Vegetation Management Plan Grey-headed Flying-fox Camp, Kareela. Updated 16 April 2015

Prepared by Parks and Waterways Branch 2012 Tel: 9710 0405 Updated by Environmental Science and Policy Unit February 2015 Tel: 9710 0686

1. INTRODUCTION During October 2010 Sutherland Shire Council received approval from the then Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECCW) to modify habitat of the Grey-headed Flying Fox Camp at Kareela. The approval was issued by the provisions of the Threatened Conservation Act 1995 and the granting of a Section 95(2) Certificate (No: 1118944).

The purpose of the modification of Grey-headed Flying Fox camp habitat at Kareela was to reduce conflict between the flying fox camp and members of the Bates Drive Special School, Sylvanvale Foundation and local residents. This was to be achieved by increasing the distance between animals roosting and the school grounds by creating a 10-15m wide cleared buffer zone.

Twenty eight trees and saplings of mixed native and exotic species were removed and the area slashed and mulched. The total area that was cleared is approximately 0.12 hectares which comprised of 5% of the total remnant vegetation in the Kareela site and 10% of the vegetation potentially used for roosting.

The habitat modification proposal also included a commitment to undertake compensatory planting adjacent to the south–eastern boundary of the camp, away from the schools and residential housing. The fast growing indigenous tree species are expected to provide additional roosting habitat in 7-10 years. The area of the proposed compensatory planting is approximately 0.18hectares.

The Section 95(2) Certificate included the following condition:

8. A detailed proposal for the ongoing management and rehabilitation of the compensatory planting area is to be developed and submitted to DECCW for approval by 28 February 2011. The proposal must as a minimum, identify timeframes for planting, types of species to be planted, ongoing monitoring and maintenance schedules, confirm access to the site and a commitment for the long term rehabilitation of the site.

In July 2014 Sutherland Shire Council received approval from the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) to further modify habitat of the Grey-headed Flying Fox Camp at Kareela. The approval was issued under the provisions of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and the granting of a Section 95(2) Certificate (No: C0000417). Approval was granted to remove a 20m strip of vegetation to create a buffer along the northern and western boundary of the camp. As part of the conditions of consent for the Section 95(2) Certificate Council are required to provide compensatory planting and revegetation of the cleared buffer area with non habitat style vegetation. The Section 95(2) Certificate included the following condition:

22. Planting of tall, fragrant-rich native trees, , and/or climber that are not likely to be used as roosts, within the cleared buffer zones to act as a visual and odour buffer.

Under the S95(2) license, in addition to revegetating the buffer area, Council are required to conduct compensatory plantings in the Sutherland Shire to make up for the loss of the trees removed. This is to be done through Council’s Green Streets program. Approximately 49 trees were removed which requires 196 street trees to be replanted adhering to Council’s 4:1 replacement. These replacement trees will be planted during 2015.

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2. BACKGROUND The Kareela Grey-headed Flying Fox camp is located in a small gully between Bates Drive Kareela and Mikarie Place Kirrawee in a 2.2 hectare patch of open space and remnant bushland vegetation. The land is owned by the state government with council as trustees. The bushland is zoned under the Sutherland Shire Local Environment Plan 2006 as Zone 14 Public Open Space (Bushland).

The flying fox camp became established in December 2008 when several flying-foxes were reported at the site. The population has steadily increased with a peak population exceeding 20,000 during April and May 2014 with > 12,000 returning in November 2014 and a low of approximately 5000 over winter 2014.

The site is in an urban area surrounded by a mix of residential, educational and recreational land uses. The Bates Drive Public School a school for children with special needs, the Sylvanvale Foundation Centre for children and adults with special needs including Mikarie Integrated Childcare Centre and ASPECT autism school are located adjacent to the flying fox camp while residential properties in Mikarie Place and Kannan Pl are within 50m of roosting trees. The southern boundary of the camp is created by playing fields and associated cleared areas.

Staff and parents from the school communities, along with local residents, have continued to raise concerns regarding the proximity of the flying fox camp since its establishment. Issues of concern include noise, odour, the faecal drop and concerns in relation to human health specifically the transmission of Australian Bat Lyssa Virus (ABLV)...

The first removal of vegetation and the creation of a 10-12m buffer zone between Bates Drive Public School and the camp was undertaken during October 2010 over several nights after flying foxes had left the camp to forage. The removal of vegetation did not have any significant impacts on the Kareela flying fox camp with numbers remaining stable following the operation.

