Pty Limited ABN: 30 083 169 091

Amendment to a Proposal Submitted as Development Application (DA 94-4-2004) for an Extension to the Calga Sand Quarry

prepared by:

on behalf of:

ROCLA PTY LIMITED AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL 1 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25

Pty Limited ABN: 30 083 169 091

Amendment to a Proposal Submitted as Development Application (DA 94-4-2004) for an Extension to the Calga Sand Quarry

Prepared by: On Behalf of:

R.W. Corkery & Company Pty. Limited Rocla Pty Limited Geological & Environmental Consultants RMB 1215 Peats Ridge Road 75 Kite Street CALGA NSW 2250 ORANGE NSW 2800

ABN: 31 002 033 712 ABN: 30 083 169 091

Telephone: (02) 6362 5411 Telephone: (02) 4375 1151 Facsimile: (02) 6361 3622 Facsimile: (02) 4375 1171

June 2005 Ref No. 264/25

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED ROCLA PTY LIMITED 2 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension

This Copyright is included for the protection of this document

COPYRIGHT

© R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty. Limited 2005 and © Rocla Pty Limited 2005

All intellectual property and copyright reserved.

Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act, 1968, no part of this report may be reproduced, transmitted, stored in a retrieval system or adapted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without written permission. Enquiries should be addressed to R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty. Limited.

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL 3 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25

CONTENTS Page

1 INTRODUCTION ...... 5 2 BACKGROUND ...... 5 3 2005 AMENDED PROJECT SITE DESCRIPTION ...... 6 4 PERMISSIBILITY OF THE 2005 AMENDED PROPOSAL...... 16 4.1 General Permissibility...... 16 4.2 Proposed 2005 Amended Quarry Design ...... 20 5 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS...... 21 5.1 Introduction ...... 21 5.2 Surface Water ...... 21 5.3 Groundwater ...... 22 5.3.1 Groundwater Drawdown and Bore Hole Yield...... 22 5.3.2 Groundwater In-flow to the Proposed 2005 Amended Quarry Extension ...... 26 5.3.3 Conclusion ...... 26 5.4 Soils and Land Capability ...... 26 5.5 Noise...... 26 5.5.1 Construction Noise ...... 26 5.5.2 Operational Noise...... 28 5.6 Air Quality...... 28 5.7 Ecology ...... 28 5.7.1 Flora...... 28 5.7.2 Fauna...... 29 5.8 Transportation ...... 29 5.9 Aboriginal Heritage...... 29 5.10 Visibility ...... 29 5.11 Land Use...... 30 5.12 Socio-Economic Climate ...... 30 5.12.1 Introduction ...... 30 5.12.2 Specific Residential Impacts...... 30 5.12.3 Local Impacts ...... 34 5.12.4 Conclusion ...... 36 5.13 Planning Instrument Compliance...... 36 6 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING ...... 36 7 CONCLUSION...... 37 8 REFERENCES ...... 37

FIGURES

Figure 1 2005 Amended Project Site Layout ...... 7 Figure 2 2005 Amended Quarry Design...... 8 Figure 3 2005 Amended Extraction Sequence ...... 11 Figure 4 2005 Amended Final Landform ...... 13 Figure 5 Planning Context...... 17 Figure 6 Planning Context: SREP 8 ...... 19 Figure 7 Groundwater Drawdown...... 23 Figure 8 Land Ownership Surrounding the Project Site...... 31

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED ROCLA PTY LIMITED 4 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension

CONTENTS Page TABLES

Table 1 In-Situ Friable Sandstone Resources and Proposed Sand Recovery...... 9 Table 2 Calculations of Silt Produced and Available Storage...... 10 Table 3 Silt Production - Storage Availability...... 15 Table 4 Three Dimensional Modelling Impact Assessment ...... 22 Table 5 Construction Noise...... 27 Table 6 Calculated LAeq Operational Noise Levels Exceeded for 10% of 15 Minute Periods, dB(A)...... 28

ANNEXURES

Annexure 1 C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd – Three-dimensional modelling for the proposed Calga Sand Quarry extension for R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty. Limited – Ref J0290.55R

Annexure 2 C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd – Response to request for further information – Ref J0290.57L

Annexure 3 C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd – Technical appraisal of proposed impact mitigation strategies – Ref J0290.58L

Annexure 4 C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd – Response to request for additional information on water ‘make, local impacts and existing water licences – Ref J0290.61L

Annexure 5 C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd – Revised Three-dimensional modelling for the 2005 amended proposal – Ref (J0290.64L)

Annexure 6 Wilkinson Murray Pty Ltd – Additional information provided regarding construction noise at surrounding residences – Ref RWC 030205 RB DIPNR

Annexure 7 Wilkinson Murray Pty Ltd – Results of revised operational noise modelling following the implementation of additional noise controls – Ref 01127C

Annexure 8 Wilkinson Murray Pty Ltd – Results of revised operational noise modelling at the Gazzana Residence – Ref 01127D

Annexure 9 Anne Clements & Associates Pty Ltd – Target Flora Surveys and Assessment for the Proposed Calga Sand Quarry Extensions – Ref 26424_Flora_Pt1_Pt2

Annexure 10 Abel Ecology – Red-crowned Toadlet Survey and Assessment for Rocla Materials Pty Ltd for the Proposed Calga Sand Quarry Extension – Ref 1 Rocla report 2 March 2005

Annexure 11 Landscape Management Plan for the proposed Calga Sand Quarry extension, prepared by R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty Limited.

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL 5 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25

1 INTRODUCTION

Rocla Pty Limited (“Rocla”) submitted a development application (DA 94-4-2004) on 27 May 2004 supported by an Environmental Impact Statement to extend the Calga Sand Quarry on Lot 2, DP 229889 and Lot 121, DP 755221 by 22.3ha (the “2004 proposal”). As a consequence of a number of issues raised during the assessment of the proposed development, Rocla has decided to scale back the proposed extension to include only that part of the 2004 proposal located on Lot 2, DP 229889 (ie. Stage 3 of the 2004 proposal). This report has been prepared at the request of DIPNR to address those aspects of the original development application that would be modified by the proposed amendment, namely:

• a description of the proposed development in its amended form (Section 3); • a demonstration of the permissibility (with consent) of the amended proposal, including a consideration of all relevant planning instruments and development control plans (Section 4); • an assessment of environmental impacts of the amended proposal (Section 5); and • a description of changes to management and monitoring of environmental performance (Section 6).

This report has been prepared to be read in conjunction with the EIS prepared for the 2004 proposal (the “2004 EIS") which is cross-referenced wherever relevant. Where other reports prepared in response to previous DIPNR requests are referenced, these have been annexed to this report.

When referring to aspects of the 2004 proposal or EIS, these will prefaced with 2004 throughout this report. To assist in differentiating between this and the amended proposal, ie. restriction of extraction to Stage 3 of the 2004 proposal, the preface “2005 amended” will be used. For example, the 2004 Project Site has been amended to the 2005 amended Project Site and the proposed quarry design becomes the 2005 amended proposed quarry design.

2 BACKGROUND

Following the submission of the original development application (DA 94-4-2004) and 2004 EIS for the proposed extension to the Calga Sand Quarry, DIPNR raised a number of concerns over the information provided on environmental impacts within the 2004 EIS and accompanying Specialist Consultant Studies Compendium and subsequently requested further information including:

• a request to re-assess impacts on the local groundwater based on a 3-D modelling program (Report J0290.55R prepared by C.M. Jewell & Associates); • a request to clarify and expand on information contained within Report J0290.55R (Report J0290.57L prepared by C.M. Jewell & Associates in response);

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED ROCLA PTY LIMITED 6 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension

• a further request for information on groundwater following an assessment of preceding reports by the Hunter Region Groundwater Resource Licensing Branch of DIPNR (Report J029058L was prepared by C.M. Jewell & Associates in response); • further information on groundwater impacts, with specific reference to proposed contingency measures and groundwater dependent ecosystems was requested by DIPNR following a visit to the site (Report J0290.61L was prepared by C.M. Jewell & Associates in response); • DIPNR requested further detail on the predicted exceedances of noise criteria as a consequence of construction activities (Reports 01127C and RWC 030205RB DIPNR were prepared by Wilkinson Murray Pty Ltd in response); • following a site inspection by DIPNR to the Calga Sand Quarry, further clarification as to the presence of threatened flora species on the 2004 Project Site and a revised impact assessment was requested (Report 26424_Flora_Pt1_Pt2 was prepared by Anne Clements & Associates in response); • further clarification as to the presence / absence of SREP 8 “sedgelands” and “hanging swamp” style vegetation was requested (Report 26424_Flora_Pt1_Pt2) of Anne Clements & Associates also addressed this issue); and • a determination as to whether the Red-crowned Toadlet, or suitable habitat for this species is present on the 2004 Project Site (Report “Rocla report 2 March 2005” was prepared by Abel Ecology in response).

All these reports have been forwarded previously to DIPNR. Although each of these reports addressed the nominated issue, Rocla has decided to restrict the proposed quarry extension to the area covered by Stage 3. This would ultimately reduce the level of impact for many of the issues identified and allow for greater certainty of impact should an application be made to extend the extraction area to Stage 4 at a later date.

3 2005 AMENDED PROJECT SITE DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 presents the 2005 amended Project Site layout for the proposed extension to the Calga Sand Quarry and Figure 2 presents the 2005 amended quarry design. The 2005 amended Project Site would cover an area of 32.5ha and lie wholly within Lot 2, DP 229889 owned by J. Voutos. Rocla holds an agreement to extract and process sand on this property. Of this 32.5ha area, the existing Stage 1 and 2 of the Calga Sand Quarry make up 13.5ha, the proposed Stage 3 is 11.8ha, an acoustic bund wall to be constructed within an area of 2ha with the remaining 5.2ha to be left undisturbed and retained as buffer zones to the proposed development.

Of the approvals required to proceed, referenced in Section 3.2 of the 2004 EIS (page 3-6), a Section 90 Permit under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 would no longer be required as the items identified on the Aboriginal Sites Register of Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System (AHIMS) fall outside Stage 3 and would not be disturbed by the proposed development (as amended).

Sand Resources and Sand Recovery The on-site resources and raw materials for blending described in Section 3.3 of the 2004 EIS (pages 3-6 to 3-10) would remain unchanged.

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED i.l AMENDMENT TO 2OO4 PROPOSAL -7- ROCLA PTY LIMITED t'' Calga Sand Quarry Ertension Report No.264/25

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REFERENCE Project Site Boundary Cunent Approved Extraction Limit Proposed Extraction Stage Limit

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,êr R.W. CORKERY & CO. Pry. LTM|TED ç> AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL 9 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25

The area, volume and recovery of sand of the 2005 amended proposal have been revised and are presented as Table 1.

Table 1 indicates the 2005 amended quarry design would allow for the production of approximately 5 470 000 tonnes of sand. This is 97% of the Stage 3 sand production of the 2004 proposal and 67% of the total sand production proposed in the 2004 EIS (see Table 3.1 of the 2004 EIS, page 3-10).

The 2005 amended proposal retains the proposed importation of raw materials such as soils, fine aggregates and excavated sandstone for blending with the extracted sand. This proposed activity illustrates good Environmental Sustainable Development (ESD) practise as these materials might otherwise be sent for placement in landfill.

Table 1 In-Situ Friable Sandstone Resources and Proposed Sand Recovery Extraction Stage Area In-situ Friable Sand Recovery (ha) Sandstone (m3) (tonnes)* 3/1 1.6 285 000 520 000 3/2 4.4 930 000 1 700 000 3/3 3.1 457 000 830 000 3/4 2.6 680 000 1 250 000 3/5 1.6 320 000 580 000 3/6 1.7 263 000 590 000 Total 15.0 2 935 000 5 470 000 * Sand recovery based upon 2.4t/m3 and 76% recovery after processing

Extraction Sequence Figure 3 presents the 2005 amended extraction sequence and Figure 4 the 2005 amended final landform. The extraction operations would largely follow as described in Section 3.4 of the 2004 EIS (pages 3-10 to 3-19) with the following exceptions.

(i) Stage 3/3 would follow Stage 3/1. Stage 3/2 of the 2004 EIS contains two large silt dams and, as a consequence, the silt contained in these would have to be relocated to a completed section of the quarry. Completing two extraction stages before this relocation of silt is required provides additional area for this. Table 2 provides the calculated volumes of silt that would be produced during each stage of the Calga Sand Quarry extension and the available storage space for this material. Further detail on these calculations and the assumptions made are also discussed.

(ii) At the completion of Stage 3/6, the remaining disturbed land on the 2005 amended Project Site would be rehabilitated in accordance with the 2004 EIS.

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED ROCLA PTY LIMITED 10 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension

Table 2 Calculations of Silt Produced and Available Storage Extraction Stage Total Area Friable Total Silt1 Available Available Area Available (m2) Sandstone (m3) Depth4 (approx.) Storage (m3) (m) (m) (m3)

2 - - 5 15 000 75 000 3/1 16 000 285 000 28 900 8 15 000 120 000 3/2 44 000 930 000 94 300 8 39 500 315 000 Dam 10 61 4002 - - - Dam 12 34 4003 - - - Total 196 100 3/3 31 000 457 000 46 300 8 28 000 225 000 3/4 26 000 680 000 68 900 10 23 000 230 000 3/5 16 000 320 000 32 400 0 15 000 0 3/6 17 000 263 000 26 700 0 15 000 0 1 Based on Friable sandstone x 0.79 x 0.14 x 2.2/2.4 2 (90m x 70m x 15m) x (available proportion = 0.65) 3 (120m x 80m x 20m) x (available proportion = 0.7) 4 Based on final landform surface level 15m - 25m below pre-extraction surface level (2004 EIS Figure 3.9).

Silt contained within Dams 10 and 12 was calculated as follows.

available proportion of dam Silt in dam area X dam depth = X volume for deposition Dam (P. McCue pers. comm) (P. McCue pers. comm)

The available volume for silt deposition within each stage was then calculated. Several assumptions were adopted for these calculations.

(i) The available depth: this was estimated based on the average depth of extraction (cross-sections of 2004 EIS Figures 3.2 and 3.3), final landform surface level (2004 EIS Figure 3.9), the commitment for the final landform to be free draining with a final surface 15m – 25m below the pre-extraction surface level, and the requirement for 1m – 2m of overburden and soil cover over silt cells. The estimated available depth was therefore conservative.

(ii) The available area; it was assumed between 5% and 20% of each extraction stage area would be taken up by batter slopes, silt cell walls and other structures. As such, the area available was reduced by 10% for the purpose of the calculations.

It has been assumed that the available volume within each extraction stage, calculated by multiplying the available depth by the available area, could be used in its entirety at the completion of extraction from that stage.

If the amended sequential development of the quarry is implemented, the silt production – available storage differential would be as presented in Table 3.

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED AMENDMENT TO 2OO4 PROPOSAL -11- ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25

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ê\e/ R.w. ooRKERY & CO. PTY. LTMTTED AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL 15 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25

Table 3 Silt Production - Storage Availability Cumulative Cumulative Silt Available Cumulative Extraction Silt Silt Storage Available Produced Storage Differential Stage 3 Production Stage 3 Storage 3 (m ) 3 (m ) 3 (m ) (m ) (m ) 3/1 28 900 28 900 2 75 000 75 000 46 100 3/3 46 300 75 200 2, 3/1 120 000 195 000 119 800 3/2 196 100 271 300 3/1, 3/3 225 000 420 000 148 700 3/4 68 900 340 200 3/1, 3/3, 3/2 315 000 735 000 394 800 3/5 32 400 372 600 3/3, 3/2, 3/4 0 735 000 362 400 3/6 26 700 399 300 3/2, 3/4 0 735 000 335 700

The estimated silt production – storage availability indicates that by allowing for the development of Stage 3/3 before Stage 3/2, storage availability would always remain well in excess of silt produced. Therefore, even if the calculations underestimate silt production or overestimate storage availability it is highly unlikely a negative differential would be created.

Processing Operations Processing operations for the 2005 amended proposal would be as described in Section 3.5 of the 2004 EIS (pages 3-20 to 3-23). There would be no change to processing operations.

Product Transportation Product transportation would be as described in Section 3.6 of the 2004 EIS (pages 3-23 to 3-25).

Infrastructure and Services Infrastructure and services would be as described in Section 3.7 of the 2004 EIS (pages 3-25 to 3-27).

Hours of Operation and Quarry Life Hours of operation would not change from those proposed in Section 3.8 of the 2004 EIS (page 3-26). However, the exclusion of Stage 4 from the proposed development would reduce the life of the Calga Sand Quarry by 6 to 9 years.

Waste Management By-products proposed through extraction and processing, along with general waste would be managed as described in Section 3.9 of the 2004 EIS (pages 3-28 to 3-30). It is worthy of note that the construction of an acoustic bund around the perimeter of the proposed 2005 amended quarry extension with overburden would be completed within 4 weeks, and would be undertaken on commencement of the approved 2005 amended quarry extension.

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED ROCLA PTY LIMITED 16 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension

Employment Employment would remain unchanged from the level described in Section 3.10 of the 2004 EIS (page 3-30).

Rehabilitation Rehabilitation and final land use objectives would remain unchanged from those described in Section 3.11.2 of the 2004 EIS (page 3-31). Figure 4 presents the modified final landform proposed at completion of Stage 3. As described in the 2004 EIS, the final landform would still be free-draining with a gently sloping floor to the southwest approximately 15m to 25m below the pre-extraction surface level. Surface water drainage would be restricted to two channels, as opposed to the three described in the 2004 EIS, namely:

(i) maintenance of the existing southern channel flowing approximately east to west along the southern perimeter of the quarry; and

(ii) a broad, southwest / northeast-oriented central channel through Stages 3/1, 3/3, which would, in turn drain to two dams (Dams 7a and 7b/c) adjacent to the western margin of the 2005 amended Project Site.

Surface water flowing towards the 2005 amended Project Site from the northeast would be diverted around the acoustic bund wall and directed to existing dams on Lot 121, DP 755221.

The rehabilitation procedures described and final land use in Sections 3.11.4 and 3.11.5 of the 2004 EIS (pages 3-31 to 3-36) would remain unchanged in the amended proposal.

4 PERMISSIBILITY OF THE 2005 AMENDED PROPOSAL

4.1 General Permissibility

Planning on the Central Coast Plateau Areas, within which the 2005 amended Project Site is located, is controlled principally by Sydney Regional Environmental Plan No. 8 – Central Coast Plateau Areas (SREP 8). SREP 8 serves to provide for the environmental protection of the plateau whilst evaluating competing land uses. SREP 8 was amended by Gosford/Wyong Local Environmental Plan No. 2001 – Central Coast Plateau Areas (Gosford/Wyong LEP 2001) to remove conflict between SREP 8 and Sydney Regional Environmental Plan No. 9 – Extractive Industry (No. 2-1995) (SREP 9 (2)) over the designated preferential use of land on the Central Coast Plateau Areas.

Figure 5 places the 2005 amended Project Site in its regional planning context and illustrates its location within an area identified as: “location of extractive industry” by Gosford/Wyong LEP 2001.

As such, the development for the purpose of extractive industry is permissible on the 2005 amended Project Site provided the following conditions are satisfied.

• Arrangements are made for buffer zones to surround the development as deemed applicable by Council.

• The land would be rehabilitated on cessation of the extractive industry so as to enable its subsequent agricultural or other suitable land use.

• The consent of Council is provided prior to the clearing of land.

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED AMENDMENT TO 2OO4 PROPOSAL -17 - ROCLA PTY LIM¡TED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Repoñ No. 264/25

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ê\e/ R.w. ..RKERY & co. PTY. LrMrrED ROCLA PTY LIMITED 18 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension

The 2005 amended proposal would satisfy these conditions of SREP 8 although it is noted that it would be with the consent of the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning required, rather than Council’s.

Under the original map prepared for SREP 8, the 2005 amended Project Site would be partially coincident with an area mapped as ‘sedgelands’1. SREP 8 notes that consent should not be granted to a development which, in the opinion of the consent authority, shall result in the destruction of sedgelands. To determine the validity of this mapping, Anne Clements & Associates was commissioned to assess the vegetation of the 2004 (and therefore the 2005 amended) Project Site with particular emphasis placed on the area mapped as ‘sedgelands’ (see Figure 6).

Based on a comprehensive survey of the area concerned, Anne Clements & Associates concluded that the areas concerned do not meet the accepted definition of sedgelands and would be more appropriately categorized as open heathland to low open forest (see Section 4.4 of Annexure 9).

