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Purple-necked Rock Wallaby (Petrogale purpureicollis)

The purple-necked rock-wallaby is a ground-dwelling macropod endemic mainly to rocky habitats in north-west Queensland, with possible occurrence in the Northern Territory. It is Vulnerable in Queensland and depends on rocky shelters, nearby feeding habitat and, in some colonies, reliable water, so clearing or construction around outcrops, caves, springs and waterholes can remove shelter and disrupt access to food and water.

Conservation status

Queensland, Nature Conservation Act 1992: Vulnerable.

Breeding season

Breeding can occur throughout the year. Surveys for signs and infra-red cameras can be undertaken year-round, while direct observations are more likely to succeed at dawn or dusk in cooler months and fine weather.

The month pattern is a planning guide, not a substitute for pre-clearance survey. Use site-specific records, sign searches and camera monitoring to identify current refuge use.

  • Breeding: Breeding occurs throughout the year, with no peak identified in the supplied documents.
  • Young: Dependent young may be present at any time because breeding is reported throughout the year. The supplied documents do not provide pouch duration, weaning timing or litter size.
  • Evening foraging and daily movement: Animals shelter during the day and emerge in the evening to feed. No seasonal migration or dispersal period is described.
  • Cool-weather basking and observation: Direct observations are recommended at dawn or dusk and are expected to be more effective in cooler months, when animals are more likely to sunbathe. The guideline advises avoiding hotter months and wet or otherwise inclement weather.
  • Highest clearing risk: Risk is year-round because breeding occurs throughout the year and daytime refuges may be occupied in every month. Disturbance is especially concerning during works at caves, boulder piles, ledges, gorges, springs and waterholes.

Identification

Identification is based mainly on the distinctive purple to mauve head and neck colouration, combined with habitat and field signs. Live animals are secretive and may be difficult to observe directly.

The body is light brown, with a paler underside. Purple to mauve colouration extends over the neck, face and head, and may continue onto the upper chest and shoulders. Colour intensity varies between individuals and seasons, from a light pink wash to rich red-purple, and is often strongest on the cheeks, around the eyes and at the base of the ears.

A dark brown stripe runs from the eyes to between the ears and along the midline. The tail is paler than the body and darkens towards the tip. The feet are pale brown, with dark brown toes.

Size: No reliable species-specific body length or weight is provided in the supplied documents.

Sex differences: No sex-based differences are described in the supplied documents.

Identification: Distinguishing features

The purple to mauve colouration on the head and neck is the primary field character. It should be assessed with the dark dorsal stripe, pale tail with a dark tip, dark toes and the rocky habitat.

The supplied sources do not provide a detailed comparison with other Petrogale species in areas of possible range overlap. Where visual identification is uncertain, use habitat and sign evidence, camera images, or obtain advice from a suitably experienced mammal ecologist.

Identification: Field signs and survey clues

Distinctive scats are reported as the most efficient sign for determining presence. Other useful signs include tracks in sandy substrate on rock ledges or along cliff lines, and smooth worn rock ledges used for resting.

Search all suitable rocky habitat, including mid-level ledges, holes, cave entrances, boulder piles and likely refuge exit points. Infra-red cameras can be placed at water sources, near refuge exits or at known shelter sites. A minimum guide for up to 5 hectares of suitable habitat is 2 hours of sign searching per survey day, 5 cameras for at least 14 nights, and 4 hours of observation per survey day.

Observations are best made with binoculars from the ground below suitable habitat during dawn or dusk. Avoid disturbance that could cause animals to fall from cliffs or ledges. No diagnostic call, nest, burrow or eyeshine character is provided in the supplied documents.

Minimum sign-search effort: 2 hours per survey day for each 5 hectares of suitable habitat.

Minimum camera effort: 5 infra-red cameras for at least 14 nights for each 5 hectares of suitable habitat.

Minimum observation effort: 4 hours per survey day for each 5 hectares of suitable habitat.

  • Search for distinctive scats on and below rocky ledges, around caves, in boulder piles and near water.
  • Record tracks in sandy patches on ledges and along cliff lines.
  • Look for smooth, worn resting ledges and repeated movement routes.
  • Use infra-red cameras near water, refuge exits and known shelter sites.
  • Use gloves when handling scats and other animal signs.

