Pest and Weed Management Plan
QCLNG-BX00-ENV-PLN-000027
Rev 0
May 2011
Uncontrolled when printed
QUEENSLAND CURTIS LNG PROJECT
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
4 of 100
TABLE OF CONTENTS
RACIE Terms 3
Revision Record 3
Tables 7
1 Introduction 8
1.1 QCLNG and Gas Fields 8
1.2 Approval Conditions 8
1.3 Distribution and Intended Audience 8
1.4 Definitions Acronyms and Abbreviations 9
1.5 References 10
2 Weed and Pest Management Plan 11
2.1 Introduction 11
2.2 Scope 12
3 Weeds 12
3.1 Relevant Legislation 12
3.2 General Weed Management, Hygiene and Monitoring Measures 13 3.2.1 Preliminary Weed Identification 13 3.2.2 Land Owner Consultations 13 3.2.3 Regional Council Consultations 13 3.2.4 Stakeholder Organisations Consultations 14 3.2.5 Weed Identification during Operations 14 3.2.6 Operational Control Procedures 14
Pegging Parties 15
Infrastructure Earthworks and Track Construction 15
Drilling 16
Pipeline Construction 16
Rehabilitation Works 16
Operations 17
3.2.7 Reporting and Mapping 17
3.3 Weed Hygiene for Vehicles and Machinery Guidelines 17 3.3.1 General Vehicle Measures to Minimise Weed Spread 18 3.3.2 Cleaning of Vehicles and Machinery 18
Table 1: Washdown facilities within the Gas Field region 19
3.3.3 Weed Hygiene Declaration 20 3.3.4 Weed Hygiene Inspection Report 20
Table 2: Authorised Third Party Inspectors 21
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
5 of 100
3.4 Weed Species Recorded or with Potential to Occur in the Gas Fields 21
Table 3: Weed species recorded or with potential to occur in the Gas Fields 21
3.5 Specific Weed Management, Hygiene and Monitoring Measures 23 3.5.1 Bryophyllum species 23
Appendix 6; 24
3.5.2 Harrisia species 25
Appendix 6; 25
3.5.3 Lycium ferocissimum 26 3.5.4 Opuntia species 27 3.5.5 Parthenium hysterophorus 28 3.5.6 Sporobolus africanus and other Rat‟s Tail grasses 29 3.5.7 Celtis sinensis 30 3.5.8 Xanthium pungens and X. spinosa 31 3.5.9 Eragrostis curvula 32 3.5.10 Phyla canescens 33 3.5.11 Aquatic Weed Species 34
4 Pests 35
4.1 Relevant Legislation 35
4.2 General Pest and Waste Management and Monitoring Measures 36 4.2.1 Preliminary Pest Identification 36 4.2.2 Land Owner/Manager Consultations 36 4.2.3 Regional Councils 37 4.2.4 Stakeholder Organisations Consultations 37 4.2.5 Pest Identification during Operations 37 4.2.6 Accommodation Camp Waste Management 37 4.2.7 Reporting and Mapping 38
4.3 Pest Species Recorded or with Potential to Occur in the Gas Fields 38
Table 4: Pest species recorded or with potential to occur in the gas fields 38
4.4 Specific Pest Management and Monitoring Measures 39 4.4.1 Management of Rabbits 39 4.4.2 Management of Wild Dogs and Dingoes 40 4.4.3 Management of Feral Pigs 41 4.4.4 Management of Foxes 42 4.4.5 Management of Macropods 42 4.4.6 Management of other Pest Species 44 4.4.7 Aquatic Pest Species 44
5 Monitoring and Review 45
5.1 Roles and Responsibilities 45
Table 5: Identification, Monitoring and Collation Responsibilities for Weed and Pest Species 45
5.2 Data Management 46
5.3 Monitoring 46
5.4 Document Review 47
6 References 48
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
6 of 100
DEEDI, 2009, African Lovegrass. DPI fact sheet – Pest Series. September 2009. 48
DEEDI, 2009, Giant Rat’s Tail Grass. DPI fact sheet – Pest Series. September 2009. 48
DEEDI, 2009, Parthenium Weed. DPI fact sheet – Pest Series. September 2009. 48
DEEDI, April 2010, Mother of Millions- Fact sheet – Pest Series, 2010. 48
DEEDI, July 2010a, Wild dogs Canis familiaris Fact sheet Declared Class 2 Pest Animal. 48
DEEDI, July 2010c, European red fox Vulpes vulpes. Fact sheet Declared Class 2 Pest Animal. 48
Appendix 1 – RELEVANT APPROVAL CONDITIONS A
EA PEN100020207 Approval Conditions for existing activities in the Gas Fields. i DSEWPC Approval Conditions – Gas Fields. ii Coordinator-General imposed conditions – Gas Fields. iii
Appendix 2 – GAS FIELD TENEMENTS AND Environmentally SIGNIFICANT AREAS MAP D
QGC Gas Field Tenements and Environmentally Significant Areas Map Error! Bookmark not defined.
Appendix 3 – DECLARED WEEDS OF QUEENSLAND E
Appendix 4 – WEED WASHDOWN RISK ASSESSMENT MATRIX G
Petroleum Industry (Including Coal Seam Methane Gas) – i
Minimising Pest Spread Advisory Guidelines i
Risk Assessment Matrix i
Details of what is required for a Full Clean, Wash down and Visual Inspection appear on the next page. i
Petroleum Industry – Pest Spread Minimisation Advisory Guide. June 2008 i
Appendix 5 – WEED HYGIENE DECLARATION FORM E
Appendix 6 – weed Hygiene Inspection Report i
Appendix 7 –WEED Distribution maps F
Mother of Millions Distribution Map i
Harrisia Cactus Distribution Map iii
Common Prickly Pear Distribution Map v
Parthenium Distribution Map vii
American Rat’s Tail Grass Distribution Map ix
Giant Rat’s Tail Grass – Sporobolus Pyramidalis xi
Chinese Celtis Queensland Distribution Map xiii
Noogoora Burr Distribution Map xv
Bathurst Burr Distribution Map xvii
African Lovegrass Distribution Map xix
Lippia Distribution Map xxi
Appendix 8 – DECLARED PEST ANIMALS OF QUEENSLAND F
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
7 of 100
Appendix 9 –PEST Distribution Maps F
Rabbit Distribution Map i Wild Dog Distribution Map iii Feral Pig Distribution Map v Fox Distribution Map vii
Tables Table 1: Washdown facilities within the Gas Field region ................................................................................ 19 Table 2: Authorised Third Party Inspectors ....................................................................................................... 21 Table 3: Weed species recorded or with potential to occur in the gas fields ................................................. 21 Table 4: Pest species recorded or with potential to occur in the gas fields ................................................... 38 Table 5: Identification, Monitoring and Collation Responsibilities of Weed and Pest Species .................... 45
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
8 of 100
1 Introduction
1.1 QCLNG and Gas Fields
QGC (A BG-Group Company) is currently moving from the approval phase of the QCLNG Project to
implementation phase with both Commonwealth and State Government approvals obtained in October
2010 (Appendix 1). The project comprises three main elements:
The Coal Seam Gas (CSG) Fields;
Gas Collection Header (GCH) and Export Pipeline (EP); and
LNG facility on Curtis Island.
The CSG Fields and GCH occur in the Southern Brigalow Belt Bioregion of Queensland between the
towns of Tipton and Taroom. The LNG Plant is located on Curtis Island on the Central Queensland Coast
immediately north of the City of Gladstone. The Export Pipeline links these two areas. The pipeline runs
northeast from the western end of Barakula State Forest (north of Miles) through to the Central
Queensland Coast.
Only the CSG Field area is considered in this plan that encompasses an area of 468,000ha within the
Surat Basin. The extent of the CSG Fields is shown in Appendix 2.
1.2 Approval Conditions
Development approval conditions addressed by this report pertaining to the control of weeds and pests
associated with the Gas Fields as set by existing Environmental Authority, the Coordinator General and
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (DSEWPC) are provided
in Appendix 1.
1.3 Distribution and Intended Audience
This document is intended to be distributed to all field managers, land liaison officers, field environmental
officers and contractor supervisors. It will also be provided to the Coordinator General, Department of
Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) and Department of Environment and
Resource Management (DERM) for review and endorsement. A copy of this document, or condensed
version, will also be made available to any potentially affected landholder upon request by that
landholder.
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
9 of 100
1.4 Definitions, Acronyms and Abbreviations
In this document, the following definitions apply:
Term Definition
Clean-down Clean-down of vehicles and equipment is conducted to prevent weed seed contaminants being spread to weed free or less infested areas. It involves the use of high pressure water and or air, brooms and dust pans, to remove any weed seeds or material potentially carrying weed seeds, from vehicles and other equipment. It may be carried out at permanent or temporary facilities.
