Curtis Coast Coastal Marine Inventory Report 2012 GPC

Contents
List of Abbreviations and Acronyms i
Foreword iii
Preface iv
Acknowledgements vi
1. Introduction 1
1.1 The Curtis Coast Coastal and Marine Resource Inventory Report 1
1.1.1 The 1994 Curtis Coast Study 1
1.1.2 The 2011 Update 1
1.1.3 Information Sources and Focus 1
1.2 Location 2
1.3 Overview of the Curtis Coast Region 2
1.4 Land Tenure and Management Areas 2
2. Human Settlement 10
2.1 Indigenous Heritage 10
2.1.1 Important Features 10
2.1.2 Indigenous Representation 10
2.2 Non-Indigenous Heritage 10

2.2.1 Discovery and Exploration 10
2.2.2 Coastal Settlement 11
2.2.3 Shipping 12
2.2.4 Important Features 13
2.3 Pressures 19
2.4 Bibliography 19
3. Demography 21
3.1 Size and Growth of Population 21
3.2 Age and Sex 23
3.3 Characteristics of Resident Population 23

3.3.1 Indigenous Representation 23
3.3.2 Ethnicity 23
Gladstone Ports Corporation Curtis Coast Coastal and Marine Resource Inventory – January 2012
3.3.3 Employment 23
3.3.4 Visiting Population and Resort Accommodation 23
3.3.5 Selected Demographic Characteristics 23
3.3.6 Residential Accommodation and Dwelling Occupancy 23
3.4 Pressures 30
3.5 Bibliography 30
4. Tourism and Recreation 32

4.1 Recreation 32
4.1.1 Water-based 32
4.1.2 Water-enhanced 33
4.1.3 Non-water based 33
4.2 Tourism 36
4.2.1 Pattern of Tourism 36
4.2.2 Tourist Attractions 36
4.2.3 Tourist Accommodation 37
4.2.4 Passenger Travel 37
4.3 Pressures 37
4.4 Bibliography 38
5. Industry and Commerce 40

5.1 Industry 40
5.1.1 Key Infrastructure 40
5.1.2 Major Industry 40
5.1.3 Minor Industry 40
5.2 Ports 46
5.3 Fishing 46
5.3.1 Commercial Fishing 46
5.3.2 Biology of Key Species 47
5.3.3 Aquaculture and Oysters 49
5.3.4 Recreational Fishing 49
5.3.5 Events of the 2010/11 Summer 50
5.4 Mining 54
5.4.1 Titanium Mineral Sands 54
5.4.2 Oil Shale 58
5.4.3 Salt 58
5.4.4 Silica Sands 58
5.4.5 Manganese 58
5.4.6 Gold 58
5.4.7 Clay Materials 58
5.4.8 Phosphate 59
5.4.9 Construction Materials 59
5.5 Potential Resources 59
5.6 Pressures 59
5.7 Bibliography 60
6. Natural Resources 63
6.1 Climate 63
6.1.1 Available Meteorological Data 63
6.1.2 Rainfall 63
6.1.3 Air Temperature 67
6.1.4 Evaporation 67
6.1.5 Relative Humidity 67
6.1.6 Surface Winds 67
6.1.7 Temperature Inversions 67
6.1.8 Tropical Cyclones 67
6.1.9 Effects of Climate Change 67
6.1.10 Pressures 70
6.1.11 Bibliography 70
6.2 Geology and Geomorphology 73

6.2.1 Geology 73
6.2.2 Geomorphology 77
6.2.3 Seismicity 78
6.2.4 Pressures 78
6.3 Landscape 79
6.3.1 Landscape Units 79
6.3.2 Key Landscapes 81
6.3.3 Pressures 81
6.4 Sedimentary Processes and Erosion Hazards 85

6.4.1 Types of Shoreline 85
6.4.2 Types of Sediment Supply 85
6.4.3 Types of Erosion Process 85
6.4.4 Coastal Hazard Areas 86
6.4.5 Planning and Management 86
6.4.6 Coastal Data Collection 87
6.4.7 Pressures 87
6.5 Hydrodynamics 87
6.5.1 Tides and Currents 87
6.5.2 Tidal Circulation 92
6.5.3 Flushing Characteristics 92
6.5.4 Waves 93
6.5.5 Wave Climate 93
6.5.6 Freshwater Discharge 96
6.5.7 Pressures 96
6.6 Groundwater Resources 98

6.6.1 Groundwater Management 98
6.6.2 Groundwater Use 98
6.6.3 Hydrogeological Units 98
6.6.4 Groundwater Flows and Yields 98
6.6.5 Groundwater Quality 99
6.6.6 Summary of Groundwater Resources 99
6.6.7 Pressures 99
6.7 Coastal Waters 100

6.7.1 Water Quality Characteristics 100
6.7.2 Water Quality Impacts 104
6.7.3 Pressures 105
6.8 Marine Sediments 106

6.8.1 Sediment Characteristics 106
6.8.2 Sediment Quality 106
6.8.3 Pressures 107
6.9 Flora 109

6.9.1 Terrestrial Flora 109
6.9.2 Aquatic Flora 126
6.9.3 Introduced Flora Species 136
6.9.4 Threatened Plants and Communities 137
6.9.5 Pressures 140
6.10 Fauna 141
6.10.1 Terrestrial Fauna 142
6.10.2 Aquatic Fauna 146
6.10.3 Introduced Fauna Species 156
6.10.4 Threatened Fauna 156
6.10.5 Pressures 160
7. Summary of Key Resources 164
Table Index
Table 1-1 Land Tenure and Management Areas in the Curtis Coast Region 3
Table 2-1 Results of National Shipwreck Database Search, Curtis Coast Region 14
Table 2-2 Queensland State Heritage Registered Sites within the Curtis Coast Region 15
Table 3-1 Population Projections – Total Persons (2011-2031) 22
Table 3-2 Domestic Visitors to Curtis Coast Destinations (2006) 29
Table 3-3 Summary of Selected Characteristics for Curtis Coast Statistical Areas 29
Table 5-1 History of the Gladstone State Development Area (GSDA) 41
Table 5-2 Current Large Scale Industry and Infrastructure Projects in the Curtis Coast Region 42
Table 5-3 Annual Commercial Catches in the S30 Area 48
Table 5-6 Mining Leases and Mineral Development Leases in the Curtis Coast Region 55
Table 6-1 Weather Stations in the Curtis Coast Region 63
Table 6-2 Average Monthly Rainfall (mm) across the Curtis Coast Region* 64
Table 6-3 Average Annual Rainfall and Rainy Days across the Curtis Coast Region 65
Table 6-4 Historical Storage Levels, Awoonga Dam, Boyne River 65
Table 6-5 Average Annual 9 am and 3 pm Relative Humidity (%) across the Curtis Coast Region 67
Table 6-6 Storm Surge Plus Tide with Climate Change (for the year 2050) 70
Table 6-7 Average Annual Maximum and Minimum Temperatures across the Curtis Coast Region 71
Table 6-8 Key to 1:100 000 Published Geology Presented in Figure 6-5 75
Table 6-9 Landscape Units 82
Table 6-10 Tidal Planes – Height above Lowest Astronomical Tide 90
Table 6-11 Type and Status of Groundwater Bores 98
Table 6-12 Regional Ecosystems Mapped within the Curtis Coast Region 111
Table 6-13 Area (ha) for Key Monitoring Meadows in Port Curtis and Rodd Bay, November 2002, November 2004,
October 2005, November 2006, October 2007, November 2008, November 2009, November 2010
and November 2011 129
Table 6-14 Mangrove Species Recorded in the Curtis Coast Region 132
Table 6-15 Flora of Conservation Significance Listed in Database Searches for the Curtis Coast Region 138
Table 6-16 Fauna of Conservation Significance Listed in Database Searches for the Curtis Coast Region 157
Table 7-1 Summary of Protected Areas, Localities, Items, Communities and Species 165
Table 8-1 Detailed Descriptions of Regional Ecosystems Mapped within the Curtis Coast Region 173
Table 8-2 Vascular Plants Listed or Recorded in the Database Searches of the Curtis Coast Region 198
Table 8-3 Mangrove and Saltmarsh Species of the Curtis Coast Region 229
Table 8-4 Birds Listed in Database Searches for the Curtis Coast Region 231
Table 8-5 Amphibians Listed in the Database Searches of the Curtis Coast Region 247
Table 8-6 Mammals Listed in the Database Searches for the Curtis Coast Region 248
Table 8-7 Reptiles Listed in the Database Searches for the Curtis Coast Region 251
Table 8-8 Fish Listed in the Database Searches of the Curtis Coast Region 255
Table 8-9 Insects Listed in the Database Searches of the Curtis Coast Region 260
Table 8-10 Land Snails Listed in Database Searches of the Curtis Coast Region 260
Table 8-11 Decapods Listed in Database Searches of the Curtis Coast Region 262
Appendices
A Vegetation Community Descriptions 168
B Detailed Regional Ecosystem Descriptions 172
C Flora of the Curtis Coast 197
D Fauna of the Curtis Coast 230

Note regarding source of images: Where available, image sources are acknowledged under each image in the text. In some cases, the images
were sourced on line and the photographer is not known. GIS maps contain acknowledgements of data sources.
Figure Index
Figure 1-1 Curtis Coast Study Area 4
Figure 1-2 Satellite Image of the Curtis Coast Study Area 5
Figure 1-3 Land Tenure in the Curtis Coast Study Area 6
Figure 1-4 Protected Areas within the Curtis Coast Region 7
Figure 1-5 Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and Conservation Reserve Boundaries in the Curtis Coast Region 8
Figure 2-1 Coal Ship at RG Tanna Coal Terminal 12
Figure 2-2 Bustard Head Lighthouse 13
Figure 2-3 Gladstone Meatworks Jetty 13
Figure 2-4 1853 Map of Gladstone showing Auckland Inlet (top left) 16
Figure 2-5 Locations of Shipwrecks recorded for the Curtis Coast Region 17
Figure 2-6 Queensland State Heritage Registered Sites within the Curtis Coast Region 18
Figure 3-1 Male to Female Ratio in Selected Towns in the Curtis Coast Region 24
Figure 3-2 Age Cohorts for Selected Towns along the Curtis Coast Region 25
Figure 3-3 Indigenous Representation in Selected Areas 26
Figure 3-4 Percentage of Persons Born Overseas for the Various Areas 27
Figure 3-5 Industry of Employment for Selected Areas 28
Figure 4-1 Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race 32
Figure 4-2 Extensive Mangrove Communities Provide Fishing Opportunities 32
Figure 4-3 Beach at Tannum Sands 34
Figure 4-4 Gladstone Marina 34
Figure 4-5 Turtle Way, Tannum Sands 34
Figure 4-6 Lake Awoonga Picnic Facilities 34
Figure 4-7 Joseph Banks Conservation Park 34
Figure 4-8 Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum 34
Figure 4-9 Recreational Areas and Boat Ramps 35
Figure 4-10 Heron Island, Great Barrier Reef 36
Figure 4-11 View of QAL from the Water 38
Figure 4-12 Japanese Tea House at Toondoon Botanic Gardens 38
Figure 5-1 Gladstone State Development Area, Strategic Port Land and Industrial Areas 44
Figure 5-2 Existing and Proposed Industries in the Curtis Coast Region 45
Figure 5-3 Throughput by Commodity, Port of Gladstone, 2011 46
Figure 5-4 Fishing Boats on Gladstone Harbour 49
Figure 5-5 Fishing in Mangrove Areas 49
Figure 5-6 Data Collection Grid for Commercial Fishing, S30 52
Figure 5-6a Estimated daily use of key boat ramps from November 2011-October 2012 53
Figure 5-7 Mining Leases, Mineral Development Licences and Mineral Exploration Areas in the Curtis Coast Region 57
Figure 6-1 Awoonga Dam Level and Rainfall Data, October 2010 to October 2011 66
Figure 6-2 Gladstone Sea Level Elevations with 2050 Greenhouse Scenario 69
Figure 6-3 Monthly Temperature ( C) Variations for Gladstone and Seventeen Seventy
o
71
Figure 6-4 Tropical Cyclones crossing within 100 km of Gladstone from 1906 – 2006 72
Figure 6-5 Regional Geology 76
Figure 6-6 Gladstone Earthquake Map 78
Figure 6-7 Curtis Island Landscape 79
Figure 6-8 Curtis Coast Regional Coastal Plan Map 3 – Key Coastal Sites 80
Figure 6-9 Curtis Island Cliffs and Shore Platform 86
Figure 6-10 Curtis Island Beach 86
Figure 6-11 Erosion Prone Area – Agnes Water after Cyclone Hamish, March 2009 87
Figure 6-12 Example of Coastal Hazard Mapping for the Curtis Coast 88
Figure 6-13 Changes in beach height 1981 – 1991 Tannum Sands 89
Figure 6-14 Tidal Currents at Flood Tide 91
Figure 6-15 Tidal Currents at Ebb Tide 91
Figure 6-16 Port Curtis Tidal Flushing, Passive Tracer at day 31 92
Figure 6-17 Wind Rose for Gladstone Airport – 9am 94
Figure 6-18 Wind Rose for Gladstone Airport – 3pm 94
Figure 6-19 Wave Rose – Fisherman’s Landing 95
Figure 6-20 Wave Rose – Agnes Water 95
Figure 6-21 Freshwater Discharge into the Coastal Zone 97
Figure 6-22 Time Series Turbidity Data Recorded at RG Tanna Coal Terminal from February 2004 to April 2005 101
Figure 6-23 Turbidity Data for the Calliope River Estuary, 1994 – Present 103
Figure 6-24 Acid Sulfate Soils Mapping for the Curtis Coast Region 108
Figure 6-25 Curtis Coast Grasslands 110
Figure 6-26 Curtis Coast Woodlands and Open Forests 110
Figure 6-27 Bioregions and Essential Habitat of the Curtis Coast Region 123
Figure 6-28 Regional Ecosystems of the Curtis Coast 124
Figure 6-29 Examples of Seagrass within the Curtis Coast Region 128
Figure 6-30 Example of an Intertidal Seagrass Bed Exposed at Low Tide, Gladstone 128
Figure 6-31 Difference in Seagrass Distribution in the Northern Port Curtis Region Between 2002 and 2009 Baseline Surveys 130
Figure 6-32 Difference in Seagrass Distribution in the Southern Port Curtis Region Between 2002 and 2009 Baseline Surveys 130
Figure 6-33 Changes in Seagrass Coverage Recorded in Key Monitoring Meadows from 2004 – 2008 and 2010 131
Figure 6-34 Mangrove Boardwalk, Auckland Creek 132
Figure 6-35 Ceriops tagal (foreground) and Avicennia marina 132
Figure 6-36 Mangroves and Saltmarshes of the Curtis Coast 134
Figure 6-37 Example of a Saltmarsh Community 135
Figure 6-38 Lantana 136
Figure 6-39 Significant Flora and Fauna Species Recorded within the Curtis Coast Region 139
Figure 6-40 Short-beaked Echidna, Gladstone 142
Figure 6-41 Shorebirds of the Curtis Coast Region 144
Figure 6-42 Priority Shorebird Sites within the Curtis Coast Region 145
Figure 6-43 Records of Marine Megafauna Sightings during Aerial Surveys, 2008/2009 148
Figure 6-44 Records of Marine Megafauna Sightings during Aerial Surveys, 2011 149
Figure 6-45 Records of Marine Megafauna Sightings during Boat-Based Surveys, 2008/2009 150
Figure 6-46 Records of Marine Megafauna Sightings during Boat-Based Surveys, 2011 151
Figure 6-47 Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins within the Port of Gladstone 152
Figure 6-48 95% Utilisation Distribution (UD) (Home Range) for Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins (Sousa chinensis)
in the Capricorn/Curtis Coast 152
Figure 6-49 95% Utilisation Distribution (UD) (Home Range) for Australian Snubfin Dolphins (Orcaella heinsohni)
in the Capricorn/Curtis Coast 152
Figure 6-50 Spatially Explicit Dugong Population Model for the Southern Great Barrier Reef 154
Figure 6-51 Flatback turtle, Curtis Island, Curtis Coast 155
List of Abbreviations and Acronyms
AASS Actual Acid Sulfate Soils DSEWPaC Commonwealth Department of Sustainability,
ABS Australian Bureau of Statistics Environment, Water, Population and
Communities
ADWG Australian Drinking Water Guidelines
DTMR Department of Transport and Main Roads
AEP Annual Exceedance Probability
AHD Australian Height Datum
EC Electrical Conductivity
AMSA Australian Martime Safety Authority
EHP Department of Environment and
ANRA Australian National Resources Atlas Heritage Protection
ANZECC Australian and New Zealand Environment EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
Conservation Council
EILs Environmental Investigation Levels
ARMCANZ Agriculture and Resource Management
Council of Australia and New Zealand EIS Environmental Impact Statement
ASS Acid Sulfate Soils EPA Environmental Protection Agency
AQIS Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service EPBC Act Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999
BICET Balaclava Island Coal Export Terminal
FHA Fish Habitat Area
BOM Bureau of Meteorology
GAPDL Gladstone Area Promotion and Development
BPAQ Beach Protection Authority Queensland Limited
bpsd Barrels per stream day GAWB Gladstone Area Water Board
BSL Boyne Smelter Limited GBR Great Barrier Reef
(C) City – used in population statistics GBRMPA Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
CAMBA China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement GEIDB Gladstone Economic and Industry
CCRCMP Curtis Coast Regional Coastal Management Development Board
Plan GES General Ecological Significance
CFISH Commercial Fishers Information System GMU Groundwater Management Unit
CHRIS Coastal Habitat Resources Information System GOC Government Owned Corporation
cm Centimetre GPA Gladstone Port Authority
CMAR CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research GPC Gladstone Ports Corporation
COPE Coastal Observation Program – Engineering GRC Gladstone Regional Council
CQPA Central Queensland Ports Authority GSDA Gladstone State Development Area
CQU Central Queensland University ha Hectare
CRC Co-operative Research Centre HAT Highest Astronomical Tide
CSIRO Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial HERBRECS Queensland Herbarium Records System
Research Organisation
HES High Ecological Significance
DAFF Department of Agriculture, Fisheries
and Forestry IGA Intergovernmental Agreement
DEEDI Department of Employment, Economic IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

Developmetn and Innovation IUCN International Union for the Conservation of
DERM Department of Environment and Resource Nature
Management JAMBA Japan-Australian Migratory Bird Agreement
DIP Department of Infrastructure and Planning km Kilometres
DNRM Department of Natural Resources and Mines km2 Square kilometres
DO Dissolved Oxygen km/hr Kilometres per hour
DoF Department of Fisheries, Western Australia L Litres
DPA Dugong Protection Area L/s Litres per second
Gladstone Ports Corporation Curtis Coast Coastal and Marine Resource Inventory – January 2012 | i |
LAT Lowest Astronomical Tide QDEH Queensland Department of Environment and
LGA Local government area Heritage
LNG Liquified Natural Gas QERL Queensland Energy Resources Ltd
LTV Long Term Viability QPWS Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
m Metres QWQG Queensland Water Quality Guidelines
mm Millimetres REIQ Real Estate Institute of Queensland
mBGL Metres below ground level REs Regional Ecosystems
mg/L Milligrams per litre

ROCKAMBA Republic of Korea-Australia Migratory Bird
MHWS Mean High Water Spring Agreement
MHWN Mean Hight Water Neap RTA Rio Tinto Alcan
ML Local Magnitude (seismicity) or Megalitres RTAY Rio Tinto Aluminium Yarwun
(volume)
ML/yr Megalitres per year s Second
MLWS Mean Low Water Spring (S) Shire – used in population statistics
MLWN Mean Low Water Neap SEMP Shoreline Erosion Management Plan
MMI Modified Mercalli Intensity SGIC Stanwell – Gladstone Infrastructure Corridor
MPI Maximum Potential Intensity SPP Southern Pacific Petroleum
m/s Metres per second STV Short Term Viability
mS/cm Millisiemens per centimetre SWL Standing Water Level
MSL Mean Sea Level T Tonne
MSQ Maritime Saftey Queensland TBT Tributyltin
MT Million tonnes TDS Total Dissolved Solids
m.y.a Million years ago TPH Total petroleum hydrocarbons
NCA Nature Conservation Act 1992 UA Unincorporated Areas
NHMRC National Health and Medical Research µS microsiemens
Council
VMA Vegetation Management Act 1999
NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration VMR Volunteer Marine Rescue
NRG NRG Power Station WBDDP Western Basin Dredging Disposal Project
NTU Nephelometric Turbidity Units y.a Years ago
NWW3 NOAA WaveWatch 3

OESR Office of Economic and Statistical Research
PAHs Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
PASS Potential Acid Sulfate Soils
PCCCAC Port Curtis Coral Coast Aboriginal
Corporation
PCIMP The Port Curtis Integrated Monitoring Program
PLoS Public Library of Science
PoE Place of Enumeration – census term
PURP Place of Usual Residence – census term
QAL Queensland Alumina Limited
QASSIT Queensland Acid Sulfate Soils Investigation
Team
QCP Queensland Coastal Plan
| ii |
Foreword
This Curtis Coast Coastal and Marine Resource Inventory Report was commissioned by
Gladstone Ports Corporation as part of its ongoing commitment to the enhancement and
protection of the environmental, commercial and social values of the Curtis Coast region.
The Port of Gladstone is experiencing rapid development which will see trade grow by over
50Mtpa during the next 5 – 7 years.
The Gladstone Ports Corporation is committed to the dual tasks of developing a major world
class commercial harbour whilst maintaining a sustainable and healthy marine environment.
These tasks can only be achieved by having an in-depth understanding of, not only the
current state of our marine environment, but also of the changes that are occurring either
naturally or through development impacts.
The Curtis Coast Coastal and Marine Resource Inventory Report updates the 1994 Curtis
Coast Study. It provides an understanding of the changes that have occurred in our marine
environment over the last 2 decades, and provides an inventory of the current state of the
marine ecosystem.
The Curtis Coast is a region of contrasts, supporting a significant variety of natural resources,
an array of species, spectacular landscapes and historical sites alongside a significant
commercial port and hub for large industries.
It supports one of the largest ports in Australia, yet dolphins, dugong and turtles maintain
a strong ongoing presence. Turtles continue to nest and feed within the region, whilst the
community enjoys excellent recreational fishing opportunities. We celebrate our own yacht
race, seafood, Captain Cook’s landing and our multicultural society through festivals every
year. We are rich in our indigenous and non-indigenous cultural heritage.
In releasing the Curtis Coast Coastal and Marine Resource Inventory Report - 2012, as we are
entering another major phase of development in the region, Gladstone Ports Corporation is
providing the community with a resource to assist them in understanding and appreciating all
of the values of the Curtis Coast region.
I commend this report to you.
Leo M. Zussino
Chief Executive Officer
Gladstone Ports Corporation
Gladstone Ports Corporation Curtis Coast Coastal and Marine Resource Inventory – January 2012 | iii |
Preface • In response to the growth in the industrial basis of
Gladstone the Port of Gladstone has undergone progressive
development. This has included:
Gladstone Ports Corporation’s (GPC) operations are located within • Harbour
sensitive estuarine ecosystems. Throughout its history GPC has
undertaken a large number of environmentally focused initiatives -- Channel dredging to allow 17 metres draft in 1997
designed to enhance its understanding of the environments in which
it operates. The information gained from these projects has aided -- Dredging of South End boat harbour in 1998
the port’s decision makers to avoid or mitigate the environmental
impacts of port development and operations. -- Deepening of Targinnie Channel and Clinton Bypass
channel 2001-2003
Over the past twenty years these initiatives have included:
• Fisherman’s Landing development
1991 - 1994 Curtis Coast Study Resource Report -- The reclamation of the Fisherman’s Landing port precinct
(Environmental Scan) 1996-2001
1995 - present Water Quality Monitoring
-- Dredging of Berth #5 berth and swing basin in 2000
1998 - 2005 Contaminant Pathways in Port Curtis
2002 - present Port Curtis Integrated Monitoring Program -- Dredging of Berth #2 and swing basin in 2004
2002- present Annual Seagrass Monitoring -- Dredging of Berth #1 in 2009/10
2007 - 2010 Extensive & detailed testing of the harbour
environment as part of environmental -- Commencement of Fisherman’s Landing 300 hectare
impact statements for LNG projects and the bund wall in 2011.
Western Basin Dredging & Disposal Project
• Clinton Coal Wharf
(WBDDP)
2011 - 2014 Environmental Offsets obligations for the -- Berth #3 extension in 2004
WBBDP, $72 mill of monitoring, research
programs and marine habitat restoration -- Berth #4 extension in 2006
and enhancement.
-- Dredging of Berth #3 in 2004 and Berth #4 in 2006
• Auckland Wharf
Initially these projects were GPC’s initiatives that were above and
beyond the requirements of the approvals under which the port -- Construction of Wharf # 4 in 1999
operated. More recently a number have been in response to
conditions set out in development approvals. -- Maintenance dredging of tug berth in 2011
In 2011, 20 years after the commencement of the initial Curtis • Marina
Coast Study Resource Report, GPC was about to embark on another
significant phase of development, this time largely attributed to the -- Maintenance dredging of marina in 2009
establishment of an LNG export hub and the construction of the
Wiggins Island Coal Terminal. This was considered to be a timely • Port trade has grown from 30Mtpa in 1991 to 84Mtpa in
opportunity to update the inventory of our coastal and marine 2011/12.
resources, so GPC commissioned this report, the Curtis Coast
Coastal and Marine Resources Inventory. • The population of the wider Gladstone region has increased
from 32,942 in 1996 to 62,982 in 2011. Growth
The objectives of this exercise were to: predictions estimate a population of close to 110,000 by
2030.
• Provide an update of the Curtis Coast Study Resource Report
1994; and • The average monthly rainfall during the wet season has
reduced. The rainfall records from 1892 to 1990 showed
• Seek to expand and develop the description of the history,
the following mean rainfall figures: January 172mm,
society and natural resources of the Curtis Coast region
February 175mm and March 121mm. Similar records
based on the last 20 years of development and research in
published in 2011 show reductions in the average monthly
the region.
rainfall to January 140mm, February 146mm and March
86mm.
Key changes since 1991:
• The size of areas under some form of conservation protection
A number of key changes have occurred over the twenty years since has increased. The area of national and conservation parks
the original report was undertaken. increased from 17,280 hectares in 1994 to 29,213 hectares
in 2011. Similarly the area of fish habitat reserve increased
from 17,000 hectares in 1994 to 37,598 in 2011.
| iv |
• Commercial fish catches in the vicinity of Gladstone have
increased. In 1992, the commercial fishing industry’s
annual production was reported as approximately 383
tonnes of product worth $3.6 million. In 2011, reported
annual production peaked at over 500 tonnes with a value
of around $5.5 million.
• The diversity of flora and fauna species, including those

of conservation significance and threatened status, has
remained reasonably consistent with numbers varying, either
way, between the two reports.
There appear to be many reasons for these changes. Some
changes are a reflection of the increased monitoring of ecosystems
and species, not only in Port Curtis but Australia wide, which has
allowed the improved recognition of key habitats of flora and fauna
species, the movements of fauna species, and hence the potential for
species to inhabit the Curtis Coast region. Associated with advances
in monitoring is an increase in the implementation of protection
measures and the recognition of the ecological value of certain
species.
Land developments in the areas surrounding the harbour and broad
scale variations in climate may also be responsible for changes in
environmental quality and the number of fauna and flora species
present along the Curtis Coast.
Gladstone Ports Corporation Curtis Coast Coastal and Marine Resource Inventory – January 2012 | v |
Acknowledgements
A number of people were contacted to provide feedback and comments during the preparation of this report.
GPC is grateful to the people listed below for their time and important contributions to the report.
• Isabel Beasley, James Cook University
• John Beumer, Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing
• David Byrom, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
• Daniele Cagnazzi, Southern Cross University
• Melissa Dahtler, Gladstone Area Promotion and Development Limited
• Alana Grech, James Cook University
• Kurt Derbyshire, Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing
• Peter Kind, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
• Col Limpus, Department of Environment and Heritage Protection
• Helene Marsh, James Cook University
• Dave Orgill, Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing
• John Platten, Department of Environment and Heritage Protection
• Bianca Priest, Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
• Michael Rasheed, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
• Tom Roberts, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
• William Sawynok, Infofish Australia
• Colin Shelley, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
• Danielle Stewart, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
• Susan Thiess, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
| vi |
Introduction
1.1 The Curtis Coast Coastal and Marine Resource Inventory Project
1.2 Location
1.3 Overview of the Curtis Coast Region
1.4 Land Tenure and Management Areas
1. Introduction
1 Introduction In light of the extent of development that has occurred and is
planned to occur within the Curtis Coast region including, works to
support the emerging liquified natural gas (LNG) industry in 2011,
Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) consider it timely to update
This document is an update of the Curtis Coast Study – Resource
this study. GPC’s Environmental Policy supports a commitment to
Report (Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage
operating in a manner that allows for sustainable development. To
(QDEH), 1994), jointly produced in 1994 by the then Gladstone
achieve this GPC is committed to:
Port Authority (GPA) and QDEH. The Curtis Coast Coastal and
Marine Resource Inventory Report seeks to expand and develop • ongoing improvements in their operations to minimise
the description of the history, society and natural resources of the environmental impacts;
Curtis Coast region based on the last 20 years of development and
research in the region. • improving the level of awareness and understanding of their
employees and the wider community; and
1.1 The Curtis Coast Coastal and
• establishing environmental strategies in association with
Marine Resource Inventory external stakeholders.
Preparing the Curtis Coast Coastal and Marine Resource Inventory
The Curtis Coast is an important asset for the local community and Report, contributes substantially to the latter two aims.
one of Queensland’s and Australia’s most important commercial
centres. It comprises a range of resources from high conservation The aim of the Curtis Coast Coastal and Marine Resource Inventory
values to major industry, tourism and recreational opportunities. Report is to provide a current and comprehensive inventory of
the natural, social, cultural and economic resources of the Curtis
The continued expansion of tourism, urban areas and industrial Coast region. The region is the same as that covered in the 1994
development in the Curtis Coast region has brought with it pressure document, extending from Raglan Creek, Port Alma in the north
on coastal resources. to Agnes Water/Seventeen Seventy in the south, with a focus on
A comprehensive understanding of the coastal resources in the the coastal and marine environments. The document describes the
Curtis Coast region aids managers in private organisations and resources present in the region and their uses and values, as well as
government to minimise the negative impacts of development, describing the urban, industrial and tourism development present in
while protecting those resources considered of greatest benefit to the region.
current and future generations. Many individuals and organisations Where relevant, pressures facing that particular resource are
have varied and often differing views on the value of the resources documented at the end of each sub-section. However, it is not the
on the coast and how their management and protection may be intention of this document to provide a detailed impact assessment
best achieved. Management of coastal resources largely falls to of any specific industry or anthropogenic use of the coast, as this is
various levels of government, but an essential part of achieving good documented for individual developments and managed by local,
management of resources and balancing competing interests from state and federal governments through the relevant legislative
community, industry and tourism is a thorough understanding of the processes. Nor is it the role or intention of this document to propose
resources to be managed. management strategies or solutions to those pressures, as this
this is catered for through other processes, both broadly through
1.1.1 The 1994 Curtis Coast Study documents such as the Queensland Coastal Plan (QCP), and
specifically through individual project approvals and licences.
The original Curtis Coast Study – Resource Report was jointly
produced in 1994 by the then GPA and QDEH. The document To place a specific value on the resources of the coast is not
was prepared to meet the organisations commitments under the attempted as this is somewhat subjective and often depends on the
then Environmental Policy for Queensland Ports and the Coastal perspective of an individual or group. However, where significant,
Protection Strategy respectively. According to QDEH (1994), the unique natural resources exist, these are highlighted. Similarly, the
study was designed to investigate and document the resources of the tourism, recreational, historical and industrial values of the region
Curtis Coast. are also highlighted.
1.1.2 The 2011 Update 1.1.3 Information Sources and Focus
Since the preparation of the 1994 Curtis Coast Study – Resource Information sources utilised in preparing the Curtis Coast Coastal
Report, the population of the region has doubled; there has been and Marine Resource Inventory Report - 2012 are presented in
significant expansion in the tourism, recreation and economic bibliographies at the end of each section. Information from the
industries; and development of industry in the region has brought 1994 report that is still relevant has been retained and is referenced
with it a number of environmental studies at various locations along as QDEH, 1994.
the coast. The Central Queensland University (CQU) has also been Readers are encouraged to refer to these reference sources for more
undertaking research in the region for many years, as have various detailed, site specific information where they desire to do so. In
government departments. It is therefore evident that the knowledge particular, many recent Environmental Impact Assessments/Studies
of coastal resources in the region has substantially increased over the (EIA/EIS) are available on the internet.
last 20 years.
Gladstone Ports Corporation Curtis Coast Coastal and Marine Resource Inventory – January 2012 | 1 |
It is noted that while this document considers the coastline from a At the same time, the presence of large conservation areas, reserves,
regional perspective, development has been largely concentrated in fish and dugong management areas, the Great Barrier Reef Marine
Port Curtis, around the City of Gladstone and therefore much of the Park and World Heritage Area signal the desire of all levels of
available information relates to the same area. Where site specific government to regulate and manage development to minimise its
information was considered relevant and/or representative of the impacts on the social and environmental values of the area.
broader region, this is indicated in the text.
1.4 Land Tenure and Management Areas
1.2 Location
An important element of understanding and protecting coastal
The Curtis Coast study area is situated on the central coast resources is an understanding of land ownership and other
of Queensland about 500 kilometres (km) north of Brisbane management / protected area overlays relating to the land. Table
immediately south of the Tropic of Capricorn. Its boundary is defined 1-1 summarises the area of land within the Curtis Coast study area
by Raglan Creek to the north and Agnes Water/Seventeen Seventy to that fall under particular land tenure types and also the areas of
the south. It is referred to as either the Curtis Coast study area or the land within a number of management / protected areas. Figure 1-3,
Curtis Coast region. Figure 1-4 and Figure 1-5 show land tenure, protected areas and
other management areas, respectively. Land tenures shown do not
Comprising a rugged coastline, the study area extends seaward
include freehold, covenants or easements.
for approximately 2 km beyond the inshore islands while the
landward boundary generally comprises the area affected by coastal In the region, the land tenure is overlain by various management and
influences, equivalent to an arbitrary 2 km inland. A locality map and protected area categories. Also, in many cases a particular area is
satellite image of the study area are shown in Figure 1-1 and Figure located in more than one management or protected area.
1-2.
The major change from the 1994 report is in the increase in the
The maps produced for this report show an area that extends further number and type of protected / management areas. The total area
inland than the defined Curtis Coast study area. This is to enable present in National Parks and other conservation parks and reserves
other towns and major roads and waterways to be shown to guide has also increased.
the reader as to the larger context of the catchment as well as to
As part of the environmental offsets for the Western Basin Dredging
orient them as to location.
and Disposal Project, GPC is required to set aside 5,330 ha of
existing Strategic Port Land at Port Alma for conservation purposes
1.3 Overview of the Curtis Coast Region and ensure that this is protected in perpetuity. This land sits adjacent
to the State Marine Park, Rundle Range National Park and Rundle
Located just south of the Tropic of Capricorn, the Curtis Coast State Forest and provides an extensive ecological corridor between
region experiences a sub-tropical maritime climate. This is one of the existing protected areas. GPC has also agreed to set aside and
region’s most favourable characteristics, although extreme climatic protect an additional 7,550 ha of adjacent Strategic Port Land as an
events such as cyclones and significant rain depressions do occur. advanced offset for future port development.
Investigations have shown the Curtis Coast region to be biologically

rich and diverse. Biological richness is largely due to the overlap
between tropical and temperate zones and the wide variety of habitat
types. Many plant species are at either their southern or northern limit
within the study area as a result of this feature. In addition to diversity,
many individual species are currently listed under one or more pieces
of legislation as endangered, vulnerable, rare or threatened.
Prior to European settlement the Curtis Coast region primarily
supported two Aboriginal groups, the Bailai and the Gooreng
Gooreng. Numerous sites of indigenous cultural heritage
significance have been recorded along the Curtis Coast. There are
also numerous historical sites and buildings in the region, including
the Cape Capricorn and Bustard Head lighthouses and Captain
Cook’s landing place at Seventeen Seventy, which illustrate the
importance of the shipping trade to the area.
Today, the Curtis Coast region supports a permanent population
of some 60,000 people, accommodated in Gladstone city, and
a number of coastal towns and settlements. The major sources of
employment are based around the major industries in Gladstone
and Boyne Island.
The presence of the Gladstone State Development Area (GSDA)
adjacent to the western basin of the Port of Gladstone, and on
Curtis Island, signals the intention of the Queensland Government
to concentrate industrial development in one location and facilitate
access to the port.
| 2 |
Table 1-1 Land Tenure and Management Areas in the Curtis Coast Region
Tenure/Management Area Type Area (ha) %

Crown Land
National Parks 22,600 10.7%
Conservation Parks 6,613 3.1%
State Forests 18,887 8.9%
Recreation Reserves 3,692 1.7%
Other Crown Reserves 18,995 9.0%
Leasehold 35,255 16.6%
Sub-total 106,043 50.0%
Freehold 30,708 14.5%
Sub-total 30,708 14.5%
Management / Protected Areas
State Marine Park 65,443 30.8%
Fish Habitat Reserve 37,598 17.7%
Dugong Protection Area 32,249 15.2%
Directory of Important Wetlands 111,523 52.6%
Port Limits (Gladstone and Port Alma) 82,780 39.0%
Sub-total 329,593 *155.3%
Actual Land Area 212,201
* Percentage sub-totals for each category are calculated with reference to the % of the actual land area of 212,201 ha. Overlaps between management areas
(i.e. same area of land can be covered by more than one management area) make the subtotal for Management / Protected Areas greater than 100%.
Figure 1-1 Curtis Coast Study Area
Figure 1-2 Satellite Image of the Curtis Coast Study Area
Figure 1-3 Land Tenure in the Curtis Coast Study Area
Figure 1-4 Protected Areas within the Curtis Coast Region
Figure 1-5 Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and Conservation Reserve Boundaries in the Curtis Coast Region
Human Settlement
2.1 Indigenous Heritage
2.2 Non-Indigenous Heritage
2.3 Pressures
2.4 Bibliography
2. Human Settlement
2. Human Settlement 2.1.1 Important Features
All Aboriginal archaeological sites are considered important as they

are a non-renewable resource, and once destroyed they cannot be
2.1 Indigenous Heritage replaced. Prior to Burke’s study (1993), no systematic archaeological
investigations in the area had taken place and little was known about
the resources contained in the area. In total, about twenty sites had
The majority of the material provided in the original 1994 Curtis been recorded pre-1993.
Coast Study Resource Report was stated as being historic and drew
on information presented in A Survey of Aboriginal archaeological In addition to these earlier sites, the Port Curtis Coral Coast
sites on the Curtis Coast, Central Queensland (Burke, 1993). Aboriginal Corporation (PCCCAC) has identified the existence of a
number of sensitive sites such as scarred trees, stone artefacts and
Prior to European settlement, the Gladstone region was home to artefact scatters, throughout the Curtis Coast and these are listed
the Baiali (or Byellee) and Gooreng Gooreng Aboriginal tribes. on the State Heritage Register. To retain the integrity of these sites,
Both the Baiali and Gooreng Gooreng peoples are Australian their locations are not made publicly available. As a result of the
Aboriginal language groups. The Bailai nation incorporates lands environmental impact studies conducted within the Port Curtis region,
from the mouth of the Fitzroy on Curtis Island at Keppel Bay, south indigenous heritage sites are continually being added to State
to Gladstone and the mouth of the Boyne River including Curtis Heritage Register.
Island and inland to Mount Morgan. The Gooreng Gooreng nation
incorporates lands from Baffle Creek to Agnes Water, extending west 2.1.2 Indigenous Representation
as far as Kroombit Tops.
Information regarding tribal boundaries and affiliations within the Irrespective of the success or otherwise of any claims or native title
Curtis Coast region is complicated by a number of varying reports. claims, Aboriginal people have wide interests in the management
According to Curr (1887), the Byellee tribe who are probably the of the Curtis Coast region. This includes the management and
same group as noted by Tindale (1974), occupied the area around conservation of cultural heritage places but also involves the
Keppel Bay, Calliope River and Curtis Island. An informant to Curr maintenance and revitalisation of their culture.
also noted the Tooloola tribe occupied the watershed of the Boyne
In the contemporary context, the Curtis Coast is now under claim
River. The Meerooni tribe, he reports, occupied Rodds and Bustard
from the PCCCAC (Department of Environment and Resource
Bay and as far inland as Many Peaks. He noted these people were
Management (DERM), 2011). “The Port Curtis Coral Coast
very similar to the Tooloola in their lifestyles.
application covers an area of about 19,280 square kilometres
Roth (1898) who was the Northern Protector of Aborigines in and falls within the shire councils of Biggenden, Burnett, Calliope,
Queensland between 1898 and 1905, carried out ethnographic Gayndah, Isis, Kolan, Miriam Vale, Monto, Perry and the city councils
studies of the Aborigines in north and central Queensland. He of Bundaberg, Gladstone and Hervey Bay” (National Native Title
recorded some information on the Gladstone and Miriam Vale Tribunal, 2002).
Aborigines, but it appears he did not travel widely through the
It is also important to note there may be other indigeous people
Curtis Coast region, and spent a greater amount of time with the
living outside the region who may have an interest in the
Rockhampton people. Roth (1898) describes the Aborigines around
management of the Curtis Coast region.
Gladstone as the Oorambul. According to Roth, the boundary of
these people ran from approximately Raglan and Holly Hill in the
north to somewhere in the vicinity of Gladstone in the south. South 2.2 Non-Indigenous Heritage
of Gladstone, Roth recorded the Wakka Wakka people (Gladstone,
Calliope). The Koreng-Koreng were the Miriam Vale people (Roth, The Curtis Coast region has a unique historical background
1898). containing important historical and archaeological features of the
Tindale (1974), on the other hand, implies the area between Port artificial environment and of sites where significant events took place.
Alma and Gladstone, including Curtis Island, was occupied by the From 1770 onwards, European development and growth in the
Bailai, with other variations on the spelling being Orambul, Byele or region took on many forms.
Byellee. The Goreng, he noted occupied the area from Miriam Vale
and Lowmead to Many Peaks Range and as far south as the mouth 2.2.1 Discovery and Exploration
of Baffle Creek. Variations on the name of Goreng range from
Meerooni, Gurang and Yungkong, to name a few. One of the earliest explorers, Lieutenant James Cook, anchored in
Bustard Bay on Wednesday 23rd May 1770, and went ashore the
Early explorers noted the presence of local people as they passed following day. The following morning they weighed anchor at a place
through the area, but rarely did they have any contact with them. which cook named Cape Capricorn, thereafter leaving the Curtis
Often fires were sighted and items of material culture noted, but very Coast (Golding, 1975). Cook makes no detailed account of this
little ethnographic information was recorded. On several occasions, area.
early explorers or settlers made notes regarding food resources
utilised by the local Aboriginal people. Early explorers such as Cook It was not until some 32 years later, that Lieutenant Matthew Flinders
(Beaglehole, 1968) and Flinders (1814) both recorded seeing food again navigated the Curtis Coast, discovering The Narrows and
lying or hanging around deserted camp sites in the region. Cockle naming Port Curtis. On Wednesday 4th August 1802, he anchored
shells and turtles were specifically mentioned. Most reports made near Gatcombe Head and on Thursday discovered The Narrows
general mention of the abundance of food in the area. and with his crew, went off in small boats to navigate the area.
Flinders noticed turtles, oysters and fish in large numbers but there The settlement of Boyne Island and Tannum Sands was generally
were few quadrupeds or birds on this island (Flinders, 1814: 20). slow and occurred in the early 1900’s with shacks likely to have
been the first buildings. Tan’em was originally a popular picnic spot
During this journey, Flinders was the first person to report the
apparently given the name by Doug Norris in 1939; it later became
existence of a safe harbour as well as naming Facing Island (Flinders,
Tannum Sands. Major settlement of both Boyne Island and Tannum
1814). Port Curtis, as it became known, was named by Flinders after
Sands resulted from the construction of large industries during the
Admiral Sir Roger Curtis who was most helpful to them during their
late 1970’s.
stay at the Cape of Good Hope.
In the Miriam Vale district, coastal settlement centred on Bustard Bay.
During Captain Phillip Parker King’s voyage to Timor (1817-1819),
In 1868, the Bustard Bay lighthouse was erected which signalled the
the Captain named Rodds Bay as well as sailing past Curtis Island
start of settlement. Following this, the lease on the Eurimbula holding
via Cape Capricorn (Golding, 1975).
by D.E. Monro was taken up in order to exploit the reserves of hoop
In 1823, John Oxley and his party set out to examine the Port Curtis pine timber which were found in what is now known as Eurimbula
area. On arrival they lay anchor off Gatcombe Head, spending National Park (Jefferies, non dated). In the 1870’s, Eurimbula Creek
around 16 days assessing the harbour. Oxley’s impressions were was the site of the timber mill and the wharf which was used to send
unfavourable as he noted there was a definite lack of water to sustain wool to market. Shallow-draughted vessels coming into the creek
any pastoral activities although the land in some areas was suitable could signal for a pilot to meet the ship entering the mouth of the
for cattle raising. The timber, he noted was ‘quite useless’ and he creek. Today the remains of ballast rock discarded by the ships can
found the area unsuitable for a penal settlement (Oxley, 1824). be seen in Eurimbula Creek.
During this time, Oxley named Boyne River which ultimately was the
Development of Gladstone was slow until 1893, when a meatworks
name used for the area now known as Boyne Island.
was established at Parsons Point. The meatworks was the town’s
main industry for about 60 years. Coal mining was undertaken on a
2.2.2 Coastal Settlement limited scale from the 1920s. Significant industrial and community
expansion began in the 1950s, following the commencement of
In 1847, the site of Gladstone was chosen to be the seat of power large-scale coal mining for export markets, and the construction of
for the North Australian colony, housing a penal settlement for major industrial processing facilities (e.g. an alumina refinery). In
the repatriation of convicts into the free settlement. Changes in 1963, Queensland Alumina Limited (QAL) established its alumina
government in England led to a change of plans and Gladstone was refinery on the site of the old meatworks and Gladstone’s port
not proclaimed a settlement until January 1854. The settlement of facilities were expanded (No Author, 1983). This signified the start
Gladstone was named after William Ewart Gladstone from England, of an era of industrial development and economic prosperity which
who was the Colonial Secretary at the time. facilitated a period of rapid growth. The population of Gladstone
The Port Curtis Pastoral District was surveyed by Francis McCabe in increased from 7,200 persons in 1961 to 22,100 persons in 1981
1853 including the settlement of Gladstone. Figure 2-4 shows an (Australian Geographic, 1996:1501) and 45,625 persons in 2006
1853 map of Gladstone. At that time, very few areas of land (runs) (ABS, 2007).
had been taken up in the district. Pressure to open up the district The city of Gladstone is now at the forefront of the community
came from those squatters who did not acquire land in the Darling and industrial development in Queensland and represents an
Downs. area of national and state economic significance. Major industry
Early on in the settlement of the area, the possibility of exporting in Gladstone now includes the world’s largest alumina refinery,
wool from Gladstone harbour was considered as wool production Australia’s largest aluminium smelter, one of the world’s top five coal
was occurring in the area. From the 1850’s, large leasehold runs export ports, a thriving fishing industry and tourism industry.
were taken up in the district with some of the runs being Bustard The region surrounding Gladstone also became home to a
and Rodds Bay, Boyne Valley, Monte Christo on Curtis Island, and broad range of rural primary industries, and now supports a well-
Iveragh. Wool production was replaced by beef cattle after the established cattle industry, supplemented by dairying, grain, fruit and
unsuitability of sheep to the areas became apparent. Gladstone was vegetable growing and timber production (Travel Australia, 2008).
known as a cattle port from 1865. Various rural centres, such as Calliope, have gradually developed
The passage through The Narrows was considered navigable by outside of Gladstone. Beachside towns such as Boyne Island and
steamers, however agitation for The Narrows to be dredged led to Tannum Sands have also established to the south of Gladstone. In
the start of dredging in 1889 at Ramsay Crossing. Dredging was 1980, development boomed in Boyne-Tannum when the two were
abandoned in 1897 after the expenditure of large sums of money for linked by a bridge.
very little return. The Gladstone region was originally governed as individual shires/
Development of the Gladstone region was driven by gold exploration cities including the Calliope Shire, Gladstone City and Miriam Vale
throughout the western regions, such as the Boyne Valley. The town Shire. As a result of Local Government Reform undertaken by the
of Many Peaks was the centre of the local mining activities and Queensland State Government, a new council was formed on the
once boasted a population exceeding that of Gladstone at the time 15th March 2008. The new Gladstone Regional Council (GRC)
(Travel Australia, 2008). Between 1853 and 1879, the townships represents an amalgamation of the former Calliope Shire Council,
of Calliope and Many Peaks became lively settlements due to gold Gladstone City Council, and Miriam Vale Shire Council. The GRC
discoveries. These communities grew even further when gold was consists of a publicly elected Mayor and eight Councillors and has
commercially mined in the region during the early 1900s (ibid). an estimated operating budget of $84 million. The GRC covers
Copper was also mined in the Boyne Valley throughout the late an area of 10,488 km2 and has no internal council boundaries/
1800s. divisions (Gladstone Economic and Industry Development Board
(GEIDB), 2011).
| 11 |
2.2.3 Shipping On 1 July 2004, the authorities were merged and commenced
operations as the Central Queensland Ports Authority (CQPA). On
In shipping terms, the Curtis Coast region has long been recognised 13 March 2008, CQPA was renamed the GPC. On 1 July 2007,
as important, particularly the safe harbour at Gladstone. However GPC converted to a Company Government Owned Corporation
the rise to its importance today was slow. (GOC), constituted under the provision of the Government Owned
Corporations Act 1993, and became GPC Limited as part of this
The National Shipwrecks database was searched for the Curtis process. Port Alma also assumed a new trading name, Port Alma
Coast region, and returned a total of 46 listed shipwrecks in the Shipping Terminal (GPC, 2011).
vicinity of the Curtis Coast study area (Table 2-1 and Figure 2-5,
Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, The Port of Gladstone continues to play a key role in facilitating
Population and Communities (DSEWPaC), 2011). Shipwrecks are industry development and the expansion of the local economy.
protected under the Commonwealth Historical Shipwrecks Act 1976. The first major wharf at Gladstone was built in 1885, servicing
exports including meat, butter, wool, sugar, horses and cattle. Coal
The Lord Auckland carrying Colonel George Barney and 87 other shipments commenced in the early 1920s, ceased in 1931, re-
settlers was grounded off the south end of Facing Island in 1847. For commenced on a larger scale in the 1940s, and grew substantially
several months the passengers and crew were stranded at Settlement from 1961 (Gladstone Port Authority, 1988). A bulk coal loader
Point (named as a result of this mishap). Barney Point was later came into operation in 1954, with a larger coal loader (the R.G.
named after Colonel Barney. Tanna Coal Terminal), completed in 1980 and subsequently
Following the settlement of the areas, several ships were wrecked expanded to an annual capacity of more than 30 million tonnes
along the coast. Notably, the schooner Sable Chief was wrecked on (MT) (Figure 2-1).
31st December 1856, on the east side of Facing Island. Sable Chief Construction of additional facilities to meet the requirements of
Rocks were ultimately named after it. This ship was an important wool industrial processing activities also continued during this period. The
carrier and transported wool from Gracemere near Rockhampton to current facilities at the Port of Gladstone include 15 berths grouped
southern markets such as Sydney. In 1862, the schooner Jenny Lind into six wharf centres: RG Tanna, Barney Point Terminal, South Trees
(135 tonnes) was lost on a reef seven miles from Gatacombe Head. Wharves, Boyne Wharf, Auckland Point Wharves and Fisherman’s
After the turn of the century, fewer shipwrecks occurred in the area. Landing Wharves.
In the 1860’s, 70’s, and 80’s light and pilot stations were established The Port of Gladstone now provides essential transport-related
along the coast to ensure safe passage of vessels. Nevertheless, prior services for several major industrial processing facilities located
to and after construction of these installations, a number of wrecks nearby. The present day port is discussed further in Section 5.2.
still occurred. The Lady Darling was wrecked in 1866 after she hit a
sand bar in Jenny Lind Creek. The Live Yankee was wrecked crossing
the bar at Jenny Lind Creek in 1868 and the Mystery was wrecked
off the pilot station at Grassy Hill in 1869. In 1870, the cutter
Capricorn was wrecked off Gatcombe Head. In 1877, the steamer
Florence Irving was lost near Cape Capricorn and the Australian
United Steam Navigation Company’s SS Glanworth ran onto a reef
near Gatcombe Head in 1896, before breaking up. In 1899, the
Edith, a Lighter type vessel, was wrecked off Port Alma, as was the
Moonta, a sailing vessel which was wrecked off Gatcombe Head in
1899.
The establishment of the Gladstone Customs House in 1860 led
to the slow development of the Gladstone harbour. In 1863, work
began on Auckland Wharf and pilots for Port Curtis were installed
at Gatcombe Head in 1868. In 1876 Gatcombe head lighthouse
was constructed with houses for the pilot station crew built on Facing
Island in 1885. The pilots played a key role in keeping the areas
safe and providing shelter for shipwreck survivors, saving many
lives. In 1955 the Gatcombe Head pilot station was transferred to
Gladstone.
Gladstone’s growth as an industrial port was questioned over its
sustainability in light of Rockhampton’s development. However
in 1898, 40 overseas vessels from Britain were cleared and 205
Australian coastal vessels went through the port.
The formation of the Gladstone Harbour Board (now known as
GPC) in 1914 and the Rockhampton Harbour Board in 1896, led
to increased activity in the port through active advertisement. The
development of Gladstone as an export coal facility came in the
1950’s and was seen as a major breakthrough to the world markets.
Both these Harbour Boards became port authorities in 1987. Then
in 1994 and 1995 respectively, Gladstone and Rockhampton ports
became Government Owned Corporations. Figure 2-1 Coal Ship at RG Tanna Coal Terminal
2.2.4 Important Features
A number of sites with important historical features exist within

the Curtis Coast region, and are listed on the Queensland State
Heritage Register sites as shown in Table 2-2 and on Figure 2-6.
Bustard Head lighthouse built in 1868 was one of the first
lighthouses built under the newly established colony of Queensland
(Figure 2-2). Materials for the structure were prefabricated and
imported from England. Near the lighthouse a cemetery remains as
a testament to the early settlers and light keepers.
On Curtis Island, several places of interest survive. Remains of the
Grassy Hill pilot station established in 1864 and later moved to Sea
Hill can be seen. Sea Hill lighthouse was situated on the northwest
point of Curtis Island. The original lighthouse is on display at the
Gladstone Maritime Museum. A second light was constructed in
1895, deactivated in 2006 and demolished in 2009. There is
currently a light beacon at the location. Cape Capricorn lighthouse
is also associated with this period.
The remains of the hoop pine industry at Eurimbula Creek can still
be seen today. The jetty and some ruins of buildings established in
association with the industry, as well as a number of graves can still
be found near the creek and stand as testament to exploration and
settlement of the area.
What are thought to be the only remaining structures of the
Gladstone meatworks, established in 1896, are the jetty piers, weir
and dam wall found near the QAL refinery (Figure 2-3).
Figure 2-2 Bustard Head Lighthouse Figure 2-3 Gladstone Meatworks Jetty
| 13 |
Table 2-1 Results of National Shipwreck Database Search, Curtis Coast Region
Shipwreck Name Type Date Where Wrecked

Id Wrecked
2136 Agnes Sailing Vessel 1878 North Island Reef
2145 Albion Unknown 1978 Gladstone
2242 Blue Bell Twin Screw Steamer 1877 South Keppel Rock
2268 Britons’ Queen Sailing Vessel 1866 Mast Head Reef or Polmaise Reef
2285 Capricorm Sailing Vessel 1870 On the East Bank, Off Port Curtis
2319 Chili Sailing Vessel 1889 Fitzroy River
2357 Cosmopolite Sailing Vessel 1866 Mast Head Reef or Polmaise Reef
2375 Darcy Pratt Sailing Vessel 1893 Mast Head Reef or Polmaise Reef
2338 Deutshland Sailing Vessel 1883 South or Boot Reef
2417 Duke of York Sailing Vessel 1837 Off Port Curtis
2429 Edith Lighter 1899 Port Alma
2477 Eva Sailing vessel 1864 In the vicinity of Keppel Bay
2508 Fleetwing Sailing vessel 1889 Between Rockhampton and Bundaberg
2520 Florence Irving Unknown 1877 Ship rock near Cape Capricorn and Keppel Islands
2545 George Thornton Sailing vessel 1887 Off Round Hill
2552 Glanworth Twin screw steamer 1896 Settlement Pt (Facing Island)
2667 Jane Somerville Sailing vessel 1863 Rodds Bay
2672 Jeannie Oswald Sailing vessel 1870 South bank of Archies Crossing, Fitzroy River
2691 Joyce Motor vessel 1927 SE corner of Masthead Island
2740 Lady Darling Sailing vessel 1866 On bar of Jenny Lind Creek
2749 Lady Young Unknown 1867 Pancake Creek, near Bustard Head
2772 Live Yankee Sailing vessel 1868 The bar at Jenny Lind Creek
2777 Loda Sailing vessel 1866 Cape Capricorn
2890 Moonta Sailing vessel 1899 Gatcombe Head
2903 Myee Motor vessel 1915 Gladstone
2905 Mystery Sailing vessel 1869 Keppel Bay
2578 Nautilus Barge 1928 Off Gladstone
2936 Norna Sailing vessel 1913 Mast Head Reef near Mast Head Island
2999 Pioneer Sailing vessel 1866 Mast Head Reef or Polmaise Reef
3008 Polmaise Sailing vessel 1873 Polmaise Reef
3012 Port Stephens Single screw steamer 1913 Casuarina Island
3021 Prince Regent Sailing vessel 1869 South Trees Point/Gladstone
3026 Progress Sailing vessel 1900 Polmaise Reef, southern side
3035 Queensland Single screw steamer 1878 Central Queensland, Fitzroy River
3084 Sable Chief Sailing vessel 1856 Sable Chief Rocks, Facing Island
3096 Sarah Cooper Sailing vessel 1881 Off Gladstone / Bustard Bay
3101 Satellite Sailing vessel 1863 Keppel Bay
3168 Susannah Sailing vessel 1865 Near Keppel Bay
3181 Tambaroora Twin screw steamer 1879 Polmaise Reef
3199 Timandra Sailing vessel 1858 Timandra Bank (Keppel Bay)
Shipwreck Name Type Date Where Wrecked
Id Wrecked
3226 Una Motor vessel 1956 Curtis Island
7991 Unidentified Rodds Bay Unknown 1887 Rodds Bay
3278 Valante Unknown 1957 Masthead Island
3316 Waterwitch Sailing vessel 1884 Polmaise Reef
3333 Willing Lass Sailing vessel 1868 Mast Head Reef or Polmaise Reef
3359 Zodiac Sailing vessel 1890 Between Camden Haven and Tacking Point
Source: DSEWPaC (2011)
Table 2-2 Queensland State Heritage Registered Sites within the Curtis Coast Region
Name Registration Location Town / Suburb

Type
Bustard Head Light Station State Heritage 50 km south of Gladstone BUSTARD HEAD
Cape Capricorn Light station State Heritage North eastern tip of Curtis Island CAPE CAPRICORN
Commonwealth Bank Building (former) State Heritage 114 Goondoon Street GLADSTONE
Cook’s Landing Place, Seventeen Seventy State Heritage Round Hill Creek and Round Hill SEVENTEEN SEVENTY
Head
Fig Tree State Heritage Roseberry Street GLADSTONE
Friend Park and Graves State Heritage Friend Street BARNEY POINT
Gladstone Central State School, Block B State Heritage 94 Auckland Street GLADSTONE
Gladstone Court House State Heritage 16 Yarroon Street GLADSTONE
Gladstone Post Office (former) State Heritage 33 Goondoon Street GLADSTONE
Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and State Heritage 144 Goondoon Street GLADSTONE
Museum
Glengarry Homestead State Heritage Gladstone-Monto Road GLADSTONE
Kullaroo House State Heritage 40 Goondoon Street GLADSTONE
Langmorn Homestead State Heritage Langmorn Road RAGLAN
Our Lady Star of the Sea Church & State Heritage Goondoon Street GLADSTONE
School
Parson’s Inn State Heritage Raglan Station Road RAGLAN
Port Curtis Co-operative Dairy State Heritage 6 Short Street GLADSTONE
Association Ltd Factory (former)
Port Curtis Sailing Club Clubhouse State Heritage 1 Goondoon Street GLADSTONE
Raglan Homestead State Heritage Raglan Station Road RAGLAN
St Luke’s Anglican Church State Heritage Sayre Crescent BOYNE ISLAND
William Wyndhams gravesite and State Heritage Boyne Island BOYNE ISLAND
remnant orchard trees
Source: DERM (2009)
| 15 |
Figure 2-4 1853 Map of Gladstone showing Auckland Inlet (top left)
Figure 2-5 Locations of Shipwrecks recorded for the Curtis Coast Region
Figure 2-6 Queensland State Heritage Registered Sites within the Curtis Coast Region
2.3 Pressures 2.4 Bibliography
The Curtis Coast region is a focus for industrial, mining, residential Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2007). Gladstone (SED 30031)
and tourist growth. All such development associated with this Basic Community Profile, 2006 Census Community Profile Series.
growth is potentially damaging to the known and, in many cases, Accessed at: www.abs.gov.au
unidentified Indigenous cultural heritage sites.
Australian Geographic. (1996). The Australian Encyclopedia (vol. 4).
All items of indigenous cultural heritage value are protected under Australian Geographic Pty Ltd.
the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003. Duty of Care guidelines
Beaglehole, J.C. (1968). The Journals of Captain James Cook. The
have been developed to assist in implementing the purposes
Voyage of the Endeavour, 1768-1771. Cambridge University Press.
of the Act and to identify risk of disturbing items or places of
cultural heritage significance. For most urban areas where ground Burke, C. (1993). A Survey of Aboriginal Archaeological Sites on the
disturbance has been common, the risk of disturbing cultural Curtis coast, Central Queensland. A Report to the Department of
heritage material is considered to be low. Environment and Heritage. (Unpublished).
It is possible some traditional sites may be impacted to such an extent Curr, E.M. (1886-1887). The Australian Race: Its Origins,
that traditional practises are no longer possible. Languages, Customs, Place of Landing in Australia, etc. Victorian
Government Printer, Melbourne, Victoria.
DERM (2009). Cultural Heritage Database. Accessed at: www.derm.
qld.gov.au/cultural_heritage/pdf/pcccac.
Cook, J. (1768-1771). Endeavour. Cambridge University Press.
Flinders, M. (1814). A Voyage to Terra Australia; Undertaken for
the Purpose of Completing the Discovery of that Vast Country, and
Prosecuted in the Years 1801, 1802 and 1803. Vol II. G. and W.
Nicol booksellers to His Majesty, Pall Mall.
GEIDB (2011). Gladstone – LGA Profile. Accessed at: www.
gladstoneindustry.org.au/about-gladstone/gladstone-%E2%80%93-
lga-profile.
Gladstone Ports Corporation (2011). History of GPC. Accessed at:
www.gpcl.com.au/AboutGPC/HistoryofGPC.aspx
Golding, W.R. (1975). The Students Friend. The Gladstone Story
1770-1975. City Printing Works, Rockhampton, Queensland.
Jefferies, A. (non dated). A Short History of Miriam Vale Shire.
Unpublished manuscript.
National Native Title Tribunal (2002). Parties Invited to Negotiate
Port Curtis Coral Coast Native Title Application. Accessed at: www.
nntt.gov.au/News-and-Communications/Media-Releases/Pages/
Parties_invited_to_negotiate_Port_Curtis.aspx.
Unknown author (1983). Gladstone Yesterday and Today. Oxford
Press, Rockhampton, Queensland.
Oxley, J. (1824). Surveyor-General Oxley to Secretary Goulburn.
Historical Records of Australia. Brisbane to Bathurst.
Roth, W.E. (1898). The Queensland Aborigines, Facsimile ed.
Hesperian Press, Carlisle, Western Australia.
DSEWPaC (2011). Australian National Shipwreck Database.
Accessed at: www.environment.gov.au/heritage/shipwrecks/index.
html.
Tindale, N.B. (1974). Aboriginal Tribes of Australia: Their Terrain,
Environmental Controls, Distribution, Limits and Proper Names.
With an appendix on Tasmanian tribes by Rhys Jones. ANU Press,
Canberra, ACT.
Travel Australia (2008). Calliope Shire: Historic Hinterland. Accessed
at: www.travelaustralia.com.au/qld/gladstone-6.html.com.au./qld/
gladstone-6.html.
| 19 |
Demography
3.1 Size and Growth of Population
3.2 Age and Sex
3.3 Characteristics of Resident Population
3.4 Pressures
3.5 Bibliography
3. Demography
3. Demography
Well developed infrastructure and services, including a regional
airport and a deep sea port, continues to support the communities
across the region, providing choice in lifestyle and employment
opportunities.
The demographic information provided in this section reveals a
brief social profile of the Curtis Coast region. Due to the boundaries
of statistical local areas, information presented is largely taken
from Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2011 Census Data and
ABS QuickStats Data. The statistical areas of Gladstone, Calliope
and Miriam Vale include the smaller settlements along the Curtis
Coast, however, to focus on the Curtis Coast communities, data
was sourced from QuickStats where available. Amalgation of local
governments has occurred, therefore the Local Government Areas
(LGA) as been used for the combined statistical data.
For the purpose of this study, data is focused on the following
statistical locations:
• Gladstone Local Government Area
• Gladstone City
• Boyne Island
• Tannum Sands
• Calliope
• Benaraby
• Miriam Vale
• Agnes Water - Seventeen Seventy
• Turkey Beach
3.1 Size and Growth of Population
The estimated resident population of the Gladstone region at 30

June 2011 was 62,319 people. (Office of Economic and Statistical
Research, OESR). For the past decade the region’s rate of growth
has been greater than the Queensland average. (OESR) Population
growth (OESR) Population growth in Gladstone through to 2028 is
expected to grow at an average annual rate of 2.5% which is
greater than the Queensland average of 1.7% per annum (AEC
Group, 2008).
Major population centres are Gladstone City (32,359), Boyne
Island (4,406), Tannum Sands (5,254) and Calliope (4,206). Minor
population centres comprise Benaraby (1,261), Agnes Water /
Seventeen Seventy (1,814), Miriam Vale (422) and Turkey Beach
(468) (ABS QuickStats, 2011).
Population projections are useful in a planning and policy-making
context. They provide the necessary background to the decision-
making process. Population projections for the Gladstone region, are
detailed in Table 3-1 by Gladstone’s Local Government Area.
Table 3-1 Population Projections – Total Persons (2011 - 2031)
Population Projections - Total Persons (2011-2031)

120,000
110,000
100,000
90,000
80,000
70,000
POPULATION
60,000
111,690
50,000
98,174
40,000 85,655
74,459
30,000 62,982
20,000
10,000
0
2011 2016 2021 2026 2031
YEAR
Source: Queensland Government Population Projections (2011 edition) (QRSIS database maintained by the OESR)
| 22 |
3.2 Age and Sex 3.3.5 Selected Demographic Characteristics
Table 3-3 offers a snapshot of selected demographic characteristics

As would be expected, the population characteristics vary markedly
from the various statistical areas within the Curtis Coast region.
between the industrial centres and the remaining towns and
settlements within the Curtis Coast region (Figure 3-1). The median
age of persons in some of the selected towns along the Curtis Coast 3.3.6 Residential Accommodation and Dwelling
region was lower than the Queensland median age of 36 years Occupancy
(Figure 3-2). Gladstone City (SLA) population had a median age
of 33 years, Boyne Island had a population with a median age of In the year ending September quarter 2012, 1,790 new and
34 years, Tannum Sands had a population with a median age of established dwellings and 825 new lots were sold in the GRC area.
36 years, while Agnes Water had a population with a median age In the September 2012 quarter, this included:
of 41 years and with a noticeable difference, Turkey Beach had a
population with a median age of 47 years. The number of people • 323 detached houses with a median sales price of
in the higher age brackets in Turkey Beach and Agnes Water is $455,000
indicative of the popularity of the areas for retirement living.
• 95 vacant land allotments with a median sales price of
7
$253,000 (Office of Economic and Statistical research
3.3 Characteristics of Resident Population (OESR), 2012).
Over the December 2012 quarter, Gladstone was the most expensive Local
3.3.1 Indigenous Representation Government Area (LGA) to rent a three bedroom detached house averaging
$500 per week compared to the State average of $350 per week. Gladstone
At the time of the 2011 Census, Gladstone (LGA) had 3.5% of also recorded the highest median rent during this period for a two bedroom
the population which identified as indigenous, which was slightly flat/unit of $400 per week compared to the State average of $325 per week.
higher than the Australian average (2.5%). Gladstone City recorded (Department of Communities, 2012).
4.1% indigenous population, the outlining areas recording lower
indigenous populations with 3.3% at Calliope. (Figure 3-3). During the December 2012 quarter Gladstone recorded the largest increase
in vacancy rates of 1.7%, resulting in a vacancy rate of 3.3% for the quarter
ended December 2012. (Department of Communities, 2012).
3.3.2 Ethnicity
Most people living in the Curtis Coast region were born in Australia
with the dominant language spoken at home being English. Major
ethnic groups living in the area include people from the United
Kingdom, New Zealand and South Africa. As a percentage of
their population Boyne Island and Tannum Sands had the greatest
number of people who were born overseas. followed by Miriam Vale
and Agnes Water, as shown in Figure 3-4.
3.3.3 Employment
Predictably, the types of employment vary between townships. The

Gladstone region is home to a thriving industrial base with one of
Australia’s largest and busiest ports.
All areas have a very large proportion of people engaged as either
Technicians and Trade Workers or Machinery Operators and Drivers.
Agnes Water has a higher proportion of sales workers due to the
services industry focus in the area.
3.3.4 Visiting Population and Resort Accommodation
Information from the Queensland Tourism website revealed the

Gladstone region had a total number of 343,000 domestic visitors
and 63,000 international visitors in the year ending 2010. The
United Kingdom with 15,000 followed by Germany with 8,000
comprised Gladstone’s largest overseas source market (Tourism
Queensland, 2011).
Domestic visitors revealed from the 2011 census data are detailed
in Table 3-2 indicate the origin of most visitors to the Curtis Coast
region as Queensland, followed by New South Wales (NSW) and
Victoria.
FEMALE MALE
60
50
MEAN % POPULATION
40
30
20
10
0
Gladstone Boyne Is Tannum Calliope Turkey Benaraby Miriam Vale Agnes
(SLA) (SSC) Sands (SSC) Beach (SSC) (SSC) Waters
(SSC) (SSC) (SSC)
LOCATION
Figure 3-1 Male to Female Ratio in Selected Towns in the Curtis Coast Region
Source: ABS Quick Stats (2011) Census
| 24 |
30%
25%
20%
% POPULATION
15% 0-14
15-29
30-44
45-59
60+
10%
5%
0%
Gladstone Boyne Island & Calliope Benaraby & Miriam Vale &
Tannum Sands Turkey Beach Agnes Waters
AGE GROUP
Figure 3-2 Age Cohorts for Selected Towns along the Curtis Coast Region
Source: ABS Quick States (2011) Census
4.5
MEAN % POPULATION
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
Gladstone Boyne Is Tannum Calliope Turkey Benaraby Miriam Agnes
(SLA) (SSC) Sands (SSC) (SSC) Beach (SSC) (SSC) Vale (SSC) Waters
(SSC)
LOCATION
Figure 3-3 Indigenous Representation in Selected Areas

| 26 |
LOCATION
Miriam Vale &
South Africa
Agnes Waters
Benaraby &
Turkey Beach
Calliope
COUNTRY OF BIRTH
Boyne Island &

England Tannum Sands
Gladstone
New Zealand
Australia
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
MEAN % POPULATION
Figure 3-4 Percentage of Persons Born Overseas for the Various Areas
Agnes Waters (SSC)
Miriam Vale (SSC)
INDUSTRY
Community and Personal
Benaraby (SSC) Service Workers
Managers
Sales Workers
Clerical and
Turkey Beach (SSC) Administrative Workers
LOCATION
Machinery Operators
and Drivers
Labourers
Calliope (SSC) Professionals
Technicians and
Trade Workers
Tannum Sands (SSC)
Boyne Is (SSC)
Gladstone (SLA)
0 5 10 15 20 25
POPULATION (%)
Figure 3-5 Occupation of Employment for Selected Areas

| 28 |
Table 3-2 Domestic Visitors to Curtis Coast Destinations (2011)
GLADSTONE Boyne Tannum Calliope Turkey Benaraby Miriam Agnes

Island Sands Beach Vale Waters
Counted at
home on 30,676 4,107 4,940 3,969 443 1,194 384 1,594
Census Night
Visitor from
Same Statistical 29 6 11 - - 3 - 12
Area Level 2
Visitors from
Interstate:
New South
207 49 102 20 6 25 3 65
Wales
Victoria 133 77 65 11 - 14 3 95
Queensland 1,967 151 246 184 35 142 34 211
South Australia 50 6 24 - 3 3 - 26
Western
79 6 9 4 - 6 6 6
Australia
Tasmania 31 6 19 7 - - - 21
Northern
11 - 3 7 3 - - -
Territory
Australian
7 - 6 - - - - -
Capital Territory
Sub Total 2,485 295 474 233 47 190 46 424
Total visitors 2,514 301 485 233 47 193 46 436
Overseas
209 26 31 15 - - - 160
Visitors
Total 33,399 4,434 5,456 4,217 490 1,387 430 2,190
Source: ABS Community Profiles (2007) (Place of enumeration (PoE))
Table 3-3 Summary of Selected Characteristics for Curtis Coast Statistical Area
Gladstone Boyne Tannum Calliope Turkey Benaraby Miriam Agnes
Island Sands Beach Vale Waters
Median age of
33 34 36 32 47 37 43 41
persons
Median individual
744 739 798 723 409 752 500 420
income ($/weekly)
Median family
1,993 2,171 2,361 2,138 978 2,212 1,487 945
income ($/weekly)
Median household
1,797 1,965 2,132 1,947 881 2,090 944 823
income ($/weekly)
Median housing loan
repayment 2,000 2,167 2,167 2,167 1,733 2,400 1,257 1,500
($/monthly)
Median rent
300 360 350 350 180 200 160 270
($/weekly)
Average
3 3 3 3 2 3 2 2
household size
Source: ABS Community Profiles (2007) (PURP)

*ABS Community Profiles (2007) (PoE)
3.4 Pressures 3.5 Bibliography
Increasing employment opportunities associated with large industry ABS (2011). Quick Stats. Accessed at: www.abs.gov.au.
projects in the Gladstone region lead to an increased demand for
ABC (2012). A Case of Boom or Bust in Mining Town. Accessed at
housing, which has an effect on the affordability and availability
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-05-25/a-case-of-boom-or-bust-
of local housing. In particular, lower income groups within the
in-mining-town/4034452
community find it difficult to find accommodation in this situation,
leading some people to seek accommodation outside the area. At AEC Group (2008). Queensland Curtis LNG Project. AEC Group,
the time of publication, this was already occurring due to significant Brisbane.
industrial construction projects. Current demand for housing
assistance is high and temporary accommodation such as hotels/ GAPDL (2011). Gladstone Region Socio Economic Profile. Accessed
motels and caravan parks are frequently booked out. at: http://www.gladstoneregion.info/Portals/3/DOCUMENTS/
Resource%20Docs/GRSEP%2012-11.pdf.
LNG companies have spent more than $20M in housing initiatives
and provided nearly 80 homes for workers in Gladstone. (ABC, OESR (2011). Residential Land Activity Profile – Gladstone Regional
2012) Council. Accessed at: www.oesr.qld.gov.au/products/profiles/res-
land-dwelling-activity-lga/res-land-dwelling-activity-gladstone.pdf.
Other pressures arising from the projected population growth and
increasing non-resident workforce associated with various industry OESR (2012). Residential Land Development Activity Profile –
projects include increased demand for shops and community Gladstone Regional Council, September Quarter 2012, 2nd edition.
services and facilities such as educational facilities, hospitals and Accessed at: http://www.oesr.qld.gov.au/products/profiles/res-land-
medical facilities, dentists, social workers, child care, emergency dwelling-activity-lga/res-land-dwelling-activity-gladstone.pdf
response, police and other social care. Positive benefits arising from Queensland Government, Department of Housing and Public Works
the increased employment opportunities will also flow to the local (2012). Queensland Housing Market Report – December 2012.
economy including through increased local spend for the supply of Accessed at: http://www.communities.qld.gov.au/resources/housing/
local goods and services. partnerships/market-report-dec12.pdf
At the southern end of the Curtis Coast region, Agnes Water/ Queensland Government Population Projections (2011). QRSIS
Seventeen Seventy is expected to continue to develop principally as database - maintained by the Office of Economic and Statistical
a retirement-resort-retreat settlement, unless long-term employment Research (OESR). OESR, Brisbane, Queensland.
opportunities develop.
| 30 |
4.1 Recreation
Tourism & Recreation
4.2 Tourism
4.3 Pressures
4.4 Bibliography
4. Tourism & Recreation

4. Tourism and Recreation 4.1.1 Water-based
The types of water-based recreation offered along the Curtis

Coast comprise fishing, swimming, yachting, recreational boating,
Access to the coast and the ability to use its resources is not only
snorkelling, surfing, scuba diving, wind-surfing, water skiing and
important to industry who want to import and export goods, but
beachcombing. The Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race occurs every
to commercial and recreational fishermen, researchers from the
Easter and coincides with the Gladstone Harbour Festival (Figure
university and Government and the community who enjoy the coast
4-1). Over 49 years ago the Gladstone Harbour Festival was
for its history, amenity, tourism and recreation.
born - a one-day celebration to greet the winners of the Brisbane to
With the benefits of a sub-tropical climate and a wealth of natural Gladstone Yacht Race as they crossed the finishing line. The Festival
resources the Curtis Coast region offers a range of diverse tourism rapidly expanded to seven days and nights and is now known as
and recreational opportunities. Recreation is an intrinsic feature the Gladstone Harbour Festival. The Festival entices approximately
of the Australian lifestyle with social benefits related to pleasure, 70,000 spectators each year (Gladstone Festivals and Events
relaxation and sport. Tourism, on the other hand is an umbrella term Association Incorporation, non dated).
for all the activities, relationships and phenomena associated with
Each March, surfers converge on Agnes Water and Seventeen
people travelling.
Seventy for the ‘Sunrise at Seventeen Seventy Longboard Surfing
The Gladstone region has a prominent recreational boating and Classic’.
fishing focus and these are a significant tourist drawcard.
Fishing
4.1 Recreation Fishing is perhaps the most popular recreational activity in the Curtis
Coast region realising considerable economic benefits through
Significant recreational opportunities are available along the Curtis charter boat hire, bait and equipment sales. Gladstone has one of
Coast due to the proximity to the southern Great Barrier Reef which the highest rates of boat ownerships of any community in Australia
has various conservation reserves located in the region’s offshore (GAPDL, 2011a), with registrations increasing by over 110%
areas. Gladstone is in close proximity to Swain Reefs and the between 1985 and 2005 (Platten et. al., 2007). The Gladstone
Capricorn Bunker Group Reefs. These areas include Heron Island, region has 44,217 registered recreational vessels as at September
Wilson Island and Lady Elliot Island (GHD, 2009). 2011, representing an increase of almost 5,000 registrations since
There are various local operators who offer access to reef resorts, June 2008, and 870 registered commercial vessels as at August
day cruises, organised dive trips and chartered fishing adventures 2011 (Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ), 2011a, 2011b).
(GAPDL, 2008). The extensive mangrove forests and protected waterways offer mud
Recreational activities along the Curtis Coast can be divided into crabbing and estuary fishing, while the exposed shoreline, rocky
three categories: headlands and reefs provide a vast range of ocean species (Figure
4-2).
• Water-based (undertaken on or in water, for example, fishing Graham Creek is a popular recreational location for fishing,
or sailing); crabbing and seasonal prawning. It is also a listed safe harbour
offering a protected deep water anchoring location that can be
• Water-enhanced ( pleasurable on or near water, for example
accessed at low tide. Consultation with recreational fishing groups
picnicing or camping); and
identified that there are normally six boats anchored at Graham
• Non water-based (neither requires or is directly enhanced by
Creek at any one time (GHD, 2009).
a coastal setting, for example, camping, bowling, tennis or
football).
Photo: copyright Queensland Cruising Yacht Club.
Figure 4-1 Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race. Figure 4-2 Extensive Mangrove Communities Provide Fishing Opportunities
The Curtis Coast region also serves as the southern access point to headlands, islands and the numerous inlets and creeks provide
the Great Barrier Reef. popular short-term anchorage areas.
The June long weekend sees the area’s most popular fishing event, Outstanding among these is Pancake, Colosseum, Graham and
the Boyne-Tannum Hook-up, regarded as Austalia’s premier and Pacific Creeks, Sea Hill, Yellow Patch, and Southend (Curtis Island).
most popular fishing competition with huge prizes and entertainment Facing Island also offers a small boat haven at Gatcombe Head.
(GAPDL, 2011a). From 2013, this event will be staged over the May
long weekend. 4.1.2 Water-enhanced
Factors important to recreational fishing include adequate fish stock
that are free of biological or chemical contamination together with The types of water-enhanced activities along the coast include picnic,
access to the fishing sites and boat launching facilities. camping, cycling and walking track facilities. Boyne Island and
Tannum Sands offer access to beaches, walking and open space
areas such as the Millennium Esplanade, Canoe Point and the Turtle
Beach Activities
Way walking and biking path (Figure 4-5). Lake Awoonga and the
Like fishing, swimming and beach activities are popular pastimes, Gladstone Marina also provide access to recreational facilies such
with Tannum Sands (Figure 4-3), Round Hill Creek, Agnes Water, as walking and biking tracks and picnic facilities (Figure 4-6).
Barney Point and The Oaks providing the best natural opportunities.
4.1.3 Non-water based
Access to suitable swimming sites and the incidence of hazardous
jellyfish are the major limiting factors in the Curtis Coast area, Outdoor recreation is popular Australia wide and has been
however development of facilities at Awoonga Dam and the enhanced through the development of new facilities and expanded
installation of stinger nets at Barney Point and Spinnaker Park choice of activities. This expansion in recreational activity and the
beaches has provided suitable swimming site alternatives. demands for additional resources have heightened awareness
amongst land management agencies of the need to provide diversity
Yachting and Recreational Boating and quality in recreational experiences while minimising the impact
on sensitive areas.
Yachting and recreational boating are the other major water-related
activities. With access to a maze of relatively pristine waterways this Non-water based activities include hiking, camping, trail biking
is one of the outstanding features in the Curtis Coast region. Prior and picnicking in the National Parks and areas developed for
to major coastal development, depending on the size, vessels could these activities, sporting activities and facilities common to large
navigate the estuarine waterways from Rockhampton to Turkey Beach communities such as tennis, golf, cricket, football etc. As these
without having to enter open waters. Incremental developments sporting facilities along the Curtis Coast are a local government
necessitating the construction of bridges, dams and pipelines, now responsibility they are not considered further in this report.
restrict the passage of high-masted vessels along several of these
interconnecting estuaries. National Parks
There is a marina located in Gladstone and boat ramps are While there are 10 national parks and conservation parks within
provided at: the Curtis Coast study area, the main opportunities for eco-tourism
has been provided at four of them, these being Cape Capricorn
• Raglan Creek
Conservation Park, Bustard Head Conservation Park, Joseph Banks
• The Narrows (Ramsay Crossing and south of Ramsay Conservation Park (Figure 4-7) and Eurimbula National Park. These
Crossing) protected areas have facilities ranging from built accommodation
through to walking tracks and lookouts.
• Calliope River - near Gladstone Power Station Refer to Figure 4-9 for the location of National Parks and other
reserves.
• Gladstone (Morgan Street)
• Gladstone Marina (Figure 4-4) Other Non-water Based Recreation
• Auckland Inlet, near O’Connell Wharf Other non-water based activities include the Seventeen Seventy
Captain Cook Commemorative Festival, shopping and dining, cliff
• Toolooa - South Trees Inlet top boardwalk at Canoe Point, river front walking along tracks on
the Boyne River, skate parks, golf courses, indoor sports centres, local
• Boyne Island (Alexander Street and Wyndham Avenue) markets, pottery and woodwork art and craft markets.
• Tannum Sands (Boat Ramp Road, Wild Cattle Creek) Other sites of interest include the Agnes Water Museum, Gladstone
Maritime Museum, Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum
• Turkey Beach (Figure 4-8), Monument Point in Seventeen Seventy, considered to be
the exact location where Captain Cook came ashore. There is the re-
• Seventeen Seventy (Captain Cook Drive) (Figure 4-9, Marine enactment of the landing at the 1770 Commemorative Festival held
Queensland, 2011). annually in May (Gladstone Information Service, non dated).
The Curtis Coast also offers a range of informal moorings frequented Scenic flights also operate within the Curtis Coast region with
by yachts on either their northern or southern passage. The lee of helicopter flights from Gladstone airport (GAPDL, 2011a).
| 33 |
Figure 4-3 Beach at Tannum Sands Figure 4-4 Gladstone Marina
Figure 4-6 Lake Awoonga Picnic Facilities
Figure 4-5 Turtle Way, Tannum Sands
Figure 4-7 Joseph Banks Conservation Park
Figure 4-8 Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum
Figure 4-9 Recreational Areas and Boat Ramps
4.2 Tourism Industry tours
The GAPDL actively promote industry tours of:

