summer – general fauna monitoring program. This program will be undertaken in

a manner that is consistent with the methodology identified in Section 3.3 of Gaia

(2010) (presented as Part 2 of the Specialist Consultant Studies Compendium

prepared to support the Environmental Assessment).

Late winter – monitoring survey for active Little Eagle nests. If such nests are

identified, a management plan will be prepared in consultation with Office of

Environment and Heritage.

Following the completion of each fauna monitoring program, a report will be prepared to

tabulate comparable data between monitoring locations and over time at each monitoring

location. A copy of that report will be provided in the Annual Environmental Management

Report.

7.1.4 Aquatic Ecology and Monitoring Program

The Company will undertake an aquatic ecology monitoring program in accordance with

procedures identified in the document Dargues Reef Gold Project – Aquatic Ecological

Assessment dated November 2011 and attached as Appendix 4 of the Water Management Plan.

The aquatic ecology monitoring program will be initially undertaken 6 monthly, with the

frequency of monitoring to be reviewed following 12 months of data collection.



Following the completion of each aquatic ecology monitoring program, a report will be prepared to tabulate comparable data between monitoring locations and over time at each monitoring location. A copy of that report will be provided in the Annual Environmental Management Report.

7.1.5 Stygofauna Monitoring Program

The Company will undertake a stygofauna monitoring program within 3 months of the commencement of construction. The monitoring program will include sampling at the following locations.

Two historic workings, namely Snobs and Dargues Reef workings.

Two on-site bores or exploration drill holes.

Two off-site bores or exploration drill holes, pending landholder approval, with the holes to be located outside the anticipated zone of groundwater drawdown.

The methodology to be used will be determined by the specialist consultant engaged to undertake the work and the frequency of subsequent monitoring programs will be determined by that specialist.

Following the completion of the initial and subsequent stygofauna monitoring programs, a report will be prepared outlining the findings of the program and providing a range of recommendations. A copy of that report will be provided in the Annual Environmental Management Report and this document will be updated to incorporate the results and recommendations of that report.

7.2 BIODIVERSITY OFFSET PERFORMANCE AND COMPLETION CRITERIA

Table 6 presents the biodiversity offset performance and completion criteria that will be used to assess the success or otherwise of the Biodiversity Offset Strategy. It is noted that these criteria are consistent with those presented in the Mining Operations Plan for the Project.

7.3 BIODIVERSITY OFFSET TIMING AND IMPLEMENTATION

Table 7 presents the timing for implementation of the management measures identified in Sections 5 and 6.


Dargues Reef Gold Project Draft Report No. 752/16

32


Table 6

Biodiversity Offset Performance and Completion Criteria

Page 1 of 3

Management Measure

Biodiversity Offset Objective/Performance

Criteria

Justification and References

Indicator Completion Criteria

Off-site Biodiversity Offset Strategy

Establish an off-site Biodiversity Offset Strategy

Provide an offset for potential impacts to

phreatophytic vegetation

Statement of Commitments

Screening assessment to determine potential biodiversity offset areas

Screening assessment complete

Identify costs to purchase/manage biodiversity offset area

Preliminary costs assessment complete

Negotiate with Office of Environment and Heritage re most appropriate biodiversity offset strategy

Biodiversity offset strategy agreed between the Company and Office of Environment and Heritage

Implement agreed biodiversity offset strategy

Agreed strategy implemented

On-site Biodiversity Offset Strategy

Management of Erosion and Gully Development

Stabilising of eroding drainage lines

Environmental Assessment

Preparation of geomorphologist’s report

Report prepared and provided to relevant government agencies

Licencing/approvals Appropriate licences and appovals obtained

Earthworks Earthworks complete

Revegetation Revegetation complete

Fencing Fencing complete

Management of Weeds and Pests

Weed management Environmental Assessment


Annual weed management program completed Weed management limited to maintenance only

Pest management


Annual pest management program completed Pest management limited to maintenance only


Draft Report No. 752/16 Dargues Reef Gold Project


33

Table 6 (Cont’d) Biodiversity Offset Performance and Completion Criteria

Page 2 of 3

Management Measure


Criteria



On-site Biodiversity Offset Strategy (Cont’d)