Endemic A species of organism that is confined to a particular geographical region
Environmentally Significant Area
Defined under the LP Act as any of the following: (a) a protected area (see definition below); (b) land dedicated as a reserve for environmental purposes under the Land Act, section 31; (c) a world heritage area listed under the World Heritage Convention; (d) an area supporting a critically endangered or endangered ecological community in the list established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth), section 181; (e) a declared Ramsar wetland under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth); (f) an area of high nature conservation value under the Vegetation Management Act 1999; (g) an area, other than State-controlled land, identified in a local government‟s pest management plan as an area that has special environmental significance for native wildlife; (h) a wild river area.
Non-endemic A species of organism that is not confined to a particular geographical region
Pest Any organism, usually an animal, judged as a threat to humans. Most pests either compete with humans for natural resources or transmit disease to humans, their crops, or their livestock. For the purpose of this management plan the focus will be on declared pests under the LP Act.
Protected area Defined under the NC Act as: (a) national parks (scientific); and (b) national parks; and (c) national parks (Aboriginal land); and (d) national parks (Torres Strait Islander land); and (da) national parks (Cape York Peninsula Aboriginal land); and (e) national parks (recovery); and (f) conservation parks; and (g) resources reserves; and (h) nature refuges; and (i) coordinated conservation areas; and (j) wilderness areas; and (k) World Heritage management areas; and (l) international agreement areas.
Weed Any plant, which is a nuisance to, or interferes with, human activity, or a plant that is growing out of place. For the purpose of this management plan the focus will be on declared weeds under the LP Act.
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
10 of 100
In this document, the following acronyms and abbreviations apply:
Acronym or Abbreviation
Definition
COE Clean on Entry point. Access areas on the right of way. Vehicles and machinery must be cleaned down before entering.
DEEDI Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation
DERM Department of Environment and Resource Management
DPI&F Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, now part of DEEDI
FEO Field Environmental Officer
LP Act Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002.
LP Reg Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Regulation 2003.
NC Act Nature Conservation Act 1992
NRM Group Natural Resource Management Group
PIMPSG Petroleum Industry (including coal seam methane gas) Minimising Pest Spread Guidelines
QGC QGC – A BG Group Business
1.5 References
Ref. Document Number
Title/Description
Declared Plants of Queensland http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7005.htm
DPI Weed Guide - http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/cps/rde/dpi/hs.xsl/4790_8331_ENA_HTML.htm
Fisheries Act 1994
Flora, fauna and weed register O:\Environment\Environmental Team- Operations\7. ENVIRONMENTAL DATA\Fauna + Flora\20080601_species_register.xls.
Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002.
Local Government Act 1993
Nature Conservation Act 1992
Petroleum Industry (including coal seam methane gas) Minimising Pest Spread Guidelines. June 2008.
QGC Environmental Guideline Weed Hygiene for Vehicles and Machinery (OPS-T-GDL-0002 Rev B February 2011).
Rabbit Control in Queensland, a guide for land managers. http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/cps/rde/dpi/hs.xsl/4790_11065_ENA_HTML.htm
WONS – Weeds of National Significance http://www.weeds.gov.au/weeds/lists/wons.html
http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7005.htmhttp://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/cps/rde/dpi/hs.xsl/4790_8331_ENA_HTML.htmfile:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/oldhamr/Local%20Settings/7.%20ENVIRONMENTAL%20DATA/Fauna%20+%20Flora/20080601_species_register.xlsfile:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/oldhamr/Local%20Settings/7.%20ENVIRONMENTAL%20DATA/Fauna%20+%20Flora/20080601_species_register.xlshttp://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/cps/rde/dpi/hs.xsl/4790_11065_ENA_HTML.htmhttp://www.weeds.gov.au/weeds/lists/wons.html
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
11 of 100
2 Weed and Pest Management Plan
2.1 Introduction
The QGC Gas Fields cover a broad geographic area of 468,000ha (Appendix 2). Several weed and pest
animal species occur throughout these tenements. As a local landholder and industry operator, QGC
aims to support the regional community with the management of pests and weeds to minimise their
spread and economic impacts. This Weed and Pest Management Plan provides operational guidance
and an action plan for the prevention, control and eradication of pests and weeds within QGC‟s tenement
areas. QGC‟s goal is to ensure that gas field development and operations do not increase the presence
or distribution of pests and weeds within or outside the project area, and neighbouring landholders‟
properties are not adversely impacted.
A weed can be defined as any plant growing where it is not wanted. Most weeds are introduced, although
they can also be native. Weeds cost Queensland an estimated $600 million annually and have significant
impacts on primary industries and natural ecosystems, as well as human and animal health. Weeds have
natural mechanisms that ensure their spread and ongoing distribution and survival, aided by wind and
water, and movement with livestock and native animals. The movement and transport of people,
machinery, vehicles and equipment is potentially a major source of weed spread. QGC operations have
the potential to aid weed spread if not effectively managed. The following sections provide guidance in
preventing the introduction of new weeds into previously unaffected areas by QGC operations, and the
spread of weeds between QGC properties, surrounding properties and tenements.
QGC takes an integrated approach to weed management which is based around the important elements
of weed hygiene, prevention of infestations, arresting weed outbreaks using effective reporting and
physical or chemical control procedures, documenting weed infestations and auditing management
programs, and using effective rehabilitation and seeding operations to out-compete potential weed
outbreaks. QGC has a long term view of weed management across its gas field footprint and supports
managing weeds in collaboration and consultation with landholders, natural resource management
bodies and the government.
QGC‟s pest management program aims to control animal pest species already present, using acceptable
methods as well as identify potential pest species, their likely distribution and methods to prevent their
spread. QGC has a long term view of pest management across its gas field footprint and supports
effective monitoring and control of pest outbreaks in collaboration and consultation with landholders,
natural resource management bodies and the government.
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
12 of 100
2.2 Scope
This Pest and Weed Management Plan has been created to collate existing QGC procedures and
management plans for pests and weeds into one management document and provide additional weed
and pest management methods. This document satisfies the requirements of Conditions G14 to G16 of
the Project Environmental Authority (EA) PEN100020207 issued by DERM and those of the Coordinator
General, DSEWPC and EIS commitments (Appendix 1). It is expected that this document will meet the
requirements of any EAs issued for the QCLNG Project. It applies to the Gas Field only.
3 Weeds
3.1 Relevant Legislation
In Queensland, the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 (LP Act) and the
Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Regulation 2003 (LP Reg) are the relevant
legislation regarding weeds. The LP Act and the LP Reg. provide legislative measures to manage pests
and address the impacts they have on the economy, the environment and society. The DEEDI
administers the pest provisions of the Act and its regulation.
There are three classes of declared plants under the LP Act. These plants are targeted for control
because they have, or could have, serious economic, environmental or social impacts. Class 1, 2 and 3
declared weeds that are likely to occur in the Gas Fields are listed in Appendix 3.
Class 1 weeds are not commonly present in Queensland and, if introduced, would cause an
adverse economic, environmental or social impact. Class 1 pests established in Queensland are
subject to eradication from the state, if such a pest is sighted it must be reported to DEEDI.
Class 2 pests are established in Queensland and have, or could have, an adverse economic,
environmental or social impact. Landowners must take reasonable steps to keep their land free
of Class 2 pest.
Class 3 pests are well established in Queensland and have an adverse economic, environmental
or social impact. Landowners are not required to control Class 3 pests unless the land is
adjacent to an environmentally significant area. There are a number of environmentally
significant areas in and around the QGC Gas Field tenements as shown in the QGC Gas Fields
and Significant Areas map contained in Appendix 2.
Under the Local Law provisions of the Local Government Act 1993, a local government can declare any
plants not declared under the LP Act and enforce their control. Such plants are often referred to as
environmental weeds as they can invade native ecosystems and adversely affect the survival of
indigenous flora and fauna. For example, African Lovegrass, Eragrostris curvula, is not a declared weed,
yet is undoubtedly a weed of concern for landholders in the region. Environmental weeds may have
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
13 of 100
significant economic and social impacts, as well as environmental impacts, including reduction of
biodiversity, impacts on landscape, increased risk of fire and potential degradation of water quality.
The Land Act 1994 also has provisions requiring control of weeds declared under the LPA on leasehold
land.
3.2 General Weed Management, Hygiene and Monitoring Measures
3.2.1 Preliminary Weed Identification
Weed surveys of QGC tenements has been conducted and weed species abundance and distribution
identified. Information from these preliminary surveys has been used in the production of this document.
Pre-clearance surveys are, and will be undertaken across the QGC Gas Fields (mainly through Project
Environmental Clearances) by Field Environment Officers (FEO) to identify and record the presence of
weeds. This information will then be included into QGC‟s Constraint Planning and Field Development
Protocol (the Protocol).
