Appendix D Terrestrial and Aquatic Biodiversity - Environment ...

6.5 Sensitive Habitats
None of the vegetation communities associated with the Bing Bong Port facility are listed under any
legislation (TPWC or EPBC Acts). Some vegetation types are locally noteworthy from the perspective of
conserving habitat which is in good condition, features more of the atypical species, maintains landform
stability, or contributes to the hydrology and connectivity of this coastal community. The vegetation
communities considered locally sensitive and the justifications are outlined below.
6.5.1 Mangroves
A small coastal mangrove community is located within the project area, adjacent to the proposed barge
loading facility (Figure 43). The majority of foreshore in the local area is devoid of mangrove species, with
aerial imagery confirming that this community is locally restricted to minor patches, possibly due to previous
cyclone history in the region and diurnal tides with a narrow tide range. More extensive mangrove
communities are supported in nearby creeks and estuaries, as these areas provide greater protection from
severe weather events.
No flora surveys were undertaken in the mangrove community within the project area, however previous
survey data collected during the McArthur River Mine EIS identified Pemphis acidula, Excoecaria ovalis,
Lumnitzera racemosa, and possibly Excoecaria agallocha (uncommon mangrove species).
Figure 42: Photo of mangroves that will be impacted by the conveyor belt and barge facility
6.5.2 Monsoon Vine Thicket Community
The monsoon vine thick community includes a series of beach ridges or cheniers composed of sand and
shell deposits (Figure 44). These cheniers are characteristic of coastal areas in this region and can occur
several kilometres from the coast. Some are interspersed with saline drainage floors or swales. Species
supported are typical of coastal monsoon vine thicket, however the chenier vine thicket community in the
vicinity of the conveyor and stockyard rarely attains the dense closed-canopy structure typical of a monsoon
vine thicket community. Vegetation ranges from tall shrublands, to mid-high woodlands, and small patches
of dense, often entwined trees, shrubs, and vines. Eucalyptus bella (Northern Ghost Gum) is the
characteristic tree species. Melaleuca viridiflora occur in perched water table between cheniers.
Much of the vine thickets were highly infested with weeds in the local area, mainly smothered by Passion
Vine (Passiflora foetida). Declared weeds included Hyptis (Hyptis suaveolens) and Sida (Sida acuta), both
Client: Western Desert Resources Ltd Page 128 of 150
Doc No. DW120004-C0302-EIA-R-0036
Doc Title: Appendix D – Terrestrial Biodiversity Technical Report