Blakebrook Quarry Annual Environment Management Report 2012

Background This report is prepared in response to Schedule 5 Condition 4 of the Blakebrook Quarry Part 3A Approval number 07 _0020.

It details actions taken during the year, provides a snapshot of progress on compliance issues and elaborates on planned activities for the coming year.

Quarry activities continued on the existing level of the northern pit. Overburden stripped from the eastern side of the pit was used in the construction of bund walls in the vicinity of the proposed southern pit.

In total three blasts occurred allowing for the production of 166,000 tonnes of product, down from the previous year (Production Data sheet attached). There is generally low demand for quarry product in the area, with the exception of supply to the Tintenbar to Ewingsdale upgrade section on the Pacific Highway.

Environmental Performance 2012

Monitoring Noise, Vibration and Blasting Noise monitoring was carried out by technical staff in February 2012, at the six sites in the Noise Monitoring Sub-Plan and at a seventh site in Pinchin Road. Background monitoring at the various sites was conducted on 9 February 2012 while the quarry was not operating. At all sites the Leq(15min)dB readings exceeded the Leq(15mn)dB of 35 limit set for the operation.

On the 20 February 2012 recordings were taken at the same sites while quarry operations were being undertaken. These results also mostly exceeded the criteria levels but were lower than those with no quarry operations (except at Location 4).

Comments made by the operator of the monitoring equipment included:

• quarry was not audible at any of the sites • local road traffic was a considerable contributor to noise readings • farm animals and wildlife were also considerable impacts.

These results would indicate no noise impacts from the quarry are being had at the receptors. That is, local noise impacts are louder than the quarry operation noises.

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An Acoustic Engineer was hired to undertake the 2013 monitoring and this report has just been received. This monitoring returns very similar results. Leq(dB) levels ranged from 37.6 to 59 dB and the report states that "no tonal, low frequency or impulsive noise characteristics from the quarry operations were observed at the receiver locations". This report does raise the issue of truck noise being audible but not measurable, and grid noise being audible. The recommendations from the summary of this report will be implemented in the coming months, including a June monitoring to ascertain seasonal background noise impacts.

Once the June results are available and dependant on findings the Department of Environment will be consulted to discuss the current limits as they appear to be below ambient background levels, and therefore unachievable.

Blasting. In total three blasts occurred in 2012. All blasts met the required environmental parameters as indicated in the summary below (full blast reports attached).

Date Time Ground Vibration Airblast Overpressure mm/sec dB(Lin Peak)

Limit - 5mm/sec Limit - 115dB/Lin Pea kl Site One Site Two Site One Site Two

10/412012 10.25am 4.5 0.8 99 108 31/8/2012 10.06am 3.66 1.97 106.5 109.2 4/1212012 1.26pm 2.42 0.72 110.9 103.5

Bunds. Overburden stripped from the eastern side of the pit was used in the construction of bund walls in the vicinity of the proposed southern pit. This formed the earthworks for the required noise bunds in this area (photos of bunds attached). Stabilisation of these bunds will be undertaken during the coming year.

Property Inspections. Property inspections were carried out by SWS Building Services. Copy of inspection reports including photos are attached. Householders are advised when blasts are being carried out and are encouraged to advise NRQ&A of any issues arising. The adherence to existing blasting parameters should negate any damage arising. Should any issues arise quarry staff will review blasting parameters.

Soil and Water Management Surface Water Monitoring. Surface Water Monitoring stations were established in June 2012 at three locations on the western side of the quarry. One on the main water course emanating from the quarry hillside and one above and one below the intersection of this watercourse and Terania Creek. Two sampling periods were undertaken after this time.

The surface water results taken to date indicate:

a) The majority of parameters are below the ANZECC 2000 trigger values for freshwater.

b) Water discharging from the hillside at Blakebrook Quarry has generally lower readings for the parameters tested than the water flowing down Terania Creek.

c) Aluminium levels at all three sample points have been higher than the trigger values. EAL (Southern Cross University testing laboratories) have indicated that the analysis was of total metals and that the elevation is likely indicative of elevated suspended matter in the samples. For the next sampling a dissolved metals analysis will be undertaken. The high initial reading at Sampling Point 1 may have also been related to the establishment of the sampling point weir? Copy of letter from EAL attached.

d) The exceedance from SW2 in Nitrate levels on 25 July 2012 is likely from farm application of fertilisers upstream of the quarry site.

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e) With only two samples for the year (and three to date) it is too early to determine if any trends are evident. Further testing during 2013 will provide more data to analyse for issues or trends.

Ground Water Monitoring. On 23 May 2012 Mr Nick Davidson of EAL Consulting Services Southern Cross University was engaged to undertake this work plus the surface water monitoring and associated activities.

A report was received from EAL on 6 September 2012 and EAL were advised to proceed to obtaining approval from NOW with a few minor changes.

On 12 November 2012 Council was advised that EAL Consulting had been wound up and no further work would be undertaken.

