Keepit Dam Upgrade

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Keepit Dam Upgrade

Annual Compliance Report (EPBC 2006/3186 – Condition 6)

Prepared for: Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities

March 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABBREVIATIONS……………………………………………………………………………………………………………2

1 Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….3

1.1 Background…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….3 1.2 Construction Status……………………………………………………………………………………………….3

1.3 Objectives………………………………………………………………………………………………………………5

2 Consents, Licenses and Approvals………………………………………………………………….6

2.1 NSW State Government………………………………………………………………………………………..6 2.2 Australian Government………………………………………………………………………………………….6

3 Biodiversity Offsets……………………………………………………………………………………………7

3.1 Establishment of Offsets……………………………………………………………………………………….7 3.2 Management Plan………………………………………………………………………………………………….7 3.3 Recommendations………………………………………………………………………………………………….7

4 Status of CEMP……………………………………………………………………………………………………8

5 Status of BOMP……………………………………………………………………………………………………9

6 Ecological Monitoring………………………………………………………………………………………10

6.1 Monitoring Program…………………………………………………………………………………………….10

6.2 Nestbox Monitoring……………………………………………………………………………………………..10

6.3 Recommendations……………………………………………………………………………………………….10

7 Record Management………………………………………………………………………………………..11

7 References…………………………………………………………………………………………………………12

List Of Figures

Figure 1 - Right Hand Abutment Spillway…………………………………………………………….4 Figure 2 - Subsidiary Dam Spillway………………………………………………………………………4

APPENDICES

Appendix A – Keepit Dam Upgrade Biodiversity Areas – Location Map Keepit Dam Upgrade Annual Compliance Report (EPBC 2006/3186 - Condition 6) Page 1

Appendix B – Implementation of the BOMP 2012 Status Appendix C – Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Annual Monitoring Report 2011 Appendix D - Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Annual Monitoring Report 2012 Appendix E – Keepit Dam Upgrade Post Construction Nest box Monitoring Results October 2012 Appendix F – Keepit Dam Upgrade Biodiversity Management Plan Progress Report 2011-2012 Appendix G – Keepit Dam Upgrade Biodiversity Management Plan Progress Report 2012 Appendix H – Keepit Dam Upgrade BOMP Fixed Area Monitoring Report February 2012 Appendix I – Keepit Dam Upgrade BOMP Fixed Area Quadrat Report August 2012 Appendix J - Keepit Dam Upgrade BOMP Fixed Area Monitoring Quadrat Locations

ABBREVIATIONS

CCR Construction Compliance Report

CoA Conditions of Approval

DSEWPC Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities

DoP New South Wales Department of Planning

EEC Endangered Ecological Community

EMP Environmental Management Plan

EMR Environmental Management Representative

EMS Environmental Management System

EP&A Act Environmental Planning & Assessments Act 1979

EPBC Act Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999

EPL Environmental Protection License

JHG John Holland Group

PER Project Environmental Representative

PMF Probable Maximum Flood

POEO Act Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997

SWQMP Soil and Water Quality Management Sub-plan

TSC Act Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995

Keepit Dam Upgrade Annual Compliance Report (EPBC 2006/3186 - Condition 6) Page 2

1 Introduction

This annual report is the second provided by State Water Corporation which is a requirement of the Australian Government Approval EPBC 2006/3186 Condition 6.

The approval conditions are currently administered by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.

Keepit Dam is located between the townships of Gunnedah and Tamworth in the north-west of NSW. The dam is situated on the Namoi River, 13 kilometres upstream of the Peel River confluence.

1.1 Background

State Water is upgrading Keepit Dam to meet the safety standards set by the NSW Dam Safety Committee. The NSW Dam Safety Committee requires that Keepit Dam be upgraded to withstand extreme natural events, including earthquakes and extreme floods.

The main aspects of the project include:

 Construction of a new fuse plug auxiliary spillway on the right abutment of Keepit Dam;

 Modification to the existing subsidiary dam wall to accommodate a new fuse plug spillway and raising of the remainder of the embankment;

 Raising of the main dam wall including abutments and fuse plugs;

 Ancillary works including construction of access roads, saddle dams, and modifications and upgrades to State Park facilities;

 Construction of a multi level offtake;

1.2 Construction Status

Work Package 1 (main contract): -

Work Package 1 was completed in January 2012, apart from the removal of the two coffer dams due to the dam storage being at full capacity. Figures 1 and 2 below display the works completed at the Right Hand Abutment and Subsidiary Dam to date.

Note: The Keepit Dam storage at time of reporting was 38%. All silt curtains have been removed. Tenders have been called for the removal of the coffer dam at the Right Hand Abutment which is expected to be completed by June 2013. The Subsidiary Dam coffer is to be temporarily left in situ as further construction activities may be required.

Keepit Dam Upgrade Annual Compliance Report (EPBC 2006/3186 - Condition 6) Page 3

Figure 1 – Right Hand Abutment Spillway

Figure 2 – Subsidiary Dam Spillway Keepit Dam Upgrade Annual Compliance Report (EPBC 2006/3186 - Condition 6) Page 4

Work Package 2 (main contract):

Work Package 2 is nearing completion of design. The construction is to be broken into several stages to allow access to various equipment during the upgrading process and is expected to commence in 2013 with completion in 2016/2017.

Works will include the balance of the construction works, primarily raising the earthen and concrete sections of the main dam walls and spillway fuse plugs by 3.4m. Other work also includes post tensioning the concrete section of the dam, electrical and mechanical work.

The program for construction is:

 2013/2014 - relocation of electrical transformer, emergency generator and high voltage circuit breaker from upper gallery to new switchroom located adjacent to the workshop area.  2014/2015 – post tensioning of concrete section to meet seismic requirements.  2015/2017 – raising of earth and rock fill section of main wall by 3.4 metres; raising of concrete gravity section including spillway bridge; construction of new spillway winch bridge and upgrading of all electrical and mechanical equipment; raising of fuse bays at Right Hand Abutment and Subsidiary Dam by 3.4 metres

Multi-Level Offtake: - It is proposed that water released from the dam be sourced from better quality surface waters. This requires a multi level offtake. Design and construction awaits funding approval which is currently scheduled for 2014/2015. Preliminary concept options are being sourced.

1.3 Objectives

The objective of this Annual Compliance Report is to demonstrate that the conditions in the Australian Government approval EPBC 2006/3186 have been met.

Keepit Dam Upgrade Annual Compliance Report (EPBC 2006/3186 - Condition 6) Page 5

2 Consents, Licenses and Approvals

2.1 NSW State Government

The project proposal was assessed under Part 3A of the EP&A Act, with approval given by the Minister for Planning on 29th April 2009. Approval conditions are detailed under Schedule 1 of Application 06_0155

2.2 Australian Government

Due to the project impacting on White Box, Yellow Box and/or Blakely’s Red Gum Woodland Endangered Ecological Community (EEC) as defined under and protected by the EPBC Act, the proposal also required approval from the Australian Government. Approval was given by the Department Of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities on 10th January 2010, with Approval Conditions detailed in Approval EPBC 2006/3186

Keepit Dam Upgrade Annual Compliance Report (EPBC 2006/3186 - Condition 6) Page 6

3 Biodiversity Offsets

Approval was given for 13.6 ha of land classified as Box Gum Woodland which is listed as Endangered under the TSC Act and as Critically Endangered under the Commonwealth EPBC Act to be cleared, with offsets to be provided as part of the project.

3.1 Establishment Of Offsets

The selection of biodiversity offsets is detailed in the report Keepit Dam Upgrade Biodiversity Offsets (State Water, June 2009). The identified biodiversity offset areas have been fenced, sign posted and covenants have been placed.

3.2 Management Plan

As required by Condition 2 of The Approval Decision dated 10th January 2010, a Biodiversity Offsets Management Plan (BOMP) was prepared (Keepit Dam Upgrade Biodiversity Offsets Management Plan – State Water, May 2010).

This management plan was approved on 4th June 2010

State Water has been implementing this plan. See Appendix B for status of BOMP.

3.3 Recommendations

All recommendations from Biodiversity Management Plan Progress Reports in this monitoring period have been implemented.

Keepit Dam Upgrade Annual Compliance Report (EPBC 2006/3186 - Condition 6) Page 7

4 Status of CEMP

A Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) was prepared and for Work Package 1 by the contractor and State Water.