Tourism is of increasing importance in the Gladstone area, with
Gladstone serving as a gateway to various Great Barrier Reef islands • Gladstone Ports Corporation tour;
such as Heron Island and Lady Musgrave Island. The Curtis Coast
region has around 150 km of near pristine estuarine waterways and • NRG Gladstone Power Station tour;
extensive uninhabited shoreline and islands to offer. In addition to
some of the obvious natural attractions, business activity generated • Tondoon Botanic Gardens;
by the region’s commercial and industrial interests also constitutes a
• Western Basin Harbour tour; and
substantial tourism resource.
• Mine to Market tour (GAPDL, 2013).
4.2.1 Pattern of Tourism
The tours are positioned as the only free industry tours in Australia,
Tourism along the Curtis Coast, like most coastal areas, is very and aim to provide attendees with the opportunity to ‘explore the
seasonal with holiday periods supporting the highest visitations. inner workings of Gladstone’s remarkable industrial giants and
Interstate use is highest during the winter months as people migrate gain an instight into gain an insight into what drives industry in
north to escape the southern winter. Queensland’. Tours are targeted at both local residents and visitors
to the region and operate between March and November on
4.2.2 Tourist Attractions weekdays (Tourism Qld, 2011).
Attractions are the foundation on which tourism depends. They Cultural Attractions
are based on both natural and cultural features. The following
In recent years, the region has recognised the tourism appeal
description details the existing or potential attractions along the Curtis
of its cultural and historical features. Lighthouses, such as the
Coast.
Historic Bustard Head, often called ‘The Lighthouse of Tragedy’,
shipwrecks, aboriginal archaeology and the site of Cook’s landing at
Great Barrier Reef Round Hill Creek in Seventeen Seventy are all cultural and historical
The Great Barrier Reef is one of Queensland’s principal tourist features which are actively promoted as tourist attractions. The
attractions. The World Heritage Area that protects it commences Gladstone Maritime Museum and the Agnes Water Museum provide
at the low water mark on the mainland side of The Narrows and historical context about these attractions and the Seventeen Seventy
extends north to the tip of the state, thus encompassing the Curtis Captain Cook Commemorative Festival represents an annual
Coast region. The region is promoted as the gateway to the Southern celebration of the area’s significant history. Other tourist attractions
Great Barrier Reef and the Capricorn Bunker Group of Islands include the Tondoon Botanic Gardens which features 170 hectares
(which sit just outside the study area). Commercial tour boats operate (ha) of forest, lake, walking tracks, botanical displays. Features
from both Gladstone and Seventeen Seventy, with Gladstone the include an orchid house, a café, barbeque facilities, a children’s
only access point to the resort on Heron Island. (Figure 4-10). playground and a Japanese teahouse (Figure 4-12). There are also
scenic tours of Gladstone and commentated visit to Auckland Hill.
Wildlife Attractions
Attractions include the nesting flatback turtles on Curtis Island. The

only endemic Australian sea turtle, this is the largest, most accessible
flatback rookery1 in Australia. Other accessible natural features
include flying-fox and migratory bird roosting sites.
National Parks
National Parks are discussed in Section 4.1.3.
1 Colony of breeding animals Figure 4-10 Heron Island, Great Barrier Reef
4.2.3 Tourist Accommodation 4.2.4 Passenger Travel
According to the GAPDL, over the 2009/2010 period the Gladstone The Gladstone Airport is located approximately 5 km from the
region had approximately 398,000 tourist visitors stay overnight Gladstone City centre and caters primarily for business and leisure
in the region. The number of international visitors has shown an travellers and freight activities associated with the region’s developed
upward trend since 2000/2001 with 64,000 international visitors and emerging industrial complexes.
in the 2009/2010 financial year. “The Gladstone Region has
Regular airline services are currently provided by QantasLink and
experienced higher relative growth in the number of international
Virgin Australia. QantasLink provide approximately 50 flights per
visitors compared to the Queensland average” (GAPDL, 2011b).
week between Gladstone and Brisbane, as well as a daily service
In a more recent snapshot undertaken by Tourism and Events
along the coast connecting to Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville
Queensland, the information is now presented for the Southern
and Cairns. Virgin Australia provide approximately 10 flights per
Great Barrier Reef region which includes the Bundaberg, Gladstone
week, Monday to Friday, and a few flights over the weekend between
and Capricorn sub regions. This data showed that for the year
Gladstone to Brisbane. Qantas Link now offers two direct flights a
ending September 2012, there was visitor growth for the fourth
week, Monday to Friday, between Gladstone and Sydney (GRC,
consecutive year and that a near record level of domestic visitation
2013).
was reached (Tourism and Events Queensland, 2012).
Council has undertaken a $5.5 million airport terminal extension
The following accommodation establishments occur within the Curtis
works with the redeveloped terminal building and runway
Coast study area (GAPDL, 2012; Local directories, 2013; Yellow
representing a modern, regional airport.
Pages, 2013):
There is a helicopter service operating from Gladstone Airport to
• Gladstone has 24 accommodation establishments Heron Island. There are private air strips at Old Raglan Station and
consisting of hotels/motels, caravan parks, studio in Agnes Water.
apartments, and fully equipped apartments (Gladstone
Region Accommodation Guide, 2012); There is also a high speed large passenger ferry service operating
from Gladstone Marina to Heron Island and from Seventeen Seventy
• Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy have 20 to Lady Musgrave Island. Gladstone Marina is the base for a large
accommodation establishments consisting of self-contained portion of the Great Barrier Reef charter vessels which operate
apartments/houses to resorts, hotel and back packers, weekly charters to Swain Reefs and Capricorn Bunker Group.
caravan parks and motels. Numerous holiday houses Other passenger services linking Gladstone to areas north and south
are also available to rent through various local real estate include buses and rail.
agents;
• Benaraby has one motel and caravan park (Gladstone 4.3 Pressures
Region Accommodation Guide, 2012);
In smaller communities the sudden influx of visitors during holiday
• Boyne Island and Tannum Sands have three major shopping periods can exhaust the limits of existing facilities, particularly water
centres, two petrol stations, two caravan parks, five motels and sewage, camping and picnic grounds and boat ramps.
and a 13 hole golf course;
During periods where significant temporary construction workforces
• Mount Larcom has one accommodation place (Local are present in Gladstone, accommodation for tourists becomes
Directories, 2013); very limited and expensive as hotels, motels and caravan parks are
utilised for temporary workforce accommodation.
• Calliope has two accommodation places (Yellow Pages,
2013); Continued coastal development may impact on both access to
and the visual amenity of the coast. Conversely, industry tours are a
• Capricorn Lodge on Curtis Island offers accommodation. popular tourist activity in Gladstone.
Curtis Island also has a camping ground at South End; Increases in industrial and residential land may lead to a loss of
natural and recreational areas.
• Turkey Beach has a real estate agent through whom you can
rent holiday houses;
• Bororen has two accommodation places plus Koorawatha

Homestead which is just south of Bororen;
• Facing Island also offers camping grounds; and
• Miriam Vale has two accommodation places (Gladstone

Region Accommodation Guide, 2012).
| 37 |
4.4 Bibliography Tourism and Events Queensland (2012). Southern Great Barrier
Reef Regional Snapshot. Tourism and Events Queensland, Brisbane,
Queensland.
GAPDL (2008). Accessed at: www.gladstoneregion.info/pages/
gladstone-city. Tourism Qld (2011). Gladstone Region Free Industry Tours. Accessed
at: www.gladstoneregion.info/destinations/gladstone-cbd/tours/
GAPDL (2011a). Accessed at http://www.gladstoneregion.info/
gladstone-region-free-industry-tours.
destinations/gladstone/.
Yellow Pages (2013). Accommodation Searches. Accessed at: www.
GAPDL (2011b). Accessed at: http://www.gladstoneregion.info/
yellowpages.com.au/
Portals/3/DOCUMENTS/Resource%20Docs/GRSEP%2010-11.pdf.
GAPDL (2012). Gladstone Region and Banana Shire
Accommodation Guide September 2012. GAPDL, Gladstone,
Queensland.
GAPDL (2013). Industry Tours. Accessed at: www.gladstoneregion.
info. GAPDL, Gladstone, Queensland.
GHD (2009). Fisherman’s Landing Northern Expansion
Environmental Impact Statement. GHD, Gladstone, Queensland.
Gladstone Festival Association Incorporation (non dated). Harbour
Festival. Accessed at: www.gladstonefestival.com/harbour.html.
Gladstone Information Sercive (non dated). Discover Gladstone.
Accessed at: www.discovergladstone.com.
GRC (2013). Accessed at http://www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/web/
guest/gladstone-airport.
Local directories (2013). Accommodation Searches. Accessed at:
www.localdirectories.com.au/
Marine Queensland (non dated). Pubic Boat Ramps. Accessed at:
www.marineqld.com.au/public-boat-ramps-qld.
MSQ (2011a). Registered Recreational Vessels. Accessed
at:www.msq.qld.gov.au/~/media/5f4e7234-70bc-4612-a7dd-
8ddaa447f26b/recreational_registration.pdf.
MSQ (2011b). Registered Commercial Vessels. Accessed at:
www.msq.qld.gov.au/~/media/db3ff53e-a9ff-464e-bb07-
1217b0e6f28c/commercial_registration.pdf.
Platten, J., Sawynok, B. and Parsons, W. (2007). How Much Fishing
Effort is There? Pattern of Fishing Effort of Recreational Fishers
Offshore from Central Queensland. CapReef, Rockhampton,
Queensland.
Figure 4-11 View of QAL from the Water Figure 4-12 Japanese Tea House at Toondoon Botanic Gardens
Industry & Commerce
5.1 Industry
5.2 Ports
5.3 Fishing
5.4 Mining
5.5 Potential Resources
5.6 Pressures
5.7 Bibliography
5. Industry & Commerce

5. Industry and Commerce • Infrastructure - intermodal facilities such as road, rail and
sea access together with power, water, gas and waste
disposal sites;
5.1 Industry
• Skilled workforce;
The GRC area has a history of strong economic growth based • Capacity for residential expansion;
around industrial development, port facilities and extraction of
natural resources. The area is the most significant heavy industry • Availability of land for industrial expansion;
area in Queensland, and prides itself as one of Australia’s industrial
powerhouses. The regional area has extensive mineral deposits, • Natural resources such as coal, limestone, magnesium,
and mining, mineral processing and service industries are important shale oil and mineral sands in close proximity;
industries both in Gladstone and the region.
• Positive public attitude to industrial development;
There is a broad range of infrastructure in place to support
Gladstone’s industrial development, with major projects • Robust social infrastructure;
implemented through associations with private entities, GRC and
Queensland Government agencies such as Queensland Rail, the • Existing industrial base; and
Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) and GPC. The
Port of Gladstone is Australia’s largest multi-commodity port and it • Temperate climate (Worley Parsons, 2010).
houses the world’s fourth largest coal export terminal (GHD, 2009b).
Gladstone State Development Area
Consistent with trends along the east coast of Queensland, the
traditional economic basis of the Curtis Coast region changed in the In 1993, the GSDA was established to facilitate development in the
latter part of the 20th century, moving from rural primary production region (Figure 5-1). The history of the GSDA is outlined in Table
(farming and fishing) in the mid 1960’s to a more urban-orientated, 5-1 and includes a description of the various precincts within the
industrially-based economy. This shift brought with it dramatic area, including the more recently added Curtis Island Environmental
expansion in the region’s economic value. Management Precinct and Kangaroo Island Restricted Development
Within the Curtis Coast region, industry and commerce are Precinct.
principally confined to the Gladstone area, with several major
industries, a major trading port and a variety of service industries 5.1.2 Major Industry
combining to form the key economic resources. Mining, fishing,
agricultural, and tourism industries make an important contribution Gladstone is a major industrial hub, supported by one of Australia’s
to the region but operate at a much lower, localised level. It is the busiest ports, the Port of Gladstone. There are a broad range of
tourism industries which provide the economic basis for many of the companies from the metal industry, forming and fabrication services
smaller coastal settlements. and engineering services. Many of these companies act as support
to industries servicing the region’s large industrial plants.
Much of the local community is employed by large private industrial
groups, Queensland Government agencies associated with heavy Major industry provides the framework for the Gladstone region’s
industry or small/medium businesses providing support and services economy. Significant industrial growth is expected to occur within
to industry. The local community appears to place strong value on the region in the next few years. Proponents in the LNG industry,
the industrial development and the benefit it brings to the community in particular, are investigating the suitability of several facilities in
in terms of employment and standards of living (GHD, 2009b). Gladstone, with expected capital expenses totalling several billion
dollars. Table 5-2 details existing projects, projects under construction
5.1.1 Key Infrastructure and proposed projects. Locations of major existing and proposed
projects are shown on Figure 5-2.
Industrial development relies on a range of resources. There is
a broad range of infrastructure in place to support Gladstone’s 5.1.3 Minor Industry
industrial development, with major projects implemented through
associations with private entities, GRC and Queensland Government A variety of companies associated with manufacturing, electrical,
agencies such as Queensland Rail, the DTMR and the GPC. In communication, construction, wholesale and transportation operate
addition, there are various ancillary organisations such as the within the Curtis Coast region. Concentrated in the Gladstone and
Gladstone Area Water Board (GAWB), supporting industrial Boyne Island industrial areas, most have been established since
development in Gladstone (GHD, 2009a). commencement of industrial construction in Gladstone in the 1960’s.
The Curtis Coast region has many competitive advantages to entice Other significant industries include:
industry to locate in the area including:
• GAWB. GAWB own and operate Awoonga Dam, marine
• Curtis Coast is located within good proximity to the mining fish hatchery, pipeline, water treatment plants and other bulk
areas; water distribution infrastructure in Gladstone. Therewere 80
staff in 2011.
• Port facilities with a deep water port;
• Queensland Energy Resources Ltd (QERL) operates a pilot
plant for shale oil production with 45 employees in 2011.
Table 5-1 History of the Gladstone State Development Area (GSDA)
Date Development
December 1997 The Government declared the existing State Development Area at Aldoga, a materials transportation and services
corridor, a buffer area surrounding part of the Materials Transportation and Services Corridor and the Yarwun
Industrial Estate, to be the GSDA
April 1998 The Queensland Government established the GSDA Board to manage the ongoing development and operation of
the GSDA
July 1999 The GSDA Board was abolished and the Gladstone Area Development Board created
May 2000 The GSDA Board was renamed the Gladstone Economic and Industry Development Board
December 2001 Additional land owned by the State at Aldoga and Yarwun was declared part of the GSDA. The Material
Transportation and Services Corridor was also extended to include Serrant Road. In December 2001, the Clinton
Precinct was also added to the GSDA. Located at the mouth of the Calliope River and within Gladstone City, this
precinct provides for the establishment of industries necessary to support major industrial development and port
related operations
December 2002 The Targinie Precinct was added to the GSDA. Located immediately north of the Material Transportation and
Services Corridor, the Targinie Precinct provides for future industry, future infrastructure corridors and buffer areas
March 2007 Three new land areas in the Aldoga and Yarwun Precincts were added to the GSDA. The extension in the Aldoga
Precinct provides for future waste management facilities. The extensions in the Yarwun Precinct provide for materials
transportation and services infrastructure
July 2008 Three new precincts were added to the GSDA. The west coast of southern Curtis Island was added as a Curtis
Island Industry Precinct to provide for the liquefied natural gas industry. To the east of this precinct an Environmental
Management Precinct was added and Kangaroo Island was added as a Restricted Development Precinct
2010 New corridor precincts were added on Curtis Island and on the mainland, and changes to existing precincts within
the GSDA were made. The boundary between the Industry Precinct and the Environmental Management Precinct
on Curtis Island was altered. A boundary change has occurred in the Curtis Island Industry Precinct due to planned
reclamation of land. Kangaroo Island was redesignated as an Environmental Management Precinct
Source: DEEDI (2011a)
| 41 |
Table 5-2 Current Large Scale Industry and Infrastructure Projects in the Curtis Coast
Region
Organisation Name Description

Existing Industrial Sites, Projects
Completed or Under Construction
Rio Tinto Alcan Yarwun (RTA) RTA has been a long-term resident of Gladstone with interests in four of the major regional
industries, including RTA Yarwun, Boyne Smelters Limited (BSL), QAL and Gladstone Power
Station (NRG).
Rio Tinto Alcan Yarwun is the world’s first greenfield alumina refinery to be constructed since
1985. The recent 2012 expansion of the Yarwun alumina refinery will more than double its
production capacity from 1.4 million tonnes to 3.4 million tonnes.
NRG Gladstone Power Station NRG is Queensland’s largest power station with a generating capacity of 1,680 megawatts. The
station was sited to take advantage of seawater for cooling and to be near Central Queensland’s
vast coal reserves. Each year approximately 4 MT of coal are railed to the station from coalfields
in Central Queensland. The Gladstone Power Station sells 60% of its electricity to Boyne Smelters
under a long-term contract. The station defers unused power back to the State power grid. The
station commenced generation in August 1976. The station employs approximately 310 people.
Cement Australia Ltd Cement Australia in Gladstone is the largest cement plant in Australia with a capacity of 1.6 MT
per annum and processes limestone, clay, silica sand and copper slag to produce and supply
cement and clinker for domestic and international destinations.
Boyne Smelters Ltd (BSL) BSL is Australia’s largest aluminium smelter, producing more than half a MT of aluminium each
year from its three reduction lines. The smelter commenced operation in 1982 and a major
expansion followed in 1997. BSL employs over 1,300 people.
Significant modernisation is underway with the re-build of Carbon Bake Furnace 3 and the
construction of a new Carbon Bake Furnace (CBF4) to upgrade technology. A further project
includes overhead crane replacement and a crane runway upgrade to improve alumina transport
system to the cells.
Queensland Alumina Ltd (QAL) QAL operates one of the world’s largest alumina refineries, processing some 9 MT of bauxite
a year to produce 3.95 MT of alumina. QAL is one of the state’s most significant industrial
giants. Being in operation for 46 years, QAL has played a large part in building the social and
economic fabric which defines the city of Gladstone as it is today. The plant operates 24 hours a
day, seven days a week and employs 1060 people plus 300-350 contractors.
Gladstone Ports Corporation Ltd GPC is Queensland’s largest multi-commodity port handling more than 83Mt of cargo annually.
(GPC) GPC has commenced its Western Basin Dredging and Disposal Project. This project will create
new channels, swing basins and berth pockets in the Western Basin of the Port of Gladstone. The
material dredged will be placed both offshore and into a recently constructed reclamation area
to the north and immediately adjacent to the existing Fisherman’s Landing reclamation area,
which will create a land reserve that will be used to service new port facilities. GPC employs over
660 people.
QER Pty Ltd QER is an integrated resources company with several large oil shale deposits in Queensland .
A small scale technology demonstration plant showcases the reliability and performance of the
Paraho-II technology to community and stakeholders.
Orica Australia Orica Australia commenced operations in Gladstone in May 1990. Orica produce various
chemicals, principally sodium cyanide (which is used to leach gold from ore), ammonium
nitrate prill and ammonium nitrate emulsion phase (principally used to manufacture explosives).
Chlorine is also produced. There are currently 200 employees.
Gladstone Regional Council (GRC) A desalination plant at Agnes Water as part of the Agnes Water/Seventeen Seventy Integrated
Water Project has been constructed.
GRC undertakes ongoing works associated with sewage treatment plants, roads and other public
facilities.
Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal Construction has commenced on stage 1 of a new coal terminal on the western side of the
(WICET) Calliope River to receive thermal and coking coals from mines in the Bowen Basin and Surat
Basin. First coal shipments through the initial development of the new terminal are planned from
2014.
Organisation Name Description
Gladstone LNG GLNG have commenced construction of an LNG facility to process coal seam gas for export on
(GLNG-Santos and Petronas) Curtis Island. Earthworks have commenced.
Australia Pacific LNG APLNG have commenced construction of an LNG facility to process coal seam gas for export on
(Origin and ConocoPhillips) Curtis Island. Earthworks have commenced.
Queensland Curtis LNG QGC have commenced construction of an LNG facility to process coal seam gas on Curtis
(QGC – a BG group business) Island. Earthworks have commenced.
Proposed Projects
Queensland Rail Moura link – Aldoga rail project. Upgrade of the Surat, Moura and Blackwater rail systems to
meet future demands. Will include a new rail link, maintenance facility, provisioning facility and
expansion of existing rail corridor.
Gladstone Pacific Nickel Limited Stage 1 HPAL laterate nickel ore processing plant using Marlborough nickel/cobalt deposit in
CQ and imported ore from offshore deposits (New Caledonia, Solomon islands, Philippines and
Indonesia).
Gladstone Area Water Board GAWB is undertaking technical and environmental investigations on its Gladstone-Fitzroy
(GAWB) pipeline project. The pipeline will run underground from the Fitzroy River via an easement,
through the proposed Stanwell – Gladstone Infrastructure Corridor (SGIC) and GSDA, before
finally joining GAWB’s raw water reticulation system.
Boulder Steel Limited Proposed blast furnace based steel plant producing pig iron billets and blooms in the GSDA.
Arrow LNG (Shell and Petrochina) LNG facility to process coal seam gas – Curtis Island
LNG Limited LNG facility to process coal seam gas – Fisherman’s Landing
3TL – Tenement to Terminal Tenement to Terminal Limited (3TL), an unlisted Australian public company, has contracted
to acquire land on which a new coal terminal is proposed to be constructed in the Port of
Gladstone (if approved). It is envisaged that the initial stage of the proposed new terminal will
have an export capacity of around 25 to 30 MT per annum (MetroCoal, 2011).
MetroCoal has secured an opportunity for up to 15 MT per annum of capacity in a proposed
new coal terminal for its coal projects (August 2011).
Fitzroy Terminal The Fitzroy Terminal project proposes to load coal onto barges in Raglan Creek and trans-ship
the coal to large ships in Keppel Bay off the northern end of Curtis Island.
Xstrata Coal Queensland Balaclava Island Coal Export Terminal (BICET) is being investigated by Xstrata. The Project is
located on Balaclava Island approximately 40 km north of Gladstone
Source: GAPDL Gladstone Region Industry Profiles (2012)
| 43 |
Figure 5-1 Gladstone State Development Area, Strategic Port Land and Industrial Areas
Figure 5-2 Existing and Proposed Industries in the Curtis Coast Region
5.2 Ports The Port of Gladstone requires significant expansion to cater
for the expected demand from the development of industry
GPC manages and operates the Port of Gladstone, the Port Alma in the region, in particular the LNG industry in Queensland,
Shipping Terminal, the Port of Bundaberg and the Gladstone based on processing coal seam gas from the Surat and Bowen
Marina and its recreational parklands. Originally established Basins. To manage this, the State Government released the
as the Gladstone Harbour Board in 1914, GPC contributes Port of Gladstone Western Basin Master Plan in 2009. The
significantly to the local, state and national economies and plan is designed to provide long-term coordination of industrial
employs over 660 people. development in Gladstone, including proposed port expansion
The Port of Gladstone is located 525 km north of Brisbane. It is activities at Wiggins Island, Fisherman’s Landing, Friend and
spread across approximately 30 km of shoreline and comprises Laird Points, North China Bay, Hamilton Point and Boatshed Point
six main wharf centres with 15 wharves in total. The Port of to accommodate the growing LNG industry.
Gladstone is Queensland’s largest multi-commodity port, GPC received State and Commonwealth approval to undertake
handling the export of resources from Central Queensland and dredging of existing channels and swing basins, and the
finished products from local industries and the import of raw creation of new channels, swing basins and berth pockets in the
materials (Queensland Ports Trade Statistics, 2012). Western Basin. The material dredged during the deepening and
A total of 1,316 vessels visited Gladstone Port in 2010/11, 78 widening of the Western Basin development is being placed into
vessels visited Port Alma and 21 vessels visited the Bundaberg a reclamation area to the north and immediately adjacent to the
Port. A total of 17.2 MT were imported and 59.9 MT were existing Fisherman’s Landing reclamation area, which will create
exported in 2010/2011 (Queensland Ports Trade Statistics, a land reserve that will be used to service new port facilities. The
2012). dredging of the Western Basin will occur in stages and the rate
of development will be controlled by the demands of industry
As Queensland’s largest multi-commodity port corporation, it located in the Gladstone region and requiring access to port
handled a 77.04 MT of trade during 2010/11 (Queensland Ports facilities (GPC, 2012).
Trade Statistics, 2012). Over 30 products are handled via the port
with major cargoes ncluding coal, alumina and cement. Coal The development of Gladstone’s port facilities is considered a key
is the largest export commodity, and represented approximately part in the Central Queensland transport chain and an essential
70% of the total cargo exported in 2010/11 which positioned component of economic development for the region. Further
the Port of Gladstone as one of the world’s top five coal export industrial development in the region will support the growth
ports (Figure 5-3). Whilst the port is internationally recognised of local industry, boost employment and build a strong and
as a major bulk port, it also caters to all forms of containerised diversified regional economy.
and general cargoes. Containerised cargoes are mainly sourced
from local major industry and include primarily aluminium, 5.3 Fishing
chemicals and cement. General cargoes include bulk cargoes
such as bagged products and aluminium, project cargo for new/ The Curtis Coast region is one of Queensland’s more important
expanding industry and heavy lifts (GPC, 2012). fishing grounds for both commercial and non-commercial fishers.
MATERIAL COAL BAUXITE OTHER ALUMINA 5.3.1 Commercial Fishing
The Curtis Coast region houses a significant commercial fishing

7.68% industry. The commercial fishing fleet operating out of Gladstone
4.97% Harbour include line fishers, net/crab fishers, trawl fishers and
seasonal prawn fishers. Commercial operators utilise various
locations in and around Gladstone harbour, Port Curtis and further
off shore. The high value fisheries of scallop and live coral trout
export also operate out of the Gladstone Harbour. Trawlers from
the T8 Trawl Fishery operate within the Port Curtis region. The Rodds
17.73%
Bay Dugong Protection Area is a Zone B (restricted use) Dugong
Protection Area, designed to protect dugongs by limiting exposure to
threatening fishing practices.
69.62% Fisheries Queensland, a service of the Department of Employment,
Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI), together with
other government departments, monitor the condition and trends
of coastal fisheries habitats. For reporting purposes, the Australian
coastline is divided by a grid system, with large grid squares divided
into smaller compartments. Figure 5-6 shows Grid S30, which
captures the Gladstone Harbour and some of the broader Curtis
Coast region. Table 5-3 provides a summary of annual commercial
catches by all commercial fishing activities in the entire Grid S30
area. The number of commercial fishing operators using the area
Figure 5-3 Throughput by Commodity, Port of Gladstone, 2011 ranged from 54 to 96 in the last 5 years (DEEDI, 2012). The
Source: Queensland Ports Trade Statistics Report (2011) commercial activities include:
• Mud crabbing: conducted along the mainland coast Greentail and school prawns are more dependent on estuaries
north and south of the existing Fisherman’s Landing facility. than other species. Mating generally occurs in the creeks and rivers
Commercial crabbers are allowed to put out up to 50 crab although spawning can take place outside streams in the larger
pots each. Consultations with commercial operators during estuaries such as Port Curtis or Rodds Bay.
a recent Environmental Impact Study (EIS) indicated that
there can be up to 150 crab pots placed along the coast Biology of Mud Crabs (Scylla serrata)
north and south of the existing Fisherman’s Landing facility at
any one time (GHD, 2009a). Mud crabs are crustaceans which inhabit the mud and mangrove-
lined estuaries of Australia’s northern coastline. Crabs in this family
• Fish netting: consultation for an EIS indicated that are often referred to as swimmer or paddle crabs as they are easily
commercial fishers do net ‘shots’ at various locations off recognisable by their flattened back legs which look like paddles. It is
the mainland coast in the inner Gladstone harbour. Specific one of the five large edible species from 500 different types of crab
sites are generally selected based on their ability to intercept found in Queensland. Fished by setting bait crab-pots and hoopnets
coastal tidal flows on particular tide changes. Friend Point (crab-dillies) it is also one of the Curtis Coast’s most popular
in the Port of Gladstone is a particularly productive site as it recreational fisheries.
is generally highly turbid and can be fished on various tides Scylla serrata is known as the giant mud crab as its carapace
due to the sites’ protection from the main currents (GHD, can reach a width of 28 cm and weigh 3 kg. However, it is more
2009a). commonly 15 – 20 cm in width and 0.5 – 1 kg in weight (NSW,
2010a). Individuals undergo a succession of moults until they reach
• Trawlers are not permitted to trawl in the inner harbour maturity after about 18 – 24 months. At this point they are not known
of the Port of Gladstone, however, many are based at the to grow further with longevity lasting up to 4 years (NSW, 2010a).
Gladstone Marina and use this as a base to access the
ocean, The Narrows and northern Curtis Island (GHD, Scylla serrata are usually found in sheltered waters, particularly
2009a). estuaries, mangroves and tidal bays and inlets. They can tolerate
wide temperature and salinity variations (12 – 35 oC; 2 – 50 ‰)
5.3.2 Biology of Key Species (NSW, 2010a). Adult mud crabs are carnivorous and mainly feed
on molluscs, other crustaceans and bottom dwelling invertebrates,
The biology of a number of key commercial fishing species is chiefly during high tide. During low tide they take refuge in burrows
outlined in the following sections. formed within the mud.
Mating takes place in the burrows shortly after moutling, when the
Biology of Prawns female shell is soft. Following mating, the male protects the female
until her shell hardens, whereupon she may migrate 10 to 30 km
Penaeid prawns, or the group to which most of the commercially offshore to depths between 20 and 40 m (Quinn, 1992). Depending
important prawns species belong, is generally well represented on size, the female will carry between one and eight million eggs
in the Curtis Coast region. Lee Long et. al. (1992) identified five under her abdomen. The eggs hatch as small planktonic larvae
commercial species of prawn over seagrass beds along the Curtis which swim to the surface, floating with the wind and tides where they
Coast. While habitat and environmental factors effecting prawn are carried back to the shallow estuarine waters. This process takes
abundance and distribution are not comprehensively defined, some between 12 to 15 days in which the mud crab larvae undergo four
general features are known about their life history. moults. On the fifth moult, the larvae settle to the bottom adopting
The life cycle of prawns takes between 12 and 24 months to the typical benthic stage.
complete. With the exception of the greentail and school prawns the The life cycle of the mud crab takes between 18 months and three
life cycle of prawns caught along the Curtis Coast is believed to be years to complete depending upon water temperature, with fast
similar. Spawning typically takes place in oceanic waters where the growth rates achieved in warm waters (Fielder and Heasman, 1986).
female can produce up to 400 000 eggs which hatch into plantonic
larvae after 18 hours. Drifting around on the wind and tidal currents Biology of Sand Crabs (Portunus pelagicus)
the larvae are carried inshore into sheltered shallow waters habitats,
where the post-larvae adopt a benthic (bottom-dwelling) stage. With a similar life history to mud crabs, sand crabs are found as
After a few months of rapid growth in nursery areas, the juvenile juveniles associated with seagrass beds whereas mud crabs are
prawns migrate to deeper water to complete the cycle. The preferred found in mangrove areas (Quinn, 1992). Individuals are also known
nursery sites most likely vary depending upon species but incorporate to inhabit estuaries and inshore coastal waters. Sandcrabs enter
seagrass, mangrove and estuarine areas. the commercial fishery when approximately 10 – 12 months old
Lee Long et. al. (1992) founder several tiger prawn species Penaeus (NSW, 2010b). Individuals can live for up to 3 years with little further
esculentus, Penaeus plebejus, Penaeus semisulcatus and endeavour information known about Portunus pelagicus biology.
prawns Metapenaeus endeavouri over seagrass on mud substrates Additionally, Portunus pelagicus forms an important commercial and
in Gladstone Harbour. In contrast, western king prawns Panaeus recreational fishery with crabs caught in crab pots, hoop nets and
latisulcatus was the most common species over seagrass, on sand mesh nets in estuaries and as incidental by-catch in the prawn and
sediments, at Pancake Creek and Rodds Bay. A targeted survey of the ocean trawl fisheries (NSW, 2010b).
inner harbour in 2009 also identified Penaeus indicus (red legged
banana prawn) (GHD, 2009b).
| 47 |
Biology of Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) Table 5-3 Annual Commercial Catches
The barramundi has a complex life history. Research has shown it is in the S30 Area
a protandrous hermaphrodite fish which begins life as a male and
after some years becomes a female. It is also catadromous, i.e. it Year Boats Days Retained GVP
can live in fresh water but spawns only in salt or brackish water. Weight
(t)
Spawning takes place in brackish water near river mouths between
November and January, with behaviour at this time related to tides 1988 71 1746 97.40 $863,213.64
and water temperature. Barramundi from one location all spawn 1989 76 2031 131.98 $1,111,367.16
together, which has meant that a number of separate stock have
formed, each slightly different from other areas, but well adapted to 1990 96 2450 126.78 $1,290,686.10
the local environment. 1991 128 3087 265.38 $2,635,565.82
Most barramundi begin life as males and breed at least once as a 1992 118 3151 236.85 $2,391,030.26
male before changing sex. First sexual maturity of males generally 1993 144 3526 250.16 $2,928,480.46
occurs between three and five years of age when the fish have grown
to approximately 58 – 70 cm in length and three to five kilograms 1994 110 3369 161.07 $1,553,492.94
in weight. As males they may participate in a number of spawning 1995 136 3465 191.24 $1,866,224.24
seasons before changing to females at about 85 – 100 cm in length
(seven to 12 kg). 1996 127 3585 227.93 $2,023,788.88
Female barramundi carry large numbers of eggs; a 120 cm 1997 127 3572 169.68 $1,565,894.86
individual may produce up to 40 million eggs a year. Milt from 1998 106 3858 209.96 $2,145,948.67
several males is needed to fertilise eggs from a female, so males out
1999 109 4360 223.22 $2,308,955.00
number female fish on the breeding grounds.
2000 115 4121 227.71 $2,235,357.49
Spawning usually takes place at night around the time of the slack
tide and appears to be related to the lunar cycle (Department of 2001 106 3260 231.45 $2,172,647.14
Fisheries, Western Australia (DoF), 2011). Generally, the nights 2002 84 3688 291.74 $2,825,370.79
following full and new moons are periods of greatest spawning
activity (DoF, 2011). 2003 95 4804 468.90 $4,503,418.64
Young fish generally hatch from the egg within 24 hours and are 2004 86 4815 529.05 $4,529,392.16
carried by tide into mangrove swamps and wetlands. The coastal 2005 66 3820 428.09 $3,125,510.48
wetlands then act as important nurseries for the juveniles before they
2006 64 3297 431.63 $2,935,868.36
move upstream into the freshwater sections or to the first impassable
barrier. It is here they will remain until they reach sexual maturity and 2007 53 3134 361.92 $2,419,262.32
return to the breeding grounds. 2008 72 3337 530.16 $3,599,076.41
Biology of Summer Whiting (Sillago sp.) 2009 91 3616 416.20 $4,136,024.34

2010 79 4490 407.43 $3,973,656.74
Little is known about the biology of summer whiting along the
Curtis Coast. Although commonly referred to as summer whiting, 2011 91 4188 577.60 $5,583,112.96
the species is also known as sand whiting and blue-nose whiting. 2012* 71 2677 134.09 $1,685,140.07
The species is known to be an inshore species, inhabiting exposed
coastal areas such as beaches, sandbars and surf zones as well as Source: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
bays and estuaries. *figures for part year.
If they are consistent with their Moreton Bay cousins, then spawning
takes place between September and March with females producing
up to 380 000 eggs (Quinn, 1992). Spawning is likely to take place
on sand and mud banks adjacent to seagrass beds, with Port Curtis
and Rodds Bay offering the best locations. Summer whiting become
sexually mature at an average length of between 19 – 21 cm which
is below the legal length of 23 cm (Quinn, 1992). The maximum
length of individuals is known to be around 51 cm (DPI&F, 2011).
5.3.3 Aquaculture and Oysters Catch rates for the Wanderers Fishing Club fishing in Gladstone
Harbour declined by 50-60% from 1985-2012. Catch rates for kept
There are no current operators of oyster leases or aquaculture farms fish in the estuaries from surveys in 1996-98 were 35% higher than
in the S30 grid region (DEEDI, 2011b). catch rates from a survey in 2011/12 (Sawynok et. al., 2013).
Seasonal catch rates for estuary catches from 2006-2012 fluctuated
5.3.4 Recreational Fishing from a low of 8.5 to a high of 24.9 fish/trip and for kept fish, from a
low of 0.02 to a high of 7.9 fish/trips A trip was based on 2 fishers
Fishing is a major recreational activity throughout the Curtis Coast fishing for 7.5 hours (Sawynok et. al., 2013).
region. Participation in recreational fishing in the Fitzroy Region
(includes Gladstone and Rockhampton) was estimated at 42,000 At the Boyne Tannum Hookup fishing competition, catch rates for
persons over the age of 5 years (20% of the population) in 2010. estuary/inshore trips ranged from around 4-12 fish caught and 0.5-
This compares with 17% of the overall Queensland population 2.5 fish kept from 2007-2012 (Sawynok et. al., 2013).
going fishing that year (DAFFQ, 2012). Seasonal offshore catch rates from 2005-2009 ranged from a low
Recreational fishing activities predominantly include line fishing, of 5.0 fish/trip caught to a high of 14.9 fish/trip. For fish kept, the
crabbing and prawning and primarily occur in the Boyne River, catch rates ranged from a low of 0.6 fish/trip to a high of 6.0 fish/
Calliope River, South Trees Inlet, Narrows and to a lesser extent trip (Sawynok, 2009).
Gladstone Harbour. Lake Awoonga and Lake Callemondah are
fished, primarily for Barramundi, which have been stocked from
the GAWB hatchery since the 1980s. From 2007-2012, 1.3
million barramundi were stocked in Lake Awoonga (GAWB, 2013).
Offshore fishing occurs outside the Harbour to the Capricorn-Bunker
Group and beyond.
There are various exclusion zones operating for safety reasons
around existing port infrastructure and temporary exclusion zones
operate around marine construction and dredging projects when
these occur. Gladstone Harbour is closed to commercial fishers
from Friday 6.00 pm until Sunday 6.00 pm, to provide access for
recreational fishers (GHD, 2009b).
Recreational Fishing Effort
There has been no comprehensive assessment of fishing effort in

the Gladstone area that provides information on changes over
time. Some assessments are available in relation to boat fishing in
estuaries and offshore however none are available for freshwater. No
assessment is available for landbased fishing.
There are 13 recognised boat ramps in the Gladstone area. Trailer
counts are available for six key ramps which are Auckland Creek
(VMR and Morgan Street), Gladstone Marina (use commenced in
2011), Calliope River at the power station, Boyne River at Bray Park
and South Trees Inlet at Toolooa Bend. The Auckland Creek, Marina
and Bray Park ramps are used for both offshore and estuary trips Figure 5-4 Fishing Boats on Gladstone Harbour
while the remaining ramps are used primarily for estuary fishing. For
the 3 ramps used for offshore fishing, it was estimated that 75% of
trips were to offshore locations (CapReef 2009, unpublished).
Based on trailer counts, fishing effort increased significantly from
2006-2012. At the main Auckland Creek VMR ramp, trailer counts
have increased by 25% over that time. The estimated number of
fishing trips from the key boat ramps was 23,700 in the year from
November 2011 to October 2012. Figure 5-7 shows the average
trips per day from the key boat ramps (Sawynok et. al., 2013).
Recreational Catch Rates
There has been no comprehensive assessment of recreational catch

rates in the Gladstone area that provides information on changes
over time. Catch records from the Wanderers Fishing Club and
surveys undertaken in the 1990s provide some estimates of changes
in catch rates. These show that overall catch rates have steadily
declined over time. Figure 5-5 Fishing in Mangrove Areas
| 49 |
In 1993, it was estimated that the catch per person per hour was The Queensland Government began conducting tests to
0.88 fish which were mostly reef species (Blamey and Hundloe, investigate fish health issues in August 2011 (DEEDI, 2011a),
1993). This equates to around 13.2 fish/trip kept for a current with sampling including fish, sharks, crustaceans and molluscs
comparison. (DEEDI, 2011a; DAFF, 2012f, DAFF, 2012a). Between August
2011 and July 2012, a total of 12 Government reports on
Recreational Catch fish, shark and crustacean health and potential causes were
conducted in Gladstone Harbour and surrounding areas, from
For estuary catches in Gladstone from 2006-2012, Bream (Yellowfin the Fitzroy region in the north, to the Bundaberg region in the
and Pikey) were the most commonly caught estuary species south (DAFF, 2012a; DAFF, 2012b; DAFF, 2012d; DAFF, 2012e;
comprising 24.9% of the catch and 30.6% of the kept catch. Mud DAFF, 2012f; DAFF, 2012g; DAFF, 2012h; DEEDI, 2011a;
crab were the second most commonly caught species, comprising DEEDI, 2011b; DEEDI, 2012a; DEEDI, 2012b; DEEDI, 2012c).
16.6% of the catch and 14.0% of the kept catch while barred javelin Fish health sampling was completed on 30 September 2012; the
were 10.9% and 10.6% of the catch and kept catch respectively. final report from DAFF was unreleased at the time of writing.
Seasonal recreational prawning occurs between February and March
when Prawns are caught with a castnet however no estimate of catch Fish, sharks and crustaceans were assessed and tested
is available. by “necropsy (external and internal evidence of disease),
histopathology (microscopic examination of tissue), microbiology
Barramundi increased from 3.1% of the catch from 2006-2010 (presence of bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites), and residue
to 28.4% of the catch from 2010-2012 (Sawynok et. al., 2013). analysis for metals and organic chemicals” (DEEDI, 2012b).
This increase followed the exodus of fish from Lake Awoonga in Following the recommendations the Scientific Advisory Panel
2011 when the dam overflowed allowing an estimated 20,000 made in January 2012, the skin ‘reddening’ described on
Barramundi to enter the marine system (GAWB, 2011). Further fish many fish and sharks was further investigated and described
exited the lake in 2012 and 2013 when the dam overflowed again in subsequent reports, along with the continual sampling of
but no estimates of numbers are available. the Gladstone Harbour and surroundings (Gladstone Fish
Health Scientific Advisory Panel, 2012). A common public
For offshore catches in the Capricorn area Longfin rockcod was
misconception was the appearance of red ulcerations on many
the most commonly caught species from 2006/07 to 2008/09
fish and shark species and their relationship to the Queensland
comprising 19.8% of the catch but only 0.8% were kept (only grows
endemic red-spot disease, Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome (EUS).
to 400 mm with a legal minimum length of 380 mm). Hussar was
Scientific studies confirmed only one case of red-spot disease on
the second most commonly caught comprising 8.0% of the catch of
a fish caught at Port Alma (DAFF, 2012f).
which 48.4% were kept while Grass Emperor comprised 7.4% of the
catch of which 69.2% were kept (Sawynok, 2009). Only 5% of other fish species assessed indicated signs of
ill-health. The parasite Neobenedenia spp. was identified as
In 1993, in the Rockhampton region Sweetlip Emperor were 52.8%
the cause of skin discolouration and ulcerations on the fin fish
of the catch followed by Cod 11.1% and Whiting 10.3% (Blamey
species examined, and Dermophthirius spp. was identified
and Hundloe, 1993).
on the shark specimens. These parasites are both naturally
occurring in marine environments and many cases of equivalent
symptoms have been reported by the Queensland Government
5.3.5 Events of the 2010/11 Summer from the north and south of the Gladstone Harbour region
In August 2011, the state government received reports regarding (DEEDI, 2012a; DEEDI, 2012b). No findings suggested that
diseased fish2 and human health concerns for Gladstone Harbour. anthropogenic influences such as dredging had adverse effects
As a result, DEEDI declared an emergency disease and quarantine on marine biota.
regulation for fisheries within Port Curtis and surrounding waters and During recreational fishing assessments undertaken from
the taking of fish was banned for three weeks from 16 September November 2011 to October 2012, the health of 232
2011. In association with this, intensive fish sampling was undertaken recreationally caught fish was assessed on a scale of 1(good)-
and due to claims that increases in fish disease were associated with 5(bad), with 3.5% of fish in bad condition. The low recording of
declining water quality, regular water quality and sediment analyses fish as bad may be the result of fish in that condition being less
were also undertaken. These sampling activities were undertaken likely to be caught on line (Sawynok et. al., 2013).
by Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
(DAFF) formerly known as DEEDI, and Queensland Department Between December 2010 and March 2011, an estimated
of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) and the previously 30,000 barramundi were washed over the Awoonga Dam
known Queensland Department of Environment and Resource wall into the Boyne River. Studies have suggested that forced
Management (DERM). relocation, dramatic density increase and greater competition for
food resulted in stress and immunosuppression, which increased
susceptibility to disease and infection (DEEDI, 2011a).
Despite an increase in dredging and harbour activities since
August 2011, fish, shark and crustacean health has been
constantly improving. By December 2011, healthy barramundi
increased from 32% to 54% with only 8% with lesions or
ulcerations, eye problems and lesions decreased from 39% to
2 Despite the fish health concerns outlined in Section 5.3.5, the total commercial catch (in tonnes) for
just 3%, skin redness was classed as minor in 89% of fish and
all fish retained for sale in Gladstone was greater than the previous 5 years from 2006 to 2011 (DAFF, no fish were observed to have redness covering the majority of
2012c).
the body (DEEDI, 2012a). In July 2012, DAFF (2012f) reported
zero parasites. Eye problems or ulcerative lesions on barramundi The sediment and water quality analyses were further supported by
during sampling in April 2012, and no significant signs of ill-health work undertaken by CSIRO in 2010 and 2012 (Angel et.al, 2010;
were observed in other fish species. In November 2011 (DEEDI, Angel et.al, 2012). There was good agreement with the results and
2011a), the Queensland Government stated that the fish, sharks conclusions of the CSIRO reports with those of the Queensland
and crustaceans in the Gladstone Harbour region posed no Government with the studies concluding that dredging is not
threat to human health through contact, and were safe for human majorly contributing to dissolved metal concentrations in Gladstone
consumption, provided all standard safe food procedures were waterways and that the waters and sediments generally have low
followed. Queensland saucer scallop (Amusium balloti) samples concentrations of metals for a major industrialised location.
obtained in February 2012 were tested on pathology and chemical
In response to concerns of Gladstone fishers, a public charity,
residue levels with results indicating there was no acute health risk
the Gladstone Fishing Research Fund was established. This fund
through contact or consumption (DAFF, 2012a).
supported Future Fisheries Veterinary Service (FFVS) to undertake
Rust spot shell disease was first reported in the Gladstone region additional veterinary investigations into the presence and potential
in 1994 and again in the late 1990’s/early 2000’s (Andersen, causes of aquatic animal health problems in Gladstone Harbour
2003; DEEDI, 2012c). Shell abnormalities were reported in 21.7% and surrounding waters. The initial 2 reports found that through
of mud crabs examined between October 1998 and April 1999, visual and microscopic observations, that there were “significant,
of which 18.3% were identified as rust spot shell disease. During ongoing disease processes occurring in fish, crustaceans and shellfish
recent sampling from April to July 2012, shell abnormalities were populations” and that the data, combined with data from GAWB, did
reported in 4.4% of mud crabs examined with the majority identified not support the hypothesis that freshwater run-off had resulted in sick
as rust spot shell disease (DAFF, 2012h; DEEDI, 2012c). In February fish and other aquatic animals. This report also stated that the data
2012, 25kg of banana prawns and 15kg of Tannum tiger prawns did not support the findings of DERM/EHP in that there had been
were caught in the Port Curtis region, all of which were of sound no water quality change from dredging and port construction. FFVS
health and fit for human consumption (DEEDI, 2012c). These results concluded that 1) the observed signs in fish were explained primarily
indicate that the prevalence of rust spot shell disease in the Port by a water based stress factor and secondarily by immunosuppression
Curtis region has in fact decreased from historical levels and has no and 2) based on previous research, the prevalence of shell lesions
relationship with activities in the Gladstone Harbour and surrounding in crabs was associated with heavy metal exposure (Landos, 2012a;
areas. Landos, 2012b). Further to this, a weight of evidence assessment
of the plausibility and likelihood of various risk factors in disease
In April and September 2012, EHP conducted sampling to report
induction in Gladstone Harbour considered that the disorders
on the mysterious deaths of hundreds of fork-tailed catfish (Arius
displayed in aquatic animals were most likely a direct consequence of
graeffei) in the Boyne River which is located approximately 20km
dredging being undertaken in Gladstone Harbour. Specifically, toxic
south of Gladstone. Water quality results indicated a drop in salinity
exposure in aquatic animals from contaminants resuspended and
levels, due to recent substantial rainfall in March 2012, however all
mobilised from sediments and that the disturbance of these sediments
other factors were consistent to those of a health water system. From
resulted in release of nitrogen, iron and other nutrients which caused
residue testing, metal and organic levels along with bacterial disease
toxic algal blooms. Poor water quality and toxicosis has also led
were considered an unlikely cause of death. Empty digestive tracts in
to stress, immunosuppression and external irritation and ultimately
all of the catfish examined suggested ill-health prior to death and no
resulted in increased parasitism (Landos, 2013).
definitive cause of death could be determined due to post mortem
degeneration (DAFF, 2012e; DAFF, 2012g). Following the flood events of 2010/2011, there was a marked
increase in marine animal strandings for not only the Gladstone
The first water quality report (DERM, 2011a) provided an analysis
region (a defined zone extending across the 23o latitude mark
of all available water quality data for Port Curtis (DERM, GPC,
from approximately Yeppoon to Agnes Waters) but for the entire
PCIMP), to determine if there had been any deleterious changes in
Queensland Coast. For the Port Curtis region, a number of stranded
water quality outside of historical fluctuations. This report has been
green turtles, dead and alive, were collected for a health assessment
followed by 11 subsequent reports (DERM 2011b; DERM 2012a;
and an investigation of contaminant levels. The investigation of
DERM 2012b; DERM 2012c; EHP 2012a; EHP 2012b; EHP
contaminant levels characterised contaminants into 3 categories,
2012d; EHP 2012e; EHP 2012f; EHP 2012g; EHP 2012h), which
those of low concern, possibly of concern and of concern. The levels
have analysed physicochemical characteristics (turbidity, dissolved
of some contaminant groups suggested elevated exposure may
oxygen, temperature, salinity and pH), chlorophyll-a, nutrients and
have occurred for some green turtles from the Boyne Estuary. The
total and dissolved metals. All of these reports could find no water
report also stated that information on the sensitivity of green turtles
quality properties of significant environmental concern for Port Curtis,
to contaminants is limited and the analysis included comparisons
particularly the areas most likely to be affected by dredging and
with other vertebrates. Therefore, an evaluation of the effects a
associated activities. The exception was a cluster of elevated metal
particular concentration of contaminants would have on green turtles
concentrations localised to South Trees Inlet. Further, there were
is uncertain (Gaus et. al., 2012).
no extreme or unusual parameters that could be directly linked to
fish health concerns. These findings were supported by sediment The results of the health assessment indicated that the resident
analyses that were undertaken in February-March 2012 that showed population of small immature turtles were in poor health and that
low, negligible or undetectable levels of contaminants which was the most likely cause was chronic malnutrition with a primary illness
comparable with similar studies conducted previously for this region diagnosis of cachexia (a marked state of constitutional disorder,
(EHP 2012c). The exception was the above guideline recordings for general ill health and malnutrition). The authors suggested that the
arsenic, which is considered naturally elevated in this region. These loss of seagrasses was the most likely cause of these conditions which
surveys also took on the recommendations of the scientific advisory may have resulted from the flooding events or silting and sediment
panel that was established independently of the Government from dredging may have contributed to the condition (Eden et. al.,
(Gladstone Fish Health Scientific Advisory Panel, 2012). 2011).
| 51 |
Figure 5-6 Data Collection Grid for Commercial Fishing, S30
Source: DEEDI (2011)
140
TRIPS FROM KEY RAMPS EACH MONTH
120
Average trips per day
100
Average no of fishing trips
80
TRIPS
60
40
20
0
September
October
November
December
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
Figure 5-6a Estimated daily use of key boat ramps from November 2011-October 2012
Source: Sawynok et al., 2013.
| 53 |
Mining National Parks were subsequently gazetted over the Cape Capricorn
dunes and over Wild Cattle Island.
Past mining activity in the Curtis Coast region has been confined to Exploration permits were subsequently granted to RZM (Newcastle)
gold, titanium minerals, manganese and clay. Whilst this mining has Pty Ltd covering Middle Island and Hummock Hill Island. Mineral
been small scale and relatively minor, large resources of titanium Deposits Limited applied for extensive offshore exploration permits
mineral sands and oil shale are present in potentially economic in Bustard Bay and Tannum Sands. However, these activities were
quantities. In addition, salt, silica sand and construction material not developed and there are currently no mining leases or mineral
are being won from areas adjacent to the study area. The historical development licences over these areas (Figure 5-7).
information related to mining has been retained from the 1994
Curtis Coast Study. At the time, the information had been largely
sourced from O’Flynn (1993).
Previously granted mining leases, existing mining leases and mineral
development leases, including their status, are shown in Table 5-6.
Figure 5-7 indicates the locations of current mining leases and
mineral development licences. It is noted that a number of these lie
to the west of the study area. Along the coast, there are currently
three mineral development licences, one sand mine lease (Iveragh),
one shale oil lease (Stuart) and a number of salt mine licences (Port
Alma).
5.4.1 Titanium Mineral Sands
Titanium mineral was first prospected along the Curtis Coast during
the 1950’s and 1960’s following the identification of deposits in
south-east Queensland. Several mining leases were subsequently
issued in the years that followed. Apart from a short-lived operation
on Rodds Peninsula, no mineral sand mining has taken place within
the Curtis Coast region.
In addition, a number of granted mining leases on the Curtis
Coast for titanium mineral were surrendered in 1984 as part of a
major land-use planning exercise to recognise the conservation
values of parts of the coast and to release lands for port and tourist
development. As part of this package, Mineral Deposits Ltd and
Murphyores Incorporated Pty Ltd surrended mining leases at Curtis
Island, Wild Cattle Island, Hummock Hill Island, Rodds Peninsula,
Middle Island, Eurimbula and Wreck Rock/Deepwater (south of the
study area).
Restricted Areas were subsequently established as an interim
measure to prevent applications for new mining tenures whilst the
land was under consideration for alternative land uses. These
sites include Curtis Island/Cape Capricorn, Wild Cattle Island and
Hummock Hill Island, Rodds Peninsula, Middle Island, Eurimbula
and Wreck Rock/Deepwater (just outside the study area). As a result
of these considerations, National Parks (containing some titanium
mineral resources) were established on Curtis Island (exclusive of
northeastern dunes), Rodds Peninsula, Eurimbula and Deepwater
(south of the study area).
At the time, higher grade deposits south of Cape Capricorn were
to be retained as Departmental and Official Purpose Reserves.
Resources at Hummock Hill Island, Middle Island, a portion of
Eurimbula and Seventeen Seventy and Agnes Water, north of
Deepwater, were to remain available for mining. Wild Cattle Island
was subsequently gazetted as a Departmental and Official Purposes
Reserve.
By 1990, changing technology in the processing of ilmenite led
to renewed interest in exploration of Curtis Coast sand resources,
somewhat sooner than expected. However, in 1991, Wild Cattle
Island and Curtis Island were designated for conservation uses.
Table 5-6 Mining Leases and Mineral Development Leases in the Curtis Coast Region
Tenure Status Name Date Expires Principle holder Area (Ha)

Type
Mining Lease Granted Marblestone no 7 28-FEB-2041 Frost Enterprises Pty Ltd 8.09
Mining Lease Granted Bracewall minerals 31-AUG-2027 Cement Australia (Queensland) Pty Ltd 32.38
Mining Lease Granted Maurer 1 31-OCT-2030 Frost Enterprises Pty Ltd 57.14
Mining Lease Granted Maurer 2 31-OCT-2030 Frost Enterprises Pty Ltd 43.00
Mining Lease Granted Ambrose lime 30-APR-2011 Sibelco Australia Limited 4.05
Mining Lease Granted - 31-JUL-1997 Cement Australia (Queensland) Pty Ltd 45.76
Mining Lease Granted Bracewall no 3 31-JUL-2027 Cement Australia (Exploration) Pty Ltd 207.23
Mining Lease Granted Bracewall no 1 31-JUL-2027 Cement Australia (Exploration) Pty Ltd 254.65
Mining Lease Granted Bracewell no 2 31-JUL-2027 Cement Australia (Exploration) Pty Ltd 139.85
Mining Lease Granted Lucky chinaman 28-FEB-2011 Bisagrange Pty Limited 128.80
Mining Lease Granted Spring creek 30-APR-2012 Bisagrange Pty Limited 9.14
Mining Lease Granted The gully 30-JUN-2013 Vella Edwin John 13.22
Mining Lease Granted Downing 1 31-JUL-2028 Frost Enterprises Pty Ltd 9.45
Mining Lease Granted Downing 2 31-JUL-2028 Frost Enterprises Pty Ltd 5.61
Mining Lease Granted Marblestone no 6 31-DEC-2041 Frost Enterprises Pty Ltd 6.80
Mining Lease Granted Eastend 31-JUL-2027 Cement Australia (Exploration) Pty Ltd 436.98
Mining Lease Granted East end 3 31-OCT-2012 Cement Australia (Exploration) Pty Ltd 24.86
Mining Lease Granted New chance 31-OCT-2012 Popenia William John 22.50
Mining Lease Granted East end no 4 31-JUL-2027 Cement Australia (Exploration) Pty Ltd 31.66
Mining Lease Granted East end 2 31-JAN-2011 Cement Australia (Exploration) Pty Ltd 40.20
Mining Lease Granted Yellow submarine 2 30-NOV-2005 Tuunanen Penthi Arthur 44.70
Mining Lease Application Stuart 2 - Queensland Energy Resources Limited 1307.05
Mining Lease Granted Stuart 31-JUL-2026 Queensland Energy Resources (No.1) 526.80
(Stuart) Pty Limited
Mining Lease Granted Clark 1 31-MAR-2027 Frost Enterprises Pty Ltd 10.23
Mining Lease Granted Clark 2 31-MAR-2027 Frost Enterprises Pty Ltd 8.34
Mining Lease Granted - 30-APR-2029 Cheetham Salt Limited 101.40
Mining Lease Granted - 28-FEB-2021 Cheetham Salt Limited 2972.00
Mining Lease Granted - 28-FEB-2021 Cheetham Salt Limited 495.00
Mining Lease Granted - 31-MAR-2021 Cheetham Salt Limited 429.90
Mining Lease Granted - 31-MAR-2021 Cheetham Salt Limited 155.20
Mining Lease Granted Marblestone no 9 30-JUN-2022 Frost Enterprises Pty Ltd 18.73
Mining Lease Granted Marblestone 8 29-FEB-2028 Frost Enterprises Pty Ltd 4.85
| 55 |
Tenure Status Name Date Expires Principle holder Area (Ha)
Type
Mining Lease Granted Golden eagle no 1 31-AUG-2042 Economite Pty Ltd 49.63
Mining Lease Application East end no.5 - Cement Australia (Exploration) Pty Ltd 86.87
Mining Lease Application The gladstone - Genesis Resources Limited 32.24
manganese project
Mining Lease Granted Fairview 31-DEC-2035 Metallica Minerals Limited 692.42
Mining Lease Granted Iveragh 1 31-MAR-2031 Cement Australia (Exploration) Pty Ltd 213.80
Mineral Granted - 31-MAY-2013 Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd 17246.10
Development
Licence
Mineral Granted Fairview 31-AUG-2014 Metallica Minerals Limited 776.54
Development
Licence
Mineral Granted - 31-OCT-2012 Queensland Energy Resources Limited 6704.24
Development
Licence
Mineral Granted - 31-OCT-2011 Queensland Energy Resources Limited 2189.35
Development
Licence
Mineral Application Fairview - Metallica Minerals Limited 692.42
Development
Licence
Figure 5-7 Mining Leases, Mineral Development Licences and Mineral Exploration Areas in the Curtis Coast Region
5.4.2 Oil Shale Solar sea salt is produced by the action of sun and wind on seawater.
Large resources of oil shale occur in the tertiary rocks of The Narrows 5.4.4 Silica Sands
Graben which lie beneath unconsolidated younger sediments. Oil
shale is a sedimentary rock consisting of fine grained silts and algae Current mining of silica is confined to beach ridge sand won from
deposited within silt and clays. The current estimate of in-situ oil “Iveragh” south of Tannum Sands. Used as an additive to crushed
shale resources in the Curtis Coast region is 906 gigalitres or 5.70 limestone in the manufacture of cement, Cement Australia uses fine
billion barrels, based on figures supplied by companies as part of sand which supplies their clinker plant at Fisherman’s Landing.
regular reporting of the results of exploration.
By the early 1980’s, Southern Pacific Petroleum NL (SP P), had 5.4.5 Manganese
identified a number of Australian oil shale deposits, including the
Rundle deposit near Gladstone and its southern neighbour, Stuart, Manganese has been mined from a number of small operations
which are covered by current exploration permits and in the latter in the Doonside and Wandilla Formations with several small
case, a mining lease (Figure 5-7 and Table 5-6). These resources mines within the Curtis Coast region producing minor quantities.
are now controlled by QERL, which in 2004 acquired the majority of Manganese ore, in the form of massive psilomelane, pyrolusite
SPP’s assets (QERL, 2011). and braunite, was won from a mine at Auckland Point adjacent to
Gladstone Harbour (Donchak and Holmes, 1988). The mine was
The original Stuart Oil Shale Stage 1 was a $250 million research worked from 1882 to 1900.
and development component of the project that involved the mining
and on-site processing of approximately 6,000 T per day of oil shale Manganese was also produced from Targinie, Turtle Island, south
to produce approximately 4,500 barrels per stream day (bpsd) of oil of Boat Creek, Humpy Creek and from an unnamed tributary of the
products. Calliope River east of Yarwun. Most production (150 T) is recorded
from Boat Creek. Minor manganese occurrences were also recorded
SPP then commenced a $600 million Stage 2 proposal that was on the southern section of Picnic Island and the eastern portion of
intended to demonstrate commercial viability of the processing Compigne Island but no significant extraction is believed to have
technology by means of expanding mining and processing activities occurred. There appears to be little potential for a significant deposit
to produce approximately 19,000 bpsd of oil products. The Stage of manganese to be located within the Curtis Coast region and
2 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was produced by SPP in extracted in the near future.
1999. However, shortly thereafter work on the Stage 2 environmental
assessment process was suspended for almost two years to 5.4.6 Gold
concentrate on the problems encountered in the commissioning of
Stage 1. The main gold mining recorded within the Curtis Coast region was
In October 2001, SPP reactivated the Stage 2 EIS process, at Targinie Scottish gold mine near Targinie, approximately 15 km
however, in December 2004, QERL (the current owner) advised the west-northwest of Gladstone, which operated between 1909 and
Coordinator-General that it wished to discontinue the EIS process for 1951 (Ridgway 1939; Donchak and Holmes, 1991). The workings
the proposed Stage 2 development. consisted of three parallel tunnels – Targinie Scottish, Targinie Scottish
1 and Targinie Scottish 2 – each following a small leader. The gold
QERL are now in the process of developing a New Fuels occurred in small quartz leaders associated with dykes of diorite,
Development Centre in order to mine oil shale and construct and feldspar, porphyry and granite intruding massive cherty mudstones
operate the small-scale Paraho IITMoil shale processing technology of the Doonside Formation. The tunnels comprising the workings
demonstration plant to be built at the Centre (QERL, 2011). currently lie, at least in part, within Mining Lease No 3613 held by
The New Fuels Development Centre lies on land owned by QERL, Pentti Arthur Tuunamen for copper and nickel. There is no record of
located within Mining Lease 80003. The Mining Lease was granted production from the lease since its granting in November 1973 and
in 1996 for a period of 30 years, to provide for both the mining it is not listed as a current mining lease for the area.
and processing of oil shale and the production and processing Gold was also won from small mines in the Wandilla Formation at
of shale oil on the site. QERL holds both mining and petroleum Tigalee Creek and Briffney Creek to the south of Gladstone.
Environmental Authorities which have been granted by DERM.
Queensland Mines and Energy has granted a Petroleum Facility The Tigalee Creek mines were worked in 1902 but there is no
Licence for processing of the shale oil, including upgrading and record of production. One mine, which is located north of Tigalee
storage of the oil (QERL, 2011). Creek, was described by Ball (1902) and was situated in quartz
veins associated with diorite dykes. The alluvial workings at Briffney
5.4.3 Salt Creek were worked around 1932, and nuggets up to 1.5 kg were
recorded. Much of the workings are still evident today and have
Salt is produced at Port Alma by Olsson’s Pacific Salt and Cheetham been described by Morton (1934), although no record of production
Salt: is available. No gold is currently mined in the Curtis Coast region.
• Pacific Salt has a primary pond, approximately 1000 acres 5.4.7 Clay Materials
in size; and
Clay materials refer to the variety of very fine gained sediments and
• Cheetham Salt purchased the Port Alma salt field in 1999 weathered rocks, and range from plastic clays through to shales and
and is Australia’s largest producer and refiner of solar salt other fine grained argillaceous rocks. Clay mining in the Gladstone
(Ridley Corporation Limited – Cheetham Salt, 2010). area is described in Holmes (1984) and summarised in Donchak
and Holmes (1991) and is of historical interest only as there is no A previously closed quarry at Agnes Water has reopened and rocks
ceramic industry in Gladstone or in the adjacent areas. quarried are used for roads, building sites, landscaping and general
use (Black, 2011).
From 1910-12, the Rockhampton based Munduran Firebrick Tile
and Pottery Pty Ltd began extraction of shales (thought to be from The
Narrows beds) for use as high grade refractory material in convertor 5.5 Potential Resources
linings, from a small pit inland from Ramsay Crossing. An attempt to
also make bricks was unsuccessful. Holmes (1984) outlined potential resources of extractive materials
A fireclay prospecting area was granted for an area near Targinie for the Gladstone 1:100 000 Sheet area. Within the Curtis Coast
Landing, east-northeast of Targinie, where grey-brown weathered region, potential resources identified were:
shales were exposed. The deposit is not believed to have been
• Basalt, trachyte and chert south of Targinie;
worked.
Pure white clay from Targinie Landing and Curtis Island, was originally • Rhyolite deposits at White Rock;
thought to have been kaolin. Analysis of samples from the first
location indicated an indurated diatomaceous earth. The white clay • Sand and gravel in the bed of the Calliope River;
from Curtis Island proved to be kaolin, but because of the small
• Sand and gravel in the alluvium of Munduran Creek;
quantity of this resource it was never worked.
Two mining leases, one south of Gladstone and the other near Rifle • Fine sand in beach ridges south of Tannum Sands;
Range Reserve, were held in the 1960’s by Mr R.B. Mason who
hoped to establish a brickworks in Gladstone. No clay was produced • Fine sand in beach ridges of Boyne Island;
from the leases, which have since expired.
• Sand and gravel in the bed of the Boyne River; and
5.4.8 Phosphate • A small sand and gravel deposit at the headwaters of

Rawbelle Creek, Curtis Island.
Several minor occurrences of phosphate-bearing minerals including
wavellite and turquoise, recorded in the area by Dunstan (1904) and Significant resources of sand, gravel and quarry rock do occur within
subsequently by Murray (1968) and Donchak and Holmes (1991), the Curtis Coast region, but in general, there appears to be a relative
were associated with the cherts of the Wandilla Formation. They occur abundance of coarse aggregate outside the study area. Resources of
as red thin films on joints and as distinct veinlets (Murray, 1968). well-graded fine to medium sand are limited in the region, both within
Locations are shown by Donchak and Holmes (1988) and include and outside the study area. Deposits of less well-graded, fine grained
Ship Hill the southwest of Curtis Island and Diamantina Island, Quoin sand in the coastal beach ridge systems, particularly in the Boyne
Island and Auckland Point. Island and Tannum Sands area, although slightly inferior, represent
one of few local sources of sand for the construction industry.
During 1966 - 1968, the Utah Development Company carried out
exploration for phosphate minerals in Palaeozoic rocks of the Tasman
Geosyncline and in particular, in the rocks of the Wandilla Formation. 5.6 Pressures
Exploration under A to P 399M included Gladstone harbour as well
as Facing Island and most of Curtis Island and identified relatively There are concerns about some of the adverse social effects of
common occurrences of veinlets containing turquoise, wavellite and strong economic growth. Issues such as provision of social services,
variscite particularly in the southeastern corner of Curtis Island. No housing affordability and income inequality appear to be pertinent to
evidence of economically viable phosphate mineral deposits was at least parts of the community.
indicated, nor has any mining of phosphate minerals occurred.
Property values and marketability may be impacted from increased
demand for housing.
5.4.9 Construction Materials
The various industrial projects centred on the Gladstone area will
A number of quarries currently exist along the Curtis Coast. likely involve construction exclusion zones, exclusion zones around
constructed berths and facilities and marine exclusion zones around
Earth Commodities Gladstone is located west of Yarwun. The 48.5 an increased number of industrial ships accessing the Port of
ha quarry site lies partly in the GSDA and in rural zoning. The quarry Gladstone. There is a potential for various exclusion zones to be
produces hard and durable hornfels, basalts and vocaniclastic rock. operating simultaneously. This will reduce access to recreational
Soils on the site are dominantly lithosols or lithosols integrades which and natural areas and thus reduce areas available for recreational
have developed on the hornfels parent material. Recent calculations activities. A number of these exclusion zones will be temporary,
estimate that the reserves on this site are approximately 15.18 MT. operating during construction only.
Uses of the material include road construction, railway ballast,
aggregate production and fill (Earth Commodities, 2011). Continued industrial development will result in greatly increased
shipping traffic within the harbour for product import and export. This
GPC own a quarry along Guerassimoff Road, to the south of brings potential environmental impacts such as boat strike for marine
Fisherman’s Landing. AbiGroup is currently operating the quarry fauna, risk of introduction of marine pests, risk of spills and safety
to source construction materials for the construction of the Western risks for other commercial and recreational operators.
Basin Reclamation Bund. GPC will continue to operate the quarry in
the long-term for access to materials for construction and bund wall There are concerns from the fishing industry about potential for impacts
maintenance. on the long-term viability of the commercial fishing industry in the area.
| 59 |
5.7 Bibliography DEEDI (2012c). Fish Health Survey Gladstone Harbour as at 1
March 2012. DEEDI, Brisbane, Queensland.
Andersen, L. E. (2003). A Study into the Epidiomiology of Mud Crab DEEDI (2011a). State Development Areas – Gladstone. Accessed at:
(Scylla serrata) Shell Disease. Masters Thesis, Central Queensland http://www.deedi.qld.gov.au/cg/gladstone.html DEEDI, Brisbane,
University, Australia. Queensland.
Angel, B.M., Hales, L.T. Simpson, S.L., Apte, S.C., Chariton, A.A., DEEDI (2011b). Data and advice provided by email. DEEDI,
Shearer, D.A and Jolley, D.F. (2010). Spatial Variability of Cadmium, Brisbane, Queensland.
Copper, Manganese, Nickel and Zinc in the Port Curtis Estuary, DEEDI (2012). Data and advice provided by email. DEEDI, Brisbane,
Queensland, Australia. Marine and Freshwater Research 61: 170- Queensland.
183.
DERM (2011a). Port Curtis and Tributaries. Comparison of Current
Angel, B.M., Jarolimek, C.V., King, J.J., Hales, L.T., Simpson, S.L., and Historical Water Quality. October 2011. DERM, Brisbane,
Jung, R.F and Apte, S.C. (2012). Metal Concentrations in the Waters Queensland.
and Sediments of the Port Curtis, Queensland. CSIRO Wealth from
Oceans Flagship Technical Report. DERM (2011b). Water Quality of Port Curtis and Tributaries.
Supplementary Report based on Data collected in the Week of 26th
Ball, L.C. (1902). The Found at Last Gold Mine, Gladstone. September 2011. November 2011. DERM, Brisbane, Queensland.
Queensland Government Mining Journal 3: 606-607.
DERM (2012a). Second Update on the Water Quality of Port Curtis
Black, R. (2011). The Observer, Gladstone, Wednesday 17 August, and Tributaries including Data collected in the Week of 24 October
2011. 2011. January 2012. DERM, Brisbane, Queensland.
Blamey, R.K. and Hundloe, T.J. (1993). Characteristics of DERM (2012b). Third Update on the Water Quality of Port Curtis and
Recreational Boat Fishing in the Great Barrier Reef Region. Griffith Tributaries including Data collected in the Weeks of 21 November
University, Brisbane, Queensland. and 12 December 2011. January 2012. DERM, Brisbane,
DAFF (2012a). Scallop Sampling Bundaberg and Gladstone Waters Queensland.
February 2012. DAFF, Brisbane, Queensland. DERM (2012c). Fourth Update on the Water Quality of Port Curtis
DAFF (2012b). Expanded Fish Health Survey Interim Report April and Tributaries including Data collected in the Week of 9 January
2012. DAFF, Brisbane, Queensland. 2012. February 2012. DERM, Brisbane, Queensland.
DAFF (2012c). Commercial Catch of Key Species Gladstone 2006- Department of Fisheries, Western Australia (2011). Farming
2011. April 2012. DAFF, Brisbane, Queensland. Barramundi. Accessed at: www.fish.wa.gov.au/docs/aqwa/
Barramundi/FarmingBarramundiPage01.php?0308.
DAFF (2012d). Expanded Fish Health Survey Interim Report April/
May 2012. DAFF, Brisbane, Queensland. Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Queensland
Governement (2011). Sand Whiting.
DAFF (2012e). Fish Kill Testing Summary: Catfish Boyne River, Accessed at: www.dpi.qld.gov.au.
Gladstone as at 15 May 2012. DAFF, Brisbane, Queensland.
DTMR 2012. Recreational Vessels by Local Government Authority
DAFF (2012f). Expanded Fish Health Survey Interim Report June/July Reports. Information provided from DTMR by email to William
2012. DAFF, Brisbane, Queensland. Sawynok. DTMR, Brisbane, Queensland
DAFF (2012g). Fish Kill Testing Summary: Catfish Boyne River, Dunstan, B. (1904) Phosphate-bearing Rocks in the Rockhampton
Gladstone as at 28 September 2012. DAFF, Brisbane, Queensland. District. Geological Survey of Queensland, Publication 190: 10-11.
DAFF (2012h). Gladstone Fish Health Survey Mud Crab Update: Earth Commodities (2011). Gladstone.
September 2012. DAFF, Brisbane, Queensland. Accessed at: www.earthcommodities.com.au/sitesgladstone.
DAFF (2013). Data provided by email. Eden, P., Flint M., Mills P. and Owen H. (2011). Health Assessment
DAFFQ (2012). Queensland’s 2010 Statewide Recreational Fishing of Green Sea Turtles from Gladstone Harbour July to October 2011.
Survey. Accessed at www.daff.qld.gov.au. Vet- MARTI, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland.
Donchak, P.J.T. and Holmes, K.H. (1988). Gladstone, Queensland EHP (2012a). Fifth Update on the Water Quality of Port Curtis and
1:100 000 Geological Series. Queensland Department of Mines. Tributaries including Data collected in the Week of 6 February 2012.
May 2012. EHP, Brisbane, Queensland.
Donchak, P.J.T. and Holmes, K.H. (1991). Gladstone, Queensland
1:100 000 Map Commentary. Queensland Department of Resource EHP (2012b). Sixth Update on the Water Quality of Port Curtis and
Industries. Tributaries including Data collected in the Week of 5 March 2012.
May 2012. EHP, Brisbane, Queensland.
DEEDI (2011a). Fish Health Sampling Report Gladstone Harbour as
at 3 November 2011. DEEDI, Brisbane, Queensland. EHP (2012c). Update on the Quality of Sediment from Port Curtis
and Tributaries. May 2012. EHP, Brisbane, Queensland.
DEEDI (2011b). Fish Health Sampling Report Gladstone Harbour as
at 8 December 2011. DEEDI,Brisbane, Queensland. EHP (2012d). Seventh Update on the Water Quality of Port Curtis
and Tributaries including Data collected in the Week of 2 April 2012.
DEEDI (2012a). Fish Health Survey Gladstone Harbour as at 19 June 2012. EHP, Brisbane, Queensland.
January 2012. DEEDI, Brisbane, Queensland.
EHP (2012e). Eighth Update on the Water Quality of Port Curtis and
DEEDI (2012b). Fish Health Sampling Report Gladstone Harbour as Tributaries including Data collected in the Week of 8 May 2012. July
at 27 February 2012. DEEDI, Brisbane, Queensland. 2012. EHP, Brisbane, Queensland.
EHP (2012f). Ninth Update on the Water Quality of Port Curtis and Morton, C.C. (1934). Cornwells Paddock, Gladstone. Queensland
Tributaries including Data collected in the Week of 5 June 2012. July Governmental Mining Journal 35: 299-300.
2012. EHP, Brisbane, Queensland.
Murray, C.G. (1968). Turquoise, Variscite and Wavellite in
EHP (2012g). Tenth Update on the Water Quality of Port Curtis and Queensland. Queensland Government Mining Journal 69: 337-341.
Tributaries including Data collected in the Week of 3 July 2012.
O’Flynn, M.L. (1993). Geological and Mineral Features of the Curtis
September 2012. EHP, Brisbane, Queensland.
Coast. Queensland Department of Minerals and Energy, Brisbane,
EHP (2012h). Eleventh Update on the Water Quality of Port Curtis Queensland.
and Tributaries including Data collected in the Week of 1 August
QERL (2011). Approvals and Licences. Accessed at: www.qer.com.
2012. September 2012. EHP, Brisbane, Queensland.
au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=97&Item
Fielder, D.F. and Heasman, M.P. (1986). The Mud Crab. In: id=76.
Queensland Museum Booklet No. 11. Queensland Museum.
Queensland Ports Trades Statistics (2011). Gladstone Ports
Gaus, C., Grant, S., Jin, N.L., Goot, K., Chen, L., Villa, A., Corporation Limited. Accessed at: www.tmr.qld.gov.au/~/
Neugebauer, F., Qi, L. and Limpus, C. (2012). Investigation of media/5c5a9184-a7e3-434a-9111-f5f330dea2c8/
Contaminant Levels in Green Turtles from Gladstone. Entox, epdfgladstoneportsccorporationlimited.pdf.
University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland.
Quinn, R.H. (1992). Fisheries Resources of the Moreton Bay Region.
GAWB 2011. Summary of GAWB Report to the Gladstone Fish Queensland Fish Management Authority, Brisbane, Queensland.
Health Scientific Advisory Panel. Accessed at www.gawb.qld.gov.au
Ridgway, J.E. (1939). Targinie Workings, Langmorn Field.
GAWB 2013. Stocking of Barramundi in Lake Awoonga. Information Queensland Government Mining Journal 40: 259-260.
provided from GAWB by email to William Sawynok. GAWB,
Ridley Corporation Limited – Cheetham Salt (2010). Accessed at:
Gladstone, Queensland.
http://www.cheethamsalt.com.au/About/RidleyCorporation.aspx.
GHD (2009a). Fisherman’s Landing Northern Expansion
Sawynok, B. (2009). Gladstone Harbour Fishing Data. Infofish,
Rockhampton, Queensland.
GHD (2009b). Western Basin Dredging and Disposal Project
Sawynok, B., Platten, J., Parsons, J. and Sawynok, S. (2013). Gladfish
Environmental Impact Statement. GHD, Gladstone, Queensland
2012 - Assessing Trends in Recreational Fishing in Gladstone
GEIDB (2009). Gladstone Region Project Development Review May Harbour and Adjacent Waterways. Infofish Australia, Rockhampton,
2009. Accessed at: www.gladstoneindustry.org.au Queensland.
Gladstone Fish Health Scientific Advisory Panel (2012). Gladstone Worley Parsons (2010). Australia Pacific LNG Project Environmental
Fish Health Scientific Advisory Panel Final Report. 5 January 2012. Impact Statement. March 2010. Worley Parsons, Brisbane,
January 2012. Gladstone, Queensland. Queensland.
GPC (2011). Western Basin Dredging and Disposal Project. NSW (2010a). Giant Mud Crab (Scylla serrata). Industry and
Accessed at: www.gpcl.com.au/Project_WBDDP.html. Investment NSW.
Holmes, K.H (1984). Industrial rock and mineral resources of NSW (2010b). Blue Swimmer Crab (Portunus pelagicus). Industry
the Gladstone 1:100 000 sheet area. Geological Survey of and Investment NSW.
Queensland, Record 1984/42.
Landos, M. (2012a). Future Fisheries Veterinary Service: Project
Update 001. January 2012. Gladstone Fisheries Research Fund.
Future Fisheries Veterinary Service, Lennox Head, NSW and
Gladstone Fisheries Research Fund, Gladstone, Queensland.
Landos, M. (2012b). Future Fisheries Veterinary Service: Project
Update 002. June 2012. Gladstone Fisheries Research Fund. Future
Fisheries Veterinary Service, Lennox Head, NSW and Gladstone
Fisheries Research Fund, Gladstone, Queensland.
Landos, M. (2013). Investigation of the Causes of Aquatic Animal
Health Problems in the Gladstone Harbour and Nearshore Waters.
Future Fisheries Veterinary Service, Lennox Head, NSW and
Gladstone Fisheries Research Fund, Gladstone, Queensland.
Lee Long, W.J., Cole, R.G., Miller, K.J., Vidler, K.P. and Derbyshire,
K.J. (1992). Seagrass Beds and Juvenile Prawn and Fish Nursery
Ground, Water Park Point to Hervey Bay. Queensland Department of
Primary Industries.
MetroCoal (2011). ASX Announcement. Accessed at: www.
metrocoal.com.au/uploads/160811_MTE_3TL_ASX_
Announcement_Final.pdf
| 61 |
6.1 Climate Natural Resources
6.2 Geology and Geomorphology
6.3 Landscape
6.4 Sedimentary Processes and Erosion Hazards
6.5 Hydrodynamics
6.6 Groundwater Resources
6.7 Coastal Waters
6.8 Marine Sediments
6.9 Flora
6.10 Fauna
6. Natural Resources
6. Natural Resources Table 6-1 Weather Stations in the Curtis
Coast Region
While previous chapters of the Curtis Coast Coastal and Marine
Resource Inventory have focused on the anthropogenic aspects of Station Station Name Data Status
the coast such as history, community characteristics, tourism and Number Period
recreation and industry and commerce, this chapter provides an
overview of the natural resources of the area, including a description 039322 Rundle Island* 1994 – Open
of the climate, geology, landscape, hydrodynamics, water quality, 039023 Cape Capricorn 1889 – Closed
sediment quality, flora and fauna of the region. Lighthouse Dec 1987
039122 Heron Island Resort 1956 – Open
6.1 Climate Station
039123 Gladstone Radar 1957 – Open
Climate can dramatically influence the pattern and conduct of
039326 Gladstone Airport 1993 – Open
human activities. The Curtis Coast climate forms an attractive aspect
of the region, enhancing lifestyle and benefiting industry. Located 039041 Gladstone Post 1872 – Closed
immediately south of the Tropic of Capricorn, the Curtis Coast region Office Dec 1958
experiences a sub-tropical, maritime climate. 039018 Bustard Head 1885 – Open
The weather pattern for the Curtis Coast region is largely Lighthouse
determined by three major features; the south-easterly trade winds, 039314 Seventeen Seventy 1986 – Open
topographical features and the moderating influences of the ocean.
It is generally regarded as too far south to be affected by northern Source: BoM (2013a)
monsoons although occasional effects are seen. Cyclones are a * temperature and wind speed data only
more frequent feature as well as major frontal systems common to
southern latitudes. The combined influences of these factors generate 6.1.2 Rainfall
variability in both rainfall, temperature and wind conditions (QDEH,
1994). The Curtis Coast region receives the majority of its rainfall during
the summer months, with the quantity of rain varying significantly
6.1.1 Available Meteorological Data from year to year. The wet season occurs during the summer months
of December, January and February, with these months typically
Along the Curtis Coast, the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has accounting for half the annual rainfall, while the dry season occurs in
weather stations at Gladstone Radar, Gladstone Airport, Rundle the winter months.
Island (off north east tip of Curtis Island), Heron Island Resort Station,
Table 6-2 shows the average monthly rainfall across the Curtis Coast
Bustard Head Lighthouse and Seventeen Seventy which provide a
region from 1961 to 2010, with the highest rainfall received in
range of climatic information. Previously, weather stations were also
February at all stations, and the lowest occuring between July and
in operation at the Cape Capricorn Lighthouse on the northern end
September.
of Curtis Island and the Gladstone Post Office. Details of these
weather stations are summarised in Table 6-1. In general terms, the distribution of rainfall in the Curtis Coast region
is influenced by six major factors:
• South-easterly trade winds causing coastal showers;
• Major troughs generating thunderstorms from mid-spring to

late autumn;
• Cyclones degenerating into rain depressions causing

extreme rainfall events;
• Topographic influences of mountain ranges such as Rundle,