Similarly in 2014 vegetation removal works to create a 20m buffer between the schools, residents and the flying-fox camp were undertaken over 11 nights following camp fly-out. Numbers did not change during or immediately post vegetation removal works. The removal of vegetation and the creation of a large 20m buffer zone may affect the potential for the camp to expand and to accommodate any significant future increase in the flying-fox population.

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3. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The scope of the vegetation management plan (VMP) for the Grey-headed Flying Fox camp at Kareela covers the detailed specifications for the 2010 compensatory planting zone; the revegetation and management of the 20m cleared buffer zone completed in August 2014; and guidelines for the long term management of the vegetation of the whole site. This document can be regarded as a supplement to the Kareela Flying-fox Camp Plan of Management completed in January 2014. The aim of the VMP is to: • Compensate for loss of vegetation removed under the approval of Section 95(2) Certificates (2010 and 2014). • Provide additional GHFF roosting habitat in 7-10 years. • Improve the quality of the remnant bushland vegetation at the site. • Minimise disturbance to the GHFF camp. • Provide improved habitat for other native fauna. • Stabilise the top soil. • Improve the visual amenity of the cleared buffer zone.

The VMP will achieve the above aims by: • Identifying vegetation management zones. • Specifying weed management and landscape treatments for each zone. • Specifying the species and planting densities in each zone. • Providing time frames for vegetation establishment and maintenance. • Detailing site access. • Ensuring incorporation of vegetation management with required drainage works.

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4. SITE LOCATION The Grey-headed Flying Fox camp is located on the southern side of the Georges River in the suburb of Kareela within a 2.2 hectare reserve containing remnant bushland. The site is part of a larger 12.5 hectares of public open space mostly dedicated to playing fields.

The site is located adjacent to a busy road, Bates Drive, and 200m from the Princess Highway. The northern boundary is delineated by a chain-wire fence and is shared with the Sylvanvale Foundation, ASPECT and Bates Drive Public School. Residential properties in Mikarie and Kannan Place form the western border. To the south are recreational playing fields. At the south-east corner boundary a council soil and materials storage depot is located. Across Bates Drive to the north-east is the Kareela Golf Course. Within the flying-fox camp site is a council sub depot for the storage of vehicles, containers and equipment.

Fig.1. Site location – Kareela flying-fox camp is outlined in red

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5. SITE DESCRIPTION 5.1 Extent of GHFF camp The flying-fox camp varies in size and distribution across the remnant bushland depending on seasonal food availability for the flying-foxes, weather conditions and local activities that create noise or other disturbances. When the population is low they generally move to the centre of the bushland.

Fig.2. Distribution of the flying-fox camp at the Kareela site post August 2014 buffer clearing.

5.2 Topography and soils The site has a gentle north easterly aspect. A small creek fed by stormwater pipes enters the site from the west and flows in a north easterly direction before crossing beneath Bates Drive via a stormwater culvert and flowing through Kareela Golf Course to Oyster Bay. There has been a history of minor modifications to soil levels associated with the development of the catchment, and the deposition of sediment within the site, resulting in a slight altering of the course of the creek. During high flows water is dispersed over a large area in the lower part of the site.

There is a moderately steep embankment along most of the southern boundary that is the result of filling and levelling the playing fields in the 1970s and 1980s. The introduced material that contains rubble, clay and debris has been left at the angle of repose.

The original site soils are derived from the Hawkesbury Sandstone geological layer and are classified as Gymea soils. They have a sandy texture with low levels of organic matter making them low in nutrients and highly erodible. Along the riparian zone they are more alluvial in nature being deposited and shifted by the actions of the creek.

Due to the industrial, recreational and residential nature of the catchment area the soils have elevated nutrient levels contributing to the loss of native and the proliferation of weeds.

5.3 Access Access to the site is limited and informal. Until recently there has never been a reason to provide or create access to or through the site. Pedestrians have used the perimeter of the reserve as a short cut from their properties in Mikarie and Kannan Place and surrounding areas to gain access to the playing fields. There is a pedestrian walkway from the end of Kannan Place which connects to the 20m cleared buffer area behind residential property boundary fences. The site has a small access point off Mikarie Place adjacent Sylvanvale which provides informal pedestrian access and vehicular access for mulch Page 6 Vegetation Management Plan – Grey-headed Flying Fox Camp, Kareela.

delivery. Visitors that come by car to view the flying-foxes are best using this access.