The proposed 2005 amended quarry extension would not therefore result in the destruction of sedgelands and it is concluded that the SREP 8 mapping does not prohibit the development of the amended proposal.

Other planning instruments which apply to the amended proposal include the following.

State Environmental Planning Policy No. 11 – Traffic Generating Development (SEPP 11) As an extractive industry, the original development application was referred to the RTA. The 2005 amended proposal would not alter the level or type of traffic originally proposed and therefore the amended proposal need not be referred to the RTA again.

State Environmental Planning Policy No. 44 – Koala Habitat Protection (SEPP 44) The Gosford local government area is identified in this instrument as potentially providing habitat for Koalas, however, a fauna assessment prepared for the 2004 EIS determined potential Koala habitat was not present on the 2004 (and therefore the 2005 amended) Project Site (see Section 5.5.3.5 – page 5-59).

Sydney Regional Environmental Plan No. 9 – Extractive Industry (No. 2 – 1995) (SREP 9 (2)) Lot 2, DP 229889 is listed under Schedule 1 of SREP 9 as containing current or potential sand resources of regional significance. The proposal would be permissible with consent if:

• effects on both surface water and groundwater are considered;

• a rehabilitation plan is prepared in accordance with Guidelines for Rehabilitation Plans in the Extractive Industry Report;

1 It is noted that ‘sedgelands’ do not appear on the Gosford/Wyong LEP 2001 Map which it is understood to take precedence over all preceding plans where conflicts are identified.

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED AMENDMENT TO 2OO4 PROPOSAL -19- ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Ertension Report No. 264/25

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,â. ffi\s/ R,W. CORKERY & co. PTY. LIMITED ROCLA PTY LIMITED 20 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension

• noise and vibration would be generally in accordance with guidelines in the State Pollution Control Commission Environmental Noise Manual (1985 edition); and

• rehabilitation measures would be carried out in accordance with Urban Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook (1992).

These points were addressed in the 2004 EIS and are considered further in Section 5 of this report where the amendment to the development application may result in modified impacts.

Sydney Regional Environmental Plan No. 20 – (SREP 20) The 2005 amended proposal would be permissible with consent under Clause 11(5) of this instrument. The general planning considerations required of proposed developments as listed in Clause 6 were considered in the preparation of the 2004 EIS and only those environmental impacts likely to be modified are considered in this report (see Section 5).

Gosford Interim Development Order 122 – (Gosford IDO 122) The 2005 amended Project Site is zoned as Rural (Highway Protection) 1(b) and Scenic Protection 7(b), however, both SREP 8 and SREP 9(2) take precedence over IDO 122 and therefore the amended proposal is still permissible with consent.

The only Development Control Plan (DCP) of relevance to the 2005 amended proposal is DCP No. 111 – Car Parking.

DCP No. 111 – Car Parking (DCP 111) Extractive industries are not referenced specifically under the Schedule of requirements of DCP 111. There is currently sufficient car parking spaces on the site to accommodate the existing workforce and visitors to the Calga Sand Quarry. An area of similar size would remain allocated to car parking for the life of the proposal and given the small number of vehicle movements associated with car parking on the Project Site a Traffic Impact Statement is not required. The relevant standards reference in DCP 111 would be implemented when the designated car parking area of the 2005 amended Project Site is required to relocate.

4.2 Proposed 2005 Amended Quarry Design

The design of the Stage 3 quarry extension reflects Rocla’s intent to maximise the recovery of the friable sandstone resource whilst developing it in such a manner that reflects the environmental, community and planning constraints affecting the proposed extension. The proposed limit of extraction within the proposed 2005 amended quarry extension has been set with the following parameters (see Figure 2).

• A setback of 30m from the southern boundary with Lot 1, DP 805358 to be consistent with the limit set under Development Consent No. 10604, given the occurrence of native vegetation beyond that boundary.

• A setback of at least 30m from the western and northern boundaries of the 2005 amended Project Site with Lot 121, DP 755221 to enable the construction of an acoustic bund wall.

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL 21 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25

• A setback of up to 90m from the northern property boundary of Lot 2, DP 229889, to achieve operational noise compliance on the Gazzana property.

• A setback of at least 30m from Peats Ridge Road which represents the eastern boundary of the 2005 amended Project Site.

All setbacks are appropriate and conform with planning constraints given SREP 8, SREP 9, Gosford/Wyong LEP 2001 and Gosford IDO 122 all recognize Lot 2, DP 229889 as a location of extractive industry. In previous correspondence, Gosford City Council suggested a setback of 90m was required between the quarry and Peats Ridge Road under Zone 1(b) Highway

Protection of Gosford IDO 122. However, where there is inconsistency between environmental planning instruments, the regional planning instrument would take precedence over a local planning instrument, in this case SREP 8 takes precedence over Gosford IDO 122. As noted in Clause 5 of SREP 8:

“Subject to section 74 (1) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, in the event of an inconsistency between this plan and another environmental planning instrument (other than a State environmental planning policy) whether made before, on or after the commencement of this plan, this plan shall prevail to the extent of the inconsistency.”

And Clause 4 of SREP 9(2):

“(i) This plan prevails to the extent of any inconsistency between it and another environmental planning instrument, except a State Environmental Planning Policy.”

In any event, the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, being the consent authority, has powers to approve a development on land not zoned for the intended purpose.

5 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

5.1 Introduction

As a consequence of the 2005 amended proposal, environmental impacts would be reduced. At the request of DIPNR, a revised assessment of impacts is presented in the following sub- sections.

5.2 Surface Water

By reducing the size of the proposed 2005 amended quarry extension, the surface water catchment of the proposed development would also be reduced. As all surface water flowing over the 2005 amended Project Site would ultimately discharge into Cabbage Tree Creek, which has a local catchment of 385ha, the 2005 amended proposal would remove approximately 8% from this catchment as opposed to 12% under the 2004 proposal. When considering that water captured in dams on the 2005 amended Project Site would continue to seep towards Cabbage Tree Creek as well as periodically discharge following heavy rainfall, the likely reduction in environmental flow is likely to be less than 8% and therefore unlikely to significantly impact on any downstream water users and/or ecosystems.

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The 2005 amendment to the proposed quarry extension would not alter the assessment of impact on surface water quality as presented in Section 5.1.6.1 of the 2004 EIS (see pages 5-18 and 5-19).

5.3 Groundwater

5.3.1 Groundwater Drawdown and Bore Hole Yield

Following the excision of Stage 4 from the proposed Calga Sand Quarry extension, C.M. Jewell & Associates remodelled the proposed quarry extension to predict the impact on groundwater drawdown, bore hole yield and maximum seepage rates. The model design was based on that described in Annexures 1 and 2, with the results presented as Figure 3 of Annexure 5. Table 4 presents the predicted impact on drawdown as a result of the 2005 amended proposal for the steady state solution, ie. when groundwater level equilibrates following the cessation of extraction. It should be noted the steady state solution presents the worst case “average” drawdown with this level naturally fluctuating in response to other environmental factors such as rainfall and recharge. Figure 7 presents the predicted drawdown at 1m contour intervals for both the 2004 quarry design (7a) and 2005 amended quarry design (7b).

Table 4 Three Dimensional Modelling Impact Assessment Drawdown Drawdown Bore Hole Location Purpose 2005 Amended 2004 Proposal Proposal PB1 Lot 21, DP 755221 Commercial <1m <1m PB2 Lot 21, DP 755221 Commercial <1m <1m Kashouli 1 Lot 188, DP 75221 Domestic/Stock 3.5m 3m Kashouli 2 Lot 188, DP 75221 Domestic/Stock 4.5m 4m Kashouli 3 Lot 188, DP 75221 Domestic/Stock 5m 4.5m Kashouli 4 Lot 188, DP 75221 Domestic/Stock 5.5m 5m Gazzana domestic Lot 121, DP 75221 Domestic/Stock 8.5m 7m GWD 066907 Lot 1, DP 559892 Domestic/Stock 2.5m 2.5m

Figure 7 and Table 4 indicate that there is a minor decrease in the predicted drawdown as a consequence of the excision of Stage 4 from the proposed extension. This relatively minor change, despite a relatively large change to the quarry design, was explained by Ian Brandes of C.M. Jewell & Associates (pers. comm.) as a result of the following.

(i) Groundwater flows in the local area typically follow the topography which at the Calga Sand Quarry are to the west and southwest.

(ii) Therefore the dominant design feature likely to affect groundwater drawdown is the surface area to be extracted below the groundwater table along the quarries eastern perimeter.

(iii) There is effectively no difference in this area between the 2004 and proposed 2005 amended quarry designs and as a consequence, the dominant influence in determining drawdown remains relatively unchanged.

(iv) The minor decrease in drawdown is therefore attributable to the reduced surface area to be extracted along the northern and western quarry perimeters.

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Based on this minor variation in predicted drawdown, the impact on the yields within bore holes surrounding the proposed 2005 amended quarry extension, is expected to remain similar and possibly slightly less than that presented in Annexures 1 to 3. That is, the worst case effect resultant from the 2005 amended proposal would be as follows.

Gazzana’s Production Bores: No groundwater drawdown and a decrease in yield from 1.5L/s to 1.2L/s.

Kashouli’s Domestic / Stock Bores: A decrease in groundwater level of between 3m and 5m resulting in a decrease in yield of approximately 9%.

Other Bores: Figure 3 of Annexure 5 predicts that within 500m of the proposed 2005 amended quarry extension, drawdown reduces to less than 2m. Drawdown of this magnitude would be unlikely to significantly impact on any but the shallowest of bore holes. A maximum decrease in yield of approximately 10% is considered reasonable (see pA2-3 of Annexure 2).

Acknowledging the uncertainty over computer model predictions, Rocla has committed to monitoring groundwater levels in the bore holes of surrounding land holders to validate model predictions and/or assess the level of impact. C.M. Jewell & Associates recommended the following monitoring strategy which would be adopted by Rocla should consent be provided.

• The Standing Water Levels (SWL) of the bore holes surrounding the 2005 amended Project Site would be identified and the pre-2005 amended proposal yields obtained through pump testing.

• An intermediate monitoring bore hole on the Rozmanec property would be installed (with land holder consent) and its SWL and yield identified.

• SWLs would be monitored in these bores at three monthly intervals, with yields reassessed in the event of decreasing SWLs.

• The intermediate bore hole on the Rozmanec property and the domestic bore hole on the Gazzana property would be used as indicators of significant impact. Groundwater drawdown or reduced yield greater than that predicted by the three- dimensional modelling would trigger further hydrogeological investigations and potentially contingency measures to reinstate the reduced yield.

The proposed contingency strategy would include:

• deepening of the existing bore hole to increase saturated thickness;

• installing a replacement bore to a depth that would provide the pre-2005 amended proposal saturated thickness of the effected bore; or

• other measures considered satisfactory by the effected land holder including, provision of a rainwater tank or in the case of the Gazzana’s domestic bore, connection to the production bores on the property.

It is noted that an agreement with Messrs Gazzana, operators of a commercial water extraction operation to the north of the 2005 Project Site, has been reached over the predicted impacts on groundwater and the proposed management of these impacts, including the contingency strategy proposed.

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5.3.2 Groundwater In-flow to the Proposed 2005 Amended Quarry Extension

The proposed 2005 amended quarry design has been predicted to alter the modelled in-flow (or seepage) rates to the quarry. The transient analysis of the modified quarry design assumed the worst-case scenario, whereby the development of the proposed quarry was considered instantaneous and seepage calculated 2 months after the instantaneous quarry development (when seepage rates are likely to be at their highest). Predicted seepage rates for the 2005 amended proposal were calculated to be 49ML/yr, or 36% less than the 76ML/yr predicted for the 2004 quarry design (see page A5-2 of Annexure 5).

5.3.3 Conclusion

Amendment to the Calga Sand Quarry extension proposal would reduce the predicted impact on groundwater drawdown by up to 1m. This reduced drawdown is likely to also slightly reduce the impact of the proposed quarry extension on the yields of surrounding bores, although as noted previously, this impact is likely to be minimal. Maximum seepage rates are predicted to be 36% less than for the 2004 proposal. As such, the potential impact on the local and regional groundwater table would be reduced as less groundwater seeps into the quarry void.

The predicted impact on groundwater drawdown and maximum seepage rates would not alter previous assessments relating to the appropriateness of contingency plans prepared by C.M. Jewell & Associates summarised in Section 5.3.1 and presented in full in Annexure 3.

5.4 Soils and Land Capability

The impact on Project Site soils would be reduced from that described in Section 5.2.4 of the 2004 EIS (see page 5-25) given the reduced area of disturbance of the 2005 amended proposal. It would still be the intention of Rocla to replace Class III land with a comparable area in the final landform and as such the impact assessment of Section 5.2.4 remains valid.

5.5 Noise

5.5.1 Construction Noise

The 2005 amended proposal would have the following ramifications on the assessment of noise on the Project Site.

• The acoustic barrier to be constructed around parts of the extraction area would be 7m in height and comprise a 5m earth bund and 2m fence.

• The acoustic barrier would be constructed during a single 4 week period.

• The construction noise criterion would therefore increase by 10dB(A) from that quoted in the 2004 EIS.

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Based on this revision to the proposed extension, Wilkinson Murray Pty Ltd was commissioned to predict the likely construction noise of the 2005 amended proposal (see Table 1 of Annexure 6 and Annexure 8). Table 5 presents the predicted noise generated through construction and comparison to the revised construction noise criteria.

Table 5 Construction Noise Criterion for Estimated Range of L A10 Construction Noise, Differential Residence Noise Levels During dB(A) – less than dB(A) Construction, dB(A) 4 weeks Residence 2 (Rozmanec)* 45 – 48 55 -10 to -7 Residence 3 (Gazzana)# 60 – 63 56 +4 to +7 Residence 4 (King)* 58 – 61 55 +3 to +6 Residence 5 (Kashouli)# 56 – 59 56 0 to +3 Residence 6 (Townsend)* 53 – 56 50 +3 to +6 Residence 7 (Gazzana)@ 53 – 56 50 +3 to +6 Residence 10 (Goding)* 52 – 55 55 -3 to 0 Residence 11 (Hajje)* 45 – 48 55 -10 to -7 Source: * Modified after WMPL (2005b), see Annexure 6 – Table 1 # 2004 EIS – Section 5.3.5.1, pages 5-35 @ Modified after WMPL (2005c), see Annexure 8

Construction of an acoustic barrier may result in exceedances of up to 7dB(A) at surrounding residences under worst-case meteorological conditions. As proposed in the 2004 EIS (see Section 5.3.5.1, page 5-35), an attempt would be made to mitigate these exceedances by operating mobile equipment behind the partially completed sections of the bund wherever practical. This would reduce the frequency of occasions when equipment operates without at least partial acoustic shielding and therefore reduce noise levels. The surrounding residents would be informed prior to the commencement of activities with any reasonable request to reduce noise levels implemented.

At the time of the 2004 proposal, Residence 7, owned by F & J Gazzana, was considered project-related and therefore not included in any noise modelling predictions for construction noise. Based on the proximity of this residence to Residence 62, and the similar distance of both to the quarry extension of the 2005 amended proposal (Residence 6 would be approximately 500m and Residence 7, 570m to the northwest of the proposed 2005 amended quarry extension), noise levels at both these residences would be similar. As such, the LA10 noise level at Residence 7 during construction would not be expected to exceed 56dB(A) which would cause a 6dB(A) exceedance at this residence. F & J Gazzana also own Residence 3, which for the 2004 EIS and subsequent investigations was also considered project-related. Based on noise modelling undertaken by Wilkinson Murray Pty Ltd, it is anticipated construction noise criteria would be exceeded during the 4 week construction period by up to 7dB(A) (see Annexure 8).

Given these mitigating measures presented here and in the 2004 EIS, and the short duration of exceedances (<4 weeks), the impacts of construction noise are considered acceptable. An agreement with Messrs Gazzana, the owners of the residences likely to be most affected, has been reached over noise exceedances and is provided with this report.

2 Residence 7 is approximately 150m to the southwest of Residence 6.

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5.5.2 Operational Noise

Revised noise modelling was also performed based on the existence of a 7m acoustic barrier, as opposed to the 5m bund wall proposed in the 2004 EIS, by Wilkinson Murray Pty Ltd (see Table 1 of Annexure 7 and Table 1 of Annexure 8). The results for extraction Stages 3/1 and 3/5 (the worst-case scenarios of the 2005 amended proposal) are presented in Table 6.

Table 6 Calculated LAeq Operational Noise Levels Exceeded for 10% of 15 Minute Periods, dB(A) Stage Residence 3 Residence 4 Residence 5 Residence 6 Residence 7 (Gazzana) (King) (Kashouli) (Townsend) (Gazzana) Noise Differential Noise Differential Noise Differential Noise Differential Noise Differential Equipment at Existing Ground Level 3/1 41 0 40 0 38 -3 33 -2 33 -2 3/5 47 +6 40 0 39 -2 30 -5 30 -5 Equipment 5m Below Existing Ground Level 3/1 39 -2 39 -1 35 -6 31 -4 31 -4 3/5 45 +4 37 -3 36 -5 29 -6 29 -6 CRITERION 41# 40 41 35 35* Source: Modified after WMPL (2005b and 2005c), see Annexure 7 – Table 1 and Annexure 8 – Table 1 *Assumed based on proximity to Residence 6

With the exception of Residence 3 during Stage 3/5 extraction operations, the amended proposal would comply with operational noise criteria at the closest non-project related residences. As noted previously, agreement to the minor noise exceedances has been obtained from the owners of Residence 3. Wilkinson Murray Pty Ltd suggests that during Stage 3/5 extraction operations, the proposed 2005 amended quarry extension would become compliant with operational noise criteria as the depth of extraction reached approximately 20m below surface level (see Annexure 8).

5.6 Air Quality

Impacts on air quality were modelled based on three operational scenarios in the 2004 EIS, Stage 3/1, Stage 3/5 and Stage 4/4. Stage 3/5 represents a worst-case scenario for extraction within Stage 3 and therefore a worst-case for the 2005 amended proposal. As presented in Table 5.18 of the 2004 EIS (see pages 5-46 to 5-47) and discussed in Section 5.4.6.3 (see page 5-47), the impacts on air quality would be within DEC goals for Stage 3/5.

5.7 Ecology

5.7.1 Flora

The 2004 EIS determined, based on surveys conducted in January 2004, the 2004 proposal would have no significant impact on Project Site, local or regional flora. However, a subsequent survey and report prepared by ACA (see Annexure 9), undertaken following a request for further information by DIPNR identified individuals of two threatened plant species on the 2005 amended Project Site. Hibertia procumbens, listed as Endangered under Schedule 1 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, was identified to the west and within Stages 4/1 and 4/2 of the proposed 2004 quarry extension. glaucophylla, listed as Vulnerable under Schedule 2 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, was identified to the south and within Stages 4/1 and 4/2 of the proposed 2004 quarry extension.

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Following an investigation of the distribution of these species and assessment of impact as a result of the proposed 2004 quarry extension, ACA (2005) concluded that an area of approximately 1ha should be excised from Stage 4 and left undisturbed. Assuming this was undertaken, the proposed 2004 quarry extension would have no significant impact on these species on a local or regional scale.

Considering Stage 4 in total has now been excised as part of the 2005 amended proposal, and assuming the implementation of all the safeguards, management practices and mitigation measures discussed in Section 5.5.2.4 of the 2004 EIS (see page 5-53), the amended proposal is unlikely to have a significant impact of flora of conservation significance or on local flora generally.

5.7.2 Fauna

Following a request by DIPNR, the 2004 Project Site was assessed for the presence of the Red-crowned Toadlet, a vulnerable species listed in Schedule 2 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. Abel Ecology (2005) found no evidence of suitable habitat or the frog itself on the 2004 Project Site and concluded the proposed Calga Sand Quarry extension would be unlikely to impact on the species (see Section 3 of Annexure 10). Based on the conclusions of Abel Ecology (2005) and assessment of CES (2004), prepared for the 2004 EIS and included as Part 5 of the Specialist Consultant Studies Compendium, the 2005 amended proposal is unlikely to have a significant impact on fauna of conservation significance or local fauna generally.

5.8 Transportation

The 2005 amended proposal would not result in a modification to proposed transport operations and therefore the assessment of Section 5.6.5 of the 2004 EIS is valid (see pages 5-61 and 6-62).