Distribution: National range

The species is largely restricted to north-west Queensland, particularly the North-west Highlands bioregion. The supplied sources also indicate that it may occur in the Northern Territory, but do not define a confirmed national Northern Territory range.

The species is largely endemic to the North-west Highlands bioregion of Queensland. It is more common around Mount Isa and Dajarra, and also occurs north-west of and around Cloncurry.

Records and suitable habitat are reported from the wider Northwest Highlands, including rocky areas around Lawn Hill, Winton, Squirrel Hills, Westmoreland Sandstones, Thorntonia limestone karsts, Camooweal, Mount Isa Inlier springs and other rocky or water-associated sites.

The species may also occur in the Northern Territory. The supplied documents do not provide a confirmed state-wide Northern Territory distribution or identify additional confirmed subpopulations outside Queensland.

Confirmed state listing in supplied material: Queensland, Vulnerable.

Bioregion: North-west Highlands, Queensland.

Possible additional state or territory: Northern Territory, not confirmed in detail by the supplied documents.

Distribution: Strongholds and population information

The Queensland Biodiversity Planning Assessment describes the species as common in, and largely endemic to, rocky outcrop habitats within the Northwest Highlands. It identifies rocky outcrops, limestone karsts, springs, waterholes, escarpments and dissected rocky areas as places with records or likely occupied habitat.

The supplied sources do not provide a total population estimate, colony counts, density, home-range size or confirmed generation length. The observation source reports a small population and ongoing decline as part of its Near Threatened assessment, but also notes that data are limited and that some larger core subpopulations may be relatively stable.

Population size: Not quantified in the supplied documents.

Trend: Recent information cited by the supplied observation source suggests ongoing decline, but the extent and rate are uncertain.

Subpopulation size: Not provided.

  • Treat mapped and unmapped rocky outcrops, caves, boulder piles and ledges in the Northwest Highlands as potential habitat.
  • Give particular attention to rocky habitat near permanent or semi-permanent water, including springs and waterholes.

Habitat: Habitat types

Purple-necked rock-wallabies are associated with rocky terrain that provides both shelter and access to nearby grass and browse. Suitable habitat can occur within dry woodland, Acacia woodland and spinifex grassland.

Favoured habitat includes limestone boulder piles, rocky slopes, cliffs, gorges and outcrops of sandstone or quartzite. The species also uses spinifex grasslands associated with rocky habitat.

Vegetation settings include dry Eucalyptus woodland, Acacia woodland and hummock grassland. Rocky gullies, ledges, caves and fractured outcrops are important structural features.

Habitat: Water and refuge features

Larger and more successful colonies have been reported to have access to permanent fresh water. Springs, permanent or semi-permanent waterholes and riparian areas can therefore form part of occupied habitat in the otherwise dry Northwest Highlands.

Caves and rocky systems at Camooweal, Thorntonia and other parts of the Northwest Highlands may provide daytime shelter. The supplied documents do not provide a minimum outcrop area, elevation limit, refuge dimensions or required distance between shelter and feeding habitat.

  • Retain rocky outcrops, boulder piles, cliffs, gorges, ledges, caves and fractured rock adjoining proposed works.
  • Assess springs, permanent waterholes and nearby riparian habitat together with the rock habitat rather than as separate features.
  • Search un mapped caves, holes and mid-level ledges where access is safe and disturbance can be controlled.

Foraging habitat: Diet and feeding areas

The species feeds on grasses and browse around rocky shelter sites. It generally leaves daytime refuges in the evening and forages in adjacent open or vegetated habitat.

The supplied sources describe the purple-necked rock-wallaby as feeding on grass and browse. They do not identify particular plant species or quantify the proportion of grass, browse or other food in the diet.

Likely feeding habitat includes spinifex grassland, dry Eucalyptus woodland, Acacia woodland and vegetated rocky slopes or gullies near shelter sites. Animals emerge in the evening to feed, and rock-wallabies generally forage away from daytime shelter, usually over a short distance, although a species-specific distance is not provided.

Diet: Grass and browse; the supplied documents do not provide a fuller plant list.

Foraging time: Usually evening and night, after leaving daytime shelter.

Foraging distance: Generally short-distance movement from shelter is reported for rock-wallabies as a group, but no species-specific distance is provided.

  • Retain grass, browse and ground vegetation between rocky refuges and nearby water sources.
  • Inspect open ground, grassland, woodland edges, gullies and ledges around occupied or potentially occupied outcrops for scats and tracks.
  • Avoid assuming that only the rock face is habitat, because feeding areas extend away from daytime shelters.

