Wambo Coal AEMR 2011-2012 - Peabody Energy

Management to control the number and presence of rabbits along the creeks would
increase the stability of banks and result in increased condition scores.
Impacts from mining subsidence were found along North Wambo creek. Rock formations
at the base of the creek bed experienced both compression and expansion as a result of
subsidence. Natural fault lines within the rock as well as solid rock segments experienced
expansion within a range of 6–20 mm.
4.4 Recommendations
Implementation of the following recommendations would improve the condition scores of
North Wambo Creek, South Wambo Creek and Stoney Creek:
• Where appropriate, undertake remediation works at sites of significant bank erosion;
• Where remediation works are likely to cause more damage than good, plant
seedlings of local tree species around erosion areas to stabilise banks and assist in
the prevention of future erosion;
• Prevent or limit livestock access to North Wambo Creek and Stoney Creek;
• Undertaken rabbit control measures along all three creeks; and
• Undertake a weed management program that uses successional techniques that do
not leave areas of bare soil.
4.5 Conclusion
Riparian monitoring identified Stoney Creek as being in good condition, and North Wambo
and South Wambo Creeks in moderate condition. Current bank erosion problem areas are
a result of historic land management practises however in the absence of current
management will continue to degrade. Subsidence has also been recorded during 2011
annual assessments. Recommendations have been made to address problem erosion
areas and to undertake other management actions that would lead to increased condition
scores for all three creeks.
2011 Annual Ecological Monitoring Report, Final Report, May 2012 Page 36