Pedestrian and limited vehicular access is possible from Bates Drive adjacent to the school. This is possible due to clearing of vegetation however there is no track or roadway and as of March 2015 it was planned to fence this access area, it is likely that a gate would be installed in case access is required. This is a good location to view the flying-foxes when they fly out from the camp.

There is no access from the council depot or directly from the Bates Drive School or Sylvanvale Foundation facilities as they are all surrounded by chain-wire fences.

There are no tracks through the dense bushland beneath the roosting flying-foxes and this has been desireable. When there has been a need to enter the area for observation and data collection the flying-foxes have been disturbed, making noises and leaving their roost trees temporarily. However it has been observed that the flying-foxes do become habitualised to activities around the camp and have tolerated building construction at the schools, playing field upgrades on the Princes Highway and weed control on the perimeter of the site.

The management of access will need to be resolved in the future to reduce the impact of visitors and neighbours on the flying-fox camp and also enable improved management of the site with some limited public access provided. This is beyond the scope of this document.

Fig.3. Access around the flying-fox camp

5.4 Vegetation description The vegetation is predominantly remnant bushland with a high proportion of weeds in all strata. The site has a history of disturbance and given the highly developed catchment area the level of weeds is not surprising. Increased soil nutrients, dumping of garden waste, dispersal of weed seeds from adjoining areas and the absence of fire for over 50 years have all contributed to weed levels and the lack of diversity of indigenous species.

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The type of vegetation on site is mapped as Sydney Sandstone Gully Forest. The forest community is dominated by Blackbutt trees Eucalyptus pilularis reaching 22m in height creating an average projected canopy cover of 80%. Other native canopy trees that are present in fewer numbers include Red Bloodwood Eucalyptus gummifera, Smooth-barked Apple Angophora costata, Scribbly Gum Eucalyptus haemastoma, Red Mahogany Eucalyptus resinifera, Brown Stringybark Eucalyptus capitellata and Cheese Tree Glochidion ferdinandi. Canopy trees that are weeds include Willow Salix babylonica, Coral Tree Erythrina x sykesii, Camphor Laurel Cinnamomum camphora, and WA Golden Wreath Wattle Acacia saligna. The flying-foxes do not discriminate which species of tree they roost in. Many of the canopy trees have died or are in decline as a result of the flying-foxes roosting in them.

The mid storey is dense and dominated by weeds. Indigenous species present include Cheese Tree Glochidion ferdinandi, Sheoak Allocasuarina littoralis, Sweet Pittosporum Pittosporum undulataum, Tick Bush Kunzea ambigua, Lemon-scented Tea Tree Leptospermum polygalifolia and at a lower level Hair- pin Banksia Banksia spinulosa and Dagger Hakea Hakea teretifolia. The most common weed species in the mid storey are Broad- Privet and Small-leaf Privet Ligustrum sinensis. Both these species are declared a Class 4 noxious weed under the Noxious Weed Act 1993 and are required to be controlled. Other weeds in the mid storey include Cassia Senna pendular var. glabrata, Lantana Lantana camara and Pampas Grass Cortadiera selloana (both class 4 noxious weeds). Introduced vines spread throughout the vegetation. The most common species are Morning Glory Ipomoea indica and Madeira Vine Anredera cordifolia.

The lower stratum is shady and dominated by weeds such as Wandering Jew Tradescantia fluminensis. Recruitment seedlings of the indigenous and weed canopy and mid storey species are present as well as other low growing grasses, reeds and graminoid plants. Along the creek line indigenous riparian species include Knot Weed Persicaria decipiens, Bulrush Typha orientalis and Blady Grass Imperata cylindrica. Weeds in this zone include Crofton Weed Ageratina adenophora, Elephant Ears Colocasia esculenta, Kurnell Curse Hydrocotyle bonariensis, Cobblers Pegs Bidens Pilosa and Paspalum Paspalum dialatum. Many other common herbaceous species are present.

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6. VEGETATION MANAGEMENT ZONES Vegetation management zones have been identified to assist with the planning of revegetation, weed control and bush regeneration activities throughout the flying-fox camp.