Breeding habitat: Breeding biology

Breeding is reported throughout the year, so suitable breeding and refuge habitat may be occupied during any clearing season. The supplied documents provide little detail on litter size, gestation, maturity or lifespan.

The species uses rocky habitat that provides secure daytime shelter, with nearby feeding areas and, for larger successful colonies, access to permanent fresh water. The supplied documents do not identify a separate nesting structure or breeding season peak.

Breeding season: Throughout the year.

Litter size: Not provided in the supplied documents.

Gestation: Not provided in the supplied documents.

Age at maturity: Not provided in the supplied documents.

Lifespan: Not provided in the supplied documents.

Breeding habitat: Breeding habitat requirements

Potential breeding habitat includes caves, boulder piles, rock holes, ledges, cliffs, gorges and fractured outcrops within reach of grass and browse. Rocky refuges should be assessed with adjoining feeding habitat and water sources.

Because breeding occurs throughout the year, do not treat the cooler months or a nominal non-breeding period as a low-risk period for clearing near occupied rocky habitat.

  • Retain occupied and potential refuge sites, including cave entrances, ledges, holes and boulder piles.
  • Maintain access between shelter, feeding areas and reliable water.
  • Use experienced observers and avoid close approach or aerial disturbance that could cause animals to fall.

Sheltering habitat: Shelter features

Daytime shelter is provided by rocky features rather than vegetation nests or burrows. Shelter sites are a fixed part of a rock-wallaby home range and should be treated as high-sensitivity features during site works.

The species shelters in rock piles and caves during the day. General rock-wallaby guidance also identifies caves, rock ledges, boulder piles, rock holes and fractured rock as shelter features.

Camooweal limestone caves and sinkholes, Thorntonia limestone karsts, sandstone ranges, granite tors, cliffs and rocky gorges may provide daytime refuge. The supplied documents do not provide refuge dimensions, entrance widths, home-range size or a standard buffer distance.

Day refuge: Rock piles and caves.

Other likely shelter structures: Rock ledges, boulder piles, holes, cliffs, gorges and fractured outcrops.

Shelter size: Not provided in the supplied documents.

  • Inspect caves, cave entrances, boulder piles, rock ledges, holes, cliff lines, gorges and fractured outcrops before works begin.
  • Look for scats, tracks and smooth worn rock at or below likely refuge sites.
  • Place cameras near refuge exits and known shelter sites where confirmation is needed.
  • Prevent workers, machinery and survey aircraft from causing animals to fall or abandon shelter sites.

Threats: Clearing and construction

The main project risk is loss or disturbance of rocky shelter and the connected feeding and watering habitat. The species' restricted range and dependence on localised rocky features make site-level impacts important.

Clearing rocky outcrops, boulder piles, caves, ledges, gorges, springs or nearby grass and browse can remove shelter or reduce access to food and water. Works that divide a rocky refuge from its feeding habitat may affect use even when the main rock feature is retained.

The supplied sources do not quantify a species-specific clearing threshold or separation distance. Before disturbance, inspect suitable habitat thoroughly and use sign searches, cameras and observations at the effort levels provided in the Queensland survey guideline.

  • Avoid placing infrastructure on or immediately beside caves, boulder piles, rock ledges, cliff lines, gorges and rocky holes.
  • Keep feeding areas and water sources connected to retained refuges.
  • Stage works outside active shelter areas where practicable, and stop if wallabies are observed or fresh signs are found in the work area.
  • Use a fauna spotter catcher experienced with rock-wallabies during disturbance near potential refuges.

Threats: Fire, grazing and habitat condition

Rocky areas can provide refuge from fire, while some inaccessible rocky areas remain less disturbed by grazing. The Queensland assessment identifies intensification of grazing through new watering points and fencing as a threat to biodiversity values in remote natural areas.

The assessment also identifies increased fire frequency and intensity as a potential long-term climate risk for rocky areas and associated habitat. Buffel grass or other changes to ground cover are not specifically identified as threats to this species in the supplied documents.

  • Avoid increasing fire frequency or intensity around rocky refuges and adjoining feeding habitat.
  • Prevent construction of new watering points or fencing from increasing grazing pressure around occupied rocky habitat.
  • Retain fire refuges and cooler rocky microhabitats, including shaded gullies and dense vegetation associated with outcrops.