3.2.2 Land Owner Consultations
QGC representatives undertake consultations with landowners on a regular basis. Preliminary
consultation forms such as the Property Evaluation Reports (PER) have been developed for land owner
consultations and weed and pest distributions and management programs are covered in these reports.
Information such as the presence of weeds, priority areas of concern for weeds on the property or
neighbouring properties and requirements for vehicle wash-down prior to entering the property will be
recorded. Information on distribution of weeds and concerns from landowner interviews are to be collated
and integrated into QGC management plans and the Protocol to ensure weed data is captured spatially.
Land-use issues such as Organic Certification and the effect on QGC chemical weed management
programs will be discussed with Landowners. QGC will ensure any future weed management on the
property does not impact on the property‟s Organic Certification.
3.2.3 Regional Council Consultations
QGC will undertake on-going consultation with Western Downs, Maranoa and Banana Regional Councils
on regional weed management plans and issues on a regular basis. Taroom Shire Council (now included
in Banana Regional Council) adopted a Pest Management Plan in 2006, identifying high priority weed
species including; Parthenium, Harrisia Cactus, Parkinsonia, African Lovegrass, Giant Rat‟s-tail Grass,
Mother of Millions and African Box Thorn. The prevention of the spread of Parthenium to the south of its
existing distribution was identified as a “Very High” priority by the Taroom Shire Council in their
management plans. Therefore QGC have included these weeds as priority for management. Several of
the regional Councils‟ Pest Management Plans including Banana and Western Downs are under review
therefore QGC commit to liaising with relevant council officers and incorporating any additional
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
14 of 100
requirements once these plans have been finalised. This Pest and Weed Management Plan will be
reviewed at least annually and updated to address any local government issues of concern.
3.2.4 Stakeholder Organisations Consultations
The Condamine Alliance and Queensland Murray-Darling Committee are two stakeholder organisations
that work in the region of QGC‟s Gas Field tenements and have produced plans on weed and pest
management for the area. Consultation with these and other stakeholder organisations will be conducted
on a regular basis to discuss and identify priority areas of concern and weed management programs in
relation to the integration of QGC management plans and what is occurring on a regional basis. For
example the Parthenium Rapid Response Program and the National Lippia Management Strategy are
being conducted in the region.
3.2.5 Weed Identification during Operations
Ongoing weed surveys will be undertaken to identify the overall abundance and diversity of weed species
across QGC tenements and adjacent lands. High risk weeds or areas will be noted and may be used to
generate special conditions of access for gas field activities. All QGC contractors and staff will be trained
in basic weed identification and encouraged to immediately report the location of weed sightings and
provide a photo of the species to a FEO. All QGC vehicles will be issued with a weed identification
booklet to assist staff identify weeds during their daily duties. Such reports should be made using a QGC
Hazard Observation (HAZOB) Booklet. All such records will be provided to a FEO, who then ensures it is
incorporated into the QGC Weed Database (that is part of the overall QGC Protocol) to assist in tracking
weeds and their distribution, identifying management requirements, assist in monitoring and determining
the success of management, and reporting.
The FEOs will then decide the most appropriate control method and delegate this task to the appropriate
person. Only licensed Chemcert operators can spray weeds as there are health and safety risks
associated with the use of weed control chemicals. A list of QGC Chemcert licensed operators can be
obtained from the FEO or the field technical assistants. Landowners will be consulted prior to chemical
control methods being applied.
3.2.6 Operational Control Procedures
A number of operational activities in the gas exploration and production field increase the risk of weeds
being spread within the tenements and outside the Project area. Key activities to be managed include:
Movement of people, vehicles and machinery
Clearing vegetation
Movement of soil and vegetation
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
15 of 100
Management and control procedures which must be implemented when undertaking activities that
involve these threats are described below.
Pegging Parties
Pegging parties require QGC vehicles to drive onto private properties and people to walk across a
property that may either be weed free or have weed infestations. The following steps should be taken
during pegging parties:
During the initial contact between the Land Access Officers and the Landholder, weed issues
should be discussed, including any existing weed management programs or presence of weeds
on the property. QGC weed management strategies should be conveyed to the landholder and
any landholder requests or concerns passed onto the pegging party.
This information will then be used to develop the rules for land access and incorporated into the
QGC Weed Database.
Minimise the number of vehicles taken by the pegging party onto any property.
Vehicles are to stay on designated tracks and avoid driving through long grass and weed
infestations.
Vehicles must not have been exposed to any significant risk of re-contamination between clean-
down and entry to a new property. Such events should be cause for an additional
decontamination clean-down and obtain „certification‟.
During the pegging party, the FEO should take note of and record any weed infestations. Photos
and GPS locations of any weeds shall be recorded by the FEO on an approved QGC form. This
information will then go into the QGC Weed Database and Protocol.
If there are significant weeds or infestations noted on the property during the pegging party QGC
vehicles should be cleaned down before re-entering other properties or tenements.
Any weed issues or requirements reported by the FEO will be passed on to relevant construction
staff with key recommendations for their management prior to any clearing or construction
occurring on the property.
Infrastructure Earthworks and Track Construction
During the construction period the following steps must be taken:
Earthmoving machinery must be cleaned down prior to entering the property if requested by the
landholder or advised by a FEO. See Weed Hygiene for Vehicles and Machinery Guidelines
section below.
Earthmoving machinery must be cleaned down as soon as possible, either on site or at the
closest clean-down facility, upon completion of works and leaving the property if advised by a
FEO or operators notice the presence of weeds in the construction area.
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
16 of 100
If the construction area is located over a number of properties, the FEO will make a
recommendation in the relevant site environmental approval if machinery will need to be cleaned
down when moving between properties.
Local Borrow Pits will be utilised in the construction of site infrastructure earthworks. Location of
the Borrow Pits will consider weed dispersal issues.
Topsoil from Borrow Pits will be stockpiled for use in site rehabilitation and any weeds controlled
before transportation to other sites.
Prior to importing bulk materials and products, including earthworks fill, QGC will confirm with
suppliers the weed status of materials by requesting a written statement i.e. weed hygiene
declaration form as per guidelines set out below.
Drilling
During drilling operations the following steps must be taken:
Drilling rigs and associated vehicles and equipment will require clean-down if advised by a FEO,
or if the contractor is aware the rig has been operating in a weed risk area.
External contractors must provide the QGC Rig Drilling Supervisor with appropriate
documentation to verify that vehicles and equipment have been cleaned before entering QGC
leases.
Pipeline Construction
During survey mark-up, clear and grade, trenching and rehabilitation, the following steps must be taken:
Site environmental clearances will follow the same procedure as for pegging parties.
During the clear and grade, earthworks machinery and any vehicles entering the right of way
must be cleaned prior to entering and upon completion of works. All machinery arriving at
QGC‟s right of way for clear and grade must be accompanied by a weed free declaration and
should be inspected by QGC FEOs prior to works commencing.
Once clear and grade of the right of way is complete, „Clean on Entry‟ points (COE) will be
established along the right of way. Marked by signs, these will be the only access points for
machinery and vehicles during pipeline trenching and construction. Machinery and vehicles
must use COE and as long as they do not leave the right of way, gravel roads or sealed roads
and it has not rained, they will not require rewashing. COE will be located at points that intercept
gravel or sealed roads so that minimal rewashing will be required. If a COE point is required
away from gravel or sealed roads, the access track will be constructed in such a way that
minimal rewashing will be required.
Rehabilitation Works
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
17 of 100
Rehabilitation equipment will need to be cleaned down upon entry of right of way and upon
completion of work.
FEOs will ensure from suppliers in writing, materials imported for rehabilitation including; topsoil
and seed stock are weed free. i.e. weed hygiene declaration form as per guidelines set out
below.
Machinery and equipment must be cleaned down before movements between gas fields as per
the following guidelines through designated COE points.
Operations
All QGC vehicles should be cleaned on a regular basis. During day to day operational visits by
Production Operators and other staff, vehicles will not require a clean-down as long as they do not leave
sealed roads, gravel roads or well pads. The only exception to this is if a FEO recommends vehicles and
equipment are to be cleaned upon leaving high risk areas. If a vehicle enters an area where it has
recently received rain and is muddy, the vehicle should be cleaned as soon as possible.
If a vehicle passes through a suspected weed infestation area, it is the driver‟s responsibility to ensure a
clean-down is completed. For example, pulling onto the road verge to take a phone call might expose the
vehicle to weeds such as lovegrass and mother of millions which are common in disturbance zones.
Vehicle operators will be responsible for record keeping and are subject to audit.
