Pest and Weed Management Plan · QCLNG-BX00-ENV-PLN-000027 Rev 0 May 2011 Uncontrolled when printed...

Pest and Weed Management Plan

QCLNG-BX00-ENV-PLN-000027

Rev 0

May 2011

Uncontrolled when printed

QUEENSLAND CURTIS LNG PROJECT

Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0

May 2011

4 of 100

TABLE OF CONTENTS

RACIE Terms 3

Revision Record 3

Tables 7

1 Introduction 8

1.1 QCLNG and Gas Fields 8

1.2 Approval Conditions 8

1.3 Distribution and Intended Audience 8

1.4 Definitions Acronyms and Abbreviations 9

1.5 References 10

2 Weed and Pest Management Plan 11

2.1 Introduction 11

2.2 Scope 12

3 Weeds 12

3.1 Relevant Legislation 12

3.2 General Weed Management, Hygiene and Monitoring Measures 13 3.2.1 Preliminary Weed Identification 13 3.2.2 Land Owner Consultations 13 3.2.3 Regional Council Consultations 13 3.2.4 Stakeholder Organisations Consultations 14 3.2.5 Weed Identification during Operations 14 3.2.6 Operational Control Procedures 14

Pegging Parties 15

Infrastructure Earthworks and Track Construction 15

Drilling 16

Pipeline Construction 16

Rehabilitation Works 16

Operations 17

3.2.7 Reporting and Mapping 17

3.3 Weed Hygiene for Vehicles and Machinery Guidelines 17 3.3.1 General Vehicle Measures to Minimise Weed Spread 18 3.3.2 Cleaning of Vehicles and Machinery 18

Table 1: Washdown facilities within the Gas Field region 19

3.3.3 Weed Hygiene Declaration 20 3.3.4 Weed Hygiene Inspection Report 20

Table 2: Authorised Third Party Inspectors 21


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3.4 Weed Species Recorded or with Potential to Occur in the Gas Fields 21

Table 3: Weed species recorded or with potential to occur in the Gas Fields 21

3.5 Specific Weed Management, Hygiene and Monitoring Measures 23 3.5.1 Bryophyllum species 23

Appendix 6; 24

3.5.2 Harrisia species 25

Appendix 6; 25

3.5.3 Lycium ferocissimum 26 3.5.4 Opuntia species 27 3.5.5 Parthenium hysterophorus 28 3.5.6 Sporobolus africanus and other Rat‟s Tail grasses 29 3.5.7 Celtis sinensis 30 3.5.8 Xanthium pungens and X. spinosa 31 3.5.9 Eragrostis curvula 32 3.5.10 Phyla canescens 33 3.5.11 Aquatic Weed Species 34

4 Pests 35

4.1 Relevant Legislation 35

4.2 General Pest and Waste Management and Monitoring Measures 36 4.2.1 Preliminary Pest Identification 36 4.2.2 Land Owner/Manager Consultations 36 4.2.3 Regional Councils 37 4.2.4 Stakeholder Organisations Consultations 37 4.2.5 Pest Identification during Operations 37 4.2.6 Accommodation Camp Waste Management 37 4.2.7 Reporting and Mapping 38

4.3 Pest Species Recorded or with Potential to Occur in the Gas Fields 38

Table 4: Pest species recorded or with potential to occur in the gas fields 38

4.4 Specific Pest Management and Monitoring Measures 39 4.4.1 Management of Rabbits 39 4.4.2 Management of Wild Dogs and Dingoes 40 4.4.3 Management of Feral Pigs 41 4.4.4 Management of Foxes 42 4.4.5 Management of Macropods 42 4.4.6 Management of other Pest Species 44 4.4.7 Aquatic Pest Species 44

5 Monitoring and Review 45

5.1 Roles and Responsibilities 45

Table 5: Identification, Monitoring and Collation Responsibilities for Weed and Pest Species 45

5.2 Data Management 46

5.3 Monitoring 46

5.4 Document Review 47

6 References 48


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DEEDI, 2009, African Lovegrass. DPI fact sheet – Pest Series. September 2009. 48

DEEDI, 2009, Giant Rat’s Tail Grass. DPI fact sheet – Pest Series. September 2009. 48

DEEDI, 2009, Parthenium Weed. DPI fact sheet – Pest Series. September 2009. 48

DEEDI, April 2010, Mother of Millions- Fact sheet – Pest Series, 2010. 48

DEEDI, July 2010a, Wild dogs Canis familiaris Fact sheet Declared Class 2 Pest Animal. 48

DEEDI, July 2010c, European red fox Vulpes vulpes. Fact sheet Declared Class 2 Pest Animal. 48

Appendix 1 – RELEVANT APPROVAL CONDITIONS A

EA PEN100020207 Approval Conditions for existing activities in the Gas Fields. i DSEWPC Approval Conditions – Gas Fields. ii Coordinator-General imposed conditions – Gas Fields. iii

Appendix 2 – GAS FIELD TENEMENTS AND Environmentally SIGNIFICANT AREAS MAP D

QGC Gas Field Tenements and Environmentally Significant Areas Map Error! Bookmark not defined.

Appendix 3 – DECLARED WEEDS OF QUEENSLAND E

Appendix 4 – WEED WASHDOWN RISK ASSESSMENT MATRIX G

Petroleum Industry (Including Coal Seam Methane Gas) – i

Minimising Pest Spread Advisory Guidelines i

Risk Assessment Matrix i

Details of what is required for a Full Clean, Wash down and Visual Inspection appear on the next page. i

Petroleum Industry – Pest Spread Minimisation Advisory Guide. June 2008 i

Appendix 5 – WEED HYGIENE DECLARATION FORM E

Appendix 6 – weed Hygiene Inspection Report i

Appendix 7 –WEED Distribution maps F

Mother of Millions Distribution Map i

Harrisia Cactus Distribution Map iii

Common Prickly Pear Distribution Map v

Parthenium Distribution Map vii

American Rat’s Tail Grass Distribution Map ix

Giant Rat’s Tail Grass – Sporobolus Pyramidalis xi

Chinese Celtis Queensland Distribution Map xiii

Noogoora Burr Distribution Map xv

Bathurst Burr Distribution Map xvii

African Lovegrass Distribution Map xix

Lippia Distribution Map xxi

Appendix 8 – DECLARED PEST ANIMALS OF QUEENSLAND F


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Appendix 9 –PEST Distribution Maps F

Rabbit Distribution Map i Wild Dog Distribution Map iii Feral Pig Distribution Map v Fox Distribution Map vii

Tables Table 1: Washdown facilities within the Gas Field region ................................................................................ 19 Table 2: Authorised Third Party Inspectors ....................................................................................................... 21 Table 3: Weed species recorded or with potential to occur in the gas fields ................................................. 21 Table 4: Pest species recorded or with potential to occur in the gas fields ................................................... 38 Table 5: Identification, Monitoring and Collation Responsibilities of Weed and Pest Species .................... 45


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1 Introduction

1.1 QCLNG and Gas Fields

QGC (A BG-Group Company) is currently moving from the approval phase of the QCLNG Project to

implementation phase with both Commonwealth and State Government approvals obtained in October

2010 (Appendix 1). The project comprises three main elements:

The Coal Seam Gas (CSG) Fields;

Gas Collection Header (GCH) and Export Pipeline (EP); and

LNG facility on Curtis Island.

The CSG Fields and GCH occur in the Southern Brigalow Belt Bioregion of Queensland between the

towns of Tipton and Taroom. The LNG Plant is located on Curtis Island on the Central Queensland Coast

immediately north of the City of Gladstone. The Export Pipeline links these two areas. The pipeline runs

northeast from the western end of Barakula State Forest (north of Miles) through to the Central

Queensland Coast.

Only the CSG Field area is considered in this plan that encompasses an area of 468,000ha within the

Surat Basin. The extent of the CSG Fields is shown in Appendix 2.

1.2 Approval Conditions

Development approval conditions addressed by this report pertaining to the control of weeds and pests

associated with the Gas Fields as set by existing Environmental Authority, the Coordinator General and

Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (DSEWPC) are provided

in Appendix 1.

1.3 Distribution and Intended Audience

This document is intended to be distributed to all field managers, land liaison officers, field environmental

officers and contractor supervisors. It will also be provided to the Coordinator General, Department of

Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) and Department of Environment and

Resource Management (DERM) for review and endorsement. A copy of this document, or condensed

version, will also be made available to any potentially affected landholder upon request by that

landholder.