A new CEMP will be developed for the major construction work of Work Package 2 and forwarded for approval.

Keepit Dam Upgrade Annual Compliance Report (EPBC 2006/3186 - Condition 6) Page 8

5 Status Of BOMP

As required by Condition 2 of The Approval Decision dated 10th January 2010, the Biodiversity Offsets Management Plan (BOMP) action plan is being implemented by State Water. The implementation Schedule (Section 6 of The Plan) has been adopted as the basis for tracking and reporting progress.

Covenants have been placed over the biodiversity areas with details provided in the February 2012 report.

The BOMP Implementation Schedule status is presented in Appendix E along with progress photographs. From the status schedule it can be noted that the majority of required activities for year 2012 have been met. Due to inclement weather the non completed activities have been rescheduled to 2013. It is not anticipated that delaying these activities will have any impact on the management plan. The 2013 activities have been rescheduled with contractors.

Further BOMP status and relevant information can be found in the following Appendices: Appendix B – Implementation of the BOMP 2012 Status Appendix F – Keepit Dam Upgrade Biodiversity Management Plan Progress Report 2011-2012 Appendix G – Keepit Dam Upgrade Biodiversity Management Plan Progress Report 2012 Appendix H – Keepit Dam Upgrade BOMP Fixed Area Monitoring Report February 2012 Appendix I – Keepit Dam Upgrade BOMP Fixed Area Quadrat Report August 2012 Appendix J - Keepit Dam Upgrade BOMP Fixed Area Monitoring Quadrat Locations

Keepit Dam Upgrade Annual Compliance Report (EPBC 2006/3186 - Condition 6) Page 9

6 Ecological Monitoring

6.1 Monitoring Program

A condition of the Keepit Dam Upgrade Department Of Planning Approval 06_0155 Section 3.1 was to develop an Ecological Monitoring Program which was undertaken by Parsons Brinckerhoff Australia Pty Ltd. Ecological Australia Pty Ltd have been engaged to meet the requirements of the monitoring program with the exception of annual nest box monitoring and management of the Biodiversity Offset areas. The 2011 Ecological Monitoring Report was received following completion of the previous annual compliance report. Copies of the Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Reports 2011 and 2012 are attached in Appendices C and D.

6.2 Nestbox Monitoring

Keepit Dam Upgrade Work Package 1 CEMP; Section 5.1.1. Point 3 requires annual nest box monitoring for a three year period post construction. The monitoring has been undertaken by Geolink Pty Ltd who are accredited ecologist and have the expertise to meet the requirements. The October 2012 resultscan be found in Appendix E.

7.2 Recommendations

All recommendations for nestbox monitoring for this period have been met.

Keepit Dam Upgrade Annual Compliance Report (EPBC 2006/3186 - Condition 6) Page 10

7 Record Management

All records associated with approval EPBC 2006/3186 are kept and managed in accordance with the State Water information management system referred to as State Water Information Management (SWIM).

SWIM is an electronic document and Records Management System (eDRMS) that is used by State Water.

Keepit Dam Upgrade Annual Compliance Report (EPBC 2006/3186 - Condition 6) Page 11

8 References

John Holland Group (April 2011). Construction Environmental Management Plan, Keepit Dam Upgrade, Work Package 1, Rev 1.

John Holland Group (January 2011). Keepit Dam Upgrade Work Package 1, Construction Compliance Report #2, August 2010 to January 2011.

State Water Corporation (June 2009). Keepit Dam Upgrade Biodiversity Offsets. Prepared by Parsons Brinkerhoff Australia Pty Ltd.

State Water Corporation (May 2010). Keepit Dam Upgrade Biodiversity Offsets Management Plan. Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff Australia Pty Ltd.

State Water Corporation (December 2009). Keepit Dam Upgrade – Ecological Monitoring Program. Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff Australia Pty Ltd.

Keepit Dam Upgrade Annual Compliance Report (EPBC 2006/3186 - Condition 6) Page 12

Appendix A - Keepit Dam Upgrade Biodiversity Areas Location Map

Keepit Dam Upgrade Annual Compliance Report (EPBC 2006/3186 - Condition 6) Biodiversity Offset Areas

Appendix B – Implementation Of The BOMP 2012 Status

Keepit Dam Upgrade Annual Compliance Report (EPBC 2006/3186 - Condition 6) Appendix B Implementation Of BOMP KEEPIT DAM UPGRADE BIO-DIVERSITY OFFSET IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE FOR MANAGEMENT ACTIONS Timing Years Property Detailed Year 2011 Status Year 2012 Status Year 2013 Status Year 2014 Status Year 2015 Status Action State Park State Park Property Management As @ As @ As @ Label: Management Action Or Task 1 2 3 4 5 East West No 7 Action Section 31/12/2011 Notes: 7/2/2012 Notes: 18/1/2013 Notes: Notes: Notes: A Licenses and legal documents. Legal protection by obtaining covenants √ √ √ 4.1 Completed A1 B Obtain approval to thin Callitris √ 4.3.9.2 Completed B1 C Obtain relevant seed collection licenses √ 4.3.7.2 Completed C1 D Seed collection and plant propagation Provenance Underway - for D1 seed collection √ 4.3.3 planting 2012 Completed D2 E Plant propogation Underway - for E1 √ 4.3.6 planting 2012 Completed E2 F Fencing and signage. Fencing and removal of stock √ √ √ 4.4 Completed G Installation of unformed track along perimeter of fence line √ √ √ 4.4 Completed H Erect educational and revegetation signs √ √ √ 4.6 Completed I Site Layout. Revegetated areas pegged out √ 4.3.7 Completed I1 J Primary Weed Control No longer No longer J1 Slashing in mosaic pattern √ √ √ 4.2.2 warranted J1 warranted Completed J2 K Targeted herbicide spraying √ √ √ 4.2.2 Completed Commenced Completed K1 L Hand removal of Prickly Pear √ √ √ 4.2.2 Completed Commenced Completed M Active Revegetation New Activity No longer Proposed for M1,M2 Soil ripping for direct seeding in derived native grassland in Property for scald warranted SPW scald 7 areas in areas SPW 4.3.1.2 Completed M3 N Rip soil and thin Callitris in dense stands Extent of N1 ripping and clearing under review √ 4.3.10 Completed N2 O Installation of sediment and control fences √ 4.8 Completed P Direct seeding of ripped soil in derived native grassland and Callitris areas √ 4.3.6/4.3.7.4 Completed P1 Q Tubestock planting √ 4.3.6/4.3.7.4 Commenced Q1 R Tubestock planting where natural regeneration is deficient To be considered if Under natural regeneration is √ 4.3.6 consideration R1 S Maintenance and Monitoring Years 2-5 inadequate Maintenance of tree guards √ 4.3.6 Ongoing S1 T Monitoring of sediment and control fences √ √ 4.8 Completed U Secondary and maintenance weed control √ √ √ 4.2.1 Completed Completed V Fauna monitored annually √ √ √ 4.10.2 Completed Completed V1 W Amelioration of unformed tracks √ √ √ 4.6 In Progress X Excess timber from Callitris thinning used as dead timber or for sediment or erosion control √ √ √ 4.7/4.8 Completed Completed Y Tubestock planting area maintenance Tubestock planting not √ √ √ 4.3.7.5 undertaken Z Monitoring and review of Callitris thinning operations annually √ √ 4.3.10 Completed Z1 Completed Completed AB Maintenance and Monitoring Actions Years 1 - 5 Continue of 1080 baiting for foxes, feral cats and pigs √ √ √ 4.5 Completed AB1 Completed Completed AB2 AC Monitoring of Rabbit/Hare populations √ √ √ 4.5 Completed AC1 Completed Completed AD Maintenance of stock fencing √ √ √ 4.4 Completed AD1 Completed Completed AE Retention of all timber and rock √ √ √ 4.7 Completed AE1 Completed Completed AF Monitoring plots set up data recorded annually √ √ √ 4.10.2 Completed AF1 Completed Completed AG Photgraphic records kept of all restoration areas √ √ √ 4.10.2 Completed AG1 Completed Completed AH Reporting annual from contractors on restoration progress √ √ √ 5 Being Prepared AH1 Completed Completed AH2 AI Review of management plan by government agencies √ √ √ 5 Completed AI1 Completed Ongoing AJ Maintenance Action Year 5 Removal of sediment and control fences √ 4.8