Threats: Water, roads and predators

Permanent fresh water is associated with larger and more successful colonies, and springs and permanent waterholes are identified as refugial habitat in the Northwest Highlands. Drainage alteration, dewatering, contamination or loss of access to these sites may therefore reduce habitat value.

The supplied documents do not provide species-specific evidence on road mortality, vehicle avoidance, disease or predator impacts. These issues should still be assessed where roads or works intersect rocky habitat, water access routes or refuge entrances, but no species-specific rate or mitigation distance is available from the supplied material.

  • Protect springs, permanent and semi-permanent waterholes, and their connections to rocky shelter and feeding habitat.
  • Check roads, tracks and work areas near refuges for carcasses, tracks and repeated crossing points.
  • Control access to caves and ledges where construction activity could expose animals to falls or increase disturbance.
  • Record and report evidence of predation, disease or vehicle collision rather than assuming its cause.

Survey methodology: 1. Search for signs

Survey rocky habitat before disturbance because Purple-necked Rock-wallabies shelter in caves, boulder piles, rock ledges, cliffs and gorges, then move out to feed. Prioritise searches for distinctive scats, supported by infrared cameras and dawn or dusk observations.

Search all suitable rocky habitat, including boulder piles, mid-level ledges, holes, cliff lines and refuge exits.

Look for the species' distinctive scats, smooth worn rock ledges and tracks in sandy substrate on rock ledges or along cliff lines.

This is the most efficient recommended method for determining presence. Handle scats and other animal signs with gloves.

Minimum effort: 2 hours per survey day per 5 hectares of suitable habitat

Suitable search areas: Boulder piles, rocky slopes, cliffs, gorges, ledges, holes and cliff lines

  • Search for signs during the day, when rocky shelter sites and signs are easier to inspect.
  • Apply a minimum effort of 2 hours per survey day for each 5 hectares of suitable habitat.
  • Record the location and type of each sign, and photograph representative signs where this can be done without disturbing animals.

Survey methodology: 2. Infrared camera trapping

Use infrared cameras to confirm presence and identify animals where signs are found or where rocky shelter habitat is suitable.

Place cameras at water sources or bait them with lucerne in an elevated net bag. Position cameras in or beside suitable habitat, near refuge exits and near known shelter sites.

Use cameras without disturbing animals or blocking access to shelter sites.

Minimum effort: 5 cameras for at least 14 nights per 5 hectares of suitable habitat

Recommended placement: Water sources, elevated lucerne bait, refuge exits and known shelter sites

  • Deploy at least 5 cameras for at least 14 nights per 5 hectares of suitable habitat.
  • Use signs, direct observations and habitat inspection to select camera locations.
  • Record camera position, deployment dates, bait use, servicing visits and detected animals.

Survey methodology: 3. Dawn and dusk observations

Conduct observation surveys for basking animals from the ground with binoculars beneath suitable habitat. Aerial observation is also described, but it must be planned to prevent disturbance, falls and exposure to predators.

The species is secretive, so direct observation can be difficult. Use observations to supplement sign searches and cameras rather than as the only method.

Minimum effort: 4 hours per survey day per 5 hectares of suitable habitat

Best timing: Dawn and/or dusk, preferably in cooler months

Conditions: Fine weather; avoid hotter months and rainfall periods

  • Survey at dawn and/or dusk, preferably in the cooler months when animals are more likely to sunbathe.
  • Use fine weather and avoid the hotter months and rainfall periods.
  • Apply a minimum effort of 4 hours per survey day for each 5 hectares of suitable habitat.
  • Keep observers below suitable habitat where possible and avoid approaching or flushing animals.

Survey methodology: 4. Predator remains and other evidence

Inspect predatory bird nests, mammal dens and nearby areas for predator scats, owl pellets and remains that may confirm use of the project area.

Use this method as supporting evidence where direct detection is difficult. It does not replace searches for wallaby scats, cameras or observations.

Minimum effort: 1 hour per survey day per 5 hectares of suitable habitat

  • Apply a minimum effort of 1 hour per survey day for each 5 hectares of suitable habitat.
  • Collect material only where authorised and where collection will not disturb the predator or its nest or den.
  • Package and label samples with the location, date, habitat and collector details.