Mount Larcom, Boyne and Munro Ranges;
• Geographic influences, like the orientation of the coastline

to the prevailing water-saturated winds, can determine the
extent of uplifting and resultant rain. Coastlines with a north-
south aspect generally receive more rain than sites with a
north-west south-east aspect; and
• North-west cloud bands which produce rainfall during

winter.
Within the study area, the average annual rainfall increases to the
south. From 1961 to 2010, Gladstone Airport received an average
annual rainfall of 816.2 mm while Seventeen Seventy receives
1155.2 mm (Table 6-3). This trend is primarily due to geographic
influences.
On average, there are around 80 days a year on which rainfall is
recorded, with the exception being the Gladstone Radar site (only 66
days per year), perhaps due to elevation and other topographical
influences. The maximum rainfall intensities are generally associated
with degenerated cyclones which form rain depressions creating
potential problems with flooding and the management of industrial
waters (QDEH, 1994).
Significant rainfall events in recent years that have resulted in
flooding have included the rain depression associated with Cyclone
Beni in February 2003 and the rainfall received in late-December
2010/early January 2011. The effect of these events can be seen in
the Awoonga Dam levels, particularly in the increase in dam storage
level between 4 February 2003 and 16 March 2003 (Table 6-4).
The impact of the very high rainfall in December 2010 can be seen
in the last two rows of Table 6-4, which show that at its maximum,
the 40 m spillway was being overtopped by 4.094 m. Figure 6-1
also shows the impact of such a rainfall event on inflows to Awoonga
Dam. Such events result in large freshwater inflows to the inshore
coastal area, reducing the salinity of waters in the estuaries and
inshore areas and bringing with them eroded sediments from the
surrounding catchments, which are then deposited in the coastal
zone.
The GRC has produced a flood study for Auckland Creek, detailing
flood levels likely to be reached during particular rainfall events
and areas likely to be inundated (GHD, 2006). The township of
Gladstone is not situated on either the Calliope or Boyne Rivers,
making it less vulnerable to property damage from flooding caused
by high rainfall events.
Table 6-2 Average Monthly Rainfall (mm) across the Curtis Coast Region*
Month JAN FEB MAR APR May JUN JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC
Heron 103.5 138.8 109.0 111.4 107.1 115.1 78.4 49.9 29.3 40.3 52.8 91.3
Island Resort
Station
Gladstone 107.8 189.9 64.8 45.4 34.6 41.9 21.0 34.9 33.9 59.4 62.4 123.0
Airport
Gladstone 140.1 146.9 86.1 48.7 58.1 38.1 33.4 32.1 28.2 60.9 74.7 134.5
Radar
Bustard 192.9 195.5 147.8 88.4 79.8 70.5 54.7 36.9 36.1 55.4 71.1 119.6
Head
Lighthouse
Seventeen 149.6 193.9 125.8 108.3 105.9 65.7 39.0 46.3 40.1 58.3 79.4 142.8
Seventy
Source: BoM (2013a)

* blue text indicates the month with the highest average rainfall and orange text indicates the month with the lowest average rainfall
| 64 |
Table 6-3 Average Annual Rainfall and Rainy Days across the Curtis Coast Region
Weather Station Heron Island Gladstone Gladstone Bustard Head Seventeen

Resort Station Airport Radar Lighthouse Seventy
Average annual rainfall (mm) 1027.8 816.2 884.5 1150.2 1155.2
Average annual rainy days* 84.7 86.1 66.6 83.6 86.3
Source: BoM (2013a)

* rainfall of >1 mm in 24 hrs
Table 6-4 Historical Storage Levels, Awoonga Dam, Boyne River
Storage Level Date Level Volume Capacity Surface

(m AHD) (ML) (%) Area (h)
Current Storage 24-OCT-11 39.790 762,706 98.18 6,696
Level 1 month ago 24-SEP-11 39.860 767,417 98.79 6,724
Lever 1 year ago 24-OCT-10 38.828 700,285 90.22 6,325
Level 2 years ago 24-OCT-09 32.574 378,535 48.72 4,050
Level 3 years ago 24-OCT-08 33.005 396,235 51.05 4,169
Lowest level pre Cyclone Beni 4-FEB-03 20.840 57,803 7.44 1,298
Post Cyclone Beni 16-MAR-03 34.960 484,074 62.31 4,842
2nd Lowest Level 3-FEB-08 29.113 253,372 32.62 3,204
Post Cyclone Ului 1-APR-10 39.213 724,527 93.26 6,466
Full Supply Level and 12-DEC-10 40.000 776,854 100.00 6,779
Overflow of 40m Spillway
Highest Level 28-DEC-10 44.094 1,089,510 140.250 8,615
Source: GAWB (2011)
Figure 6-1 Awoonga Dam Level and Rainfall Data, October 2010 to October 2011
Source: GAWB (2011)
| 66 |
6.1.3 Air Temperature speed and direction are discussed further in Section 6.5.5.
The average maximum air temperature within the Curtis Coast 6.1.7 Temperature Inversions
region ranges from ~25oC to 28oC, with the average minimum
air temperature ranging from ~18oC to 20 oC (Table 6-7). Daily Under some meteorological conditions, the air is very stable and a
variations between locations within the study area are a result of the layer of cooler, dense air lies near the ground with a layer of warmer
distance from the sea and can range from 1 to 3oC on any particular air above. This is known as a temperature or thermal inversion and it
day. Sites located immediately adjacent to the ocean tend to be can prevent the escape of emissions and their subsequent dispersion
moderated by the effects of sea temperatures resulting in cooler from the lower atmosphere.
maximums and warmer minimums.
No information or data is available on temperature inversions for the
Gladstone, which is influenced by the surrounding islands, Gladstone area on either the BoM or DERM websites. Temperature
experiences higher and lower average temperatures compared inversions can occur in any season but are more common in the
to Seventeen Seventy (Figure 6-3). This figure demonstrates the cooler winter months and therefore, pollutants are more likely to be
moderating influence of the ocean on temperature. trapped in an inversion layer during winter. Inversions are typically
visible in the winter months where a distinct layer can be seen in the
6.1.4 Evaporation lower atmosphere. Contributing factors include smoke from bushfires
and air emissions from industrial sites.
Annual evaporation rates for the Curtis Coast region are generally
high and exceed rainfall (QDEH, 1994). 6.1.8 Tropical Cyclones
6.1.5 Relative Humidity Cyclonic wind conditions are experienced along the Curtis Coast
from time to time. Generally, they are confined to the months of
Relative humidity is an indicator of the moisture content in the air and January to March, but are possible for the duration of the cyclone
is typically presented as a percentage of the total moisture that the air season which runs from November to April inclusive. Wind speeds
could contain for that temperature. Table 6-5 presents the average can vary depending on the intensity of the cyclone system, with the
annual humidity, from 1961 to 2010, at 9am and 3pm for the maximum wind gust speed recorded in Gladstone associated with
weather stations within the Curtis Coast region. The relative humidity Tropical Cyclone David of 156 kilometres per hour (km/hr) (GHD,
is generally higher on the coastal and offshore locations and is also 2009).
less variable between 9am and 3pm at these sites. Relative humidity
The formation of tropical cyclones is dependent upon a critical ocean
is lower at 3pm at all sites, illustrating the moderating influence of
water temperature of greater than 26.5oC, although once developed
afternoon sea breezes that are typical of the Curtis Coast region.
they can persist at lower temperatures (BoM, 2011).
6.1.6 Surface Winds The severity of tropical cyclones within Australia is defined by five
categories, with category 5 being the highest, displaying wind gusts
of over 280 km/hr. The major impacts from cyclones comprise;
Table 6-5 Average Annual 9am and severe wind velocities, extreme rainfall and increased water levels.
All have the potential to significantly impact on both natural and
3pm Relative Humidity (%) manmade features.
across the Curtis Coast Reg
According to the BoM, 13 cyclones have crossed the coast within
100 km of Gladstone between 1906 and 2006 (Figure 6-4).
Weather Station 9 am 3pm Additionally, in March 2009, Tropical Cyclone Hamish passed along
the coastline near Gladstone. Although the cyclone did not cross the
Heron Island Resort Station 71 68
coastline, the event caused the temporary closure of the Gladstone
Gladstone Airport 64 54 Port (GHD, 2009).
Gladstone Radar 67 59
6.1.9 Effects of Climate Change
Bustard Head Lighthouse 74 70
Seventeen Seventy 75 70
Changes in Sea Level
Source: BoM (2013a)
Sea level rise is an important factor to consider when assessing
Surface winds are one of the most consistent climatic features along potential future impacts. Regional sea level rise projections for
the Curtis Coast and are an important factor in considering industrial Australia are currently unavailable for the high level emissions
air quality and also have an influence on the wave climate of the scenario. However, regional departures from the global mean sea
region. In broad terms, surface winds affecting the Curtis Coast level (MSL) rise predictions using a mid-range emissions scenario
region generally blow in an arc from the south-west to north-east have been assessed for the Australian coastline (Commonwealth
depending on both time of day and season. Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Marine and
Atmospheric Research (CMAR), 2008). The results of the CMAR
As stated in QDEH (1994), wind conditions during summer and report show the projected mean departure from the global mean
autumn are dominated by the south-easterlies in the morning. As for the area of Australian coastline near Gladstone for 2070 is
the day advances the winds tend more easterly and strengthen. estimated as approximately +0.02 m.
Consequently, calm periods are more frequent early morning. Wind
Changes in Extreme Weather Events - Wind and Tropical By way of example, it can be demonstrated that by 2100, a level that
Cyclones currently has a 0.1% annual probability of being exceeded could
have a future 1% annual exceedance probability. This is equivalent to
Projections for changes in extreme wind speed have only been a ‘1 in 1000’ year storm tide event becoming a ‘1 in 100’ year event
examined using a small number of climate models. From these in this region.
models, winter extreme daily wind changes were shown to be similar
to the changes in average seasonal winds. However, there was little It should also be noted that the highest storm tides modelled in
relationship shown between summer average and extreme wind the Hardy et. al. (2004) study, are not the highest possible. The
changes. This is believed to be due to the fact that extreme winds probable maximum water level at a given location would be caused
during the summer period are generally due to smaller scale weather by a tropical cyclone and tide with characteristics including a very
systems that are not captured by the resolution of the climate models severe central pressure, and an astronomical tide level at the time
(CSIRO, 2007). of maximum surge that is close to highest astronomical tide. The
combination of these characteristics would be very rare, but not
Australasian region studies indicate a likely increase in the proportion impossible (Hardy et.al., 2004).
of the tropical cyclones in the more intense categories, but a possible
decrease in the total number of cyclones (CSIRO, 2007). Depending
on the magnitude of the projected changes, it is possible that the
impact of an increase in the proportion of tropical cyclones in more
intense categories may be off-set by a decrease in the total number
of cyclones.
Changes in Extreme Weather Events - Storm Surge
Figure 6-2 summarises the findings for Gladstone (Auckland

Point), of a study that estimated sea levels above Australian Height
Datum (AHD) for fifty open coast locations along the east coast of
Queensland for storm surge plus tide levels, taking into account
climate change scenarios (Hardy et. al., 2004).
Climate change scenarios that were included in the modelling to
produce the greenhouse figures included:
• Greenhouse scenario A: The combined effect of an increase

in Maximum Potential Intensity (MPI) of 10% and a poleward
shift in tracks of 1.3o;
• Greenhouse scenario B: An increase in frequency of tropical

cyclones of 10%; and
• Greenhouse scenario C: MSL rise of 0.3 m (based on the

upper level Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC) (2001, 2007) prediction of MSL rise for 2050).
The study noted that in choosing these figures to represent the
effects of climate change on the storm surge and tide modelling,
the authors were not endorsing the values. Rather, the intention of
the study was to demonstrate the sensitivity of the modelled outputs
to these changes in climate scenarios. The study concluded that
the MSL rise change was the most important variable, and that
the effect on the magnitudes of storm tide at the coast for higher
(more common) annual exceedance probability (AEP) events could
be approximated as a linear addition to the AEP curve that was
developed for the present conditions. For lower AEP (less common)
events, the contribution of scenario A (increase in MPI of 10% and a
poleward shift in tracks of 1.3o) also has an effect on the magnitude
of the storm tide. This is demonstrated in Figure 6-2.
The elevations above AHD for selected AEP levels are shown in
Table 6-6. The 1%, 0.2% and 0.1% AEP levels are reproduced from
a table in the Hardy et.al. (2004) report and the 2% AEP level is
estimated from Figure 6-2.
| 68 |
Figure 6-2 Gladstone Sea Level Elevations with 2050 Greenhouse Scenario
Source: Hardy et. al. (2004)
Table 6-6 Storm Surge Plus Tide with • Increased stress on terrestrial and near surface marine
organisms.
Climate Change (for the year
2050) 6.1.11 Bibliography
BoM (2013a). Climate Statistics for Australian Locations. Accessed

2% 1% 0.2% 0.1% at: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/ca_qld_names.
shtml.
Gladstone (m, 3.05 3.33 4.18 4.51
AHD) (approx) BoM (2013b). Tropical Cyclones. Accessed at: http://www.bom.gov.
Approximate 0.30 m 0.30 0.30 m 0.30 au/cgi-bin/silo/cyclones.cgi?region=aus&syear=2006&eyear=20
contribution of m m 06&loc=0.
modelled sea CSIRO (2007). Climate Change in Austrralia - Technical Report.
level rise Accessed at: www.climatechangeinaustralia.gov.au/technical_report.
Approximate 0.10 m 0.21 0.37 m 0.41 php.
contribution of m m CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research (CMAR) (2008). Sea Level
increase in MPI Rise: Global Projections – Regional Distribution. Accessed at: www.
of 10% and a cmar.csiro.au/sealevel/sl_proj_regional.html.
poleward shift in
tracks of 1.3o GAWB (2011). Dam Levels. Accessed at: www.gawb.qld.gov.au/
damlevels.html.
Source: Hardy et. al. (2004)
GHD (2006). Auckland Creek Flood Study. Accessed at: www.
gladstone.qld.gov.au/web/guest/home?p_p_id=3&p_p_
6.1.10 Pressures
lifecycle=0&p_p_state=maximized&p_p_mode=view&p_p_col_
count=1&_3_struts_action=%2Fsearch%2Fsearch.
Coastal zones are among the most vulnerable to the effects of
sea level rise, different storm intensities, or changes in ocean GHD (2009). Western Basin Dredging and Disposal Project
temperature. Potential changes that could occur along the Curtis Environmental Impact Statementy. GHD, Gladstone, Queensland.
Coast include: Hardy, T.A., Mason, L.B. and Astorquia, A. (2004). Queensland
Climate Change and Community Vulnerability to Tropical Cyclones –
• Foredune erosion and landward migration of dune sand;
Ocean Hazards Assessment – Stage 3: The Frequency of Surge Plus
• Inland spread of mangroves and salt-marsh plants
Tide During Tropical Cyclones for Selected Open Coast Locations
associated with increased inundation frequency of tidal flats Along the Queensland East Coast. Report prepared by James Cook
University Marine Modelling Unit, Queensland Government.
at the landward margins;
IPCC (2007). Summary for Policymakers. In: Climate Change 2007:
• Loss of mangroves and seagrass as tidal inundation level The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group 1 to the
change; Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change [Soloman, S., Qin, D., Manning, M., Chen, Z., Marquis,
• Penetration of saline waters upstream in estuaries during
M., Avery, K. B., Tignor, M. and Miller, H.L. (eds.)]. Cambridge
drought periods; and University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, USA.
• Upward growth of corals and rocky shore fauna where QDEH (1994). Curtis Coast Study Resource Report. Queensland
habitat conditions permit. Department of Environment and Heritage, Rockhampton,
Queensland.
Changes to the frequency and extent of flood events will also
potentially impact on the coastal zone in terms of erosion and
sedimentation. The influx of sediment laden freshwater into the
coastal zone also places stresses on marine ecosystems, including
short term reduction in seagrass abundance and distribution, which
in turn reduces the abundance of food for species such as turtles and
dugong and habitat, breeding and nursery areas for some fish and
crustacean (e.g. prawn) species.
With the amount ultra-violet of radiation reaching the earth’s surface
predicted to increase, the implications include:
• Increased incidence of health problems in humans,

particularly with respect to skin cancer, eye cataracts and a
weakening of the immune system;
• Reduced productivity from agricultural livestock and crop

production; and
| 70 |
Table 6-7 Average Annual Maximum and Minimum Temperatures across the Curtis
Coast Region
Weather Station Average Annual Maximum Average Annual Minimum

Temperature (0C) Temperature (0C)
Rundle Island 24.8 20.8
Heron Island 26.2 20.8
Gladstone Airport 27.2 18.1
Gladstone Radar 27.7 18.5
Bustard Head Lighthouse 24.8 18.4
Seventeen Seventy 25.7 18.8
Source: BoM (2013a)
37.00
36.00 LOCATION
GLADSTONE MAX TEMPRATURE
35.00
GLADSTONE MIN TEMPRATURE
34.00 SEVENTEEN SEVENTY MAX TEMPRATURE
33.00 SEVENTEEN SEVENTY MIN TEMPRATURE
32.00
31.00
30.00
29.00
28.00
MEAN TEMPERATURE
27.00
26.00
25.00
24.00
23.00
22.00
21.00
20.00
19.00
18.00
17.00
16.00
15.00
14.00
13.00
12.00
11.00
10.00
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
MONTH
Figure 6-3 Monthly Temperature (oC) Variations for Gladstone and Seventeen Seventy
Source: BoM (2013a)
Figure 6-4 Tropical Cyclones crossing within 100 km of Gladstone from 1906 – 2006
Source: BoM (2013b). Note: 2006 is most recent data supplied by BoM
| 72 |
6.2 Geology and Geomorphology Wandilla Formation
The Wandilla Formation (Kirkegaard et. al., 1970) crops out as

Geology refers to the structure and lithology of the Earth while a series of rocks extending from south of Gladstone to the tip of
geomorphology refers to the type of landform and the processes Curtis Island at Cape Keppel. Topographically the unit forms the
which shape it. hilly country and ridges of the Ramsey Range on Curtis Island and
Geologically, the Curtis Coast region comprises a range of rock sections of the Boyne Range. The unit has been extensively folded
types and ages from the Devonian period of more than 400 million and faulted, masking its thickness.
years ago (m.y.a) to the recent estuarine, delta and beach sand The Formation consists mainly of mudstone and arenite with
deposits of the Holocene epoch of less than 10,000 years ago (y.a). subordinate chert, minor limestone, and tuff (Gladstone Harbour).
The Curtis Coast region also contains significant mineral deposits, The mudstone is dark grey and carbonacesous when fresh and
notably the Rundle and Stuart oil shale deposits, heavy mineral sands weathers to cream and orange brown. The mudstone varies from
in the sand masses of coastal areas and on a number of inshore massive to thin-bedded and from highly fissile to vaguely foliated. A
islands, and a number of large limestone deposits. phyllitic micaceous sheen is common on cleavage surfaces. Thin
Detailed geology is presented in geological maps published by the veinlets penetrate the rocks parallel to the major foliation.
Department of Natural Resources and Mines (DNRM) (1:100,000 Soils developed on this unit reflect the underlying rock type and the
sheet). The geology of the area is shown in Figure 6-5 and the topography and are generally shallow, acid, yellow mottled duplex
main digitally mapped geology types for the Curtis Coast region are soils.
summarised in Table 6-8.
The information presented here is drawn directly from QDEH (1994). Shoalwater Formation
The localised geology and geotechnical properties of the soils and
rocks of individual sites has been more thoroughly investigated to The Shoalwater Formation crops out as a narrow belt along the
support the engineering design of dams, quarries, industrial sites, east coast of Curtis Island, over most of Facing Island, and on the
roads, bridges, wharves and buildings in the region and the relevant mainland from Tannum Sands to Boyne River. The unit also outcrops
organisations hold these records. on Hummock Hill Island, on several small islands such as Rundle
Island and Seal Rocks, although in the latter case the affinity is
6.2.1 Geology conjectural. The true thickness of the unit is not known due to internal
folding and because the eastern extremity lies beneath the Curtis
channel.
Curtis Island Group (390 – 286 m.y.a)
The unit comprises quartz arenite, mudstone, quartz-muscovite-
The Curtis Island Group of the Devonian-Carboniferous period is biotite schist, and gneiss. The quartz arenite comprises thick beds
based on the oldest rocks found along the Curtis Coast. Viewed generally two or three metres thick, interbedded with dark grey to
as the basement rock for the Curtis Coast region, it extends in a black thin-bedded to laminated, strongly cleaved phyllitic mudstone.
discontinuous belt from the north of Miriam The arenite beds are rarely foliated but are tightly folded into a series
of recumbent folds.
Vale to Curtis Island and beyond. The group is defined as three
conformable units, Doonside, Wandilla, and Shoalwater Formations The unit gives rise to shallow acidic yellowmottled duplex soils similar
(Kirkegaard et. al., 1970). to those produced on the other members of the Curtis Island group.
Doonside Formation Berserker beds (286 – 270 m.y.a.)
The Doonside Formation, defined by Kirkegaard et. al. (1970) is the The Berserker beds (Whitehouse, 1928; Kirkegaard et. al., 1970)
oldest and westernmost formation of the group. The unit forms a are found in the Rundle Range and Mount Larcom Range. The unit
discontinuous series of strike ridges from Targinie to south of Connor comprises a northwest trending belt of rhyolitic to basalitic volcanics
Creek. It is intruded by Permian Targinie Adamllite, near Targinie, with some interbedded sediments.
and an unnamed Cretaceous trachyte at White Rock.
Miriam Vale Granodorite (approx. 255 m.y.a.)
The dominant rock types comprise rhythmically interbedded chert
mudstone with minor tuff and arenite. The cherts are white to The Miriam Vale Granodiorite is a large granitic batholith from the
grey, brown to pink and occasionally greenish. They are often thin Permium-Triassic period. It occurs on Hummock Hill Island and
bedded, although massive varieties are also common. Interbedded adjacent to coastal areas such as “Rodds Bay” homestead and
with the chert are massive to laminated red-brown to grey or cream Seven Mile Creek. The unit intrudes the Shoalwater and Wandilla
cherty mudstone and some sandy claystone. Formations. It forms low hills grading to relatively flat terrain in near
coastal areas.
The unit gives rise to shallow, acidic, yellow mottled duplex soils,
which may be lithosols, reflecting the chert and cherty mudstone Granodiorite predominates with minor tonalite and diorite. The
parent rocks. granodiorite is pale to mid grey, medium grained, and generally
shows evidence of alteration. Aplite dykes are common throughout
the mass. It is commonly weathered to form residual soils composed
of rounded silica sands (O’Flynn, 1993).
Targinie Granite (255 -230 m.y.a.) sandstone, oil shale, conglomerate, minor limestone and coal.
Dolerite dykes are also known from drilling information.
This intrusion which forms a narrow elongate pluton, extends north
from Mount Sugarloaf and covers only a small portion of the Henstridge and Missen (1982) subdivided The Narrows Graben
study area, near Targinie, where it forms gently undulating terrain sequence, which exceeds 1,000 m in thickness into three units – the
steepening to the west to form the foothills of the Mount Larcom upper Curlew, the oil-shale bearing Rundle, and the Worthington
Range. Formation.
Rock types include medium-grained granite and granodiorite. The basal clastic sandstone and conglomerates of the Worthington
The unit intrudes the Berserker beds and the Doonside Formation Formation are interpreted to represent alluvial fans along the fault
(including the Balnagowan Volcanic Member), and its heat has scarps forming the margin of the developing basin. Progressively finer
recrystallised calcareous rocks of the latter unit to hornfels. grained sediments were deposited into a stable shallow freshwater
lacustrine depression into which most of the Rundle and Curlew
Agnes Water Volcanics (235 – 213 m.y.a.) Formations were deposited. It was in this environment that algae-
derived organic matter accumulated to form oil shale.
The name Agnes Water Volcanics (Stevens, 1968) referred initially
to acid-intermediate pyroclastic rocks, lavas and minor interbedded Unconsolidated Cainozoic deposits
sedimentary rocks cropping out in the coastal area near Agnes
Water. The extent of the unitwas subsequently expanded to include Tertiary – Quaternary colluvium (< 4 m.y.a.)
a large area of volcanic rock extending south from Rodds peninsula
(Ellis and Whitaker, 1976), most of which is outside the study area. Old deposits (Palaeozoic rocks such as the Doonside and Wandilla
The unit is interpreted to be of Triassic age. Formations) of gravelly and cobbly clay have accumulated at
The rocks include volcanic breccia ignimbrite, intermediate to acid the toe of steeper slopes as a result of erosion, sheet wash and
flows, acid tuff, and minor sandstone. The breccia is grey to pink or gravity. The deposits form fans of intermediate slope which grade
green and various shades of red or purple. Rhyolitic ignimbrite is also imperceptibility into the flat gently sloping coastal plain. They are
widespread in the unit, though extensively developed north of the Calliope River, flanking the
elevated country formed by the Doonside and Wandilla Formations,
generally outside the study area. Fluidal rhyolite exhibiting contorted the Targinie granite and the Berserker beds. The composition of the
banding of thin dark bands interspersed with light bands occur in the colluvium reflects the parent rocks, with chert common adjacent to
Round Hill Head area. the Doonside Formation.
Unnamed granites of Triassic age (248 – 213 m.y.a.) Quaternary residual soils (< 2 m.y.a.)
Unnamed granitic rocks forming the headland of Bustard Head and The most extensive residual soil profiles occur to the north west of
Rodds Peninsula. Generally the granite is reddish, medium grained Gladstone where they are developed on the soft, low lying, easily
and commonly hybridised, especially in the marginal zones close weathered sequences of the Narrows Garben. They also occur on
to the intrusive contact with the Agnes Water volcanics where the the coastal lowlands adjacent to Wild Cattle Island.
contact between the two units is diffuse and transitional.
Numerous intermediate dykes intrude both the granite and Quaternary alluvium (< 2 m.y.a.)
surrounding rocks in the area. The granodiorite also exhibits a
Quaternary alluvium comprising silt, clay sand and gravel deposited
marked marginal foliation, with a common north-northwest trend.
by streams is associated with most of the rivers and creeks in the
The granodiorites intrude both the Curtis Island group and the Agnes Curtis Coast region. In some areas such as the alluvial flats of the
Water volcanics. It is considered to be genetically related to the latter, Boyne and Calliope Rivers, the deposits have been differentiated into
heralding from the Middle Triassic period (O’Flynn, 1993). older and younger terraces on morphological grounds.
Unnamed Cretacous flow (133 – 66 m.y.a.) Holocene beach ridges (< 6,000 m.y.a.)
The peak of Mount Larcom is an intrusive plug of altered acid Since sea level stabilised at its present level some 6,000 years ago,
igneous rock, probably originally trachytic in composition (Donchak north to northwest-trending beach ridges and associated back
and Holmes, 1991). Rhyolitic flows and breccias which forms White barrier (estuarine) deposits have built up in the low coastal areas
Rock southwest to Ramsay Crossing is possibly related to the same between Gladstone and Round Hill Head and on Curtis Island.
intrusive episode. Notable accumulations occur on Curtis, Wild Cattle, Hummock Hill
and Middle Islands, and at Tannum Sands, Rodds Peninsula and
Tertiary sediments of The Narrows Garben (65 – 20 m.y.a.) Eurimbula northwest from Seventeen Seventy. The beach ridges have
only low relief and are separated by inter-ridge depressions. The
These sediments deposited in the Tertiary period have little expression sediment consists of fine-grained quartz sand, some coarse sand at
on the surface as they have since been covered by younger deposits. depth, and minor organic rich silt with disseminated heavy mineral
The sediments of The Narrows beds were deposited in a graben (two sands (chiefly ilmenite).
parallel fault lines forming a valley) which is believed to have formed
as a result of tension in the crust and re-activation of a normal fault
in the Wandilla and Doonside Formations.
The sediments include claystone, mudstone, carbonaceous shale,
| 74 |
Holocene high dune systems (< 6,000 m.y.a.)
Large northwest-trending blow out dunes extending up to 80 m

above sea level occur on the northeastern part of Curtis Island and
to a lesser extent on Facing Island. In some areas, the deposits are
superficial windblown material resting on shallow bedrock.
Estuarine deposits (< 6,000 m.y.a.)
Estuarine deposits include sand and mud which have accumulated to

form coastal grasslands, saltflats and mangrove beds. Fed by rivers
and creeks delivering an abundance of fine sediments, they cover a
large proportion of the Curtis Coast region from the Fitzroy River to
Round Hill Creek.
Tidal delta sands (< 6,000 m.y.a.)
Marine tidal sand deltas have been identified west of Cape

Capricorn, south of Facing Island, at the mouth of the Boyne River
and Colosseum Inlet. The sediments represent fine sands transported
along the coast by longshore drift and deposited by tidal currents in
the mouths of estuaries.
Chenier beach barrier (< 6,000 m.y.a.)
Two parallel sand ridges at the mouth of Deception creek are

interpreted as Chenier beach barrier deposits which form during
periods of erosion of the muddy intertidal zone. The unit has been
mapped on the Gladstone 1:100,000 sheet only, although deposits
may occur in other parts of the Curtis Coast region.
Table 6-8 Key to 1:100 000 Published Geology Presented in Figure 6-5
Symbol Description
Quaternary Qm Estuarine channels and banks, supratidal flats and coastal grassland; mud,
muddy sand, sandy mud, minor gravel
Qa Floodplain alluvium; clay, silt, sand, gravel
Qd Residual soil; sand, silt, mud, gravel
Tertiary-Quaternary TQr Colluvial and residual deposits; clay, silt, sand, gravel and soil
Tertiary TI Conglomerate, sandstone
Later Permian - Early Triassic PR2 Targinie Quartz Monzonite; pink, medium-grained hornblende-biotite quartz
monzonite
Plv Limestone and volcaniclastic rocks
Late Devonian – Early Carboniferous DCc Wandilla Formation; mudstone, lithic sandstone, siltstone, jasper, chert, slate,
schist
DCcy Doonside Formation; chert, jasper, mudstone, siltstone, lithic sandstone, tuff,
limestone, altered basalt
Dc Balnagowan Volcanic Member; basaltic to andesitic lava and volcaniclastic
rocks, chert, mudstone, limestone
Rt / R4 Rhyolitic ignimbrite, Agnes Water Volcanics
Figure 6-5 Regional Geology
6.2.2 Geomorphology Rundle Range strike ridge
The geomorphological processes at work on the coastal landforms Adjoining the northern boundary of the GSDA in the south, and the
are influenced by a number of environmental factors including: Rundle Range National Park and Resources Reserve in the north,
this key coastal site is centred on the Rundle Range running parallel
• The nature of the underlying rocks, their resistance to to The Narrows. The Rundle Range comprises a notable strike ridge
weathering and faulting and jointing characteristics; which forms the best example within the Curtis Coast region.
• Climate, such as the erosive actions of wind and rain; Facing Island raised coral reef platform
• Biotic, the formation and breakdown of material by This continental island is located within Port Curtis and extends from
organisms such as coral and algae; and midway along Boyne Island to just north of South End on Curtis
Island. Situated on the north-eastern corner of Facing Island the
• Tidal and other oceanographic influences including salinity. ancient coral platform is an example of a reef flat formed during
Sites of geomorphological significance are described in this section periods of slightly higher sea levels. Much of the platform
with their general locations identified on Figure 1-1 and Figure 1-2. has been covered with Holocene sand deposits and more recently
the small settlement of Northcliffe. It is an uncommon landform
The Narrows feature, important in understanding the course or patterns of
Australia’s natural history.
Extending from Kangaroo Island in the south to the mouth of Raglan
Creek in the north, this narrow estuarine passage lies between
Fitzroy River Casuarina and Raglan Creek Delta
Curtis Island and the mainland to the north of Gladstone City. This
key coastal site includes Graham Creek and the tidal sections of The Fitzroy River, Casuarina and Raglan Creek delta is an important
waterways flowing into The Narrows. feature in understanding the course of patterns of Australia’s
The Narrows is one of only four narrow tidal passages in Australia natural history. It includes the low tidal islands comprising extensive
separating large islands from the mainland. Two passages, mangrove and coastal salt flats.
Pumicestone Passage and Great Sandy Strait, separate large sand
islands. Hinchinbrook Channel, like The Narrows, separates a Sand Island systems, Middle Island and Wild Cattle Island
continental island from the mainland, however, the former is wider
and at a much earlier stage of development. The Narrows is a rare Although well represented in Queensland the sand islands of Middle
landform feature, important in understanding the course or patterns and Wild Cattle Island are important in understanding the existing
of Australia’s natural history. processes operating within the region (QDEH, 1994).
Curtis Island cliff and shoreline platforms
Curtis Island is a large continental island extending along the coast

between Gladstone
and the mouth of the Fitzroy River. The cliff and shoreline platforms
in the southeast of Curtis Island are considered significant for the
information on sedimentation during the Carboniferous period
(350 - 300 m.y.a) and the formation of the platforms themselves,
i.e. whether wave action of water layer weathering is the dominant
feature.
Beach ridge and swale systems, Curtis Island and Eurimbula
Although beach ridge and swale systems are not uncommon

along the Queensland coast, they are considered significant for
their landscapes values. These sites are also seen as important
in understanding the evolution of Australian landscapes and
contributing to a wider understanding of Australian natural history.
Curtis Island parabolic dunes
The parabolic dunes near Cape Capricorn on Curtis Island are

viewed as significant in understanding the evolution of the Australian
landscape, as a site for research and for maintaining existing
processes which include the natural sand blow at Yellow Patch.
6.2.3 Seismicity
The Queensland catalogue contains a total of 409 earthquakes in

the Gladstone map region. The Local Magnitude (ML) is the scale
used for the majority of earthquakes reported by local and regional
seismological observatories and measures the energy released from
an earthquake. The Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale is a
seismic scale used for measuring the intensity of an earthquake. It
measures the effects of an earthquake from I (being instrumental) to
XII (cataclysmic). Shown in Figure 6-6 are Richter magnitude ML >
0 events. Gladstone lies on the northern edge of what appears to be
a high seismicity belt stretching from Brisbane to Gladstone.
Arguably the largest earthquake to strike in or adjacent to eastern
Australia struck about 135 km offshore Gladstone in 1918 (Richter
magnitude estimate of ML= 6.3 based on felt area and ML= 6.0
based on an instrumental recording). Although the epicentre of the
earthquake was offshore, it was felt from Mackay in the north to
Grafton, NSW in the south, to Charleville in the west. Damage in
the form of fallen chimneys, cracks in walls and broken windows
was reported in the Rockhampton region. Some damage was also
reported in the Bundaberg area and minor damage occurred in
Gladstone (MMI of VI). Note that MMI of VII and VIII which are
capable of causing serious damage were noted on Quaternary
floodplain alluvium in the Rockhampton area.
Other noteworthy earthquakes near Gladstone include the 1953

Many Peaks earthquake, the Heron Island 1978 earthquake, and
the 1998 offshore Rockhampton earthquake. The Many Peaks
earthquake located near Many Peaks caused minor damage
(MMI V) in Many Peaks and nearby townships. It was widely felt in
Figure 6-6 Gladstone Earthquake Map
Gladstone (MMI IV). Source: QUAKES (2011). Mag = magnitude.
The 1978 Heron Island earthquake was located to the east of Heron
Island and was widely felt in Gladstone (MMI IV) and along the coast
from Rockhampton to Maryborough.
The offshore Rockhampton 1998 earthquake was strongly felt on Mining in the Curtis Coast region was discussed in more detail in
Heron Island with one person reportedly being thrown out of bed. Chapter 5.4. The exploitation of these resources has placed pressure
In Yeppoon, a coastal town east of Rockhampton, one resident on geomorphological sites of significance in the past, and current
described his house swaying and creaking on its stilts, windows and potential mining operations could continue to do so.
rattling and water sloshing in the toilet during the event.
Acid Sulphate Soils
Other earthquakes felt in Gladstone include the 1883 ML=5.9
Gayndah earthquake, the 1910 ML=5.2 Mundubbera The presence of Actual (AASS) and Potential Acid Sulfate Soils (PASS)
earthquake, and the 1935 ML=6.1 Gayndah earthquake. Only that may be disturbed during coastal developments can result in
one seismograph is located near Gladstone at Awoonga Dam impacts to the surrounding ecosystem. This is discussed in further
(Queensland University, Advanced Centre for Earthquake Studies detail in Section 6.8.
(QUAKES), 2011).
6.2.4 Pressures
Mineral Resources
Significant mineral resources known in the Curtis Coast region

include: titanium, heavy minerals and silica sand in the beach ridge
and dune systems of the coastal area and shale oil in covered
Tertiary deposits of The Narrows. Of less significance are deposits of
clay in The Narrows sediments, occurrences of gold and copper in
the Targinie area, small occurrences of manganese throughout the
small occurrence of variscite and other phosphate minerals in the
same units.
| 78 |
6.2.5 Bibliography 6.3.1 Landscape Units
Donchak, P.J.T. and Holmes, K.H. (1991). Gladstone, Queensland Landscape units are broad zones with common distinguishing visual
1:100 000 Geological Series. Queensland Department of Resource features based on landform, vegetation, waterform and land use. In
Industries, Brisbane, Queensland. this case it is not restricted to the Curtis Coast study area, but extends
inland to include all points within a line of sight. This may extend
Ellis, P.L. and Whitaker, W.G. (1976). Geology of the Bundaberg
several km inland generally to the first major ridge, hill or mountain.
1:250 000 Sheet Area. Geological Survey of Queensland, Report
90. Within the variety of landscape types along the Curtis Coast, there
are twelve prominent units, detailed in Table 6-9. These include:
Henstridge, D.A and Missen, D.D. (1982). Geology of Oil Shale
Deposits within the Narrows Garben, Queensland, Australia. • Coastal ranges;
American Association of Petroleum Geologists, Bulletin 66(6): 719-
731. • Beaches and dune systems;
Kirkegaard, A.G., Shaw, R.D. and Murray, C.G. (1970). Geology • Natural – cliff and headland formation;
of the Rockhampton and Port Clinton 1:250 000 Sheet areas.
Geological Survey of Queensland, Report 38. • Cultural – cliff and headland formation;
O’Flynn, M.L. (1993). Geological and Mineral Features of the Curtis
• Coastal wetlands;
coast. Queensland Department of Minerals and Energy, Brisbane,
Queensland. • Coastal island;
QDEH (1994). Curtis Coast Study Resource Report. Queensland
Department of Environment and Heritage, Rockhampton, • Coastal forests and heathlands;
Queensland.
• Exposed sand masses;
Queensland Department Natural Resources and Mines (2001).
Monto 1:100 000 Geological Sheet, 1st edition. Queensland • Natural – marine lowlands;
Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Brisbane, Queensland.
• Urban – marine lowlands;
QUAKES (2011). Earthquake Information Maps of Regions in
Queensland – Gladstone Region. Accessed at: www.quakes.uq.edu. • Natural - flat and undulating topography; and
au.
• Urban – flat and undulating topography.
Stevens, N.C. (1968). Triassic Volcanic Rocks of Agnes Water,
Queensland. Papers from the Department of Geology, University of
Queensland 6: 147-155
Whitehouse, F.W. (1928). Central Queensland Geology.
Queensland Government Mining Journal 29: 441-442.
6.3 Landscape
Some of the most important values of the coastline lie in its aesthetic
qualities, however seldom is it considered as a landscape or visual
resource. Neither is it easy to assess, plan and manage due to its
subjectivity, diversity, dynamics and sensitivity.
The Curtis Coast’s diverse sights and sounds make it a source of
pleasure, relaxation and inspiration. It contains a number of very
scenic areas from rocky headlands topped with historic lighthouses,
to the distant vistas of uninhabited islands. The coast also provides
recreational opportunites where residents and visitors can view
marine life through snorkel or scuba diving.
The coastal landscape is very much a product of natural forces
(winds, currents, tide, waves) and human-induced change. It should
form an integral component in the overall planning or decision
process. However, the landscape resource does not have objective
numerical equivalents that fully represent an individual response to
an area or feature, let alone the general communities.
Figure 6-7 Curtis Island Landscape
Figure 6-8 Curtis Coast Regional Coastal Plan Map 3 – Key Coastal Sites
Source: EPA (2003)
| 80 |
6.3.2 Key Landscapes
Major landscape sites within the range of landscape units outlined in

the previous section are identified in the State Coastal Management
Plan 20023, which describes how the coastal zone is to be managed
as required by the Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995
(Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 2002). The Curtis Coast
Regional Coastal Management Plan (CCRCMP)4 was prepared
under the State Coastal Management Plan (EPA, 2003). The
CCRCMP identifies 13 key coastal sites (Figure 6-8) and their 23
coastal localities (refer to Map 4.1 and Map 4.2 of the Plan) where
special coastal management needs have been identified in the Curtis
Coast region (EPA, 2003).
In addition, a number of sites in the Curtis Coast region are listed
on the Register of the National Estate. The reason for their listing is
their natural values and for most this includes significant and unique
geomorphology and landscape elements. The places that are listed
on the Register of the National Estate for their natural features are:
• Rundle Range Natural Area;
• Balaclava Island and The Narrows;
• Bustard Bay Area;
• Curtis Island (part) (eastern side);
• Deepwater Holding; and
• Great Barrier Reef Region.
6.3.3 Pressures
Continued reduction of landscape values in urban centres occurs

through loss of natural screening barriers (i.e. vegetation and hills or
ridge lines) for development purposes.
The coast has been subject to a number of pressures as a result of
economic and social development, including vegetation clearing,
creation of access points for commercial and recreational activities
and reclamation of land. The landscape character of the coastline
has also been modified through vegetation clearing for residential
and industrial development.
It is important that values of coastal landscapes are conserved and
recognised for their importance to the quality of life of both residents
and visitors, as well as to the economic development and growth of
Queensland. The cultural and spiritual values of coastal landscapes
can be recognised and conserved through the involvement of the
relevant Indigenous Traditional Owner communities (EPA, 2003).
6.3.4 Bibliography
DERM (2011). Queensland Coastal Plan. Queensland Government,

Brisbane, Queensland.
EPA (2002). State Coastal Management Plan. Queensland
Government, Brisbane, Queensland.
EPA (2003). Curtis Coast Regional Coastal Management Plan. 3 The Queensland Coastal Plan (DERM, 2012) which came into effect on 3 February, 2012, replaces
Queensland Government, Brisbane, Queensland. the State Coastal Management Plan (2001) and associated regional coastal management plans.
QDEH (1994). Curtis Coast Study Resource Report. Queensland 4 The CCRCMP is no longer in force as of the 3 February, 2012, due to the release of the Queensland
Coastal Plan (DERM, 2012). However, at time of preparation of this inventory, the CCRCMP was
Department of Environment and Heritage, Rockhampton, the current plan for the Curtis Coast region and information relating to landscapes is still considered
Queensland. relevant for this inventory as landscapes are a constant element of the environment.
Table 6-9 Landscape Units
Type - Character Sites Values Impacts
Coastal ranges Rundle, Mount Larcom, Distinctive peaks act as focal Where prominent lines are broken with
Westwood, Munro, Boyne points. development e.g. roads, power lines,
Prominent ridges, ranges,
and Ramsay Ranges. The buildings or vegetation disturbance.
mountains and hill which Ridges act as prominent lines
O’Connell Ridges and
act as either a focal or backdrops.
Edinburgh mountains and
point, a prominent line or
discrete hills like Round Prominent in most views.
backdrop.
Hill, Hummock Hill, Table
Hill, Lilly Hills, View Hill Contrast between vegetation
and Ship Hill. types.
Distinctive gorges and valleys.
Beaches and dune Eastern side of Curtis Scenic amenity. Coastal development.
systems Island (including Yellow
Nesting for turtles (particularly Access impacts.
Patch), Facing Island and
Natural systems unaffected flatback turtles).
Tannum Sands Land clearing.
by development
Recreational amenity.
Recreational/tourism activities.
Groundwater recharge
Storm and flood effects.
(regional).
Sand mining.
Dissipative barrier to erosive
forces. Invasive weeds and climate change.
Sediment sink and source.
Habitat for native plants and
animals such as resident
and migratory shorebirds
(including beach stone-curlew,
eastern curlew).
Cultural heritage.
Indigenous Traditional Owner
cultural resource values.
Natural – cliff and On the eastern shores of Formations act as focal points Where prominent lines are broken with
headland formation Curtis Island, Clews Point, or prominent lines on the vegetation disturbance or buildings
Round Hill Head, Facing horizon. which compete with natural landscape in
Primarily undisturbed
Island, and Harbour terms of line, form, colour and texture.
cliff and headlands Unusual wind shaped
islands
comprising shoalwater vegetation. Coastal development.
formations of quartz,
Coastal landscape Invasive pests and weeds.
arenite and mudstone or
significance.
the Agnes Water volcanics Recreational/tourism activities.
of grandiorite which act Scenic amenity.
as either a focal point
of prominent line on the Recreational amenity.
horizon. Habitat for native plants and
animals.
Cultural heritage.
Commercial collecting.
Cultural – cliff and Cape Capricorn, Bustard Acts as a focal point.
headland formation Head and Gatcombe
Provides a sense of security
Head.
Cultural features such as and remoteness.
lighthouses and pilot stations
located on prominent cliffs
and headlands.
| 82 |
Coastal wetlands Curtis Island, Harbour Scenic amenity. Coastal development.
islands, The Narrows,
Recreational amenity. Land clearing.
Balaclava Island, Mouth
of Calliope River, South Indigenous Traditional Owner Invasive pests and weeds.
Trees Inlet, Boyne Island, cultural resource values.
Facing Island, Wild Cattle Biting insect controls.
Creek and Colosseum Cultural heritage.
Catchment runoff.
Inlet Biological diversity and
Land reclamation.
productivity (including
mangrove, claypan, saltmarsh Water pollution.
and seagrass communities,
and habitat for crustaceans Rubbish dumping.
and fish). Recreational/tourism activities.
Habitat for native and Climate change.
migratory animals such as
roosting and feeding areas for Dams/weirs/irrigation channels/ barriers.
shorebirds. Disturbance of acid sulfate soils.
Habitat for native plants. Alteration to natural water flows.
Nursery habitat. Clearing and disturbance through
Shore and sediment mining.
stabilisation.
Dissipative barrier to erosive
forces.
Nutrient sink and source.
Moderates flood and water
flows.
Commercial and recreational
fishing.
Coastal island Harbour islands, Port Acts as a focal point and Where lines are broken with vegetation
Curtis, Facing Island, provides a contrast between disturbance or buildings which compete
Identifiable islands
Rundle Island which act landform and waterform. with natural landscape in terms of line,
as focal points. form, colour and texture.
Coastal forests and Curtis Island, Facing Scenic amenity. Coastal development.
heathlands Island, Wild Cattle Island,
Recreational amenity. Land clearing.
Tannum Sands and Boyne
Island Habitat for native plants and Invasive pests and weeds.
animals such as short-beaked
Access impacts.
echidna, yellow-bellied glider
and square- tailed kite. Recreational/tourism activities.
Shore and sediment Climate change.
stabilisation.
Nutrient sink and source.
Biological diversity and
productivity.
Cultural heritage.
Exposed sand masses Yellow Patch north east Acts as a focal point and Changes to natural processes.
Curtis Island and Middle provides a contrast between
Large sand dune systems,
island. sand and vegetation types.
natural sand blows and/or
coloured sands.
Natural – marine All tidal estuaries Contrast between vegetation Reclamation or disturbance to
lowlands including; Marine and water form. vegetation.
Plain Curtis Island, The
A distinctive feature of the Distinctive vegetation.
Narrows, Balaclava
Curtis Coast comprising
Island, Seven Mile Creek, Air of remoteness and mystery.
a maze of interconnecting
Rodds Bay, Pancake
estuaries lined with vast
Creek and Round Hill
mangrove forests, aquatic
Creek.
wetlands, coral and algal
reefs.
Urban – marine Gladstone and Port Alma. Yachts and other vessels at Smoke plumes.
lowlands anchor.
Exposed structures which contrast with
Substantially man- Shipping and industrial activity. natural land form.
modified marine lowlands,
characterized by industry
including man-made
features such as marinas,
smoke stacks, stockpile
sites, large buildings and
shipping infrastructure.
Natural - flat and Areas between marine Contrast between topography Access corridors (road, rail and power)
undulating topography lowlands and the eastern and vegetation. which dissect contours. Vehicle intrusion
ridges including stranded on beaches.
Flat and undulating
dune fields.
topography in near
natural condition with
some changes due to
agriculture, horticulture or
access corridors.
Urban – flat and Major mainland and Contrast between landform. Removal of undulating topography for
undulating topography island settlements along reclamation.
Screening potential and
the coastline.
Man-modified areas development confined to sites Buildings on hills and prominent ridges.
which has changed or between ridges.
totally removed the natural
vegetation, topography
and drainage patterns.
Source: QDEH (1994)
| 84 |
6.4 Sedimentary Processes and Erosion 6.4.2 Types of Sediment Supply
Hazards The accretion or development of a shoreline is dependent upon the
input of sediment being greater than the output. Sediment inputs can
As a dynamic system, the Curtis Coast region is continually arrive via a number of sources.
undergoing a process of sediment sorting and redistribution. It is this
process which defines the shape of the coast. River supply comprises sediments that have been eroded from
upstream catchments and transported to inshore sites. Within the
Within the Curtis Coast region there are three broad shoreline types: Curtis Coast region, sediments are generally fine-grained and
comprise a high proportion of mud, such as that delivered by the
• Rocky cliffs and shore platforms; Fitzroy, Calliope and Boyne Rivers.
• Sand beaches; and Offshore sediment transport involves a gradually northward
movement of sediments. Termed advective transport, it is believed
• Mudflats and mangroves. to result from the combined action of waves and a general northerly
Each has their own inherent stability characteristics. The individual current induced by the predominant south-easterly winds.
site stability is a reflection of its geology and the degree of sediment Longshore transport refers to sediment transport that occurs along
supply or erosion which is influenced by climate, vegetation cover, the shoreline within the surf zone. It results primarily from the action
tides and other hydrodynamic processes. of waves which break at an angle to the nearshore contours.
6.4.1 Types of Shoreline Onshore transport involves the movement of sediments towards the
shoreline by wave and tidal currents. The extent of onshore transport
is influenced by nearshore profile, wave steepness, wave energy and
Cliffs and shore platforms comprise a more resistant landmass
sediment grain size.
which has been attacked by wave action undercutting its edge.
Within the Curtis Coast region, they are formed in a variety of rock
types and differ somewhat in their profile and character (Figure 6-9). 6.4.3 Types of Erosion Process
The variations in cliff form are dependent upon the type and structure
of the eroding rock material, the exposure to wave attack, changes in Erosion processes acting on the Curtis Coast can be broadly
sea level, and surface run-off and weathering. classified into three categories; soil, shoreline and cyclonic erosion.
Headlands occur along the coastline of the Curtis Coast region Soil erosion results from wind and/or water acting on soil surfaces.
where rock is of the greatest resistance. In all cases, it is undergoing It is greatest in areas laid bare of vegetation cover, a factor which
a process of erosion which supplies sediment to the surrounding is generally a consequence of human activity. In the Curtis Coast
coast. This erosion process takes place on a relatively large time region, this is found on foredunes, some beach access points and
scale and is not as obvious as the processes which shape our poorly drained roads and tracks. More temporary sites of soil erosion
beaches and mudflats. include urban residential areas and large industrial sites during
construction.
Beaches of the Curtis Coast comprise an aggregate of eroded
materials deposited during the last 10,000 years. They may be Shoreline erosion is a direct result of wave action, with wind
fine sands, rubble fragments or boulders supplied by the adjacent and human activities being subsidiary contributors. It is common
cliffs, rivers, coral reefs or offshore sources (Figure 6-10). Waves throughout the Curtis Coast region, at all shoreline types: beach,
and currents help arrange and disperse these materials with coarser mudflat and cliff locations, although it is most obvious at the former.
fragments pushed to the rear of the beach leaving the finer sediments The process of erosion results from high-energy waves breaking
such as silt in the nearshore waters. In all these movements there is on the shore eroding sediments and moving them seaward in the
generally a balance. While the coastline will erode or accrete on backwash.
a seasonal basis, over an extended period of time an equilibrium As the waves break slightly obliquely to the shore, this moves the
profile normally prevails. eroded material a short distance laterally, causing a drift of material
The mudflat and mangrove lined coastlines are generally confined along the coast. Referred to as longshore transport, the process
to estuarine areas of active accretion. Having evolved from former generally moves sediments in a northerly direction induced by the
river valleys submerged with rising sea levels, they are slowly being predominant south-easterly winds.
infilled with sediment supplied by rivers and offshore sources. In Cyclonic erosion is the loss of shoreline due to abnormally large
most estuaries fine mud predominates, with only Pancake Creek, steep waves attacking the coastline during high tides. In addition,
Round Hill Creek and Yellow Patch Inlet comprising sand sediments. a cyclone may create a storm surge which exposes higher parts of
Aquatic plants such as mangroves help stabilise these sediments the beach not normally vulnerable to waves. This process can lead
and gradually spread seaward from the estuary shore. Continued to dramatic shoreline changes and generally moves the sediments
accretion within mudflats and mangroves means the estuary in an offshore direction. Cyclonic erosion is normally a short term
contracts in volume, depth and surface area until the river winds to redistribution of sediment, as subsequent wave patterns generally
the sea through a deposition plain. return the sediment to the coast to re-establish the normal profile
Overall, a long-term change in the coastline results from an (QDEH, 1994). Figure 6-11 shows the result of cyclonic erosion on
imbalance in the sediment budget where sediment supply does not the Agnes Water shoreline after Cyclone Hamish in March 2009.
equal the loss of sediment due to erosion.
6.4.4 Coastal Hazard Areas these circumstances, engineered coastal protection works may be
appropriate solutions.
The Queensland Coastal Plan (QCP) is due for release in late 2011
In areas which are under constant threat of erosion, a strategy of
(DERM, 2011). When it comes into force, the QCP will include a
retreat from the erosion prone area is the preferred option. For
new series of coastal hazard maps against which proposed coastal
existing development which has social and economic value, erosion
developments in Queensland will be assessed (DERM, 2011). These
control works should be initiated only as a last resort in an instance
maps identify both erosion prone areas and stormtide inundation
when erosion presents an immediate threat to public safety, property,
areas and include allowances for climate change effects (DERM,
and/or infrastructure that is not expendable. Where shoreline erosion
2011).
is a potential threat to development, DERM’s preferred method for
managing this issue on State or local government coastal land is to
Erosion Prone Areas require the preparation and implementation of a shoreline erosion
management plan (SEMP). SEMPs are intended to investigate the
The erosion prone area is the width of the coast that is considered to
causes of expected future impacts that erosion may cause (DERM,
be vulnerable to coastal erosion and tidal inundation over a 50-year
2011).
planning period (DERM, 2011). If set aside as a development free
area, these areas provide a buffer between land uses and the coast
to allow the natural fluctuations of the coast to occur without the
need for intervention to protect human life and property. Fluctuations
in the position of the coastline and periodic inundation of some
coastal areas are part of the natural processes of the coast.
An example of the new coastal hazard area mapping is shown
in Figure 6-12, with further details and plans for all areas of the
Queensland coast being available on the DERM website (www.derm.
gov.au).
Stormtide Inundation Areas
Meteorological events such as tropical cyclones are often

accompanied by a temporary rise in local sea level called a storm
surge (DERM, 2011). Strong onshore winds and low atmospheric
pressure also combine to push waters up against the coast and
cause a small rise in sea level. When accompanied by normally
occurring astronomical tides, this phenomenon is called a storm tide.
6.4.5 Planning and Management
Erosion is widely viewed as one of the key planning and

management issues associated with development of the foreshore
and the protection of existing assets. Whether short or long-term,
erosion is a natural part of beach behaviour and in itself, constitutes
no threat to the continued existence of the beach in a form suitable
for recreational enjoyment. An erosion problem arises only when
Figure 6-9 Curtis Island Cliffs and Shore Platform
this dynamic aspect of beach behaviour constitutes a threat to
development located with the zone of beach movements. The
essence of the problem is not that the beach has eroded, but that
development has occurred within an erosion-prone area.
Managing coastal processes with erosion control works such as
seawalls and groynes can adversely affect coastal processes by
trapping or redirecting sediments. The consequence is usually the
loss of sand from beaches, receding shorelines, loss of foreshore
vegetation and increased coastal erosion adjacent to the area in
which erosion control works are undertaken.
Where dunal buffer zones are of insufficient width to protect
permanent development from coastal erosion, re-establishment or
widening of the dunal buffer zone can maintain the amenity of the
coast and natural coastal processes. This is achieved through beach
nourishment or removal or relocation of structures on the dunes,
rather than engineered coastal protection. In some circumstances,
land within the erosion prone area (such as clay soils and marine
muds) may not be compatible with dune and beach processes
or it may comprise imported fill or contaminated material. In Figure 6-10 Curtis Island Beach
| 86 |
6.4.6 Coastal Data Collection 6.4.8 Bibliography
The Coastal Observation Program – Engineering (COPE) was BPAQ (1994) Coastal Observation Program – Engineering Data
designed to collect data relating to factors affecting coastal processes Collection, Tannum Sands. Beach Protection Authority Queensland.
at selected sites along the Queensland coast. It consisted of a
DERM (2011). Queensland Coastal Plan. Queensland Government,
volunteer program managed by the QDEH for the Beach Protection
Authority Queensland (BPAQ) comprising some 50 stations
throughout the State. The program was active from 1971 to its DERM (2013). Coastal Hazard Maps. Accessed at: http://www.ehp.
closure in 1996. qld.gov.au/coastal/management/maps/index/html.
A coastal observation station operated at Tannum Sands. QDEH (1994). Curtis Coast Study Resource Report. Queensland
Information from this site was recorded from 1981 to 1991. The Department of Environment and Heritage, Rockhampton,
type of information collected on a daily/monthly basis included: Queensland.
wave height, direction and period, surf zone width, wind speed and
direction, current speed and direction, and beach profile information.
The program provided statistically reliable data which could be used
6.5 Hydrodynamics
in determining beach management actions. Information on the
beach profile variation between 1981 and 1991 is shown in Figure Healthy waterways are essential to the maintenance of natural
6-13 as an example of the one of the types of data collected. systems and to the Curtis Coast’s continued role as an economic,
ecological and recreational resource. In managing this resource, it is
critical to understand the hydrodynamics (water movement) of rivers,
6.4.7 Pressures
creeks, estuaries and inshore oceans.
The strip of coastline marking the connection between land and Approximately two m.y.a, the Curtis Coast region comprised a series
water is a dynamic zone continually undergoing a process of erosion of coastal river valleys. Formed during the Pleistocene Ice Age (<1.8
and accretion. The Curtis Coast region can be subject to storm tides m.y.a), they were submerged with subsequent rises in sea level.
as a result of cyclonic activity which can lead to dramatic shoreline Today, Port Curtis is classified as a drowned landscape, a feature
changes and inundation of low lying areas. common to most of the Curtis Coast region. The Curtis Coast
today still comprises a series of creeks and rivers which feed the
In the past, development has occurred within areas vulnerable to
former valleys, as part of a vast network of interconnected estuaries.
erosion and in many cases this development amounts to substantial
Within these estuaries the major influences on water movement are
private and public investment. Protection works for the built
prevailing tides and weather conditions. Freshwater inflow can also
environment in these areas can result in adverse impacts on coastal
play a role during major rainfall events (QDEH, 1994).
resources and their values.
In some locations in the Curtis Coast region, the diversity of tourism 6.5.1 Tides and Currents
and recreational opportunities are being adversely affected by
uncontrolled or inappropriate visitor use or lack of appropriate public Tides in the Gladstone region are semi-diurnal with a diurnal
access facilities. In providing for visitor use and enjoyment of natural inequality that becomes more pronounced as the tide enters
remote areas, it is important that facilities are provided to ensure any
adverse impacts on coastal resources are managed.
Figure 6-11 Erosion Prone Area – Agnes Water after Cyclone Hamish, March 2009
151.25° E 151.3° E 23.85° S 151.35° E
Gl R
0
110 77
m
151.25° E
SOUTH
TREES
GlR0
76
0m
Gl R
40 064
0m
GLADSTONE
O'CONNELL HARBOUR Gl
23.85° S
R
11 075
ISLANDS 5m
GlR065
0m
GlR066
110m G
lR
0m 074
23.95° S
G 15
lR m
067
151.4° E
07
GlR
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Ed g
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BOYNE GlR063
GlR068
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115m
150m G
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0m 0 7 2
f hig 70
GlR
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GlR0 69
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GlR062
WURDONG 400m
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ch
151.3° E
GlR061
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ible Bedro
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23.9° S
GlR060
Toe of Hill
24° S
GlR059
400m
151.45° E
TANNUM
SANDS
BENARABY
GlR058
150m
151.35° E
23.95° S
GlR057
to 150m
Trans 400m
151.4° E 24° S 151.45° E
Erosion Prone Area Linear Distances and their Locations 6 Projection: Albers. Datum: GDA 1994.
05
for Gladstone Region Local Government Area GlR4000m 0.5 1 2 3 4 5
Note:
This map is a representation of the erosion prone area segment Kilometres
locations provided in Table 1 and should be used as a guide only. GLR1A Map 7
9 WEIPA
Disclaimer: GlR006 Segment number and linear 055
GlR m
Whilst every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of this product, the
100m distance for erosion prone area 120 8 k
4 oc
Department of Environmental and Resource Management makes no .
! 05 edr CAIRNS
±
representations or warranties about its accuracy, reliability, EPA segment start/stop location GlR ible B TOWNSVILLE
ss
completeness or suitability for any particular purpose and disclaims all
responsibility and all liability (including without limitation, liability in Freeways / highways 7 m
P o
75
negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages (including indirect or
consequential damage) and costs which you may incur as a result of
Streets 6 5
MOUNT ISA ROCKHAMPTON
the product being inaccurate or incomplete in any way and for any Cadastral boundaries
reason. Queensland coast BRISBANE
053
Figure 6-12 Coastal Hazard Areas Map Erosion Prone Area Indicative Footprint GlR 0m
11
| 88 |
HEIGHT (m) ABOVE AHD
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
JAN - 81
JUN - 81
NOV - 81
APR - 82
SEP - 82
FEB - 83
Source: BPAQ (1994). Data only available to 1991.

JUL - 83
DEC - 83
MAY - 84
Figure 6-13 Changes in beach height 1981 – 1991 Tannum Sands

OCT - 84
MAR - 85
AUG - 85
JAN - 86
JUN - 86
DATE
NOV - 86
APR - 87
SEP - 87
FEB - 88
JUL - 88
DEC - 88
MAY - 89
OCT - 89
MAR - 90
AUG - 90
JAN - 91
JUN - 91
JNOV - 91
| 89 |
the neap phase. Tidal regimes for the Curtis Coast region are are evident towards The Narrows where high and low tides occur
influenced by the presence of the Great Barrier Reef, ocean floor an hour later than the corresponding ocean tides, as seen in Table
topography and coastal geology i.e. inshore islands and headlands. 6-10. Lower tidal ranges with corresponding tidal delay are also
experienced by various tributaries, particularly those with relatively
Port Curtis is a macro tidal estuary with large barotropic tides having
restricted mouths such as Round Hill Creek and Boyne River.
ranges up to 4 m. The tide propagates into the estuary through
the straits separating Facing Island from the mainland (Gatcombe Tidal current velocities vary depending upon location. Within Port
Channel) and Curtis Island (North Channel) in the south-west, and Curtis, velocities are greatest in the deeper channel towards the
through The Narrows in the north. Tides undergo a neap-spring southern end of the estuary. For example, with a tide of 4.9 m at
cycle with a period of approximately 14 days, with spring tide ranges Auckland Point, surface current velocities are estimated to range
around 4 m reducing to about 1m during neap periods. Maximum from 2.0 m/s to 2.5 m/s (or 3.9 to 4.9 knots). In the upper harbour,
currents during the spring phase may be as large as 2 metres per The Narrows and towards the northern tip of Curtis Island, current
second (m/s) in North Channel. velocities are lower in the order of 1.0 to 1.5 m/s (1.9 to 2.9 knots).
It is the relatively high tidal current velocities which help maintain
Fresh water flows into Port Curtis may originate from The Narrows
Gladstone Harbour as a natural deep water port and generally
as a result of flood events from the Fitzroy River at the northern end
assist in maintaining good water quality. Modelled tidal currents for
of The Narrows and the Calliope River which discharges into the
flood and ebb tides can be seen in Figure 6-14 and Figure 6-15
estuary through Gladstone. Fresh water inflows from river systems
respectively (Co-operative Research Centre (CRC), 2004).
to the south including Boyne River discharge directly into the Coral
Sea outside the protected waters of Port Curtis. The large tides mean Due to the NRG Gladstone Power Station’s cooling water
that the water column is vertically well mixed most of the time, and requirements, the tidal currents in Auckland Creek operate differently
are also responsible for significant resuspension of fine sediment. from all other estuaries in the Curtis Coast region. The station
This, combined with very large deposits of silt from the hinterland in requires 245 million litres of cooling water every hour. Saltwater
times of flood, mean the estuary maintains a highly turbid character. pumped from Auckland Inlet passes through the station’s condensers
The region is characterised by extensive areas of tidal flats that to condense spent steam to water for repeated use in the boilers. The
become exposed at low tide and large areas of mangroves fringing cooling water is discharged into the Calliope River. This has resulted
the estuary which behave as a storage buffer for water at high tide in the tidal flows in Auckland Creek being highly skewed to flood
(Herzfeld et. al., 2004). phase flows i.e. flows travelling upstream into the creek. Saenger et.
al. (1979, 1980, 1982 & 1988) has extensively studied the effects of
Of particular interest are the inner tidal effects within the estuaries
these cooling waters.
which substantially amplify the tidal range. For example, Gladstone
Harbour, The Narrows and Sea Hill have a tidal range between
15 to 50 % greater than ocean tides at Gatcombe Head. Delays
Table 6-10 Tidal Planes – Height above Lowest Astronomical Tide
Location Time Difference MHWS MHWN MLWN MLWS HAT (m) AHD MSL (m)
(min) (m) (m) (m) (m) (m)
HW LW
Seventeen Seventy -35 -22 2.79 2.20 1.12 0.52 3.58 1.61 1.60
Pancake Creek -35 -35 2.97 2.33 1.18 0.54 3.62 1.74
Gatcombe Head -17 -16 3.45 2.71 1.37 0.56 4.29 2.08
Gladstone Standard Port 3.96 3.11 1.57 0.72 4.83 2.27 2.34
Fisherman’s +15 +12 4.20 3.30 1.66 0.76 5.12 2.43 2.41
Landing
The Narrows Boat +31 +26 4.58 3.59 1.79 0.79 5.60 2.68
Creek
The Narrows Ramsay +19 +22 5.08 4.01 2.07 1.00 6.17 3.01
Crossing
Sea Hill -1 -7 4.47 3.51 1.77 0.81 5.45 2.63 1.13
Port Alma +11 +11 4.93 3.83 1.98 0.88 5.98 2.85 2.90
Source: MSQ (2011)
MHWS Mean High Water Spring MLWS Mean Low Water Spring MHWN Mean High Water Neap
MLWN Mean Low Water Neap HAT Highest Astronomical Tide AHD Australian Height Datum
MSL Mean Sea Level
| 90 |
Figure 6-14 Tidal Currents at Flood Tide
Source: Herzfeld et. al. (2004)
Figure 6-15 Tidal Currents at Ebb Tide

Source: Herzfeld et. al. (2004)
6.5.2 Tidal Circulation 6.5.3 Flushing Characteristics
For estuaries with multiple entrances, average ebb and flood tidal The flushing characteristics of an estuary refer to an estuaries ability
flows via any given entrance are not necessarily equal, resulting in to exchange water with flushing time, commonly defined as the time
a net flow in one direction. A net inflow at one entrance must be needed to replace the water within the estuary. From a flushing
balanced by an outflow at some other location creating circulation. perspective, the residual currents act to advect material into the
estuary rather than out. The residual currents in the estuary are
Within the Curtis Coast region, estuary systems with multiple
relatively insensitive to wind direction and strength, therefore flushing
entrances include:
is not expected to improve substantially in the presence of persistently
• Middle Creek – Pancake Creek; favourable winds.
The Coastal CRC (2004) conducted extensive hydrodynamic
• Seven Mile Creek – Colosseum Inlet; modelling of the Port Curtis Region (Herzfeld et. al., 2004). Passive
tracers were used to obtain an estimate of the flushing characteristics
• Boyne River – South Trees Inlet; and
of the estuary. The passive tracer distribution at the end of the
• Port Curtis. simulation is shown in Figure 6-16 (note; this is a snapshot and
varies considerably with the phase of the tide; flush scale is the
Within Port Curtis, the currents are generally directed in a northern percentage of remaining passive tracer).
direction up the estuary between the Calliope River mouth and the
entrance to The Narrows. A net southward flow through The Narrows It can be seen that at certain locations in the estuary (particularly
exists and the mean flow is quite small. Where these opposing between the Calliope River and Fisherman’s Landing) the
currents meet the flow degenerates into a series of gyres (rotating concentration of passive tracer remains at 33% (0.33) of the
currents). A transition zone between the up-estuary flow and the gyres original concentration after 1 month. This period encompasses
exists where the flow is somewhat chaotic. To the south of the Curtis approximately two complete neap/spring tidal cycles, but note that
Coast region a counter-clockwise gyre also exists in the mouth of under different forcing conditions (e.g. tide, wind or river flow) the
Rodds Bay. Offshore, the currents are largely tidally dominated with flushing characteristics are expected to alter (Herzfeld et. al., 2004).
topography interactions directing currents closer to shore (Herzfeld et.
al., 2004).
Figure 6-16 Port Curtis Tidal Flushing, Passive Tracer at day 31

Source: Herzfeld et. al. (2004). Note: 0.3 = 30% of the original concentration of 1.
| 92 |
6.5.4 Waves easterly 30 degree sector (75° – 105°).
Waves from the 165 to 315º sector were recorded only in less than
Waves of two types: wind waves and swell waves, are discussed in
5% of the time as can be seen in Figure 6-20.
this section.
The majority of the waves offshore of Agnes Water have a wave
Wind waves are produced by local winds such as north easterly sea
height of less than 3m with peak wave periods of less than 10
breezes and can dissipate rapidly when these winds cease.
seconds. Extreme waves during the 11 year period were as high as
Swell waves are those produced by storm winds continuously blowing 6.8 m with peak wave periods between 8 and 12 seconds.
from a distant location. For example, the waves generated by gale
Monthly statistical analyses were also conducted in order to highlight
force winds offshore from the Great Barrier Reef may eventually
the seasonality of the offshore wave climate.
reach the Curtis Coast as swell waves. A swell can take some time
to die down and is commonly referred to as a ground swell. In many It was found during the months of January to June, wave heights of 2
situations, the swell is broken before reaching the Curtis Coast by the m are exceeded offshore over 20% of the time.
Capricorn-Bunker group of reefs.
Major extreme events generally occurred during the month of May,
Waves affect the beach in two major ways: with all waves over 5.5 m occurring during this month (GHD, 2009).
• Short, steep waves which usually occur during a storm near

the coast tend to erode the beach; and
• In calm weather, the long swells which come ashore from

distant storms tend to rebuild the beach.
6.5.5 Wave Climate
The northern region of the study site within Port Curtis is protected
from ocean-generated sea and swell waves by Curtis and Facing
Islands to the east and hence the wave action at the site is relatively
mild although there is a substantial fetch for the generation of
waves to the east south-east. The site is subject to locally generated
sea waves under the influence of local wind conditions and to
higher waves, principally from the east south-east, during cyclonic
conditions. Wind roses showing the average annual wind speed and
direction for 9 am and 3 pm observations at Gladstone airport are
shown in Figure 6-17 and 6-18.
The wave climate is characterised by a predominance of south-
easterly wind in the morning, swinging to the east and north-east
in the afternoon. However, the south-easterly winds in the morning
are not as strong (20 – 30 km/hr for 10% of time) as the easterly
winds in the afternoon (30 – 40 km/hr for 10% of time). In addition,
easterly winds in the afternoon at 20 – 30 km/hr occur for a further
25% of time.
Wave height modelling for non-cyclonic conditions shows that the
maximum wave height would rarely exceed 0.5 m from any direction
as illustrated in Figure 6-19. Figure 6-19 illustrates wave conditions
at Fisherman’s Landing adjacent to the existing berths (WBM, 2009).
To the south of the Curtis Coast region, Agnes Water and Seventeen
Seventy are not as protected from swells as other locations in the
region, given the significant gap between Fraser Island and the Great
Barrier Reef. Therefore the wave climate at these locations is strongly
influenced by penetrating swell waves from offshore.
Offshore wave data obtained from the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) WaveWatch 3 (NWW3) (2011)
global wave model for the 11 year period from 1997 to 2008
showed the majority of the waves offshore of Agnes Water were
found to approach from the east or south east, with over 70% of
all waves approaching from a 60 degree sector (75° – 135°). This
agrees with the general climatic characteristics of the Queensland
coastline and is due to the regional predominant wind direction.
Extreme wave events also approach from this sector, particularly the
Figure 6-17 Wind Rose for Gladstone Airport – 9am
Source: GHD (2009)
Figure 6-18 Wind Rose for Gladstone Airport – 3pm

Source: GHD (2009)
| 94 |
Figure 6-19 Wave Rose – Fisherman’s Landing
Source: WBM (2009)
Figure 6-20 Wave Rose – Agnes Water