Notes: A1 Covenants for all areas are in place B1 Sites inspected by CMA representative Dennis Boschma and LPMA scott Stanton on 21/11/2011. No approval is required to thin Callitris that has grown since 1990. The areas to be thinned come under this category. C1 Colin Gyorgy has a permit to collect native seed from Travelling Stock Routes in the Manilla district. Seed collection has been ongoing since 2009. D1 Native grass seed order has been placed - to be available for planting in 2012. D2 Procurement and collection of native grass completed. E1 Tubestock is being generated - to be available for planting in 2012. E2 Propogation of local provenance tubestock completed I1 Revegetated area will not require physical pegging with the exception of locally rare tube stock. J1 Selective weed control undertaken as slashing was not supported by Namoi CMA and C Gyorgy due to low densities of weeds. Slashing will encourage create environment for species such as Coolatai Grass to become established. J2 Slashing in mosaic pattern undertaken. K1 No herbicide use will be required. All weed control will be undertaken manually. M1 There are no areas of derived native grassland in Property No7 detected to warrant ripping of the soil. Since assessment in 2010, there has been significant regrowth of native grasses. M2 Although not required by the management plan a scald area detected within State Park West may benefit from ripping - this is still being assessed. M3 Areas were assessed. Ripping would not ameliorate the scalded areas. As an alternative, direct seeding with Senna Barclayama in State Park West was undertaken. N1 Areas to be thinned/monitored have been pegged and surveyed. Ripping only proposed as part of trial to ascertain impact. N2 Advice received from CMA was that ripping was not warranted and would create erosion problems on slopes. Also, it would encourage environment for introduced weeds to become established. P1 Direct seeding undertaken in slashed mosaic areas within the derived native grassland. Q1 Planting of Yam Daisey commenced Oct 2012. Planting of other species suspended due to extremely dry weather conditions. R1 Areas assessed.Tubestock not considered necessary however direct seeding of local provenance was distributed to augment regeneration process. S1 Tubestock planting not undertaken due to dry weather. V1 Fauna monitoring ongoing. Details of threatened species contained in progress report January 2013 AB1 No presence of foxes or feral cats detected. AB2 Feral pig trapping program being undertaken. Baiting not required. AC1 All sites inspected for Rabbit Hare populations. Due to recent rainfall, Mixomytosis and Calicivirus is controlling Rabbit population. AD1 All fencing inspected and repaired where required. AE1 No timber or rock has been removed from any of the three areas. AF1 Plots set out 13/12/11 by R Sainsbury & C Gyorgy. AG1 All areas photograhed and recorded for future reference. AH1 Annual report by C Gyorgy. Being prepared - to be available March 2012. AH2 Progress reports attached with annual report. AI1 All sites inspected by Dennis Boschma from Namoi CMA and Scott Stanton Dept Of Lands on 21/11/2011. Report dated 22/11/2011 filed.

Fig. 1. Select thinning of Callitris - Property 7.

Fig. 2. Erosion control - Property 7.

Fig. 3. Thinned Callitris being used for erosion control and fauna habitat - Property 7.

Fig. 4. Slashing - Property 7.

Fig. 5. Callitris thinning and erosion control - State Park West.

Fig. 6. Rehabilitation of scalded area with native legume Senna barclayana (Pepperleaf Senna) - State Park West.

Fig. 7. Manual removal of Opuntia aurantiaca (Tiger Pear) - Property 7

Fig. 8. Hyparrhinia hirta (Coolatai Grass) prior to manual removal - Property 7

Appendix C - Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Annual Monitoring Report 2011

Keepit Dam Upgrade Annual Compliance Report (EPBC 2006/3186 - Condition 6)

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program Annual Monitoring Report 2011

Prepared for State Water Corporation

5 December 2012 Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program

Annual Monitoring Report 201 1

PREPARED FOR State Water Corporation

PROJECT NO 09ARMECO-0008

DATE December 12

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ITEM DETAIL Project Name Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program Project Number 09ARMECO-0008

File location W:\Projects\Keepit Dam Ecological Monitoring

Prepared by Hamish Mackinnon Daniel Magdi Approved by Paul Frazier Status Final Version Number 1 Last saved on 5 December 2012

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This document has been prepared by Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd with support from the State Water Corporation and John Holland Group.

Disclaimer This document may only be used for the purpose for which it was commissioned and in accordance with the contract between Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd and the State Water Corporation. The scope of services was defined in consultation with State Water Corporation, by time and budgetary constraints imposed by the client, and the availability of reports and other data on the subject area. Changes to available information, legislation and schedules are made on an ongoing basis and readers should obtain up to date information. Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for or in respect of any use of or reliance upon this report and its supporting material by any third party. Information provided is not intended to be a substitute for site specific assessment or legal advice in relation to any matter. Unauthorised use of this report in any form is prohibited.

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

Contents

Contents ...... ii

List of Figures ...... iv

List of Tables ...... vi

1 Introduction ...... 1 1.1 Performance Criteria of the Monitoring Program ...... 1

2 Methodology ...... 4 2.1 Weather Conditions ...... 4

3 Results & Analysis ...... 6 3.1 Vegetation...... 6 3.1.1 Summary ...... 6 3.1.2 Northern Block ...... 6 3.1.3 Southern Block ...... 10 3.2 Microbats ...... 14 3.2.1 Summary ...... 14 3.2.2 Impact Site 1 ...... 16 3.2.3 Impact Site 2 ...... 17 3.2.4 Impact Site 3 ...... 18 3.2.5 Impact Site 4 ...... 19 3.2.6 Impact Site 5 ...... 20 3.2.7 Control Site 1 ...... 22 3.2.8 Control Site 2 ...... 23 3.2.9 Control Site 3 ...... 24 3.2.10 Control Site 4 ...... 25 3.2.11 Control Site 5 ...... 27 3.3 Woodland & Migratory Birds ...... 29 3.3.1 Summary ...... 29 3.3.2 Impact Site 1 ...... 30 3.3.3 Impact Site 2 ...... 30 3.3.4 Impact Site 3 ...... 30

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

3.3.5 Impact Site 4 ...... 31 3.3.6 Impact Site 5 ...... 31 3.3.7 Control Site 1 ...... 31 3.3.8 Control Site 2 ...... 32 3.3.9 Control Site 3 ...... 32 3.3.10 Control Site 4 ...... 32 3.3.11 Control Site 5 ...... 33 3.3.12 White-bellied Sea-eagle & White Throated Needletail ...... 33

4 Nest Box Monitoring ...... 34

5 Fauna Fatality Records ...... 35

6 Discussion ...... 36 6.1 Vegetation...... 36 6.2 Microchiropteran Bats ...... 36 6.3 Woodland Birds ...... 39 6.4 Review of the Monitoring Program ...... 40

References ...... 41

Appendix A: Floristic Data ...... 42

Appendix B: Anabat Data (Definite Calls) ...... 50

Appendix C: Woodland & Migratory Bird Data ...... 51

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

List of Figures

Figure 1: Keepit Dam and surrounds, with construction areas highlighted...... 3

Figure 2: Summary of species recorded during the 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring ...... 6

Figure 3: KDVEG01 Native cover % comparisons from 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring ...... 8

Figure 4: KDVEG02 Native cover % comparisons from 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring ...... 9

Figure 5: KDVEG03 Native cover % comparisons from 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring ...... 10

Figure 6: KDVEG04 Native cover % comparisons from 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring ...... 11

Figure 7: KDVEG05 Native cover % comparisons from 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring ...... 12

Figure 8: KDVEG06 Native cover % comparisons from 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring ...... 13

Figure 9: Harp trap captures during 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring ...... 14

Figure 10: Definite calls identified during 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring ...... 16

Figure 11: Impact Site 1 definite Anabat calls by species identified during 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring ...... 17

Figure 12: Impact Site 2 definite calls by species identified during 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring ...... 18

Figure 13: Impact Site 3 definite calls by species identified during 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring ...... 19

Figure 14: Impact Site 4 definite calls by species identified during 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2011 monitoring and 2011 monitoring ...... 20

Figure 15: Impact Site 5 definite calls by species identified during 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring ...... 22

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

Figure 16: Control Site 1 definite calls by species identified during 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring ...... 23

Figure 17: Control Site 2 definite calls by species identified during 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring ...... 24

Figure 18: Control Site 3 definite calls by species identified during 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring ...... 25

