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Wyee Local Environmental Study

Appendix 3

Biodiversity Study

BIODIVERSITY STUDY

Wyee LES Biodiversity Study

Prepared for Lake Macquarie City Council

October 2010

© E C O LO G I C AL A U S T R AL I A P T Y LT D

Biodiversity StudyW y e e L E S B i o d i v e r s i t y S t u d y

PREPARED FOR Conics and Lake Macquarie City Council

PROJECT NO 0269-0001

DATE October 2010

W Y E E L E S B i o d i ve rs i t y S tu d y

Biodiversity Study W y e e L E S B i o d i v e r s i t y S t u d y

Lake Macquarie City Council

W Y E E L E S B io d i ve rs i t y S t u d y

ii

W Y E E L E S B io d i v e rs i t y S t u d y

© E C O L O G I C AL A U S T R AL I A P T Y LT D i

DOCUMENT TRACKING

ITEM DETAIL

Project Name Wyee LES Biodiversity Study

Project Number 269-0001

File location H:\Synergy\Projects\0269\0269-0001 Wyee LES environmental assessment\Reports

Prepared by MW

AvC

Approved by SP

Status Final

Version Number 7

Last saved on October 2010

This document has been printed on 100% recycled paper.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This document has been prepared by Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd with support from Conics and Lake

Macquarie City Council.

Disclaimer

This document may only be used for the purpose for which it was commissioned and in accordance with the contract between

Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd and Conics. The scope of services was defined in consultation with Conics, by time and budgetary

constraints imposed by the client, and the availability of reports and other data on the subject area. Changes to available

information, legislation and schedules are made on an ongoing basis and readers should obtain up to date information.

Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for or in respect of any use of or reliance upon this

report and its supporting material by any third party. Information provided is not intended to be a substitute for site specific

assessment or legal advice in relation to any matter. Unauthorised use of this report in any form is prohibited.


© E C O L O G I C AL A U S T R AL I A P T Y LT D ii

Contents

DOCUMENT TRACKING ........................................................................................................................... i

Acknowledgements .................................................................................................................................... i

Contents .................................................................................................................................................... ii

1 Executive Summary ................................................................................................................. 1

2 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 3

2.1 The Study Area ........................................................................................................................ 3

3 Identification of Biodiversity Context, Objectives and Strategic Principles .............................. 6

3.1 Regional Plans ......................................................................................................................... 6

3.1.1 Lower Hunter Regional Strategy 2006-2031 ..................................................................... 6

3.1.2 Lower Hunter Regional Conservation Plan (2006) ............................................................ 6

3.1.3 Hunter Central Rivers Catchment Action Plan .................................................................. 7

3.2 Local Plans and policies .......................................................................................................... 7

3.2.1 Lake Macquarie Local Environmental Plan 2004 .............................................................. 7

3.2.2 Lake Macquarie Lifestyle 2020 Strategy Objectives ......................................................... 7

3.2.3 Lake Macquarie City Council Biodiversity Planning Policy and Guidelines for LEP Rezoning Proposals (2009) ............................................................................................................. 7

3.2.4 Lake Macquarie City Council Tetratheca juncea Conservation Management Plan .......... 8

3.2.5 Lake Macquarie Corridors Mapping .................................................................................. 8

3.2.6 Draft Wyee Structure Plan ................................................................................................. 8

3.2.7 Ecological Attributes Review for Wyee .............................................................................. 9

3.2.8 Wyee Squirrel Glider Review ............................................................................................. 9

4 Identification of Biodiversity ................................................................................................... 11

4.1 Methods ................................................................................................................................. 11

4.1.1 Data Audit ........................................................................................................................ 11

4.1.2 Literature Review ............................................................................................................. 11

4.1.3 Field Survey ..................................................................................................................... 12

4.2 Results ................................................................................................................................... 19

4.2.1 Data Audit ........................................................................................................................ 19

4.2.2 Literature Review ............................................................................................................. 19

4.2.3 Field Survey ..................................................................................................................... 20

4.2.4 Compliance with Survey Guidelines and Survey Limitations .......................................... 33

5 Relevant Statutory Provisions................................................................................................ 34


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5.1 Federal ................................................................................................................................... 34

5.1.1 Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 ................................ 34

5.2 State ....................................................................................................................................... 34

5.2.1 Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979........................................................ 34

State Environmental Planning Policy 44 Koala Habitat Protection ......................................................... 35

Potential Koala Habitat Assessment ................................................................................................... 35

Core Koala Habitat Assessment .......................................................................................................... 35

Section 62 Consultation - Biodiversity ..................................................................................................... 36

5.2.2 Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 ................................................................... 37

5.2.3 Native Vegetation Act ...................................................................................................... 37

5.2.4 Water Management Act 2000 .......................................................................................... 37

6 Strategic Biodiversity Assessment ........................................................................................ 38

6.1 Biodiversity values ................................................................................................................. 38

6.2 Adjoining land uses and Landscape review .......................................................................... 46

6.3 Population viability review ...................................................................................................... 46

6.3.1 Population viability of immobile species .......................................................................... 46

6.3.2 Population viability of species with high site fidelity ........................................................ 46

6.3.3 Summary and response to population viability review .................................................... 47

6.4 Consideration of conservation and development options ...................................................... 47

6.4.1 Rational ............................................................................................................................ 47

6.4.2 Ecological Constraints Mapping ...................................................................................... 48

7 Related Land Use Issues ....................................................................................................... 52

7.1 Infrastructure provision .......................................................................................................... 52

7.2 Bush fire Management requirements .................................................................................... 52

8 Biodiversity Planning Recommendations .............................................................................. 52

8.1 Development Planning Principles and recommendations ..................................................... 53

8.2 Management of conservation areas ...................................................................................... 54

9 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................. 56

References .............................................................................................................................................. 58

Appendix A - Threatened Species, Populations and Ecological Communities .............................. 63

Appendix B - Species List........................................................................................................................ 79


© E C O L O G I C AL A U S T R AL I A P T Y LT D iv

Appendix C - Threatened Flora Data ...................................................................................................... 85

Appendix D - Hollow-Bearing Tree Data ................................................................................................. 92

Appendix E - Bat species identified using Anabat recordings ............................................................... 102

Appendix F – Floristic Plot Data ............................................................................................................ 103

List of Figures

Figure 1: Locality Map ............................................................................................................................. 5

Figure 2: Wyee Squirrel Glider Conservation Priority Corridor Network .............................................. 10

Figure 3: Flora methods. ...................................................................................................................... 14

Figure 4: Fauna methods. .................................................................................................................... 18

Figure 5: Vegetation communities ........................................................................................................ 24

Figure 6: Threatened flora records and EEC’s. Note: Threatened plant data and finer scaled maps

provided in Appendix C. ........................................................................................................................ 25

Figure 7: Hollow bearing tree results. Note: Data and finer scaled maps provided in Appendix D. ..... 28

Figure 8: Fauna and habitat values ...................................................................................................... 32

Figure 9: Landscape context and connectivity ...................................................................................... 45

Figure 10: Ecological Constraints Map ................................................................................................. 51

Figure 11: Threatened Flora Part 1 ....................................................................................................... 86

Figure 12: Threatened Flora Part 2 ....................................................................................................... 87

Figure 13: Hollow Bearing Trees Part 1 ................................................................................................ 92


Figure 15: Hollow Bearing Trees Part 3 ............................................................................................... 94



© E C O L O G I C AL A U S T R AL I A P T Y LT D v


List of Tables

Table 1: Trapping effort undertaken between the 16th – 20

th March 2009. ........................................... 15

Table 2: Anabat results .......................................................................................................................... 29

Table 3: Section 62 Consultation .......................................................................................................... 36

Table 4: Summary of biodiversity values within the study area ............................................................ 40

Table 5: Tetratheca juncea data. ........................................................................................................... 88

Table 6: Angophora inopina data. ......................................................................................................... 88

Abbreviations

ABBREVIATION DESCRIPTION

DEC Department of Conservation DECC Department of Climate Change EEC Endangered Ecological Community ELA Eco Logical Australia EP&A Act Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 EPBC Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 JANIS LEP Local Environmental Plan LES Local Environmental Study LMCC Lake Macquarie City Council MU Map Unit NES National Environmental Significance NV Act Native Vegetation Act 2003 SAT Spot Analysis Technique SEPP State Environmental Planning Policy TSC Act Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 WM Act Water Management Act 2000


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Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd Ph - (02) 4910 0125

Ecological Assessment, GIS, Environmental Management and Planning Fax - (02) 4910 0126

1 Executive Summary

Conics engaged Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd to undertake a Biodiversity Study of an area of land at

Wyee. The study will be used to inform the preparation of a draft Local Environmental Study to

identify ecological values and inform subsequent land use planning and zoning. This study has

addressed the objectives set by Lake Macquarie City Council, as follows;

1. Review available information for the land and its vicinity (including regional context, databases

and studies undertaken for the site and land in the general area).

Information reviewed as part of this study included regional biodiversity strategies, local studies such

as the Wyee Ecological Attributes Study and Wyee Squirrel Glider Study, a previous ecological study

undertaken by Travers Environmental (2008) on Area A and routine flora and fauna databases such

as Atlas for Wildlife and BioNet.

2. Undertake field surveys to confirm biodiversity values of the site, targeting threatened species

and endangered ecological communities. Survey and reporting is required to meet the

requirements of the Lake Macquarie Flora and Fauna Survey Guidelines (LMCC 2001). This

would quantify as far as possible the quality, condition, extent, significance, and connectivity of

native vegetation and habitat on the site.

Survey methodology and effort in the Biodiversity Study was formulated to comply with the

requirements of the Lake Macquarie City Council Flora and Fauna Survey Guidelines (LMCC 2001).

Thorough field investigations, including vegetation community validation, vegetation surveys, targeted

threatened flora searches, hollow-bearing tree surveys, diurnal bird surveys, Elliot and cage trapping,

harp trapping, Anabat, call playback, spotlighting, koala scat searches, threatened bird surveys and

opportunistic observations, were employed in Area B of the study area.

A total of six vegetation communities were identified during field work including two EEC’s, 153 flora

species including 25 exotic species, and 68 fauna species including 6 exotic species.. A total of six

threatened species were recorded within the study area. A further six additional threatened species

are considered likely to occur based on local occurrence and known habitat requirements. The study

area contains a range of habitat resources for these threatened species including foraging, roosting

and nesting resources.

3. Summarise the ecological values of the land (at landscape and site scales), and identify

issues relating to the ecological requirements and viability of each significant species,

population and/or vegetation community occurring within the area.

The ecological values, such as the location and extent of threatened species or EEC’s, hollow bearing

trees and local and regional corridors, have been provided and mapped. Ecological or biodiversity

values have been summarised and the viability of significant species, populations and communities

have been discussed.


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4. Identify the strategic biodiversity planning issues (e.g. key biodiversity values, population

viability and landscape context, fragmentation of native vegetation, connectivity requirements,

zoning requirements). This is to enable:

i. subsequent review of the ecological consequences of options for future urban

structure; and

ii. evaluation of the extent to which these options meet Lifestyle 2020 objectives.

Strategic biodiversity planning issues have been identified, based on survey findings of threatened

biodiversity, local and regional studies. This includes findings of key biodiversity values, consideration

and maintenance of population viability and landscape connectivity.

Based on these findings, a rationale of ecological constraints has been presented and mapped. High

Ecological Constraint areas encompass key biodiversity values, both local and regional corridors.

High Ecological Constraint areas should be the focus of conservation zoning. Conservation of these

areas would adequately address the Lake Macquarie City Council Biodiversity Planning Principles for

Local Environmental Plan Rezoning and the Lifestyle 2020 objectives.

Moderate Ecological Constraint areas constitute areas of slightly lesser biodiversity constraint, though

would provide valuable addition to any future conservation zoning. These areas should be retained

where possible though, if rezoned for development, would not result in significant implications.

Areas of Low Ecological Constraint should be the principle focus of development zoning.

5. Recommend principles for long-term conservation of important biodiversity values on the site.

Recommendations for long-term conservation of important biodiversity values have been presented in

the biodiversity planning recommendations. Recommendations have been aligned with the ecological

constraints mapping, whereby the conservation of High Ecological Constraint areas will provide for the

long-term conservation of the important biodiversity values.


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2 Introduction Lake Macquarie City Council engaged Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd (ELA) to undertake a Biodiversity

Study of an area of land within Wyee. The study will be used to inform in the preparation of a draft

Local Environmental Study (LES) to identify ecological values and inform subsequent land use

planning.

This report has given consideration to threatened flora, fauna, populations, migratory species and

endangered ecological communities (EEC) listed under the Threatened Species Conservation Act

1995 and the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Consideration has

also been given to local government biodiversity planning considerations.

The objectives of the biodiversity study were to:




and EEC’s. Survey and reporting is required to meet the requirements of the Lake Macquarie

Flora and Fauna Survey Guidelines (2001). This would quantify the quality, condition, extent,

significance, and connectivity of native vegetation and habitat on the site.








structure; and



2.1 THE STUDY AREA

The study area is located southwest of Wyee in the Lake Macquarie LGA. The study locality is defined

as the area within 10km of the study area, as shown in Figure 1. The study area comprises

approximately 153 hectares of land, and is divided into the two portions identified by Council as Area

A and Area B, as shown in Figure 1. Mannering Creek and the associated riparian corridor occur in

the northern portion of the study area. Area A is zoned 1(1) Rural Production, except for the

Mannering Creek riparian corridor which is zoned 7(1) Conservation (Primary) and 7(2) Conservation

(Secondary). The northern section of Area B is zoned 7(5) Environmental (Living), the middle area is

zoned 6(1) Open Space with a small area of 5 Infrastructure, and the remainder of Area B is zoned

1(1) Rural Production. The study area is bounded by Hue Hue Road in the northwest and Mannering


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Creek to the north, Gorokan Road to the east and Bushells Ridge Road to the south. The western

boundary of the study area adjoins remnant native vegetation and is partially bounded by Digary Road

(refer to Figure 1).

Area A lands have been the subject of previous flora and fauna investigations undertaken by Travers

Environmental (2008) and, although included in the overall study area, investigations have been

refined to validating the findings of this previous report.

Area B lands occupy the eastern portion of the overall study area and have been subject to detailed

flora and fauna investigations in this current study.

Much of the native vegetation within the study area has been subject to varying levels of past

disturbance, including clearing for paddocks, vehicle tracks and unauthorised residential development

in the way of sheds and small houses.

WY E E L E S B io d i v e r s i t y S t u d y

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Figure 1: Locality Map


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3 Identification of Biodiversity Context, Objectives and Strategic Principles

3.1 REGIONAL PLANS

3.1.1 Lower Hunter Regional Strategy 2006-2031

Future rezoning proposals must be consistent with the Lower Hunter Regional Strategy under Section

117(2) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) Direction 5.1. The Lower

Hunter Regional Strategy identifies a vision for future development in the region in line with forecast

projections. It contains land use objectives and a set of planning principles that are to be applied to

subsequent planning in the area. Rezoning proposals in the study area will need to demonstrate a

‘maintain or improve principle’ as required by the Lower Hunter Regional Strategy.

3.1.2 Lower Hunter Regional Conservation Plan (2006)

The Lower Hunter Regional Conservation Plan’s objective is to guide local level planning with the aim

to maintain and improve the biodiversity conservation values including habitat connectivity for

threatened flora and fauna of the region.

The principles of biodiversity planning adopted in the draft Plan are:

• to maintain and improve ecological processes and the dynamics of terrestrial ecosystems in their landscape context

• to maintain and improve viable examples of terrestrial ecosystems throughout their natural ranges

• to maintain and improve viable populations of the various biological organisms throughout their natural ranges

• to maintain and improve the genetic diversity of the living components of terrestrial ecosystems.

The key priorities for biodiversity planning in relation to improving or maintaining biodiversity values

are:

• the first priority is– to avoid losses to biodiversity and promote protection of biodiversity values in situ

• the second priority, where first priority is unachievable is– to mitigate adverse impacts to biodiversity

• the last resort is to compensate for unavoidable losses to biodiversity.” Appendix 1 of the draft Plan contains offsetting principles for this purpose.


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The draft Plan summarises the ecological attributes for the Western Lake Macquarie and Wyee area

to include the following:

• A diverse range of vegetation communities, most of which are not adequately represented in the reserve system including Swamp Sclerophyll Forest on Coastal Floodplain, (an EEC), Tetratheca juncea and Acacia bynoeana (threatened flora species);

• Habitat for a number of threatened species including a large number of threatened forest-dependent species such as forest bats, squirrel glider, yellow bellied glider, and forest owls;

• A range of wetland dependant threatened birds many of which are listed in international treaties such as the black bittern, Australasian bittern, blue billed duck, and comb crested jacana. Threatened woodland birds such as brown treecreeper are also present;

• An important linkage between the Watagan Mountains and Lake Macquarie, contributing to north - south conservation corridors. The native vegetation in the study area contributes to this regional corridor (refer to Figure 2).

3.1.3 Hunter Central Rivers Catchment Action Plan

The objective of the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Action Plan is to guide natural resource

management and future investments relating to natural resource issues in the catchment for the next

10 years. The Plan establishes goals, targets and actions to protect and improve the region’s natural

assets. The ecological planning principles underpinning the Plan are compatible with those

recommended in this Study.

3.2 LOCAL PLANS AND POLICIES

3.2.1 Lake Macquarie Local Environmental Plan 2004

The plan sets the framework for the land use structure within the LGA. It includes land use zones and

requirements for development. It also establishes what types of development may be permitted on a

particular parcel of land with the permission of Council. The study area is currently zoned 1(1) Rural

Production, 7(1) Conservation (Primary) and 7(2) Conservation (Secondary) under Lake Macquarie

LEP. Rezoning would be required to permit residential development within the study area.

3.2.2 Lake Macquarie Lifestyle 2020 Strategy Objectives

In recognition of the natural assets within the Lake Macquarie LGA, this strategy provides long-term

direction for land use within the LGA based on achieving the principles of ecological sustainable

development. The green system map provided within this document identifies the study area as a

combination of ‘High Value Habitat’, ‘Remnant Vegetation’, ‘Wetland’ and ‘Semi-Rural/ Open and

Agricultural Landscapes’. The Strategy objectives also include the protection of riparian habitat in

accordance with the Water Management Act.

3.2.3 Lake Macquarie City Council Biodiversity Planning Policy and Guidelines for LEP Rezoning Proposals (2009)

These principles provide consistent guidelines for Council’s approach to rezoning proposals, and for

the implementation of the biodiversity goal and strategic directions in the Lifestyle 2020 Strategy.

They were developed to guide future development within Lake Macquarie, and relate to:

• consideration of biodiversity in the planning process;

• identification of biodiversity values and natural ecosystems;


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• protection of areas to be conserved;

• ongoing management of conservation areas.

The specific Biodiversity Planning Principles have guided the approach to mapping ecological

constraints and developing recommendations for this Biodiversity Study.

3.2.4 Lake Macquarie City Council Tetratheca juncea Conservation Management Plan

This study presents survey and mapping data for black-eyed S (Tetratheca juncea) sub-populations in

the Lake Macquarie LGA (Payne 2000). The objective is to identify large populations of this species to

enable planning decisions for the conservation of large populations. The plan maps local populations

and a number of these are in the Wyee area. The site has the potential to support black-eyed S

therefore objectives of the plan are addressed in this report.