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1.4 Definitions, Acronyms and Abbreviations

In this document, the following definitions apply:

Term Definition

Clean-down Clean-down of vehicles and equipment is conducted to prevent weed seed contaminants being spread to weed free or less infested areas. It involves the use of high pressure water and or air, brooms and dust pans, to remove any weed seeds or material potentially carrying weed seeds, from vehicles and other equipment. It may be carried out at permanent or temporary facilities.

Endemic A species of organism that is confined to a particular geographical region

Environmentally Significant Area

Defined under the LP Act as any of the following: (a) a protected area (see definition below); (b) land dedicated as a reserve for environmental purposes under the Land Act, section 31; (c) a world heritage area listed under the World Heritage Convention; (d) an area supporting a critically endangered or endangered ecological community in the list established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth), section 181; (e) a declared Ramsar wetland under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth); (f) an area of high nature conservation value under the Vegetation Management Act 1999; (g) an area, other than State-controlled land, identified in a local government‟s pest management plan as an area that has special environmental significance for native wildlife; (h) a wild river area.

Non-endemic A species of organism that is not confined to a particular geographical region

Pest Any organism, usually an animal, judged as a threat to humans. Most pests either compete with humans for natural resources or transmit disease to humans, their crops, or their livestock. For the purpose of this management plan the focus will be on declared pests under the LP Act.

Protected area Defined under the NC Act as: (a) national parks (scientific); and (b) national parks; and (c) national parks (Aboriginal land); and (d) national parks (Torres Strait Islander land); and (da) national parks (Cape York Peninsula Aboriginal land); and (e) national parks (recovery); and (f) conservation parks; and (g) resources reserves; and (h) nature refuges; and (i) coordinated conservation areas; and (j) wilderness areas; and (k) World Heritage management areas; and (l) international agreement areas.

Weed Any plant, which is a nuisance to, or interferes with, human activity, or a plant that is growing out of place. For the purpose of this management plan the focus will be on declared weeds under the LP Act.


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In this document, the following acronyms and abbreviations apply:

Acronym or Abbreviation

Definition

COE Clean on Entry point. Access areas on the right of way. Vehicles and machinery must be cleaned down before entering.

DEEDI Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation

DERM Department of Environment and Resource Management

DPI&F Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, now part of DEEDI

FEO Field Environmental Officer

LP Act Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002.

LP Reg Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Regulation 2003.

NC Act Nature Conservation Act 1992

NRM Group Natural Resource Management Group

PIMPSG Petroleum Industry (including coal seam methane gas) Minimising Pest Spread Guidelines

QGC QGC – A BG Group Business

1.5 References

Ref. Document Number

Title/Description

Declared Plants of Queensland http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7005.htm

DPI Weed Guide - http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/cps/rde/dpi/hs.xsl/4790_8331_ENA_HTML.htm

Fisheries Act 1994

Flora, fauna and weed register O:\Environment\Environmental Team- Operations\7. ENVIRONMENTAL DATA\Fauna + Flora\20080601_species_register.xls.

Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002.

Local Government Act 1993

Nature Conservation Act 1992

Petroleum Industry (including coal seam methane gas) Minimising Pest Spread Guidelines. June 2008.

QGC Environmental Guideline Weed Hygiene for Vehicles and Machinery (OPS-T-GDL-0002 Rev B February 2011).

Rabbit Control in Queensland, a guide for land managers. http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/cps/rde/dpi/hs.xsl/4790_11065_ENA_HTML.htm

WONS – Weeds of National Significance http://www.weeds.gov.au/weeds/lists/wons.html

http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7005.htmhttp://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/cps/rde/dpi/hs.xsl/4790_8331_ENA_HTML.htmfile:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/oldhamr/Local%20Settings/7.%20ENVIRONMENTAL%20DATA/Fauna%20+%20Flora/20080601_species_register.xlsfile:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/oldhamr/Local%20Settings/7.%20ENVIRONMENTAL%20DATA/Fauna%20+%20Flora/20080601_species_register.xlshttp://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/cps/rde/dpi/hs.xsl/4790_11065_ENA_HTML.htmhttp://www.weeds.gov.au/weeds/lists/wons.html


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2 Weed and Pest Management Plan

2.1 Introduction

The QGC Gas Fields cover a broad geographic area of 468,000ha (Appendix 2). Several weed and pest

animal species occur throughout these tenements. As a local landholder and industry operator, QGC

aims to support the regional community with the management of pests and weeds to minimise their

spread and economic impacts. This Weed and Pest Management Plan provides operational guidance

and an action plan for the prevention, control and eradication of pests and weeds within QGC‟s tenement

areas. QGC‟s goal is to ensure that gas field development and operations do not increase the presence

or distribution of pests and weeds within or outside the project area, and neighbouring landholders‟

properties are not adversely impacted.

A weed can be defined as any plant growing where it is not wanted. Most weeds are introduced, although

they can also be native. Weeds cost Queensland an estimated $600 million annually and have significant

impacts on primary industries and natural ecosystems, as well as human and animal health. Weeds have

natural mechanisms that ensure their spread and ongoing distribution and survival, aided by wind and

water, and movement with livestock and native animals. The movement and transport of people,

machinery, vehicles and equipment is potentially a major source of weed spread. QGC operations have

the potential to aid weed spread if not effectively managed. The following sections provide guidance in

preventing the introduction of new weeds into previously unaffected areas by QGC operations, and the

spread of weeds between QGC properties, surrounding properties and tenements.

QGC takes an integrated approach to weed management which is based around the important elements

of weed hygiene, prevention of infestations, arresting weed outbreaks using effective reporting and

physical or chemical control procedures, documenting weed infestations and auditing management

programs, and using effective rehabilitation and seeding operations to out-compete potential weed

outbreaks. QGC has a long term view of weed management across its gas field footprint and supports

managing weeds in collaboration and consultation with landholders, natural resource management

bodies and the government.

QGC‟s pest management program aims to control animal pest species already present, using acceptable

methods as well as identify potential pest species, their likely distribution and methods to prevent their

spread. QGC has a long term view of pest management across its gas field footprint and supports

effective monitoring and control of pest outbreaks in collaboration and consultation with landholders,

natural resource management bodies and the government.


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2.2 Scope

This Pest and Weed Management Plan has been created to collate existing QGC procedures and

management plans for pests and weeds into one management document and provide additional weed

and pest management methods. This document satisfies the requirements of Conditions G14 to G16 of

the Project Environmental Authority (EA) PEN100020207 issued by DERM and those of the Coordinator

General, DSEWPC and EIS commitments (Appendix 1). It is expected that this document will meet the

requirements of any EAs issued for the QCLNG Project. It applies to the Gas Field only.

3 Weeds

3.1 Relevant Legislation

In Queensland, the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 (LP Act) and the

Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Regulation 2003 (LP Reg) are the relevant

legislation regarding weeds. The LP Act and the LP Reg. provide legislative measures to manage pests

and address the impacts they have on the economy, the environment and society. The DEEDI

administers the pest provisions of the Act and its regulation.

There are three classes of declared plants under the LP Act. These plants are targeted for control

because they have, or could have, serious economic, environmental or social impacts. Class 1, 2 and 3

declared weeds that are likely to occur in the Gas Fields are listed in Appendix 3.

Class 1 weeds are not commonly present in Queensland and, if introduced, would cause an

adverse economic, environmental or social impact. Class 1 pests established in Queensland are

subject to eradication from the state, if such a pest is sighted it must be reported to DEEDI.

Class 2 pests are established in Queensland and have, or could have, an adverse economic,

environmental or social impact. Landowners must take reasonable steps to keep their land free

of Class 2 pest.

Class 3 pests are well established in Queensland and have an adverse economic, environmental

or social impact. Landowners are not required to control Class 3 pests unless the land is

adjacent to an environmentally significant area. There are a number of environmentally

significant areas in and around the QGC Gas Field tenements as shown in the QGC Gas Fields

and Significant Areas map contained in Appendix 2.

Under the Local Law provisions of the Local Government Act 1993, a local government can declare any

plants not declared under the LP Act and enforce their control. Such plants are often referred to as

environmental weeds as they can invade native ecosystems and adversely affect the survival of

indigenous flora and fauna. For example, African Lovegrass, Eragrostris curvula, is not a declared weed,

yet is undoubtedly a weed of concern for landholders in the region. Environmental weeds may have


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significant economic and social impacts, as well as environmental impacts, including reduction of

biodiversity, impacts on landscape, increased risk of fire and potential degradation of water quality.

The Land Act 1994 also has provisions requiring control of weeds declared under the LPA on leasehold

land.