Figure 19: Control Site 4 definite calls by species identified during 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring ...... 27

Figure 20: Control Site 5 definite calls by species identified during 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring ...... 28

Figure 21: Bird species identified during 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring ...... 29

Figure 22: Weather comparisons from the 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring ...... 37

Figure 23: The number of Eastern Bentwing Bat definite calls identified in the 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring ...... 38

Figure 24: Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat comparisons between the 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring ...... 38

Figure 25: Eastern Cave Bat comparisons between the 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring ...... 39

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

List of Tables

Table 1: Weather conditions proceeding the monitoring period ...... 4

Table 2: Weather conditions during the monitoring period...... 5

Table 3: Summary of data from the northern block quadrats during the 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring ...... 7

Table 4: Summary of data from the southern block quadrats during the 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring ...... 10

Table 5: Summary of harp trap results from the 2011 monitoring period ...... 14

Table 6: Summary of Anabat results from the 2011 monitoring period ...... 15

Table 7: 2011 monitoring period Impact Site 1 Harp Trap and Anabat results ...... 16

Table 8: 2011 monitoring period Impact Site 2 Anabat results ...... 17

Table 9: 2011 monitoring period Impact Site 3 Harp Trap and Anabat results ...... 18

Table 10: 2011 monitoring period Impact Site 4 Harp Trap and Anabat results ...... 20

Table 11: 2011 monitoring period Impact Site 5 Harp Trap and Anabat results ...... 21

Table 12: 2011 monitoring Period Control Site 1 Anabat results ...... 22

Table 13: 2011 monitoring period Control Site 2 Harp Trap and Anabat results ...... 23

Table 14: 2011 monitoring period Control Site 2 Harp Trap and Anabat results ...... 24

Table 15: 2011 monitoring period Control Site 4 Harp Trap and Anabat results ...... 26

Table 16: 2011 monitoring period Control Site 5 Anabat results ...... 27

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

1 Introduction

Eco Logical Australia (ELA) has been engaged by State Water Corporation to undertake the ecological monitoring program for the Keepit Dam Upgrade from 2009 to 2016.

Keepit Dam is located on the Namoi River, approximately 13km upstream from the confluence with the Peel River. Keepit Dam is located approximately 40km east of Gunnedah and 57km west of Tamworth (Figure 1). State Water Corporation is upgrading Keepit Dam to meet the NSW Dams Safety Committee standards, to ensure that the dam can withstand extreme floods and earthquakes.

The upgrading works will involve construction activities and may potentially impact upon ecological values surrounding the dam. As part of the Conditions of Approval for the construction works, Monitoring the effectiveness of mitigation measures prescribed within the Environmental Assessment, Biodiversity Offset Package will be undertaken.

Monitoring within the Keepit Dam area is to be undertaken prior to construction, during construction and post construction. Monitoring during construction is to take place during the two main phases of construction, Works Package 1 and Works Package 2. Post construction monitoring is to be undertaken upon completion of construction works for a period of 3 years.

The pre-construction survey was undertaken December 2009 and January 2010. The pre-construction survey detailed baseline data that would be used for ongoing monitoring and comparison throughout the monitoring program period (2010 – 2016).

This report details the results from the During Construction monitoring 2011 (referred to as 2012 Monitoring) period, which comprises the third monitoring event during construction, and compares data with the results from the 2009 pre-construction survey and the 2010 monitoring period and performance criteria located within Section 1.1. The 2011 monitoring was undertaken in August 2011 (Woodland and migratory birds), November 2011 & February 2012 (Microchiropteran bats), and December 2011 (Box Gum Woodland).

1.1 PERFORMANCE CRITERIA OF THE MONITORING PROGRAM The Keepit Dam Upgrade – Ecological Monitoring Program (Parsons Brinckerhoff, 2009) establishes ecological performance criteria for the upgrade works. These performance criteria include:

1. That the direct impacts of the project are limited to those approved for the project.

2. That during and following construction the biodiversity values of the native vegetation/habitat surrounding the direct impact sites are not significantly affected by the project. In particular:

a) habitat values of the native woodlands are not negatively affected

b) habitat use by threatened species of fauna are not negatively affected by the project.

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

3. That habitat values of the offset sites increase in response to management activities (Parsons Brinckerhoff, 2009).

The Keepit Dam Upgrade – Ecological Monitoring Program (Parsons Brinckerhoff, 2009) also establishes performance criteria specific to each of the monitored ecological aspects of the program. These include:

• Microbats - Activity levels of microbats (including threatened species) are not affected by the construction or operation of the project.

• Woodland Birds - Activity levels of woodland birds (including threatened species) are not affected by the construction or operation of the project.

• Migratory Birds – Activity levels of migratory species are not affected by the construction or operation of the project. Further, breeding of White-bellied Sea-eagles (if present) is not affected by construction and operation of the project.

• Vegetation Communities - The habitat values of Box Gum Woodland adjacent to the project are not affected.

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

Figure 1: Keepit Dam and surrounds, with construction areas highlighted.

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

2 Methodology

The 2011 monitoring was undertaken by Lachlan Copeland, Rod Armistead, Peter Hancock and Hamish Mackinnon. The Monitoring was undertaken over three periods, from the 29th to 30th August 2011 (Woodland and migratory birds), 14th to 18th November 2011 & 22nd to 24th February 2012 (Microchiropteran bats), and 19th and 22nd December 2011 (Box Gum Woodland).

The 2011 Monitoring was undertaken at the same sites as the 2010 monitoring. The 2011 monitoring was undertaken using the same methods as the 2010 monitoring and pre-construction survey undertaken in 2009 survey (refer to Section 2 of ELA 2011).

2.1 WEATHER CONDITIONS Weather conditions in the months preceding and during the monitoring were cool to mild, with generally above average rainfall. The mean minimum temperatures during this period were close to the averages for the Gunnedah area, whilst the mean maximum temperatures were significantly lower during late spring/early summer, as shown in Table 1. The rainfall for the Gunnedah area has been above average from September through until February, with 370.3 mm above the average recorded, as shown in Table 1.

Table 1: Weather conditions proceeding the monitoring period 2011 Monthly Mean Total Historical Averages

Month Rainfall Rainfall Min Temp (oC) Max Temp (oC) Min Temp (oC) Max Temp (oC) (mm) (mm)

July 0.6 17.1 4 3 16.9 42.4

August 4 20.3 33.8 4.2 18.9 41.4

September 5 23.5 88.8 7 22.8 40.3

October 9.4 24.4 76.4 10.7 26.7 55.5

November 15.7 29.9 197.2 14.2 30.3 62.5

December 14.3 27.1 94 16.8 32.9 69.8

January 16.4 30.8 102.2 18.4 34.0 71.1

February 16.7 29.4 177.4 18.1 32.9 66.5

Weather observations were taken from Gunnedah (www.bom.gov.au)

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

Weather conditions during the 2011 monitoring were considered adequate for microbat surveys. Temperatures were mild during the monitoring, with minimal rainfall recorded, as shown in Table 2 (temperature records from the nearest weather station, Gunnedah, NSW; BoM 2011).

Table 2: Weather conditions during the monitoring period.

Min Max 9am 3pm Rainfall Max Wind Temp Temp Survey Date Temp Temp (mm) Gust (km/h) (oC) (oC) (oC) (oC)

29th August 2011 4.3 24.4 0.2 35 13.4 24 Woodland & Migratory birds 30th August 2011 4 24 0 37 15 23.2

14th November 2011 15.2 34.4 19.6 39 23.9 32.5

15th November 2011 16.3 38.5 0.2 33 23.9 32.5

16th November 2011 19.9 28.6 0 46 27.9 23.5 Microchiropteran bats 17th November 2011 17.4 27.2 4.4 52 21.4 26.5

18th November 2011 17.5 28.7 43.8 28 19.1 28

19th December 2011 17.5 23.8 0 35 21.1 19

21st December 2011 16.6 29.1 4 48 22.6 28.5 Box Gum Woodland 22nd December 2011 16.2 29.1 4 48 21.7 27.5

22nd February 2012 15.7 25.6 0 31 20.8 25.0 Microchiropteran 23rd February 2012 16.1 30.7 0 31 21.0 29.0 bats 24th February 2012 14.6 31.5 0 30 22.3 30.5

Weather observations were taken from Gunnedah (www.bom.gov.au)

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

3 Results & Analysis

3.1 VEGETATION 3.1.1 Summary Vegetation quadrats were undertaken as part of the ongoing monitoring within patches (blocks) of Box Gum Woodland to the north and south of the construction works. Quadrats were located in the same position as the 2010 monitoring and 2009 pre-construction survey within the two blocks. Overall, 124 flora species were recorded from the six quadrats during the 2011 monitoring period, including 100 native species and 24 exotic species (view Appendix A for complete list of flora species).