The current study area falls within the south-west quadrat of the management plan. Sub-populations

within this quadrat were considered as the most important for conservation because none of them are

protected within the reserve system.

Management requirements include retaining stepping stone clumps, increasing conservation in

sectors of the City where inadequately conserved, conserving morphological variants and conserving

populations setting seed. At least 75% of local sub-population must be retained on site.

3.2.5 Lake Macquarie Corridors Mapping

Bushland both within the site and directly adjacent, has been identified within the Lake Macquarie

Bushland and Corridors Map (2007) as a “corridor of native vegetation that contributes significantly to

the movement and viability of flora and fauna in the Lake Macquarie city”. This would include both

habitat suitable for threatened fauna foraging and potential breeding and roosting habitat, specifically

hollow-bearing trees.

3.2.6 Draft Wyee Structure Plan

The purpose of this Draft Strategic Plan is to inform the detailed planning and future development of

Wyee. The plan divides the township into a number of planning precincts, and identifies the land

comprising the current study site as being part of Precinct 4: Wyee West. Specific recommendations

relevant biodiversity management within the study area includes:

Area A

• Retention and conservation zoning of EECs and areas of suitable squirrel glider habitat (Major

Fragment E as shown in Figure 2).

• The following rehabilitation is recommended:

− a buffer adjacent to the swamp mahogany – paperbark forest EEC;

− the riparian areas and EECs along Mannering Creek;

− the squirrel glider habitat- Major Fragment E, and

− the corridors between Mannering Creek and the Spring Creek area.

Area B

• Retain connectivity within and to Area B

• Some rehabilitation is required along the western boundary of this area.


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• Some loss of squirrel glider habitat in this area could possibly be tolerated if other areas of

Coastal Plains Scribbly Gum woodland within Fragment E and corridors linking Fragment E

are retained and rehabilitated.

• Detailed site-specific flora and fauna surveys were considered required, particularly in the

areas where development potential has been identified. Such surveys have been

incorporated into this Biodiversity Study

The Ecological Constraints Mapping provided in Section 6.4.2 aims to address the objectives of the

structure plan.

3.2.7 Ecological Attributes Review for Wyee

The Ecological Attributes Review for Wyee was developed to inform the Wyee Structure Plan. In

general, the loss of high conservation value areas to urban development could be tolerated subject to

more detailed site investigation, as provided in this Biodiversity Study, and providing that other areas

are secured for conservation and rehabilitation.

The east-west arm of the Mannering Creek riparian corridor has been identified as an area in which

the vegetation should be retained, while the north-south arm requires restoration works of ‘important’

priority. An area along the western edge of Area B requires restoration works of ‘critical’ priority.

Subject to more detailed investigation including an analysis of habitat trees, some loss of squirrel

glider habitat in the Wyee West area could possibly be tolerated if other areas of Coastal Plains

Scribbly Gum woodland both within and linking to habitat fragments (i.e. Fragment E as shown in

Figure 2) are retained and rehabilitated.

These outcomes of this have been incorporated into the Ecological Constraints Mapping provided in

Section 6.4.2

3.2.8 Wyee Squirrel Glider Review

The major threat to the continuing presence of squirrel gliders within the study area is habitat clearing

and fragmentation, resulting in smaller habitat patches and increased isolation (MacDonald &

Economos-Shaw, 2008, p13).

Long term survival of the Wyee squirrel glider population depends on the retention and enhancement

of corridors within the township to allow for movement between habitat fragments and to maintain the

north-south regional corridor (LMCC 2008b, p34). Conceptual corridors detailed in the report included

retaining the east-west arm of the Mannering Creek riparian corridor and rehabilitating the north-south

arm (LMCC 2008b, p33). The Wyee Squirrel Glider report implies that the Wyee Structure Plan needs

to finalise conservation areas to be retained in the long term, plus corridor links between these areas.

The Ecological Constraints Mapping provided in Section 6.4.2 aims to address the objectives of this

review.


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Figure 2: Wyee Squirrel Glider Conservation Priority Corridor Network


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4 Identification of Biodiversity

4.1 METHODS

Survey methodology and effort in the Biodiversity Study was formulated to comply with the

requirements of the Lake Macquarie City Council Flora and Fauna Survey Guidelines (2001).

4.1.1 Data Audit

The data audit was based on analysis of environmental database searches including the Atlas of NSW

Wildlife, BioNet and the EPBC Act. Both searches included a 10 km radius around the site centred on

the study area (0358421E, 6327463N) to determine the local occurrence of threatened fauna and

listed migratory species, in accordance with State and Federal statutory requirements. These

searches were carried out on 24 February 2009.

An assessment of likelihood of occurrence was made for threatened and migratory species identified

from the database search. This assessment was based on database or other records, presence or

absence of suitable habitat within the study area, results of the field investigations and professional

judgement. Marine fauna species have been excluded from this assessment due to an absence of

available marine habitat.

The results of these searches and the likelihood of occurrence assessment can be found in Appendix

A.

4.1.2 Literature Review

Council have provided three relevant ecological reports that have been undertaken in the study area

and/or within the study locality. These reports have been reviewed, with results provided in Section

4.2, and include:

• Travers Environmental (2008): A flora and fauna assessment report undertaken in Area A of

the current study area. The results of this review detail the legislative requirements,

threatened species recorded or predicted within the site and the recommendations put

forward.

• Ecological Attributes Review for Wyee ( Lake Macquarie City Council, 2008a): The purpose of

this Ecological Attributes Review was to investigate the environmental values of the area on a

strategic level to guide future conservation areas and guide the retention and potential

improvement of bushland.

• Wyee Squirrel Glider Report (LMCC 2008b): This report focused on conservation significance

(primarily a function of population size and viability) and on identifying realistic land use

options and their implications for the future of the squirrel glider (Petaurus norfolcensis).

Minimum habitat sizes for maintaining population viability were calculated, as well as minimum

connectivity requirements. Likely barriers to connectivity have been identified to enable the

design of a land use pattern that maintains long-term connectivity.


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4.1.3 Field Survey

Detailed field investigations were carried out on 2nd

March and from 16thth to 20

th March 2009. The

local weather was mild to warm and sunny with a temperature range between 15 to 26C. On 16th

March 7.6mm of rain was recorded at Norah Head of recorded, while 0.2mm was recorded on 20th

March. No additional rain was recorded during this period.

The flora and fauna surveys were based on the methods described below and targeted threatened

species considered likely to be present within the study area. Survey effort has been adapted from

requirements detailed in Lake Macquarie City Council Flora & Fauna Survey Guidelines (2001).

In line with the possibility of offset requirements, the floristic survey methods have incorporated

Biobanking guidelines within the study area to allow for their adaptation to Biobanking if Lake

Macquarie City Council were to consider this option as part of a conservation offset strategy at a later

stage.

Area A lands have been the subject of a recent flora and fauna investigation undertaken by Travers

Environmental (2008) Therefore investigations in this area have been limited to validating the findings

of this previous report and surveying hollow-bearing trees.

Area B lands occupy the eastern portion of the overall study area and have been subject to detailed

flora and fauna investigations in this current study.

Flora Surveys

Vegetation Community Validation

Aerial photography, LHCCREMS vegetation map units, previous investigations (i.e. Travers 2008) and

ground truthing of vegetation communities was used to distinguish and map vegetation associations

across both Area A and Area B of the study area using Geographical Information System (GIS)

techniques. Vegetation communities were defined based on LHCCREMS vegetation map units.

Vegetation Surveys

Floristic composition of native vegetation was sampled within Area B using five 20x20m quadrats, one

40x10m quadrat and seven transects. Spot assessments of flora were also completed throughout the

site and included a rapid inspection and recording of species, particularly where species were seen

that had not previously been encountered or recorded. Locations of these surveys are shown in Figure

3.

Targeted threatened flora searches

Targeted surveys for threatened plants were carried out on three separate occasions over a 12 month

period and conducted within the known optimum flowering period to maximise detection of the

following species that were considered potential occurrences:

• Tetratheca juncea (black-eyed susan )

• Angophora inopina (charmhaven apple)

• Acacia bynoeana (Bynoe’s wattle)


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• Cryptostylis hunteriana (leafless tongue orchid)

• Caladenia tessellata (thick-lipped spider orchid)

• Diuris praecox (rough doubletail)

• Rutidosis heterogama (heath wrinklewort)

These surveys were carried out within Area B on 28 January 2009, 2nd

March and 16thth to 20

th March

2009, 8th October 2009 and 12th November 2009. This timing of survey effort was considered

adequate to maximise detection rates of the above species. The study area was traversed with search

efforts concentrated in preferred habitat for the species. GPS was used to record plant position and

number of plants was recorded together with area of occurrence to enable plant population density

estimates within the study site. Survey traverses were also logged to enable adequate site coverage.

In addition, the extent of Angophora inopina distribution mapped by Travers (2008) in Area A was also

validated.

Fauna Habitat

Fauna habitat assessments comprised an evaluation of forage and shelter resources within the study

area and per vegetation community. Attributes that were considered included:

• vegetation cover per strata;

• forage resources (i.e. Koala primary browse trees, sap feed trees, flowering trees and shrubs);

• availability of shelter sites

• number and extent of any standing or flowing water bodies; and

• disturbance history.

A hollow-bearing tree (HBT) survey was carried out on 17th March 2009. Both Area A and Area B was

traversed with all individual hollow-bearing trees being logged into a GPS for position and the following

information was recorded:

• Tree species

• Tree location

• Tree size (DBH)

• Hollow size class (<50mm; 50mm-150mm; >150mm) and position (Branch, Trunk, Basal, Trunk Fissure)

• Suitability for threatened species (i.e. evidence of use or general suitability)

• Comments.

Other information recorded included fauna species observed using hollows, and signs such as claw

scratch marks. Survey traverses were also logged to enable adequate site coverage.


14



Figure 3: Flora methods.


15



Fauna Surveys

Diurnal Bird Survey

Diurnal bird surveys were conducted during early morning on five consecutive days on 16th – 20

th

March 2009. Survey locations were the four trapping transects shown in Figure 4. A total of 5 person

hours was spent conducting bird surveys which consisting of slowly walking the length of survey

transects recording all birds seen or heard. Birds were also recorded opportunistically during other

survey methods, particularly early in the morning and in the late afternoon.

Elliot and Cage Trapping

Elliot trapping was used to survey for a range of terrestrial and arboreal mammals potentially occurring

within the study area. Arboreal traps were used to target the squirrel glider identified in database

searches and literature review. Four trapping transects were chosen based on presence of potential

habitat, and the trap night requirements for the vegetation communities present.

Both arboreal and terrestrial Elliot traps were baited with a mixture of rolled oats, peanut butter and

honey. Additionally, arboreal traps were sprayed during late afternoon daily with a mixture of water

and honey and attached to potential glider forage trees approximately 2.5 metres above the ground.

Cage traps baited with pilchards were used to survey for the spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus

maculatus). All traps were checked daily during early morning and rebaited and re-scented as

required. The total trap nights for each vegetation community are presented in Table 1 and the

location of the trap lines is shown in Figure 4.

Table 1: Trapping effort undertaken between the 16th

– 20th

March 2009.

Trap nights

Vegetation

Community

Coastal

Plains

Scribbly Gum

Woodland

Wyong

Paperbark

Swamp

Forest

Riparian

Melaleuca

Swamp

Woodland

Coastal Foothills

Spotted Gum –

Ironbark Forest

Total

Terrestrial

Elliot A traps

100 32 48 52 232

Terrestrial

Elliot B traps

76 32 44 48 200

Arboreal

Elliot B traps

40 12 12 12 76

Cage traps 24 - 4 4 32

Total nights

trapping

240 76 108 116 540


16



Call Playback

The powerful owl (Ninox strenua), masked owl (Tyto novaehollandiae), barking owl (Ninox connivens)

and the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) were targeted during call playback and associated

spotlighting. Surveys consisted of each call being played for approximately 5 minutes followed by a 5

minute listening period. Spotlighting was then used to augment the call playback and potentially

detect cryptic species following each call being played. This method was employed on 16th, 18

th and

19th March 2009 between 20:30 and 22:30 hrs, and on 11

th June 2009 between 17:30 and 19:30 hrs,

with a total of eight person hours. Call playback was used at three different locations within the study

area, as shown in Figure 4.

Harp Trapping and Ultrasonic Microchiropteran Bat Call Identification

Micro-chiropteran bats were surveyed using harp traps set in areas considered to be suitable bat flight

paths including clearings and along tracks within woodland and forest habitat. Harp traps were set for

two trap nights per vegetation community in locations detailed in Figure 4.

Ultrasonic call recording using an Anabat detector were set over three consecutive nights between the

17th - 19

th March 2009 in locations deemed to be potentially within bat flight paths including a portion of

Mannering Creek and near the junctions of bush tracks. A total of 27 hours of Anabat recording was

undertaken with Anabat locations are provided in Figure 4. Data was sent to bat expert Anna Lloyd for

analysis.

Nocturnal Spotlighting

A survey for nocturnally active fauna was conducted and involved traversing the study area at night

with a 100 watt hand-held spot light designed to detect eye shine of nocturnal fauna. The search

effort targeted arboreal fauna and was concentrated in the canopy and mid–strata levels of vegetation.

Nocturnal surveys were conducted on 16th, 18

th and 19

th March. Additional nocturnal surveys were

conducted on the 11th June 2009, specifically targeting suitable habitat for threatened forest owls

within woodland areas and wallum froglet (Crinia tinnula) (i.e. quiet listening for calls) within areas of

freshwater wetland in Area A. A total of eight person hours of was spent spotlighting. The locations of

spotlight traverses are presented in Figure 4.

Koala Scat Searches

Targeted searches for koala scats were carried out within the study area in areas where koala feed

trees were present at densities considered to represent Potential Koala Habitat, according to SEPP44

definition (i.e. greater than 15% of trees in the upper and lower canopy components), primarily in

areas of scribbly gum woodland. The method was adapted from Phillips and Callaghan (2001) Spot

Analysis Technique (SAT). A 100m by 100m grid was applied to areas of Potential Koala Habitat and

at each grid intersection the closest tree representing, in order of preference, a tree observed to have

contained a koala, a tree with recognised koala scats or scratches, or a Primary Browse Species listed

under Schedule 2 of SEPP44. This selected tree represented the centre tree and this and the nearest

20 trees were inspected for koala scats and scratches. All opportunistic observations of other scats

were also recorded (refer to Figure 4 for SAT locations).


17



Threatened Bird Surveys

Targeted surveys for swift parrot (Lathamus discolor) and regent honeyeater (Xanthomyza phrygia)

were carried out during winter to coincide with the local seasonal occurrence of these species.

Surveys were carried on Thursday 11th June and Tuesday 21

st July 2009 in woodland areas having

winter-flowering tree species. Areas of vegetation containing spotted gum (Corymbia maculata) and

swamp mahogany (Eucalyptus robusta) were targeted as shown in Figure 4 below. The total survey

effort was 4 person hours.


18



Figure 4: Fauna methods.


19



Opportunistic Observations and Secondary Evidence

Reptiles and frogs searches included hand searching below ground debris including leaf-litter, logs,

rocks and rubbish during cooler times during the day. In addition, birds were surveyed via

opportunistic observations, and other incidental recordings of indirect evidence of fauna were also y

recorded.

4.2 RESULTS

4.2.1 Data Audit

The results of data base searches for threatened flora and fauna and migratory species and ecological

communities that have been recorded within a 10km radius of the study area are presented in the

likelihood of occurrence table in Appendix A. All those species deemed likely to occur or confirmed as

occurring within the study area are presented in Section 6.

4.2.2 Literature Review

Ecological Assessment: Lots 16 & 17 DP 870597, Lot 215 860081, Lot 1 DP 785709 Hue Hue Road, Lot 212 DP 866437 Bushells Ridge Road, Lot 1 DP 244839 Digary Road, Wyee (Travers Environmental 2008)

A total of six vegetation communities were identified in Area A of the study area. Within these

communities two EEC’s were detected, swamp sclerophyll forest on coastal floodplains and river-flat

eucalypt forest on coastal floodplains.

A total of 6 threatened species were identified including black-eyed susan , Charmhaven apple,

greater broad-nosed bat (Scoteanax rueppellii), little bent wing-bat (Miniopterus australis), squirrel

glider and thick lip spider orchid (Caladenia tessellata). It was considered that an additional 8

threatened flora species and 27 threatened fauna species had potential to inhabit Area A.

The report concluded that if management recommendations were adhered to, the proposed

development will not have a significant impact on any threatened species, populations or EEC. These

recommendations included:

• Isolated clumps of A. inopina and T. juncea should be retained where possible, as should all areas

of fallen timber identified as habitat.

• Habitat trees should be retained where possible; else removal should be postponed until any

young present have matured. All suitable hollows should be salvaged and installed in the

proposed corridor areas.

• All fauna located in nests and roosts within the construction zone, or in dams to be drained and

filled should be relocated, as should fauna found utilising the creek-line for burrowing, nesting or

breeding.

• All conservation areas should be fenced prior to construction commencing. Where they adjoin

development areas they should be clearly marked.

• A Biodiversity Management Plan, including a water monitoring program, should be developed for

the site.


20



Ecological Attributes Review for Wyee (LMCC 2008a)

The Wyee Ecological Attributes Review (LMCC 2008a) indicated that a large proportion of the native

vegetation occurring within study area is comprised of several EECs, Sydney freshwater wetland,

swamp sclerophyll forest on coastal floodplain and river-flat eucalypt forest on coastal floodplain. A

total of 12 threatened flora and 9 threatened fauna records are listed for the current study area,

including 3 squirrel glider records.

Most of the remnant vegetation in the study area is listed as being ‘high conservation significance’.

Also a large section of Area B is identified as part of high quality squirrel glider habitat Fragment E

(see Figure 2). This area supports a number of habitat, food trees, and nectar producing species in

the understorey; however, has been progressively cleared and the squirrel glider habitat has become

fragmented.

Wyee Squirrel Glider Review (LMCC 2008b)

The Wyee Squirrel Glider Review (LMCC 2008b) details that the study area has previously had

squirrel gliders recorded within the study area and that all the native vegetation in the study area

represents potential squirrel glider habitat. This implies that the study area forms part of the habitat for

a population of the species occurring within the Wyong – Lake Macquarie area. The Wyee Squirrel

Glider Review (LMCC 2008b) has been considered in Section 6 of this report.

4.2.3 Field Survey

Flora Surveys

Vegetation Community Validation

Vegetation communities within the study area are relatively consistent with the vegetation community

profiles and mapping of LHCCREMS (2000) and Travers (2008) for the Area A portion. Six vegetation

communities were identified within the study area, including two EEC’s freshwater wetland on coastal

floodplains and swamp sclerophyll forest on coastal floodplain.

Figure 5 and the following sections provide the vegetation types and a complete list of flora species is

presented in Appendix B. The entire plot data collected has been provided in Appendix F.

