Albany Highway H0001 SLK 118-119 (Crossman) Intersection Upgrades Biological Survey
KBR and Main Roads Western Australia
COPYRIGHT STATEMENT FOR: Albany Highway H0001 SLK 118-119 (Crossman) Intersection Upgrades Biological Survey Our Reference: 10956-3771-16R final rev1 Copyright © 1987-2016 Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 70 070 128 675 Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth), the whole or any part of this document may not be reproduced by any process, electronic or otherwise, without the specific written permission of the copyright owner, Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd. This includes microcopying, photocopying or recording of any parts of the report.
VERSION AUTHOR QA REVIEWER APPROVED DATE
Draft rev0 Lyn Atkins 17/11/2016
Damien Cancilla Damien Cancilla
Associate Zoologist Associate Zoologist
Final Lyn Atkins 23/11/2016 Marc Wohling, Director - Marc Wohling, Director - Environment Environment
Final rev1 Lyn Atkins 13/12/2016 Bruce Turner, Associate Bruce Turner, Associate
Director - Environment Director - Environment
Direct all inquiries to: Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd 9 Stirling Highway • PO Box 50 NORTH FREMANTLE WA 6159 Ph: (08) 9430 8955 Fax: (08) 9430 8977
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgements ...... 1 Summary ...... 2 1 Introduction ...... 3 1.1 Project Background ...... 3 1.2 Project Purpose ...... 3 1.2.1 Project Scope ...... 3 1.3 Study Area ...... 4 1.4 Statutory Framework ...... 5 1.4.1 Western Australian Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 ...... 5 1.4.2 Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 ...... 6 1.4.3 Threatened and Priority Flora ...... 6 1.4.4 Introduced Flora ...... 6 1.4.5 Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities ...... 7 1.4.6 Threatened and Priority Fauna ...... 7 1.4.7 Environmentally Sensitive Areas ...... 7 1.4.8 Conservation Estate ...... 7 1.4.9 Rivers, Wetlands and Drainage ...... 8 2 Existing Environment ...... 9 2.1 Physical Environment ...... 9 2.1.1 Climate ...... 9 2.1.2 Landform and Soils ...... 9 2.1.3 Hydrology ...... 10 2.1.4 Wetlands ...... 10 2.2 Biological Environment ...... 10 2.2.1 Biogeographic Region ...... 10 2.2.2 Pre-European Vegetation ...... 10 2.2.3 Environmentally sensitive areas ...... 11 2.2.4 Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities ...... 11 2.2.5 Conservation Significant Species ...... 13 3 Methods ...... 14 3.1 Level 2 FLora and Vegetation ...... 14 3.1.1 Guiding Principles ...... 14 3.1.2 Conservation Significant Flora Likelihood Assessment ...... 14 3.1.3 Flora and Vegetation Field Survey ...... 15 3.2 Statistical analysis ...... 17 3.2.1 Floristic Analysis ...... 17 3.3 Level 1 Fauna and Opportunistic Fauna Survey ...... 17 3.3.1 Conservation Significant Fauna Likelihood Assessment ...... 17 3.3.2 Fauna and Fauna Habitat Field Survey...... 18 3.3.3 Timing of the Field Survey ...... 19 3.4 Previous Surveys ...... 19 4 Results ...... 20 4.1 Flora ...... 20 4.1.1 Flora Inventory ...... 20 4.1.2 Flora of Conservation Significance ...... 20
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4.1.3 Flora of Significance According to Guidance Statement No. 51 ...... 20 4.1.4 Introduced Flora ...... 20 4.2 Vegetation ...... 21 4.2.1 Vegetation Types ...... 21 4.2.2 Floristic Analysis ...... 24 4.2.1 Vegetation Condition ...... 24 4.2.2 Botanical Limitations ...... 25 4.3 Fauna ...... 26 4.3.1 Fauna Assemblage ...... 26 4.3.2 Fauna Habitat ...... 26 4.3.3 Black Cockatoo Habitat ...... 27 4.3.4 Fauna Survey Limitations...... 29 5 Discussion ...... 30 5.1 Flora Significance ...... 30 5.1.1 Threatened and Priority Flora ...... 30 5.1.2 Significant Flora ...... 30 5.1.3 Introduced Flora ...... 30 5.1.4 Potential Sensitivity to Impact ...... 30 5.2 Vegetation Significance ...... 30 5.2.1 Ecoscape’s Assessment of Vegetation Significance ...... 30 5.2.2 Regional Significance Of Vegetation ...... 31 5.3 Fauna and Fauna Habitat Significance ...... 32 5.4 Groundwater and Surface Water ...... 32 5.5 Environmental Referrals ...... 32 References ...... 34 Maps ...... 39 Appendix One Definitions and Criteria ...... 46 Appendix Two Flora Results ...... 52 Appendix Three Floristic Quadrat Data ...... 60 Appendix Four Conservation Significant Fauna Details ...... 67 Ecological Information of Conservation Significant Fauna Likely to Occur ...... 68
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FIGU RES
Figure 1: Study area location ...... 4 Figure 2: Rainfall (Boddington; BoM 2016b) and temperature (Wandering; BoM 2016a) data...... 9 Figure 3: Phascogale calura regional record locations (NatureMap)...... 68 Figure 4: Phascogale tapoatafa wambenger regional record locations (NatureMap) ...... 69 Figure 5: Dasyurus geoffroii regional record locations (NatureMap) ...... 70 Figure 6: Western False-Pipistrelle known distribution (NatureMap)...... 71 Figure 7: Distribution of the Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo (White et al. 2014) ...... 72
T ABLES
Table 1: DAFWA (2012b) soil-landscape subsystems ...... 10 Table 2: Pre-European vegetation association representation (Government of Western Australia 2016a) .. 11 Table 3: Ecological communities database search results (DPaW search reference 12-0916EC) ...... 11 Table 4: Minimum condition for patches of Eucalypt Woodlands of the Western Australian Wheatbelt TEC13 Table 5: Conservation significant flora likelihood of occurrence categories ...... 15 Table 6: Categories for likelihood of occurrence of conservation significant fauna ...... 17 Table 7: Conservation significant fauna species potentially occurring within 10 km of the study area ...... 18 Table 8: Grading system for the assessment of potential nest trees for Black-Cockatoos...... 19 Table 9: Vegetation types of the study area (Good condition) ...... 22 Table 10: Vegetation types (Degraded or Completely Degraded condition) with no quadrats ...... 23 Table 11: Vegetation condition extents (EPA & DPaW 2015) ...... 24 Table 12: Botanical limitations ...... 25 Table 13: Fauna species recorded within the study area and their conservation category ...... 26 Table 14: Extent of habitats within the study area ...... 27 Table 15: Number of Nesting Trees by Species and Class Value...... 28 Table 16: Coordinates of the Class 3 Nesting Trees ...... 28 Table 17: Fauna survey limitations ...... 29 Table 18: Conservation codes for Western Australian flora and fauna (DPaW 2015a) ...... 46 Table 19: EPBC Act categories for flora and fauna ...... 47 Table 20: DPaW definitions and criteria for TECs and PECs (DEC 2013) ...... 48 Table 21: NVIS structural formation terminology, terrestrial vegetation (ESCAVI 2003) ...... 50 Table 22: NVIS height classes (ESCAVI 2003) ...... 51
Table 23: Vegetation Condition Scale for the South West and Interzone Botanical Provinces (EPA & DPaW 2015) ...... 51
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Table 24: Conservation significant flora database search results (vascular flora) ...... 52 Table 25: Flora inventory (site x species) ...... 53 Table 26: Introduced plants and their rankings...... 58 Table 27: Conservation significant fauna potentially occurring ...... 67
MAPS
Map 1: Landform and soils ...... 40 Map 2: Regional vegetation ...... 41 Map 3: Flora and communities database search results ...... 42 Map 4: Vegetation types ...... 43 Map 5: Vegetation condition ...... 44 Map 6: Fauna habitat, nesting trees ...... 45
PLAT ES
Plate 1: Former arboretum ...... 21 Plate 2: Open woodland with grassy understorey ...... 27 Plate 3: Open woodland with disturbed (ripped and mulched) understorey ...... 27 Plate 4: Open woodland with sparse shrub understorey...... 27
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Ecoscape wishes to acknowledge the assistance of the following: Ryan Denham, Project Manager, KBR Paul Everson, Environment Leader – WA, Aurecon Rochelle Lupton, Environment Officer – Wheatbelt, Main Roads Western Australia Vanessa Clarke, Main Roads Western Australia. Ecoscape was contracted by KBR, in association with Aurecon, which have been appointed to the Main Roads Western Australia Engineering and Technical Services Panel.
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SUMMARY Main Roads Western Australia (Main Roads) is proposing to upgrade the intersections of Crossman Road and Crossman-Dwarda Road on Albany Highway, between SLK 117.9 and 119.4. In order to inform environmental approvals required for these proposed works, Main Roads (through KBR) appointed Ecoscape to conduct a Level 2 flora and vegetation assessment and Level 1 fauna assessment of approximately 14 hectares (ha). The assessments included desktop and field studies. The significant factors identified by the desktop included: the study area is largely located within a pre-European vegetation association that has less than 30% of its original extent remaining one Commonwealth listed TEC, (Eucalypt woodlands of the Western Australian wheatbelt) and one PEC, (Mount Saddleback heath communities) are known to occur within 20 km, however, they are not associated with the study area 44 conservation significant flora were identified as having been previously recorded within 20 km of the study area or the study area potentially has suitable habitat; none have previously been recorded within the study area and no Threatened Flora were identified as being likely to occur by a likelihood assessment 19 conservation significant fauna species were identified as likely to occur within the study area; a likelihood assessment identified two Commonwealth-listed Endangered species (Carnaby’s Black- Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) and Red-tailed Phascogale (Phascogale calura) and one Vulnerable species Chuditch (Dasyurus geoffroii) as potentially occurring and two State-listed Priority species (Western False Pipistrelle (Falsistrellus mackenziei) and the sub species South-western Brush-tailed Phascogale (Phascogale tapoatafa wambenger) as potentially occurring. The flora and vegetation field survey identified: 178 vascular flora species within the study area (not including planted non-native tree species); none was of conservation significance (i.e. not Threatened or Priority Flora) and 61 (34.27%) were introduced, including two Declared Pest plants (*Asparagus asparagoides, Bridal Creeper and *Moraea flaccida, One- leaved Cape Tulip), however, there is no requirement for control of either of these there were two native vegetation types; Eucalyptus wandoo woodland (consisting of three subtypes, one of which was in Degraded or Completely Degraded condition) and Eucalyptus rudis-Melaleuca rhaphiophylla woodland in Degraded condition most (83%) of the study area was in Degraded or Completely Degraded condition due largely to weed cover and lack of native understorey species, or having been planted to introduced species (with virtually no native species in the understorey). The fauna field survey recorded: 16 fauna species including one of conservation significance; Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) the study area consisted of one fauna habitat type, open woodland, that is considered to represent foraging habitat for Black Cockatoos there were 79 potential Black Cockatoo nesting trees, six of which possess the necessary characteristics preferred for nesting although no evidence of use was recorded. Given that the area contains Black Cockatoo habitat, a referral to the Commonwealth under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 may be required.
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1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 PROJECT BACKGROUND Main Roads Western Australia (Main Roads) is proposing to upgrade the intersections of Crossman and Crossman-Dwarda Roads on Albany Highway, between straight line kilometre SLK 117.9 and 119.4. As the proposed works will require clearing of native vegetation, Main Roads required a biological survey to inform environmental approvals and project design. 1.2 PROJECT PURPOSE The purpose of the survey was to delineate key flora, vegetation and fauna values and potential sensitivity to impact. The biological survey included mapping of vegetation condition and ecological communities within the study area. The outcome of the survey and information supplied in the biological survey report were for the purpose of: being used in the environmental assessment and approvals process identifying the need for and scope of further field investigations and whether more detailed environmental impact assessment is required assisting in the preparation of impact assessments and management plans, and may be used in state or Commonwealth referral documentation.
1.2.1 PROJECT SCOPE Main Roads required a desktop assessment and biological survey for the Albany Highway H0001 SLK 118- 119 Intersection Upgrades that included: a desktop assessment to identify all biological features and constraints within or near the study area, and identify the correct timing of the field survey, including: searches of Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) Species and Communities Branches databases, including for flora, fauna and ecological communities identifying and reviewing any existing relevant environmental reports identifying any significant flora, vegetation/ecological communities, fauna, soil, groundwater and surface water values and potential sensitivity to impact identifying pre-European vegetation types conducting a targeted and comprehensive field survey to verify the desktop assessments, including: vegetation condition mapping ecological community mapping, with vegetation described using the National Vegetation Information System (NVIS) (Executive Steering Committee for Australian Vegetation Information [ESCAVI] 2003) structure and floristics using marked floristic quadrats (a minimum of three per vegetation unit) mapping the extent of the Eucalypt Woodlands of the Western Australian Wheatbelt Threatened Ecological Community (TEC) against the current Commonwealth Conservation Advice, and justify the occurrences by the recording of floristic quadrats identifying and mapping wetland and riparian habitat if present recording plant species diversity, density, composition, structure and weed cover from nominated quadrats identifying and locating all trees that meet the referral guidelines for Black Cockatoos mapping Black Cockatoo current and potential breeding trees, foraging and roosting habitat conducting fauna habitat assessment and mapping undertaking relevant environmental constraints mapping using GIS mapping software assessing all biological aspects likely to require referral to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) assess Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES) and indicate if any of these are likely to require referral of the project to the Commonwealth Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE), (EPBC Act referrals)
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determine legislative context of environmental aspects provide a concise report, including an appendix containing Threatened and Priority Flora Report Forms (if conservation significant flora are recorded) provide report and data in electronic format that meets Main Roads data standards. The assessment is required to be conducted in accordance with: EPA (2004a) Guidance Statement No. 51: Terrestrial Flora and Vegetation Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessments in Western Australia, known as Guidance Statement No. 51 EPA and DPaW (2015) Technical Guide - Terrestrial Flora and Vegetation Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment, known as Flora and Vegetation Technical Guide EPA (2004b) Guidance Statement No. 56: Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia, known as Guidance Statement No. 56 EPA and Department of Environment and Conservation (EPA & DEC 2010) Technical Guide – Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment, knowns as Fauna Technical Guide. 1.3 STUDY AREA The study area is located along Albany Highway, Crossman, and includes the intersections with Crossman Road and Crossman-Dwarda Road, in the Shires of Boddington and Wandering (Figure 1). The vegetated portion of the study area occupies 9.05 ha.
Figure 1: Study area location
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1.4 STATUTORY FRAMEWORK This environmental assessment was conducted in accordance with Commonwealth and State legislation and guidelines: Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)(1999) Western Australian Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WC Act) (1950) Western Australian Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act) (1986) Western Australian Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (BC Act) (2016b) Department of Environment Water Heritage and the Arts (2009) Matters of National Environmental Significance. Significant impact guidelines 1.1 - Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities (DSEWPaC 2012a) EPBC Act 1999 referral guidelines for three threatened black cockatoo species: Carnaby's cockatoo (endangered) Calyptorhynchus latirostris, Baudin's cockatoo (vulnerable) Calyptorhynchus baudinii, Forest red-tailed black cockatoo (vulnerable) Calyptorhynchus banksii naso, known as Black Cockatoo referral guidelines Threatened Species Scientific Committee (2015) Eucalypt Woodlands of the Western Australian Wheatbelt ecological community. The Western Australian BC Act was endorsed on 21 September 2016, however, only Part 1 – Preliminary (notes, objectives and terms) has been enacted at the time of writing this report. Other provisions have not yet come into operation and this Act’s predecessor, the WC Act, still applies to most aspects of biodiversity conservation in this State and for the purpose of this report. In addition, the Minister for the Environment has published lists of fauna and flora species in need of special protection because they are considered rare, likely to become extinct, or are presumed extinct. The current listings were published in the Government Gazette on 3 November 2015 (Western Australian Government 2015) and was taken into account. The assessment also complied with the EPA requirements for biological survey and reporting in Western Australia, as outlined in: EPA (2000) Position Statement No. 2: Environmental Protection of Native Vegetation in Western Australia EPA (2002) Position Statement No. 3: Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity Protection EPA (2006) Guidance Statement No. 10: Level of Assessment for Proposals Affecting Natural Areas within the System 6 Region and Swan Coastal Plain Portion of the System 1 Region, known as Guidance Statement No. 10 EPA (2005) Guidance Statement No. 33: Environmental Guidance for Planning and Development EPA (2003) Guidance Statement No. 55: Implementing Best Practice in Proposals Submitted to the Environmental Impact Assessment Process.