The overall number of species recorded during the 2011 monitoring period, has increased by 18 species (Figure 2) from the 2010 monitoring survey, of which all were native species. During the 2011 monitoring, 24 native and exotic species have not been recorded that had been previously recorded during the 2009 pre-construction survey and 2010 monitoring, of which 17 were native and 7 were exotic.

140

120

100

80 Pre-construction Survey 60 2010 Monitoring 2011 Monitoring 40

0 Overall Species Native Species Exotic Species

Figure 2: Summary of species recorded during the 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring

3.1.2 Northern Block The 2011 monitoring was undertaken at three sites that were randomly selected during the 2009 pre- construction survey. Overall, 85 flora species were recorded from the three quadrats, including 74 native species and 11 exotic species. Table 3 provides a summary of data collected from the quadrats within the northern block of Box Gum Woodland during the 2011 monitoring period.

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

Table 3: Summary of data from the northern block quadrats during the 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring KDVEG01 KDVEG02 KDVEG03

2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011

Native Species 24 32 40 30 32 41 28 29 44 Exotic Species 0 2 4 2 6 8 5 11 9 Native Overstorey Cover (%) 8.5 8.5 9.5 9 9.5 10.5 9.5 9.5 10 Native Midstorey Cover (%) 12 11 12 7 7 7 7.5 7.5 7.5 Native Groundcover Cover - 6 8 14 22 28 34 22 24 26 Grasses (%) Native Groundcover Cover - 4 6 6 4 2 4 2 2 2 Shrubs (%) Native Groundcover Cover - 2 2 4 6 8 12 6 4 8 Other (%) Exotic Overstorey Cover (%) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Exotic Midstorey Cover (%) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Exotic Groundcover Cover (%) <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 2 <1 <1 <1 No. Of Hollow Bearing Trees 0 0 0 3 3 3 2 2 2 Total Length of Fallen Timber (m) 15 21 24 65 65 70 50 53 61 Overstorey Regeneration 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

KDVEG01 was located in the northern section of this block of Box Gum Woodland. During the 2011 monitoring, a slight increase (1%) was evident in cover abundance of the overstorey (Figure 3), and was still dominated by Eucalyptus albens (White Box) and Callitris glaucophylla (White Cypress Pine), with Brachychiton populneus (Kurrajong) occurring less frequently.

Within the understorey, a slight increase (1%) in cover was recorded from the 2010 monitoring, which is now similar to the cover recorded during the 2009 pre-construction survey (Figure 3). The understorey still consisted of Acacia decora (Western Silver Wattle), Bursaria spinosa (Native Blackthorn), Dodonaea viscosa ssp. angustifolia (Broad-leaf Hopbush) and Notelaea microcarpa var. microcarpa.

The 2011 monitoring recorded an increase (8%) in the overall groundcover cover percentage within the quadrat from the 2010 monitoring (Figure 3). An increase in exotic species abundance was recorded within the quadrat with four exotic species now occurring, however no change exotic species coverage was recorded (remained <1%).

The quadrat also contained a large number of native groundcover species, including Aristida personata (Purple Wiregrass), Austrostipa scabra ssp. scabra (Speargrass), Cymbopogon refractus (Barbed Wire Grass), Desmodium brachypodum (Large Tick-trefoil), Dianella revoluta var. revoluta (Blueberry Lily), Lomandra multiflora subsp. multiflora (Many-flowered Mat-rush) and Themeda australis (Kangaroo Grass).

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

16 14 12 10 8 6 Pre-construction Survey Native(%) Cover 4 2010 Monitoring

2 2011 Monitoring 0 Overstorey Midstorey Groundcover Groundcover Groundcover Cover Grasses Shrubs Other Stratum

Figure 3: KDVEG01 Native cover % comparisons from 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring

KDVEG02 was located in the northern section of this block of Box Gum Woodland. During the 2011 monitoring, a slight increase (1%) in cover abundance of the overstorey was recorded (Figure 4), and was still dominated by White Box and White Cypress Pine.

Within the understorey, no change in cover was recorded from the 2010 monitoring (Figure 4) and still consisted of Native Blackthorn, Notelaea microcarpa var. microcarpa, and Pimelea neo-anglica (Poison Pimelea).

The 2011 monitoring recorded an increase (12%) in the overall groundcover cover percentage within the quadrat from the 2010 monitoring (Figure 4). An increase in exotic species abundance was recorded within the quadrat with eight exotic species now occurring, with a slight (1%) change in exotic species coverage.

The quadrat also contained a large number of native groundcover species, including Purple Wiregrass, Speargrass, Brunoniella australis (Blue Trumpet), Barbed Wire Grass, Cyperus gracilis (Slender Flat- sedge), Large Tick-trefoil, Desmodium varians (Slender Tick-trefoil), Dichelachne micrantha (Shorthair Plumegrass), Wattle Matt-rush, Poa sieberiana var. sieberiana (Snowgrass) and Verbena gaudichaudii (Verbena).

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

40 35 30 25 20 15 Pre-construction Survey NativeCover(%) 10 2010 Monitoring 5 2011 Monitoring 0 Overstorey Midstorey Groundcover Groundcover Groundcover Cover Grasses Shrubs Other Stratum

Figure 4: KDVEG02 Native cover % comparisons from 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring

KDVEG03 was located in the southern section of this block of Box Gum Woodland. During the 2011 monitoring, a slight increase (0.5%) in cover abundance of the overstorey was recorded (Figure 5), and was still dominated by White Box and White Cypress Pine, with Kurrajong occurring less frequently.

Within the understorey, no evident change in cover abundance of the overstorey was recorded (Figure 5), and still consisted of Western Silver Wattle and Poison Pimelea.

The 2011 monitoring recorded an increase (6%) in the overall groundcover cover percentage within the quadrat from the 2010 monitoring (Figure 5). A decrease in exotic species abundance was recorded within the quadrat, with nine exotic species now occurring, however no change exotic species coverage was recorded (remained <1%).

The quadrat also contained a large number of native groundcover species, including Purple Wiregrass, Speargrass, Austrodanthonia racemosa var. obtusata (Wallaby Grass), Austrostipa ramosissima (Stout Bamboo Grass), Bothriochloa macra (Red Grass), Calotis lappulacea (Yellow Burr-daisy), Barbed Wire Grass, Large Tick-trefoil, Many-flowered Mat-rush and Verbena.

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

15 Pre-construction 10 Survey NativeCover(%) 2010 Monitoring 5

0 2011 Monitoring Overstorey Midstorey Groundcover Groundcover Groundcover Cover Grasses Shrubs Other Stratum

Figure 5: KDVEG03 Native cover % comparisons from 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring

3.1.3 Southern Block The 2011 monitoring was undertaken at three sites that were randomly selected during the 2009 pre- construction survey. Overall, 84 flora species were recorded from the three quadrats, including 63 native species and 21 exotic species. Table 4 provides a summary of data collected from the quadrats within the southern block of Box Gum Woodland during the 2011 monitoring period.

Table 4: Summary of data from the southern block quadrats during the 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring KDVEG04 KDVEG05 KDVEG06

2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011 Native Species 30 31 43 28 32 43 16 16 21 Exotic Species 5 8 5 2 8 13 8 9 11 Native Overstorey Cover (%) 8 8 8.5 5.5 5.5 6 6 4 5 Native Midstorey Cover (%) 2 2.5 3 14 14 15 0 0 0 Native Groundcover Cover - 26 30 46 22 28 40 28 42 66 Grasses (%) Native Groundcover Cover - 8 6 4 2 0 0 0 0 0 Shrubs (%) Native Groundcover Cover - 4 6 10 4 6 12 2 6 12 Other (%) Exotic Overstorey Cover (%) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Exotic Midstorey Cover (%) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Exotic Groundcover Cover (%) 4 6 8 2 <1 2 10 12 16 No. Of Hollow Bearing Trees 3 3 3 1 1 1 2 2 2 Total Length of Fallen Timber (m) 29 31 35 15 15 19 55 19 22 Overstorey Regeneration 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 0

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

KDVEG04 was located in the middle section of this block of Box Gum Woodland. During the 2011 monitoring, a slight increase (0.5%) in cover abundance of the overstorey was recorded (Figure 6), and was still dominated by White Box and White Cypress Pine.