Coastal Foothills Spotted Gum - Ironbark Forest (MU15) – 2.97 hectares

This vegetation community occurs up-slope from areas of Riparian Melaleuca Swamp Forest (MU 42)

vegetation along the Mannering Creek in the northwest parcel of Area B.

This community is in moderate to poor condition, suffering from a range of issues such as refuse

dumping and under-scrubbing. There are also a number of large infestations of exotic flora such as

*blackberry (Rubus fruticosus), *green cestrum (Cestrum parqui), *Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera

japonica), *lantana (Lantana camara) and *Madeira vine (Anredera cordifolia).

Canopy

Canopy species comprised spotted gum, smooth-barked apple (Angophora costata), turpentine

(Syncarpia glomulifera) and black she-oak (Allocasuarina littoralis).

Shrubs


21



Shrub species included ball honey myrtle (Melaleuca nodosa), coffee bush (Breynia oblongifolia),

elderberry panax (Polyscias sambucifolia), *green cestrum, gorse bitter pea (Daviesia ulicifolia) and

*lantana.

Ground covers

Ground cover species include bladey grass (Imperata cylindrica), blue flax lily (Dianella

caerulea),*Japanese honeysuckle, kangaroo grass (Themeda australis), pastel flower

(Pseuderanthemum variabile), weeping grass (Microlaena stipoides), whiteroot (Pratia purpurascens)

and wiry panic (Entolasia stricta).

Coastal Plains Scribbly Gum Woodland (MU 31) – 42.57 hectares

There are two parcels of this vegetation community in Area A, in the southeast corner and along the

eastern boundary. This community occupies the majority of the central and southeast portions of Area

B. These parcels are in moderate condition with a degree of disturbance from urban development,

trails and associated edge effects and weed invasion. A small area of this community in Area B and

adjacent to Mannering Creek has been under scrubbed.

Canopy

Canopy species comprise scribbly gum (Eucalyptus haemastoma), red bloodwood (Corymbia

gummifera), brown stringybark (Eucalyptus capitellata), black she-oak, and turpentine (Syncarpia

glomulifera).

Shrubs

Shrub species include fern-leaved banksia (Banksia oblongifolia), hairpin banksia (B. spinulosa),

Epacris pulchella, broad-leaved hakea (Hakea dactyloides), broad-leaf drumsticks (Isopogon

anemonifolius), mountain devil (Lambertia formosa) and slender tea-tree (Leptospermum trinervium).

Ground Covers

Ground covers included wiry panic, fish bones (Lomandra obliqua), two-colour panic (Panicum simile),

kangaroo grass, and grass tree (Xanthorrhoea sp).

Freshwater Wetland Complex (MU46) – 0.77 hectares

This vegetation community occurs within the water bodies situated in the Mannering Creek riparian corridor in Area A. The vegetation in the southwest arm of the corridor becomes degraded heading north as the buffer of surrounding vegetation becomes less dense and the drainage line is subject to trampling by stock. The east-west arm of the corridor is reasonably intact however a small oxbow is infested with *salvinia (Salvinia molesta), which is listed as a Class 3 aquatic noxious weed in Lake Macquarie. Based on the structure and floristic composition, the position in the landscape and on the assumption that the soils are alluvial, this community is considered to be freshwater wetland on coastal floodplains, which is listed an EEC under the Threatened Species Conservation Act (Figure 6). Due to the vegetation type, canopy and shrub layers are absent and strata are limited to the following ground covers.


22



Ground Covers

Tall spike rush (Eleocharis sphacelata), finger rush (Juncus subsecundus), Ludwigia peploides, water

couch (Paspalum distichum), spotted knotweed (Persicaria decipiens), frogmouth (Philydrum

lanuginosum), *salvinia, Triglochin microtuberosum and cambungi (Typha orientalis).

Riparian Melaleuca Swamp Forest (MU 42) – 4.81 hectares

This vegetation community occurs adjacent to freshwater wetland vegetation along the Mannering Creek riparian corridor. In the eastern stretch of the creek, in the parcel of remnant bushland, the vegetation is in good condition. Along the western stretch it is in moderate condition and infested by environmental weeds such as *Japanese honeysuckle and *blackberry. In the middle of Area A where the majority of the bushland has been cleared for paddocks, the riparian vegetation has been reduced to isolated clumps of spiny-headed mat-rush (Lomandra longifolia) and scattered trees and shrubs. Based on the structure and floristic composition, the position in the landscape and on the assumption that the soils are alluvial, this community is considered to be swamp sclerophyll forest on coastal floodplain, which is listed as an EEC under the Threatened Species Conservation Act (see Figure 6).

Canopy

Canopy species include lilly pilly (Acmena smithii), rough-barked Apple (Angophora floribunda), cabbage gum (Eucalyptus amplifolia) and swamp mahogany (E. robusta).

Shrubs

Shrub species include fern-leaved banksia, crimson bottlebrush (Callistemon citrinus), snow-in-summer (Melaleuca linariifolia) and prickly-leaved tea tree (Melaleuca styphelioides).

Ground Covers

Ground cover species include maiden hair fern (Adiantum aethiopicum), wiry panic, tall saw-sedge

(Gahnia clarkei), spiny-headed mat-rush, weeping grass and basket grass (Oplismenus aemulus).

Wyong Paperbark Swamp Forest (MU43) – 11.54 hectares

This community occurs adjacent to the riparian melaleuca swamp forest in areas of remnant vegetation within the Mannering Creek riparian corridor. It is in good condition with few infestations of environmental weeds. A melaleuca scrub variant of this community occurs along a drainage line running north-south through Area A and adjacent to two parcels of freshwater wetland complex along Mannering Creek, also in Area A. Based on the structure and floristic composition, the position in the landscape and on the assumption that the soils are alluvial, this community is considered to be swamp sclerophyll forest on coastal floodplain, which is listed as an EEC under the Threatened Species Conservation Act (see Figure 6).

Canopy

Canopy species included swamp mahogany and black she-oak

Shrubs

Shrub species comprised cheese tree (Glochidion ferdinandi), Sieber’s paperbark (Melaleuca sieberi),

snow-in-summer and ball honey myrtle.


23



Ground Covers

Species included tall sedge (Carex appressa), pennywort (Centella asiatica), blue flax lily, wiry panic,

tall saw-sedge, bladey grass, spiny-headed mat-rush, weeping grass, whiteroot (Pratia purpurascens)

and kangaroo grass.

Disturbed Grassland with Scattered Trees

This community is the remaining un-mapped area in Figure 5 and occurs throughout the majority of

Area A. Historically it has been cleared for agriculture. It comprises dense groundcovers of exotic and

native grasses and herbs with a few trees scattered across the area.

Canopy

Scattered canopy species occurred within this association and included smooth-barked apple, red

bloodwood and scribbly gum.

Ground Covers

Ground cover species comprised *Whisky grass (Andropogon virginicus), *narrow-leafed carpet grass

(Axonopus fissifolius), *quaking grass (Briza maxima), *shivery grass (Briza minor), whiteroot,

*fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis) and kangaroo grass.

Targeted Threatened Flora Searches

Of the species targeted during flora surveys, two threatened plant species were detected and mapped,

including Tetratheca juncea and Angophora inopina.

A total of 141 Tetratheca juncea individuals were detected during targeted surveys (Figure 6), as

shown in Appendix C which includes an appropriate scale map with labels and data recorded for each

point.

A total of 86 Angophoora inopina individuals were detected in Area A (Figure 6), with some addition to

those mapped in Travers (2008), while an additional 468 individuals were detected in Area B.

Appendix C includes an appropriate scale map with labels and data recorded for each point.


24



Figure 5: Vegetation communities


25



Figure 6: Threatened flora records and EEC’s. Note: Threatened plant data and finer scaled maps provided in Appendix C.


26



Fauna Habitat

Coastal Foothills Spotted Gum - Ironbark Forest

Hollow-bearing trees were not common within this association due to general forest age, though the

cover of both the canopy and understorey provided some perch refuges for passerines. Forage

resources comprised seasonal flowering Eucalypt and Angophora species, including Winter flowering

spotted gum considered suitable for the threatened seasonally occurring regent honeyeater and swift

parrot. The sub-canopy or understorey contained black she-oak that offered some potential forage for

glossy-black cockatoo. The understorey and ground cover was open and disturbed due to

disturbances such as clearing, walking tracks and dumping.

Coastal Plains Scribbly Gum Woodland

This association offered the greatest abundance of hollow-bearing trees due to both forest age and

the propensity of the species present, particularly scribbly gum. This includes a wide range of hollow

sizes suitable for hollow obligate species (Figure 7). A squirrel glider den tree was observed in the

southeast of the site, confirming this species presence and use of hollows within the study area.

Inflorescence resources comprised mostly Spring to Autumn season flowering Eucalypts, Corymbia

and Angophora species, including the scribbly gum, red bloodwood and smooth-barked apple.

Banksia spinulosa present in the shrub layer offers some Winter flowering resource. The sub-canopy

or understorey contained black she-oak providing some potential forage for glossy-black cockatoo.

Undisturbed areas of the understorey offered good ground and shrub cover, providing habitat for

common small terrestrial mammals such as brown antechinus (Antechinus stuartii).

Freshwater Wetland Complex

This association was simple in terms of vegetation structure and impacts include clearing for

agriculture and grazing pressures. The high density of ground covers is subject to wetting and drying

offered potential habitat for amphibian species, including possibly the wallum froglet (Crinia tinnula).

Riparian Melaleuca Swamp Forest

Hollow-bearing trees were not common within this association due to general forest age and historic

disturbances. Inflorescence resources comprised seasonal flowering Eucalypt and Melaleuca species,

including Winter flowering swamp mahogany considered suitable for the threatened seasonally

occurring regent honeyeater and swift parrot. The understorey and ground cover was relatively open

due to grazing.

Wyong Paperbark Swamp Forest

Hollow-bearing trees were not common within this association due to general forest age and historic

disturbances, such as agriculture. Inflorescence resources comprised seasonal flowering Eucalypt and

Melaleuca species, including Winter flowering swamp mahogany considered suitable for the

threatened seasonally occurring regent honeyeater and swift parrot.

Disturbed Grassland with Scattered Trees

This area offered little habitat value due to past and continued grazing. However, common grazing

species, such as eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus), were observed utilising this

association.


27



Hollow-bearing trees

A total of 137 hollow-bearing trees were recorded within both Area A and Area B. The wide range of

hollow diameter recorded represents suitable roosting and breeding habitat for a range of fauna

including threatened micro-chiropteran bats, squirrel glider and possibly forest owl species. A map

showing the locations of all hollow bearing trees is presented in Figure 7, while full data collected and

labelled hollow-bearing tree locations at an appropriate scale is presented in Appendix D.


28



Figure 7: Hollow bearing tree results. Note: Data and finer scaled maps provided in Appendix D.


29



Fauna Surveys

Bird Survey

A total of 38 bird species were recorded within the study area during diurnal bird surveys. All of these

bird species recorded are considered common woodland and farmland species within the Lower

Hunter region. A complete list of birds recorded is presented in Appendix B.

Elliot and Cage trapping

A squirrel glider was detected in an arboreal trap set in scribbly gum woodland. This species is listed

as Vulnerable under Schedule 2 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. Additional native

species trapped included those considered as commonly occurring in the Lower Hunter region, such

as the swamp rat (Rattus lutreolus), common brush-tailed possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), sugar

glider (Petaurus breviceps), brown antechinus (Antechinus stuartii), eastern water-skink (Eulamprus

quoyii) and eastern blue-tongue (Tiliqua scincoides). Exotic species trapped included black rat

(Rattus rattus) and house mouse (Mus musculus). Refer to Appendix B for a complete list of fauna

trapped.

Call playback

No threatened or targeted species were detected responding to call playback. Sugar gliders were

heard on several occasions vocalising, presumably in response to predator calls and general social

behaviours.

Harp Trapping and Ultrasonic Microchiropteran Bat Call Identification

Four bat species were positively identified via ultrasonic bat calls recorded by the Anabat detector

while an additional three species were recorded as probable identification (see Table 2). The east-

coast free tail bat (Mormopterus norfolkensis) was positively identified and is listed as Vulnerable

under Schedule 2 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. Several other threatened bat

species could not be positively identified by call, and as such are recorded as possible identification

(see Table 2 below).

Table 2: Anabat results

SPECIES TOTAL

SCIENTIC NAME COMMON NAME DEFINITE PROBABLE POSSIBLE

Chalinolobus gouldii Gould’s Wattled Bat 3 41

Chalinolobus dwyeri # Large-eared Pied Bat 1

Chalinolobus morio Chocolate Wattled Bat 10

Miniopterus schreibersii

oceanensis #

Eastern Bent-wing Bat 4

Mormopterus norfolkensis # East-coast Free tail Bat 4 38

Mormopterus sp.2 Eastern Free tail Bat 3 40


30



Scoteanax rueppellii # Greater Broad nosed Bat 1

Scotorepens orion Eastern Broad nosed Bat 1

Tadarida australis White-striped Free tail Bat 5

Vespadelus darlingtoni

Vespadelus pumilus

Large Forest Bat

Eastern Forest Bat

20

8

3

10

Vespadelus regulus Southern Forest Bat 4

Vespadelus vulturnus Little Forest Bat 9

Harp trapping recorded an eastern forest bat (Vespadelus pumilus). No threatened bat species were

recorded using harp traps.

Nocturnal Spotlighting

Two threatened species were detected via spotlighting, including the squirrel glider and grey-headed

flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus). Squirrel gliders, listed as Vulnerable under Schedule 2 of the

Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, were observed on two consecutive nights foraging

scribbly gum woodland within the study area. One male squirrel glider was recorded sheltering in a

hollow and this confirmed den tree has been mapped in Figure 8. Grey-headed flying-foxes, listed as

Vulnerable under both Schedule 2 of the TSC Act and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity

Conservation Act 1999, were recorded foraging within flowering red bloodwood in the scribbly gum

woodland within the study area. All other species observed are not listed as threatened, including the

common brush tail possum and common ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus).

Koala Scat Searches

A total of 12 SAT were undertaken in a grid pattern across Area B, with a total of 240 trees searched

for the presence of koala scats, claw marks on tree trunks, and animal presence. No koalas or signs

their activity were recorded. Several scats from other species were encountered opportunistically,

including feral goat (Capra hircus), eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) and red-necked

wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus).

Threatened Bird Surveys

Targeted threatened bird surveys were timed to coincide with winter-flowering eucalyptus species did

not record either the swift parrot or regent honeyeater.

Opportunistic Observations and Secondary Evidence

Glossy black-cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus lathami), listed as Vulnerable under Schedule 2 of the

Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, were observed flying above coastal plains scribbly gum

woodland. Other species recorded incidentally were considered common species and are listed in

Appendix B. Some anecdotal evidence was also recorded, based on conversations with local

residence, and included observations of koala over 15 years prior to the current surveys and an

observation of a spotted-tail quoll raiding chicken coops 3 months prior to the current surveys. Both

records were reportedly observed adjacent to Mannering Creek in the central north of the site. Other


31



species recorded included birds, frogs and reptiles common and widespread within the Lower Hunter

and have been included in Appendix B.


32



Figure 8: Fauna and habitat values


33



4.2.4 Compliance with Survey Guidelines and Survey Limitations

The survey design and intensity undertaken for Area B has generally been aligned with Lake

Macquarie City Council Flora and Fauna Survey Guidelines (2001). However, there was some

exception to strict adherence to these guidelines. In the case of vegetation survey, where vegetation

type areas were limited in Area B, such as Coastal foothills spotted gum –ironbark, Wyong Paperbark

Swamp Forest, Riparian Melaleuca Swamp Forest, multiple vegetation transects were not possible.

This exception was augmented by rapid spot assessments. Similarly, vegetation types limited in area

prevented the full extent of the survey guidelines suggested trapping effort. Despite this, the survey

effort undertaken for the study area is considered adequate in sampling the study areas biodiversity.

The DEC Threatened Biodiversity Survey and Assessment Guidelines (2004) were also compared to

this studies survey intensity. Survey intensity for nocturnal birds, whilst not undertaken in accordance

with the DEC (2004) guidelines (five visits for powerful owl and eight visits for masked owl), was

considered adequate in sampling for the locally occurring and predicted nocturnal bird species. Trap

nights using large terrestrial B traps (60 and 84 trap nights per vegetation type used in this study) and

wire cage traps (8 and 12 trap nights per vegetation type used in this study) did not conform to DEC

(2004), requiring 100 trap nights for large terrestrial B traps and 24 trap nights for wire cage traps per

vegetation type. However, overall this was not considered to be a limitation in sampling the

biodiversity within the study area.

Every effort has been undertaken to reduce survey limitations by conducting survey methods in

compliance with State Government and Council requirements. However, the following factors are

acknowledged as limitations on ecological survey methodology:

• The effect of unpredictable climatic conditions on fauna activity and detectability and flowering phenology;

• Unpredictable seasonal effects on faunal dispersal and distribution;

• The cryptic habits of some threatened flora and fauna species, and

• Statistical and probability factors

These factors are taken into consideration in relation to likelihood of occurrence, assessment of

potential impacts and discussion regarding threatened species within the study area. Where

limitations are considered likely to affect assessment of impacts, adjustment such as additional survey

effort may be recommended.


34



5 Relevant Statutory Provisions

5.1 FEDERAL

5.1.1 Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)

provides a national scheme for protecting the environment and conserving biodiversity values.

Approval from the Commonwealth Environment Minister is required under the EPBC Act if the action

(which can include a project, development, undertaking or activity) will, or is likely to, have a significant

impact on matters considered to be of national environmental significance (NES matters). NES

matters relevant to the proposal include species and ecological communities that are listed under the

Act. The EPBC Act does not define significant impact but identifies matters that are necessary to take

into consideration.

A total of 14 species listed under the EPBC Act were identified as either occurring or potentially

occurring on the study area based on known habitat preferences and local occurrence (see Section

6.1 and Appendix A). These species will require assessment under the EPBC Act following the

rezoning of the study area if a development application is to be submitted.

5.2 STATE

5.2.1 Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979

The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) is the principal planning legislation

for NSW, providing a framework for the overall environmental planning and assessment of

development proposals.

The EP&A Act places a duty on the determining authority to adequately address a range of

environmental matters including maintenance of biodiversity and the likely impact to threatened

species, populations or ecological communities (under the TSC Act – refer below).

There are 25 threatened species and 2 EECs listed under the TSC Act that have either been recorded

or are considered likely to occur within the study area (Appendix A). These species are likely to

require 7-Part Test assessments of significance under Section 5A of the EP&A Act with any

subsequent development application stage.

State Environmental Planning Policy 19 Bushland in Urban Areas

This policy relates to the conservation bushland within urban areas in NSW in relation to development

proposals. SEPP 19 applies to Lake Macquarie LGA and the bushland on the study area satisfies the

definition of bushland in the policy. Therefore Council is required to give priority to preserving

bushland and to have regard to the general and specific aims of the policy when preparing draft local

environmental plans. The objectives include


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• to retain bushland in parcels of a size and configuration which will enable the existing plant and animal communities to survive in the long term,

• to protect rare and endangered flora and fauna species,

• to protect habitats for native flora and fauna, And to

• to promote the management of bushland in a manner which protects and enhances the quality of the bushland and facilitates public enjoyment of the bushland compatible with its conservation

State Environmental Planning Policy 44 Koala Habitat Protection

This policy relates to the conservation of the koala and its habitat in NSW in relation to development

proposals. SEPP 44 applies within the Lake Macquarie LGA.

