Approved NSW Recovery Plan Kurri Sand Swamp Woodland Endangered Ecological Community

April 2008

© Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSW), 2008 This work is copyright. However, material presented in this plan may be copied for personal use or published for educational purposes, providing that any extracts are fully acknowledged. Apart from this and any other use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced without prior written permission from the Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSW).

Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSW) 59-61 Goulbourn Street (PO Box A290) Sydney South NSW 1232 Phone: (02) 9995 5000 (switchboard) Phone: 131 555 (information & publications requests) Fax: (02) 9995 5999 Email: [email protected] Website: www.environment.nsw.gov.au

Requests for information or comments regarding the recovery program for the Kurri Sand Swamp Woodland are best directed to:

The Kurri Sand Swamp Woodland Recovery Co-ordinator Biodiversity Conservation Section, North East Branch Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSW) PO Box 488G Newcastle NSW 2300 Phone: 02 4908 6800

Cover photograph: Tricia Hogbin, DECC

This plan should be cited as follows: Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSW) 2008, Recovery Plan for the Kurri Sand Swamp Woodland Endangered Ecological Community , Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSW), Sydney.

ISBN: 978 1 74122 818 2 DECC : DECC 2008/210 Printed on recycled paper

Recovery Plan Kurri Sand Swamp Woodland

Recovery Plan for Kurri Sand Swamp Woodland

Foreword

This document constitutes the formal New South Wales state recovery plan for the endangered ecological community Kurri Sand Swamp Woodland (KSSW) and, as such, considers the conservation requirements of the community across its known range. It identifies the actions to be taken to ensure the long-term viability of the KSSW in nature and the parties who will undertake these actions. The KSSW is listed as an endangered ecological community on Schedule 1 Part 3 of the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. This woodland is restricted to soils that occur over sand deposits in the Kurri Kurri and Cessnock areas in the Lower Hunter Valley. The main threats to the community are continued habitat loss and fragmentation; and habitat degradation due to physical disturbance, weed invasion, changes to drainage conditions and nutrient levels, frequent fire and inappropriate hazard reduction activities. The overall objective of this recovery plan is to maintain and improve the current extent, condition and ecological function of KSSW across the communities entire pre-European settlement distribution. Specific recovery objectives include: • gain greater insight into the distribution, floristics, and variance within KSSW and to investigate the relative significance of KSSW remnants; • provide public authorities with information that assists in conserving and managing KSSW; • raise awareness of KSSW and facilitate community involvement in the recovery program; • identify and minimise the threats operating at sites where KSSW occurs and ensure appropriate ecological restoration where necessary and feasible; • initiate potential conservation of KSSW on private property; • promote research and monitoring projects that will assist future management decisions; and • broaden legislative protection afforded KSSW. It is intended that the recovery plan will be implemented over a five year period. This recovery plan is to be implemented by the Department of Environment and Climate Change, Rural Fire Service, Cessnock City Council, Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority, Department of Lands, and Forests NSW. Recovery Plan implementation will be overseen by the Hunter Valley Threatened Flora Recovery Team and a number of community groups are also involved in its implementation. The total cost to implement this plan is estimated to be at least $224,400 over five years. Over half of the required funds ($130,000) 1 have already been provided by external sources, including the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority, Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority (Natural Heritage Trust funding) and its sub-committee the Wallis, Fishery and Four Mile Creek Catchment Management Forum, the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet, and Cessnock City Council. The DECC will make an in- kind contribution of $47,400.

LISA CORBYN VERITY FIRTH MP Director General Minister for Climate Change and the Environment 1 Implementation of this plan commenced in 2006 with publication of the draft plan. Consequently many of the actions are now completed or underway and an additional $33,200 has been secured for recovery plan implementation from the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority (Environmental Education Grant), Cessnock City Council and Hydro Aluminium. An additional $240,000 has also been secured to contribute towards research priorities identified in this plan (NHT Strategic Reserve Grant).

Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSW) P a g e i Recovery Plan Kurri Sand Swamp Woodland

Acknowledgments This recovery plan was prepared with financial support from the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) and under the guidance of the Kurri Sand Swamp Woodland Recovery Team. The Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) wishes to acknowledge the RTA and the following recovery team members and their organisations for their contributions to the development of this recovery plan: Doug Beckers, Deon van Rensburg (DECC), Sarah Roberts (Cessnock City Council), Stephen Bell (Eastcoast Flora Survey), Mark Evans (EnergyAustralia), Adam Fawcett (Forests NSW), Lucas Grenadier (DECC), Anna Ferguson (Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority), Paul Wenta (Hydro Aluminium), Anthony Signor, Rob Micheli (Department of Lands), James Ryan (local community representative), Angela Riepsamen (RTA), and David Hislop (Rural Fire Service). Various organisations have already provided financial support towards the implementation of this recovery program and their support is greatly acknowledged. The Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority and its sub-committee the Wallis, Fishery and Four Mile Creek Catchment Management Forum, the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet, and Cessnock City Council have contributed funds towards the implementation of Specific Objective 1: To gain greater insight into the distribution, floristics, and variance within KSSW and to investigate the relative significance of KSSW remnants. 2 The DECC would also like to acknowledge the members of the local Kurri Kurri and Cessnock communities, who have been, and continue to be, actively involved in the conservation of Kurri Sand Swamp Woodland. In particular, the following local community groups: Friends of Werakata National Park, Friends of Tumblebee, and Kurri Kurri Tidy Towns.

2 Additional funds have since been secured from the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority (Environmental Education Grant) and Cessnock City Council to implement Action 3.5. Hydro Aluminium has also contributed funds towards implementation of Specific Objective 1. The support of these organisations is greatly acknowledged.

Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSW) P a g e i i Recovery Plan Kurri Sand Swamp Woodland

Table of Contents 1 Introduction...... 1 2 Legislative Context...... 1 2.1 Legal status...... 1 2.2 Responsibilities under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995...... 1 2.3 Relationship to other legislation...... 2 3 Biological Information...... 2 3.1 Description ...... 2 3.2 Distribution ...... 3 3.3 Land tenure and zoning...... 3 3.4 Habitat...... 3 3.5 Ecological processes...... 4 3.6 Ability to recover...... 5 4 Threats and Management Issues ...... 5 4.1 Threats...... 5 4.2 Limits to current knowledge...... 5 4.3 Rehabilitation and revegetation ...... 7 5 Previous/Existing Recovery Actions...... 7 5.1 Survey and mapping ...... 7 5.2 Recovery team...... 7 5.3 Community education, awareness and involvement...... 7 5.4 Ecological studies ...... 8 5.5 In-situ protection and habitat management ...... 8 6 Proposed Recovery Objectives, Actions and Performance Criteria for 2006- 2010 ...... 8 7 Implementation ...... 11 8 Social and economic consequences...... 11 8.1 Social consequences ...... 11 8.2 Economic consequences ...... 11 9 Biodiversity Benefits ...... 12 10 Preparation Details...... 12 11 References ...... 12 12 Acronyms Used in this Document ...... 13 13 Appendix 1. Summary of advice from the NSW Scientific Committee...16

Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSW) P a g e i i i Recovery Plan Kurri Sand Swamp Woodland

Figures Figure 1. The general distribution of Kurri Sand Swamp Woodland...... 4

Tables Table 1. Research questions that will assist in the effective conservation and management of KSSW...... 6 Table 2. Estimated costs of implementing the actions identified in the recovery plan ...... 14

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2.2 Responsibilities under the 1 Introduction Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 Kurri Sand Swamp Woodland (KSSW) is a woodland community that occurs only in New Recovery plan preparation, exhibition and South Wales (NSW), and is restricted to soils implementation that occur over sand deposits within the Kurri Kurri and Cessnock areas in the Lower Hunter The TSC Act provides a legislative framework to Valley. Available information suggests as much protect and encourage the recovery of 1 threatened species, populations or ecological as 50 per cent of this woodland may have been 4 cleared due to urban and industrial development communities in NSW. Under this legislation the and now only approximately 2500 hectares Director General of the DECC may prepare remains 3. The remaining areas are threatened recovery plans for species, populations and by continued habitat loss and habitat degradation ecological communities listed as critically due to physical disturbance (e.g. rubbish endangered, endangered or vulnerable on the dumping, trail bike riding), weed invasion, TSC Act schedules. The TSC Act includes changes to drainage conditions and nutrient specific requirements for both the matters to be levels, frequent fire and inappropriate hazard addressed by recovery plans and the process for reduction activities. preparing recovery plans. This recovery plan satisfies these provisions. This document constitutes the formal recovery This recovery plan was on public exhibition from plan for KSSW and, as such, considers the th st requirements of the community across its known 20 October 2006 until 1 December 2006. range. It identifies the actions to be taken to The TSC Act requires that a public authority ensure the long-term viability of the community in must take appropriate measures to implement nature and the parties who will undertake these the actions in a recovery plan for which they actions. The attainment of the objectives of this have agreed to be responsible. The actions recovery plan is subject to budgetary and other identified in this plan for the recovery of KSSW in constraints affecting the parties involved. NSW are the responsibility of the DECC, Rural This plan has been prepared by the Department Fire Service, Cessnock City Council, Hunter- of Environment and Climate Change (NSW) Central Rivers Catchment Management (DECC) in consultation with the KSSW Recovery Authority, Department of Lands, and Forests Team. NSW. Other public authorities may have statutory responsibilities relevant to the conservation and protection of KSSW. The TSC 2 Legislative Context Act requires that a government agency must not undertake actions inconsistent with a recovery plan. 2.1 Legal status The Threatened Species Conservation The KSSW is listed as an endangered ecological Amendment Act 2002 states that an approved community on Schedule 1 of the NSW Recovery Plan must include a summary of Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 advice given by the NSW Scientific Committee (TSC Act). The community is currently not listed with respect to the plan, details of any under the Commonwealth Environment amendments made to the plan to take account Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act of that advice and a statement of the reasons for 1999 (EPBC Act). One of the actions within this any departure from that advice. This summary is plan is to nominate the community as a provided in Appendix 1. threatened ecological community under the Consultation with indigenous people EPBC Act. Local Aboriginal Land Councils, Elders and other groups representing indigenous people in the areas where the KSSW occurs have been identified and a copy of the draft recovery plan was sent to them. It is also the intention of the DECC to consider the role and interests of these indigenous communities in the implementation of

the actions identified in this plan. 3 Based on regional scale mapping (NPWS

(2000) and Predavec et al. (2001)) and likely to be revised following further investigations into 4 For the remainder of this document the term the floristics and distribution of KSSW to be ‘threatened species’ is used to refer to the whole undertaken as part of recovery plan statutory formulation of ‘threatened species, implementation. populations or ecological communities’.

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Critical habitat 2.3 Relationship to other legislation The TSC Act makes provision for the The TSC Act interacts with other NSW identification and declaration of critical habitat for legislation and planning instruments in a number species and ecological communities listed as of ways. Additional legislation relevant to the endangered or critically endangered and conservation and recovery of KSSW in NSW endangered populations. Once declared, it includes the following: becomes an offence to damage critical habitat • (unless the action is specifically exempted by the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act TSC Act) and a Species Impact Statement (SIS) 1979; is mandatory for all developments and activities • National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974; proposed within critical habitat. • Native Vegetation Act 2003; To date, critical habitat has not been declared for KSSW. The declaration of critical habitat is not • Rural Fires Act 1997; considered to be a priority for KSSW at this • stage, as other mechanisms provide for its Rural Fires and Environmental Assessment protection. Legislation Amendment Act 2002 • Key threatening processes Local Government Act 1993; • As of September 2005 there are 27 key Forestry and National Park Estate Act 1998; threatening processes listed on the TSC Act. Of and these at least ten are likely to, or potentially, • Crown Lands Act 1989. threaten Kurri Sand Swamp Woodland, including: ‘Bushrock removal’, ‘ Clearing of native vegetation’ , ‘ High frequency fire resulting in the 3 Biological Information disruption of life cycle processes in plants and animal and loss of vegetation structure and composition ’, Infection of native plants by 3.1 Description Phytophthora cinnamomi’ , ‘ Invasion of native KSSW is the name given to an ecological plant communities by exotic perennial grasses ’, community that occurs on soils developed over and also potentially ‘ Alteration of habitat sand deposits in the Kurri Kurri and Cessnock following subsidence due to longwall mining’ , areas of the Lower Hunter Valley, NSW. KSSW ‘Anthropogenic climate change ’, ‘competition generally ranges from low open-woodland to low from feral honeybees Apis mellifera’ , woodland and open scrub with a low open ‘Introduction of the Large Earth Bumblebee, canopy that rarely exceeds 15m in height. Bombus terrestris’ and ‘Alteration of habitat following subsidence due to longwall mining. In Recent vegetation surveys within the distribution addition to these key threatening processes, a of KSSW (Bell 2004a and 2004b; FloraSearch range of other processes are recognised as 2004) have revealed that the floristics of KSSW threatening the survival of the community in are more complex and varied than indicated in NSW (see Section 4). the original description of the community (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2000) and in Licensing the final determination (NSW Scientific Any activity not requiring development consent Committee 2001). There are a number of under the NSW Environmental Planning and observable combinations of canopy and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) or the NSW understorey species and it appears this variation Native Vegetation Act 2003 (NV Act), which is in floristic composition reflects variation in soil likely to pick flora or harm fauna within KSSW, type (specifically the relative proportions of sand requires a licence from the DECC under the and clay) and the related drainage patterns (Bell provisions of the TSC Act or the NSW National 2004b). Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NPW Act) as a The canopy of KSSW is typically dominated by defence against prosecution. If the impact is various combinations of the following taxa: likely to be significant, a SIS is required. Angophora bakeri, Corymbia gummifera, Other conservation measures Eucalyptus sp. aff. agglomerata, Eucalyptus capitellata, Eucalyptus fibrosa, Eucalyptus The TSC Act includes provision for other parramattensis subsp. decadens, Eucalyptus measures that may be taken to conserve KSSW punctata, Eucalyptus racemosa , and Eucalyptus and its habitat, including the making of a Stop resinifera. Scrub and heath variants are also Work Order or Joint Management Agreement. present, where a stunted and widely spaced canopy of trees occurs. Understorey vegetation is dominated by a range of shrubs typical of sand environments, but with

