PS BIODIVERSITY PURPOSE AND SCOPE FAUNA CRITICAL CONTROLS FLORA CRITICAL CONTROLS

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1 PS BIODIVERSITY PURPOSE AND SCOPE The intent of this primary standard is to reduce and eliminate significant environmental impacts to biodiversity including native fauna and flora as a result of construction activities. All native fauna is protected and not to be interfered with unless approved. FAUNA CRITICAL CONTROLS Project (or location) specific clearing or tree removal methodology is developed and communicated for local fauna species including threatened or endangered species A suitably qualified ecologist or licensed spotter is on site during all clearing activities Fauna relocation survey/inspection completed prior to relocating or clearing activities by an appropriately qualified ecologist Fauna relocated prior to felling trees or land clearing using low impact trapping methods Habitat trees are clearly delineated during the pre-clearing survey Erosion and sediment controls are installed including for all clearing areas, waterways / drainage areas Temporary waterway crossings established for all crossings traversed by clearing equipment Untreated stormwater prevented from draining directly to waterways, wetlands or sensitive areas without erosion and sediment controls FLORA CRITICAL CONTROLS Clearing boundary is surveyed and verified against the project approval requirements prior to commencement of clearing Pathogen testing undertaken as required and pathogen controls implemented in accordance with industry best practice Clearing boundary marked by a surveyor seven (7) days prior to the commencement of clearing and is clearly delineated with rope or flagging (as nominated in clearing methodology) Vehicles restricted to gazetted roads or approved haul roads to prevent damage to vegetation to be protected and retained Signage and barricades (i.e. peg or mark limits) are in place for nominated areas where access is restricted or prohibited according to the environmental approvals and plans Welding and other hot work undertaken in compliance with local laws, permit requirements and regulations (i.e. during bush fire danger periods)

2 PS Biodiversity (Rev ) Section 2 Prior to mobilisation to site all vehicles and plant must undergo a weeds and seeds check (or equivalent) to prevent the transportation of foreign seed or plant disease Weed assessment completed prior to clearing activities and weed management program implemented for topsoil stockpiles and newly vegetated areas LOCAL CONTROLS All personnel are informed of the requirements of the Flora and Fauna Management Plan. Unexpected threatened flora species find procedure documented and communicated to project personnel. FAUNA MANAGEMENT Prior to clearing, advice should be sought from a qualified and experienced ecologist to identify any fauna on site. Fauna should only be handled by an ecologist, however when the animal is at risk of injury, or mortality from stress, care should be taken to remove the animal from the hazard immediately. The presence of hollow-bearing trees and logs is to be confirmed prior to the commencement of construction phase and during the ecologists pre-clearing inspection: Vegetation surrounding hollow-bearing trees or logs to be removed at least 48 hours prior to the removal of hollow-bearing trees or logs themselves, after inspection by an ecologist for the presence of native fauna Hollow-bearing trees to be removed at an appropriate time of the day. Monitoring the actual removal of hollow-bearing trees by an ecologist to be done to capture and release any animals that emerge from hollows. Searches for threatened fauna to be done within the one week prior to the removal of the relevant hollow-bearing tree or log Excavations/trenches are to be covered to prevent animal access over night, if required to be left open overnight, at least one end of the excavation/trench is to be sufficiently sloped to allow wildlife to exit the excavation/trench. Any excavation/trench left overnight will need to be checked daily before construction starts. The following describes the actions that should be undertaken if fauna is found in the area: If fauna has been detected, halt construction and allow the animal to move away. If the animal will not move or is injured contact the ecologist for initial advice. Follow the ecologist instructions and keep the animal calm until the specialist can arrive. In the absence of an ecologist and if the animal is injured, calmly walk up to the animal with a form of material to cover the animals eyes and place the animal in a cardboard box with holes for air. Immediately take to the nearest veterinary clinic. In the event that the animal is large, and can t be moved out of the construction zone on its own terms, call the nearest veterinary clinic for advice if the wildlife specialist is not contactable by phone. CONTROL OF PEST ANIMALS Controls must be implemented to discourage pest animals, including: Preventing and removing standing water on site