Within the understorey, a slight increase (0.5%) in cover was recorded from the 2010 monitoring (Figure 6) and still consisted of Poison Pimelea.

The 2011 monitoring recorded an increase (18%) in the overall groundcover cover percentage within the quadrat from the 2010 monitoring (Figure 6). A decrease in exotic species abundance was recorded within the quadrat with five exotic species now occurring; however a slight increase (3%) in coverage was recorded.

The quadrat also contained a large number of native groundcover species, including Purple Wiregrass, Speargrass, Arthropodium minus (Small Vanilla Lily), Austrodanthonia racemosa var. racemosa (Slender Wallaby Grass), Stout Bamboo Grass, Bothriochloa decipiens var. decipiens (Pitted Bluegrass), Yellow Burr-daisy, Chloris ventricosa (Tall Chloris), Barbed Wire Grass, Slender Flat-sedge, Einadia trigonos subsp. leiocarpa (Fishweed), Enteropogon acicularis (Curly Windmill Grass), Eragrostis leptostachya (Paddock Lovegrass), Many-flowered Mat-rush and Snowgrass.

50 45 40 35 30 25 20 Pre-construction Survey Native Native Cover(%) 15 2010 Monitoring 10 5 2011 Monitoring 0 Overstorey Midstorey Groundcover Groundcover Groundcover Cover Grasses Shrubs Other Stratum

Figure 6: KDVEG04 Native cover % comparisons from 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring

KDVEG05 was located in the northern section of this block of Box Gum Woodland. During the 2011 monitoring, a slight increase (0.5%) in cover abundance of the overstorey was recorded (Figure 7), and was still dominated by White Box and White Cypress Pine.

Within the understorey, a slight increase (1%) in cover was recorded from the 2010 monitoring (Figure 7) and still mainly consisted of Poison Pimelea.

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

The 2011 monitoring recorded an increase (18%) in the overall groundcover cover percentage within the quadrat from the 2010 monitoring (Figure 7). An increase in exotic species abundance was recorded within the quadrat with thirteen exotic species now occurring, and a slight increase in coverage was also recorded (1%).

The groundcover consisted of Purple Wiregrass, Speargrass, Slender Wallaby Grass, Stout Bamboo Grass, Blue Trumpet, Yellow Burr-daisy, Barbed Wire Grass, Slender Flat-sedge, Large Tick-trefoil, Dichelachne micrantha (Shorthair Plumegrass), Curly Windmill Grass, and Snowgrass.

45 40 35 30 25 20 Pre-construction 15 Survey Native Native Cover(%) 10 2010 Monitoring 5 2011 Monitoring 0 Overstorey Midstorey Groundcover Groundcover Groundcover Cover Grasses Shrubs Other Stratum

Figure 7: KDVEG05 Native cover % comparisons from 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring

KDVEG06 was located in the southern section of this block of Box Gum Woodland. During the 2011 monitoring, a slight increase (1%) in cover was recorded from the 2010 monitoring (Figure 8), and was dominated by White Box and Eucalyptus blakelyi (Blakely's Red Gum).

The 2011 monitoring recorded an increase (30%) in the overall groundcover cover percentage within the quadrat from the 2010 monitoring (Figure 8). An increase in exotic species abundance was recorded within the quadrat with eleven exotic species now occurring, and a slight increase in coverage was also recorded (4%).

The quadrat also contained a large number of native groundcover species, including Purple Wiregrass, Speargrass, Stout Bamboo Grass, Slender Flat-sedge, Paddock Lovegrass and Curly Windmill Grass.

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

70 60 50 40 30 Pre-construction 20 Survey Native Cover(%) 2010 Monitoring 10 0 2011 Monitoring Overstorey Midstorey Groundcover Groundcover Groundcover Cover Grasses Shrubs Other Stratum

Figure 8: KDVEG06 Native cover % comparisons from 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

3.2 MICROBATS 3.2.1 Summary Harp trapping during the 2011 monitoring period yielded mixed results. Microbats were caught at five of the ten sites, compared with microbats caught at seven of the ten sites during the 2010 monitoring and six of the ten sites during the 2009 Pre-construction Survey, including Impact Site1, Impact Site 3, Impact Site 5, Control Site 1 and Control Site 4.

A total of 25 microbats were caught across all sites during the 2011 monitoring period, of which 13 were captured at impact sites and 12 were captured at control sites, as shown within Table 5.

A total of 6 species were caught, none of which are listed under either the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) or the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). Table 5 provides a summary of the number of each species caught at each site during the 2011 monitoring period.

Table 5: Summary of harp trap results from the 2011 monitoring period Scientific Name Common Name I1 I2 I3 I4 I5 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 Nyctophilus gouldi Gould’s Long-eared Bat 1 Scotorepens balstoni Inland Broad-nosed Bat 1 2 2 Chalinolobus gouldii Gould’s Wattled Bat 1 1 1 Nyctophilus geoffroyi Lesser Long-eared Bat 5 2 Mormopterus sp. 4 Southern Freetail Bat 1 Vespadelus vulturnus Little Forest Bat 1 2 5 Total 1 0 1 0 11 3 0 0 9 0

Fewer bats were trapped during the 2011 and 2010 monitoring periods than in 2009 (Figure 9), which caught a total of 126 microbats across all sites, of which 45 were captured at impact sites and 81 were captured at control sites.

70 60 50 40 Pre-construction Survey 30 2010 Monitoring 20

MicrobatCaptures 2011 Monitoring 10 0 I1 I2 I3 I4 I5 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 Monitoring Sites

Figure 9: Harp trap captures during 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

The Anabat detection devices recorded approximately 9,912 files over all sites during the 2011 monitoring period. For consistency with the 2010 monitoring and 2009 pre-construction survey, analysis was conducted on a subset of files recorded between 8pm and 12.30am each night, resulting in 3,012 bat calls, 1,948 non bat calls, 548 calls too short for analysis, and 893 calls too low a quality to attempt identification. Over all there were eighteen microbat species detected over the ten sites, with 1,378 definite identifications, 532 probable identifications, and 1,102 possible identifications. Table 6 below provides a summary of the number of each species.

Five species are listed as vulnerable under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act), including:

• Chalinolobus picatus (Little Pied Bat); • Falsistrellus tasmaniensis (Eastern Falsistrelle); • Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis (Eastern Bentwing Bat); • Saccolaimus flaviventris (Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat); and • Vespadelus troughtoni (Eastern Cave Bat).

Table 6: Summary of Anabat results from the 2011 monitoring period Scientific Name Common Name Definite Probable Possible Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat 375 173 292 Chalinolobus morio Chocolate Wattled Bat 180 55 82 Chalinolobus picatus Little Pied Bat 1 1 1 Falsistrellus tasmaniensis Eastern Falsistrelle 3 3 12 Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis Eastern Bentwing Bat 33 21 58 Mormopterus sp.3 Inland Freetail Bat 117 99 207 Mormopterus sp.4 Southern Freetail Bat 95 16 49 Nyctophilus spp. 14 0 2 Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat 67 2 2 Scotorepens balstoni Inland Broad-nosed Bat 132 65 143 Scotorepens greyii Little Broad-nosed Bat 28 34 53 Scotorepens orion Eastern Broad-nosed Bat 24 14 30 Scotorepens sp. 3 5 24 Tadarida australis White-striped Freetail Bat 228 1 6 Vespadelus darlingtoni Large Forest Bat 0 1 8 Vespadelus regulus Southern Forest Bat 2 18 4 Vespadelus troughtoni Eastern Cave Bat 6 11 74 Vespadelus vulturnus Little Forest Bat 104 25 76 Total 1,378 532 1,102

During the 2011 monitoring, five new species were recorded on Anabat detection devices from the 2010 monitoring and 2009 pre-construction survey. However, fewer microbat calls were recorded on Anabat detection devices during the 2011 monitoring period than both the 2010 monitoring and 2009 pre- construction survey, as shown in Figure 10 (view Appendix B for complete results for 2011 monitoring and comparisons with the 2010 monitoring and 2009 pre-construction Anabat results).