3.2.7 Reporting and Mapping
Following on-site weed identification and relevant consultations, weed location information in the form of
GPS coordinates or site location descriptions are to be provided to QGC FEOs with the location and
details of weeds to then be entered into a QGC Weed Database and Protocol. Records will also be kept
of what management action may have been taken after the record was made. Weed mapping information
will be developed from the database and used in the development of site specific weed management
plans. Follow-up treatment, inspections and monitoring will be used to study the effectiveness of these
plans.
3.3 Weed Hygiene for Vehicles and Machinery Guidelines
QGC‟s Environmental Guideline Weed Hygiene for Vehicles and Machinery (OPS-T-GDL-0002 Rev B
February 2011) has been prepared by QGC to include requirements outlined in the “Petroleum Industry
(including coal seam methane gas) Minimising Pest Spread Guidelines” (PIMPSG) and “Queensland
checklist for Clean-down Procedures”.
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
18 of 100
An overarching framework that outlines the main approach to when QGC vehicles or machinery should
be cleaned and to what extent is provided in Appendix 4. This matrix is taken from the „Petroleum
Industry (including coal seam methane gas) Minimising Pest Spread Guidelines‟.
3.3.1 General Vehicle Measures to Minimise Weed Spread
The following general measures should be applied by all staff and contractors to minimise weed spread:
Vehicles to avoid leaving designated access tracks or roads;
Vehicles, machinery and equipment suspected of carrying weed seed will be cleaned following
the recommendations listed below;
Project-specific weed management recommendations will be identified in each project‟s
Construction Environmental Management Plan and the project specific Land Access Rules
Overview;
QGC fleet vehicles must be thoroughly washed once per week and interiors thoroughly cleaned
once per month;
Each QGC or contractor vehicle must have a current Weed Inspection Report or weed
declaration when arriving on QGC land or leaving QGC private property for work purposes;
Ensure clothing and footwear are free of mud and seeds before stepping in vehicles;
Work in clean areas first or start in areas with the least amount of infestation during peak seed
production times;
Secure loads that are suspected to contain weed seeds;
QGC field staff and contractors to receive basic weed identification training and be issued with a
weed booklet;
Contact the Environment Team for any enquiries or for reporting of weed sightings;
Report weed sightings to FEO, record in QGC GIS Database and incorporate into QGC Protocol.
3.3.2 Cleaning of Vehicles and Machinery
Clean-down requirements and procedures are detailed in QGC‟s Environmental Guideline Weed
Hygiene for Vehicles and Machinery (OPS-T-GDL-0002 Rev B February 2011). It is the responsibility
of every contractor/employee to keep their vehicles and machinery weed free. This includes regularly
checking and cleaning the vehicle, in particular when driving off-road. QGC employees using a fleet
vehicle are expected to wash their car once per week and clean the interior monthly. This is the minimum
requirement.
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
19 of 100
QGC‟s Environmental Guideline (OPS-T-GDL-0002 Rev B February 2011) indicates that two forms are
to be used as part of the Weed Hygiene Procedures: -
the Weed Hygiene Declaration Form issued by the Queensland Government; and
the QGC Internal Weed Hygiene Inspection Report.
The Weed Hygiene Declaration Form should generally be used every time a thing such as a vehicle or
other piece of machinery is transported to a new area or property and on request and is further explained
in Section 3.3.3.
The QGC Internal Weed Hygiene Inspection Report serves as a supplement form that should be used as
a means of good company practice as it lists individual cleaned items and can only be signed by a
competent inspector. The weed hygiene inspection report should be used to manage land holder specific
weed free requests.
The location of QGC clean-down facilities will be determined in the operational planning phase for each
field based on results of pre-clearance surveys, pegging parties, confirmation of the location of
infrastructure and consultation with landowners. Currently numerous local community clean-down
facilities are located within the Gas Field region and are listed in Table 1.
Table 1: Washdown facilities within the Gas Field region
Location Address Standard Requirements/Comments
Chinchilla Chinchilla Saleyards,
Slessar Street
Town water pressure
No under body wash
No compressed air
Supply your own hose 1 ¼”
Notice required – Western Downs Regional Council,
Chinchilla Service Centre, Heeney Street.
Kenya Kenya Guardhouse High pressure water
No under body wash
No compressed air
Open 24 hours
No notice required
Kenya Pond High pressure water
Under body wash
No compressed air
Open 24 hours
No notice required
Tara Tara Saleyards,
Surat Development Road
Town water pressure
No under body wash
No compressed air
Own pump can be fitter
Notice required – Western Downs Regional Council,
Tara Service Centre.
Wandoan Wandoan Saleyards, Windeyer Road
High pressure water
No under body wash
No compressed air
Supply your own hose
Open 24 hours
No notice required
Windibri
Windibri Warehouse High pressure water
No under body wash
No compressed air
Open 24 hours
No notice required
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
20 of 100
3.3.3 Weed Hygiene Declaration
Under the LP Act, it is an offence to supply a thing that is contaminated with a Class 1 or Class 2 weed.
For Class 2 weeds, however, there is an exemption: A person does not breach the Act if they provide a
written notice that states that the thing is or may be contaminated with a Class 2 weed and hands out this
written notice to the receiver before the thing is supplied. “Written notice” in the sense of the Act is the
Weed Hygiene Declaration (Appendix 5). This notice has to be filled out by the supplier prior to entering
the property and contains information about the type of equipment that is supplied or transported and its
contamination status. Machinery, such as vehicles, is considered clean when no soil or organic matter
that may contain weeds or weed seeds is attached to the machinery.
The Weed Hygiene Declaration provides information on two separate activities, Part 1- Sale or supply of
things and Part 2 - Transport of contaminated things. Part 1 should be completed if a new vehicle is
transported to a sensitive area or the purchase of materials (organic matter) requires proof of weed free
supply for example in rehabilitation or earthworks operations. Weed Hygiene Declarations are to be kept
by both the supplier and receiver for five years for these activities. Part 2 should be completed when
machinery or persons are moving from location to location or in QGC case, property to property. If the
things is deemed to be contaminated, the receiver can either refuse the thing or take precautions to
prevent new weed infestations. Failure to supply a written notice can incur a penalty of up to $40 000.
3.3.4 Weed Hygiene Inspection Report
QGC provides a company internal Weed Hygiene Inspection Report as a supplement to the Weed
Hygiene Declaration Form (Appendix 6). The Weed Hygiene Inspection Report itemises the cleaned and
inspected locations in detail and gives comprehensive information about the vehicle/machinery. It is
recommended because it ensures proof of process and due diligence in the weed management
procedure. The form provides evidence for future reference should a situation relating to the spread of
weeds arise to acknowledge the steps taken on weed control (QGC Environmental Guideline: Weed
Hygiene for Vehicles and Machinery. OPS-T-GDL-00002, Rev B February 2011).
The Hygiene Inspection Report can only be signed by an inspector who has been trained and deemed
competent by successfully completing the courses RTD2312A and RTD2313A provided by Greening
Australia and other organisations. Authorised Vehicle Inspectors can be QGC or third party contractors.
Third party certifications are currently conducted under certain circumstances such as cases where
landholders raise significant concerns.
The following table provides information on authorised third party weed inspectors current at the time of
report preparation (Table 2). For further information please contact the providers directly.
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
21 of 100
Table 2: Authorised Third Party Inspectors
Organisation Contact Details Information
Weed Hygiene Inspection Services
Greg Jackson
Ph. 0427 224 540
Ph. 0428 221 740
30 Corfe Road, Roma
24 hour hotline
http://whis.com.au/
Greening Australia Chris Hoffmann
Ph. 07 3902 4444
Ph. 0439 715 443
Office South East Queensland (SEQ)
333 Bennetts Road, Norman Park QLD 4170
http://www.greeningaustralia.org.au/
Maranoa Oilfield Services
Patrick Allen
Ph. 07 4634 4209
Ph. 0409 483 928
No website
DWD and vehicle Inspections
Mandy and Warren Krause
Ph. 0417 511 455
Ph. 0407 148 803
Based out of Dalby
Star Contracting Services
Tony Star Ph. 0488 691 222 Based in Chinchilla
3.4 Weed Species Recorded or with Potential to Occur in the Gas Fields
Weed species recorded or with potential to occur in the Gas Fields are listed in Table 3. These are
considered as „Weeds of Concern‟ for the Gas Fields and are the focus of management controls and
specifications outlined in this report.