3 PS Biodiversity (Rev ) Section 3 Storing rubbish in a sealed and covered area/bin, removing and disposing as soon as practical Preventing access beneath/in between buildings and structures Ensuring good housekeeping and site maintenance FLORA MANAGEMENT Project or location specific control measures are developed, included in the relevant clearing methodology documentation and communicated to personnel and the supply chain for local fauna species including threatened or endangered species. The clearing methodology should include: Procedure for unexpected threatened flora species finds procedure (to be communicated to project personnel) Requirement for any vegetation that is to be impacted or removed is to be identified by a suitably qualified ecologist prior to clearing/impacting Delineation of all threatened, vulnerable or endangered species or communities If construction is to impact any threatened, vulnerable or endangered species or communities, requirement for all appropriate commonwealth and state/territory approvals to be reviewed by the project environment representative and in place prior to impact Approval to be sought from relevant clients, Government agencies, and landowners prior to impacting vegetation as necessary Any trenching or excavation works adjacent trees to consider impacts to root structures, tree viability and tree stability. Advice to be sought by suitably qualified arborist. (Note - excavation works could impact root structures when undertaken outside a delineated area) Requirement to develop a work method statement for activities associated with clearing native vegetation identified threatened, vulnerable or endangered species, noxious weeds and regulated/significant trees Requirement for a pre-clearing permit to be completed and obtained before commencing clearing activities Use of corduroy crossings for temporary waterway crossings during clearing activities Clearing of native vegetation is to be avoided or minimised. Clearing must be restricted to the area assessed during the environmental assessment and approvals phase. Clearing cannot be undertaken outside of the assessed area without approval. The clearing approval process for each activity/area shall be managed through a permit system. E-T Clearing Permit may be used to manage the clearing process. The permit shall be updated to meet and project specific clearing processes or requirements. Projects are to aim to avoid the loss of hollow-bearing tress and logs. Hollows should be recovered and relocated to adjacent vegetated areas where possible. Tree Protection Zones are to be established. Vegetation on site to be retained is to be demarcated around the drip line where possible. Stockpiling of materials is not to be undertaken within the drip line of any tree.

4 PS Biodiversity (Rev ) Section 4 Pruning/clearing must only be completed by a qualified Arborist. Vehicles are to be limited to using approved roads. Vegetation outside of these areas and outside the limits of clearing is protected. This includes street trees and roadside vegetation. MANAGEMENT OF REGULATED/SIGNIFICANT/THREATENED FLORA Prior to clearing a site survey should be carried out by qualified and experienced ecologist which would include the identification of regulated/significant/threatened flora to be retained. The Ecologist should be engaged to give advice on the following: Species and classification of the tree as non-regulated/regulated/significant Management of works adjacent or within tree protection zone/structural root zone Controls to protect from physical damage (subsurface/above ground) including signage Ecologists/Arborists will be required to both identify and manage the relocation of the identified threatened plant/tree. Flagging or para-webbing to be used to create an ecological no go zone until the threatened flora can be relocated. When flagging the area, the boundary should be extended to the plant s drip line. CONTROL OF PEST PLANTS Controls must be implemented to prevent or minimise the spread of pest plants. This may include: Preventing weeds from seeding and proliferating by regularly trimming verges and fallow areas not subject to development. Trimming is generally preferable to removal to assist with soil and water management. Stockpiling weed infested topsoil separately and marking clearly. Infested soil can be retained on site however it must be buried at least 300mm below the surface of finished grade to eliminate future weed growth. Covering trailers when transporting removed plant material to prevent seeds and other live plant material falling off (Note - in the some states it is illegal to transport 'declared weeds') Using a licensed disposal facility to dispose of vegetative waste In areas where declared pest plants or weeds are known to inhabit, washing or cleaning site vehicles to remove soil or plant material before the vehicle leaves the site boundary or quarantined zone MANAGEMENT OF PEST SPECIES USING HERBICIDE/PESTICIDE The use of herbicides/pesticides must be carried out by a competent person with verifiable experience and instruction of herbicide/pesticides application and site specific risks. Specialist contractors may be required to both identify and manage the eradication of the identified pest species. Prior to use checks must be made with the local authority for license conditions relating to the use of the products. The following controls must be implemented (as relevant) when using herbicides/pesticides:

5 PS Biodiversity (Rev ) Section 5 Do not use herbicides/pesticides near or adjacent to natural water courses, storm water inlets or riparian zones Check before deployment the prevailing weather conditions, i.e. wind or forecasted rain Notify adjoining land owners Maintain records of herbicide use including operative s details, dates, location, and plant types treated, registered name of herbicide, weather and quantities used [attaching SDS and mixing details]