Source: NOAA (2011)
6.5.6 Freshwater Discharge 6.5.8 Bibliography
The Curtis Coast study area is fed freshwater through approximately GHD (2006). Auckland Creek Flood Study. Accessed at: www.
fifty different creeks and rivers. With the exception of nine streams, gladstone.qld.gov.au/web/guest/home?p_p_id=3&p_p_
the majority have very small catchments and consequently discharge lifecycle=0&p_p_state=maximized&p_p_mode=view&p_p_col_
low volumes of freshwater into the downstream estuaries. count=1&_3_struts_action=%2Fsearch%2Fsearch.
The four major streams with a catchment area greater than 1,000 GHD (2009). Western Basin Dredging and Disposal Project
km2 include Raglan Creek, and the Fitzroy, Calliope and Boyne Environmental Impact Statement. GHD, Gladstone, Queensland.
Rivers. Other contributing streams include Connor Creek, Graham
Herzfeld, M., Parslow, J., Andrewartha, J., Sakov, P. and Webster, I.T.
Creek, Deception Creek, Targinie Creek, Colosseum Creek and
(2004). Hydrodynamic Modelling of the Port Curtis Region. CRC for
Wild Cattle Creek (Figure 6-21).
Coastal Zone, Estuary and Waterway Management. Technical Report
Of the larger river systems in the Curtis Coast region (excluding No. 7.
the Fitzroy River), the Boyne River presents the greatest threat of
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) (2011).
damage to property from flooding. Since the construction of the
WaveWatch 3 Model. Accessed at: http://polar.ncep.noaa.gov/
Awoonga Dam the probability of flooding has decreased. The GRC,
waves/wavewatch/
as part of its town planning procedure, has undertaken a flood
study downstream of the Awoonga Dam. A flood level for a one in QDEH (1994). Curtis Coast Study Resource Report. Queensland
100 year event has been determined. Details of this level may be Department of Environment and Heritage, Rockhampton,
obtained from GRC. Queensland.
Auckland Creek is the largest creek that passes through Gladstone Saenger, P., Robson, J. and Ewald, J. (1979). Cooling Water and
City. The Auckland Creek Flood Risk Study (GHD, 2006) was the Gladstone Environment. Gladstone Power Station Project:
prepared to provide an overview of flooding across the Auckland Proceedings of the Gladstone Power Station Symposium. Capricornia
Creek catchment and waterways. The results of the study are Institute of Advanced Education, Rockhampton, Qld., pp. 261-268.
available from GRC and provide planning and risk management
tool in the form of flood inundation and hazard maps. Saenger, P., Stephenson, W. and Moverley, J. (1980). The Estuarine
Macrobenthos of the Calliope River and Auckland Creek,
In the past, numerous flood events have occurred along the Calliope Queensland. Memoirs of the Queensland Museum 20:143-161.
River and Boyne River, and these events have generally been
associated with cyclones or associated rain depressions. Building of Saenger, P., Stephenson, W. and Moverley, J.H. (1982).
the Awoonga Dam has resulted in a reduction in freshwater flows at Macrobenthos of the Cooling Water Discharge Canal of the
the mouth of the Boyne River. Gladstone Power Station, Queensland. Marine and Freshwater
Research 33(6): 1083-1096.
Saenger, P., Moverley, J. and Stephenson, W. (1988). Seasonal and
Recent developments approved by the GRC are required to meet Longer Term Patterns in the Macrobenthos versus Benthic Stability
standards set by development approval conditions for stormwater in a Subtropical Eestuary. Proceedings of the Ecological Society of
discharge, resulting in the quality of these discharges being managed Australia 15: 229-237.
before entering downstream estuaries.
WBM (2009). Gladstone Western Basin EIS -Numerical Modelling
Studies. WBM, Brisbane, Queensland.
6.5.7 Pressures
Hydrodynamics
Dredging and other coastal developments can result in the

alteration of tidal current direction and velocity. This generally only
occurs in a relatively localised area, depending on the scale and
nature of the development. Changes in tidal velocity can affect the
level of scour on the seabed, resulting in increased scour of silty
sediments from the seabed where scouring increases or increased
deposition of sediments where scour decreases. Any changes in
local hydrodynamics can result in a shift in the type of benthic habitat
supported in that area.
Waves
Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy are not as protected from swells
as other locations in the region, therefore the wave climate in this
area is strongly influenced by penetrating swell waves from offshore.
This can place these coastal areas at increased risk from erosion and
other impacts from larger waves, particularly during storm or cyclone
events.
| 96 |
Figure 6-21 Freshwater Discharge into the Coastal Zone
6.6 Groundwater Resources • Quaternary-aged alluvium consisting of clay, sand, silt and
gravel;
6.6.1 Groundwater Management • Quaternary-aged miscellaneous unconsolidated sediments

including but not restricted to the Rundle Formation,
In Queensland, groundwater resource areas are split into consisting of mud, sand, silt and gravel ; and
Groundwater Management Units (GMU) and Unincorporated
Areas (UA). Areas that rely extensively on groundwater resources • Bedrock, which includes;
and have extensive data available for monitoring the resource are -- T riassic-aged Agnes Water Volcanics consisting of crystal-
incorporated into GMU’s, while areas where there is little to no data
and lithic-rich strongly welded rhyolitic ignimbrite;
on groundwater resources and exploitation is not well developed, are
incorporated into UA’s. Groundwater resources within UA’s are not -- L ate Devonian to Early Carboniferous-aged Wandilla
considered threatened or vulnerable and are not subject to special Formation consisting of mudstone, lithic sandstone
management. siltstone, jasper, chert and slate; and
The Curtis Coast area from Port Alma to Agnes Water and off shore
islands are part of the Yarraman UA. The Yarraman UA encompasses -- C
arboniferous-aged Shoalwater formation consisting
118,700 km2 with an approximate water consumption of 100,000 of quartzose sandstone, mudstone and local quartz-
megalitres per year (ML/yr) and has an average salinity of 994 muscovite-biotite schist.
milligrams per litre (mg/L). The majority of bores in the Yarraman According to lithological data and bore extraction depths recorded
UA are suitable for stock, domestic and some irrigation facilities. in the DERM (2010) data base the majority (greater than 60 %)
Assessment of sustainable yield has not been conducted for the of registered bores target groundwater from quaternary alluvium
Yarraman UA (ANRA, 2009). and miscellaneous unconsolidated sediment aquifer types. Shallow
alluvial aquifers generally target groundwater from a depth of 1.75
6.6.2 Groundwater Use meters Below Ground Level (mBGL) to 15 mBGL and depth to
groundwater within miscellaneous unconsolidated sediments ranges
Based on information included in the Queensland DERM from 24 to 62 mBGL. A total of 15 registered bores within the
Groundwater Database (2010), there are 125 registered Curtis Coast study area known to penetrate bedrock aquifer types,
groundwater bores located within 2 km of the Curtis Island coast line with depth to groundwater data ranging from 2 – 36 mBGL within
from Port Alma to Agnes Water and off shore islands. The majority the Wandilla Formation, 11 – 24 mBGL within the Agnes Water
of registered bores (83) are within 5 km of Agnes Water and many Formation and 11 mBGL within the Shoalwater Formation (based on
of the remaining bores are within 10 km of Gladstone. The role and one record).
status of these bores are detailed in Table 6-11.
6.6.4 Groundwater Flows and Yields
Table 6-11 Type and Stat Limited information is available on Standing Water Level (SWL)
fluctuations across the Curtis Coast study area; only one registered
bore within the DERM (2010) database contains time series data for
Role Existing Abandoned SWL’s, and this record shows that SWL’s fluctuated from 10 mBGL in
August 1997 to 6.1 mBGL in September 2002 at a bore penetrating
Water Supply 88 7 the Wandilla Formation near Gladstone. Historical groundwater
Sub-Artesian 16 - level data provided by Cement Australia (for 2001 – 2009) suggests
Monitoring typical seasonal level fluctuations of 0.4 m to 1 m in shallow
groundwater (<15 mBGL) within the Gladstone costal region. As
Stratigraphic - 5
part of the Western Basin Dredging and Disposal EIS (GHD, 2009),
Investigation
an investigation of groundwater resources was undertaken within
Unknown 6 3 the localised region of the Fisherman’s Landing Reclamation that is
situated approximately 5 km north west of
Source: DERM (2010)
Gladstone. Groundwater modelling conducted during this
A total of 88 existing water supply bores have been identified within investigation indicated that groundwater within alluvial and bedrock
the Curtis Coast study area, which accounts for 80 percent of aquifers within 5 km of the site flowed from south west to north east
registered use for existing bores. However, the majority of data on towards the coast.
the role of the bore within the DERM database is entered at time of
installation and development of the bore, and may not represent Based on yield data from 58 registered bores within the Curtis Coast
current usage and extraction practices. Highly saline groundwater is study area and the Western Basin Dredging and Disposal EIS, (GHD,
also used to supplement sea water in solar salt fields at Port Alma. 2009) permeability is generally low across all aquifer types with yields
typically ranging from 0.5 – 3.0 litres per second (L/s). High yields
6.6.3 Hydrogeological Units of 5.0 and 4.75 L/s within a shallow (1.75 mBGL) sandy aquifer is
recorded 5 km north west of Agnes Water, and the lowest yield of
Based on information included in DERM (2010) database, 3 broad 0.08 L/s was recorded within alluvium on Curtis Island.
aquifer types exist within the Curtis Coast study area:
| 98 |
6.6.5 Groundwater Quality Localised contamination of groundwater resources can potentially
occur on industrial sites and service stations through chemical spills
Groundwater quality data within the Curtis Coast study area is and leakage of underground storage tanks.
available from 62 registered bores within the DERM (2010) database
and the Western Basin Dredging and Disposal EIS (GHD, 2009). 6.6.8 Bibliography
Water quality data from the DERM (2010) database is limited to
Electrical Conductivity (EC) that measures salinity, and Total Dissolved Australian National Resources Atlas (ANRA). (2009). Groundwater
Solids (TDS) that may also be used as a measure of salinity in sodium Management Unit: Unincorporated Area – Yarraman. Accessed at:
chloride-type waters. www.anra.gov.au/topics/water/overview/qld/gmu-unincorporated-
area-yarraman.html.
Over 50% (32) of the bores tested for EC recorded salinity ranges
within palatable Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) ANZECC and ARMCANZ (2000). Australian and New Zealand
(National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), 2004 Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality. Australia and New
Aesthetic) at less than 500 µS or are described as potable. The Zealand Environment and Conservation Council/ Agriculture and
majority of these bores are within 5 km of Agnes Water and all Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand.
are described as existing water supply facilities within the DERM
database. Groundwater salinity also meets Australia and New DERM (2010). Queensland Groundwater Database. Queensland
Zealand Environment Conservation Council (ANZECC) and Government, Brisbane, Queensland.
Agriculture and Resource Management Council of Australia and GHD (2009). Western Basin Dredging and Disposal Project
New Zealand (ARMCANZ) (2000) guidelines for livestock with TDS Environmental Impact Statement. GHD, Gladstone, Queensland.
values between 2,000 mg/L and 5,000 mg/L at 8 bores. Long Term
Viability (LTV) irrigation guidelines for EC levels are also meet at 19 NHMRC (2004). Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. NHMRC,
bores within the Curtis Coast study area with values between 650 Canberra, ACT.
microsiemens (µS) and 8100 µS, while groundwater at 30 bores is
suitable for Short Term Viability (STV) irrigation with EC values greater
than 650 µS (ANZECC and ARMCANZ, 2000). Salinity levels
measured by EC and TDS generally increase with proximity to the
coast line and are generally independent of aquifer types within the
studied region.
Some more detailed information on groundwater quality is available
from the Western Basin Dredging and Disposal EIS (GHD, 2009)
from laboratory analysis of samples taken from bores within 5 km
of the Fisherman’s Landing Reclamation. Analysis of the major ion
groundwater chemistry data indicates that the groundwater is of
sodium-chloride type, a result that is expected given the proximity
of the monitoring bores to the coast. Laboratory testing results also
indicate that the groundwater contains concentrations of dissolved
metals (chromium, copper, cobalt, lead, nickel and zinc) and
nutrients (ammonia as N) above the ANZECC and ARMCANZ
(2000) guideline values for marine aquatic ecosystems (at the 95%
level of protection).
6.6.6 Summary of Groundwater Resources
The review of available data indicates that the majority of

groundwater abstraction for water supply is located nearby the urban
centres of Agnes Water and Gladstone. Available groundwater
quality data indicates that groundwater may be suitable for livestock,
long and short term irrigation and drinking water according to
salinity and TDS levels. However, the water quality guidelines used
to evaluate the suitability of water for the said uses include many
parameters such as dissolved metals and nutrients for which no data
is currently available within the DERM (2010) database.
6.6.7 Pressures
Pressures on groundwater in the Curtis Coast region mainly relate to

potential over usage in fairly localised areas, for example, through
irrigation and/or stockwatering. Industrial sites in Gladstone do not
generally utilise groundwater resources in their operations.
6.7 Coastal Waters analysis was to determine the presence of any obvious or unusual
deterioration in water quality outside of historical fluctuations. See
Section 5.3.5. (DERM, 2011a).
Water quality within the Curtis Coast region is generally good, with
tidal movements along the Curtis Coast providing good mixing
6.7.1 Water Quality Characteristics
of waters. Human activities including agriculture, and urban and
industrial development, tend to directly and indirectly discharge
waste streams into adjacent oceans and estuaries. Coupled with The major characteristics of water quality can be divided into three
human activities, storm events can erode the surrounding landscape categories; physical, chemical and biological.
increasing the amount of suspended sediments entering the coastal
environment. Physical
The Port Curtis Integrated Monitoring Program (PCIMP) has been Physical components of water quality relevant to an ocean-estuary
undertaken since 2002 as a joint initiative by major industries in system comprise temperature, conductivity and turbidity.
Gladstone, and covers locations from The Narrows to Rodds Bay as
a reference location. Results of the PCIMP program have highlighted Temperature
the variation which exists in water quality within the region within
any one calendar year. Variations in measured physicochemical Temperature is an important element of water quality because of its
parameters have been reported with high temperatures during effects on other properties (i.e. high temperatures speed up chemical
summer and lower conductivity after a major rainfall event. While reactions, reduce solubility of gases (e.g. oxygen) and amplify odours).
the majority of the measured water quality parameters are within
Water temperature throughout the estuaries in Port Curtis is relatively
ANZECC and ARMCANZ (2000) guideline values, several heavy
uniform although gradients from bottom to surface water of 0.5oC
metal contaminants exceeded the Australian water quality guidelines.
to 1oC are reasonably common. The estuary currents and level of
Major rain events may have been responsible for these elevated
natural turbulence result in a reasonably well-mixed water column
levels due to increased land run-off containing contaminants.
in the deeper channels, however, shallower waters over the tidal
Ecosystem health report cards were produced in 2007 and 2011 mud flats may experience less mixing and be subject to higher
utilising data collected by PCIMP for the preceding three years water temperatures. Monitoring undertaken in shallower areas in
(PCIMP, 2011). Result from numerous monitoring categories being the inner harbour in 2009 reported temperatures almost always
combined to give overall ratings to different zones within the Curtis homogeneous through the water column at each monitored station.
Coast region (PCIMP, 2007). The majority of zones within the Curtis However, there were exceptions, for example, two sites were reported
Coast study area had ratings of between A+ (equals reference) and to have bottom waters 0.2 – 0.5oC cooler than the mid- and near-
B+ (mild departure from reference) in both the 2007 and 2011 surface waters (GHD, 2009b).
report cards. This suggests water quality of the Curtis Coast is in very
In terms of seasonal differences, PCIMP recorded temperature
good condition with minimal deviation from reference conditions
differences of up to 5oC between July and September with a
(PCIMP, 2007; PCIMP, 2011).
similar change between January and March. However, PCIMP also
The majority of water quality data collected has focused on Port recorded a temperature increase of up to 10oC between winter
Curtis, as this is the most developed area of the Curtis Coast region 2008 and summer 2010 (Vision Environment, 2010). Generally,
and intent of the PCIMP. Therefore, much of the data presented in water temperatures cooled over a 4- month period from April to July,
the following sections is relevant to Port Curtis, but general trends are with the initiation of heating of water in September. Long-term data
likely to be relevant to other inshore areas along the Curtis Coast recorded by DERM in the Calliope and Boyne River estuaries also
study area. supports this temperature cycle and show a minimum of 17 oC and
maximum of 30.5 oC (DERM, 2011).
Additional and extensive water quality monitoring has been
undertaken as part of the WBDDP. This monitoring began in
Conductivity
April 2010 and it is anticipated to finish two months following
the completion of the dredging project. This monitoring program The electrical conductivity of a solution depends on the quantity
includes six compliance, 16 supplementary and 12 Light of dissolved solids present and is measured in millisiemens per
(Photosynthetic Active Radiation (PAR) sites. At these sites, a range centimetre (mS/cm). In solution, it is approximately proportional to
of water quality parameters are measured every 15 minutes, the total dissolved salts or salinity which is commonly measured in
these parameters include turbidity, dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity/ milligrams per litre (mg/L).
conductivity, temperature, and PAR. Other parameters are
measured less regularly such as chlorophyll A and metals every As described for temperature, conductivity is generally homogenous
month (dissolved metals since November 2011) and nutrients every throughout the water column, however, conductivity tended to
quarter. Metals are measured more regularly, if required. Summaries be higher during the summer months compared with the winter
of the data are available daily via the GPC website (http://www. months. Generally, conductivity in the inner harbour ranged from
westernbasinportdevelopment.com.au/water_quality_monitoring) 29.9 mS/cm to 60.5 mS/cm with a median conductivity of 55.0
and the data is reported on a monthly basis and made available via mS/cm (Worley Parsons, 2010). This is expected to be a direct
the same website. consequence of increased freshwater delivered by the surrounding
catchment during winter months, leading to lower conductivity (Vision
The sampling regime and parameters were developed with guidance Environment, 2010). However, conductivity in the outer harbour
from EHP. The results were also included in an analysis undertaken zones of the Curtis Coast region experience less catchment runoff
by DERM of the available water quality data as a response to sick and more oceanic mixing with a conductivity value of at most 7 mS/
fish, and a possible link to deteriorating water quality. The aim of the cm lower than the inner harbour (Vision Environment, 2010).
| 100 |
Salinity along the Curtis Coast is relatively uniform (approximately to assess light penetration through the water column expressed in
35,000 mg/L) with freshwater flow being the major influence, metres) or by measuring turbidity (a measure of light scattered back
resulting in periods of lower conductivity. DERM (2011) reported a by particulate matter, expressed as Nephelometric Turbidity Units
number of occasions in the Calliope and Boyne River estuaries where (NTU)).
freshwater was recorded (salinity of zero).
Areas along the Curtis Coast with naturally high turbidity include
Slightly reduced salinity levels tend to be a feature of The Narrows Port Curtis, Rodds Bay and the northern end of The Narrows - Fitzroy
and the major rivers and creeks, particularly following periods of high River area. Additionally, Graham Creek and smaller tributaries
rainfall where recovery to near ocean salinity levels may take two or where finer sediments accumulate around mangrove stands can
three weeks after freshwater run-off has ceased. During this recovery contribute to naturally high turbidity from catchment run-off during
period, there can be marked vertical stratification in the streams as rainfall events (Worley Parsons, 2010). In addition to natural turbidity,
a result of a salt water wedge propagating upstream (freshwater activities including dredging operations and boat movements can
floating above saltwater). However, due to the mixing nature of the resuspend material thereby adding to natural turbidity levels. Clear
tides, this feature is limited to partially enclosed estuaries, rivers and oceanic seawater generally has a turbidity of less than one NTU and
creeks and is not typically seen further offshore. a corresponding Secchi depth of greater than 5 m. In Port Curtis,
there is a distinct difference in turbidity levels between ebb and flood
Turbidity tides, with ebb tides typically containing increased turbidity levels
and flood tides with clearer waters. This is predominantly due to the
Turbidity is typically associated with the clarity of water. The presence influence of greater tidal currents and bed shear stresses (movement
of colloidal solids and suspended sediments gives water a cloudy of sea bed sediment particles) scouring the sea bed on its way out
appearance. Turbidity may be caused by clay and silt particles, to sea with flood tides generally providing lower tidal currents and
large numbers of organisms such as algae and to a lesser extent, therefore lower bed shear stresses (Connell Hatch, 2006).
discharges from sewage and industrial waste.
Further, turbidity at the surface is generally lower than at the bottom
The re-suspension of sediment particles can be the result of actions of the water column (GHD, 2009b). Turbidity ranges in Port Curtis
such as mud bank erosion which is generally caused by waves, during the dry season in both deep water and shallow water
winds, tides and rainfall run-off. The influence of waves is generally locations are between 11 – 35 NTU and 30 – 90 NTU, respectively
affected by water depth, with the shallower estuarine and coastal (GHD, 2009b). These results indicate the region is a naturally turbid
area associated with higher turbidity levels and deeper oceanic environment with levels continuously above the Queensland Water
areas associated with lower turbidity levels. Dugong feeding may Quality Guidelines (QWQG) (2009) (6 NTU) and moderately below
also cause small scale sediment disturbance in shallow waters where the ANZECC and ARMCANZ (2000) guidelines (20 NTU) (GHD,
seagrass beds are located. 2009b). Further, while temperature and conductivity generally show
a homogeneous trend throughout the water column, turbidity is
The impact of the number of particles in the water column is usually
dynamic and can vary over short time-scales and distances. Summer
assessed either by measuring the Secchi depth (using the Secchi disk
Figure 6-22 Time Series Turbidity Data Recorded at RG Tanna Coal Terminal from February 2004 to April 2005
Source: GPC data, presented in GHD (2009a)
turbidity was reported to be higher than winter 2008 with values between months is likely a consequence of rainfall and the amount
recorded within the Port of Gladstone exceeding the ANZECC and of catchment run-off and stream/river run-off entering the Port Curtis
ARMCANZ (2000) and QWQG (2009) guidelines (DERM, 2009). area.
This suggests that both guidelines may be too conservative for
summer conditions in Port Curtis. Dissolved Oxygen
To illustrate the variability in turbidity, a number of longer term
Oxygen is one of the most important elements in water quality
datasets are presented. A long-term dataset for turbidity recorded
control and its presence is fundamental to maintain biological life.
at Clinton Wharf showed a natural variation in turbidity which is
Because of its importance, dissolved oxygen (DO) is one of the
reflected in Figure 6-22 (GHD, 2009a). Turbidity levels generally
most widely used water quality indicators. Its concentration (mg/L
ranged between 0 – 20 NTU but there were regular increases
or % saturation) in water is dependent on temperature, salinity and
between 20 and 40 NTU during February/March 2004 and 2005.
biological activity (PCIMP, 2007). However, DO can be rapidly
Peaks of up to 125 NTU were also recorded for short periods and
removed by bacteria in the breakdown of organic wastes.
are likely from natural resuspension of sediments by tidal currents. A
recent DERM report provided long-term datasets for the Boyne River Clean surface waters are normally saturated with DO and are
and Calliope River estuaries (1994 to present) and recent turbidity reflected in the QWQG (2009) upper and lower guideline values of
data for Port Curtis (2010 – present). The data for the Calliope River 90% and 100%, respectively. Waters within the Curtis Coast area are
is shown in Figure 6-23 and generally reflect the same trends as the generally well saturated, with values within surface waters ranging
shorter term datasets from within Port Curtis, with turbidity ranging between 80 – 100%, with a corresponding decrease in DO with
from 0 – 50 NTU, with occasional spikes relating to spring tides and depth (DERM, 2011; GHD, 2009b).
rainfall events (DERM, 2011).
It is noted that while natural environmental factors (e.g. rainfall and Nutrients
tidal influences) influence turbidity levels, these are predominantly Nutrient levels in an aquatic environment are present in a delicate
related to greater catchment run-off and greater resuspension balance. While they are essential for the growth of plants and
of seabed sediment by stronger tidal actions during spring tides. animals, high levels can lead to undesirable changes in water
However, whilst mechanical activities such as shipping movements quality. Eutrophication (excess nutrients) can stimulate the growth of
are expected to elevate turbidity near port infrastructure, only one macrophytes and algae. This can result in blooms which can have
vessel departure from Fisherman’s Landing from June to October adverse impacts to the aquatic ecosystem through toxic effects,
2008 showed elevated turbidity levels (Wilson and Andersen, 2009). reduced light availability to benthic species, excessive fluctuations in
pH and reductions in dissolved oxygen. Following this, a massive die-
Chemical off of plants generally occurs, with resultant bacterial decomposition
depleting the available oxygen supply. In some enclosed waters,
Chemical characteristics relevant to the Curtis Coast ocean - estuary
the depletion of oxygen can be severe enough to kill fish and other
systems comprise pH, dissolved oxygen and oxygen demand,
aquatic organisms.
nutrients, organic compounds and heavy metals.
Along the Curtis Coast, as with many Queensland waterways,
pH nitrogen and phosphorous are the two nutrients of particular concern
because they are the key nutrients responsible for eutrophication
Most marine waters have a pH of around 8.2 with the QWQG effects. The principle sources of nitrogen and phosphorous are
(2009) guideline having a lower limit of 8 and an upper limit of run-off from rural and urban catchments and some point source
8.4. In estuarine and marine systems, pH is primarily influenced discharges including sewage.
by the presence of the carbonate-bicarbonate buffer system and
The PCIMP Ecosystem Health Report Card (2007) results showed
naturally occurring organic matter. The pH of estuarine systems may
that concentrations of total phosphorus exceeded the ANZECC and
be adversely affected by catchment runoff and acid sulphate soils,
ARMCANZ (2000) water quality guidelines, with some individual
which have been recorded in the Curtis Coast region (PCIMP, 2007).
values in the estuarine and oceanic reference sites being up to 2.8
Changes to pH can directly impact fish, marine plankton and benthic
times the guideline (PCIMP, 2007). However, only a small proportion
invertebrates, while indirectly, changes in pH can also impact aquatic
of this phosphorus was shown to be biologically available (PCIMP,
organisms through changes in the toxicity of many contaminants
2007). In contrast, concentrations of total nitrogen were within
(PCIMP, 2007).
guidelines in all zones (PCIMP, 2007).
Within the Port Curtis area, pH has been recorded within the
The 2011 Ecosystem Health Report Card reported that there were
QWQG (2009) guideline levels, and for the most part pH levels
some elevations in nutrient concentrations at upper creek and estuary
were homogeneous throughout the water column. Generally, pH
sites, but these were generally within acceptable levels and were
ranged from 7.7 in the estuarine areas to 8.1 in the surrounding
organic in nature, and therefore not readily taken up by organisms
oceanic waters (PCIMP, 2007). Results of the 2011 report card
(PCIMP, 2011). Elevated total phosphorus concentrations were
indicated Long-term DERM monitoring data from the Boyne and
again recorded at oceanic reference sites, however, this is thought to
Calliope River estuaries indicated that pH was consistently alkaline
be due to natural geology (PCIMP, 2011).
(above pH 7), with most values around 8, consistent with a marine
environment (DERM, 2011). The source of nutrients may either be anthropogenic or geological,
however, it is likely that catchment run-off contributes to elevated
Further, pH followed similar temporal patterns across all of the
levels during rainfall events (PCIMP, 2007). In contrast to coastal
monitored stations within Port Curtis during May and August and
nutrient levels, oceanic waters typically contain lower levels of
lower pH during June and July (PCIMP, 2007). The difference
nutrients due to distance from the coastline and tidal mixing.
| 102 |
In monitoring undertaken in January 2010 (summer), concentrations fine sediments or bio-accumulate in living organisms which either
of nutrients were lower than in winter of 2008, with total phosphorus filter feed from the water column or ingest contaminated particulate
being below detection limits in some cases and total nitrogen being matter. Within Port Curtis, potential inorganic contaminants include
detectable, but in lower concentrations than was recorded in the various heavy metals, fluoride, cyanide and TBT. Diffuse sources of
winter 2008 monitoring event (Vision Environment, 2010). inorganic compounds include those attached to soil that washed into
river and coastal systems from the surrounding catchment during
Organic Compounds rainfall events. Compounds may be dissolved in water or bound to
sediment particles.
The amount of organic matter present in most natural waters is low.
Typically, the source of the natural organic matter along the Curtis In general, higher concentrations of metals have been recorded
Coast is decaying leaves from mangroves and lipids which are in inner harbour sites compared to outer harbour and reference
animal or plant tissue that are insoluble in water. Anthropogenic sites (Vision Environment, 2010). Nickel has been continually been
sources of organic matter comprise sewage or industrial waste which recorded at elevated concentrations in The Narrows and is thought
can contain both organic and inorganic matter or a host of other to be related to natural geology (Vision Environment, 2010). Also,
manufactured compounds. Increases in organic matter can greatly there tends to be elevated concentrations of copper, nickel and zinc
affect dissolved oxygen concentrations as bacteria use dissolved at some sites in the inner harbour and contributing creeks and rivers
oxygen during decomposition of organic matter. compared with the outer harbour and this trend has been evident
across multiple monitoring events (Vision Environment, 2010).
Within Port Curtis, manufactured organic compounds of potential
concern are surfactants, oils, grease, hydrocarbons, cleaning The 2011 Ecosystem Health Report Card also found that
solvents, organo-tin antifoulants and to a lesser degree pesticides manganese, iron and cobalt continued to be elevated in upper
and other agricultural chemicals. Analysis for a variety of organic estuary areas (PCIMP, 2011). This is thought to be a result of
compounds (e.g. tributyltin (TBT), total petroleum hydrocarbons natural geological influences (PCIMP, 2011). In January 2010
(TPH)) in the inner harbour in 2009 showed that the majority of monitoring, a strong correlation between the concentration of total
compounds were below the respective ANZECC and ARMCANZ iron, aluminium, chromium, cobalt, lead and nickel and turbidity
(2000) and QWQG (2009) guideline values and the limits of was identified, suggesting that these metals are present bound
laboratory reporting (GHD, 2009b). to sediments and other particles within the water column (Vision
Environment, 2010).
The introduction of a trade waste system by GRC to receive and treat
some industrial wastes and licensing of industrial discharges reduces DERM (2011) reported concentrations of total metals measured
the release of compounds of concern into the coastal environments in Port Curtis and Rodds Bay (reference location) before and
in the region. after the December 2010 flooding event. With the exception
of silver and chromium III, the highest concentrations of total
metals were recorded in January 2011, immediately post-flood,
Inorganic Compounds
but concentrations were below levels of biological concern as
Principle point sources of inorganic compounds are waste discharges determined by comparison to ANZECC and ARMCANZ 2000
from industry and sewage. While these wastes may contain very guidelines (DERM, 2011). The elevated concentrations of total
low concentrations, over a period of time they can accumulate in metals post-flood were consistent with post-flood monitoring in other
parts of Queensland (DERM, 2011).
Figure 6-23 Turbidity Data for the Calliope River Estuary, 1994 – 2011
Source: DERM (2011)
6.7.2 Water Quality Impacts Landfill
The major sources and pathways for pollutants to enter the Curtis Although often overlooked, leachate from the contents of garbage
Coast region and adjoining estuaries and ocean systems are detailed tips and landfills can contaminate nearby groundwater and other
in the following sections. water bodies.The landfill for the Curtis Coast region is located at
Benaraby, south of Gladstone and is not immediately adjacent to the
Point Sources marine environment. Landfill practices also seek to minimise offsite
leachate and monitor groundwater for impacts. There may also be
Point sources are identifiable inputs where wastes are discharged older, disused landfills in the region closer to the coast, including
directly to receiving waters by way of a pipe or drain. Industries that those on older industrial sites. These have the potential to impact on
discharge process water, sewage and stormwater include: the coastal environment if not properly monitored and rehabilitated
where required.
• Power stations;
Dredging
• Sewage treatment facilities;
Dredging activities occur throughout the Curtis Coast region with a
• Manufacturing industries; large proportion occurring within Port Curtis and Port Alma (GPC,
2011). Although Port of Gladstone is a natural deepwater port with
• Mining industries; and
a relatively large tidal range, it is necessary to undertake capital and
maintenance dredging to accommodate new industries and maintain
• Metal manufacturers.
existing shipping channels.
With few exceptions, point source waste discharges are controlled
Dredging and disposal operations, by their nature, are likely to
by DERM. DERM issues licenses for discharge based on site specific
adversely impact aquatic ecosystems and include potential effects
criteria and require regular reporting and monitoring.
as described in (Connell Hatch, 2006; BMT WBM, 2009; GHD,
Alternative point sources which are not licensed include wastes 2009b), such as:
discharged from charter and recreational vessels which can result
in localised impacts. This is particularly relevant in the Gladstone • Increased turbidity and reduced light attenuation;
Marina and potentially other partially enclosed waters such as Round
Hill and Pancake Creeks where occupied vessels are moored for • Smothering and/or direct removal of seagrass beds;
extended periods.
• Increased fine sediment material deposition to deeper
waters: remobilisation of sediments;
Diffuse Sources
• Reductions in net circulation patterns and flushing;
Diffuse sources refer to indirect inputs or run-off that occur over a
wide (diffuse) area. These are generally associated with particular • Increased dissolved and sediment associated contaminants;
land-uses. Pollutants are transported in stormwater run-off, and and
can be as high or higher than point sources in contaminant loads.
One of the principle sources of nutrients is run-off from urban land • Disturbance of soft seabed sediments.
development and agricultural areas, which can contain high levels of
nutrients caused by soil erosion and fertilisers washed into waterways Generally, contaminants within the aquatic environment are not
during rainfall events. Run-off of pesticides, herbicides and heavy all readily available (bioavailable) to aquatic organisms. However,
metals can be an additional source of pollution to waterways. dredging activities can place the integrity of a particular aquatic
community at risk by mobilising any potential contaminants such
Anthropogenic waste tends to accumulate in the drainage system as sediment bound particulates. The majority of the above listed
and enter waterways following rainfall events. In addition, suspended impacts on water quality are generally temporary, with water quality
solid levels caused by sediment run-off from construction sites and returning to pre-dredging levels fairly quickly following the cessation
residential estates can contribute to the overall diffuse contaminant of dredging (GHD, 2009b). Small changes to the overall water
load. Stormwater can also contain other waste including: polystyrene quality may occur if larger scale dredging impacts flushing efficiency.
foam, plastic cups, bags and bottles which have all been responsible Generally, however, dredging has immediate impacts to water quality
for harming marine life including marine megafauna and sea birds. with the duration of impacts dependent on the extent and duration of
The pollution originating from diffuse sources is more difficult to dredging activities.
control than point sources. In urban areas the provision of reticulated
sewage systems which eliminates seepage from septic tanks and Ballast Water
adequate street cleaning are important measures. Land developers
When a ship is not fully loaded, it will usually carry ballast so that it
and farming communities can assist by adopting soil conservation
floats deeper in the water for stability, draft and trim. Cargo vessels
practices and being more efficient with their use of fertilisers and
generally use sea water carried in special ballast tanks or in empty
biocides.
cargo holds. This ballast may contain a variety of aquatic organisms
which can be transported from one port to another. If a ship at its
port of origin takes on ballast water in shallow water, or in deep
water disturbed by dredging, wind, or wave action, then harbour
sediments and the organisms within them may also be pumped into
the ship.
| 104 |
The Port of Gladstone currently receives vessels from various these impacts are generally temporary with water quality returning
Australian ports as well from overseas ports. Therefore there is to pre-dredging levels. The duration of impacts is generally related
the potential for introduced marine species to establish within Port to the extent of dredging activities and are managed through
Curtis through vectors such as ballast water and hull fouling (Worley environmental management plans approved by regulators such as
Parsons, 2010). This is discussed further in Section 6.10.3. DERM.
On 1st July, 2001, Australia introduced mandatory ballast water Port Curtis is vulnerable to the colonisation of exotic marine species
management requirements to reduce the risk of introducing harmful through the discharge of ballast water. However, mandatory ballast
aquatic organisms into Australia’s marine environment through ship water management requirements reducing the risk of introducing
ballast water (Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS), harmful aquatic organisms into coastal waters are expected to
2008)). The requirements have legislative backing and are enforced minimise the potential risk.
under the Quarantine Act 1908.
Whilst a natural pressure, the input of large volumes of freshwater
from rivers into the coastal system during flood events, is a significant
Oil pressure on coastal flora and fauna. In particular, seagrass
The incident involving the grounding of the Oceanic Grandeur distribution and abundance is often reduced following major
in the Torres Strait in 1970 led to the development of a national freshwater inputs, but, has also been shown to recover naturally
capability to ensure that Australia would be prepared to respond (Chartrand et. al., 2011). This natural pressure does however, place
to ship-sourced pollution incidents. The National Marine Oil Spill these communities at increased vulnerability to anthropogenic
Contingency Plan (Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), pressures.
2011) has been in operation since 1973 and sets out a clear
definition of the responsibilities of the participants formalised in an 6.7.4 Bibliography
Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA). Additionally, the Queensland
Coastal Contingency Action Plan (QCCAP) (2011) outlines the AMSA (2011). National Marine Oil Spill Contingency Plan. AMSA,
arrangements for responses to marine pollution events. Canberra, ACT.
The magnitude of effects from oil pollution in the marine ANZECC and ARMCANZ (2000). Australian and New Zealand
environment depends on several factors such as oil types (crude Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality. Australian and New
or refined), amount released, distance from sensitive areas, time Zealand Environment and Conservation Council and Agriculture
of year, weather conditions, timing and breeding cycles and and Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand,
seasonal migrations, water temperature and currents. Subject to the Canberra, ACT
effectiveness of clean up measures these factors can translate to a AQIS (2008). Australian Ballast Water Management Requirements –
number of environmental effects. Most aquatic organisms within the Version 4. March 2008. Australian Quaratine and Inspection Service,
Curtis Coast region are vulnerable to oil pollution with mangroves, Canberra, ACT.
seagrasses, coral reefs, sea and shorebirds the most susceptible. The
Global Peace oil spill in January 2006 resulted in approximately 25 BMT WBM (2009). Proposed Santos LNG Facility Environmental
tonnes of heavy fuel oil spilling into the Gladstone harbour. Clean-up Impact Statement – Marine Water Quality Assessments. GLNG,
measures resulted in the recovery of over 18 tonnes of oil (PCIMP, Brisbane, Queensland.
2007). Monitoring of the environment was undertaken and indicated Chartrand, K.M., McCormack, C.V. and Rasheed, M.A. (2011).
little to no impact on species of flora and fauna observed. However, Port Curtis and Rodds Bay Seagrass Monitoring Program, November
high mangrove seedling mortality was recorded 6 months after the 2010. DEEDI, Cairns, Queensland.
initial spill (PCIMP, 2007).
Connell Hatch (2006). Wiggins Island Coal Terminal Environmental
The recovery period from oil pollution can be slow depending on the Impact Statement. Connell Hatch, Brisbane, Queensland.
type of oil and are relatively unknown, although projections are in the
order of years to decades. Oils such as refined petroleum products DERM (2009). Monitoring and Sampling Manual 2009. Version 1.
do not last long in the marine environment compared with crude oil. Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009. Water and Corporate
While refined petroleum is not sticky like crude oil, it is considerably Services Division, DERM, Brisbane, Queensland.
more poisonous than crude oil.
DERM (2011). Port Curtis and Tributaries. Comparison of Current
and Historical Water Quality. October 2011. DERM, Brisbane,
6.7.3 Pressures Queensland.
The marine habitats along the Curtis Coast are vulnerable to the GHD (2009a). Fisherman’s Landing Northern Expansion
effects of pollution. Environmental Impact Statement. GHD, Gladstone, Queensland.
Diffuse sources of pollutants such as sediments, nutrients, herbicides GHD (2009b). Western Basin Dredging and Disposal Project
and pesticides from direct and indirect run-off occur over a wide Environmental Impact Statement. GHD, Gladstone, Queensland.
area and are related to urban and agricultural land uses. GPC (2011). Gladstone Ports Corporation. Accessed at: www.gpcl.
Dredging activities occur throughout the Curtis Coast region com.au/.
with potential impacts including increased turbidity, reduced light MSQ (2011). Queensland Coastal Contingency Action Plan.
attenuation, smothering and impacts on water quality from increased Queensland Government, Brisbane, Queensland.
dissolved and sediment associated contaminants. The majority of
PCIMP (2007). Port Curtis Ecosystem Health Report Card 2007. sediment assessments undertaken in Port Curtis have demonstrated
PCIMP, Gladstone, Queensland. the presence of minor concentrations of anthropogenic
contaminants, naturally occurring contaminants occur throughout the
PCIMP (2011). Port Curtis Ecosystem Health Report Card 2008 -
Port (GHD, 2009).
2011. PCIMP, Gladstone, Queensland.
QWQG (2009). Queensland Water Quality Guidelines. DERM, Contaminants
Queensland.
In recent years, sediments have undergone sampling and analysis
Vision Environment (2010). PCIMP: Summer 2009/2010 Water prior to dredging and disposal. Results of comprehensive sediment
Quality North Harbour. PCIMP, Gladstone, Queensland. surveys within Port Curtis have revealed that the overall quality of
Wilson, S.P. and Andersen, L.E. (2009). Fisherman’s Landing Baseline the sediments is compliant to the National Assessment Guidelines
Turbidity Report June – October 2008. Centre for Environmental for Dredging (NAGD) (Commonwealth of Australia, 2009) and the
Management, Central Queensland University, Gladstone, Queensland EPA – Environmental Investigation Levels (EILs) (QEPA,
Queensland. 1998) for contaminated land and have therefore been assessed
as suitable for the intended disposal location (GHD, 2009; Worley
Worley Parsons (2010). Australian Pacific LNG Project Environmental Parsons, 2010).
Impact Statement. APLNG, Brisbane, Queensland.
Sediment quality of the wider Curtis Coast area is expected to be
good due to low coastal and marine infrastructure development
6.8 Marine Sediments occurring outside of the Gladstone area.
The main contaminants of concern that have been identified in the
The Curtis Coast is a dynamic system which is continually
Port of Gladstone from previous studies include metals (arsenic
undergoing sedimentary processes to alter sediment composition
and nickel), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), TBT and
and distribution. Geomorphology processes (discussed in Section
naphthalene (Apte et. al., 2005; Vincente-Beckett et. al., 2006;
6.2.2) influence sedimentary processes which in turn influence
GHD, 2009).
the rate of sediment deposition, contaminant accumulation and
redistribution. Environments including exposed shores, estuaries, • Elevated concentrations of arsenic, chromium and nickel in
tidal rivers and tributaries and sheltered bays and inlets can be found Port Curtis sediments were identified as being from natural
along the Curtis Coast leading to different sedimentary characteristics
geology, not anthropogenic sources;
and contaminant composition. Proximity to urban and industrial
(including ports) development will also influence the potential for • TBT is found around Fisherman’s Landing and the mid and
sediments to be contaminated. southern harbour, mainly in sediments that accumulate
in berth pockets and shipping channels (Worley Parsons,
6.8.1 Sediment Characteristics 2010; GHD, 2009). However, these levels are much lower
in comparison to other ports around Australia;
The Curtis Coast region represents a variety of sedimentary
characteristics depending upon site specific environmental • PAHs were identified around industrial areas of the Port,
characteristics including estuaries, sheltered bays and exposed but concentrations were below ANZECC and ARMCANZ
seaward facing habitats. Deeper channels with stronger currents (2000) guidelines. The long-term presence of ships and
contain the coarser surface sediments (mainly coarse sands and recreational vessels at the Port of Gladstone, including the
gravels), while tidal flats are dominated by fine sands, silts and muds surrounding area, provides a potential source of PAHs to the
(Worley Parsons, 2010). Sediments within wetland areas regularly dry sediments. The presence of shale minerals has also been
out during neap tides and consist of silts and mud that also contain identified as a potential natural source of PAHs in Port Curtis;
organic material. After high tides inundate the wetlands, or rainfall and
events, the surface material becomes very soft and exhibits low
bearing capacity. • The top 28 cm of sediments were determined to have
From investigations undertaken for proposed dredging of channels been deposited since 1958, which marks the beginning
and berth pockets throughout the Port of Gladstone, berth pockets of industrialisation in Gladstone, meaning the risk of
and departure/arrival channels tended to contain sands/clayey contamination is generally confined to the uppermost layer
sands, silty clays and dense gravels and swing basins tended to of sediment.
contain sands, clayey sands and gravelly sand and silty clay. While The 2011 Ecosystem Health Report Card indicated that all mean
these sediments were described within Port Curtis, it is likely that sediment concentrations in the inner harbour impact zones were
similar combinations exist throughout the Curtis Coast region where below the Low Sediment Quality Guidelines presented in ANZECC
similar tidal forces operate (Connell Hatch, 2006). In more exposed and ARMCANZ (2000) and were similar to 2007 results (PCIMP,
coastal locations, sediments can be expected to consist of larger 2007; PCIMP, 2011).Nickel and manganese were elevated at some
sediment particles such as gravelly sand. sites, with this being attributed to natural geology (PCIMP, 2011).
Copper concentrations were elevated in some zones, suggesting
6.8.2 Sediment Quality that there are anthropogenic influences in the inner harbour (PCIMP,
2011).
There is a long history of dredging and dredged material disposal
in both onshore and offshore locations at the Port of Gladstone with While the Port of Gladstone contains metals and other chemicals at
some minor dredging occurring at Port Alma (GHD, 2009). While natural levels, port activities such as dredging can mobilise metals
| 106 |
bound to sediments. For instance, TBT has been reported to have good and are compliant with relevant guidelines but this may
bio-accumulated within the tissues of Port Curtis biota but this is change with increasing shipping traffic, accidental spillages and
expected to decrease over the coming years as TBT continues to be further development of the coastal area. Further development also
phased out as an antifoulant on ships worldwide (Worley Parsons, increases the potential for disturbance of acid sulphate soils, which
2010). must be managed through appropriate measures to reduce potential
impacts to water quality and marine organisms.
Acid Sulfate Soils
6.8.4 Bibliography
Pyrite is a common mineral of estuarine deposits which is found
extensively throughout the Curtis Coast region particularly in The ANZECC and ARMCANZ (2000). Australian and New Zealand
Narrows, Gladstone, Boyne Island, Tannum Sands, Rodds Bay and Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality. Australian and New
Eurimbula areas. Pyrite presence in the coastal lowlands can contain Zealand Environment and Conservation Council/ Agriculture and
acid sulphate soils (ASS). These soils generally occur in Quaternary Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand.
aged (1.8 m.y.a – Present) marine or estuarine sediments, which are
predominantly confined to coastal lowlands below 5 m AHD. Apte, S., Duivenvoorden, L., Johnson, R., Jones, M., Revill,
A., Simpson, S., Stauber, J. and Vicente-Beckett, V. (2005).
In the presence of water, oxygen in the soil/sediment profile can Contaminants in Port Curtis: Screening Level Risk Assessment.
oxidise sulfide minerals, typically pyrite (FeS2), to form sulphuric Cooperative Research Centre for Coastal Zone, Estuary and
acid (H2SO4) and iron oxide (Fe2O3). The formation of sulphuric Waterway Management. Technical Report No. 25.
acid causes the pH to fall below neutral (pH 7), with extremely low
pH levels possible (pH <4). Subsequently, the surrounding land Commonwealth of Australia (2009). National Assessment Guidelines
(soil) and nearby waterways may become contaminated with acids, for Dredging. Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra, ACT.
and metals leached from the sediments by the acid. Under acidic Connell Hatch (2006). Wiggins Island Coal Terminal Environmental
conditions, metals such as aluminium and iron, as well as trace Impact Statement, Revision 3. Connell Hatch, Brisbane, Queensland.
heavy metals (including arsenic), become more soluble and therefore
are more easily mobilised into the water column. This may result in GHD (2009). Western Basin Dredging and Disposal Project
the significant degradation of the surrounding ecosystem. ASS also Environmental Imapct Statement. GHD, Gladstone, Queensland.
have the potential to severely weaken concrete foundations. PCIMP (2007). Port Curtis Ecosystem Health Report Card 2007.
The Queensland Acid Sulfate Soils Investigation Team (QASSIT) PCIMP, Gladstone, Queensland.
has conducted field investigations and mapping of the actual and PCIMP (2011). Port Curtis Ecosystem Health Report Card 2008 -
potential acid sulfate soils for sections of the Queensland coast. 2010. PCIMP, Gladstone, Queensland.
The available mapping for the Curtis Coast region is shown in
Figure 6-24. When these lowland areas are disturbed, such as by QEPA (1998). Draft Guidelines for the Assessment and Management
excavation, drainage or displacement and the watertable is lowered, of Contaminated Land in Queensland. QEPA, Brisbane,
oxygen may get mixed into or enter the soil/sediment profile, Queensland.
resulting in acid generation or the release of actual acid sulfate
Vincente-Beckett, V., Shearer, D., Munksgaard, N., Hancock, G.
soils. Acid sulphate soils are also of concern for dredging operations
and Morrison, H. (June 2006). Metal and Polycyclic Aromatic
where the material could potentially be exposed to oxygen through
Hydrocarbon Contaminants in Benthic Sediments of Port Curtis. CRC
disposal above low water mark (GHD, 2009).
for Coastal Zone, Estuary and Waterway Management. Technical
Report No. 83.
6.8.3 Pressures
Worley Parsons (2010). Australia Pacific LNG Project Environmental
As with water quality, the presence of industries in the area Impact Statement. March 2010. Worley Parsons, Brisbane.
immediately adjacent to the coast can result in potential sources of
contaminants to sediments.
Contaminants may occur in either dissolved form or attached to
sediment particles where they may be ingested by sediment dwelling
organisms (e.g. shellfish and copepods). These organisms may
then be predated upon by higher trophic level species leading to
bioaccumulation of contaminants. The disturbance of sediments
or acid sulfate soils, for example through dredging or coastal
construction, can result in the release of metals into the water column
as well as increased turbidity. At high enough concentrations, metals
can have toxic effects on marine organisms. Elevated turbidity
associated with sediment disturbance reduces light availability for
benthic communities and can impact on marine organisms, for
example, the functioning of fish gills. It should be noted that tidal
currents and rainfall runoff also contruibute to turbidity through
sediment resuspension into the water column.
The quality of sediments within the harbour areas are generally
Figure 6-24 Acid Sulfate Soils Mapping for the Curtis Coast Region
6.9 Flora study area (Table 6-12, Figure 6-28). More detailed descriptions of
each regional ecosystem are provided in Appendix A.
The Curtis Coast region displays a diverse range of native plant Regional Ecosystems (REs) are rated or classified in two ways. Under
species and communities. This diversity is the influence of both the Vegetation Management Act 1999 (VMA), the remnant extent
biophysical factors such as climate, geology, lithology, topography (current remaining area) of a regional ecosystem is measured against
and ecological processes, combined with anthropogenic influences the estimated extent before Europeans began clearing (the ‘preclear
associated with farming, fire, clearing and logging. The natural mapping’). This provides a quantitative measure of the remnant
distribution of plant communities and their structure and species extent of a regional ecosystem and has legislative force through the
composition have been shaped by biophysical factors. However, listing in the Vegetation Management Regulation 2000, vegetation
these attributes have been significantly altered by anthropogenic clearing codes and the Sustainable Planning Act 2009.
influences over much of the Curtis Coast region.
Under the VMA, REs are defined as ‘endangered’, ‘of concern’ and
Vegetation communities of the Curtis Coast are similar to the major ‘least concern’ based on the preclearing extent remaining, as follows:
vegetation types in other parts of Central Queensland. However, the
influence of a sub-tropical maritime climate combined with a range • ‘Endangered’ REs are those that have either:
of geological and topographic conditions has seen this section of the
coastline evolve as a transition area between predominantly northern • less than 10% of the preclearing extent remaining; or
and southern plant species.
• 0% to 30% of the preclearing extent remaining and the
1
For the purposes of this study, vegetation is considered in terms of remnant vegetation remaining is less than 10,000 ha.
terrestrial and aquatic.
• ‘Of concern’ REs are those that have either:
6.9.1 Terrestrial Flora
• 10% to 30% of the preclearing extent remaining; or
Vegetation Communities • ore than 30% of the preclearing extent remaining and the
m
remnant vegetation remaining is less than 10,000 ha.
Using Specht (1970) and McDonald et. al. (1984) as a reference, six
broad structural groups were identified within the Curtis Coast region • ‘Least concern’ REs are those that have more than 30% of
in the original Curtis Coast Study – Resource Report (QDEH, 1994). the preclearing extent remaining and the remnant vegetation
These comprise: remaining is more than 10,000 ha.
The current certified RE mapping (version 6) covering the Curtis
• Herblands;
Coast region indicates that there are:
• Grasslands (Figure 6-25);
• 3 endangered REs:
• Heaths;
-- 11.3.11 – Semi-evergreen vine thicket
• Scrubs and tall shrublands;
-- 1
2.3.3 – Eucalyptus tereticornis open-forest to woodland
• Woodlands and open forests (Figure 6-26); and (on broad Quaternary alluvial plains)
• Closed forests. -- 1
2.3.10 – Eucalyptus populnea +/- Eucalyptus
tereticornis grassy woodland/tall woodland (on
Within these structural groups 44 separate vegetation communities Quaternary alluvial plains);
or associations were identified and described for the Curtis Coast
region (QDEH, 1994). These descriptions are provided in Appendix • 19 of concern REs; and
A. These structural groups only describe the physical nature of
the community. The current method of describing Queensland • 45 least concern REs (Figure 6-28).
vegetation communities is through Regional Ecosystems, which
The second method of rating a RE is by its biodiversity status. This
include more detailed floristic descriptions and geology.
method takes into account the condition of the RE as well as its
remnant extent. Condition is assessed based on soil quality, species
Regional Ecosystem Mapping diversity and the ability of species diversity to recover. In addition, the
presence of threatening processes such as clearing, development
In Queensland, bioregions are landscape regions exhibiting similar
pressure, inappropriate fire management, fragmentation and weed
geologies, climate, flora and fauna assemblages. Bioregions were
incursion are considered. Therefore, this is a rating system that
first described in 1974 and in Queensland there are a total of 13
combines quantitative and qualitative data with a threat assessment,
bioregions. Bioregions are further divided into Regional Ecosystems
assigning ratings of ‘endangered’, ‘of concern’ and ‘no concern at
(REs) (Sattler and Williams, 1999). Regional Ecosystems (REs)
present’. Sattler and Williams (1999) gives the following rationale for
describe the relationships between major floral species and the
these ratings:
environment at the regional scale.
The Curtis Coast study area traverses the Brigalow Belt Bioregion • The ‘endangered’ class is based upon the category
(11) and the South East Queensland Bioregion (12) (Figure 6-27). established for plant species, namely a species at serious risk
There are a number of RE types mapped across the Curtis Coast of disappearing from the wild within 10 – 20 years if present
land use and other causal factors continue to operate. Areas of GES are predominantly areas of remnant vegetation or
wetlands of local significance (DERM, 2011).
• The ‘of concern’ class indicates that a significant reduction in
the distribution or condition of a RE has occurred and that a
particular management response is needed to ensure that it
does not become endangered.
• The ‘no concern at present’ class indicates that the

ecosystem is relatively widespread.
Unlike the VMA classifications this rating has no legislative force.
It has been implemented to assist authorities in planning, resource
management and development decision-making only. REs with an
endangered or of concern biodiversity status are considered to be
threatened.
Verification of Mapped Regional Ecosystems
When projects are proposed in the region, site specific ground

truthing of all database records and mapping are undertaken
to confirm the floristic and structural attributes of the vegetation
present are consistent with the mapped RE type. This is conducted
via Quaternary level site assessments (Neldner et. al., 2005).
Quaternary sites may be collected at regular intervals along a
traverse, and/or made where REs/vegetation communities change
(Neldner et. al., 2005). Figure 6-25 Curtis Coast Grasslands
Many developments within the Curtis Coast region have undertaken

site specific assessments to confirm the RE mapping is accurate for
that site before applications for clearing permits are made.
Essential Habitat
Under the VMA, essential habitat is vegetation where endangered,

vulnerable, rare or near threatened species are known to occur. It
is a requirement under the VMA to prevent the loss of biodiversity
through regulating vegetation clearing and the essential habitat
maps assist DERM to assess the habitat status and vegetation
clearing applications (DERM, 2011). Essential habitats mapped for
the Curtis Coast region are shown on Figure 6-27. Species for which
essential habitat is present in the Curtis Coast region include the
koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) and the black-breasted button-Quail
(Turnix melanogaster).
Protected Areas
A network of protected areas (e.g. National Parks, Conservation

Reserves) is present within the Curtis Coast region and aims to
protect a representative sample of the flora and fauna of the area as
well as providing recreational and tourism opportunities in natural
areas. Figure 1-4 and Figure 1-5 show the protected areas within
In addition, the soon to be released QCP defines ‘areas of
ecological significance’, which must be protected from the effects
of development (DERM, 2011). The QCP contains maps of areas
of high ecological significance (HES) and general ecological
significance (GES). HES are based on the presence of values such
as protected areas under the Queensland Nature Conservation Act
1992 (NCA), wetlands of high conservation value, ‘endangered’ and
‘of concern’ regional ecosystems, threatened ecological communities
under the Environment Protection and Biodivesity Conservation
(EPBC) Act 1999, amongst others (DERM, 2011). Figure 6-26 Curtis Coast Woodlands and Open Forests
| 110 |
Table 6-12 Regional Ecosystems Mapped within the Curtis Coast Region
RE Code Regional Ecosystem Description VMA Status Biodiversity

Status
2.2.2 Vegetation variable throughout subregion, but includes grasslands, herb Least concern No concern at present
fields, woodlands and semi-deciduous and evergreen scrubs. Sedge
lands and Melaleuca spp. in swales. Occurs on secondary dunes and
swales; unconsolidated sands or stratified shells and mud, and clay soils
in swales. (BVG1M: 28a)
8.1.5 Melaleuca spp. and/or Eucalyptus tereticornis and/or Corymbia Of concern Endangered
tessellaris low open-woodland to open-forest (to open-shrubland)
(2-20m tall). Canopy dominants are very variable, ranging from dense
stands of Melaleuca quinquenervia or Melaleuca leucadendra, to more
open stands of Melaleuca spp. and/or eucalypt species. Acacia spp.
such as Acacia leptocarpa and Acacia holosericea may be present.
Mangrove species may also occur in clumps or scattered in low
numbers. Some sites have a sparse (to isolated plants) secondary tree or
shrub layer consisting of one or several of Acacia spp., Pandanus spp.,
mangrove spp., Melaleuca spp., Myoporum acuminatum, Clerodendrum
inerme, Gahnia sieberiana, Phragmites australis, Banksia spp., and
sometimes pioneering rainforest spp. There is usually a mid-dense to
dense ground layer (often interspersed with large bare areas of saline
silts), most often dominated by Sporobolus virginicus, Baumea juncea
or Acrostichum speciosum. Other dominants may include Cynanchum
carnosum, Baumea rubiginosa, Eleocharis dulcis and Paspalum
vaginatum. Other typical associated species are Imperata cylindrica,
Phragmites spp., Eriochloa procera, Gymnanthera oblonga, Juncus
kraussii, Ceratopteris thalictroides and Cyperus javanicus. Narrow tidal
and supratidal flats landward of and adjoining tidal regional ecosystems
on lowlands. Sometimes occurs over broader low-lying, tidally influenced
plains. Geologies mapped include Qm (Quaternary coastal mud, silt
and minor evaporites), Qhe/m (Holocene mud, sandy mud, muddy
sand and minor gravel), Qhcm (Holocene mud and sandy mud), Qhct
(Holocene silt, mud and sand) and Qhe/s (Holocene sand, muddy sand,
mud and minor gravel). (BVG1M: 22b)
11.1.1 Sporobolus virginicus grassland on Quaternary estuarine deposits. Least concern No concern at present
Sporobolus spp. usually dominates pure stands although a wide range
of other species may be present as scattered individuals including
Fimbristylis ferruginea, Cyperus victoriensis, Cyperu scariosus, and
sometimes Eleocharis spiralis, Mnesithea rottboellioides, Marsilea mutica,
Cynanchum carnosum, Ischaemum australe, Cyperus polystachyos,
Ceratopteris thalictroides and Leptochloa fusca. Occasional emergent
stunted mangroves, usually Avicennia marina or Ceriops tagal, may
occur as isolated individuals or along small channels. There may also
be a minor presence of salt-tolerant forbs such as Suaeda australis,
Suaeda arbusculoides, Sarcocornia quinqueflora subsp. quinqueflora
or Tecticornia australasica. Occurs on supratidal flats which are often
only inundated by highest spring tides. Often occurs on the landward
side of intertidal flats; seaward margins irregularly inundated with tidal
waters and dissected by small tidal channels. Formed from Quaternary
estuarine sediments with deep grey or black and grey saline cracking
clays with occasional mottling, minor gilgai occasionally present.
(BVG1M: 35b)
Status
11.1.2 Samphire forbland or bare mud-flats on Quaternary estuarine deposits. Least concern No concern at present
Mainly saltpans and mudflats with clumps of saltbush including one
or several of the following species; Tecticornia spp. (e.g. Tecticornia
indica subsp. julacea, Tecticornia indica subsp. leiostachya), Sesuvium
portulacastrum, Sarcocornia quinqueflora subsp. quinqueflora, Suaeda
australis, Suaeda arbusculoides, Tecticornia australasica, Salsola kali,
algal crusts and the grass Sporobolus virginicus. Sedges are also
common. Occurs on supratidal flats with deep saline clay soils and
formed from Quaternary estuarine sediments. Occurs along the
landward edge of the intertidal zone in a hypersaline environment that
is only inundated by the highest spring tides. Soils are grey mottled clays
with a crusting surface, and are highly saline. (BVG1M: 35b)
11.1.4 Mangrove low forest on Quaternary estuarine deposits. Low open- Least concern No concern at present
shrubland to closed forest of mangrove species forming a variety of
associations, depending on position in relation to salt water inundation.
Avicennia marina is the most common dominant but also other trees
such as Aegiceras corniculatum, Rhizophora spp. and Ceriops tagal
dominate often in pure stands. There is often a shrub layer consisting of
juvenile plants of the above species. Other species such as Excoecaria
agallocha, Bruguiera spp., Lumnitzera racemosa and Alchornea ilicifolia
may also occur. Occurs on intertidal flats which are often dissected by
tidal streams. Soils are usually deep saline clays. (BVG1M: 35a)
11.2.2 Ipomoea pes-caprae and Spinifex sericeus grassland +/- Casuarina Of concern Of concern
equisetifolia. Casuarina equisetifolia varies from clumps of open-forest,
to woodland, to isolated trees. Other scattered trees or shrubs may
be present including Pandanus tectorius, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Terminalia
muelleri, Alphitonia excelsa, Caesalpinia bonduc and Cupaniopsis
anacardioides. The ground layer. The ground layer is quite dense,
and includes Ipomoea pes-caprae, Cyperus pedunculatus, Bulbostylis
barbata, Aphyllodium biarticulatum (prostrate form), and Spinifex
sericeus. Several species are prostrate, but the only climbing vine is
Cassytha pubescens. Occurs on Quaternary coastal fore dunes and
beaches. (BVG1M: 28a)
11.2.3 Microphyll/notophyll vineforest to semi-deciduous vine thicket on Of concern Of concern
Quaternary coastal dunes. Commonly consists of several of the
following trees: Pleiogynium timorense, Mimusops elengi, Cupaniopsis
anacardioides, Exocarpos latifolius, Sersalisia sericea and Diospyros
geminata. In dry, exposed and windswept locations, this RE may
only reach 4-5 m, and include deciduous emergent species such
as Gyrocarpus americanus and Brachychiton australis. At its best
development this formation grows to 15 m and includes further species
such as Ficus virens, Aglaia brownii, Polyalthia nitidissima, Canarium
australianum, Miliusa brahei and Ficus spp. A shrub layer may be
present with Carissa ovata, Capparis sepiaria, Eugenia reinwardtiana,
Drypetes deplanchei and Aidia racemosa. Vines are common, including
Sarcostemma viminale subsp. australe, Jasminum didymum, Jasminum
simplicifolium, Abrus precatorius and Cissus spp. A ground layer is
sparse or absent. Occurs on Quaternary coastal dunes and adjacent
swales. Best developed on secondary dune swales and areas protected
from strong winds. Soils are fine to coarse beach sands possibly enriched
by calcareous sediments. (BVG1M: 3b)
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Status
11.2.5 Beach ridge woodland with Melaleuca dealbata in swales and Corymbia Least concern No concern at present
tessellaris woodland on Quaternary dune systems. Ridges: Usually
a woodland to open forest of Corymbia tessellaris with occasional
Acacia crassicarpa, Cupaniopsis anacardioides, Pleiogynium timorense
and Terminalia muelleri. A sparse to dense shrub layer may include
Acacia oraria, Acacia crassicarpa, Planchonia careya, Alphitonia
excelsa, Exocarpos latifolius, Senna surattensis and Dodonaea
viscosa. Ground layer includes Aphyllodium biarticulatum, Themeda
triandra, Heteropogon contortus, Elionurus citreus, Aristida holathera,
Cymbopogon refractus and Perotis rara. Swales: Open forest of
Melaleuca dealbata, (sometimes Melaleuca leucadendra or Melaleuca
viridiflora), Livistona drudei or Livistona decora, with shrubs of Pandanus
spiralis. Ground layer of Chrysopogon filipes, Imperata cylindrica,
Sporobolus virginicus and Lepturus repens. In some areas sedges
are common, including Cyperus javanicus, Fimbristylis dichotoma,
Fimbristylis polytrichoides. Small vines are commonly present including
Cynanchum carnosum, Abrus precatorius, and Jasminum didymum.
Occurs on Quaternary undulating stabilised dunes with narrow linear
depressions. Associated soils are generally well drained siliceous sands,
swales with humic hydrosols. (BVG1M: 28b)
11.3.4 Eucalyptus tereticornis woodland to open-forest. Other tree species that Of concern Of concern
may be present and locally dominant include Eucalyptus camaldulensis,
Corymbia tessellaris, Eucalyptus coolabah, Corymbia clarksoniana,
Eucalyptus populnea or Eucalyptus brownii, Eucalyptus melanophloia,
Eucalyptus platyphylla or Angophora floribunda, Eucalyptus crebra
and Lophostemon suaveolens may be locally dominant (subregion
14). A shrub layer is usually absent, and a tall grassy ground layer is
often prominent, and may include any of Bothriochloa bladhii subsp.
bladhii, Aristida spp., Heteropogon contortus, Dichanthium spp. and
Themeda triandra. Heavily grazed areas tend to have shorter or annual
grasses such as Dactyloctenium radulans or Bothriochloa spp. Occurs
on Cainozoic alluvial plains and terraces. Occurs on variety of soils,
including deep cracking clays, medium to fine textured soils, and deep
texture-contrast soils. (BVG1M: 16c)
11.3.11 Semi-evergreen vine thicket or semi-deciduous notophyll rainforest, Endangered Endangered
frequently with emergent Eucalyptus tereticornis or Eucalyptus
raveretiana. Common species include Diospyros humilis, Diospyros
geminata, Brachychiton australis, Brachychiton rupestris, Geijera
salicifolia, Lysiphyllum spp., Mallotus philippensis and Streblus
brunonianus. Occasional shrubs such as Carissa ovata may be present.
Forbs such as Nyssanthes spp. may also be present. Occurs on
Cainozoic alluvial plains. (BVG1M: 7a)
Status
11.3.25 Eucalyptus camaldulensis or Eucalyptus tereticornis open-forest to Least concern Of concern
woodland. Other tree species such as Casuarina cunninghamiana,
Eucalyptus coolabah, Melaleuca bracteata, Melaleuca viminalis,
Livistona spp. (in north), Melaleuca spp. and Angophora floribunda are
commonly present and may be locally dominant. An open to sparse, tall
shrub layer is frequently present dominated by species including Acacia
salicina, Acacia stenophylla or Lysiphyllum carronii. Low shrubs are
present, but rarely form a conspicuous layer. The ground layer is open
to sparse and dominated by perennial grasses, sedges or forbs such
as Imperata cylindrica, Bothriochloa bladhii, Bothriochloa ewartiana,
Chrysopogon fallax, Cyperus dactylotes, Cyperus difformis, Cyperus
exaltatus, Cyperus gracilis, Cyperus iria, Cyperus rigidellus, Cyperus
victoriensis, Dichanthium sericeum, Leptochloa digitata, Lomandra
longifolia or Panicum spp. Occurs on fringing levees and banks of major
rivers and drainage lines of alluvial plains throughout the region. Soils
are very deep, alluvial, grey and brown cracking clays with or without
some texture contrast. These are usually moderately deep to deep, soft
or firm, acid, neutral or alkaline brown sands, loams or black cracking
or non-cracking clays, and may be sodic at depth (Burgess 2003).
(BVG1M: 16a)
11.3.26 Eucalyptus moluccana or Eucalyptus microcarpa or Eucalyptus Least concern No concern at present
woollsiana +/- Eucalyptus populnea +/- Eucalyptus melanophloia tall
open-forest to woodland +/- Allocasuarina luehmannii low tree layer
and a grassy ground layer. In northern subregions, there may be shrub
layer of any of Eremophila mitchellii, Flindersia dissosperma, Citrus
glauca or Petalostigma pubescens, with a sparse grassy ground layer.
Occurs on margins of Cainozoic alluvial plains on deep texture contrast
soils. (BVG1M: 13d)
11.3.27 Freshwater wetlands. Vegetation is variable including open water Least concern Of concern
with or without aquatic species and fringing sedgelands and eucalypt
woodlands. Occurs in a variety of situations including lakes, billabongs,
oxbows and depressions on floodplains. (BVG1M: 34d)
11.3.29 Eucalyptus crebra, Euclyptus exserta, Corymbia dallachiana, Corymbia Least concern No concern at present
intermedia woodland usually with a low tree understorey of Melaleuca
viridiflora and Melaleuca nervosa. Occurs on broad plains and fans
formed from Quaternary alluvium. Usually associated with bleached
sodic duplex soils. (BVG1M: 18b)
11.5.2 Eucalyptus crebra +/- Corymbia clarksoniana +/- Corymbia citriodora Least concern No concern at present
+/- Eucalyptus moluccana woodland. Sparse ground layer and sparse
to mid-dense shrub/low tree layer. On duplex soils, Allocasuarina
luehmannii low tree layer is often present and can be the dominant layer
in some areas. Other canopy or sub-canopy trees that may be present
include Lysicarpus angustifolius, Acacia rhodoxylon, Eucalyptus exserta,
Eucalyptus tenuipes and Corymbia tessellaris. Occurs on Cainozoic
sandplains which are often below hills and ranges. (BVG1M: 18b)
11.5.8 Mosaic of Melaleuca viridiflora and/or Melaleuca nervosa woodland Least concern No concern at present
and Eucalyptus crebra, Corymbia intermedia, Eucalyptus latisinensis and
Lophostemon suaveolens woodland. Occurs on gently undulating plains
and rises formed from unconsolidated course and medium textured
Cainozoic sediments. Associated soils are yellow and brown duplex or
yellow and red gradational. (BVG1M: 21a)
| 114 |
Status
11.5.9 Eucalyptus crebra and/or Eucalyptus melanophloia woodland. Other Least concern No concern at present
tree species that may be present and locally dominant include Corymbia
citriodora or Corymbia clarksoniana sometimes in association with
Corymbia intermedia, Corymbia dallachiana, Corymbia lamprophylla,
Eucalyptus tenuipes, Eucalyptus exserta, Eucalyptus cloeziana, Eucalyptus
acmenoides. The mid layer ranges from absent to a sparse to dense
shrubland typically dominated by Acacia spp. (such as Acacia excelsa,
Acacia leiocalyx), Petalostigma pubescens, Lysicarpus angustifolius,
Alphitonia excelsa and occasionally Melaleuca nervosa (on texture
contrast soils). Occurs on plateaus and broad crests of hills and ranges
which are formed by Cainozoic sandplains. Soils are generally deep red
earths. (BVG1M: 18b)
11.10.4 Eucalyptus decorticans predominates forming a distinct but discontinuous Least concern No concern at present
canopy (25-30m high). Eucalyptus decorticans usually forms pure
stands, however other Eucalyptus spp. often form part of the canopy
and dominate Other tree species that may be present and/or dominant
include Acacia shirleyi, Angophora leiocarpa, Callitris glaucophylla,
Eucalyptus apothalassica, Lysicarpus angustifolius, Eucalyptus exserta,
Eucalyptus fibrosa subsp. nubila, Eucalyptus panda, Eucalyptus tenuipes,
Corymbia trachyphloia, and Eucalyptus virens. On very rocky shallow
soils, Eucalyptus bakeri, Eucalyptus curtisii or Eucalyptus viridis may occur.
Acacia shirleyi is the most frequent tall shrub, although other Acacia
spp. may be locally dominant. There is usually a low tree or tall shrub
layer dominated by species such as Acacia sparsiflora, Acacia burrowii,
Callitris endlicheri, Allocasuarina inophloia, Acacia spp., Eucalyptus
tenuipes, Alphitonia excelsa and Petalostigma pubescens. A low shrub
layer is not usually present, however where it occurs Acacia spp. and
Dodonaea triangularis usually predominate. The ground layer is sparse
to open, and dominated by perennial grasses, usually Aristida spp. or
Arundinella nepalensis. Occurs on crests, scarps and upper slopes of
ranges formed from medium to coarse-grained sediments with shallow
soils. (BVG1M: 12a)
11.11.3 Corymbia citriodora, Eucalyptus crebra and Eucalyptus acmenoides Least concern No concern at present
open-forest often with a Allocasuarina torulosa and whipstick
Lophostemon confertus and/or Xanthorrhoea spp. and Macrozamia spp.
tall shrub or low tree layer. Generally occurs on sub-coastal hills and
ranges formed on moderately to strongly deformed and metamorphosed
sediments and interbedded volcanics. (BVG1M: 10a)
11.11.4 Eucalyptus crebra woodland +/- Corymbia citriodora +/- Eucalyptus Least concern No concern at present
tereticornis +/- Corymbia tessellaris +/- Lophostemon suaveolens
with Xanthorrhoea spp. and Macrozamia spp. often present in shrub
layer. Eucalyptus moluccana often dominates the tree canopy on lower
colluvial slopes. Generally occurs on coastal hills and ranges formed on
moderately to strongly deformed and metamorphosed sediments and
interbedded volcanics. (BVG1M: 13c)
Status
11.11.5 Microphyll rainforest (with or without Araucaria cunninghamii emergents) Least concern No concern at present
and semi-evergreen vine thicket. Floristics and structure varies with
site. There is usually a continuous tree canopy (9-15m high) with
a wide range of species including Flindersia australis, Backhousia
kingii, Excoecaria dallachyana, Melia azedarach, Ficus spp., Strychnos
psilosperma, Macropteranthes leichhardtii and Alstonia constricta. An
emergent tree layer (12-20m high) commonly occurs with species
including Brachychiton australis, Brachychiton rupestris, Flindersia
australis, Ficus spp. Araucaria cunninghamii and sometimes Eucalyptus
spp. There is a shrub layer (1-3m high) with density depending on
canopy cover and frequent species including Croton spp., Abutilon spp.,
Capparis spp. Acalypha eremorum and Codonocarpus attenuatus.
Ferns, mosses and vines are common. Occurs on hilly terrain with slopes
ranging from 55 and up to 80% locally. Formed from moderately to
strongly deformed and metamorphosed sediments and interbedded
volcanics. Associated soils are generally shallow loams and clays with
minor areas of deeper cover. (BVG1M: 7a)
11.11.15 Eucalyptus crebra +/- Corymbia erythrophloia +/- Eucalyptus populnea Least concern No concern at present
+/- Eucalyptus melanophloia +/- Corymbia tessellaris +/- Corymbia
clarksoniana woodland often with a shrubby layer. Eucalyptus exserta
and Eucalyptus platyphylla present in central coastal part of bioregion.
Occurs on undulating rises and low hills, often with distinct strike pattern
formed on moderately to strongly deformed and metamorphosed
sediments and interbedded volcanics and Permian sediments. (BVG1M:
13c)
11.12.3 Eucalyptus crebra, Eucalyptus tereticornis +/- Angophora leiocarpa and Least concern Of concern
Eucalyptus melanophloia woodland. Other tree species that may be
present include Corymbia clarksoniana, Corymbia tessellaris, Corymbia
erythrophloia, Corymbia citriodora and Eucalyptus exserta. There is
usually a low tree layer with species including Alphitonia excelsa and
Petalostigma pubescens. Occurs on hills and lower slopes derived from
granitic rocks. (BVG1M: 13c)
11.12.4 Araucaria cunninghamii is a common emergent from the general canopy Least concern No concern at present
layer with is 15-28 metres high. Canopy species include Paraserianthes
toona, Ficus virens, Canarium australianum, Alstonia scholaris,
Planchonella pohlmaniana, Cleistanthus dallachyanus and Backhousia
citriodora. Common shrub or understorey species are Mackinlaya
macrosciadea, Baloghia inophylla, Polyalthia nitidissima, Bosistoa brassii
and Aglaia sapindina. The sparse ground layer includes species such
as Scleria sphacelata and Adiantum hispidulum. Vines and epiphytes
are common and include Microsorum punctatum, Cissus oblonga,
Tetrastigma thorsborneorum, Smilax australis and Pisonia aculeata.
Eucalyptus moluccana often associated with lower slopes on sandy sites.
Occurs on low hills, ranges and boulder strewn slopes formed from
Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous rocks including granite. (BVG1M: 7a)
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Status
11.12.6 Corymbia citriodora, Eucalyptus crebra, Eucalyptus macrocarpa Least concern No concern at present
+/- Eucalyptus moluccana, Angophora leiocarpa and Eucalyptus
melanophloia open-forest to woodland. Other tree species that may
be present include Eucalyptus tereticornis +/- Corymbia tessellaris
+/- Corymbia clarksoniana and Eucalyptus fibrosa. Can include
areas of Eucalyptus suffulgens in the east of the bioregion. There is
generally a sparse to moderately dense mid layer dominated by species
such as Alphitonia excelsa, Petalostigma pubescens, Acacia spp.
and occasionally Callitris glaucophylla or Eucalyptus exserta. Occurs
on gently undulating lower slopes of hills formed from Mesozoic to
Proterozoic igneous rocks (granite). Associated soils are often deep
texture contrast with thin sandy or loamy surface horizon over acid
mottled subsoil’s to shallow sandy or loamy skeletal soils. May include
areas that occur on deeply weathered granite (land zone 5 or 7).
(BVG1M: 10a)
12.1.1 Notophyll and notophyll/microphyll vine forest, sometimes with Of concern Of concern
Archontophoenix cunninghamiana and/or Lophostemon confertus closed
forest. The plant families Lauraceae, Myrtaceae and Elaeocarpaceae
are diagnostic of the type and Pouteria queenslandica is common in the
northern half of the bioregion. Araucaria cunninghamii is often present
on margins. Occurs in gullies on Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous rocks
especially granite and rhyolite. (BVG1M: 4a)
12.1.2 Saltpan vegetation comprising Sporobolus virginicus grassland and Least concern No concern at present
samphire herbland. Grasses including Zoysia macrantha subsp.
macrantha sometimes present in upper portions of tidal flats. Includes
saline or brackish sedgelands. Occurs on Quaternary estuarine deposits.
Marine plains/tidal flats. (BVG1M: 35b)
12.1.3 Mangrove shrubland to low closed forest. Occurs on Quaternary Least concern No concern at present
estuarine deposits. (BVG1M: 35a)
12.2.2 Microphyll/notophyll vine forest. Characteristic species include Of concern Endangered
Cupaniopsis anacardioides, Flindersia schottiana, Alectryon coriaceus,
Elaeocarpus obovatus, Polyalthia nitidissima, Diospyros spp., Pleiogynium
timorense and Mallotus discolor. Melaleuca spp. and eucalypt emergents
may be present, e.g. Melaleuca dealbata and Corymbia tessellaris.
Occurs on Quaternary coastal dunes and beaches. (BVG1M: 3b)
12.2.7 Melaleuca quinquenervia or Melalueca viridiflora or Melaleuca dealbata Least concern Of concern
open-forest to woodland. Other species include Eucalyptus tereticornis,
Corymbia intermedia, Eucalyptus bancroftii, Eucalyptus latisinensis,
Eucalyptus robusta, Lophostemon suaveolens and Livistona decora.
A shrub layer may occur with frequent species including Melastoma
malabathricum subsp. malabathricum or Banksia robur. The ground
layer is sparse to dense and comprised of species including the ferns
Pteridium esculentum and Blechnum indicum the sedges Schoenus
brevifolius, Baloskion tetraphyllum, Baumea rubiginosa and Gahnia
sieberiana and the grass Imperata cylindrica. Occurs on Quaternary
coastal dunes and seasonally waterlogged sandplains usually fringing
drainage system behind beach ridge plains or on old dunes, swales and
sandy coastal creek levees. (BVG1M: 22a)
12.2.9 Banksia aemula low shrubby woodland. Mallee eucalypts sometimes Least concern No concern at present
present, e.g. Eucalyptus latisinensis. Occurs on Quaternary coastal
dunes and sandplains with deeply leached soils. (BVG1M: 29a)
Status
12.2.11 Open-forest to woodland species include Corymbia tessellaris, Least concern No concern at present
Eucalyptus tereticornis, Callitris columellaris, Petalostigma pubescens,
Corymbia intermedia or Corymbia clarksoniana, Eucalyptus exserta,
Livistona decora, Planchonia careya, Leptospermum neglectum, Acacia
julifera. Melaleuca dealbata and Eucalyptus tereticornis in swales. Vine
forest species sometimes present as sub canopy or understorey. Occurs
on Quaternary coastal beach ridges and swales. (BVG1M: 9f)
12.2.12 Closed or wet heath +/- stunted emergent shrubs/low trees. Least concern No concern at present
Characteristic shrubs include Banksia spp. (especially Banksia robur),
Boronia falcifolia, Epacris spp., Baeckea frutescens, Schoenus brevifolius,
Leptospermum spp., Hakea actites, Melaleuca thymifolia, Melaleuca
nodosa, Xanthorrhoea fulva with Baloskion spp. and Sporadanthus spp.
in ground layer. Occurs on poorly drained Quaternary coastal dunes
and sandplains. Low part of sand mass coastal landscapes where water
collects from both overland flow and infiltration from adjoining sand
dunes. (BVG1M: 29a)
12.2.14 Strand and fore dune complex comprising Spinifex sericeus grassland Least concern No concern at present
Casuarina equisetifolia subsp. incana woodland/open-forest and
with Acacia leiocalyx, Acacia disparrima subsp. disparrima, Banksia
integrifolia subsp. integrifolia, Pandanus tectorius, Corymbia tessellaris,
Cupaniopsis anacardioides, Acronychia imperforata. Occurs mostly on
frontal dunes and beaches but can occur on exposed parts of dunes
further inland. (BVG1M: 28a)
12.2.15 Coastal sedgeland with Baumea spp., Juncus spp. Lepironia articulata, Least concern No concern at present
Gahnia spp. And Eleocharis spp. and associated water bodies. Occurs
on Quaternary coastal dunes and beaches. Low part of coastal
landscape where water collects from both overland flow and infiltration
from adjoining sand dunes. (BVG1M: 34c)
12.2.16 Sand blows largely devoid of vegetation. Sand blows on large sand Of concern Of concern
islands. (BVG1M: 28d)
12.3.3 Eucalyptus tereticornis open-forest to woodland. Eucalyptus crebra and Endangered Endangered
Eucalyptus moluccana are sometimes present and may be relatively
abundant in places, especially on edges of plains and higher level
alluvium. Other species that may be present as scattered individuals
or clumps include Angophora subvelutina or Angophora floribunda,
Corymbia clarksoniana, Corymbia intermedia, Corymbia tessellaris,
Lophostemon suaveolens and Eucalyptus melanophloia. Occurs on
broad Quaternary alluvial plains where rainfall is usually less than
1000mm/y. (BVG1M: 16a)
12.3.5 Melaleuca quinquenervia open-forest to woodland. Understorey Least concern Of concern
depends upon duration of water logging; sedges and ferns, especially
Blechnum indicum, in wetter microhabitats and grasses and shrubs
in drier microhabitats. Ground layer species include the grasses
Leersia hexandra and Imperata cylindrica, the sedges/rushes, Baumea
rubiginosa, Gahnia sieberiana, Lepironia articulata, Schoenus brevifolius
and Schoenus scabripes and the fern Lygodium microphyllum. Other tree
species that may be present as scattered individuals or clumps include
Lophostemon suaveolens, Eucalyptus robusta, Eucalyptus tereticornis,
Eucalyptus bancroftii, Eucalyptus latisinensis, Corymbia intermedia,
Melaleuca salicina, Livistona australis, Casuarina glauca, Endiandra
sieberi. Melastoma malabathricum subsp. malabathricum, Glochidion
sumatranum and Melicope elleryana are often in understorey. Occurs on
Quaternary alluvial plains in coastal areas. (BVG1M: 22a)
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Status
12.3.6 Melaleuca quinquenervia, Eucalyptus tereticornis, Lophostemon Least concern No concern at present
suaveolens +/- Corymbia intermedia open-forest to woodland with a
grassy ground layer dominated by species such as Imperata cylindrica.
Occurs on Quaternary floodplains and fringing drainage lines in coastal
areas. (BVG1M: 22a)
12.3.7 Narrow fringing community of Eucalyptus tereticornis, Melaleuca Least concern No concern at present
viminalis, Casuarina cunninghamiana +/- Waterhousea floribunda.
Other species associated with this RE include Melaleuca bracteata,
Melaleuca trichostachya, Melaleuca linariifolia and Melaleuca fluviatilis
in north of bioregion. Lomandra hystrix often present in stream beds.
Occurs on fringing levees and banks of rivers and drainage lines of
alluvial plains throughout the region. (BVG1M: 16a)
12.3.8 Characteristic species include Cyperus spp., Schoenoplectus spp., Of concern Of concern
Philydrum lanuginosum, Eleocharis spp., Leersia hexandra, Triglochin
procerum, Nymphaea spp., Nymphoides indica, Persicaria spp.,
Phragmites karka Typha spp. and a wide range of sedges grasses
or forbs. Occurs in freshwater swamps associated with floodplains.
(BVG1M: 34c)
12.3.10 Eucalyptus populnea +/- Eucalyptus tereticornis grassy woodland/tall Endangered Endangered
woodland +/- patches of Acacia harpophylla and Melaleuca bracteata.
Occurs on Quaternary alluvial plains. (BVG1M: 17a)
12.3.11 Open-forest to woodland of Eucalyptus tereticornis, Eucalyptus Of concern Of concern
siderophloia and Corymbia intermedia. Corymbia tessellaris,
Lophostemon suaveolens and Melaleuca quinquenervia frequently
occur and often form a low tree layer. Other species present in scattered
patches or low densities include Angophora leiocarpa, Eucalyptus
exserta, Eucalyptus grandis, Corymbia trachyphloia, Corymbia citriodora,
Eucalyptus latisinensis, Eucalyptus tindaliae, Eucalyptus racemosa,
Melaleuca sieberi and Melaleuca viridiflora. Eucalyptus seeana may be
present south of Landsborough. Occurs on Quaternary alluvial plains
and drainage lines along coastal lowlands. Rainfall usually exceeds
1000mm/y. (BVG1M: 16c)
12.3.12 Melaleuca viridiflora, Eucalyptus latisinensis or Eucalyptus exserta +/- Least concern Of concern
Melaleuca quinquenervia, Corymbia intermedia, Eucalyptus tereticornis
woodland to low open-woodland. Occurs on drainage lines along
coastal lowlands. (BVG1M: 21a)
12.3.13 Closed or wet heathland. Characteristic species include Melaleuca Least concern Of concern
thymifolia, Banksia robur, Xanthorrhoea fulva, Hakea actites,
Leptospermum spp. and Baeckea frutescens. Occurs on seasonally
waterlogged Quaternary alluvial plains along coastal lowlands.
(BVG1M: 29a)
12.3.14 Banksia aemula woodland +/- mallee eucalypt low woodland. Of concern Of concern
Associated canopy species include Eucalyptus latisinensis, Corymbia
intermedia, Eucalyptus robusta and Lophostemon confertus. Occurs on
Quaternary alluvial plains along coastal lowlands. (BVG1M: 29a)
12.5.1 Open-forest complex generally with Corymbia trachyphloia, Corymbia Least concern No concern at present
citriodora +/- Eucalyptus crebra, Eucalyptus longirostrata, Corymbia
intermedia, Eucalyptus major, Eucalyptus fibrosa subsp. fibrosa (can be
locally common) and Eucalyptus acmenoides. Localised occurrences of
Eucalyptus taurina, Eucalyptus decorticans, Eucalyptus dura, Eucalyptus
cloeziana and Eucalyptus melanoleuca. Understorey grassy or shrubby.
Occurs on remnant Tertiary surfaces, usually with deep red soils.
(BVG1M: 10b)
Status
12.5.4 Eucalyptus spp., Corymbia spp., Melaleuca spp. shrubby or grassy open- Least concern No concern at present
forest to woodland. Characteristic species include Angophora leiocarpa,
Eucalyptus latisinensis, Eucalyptus siderophloia, Eucalyptus exserta,
Corymbia intermedia, Corymbia trachyphloia, Lophostemon suaveolens,
Melaleuca viridiflora, Melaleuca quinquenervia, Melaleuca nodosa
and Grevillea banksii. Patches of Allocasuarina luehmannii or Banksia
oblongifolia present locally and Xanthorrhoea johnsonii common in
ground layer. Occurs on complex of remnant Tertiary surfaces and
Tertiary sedimentary rocks. (BVG1M: 9g)
12.9.2 Astrebla pectinata tussock grasslands, occasionally with Acacia Least concern No concern at present
cambagei or Eucalyptus microtheca emergents. Astrebla elymoides in
depressions. Occurs on plains on Quaternary alluvium; calcareous grey
or brown clays. (BVG1M: 30a)
12.11.4 Low microphyll vine forest and semi-evergreen vine thicket. Characteristic Of concern Of concern
species include Backhousia kingii, Pleiogynium timorense, Aidia
racemosa, Archidendropsis thozetiana, Atalaya rigida, Barklya
syringifolia, Bridelia leichhardtii, Elaeodendron melanocarpum,
Choricarpia subargentea, Flueggea leucopyrus, Homalium alnifolium
and Terminalia porphyrocarpa. Melaleuca bracteata is often present
along watercourses. Occurs on Palaeozoic and older moderately to
strongly deformed and metamorphosed sediments and interbedded
volcanics. (BVG1M: 7a)
12.11.6 Open-forest to woodland of Corymbia citriodora generally with Least concern No concern at present
Eucalyptus crebra. Other species such as Eucalyptus fibrosa subsp.
fibrosa, Eucalyptus exserta, Eucalyptus tereticornis, Eucalyptus
moluccana, Eucalyptus melanophloia, Angophora leiocarpa may be
present in scattered patches or in low densities. Understorey grassy
or shrubby. Occurs on Palaeozoic and older moderately to strongly
deformed and metamorphosed sediments and interbedded volcanics.
Drier habitats than RE 12.11.5. (BVG1M: 10b)
12.11.7 Eucalyptus crebra woodland. Other species such as Corymbia Least concern No concern at present
clarksoniana may be present in low densities or in patches. Occurs
on Palaeozoic and older moderately to strongly deformed and
metamorphosed sediments and interbedded volcanics. (BVG1M: 13c)
12.11.12 Microphyll and microphyll/notophyll vine forest +/- Araucaria Of concern Of concern
cunninghamii. Characteristic species include Archidendropsis
thozetiana, Argyrodendron sp. (Kin Kin W.D.Francis AQ81198), Croton
acronychioides, Cupaniopsis simulata, Dendrocnide photinophylla,
Diospyros geminata, Drypetes deplanchei, Ficus virens, Cryptocarya
bidwillii, Planchonella myrsinifolia, Pleiogynium timorense, Vitex
lignum-vitae and Vitex acuminata. In places this RE is actively invading
adjacent eucalypt forest in absence of fire (e.g. Goodnight Scrub).
Occurs on Palaeozoic and older moderately to strongly deformed and
metamorphosed sediments and interbedded volcanics. (BVG1M: 5a)
| 120 |
Status
12.11.14 Eucalyptus crebra, Eucalyptus tereticornis grassy woodland. Other Of concern Of concern
species including Eucalyptus melanophloia, Corymbia clarksoniana,
Corymbia erythrophloia, Corymbia tessellaris, Angophora spp. may be
present in low densities or in patches. Mid-layer generally sparse but
can include low trees such as Acacia bidwillii, Capparis spp., Dodonaea
triquetra, Alphitonia excelsa and Xanthorrhoea spp. Occurs on mid and
lower slopes on Palaeozoic and older moderately to strongly deformed
and metamorphosed sediments and interbedded volcanics. (BVG1M:
13c)
12.11.18 Eucalyptus moluccana open-forest +/- Corymbia citriodora, Eucalyptus Least concern No concern at present
fibrosa subsp. fibrosa, Eucalyptus tereticornis, Eucalyptus longirostrata,
Eucalyptus acmenoides or Eucalyptus portuensis, Eucalyptus resinifera.
Occurs on Palaeozoic and older moderately to strongly deformed and
metamorphosed sediments and interbedded volcanics. Occurs as
scattered occurrences in a range of topographic positions from ridgetops
to lower slopes. (BVG1M: 13d)
12.11.21 Allocasuarina luehmannii, Melaleuca nervosa open-woodland with Of concern Of concern
Eucalyptus exserta and emergent Eucalyptus crebra, Eucalyptus
populnea. Occurs on Palaeozoic and older moderately to strongly
deformed and metamorphosed sediments and interbedded volcanics.
(BVG1M: 9h)
12.12.5 Open-forest to woodland of Corymbia citriodora, usually with Eucalyptus Least concern No concern at present
crebra. Other species such as Eucalyptus exserta, Eucalyptus moluccana
present in scattered patches or in low densities. Understorey generally
grassy. Occurs on hills and ranges on Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous
rocks. (BVG1M: 10b)
12.12.7 Eucalyptus crebra grassy woodland. Other species such as Corymbia Least concern No concern at present
erythrophloia, Eucalyptus exserta, Eucalyptus tereticornis, Corymbia
tessellaris, Corymbia citriodora may be present in low densities or in
patches. Mid-layer generally sparse but can include low trees such
as Acacia bidwillii, Alphitonia excelsa, Allocasuarina luehmannii,
Petalostigma pubescens. Small areas of Callitris glaucophylla occur in
central western parts of bioregion. Occurs on Mesozoic to Proterozoic
igneous rocks. (BVG1M: 13c)
12.12.8 Eucalyptus melanophloia, usually with Eucalyptus crebra +/- Corymbia Of concern Of concern
erythrophloia grassy woodland. Other species such as Eucalyptus
exserta, Eucalyptus tereticornis, Corymbia tessellaris, Corymbia citriodora
may be present in low densities or in patches Occurs on Mesozoic to
Proterozoic igneous rocks. (BVG1M: 17b)
12.12.12 Eucalyptus tereticornis, Eucalyptus crebra (sometimes Eucalyptus Of concern Of concern
siderophloia) open-forest to woodland. Other species present can
include Eucalyptus melanophloia, Corymbia tessellaris, Angophora
subvelutina, Angophora leiocarpa, Corymbia clarksoniana (central and
northern parts) and Eucalyptus siderophloia, Corymbia intermedia with
Melaleuca quinquenervia, Lophostemon suaveolens near drainage lines
in moister areas. Occurs on Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous rocks,
especially granite lowlands and basins. (BVG1M: 9h)
Status
12.12.13 Microphyll and microphyll/notophyll vine forest +/- Araucaria Least concern No concern at present
cunninghamii. Characteristic species include Argyrodendron trifoliolatum,
Argyrodendron sp. (Kin Kin W.D.Francis AQ81198), Dendrocnide
photinophylla, Diospyros geminata, Drypetes deplanchei, Ficus virens,
Cryptocarya bidwillii, Planchonella myrsinifolia, Vitex lignum-vitae,
Hernandia bivalvis, Croton acronychioides, Flindersia spp. Olea
paniculata, Excoecaria dallachyana, Gossia bidwillii and on northern half
of bioregion Vitex acuminata, Archidendropsis thozetiana, Pleiogynium
timorense and Cupaniopsis simulata. Occurs on Mesozoic to Proterozoic
igneous rocks. (BVG1M: 2a)
12.12.19 Vegetation complex of exposed rocky headlands. Vegetation types Of concern Of concern
include Themeda triandra grassland and wind-sheared shrubland and
woodland. Occurs on Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous headlands.
(BVG1M: 29a)
12.12.21 Corymbia intermedia, Eucalyptus exserta +/- Corymbia clarksoniana, Of concern Of concern
Eucalyptus crebra woodland. Occurs on Mesozoic to Proterozoic
igneous rocks and adjacent metamorphics. (BVG1M: 9h)
12.12.28 Eucalyptus moluccana +/- Eucalyptus crebra, Corymbia citriodora Of concern Of concern
open-forest or woodland. Occurs on broad ridges and lower slopes on
Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous rocks. (BVG1M: 13d)
Source: Regional Ecosystems Description Database (REDD) v. 6.0b (2011)
| 122 |
Figure 6-27 Bioregions and Essential Habitat of the Curtis Coast Region
Figure 6-28 Regional Ecosystems of the Curtis Coast
Flora Species These communities also contain the highest proportion of rare and
threatened species of any vegetation community on the Curtis Coast.
Three sources were searched to compile a list of flora species known Other communities such as the shrub or middle stratum vegetation
from the local area. The full results for these searches are provided types comprise species that are not equipped with internal fire
in Table 7-3 and Table 7-4 of Appendix C. Seagrass species are defence mechanisms. Often, it is their seeds which are designed
not included as they are discussed in more detail in the following to accommodate fire, therefore, these species need sufficient time
sections. The databases and search results are summarised as between fires to allow new plants to reach maturity and produce
follows: seeds.
• The EPBC Protected Matters Online Search Tool: this Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has a
is a predictive search tool that uses bioclimatic modelling comprehensive Fire Management System which includes planning,
and previous known locations to compile a list of matters implementing, monitoring, evaluating and reporting its fire
of national environmental significance predicted to occur management activities. The main consideration for fire management
for a nominated area. Matters of national environmental for QPWS is to protect life and property, and to maintain natural
significance protected by the EPBC Act include individual diversity and forest production (QPWS, 2007). DERM conducts
species of flora and fauna and places. There was a total controlled burns throughout the region to reduce the impacts of
of 9 flora species of conservation significance listed for the wildfires such as those where certain communities have a lower
Curtis Coast region in the EPBC Protected Matters search; tolerance to fire (QPWS, 2007). Many of the littoral scrub, vine
thickets and closed-forest vegetation types have evolved without
• The Wildlife Online database: this database contains fire and will not persist under any type of fire regime. It is also
records of all species of flora and fauna reported to DERM no coincidence that these communities also contain the highest
staff and members of the public (generally holders of proportion of rare and threatened species of any community along
permits or licenses, for example to undertake research or the Curtis Coast.
to collect native fauna or flora). It is not restricted to species Other communities, such as the shrub or middle stratum vegetation
of conservation significance, as the Protected Matters types, comprise species which are not equipped with internal fire
Online Search Tool is, and it is not predictive. However, its defence features. Often it is the seeds of these species which are
records may not be 100% reliable as sightings will depend designed to accommodate fire. These species therefore need
on the skill and knowledge of the recorder, whose details sufficient time between fires to allow each to reach maturity where
are unknown, and who come from a diverse range of upon it can produce seed. Successive fires will ultimately see these
backgrounds. There was a total of 689 flora species listed in communities replaced by grassland species.
the Wildlife Online search of the Curtis Coast region.
6.9.2 Aquatic Flora
• The HERBRECS database: this database contains the
Queensland Herbarium records of all samples sent to them On land, the flowering plants are primarily producers of organic
for identification by the public, or collected by Herbarium material which either directly or indirectly support all animal life. In
staff. All records are based on samples that have been the ocean, it is the algae and the relatively few flowering plants that
identified by Herbarium botanists, and so the species form the basis of food chains for many thousands of other marine
identification has a high level of reliability. However, data species. Additionally, aquatic flora provides an important habitat
on location is not always very exact and can be unreliable. and source of food for other marine life including recreational and
There was a total of 1901 flora species in the HERBRECS commercial fish species and significant conservational species.
search of the Curtis Coast region.
For the purpose of this report, aquatic vegetation has been divided
Other individual flora species not listed in these databases may into algae, seagrass, mangroves, saltmarshes.
have been identified from site specific surveys undertaken for various
urban and industrial developments. However, it is beyond the scope Algae
of study to cover all these here.
Algae are simple photosynthetic plants which have non-vascular
Fire systems. They may exist in a number of forms from single cells
to multicellular filaments and ribbons with complex internal
The distribution and composition of most vegetation types throughout organisation. Algae are generally classified into divisions, which for
Queensland is influenced by fire history. Most of the State’s the purposes of this report are represented in terms of planktonic
vegetation has evolved with fire ignited by either lightning strikes or (floating) and benthic (bottom) dwelling organisms.
Aboriginal practices. More recently as part of European settlement,
fire has been used to assist land clearing operations, promote the Planktonic
growth of grasses for feed, control weed species, encourage specific
habitats or biodiversity and reduce fuel loads. Although they are the dominant green organisms of the sea,
phytoplankton or planktonic algae are generally microscopic in size.
Fire is a legitimate tool in managing vegetation for agricultural,
Within the Port Curtis area, QDEH (1994) identified 135 different
human protection or ecological values. Its application, however,
species of planktonic algae from 11 different algal divisions.
needs careful consideration.
Planktonic algae are of ecological and economic importance. They
Many of the littoral scrub, vine thicket and closed-forest vegetation
types have evolved without fire and will not persist under any type of
fire regime.
vary considerably, with many species providing an important food Fourteen species of seagrass are known to occur in Queensland and
source particularly during the early larval stages (zooplankton) of seven have been identified within the Curtis Coast region, although
crustaceans such as prawns and crabs. Others such as some of the not all species have been present in all surveys:
dinoflagellates and cyanobacteria or blue-green algae are regarded
as toxic. • Halodule uninervis (wide and narrow leaf morphology);
One of the most striking planktonic algae found along the • Cymodocea rotundata (first identified in 2009);
Curtis Coast and offshore waters is Oscillatoria (Trichodesmium)
erythraeum, or sometimes incorrectly referred to as ‘coral spawn’. • Halophila decipiens;
Towards late spring and summer the coastal waters may become
streaked with what appears to be a rust coloured slick. These slicks • Halophila minor;
have an oily sheen and are made up of visible red-brown specks
also known as ‘sea sawdust’. Although these slicks are non-toxic • Halophila ovalis;
they are often associated with an offensive odour.
• Halophila spinulosa (not seen in 2010 survey); and
Benthic • Zostera capricorni (Rasheed et. al., 2003, Thomas et. al.,
2010 and Chartrand et. al., 2011) (Figure 6-29).
Algae from four marine algal divisions have been identified in
the Curtis Coast region, Phaeophyta (brown), Rhodophyta (red), Monitoring of seagrasses commenced in the Curtis Coast region in
Chlorophyta (green) and Cyanobacteria (blue-green). 2002, with the baseline survey covering the Port of Gladstone limits,
with Rodds Bay utilised as a reference area. The survey identified
Rock substrate, combined with clear oceanic waters off Facing and 135 discrete coastal and deepwater seagrass meadows.
Curtis Islands and to a lesser extent Hummock Hill, Rodds Peninsula
and the mouth of Boyne River, provide conditions which support The meadows varied in area, biomass, community structure and
algal reef complexes. species dominance (Rasheed et. al., 2003). Most seagrasses within
the Curtis Coast region are found in mixed associations of up to four
Brown algae are the dominant species found in algal reefs of the species with a percentage foliage cover ranging from less than 10%
Curtis Coast. In some areas, such as the eastern side of Facing to greater than 90% (Rasheed et.al., 2003). The area covered by
Island, algal and coral species combine to form a complex reef seagrass depends upon the location, with intertidal and subtidal beds
system. Algal species found in this system include: Cystoseira trinodis, ranging from less than one hectare to over 600 ha (Rasheed et.al.,
Sargassum spp., Colpomenia spp. Species found along the inshore 2003).
creek and estuary systems comprise Dictyota spp., Dictyopteris spp.,
Padina spp., Cystophora spp. and Turbinaria ornata. In 2002, the coastal seagrass communities covered a total area of
approximately 7,000 ha and were delineated into 129 individual
Developing within predominantly brown algal reefs, species of meadows, with 12 meadows completely subtidal. Each of these
red algae emerge including the ubiquitous coralline algae (Jania subtidal meadows were observed immediately adjacent to sand and
adhaerens) found growing sub-tidally throughout, with Galaxaura mud banks (depths < 4m below MSL) and were generally small in
rugosa occurring along the seaward fringe. In addition, green algae spatial extent and dominated by Halophila species.
species generally form mixed communities with other algal groups
and include Udotia argentea, Halimeda spp. and Caulerpa spp. The six large deepwater meadows that were recorded had an area
of approximately 6,332 ha and were dominated by low biomass
Algal mats frequently develop over coastal saltflats which are Halophila species and occurred offshore, from Facing Island and
normally devoid of vascular plants. These mats range in thickness around Seal Rocks, West Banks and East Banks (Rasheed et. al.,
from 5 – 10 mm, however they have been recorded up to 30 2003).
mm. Species include: Caulerpa mexicana, Monostroma spp.,
Rhizoclonium spp., Microcoleus lyngbyaceus and Porphyrosiphon Of the seagrass meadows identified, 13 meadows were chosen
notarisii. to be monitored annually. These meadows were chosen because
of their proximity to coastal (mainly port) developments, or in the
In a survey undertaken by GHD (2009), 23 algal taxa, comprising case of Rodds Bay, as a reference area. Annual surveys of the 13
seven Chlorophyta (green algae), seven Phaeophyta (brown algae) meadows were undertaken from 2004 to 2008 and from 2010 to
and eight Rhodophyta (red algae) were identified across 47 sites 20125. In 2009, the 2002 port wide baseline survey was repeated in
throughout Port Curtis, including the Narrows. From the areas addition to the annual monitoring of the 13 meadows.
covered by this survey, Pelican Banks at the south-eastern end of
Curtis Island contained the highest diversity of algae (GHD, 2009). In the 2009 baseline resurvey, a total of approximately 7,150 ha
of coastal and 4,890 ha of deepwater seagrass meadows were
Seagrass identified (Thomas et. al., 2010). 132 separate meadows were
mapped (4 deepwater, 128 coastal), ranging from 0.1 ha to 736 ha
in area.
Distribution and Abundance
Seagrasses are marine flowering plants which live and grow either 5 The regular annual seagrass survey of monitoring meadows was undertaken in November 2011
and 2012. In 2011, two additional meadows (compared to the 2010 survey) were surveyed during
partially or completely submerged under salt water. Along the Curtis this period and these were located in direct vicinity of planned developments within the Western Basin.
Coast they are typically found in sheltered waters where water clarity The results showed that the total area of seagrass mapped was similar to that of November 2010, but
well below results of 2009. The authors of the report state the major driver of the change was most
allows sufficient light penetration for photosynthetic growth, although likely climate-related with similar declines in seagrass observed state-wide following the 2010-2011 wet
deepwater beds have also been identified at the outer Port of season (Rasheed et. al., 2012). The results of the November 2012 annual survey were not available at
the time of writing.
Gladstone limits (Figure 6-31 and Figure 6-32).
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The distribution of seagrass in the 2009 baseline resurvey was Ecological Significance
broadly similar to that recorded in 2002 (Figure 6-31 and Figure
6-32). Seagrasses help bind together unstable sediments and provide
substrate, habitat, breeding areas, nursery grounds and food sources
An overall loss of ~1,500 ha of seagrass was observed in 2009 for other organisms, some of which have important economic or
compared to 2002, with the majority of the loss (~1,443 ha) being conservation value. For many organisms, seagrass is the foundation
from deepwater meadows located outside the protection of Curtis of the food chain. Its importance to the ecology should therefore not
and Facing Islands and ~95 ha from the coastal meadows (Thomas be underestimated.
et. al., 2010).
Green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and dugongs (Dugong dugong)
Changes in seagrass meadow area and biomass from 2004 – 2008 are marine species which feed directly on seagrasses. Dugong are
and 2010 are shown in Figure 6-33 for the 13 key meadows that known to target Halophila and Halodule species as they are more
are monitored annually. Table 6-13 shows the changes in area in palatable and easily digested than other seagrass species (Lanyon,
these meadows from 2002 to 2010. 1991; Preen, 1995). Given the dominance of Zostera spp. within the
Annual monitoring of the 13 meadows in November 2010 showed Curtis Coast region, this may account for the relatively low numbers
that the total area of the meadows was 42% lower in 2010 of dugong when compared to other sites such as Hervey Bay where
compared to 2009 (Chartrand et. al., 2011). Two meadows were Halodule uninervis and Halophila ovalis dominate.
completely absent including a subtidal meadow at Fisherman’s Other species which feed on organisms within the seagrass bed
Landing and an intertidal meadow at South Trees (Table 6-13). substrate include migratory wader-birds.
The major driver of the observed changes was thought to be
climate related, with similar declines observed Queensland wide Major threats to seagrass relate to water quality. It is particularly
following the significant wet season in late 2009 and early 2010 vulnerable to reduced light conditions and hence turbidity from
(Chartrand et. al., 2011). Rainfall, river flow and temperature are dredging operations, sediment inputs from streams and silt
key drivers of seagrass dynamics in Port Curtis, with light reduction suspended by wave and tidal action. It may also be affected by water
in the 2009/2010 wet season likely to be one of the causes of the pollution such as chemical, anti-fouling paint, oil from shipping and
observed reduction in seagrass meadows (Chartrand et. al., 2011). industrial operations, agricultural run-off including biocides or large
freshwater inflows from rivers and creeks. Increased temperatures
Seagrass cover reported during February and March 2011 showed and changes to water depths as a result of climate change may also
no major recovery compared to previous reporting years (Sankey impact on the distribution and abundance of seagrasses.
and Rasheed, 2011). However, a July 2011 survey reported
increases in seagrass abundance and distribution, with seagrasses
returning to all sites (McCormack et. al., 2011). Seeds of a number
of species were recorded in the March 2011 survey and new shoots
of these species, including Zostera capricorni at Wiggins Island
and Pelican Banks and Halophila ovalis at Wiggins Island and
Fisherman’s Landing were seen in July 2011 (McCormack et. al.,
2011). Further monthly surveys were conducted throughout 2011,
which also showed that seagrass cover at key sites remained at
similar levels or had increased (McCormack and Rasheed, 2011a;
McCormack and Rasheed, 2011b; McCormack and Rasheed,
2011c; McCormack and Chartrand, 2011)6. During this period
there was lower rainfall and increased light availability which most
likely assisted in the beginning of recovery of seagrass meadows
(McCormack and Rasheed 2011b).
Overall, to date, the continued presence of seagrasses in Port Curtis
as documented in the long-term monitoring program indicated that
seagrasses and normal port operations can co-exist (Chartrand et.
al., 2011). However the current reduced abundance and distribution
of seagrasses may result in them being more susceptible to impacts
they are normally be able to resist (Chartrand et. al., 2011).
Given the new developments that are currently proposed in the
Western Basin of the Port of Gladstone, the frequency of seagrass
monitoring has been increased, particularly in areas that are
proposed to be subject to development. Light, temperature and
water quality are also being measured on an ongoing basis to 6 Monthly surveys were continued throughout 2012, with seagrass cover in January 2012 remaining
establish a better understanding of the potential impacts of both at similar levels to late December 2011 (McCormack and Rasheed, 2012a). Throughout February
to early July, seagrass cover was at its lowest levels, which corresponds with the seagrass senescence
dredging and climate induced environmental changes on seagrass period (McCormack and Rasheed, 2012a; McCormack and Rasheed, 2012b; McCormack and
health and distribution. Results of these studies are being published Rasheed, 2012c; McCormack and Rasheed, 2012d; McCormack and Rasheed, 2012e; McCormack
et al., 2012a; Sankey et. al., 2012). Seagrasses generally showed an increase in cover at monitoring
by GPC on their website as they become available. sites during the growing season (from July 2012 to January 2013) especially at the outer harbour sites
at Pelican Banks where Gladstone’s most abundant seagrass meadows are (Davies et. al., 2012a;
Davies et. al., 2012b; Davies et. al., 2012c; McCormack et. al., 2012b).” Twice yearly surveys of all
seagrasses within the Western Basin area, conducted in July and November, found that seagrasses
distribution during November 2012 was the largest recorded since the flooding in 2010 and 2011 (M.
Rasheed 2013 pers. comm.; JCU in preparation).
Zostera capriorni Halodule uninervis (wide)
Halophila ovalis Halophila spinulosa
Figure 6-29 Examples of seagrass within the Curtis Coast Region
Figure 6-30 Example of an Intertidal Seagrass Bed Exposed at Low Tide, Gladstone
Source: Chartrand et. al. (2011)
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Table 6-13 Area (ha) for Key Monitoring Meadows in Port Curtis and Rodd Bay, November 2002, November 2004, October
2005, November 2006, October 2007, November 2008, November 2009, November 2010 and November 2011
Meadow Area (h)