Figure 4 Vegetation management zones

6.4 Zone 1 GHFF Camp Habitat Description A vegetation description of the core area of bushland has been provided in section 5.4. The vegetation is highly degraded with a canopy of mixed native and introduced species. The understorey is very weedy and densely shaded resulting in very few recruitment trees growing to replace the canopy as mature specimens die.

The flying-foxes do not differentiate between exotic or indigenous trees, roosting in both eucalypts, cheese trees, willows, blackbutts, dead trees, phoenix palm and other species. It is likely that the concentration of flying-fox faeces will also affect the long term regeneration of the forest vegetation. Seeds brought back to the camp from their nightly foraging journeys and the increase in nutrients will influence the future species composition of the vegetation community.

In order to protect the indigenous vegetation community and ensure the site is suitable for the flying- foxes in the future Zone 1 will require active management. The removal of weeds and providing conditions that will allow the natural regeneration processes to continue to function will help to protect habitat for the biodiversity of flora and fauna of the area.

Other sites for flying-fox camps in urban areas of Sydney have successfully undertaken bush regeneration activities beneath flying-fox colonies. The Ku-ring-gai Flying Fox Reserve Habitat Restoration Project is one such site. Volunteer and contract bush regenerators use minimal disturbance methods to remove weeds and stimulate the regeneration of indigenous vegetation. A similar project could be established for the Kareela flying-fox camp.

Involving neighbours and the broader community in the long term management of the site including the Zone 1 vegetation is beyond the scope of this document. Page 9 Vegetation Management Plan – Grey-headed Flying Fox Camp, Kareela.

6.1 Zone 2 Compensatory planting zone 2010 Description Revegetation works conducted in 2010 were a requirement of the Section 95(2) approval from the (then) DECCW. The 2010 compensatory planting is along the southern boundary of the existing bushland. The planting was to compensate for vegetation removed to create a buffer zone adjacent to the Sylvanvale Foundation and Bates Drive Public School. The area comprises a total area of approximately 2400m2. The zone is situated at the top of the slope incorporating some of the existing vegetation, which is mostly weeds, and an area that is currently turfed (see figure 4).

The area is accessible by vehicle from Bates Drive through Kareela Ovals (see figure 3).

Vegetation management All of the existing introduced vegetation within the area is to be removed or controlled. Weeds include trees, shrubs and herbaceous species. Kikuyu Grass Pennisetum clandestinum, Morning Glory Ipomoea indica, Cobblers Pegs Bidens pilosa and Coral Tree Erythrina X sykesii are all common. Weed control will be undertaken using industry accepted best practice techniques for bush regeneration. Weeds will be controlled using hand tools and the use of machinery avoided to minimise disturbance to the flying-foxes.

Weed control will involve the following stages:

• Check over the area to identify and mark any indigenous species that may be present. • Hand remove any weeds from around indigenous specimens and mark with temporary timber stakes to ensure they are not affected by subsequent herbicide treatments. • Large woody specimens such as Coral Trees Erythrina x sykesii are to be treated by stem injection (drilled) using a Glyphosate herbicide and left to die in situ. • Apply a foliar application of a Glyphosate herbicide to herbaceous weeds according to manufacturer’s recommendations. • Hand remove any woody weeds by ‘cut and paint” technique using undiluted Glyphosate herbicide and leaving the roots in place to stabilise the slope. • Vines if present such as Morning Glory Ipomoea indica or Madeira Vine Anredera cordifolia are to be treated by “stem scraping” technique using undiluted Glyphosate herbicide. • In areas where the biomass is bulky some of the dead material will be required to be removed from the site. • Follow up herbicide treatment is likely to be required to assist with the control of persistent weeds and will continue at intervals after planting for a period of 12 months.

Any rubbish or unacceptable dumped material is to be removed from the revegetation area prior to mulching and planting. Once the primary stage of weed control is complete the area is to be mulched.

• The planting areas are to be mulched to a depth of 75-100mm using clean weed free native leaf mulch. • Mulch is to be delivered in piles and spread during periods of low flying-fox numbers and/or outside of school hours to minimise disturbance to the roosting flying-foxes and hence the adjacent schools.

Following mulching the compensatory planting area was planted with trees, shrubs and ground cover plants known to be indigenous to within a kilometre of the site as per Council’s Native Plant Selector. The 20m buffer zone is to be planted with shrubs less than 1.5m in height, grasses, groundcovers and herbs known to be indigenous to the site as per Council’s Native Plant Selector. Plants are to be supplied in tube containers according to the species list and planting density in section 8 below. If proposed plant species were unavailable alternative species will be considered. The use of any alternative species is conducted in consultation with Council’s Natural Areas Manager.