Survey methodology: Minimum effort and reporting

Use the effort below as the minimum for each 5 hectares of suitable habitat. Increase coverage where rocky habitat is extensive, connected, difficult to access or separated into several shelter areas.

A negative result is not proof of absence where survey conditions were unsuitable, access was incomplete or shelter sites could not be inspected.

  • Complete sign searches for at least 2 hours per survey day per 5 hectares.
  • Deploy 5 infrared cameras for at least 14 nights per 5 hectares.
  • Complete observation surveys for at least 4 hours per survey day per 5 hectares.
  • Complete searches for predator scats, owl pellets and remains for at least 1 hour per survey day per 5 hectares.
  • Use at least two observers with prior experience surveying rock-wallabies.
  • Submit confirmed records, survey effort, photographs and spatial data to the relevant Queensland wildlife records database and include them in the project environmental records.
  • Report the survey area, suitable habitat area, dates, weather, methods, effort, camera locations, signs and all detection or non-detection results.

Before habitat disturbance: Avoid and minimise

Plan the project around the species' dependence on rocky refuges and access to water. Avoid removing or isolating boulder piles, caves, ledges, cliffs, gorges and rocky slopes wherever practicable.

Retain boulder piles, caves, rock ledges, cliff lines, rocky slopes, gorges, rocky holes and connected rocky habitat.

Retain access between shelter sites, feeding areas and permanent or semi-permanent water sources.

Avoid placing roads, fences, stock infrastructure, laydown areas or construction compounds across narrow rocky connections between retained habitat.

Give priority to retaining rocky refuges that are associated with dry Eucalyptus or Acacia woodland, spinifex grassland, limestone, sandstone or quartzite outcrops.

  • Map all suitable rocky habitat, shelter sites, signs, water sources and movement connections before finalising the disturbance footprint.
  • Use exclusion zones around retained shelter sites and active signs, with boundaries set by a suitably qualified ecologist and clearly marked before works.
  • Keep construction lighting, noise and traffic away from refuge entrances where the design allows.
  • Avoid unnecessary disturbance during hot weather, when animals may rely more heavily on shaded rocky refuges and water sources.

Before habitat disturbance: Approvals and work planning

The species is listed as Vulnerable under Queensland's Nature Conservation Act 1992. Confirm the current state approval, permit and wildlife handling requirements before work starts.

The supplied species profile identifies the species as not listed under the EPBC Act. Confirm this status and assess whether the project could affect another nationally listed species or protected matter before deciding that an EPBC referral is unnecessary.

Prepare a fauna management plan that identifies habitat to retain, survey effort, exclusion zones, fauna spotter catcher responsibilities, stop-work triggers, incident contacts and reporting requirements.

Queensland status: Vulnerable under the Nature Conservation Act 1992

EPBC status in supplied profile: Not listed

  • Obtain any Queensland permits needed for clearing, taking, handling, relocating or rescuing fauna.
  • Stage clearing so retained rocky refuges and water access remain available until adjacent works are complete.
  • Schedule pre-clearance surveys in suitable weather and include dawn or dusk observations when direct detection is required.
  • Brief machinery operators, supervisors and fauna spotter catchers on the mapped habitat, exclusion zones and stop-work procedure.

Before habitat disturbance: Site preparation

Complete the pre-clearance survey across all suitable habitat within and beside the disturbance footprint.

Mark retained caves, boulder piles, ledges, cliff lines, rocky holes, water sources, active signs and movement connections before machinery arrives.

Use exclusion fencing where it can be installed without blocking access to shelter sites or water, and inspect it daily for damage and trapped animals.

Give the fauna spotter catcher the survey map, species identification information, contact list, handling authorisations and suitable nearby release areas before clearing.

  • Do not use exclusion fencing to close a refuge entrance or divide a colony from its water source.
  • Inspect rocky habitat and refuge entrances again immediately before clearing if the pre-clearance survey is more than a short time before works or if conditions change.
  • Confirm that release habitat is nearby, connected to suitable rocky refuge and outside the active work area.
  • Keep a first aid kit, ventilated animal container, gloves and transport arrangements available for an animal rescue.

During habitat disturbance: Daily controls and machinery coordination

Use a controlled clearing sequence with an experienced fauna spotter catcher present. The spotter catcher must be able to stop machinery before rocky refuges, animals or shelter features are disturbed.

