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❓ Question regarding fauna surveys and protection of EPBC-listed species in prescribed burn locations. The Minister provides details of surveys conducted and planned, lists threatened species present, and outlines general protection measures.

AnsweredQoN 1609Legislative Council

Asked

12 September 2023

Member

Hon Dr Brad Pettitt

Portfolio

Environment

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to the prescribed burns the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) may conduct over the next 12 months in Blue Holes (FRK_074), Clear Hills (FRK_086), Sheepwash North (FRK_094), Thames (FRK_096) and Isle Road (FRK_098), and I ask: (a) has DBCA carried out fauna surveys for each of these burn locations; (b) if yes to (a): (i) what was the date of the last fauna survey for each location; and (ii) will the Minister table the fauna surveys and, if not, why not; (c) are there any EPBC-listed threatened species in the burn locations; and (d) if yes to (c): (i) what are they; and (ii) what action will DBCA take to protect these EPBC-listed species from the effects of a prescribed burn?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered

10 October 2023

Responded by

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Environment

Response time

6 days

a)–b)    Pre and post burn fauna surveys are carried out where there is a knowledge gap or known fire sensitives. Fauna surveys were completed for Clear Hills (FRK_086) and Thames (FRK_096) in 2022 and 2023. Surveys will be carried out for Aisle Road (FRK_098) prior to commencement of burning operations.
Fauna survey information is not in a format readily available for tabling. Given the level of agency resourcing required to source and prepare the requested information, it is not considered to be a reasonable use of government resources.
c)         Yes
d)   (i)
Burn details
EPBC-listed threatened species
Blue Holes (FRK_074)
Calyptorhynchus banksii subsp. naso
Calyptorhynchus baudinii
Calyptorhynchus latirostris
Setonix brachyurus
Engaewa walpolea
Clear Hills (FRK_086)
Nannatherina balstoni
Calyptorhynchus baudinii
Setonix brachyurus
Dasyurus geoffroii
Sheepwash North (FRK_094)
Calyptorhynchus banksii subsp. naso
Calyptorhynchus baudinii
Calyptorhynchus latirostris
Myrmecobius fasciatus
Thames (FRK_096)
Calyptorhynchus baudinii
Calyptorhynchus latirostris
Setonix brachyurus
Nannatherina balstoni
Spicospina flammocaerulea
Isle Road (FRK_098)
Calyptorhynchus banksii subsp. naso
Setonix brachyurus
(ii)     Known populations of threatened species within proposed prescribed burns will be managed through various actions informed by DBCA guidelines, operational knowledge, and latest available research findings.

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