Council subsequently approached Groundwork Plus Environmental Management Services Ply Ltd to pick up the work commenced by EAL. Groundwork Plus proofed the EAL report, made some recommendations for minor changes and has engaged with the NOW Officer at Grafton, Mr Richard Green, to discuss the report. Attached to the revised AEMR is a copy of the proposed Monitoring Well Implementation Plan and also a copy of the latest correspondence.

The groundwater management program progressed slowly. A consultant group attached to the local Southern Cross University was engaged to write an assessment plan, as well as undertake the other required work on water balances and surface water monitoring. Unfortunately, the University closed the consulting arm of their activities later in the year and new consultants had to be found. Groundwork Plus Environmental Management Services had done drilling activities previously on the site and were subsequently engaged to carry out the works. They have reviewed the assessment plans and have recently been in contact with NOW to gain approval for the proposed activities. They will also conduct assessments and water balances for the site.

Erosion and Sediment Control A qualified civil engineer has been employed to review the Soil and Water Management requirements to control run off and sedimentation. His report is attached. The Report confirms that despite significant rainfall events in recent history there is no evidence of sediment discharge from the site.

A major review of the Soil and Water Management Plan will be conducted in 2013.

Air Quality Dust Monitoring. Dust monitoring stations were established in February 2012 at three sites around the Quarry NW, SW and East. The results indicate:

a) Total Deposited dust levels were significantly below the criteria of 4g/m2/mth level averaging less than 1 g/m2/mth.

b) The sample point 3 (East) has the highest average deposit rate. This sample site is very near an unsealed road and piggery. It regulariy has high levels of insects in the sample.

c) Frequency of testing required is 30 days (+/- 2 days) on five occasions the sampling period was outside this parameter, ranging from -3 to +11 days. The contracted laboratory will be advised to correct this variance.

From the results to date there is no discernible increase in dust deposition from quarry activities at any of the sampling points.

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The higher levels at sampling point 3 are most likely from the local sources ie dirt road and piggery. This sample point will be relocated approximately 250m to the west of its current location closer to the quarry in an attempt to isolate the local road impact.

Daily averages were consistently well below the 50micro/g/m3 short term impact assessment criteria for particulate matter at all three sampling sites.

As there was not an average exceedance of the criteria of 4g/m2/mth deposited there was not requirement to test for TSP and PM10• There are no short term or long term impacts indicated from the sampling data to date.

Traffic Management This is the final action to be completed under the roadworks requirement of the Approval, requirements already completed and detailed in the revised AEMR are:

a) Blakebrook Quarry intersection turning lanes b) Guard rails on the approaches to Booerie Creek Bridge c) Booerie Creek Road and Nimbin Road intersection d) Wilson Street and Nimbin Road intersection

Road works progressed with three more of the five road upgrades completed. Lismore City Council is satisfied the road upgrades have been carried out to Council Standards and have taken over the assets from Blakebrook Quarry since the defects period has been completed without failure for (a), (b) and (d). Item (c) Booerie Creek Intersection works ls currently under its six month defects liability period and until that is concluded, Lismore City Council will not take over responsibility for the upgrade works.

Current progress on this final stage (re-align Nimbin Road and the Quarry access intersection) have resulted in a developed set of plans, identification of land acquisitions required to carry out the works, and initial negotiations with the two landowners.

One of the landowners has a house which is in the roadworks design area. Negotiations have proven difficult as the owner does not want to move and has subsequently set a very high purchase price for the property.

Before proceeding down the route of forced acquisition we have engaged the roadwork engineer used for the previous works to investigate the viability of moving the Quarry Road Access further north which would negate the need to move the house. He is currently working with the design team on possible routes.

Either way it is not possible to complete the roadworks by 22 May this year. If legal proceedings are necessary to resume the house it is impossible to say how long acquisition could take - maybe 12 months. The construction period is then likely to be four t6 six months dependant on weather conditions. If an alternative route can be found then completion may be within this calendar year all going well.

Truck Movements. A system was put into place over twelve months ago and has been operating well, albeit there was a breach in the run up to Christmas last year. To prevent a recurrence of this the procedure has been modified. A copy of the modified procedure is attached in the revised AEMR for your consideration.

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Landscape and Biodiversity Management An Environmental Consultant (EcoConnections) has been working on the Biodiversity Offset Strategy for the last twelve months. This Strategy has two components - on-site rehabilitation areas and off-site offset areas.

To address the on-site works a Bushland Regeneration Plan was developed, sections identified on the ground by posts and photos, and work commenced on reducing weed loads. Copy of the Bushland Regeneration Plan is attached.

The identification and assessment of off-site offset areas continued with four Council owned sites now identified which makes up to 39 ha of the required 45ha. This is included in the Draft Biodiversity Offset Strategy document attached.

Included in the Draft report were options to source additional offset areas to meet the off-site requirements and to the methods to protect those off-site areas. As recent as March 2013 discussions have been entered into with a landowner to the west of the quarry site re the possible purchase of a portion of his land to complete the offset requirements.

The following timetable identifies the major activities now required under this condition.