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clay species such as Melaleuca nodosa also much of the above ground areas were protected prominent in some parts. from agricultural development and largely remained as crown land. Public lands include Given that KSSW is a variable vegetation crown land (both vacant and leased), State community the dominant species varies among Forest (Cessnock State Forest and Aberdare sites (Bell 2004a). In some areas, KSSW is State Forest) and National Park (Werakata dominated by Angophora bakeri, Eucalyptus National Park) (see Figure 1). parramattensis subsp. decadens and Corymbia gummifera , over an understorey of species such Detailed investigation of the tenure and zoning of as Isopogon anemonifolius, Banksia oblongifolia, lands supporting KSSW will be undertaken once Hakea laevipes, Dillwynia retorta, Leptospermum a reliable vegetation map is available across the trinervium and Acacia ulicifolia . In other areas entire distribution of KSSW. Preliminary where soils have a higher clay content, a canopy investigation of zoning by Predavec et al . (2001) dominated by stunted Eucalyptus parramattensis using the available mapping (NPWS 2000, subsp. decadens and Eucalyptus fibrosa may Predavec et al . 2001) reveals that the majority occur, with understorey vegetation including (>70%) of lands supporting KSSW are zoned Melaleuca erubescens, Melaleuca nodosa, rural. Melaleuca decora and Ptilothrix deusta . Several A number of unresolved Aboriginal Land Claims other variations have yet to be defined in detail. occur on lands supporting KSSW (Predavec et Further survey and analysis are required to al . 2001). investigate and clarify these patterns. KSSW is inadequately represented in conservation reserves. A number of small areas 3.2 Distribution of KSSW occur within Werakata National Park, 5 KSSW is restricted to the general Kurri Kurri - totalling approximately 400 ha and Cessnock area within the Cessnock Local approximately 16% per cent of the total current Government Area in the Lower Hunter Valley of known distribution of KSSW. This 400 ha NSW (Figure 1). represents the only example of KSSW under long-term protection. An additional 380 ha (15 % Due to its specific habitat requirements of total KSSW) of KSSW occurs on lands zoned (restricted to soils developed over sand 7(b) Habitat Protection. deposits), the community has a relatively restricted distribution with a linear range of only approximately 21km. 3.4 Habitat The regional distribution of KSSW has been KSSW occurs within a warm temperate climatic modelled by NSW National Parks and Wildlife zone, with warm wet summers and cool dry Service (2000) as part of a vegetation mapping winters. Rainfall generally peaks in late Summer project for the Lower Hunter and Central Coast and early Autumn, although local variations due regions undertaken by the Lower Hunter Central to topography are evident, with an annual Coast Regional Environmental Management average of 748 mm per year. Temperatures Strategy (LHCCREMS). NSW National Parks range from a daily average low of 4 degrees and Wildlife Service (2000) report that mapping Celsius in July to August, to a high of 30 degrees of this community was difficult, as not all sand Celsius in December and January (Bureau of deposits have been mapped on the available soil Meteorology 2005). landscape maps for the region. Predavec et al . KSSW occurs generally on level to slightly (2001) partly ground-truthed and revised the undulating sand deposits within the Maitland and above vegetation map for KSSW. However, local Dalwood Groups of Permian sediment geology, scale vegetation surveys within the Lower Hunter although the community can also occur on (e.g. Bell 2004a, b; FloraSearch 2004) have claypans in close proximity to these sand revealed that the available regional scale deposits (Bell 2004b). mapping (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2000; Predavec et al . 2001) provides a very poor representation of the actual distribution of KSSW. Gaining greater insight into the distribution of KSSW is a high priority.

3.3 Land tenure and zoning KSSW occurs on both public and private land. Land-use on private property primarily includes residential and industrial and, to a lesser extent, agriculture. The area has a long history of underground coal mining and consequently 5 Based on Bell (2004a, b)

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NSW

Dungog

Singleton Maitland

Werakata NP Port Stephens

Cessnock # Kurri # SF Kurri Cessnock Cessnock Werakata Aberdare NP SF Newcastle

Lake Macquarie

Kurri Sand Swamp Woodland N Local Government Area 0 3 6 9 12 Kilometres DECDECC Estate Estate W E Forests NSW Estate Wyong S

Figure 1. The general distribution of Kurri Sand Swamp Woodland. Please note this is an interim distribution map based on available information. The distribution of KSSW will be mapped as part of recovery plan implementation.

term absence of disturbance, may be detrimental 3.5 Ecological processes to the persistence of KSSW. To effectively manage and conserve KSSW it is While there is a general understanding of the important we have an understanding of the basic fire ecology of some of the component ecological processes that influence the ability of species of KSSW, the fire ecology of KSSW at a KSSW to respond to disturbance. The frequency community level is not well understood. However of disturbance, particularly fire, is of vital in a general sense, too frequent fire and also importance for the management and infrequent fire may lead to a reduction in species conservation of KSSW. It is likely that too diversity and alter the structure and species frequent disturbance, and also potentially a long- composition of KSSW.