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

1800 1600 1400 1200

1000 2009 Pre-construction Survey 800 2010 Monitoring

Definite Calls Definite 600 2011 Monitoring 400 200 0 I1 I2 I3 I4 I5 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5

Figure 10: Definite calls identified during 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring

3.2.2 Impact Site 1 One microbat was captured in harp traps during the 2011 monitoring period, Vespadelus vulturnus (Little Forest Bat). One bat was caught, Nyctophilus gouldi (Gould’s Long-eared Bat), during the 2010 monitoring period and no bats were captured in the 2009 pre-construction survey.

From the subset of data analysed, the Anabat detection devices at Impact Site 1 recorded 287 files over two nights, including 34 definite, 19 probable, and 234 possible identifications (Table 7).

Table 7: 2011 monitoring period Impact Site 1 Harp Trap and Anabat results Anabat Harp Trap Scientific Name Common Name Mean Forearm Mean D Pr Po No. Length (mm) Weight (g) Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat 26 15 20 Chalinolobus morio Chocolate Wattled Bat 2 0 2

Falsistrellus tasmaniensis Eastern Falsistrelle 0 0 1 Miniopterus schreibersii Eastern Bentwing Bat 0 1 0 oceanensis Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat 1 0 0 Scotorepens balstoni Inland Broad-nosed Bat 1 0 5 Scotorepens greyii Little Broad-nosed Bat 0 0 3

Scotorepens orion Eastern Broad-nosed Bat 1 2 2 Tadarida australis White-striped Freetail Bat 1 0 0 Vespadelus vulturnus Little Forest Bat 2 1 0 1 28 3.5

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

Chalinolobus gouldii (Gould's Wattled Bat) had the highest number of definite identifications, followed by Chalinolobus morio (Chocolate Wattled Bat) and the Little Forest Bat. (Figure 11). One vulnerable species was definitely recorded, the Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat, one vulnerable species was probably recorded, the Eastern Bentwing Bat and one vulnerable species was possibly recorded, the Eastern Falsistrelle.

45 40 35 30 25 20 15 Definite Calls Definite 10 Pre-construction Survey 5 0 2010 Monitoring 2011 Monitoring

Figure 11: Impact Site 1 definite Anabat calls by species identified during 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring

3.2.3 Impact Site 2 No microbats were captured in the harp traps during the 2011 monitoring period. This is no change from the 2010 monitoring period and 2009 pre-construction survey, which captured no bats.

From the subset of data analysed, the Anabat detection devices at Impact Site 2 recorded 586 files over two nights, including 234 definite, 77 probable and 285 possible identifications (Table 8).

Table 8: 2011 monitoring period Impact Site 2 Anabat results Scientific Name Common Name Definite Probable Possible Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat 44 24 57 Chalinolobus morio Chocolate Wattled Bat 21 3 5 Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis Eastern Bentwing Bat 16 2 21 Mormopterus sp.3 Inland Freetail Bat 35 20 57 Mormopterus sp.4 Southern Freetail Bat 15 11 16 Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat 12 1 0 Scotorepens balstoni Inland Broad-nosed Bat 24 1 8 Scotorepens greyii Little Broad-nosed Bat 2 0 12 Scotorepens sp. 0 0 9 Tadarida australis White-striped Freetail Bat 2 0 0 Vespadelus troughtoni Eastern Cave Bat 0 0 3 Vespadelus vulturnus Little Forest Bat 53 13 20

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

The Little Forest Bat had the highest number of definite identifications, followed by the Gould’s Wattled Bat and Mormopterus sp.3 (Inland Freetail Bat) (Figure 12). One vulnerable species was definitely recorded, the Eastern Bentwing Bat and one vulnerable species was possibly recorded, the Eastern Cave Bat.

700 600 500 400 300

Definite Calls Definite 200 Pre-construction Survey 100 0 2010 Monitoring 2011 Monitoring

Figure 12: Impact Site 2 definite calls by species identified during 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring

3.2.4 Impact Site 3 One microbat was captured in the harp traps during the 2011 monitoring period, Scotorepens balstoni (Inland Broad-nosed Bat). This was the same number captured in the 2010 monitoring period and a significant decrease in captures from the 2009 pre-construction survey, where 29 microbats were captured, of which the most frequent was the Little Broad-nosed Bat, with 14 captured over two nights.

From the subset of data analysed, the Anabat detection devices at Impact Site 3 recorded 385 files over the two nights, including 285 definite, 85 probable, and 15 possible identifications (Table 9).

Table 9: 2011 monitoring period Impact Site 3 Harp Trap and Anabat results Anabat Harp Trap Scientific Name Common Name Mean Forearm Mean D Pr Po No. Length (mm) Weight (g) Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat 217 74 59 Chalinolobus morio Chocolate Wattled Bat 16 0 6

Falsistrellus tasmaniensis Eastern Falsistrelle 0 0 1 Miniopterus schreibersii Eastern Bentwing Bat 1 1 3 oceanensis Mormopterus sp.3 Inland Freetail Bat 12 7 16 Mormopterus sp.4 Southern Freetail Bat 0 0 16 Nyctophilus spp. 3 0 0

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

Anabat Harp Trap Scientific Name Common Name Mean Forearm Mean D Pr Po No. Length (mm) Weight (g) Yellow-bellied Sheathtail- Saccolaimus flaviventris 26 0 1 bat Scotorepens balstoni Inland Broad-nosed Bat 6 1 7 1 34 10 Scotorepens greyii Little Broad-nosed Bat 0 0 6

Scotorepens orion Eastern Broad-nosed Bat 0 0 4 Scotorepens sp. 0 2 9

Vespadelus darlingtoni Large Forest Bat 0 0 1 Vespadelus regulus Southern Forest Bat 1 0 0 Vespadelus vulturnus Little Forest Bat 3 0 0

The Gould’s Wattled Bat had the highest number of definite identifications, followed by the Yellow- bellied Sheathtail-bat and the Chocolate Wattled Bat (Figure 13). Two vulnerable species were definitely recorded; Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat and Eastern Bentwing Bat. One vulnerable species was possibly recorded, Eastern Falsistrelle.

250

200

150

100

50 Pre-construction Survey

0 2010 Monitoring 2011 Monitoring

Figure 13: Impact Site 3 definite calls by species identified during 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring

3.2.5 Impact Site 4 No microbats were captured in the harp traps during the 2011 monitoring period. One microbat was captured during the 2010 monitoring period, Chocolate Wattled Bat. This was an increase from the 2009 pre-construction survey, which captured no bats.

From the subset of data analysed, the Anabat detection devices at Impact Site 4 recorded 29 files over the two nights, including 15 definite, 4 probable, and 10 possible identifications (Table 10).

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

Table 10: 2011 monitoring period Impact Site 4 Harp Trap and Anabat results Anabat Scientific Name Common Name D Pr Po

Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat 4 0 2 Chalinolobus morio Chocolate Wattled Bat 0 1 0 Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis Eastern Bentwing Bat 1 0 3 Mormopterus sp.3 Inland Freetail Bat 0 0 1 Scotorepens greyii Little Broad-nosed Bat 6 3 3 Tadarida australis White-striped Freetail Bat 4 0 0 Vespadelus darlingtoni Large Forest Bat 0 0 1 Vespadelus troughtoni Eastern Cave Bat 0 3 0 Vespadelus vulturnus Little Forest Bat 0 2 2

Scotorepens greyii (Little Broad-nosed Bat) had the highest number of definite identifications, followed by the Gould’s Wattled Bat and Tadarida australis (White-striped Freetail Bat) (Figure 14). One vulnerable species was definitely recorded; Eastern Bentwing Bat. One vulnerable species was probably recorded, Eastern Cave Bat.

250

200

150

100

Definite Calls 50 Pre-construction Survey

0 2010 Monitoring 2011 Monitoring

Figure 14: Impact Site 4 definite calls by species identified during 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2011 monitoring and 2011 monitoring

3.2.6 Impact Site 5 Ten microbats were captured in harp traps during the 2011 monitoring period, five Lesser Long-eared Bats, two Inland Broad-nosed Bats, one each of Gould’s Wattled Bat, Southern Freetail Bat and a Little Forest Bat. One microbat was captured during the 2010 monitoring period, Chocolate Wattled Bat. This is a slight decrease in captures from the 2009 pre-construction survey, where 15 microbats were captured, of which the most frequent was Nyctophilus geoffroyi (Lesser Long-eared Bat), with 6 captured over two nights.