1. Complete identification of required offset areas - 30 June 2013 2. Finalise Draft Report for submission to DP! - June 2013 3. Department of Planning & Infrastructure approval of Plan -August 2013 4. Council Business Paper to obtain approval for:

• Reclassification/rezoning of council owned land • Purchase of additional lands to meet offset needs - September/October 2013

5. Finalise purchase of land - November 2013 6. Commence off-site regeneration works - November/December 2013

At this stage the most likely option for establishing long term security for the identified areas is to reclassify the lands to 'community' and rezone them to 'E2' under the current proposed amendment to the Lismore LEP. Other options still under investigation are listed in the draft Plan.

Identification of Boundaries. A survey was conducted and markers were placed to identify the extraction limits of both pits. GPS reference data was collected for each marker. The locations are marked on the attached diagram.

Koala Monitoring. In late 2012 a Koala Monitoring Program was implemented which identified quite an active population on the site. Regular sightings are made on site and records kept of these sightings. The extraction zone for the southern pit will be reduced slightly to accommodate retaining several large habitat trees. The 2012 Koala Monitoring report is attached for your lnformation.

Environmental Management Strategy Independent Environmental Audit Discussions began with ERM in February 2012 to undertake the independent audit at the end of 2012. They put together a proposal and submitted it. The submission was accepted and ERM advised verbally in June to complete the audit in November. Unfortunately the verbal approval was not followed up in writing and the contact person went off on maternity leave. Hence ERM did not turn up to undertake the audit.

As a result it was decided to get fresh quotes for the work. ERM, GHD and Coffey were asked to submit prices for the work. These were received and assessed in March 2013. Coffey have been awarded the work and conducted the audit on 16 and 17 April 2013.

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Council will foiward a copy of this audit and recommendations and response to recommendations as soon as it is available.

Community Consultative Committee In July 2010 letters were sent to all residents within 2km radius seeking their interest in being involved with a proposed CCS. Only 4 replies were received. With such restricted interest it is impractical to implement the requirements of the guidelines for mines consultative committees in a meaningful way. It is our perception that the requirement is targeted at much larger operations with significantly more impact on local residents.

Discussions were held with Department of Planning and Infrastructure staff on site in 2011. At this meeting the DPI staff recommended that NRQ&A implement a newsletter instead and seek feedback and input from neighbours in that manner.

The newsletters have been in place for a year with only two responses received, one very positive and thankful for the information, and the other requesting to be taken off the mailing list. Plans are to have an open day as soon as the weather lifts with the hope that more interest is generated. A number of local residents have indicated this would be well received. The requirements for a consultative committee will be advertised through the next newsletter with the aim of receiving more interest in the establishment of the Committee.

Public Access to Information Copies of all strategies/plan/programs including AEMRs and summaries of all monitoring results are posted on the Lismore City Council website and will be updated as information becomes available.

Complaints Two complaints were registered in the Quarry Complaints Register.

1. One related to a bitumen tanker parked at the road entrance and leaving its burners running overnight. This relates to the Asphalt Plant DA which is separate to the quarry DA.

2. The second complaint originated from a local resident immediately after a blast. The pressure sensor readings were all returned within required parameters.

In the previous year both complaints in the register related to asphalt operations. There was none recorded against the quarry. The extract from the complaints register is attached for your information.

Major Activities Planned for 2013

1. Secure approval from NOW to proceed with installation of Groundwater Monitoring wells and commence the groundwater assessment process. (Letter has been sent to NOW in April 2013).

2. Undertake the water balance of the site (same contractors as doing groundwater assessment).

3. Finalise Independent Environmental Audit (currently under way). 4. Continue negotiations on land acquisition for final stage of roadworks to commence. 5. Finalise the Biodiversity Offset Plan and gain approval for long term protection of the

sites. Commence work on regeneration works in these areas.

Summary

Major development and implementation was carried out in 2012 in particular in relation to the road works, water and biodiversity management programs. Monitoring activities were commenced across a range of parameters during the year.

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Even though markets have been subdued in the area the quarry was fortunate in being awarded a contract to supply and deliver quarry materials for the Pacific Highway upgrade in late 2012. This work have provided sufficient cash flow to allow most programs to move into implementation phases and the hiring on consultants to allow further development of the more complicated plans.

Murray Punshon Quarry Operations Coordinator 19 April 2013

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Attachments to Blakebrook Quarry Annual Environment Management Report 2012

Product Data sheet Noise Monitoring Summary sheet 2012 2012 Noise Monitor Report 2013 Noise Monitoring Report Blast Reports 2012 x 3 Map of Bund locations and photos Property Inspections and photo discs x 2 Water Monitoring Summary sheet 2012 Letter from EAL re Surface Water results Monitoring Well Implementation Plan Correspondence from Groundwork Plus re Monitoring Well Implementation Plan Erosion and Sediment Controls Inspection Report Dust Monitoring Summary sheet 2012 Roadworks Certification Letter from Lismore City Council re roadworks Blakebrook Quarry Truck Movement Operating Procedure Bushland Regeneration Plan Draft Biodiversity Offset Strategy Survey plan showing extraction boundaries Koala Population Monitoring Report 2012 Complaints Register

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Koala Population Monitoring

Blakebrook Quarry, Lismore LGA.