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Frequent fire will lead to a reduction in fire between the F3 Freeway and the New England sensitive species (e.g. obligate seed Highway will increase fragmentation of KSSW. regenerators). Generally, for species killed by The fragmentation of KSSW remnants has many fire the presence of a seed bank is essential for potential consequences, all of which decrease persistence after a fire event unless propagules the likelihood of KSSW persisting, including a of the species are widely dispersed (Auld et al . reduction in species diversity; an increased 2000; Keith 1996). If fires occur at an interval too susceptibility to habitat degradation (see below) small to allow re-establishment of a soil stored through increased edge-to-area ratios; changes seed bank following a previous fire then local in the fluxes of radiation, wind, water and extinction will occur. nutrients across the landscape; the genetic Fire exclusion or infrequent fire will also isolation of populations which may result in the potentially lead to a reduction in species loss of genetic diversity and decrease the ability diversity, particularly those dependent on fire for of populations to adapt to environmental change; seedling recruitment which may become locally and altered disturbance regimes. extinct in its absence (Gill and Bradstock 1995). Habitat degradation The critical fire frequencies for KSSW have not The remaining KSSW remnants are threatened yet been determined, although Bell (2004a) by habitat degradation. Some of the main suggests the fire free interval for KSSW should causes of habitat degradation for KSSW include: be 5-15 years. He suggested the current composition reflects regular fire, however longer • inappropriate fire regimes, particularly intervals are suggested to encourage seeders frequent fire; and hence enhance species diversity. In light of • current knowledge, the DECC requires that fire physical damage and/or erosion from trail not occur more than once every ten years in bike riding, vehicles, and rubbish dumping; KSSW within the context of the issuing of Bush • changes to drainage conditions and nutrient Fire Hazard Reduction Certificates. This levels due to clearing of adjacent lands. requirement is stated in the Threatened Species Hazard Reduction List. • mowing, slashing and grazing; and • localised weed invasion. 3.6 Ability to recover The degree to which each of the above ‘Recovery’ in the context of this plan, is to ensure processes cause habitat degradation varies the continued and long-term persistence of among sites. KSSW. The likelihood of recovery of KSSW in this context is high provided the recovery actions 4.2 Limits to current knowledge outlined in this plan are implemented, monitored and amended as required. There is currently an inadequate understanding of the floristics (species composition) (see Section 3.1) and distribution (see Section 3.2) of 4 Threats and Management Issues KSSW. A lack of this information hinders determining the relative significance of KSSW remnants and makes decision making regarding 4.1 Threats strategic planning and development assessment Habitat loss and fragmentation difficult and also hinders recovery plan implementation. This limit to knowledge is being A major threat to the persistence of KSSW is addressed in Actions 1.1 and 1.2, which will continued habitat loss and fragmentation due to commence in 2005/06. clearing for urban and industrial development and associated infrastructure such as roads and There is also currently inadequate information on power easements. As much as 50% 6 of the how to effectively manage KSSW. In particular original distribution of the community may have the factors that influence ecosystem function in been cleared, with much of the remaining KSSW and hence long-term viability of the remnants becoming increasingly fragmented by community are not well understood (see section development. In particular, a planned link road 3.5). Whether or not there is capacity to effectively revegetate areas that previously supported KSSW is also unknown at this point in time (see Section 4.3). High priority questions, 6 Based on regional scale mapping (NPWS the potential means of investigating these (2000) and Predavec et al . (2001)) and likely to questions, and the benefits of such investigations are identified in Table 1. be revised following further investigations into the floristics and distribution of KSSW as part of recovery plan implementation.

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Table 1. Research questions that will assist in the effective conservation and management of KSSW. The justification for the research and the methodology that may be used to address each question is broadly identified, as are the potential benefits of the increased knowledge.

Question Justification Potential methodology Benefits of increased knowledge Does fire frequency Both frequent and infrequent Experimental investigation of Provide land managers and influence the viability fire may lead to a reduction in the impact of fire frequency consent and determining of KSSW? species diversity and alter the on the species composition authorities with more detailed structure and species and structure of KSSW. recommendations for What are the lower composition of KSSW. appropriate fire management. and upper thresholds Long-term monitoring of of inter-fire intervals A considerable amount of species composition and Provide greater insight into for KSSW? KSSW occurs adjacent to structure of selected KSSW the degree frequent fire residential and industrial sites and collection of fire threatens KSSW and hence Does season or areas and is often targeted frequency, intensity and assist in identifying how much intensity of fire for hazard reduction burns. It season data for monitored effort should be placed on fire influence the impact of is important that these burns sites. suppression activities . fire on KSSW? be undertaken at a time and intensity that benefits KSSW. Collect available fire frequency data for KSSW and explore in relation to current species composition and structure (i.e. proportion of fire sensitive species, species diversity, proportion of exotic species). Can we manage A considerable amount of Experimental investigation of Provide land managers with power easements or KSSW is bisected by power the impact of slashing more detailed asset protection zones easements or occurs in asset frequency, timing and height recommendations for better to decrease the protection zones. Current on the species composition of appropriate management of impact on KSSW? practice is to slash these KSSW. KSSW under power areas at regular intervals. easements or in asset Little thought has been given protection zones. to how the timing or degree (i.e. height) of slashing may be used to decrease impact. What are the most Degraded areas of KSSW When rehabilitating areas trial Efficient and effective effective methods of require rehabilitation and it is a range of methodologies and rehabilitation of degraded rehabilitating important that the most cost approaches and monitor, areas. degraded areas of efficient and effective evaluate and document KSSW? methods are used. outcomes. Can we effectively Some cleared areas that Experimental revegetation: Increased understanding of revegetate areas that previously supported KSSW trial a range of methodologies our ability to reconstruct previously supported maybe considered for and approaches and monitor, KSSW and of the appropriate KSSW to reconstruct revegetation, particularly to evaluate and document methods of doing so. the community? reconnect fragmented areas. outcomes. When deciding whether to revegetate areas and how much resources to put into such programs it is important we understand the feasibility of effectively reconstructing the community. What is the long-term A number of KSSW remnants Monitor the changes in Land managers would gain impact of changes to occur adjacent to cleared species composition in areas greater insight into the need nutrient and areas and receive increased subject to altered nutrient and for reducing water and hydrological regimes? water run-off and nutrient hydrological regimes and nutrient run-off into KSSW. levels. compare with nearby similar sites not subject to such Consent and determining influences. authorities would have greater information to enable them to effectively determine the impact of a proposed development on the woodland.