Inspect exclusion fencing, habitat markers, refuge entrances and access routes before work starts each day.

Brief the supervisor and machinery operators on the day's clearing limits, the spotter catcher's position and the stop-work signal.

Clear progressively towards retained habitat only where the sequence does not trap animals against machinery, fencing or an isolated refuge.

Keep machinery outside marked shelter sites and do not push, roll or bury boulders, logs or rock ledges unless the approved method specifically allows it.

  • Maintain direct communication between the fauna spotter catcher, operator and supervisor throughout clearing of rocky habitat.
  • Use slow, controlled machinery movements around boulder piles, caves, ledges, cliff edges and rocky holes.
  • Stop work immediately when an animal, fresh sign, occupied refuge, injured fauna or unplanned habitat feature is found.
  • Do not restart until the spotter catcher and environmental officer have inspected the area and authorised the next step.

During habitat disturbance: Fauna handling and relocation

If a Purple-necked Rock-wallaby is found, stop nearby work and keep people, vehicles and dogs away from the animal and its refuge.

Allow an animal to move away without pursuit where it can do so safely. Do not flush it from a ledge, cave or boulder pile.

Only an appropriately authorised and experienced person may capture, handle or relocate the animal. Follow the approved fauna management plan and Queensland permit conditions.

Relocate an animal only when necessary to prevent immediate harm, and place it in nearby retained rocky habitat with shelter and access to water.

  • Do not handle an animal merely to obtain a photograph or confirm its identity.
  • Use gloves and a suitable ventilated container if capture is authorised and unavoidable.
  • Take injured animals to a veterinarian or authorised wildlife carer as soon as practicable, using the project rescue contact arrangements.
  • Record the animal's condition, location, action taken, release location, time, personnel and permit or authorisation details.

During habitat disturbance: Habitat features and stop-work triggers

Treat caves, boulder piles, rock ledges, cliff lines, rocky holes and worn resting ledges as potential shelter features.

Treat permanent and semi-permanent water sources as important habitat because the species may use them for drinking and larger successful colonies have been associated with permanent fresh water.

Do not enter, seal, collapse or modify a suspected refuge until it has been inspected by the fauna spotter catcher and environmental officer.

Do not disturb an occupied refuge, basking animal, dependent young, injured animal or animal at risk of falling.

  • Stop work for any confirmed wallaby, fresh active sign in the clearing area, occupied shelter, unexpected rocky habitat, damaged exclusion fence or loss of safe access to retained habitat.
  • Stop work if weather becomes hot, wet or otherwise unsuitable for the approved method and the fauna spotter catcher considers animals or observers are at risk.
  • Stop work if clearing differs from the approved footprint or if machinery cannot maintain the required exclusion zone.
  • Escalate each stop-work event to the site supervisor and environmental officer, and obtain written clearance before recommencing.

During habitat disturbance: Records and incident management

Keep daily records of cleared area, habitat features removed or retained, survey observations, animal sightings, captures, relocations, injuries, mortalities and stop-work events.

Map each detection and relocation with coordinates and link it to photographs, weather, personnel and the relevant work activity.

Report any threatened fauna incident, unauthorised handling, injury or mortality under the project approval and Queensland reporting requirements.

  • Retain camera images, photographs of signs, field sheets, permits, release records and fauna spotter catcher diaries with the project environmental records.
  • Update the habitat map when a new refuge, water source, movement connection or impact is identified.
  • Review controls after every incident and amend the clearing sequence before work resumes.

After habitat disturbance: Post-clearance inspection

Confirm that retained habitat remains usable after clearing and that the works have not isolated shelter sites from feeding areas or water. Keep fauna controls in place until the environmental officer confirms that the site is stable.

Inspect the cleared edge, retained rocky habitat, refuge entrances and nearby water sources after each clearing stage.

Check for injured or trapped animals, blocked refuge entrances, displaced boulders, damaged ledges, new barriers and signs of animals moving into unsafe work areas.

Remove temporary materials, spoil, fencing and debris that block rocky shelter or movement connections.

Complete a final inspection with the fauna spotter catcher and environmental officer before releasing the area for unrestricted construction access.

  • Repeat sign searches in retained habitat where clearing has occurred beside a known refuge or detected colony.
  • Check that retained habitat still contains shelter, feeding vegetation and access to water.
  • Keep exclusion zones and warning markers until construction traffic, night lighting and other disturbance no longer threaten the retained habitat.