Report to Lismore City Council

November 2012

biol in I<~~ ecological consultants

PO Box 3196 Ukl NSW 2484 T 02 6679 5593 F 02 6679 5523 www.biollnkcom.au

biolink Blakebrook Quarry Koala Monitoring

Project Team Principal Consultant Stephen Phillips

Field Staff Dan Pollard George Kordas Marshall Chang

Document Control

Draft # 1 Date Signature

Prepared by S. Phillips 30/11/2012

Reviewed by

Final

Prepared by

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biolink Blakebrook Quarry Koala Monitoring

1. Introduction State Environmental Planning Policy No. 44 (Koala Habitat Protection), hereafter

referred to as SEPP 44, commenced on the 13th February 1995, its aim being to

encourage the proper conservation and management of areas of natural vegetation

that provide habitat for koalas [in order] to ensure a permanent free-living population

over their present range and [to] reverse the current trend of koala population

decline. SEPP44 proposes to accomplish such an objective by:

a) requiring the preparation of plans of management before development

consent can be granted in relation to areas of core koala habitat, and

b) encouraging the identification of areas of core koala habitat, and

c) encouraging the inclusion of areas of core koala habitat in environment

protection zones.

Operations at the Blakebrook quarry occur in accord with provisions of an approved

Koala Plan of Management prepared in accord with SEPP 44 by Conacher Travers

(2006). Amongst other things, the approved KPoM required implementation of an

ongoing surveying and monitoring program to determine use of the site by koalas.

The purpose of this report is to advise results of the initial baseline assessment of

koala activity at the site with a view to satisfying the aforementioned requirement and

so establish the basis for a 5 year population monitoring program, also a conditional

requirement of the approved KPoM.

2. Methods Field survey

The methodology detailed below was designed to refine the initial sampling approach

taken by the Conacher Travers KPoM by applying Regularised, Grid-based SAT

(RG-bSAT) sampling across the site. In applying this approach, the primary

surveying protocol used by the Conacher Travers assessment (i.e. SAT

methodology) was retained but the effort more equitably distributed across the site so

as to gain a more informed overview and perspective on use of the entire quarry site

by koalas.

In order to ensure a uniform and unbiased distribution of sampling effort a 250m x

250m (6.25ha) point-based grid was overlain across ortho-rectified aerial imagery of

the study area, each point becoming a monitoring site where it occurred in areas of

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biolink Blakebrook Quarry Koala Monitoring

Eucalypt forest. Universal Transverse Mercator coordinates for each point were then

determined and uploaded into a handheld GPS receiver navigating on a GDA94

datum to assist their location in the field. Each monitoring point was permanently

identified using a labelled star picket so as to ensure that the same points can be

located and re-sampled over the term of the monitoring program. Concordant with

the RG-bSAT approach each monitoring point was sampled using the Spot

Assessment Technique (SAT) of Phillips and Callaghan (2011). SAT methodology

requires a sample of 30 trees to be assessed for evidence of koala use (presence of

koala faecal pellets within a prescribed search area around the base of each tree),

outcomes of which are used to ascribe site-based measures of koala activity and tree

preference data. Given that knowledge regarding koala food tree preferences was

not a required output from the monitoring program and also to expedite the overall

assessment of koala activity we applied the following default criteria to field sites:

(i) A “low use” categorisation was assumed (and thereafter no further trees

assessed) if no faecal pellets had detected within the prescribed 1m search area

around the bases of a minimum of 25 trees; or

(ii) A “high use” categorisation was assumed (and thereafter no further trees

assessed) once koala faecal pellets had been recorded within the prescribed 1m

search area around the bases of a minimum of 10 trees.

Habitat associated with each SAT site was also assessed for the presence of koalas

by way of a) a 25m fixed-radius (0.196ha) search around each monitoring point, and

b) a 250m x 40m (1ha) northeast-southwest aligned transect also centered on each

monitoring point, the purpose of these searches to enable koala density and

population size to be estimated. Both searches involved a minimum of three

personnel, the first generally comprising no more than a 5 minute search of all trees

within the prescribed 25m radius search area, the second by way of longer “line

transect search” utilizing a central navigator and two flanking observers tracking

generally no more than 10 – 15m (depending on visibility) either side of the central

navigator (sensu lato Dique et al. 2003).

(iv) Analysis of koala activity data

The extent and spatial distribution of koala activity data was interpolated across the

study area using thin-plate splining and associated contouring techniques described

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biolink Blakebrook Quarry Koala Monitoring

by Phillips et al. (submitted), with subsequent identification of significant activity

areas guided by identification of contours concordant with identification of medium

and high use areas (i.e. core koala habitat) of “east-coast/medium-high” koala

population densities prescribed in Table 2 of Phillips and Callaghan (2011).