3.2 General Weed Management, Hygiene and Monitoring Measures

3.2.1 Preliminary Weed Identification

Weed surveys of QGC tenements has been conducted and weed species abundance and distribution

identified. Information from these preliminary surveys has been used in the production of this document.

Pre-clearance surveys are, and will be undertaken across the QGC Gas Fields (mainly through Project

Environmental Clearances) by Field Environment Officers (FEO) to identify and record the presence of

weeds. This information will then be included into QGC‟s Constraint Planning and Field Development

Protocol (the Protocol).

3.2.2 Land Owner Consultations

QGC representatives undertake consultations with landowners on a regular basis. Preliminary

consultation forms such as the Property Evaluation Reports (PER) have been developed for land owner

consultations and weed and pest distributions and management programs are covered in these reports.

Information such as the presence of weeds, priority areas of concern for weeds on the property or

neighbouring properties and requirements for vehicle wash-down prior to entering the property will be

recorded. Information on distribution of weeds and concerns from landowner interviews are to be collated

and integrated into QGC management plans and the Protocol to ensure weed data is captured spatially.

Land-use issues such as Organic Certification and the effect on QGC chemical weed management

programs will be discussed with Landowners. QGC will ensure any future weed management on the

property does not impact on the property‟s Organic Certification.

3.2.3 Regional Council Consultations

QGC will undertake on-going consultation with Western Downs, Maranoa and Banana Regional Councils

on regional weed management plans and issues on a regular basis. Taroom Shire Council (now included

in Banana Regional Council) adopted a Pest Management Plan in 2006, identifying high priority weed

species including; Parthenium, Harrisia Cactus, Parkinsonia, African Lovegrass, Giant Rat‟s-tail Grass,

Mother of Millions and African Box Thorn. The prevention of the spread of Parthenium to the south of its

existing distribution was identified as a “Very High” priority by the Taroom Shire Council in their

management plans. Therefore QGC have included these weeds as priority for management. Several of

the regional Councils‟ Pest Management Plans including Banana and Western Downs are under review

therefore QGC commit to liaising with relevant council officers and incorporating any additional


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requirements once these plans have been finalised. This Pest and Weed Management Plan will be

reviewed at least annually and updated to address any local government issues of concern.

3.2.4 Stakeholder Organisations Consultations

The Condamine Alliance and Queensland Murray-Darling Committee are two stakeholder organisations

that work in the region of QGC‟s Gas Field tenements and have produced plans on weed and pest

management for the area. Consultation with these and other stakeholder organisations will be conducted

on a regular basis to discuss and identify priority areas of concern and weed management programs in

relation to the integration of QGC management plans and what is occurring on a regional basis. For

example the Parthenium Rapid Response Program and the National Lippia Management Strategy are

being conducted in the region.

3.2.5 Weed Identification during Operations

Ongoing weed surveys will be undertaken to identify the overall abundance and diversity of weed species

across QGC tenements and adjacent lands. High risk weeds or areas will be noted and may be used to

generate special conditions of access for gas field activities. All QGC contractors and staff will be trained

in basic weed identification and encouraged to immediately report the location of weed sightings and

provide a photo of the species to a FEO. All QGC vehicles will be issued with a weed identification

booklet to assist staff identify weeds during their daily duties. Such reports should be made using a QGC

Hazard Observation (HAZOB) Booklet. All such records will be provided to a FEO, who then ensures it is

incorporated into the QGC Weed Database (that is part of the overall QGC Protocol) to assist in tracking

weeds and their distribution, identifying management requirements, assist in monitoring and determining

the success of management, and reporting.

The FEOs will then decide the most appropriate control method and delegate this task to the appropriate

person. Only licensed Chemcert operators can spray weeds as there are health and safety risks

associated with the use of weed control chemicals. A list of QGC Chemcert licensed operators can be

obtained from the FEO or the field technical assistants. Landowners will be consulted prior to chemical

control methods being applied.

3.2.6 Operational Control Procedures

A number of operational activities in the gas exploration and production field increase the risk of weeds

being spread within the tenements and outside the Project area. Key activities to be managed include:

Movement of people, vehicles and machinery

Clearing vegetation

Movement of soil and vegetation


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Management and control procedures which must be implemented when undertaking activities that

involve these threats are described below.

Pegging Parties

Pegging parties require QGC vehicles to drive onto private properties and people to walk across a

property that may either be weed free or have weed infestations. The following steps should be taken

during pegging parties:

During the initial contact between the Land Access Officers and the Landholder, weed issues

should be discussed, including any existing weed management programs or presence of weeds

on the property. QGC weed management strategies should be conveyed to the landholder and

any landholder requests or concerns passed onto the pegging party.

This information will then be used to develop the rules for land access and incorporated into the

QGC Weed Database.

Minimise the number of vehicles taken by the pegging party onto any property.

Vehicles are to stay on designated tracks and avoid driving through long grass and weed

infestations.

Vehicles must not have been exposed to any significant risk of re-contamination between clean-

down and entry to a new property. Such events should be cause for an additional

decontamination clean-down and obtain „certification‟.

During the pegging party, the FEO should take note of and record any weed infestations. Photos

and GPS locations of any weeds shall be recorded by the FEO on an approved QGC form. This

information will then go into the QGC Weed Database and Protocol.

If there are significant weeds or infestations noted on the property during the pegging party QGC

vehicles should be cleaned down before re-entering other properties or tenements.

Any weed issues or requirements reported by the FEO will be passed on to relevant construction

staff with key recommendations for their management prior to any clearing or construction

occurring on the property.

Infrastructure Earthworks and Track Construction

During the construction period the following steps must be taken:

Earthmoving machinery must be cleaned down prior to entering the property if requested by the

landholder or advised by a FEO. See Weed Hygiene for Vehicles and Machinery Guidelines

section below.

Earthmoving machinery must be cleaned down as soon as possible, either on site or at the

closest clean-down facility, upon completion of works and leaving the property if advised by a

FEO or operators notice the presence of weeds in the construction area.


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If the construction area is located over a number of properties, the FEO will make a

recommendation in the relevant site environmental approval if machinery will need to be cleaned

down when moving between properties.

Local Borrow Pits will be utilised in the construction of site infrastructure earthworks. Location of

the Borrow Pits will consider weed dispersal issues.

Topsoil from Borrow Pits will be stockpiled for use in site rehabilitation and any weeds controlled

before transportation to other sites.

Prior to importing bulk materials and products, including earthworks fill, QGC will confirm with

suppliers the weed status of materials by requesting a written statement i.e. weed hygiene

declaration form as per guidelines set out below.

Drilling

During drilling operations the following steps must be taken:

Drilling rigs and associated vehicles and equipment will require clean-down if advised by a FEO,

or if the contractor is aware the rig has been operating in a weed risk area.

External contractors must provide the QGC Rig Drilling Supervisor with appropriate

documentation to verify that vehicles and equipment have been cleaned before entering QGC

leases.

Pipeline Construction

During survey mark-up, clear and grade, trenching and rehabilitation, the following steps must be taken:

Site environmental clearances will follow the same procedure as for pegging parties.

During the clear and grade, earthworks machinery and any vehicles entering the right of way

must be cleaned prior to entering and upon completion of works. All machinery arriving at

QGC‟s right of way for clear and grade must be accompanied by a weed free declaration and

should be inspected by QGC FEOs prior to works commencing.

Once clear and grade of the right of way is complete, „Clean on Entry‟ points (COE) will be

established along the right of way. Marked by signs, these will be the only access points for

machinery and vehicles during pipeline trenching and construction. Machinery and vehicles

must use COE and as long as they do not leave the right of way, gravel roads or sealed roads

and it has not rained, they will not require rewashing. COE will be located at points that intercept

gravel or sealed roads so that minimal rewashing will be required. If a COE point is required

away from gravel or sealed roads, the access track will be constructed in such a way that

minimal rewashing will be required.

Rehabilitation Works


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Rehabilitation equipment will need to be cleaned down upon entry of right of way and upon

completion of work.

FEOs will ensure from suppliers in writing, materials imported for rehabilitation including; topsoil

and seed stock are weed free. i.e. weed hygiene declaration form as per guidelines set out

below.

Machinery and equipment must be cleaned down before movements between gas fields as per

the following guidelines through designated COE points.

Operations

All QGC vehicles should be cleaned on a regular basis. During day to day operational visits by

Production Operators and other staff, vehicles will not require a clean-down as long as they do not leave

sealed roads, gravel roads or well pads. The only exception to this is if a FEO recommends vehicles and

equipment are to be cleaned upon leaving high risk areas. If a vehicle enters an area where it has

recently received rain and is muddy, the vehicle should be cleaned as soon as possible.