Potential Koala Habitat Assessment

Scribbly gum and swamp mahogany are the only listed primary koala browse trees under Schedule 2

of SEPP 44 that occur within the study area, with some portions offering densities of primary browse

trees greater than 15 percent of the upper and lower strata. As such, these portions of the study area

qualify as Potential Koala Habitat by SEPP 44 definition and a Core Koala Habitat assessment is

required. Furthermore, observations of vegetation on adjacent land suggests the site is well

connected to what appears to be Potential Koala Habitat within a large remnant to the south of the

study area, suggesting that it is feasible that the site is connected to habitat that could be used as a

broader foraging range for a local population.

Core Koala Habitat Assessment

According to SEPP44 definition:

Core Koala Habitat means an area of land with a resident population of koalas, evidenced by

attributes such as breeding females (that is, females with young) and recent sightings of and

historical records of a population.

The following observations have been considered in relation to this assessment.

• koalas were not recorded during site investigations, despite spotlighting, call playback and

SAT scat searches;

• the nearest known koala locality to the study area is approximately 3km to the north;

• Whilst land holder communications suggest that koala have been sighted adjacent to

Mannering Creek in the northeast of the study area within the last 15-20 years, this is not

considered a recent sighting.

Based on this, the site is not considered to offer high value habitat for koala. It is suggested, based on

local records, anecdotal observations and available habitat, that a low density population of koala

inhabits the broader locality. However, whilst the study area can be considered Potential Koala


36



Habitat, the lack of evidence of koala in the study area suggests the site is not subject to regular use

by a resident koala population and that it does not support Core Koala Habitat according to SEPP 44

definition.

Section 62 Consultation - Biodiversity

Lake Macquarie City Council received Section 62 consultation from the Department of Environmental

and Climate Change (DECC) (now the Department of Environment Climate Change and Water)

regarding the management of biodiversity within the LES planning area. Issues relevant to biodiversity

identified by DECC have been discussed in the table below.

Table 3: Section 62 Consultation

DECC Section 62 Response Discussion

Regional Corridor – Extending from

the southern boundary of the subject

land and into Wyong Shire LGA. This

corridor is of significant conservation

value and is being considered for

inclusion in the Regional

Conservation Plan for the Central

Coast. There is a need to maintain

and enhance sub-regional corridors

through the subject site and linking to

the regional corridor.

The regional and sub-regional or local corridor values

are discussed in Section 6.1 and are displayed in

Figure 9. This has been informed by regional and

local corridors identified in the Lake Macquarie City

Council Vegetation and Corridor mapping, the Wyee

Ecological Attributes Study and the Wyee Squirrel

Glider Study. Both local and regional corridors have

been accounted for within the High Ecological

Constraint areas in Figure 10.

Where impacts are proposed on areas

of biodiversity value, the proponent

should clearly demonstrate how they

propose to offset any loss in

biodiversity value to meet the

‘improve or maintain’ threshold.

The development zoning has not been defined to allow

a determination of whether an improve or maintain

outcome can be met. However, it is expected that any

native vegetation removed within the site (i.e.

particularly vegetation within Moderate and High

Constraint areas in Figure 10) would require

conservation offsets either by negotiation with Council

and DECCW or through a recognised offset

mechanism, such as the Biobanking Methodology, in

order to achieve an improve or maintain outcome.

The proposed LEP must adequately

consider relevant threatened species

provisions of the EP&A Act, SEPP44

Koala Habitat Protection, SEPP71

Coastal Protection and the NV Act.

Provisions pursuant of the EP&A Act, SEPP44 Koala

Habitat Protection and the NV Act have been

discussed in Section 5.2.1 and 5.2.3. SEPP71

Coastal Protection is not considered relevant to the

subject site, as the site is greater than 1km from the

Coast, is not within 1km of a coastal lake (Mannering

Lake is 1.2km to the east) and no coastal rivers occur

within 1km of the site.


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Potential direct and indirect impacts

on DECC estate, wilderness areas and

wild rivers and recognised areas of

high conservation value have been

adequately considered and avoided,

ameliorated or compensated as

appropriate.

No such area will be affected by rezoning or future

development proposals on the site.

Attention should be drawn to the

Commonwealth Environmental

Protection and Biodiversity

Conservation Act 1999.

The EPBC Act has been discussed in Section 5.1.1.

5.2.2 Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995

The Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) aims to protect and encourage the

recovery of threatened species, populations and ecological communities listed under the Act.

Obligations on Councils include consideration of threatened species, populations, ecological

communities and recovery plans in fulfilling their statutory responsibilities under the EP&A Act.

There are 25 threatened species and 2 EECs listed under the TSC Act that have either been recorded

or are considered likely to occur within the study area (Appendix A). These species are likely to

require 7-Part Test assessments of significance under Section 5A of the EP&A Act with any

subsequent development application stage.

5.2.3 Native Vegetation Act

The Native Vegetation Act 2003 (NV Act) aims to conserve and manage native vegetation through

regulation of native vegetation clearing. It provides for the encouragement and promotion of the

management of native vegetation on a regional basis in the social, economic and environmental

interests of the State. Management of native vegetation must have regard to its contribution to water

quality, biodiversity and land degradation. It also provides a mechanism to improve the condition of

existing native vegetation. Although the NV Act can provide guidance in regard to offsetting and the

requirements under the ‘improve or maintain’ principle, the Act does not apply at the rezoning stage.

5.2.4 Water Management Act 2000

The Rivers and Foreshores Improvement Act 1948 has recently been repealed and the controlled

activity provisions in the Water Management Act 2000 (WM Act) have now commenced. A controlled


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activity approval under the WM Act is required for certain types of developments and activities that are

carried out in or within 40m of a river, lake or estuary.

The WM Act provides a number of mechanisms for protection of water sources via the water

management planning process. If a ‘controlled activity' is proposed on ‘waterfront land', an approval is

required under Section 91 (2) of the WM Act. ‘Controlled activities' include; the construction of

buildings or carrying out of works; the removal of material or vegetation from land by excavation or any

other means; the deposition of material on land by landfill or otherwise. ‘Waterfront land' is defined as

‘the bed of any river or lake, and any land lying between the river or lake and a line drawn parallel to

and 40 metres inland from either the highest bank or shore’.

Approvals for controlled activities are administered by the NSW Department of Water and Energy

(DWE). DWE have developed a set of guidelines to assist applicants who are considering carrying out

a controlled activity on waterfront land. The guidelines provide information on the design and

construction of a controlled activity, and other mechanisms for the protection of waterfront land and

include:

• In-stream works

• Laying pipes & cables in watercourses

• Outlet structures

• Riparian corridors

• Vegetation Management Plans

• Watercourse crossings

These guidelines are available from: http://www.dnr.nsw.gov.au/water/controlled_activity.shtml

The permit typically requires the preparation of a Vegetation Management Plan. The proponents’

responsibility under the WM Act is to assess impact and adjacency to ‘waterfront land’ i.e. within 40m

and to apply guidelines for permits required under s91 of the WM Act. The drainage line flowing north

through the centre and west of the study area are first order streams, requiring a buffer of at least 10m

from the top of bank plus an additional 10m vegetation buffer and approvals will be required under s91

of the WM Act for any works within 40m of these.

Mannering Creek is a second order stream and requires a 20m buffer from the top of bank plus an

additional 10m vegetation buffer. Appropriate riparian buffer width need to be applied in accordance

with the Water Management Act. These buffers have been applied to the ecological constraints map

(Figure 10), and have been incorporated into the High Constraint areas.

6 Strategic Biodiversity Assessment 6.1 BIODIVERSITY VALUES

The study area was found to provide a range of biodiversity values, including general provision of

habitat and connectivity; and threatened and migratory species, and EEC’s listed under the TSC Act


39



and/or EPBC Act recorded or considered likely to occur within the study area. Table 4 below provides

a summary of all biodiversity values within the study area.


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Table 4: Summary of biodiversity values within the study area

BIODIVERSITY VALUE SUMMARY

Biodiversity Overall the site offers moderate to high biodiversity value. Edge effects from adjoining and internal land uses (i.e. paper

subdivision and agricultural land use) have to some degree diminished the biodiversity values of the site, with disturbances such as

dumping, trail encroachment and weed invasion evident. Weed invasion is a particular problem within Mannering Creek. Despite

these aspects which diminish the biodiversity value of the site, several threatened species, EEC’s and the landscape context (i.e.

connectivity) of the site elevate the biodiversity value of the site (refer to Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9).

In terms of habitat values, forage resources are diverse, and include seasonal flowering resources (nectar and pollen) of Eucalypt

and Corymbia species, in particular the winter flowering swamp mahogany and spotted gum. Sap resources are also present from

reported incision trees, such as red bloodwood, spotted gum and scribbly gum. Insect abundance was considered to be

reasonable, though seasonable, and the grassy understorey offers seed for granivores. A variety of foraging substrates was also

available, log debris and seasonal shedding of bark. The forest structure was also considered diverse, in terms of foraging habitat

for Micro-chiropteran bats, with cleared trails and openings/edges favouring foraging for forest interface species and more intact

though open woodland communities favouring supra-canopy and aerial intercept species (e.g. yellow-bellied sheath tail bat, little

and common bent-wing bats and east coast free-tail bat).

Nesting and roosting structures are also available with a variety of hollow sizes (refer to Appendix D). There is good diversity of

flora and fauna species present on site (refer to Appendix B), with field surveys recording 38 bird species, 7 bat species (including

three recorded as probable identifications), 11 native mammal species and 10 species of herpetofauna.

Six vegetation communities were recorded:

• coastal plains scribbly gum woodland

• coastal foothills spotted gum – ironbark forest

• Wyong paperbark swamp forest

• riparian melaleuca swamp woodland

• fresh water wetland complex


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• disturbed grassland with scattered trees

Habitat Condition The vegetation communities on site are largely in good condition with 59 large hollow bearing trees and 78 small to medium hollow bearing trees, including a confirmed squirrel glider den tree.

Natural regeneration was evident throughout the study area.

Several parcels of bushland are disturbed including the coastal plains scribbly gum woodland in Area B and vegetation adjacent to

Mannering Creek in the north-east of the study area. The vegetation in the former area is in moderate condition, suffering from

weed invasion, refuse dumping and edge effects. The vegetation in the latter area is in poor to moderate condition, and suffers

from serious weed infestation and refuse dumping.

Local and Regional

Significance

Several different corridor types have been identified in the Wyee Structure Plan (2009). With reference to Figure 9, these include:

• Mannering Creek Riparian Corridor

• Regional Wildlife Pathway – two arms extend into the study area from the south

• Several corridors of remnant native vegetation and partially cleared native vegetation occur across the study area.

The study area is well connected to vegetation to the south, which should be supported and improved in the context of connectivity through the site for any future rezoning of the study area.

The study area offers critical local significance and has the potential to provide improvements to the local conservation and corridor

matrix in the locality. Several studies have been conducted for the Wyee area by Lake Macquarie City Council, including the Wyee

Structure Plan (LMCC & Hunter Strategy, 2009), Wyee Ecological Attributes Study (LMCC 2008a) and Draft Wyee Squirrel Glider

Review (LMCC 2008b). These studies highlight the important biodiversity contributions within the study area, such as Major

Fragment E and important movement corridors through the study area (see Figure 2). These values should be retained and

improved through future rezoning of the study area and have been included in the ecological constraints mapping in Figure 10.

Vegetation Community

Significance

The Lower Hunter Regional Environmental Strategy has adopted the JANIS targets for conservation of vegetation communities.

Therefore:

• 15% reservation of the pre-1750 distribution of each forest ecosystem.

• Where forest ecosystems are recognised as vulnerable, then at least 60% of their remaining extent should be reserved.

Three of the vegetation communities within the study area are classed as vulnerable according to JANIS definition (i.e. >70%


42



cleared of pre-1750 extent or subject to continuing and significant threatening processes) and correspond with two EEC’s, with

Wyong Paperbark Swamp Forest and Riparian Melaleuca Swamp Woodland corresponding with Swamp Sclerophyll Forest on

Coastal Floodplains of the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions and Freshwater Wetland Complex

being Freshwater wetlands on coastal floodplains of the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner bioregions.

The ecological constraints mapping (Figure 10) aims to retain EEC’s. The majority of Coastal Plains Scribbly Gum Woodland has

also been included within the High Constraint Area, due to its relatively high percent cleared figure and for its contribution to

landscape connectivity.

Vegetation Community Estimated percent cleared in the Hunter Central Rivers Sub-region (Biometric vegetation type).

Coastal Foothills Spotted Gum Ironbark Forest 45%

Coastal Plains Scribbly Gum Woodland 60%

Wyong paperbark swamp forest

75%

Fresh water wetland complex 80%

Riparian melaleuca swamp woodland 75%

Threatened, migratory

species and EEC’s

recorded or considered

likely

Species or EEC Recorded EPBC Act TSC Act

Australasian bittern (Botaurus poiciloptilus) - M

cattle egret (Ardea ibis) - M

east coast free tail bat (Mormopterus norfolkensis) Yes - V

eastern bent-wing bat (Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis) Yes - V

little bent-wing bat (Miniopterus australis) - V

eastern false pipistrelle (Falsistrellus tasmaniensis) Yes - V

great egret (Ardea alba) - M

glossy black-cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami) - V


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grey-headed flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) - V V

koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) - V

large-eared pied bat (Chalinolobus dwyeri) - V

large-footed myotis (Myotis adversus) - V

Latham’s snipe (Gallinago hardwickii) - M

masked owl (Tyto novaehollandiae) - V

powerful owl (Ninox strenua) - - V

regent honeyeater (Xanthomyza phrygia) - E, M E

spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculates) - E V

squirrel glider (Petaurus norfolcensis) Yes - V

swift parrot (Lathamus discolour) - E E

wallum froglet (Crinia tinnula) - V

white-throated needle tail (Hirundapus caudacutus) - M -

yellow-bellied sheath tail-bat (Saccolaimus flaviventris) - V

black-eyed (Tetratheca juncea) Yes V V

Bynoe’s wattle (Acacia bynoeana) - E V

Charmhaven apple (Angophora inopina) Yes V V

heath wrinklewort (Rutidosis heterogama) - V V

leafless tongue orchid (Cryptostylis hunteriana) - V V

rough double tail (Diuris praecox) - V V

thick lip spider orchid (Caladenia tessellata) - V E


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Freshwater Wetland on coastal floodplains Yes EEC

Swamp sclerophyll forest on coastal floodplain Yes EEC


45



Figure 9: Landscape context and connectivity


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6.2 ADJOINING LAND USES AND LANDSCAPE REVIEW

The study area is situated within the Wyee township, with adjoining land uses including rail and road

corridors, urban matrix, rural residential development and agricultural land uses in the adjacent area.

Rural residential lands occur to the north of the study area. The northern railway line and adjacent

roads form the eastern boundary and urban matrix interspersed with scattered vegetation occurs

further to the east. Beyond Bushells Ridge Road to the south, a large contiguous patch of remnant

vegetation extends to the far south and into Wyong LGA. Fragmented remnant vegetation associated

with Mannering Creek extends to the west of the study area and is eventually bisected by the F3

Freeway.

6.3 POPULATION VIABILITY REVIEW

The biodiversity reported as occurring or likely to occur within this study area generally are considered

to form portions of viable populations utilising not only habitat within the site but also adjoining habitats

in the nearby locality, in particular within remnant vegetation to the south. This is particularly the case

for wide ranging species such as the powerful owl and masked owl, having home ranges of up to

4800ha and 1178ha, respectively (Kavanagh and Murray 1996; Kavanagh 1997; Soderquist and

Gibbons 2007). Similarly, the study area contributes marginal importance in supporting viable

populations of more mobile species, such as some birds. In order to maintain viable populations of

these groups of species it is important to retain areas of remnant vegetation, preferably large

remnants for forest owls, though these groups are less specific in the requirements for remnant

separation and corridor metrics due to their greater mobility.

In contrast, it is important to manage population viability for biodiversity with greater site fidelity

including immobile species (i.e. threatened plants), species with home ranges generally less than

10ha (e.g. gliders) and/or species utilising specific habitat features such as hollows within the study

area.

6.3.1 Population viability of immobile species

Tetratheca juncea is one threatened plant that has been recorded within the study area. According to

the Lake Macquarie City Council Tetratheca juncea Conservation Management Plan and Lake

Macquarie City Council – Biodiversity Planning Policy and Guidelines for LEP Rezoning Proposals

August 2009, key planning considerations to maintain viability of the species include retaining stepping

stone clumps (i.e. plants that are within 500m of other sub-populations) and at least 75% of the sites

sub-populations. There is also a need to conserve populations setting seed. Angophora inopina has

also been recorded and mapped within the study area and should be retained within conservation

zonings formed by contiguous remnant vegetation.

6.3.2 Population viability of species with high site fidelity

In the Wyee area, the squirrel glider has been used successfully as a surrogate species in order to

account for adequate conservation of forest habitats and the habitats of a range of fauna groups,

including species with high site fidelity (LMCC 2008; Smith 2002). In line with maintaining viable

squirrel glider populations, the Lake Macquarie City Council – Biodiversity Planning Policy and

Guidelines for LEP Rezoning Proposals (LMCC 2009) suggests maintaining habitat size and shape


47



(minimum 4 ha patches) not more than 1.0 km apart, with suitable vegetated links having gaps <35

metres wide.

The Wyee Squirrel Glider Review indicates that remnants greater than 250 ha or populations of more

than 90 individuals should have close to 100% probability of surviving in the short term (for a period of

about 40-60 years) (LMCC 2008; Smith 2002). Over the long term (>100 years), such populations may

require periodic renewal or genetic enrichment (LMCC 2008; Smith 2002).

The Wyee Squirrel Glider Review suggests that it is appropriate to consider the short term viability of

each habitat fragment within the Wyee locality as an isolated fragment and based on the area and

potential population of each individual fragment. Major Habitat Fragment E is the relevant habitat

fragment for the current LES study area (refer to Figure 2) and is at a minimum 250ha in area,

including adjacent remnant area, and is therefore viable in the short term. However, for the population

of squirrel gliders to be viable in the long term strong corridors connecting between remnants both in

the locality and broader region is of critical importance (LMCC 2008b; Smith 2002).

6.3.3 Summary and response to population viability review

The Ecological Constraints Mapping and Biodiversity Planning Recommendations provided in Section

6.4.2 and 8 have been designed to retain remnants of vegetation containing specific habitat elements

that are well connected to remnant vegetation outside of the study area. The Ecological Constraints

Mapping is the outcome of reviews of studies and policy for the locality and region and has been

designed to allow for the maintenance of viable populations of biodiversity.

6.4 CONSIDERATION OF CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS

Developing conservation options for the study area is to be based on the information collected and

presented Section 4 and aim to conserve areas of high biodiversity value. Regionally significant

vegetation communities and EEC’s occur within the study area, several threatened flora and fauna

species have been recorded or are considered likely to occur (Table 4) and adequate conservation of

well connected habitats for these species is critical in order to maintain population viability and

ecosystem function.

