Ecosure was engaged to undertake a literature review, habitat assessment, platypus and turtle survey (including bank observation, snorkelling and overnight deployment of baited cathedral traps and fyke nets) to establish the potential for platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus), Fitzroy River turtle (Rheodytes leukops) and southern snapping turtle (Elseya albagula) to occur within riverine habitat in the vicinity of a proposed pipeline Right of Way. Potential habitat was identified and actual use confirmed. Construction works were scheduled to avoid the breeding and nesting periods for confirmed target species, to minimise the risk of mortality to juveniles or destruction of active nests, and to help plan a suitable waterway crossing construction timetable.