After habitat disturbance: Monitoring and reporting

Monitor retained habitat where the project has removed adjacent rocky habitat, altered water access or created a new barrier.

Use the same sign, camera and observation methods where repeatable results are needed, and report effort as area, hours, cameras and nights.

Compare post-work detections with pre-work records, while recognising that non-detection does not establish absence.

  • Submit confirmed records and significant incident records to the relevant Queensland wildlife database.
  • Provide the regulator, approval holder and land manager with a completion report covering impacts, retained habitat, fauna events, relocations, mortalities and rehabilitation commitments.
  • Investigate declining signs, repeated animals entering the work area, loss of water access or new refuge damage, and implement corrective action.

After habitat disturbance: Ongoing controls and offsets

Maintain retained habitat, exclusion fencing, access controls and water protection for the period specified in the approval and fauna management plan.

Where residual impacts cannot be avoided or minimised, document the residual impact and apply any approved offset or conservation measure required by the relevant approval.

Do not treat an offset as a substitute for retaining occupied rocky refuges and connected habitat within the project area.

  • Inspect retained habitat after major rainfall, fire, earthworks, blasting or changes to water infrastructure.
  • Keep rehabilitation and monitoring records with the project environmental management system.
  • Close out each control only after the environmental officer confirms that the approved outcome has been achieved.

Rehabilitation actions: Restore rocky habitat and connectivity

Rehabilitation should restore connected rocky shelter and feeding habitat, not only ground cover. Prioritise the features that the species uses for daytime refuge and the vegetation and water sources that support feeding and dry-season use.

Reinstate stable boulder piles, rock ledges and rocky shelter features where they were temporarily removed and the approved design allows it.

Reconnect retained rocky outcrops, gorges, slopes, gullies and refuge entrances across rehabilitated areas.

Do not place spoil, mulch, fencing or drainage structures across cave entrances, rocky holes, ledges or movement connections.

Use locally appropriate native Eucalyptus and Acacia woodland species and native spinifex or other locally appropriate ground cover where those communities occur around the site.

  • Base the rehabilitation layout on the pre-clearance habitat map and the location of confirmed signs and shelter sites.
  • Use locally sourced seed or tubestock where practicable and protect plantings from grazing and construction traffic.
  • Reinstate natural surface drainage and retain or restore access to permanent or semi-permanent water sources where the approved design permits.
  • Do not add nest boxes or artificial hollows as a substitute for rocky shelter, because the supplied documents identify rocky refuges rather than tree hollows as this species' shelter habitat.

Rehabilitation actions: Manage threats and site condition

Control weeds that reduce native ground cover or obstruct rocky shelter and movement areas.

Manage introduced predators and domestic or construction animals where they threaten wallabies in retained or rehabilitated habitat, in accordance with approvals and animal welfare requirements.

Use fire planning that protects rocky refuges, shelter vegetation and climate refugia, and avoid creating more frequent or intense fire around retained habitat.

Prevent erosion, sediment deposition and altered drainage from blocking caves, ledges, rocky holes or water sources.

  • Inspect rehabilitated habitat for weed invasion, erosion, grazing, predator activity, fire damage and blocked refuge access.
  • Keep machinery, vehicles and stock out of rehabilitated rocky habitat until vegetation and ground structure are established.
  • Coordinate fire management with the land manager and relevant Queensland requirements.

Rehabilitation actions: Monitor success

Monitor plant establishment, ground cover, rock and refuge stability, water access and signs of wallaby use.

Use repeat searches for scats and tracks, infrared cameras and dawn or dusk observations where the site supported the species before disturbance.

Set success measures in the rehabilitation plan for retained and reinstated shelter, connected habitat, native vegetation establishment, weed control, safe water access and confirmed use by the species.

  • Apply at least the species survey effort when formal monitoring is intended to assess presence: 2 hours of sign searches per survey day per 5 hectares, 5 cameras for at least 14 nights per 5 hectares, and 4 hours of observations per survey day per 5 hectares.
  • Monitor in comparable seasons and weather conditions where results are being compared between years.
  • Continue monitoring until the approval holder and environmental officer confirm that the agreed habitat and fauna outcomes have been met.
  • Report monitoring results, failures and corrective actions to the approval holder, land manager and relevant regulator, and submit confirmed records to the relevant Queensland wildlife database.

Sources