The ecological constraints assessment that follows aims to provide direction for recommendations that

will prevent impacts of significance on the threatened biodiversity observed or likely to occur within the

study area.

6.4.1 Rational

This ecological constraints assessment has been undertaken by classifying the biodiversity value of

the land within the study area based on the threatened flora and fauna species, their habitat, EEC’s,

landscape connectivity and other biodiversity values identified in Section 6.1. In particular, constraints

are designed to address Lake Macquarie City Council – Biodiversity Planning Policy and Guidelines

for LEP Rezoning Proposals August 2009 and is guided by the outcomes of the Wyee Squirrel Glider

Review (LMCC 2008b) and Wyee Ecological Attributes Study (LMCC 2008a).

More specifically, in the mapping provided below, areas of High Ecological Constraint, including

Option – High Ecological Constraint, serve to achieve the requirements of Lake Macquarie City

Council – Biodiversity Planning Policy and Guidelines for LEP Rezoning Proposals August 2009. The

Option – High Ecological Constraint has been provided as an optional development zoning area, due

to the existing paper subdivision and residents and based on discussions with Council.


48



Areas of Moderate Ecological Constraint would provide a valuable addition to the conservation

footprint, though is in addition to the requirements of the Lake Macquarie City Council – Biodiversity

Planning Policy and Guidelines for LEP Rezoning Proposals August 2009.

In accordance with the principles of improve or maintain, the approach to development prospects in

areas of High and Moderate Ecological Constraint is to firstly avoid, then mitigate and as a last resort

offset the impacts of development through an appropriate offset strategy. Conservation offsets should

be developed through a conservation offset strategy and offsetting actions may include retaining and

rehabilitating areas of Moderate Ecological Constraint, such as the Regional Wildlife Pathway on the

western edge of the site, or through identifying appropriate land parcels for offsets as identified in the

Wyee Ecological Attributes Study (LMCC2008a).

Areas of Low Ecological Constraint are cleared or offer limited biodiversity contribution due to

degradation and edge effects. Low Ecological Constraint areas should be the focus of future

development zonings and can be cleared or developed with no conservation offsetting requirements.

6.4.2 Ecological Constraints Mapping

High Ecological Constraint Area

High Ecological Constraint areas are delineated in Figure 10 and should be the focus of conservation

zonings within the study area. This area provides for retention of threatened species habitat and

aligns with identified local and regional corridors. Based on the biodiversity information compiled, high

constraint areas have been designed to achieve the requirements of Lake Macquarie City Council –

Biodiversity Planning Policy and Guidelines for LEP Rezoning Proposals August 2009. High

Ecological Constraint areas also align with the Lake Macquarie Lifestyle 2020 Strategy Green System

Map and objective of retaining High Value Habitat and corridor values.

The high constraint areas serve a corridor function within the site, connects to the broader landscape

and aligns with or provides additions/buffers to local and regional corridors identified in the Wyee

Squirrel Glider Study and Ecological Attributes Study (refer to Figure 2 and 10).

In accordance with the principles of maintain of improve, the approach to development prospects in

areas of high constraint areas is to firstly avoid, then mitigate and as a last resort offset the impacts of

any proposed future development. Development or clearing within areas of high constraint is to be

avoided as a priority; however, any clearing or development within areas of high constraint should be

offset through an appropriate offset strategy.

These areas have been mapped as high constraint (refer to Figure 10) due to the following:

• Areas of EEC’s and a 20m buffer in accordance with the LMCC Biodiversity Planning Principles for Local Environmental Plan Rezoning.

• Riparian vegetation and associated statutory buffer requirements, i.e. the Water Management Act, with a 40m buffer from the centre line of 1

st order streams and a 40m from the top of bank

buffer around 2nd

order streams. This is to be done in accordance with the LMCC Biodiversity Planning Policy and Guidelines for LEP Rezoning Proposals and will also fulfil the requirements of the Water Management Act.


49



• Black-eyed Susan requirements include retaining stepping stone clumps and at least 75% of local sub-populations. Also populations setting seed are to be conserved. Populations should be adequately conserved across the LGA and across morphological variants.

• The majority of Charmhaven apple individuals in the population are to be retained and the age

structure conserved.

• Threatened flora and fauna species and their habitats that have been recorded or are considered likely to occur within the study area including micro-chiropteran bats, squirrel glider, Charmhaven apple and black-eyed Susan.

• The presence of local and regional corridors, in accordance with the Wyee Structure Plan, Wyee Squirrel Glider Study and the Wyee Ecological Attributes Study.

• Good condition vegetation.

• Known or suitable nesting and roosting habitat for threatened fauna known to occur or likely to occur within the study area. Retain 75% - 80% of habitat trees with small to medium hollows, and 95% of habitat trees with large hollows or spouts.

• Maintaining habitat size and shape (minimum 4 ha patches) not more than 1.0 km apart, with suitable vegetated links having gaps <35 metres wide, in accordance with addressing squirrel glider habitat requirements in the LMCC Biodiversity Planning Policy and Guidelines for LEP Rezoning Proposals.

• The likely occurrence of additional threatened fauna due to the presence of suitable habitat.

Option High Ecological Constraint

The area defined by Option High Ecological Constraint has been mapped based on discussions with

Council relating to management of the existing paper subdivision and residencies and in addressing

“Conservation Value Adjustments” identified in Figure 14 of the Wyee Ecological Attributes Study.

This area is considered to have high ecological value and should be retained in order to meet all the

requirements of the LMCC Biodiversity Planning Principles for Local Environmental Plan Rezoning. If

this area was developed, 90% of the large hollow-bearing trees would be retained within the remaining

High Ecological Constraint area and the target retention of 95% of large hollow bearing trees would

not be met. In addition, several black-eyed susan and Charmhaven apple would be cleared, as

detailed in the inset table of Figure 10.

Moderate Constraint Area

Moderate Ecological Constraint areas have relatively lower ecological value than high constraint

areas, though should be retained where possible and secured within conservation zonings, due to

high recoverability and resilience of these areas, contribution to habitat values for threatened species

or corridor connectivity. Moderate constraint areas still provide forage and refuge habitat and provide

valuable additions to corridor connectivity, though go over and above the Lake Macquarie City Council

– Biodiversity Planning Policy and Guidelines for LEP Rezoning Proposals August 2009. Within this

area, it is recommended that hollow bearing trees be retained where ever possible; however, some

development can occur without significant implications. In accordance with the principles of maintain

of improve, the approach to development prospects native vegetation within areas of moderate

constraint is to firstly avoid, then mitigate and as a last resort offset the impacts of development

Areas mapped in Figure 10 as Moderate Ecological Constraint are mapped as such due to the

following:

• Disturbance history of lower vegetation strata , particularly competition from weeds

• Edge effects due existing unauthorised urban development

• Additional contributions to connectivity and habitat


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• Presence of hollow bearing trees

Low Constraint Area

The remaining areas within the study area are low constraint areas in poor condition.

These areas provide fewer opportunities for threatened fauna due to disturbance of vegetation

structure and comparatively fewer resources than adjacent bushland.


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Figure 10: Ecological Constraints Map

WY E E L E S B i o d i v e rs i t y S tu d y

52



7 Related Land Use Issues

7.1 INFRASTRUCTURE PROVISION

Infrastructure footprints, such as roads, utility services and water reservoirs should be consolidated

within linear alignments and avoid areas of High Ecological Constraint. It is however understood that

this is not likely to be possible for all infrastructure.

In the case of roads, two road crossing points are expected to bisect High Ecological Constraint areas

in order to service development (refer to Figure 10). Utilities are to follow these alignments as much as

possible to avoid unnecessary fragmentation.

The provision of a water reservoir has also been discussed with the LES project team, whereby the

location of the subdivision water reservoir at the highest point in the south of the study area and within

an area of High Ecological Constraint is expected.

7.2 BUSH FIRE MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS

It is noted that in Spring 2009 a bushfire affected the southeast portion of the study area and road

widening was undertaken to alleviate bushfire threat to existing residences in the paper subdivision.

Areas of vegetation within the study area subject to the greatest bushfire risk include those areas in the

southeast and south which are connected to larger patches of contiguous vegetation to the south.

Development within the study area will require bushfire management and asset protection. All asset

protection zones are to be located outside of High Ecological Constraint areas. The study area contains

vegetation types that develops moderate to high fuel loads, which should be managed through

ecological burns that reduce fuel loading and manage biodiversity.

8 Biodiversity Planning Recommendations

This biodiversity study has assessed the ecological values on site and the statutory planning

requirements related to those ecological assets. This chapter recommends ecological planning

principles for consideration in future land use and zoning decision making.

Ecological planning principles and recommendations have been developed for this biodiversity study in

order to conserve significant biodiversity values, driven by the Ecological Constraints Mapping in Figure

10, to address Lake Macquarie City Council biodiversity planning policies, Lake Macquarie Lifestyle


53



2020 Strategy and align the objectives of the Wyee Structure Plan (LMCC 2009) and Wyee Ecological

Attributes Study (LMCC 2008a).

8.1 DEVELOPMENT PLANNING PRINCIPLES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

• Areas of land having Low Ecological Constraint should be the focus of any proposed

development zoning.

• Areas representing Moderate Ecological Constraint, although offering relatively lower ecological

value than High Ecological Constraint areas, should be retained where practicable, due to the

ability of these areas to regenerate, provide supplementary habitat for threatened fauna and to

secure regional corridors. In particular hollow bearing trees should be retained within these

areas.

• Areas of High Ecological Constraint are recommended to be zoned for conservation, due to the

provision of known and potential habitat for threatened and migratory fauna species, threatened

flora species and corridor values. These areas also depict local government policy constraints,

such as those required under Lake Macquarie City Council – Biodiversity Planning Policy and

Guidelines for LEP Rezoning Proposals August 2009. This constraint type also reflects the

direction of the Wyee Ecological Attributes Study and Wyee Squirrel Glider Review. Therefore

it is highly recommended that these areas are excluded from any development zoning. In

retaining areas of High Ecological Constraint, threatened species and their habitat will be

retained in situ in viable populations due to: the conservation of an appropriate patch size 4 ha

for threatened species with high site fidelity; provision of connectivity to adjacent vegetation to

the south; conservation of all threatened plant species; and retention of hollow bearing trees

(i.e. 76% of habitat trees with small to medium hollows and 95% of habitat trees with large

hollows or spouts are retained).

• Areas of Option – High Ecological Constraint are expected to be rezoned for development to

accommodate for the existing paper subdivision, based on discussions with Council and the

LES team. Mapping of this area generally reflects the “Conservation Value Adjustments”

identified in Figure 14 of the Wyee Ecological Attributes Study. However, this area is

considered to have high ecological value and would be required to be retained in order to meet

all the requirements of the LMCC Biodiversity Planning Principles for Local Environmental Plan

Rezoning. If this area was developed, 90% of the large hollow-bearing trees would be retained

within the remaining High Ecological Constraint area and the target retention of 95% of large

hollow bearing trees, under requirements of the LMCC Biodiversity Planning Principles for Local

Environmental Plan Rezoning, would not be met. In addition, approximately 32 black-eyed

susan and 218 Charmhaven apple individuals would be cleared, as detailed in the inset table of

Figure 10.

• Clearing of any native vegetation that represents habitat for threatened fauna within the study

area, primarily those areas mapped as Moderate and High Ecological Constraint are likely to

require conservation offsets.

• Offset strategies are a last resort and should only be considered where impacts cannot be

avoided or mitigated (DECC 2005). Biodiversity offsets are considered required for the removal

of High Ecological Constraint, Option – High Ecological Constraint and areas of native

vegetation within Moderate Ecological Constraint. Where clearing is required within these


54



constraint types, an offset strategy is recommended to be developed and could incorporate a

negotiated offset outcome or the use of an offset mechanism such as Biobanking. Figure 14 of

the Wyee Ecological Attributes Study (LMCC 2008a) should be referred to identify areas in the

locality suitable for supporting these offsets.

• 70-80% of hollow-bearing trees with small to medium hollows and 95% of habitat trees with

large hollows or spouts are retained within High Biodiversity Value areas, which should be up-

held in accordance with the Lake Macquarie City Council – Biodiversity Planning Policy and

Guidelines for LEP Rezoning Proposals August 2009.

• Hollow-bearing trees within areas that have been identified as within development zonings are

to be surveyed for fauna activity prior to removal and, if removal cannot be avoided, should be

compensated through the provision of nest boxes within the retained vegetation. Nest boxes

should be designed in accordance with recent literature (e.g. Beyer and Goldingay 2006) and a

suitably qualified ecologist, providing for a range of fauna groups and are to be monitored and

maintained.

• Where possible, situate all roads and services (such as gas, water and electricity) outside the

areas identified as High Ecological Constraint.

• Asset protection zones for bushfire protection should be located outside High Ecological

Constraint areas.

8.2 MANAGEMENT OF CONSERVATION AREAS

The High Ecological Constraint areas should be retained within conservation zones and will require

subsequent management, due to the encroachment of development and to maintain and improve the

biodiversity values. Management actions could be coordinated through a conservation management

plan, and include the following aspects.

• Habitat restoration works are recommended in the east-west arm of the Mannering Creek

riparian corridor. This has been identified as an area in which the vegetation should be

retained, while the north-south arm requires restoration works of ‘important’ priority, as

suggested in the Draft Wyee Structure Plan.

• Revegetation along the Regional Corridor Pathway along the western edge of the study area

(refer to Figure 10), while providing for stormwater control.

• Restrict trail access to areas zoned for conservation (i.e. those areas of High Constraint).

• Remove current dumping in areas zoned for conservation (i.e. those areas of High Constraint).

Dumping was particularly evident in the west of the Area B and prevent fire trail access for

future dumping.

• Control the removal of habitat in the form of firewood by restricting trail access.

• Address track erosion issue by reassessing the need for tracks, particularly those on slopes

within the site.

• Consider closure and revegetation of those tracks not required to manage the site.


55



• Resident education regarding domestic pets and there impacts on native fauna and consider

domestic pet restrictions and/or pet curfews.

• Management of fire fuels through ecological burns.

• Feral predators such as cats and foxes, which were observed in study area, present a difficult management issue, given the large tracts of adjacent bushland to the south. Pest control measures are recommended to be coordinated with pest management on adjoining lands. Resident education regarding the issue of cat predation on threatened fauna occurring within the site, and the conservation value of pet curfews on local threatened fauna might be considered.

• Resident education regarding garden escapees to avoid future weed management issues should be considered.

• Control the removal of habitat in the form of firewood by restricting trail access.

• Management of fire fuels through ecological burns.


56



9 Conclusion

Conics engaged Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd to undertake a biodiversity study of an area of land at

Wyee. The study will be used to inform the preparation of a draft Local Environmental Study to

identify ecological values and inform subsequent land use planning and zoning. This study has

addressed the objectives set by Lake Macquarie City Council, as follows.



Information reviewed as part of this study included regional biodiversity strategies, local studies such

as the Wyee Ecological Attributes Study and Wyee Squirrel Glider Study, a previous ecological study

undertaken by Travers Environmental (2008) on Area A and routine flora and fauna databases such

as Atlas for Wildlife and BioNet.


and endangered ecological communities. Survey and reporting is required to meet the

requirements of the Lake Macquarie Flora and Fauna Survey Guidelines (2001). This would

quantify as far as possible the quality, condition, extent, significance, and connectivity of

native vegetation and habitat on the site.

Survey methodology and effort in the biodiversity study was formulated to comply with the

requirements of the Lake Macquarie City Council Flora and Fauna Survey Guidelines (2001).

Thorough field investigations, including vegetation community validation, vegetation surveys, targeted

threatened flora searches, hollow-bearing trees, diurnal bird surveys, Elliot and cage trapping, harp

trapping, Anabat, call playback, spotlighting, koala scat searches, threatened bird surveys and

opportunistic observations, were employed in Area B of the study area.

A total of six vegetation communities were identified during field work including two EEC’s, 153 flora

species including 25 exotic species, and 68 fauna species including 6 exotic species.. A total of six

threatened species were recorded within the study area and six additional threatened species are

considered likely to occur based on local occurrence and known habitat requirements. The study area

contains a range of habitat resources for these threatened species including foraging, roosting and

nesting resources.




The ecological values, such as the location and extent of threatened species or EEC’s, hollow bearing

trees and local and regional corridors, have been provided and mapped. Ecological or biodiversity


57



values have been summarised and the viability of significant species, populations and communities

have been discussed.





structure; and


Strategic biodiversity planning issues have been identified, based on survey findings of threatened

biodiversity, local and regional studies. This includes findings of key biodiversity values, consideration

and maintenance of population viability and landscape connectivity.

Based on these findings, a rationale of ecological constraints has been presented and mapped. High

Ecological Constraint areas encompass key biodiversity values, both local and regional corridors.

High Ecological Constraint, including Option – High Ecological Constraint, areas should be the focus

of conservation zoning. Conservation of these areas would adequately address the Lake Macquarie

City Council Biodiversity Planning Principles for Local Environmental Plan Rezoning and the Lifestyle

2020 objectives. However, due to the existing paper subdivision, it is understood that Option – High

Ecological Constraint may be zoned for development. The impacts of this loss has been quantified,

including the area, amount of hollow-bearing trees, and number of threatened plant individuals, and

development of this area would require adequate biodiversity offsets.

Moderate Ecological Constraint areas constitute areas of slightly lesser biodiversity constraint, though

would provide valuable addition to any future conservation zoning. These areas should be retained

where possible though, if rezoned for development, would not result in significant implications.

However, the removal of native vegetation within this constraint type would also require a biodiversity

offset.

Areas of Low Ecological Constraint should be the principle focus of development zoning.


Recommendations for long-term conservation of important biodiversity values have been presented in

the biodiversity planning recommendations. Recommendations have been aligned with the ecological

constraints mapping, and is to be used as a guide to provide for the long-term conservation of the

important biodiversity values.


58



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63



Appendix A - Threatened Species, Populations and

Ecological Communities

This Appendix contains the likelihood of occurrence of threatened species, populations and ecological communities in the proposal site.

An assessment of likelihood of occurrence was made for threatened and migratory species identified from the database search. Five

terms for the likelihood of occurrence of species are used in this report. This assessment was based on database or other records,

presence or absence of suitable habitat, features of the proposal site, results of the field survey and professional judgement. The terms for

likelihood of occurrence are defined below:

• “yes” = the species was or has been observed on the site

• “likely” = a medium to high probability that a species uses the site

• “potential” = suitable habitat for a species occurs on the site, but there is insufficient information to categorise the species as likely to

occur, or unlikely to occur

• “unlikely” = a very low to low probability that a species uses the site

• “no” = habitat on site and in the vicinity is unsuitable for the species.