5.9 Aboriginal Heritage

None of the sites of Aboriginal heritage significance recorded on the Aboriginal Sites Register or identified by ASR (2004) (see Part 6 of the Specialist Consultant Studies Compendium) are located on areas to be disturbed by the amended proposal. There would therefore be no impact on Aboriginal heritage as a result of the 2005 amended proposal.

5.10 Visibility

Restricting the proposed extension of the Calga Sand Quarry to Stage 3 would reduce the visibility of the proposed development, particularly to the north and west, when compared to the 2004 proposal. In addition, and at the request of DIPNR, a landscape management plan has been prepared for the proposed Calga Sand Quarry extension which would reduce the impact of the proposed disturbance to residences immediately surrounding the Calga Sand Quarry. This is presented as Annexure 11.

The impact of the 2005 amended proposal would therefore be reduced from that noted in Section 5.8.4 of the 2004 EIS (see page 5-66) and is considered acceptable.

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5.11 Land Use

The 2005 amended proposal would have little affect on the assessed impact described in Section 5.9.4 of the 2004 EIS (see pages 5-67 to 5-69) and is considered acceptable. Section 5.12 also assesses impacts on land use as relevant to socio-economic conditions.

5.12 Socio-Economic Climate

5.12.1 Introduction

The assessment of impact undertaken for the 2004 EIS remains valid for the 2005 amended proposal (see Section 5.10, pages 5-69 to 5-70), however, following from concerns raised by the local community (both as submissions to the 2004 EIS and development application and at subsequent forums and meetings held), it has been considered appropriate to undertake a more detailed assessment of the socio-economic impact of the proposed quarry extension as it relates to selected landholdings surrounding the 2005 amended Project Site (Section 5.12.2) and the local area generally (Section 5.12.3).

5.12.2 Specific Residential Impacts

The updated assessment considers each of the closest non-project related residents or landowners (see Figure 8) including:

• F. & J. Gazzana of Residence 3 and 7; • Mrs B. Kashouli of Residence 5; • A.M. & R.A. Townsend of Residence 6; • C.A. Goding of Residence 10; • R.O. King of Residence 4; and • F. & G. Rozmanec of Residence 2.

All other residents are considered together due to their extended distance from the proposed 2005 amended quarry extension.

F. & J. Gazzana of Residences 3 and 7 The Gazzana’s operate a commercial groundwater extraction operation on their property from which approximately 48ML of water is produced each year. Three-dimensional modelling of groundwater undertaken by C.M. Jewell & Associates (described within Annexures 1, 2 and 5) determined that the 2004 and proposed 2005 quarry extension would be unlikely to affect groundwater drawdown or annual yield from the production bores of the Gazzana’s given the fracture flow into these bores. That is, when water levels drop below the level of the fractures, groundwater cascades into the bore and as such groundwater level would remain consistent. Further explanation is provided under Point 9 of Annexure 2 and is reproduced below.

“… the Gazzana’s production bore holes have been modelled as constant head boundary conditions, not constant flux boundary conditions. A constant head boundary was used because it was noted during pump testing that the inflow to the bores is from fractures – when the water level in the bore is drawn down below the level of the fracture, water cascades from the fracture.

The water levels are relatively consistent in the vicinity of the Gazzana’s production bore holes because they effectively remain at their maximum drawdown before and after the proposed quarry extension – only the predicted bore hole yield changes.”

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Yield within the production bores of the Gazzana’s was predicted to decrease by 0.3L/s (from 1.5L/s to 1.2L/s) when extraction to Stage 4/3 was modelled (see Section 3.9 of Annexure 1). Given the similar drawdown predicted at the production bores of the Gazzana’s if extraction is further limited to Stage 3 (see Figure 7), this decrease in yield is considered a worst-case scenario. A decrease in yield of this magnitude would be unlikely to affect the ability of the Gazzana’s to produce the 48ML/yr required to meet their commercial contract obligations.

The predicted drawdown at the domestic bore of the Gazzana’s (see Figure 7), is expected to result in a decrease in yield proportional to the percentage change in saturated thickness of the bore. C.M. Jewell & Associates considers the proposed contingency measures to be implemented in the event of a major decrease in yield would ultimately mitigate any impact. These contingency measures are as follows.

• The impacted bore would be deepened by a depth at least equivalent to the observed decrease in saturated thickness; or

• Additional measures, agreed by the Gazzana’s would be undertaken which might include the provision of a rainwater tank or the connection of the domestic bore to one of their production bores.

In their technical appraisal of the proposed contingency measures, C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd, while expressing caution in their assessment, noted there was a high likelihood an adequate replacement source to the predicted decrease in bore hole yield could be identified on the affected property (see Annexure 3).

All air quality criteria would be met at Residences 3 and 7.

Limited exceedances of noise criteria have been predicted (see Section 5.5), however, Messrs Gazzana have been notified of these exceedances and a negotiated agreement has been reached with them.

Mrs B. Kashouli of Residence 5 Mrs Kashouli operates poultry sheds on her property which require water for stock watering and cleaning. It is understood Mrs Kashouli uses some groundwater from bores on her property for this purpose. Groundwater levels at these bores have been predicted to decrease by between 3m and 5m with saturated thickness within the bore decreasing by approximately 9%. C.M. Jewell & Associates has concluded this decrease in saturated thickness may lead to a decrease in yield of approximately 9%. This level of decrease should not adversely impact on the ability of Mrs Kashouli to provide water for her poultry stock.

In the event of a significant decrease in the yield obtained from Mrs Kashouli’s bores, Rocla would deepen these or construct new bores to restore the pre-extraction yield. As noted in Annexure 3, C.M. Jewell and Associates assessed there is a high likelihood that these contingency measures would be adequate and acceptable.

With the exception of the 4 week construction period, the proposed quarry extension would meet noise criteria. The impact these exceedances, and quarry noise in general, would have on Mrs Kashouli’s poultry is difficult to quantify as no specific research has been identified on this topic. The following factors have been considered.

• Generally livestock become accustomed to constant noise levels which in this case are not anticipated to increase by a lot.

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• Startle noise, ie. short-term, high dB(A) noises such as explosions or high impact situations, would be most likely to affect the poultry. Although unlikely, this may occur during the 4 week construction period given the construction works proposed, ie. movement of overburden to create earth bunds and erection of an acoustic fence. • Given the proximity of the poultry sheds to Peats Ridge Road, it is likely the poultry are already exposed to some startle noise associated with traffic, eg. backfiring of vehicles, vehicle horns, heavy vehicle braking and/or load movement of heavy vehicles. To our knowledge, this has not impacted adversely on the poultry.

Rocla intends to landscape the acoustic barrier of the proposed 2005 amended quarry extension as presented in Annexure 11. This would ultimately improve the visual amenity from Residence 5 as the current view of cleared paddocks and the Calga Sand Quarry would be replaced by a bund vegetated with native tree and shrub species.

Mrs Kashouli, as one of the closer residents to the Calga Sand Quarry, is the most likely to be adversely affected in terms of current social and economic setting. However, any impacts are considered either within relevant environmental criteria, adequately mitigated by safeguards and/or contingency planning or are generally of an acceptable level. It is the intention of Rocla to continue to monitor impacts at this residence and maintain an ongoing dialogue with Mrs Kashouli or any future resident of the property. Where practicable, any additional controls or safeguards would be adopted by Rocla at the request of Mrs Kashouli.

A.M. & R.A. Townsend of Residence 6 With the exception of noise exceedances associated with the construction of an acoustic barrier wall, minimal impact is predicted at this residence. There is no ongoing commercial activity ongoing on the property likely to be affected by the 2005 amended proposal.

C.A. Goding of Residence 10 No exceedances of environmental criteria are predicted at this residence and similar to other residences to the east of Peats Ridge Road, groundwater drawdown is predicted to be less than 2m as the groundwater level reaches equilibrium following the cessation of extraction (see Figure 3 of Annexure 5). This level of drawdown would be unlikely to affect the yields of existing or future bores on this property. As for Residence 5, visual amenity would be likely to improve as a consequence of the landscaping of the acoustic barrier.

R.D. King of Residence 4 With the exception of noise exceedances associated with the construction of an acoustic barrier wall, minimal impact is predicted at this residence. Similar to other residences to the east of Peats Ridge Road, groundwater drawdown is predicted to be less than 2m as the groundwater level reaches equilibrium following the cessation of extraction (see Figure 3 of Annexure 5). This level of drawdown would be unlikely to affect the yields of existing or future bores on this property. As for Residence 5, visual amenity would be likely to improve as a consequence of the landscaping of the acoustic barrier.

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F. & G. Rozmanec of Residence 2 No exceedances of environmental criteria are predicted at this residence and groundwater drawdown is predicted to be approximately 2.5m as the groundwater level reaches equilibrium following the cessation of extraction (see Figure 3 of Annexure 5). This level of drawdown would be unlikely to affect the yields of existing or future bores on this property. As for Residence 5, visual amenity would be likely to improve as a consequence of the landscaping of the acoustic barrier.

All Other Residences All other residences are considered too distant from the proposal to be affected by impacts of the proposed quarry extension. Importantly, groundwater drawdown would be <1m and therefore highly unlikely to impact on any groundwater activity undertaken.

Of the residences considered, the 2005 amended proposal is unlikely to adversely affect ongoing economic enterprise. Assuming the adoption of all the proposed safeguards for the proposed Calga Sand Quarry extension, there would not be any major alteration to the existing social setting and conditions, which notably have included the Calga Sand Quarry for over 15 years.

5.12.3 Local Impacts

It is noted that the local area surrounding the Calga Sand Quarry is best considered a grouping of residences as opposed to a “community”. There is no community hall or common activities amongst these residents indicative of a small community. The Calga community is located to the east of the F3 Freeway. This notwithstanding, the social impacts on a local scale have been assessed for the 2005 amended proposal.

Based on submissions received during the exhibition period for the 2004 EIS and information obtained from documented or reported community meetings, the main concerns over socio- economic conditions of the local community relate to the following.

• Access to and availability of groundwater. • Maintenance of ongoing economic and recreational activities on the Somersby Plateau. • Changes to the amenity or “lifestyle” values of the Somersby Plateau.

Access to Groundwater The reports prepared by C.M. Jewell & Associates following the submission of the 2004 development application and EIS have predicted that the proposed quarry extension would decrease groundwater levels only in the immediate vicinity of the Calga Sand Quarry. This localised impact, restricted to properties immediately north and east of the proposed quarry extension, would not adversely impact on the access and availability of Somersby Plateau residents. As such, the 2005 amended proposal would have little impact on activities, economic, domestic, recreational or otherwise, that require access to groundwater.

On a regional scale, the proposed “extraction” of groundwater as a consequence of the 2005 amended proposal, predicted to be at most 49ML/yr (see page A5-2 of Annexure 5), is well within the 996ML/yr allocation for extraction under the Water Sharing Plan for the Kulnura Mangrove Mountain Groundwater Sources 2003. As such, the 2005 amended proposal is unlikely to impact on economic activities of groundwater users within this area.

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Ongoing Economic and Recreational Activities Economic activities in the vicinity of the Project Site were described in the 2004 EIS (Section 5.9, pages 5-67 to 5-69). As noted previously, the commercial groundwater extraction activities to the north and any other activity requiring access to groundwater is unlikely to be adversely affected and would be mitigated through contingency plans proposed by Rocla. Dust, which has the potential to damage crops or orchards, has been predicted to be at sufficiently low deposition levels as to have no impact on any nearby properties (see Section 5.4.6, pages 5-45 to 5-48 of the 2004 EIS).

With the exception of some LA10 noise levels >55dB(A) during construction, operations at the proposed Calga Sand Quarry extension would be within DEC criteria and unlikely to impact on potentially noise sensitive activities including the poultry sheds to the north of the Project Site, horse riding within Glenworth Valley to the west, a wildlife refuge area to the south and conservation and recreation within the nearby Brisbane Waters National Park.

Community Amenity / “Lifestyle” This aspect of socio-economic impact assessment is relatively difficult to measure as what is important to one person may not necessarily have the same value to another. When considering those aspects of a community such as that on the Somersby Plateau, the 2005 amended proposal is assessed to have an acceptable impact based on the following.

(i) There would be only limited exceedances of noise criteria during a 4 week construction period. During operations of the 2005 amended proposal, increases in LAeq(15min) noise levels would be up to 6dB(A) and in subjective terms, changes in noise levels of this magnitude can be described as follows.

Negligible noise level increase <1dB(A) - Not noticeable by all people Marginal noise level increase 1dB(A) to 2dB(A) - Not noticeable by most people Moderate noise level increase 3dB(A) to 5dB(A) - Not noticeable by some people but may be noticeable by others Appreciable noise level >5dB(A) - Noticeable by most people increase

Therefore, noise level increases would be predominantly negligible to moderate but generally would not adversely affect local residents.

(ii) Neither dust deposition nor other particulate matter concentration would increase to a level above DEC criteria or that would be noticed by local residents. (iii) The number of trucks entering and exiting the 2005 amended Project Site would increase marginally but would represent only a small proportion of traffic on Peats Ridge Road. (iv) Ongoing economic and recreational activities would not be compromised. (v) The landscaping of an acoustic bund would remove the quarry from the majority of residential visual vantage points.

Overall, the proposed Calga Sand Quarry extension would return 15 full-time jobs to the region as well as returning between 300 000tpa and 400 000tpa of a product in high demand in the Sydney and Central Coast construction markets. The 2005 amended proposal would allow for the importation of other products for blending which would otherwise be sent to landfill. Rocla also proposes to create a final landform amenable to future use for agriculture and/or horticulture which would therefore ensure the ongoing economic value of the Project Site / property.

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED ROCLA PTY LIMITED 36 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension

5.12.4 Conclusion

When considering both localised impacts to nearby residences, as well as those impacts affecting the local area, it is assessed that the benefits of the 2005 amended proposal, through employment creation and production of a product in high demand on the Central Coast and Sydney, outweigh the limited and localised impacts associated with localised decreases in groundwater level, alterations to visual amenity, minor noise increases and minimal increases to traffic levels.

5.13 Planning Instrument Compliance

The assessment of compliance undertaken for the 2004 EIS remains valid for the amended proposed (see Section 5.11, pages 5-70 to 5-71). Section 4 of this report also presented a detailed assessment of the permissibility of the amended proposal.

6 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING

All proposed environmental management and monitoring of the proposed methods presented in the 2004 EIS remain valid. However, acknowledging the uncertainty over the impact the predicted drawdown would have on the yields of Bore Hole GW066907 and the stock and domestic bore holes of the Gazzanas and Kashoulis, the following strategy for verifying the groundwater model predictions and identifying the resultant impact is proposed.

1. The Standing Water Levels (SWL) and yields of the bore holes would be identified through pump testing. 2. An intermediate monitoring well between CQ1 and GW066907 would be installed (probably on the Rozmanecs’ property, but subject to consent) and the SWL and yield would be recorded on a quarterly basis. 3. A program to monitor changing SWL would be implemented at a three-monthly interval and compared to groundwater model predictions. Yields would be re- assessed in the event of apparent adverse impacts on SWL. To determine the significance of any future groundwater drawdown, C.M. Jewell & Associates suggest a trigger level of drawdown >1.5m below an average or baseline groundwater level (see page A4-2 of Annexure 4). Should this occur, it would trigger the adoption of one or more contingency measures which may include the deepening of the existing bore, or drilling of a replacement bore. C.M. Jewell & Associates also provided a technical appraisal of this contingency and considered it highly likely that this approach would adequately replace any loss in yield (see Annexure 3).

Implementing a groundwater monitoring program as recommended would allow either the confirmation that the drawdown has little effect on the low-yielding stock and domestic bores surrounding the quarry, or early identification of impacts on yield, which would allow for these impacts to be managed.

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL 37 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25

7 CONCLUSION

The proposed amendment to DA 94-4-2004 would remain permissible with consent as the 2005 amended quarry design has been prepared with reference to all appropriate planning instruments. Based on the assessments completed as part of the 2004 EIS, subsequent assessments performed following submission of the development application and further reports on groundwater and noise prepared specifically for the amended development application, all impacts have been assessed to be within the appropriate criteria or are considered acceptable due to their restricted duration or lack of definitive criteria.

8 REFERENCES

Abel Ecology, 2005, Red-crowned Toadlet Survey and Assessment for Rocla Materials Pty Ltd for the Proposed Calga Sand Quarry Extension – Ref 1 Rocla report 2 March 2005

Anne Clements & Associates Pty Ltd, 2005, Target Flora Surveys and Assessment for the Proposed Calga Sand Quarry Extension – Ref 26424_Flora_Pt1_Pt2

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd, 2004a, Three-dimensional modelling for the proposed Calga Sand Quarry extension for R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty. Limited – Ref J0290.55R

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd, 2004b, Response to request for further information – Ref J0290.57L

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd, 2005a, Technical appraisal of proposed impact mitigation strategies – Ref J0290.58L

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd, 2005b, Response to request for additional information on water ‘make, local impacts and existing water licences – Ref J0290.61L

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd, 2005c, Revised Three-dimensional modelling for the 2005 amended proposal – Ref (J0290.64L)

R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty. Limited, 2004, Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Calga Sand Quarry Extension, prepared on behalf of Rocla Materials Pty Ltd

R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty Limited, 2005, Landscape Management Plan for the proposed Calga Sand Quarry extension.

Wilkinson Murray Pty Ltd, 2005a, Additional information provided regarding construction noise at surrounding residences – Ref RWC 030205 RB DIPNR

Wilkinson Murray Pty Ltd, 2005b, Results of revised operational noise modelling following the implementation of additional noise controls – Ref 01127C

Wilkinson Murray Pty Ltd, 2005c, Results of revised operational noise modelling at the Gazzana Residence – Ref 01127D

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25

Annexures

Annexure 1 C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd – Three-dimensional modelling for the proposed Calga Sand Quarry extension for R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty. Limited – Ref J0290.55R

Annexure 2 C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd – Response to request for further information – Ref J0290.57L

Annexure 3 C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd – Technical appraisal of proposed impact mitigation strategies – Ref J0290.58L

Annexure 4 C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd – Response to request for additional information on water ‘make, local impacts and existing water licences – Ref J0290.61L

Annexure 5 C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd – Revised Three-dimensional modelling for the 2005 amended proposal – Ref (J0290.64L)

Annexure 6 Wilkinson Murray Pty Ltd – Additional information provided regarding construction noise at surrounding residences – Ref RWC 030205 RB DIPNR

Annexure 7 Wilkinson Murray Pty Ltd – Results of revised operational noise modelling following the implementation of additional noise controls – Ref 01127C

Annexure 8 Wilkinson Murray Pty Ltd – Results of revised operational noise modelling at the Gazzana Residence – Ref 01127D

Annexure 9 Anne Clements & Associates Pty Ltd – Target Flora Surveys and Assessment for the Proposed Calga Sand Quarry Extensions – Ref 26424_Flora_Pt1_Pt2

Annexure 10 Abel Ecology – Red-crowned Toadlet Survey and Assessment for Rocla Materials Pty Ltd for the Proposed Calga Sand Quarry Extension – Ref 1 Rocla report 2 March 2005

Annexure 11 Landscape Management Plan for the proposed Calga Sand Quarry extension, prepared by R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty Limited.

