Flora and Fauna

Purpose and Scope

This procedure outlines the measures to protect flora and fauna during project activities. It covers the establishment of tree protection zones, irrigation, biodiversity zone flagging, and the installation of nest boxes, in compliance with Federal and state environmental or biodiversity legislation.

Responsibilities

Project Manager

• Ensure compliance with flora and fauna protection requirements.
• Coordinate with biodiversity consultants and project arborists.
• Ensure any specific Flora/Fauna protection requirements are included in the Project Specific Induction.

Site Manager

• Oversee the establishment and maintenance of tree protection zones and other protective measures.

Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and Control (HIRAC)

The project specific requirements will be documented in the head contract, approved Development Approval (DA) issued by the local council, and/or within issued project specifications.

Site conditions may change throughout the life of the project that introduce new hazards related to flora or fauna.

Any project specific requirements are to be documented in the project’s Environmental Management Plan and communicated in the Site Induction.

To mitigate any challenges that may be encountered it is important to identify any areas with significant flora and fauna needs, assess potential risks to these areas from project activities. Subject matter experts may be consulted to determine suitable controls. Controls may include tree protection fencing, biodiversity zone flagging, and nest boxes.

Controls are to be monitored during Site HSE inspections or dedicated Environmental inspections and adjusted if necessary.

Vegetation (Flora)

Trees, shrubs, grasses, and ground covers can be negatively impacted by work activities such as excavation, adjacent activities, and cleaning of equipment. Native vegetation and regulated/significant trees are protected under Federal and state environment or biodiversity legislation.

Before starting work, identify the location of any areas of vegetation to be protected and ensure all vegetation removal approvals have been obtained.

Prevent vegetation damage by:

• Ensuring that vehicles use existing pathways and vehicles are parked and materials are stored in a way that does not damage vegetation.
• Setting up Tree Protection Zones using flagging, bunting, or temporary fencing or other protective measures.
• Communicate any vegetation protection requirements to workers and site visitors.

Working near protected vegetation

If trees or other vegetation is to be protected, establish Tree Protection Zone(s) (TPZ) where required.

Typically, the protected vegetation’s TPZ will be determined during the Development Application stage following an aboricultural impact assessment and included in the landscape specifications and drawings. In this case, the TPZ radius will be included in the plans for protected trees.

To determine the diameter of the TPZ, the following measures are considered:

Measure the Tree’s Diameter: Find the tree’s trunk diameter at breast height (DBH), which is 1.4 meters above the ground. Use a tape measure to measure around the trunk.

Calculate the TPZ Radius: Multiply the tree’s DBH by 12. For example, if the tree’s DBH is 50 cm, the TPZ radius would be 50 cm × 12 = 600 cm, or 6 meters.

Mark the TPZ: Use the calculated radius to mark out a circular area around the tree. This is the zone that needs to be protected from construction activities to ensure the tree’s health.

TPZs are to be protected using appropriate means – i.e. solid physical barriers to protect against mobile plant. The Work Zones Quick Guide can be used as guidance on means of delineation. TPZs must have appropriate signage such as “TREE PROTECTION ZONE” and “KEEP OUT”.

The TPZ is established to prevent the following activities:

• Parking vehicles
• Washing down equipment
• Preparing chemicals or concrete
• Storing materials
• Placing fill or changing the soil level.

If invasive works are unavoidable within the TPZ:

• Use non-destructive digging (e.g., low-pressure hydrovac) or hand dig around roots.
• Use horizontal directional drilling beneath trees, where practicable, 1 meter below ground level.

Biosecurity Considerations

Biosecurity zones

Project teams are to be aware of specific conditions if they are operating within sanctioned biosecurity or quarantine zones for pests, weeds, or otherwise. This includes any local council/jurisdictional zones, and interstate zones. This includes the import and export of soil or plant matter between zones.

Procurement of overseas products

When importing timber, wooden articles, bamboo, or related products, it is critical to comply with the Biosecurity Import Conditions (BICON) system. Importers must ensure that these products meet all import conditions to prevent the introduction of pests.

Upon delivery of imported products, teams should inspect for any signs of pest activity, such as holes, frass (sawdust-like material), or unusual insect sounds. Any suspicious findings must be reported immediately.

Minimising spread of harmful pests, weed, and plant disease

Take note if the site is subject to pest, weed, or plant disease control measures. If the site is subject to specific harmful species or pests, identification posters can be placed around site to prompt people to contact the HY Project team if they encounter species or signs of it being present on or in close proximity to site.

 If required, site-specific measures may need to be implemented to prevent the entry or exit of harmful species. This may include visually inspecting vehicles upon arrival to site, or other suitable means.

Ensure that vehicles and equipment are free from soil, weeds, and seeds by washing or brushing them down to remove soil and plant matter before leaving the site, as this can carry pests, weeds, and soil diseases.
Check fill and construction materials for signs of pests or weeds before use.

Clear or spray pests or weeds before stockpiling topsoil to avoid contamination and wherever possible, store infested materials separately from clean materials. If infested, weeds should be controlled from stockpiles 10-14 days before use. For invasive species such as fire ants, electric ants or similar, contact the local authority to inspect and eliminate the species.

If stored material or stockpiles become weed-infested or shows signs of pest invasion inform the Site Manager.
Dispose of weeds and empty weed and pest spray containers at a licensed waste depot.

Phytophthora

Phytophthora is a root rot disease that occurs in high rainfall areas which can spread over long distances if contaminated soil is carried by drainage or runoff water, such as down a slope. The disease can also be transmitted through the movement of infested soil during cultivation or transplanting.

It’s important to mitigate the spread of the disease if identified or known to occur on site. This can be done by preventing water runoff or transfer of infected material and soil or treating the disease with a non-toxic fungicide such as phosphite.

Wildlife (Fauna)

It is important to prevent harm to wildlife by avoiding contact with animals and safeguarding their habitats from damage. Native wildlife is protected under Federal and state government environment or wildlife regulations. Ensure locations with significant wildlife have been identified and requirements of working near wildlife have been communicated to workers and site visitors.

Working near wildlife

If wildlife is found to be residing on site or nearby in an area that may be impacted by site works (including noise and vibration), consult with the local wildlife authority on any action. Do not approach, feed, or attempt to remove wildlife.

In the event that works must continue in the vicinity of local wildlife, whether they reside on site or nearby, steps are to be taken to avoid any impact that may result from site works.

Controls may include establishing no-go zones to prevent personnel and vehicles from disturbing wildlife or damaging habitats, and/or avoiding works during times that may disturb wildlife (e.g., nesting birds).

At the end of a shift, it is important to avoid leaving open excavations if possible as it might trap wildlife. Where that is not possible, consider providing an escape route (e.g., a dirt ramp inside the excavation).

Keep the work site tidy and litter-free to avoid harm to wildlife and communicate information about wildlife and associated requirements to workers and site visitors.

Some local councils or jurisdictions may require a qualified wildlife spotter to be present for the removal of

Wildlife spotters – some regulators Councils require the use of a trained/certificated spotter to be present when removing trees/undergrowth,

Unexpected wildlife finds

Stop work if unexpectedly encountering wildlife and inform the Site Manager immediately. The HY project team is to contact the local Environmental Authority and liaise with stakeholders and workers on any actions.

If possible, make the site safe without further disturbing the animals or damaging its habitat. This may involve restricting site access through barricading or signage.

Injured wildlife

If you do encounter wildlife, try to prevent stress to the animal by:

• Avoiding getting too close
• Minimising loud noises
• Preventing people from crowding the animal.
  
  

The HY project team is to contact the nearest vet or wildlife rescue to report the injured or sick animal. Follow their instructions about how to respond.

Removal of wildlife requires permits for the person doing the work in Qld

Wildlife rescue contact details are as follows.

Emergency Procedures

In case of accidental damage to flora or fauna, halt work immediately.
Notify the Site Manager and Project Manager. The HY Project Team is to liaise with consultants or SMEs (wildlife rescue, arborist, etc) and stakeholders as necessary. Implement corrective actions as recommended by the SME.

Definitions and Abbreviations

HIRAC: Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and Control

SME: Subject Matter Expert

TPZ: Tree Protection Zone

References

• Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)
• Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) Environment Handbook
• AS 4970-2009 Protection of trees on development sites

Associated Documents

• Hazardous Chemicals Procedure
• Environmental Management Plan