Management Tableland Basalt Forest EEC

Fencing of Tableland Basalt Forest EEC


Project Approval

Fencing Fences constructed as shown on Figure 2

Management of surface disturbing activities

Surface disturbing activities only for biodiversity management

No surface disturbing activities other than for management of biodiversity or approved by the project approval

Stock excluded Stock only permitted access for biodiversity management purposes

No new tracks No new tracks and existing tracks maintained in a manner that does not adversely impact on biodiversity

Pipeline construction Pipelines constructed in areas not currently identified as Tableland Basalt Forest EEC

Controlled access Access limited to approved personnel only

Habitat amelioration and reestablishment

Seed collection Seed of native vegetation collected and stored appropriately

Progressive rehabilitation Disturbed areas reshaped and rehabilitated

Progressive revegetation Areas of fragmented Tableland Basalt Forest EEC, woody weeds or pasture revegetated to Tableland Basalt Forest EEC

Fallen vegetation and timber No removal of fallen vegetation and timber

Management of Fire Fire risk managed in accordance with the Bushfire Management Plan

Management of fire in accordance with the Bushfire Management Plan

Management of Grassland/ Pasture

Management of agricultural practices


Project Approval

Preparation and implementation of a Grazing Management Plan

Plan prepared and implemented

Habitat amelioration and reestablishment

Fencing of water storages and Tailings Storage Facility

All water storages and Tailings Storage Facility fenced


Dargues Reef Gold Project Draft Report No. 752/16

34


Table 6 (Cont’d) Biodiversity Offset Performance and Completion Criteria

Page 3 of 3

Management Measure


Criteria



On-site Biodiversity Offset Strategy (Cont’d)

Securing the On-site Biodiversity Offset Strategy


Project Approval

Payment of conservation bond Conservation bond established pending final securing of On-site Biodiversity Offset Strategy

Identification of preferred methodology to secure the On-site Biodiversity Offset Strategy

Preferred methodology agreed with relevant government agencies

Preparation of required documentation

Required documentation provided to government agencies for approval

Approval of required documentation Government agencies approve documentation

Implementation of preferred methodology

Appropriate caveats entered onto title of land




35

Table 7

Timing for Implementation of Biodiversity Management Measures

Management Measure1

Timing for Implementation2

Off-site Biodiversity Offset Strategy

Screening assessment to determine potential biodiversity offset areas

6 months

Identify costs to purchase/manage biodiversity offset area 6 months

Negotiate with Office of Environment and Heritage re most appropriate biodiversity offset strategy

9 months

Implement agreed biodiversity offset strategy 12 months

On-site Biodiversity Offset Strategy

Management of Erosion and Gully Development

Preparation of geomorphologist’s report 6 months

Licencing/approvals 9 months

Earthworks 12 months

Revegetation 12 months3

Fencing 9 months


Management of Weeds and Pests ongoing

Management of Weeds and Pests ongoing

Management Tableland Basalt Forest EEC

Fencing 6 months

Surface disturbing activities only for biodiversity management

ongoing

Stock excluded 6 months No new tracks ongoing Pipeline construction during pipeline construction Controlled access 6 months Seed collection ongoing Progressive rehabilitation ongoing Progressive revegetation ongoing Fallen vegetation and timber ongoing Fire risk managed in accordance with the Bushfire Management Plan

ongoing

Management of Grassland/Pasture

Preparation and implementation of a Grazing Management Plan

3 months

Fencing of water storages and Tailings Storage Facility Within 3 months of construction

Securing the On-site Biodiversity Offset Strategy

Payment of conservation bond Within 3 months of approval of this document

Identification of preferred methodology to secure the On-site Biodiversity Offset Strategy

Within 3 months of approval of this document

Preparation of required documentation Within 9 months of approval of this document

Approval of required documentation Within 12 months of approval of this document

Implementation of preferred methodology Within 15 months of approval of this document

Note 1: See Table 6 for further details Note 2: Unless otherwise indicated, time periods commence at the commencement of construction operations. Note 3: Pending suitable climatic conditions.



36


8. M AN AG EM E N T OF REM AI N I NG S EC TI O NS O F T H E P RO JE C T S I TE

8.1 INTRODUCTION

This sub-section describes the land management practices that will be implemented within

those sections of the Project Site that are not within the On-site Biodiversity Offset Area

(Figure 2). It is noted that management of that land is not explicitly addressed within the

Environmental Assessment or project approval. However, the information is provided to assist

onsite personnel manage that land and to allow other stakeholders to understand the Company’s

approach to management of that land.