64



Scientific

Name

Common

Name

TSC

Act

EPBC

Act Habitat Associations

Likelihood of

Occurrence

Acacia

bynoeana

Bynoe’s Wattle E V The species is found in central eastern NSW, from the Hunter District (Morisset) south to the

Southern Highlands and west to the Blue Mountains. It has recently been found in the

Colymea and Parma Creek areas west of Nowra (DECC 2007). It is found in heath and dry

sclerophyll forest, typically on a sand or sandy clay substrate, often with ironstone gravels

(DECC 2007). The species seems to prefer open and sometimes slightly disturbed sites (DECC

2007). Characteristic over storey species include: Corymbia gummifera, Eucalyptus

haemastoma, E. gummifera, E. parramattensis, E. sclerophylla, Banksia serrata and

Angophora bakeri. Shrubs often associated with the species include B. spinulosa, B. serrata,

A. oxycedrus, A. myrtifolia and Kunzea spp. (Winning 1992; James 1997). It flowers from

September to March and fruits mature in November.

Potential

Angophora

inopina

Charmhaven

Apple

V V This species is endemic to the central coast region of NSW (DECC 2007). It occurs most often

in Scribbly Gum (Eucalyptus haemastoma) Woodland/Forest (Bell 2004), but is also found in

the following vegetation communities: (I) Eucalyptus haemastoma–Corymbia gummifera–A.

inopina woodland/forest; (ii) Hakea teretifolia–Banksia oblongifolia wet heath; (iii) E.

resinifera–Melaleuca sieberi–A. inopina sedge woodland; (iv) E. capitellata–C. gummifera–A.

inopina woodland/forest (DECC 2007). Flowering is generally poor and sporadic.

Yes

Caladenia

tessellata

Thick Lip Spider

Orchid

E V Occurs in grassy sclerophyll woodland, often growing in well-structured clay loams or sandy

soils south from Swansea (DECC 2007). Usually in sheltered moist places, in areas of increased

sunlight. It flowers from September to November (DECC 2007).

Yes

Callistemon

linearifolius

Netted

Bottlebrush

V — Grows in dry sclerophyll forest on the coast and adjacent ranges (DECC 2007). C. linearifolius

has been recorded from the Georges River to Hawkesbury River in the Sydney area, and

north to the Nelson Bay area of NSW. For the Sydney area, recent records are limited to the

Hornsby Plateau area near the Hawkesbury River (DECC 2007).

No

Chamaesyce

psammogeton

Sand Spurge E — C. psammogeton is a prostrate perennial herb, which grows on fore dunes and exposed sites

on headlands often with Spinifex (DECC 2007). Flowers in Summer. No

Cryptostylis

hunteriana

Leafless

Tongue Orchid

V V It is known from a range of vegetation communities including swamp-heath and woodland

(DECC 2007). The larger populations typically occur in woodland dominated by Scribbly Gum

(Eucalyptus sclerophylla), Silvertop Ash (E. sieberi), Red Bloodwood (Corymbia gummifera)

and Black Sheoak (Allocasuarina littoralis); where it appears to prefer open areas in the

understorey of this community and is often found in association with the Large Tongue Orchid

(C. subulata) and the Tartan Tongue Orchid (C. erecta) (DECC 2007). Bell (2001) has

identified Coastal Plains Scribbly Gum Woodland and Coastal Plains Smoothed-barked

Apple Woodland as potential habitat on the Central Coast. Flowers between November and

February, although may not flower regularly (DECC 2007; Bell 2001).

Potential


65



Scientific

Name

Common

Name

TSC

Act

EPBC


Likelihood of

Occurrence

Diuris praecox Rough

Doubletail

V V Hills and slopes of coastal and near coastal open dry sclerophyll forests which have a grassy

to fairly dense understorey (DECC 2007). Flowers July to early September (DECC 2007). Potential

Eucalyptus

camfieldii

Heart-leaved

Stringybark

V V Associated with shallow sandy soils bordering coastal heath with other stunted or mallee

eucalypts, often in areas with restricted drainage and in areas with laterite influenced soils,

thought to be associated with proximity to shale (DECC 2007). Flowering is irregular and has

been recorded throughout the year (DECC 2007).

Unlikely

Eucalyptus

parramattensis

subsp.

parramattensis

Eucalyptus

parramattensis

subsp.

parramattensis

in Wyong and

Lake

Macquarie

LGAs

E2 – This population is at the north-eastern limit of the species range and is quite separate from

other known populations. The majority of the population occurs within Wyong in the Porter's

Creek and the Wallarah Creek catchments. This species is associated with low moist areas

alongside drainage lines and adjacent to wetlands. It is often found in woodland on sandy

soils. The endangered population occurs on sandy alluvium within a floodplain community

which also supports Eucalyptus robusta (Swamp mahogany), E. tereticornis (Forest Red Gum),

E. gummifera (Sydney Bloodwood) as well as Melaleuca (Paperbark) species.

No

Genoplesium

insigmis

Variable

Midge Orchid

E – It grows in patches of Themeda australis amongst shrubs and sedges in heathland and forest

(Jones 2001). No

Grevillea

parviflora subsp.

parviflora

Small Flower

Grevillea

V V Occurs on sandy clay loam soils, often with lateritic ironstone gravels (DECC 2007). Soils are

mostly derived from Tertiary sands or alluvium and from the Mittagong Formation with

alternating bands of shale and fine-grained sandstones. Soil landscapes include Lucas

Heights and Berkshire Park (DECC 2007). Often occurs in open, slightly disturbed sites such as

along tracks. Flowering has been recorded between July to December as well as April-May

(DECC 2007).

Unlikely

Melaleuca

biconvexa

Biconvex

Paperbark

V V Associated with damp habitats, such as Coastal Narrabeen Moist Forest, Riparian Melaleuca

Swamp Woodland (LMCC 2001). This species may occur in dense stands forming a narrow

strip adjacent to watercourses, in association with other Melaleuca species or as an

understorey species in wet forest (NSW Scientific Committee 1998). Flowering occurs over just

3-4 weeks in September and October (DECC 2007).

Unlikely


66



Scientific

Name

Common

Name

TSC

Act

EPBC


Likelihood of

Occurrence

Rhizanthella

slateri

Eastern

Australian

Underground

Orchid

V V An Underground Orchid with a whitish, fleshy underground stem to 15 cm long and 15 mm

diameter (DECC 2005). Occurs from south-east Queensland to south-east NSW. In NSW,

currently known from fewer than 10 locations, including near Bulahdelah, the Watagan

Mountains, the Blue Mountains, Wiseman's Ferry area, Agnes Banks and near Nowra. Habitat

requirements are poorly understood and no particular vegetation type has been associated

with the species, although it is known to occur in sclerophyll forest. Highly cryptic given that it

grows almost completely below the soil surface, with flowers being the only part of the plant

that can occur above ground. Therefore usually located only when the soil is disturbed.

Flowers October to November (DECC 2005).

Unlikely

Rutidosis

heterogama

Heath

Wrinklewort

V V A small perennial herb up to 30cm. The flowers are yellow and up to 2 cm wide and flowering

time is chiefly in Autumn (Harden 1992). Scattered coastal locations between Wyong and

Evans Head and on the New England Tablelands from Torrington and Ashford south to

Wandsworth southwest of Glen Innes. Grows in heath on sandy soils and moist areas in open

forest, and has been recorded along disturbed roadsides (DECC 2007).

Potential

Syzygium

paniculatum

Magenta

Lillypilly

V V This species occupies a narrow coastal area between Bulahdelah and Conjola State Forests

in NSW. On the Central Coast, it occurs on Quaternary gravels, sands, silts and clays, in

riparian gallery rainforests and remnant littoral rainforest communities (Payne 1997). In the

Ourimbah Creek valley, S. paniculatum occurs within gallery rainforest with Alphitonia

excelsa, Acmena smithii, Cryptocarya glaucescens, Toona ciliata, Syzygium oleosum with

emergent Eucalyptus saligna. At Wyrrabalong NP, S. paniculatum occurs in littoral rainforest

as a co-dominant with Ficus fraseri, Syzygium oleosum, Acmena smithii, Cassine australe, and

Endiandra sieberi. Payne (1991) reports that the species appears absent from Terrigal

formation shales, on which the gully rainforests occur. S. paniculatum is summer flowering

(November-February), with the fruits maturing in May (DECC 2007).

Unlikely

Tetratheca

juncea

Black-eyed V V Occurs on predominantly low nutrient soils with a dense grassy understorey of grasses

although it has been recorded in heathland and moist forest (DECC 2007). It is associated

with dry open forest or woodland habitats dominated by Corymbia gummifera, E.

capitellata, E. haemastoma and Angophora costata (Payne 1993). Themeda australis is

generally the dominant ground cover (Payne 1993). T. juncea also displays a preference for

southern aspect slopes, although is slopes with different aspects (DECC 2007). Flowers July to

December.

Yes


67



Scientific

Name

Common

Name

TSC

Act

EPBC


Likelihood of

Occurrence

Thelymitra sp.

'Adorata'

Wyong Sun

Orchid

E − The species occurs from 10-40 m a.s.l. in woodland with grassy understorey in well-drained

clay loam or shale derived soils, in Dooralong Spotted Gum - Ironbark Forest (Bell 2002),

typically composed of an overstorey of Corymbia maculata and Eucalyptus paniculata, with

an open to dense shrub layer of Melaleuca nodosa over a grass/herb ground layer.

The species may also occur within the margin of two other vegetation types where these

adjoin or constitute portions of the remnant vegetation areas in which the orchid has been

recorded. Alluvial Redgum Footslopes Forest (Bell 2002) adjoins Dooralong Spotted Gum -

Ironbark Forest at one population, and may constitute habitat for the species. Alluvial

Floodplain Shrub Swamp Forest (Bell 2002) also adjoins Dooralong Spotted Gum - Ironbark

Forest at one extant population with a report of a small orchid colony on the margin

Unlikely

Scientific Name Common

Name

TSC

Act

EPBC


Likelihood of

Occurrence

FROGS

Crinia tinnula Wallum

Froglet

V — Wallum swamps and associated low land meandering watercourses on coastal plains

(Ehmann 1997). Occurs in elevations up to around 50m and is closely related to

freshwater habitats in the coastal zone (DECC 2007). Found most commonly in wallum

wetlands characterised by low nutrients, highly acidic, tanin-stained waters that are

typically dominated by paperbarks and tea-trees. Also found in sedgeland and wet

heathland (DECC 2007)

Potential

Heleioporus

australiacus

Giant

Burrowing

Frog

V V Forages in woodlands, wet heath, dry and wet sclerophyll forest (Ehmann 1997).

Associated with semi-permanent to ephemeral sand or rock based streams (Ehmann

1997), where the soil is soft and sandy so that burrows can be constructed (Environment

Australia 2000).

No


68




Name

TSC

Act

EPBC


Likelihood of

Occurrence

Litoria aurea Green and

Golden Bell

Frog

E V This species has been observed utilising a variety of natural and man-made

waterbodies (Pyke & White 1996) such as coastal swamps, marshes, dune swales,

lagoons, lakes, other estuary wetlands, riverine floodplain wetlands and billabongs,

stormwater detention basins, farm dams, bunded areas, drains, ditches and any other

structure capable of storing water (DECC 2007). Fast flowing streams are not utilised for

breeding purposes by this species (Mahony 1999). Preferable habitat for this species

includes attributes such as shallow, still or slow flowing, permanent and/or widely

fluctuating water bodies that are unpolluted and without heavy shading (DECC 2007).

Large permanent swamps and ponds exhibiting well-established fringing vegetation

(especially bulrushes–Typha sp. and spikerushes–Eleocharis sp.) adjacent to open

grassland areas for foraging are preferable (Ehmann 1997; Robinson 1993). Ponds that

are typically inhabited tend to be free from predatory fish such as Mosquito Fish

(Gambusia holbrooki) (DECC 2007).

Unlikely

Litoria brevipalmata Green

Thighed Frog

V — Wet sclerophyll forest along the northern coast of NSW to Ourimbah (Anstis 2002). Also in

a variety of habitats including dry to wet sclerophyll forest, rainforests and shrubland

with a healthy understorey (DECC 2007). Breeding aggregations occur in still water

habitats such as grassy temporary to semi-permanent ponds and flooded ditches in

late spring and summer (Cogger 2000; Anstis 2002; DECC 2007).

Unlikely

Litoria littlejohni Heath Frog V V It appears to be restricted to sandstone woodland and heath communities at mid to

high altitude (NSW Scientific Committee 2000). It forages both in the tree canopy and

on the ground, and it has been observed sheltering under rocks on high exposed ridges

during summer (NSW Scientific Committee 2000).

No

Mixophyes balbus Stuttering

Frog

E V A variety of forest habitats from rainforest through wet and moist sclerophyll forest to

riparian habitat in dry sclerophyll forest (DECC 2007) that are generally characterised

by deep leaf litter or thick cover from understorey vegetation (Ehmann 1997). Breeding

habitats are streams and occasionally springs. Not known from streams disturbed by

humans (Ehmann 1997) or still water environments (NSW Scientific Committee 2002).

No

Mixophyes iteratus Giant Barred

Frog

E E Found on forested slopes of the escarpment and adjacent ranges in riparian

vegetation, subtropical and dry rainforest, wet sclerophyll forests and swamp sclerophyll

forest (DECC 2007; Ehmann 1997). This species is associated with flowing streams with

high water quality, though habitats may contain weed species (Ehmann 1997). This

species is not known from riparian vegetation disturbed by humans (NSW Scientific

Committee 1999). During breeding eggs are kicked up onto an overhanging bank or

the streams edge (DECC 2007).

No


69




Name

TSC

Act

EPBC


Likelihood of

Occurrence

Pseudophryne

australis

Red-crowned

Toadlet

V — Red-crowned Toadlets are found in steep escarpment areas and plateaus, as well as

low undulating ranges with benched outcroppings on Triassic sandstones of the Sydney

Basin (DECC 2007). Within these geological formations, this species mainly occupies the

upper parts of ridges, usually being restricted to within about 100 metres of the

ridgetop. However they may also occur on plateaus or more level rock platforms along

the ridgetop (DECC 2007). Associated with open forest to coastal heath (Ehmann

1997). Utilises small ephemeral drainage lines which feed water from the top of the

ridge to the perennial creeks below for breeding, and are not usually found in the

vicinity of permanent water (Ehmann 1997). Breeding sites are often characterised by

clay-derived soils and generally found below the first sandstone escarpment in the talus

slope (NPWS 1997).

No

REPTILES

Hoplocephalus

bungaroides

Broad-

headed

Snake

E V Typical sites consist of exposed sandstone outcrops and benching where the

vegetation is predominantly woodland, open woodland and/or heath on Triassic

sandstone of the Sydney Basin (DECC 2007). They utilise rock crevices and exfoliating

sheets of weathered sandstone during the cooler months and tree hollows during

summer (Webb & Shine 1998b).

Some of the canopy tree species found to regularly co-occur at known sites including

Corymbia eximia, C. gummifera, Eucalyptus sieberi, E. punctata and E. piperita (DECC

2007).

No

DIURNAL BIRDS

Botaurus

poiciloptilus

Australasian

Bittern

V — Terrestrial wetlands with tall dense vegetation, occasionally estuarine habitats

(Marchant & Higgins 1993). Reedbeds, swamps, streams, estuaries (Simpson & Day

1999).

Possible

Calidris ternuirostris Great Knot V — Sheltered coastal habitats containing large intertidal mudflats or sandflats, including

inlets, bays, harbours, estuaries and lagoons (DECC 2007). Often recorded on sandy

beaches with mudflats nearby, sandy spits and inlets, or exposed reefs or rock platforms

(Morris 1989; Higgins & Davies 1996).

No

Callocephalon

fimbriatum

Gang-gang

Cockatoo

V — During summer in dense, tall, wet forests of mountains and gullies, alpine woodlands

(Morcombe 2004). In winter they occur at lower altitudes in drier more open forests and

woodlands, particularly box-ironbark assemblages (Shields & Chrome 1992). They

sometimes inhabit woodland, farms and suburbs in autumn/winter (Simpson & Day

2004).

Unlikely

Calyptorhynchus

lathami

Glossy Black-

Cockatoo

V — Associated with a variety of forest types containing Allocasuarina species, usually

reflecting the poor nutrient status of underlying soils (Environment Australia 2000; NPWS

1997; DECC 2007). Intact drier forest types with less rugged landscapes are preferred

(DECC 2007). Nests in large trees with large hollows (Environment Australia 2000).

Yes


70




Name

TSC

Act

EPBC


Likelihood of

Occurrence

Charadrius

mongolus

Lesser Sand

Plover

V M Favours coastal areas including beaches, mudflats and mangroves where they forage

(DECC 2007). They may be seen roosting during high tide on sandy beaches or rocky

shores (DECC 2007).

No

Climacteris

picumnus

Climacteris

picumnus victoriae

Brown

Treecreeper

Brown

Treecreeper

(eastern

subspecies)

V

V

—

—

Distributed through central NSW on the western side of the Great Dividing Range and

sparsely scattered to the east of the Divide in drier areas such as the Cumberland Plain

of Western Sydney, and in parts of the Hunter, Clarence, Richmond and Snowy River

valleys. The Brown Treecreeper occupies eucalypt woodlands, particularly open

woodland lacking a dense understorey. It is sedentary and nests in tree hollows within

permanent territories. (NSW Scientific Committee 2001).

Unlikely

Ephippiorhynchus

asiaticus

Black-necked

Stork

E — Associated with tropical and warm temperate terrestrial wetlands, estuarine and littoral

habitats, and occasionally woodlands and grasslands floodplains (Marchant & Higgins

1993). Forages in fresh or saline waters up to 0.5m deep, mainly in open fresh waters,

extensive sheets of shallow water over grasslands or sedgeland, mangroves, mudflats,

shallow swamps with short emergent vegetation and permanent billabongs and pools

on floodplains (Marchant & Higgins 1993; DECC 2007).

Unlikely

Haematopus

fuliginosus

Sooty

Oystercatche

r

V — A coastal species that inhabits rock coastlines, coral cays, reefs and occasionally sandy

beaches and Marchant & Higgins 1993; Simpson & Day 1999). No

Haematopus

longirostris

Pied

Oystercatche

r

V — Roosts and forages on sandy beaches, sand banks, mudflats and estuaries (Marchant &

Higgins 1993, Simpson & Day 1999). No

Ixobrychus flavicollis Black Bittern

V — Occurs in both terrestrial and estuarine wetlands generally in areas of permanent water

and dense vegetation (DECC 2007). In areas with permanent water it may occur in

flooded grassland, forest, woodland, rainforest and mangroves (DECC 2007)

No


71




Name

TSC

Act

EPBC


Likelihood of

Occurrence

Lathamus discolor Swift Parrot E E Breeds in Tasmania between September and January. Migrates to mainland in

autumn, where it forages on profuse flowering Eucalypts (Blakers et al. 1984; Schodde

and Tidemann 1986; Forshaw and Cooper 1981). Hence, in this region, autumn and

winter flowering eucalypts are important for this species. Favoured feed trees include

winter flowering species such as Swamp Mahogany (Eucalyptus robusta), Spotted Gum

(Corymbia maculata), Red Bloodwood (C. gummifera), Mugga Ironbark (E.

sideroxylon), and White Box (E. albens) (DECC 2007).