3. Results

Field survey

Field survey was undertaken over the period 6th– 9th November 2012 during which

time 17 SAT sites were assessed [Effective Study Area (ESA) size = 106.25Ha (17 x

6.25ha]. Table 1 provides a summary of results on a site by site basis while also

detailing the most commonly sampled tree species; Tallowwood Eucalyptus

microcorys and the White Mahoganies E. carnea/acmeniodes were the most

commonly sampled Eucalyptus species, while Pink Bloodwood Corymbia intermedia

and Forest Oak Allocasuarina torulosa were the most commonly sampled non-

eucalypts. Field data further indicates that the site also supports two species of “Red

Gum” – Forest Red Gum E. tereticornis and Cabbage Gum E. amplifolia.

Four koalas were recorded during the survey program, three of which were observed

in either SAT-based radial or transect searches, while the fourth (a female and back

young) was reported from the vicinity of the weighbridge office by quarry personnel.

Table 2 details associated survey outcomes that give rise to koala density and

associated population estimates for the study area.

As indicated in Table 1, koala activity was recorded from 9 of the 17 field sites, 5 of

which returned significant activity levels (i.e. > 23%) when interpreted with regard to

“east-coast med-high” population density activity level thresholds of Phillips and

Callaghan (2011). Interpolation of koala activity data across the study area, coupled

with the identification of significant activity contours, enables the distribution and

extent of core koala habitat on the site to be identified. Illustrated in Figure 3, three

clearly defined population cells are apparent, the largest of which is located on the

southeastern sector of the site and which encompasses habitat that will ultimately be

removed for quarry operations.

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biolink Blakebrook Quarry Koala Monitoring

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Table 1. Site-based koala activity levels and tree species most commonly sampled for koala faecal pellets during field sampling. Eamp = Eucalyptus amplifolia; Ebwm = E. acmeniodes/carnea; Emic = E. microcorys; Epil = E. pilularis; Eter = E. tereticornis; Aflo = Angophora floribunda; Ator = Allocasuarina torulosa; Cint = Corymbia intermedia; Lcon = L. confertus; * = koala present in field site. Monitoring points returning significant koala activity levels are shaded. Eucalypt species Non-Eucalypt Species

Site Activity (%)

Eamp Ebwm Emic Epil Eter Aflo Ator Cint Lcon Other

BQ02 0.00 0 3 0 10 0 0 4 4 0 7BQ03* 0.00 18 0 0 0 6 0 0 1 0 0BQ04* 26.67 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 5 13 7BQ05* 45.83 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 18BQ06 13.33 3 0 4 0 1 12 2 3 2 3BQ07 3.70 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 6 18BQ08 0.00 0 13 0 0 0 1 4 5 0 2BQ09 0.00 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 3 18BQ10 0.00 0 13 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 9BQ11 0.00 0 8 6 1 1 2 3 6 0 1BQ12 10.71 1 0 2 0 1 3 2 17 0 2BQ13 23.33 0 4 14 0 0 1 2 6 3 0BQ14 30.00 0 6 7 3 0 0 4 8 2 0BQ15 10.70 0 0 0 0 0 7 7 1 0 13BQ16 0.00 0 4 12 0 0 1 2 5 0 1BQ17 0.00 0 4 0 0 1 0 6 6 5 3BQ18 47.82 0 1 3 2 5 0 4 6 0 2Total 29 58 50 20 15 29 40 71 37 104

Table 2. Koala census data and associated population estimates for the Blakebrook quarry study area. Calculations are based on a 106.25ha ESA and arise from 17 SAT-based 25m fixed-radius searches and 250m x 40m line transect searches.

SAT Transect

Number of Sites 17 17

Total Area Surveyed (ha) 3.33 17

No. Koalas Sighted 1 3

Koalas ha-1 0.3 0.18

Pop. Estimate lower 95% CI 9 -

Pop. Estimate 32 19

Pop. Estimate upper 95% CI 55 38

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olink Blakebrook Quarry Koala Monitoring

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Figure 3. Location of 17 permanent monitoring points at the Blakebrook quarry site, and associated significant koala activity contours. Solid red lines indicate boundaries of Medium (normal) and High Use areas respectively as defined by Phillips & Callaghan (2011), both of which indicate presence of core koala habitat.

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biolink Blakebrook Quarry Koala Monitoring

4. Ongoing monitoring The following provides a brief discussion of the overall results of the field survey

program in terms of matters requiring consideration for the purposes of the approved

KPoM. Key outcomes arising from the initial field assessment are as follows:

(i) koala observations during the course of this survey confirm continued use

of the quarry site by koalas;

(ii) koala activity in some areas exceed significant thresholds specified by

Phillips and Callaghan (2011) and thus confirms the presence of three

discrete areas of core koala habitat, and

(iii) transect data is the most informative in terms of estimating koala density

and associated population size. Thus a population of approximately 20 koalas

is currently estimated to be present within the area covered by the monitoring

program.