1.4.1 WESTERN AUSTRALIAN BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 2016 The Western Australian Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (BC Act), provides for the conservation, protection and ecologically sustainable use of biodiversity and biodiversity components in Western Australia. The BC Act replaces the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950. Threatened species (both flora and fauna) that meet the categories listed within the BC Act are highly protected and require authorisation by the Minister to take or disturb. These are known as Threatened Flora and Threatened Fauna. The conservation categories of critically endangered, endangered and vulnerable have been aligned with those detailed in the EPBC Act, as below. Flora and fauna species may be listed as being of special conservation interest if they have a naturally low population, restricted natural range, are subject to or recovering from a significant population decline or reduction of range or are of special interest, and the Minister considers that taking may result in depletion of
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the species. Migratory species and those subject to international agreement are also listed. These are known as specially protected species in the BC Act. Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs) are also protected under the BC Act and are categorised using the same criteria as threatened species. At the time of writing this report, most sections of the BC Act had not yet been proclaimed, including those relating to species of conservation interest (Specially Protected Species) and Threatened Ecological Communities. As these are not included in the WC Act, there is currently no specific legal protection afforded to these within Western Australia beyond the usual protection of unlisted species and native vegetation under the Native Vegetation Clearing Regulations (Government of Western Australia 2004), unless they are protected under the Commonwealth EPBC Act. Threatened Flora and Threatened Fauna are protected under the provisions of the WC Act until further sections of the BC Act are enacted.
1.4.2 COMMONWEALTH ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 At a Commonwealth level, Threatened Flora, Threatened Fauna and Threatened Ecological Communities are protected under the EPBC Act, which lists species and ecological communities that are considered Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, Conservation Dependent, Extinct, or Extinct in the Wild (detailed in Table 19 in Appendix One).
1.4.3 THREATENED AND PRIORITY FLORA Conservation significant flora species are those that are listed as TF (Threatened Flora) and (within Western Australia) as PF (Priority Flora). TF species are listed as threatened by the Western Australian Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) and protected under the provisions of the BC Act. Some State-listed TF are provided with additional protection as they are also listed under the Commonwealth EPBC Act. Flora are listed as PF where populations are geographically restricted or threatened by local processes, or where there is insufficient information to formally assign them to TF categories. Whilst PF are not specifically listed in the BC Act, some may qualify as being of special conservation interest and these have a greater level of protection than unlisted species. There are seven categories covering State-listed TF and PF species (DPaW 2015a) which are outlined in Table 18 in Appendix One (noting that the definitions for TF included in the BC Act have been aligned with those in the EPBC Act). PF for Western Australia are regularly reviewed by the DPaW whenever new information becomes available, with species status altered or removed from the list when data indicates that they no longer meet the requirements outlined in Table 18.
1.4.4 INTRODUCED FLORA Introduced plant species, known as weeds, are plants that are not indigenous to an area and have been introduced either directly or indirectly (unintentionally) through human activity. Species are regarded as introduced if they are listed as ‘alien’ on FloraBase (Western Australian Herbarium 2015).
1.4.4.1 Weeds of National Significance (WONS) At a national level there are thirty-two weed species listed as Weeds of National Significance (WONS) (Weeds Australia 2012). The Commonwealth National Weeds Strategy: A Strategic Approach to Weed Problems of National Significance (2012b) describes broad goals and objectives to manage these species.
1.4.4.2 Declared Plants The Western Australian Organism List (WAOL) details organisms listed as Declared Pests under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 (BAM Act). Under the BAM Act , Declared Pests are listed as one of the three categories: (Government of Western Australia 2007) C1 (exclusion), that applies to pests not established in Western Australia; control measures are to be taken to prevent their entry and establishment C2 (eradication), that applies to pests that are present in Western Australia but in low numbers or in limited areas where eradication is still a possibility
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C3 (management), that applies to established pests where it is not feasible or desirable to manage them in order to limit their damage.
1.4.5 THREATENED AND PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES 1.4.5.1 Nationally Listed Threatened Ecological Communities Ecological communities are naturally occurring biological assemblages associated with a particular type of habitat (Department of Environment and Conservation 2013; Government of Western Australia 2016b). At Commonwealth level, Threatened Flora and Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs) are protected under the Commonwealth EPBC Act. An ecological community may be categorised into one of the three sub- categories: Critically Endangered, if it is facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future. Endangered, if it is not critically endangered and is facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future. Vulnerable, if it is not critically endangered or endangered, and is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium-term future.
1.4.5.2 State Listed Threatened Ecological Communities The Western Australian DPaW also maintains a list of TECs which are further categorised into three subcategories much like those of the EPBC Act. The full details of DPaW criteria are shown in Table 20 in Appendix One.
1.4.5.3 State Listed Priority Ecological Communities DPaW maintains a list of Priority Ecological Communities (PECs). PECs include potential TECs that do not meet survey criteria, or that are not adequately defined.
1.4.6 THREATENED AND PRIORITY FAUNA Certain fauna species are listed in conservation categories under the Commonwealth EPBC Act (outlined in Table 19 in Appendix One) and/or Western Australian BC Act. In addition to these statutory listings, DPaW maintains a list of ‘Priority’ species (P1-P5) that are also of conservation interest, outlined in Table 20 in Appendix One. It is a requirement of fauna survey for environmental impact assessment that potential for presence of these species, and for impact due to the proposed action, are investigated using all appropriate sources of information. Migratory species are matters of Commonwealth environmental significance under the EPBC Act and also listed for special protection under the Western Australian BC Act. Recognised migratory species include any native species identified in an international agreement approved by the Minister and those listed under: The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn Convention) The China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA) The Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA) The Republic of Korea-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (ROKAMBA).
1.4.7 ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS There are a number of areas around Western Australia identified as being of environmental significance within which the exemptions to the Native Clearing Regulations do not apply. These are referred to as Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs), and are declared under section 51B of the EP Act and described in the Environmental Protection (Environmentally Sensitive Areas) Notice (Government of Western Australia 2005).
1.4.8 CONSERVATION ESTATE The National Reserve System is a network of protected areas managed for conservation under international guidelines. The objective of placing areas of bushland into the Conservation Estate is to achieve and maintain a comprehensive, adequate and representative reserve system for Western Australia. Areas vested in the Conservation Estate are managed by the Conservation Commission.
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1.4.9 RIVERS, WETLANDS AND DRAINAGE Databases were interrogated to determine the potential impact of the project on rivers, wetlands and drainage areas within and surrounding the study area.
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2 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT 2.1 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
2.1.1 CLIMATE The southwest of Western Australia experiences a Mediterranean-type climate of mild, wet winters and warm to hot, dry summers (Beard 1990). The climate of the region is strongly influenced by the position of a band of high pressure known as the sub-tropical ridge. For much of the year the ridge is located to the south allowing the east or south easterly winds to prevail. During the cooler months the ridge periodically moves to the north allowing cold fronts to pass over the west coast and deliver much of the annual rainfall. The closest Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) recording site to the study area is at Dwarda Downs (station 10888, operating since 1982, 10 kilometres (km) south east), the nearest station with recent rainfall data available online is Boddington Shire (station 9509, operating since 1915, 12 km west). The mean annual rainfall for Dwarda Downs is 518.2 millimetres (mm) and for Boddington Shire is 668.4 mm, most of which falls in May to September (BoM 2016b; 2016c). The closest BoM station recording temperature is Wandering (station 10917, operating since 1998, 13 km north east). January is the hottest month, with a mean maximum temperature of 34.6°C. July is the coldest month, with a mean maximum temperature of 16.8°C and mean monthly minimum of 3.9°C (BoM 2016a). The rainfall recorded during the wet season (May-September) 2016 is 73% of the mean rainfall for that period (Boddington; BoM 2016b).
140 35
120 30
100 25
C) ° 80 20
60 15 Rainfall Rainfall (mm) Temperature( 40 10
20 5
0 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Month Mean rainfall 2016 rainfall Mean max temperature Mean min temperature
Figure 2: Rainfall (Boddington; BoM 2016b) and temperature (Wandering; BoM 2016a) data.
2.1.2 LANDFORM AND SOILS Interrogation of the Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA 2012b) soil-landscape spatial dataset determined that the study area contains the soil sub-systems outlined in Table 1, and shown on Map 1.
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Table 1: DAFWA (2012b) soil-landscape subsystems Code Description Michibin Subsystem (Quindanning) 253QdMN Hillslopes containing soils formed by the weathering of fresh rock. Rock outcrop is common. Williams Subsystem (Quindanning) Valley floor subtended by the steep slopes of the Michibin unit; yellow duplex soils and a 253Qd lower sandy terrace
2.1.3 HYDROLOGY The study area includes, at its northern extent, the Hotham River which flows roughly from the northeast towards the southwest. The Hotham River is a tributary of the Murray River that flows in a general northwest direction, into the Peel Inlet near Mandurah. The upper reaches of the Hotham River and some tributaries are associated with, or close to, Dryandra Woodland. The vegetation along the river and tributaries provide a corridor linking the forest areas to the west of the study area with this conservation area. The study area is within the Peel Estuary – Murray River catchment.
2.1.4 WETLANDS There are no wetlands associated with the study area. 2.2 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT
2.2.1 BIOGEOGRAPHIC REGION Biogeographic regions are delineated on the basis of similar climate, geology, landforms, vegetation and fauna and are defined in the Interim Biogeographical Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA) (DotEE 2016). The study area is located entirely within the Jarrah Forest bioregion, within the Northern Jarrah Forest subregion that is described by Williams and Mitchell (2001) as: Northern Jarrah Forest incorporates the area east of the Darling Scarp, overlying Archaean granite and metamorphic rocks of an average elevation of 300 m, capped by an extensive lateritic duricrust, dissected by later drainage and broken by occasional granite hills. In the east the laterite becomes deeply dissected until it comprises isolated remnants. Rainfall is from 1300 mm on the scarp to approximately 700 mm in the east and north. Vegetation comprises Jarrah - Marri forest in the west with Bullich and Blackbutt in the valleys grading to Wandoo and Marri woodlands in the east with Powder bark on breakaways. There are extensive but localised sand sheets with Banksia low woodlands. Heath is found on granite rocks and as a common understorey of forests and woodlands in the north and east. The majority of the diversity in the communities occurs on the lower slopes or near granite soils where there are rapid changes in site conditions. Subregional area for JF1 is 2 255 904 ha.
2.2.2 PRE-EUROPEAN VEGETATION During the 1970s, John Beard and associates conducted a systematic survey of native vegetation, describing the vegetation systems in Western Australia at a scale of 1:250 000 in the southwest and at a scale of 1:1 000 000 in less developed areas. The Vegetation Survey of Western Australia maps and explanatory memoirs (1974-1981) are credited to J.S. Beard (or Beard with various co-authors). Beard’s vegetation maps attempted to depict the native vegetation as it was presumed to be at the time of settlement, and is known as the pre-European vegetation type and extent and has since been developed in digital form by Shepherd et al. (2002) and updated by DAFWA (2012a). This mapping indicates there are two pre-European vegetation associations associated with the study area: vegetation association 4 (Medium woodland; marri & wandoo) and vegetation association 1003 (Medium forest; jarrah, marri & wandoo).
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The pre-European vegetation associations identified from the study area (DAFWA 2012a) and their pre- European and current extents are listed in Table 2 (Government of Western Australia 2016a) and shown on Map 2.
Table 2: Pre-European vegetation association representation (Government of Western Australia 2016a) Vegetation Original extent Current extent Region % Remaining association (ha) (ha) 4 1,054,280 293,917 27.88 Western Australia 1003 20,109 8,975 44.63 IBRA biographic region 4 1,022,713 286,845 28.05 (Jarrah Forest) 1003 20,109 8,975 44.63 IBRA biographic sub- 4 614,201 199,214 32.43 region (Northern Jarrah Forest) 1003 18,053 7,958 44.08 4 29,427 7,066 24.01 LGA (Shire of Boddington) 1003 1,828 768 42.04
2.2.3 ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS There are a number of areas around Western Australia identified as being of environmental significance within which the exemptions to the Native Clearing Regulations do not apply. These are referred to as ESAs, and are declared under section 51B of the EP Act and described in the Environmental Protection (Environmentally Sensitive Areas) Notice (Government of Western Australia 2005). According to the ESA mapping, viewable on the online WA Atlas, there are no ESAs associated with the study area (Landgate 2016).
2.2.4 THREATENED AND PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES A search was conducted of the DPaW ecological communities database (search reference 12-0916EC) for the study area and surrounding 20 km radius. One Commonwealth-listed TEC and one State-listed PEC was recorded within the search radius, outlined in Table 3 and shown on Map 3. No TECs or PECs have been recorded within the study area and the closest buffer boundary is approximately 15 km away.
Table 3: Ecological communities database search results (DPaW search reference 12-0916EC) EPBC ACT DPaW Community name status status Critically Endangered Eucalypt woodlands of the Western Australia wheatbelt (CE) Priority 3 Mount Saddleback heath communities Priority 1
A search, using the DotEE Protected Matters Search Tool (PMST), was also conducted (DotEE 2016) and did not identify any additional Commonwealth-listed TECs as occurring or likely to occur within the study area.
2.2.4.1 Eucalypt Woodlands of the Western Australian Wheatbelt TEC In December 2015, the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment approved the listing of the Eucalypt Woodlands of the Western Australian Wheatbelt as a TEC under the EPBC Act. This TEC occurs in the southwest of Western Australia, between the Darling Range and western edge of the goldfields, in the Avon Wheatbelt IBRA region and the Mallee IBRA subregion MAL02 Western Mallee. It is defined as being dominated by eucalypt species with a tree or mallet form over a highly variable understorey (Threatened Species Scientific Committee 2015). The key characteristics for vegetation to be included in this TEC (Threatened Species Scientific Committee 2015) are that: it occurs in the Western Australian Wheatbelt (and a few occurrences on adjacent IBRA regions), located on the Yilgarn Craton and receives less than 600 mm mean annual rainfall
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it has a tree canopy dominated by one or more of 31 taxa of Eucalypt (Eucalyptus) species having tree or mallet form (i.e. a single trunk). These Eucalypts do not include those that are limited to specified landscapes (e.g. granite outcrops, lateritic hills or other rocky rises) or whose main distribution is outside the Wheatbelt the upper stratum (tree canopy) in a mature woodland must be greater than 10% crown cover (unless the loss of canopy cover is temporary e.g. fire) the associated non dominant (or not co-dominant) canopy species are listed; these include Acacia acuminata (Jam), Allocasuarina huegeliana (Rock Oak), Corymbia calophylla (Marri) and a number of other (mostly mallee-form) Eucalyptus species (although the list provided is not considered to be comprehensive) the understorey (mid and ground strata) is highly variable, and includes sparse to absent forms, herbs, scrubs and heaths, chenopods, thickets (predominantly Melaleuca species) and salt tolerant species (including Tecticornia). The species must be predominantly native. meets the condition threshold, according to the table below (Table 4) it includes the following DPaW-listed Priority Ecological Communities: Brown mallet (Eucalyptus astringens) communities in the western Wheatbelt on alluvial flats (Priority 1), Red Morrel woodland of the Wheatbelt (Priority 1), Yate (Eucalyptus occidentalis) dominated alluvial claypans of the Jingalup soil system (Priority 2). The following characteristics indicate that the TEC is unlikely to be present: the dominant Eucalypts have a mallee form the dominant canopy tree is not a Eucalypt tree canopy is less than 10% cover the woodland is in an adjacent bioregions the woodland is on a granite outcrop or rocky rise, although woodlands at the base of outcrops may be included the woodland is a small, fragmented patch (including isolated paddock trees, narrow stands including windbreaks or shelterbelts) narrow roadside (or other) remnants <5 m wide including where the tree canopy is <10% cover or the understorey has lost considerable elements of its native structure or diversity.
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Table 4: Minimum condition for patches of Eucalypt Woodlands of the Western Australian Wheatbelt TEC Minimum patch size Minimum patch (non-roadside width Cover of exotic plants (weeds) Mature trees (1) patches) (2) (roadsides only) AND AND OR (3) Category A: Patches likely to correspond to a condition of Pristine / Excellent / Very Good (Keighery 1994) or a High RCV (RCC 2014). Exotic plant species account for 0 to 30% of total Mature trees may be vegetation cover in the understorey layers (i.e. 2 ha or more 5 m or more present or absent. below the tree canopy). Category B: Patches likely to correspond to a condition of Good (Keighery 1994) or a Medium-High RCV (RCC 2014), AND retains important habitat features. Exotic plant species account for more than 30, to Mature trees are 50% of total vegetation cover in the understorey present with at least 2 ha or more 5 m or more layers (i.e. below the tree canopy). 5 trees per 0.5 ha. Category C: Patches likely to correspond to a condition of Good (Keighery 1994) or a Medium-High RCV (RCC 2014). Mature trees either Exotic plant species account for more than 30, to absent or less than 50% of total vegetation cover in the understorey 5 ha or more 5 m or more 5 trees per 0.5 ha are layers (i.e. below the tree canopy). present. Category D: Patches likely to correspond to a condition of Degraded to Good (Keighery 1994) or a Medium-Low to Medium-High RCV (RCC 2014) BUT retains important habitat features. Exotic plant species account for more than 50 to Mature trees are 70% of total vegetation cover in the understorey present with at least 5 ha or more 5 m or more layers (i.e. below the tree canopy). 5 trees per 0.5 ha. (1) Mature trees have a minimum diameter at breast height (DBH) of 30 cm. (2) Minimum patch size thresholds apply to native vegetation remnants not along roads. (3) This applies only to narrow roadside remnants and recognised their importance as wildlife corridors, habitats for threatened species or other reasons as defined by Jackson (2002) and RCC (DPaW 2015c). The defined width is that of the native understorey component, not tree canopy width. 2.2.5 CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANT SPECIES 2.2.5.1 Flora A search of the Western Australian DPaW databases (search reference 16-0916) and the Commonwealth DotEE PMST was undertaken for State and Commonwealth listed TF and PF within a 20 km radius (for the DPaW search) of the study area. Combined, these searches identified 44 conservation significant vascular flora species. Ten of these are TF, six are listed as P1, five are P2, 10 are P3 and 13 are P4 (Table 24 in Appendix Two). Previously recorded locations are shown on Map 3.