Possible

Limicola falcinellus Broad-billed

Sandpiper

V M The eastern form of the Broad-billed Sandpiper breeds in northern Siberia before

migrating southwards in winter to Australia (DECC 2007). In Australia, Broad-billed

Sandpipers over-winter on the northern coast, particularly in the north-west, with birds

located occasionally on the southern coast (DECC 2007). In NSW, the main site for the

species is the Hunter River estuary, with birds occasionally reaching the Shoalhaven

estuary (DECC 2007). There are few records for inland NSW (DECC 2007). Broad-billed

Sandpipers favour sheltered parts of the coast such as estuarine sandflats and mudflats,

harbours, embayments, lagoons, saltmarshes and reefs as feeding and roosting habitat

(DECC 2007). Occasionally, individuals may be recorded in sewage farms or within

shallow freshwater lagoons (DECC 2007). Broad-billed Sandpipers roost on banks on

sheltered sand, shell or shingle beaches.

No

Neophema

pulchella

Turquoise

Parrot

V — Steep rocky ridges and gullies, rolling hills, valleys and river flats and the plains of the

Great Dividing Range compromise the topography inhabited by this species (Marchant

& Higgins 1993). Spends much of the time on the ground foraging on seed and grasses

(DECC 2007). It is associated with coastal scrubland, open forest and timbered

grassland, especially low shrub ecotones between dry hardwood forests and grasslands

with high proportion of native grasses and forbs (Environment Australia 2000).

Unlikely

Oxyura australis Blue-billed

Duck

V — The Blue-billed Duck prefers deep water in large permanent wetlands and swamps with

dense aquatic vegetation (DECC 2007). The species is completely aquatic, swimming

low in the water along the edge of dense cover (DECC 2007). It will fly if disturbed, but

prefers to dive if approached (DECC 2007). Blue-billed Ducks are partly migratory, with

short-distance movements between breeding swamps and over-wintering lakes with

some long-distance dispersal to breed during spring and early summer (DECC 2007).

Young birds disperse in April-May from their breeding swamps in inland NSW to non-

breeding areas on the Murray River system and coastal lakes (DECC 2007).

No

Pandion haliaetus Osprey

V — Associated with waterbodies including coastal waters, inlets, lakes, estuaries, beaches,

offshore islands and sometimes along inland rivers (Schodde and Tidemann 1986;

Clancy 1991; Olsen 1995). Osprey may nest on the ground, on sea cliffs or in trees

(Olsen 1995). Osprey generally prefer emergent trees, often dead or partly dead with a

broken off crown (Olsen 1995).

No


72




Name

TSC

Act

EPBC


Likelihood of

Occurrence

Pomatostomus

temporalis

temporalis

Grey-

crowned

Babbler

(eastern

subspecies)

V — Open woodlands dominated by mature eucalypts with regenerating trees, tall shrubs,

and an intact ground cover of grass and forbs (NSW Scientific Committee 2001). This

species avoids very wet areas (Blakers et al. 1984).

Unlikely

Pterodroma

leucoptera

leucoptera

Gould's Petrel E E Breeds on both Cabbage Tree Island, 1.4 km offshore from Port Stephens and

on nearby Boondelbah island. The range and feeding areas of non-breeding

Petrels are unknown.

No

Ptilinopus regina

Rose-

crowned

Fruit-Dove

V — Tall tropical and subtropical, evergreen or semi-deciduous rainforests, especially with a

dense growth of vines trees (Marchant and Higgins 1999). Also located in closed wet

sclerophyll forest, gallery forests or sclerophyll woodlands with abundant fruiting trees,

near or next to rainforest (DECC 2007). Is thought to prefer large areas of vegetation,

but has been located in patches and occasionally in parks and gardens with fruiting

trees (Marchant and Higgins 1999).

No

Pyrrholaemus

sagittatus

Speckled

Warbler

V — Occupies a wide range of eucalypt dominated communities with a grassy understorey,

often on rocky ridges or in gullies (DECC 2007). Typical habitat would include scattered

native tussock grasses, a sparse shrub layer, some eucalypt regrowth and an open

canopy (DECC 2007). Large, relatively undisturbed remnants are required for the

species to persist in an area (DECC 2007). Pairs are sedentary and occupy a breeding

territory of about ten hectares, with a slightly larger home-range when not breeding

(DECC 2007).

No

Stagonopleura

guttata

Diamond

Firetail

V — Typically found in grassy eucalypt woodlands, but also occurs in open forest, mallee,

Natural Temperate Grassland, and in secondary grassland derived from other

communities (DECC 2007). It is often found in riparian areas and sometimes in lightly

wooded farmland (DECC 2007). Appears to be sedentary, though some populations

move locally, especially those in the south (DECC 2007).

No

Sterna albifrons Little Tern E — Almost exclusively coastal, preferring sheltered areas (DECC 2007), however may occur

several kilometres inland in harbours, inlets and rivers (Smith 1990). Australian birds breed

on sandy beaches and sand spits (Simpson & Day 1999).

No


73




Name

TSC

Act

EPBC


Likelihood of

Occurrence

Xanthomyza

phrygia

Regent

Honeyeater

E E, M Associated with temperate eucalypt woodland and open forest including forest edges,

wooded farmland and urban areas with mature eucalypts, and riparian forests of River

Oak (Casuarina cunninghamiana) (Garnett 1993). Areas containing Swamp Mahogany

(Eucalyptus robusta) in coastal areas have been observed to be utilised (NPWS 1997).

The Regent Honeyeater primarily feeds on nectar from box and ironbark eucalypts and

occasionally from banksias and mistletoes (NPWS 1995). As such it is reliant on locally

abundant nectar sources with different flowering times to provide reliable supply of

nectar (Environment Australia 2000).

Possible

NOCTURNAL BIRDS

Ninox connivens

Barking Owl

V — Associated with a variety of habitats such as savanna woodland, open eucalypt

forests, wetland and riverine forest. The habitat is typically dominated by Eucalypts

(often Redgum species), however often dominated by Melaleuca species in the tropics

(DECC 2007). It usually roosts in dense foliage in large trees such as River She-oak

(Allocasuarina cunninghamiana), other Casuarina and Allocasuarina, eucalypts,

Angophora, Acacia and rainforest species from streamside gallery forests (NPWS 2003).

It usually nests near watercourses or wetlands (NPWS 2003) in large tree hollows with

entrances averaging 2-29 metres above ground, depending on the forest or woodland

structure and the canopy height (Debus 1997).

No

Ninox strenua

Powerful Owl

V — Powerful Owls are associated with a wide range of wet and dry forest types with a high

density of prey, such as arboreal mammals, large birds and flying foxes (Environment

Australia 2000, Debus & Chafer 1994). Large trees with hollows at least 0.5m deep are

required for shelter and breeding (Environment Australia 2000).

Likely

Tyto

novaehollandiae

Masked Owl

V — Associated with forest with sparse, open, understorey, typically dry sclerophyll forest and

woodland (DECC 2007) and especially the ecotone between wet and dry forest, and

non forest habitat (Environment Australia 2000). Known to utilise forest margins and

isolated stands of trees within agricultural land (Hyem 1979) and heavily disturbed forest

where its prey of small and medium sized mammals can be readily obtained

(Kavanagh & Peake 1993).

Likely

Tyto tenebricosa Sooty Owl V — Sooty Owls are associated with tall wet old growth forest on fertile soil with a dense

understorey and emergent tall Eucalyptus species (Environment Australia 2000, Debus

1994). Pairs roost in the daytime amongst dense vegetation, in tree hollows and

sometimes in caves. The Sooty Owl is typically associated with an abundant and

diverse supply of prey items and a selection of large tree hollows (Debus 1994, Garnett

1993, Hyem 1979).

No

MAMMALS (EXCLUDING BATS)


74




Name

TSC

Act

EPBC


Likelihood of

Occurrence

Dasyurus maculatus

Dasyurus maculatus

maculatus

Spotted-

tailed Quoll

Spotted-

tailed Quoll

(SE Mainland

Population)

V

—

—

E

The Spotted-tailed Quoll inhabits a range of forest communities including wet and dry

sclerophyll forests, coastal heathlands and rainforests (Mansergh 1984; DECC 2007j),

more frequently recorded near the ecotones of closed and open forest. This species

requires habitat features such as maternal den sites, an abundance of food (birds and

small mammals) and large areas of relatively intact vegetation to forage in (DECC

2007). Maternal den sites are logs with cryptic entrances; rock outcrops; windrows;

burrows (Environment Australia 2000).

Likely

Petaurus australis Yellow-bellied

Glider

V — This species is restricted to tall mature forests, preferring productive tall open sclerophyll

forests with a mosaic of tree species including some that flower in winter (Environment

Australia 2000, Braithwaite 1984, Davey 1984, Kavanagh 1984; DECC 2007). Large

hollows within mature trees are required for shelter, nesting and breeding (Henry and

Craig 1984; DECC 2007).

No

Petaurus

norfolcensis

Squirrel Glider V — Associated with dry hardwood forest and woodlands (Menkhorst et al. 1988; Quin 1995).

Habitats typically include gum barked and high nectar producing species, including

winter flower species (Menkhorst et al. 1988). The presence of hollow bearing eucalypts

is a critical habitat value (Quin 1995).

Yes

Petrogale

penicillata

Brush-tailed

Rock-wallaby

E V Rocky areas in a variety of habitats, typically north facing sites with numerous ledges,

caves and crevices (Strahan 1995). No

Phascolarctos

cinereus

Koala

V — Associated with both wet and dry Eucalypt forest and woodland that contains a

canopy cover of approximately 10 to 70% (Reed et al. 1990), with acceptable Eucalypt

food trees. Some preferred Eucalyptus species are: Eucalyptus tereticornis, E. punctata,

E. cypellocarpa, E. viminalis

Possible


75




Name

TSC

Act

EPBC


Likelihood of

Occurrence

Potorous tridactylus

Potorous tridactylus

tridactylus

Long-nosed

Potoroo

Long-nosed

Potoroo (SE

Mainland

Population)

V

—

—

V

Associated with dry coastal heath and dry and wet sclerophyll forests (Strahan 1998)

with dense cover for shelter and adjacent more open areas for foraging (Menkhorst &

Knight 2004).

No

MAMMALS (BATS)

Chalinolobus dwyeri Large-eared

Pied Bat

V V The Large-eared Pied Bat has been recorded in a variety of habitats, including dry

sclerophyll forests, woodland, sub-alpine woodland, edges of rainforests and wet

sclerophyll forests (Churchill 1998; DECC 2007). This species roosts in caves, rock

overhangs and disused mine shafts and as such is usually associated with rock outcrops

and cliff faces (Churchill 1998; DECC 2007).

No

Falsistrellus

tasmaniensis

Eastern False

Pipistrelle

V — Prefers moist habitats with trees taller than 20m (DECC 2007). Roosts in tree hollows but

has also been found roosting in buildings or under loose bark (DECC 2007). Potential

Miniopterus australis

Little Bent-

wing Bat

V — Prefers well-timbered areas including rainforest, wet and dry sclerophyll forests,

Melaleuca swamps and coastal forests (Churchill 1998). This species shelter in a range of

structures including culverts, drains, mines and caves (Environment Australia 2000).

Relatively large areas of dense vegetation of either wet sclerophyll forest, rainforest or

dense coastal banksia scrub are usually found adjacent to caves in which this species is

found (DECC 2007). Breeding occurs in caves, usually in association with M. schreibersii

(Environment Australia 2000, DECC 2007).

Yes

Miniopterus

schreibersii

oceanensis

Eastern Bent-

wing Bat

V — Associated with a range of habitats such as rainforest, wet and dry sclerophyll forest,

monsoon forest, open woodland, paperbark forests and open grassland (Churchill

1998). It forages above and below the tree canopy on small insects (AMBS 1995, Dwyer

1995, Dwyer 1981). Will utilise caves, old mines, and stormwater channels, under bridges

and occasionally buildings for shelter (Environment Australia 2000, Dwyer 1995).

Likely

Mormopterus

norfolkensis

East Coast

Freetail Bat

V — Most records of this species are from dry eucalypt forest and woodland east of the

Great Dividing Range (Churchill 1998). Individuals have, however, been recorded flying

low over a rocky river in rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest and foraging in clearings at

forest edges (Environment Australia 2000; Allison & Hoye 1998). Primarily roosts in hollows

or behind loose bark in mature eucalypts, but have been observed roosting in the roof

of a hut (Environment Australia 2000; Allison & Hoye 1998).

Likely


76




Name

TSC

Act

EPBC


Likelihood of

Occurrence

Myotis adversus Large-footed

Myotis

V — Will occupy most habitat types such as mangroves, paperbark swamps, riverine

monsoon forest, rainforest, wet and dry sclerophyll forest, open woodland and River

Red Gum woodland, as long as they are close to water (Churchill 1998). While roosting

is most commonly associated with caves, this species has been observed to roost in tree

hollows, amongst vegetation, in clumps of Pandanus, under bridges, in mines, tunnels

and stormwater drains (Churchill 1998). However the species apparently has specific

roost requirements, and only a small percentage of available caves, mines, tunnels and

culverts are used (Richards 1998).

Potential

Pteropus

poliocephalus

Grey-headed

Flying-Fox

V V Inhabits a wide range of habitats including rainforest, mangroves, paperbark forests,

wet and dry sclerophyll forests and cultivated areas (Churchill 1998, Eby 1998). Camps

are often located in gullies, typically close to water, in vegetation with a dense canopy

(Churchill 1998).

Yes

Saccolaimus

flaviventris

Yellow-bellied

Sheathtail-

bat

V — Found in almost all habitats, from wet and dry sclerophyll forest, open woodland

(Churchill 1998), open country, mallee, rainforests, heathland and waterbodies (SFNSW

1995). Roosts in tree hollows; may also use caves; has also been recorded in a tree

hollow in a paddock (Environment Australia 2000) and in abandoned sugar glider nests

(Churchill 1998). The Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat is dependent on suitable hollow-

bearing trees to provide roost sites, which may be a limiting factor on populations in

cleared or fragmented habitats (Environment Australia 2000).

Potential

Scoteanax

rueppellii

Greater

Broad-nosed

Bat

V — Associated with moist gullies in mature coastal forest, or rainforest, east of the Great

Dividing Range (Churchill, 1998), tending to be more frequently located in more

productive forests (Hoye & Richards 1998). Within denser vegetation types use is made

of natural and man made openings such as roads, creeks and small rivers, where it

hawks backwards and forwards for prey (Hoye & Richards 1998).

Unlikely

Vespadelus

troughtoni

Eastern Cave

Bat

V — Inhabit tropical mixed woodland and wet sclerophyll forest on the coast and the

dividing range but extend into the drier forest of the western slopes and inland areas

(Churchill 1998). Has been found roosting in sandstone overhand caves, boulder piles,

mine tunnels and occasionally in buildings(Churchill 1998).

Unlikely

MIGRATORY WETLAND SPECIES LISTED UNDER EPBC ACT

Ardea alba Great Egret — M The Great Egret is common and widespread in Australia (McKilligan, 2005). It forages in

a wide range of wet and dry habitats including permanent and ephemeral freshwaters,

wet pasture and estuarine mangroves and mudflats (McKilligan, 2005).

Potential


77




Name

TSC

Act

EPBC


Likelihood of

Occurrence

Ardea ibis Cattle Egret — M Cattle Egrets forage on pasture, marsh, grassy road verges, rain puddles and croplands,

but not usually in the open water of streams or lakes and they avoid marine

environments (McKilligan, 2005). Some individuals stay close to the natal heronry from

one nesting season to the next, but the majority leave the district in autumn and return

the next spring. Cattle Egrets are likely to spend the winter dispersed along the coastal

plain and only a small number have been recovered west of the Great Dividing Range

(McKilligan, 2005).

Potential

Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed

Sandpiper

— M It prefers the grassy edges of shallow inland freshwater wetlands. It is also found around

sewerage treatment ponds, flooded grasslands, mudflats, mangroves, rocky shores and

beaches.

Unlikely

Charadrius veredus Oriental

Plover,

Oriental

Dotterel

— M Recorded in all states but most common in coastal areas and northern Australia. It

breeds in Mongolia, and passes through east China on migration (AM 2006).

The Oriental Plover is found generally inland; in open grasslands in arid and semi-arid

zones; and less often in estuarine or littoral environments. This species prefers flat inland

plains, sparsely vegetated short grass with hard bare ground including claypans,

playing fields, lawns and cattle camps. The Oriental Plover may move to lightly-wooded

grasslands with the onset of the wet season (AM 2006).

It is a regular summer migrant to Australia from September to March. In the south they

are seldom seen in one place for more than a couple of days (AM 2006).

Unlikely


78




Name

TSC

Act

EPBC


Likelihood of

Occurrence

Gallinago

hardwickii

Latham’s

Snipe

— M A variety of permanent and ephemeral wetlands, preferring open fresh water wetlands

with nearby cover (Marchant and Higgins 1999). Occupies a variety of vegetation

around wetlands (Marchant and Higgins 1999) including wetland grasses and open

wooded swamps (Simpson and Day 1999).

Potential

Numenius

madagascariensis

Eastern

Curlew

— M Intertidal coastal mudflats, coastal lagoons, sandy spits (DEH 2005a). Breeds in Russia,

NE China (ibid). No

Pluvialis fulva Pacific

Golden

Plover

— M Breeds North Siberia, Alaska (DEH 2005a). Mainly coastal, beaches, mudflats and

sandflats and other open areas such as recreational playing fields in Australia (ibid.). No

Rostratula

benghalensis s. lat.

Painted Snipe

— M Prefers fringes of swamps, dams and nearby marshy areas where there is a cover of

grasses, lignum, low scrub or open timber (DECC 2007). Nests on the ground amongst

tall vegetation, such as grasses, tussocks or reeds (ibid.). Breeding is often in response to

local conditions; generally occurs from September to December (DECC 2007). Roosts

during the day in dense vegetation (NSW Scientific Committee 2004). Forages

nocturnally on mud-flats and in shallow water (DECC 2007). Feeds on worms, molluscs,

insects and some plant-matter (ibid.).

Unlikely

Disclaimer: Data extracted from the Atlas of NSW Wildlife and DEW Protected Matters Report are only indicative and cannot be considered a comprehensive

inventory. ‘Migratory marine species’ and ‘listed marine species’ listed on the EPBC Act (and listed on the DEW protected matters report) have not been included in

this table, since they are considered unlikely to occur within the study area due to the absence of marine habitat.

E = Endangered; E2 = Endangered Population; V = Vulnerable; M = Migratory.


