Terrestrial Ecology Assessment - WBCWRR

Why was an ecological assessment done? 

Boral is committed to protecting biodiversity and improving ecological outcomes in this locality. To properly understand the environmental values of the West Burleigh Construction Waste and Resource Recovery Project (WBCWRR Project) site, an independent Terrestrial Ecological Assessment was completed. 

The assessment focused on: 

  • Identifying areas of ecological significance. 

  • Documenting flora and fauna species present. 

  • Evaluating habitat quality and connectivity. 

  • Recommending measures to minimise impacts and enhance ecological function. 

This information helps guide project design and assessment, impact mitigation, and long-term environmental management.  

Current site condition 

  • The proposed disturbance footprint is defined by the existing quarry void, which is highly modified and disturbed over many decades of quarrying activity. 

  • Vegetation surveys identified 12 vegetation community associations, including: 

  • Derived grasslands 

  • Shrublands 

  • Remnant regional ecosystems 

  • Fauna habitat assessment recorded 12 broad habitat types, but found limited breeding structures for most threatened species. 

  • Only one hollow-bearing tree meeting the Planning Scheme’s definition of a habitat tree was identified within the assessment area. 

Flora and fauna findings 

  • Flora: 

  • 103 species recorded. 

  • 28 exotic or environmental weeds identified. 

  • No threatened flora species listed under the EPBC Act, Nature Conservation Act, or Nature Conservation Regulations were detected. 

  • Fauna: 

  • 25 species recorded. 

  • One Koala observed in Lot 4 (outside the proposed development area). 

Under EPBC Act criteria, the proposed development is not expected to significantly impact Koalas or any other listed species. Shape 

Connectivity and movement corridors 

  • The existing quarry void does not currently contribute to fauna movement corridors due to its disturbed condition. 

  • However, balance areas (Lot 1 and Lot 4) provide important linkages between: 

  • Burleigh Ridge to the north 

  • Pacific Motorway fauna underpass to the south 

  • Rehabilitation works will strengthen these corridors, improving connectivity to the mapped Hinterland to Coast critical corridor through: 

  • Weed control 

  • Planting local native vegetation, including preferred Koala feed trees 

ShapeTogether, these actions will enhance habitat quality, support safe fauna movement, and improve long-term ecological function across the landscape. 

Environmental outcomes 

  • Ecological impacts from the WBCWRR Project are considered negligible. 

  • Rehabilitation and landscaping will deliver a significant uplift in ecological condition and functionality, including: 

  • Improved habitat value for native species 

  • Enhanced biodiversity 

  • Stronger wildlife corridors connecting key areas 

Shape Additional facts for context 

  • Historic disturbance: Quarrying has been ongoing for decades, leaving the site in a degraded state with low ecological value. 

  • Koala habitat: While one Koala was recorded, modelling indicates the site does not support a resident population. 

  • Critical corridor: The Hinterland to Coast corridor is a key regional linkage for wildlife movement, and rehabilitation will help restore its function. 

  • Weed management: 28 weed species will be targeted for removal, reducing competition for native plants. 

  • Preferred species: Rehabilitation will include planting of Eucalyptus species that provide food for Koalas and habitat for other fauna. Shape 

Information Request Response findings 

The information request received from Council has been considered and this has not affected the key findings. 

What this means for you 

  • No significant residual impacts are expected. 

  • Rehabilitation will transform this disturbed site into a more ecologically valuable area, with improved wildlife corridors and greener spaces. 

  • Over the long term, the project will deliver improved biodiversity and stronger ecological outcomes in this locality. 

Further details about Boral’s proposal 

The DA is viewable on Council's PD Online ref. COM/2025/101 here:  

https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/Planning-building/PD-Online

Current Projects

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