2.2.5.2 Fauna According to NatureMap (DPaW 2007-2016), DPaW database search (FAUNA#5297) and PMST results, one conservation significant fauna species has been recorded or could potentially occur within 10 km of the study area (marine species such as sea turtles, whales, sharks and albatrosses identified by the PMST are omitted as they are not relevant to the study area).
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3 METHODS 3.1 LEVEL 2 FLORA AND VEGETATION The flora and vegetation survey was conducted in accordance with the requirements outlined in EPA (2004a) Guidance Statement No. 51 and EPA and DPaW (2015) Flora and Vegetation Technical Guide.
3.1.1 GUIDING PRINCIPLES The following statements and information were taken into account when developing the survey methodology: EPA (2000) Position Statement No. 3 EPA (2004a) Guidance Statement No. 51 EPA and DPaW (2015) Flora and Vegetation Technical Guide background information on the study area (i.e. desktop assessment, aerial imagery and other data). The following method for a Level 2 Flora and Vegetation survey is recommended in the Flora and Vegetation Technical Guide: desktop assessment to gather contextual information on the study area from previous surveys, literature, database searches and spatial information (included in the previous section) survey to be conducted during the optimal survey timing for the region, with consideration given to supplementary surveys requirements and multiple sampling events quadrat sampling is required, with a minimum of three quadrats sampled in each vegetation unit and in proportion to the representation of the unit, scattered throughout the geographic range of the unit opportunistic collections of flora to supplement quadrat data for a comprehensive flora inventory flora collection, identification and vouchering consideration to systematic transects and targeted inspections to verify that the study area has been well characterised and important values identified species accumulation curves, multivariate analysis of the vegetation using, at a minimum, presence/absence data and perennial species vegetation condition assessment vegetation mapping at an appropriate scale, with descriptions at quadrat and vegetation unit levels according to NVIS (ESCAVI 2003) Level V tabulation of the area of each vegetation community mapped and an assessment of the environmental values including such factors as extent, condition and presence of significant flora report written by the lead botanist conducting the survey where possible and including an executive summary, introduction, methods, results, discussion, conclusion and appendices.
3.1.2 CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANT FLORA LIKELIHOOD ASSESSMENT Ecoscape conducted a likelihood assessment to determine which conservation significant flora species, as identified by the desktop assessment as being known from nearby, were likely to occur within the study area. Table 24 in Appendix Two lists all identified TF and PF vascular flora and their habitats, as well as their likelihood of occurrence. The likelihood of a species occurring in the study area is based on the following attributes, as listed on FloraBase (Western Australian Herbarium 1998-2016; 2016), tailored to Wheatbelt populations. The attributes were: broad soil type usually associated with the species broad landform usually associated with the species usual vegetation (characteristic species) with which the species is usually associated species having previously been recorded from within approximately 5 km of the study area (considered as ‘nearby’) by records considered as reliable (i.e. location details appear accurate, record is a vouchered specimen, record is generally within previous 30 years, location of record has not had significant land use change since recorded).
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The likelihood rating is assigned using the categories indicated in Table 5.
Table 5: Conservation significant flora likelihood of occurrence categories Likelihood Categories
Recorded Recorded during the field survey or previously (i.e. identified during the database searches as occurring within the study area from records considered to be reliable) May occur within the study area (but was not recorded); broadly, 2-4 of the required Possible attributes (but always including reliable, recent records from nearby) are present in the study area Could occur but is not expected; 1-3 of the required attributes are present in the study area but: it is not known from nearby, or Unlikely it is known from nearby but has no other required attributes, or it is known from nearby but has at least one well-defined attribute that does not occur in the study area (e.g. it is associated with a specific landform or soil type that does not occur in the study area) The species characteristics include none of the required attributes of soil, landform, Highly unlikely associated vegetation and having previously been recorded nearby, or a critical element (often landform) is not within the study area and as such it almost certainly does not occur.
This likelihood assessment identified 10 species as having a possible occurrence within the study area (indicated in Table 24 in Appendix Two): no TF two P1 (Caladenia caesarea subsp. transiens, Gastrolobium sp. Prostrate Boddington (M. Hislop 2130)) one P2 (Banksia subpinnatifida var. imberbis) three P3 (Goodenia katabudjar, Grevillea manglesii subsp. dissectifolia, Halgania corymbosa) four P4 (Caladenia integra, Darwinia thymoides subsp. St Ronans (J.J. Alford & G.J. Keighery 64), Eucalyptus exilis, Lasiopetalum cardiophyllum). These species were targeted for searches during the field survey.
3.1.3 FLORA AND VEGETATION FIELD SURVEY Following the requirements of Guidance Statement No. 51 EPA (2004a) and the Flora and Vegetation Technical Guide (EPA & DPaW 2015), the survey was conducted by sampling within permanently marked quadrats. Quadrats were sampled in areas where the vegetation was in Good or better condition, or representative areas if no vegetation in suitable condition was observed for that vegetation unit. Each quadrat sampled an area of 100 m2 (10 m x 10 m). Opportunistic observations were carried out within the entire study area to contribute to a complete species inventory. The entire study area, including both sides of the road, was walked, assessing the vegetation condition and searching for conservation significant flora. More detailed targeted searches for conservation significant flora were conducted in areas of Good or better condition vegetation, where the habitat was suitable for conservation significant flora identified as potentially occurring during the desktop assessment. On ground observations supported by aerial photography was used to describe the vegetation community of the study area. Areas without native vegetation were not included in the assessment.
3.1.3.1 Timing of the Field Survey The flora and vegetation survey was undertaken during September 2016, which is within the appropriate season as per Guidance Statement No. 51 EPA (2004a) and the Flora and Vegetation Technical Guide (EPA & DPaW 2015). For the Southwest Botanical Province, spring (September to November) is the recommended survey period. The survey timing was selected to coincide with seasonal conditions with optimal times for surveying flora and vegetation, and in particular to identify conservation significant flora species considered likely to occur within the study area.
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3.1.3.2 Floristic Quadrats Floristic quadrat (‘quadrat’) locations were selected using aerial photography, environmental values and field observations to represent the vegetation values existing at the site. The quadrats sampled were 10 m x 10 m in size. The following information was collected from within each quadrat sampled: observer date quadrat/site number GPS location (GDA94) digital photograph (spatially referenced with a reference number) soil type and colour topography list of flora species recorded with the average height and the total cover within the quadrat for each species vegetation community vegetation condition. Where there was sufficient representation, two quadrats were recorded from each vegetation type as identified during the field survey.
3.1.3.3 Conservation Significant Flora Search The entire area was surveyed on foot, with greater intensity in areas of better condition vegetation.
3.1.3.4 Range Extensions Taxa recorded during the current survey that are outside of their known distribution were identified as range extensions. Known taxa records (Western Australian Herbarium 2016) were used as a guide to determine if each taxon recorded in the study area was representative of a range extension (in this case defined as greater than 100 km from nearest record) or outlier population.
3.1.3.5 Introduced Species Declared Plants (listed under the BAM Act) were searched in DAFWA’s website (DAFWA 2016) for the local government areas that the study area is located within to determine if any of the recorded species are listed as Declared Plants.
3.1.3.6 Vegetation Description and Classification Vegetation was described from each of the quadrats using the height and estimated cover of dominant and characteristic species of each stratum based on the NVIS (ESCAVI 2003) (Table 21 and Table 22 in Appendix One), recorded at Level V. Up to three species per stratum from each stratum (upper, mid and ground) were used to formulate vegetation descriptions for each quadrat and each vegetation type. Vegetation type descriptions were created by combining quadrat descriptions and modifying, where necessary, based on the wider vegetation. Vegetation codes for these were formulated using the dominant species of the tallest stratum and the vegetation structure (e.g. EwOW refers to Eucalyptus wandoo Open Woodland).
3.1.3.7 Vegetation Condition and Mapping Vegetation condition was assessed continuously throughout the study area and at each quadrat using the Vegetation Condition Scale for the South West and Interzone Botanical Provinces (EPA & DPaW 2015), which is largely based on the Keighery (1994) Bushland Condition Scale (Table 23 in Appendix One). The spatial extent of the varying vegetation condition was mapped using GIS and vegetation condition maps are provided in this report.
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3.2 STATISTICAL ANALYSIS 3.2.1 FLORISTIC ANALYSIS Although multivariate analysis of the vegetation is a requirement of a Level 2 flora survey (2015), due to the small study area extent (14.65 hectares (ha) of which only 6.31 ha was vegetated) and low number of quadrats, no floristic analysis was undertaken on this occasion. 3.3 LEVEL 1 FAUNA AND OPPORTUNISTIC FAUNA SURVEY
3.3.1 CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANT FAUNA LIKELIHOOD ASSESSMENT Likelihood of occurrence is assessed in a similar manner to flora, using the following criteria: suitability of habitats present within the study area distance between previous record of conservation significant species and the study area frequency and number of records in the region date of record of conservation significant species (recent or historical). The sufficiency of information and behavioural and ecological characteristics, such as cryptic behaviours were also taken into account. Using the above criteria, the categories of likelihood of occurrence are shown in Table 6.
Table 6: Categories for likelihood of occurrence of conservation significant fauna Likelihood Categories Recorded Species recorded within the study area within a reasonable timeframe (0-5 years) Species recorded in close proximity to the study area (<5 km) within the past 10 years; High suitable habitat occurs within the study area Species historically recorded in close proximity (<5 km) to the study area, more than 10 Medium years ago; suitable habitat may exist within the study area Species not recorded in the proximity of the study area or rarely recorded within 10 km of Low the study area; suitable habitat unlikely to occur within the study area Species not recorded by multiple surveys/databases within 20 km of the study area and Very Low suitable habitat does not occur within the study area, species or suitable habitat is listed as potentially occurring in the wider region
Table 7 lists the conservation significant fauna species identified by the DPaW and PMST database searches as having potential to occur in the study area. Their conservation categories and likelihood of occurrence is based on the categories listed in Table 6. Exclusively marine species were excluded. Definitions and criteria for conservation codes are presented in Appendix One. Of the 19 identified species of conservation significance that have a potential to occur, a total of five species have a medium to high likelihood to utilise the study area at least on an irregular basis (highlighted in blue in table below). The remaining 14 species have a low or very low likelihood of occurrence due to a lack of suitable habitat (e.g. dense understorey vegetation), isolation of habitat from other bushlands (e.g. no connection via corridors) or their vulnerability to invasive predators (e.g. Feral Cat and European Red Fox). The species, and their habitat, identified as having a medium to high likelihood of occurring were targeted for searches during the field survey.
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Table 7: Conservation significant fauna species potentially occurring within 10 km of the study area EPBC ACT BC DPaW Likelihood of Common name Scientific name 1999 status* Act status occurrence Carnaby's Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus latirostris Endangered S2 EN Recorded Red-tailed Phascogale Phascogale calura Endangered S2 EN Medium South-western Brush-tailed Phascogale tapoatafa - S3 VU Phascogale wambenger Medium Western False Pipistrelle Falsistrellus mackenziei - P4 Medium Chuditch Dasyurus geoffroii Vulnerable S3 VU Medium Platycercus icterotis subsp. Western Rosella (inland) - P4 Low xanthogenys Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Migratory Low Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus Migratory Low Brush-tailed Bettong Bettongia penicillata Endangered Very low Critically Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea Very low Endangered Critically Eastern Curlew Numenius madagascariensis Very low Endangered Malleefowl Leipoa ocellata Vulnerable S1 VU Very low Forest Red-tailed Black- Calyptorhynchus banksii naso Vulnerable Very low Cockatoo Baudin's Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus baudinii Vulnerable Very low Quokka Setonix brachyurus Vulnerable Very low Great Egret Ardea alba Marine Very low Cattle Egret Ardea ibis Marine Very low White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster Marine Very low Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus Marine Very low
*M = Migratory
3.3.2 FAUNA AND FAUNA HABITAT FIELD SURVEY The fauna assessment was conducted at Level 1 in accordance with the requirements outlined in EPA (2004b) Guidance Statement No. 56 and EPA and DEC (2010) Fauna Technical Guide. The fauna field assessment included identifying fauna habitat, with fauna species identified opportunistically based on sightings, calls, remains, diggings and other signs. Potential habitats for conservation significant species were identified and evaluated and their likelihood of occurrence assessed. The fauna survey concentrated on Black Cockatoo habitat, as per the (DSEWPaC 2012a) Black Cockatoo referral guidelines. In addition to following the guidelines each nesting tree was scored for habitat value using a scoring system developed by Dr Mike Bamford (2016), the score reflects the existing value of the tree characteristics with respect to its potential to be used as a nesting tree and therefore assists in more accurately assessing the real impact of disturbance (Table 8).
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Table 8: Grading system for the assessment of potential nest trees for Black-Cockatoos. Class Description of Tree and Hollows/Activity 1 Active nest observed; adult (or immature) bird seen entering or emerging from hollow. 2 Hollow of suitable size and angle (i.e. near-vertical) visible with chew marks around entrance. Potentially suitable hollow visible but no chew marks present; or potentially suitable hollow 3 present (as suggested by structure of tree, such as large, vertical trunk broken off at a height of >10m). Tree with large hollows or broken branches that might contain large hollows but hollows or 4 potential hollows are not vertical or near-vertical; thus a tree with or likely to have hollows of sufficient size but not to have hollows of the angle preferred by Black-Cockatoos. Tree lacking large hollows or broken branches that might have large hollows; a tree with more 5 or less intact branches and a spreading crown.
3.3.3 TIMING OF THE FIELD SURVEY The fauna survey was undertaken within the appropriate season as per EPA & DEC (2010) Technical Guide. Survey timing was selected to coincide with optimal conditions for surveying native fauna, which for the South West of Western Australia is spring (September to November) to ensure sampling during peak activity of reptiles, amphibians and birds. Survey timing for these fauna groups is dependent on warm temperature and/or rainfall events. Mammal activity is not dependent on weather and is therefore not constrained. 3.4 PREVIOUS SURVEYS The following reports have been reviewed for information relevant to the current project: Ecoscape (2007a) – Environmental assessment: Lot 12 Hakea Road, Boddington Ecoscape (2007b) – Flora and vegetation, and fauna survey: Eastern Terminal to Wells Terminal Roadside Conservation Committee (2010) – Roadside Vegetation and Conservation Values in the Shire of Boddington. The information within these documents was used to inform the field survey and discussion (where relevant).
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4 RESULTS The flora and vegetation survey was conducted by Lyn Atkins (Associate Environmental Scientist, Botanist, Flora Collecting Permit SL011684) on 28 September 2016 over approximately seven hours in total. The fauna assessment was conducted by Bruce Turner (Associate Director, Zoologist) during 28 and 30 September 2016 over approximately seven hours in total. 4.1 FLORA 4.1.1 FLORA INVENTORY A flora inventory was collated by combining species recorded in the quadrats, from opportunistic observations and during the targeted conservation significant flora search. A total of 178 vascular flora species from 52 families and 125 genera were recorded from within the study area. Sixty one (34.27%) of these were introduced. The full list of vascular flora inventory, presented as a site by species table, is shown in Table 25 in Appendix Two. The families with the highest number of taxa were Fabaceae with 29 taxa, Poaceae (21 taxa), Asteraceae (12 taxa) and Proteaceae (11 taxa). The most commonly recorded genera were Acacia and *Trifolium (seven taxa each), and Banksia, Hakea and Hibbertia (four taxa each). Three floristic quadrats were recorded within the study area; no quadrats were recorded in much of the area due to the Degraded or Completely Degraded condition of the vegetation. Floristic quadrat details are included in Appendix Three.
4.1.2 FLORA OF CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE No Threatened EPBC Act or WC/BC Act listed taxa were recorded in the study area. No Priority-listed taxa were recorded.
4.1.3 FLORA OF SIGNIFICANCE ACCORDING TO GUIDANCE STATEMENT NO. 51 No flora with range extensions over 100 km from their nearest historical occurrence was recorded nor were any flora species that met any of the other criteria for significance listed in Guidance Statement No. 51 (EPA 2004a).
4.1.4 INTRODUCED FLORA Sixty one identified flora species were introduced (34.27% of all species). The study area largely consists of road verge vegetation along a major highway or vegetation that is otherwise disturbed (i.e. picnic/parking area, former road house location with arboretum, gravel pit) and is considered to be highly disturbed. Therefore, the number and proportion of weed species is unsurprising. Deliberately planted trees along the road verge and at the arboretum behind the site of the former roadhouse were not included in the introduced flora list; there are likely to be up to 10 species. Table 26 in Appendix Two lists the introduced species recorded from the study area against their ratings according to the various lists in Section 1.4.4. *Asparagus asparagoides (Bridal Creeper) is listed as a WONS (Weeds Australia 2012) species; it was scattered sparsely throughout the study area. *Asparagus asparagoides and *Moraea flaccida (One-leafed Cape Tulip), most commonly observed in the picnic/parking area south of Crossman-Dwarda Road, were recorded during the field survey and are C3 Declared Pest plants listed under the BAM Act for the Shires of Boddington and Wandering. C3 Declared Pests require management to alleviate harmful impacts, reduce the numbers or distribution, or prevent or contain their spread (Government of Western Australia 2013).
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4.2 VEGETATION 4.2.1 VEGETATION TYPES Two native vegetation types (Eucalyptus wandoo woodland and Eucalyptus rudis and Melaleuca rhaphiophylla woodland) were recorded from within the study area (Table 9), although only the former (that was divided into three sub-types), had portions in a sufficiently natural condition to record quadrats. Vegetation types in Good condition that had quadrats recorded within them are described in Table 9, vegetation types in Degraded and Completely Degraded condition that did not have quadrats recorded, are described in Table 10. Their locations and extents are shown on Map 4. Other areas included planted roadside trees, a picnic/parking area with only trees over bare or weedy areas, and a former arboretum (i.e. non-native trees of many species planted in rows, Plate 1) behind what was formerly the Crossman roadhouse on the corner of Albany Highway and Crossman Road. The descriptions of the vegetation types were formulated using dominant and characteristic species and vegetation structure (see Section 4.2.2).
Plate 1: Former arboretum
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Table 9: Vegetation types of the study area (Good condition) Area (ha) and Extent Mapping Floristic Vegetation Community Representative Photograph Characteristic Species (%) of Unit Quadrats Study Area *Aira cupaniana *Arctotheca calendula *Asparagus asparagoides Banksia squarrosa subsp. Eucalyptus wandoo mid woodland over squarrosa Banksia squarrosa subsp. squarrosa and Billardiera heterophylla Leptospermum erubescens tall open Blennospora drummondii shrubland over Bossiaea eriocarpa and Bossiaea eriocarpa Muehlenbeckia adpressa low sparse *Briza maxima shrubland/vineland *Ehrharta calycina *Ehrharta longiflora 0.99 ha EwMW U+ ^Eucalyptus wandoo\^tree\7\i;M AH1601 Eucalyptus wandoo 6.82% ^Banksia squarrosa subsp. Helichrysum luteoalbum squarrosa,Leptospermum Hibbertia ovata erubescens\^shrub\4\i;G ^Bossiaea *Hypochaeris glabra eriocarpa,Muehlenbeckia Lepidosperma apricola adpressa\^shrub,vine\1\r Leptospermum erubescens Levenhookia pusilla Good condition *Lysimachia arvensis Muehlenbeckia adpressa Neurachne alopecuroidea Trachymene coerulea *Vulpia myuros *Avena barbata Eucalyptus wandoo mid open woodland *Briza maxima over Neurachne alopecuroidea, Dampiera lavandulacea Dampiera lavandulacea and Desmocladus fasciculatus Lepidosperma apricola low tussock Drosera macrantha grassland/shrubland/sedgeland Eucalyptus wandoo AH1602, Hakea lissocarpha 1.48 ha EwMOW U+ ^Eucalyptus wandoo\^tree\7\r;G AH1603 Hibbertia ovata 10.10% ^Neurachne alopecuroidea,Dampiera Hypocalymma angustifolium lavandulacea,Lepidosperma Lepidosperma apricola apricola\^tussock grass,shrub,sedge\1\c Neurachne alopecuroidea Opercularia vaginata Good condition *Romulea rosea Tetratheca virgata
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Table 10: Vegetation types (Degraded or Completely Degraded condition) with no quadrats Area (ha) and Extent Mapping Floristic Vegetation Community Representative Photograph Characteristic Species (%) of Unit Quadrats Study Area
Allocasuarina huegeliana Eucalyptus wandoo and Allocasuarina *Arctotheca calendula huegeliana mid open woodland over *Avena barbata low open mixed grassland/herbland *Briza maxima *Bromus diandrus U+ ^Eucalyptus wandoo,Allocasuarina No Desmocladus asper 3.72 ha EwDegraded huegeliana\^tree\7\r;G mixed quadrats Eucalyptus wandoo 25.38% grasses,mixed forbs\other grass,forb\1\i *Hordeum leporinum *Hypochaeris glabra Degraded to Completely Degraded Neurachne alopecuroidea condition *Romulea rosea *Trifolium spp.
Eucalyptus rudis subsp. rudis and Melaleuca raphiophylla mid open forest over *Bromus diandrus, *Hordeum leporinum and *Fumaria murale dense grassland/forbland Eucalyptus rudis Melaleuca raphiophylla No 0.12 ha ErMrMOF U+ ^Eucalyptus rudis subsp. *Bromus diandrus quadrats 0.84% rudis,Melaleuca *Fumaria muralis raphiophylla\^tree\7\c;G ^Bromus *Hordeum leporinum diandrus,Hordeum leporinum,Fumaria muralis\^other grass,forb\1\d
Degraded condition (tress over weeds)
1.21 ha Picnic area/carpark 8.25% 1.85 ha Planted vegetation 12.62% 5.28 ha Road 36.09%
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4.2.2 FLORISTIC ANALYSIS Due to the small area of suitable vegetation only three floristic quadrats were recorded on the site, thus no floristic analysis was able to be conducted.
4.2.1 VEGETATION CONDITION The vegetation condition of the study area ranged from Good to Completely Degraded (Table 11 and Map 5), excluding areas of planted vegetation or other usage areas (i.e. picnic area/parking with native tree species over bare ground or weedy patches under the trees).
Table 11: Vegetation condition extents (EPA & DPaW 2015) Vegetation Condition Quadrats Extent (ha) Extent (%) Pristine - - - Excellent - - - Very Good - - - Good AH1601, AH1602, AH1603 2.48 16.93 Degraded - 3.84 26.22
Completely Degraded (including - 8.33 56.85 roads) Total 14.65
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4.2.2 BOTANICAL LIMITATIONS Table 12: Botanical limitations Constraints (yes/no): Possible limitations Significant, moderate or Comment negligible The botanist conducting the field survey has Competency/experience of the No over 30 years’ experience conducting flora and consultant conducting the survey vegetation surveys in Western Australia. 178 vascular flora species were recorded from the study area. All flora species were identified Proportion of the flora identified No with sufficient confidence to confirm that none were likely to be conservation significant flora. It is Ecoscape’s opinion that the flora and vegetation of the study area has been Proportion of the task achieved and adequately surveyed with the flora and further work that may need to be No vegetation attributes described in sufficient undertaken detail to understand the botanical significance of the area. The field survey was conducted at a time when the largest proportion of conservation significant flora identified as likely to occur in the study area were listed as flowering (i.e. late September). The weather at the time was fine.
Timing/weather/season/cycle No Seasonal conditions in 2016 were below average, with the area receiving approximately 73% of the usual winter rainfall. The previous two months were close to average or above, and there were no significant observations indicating that rainfall had restricted plant’s flowering. The entire study area was traversed on foot in Intensity of survey (e.g. in retrospect No order to conduct a grid search for conservation was the intensity adequate?) significant flora and to record a flora inventory. Whilst only three floristic quadrats were recorded in the study area, the areas where there were no quadrats were in Degraded or Completeness (e.g. was relevant area No Completely Degraded condition with the only fully surveyed?) native species being the upper stratum (for Completely Degraded areas) or the upper stratum and few herbs (for Degraded areas). Plant identifications were conducted in the field by an experienced botanist or by Dr Udani Resources (e.g. degree of expertise No Sirisena, who is an experienced taxonomist, available for plant identification) where plants could not be identified with certainty and were collected. The study area was along a major highway with Remoteness and/or access problems No all areas accessible. While there were few reports specific to the Availability of contextual (e.g. study area available for review, in general the bioregional) information for the survey No Jarrah Forest subregion is well understood, as is area the Avon Wheatbelt bioregion nearby.
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RESULTS
4.3 FAUNA 4.3.1 FAUNA ASSEMBLAGE Sixteen terrestrial fauna species were recorded from the study area during the field survey (Table 13), one of which is of conservation significance (highlighted).
Table 13: Fauna species recorded within the study area and their conservation category
Common name Scientific name EPBC Act BC Act DPaW Observation Mammals European Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus Diggings and burrows Western Grey Kangaroo Macropus fuliginosus Scats and road kill Short-beaked Echidna Tachyglossus aculeatus Diggings Birds *Laughing Turtle-Dove Streptopelia senegalensis observed Regent Parrot Polytelis anthopeplus observed Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae observed Singing Honeyeater Gavicalis virescens observed Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus observed Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus latirostris EN S1 EN observed Silvereye Zosterops lateralis observed Red Wattlebird Anthochaera carunculata observed Australian Raven Corvus coronoides observed Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys observed Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca observed Australian Magpie Cracticus tibicen observed *Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus observed Galah Cacatua roseicapilla observed * introduced species
4.3.1.1 Conservation Significant Fauna Habitat exists within the study area that is suitable for three conservation significant fauna species, Carnaby's Black Cockatoo, Red-tailed Phascogale and South-western Phascogale. A fourth species (Chuditch) may utilise the study area briefly whilst dispersing or foraging. The Eucalypt woodlands provide both shelter and feeding resources for these species. The study area is too small in extent to support any single individual. Four individual Carnaby's Black Cockatoo were observed feeding in Marri trees (Corymbia calophylla) adjacent to the existing picnic stop during the field survey. The study area is most likely a foraging site only, although there are numerous suitable large trees with hollows that could be used for breeding nests. All potential breeding trees have been mapped and are indicated on Map 6. There is a record for the Red-tailed Phascogale from 2006 within 10 km of the study area indicating that habitat is present enabling this species to be present. Similar habitat occurs within the study area, being the Wandoo woodlands (Eucalyptus wandoo), and although this habitat within the study area is in a poor condition lacking vegetated understorey, this species has been known to persist in other locations in the Wheatbelt in similar condition.
4.3.2 FAUNA HABITAT One fauna habitat type was identified as occurring within the study area. The extent is indicated in Table 14; the remaining extent is not vegetated. The habitat is described as open woodland and comprises of roadside vegetation with tall trees over degraded understorey of grass weed species and small patches of native vegetation shrub species.
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RESULTS
This habitat has limited value as fauna habitat and, at best, may provide some feeding resources and shelter for birds and small reptile species. The proximity of Albany Highway reduces the likelihood of larger species maintaining residency. The variation within the habitat in the study area is illustrated in Plate 2-Plate 4.
Table 14: Extent of habitats within the study area Habitat Type Extent (ha) Extent (%) Open Woodland 9.48 64.7
Plate 2: Open woodland with grassy understorey Plate 3: Open woodland with disturbed (ripped and mulched) understorey
Plate 4: Open woodland with sparse shrub understorey
4.3.3 BLACK COCKATOO HABITAT 4.3.3.1 Nesting Trees and Potential Nesting Trees During the field assessment, 79 potential nesting trees were recorded within the study area (Map 6; each point indicated on this map may represent more than one tree). These trees all satisfied the requirements of the Commonwealth guidelines with respect to species and diameter at breast height (DBH). Wandoo (Eucalyptus wandoo) was the dominant species with 69 records, followed by eight records of Marri (Corymbia calophylla), one Jarrah (E. marginata) and one Flooded Gum (E. rudis) (Table 15). Nesting trees were scored using the scale (Table 8), developed by Dr Mike Bamford (2016), to further refine nesting value to the species. No trees were recorded as either Class 1 or Class 2, there were six trees at Class 3, 19 at Class 4 and 54 trees scored as Class 5, (Table 15). Class 3 trees possess the necessary characteristics preferred by the birds but no evidence of use was recorded. Class 4 trees have hollows large enough for nesting but do not exhibit the characteristics preferred by the birds. Class 5 trees do not currently exhibit the characteristics necessary for Carnaby's Black Cockatoo to use for nesting.
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RESULTS
Table 15: Number of Nesting Trees by Species and Class Value. Tree Class Value Species Total 3 4 5 Wandoo 6 19 44 69 Marri 0 0 8 8 Jarrah 0 0 1 1 Flooded Gum 0 0 1 1 Tree Class Value Total 6 19 54 79
The six Class 3 trees are all Wandoo and are located within the existing picnic/truck stop area, coordinates are listed in Table 16 below and shown on Map 6 as red points. These trees all have suitably sized and orientated hollows that Carnaby's Black Cockatoo prefer, although no evidence of nesting (e.g. chew marks or chewed nuts) was observed.
Table 16: Coordinates of the Class 3 Nesting Trees Waypoint No. Northing Easting Value Class Species No. of trees 1 6373252 462085 3 Wandoo 1 2 6373223 462085 3 Wandoo 3 3 6373223 462119 3 Wandoo 2
4.3.3.2 Foraging and Roosting Habitat The entire study area is considered as foraging habitat. The majority of tree species are listed by the Commonwealth as foraging species, being the Wandoo, Marri and Jarrah trees. Banksia shrub species, a known food resource for Carnaby's Black Cockatoos, was also present. With respect to roosting habitat there are no known (e.g. listed by DPaW) roosting trees within the study area although the large Wandoo and Marri trees provide this resource.
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4.3.4 FAUNA SURVEY LIMITATIONS Table 17: Fauna survey limitations Possible limitations Constraints (yes/no): Comment 35+ years’ experience in assessing Competency/experience of the No environmental impact and conducting fauna consultant conducting the survey surveys in Western Australia
Scope No All items in the scope were investigated
Proportion of fauna identified, Level 1 opportunistic event does not allow for a Yes recorded and/or collected full fauna species inventory to be collected Both State and Commonwealth sources readily Sources of information No available
Proportion of the task achieved No All tasks achieved
Warmer weather may have produced reptile Timing/weather/season/cycle Partial observations Disturbances which affected results of No No disturbances to the survey occurred the survey The size of the study area and the expected level Intensity of survey (e.g. in retrospect No of disturbance warranted a level 1 was the intensity adequate?) reconnaissance survey appropriate Completeness (e.g. was relevant area No Entire study area was traversed on foot fully surveyed?)
Remoteness and/or access problems No Study area location on major National Highway
Availability of contextual (e.g. Adequate contextual material existed for the bioregional) information for the No study area and bioregion survey area
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5 DISCUSSION 5.1 FLORA SIGNIFICANCE
5.1.1 THREATENED AND PRIORITY FLORA No Threatened Flora listed under the EPBC Act or BC Act were recorded, and none were assessed as possibly occurring due to the presence of suitable habitat. No Priority Flora species were recorded.
5.1.2 SIGNIFICANT FLORA There were no flora species of potential significance according to Guidance Statement No. 51 i.e. there were no range extensions, range edges or gaps, or other elements of significance recorded.
5.1.3 INTRODUCED FLORA Sixty one (61) species (34.27%) of the recorded vascular flora were introduced. This number and proportion of introduced species is not unexpected, given the study area’s association with a major highway. One, *Asparagus asparagoides (Bridal Creeper) is a C3 Declared Pest plant. This species and *Moraea flaccida (One-leafed Cape Tulip) is a WONS. There are no legal requirements to control any introduced species recorded from the study area.
5.1.4 POTENTIAL SENSITIVITY TO IMPACT There are no conservation significant or otherwise significant flora species present. Clearing in any part of the study area will not have a significant impact on the populations of the flora species at a local, regional or State-wide scale. 5.2 VEGETATION SIGNIFICANCE Based on a combination of species composition and vegetation structure, two native vegetation types were identified as occurring in the study area. Wandoo woodland, divided into subtypes EwMw (Eucalyptus wandoo Mid Woodland that had an open tall shrubby understorey over a low sparse shrubby understorey) and EwMOW (Eucalyptus wandoo Mid Open Woodland, that had a low grassy, shrubby and sedge understorey) were in Good condition. Wandoo woodland subtype EWDegraded consisted of trees over weeds, and ErMrMOF (Eucalyptus rudis and Melaleuca raphiophylla Mid Open Forest over weeds) were in Degraded or Completely Degraded condition; these latter vegetation types did not have any floristic quadrats recorded in them.
5.2.1 ECOSCAPE’S ASSESSMENT OF VEGETATION SIGNIFICANCE The vegetation of the study area does not provide habitat for any conservation significant flora species, and has no specific botanical significance. Most of the vegetation is in Degraded or Completely Degraded condition. The small area on the southwest corner of Albany Highway and Crossman Road was considered to be the ‘best’ condition vegetation in the area (assessed as being in Good condition). During the field survey a number of tourists parked at the former Crossman roadhouse location (north of this portion) and walked into this section, appearing to look at wildflowers, of which many were evident (in comparison with the rest of the study area that was either weedy or bare of understorey). From this observation we infer that this small area may have local significance, perhaps as a small-scale tourist feature.
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DISCUSSION
5.2.2 REGIONAL SIGNIFICANCE OF VEGETATION 5.2.2.1 Eucalypt Woodlands of the Western Australian Wheatbelt TEC The Commonwealth-listed Eucalypt woodlands of the Western Australian wheatbelt TEC have not previously been assessed as occurring within the study area (DPaW database search results, NatureMap searches (DPaW 2007-2016). By definition (Threatened Species Scientific Committee 2015), this TEC is unlikely to occur within the study area as the study area is not located within the Avon Wheatbelt IBRA region nor on the Yilgarn Craton. According to the Eucalypt Woodlands of the Western Australian Wheatbelt ecological community map (Department of the Environment 2015), the study area is located just outside the area marked as ‘Ecological community ‘May occur’’, and there are no marked communities (i.e. ‘Ecological community ‘Likely to occur’’) close by. The nearest mapped area of this TEC, according to the DPaW database search results (Map 3), is approximately 15 km to the east (occurrence 27902). Review of aerial imagery and bioregion mapping indicates that this occurrence, whilst not within the Avon Wheatbelt IBRA region, it is contiguous (along a creekline) with vegetation that is within the Avon Wheatbelt bioregion. The Wandoo woodland vegetation of the study area (vegetation types EwMW, EwMOW, EwDegraded) meets the following criteria for inclusion in this TEC (Threatened Species Scientific Committee 2015): the dominant species (Eucalyptus wandoo) is one of those listed as an iconic wheatbelt species, it has a tree form (i.e. not mallee or mallet) and its main distribution is within the wheatbelt the tree canopy cover meets the requirements for inclusion it has listed associated canopy species (i.e. Acacia acuminata, Allocasuarina huegeliana, Eucalyptus marginata) that are not dominant (that may be co-dominant, although not in this instance) the understorey types (i.e. herbaceous or scrub/heath) are allowed the study area meets the minimum condition criteria in Table 3 in the approved conservation advice (reproduced in Table 4 in this document) as the contiguous bushland on the southwest corner of Crossman Road and the southeast corner of the Crossman-Dwarda Road exceed the minimum patch size of 5 ha for vegetation in Good or Degraded to Good condition, with sufficient mature trees. However, it does not meet the criteria for inclusion in this TEC (Threatened Species Scientific Committee 2015) as: it is not located in the Avon Wheatbelt IBRA region, nor is it immediately adjacent to it; the Avon Wheatbelt IBRA region is, at its closest, 25 km northeast it is not within the area that it is known to occur (i.e. mapped as such), is likely to or may occur it may not meet the criteria for annual rainfall of being less than 600 mm (the study area is approximately mid-way between BoM stations, and the average of these two is 593 mm) it is not associated within any of the Beard vegetation associations listed in Tables 5 in the approved conservation advice. Considering the above factors, it is Ecoscape’s opinion that the Wandoo woodland of the study area is not included in Eucalypt woodlands of the Western Australian wheatbelt TEC. By definition the Eucalyptus rudis, Melaleuca raphiophylla Mid Open Forest (vegetation type ErMrMOF) is not considered for inclusion in the TEC as the characteristic species (Eucalyptus rudis) is not predominantly a wheatbelt species, and is only allowable as a co-dominant (as well as the other factors listed above).
5.2.2.2 Wetlands, Riparian Vegetation There are no wetlands associated with the study area. The northern extent of the study area is at the Hotham River. While the riparian vegetation has no specific conservation or botanical significance (it is in Completely Degraded condition, with dense weed cover and only upper stratum species present), it provides an important corridor for fauna movement along the river, linking the forest area approximately 12 km to the west with isolated remnants along its length, and ultimately to Dryandra Woodland National Park to the east.
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DISCUSSION
5.2.2.3 Clearing Extents The National Objectives and Targets for Biodiversity Conservation 2001-2005 (Commonwealth of Australia 2001) and Position Statement No. 2 (EPA 2000) both identify that retaining more than 30% of the pre- clearing extent of an ecological community is necessary to prevent species loss. Pre-European vegetation association 4, which covers most of the study area, has less than 30% remaining at a number of scales (State, IBRA region and within the Shire of Boddington). At this level, there is a presumption against clearing. Given the Completely Degraded condition of much of the vegetation of the study area, much of which is planted with non-native species, including the north side of Crossman Road, west side of Albany Highway (north of Crossman Road) and east side of Albany Highway north of Crossman- Dwarda Road and immediately south of this intersection, these areas are generally not considered as representing native vegetation and this clearing limitation does not apply. 5.3 FAUNA AND FAUNA HABITAT SIGNIFICANCE Sixteen terrestrial vertebrate fauna species were recorded from the study area. One of these is of conservation significance Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo). An additional four conservation significant fauna species were determined to potentially occur in the study area (Table 7 in Section 3.3.1 for the complete list) based on the habitat in the study area and/or their ability to utilise the study area for foraging or as a corridor for dispersal. Impacts to Carnaby's Black Cockatoo habitat trees should be avoided were possible with particular importance placed on the six trees that were recorded as Class 3, trees possessing suitable hollows for nesting. The loss of foraging habitat trees should also be minimised where practicable, although the study area is less than three km from large areas of native forest vegetation of the Darling Range. Similar sized remnants of native vegetation are also in close proximity to the study area which indicates that the surrounding region could support foraging black cockatoos. The study area has some connection ecologically to other vegetated remnants and forest along the Hotham River and road side vegetation, allowing for terrestrial fauna species movement across the landscape. Avian species are not expected to be impacted by the disturbance. The study area has little or no significance as general fauna habitat at either local or regional levels of scale. This is due to the degraded nature of the site and the lack of sufficient understorey vegetation of good quality to support a diverse fauna assemblage. The high traffic volume along the National Highway and the presence of invasive predators also reduces the quality of this habitat. 5.4 GROUNDWATER AND SURFACE WATER The northern extent of the study area intersects with the Hotham River, and the study area slopes gently towards this. Any ground disturbance has the potential to create loose soil that may erode into the river along roadside drains and cause sedimentation and siltation with potential down-stream effects including nutrient addition leading to eutrophication and, if erosion is severe, lead to soil banks, disrupting the river flow. There are unlikely to be any impacts on groundwater from road works. 5.5 ENVIRONMENTAL REFERRALS 5.5.1.1 EPA Referrals Clearing within the study area is unlikely to require referral to the EPA for flora, vegetation (ecological communities) or fauna impacts.
5.5.1.2 Matters of National Environmental Significance Flora and Vegetation (Ecological Communities) There are no MNES pertaining to flora or vegetation (ecological communities) associated with the study area, therefore there is no requirement for referral to DotEE for these aspects.
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DISCUSSION
Fauna The disturbance of up to approximately 14 ha of foraging habitat for Carnaby's Black Cockatoo is recommended to be referred to the Commonwealth DotEE for assessment. It is Ecoscape’s recommendation that the number of nesting trees could be included in the EPBC referral with accompanying information on the potential value of the 79 nesting trees detailed and highlighting that only six trees have nesting habitat value.
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Short, J., Hide, A., & Stone, M. 2011. Habitat requirements of the endangered red-tailed phascogale, Phascogale calura. Wildlife Research, vol. 38, no. 5, pp. 359-369
Start, A. N. & McKenzie, N. L. 2008, "Western False Pipistrelle Falsistrellus mackenziei," in The Mammals of Australia, S. Van Dyck & R. Strahan eds., Reed New Holland, Sydney, pp. 541-542.
Threatened Species Scientific Committee. 2015. Approved Conservation Advice (including listing advice) for the Eucalypt Woodlands of the Western Australian Wheatbelt. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/communities/pubs/128-conservation- advice.pdf.
Walker, J. & Hopkins, M. 1990, "Vegetation," in Australian Soil and Land Survey. Field Handbook., 2nd edn, R. McDonald et al. eds., Inkata Press, Melbourne.
Weeds Australia. 2012. Weeds of National Significance. Available from: http://www.weeds.org.au/WoNS/.
Western Australian Government. 2015. Government Gazette No. 166, 3 November 2015. Available from: http://www.slp.wa.gov.au/Gazette/gazette.nsf/searchgazette/CAD6A4A88A0FA7AF48257EF00083C 4C7/$file/gg166.pdf.
Western Australian Herbarium. 1998. FloraBase - the Western Australian Flora. Department of Parks and Wildlife. Available from: http://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/.
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REFERENCES
Western Australian Herbarium. 2015. FloraBase: Descriptions by the Western Australian Herbarium, Department of Parks and Wildlife. Text used with permission. Available from: https://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/help/copyright; https://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/search/advanced.
Western Australian Herbarium. 2016. FloraBase: Descriptions by the Western Australian Herbarium, Department of Parks and Wildlife. Text used with permission. Available from: https://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/help/copyright; https://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/search/advanced.
White, N.E., Bunce, M., Mawson, P.R., Dawson, R., Saunders, D.A., & Allentoft, M.E. 2014. Identifying conservation units after large-scale land clearing: a spatio-temporal molecular survey of endangered white-tailed black cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus spp.). Diversity and Distributions, vol. 20, pp. 1208-1220
Williams, K. & Mitchell, D. 2001, "Jarrah Forest 1 (JF1 - Northern Jarrah Forest)," in A Biodiversity Audit of Western Australia's 53 Biographical Subregions in 2002, N. L. McKenzie, J. E. May, & S. McKenna eds., Department of Conservation and Land Management, Perth, pp. 369-381.
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MAPS
10956-3771-16R final rev1 39
461500 462000 462500
253QdNO
253QdMN
253QdWL Crossman English Rd Dwarda Rd 6373500 6373500
253QdMN
253QdNO
Albany Hwy 253QdMNrx 6373000 6373000
Crossman Rd
253QdMN 253QdMNr 6372500 6372500
Legend Soil subsystems (DAFWA 2012) 253QdMN- Michibin Subsystem (Quindanning) 253QdMNr- Michibin (Quindanning), rocky Phase 253QdMNrx- Michibin (Quindanning), very rocky Phase 253QdNO- Norrine Subsystem (Quindanning) 253QdWL- Williams Subsystem (Quindanning) Study Area 253QdNO
Streets (Streetpro 2009) Pardalote Hts
461500 462000 462500
COORDINATE SYSTEM: GDA 1994 MGA ZONE 50 PROJECT NO: 3771-16 DATA SOURCES : PROJECTION: TRANSVERSE MERCATOR REV AUTHOR APPROVED DATE SOURCE DATA: DAFWA, MRWA SOIL SUBSYSTEMS DATUM: GDA 1994 01 AF JN 15 / 1 1/ 2 0 16 AERIAL: ESRI BASE MAP MAP UNITS: METER SERVICE LAYERS: SOURCE: ESRI, DIGITALGLOBE, GEOEYE, EARTHSTAR GEOGRAPHICS, CNES/AIRBUS DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, GETMAPPING, AEROGRID, IGN, IGP, SWISSTOPO, AND THE GIS USER COMMUNITY SCALE: 1:5,000 @ A 4 o 0 25 50 75 10 0 M CROSSMAN BIOLOGICAL SURVEYS 0 1 461500 462000 462500
Crossman English Rd Dwarda Rd 6373500 6373500
Albany Hwy 6373000 6373000
Crossman Rd 6372500 6372500
Legend Pre European Vegetation (DAFWA 2012) System Associations BANNISTER_1003 BANNISTER_4 Study Area
Streets (Streetpro 2009) Pardalote Hts
461500 462000 462500
COORDINATE SYSTEM: GDA 1994 MGA ZONE 50 PROJECT NO: 3771-16 DATA SOURCES : PROJECTION: TRANSVERSE MERCATOR REV AUTHOR APPROVED DATE SOURCE DATA: DAFWA, MRWA REGIONAL VEGETATION DATUM: GDA 1994 01 AF JN 15 / 1 1/ 2 0 16 AERIAL: ESRI BASE MAP MAP UNITS: METER SERVICE LAYERS: SOURCE: ESRI, DIGITALGLOBE, GEOEYE, EARTHSTAR GEOGRAPHICS, CNES/AIRBUS (PRE EUROPEAN VEGETATION) DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, GETMAPPING, AEROGRID, IGN, IGP, SWISSTOPO, AND THE GIS USER COMMUNITY SCALE: 1:5,000 @ A 4 o 0 25 50 75 10 0 M CROSSMAN BIOLOGICAL SURVEYS 0 2 440000 450000 460000 470000 480000
6390000 !!!44 6390000 !!3
!!4 !!!44 !!3!!33 !!3
!2 !!3 !!3 !!!3!3!34!4 !!4 !!4 !!4!!34 !!4 !!4 4 6380000 !4 !! 6380000 !!!4
!!2
!!1 !!3
!!34!!4 !!2 !!1 6370000 6370000
!!1 !T !!!T
!!T!!T
!!4 !!T !!T!T !!1 ! !!4 !!4 !T T T !!T !!T! 6360000 !! ! 6360000 !!!T!T !!3
Legend Threatened and Prioirty Flora Locations 6350000 6350000 !!T Threatened !!1 Priority 1 !!2 Priority 2 !!3 Priority 3 !!4 Priority 4 Threatened and Priority Community Locations Mount Saddleback heath communtiies Wheatbelt Woodlands Study Area Buffer 20km Buffer 5km 6340000 6340000
440000 450000 460000 470000 480000
COORDINATE SYSTEM: GDA 1994 MGA ZONE 50 PROJECT NO: 3771-16 DATA SOURCES : PROJECTION: TRANSVERSE MERCATOR REV AUTHOR APPROVED DATE SOURCE DATA: DAFWA, MRWA FLORA AND COMMUNITIES DATUM: GDA 1994 01 AF JN 15 / 1 1/ 2 0 16 AERIAL: ESRI BASE MAP MAP UNITS: METER SERVICE LAYERS: DATABASE SEARCH RESULTS
SCALE: 1:170,000 @ A 3 o 0 1 2 3 4 Km CROSSMAN BIOLOGICAL SURVEYS 0 3 461500 462000 462500
Crossman English Rd Dwarda Rd 6373500 6373500
Albany Hwy 6373000 6373000
Crossman Rd 6372500 6372500
Legend Vegetation_Type EW Degraded ErMrMOF EwMOW EwMW Picnic Area/Carpark Planted Vegetation Study Area
Streets (Streetpro 2009) Pardalote Hts
461500 462000 462500
COORDINATE SYSTEM: GDA 1994 MGA ZONE 50 PROJECT NO: 3771-16 DATA SOURCES : PROJECTION: TRANSVERSE MERCATOR REV AUTHOR APPROVED DATE SOURCE DATA: DAFWA, MRWA DATUM: GDA 1994 01 AF JN 15 / 1 1/ 2 0 16 AERIAL: ESRI BASE MAP VEGETATION TYPES MAP UNITS: METER SERVICE LAYERS: SOURCE: ESRI, DIGITALGLOBE, GEOEYE, EARTHSTAR GEOGRAPHICS, CNES/AIRBUS DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, GETMAPPING, AEROGRID, IGN, IGP, SWISSTOPO, AND THE GIS USER COMMUNITY SCALE: 1:5,000 @ A 4 o 0 25 50 75 10 0 M CROSSMAN BIOLOGICAL SURVEYS 0 4 461500 462000 462500
Crossman English Rd Dwarda Rd 6373500 6373500
Albany Hwy 6373000 6373000
Crossman Rd 6372500 6372500
Legend Vegetation Condition Good Degraded Completly Degraded Study Area
Streets (Streetpro 2009) Pardalote Hts
461500 462000 462500
COORDINATE SYSTEM: GDA 1994 MGA ZONE 50 PROJECT NO: 3771-16 DATA SOURCES : PROJECTION: TRANSVERSE MERCATOR REV AUTHOR APPROVED DATE SOURCE DATA: DAFWA, MRWA DATUM: GDA 1994 01 AF JN 15 / 1 1/ 2 0 16 AERIAL: ESRI BASE MAP VEGETATION CONDITION MAP UNITS: METER SERVICE LAYERS: SOURCE: ESRI, DIGITALGLOBE, GEOEYE, EARTHSTAR GEOGRAPHICS, CNES/AIRBUS DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, GETMAPPING, AEROGRID, IGN, IGP, SWISSTOPO, AND THE GIS USER COMMUNITY SCALE: 1:5,000 @ A 4 o 0 25 50 75 10 0 M CROSSMAN BIOLOGICAL SURVEYS 0 5 461500 462000 462500 6374000 6374000
Crossman English Rd Dwarda Rd !! 6373500 6373500 ! !! !!!!! !! !! !! !!
!! !!!! ! 1 Tree ! !! !! !! !! !! !! ! !! !! ! 2 Trees !! !! !! !! !! !!!! !!!!!! !! !! 3 Trees !! !!! !!!! !!!! !!
Albany Hwy 6373000 6373000
Crossman Rd !! !! !! !! !! !! !! !! !! !! !! !!
!!!!
!!
!! !! !!
!!
6372500 Legend 6372500 Black Cockatoo Habitat Trees (Value) !! 3 !! 4 !! 5 Fauna Habitat Extent (Open Woodland)
Study Area Streets (Streetpro 2009)
461500 462000 462500
COORDINATE SYSTEM: GDA 1994 MGA ZONE 50 PROJECT NO: 3771-16 DATA SOURCES : PROJECTION: TRANSVERSE MERCATOR REV AUTHOR APPROVED DATE SOURCE DATA: DAFWA, MRWA FAUNA HABITAT AND DATUM: GDA 1994 01 AF JN 15 / 1 1/ 2 0 16 AERIAL: ESRI BASE MAP MAP UNITS: METER SERVICE LAYERS: SOURCE: ESRI, DIGITALGLOBE, NESTING TREES GEOEYE, EARTHSTAR GEOGRAPHICS, CNES/AIRBUS DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, GETMAPPING, AEROGRID, IGN, IGP, SWISSTOPO, AND THE GIS USER COMMUNITY SCALE: 1:5,000 @ A 4 o 0 25 50 75 10 0 M CROSSMAN BIOLOGICAL SURVEYS 0 6
APPENDIX ONE DEFINITIONS AND CRITERIA Table 18: Conservation codes for Western Australian flora and fauna (DPaW 2015a) Conservation Codes for Western Australian Flora and Fauna Threatened species* Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950, and listed under Schedules 1 to 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora (which may also be referred to as Declared Rare Flora). Threatened fauna is that subset of ‘Specially Protected Fauna’ declared to be ‘ likely to become extinct’ pursuant to T section 14(4) of the Wildlife Conservation Act. Threatened flora is flora that has been declared to be ‘likely to become extinct or is rare, or is otherwise in need of special protection’ pursuant to section 23F(2) of the Wildlife Conservation Act. The assessment of the conservation status of these species is based on their national extent and ranked according to their level of threat using IUCN Red List categories and criteria as detailed below. Critically Endangered species Threatened species considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. Published as Specially CR Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950, in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora. Endangered species Threatened species considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild. Published as Specially Protected EN under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950, in Schedule 2 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora. Vulnerable species Threatened species considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild. Published as Specially Protected under the VU Wildlife Conservation Act 1950, in Schedule 3 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora. Presumed extinct species Species which have been adequately searched for and there is no reasonable doubt that the last individual has died. EX Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950, in Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) for Threatened Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora. Migratory birds protected under an international agreement Birds that are subject to an agreement between the government of Australia and the governments of Japan (JAMBA), IA China (CAMBA) and The Republic of Korea (ROKAMBA), and the Bonn Convention, relating to the protection of migratory birds. Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950, in Schedule 5 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice. Conservation Dependent fauna Fauna of special conservation need being species dependent on ongoing conservation intervention to prevent it becoming CD eligible for listing as threatened. Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950, in Schedule 6 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice Other specially protected fauna OS Fauna otherwise in need of special protection to ensure their conservation. Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950, in Schedule 7 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice Priority species Possibly threatened species that do not meet survey criteria, or are otherwise data deficient, are added to the Priority Fauna or Priority Flora Lists under Priorities 1, 2 or 3. These three categories are ranked in order of priority for survey and evaluation of conservation status so that consideration can be given to their declaration as threatened flora or fauna. P Species that are adequately known, are rare but not threatened, or meet criteria for near threatened, or that have been recently removed from the threatened list for other than taxonomic reasons, are placed in Priority 4. These species require regular monitoring. Assessment of Priority codes is based on the Western Australian distribution of the species, unless the distribution in WA is part of a contiguous population extending into adjacent States, as defined by the known spread of locations. Priority One: Poorly-known species Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) which are potentially at risk. All occurrences are either: very small; or on lands not managed for conservation, e.g. agricultural or pastoral lands, urban areas, road or rail P1 reserves, gravel reserves and active mineral leases; or otherwise under threat of habitat destruction or degradation. Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes. Such species are in urgent need of further survey. Priority Two: Poorly-known species Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less), some of which are on lands managed primarily for nature conservation, e.g. national parks, conservation parks, nature reserves and other lands with secure tenure being P2 managed for conservation. Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes. Such species are in urgent need of further survey. Priority Three: Poorly-known species Species that are known from several locations, and the species does not appear to be under imminent threat, or from few but widespread localities with either large population size or significant remaining areas of apparently suitable habitat, P3 much of it not under imminent threat. Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from several localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and known threatening processes exist that could affect them. Such species are in need of further survey.
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DEFINITIONS AND CRITERIA
Conservation Codes for Western Australian Flora and Fauna Priority Four: Rare, Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring (a) Rare. Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed, or for which sufficient knowledge is available, and that are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection, but could be if present circumstances change. These species are usually represented on conservation lands. P4 (b) Near Threatened. Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable, but are not listed as Conservation Dependent. (c) Species that have been removed from the list of threatened species during the past five years for reasons other than taxonomy. *Species includes all taxa (plural of taxon - a classificatory group of any taxonomic rank, e.g. a family, genus, species or any infraspecific category i.e. subspecies or variety, or a distinct population).
Table 19: EPBC Act categories for flora and fauna
EPBC ACT 1999 category Definition
A native species is eligible to be included in the extinct category at a particular time Extinct if, at that time, there is no reasonable doubt that the last member of the species has died.
A native species is eligible to be included in the extinct in the wild category at a particular time if, at that time:
(a) it is known only to survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalised population Extinct in the wild well outside its past range; or (b) it has not been recorded in its known and/or expected habitat, at appropriate seasons, anywhere in its past range, despite exhaustive surveys over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form.
A native species is eligible to be included in the critically endangered category at a particular time if, at that time, it is facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the Critically Endangered (CE) wild in the immediate future, as determined in accordance with the prescribed criteria.
A native species is eligible to be included in the endangered category at a particular time if, at that time: Endangered (EN) (a) it is not critically endangered; and
(b) it is facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future, as determined in accordance with the prescribed criteria.
A native species is eligible to be included in the vulnerable category at a particular time if, at that time: Vulnerable (VU) (a) it is not critically endangered or endangered; and (b) it is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium term future, as determined in accordance with the prescribed criteria.
A native species is eligible to be included in the conservation dependent category at a particular time if, at that time:
(a) the species is the focus of a specific conservation program the cessation of which would result in the species becoming vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered; or (b) the following subparagraphs are satisfied: (i) the species is a species of fish; Conservation Dependent (ii) the species is the focus of a plan of management that provides for management actions necessary to stop the decline of, and support the recovery of, the species so that its chances of long term survival in nature are maximised;
(iii) the plan of management is in force under a law of the Commonwealth or of a State or Territory;
(iv) cessation of the plan of management would adversely affect the conservation status of the species.
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DEFINITIONS AND CRITERIA
Table 20: DPaW definitions and criteria for TECs and PECs (DEC 2013)
Criteria Definition
Threatened Ecological Communities
An ecological community that has been adequately searched for but for which no representative occurrences have been located. The community has been found to be totally destroyed or so extensively modified throughout its range that no occurrence of it is likely to recover its species composition and/or structure in the foreseeable future. Presumed Totally Destroyed (PD) An ecological community will be listed as presumed totally destroyed if there are no recent records of the community being extant and either of the following applies (A or B): A. Records within the last 50 years have not been confirmed despite thorough searches of known or likely habitats or B. All occurrences recorded within the last 50 years have since been destroyed
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major contraction in area and/or that was originally of limited distribution and is facing severe modification or destruction throughout its range in the immediate future, or is already severely degraded throughout its range but capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated. An ecological community will be listed as Critically Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed and is found to be facing an extremely high risk of total destruction in the immediate future. This will be determined on the basis of the best available information, by it meeting any one or more of the following criteria (A, B or C): A. The estimated geographic range, and/or total area occupied, and/or number of discrete occurrences since European settlement have been reduced by at least 90% and either or both of the following apply (i or ii): i. geographic range, and/or total area occupied and/or number of discrete occurrences are continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is imminent (within approximately 10 years); Critically Endangered (CR) ii. modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the immediate future (within approximately 10 years) the community is unlikely to be capable of being substantially rehabilitated. B. Current distribution is limited, and one or more of the following apply (i, ii or iii): i. geographic range and/or number of discrete occurrences, and/or area occupied is highly restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely to result in total destruction throughout its range in the immediate future (within approximately 10 years); ii. there are very few occurrences, each of which is small and/or isolated and extremely vulnerable to known threatening processes; iii. there may be many occurrences but total area is very small and each occurrence is small and/or isolated and extremely vulnerable to known threatening processes. C. The ecological community exists only as highly modified occurrences that may be capable of being rehabilitated if such work begins in the immediate future (within approximately 10 years).
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major contraction in area and/or was originally of limited distribution and is in danger of significant modification throughout its range or severe modification or destruction over most of its range in the near future. An ecological community will be listed as Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed and is not Critically Endangered but is facing a very high risk of total destruction in the near future. This will be determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following criteria (A, B, or C): A. The geographic range, and/or total area occupied, and/or number of discrete occurrences have been reduced by at least 70% since European settlement and either or both of the following apply (i or ii): i. the estimated geographic range, and/or total area occupied and/or number of discrete occurrences are continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is likely in the short term future (within approximately 20 years); Endangered (EN) ii. modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the short term future (within approximately 20 years) the community is unlikely to be capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated. B. Current distribution is limited, and one or more of the following apply (i, ii or iii): i. geographic range and/or number of discrete occurrences, and/or area occupied is highly restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20 years); ii. there are few occurrences, each of which is small and/or isolated and all or most occurrences are very vulnerable to known threatening processes; iii. there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small and/or isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes. The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately 20 years).
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DEFINITIONS AND CRITERIA
Criteria Definition
An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and is found to be declining and/or has declined in distribution and/or condition and whose ultimate security has not yet been assured and/or a community that is still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of higher threat in the near future if threatening processes continue or begin operating throughout its range. An ecological community will be listed as Vulnerable when it has been adequately surveyed and is not Critically Endangered or Endangered but is facing a high risk of total destruction or significant modification in the medium to long-term future. This will be determined on the basis of the best Vulnerable (VU) available information by it meeting any one or more of the following criteria (A, B or C): A. The ecological community exists largely as modified occurrences that are likely to be capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated. B. The ecological community may already be modified and would be vulnerable to threatening processes, is restricted in area and/or range and/or is only found at a few locations. C. The ecological community may be still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of higher threat in the medium to long term future because of existing or impending threatening processes.
Priority ecological communities
Poorly known ecological communities Ecological communities with apparently few, small occurrences, all or most not actively managed for conservation (e.g. within agricultural or pastoral lands, urban areas, active mineral leases) and Priority One for which current threats exist. Communities may be included if they are comparatively well-
known from one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements, and/or are not well defined, and appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes across their range.
Poorly known ecological communities Communities that are known from few small occurrences, all or most of which are actively managed for conservation (e.g. within national parks, conservation parks, nature reserves, state Priority Two forest, unallocated Crown land, water reserves, etc.) and not under imminent threat of destruction
or degradation. Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more localities, but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements, and / or are not well defined, and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes.
Poorly known ecological communities i. Communities that are known from several to many occurrences, a significant number or area of which are not under threat of habitat destruction or degradation or; ii. Communities known from a few widespread occurrences, which are either large or within significant remaining areas of habitat in which other occurrences may occur, much of it not under imminent threat, or; Priority Three iii. Communities made up of large, and/or widespread occurrences, that may or may not be represented in the reserve system, but are under threat of modification across much of their range from processes such as grazing by domestic and/or feral stock, and inappropriate fire regimes. Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known from several localities, but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and / or are not well defined, and known threatening processes exist that could affect them.
Ecological communities that are adequately known, rare but not threatened or meet criteria for Near Threatened, or that have been recently removed from the threatened list. These communities require regular monitoring. i. Rare. Ecological communities known from few occurrences that are considered to have been adequately surveyed, or for which sufficient knowledge is available, and that are considered Priority Four not currently threatened or in need of special protection, but could be if present circumstances change These communities are usually represented on conservation lands. ii. Near Threatened. Ecological communities that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and that do not qualify for Conservation Dependent, but that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable. iii. Ecological communities that have been removed from the list of threatened communities during the past five years.
Conservation Dependent Ecological Communities Priority Five Ecological Communities that are not threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program, the cessation of which would result in the community becoming threatened within five years.
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DEFINITIONS AND CRITERIA
Table 21: NVIS structural formation terminology, terrestrial vegetation (ESCAVI 2003)
Cover characteristics Foliage » 0 0-5 70-100 30-70 10-30 <10 unknown cover * (scattered) (clumped) Cover d c i r bi bc unknown code Height Growth Form Ranges Structural Formation Classes (m) isolated <10,10- closed open open isolated tree, palm woodland clumps of tree, palm 30, >30 forest forest woodland trees trees isolated closed open isolated <3, <10, mallee open mallee clumps of tree tree mallee mallee mallee mallee 10-30 woodland woodland mallee mallee forest forest trees trees shrub, shrub, cycad, isolated cycad, <1,1- closed open sparse isolated grass-tree, shrubland clumps of grass- 2,>2 shrubland shrubland shrubland shrubs tree-fern shrubs tree, tree- fern isolated closed isolated <3, <10, mallee open mallee sparse mallee clumps of mallee mallee shrub mallee mallee 10-30 shrubland shrubland shrubland mallee shrub shrubland shrubs shrubs isolated isolated <1,1- closed open sparse clumps of heath heath shrub heathland heath 2,>2 heathland heathland heathland heath shrub shrubs shrubs isolated closed open sparse isolated chenopod <1,1- chenopod clumps of chenopod chenopod chenopod chenopod chenopod shrub 2,>2 shrubland chenopod shrub shrubland shrubland shrubland shrubs shrubs isolated closed open sparse isolated samphire samphire clumps of samphire <0.5,>0.5 samphire samphire samphire samphire shrub shrubland samphire shrub shrubland shrubland shrubland shrubs shrubs isolated closed open sparse isolated hummock hummock clumps of hummock <2,>2 hummock hummock hummock hummock grass grassland hummock grass grassland grassland grassland grasses grasses isolated closed isolated tussock open tussock sparse tussock clumps of tussock tussock grass <0.5,>0.5 tussock tussock grassland grassland grassland tussock grass grassland grasses grasses isolated closed open sparse isolated other other grass <0.5,>0.5 grassland clumps of grassland grassland grassland grasses grass grasses isolated closed open sparse isolated sedge <0.5,>0.5 sedgeland clumps of sedge sedgeland sedgeland sedgeland sedges sedges isolated closed sparse isolated rush <0.5,>0.5 rushland open rushland clumps of rush rushland rushland rushes rushes isolated closed open sparse isolated herb <0.5,>0.5 herbland clumps of herb herbland herbland herbland herbs herbs isolated <1,1- closed sparse isolated fern fernland open fernland clumps of fern 2,>2 fernland fernland ferns ferns closed isolated bryophyte- open sparse isolated bryophyte <0.5 bryophyte- clumps of bryophyte land bryophyteland bryophyteland bryophytes land bryophytes isolated closed open sparse isolated lichen <0.5 lichenland clumps of lichen lichenland lichenland lichenland lichens lichens isolated <10,10- closed sparse isolated vine vineland open vineland clumps of vine 30, >30 vineland vineland vines vines
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DEFINITIONS AND CRITERIA
Table 22: NVIS height classes (ESCAVI 2003) Height Growth form Height Height Tree, vine (M & Shrub, heath shrub, Tree mallee, Tussock grass, Bryophyte, Class Range (m) U), palm (single- chenopod shrub, ferns, mallee shrub hummock grass, lichen, stemmed) samphire shrub, cycad, other grass, sedge, seagrass, tree-fern, grass-tree, rush, forbs, vine (G) aquatic palm (multi-stemmed) 8 >30 tall NA NA NA NA 10- 7 mid NA tall NA NA 30 6 <10 low NA mid NA NA 5 <3 NA NA low NA NA 4 >2 NA tall NA tall NA 3 1-2 NA mid NA tall NA 2 0.5-1 NA low NA mid tall 1 <0.5 NA low NA low low Source: (based on Walker & Hopkins 1990)
Table 23: Vegetation Condition Scale for the South West and Interzone Botanical Provinces (EPA & DPaW 2015) Vegetation Condition Description Pristine or nearly so, no obvious signs of disturbance or damage caused by human activities since Pristine European settlement. Vegetation structure intact, disturbance affecting individual species and weeds are non-aggressive Excellent species. Damage to trees caused by fire, the presence of non-aggressive weeds and occasional vehicle tracks. Vegetation structure altered, obvious signs of disturbance. Disturbance to vegetation structure Very Good caused by repeated fires, the presence of some more aggressive weeds, dieback, logging and grazing. Vegetation structure significantly altered by very obvious signs of multiple disturbances. Retains Good basic vegetation structure or ability to regenerate it. Disturbance to vegetation structure caused by very frequent fires, the presence of very aggressive weeds, partial clearing, dieback and grazing. Basic vegetation structure severely impacted by disturbance. Scope for regeneration but not to a state approaching good condition without intensive management. Disturbance to vegetation Degraded structure caused by very frequent fires, the presence of very aggressive weeds at high density, partial clearing, dieback and grazing. The structure of the vegetation is no longer intact and the area is completely or almost completely Completely Degraded without native species. These areas are often described as 'parkland cleared' with the flora comprising weed or crop species with isolated native trees and shrubs.
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APPENDIX TWO FLORA RESULTS Table 24: Conservation significant flora database search results (vascular flora) EPBC ACT DPaW Likelihood of Species name Habitat 1999 status status occurrence Clay, gravelly sandy clay. Lateritic ridges, clay flats. Acacia alata var. platyptera - P4 Jarrah, Wandoo, Powderbark Wandoo woodlands. Unlikely Gravelly sand or clay loam over laterite. Banksia Banksia cynaroides - P4 heathland. Highly unlikely Sand, sandy loam or clay loam over laterite. Banksia Banksia meganotia - P3 heathland. Highly unlikely Yellow or yellow-brown sand. Banksia woodland or Banksia oligantha EN T shrubland. Highly unlikely Banksia recurvistylis - P2 Granite outcrops, laterite. Jarrah/Marri woodland. Unlikely Banksia subpinnatifida var. imberbis - P2 Laterite. Wandoo, Jarrah, Marri woodlands. Possible Bossiaea disticha - P4 Sandy soils over limestone. Highly unlikely Caladenia caesarea subsp. transiens - P1 Sand, loam. Wandoo, Sheoak, Jam woodland. Possible Caladenia hopperiana - T Swampland edge. Wandoo woodland. Unlikely Clayey loam. Granite outcrops, rocky slopes. Caladenia integra - P4 Wandoo, Sheoak woodlands. Possible Calytrix simplex subsp. simplex - P1 Swamp, laterite. Jarrah forest. Unlikely Yellow-grey clayey loam, red clayey loam, laterite, Calytrix sp. Tutunup (G.J. ironstone. Slopes and flats, winter-wet areas, Keighery & N. Gibson 2953) - P2 grazed paddocks. Highly unlikely Moist to dry soils, white sand with gravel, laterite, granite. Outcrops, winter damp to dry areas, flats. Chorizema ulotropis - P4 Eucalyptus latens. Unlikely Commersonia erythrogyna EN T Damp hillside. Marri, Jarrah woodland. Highly unlikely Darwinia hortiorum - P1 Granite, sand, loam. Jarrah, Marri forest. Unlikely Darwinia thymoides subsp. St Ronans (J.J. Alford & G.J. Keighery 64) - P4 Granite, laterite. Wandoo woodland, heathland. Possible Darwinia whicherensis EN T Wet areas. Jarrah, Marri Highly unlikely Brown loamy clay. Winter-wet swamps, in shallow Diuris micrantha VU T water. Highly unlikely Diuris purdiei EN T Grey-black sand, moist. Winter-wet swamps. Highly unlikely Grey sand, gravelly loam. Lateritic ridges. Jarrah, Eucalyptus exilis - P4 Wandoo, Powderbark Wandoo woodland. Possible Sandy clay. Gravelly hills. Wandoo, Jarrah, Gastrolobium ovalifolium - P4 Powderbark Wandoo, Marri. Unlikely Gastrolobium papilio EN T Sandy clay over ironstone and laterite. Flat plains. Highly unlikely Gastrolobium sp. Prostrate Boddington (M. Hislop 2130) - P1 Laterite. Wandoo, Jarrah woodlands. Possible Gravelly loam or clay, sometimes over sandier substrates. Hills, road verges. Wandoo, Gastrolobium tomentosum - P4 Allocasuarina. Unlikely Sandy gravel. Upland areas of open wandoo Goodenia katabudjar - P3 woodland. Jarrah, wandoo. Possible Grevillea manglesii subsp. Granite, gravelly loam, moist. Jarrah, Marri forest, dissectifolia - P3 Wandoo. Possible Grevillea manglesii subsp. ornithopoda - P2 Gravelly soil, or sand, or clay. Eucalyptus rudis. Unlikely Yellow or brown sand, often with lateritic gravel. Grevillea saccata - P4 Heathland, Jarrah, Marri. Highly unlikely Gravelly soils, soils over granite. Jarrah forest, Halgania corymbosa - P3 Wandoo. Possible Sandy & loamy soils. Granite rocks, slopes. Hemigenia platyphylla - P4 Wandoo, Jarrah, Marri, Sheoak. Unlikely Isopogon sp. Canning Reservoir Brown, yellow or grey sand over laterite. Flats and (M.D. Tindale 121 & B.R. Maslin) - P1 low plains, swamp. Jarrah, Marri, Sheoak. Unlikely Lateritic gravelly soils, sandy clay. Flats, hillslopes. Lasiopetalum cardiophyllum - P4 Jarrah, Wandoo, Marri. Possible Leucopogon darlingensis subsp. - P2 Laterite. Brown Mallet, Silver Mallet, Jarrah, Unlikely
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FLORA RESULTS
EPBC ACT DPaW Likelihood of Species name Habitat 1999 status status occurrence rectus Wandoo. White/grey or yellow sand, sandy clay, gravelly Leucopogon florulentus - P3 lateritic soils. Sandplains, gentle slopes. Mallee. Highly unlikely Papistylus intropubens - P1 Heath. Highly unlikely White gritty sand, brown, red, yellow, white or grey sand, brown-yellow sandy clay. Winter-wet sites, flats, slopes, swamps, drainage lines. Melaleuca Petrophile filifolia subsp. laxa - P3 raphiophylla, Jarrah, Marri. Unlikely Petrophile latericola EN T Red lateritic clay. Winter-wet flats. Shrubland. Highly unlikely Sandy & clay lateritic soils. Undulating country. Pultenaea pauciflora VU T Shrubland, Wandoo, Marri, Jarrah. Unlikely Gravelly lateritic or granitic soils. Granite outcrops, Senecio leucoglossus - P4 slopes. Jarrah, Marri, Sheoak. Unlikely
Stylidium marradongense - P3 Sand over laterite. Jarrah-Marri forest. Unlikely Sandy soils. Wet creek flats, swamps, granite Stylidium rhipidium - P3 outcrops. Highly unlikely Yellow-grey, yellow-brown, yellow-red sands and sandy loams, dark brown loam, laterite gravel, granite. In undulating areas. Shrubland, Jarrah, Synaphea pandurata - P3 Marri. Unlikely Thelymitra dedmaniarum EN T Granite. Highly unlikely Sandy or gravelly loam. Winter-wet areas, low hills. Verticordia huegelii var. tridens - P3 Wandoo. Highly unlikely
Table 25: Flora inventory (site x species) Natural Cons. AH16 Family Species ised Code AH1601 AH1602 AH1603 opps Anarthriaceae Lyginia barbata X
Apocynaceae *Vinca major * X
Araliaceae Hydrocotyle callicarpa X
Trachymene coerulea X
Asparagaceae *Asparagus asparagoides * X X
Chamaescilla spiralis X
Laxmannia squarrosa X
Sowerbaea laxiflora X
Thysanotus patersonii X
Thysanotus sp. X
Asteraceae *Arctotheca calendula * X X
Blennospora drummondii X
*Cotula bipinnata * X
Helichrysum luteoalbum X
*Hypochaeris glabra * X X
Lagenophora huegelii X
Rhodanthe citrina X
Siloxerus multiflorus X
*Sonchus asper * X
*Sonchus oleraceus * X
Trichocline spathulata X
*Ursinia anthemoides * X
Boryaceae Borya sphaerocephala X
Brassicaceae *Lepidium bonariense * X
*Raphanus raphanistrum * X
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FLORA RESULTS
Natural Cons. AH16 Family Species ised Code AH1601 AH1602 AH1603 opps Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia preissii X X
Caryophyllaceae *Petrorhagia dubia * X
*Polycarpon tetraphyllum * X
*Silene gallica * X
Casuarinaceae Allocasuarina huegeliana X
Celastraceae Stackhousia monogyna X
Tripterococcus brunonis X
Centrolepidaceae Aphelia brizula X
Centrolepis aristata X
Colchicaceae Burchardia congesta X
Crassulaceae *Crassula alata * X
Crassula colorata X
Cyperaceae Isolepis marginata X
Lepidosperma apricola 2 X X
Mesomelaena tetragona X
Schoenus sp. X
Tetraria octandra X
Dilleniaceae Hibbertia hibbertioides X
Hibbertia hypericoides X
Hibbertia ovata X X X
Hibbertia polystachya X
Droseraceae Drosera erythrorhiza X
Drosera glanduligera X
Drosera macrantha X X
Drosera pulchella X
Drosera stricticaulis X
Elaeocarpaceae Tetratheca virgata X X
Ericaceae Astroloma epacridis X
Astroloma pallidum X
Euphorbiaceae Stachystemon virgatus X
Fabaceae Acacia acuminata X
Acacia celastrifolia X
Acacia drummondii X
*Acacia iteaphylla * X
*Acacia melanoxylon * X
Acacia pulchella X
Acacia stenoptera X
Bossiaea eriocarpa X X
Bossiaea spinescens X
*Chamaecytisus palmensis * X
Chorizema aciculare X
Daviesia decurrens X
Daviesia incrassata X
Daviesia preissii X
Dillwynia laxiflora X
Gastrolobium axillare X
Gastrolobium calycinum X
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FLORA RESULTS
Natural Cons. AH16 Family Species ised Code AH1601 AH1602 AH1603 opps Gompholobium marginatum X
Jacksonia furcellata X
Kennedia prostrata X
*Lupinus cosentinii * X
*Ornithopus sativus * X
*Trifolium arvense * X
*Trifolium campestre * X
*Trifolium glomeratum * X
*Trifolium hirtum * X
*Trifolium repens * X
*Trifolium sp. * X
*Trifolium subterraneum * X
Gentianaceae Sebaea ovata X
Geraniaceae *Erodium cicutarium * X
*Geranium molle * X
Goodeniaceae Dampiera alata X
Dampiera lavandulacea X X
Dampiera linearis X
Lechenaultia biloba X
Haemodoraceae Conostylis setigera X
Haemodorum sp. X
Hemerocallidaceae Caesia micrantha X
Caesia occidentalis X
Dianella revoluta X
Iridaceae *Babiana angustifolia * X
*Chasmanthe floribunda * X
*Moraea flaccida * X
Orthrosanthus laxus X
Patersonia occidentalis X
Patersonia pygmaea X
*Romulea rosea * X X
Juncaginaceae Triglochin centrocarpa X
Lamiaceae *Lavandula stoechas * X
*Stachys arvensis * X
Lauraceae Cassytha sp. X
Loganiaceae Phyllangium paradoxum X
Malvaceae *Malva parviflora * X
Myrtaceae Calothamnus quadrifidus X
Eucalyptus marginata X
Eucalyptus rudis X
Eucalyptus wandoo X X X
Hypocalymma angustifolium X X
Leptospermum erubescens X
Melaleuca hamata X
Melaleuca rhaphiophylla X
Oleaceae *Olea europaea * X
Orchidaceae Caladenia falcata X
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FLORA RESULTS
Natural Cons. AH16 Family Species ised Code AH1601 AH1602 AH1603 opps Caladenia flava X
Thelymitra sp. X
Orobanchaceae *Parentucellia latifolia * X
Oxalidaceae *Oxalis pes-caprae * X
Oxalis sp. X
Papaveraceae *Fumaria capreolata * X
*Fumaria muralis * X Phyllanthaceae Poranthera microphylla X
Pinaceae *Pinus radiata * X
Pittosporaceae Billardiera heterophylla X
Billardiera sp. X
Poaceae *Aira cupaniana * X
Austrostipa elegantissima X
Austrostipa nitida X
*Avena barbata * X X
*Briza maxima * X X X
*Briza minor * X
*Bromus diandrus * X
*Cenchrus clandestinus * X
*Cynodon dactylon * X
*Ehrharta calycina * X X
*Ehrharta longiflora * X X
Eragrostis setifolia X
*Hordeum leporinum * X
*Hordeum vulgare * X
*Lolium sp. * X
Neurachne alopecuroidea X X X
*Pentameris airoides * X
*Phalaris sp. * X
*Poa annua * X
*Poa pratensis * X
*Vulpia myuros * X
Polygonaceae Muehlenbeckia adpressa X
Rumex sp. X
Primulaceae *Lysimachia arvensis * X X
Proteaceae Adenanthos cygnorum X
Banksia armata X Banksia bipinnatifida subsp. bipinnatifida X Banksia sessilis X
Banksia squarrosa subsp. squarrosa X Grevillea bipinnatifida X
Hakea erinacea X
Hakea lissocarpha X X
Hakea prostrata X
Hakea undulata X
Petrophile striata X
Restionaceae Desmocladus asper X
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FLORA RESULTS
Natural Cons. AH16 Family Species ised Code AH1601 AH1602 AH1603 opps Desmocladus fasciculatus X X
Rubiaceae *Galium murale * X
Opercularia vaginata X X
Sapindaceae Dodonaea pinifolia X
Scrophulariaceae *Zaluzianskya divaricata * X
Stylidiaceae Levenhookia pusilla X
Stylidium calcaratum X
Stylidium piliferum X
Stylidium sp. X
Xanthorrhoeaceae Xanthorrhoea preissii X
Xanthorrhoea sp. X
Zamiaceae Macrozamia riedlei X
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FLORA RESULTS
Table 26: Introduced plants and their rankings
Species Common Name DP (BAM Act) WONS
*Acacia iteaphylla Flinders Range Wattle - - *Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood - - *Aira cupaniana Hairgrass - - *Arctotheca calendula Cape Weed - - *Asparagus asparagoides Bridal Creeper C3 WONS *Avena barbata Bearded Oat - - *Babiana angustifolia Baboon Flower - - *Briza maxima Blowfly Grass - - *Briza minor Shivery Grass - - *Bromus diandrus Great Brome - - *Chamaecytisus palmensis Tree Lucerne, Tagasaste - - *Chasmanthe floribunda African Cornflag - - *Cotula bipinnata Ferny Cotula - - *Crassula alata Tiny Stonecrop - - *Cynodon dactylon Couch - - *Ehrharta calycina Perennial Veldt Grass - - *Ehrharta longiflora Annual Veldgrass - - *Erodium cicutarium Common Storksbill - - *Fumaria capreolata Whiteflower Fumitory - - *Fumaria muralis Wall Fumitory - - *Galium murale Bedstraw, Small Goosegrass - - *Geranium molle Dovesfoot Cranesbill - - *Hordeum leporinum Barley Grass - - *Hordeum vulgare Barley - - *Hypochaeris glabra Flat Weed - - *Lavandula stoechas Italian Lavender - - *Lepidium bonariense - - *Lolium sp. Rye Grass - - *Lupinus cosentinii Sandplain Lupin - - *Lysimachia arvensis Pimpernel - - *Malva parviflora Small-flowered Mallow - - *Moraea flaccida One-leaf Cape Tulip C3 - *Olea europaea Olive - - *Ornithopus sativus French Serradella - - *Oxalis pes-caprae Soursob - - *Parentucellia latifolia Common Bartsia - - *Pentameris airoides False Hairgrass - - *Petrorhagia dubia Velvet Pink - - *Phalaris sp. Canary Grass - - *Pinus radiata Monterey Pine - - *Poa annua Winter Grass - - *Poa pratensis Kentucky Bluegrass - -
*Polycarpon tetraphyllum Four-leaf Allseed - - *Raphanus raphanistrum Wild Radish - - *Romulea rosea Guildford Grass - -
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FLORA RESULTS
Species Common Name DP (BAM Act) WONS
*Silene gallica var. gallica French Catchfly - - *Sonchus asper Rough Sowthistle - - *Sonchus oleraceus Common Sowthistle - - *Stachys arvensis Staggerweed - - *Trifolium arvense Haresfoot Clover - - *Trifolium campestre Hop Clover - - *Trifolium glomeratum Cluster Clover - - *Trifolium hirtum Rose Clover - - *Trifolium repens White Clover - - *Trifolium sp. Clover (unidentified) - - *Trifolium subterraneum Subterranean Clover - - *Ursinia anthemoides Ursinia - - *Vinca major Blue Periwinkle - - *Vulpia myuros Rat's Tail Fescue - - *Zaluzianskya divaricata Zedweed, Spreading Night-phlox - -
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APPENDIX THREE FLORISTIC QUADRAT DATA
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SITE SUMMARIES Crossman Biological Surveys AH1601 Staff LJA Date 28/09/2016 Season A
Revisit
Type Q 10 m x 10 m
Location Crossman
MGA Zone 50 462082 mE 6373118 mN Lat. -32.7792 Long. 116.5951
Habitat Mid-Slope
Aspect NW Slope Gentle
Soil Type Brown clayey sand
Rock Type Laterite
Loose Rock <2 % cover; 2-6 mm in size Litter 70 % cover ; 1-2 cm in depth Bare ground 25% cover Weeds 5 % cover
Vegetation U+ ^Eucalyptus wandoo\^tree\7\i;M ^Banksia squarrosa subsp. squarrosa,Leptospermum erubescens\^shrub\4\i;G ^Bossiaea eriocarpa,Muehlenbeckia adpressa\^shrub,vine\1\r
Veg. Condition Good
Disturbance Probably previously cleared
Fire Age No signs of fire Notes
Species WA Cons. Height (m) Cover (%) Count
*-Aira cupaniana P 0.01 <1
=luzulaAphelia - brizula =6opps-5 P 0.01 <1
*-Arctotheca calendula P 0.02 <1
*-Asparagus asparagoides P 0.2 <1
=pingleBanksia - squarrosa =6opps-17 subsp. squarrosa P 2 12
Billardiera- heterophylla P 0.8 <1
10956-3771-16R SITE SUMMARIES Crossman Biological Surveys
Blennospora- drummondii P 0.02 <1
Bossiaea- eriocarpa P 0.4 5
*-Briza maxima P 0.1 <1
Crassula- colorata P 0.01 <1
*-Ehrharta calycina P 0.3 <1
*-Ehrharta longiflora P 0.1 1
Eucalyptus- wandoo P 12 15
=greyHelichrysum waitzia luteoalbum- =6opps-19 P 0.02 <1
=hibbertiaHibbertia ovatagrey - =6opps-20 P 0.2 <1
*-Hypochaeris glabra P 0.01 <1
=lepidospermaLepidosperma apricolalepto - =6opps-15 P 0.3 <1
=lepidospermaLepidosperma apricolalepto - =6opps-15 P 0.3 1
Leptospermum- erubescens P 3 2
Levenhookia- pusilla P 0.01 <1
*-Lysimachia arvensis P 0.02 <1
Muehlenbeckia- adpressa P 0.5 2
Neurachne- alopecuroidea P 0.01 <1
Thysanotus- patersonii P 0.02 <1
=trachymeneTrachymene coeruleacaerulea nc - =6opps-11 P <1
*-Vulpia myuros P 0.1 <1
Wahlenbergia- preissii P 0.2 <1
10956-3771-16R SITE SUMMARIES Crossman Biological Surveys AH1602 Staff LJA Date 28/09/2016 Season A
Revisit
Type Q 10 m x 10 m
Location Crossman
MGA Zone 50 462076 mE 6372852 mN Lat. -32.7816 Long. 116.5950
Habitat Mid-Slope
Aspect W Slope Very Gentle
Soil Type Grey brown clayey san
Rock Type Laterite
Loose Rock 0 % cover; 2-6 mm in size Litter 10 % cover ; <1 cm in depth Bare ground 5 % cover Weeds 5 % cover
Vegetation U+ ^Eucalyptus wandoo\^tree\7\r;G ^Hibbertia polystachya,Neurachne alopecuroidea,Dampiera lavandulacea\^shrub,tussock grass,forb\1\c
Veg. Condition Very Good
Disturbance None obvious except weeds
Fire Age Notes
Species WA Cons. Height (m) Cover (%) Count
acaciaAcacia hooks stenoptera - H1602-4 P 0.4 <1
*-Arctotheca calendula P 0.01 <1
*-Avena barbata P 0.4 <1
Borya- sphaerocephala P 0.03 <1
Bossiaea- eriocarpa P 0.4 <1
*-Briza maxima P 0.3 1
10956-3771-16R SITE SUMMARIES Crossman Biological Surveys
Chorizema- aciculare P 0.3 <1
Conostylis- setigera P 0.2 <1
DampieraDampiera grey lavandulacea - H1602-2 P <1
Desmocladus- fasciculatus P 0.1 <1 bossiaeaDillwynia fine laxiflora - H1602-6 P 0.4 <1
Drosera- erythrorhiza P 0.01 <1 droseraDrosera orange glanduligera pimpernel - H1602-5 P 0.01 <1
Drosera- macrantha P 0.3 <1
Eucalyptus- wandoo P 12 8
Gompholobium- marginatum P <10.3
Hakea- lissocarpha P 0.3 <1
=hibbertiaHibbertia ovatagrey - =6opps-20 P 0.3 <1
BristlyHibbertia little polystachya shrub - H1602-1 P 0.2 3
Hypocalymma- angustifolium P 0.3 1
*-Hypochaeris glabra P 0.01 <1
Lechenaultia- biloba P 0.3 <1
=lepidospermaLepidosperma apricolalepto - =6opps-15 P 0.3 <1
=one*Moraea leaf flaccidacape tulip nc - =6opps-12 P 0.3 <1
Neurachne- alopecuroidea P 0.1 2
Opercularia- vaginata P 0.1 <1 double*Poa pratensis corm grass - H1602-3 P 0.4 <1
*-Romulea rosea P 0.2 <1
Sowerbaea- laxiflora P 0.3 <1
Stylidium- calcaratum P 0.01 <1
=platythecaTetratheca virgatasprawling - =6opps-29 P 0.4 <1
Thysanotus- sp. P <1
Trichocline- spathulata P 0.2 <1
*-Ursinia anthemoides P 0.3 <1
Wahlenbergia- preissii P 0.1 <1
Xanthorrhoea- preissii P 0.4 <1
10956-3771-16R SITE SUMMARIES Crossman Biological Surveys AH1603 Staff LJA Date 28/09/2016 Season A
Revisit
Type Q 10 m x 10 m
Location Crossman
MGA Zone 50 462099 mE 6372818 mN Lat. -32.7819 Long. 116.5953
Habitat Mid-Slope
Aspect SW Slope Very Gentle
Soil Type Brown clayey sand
Rock Type Laterite
Loose Rock 0 % cover; mm in size Litter 80 % cover ; 1-10 cm in depth Bare ground 5 % cover Weeds 10 % cover
Vegetation U+ ^Eucalyptus wandoo\^tree\6\r;G ^Neurachne alopecuroidea,^Lepidosperma apricola,Briza maxima\^tussock grass,sedge,other grass\1\c
Veg. Condition Good
Disturbance No obvious disturbance
Fire Age Unknown Notes
Species WA Cons. Height (m) Cover (%) Count
*-Asparagus asparagoides P 0.1 <1
Austrostipa- elegantissima P 0.6 <1
*-Avena barbata P 0.3 <1
Bossiaea- spinescens P 0.3 <1
*-Briza maxima P 0.3 5
Caesia- micrantha P 0.2 <1
10956-3771-16R SITE SUMMARIES Crossman Biological Surveys
Cassytha- sp. P <1
Dampiera- alata P 0.3 <1
=DampieraDampiera lavandulacea grey - =H1602-2 P 0.3 <1
Dampiera- linearis P 0.3 <1
Desmocladus- fasciculatus P 0.2 <1
Drosera- macrantha P 0.5 <1
*-Ehrharta longiflora P 0.3 <1
Eucalyptus- wandoo P 10 10
Hakea- lissocarpha P 0.3 <1
=hibbertiaHibbertia ovatagrey - =6opps-20 P 0.3 <1
Hypocalymma- angustifolium P 0.3 <1
=lepidospermaLepidosperma apricolalepto - =6opps-15 P 0.3 15
*-Lysimachia arvensis P 0.1 <1
Neurachne- alopecuroidea P 0.2 20
Opercularia- vaginata P 0.2 <1
*-Romulea rosea P 0.1 <1
Stackhousia- monogyna P 0.2 <1
Tetraria- octandra P 0.2 2
=platythecaTetratheca virgatasprawling - =6opps-29 P 0.2 3
*-Trifolium sp. P 0.2 <1
Xanthorrhoea- sp. P 0.3 <1
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APPENDIX FOUR CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANT FAUNA DETAILS Table 27: Conservation significant fauna potentially occurring CONSERVATION STATUS SPECIES NAME HABITAT PREVIOUS RECORDS LIKELIHOOD OF OCCURENCE EPBC Act BC Act DPaW
Mammals Wandoo (Eucalyptus wandoo) and Sheoak (Allocasuarina huegeliana) Medium woodland associations, with One NatureMap record within 10 km of Species recorded from 6 km west of Red-tailed Phascogale EN S6 CD populations being most dense in the the study area (2006) and two additional study area (2006) in roadside Phascogale calura latter vegetation type. Wandoo trees NatureMap records within 20 km (2010) habitat. Habitat present in the provide excellent nesting sites in the study area. form of hollow logs and limbs. Historically recorded from a wide variety of different habitat types Ten recent NatureMap records from Medium ranging from closed forest to open Jarrah Forrest approximately 20 km to the Species recorded from Jarrah forest South-western Brush-tailed Phascogale woodland (Aplin et al. 2015). Surviving S3 VU west (Boddington Bauxite Mine). One surrounding the study area. Some Phascogale tapoatafa wambenger populations are largely restricted to recent record from Dryandra Woodland habitat connectivity between the forests dominated by jarrah 28 km to the east. records and study area. (Eucalyptus marginata) (Rhind 2004) Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) forests and woodlands in the south-west corner of WA, woodlands, mallee Medium shrublands and heaths along the south One NatureMap record (2002) 7 km north Species recorded multiple times Chuditch / Western Quoll VU S3 VU coast, east to the Ravensthorpe area, of the study area and several records within 20 km of the study area and Dasyurus geoffroii drier woodland and mallee shrubland within 20 km may utilise Hotham River for in dispersal and foraging the Wheatbelt and Goldfield Regions (DEC 2012) Eucalyptus woodlands and associated Medium Sheoak woodlands. Range extends Species recorded from 1 km west of Western False Pipistrelle One NatureMap record exists from 2011 - - P4 northward almost to Perth and study area (2011) in roadside Falsistrellus mackenziei within 1 km of the study area. eastward to the western margin of the habitat. Habitat present in the Wheatbelt. study area Birds Uncleared or remnant native eucalypt Recorded Species has been recorded regularly woodlands containing Salmon Gum The species was recorded within the vicinity of the study area (ALA (Eucalyptus salmonophloia) and overflying the east of the study Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo 2015; Australian Government & EN S2 EN Wandoo (E. wandoo), and in shrubland area. Suitable roosting and some Calyptorhynchus latirostris Department of the Environment 2015; or kwongan heathland dominated by foraging habitat is present within Birdlife Australia 2015; DPaW 2015b; Hakea, Banksia and Grevillea species the study area. No suitable DPaW 2015d). (Burbidge 2004; Johnstone et al. 2011). breeding habitat was recorded.
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ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION OF CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANT FAUNA LIKELY TO OCCUR
Mammals
Phascogale calura (Red-tailed Phascogale) Conservation status: EPBC Act EN, WC Act S6, DPaW CD (from Dec 2015) Distribution and Preferred habitat This species (Dasyuridae) was formerly widespread in woodland habitats in inland south and central Australia (also with subfossil records in the north), but is now mainly restricted to remnants of mature Wandoo (Eucalyptus wandoo) or Rock Oak (Allocasuarina huegeliana) woodland in the south of the Western Australian Wheatbelt where the annual rainfall is 300-600 mm (Menkhorst & Knight 2004). It shows a preference for long unburnt habitat with a continuous canopy, as well as tree hollows (DEC 2011a). Highest densities occur where dense A. huegeliana is interspersed with senescent E. wandoo to provide nesting sites (Bradley et al. 2008; Kitchener 1981; Short et al. 2011; Short & Hide 2012). Sparse records in the south eastern Wheatbelt are associated with Mallee and heath, indicating a broader range of habitats.
Figure 3: Phascogale calura regional record locations (NatureMap).
Ecology Nocturnal, mostly solitary, shy and rarely seen. It is agile, rapid and forages on trees, especially rough-barked Eucalypts and dead branches; and also extensively on the ground. It typically runs down tree trunks head first. Mating occurs in a three-week period in July after which all males die. Known or suspected threatening processes include predation by foxes and cats; presence of poison plants Gastrolobium is thought to have been important in survival of those populations still extant (Kitchener 1981).
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Phascogale tapoatafa wambenger (South-western Brush-tailed Phascogale) Conservation status: WC Act S3, DPaW VU (from Dec 2015) Distribution and Preferred habitat Like the Red-tailed Phascogale this subspecies was formerly widespread in woodland habitats across south western Australia, but is now mainly restricted to remnants of Jarrah forrest (Eucalyptus marginata) and other pockets of remnant woodland in the Western Australian Wheatbelt (Menkhorst & Knight 2004). Like other small arboreal fauna species it shows a preference for long unburnt habitat with a continuous canopy, as well as tree hollows (DEC 2011). Historic records indicate a broader range of habitats (Aplin et al. 2015).
Figure 4: Phascogale tapoatafa wambenger regional record locations (NatureMap)
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Dasyurus geoffroii (Chuditch) Conservation status: EPBC Act VU, WC Act S3, DPaW VU (from Dec 2015) Distribution and Preferred habitat The Chuditch or Western Quoll once ranged across almost 70 percent of Australia, however, populations of Chuditch are now restricted solely to the southwest of Western Australia, within an estimated 5% of their former range (DEC 2012). Chuditch tend to lead solitary and nomadic lifestyles occupying relatively large home ranges (males ranging over 15 km² and females 3-4 km²) (Serena & Soderquist 1989). Chuditch have been recorded historically in a large variety of habitats so a list of characteristic habitats it is not possible, however, some key aspects such as adequate den resources (e.g. hollow logs, burrows or rock crevices), adequate prey resources (particularly large invertebrates) and sizeable areas (> 20 000 ha.) are considered important (DEC 2012). Ecology Chuditch are a nocturnal opportunistic species foraging primarily on the ground, however, they can climb trees when hunting or to evade predation. Insects and other large invertebrates comprise the bulk of their diet, though some mammals, birds and lizards are also included (Serena et al. 1991). Zamia (Macrozamia riedlei) fruit, small fruits and parts of flowers (Hancock 1991) are also eaten occasionally. Historically in the arid zone, the diet of Chuditch included live mammals, carrion, lizards, frogs and invertebrates (Burbidge et al. 1988). Chuditch are primarily a nocturnal species, although they are sometimes active during the day during the breeding season or when cold, wet weather restricts nocturnal foraging (DEC 2012). Chuditch are seasonal breeders with mating occurring in late April to early July (DEC 2012). Life expectancy is typically two years, however, individuals can live up to four years of age (DEC 2012).
Figure 5: Dasyurus geoffroii regional record locations (NatureMap)
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Falsistrellus mackenziei (Western False Pipistrelle) Conservation status: DPaW P4 Distribution and Preferred habitat This bat (Vespertilionidae) is one of two species in the genus Falsistrellus, the other (F. tasmaniensis) occurring in south eastern Australia. F. mackenziei occurs in wet sclerophyll forest dominated by Karri (Eucalyptus diversicolor), and in the high rainfall zones of the Jarrah (E. marginata) and Tuart (E. gomphocephala) forests. It has also been recorded in mixed Tuart-Jarrah tall woodlands on the adjacent coastal plain (Start & McKenzie 2008). Marri (E. calophylla), Sheoak (Allocasuarina huegeliana) and Peppermint (Agonis flexuosa) trees are often co-dominant at its collection localities. Occurs at woodland sites within about 1.5 km of permanent water; range appears to be contracting southwards due to drying climate in the Darling Range ((Bat Call 2009).
Figure 6: Western False-Pipistrelle known distribution (NatureMap).
Ecology This relatively large insectivorous bat (20 g) is a specialist that forages under the canopy of mature forests ((Environment Australia 1999), and commonly roosts in tree hollows and branches (Bat Call 2009). It has relatively fast and direct flight with occasional abrupt turns while foraging; search-mode echolocation calls show steep frequency modulation in a duration of about 12 ms, lowest frequency about 30 kHz and peak energy 32-34 kHz (Start & McKenzie 2008).
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Birds
Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) Conservation status: EPBC Act EN, BC Act S1, DPaW EN Distribution and Preferred Habitat Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo is endemic to southwestern Australia and mainly occurs in uncleared or remnant native eucalypt woodlands, especially those that contain Salmon Gum (Eucalyptus salmonophloia) and Wandoo (E. wandoo), and in shrubland or kwongan heathland dominated by Hakea, Banksia and Grevillea species (Burbidge 2004; Johnstone et al. 2011). It is a seasonal visitor to plantations of exotic pines (*Pinus spp.), and sometimes occurs in forests containing Marri (Corymbia calophylla), Jarrah (E. marginata) or Karri (E. diversicolor). Nesting occurs in tree hollows and has been recorded in the following species: Salmon Gum, Wandoo, Red Morrell (E. longicornis), York Gum (E. loxophleba), Tuart (E. gomphocephala), Swamp Yate (E. occidentalis), and Marri (Johnstone & Storr 1998). DSEWPaC (2012a) indicates modelled breeding and non- breeding range, and also lists habitat features (vegetation structures and plant species) associated with breeding, roosting, and foraging. A recent study of genetic population structuring in both Baudin’s and Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoos (White et al. 2014) has shown that there is only minor genetic divergence between them, and no support for reciprocal monophyly, and they recommend further taxonomic assessment.
Figure 7: Distribution of the Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo (White et al. 2014)
Ecology Breeding occurs mainly from early July to mid-December, principally in the Wheatbelt, but with a shift in recent decades into the Jarrah-Marri forests of the Darling Scarp and Tuart forests of the Swan Coastal Plain; it may also be expanding its breeding range to the south-east around Lake Cronin, Lake King and Ravensthorpe (Johnstone et al. 2002; Johnstone et al. 2011). This species is a postnuptial nomad, tending to move west into higher rainfall areas with Banksia scrubs or pine plantations after breeding, travelling in pairs or small flocks which may join up into large flocks (up to 10,000) in late spring to midwinter (Johnstone et al. 2011). Food includes the flowers, nectar and seeds of Banksia, Dryandra, Hakea, Eucalyptus, Corymbia, Grevillea, also seeds of Pinus, fruiting nut trees especially almonds and macadamias, the flesh and juice of apples and persimmons, and insects and larvae from bark, wood, galls and flowers.
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