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 1

Annexure 1

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd Three-dimensional modeling for the proposed Calga Sand Quarry extension for R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty. Limited Ref J0290.55R

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL A1 - 1 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 1

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd ROCLA PTY LIMITED A1 - 2 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension Annexure 1

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL A1 - 3 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 1

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd ROCLA PTY LIMITED A1 - 4 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension Annexure 1

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL A1 - 5 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 1

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd ROCLA PTY LIMITED A1 - 6 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension Annexure 1

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL A1 - 7 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 1

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd ROCLA PTY LIMITED A1 - 8 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension Annexure 1

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL A1 - 9 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 1

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd ROCLA PTY LIMITED A1 - 10 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension Annexure 1

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL A1 - 11 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 1

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd ROCLA PTY LIMITED A1 - 12 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension Annexure 1

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL A1 - 13 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 1

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd ROCLA PTY LIMITED A1 - 14 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension Annexure 1

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL A1 - 15 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 1

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd ROCLA PTY LIMITED A1 - 16 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension Annexure 1

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL A1 - 17 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 1

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd ROCLA PTY LIMITED A1 - 18 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension Annexure 1

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL A1 - 19 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 1

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd ROCLA PTY LIMITED A1 - 20 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension Annexure 1

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL A1 - 21 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 1

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd ROCLA PTY LIMITED A1 - 22 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension Annexure 1

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL A1 - 23 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 1

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd ROCLA PTY LIMITED A1 - 24 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension Annexure 1

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL A1 - 25 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 1

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 2

Annexure 2

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd Response to request for further information Ref J0290.57L

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL A2 - 1 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 2

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd ROCLA PTY LIMITED A2- 2 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension Annexure 2

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL A2 - 3 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 2

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd ROCLA PTY LIMITED A2- 4 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension Annexure 2

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL A2 - 5 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 2

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd ROCLA PTY LIMITED A2- 6 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension Annexure 2

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL A2 - 7 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 2

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd ROCLA PTY LIMITED A2- 8 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension Annexure 2

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL A2 - 9 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 2

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd ROCLA PTY LIMITED A2- 10 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension Annexure 2

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL A2 - 11 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 2

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd ROCLA PTY LIMITED A2- 12 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension Annexure 2

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL A2 - 13 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 2

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 3

Annexure 3

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd Technical appraisal of proposed impact mitigation strategies Ref J0290.58L

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL A3 - 1 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 3

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd ROCLA PTY LIMITED A3 - 2 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension Annexure 3

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 4

Annexure 4

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd Response to request for additional information on water ‘make, local impacts and existing water licences Ref J0290.61L

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL A4 - 1 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 4

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd ROCLA PTY LIMITED A4 - 2 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension Annexure 4

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL A4 - 3 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 4

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd ROCLA PTY LIMITED A4 - 4 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension Annexure 4

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL A4 - 5 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 4

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 5

Annexure 5

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd Revised Three-dimensional modelling for the 2005 amended proposal Ref J0290.64L-rev1

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL A5 - 1 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 5

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd ROCLA PTY LIMITED A5 - 2 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension Annexure 5

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL A5 - 3 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 5

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd ROCLA PTY LIMITED A5 - 4 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension Annexure 5

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL A5 - 5 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 5

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd ROCLA PTY LIMITED A5 - 6 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension Annexure 5

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 6

Annexure 6

Wilkinson Murray Pty Ltd Additional information provided regarding construction noise at surrounding residences Ref. RWC 030205 RB DIPNR

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL A6 - 1 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 6

ACOUSTICAL CONSULTANTS

3 February 2005 Our Ref: RWC 030205 RB DIPNR

Alex Irwin RW Corkery & Co PO Box 80 ORANGE NSW 2800

Dear Alex

Re: Calga Quarry Extension - Noise Impact Assessment

Following your email of 28 January, I can provide the following additional information with regard to noise impacts from the above project. This information refers to our previous noise assessment report for this proposal, dated April 2004, and subsequent advice in our email dated 4 January 2005. In the following discussion, the additional noise controls described in the latter advice are assumed to be adopted.

• The noise model used previously included an “internal” bund wall separating Stages 3 and 4, which was to be replaced at the beginning of Stage 4 with a wall further to the north. If this were to be replaced with a wall constructed at the northern edge of Stage 4/3, with operations finishing at that Stage, then predicted noise levels at all residences are almost identical with those previously reported. No exceedance of relevant criteria is predicted for operational noise.

• Calculated noise levels during construction of the above bund at the King, Townsend and Rozmanec residences are shown in Table 1. Assumptions used in deriving this table are as follows

- The number and type of construction equipment is as described in Section 6 of the

noise assessment report, with LA10 sound power levels as shown in Table 4.2 of that report;

- Maximum noise levels are calculated with that equipment at its closest point to the residence in question. These may reduce by 3dBA as the equipment moves further away.

- No shielding is allowed between this equipment and the Kng and Townsend residences. The Rozmanec residence is shielded from the site by a rise which is estimated at 4-5m, and shielding by this barrier is conservatively estimated at 8dBA.

Wilkinson Murray Pty Ltd ROCLA PTY LIMITED A6 - 2 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension Annexure 6

- Criteria are shown for two cases – construction occurring over a period of less than four weeks, and between four and 26 weeks. I understand that if a bund is constructed at the beginning across the entire northern side of the site, as described in the first dot point above, then a construction period of less than four weeks is possible, whereas if a separate bund is required along the western side of Stage 3 works the construction period would be greater than four weeks. Background noise levels at the Rozmanec residence have been assumed to be similar to those at the King residence.

Table 1 Construction Noise Levels Criterion for Estimated Range of L Noise A10 Construction Noise, dBA Residence Levels During Construction, – less than 4 weeks / 4- dBA 26 weeks King 58 - 61 55 / 45 Townsend 53 - 56 50 / 40 Rozmanec 45 - 48 55 / 45 Goding 52 - 55 55 / 45 Hajje 45 - 48 55 / 45

Table 1 also shows maximum calculated noise levels at the Goding and Hajje residences. (In determining criteria, background noise levels have again been assumed to be similar to those at the King residence.) Short-term construction noise criteria are predicted to be met at both residences. Criteria for a 4-26 week construction period are exceeded at the Goding residence, and are slightly lower than at the Townsend residence. At the Hajje residence, criteria for a 4-26 week construction period are marginally exceeded. At other residences, which are further from the site, these criteria are predicted to be met at all times.

• A noted above, the Rozmanec residence is shielded from the site by a mound which is estimated by on-site personnel as 4-5m high. The additional attenuation provided by this mound is conservatively estimated at 8dBA, for quarry plant on the surface. In the absence of the mound, noise levels would be similar to those at the King residence. Inspection of Table 4-3 of the noise assessment report indicates that under these assumptions, noise levels at the Rozmanec residence would be well within relevant criteria under worst-case conditions.

• To provide protection for all relevant residences, sufficient of the proposed mounds would need to be constructed to provide line-of-sight shielding to all relevant residences from the current working area. For operations in Stage 3/1, I believe this would require construction of at least part of the bund at the northern edge of Stage 4/3, or alternatively at the western edge of Stage 3, in order to shield the Townsend residence.

I trust this information is sufficient. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require further information. Yours faithfully WILKINSON MURRAY PTY LIMITED

Wilkinson Murray Pty Ltd AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 7

Annexure 7

Wilkinson Murray Pty Ltd Results of revised operational noise modelling following the implementation of additional noise controls Ref 01127C

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL A7 - 1 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 7

ACOUSTICAL CONSULTANTS

To: Company: Email / Fax No: Rob Corkery RW Corkery & Co [email protected] ‰

Copy: ‰ From: Date: Project No.: Memo No. Rob Bullen 4 January 2005 01127-C

Subject: Calga Quarry - Noise Assessment With Additional Controls Pages: 81

Rob,

Our previous report, ref. 01127-C, presented an assessment of noise impacts from proposed extensions to Calga Quarry, with a number of mitigation measures including the construction of 5m high bunds or barriers on the northern and western boundaries of the site. These would be extended and relocated as the location of extraction changes, as indicated in Figures 1-2 and 1-3 of that report. Two scenarios were considered for operational noise: • equipment operating at the existing ground surface level behind the constructed bunds; and

• equipment operating at a depth of 5m below the existing ground surface.

With the mitigation measures described, exceedances of standard criteria were predicted in some cases. For equipment at the existing surface level, the predicted exceedances were up to 13 dBA in Stage 4/4 (evening period) and 11dBA in Stage 4/4 (daytime period). In other stages of the operation, the maximum predicted exceedances were 5dBA in the evening period and 2dBA in the daytime. For equipment operating 5m below the existing surface level, a 4dBA exceedance was predicted for one residence in Stage 4/4. As requested, I have investigated the extent of additional noise controls which would be required to meet relevant noise criteria at all surrounding residences for all operational stages. The most effective set of controls to achieve this were found to be the following.

• Further restriction of general operating hours. Transportation of materials on and off the site was considered in the previous report and noise impacts were found to be acceptable during the proposed hours of 5am – 10pm. Hence these activities could be conducted within these hours. However, all other activities should be restricted to the “daytime” period of 7am – 6pm.

Wilkinson Murray Pty Ltd ROCLA PTY LIMITED A7 - 2 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension Annexure 7

• Restriction of operations to the area covered by Stage 4/3 as described in the previous report, with no operations in the area covered by Stage 4/4.

• Increasing the height of the proposed bund or barrier to the north and west of the site to 7m. This barrier would extend across the northern boundary of Stage 4/3 operations, rather than Stage 4/4 as previously proposed.

All other mitigation measures described in the previous report would also apply. With the above measures, I have calculated noise levels from operations on the site using procedures exactly as described in the previous report. Results are shown in Table 1.

Table 1 Calculated LAeq Operational Noise Levels Exceeded for 10% of 15-Minute Periods, dBA Residence 5 Residence 4 Residence 6 Plant at Existing Ground Level Stage 3/1 38 40 33 Stage 3/5 39 40 30 Stage 4/3 38 34 35 Plant 5m Below Existing Ground Level Stage 3/1 35 39 31 Stage 3/5 36 37 29 Stage 4/3 35 32 32 CRITERION 41 40 35

From Table 1 it is clear that with the above additional noise control measures, predicted noise levels are within relevant criteria at all residences for all proposed operational phases. Noise from construction of the above bunds was also considered in the previous report. In this case it was already required that these operations be conducted during daytime only. The elimination of operational phase 4/4 would mean bund construction would take place further from residence 6 than was previously assumed, but predicted noise levels during construction would still exceed relevant construction criteria at residence 5 by up to approximately 10dBA. Possible methods for mitigating noise during construction are:

• shielding of the construction equipment using barriers or hoardings. This would be difficult because of its mobile nature, and would itself generate noise;

• use of less equipment. The assumed equipment consists of a single dozer, front-end loader, excavator and haul truck. While this equipment would not necessarily operate simultaneously, so that the presented noise levels represent maximum expected levels, all this equipment is considered essential for efficient construction of a bund wall;

• use of less noisy equipment. The assumed sound power levels are generally based on new equipment as measured on site. In the case of the dozer, which is the dominant source, it is possible that better performance than the assumed 115dBA could be achieved during forward motion by using a high-performance muffler. However, when reversing it is noise from the tracks which is generally dominant, and to my knowledge 115dBA represents approximately the minimum noise level currently achievable during these operations.

Wilkinson Murray Pty Ltd AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL A7 - 3 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 7

Exceedance of recommended noise guidelines during construction operations occurs relatively often when heavy earthmoving equipment is required in proximity to residences. In general the most effective method of controlling the impact of this noise is the preparation of a management plan involving consultation with potentially-affected residents, agreement on appropriate times for the operations, monitoring of operating times and, if relevant, noise levels, and timely response to any complaints or queries during this phase. I trust that this information is helpful. If you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Regards,

Rob Bullen Director

Wilkinson Murray Pty Ltd AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 8

Annexure 8

Wilkinson Murray Pty Ltd Results of revised operational noise modelling at the Gazzana Residence Ref 01127D

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL A8 - 1 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 8

ACOUSTICAL CONSULTANTS

To: Company: Email / Fax No: Sent Alex Irwin RW Corkery & Co 6361 3622 ‰ Copy: ‰ From: Date: Project No.: Memo No. Rob Bullen 2 June 2005 01127-D

Subject: Noise Levels at Gazana Residence Pages: 81

Alex,

As requested, I have calculated noise levels due to operations in Stage 3 of the proposed Calga Quarry extension at the nearest of the Gazana residences – nominated as Residence 3 in our report 01127-C Version 2. Noise levels were calculated for Stage 3/1 and Stage 3/5, with equipment at exactly the locations nominated in that report. As in report 01127-C Version 2, calculations were for equipment operating at the existing ground level, and at 5m below the existing ground. Also as in that report, a 7m high acoustic bund is assumed to be located along the northern boundary of the quarry.

Results are shown in Table 1, and compared with the daytime intrusiveness criterion derived from measurements conducted at the residence. Table 1 Calculated Operational Noise Levels, Residence 3

LAeq,15min Noise Level (10% Exceedance) Equipment 5m Below Quarry Operations Equipment at Surface Surface Stage 3/1 41 39 Stage 3/5 47 45 CRITERION 41

From Table 1, operational noise levels are within relevant criteria for Stage 3/1, but exceed the criterion by up to 6dBA during Stage 3/5. Noise levels during construction of the bund are estimated at 60 – 63 dBA LA10, compared with a criterion of 46dBA.

Wilkinson Murray Pty Ltd ROCLA PTY LIMITED A8 - 2 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension Annexure 8

It may be noted that a previous report (report 01127-2 version B, dated June 2002) also considered noise at this residence, and concluded that operational noise levels would be within relevant criteria. However, in that report the proposed operating method for the quarry involved collapsing the sand into new areas from below, allowing all equipment to remain at approximately 20m below local ground level. In this case, the maximum calculated LAeq,15min noise level during Stage 3 operations is 41dBA, or exactly at the criterion.

I trust that this information is suitable. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.

Regards,

Rob Bullen

Wilkinson Murray Pty Ltd AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 9

Annexure 9

Anne Clements & Associates Pty Ltd Target Flora Surveys and Assessment for the Proposed Calga Sand Quarry Extensions Ref No. 26424_Flora_Pt1_Pt2

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 9

ANNE CLEMENTS & ASSOCIATES PTY. LIMITED (ABN 41 077 242 365, ACN 077-160-939) Environmental and Botanical Consultants PO Box 1623, North Sydney 2059 Phone: (02) 9955 9733, Facsimile: (02) 9957 4343 Email: [email protected]

4 March 2005

Target Flora Surveys and Assessment

for the

Proposed Calga Sand Quarry Extension

Part 1: Survey Results

Prepared for: R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty. Limited 75 Kite Street PO Box 80 ORANGE NSW 2800

On behalf of: Rocla Pty Ltd 72 Orchardleigh Street PO Box 36 GUILDFORD NSW 2161

Prepared by: Anne Clements & Associates Pty Limited PO Box 1623 NORTH SYDNEY NSW 2059

Tel: (02) 9955 3362 Fax: (02) 9957 4343 Email: [email protected]

Z:\Jobs 000 to 530\264\Reports\26424\Specialist Consultants\Flora\26424_Flora_Pt1_Pt2.doc

Anne Clements & Associates Pty Ltd AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL A9 - 1 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 9 CONTENTS

Page

FOREWORD...... 3

1.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 5

2.0 DESCRIPTIONS AND KNOWN DISTRIBUTION ...... 5 2.1 Hibbertia procumbens ...... 5 2.1.1 Description...... 6 2.1.2 Known Distribution ...... 6 2.2 Darwinia glaucophylla...... 6 2.2.1 Description...... 6 2.2.2 Known distribution...... 6 2.2.3 Previous records of D. glaucophylla in the Study Area...... 6 2.3 Sedgelands as Defined by SREP 8 ...... 8 2.4 Hanging Swamps ...... 10

3.0 TARGETED SURVEYS AT ROCLA SAND QUARRY, CALGA, AND ADJOINING AREAS...... 10 3.1 Methods ...... 11 3.1.2 Additional searches for Hibbertia procumbens and Darwinia glaucophylla...... 11 3.1.3 1 m wide transects searches for Hibbertia procumbens ...... 11 3.1.4 Quadrat survey of Darwinia glaucophylla ...... 11 3.1.5 Possible sedgeland...... 12

4.0 OBSERVATIONS...... 12 4.1 Observations of Intensive Grid Survey...... 12

4.1.1 Hibbertia procumbens...... 12 4.1.2 Darwinia glaucophylla ...... 12

4.2 Observations of Hibbertia procumbens...... 14 4.3 Observations of Darwinia glaucophylla...... 15 4.4 Observations in area of possible sedgeland ...... 15 4.5 Observations of Hanging Swamp in the Study Area ...... 20

5.0 CONCLUSIONS ...... 20 5.1 Threatened species conclusions...... 20 5.2 Sedgeland Conclusions...... 21

6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS...... 21

REFERENCES ...... 22

Anne Clements & Associates Pty Ltd ROCLA PTY LIMITED A9 - 2 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension Annexure 9

CONTENTS

Page

APPENDICES Appendix 1 Final determination of Hibbertia procumbens...... 23 Appendix 2 Final determination of Darwinia glaucophylla ...... 27

FIGURES Figure 1 The Study Area...... 33 Figure 2 NPWS Wildlife Atlas mapped distribution of Hibbertia procumbens ...... 34 Figure 3 NPWS Wildlife Atlas mapped distribution of Darwinia glaucophylla...... 34 Figure 4 SREP 8 sedgelands in the Study Area...... 35 Figure 5 Abundance of Hibbertia procumbens on the 8000 m2 grid ...... 36 Figure 6 Abundance of Darwinia glaucophylla on the 8000 m2 grid...... 37 Figure 7 Hibbertia procumbens recorded in the Study Area...... 38 Figure 8 Darwinia glaucophylla recorded in the Study Area ...... 39 Figure 9 SREP 8 sedgeland sampling locations and approximate location of observed Hanging Swamp...... 40

TABLES Table 1 Species recorded in Spot locations W-Z and Quadrat 1...... 9

Anne Clements & Associates Pty Ltd AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL A9 - 3 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 9

FOREWORD

The target flora survey and assessment has been compiled in two parts based on two reports prepared by Anne Clements & Associates Pty Ltd.

Part 1: Target Flora Survey and Assessment – Survey Results

Part 2: Target Flora Survey and Assessment – Impact Assessment (including 8-Part Test)

Anne Clements & Associates Pty Ltd AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL A9 - 5 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 9

1.0 INTRODUCTION

It is proposed to extend Calga Sands quarry by 22.3 ha to the north of the existing quarry (Figure 1). The Study Area in this report comprises the proposed quarry extension (referred to as ‘the Site’) and the existing quarry (referred to as ‘existing quarry’).

At a site meeting on 2 February 2005 with Mike Young and Sarah Joyce of Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources, Elizabeth Ashby of Keystone Ecological and Robin Meldrum of Ambient Landscapes Pty Limited. (ecologists engaged by Mr B. Lawler), Dr AnneMarie Clements and Tony Rodd of Anne Clements and Associates) and John Gardiner (Regional Manager NSW & Victoria, Rocla Quarry Products), it was agreed that targeted surveys and assessment were to be undertaken in the area adjoining the relatively new dam in the western part of the Gazzana property for:

• two threatened plant species Hibbertia procumbens and Darwinia glaucophylla; • “sedgelands” as defined by SREP 8 in the area near the north-western dam; • “hanging swamps” upslope of the north-western dam; and • the threatened fauna species Red Crowned Toadlet.

Dr Karen Thumm of Abel Ecology has been commissioned by Rocla to undertake a survey and an assessment of the impact(s) on the Red Crowned Toadlet.

For the flora surveys, the requirement specified in email dated 15 February from Robin Meldrum on behalf of her client B. Lawler was that: We would like:

• Duplicate samples of any collected • Duplicate proformas with all field data • Walk around to identify exact sampling points (these to be identified with survey pegs/flagging tape)

2.0 DESCRIPTIONS AND KNOWN DISTRIBUTION

2.1 Hibbertia procumbens

In terms of conservation significance listing:

• National - not listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) as a threatened species.

• State - listed as an endangered species in Schedule 1 of the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (NSW Legislation website, searched 2 March 2005) (Final determination, Appendix 1).

• Other listing - on the export nursery stocklist (www.nativenursery.com.au).

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2.1.1 Description

Hibbertia procumbens is described (Harden 1990) as: Prostrate shrub with +/- glabrous stems. Leaves linear to narrow-oblanceolate or slightly falcate, 15-20 mm long, c. 2 mm widem apex acute, base tampering, margins entire, glabrous or almost so, glaucous, +/- flat. Flowers terminal, sessile. 10-15 mm long, glabrous. 8-10 mm long. Stamens c. 20, surrounding carpels, Carpels generally 4, glabrous. Flowers summer. In heath on sandy soil; rare in N.S.W., recorded only from Mangrove Mountain.

2.1.2 Known distribution

Harden (1990) - The distribution given is: In heath on sandy soil; rare in N.S.W., recorded only from Mangrove Mountain.

PlantNET (website, NSW Flora Online, searched 2 March 2005) Hibbertia procumbens is described as rare in N.S.W., recorded only from Mangrove Mountain.

Bell (2002) stated that the species was: extremely rare in New South Wales, with only two records now known for the whole of the State.

The records are located at Bumble Hill on the Central Coast (approximately 20 km north of the Study Area) and at Strickland State Forest (approximately 10 km north-west of the Study Area).

National Parks and Wildlife Service Wildlife Atlas (website searched on 2 March 2005) listed a total count of 40 records of the species, recorded from 16 sites, mainly in Gosford LGA (Figure 2).

Robert Payne, local ecologist (personal communications, 2 March 2005) has found in recent surveys that Hibbertia procumbens is locally fairly common in the Peats Ridge area, between Kulnura, Calga and Kariong, especially on recently cleared land.