It is noted that the southern section of the Project Site was purchased by the Company in 2010.

The ecology assessment undertaken immediately prior to that purchase identified the following

vegetation communities within the southern section of the Project Site (Figure 2).

Tableland Basalt Forest EEC close to the boundary with the northern section of

the Project Site.

Extensive areas of woody weeds.

Regenerating wattles.

Native pasture.

A small area of exotic vegetation.

Largely disturbed land associated with land adjacent to Majors Creek that has

been previously disturbed by historic alluvial mining operations.

8.2 CONSULTATION

The Company has previously made public comment committing to progressively undertake

reasonable remediation of degraded sections of the Project Site in consultation with the

surrounding community. The Company intends initially to consult with the Dargues Reef

Community Consultative Committee to determine the most appropriate methodology to

undertake wider community consultation. The Company anticipates that that consultation will

comprise one or more public meetings, followed by formation of a smaller working group to

guide remediation operations.

In addition, the Company will seek to engage with local conservation organisations with a view

to participating in joint programs, including programs for which funding is available from

Commonwealth, State and local governments.

8.3 FINAL LANDFORM AND LAND USE

The Company will ensure that at the end of the life of the Project that the southern section of

the Project Site is stable and non-polluting with land management requirements no greater than

those of surrounding land.




37

The final land use will be a matter that will be identified during the consultation process.

However, the Company anticipates that final land use will include:

nature conservation in areas prone to erosion or areas of regenerating wattles; and

grazing in areas of existing native-dominate pasture or woody weeds (once the

weeds have been removed).

8.4 MANAGEMENT MEASURES

8.4.1 Management of Erosion and Gullying

Significant erosion and gully development has occurred along Majors Creek as a result of past

land use practices, including removal of native vegetation, unrestricted grazing and alluvial

mining. In a number of locations, active erosion and gully development is evident.

Section 6.4.2 identifies a range of activities that will be implemented within the On-site

Biodiversity Offset Area. Those procedures would also be implemented in the southern section

of the Project Site, with timing of the measures and adoption of the recommendations included

in the geomorphologist’s report determined in consultation with the surrounding community.

8.4.2 Management of Weeds and Pests

8.4.2.1 Weed Management

As noted in Section 6.4.3.1, the northern section of the Project Site, purchased by the Company

in 2008, has been the subject of an extensive weed management program and is now largely

weed free. The southern section, by contrast, is heavily weed infested. As a result, the

Company has continued the weed management practices that were used successfully in the

northern section of the Project Site. These include:

progressive removal of weeds, focusing particularly on broom and blackberry; and

exclusion of stock to allow regeneration of grasses within areas of prior weed

infestation.

Appendix 2 presents the current weed management plan for the Project Site for the period 2011

to 2015. It is noted that that plan focuses on progressive spraying of the margins of densely

weed infested areas and that the identified 2011 program has been complete and preparations

have commenced for the 2012 program.

8.4.2.2 Pest Management

Pest management is addressed in Section 6.4.3.2. Procedures identified in that Section will be

implemented across the entire Project Site, including the southern section of the Project Site.



38


8.4.3 Management of Regenerating Wattles

Section 4.3.4.3 of the Environmental Assessment identifies that the regenerating wattle

community comprises patches of Black Wattle and Blackwood up to 5m high, with broom

and/or blackberry commonly in the shrub layer.

Weeds within this community would be managed as described in Section 8.4.2.1 and

Appendix 2. The Company contends that the remainder of the community is largely self

sustaining and no further management measures are required

8.4.4 Management Disturbed and Cleared Land

The remainder of the southern section of the Project Site comprises areas of:

woody weed infestation;

land disturbed by historic alluvial mining operations;

cleared land that is currently classified as native-dominated pasture; and

a small area of exotic vegetation (Figure 2).

The Company will, in consultation with the surrounding community, implement the following

management measures.

Repair and stabilise areas of active erosion and gullying as described in Section

8.4.1.

Removal of the small patch of exotic vegetation to limit the potential for seed of

non-native species to enter Majors Creek.