Tree species are to be planted at an average density of 1 plant / 4m2 shrubs are to be planted at an average density of 1 plant / and grasses and groundcovers are to be planted at an average density of 1 Page 10 Vegetation Management Plan – Grey-headed Flying Fox Camp, Kareela.

plant / m2. Plants are to be planted in a random fashion that replicates the natural distribution of species in local bushland. See section 8 below for the species list and planting density.

Figure 5. Compensatory planting zone October 2010 when it was first planted

6.2 Zone 3 Buffer Revegetation Zone Description The 20m buffer zone has been created along the northern boundary with the Sylvanvale Foundation and Bates Drive School and the western boundary with residential properties. The total area is 7000m2 following the chain wire fence in the north and the residential boundary fences to the west. The unnamed creek that flows through the site diverges into a series of braided rivulets due to a long history of sedimentation and an altered flow regime.

The aim of vegetation management in this zone is not to provide roosting habitat for the flying-foxes but establish low growing indigenous vegetation to stabilise the soils and drainage line, improve the quality of the bushland and create improved habitat for other fauna. Since the clearing of vegetation and the creation of the buffer zone weeds have proliferated and revegetation is extremely important.

Watercourse management The whole area is damp due to the divergence of the creek which has provided conditions suitable for the rapid establishment of herbaceous weeds. It is considered appropriate to contain the creek to a single course by the removal of some sediment and creating a low embankment at strategic locations. . Drainage improvement works are proposed for 2015-16 to reduce erosion occurring following the 2014 vegetation removal works dependent on funding availability and the details of works are beyond the scope of this document.

Vegetation management Weeds that are present in the buffer zone are mostly herbaceous in nature and include Crofton Weed Ageratina adenophora, Lantana Lantana camara, Sedge Cyperus eragrostis, Elephant Ears Colocasia esculenta, Kurnell Curse Hydrocotyle bonariensis, Cobblers Pegs Bidens Pilosa and Coreopsis Page 11 Vegetation Management Plan – Grey-headed Flying Fox Camp, Kareela.

Coreopsis lanceolatus. Seedlings of woody weeds include small and large leaf Privet Ligustrum sinensis and Ligustrum lucidum and Box Elder Acer negundo. The increase in light and heat on the soil surface since the removal of vegetation has stimulated the soil bank to also enable the germination of indigenous seedlings in small numbers including Blue Flax Lily Dianella caerulea, Entolasia stricta, Tick Bush Kunzea ambigua, Germander Raspwort Gonocarpus teucrioides and Knotweed Persicaria decipiens.

Weed control is to be undertaken using industry accepted best practice techniques for bush regeneration. Weeds are to be controlled using hand tools and the use of machinery avoided to minimise disturbance to the flying-foxes. Weed control will involve the following stages:

• Check over the area to identify and mark any indigenous species that may be present. • Hand remove any weeds from around indigenous specimens and mark with temporary timber stakes to ensure they are not affected by subsequent herbicide treatments. • Apply a foliar application of a Roundup Biactive® to herbaceous weeds according to manufacturer’s recommendations. • Hand remove any woody weeds by ‘cut and paint” technique using undiluted Glyphosate herbicide and leaving the roots in place to stabilise the slope. • Vines if present such as Morning Glory Ipomoea indica are to be treated by “stem scraping” technique using undiluted Glyphosate herbicide. • Follow up herbicide treatment is likely to be required to assist with the control of persistent weeds and will continue at intervals after planting for a period of 12 months.

The 2010 buffer zone was mulched when it was created any additional mulch should be applied on an as needs basis. Some piles of mulch exist in the lower section which will need to be spread. Once weeds have been initially controlled the area is to be planted with low growing shrubs and ground cover plants known to be indigenous to the site as per Council’s Native Plant Selector. Plants are to be supplied in tube containers according to the Planting Schedule in section 8 below. Shrubs are to be planted at an average density of 1 plant / 2m2. Grasses and groundcovers are to be planted at an average density of 1plant / m2. Plants are to be planted in a random fashion that replicates the natural distribution of species in local bushland. See the Planting Schedule in section 8 for more information.