2.2 Darwinia glaucophylla

In terms of conservation significance listing:

• National - not listed under the EP&BC Act as a threatened species.

• State – listed as a vulnerable species in Schedule 2 of the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (NSW Legislation website, searched 2 March 2005).

• Other listings - a species of conservation significance at a national level with risk category 2RCi (2 = geographical range in Australia less than 100km, R = Rare, C = Reserved, i = less than 1000 plants are known to occur within a conservation reserve(s), Briggs and Leigh 1996).

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2.2.1 Description

Darwinia glaucophylla is described (Harden 2002) as:

Spreading, prostrate shrub with ascending branchlets to 15 cm high. Leaves laterally compressed, 8-17 mm long, glabrous and often tinged red-purple. Flowers mostly in clusters of 2-4 peduncles, 1-1.5 mm long, leaf-like, 8-12 mm long; bracteoles oblong, 4-6 mm long, red-brown. 7-8 mm long, 0.5-1.5 mm diam., with prominent ribs. Sepals triangular; <0.5 mm long, entire or toothed; much shorter than petals. Style straight, 12-16 mm long, white. Flowers winter and spring. It occurs in heaths and woodlands often in association with sandstone rock platforms. .. Population of this species often contain hybrids of D. glaucophylla X D. fascicularis, these are readily identified by their erect habit.

2.2.2 Known distribution

The distribution given in Harden (2002) is

Grows in heath on shallow soils; confined to the Gosford district, rare.

Darwinia glaucophylla is a NSW endemic that is confined to the Gosford area, where it is currently known from some 15 sites (Final Determination, dated 13 December 2002, Appendix 2).

NPWS 2002 states that:

Several sites occur within or near Brisbane Water National Park and one site is just within the boundary of Popran National Park. There is little detailed information on population abundance as individual plants are prostrate and may spread over several metres.

The NPWS Wildlife Atlas (searched on 2.3.05) listed a total of 30 records for the species, recorded from 19 locations, all in Gosford LGA (Figure 3).

2.2.3 Previous records of D. glaucophylla in the Study Area

The presence of Darwinia glaucophylla in the Study Area was originally identified in a flora survey of the Calga Sands Quarry in 1990 (Clements and Stephens 1990).

In a report on ‘Rare plants on the Calga Sands Quarry’ prepared by Clements (2000), Darwinia glaucophylla was recorded in four areas. The data presented in the Clements (2000) report is summarised as follows:

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Area A Location Occurrence of D. glaucophylla West of overburden emplacement, west of (8 individuals) Dam 12, on southern boundary Extensive patches of Darwinia glaucophylla have been recorded previously in the shallow sand pockets on the relatively flat sandstone bench. Within an approximately WSW running, 5m wide strip, eight (8) individuals were recorded between the overburden and the fence.

Area B Location Occurrence of D. glaucophylla Along a former cleared track, including an (5 individuals) area sown in 1989 with Echinochloa crus- Darwinia glaucophylla had not been galli (Japanese Millet), Cynodon dactylon previously recorded in this area. The (Couch), Trifolium pratense (Red Clover), former track extends from the western T. repens (White Clover) and Lolium edge of south-west water storage dam to perenne (Perennial Rye Grass), and the track adjoining the western boundary fertilised at a rate of 200 kg/ha with Starter fence. The most easterly individual was 18 (high in nitrogen (18% N) and recorded 12.5 m from the edge phosphorus (8% P)). of the dam and the most westerly in the weedy remains of the cover crop sown in 1989.

Area C Location Occurrence of D. glaucophylla Exposed natural sandstone bench where Darwinia glaucophylla was observed mounded topsoil was carefully respread in through the fence. The larger individuals March 1991, south-west of Dam 1 are growing in areas of deeper sand pockets in the rocks.

Area D Location Occurrence of D. glaucophylla Above Dam 1 on a relatively flat rock One individual had been recorded in this outcrop location in 1997. The plant has remained.

2.3 Sedgelands

Sydney Regional Environmental Plan (SREP) No. 8 contains maps illustrating ‘Classes of Agricultural land on the Plateau of New South Wales Central Coast’. The maps include areas identified as sedgelands. Sedgelands are defined in SREP No. 8 as:

land with impeded drainage and moist organic soils on which vegetation comprising sedges and shrubs occurs and identified as “drainage lines, watercourse, stream, wetland, swamp, dam - not available for cropping or grazing”.

About 2.32 ha of the Study Area was mapped as “sedgelands” (Figure 9) with:

• approximately 1.03 ha of the area consisting of two dams (sampled at Spot location A); • approximately 0.54 ha is cleared; • approximately 0.75 ha is vegetated (sampled at Spot locations F, X, Y and Z).

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The classification of vegetation structure in Australia (Specht 1970, Specht 1981, Specht et al. 1995, Specht and Specht 2002) is based on the foliage projective cover and height (and/or life form) of the tallest stratum of a plant community.

Table 1. Structural formations in Australia (from Specht and Specht 2002) Life form and height Foliage Projective Cover of the Tallest Stratum (%) of tallest stratum 100-70 70-30 30-10 <10 Trees* > 30 m tall closed-forest tall open-forest tall woodland ~ Trees 10-30 m closed-forest open-forest woodland open-woodland Trees 5-10 m low closed-forest Low open-forest low woodland low open- woodland Trees < 5 m v. low closed- v. low open- v. low woodland v. low open- forest forest woodland Shrubs* > 2 m closed-scrub open-scrub tall shrubland tall open- shrubland Shrubs 0.25-2 m sclerophyllous & closed heathland heathland open-heathland sparse heathland semi-sclerophyllous non-sclerophyllous low closed-scrub Low open-scrub low shrubland low open- shrubland Shrubs < 0.25 m ~ ~ dwarf open- dwarf sparse- sclerophyllous & heathland heathland semi-sclerophyllous (fell-field) (fell field) non-sclerophyllous ~ ~ dwarf open- dwarf sparse- shrubland shrubland

Hummock grasses ~ dense hummock hummock open hummock grassland grassland grassland

Herbaceous layer graminoids & grass closed (tussock) (tussock) open (tussock) sparse (tussock) grassland grassland grassland grassland sedges closed- sedgeland open-sedgeland sparse- sedgeland sedgeland herbs closed-herbland herbland open-herbland sparse-herbland ferns closed-fernland fernland ~ ~ reeds/rushes closed-reedland reedland ~ ~ * a tree is defined as a woody plant usually with a single stem; a shrub is a woody plant with many stems arising at or near the base.

For a sedgeland, the tallest stratum is a herbaceous layer of sedges. Sedgelands are divided into four categories (Closed-sedgeland, Sedgeland, Open-sedgeland, Very open-sedgeland) according to the percentage of foliage projective cover.

In common terminology as defined by the Macquarie Dictionary, a definition of sedgeland is not given. Sedges are defined as “any rush or grass-like plants of the family Cyperaceae, often growing in wet places, esp. plants of the genus Carex”.

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2.4 Hanging swamps

A hanging swamp is defined in the Blue Mountains Environmental Management Plan (1989) as follows:

"Hanging swamps develop at moderate to high altitudes on sloping rock faces composed of Narrabeen Sandstone which are subject to a constant supply of water - especially groundwater but also surface runoff. Rainfall infiltrates the sandy soils and the permeable sandstone below. At intervals in the sandstone are narrow layers of claystone, or tightly cemented sandstone which are impervious to groundwater. The water then travels laterally on top of this impervious barrier until it reaches the edge of the impervious layer, which has been exposed by geological erosion. The groundwater then seeps out over the broad sandstone rock face below the impervious layer. These rock faces are in effect the foundations of the swamp structure and are often many hectares in area. Slopes vary widely but commonly exceed 1 in 3 (33%). The condition of constant moisture allows a range of plant species to gradually colonise these bare- rock sites over long periods of time....."

There are two broad types of hanging swamp - sedge swamp and shrub swamp. In some situations, particularly in the upper mountains, the two types intergrade. Common species are Button Grass Gymnoschoenus sphaerocephalus, Lepidosperma limicola, Xyris ustulata and Baeckea linifolia.

There is little information available on the occurrence of Hanging Swamps in the Gosford area. The Gosford City Council State of the Environment 2000 major report (2000) refers to a case study which mentions large areas of hanging swamp sloping to Popran Creek. This land is part of over 20 acres of water reserve bushland handed over to the Girl Guide Association by the NSW Lands Department in 1980. No information is provided on the vegetation of the Popran Creek Hanging Swamp in this report, except that the area is classified as “open woodland”. Popran Creek is located approximately 2 km west of Calga Sands Quarry.

In terms of conservation of Hanging Swamps, a nomination of "Blue Mountains Swamps" as an endangered ecological community under the Threatened Species Conservation Act was submitted on 12 November 1999. The Scientific Committee stated that it "recognised the conservation significance of Swamps" but did not believe that there was a risk of extinction.

It appears that there has been no move to nominate the Hanging Swamp of the Gosford area as an endangered ecological community under the Threatened Species Conservation Act.

3.0 TARGETED SURVEYS AT ROCLA SAND QUARRY, CALGA, AND ADJOINING AREAS

Surveys were undertaken by:

• Tony Rodd and Bryony Horton on 10 February; • Tony Rodd and Jane Rodd on 16 February; and • Tony Rodd and Nabil Abbas, accompanied by Robin Meldrum of Ambient Landscapes Pty Limited on 25 February 2005.

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3.1 Methods

3.1.1 Intensive Grid Survey for Hibbertia procumbens and Darwinia glaucophylla

An intensive survey was undertaken for occurrences of Hibbertia procumbens and Darwinia glaucophylla within 10 m x 10 m squares of a 100 m x 80 m grid laid on the western boundary of the property (Lot 121) affected by the proposed quarry extension.

The western boundary fence of Lot 121 was used as a baseline for laying out a grid. The origin of the baseline was the corner post at the north-east corner of the adjacent Lawler property. From the origin, 10 m intervals were marked along the fenceline with surveyors tape, starting at 70 m from the origin and continuing for the next 80 m. Survey tapes were laid out perpendicular to the fence to a distance of 100 m. This created 80 grid squares 10 m x 10 m in size, covering a total area of 8000 m2.

The number of individuals of Hibbertia procumbens and Darwinia glaucophylla within each grid square was recorded (Figures 5 and 6).

Grid squares were searched until no further occurrences of either species could be found upslope to the east and north; downslope to the south.

Some outlying occurrences of both species were noted, but large rubbish mounds with logs and metal scraps, also dense shrub regrowth, made detection difficult.

3.1.2 Additional searches for Hibbertia procumbens and Darwinia glaucophylla

Suitable areas of habitat for both species were searched within the proposed quarry extension area, immediately to the south and west of the proposed quarry extension, and along the western property boundary of the Study area.

3.1.3 1 m wide transects searches for Hibbertia procumbens

In order to assess the Hibbertia procumbens population located in the woodland immediately to the northwest of the existing quarry three 1 m wide transects were laid out to the north and west of the small dam on the western boundary of the Study area.

Length of the 1 m wide transects were:

• Transects 1 and 2 - 100 metres long; and • Transect 3 - 50 metres long.

The location of individual plants of Hibbertia procumbens along each of the transects was recorded (Figure 7).

3.1.4 Quadrat survey of Darwinia glaucophylla

Following the discovery of several Darwinia glaucophylla individuals on a sandstone cliff edge within the bushland immediately to the southwest of the proposed quarry extension, a 10 x 10 m quadrat in this location was thoroughly searched for individuals of the species (Figure 8).

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3.1.5 Possible sedgeland

An area of possible sedgeland was identified on the drainage line upslope from the dam and to the north of the dam on the Gazzana property (Figure 9) by Robin Meldrum on 2 February 2005. This area was not within the mapped area of “drainage line, watercourse, stream, wetland, swamp, dam – not available for cropping or grazing” identified in SREP 8 (Figure 9).

The vegetation in the identified area was sampled in a 20 m x 20 m quadrat close to the western boundary of the proposed quarry extension and at four spot locations (each in an approximately 10 m radius).

The 20 m x 20 m quadrat was divided into four 5 m x 5 m sub-quadrats, and the abundance of all species was recorded from each of the four sub-quadrats (Table 2). The following abundance scale was used:

Abundance Code Percentage vegetation cover with 5m x 5m sub-quadrat 1 <1 2 1 – 5 3 5 – 20 4 21 – 50 5 >50

Four Spot locations (W-Z) consisting of all species recorded within an approximately 10 m radius were recorded within or near the area mapped as “drainage line…” in SREP 8 (Figure 9).

Additionally, two Spot locations (A and F) from the Clements et al. (2004) flora assessment of the Site were located within the mapped SREP 8 ‘drainage line…’ area (Figure 9).

4.0 OBSERVATIONS

4.1 Observations of Intensive Grid Survey

4.1.1 Hibbertia procumbens

This species was recorded as present in 11 of the 80 grid squares searched, that is 14% of the 10 m x 10 m grid squares (Figure 5). Of the 11 grid squares with H. procumbens present, the number of individuals recorded varied from one plant to 18 plants:

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Grid Square with H. procumbens No of H. procumbens plants recorded C13 2 D13 8 D14 1 E09 1 E10 10 E11 1 E13 18 E14 1 F11 3 G11 5 G12 4 Total 54 Average no. of plants in 11 grids with H. 5 plants procumbens present

4.1.2 Darwinia glaucophylla

This species was recorded as present in 27 of the 80 grid squares searched, that is 34% of the 10 m x 10 m grid squares (Figure 6). Of the 27 grid squares with D. glaucophylla present, the number of individuals recorded varied from one plant to 26 plants:

Grid Square with D. glaucophylla No of D. glaucophylla plants recorded A13 2 A14 14 A15 6 B14 2 B15 4 C11 1 C12 9 C13 11 C14 9 C15 9 D11 9 D12 2 D13 12 D14 7 D15 17 E8 7 E11 7 E12 26 E13 2 E14 3 G12 1 G14 2 H12 5 H13 3 I12 4 I13 1 J12 3 Total 178 Average no. of plants in 27 grids with D. 7 glaucophylla present

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4.2 Observations of Hibbertia procumbens

From the habitat searches in the south of the intensive grid survey area, below the high wall of the large new dam, an extensive population of H. procumbens was recorded (Figure 7). Plants were evident in the edge of relatively undisturbed scrub adjacent to the denuded strip of soil at the foot of the dam wall. A further brief search indicated that this population continued westward in dense undergrowth toward the property boundary, with mature plants spaced at 1 metre or less apart in some parts. This area appears to be outside the Stage 2 quarry proposal.

A search was also made in the area along the western property boundary, beyond the west edge of the two dams of the Stage 1 quarry. A further population of H. procumbens was found with many of the plants being close to the barbed-wire fence. Some plants were seen on the far side of the fence, presumably on the neighbouring property (Lawler's). Plants were found in both disturbed and undisturbed soil, below tall shrub undergrowth of Eucalyptus haemastoma - Eucalyptus capitellata woodland, in sparser shrub regrowth along the former network of sandy tracks, and along the crest of the wall of the small dam which lies on the property boundary. The population of D. glaucophylla previously surveyed in this area has persisted though does not appear to have increased.

In the 1-m wide transects in the woodland to the north and west of the small dam on the western property boundary (Figure 6), there were:

• seven individuals of H. procumbens were recorded in Transect 1 with individuals recorded between 5.2 m and 25.8 m; • nine individuals of H. procumbens in Transect 2 with individuals recorded between 33.3 m and 76.0 m; and • seven individuals of H. procumbens in Transect 3 with individuals recorded between 4.0 m and 21.7 m.

The density estimate for:

• Transect 1 is 0.34 plant per m2 (7/(25.8 –5.2)); • Transect 2 is 0.21 plant per m2 (9/(76-33)); and • Transect 3 is 0.40 plant per m2 (7/(21.7-4)).

Furthermore, a substantial stand of over 20 plants was recorded from either side of the Transect 3 in the first 20 metres of the transect on the adjoining landowner’s land.

The area of potential habitat in the vicinity of the transects is conservatively estimated to be 1325 m2, comprising the area near to recorded individuals (Figure 7). The estimated number of individuals of H. procumbens is between 278 to 530 (Area x Density range 0.21 to 0.40 plants per m2).

There is no reason to doubt that the H. procumbens population continues across the western Study area boundary well into the Lawler property. In the north-eastern corner of this property, where the H. procumbens population might presumably once have extended, there has been extensive clearing of the native woodland with only well-spaced trees remaining and the groundlayer native plants replaced by pasture grasses which appear to be maintained by the use of fertilisers.

Anne Clements & Associates Pty Ltd AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL A9 - 15 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 9

4.3 Observations of Darwinia glaucophylla

A total of 23 individuals of D. glaucophylla were recorded in the 10 m x 10 m quadrat located on the sandstone edge to the southwest of the proposed quarry extension, some of these being young plants, and others mature individuals up to 1.5 metres in diameter. A further 5 individuals were recorded upslope of this area, between 25 m and 30 metres east of the quadrat (Figure 8).

A search was also made of the high rim of the south edge of the Stage 1 quarry to observe the previously surveyed D. glaucophylla population. This area searched corresponds to Area A in the Clements (2000) survey of rare plants on the Calga Sands Quarry. Eight individuals of D. glaucophylla were recorded within an approximately WSW-oriented, 5m wide strip in 2000 (Clements 2000).

The species was still fairly abundant on the flat sandstone outcrops there, although these plants were all mature and many of them rather senescent, with no sign of recruitment of new plants.

The steep southern slope of the quarry was also searched. There were:

• two plants that had colonised the quarry face below the population on the rim above; • no plants on the broad ledge at its foot where there was an accumulation of white sandy soil and sandstone rubble, and where there has been colonisation by many other native species.

4.4 Observations in possible sedgeland area

According to the structural vegetation classification of Specht and Specht (2002) (Table 1), the tallest stratum in sedgeland is a herbaceous layer of sedges.

In the potential sedgeland area identified by Robin Meldrum on 2 February 2005 close to the western boundary of the proposed quarry extension, a total of 51 species (46 native and 5 exotic) were recorded from the 20 m x 20 m quadrat (Quadrat 1) (Table 2).

The vegetation of Quadrat 1 comprised of approximately 0.6 m high regrowth heathland. Native shrubs dominated this area, including Kunzea ambigua (Tick-bush), Leptospermum polygalifolium subsp. cismontanum (Yellow Tea-tree) and Bauera microphylla. A number of sedges including Lepidosperma neesii (Stiff Rapier-sedge), Schoenus brevifolious (Zigzag Bog-rush) and Cyathochaeta diandra were recorded. Herb species recorded included Platysace linearifolia, Hibbertia procumbens, Drosera spatulata (Common Sundew), Goodenia paniculata, Gonocarpus micranthus (Creeping Raspwort), Hakea teretifolia (Needlebush), Lepyrodia scariosa (Scale-rush) and the exotic grass species Andropogon virginicus (Whisky Grass) and Axonopus affinis (Narrow-leaved Carpet Grass).

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Quadrat 1

According to the structural vegetation classification of Specht and Specht (2002) (Table 1), the vegetation in Quadrat 1 does not meet the definition of sedgeland, and best fits the criteria for regrowth open-heathland.

Upslope from the new dam on the Gazzana property, the vegetation was recorded in Spot locations F, W, X, Y and Z. Much of the area upslope of the dam was dominated by a dense canopy of Leptospermum polygalifolium (Yellow Tea-tree) and L. juniperinum (Prickly Tea- tree) to a height of between 4 and 8 m (observed in Spot locations F, W, X, Y and Z, Table 2, Figure 9).

The vegetation recorded and photographed in the Study Area within the area mapped on SREP No. 8 as “sedgelands” (Figure 9) consisted of:

Sampling Description of vegetation Vegetation structure location Spot • This vegetation consisted of scattered A narrow row of location A regrowth shrubs, grasses, and herbs emergent vegetation growing between the dam edge and the on the raised dam dirt road running alongside the dam; batter. • Of the 15 species recorded, 9 were native including Acacia oxycedrus, Not a sedgeland as Lythrum hyssopifolia, Persicaria defined by Specht and praetermissa and Stephania japonica; Specht (2002). • 6 were exotic including Ageratina adenophora, Conyza albida, Paspalum urvillei and Sida rhombifolia; • No sedge species were recorded.