Subsequent reports will contain a comparative analysis of survey outcomes

associated with the key monitoring variables derived from this baseline assessment.

In this regard and over the life of the monitoring program, we are expecting the

number of monitoring points to be reduced from 17 to 15 as quarrying activities

expand, and so the ESA will decrease by approximately 12%. Given that some of the

habitat to be lost as quarry operations expand can now be demonstrated to be part of

a koala high use area, some displacement of one or more resident animals can also

be expected to occur over the course of the monitoring program. How individual

animals so affected will respond to displacement is difficult to predict with certainty

but clearly warrants the need for caution when operating machinery and/or clearing

vegetation in or near any of the high activity/core koala habitat areas identified in

Figure 1. The new knowledge presented in this report regarding the distribution and

extent of core koala habitat on the quarry site further highlights the importance of

ongoing monitoring in the event that negative impacts arise; it is also possible that

additional animals may be recruited into the population from areas outside the ESA.

Baseline data against which future changes in the quarry’s koala population will be

assessed are detailed in Table 3 below. In the context of longer-term population

monitoring it is important to recognize that any trends documented by the monitoring

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biolink Blakebrook Quarry Koala Monitoring

program will not necessarily need to be statistically significant in order to be

ecologically meaningful.

Table 3. Variables against which future changes in use of the Blakebrook Quarry site by koalas will be compared.

Variable/Year 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 (i) No. field sites 17 - - - -

(ii) ESA (ha) 106.25 - - - -

(iii) No. active sites 9 - - - -

(iv) No sites with activity > 23% 5 - - - -

(v) Koala density (koalas ha-1) 0.18 - - - -

We look forward to the 2013 monitoring event.

5. Acknowledgements We thank Lismore City Council or the opportunity to design and undertake this

monitoring program, and for supplying necessary spatial data. Council Officer Dave

Edwards facilitated the monitoring program and assisted with field survey and liaison

with OEH and adjoining landowners. We also thank quarry staff for their patience and

general interest in koala management.

6. References Conacher Travers (2006). Koala Plan of Management: Blakebrook Quarry Lot 102 DP 817730, Nimbin Road Blakebrook. Dique, D.S., de Villiers, D. L., and Preece, H. J. (2003). Evaluation of line-transect sampling for estimating koala abundance in the Pine Rivers Shire, south-east Queensland. Wildlife Research 30, 127–133. Phillips, S. and Callaghan, J. (2011). The Spot Assessment Technique: a tool for determining levels of localised habitat use by Koalas Phascolarctos cinereus. Australian Zoologist. 35(3): 774-780. Phillips, S., Hopkins, M. and Warnken, J. Splines in the sand: Modelling metapopulation structure across the landscape to provide greater planning certainty for an arboreal marsupial (Koala Phascolarctos cinereus Goldfuss). Submitted to Landscape and Urban Planning.

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NRQA Sales Summary x Product - 1/1/12 - 31/12/12

NRQA 75 mm cobble 185.18

NRQA Aggregate 10mm 14,703.04

NRQA Aggregate 14mm 9,756.02

NRQA Aggregate 20mm 10,861.07

NRQA Aggregate 25-63mm drainage 627.60

NRQA Aggregate 5mm 4,080.87

NROA Aggregate 63-1 00mm cobble 1,853.54

NROA Aggregate 7mm 6,381.33

NRQA Belt Waste 177.45

NRQA Capping 150 minus 2,110.98

NRQA Crusher Run 100mm 3,153.64

NRQA Gab,en 100-200mm 8.623.79

NRQA Large Rock 149.98

NROA Metal dust - Coarse 9,818.15

NRQA Metal dust - Fine 25,502.57

NRQA Overburden 73.98

NRQA Raw Feed 703.31

NROA Roadbase 20mm (No 1) 35,906.70

NRQA Roadbase 20mm (No 2) 3.571.31

NROA Roadbase 40mm 7,252.43

NRQA Rock Fill 100-350mm 20,484.95

NROA Select Fill 178.80

NRQASpalls 251.34

jOate Oulj (>~ 01 ·Jnn-2012 00:ll0:OO AND <= 31-0cc-2012 23:30:00)

~ ~

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WMnnrlnlo11.

ROAD

UPGRADES

Northern Rivers Quarry and Asphalt are required as part of our approval to upgrade Nimbin Road in five places to allow the quarry to place additional truck movements on the road with our approved increased production. The Quarry has just completed the third and the fourth upgrade. A passing lane has been constructed at the Booerie Creek and Nimbin Roads intersection and at the Booerie Creek Bridge the batter was increased to enable guardrails to be installed. Morgan Constructions were engaged to carry out the pavement works for the bypass lane and formation for the guard-rails for the project. Lismore City Council Works section followed adding a 100mm DGB20 overlay to the existing roadway, stabilizing the pavement onsite with 2% cement, sealing, line marking and signposting. The final stage of the road works will involve realignment of the bends on Nimbin Road approaching the quarry entrance from each direction to the 80km standard and increasing line of site to the quarry entrance. Work has commenced on the design work and negotiations with the landowners.

