Pre-construction vegetation survey to inform the preparation of a bushfire management plan: Spring 2020. Final report to Gladstone Ports Corporation Limited

Gladstone Ports Corporation Limited (GPC) is currently progressing the Port of Gladstone Gatcombe and Golding Cutting Channel Duplication Project (CD Project) beyond the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) phase. As part of these works, GPC has initiated commencement of engineering design, post-EIS studies and associated regulatory approvals for the Western Basin Expansion (WBE) reclamation area (southern area) and barge unloading facility (BUF) components of the CD Project. Gidarjil Development Corporation and CQUniversity completed a vegetation survey, to inform the preparation of a bushfire management plan, in areas adjacent to the direct impact area of the Western Basin Expansion (WBE) reclamation area (southern area) of the Channel Duplication (CD) project. This included the intertidal area adjacent to the direct impact area of WBE reclamation area and extended 100 m within the patches of terrestrial vegetation intersected by the indicative survey area. Five base plot transects (including sub plots and quadrats), running perpendicular to the coast, were established to assess vegetation types and fuel loads within the survey area. The surveys were undertaken during a period of low rainfall at the end of the dry season. Cleared areas close to the coast presented bare earth and ground cover with grasses (Poaceae) dominating, grazed to lower than 0.2 m. The survey area also had an abundance of weeds, including three weeds of national significance.