If a vehicle passes through a suspected weed infestation area, it is the driver‟s responsibility to ensure a

clean-down is completed. For example, pulling onto the road verge to take a phone call might expose the

vehicle to weeds such as lovegrass and mother of millions which are common in disturbance zones.

Vehicle operators will be responsible for record keeping and are subject to audit.

3.2.7 Reporting and Mapping

Following on-site weed identification and relevant consultations, weed location information in the form of

GPS coordinates or site location descriptions are to be provided to QGC FEOs with the location and

details of weeds to then be entered into a QGC Weed Database and Protocol. Records will also be kept

of what management action may have been taken after the record was made. Weed mapping information

will be developed from the database and used in the development of site specific weed management

plans. Follow-up treatment, inspections and monitoring will be used to study the effectiveness of these

plans.

3.3 Weed Hygiene for Vehicles and Machinery Guidelines

QGC‟s Environmental Guideline Weed Hygiene for Vehicles and Machinery (OPS-T-GDL-0002 Rev B

February 2011) has been prepared by QGC to include requirements outlined in the “Petroleum Industry

(including coal seam methane gas) Minimising Pest Spread Guidelines” (PIMPSG) and “Queensland

checklist for Clean-down Procedures”.


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An overarching framework that outlines the main approach to when QGC vehicles or machinery should

be cleaned and to what extent is provided in Appendix 4. This matrix is taken from the „Petroleum

Industry (including coal seam methane gas) Minimising Pest Spread Guidelines‟.

3.3.1 General Vehicle Measures to Minimise Weed Spread

The following general measures should be applied by all staff and contractors to minimise weed spread:

Vehicles to avoid leaving designated access tracks or roads;

Vehicles, machinery and equipment suspected of carrying weed seed will be cleaned following

the recommendations listed below;

Project-specific weed management recommendations will be identified in each project‟s

Construction Environmental Management Plan and the project specific Land Access Rules

Overview;

QGC fleet vehicles must be thoroughly washed once per week and interiors thoroughly cleaned

once per month;

Each QGC or contractor vehicle must have a current Weed Inspection Report or weed

declaration when arriving on QGC land or leaving QGC private property for work purposes;

Ensure clothing and footwear are free of mud and seeds before stepping in vehicles;

Work in clean areas first or start in areas with the least amount of infestation during peak seed

production times;

Secure loads that are suspected to contain weed seeds;

QGC field staff and contractors to receive basic weed identification training and be issued with a

weed booklet;

Contact the Environment Team for any enquiries or for reporting of weed sightings;

Report weed sightings to FEO, record in QGC GIS Database and incorporate into QGC Protocol.

3.3.2 Cleaning of Vehicles and Machinery

Clean-down requirements and procedures are detailed in QGC‟s Environmental Guideline Weed

Hygiene for Vehicles and Machinery (OPS-T-GDL-0002 Rev B February 2011). It is the responsibility

of every contractor/employee to keep their vehicles and machinery weed free. This includes regularly

checking and cleaning the vehicle, in particular when driving off-road. QGC employees using a fleet

vehicle are expected to wash their car once per week and clean the interior monthly. This is the minimum

requirement.


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QGC‟s Environmental Guideline (OPS-T-GDL-0002 Rev B February 2011) indicates that two forms are

to be used as part of the Weed Hygiene Procedures: -

the Weed Hygiene Declaration Form issued by the Queensland Government; and

the QGC Internal Weed Hygiene Inspection Report.

The Weed Hygiene Declaration Form should generally be used every time a thing such as a vehicle or

other piece of machinery is transported to a new area or property and on request and is further explained

in Section 3.3.3.

The QGC Internal Weed Hygiene Inspection Report serves as a supplement form that should be used as

a means of good company practice as it lists individual cleaned items and can only be signed by a

competent inspector. The weed hygiene inspection report should be used to manage land holder specific

weed free requests.

The location of QGC clean-down facilities will be determined in the operational planning phase for each

field based on results of pre-clearance surveys, pegging parties, confirmation of the location of

infrastructure and consultation with landowners. Currently numerous local community clean-down

facilities are located within the Gas Field region and are listed in Table 1.

Table 1: Washdown facilities within the Gas Field region

Location Address Standard Requirements/Comments

Chinchilla Chinchilla Saleyards,

Slessar Street

Town water pressure

No under body wash

No compressed air

Supply your own hose 1 ¼”

Notice required – Western Downs Regional Council,

Chinchilla Service Centre, Heeney Street.

Kenya Kenya Guardhouse High pressure water

No under body wash

No compressed air

Open 24 hours

No notice required

Kenya Pond High pressure water

Under body wash

No compressed air

Open 24 hours

No notice required

Tara Tara Saleyards,

Surat Development Road

Town water pressure

No under body wash

No compressed air

Own pump can be fitter

Notice required – Western Downs Regional Council,

Tara Service Centre.

Wandoan Wandoan Saleyards, Windeyer Road

High pressure water

No under body wash

No compressed air

Supply your own hose

Open 24 hours

No notice required

Windibri

Windibri Warehouse High pressure water

No under body wash

No compressed air

Open 24 hours

No notice required


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3.3.3 Weed Hygiene Declaration

Under the LP Act, it is an offence to supply a thing that is contaminated with a Class 1 or Class 2 weed.

For Class 2 weeds, however, there is an exemption: A person does not breach the Act if they provide a

written notice that states that the thing is or may be contaminated with a Class 2 weed and hands out this

written notice to the receiver before the thing is supplied. “Written notice” in the sense of the Act is the

Weed Hygiene Declaration (Appendix 5). This notice has to be filled out by the supplier prior to entering

the property and contains information about the type of equipment that is supplied or transported and its

contamination status. Machinery, such as vehicles, is considered clean when no soil or organic matter

that may contain weeds or weed seeds is attached to the machinery.

The Weed Hygiene Declaration provides information on two separate activities, Part 1- Sale or supply of

things and Part 2 - Transport of contaminated things. Part 1 should be completed if a new vehicle is

transported to a sensitive area or the purchase of materials (organic matter) requires proof of weed free

supply for example in rehabilitation or earthworks operations. Weed Hygiene Declarations are to be kept

by both the supplier and receiver for five years for these activities. Part 2 should be completed when

machinery or persons are moving from location to location or in QGC case, property to property. If the

things is deemed to be contaminated, the receiver can either refuse the thing or take precautions to

prevent new weed infestations. Failure to supply a written notice can incur a penalty of up to $40 000.

3.3.4 Weed Hygiene Inspection Report

QGC provides a company internal Weed Hygiene Inspection Report as a supplement to the Weed

Hygiene Declaration Form (Appendix 6). The Weed Hygiene Inspection Report itemises the cleaned and

inspected locations in detail and gives comprehensive information about the vehicle/machinery. It is

recommended because it ensures proof of process and due diligence in the weed management

procedure. The form provides evidence for future reference should a situation relating to the spread of

weeds arise to acknowledge the steps taken on weed control (QGC Environmental Guideline: Weed

Hygiene for Vehicles and Machinery. OPS-T-GDL-00002, Rev B February 2011).

The Hygiene Inspection Report can only be signed by an inspector who has been trained and deemed

competent by successfully completing the courses RTD2312A and RTD2313A provided by Greening

Australia and other organisations. Authorised Vehicle Inspectors can be QGC or third party contractors.

Third party certifications are currently conducted under certain circumstances such as cases where

landholders raise significant concerns.

The following table provides information on authorised third party weed inspectors current at the time of

report preparation (Table 2). For further information please contact the providers directly.


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Table 2: Authorised Third Party Inspectors

Organisation Contact Details Information

Weed Hygiene Inspection Services

Greg Jackson

Ph. 0427 224 540

Ph. 0428 221 740

[email protected]

30 Corfe Road, Roma

24 hour hotline

http://whis.com.au/

Greening Australia Chris Hoffmann

Ph. 07 3902 4444

Ph. 0439 715 443

Office South East Queensland (SEQ)

333 Bennetts Road, Norman Park QLD 4170

http://www.greeningaustralia.org.au/

Maranoa Oilfield Services

Patrick Allen

Ph. 07 4634 4209

Ph. 0409 483 928

No website

DWD and vehicle Inspections

Mandy and Warren Krause

Ph. 0417 511 455

Ph. 0407 148 803

Based out of Dalby

Star Contracting Services

Tony Star Ph. 0488 691 222 Based in Chinchilla

3.4 Weed Species Recorded or with Potential to Occur in the Gas Fields

Weed species recorded or with potential to occur in the Gas Fields are listed in Table 3. These are

considered as „Weeds of Concern‟ for the Gas Fields and are the focus of management controls and

specifications outlined in this report.