Table 3: Weed species recorded or with potential to occur in the Gas Fields
Common Name WONS* Stakeholder Concerned¥
Presence in Gas Field¶
Class 1 Declared Plants
Gleditsia spp. Honey Locust CA, QMDBA,
TSC TBC
Nassella neesiana Chilean Needle Grass WONS CA, QMDBA Possible
Class 2 Declared Plants
Ambrosia artemisiifolia Annual Ragweed CA Likely
Baccharis halimifolia Groundsel Bush CA Possible
Bryophyllum delagoense syn. B. tubiflorum, Kalanchoe delagoensis)
Mother of millions CA, TSC Yes
Bryophyllum x houghtonii (syn. B. daigremontianum x B. delagoense, Kalanchoe x houghtonii
Mother of millions hybrid CA, TSC Yes
Eichhornia crassipes Water Hyacinth QMDBA Possible
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
22 of 100
Harrisia martinii syn. Eriocereus martinii, H. tortuosa and H. pomanensis syn. Cereus pomanensis
Harrisia cactus CA, QMDBA,
TSC Yes
Hymenachne amplexicaulis Hymenachne WONS QMDBA Likely
Lycium ferocissimum African boxthorn CA, QMDBA,
TSC Yes
Opuntia spp. Common prickly pear, Velvety tree pear, Tiger pear
TSC Yes
Parkinsonia aculeate Parkinsonia WONS QMDBA, TSC TBC
Parthenium hysterophorus Parthenium WONS CA, QMDBA,
TSC Yes
Pistia stratiotes Water Lettuce QMDBA TBC
Prosopis glandulosa Honey Mesquite WONS CA, QMDBA Likely
Prosopis pallida Algaroba WONS CA, QMDBA Likely
Prosopis velutina Velvet Mesquite WONS CA, QMDBA Likely
Salvinia molesta Salvinia WONS CA, QMDBA Likely
Sporobolus africanus Parramatta grass Yes
Sporobolus fertilis Giant Parramatta grass CA Possible
Sporobolus jacquemontii American rat‟s tail grass Possible
Sporobolus pyramidalis and S. natalensis)
Giant rat‟s tail grass TSC Possible
Ziziphus mauritiana Chinese apple TSC TBC
Class 3 Declared Plants
Celtis sinensis Chinese Celtis Yes
Cinnamomum camphora Camphor Laurel QMDBA Likely
Lantana spp. Lantana WONS CA, QMDBA Possible
Lingustrum lucidum and L.sinense
Privet spp. CA, QMDBA TBC
Macfadyena unguis-cati Cats-Claw Creeper QMDBA Likely
Rubus spp. Blackberry WONS CA, QMDBA TBC
Schinus terebinthifolius Broad-leaved Pepper Tree TSC Likely
Tamarix aphylla Athel Pine TSC Likely
Local Law
Datura spp. Thornapples / Stromonium CA TBC
Pyracantha angustiflora Firethorn CA TBC
Xanthium pungens Noogoora Burr CA Yes
Xanthium spinosa Bathurst Burr CA Yes
Non-declared Plants
Acacia farnesiana Mimosa Bush QMDBA, TSC TBC
Argemone ochroleuca & A. mexicana
Mexican Poppy TSC TBC
Carthamus lanatus Saffron Thistle TSC TBC
Echinochloa polystachya Aleman Grass, Carib Grass QMDBA TBC
Eragrostis curvula African Lovegrass TSC Yes
Eremophila maculata Fuchsia Bush TSC TBC
Ipomoea cairica Coastal Morning Glory, Mile-a-Minute
QMDBA TBC
Ipomoea indica Purple Morning Glory QMDBA TBC
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
23 of 100
Ipomoea purpurea Common Morning Glory QMDBA TBC
Phyla canescens Lippia, Condamine Couch CA, QMDBA Yes
Silybum marianum Variegated Thistle TSC TBC
*WONS – weeds of national significance (http://www.weeds.gov.au/weeds/lists/wons.html )
¥- CA - Condamine Alliance; QMDBA - Queensland Murray-Darling Basin Authority; TSC - Taroom Shire Council
¶ Yes - Confirmed Presence; Likely - DEEDI distribution maps show presence near Gas Field; Possibly - Possible
presence in region; TBC - To Be Confirmed
3.5 Specific Weed Management, Hygiene and Monitoring Measures
Specific weed management, hygiene and monitoring measures are provided for those weed species in
Table 3 that have been confirmed as occurring in the Gas Fields. These measures have been drawn
largely on information provided by Primary Industries and Fisheries section of DEEDI in their weed fact
sheets (Declared Plants of Queensland, http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7005.htm).
3.5.1 Bryophyllum species
Plate 1: Mother of Millions www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7324.htm
Plate 2: Mother of Millions Flowers www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7324.htm
Mother of Millions (Bryophyllum spp.)
Class 2 Declared weed species;
Occurs over substantial areas in Queensland after originating in Madagascar;
Erect, smooth fleshy succulent weeds that are poisonous to stock if eaten;
Propagation from seed and plantlets that grow along the edges of the leaves;
Transportation via water movement;
Common in localised areas over the majority of the gas field tenements;
Refer to DEEDI Mother of Millions fact sheet for prevention and control methods (Declared
Plants of Queensland, http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7005.htm).;
Mother of Millions distribution map produced by Biosecurity Queensland is provided in
http://www.weeds.gov.au/weeds/lists/wons.htmlhttp://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7005.htmhttp://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7005.htm
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
24 of 100
Appendix 7;
QGC Gas Field distribution maps will be produced as field distribution data is continually collated
and updated.
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
25 of 100
3.5.2 Harrisia species
Plate 3: Harrisia Cactus www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7297.htm
Plate 4: Harrisia Cactus Fruit www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7297.htm
Harrisia cactus species (Harrisia spp.);
Class 2 Declared weed species;
Common to abundant in central and southern Queensland after introduction from South America;
Shade tolerant and well adapted to infest brigalow and associated softwood areas;
Characterised by their fleshy jointed stems forming a half a metre high tangle of spiky cactus;
Each stem section of the mat-like plant can root and form a deep, underground tuberous root
system that can survive the death of the above ground parts;
Propagation occurs from seed contained in round red fruits and regrowth of stem segments and
underground tubers;
Harrisia cactus is found occasionally in localised areas over parts of the gas field tenements;
Refer to DEEDI Harrisia Cactus fact sheet for control methods (Declared Plants of Queensland,
http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7005.htm);
Harrisia cactus distribution map produced by Biosecurity Queensland, is provided in
Appendix 7;
QGC Gas Field distribution maps will be produced as field distribution data is continually collated
and updated.
http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7005.htm
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
26 of 100
3.5.3 Lycium ferocissimum
Plate 5: African Boxthorn Branch www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7105.htm
Plate 6: African Boxthorn Branch www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7105.htm
African Boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum);
Class 2 Declared weed species;
Distributed widely through Southern Queensland after originating in southern Africa;
A perennial spiny shrub up to 5m in height with clusters of leaves;
Forms dense thickets which are impenetrable to stock and damaging to tyres;
Propagation occurs from seed spread by birds and other animals;
Common in localised areas over the majority of the gas field tenements;
Refer to DEEDI African Boxthorn fact sheet for control methods (Declared Plants of Queensland,
http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7005.htm);
African Boxthorn distribution map produced by Biosecurity Queensland, is provided in Appendix
7;
QGC Gas Field distribution maps will be produced as field distribution data is continually collated
and updated.
http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7005.htm
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
27 of 100
3.5.4 Opuntia species
Plate 7: Prickly Pear with Cactoblastis www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7343.htm
Plate 8: Prickly Pear www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7343.htm
Prickly Pear species (Opuntia spp.);
Class 2 Declared weed species naturalised in Queensland from the Americas;
Erect, fleshy succulent weeds that have various forms of spikes;
Propagation occurs from seed dispersed by native and introduced birds and animals;
Common in localised areas over the majority of the gas field tenements;
Refer to DEEDI Prickly Pear fact sheet for control methods (Declared Plants of Queensland,
http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7005.htm);
Prickly Pear species distribution map produced by Biosecurity Queensland is provided in
Appendix 7;
QGC Gas Field distribution maps will be produced as field distribution data is continually collated
and updated.
http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7005.htm
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
28 of 100
3.5.5 Parthenium hysterophorus
Plate 9: Parthenium www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7334.htm
Plate 10: Parthenium Infestation www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7334.htm
Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus);
Class 2 Declared weed species;
Common to abundant in widespread areas of central and southern Queensland after introduction
from North and South America;
An annual herb with deeply lobed leaves, small white flowers and may reach two metres in
height;
Infests pastures and crops, and reduces the growth rate of other plants by both competition and
through the production of a growth-inhibiting exudate from its roots;
Propagation occurs from seeds with each plant capable of producing approximately fifteen
thousand seeds that are viable for ten years;
Seed is spread easily by water, farm and industrial machinery, feral animals, vehicles, stock
fodder and movement of stock, grain and seed;
It is occasionally found in localised areas of the gas field tenements;
Refer to DEEDI Parthenium fact sheet for control methods (Declared Plants of Queensland,
http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7005.htm);
Parthenium distribution map produced by Biosecurity Queensland is provided in Appendix 7;
QGC Gas Field distribution maps will be produced as field distribution data is continually collated
and updated.
http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7005.htm
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
29 of 100
3.5.6 Sporobolus africanus and other Rat’s Tail grasses
Plate 11: Giant Rat’s Tail (GRT) Grass www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7288.htm
Plate 12: GRT Grass Infestation www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7288.htm
Giant Rat’s Tail Grasses (Sporobolus spp.)
Class 2 Declared weed species;
Common across large areas of eastern Australia;
Robust, tufted, invasive grasses that can out-compete desirable pasture plants;
Propagation occurs from seed which can be spread by livestock, other animals, vehicles and
machinery and in pasture seed;
These species are occasionally found in localised areas over the gas field tenements;
Refer to DEEDI Giant Rat‟s Tail Grass fact sheet for control methods (Declared Plants of
Queensland, http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7005.htm);
Biosecurity Queensland produced Giant Rat‟s Tail Grass distribution map is provided in
Appendix 7;
QGC Gas Field distribution maps will be produced as field distribution data is continually collated
and updated.
http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7005.htm
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
30 of 100
3.5.7 Celtis sinensis
Plate 13: Chinese Celtis Fruit www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7228.htm
Plate 14: Chinese Celtis www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7228.htm
Chinese celtis (Celtis sinensis);
Class 3 Declared weed species;
Originating in Asia and naturalised throughout south east Queensland;
A fast growing tree up to 12m in height forming dense infestations along water ways;
Propagation occurs through seed dispersal by birds;
Chinese elm is occasionally found in localised areas of the gas field tenements;
Refer to DEEDI Chinese Celtis fact sheet for control methods (Declared Plants of Queensland,
http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7005.htm);
Chinese Celtis distribution map produced by Biosecurity Queensland is provided in Appendix 7;
QGC Gas Field distribution maps will be produced as field distribution data is continually collated
and updated.
http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7005.htm
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
31 of 100
3.5.8 Xanthium pungens and X. spinosa
Plate 15: Noogoora Burr Fruit www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7329.htm
Plate 16: Noogoora Burr www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7329.htm
Plate 17: Bathurst Burr Fruit www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7150.htm
Plate 18: Bathurst Burr www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7150.htm
Noogoora Burr and Bathurst Burr (Xanthium pungens and X. spinosa);
Class 3 Declared weed species;
Originating in the Americas and distributed through southern, western and central Queensland;
Annual erect herbs up to 2.5m in height with roughly textured leaves that are poisonous to stock
if eaten;
Propagation occurs from the spread of seeds attached to animals;
The Burr species are occasional to common in widespread areas over the gas field tenements;
Refer to DERM Noogoora Burr and Bathurst Burr fact sheets for control methods (Declared
Plants of Queensland, http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7005.htm);
Noogoora Burr and Bathurst Burr distribution maps produced by Biosecurity Queensland are
provided in Appendix 7;
http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7005.htm
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
32 of 100
QGC Gas Field distribution maps will be produced as field distribution data is continually collated
and updated.
3.5.9 Eragrostis curvula
Plate 19: African Lovegrass Seed www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7108.htm
Plate 20: African Lovegrass www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7108.htm
African Lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula);
Non-declared weed species;
Accidently introduced from southern Africa and naturalised in all Australian states;
An aggressive invader out-competing other pasture species, especially on sparsely vegetated
sandy soils;
Propagation occurs from seed which can be spread by livestock, other animals, vehicles and
machinery;
Widespread over the gas field tenements;
Refer to DEEDI African Lovegrass fact sheet for control methods (Declared Plants of
Queensland, http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7005.htm);
African Lovegrass distribution map produced by Biosecurity Queensland is provided in
Appendix 7;
QGC Gas Field distribution maps will be produced as field distribution data is continually collated
and updated.
http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7005.htm
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
33 of 100
3.5.10 Phyla canescens
Plate 21: Lippia www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7312.htm
Plate 22: Lippia Infestation www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7312.htm
Lippia (Phyla canescens);
Non-declared weed species;
An accidental introduction, naturalised in all Australian states;
A perennial herb that forms mat-like ground cover with runners and small leaves;
An aggressive invader into riparian areas forming dense carpets that prevents growth of other
vegetation;
Propagation occurs from transported seeds and runners that take root at nodes;
This species is found in localised areas over the gas field tenements;
Refer to DEEDI Lippia fact sheet for control methods (Declared Plants of Queensland,
http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7005.htm);
Lippia distribution map produced by Biosecurity Queensland is provided in Appendix 7;
QGC Gas Field distribution maps will be produced as field distribution data is continually collated
and updated.
http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7005.htm
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
34 of 100
3.5.11 Aquatic Weed Species
Plate 23: Water Hyacinth www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7386.htm
Plate 24: Hymenachne www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7303.htm
Plate 25: Water Lettuce www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7387.htm
Plate 26: Salvinia www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7350.htm
Aquatic weed species including; Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), Hymenachne
(Hymenachne amplexicaulis), Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) and Salvinia (Salvinia molesta);
Class 2 Declared species;
Occasional to abundant in density in localised areas of eastern Queensland;
These species grow and reproduce rapidly, many forming dense mats that shade out native
plants;
Propagation usually occurs from vegetative means and or transported spores or seeds;
These species are occasionally to abundantly found in localised areas over the gas field
tenements;
Refer to DEEDI fact sheets on aquatic weeds (Declared Plants of Queensland,
http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7005.htm);
http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_7005.htm
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
35 of 100
Aquatic weed distribution maps produced by Biosecurity Queensland are provided in Appendix
7;
QGC Gas Field distribution maps will be produced as field distribution data is continually collated
and updated.
QGC dams will be monitored to ensure there is no translocation of aquatic weeds associated
with water releases.
4 Pests
4.1 Relevant Legislation
In Queensland, the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 (LP Act) is the
relevant legislation regarding animal pests. The LP Act and the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route
Management) Regulation 2003 (LP Reg.) provide legislative measures to manage pests and address the
impacts they have on the economy, the environment and society. The Department of Employment,
Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) administers the pest provisions of the Act and its
regulation.
There are three classes of declared animals under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route
Management) Act 2002. These animals are targeted for control because they have, or could have,
serious economic, environmental or social impacts. Class 1, 2 and 3 declared animals are listed in
Appendix 8.
Class 1 pests are not commonly present in Queensland and, if introduced, would cause an
adverse economic, environmental or social impact. Class 1 pests established in Queensland are
subject to eradication from the state; if such a pest is sighted it must be reported to the DEEDI.
Class 2 pests are established in Queensland and have, or could have, an adverse economic,
environmental or social impact. Landowners must take reasonable steps to keep their land free
of Class 2 pest.
Class 3 pests are well established in Queensland and have an adverse economic, environmental
or social impact. Landowners are not required to control Class 3 pests unless the land is
adjacent to an environmentally significant area. There are a number of environmentally
significant areas in and around the QGC Gas Field tenements as shown in the QGC Gas Fields
and Environmentally Significant Areas map contained in Appendix 2.
Under the Local Law provisions of the Local Government Act 1993, a local government can declare any
animals not declared under the LP Act and enforce their control. For example, Eastern Grey Kangaroo,
Macropus giganteus, is not a declared pest, yet is a perceived pest when in overabundance. Non-
declared animals of concern when in excessive numbers may have significant economic and social
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
36 of 100
impacts by competing for food or destroying crops, as well as environmental impacts, including reduction
of biodiversity, impacts on the landscape and degradation of water quality.
The DEEDI recommends control and reporting on non-declared pest animals. Management of these
pests requires coordination and they are subject to programs led by regional government, industry and/or
landowners.
In Queensland, the Fisheries Act 1994 (Fisheries Act) is the relevant legislation regarding noxious fish
pests. The Fisheries Act provides legislative measures to manage pest fish and address the impacts they
have on the economy, the environment and society. The DEEDI administers the noxious pest provisions
of the Act and its regulation.
In line with the federal government, under the Fisheries Act 1994 the state government can declare any
fish that is or may become a pest to native aquatic communities. For example, European, Mirror and Koi
Carp, Cyprinus carpio, is a declared noxious fish and may not be kept, sold or brought into the state and
may not be released or used as bait in Queensland waters. Landowners (including QGC) are required to
control any possible release of noxious fish from their impoundments.
4.2 General Pest and Waste Management and Monitoring Measures
4.2.1 Preliminary Pest Identification
Preliminary pest surveys may be undertaken, usually in conjunction with vegetation surveys, to identify
the abundance and distribution of pest species across QGC tenements and adjacent lands. Pre-
clearance surveys are also being undertaken across the QGC Gas Fields (mainly through Project
Environmental Clearances) by Field Environment Officers (FEO) that identify and record the presence of
feral animals. This information will then be included into QGC‟s Constraint Planning and Field
Development Protocol (the Protocol).
Incidental identification of pest distribution such as signs of feral pig activity may be discovered during
these preliminary surveys. High abundance and distribution of pest species will be noted and may be
used to generate special conditions of access or controls for gas field activities. A survey of QGC owned
tenements has been conducted and incidental identification of pest activities has been recorded.
Information from these surveys has been accounted for in this document.
4.2.2 Land Owner/Manager Consultations
QGC representatives undertake consultations with landowners on a regular basis. Preliminary
consultation forms such as the Property Evaluation Reports (PER) have been developed for land owner
consultations and weed and pest distributions and management programs are covered in these reports.
Information such as the presence of feral animals on the property or neighbouring properties and any
feral animal management programs in place will be recorded. Information on distribution of feral animals
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
37 of 100
and control programs are to be collated and integrated into QGC management plans and the Protocol to
ensure feral animal data is captured spatially.
4.2.3 Regional Councils
Consultation with Western Downs, Maranoa and Banana Regional Councils will be conducted in regards
to regional pest management plans and areas of concern regarding these issues. Taroom Shire Council
(now included in Banana Regional Council) adopted a Pest Management Plan in 2006, identifying high
priority pest species including; Locusts, Wild Dogs/Dingoes and Feral Pigs. The programs included
maintaining baiting provisions, coordinating landholder baiting programs and public awareness exercises.
QGC will work with local governments in the implementation of feral animal control programs where they
are the landowner or it is an area directly impacted by QGC operations.
4.2.4 Stakeholder Organisations Consultations
The Condamine Alliance and Queensland Murray-Darling Committee are two stakeholder organisations
that work in the region of QGC‟s Gas Field tenements and have produced plans on weed and pest
management for the area. Consultation with these and other stakeholder organisations are to be
conducted on a regular basis to discuss and identify priority areas of concern and pest management
programs in relation to integrating QGC management plans.
4.2.5 Pest Identification during Operations
The overall abundance and diversity of pest species across QGC tenements and adjacent lands will be
identify during field surveys. High risk pests or areas will be noted and may be used to generate special
conditions of control during gas field activities. QGC infrastructure is audited by the Environmental Team
annually and additional follow-up field surveys will be conducted at this time. All QGC contractors and
staff are encouraged to immediately report the location of pest sightings and provide a photo where
possible of the species to a FEO. Such reports should be made using a QGC Hazard Observation
(HAZOB) Booklet. The FEOs will then liaise with the relevant local government pest officer and decide
the most appropriate control method or program. Only certified operators can be used to control pest
infestations and they are most effective when undertaken across properties (rather than one property at a
time). Landowners will be notified prior to any pest animal control being undertaken.
4.2.6 Accommodation Camp Waste Management
The risk of increased pest species populations due to accommodation camps in the Gas Fields is
significant. To control the associated risks with large accommodation camps, waste management
procedures will be produced and monitoring of camp environs for pest species will be conducted.
Procedures will predominately focus on reducing the amount and access to food waste by pest species.
Wild dog, feral pig, fox and vermin pest species populations will be monitored near the camps and results
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
38 of 100
collated to allow development of control programs for these species. Control of pest species will be in
accordance with waste management guidelines and where possible integrated with other programs in the
region.
4.2.7 Reporting and Mapping
Following on-site pest identification and relevant consultations, pest location information in the form of
GPS coordinates or site location descriptions are to be provided to QGC FEOs with the location and
details of the pest to then be entered into the QGC Protocol. Records will also be kept of what
management action may have been taken after the record was made. Pest animal mapping information
will be developed from the database and used to assist in decision making. Follow-up treatment,
inspections and monitoring will be used to study the effectiveness of these plans.
4.3 Pest Species Recorded or with Potential to Occur in the Gas Fields
Pest animal species recorded or with potential to occur in the Gas Fields are listed in Table 4. These
form pests of concern for the Gas Fields and subject to management as detailed in this report.
Table 4: Pest species recorded or with potential to occur in the gas fields
Species Common Name Stakeholder Concerned¥
Presence in Gas Field¶
Class 1 Declared Animals
Anoplolepis gracilipes Crazy Ant CA, QMDBA TBC
Solenopsis invicta Fire Ant CA, QMDBA TBC
Class 2 Declared Animals
Austracris guttulosa Spur-throated Locust QMDBA TBC
Axis and Cervus spp. Wild Deer QMDBA Possibly
Canis familiaris Wild Dog CA, QMDBA,
TSC Yes
Canis familiaris dingo Dingo CA, QMDBA,
TSC Yes
Capra hircus Feral Goats QMDBA Yes
Chortoicetus terminifera Australian Plague Locust CA, QMDBA,
TSC TBC
Felis catus Feral Cat QMDBA Yes
Locusta migratoria Locusts – Migratory QMDBA TBC
Oryctolagus cuniculus European Rabbit CA, QMDBA,
TSC Yes
Sus scrofa Feral Pig CA, QMDBA,
TSC Yes
Vulpes vulpes Fox QMDBA Yes
Class 3 Declared Animals
Dama dama Feral Fallow Deer QMDBA TBC
Noxious Animals
Cyprinus carpio European, Koi and Mirror Carp QMDBA Possibly
Gambusia holbrooki Mosquitofish QMDBA Possibly
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
39 of 100
Non Declared Animals
Acridotheres tristis Indian Myna QMDBA TBC
Ardea ibis Egrets (Overabundant Native) QMDBA Possibly
Bufo marinus Cane Toad QMDBA Yes
Culicidae spp. Mosquito spp. Yes
Equus asinus Feral Donkey QMDBA TBC
Equus caballus Wild Horse QMDBA Possibly
Lepus europaeus European Hare QMDBA, TSC Likely
Macropus rufus Kangaroo (Overabundant Native) QMDBA Possibly
Range of species Wallaby (Overabundant Native) QMDBA Possibly
Mus musculus House Mouse QMDBA, TSC Yes
Mustela furo Ferret QMDBA TBC
Rattus rattus Black Rat QMDBA, TSC Yes
Sturnus vulgaris Starlings QMDBA Possibly
Threskiornis molucca Ibis (Overabundant Native) QMDBA Possibly
¥- CA - Condamine Alliance; QMDBA - Queensland Murray-Darling Basin Authority; TSC - Taroom Shire Council
Yes - Confirmed Presence; Likely - DEEDI distribution maps show presence near Gas Field; Possibly - Possible
presence in region; TBC - To Be Confirmed.
4.4 Specific Pest Management and Monitoring Measures
Specific pest management, hygiene and monitoring measures are provided for those pest species in
Table 4 that have been confirmed as occurring in the Gas Fields. These measures have drawn largely
on information provided by Primary Industries and Fisheries section of DEEDI.
4.4.1 Management of Rabbits
Plate 27: Rabbit www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_8288.htm
Plate 28: Rabbits www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_8288.htm
Rabbits are a highly destructive pest that cost the Australian economy between $600m-$1b per year.
Rabbits are regularly sighted on QGC properties, and have been increasing in numbers leading to
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
40 of 100
pasture degradation on not only QGC land but also neighbouring properties. The most effective solution
for rabbit control as prescribed in the Rabbit Control in Queensland handbook, published by the former
DPI&F Queensland (now DEEDI), is the destruction of warrens with machinery and then as a „mop up‟,
the controlled shooting of the remaining animals. The destroyed warren or refuge areas should then be
fenced off. These techniques, if carried out properly, should lead to a long term control of the rabbit
population, in the area, especially if carried out in conjunction with neighbouring land owners.
Consultations in regards to the Darling Downs-Moreton Rabbit Board Fence have been conducted and
are continuing between QGC and DEEDI.
A Rabbit distribution map produced by Biosecurity Queensland, is provided in Appendix 9. QGC will
participate in any Rabbit control programs that may be coordinated by local government or other
stakeholder in consultation with affected landowners. QGC Gas Field distribution maps will be produced
as field distribution data is continually collated.
4.4.2 Management of Wild Dogs and Dingoes
Plate 29: Dingo behind fence www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_8290.htm
Plate 30: Dingo www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_8290.htm
There are several techniques for the management of wild dogs mentioned by the DEEDI including the
use of pesticides in bait, trapping, exclusion fencing, shooting and guard animals (DEEDI July 2010a).
Wild dogs and dingoes are not currently considered a significant threat on QGC tenements. However
state government statistics show the number of wild dogs is growing rapidly in the area and is becoming
more of an issue. The DEEDI considers shooting by professionals to be of low concern in regard to
animal welfare and is considered an appropriate control method. QGC will be taking part in a Dalby
Regional Council initiated Feral Dog Baiting Program. QGC will engage in consultation with Biosecurity
Queensland in regards to future baiting programs.
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
41 of 100
Consultations in regards to the Wild Dog Barrier Fence have been conducted and are continuing
between QGC and DEEDI.
A Wild Dog distribution map produced by Biosecurity Queensland, is provided in Appendix 9. QGC Gas
Field distribution maps will be produced as field distribution data is continually collated.
4.4.3 Management of Feral Pigs
Plate 31: Feral Pig www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_8280.htm
Plate 32: Feral Pigs in Trap www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_8280.htm
Feral Pigs are difficult to control for a number of reasons as outlined by the DEEDI fact sheet on control
of feral pigs (DEEDI July 2010b). The recommended strategy for the control of pigs is trapping, and
whilst this is time consuming it is acknowledged to be the best solution in terms of welfare and control
available. The traps can be made with pig specific triggers that ensure that other local fauna is not
affected. QGC will engage in consultation with Biosecurity Queensland and other stakeholders in regards
to any future Feral Pig baiting programs.
A Feral Pig distribution map produced by Biosecurity Queensland, is provided in Appendix 9. QGC Gas
Field distribution maps will be produced as field distribution data is continually collated.
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
42 of 100
4.4.4 Management of Foxes
Plate 33: Fox in Log www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_8282.htm
Plate 34: Fox stalking Chickens www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_8282.htm
Foxes are a prominent pest in the area of the QGC Gas Field tenements and their population is
increasing. The control of foxes should suit individual circumstances. In some instances it may be
desirable for foxes to remain because of their ability to control other pests. Options for the control of the
fox include poisoning, trapping, shooting, guard animals and exclusion fencing (DEEDI July 2010c).
A Fox distribution map produced by Biosecurity Queensland, is provided in Appendix 9. QGC Gas Field
distribution maps will be produced as field distribution data is continually collated.
4.4.5 Management of Macropods
Plate 35: Kangaroo www.derm.qld.gov.au/wildlife-ecosystems
Plate 36: Kangaroos www.safefood.qld.gov.au
The macropods commonly found on QGC Gas Field tenements are the Eastern Grey Kangaroo and Red
Necked Wallaby. The macropod population is viewed as a threat to agricultural production. Should a field
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
43 of 100
survey indicate that control is required; the best form of control for the macropod population is by
selective culling performed by a professional hunter with the required licenses. Given these macropods
are native species, control programs conducted by QGC will be carefully planned and fully justified, and
must be done so in consultation with the Regional Council and local community.
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
44 of 100
4.4.6 Management of other Pest Species
Plate 37: Mouse www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_8283.htm
Plate 38: Mouse Plague - Dalby 1995 www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_8283.htm
Other pest species, including feral goats, feral cats, cane toads and mice are not perceived to be a
significant threat to any of QGC‟s Gas Field tenements however they are active in the area. As such they
will be managed within regulations on a case by case basis. Staff and contractors are encouraged to
report any sightings of these species. Project environs including equipment, materials and ponded water
will be monitored for mosquito breeding grounds and any equipment or debris no longer required will be
disposed of.
4.4.7 Aquatic Pest Species
Plate 39: European Carp www.dpi.qld.gov.au/28_13606.htm
Plate 40: Mosquitofish- Female www.dpi.qld.gov.au/28_13606.htm
Aquatic pest species, including European Carp (Cyprinus carpio) and Mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki)
are declared noxious pests species in Queensland. European Carp are present in the Condamine-
Balonne catchment and Mosquitofish are widespread throughout Australia. As such they will be managed
within regulations on a case by case basis. Prevention of infestation and multidisciplinary control
methods are the best way to control the spread of aquatic pests in the gas field region. Care must be
taken around any water impoundments and water releases from these bodies in regards to the possible
translocation of pest species.
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
45 of 100
Waterways and impoundments of the Gas Fields will be monitored for possible infestations of noxious
pests. Staff and contractors are encouraged to report any sightings of these species.
5 Monitoring and Review
5.1 Roles and Responsibilities
All QGC contractors and staff will be trained in basic weed and pest identification and encouraged to
immediately report the location of these sightings, with a photo of the species where possible, to a FEO.
All QGC vehicles will be issued with a weed identification booklet to allow all staff to identify weeds
during their daily duties. Such reports should be made using a QGC Hazard Observation (HAZOB)
Booklet. The FEOs will then decide the control method most appropriate and delegate this task to the
appropriate person. Only licensed Chemcert operators can spray weeds as there are health and safety
risks associated with the use of weed control chemicals. A list of Chemcert licensed operators can be
obtained from the FEO or the field technical assistants.
Personnel responsibilities in regards to identification, monitoring and collation of weed and pest species
are listed in Table 5.
Table 5: Identification, Monitoring and Collation Responsibilities for Weed and Pest Species
Role Responsibility
Field Environmental Officer or Site Ecologist
Inspect sites for weeds and pests during pegging parties
Ensure risk classification is provided in the clearance report
Provide guidance and direction for vehicle/machinery clean-downs
Receive identification reports of weeds and pests and enter into QGC database
Determine appropriate management actions after identification is made
Provide guidance and direction to QGC staff and contractors in relation to weed and pest requirements
Construction and Project Supervisors
Ensure weed control requirements are communicated to contractors and enforced. Inspect vehicles and machinery as necessary.
Chemical Application Operators Conduct weed control measures as directed and maintain records.
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
46 of 100
Drilling Superintendents Ensure weed control requirements are communicated to contractors and enforced. Inspect vehicles and machinery as necessary.
All Staff and Contractors Complete clean-downs as required and submit vehicles, machinery and equipment for inspection.
Identify and report weeds and pests using HAZOB booklet.
Weed Hygiene Inspection Officers Conduct Weed Hygiene Inspections and issue Weed Hygiene Inspection Report.
5.2 Data Management
Field information in the form of preliminary surveys, property evaluation reports, hazard observation
booklet forms and/or stakeholder group information will be transferred to the QGC GIS Database and
also the QGC Protocol. This information will be used to develop weed and pest management plans over
the Gas Fields and maintain knowledge of weed and pest distribution. It will also assist document
landholder discussions, what weeds and pest were present prior to commencement of gas field
development and effectiveness of management.
An exchange of Weed and Pest information between QGC and Biosecurity Queensland will be
investigated to improve management planning and responsiveness.
5.3 Monitoring
Monitoring and control of weeds and pests will be conducted on an ongoing basis for the life of the Gas
Field. Monitoring of weed and pest infestations within disturbed areas will occur at least monthly during
construction and then quarterly for a period of two years following construction. Appropriate weed and
pest control measures will be applied. Following the two year period, the frequency of monitoring will be
reconsidered dependent on the success of control measures and the level of infestations.
Weed and pest management is an integrated and evolving process and amendments to strategies must
occur regularly as new information becomes available and new control techniques are developed. Weed
strategies also need to be amended when the pattern of weed infestation changes. It is proposed that in
the event new significant weed species are discovered within the Gas Field area or along associated
access roads, these management strategies be reviewed. Results of monitoring will assist in identifying
ways to improve weed and pest management.
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
47 of 100
5.4 Document Review
This document shall be reviewed and updated on an annual basis by the environmental team in
Upstream HSSE in consultation with landowners, local government, NRM groups and DEEDI.
Pest and Weed Management Plan Rev 0
May 2011
48 of 100
6 References
Anderson, E. R., 2003. Plants of Central Queensland – Their Identification and Uses. Department of
Primary Industries, Brisbane.
DEEDI, 2009, African Lovegrass. DPI fact sheet – Pest Series. September 2009.
DEEDI, 2009, Giant Rat’s Tail Grass. DPI fact sheet – Pest Series. September 2009.
DEEDI, 2009, Parthenium Weed. DPI fact sheet – Pest Series. September 2009.
DEEDI, September 2009, Prickly pear- Opuntia, Nopalea and Acanthocereus Fact sheet – Pest Series,
September 2009.
DEEDI, April 2010, Mother of Millions- Fact sheet – Pest Series, 2010.
DEEDI, July 2010a, Wild dogs Canis familiaris Fact sheet Declared Class 2 Pest Animal.
DEEDI, July 2010b, Feral pigs in Queensland, Distribution, ecology and impact. Fact sheet Declared
Class 2 Pest Animal.
DEEDI, July 2010c, European red fox Vulpes vulpes. Fact sheet Declared Class 2 Pest Animal.
Department of Industry and Investment (Industry & Investment NSW) 2010, Primefact 927 – African
Lovegrass Management – fact sheet.
Department of Primary Industries (DPI). 2007. - Prickly pear identification and their control. Biosecurity
Qld Pest Fact Sheet, Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Brisbane.
www.dpi.qld.gov.au/cps/rde/xbcr/dpi/IPA-Prickly-Pear-Control-P