Fig.6. 20m Buffer zone shortly after its creation in 2014

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6.3 Residential access zone Description The residential access has been increased with the creation of the 20m buffer. The original cleared area behind residential properties of Kannan and Mikarie Place was created before the flying-foxes arrived at Kareela when the sewer system was installed to service residential development. It also historically formed an asset protection zone to protect residential properties from bushfires. However the area is no longer considered a bush fire risk area. The zone also provides pedestrian access between residential areas and the playing fields.

This area was mulched following the 20m buffer clearing to prevent the need for mowing which ultimately disturbs the flying-foxes which impacts upon the neighbouring properties. A formed path with crushed sandstone or a mulched surface may improve pedestrian access (not currently funded) and allow the adjacent areas are to be revegetated with low growing indigenous species.

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7. PROGRAM OF WORKS The majority of works should be conducted during June to August when flying-fox numbers are lowest. Works should also be conducted in school holidays where possible to minimise disturbance.

Activity Commence Description 1. Source plants Wk 1 Most of the plants required are currently available from council’s community nursery. Stock has been grown from provenance collected seed. Continue to liaise with nursery staff to ensure numbers of plants are in stock.

2. Engage bush Wk 2 Approach preferred bush regeneration contractors for a regeneration contractor quote for works. Include site visit.

3. Commence primary Wk 4 Treat herbaceous weeds within the Compensatory Planting herbicide treatment of Zone and Buffer Zone with a folia application of herbicide. weeds. This will also define the area to be revegetated. Other techniques for woody weeds, vines and other persistent species can also commence.

On going weed control will be required at least at monthly intervals to prevent re-seeding of annual species.

4. Spread mulch to Wk 6 Delivery of mulch can commence in Wk 1. Mulch is to be Compensatory Planting spread by hand tools or machinery to reduce disturbance. Zone 2 5. Control overland flow Wk 7 The creekline in the Buffer Zone is to be defined using hand and stabilise creek tools. Creek banks may need to be stabilised using a banks single course of Coir Logs™ in strategic locations.

6. Remove vegetation Wk 5 Weeds with seed heads or those likely to spread will need waste and rubbish from to be bagged and disposed of. Other bulky weeds can be site. stacked at the perimeter of the site for pick up by council and disposal as greenwaste.

7. Commence planting. Wk 9 Plants are to be installed according to the Planting Schedule in both the Compensatory Planting Zone 2 and the Buffer Zone 3. Plants are to be marked with bamboo stakes to identify their location and reduce any damage from over spraying during maintenance herbicide treatments.

11. Maintenance +52 Wks 12 months maintenance on areas after planting. Maintenance of both revegetation zones will be required at regular intervals to control weeds and improve the success of plantings.

7.1 Long term commitment to the Kareela GHFF camp site Council recognises the importance of the Kareela GHFF camp site for the protection of the combined GHFF population along the east coast of NSW and QLD. In order to protect the indigenous vegetation community and ensure the site is suitable for the flying-foxes in the future the whole site will require active management beyond the 12 month revegetation maintenance works detailed above.

The 12 month maintenance program for the buffer zone and compensatory planting zone will ensure the establishment of the planted trees and understorey vegetation covering a total area of 9,400m2. Following the contractors’ maintenance period for the revegetation areas the site will be placed on a Page 14 Vegetation Management Plan – Grey-headed Flying Fox Camp, Kareela.

Parks Operations Maintenance Schedule for council’s staff to continue to maintain. Maintenance will include but not be limited to the following actions: • Control noxious and environmental weeds • Monitor tree plantings and replace any losses or vandalised specimens • Monitor creek flow path through the remediated buffer zone and maintain Jute Logs™ to ensure flow is contained.

The revegetation works at the Kareela GHFF camp will be promoted through the Community Bushcare Link Newsletter. Other sites for flying-fox camps in urban areas of Sydney have successfully undertaken bush regeneration activities beneath flying-fox colonies. The Ku-ring-gai Flying Fox Reserve Habitat Restoration Project is one such site. Volunteer and contract bush regenerators use minimal disturbance methods to remove weeds and stimulate the regeneration of indigenous vegetation. A similar project could be established for the Kareela GHFF camp.

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8. PLANTING SCHEDULE In 2010 the following planting densities and species were implemented in Zone 2 Compensatory planting area. Some plants were vandalised and therefore in 2015 in fill planting is proposed for Zone 2.

