State adaptive planning processes and committees. 10.11.4 Achievements in Climate Change Management 2009-2015 • Promoted climate change awareness through environmental awareness programs and inductions • Promoted sustainable development design through TAPL Development Guidelines and tenant audits • Reviewed and updated the Aerodrome Emergency Plan and Cyclone Plan • Participated in local and State adaptive planning committees and forums • Maintained fire breaks along Civil Area boundary • Maintained vegetation cover across undeveloped areas of the Civil Area. 10.11.5 Proposed Targets for Climate Change Management from 2016 Table 10.11 lists the proposed targets to meet TAPL’s objective for climate change management at Townsville Airport.
10.12 Biodiversity 10.12.1 Overview and Objectives Objective: To appropriately manage biodiversity values at Townsville Airport with due regard for mitigation of bird and wildlife strike risk. The Civil Area of Townsville Airport is a highly modified environment and characterised by landscaped gardens and turf grassed areas in association with development and infrastructure and weed dominated vegetation to the north in association with an undeveloped portion of land. The Civil Area of Townsville Airport does not contain or lie adjacent to any areas of environmental significance
as defined in Section 10.2.9. Areas of environmental significance are present in the vicinity of the Civil Area including the Townsville Town Common to the north and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and World Heritage Area, five km to the east. The Civil Area drains to the east, away from the Townsville Town Common, and towards the coastal waters of Rowes Bay via Mundy Creek (Figure 10.2). The Civil Area and broader airport environs provide limited habitat value for birds including the nationally threatened Eastern Curlew (Numenius madagascariensis) and a number of migratory birds including the Forktailed Swift (Apus pacificus), Eastern Great Egret (Ardea modesta), Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica), Rainbow Beeeater (Merops ornatus) and Satin Flycatcher (Myiagra cyanoleuca). These species have been observed to utilise the Civil Area and surrounding land for opportunistic foraging purposes but not roosting or breeding purposes. 10.12.2 Potential Environmental Impacts TAPL is committed to managing biodiversity within the Civil Area and reducing the potential impact of its operations on biodiversity of the surrounding area. Civil aviation activities with the potential to impact upon biodiversity include: • Grounds maintenance activities including vegetation clearing and slashing • Weed and animal pest control • Hazardous wildlife procedures • Vehicle or aircraft movements • Construction and demolition works Sub-optimal habitat for two species listed under the EPBC Act including the Eastern curlew and the endangered Australian Painted Snipe (Ecological Values of Townsville Airport 2015
Table 10.11 TAPL Climate Change Management Program for Townsville Airport Targets (2016-2021)
Timeframe
Undertake climate vulnerability and adaptation study to identify potential impacts of climate change 2018 on airport infrastructure and operations and recommend new requirements for pavement and building standards and airport drainage Incorporate recommendations of study into development and environmental management guidelines, where feasible
2019
Continue to manage extreme weather events through the Townsville Aerodrome Emergency Plan and relevant supporting plans
Ongoing 163