Re-establish native-dominated pasture and continue to graze stock in selected

portions of the southern section of the Project Site.

Fence and revegetate remaining areas with suitable endemic vegetation. The

Company anticipates that this will include disturbed sections of the land adjacent

to Majors Creek, as well as other selected areas to limit visibility of the Project

Site from the village of Majors Creek.

9. M AN AG EM E N T OF W OM B AT S

The company notes that during the consultation phase for the Environmental Assessment, the

issue of management of wombats was raised on a number of occasions. The ecology

assessment prepared for the Environmental Assessment identified that Common Wombat

(Vombatus ursinus) occur within the Project Site. The Company is aware of a number of

burrows within sections of the Project Site that will be disturbed. As a result, and not

withstanding the fact that the species is not listed as threatened, the Company engaged Mr Bill

Waterhouse to prepare a Wombat Management Plan that identifies management measures that

will be implemented to relocate wombats within the Project Site and prevent them reoccupying

their former burrows. That plan is presented as Appendix 3 and will be implemented in full

prior to and during the construction phase of the Project.




39

10. M ONI TO RI NG AN D E VAL U AT I ON O F C OM P LI AN C E

Monitoring of phreatophytic vegetation and the On-site Biodiversity Offset Strategy is

described in Sections 5.3.3 and 7.1 respectively.

The Company will prepare a monthly Environmental Monitoring and Management Report.

That report will include an assessment of progress against the requirements in relation to

biodiversity monitoring, performance and completion criteria and timeframes for

implementation of actions. That report will be reviewed by the Environmental Supervisor,

Mining Manager and General Manager. Once approved, the report will be made publicly

available on the Project website within 28 days of the end of the month.

Finally, the monthly environmental monitoring and management reports would be collated into

the Annual Environmental Management Report for the Project which would also be made

publicly available on the Project website once approved by the Division of Resources of

Energy.

11. C OM P L AI N T S H AN D L I N G AN D RE SP O NS E

The Environmental Management System includes a detailed complaints management procedure.

This sub-section records the procedures that would be implement following receipt of a

biodiversity-related complaint.

Biodiveristy-related complaints may be received either via one of the following methods.

Directly via the 24-hour, 7 day per week Community Information Line. This

number is currently 0415 682 917, however, the Company will implement a free

call number during the initial stages of the Project. This number will be

advertised widely in the local media, on signage at the Project Site entrance and

on the Project web site.

Directly via a dedicated email address ([email protected]) which will be

advertised in a similar manner to the Community Information Line.

Directly via the Project web site (www.darguesreef.com.au).

Indirectly via the relevant government agencies.

In addition, regular public meetings will be held with the community as part of the Company’s

standard consultation procedures. These meeting will provide a further forum at which

complaints maybe received.



40


Following receipt of any biodiversity-related complaint, the Company will implement the

following procedure.

1. The complaint will be reviewed by the Environmental Supervisor or their delegate

to determine the nature, date and time of the event the subject of the complaint.

Where appropriate, further information would be sought in relation to the

complaint.

2. The Environmental Supervisor or their delegate would undertake a field

inspection to attempt to verify the complaint. If required, the inspection may be

undertaken in the company of the complainant or a suitably qualified expert.

3. Following the field inspection, a report would be prepared outlining the results of

Steps 1 and 2 above and recommending further test work or other actions to

rectify the issue. That report would be made available to the complainant. The

Environmental Supervisor or their delegate would contact the complainant to

discuss and attempt to resolve the complaint.

4. In the event that the procedures identified in Step 3 above resolves the issues

raised, no further action would be taken. In the event that the complaint is not

resolved, then the Environmental Supervisor would seek to determine what further

test work would resolve the complaint and, where reasonable and appropriate,

implement that test work.

5. In the event that multiple complaints are received from the same individual(s) and

the Company can demonstrate:

– that it has appropriately investigated at least three of those complaints and the

results of those investigation indicate on each occasion that the complaint is

not justified; and

– there is documented evidence of a genuine attempt by the Company to discuss

the issue and seek a resolution with the complainant.

then the Company may, in consultation with the relevant government agencies,

limit responses to further complaints from that individual(s).