PLANTING CONDUCTED IN 2010 2010 Zone 2 2 Zone TOTAL TOTAL NUMBER REQUIRED Zone 1 12m Buffer Zone Zone Buffer Planting 2010 Compensatory COMMON NAME SPECIES

TREES (1 plant/ 4m2) Black Sheoak Allocasuarina littoralis 50 50 Blackbutt Eucalyptus pilularis 200 200 Blueberry Ash Elaeocarpus reticulatus 50 50 Red Bloodwood Eucalyptus gummifera 50 50 Smooth-barked Apple Angophora costata 100 100 450 0 450 SHRUBS (1 plant/ 2m2) Crimson Bottlebrush Callistemon citrinus 50 100 150 Christmas Bush Ceratopetalum gummiferum 100 50 150 Hair-pin Banksia Banksia spinulosa 100 50 150 Needlebush Hakea sericea 50 50 100 Large-fruited Pittosporum Pittosporum revolutum 50 50 100 Lemon-scented Tea Tree Leptospermum polygalifolia 150 100 250 Old Man Banksia Banksia serrata 100 50 150 Sunshine Wattle Acacia terminalis 100 50 150 Sydney Golden Wattle Acacia longifolia 50 50 100 Tick Bush Kunzea ambigua 150 50 200 900 600 1500 GRASSES & GROUNDCOVER 1 plant/m2 Blady Grass Imperata cylindrica 500 200 700 Common Rush Juncus usitatus 0 300 300 Flax Lily Dianella caerulea 300 200 500 Kangaroo Grass Themeda australis 350 100 450 Spiny Mat Rush Lomandra longifolia 300 50 350 Sword Grass Gahnia sieberiana 50 100 150 Tall Sedge Carex appressa 0 200 200 Wallaby Grass Danthonia tenuior 300 50 350 1800 1200 3000 4950

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The following is recommended infill planting species and densities for Zone 2 compensatory planting and Zone 3 20m Buffer area.

PLANTING SCHEDULE 2015 Zone 2 2 Zone of 2400m2 REQUIRED Planting Zone Planting Zone Compensatory TOTAL NUMBER planting 7000 m2 Zone 3 20m Buffer COMMON NAME SPECIES planting Infill 2010 TREES (1 plant/ 4m2) Black Sheoak Allocasuarina littoralis 10 0 10 Blackbutt Eucalyptus pilularis 10 0 10 Blueberry Ash Elaeocarpus reticulatus 10 0 10 Red Bloodwood Eucalyptus gummifera 10 0 10 Smooth-barked Apple Angophora costata 10 0 10 50 0 50 SHRUBS (1 plant/ 2m2) Prickly Moses Acacia ulicifolia 5 200 205 Native Fuchsia Correa reflexa 5 200 205 Broad Leafed Wedge Pea Gompholobium latifolium 5 150 155 Grey Spider Flower Grevillia buxifolia 5 200 205 Pink Spider Flower Grevillia sericea 5 150 155 Native Indigo Indigofera australis 5 200 205 Native Parsnip Platysace lanceolata 5 150 155 Elderberry Panax Polyscias sambucifolia 5 150 155 Eggs & Bacon Dillwynia retorta 5 200 205 45 1600 1645 GRASSES & GROUNDCOVER (1 plant/m2) Blady Grass Imperata cylindrica 10 250 260 Common Rush Juncus usitatus 10 250 260 Blue Flax Lily Dianella caerulea 10 200 210 Mauve Flax Lily Dianella revoluta 10 200 210 Bordered Panic Entolasia marginata 5 150 155 Kangaroo Grass Themeda australis 10 200 210 Spiny Mat Rush Lomandra longifolia 10 250 260 Lomandra Lomandra multiflora 10 200 210 Flannel Flower Actinotus helianthi 5 150 155 Weeping Meadow Grass Microlaena stipoides 5 150 155 Smooth Purple Flag Patersonia glabrata 5 150 155 Silky Purple Flag Patersonia sericea 5 150 155 Appleberry Billardiera scandens 5 150 155 False Sasparilla Hardenbergia violacea 5 200 205 Oat Spear Grass Anisopogon avenaceous 5 150 155 Dusky Coral Pea Kennedia rubicunda 5 150 155 Wonga Vine Pandorea pandorana 5 150 155 Native Sasparilla Smilax glyciphylla 5 150 155 125 3250 3375 5070