MEET THE TEAM We would like to introduce to you

our most recent employee.

Jon Rigley commenced at the quarry in October as the Production

Supervisor. Jon has ten years experience working within the quarry industry and his role at

Blakebrook will be the supervision of the quarry and asphalt operations to ensure

production and sales objectives are met.

You may contact Jon at Blakebrook Quarry by phone

on 6629 3236 or by email to quarry@lismore.nsw.gov.au

www.lismore.nsw.gov.au

INSIDE

Blakebrook Quarry

Plant Upgrade

Bushland Regeneration

Koala management

Road upgrades

Meet the Team

www.lismore.nsw.gov.au Summer 2012

Blakebrook Quarry Welcome to the third newsletter from the staff at Blakebrook Quarry. I am delighted to report that Quarry staff have been successful in being awarded a contract to supply and deliver quarry materials for the Tintenbar to Ewingsdale Pacific Highway upgrade. This will involve supply of product for the construction of approximately 16.3km of two lane dual carriageways, ramps, roundabouts, construction of embankments working platforms, creek crossings and scour protection. This business has come at a fortunate time with the decrease in quarry sales to other sectors. Regards Phil Klepzig Manager Commercial Services

Northern Rivers Quarries and Asphalt lismore city council

IT lismore -

city council

BUSHLAND REGENERATION The Bushland Regeneration Operation Plan has been prepared and will be implemented under the supervision of David Edwards, Principal Consultant for Eco-Connections under contract for Lismore City

Council. The plan has been prepared to guide Council staff and contractors to undertake weed control and bush regeneration work in areas of Blakebrook Quarry that are designated as ‘vegetation protection areas’. The plan aims to produce a vegetation community of similar vegetation type and function to that currently surrounding the quarry. This will largely be met by undertaking weed control and other management actions in these vegetation protection areas to assist natural regeneration of native plant communities.

PLANT UPGRADE A Trackcrush Vertical Shaft Impactor was purchased in October 2012. This machine was built by Precisionscreen in Australia to suit local condi-tions and requirements. This machine specializes in producing smaller aggregates with an improved shape which is a product in great demand.

KOALAS Biolink Pty Ltd conducted Koala Monitoring at the Quarry and neighbouring properties in early November. It was established that there is a viable koala population in the locality of the quarry, a minimum of 12 individuals. There are four koala population cells located at the quarry:

one near the quarry office,

a second locality around the south eastern property corner and a narrow tongue of habitat through to the quarry face,

the third area is above the central eastern quarry face, and

the final population cell is in the locality around the north western property corner.

Above is an air photo showing koala monitoring points established for the next three years and red lines identifying core koala habitat currently occupied by koala populations.

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BUSHLAND REGENERATION

ENVIRONMENl"Al COMPLAINTS REGISTER Blar(ebrook 20/07/10 Phone Margie 6689 1331 Waste Asphalt leaching oil Metal dust sent to location to

(Diesel) near creek contain the leeching. Suspect areas to be removed &

replaced with asphalt. Site visit by Manager to assess.

LCC environmental Informed.

23/9/11 Phone Peter Lynch - EPA Machinery noise 5.55am All staff and contractors to be (via EPA) Peter. lynch@envi ronment. nsw reminded of DA hours of

.gov.au operation. After investigation, no source of

noise was able to be identified.

28/U./11 Phone Peter Lynch ... EPA Machinery noise 5.50am Investigate source of noise (via EPA) Peter.lynch@environment.nsw and remind all staff &

.gov.au contractors of DA hours of operation. After

investigation, no source of noise was able to be

identified

2/7/12 Phone William Wallace Bitumen tanker delivering Asphalt plant manager overnight Nimbin Rd, Blakebrook for SAS parked at NRQA visited Mr Wallace to

6629 3289 gate over night leaving apologise for the disturbance his burners on, creating and assure him that it

noise wouldn't happen again, as . SAS will no longer be located

at NRQA site.

ENYlR.ONMENTAL COMPLAINTS REGISTER Blakebrook 31/08/12 Phone Roz Diskin Called to notify us that Explained that the cause may Over pressure sensor

0421 321 700 via Council call the blast taken at approx have been due to cloud cover readings returned all centre 10.00am caused a tremor not allowing pressure wave within parameter.