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because the available soil landscape maps do 4.3 Rehabilitation and revegetation not map all sand deposits within the region. Finer scale and more accurate vegetation mapping It may be necessary to rehabilitate degraded involving extensive ground-truthing has been areas of KSSW or revegetate areas that undertaken at specific sites within the distribution previously supported KSSW. As outlined in of KSSW including Werakata National Park (Bell Section 4.2 and Table 2, there is very little insight 2004a), Hunter Economic Zone (HEZ) (Bell into the most cost efficient and effective methods 2004b), and Hydro Aluminium buffer lands for rehabilitating degraded areas of KSSW, nor (FloraSearch 2004). A reliable vegetation map is it known whether areas that previously across the entire distribution of KSSW will be supported KSSW can be effectively revegetated produced as part of recovery plan to reconstruct the community. Indeed, studies of implementation. attempts to recreate vegetation communities have revealed that development of restored sites towards a state that resembles the 5.2 Recovery team original/desired community is, at best, extremely A KSSW Recovery Team was established in slow and may not eventuate at all (Wilkins et al . June 2005 to guide the DECC in the preparation 2003). Consequently, it is vital for KSSW that and implementation of this recovery plan. The any future approaches to compensating for the recovery team contains representatives from the loss of natural KSSW though reconstruction of DECC, Cessnock City Council, Forests NSW, cleared or highly degraded areas recognise that Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management compensation sites may never fully replace Authority, Department of Lands, Roads and ‘natural’ sites. Traffic Authority, the Rural Fire Service, and also It is vital that any rehabilitation or revegetation includes representatives from environmental programs for KSSW: identify clear restoration consulting, research, industry, and the local goals; be conducted in an experimental manner, community. In January 2006 the membership trialling a range of methodologies and and responsibilities of the KSSW Recovery approaches; and include a long term Team were transferred to the Hunter Valley commitment to monitoring, evaluation, Threatened Flora Recovery Team. documentation and on-going management. Rehabilitation programs must utilise the in-situ 5.3 Community education, awareness resilience of the remnant to the fullest extent and involvement practical, by applying low level intervention techniques (i.e. natural regeneration from the A stakeholder forum was held for the KSSW soil seed bank and other propagules on site) recovery program in March 2005. The objectives whenever possible (see Perkins 2003). of the forum were to: It is important that any material to be used in 1. increase awareness among stakeholders that rehabilitation or revegetation programs be the KSSW recovery program has sourced from large remnants within a few commenced; kilometres of the recipient site(s). Given the 2. ensure all stakeholders are identified early in apparent variability within KSSW (see Section the program; 3.1) it is also important that material used matches the species composition of the recipient 3. ensure DECC is aware of all relevant site. programs and resources; and Any revegetation or rehabilitation works, 4. gain insight into likely interest, support, and including weed control, within KSSW require a involvement of various stakeholders in the Section 132C licence from DECC if no other recovery program. approvals are required under the EP&A Act. The forum was attended by approximately 50 representatives from a range of organisations 5 Previous/Existing Recovery including local community groups, Cessnock City Council, various state government departments, Actions industry, and various local experts and environmental consultants. 5.1 Survey and mapping An email group list for the KSSW recovery program has been established (approximately 70 As outlined in Section 3.2, the regional names on list as of Sept 2005) and a brief distribution of KSSW has been modelled by electronic newsletter providing information on the NPWS (2000) and partly ground-truthed and activities of the KSSW recovery program is revised by Predavec et al . (2001). However, this distributed every few months. regional-scale map provides a very poor representation of the actual distribution of KSSW

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A range of community groups in the Kurri Kurri - The 7(b) lands within the proposed HEZ Cessnock area undertake community education Industrial site support areas of KSSW. These and awareness activities for KSSW. The lands are to be actively managed for Werakata National Park Discovery Rangers conservation with issues such as access, fire undertake information walks within KSSW for the frequency and weed control addressed. A general public. The Friends of Tumblebee group Habitat Management Strategy is currently being produced a 2006 Calendar of the threatened prepared for these lands. species of the Kurri Kurri Area, which included information on KSSW and the threatened species that occur within KSSW. The Friends of 6 Proposed Recovery Objectives, Werakata National Park and Kurri Tidy Towns Actions and Performance Criteria have commenced planning community education for 2006- 2010 programs for KSSW which will be established as part of recovery plan implementation. The overall objective of this recovery plan is to maintain and improve the current extent, condition, and ecological function of KSSW 5.4 Ecological studies across the community’s entire pre-European Very few ecological studies have been settlement distribution. undertaken on KSSW, although the community Specific objectives of the recovery plan are listed has been the subject of a number of flora and below. For each of these objectives a number of fauna surveys, including those undertaken within recovery actions have been developed, each Werakata National Park (Bell 2004a, DEC 2005) with a performance criterion. and the buffer lands of Hydro Aluminium (Cenwest Environmental Services 2004; Greg Specific objective 1: To gain greater insight Richards and Associates 2004; and FloraSearch into the distribution, floristics, and variance 2004). Hydro Aluminium has recently within KSSW and to investigate the relative commenced a monitoring program investigating significance of KSSW remnants the impact of a control burn on KSSW. Further There is currently an inadequate understanding ecological studies will be undertaken by Hydro of the floristics (see Section 3.1) and distribution Aluminium as a component of a Property (see Section 3.2) of KSSW. A lack of this Management Plan. Acacia bynoeana , a information hinders determination of the relative threatened species that occurs within KSSW is significance of KSSW remnants and makes currently the subject of a PhD (pers. comm. decision making regarding strategic planning Colin Driscoll). and development assessment difficult, and also hinders recovery plan implementation. 5.5 In-situ protection and habitat Action 1.1. The Department of Environment and management Climate Change will coordinate the production of 7 a revised classification and accurate vegetation Approximately 400 hectares of KSSW occurs map across the distribution of KSSW, within Werakata National Park. This 400 incorporating all recognisable variations. hectares represents the only example of KSSW under long-term protection, however, active Performance criterion 1.1: A vegetation map protection and habitat management of KSSW across the distribution of KSSW has been does/will occur at a number of sites outside of completed and made publicly available by year the National Park. 1. KSSW also occurs in the buffer lands of an The Hunter-Central Rivers CMA and its sub- aluminium smelter managed by Hydro committee the Wallis, Fishery and Four Mile Aluminium. These buffer lands are actively Creek Catchment Management Forum; Roads managed and have been excluded from public and Traffic Authority; the NSW Department of access by extensive fencing. Consequently, Premier and Cabinet; and Cessnock City Council physical damage and/or erosion from trail bike have contributed funds towards the riding, vehicles, and rubbish dumping is implementation of this specific objective and considerably reduced at this site in comparison their support is greatly appreciated. to other areas of KSSW. A Property Management Plan for Hydro Aluminium Kurri Action 1.2. The Department of Environment and Kurri has been approved by the DECC under Climate Change in consultation with the recovery Section 113B of the Threatened Species team will coordinate the preparation of an Conservation Act 1995 . assessment of the relative significance of KSSW remnants.

Performance criterion 1.2: An assessment of the relative significance of KSSW remnants has 7 Based on Bell (2004a, b) been completed by year 2.