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Spot location A

Spot • a dense stand of Leptospermum Low open-forest up to location F polygalifolium with Banksia ericifolia and 6 m in height with B. serrata; moist fern dominated • an understorey of native species such understorey. as fern Calochlaena dubia and Gleichenia dicarpa, Cyperus Not a sedgeland as polystachyos, Gahnia clarkei, Imperata defined by Specht and cylindrica var. major and Sprengelia Specht 2002. incarnata; and • exotic species in the understorey such as Ageratina adenophora and Paspalum urvillei.

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Spot location F

Spot • fenced edge of Leptospermum Low open-forest location X juniperinum, Banksia oblongifolia and B. robur canopy; Not a sedgeland as • previously cleared area outside fence, defined by Specht and now dense regrowth of Phragmites Specht 2002. australis and weedy exotics such as Paspalum urvillei and Ageratina adenophora.

Spot location X

Spot • cleared edge of dense stand of Low open-forest with location Y Leptospermum polygalifolium and L. moist fern understorey juniperinum, with Banksia robur and Viminaria juncea also present Not a sedgeland as • Understorey dominated by Calochlaena defined by Specht and dubia, native shrubs recorded include Specht 2002. Epacris pulchella, Grevillea buxifolia, Sprengelia incarnata and Xanthorrhoea fulva

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Spot location Y

Spot • A small opening in scrub dominated by Open-scrub/Heathland location Z Leptospermum polygalifolium along drainage line with some sedges and Not a sedgeland as rushes evident. defined by Specht and • In much of this opening the weedy Specht 2002. species Isolepis prolifera, Cyperus polystachos (technically a native, but cosmopolitan and weedy) and Juncus cognatus were dominant. • There was one small area dominated by the tall native sedge Schoenoplectus validus, although this was being shaded out by the tea-trees.

Spot location Z

Based on the vegetation data and field observations, in terms of the structural formations defined by Specht and Specht (2002) (Table 1) the vegetation recorded in the sampling locations does not meet the criteria for sedgeland with:

Sampling location Structural formation (after Specht and Specht 2002) A Scattered shrubs, herbs and grasses at cleared edge of dam F Low open-forest X Low open-forest Y Low open-forest Z Open-scrub/Heathland Q1 Open-heathland

Under the Specht and Specht (2002) definition, none of the vegetation in the sampling locations would meet the criteria for sedgelands as all contain shrub species.

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4.5 Observations of Hanging Swamp in the Study Area

Two small patches of hanging swamp each approximately 10 m in diameter were observed on the hillside near the western boundary of the Study area by Tony Rodd, Nabil Abbas and Robin Meldrum on 25 February 2005. These patches were approximately 20 - 30 m in from the western boundary and approximately 30 - 50 m downhill from the grid surveying Hibbertia procumbens and Darwinia glaucophylla (Figure 9).

The hanging swamp patches were observed to occur in openings of Leptospermum juniperinum and L. polygalifolium scrub and were dominated by Gymnoschoenus sphaerocephalus (Button Grass), a characteristic species of the Blue Mountains hanging swamps.

Gymnoschoenus sphaerocephalus was not observed at any other location in the Study Area. Several species characteristic of hanging swamps were recorded in Spot locations on the formerly cleared drainage line (Spot locations X and Y), namely Banksia robur, Leptospermum juniperinum, Gleichenia dicarpa, Empodisma minus, Sprengelia incarnata, however none of these species is confined to hanging swamps. This habitat is highly degraded in most parts and is being invaded by weeds, principally Ageratina adenophora (Crofton Weed).

5.0 CONCLUSIONS

5.1 Threatened species conclusions

The endangered species Hibbertia procumbens was recorded at several locations in the Study area, including:

• 54 plants recorded in 11 of 80 grid squares (10 m x 10 m in size) in the west of the proposed quarry extension; • in several locations at the foot of the new dam wall and extending westward toward the property boundary, and in the area along the western property boundary beyond the west edge of the two deep lakes of the Stage 1 quarry; and • a total of 23 individuals to the north and west of the small dam on the western boundary of the Study Area, recorded along three one metre wide transects covering a total length of 250 metres.

The estimated population in the area where H. procumbens was recorded in the three transects was 278 to 530 individuals. The total number of plants present on the Site and the adjoining property is likely to be >300 individuals.

The vulnerable species Darwinia glaucophylla was recorded at several locations in the Study Area, including:

• 178 plants recorded in 27 of 80 grid squares (10 m x 10 m in size) in the west of the proposed quarry extension; • in several locations sampled, including on the flat sandstone outcrops at the south edge of the Stage 1 quarry, and the steep southern slope of the quarry; and • a total of 23 individuals within a 10 m x 10 m quadrat on a sandstone edge immediately to the southwest of the proposed quarry extension.

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5.2 Sedgeland conclusions

The vegetation sampled in Spot locations W, X, Y, Z, A and F and Quadrat 1 ranged in structure from open-heathland to low open-forest. None of the surveyed vegetation meets the criteria for sedgeland as defined by Specht and Specht (2002).

This vegetation was highly degraded due to former clearing and disturbance associated with agricultural activities, rubbish dumping and weed invasion, and as such is not considered to be of conservation significance.

5.3 Hanging Swamp conclusions

Two small patches of hanging swamp each approximately 10 m in diameter were observed on the hillside near the western boundary of the Study area, each dominated by Gymnoschoenus sphaerocephalus (Button Grass), a characteristic species of the Blue Mountains hanging swamps.

Gymnoschoenus sphaerocephalus was not observed at any other location in the Study Area. Several species characteristic of hanging swamps were recorded in Spot locations on the formerly cleared drainage line (Spot locations X and Y), however none of these species is confined to hanging swamps.

6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS

It is recommended that an eight part test be carried out to assess the impact of the proposed quarry extension on the endangered species Hibbertia procumbens and the vulnerable species Darwinia glaucophylla.

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References

Bell, S.A.J. (2002) Habitat of the Endangered Hibbertia procumbens (Labill.) DC (Dilleniaceae) from the Central Coast of New South Wales. The Victorian Naturalist 119 (2), 69-74.

Blue Mountains City Council (1989) Environmental Management Plan

Briggs J.D. and Leigh J.H. (1996) Rare or Threatened Australian Plants, CSIRO Publishing Australia

Clements A. and Stephens S. (1990) Flora and fauna of Lot 2, DP 229889 Calga, NSW. Unpublished report to R. W. Corkery & Co. Pty. Ltd.

Clements A. (2000) Rare plants on the Calga Sands Quarry, Peats Ridge Road, Calga. Unpublished report to R. W. Corkery & Co. Pty. Ltd

Gosford City Council webite http://www.gosford.nsw.gov.au/Information/Environment/StateofEnvironment/index.htm

Harden G. J. (1990-1993, 2002) Flora of New South Wales. University of New South Wales Press, Kensington.

NSW Legislation website http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/viewtop/inforce/act+101+1995+FIRST+0+N

NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service website http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/content/darwinia+glaucophylla+a+prostrate+shr ub+vulnerable+species+listing

PlantNET website http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi- bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Hibbertia~procumbens

Specht R. L. (1970) Vegetation. pp44-67. In: The Australian Environment. (Ed. G. W. Leeper) CSIRO and Melbourne University Press, Melbourne.

Specht R. L. (1981) Structural attributes – foliage projective cover and standing biomass. pp10-21. In: Vegetation Classification in the Australian Region. (eds A. N. Gillison and D. J. Anderson). CSIRO and Australian National University Press, Canberra.

Specht R., Specht A., Whelan M. and Hegarty E. (1995) Conservation Atlas of Plant Communities in Australia. Centre for Coastal Management, Southern Cross University, Lismore NSW.

Specht R. L. and Specht A. (2002) Australian Plant Communities: Dynamics of Structure, Growth and Biodiversity. Oxford University Press, Melbourne.

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APPENDIX 1

Final Determination of Hibbertia Procumbens

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animals ƒ Conserving biodiversity in NSW Hibbertia procumbens - endangered Related ƒ Native plants information & animals species listing ƒ ƒ Pests & other threats ƒ Bushfires ƒ Bioregions of Hibbertia procumbens (Labill.) DC. is listed as NSW ENDANGERED on the schedules of the NSW ƒ Rivers & wetlands Threatened Species Conservation Act. Two major ƒ Conservation sources were used in deciding to list the species at management the introduction of the Threatened Species plans & policies Conservation Act in 1995:

1. The Rare or Threatened Australian Plants (ROTAP) list

The ROTAP list identifies plants that are at risk nationally. It's the result of research by botanical experts, who started developing the list in 1979. A number of plant species on ROTAP have been listed as vulnerable, endangered or presumed extinct in the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act.

2. NPWS review of plants across the state

The NPWS developed a draft threatened plant list for NSW, using standardised risk assessment criteria. This project was used to:

• develop the initial plant listings for the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act • revise the assessment of several species that had been identified as rare or threatened in ROTAP.

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References Briggs, J. & Leigh, J. (1996) Rare or Threatened Australian Plants. CSIRO, Melbourne. Keith, D.A., Chalson, J.M. & Auld, T.D. (1997) Assessing the status of threatened plants: a new methodology and an application to the vascular flora of New South Wales. Final Report to Environment Australia, Endangered Species Program Project No. 450. More information This species was listed as endangered prior to the establishment of the NSW Scientific Committee in 1996. The Scientific Committee is now responsible for maintaining the schedules of the Threatened Species Conservation Act and listing new threatened species.

• Find out more about the Scientific Committee and the current threatened species listing process.

Copyright Department of Environment & Conservation (NSW) - Disclaimer - Privacy - Help Last amended: 16 December 2004.

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APPENDIX 2

Final Determination of Darwinia glaucophylla

Anne Clements & Associates Pty Ltd AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL A9 - 29 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 9

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You are here Home Page Nature & conservation Native plants & animals Threatened species Lists of threatened species Threatened species without recovery plan

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Sick, injured and orphaned native animals ƒ Conserving biodiversity in NSW Darwinia glaucophylla (a Related ƒ Native plants information & animals prostrate shrub) - vulnerable ƒ ƒ Pests & species listing other threats ƒ Bushfires ƒ Bioregions of NSW ƒ Rivers & NSW Scientific Committee - final wetlands determination ƒ Conservation management plans & The Scientific Committee, established by policies the Threatened Species Conservation Act, has made a Final Determination to list the prostrate shrub Darwinia glaucophylla B.G. Briggs as a VULNERABLE SPECIES in Schedule 2 of the Act. Listing of vulnerable species is provided for by Part 2 of the Act.

The Scientific Committee has found that:

1. Darwinia glaucophylla B.G. Briggs (family ) is described by P. G. Wilson in Harden, G. (ed.) 2002, Flora of New South Wales Vol. 2. Revised edition, University of NSW Press Sydney, page 222, as: Spreading, prostrate shrub with ascending branchlets to 15 cm high. Leaves laterally compressed, 8-17 mm long, glabrous, glaucous and often tinged red-purple. Flowers mostly in clusters of 2- 4; peduncles 1-1.5 mm long; bracts leaf- like, 8-12 mm long; bracteoles oblong, 4-6 mm long, red-brown. Hypanthium 7-8 mm long, 0.5-1.5 mm diam., with prominent

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2. Darwinia glaucophylla is a NSW endemic that is confined to the Gosford area, where it is currently known from some 15 sites. Several sites occur within or near Brisbane Water National Park and one site is just within the boundary of Popran National Park. It occurs in heaths and woodlands often in association with sandstone rock platforms. Hybrids with D. fascicularis are readily identifiable by their erect habit (Wilson 2002, cited above).

3. There is little detailed information on population abundance as individual plants are prostrate and may spread over several metres. The species is killed by fire and population numbers may fluctuate in relation to time since the last fire.

4. Threats to Darwinia glaucophylla include trail and track maintenance, weed invasion, increased sedimentation of sites, damage by recreational vehicle use and possibly too frequent fire.

In view of the above the Scientific Committee is of the opinion that Darwinia glaucophylla B.G. Briggs is likely to become endangered unless the circumstances and factors threatening its survival or evolutionary development cease to operate. Proposed Gazettal date: 13/12/02 Exhibition period: 13/12/02 – 31/01/03 About the NSW Scientific Committee Copyright Department of Environment & Conservation (NSW) - Disclaimer - Privacy - Help Last amended: 16 December 2004.

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Figure 1 The Study Area

Figure 2 NPWS Wildlife Atlas mapped distribution of Hibbertia procumbens

Figure 3 NPWS Wildlife Atlas mapped distribution of Darwinia glaucophylla

Figure 4 SREP 8 sedgelands in the Study Area

Figure 5 Abundance of Hibbertia procumbens on the 8000 m2 grid

Figure 6 Abundance of Darwinia glaucophylla on the 8000 m2 grid

Figure 7 Hibbertia procumbens recorded in the Study Area

Figure 8 Darwinia glaucophylla recorded in the Study Area

Figure 9 SREP 8 sedgeland sampling locations and approximate location of observed Hanging Swamp

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Anne Clements & Associates Pty Ltd AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 9

ANNE CLEMENTS & ASSOCIATES PTY. LIMITED (ABN 41 077 242 365, ACN 077-160-939) Environmental and Botanical Consultants PO Box 1623, North Sydney 2059 Phone: (02) 9955 9733, Facsimile: (02) 9957 4343 Email: [email protected]

4 March 2005

Target Flora Surveys and Assessment

for the

Proposed Calga Sand Quarry Extension

Part 2: Impact Assessment (including 8-part test)

Prepared for: R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty. Limited 75 Kite Street PO Box 80 ORANGE NSW 2800

On behalf of: Rocla Pty Ltd 72 Orchardleigh Street PO Box 36 GUILDFORD NSW 2161

Prepared by: Anne Clements & Associates Pty Limited PO Box 1623 NORTH SYDNEY NSW 2059

Tel: (02) 9955 3362 Fax: (02) 9957 4343 Email: [email protected]

Z:\Jobs 000 to 530\264\Reports\26424\Specialist Consultants\Flora\26424_Flora_Pt1_Pt2.doc

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Page

1.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 43

2.0 THE PROPOSAL...... 44

3.0 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACT 3.1 Hibbertia Procumbens ...... 44 3.1.1 Application Of The 8 Part Test For H. Procumbens...... 44 3.1.2 Conclusions From The 8 Part Test For Hibbertia Procumbens...... 46 3.2 Darwinia Glaucophylla...... 46 3.2.1 Application Of The 8 Part Test For Darwinia Glaucophylla...... 46 3.2.2 Conclusions From The 8 Part Test For Darwinia Glaucophylla ...... 48

4.0 SEDGELAND...... 48

5.0 HANGING SWAMP...... 48

6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS...... 49

REFERENCES...... 50

FIGURES

1. Proposed quarry extension ...... 61 2. Recommended quarry extension boundary with 20 m buffer from mapped Hibbertia procumbens population...... 62 3. Recommended quarry extension boundary in relation to Darwinia glaucophylla population and hanging swamp mapped on the Site ...... 62

APPENDICES

1. Distribution of Hibbertia procumbens (NPWS Wildlife Atlas) ...... 51 2. Distribution of Darwinia glaucophylla (NPWS Wildlife Atlas)...... 55

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

This document assesses the impact of the proposed Rocla Calga Quarry extension on:

• The endangered species Hibbertia procumbens; • The vulnerable species Darwinia glaucophylla; • SREP 8 sedgeland; and • Hanging Swamp.

From the flora assessment by Clements et al. (2005), it was concluded that:

• Hibbertia procumbens was recorded at several locations in the Study area, including:

o 54 plants recorded in 11 of 80 grid squares (10 m x 10 m in size) in the west of the proposed quarry extension; o in several locations at the foot of the new dam wall and extending westward toward the property boundary, and in the area along the western property boundary beyond the west edge of the two deep lakes of the Stage 1 quarry; and o a total of 23 individuals to the north and west of the small dam on the western boundary of the Study Area, recorded along three one metre wide transects covering a total length of 250 metres

The estimated population in the area where H. procumbens was recorded in the three transects was 278 to 530 individuals. The total number of plants present on the Site and the adjoining property is likely to be >300 individuals.

• Darwinia glaucophylla was recorded at several locations in the Study Area, including:

o 178 plants recorded in 27 of 80 grid squares (10 m x 10 m in size) in the west of the proposed quarry extension; o in several locations sampled, including on the flat sandstone outcrops at the south edge of the Stage 1 quarry, and the steep southern slope of the quarry; and o a total of 23 individuals within a 10 m x 10 m quadrat on a sandstone edge immediately to the southwest of the proposed quarry extension.

• Sedgeland - The sampled locations along the drainage line ranged in structure from open-heathland to open-forest. None of the surveyed vegetation meets the criteria for sedgeland as defined by Specht et al. (1995). The vegetation in the area on the Site mapped as “drainage line, watercourse, stream, wetland, swamp, dam – not available for cropping or grazing” on the SREP 8 map (see Figure 9 of Clements et al. 2005) was highly degraded due to former clearing, disturbance associated with agricultural activities, rubbish dumping and weed invasion, and is not considered to be of conservation significance.

• HANGING SWAMP - two small patches of hanging swamp each approximately 10 m in diameter were observed on the hillside near the western boundary of the study area. These patches were approximately 20 - 30 m in from the western boundary and approximately 30 - 50 m downhill from the grid surveying hibbertia procumbens and darwinia glaucophylla.

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Assessment of impact using 8 part test have been carried out for the two species listed under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, Hibbertia procumbens and Darwinia glaucophylla.

2.0 THE PROPOSAL

The proposal is to extract sand from the extension area (Figure 1), resulting on the removal of:

• At least 54 individuals of conservatively estimated >300 individuals of Hibbertia procumbens; • At least 178 individuals of larger number of individuals of Darwinia glaucophylla; • Vegetation along the drainage line ranging in structure from open-heathland to open- forest; • Two small areas of Hanging Swamp.

3.0 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACT

An 8 part test under Section 94 of the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act (1995) (TSC Act) is:

a statutory mechanism which allows decision makers to assess whether a proposed development or activity is likely to have a significant effect on threatened species, populations or ecological communities (NPWS November 1996).

If the application of the 8 part test reveals that a significant impact is likely then:

• a species impact statement (SIS) must be prepared and the concurrence of the Director- General of National Parks and Wildlife, or consultation with the Minister for the Environment is required; and/or • the proposal may be modified such that a significant effect on threatened species, populations or ecological communities, or their habitats is unlikely (NPWS November 1996).

3.1 Hibbertia procumbens

Hibbertia procumbens is described in Harden (2002) as: A prostrate shrub with +/- glabrous stems. Leaves linear to narrow-oblanceolate or slightly falcate, 15-20 mm long, ca 2 mm wide, apex acute, base tapering, margins entire, glabrous or almost so, glaucous, +/- flat. Flowers terminal, sessile. Sepals 10-15 mm long, glabrous. Petals 8-10 mm long. Stamens ca 20, surrounding carpels. Carpels generally 4, glabrous. Flowers mostly in summer. Rare in N.S.W., recorded only from Mangrove Mtn. In heath on sandy soils.

3.1.1 Application of the 8 part test for H. procumbens

(a) In the case of a threatened species, whether the lifecycle of a species is likely to be disrupted such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction.

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Hibbertia procumbens was recorded in the southwest of the proposed quarry extension and at locations along the western boundary of the existing quarry. The population extends into the neighbouring property to the west.

As such, it is unlikely that the proposed quarry extension will disrupt the life cycle of the species such that the local population of H. procumbens is likely to be placed at risk of extinction.

(b) In the case of an endangered population, whether the lifecycle of the species that constitutes the endangered population is likely to be disrupted such that the viability of the population is likely to be significantly compromised.

N/A. There are no listed endangered populations of Hibbertia procumbens in the Gosford LGA.

(c) In relation to the regional distribution of the habitat of the threatened species, population or ecological community, whether a significant area of known habitat is to be removed or modified.

The proposed development will remove approximately 8977 m2 (9816 m2 - area of new dam) in the proposed extraction area with at least 1325 m2 of estimated habitat not affected by the proposed extraction.

Depending on genetic diversity of individuals in the area to be removed, the removal of habitat of Hibbertia procumbens may significantly affect a significant area of known habitat.

(d) Whether an area of known habitat is likely to become isolated from currently interconnecting or proximate areas of habitat for a threatened species, population or ecological community.

The proposal would remove at least 54 individuals and approximately 8977 m2 of known or potential habitat of Hibbertia procumbens. The proposed extraction would remove the eastern most known individuals in the Study Area.

(e) Whether critical habitat will be affected.

No. No critical habitat has been declared under the TSC Act.

(f) Whether a threatened species, population or ecological community, or their habitats, are adequately represented in conservation reserves (or other similar protected areas) in the region.