Meadow Location Meadow 2002 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
ID Depth
4 Wiggins Intertidal 35.8±1.7 35.6±1.7 32.5±1.9 35.9±2.1 40.2±2.0 34.6±1.8 41.0±1.8 1.5±0.5 10.27 ±1.2
Island
5 Wiggins Intertidal 149.8±2.5 143.6±2.5 140.11±2.5 147.4±2.5 147.5±2.9 151.2±2.7 154.7±2.9 120.7±5.1 69.5±2.7
Island
6 South Intertidal 46.4±12.9 373.5±11.9 406.4±12.7 428.8±13.0 470.1±12.9 453.1±13.2 457.3±6.0 139.7±18.7 274.4 ±5.5
Fishermans
7 South Subtidal 72.6±11.4 185.6±8.7 112.1±12.3 203.1±8.2 20.6±2.4 65.9±5.1 60.0±10.8 NP NP
Fishermans
8 South Intertidal 269.1±11.3 268.3±12.5 231.1±12.3 275.2±12.0 309.9±12.0 294.9±12.6 311.8±10.4 180.3±18.4 67.7±1.7
Fishermans
9 South Subtidal 268.3±14.9 284.4±7.1 7.0±1.1 143.9±8.0 153.0±8.3 242.5±8.2 286.7±14.2 NP 47.1±32.9
Fishermans
23* The Intertidal - - - - - - 111.4±14.4 102.9±14.1 94.4±20.5
Narrows
43 Pelican Intertidal 624.8±12.3 592.8±12.4 614.6±11.9 606.8±14.5 662.0±13.2 681.4±12.8 644.1±13.3 625.0±14.2 641.3±6.7
Banks
48 Quoin Intertidal/ 421.4±10.2 285.8±21.8 316.6±18.7 285.1±19.9 301.7±19.8 370.9±19.4 62.9±6.8 83.3±58.1 161.7±78.5
Island
Subtidal
52*-57^ Channel Intertidal - - - - - - - 0.4±0.2 2.8±0.4
Islands
58 South Trees Intertidal 71.9±3.9 11.2±2.3 23.7±2.4 24.0±2.4 18.9±2.1 27.4±2.2 22.2±3.5 NP 3.7±0.9
60 South Trees Intertidal 11.1 ± 0.7 0.8±0.4 7.7 ± 0.6 7.5±0.8 7.9±0.8 10.7±0.9 6.4±0.7 1.66±2.1 1.4±0.4
94 Rodd Bay Intertidal 3.1±0.4 2.7±0.8 3.1±0.8 2.9±0.8 3.2±0.8 3.2±0.8 2.6±0.5 3.9±1.1 NP
96 Rodd Bay Intertidal 321.9 ± 303.5±10.3 314.8±10.6 324.4±11.9 327.0±11.5 329.9±11.6 209.1±10.0 217.9±22.2 NP
10.6
104 Rodd Bay Intertidal 47.7±4.3 38.9±3.8 41.9± 3.8 35.6±4.5 36.7±5.2 37.7±5.0 36.4±1.9 30.8+3.4 NP
Source: Rasheed et. al. (2011)
NP = not present
- = data not recorded at that site for that year
*meadows 23 and 52 were not included in the original 13 annually monitored meadows, but have recently been added to the annual monitoring due to their proximity to potential dredging and port development.
^meadows 52-57 formed one isolated patch in the 2011 surveys.
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Figure 6-31 Difference in Seagrass Distribution in the Northern Port Curtis Region Between 2002 and 2009 Baseline Surveys
Source: Thomas et. al. (2009)
Figure 6-32 Difference in Seagrass Distribution in the Southern Port Curtis Region Between 2002 and 2009 Baseline Surveys
Source: Thomas et. al. (2009)
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Figure 6-33 Changes in Seagrass Coverage Recorded in Key Monitoring Meadows from 2004 – 2008 and 2010
Mangroves Mangroves form a distinctive vegetation type seaward of the
terrestrial zone and typically form clear species patterns depending
Distribution on environmental influences, particularly tidal inundation. The
distribution of mangroves is determined by several factors such as:
Mangroves are the littoral vegetation types found in tidal areas of topography, salinity, substrate type and exposure to wave action.
sheltered coastlines (Figure 6-34, Figure 6-36). The distribution of Within the Gladstone region it is estimated that mangroves occupy
mangrove species is determined by a number of factors including an area of approximately 203 km2 and a perimeter of 4,855 km
temperature, rainfall and tidal forces. Mangrove diversity increases (Worley Parsons, 2010). Structurally, Curtis Coast mangroves form
from temperate to tropical climates and this can be seen along the five common patterns of distribution, often orientated in linear bands
east coast with Cape York recording 36 species, the Curtis Coast from seaward to the land. These patterns include:
recording 14 species and southeast Queensland recording nine
• Avicennia fringe;
species (Duke, 1992). The 14 mangrove species recorded along the
Curtis Coast are listed in Table 6-14. • Rhizophora zone;
Table 6-14 Mangrove Species Recorded in • Ceriops zone;
the Curtis Coast Region • Coastal saltflat; and
• Ceriops fringe.
Mangrove Species Common Name
The Avicennia fringe is found on the seaward margin of the more
Acanthus ilifolius Holly leaf mangrove sheltered areas of the Curtis Coast directly in front of the Rhizophora
Acrostichum speciosum Mangrove fern zone.
Aegialitis annulata Club mangrove The Rhizophora zone is the most common zone encountered within
the Curtis Coast region. Comprising predominantly Rhizophora
Aegiceras corniculatum River mangrove stylosa it may also include Avicennia marina as an emergent with
Avicennia marina Grey mangrove Aegiceras corniculatum appearing towards the landward edge.
Bruguiera exaristata Orange mangrove The Ceriops zone forms immediately behind the Rhizophora zone
Brugguiera gymnorrhiza Large-leafed orange as a low open shrubland comprising, Ceriops tagal and Avicennia
mangrove marina which may be present as the dominant species (Figure 6-35).
Ceriops tagal Yellow mangrove A coastal saltflat is a distinctive feature of the Curtis Coast,
generally quite extensive and usually devoid of vascular plants, it may
Excoecaria agallocha Milky mangrove contain an occasional thin cover of salt-tolerant herb and grassland
Lumnitzera racemosa Black mangrove species.
Osbornia octodonta Myrtle mangrove The Ceriops fringe occupies the high water mark where it may
Rhizophora stylosa Red mangrove form a narrow margin between the coastal saltflat and terrestrial
vegetation. This fringe varies in structural form species including
Xylocarpus granatum Cannonball mangrove Ceriops tagal, Lumnitzera racemosa and Excoecaria agallocha
Xylocarpus maoluccensis Cedar mangrove occurring together.
As with terrestrial vegetation, mangroves reach distribution limits
Source: Connelly et. al. (2006)
Figure 6-34 Mangrove Boardwalk, Auckland Creek Figure 6-35 Ceriops tagal (foreground) and Avicennia marina
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depending on the species. Port Curtis represents the southern limit
of the distribution of two mangrove species, the orange mangrove
(Bruguiera exaristata) and the cedar mangrove (Xylocarpus
maoluccensis) (Worley Parsons, 2010).
Ecological Significance
Similar to seagrass, the ecological value of mangroves cannot be

overstated. The food chain productivity of estuary and inshore areas
is linked to mangroves via energy flow based on decomposing
organic matter. The level of productivity may depend on the
mangrove community. Several species of mangrove are primary
colonisers which help to bind together unstable sediments, filter
sediment loads from the water column or provide habitat for other
organisms.
Mangroves, combined with other wetland environments, support
many marine organisms. These organisms either spend part of their
lifecycle in the wetland area, or are dependent upon other species
which originate from this area, e.g. offshore game fish depend upon
bait fish which spend part of their lifecycle in coastal wetlands.
In addition to the direct losses of mangroves due to industrial and
urban reclamation, the seaward Avicennia fringe and Rhizophora
zone has incurred substantial losses throughout the Gladstone
harbour over time. In places such as the area between Fisherman’s
Landing and the Calliope River, a strip of up to 100 m wide and
2 km long has been lost since 1941. The cause of this loss is
uncertain, although mangrove dieback (i.e. prolonged inundation
and siltation and the effects of toxic chemicals on mangroves) may
be a reason. Mangrove dieback was first identified by Pegg and
Foresberg (1981) in 1978 at Boyne Island and Colosseum Inlet.
Mangrove dieback is continuing at Fisherman’s Landing however
only 2.25 ha of mangroves have been lost between 2004 and 2009
(Vision Environment, 2010).
Figure 6-36 Mangroves and Saltmarshes of the Curtis Coast
Saltmarshes Important Intertidal Wetlands
Saltmarshes are intertidal environments that are dominated by The Curtis Coast contains six wetlands listed on the Directory of
salt tolerant plants including samphires and salt couches (Figure Important Wetlands including:
6-37). This community represents the transition between the marine
intertidal and terrestrial vegetation. The plants occupy the high • Fitzroy River Delta;
tide mark which is only inundated with water on the high spring or
king tides. This means that the soils of this zone are high in salts • North East Curtis Island;
and low in oxygen levels meaning the salt marsh vegetation of this
• The Narrows;
area is adapted to very harsh growing conditions. The distribution
of saltmarshes in the Curtis Coast region is shown in Figure 6-36. • Port Curtis;
Saltmarshes may also contain areas of saltpans which are often
devoid of vegetation usually located at the high tide mark where they • Colosseum Inlet / Rodds Bay; and
are occasionally inundated with high spring tides. Often saltpans
are covered with algal mats with saltmarsh vegetation occasionally • Bustard Bay Wetlands.
occurring in elevated areas (Danaher et. al., 2005).
These are shown on Figure 1-4. Detailed descriptions of three of
Saltmarsh communities consist of a sparse cover of species such these key wetlands follow:
as saltwater couch (Sporobolus virginicus), pigweed (Portulaca
Port Curtis Wetland
species), prickly saltwort (Salsola kali), Tecticornia species and other
salt tolerant species. Saltmarshes within the Curtis Coast region also Port Curtis Wetland (QLD019)9 qualifies as a wetland of natinal
provide a habitat for a range of fauna species including juvenile importance under the Directory of Important Wetlands (DEWHA,
fish and invertebrates in turn improving local fisheries. Species 2004). The site includes all tidal areas in the vicinity of Gladstone,
that occupy these habitats may include mullet (Mugil cephalus), from a line between Laird Point and Friend Point (southern end of
mangrove jack (Lutjanus argentimaculatus), and barramundi (Lates The Narrows), to a line between Gatcombe Head and Canoe Point,
calcarifer). including the seaward side of Facing Island and Sable Chief Rocks,
and southern Curtis Island west of a line between North Point and
There are approximately 6,900 km2 of saltmarsh in Queensland
Connor Bluff (DEWHA, 2008).
which represents more than a third of the total area of saltmarsh
in Australia (15,195 km2) (Johns, 2010). As with mangrove and Port Curtis wetland is a 31,232 ha wetland comprising a mixture
seagrass species, the diversity of saltmarsh species progressively of partially enclosed embayments, shallow estuaries, rocky islands,
decreases moving north along the east coast of Australia (Johns, intertidal flats, estuarine islands and marine waters. The wetland
2010). While the diversity of saltmarsh communities may be low includes extensive mangrove forests and shrublands dominated by
there is often clear zonation from high to low on the shore. Also, Avicennia, Rhizophora and Ceriops species. The coastal saltpans
during periods of low rainfall and low to no tidal inundation, include areas of bare claypan, low open halophytic shrubland
saltmarsh plants may disappear from the area leaving only saltpans. and sand couch grassland. Seagrass beds of Zostera capricornia,
Halophila ovalis and Halodule uninervis occur throughout the
intertidal zone (GHD, 2009).
Port Curtis wetland provides habitat for a number of flora species

at the limit of their distribution. Notable fauna occurring within the
wetland includes dugong (Dugong dugon), green turtle (Chelonia
mydas) and flatback turtle (Natator depressus) which are known
to forage within the seagrass beds. Colonies of bats are also
resident within the mangroves areas. Further, the Port Curtis wetland
provides forage and roosting habitat for a range of listed migratory
and/or marine bird species and conservation significant species
including beach stone-curlew (Esacus neglectus), black necked stork
(Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) and little tern (Sterna albifrons) (GHD,
2009).
The Narrows Wetland
The Narrows Wetland (QLD 021)7 qualifies as a wetland of national
importance (DEWHA, 2004). The Narrows is the 20,903 ha
passage that separates Curtis Island from the mainland and is one
of only five tidal passages within Australia. Habitat types within
the wetland include saline coastal flats, mangrove forest, intertidal
sand and mud flats, seagrass beds and open marine and estuarine
waters. The seagrass beds provide important habitat for various fish
and invertebrate species and act as a foraging ground for dugong
(Dugong dugon) and four species of sea turtle.
Figure 6-37 Example of a Saltmarsh Community 7 The wetland identification code assigned within the Directory of Important Wetlands
The Narrows also provides habitat for a number of listed marine • Parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus)
and/or migratory bird species as well as the vulnerable estuarine
crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) which is near its southern limit in • Mesquite (Prosopis spp.)
this area. Current uses within The Narrows include commercial and
recreational fishing and crabbing, mineral exploration, grazing, • Salvinia (Salvinia molesta)
industrial and urban development and transport (GHD, 2009). Survey of the area adjacent to the Western Basin Reclamation, which
Colosseum Inlet-Rodds Bay Wetland has been previously subject to grazing and of more recent times has
been adjacent to significant industrial development and increased
The Colosseum Inlet-Rodds Bay Wetland (QLD 129) qualifies as vehicle traffic, identified a number of terrestrial weeds, including:
a wetland of national importance (DEWHA, 2004). The wetland
is the area between Wild Cattle Island and Rodds Peninsula and • Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus);
contains three large estuaries/embayments with extensive mangroves
and lesser areas of coastal saltflat and seagrass beds. A number of • Hyptis (Hyptis suaveolens);
commercially important fish and crustacean species depend on the
mangroves and seagrass beds for survival. Additionally, a significant • Prickly pear (Opuntia stricta);
flying fox (Terops sp.) roosting site occurs in Wild Cattle Creek just
• Groundsel (Baccharis halimifolia);
to the north of Colosseum Inlet. 2 – 5% of the world population
of eastern curlew (Numenius madagascariensis) have also been • Broad-leaved pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolius);
recorded in the area.
Rodds Bay also provides extensive feeding grounds for the green • Singapore daisy (Sphagneticola trilobata);
turtle (Chelonia mydas) which occasionally breeds in the area.
• Lantana (Lantana camara);
Current uses within the inlet include grazing, commercial fishing/
crabbing, recreational boating, fishing/crabbing, swimming and • Creeping lantana (Lantana montevidensis); and
camping.
• Rubber vine (Cryptostegia grandiflora) (GHD, 2009).
6.9.3 Introduced Flora Species
Many of these are consistent with the invasive species identified
as likely to be present in the region by the EPBC Protected Matters
The invasion of weeds into native vegetation communities is
Search. Specific weed species of concern include a variety of shrubs
generally related to disturbance associated with logging, grazing,
and pasture grasses, with some of the most noted being:
mining, quarrying or residential development. The introduction or
spread of weed species can be assisted by the movement of vehicles,
plant equipment and people. Weeds can out-compete native species Rubber Vine (Cryptostegia grandiflora)
by limiting the amount of light and nutrient available to native species
Rubber Vine invades creeks and river systems from where it spreads
whilst also providing habitat for pest fauna species. An increase
into surrounding areas. Found throughout the Curtis Coast region, it
in development and infrastructure may leave the coastline open to
has established on foredunes at Facing Island, with particularly heavy
weed invasion.
infestations prevalent in most freshwater creeks north of Gladstone.
Concern for reserves and conservation areas adjoining urban and
industrial areas include the introduction of domestic weeds through
dumping of garden refuse and potential increases in the boundary
to area ratio of the reserves, making them more susceptible to weed
invasions.
Along the Curtis Coast the Queensland Herbarium records system
(HERBRECS) contained a total of 214 plants as introduced species
that are not native to Australia (Appendix A). Invasive species
identified in the EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool, which include
weeds of national significance include:
• Prickly acacia (Acacia nilotica subsp. indica)
• Alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides)
• Cabomba (Cabomba caroliniana)
• Bitou bush (Chrysanthemoides monilifera)
• Rubber vine (Cryptostegia grandiflora)
• Hymenachne (Hymenachne amplexicaulis)
• Lantana (Lantana camara)
• Parkinsonia (Parkinsonia aculeate) Figure 6-38 Lantana
| 136 |
Groundsel (Baccharis halimifolia) • Wet closed heath;
Curtis Island is possibly the northern distribution limit for this • Seagrass beds; and
predominantly coastal inhabiting plant. Producing millions of fine
hair-like seeds, the plant has the capacity to proliferate on disturbed • Mangrove forests (QDEH, 1994).
and bare ground, rapidly spreading and smothering shrubs and Specifically, as legislation has developed over the 20 years since
small trees. Localised heavy infestations occur in the Eurimbula the Curtis Coast Study – Resource Report (QDEH, 1994) was
National Park, Middle Island and adjacent to the marine plain on prepared, there has been formal definition and legislative protection
Curtis Island. of many threatened vegetation communities. The Curtis Coast area
contains three threatened ecological communities listed in the EPBC
Lantana (Lantana camara) Protected Matters search, which are protected as matters of National
Environmental Significance under the EPBC Act:
Infesting pastures, forests, roadsides, gullies and wastelands
along the coast, lantana costs the Queensland cattle industry over • Littoral Rainforest and Coastal Vine Thickets of Eastern
$70.8 million annually (comprising lost productivity and increased Australia (Critically Endangered);
management expenses) (AEC Group, 2007). The species is relatively
common throughout the Curtis Coast region. • Semi-evergreen vine thickets of the Brigalow Belt (North and
South) and Nandewar Bioregions (Endangered); and
Prickly Pear (Opuntia spp.)
Several species of this genus can be found in Australia. It is believed • Weeping Myall Woodlands (Endangered).
Captain Arthur Phillip first introduced Opuntia monacantha to As discussed in Section 6.9.1, three regional ecosystems within the
Australia in 1788 as a host for the cochineal bug, a source of red Curtis Coast region are classified as endangered under the VMA.
dye for British officers uniforms. However, it is Opuntia inermis and
Opuntia stricta which are identified as the principle pest species.
The prickly pear is controlled biologically through the larvae of the
Argentine moth Cactoblastis cactorum although in some coastal
locations the plant has developed a thicker cuticle making it resistant
to the moth attack. Infestations of Prickly Pear occur throughout the
Curtis Coast region.
6.9.4 Threatened Plants and Communities
Plants
The Curtis Coast region is known to contain a number of

conservation significant plant species, which were identified from
database searches (Table 6-15). The conservation significance
categories are provided below the table. Where the database
searches provided location data for records of these species, they
were mapped on Figure 6-39. In summary:
• There was a total of nine flora species of conservation

significance and three threatened communities listed in the
EPBC Protected Matters search of the Curtis Coast region;
• Four of the flora species listed in the Wildlife Online

database search were listed as being of conservation
significance; and
• 16 flora species were listed as being of conservation

significance in the HERBRECS database.
Communities
General vegetation communities in the Curtis Coast region

considered to be of major conservation significance include:
• Tall riverine notophyll vine forests;
• Tall araucarian closed forests;
• All vine thicket and vine forest communities;
• Littoral scrubs;
Table 6-15 Flora of Conservation Significance Listed in Database Searches for the Curtis
Coast Region
Species Name Source EPBC Act 1999 Status Nature

Conservation Act
Common Name
1992 Status
Arytera dictyoneura HERBRECS NL NT
Alyxia sharpei Wildlife Online NL NT
Bosistoa selwynii Protected Matters V LC
Heart-leaved bosistoa
Bosistoa transversa Protected Matters V LC
Three-leaved bosistoa
Bulbophyllum globuliforme Protected Matters V NT
Miniature moss-orchid
Cassinia collina HERBRECS NL V
Choricarpia subargentea HERBRECS NL NT
Cupaniopsis shirleyana Protected Matters V V
Wedge-leaf tuckeroo
Cycas megacarpa Protected Matters E E
Wildlife Online
Cycas ophiolitica Protected Matters E E
Dansiea elliptica HERBRECS NL NT
Eucalyptus decolor HERBRECS NL NT
Germainia capitata Protected Matters V V
Wildlife Online
HERBRECS
Graptophyllum ilicifolium HERBRECS V V
Habenaria xanthantha HERBRECS NL NT
Hernandia bivalvis HERBRECS NL NT
Macropteranthes leiocaulis HERBRECS NL NT
Marsdenia hemiptera HERBRECS NL NT
Phyllanthus brassii HERBRECS NL V
Phyllanthus sauropodoides HERBRECS NL NT
Quassia bidwillii Protected Matters V V
Quassia
Rhodamnia glabrescens HERBRECS NL NT
Senna acclinis HERBRECS NL NT
Taeniophyllum muelleri Protected Matters V LC
Minute orchid
Xylosma ovatum Wildlife Online NL NT
HERBRECS
EPBC Act Status Codes = Critically Endangered (CE), Endangered (E), Vulnerable (V), Migratory (M), Marine Migratory (MM)
and Not Listed (NL).
NCA Status Codes = Endangered (E), Vulnerable (V), Near Threatened (NT), Least Concern (LC).
| 138 |
Figure 6-39 Significant Flora and Fauna Species Recorded within the Curtis Coast Region
6.9.5 Pressures Davies J.N., McCormack C.V., and Rasheed M.A. (2012b). Gladstone
Permanent Transect Seagrass Monitoring – October 2012 Update
There are a range of closed forest types (i.e. vine thicket, some
Report. DAFF Publication, Fisheries Queensland, Cairns, Queensland.
Eucalypt woodlands) of high conservation value (listed as
endangered) within the Curtis Coast region, with patches of this Davies J.N., McCormack C.V., and Rasheed M.A. (2012c). Gladstone
vegetation located within areas set aside for industrial development Permanent Transect Seagrass Monitoring – November 2012 Update
(e.g. the GSDA). Report. DAFF Publication, Fisheries Queensland, Cairns, Queensland.
Coastal vegetation distribution is closely related to drainage patterns DERM (2011). Vegetation Management: Essential Habitat. Accessed
therefore changes to hydrology will have offsite effects on vegetation at: www.derm.qld.gov.au/vegetation/code_review_06/eh_review.html.
communities.
DEWHA (2004). A directory of Important Wetlands in Australia – Port
Coastal saltpans and saltmarshes have traditionally been the Curtis QLD019. Accessed at: www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/
sites most available and easily reclaimed for urban and industrial wetlands/report.pl.
development. These areas are of significant habitat value to many
World Heritage Places. Accessed at: www.environment.gov.au/
species of conservation significance, such as migratory bird species.
heritage/places/world/grest-barrier-reef/information.html.
Pressures on Protected Areas within the Curtis Coast region include
Duke, N.C. (1992). Mangrove Floristics and Biogeography. In:
reduced buffer areas due to ongoing development, invasion of
Robertson, A.L. & Alongi, D.M. (eds) Tropical Mangrove Ecosystems.
weeds and pest species and management of fire and human access.
American Geophysical Union, Washington DC, USA.
Port Curtis comprises the largest seagrass beds in the Curtis Coast
GHD (2009). Western Basin Dredging and Disposal Project
region. These seagrass beds are of regional significance, being
the largest between Shoalwater Bay to the north and Hervey Bay
to the south. The presence of the Port of Gladstone and ongoing Johns, L. (2010). Field Guide to Common Saltmarsh Plants of
dredging and reclamation activities places pressure on seagrass and Queensland. Queensland Government, Department of Primary
mangrove communities. Industries and Fisheries, Brisbane, Queensland.
Seagrass and algal communities are particularly susceptible to Lanyon, J.M. (1991). The Nutritional Ecology of the Dugong
changing water quality, including freshwater input from flooding (Dugong dugon) in Tropical North Queensland. Ph.D. Thesis,
and high rainfall. Catchment runoff during high rainfall also results Monash University, Australia.
in inputs of sediment to coastal areas, which can both reduce light
availability in the short term and also smother benthic communities McCormack, C.V. and Chartrand, K.M. (2011) Gladstone
such as seagrass as it settles out of the water column. Permanent Transect Seagrass Monitoring - December 2011 Interim
Update Report. DEEDI Publication, Fisheries Queensland, Cairns,
High volumes of sediment laden, freshwater input from natural rainfall Queensland.
and flood events has been known to substantially reduce seagrass
abundance and distribution along the Queensland coast, sometimes McCormack, C. V. and Rasheed, M. A. (2011). Gladstone
resulting in the temporary disappearance of all above ground seagrass Permanent Transect Seagrass Monitoring – October 2011 Interim
biomass (Chartrand et. al., 2011). This results in a significant decline Update Report. DEEDI Publication, Fisheries Queensland, Cairns.
in food source for species such as turtles and dugong and in breeding McCormack, C.V., Sankey, T.L., Hedge, S.A.M. and Rasheed, M.A.
and nursery habitat for species of fish and crustaceans (e.g. prawns). (2011). Gladstone Permanent Transect Seagrass Monitoring – July
2011 Update. DEEDI Publication, Fisheries Queensland, Cairns,
6.9.6 Bibliography Queensland.
McCormack, C.V. and Rasheed, M.A. (2011a). Gladstone
AEC Group (2007). Economic Impact of Lantana on the Australian
Permanent Transect Seagrass Monitoring – September 2011
Grazing Industry. Accessed at: http://www.weeds.org.au/WoNS/
Assessment Update Report. DEEDI Publication, Fisheries
lantana/docs/60_Lantana_Grazing_EIA_Final_Report_(b).pdf
Queensland, Cairns, Queensland.
Chartrand, K.M., McCormack, C.V. and Rasheed, M.A. (2011).
McCormack, C.V. and Rasheed, M.A. (2011b). Gladstone
Port Curtis and Rodds Bay Seagrass Monitoring Program, November
Permanent Transect Seagrass Monitoring – November 2011 Interim
2010. DEEDI, Cairns, Queensland.
Connelly, R.M., Currie, D.R., Danaher, K.F., Dunning, M., Melzer, Queensland.
A., Platten, J.R., Shearer, D., Stratford, P.J., Teasdale, P.R. and
McCormack, C.V. and Rasheed, M.A. (2012a). Gladstone
Vandergragt, M. (2006). Intertidal Wetlands of Port Curtis: Ecological
Permanent Transect Seagrass Monitoring – January 2012 Interim
Patterns and Processes and their Implications. Technical Report No.
43, CRC for Coastal Zone, Estuary and Waterway Management,
Queensland.
McCormack, C.V. and Rasheed, M.A. (2012b). Gladstone
Danaher, K.F., Rasheed, M.A. and Thomas, R. (2005). The Intertidal
Permanent Transect Seagrass Monitoring – February 2012 Interim
Wetlands of Port Curtis. Information Series Qi05031. Department of
Primary Industries and Fisheries, Cairns, Queensland.
Queensland.
Davies J.N., McCormack C.V., Sankey T.L., and Rasheed M.A.
McCormack, C.V., and Rasheed, M.A. (2012c). Gladstone
(2012). Gladstone Permanent Transect Seagrass Monitoring –
Permanent Transect Seagrass Monitoring – March 2012 Interim
September 2012 Update Report. DAFF Publication, Fisheries
Queensland, Cairns, Queensland.
Queensland.
| 140 |
McCormack, C.V. and Rasheed, M.A. (2012d). Gladstone Specht, R.L. (1970). Vegetation in the Australian Environment 4th
Permanent Transect Seagrass Monitoring – April 2012 Interim edition (Leeper, G. W. ed.) CSIRO and Melbourne University Press.
Update Report. DEEDI Publication, Fisheries Queensland, Cairns, Melbourne, Victoria.
Queensland.
Thomas, R., Unsworth, R.F.K. and Rasheed, M.A. (2010). Seagrasses
McCormack, C.V. and Rasheed, M.A. (2012e). Gladstone of Port Curtis and Rodds Bay and Long-term Seagrass Monitoring,
Permanent Transect Seagrass Monitoring – May 2012 Interim November 2009. DEEDI, Cairns, Queensland.
Update Report. DAFF Publication, Fisheries Queensland, Cairns,
Vision Environment (2010). PCIMP Intertidal and Coastal Monitoring
Queensland.
2009. (PCIMP), Gladstone, Queensland.
McCormack, C.V. Carter A.B. and Rasheed, M.A. (2012a).
Worley Parsons (2010). Australia Pacific LNG Environmental Impact
Gladstone Permanent Transect Seagrass Monitoring – June 2012
Statement. APLNG, Brisbane, Queensland.
Update Report. DAFF Publication, Fisheries Queensland, Cairns,
Queensland.
McCormack, C.V., Sankey, T.L., Davies, J.N., Carter, A.B. and
6.10 Fauna
Rasheed, M.A. (2012b). Gladstone Permanent Transect Seagrass
Monitoring – August 2012 Update Report. DAFF Publication, The various habitats of the Curtis Coast region support a diversity
Fisheries Queensland, Cairns, Queensland. of animals representing a high proportion of known species in
Queensland. As with flora, the Curtis Coast acts as a transition
McDonald, R.C., Isbell, R.F., Speight, J.G., Walker, J. and Hopkins, zone between predominantly northern and southern fauna species.
M.S. (1984). Australian Soils and land survey, field handbook. Inkata It also functions as an over-wintering destination for animals from
Press, Melbourne. both northern and southern hemispheres, particularly migratory
Neldner, V.J., Wilson, B.A., Thompson, E.J., and Dillewaard, H.A. wader-birds. The key to a species survival is maintenance of its
2005. Methodology for Survey and Mapping of Regional Ecosystems habitat, which includes the environment in which it feeds, breeds and
and Vegetation Communities in Queensland. Version 3.1. shelters. Where known, the habitat preferences of species of high
Queensland Herbarium, Environmental Protection Agency, Brisbane, conservation status or commercial value identified in this section are
Queensland. described.
Pegg, K.K. and Foresberg, L.I. (1981). Phytophthora in Queensland For the purposes of this report, fauna like flora, is broadly classified
Mangroves. Wetlands 1(i): 2 – 3. in terms of terrestrial and aquatic.
Preen, A.R. (1995). Diet of Dugongs: Are They Omnivores? Journal Three sources were searched to compile a list of fauna species
of Mammalogy 76:163-171. known from the local area. The full results for these searches are
provided in Table 7-5 to Table 7-12 of Appendix D. Searches of the
QDEH (1994). Curtis Coast Study Resource Report. Queensland following databases were undertaken to identify fauna species that
Department of Environment and Heritage, Rockhampton, have been recorded or are likely to be present in the Curtis Coast
Queensland. region:
QPWS (2007). Managing Parks and Forests: Fire Management.
• The EPBC Protected Matters Online Search Tool: this is
Accessed at: www.derm.qld.gov.au/register/p02958aa.pdf.
a predictive search tool that uses bioclimatic modelling
Rasheed, M.A., Thomas, R., Roelofs, A.J., Neil, K.M. and Kerville, and previous known locations to compile a list of matters
S.P. (2003). Port Curtis and Rodds Bay Seagrass and Benthic Macro- of national environmental significance predicted to occur
Invertebrate Community Baseline Survey, November/December for a nominated area. Matters of national environmental
2002. DPI Information Series QI03058. DPI, Cairns, Queensland. significance protected by the EPBC Act include individual
species of flora and fauna and places. There was a total
Rasheed, M.A., Reason, C.L., McCormack, C.V., Chartrand,
K.M. and Carter, A.B. (2012). Port Curtis and Rodds Bay Seagrass of 118 fauna species either of conservation significance,
Monitoring Program, November 2011. DAFF Publication, Fisheries migratory or listed for the Curtis Coast region in the EPBC
Queensland, Cairns, Queensland. Protected Matters search;
REDD (2011). Regional Ecosystem Description Database Version • he Wildlife Online database: this database contains
T
6.0b. Biodiversity and Ecosystem Sciences, DERM, State of records of all species of flora and fauna reported to the
Queensland. Queensland DERM staff and members of the public
(generally holders of permits or licenses, for example to
Sankey, T.L. and Rasheed, M.A. (2011). Gladstone Permanent
undertake research or to collect native fauna or flora). It
Transects Seagrass Monitoring Sites – February and March 2011
is not restricted to species of conservation significance, as
Update, DEEDI Publication. Fisheries Queensland, Cairns,
Queensland. the Protected Matters Online Search Tool is, and it is not
predictive. However, its records may not be 100% reliable
Sankey, T.L., McCormack, C.V. and Rasheed, M.A. (2012). as sightings will depend on the skill and knowledge of the
Gladstone Permanent Transect Seagrass Monitoring - July 2012 recorder, whose details are unknown and who come from
Update Report. DAFF Publication, Fisheries Queensland, Cairns, a diverse range of backgrounds. There was a total of 360
Queensland. fauna species in the Wildlife Online search of the Curtis
Sattler, P.S. and Williams, R.D. (eds). (1999). The Conservation Status Coast region;
of Queensland’s Bioregional Ecosystems. Environmental Protection
Agency, Brisbane, Queensland.
• The Queensland Museum’s fauna database is specimen seven pest/introduced species (GHD, 2009). Arboreal mammals
based, with each specimen documented in terms of identified included the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus
collection date and location. Data from the Queensland vulpecular), squirrel glider (Petaurus morfolcensis) and the greater
Museum can be assumed to have a high level of reliability. glider (Petauroides volans) (GHD, 2009). Macropods represented
include the eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) and rufous
There was a total of 413 fauna species in the Queensland
bettong (Aepyprymnus rufescens). Evidence of the echidna was also
Museum search of the Curtis Coast region; and
observed.
• The Birds Australia Bird Atlas database: this database is a Although some mammals can glide, bats are the only mammal
collection of avian records that observers have supplied capable of flying. Key habitats include feeding and roosting sites
from surveys including the precise coordinates of where they which vary between species. The flying foxes prefer a diet of
undertook their survey. There may be some error involved in eucalyptus blossom although when scare, they will raid fruit trees.
these records however, it is a comprehensive record of the Along the Curtis Coast their preferred roosting sites are generally
species occurrence throughout Australia. There was a total islands of closed rhizophore (mangrove) forests. Roosting sites have
of 241 bird species included in the Bird Atlas for the Curtis been recorded at Round Hill Creek, Pancake-Middle Creek, Wild
Coast region. Cattle Creek, Wiggins Island and Auckland Creek.
As with flora, individual, site specific surveys may have confirmed the
presence of these fauna species and may have also identified other Essential Habitat
fauna species. However, it is beyond the scope of this study to report
As was discussed in Section 6.9.1, under the VMA essential habitat
all of these surveys in detail. Some recent site specific surveys are
is vegetation where endangered, vulnerable, rare or near threatened
referenced where relevant.
species are known to occur. It is a requirement under the VMA to
prevent the loss of biodiversity through regulating vegetation clearing
6.10.1 Terrestrial Fauna and the essential habitat maps assist DERM to assess the habitat
status and vegetation clearing applications (DERM, 2011). Essential
Mammals habitats mapped for the Curtis Coast region are shown on Figure
6-27. Species for which essential habitat is present in the Curtis
Almost all native mammals of the Curtis Coast are nocturnal except Coast region include the Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) and the
for the short-beaked echidna which is often seen during daylight Black-Breasted Button-Quail (Turnix melanogaster).
hours. Several of them are also rare and threatened and therefore
seldom seen due to their low population status. A summary of all Reptiles
mammals identified in the database searches for the Curtis Coast
region are provided in Table 7-7, Appendix D. Results from a couple Database searches for the Curtis Coast region identified 74 species
of key fauna surveys around the Gladstone region are summarised of terrestrial reptile including snakes, skinks, lizards and geckos
below. These surveys confirmed the presence of numerous species (Appendix D).
listed in the database searches for the region.
Surveys undertaken to the west of Gladstone city for the proposed
Wiggins Island Coal Terminal identified 44 mammals of which 10
were bats and 11 were introduced/pest species (Connell Hatch,
2006). Of 14 native ground-dwelling species identified, six were
macropods, namely:
• Swamp wallaby (Wallabia bicolour);
• Eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus);
• Agile wallaby (Macropus adilis);
• Whiptail wallaby (Macropus parryi);
• Red-necked wallaby (Macropus rufgriseus); and
• Common wallaroo (Macropus robustus).
Widespread throughout the study area were the short-beaked

echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) (Figure 6-40), the northern brown
bandicoot (Isodon macrourus) and the rufous bettong (Aepyprymnus
rufescens). Arboreal mammals identified included sugar glider
(Petaurus norfolcensis), yellow-bellied glider (Petaurus gracilis),
greater glider (Petauroides volans) and squirrel glider (Petaurus
morfolcensis) (Connell Hatch, 2006).
In recent surveys undertaken adjacent to the Western Basin
Reclamation in the inner harbour in Port Curtis, 22 species of Figure 6-40 Short-beaked Echidna, Gladstone
native mammal were recorded, including 13 species of bat and Source: Connell Hatch (2006)
| 142 |
A survey adjacent to the Western Basin Reclamation identified 19 • Black falcon (Falco subniger);
species of skink (GHD, 2009). Lively skink (Carlia vivax) was the
most abundant skink species. Additionally, six species of gecko were • Brahminy kite (Haliastur Indus);
recorded, including stone gecko (Diplodactylus vittatus), dubious
dtella (Gehyra dubia), zigzag velvet gecko (Oedura rhombifer) • Whistling kite (Haliastur sphenurus);
and Bynoe’s gecko (Heteronotia binoei). This survey confirms the
• Square-tailed kite (Lophoictinia isura);
presence of a number of the species listed in the database searches
for the Curtis Coast region. • Black kite (Milvus migrans);
Invertebrates • White-bellied sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) (Table 7-5,

Appendix D).
Invertebrates are one of the most diverse species groups and include
animals such as spiders, insects, worms and snails. It is beyond Shorebirds
the scope of this report to discuss this group of species in detail.
Results of database searches are provided in Table 7-10 (insects), Shorebirds or waders of the Curtis Coast comprise a range of
Table 7-11 (land snails) and Table 7-12 (decapods) of Appendix species including: plovers, stilts, curlews, sandpipers, thick-knees,
D. Other terrestrial invertebrate taxa include ants, mosquitos and godwits and oystercatchers. Approximately 70% of these birds
sandflies (Connell Hatch, 2006). Mosquitos are of concern in the migrate each spring, where they may fly from sites as far north as
Curtis Coast region for their ability to act as vectors of diseases such Siberia to over-winter in Australia before returning to their northern
as Ross River and Dengue Fever. Controls are generally placed on hemisphere breeding grounds the following autumn. The east coast
all developments to reduce the creation of areas of stagnant water of Queensland is a staging ground for wading birds passing on
which act as breeding grounds for these species. migration from southern Australia and New Zealand.
Birds Unlike most terrestrial animals in Australia, the cycle of the tides
rather than the cycle of night and day is their major influence.
With the exclusion of invertebrates, birds provide the greatest diversity As a result of this characteristic, most shorebirds tend to feed at
and abundance of all fauna species found in the Curtis Coast region low tide and roost in generally mixed species groups at high tide.
(Table 7-5, Appendix D). Numerous species of land birds, such as Consequently, they have two important exposed tidal flats and high
parrots, cockatoos, doves, quails, kookaburras, emu, galah, yellow tide roosting sites. Within the Curtis Coast region, roosting sites
chat, honeyeaters and owls are also present in terrestrial habitats comprise, coastal saltflats, sand-spits, the Avicennia fringe and in the
close to the coast in the Curtis Coast region. The focus in this report case of the area around Gladstone City, artificial (ash) ponds and
is on coastal species. dredging and reclamation areas.
In addition to protection through State and Commonwealth statutes,
Birds of prey many of the species within this group are protected by international
conservation agreements such as the Ramsar Convention, China-
This group comprises, hawks, eagles, falcons, frogmouths and Australia and Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreements (CAMBA
owlet-nightjars, with nesting and feeding sites the key habitats for this and JAMBA respectively). As with other groups some species are
group. Nesting sites are generally in high, remote or little-disturbed recognised as threatened, including:
locations which involve a diverse range of sites. Large mature
trees within open forest and woodlands or exposed cliff faces are • Red goshawk (Erythrotriorchis radiatus) - Vulnerable;
commonly used. The Curtis Coast region also supports a number
of artificial sites like grain silos and navigation markers in the Port of • Squatter pigeon (southern) (Geophaps scripta scripta) -
Gladstone and Port Alma. Vulnerable;
Database searches identified 16 birds of prey, including: • Kermadec petrel (Pterodroma neglecta neglecta) -
Vulnerable;
• Collared sparrowhawk (Accipiter cirrocephalus);
• Australian painted snipe (Rostratula australis) - Vulnerable;
• Brown goshawk (Accipiter fasciatus);
• Black-breasted button-quail (Turnix melanogaster) -
• Grey goshawk (Accipiter novaehollandiae);
Vulnerable; and
• Wedge-tailed eagle (Aquila audax);
• Southern giant-petrel (Macronectes giganteus) -
• Spotted harrier (Circus assimilis); Endangered.
• Black shouldered kite (Elanus axillaris);
• Brown falcon (Falco berigora);
• Nankeen kestrel (Falco cenchroides);
• Australian hobby (Falco longipennis);
• Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus macropus);
In light of proposed coastal and port developments in the region, • Mundoolin/Colosseum and Rodds Peninsula –
ongoing studies of the shorebird population in the Curtis Coast Internationally significant population of: eastern curlew and
region are currently being undertaken. Results of ongoing studies are Australian pied oystercatcher.
being published by GPC on its website as they become available.
Throughout 2011 and 2012, nine shorebird surveys were Waterbirds
undertaken, four during 2011 and five during 2012 (GHD, 2011a;
GHD, 2011b; GHD, 2011c; GHD, 2011d; Sandpiper Ecological • This group of birds comprises ducks, herons, storks, ibises,
Surveys, 2012a; Sandpiper Ecological Surveys, 2012b; Sandpiper cranes and waterhens which are found around estuaries,
Ecological Surveys, 2012c; Wildlife Unlimited, 2012). During the rivers and freshwater wetlands.
northward migration survey undertaken in October 2012, the total
shorebird abundance estimate was 14139 which included 13257 • Most waterbirds of the Curtis Coast are large and
migratory shorebirds and 882 resident shorebirds. Included in this conspicuous with some noted as rare and threatened
estimate were 19 migratory and seven resident species of shorebird. including: the little bittern (Ixobrychus minutus), the cotton
While species abundance varied between sites and surveys, the pygmy-goose (Nettapus coromandelianus), the great-billed
most abundant species of migratory shorebirds throughout the heron (Ardeia sumatrana) and the radjah shelduck or
nine surveys were the red-necked stint (Calidris ruficollis),bar- Burdekin duck (Tadorna radjah).
tailed godwit (Limosa lapponica), eastern curlew (Numenius
madagascariensis),great knot (Calidris tenuirostris), grey-tailed tattler Seabirds
(Tringa brevipes), and the whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) (Sandpiper
Ecological Surveys, 2012c). • Seabirds, for the purposes of this report comprise
In the Curtis Coast region, birds are known to feed in tidal pools on shearwaters, booby’s, gulls, terns, cormorants, pelicans and
Pelican Banks (Port Curtis) and roosting in the following areas (Figure frigate birds. Like the shorebirds, many of this group are
6-42): involved in migration and protected through international
agreements. Appendix C contains a full list of seabirds
• Fitzroy River Delta; reported to occur within the Curtis Coast study area.
• Cheetham Salt Works (Port Alma);
• Cape Keppel;
• Cape Capricorn;
• The Narrows;
• Facing Island;
• Tannum Sands;
• Hummock Hill Island; and
• Rodds Peninsula.
Four discrete ecological units have been identified in the Curtis Coast
study area, including:
• North Curtis/Fitzroy;
• Port Curtis;
• Mundoolin/Colosseum – Rodds Peninsula; and
• Saltworks.
Three areas contain populations of international importance,

including:
• North Curtis/Fitzroy – Internationally significant population

of: lesser sand plover, red-necked stint, eastern curlew and
whimbrel.
• Port Curtis – Internationally significant population of: eastern

curlew.
Figure 6-41 Shorebirds of the Curtis Coast Region
Source: GHD (2011)
| 144 |
Source: GHD (2011)
Figure 6-42 Priority Shorebird Sites within the Curtis Coast Region.
6.10.2 Aquatic Fauna Calliope River estuary and tidal habitats, adjacent to the Fitzroy River
FHA are under consideration as a Fish Habitat Area (DEEDI, 2009).
Amphibians
Invertebrates
Queensland has the highest number of frog species than any
Up to 98% of all marine animal species live in benthic and epi-
other Australian state with 124 species. The wet coastal area of
benthic communities (GHD, 2009). These communities are essential
Queensland, particularly between Cooktown and the NSW border is
to the natural processes of the oceans, including nutrient cycles
rapidly expanding due to population growth. This area also contains
and reef construction (GHD, 2009). Like terrestrial invertebrates,
75% of all Queensland frog species with 48% living below 100 m
the number of individual species within the broad groups refered to
altitude.
in the following text is vast and beyond the scope of this report to
The Curtis Coast region falls within the Humid East Coast Bioregion identify.
with 16% of all recorded Australian frogs occurring within this
Surveys undertaken as part of the long-term Port Curtis Macrobenthic
bioregion and potentially within the study area. Although not a frog,
Monitoring Programme between 1995 and 2003 (Alquezar and
this number includes the introduced cane toad (Bufo marinus, also
Small, 2006) identified 45,576 individuals belonging to 544 taxa.
Rhinella marina). The Curtis Coast is known to contain 23 species of
The most abundant group were molluscs, contributing 41% of the
frog (Table 7-6, Appendix D).
total abundance, whilst polychaetes were the second most abundant
Amphibians recorded by a small scale survey on Curtis Island include group, contributing 21%. Crustaceans and chordates (ascidians)
nine species of amphibians, including the introduced cane toad (Bufo accounted for 29% of the remaining fauna while less common
marinus, also Rhinella marina) (Worley Parsons, 2010). The scarlet- taxa included echinoderms (sea stars and sea urchins), cnidarians
sided pobblebonk (Limnodynastes terraereginae) was reported to be (anemones and corals) and marine worms (Alquezar and Small,
the most widely distributed species in a survey conducted within the 2006). Benthic communities were found to have higher species
area adjacent to the Western Basin Reclamation (GHD, 2009). abundances, richness and diversity in the pre-wet season (November)
compared to post-wet season (April) for all sites surveyed (Alquezar
Freshwater environments close to the coast have been recorded as
and Small, 2006).
containing the green treefrog (Litoria caerulea), eastern sedge frog
(Litoria fallax), striped marsh frog (Limnodynastes peronii) and the Long-term trends observed within the Port Curtis benthic communities
striped rocket frog (Litoria nasuta). were also examined by Currie and Small (2005) and they found that
throughout the eight years of the survey, species abundance and
Fish richness was lowest on fine muddy sediments in the intertidal area
and highest in the coarse, sandy sediments that generally occurred in
Numerous species of freshwater, inshore/estuarine and deepwater the deeper channels.
fish have been recorded within Queensland (Department of Primary
Epi-benthic macroinvertebrates were also investigated by Rasheed et.
Industries and Fisheries, 2011), including:
al. (2003) which found that epibenthic macroinvertebrates occurred
• 23 species of common inshore/estuarine fish; throughout the Port Curtis region in varying densities, with the highest
densities associated with hard substrate in the form of coral bommies
• 30 species of freshwater fish; and and rubble reefs.
• 23 species of deepwater fin fish.

PCIMP examined macroinvertebrate communities in mangrove
intertidal areas in 2006 and 2007 and found that oysters and
Many species have commercial or recreational value. Critical barnacles were common on the rocky shores and the mangrove
habitats for some species involve either seagrass or mangrove systems supported a range of taxa including many gastropods that
communities which provide feeding, breeding or nursery grounds. are common to mangrove stands and mud flats (PCIMP, 2008).
In addition, 67 species of fish have been declared as noxious under Benthic macroinvertebrate communities surveyed within Port Curtis in
Queensland fisheries legistation (DPI&F 2011, pers. comm.). This 2009 collected a total of 2,710 individuals from 244 taxa from six
includes species such as carp, tilapia, gambusia, and also many sampling locations (GHD, 2009). Across all the locations molluscs
species not recorded from Australia, but deemed noxious. were the dominant group accounting for 28% of the taxa, followed
by crustaceans (18%); polychaetes, echinoderms and algae (each at
From database searches undertaken, forty-four species of fish have
9%); corals and anemones (8%); ascidians (6%); sponges (5%) and
been recorded to occur within the Curtis Coast region, including
bryozoans (4%) (GHD, 2009). Seagrass and fish (each at 2%) were
seahorses to pipefish (Table 7-9, Appendix D).
also collected in this survey.
Fish Habitat Areas
Plankton
The Queensland Fisheries Act 1994 allows for the protection of
Plankton consists of phytoplankton (floating plants) and zooplankton
declared Fish Habitat Areas (FHAs) from physical disturbance
(floating animals). Worley Parsons (2010) measured phytoplankton
associated with coastal development. Each FHA is assigned a
concentrations (i.e. chlorophyll a) within Port of Gladstone waters
management level (A, B or a combination of A & B) depending
ranging from 0.6 to 3.2 µg/L in the winter. These values were
on the level of protection that is warranted. There are currently 70
recorded to be below the relevant ANZECC and ARMCANZ
declared FHAs along the Queensland coast. There are two FHAs in
guideline (2000) trigger value of 4.0 µg/L (Worley Parsons, 2010).
the Curtis Coast region, these being Colosseum Inlet (level A and
B – FHA 037) and Fitzroy River (level A – FHA 072) (Figure 1-4). The
| 146 |
Inshore plankton assemblages in Queensland are not well Dolphins
studied except in Moreton Bay, the results of which are not directly
transferrable to the Curtis Coast area (Worley Parsons, 2010). Six species of dolphin are potentially located within the Curtis Coast
Although most plankton is microscopic, the most visible component region, including:
of the plankton assemblages have been reported by Worley Parsons
(2010) as the large jellyfishes such as the blue blubber (Catostylus • Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus);
mosaicus) which occurs in Port Curtis and the surrounding coastal
• Australian snubfin dolphin (Orcaella heinsohni);
waters.
• Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) (Figure
Aquatic Invertebrate Communities 6-47);
Coral Reefs • Spotted dolphin/pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella

attenuata);
Coral communities in the Curtis Coast region are typically associated
with rocky substrates including reef systems and rubble fields, some • Indian ocean bottlenose dolphin/spotted bottlenose dolphin
estuaries with small catchments and continental islands (QDEH, (Tursiops aduncus); and
1994; Worley Parsons, 2010).
• Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncates s. str.)
Reefs outside the inner harbour of Port Curtis include Pancake Creek,
The Australian snubfin dolphin (Orcaella heinsohni) was only recently
Jenny Lind Banks, Sable Chief Rocks, Rundle Island, Colosseum Inlet,
described as a new species, previously thought to be the Irrawaddy
Farmer’s Point and Manning Reef off Curtis Island (QDEH, 1994).
dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris), and is the only cetacean endemic
Pancake Creek’s coral reef is unique because of its location on
to northern Australian/Papua New Guinean waters (Beasley et. al.,
sandy substrates in an estuary, and is the southern-most occurrence
2005).
of this reef type in the Great Barrier Reef. It supports approximately
20 Acropora coral species and a variety of marine animals (D. Coastal dolphin species, Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa
Shearer 2010. pers. comm.). chinensis) and Australian snubfin dolphins (Orcaella heinsohni),
share a similar coastal distribution in the Curtis Coast region
The inner harbour of Port Curtis ranged from low density areas of
(Cagnazzi, 2012, Greenland and Limpus, 2007, Figure 6-48 and
open substrate with scattered fauna to high density areas of scallop
Figure 6-49). Snubfin and Indo-Pacific Humpback dolphins are listed
and rubble dominated reefs (GHD, 2009). The area directly east
as rare under the Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NCA)
of Fisherman’s Landing and into the Narrows was classified as a
and are classified as near threatened by the International Union for
medium to high-density benthic community consisting of rubble reefs
Conservation of Nature (IUCN) (Reeves, 2008). Both species are
dominated by bivalves, ascidians, bryozoans and hard corals (GHD,
typically associated with shallow, coastal and estuarine waters with
2009). Some of the highest density communities were found near
feeding also occurring in shallow waters (< 20 m depth) eating a
the maintained channels within the Port from Clinton Channel up
wide variety of coastal and estuarine associated fishes. Such habitats
Targinie Channel to the southern area of the Western Basin. These
are common in Port Curtis particularly within the Narrows.
were scallop and rubble reefs dominated by bivalves with mixed taxa
including sponges, soft coral, hard coral, hydroids, bryozoans and Dolphins have been observed throughout the Curtis Coast region
gorgonians (GHD, 2009). These communities were considered to through boat-based and aerial surveys conducted in 2008/2009
be associated with the high-tidal current flow of the channels (GHD, and 2011, with higher frequencies observed further offshore (Figure
2009). 6-43 to Figure 6-46)10. A total of 163 dolphins were observed
during the three aerial and three boat-based surveys in 2008/2009
Mammals and 181 dolphins were sighted during the two boat-based and two
aerial surveys in 201111. The majority of dolphins recorded during
the surveys were Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis)
Whales
(GHD, 2009; GHD, 2011e; GHD, 2011f).
Five whale species are likely to be present in the Curtis Coast Although the Port of Gladstone is undergoing extensive development
region, including blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), Bryde’s shale as a major shipping Port, Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins still
(Balaenoptera edeni), southern right whale (Eubalaena australis), regularly utilise the area. They exist alongside the modified habitats
humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) and minke Whale within the Port of Gladstone and the snubfin and Indo-Pacific
(Balaenoptera acutorostrata) (EPBC, 2011). It is likely that these humpback dolphin, the retained habitats of the wider Curtis Coast.
species utilise the area during their annual migration.
One whale was observered around the northern tip of Curtis Island
in relatively shallow coastal waters in aerial surveys undertaken in
2008/2009 (GHD, 2009). The species was determined to be the
melon-headed whale (Peponocephala electra) because of its shape
and colouration.
8 Survey data represents habitat utilisation and is not a surrogate for population and abundance
estimates.
9 It should be noted that the survey effort and survey areas differ between the 2008/2009 and 2011
surveys.
Figure 6-43 Records of Marine Megafauna Sightings during Aerial Surveys, 2008/2009
Figure 6-44 Records of Marine Megafauna Sightings during Aerial Surveys, 2011
Figure 6-45 Records of Marine Megafauna Sightings during Boat-Based Surveys, 2008/2009
Figure 6-46 Records of Marine Megafauna Sightings during Boat-Based Surveys, 2011
Figure 6-47 Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins within the Port of Gladstone
Source: GHD (various dates)
Figure 6-48 95% Utilisation Distribution (UD) (Home Range) for Indo-Pacific Figure 6-49 95% Utilisation Distribution (UD) (Home Range) for Australian
Humpback Dolphins (Sousa chinensis) in the Capricorn/Curtis Coast Snubfin Dolphins (Orcaella heinsohni) in the Capricorn/Curtis Coast
Notes: The 95%UD was estimated at population level, so the home Notes: The 95%UD was estimated at population level, so the home
ranges highlight the areas where the 95% of sightings for a specific ranges highlight the areas where the 95% of sightings for a specific
population fall into. The three areas represent the core areas for the population fall into. Therefore these maps cannot be used for habitat
three population of humpback dolphins found in this region Port use neither for a single dolphin home range analysis.
Curtis (PC, green), Keppel Bay (KB, blue) and Northern Region (NR,
red). Therefore these maps cannot be used for habitat use neither for
a single dolphin home range analysis.
| 152 |
Dugong
The dugong (Dugong dugon) is the only living, plant-eating

mammal that is completely marine inhabiting the sheltered, shallow
coastal waters of the Curtis Coast region. Its principal food source
is seagrasses common to the Curtis Coast region (GHD, 2009).
Dugongs are confined to shallow and protected areas where their
primary food source, seagrass is found (GHD, 2009). As a result of
the shallow water environment where most of the seagrass foraging
habitat is found, dugongs spend most of their time at water depths of
less than 3 m but can occur in water depths up to 37 m and feeding
trails have been recorded at depths up to 33 m (GHD, 2009).
Dugongs are classified as ‘vulnerable to extinction’ at a global scale,
based on an inferred significant population reduction (IUCN, 2011;
Marsh et. al., 2008). Numbers have declined in most countries and
territories where dugongs occur such that only relict populations
remain separated by large distances (Marsh et. al., 2002). The
conservation of dugongs in Australian waters is particularly important
because the region represents their last remaining stronghold. Under
the EPBC Act, dugongs are a listed migratory and marine species.
The NCA lists dugongs as ‘vulnerable’.
Dugong abundance along the urban coast of Queensland,
including the area between Cooktown and the Queensland-NSW
border, is estimated to have declined significantly since the 1960s.
This decline was evident from anecdotal information and records of
dugong by-catch from government records, with by-catch used to
provide an index of the decline in dugong numbers. On average,
dugongs are found at densities of less than one individual per square
km, however, large herds are sighted in areas such as Moreton Bay,
Hervey Bay and the Great Sandy Strait (URS, 2009). Port Curtis is
not indicated as an area where large herds of dugong have been
sighted (URS, 2009).
Areas around Gladstone have been identified as being low to
medium in dugong conservation value with the areas around
Shoalwater Bay to the north of Rockhampton having a medium to
high conservation value (Figure 6-50, Marsh et. al., 2006). Both of
these areas have been identified by the Great Barrier Reef Marine
Park Authority (GBRMPA) as important dugong habitats (Dobbs
et. al., 2007; DERM, 2011). Additionally, the Curtis Coast region
includes a dugong protection area located between the Narrows and
Rodds Bay (Figure 1-4).
Aerial and boat-based surveys conducted in 2008/2009 and 2011
to assess habitat utilisation observed 81 and 14 dugong respectively
throughout the Curtis Coast region12 suggesting that the Curtis Coast
is important for local dugong populations (Figure 6-43 to Figure
6-46)13. However, dugong abundances for the Curtis Coast region
were not estimated from these survey results as dugong populations
fluctuate between bays and in response to changing environments
at often large scales (< 100 km) (GHD, 2009; GHD, 2011e; GHD,
2011f).
surveys.
11 Survey data represents habitat utilisation and is not a surrogate for population and abundance
estimates.
Figure 6-50 Spatially Explicit Dugong Population Model for the Southern Great Barrier Reef
Source: Grech et. al., 2011
| 154 |
Reptiles (Limpus 2008b; EHP, 2013). While green turtles have been recorded
nesting within the Curtis Coast Region, they prefer the offshore
Turtles islands of the GBR (Limpus et. al., 2000; Limpus et. al., 2006;
Limpus, 2008).
Turtles of the Curtis coast region comprise marine and freshwater The other species of marine turtle known to the Curtis Coast region
species. They include six of the world’s marine turtles and two species are the Olive Ridley turtle, hawksbill turtle and leatherback turtle.
of freshwater turtle. The hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) is listed as Vulnerable
Marine turtles undertake extensive migrations of up to 3000 km in Queensland under the NCA and nationally under the EPBC act.
between nesting beaches and feeding areas, but repeatedly return Hawksbill turtles feed on sponges, seagrass, algae, soft corals and
to the same nesting and feeding areas throughout their lives. In shellfish. There is no data to indicate that this species nests along the
Queensland, marine turtles breed at a limited number of nesting Curtis Coast (Limpus, 2009;EHP, 2013).
sites with varying density. Individual females return at intervals to nest The Olive Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) is found in occur in
at beaches in the same area in which they were born (Limpus and shallow, protected waters, especially in soft-bottomed habitats and
Chatto, 2004). feeds on gastropod molluscs and small crabs. This species is listed as
The front beach near South End at Curtis Island supports a medium endangered in Queensland and Australia under the NCA and EPBC
density nesting population of the flatback turtle (Natator depressus), acts, respectively (Limpus, 2008c; EHP, 2013).
a species of turtle found only in Australian waters (Limpus, 2007). The leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) feeds throughout
Between 30 and 100 females nest on South End, Curtis Island the water column on jellyfish and other soft-bodied invertebrates.
annually. Nesting numbers vary between seasons - 38 nesting females It is listed as Endangered in Queensland under the NCA act and
were recorded during the two week nesting census in late November nationally as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act. No large rookeries
– early December 2012 (C. Limpus 2013, pers. comm.). This species have been recorded in Australia, however, scattered nesting is known
is also known to nest at other beaches in the region including Facing to occur from Bundaberg to Round Hill Head (Limpus, 2009b, EHP,
Island and Tannum Sands (Clifton and Bell, 2000; GHD, 2009). This 2013). Only one leatherback turtle has been recorded nesting within
species is listed as Vulnerable in Queensland under the NCA and the Curtis Coast region (C. Limpus 2013, pers. comm.)
nationally under the EPBC Act and prefers inshore shallow waters
where they feed on soft-bodied species such as seapens, soft corals Aerial and boat-based surveys for marine turtles have been
and sea cucumbers (Limpus, 2007; EHP, 2013). undertaken in the Curtis Coast region in 2008/2009 and 2011 to
assess habitat utilisation. The 2008/2009 surveys comprised three
The loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) is listed as an endangered aerial and three boat-based surveys and recorded a total of 522
under the NCA and EPBC Acts (EHP, 2013). Sandy beaches along turtles, with the most commonly observed species being green turtles
the Curtis Coast are all potential nesting sites for this species and they (GHD, 2009). 147 turtles (green, hawksbill, and loggerhead turtles)
have been recorded nesting at Curtis Island (C. Limpus 2013, pers. were recorded in the two aerial and two boat-based surveys in 2011
comm.). Major nesting concentrations occur on the offshore islands (GHD, 2011e; GHD, 2011f). Locations of the turtles recorded in the
of the southern Great Barrier Reef (GBR). This species commonly aerial and boat-based surveys are shown in Figure 6-43 to Figure
forages in coral reefs, bays and estuaries and in deeper inter-reefal 6-46.
waters in tropical and warm temperate environments where they feed
on crabs, shellfish and jellyfish (Limpus 2008a). The majority of turtle observations were located in Rodds Bay with
substantially fewer sightings recorded north of Curtis Island. Further,
Green turtles (Chelonia mydas) are the most common species of turtle observations appear generally associated with the same areas
turtle found along the Curtis Coast and utilise the area for feeding as dugongs, possibly in association with seagrass distribution.
(GHD, 2009). They are listed as vulnerable under the NCA and
EPBC Acts and prefer a diet of seagrass, algae and mangrove fruits Based on the freshwater turtle database maintained by the
Threatened Species Unit of EHP, two species of freshwater turtle has
been recorded within the Curtis Coast region, and the white-throated
snapping turtle (Elseya albagula) and the Krefft’s river turtle (Emydura
macquari kreffti). There are three other species with a potential to
inhabit this region based on similar habitat requirements, these
include, the broad-shelled river turtle (Chelodina expansa), the
eastern snake-necked turtle (Chelodina longicollis) and the Saw-
shelled turtle (Wollumbina latisternum).
The Krefft’s river turtle is a short-necked turtle that occurs in all
coastal rivers of Queensland from the Mary River north to Princess
Charlotte Bay and has the broadest distribution of all freshwater
species in Australia. It has been recorded in the lower reaches of the
Calliope River and Raglan and Baffle Creeks. The diet of this species
is highly variable and therefore diet would not be a limiting factor in
their distribution (Limpus et. al., 2011).
surveys.
Figure 6-51 Flatback turtle, Curtis Island, Curtis Coast 13 It should be noted that survey data represents habitat utilisation and is not a surrogate for population
Source: GPC and abundance estimates.
The white-throated snapping turtle is restricted to the Fitzroy, Burnett, A series of marine pest baseline surveys have been undertaken in
and Mary River catchments. Breeding is annual under suitable Australian ports prior to 2003 to assist in understanding the current
environmental conditions and due to the low numbers of immature state of marine pest incursions in Australia. Gladstone was included
turtles in the populations, and circumstantial evidence, this species in this first set of baseline surveys with the then Central Queensland
may be seriously impacted by egg predation (Limpus et. al., Port Authority commissioning a port wide baseline survey for
2011). Recently, this turtle has been recommended for listing as an introduced marine pests (GHD, 2009). Nine introduced species were
endangered species (C. Limpus 2013, pers. comm.). identified, including:
Crocodiles • Ascidian (Botrylloids leachi);
The estuarine/salt water crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) has been • Ascidian (Styela plicata);
recorded within the Curtis Coast region (EPBC, 2011) but is at its
• Bryozoan (Amathia distans);
southern distribution limit. The freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus
johnstoni) has also been recorded within the Curtis Coast region but • Bryozoan (Bugula neritina);
only from within the Fitzroy River (Sullivan et. al., 2010).
Crocodylus johnstoni has been recorded within the Fitzroy River but • Bryozoan (Cryptopsula pallasinana);
no crocodiles or evidence of crocodiles were sighted in any of the
• Bryzoan (Watersipora subtoraquata/acuate);
waterways surveyed between the Fitzroy River and the Mary River
south of Bundaberg. Sullivan et. al. (2010) reported incidental • Hydrozoan (Obelia longissima);
sightings have been reported south of the Fitzroy River but these data
do not indicate any southern drift in species distribution. • Isopod crustacean (Paracerceis sculpta); and
Sea Snakes • Dinoflagellate (Alexandrium sp.).
Sea snakes are similar to their terrestrial cousins but have adapted While these species have successfully colonised ports within Australia,
to an aquatic existence through the development of valvular nostrils, none are considered to be a marine pest, which means they are
a paddle shaped tail, the ability to give birth to live offspring, and recognised to not be of threat to endemic species, the natural
a notch-like opening which allows the tongue to protrude when ecology of the harbour, fisheries or human health (GHD, 2009).
the mouth is closed (QDEH, 1994). Little detailed information is
available on the specific habitat requirements of sea snakes in the 6.10.4 Threatened Fauna
Curtis Coast region. Throughout the Curtis Coast they may be found
in a variety of areas from clear reef waters to turbid inshore estuaries A number of fauna species on the Curtis Coast are listed as being
depending on the species (QDEH, 1994). of conservation significance and provided protection under the
EPBC Act, NCA and various international conventions for migratory
Approximately 22 species of sea snakes have been recorded as species. Table 6-16 summarises the fauna species of conservation
potentially occurring within the Curtis Coast region. None of these significance identified in the Curtis Coast region from the database
species have been recorded as threatened (Table 7-8, Appendix D). searches. A key to the conservation status codes is provided below
the table. Where location data is provided for these species, they
6.10.3 Introduced Fauna Species are shown on Figure 6-39 along with flora species of conservation
significance.
Based on searches of the EPBC database and Wildlife Online
database, the following introduced terrestrial fauna species are likely In summary:
to be present throughout the Curtis Coast region:
• There were a total of 33 fauna species of conservation
• Cane toad (Rhinella marina); significance listed in the EPBC Protected Matters search;
• Goat (Capra hircus); • There were 21 species of conservation significance listed in

the Wildlife Online database;
• Cow (Bos taurus);
• The Queensland Museum’s fauna database recorded five
• Domestic cat (Felis catus); species of conservation significance; and
• European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus); • The Birds Australia Bird Atlas database recorded 38 species
of State or National conservation significance or migratory
• Brown hare (Lepus capensis); or of conservation significance through International
Agreements.
• Fox (Vulpes vulpes);
• House mouse (Mus musculus);
• Black rat (Rattus rattus); and
• Pig (Sus scrofa).
| 156 |
Table 6-16 Fauna of Conservation Significance Listed in Database Searches for the
Curtis Coast Region
Scientific Name Source EPBC Act 1999 Nature ICUN Status

Status Conservation
Common Name
Act 1992 Status
Birds
Accipiter novaehollandiae Wildlife Online NL NT LC
Grey goshawk
Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus Wildlife Online NL NT NT
Black-necked stork
Calyptorhynchus banksia Birds Australia EN V LC
(South Aust)* (East and North)
Red-tailed black-cockatoo Wildlife Online
Calyptorhynchus lathami Wildlife Online NL V LC
Glossy black-cockatoo
Epthianura crocea Birds Australia CE LC
(Dawson)
Esacus neglectus = Wildlife Online M V NT
Esacus magnirostris
Beach stone-curlew
Erythrotriorchis radiatus Protected Matters V E VU
Red goshawk
Geophaps scripta scripta Protected Matters V V LC
Squatter pigeon southern

Haematopus fuliginosus Wildlife Online NL NT LC
Sooty oyster-catcher
Limicola falcinellus Birds Australia V V LC
Broad-billed sandpiper
Macronectes giganteus Protected Matters E, MM (Bonn) E LC
Southern giant-petrel
Nettapus coromandelianus Birds Australia M NT LC
Cotton pygmy-goose Wildlife Online

Protected Matters
Numenius madagascariensis Birds Australia MM NT VU
Eastern curlew Protected Matters (Bonn, CAMBA,

JAMBA, ROKAMBA)
Wildlife Online
Onychoprion anaethetus Birds Australia MM E LC
Bridled tern (CAMBA, JAMBA,

ROKAMBA)
Pterodroma neglecta neglecta Protected Matters V LC LC
Kermadec petrel (western)

Rostratula benghalensis s. lat = Protected Matters V, MM V EN
Rostratula australis
(CAMBA)
Australian painted snipe
Status Conservation
Common Name
Act 1992 Status
Sterna albifrons Protected Matters MM E LC
Little tern Wildlife Online (Bonn, CAMBA,

JAMBA, ROKAMBA)
Tadorna radjah Wildlife Online NT LC
Radjah shelduck
Turnix melanogaster Birds Australia V V VU
Black-breasted button-quail Protected Matters

Wildlife Online
Marine Mammals
Balaenoptera musculus Protected Matters E EN
Blue whale
Dugong dugon Protected Matters MM V VU
Dugong Queensland
Museum
Wildlife Online
Eubalaena australis Protected Matters E, M (Bonn) LC
Southern right whale
Megaptera novaeangliae Protected Matters V, M (Bonn) LC
Humpback whale
Sousa chinensis Protected Matters M (Bonn) NT NT
Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin

Chalinolobus dwyeri Protected Matters V V NT
Large-eared pied bat

Dasyurus hallucatus Protected Matters E EN
Northern quoll
Nyctophilus timoriensis Protected Matters V V DD
Greater long-eared bat

Pteropus poliocephalus Wildlife Online V VU
Grey-headed flying fox
Taphozous australis Wildlife Online V NT
Coastal sheathtail bat

Xeromys myoides Protected Matters V V VU
Water mouse Wildlife Online
Reptiles
Caretta caretta Protected Matters E, MM E EN
Loggerhead turtle Wildlife Online

Chelonia mydas Protected Matters V, MM V EN
Green turtle Queensland

Museum
Crocodylus porosus Protected Matters MM (Bonn) V LC
Salt-water crocodile
| 158 |
Status Conservation
Common Name
Act 1992 Status
Delma torquata Protected Matters V V VU
Collared delma
Denisonia maculata Protected Matters V V VU
Ornamental snake
Dermochelys coriacea Protected Matters V, MM E CR
Leatherback turtle
Egernia rugosa Protected Matters V V LC
Yakka skink
Eretmochelys imbricata Protected Matters V V CE
Hawksbill
Furina barnardi Queensland - NT -
Museum
Yellow-naped snake
Furina dunmalli Protected Matters V V VU
Dunmall’s snake Queensland

Museum
Lepidochelys olivacea Protected Matters E, MM E VU
Olive ridley turtle

Natator depressus Protected Matters V, MM V DD
Flatback turtle Queensland

Museum
Wildlife Online
Paradelma orientalis Protected Matters V V VU
Brigalow scaly-foot Wildlife Online

Queensland
Museum
Fish
Pristis zijsron Protected Matters V - CE
Green sawfish
Rhincodon typus Protected Matters V (Bonn) - VU
Whale shark
EPBC Act Status Codes = Critically Endangered (CE), Endangered Bonn = The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species
(E), Vulnerable (V), Migratory (M), Marine Migratory (MM) and Not of Wild Animals
Listed (NL).
CAMBA = The China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement
NCA Act Status Codes = Endangered (E), Vulnerable (V), Near
JAMBA = Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement
Threatened (NT), Least Concern (LC).
ROKAMBA = Republic of Korea – Australia Migratory Bird
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red
Agreement
List Codes: Extinct (E), Extinct in the Wild (EW), Critically Endangered
(CE), Endangered (EN), Vulnerable (V), Lower Risk (LR), Data *Location refers to where this subspecies is found and its conservation status
Deficient (DD). relates to that location. For subspecies outside the Curtis Coast region, these
species are not included in the counts of conservationally significant species
reported in the document.
6.10.5 Pressures • Increased boat strike; and
The Port of Gladstone currently receives vessels from various • Disturbance and displacement of marine fauna from
Australian ports as well from overseas ports. Therefore there is the increased noise, light and/or vessel activity during
potential for introduced marine species to establish within Port Curtis construction activities.
through vectors such as ballast water and hull fouling. There are a number of pressures to amphibians, reptiles and fish
Within the Curtis Coast region, major threats to turtle populations species including
relate to impacts on feeding and nesting sites. Green turtles comprise
the majority of feeding turtle species found along the Curtis Coast. • habitat loss through urbanisation, industry, agriculture and
As herbivores, their principle diet is a combination of algae and forestry plantations;
seagrass and also includes mangrove roots, which are particularly
• habitat degradation through pollution (nutrients, pesticides,
susceptible to changing water quality, including freshwater input from
contaminants), weed invasion of waterways, changes in
flooding and high rainfall. Catchment runoff during high rainfall
also results in inputs of sediment to coastal areas, which can both stream hydrology and the disturbance of acid sulphate soils;
reduce light availability in the short term and also smother benthic • disease; and
communities such as seagrass as it settles out of the water column.
High volumes of sediment laden, freshwater input from natural • exotic fish including the mosquito fish (Gambusia holbrooki)
rainfall and flood events has been known to substantially reduce introduced to control mosquito larvae predate on frog
seagrass abundance and distribution along the Queensland coast, spawn and tadpoles and outcompete native fish. Aquarium
sometimes resulting in the temporary disappearance of all above fish also pose a risk if they are released into the environment.
ground seagrass biomass (Chartrand et. al., 2011). This results in Disturbance to wildlife (mainly birds and bats) behaviour due
a significant decline in food source for species such as turtles and to noise, light and vibration may occur as a consequence of
dugong and in breeding and nursery habitat for species of fish and land-based infrastructure developments, with the potential to
crustaceans (e.g. prawns). disturb migratory shorebird species during important life-cycles
Another pressure faced by turtles and dugongs, is the impact of (e.g. roosting). Changes to light can also affect turtle nesting by
rubbish, including plastic bags, which find their way into the marine disorienting the individuals.
environment. If ingested, rubbish can comprise the individual’s health Continued urban and industrial development results in habitat
and may cause death in severe cases. fragmentation, which is of particular importance to rare and
Both turtles and dugongs are also at risk of being struck by vessels threatened fauna.
that utilise the waters for commercial and recreational purposes. The A network of protected areas (e.g. National Parks, Conservation
most common form of vessel strike is from propellers but may also Reserves etc) is present within the Curtis Coast region and aims to
include incidents with dredge vessels and large tankers. protect a representative sample of the flora and fauna of the Curtis
The life history of dugongs makes them particularly vulnerable to Coast region. Pressures on these areas include reduced buffer areas
human impacts as females have their first calf at 6 to 17 years of due to ongoing development, invasion of weeds and pest species
age, and have long calving intervals of 2.4 to 7 years. Therefore, and management of fire and human access.
like coastal dolphin species, dugong populations are vulnerable to
incremental levels of human-caused mortality.
Marine invertebrates, particularly zooplankton, such as the larval
stages of crabs and prawns, are susceptible to even slight changes in
their environment and are the first to suffer when waters are polluted.
Indirect degradation or change in adjacent and surrounding
intertidal habitats may occur as a result of changes in coastal
processes. This includes potential for scour and/or sediment
deposition changing suitability for existing benthic and marine
plant communities. This may impact on the extent and suitability
of foraging habitat for shorebirds within the Curtis Coast region.
However, these changes may not be detrimental as changes in
hydrology may result in short term benefits (e.g. availability of
otherwise unavailable foraging areas).
Pressures to marine animals from infrastructure developments may
include direct and indirect impacts, comprising:
• Removal of foraging and/or nesting habitat for marine turtle

species, dugong and coastal dolphins;
• Removal or damage to benthic communities and individual

organisms from marine activities (e.g. dredging, pile driving)
including smothering of taxa;
| 160 |
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GHD (2011d). Migratory Shorebird Monitoring Port Curtis to Port
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wildlife.org.au/wildlife/speciesprofile/amphibians/frogs.html. Queensland.
Beasley, I., Robertson, K.M., and Arnold, P. (2005). Description of a GHD (2011e). Report for Marine Megafauna and Acoustic
New Dolphin, the Australian Snubfin Dolphin Orcaella heinsohni spp. Monitoring. Summer Survey. June 2011. GHD, Brisbane,
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GHD (2011f). Report for Marine Megafauna and Acoustic
Cagnazzi, D. (2012). Maps provided by email. Monitoring. Autumn Survey. November 2011. GHD, Brisbane,
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Chartrand, K.M., McCormack, C.V. and Rasheed, M.A. (2011).
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2010. DEEDI, Cairns, Queensland. Conservation at Multiple Scales Using Data Collected for Marine
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Clifton, D. and Bell, I. Queensland Turtle Conservation Project -
Facing Island Turtle Nesting Survey 1999-2000. Report to Gladstone Greenland, J.A. and Limpus, C.J. (2007). Marine Wildlife
Port Authority and QPWS, Gladstone, Queensland. Stranding and Mortality Database Annual Report 2007. Cetaceans.
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Connell Hatch (2006). Wiggins Island Coal Terminal Environmental
Impact Statement, Revision 3. Connell Hatch, Brisbane, Queensland. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). (2011). The
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Accessed at: www.iucnredlist.
Currie, D. R. and Small, K. I. (2005). Macrobenthic Community
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Responses to Long-Term Environmental Change in an east Australian
Sub-Tropical Estuary. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 63:315- Limpus, C.J. (2007). A Biological Review of Australian Marine Turtles.
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DERM (2011). State of Queensland Report. Queensland
Government, Brisbane, Queensland. Limpus, C.J. (2008a). A Biological Review of Australian Marine Turtles.
1. Loggerhead Turtle Caretta caretta. Environment Protection Agency,
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (2009). Declared Fish
Habitat Areas. Accessed at: http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/28_9155.htm.
Limpus, C.J. (2008b). A Biological Review of Australian Marine Turtles.
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (2011). Deepwater
2. Green Turtle Chelonia mydas. Environment Protection Agency,
Fish Field Guide. Accessed at: www.dpi.qld.gov.au/28_9835.htm.
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (2011). Commonly
Limpus, C.J. (2008c). A Biological Review of Australian Marine Turtles.
Caught Inshore and Estuarine Species. Accessed at: www.dpi.qld.gov.
4. Olive Ridley Turtle Lepidochelys olivacea. Environment Protection
au/28_14640.htm.
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (2011). Queensland
Limpus, C.J. (2009a). A Biological Review of Australian Marine Turtles.
Freshwater Fish. Accessed at: www.dpi.qld.gov.au/28_17103.htm.
3. Hawksbill Turtle Eretmochelys imbricata. Environment Protection
Dobbs, K., Fernandes, L., Slegers, S., Jago, B., Thompson, L., Hall, Agency, Brisbane, Queensland.
J., Day, J., Cameron, D., Tanzer, J., Macdonald, F., and Limpus,
Limpus, C.J. (2009b). A Biological Review of Australian Marine Turtles.
C. (2007). Incorporating Marine Turtle Habitats into the Marine
6. Leatherback Turtle Dermochelys coriacea. Environment Protection
Protected Area Design for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park,
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Limpus, C. and Chatto, R. (2004). Marine Turtles. In National Oceans
DSEWPaC (2011). Marine Turtles in Australia. Accessed at: www.
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Limpus, C.J., Gilmore, K. and Barrett P. (2000). Queensland Turtle
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EPBC (2011). EPBC Act Protected Matters Report. Commonwealth of 2000. Report to Gladstone Port Authority and QPWS, Gladstone,
Australia. Queensland.
Limpus, C.J., McLaren, M., McLaren, G. and Knuckey, B. (2006). Wildlife Unlimited (2012). Report for Migratory Shorebird Monitoring.
Queensland Turtle Conservation Project: Curtis Island and Port Curtis and the Curtis Coast. August 2012. Wildlife Unlimited,
Woongarra Coast Flatback Turtle Studies 2005 – 2006. Environment Bairnsdale, Victoria.
Protection Agency, Brisbane, Queensland.
Worley Parsons (2010). Australia Pacific LNG Project Environmental
Limpus, C.J., Limpus, D.J., Parmenter, C.J., Hodge, J., Forest, M. and Impact Statement. APLNG, Brisbane, Queensland.
McLachlan, J. (2011). The Biology and Management Strategies for
Freshwater Turtles in the Fitzroy Catchment, with particular emphasis
on Elseya albagula and Rheodytes leukops: A study initiated in
response to the proposed construction of Rookwood Weir and the
Raising of Eden Bann Weir. DERM, Brisbane, Queensland.
Marsh, H., Penrose, H., Eros, C. and Hugues, J. (2002). Dugong
Status Report and Action Plans for Countries and Territories. UNEP
Early Warning and Assessment Report Series, Kenya.
Marsh, H. and Lawler, I.R. (2006). Dugong Distribution and
Abundance on the Urban Coast of Queensland: A Basis for
Management pp. 79. Marine and Tropical Science Research
Facility Interim Projects 2006-06. Final Report, Project 2. Townsville,
Queensland.
Marsh, H., Reynolds III, J.E. and Powell, J.A. (2008). The IUCN Red
List of Threatened Species. Accessed at: www.iucnredlist.org.
Port Curtis Integrated Monitoring Program (PCIMP) (2008). Intertidal
Monitoring 2007, North Harbour Zones. PCIMP, Gladstone,
Queensland.
Primary Industries and Fisheries (2011). Fisheries. Accessed at: http://
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Department of Environment and Heritage. Rockhampton,
Queensland.
Rasheed, M.A., Thomas, R., Roelofs, A.J., Neil, K.M. and Kerville,
S.P. (2003). Port Curtis and Rodds Bay Seagrass and Benthic Macro-
Invertebrate Community Baseline Survey. November/December
2002. DPI Information Series QI03058. Department of Primary
Industries and Fisheries, Queensland.
Reeves, R.R., Jefferson, T.A., Karczmarski, L., Laidre, K., O’Corry-
Crowe, G., Rojas-Bracho, L., Secchi, E.R., Slooten, E., Smith, B.D.,
Wang, J.Y. and Zhou, K. (2008). Orcaella brevirostris. In: IUCN
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Sandpiper Ecological Surveys, Sydney, NSW.
Sandpiper Ecological Surveys (2012b). Migratory Shorebird
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Ecological Surveys, Sydney, NSW.
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Summary of Key Resources
7. Summary of Key Resources

7. Summary of Key
Resources
The Curtis Coast Coastal and Marine Resource Inventory Report
has highlighted the current understanding of the historical, social,
cultural, economic and natural resources of the Curtis Coast region
from Raglan Creek to Agnes Water. This body of work represents
an overview of the region, with information drawn from the many
detailed investigations and studies that have been undertaken in
the region since the 1994 Curtis Coast Study - Resource Report was
produced.
While the purpose of this document is not to discuss impacts on
individual resources in detail, pressures on the resources of the
region have been noted in each section. In providing an overview
of the resources of the region, this document can provide guidance
to those in government and industry who seek to responsibly
manage the resources and attempt to achieve a balance between
differing and often competing interests. There are both natural
and anthropogenic pressures on the resources of the region and
it is notable that the significant industry and commerce based in
the region are both a source of prosperity to the local, State and
National economies, while at the same time placing a degree of
pressure on its natural resources.
This document does not seek to nominate specific values for the
historical, social, cultural, economic and natural resources of the
region as this would be highly subjective. The relative value placed
by an individual, group or organisation on a specific resource will
differ, sometimes significantly, and the intrinsic value of a resource
(the knowledge that resource exists and will continue to do so) is also
difficult to quantify.
However, various legislative and management planning tools at
all levels of government have placed value on resources of the
region through listing them as protected, important or of value for
a particular characteristic or group of characteristics they possess.
These levels of protection and values are determined by specific
criteria under each piece of legislation or management plan. Where
an action or development may have an impact on a protected area,
community, item or species, the legislation and management plans
contain triggers requiring the action or development to be referred to
a particular governing agency for their approval.
Protected areas, localities, items, communities and species of the
Curtis Coast Region are presented in Table 7-1. The resources
nominated in this table are mainly historical, cultural and natural
resources and are of International, National, State and Local
significance as defined by the specific legislation under which they
are afforded protection and a particular conservation status.
Table 7-1 Summary of Protected Areas, Localities, Items, Communities and Species
Significance Classification Summary

International
International Union for Conservation of Nature Loggerhead, Olive Ridley, Green, Hawksbill, Flatback and Leatherback turtles, Snubfin
(IUCN) Red List and Indo-Pacific Humpback dolphins, Dugong
(World Conservation Union)
Commonwealth
Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
World Heritage properties Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, QLD
National Heritage places Great Barrier Reef, QLD
Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar None present
Wetlands)
Threatened species and ecological 9 potential threatened flora species
communities
28 potential threatened fauna species
3 potential threatened ecological communities
Migratory species 42 potential migratory species
Register of the National Estate Rundle Range Natural Area (natural)
Balaclava Island and The Narrows (natural)
Bustard Bay Area (natural)
Curtis Island (part) (natural)
Deepwater Holding Extended Area (natural)
Great Barrier Reef Region (natural)
Sea Hill Point Lighthouse (heritage)
Directory of Important Wetlands Database (DSEWPaC)
Fitzroy River Delta
North East Curtis Island
The Narrows
Port Curtis
Colosseum Inlet, Rodds Bay
Bustard Bay Wetlands
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
Various categories of protection, including Habitat Protection Zones on the eastern
shores of Facing Island.
Rodds Bay Dugong Protection Area (Zone B, restricted use)
Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976
National Shipwrecks Database 46 shipwrecks
State
Vegetation Management Act 1999
Regional Ecosystems 3 Endangered Regional Ecosystems:
Littoral Rainforest and Coastal Vine Thickets of Eastern Australia
Semi-evergreen vine thickets of the Brigalow Belt (North and South) and Nandewar
Bioregions
Weeping Myall Woodlands
| 165 |
Significance Classification Summary
Essential Habitat Essential Habitat for various species (including koala and black-breasted button-quail
amongst others)
Nature Conservation Act 1992
Threatened flora species 25 potential threatened flora species
Threatened fauna species 38 potential threatened fauna species
Protected areas Rodds Bay Dugong Protection Area (Zone B, restricted use)
Curtis Island National Park and Conservation Area
Eurimbula National Park and Joseph Banks Conservation Park
Wild Cattle Island National Park
Deepwater National Park
Rundle Range National Park
Marine Parks Act 2004
Protected areas Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park
Various categories of protection, including Habitat Protection Zones in the Narrows,
Rodds Bay and the eastern shores of Facing Island.
Fisheries Act 1994
Protected areas Rodds Bay Dugong Protection Area (Zone B, restricted use)
Colosseum Inlet (level A and B – Fish Habitat Area 037)
Fitzroy River (level A – Fish Habitat Area 072)
The Calliope River Calliope River estuary and tidal habitats, adjacent to the Fitzroy
River FHA is currently under consideration as a Fish Habitat Area
Marine plants 12 marine plant species
Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995
Curtis Coast Regional Coastal Management 13 key coastal landscape sites
Plan 200316
23 coastal localities
Numerous requirements for protection of coastal resources including landscapes and
access to the coast
Requirements to manage development in stormtide inundation and erosion prone
areas
Queensland Heritage Act 1992
Queensland Heritage Register 20 sites
Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003
Cultural Heritage Register and Indigenous Sites Numerous sites. Site locations not provided to retain confidentiality.
Database
14 The CCRCMP is no longer in force as of the 3 February, 2012, due to the release of the
Queensland Coastal Plan (DERM, 2012). However, at time of preparation of this inventory, the
CCRCMP was the current plan for the Curtis Coast region and information relating to landscapes is still
considered relevant for this inventory as landscapes are a constant element of the environment.
A Vegetation Community Descriptions
B Detailed Regional Ecosystem Descriptions

Appendices
C Flora of the Curtis Coast
D Fauna of the Curtis Coast
8. Appendices
Appendix A
Vegetation Community Descriptions QDEH (1994)
This section summarises the vegetation communities as described in second community may include mixed herbland species like
the Curtis Coast Study – Resource Report (QDEH 1994). Ipomoea pes-caprae, Vigna marina and Canavalia rosea.
Using Specht (1970) and McDonald et. al. (1984) as a reference, Swampy or mixed grasslands occur in the low moist areas
six broad structural groups were identified within the Curtis Coast behind frontal dunes, swales, drainage lines, seepage areas and
region. These comprise: swamps. In areas where native species prevail, such as Curtis Island’s
marine plain, pure swards of either Cynodon dactylon, Paspalum
• Herblands; paspalioides, Paspalum scrobiculatum, Paspalum distichum, Digitaria
ciliaris or Digitaria didactyla occur, but generally communities
• Grasslands; comprise a mixture of two or more species. Where permanent water
remains, the grasses Leersia hexandra, Pseudoraphis spinescens or
• Heaths;
Brachiaria mutica occur in association with Juncus spp.
• Scrubs and tall shrublands; Generally widespread throughout the Curtis Coast region, closed
grasslands dominated by Sporobolus virginicus are found landward
• Woodlands and open forests; and of mangrove vegetation on the higher ground of coastal saltflats.
Although frequently occurring as a pure dense sward, they can
• Closed forests.
include other species like Fimbristylis spp., Cyperus spp. and Juncus
Within these structural groups, 44 separate vegetation communities spp.
or associations have been identified.
Native dryland grasslands are not widespread. They can be found
as grassy headlands or as pockets associated with woodlands and
Herblands (3 communities) open forest where maintained by frequent fires. Common species
include Themeda triandra, Imperata cylindrical, Heteropogon
This vegetation structural group comprises principally herb species to
contortus and Aristida spp. together with Dianella spp. and Vittadinia
0.5 metres in height. It’s range within the Curtis Coast region extends
spp.
from strand systems to coastal saltflats and freshwater wetlands.
Introduced grasslands can be found where native vegetation
Mixed herblands are associated with strand systems and can be
has been cleared for agricultural production such as Facing Island.
found along beaches or low undulating foredunes. They occur
Common species include exotics such as Panicum maximum,
as either narrow fringe or may extend as ground cover well into
Rhynchelytrum repens and Melinis minutiflora together with native
the adjacent casuarina woodlands. The principle species include,
species such as Imperata cylindrical.
Ipomoea pes-caprae together with a range of other plants
comprising Vigna marina, Canavalia rosea or open grassland
species like Spinifex sericeus. Pandanus tectorius may also be present Heaths (3 communities)
as part of this community.
Apart from rainforest, heath communities are amongst the most
These plants together with the open grasslands are considred to be complex vegetation types found in Australia. Within the Curtis Coast
the primary species in the stabilisation and successional colonisation region heaths comprise a collection of shrubs generally less than two
of older dunes. metres in height.
Coastal saltflats often support saline herblands, comprising low Foredune open heaths are generally found on inshore islands and
succulent species such as Sarcocornia quinqueflora and Suaeda Eurimbula National Park in association with sand masses, where they
australis. They are all halophytic (salt tolerant) species belonging to form a narrow band between strand communities and the inland
the family Chenopodiaceae. forest vegetation. Common species include Petalostigma pubescens,
Pouteria sericea, Clerodendrum spp., Pittosporum spp. and Vitex spp.
Throughout the Curtis Coast region, mixed sedgeland vegetation
which are not normally regarded as heath species unless stunted due
types are found around the edge of, or entirely within, poorly
to wind shearing.
drained soils, depressions and swamps. This community may occur
in association with swampy, mixed grassland and may merge with Dry heaths occur on exposed headlands like Connor Bluff on Curtis
Melaleuca swamp and wet heath communities. Frequently a variety Island and occasionally high dunes. Like foredune open heaths,
of sedges in the genera Cyperus, Eleocharis, Fimbristylis, Schoenus, they often form a stunted windswept community comprising species
Ludwigia and Fuirena occur together forming closed communities. like Grevillia banksia, Myrtella obtusa, Brachyloma daphnoides,
Phebalium woombye and sporadic occurrences of Xanthorrhoea
Grasslands (6 communities) latifolia.
Restricted to Middel Island, Eurimbula National Park and Rodd
The grasslands of the Curtis Coast region are generally associated
Peninsula the wet and dry closed heath community is not well
with strand systems, wetland systems or on sites where trees and
represented in the Curtis Coast region. Found on the poorly drained
shrubs are absent through cultural practices such as fire or clearing
sandy loam soils it comprises an emergent stratum to five metres
for grazing.
primarily of Banksia aemula and lower closed heath to two metres
Open grasslands comprise two communities, one associated with comprising a range of plants including Banksia robur, Leptospermum
coastal saltflats where Sporobolus virginicus is the dominant species, spp., Melaleuca nodosa, Caustis spp., Pimelea spp., Baeckea
and a second beach strand community where Spinifex sericeus is the stenophylla, Hibbertia acicularis, and Xanthorrhoea latifolia.
dominant species.
Often present as a narrow band less than 10 metres wide, this
| 169 |
Scrubs and tall shrublands (4 communities) dominated by Melaleuca nervosa which is generally
associated with wetter areas;
Although the vine thicket and littoral scrub component of this
community is significantly restricted due to cultural influences, this • Low woodlands of Melaleuca viridiflora (Curtis Island);
structural group is found on most islands and mainland locations
where it comprises both open and closed shrublands to five metres • id-high Melaleuca quinquenervia woodlands which
M
in height. occur along drainage lines and flood plain areas in
association with other Melaleuca spp.; and
Low open vine thickets are confined mainly to drainage lines
but may extend into foothill regions, existing as small (< 1 ha) • Tall open forests on beach ridges such as north-east Curtis
communities. Their existence and development are strongly Island, Rodd Peninsula and Eurimbula National Park where
correlated to the local fire regime. Species include Ficus spp., Melaleuca leucadendra and Melaleuca dealbata are the
Cupaniopsis anacardioides, Pleiogynium timorense, Exovarpos dominant species in association with Livistona decipiens.
latifolius, Diospyros spp., Lophostemon suaveolens, and Alphitonia
spp. while Drypetes australasica, Mallotus philippensis, Sterculia Usually occurring on undulating terrain, Eucalyptus citriodora is
quadrifida and Canthium odoratum are present at higher elevations. found throughout the Curtis Coast region in places like Curtis
In some of the less developed thickets, Eucalyptus spp. make up the Island, Rundle Range and State Forest 137. It includes the following
overstorey with Melia azedarach var. australasica and Acacia spp. associations:
around the edges.
• Very tall open forests (< 20 m) with a tall shrub
Low closed vine thickets are found on well drained sites, often understorey;
in association with rocky inclines and may contain taller emergent
layers of Archidendropsis thozetiana, Brachychiton australis and • Tall open forests (12 – 20 m) with (Allo) Casuarina spp.
Brachychiton rupestris. Sites include the southern slopes of Rundle and Xanthorrhoea spp.;
Range and Balaclava Island (South Hill) where it tends to be more
open, as opposed to the western slope of Rundle Range and Ramsay • all woodlands (12 – 20 m) in association with Eucalyptus
T
Range on Curtis Island. This are contains one thicket of some 150 creba; and
ha comprising a dense impenetrable shrub-vine layer. The species
diversity tends to be much greater than the open vine thicket and • Mid-high woodlands (6 – 12 m) in association with
includes Erythroxylon australe, Strychnos axillaris, Austromyrtus Eucalyptus creba and Lophostemon confertus.
bidwillii, Notelaea microcarpa, Polyalthia nitidissima, Planchonella
spp., Canthium spp., Mischocarpus pyriformis, Acronychia spp., • Eucalyptus crebra is another species widely distributed
Jagera pseudorhus and Drypetes australasica. Vines include throughout the Curtis Coast region. It occurs in:
Jasminum simplicifolium subsp. australiensis, Cissus oblonga and
• Tall open forests (12 – 20 m) in association with Eucalyptus
Hibbertia scandens.
exserta and Eucalyptus tereticornis;
Littoral scrubs occur as narrow bands behind frontal dunes. These
communities are complex since they frequently contain species found • Tall open forests (12 – 20 m) with patchy vine thicket
in wet areas such as Melaleuca spp. and Hibiscus tiliaceus (e.g. understorey (northeastern end of Rundle Range); and
north-east Curtis Island), or in dry areas Eucalyptus spp. (e.g. Wild
Cattle and Boyne Island) as well as rainforest species Cupaniopsis • Tall woodlands (12 – 20 m) with a grassland lower stratum
anacardioides, Ficus spp., Mallotus spp. and Acronychia imperforata. of Heteropogon contortus on slopes and ridges.
In locations such as Rodds Peninsula, these communities also A Eucalyptus moluccana association is found on the lower southern
contain the rare species Xylosma ovatum, or endemics such as Ixora slopes of Rundle Range associated with clayey soils along drainage
queenslandica. lines. It forms a very tall woodland (> 20 m) occasionally comprising
Tall shrublands occur on headlands and dune systems such as other Eucalyptus spp. and Lophostemon suaveolens.
Middle Island where the local fire regime has been an influence Uncommon in the Curtis Coast region, Eucalyptus melanophloia
on the species composition. Common species include Acacia spp., communities exist as a mid-high woodland (6 to 12 m). Usually
Banksia integrifolia, Allocasuarina littoralis, Lophostemon confertus found slightly inland from the coast, a small community has been
and Eucalyptus spp. identified on the lower ridges of the eastern slopes of Rundle Range.
Woodlands and open forests (25 associations) Generally occurring on flat terrain subject to waterlogging, the
Eucalyptus tereticornis communities include:
The Woodlands and Open forests structural group involves a wide
range of floristic associations extending across coastal dunes, coastal • Very tall open forest (> 20 m); south-east of Rundle
plains, lowlands to foothills and ranges. Although the dominant Range);
species in the taller stratum will bear some similarities with similar
• Tall woodland (12 – 20 m) in association with Melaleuca
communities, the lower stratums can vary considerably due to the
nervosa and Imperata cylindrical (State Forest 137); and
influences of cultural practices such as fire and agriculture.
The Melaleuca communities comprise: • Mid-high woodlands with a tall shrub understorey (State
Forest 137).
• L ow woodlands forming narrow bands of vegetation
parallel to coastlines and coastal saltflats. They are
Occurring as one of the most widespread species, Eucalyptus Mid-high vine forests (6 – 12 m) are similar communities to the low
intermedia seldom forms a pure stand. It generally exists as part of a closed vine thickets with a dominant emergent stratum.
tall mixed open forest (12 – 20 m) comprising a range of Eucalyptus
Mid-high semi-evergreen microphyll vine forests comprise
spp.
Casuarina cristata as the dominant emergent with Denhamia
Other Eucalyptus communities include: pittosporoides, Diospyros spp. and Notelaea macrocarpa forming
the low stratum. Mid-high semi-evergreen microphyll vine
• Tall woodlands (12 – 20 m) of Eucalyptus dolichocarpa forests comprise Eucalyptus crebra or Eucalyptus erythrophloia as
(State Forest 137); the emergent with Austromyrtus bidwillii, Notelaea macrocarpa and
Acacia fasciculifera in the lower stratum.
• Mif-high woodlands (6 – 12 m) of Eucalyptus fibrosa (Curtis
Island);
• Mid-high woodlands (6 – 12 m) of Eucalyptus

drepanophylla (Curtis Island);
• Mid-high woodlands (6 – 12 m) of E. tessellaris; and
• Tall woodlands (12 – 20 m) of E. exserta.
The Casuarina communities are typified by:
• Casuarina equisetifolia var. incana which forms low

woodlands (3 – 6 m) as clumps or narrow bands behind
strand herblands;
• Tall open forests (12 – 20 m) of Casuarina cristata with a

dispersed vine thicket lower stratum (Rundle Range); and
• Tall woodlands (12 – 20 m) of Casuarina cristata with an

extensive vine thicket lower stratum (Rundle Range).
Closed forests (6 communities)
Like open forests, closed forests are characterised by various

dominant species. Most closed forests are regarded as rainforests,
with better developed rainforests recognised by large trees and
a large number of vines. The incidence of closed forests in the
terrestrial component of the Curtis Coast region is limited, although
similar forest types are likely on some of the adjacent ranges outside
Along the Curtis Coast, the tall closed forests (> 20 m) occur in
two distinct locations. The araucarian closed forests are found
on sandy soils along the coastal fringe of Eurimbula Creek where
Araucaria cunninghamii is an emergent above a notophyll vine forest.
The second community of riverine notophyll vine forests are
confined to drainage lines principally on the western side of Rundle
Range. This second community comprises species like Terminalia
porphyrocarpa, Cryptocarya triplinervis, Pleiogynium timorense,
Planchoella pohlmaniana and Diospyros australis.
Tall vine forests (12 – 20 m) are found on the steep rocky slopes of
the coastal ranges and comprise two forms of limited distribution
within the Curtis Coast region. Semi-evergreen notophyll vine
forests are situated on the western slopes of Rundle Range. Tree
species present include Cupaniopsis anacardioides, Flindersia
australis, Planchonella pohlmaniana and Ficus platypoda with lower
stratums comprising Cassine melanocarpa, Drypetes australasica
and Acalypha capillipes. Semi-evergreen microphyll vine forests
are found on the eastern and southern slopes of Rundle Range and
comprise Euroschinus falcata, Jagera pseudorhus, Geijera paniculata
and Ficus platypoda. Brachychiton spp. are present but generally
uncommon.
| 171 |
Appendix B
Detailed Regional Ecosystem Descriptions REDD (2011)
Table 8-1 Detailed Descriptions of Regional Ecosystems Mapped within the Curtis Coast
Region
RE Code Regional Ecosystem Description Vegetation Biodiversity

Management Status
Act Status
2.2.2 Vegetation variable throughout subregion, but includes grasslands, herb Least concern No concern at
fields, woodlands and semi-deciduous and evergreen scrubs. Sedge lands present
and Melaleuca spp. in swales. Occurs on secondary dunes and swales;
unconsolidated sands or stratified shells and mud, and clay soils in swales.
(BVG1M: 28a)
Major vegetation communities include:
2.2.2a: Contains palustrine wetland (e.g. in swales). Oryza spp., Panicum sp.,
Ophiuros spp., +/- Sporobolus virginicus grassland. Occurs on beach ridges.
(BVG1M: 28a)
2.2.2b: Palustrine wetland (e.g. vegetated swamp). Melaleuca dealbata open
forest to woodland. Acacia crassicarpa and Acacia leptocarpa are frequent
sub canopy trees and in some situations form part of the canopy. The ground
layer is generally very sparse, however in some localities, Chrysopogon rigidus
dominates a sparse ground layer. Occurs on parallel sandridges and swales.
(BVG1M: 22c)
2.2.2c: Acacia crassicarpa, Syzygium suborbiculare and Parinari nonda
woodland. Acacia platycarpa and Acacia torulosa may be subdominant
components of the canopy in some areas. At some sites, very sparse emergent
Corymbia tessellaris or Melaleuca nervosa trees are present. The ground layer
is short and sparse to mid-dense. Panicum spp. and Perotis rara dominate some
areas. Occurs on Holocene sandridges. (BVG1M: 28b)
2.2.2d: Palustrine wetland (e.g. vegetated swamp). Melaleuca quinquenervia
open forest. Associated with scattered coastal swamps. Occurs on swale areas of
parallel Holocene sand dunes. (BVG1M: 22a)
2.2.2e: Contains palustrine wetland (e.g. in swales). Grassland/sedgeland of
grasses, sedges and freshwater aquatics - seasonal wetlands. Occurs in closed
depressions. (BVG1M: 28a)
2.2.2f: Contains palustrine wetland (e.g. in swales). Semi-deciduous microphyll
vine thicket with Diospyros humilis, Petalostigma banksii, Strychnos lucida,
Exocarpos latifolius, Ficus opposite. Occurs on beach ridges. (BVG1M: 28a)
2.2.2x1: Eucalyptus pruinosa or Acacia torulosa low woodland. Occurs on old
weathered sandridges (BVG1M: 28b)
| 173 |
Management Status
Act Status
8.1.5 Melaleuca spp. and/or Eucalyptus tereticornis and/or Corymbia tessellaris Of concern Endangered
low open-woodland to open-forest (to open-shrubland) (2-20m tall). Canopy
dominants are very variable, ranging from dense stands of Melaleuca
quinquenervia or Melaleuca leucadendra, to more open stands of Melaleuca
spp. and/or eucalypt species. Acacia spp. such as Acacia leptocarpa and
Acacia holosericea may be present. Mangrove species may also occur in
clumps or scattered in low numbers. Some sites have a sparse (to isolated
plants) secondary tree or shrub layer consisting of one or several of Acacia
spp., Pandanus spp., mangrove spp., Melaleuca spp. Myoporum acuminatum,
Clerodendrum inerme, Gahnia sieberiana, Phragmites australis, Banksia spp.,
and sometimes pioneering rainforest spp. There is usually a mid-dense to dense
ground layer (often interspersed with large bare areas of saline silts), most often
dominated by Sporobolus virginicus, Baumea juncea or Acrostichum speciosum.
Other dominants may include Cynanchum carnosum, Baumea rubiginosa,
Eleocharis dulcis and Paspalum vaginatum. Other typical associated species are
Imperata cylindrica, Phragmites spp., Eriochloa procera, Gymnanthera oblonga,
Juncus kraussii, Ceratopteris thalictroides and Cyperus javanicus. Narrow tidal
and supratidal flats landward of and adjoining tidal regional ecosystems on
lowlands. Sometimes occurs over broader low-lying, tidally influenced plains.
Geologies mapped include Qm (Quaternary coastal mud, silt and minor
evaporites), Qhe/m (Holocene mud, sandy mud, muddy sand and minor
gravel), Qhcm (Holocene mud and sandy mud), Qhct (Holocene silt, mud
and sand) and Qhe/s (Holocene sand, muddy sand, mud and minor gravel).
(BVG1M: 22b)
11.1.1 Sporobolus virginicus grassland on Quaternary estuarine deposits. Sporobolus Least concern No Concern at
spp. usually dominates pure stands although a wide range of other species present
may be present as scattered individuals including Fimbristylis ferruginea,
Cyperus victoriensis, Cyperus scariosus, and sometimes Eleocharis spiralis,
Mnesithea rottboellioides, Marsilea mutica, Cynanchum carnosum, Ischaemum
australe, Cyperus polystachyos, Ceratopteris thalictroides and Leptochloa fusca.
Occasional emergent stunted mangroves, usually Avicennia marina or Ceriops
tagal, may occur as isolated individuals or along small channels. There may
also be a minor presence of salt-tolerant forbs such as Suaeda australis, Suaeda
arbusculoides, Sarcocornia quinqueflora subsp. quinqueflora or Tecticornia
australasica. Occurs on supratidal flats which are often only inundated by
highest spring tides. Often occurs on the landward side of intertidal flats;
seaward margins irregularly inundated with tidal waters and dissected by small
tidal channels. Formed from Quaternary estuarine sediments with deep grey
or black and grey saline crac king clays with occasional mottling, minor gilgai
occasionally present. (BVG1M: 35b)
Management Status
Act Status
11.1.2 Samphire forbland or bare mud-flats on Quaternary estuarine deposits. Mainly Least concern No concern at
saltpans and mudflats with clumps of saltbush including one or several of present
the following species; Tecticornia spp. (e.g. Tecticornia indica subsp. julacea,
Tecticornia indica subsp. leiostachya), Sesuvium portulacastrum, Sarcocornia
quinqueflora subsp. quinqueflora, Suaeda australis, Suaeda arbusculoides,
Tecticornia australasica, Salsola kali, algal crusts and the grass Sporobolus
virginicus. Sedges are also common. Occurs on supratidal flats with deep saline
clay soils and formed from Quaternary estuarine sediments. Occurs along the
landward edge of the intertidal zone in a hypersaline environment that is only
inundated by the highest spring tides. Soils are grey mottled clays with a crusting
surface, and are highly saline. (BVG1M: 35b)
11.1.2a: Estuarine wetlands (e.g. mangroves). Bare mud flats on Quaternary
estuarine deposits, with very isolated individual stunted mangroves such as
Avicennia marina and/or Ceriops tagal. May have obvious salt crusts on the soil
surface. (BVG1M: 35b)
11.1.2b: Estuarine wetlands (e.g. mangroves). Samphire forbland on
Quaternary estuarine deposits. Mainly saltpans and mudflats with clumps of
saltbush including one or several of the following species;
Tecticornia spp. (e.g. Tecticornia indica subsp. julacea, Tecticornia indica subsp.
leiostachya), Sesuvium portulacastrum, Sarcocornia quinqueflora subsp.
quinqueflora, Suaeda australis, Suaeda arbusculoides, Tecticornia australasica,
Scleria ciliaris, Marsilea mutica, Salsola kali, algal crusts and the grass
Sporobolus virginicus. Sedges may be common. (BVG1M: 35b)
| 175 |
Management Status
Act Status
11.1.4 Mangrove low forest on Quaternary estuarine deposits. Low open-shrubland to Least concern No concern at
closed forest of mangrove species forming a variety of associations, depending present
on position in relation to salt water inundation. Avicennia marina is the most
common dominant but also other trees such as Aegiceras corniculatum,
Rhizophora spp. and Ceriops tagal dominate often in pure stands. There is
often a shrub layer consisting of juvenile plants of the above species. Other
species such as Excoecaria agallocha, Bruguiera spp., Lumnitzera racemosa and
Alchornea ilicifolia may also occur. Occurs on intertidal flats which are often
dissected by tidal streams. Soils are usually deep saline clays. (BVG1M: 35a)
11.1.4a: Estuarine wetlands (e.g. mangroves). Rhizophora spp. open-forest
on Quaternary estuarine deposits. This may include Rhizophora stylosa or
Rhizophora apiculata as dominants, with occasional Avicennia marina as
emergents, and subdominant Bruguiera gymnorhiza and/or Ceriops tagal. In
northern areas, occasional Xylocarpus moluccensis may also occur. A shrub layer
is usually not present. Occurs on fringing waterways low in intertidal zone, with
roots submerged during high tides (Danaher, 1995). (BVG1M: 35a)
11.1.4b: Estuarine wetlands (e.g. mangroves). Avicennia marina low open-
shrubland to closed forest on Quaternary estuarine deposits. There may be
occasional Ceriops tagal, Rhizophora spp., Bruguiera spp., Excoecaria agallocha
or Lumnitzera spp. An occasional presence of species such as Aegialitis
annulata and/or Aegiceras corniculatum may occur. Open-shrublands of
Avicennia marina may have a sparse presence of samphires such as Suaeda
spp., Tecticornia australasica and Sarcocornia spp. Occurs in all intertidal
environments from the seaward edge (as a pioneer) to accreting banks (as a
fringe), to the landward edge adjacent to claypans (Bruinsma 2000; Danaher
1995) (BVG1M: 35a)
11.1.4c: Estuarine wetlands (e.g. mangroves). Ceriops tagal, +/- Avicennia
marina open forest on Quaternary estuarine deposits. Other mangrove species
may be present as occasional individuals including Rhizophora spp., Bruguiera
spp., Lumnitzera spp., and Sonneratia spp. A shrub layer is not usually present.
Occurs on upstream creek edges, and toward the landward edge of the upper
intertidal limit. Only inundated by spring tides (Bruinsma, 2000). (BVG1M: 35a)
11.1.4d: Estuarine wetlands (e.g. mangroves). Dominated by a range of species
from genera such as from Avicennia sp., Ceriops sp., Rhizophora sp. and
Bruguiera sp. which form a closed forest. A low shrub layer composed of species
such as Acanthus ilicifolius, Acrostichum speciosum, Crinum pedunculatum or
juvenile canopy species is often present. Epiphytes on the canopy are common.
Occurs on the landward edge of the tidal flats and in the upper tidal reaches of
creeks and rivers where there is a high freshwater influence. (BVG1M: 35a)
Management Status
Act Status
11.2.2 Ipomoea pes-caprae and Spinifex sericeus grassland +/- Casuarina Of concern Of concern
equisetifolia. Casuarina equisetifolia varies from clumps of open-forest, to
woodland, to isolated trees. Other scattered trees or shrubs may be present
including Pandanus tectorius, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Terminalia muelleri, Alphitonia
excelsa, Caesalpinia bonduc and Cupaniopsis anacardioides. The ground layer.
The ground layer is quite dense, and includes Ipomoea pes-caprae, Cyperus
pedunculatus, Bulbostylis barbata, Aphyllodium biarticulatum (prostrate form),
and Spinifex sericeus. Several species are prostrate, but the only climbing vine is
Cassytha pubescens. Occurs on Quaternary coastal fore dunes and beaches.
(BVG1M: 28a)
11.2.2a: Grassland with Heteropogon triticeus, various other grasses and
herbaceous spp. Includes narrow prostrate strandline vegetation. (BVG1M: 28a)
11.2.2b: Complex of vegetation on Quaternary coastal dunes and beaches.
Characterised by Casuarina equisetifolia, which varies in structure from clumps
of open-forest, to woodland, to isolated trees. Other scattered trees may be
present including Pandanus tectorius, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Terminalia muelleri,
Alphitonia excelsa, and Cupaniopsis anacardioides. There may be a shrub
layer of Clerodendrum spp., Caesalpinia bonduc, Vitex trifolia and/or Scaevola
taccada. The ground layer usually includes Eragrostis interrupta, Thuarea
involuta, Eriachne triodioides, Spinifex sericeus, Ipomoea pes-caprae, Canavalia
rosea and Cyperus pedunculatus. There is usually a distinct zonation along the
strandline. On gentle to moderately sloping foredunes and immediate swales,
usually within 200 m of the high tide mark. Occurs in environments subject to
salt-laden winds. Associated with exposed and loose aeolian (wind-transported)
pale siliceous sands. (BVG1M: 28a)
11.2.3 Microphyll/notophyll vineforest to semi-deciduous vine thicket on Quaternary Of concern Of concern
coastal dunes. Commonly consists of several of the following trees: Pleiogynium
timorense, Mimusops elengi, Cupaniopsis anacardioides, Exocarpos latifolius,
Sersalisia sericea and Diospyros geminata. In dry, exposed and windswept
locations, this RE may only reach 4-5 m, and include deciduous emergent
species such as Gyrocarpus americanus and Brachychiton australis. At its best
development this formation grows to 15 m and includes further species such
as Ficus virens, Aglaia brownii, Polyalthia nitidissima, Canarium australianum,
Miliusa brahei and Ficus spp. A shrub layer may be present with Carissa ovata,
Capparis sepiaria, Eugenia reinwardtiana, Drypetes deplanchei and Aidia
racemosa. Vines are common, including Sarcostemma viminale subsp. australe,
Jasminum didymum, Jasminum simplicifolium, Abrus precatorius and Cissus spp.
A ground layer is sparse or absent. Occurs on Quaternary coastal dunes and
adjacent swales. Best developed on secondary dune swales and areas protected
from strong winds. Soils are fine to coarse beach sands possibly enriched by
calcareous sediments. (BVG1M: 3b)
| 177 |
Management Status
Act Status
11.2.5 Beach ridge woodland with Melaleuca dealbata in swales and Corymbia Least concern No concern at
tessellaris woodland on Quaternary dune systems. Ridges: Usually a woodland present
to open forest of Corymbia tessellaris with occasional Acacia crassicarpa,
Cupaniopsis anacardioides, Pleiogynium timorense and Terminalia muelleri.
A sparse to dense shrub layer may include Acacia oraria, Acacia crassicarpa,
Planchonia careya, Alphitonia excelsa, Exocarpos latifolius, Senna surattensis
and Dodonaea viscosa. Ground layer includes Aphyllodium biarticulatum,
Themeda triandra, Heteropogon contortus, Elionurus citreus, Aristida holathera,
Cymbopogon refractus and Perotis rara. Swales: Open forest of Melaleuca
dealbata, (sometimes Melaleuca leucadendra or Melaleuca viridiflora), Livistona
drudei or Livistona decora, with shrubs of Pandanus spiralis. Ground layer of
Chrysopogon filipes, Imperata cylindrica, Sporobolus virginicus and Lepturus
repens. In some areas sedges are common, including Cyperus javanicus,
Fimbristylis dichotoma, Fimbristylis polytrichoides. Small vines are commonly
present including Cynanchum carnosum, Abrus precatorius, and Jasminum
didymum. Occurs on Quaternary undulating stabilised dunes with narrow linear
depressions. Associated soils are generally well drained siliceous sands, swales
with humic hydrosols. (BVG1M: 28b)
11.2.5a: Woodland to open forest of Eucalyptus tereticornis x platyphylla with
Corymbia tessellaris and occasional Melaleuca viridiflora (BVG1M: 28b)
11.2.5b: Palustrine wetland (e.g. vegetated swamp). Swales: Open forest
of Melaleuca dealbata, (sometimes Melaleuca leucadendra or Melaleuca
viridiflora), Livistona drudei or Livistona decora, with shrubs of Pandanus spiralis.
Ground layer of Chrysopogon filipes, Imperata cylindrica, Sporobolus virginicus
and Lepturus repens. In some areas sedges are common, including Cyperus
javanicus, Fimbristylis dichotoma, Fimbristylis polytrichoides. Small vines are
commonly present including Cynanchum carnosum, Abrus precatorius and
Jasminum didymum. (BVG1M: 22b)
11.3.4 Eucalyptus tereticornis woodland to open-forest. Other tree species that may Of concern Of concern
be present and locally dominant include Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Corymbia
tessellaris, Eucalyptus coolabah, Corymbia clarksoniana, Eucalyptus populnea
or Eucalyptus brownii, Eucalyptus melanophloia, Eucalyptus platyphylla or
Angophora floribunda, Eucalyptus crebra and Lophostemon suaveolens may be
locally dominant (subregion 14). A shrub layer is usually absent, and a tall grassy
ground layer is often prominent, and may include any of Bothriochloa bladhii
subsp. bladhii, Aristida spp., Heteropogon contortus, Dichanthium spp. and
Themeda triandra. Heavily grazed areas tend to have shorter or annual grasses
such as Dactyloctenium radulans or Bothriochloa spp. Occurs on Cainozoic
alluvial plains and terraces. Occurs on variety of soils, including deep cracking
clays, medium to fine textured soils, and deep texture-contrast soils. (BVG1M:
16c)
11.3.4a: Floodplain (other than floodplain wetlands). Corymbia tessellaris
woodland. On alluvial sandridges to elevated levees and level terraces adjacent
to larger stream channels which are irregularly flooded or possibly relict. Occurs
on deep, loose neutral to alkaline red or pale uniform sand or non-sodic texture
contrast soil. This unit has very low subsoil salinity in all profiles (Burgess 2003)
(BVG1M: 9e)
Management Status
Act Status
11.3.11 Semi-evergreen vine thicket or semi-deciduous notophyll rainforest, frequently Endangered Endangered
with emergent Eucalyptus tereticornis or Eucalyptus raveretiana. Common
species include Diospyros humilis, Diospyros geminata, Brachychiton australis,
Brachychiton rupestris, Geijera salicifolia, Lysiphyllum spp., Mallotus philippensis
and Streblus brunonianus. Occasional shrubs such as Carissa ovata may
be present. Forbs such as Nyssanthes spp. may also be present. Occurs on
Cainozoic alluvial plains. (BVG1M: 7a)
11.3.11x1: Semi-evergreen vine thicket. The dominant species, often
emergent and deciduous, are most commonly Canarium australianum,
Paraserianthes toona, Pleiogynium timorense, Cochlospermum gillivraei,
Terminalia porphyrocarpa, Alstonia scholaris and Chionanthus ramiflora.
Araucaria cunninghamii is absent. The understorey / shrub layer is dense and
diverse, with species such as Memecylon pauciflorum, Murraya ovatifoliolata,
Aidia racemosa, Turraea pubescens, Mallotus philippensis, Ixora timorensis,
Strychnos psilosperma, Pittosporum spinescens and Gossia bidwillii. The ground
layer is quite sparse, and includes Ancistrachne uncinulata, Drynaria sparsisora,
Adiantum aethiopicum, Plectranthus graveolens, Scleria sphacelata and
Hypoestes floribunda. Vine and epiphytes are common, including Pachygone
ovata, Cissus oblonga, Bonamia dietrichiana, Stephania japonica, Jasminum
didymum ssp. racemosum, Dendrobium discolor, Abrus precatorius, Pisonia
aculeata and Secamone elliptica. Occurs on coastal alluvial plains. (BVG1M:
7a)
11.3.25 Eucalyptus camaldulensis or Eucalyptus tereticornis open-forest to woodland. Other tree Least concern Of concern
species such as Casuarina cunninghamiana, Eucalyptus coolabah, Melaleuca bracteata,
Melaleuca viminalis, Livistona spp. (in north), Melaleuca spp. and Angophora floribunda
are commonly present and may be locally dominant. An open to sparse, tall shrub layer
is frequently present dominated by species including Acacia salicina, Acacia stenophylla
or Lysiphyllum carronii. Low shrubs are present, but rarely form a conspicuous layer. The
ground layer is open to sparse and dominated by perennial grasses, sedges or forbs
such as Imperata cylindrica, Bothriochloa bladhii, Bothriochloa ewartiana, Chrysopogon
fallax, Cyperus dactylotes, Cyperus difformis, Cyperus exaltatus, Cyperus gracilis, Cyperus
iria, Cyperus rigidellus, Cyperus victoriensis, Dichanthium sericeum, Leptochloa digitata,
Lomandra longifolia or Panicum spp. Occurs on fringing levees and banks of major rivers
and drainage lines of alluvial plains throughout the region. Soils are very deep, alluvial,
grey and brown cracking clays with or without some texture contrast. These are usually
moderately deep to deep, soft or firm, acid, neutral or alkaline brown sands, loams
or black cracking or non-cracking clays, and may be sodic at depth (Burgess, 2003).
(BVG1M: 16a)
11.3.25a: Riverine wetland or fringing riverine wetland. Eucalyptus raveretiana (sometimes

emergent), Melaleuca fluviatilis woodland. A range of other species may be present
including Melaleuca leucadendra, Corymbia clarksoniana, Casuarina cunninghamiana,
Melaleuca viminalis and Nauclea orientalis. There is often a dense low tree layer
dominated by species such as Acacia salicina, Geijera salicifolia, Diospyros humilis and
Mallotus philippensis. (BVG1M: 22c)
| 179 |
Management Status
Act Status
11.3.25 continued... Least concern Of concern
11.3.25b: Riverine wetland or fringing riverine wetland. Melaleuca leucadendra and/
or Melaleuca fluviatilis, Nauclea orientalis open forest. A range of other canopy or sub
canopy tree species also occur including Pandanus tectorius, Livistona spp., Eucalyptus
tereticornis, Corymbia tessellaris, Millettia pinnata, Casuarina cunninghamiana, Livistona
decora, Lophostemon suaveolens or Lophostemon grandiflorus, rainforest species and,
along drainage lines, Eucalyptus camaldulensis or Eucalyptus tereticornis. A ground layer
of tall grasses such as Chionachne cyathopoda, Mnesithea rottboellioides or Heteropogon
triticeus may be present. Often occurs on coarse sand spits and levees within larger river
channels. (BVG1M: 22c)
11.3.25c: Riverine wetland or fringing riverine wetland. Eucalyptus camaldulensis or

Eucalyptus tereticornis open-forest to woodland. Occurs fringing drainage lines derived
from Serpentinite. (BVG1M: 16a)
11.3.25d: Riverine wetland or fringing riverine wetland. Melaleuca bracteata woodland to

open-forest. Occurs on fringing alluvial soils or near-channel levees on heavy wet clays.
(BVG1M: 22c)
11.3.25e: Riverine wetland or fringing riverine wetland. Eucalyptus camaldulensis,

Eucalyptus tereticornis woodland fringing larger, permanent water courses. A range
of other tree species commonly occur including Melaleuca trichostachya. Casuarina
cunninghamiana and Melaleuca viminalis. Ground layer is composed of grasses and
forbs. Occurs fringing permanent water courses. (BVG1M: 16a)
11.3.25f: Riverine wetland or fringing riverine wetland. Main river channels. Open water
or exposed stream bead and bars. Usually devoid of emergent vegetation although
scattered trees and shrubs such as Melaleuca viminalis or Melaleuca spp. may be present
and aquatic species may be abundant particularly in water holes and lagoons.
Occurs on river channels. (BVG1M: 16d)
11.3.25g: Riverine wetland or fringing riverine wetland. Vegetation is seasonal
and may consist of open water and/or a range of mainly aquatic species such
as Nymphoides crenata or Hydrilla verticillata. Often with fringing woodland,
commonly Eucalyptus camaldulensis or Eucalyptus coolabah and a ground layer
that may include species such as Pseudoraphis spinescens, Marsilea drummondii,
Marsilea mutica, Persicaria subsessilis and Eleocharis spp. Occurs on waterholes
in larger drainage lines and rivers. (BVG1M: 16d)
11.3.25h: Riverine wetland or fringing riverine wetland. Low open-forest or
low woodland of Melaleuca viminalis, often in association with Melaleuca
trichostachya, occasionally with Cryptocarya triplinervis, and sometimes with
emergent layer of Eucalyptus tereticornis or Casuarina cunninghamiana. The
shrub layer is sparse but includes Ficus opposita. The ground layer includes
Lomandra hystrix and Oplismenus aemulus. Occurs fringing drainage lines.
(BVG1M: 22c)
Management Status
Act Status
11.3.26 Eucalyptus moluccana or Eucalyptus microcarpa or Eucalyptus woollsiana +/- Least concern No concern at
Eucalyptus populnea +/- Eucalyptus melanophloia tall open-forest to woodland present
+/- Allocasuarina luehmannii low tree layer and a grassy ground layer. In
northern subregions, there may be shrub layer of any of Eremophila mitchellii,
Flindersia dissosperma, Citrus glauca or Petalostigma pubescens, with a sparse
grassy ground layer. Occurs on margins of Cainozoic alluvial plains on deep
texture contrast soils. (BVG1M: 13d)
11.3.27 Freshwater wetlands. Vegetation is variable including open water with or without Least concern Of concern
aquatic species and fringing sedgelands and eucalypt woodlands. Occurs in
a variety of situations including lakes, billabongs, oxbows and depressions on
floodplains. (BVG1M: 34d)
11.3.27a: Lacustrine wetland (e.g. lake). Vegetation ranges from open water
+/- aquatics and emergents such as Chara spp. Nitella spp., Myriophyllum
verrucosum, Nymphaea violacea, Pyrgillus javanicus, Potamogeton crispus,
Potamogeton tricarinatus, Ottelia ovalifolia, Vallisneria caulescens and
Nymphoides indica, A narrow fringing woodland commonly dominated by
Eucalyptus camaldulensis or Eucalyptus coolabah but also a range of other tree
species may be present. Larger ephemeral - permanent water bodies (lakes).
(BVG1M: 34a)
11.3.27b: Lacustrine wetland (e.g. lake). Vegetation ranges from open water
+/- aquatics and emergents such as Potamogeton crispus, Myriophyllum
verrucosum, Chara spp., Nitella spp, Nymphaea violacea, Ottelia ovalifolia,
Nymphoides indica, Nymphoides crenata, Potamogeton tricarinatus, Cyperus
difformis, Vallisneria caulescens and Hydrilla verticillata. Often with fringing
woodland, commonly Eucalyptus camaldulensis or Eucalyptus coolabah but
also a wide range of other species including Eucalyptus platyphylla, Eucalyptus
tereticornis, Melaleuca spp., Acacia holosericea or other Acacia spp. Occurs on
billabongs no longer connected to the channel flow. (BVG1M: 34d)
11.3.27c: Palustrine wetland (e.g. vegetated swamp). Mixed grassland or
sedgeland with areas of open water +/- aquatic species. Dominated by a
range of species including Eleocharis spp., Nymphoides spp. and sometimes
Phragmites australis. Occurs on closed depressions on alluvial plains that are
intermittently flooded in inlands parts of the bioregion. (BVG1M: 34d)
11.3.27d: Palustrine wetland (e.g. vegetated swamp). Eucalyptus camaldulensis
and/or Eucalyptus tereticornis woodland. A range of sedges and grasses occur
in the ground layer including Fimbristylis vagans, Myriophyllum striatum, Nitella
pseudoflabellata and Pseudoraphis sp. Occurs fringing large lakes. (BVG1M:
34a)
11.3.27e: Palustrine wetland (e.g. vegetated swamp). Vegetation ranges from
open water +/- aquatics sometimes with fringing trees and shrubs. Fringing tree
species include Melaleuca dealbata, Nauclea orientalis, Melaleuca leucadendra,
Lophostemon suaveolens and Corymbia tessellaris. Shrub layers are usually
absent although scattered Pandanus spp. may be present. The ground layer is
often open water with emergent aquatic species or sedges and grasses including
Leersia hexandra, Cyperus dactylotes, Cyperus lucidus, Nymphaea spp. and
Gymnanthera oblonga. Occurs on billabongs and oxbows with permanent to
ephemeral water regime. (BVG1M: 34d)
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Management Status
Act Status
11.3.27 continued... Least concern Of concern
11.3.27f: Palustrine wetland (e.g. vegetated swamp). Eucalyptus coolabah
and/or Eucalyptus tereticornis open-woodland to woodland fringing swamps.
Ground layer and treeless areas range from open water +/- aquatics and
emergents such as Potamogeton crispus, Myriophyllum verrucosum, Chara spp.,
Eleocharis spp., Nitella spp., Cyperus difformis, Hydrilla verticillata. Occurs on
closed depressions on floodplains associated with old drainage courses that are
intermittently flooded. (BVG1M: 34d)
11.3.27g: Lacustrine wetland (e.g. lake). Lakes with or without fringing
Eucalyptus coolabah low open-woodland Occurs on closed depressions on
floodplains associated with old drainage courses. (BVG1M: 34a)
11.3.27h: Lacustrine wetland (e.g. lake). Lakes with mainly open water or
bare lake bed. May be Muehlenbeckia florulenta low shrubland +/- scattered
Eucalyptus coolabah trees fringing or scattered across the area. Occurs on
floodplains. Seasonally dry. (BVG1M: 34a)
11.3.27i: Palustrine wetland (e.g. vegetated swamp). Eucalyptus camaldulensis
or Eucalyptus tereticornis woodland to open-woodland with sedgeland ground
layer. Other tree species such as Eucalyptus coolabah and Eucalyptus largiflorens
may be present or locally dominant. Ground layer dominated by sedges, ferns
or herbs such as Eleocharis spp., Juncus spp. and Marsilea spp. Occurs in
depressions on floodplains. (BVG1M: 34d)
11.3.27j: Palustrine wetland (e.g. vegetated swamp). Acacia stenophylla and
other shrubby species Occurs in frequently flooded depression on floodplains.
(BVG1M: 34d)
11.3.27x1a: Palustrine wetland (e.g. vegetated swamp). Sedgelands to
grasslands on old marine planes. Often occurs as an Eleocharis spp. (Eleocharis
dulcis, Eleocharis sphacelata) sedgeland but a variety of other species dominate
in local areas including Typha orientalis, Cyperus alopecuroides, Phragmites
australis and Ludwigia octovalvis. A range of other sedges, grasses small shrubs
and herbs (<40 cm) are abundant, and include Ammannia multiflora, Cyperus
polystachyos, Sporobolus virginicus, Chloris virgata, Fimbristylis ferruginea,
Ceratopteris thalictroides, Phyla nodiflora var. nodiflora and Persicaria attenuata.
The vines Passiflora foetida may occur in some areas. Trees and large shrubs are
generally absent. Occurs in depressions on Quaternary estuarine deposits which
are seasonally inundated with fresh water. (BVG1M: 34c)
11.3.27x1b: Palustrine wetland (e.g. vegetated swamp). Sedgelands to
grasslands on Quaternary deposits. Often occurs as an Eleocharis dulcis
sedgeland but a variety of other species dominate in local areas including Typha
orientalis and Phragmites australis. Trees and large shrubs are generally absent.
Occurs on broad drainage depressions situated on old alluvial plains. (BVG1M:
34c)
11.3.27x1c: Palustrine wetland (e.g. vegetated swamp). Sedgelands to
grasslands on Quaternary deposits. Sedgeland areas typically dominated by
Schoenoplectus litoralis although a range of other sedges and grasses may also
dominate localised areas. Other dominant species include the sedges Eleocharis
philippinensis, Cyperus alopecuroides, Cyperus alopecuroides scariosus and
Cyperus alopecuroides iria and the grasses Phragmites australis, Sporobolus
virginicus and Paspalum vaginatum. Other typical species in shallower margins
include Fimbristylis ferruginea, Phyla nodiflora and Cyperus polystachyos.
Occasional twiners such as Cynanchum carnosum may be present. Occurs
in depressions on old Quaternary estuarine deposits. These are seasonally
inundated with fresh water but become more brackish as they dry. Dry out
completely before the next season’s rain. (BVG1M: 34c)
Management Status
Act Status
11.3.29 Eucalyptus crebra, Eucalyptus exserta, Corymbia dallachiana, Corymbia Least concern No concern at
intermedia woodland usually with a low tree understorey of Melaleuca viridiflora present
and Melaleuca nervosa. Occurs on broad plains and fans formed from
Quaternary alluvium. Usually associated with bleached sodic duplex soils.
(BVG1M: 18b)
11.3.29a: Eucalyptus crebra +/- Corymbia dallachiana +/- Corymbia
erythrophloia, Eucalyptus moluccana woodland. (BVG1M: 18b)
11.5.2 Eucalyptus crebra +/- Corymbia clarksoniana +/- Corymbia citriodora +/- Least concern No concern at
Eucalyptus crebra moluccana woodland. Sparse ground layer and sparse to present
mid-dense shrub/low tree layer. On duplex soils, Allocasuarina luehmannii low
tree layer is often present and can be the dominant layer in some areas. Other
canopy or sub-canopy trees that may be present include Lysicarpus angustifolius,
Acacia rhodoxylon, Eucalyptus exserta, Eucalyptus tenuipes and Corymbia
tessellaris. Occurs on Cainozoic sandplains which are often below hills and
ranges. (BVG1M: 18b)
11.5.2a: Allocasuarina luehmannii low tree layer with or without emergent
woodland. (BVG1M: 24a)
11.5.8 Mosaic of Melaleuca viridiflora and/or Melaleuca nervosa woodland Least concern No concern at
and Eucalyptus crebra, Corymbia intermedia, Eucalyptus latisinensis and present
Lophostemon suaveolens woodland. Occurs on gently undulating plains and
rises formed from unconsolidated course and medium textured Cainozoic
sediments. Associated soils are yellow and brown duplex or yellow and red
gradational. (BVG1M: 21a)
11.5.8a: Eucalyptus platyphylla, Corymbia intermedia, Lophostemon suaveolens
+/- Eucalyptus tereticornis woodland. Occurs on rises and low hills. (BVG1M:
9b)
11.5.8b: Corymbia clarksoniana, Eucalyptus exserta, Eucalyptus crebra,
Eucalyptus tereticornis, Eucalyptus platyphylla woodland with low tree layer
dominated by Melaleuca viridiflora, Melaleuca nervosa, Allocasuarina littoralis,
Grevillea banksii, Acacia flavescens +/- Acacia leiocalyx. (BVG1M: 9e)
11.5.8c: Eucalyptus platyphylla woodland on white-yellow weathered sands, with
grassy ground layer. Occurs on Quaternary sediments (BVG1M: 18a)
| 183 |
Management Status
Act Status
11.5.9 Eucalyptus crebra and/or Eucalyptus melanophloia woodland. Other tree Least concern No concern at
species that may be present and locally dominant include Corymbia citriodora present
or Corymbia clarksoniana sometimes in association with Corymbia intermedia,
Corymbia dallachiana, Corymbia lamprophylla, Eucalyptus tenuipes, Eucalyptus
exserta, Eucalyptus cloeziana, Eucalyptus acmenoides. The mid layer ranges
from absent to a sparse to dense shrubland typically dominated by Acacia spp.
(such as Acacia excelsa, Acacia leiocalyx), Petalostigma pubescens, Lysicarpus
angustifolius, Alphitonia excelsa and occasionally Melaleuca nervosa (on texture
contrast soils). Occurs on plateaus and broad crests of hills and ranges which
are formed by Cainozoic sandplains. Soils are generally deep red earths.
(BVG1M: 18b)
11.5.9a: Eucalyptus melanophloia woodland. (BVG1M: 17b)
11.5.9b: Eucalyptus crebra, Eucalyptus tenuipes, Lysicarpus angustifolius +/-
Corymbia spp. woodland. (BVG1M: 18b)
11.5.9c: Eucalyptus crebra +/- Corymbia intermedia +/- Eucalyptus moluccana
+/- Corymbia dallachiana woodland. (BVG1M: 18b)
11.5.9d: Corymbia citriodora and/or Eucalyptus crebra woodland. (BVG1M:
10a)
11.10.4 Eucalyptus decorticans predominates forming a distinct but discontinuous Least concern No concern at
canopy (25-30m high). Eucalyptus decorticans usually forms pure stands, present
however other Eucalyptus spp. often form part of the canopy and dominate
Other tree species that may be present and/or dominant include Acacia shirleyi,
Angophora leiocarpa, Callitris glaucophylla, Eucalyptus apothalassica, Lysicarpus
angustifolius, Eucalyptus exserta, Eucalyptus fibrosa subsp. nubila, Eucalyptus
panda, Eucalyptus tenuipes, Corymbia trachyphloia, and Eucalyptus virens.
On very rocky shallow soils, Eucalyptus bakeri, Eucalyptus curtisii or Eucalyptus
viridis may occur. Acacia shirleyi is the most frequent tall shrub, although
other Acacia spp. may be locally dominant. There is usually a low tree or tall
shrub layer dominated by species such as Acacia sparsiflora, Acacia burrowii,
Callitris endlicheri, Allocasuarina inophloia, Acacia spp., Eucalyptus tenuipes,
Alphitonia excelsa and Petalostigma pubescens. A low shrub layer is not usually
present, however where it occurs Acacia spp. and Dodonaea triangularis usually
predominate. The ground layer is sparse to open, and dominated by perennial
grasses, usually Aristida spp. or Arundinella nepalensis. Occurs on crests, scarps
and upper slopes of ranges formed from medium to coarse-grained sediments
with shallow soils. (BVG1M: 12a)
11.10.4a: Eucalyptus crebra, Corymbia aureola, Corymbia clarksoniana and/or
Acacia shirleyi woodland. Small areas that occur on conjunction with Eucalyptus
decorticans woodland. (BVG1M: 12a)
11.10.4b: Eucalyptus crebra, Eucalyptus exserta woodland. Small areas
that occur on conjunction with Eucalyptus decorticans woodland. Occurs on
undulating terrain and occasionally on ridgetops. (BVG1M: 12a)
11.10.4c: Eucalyptus crebra, Corymbia hendersonii woodland. Small areas
that occur on conjunction with Eucalyptus decorticans woodland. Occurs on
undulating terrain and occasionally on ridgetops. (BVG1M: 12a)
11.10.4d: Flindersia collina +/- Eucalyptus crebra. Occurs on steep hills and
dissected plateaux. (BVG1M: 12a)
Management Status
Act Status
11.11.3 Corymbia citriodora, Eucalyptus crebra and Eucalyptus acmenoides open-forest Least concern No concern at
often with a Allocasuarina torulosa and whipstick Lophostemon confertus and/or present
Xanthorrhoea spp. and Macrozamia spp. tall shrub or low tree layer. Generally
occurs on sub-coastal hills and ranges formed on moderately to strongly
deformed and metamorphosed sediments and interbedded volcanics. (BVG1M:
10a)
11.11.3c: Eucalyptus moluccana on lower slopes in association with Eucalyptus
crebra +/- Corymbia citriodora +/- Eucalyptus spp. (BVG1M: 13d)
11.11.4 Eucalyptus crebra woodland +/- Corymbia citriodora +/- Eucalyptus tereticornis Least concern No concern at
+/- Corymbia tessellaris +/- Lophostemon suaveolens with Xanthorrhoea present
spp. and Macrozamia spp. often present in shrub layer. Eucalyptus moluccana
often dominates the tree canopy on lower colluvial slopes. Generally occurs
on coastal hills and ranges formed on moderately to strongly deformed and
metamorphosed sediments and interbedded volcanics. (BVG1M: 13c)
11.11.4a: Eucalyptus tereticornis dominated woodland. Other tree species listed
above may occur as sub or co-dominant species. (BVG1M: 10a)
11.11.4b: Corymbia trachyphloia or Eucalyptus acmenoides, Eucalyptus crebra
woodland +/- Acacia leiocalyx (BVG1M: 13c)
11.11.4c: Eucalyptus moluccana dominated woodland. Other tree species listed
above may occur as sub or co-dominant species. (BVG1M: 13d)
11.11.4d: Lophostemon spp. with shrubs including Acacia spp., Alphitonia
excelsa and Xanthorrhoea johnsonii. (BVG1M: 28e)
11.11.5 Microphyll rainforest (with or without Araucaria cunninghamii emergents) and Least concern No concern at
semi-evergreen vine thicket. Floristics and structure varies with site. There is present
usually a continuous tree canopy (9 - 15m high) with a wide range of species
including Flindersia australis, Backhousia kingii, Excoecaria dallachyana, Melia
azedarach, Ficus spp., Strychnos psilosperma, Macropteranthes leichhardtii and
Alstonia constricta. An emergent tree layer (12-20m high) commonly occurs
with species including Brachychiton australis, Brachychiton rupestris, Flindersia
australis, Ficus spp., Araucaria cunninghamii and sometimes Eucalyptus spp.
There is a shrub layer (1-3m high) with density depending on canopy cover and
frequent species including Croton spp., Abutilon spp., Capparis spp. Acalypha
eremorum and Codonocarpus attenuatus. Ferns, mosses and vines are common.
Occurs on hilly terrain with slopes ranging from 55 and up to 80% locally.
Formed from moderately to strongly deformed and metamorphosed sediments
and interbedded volcanics. Associated soils are generally shallow loams and
clays with minor areas of deeper cover. (BVG1M: 7a)
11.11.5a: Vine thicket, usually with no Araucaria cunninghamii emergents.
(BVG1M: 7a)
| 185 |
Management Status
Act Status
11.11.15 Eucalyptus crebra +/- Corymbia erythrophloia +/- E. populnea +/- E. Least concern No concern at
melanophloia +/- C. tessellaris +/- C. clarksoniana woodland often with a present
shrubby layer. Eucalyptus exserta and Eucalyptus platyphylla present in central
coastal part of bioregion. Occurs on undulating rises and low hills, often
with distinct strike pattern formed on moderately to strongly deformed and
metamorphosed sediments and interbedded volcanics and Permian sediments.
(BVG1M: 13c)
11.11.15a: Eucalyptus crebra, Eucalyptus exserta woodland. (BVG1M: 13c)
11.11.15b: Eucalyptus drepanophylla and/or Eucalyptus platyphylla woodland
+/- vine thicket species. (BVG1M: 13c)
11.11.15c: Woodland with Corymbia setosa present to dominant, usually
with Corymbia clarksoniana, Eucalyptus melanophloia, Corymbia dallachiana
and Eucalyptus crebra, with occasional shrubs of Petalostigma pubescens and
Alphitonia excelsa. (BVG1M: 13c)
11.11.15d: Woodland with Corymbia setosa present to dominant, usually
with Corymbia clarksoniana, Eucalyptus melanophloia, Corymbia dallachiana
and Eucalyptus crebra, with occasional shrubs of Petalostigma pubescens and
Alphitonia excelsa. Occurs on low rises and short hills derived from Devonian-
Carboniferous sediments (mainly conglomerates in Beresford Stn). Associated
soils are hard gravelly to stony. (BVG1M: 13c)
11.12.3 Eucalyptus crebra, Eucalyptus tereticornis +/- Angophora leiocarpa and Least concern Of concern
Eucalyptus melanophloia woodland. Other tree species that may be present
include Corymbia clarksoniana, Corymbia tessellaris, Corymbia erythrophloia,
Corymbia citriodora and Eucalyptu exserta. There is usually a low tree layer with
species including Alphitonia excelsa and Petalostigma pubescens. Occurs on hills
and lower slopes derived from granitic rocks. (BVG1M: 13c)
11.12.4 Araucaria cunninghamii is a common emergent from the general canopy layer Least concern No concern at
with is 15-28 metres high. Canopy species include Paraserianthes toona, Ficus present
virens, Canarium australianum, Alstonia scholaris, Planchonella pohlmaniana,
Cleistanthus dallachyanus and Backhousia citriodora. Common shrub or
understorey species are Mackinlaya macrosciadea, Baloghia inophylla, Polyalthia
nitidissima, Bosistoa brassii and Aglaia sapindina. The sparse ground layer
includes species such as Scleria sphacelata and Adiantum hispidulum. Vines and
epiphytes are common and include Microsorum punctatum, Cissus oblonga,
Tetrastigma thorsborneorum, Smilax australis and Pisonia aculeata. Eucalyptus
moluccana often associated with lower slopes on sandy sites. Occurs on low
hills, ranges and boulder strewn slopes formed from Mesozoic to Proterozoic
igneous rocks including granite. (BVG1M: 7a)
11.12.4a: Semi-evergreen vine thicket with open patches of Acacia fasciculifera,
Archidendropsis thozetiana, Pleiogynium timorense and various other species.
(BVG1M: 7a)
Management Status
Act Status
11.12.6 Corymbia citriodora, Eucalyptus crebra, Eucalyptus microcarpa/ Eucalyptus Least concern No concern at
moluccana, Angophora leiocarpa and Eucalyptus melanophloia open-forest to present
woodland. Other tree species that may be present include Eucalyptus tereticornis
+/- Corymbia tessellaris +/- Corymbia clarksoniana and Eucalyptus fibrosa.
Can include areas of Eucalyptus suffulgens in the east of the bioregion. There
is generally a sparse to moderately dense mid layer dominated by species such
as Alphitonia excelsa, Petalostigma pubescens, Acacia spp. and occasionally
Callitris glaucophylla or Eucalyptus exserta. Occurs on gently undulating lower
slopes of hills formed from Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous rocks (granite).
Associated soils are often deep texture contrast with thin sandy or loamy surface
horizon over acid mottled subsoil’s to shallow sandy or loamy skeletal soils.
May include areas that occur on deeply weathered granite (land zone 5 or 7).
(BVG1M: 10a)
11.12.6a: Eucalyptus crebra +/- Corymbia citriodora and/or Eucalyptus
acmenoides +/- Lophostemon suaveolens woodland to open-forest. (BVG1M:
10a)
11.12.6b: Callitris glaucophylla +/- Eucalyptus spp. woodland. (BVG1M: 20a)
12.1.1 Notophyll and notophyll/microphyll vine forest, sometimes with Archontophoenix Of concern Of concern
cunninghamiana and/or Lophostemon confertus closed forest. The plant
families Lauraceae, Myrtaceae and Elaeocarpaceae are diagnostic of the type
and Pouteria queenslandica is common in the northern half of the bioregion.
Araucaria cunninghamii is often present on margins. Occurs in gullies on
Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous rocks especially granite and rhyolite. (BVG1M:
4a)
12.1.2 Saltpan vegetation comprising Sporobolus virginicus grassland and samphire Least concern No concern at
herbland. Grasses including Zoysia macrantha subsp. macrantha sometimes present
present in upper portions of tidal flats. Includes saline or brackish sedgelands.
Occurs on Quaternary estuarine deposits. Marine plains/tidal flats. (BVG1M:
35b)
12.1.3 Mangrove shrubland to low closed forest. Occurs on Quaternary estuarine Least concern No concern at
deposits. (BVG1M: 35a) present
12.2.2 Microphyll/notophyll vine forest. Characteristic species include Cupaniopsis Of concern Endangered
anacardioides, Flindersia schottiana, Alectryon coriaceus, Elaeocarpus
obovatus, Polyalthia nitidissima, Diospyros spp., Pleiogynium timorense and
Mallotus discolor. Melaleuca spp. and eucalypt emergents may be present, e.g.
Melaleuca dealbata and Corymbia tessellaris. Occurs on Quaternary coastal
dunes and beaches. (BVG1M: 3b)
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12.2.7 Melaleuca quinquenervia or Melaleuca viridiflora or Melaleuca dealbata open- Least concern Of concern
forest to woodland. Other species include Eucalyptus tereticornis, Corymbia
intermedia, Eucalyptus bancroftii, Eucalyptus latisinensis, Eucalyptus robusta,
Lophostemon suaveolens and Livistona decora. A shrub layer may occur with
frequent species including Melastoma malabathricum subsp. malabathricum or
Banksia robur. The ground layer is sparse to dense and comprised of species
including the ferns Pteridium esculentum and Blechnum indicum, the sedges
Schoenus brevifolius, Baloskion tetraphyllum, Baumea rubiginosa and Gahnia
sieberiana and the grass Imperata cylindrica. Occurs on Quaternary coastal
dunes and seasonally waterlogged sandplains usually fringing drainage system
behind beach ridge plains or on old dunes, swales and sandy coastal creek
levees. (BVG1M: 22a)
12.2.7a: Palustrine wetland (e.g. vegetated swamp). Melaleuca quinquenervia
low woodland with Gahnia sieberiana shrub layer. Occurs on Quaternary
coastal sand dunes fringing swamps. (BVG1M: 22a)
12.2.7b: Palustrine wetland (e.g. vegetated swamp). Whipstick Melaleuca
quinquenervia. Occurs at base of frontal dunes on Quaternary coastal dunes
and beaches. (BVG1M: 22a)
12.2.7c: Palustrine wetland (e.g. vegetated swamp). Melaleuca quinquenervia,
Eucalyptus robusta, Melicope elleryana open forest with understorey of Todea
barbara. Occurs along watercourses on Quaternary coastal dunes and beaches
and seasonally waterlogged sandplains. (BVG1M: 22a)
12.2.7d: Palustrine wetland (e.g. vegetated swamp). Eucalyptus bancroftii
woodland. Other canopy species include Lophostemon suaveolens and
Melaleuca quinquenervia. A shrub layer may occur with frequent species
including Melaleuca nodosa, Hakea actites and Melaleuca pachyphylla. The
ground layer is sparse to dense and comprised of heath species. Minor wet
depressions sometimes occur and sedges dominate these areas. Occurs on
Quaternary coastal dunes and seasonally waterlogged sandplains. (BVG1M: 9f)
12.2.9 Banksia aemula low shrubby woodland. Mallee eucalypts sometimes present, Least concern No concern at
e.g. Eucalyptus latisinensis. Occurs on Quaternary coastal dunes and sandplains present
with deeply leached soils. (BVG1M: 29a)
12.2.11 Open-forest to woodland species include Corymbia tessellaris, Eucalyptus Least concern No concern at
tereticornis, Callitris columellaris, Petalostigma pubescens, Corymbia intermedia present
or Corymbia clarksoniana, Eucalyptus exserta, Livistona decora, Planchonia
careya, Leptospermum neglectum, Acacia julifera. Melaleuca dealbata and
Eucalyptus tereticornis in swales. Vine forest species sometimes present as sub
canopy or understorey. Occurs on Quaternary coastal beach ridges and swales.
(BVG1M: 9f)
Management Status
Act Status
12.2.12 Closed or wet heath +/- stunted emergent shrubs/low trees. Characteristic Least concern No concern at
shrubs include Banksia spp. (especially Banksia robur), Boronia falcifolia, present
Epacris spp., Baeckea frutescens, Schoenus brevifolius, Leptospermum spp.,
Hakea actites, Melaleuca thymifolia, Melaleuca nodosa, Xanthorrhoea fulva
with Baloskion spp. and Sporadanthus spp. in ground layer. Occurs on poorly
drained Quaternary coastal dunes and sandplains. Low part of sand mass
coastal landscapes where water collects from both overland flow and infiltration
from adjoining sand dunes. (BVG1M: 29a)
12.2.12a: Palustrine wetland (e.g. vegetated swamp). Empodisma minus,
Baumea rubiginosa, Epacris microphylla closed-heathland with emergent low
shrubs of Leptospermum liversidgei. Occurs on poorly drained Quaternary
coastal dunes and sandplains. Low part of sand mass coastal landscapes where
water collects from both overland flow and infiltration from adjoining sand
dunes. (BVG1M: 29a)
12.2.12b: Palustrine wetland (e.g. vegetated swamp). Xanthorrhoea fulva wet
heathland. Occurs on poorly drained Quaternary coastal dunes and sandplains.
Low part of sand mass coastal landscapes where water collects from both
overland flow and infiltration from adjoining sand dunes. (BVG1M: 29a)
12.2.14 Strand and fore dune complex comprising Spinifex sericeus grassland Casuarina Least concern No concern at
equisetifolia subsp. incana woodland/open-forest and with Acacia leiocalyx, present
Acacia disparrima subsp. disparrima, Banksia integrifolia subsp. integrifolia,
Pandanus tectorius, Corymbia tessellaris, Cupaniopsis anacardioides, Acronychia
imperforata. Occurs mostly on frontal dunes and beaches but can occur on
exposed parts of dunes further inland. (BVG1M: 28a)
12.2.14a: Casuarina equisetifolia subsp. incana woodland to low open-forest
Exposed frontal areas (BVG1M: 28a)
12.2.14b: Casuarina equisetifolia subsp. incana woodland to low open-forest
with mid dense shrub of Argusia argentea/ Scaevola taccada Exposed frontal
areas (BVG1M: 28a)
12.2.14c: Seashore mixed herbland Exposed frontal areas (BVG1M: 28a)
12.2.14d: Sporobolus virginicus closed-tussock grassland Exposed frontal areas
(BVG1M: 28a)
12.2.14e: Spinifex sericeus open-hummock grassland Exposed frontal areas
(BVG1M: 28a)
12.2.14f: *Cakile edentula ephemeral herbland Exposed frontal areas
(BVG1M: 28a)
12.2.14g: Very sparse herbland, mainly sand Exposed frontal areas (BVG1M:
28a)
12.2.14h: Shingle shores with sparse vegetation e.g. Canavalia rosea. Exposed
frontal areas of coral cays (BVG1M: 28a)
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12.2.15 Coastal sedgeland with Baumea spp., Juncus spp. Lepironia articulata, Gahnia Least concern No concern at
spp. and Eleocharis spp. and associated water bodies. Occurs on Quaternary present
coastal dunes and beaches. Low part of coastal landscape where water collects
from both overland flow and infiltration from adjoining sand dunes. (BVG1M:
34c)
12.2.15a: Lacustrine wetland (e.g. lake). Permanent and semi-permanent
window lakes. Occurs as a window into the water table on Quaternary coastal
dunes and beaches. Low part of coastal landscape where water collects from
both overland flow and infiltration from adjoining sand dunes. (BVG1M: 34a)
12.2.15b: Palustrine wetland (e.g. vegetated swamp). Lepironia articulata closed-
sedgeland. Occurs on Quaternary coastal dunes and beaches. Low part of
coastal landscape where water collects from both overland flow and infiltration
12.2.15c: Palustrine wetland (e.g. vegetated swamp). Cladium procerum closed-
sedgeland. Occurs on Quaternary coastal dunes and beaches. Low part of
12.2.15d: Palustrine wetland (e.g. vegetated swamp). Baumea rubiginosa
closed-sedgeland, with Cyclosorus interruptus and Blechnum indicum. Occurs
on Quaternary coastal dunes and beaches. Low part of coastal landscape
where water collects from both overland flow and infiltration from adjoining sand
dunes. (BVG1M: 34c)
12.2.15e: Palustrine wetland (e.g. vegetated swamp). Leersia hexandra closed-
grassland. Occurs on Quaternary coastal dunes and beaches. Low part of
12.2.15f: Lacustrine wetland (e.g. lake). Permanent and semi-permanent
perched lakes. Occurs perched on Quaternary coastal dunes. (BVG1M: 34a)
12.2.16 Sand blows largely devoid of vegetation. Sand blows on large sand islands. Of concern Of concern
(BVG1M: 28d)
Management Status
Act Status
12.3.3 Eucalyptus tereticornis open-forest to woodland. Eucalyptus crebra and Endangered Endangered
Eucalyptus moluccana are sometimes present and may be relatively abundant
in places, especially on edges of plains and higher level alluvium. Other species
that may be present as scattered individuals or clumps include Angophora
subvelutina or Angophora floribunda, Corymbia clarksoniana, Corymbia
intermedia, Corymbia tessellaris, Lophostemon suaveolens and Eucalyptus
melanophloia. Occurs on broad Quaternary alluvial plains where rainfall is
usually less than 1000mm/y. (BVG1M: 16a)
12.3.3a: Floodplain (other than floodplain wetlands). Eucalyptus crebra,
Corymbia tessellaris woodland to open-forest. Other species that may be present
as scattered individuals or clumps include Corymbia clarksoniana, Eucalyptus
melanophloia, Eucalyptus tereticornis and Corymbia citriodora. Occurs on
high level alluvial plains and fans where rainfall is usually less than 1000mm/y.
(BVG1M: 18b)
12.3.3b: Floodplain (other than floodplain wetlands). Open-forest to woodland
of Eucalyptus moluccana and/or Eucalyptus tereticornis and Eucalyptus crebra,
with a sparse to mid-dense understorey of Melaleuca irbyana. Occurs on
margins of Quaternary alluvial plains. (BVG1M: 13d)
12.3.3c: Floodplain (other than floodplain wetlands). Melaleuca irbyana low
open-forest or thicket. Emergent Eucalyptus moluccana, Eucalyptus crebra,
Eucalyptus tereticornis or Corymbia citriodora may be present. Occurs on
Quaternary alluvial plains where drainage of soils is impeded. (BVG1M: 21b)
12.3.3d: Floodplain (other than floodplain wetlands). Eucalyptus moluccana
woodland to open-forest. Other frequently occurring species include Eucalyptus
tereticornis, Eucalyptus crebra, Eucalyptus siderophloia and Corymbia intermedia.
Occurs on margins of Quaternary alluvial plains usually adjacent sedimentary
geologies. (BVG1M: 13d)
12.3.5 Melaleuca quinquenervia open-forest to woodland. Understorey depends Least concern Of concern
upon duration of water logging; sedges and ferns, especially Blechnum
indicum, in wetter microhabitats and grasses and shrubs in drier microhabitats.
Ground layer species include the grasses Leersia hexandra and Imperata
cylindrica, the sedges/rushes, Baumea rubiginosa, Gahnia sieberiana, Lepironia
articulata, Schoenus brevifolius and Schoenus scabripes and the fern Lygodium
microphyllum. Other tree species that may be present as scattered individuals
or clumps include Lophostemon suaveolens, Eucalyptus robusta, Eucalyptus
tereticornis, Eucalyptus bancroftii, Eucalyptus latisinensis, Corymbia intermedia,
Melaleuca salicina, Livistona australis, Casuarina glauca, Endiandra sieberi.
Melastoma malabathricum subsp. malabathricum, Glochidion sumatranum and
Melicope elleryana are often in understorey. Occurs on Quaternary alluvial
plains in coastal areas. (BVG1M: 22a)
12.3.5a: Palustrine wetland (e.g. vegetated swamp). Melaleuca quinquenervia,
Casuarina glauca +/- Eucalyptus tereticornis open forest. Occurs on lowest river
terraces of Quaternary alluvial plains in coastal areas. (BVG1M: 22a)
12.3.6 Melaleuca quinquenervia, Eucalyptus tereticornis, Lophostemon suaveolens Least concern No concern at
+/- Corymbia intermedia open-forest to woodland with a grassy ground layer present
dominated by species such as Imperata cylindrica. Occurs on Quaternary
floodplains and fringing drainage lines in coastal areas. (BVG1M: 22a)
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Management Status
Act Status
12.3.7 Narrow fringing community of Eucalyptus tereticornis, Melaleuca viminalis, Least concern No concern at
Casuarina cunninghamiana +/- Waterhousea floribunda. Other species present
associated with this RE include Melaleuca bracteata, Melaleuca trichostachya,
Melaleuca linariifolia and Melaleuca fluviatilis in north of bioregion. Lomandra
hystrix often present in stream beds. Occurs on fringing levees and banks of
rivers and drainage lines of alluvial plains throughout the region. (BVG1M: 16a)
12.3.7a: Riverine wetland or fringing riverine wetland. Melaleuca bracteata
open-forest. Occurs in drainage depressions on Quaternary alluvial plains.
(BVG1M: 22c)
12.3.7b: Riverine wetland or fringing riverine wetland. Naturally occurring
waterholes and lagoons, both permanent and intermittent. Includes exposed
stream bed and bars. Occurs in the bed of active (may be intermittent) river
channels. (BVG1M: 16d)
12.3.7c: Palustrine wetland (e.g. vegetated swamp). Billabongs and ox-bow
lakes containing either permanent or periodic water bodies. Old river beds now
cut off from regular flow. (BVG1M: 34d)
12.3.7d: Palustrine wetland (e.g. vegetated swamp). Aquatic vegetation usually
fringed with Eucalyptus tereticornis. Closed depressions on alluvial plains.
(BVG1M: 34d)
12.3.8 Characteristic species include Cyperus spp., Schoenoplectus spp., Philydrum Of concern Of concern
lanuginosum, Eleocharis spp., Leersia hexandra, Triglochin procerum, Nymphaea
spp., Nymphoides indica, Persicaria spp., Phragmites karka, Typha spp. and a
wide range of sedges grasses or forbs. Occurs in freshwater swamps associated
with floodplains. (BVG1M: 34c)
12.3.10 Eucalyptus populnea +/- Eucalyptus tereticornis grassy woodland/tall woodland Endangered Endangered
+/- patches of Acacia harpophylla and Melaleuca bracteata. Occurs on
Quaternary alluvial plains. (BVG1M: 17a)
12.3.10a: Acacia harpophylla open-forest to woodland. Occurs on Quaternary
alluvial plains where minor areas of cracking clay soils prevail. (BVG1M: 25a)
12.3.11 Open-forest to woodland of Eucalyptus tereticornis, Eucalyptus siderophloia Of concern Of concern
and Corymbia intermedia. Corymbia tessellaris, Lophostemon suaveolens and
Melaleuca quinquenervia frequently occur and often form a low tree layer.
Other species present in scattered patches or low densities include Angophora
leiocarpa, Eucalyptus exserta, Eucalyptus grandis, Corymbia trachyphloia,
Corymbia citriodora, Eucalyptus latisinensis, Eucalyptus tindaliae, Eucalyptus
racemosa, Melaleuca sieberi and Melaleuca viridiflora. Eucalyptus seeana may
be present south of Landsborough. Occurs on Quaternary alluvial plains and
drainage lines along coastal lowlands. Rainfall usually exceeds 1000mm/y
(BVG1M: 16c)
12.3.11a: Open-forest of Eucalyptus tereticornis and/or Eucalyptus siderophloia
with vine forest understorey. Other canopy species include Corymbia intermedia,
Araucaria cunninghamii and Agathis robusta. Frequently occurring understorey
species include Flindersia spp., Lophostemon suaveolens, Lophostemon
confertus, Cupaniopsis parvifolia, Acronychia spp., Alphitonia excelsa and Acacia
disparrima subsp. disparrima. Occurs on sub-coastal Quaternary alluvial plains.
Rainfall usually exceeds 1000mm/y. (BVG1M: 16c)
Management Status
Act Status
12.3.12 Melaleuca viridiflora, Eucalyptus latisinensis or Eucalyptus exserta +/- Melaleuca Least concern Of concern
quinquenervia, Corymbia intermedia, Eucalyptus tereticornis woodland to low
open-woodland. Occurs on drainage lines along coastal lowlands. (BVG1M:
21a)
12.3.13 Closed or wet heathland. Characteristic species include Melaleuca thymifolia, Least concern Of concern
Banksia robur, Xanthorrhoea fulva, Hakea actites, Leptospermum spp. and
Baeckea frutescens. Occurs on seasonally waterlogged Quaternary alluvial
plains along coastal lowlands. (BVG1M: 29a)
12.3.14 Banksia aemula woodland +/- mallee eucalypt low woodland. Associated Of concern Of concern
canopy species include Eucalyptus latisinensis, Corymbia intermedia, Eucalyptus
robusta and Lophostemon confertus. Occurs on Quaternary alluvial plains along
coastal lowlands. (BVG1M: 29a)
12.3.14a: Eucalyptus racemosa woodland to open-forest. Other canopy species
may include Corymbia intermedia, Corymbia gummifera, Eucalyptus latisinensis,
Eucalyptus tindaliae and Melaleuca quinquenervia. Occurs on Quaternary
alluvial plains in near coastal areas. (BVG1M: 29a)
12.5.1 Open-forest complex generally with Corymbia trachyphloia, Corymbia Least concern No concern at
citriodora +/- Eucalyptus crebra, Eucalyptus longirostrata, Corymbia intermedia, present
Eucalyptus major, Eucalyptus fibrosa subsp. fibrosa (can be locally common) and
Eucalyptus acmenoides. Localised occurrences of Eucalyptus taurina, Eucalyptus
decorticans, Eucalyptus dura, Eucalyptus cloeziana and Eucalyptus melanoleuca.
Understorey grassy or shrubby. Occurs on remnant Tertiary surfaces, usually with
deep red soils. (BVG1M: 10b)
12.5.1a: Eucalyptus decorticans open-forest +/- Acacia blakei. Occurs on
remnant Tertiary surfaces. Usually deep red soils (BVG1M: 12a)
12.5.1b: Eucalyptus cloeziana open-forest +/- Eucalyptus microcorys and
Corymbia intermedia. Occurs on remnant Tertiary surfaces. Usually deep red
soils. (BVG1M: 12a)
12.5.1c: Eucalyptus helidonica open-forest +/- Corymbia citriodora, Corymbia
trachyphloia, Eucalyptus planchoniana, Eucalyptus taurina, Eucalyptus baileyana,
Angophora woodsiana, Lysicarpus angustifolius. Occurs on remnant Tertiary
surfaces. (BVG1M: 9g)
12.5.4 Eucalyptus spp., Corymbia spp., Melaleuca spp. shrubby or grassy open- Least concern No concern at
forest to woodland. Characteristic species include Angophora leiocarpa, present
Eucalyptus latisinensis, Eucalyptus siderophloia, Eucalyptus exserta, Corymbia
intermedia, Corymbia trachyphloia, Lophostemon suaveolens, Melaleuca
viridiflora, Melaleuca quinquenervia, Melaleuca nodosa and Grevillea banksii.
Patches of Allocasuarina luehmannii or Banksia oblongifolia present locally
and Xanthorrhoea johnsonii common in ground layer. Occurs on complex of
remnant Tertiary surfaces and Tertiary sedimentary rocks. (BVG1M: 9g)
12.5.4a: Palustrine wetland (e.g. vegetated swamp). Woodland of Melaleuca
quinquenervia and/or Melaleuca viridiflora +/- Eucalyptus latisinensis, Corymbia
intermedia, Angophora leiocarpa, Eucalyptus exserta, Lophostemon suaveolens
and Melaleuca nodosa. Occurs on complex of remnant Tertiary surfaces and
Tertiary sedimentary rocks. (BVG1M: 21a)
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12.9.2 Astrebla pectinata tussock grasslands, occasionally with Acacia cambagei or Least concern No concern at
Eucalyptus microtheca emergents. Astrebla elymoides in depressions. Occurs on present
plains on Quaternary alluvium; calcareous grey or brown clays. (BVG1M: 30a)
1.3.1x1: Contains palustrine wetland (e.g. in swales). Mixed tussock grassland
including Astrebla pectinata, Aristida latifolia, Bothriochloa ewartiana, Eulalia
aurea, Chrysopogon fallax, Sarga spp. and Iseilema spp. often with emergent
trees of Corymbia terminalis and/or Eucalyptus leucophylla and/or Lysiphyllum
cunninghamii. Occurs on alluvium within landscapes of Cambrian limestone.
(BVG1M: 30a)
(BVG1M: 30a)
(BVG1M: 30a)
(BVG1M: 30a)
12.11.4 Low microphyll vine forest and semi-evergreen vine thicket. Characteristic Of concern Of concern
species include Backhousia kingii, Pleiogynium timorense, Aidia racemosa,
Archidendropsis thozetiana, Atalaya rigida, Barklya syringifolia, Bridelia
leichhardtii, Elaeodendron melanocarpum, Choricarpia subargentea, Flueggea
leucopyrus, Homalium alnifolium and Terminalia porphyrocarpa. Melaleuca
bracteata is often present along watercourses. Occurs on Palaeozoic and
older moderately to strongly deformed and metamorphosed sediments and
interbedded volcanics. (BVG1M: 7a)
Management Status
Act Status
12.11.6 Open-forest to woodland of Corymbia citriodora generally with Eucalyptus Least concern No concern at
crebra. Other species such as Eucalyptus fibrosa subsp. fibrosa, Eucalyptus present
exserta, Eucalyptus tereticornis, Eucalyptus moluccana, Eucalyptus melanophloia,
Angophora leiocarpa may be present in scattered patches or in low densities.
Understorey grassy or shrubby. Occurs on Palaeozoic and older moderately to
strongly deformed and metamorphosed sediments and interbedded volcanics.
Drier habitats than RE 12.11.5. (BVG1M: 10b)
12.11.7 Eucalyptus crebra woodland. Other species such as Corymbia clarksoniana Least concern No concern at
may be present in low densities or in patches. Occurs on Palaeozoic and present
12.11.12 Microphyll and microphyll/notophyll vine forest +/- Araucaria cunninghamii. Of concern Of concern
Characteristic species include Archidendropsis thozetiana, Argyrodendron sp.
(Kin Kin W.D.Francis AQ81198), Croton acronychioides, Cupaniopsis simulata,
Dendrocnide photinophylla, Diospyros geminata, Drypetes deplanchei, Ficus
virens, Cryptocarya bidwillii, Planchonella myrsinifolia, Pleiogynium timorense,
Vitex lignum-vitae and Vitex acuminata. In places this RE is actively invading
adjacent eucalypt forest in absence of fire (e.g. Goodnight Scrub). Occurs on
Palaeozoic and older moderately to strongly deformed and metamorphosed
sediments and interbedded volcanics. (BVG1M: 5a)
12.11.14 Eucalyptus crebra, Eucalyptus tereticornis grassy woodland. Other species Of concern Of concern
including Eucalyptus melanophloia, Corymbia clarksoniana, Corymbia
erythrophloia, Corymbia tessellaris, Angophora spp. may be present in low
densities or in patches. Mid-layer generally sparse but can include low trees
such as Acacia bidwillii, Capparis spp., Dodonaea triquetra, Alphitonia excelsa
and Xanthorrhoea spp. Occurs on mid and lower slopes on Palaeozoic and
12.11.18 Eucalyptus moluccana open-forest +/- Corymbia citriodora, Eucalyptus fibrosa Least concern No concern at
subsp. fibrosa, Eucalyptus tereticornis, Eucalyptus longirostrata, Eucalyptus present
acmenoides or Eucalyptus portuensis, Eucalyptus resinifera. Occurs on
sediments and interbedded volcanics. Occurs as scattered occurrences in a
range of topographic positions from ridgetops to lower slopes. (BVG1M: 13d)
12.11.18a: Eucalyptus moluccana, Eucalyptus tereticornis and Lophostemon
confertus open-forest. Occurs on Palaeozoic and older moderately to strongly
13d)
12.11.21 Allocasuarina luehmannii, Melaleuca nervosa open-woodland with Eucalyptus Of concern Of concern
exserta and emergent Eucalyptus crebra, Eucalyptus populnea. Occurs on
sediments and interbedded volcanics. (BVG1M: 9h)
12.12.5 Open-forest to woodland of Corymbia citriodora, usually with Eucalyptus crebra. Least concern No concern at
Other species such as Eucalyptus exserta, Eucalyptus moluccana present in present
scattered patches or in low densities. Understorey generally grassy. Occurs on
hills and ranges on Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous rocks. (BVG1M: 10b)
12.12.7 Eucalyptus crebra grassy woodland. Other species such as Corymbia Least concern No concern at
erythrophloia, Eucalyptus exserta, Eucalyptus tereticornis, Corymbia tessellaris, present
Corymbia citriodora may be present in low densities or in patches. Mid-layer
generally sparse but can include low trees such as Acacia bidwillii, Alphitonia
excelsa, Allocasuarina luehmannii, Petalostigma pubescens. Small areas of
Callitris glaucophylla occur in central western parts of bioregion. Occurs on
Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous rocks. (BVG1M: 13c)
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12.12.8 Eucalyptus melanophloia, usually with Eucalyptus crebra +/- Corymbia Of concern Of concern
erythrophloia grassy woodland. Other species such as Eucalyptus exserta,
Eucalyptus tereticornis, Corymbia tessellaris, Corymbia citriodora may be present
in low densities or in patches Occurs on Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous rocks.
(BVG1M: 17b)
12.12.12 Eucalyptus tereticornis, Eucalyptus crebra (sometimes Eucalyptus siderophloia) Of concern Of concern
open-forest to woodland. Other species present can include Eucalyptus
melanophloia, Corymbia tessellaris, Angophora subvelutina, Angophora
leiocarpa, Corymbia clarksoniana (central and northern parts) and Eucalyptu
siderophloia, Corymbia intermedia with Melaleuca quinquenervia, Lophostemon
suaveolens near drainage lines in moister areas. Occurs on Mesozoic to
Proterozoic igneous rocks, especially granite lowlands and basins. (BVG1M: 9h)
12.12.13 Microphyll and microphyll/notophyll vine forest +/- Araucaria cunninghamii. Least concern No concern at
Characteristic species include Argyrodendron trifoliolatum, Argyrodendron present
sp. (Kin Kin W.D.Francis AQ81198), Dendrocnide photinophylla, Diospyros
geminata, Drypetes deplanchei, Ficus virens, Cryptocarya bidwillii, Planchonella
myrsinifolia, Vitex lignum-vitae, Hernandia bivalvis, Croton acronychioides,
Flindersia spp., Olea paniculata, Excoecaria dallachyana, Gossia bidwillii and
on northern half of bioregion Vitex acuminata, Archidendropsis thozetiana,
Pleiogynium timorense and Cupaniopsis simulata. Occurs on Mesozoic to
Proterozoic igneous rocks. (BVG1M: 2a)
12.12.19 Vegetation complex of exposed rocky headlands. Vegetation types include Of concern Of concern
Themeda triandra grassland and wind-sheared shrubland and woodland.
Occurs on Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous headlands (BVG1M: 29a).
12.12.19x1: Vegetation complex of exposed rocky headlands. Vegetation
types include Themeda triandra grassland and wind-sheared shrubland and
woodland. Occurs on headlands of Palaeozoic and older moderately to strongly
29a)
woodland. Occurs on headlands of Cainozoic and Mesozoic sediments.
(BVG1M: 29a)
12.12.19x3: Vegetation complex of exposed headlands. Vegetation types
include Themeda triandra grassland and wind-sheared shrubland and
woodland. Occurs on headlands of remnant Tertiary surfaces (BVG1M: 29a)
woodland. Occurs on headlands of Cainozoic igneous rocks. (BVG1M: 29a)
12.12.21 Corymbia intermedia, Eucalyptus exserta +/- Corymbia clarksoniana, Eucalyptus Of concern Of concern
crebra woodland. Occurs on Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous rocks and
adjacent metamorphics. (BVG1M: 9h)
12.12.28 Eucalyptus moluccana +/- Eucalyptus crebra, Corymbia citriodora open-forest or Of concern Of concern
woodland. Occurs on broad ridges and lower slopes on Mesozoic to Proterozoic
igneous rocks. (BVG1M: 13d)
12.12.28x1: Eucalyptus moluccana +/- Eucalyptus crebra, Corymbia citriodora
open-forest or woodland on areas that have been subject to deep weathering.
Occurs on broad ridges and lower slopes on areas that have been subject to
deep weathering (land zone 5). (BVG1M: 13d)
* = non-native species
Appendix C
Flora of the Curtis Coast
| 197 |
Table 8-2 Vascular Plants Listed or Recorded in the Database Searches of the Curtis
Coast Region
Scientific Name Source EPBC Nature Scientific Name Source EPBC Nature
Act Conservation Act Conservation
Common Common
1999 Act 1992 1999 Act 1992
Name* Name*
Status Status
Status Status
Abildgaardia ovata HERBRECS Acacia flavescens Wildlife
Online
Wildlife Toothed wattle
Online
Acacia fimbriata HERBRECS
Abildgaardia HERBRECS
vaginata
Acacia flavescens HERBRECS
Abutilon albescens HERBRECS
Acacia hemsleyi HERBRECS
Abutilon auritum HERBRECS
Acacia holosericea Wildlife
Abutilon oxycarpum HERBRECS Online
Acacia amblygona HERBRECS Acacia implexa HERBRECS
Acacia aulacocarpa HERBRECS Acacia julifera HERBRECS
Acacia amblygona Wildlife Wildlife
Online Online
Fan-leaf wattle
Acacia aulacocarpa Wildlife Acacia juncifolia HERBRECS
Online Acacia leiocalyx HERBRECS
Acacia bidwillii HERBRECS Wildlife
Wildlife Online
Online Acacia leiocalyx HERBRECS
Acacia caroleae HERBRECS subsp. herveyensis
Wildlife
Acacia cincinnata HERBRECS Online
Wildlife Acacia leiocalyx Wildlife

Online subsp. leiocalyx Online
Acacia complanata HERBRECS Acacia leptocarpa HERBRECS
Wildlife Wildlife
Online Online
Acacia conferta HERBRECS Acacia macradenia Wildlife

Online
Wildlife Zig-zag wattle
Online Acacia maidenii HERBRECS
Acacia crassa HERBRECS Acacia penninervis HERBRECS
Acacia crassa subsp. HERBRECS var. longiracemosa
longicoma Acacia rhodoxylon HERBRECS
Wildlife
Online Acacia sp. HERBRECS
Acacia decora HERBRECS Acacia spectabilis HERBRECS
Acacia disparrima HERBRECS Pilliga wattle Wildlife

subsp. disparrima Online
Wildlife
Online Acacia spirorbis HERBRECS
subsp. solandri
Acacia falciformis HERBRECS
Acalypha eremorum HERBRECS
Wildlife
Online Acanthophora HERBRECS
spicifera
Acacia fasciculifera Wildlife
Online Acetabularia HERBRECS
Scaly bark calyculus
Common Common
1999 Act 1992 1999 Act 1992
Name* Name*
Status Status
Status Status
Achyranthes aspera HERBRECS Aglaia brownii HERBRECS
Wildlife Wildlife
Online Online
Acianthus fornicatus HERBRECS Aglaia elaeagnoidea HERBRECS

Ahnfeltiopsis HERBRECS
Acmella grandiflora HERBRECS
pygmaea
Acmella grandiflora HERBRECS
Aglaia sapindina Wildlife
var. brachyglossa
Online
Acmena hemilampra HERBRECS
subsp. hemilampra Aidia racemosa HERBRECS
Acronychia HERBRECS Wildlife

imperforate Online
Wildlife
Beach acronychia Online Ailanthus triphysa HERBRECS
Acronychia laevis HERBRECS Ajuga australis HERBRECS

Akalaphycus HERBRECS
Glossy acronychia Wildlife
liagoroides
Online
Acronychia HERBRECS Alangium villosum HERBRECS
pauciflora subsp. tomentosum
Acrosorium HERBRECS Alchornea ilicifolia HERBRECS
ciliolatum
Native holly Wildlife
Acrotriche aggregata HERBRECS Online
Actephila lindleyi HERBRECS Alchornea HERBRECS
Actinotrichia fragilis HERBRECS thozetiana
Adiantum HERBRECS Alectryon conatus HERBRECS

aethiopicum
Wildlife Grey birds-eye Wildlife
Online Online
Adiantum atroviride HERBRECS Alectryon Wildlife

Bostock diversifolius Online
Adiantum HERBRECS Scrub boonaree

hispidulum var.
Wildlife Alectryon HERBRECS
hispidulum
Online tomentosus
Wildlife
Adiantum hispidulum HERBRECS Online
var. minus
Allocasuarina HERBRECS
Aeschynomene HERBRECS littoralis
Wildlife
brevifolia
Online
Aeschynomene Wildlife
indica Online
luehmannii
Wildlife
Budda pea Bull oak
Online
Agave americana Wildlife
Online
torulosa
Ageratum Wildlife Wildlife
conyzoides Online Online
Alloteropsis HERBRECS
Billygoat weed
semialata Wildlife
Ageratum Wildlife
Cockatoo grass Online
houstonianum Online
Alphitonia excelsa HERBRECS
Blue billygoat weed
Soap tree Wildlife
Online
| 199 |
Common Common
1999 Act 1992 1999 Act 1992
Name* Name*
Status Status
Status Status
Alstonia constricta HERBRECS Anisomeles HERBRECS
malabarica
Bitterbark Wildlife
Online Anisomeridium HERBRECS
subprostans
Alternanthera Wildlife
brasiliana Online Anotrichium tenue HERBRECS
Alternanthera HERBRECS Antithamnion HERBRECS

denticulata lherminieri
Alternanthera nana Wildlife Antithamnion HERBRECS

Online percurrens
Hairy joyweed
Aotus ericoides HERBRECS
Alysicarpus HERBRECS
Aphananthe HERBRECS
aurantiacus
philippinensis
Alyxia magnifolia HERBRECS Wildlife
Online
Alyxia ruscifolia HERBRECS
Aphanothece HERBRECS
Wildlife stagnina
Online
Amaranthus hybridus Wildlife NL NT Apium prostratum HERBRECS
Online Araucaria HERBRECS
Redshank
cunninghamii. var.
Alyxia sharpei Wildlife cunninghamii
Online
Archontophoenix HERBRECS
Amandinea punctata HERBRECS alexandrae
Ammannia multiflora Wildlife
Online Argusia argentea HERBRECS
Jerry-jerry
Argyrodendron sp. HERBRECS
Amphiroa HERBRECS
anastomosans Aristida acuta HERBRECS
Amphiroa crassa HERBRECS Aristida calycina var. HERBRECS
calycina
Amphiroa foliacea HERBRECS Wildlife
Amphiroa rigida HERBRECS Online
Amyema conspicua HERBRECS Aristida gracilipes HERBRECS

subsp. conspicua
Wildlife Wildlife
Online Online
Amyema HERBRECS Aristida holathera HERBRECS

mackayensis var. holathera
Wildlife
Aristida lazaridis HERBRECS
Online
Aristida personata Wildlife
Amylotheca HERBRECS
Online
dictyophleba
Aristida Wildlife
Anacystis montana HERBRECS
queenslandica Online
Anadyomene plicata HERBRECS
Aristida HERBRECS
Ancistrachne Wildlife queenslandica var.
uncinulata Online Wildlife
dissimilis
Online
Hooky grass
Aristida Wildlife
Angophora HERBRECS queenslandica var. Online
floribunda (Sm.) queenslandica
Rough-barked apple
Aristida spuria HERBRECS
Angophora Wildlife
Aristida utilis var. HERBRECS
leiocarpa Online
utilis
Rusty gum
Common Common
1999 Act 1992 1999 Act 1992
Name* Name*
Status Status
Status Status
Aristida vagans HERBRECS Auranticarpa Wildlife
Aristida warburgii HERBRECS rhombifolia Online
Auranticarpa HERBRECS
Wildlife
melanosperma
Online
Auranticarpa HERBRECS
Artanema HERBRECS
rhombifolia
fimbriatum
Avrainvillea HERBRECS
Arthonia HERBRECS
calathina
albofarinosa
Avrainvillea lacerata HERBRECS
Arthropteris tenella HERBRECS
Avrainvillea ridleyi HERBRECS
Arundinella HERBRECS NL NT
nepalensis Baccharis halimifolia Wildlife
Wildlife Online
Reedgrass Online Groundsel bush
Arytera dictyoneura HERBRECS Backhousia HERBRECS

citriodora
Arytera divaricata HERBRECS
Backhousia kingii HERBRECS
Wildlife
Bacopa monnieri HERBRECS
Online
Balanophora HERBRECS
Asclepias Wildlife
fungosa
curassavica Online
Balanophora HERBRECS
Red-head cottonbush fungosa. subsp.
Asparagus Wildlife fungosa
aethiopicus Online Balliella grandis HERBRECS
Asparagus africanus Wildlife Balliella repens HERBRECS
Online
Asparagus Wildlife Baloghia inophylla HERBRECS

densiflorus Online
Baloskion HERBRECS
tenuiculme
Asparagus plumosus Wildlife
Bangia atropurpurea HERBRECS
Climbing asparagus Online
fern Banksia aemula Wildlife
Online
Asparagopsis HERBRECS Wallum banksia
taxiformis
Banksia integrifolia HERBRECS
Asplenium HERBRECS subsp. integrifolia
australasicum Wildlife
Online
Asplenium HERBRECS
paleaceum Banksia integrifolia HERBRECS
subsp. compar
Asterocladon HERBRECS Banksia oblongifolia HERBRECS
rhodochortonoides
Banksia robur HERBRECS
Astrotricha HERBRECS
intermedia Wildlife
Online
Atalaya rigida HERBRECS
Bauera capitata HERBRECS
Atractocarpus HERBRECS
chartaceus Baumea articulata Wildlife
Wildlife online
Online Jointed twigrush
Atriplex muelleri HERBRECS Baumea juncea HERBRECS
Audouinella HERBRECS Wildlife

microscopica online
Audouinella saviana HERBRECS Baumea rubiginosa HERBRECS
| 201 |
Common Common
1999 Act 1992 1999 Act 1992
Name* Name*
Status Status
Status Status
Baumea teretifolia HERBRECS Bostrychia HERBRECS
Beilschmiedia HERBRECS moritziana
obtusifolia Bostrychia radicans HERBRECS
Wildlife
online Bostrychia tenella HERBRECS
Benthamina HERBRECS Bothriochloa bladhii HERBRECS

alyxifolia subsp bladhii
Wildlife
Bertya opponens HERBRECS Online
Bidens pilosa Wildlife Bothriochloa bladhii HERBRECS
Online Bothriochloa HERBRECS
Blastophysa rhizopus HERBRECS decipiens
Wildlife
Blechnum indicum HERBRECS Online
Swamp water fern Wildlife Bothriochloa Wildlife
Online decipiens var. Online
Blennothrix HERBRECS decipiens
lyngbyacea Botryocladia HERBRECS
Blidingia minima HERBRECS leptopoda
Blumea saxatilis HERBRECS Botryocladia HERBRECS

skottsbergii
Boerhavia albiflora HERBRECS
Bouchardatia HERBRECS
Boerhavia albiflora HERBRECS neurococca
var. heronensis
Brachychiton HERBRECS
Boerhavia HERBRECS acerifolius
pubescens
Brachychiton bidwillii HERBRECS
Boerhavia sp. HERBRECS
Wildlife
Bonamia media var. HERBRECS
Online
media
Brachychiton HERBRECS
Bonamia media var. HERBRECS
populneus subsp.
emarginata
populneus
Boodlea composita HERBRECS
Brachyloma HERBRECS
Boodlea montagnei HERBRECS daphnoides
Boodleopsis pusilla. HERBRECS Brachyloma HERBRECS
Bornetella capitata HERBRECS daphnoides subsp.
Bornetella nitida HERBRECS daphnoides
Boronia bella HERBRECS Breynia oblongifolia HERBRECS
Boronia parviflora HERBRECS Wildlife

Online
Bosistoa medicinalis HERBRECS
Bridelia leichhardtii HERBRECS
Bosistoa pentacocca HERBRECS
var. connaricarpa Wildlife
Bosistoa selwynii Protected V LC Online
Matters Brigantiaea tricolor HERBRECS
Heart-leaved
bosistoa Brunonia australis HERBRECS
Bosistoa transversa Protected V LC Wildlife
Matters Online
Three-leaved
bosistoa HERBRECS Brunoniella acaulis HERBRECS
Bossiaea carinalis HERBRECS Wildlife
Online
Bossiaea sp. HERBRECS
Common Common
1999 Act 1992 1999 Act 1992
Name* Name*
Status Status
Status Status
Brunoniella acaulis HERBRECS Callicarpa HERBRECS
subsp. acaulis pedunculata
Bryophyllum Wildlife Callophyllis nana HERBRECS

delagoense Online Caloglossa HERBRECS
Bryopsis indica HERBRECS bengalensis
Bryopsis lubrica HERBRECS Caloglossa leprieurii HERBRECS
Bryopsis pennata HERBRECS Caloglossa HERBRECS

ogasawaraensis
Buchnera gracilis HERBRECS
Calophyllum HERBRECS
Buchnera urticifolia HERBRECS
inophyllum
Buellia bahiana HERBRECS
Caloplaca HERBRECS
Buellia curatellae HERBRECS byrsonimae
Buellia demutans HERBRECS Calothrix HERBRECS
Buellia dissa HERBRECS confervicola
Buellia gerontoides HERBRECS Calothrix crustacea HERBRECS

Calothrix parietina HERBRECS
Buellia HERBRECS
sanguinariella Calothrix pilosa HERBRECS
Buellia subareolata HERBRECS Calotis dentex HERBRECS
Buellia HERBRECS Calotis lappulacea HERBRECS
subdisciformis var. Calyptocarpus vialis Wildlife
subdisciformis Online
Creeping cinderella
Bothriochloa bladhii HERBRECS
weed
Bulbophyllum Protected V NT
Calyptochloa Wildlife
globuliforme Matters
gracillima Online
Miniature Camptacra barbata HERBRECS
moss-orchid
Camptacra gracilis HERBRECS
Bulbostylis barbata HERBRECS
Canavalia papuana HERBRECS
Wildlife Canavalia rosea HERBRECS
Online
Wildlife
Byblis liniflora HERBRECS
Online
Wildlife Canavalia sericea HERBRECS
Online
Canoparmelia HERBRECS
Caesalpinia bonduc HERBRECS norsticticata
Wildlife Capillipedium HERBRECS
Online parviflorum
Cajanus reticulatus HERBRECS Capillipedium HERBRECS
var. reticulatus spicigerum
Caladenia carnea HERBRECS Capparis arborea HERBRECS
Wildlife Wildlife
Online Online
Caladenia carnea HERBRECS Capparis canescens HERBRECS
var. carnea
Wildlife
Calochlaena dubia Wildlife Online
Online
Capparis lucida Wildlife
Calandrinia gracilis HERBRECS Online
Calicium abietinum HERBRECS Capparis HERBRECS
sarmentosa
| 203 |
Common Common
1999 Act 1992 1999 Act 1992
Name* Name*
Status Status
Status Status
Capparis velutina HERBRECS Caulerpa racemosa HERBRECS
Capsicum frutescens Wildlife var. occidentalis
Online Caulerpa serrulata HERBRECS
Carallia brachiata HERBRECS Caulerpa HERBRECS
Carex breviculmis HERBRECS sertularioides
Caulerpa taxifolia HERBRECS
Wildlife
Online Caulerpa webbiana HERBRECS
Carex horsfieldii HERBRECS Caustis recurvata HERBRECS
Carex inversa HERBRECS Cayratia acris HERBRECS

Celtis paniculata HERBRECS
Wildlife
Online Wildlife
Carissa ovata HERBRECS Online
Carpobrotus HERBRECS Cenchrus caliculatus HERBRECS

glaucescens Wildlife Cenchrus echinatus Wildlife
Online Online
Pigface Mossman river grass
Cassinia collina HERBRECS NL V Centella asiatica HERBRECS
Cassinia subtropica HERBRECS Wildlife
Cassytha filiformis HERBRECS Online
Cassytha pubescens HERBRECS Centipeda minima Wildlife
Online
Wildlife
Online Centipeda minima HERBRECS
subsp. minima
Casuarina HERBRECS Wildlife
equisetifolia Online
Wildlife
Online Centranthera HERBRECS
cochinchinensis
Casuarina HERBRECS
equisetifolia subsp. Centratherum HERBRECS
incana riparium
Casuarina glauca HERBRECS Centroceras HERBRECS

apiculatum
Wildlife
Centroceras HERBRECS
Online
clavulatum
Catenella nipae HERBRECS
Ceramium camouii HERBRECS
Catharanthus roseus Wildlife
Ceramium HERBRECS
Pink periwinkle Online
clarionense
Caulerpa ambigua HERBRECS
Ceramium codii HERBRECS
Caulerpa biserrulata HERBRECS
Ceramium flaccidum HERBRECS
Caulerpa brachypus HERBRECS
Ceramium HERBRECS
Caulerpa HERBRECS marshallense
cupressoides
Ceramium maryae HERBRECS
Caulerpa fastigiata HERBRECS
Ceramium HERBRECS
Caulerpa lentillifera HERBRECS mauritianum
Caulerpa peltata HERBRECS Ceramium HERBRECS
Caulerpa racemosa HERBRECS mazatlanense
Caulerpa racemosa HERBRECS Ceramium HERBRECS

var. racemosa punctiforme
Caulerpa racemosa HERBRECS Ceratodictyon HERBRECS

var. laetevirens spongiosum
Common Common
1999 Act 1992 1999 Act 1992
Name* Name*
Status Status
Status Status
Chamaebotrys HERBRECS Chenopodium Wildlife
boergesenii album Online
Chamaecrista absus HERBRECS Fat-hen
var. absus
Wildlife Chloris divaricata HERBRECS
Online var. divaricata
Chamaecrista HERBRECS Chloris gayana Wildlife
biddulphiana Online
Rhodes grass
Chamaecrista HERBRECS
Chloris inflata Wildlife
concinna
Online
Chamaecrista HERBRECS Purpletop chloris
nomame var. Chloris truncata HERBRECS
Wildlife
nomame
Online Chloris ventricosa HERBRECS
Chamaesyce atoto HERBRECS Chlorodesmis HERBRECS

caespitosa
Chamaesyce bifida HERBRECS
Chlorodesmis HERBRECS
Chamaesyce HERBRECS
fastigiata
dallachyana
Chlorodesmis HERBRECS
Chamaesyce hirta Wildlife
hildebrandtii
Online
Asthma plant Chlorodesmis major HERBRECS
Chamaesyce Wildlife Chnoospora implexa HERBRECS
hyssopifolia Online
Chondria armata HERBRECS
Chamaesyce HERBRECS
Chondria dangeardii HERBRECS
mitchelliana
Chondria minutula HERBRECS
Chamaesyce HERBRECS
obliqua Chondria repens HERBRECS
Chamaesyce Wildlife Chondrophycus HERBRECS
ophthalmica Online carolinensis
Chamaesyce HERBRECS Chondrophycus HERBRECS
psammogeton concretus
Champia parvula HERBRECS Chondrophycus HERBRECS
perforatus
Champia vieillardii HERBRECS
Chorizandra HERBRECS
Chara fibrosa HERBRECS cymbaria .
Chara globularis HERBRECS Chorizema HERBRECS
Cheilanthes distans HERBRECS parviflorum
Wildlife
Wildlife Online
Online Choricarpia HERBRECS NL NT
Cheilanthes Wildlife subargentea
nudiuscula Online Chroodactylon HERBRECS
Cheilanthes sieberi Wildlife ornatum
Online Chrysocephalum HERBRECS
Cheilanthes sieberi HERBRECS apiculatum
Wildlife
subsp. sieberi Online
Wildlife
Online Chrysopogon fallax HERBRECS
Cheilanthes HERBRECS Wildlife
tenuifolia Online
Wildlife
Online Chrysopogon filipes HERBRECS
| 205 |
Common Common
1999 Act 1992 1999 Act 1992
Name* Name*
Status Status
Status Status
Chrysopogon Wildlife Clerodendrum HERBRECS
sylvaticus Online floribundum
Wildlife
Chrysymenia HERBRECS Online
kaernbachii
Clerodendrum HERBRECS
Cirsium vulgare Wildlife inerme
Online
Spear thistle Clerodendrum Wildlife
Cissus antarctica HERBRECS tomentosum Online
Coatesia paniculata Wildlife
Wildlife
Online
Online
Codium arabicum HERBRECS
Cissus oblonga HERBRECS
Kuetz.
Wildlife Codium geppiorum HERBRECS
Online
Codium spongiosum HERBRECS
Cladia aggregata HERBRECS
Coelarthrum HERBRECS
Cladium procerum HERBRECS decumbens
Cladophora HERBRECS Colpomenia sinuosa HERBRECS
catenata
Comesperma HERBRECS
Cladophora crinalis HERBRECS esulifolium
Cladophora HERBRECS Commelina diffusa HERBRECS
crystallina
Commelina ensifolia HERBRECS
Cladophora HERBRECS
Commelina HERBRECS
dalmatica
lanceolata
Cladophora HERBRECS
Commersonia HERBRECS
herpestica
bartramia
Cladophora HERBRECS
Commicarpus HERBRECS
pellucida
insularum
Cladophora HERBRECS
Conyza bonariensis Wildlife
prolifera
Online
Cladophora socialis HERBRECS
Conyza sumatrensis Wildlife
Cladophorella HERBRECS Online
calcicola Tall fleabane
Cladophoropsis HERBRECS Corallophila HERBRECS

vaucheriiformis huysmansii
Claoxylon HERBRECS Cordia dichotoma HERBRECS

tenerifolium. subsp. Cordia subcordata. HERBRECS
tenerifolium
Cordyline cannifolia HERBRECS
Cleistanthus HERBRECS
Cordyline HERBRECS
cunninghamii
manners-suttoniae
Cleistochloa HERBRECS
Cordyline HERBRECS
subjuncea
murchisoniae
Wildlife
Online
Clematicissus opaca HERBRECS Cordyline rubra HERBRECS
Wildlife Coriophyllum HERBRECS
Online setchellii
Clematis glycinoides HERBRECS Coronidium HERBRECS
Clematis pickeringii HERBRECS lanuginosum
Coronidium oxylepis HERBRECS
subsp. carnosum
Common Common
1999 Act 1992 1999 Act 1992
Name* Name*
Status Status
Status Status
Coronidium oxylepis HERBRECS Crotalaria pallida Wildlife
subsp. lanatum Online
Corybas barbarae HERBRECS Crotalaria pallida Wildlife
Corymbia citriodora Wildlife var. obovata Online
Spotted gum Online Croton HERBRECS
Corymbia citriodora HERBRECS acronychioides
subsp. citriodora Croton insularis HERBRECS
Wildlife
Online Croton phebalioides HERBRECS
Corymbia HERBRECS Wildlife

clarksoniana Online
Wildlife
Online Croton stigmatosus HERBRECS
Corymbia HERBRECS Wildlife

dallachiana Online
Corymbia HERBRECS Crouania HERBRECS
erythrophloia capricornica
Wildlife
Online Crouania HERBRECS
minutissima
Corymbia HERBRECS
intermedia Cryptandra HERBRECS
Wildlife longistaminea
Online
Cryptocarya bidwillii Wildlife
Corymbia tessellaris HERBRECS Online
Yellow laurel
Wildlife
Online Cryptocarya HERBRECS
hypospodia
Crassocephalum Wildlife
crepidioides Online Cryptocarya HERBRECS
Thickhead macdonaldii
Crinum flaccidum HERBRECS Cryptocarya HERBRECS

triplinervis
Wildlife Wildlife
Online Online
Crotalaria brevis HERBRECS Cryptocarya HERBRECS

triplinervis var.
Crotalaria calycina HERBRECS
pubens
Crotalaria goreensis Wildlife
Cryptocarya vulgaris HERBRECS
Online
Gambia pea Cryptonemia HERBRECS
Crotalaria HERBRECS caliculata
medicaginea var. Cryptonemia yendoi HERBRECS
neglecta
Cryptostegia Wildlife
Crotalaria Wildlife grandiflora Online
medicaginea Online
Rubber vine
Trefoil rattlepod
Cryptostylis erecta HERBRECS
Crotalaria mitchellii HERBRECS
Cubiculosporum HERBRECS
subsp. mitchellii
koronicarpis
Crotalaria Wildlife
Cucumis sp. HERBRECS
medicaginea var. Online
neglecta Cucumis Wildlife
maderaspatanus Online
Crotalaria montana Wildlife
Online Cupaniopsis HERBRECS
anacardioides
Crotalaria montana HERBRECS Wildlife
var. angustifolia Online
| 207 |
Common Common
1999 Act 1992 1999 Act 1992
Name* Name*
Status Status
Status Status
Cupaniopsis Protected V V Cynanchum Wildlife
shirleyana Matters bowmanii Online
Wedge-leaf Bowman’s milkvine

tuckeroo Cynanchum HERBRECS
Cupaniopsis HERBRECS carnosum
Wildlife
simulata
Online
Cupaniopsis HERBRECS
Cynodon dactylon Wildlife
wadsworthii
Online
Curculigo ensifolia HERBRECS
Cynodon dactylon Wildlife
var. ensifolia
var. dactylon Online
Cutleria adspersa HERBRECS
Cyperus HERBRECS
Cutleria mollis HERBRECS alopecuroides
Cyanthillium HERBRECS Cyperus brevifolius Wildlife

cinereum Online
Wildlife Mullumbimby couch
Online Cyperus bifax HERBRECS
Cycas megacarpa Protected E E Cyperus conicus HERBRECS
Matters var. conicus
Wildlife Cyperus HERBRECS
Online decompositus
Cycas ophiolitica Protected E E Cyperus dietrichiae HERBRECS
Matters var. brevibracteatus
Cyclophyllum Wildlife Cyperus difformis HERBRECS
coprosmoides Online
Wildlife
Cyclophyllum HERBRECS Online
coprosmoides var.
Wildlife Cyperus distans HERBRECS
coprosmoides
Online Cyperus eglobosus HERBRECS
Cyclophyllum HERBRECS
Wildlife
coprosmoides var.
Wildlife Online
spathulatum
Online Cyperus enervis Wildlife
Cyclosorus HERBRECS Online
interruptus Cyperus exaltatus Wildlife
Wildlife
Online Online
Tall flatsedge
Cymbidium HERBRECS Cyperus flaccidus Wildlife
canaliculatum Wildlife Online
Online Cyperus fulvus HERBRECS
Cymbidium Wildlife
Wildlife
madidum Online
Online
Cymbidium suave HERBRECS
Cyperus gracilis HERBRECS
Cymbopogon HERBRECS
bombycinus Wildlife
Online
Cymbopogon HERBRECS
queenslandicus Cyperus HERBRECS
gymnocaulos
Cymbopogon HERBRECS
refractus Cyperus haspan HERBRECS
Wildlife
Online Wildlife
Online
Cyperus iria HERBRECS
Common Common
1999 Act 1992 1999 Act 1992
Name* Name*
Status Status
Status Status
Cyperus javanicus HERBRECS Dendrocnide HERBRECS
Cyperus leiocaulon HERBRECS photinophylla
Cyperus odoratus HERBRECS Dendrophthoe HERBRECS

glabrescens
Cyperus perangustus HERBRECS
Dentella repens HERBRECS
Cyperus HERBRECS
polystachyos Derbesia attenuata HERBRECS
Wildlife
Derbesia fastigiata HERBRECS
Online
Derbesia minima HERBRECS
Desmodium HERBRECS
brachypodum
Desmodium filiforme HERBRECS
Cyperus HERBRECS
polystachyos var. Desmodium HERBRECS
polystachyos gangeticum
Cyperus pulchellus HERBRECS Desmodium HERBRECS

heterocarpon var.
Cyperus rotundus Wildlife
strigosum
Online
Nutgrass Desmodium pullenii HERBRECS
Cyperus scaber HERBRECS Desmodium HERBRECS
Cyperus scariosus HERBRECS rhytidophyllum
Cyperus sculptus HERBRECS Dianella HERBRECS
Cyperus squarrosus HERBRECS brevipedunculata
Cyperus stoloniferus HERBRECS Dianella caerulea HERBRECS
Wildlife Wildlife
Online Online
Cyperus subulatus HERBRECS Dianella caerulea HERBRECS

var. protensa
Cyperus tenuispica HERBRECS
Dianella longifolia HERBRECS
Wildlife
Online Wildlife
Online
Cyperus tetracarpus HERBRECS
Dianella longifolia HERBRECS
Cystoseira trinodis HERBRECS var. longifolia
Dactyloctenium Wildlife Dianella longifolia HERBRECS
aegyptium Online var. stenophylla
Coast button grass Dianella odorata HERBRECS
Dampiera discolor HERBRECS Dianella rara HERBRECS
Dansiea elliptica HERBRECS NL NT Wildlife
Dasya baillouviana HERBRECS Online
Dasya iyengarii HERBRECS Dichanthium HERBRECS
Boergesen sericeum subsp.
Dasyclonium HERBRECS sericeum
incisum Dichanthium tenue HERBRECS
Daviesia ulicifolia HERBRECS Wildlife
subsp. stenophylla Online
Deeringia HERBRECS Dichondra repens HERBRECS
arborescens
Dichotomaria HERBRECS
Dendrobium discolor HERBRECS marginata
Dendrobium HERBRECS Dictyosphaeria HERBRECS
tetragonum cavernosa
| 209 |
Common Common
1999 Act 1992 1999 Act 1992
Name* Name*
Status Status
Status Status
Dictyosphaeria HERBRECS Diospyros HERBRECS
intermedia fasciculosa
Dictyosphaeria HERBRECS Diospyros geminata HERBRECS
versluysii Diospyros HERBRECS
Dictyota HERBRECS pentamera
bartayresiana Diplatia furcata HERBRECS
Dictyota divaricata HERBRECS Diplocyclos HERBRECS
Dictyurus HERBRECS palmatus subsp.
purpurascens Palmatus
Digenea simplex HERBRECS Dipodium HERBRECS
Digitaria ammophila HERBRECS variegatum
Digitaria bicornis HERBRECS Dipterosiphonia HERBRECS

dendritica
Wildlife
Dirinaria aegialita HERBRECS
Online
Dirinaria applanata HERBRECS
Digitaria diffusa Wildlife Dirinaria confluens HERBRECS
Online Dirinaria picta HERBRECS
Digitaria diminuta HERBRECS Diuris chrysantha HERBRECS
Digitaria HERBRECS Diuris punctata var. HERBRECS
divaricatissima punctata
Digitaria eriantha Wildlife Dockrillia bowmanii HERBRECS
Online
Dockrillia mortii HERBRECS
Digitaria fumida HERBRECS
Dodonaea filifolia HERBRECS
Digitaria gibbosa HERBRECS
Dodonaea HERBRECS
Digitaria HERBRECS lanceolata var.
leucostachya subsessilifolia
Digitaria longiflora HERBRECS Dodonaea viscosa HERBRECS
Digitaria minima HERBRECS subsp. burmanniana
Wildlife Doodia caudata HERBRECS

Online Doodia media HERBRECS
Digitaria orbata HERBRECS Doryopteris concolor HERBRECS
Digitaria parviflora HERBRECS Drosera angustifolia. HERBRECS
Wildlife Drosera burmanni HERBRECS

Online Drosera peltata HERBRECS
Digitaria ramularis HERBRECS Drynaria sparsisora HERBRECS
Wildlife Drypetes deplanchei HERBRECS

Online Duboisia HERBRECS
Digitaria sharpeana HERBRECS myoporoides
Dudresnaya HERBRECS
Wildlife
capricornica
Online
Dysoxylum HERBRECS
Dillwynia floribunda HERBRECS
mollissimum subsp.
Dinosperma HERBRECS molle
melanophloia
Dysphania carinata HERBRECS
Dioscorea transversa Wildlife
Online Dysphania littoralis HERBRECS
Native yam
Echinochloa HERBRECS
Diospyros australis HERBRECS dietrichiana
Common Common
1999 Act 1992 1999 Act 1992
Name* Name*
Status Status
Status Status
Eclipta prostrata HERBRECS Enterographa HERBRECS
Ehretia HERBRECS pallidella
membranifolia Enterographa HERBRECS
Einadia hastata HERBRECS subserialis
Elaeagnus triflora HERBRECS Enteromorpha HERBRECS

var. triflora clathrata
Elaeocarpus kirtonii HERBRECS Enteropogon HERBRECS

unispiceus
Elaeocarpus HERBRECS
obovatus Entocladia flustrae HERBRECS
Elaeodendron HERBRECS Entocladia HERBRECS

melanocarpum marchantiae
Elatine gratioloides HERBRECS Entocladia robusta HERBRECS
Elattostachys bidwillii HERBRECS Entocladia velutina HERBRECS
Elattostachys HERBRECS Entocladia viridis HERBRECS

xylocarpa Entolasia stricta HERBRECS
Eleocharis dulcis HERBRECS Wildlife
Eleocharis HERBRECS Online
equisetina Entophysalis HERBRECS
Wildlife
Online conferta
Eleocharis HERBRECS Entophysalis deusta HERBRECS

geniculata Epaltes australis HERBRECS
Eleocharis minuta Wildlife Eragrostis brownii HERBRECS
Online
Wildlife
Eleocharis HERBRECS Online
philippinensis
Wildlife Eragrostis cumingii HERBRECS
Online Eragrostis curvula Wildlife
Eleocharis spiralis HERBRECS Online
Elionurus citreus HERBRECS Eragrostis elongata HERBRECS
Embelia australiana HERBRECS Wildlife
Emmenosperma HERBRECS Online
cunninghamii Eragrostis interrupta HERBRECS
Enchylaena HERBRECS
Wildlife
tomentosa
Online
Enchylaena HERBRECS
Eragrostis HERBRECS
tomentosa var.
leptostachya
glabra Wildlife
Endiandra sieberi HERBRECS Online
Endophyton HERBRECS Eragrostis pubescens HERBRECS

laurenciae Eragrostis sororia HERBRECS
Enneapogon HERBRECS Eragrostis HERBRECS
intermedius spartinoides
Wildlife
Enneapogon Wildlife Online
lindleyanus Online
Eremochloa HERBRECS
Enneapogon HERBRECS bimaculata
robustissimus Wildlife
Wildlife online
Online
Eremophila debilis HERBRECS
Enneapogon HERBRECS
Eriachne aristidea HERBRECS
truncatus
| 211 |
Common Common
1999 Act 1992 1999 Act 1992
Name* Name*
Status Status
Status Status
Eriachne glabrata HERBRECS Eulalia trispicata HERBRECS
Wildlife Eumitria baileyi HERBRECS

Online Euphorbia tannensis HERBRECS
Eriachne insularis HERBRECS subsp. tannensis
Eriachne pallescens HERBRECS Euphorbia tannensis HERBRECS

subsp. eremophila
Wildlife
Eupomatia laurina HERBRECS
Online
Euptilota articulata HERBRECS
Eriachne pallescens HERBRECS
var. pallescens Euroschinus falcatus HERBRECS
var. falcatus
Eriachne rara HERBRECS
Euroschinus falcatus HERBRECS
Eriachne triseta HERBRECS
var. angustifolius
Wildlife Eustrephus latifolius HERBRECS
Online
Evolvulus alsinoides HERBRECS
Eriochloa procera HERBRECS
Evolvulus alsinoides HERBRECS
Wildlife var. decumbens
Online
Exocarpos HERBRECS
Eriochloa HERBRECS cupressiformis
pseudoacrotricha
Exocarpos latifolius HERBRECS
Erythrina variegata HERBRECS
Feldmannia HERBRECS
Erythrotrichia carnea HERBRECS globifera
Erythroxylum sp. HERBRECS Feldmannia indica HERBRECS
(Splityard Creek
Feldmannia HERBRECS
L.Pedley 5360)
irregularis
Eucalyptus crebra HERBRECS
Ficus adenosperma HERBRECS
Eucalyptus decolor HERBRECS NL NT
Ficus opposita HERBRECS
Eucalyptus exserta HERBRECS
Ficus racemosa var. HERBRECS
Eucalyptus HERBRECS racemosa
melanophloia
Ficus rubiginosa HERBRECS
Eucalyptus HERBRECS forma rubiginosa
moluccana
Ficus rubiginosa HERBRECS
Eucalyptus HERBRECS forma glabrescens
montivaga
Ficus virens HERBRECS
Eucalyptus populnea HERBRECS
Ficus virens var. HERBRECS
Eucalyptus HERBRECS sublanceolata
portuensis
Fimbristylis acicularis HERBRECS
Eucalyptus resinifera HERBRECS
Fimbristylis Wildlife
Eucalyptus robusta HERBRECS bisumbellata Online
Eucalyptus saligna HERBRECS Fimbristylis HERBRECS
subsp. saligna cinnamometorum
Wildlife
Eucalyptus HERBRECS Online
tereticornis subsp.
Fimbristylis HERBRECS
tereticornis
depauperata
Eucheuma crassum HERBRECS
Eucheuma HERBRECS dichotoma
denticulatum Wildife
Online
Eucheuma serra HERBRECS
Eugenia HERBRECS
ferruginea
reinwardtiana
Common Common
1999 Act 1992 1999 Act 1992
Name* Name*
Status Status
Status Status
Fimbristylis littoralis HERBRECS Gelidiopsis intricata HERBRECS
Fimbristylis HERBRECS Gelidiopsis variabilis HERBRECS
microcarya Gelidium crinale HERBRECS
Fimbristylis miliacea HERBRECS Gemmabryum HERBRECS
Fimbristylis nutans HERBRECS coronatum
Fimbristylis HERBRECS Geodorum HERBRECS
pauciflora densiflorum
Fimbristylis HERBRECS Geranium HERBRECS
polytrichoides homeanum
Fimbristylis tristachya HERBRECS Germainia capitata Protected V V
Matters
Wildlife
Online Wildlife
Fitzalania bidwillii HERBRECS Online
Flagellaria indica HERBRECS HERBRECS

Flemingia lineata HERBRECS Gibsmithia dotyi HERBRECS
Flemingia parviflora HERBRECS Gibsmithia larkumii HERBRECS
Flindersia schottiana HERBRECS Glochidion HERBRECS
ferdinandi
Flueggea leucopyrus HERBRECS
Glochidion HERBRECS
Fuirena ciliaris HERBRECS
ferdinandi var.
Wildlife ferdinandi
Online Glochidion hylandii HERBRECS
Fuirena umbellata HERBRECS Glochidion HERBRECS
Furcraea selloa Wildlife lobocarpum
Online
Glochidion HERBRECS
Fuscoporia HERBRECS sumatranum
wahlbergii
Glossocardia bidens HERBRECS
Gahnia aspera HERBRECS
Glycine clandestina HERBRECS
Wildlife var. clandestina
Online Glycine clandestina HERBRECS
Gahnia sieberiana HERBRECS var. sericea
Galactia tenuiflora HERBRECS Glycine latifolia HERBRECS
Galactia tenuiflora HERBRECS Glycine tomentella HERBRECS
var. lucida Glycosmis trifoliata HERBRECS
Galactia tenuiflora HERBRECS Gompholobium HERBRECS
var. villosa pinnatum
Galaxaura rugosa HERBRECS Gonocarpus HERBRECS
Ganonema HERBRECS chinensis subsp.
Wildlife
farinosum verrucosus
Online
Ganonema HERBRECS
Gonocarpus HERBRECS
pinnatum
micranthus subsp.
Geijera salicifolia HERBRECS ramosissimus
Geitonoplesium HERBRECS Goodenia glabra HERBRECS
cymosum
Wildlife Goodenia gracilis HERBRECS
Online Goodenia HERBRECS
Gelidiella acerosa HERBRECS paniculata
Gelidiella antipae HERBRECS Gossia bidwillii HERBRECS
Gelidiella lubrica HERBRECS Gracilaria arcuata HERBRECS
| 213 |
Common Common
1999 Act 1992 1999 Act 1992
Name* Name*
Status Status
Status Status
Gracilaria edulis HERBRECS Halimeda tuna HERBRECS
Graptophyllum HERBRECS V V Halimeda HERBRECS
ilicifolium velasquezeii
Graptophyllum HERBRECS Haloplegma HERBRECS
spinigerum duperreyi
Grevillea banksii HERBRECS Hardenbergia HERBRECS
Grevillea robusta HERBRECS violacea
Grewia latifolia HERBRECS Harnieria HERBRECS

hygrophiloides
Grewia retusifolia HERBRECS
Harpullia hillii HERBRECS
Griffithsia HERBRECS
heteromorpha Hedraianthera HERBRECS
porphyropetala
Griffithsia metcalfii HERBRECS
Heliotropium HERBRECS
Griffithsia HERBRECS
brachygyne
subcylindrica
Heliotropium HERBRECS
Guioa semiglauca HERBRECS
pauciflorum
Gymnanthera HERBRECS
Hemarthria uncinata HERBRECS
oblonga
var. spathacea
Gymnophycus HERBRECS
Hernandia bivalvis HERBRECS NL NT
hapsiphorus
Herposiphonia HERBRECS
Gymnostachys HERBRECS
pacifica
anceps
Herposiphonia HERBRECS
Habenaria HERBRECS
secunda
propinquior
Heterodermia HERBRECS
Habenaria HERBRECS NL NT
obscurata
xanthantha
Heteropogon HERBRECS
Haematomma HERBRECS
contortus
flexuosum Wildlife
Haematomma HERBRECS Online
persoonii Heteropogon HERBRECS
Hakea actites HERBRECS triticeus
Halfordia kendack HERBRECS Heterosiphonia HERBRECS

crispella
Halichrysis HERBRECS
coalescens Heterosiphonia HERBRECS
crispella var. laxa
Halichrysis micans HERBRECS
Hibbertia linearis HERBRECS
Halimeda HERBRECS
cylindracea Hibbertia linearis HERBRECS
var. floribunda
Halimeda discoidea HERBRECS
Hibbertia linearis HERBRECS
Halimeda incrassata HERBRECS
var. obtusifolia
Halimeda HERBRECS
Hibbertia HERBRECS
macroloba
malacophylla
Halimeda HERBRECS
Hibbertia salicifolia HERBRECS
macrophysa
Hibbertia scandens HERBRECS
Halimeda HERBRECS
(Willd.) Gilg
magnidisca
Hibbertia stricta HERBRECS
Halimeda HERBRECS
micronesica Hibbertia stricta var. HERBRECS
hirtiflora Benth.
Halimeda opuntia HERBRECS
Hibiscus divaricatus HERBRECS
Halimeda renschii HERBRECS
Common Common
1999 Act 1992 1999 Act 1992
Name* Name*
Status Status
Status Status
Hibiscus diversifolius HERBRECS Hypnea pannosa HERBRECS
Hibiscus HERBRECS Hypnea spinella HERBRECS
heterophyllus Vent. Hypnea valentiae HERBRECS
Hibiscus HERBRECS Hypoglossum HERBRECS
meraukensis harveyanum
Hibiscus splendens HERBRECS Hypoglossum HERBRECS
Hibiscus vitifolius HERBRECS heterocystideum
Hincksia HERBRECS Hypoglossum HERBRECS
breviarticula simulans
Hincksia mitchelliae HERBRECS Hypolepis muelleri HERBRECS
Hippocratea barbata HERBRECS Hypoxis pratensis HERBRECS
Hodgkinsonia HERBRECS var. pratensis
Wildlife
ovatiflora Online
Homalanthus nutans HERBRECS Hypoxis pratensis HERBRECS
Hormothamnium HERBRECS var. tuberculata
enteromorphoides
Hypserpa HERBRECS
Hovea clavata HERBRECS decumbens
Wildlife
Hovea lorata HERBRECS Online
Hoya australis HERBRECS Iphigenia indica Wildlife
subsp. australis Online
Hybanthus HERBRECS Imperata cylindrica HERBRECS
enneaspermus Indigofera australis HERBRECS
Wildlife
Online subsp. australis
Hybanthus HERBRECS Indigofera baileyi HERBRECS

monopetalus Indigofera colutea HERBRECS
Hybanthus HERBRECS Indigofera hirsuta HERBRECS
stellarioides
Indigofera linifolia HERBRECS
Hydrilla verticillata HERBRECS
Indigofera linnaei HERBRECS
Hydroclathrus HERBRECS
Indigofera pratensis HERBRECS
clathratus
Indigofera trifoliata HERBRECS
Hydrocotyle HERBRECS
acutiloba Inonotus lloydii HERBRECS
Hydrolithon HERBRECS Iphigenia indica HERBRECS

farinosum Ipomoea macrantha HERBRECS
Hygrophila HERBRECS Ipomoea pes-caprae HERBRECS
angustifolia subsp. brasiliensis
Hymenosporum HERBRECS Ipomoea plebeia HERBRECS
flavum
Isachne globosa HERBRECS
Hyparrhenia rufa Wildlife
Ischaemum australe HERBRECS
Online
var. australe
Hypericum HERBRECS
Ischaemum fragile HERBRECS
gramineum
Isotropis filicaulis HERBRECS
Hyperphyscia HERBRECS
adglutinata Ixora queenslandica HERBRECS
Hyperphyscia HERBRECS Jacksonia scoparia HERBRECS

pruinosa Jacksonia HERBRECS
Hypnea charoides HERBRECS stackhousei
Hypnea musciformis HERBRECS
| 215 |
Common Common
1999 Act 1992 1999 Act 1992
Name* Name*
Status Status
Status Status
Jacquemontia HERBRECS Laurencia flexilis HERBRECS
paniculata Laurencia gracilis HERBRECS
Jacquemontia HERBRECS Laurencia humilis HERBRECS
paniculata var.
tomentosa Laurencia intricata HERBRECS
Jagera pseudorhus HERBRECS Laurencia majuscula HERBRECS

var. pseudorhus Laurencia HERBRECS
Jania adhaerens HERBRECS mariannensis
Jania ungulata HERBRECS Laurencia nidifica HERBRECS
Jania verrucosa HERBRECS Laurencia obtusa HERBRECS
Jasminum dallachii Wildlife Laurencia obtusa HERBRECS

Online var. obtusa
Soft jasmine
Laurencia pannosa HERBRECS
Jasminum didymum HERBRECS
Laurencia papillosa HERBRECS
Laurencia HERBRECS
subsp. didymum
parvipapillata
Laurencia ptychodes HERBRECS
subsp. didymum -
Jasminum.didymum Laurencia pygmaea HERBRECS
subsp. racemosum Laurencia rigida HERBRECS
Jasminum didymum HERBRECS Laurencia snackeyi HERBRECS
subsp. lineare Laurencia venusta HERBRECS
Jasminum didymum HERBRECS Laxmannia gracilis HERBRECS
subsp. racemosum
Lecanora achroa HERBRECS
Jasminum HERBRECS
simplicifolium subsp. Lecanora HERBRECS
australiense austrotropica
Juncus continuus HERBRECS Lecanora HERBRECS

caesiorubella
Wildlife
Lecanora HERBRECS
Online
flavidofusca
Juncus kraussii HERBRECS
Lecanora helva. HERBRECS
Juncus kraussii HERBRECS
Lecanora interjecta HERBRECS
subsp. australiensis
Lecanora leprosa HERBRECS
Juncus HERBRECS
polyanthemus Lecanora oreinoides HERBRECS
Keraudrenia HERBRECS Lecanora tropica HERBRECS

lanceolata Leersia hexandra HERBRECS
Knoxia sumatrensis HERBRECS Wildlife
Kyrtuthrix maculans HERBRECS Online
Lagenophora gracilis HERBRECS Leibleinia baculum HERBRECS
Lastreopsis HERBRECS Lepiderema HERBRECS
decomposita punctulata
Lastreopsis HERBRECS Lepidosperma HERBRECS
microsora subsp. laterale var. laterale Wildlife
microsora Online
Lastreopsis tenera HERBRECS Lepironia articulata HERBRECS
Laurencia HERBRECS Leptochloa decipiens HERBRECS
brongniartii subsp. decipiens
Wildlife
Laurencia filiformis HERBRECS
Online
Common Common
1999 Act 1992 1999 Act 1992
Name* Name*
Status Status
Status Status
Leptochloa decipiens Wildlife Lobelia stenophylla HERBRECS
subsp. peacockii Online Lobophora variegata HERBRECS
Leptochloa digitata HERBRECS Lomandra HERBRECS
Leptochloa fusca HERBRECS confertifolia subsp.
subsp. fusca pallida
Leptofauchea HERBRECS Lomandra laxa HERBRECS
anastomosans Lomandra HERBRECS
Leptolyngbya HERBRECS leucocephala subsp.
foveolarum leucocephala
Leptospermum HERBRECS Lomandra longifolia HERBRECS
neglectum Lomandra multiflora HERBRECS
Leptospermum HERBRECS subsp. multiflora
polygalifolium Lomandra spicata HERBRECS
Leptospermum HERBRECS Lomentaria HERBRECS
semibaccatum corallicola
Leptospermum HERBRECS Macropteranthes HERBRECS NL NT
trinervium leiocaulis
Lepturus repens HERBRECS Macarthuria HERBRECS
Lespedeza juncea HERBRECS neocambrica
subsp. sericea Maclura HERBRECS
Leucopogon biflorus HERBRECS cochinchinensis
Leucopogon HERBRECS Mallotus HERBRECS
leptospermoides claoxyloides
Leucopogon HERBRECS Mallotus discolor HERBRECS
rupicola Mallotus ficifolius HERBRECS
Leveillea HERBRECS Mallotus repandus HERBRECS
jungermannioides
Malvastrum HERBRECS
Liagora ceranoides HERBRECS americanum var.
Liagora maderensis HERBRECS stellatum
Liagora walkerae HERBRECS Maronina HERBRECS
Limnophila brownii HERBRECS australiensis
Limonium solanderi HERBRECS Marsdenia fraseri HERBRECS
Lindernia crustacea HERBRECS Marsdenia HERBRECS NL NT

hemiptera
Lindernia tenuifolia HERBRECS
Marsdenia HERBRECS
Lipocarpha HERBRECS
micradenia
microcephala
Marsdenia rostrata HERBRECS
Lithomyrtus obtusa HERBRECS
Marsilea crenata HERBRECS
Lithophyllum HERBRECS
tamiense Mastigocoleus HERBRECS
testarum
Litsea fawcettiana HERBRECS
Maytenus HERBRECS
Livistona decora HERBRECS
cunninghamii
Wildlife Maytenus disperma HERBRECS
Online
Medicosma HERBRECS
Lobelia gibbosa HERBRECS cunninghamii
Lobelia HERBRECS Megathyrsus Wildlife
purpurascens maximus Online
Lobelia HERBRECS
quadrangularis
| 217 |
Common Common
1999 Act 1992 1999 Act 1992
Name* Name*
Status Status
Status Status
Megathyrsus Wildlife Microchaete grisea HERBRECS
maximus var. Online Microchaete vitiensis HERBRECS
maximus
Microcoleus HERBRECS
Megathyrsus Wildlife chthonoplastes
maximus var. Online
Microcoleus grisea HERBRECS
pubiglumis
Microcoleus HERBRECS
Melaleuca dealbata HERBRECS
vaginatus
Melaleuca fluviatilis HERBRECS
Microdictyon HERBRECS
Melaleuca HERBRECS agardhianum
leucadendra
Microdictyon HERBRECS
Melaleuca nervosa HERBRECS obscurum
Melaleuca nervosa HERBRECS Microdictyon HERBRECS
subsp. nervosa umbilicatum
Melaleuca nodosa HERBRECS Micromelum HERBRECS
Melaleuca polandii HERBRECS minutum
Melaleuca HERBRECS Microsorum HERBRECS

quinquenervia punctatum
Melaleuca salicina HERBRECS Microstachys HERBRECS

chamaelea
Melaleuca HERBRECS
trichostachya Microtis parviflora HERBRECS
Melaleuca viminalis HERBRECS Mirbelia aotoides HERBRECS
Melaleuca viridiflora HERBRECS Mirbelia pungens HERBRECS
Melaleuca viridiflora HERBRECS Mirbelia rubiifolia HERBRECS

var. viridiflora Mischocarpus HERBRECS
Melanamansia HERBRECS anodontus
glomerata Mischocarpus HERBRECS
Melastoma HERBRECS pyriformis subsp.
malabathricum pyriformis
subsp. Mitrasacme HERBRECS
malabathricum paludosa
Melichrus adpressus HERBRECS Mitrasacme HERBRECS
Melinis minutiflora Wildlife pygmaea
Online Monochoria cyanea HERBRECS
Molasses grass
Monococcus HERBRECS
Melinis repens Wildlife
echinophorus
Red natal grass Online
Monotaxis HERBRECS
Melodinus australis HERBRECS
macrophylla
Melodorum HERBRECS
Monotoca scoparia HERBRECS
leichhardtii
Morinda canthoides HERBRECS
Memecylon HERBRECS
pauciflorum var. Morinda jasminoides HERBRECS
Wildlife
pauciflorum Murdannia HERBRECS
Online
graminea
Merismopedia HERBRECS Wildlife
elegans Online
Mesophyllum HERBRECS Murraya HERBRECS

mesomorphum ovatifoliolata
Mesospora schmidtii HERBRECS Myoporum HERBRECS

boninense subsp.
Micarea prasina HERBRECS
australe
Common Common
1999 Act 1992 1999 Act 1992
Name* Name*
Status Status
Status Status
Myoporum HERBRECS Oldenlandia HERBRECS
montanum mitrasacmoides
Myriogramme HERBRECS subsp.
carnea trachymenoides
Myrsine porosa HERBRECS Oldenlandia HERBRECS

subulata
Myrsine variabilis HERBRECS
Olearia canescens HERBRECS
Wildlife
Opercularia diphylla HERBRECS
Online
Ophioglossum HERBRECS
Najas tenuifolia HERBRECS
gramineum
Nauclea orientalis HERBRECS
Ophioglossum HERBRECS
Nelumbo nucifera HERBRECS reticulatum
Wildlilfe Oplismenus HERBRECS
Online aemulus
Wildlife
Nemacystus HERBRECS Online
decipiens
Oscillatoria lutea HERBRECS
Neoachmandra HERBRECS
Oscillatoria HERBRECS
cunninghamii
margaritifera
Neogoniolithon HERBRECS
Osmundaria HERBRECS
brassica-florida
fimbriata
Neolitsea HERBRECS
Ostreobium quekettii HERBRECS
australiensis
Ottelia ovalifolia HERBRECS
Neolitsea brassii HERBRECS
Ottochloa gracillima HERBRECS
Neomeris annulata HERBRECS
Neomeris HERBRECS Wildlife
vanbosseae Online
Neoralfsia expansa HERBRECS Ottochloa nodosa Wildlife

Online
Neptunia gracilis HERBRECS
Padina australis HERBRECS
Nicotiana forsteri HERBRECS
Padina boryana HERBRECS
Niemeyera antiloga HERBRECS
Palmogloea HERBRECS
Nitophyllum HERBRECS
protuberans
tongatense
Palmophyllum HERBRECS
Nostoc HERBRECS
crassum
microscopicum
Pandanus tectorius HERBRECS
Notelaea johnsonii HERBRECS
Pandorea HERBRECS
Notelaea longifolia HERBRECS
jasminoides
forma glabra
Panicum HERBRECS
Notothixos incanus HERBRECS
decompositum var.
Nymphaea gigantea HERBRECS decompositum
Nymphaea violacea HERBRECS Panicum effusum HERBRECS
Nymphoides HERBRECS
Wildlife
exiliflora
Online
Panicum paludosum HERBRECS
Nymphoides indica HERBRECS
Ochlochaete hystrix HERBRECS
Ochrosperma HERBRECS
Panicum simile Wildlife
lineare
Online
Oldenlandia HERBRECS
galioides
| 219 |
Common Common
1999 Act 1992 1999 Act 1992
Name* Name*
Status Status
Status Status
Pararchidendron HERBRECS Paspalum HERBRECS
pruinosum scrobiculatum
Wildlife
Parmelina HERBRECS Online
conlabrosa
Paspalum vaginatum HERBRECS
Parmotrema crinitum HERBRECS
Wildlife
Parmotrema HERBRECS Online
parahypotropum
Patersonia glabrata HERBRECS
Parmotrema HERBRECS
Patersonia sericea HERBRECS
rampoddense
var. sericea
Parmotrema HERBRECS
Pavetta australiensis HERBRECS
robustum
Pavetta australiensis HERBRECS
Parmotrema HERBRECS
var. australiensis
tinctorum
Pedobesia HERBRECS
Parsonsia HERBRECS
ryukyuensis
eucalyptophylla
Pelargonium HERBRECS
Parsonsia HERBRECS
inodorum
paulforsteri
Pellaea falcata HERBRECS
Parsonsia HERBRECS
plaesiophylla Pellaea nana HERBRECS
Parsonsia rotata HERBRECS Pemphis acidula HERBRECS

Maiden Penicillus nodulosus HERBRECS
Parsonsia straminea HERBRECS Penicillus sibogae HERBRECS
Parsonsia velutina HERBRECS Peperomia blanda HERBRECS
Parsonsia ventricosa HERBRECS var. floribunda
Parviphycus HERBRECS Peripleura diffusa HERBRECS

tenuissimus Peripleura hispidula HERBRECS
Parvocaulis clavatus HERBRECS var. hispidula
Parvocaulis exiguus HERBRECS Peripleura hispidula HERBRECS

var. setosa
Parvocaulis parvulus HERBRECS
Peristeranthus hillii HERBRECS
Paspalidium Wildlife
albovillosum Online Perotis rara HERBRECS
Paspalidium HERBRECS Wildife

aversum Online
Paspalidium HERBRECS Persicaria attenuata HERBRECS
caespitosum Persicaria decipiens HERBRECS
Paspalidium HERBRECS Persicaria dichotoma HERBRECS
disjunctum
Persicaria orientalis HERBRECS
Paspalidium distans HERBRECS
Wildlife Persoonia amaliae HERBRECS

Online
Persoonia tenuifolia HERBRECS
Paspalidium gausum HERBRECS
Persoonia virgata HERBRECS
Wildlife Pertusaria HERBRECS
Online leioplacella
Paspalum dilatatum Wildlife Pertusaria pustulata HERBRECS
Online
Pertusaria thiospoda HERBRECS
Paspalum distichum HERBRECS
Pertusaria HERBRECS
xanthoplaca
Petalonia fascia HERBRECS
Common Common
1999 Act 1992 1999 Act 1992
Name* Name*
Status Status
Status Status
Petalostigma HERBRECS Phyllanthus HERBRECS NL NT
pubescens sauropodoides
Petrophile shirleyae HERBRECS Phyllanthus HERBRECS
subcrenulatus
Phyllanthus virgatus HERBRECS
Peyssonnelia HERBRECS
armorica Physcia decorticata HERBRECS
Peyssonnelia calcea HERBRECS Physcia sorediosa HERBRECS
Peyssonnelia HERBRECS Picris angustifolia HERBRECS

capensis subsp. carolorum-
henricorum
Peyssonnelia HERBRECS
conchicola Pimelea linifolia HERBRECS
subsp. linifolia
Peyssonnelia evae HERBRECS
Piper hederaceum HERBRECS
Peyssonnelia hariotii HERBRECS var. hederaceum
Peyssonnelia HERBRECS Pipturus argenteus HERBRECS
inamoena
Pisolithus arhizus HERBRECS
Phaeophila HERBRECS
dendroides Pisonia aculeata HERBRECS
Phalaris canariensis Wildlife Pisonia grandis HERBRECS

Online Pittosporum HERBRECS
Canary grass
ferrugineum subsp.
Phebalium HERBRECS linifolium
woombye
Pittosporum HERBRECS
Philotheca difformis HERBRECS revolutum
subsp. smithiana
Pittosporum HERBRECS
Philydrum HERBRECS undulatum
lanuginosum
Pittosporum viscidum HERBRECS
Phormidium HERBRECS
Pityrodia salviifolia HERBRECS
autumnale
Planchonella HERBRECS
Phormidium HERBRECS
australis
corallinae
Phormidium corium HERBRECS
cotinifolia
Phormidium HERBRECS
jadinianum
myrsinifolia
Phormidium retzii HERBRECS
Phormidium HERBRECS pohlmaniana
submembranaceum
Planchonia careya HERBRECS
Phormidium HERBRECS
Plantago debilis HERBRECS
subuliforme
Plantago varia HERBRECS
Phragmites australis HERBRECS
Platycerium HERBRECS
Wildlife bifurcatum
Online
Platysace linearifolia HERBRECS
Phyla nodiflora HERBRECS
Platysiphonia HERBRECS
Phyllanthus brassii HERBRECS NL V delicata
Phyllanthus HERBRECS Platysiphonia HERBRECS
fuernrohrii marginalis
Phyllanthus gunnii HERBRECS Plectranthus HERBRECS
Phyllanthus novae- HERBRECS graveolens
hollandiae
| 221 |
Common Common
1999 Act 1992 1999 Act 1992
Name* Name*
Status Status
Status Status
Plectranthus HERBRECS Pouteria HERBRECS
parviflorus queenslandica
Pleiogynium HERBRECS Predaea weldii HERBRECS
timorense Pringsheimiella HERBRECS
Pleogyne australis HERBRECS gratulans
Wildlife Pringsheimiella HERBRECS

Online sanctae-luciae
Pleurostylia opposita HERBRECS

Pringsheimiella HERBRECS
Plocamium HERBRECS striata
hamatum
Prostanthera HERBRECS
Pluchea dioscoridis HERBRECS ovalifolia
Pluchea dunlopii HERBRECS Prostanthera sp. HERBRECS
Plumbago zeylanica HERBRECS Pseudanthus HERBRECS
Podocarpus elatus HERBRECS orientalis
Podolepis neglecta HERBRECS Pseudendoclonium HERBRECS
submarinum
Pogonolobus HERBRECS
reticulatus Pseuderanthemum HERBRECS
variabile
Polyalthia nitidissima HERBRECS
Pseudo- HERBRECS
Polyblastiopsis velata HERBRECS
chlorodesmis
Polycarpaea HERBRECS furcellata
corymbosa var.
Pseudognaphalium HERBRECS
minor
luteoalbum
Polygala linariifolia HERBRECS
Psilotum nudum HERBRECS
Polymeria calycina HERBRECS
Psychotria HERBRECS
Polymeria sp. HERBRECS daphnoides
Polyscias elegans HERBRECS Psychotria HERBRECS
Polysiphonia blandii HERBRECS loniceroides
Polysiphonia herpa HERBRECS Psychotria sp. HERBRECS
Polysiphonia HERBRECS Psydrax HERBRECS
infestans lamprophylla
Polysiphonia HERBRECS Psydrax longipes HERBRECS
scopulorum Psydrax odorata HERBRECS
Polysiphonia HERBRECS Pteridium HERBRECS
sphaerocarpa esculentum
Polysiphonia HERBRECS Pteris vittata L. HERBRECS
upolensis
Pterocaulon HERBRECS
Pomaderris HERBRECS redolens
canescens
Pterocaulon HERBRECS
Pomax umbellata HERBRECS serrulatum
Poranthera HERBRECS Pterocaulon sp. HERBRECS

microphylla Pterocaulon HERBRECS
Porphyrosiphon HERBRECS sphacelatum
notarisii Pterocladia HERBRECS
Portieria HERBRECS caloglossoides
hornemannii Pterocladiella HERBRECS
Portulaca bicolor HERBRECS caerulescens
Portulaca filifolia HERBRECS
Common Common
1999 Act 1992 1999 Act 1992
Name* Name*
Status Status
Status Status
Pterostylis HERBRECS Rhipiliopsis HERBRECS
ophioglossa mortensenii
Pterostylis revoluta HERBRECS Rhizoclonium HERBRECS
Pultenaea borea HERBRECS implexum
Pultenaea millarii HERBRECS Rhizoclonium HERBRECS

riparium
Pultenaea spinosa HERBRECS
Rhizoclonium HERBRECS
Pycnospora HERBRECS
tortuosum
lutescens
Rhodamnia HERBRECS
Pyrenula HERBRECS
acuminata
concatervans
Rhodamnia HERBRECS
Pyrenula HERBRECS
argentea
pyrenuloides
Rhodamnia HERBRECS NL NT
Pyrrosia confluens HERBRECS
glabrescens
var. confluens
Rhodamnia HERBRECS
Pyrrosia rupestris HERBRECS
spongiosa
Pyxine cocoes HERBRECS
Rhynchosia HERBRECS
Pyxine microspora HERBRECS acuminatissima
Quassia bidwillii Protected V V Rhynchosia minima HERBRECS
Matters
Quassia Rhynchosia minima HERBRECS
var. minima
Ramalina confirmata HERBRECS
Rhynchosia minima HERBRECS
Ramalina exiguella HERBRECS
var. australis
Ramalina inflata HERBRECS
Rhynchospora HERBRECS
Ramalina leiodea HERBRECS corymbosa
Ramalina litorea HERBRECS Rhynchospora HERBRECS
Ramalina luciae HERBRECS heterochaeta
Ramalina nervulosa HERBRECS Ripogonum HERBRECS
brevifolium
Ramalina pacifica HERBRECS
Rivularia atra HERBRECS
Ramalina peruviana HERBRECS
Rivularia polyotis HERBRECS
Ramalina HERBRECS
subfraxinea Roccella montagnei HERBRECS
Ramalina HERBRECS Rosenvingea HERBRECS
subfraxinea var. orientalis
norstictica Rostellularia HERBRECS
Ramalina tenella HERBRECS adscendens var.
hispida
Relicina amphithrix HERBRECS
Rostellularia HERBRECS
Relicina sublanea HERBRECS
adscendens var.
Relicina sydneyensis HERBRECS juncea
Rhamnella vitiensis HERBRECS Rotala tripartita HERBRECS
Rhipidosiphon HERBRECS Rubus moluccanus HERBRECS
javensis var. moluccanus
Rhipidothamnion HERBRECS Rubus moluccanus HERBRECS
secundum var. trilobus
Rhipilia orientalis HERBRECS Rumex brownii HERBRECS
Rhipiliella verticillata HERBRECS Ruppia maritima HERBRECS
Rhipiliopsis gracilis HERBRECS Rutidosis murchisonii HERBRECS
| 223 |
Common Common
1999 Act 1992 1999 Act 1992
Name* Name*
Status Status
Status Status
Rytidosperma HERBRECS Schizachyrium HERBRECS
tenuius pseudeulalia
Sacciolepis indica HERBRECS Schizaea dichotoma HERBRECS
Wildlife Schizoseris HERBRECS

Online bombayensis
Saccolabiopsis HERBRECS Schizothrix arenaria HERBRECS

armitii Schizothrix calcicola HERBRECS
Salsola australis HERBRECS Schizothrix friesii HERBRECS
Sambucus HERBRECS Schoenoplectus HERBRECS
australasica lateriflorus
Sannantha bidwillii HERBRECS Schoenoplectus HERBRECS
Sarcochilus HERBRECS litoralis
eriochilus Schoenoplectus HERBRECS
mucronatus
Sarcocornia HERBRECS
quinqueflora subsp. Schoenoplectus HERBRECS
quinqueflora validus
Sarcodia HERBRECS Schoenus apogon HERBRECS

montagneana var. apogon
Sarcomelicope HERBRECS Schoenus HERBRECS

simplicifolia subsp. brevifolius
Wildlife
simplicifolia Online
Sarcostemma HERBRECS Schoenus HERBRECS
viminale subsp. calostachyus
brunonianum
Schoenus falcatus HERBRECS
Sarga leiocladum HERBRECS
Schoenus HERBRECS
Sarga plumosum HERBRECS lepidosperma subsp.
Sargassum HERBRECS pachylepis
aquifolium Schoenus sparteus HERBRECS
Sargassum HERBRECS
Wildlife
crassifolium
Online
Sargassum flavicans HERBRECS
Scinaia tsinglanensis HERBRECS
Sargassum opacum HERBRECS
Scleria brownii HERBRECS
Sargassum HERBRECS
polycystum Wildlife
Online
Sauropus albiflorus HERBRECS
Scleria mackaviensis Wildlife
Sauropus hirtellus HERBRECS
Online
Sauropus HERBRECS
Scleria novae- Wildlife
trachyspermus
hollandiae Online
Scaevola HERBRECS
Scleria polycarpa HERBRECS
calendulacea
Scleria rugosa HERBRECS
Scaevola taccada HERBRECS
Schefflera HERBRECS Wildlife
actinophylla Online
Schenkia australis HERBRECS Scolopia braunii HERBRECS
Schizachyrium HERBRECS Scytonema hofman- HERBRECS

fragile bangii
Schizachyrium HERBRECS
pachyarthron Scytonema HERBRECS
polycystum
Common Common
1999 Act 1992 1999 Act 1992
Name* Name*
Status Status
Status Status
Secamone elliptica HERBRECS Sphacelaria rigidula HERBRECS
Sehima nervosum HERBRECS Sphacelaria HERBRECS
tribuloides
Wildlife
Online Spinifex sericeus HERBRECS
Selaginella uliginosa HERBRECS Wildlife

Senecio HERBRECS Online
brigalowensis Spirodela punctata HERBRECS
Senecio pinnatifolius HERBRECS Spirulina HERBRECS
var. pinnatifolius labyrinthiformis
Senna acclinis HERBRECS NL NT Spirulina subsalsa HERBRECS
Senna gaudichaudii HERBRECS Spirulina tenerrima HERBRECS
Seringia corollata HERBRECS Sporobolus africanus Wildlife
Sersalisia sericea HERBRECS Online
Parramatta grass
Sesbania cannabina HERBRECS Sporobolus HERBRECS
Sesuvium HERBRECS australasicus
portulacastrum Sporobolus HERBRECS
Setaria pumila Wildlife elongatus
Wildlife
subsp. subtesselata Online
Online
Setaria sphacelata Wildlife
Sporobolus laxus HERBRECS
Online
Setaria surgens HERBRECS Wildlife
Online
Wildlife
Sporobolus Wildlife
Online
pyramidalis Online
Sida hackettiana HERBRECS
Sporobolus HERBRECS
Sigesbeckia HERBRECS virginicus
orientalis Wildlife
Online
Sirocoleum kurzii HERBRECS
Sprengelia HERBRECS
Sirodotia suecica HERBRECS
sprengelioides
Smilax australis Wildlife
Spyridia filamentosa HERBRECS
Barbed-wire vine Online
Stackhousia HERBRECS
Solanum ellipticum HERBRECS
monogyna
Solanum stelligerum HERBRECS
Stackhousia viminea HERBRECS
Sophora tomentosa HERBRECS
Stenotaphrum HERBRECS
subsp. australis
micranthum
Sorghum nitidum Wildlife
Stephania japonica Wildlife
Online
Online
Sorghum x almum Wildlife
Stephania japonica HERBRECS
Online
var. discolor
Sorghum nitidum HERBRECS
Sterculia quadrifida HERBRECS
forma aristatum
Stictosiphonia HERBRECS
Spermacoce HERBRECS
kelanensis
brachystema
Strangea linearis HERBRECS
Spermacoce HERBRECS
multicaulis Streblus brunonianus HERBRECS
Spermacoce sp. HERBRECS Striga parviflora HERBRECS
Sphacelaria novae- HERBRECS Strychnos HERBRECS

hollandiae psilosperma
| 225 |
Common Common
1999 Act 1992 1999 Act 1992
Name* Name*
Status Status
Status Status
Stylidium debile HERBRECS Tephrosia HERBRECS
astragaloides
Tephrosia barbatala HERBRECS
Stylidium HERBRECS
Tephrosia dietrichiae HERBRECS
eglandulosum
Stylidium tenerum HERBRECS Tephrosia filipes HERBRECS
Benth. subsp. filipes
Stylonema alsidii HERBRECS
Tephrosia juncea HERBRECS
Stypopodium HERBRECS
flabelliforme Tephrosia leptoclada HERBRECS
Suaeda australis HERBRECS Terminalia catappa HERBRECS
Suriana maritima HERBRECS Terminalia HERBRECS

porphyrocarpa
Swainsona HERBRECS
galegifolia Tetragonia HERBRECS
tetragonioides
Swainsona HERBRECS
oroboides Thecanthes HERBRECS
cornucopiae
Swainsona HERBRECS
phacoides Thelymitra HERBRECS
angustifolia
Syagrus Wildlife
romanzoffiana Online Thelymitra pauciflora HERBRECS
Themeda triandra HERBRECS
Queen palm
Symphyocladia HERBRECS Wildlife
marchantioides Online
Syncarpia HERBRECS Thespesia populnea HERBRECS

glomulifera subsp. Thuarea involuta HERBRECS
glomulifera Thysanotus HERBRECS
Syzygium australe HERBRECS tuberosus subsp.
Syzygium oleosum HERBRECS tuberosus
Taenioma nanum HERBRECS Timonius timon var. HERBRECS

timon
Tapeinosperma HERBRECS
pseudojambosa Titanophycus validus HERBRECS
Tecticornia HERBRECS Tolypiocladia HERBRECS

halocnemoides glomerulata
Tecticornia HERBRECS Tolypothrix tenuis HERBRECS

halocnemoides Trachymene cussonii HERBRECS
subsp. tenuis Trachymene HERBRECS
Tecticornia indica HERBRECS procumbens
Tecticornia indica HERBRECS Trachystylis HERBRECS
subsp. indica stradbrokensis
Wildlife
Tecticornia indica HERBRECS Online
subsp. leiostachya
Tragia HERBRECS
Tecticornia HERBRECS novae-hollandiae
pergranulata subsp.
Tragus australianus HERBRECS
queenslandica
Trema orientalis HERBRECS
Taeniophyllum Protected V LC
muelleri Matters Trema tomentosa HERBRECS
Minute orchid Wildlife

Online
Teloschistes flavicans HERBRECS
Trema tomentosa HERBRECS
var. aspera
Common Common
1999 Act 1992 1999 Act 1992
Name* Name*
Status Status
Status Status
Trentepohlia HERBRECS Ulvaria oxysperma HERBRECS
lagenifera Ulvella calcicola HERBRECS
Trentepohlia odorata HERBRECS Ulvella setchellii HERBRECS
Trentepohlia odorata HERBRECS Uraria HERBRECS
var. unilateralis lagopodioides
Tribulus cistoides HERBRECS Urochloa foliosa HERBRECS
Tribulus micrococcus HERBRECS Urochloa piligera HERBRECS
Trichocoleus HERBRECS Urochloa Wildlife
sanctae-crucis subquadripara Online
Trichocoleus HERBRECS Urochloa whiteana HERBRECS
tenerrimus
Usnea angulata HERBRECS
Trichodesmium HERBRECS
Usnea dasaea HERBRECS
erythraeum
Usnea nidifica HERBRECS
Trichogloea requienii HERBRECS
Utricularia HERBRECS
Trichosolen myura HERBRECS
dichotoma
Tricleocarpa HERBRECS
Utricularia uliginosa HERBRECS
cylindrica
Valonia macrophysa HERBRECS
Tricoryne anceps HERBRECS
subsp. pterocaulon Valonia ventricosa HERBRECS
Tricoryne elatior HERBRECS Vanheurckia HERBRECS
lewisiana
Tricoryne muricata Wildlife
Online Vanvoorstia HERBRECS
spectabilis
Triflorensia ixoroides HERBRECS
Velleia spathulata HERBRECS
Triglochin HERBRECS
multifructum Ventilago pubiflora HERBRECS
Triglochin striatum HERBRECS
Verbena africana HERBRECS
Triraphis mollis HERBRECS
Verrucaria halizoa HERBRECS
Triumfetta repens HERBRECS
Vigna marina HERBRECS
Trophis scandens HERBRECS
subsp. scandens Vigna radiata var. HERBRECS
sublobata
Turbinaria ornata HERBRECS
Vigna suberecta HERBRECS
Turraea pubescens HERBRECS
Vigna vexillata var. HERBRECS
Tylophoron gibsonii HERBRECS
angustifolia
Typha domingensis HERBRECS
Viscum articulatum HERBRECS
Typha orientalis HERBRECS
Vitex lignum-vitae HERBRECS
Wildlife Vitex rotundifolia HERBRECS
Online
Vitex trifolia var. HERBRECS
Udotea argentea HERBRECS trifolia
Udotea flabellum HERBRECS Vitex trifolia var. HERBRECS
Udotea orientalis HERBRECS subtrisecta
Ulva compressa HERBRECS Wahlenbergia HERBRECS
Ulva flexuosa subsp. HERBRECS communis
paradoxa Wahlenbergia HERBRECS
Ulva flexuosa subsp. HERBRECS gracilis
flexuosa Wahlenbergia HERBRECS
Ulva lactuca HERBRECS queenslandica
Ulva ralfsii HERBRECS
| 227 |
Common Common
1999 Act 1992 1999 Act 1992
Name* Name*
Status Status
Status Status
Waterhousea HERBRECS Zornia muriculata HERBRECS
floribunda subsp. muriculata
Wedelia HERBRECS Zornia muriculata HERBRECS
spilanthoides subsp. angustata
Wikstroemia indica HERBRECS Zoysia macrantha HERBRECS
Wilkiea macrophylla HERBRECS subsp. macrantha
Wolffia angusta HERBRECS Zoysia matrella HERBRECS
Wollastonia biflora HERBRECS Xylosma terrae- HERBRECS

reginae
Wrangelia argus HERBRECS
Xyris complanata HERBRECS
Wrangelia velutina HERBRECS
Xyris operculata HERBRECS
Xanthoparmelia HERBRECS
thamnoides Yamadaella HERBRECS
caenomyce
Xanthorrhoea HERBRECS
johnsonii Zanthoxylum HERBRECS
Wildlife brachyacanthum
Online
Zieria distans. HERBRECS
Xanthorrhoea HERBRECS
Zieria laxiflora HERBRECS
latifolia
Wildlife Zornia dyctiocarpa HERBRECS
Online var. filifolia
Xanthorrhoea HERBRECS Zornia floribunda HERBRECS
latifolia subsp.
Wildlife Zornia muriculata HERBRECS
latifolia
Online subsp. muriculata
Xanthorrhoea HERBRECS Zornia muriculata HERBRECS
pumilio subsp. angustata
Xenostegia tridentata HERBRECS Zoysia macrantha HERBRECS
Xerochrysum HERBRECS Desv. subsp.
bracteatum macrantha
Xylomelum HERBRECS Zoysia matrella HERBRECS

benthamii
Xylosma ovatum Wildlife NL NT
EPBC Act Status Codes = Critically Endangered (CE), Endangered
Online
(E), Vulnerable (V) and Not Listed (NL).
HERBRECS
NCA Act Status Codes = Endangered (E), Vulnerable (V), Near
Xylosma HERBRECS Threatened (NT), Least Concern (LC).* Common names are not
terrae-reginae available for all species
Xyris complanata HERBRECS
Wildlife
Online
Xyris operculata HERBRECS
Yamadaella HERBRECS
caenomyce
Zanthoxylum HERBRECS
brachyacanthum
Zieria distans HERBRECS
Zieria laxiflora HERBRECS
Zornia dyctiocarpa HERBRECS
var. filifolia
Zornia floribunda HERBRECS
Table 8-3 Mangrove and Saltmarsh Species of the Curtis Coast Region
Scientific Name Source Protected by Fisheries

Act 1994
Common Name*
Acrostichum speciosum HERBRECS 
Mangrove fern
Aegialitis annulata HERBRECS 
Club mangrove
Aegiceras corniculatum HERBRECS 
River mangrove
Avicennia marina HERBRECS 
Grey mangrove Wildlife Online
Avicennia marina subsp. HERBRECS 
australasica
Wildlife Online
Avicennia marina subsp. HERBRECS 
eucalyptifolia
Wildlife Online
Bruguiera exaristata HERBRECS 
Orange mangrove Wildlife Online
Bruguiera gymnorhiza HERBRECS 
Large-leafed orange mangrove Wildlife Online
Ceriops tagal HERBRECS 
Yellow mangrove
Crinum pedunculatum HERBRECS 
Excoecaria agallocha HERBRECS 
Milky mangrove
Hibiscus tiliaceus HERBRECS 
Osbornia octodonta HERBRECS 
Myrtle mangrove
Rhizophora stylosa HERBRECS 
Red mangrove
Scleria sphacelata HERBRECS 
Wildlife Online
* Common names are not available for all species
| 229 |
Appendix D
Fauna of the Curtis Coast
Table 8-4 Birds Listed in Database Searches for the Curtis Coast Region
Scientific Name Source EPBC Act Nature Conservation Act 1992

Status
Common Name** 1999 Status
Acanthiza nana Birds Australia EN
Yellow thornbill Wildlife Online King Island*

Accipiter cirrocephalus Birds Australia
Collared sparrowhawk Wildlife Online

Accipiter cirrhocephalus Queensland Museum
cirrhocephalus
Accipiter fasciatus Birds Australia EN
Brown goshawk Wildlife Online Christmas Island*

Accipiter novaehollandiae Birds Australia NT
Grey goshawk Wildlife Online

Acrocephalus australis Birds Australia
Australian reed-Warbler
Aegotheles cristatus Birds Australia
Australian owlet-nightjar Wildlife Online

Alectura lathami Birds Australia
Australian brush-turkey Wildlife Online

Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus Wildlife Online NT
Black-necked stork
Alisterus scapularis Birds Australia
Australian king-parrot Wildlife Online

Anas castanea Birds Australia
Chestnut teal
Anas gracilis Birds Australia
Grey teal Wildlife Online

Anas rhynchotis Birds Australia
Australasian shoveler
Anas superciliosa Birds Australia
Pacific black duck Wildlife Online

Anous minutus Wildlife Online
Black noddy
Anhinga novaehollandiae Birds Australia
Australasian darter Wildlife Online

Anseranas semipalmata Birds Australia
Magpie goose Wildlife Online

Anthochaera chrysoptera Birds Australia
Little wattlebird Wildlife Online

Anthus novaeseelandiae Birds Australia
Australasian pipit Wildlife Online

Aprosmictus erythropterus Birds Australia
Red-winged parrot Queensland Museum
Wildlife Online
| 231 |
Status
Aquila audax Birds Australia EN
Wedge-tailed eagle Wildlife Online Tasmania*

Ardea intermedia Birds Australia
Intermediate egret Wildlife Online

Ardea pacifica Birds Australia
White-necked heron Wildlife Online

Ardenna tenuirostris Wildlife Online
Short-tailed shearwater
Ardeotis australis Birds Australia
Australian bustard Wildlife Online

Arenaria interpres Wildlife Online
Ruddy turnstone
Artamus cinereus Birds Australia
Black-faced woodswallow Wildlife Online

Artamus cyanopterus Birds Australia
Dusky woodswallow Wildlife Online

Artamus leucorynchus Birds Australia
White-breasted woodswallow Wildlife Online

Aviceda subcristata Birds Australia
Pacific baza Queensland Museum
Wildlife Online
Aythya australis Birds Australia
Hardhead Wildlife Online

Burhinus grallarius Birds Australia
Bush stone-curlew Wildlife Online

Butorides striata Birds Australia
Striated heron Wildlife Online

Cacatua galerita Birds Australia
Sulphur-crested cockatoo Wildlife Online

Cacatua roseicapilla albiceps Queensland Museum
Cacatua sanguinea Birds Australia
Little corella
Cacomantis flabelliformis Birds Australia
Fan-tailed cuckoo Wildlife Online

Cacomantis pallidus Birds Australia
Pallid cuckoo Wildlife Online

Cacomantis variolosus Birds Australia
Brush cuckoo Wildlife Online
Calyptorhynchus banksia Birds Australia EN V
Red-tailed black-cockatoo Wildlife Online South Australia* East and North*
Status
Calyptorhynchus lathami Birds Australia V
Glossy black-cockatoo Wildlife Online

Caprimulgus macrurus Wildlife Online
Large-tailed nightjar
Carternornis leucotis Birds Australia
White-eared monarch Wildlife Online

Centropus phasianinus Birds Australia
Pheasant coucal Queensland Museum
Wildlife Online
Ceyx azureus Birds Australia
Azure kingfisher Wildlife Online

Chalcites basalis Birds Australia
Horsfield’s bronze-cuckoo
Chalcites lucidus Birds Australia
Shining bronze-cuckoo Wildlife Online

Chalcites minutillus Birds Australia
Little bronze-cuckoo Wildlife Online

Chalcophaps indica Birds Australia EN
Emerald dove Wildlife Online Christmas Island*

Charadrius ruficapillus Birds Australia
Red-capped plover Wildlife Online

Chenonetta jubata Birds Australia
Australian wood duck Wildlife Online

Chlidonias hybrida Wildlife Online
Whiskered tern
Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae Birds Australia En
Silver gull Queensland Museum South East*
Wildlife Online
Cincloramphus cruralis Birds Australia
Brown songlark
Circus assimilis Birds Australia
Spotted harrier
Cisticola exilis Birds Australia
Golden-headed cisticola Wildlife Online

Climacteris picumnus Birds Australia
Brown treecreeper
Colluricincla harmonica Birds Australia
Grey shrike-thrush Wildlife Online

Colluricincla megarhyncha Birds Australia
Little shrike-thrush Wildlife Online
| 233 | |
| 233
Status
Columba livia Birds Australia
Rock dove Queensland Museum
Wildlife Online
Coracina novaehollandiae Birds Australia
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Wildlife Online

Coracina papuensis Birds Australia
White-bellied cuckoo-shrike Wildlife Online

Coracina tenuirostris Birds Australia
Cicadabird Wildlife Online

Corcorax melanorhamphos Birds Australia
White-winged chough Wildlife Online

Cormobates leucophaea metastasis Wildlife Online
White-throated treecreeper (southern)

Corvus coronoides Birds Australia
Australian raven
Corvus orru Birds Australia
Torresian crow Wildlife Online

Coturnix pectoralis Birds Australia
Stubble quail Wildlife Online

Coturnix ypsilophora Birds Australia
Brown quail Wildlife Online

Cracticus nigrogularis Birds Australia V
Pied butcherbird Wildlife Online Lord Howe Island*

Cracticus tibicen Birds Australia
Australian magpie Wildlife Online

Cracticus torquatus Birds Australia
Grey butcherbird Wildlife Online

Cygnus atratus Birds Australia
Black swan Wildlife Online

Dacelo leachii Birds Australia
Blue-winged kookaburra Wildlife Online

Dacelo novaeguineae Birds Australia
Laughing kookaburra Queensland Museum
Wildlife Online
Daphoenositta chrysoptera Birds Australia
Varied sittella Wildlife Online

Dendrocygna arcuata Birds Australia
Wandering whistling-duck Wildlife Online

Dendrocygna eytoni Birds Australia
Plumed whistling-duck Wildlife Online

Dicaeum hirundinaceum Birds Australia
Mistletoebird Wildlife Online
Status
Dicrurus bracteatus Birds Australia
Spangled drongo Wildlife Online

Dromaius novaehollandiae Wildlife Online
Emu
Egretta garzetta Birds Australia
Little egret Wildlife Online

Egretta novaehollandiae Birds Australia
White-faced heron Wildlife Online

Elanus axillaris Birds Australia
Black-shouldered kite Wildlife Online

Elseyornis melanops Birds Australia
Black-fronted dotterel Wildlife Online

Entomyzon cyanotis Birds Australia
Blue-faced honeyeater Queensland Museum
Wildlife Online
Eolophus roseicapillus Birds Australia
Galah Wildlife Online

Eopsaltria australis Birds Australia
Eastern yellow robin Wildlife Online

Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus Birds Australia
Black-necked stork Wildlife Online

Epthianura crocea Birds Australia CE
Yellow chat Dawson*

Erythrotriorchis radiatus Protected Matters V E
Red goshawk
Esacus neglectus= Birds Australia V
Esacus magnirostris
Wildlife Online
Beach stone-curlew
Eudynamys orientalis Birds Australia
Eastern Koel Wildlife Online

Eudynamys scolopacea Queensland Museum
Common koel
Eurostopodus mystacalis Wildlife Online
White-throated nightjar
Eurystomus orientalis Birds Australia
Dollarbird Wildlife Online

Eurystomus orientalis pacificus Queensland Museum
Falco berigora Birds Australia
Brown falcon Queensland Museum
Wildlife Online
| 235 |
Status
Falco cenchroides Birds Australia
Nankeen kestrel Queensland Museum
Wildlife Online
Falco longipennis Birds Australia
Australian hobby Wildlife Online

Falco peregrinus macropus Queensland Museum
Falco subniger Birds Australia
Black falcon
Fregata ariel Wildlife Online
Lesser frigatebird
Fulica atra Birds Australia
Eurasian coot
Gallinula tenebrosa Birds Australia
Dusky moorhen Wildlife Online

Geopelia cuneata Wildlife Online
Diamond dove
Geopelia humeralis Birds Australia
Bar-shouldered dove Wildlife Online

Geopelia striata Birds Australia
Peaceful dove Wildlife Online

Geophaps scripta scripta Protected Matters V V
Squatter pigeon (southern) Birds Australia

Gerygone albogularis Birds Australia
White-throated gerygone Wildlife Online

Gerygone levigaster Birds Australia
Mangrove gerygone Wildlife Online

Gerygone palpebrosa Birds Australia
Fairy gerygone Wildlife Online

Glossopsitta pusilla Birds Australia
Little lorikeet Wildlife Online

Grallina cyanoleuca Birds Australia
Magpie-lark Wildlife Online

Grus rubicunda Birds Australia
Brolga
Haematopus fuliginosus Birds Australia NL NT
Sooty oyster-catcher Wildlife Online

Haematopus longirostris Birds Australia
Australian pied oystercatcher Wildlife Online

Haliastur indus Birds Australia
Brahminy kite Wildlife Online

Haliastur sphenurus Birds Australia
Whistling kite Wildlife Online
Status
Himantopus himantopus Birds Australia
Black-winged stilt
Hirundo neoxena Birds Australia
Welcome swallow Wildlife Online

Irediparra gallinacean Birds Australia
Comb-crested jacana Wildlife Online

Ixobrychus dubius Birds Australia
Australian little bittern

Ixobrychus flavicollis Birds Australia
Black bittern
Lalage leucomela Birds Australia
Varied triller Wildlife Online

Lalage sueurii Birds Australia V
White-winged triller Wildlife Online Norfolk Island*

Larus dominicanus Birds Australia
Kelp gull
Leucosarcia picata Birds Australia
Wonga pigeon Wildlife Online

Lewinia pectoralis Birds Australia
Lewin’s rail
Lichenostomus chrysops Birds Australia
Yellow-faced honeyeater Wildlife Online

Lichenostomus fasciogulari Birds Australia
Mangrove honeyeater Queensland Museum
Wildlife Online
Lichenostomus fuscus Birds Australia
Fuscous honeyeater
Lichenostomus leucotis Birds Australia EN
White-eared honeyeater Helmeted*

Lichenostomus melanops Birds Australia
Yellow-tufted honeyeater
Lichenostomus virescens Birds Australia
Singing honeyeater
Lichmera indistincta Birds Australia
Brown honeyeater Wildlife Online

Lichmera indistincta occularis Queensland Museum
Limicola falcinellus Birds Australia V V
Broad-billed sandpiper
Lonchura castaneothorax Birds Australia
Chestnut-breasted mannikin
Lonchura punctulata Birds Australia
Nutmeg mannikin Wildlife Online
| 237 |
Status
Lophoictinia isura Birds Australia
Square-tailed kite
Lopholaimus antarcticus Birds Australia
Topknot pigeon Wildlife Online

Macropygia amboinensis Wildlife Online
Brown cuckoo-dove
Malurus cyaneus Birds Australia
Superb fairy-wren Wildlife Online

Malurus lamberti Birds Australia
Variegated fairy-wren Wildlife Online

Malurus melanocephalus Birds Australia
Red-backed fairy-wren Wildlife Online

Manorina melanocephala Birds Australia
Noisy miner Wildlife Online

Megalurus timoriensis Birds Australia
Tawny grassbird Wildlife Online

Megalurus timoriensis alisteri Queensland Museum
Meliphaga lewinii Birds Australia
Lewin’s honeyeater Wildlife Online
Melithreptus albogularis Birds Australia
White-throated honeyeater Wildlife Online

Melithreptus albogularis inopinatus Queensland Museum
Melithreptus lunatus Birds Australia
White-naped honeyeater Wildlife Online

Merops ornatus Birds Australia
Rainbow bee-eater Wildlife Online

Microcarbo melanoleucos Birds Australia
Little pied cormorant Wildlife Online

Microeca fascinans Birds Australia
Jacky Winter Wildlife Online

Milvus migrans Birds Australia
Black kite Wildlife Online

Mirafra javanica Birds Australia
Horsfield’s bushlark Wildlife Online

Monarcha melanopsis Birds Australia
Black-faced monarch Wildlife Online

Monarcha trivirgatus Queensland Museum
Spectacled flycatcher
Morus serrator Wildlife Online
Australasian gannet
Myiagra alecto Wildlife Online
Shining flycatcher
Status
Myiagra alecto wardelli Queensland Museum
Myiagra cyanoleuca Birds Australia Wildlife Online
Satin Flycatcher
Myiagra inquieta Birds Australia
Restless flycatcher
Myiagra rubecula Birds Australia Wildlife Online
Leaden flycatcher
Myzomela obscura Birds Australia
Dusky honeyeater Wildlife Online

Myzomela sanguinolenta Birds Australia
Scarlet honeyeater Queensland Museum
Wildlife Online
Nectarinia jugularis Birds Australia
Olive-backed sunbird Wildlife Online

Neochmia temporalis Birds Australia
Red-browed finch Wildlife Online

Nettapus coromandelianus Birds Australia M NT
Cotton pygmy-goose Protected Matters
Wildlife Online
Nettapus pulchellus Birds Australia
Green pygmy-goose
Ninox boobook Wildlife Online
Southern boobook
Ninox connivens Birds Australia EN
Barking owl Wildlife Online Norfolk Island*

Ninox novaeseelandiae Birds Australia
Southern boobook
Numenius minutus Wildlife Online
Little curlew
Nycticorax caledonicus Birds Australia
Nankeen night-heron
Ocyphaps lophotes Birds Australia
Crested pigeon Wildlife Online

Oriolus sagittatus Birds Australia
Olive-backed oriole Wildlife Online

Pachycephala pectoralis Birds Australia
Golden whistler Wildlife Online

Pachycephala rufiventris Birds Australia
Rufous whistler Wildlife Online

Pandion cristatus Birds Australia
Eastern osprey Wildlife Online
| 239 |
Status
Pardalotus punctatus Birds Australia
Spotted pardalote Wildlife Online

Pardalotus striatus Birds Australia
Striated pardalote Wildlife Online

Pardalotus striatus melanocephalus Queensland Museum
Pardalotus striatus melanocephalus Queensland Museum
Passer domesticus Birds Australia
House sparrow Wildlife Online

Pelecanus conspicillatus Birds Australia
Australian pelican Wildlife Online

Petrochelidon ariel Birds Australia
Fairy martin Wildlife Online

Petrochelidon nigricans Birds Australia
Tree martin Wildlife Online

Petroica goodenovii Wildlife Online
Red-capped robin
Petroica rosea Birds Australia
Rose robin
Phalacrocorax carbo Birds Australia
Great cormorant Wildlife Online

Phalacrocorax sulcirostris Birds Australia
Little black cormorant Wildlife Online

Phalacrocorax varius Birds Australia
Pied cormorant Wildlife Online

Phaps chalcoptera Birds Australia
Common bronzewing Wildlife Online

Philemon citreogularis Birds Australia
Little friarbird Queensland Museum
Wildlife Online
Philemon corniculatus Birds Australia
Noisy friarbird Wildlife Online

Phylidonyris niger Birds Australia
White-cheeked honeyeater
Pitta versicolor Queensland Museum
Wildlife Online
Platalea flavipes Birds Australia
Yellow-billed spoonbill Wildlife Online

Platalea regia Birds Australia
Royal spoonbill Wildlife Online
Platycercus adscitus Birds Australia
Pale-headed rosella Wildlife Online
Status
Platycercus eximius Wildlife Online
Eastern rosella
Plectorhyncha lanceolata Birds Australia
Striped honeyeater Wildlife Online

Podargus strigoides Birds Australia
Tawny frogmouth Wildlife Online

Poliocephalus poliocephalus Birds Australia
Hoary-headed Grebe
Pomatostomus temporalis Birds Australia
Grey-crowned babbler Wildlife Online

Porphyrio porphyria Birds Australia
Purple swamphen Wildlife Online

Psophodes olivaceus Birds Australia
Eastern whipbird Wildlife Online

Pterodroma neglecta neglecta Protected Matters V
Kermadec petrel (western)

Ptilinopus regina Birds Australia
Rose-crowned fruit-dove Wildlife Online

Ptilinopus superbus Queensland Museum
Puffinus gavial Queensland Museum
Gavial
Purnella albifrons Wildlife Online
White-fronted honeyeater
Recurvirostra novaehollandiae Birds Australia
Red-necked avocet
Rhipidura albiscapa Birds Australia
Grey fantail Wildlife Online

Rhipidura albiscapa Birds Australia
Grey fantail Wildlife Online

Rhipidura leucophrys Birds Australia
Willie wagtail Wildlife Online

Rhipidura leucophrys leucophrys Wildlife Online
Willie wagtail (southern)

Rhipidura rufifrons Birds Australia
Rufous fantail Wildlife Online

Scythrops novaehollandiae Birds Australia
Channel-billed cuckoo Wildlife Online

Sericornis frontalis Birds Australia
White-browed scrubwren
Sericornis magnirostra Wildlife Online
Large-billed scrubwren
| 241 |
Status
Sericulus chrysocephalus Birds Australia
Regent bowerbird Wildlife Online

Smicrornis brevirostris Wildlife Online
Weebill
Sphecotheres vieilloti Birds Australia
Australasian figbird Wildlife Online

Sternula albifron Birds Australia
Little tern Wildlife Online

Strepera graculina Birds Australia
Pied currawong Wildlife Online

Strepera graculina graculina Wildlife Online
Pied currawong (eastern Australia)

Streptopelia chinensis Birds Australia
Spotted dove Wildlife Online

Struthidea cinerea Birds Australia
Apostlebird
Sula dactylatra Wildlife Online
Masked booby
Sula leucogaster plotus Queensland Museum
Symposiarchus trivirgatus Birds Australia
Spectacled monarch Wildlife Online

Tachybaptus novaehollandiae Birds Australia
Australasian grebe Wildlife Online

Tadorna radjah Wildlife Online Marine NT
Radjah shelduck
Taeniopygia bichenovii Birds Australia
Double-barred finch Wildlife Online

Taeniopygia guttata Wildlife Online
Zebra finch
Thalasseus bergii Birds Australia
Crested tern Wildlife Online

Threskiornis molucca Birds Australia
Australian white ibis Wildlife Online

Threskiornis spinicollis Birds Australia
Straw-necked ibis Wildlife Online

Todiramphus chloris Birds Australia
Collared kingfisher Wildlife Online

Todiramphus macleayii Birds Australia
Forest kingfisher Wildlife Online

Todiramphus sanctus Birds Australia
Sacred kingfisher Wildlife Online

Todiramphus sanctus sanctus Queensland Museum
Status
Tribonyx ventralis Birds Australia
Black-tailed native-hen
Trichoglossus chlorolepidotis Birds Australia
Scaly-breasted lorikeet Wildlife Online
Queensland Museum
Trichoglossus haematodus Birds Australia
Rainbow lorikeet Queensland Museum
Wildlife Online
Turnix melanogaster Birds Australia V V
Black-breasted button-quail Protected Matters
Wildlife Online
Turnix maculosus Wildlife Online
Red-backed button-quail
Tyto javanica Birds Australia
Eastern barn owl Wildlife Online

Vanellus miles Birds Australia
Masked lapwing Wildlife Online

Vanellus miles novaehollandiae Queensland Museum
Wildlife Online
Vanellus tricolor Birds Australia
Banded lapwing
Zosterops lateralis Birds Australia
Silvereye Queensland Museum
Wildlife Online
Migratory Birds
Actitis hypoleucos Birds Australia MM (Bonn, CAMBA, JAMBA,
ROKAMBA)
Common sandpiper Protected Matters
Wildlife Online
Ardea ibis Protected Matters MM (CAMBA, JAMBA)
Cattle egret Birds Australia
Wildlife Online
Ardea modesta Birds Australia MM (CAMBA, JAMBA)
Eastern great egret Wildlife Online

Arenaria interpres Birds Australia MM (CAMBA, JAMBA,
ROKAMBA)
Ruddy turnstone
Apus pacificus Protected Matters MM (CAMBA, JAMBA,
ROKAMBA)
Fork-tailed swift
Calidris acuminate Birds Australia MM (CAMBA, JAMBA,
ROKAMBA)
Sharp-tailed sandpiper Wildlife Online
Calidris alba Birds Australia MM (CAMBA, JAMBA,
ROKAMBA
Sanderling
| 243 |
Status
Calidris canutus Birds Australia MM (CAMBA, JAMBA,
ROKAMBA)
Red knot
Calidris ferruginea Birds Australia MM (CAMBA, JAMBA,
ROKAMBA)
Curlew sandpiper
Calidris tenuirostris Birds Australia MM (Bonn, CAMBA, JAMBA,
ROKAMBA)
Red-necked stint Wildlife Online
Calidris tenuirostris Birds Australia MM (CAMBA, JAMBA,
ROKAMBA)
Great knot
Charadrius leschenaultii Birds Australia MM (Bonn, CAMBA, JAMBA,
ROKAMBA)
Greater sand plover Protected Matters
Charadrius mongolus Birds Australia MM (Bonn, CAMBA, JAMBA,
ROKAMBA)
Lesser sand plover Wildlife Online
Egretta sacra Birds Australia MM (CAMBA)
Eastern reef egret Wildlife Online

Gallinago hardwickii Birds Australia MM (Bonn, CAMBA, JAMBA,
ROKAMBA)
Latham’s snipe Protected Matters
Gallinago megala Protected Matters Marine; Migratory(Bonn,
CAMBA, JAMBA, ROKAMBA)
Swinhoe’s Snipe
Gallinago stenura Protected Matters MM (Bonn, CAMBA, JAMBA,
ROKAMBA)
Pin-tailed snipe
Gelochelidon nilotica Birds Australia MM (CAMBA)
Gull-billed tern Wildlife Online

Haliaeetus leucogaster Birds Australia MM (CAMBA)
White-bellied sea-eagle Queensland Museum
Wildlife Online
Protected Matters
Hirundapus caudacutus Birds Australia MM (CAMBA, JAMBA,
ROKAMBA)
White-throated needletail Wildlife Online
Protected Matters
Hirundo rustica Protected Matters MM (CAMBA, JAMBA,
ROKAMBA)
Barn swallow
Hydroprogne caspia Birds Australia MM (JAMBA, CAMBA)
Caspian tern Wildlife Online

Limosa lapponica Birds Australia MM (Bonn, CAMBA, JAMBA,
ROKAMBA)
Bar-tailed godwit Wildlife Online
Protected Matters
Macronectes giganteus Protected Matters E, MM (Bonn) E
Southern giant-petrel
Merops ornatus Protected Matters MM (JAMBA)
Rainbow bee-eater
Monarcha melanopsis Protected Matters MM (Bonn)
Black-faced monarch
Status
Monarcha trivirgatus Protected Matters MM (Bonn)
Spectacled monarch
Natator depressus Wildlife Online V, MM (Bonn) V
Flatback turtle
Numenius madagascariensis Birds Australia MM (Bonn, CAMBA, JAMBA, NT
ROKAMBA)
Eastern curlew Protected Matters
Wildlife Online
Numenius minutus Protected Matters MM (Bonn, CAMBA, JAMBA,
ROKAMBA)
Little curlew
Numenius phaeopus Birds Australia MM (Bonn, CAMBA, JAMBA,
ROKAMBA)
Whimbrel Wildlife Online
Protected Matters
Oceanites oceanicus Birds Australia MM (JAMBA)
Wilson’s storm-petrel
Onychoprion anaethetus Birds Australia MM (CAMBA, JAMBA, E
ROKAMBA)
Bridled tern
Plegadis falcinellus Birds Australia MM (Bonn, CAMBA)
Glossy ibis
Pluvialis fulva Birds Australia MM (Bonn, CAMBA, JAMBA,
ROKAMBA)
Pacific golden plover Wildlife Online
Pluvialis squatarola Birds Australia MM (Bonn, CAMBA, JAMBA,
ROKAMBA)
Grey plover Protected Matters
Rhipidura rufifrons Protected Matters MM (Bonn)
Rufous fantail
Rostratula benghalensis s. lat = Protected Matters V, MM (CAMBA) V
Rostratula australis
Australian painted snipe

Sterna albifrons Protected Matters MM (Bonn, CAMBA, JAMBA, E
ROKAMBA)
Little tern Wildlife Online
Sterna hirundo Birds Australia MM (CAMBA, JAMBA,
ROKAMBA)
Common tern Wildlife Online
Sterna sumatrana Birds Australia MM (CAMBA, JAMBA)
Black-naped tern Wildlife Online

Sula leucogaster Birds Australia MM (CAMBA, JAMBA,
ROKAMBA)
Brown booby Wildlife Online
Thalasseus bengalensis Birds Australia MM (CAMBA)
Lesser crested tern Wildlife Online

Tringa brevipes Birds Australia MM (Bonn, CAMBA, JAMBA,
ROKAMBA)
Grey-tailed tattler Wildlife Online
Tringa nebularia Birds Australia MM (Bonn, CAMBA, JAMBA,

ROKAMBA)
Common greenshank
| 245 |
Status
Tringa stagnatilis Birds Australia MM (Bonn, CAMBA, JAMBA,
ROKAMBA)
Marsh sandpiper
Xenus cinereus Birds Australia MM (Bonn, CAMBA, JAMBA,
ROKAMBA)
Terek sandpiper Wildlife Online
Protected Matters
Anseranas semipalmata Protected Matters Marine
Magpie goose
Ardea alba Protected Matters MM (CAMBA, JAMBA)
Great egret
Charadrius ruficapillus Protected Matters Marine
Red-capped plover
Myiagra cyanoleuca Protected Matters MM (Bonn)
Satin flycatcher
EPBC Act Status Codes = Critically Endangered (CE), Endangered (E), Vulnerable (V), Migratory (M), Marine Migratory (MM) and Not Listed
(NL).
NCA Act Status Codes = Endangered (E), Vulnerable (V), Near Threatened (NT), Least Concern (LC).
Bonn = The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals
ROKAMBA = Republic of Korea – Australia Migratory Bird Agreement
* Location refers to where this subspecies is found and its conservation status relates to that location. For subspecies outside the Curtis Coast region, these species
are not included in the counts of conservationally significant species reported in the document.
** Common names are not available for all species
Table 8-5 Amphibians Listed in the Database Searches of the Curtis Coast Region
Scientific name Source Scientific name Source

Common name Common name
Crinia deserticola Queensland Museum Pseudophryne major Queensland Museum
Desert froglet Great brown brood frog Wildlife Online
Crinia parinsignifera Queensland Museum Pseudophryne raveni Wildlife Online
Beeping froglet Copper backed brood frog

Cyclorana alboguttata Queensland Museum Rhinella marina Queensland Museum
Green-stripe frog Wildlife Online Cane toad Wildlife Online
Cyclorana brevipes Queensland Museum Uperoleia rugosa Queensland Museum
Superb collared-frog Chubby gungan Wildlife Online
Limnodynastes fletcheri Queensland Museum
Long-thumbed frog
Limnodynastes peronei Queensland Museum
Striped marsh frog Wildlife Online
Limnodynastes salmini Queensland Museum
Salmon-striped frog
Limnodynastes tasmaniensis Queensland Museum
Spotted marshfrog Wildlife Online
Limnodynastes terraereginae Queensland Museum
Scarlet-sided pobblebonk Wildlife Online
Litoria caerulea Queensland Museum
Green tree frog Wildlife Online
Litoria fallax Queensland Museum
Eastern sedge frog Wildlife Online
Litoria gracilenta Queensland Museum
Graceful tree frog Wildlife Online
Litoria inermis Queensland Museum
Bumpy rocket frog Wildlife Online
Litoria latopalmata Queensland Museum
Broad-palmed rocket frog Wildlife Online
Litoria nasuta Queensland Museum
Striped rocket frog Wildlife Online
Litoria rothii Queensland Museum
Northern laughing tree frog Wildlife Online
Litoria rubella Queensland Museum
Naked tree frog Wildlife Online
Litoria wilcoxii Queensland Museum
Eastern stony creek frog Wildlife Online
Platyplectrum ornatum Queensland Museum
Ornate Burrowing Frog Wildlife Online
| 247 |
Table 8-6 Mammals Listed in the Database Searches for the Curtis Coast Region
Scientific Source EPBC Act Nature Scientific Source EPBC Act Nature
Name 1999 Conservation Name 1999 Conservation
Status Act 1992 Status Act 1992
Common Common
name Status name Status
Marine Mammals Stenella attenuata Protected
Balaenoptera Protected Matters
Spotted dolphin
acutorostrata Matters
Tursiops aduncus Protected
Minke whale Matters
Indian Ocean
Balaenoptera Protected M (Bonn) bottlenose
edeni Matters dolphin
Bryde’s whale Tursiops truncatus Protected
Balaenoptera Protected E; M Matters
Bottlenose
musculus Matters (Bonn) dolphin Queensland
Blue whale Museum
Delphinus delphis Protected Terrestrial Mammals

Matters Aepyprymnus Queensland
Common dolphin
rufescens Museum
Dugong dugon Protected MM V
Matters Rufous bettong Wildlife
Dugong Online
Queensland
Canis familiaris Wildlife Y
Museum
Online
Dog
Wildlife
Online Capra hircus Protected Y
Matters
Eubalaena Protected E, M Goat
australis Matters (Bonn) Chalinolobus Protected V V
Southern right dwyeri Matters
whale Large-eared pied
Grampus griseus Protected bat
Matters Chalinolobus Queensland
Risso’s dolphin
Queensland gouldii Museum
Museum Goulds wattled Wildlife
Megaptera Protected V V bat Online
novaeangliae Matters Chalinolobus Wildlife
M (Bonn)
Humpback whale morio Online
Orcaella Protected M (Bonn) Chocolate

brevirostris Matters wattled bat
Irrawaddy river Chalinolobus Wildlife

dolphin nigrogriseus Online
Orcinus orca Protected M (Bonn) Hoary wattled bat

Matters Dasyurus Protected E
Killer whale
hallucatus Matters
Pseudorca Queensland
crassidens Museum Northern quoll
False killer whale Felis catus Protected Y

Matters
Sousa chinensis Protected M (Bonn) NT Cat
Matters Isoodon Queensland
Indo-Pacific
humpback macrourus Museum
dolphin Northern brown Wildlife
bandicoot Online
Common Common
Lepus capensis Wildlife Y Mus musculus Queensland
Online Museum
Brown hare House mouse
Macropus Wildlife Wildlife
dorsalis Online Online
Myotis macropus Queensland
Black-striped
Museum
wallaby Black-striped
Macropus Queensland wallaby
giganteus Museum Nyctimene Queensland
robinsoni Museum
Eastern grey Wildlife
kangaroo Online Queensland
Macropus parryi Wildlife tube-nosed bat
Online Nyctophilus bifax Wildlife
Whiptail wallaby
Online
Macropus Queensland Northern long-
rufogriseus Museum eared bat
Nyctophilus Protected V V
Red-necked Wildlife
timoriensis Matters
wallaby Online
Megaptera Queensland (South-eastern
novaeangliae Museum form)
Humpback whale Greater long-

eared bat
Melomys burtoni Queensland
Museum Oryctolagus Wildlife Y
Grassland cuniculus Online
melomy Wildlife
Online Rabbit Protected
Matters
Melomys Queensland
cervinipes Museum Perameles nasuta Queensland
Museum
Fawn-footed Wildlife Long-nosed
melomys Online bandicoot
Miniopterus Wildlife Petauroides Wildlife

australis Online volans Online
Little bent-wing Greater glider

bat Petaurus australis Wildlife
Miniopterus Queensland Online
Yellow-bellied
schreibersii Museum glider
Common bent- (Southern
winged bat subspecies)
Miniopterus Wildlife Petaurus Wildlife

schreibersii Online breviceps Online
oceanensis Sugar glider
Eastern bent-wing Petaurus Queensland
bat norfolcensis Museum
Mormopterus Wildlife Squirrel glider
beccarii Online
Pipistrellus Queensland
Beccari’s freetail westralis Museum
bat
Koopman’s
pipistrelle
| 249 |
Common Common
Planigale Queensland Sminthopsis Queensland
maculate Museum murina Museum
Common Wildlife Common

planigale Online dunnart
Pseudomys Wildlife Tachyglossus Wildlife
delicatulus Online aculeatus Online
Delicate mouse Short-beaked

Pseudomys Queensland echidna
gracilicaudatus Museum Tadarida australis Wildlife
Online
Eastern chestnut Wildlife White-striped
mouse Online freetail bat
Pteropus alecto Wildlife Taphozous Wildlife V
Online australis Online
Black flying-fox
Pteropus Protected V Coastal sheathtail
poliocephalus Matters bat
Taphozous Wildlife
Grey-headed Wildlife
troughtoni Online
flying-fox Online
Pteropus Queensland Troughton’s
scapulatus Museum sheathtail bat
Thylogale Wildlife
Little red flying-fox
stigmatica Online
Pteropus Wildlife V
poliocephalus Online Red-legged
pademelon
Grey-headed
Trichosurus Queensland
flying-fox
vulpecular Museum
Rattus fuscipes Wildlife
Online Common Wildlife
Bush rat brushtail possum Online
Saccolaimus Wildlife Vulpes vulpes Protected Y
flaviventris Online Matters
Red fox
Yellow-bellied Wildlife
sheathtail bat Online
Scoteanax Wildlife Wallabia bicolor Queensland
rueppellii Online Museum
Swamp wallaby
Greater broad- Wildlife
nosed bat Online
Scotorepens Wildlife Xeromys myoides Protected V V
greyii Online Matters
Water mouse
Little broad- Wildlife
nosed bat Online
Scotorepens orion Wildlife
Online EPBC Act Status Codes = Critically Endangered (CE), Endangered (E), Vulnerable (V),
South-eastern
Migratory (M), Marine Migratory (MM), Not Listed (NL) and Introduced (Y).
broad-nosed bat
NCA Act Status Codes = Endangered (E), Vulnerable (V), Near Threatened (NT), Least
Scotorepens Queensland
Concern (LC).
sanborni Museum
Little northern
broad-nosed bat
ROKAMBA = Republic of Korea – Australia Migratory Bird Agreement
Table 8-7 Reptiles Listed in the Database Searches for the Curtis Coast Region
Species Name Source EPBC Nature Species Name Source EPBC Nature
Common Common
1999 Act 1992 1999 Act 1992
Name* Name*
Status Status Status Status
Acalyptophis Protected M Cacophis Queensland
peronei Matters squamulosus Museum
Horned sea snake Golden-crowned

snake
Aipysurus duboisii Protected M
Matters Calyptotis Wildlife
Dubois’ sea snake
lepidorostrum Online
Aipysurus eydouxii Protected M
Matters
Eydoux’s sea snake Caretta caretta Australian E, MM E
Queensland Wetlands (Bonn)
Loggerhead turtle
Museum Database
Aipysurus laevis Queensland M Protected

Museum Matters
Olive sea snake
Amphibolurus Wildlife Wildlife
nobbi Online Online
Carlia munda Queensland
Nobbi dragon Queensland
Museum
Museum Shaded-litter
rainbow-skink Wildlife
Online
Anomalopus Queensland
Carlia pectoralis Queensland
verreauxii Museum
Museum
Open-litter
Verreaux’s skink Widelife
rainbow Skink Wildlife
Online
Online
Antairoserpens Queensland
Carlia schmeltzii Queensland
warro Museum
Museum
Robust rainbow-
North-eastern
skink Wildlife
plain-nosed
Online
burrow
Carlia vivax Queensland
Museum
Lively skink
Antaresia maculosa Queensland
Wildlife
Museum
Spotted python Online
Protected Chelodina Queensland
Matters longicollis Museum
Astrotia stokesii Protected M
Eastern long-
Matters
Stokes’ sea snake necked turtle
Aspidites Wildlife Chelonia mydas Protected V, MM V
melanocephalus Online Matters (Bonn)
Green turtle
Black-headed Queensland
python Museum
Boiga irregularis Queensland Chlamydosaurus Wildlife
Museum kingie Online
Brown tree snake
Wildlife Frilled lizard
Online Cryptoblepharus Queensland
Cacophis harriettae Queensland virgatus Museum
Museum
White-crowned Wall skink Wildlife
snake Wildlife Online
Online
| 251 |
Common Common
1999 Act 1992 1999 Act 1992
Name* Name*
Cryptoblepharus Wildlife Diporiphora Queensland
virgatus sensu lato Online australis Museum
Tommy round- Wildlife

Cryptophis Queensland head Online
boschmai Museum
Disteira kingie Protected M
Carpentaria snake Matters
Spectacled sea
Cryptophis Queensland snake
nigrostriatus Museum Disteira major Protected M
Black-striped snake Matters
Olive-headed sea
Ctenotus robustus Queensland snake
Museum Egernia rugosa Protected V V
Eastern striped
skink Wildlife Matters
Yakka skink
Online
Ctenotus Queensland Emydocephalus Protected M
taeniolatus Museum annulatus Matters
Copper-tailed skink Wildlife Turtle-headed sea

Online snake
Cyclodomorphus Wildlife Emydura macquarii Queensland

gerrardii Online kreffti Museum
Pink-tongued lizard Queensland Krefft’s River turtle

Museum Eretmochelys Protected V, MM V
Delma torquate Protected V V imbricata Matters (Bonn)
Matters
Collared delma Hawksbill turtle
Eulamprus Queensland
Demansia Wildlife
brachysoma Museum
psammophis Online
Yellow-faced whip Queensland Eulamprus quoyii Queensland

snake Museum Museum
Eastern water skink
Demansia Queensland
vestigiata Museum Eulamprus tenuis Queensland
Museum
Lesser Black whip Wildlife Bar-sided skink
snake Online Wildlife
Dendrelaphis Wildlife Online
punctulata Online Furina barnardi Queensland NL NT
Museum
Common tree Queensland Yellow-naped
snake Museum snake
Denisonia Protected V V Furina diadema Queensland
maculata Matters Museum
Red-naped snake
Ornamental snake Wildlife
Dermochelys Protected E, MM E Online
coriacea Matters (Bonn) Furina dunmalli Protected V V
Matters
Leatherback turtle Dunmall’s snake
Diplodactylus Queensland Queensland
vittatus Museum Museum
Stone gecko Wildlife Gehyra dubia Queensland

Online Museum
Dubious dtella
Wildlife
Online
Common Common
1999 Act 1992 1999 Act 1992
Name* Name*
Glaphyromorphus Queensland Lerista fragilis Queensland
punctulatus Museum Museum
Eastern
Fine-spotted Wildlife mulch-slider Wildlife
mulch-skink Online Online
Heteronotia binoei Queensland Lialis burtonis Queensland
Museum Museum
Bynoe’s gecko Burton’s snake
Wildlife lizard Wildlife
Online Online
Hoplocephalus Queensland Lygisaurus foliorum Queensland
bitorquatus Museum Museum
Burnett’s skink
Pale-headed Wildlife
snake Online
Hydrophis elegans Protected M Menetia greyii Queensland
Matters Museum
Elegant sea snake Common dwarf
Queensland skink Wildlife
Museum Online
Hydrophis gracilis Wildlife Morelia spilota Queensland
Online Museum
Carpet python
Hydrophis kingie Protected M Wildlife
Matters Online
Spectacled sea
Morethia Wildlife
snake Queensland
boulengeri Online
Museum
Hydrophis Queensland Morethia Queensland
macdowelli Museum taeniopleura Museum
North-eastern Wildlife
Hydrophis major Queensland firetail skink Online
Museum
Olive-headed sea Natator depressus Protected V, MM V
snake Matters (Bonn)
Flatback turtle
Hydrophis ocellatus Queensland Queensland
Museum Museum
Wildlife
Lampropholis Queensland
Online
adonis Museum
Oedura rhombifer Queensland
Lampropholis Queensland Museum
Zig zag velvet
delica Museum gecko Wildlife
Garden skink Wildlife Online
Online Oedura tryoni Wildlife
Lapemis curtus Protected M Online
Southern spotted
Matters velvet gecko
Spine-bellied sea
snake Queensland Oxyuranus Queensland
Museum scutellatus Museum
Laticauda colubrine Protected M Coastal taipan
Matters
A sea krait
Lepidochelys Protected E, MM E
olivacea Matters (Bonn)
Olive ridley turtle
| 253 |
Common Common
1999 Act 1992 1999 Act 1992
Name* Name*
Paradelma Protected V V Rhinoplocephalus Wildlife
orientalis Matters boschmai Online
Brigalow scaly-foot Wildlife Carpentaria whip

Online snake
Queensland Rhinoplocephalus Wildlife

Museum nigrescens Online
Pelamis platurus Protected M Eastern small-eyed

Matters snake
Yellow-bellied sea
snake Tropidonophis Queensland
mairii Museum
Pogona barbata Queensland
Museum Freshwater snake Wildlife
Common bearded
Online
dragon Wildlife
Online Underwoodisaurus Queensland
milii Museum
Pseudechis Queensland
australis Museum Thick-tailed gecko
Mulga snake Varanus gouldii Wildlife

Online
Pseudechis Queensland Sand monitor
porphyriacus Museum
Varanus panoptes Queensland
Red-bellied black Wildlife Museum
snake Online Yellow-spotted
monitor
Pseudonaja textilis Queensland
Museum Varanus semiremex Queensland
Museum
Rusty monitor
Pseudonaja textilis Queensland
Museum Varanus tristis Queensland
Eastern brown Museum
snake Wildlife Black-headed
Online monitor Wildlife
Online
Pygopus schraderi Queensland
Museum Varanus varius Wildlife
Eastern hooded Online
scaly-foot Lace monitor
Ramphotyphlops Queensland Vermicella Queensland

proximus Museum annulata Museum
Proximus blind Wildlife Bandy Bandy Wildlife

snake Online Online
Ramphotyphlops Queensland
unguirostris Museum EPBC Status Codes = Critically Endangered (CE), Endangered (E),
Vulnerable (V), Migratory (M), Marine Migratory (MM), Not Listed
Claw-snouted
(NL) and Introduced (Y).
blind snake
Ramphotyphlops Queensland NCA Status Codes = Endangered (E), Vulnerable (V), Near
wiedii Museum Threatened (NT), Least Concern (LC).
Brown-snouted Wildlife * Common names are not available for all species
blind snake Online
Rheodytes leukops Protected V V

Matters
Fitzroy River turtle
Table 8-8 Fish Listed in the Database Searches of the Curtis Coast Region
Scientific Name Sourced EPBC Nature Scientific Name Sourced EPBC Nature
Common name* Common name*
1999 Act 1992 1999 Act 1992
Status Status
Status Status
Acanthopagrus Queensland Cabillus Queensland

berda Museum macrophthalmus Museum
Acanthopagrus Queensland Campichthys tryoni Protected Marine
australis Museum Matters
Tryon’s pipefish
Acanthurus Queensland
Carangoides Queensland
fuliginosus Museum
fulvoguttatus Museum
Acentronura Protected Marine
Caranx ignobilis Queensland
tentaculata Matters
Museum
Shortpouch pygmy Caranx melampygus Queensland
pipehorse Museum
Alepes kleini Queensland Caranx sexfasciatus Queensland
Museum Museum
Ambassis agassizii Queensland Centropogon Queensland
Museum marmoratus Museum
Ambassis marianus Queensland Carangoides Queensland
Museum fulvoguttatus Museum
Ambiserrula jugosa Queensland Caranx ignobilis Queensland
Museum Museum
Amniataba percoides Queensland Caranx melampygus Queensland
Museum Museum
Anacanthus barbatus Queensland Caranx sexfasciatus Queensland
Museum Museum
Anchiosomus Queensland Centropogon Queensland
multistriatus Museum marmoratus Museum
Anguilla reinhardtii Queensland Choeroichthys Protected Marine
Museum brachysoma Matters
Anyperodon Queensland
Pacific short-bodied
leucogrammicus Museum
pipefish
Aploactis aspera Queensland
Corythoichthys Protected Marine
Museum
amplexus Matters
Apogon limenus Queensland
Museum Fijian banded
pipefish
Apogon argyrogaster Queensland
Museum Corythoichthys Protected Marine
flavofasciatus Matters
Apogon timorensis Queensland
Museum Reticulate pipefish
Arius graeffei Queensland Corythoichthys Protected Marine
Museum haematopterus Matters
Arothron hispidus Queensland Reef-top pipefish
Museum
Aseraggodes Queensland Corythoichthys Protected Marine
normani Museum intestinalis Matters
Bathyaploactis Queensland Australian messmate

ornatissimus Museum pipefish
Bathygobius fuscus Queensland
Museum
| 255 |
1999 Act 1992 1999 Act 1992
Status Status
Status Status
Corythoichthys Protected Marine Fraudella carassiops Queensland

ocellatus Matters Museum
Orange-spotted Gambusia holbrooki Wildlife Y

pipefish Online
Mosquitofish
Corythoichthys Protected Marine Gerres subfasciatus Queensland
paxtoni Matters Museum
Paxton’s pipefish Gerres oyena Queensland
Corythoichthys Protected Marine Museum
schultzi Matters Glossamia aprion Queensland
Museum
Schultz’s pipefish
Gnathanodon Queensland
Craterocephalus Queensland
speciosus Museum
mugiloides Museum
Gymnothorax Queensland
Craterocephalus Wildlife
favagineus Museum
stercusmuscarum Online
Halicampus dunckeri Protected Marine
Flyspecked Queensland Matters
hardyhead Museum Red-hair pipefish
Cynoglossus sp. Queensland Halicampus grayi Protected Marine

Museum Matters
Mud pipefish
Cynoglossus Queensland
Halicampus nitidus Protected Marine
maccullochi Museum
Matters
Glittering pipefish
Diodon holocanthus Queensland
Museum Halicampus Protected Marine
spinirostris Matters
Doryrhamphus Protected Marine
excisus Matters Spiny-snout pipefish
Bluestripe pipefish Harpadon Queensland
translucens Museum
Drepane punctata Queensland
Museum Herklotsichthys Queensland
castelnaui Museum
Eleutheronema Queensland
tetradactylum Museum Hippichthys Protected Marine
cyanospilos Matters
Elops hawaiensis Queensland
Museum Blue-speckled
Epinephelus Queensland pipefish
maculatus Museum Hippichthys Protected Marine
Epinephelus coioides Queensland heptagonus Matters
Museum
Madura pipefish
Epinephelus Queensland
Hippichthys penicillus Protected Marine
malabaricus Museum
Matters
Beady pipefish
Erosa erosa Queensland
Museum
Favonigobius Queensland
exquisitus Museum Hippocampus Protected Marine
bargibanti Matters
Festucalex cinctus Protected Marine
Matters Pygmy seahorse
Girdled pipefish
Hippocampus Queensland
Filicampus tigris Protected Marine hendriki Museum
Matters
Tiger pipefish Hippocampus kuda Protected Marine
Queensland Matters
Spotted seahorse
Museum
1999 Act 1992 1999 Act 1992
Status Status
Status Status
Hippocampus Queensland Lubricogobius Queensland

multispinus Museum ornatus Museum
Hippocampus Protected Marine Lutjanus russelli Queensland
planifrons Matters Museum
Flat-face seahorse Lutjanus gibbus Queensland

Museum
Hippocampus zebra Protected Marine
Matters Megalops Queensland
Zebra seahorse cyprinoides Museum
Hyporhamphus quoyi Queensland Meiacanthus luteus Queensland
Museum Museum
Hypseleotris Wildlife Melanotaenia Queensland
compressa Online splendida Museum
Empire gudgeon Queensland Melanotaenia Wildlife

Museum splendida splendida Online
Inimicus caledonicus Queensland Eastern rainbowfish Queensland

Museum Museum
Johnius borneensis Queensland Micrognathus Protected Marine
Museum andersonii Matters
Johnius australis Queensland Anderson’s pipefish

Museum Micrognathus Protected Marine
Kuhlia rupestris Wildlife brevirostris Matters
Jungle perch Online
Thorntail pipefish
Kyphosus bigibbus Queensland Microcanthus Queensland
Museum strigatus Museum
Leiognathus equulus Queensland Mogurnda adspersa Queensland
Museum Museum
Leiopotherapon Wildlife Mugil cephalus Queensland

unicolor Online Museum
Mugilogobius Queensland
Spangled perch Queensland
stigmaticus Museum
Museum
Nannocampus pictus Protected Marine
Leptobrama muelleri Queensland
Matters
Museum Painted pipefish
Lethrinus genivittatus Queensland Naso unicornis Queensland
Museum Museum
Lethrinus laticaudis Queensland Naso tonganus Queensland
Museum Museum
Lethrinus nebulosus Queensland
Naso annulatus Queensland
Museum
Museum
Liocranium Queensland Nematalosa erebi Wildlife
praepositum Museum Online
Bony bream
Lissocampus runa Protected Marine
Queensland
Matters
Javelin Pipefish Museum
Liza tade Queensland Neoarius graeffei Wildlife
Museum Online
Blue catfish
Liza vaigiensis Queensland
Notesthes robusta Queensland
Museum
Museum
Liza subviridis Queensland
Museum
| 257 |
1999 Act 1992 1999 Act 1992
Status Status
Status Status
Omobranchus Queensland Pseudomugil signifer Queensland

rotundiceps Museum Museum
Onigocia Queensland Pseudorhombus Queensland
grandisquama Museum arsius Museum
Ophiocara Queensland Pteragogus Queensland
porocephala Museum flagellifer Museum
Opistognathus Queensland Pseudomonacanthus Queensland
eximius Museum elongatus Museum
Orbonymus rameus Queensland Pseudomugil Queensland
Museum signifer Museum
Otolithes ruber Queensland Pseudorhombus Queensland
Museum arsius Museum
Paracentropogon Queensland Pteragogus flagellifer Queensland
vespa Museum Museum
Paradicula setifer Queensland Rhincodon typus Protected V(Bonn)
Museum Matters
Whale shark
Paramugil georgii Queensland
Rhinobatos typus Queensland
Museum
Museum
Paraploactis Queensland
Rhizoprionodon Queensland
trachyderma Museum
taylori Museum
Parapriacanthus Queensland
Sardinella gibbosa Queensland
ransonneti Museum
Museum
Parascorpaena Queensland
Scolopsis Queensland
mossambica Museum
monogramma Museum
Pardachirus rautheri Queensland
Scomberoides Queensland
Museum
commersonianus Museum
Pentapodus Queensland
Scomberoides lysan Queensland
paradiseus Museum
Museum
Periophthalmus Queensland
Scorpaena n.sp.1 Queensland
novaeguiniaensis Museum
Museum
Petroscirtes variabilis Queensland
Scorpaena sp. M Queensland
Museum
Museum
Phyllichthys Queensland
sclerolepis Museum Scylla serrate Protected
Matters
Poecilia reticulata Queensland Mud crab
Museum Seriola lalandi Queensland
Polydactylus Queensland Museum
multiradiatus Museum Sillago analis Queensland
Pomacanthus Queensland Museum
semicirculatus Museum Sillago ciliata Queensland
Pomadasys kaakan Queensland Museum
Museum Solegnathus Protected Marine
Pomadasys Queensland hardwickii Matters
maculatus Museum
Pallid pipehorse Queensland
Priacanthus Queensland Museum
macracanthus Museum
Soleichthys Queensland
Pristis zijsron Protected V
heterorhinos Museum
Matters
Green sawfish
Pseudomon-acanthus Queensland
elongatus Museum
Scientific Name Sourced EPBC Nature
Act Conservation
Common name*
1999 Act 1992
Status
Status
Solenostomus Protected Marine

cyanopterus = Matters
Solenostomus
paegnius
Robust ghostpipefish
Solenostomus Protected Marine
paradoxus Matters
Ornate ghostpipefish
Sphyraena obtusata Queensland
Museum
Sphyraena jello Queensland
Museum
Strongylura Queensland
strongylura Museum
Synanceia horrida Queensland
Museum
Synodus lobeli Queensland
Museum
Syngnathoides Protected Marine
biaculeatus Matters
Double-end
pipehorse
Trachyrhamphus Protected Marine
bicoarctatus Matters
Bentstick pipefish
Tathicarpus butleri Queensland
Museum
Terapon puta Queensland
Museum
Thunnus tonggol Queensland
Museum
Thunnus albacares Queensland

Museum
Trachinocephalus Queensland
myops Museum
Upeneus australiae Queensland
Museum
Valamugil cunnesius Queensland
Museum
Xiphophorus helleri Queensland
Museum
Zenarchopterus Queensland
buffonis Museum
EPBC Act Status Codes = Critically Endangered (CE), Endangered (E), Introduced (Y), Marine Migratory (MM), Migratory (M), Not Listed
(NL) and Vulnerable (V).
NCA Act Status Codes = Endangered (E), Vulnerable (V), Near Threatened (NT), Least Concern (LC).
** Common names are not available for all species
| 259 |
Table 8-9 Insects Listed in the Database Searches of the Curtis Coast Region
Scientific Name Source

Common Name
Appias paulina ego Wildlife Online
Yellow albatross butterfly
Arhopala centaurus centaurus Wildlife Online
Purple oak-blue butterfly
Belenois java teutonia Wildlife Online
Caper white butterfly
Candalides erinus Wildlife Online
Small dusky-blue butterfly
Cepora perimale Wildlife Online
Cupha prosope Wildlife Online
Danaus affinis affinis Wildlife Online
Marsh tiger butterfly
Danaus plexippus plexippus Wildlife Online
Monarch butterfly
Eurema hecabe phoebus Wildlife Online
Large grass-yellow butterfly
Eurema smilax Wildlife Online
Small grass-yellow butterfly
Hypolimnas bolina nerina Wildlife Online
Varied eggfly butterfly
Junonia orithya albicincta Wildlife Online
Blue argus butterfly
Melanitis leda bankia Wildlife Online
Common evening-brown butterfly
Tirumala hamata hamata Wildlife Online
Blue tiger butterfly
Table 8-10 Land Snails Listed in Database Searches of the Curtis Coast Region
Scientific Name Source Scientific Name Source

Common Name Common Name
Bradybaena similaris Queensland Museum Pupoides pacificus Queensland Museum
Asian tramp snail Single-toothed pupasnail
Calvigenia blackmani Queensland Museum Rotacharopa munroeae Queensland Museum
Biggenden bristle snail Dee range pinwheel snail
Cylindrovertilla hedleyi Queensland Museum Scagacola cavernula Queensland Museum
Hedley’s amber pupasnail Rockhampton carnivorous snail
Eremopeas tuckeri Queensland Museum Scagacola subcavernula Queensland Museum
Tucker’s awlsnail Broadsound range carnivorous
Figuladra appendiculata Queensland Museum snail
Signepupina robusta Queensland Museum
Berserker range banded snail
Figuladra incei Queensland Museum Robust chrysalis snail
Sphaerospira blomfieldi Queensland Museum
Port Curtis dark snail
Figuladra mattea Queensland Museum Blomfield’s dark snail
Sphaerospira Queensland Museum
Pale banded snail
rockhamptonensis
Figuladra narelleae Queensland Museum
Rockhampton banded snail
Mt Morgan banded snail
Stanisicarion virens Queensland Museum
Gastrocopta pediculus Queensland Museum
Fine-speckled semi-slug
Weakly-toothed pupasnail
Tornatellinops jacksonensis Queensland Museum
Glyptopupoides egregia Queensland Museum
Jackson’s miniature treesnail
Ribbed pupasnail
Triboniophorus graeffei Queensland Museum
Gyrocochlea fitzgeraldae Queensland Museum
Red-triangle slug
Mt Morgan pinwheel snail
Xanthomelon pachystylum Queensland Museum
Hawaiia minuscula Queensland Museum
Southern Queensland melon
Minute gem snail snail
Hedleyoconcha delta Queensland Museum
Southern conical pinwheel
snail
Liardetia scandens Queensland Museum
Tiny climbing glass-snail
Neveritis misella Queensland Museum
Mid-eastern velvet snail
Pedinogyra minor Queensland Museum
Dwarf flat-coiled snail
Pleuropoma talusata Queensland Museum
Keeled droplet-snail
Pseudechotrida bouldercombe Queensland Museum
Bouldercombe carnivorous
snail
| 261 |
Table 8-11 Decapods Listed in Database Searches of the Curtis Coast Region
Scientific name Source Scientific name Source
Atergatis floridus Queensland Museum Llyoplax strigicarpus Queensland Museum

Athanas sibogae Queensland Museum Lysiosquilla brazieri Queensland Museum
Australoplax tridentata Queensland Museum Macrobrachium australiense Queensland Museum
Bathypilumnus pugilator Queensland Museum Macrobrachium Queensland Museum
Benthopanope estuarius Queensland Museum novaehollandiae
Charybdis callianassa Queensland Museum Macrophthalmus latreillei Queensland Museum
Charybdis hellerii Queensland Museum Macrophthalmus punctulatus Queensland Museum
Chelonibia testudinaria Queensland Museum Metapenaeus bennettae Queensland Museum
Cherax depressus Queensland Museum Metopograpsus frontalis Queensland Museum

Chitonopsis booyoolie Queensland Museum Myomenippe fornasinii Queensland Museum
Cilicaea crassicaudata Queensland Museum Nanosesarma batavicum Queensland Museum
Cirolana curtisi Queensland Museum Natatolana angula Queensland Museum
Cirolana mekista Queensland Museum Neorhynchoplax minima Queensland Museum
Cirolana morilla Queensland Museum Ocypode cordimanus Queensland Museum
Clistocoeloma merguiensis Queensland Museum Pachycheles sculptus Queensland Museum
Coleusia magna Queensland Museum Parasesarma moluccensis Queensland Museum
Elamena gordonae Queensland Museum Paraxanthias notatus Queensland Museum
Elamenopsis octagonalis Queensland Museum Perisesarma messa Queensland Museum
Eriphia sebana Queensland Museum Perisesarma semperi Queensland Museum
Eurycarcinus maculata Queensland Museum Petalomera lateralis Queensland Museum
Eurypylus rex Queensland Museum Petrolisthes lamarckii Queensland Museum
Eusarsiella phrix Queensland Museum Petrolisthes teres Queensland Museum
Eusarsiella saengeri Queensland Museum Pilumnus nigrispinifer Queensland Museum
Eusarsiella tryx Queensland Museum Platylepas hexastylos Queensland Museum
Eusarsiella vernix Queensland Museum Porcellana gravelei Queensland Museum
Exosphaeroides fluvialis Queensland Museum Portunus pelagicus Queensland Museum
Frodoplax mcneilli Queensland Museum Pseudohelice subquadrata Queensland Museum
Gonodactylaceus falcatus Queensland Museum Pseudolana dactylosa Queensland Museum
Gonodactylus graphurus Queensland Museum Ranina ranina Queensland Museum
Halicarcinus australis Queensland Museum Robertsonia curtisii Queensland Museum
Halicarcinus bedfordi Queensland Museum Rocinela orientalis Queensland Museum
Helograpsus haswellianus Queensland Museum Sarmatium crassum Queensland Museum
Heteropanope glabra Queensland Museum Sarmatium germaini Queensland Museum
Heteropanope longipedes Queensland Museum Sarsiella varix Queensland Museum
Heteropanope sp. Queensland Museum Scleroconcha pix Queensland Museum
Heteropilumnus sasekumari Queensland Museum Selatium brockii Queensland Museum
Hyastenus diacanthus Queensland Museum Serolina kawina Queensland Museum
Hyastenus sp. Queensland Museum Sesarmoides borneensis Queensland Museum
Hymenosoma hodgkini Queensland Museum Sphaeroma triste Queensland Museum
Llyoplax dentatus Queensland Museum Squilla interrupta Queensland Museum
Scientific name Source
Stenhelia stephensoni Queensland Museum

Synalpheus neomeris Queensland Museum
Taku spinosocarinatus Queensland Museum
Tetraleberis pix Queensland Museum
Thalamita crenata Queensland Museum
Thalamita danae Queensland Museum
Thalamita intermedia Queensland Museum
Thalamita oculea Queensland Museum
Thalamita sima Queensland Museum
Trapezia septata Queensland Museum
Uca coarctata Queensland Museum
Uca longidigitum Queensland Museum
Uca seismella Queensland Museum
Uca signata Queensland Museum
Uca vomeris Queensland Museum
Utica crassimana Queensland Museum
Xanthias elegans Queensland Museum
Xenophthalmus Queensland Museum
pinnotheroides
| 263 |

Curtis Coast Coastal Marine Inventory Report 2012 GPC

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Curtis Coast Coastal Marine Inventory Report 2012 GPC

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Contents

List of Abbreviations and Acronyms i

1.3 Overview of the Curtis Coast Region 2

1.4 Land Tenure and Management Areas 2

2.2 Non-Indigenous Heritage 10

3.2 Age and Sex 23

3.3 Characteristics of Resident Population 23

4. Tourism and Recreation 32

5. Industry and Commerce 40

5.5 Potential Resources 59

6.2 Geology and Geomorphology 73

6.4 Sedimentary Processes and Erosion Hazards 85

6.6 Groundwater Resources 98

6.7 Coastal Waters 100

6.8 Marine Sediments 106

6.9 Flora 109

7. Summary of Key Resources 164

A Vegetation Community Descriptions 168

B Detailed Regional Ecosystem Descriptions 172

C Flora of the Curtis Coast 197

D Fauna of the Curtis Coast 230

ASS Acid Sulfate Soils EPA Environmental Protection Agency

DEEDI Department of Employment, Economic IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

LNG Liquified Natural Gas QERL Queensland Energy Resources Ltd

m Metres QWQG Queensland Water Quality Guidelines

mm Millimetres REIQ Real Estate Institute of Queensland

mBGL Metres below ground level REs Regional Ecosystems

mg/L Milligrams per litre

NTU Nephelometric Turbidity Units y.a Years ago

NWW3 NOAA WaveWatch 3

• The diversity of flora and fauna species, including those

• Isabel Beasley, James Cook University

• John Beumer, Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing

• David Byrom, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

• Daniele Cagnazzi, Southern Cross University

• Melissa Dahtler, Gladstone Area Promotion and Development Limited

• Alana Grech, James Cook University

• Kurt Derbyshire, Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing

• Peter Kind, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

• Col Limpus, Department of Environment and Heritage Protection

• Helene Marsh, James Cook University

• Dave Orgill, Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing

• John Platten, Department of Environment and Heritage Protection

• Bianca Priest, Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities

• Michael Rasheed, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

• Tom Roberts, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

• William Sawynok, Infofish Australia

• Colin Shelley, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

• Danielle Stewart, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

• Susan Thiess, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

1.3 Overview of the Curtis Coast Region

1.4 Land Tenure and Management Areas

1.1.2 The 2011 Update 1.1.3 Information Sources and Focus

Investigations have shown the Curtis Coast region to be biologically

Tenure/Management Area Type Area (ha) %

2.1 Indigenous Heritage

2.2 Non-Indigenous Heritage

All Aboriginal archaeological sites are considered important as they

A number of sites with important historical features exist within

Shipwreck Name Type Date Where Wrecked

Source: DSEWPaC (2011)

Name Registration Location Town / Suburb

Source: DERM (2009)