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Action 1.3. The Department of Environment and team will distribute general information on the Climate Change in consultation with the recovery progress of the recovery program to raise team will provide the NSW Scientific Committee awareness of the recovery program and with a revised description and species encourage community involvement in its composition list for KSSW to ensure the Final implementation. Determination for KSSW accurately reflects the The DECC will continue to distribute a brief actual composition of the community. electronic newsletter, providing information on Performance criterion 1.3: The NSW Scientific the activities of the KSSW recovery program, to Committee has been provided with a revised the KSSW e-mail list (see Section 5.3). description and species composition list for The DECC will also prepare an annual KSSW by the end of year 1. newsletter on threatened species recovery Action 1.4. The Rural Fire Service will identify planning in the Lower Hunter and will include Asset Protection Zones for existing structures information on the progress of the KSSW that occur within or adjacent to areas of KSSW recovery program. The newsletter will be identified by Action 1.1 of this recovery plan. distributed to selected landholders, community groups and local schools. Given the close proximity of KSSW to existing development, many occurrences of KSSW will Performance Criterion 3.1: General information need to be managed along their urban-interface on the progress of the recovery program is to provide for safe ‘set-backs’ for existing distributed to the community at least once structures. These ‘set-backs’ for bush fire annually for the life of the plan. protection are known as Asset Protection Zones. Action 3.2: The Department of Environment and The relative significance of KSSW remnants Climate Change, Cessnock City Council and the (see Action 1.2) can only be determined once Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management the geographical location and extent of these Authority will raise awareness of, and encourage Asset Protection Zones is known. community involvement in, the recovery Performance criterion 1.4: Asset Protection program. Zones for existing structures that occur within or Under this action, DECC, Cessnock City Council, adjacent to areas of KSSW to be determined by and Hunter-Centra Rivers CMA, will raise year 2. awareness of the recovery program amongst Specific objective 2: To provide public community groups, landholders and interested authorities with information that assists in individuals, and will encourage involvement in conserving and managing KSSW the implementation of recovery actions including rubbish removal, weed control, bush The prompt and effective distribution of regeneration, site protection and community information on KSSW is an important component education. of ensuring that the conservation requirements of the woodland are appropriately considered in Performance Criterion 3.2: At least two decisions regarding land-use planning, community groups or landholders are actively development control, hazard reduction activities, involved in the implementation of recovery and land management. actions each year. Action 2.1. The Department of Environment and Action 3.3: The Department of Environment and Climate Change in consultation with the recovery Climate Change, Cessnock City Council and the team will develop a field identification guide and Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management environmental assessment guidelines for KSSW Authority will assist community groups and and distribute them to all relevant public landholders in obtaining funds to undertake authorities. recovery actions within KSSW. Performance criterion 2.1: Survey and Community groups and landholders, if provided environmental assessment guidelines have been adequate funding, would be able to assist in the developed and are publicly available by year 2. implementation of on-ground recovery actions. Specific Objective 3: To raise awareness of Performance Criterion 3.3: At least two funding KSSW and facilitate community involvement applications prepared annually to undertake on- in the recovery program ground recovery actions within KSSW. Increased community awareness and Action 3.4: The Department of Environment and involvement is vital for the effective Climate Change will facilitate the establishment implementation of this recovery plan and will of interpretive walks within KSSW to educate the enhance the social benefit of the program. community regarding the significance of the vegetation and to raise awareness of the Action 3.1: The Department of Environment and recovery program. Climate Change in consultation with the recovery

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As introduced in Section 5.3, The Friends of (site specific where possible) for land(s) known Werakata National Park and Kurri Tidy Towns to support KSSW under their management in have commenced planning community education accordance with the aims and objectives of this programs for KSSW. The DECC will coordinate recovery plan. the design, production, installation and The management statements should address promotion of interpretive material. Funds for the the relevant management issues which may interpretive materials and associated on-ground include: fire management, weed management, management have been provided to DECC by site hydrology (increased nutrient status, run-off), the New England Trading Company. site visitation (access and usage), rubbish Performance Criterion 3.4: Community education removal, protective fencing, and use of programs completed and launched by year 2, in educational and interpretive signs. Statements collaboration with Friends of Werakata National are to detail the specific threat abatement Park and Kurri Tidy Towns . measures required (if any) and a timetable to implement these measures. The level of Action 3.5: The Department of Environment and information provided may depend on the Climate Change will produce and promote a agencies land holdings. Teacher Resource Kit for primary and infant school teachers in the Kurri Kurri – Cessnock All on-ground restoration work within KSSW will area. be undertaken by, or under the direct supervision of a person, or persons, with training (such as Performance Criterion 3.5: A Teacher Resource TAFE certification) and experience in bush Kit produced and distributed to all primary and regeneration techniques. This work will be infant schools in the Kurri Kurri – Cessnock area guided by site management statements. by year 2, with ongoing promotion of the kit each year. Performance Criterion 4.2: Management statements for relevant sites prepared within two Specific Objective 4: To identify and years and implemented within three. minimise the threats operating at sites where KSSW occurs and to ensure appropriate Action 4.3: The Department of Environment and ecological restoration where necessary and Climate Change will liaise with selected feasible landholders/managers of private land supporting KSSW to facilitate the implementation of Threats operating at sites supporting KSSW (in appropriate threat abatement measures. addition to land clearing) include: mowing and slashing, dumping of rubbish and garden waste, Priority private land managers include weed invasion, and an inappropriate disturbance EnergyAustralia, Hydro Aluminium, Hunter regime, particularly frequent fire. Actions under Water and Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land this objective aim to manage these threats Council. through the implementation of appropriate in-situ Performance Criterion 4.3: At least two threat abatement measures. landholders/managers of private land provided Action 4.1: The Department of Environment and with advice regarding the management of KSSW Climate Change in consultation with the recovery each year for the life of the plan. team, will prioritise sites for active management Specific objective 5: To initiate potential (i.e. bush regeneration, site protection conservation of KSSW on private property measures). Only approximately 16% of KSSW occurs within The criteria for this process will be based upon conservation reserves (Section 3.3). This factors influencing the ecology of the remnant objective aims to increase the long-term including size, disturbance history, species protection afforded to priority remnants of KSSW diversity/site quality, ability to recover and on private property. existing threats. Resource allocation would then need to be guided by such factors as Action 5.1: The Hunter-Central Rivers security/tenure of site, ability to reduce current Catchment Management Authority and the local threats and the availability of community Department of Environment and Climate Change resources such as community conservation will advise selected landholders of the groups. opportunities and advantages of entering into conservation agreements and covenants. Performance Criterion 4.1: Priority lands for active management have been identified by year The Hunter-Central Rivers CMA and the DECC 2. will notify selected landholders of the presence of KSSW on their land and will inform them of Action 4.2: The Department of Environment and the opportunities and advantages of entering into Climate Change, Cessnock City Council, conservation agreements and covenants. Department of Lands, and Forests NSW will Opportunities for such agreements include prepare and implement management statements Voluntary Conservation Agreements (VCAs)

Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSW) P a g e 1 0 Recovery Plan Kurri Sand Swamp Woodland under the NP&W Act, Joint Management 7 Implementation Agreements and Property Management Plans under the TSC Act, Property Vegetation Plans Table 2 (page 14) outlines the implementation of under the NV Act and appropriately worded recovery actions specified in this recovery plan covenants under the Conveyancing Act 1919. by relevant government agencies and/or parties for the period of five years from publication. Performance Criterion 5.1: Selected owners of private land supporting KSSW will be notified, The total cost to implement this plan is estimated within three years, of the presence of KSSW and to be at least $219,900 over five years, although of the advantages of entering into a conservation this does not include the costs associated with agreement or covenant. the preparation and implementation of site management statements for public lands, as Specific Objective 6: To promote research these costs are yet to be determined. Over half and monitoring projects that will assist of the required funds ($130,000) have already future management decisions been provided by external sources and the As outlined in Section 4.2, there are a number of DECC will make an in-kind contribution of over potential research projects that could assist in $42,900. The remaining $47,000 will be sought the management of KSSW. However, given the from external sources. Tasks still requiring absence of funds to conduct this research, this external funding include encouraging community plan advocates the promotion and facilitation of involvement in recovery plan implementation, potential research projects rather than funding development and promotion of a teacher the actual research. resource kit, and prioritisation of sites for active management. Action 6.1: The Department of Environment and Climate Change to promote and facilitate potential research projects as identified in this 8 Social and economic recovery plan. consequences The DECC will encourage tertiary and research institutions to conduct research into the ecology of KSSW consistent with the priorities outlined in 8.1 Social consequences Section 4.2 and Table 1. Negative social impacts are not envisaged as Performance Criterion 6.1: At least five tertiary the implementation of this recovery plan is not and research institutions contacted regarding expected to affect public land usage to any great potential research areas by year 3. extent, and modification of private land management will occur at the land managers’ Action 6.2: The Department of Environment and discretion. Continued liaison with the local Climate Change will supervise a Newcastle community, affected landholders and University Environmental Management government agencies will address and minimise Placement Study (Unit code - EMGT3090) any unforseen negative social impacts arising investigating aspects of the fire ecology of from the conservation of KSSW. KSSW. It is expected that recovery plan implementation, Performance Criterion 6.2: A Environmental including a community education and awareness Placement research project completed by year program, will have positive social impacts on the 3. local Kurri Kurri and Cessnock communities. Specific Objective 7: Broaden legislative protection afforded KSSW 8.2 Economic consequences KSSW is currently not listed under the The economic consequences of this recovery Commonwealth Environment Protection and plan are those costs that are associated with its Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). implementation. These include on-ground habitat Action 7.1. The Department of Environment and management, conducting vegetation survey and mapping, community education and awareness, Climate Change will coordinate a nomination for and on-going recovery program coordination. the listing of KSSW as a Threatened Ecological These costs can be off-set and minimised by Community under the Commonwealth EPBC seeking funds from external sources and Act. adopting a cooperative approach to Performance criterion 7.1: KSSW has been management, involving the relevant land nominated for listing under the EPBC Act within managers and the community. one year of implementation of this plan. The improved environmental impact assessment that will result from mechanisms established in this recovery plan will assist consent and determining authorities to meet their statutory

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responsibilities and will decrease the costs and Australia. Australian Journal of Botany . 48, time associated with undertaking impact 539-548. assessment for KSSW. Bell, S.A.J. 2004a, Vegetation of Werakata It is anticipated that the overall benefits to National Park, Hunter Valley, New South society of implementation of the recovery plan Wales. Cunninghamia. 8(3): 331-347. will outweigh any specific costs. Bell, S. 2004b, Vegetation of the Hunter Employment Zone (HEZ), Cessnock LGA, 9 Biodiversity Benefits New South Wales. Final report. Prepared by Eastcoast Flora survey for Harper Somers The conservation and study of KSSW will benefit O'Sullivan, Kotara. numerous threatened species that occur within the community. Bureau of Meteorology 2005, Climatic data. [www.bom.gov.au] KSSW provides habitat for a number of rare and threatened flora species including Eucalyptus Cenwest Environmental Services 2004, Hydro parramattensis subsp. decadens (Vulnerable-V), Aluminium Kurri Kurri – Terrestrial Grevillea parviflora subsp. parviflora (V) , Acacia Vertebrate Fauna Assessment. Report bynoeana (Endangered-E), Callistemon prepared for Hydro Aluminium Kurri Kurri. linearifolius (V), and Rutidosis heterogama (V). Department of Environment and Conservation The community also supports the rare species 2005, The Vertebrate Fauna of Werakata Grevillea montana and Macrozamia flexuosa , National Park . Unpublished report funded and two undescribed Eucalyptus species: by the Central Branch Parks and Wildlife Eucalyptus sp. aff. camfieldii and Eucalyptus sp. Division Biodiversity Survey Priorities aff. agglomerata. The community also provides Program by NSW Department of potential habitat for Cryptostylis hunteriana (V) Environment and Conservation, Information based on similarity of floristics and soil types to and Assessment Section, Metropolitan other known habitats and Tetratheca juncea (V) Branch, Environment Protection and could potentially occur within the dryer sand- Regulation Division. based forms of the KSSW (Bell 2004b). FloraSearch 2004, Hydro Aluminium Kurri Kurri – KSSW also provides habitat for a number of Flora assessment. Report prepared for threatened fauna species, particularly threatened hydro Aluminium Kurri Kurri. woodland birds e.g. Brown Treecreeper (V), Black-chinned Honeyeater (V), Grey-crowned Gill, A.M. & Bradstock, R.A. 1995, ‘Extinctions of Babbler (V), Diamond Firetail (V) and Speckled biota by fires’, in Conserving Biodiversity: Warbler (V); and bats e.g. Little Bentwing-bat threats and solutions, eds. R.A . Bradstock, (V), Eastern Bentwing-bat (V), and Eastern T.D. Auld, D.A. Keith, R.T. Kingsford, D. Freetail Bat (V). The community supports a high Lunney & D.P. Sivertsen, NSW National frequency of winter flowering plants and provides Parks and Wildlife Service, Sydney, pp 309- a potential food resource for nectivorous fauna 322. including the Squirrel Glider (V) and Regent Greg Richards and Associates (2004) Hydro Honeyeater (E). Aluminium Kurri Kurri – Bat Fauna The actions identified in this recovery plan, Assessment. Report prepared for Hydro particularly the vegetation mapping, will also Aluminium Kurri Kurri. increase our understanding of the distribution Keith, D. A. 1996, Fire-driven extinction of plant and floristics of other endangered ecological populations: a synthesis of theory and communities in the Lower Hunter, including review of evidence from Australian Lower Hunter Spotted Gum Ironbark Forest and vegetation. Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W . 116: Hunter Lowland Redgum Forest. 37-75. NSW Scientific Committee 2001, Final 10 Preparation Details Determination for the listing of Kurri Sand Swamp Woodland in the Sydney Basin This recovery plan has been prepared by Tricia Bioregion as an endangered ecological Hogbin of the DECC’s Biodiversity Conservation community. NSW Scientific Committee Unit, North East Region, in consultation with the Determination, Hurstville. KSSW Recovery Team. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2000, Vegetation survey, classification and 11 References mapping. Lower Hunter and Central Coast Region. V1.1. A project undertaken for the Auld, T.D., Keith, D.A. & Bradstock, R.A. 2000, Lower Hunter and Central Coast Regional Patterns of longevity of soil seedbanks in Environmental Management Strategy. NSW fire-prone communities of south-eastern