A search of the NPWS Wildlife Atlas (www.wildlifeatlas.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au searched 4 March 2005) indicated one recorded location of H. procumbens in Brisbane Water National Park.

It is unknown whether H. procumbens is adequately conserved in Brisbane Water National Park.

(g) Whether the development or activity proposed is a class of development or activity that is recognised as a threatening process.

The clearing of native vegetation (gazetted 21 September 2001) is listed as a Key Threatening Process on Schedule 3 of the TSC Act.

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The proposed development will involve clearing of native vegetation.

(h) Whether any threatened species, population or ecological community is at the limit of its known distribution.

The limits of the known distribution of H. procumbens are:

• southern limit: Mount White; • northern and western limits: approximately 10 km northwest of Kulnura; and • eastern limit: Niagara Park. • (NPWS Wildlife Atlas, accessed 4.3.05).

This equates to a north-south range of approximately 28 km and an east-west range of about 21 km (Appendix 1, NPWS 2000).

3.1.2 Conclusions from the 8 part test for Hibbertia procumbens

Hibbertia procumbens is an endangered species. In recent surveys it was found that Hibbertia procumbens is locally fairly common in the Peats Ridge area, between Kulnura, Calga and Kariong, especially on recently cleared land (Robert Payne, personal communication, 2 March 2005).

From application of the 8 part test it is concluded that the proposed extension of Rocla Calga Quarry is likely to significantly adversely impact Hibbertia procumbens on the Site.

It is recommended that the approximately 8977 m2 of known or potential habitat of Hibbertia procumbens, plus a 20 m buffer upslope be excluded from the proposed extraction area.

3.2 Darwinia glaucophylla

Darwinia glaucophylla is described in Harden (2002) as:

Spreading, prostrate shrub with ascending branchlets to 15 cm high. Leaves laterally compressed, 8-17 mm long, glabrous, glaucous and often tinged red- purple. Flowers mostly in clusters of 2-4; peduncles 1-1.5 mm long; bracts leaf-like, 8-12 mm long; bracteoles oblong, 4-6 mm long, red-brown. Hypanthium 7-8 mm long, 0.5-1.5 mm diam., with prominent ribs. Sepals triangular, £ 0.5 mm long, entire or toothed; much shorter than petals. Style straight, 12-16 mm long, white. Flowering in winter-spring. Grows in heath on shallow soils; confined to the Gosford district, rare.

3.2.1 Application of the 8 part test for Darwinia glaucophylla

(a) In the case of a threatened species, whether the lifecycle of a species is likely to be disrupted such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction.

The proposal results in the removal of at least 178 individuals of Darwinia glaucophylla. The individuals were recorded in the proposed extension area appear to have recently colonised the disturbed area adjoining the new dam.

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Populations were also recorded outside the southwest boundary of the proposed extension area, and on the sandstone outcrops on the southern boundary of the existing quarry. Although fairly abundant, the plants recorded in the latter location were all mature and many of them rather senescent, with no sign of recruitment of new plants.

The proposed quarry extension is likely to disrupt the life cycle of the newly colonising individuals adjoining the newly constructed dam.

From previous observation on the Calga Quarry site of D. glaucophylla colonising newly disturbed sandstone area and relatively unvegetated sandstone surfaces, it is considered that the proposed quarry extension is unlikely to place D. glaucophylla at risk of extinction within the Calga area.

(b) In the case of an endangered population, whether the lifecycle of the species that constitutes the endangered population is likely to be disrupted such that the viability of the population is likely to be significantly compromised.

N/A. There are no listed endangered populations of Darwinia glaucophylla in the Gosford LGA.

(c) In relation to the regional distribution of the habitat of the threatened species, population or ecological community, whether a significant area of known habitat is to be removed or modified.

The proposed development will remove approximately 6693 m2 of known and potential D. glaucophylla habitat from the Site.

It is unlikely that a significant area of known habitat is to be removed or modified.

(d) Whether an area of known habitat is likely to become isolated from currently interconnecting or proximate areas of habitat for a threatened species, population or ecological community.

The occurrence of the species is on disturbed areas adjoining the newly constructed dam with grazing paddock upslope and extensive use of fertiliser and grazing to the north on the Lawler property. The proposal is not likely to result in the known habitat of D. glaucophylla becoming isolated from currently interconnecting potential habitat downslope.

(e) Whether critical habitat will be affected.

No. No critical habitat has been declared under the TSC Act.

(f) Whether a threatened species, population or ecological community, or their habitats, are adequately represented in conservation reserves (or other similar protected areas) in the region.

Several sites occur within or near Brisbane Water National Park and one site is just within the boundary of Popran National Park (NPWS Vulnerable Species listing, 2002).

A search of the NPWS Wildlife Atlas (www.wildlifeatlas.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au searched February 2005) indicated that D. glaucophylla has been recorded in ten locations in Brisbane Water National Park and in three locations in Popran National Park.

It is represented in conservation reserves in the region.

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(g) Whether the development or activity proposed is a class of development or activity that is recognised as a threatening process.

The clearing of native vegetation (gazetted 21 September 2001) is listed as a Key Threatening Process on Schedule 3 of the TSC Act.

The proposed development will involve clearing of native vegetation.

(h) Whether any threatened species, population or ecological community is at the limit of its known distribution.

The limits of the known distribution of D. glaucophylla (NPWS Wildlife Atlas, accessed 4.3.05) are: southern limit: approximately 2 km north of Patonga; northern limit: Belltrees, approximately 3 km north of Kariong; eastern limit: approximately 4 km west of Narara; and western limit: approximately 1km southeast of Mount White.

This equates to a north-south range of approximately 13 km and an east-west range of approximately 10 km (Appendix 2, NPWS 2000).

3.2.2 Conclusions from the 8 part test for Darwinia glaucophylla

Darwinia glaucophylla in the proposed quarry extension appear to be newly colonising individuals of the disturbed area associated with construction of the new dam. The other individuals observed in the study area were mature individuals with little evidence of new colonisation.

From application of the 8 part test it is concluded that the proposed extension of Rocla Calga Quarry is likely to significantly adversely impact the newly colonising individuals of Darwinia glaucophylla adjoining the new dam, but not likely to significant adversely impact the survival of Darwinia glaucophylla.

4.0 SEDGELAND

The proposed quarry extension will not clear any areas of sedgeland. The vegetation in the area on the Site mapped as “drainage line, watercourse, stream, wetland, swamp, dam – not available for cropping or grazing” on the SREP 8 map (see Figure 9 of Clements et al. 2005) ranged in structure from open-heathland to open-forest. This vegetation was highly degraded due to former clearing, disturbance associated with agricultural activities, rubbish dumping and weed invasion, and is not considered to be of conservation significance.

5.0 HANGING SWAMP

Two small areas of Hanging Swamp would be removed by the proposed extraction.

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6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS

Hibbertia procumbens is an endangered species with currently little known about the species. Despite being recorded locally fairly commonly in the Peats Ridge area, between Kulnura, Calga and Kariong in recent surveys, it is recommended that the approximately 8977 m2 of known or potential habitat of Hibbertia procumbens, plus a 20 m buffer upslope be excluded from the proposed extraction area (Figure 2).

It is recommended that the fertiliser use and exotic grass application in the adjoining paddock be ceased as it is likely to adversely affect the survival of Hibbertia procumbens.

Retaining this area until more is known about the species, will result in the retention of the Darwinia glaucophylla and hanging swamp in the proposed extraction area (Figure 3).

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REFERENCES

Clements A., Rodd T., Abbas N., Horton B. and McDonald A. (2005) Targeted flora surveys and assessment: On and adjoining the Rocla Sand Quarry, Calga. Prepared for R. W. Corkery and Co. Pty Limited.

Harden G. J. (1990-1993, 2002) Flora of New South Wales. University of New South Wales Press, Kensington.

NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act (1995) NSW Legislation website http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/viewtop/inforce/act+101+1995+FIRST+0+N

NPWS Vulnerable Species listing (2002) NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service website http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/content/darwinia+glaucophylla+a+prostr ate+shrub+vulnerable+species+listing

NPWS Wildlife Atlas www.wildlifeatlas.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

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APPENDIX 1

Final Determination of Hibbertia Procumbens

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Botanic Gardens Trust Environment Protection Authority National Parks and Wildlife Service Resource NSW

You are here Home Page Nature & conservation Native plants & animals Threatened species Lists of threatened species Threatened species without recovery plan

Search for a species Native animal fact sheets Threatened species Animal and plant surveys Keeping native animals as pets Living with wildlife Print this page Sick, injured and orphaned native animals

ƒ Conserving Hibbertia procumbens - endangered species biodiversity in NSW listing Related ƒ Native plants & information animals ƒ ƒ Pests & other threats Hibbertia procumbens (Labill.) DC. is listed as ENDANGERED ƒ Bushfires on the schedules of the NSW Threatened Species ƒ Bioregions of NSW Conservation Act. Two major sources were used in deciding to ƒ Rivers & list the species at the introduction of the Threatened Species wetlands Conservation Act in 1995: ƒ Conservation management plans & 1. The Rare or Threatened Australian Plants (ROTAP) list policies The ROTAP list identifies plants that are at risk nationally. It's the result of research by botanical experts, who started developing the list in 1979. A number of plant species on ROTAP have been listed as vulnerable, endangered or presumed extinct in the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act.

2. NPWS review of plants across the state

The NPWS developed a draft threatened plant list for NSW, using standardised risk assessment criteria. This project was used to:

• develop the initial plant listings for the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act • revise the assessment of several species that had been identified as rare or threatened in ROTAP.

References Briggs, J. & Leigh, J. (1996) Rare or Threatened Australian Plants. CSIRO, Melbourne. Keith, D.A., Chalson, J.M. & Auld, T.D. (1997) Assessing the status of threatened plants: a new methodology and an

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application to the vascular flora of New South Wales. Final Report to Environment Australia, Endangered Species Program Project No. 450. More information This species was listed as endangered prior to the establishment of the NSW Scientific Committee in 1996. The Scientific Committee is now responsible for maintaining the schedules of the Threatened Species Conservation Act and listing new threatened species.

• Find out more about the Scientific Committee and the current threatened species listing process.

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APPENDIX 2

Final Determination of Darwinia glaucophylla

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Botanic Gardens Trust Environment Protection Authority National Parks and Wildlife Service Resource NSW

You are here Home Page Nature & conservation Native plants & animals Threatened species Lists of threatened species Threatened species without recovery plan

Search for a species Native animal fact sheets Threatened species Animal and plant surveys Keeping native animals as pets Living with Print this page wildlife Sick, injured and orphaned native animals

ƒ Conserving Darwinia glaucophylla (a prostrate shrub) - biodiversity in Related NSW vulnerable species listing information ƒ Native plants & ƒ animals ƒ Pests & other threats NSW Scientific Committee - final determination ƒ Bushfires

ƒ Bioregions of NSW The Scientific Committee, established by the Threatened ƒ Rivers & Species Conservation Act, has made a Final Determination wetlands to list the prostrate shrub Darwinia glaucophylla B.G. Briggs ƒ Conservation management as a VULNERABLE SPECIES in Schedule 2 of the Act. plans & Listing of vulnerable species is provided for by Part 2 of the policies Act.

The Scientific Committee has found that:

1. Darwinia glaucophylla B.G. Briggs (family Myrtaceae) is described by P. G. Wilson in Harden, G. (ed.) 2002, Flora of New South Wales Vol. 2. Revised edition, University of NSW Press Sydney, page 222, as: Spreading, prostrate shrub with ascending branchlets to 15 cm high. Leaves laterally compressed, 8-17 mm long, glabrous, glaucous and often tinged red-purple. Flowers mostly in clusters of 2-4; peduncles 1-1.5 mm long; bracts leaf-like, 8-12 mm long; bracteoles oblong, 4-6 mm long, red-brown. Hypanthium 7-8 mm long, 0.5-1.5 mm diam., with prominent ribs. Sepals triangular, ≤ 0.5 mm long, entire or toothed; much shorter than petals. Style straight, 12-16 mm long, white. Flowers winter and spring.

2. Darwinia glaucophylla is a NSW endemic that is confined to the Gosford area, where it is currently known from some 15 sites. Several sites occur within or near Brisbane Water National Park and one site is just within the boundary of Popran National Park. It occurs in heaths and woodlands often in association with sandstone rock platforms. Hybrids

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with D. fascicularis are readily identifiable by their erect habit (Wilson 2002, cited above).

3. There is little detailed information on population abundance as individual plants are prostrate and may spread over several metres. The species is killed by fire and population numbers may fluctuate in relation to time since the last fire.

4. Threats to Darwinia glaucophylla include trail and track maintenance, weed invasion, increased sedimentation of sites, damage by recreational vehicle use and possibly too frequent fire.

In view of the above the Scientific Committee is of the opinion that Darwinia glaucophylla B.G. Briggs is likely to become endangered unless the circumstances and factors threatening its survival or evolutionary development cease to operate.

Proposed Gazettal date: 13/12/02

Exhibition period: 13/12/02 – 31/01/03

About the NSW Scientific Committee

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FIGURES

1. Proposed quarry extension

2. Recommended quarry extension boundary with 20 m buffer from mapped Hibbertia procumbens population

3. Recommended quarry extension boundary in relation to Darwinia glaucophylla population and hanging swamp mapped on the Site

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Anne Clements & Associates Pty Ltd AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 10

Annexure 10

Abel Ecology Red-crowned Toadlet Survey and Assessment for Rocla Materials Pty Ltd for the Proposed Calga Sand Quarry Extension Ref 1 Rocla report 2 March 2005

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL A10 - 1 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 10

Red-crowned Toadlet Survey and Assessment

for

Rocla Materials Pty Ltd

Proposed Calga Sand Quarry Extension

Date: 3 March 2005

Prepared for: RW Corkery & Co Pty Ltd

On behalf of: Rocla Materials Pty Ltd

Prepared by: Dr Karen Thumm Abel Ecology

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...... 5

2. INTRODUCTION...... 5

3. METHODOLOGY...... 5

4. RESULTS ...... 8 4.1 Weather...... 8 4.2 Habitat ...... 8 4.2.1 Geology...... 8 4.2.2 Soils ...... 8 4.2.3 Vegetation...... 8 4.3 Habitat assessment ...... 8 4.4 Frogs ...... 10 4.4.1 Prior Records for Red-crowned Toadlets...... 10 4.4.2 Red-crowned Toadlet Survey Results ...... 10

5. EIGHT-PART TEST FOR RED-CROWNED TOADLET PSEUDOPHRYNE AUSTRALIS ...... 10 5.1 Species Profile for Red-crowned Toadlet Pseudophryne australis ...... 10 5.2 Eight Part Test for Red-crowned Toadlet Pseudophryne australis ...... 12

6. REFERENCES...... 14

TABLE OF FIGURES

Figure 1 Red-crowned Toadlet Records within 5km of the study site...... 6 Figure 2 Proposal Quarry Extension Layout ...... 7

© Blue Mountain Wilderness Services Pty Ltd, 2005 AD

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

A habitat assessment and survey for the Red-crowned Toadlet, Pseudophryne australis, was carried out for the Proposed Calga Sand Quarry Extension on the 19th and 20th of February 2005. Surveying was carried out on two days/nights, and no Red-crowned Toadlets were found. There are records for this frog species for this area. Although the rounded plateau habitats are not typical for this species, they are recorded in similar habitats in the Somersby Industrial Area five km to the east of the Calga Sand Quarry. Much of the Project Site is disturbed, with remnant vegetation often weed infested or previously cleared. Areas with remnants of native vegetation were surveyed and consideration was taken of their condition. Although it is not possible to prove the absence of any species, it is unlikely that Red-crowned Toadlets are using the site. Red-crowned Toadlets were not heard calling, although there had been lots of rain, and the weather was warm enough for activity. Care should be taken that the quarry extension does not impact on the sandstone gully to the south west of the site, as this is the most likely habitat for the species.

This report includes an Eight-part Test for this species which concludes no significant effect is anticipated from the proposed development.

1 INTRODUCTION

Rocla Materials Pty Ltd commissioned a Specialist Consultant Study to be prepared on the Red-crowned Toadlet, Pseudophryne australis, for the proposed sand quarry extension at Calga. DIPNR requested a survey and an assessment of potential Red-crowned Toadlet habitat following a report from someone who had informed DIPNR that they thought they had heard the calls of this frog, which is listed in the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 as Vulnerable. It was not clear where the calls were heard, but the assumption was that it was ‘above the dam’. Which dam was not specified. A previous fauna report by Countrywide Ecological Services, written in 2004, had not found this species on site.

2 METHODOLOGY

The methods used for this study adhere to those methods outlined by the author in a report presented to NPWS in 1997 on Red-crowned Toadlet surveys (Thumm 1997). Summarised, the areas (designated in the report by Countrywide Ecological Services – see Figure 1) as H2 and H2A, the area around H4 and H3, and the vegetated ditches in H2 were traversed during daylight hours, and an assessment was made of potential habitat for Red-crowned Toadlets. Particular note was made of topographical features, of vegetation quality and type, of ephemeral water bodies and of geological and soil features which indicate the possibility of Red-crowned Toadlet habitat. This was carried out on two occasions (on the 19th and 20th of February 2005). Following the habitat searches on each day, those areas which were considered to be potential habitat for this species were surveyed after dark in order to listen for calls.

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280000

6299000

Figure 1 – Red-crowned Toadlet Records within 5km of the study site

Study site Scale: grid square = 1km

Key Red-crowned Toadlet

Topographic maps used by permission;  Land and Property Information NSW. 1 Prince Albert Rd, Queen’s Square, Sydney 2001 NSW. (Combining the Land Information Centre, Land Titles Office and Valuer General’s Office www.lpi.gov.au. Gunderma 9131-3S, Second edition.

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Figure 2 – Proposal Quarry Extension Layout

Key

Survey Section 1 Survey Section 4

Survey Section 2 Survey Section 5

Survey Section 3

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3 RESULTS

3.1 WEATHER

Weather conditions affect frog activity. Weather conditions on the two evenings during which surveying took place were conducive to Red-crowned Toadlet activity. The 19th of February was characterised by electrical storms and heavy rain. During the survey on the 20th of February, the ground was sodden and many areas were waterlogged. It was still raining most of the evening and there were more electrical storms. It was 21ºC at the beginning of the survey. The temperature dropped to 17ºC by the end of the survey. There was 100% cloud cover. These conditions were suitable for calling activity in this species.

3.2 HABITAT

3.2.1 Geology

The geology of the Calga area is dominated by Triassic sandstones, with the tops of some ridges covered in Wianamatta Shale and the slopes below comprising Hawkesbury Sandstone. The interfaces between these layers often contain lateritic rock. This was evident in some parts of H2 and H2A. These areas are often favoured by Red-crowned Toadlets.

3.2.2 Soils

The soils in this area belong to the Somersby Landscape. They are typical of the plateau areas around Somersby and are characterised by moderately deep to deep Yellow Earths and Earthy Sands on crest and slopes with Grey Earths in poorly drained areas and Leached Sands and Siliceous Sands along drainage lines. Rock outcrops are rare. Red-crowned Toadlets are found on Somersby soils in the Somersby Industrial area approximately five km to the east of the Calga Sand Quarry. Their presence on the plateau, rather than lower down the topography is unusual. North of Sydney, they are more likely to be found below sandstone cliff areas or benches, such as on the very western limit of the Project Site.

3.2.3 Vegetation

Much of the native vegetation is absent or very degraded on the Project Site. However, sections of H2 and H2A had native vegetation communities which are typical of Red-crowned Toadlet sites. This native vegetation was often present only as remnants or as weed-infested remnants. Some of the weeds, e.g. Crofton Weed, indicated that the water flowing through the depressions or ditches on the site may contain nutrients. Honeysuckle infestation indicated that the areas are generally moist. Degraded vegetation is unusual in Red-crowned Toadlet sites.

3.3 HABITAT ASSESSMENT

The areas of H2 and H2A, the area around H4, H3, and the vegetated ditches in H2 were all surveyed. For convenience these areas have been divided into five sections according to similarity of habitat (see Figure 2).

1. Area north and west of the new dam between H2 and H2A.

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The vegetation in this area has been recently removed and is growing back. There are piles of vegetation stockpiled as well as some rubbish. This section is typified by remnant Angophora costata, Eucalyptus punctata, Hakea teretifolia, Gahnia sp., Gleichenia sp., Leptospermum polygalifolium, Viminaria juncea, Schoenus brevifolius, Bauera rubiodes, and Juncus usitatus. These are plants typical of very wet areas with impeded flows.

