Abstract | A tale of two critters: Commercial sector solutions for threatened species management

In this presentation, we describe how a small bauxite mine in the tropics of Western Cape York, QLD, will contribute to the future protection of habitat for threatened species through biodiversity offsets. The offsets were required following Commonwealth assessment of the project. The project proponent subsequently completed detailed resource drilling to identify an actual mine footprint, allowing for the establishment of environmental buffers, offsets and adaptive rehabilitation techniques that could be managed to improve habitat quality. This type of outcome could not be achieved without commercial sector involvement.

Bauxite mine activities in Western Cape York have potential to impact a range of threatened species. Current practice for the assessment of impacts to threatened species assumes:

• All habitat quality is equal
• Target threatened species make use of this habitat
• Mine impacts must therefore result in negative impacts
• Biodiversity offsets are required to protect threatened species.

The project challenged a number of these assumptions and through good science, was able to demonstrate that impacts could be managed. This required the implementation of detailed site investigations and a thorough review of available literature to establish realistic baseline understanding. In fact, the project could result in better habitat outcomes for threatened species through:

• Implementation of environmental buffers between mined and unmined areas
• Improved fire management
• Biomonitoring site analysis
• Adaptive rehabilitation of mined voids.

In all, a better environmental outcome was achieved through commercial sector involvement than without, as the previous understanding of the threatened species was inaccurate and outdated. The project has shown that with motivated commercial partners, acceptable biodiversity outcomes can be achieved.

Bio | Dr Mark Breitfuss MEIANZ CEnvP

Dr Mark Breitfuss is a Principal Environmental Scientist with over 23 years’ experience. Mark is a qualified ecologist and has worked closely with all levels of government and industry to ensure the successful implementation of development approvals, State and Commonwealth Environmental Impact Statements, EPBC referrals, business cases, community and stakeholder consultation strategies and governance frameworks across Australia. For much of his career, Mark has worked within the nexus between sustainable development and natural communities. His work has encompassed:

• Management of threatened species and ecological communities
• Post-doctoral research into the management of mosquitoes of human health importance
• Saltmarsh and mangrove ecology
• Intertidal and wetland ecology
• Conservation of endangered butterflies, frogs, mammals and birds
• Habitat continuity and edge effects
• Biodiversity offsets

Mark has a proven track record in government liaison, negotiation, strategy development/implementation, strategic project approvals processes and executive communication and engagement. Mark has built a solid professional reputation in the environmental consulting market and across multiple business sectors. Mark is a Certified Environmental Practitioner, President of the EIANZ SEQ Division and is Chair of the Advisory Council of the EIANZ.