felt in the house similar to to dissipate vertically as the that experienced when weather was overcast forcing

lightning strikes in close the concussion to dissipate proximity. Caused laterally. She and her windows to rattle. husband would like to have a

look around the quarry at some stage if possible;

discussed with Murray and will try to arrange. LZ

0

2012 Blakebrook Quarry Truck Movements Date Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

1st PH 46 53 0 47 10 29 0 0 48 0 2nd PH 59 40 49 48 0 45 34 65 25 22 311 3rd 5 43 0 42 67 72 32 37 16 19 0 7 4th 4 0 186 75 41 8 31 0 12 16 146 12 5th 7 188 21 51 0 25 48 126 6 16 31 74 6th 2 29 33 0 235 23 54 22 6 0 17 78 7th 0 38 32 0 31 23 0 17 15 76 56 127 8th 18 39 31 217 11 32 210 15 0 21 34 0 9th 2 41 19 0 13 0 22 13 55 34 41 298 10th 6 44 0 15 18 111 36 27 11 34 0 39 11th 3 1 136 50 38 PH 36 0 12 28 179 36 12th 15 192 14 50 0 2 33 94 10 36 54 82 13th 15 27 30 30 111 3 18 15 21 0 58 56 14th 0 16 33 0 35 12 0 16 11 153 30 80 15th 41 30 33 145 50 26 145 18 2 24 65 0 16th 9 9 22 37 25 0 59 20 67 36 42 293 17th 8 18 0 40 15 43 41 21 14 44 0 50 18th 9 0 132 27 19 38 33 0 23 24 249 27 19th 9 100 13 27 0 41 34 90 11 26 87 36 20th 10 29 29 50 144 28 25 27 5 0 80 22 21st 0 13 41 0 2 46 0 24 15 154 48 22nd 45 32 25 181 19 42 192 13 0 25 42 0 23rd 3 5 17 38 8 3 41 22 68 32 44 135 24th 1 23 0 26 5 198 23 18 12 38 0 25th 1 0 125 PH 26 54 31 0 20 58 301 26th PH 102 42 36 0 48 10 104 19 12 75 27th 2 23 56 49 60 21 42 14 9 0 61 28th 0 37 59 0 25 3 0 14 16 165 53 29th 7 33 65 149 23 5 147 14 0 23 63 0 30th 12 42 32 8 0 20 10 76 24 59 0 31st 28 0 6 131 6 13 0 29

264

Total 151 635 750 724 580 493 694 453 266 624 1110 726 Avg 5.81 24.42 28.85 27.85 22.31 18.96 26.69 17.42 10.23 24.00 42.69 27.92

indicates weekly truck movements

[Progress Summary of Bush Regeneration works and weed control at Blakebrook Quarry) June 16, 2014

Progress Summary of Bush Regeneration works and weed control at Blakebrook Quarry (2012-2014)

Zone 6: Dates worked 17/09/2012 to 20/09/2012

Personnel: Todd Venables, Ben Moerkerken and Damian Butler

Hours Work: 90

Herbicide used: 7.SL mixed of 1:1.5 Glyphosate + l.Og/L Metsulfuron Methly for injection+ cut and

paint/scrape and paint; and 40L mixed of 1:200 GrazonExtra + 1:500 Agral + Herbi-dye Blue @ 1:200.

Works co~pleted: Primary woody weed control - Drill and inject: mainly Camphor Laurel, Wild Bush

Lemon, Lantana camera, and Devils Fig.

- Cut scrape and paint/cut and pain same species mentioned above. Cutting vines and lantana off at

head height to minimise exotic vines climbing back into trees during recovery and to assist in access

in during future follow up.

- Hand pull and elevate Lantana and small Broad-leaved Privet to prevent reshooting.

Primary spray of exotic broad-leaved weeds in work zone, on edges and roadside - Camphor Laurel,

Devils Fig, Crofton Weed, Lantana, Wild Tobacco, Fireweed, Lantana, Fleabane, Bidens pilosa,

Cudweed, Annual Ragweed, lnkweed, Stinking Roger, White Passionflower, Corky Passionfruit, Mist

Flower, Catsear, and Verbena bonariensis.

Zone 5 and 6: Dates worked 18/02/2013 to 22/02/2013

Personnel: Todd Venables, Ben Moerkerken and Damian Butler

Hours Work: 225

Herbicide used: lOL mixed of 1:1.5 Glyphosate + l.Og/L Metsulfuron Methly for injection+ cut and

paint/scrape and paint; and lOOL mixed of 1:200 GrazonExtra + Metsulfuron Methyl 1.Sg/lOL +

1:500 Activator.

Works completed: Primary woody weed control, and follow up woody weed control - Drill and inject:

mainly Camphor Laurel, Lantana camera, and Devils Fig.

- Cut scrape and paint/cut and pain same species mentioned above. Cutting vines and lantana off at

head height to minimise exotic vines climbing back into trees during recovery and to assist in access

in during future follow up.

- Hand pull and elevate Lantana camera, vines and small Broad-leaved Privet to prevent reshooting.

We progressed in an easterly direction through the work zone.

- Primary spray and follow up of exotic broad-leaved weeds - Camphor Laurel, Devils Fig, Crofton

Weed, Lantana, Cotton Bush, Blue Billy Goat Weed, Euphorbia sp., Aster subulatus, Broad-leaf Privet,

Wild Tobacco, Fireweed, Fleabane, Lantana, Phasey Bean, Wild Gooseberry, Groundsel, Bidens

pilosa, Cudweed, lnkweed, Stinking Roger, Annual Ragweed, White Passionflower, Corky

Passionfruit, Mist Flower, Catsear, and Verbena bonariensis.

Lismore City Council: Northern Rivers Waste