Below this thinned area, the vegetation thickens towards the fence. Close to the fence line there are a few shallow drainage lines. Trees are typically about 20 m high. There are Gymea lilies and Banksia oblongifolia in this area. Within these drainage lines there are crayfish burrows, indicating that they are frequently moist. These drainage lines are not weed infested and are potential habitat for Red-crowned Toadlets.

2. South along the fence line on the western side.

The continuation along the fence line from Area 1 above leads to an area which is more typical of Red-crowned Toadlets than most of the Project Site. Here there is a large sandstone escarpment with Angophora costata and Gymea lilies and Gahnia in the drainage lines. This area is apparently outside the extension area for the quarry. The main creek line through this escarpment appeared to be too wet for Red-crowned Toadlets as it was dominated by Callicoma serratifolia.

3. The area to the east and north of the new dam in H2.

The western side of the fence in this area is also suitable for Red-crowned Toadlets. There are parts of this section dominated by Coral Fern under a tall Leptospermum layer. The presence of Phragmites in the more open sections, however, indicates that the water is too permanent in this section for Red-crowned Toadlets.

4. The narrow vegetated ditches within the open areas of H2.

These areas are unlikely to be suitable for Red-crowned Toadlets, as they are so high on the plateau and are in a degraded state. These ditches were generally only 4 or 5 metres wide and had many non-native Pine and Camphor Laurel trees. There were small numbers of shrubs such as Kunzea and Leptospermum, but the ground covers consisted predominantly of weeds.

5. The area to the east of the fence line in Section H2 and to the west of H4.

These areas may have suitable habitat for the Red-crowned Toadlet, in particular towards the northern part of this area. To the south, there are thickets of Pines. On the northern side, there are some ditches and remnant native vegetation, consisting of Angophora costata, Eucalyptus gummifera, Persoonia, Banksia serrata, Hakea, Leptospermum, Lambertia formosa and Kunzea. This vegetation is relatively intact, but the ditches within this area are infested with Honeysuckle, Catoneaster and Crofton Weed.

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3.4 FROGS

Crinia signifera, the Common Eastern Froglet, were heard calling from areas 1, 2, 3 and 5. It is very likely that it was the call of Crinia signifera which was confused with the call of the Red- crowned Toadlet. This frog species can utilise many different types of water bodies.

Limnodynastes peronii, the Eastern Striped Marsh Frog, was heard in Area 1 to the west of the new dam, inhabiting the depressions caused by the movement of vehicles from vegetation clearing.

Both Crinia signifera and Limnodynastes peronii were heard in the H4 dam as well as two other species, Litoria latopalmata, the Broad-palmed Frog and one of the Uperoleia (Toadlet) species.

3.4.1 Prior Records for Red-crowned Toadlets

There are five previous records within five kilometres of the Project Site listed in the NSW NPWS Wildlife Atlas records. The closest record is within Brisbane Water National Park about 2 km north-east of the quarry (see Figure 2).

3.4.2 Red-crowned Toadlet Survey Results

No Pseudophryne australis, the Red-crowned Toadlet, were heard during the surveys in any of areas 1 – 5.

4 EIGHT-PART TEST FOR RED-CROWNED TOADLET PSEUDOPHRYNE AUSTRALIS

4.1 SPECIES PROFILE FOR RED-CROWNED TOADLET PSEUDOPHRYNE AUSTRALIS

Reasons for Listing Schedule 2 Vulnerable (TSC Act 1995). Population suspected to be reduced; distribution reduced; threatening processes moderate; ecological specialist.

General Species Information The Red-crowned Toadlet is a frog of the Family Myobatrachidae, and the Genus Pseudophryne, meaning false toad (Robinson, 1994).

The Red-crowned Toadlet is approximately twenty-five to thirty millimetres in size. It is usually dark brown or grey with a red triangle on the head, and a red stripe up the lower back. Often there are red spots on its back. The underside is marbled white and black (Robinson 1994).

Regional Distribution of the Habitat of the Species The habitat of the Red-crowned Toadlet is restricted to the Hawkesbury Sandstone of the Sydney Basin. This formation extends in an approximate semi-circle around Sydney, with a maximum radius of 120 km, and is bounded by Pokolbin in the north, Mount Victoria in the west and Barren Grounds in the south (Thumm 1996).

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The Red-crowned Toadlet is most commonly found breeding in escarpment areas in the talus slope below the first sandstone bench in woodland, open forest or heath. They are generally found on the edges of temporary creeks, in moist areas and under logs (Thumm 1996). In the past, Red-crowned Toadlets were commonly found under bush rock on the ridge tops, but this is now infrequent, as bush rock has been removed from large parts of the Sydney bushland for landscaping purposes. Bush rock removal has been listed as a ‘Threatening Process’ under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.

The ephemeral creeks used as breeding sites are located near the sandstone ridges, and are characterised by shallow pooling in the channels after rain. The channels are lined with dense grasses, ferns and low shrubs. The moist leaf litter usually piles up at obstructions on the water course, such as fallen logs and branches. It is these piles of leaf litter and the grassy edges that are the preferred nest sites for the male, and therefore become the main breeding ground (Thumm 1996). The sandy soils in these talus slopes are often influenced by clay which is derived from the shale lenses within the sandstone. These more clayey soils may impede the drainage of water and assist the retention of moisture around the eggs.

In the case of the Red-crowned Toadlet, and most other frogs, different stages in its life cycle occupy different microhabitats. This increases its vulnerability because there are more possible effects from human and natural activity. In this case however, the main threats to its habitat are considered to be human threats.

Threatening Processes The main human threats to the frog occur in five categories: Urban development, Water quality, Roadworks, Fire hazard reduction burning, and Bush rock collection (Thumm 1996).

This frog shows no tolerance to vegetation clearance as their life cycle depends on the use of vegetation. Most urban development occurs along ridgelines, which removes important areas of Red-crowned Toadlet habitat (Thumm 1996). The removal of vegetation reduces the litter accumulation, which reduces their protection and nest availability. Drainage lines are affected, and are often turned into storm water drains. This increase in water flow decreases the litter build up.

The water quality of streams often decreases with the onset of urbanisation. This pollution has deleterious effects on the tadpoles and adults, as most of the frog’s life cycle relies on water (Thumm 1996).

New roadworks also alter drainage patterns. In most cases, this increases the water flow and therefore decreases the litter build up. The sealing of roadside drainage stops the pooling of water and also the tadpole development. The use of spray bitumen pollutes the drainage lines, decreasing the water quality (Thumm 1996). Siltation control fences associated with new roads prevent leaf litter accumulation downstream, and also can prevent the dispersal of tadpoles and adult frogs.

Fire hazard reduction burning can remove litter required for egg development (Thumm 1996). A management plan that provides for burns to leave a buffer around the watercourse unburned would be acceptable for a range of reasons apart from this.

Bush rock collection removes some of the shelter sites for the frog, again increasing its vulnerability (Thumm 1996).

The last threat is the roadside use of herbicides for weed control. This can have very serious impacts on the developing tadpoles and adult frogs downstream. This may be due to toxicity

Abel Ecology ROCLA PTY LIMITED A10 - 12 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension Annexure 10 of the herbicide, or of the detergent wetting agents used as dispersants for the herbicide (Thumm 1996).

Recommendations Conserving the Red-crowned Toadlet would involve avoiding the threats or, if that is not possible, minimising the threats through actions such as the following. a) Construction of new roads should involve a survey for their presence and if found, threats to the species should be reduced or the road should not be constructed. b) No roadside drainage should be blocked in catchment areas. c) No spray bitumen or blue metal should be used in sandstone areas of potential habitat. d) Siltation control fences should only be temporarily used, until they can be replaced with improved measures such as revegetation. This means the silt is stable, and the tadpoles and adults of this species can still disperse. e) The use of herbicides to control weeds is potentially very damaging, and should be completely avoided. f) The improvement of Red-crowned Toadlet sites in developed areas should only occur after a guarantee of scientific monitoring for roughly ten years, to assess the impact. This includes pre-development and post-development monitoring.

References

Robinson, M. (1994). A Field Guide to Frogs of Australia. Reed Books, Chatswood. Ehmann, H. (1996) (Ed) Overview Chapter. Pages 13 -42 in Threatened Frogs of New South Wales: Habitats, Status and Conservation. Ed Harald Ehmann, published by Frog and Tadpole Study Group of NSW Inc, PO Box A2405, Sydney South 2000. Thumm, K. and Malony, M. (1996). 13. The Red-crowned Toadlet, Pseudophryne australis: Pp 124-135 in Threatened Frogs of New South Wales: Habitats, Status and Conservation. Ed. Harald Ehmann, published by the Frog and Tadpole Study Group of NSW, South Sydney.

4.2 EIGHT-PART TEST FOR RED-CROWNED TOADLET PSEUDOPHRYNE AUSTRALIS a) in the case of a threatened species, whether the life cycle of the species is likely to be disrupted such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction, No. This development is unlikely to lead to local extinction of this species. Red-crowned Toadlets were not found on the site. Habitats with remnant vegetation on the site were degraded, and unlikely to support Red-crowned Toadlets. The effect will not be significant; b) in the case of an endangered population, whether the life cycle of the species that constitutes the endangered population is likely to be disrupted such that the viability of the population is likely to be significantly compromised, Not applicable. This test is for a threatened species; c) in relation to the regional distribution of the habitat of a threatened species, population or ecological community, whether a significant area of known habitat is to be modified or removed, No. No Red-crowned Toadlets were found on the site. Potential habitats for this species on the site are degraded and it is not considered likely that Red-crowned Toadlets are supported by these remnants;

Abel Ecology AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL A10 - 13 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 10 d) whether an area of known habitat is likely to become isolated from currently interconnecting or proximate areas of habitat for a threatened species, population or ecological community, No. The remnant vegetation is already, to a large extent, itself isolated from natural bushland as it is located between the existing quarry and the areas which were previously orchards. One of the parts to be removed is at present on the edge of bushland, but this will not isolate the remaining bushland from any other natural areas; e) whether critical habitat will be affected, No. Critical habitat for this species has not been declared; f) whether a threatened species, population or ecological community, or their habitats are adequately represented in conservation reserves (or similar protected areas) in the region, No. This species is inadequately represented in protected areas. This species is, however, found in Blue Mountains, Bouddi, Brisbane Water, Dharug, Garigal, Heathcote, Ku-ring-gai Chase, Lane Cove, Marramarra, Morton, Popran, Royal, Sydney Harbour, Wollemi & Yengo National Parks; Barren Grounds, Muogamarra, & Nattai NRs; Bargo, Dharawal & Parr State Recreation Areas; g) whether the development or activity proposed is of a class of development or activity that is recognised as a threatening process, Yes. The proposed quarry will require the ‘Clearing of native vegetation’ which is a Key Threatening Processes relevant to this species. It is listed under the Threatened Species Conservation Act, 1995 and the Commonwealth’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act, 1999. However, no Red-crowned Toadlets are likely to be adversely impacted by the proposal as no Red-crowned Toadlets were found on the site. h) whether any threatened species, population or ecological community is at the limit of its known distribution.” No. Although the distribution is limited, this species has been found to the east in Ku-ring-gai Chase NP, Pokolbin in the north, Mount Victoria in the west and Barren Grounds in the south.

Conclusion No significant effect is anticipated from the proposed development. Therefore a Species Impact Statement is not recommended.

Abel Ecology ROCLA PTY LIMITED A10 - 14 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension Annexure 10

5 REFERENCES

Robinson, M. (1994). A Field Guide to Frogs of Australia. Reed Books, Chatswood.

Swan, G., Thumm, K., and Recsei, J. 2004. Reptiles. In: A Guide to Berowra Valley Regional Park. Friends of Berowra Valley Regional Park. Pp. 101-103.

Thumm, K. (1996) 13. The Red-crowned Toadlet, Pseudophryne australis: Pages 143-156 in Threatened Frogs of New South Wales: Habitats, Status and Conservation. Ed. Harald Ehmann, published by the Frog and Tadpole Study Group of NSW Inc, PO Box A2405, Sydney South 2000.

Thumm, K. (1997) The Red-crowned Toadlet Pseudophryne australis: Microhabitat profile, life history, management issues and survey techniques. Report for NPWS. Pp.. 1 – 69.

Thumm K. and M. Mahony. (1999) Loss and degradation of Red-crowned Toadlet habitat in the Sydney region. In ‘Declines and Disappearances of Australian Frogs’. (Ed. A. Campbell) pp. 99–108. Environment Australia, Canberra.

Thumm K. and M. Mahony. (2002) Evidence for continuous iteroparity in a temperate-zone frog, the Red-crowned Toadlet, Pseudophryne australis (Anura: Myobatrachidae) Australian Journal of Zoology, Vol 50, pp. 151-167.

Thumm K. and M. Mahony. (2002) Hatching dynamics and bet-hedging in a temperate frog, Pseudophryne australis (Anura: Myobatrachidae) Amphibia-Reptilia, Vol 23/4, pp. 433- 444.

Thumm K. and M. Mahony. (2005) Is variable egg size the proximate cause of diversified bet- hedging in the hatching dynamics of the Red-crowned Toadlet (Pseudophryne australis) (Anura: Myobatrachidae)? Herpetologica 61 (1): 9-19.

Thumm K. and M. Mahony. The effect of water level reduction on larval duration in the Red- Crowned Toadlet, Pseudophryne australis (Anura: Myobatrachidae): Bet-hedging or predictive plasticity? Amphibia-Reptilia (accepted).

Thumm, K., Recsei, J., and Mahony, M. 2004. Frogs. In: A Guide to Berowra Valley Regional Park. Friends of Berowra Valley Regional Park. Pp. 97-99.

Thumm, K. Hedging bets: The frog which doesn’t put all its eggs in one basket (submitted).

Thumm, K. and M. Mahony. Observations of territoriality and male and female agonistic behaviour in Pseudophryne australis (Anura: Myobatrachidae)(submitted).

Abel Ecology AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 11

Annexure 11

Landscape Management Plan for the proposed Calga Sand Quarry Extension

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED

 Materials Pty Ltd ABN: 30 083 169 091

Landscape

Management

Plan

for the

Proposed Calga Sand Quarry Extension

Prepared by:

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED

AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL A11 - 1 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 11

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Rocla Materials Pty Ltd (Rocla) has applied to the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning to extend the Calga Sand Quarry and relocate existing processing plants and infrastructure. In order to reduce the impact of noise generated by the proposed quarry extension, Rocla intends to construct a 7m high acoustic bund wall around sections of the perimeter of the quarry extension. The bund wall will incorporate a 5m high earthen bund with a 2m high acoustic fence on top of the earthen bund. While the constructed bund wall will reduce noise impacts significantly, it is also likely to impact on the visual amenity of surrounding residences identified in the 2004 EIS (see Figure A), particularly:

• residence 5 – owned by B. Kashouli, • residence 4 – owned by R.D King; • residence 2 – owned by F & G Rozmanec; • residence 6 – owned by A.M & R.A Townsend; and • residences 3 & 7 – owned by F & J Gazzana

As a result, a landscape management plan has been prepared to outline the objectives, procedures and maintenance of landscaping to, as far as practicable, reduce the impact on visual amenity.

1.2 OBJECTIVES

Landscape management of the acoustic bund wall has been designed to meet the following objectives.

1. To provide a stable landform with minimal erosion risk. 2. To not compromise the function of the acoustic bund wall in its primary function of noise attenuation. 3. To provide an aesthetically pleasing cover of native vegetation over the earthen bund. 4. To ensure continued maintenance of the acoustic bund wall. 5. To ensure the long-term viability of the acoustic bund wall and vegetation of the earthen bund beyond the life of the proposed quarry extension.

1.3 LANDSCAPING DESIGN

Figure A presents the location of the acoustic bund wall, a cross-section of the bund wall and the view that would ultimately be afforded from vantage points simulated as Residences 4 and 5. The major features of the landscape design are as follows.

(i) The slopes of the earthen bund would be constructed with a slope of at least 2:1 (H:V)(~25°). (ii) A flat surface of at least 2m would be retained on the top of the earthen bund. (iii) A small berm would be constructed into the residence side of the earthen bund to aid in establishment of larger vegetation. (iv) The 2m acoustic fence would be erected on the quarry side edge on top of the earthen bund to create additional space for the establishment of larger vegetation.

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED ROCLA PTY LIMITED A11 - 2 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension Annexure 11

(v) The 2m acoustic fence would be of a neutral colour, preferably green or brown, to blend with establishing vegetation. (vi) The landscaping through native vegetation establishment would extend to the north of the earthen bund within the boundary of the Project Site. (vii) Drainage control features would be established prior to construction activities and would be sown with a vegetative cover of non-persistent or native pasture.

1.4 VEGETATION ESTABLISHMENT

The procedure for establishing vegetation on the earthen bund has been based on established rehabilitation/revegetation techniques current for the Calga Sand Quarry and co-ordinated by T.R.E.E.S. Pty Ltd, specialist rehabilitation consultants.

(a) The residence side surface of the earthen bund is to be hydroseeded and straw mulched with the same seed mix. This provides a better microclimate for seed germination and surface protection from raindrop impact, thereby reducing the potential for erosion. The following seed mix, subject to seed availability, will be used. Species Application rate

Japanese Millet 15kg/ha

Hardenbergia violaceae 0.75kg/ha Kennedia rubicunda 0.75kg/ha Acacia suaveolens 1kg/ha Acacia terminalis 1kg/ha Acacia ulicifolia 1kg/ha Banksia serrata 0.5kg/ha Banksia ericifolia 0.5kg/ha Kunzea parvifolia 0.75kg/ha Xanthorrea australis 0.75kg/ha Themeda australis 3kg/ha Lomandra longifolia 1kg/ha

(b) The quarry side surface of the earthen bund is to be hydroseeded and straw mulched. (c) Hydroseeding and mulching is to be undertaken as soon as appropriate areas of topsoil surfaces become available (d) The top of the earthen bund, berm established on the residence side surface and available areas between the earthen bund and Project Site perimeter will be planted with native tubestock. The species would include: Hardenbergia violaceae, kennedia rubicunda, Acacia suaveolens, Banksia serrata, Banksia robur, Banksia spinulosa, Angophora costata, Angophora hispida, Eucalyptus eximia, Eucalyptus gummifera, Eucalyptus haemostoma, Kunzea capitata, Kunzea ambigua. (e) Tubestock are to be planted annually in a 1.5m2 grid pattern. (f) Tubestock planting is to be undertaken preferentially in autumn 2005 with a slow release fertiliser tablet placed in each tubestock hole prior to planting.

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED AMENDMENT TO 2OO4 PROPOSAL All -3 ROCLA PTY LIMITED - t.' Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No.264/25 Annexure 11

\SERVER\RWC\254\CAD\Repoñ 2A264Base_Landscape.DWG II /"' Planting from Tubestock

Hydro Seeding and Straw Mulching i\ ì\ V

X X'

View from Residence 5 Elevation

220 210 200

View from Residen ce 4

REFERENCE Proiecl Sito Boundary Curont Approvsd Exlracl¡on Limit Proposed Extraction L¡mit Stage 3 Acoust¡c Barier (s.€*¡J Stågå 4 Acoust¡c Barier -3I Pro¡€ci Related Res¡dsnce cl Non-Pro¡€ct Relaled Rosidence Simulated Viow

SCALE 1:6 000 Figure A 100 0 100 2OO 300m LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN

ê\e/ R.W. CORKERY&CO. PTY. LIMITED AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL A11 - 5 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25 Annexure 11

1.5 MAINTENANCE

Following revegetation activities, the bund wall is to be regularly inspected to assess the success of landscaping. This is to include the following.

(i) Inspection of the acoustic bund wall to ensure minimal erosion and sedimentation. In the event this is identified, remediation works would be undertaken. (ii) Plant growth is to be monitored with supplementary watering and/or addition of fertiliser applied during drought conditions or in the event vegetation appears highly stressed. (iii) On establishment of larger eucalypt style vegetation on the top of the earthen bund, the earthen bund is to be inspected for structural stability with action taken should evidence of slope instability be identified. (iv) Vegetation adjacent to the acoustic fence is to be monitored and cut back should it lean against or otherwise impact on the fence. (v) Photo monitoring points are to be established, preferably from Residences 4 and 5 and Peats Ridge Road to allow for comparison over time as to landscape development and success.

1.6 CONSULTATION

Rocla would liaise with surrounding residents in an effort to ensure landscape management meets the reasonable expectations of these residents. Suggested variations to this plan are to be incorporated as appropriate.

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED