Performance measures

Any pest animal control will be conducted in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures where available for a pest animal species under Commonwealth Government guidelines, available

from http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/publications/humane-control.html.

Any control of pest animal species will also comply with existing Codes of Practice for Feral Animals, including those listed below:

• Model Code of Practice for the Humane Control of Feral Cats (PDF - 282 KB)

• Model Code of Practice for the Humane Control of Feral Horses (PDF - 283 KB)

• Model Code of Practice for the Humane Control of Feral Pigs (PDF - 146 KB)

• Model Code of Practice for the Humane Control of Foxes (PDF - 156 KB)

• Model Code of Practice for the Humane Control of Rabbits (PDF - 174 KB)

• Model Code of Practice for the Humane Control of Wild Dogs (PDF - 155 KB)

The development of auditable performance measures for pest animal management and mitigation within the proposed LNG facility site requires baseline monitoring of pest animal populations following the construction of a boundary fence along the perimeter of the site. An auditable baseline of

populations of pest animal species presence provides a standard against which the efficacy of control measures undertaken by Australia Pacific LNG can be assessed. Annual census reports by a qualified ecologist, compiled reports of incidental sightings and management actions taken following sightings of declared pest species can be audited against the initial census. The development of a baseline for the site is not practicable prior to the establishment and maintenance of adequate fencing due to the prevalence of pest animals in the wider region and the likelihood of movement of pest animals onto the site prior to fencing from land managed by other landholders.

Any new invasive or pest species that are recorded on site during formal or incidental surveys will require specific management and eradication. In the case of declared animals increasing in number on site the Land Managers will take immediate action to reduce numbers or eradicate the pest species from within site boundaries.

Table 3.3 Pest animal management strategy

Pest Species Management Goal Management Action Responsibility

“Tramp” Ants (various

machinery will be inspected prior to landing on Curtis Island. Immediate urgent action required in

cooperation with Biosecurity Queensland on identification of any tramp ant incursions holding facilities on site will be designed to minimise the occurrence of shallow pools with still water and open unvegetated gradually sloping banks

Construction Contractor

Feral cattle (Bos sp.) Removal of cattle from the LNG facility site, Laird Point and within 200m of the site boundary

Fencing of site and extirpation of cattle adjacent to site from Laird Point and within 200m of the northern and eastern site boundaries

A qualified contractor will be engaged to muster or shoot any cattle remaining within the LNG facility site.

Fencing of site and extirpation of any horses adjacent to site from Laird Point and within 200m of the northern and eastern site

Feral pig (Sus scrofa) Removal of pigs from the LNG facility site, Laird Point and within

Fencing of site and trapping and/or shooting of any pigs adjacent to site from Laird Point and within

Construction Contractor

Pest Species Management Goal Management Action Responsibility 200m of the site

boundary

200m of the northern and eastern site boundaries.

Dogs are not to be used at any stage of feral pig control measures Wild dog (Canis lupus

Fencing of site and extirpation by trapping, baiting or shooting of wild dogs adjacent to site, from Laird Point and within 200m of the northern and eastern site boundaries

Trapping or baiting if necessary will be by qualified contractor.

Fencing of site and extirpation of wild dogs adjacent to site, from Laird Point and within 200m of the northern and eastern site

boundaries.

Trapping or baiting if necessary will be conducted by qualified

contractor.

Construction Contractor

Feral cat (Felis catus) Removal of any feral cats found on site, in

Trapping and removal of feral cats by qualified contractor on site and surrounding area including Laird Point if their presence is confirmed.

Construction

Baiting and destruction of warrens where identified by qualified

Baiting to be conducted using specialised bait stations in consultation with specialist biologist to ensure correct

Construction Contractor

Pest Species Management Goal Management Action Responsibility identification and management of

non-target impacts All pest animals Control of pest

animals within the

Key stakeholders on Curtis Island will be engaged with to coordinate efforts to manage pest fauna within the wider area on Curtis Island.

Annual surveys by specialist biologist

Reporting of findings for auditing purposes using standardised report

Australian quarantine regulations apply to all animals and animals products entering Australia. The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) administers various Acts, such as the Quarantine Act 1908 and Imported Food Control Act 1992 and subsequent legislation in order to protect Australia's animal and human health status. All products and materials imported into Australia require AQIS inspection and clearance.

The Australian Veterinary Emergency Plan (AUSVETPLAN) outlines the national coordination of Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) responses. Under this plan each State and Territory has operational responsibility for the control and eradication of animal diseases, whether endemic or exotic, within its borders. The Australian Government has powers under the Quarantine Act 1908 to support the States and Territories where appropriate. The level of support is also outlined in the AUSVETPLAN.

There are 63 listed EADs in Australia, of which 35 have never been recorded in Australia, 21 have occurred in Australia in the past and seven are present within Australian borders. These diseases are known to affect humans, native wildlife and domestic stock. The main transmission pathways for these animal diseases are the transport of live animals, live animal products, fomites (inanimate objects capable of carrying germs), aerosol, semen and disease vectors, such as mosquitoes and ticks.