12. P U B LI C AT I O N O F M O NI TO RI N G I N F O RM AT I ON

The Company would publish the monthly Environmental Monitoring and Management Reports

and the Annual Environmental Management Report on the Project website within 28 days of

them being approved by site management or the relevant government agencies respectively.

13. I N CI DE N T R EPO R TI N G

A range of management plans identify reporting requirements for incidents such as spills or

accidents that may result in adverse impacts on biodiversity within or in the vicinity of the

Project Site. As a result, reporting of those incidents will be governed by those plans.




41

Notwithstanding the above, however, the Company would implement as appropriate the

following procedure in the event that unanticipated or unexplained adverse impacts on

biodiversity within or surrounding the Project Site are observed, recorded during the various

monitoring programs or reported by the community.

The Environmental Supervisor or their delegate would inspect the site of the

incident and determine if further investigation is action is required.

If further investigation is required, a suitably qualified and experienced specialist

would be engaged to undertake an assessment of the incident and provide a report

outlining the results of that assessment and recommending further action.

If the incident is sufficiently significant, the Environmental Supervisor will

contact the relevant government agency to discuss the matter. Where required,

the Environmental Supervisor may not wait until completion of the specialists

report before contacting the relevant agency.

The Company will, on receipt of the specialist report and, if required, in

consultation with the relevant government agencies, implement the specialist

recommendations.

A report outlining the above and the subsequent actions taken will be prepared

and the specialist report appended. That report will be provided to the relevant

government agencies and provided on the Project web site within 28 of being

finalised.

14. R O L ES AN D R E SP O NSI BI L I TY

ROLES RESPONSIBILITY

General Manager Must ensure adequate resources are available to enable implementation of the Plan.

Mining Manager Accountable for the overall environmental performance of the Dargues Reefs Operations, including the outcomes of this Plan.

Environmental Supervisor Ensure the implementation of this Plan.

Ensure employees are competent through training and awareness programs.

15. C OM PE T E NC E T R AI N I NG AN D AWAR E N E S S

All personnel shall undergo biodiversity management awareness training as part of the Site

induction program. The following areas will be covered in the induction:

The requirements of the project approval and statement of commitments in

relation to biodiversity management within the Project Site.

The sections of the Project Site for which general access is permitted and where

specific approvals are required prior to undertaking work.

BIG ISLAND MINING PTY LTD BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN Dargues Reef Gold Project Report No. 752/16

42


The importance of ensuring that adverse biodiversity-related impacts are to the greatest extent minimised.

16. R E VI E W

In accordance with Condition 5(4) of PA10_0054, this Plan will be reviewed and, if required, revised within 3 months of:

the submission of an annual review under Condition 5(3);

the submission of an incident report under Condition 5(6);

the submission of an audit report under Condition 5(8); and

any modification to the conditions of PA10_0054.

All reviews will include the adequacy of strategies, plans and programs as required under the Project approval.

Recommendation for appropriate measures or action to improve the environmental performance of the Project and or any assessment, plan or program will be incorporated into this Plan.

17. R E F E RE N C E S

Cardno Ecology Lab (November 2011) Dargues Reef Gold Project – Aquatic Ecological Assessment.

Eamus 2009 Identifying Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems.

Gaia (2010) Ecology Assessment presented as Part 2 in Volume 1 of the Specialist Consultants Studies Compendium prepared to support the Environmental Assessment dated September 2010.

NSW Scientific Committee (2008) Tableland Basalt Forest in the Sydney Basin and South Eastern Highlands Bioregions – endangered ecological community listing. Final Determination.

Office of Environment and Heritage (2011) NSW OEH Interim Policy on Assessing and Offsetting Biodiversity Impacts of Part 3A, State Significant Development (SSD) and State Significant Infrastructure (SSI) Projects in June 2011.

R.W. Corkery & Co Pty Limited (September 2010) Environmental Assessment.

R.W. Corkery & Co Pty Limited (March 2012) Mining Operations Plan.




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(Total No. of pages including blank pages = 182)

Appendix 1 Tableland Basalt Forest Reports

Appendix 2 Weed Management Plan

Appendix 3 Wombat Management Plan



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Appendix 1

Tableland Basalt Forest Reports


Note: A copy of this appendix is only available on the Project CD.



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Appendix 2

Weed Management Plan




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Appendix 3

Wombat Management Plan




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