Table 3: Weed species recorded or with potential to occur in the Gas Fields

Common Name WONS* Stakeholder Concerned¥

Presence in Gas Field¶

Class 1 Declared Plants

Gleditsia spp. Honey Locust CA, QMDBA,

TSC TBC

Nassella neesiana Chilean Needle Grass WONS CA, QMDBA Possible


Ambrosia artemisiifolia Annual Ragweed CA Likely

Baccharis halimifolia Groundsel Bush CA Possible

Bryophyllum delagoense syn. B. tubiflorum, Kalanchoe delagoensis)

Mother of millions CA, TSC Yes

Bryophyllum x houghtonii (syn. B. daigremontianum x B. delagoense, Kalanchoe x houghtonii

Mother of millions hybrid CA, TSC Yes

Eichhornia crassipes Water Hyacinth QMDBA Possible


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Harrisia martinii syn. Eriocereus martinii, H. tortuosa and H. pomanensis syn. Cereus pomanensis

Harrisia cactus CA, QMDBA,

TSC Yes

Hymenachne amplexicaulis Hymenachne WONS QMDBA Likely

Lycium ferocissimum African boxthorn CA, QMDBA,

TSC Yes

Opuntia spp. Common prickly pear, Velvety tree pear, Tiger pear

TSC Yes

Parkinsonia aculeate Parkinsonia WONS QMDBA, TSC TBC

Parthenium hysterophorus Parthenium WONS CA, QMDBA,

TSC Yes

Pistia stratiotes Water Lettuce QMDBA TBC

Prosopis glandulosa Honey Mesquite WONS CA, QMDBA Likely

Prosopis pallida Algaroba WONS CA, QMDBA Likely

Prosopis velutina Velvet Mesquite WONS CA, QMDBA Likely

Salvinia molesta Salvinia WONS CA, QMDBA Likely

Sporobolus africanus Parramatta grass Yes

Sporobolus fertilis Giant Parramatta grass CA Possible

Sporobolus jacquemontii American rat‟s tail grass Possible

Sporobolus pyramidalis and S. natalensis)

Giant rat‟s tail grass TSC Possible

Ziziphus mauritiana Chinese apple TSC TBC


Celtis sinensis Chinese Celtis Yes

Cinnamomum camphora Camphor Laurel QMDBA Likely

Lantana spp. Lantana WONS CA, QMDBA Possible

Lingustrum lucidum and L.sinense

Privet spp. CA, QMDBA TBC

Macfadyena unguis-cati Cats-Claw Creeper QMDBA Likely

Rubus spp. Blackberry WONS CA, QMDBA TBC

Schinus terebinthifolius Broad-leaved Pepper Tree TSC Likely

Tamarix aphylla Athel Pine TSC Likely

Local Law

Datura spp. Thornapples / Stromonium CA TBC

Pyracantha angustiflora Firethorn CA TBC

Xanthium pungens Noogoora Burr CA Yes

Xanthium spinosa Bathurst Burr CA Yes

Non-declared Plants

Acacia farnesiana Mimosa Bush QMDBA, TSC TBC

Argemone ochroleuca & A. mexicana

Mexican Poppy TSC TBC

Carthamus lanatus Saffron Thistle TSC TBC

Echinochloa polystachya Aleman Grass, Carib Grass QMDBA TBC

Eragrostis curvula African Lovegrass TSC Yes

Eremophila maculata Fuchsia Bush TSC TBC

Ipomoea cairica Coastal Morning Glory, Mile-a-Minute

QMDBA TBC

Ipomoea indica Purple Morning Glory QMDBA TBC


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Ipomoea purpurea Common Morning Glory QMDBA TBC

Phyla canescens Lippia, Condamine Couch CA, QMDBA Yes

Silybum marianum Variegated Thistle TSC TBC

*WONS – weeds of national significance (http://www.weeds.gov.au/weeds/lists/wons.html )

¥- CA - Condamine Alliance; QMDBA - Queensland Murray-Darling Basin Authority; TSC - Taroom Shire Council

¶ Yes - Confirmed Presence; Likely - DEEDI distribution maps show presence near Gas Field; Possibly - Possible

presence in region; TBC - To Be Confirmed

3.5 Specific Weed Management, Hygiene and Monitoring Measures

Specific weed management, hygiene and monitoring measures are provided for those weed species in

Table 3 that have been confirmed as occurring in the Gas Fields. These measures have been drawn

largely on information provided by Primary Industries and Fisheries section of DEEDI in their weed fact

sheets (Declared Plants of Queensland, http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7005.htm).

3.5.1 Bryophyllum species

Plate 1: Mother of Millions www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7324.htm

Plate 2: Mother of Millions Flowers www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7324.htm

Mother of Millions (Bryophyllum spp.)

Class 2 Declared weed species;

Occurs over substantial areas in Queensland after originating in Madagascar;

Erect, smooth fleshy succulent weeds that are poisonous to stock if eaten;

Propagation from seed and plantlets that grow along the edges of the leaves;

Transportation via water movement;

Common in localised areas over the majority of the gas field tenements;

Refer to DEEDI Mother of Millions fact sheet for prevention and control methods (Declared

Plants of Queensland, http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7005.htm).;

Mother of Millions distribution map produced by Biosecurity Queensland is provided in

http://www.weeds.gov.au/weeds/lists/wons.htmlhttp://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7005.htmhttp://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7005.htm


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Appendix 7;

QGC Gas Field distribution maps will be produced as field distribution data is continually collated

and updated.


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3.5.2 Harrisia species

Plate 3: Harrisia Cactus www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7297.htm

Plate 4: Harrisia Cactus Fruit www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7297.htm

Harrisia cactus species (Harrisia spp.);


Common to abundant in central and southern Queensland after introduction from South America;

Shade tolerant and well adapted to infest brigalow and associated softwood areas;

Characterised by their fleshy jointed stems forming a half a metre high tangle of spiky cactus;

Each stem section of the mat-like plant can root and form a deep, underground tuberous root

system that can survive the death of the above ground parts;

Propagation occurs from seed contained in round red fruits and regrowth of stem segments and

underground tubers;

Harrisia cactus is found occasionally in localised areas over parts of the gas field tenements;

Refer to DEEDI Harrisia Cactus fact sheet for control methods (Declared Plants of Queensland,

http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7005.htm);

Harrisia cactus distribution map produced by Biosecurity Queensland, is provided in

Appendix 7;


and updated.

http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7005.htm


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3.5.3 Lycium ferocissimum

Plate 5: African Boxthorn Branch www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7105.htm

Plate 6: African Boxthorn Branch www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7105.htm

African Boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum);


Distributed widely through Southern Queensland after originating in southern Africa;

A perennial spiny shrub up to 5m in height with clusters of leaves;

Forms dense thickets which are impenetrable to stock and damaging to tyres;

Propagation occurs from seed spread by birds and other animals;


Refer to DEEDI African Boxthorn fact sheet for control methods (Declared Plants of Queensland,


African Boxthorn distribution map produced by Biosecurity Queensland, is provided in Appendix

7;


and updated.



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3.5.4 Opuntia species

Plate 7: Prickly Pear with Cactoblastis www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7343.htm

Plate 8: Prickly Pear www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7343.htm

Prickly Pear species (Opuntia spp.);

Class 2 Declared weed species naturalised in Queensland from the Americas;

Erect, fleshy succulent weeds that have various forms of spikes;

Propagation occurs from seed dispersed by native and introduced birds and animals;


Refer to DEEDI Prickly Pear fact sheet for control methods (Declared Plants of Queensland,


Prickly Pear species distribution map produced by Biosecurity Queensland is provided in

Appendix 7;


and updated.



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3.5.5 Parthenium hysterophorus

Plate 9: Parthenium www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7334.htm

Plate 10: Parthenium Infestation www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7334.htm

Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus);


Common to abundant in widespread areas of central and southern Queensland after introduction

from North and South America;

An annual herb with deeply lobed leaves, small white flowers and may reach two metres in

height;

Infests pastures and crops, and reduces the growth rate of other plants by both competition and

through the production of a growth-inhibiting exudate from its roots;

Propagation occurs from seeds with each plant capable of producing approximately fifteen

thousand seeds that are viable for ten years;

Seed is spread easily by water, farm and industrial machinery, feral animals, vehicles, stock

fodder and movement of stock, grain and seed;

It is occasionally found in localised areas of the gas field tenements;

Refer to DEEDI Parthenium fact sheet for control methods (Declared Plants of Queensland,


Parthenium distribution map produced by Biosecurity Queensland is provided in Appendix 7;


and updated.



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3.5.6 Sporobolus africanus and other Rat’s Tail grasses

Plate 11: Giant Rat’s Tail (GRT) Grass www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7288.htm

Plate 12: GRT Grass Infestation www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7288.htm

Giant Rat’s Tail Grasses (Sporobolus spp.)


Common across large areas of eastern Australia;

Robust, tufted, invasive grasses that can out-compete desirable pasture plants;

Propagation occurs from seed which can be spread by livestock, other animals, vehicles and

machinery and in pasture seed;

These species are occasionally found in localised areas over the gas field tenements;

Refer to DEEDI Giant Rat‟s Tail Grass fact sheet for control methods (Declared Plants of

Queensland, http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7005.htm);

Biosecurity Queensland produced Giant Rat‟s Tail Grass distribution map is provided in

Appendix 7;


and updated.



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3.5.7 Celtis sinensis

Plate 13: Chinese Celtis Fruit www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7228.htm

Plate 14: Chinese Celtis www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7228.htm

Chinese celtis (Celtis sinensis);


Originating in Asia and naturalised throughout south east Queensland;

A fast growing tree up to 12m in height forming dense infestations along water ways;

Propagation occurs through seed dispersal by birds;

Chinese elm is occasionally found in localised areas of the gas field tenements;

Refer to DEEDI Chinese Celtis fact sheet for control methods (Declared Plants of Queensland,


Chinese Celtis distribution map produced by Biosecurity Queensland is provided in Appendix 7;


and updated.



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3.5.8 Xanthium pungens and X. spinosa

Plate 15: Noogoora Burr Fruit www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7329.htm

Plate 16: Noogoora Burr www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7329.htm

Plate 17: Bathurst Burr Fruit www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7150.htm

Plate 18: Bathurst Burr www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7150.htm

Noogoora Burr and Bathurst Burr (Xanthium pungens and X. spinosa);


Originating in the Americas and distributed through southern, western and central Queensland;

Annual erect herbs up to 2.5m in height with roughly textured leaves that are poisonous to stock

if eaten;

Propagation occurs from the spread of seeds attached to animals;

The Burr species are occasional to common in widespread areas over the gas field tenements;

Refer to DERM Noogoora Burr and Bathurst Burr fact sheets for control methods (Declared

Plants of Queensland, http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7005.htm);

Noogoora Burr and Bathurst Burr distribution maps produced by Biosecurity Queensland are

provided in Appendix 7;



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and updated.

3.5.9 Eragrostis curvula

Plate 19: African Lovegrass Seed www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7108.htm

Plate 20: African Lovegrass www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7108.htm

African Lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula);

Non-declared weed species;

Accidently introduced from southern Africa and naturalised in all Australian states;

An aggressive invader out-competing other pasture species, especially on sparsely vegetated

sandy soils;

Propagation occurs from seed which can be spread by livestock, other animals, vehicles and

machinery;

Widespread over the gas field tenements;

Refer to DEEDI African Lovegrass fact sheet for control methods (Declared Plants of

Queensland, http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7005.htm);

African Lovegrass distribution map produced by Biosecurity Queensland is provided in

Appendix 7;


and updated.



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3.5.10 Phyla canescens

Plate 21: Lippia www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7312.htm

Plate 22: Lippia Infestation www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7312.htm

Lippia (Phyla canescens);

Non-declared weed species;

An accidental introduction, naturalised in all Australian states;

A perennial herb that forms mat-like ground cover with runners and small leaves;

An aggressive invader into riparian areas forming dense carpets that prevents growth of other

vegetation;

Propagation occurs from transported seeds and runners that take root at nodes;

This species is found in localised areas over the gas field tenements;

Refer to DEEDI Lippia fact sheet for control methods (Declared Plants of Queensland,


Lippia distribution map produced by Biosecurity Queensland is provided in Appendix 7;


and updated.



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3.5.11 Aquatic Weed Species

Plate 23: Water Hyacinth www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7386.htm

Plate 24: Hymenachne www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7303.htm

Plate 25: Water Lettuce www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7387.htm

Plate 26: Salvinia www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7350.htm

Aquatic weed species including; Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), Hymenachne

(Hymenachne amplexicaulis), Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) and Salvinia (Salvinia molesta);

Class 2 Declared species;

Occasional to abundant in density in localised areas of eastern Queensland;

These species grow and reproduce rapidly, many forming dense mats that shade out native

plants;

Propagation usually occurs from vegetative means and or transported spores or seeds;

These species are occasionally to abundantly found in localised areas over the gas field

tenements;

Refer to DEEDI fact sheets on aquatic weeds (Declared Plants of Queensland,




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Aquatic weed distribution maps produced by Biosecurity Queensland are provided in Appendix

7;


and updated.

QGC dams will be monitored to ensure there is no translocation of aquatic weeds associated

with water releases.

4 Pests

4.1 Relevant Legislation

In Queensland, the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 (LP Act) is the

relevant legislation regarding animal pests. The LP Act and the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route

Management) Regulation 2003 (LP Reg.) provide legislative measures to manage pests and address the

impacts they have on the economy, the environment and society. The Department of Employment,

Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) administers the pest provisions of the Act and its

regulation.

There are three classes of declared animals under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route

Management) Act 2002. These animals are targeted for control because they have, or could have,

serious economic, environmental or social impacts. Class 1, 2 and 3 declared animals are listed in

Appendix 8.

Class 1 pests are not commonly present in Queensland and, if introduced, would cause an

adverse economic, environmental or social impact. Class 1 pests established in Queensland are

subject to eradication from the state; if such a pest is sighted it must be reported to the DEEDI.

Class 2 pests are established in Queensland and have, or could have, an adverse economic,

environmental or social impact. Landowners must take reasonable steps to keep their land free

of Class 2 pest.

Class 3 pests are well established in Queensland and have an adverse economic, environmental

or social impact. Landowners are not required to control Class 3 pests unless the land is

adjacent to an environmentally significant area. There are a number of environmentally

significant areas in and around the QGC Gas Field tenements as shown in the QGC Gas Fields

and Environmentally Significant Areas map contained in Appendix 2.

Under the Local Law provisions of the Local Government Act 1993, a local government can declare any

animals not declared under the LP Act and enforce their control. For example, Eastern Grey Kangaroo,

Macropus giganteus, is not a declared pest, yet is a perceived pest when in overabundance. Non-

declared animals of concern when in excessive numbers may have significant economic and social


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impacts by competing for food or destroying crops, as well as environmental impacts, including reduction

of biodiversity, impacts on the landscape and degradation of water quality.

The DEEDI recommends control and reporting on non-declared pest animals. Management of these

pests requires coordination and they are subject to programs led by regional government, industry and/or

landowners.

In Queensland, the Fisheries Act 1994 (Fisheries Act) is the relevant legislation regarding noxious fish

pests. The Fisheries Act provides legislative measures to manage pest fish and address the impacts they

have on the economy, the environment and society. The DEEDI administers the noxious pest provisions

of the Act and its regulation.

In line with the federal government, under the Fisheries Act 1994 the state government can declare any

fish that is or may become a pest to native aquatic communities. For example, European, Mirror and Koi

Carp, Cyprinus carpio, is a declared noxious fish and may not be kept, sold or brought into the state and

may not be released or used as bait in Queensland waters. Landowners (including QGC) are required to

control any possible release of noxious fish from their impoundments.

4.2 General Pest and Waste Management and Monitoring Measures

4.2.1 Preliminary Pest Identification

Preliminary pest surveys may be undertaken, usually in conjunction with vegetation surveys, to identify

the abundance and distribution of pest species across QGC tenements and adjacent lands. Pre-

clearance surveys are also being undertaken across the QGC Gas Fields (mainly through Project

Environmental Clearances) by Field Environment Officers (FEO) that identify and record the presence of

feral animals. This information will then be included into QGC‟s Constraint Planning and Field

Development Protocol (the Protocol).

Incidental identification of pest distribution such as signs of feral pig activity may be discovered during

these preliminary surveys. High abundance and distribution of pest species will be noted and may be

used to generate special conditions of access or controls for gas field activities. A survey of QGC owned

tenements has been conducted and incidental identification of pest activities has been recorded.

Information from these surveys has been accounted for in this document.

4.2.2 Land Owner/Manager Consultations

QGC representatives undertake consultations with landowners on a regular basis. Preliminary

consultation forms such as the Property Evaluation Reports (PER) have been developed for land owner

consultations and weed and pest distributions and management programs are covered in these reports.

Information such as the presence of feral animals on the property or neighbouring properties and any

feral animal management programs in place will be recorded. Information on distribution of feral animals


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and control programs are to be collated and integrated into QGC management plans and the Protocol to

ensure feral animal data is captured spatially.

4.2.3 Regional Councils

Consultation with Western Downs, Maranoa and Banana Regional Councils will be conducted in regards

to regional pest management plans and areas of concern regarding these issues. Taroom Shire Council

(now included in Banana Regional Council) adopted a Pest Management Plan in 2006, identifying high

priority pest species including; Locusts, Wild Dogs/Dingoes and Feral Pigs. The programs included

maintaining baiting provisions, coordinating landholder baiting programs and public awareness exercises.

QGC will work with local governments in the implementation of feral animal control programs where they

are the landowner or it is an area directly impacted by QGC operations.

4.2.4 Stakeholder Organisations Consultations

The Condamine Alliance and Queensland Murray-Darling Committee are two stakeholder organisations

that work in the region of QGC‟s Gas Field tenements and have produced plans on weed and pest

management for the area. Consultation with these and other stakeholder organisations are to be

conducted on a regular basis to discuss and identify priority areas of concern and pest management

programs in relation to integrating QGC management plans.

4.2.5 Pest Identification during Operations

The overall abundance and diversity of pest species across QGC tenements and adjacent lands will be

identify during field surveys. High risk pests or areas will be noted and may be used to generate special

conditions of control during gas field activities. QGC infrastructure is audited by the Environmental Team

annually and additional follow-up field surveys will be conducted at this time. All QGC contractors and

staff are encouraged to immediately report the location of pest sightings and provide a photo where

possible of the species to a FEO. Such reports should be made using a QGC Hazard Observation

(HAZOB) Booklet. The FEOs will then liaise with the relevant local government pest officer and decide

the most appropriate control method or program. Only certified operators can be used to control pest

infestations and they are most effective when undertaken across properties (rather than one property at a

time). Landowners will be notified prior to any pest animal control being undertaken.

4.2.6 Accommodation Camp Waste Management

The risk of increased pest species populations due to accommodation camps in the Gas Fields is

significant. To control the associated risks with large accommodation camps, waste management

procedures will be produced and monitoring of camp environs for pest species will be conducted.

Procedures will predominately focus on reducing the amount and access to food waste by pest species.

Wild dog, feral pig, fox and vermin pest species populations will be monitored near the camps and results


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collated to allow development of control programs for these species. Control of pest species will be in

accordance with waste management guidelines and where possible integrated with other programs in the

region.

4.2.7 Reporting and Mapping

Following on-site pest identification and relevant consultations, pest location information in the form of

GPS coordinates or site location descriptions are to be provided to QGC FEOs with the location and

details of the pest to then be entered into the QGC Protocol. Records will also be kept of what

management action may have been taken after the record was made. Pest animal mapping information

will be developed from the database and used to assist in decision making. Follow-up treatment,

inspections and monitoring will be used to study the effectiveness of these plans.

4.3 Pest Species Recorded or with Potential to Occur in the Gas Fields

Pest animal species recorded or with potential to occur in the Gas Fields are listed in Table 4. These

form pests of concern for the Gas Fields and subject to management as detailed in this report.

Table 4: Pest species recorded or with potential to occur in the gas fields

Species Common Name Stakeholder Concerned¥

Presence in Gas Field¶

Class 1 Declared Animals

Anoplolepis gracilipes Crazy Ant CA, QMDBA TBC

Solenopsis invicta Fire Ant CA, QMDBA TBC


Austracris guttulosa Spur-throated Locust QMDBA TBC

Axis and Cervus spp. Wild Deer QMDBA Possibly

Canis familiaris Wild Dog CA, QMDBA,

TSC Yes

Canis familiaris dingo Dingo CA, QMDBA,

TSC Yes

Capra hircus Feral Goats QMDBA Yes

Chortoicetus terminifera Australian Plague Locust CA, QMDBA,

TSC TBC

Felis catus Feral Cat QMDBA Yes

Locusta migratoria Locusts – Migratory QMDBA TBC

Oryctolagus cuniculus European Rabbit CA, QMDBA,

TSC Yes

Sus scrofa Feral Pig CA, QMDBA,

TSC Yes

Vulpes vulpes Fox QMDBA Yes


Dama dama Feral Fallow Deer QMDBA TBC

Noxious Animals

Cyprinus carpio European, Koi and Mirror Carp QMDBA Possibly

Gambusia holbrooki Mosquitofish QMDBA Possibly


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Non Declared Animals

Acridotheres tristis Indian Myna QMDBA TBC

Ardea ibis Egrets (Overabundant Native) QMDBA Possibly

Bufo marinus Cane Toad QMDBA Yes

Culicidae spp. Mosquito spp. Yes

Equus asinus Feral Donkey QMDBA TBC

Equus caballus Wild Horse QMDBA Possibly

Lepus europaeus European Hare QMDBA, TSC Likely

Macropus rufus Kangaroo (Overabundant Native) QMDBA Possibly

Range of species Wallaby (Overabundant Native) QMDBA Possibly

Mus musculus House Mouse QMDBA, TSC Yes

Mustela furo Ferret QMDBA TBC

Rattus rattus Black Rat QMDBA, TSC Yes

Sturnus vulgaris Starlings QMDBA Possibly

Threskiornis molucca Ibis (Overabundant Native) QMDBA Possibly

¥- CA - Condamine Alliance; QMDBA - Queensland Murray-Darling Basin Authority; TSC - Taroom Shire Council

Yes - Confirmed Presence; Likely - DEEDI distribution maps show presence near Gas Field; Possibly - Possible

presence in region; TBC - To Be Confirmed.

4.4 Specific Pest Management and Monitoring Measures

Specific pest management, hygiene and monitoring measures are provided for those pest species in

Table 4 that have been confirmed as occurring in the Gas Fields. These measures have drawn largely

on information provided by Primary Industries and Fisheries section of DEEDI.

4.4.1 Management of Rabbits

Plate 27: Rabbit www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_8288.htm

Plate 28: Rabbits www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_8288.htm

Rabbits are a highly destructive pest that cost the Australian economy between $600m-$1b per year.

Rabbits are regularly sighted on QGC properties, and have been increasing in numbers leading to


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pasture degradation on not only QGC land but also neighbouring properties. The most effective solution

for rabbit control as prescribed in the Rabbit Control in Queensland handbook, published by the former

DPI&F Queensland (now DEEDI), is the destruction of warrens with machinery and then as a „mop up‟,

the controlled shooting of the remaining animals. The destroyed warren or refuge areas should then be

fenced off. These techniques, if carried out properly, should lead to a long term control of the rabbit

population, in the area, especially if carried out in conjunction with neighbouring land owners.

Consultations in regards to the Darling Downs-Moreton Rabbit Board Fence have been conducted and

are continuing between QGC and DEEDI.

A Rabbit distribution map produced by Biosecurity Queensland, is provided in Appendix 9. QGC will

participate in any Rabbit control programs that may be coordinated by local government or other

stakeholder in consultation with affected landowners. QGC Gas Field distribution maps will be produced

as field distribution data is continually collated.

4.4.2 Management of Wild Dogs and Dingoes

Plate 29: Dingo behind fence www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_8290.htm

Plate 30: Dingo www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_8290.htm

There are several techniques for the management of wild dogs mentioned by the DEEDI including the

use of pesticides in bait, trapping, exclusion fencing, shooting and guard animals (DEEDI July 2010a).

Wild dogs and dingoes are not currently considered a significant threat on QGC tenements. However

state government statistics show the number of wild dogs is growing rapidly in the area and is becoming

more of an issue. The DEEDI considers shooting by professionals to be of low concern in regard to

animal welfare and is considered an appropriate control method. QGC will be taking part in a Dalby

Regional Council initiated Feral Dog Baiting Program. QGC will engage in consultation with Biosecurity

Queensland in regards to future baiting programs.


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Consultations in regards to the Wild Dog Barrier Fence have been conducted and are continuing

between QGC and DEEDI.

A Wild Dog distribution map produced by Biosecurity Queensland, is provided in Appendix 9. QGC Gas

Field distribution maps will be produced as field distribution data is continually collated.

4.4.3 Management of Feral Pigs

Plate 31: Feral Pig www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_8280.htm

Plate 32: Feral Pigs in Trap www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_8280.htm

Feral Pigs are difficult to control for a number of reasons as outlined by the DEEDI fact sheet on control

of feral pigs (DEEDI July 2010b). The recommended strategy for the control of pigs is trapping, and

whilst this is time consuming it is acknowledged to be the best solution in terms of welfare and control

available. The traps can be made with pig specific triggers that ensure that other local fauna is not

affected. QGC will engage in consultation with Biosecurity Queensland and other stakeholders in regards

to any future Feral Pig baiting programs.

A Feral Pig distribution map produced by Biosecurity Queensland, is provided in Appendix 9. QGC Gas

Field distribution maps will be produced as field distribution data is continually collated.


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4.4.4 Management of Foxes

Plate 33: Fox in Log www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_8282.htm

Plate 34: Fox stalking Chickens www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_8282.htm

Foxes are a prominent pest in the area of the QGC Gas Field tenements and their population is

increasing. The control of foxes should suit individual circumstances. In some instances it may be

desirable for foxes to remain because of their ability to control other pests. Options for the control of the

fox include poisoning, trapping, shooting, guard animals and exclusion fencing (DEEDI July 2010c).

A Fox distribution map produced by Biosecurity Queensland, is provided in Appendix 9. QGC Gas Field

distribution maps will be produced as field distribution data is continually collated.

4.4.5 Management of Macropods

Plate 35: Kangaroo www.derm.qld.gov.au/wildlife-ecosystems

Plate 36: Kangaroos www.safefood.qld.gov.au

The macropods commonly found on QGC Gas Field tenements are the Eastern Grey Kangaroo and Red

Necked Wallaby. The macropod population is viewed as a threat to agricultural production. Should a field


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survey indicate that control is required; the best form of control for the macropod population is by

selective culling performed by a professional hunter with the required licenses. Given these macropods

are native species, control programs conducted by QGC will be carefully planned and fully justified, and

must be done so in consultation with the Regional Council and local community.


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4.4.6 Management of other Pest Species

Plate 37: Mouse www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_8283.htm

Plate 38: Mouse Plague - Dalby 1995 www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_8283.htm

Other pest species, including feral goats, feral cats, cane toads and mice are not perceived to be a

significant threat to any of QGC‟s Gas Field tenements however they are active in the area. As such they

will be managed within regulations on a case by case basis. Staff and contractors are encouraged to

report any sightings of these species. Project environs including equipment, materials and ponded water

will be monitored for mosquito breeding grounds and any equipment or debris no longer required will be

disposed of.

4.4.7 Aquatic Pest Species

Plate 39: European Carp www.dpi.qld.gov.au/28_13606.htm

Plate 40: Mosquitofish- Female www.dpi.qld.gov.au/28_13606.htm

Aquatic pest species, including European Carp (Cyprinus carpio) and Mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki)

are declared noxious pests species in Queensland. European Carp are present in the Condamine-

Balonne catchment and Mosquitofish are widespread throughout Australia. As such they will be managed

within regulations on a case by case basis. Prevention of infestation and multidisciplinary control

methods are the best way to control the spread of aquatic pests in the gas field region. Care must be

taken around any water impoundments and water releases from these bodies in regards to the possible

translocation of pest species.


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Waterways and impoundments of the Gas Fields will be monitored for possible infestations of noxious

pests. Staff and contractors are encouraged to report any sightings of these species.

5 Monitoring and Review

5.1 Roles and Responsibilities

All QGC contractors and staff will be trained in basic weed and pest identification and encouraged to

immediately report the location of these sightings, with a photo of the species where possible, to a FEO.

All QGC vehicles will be issued with a weed identification booklet to allow all staff to identify weeds

during their daily duties. Such reports should be made using a QGC Hazard Observation (HAZOB)

Booklet. The FEOs will then decide the control method most appropriate and delegate this task to the

appropriate person. Only licensed Chemcert operators can spray weeds as there are health and safety

risks associated with the use of weed control chemicals. A list of Chemcert licensed operators can be

obtained from the FEO or the field technical assistants.

Personnel responsibilities in regards to identification, monitoring and collation of weed and pest species

are listed in Table 5.

Table 5: Identification, Monitoring and Collation Responsibilities for Weed and Pest Species

Role Responsibility

Field Environmental Officer or Site Ecologist

Inspect sites for weeds and pests during pegging parties

Ensure risk classification is provided in the clearance report

Provide guidance and direction for vehicle/machinery clean-downs

Receive identification reports of weeds and pests and enter into QGC database

Determine appropriate management actions after identification is made

Provide guidance and direction to QGC staff and contractors in relation to weed and pest requirements

Construction and Project Supervisors

Ensure weed control requirements are communicated to contractors and enforced. Inspect vehicles and machinery as necessary.

Chemical Application Operators Conduct weed control measures as directed and maintain records.


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Drilling Superintendents Ensure weed control requirements are communicated to contractors and enforced. Inspect vehicles and machinery as necessary.

All Staff and Contractors Complete clean-downs as required and submit vehicles, machinery and equipment for inspection.

Identify and report weeds and pests using HAZOB booklet.

Weed Hygiene Inspection Officers Conduct Weed Hygiene Inspections and issue Weed Hygiene Inspection Report.

5.2 Data Management

Field information in the form of preliminary surveys, property evaluation reports, hazard observation

booklet forms and/or stakeholder group information will be transferred to the QGC GIS Database and

also the QGC Protocol. This information will be used to develop weed and pest management plans over

the Gas Fields and maintain knowledge of weed and pest distribution. It will also assist document

landholder discussions, what weeds and pest were present prior to commencement of gas field

development and effectiveness of management.

An exchange of Weed and Pest information between QGC and Biosecurity Queensland will be

investigated to improve management planning and responsiveness.

5.3 Monitoring

Monitoring and control of weeds and pests will be conducted on an ongoing basis for the life of the Gas

Field. Monitoring of weed and pest infestations within disturbed areas will occur at least monthly during

construction and then quarterly for a period of two years following construction. Appropriate weed and

pest control measures will be applied. Following the two year period, the frequency of monitoring will be

reconsidered dependent on the success of control measures and the level of infestations.

Weed and pest management is an integrated and evolving process and amendments to strategies must

occur regularly as new information becomes available and new control techniques are developed. Weed

strategies also need to be amended when the pattern of weed infestation changes. It is proposed that in

the event new significant weed species are discovered within the Gas Field area or along associated

access roads, these management strategies be reviewed. Results of monitoring will assist in identifying

ways to improve weed and pest management.


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5.4 Document Review

This document shall be reviewed and updated on an annual basis by the environmental team in

Upstream HSSE in consultation with landowners, local government, NRM groups and DEEDI.


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6 References

Anderson, E. R., 2003. Plants of Central Queensland – Their Identification and Uses. Department of

Primary Industries, Brisbane.

DEEDI, 2009, African Lovegrass. DPI fact sheet – Pest Series. September 2009.

DEEDI, 2009, Giant Rat’s Tail Grass. DPI fact sheet – Pest Series. September 2009.

DEEDI, 2009, Parthenium Weed. DPI fact sheet – Pest Series. September 2009.

DEEDI, September 2009, Prickly pear- Opuntia, Nopalea and Acanthocereus Fact sheet – Pest Series,

September 2009.

DEEDI, April 2010, Mother of Millions- Fact sheet – Pest Series, 2010.

DEEDI, July 2010a, Wild dogs Canis familiaris Fact sheet Declared Class 2 Pest Animal.

DEEDI, July 2010b, Feral pigs in Queensland, Distribution, ecology and impact. Fact sheet Declared

Class 2 Pest Animal.

DEEDI, July 2010c, European red fox Vulpes vulpes. Fact sheet Declared Class 2 Pest Animal.

Department of Industry and Investment (Industry & Investment NSW) 2010, Primefact 927 – African

Lovegrass Management – fact sheet.

Department of Primary Industries (DPI). 2007. - Prickly pear identification and their control. Biosecurity

Qld Pest Fact Sheet, Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Brisbane.

www.dpi.qld.gov.au/cps/rde/xbcr/dpi/IPA-Prickly-Pear-Control-P

Pest and Weed Management Plan · QCLNG-BX00-ENV-PLN-000027 Rev 0 May 2011 Uncontrolled when printed...

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