Kleinfelder provided endangered, vulnerable, near threatened (EVNT) species and bio-condition assessments on the Four Bridges Replacement Project, located in Eton Range, for Queensland State Government’s Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Vulnerable Species Identified

Surveys conducted by Kleinfelder identified the presence of koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) and black ironbox (Eucalyptus raveretiana). Both species are listed as vulnerable under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). Koala Spot Assessment Techniques (KSAT) assessments were used to identify and quantify the koala activity levels and transect-surveys mapped the density and distribution of black ironbox.

Determining the Project Impact

Kleinfelder provided a significant impact assessment to calculate construction impact to both species and investigated ways to minimise the level of impact. Based on Kleinfelder’s findings, the project work would not meet the threshold for an EPBC Referral under the Act. Fauna habitat assessments also identified the presence of koala within the future development footprint for the Eton Range Realignment Project. Kleinfelder’s Ecologists undertook BioCondition assessments to identify suitable offset sites for submission of an EPBC Referral. KSAT assessments were also undertaken to identify koala activity levels within the proposed offset sites.

Project Results

Several koala were observed within vegetation planned for clearing at the project sites. These areas were delineated and all koala successfully self-relocated. Mitigation measures, outlined within the significant impact assessment, ensured appropriate measures were undertaken during construction work, such as exclusion fencing along the highway. No injuries or fatalities to any fauna were recorded for the duration of the projects.

Project Details

Location:
Eton Range, Queensland

Owner:
Queensland State Government’s Department of Transport and Main Roads