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National Parks and Wildlife Service, EPBC Act Commonwealth Environment Hurstville. Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 Perkins, I.P. 2003, ‘Rehabilitation: An overview’, in Plant Conservation: approaches and FNSW Forests NSW (formerly State Forests of techniques from an Australian perspective, NSW) eds. C.L. Brown, F. Hall & J. Mills, Australian Network for Plant Conservation, HEZ Hunter Economic Zone Australia. KSSW Kurri Sand Swamp Woodland Predavec, K., Harringtin, S. & O'Sullivan, T. LHCCREMS Lower Hunter Central Coast 2001, Kurri Sand Swamp Woodland Regional Environmental Management Strategy Recovery Assessment . Biosis, Chippendale. NSW New South Wales Wilkins, S., Keith, D.A., & Adam, P. 2003, NPW Act NSW National Parks and Measuring success: evaluating the Wildlife Act 1974 restoration of a grassy eucalypt woodland NV Act NSW Native Vegetation Act 2003 on the Cumberland Plain, Sydney, Australia. Restoration Ecology. 11(4): pp 489-503. RFS Rural Fire Service RTA Roads and Traffic Authority 12 Acronyms Used in this Document SIS Species Impact Statement CMA Catchment Management Authority TAFE Technical and Further Education DECC Department of Environment and Climate TSC Act NSW Threatened Species Change (NSW) Conservation Act 1995 E Endangered V Vulnerable EP&A Act NSW Environmental Planning VCA Voluntary Conservation Agreement and Assessment Act 1979

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) W S N ( n o i t a v r e s n o C d n a t n e m n o r i v n E f o t n e m t r a p e D Recovery Plan Plan Recovery Table 2. Estimated costs of implementing the actions identified in the recovery plan

Action Description Priority 1 Cost Estimate ($’s/yr) 2 Total Responsible party 3 Fund source 4 No. Yr 1 Yr 2 Yr 3 Yr 4 Yr 5 Cost 1.1 Revised classification and vegetation map 1 100 000 - - - - 100 000 DECC External 5 1.2 Assess relative significance 2 7 200 - - - - 7 200 DECC In kind 1.3 Revise description and species composition 1 1 800 - - - - 1 800 DECC In kind 1.4 Identify Asset Protection Zones 2 * - - - - - RFS In kind 2.1 Identification and EIA Guidelines 1 7 200 - - - - 7 200 DECC In kind 3.1 Distribute general information 1 1 800 1 800 1 800 1 800 1 800 9 000 DECC In kind 3.2 Encourage community involvement 2 # # # # # # DECC/CCC, HCRCMA Unsecured/In 3 600 3 600 3 600 3 600 3 600 18 000 kind 3.3 Assist community to obtain funds 2 # # # # # - DECC, CCC, HCRCMA In kind 3.4 Interpretive walks 2 30 000 - - - - 30 000 DECC External 6 3.5 Teacher Resource Kit 2 - 20 000 1 800 1 800 1 800 25 400 DECC Unsecured 4.1 Prioritise sites for active management 2 - 3 600 - - - 3 600 DECC Unsecured 4.2 Site management statements 2 * * * * * - DECC, CCC, Lands, FNSW In kind 4.3 Liaise with landholders/managers of private 2 900 900 900 900 900 4 500 DECC In kind land 5.1 Notify landholders of conservation 2 * * * * * - DECC/HCRCMA In kind opportunities 6.1 Promote and facilitate research 2 900 900 - - - 1 800 DECC In kind 6.2 Environmental Management Placement 2 - $15 000 - - - 15 000 DECC In kind Study Kurri Sand Swamp Woodland Woodland Swamp Sand Kurri 7.1 Nominate for EPBC Act listing 2 900 - - - - 900 DECC In kind 130 000 - - - - 130 000 External Annual and total costs 3 600 27 200 5 400 5 400 5 400 47 000 Unsecured 20 700 18 600 2 700 2 700 2 700 47 400 In kind 154 300 45 800 8 100 8 100 8 100 224 400 TOTAL 1 Priority ratings are: 1 Action critical to meeting plan objectives, 2 Action contributing to meeting plan objectives, 3 Desirable but not essential action. 2 # No direct cost (either cost of action is negligible or action is an existing responsibility of the responsible party), * Amount to be determined by the responsible party 3 DECC : Department of Environment and Climate Change; RFS : Rural Fire Service; CCC : Cessnock City Council; HCRCMA : Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority; Lands : Department of Lands; FNSW : Forests NSW. 4 In kind funds represent the salary component of permanent staff and recurrent resources. External funds are those that have already been provided by external sources. 4 1 e g a P Unsecured funds will be sought from external sources 5 35% HCRCMA, 30% RTA, 20% New England Trading Company, 10% Department of Premier and Cabinet, 5% CCC 6 New England Trading Company

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13 Appendix 1. Summary of advice from the NSW Scientific Committee

Comment on draft Recovery Plan Amendments to approved Recovery Plan Add ‘Alteration of habitat following subsidence due KTP added to list in Plan as suggested to longwall mining’ to the list of Key Threatening Processes that are likely to, or potentially, threaten KSSW Use a mix of provenances, including those from The DECC considers that for the five year life of the other parts of the species range such as those from recovery plan, the use of local provenance material drier locations, in rehabilitation and restoration is an appropriate strategy for rehabilitation and programs restoration works. Apis mellifera not milifera Spelling corrected as suggested Insert “NSW” before “Scientific Committee” NSW inserted as suggested ‘community’s’, not communities Amended as suggested ‘geographical’, not ‘grographical’ Spelling corrected as suggested Close bracket around citation A closed bracket added as suggested

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