79



Appendix B - Species List

Flora Species List

Family Botanical Name Common Name

Acanthaceae Pseuderanthemum variabile Pastel Flower

Adiantaceae Adiantum aethiopicum Common Maidenhair

Cheilanthes sieberi

Pellaea falcata Sickle Fern

Amaranthaceae Alternanthera denticulata Lesser Joyweed

Anthericaceae Tricoryne simplex

Apiaceae Actinotus minor Lesser Flannel Flower

Centella asiatica Pennywort

Hydrocotyle peduncularis

Apocynaceae Parsonsia straminea Common Silkpod

Araceae Gymnostachys anceps Settler's Flax

Asparagus asparagoides Bridal Creeper

Asparagaceae Asparagus plumosus Climbing Asparagus Fern

Aspleniaceae Asplenium flabellifolium Necklace Fern

Asteraceae Bidens pilosa* Cobbler's Pegs*

Cassinia uncata Sticky Cassinia

Conyza bonariensis* Flaxleaf Fleabane*

Gamochaeta calviceps* Cudweed*

Hypochoeris radicata* Catsear*

Onopordum acanthium subsp. acanthium* Scotch Thistle*

Ozothamnus diosmifolius White Dogwood

Senecio madagascariensis* Fireweed*

Blechnaceae Blechnum cartilagineum Gristle Fern

Doodia aspera Prickly Rasp Fern

Caprifoliaceae Lonicera japonica* Japanese Honeysuckle*

Casuarinaceae Allocasuarina littoralis Black Sheoak

Allocasuarina torulosa Forest Oak

Celastraceae Maytenus silvestris Narrow-leaved Orangebark

Commelinaceae Commelina cyanea Native Wandering Jew

Convolvulaceae Dichondra repens Kidney Weed

Polymeria calycina

Cyperaceae Carex appressa Tall Sedge

Cyperus congestus*

Cyperus polystachyos

Gahnia clarkei Tall Saw-sedge

Lepidosperma laterale

Schoenus apogon Fluke Bogrush

Davalliaceae Nephrolepis cordifolia* Fishbone Fern*


80



Dennstaedtiaceae Pteridium esculentum Bracken

Dicksoniaceae Calochlaena dubia Common Ground Fern

Dilleniaceae Hibbertia linearis

Hibbertia riparia

Hibbertia scandens Climbing Guinea Flower

Dioscoreaceae Dioscorea transversa Native Yam

Epacridaceae Epacris microphylla

Leucopogon microphyllus

Styphelia laeta

Euphorbiaceae Breynia oblongifolia Coffee Bush

Glochidion ferdinandii

Fabaceae (Faboideae) Bossiaea heterophylla Variable Bossiaea

Bossiaea obcordata Spiny Bossiaea

Daviesia alata

Erythrina crista-galli* Cockspur Coral Tree

Erythrina X sykesii* Coral tree*

Glycine microphylla

Gompholobium pinnatum Pinnate Wedge Pea

Hardenbergia violacea False Sarsaparilla

Kennedia rubicunda Red Kennedy Pea

Pultenaea elliptica

Fabaceae (Mimosoideae) Acacia echinula Hedgehog Wattle

Acacia irrorata Green Wattle

Acacia longifolia

Acacia suaveolens Sweet Wattle

Acacia terminalis Sunshine Wattle

Iridaceae Crocosmia X crocosmiiflora* Montbretia*

Patersonia sericea Silky Purple-Flag

Juncaceae Juncus continuus

Juncus subsecundus

Lauraceae Cassytha glabella

Cinnamomum camphora* Camphor Laurel*

Lobeliaceae Pratia purpurascens Whiteroot

Lomandraceae Lomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rush

Lomandra multiflora Many-flowered Mat-rush

Lomandra obliqua

Luzuriagaceae Eustrephus latifolius Wombat Berry

Geitonoplesium cymosum Scrambling Lily

Malvaceae Hibiscus heterophyllus

Sida rhombifolia* Paddy's Lucerne*

Menispermaceae Stephania japonica

Myrsinaceae Rapanea variabilis Muttonwood

Myrtaceae Acmena smithii (now Syzygium smithii) Lilly Pilly

Angophora costata Sydney Red/Rusty Gum

Angophora floribunda Rough-barked Apple

Babingtonia virgata

Callistemon salignus Willow Bottlebrush

Corymbia gummifera Red Bloodwood

Eucalyptus capitellata Brown Stringybark


81



Eucalyptus haemastoma Broad-leaved Scribbly Gum

Eucalyptus robusta Swamp Mahogany

Leptospermum polygalifolium Tantoon

Leptospermum trinervium Slender Tea-tree

Melaleuca decora

Melaleuca linariifolia Flax-leaved Paperbark

Micromyrtus ciliata Fringed Heath-myrtle

Syncarpia glomulifera Turpentine

Ochnaceae Ochna serrulata* Mickey Mouse Plant*

Oleaceae Ligustrum lucidum* Large-leaved Privet*

Ligustrum sinense* Small-leaved Privet*

Notelaea longifolia Large Mock-olive

Orchidaceae Dipodium punctatum Hyancinth Orchid

Oxalidaceae Oxalis perennans

Phormiaceae Dianella caerulea var. producta

Pittosporaceae Billardiera scandens Appleberry

Bursaria spinosa Native Blackthorn

Pittosporum revolutum Rough Fruit Pittosporum

Plantaginaceae Plantago lanceolata* Lamb's Tongues*

Poaceae Andropogon virginicus Whisky Grass

Aristida ramosa Purple Wiregrass

Arundo donax* Giant Reed

Axonopus affinis Narrow-leaved Carpet Grass*

Cymbopogon refractus Barbed Wire Grass

Echinopogon caespitosus Bushy Hedgehog-grass

Ehrharta erecta* Panic Veldtgrass*

Entolasia marginata Bordered Panic

Entolasia stricta Wiry Panic

Eragrostis brownii Brown's Lovegrass

Imperata cylindrica Blady grass

Joycea pallida Silvertop Wallaby Grass

Microlaena stipoides

Oplismenus aemulus

Paspalum dilatatum* Paspalum*

Paspalum distichum Water Couch

Pennisetum clandestinum* Kikuyu Grass*

Poa affinis

Setaria gracilis (now is parviflora )* Slender Pigeon Grass*

Themeda australis Kangaroo Grass

Polygalaceae Comesperma ericinum

Polygonaceae Persicaria decipiens Spotted Knotweed

Persicaria hydropiper Water Pepper

Persicaria lapathifolia Pale Knotweed

Persicaria strigosa

Rumex sp.*

Proteaceae Banksia paludosa

Banksia serrata Old-man Banksia

Grevillea sericea

Hakea bakeriana


82



Hakea dactyloides Broad-leaved Hakea

Isopogon anemonifolius Broad-leaf Drumsticks

Lambertia formosa Mountain Devil

Persoonia lanceolata Lance Leaf Geebung

Persoonia levis Broad-leaved Geebung

Petrophile pulchella Conesticks

Petrophile sessilis

Ranunculaceae Clematis aristata Old Man's Beard

Rosaceae Rubus fruticosus sp. agg.* Blackberry complex*

Rubiaceae Morinda jasminoides Sweet Morinda

Richardia spp.*

Rutaceae Zieria laevigata

Sapindaceae Dodonaea triquetra Large-leaf Hop-bush

Scrophulariaceae Veronica plebeia Trailing Speedwell

Smilacaceae Smilax australis Lawyer Vine

Smilax glyciphylla Sweet Sarsparilla

Thelypteridaceae Christella dentata

Thymelaeaceae Pimelea linifolia

Tremandraceae Tetratheca juncea Black-eyed Susan

Verbenaceae Clerodendrum tomentosum Hairy Clerodendrum

Lantana camara* Lantana*

Xanthorrhoeaceae Xanthorrhoea spp.

* - denotes exotic species

Bold – denotes threatened species

Fauna Species List

Scientific Name Common Name

BIRDS

Acanthiza lineata Striated Thornbill

Acanthiza nana Yellow Thornbill

Alisterus scapularis Australian King-Parrot

Anthochaera carunculata Red Wattlebird

Cacatua galerita Sulphur-crested Cockatoo

Cacatua tenuirostris Long-billed Corella

Calyptorhynchus lathami Glossy Black-Cockatoo

Centropus phasianinus# Pheasant Coucal#

Chenonetta jubata Australian Wood Duck

Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush

Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike

Cormobates leucophaea White-throated Treecreeper

Corvus coronoides Australian Raven

Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird

Dacelo novaeguineae Laughing Kookaburra

Egretta novaehollandiae White-faced Heron

Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark

Gymnorhina tibicen Australian Magpie

Lichmera indistincta Brown Honeyeater

Malurus cyaneus Superb Fairy-wren

Manorina melanocephala Noisy Miner


83



Meliphaga lewinii Lewin's Honeyeater

Neochmia temporalis Red-browed Finch

Pachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler

Pardalotus punctatus Spotted Pardalote

Philemon corniculatus Noisy Friarbird

Platycercus adscitus eximius Eastern Rosella

Porphyrio porphyrio Purple Swamphen

Rhipidura albiscapa Grey Fantail

Scythrops novaehollandiae Channel-billed Cuckoo

Sericornis frontalis White-browed Scrubwren

Strepera graculina Pied Currawong

Streptopelia chinensis* Spotted Turtle-Dove*

Taeniopygia bichenovii Double-barred Finch

Threskiornis molucca Australian White Ibis

Todiramphus sanctus Sacred Kingfisher

Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus Scaly-breasted Lorikeet

Trichoglossus haematodus Rainbow Lorikeet

MAMMALS

Antechinus stuartii Brown Antechinus

Capra hircus* Goat*

Dasyurus maculatus# Spotted-tailed Quoll#

Macropus giganteus Eastern Grey Kangaroo

Macropus rufogriseus Red-necked Wallaby

Mus musculus* House Mouse*

Oryctolagus cuniculus* Rabbit*

Petaurus breviceps Sugar Glider

Petaurus norfolcensis Squirrel Glider

Phascolarctos cinereus# Koala#

Pseudocheirus peregrinus Common Ringtail Possum

Pteropus poliocephalus Grey-headed Flying-fox

Rattus lutreolus Swamp Rat

Rattus rattus* Black Rat*

Sus scrofa*# Pig*#

Tachyglossus aculeatus Short-beaked Echidna

Trichosurus vulpecula Common Brushtail Possum

Vespadelus vulturnus Little Forest Bat

Vulpes vulpes* Fox*

REPTILES

Amphibolurus muricatus Jacky Lizard

Demansia psammophis Yellow-faced Whip Snake

Eulamprus quoyii Eastern Water-skink

Lampropholis delicata Dark-flecked Garden Sunskink

Pogona barbata Bearded Dragon

Pseudechis porphyriacus Red-bellied Black Snake

Tiliqua scincoides Eastern Blue-tongue

FROGS

Crinia signifera Common Eastern Froglet

Limnodynastes peronii Brown-striped Frog

Limnodynastes tasmaniensis Spotted Grass Frog


84



Litoria fallax Eastern Dwarf Tree Frog

* - denotes exotic species

# - denotes anecdotal records


85



Appendix C - Threatened Flora Data


86



Figure 11: Threatened Flora Part 1


87



Figure 12: Threatened Flora Part 2


88



Table 5: Tetratheca juncea data.

Label Plants Diameter (m) Label Plants Diameter (m)

1 7 20 13 9 2

2 1 14 8 4

3 7 3 15 6 2

4 5 2 16 4 1

5 8 3 17 1

6 11 3 18 5 2

7 1 19 3 2

8 11 4 20 1

9 4 1 21 1

10 33 28 22 2 1

11 3 2 23 3 1

12 7 4 Total 141

Table 6: Angophora inopina data.

GIS Label # of

Plants Comment

Point 1 1 Small tree

Point 2 2 Small trees

Point 3 1 Emergent tree

Point 4 1 Seedling

Point 5 1 Seedling




Point 9 2 Emergent trees




Point 13 1 Seedling



Point 16 1 Seedling

Point 17 15 All plants coppicing after being lopped




89












Point 29 1 Seedling

Point 30 1 Seedling


Point 32 19 11 seedlings, 7 small trees, 1 emergent tree

Point 33 3 Seedlings

Point 34 1 Seedling


Point 36 1 Seedling

Point 37 21 15 seedlings, 5 small trees, 1 emergent tree

Point 38 1 Seedling

Point 39 1 Seedling



Point 42 11 All plants coppicing after being lopped


Point 44 1 tree

Point 45 1 tree

Point 45 1 tree

Point 46 1 tree

Point 47 1 tree

Point 48 1 tree

Point 49 1 tree

Point 50 1 tree

Point 51 1 tree

Polygon 1 250 Small trees









90




Polygon

10 56 Small trees

Polygon

11 13 Small trees

Total 581


91




92



Appendix D - Hollow-Bearing Tree Data

Figure 13: Hollow Bearing Trees Part 1


93





94





95





96





97



Number IDENT Species DBH Hollows5cm Hollows5_15cm Hollows15cm MaxHollowSize

0 HBT1 Eucalyptus haemastoma 70 3 Large

1 HBT2 Eucalyptus haemastoma >70cm 1 Medium

2 HBT3 Eucalyptus haemastoma >70cm 2 Large

3 HBT4 Eucalyptus haemastoma 30-50cm 1 Small

4 HBT5 Eucalyptus haemastoma 30-50cm 1 Small


6 HBT7 Eucalyptus haemastoma >70cm 1 1 Large

7 HBT8 Eucalyptus haemastoma >70cm 5 Small


9 HBT10 Eucalyptus haemastoma >70cm 2 1 Medium



12 HBT13 Eucalyptus haemastoma 50-70cm 1 Large



15 HBT16 Eucalyptus haemastoma 30-50cm 2 Medium



18 HBT19 Corymbia gummifera >70cm 1 3 Large

19 HBT20 Eucalyptus haemastoma 50-70cm 1 Large


21 HBT22 Corymbia gummifera >70cm 1 Large

22 HBT23 Corymbia gummifera >70cm 2 Small


24 HBT25 Corymbia gummifera >70cm 2 Large

25 HBT26 Eucalyptus haemastoma >70cm 1 1 Medium


27 HBT28 stag >70cm 1 1 Medium

28 HBT29 Eucalyptus capitelatta >70cm 1 Medium

29 HBT30 stag 30-50cm 1 1 Medium


98



30 HBT31 stag >70cm 1 Large

31 HBT32 stag <30cm 1 Small

32 HBT33 Corymbia gummifera >70cm 1 Medium


34 HBT35 Eucalyptus capitelatta >70cm 1 Medium

35 HBT36 stag >70cm 1 Large



38 HBT39 stag <30cm 1 Medium

39 M1 stag >70cm 2 3 1 Large

40 M2 stag >70cm 2 Small

41 M3 Eucalyptus haemastoma >70cm 1 1 Large


43 M5 stag 50-70cm 1 Small

44 M6 Eucalyptus haemastoma >70cm 1 Medium

45 M7 stag >70cm 3 Medium

46 M8 stag 50-70cm 1 Medium


48 M10 Angophora costata >70cm 2 1 Large



51 M13 Eucalyptus haemastoma >70cm 1 3 Medium

52 M14 Eucalyptus haemastoma >70cm 1 Large

53 M15 Eucalyptus capitelatta >70cm 1 Large

54 M16 Corymbia gummifera >70cm 1 2 Large


56 M18 Corymbia gummifera >70cm 2 Large

57 M19 Angophora costata >70cm 1 Medium


59 M21 Angophora costata >70cm 1 1 Medium



99



61 M23 Angophora costata >70cm 1 Small



64 M26 Eucalyptus haemastoma >70cm 2 3 Medium



67 M29 stag >70cm 1 2 Large

68 M30 stag >70cm 1 Large


70 M32 Corymbia gummifera >70cm 2 2 Large

71 M33 Eucalyptus capitelatta 50-70cm 1 Large

72 M34 stag 50-70cm 2 Large

73 M35 Eucalyptus capitelatta >70cm 1 1 Large

74 M37 Eucalyptus capitelatta >70cm 4 1 Large




78 M41 stag >70cm 1 1 1 Large

79 M42 stag >70cm 2 Small






85 M48 stag >70cm 1 Medium

86 A1 Corymbia gummifera 30-50cm 2 1 1 Large

87 A2 Corymbia gummifera 50-70cm 2 Small

88 A3 Eucalyptus haemastoma 50-70cm 2 Medium

89 A4 Corymbia gummifera 30-50cm 2 Medium

90 A5 stag 30-50cm 1 Large

91 A6 Corymbia gummifera 50-70cm 1 Large


100



92 A7 Eucalyptus haemastoma >70cm 1 Large


94 A9 stag 30-50cm 3 Small

95 A10 Eucalyptus haemastoma 30-50cm 1 1 Large

96 A11 stag 50-70cm 1 1 Large

97 A12 Eucalyptus haemastoma 50-70cm 1 Large

98 A13 Eucalyptus haemastoma >70cm 2 1 Large

99 A14 Eucalyptus haemastoma >70cm 1 Large

100 A15 Eucalyptus capitelatta >70cm 1 Small


102 A17 Eucalyptus haemastoma >70cm 1 1 Large

103 A18 Corymbia gummifera 2 Medium

104 A19 stag 3 Medium

105 A20 Corymbia gummifera >70cm 5 Medium

106 A21 stag 2 Medium

107 A22 stag 2 1 Large

108 A23 Eucalyptus haemastoma >70cm 1 Medium

109 A24 Eucalyptus haemastoma >70cm 1 1 Medium

110 A25 Eucalyptus capitelatta >70cm 3 Medium

111 A26 stag 30-50cm 2 Small

112 A27 Eucalyptus capitelatta >70cm 1 Medium





117 A32 Eucalyptus haemastoma 5 Medium

118 A33 stag 30-50cm 2 1 Medium


120 A35 stag >70cm 3 Medium

121 A36 Angophora costata >70cm 3 Medium

122 A37 Corymbia gummifera >70cm 1 4 Medium


101




124 A39 stag <30cm 1 Small

125 A40 Eucalyptus capitelatta >70cm 1 Large

126 A41 Corymbia gummifera 50-70cm 1 1 Medium


128 A43 Angophora costata >70cm 1 Medium


130 A45 Eucalyptus haemastoma 5 3 1 Large

131 A46 stag 2 3 Medium

132 A47 Corymbia gummifera 2 Medium

133 A48 Corymbia maculata 1 Small

134 A49 Corymbia maculata >70cm 2 2 Medium

135 A50 Angophora costata >70cm 2 Small

136 A51 stag >70cm 3 Small

137 HBT1M Eucalyptus haemostoma >70cm 1 2 Medium

138 HBT2M Eucalyptus haemostoma >70cm 4 Medium

139 HBT3M Eucalyptus haemostoma >70cm 3 Medium


102



Appendix E - Bat species identified using Anabat recordings

SPECIES TOTAL

SCIENTIC NAME COMMON NAME DEFINITE PROBABLE POSSIBLE

Chalinolobus gouldii Gould’s Wattled Bat 3 41

Chalinolobus dwyeri # Large-eared Pied Bat 1

Chalinolobus morio Chocolate Wattled Bat 10

Miniopterus schreibersii

oceanensis #

Eastern Bent-wing Bat 4

Mormopterus norfolkensis # East-coast Freetail Bat 4 38

Mormopterus sp.2 Eastern Freetail Bat 3 40

Scoteanax rueppellii # Greater Broadnosed Bat 1

Scotorepens orion Eastern Broadnosed Bat 1

Tadarida australis White-striped Freetail Bat 5

Vespadelus darlingtoni

Vespadelus pumilus

Large Forest Bat

Eastern Forest Bat

20

8

3

10

Vespadelus regulus Southern Forest Bat 4

Vespadelus vulturnus Little Forest Bat 9

# Listed as Vulnerable under Schedule 2 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.


103



Appendix F – Floristic Plot Data

© E C O LO G I C AL AU S T R AL I A P T Y L T D 104

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