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

From the subset of data analysed, the Anabat detection devices at Impact Site 5 recorded 167 files over the two nights, including 110 definite, 44 probable, and 13 possible identifications (Table 11).

Table 11: 2011 monitoring period Impact Site 5 Harp Trap and Anabat results Anabat Harp Trap Scientific Name Common Name Mean Forearm Mean D Pr Po No. Length (mm) Weight (g) Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat 6 9 9 1 44 12 Chalinolobus morio Chocolate Wattled Bat 5 5 5 Chalinolobus picatus Little Pied Bat 1 1 1 Falsistrellus tasmaniensis Eastern Falsistrelle 1 0 0 Miniopterus schreibersii 0 1 1 oceanensis Eastern Bentwing Bat Mormopterus sp.3 Inland Freetail Bat 0 0 2 Mormopterus sp.4 Southern Freetail Bat 4 0 2 1 35 7.5 Nyctophilus spp. 2 0 0 5 38 8.3 Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat 1 0 0 Scotorepens balstoni Inland Broad-nosed Bat 4 6 3 2 33 9 Scotorepens greyii Little Broad-nosed Bat 1 5 2 Scotorepens orion Eastern Broad-nosed Bat 3 1 1 Scotorepens sp. 0 2 1 Tadarida australis White-striped Freetail Bat 80 11 1 Vespadelus troughtoni Eastern Cave Bat 0 0 6 Vespadelus vulturnus Little Forest Bat 2 3 6 1 31 6

The White-striped Freetail Bat had the highest number of definite identifications, followed by the Gould’s Wattled Bat and the Chocolate Wattled Bat (Figure 15). Three vulnerable species were definitely recorded; the Little Pied Bat, Eastern Falsistrelle and Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat. One vulnerable species was probably recorded, Eastern Bentwing Bat and one was possibly recorded, Eastern Cave Bat.

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

140 120 100 80 60

Definite Calls 40 20 Pre-construction Survey 0 2010 Monitoring 2011 Monitoring nosed nosed Bat nosed Bat nosed Bat - - - Little Forest Little Bat Scotorepens sp. Nyctophilusspp. Eastern Cave EasternCave Bat Mormopterus sp.3 Mormopterus sp.4 EasternFalsistrelle striped Freetail Bat - Gould's Gould's Wattled Bat Chalinolobus picatusChalinolobus bellied bellied Sheathtail Bat EasternBentwing Bat - Little Broad Little Chocolate WattledBat Inland BroadInland Eastern Broad Eastern White Yellow

Figure 15: Impact Site 5 definite calls by species identified during 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring

3.2.7 Control Site 1 Two microbats were captured in the harp traps during the 2011 monitoring period, Inland Broad-nosed Bat and a Gould’s Wattled Bat. No microbats were captured in the 2010 monitoring period. This is a slight decrease in captures from the 2009 pre-construction survey, where 4 microbats were captured, of which the most frequent was the Gould’s Wattled Bat, with 3 caught over two nights.

From the subset of data analysed, the Anabat detection devices at Control Site 1 recorded 51 files over the two nights, including 13 definite, 5 probable, and 33 possible identifications (Table 12).

Table 12: 2011 monitoring Period Control Site 1 Anabat results Anabat Harp Trap Scientific Name Common Name Mean Forearm Mean D Pr Po No. Length (mm) Weight (g) Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat 8 1 17 1 44 11 Falsistrellus tasmaniensis Eastern Falsistrelle 1 1 2 Miniopterus schreibersii 0 1 1 oceanensis Eastern Bentwing Bat Mormopterus sp.3 Inland Freetail Bat 1 1 2 Scotorepens balstoni Inland Broad-nosed Bat 0 0 2 1 30 9 Scotorepens greyii Little Broad-nosed Bat 0 1 4 Scotorepens orion Eastern Broad-nosed Bat 1 0 1 Scotorepens sp. 0 0 3 Tadarida australis White-striped Freetail Bat 2 0 0 Vespadelus vulturnus Little Forest Bat 0 0 1

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

The Gould’s Wattled Bat had the highest number of definite identifications, followed by the White-striped Freetail Bat (Figure 16). One vulnerable species was definitely recorded; Eastern Falsistrelle. One vulnerable species was probably recorded, Eastern Bentwing Bat.

250

200

150

100

Definite Calls Definite 50 Pre-construction Survey

0 2010 Monitoring 2011 Monitoring

Figure 16: Control Site 1 definite calls by species identified during 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring

3.2.8 Control Site 2 No microbats were captured in harp traps during the 2011 monitoring period. Six microbats were captured during the 2010 monitoring period, with five of these being Little Forest Bat. The 2009 pre- construction survey also captured no bats.

From the subset of data analysed, the Anabat detection devices at Control Site 2 recorded 313 files over the two nights, including 72 definite, 70 probable, and 171 possible identifications (Table 13).

Table 13: 2011 monitoring period Control Site 2 Harp Trap and Anabat results Anabat Scientific Name Common Name D Pr Po

Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat 6 9 36 Chalinolobus morio Chocolate Wattled Bat 10 11 6 Falsistrellus tasmaniensis Eastern Falsistrelle 1 0 2 Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis Eastern Bentwing Bat 0 2 15 Mormopterus sp.3 Inland Freetail Bat 27 24 36 Mormopterus sp.4 Southern Freetail Bat 2 0 3 Nyctophilus spp. 0 0 2 Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat 1 0 2 Scotorepens balstoni Inland Broad-nosed Bat 11 11 49 Scotorepens greyii Little Broad-nosed Bat 0 2 2 Scotorepens orion Eastern Broad-nosed Bat 2 8 1

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

Scotorepens sp. 0 1 1 Tadarida australia White-striped Freetail Bat 2 0 3 Vespadelus troughtoni Eastern Cave Bat 1 0 0 Vespadelus vulturnus Little Forest Bat 9 2 15

The Inland Freetail Bat had the highest number of definite identifications, followed by Inland Broad- nosed Bat (Figure 17). Three vulnerable species were definitely recorded; Eastern Falsistrelle, Yellow- bellied Sheathtail-bat and Eastern Cave Bat. One species was probably recorded; Eastern Bentwing Bat.

500 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 Definite Calls 100 Pre-construction Survey 50 0 2010 Monitoring 2011 Monitoring

Figure 17: Control Site 2 definite calls by species identified during 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring

3.2.9 Control Site 3 No microbats were captured in the harp traps during the 2011 monitoring period. This is a decrease of two microbats were captured during the 2010 monitoring period, Lesser Long-eared Bat. This is a significant decrease in captures from the 2009 pre-construction survey, where 58 microbats were captured, of which the most common was Gould’s Wattled Bat, with 16 caught over two nights.

From the subset of data analysed, the Anabat detection devices at Control Site 3 recorded 443 files over the two nights, including 227 definite, 68 probable, and 148 possible identifications (Table 14).

Table 14: 2011 monitoring period Control Site 2 Harp Trap and Anabat results Anabat Scientific Name Common Name D Pr Po

Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat 21 7 28 Chalinolobus morio Chocolate Wattled Bat 5 19 17 Falsistrellus tasmaniensis Eastern Falsistrelle 0 2 2

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

Anabat Scientific Name Common Name D Pr Po

Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis Eastern Bentwing Bat 12 7 6 Mormopterus sp.3 Inland Freetail Bat 5 2 12 Mormopterus sp.4 Southern Freetail Bat 2 0 1 Nyctophilus spp. 2 0 0 Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat 2 0 0 Scotorepens balstoni Inland Broad-nosed Bat 10 12 10 Scotorepens greyii Little Broad-nosed Bat 4 5 8 Scotorepens orion Eastern Broad-nosed Bat 2 0 11 Scotorepens sp. 2 0 0 Tadarida australia White-striped Freetail Bat 37 3 1 Vespadelus darlingtoni Large Forest Bat 0 0 5 Vespadelus regulus Southern Forest Bat 0 0 2 Vespadelus troughtoni Eastern Cave Bat 1 8 25 Vespadelus vulturnus Little Forest Bat 12 3 20

White-striped Freetail Bat had the highest number of definite identifications, followed by Gould’s Wattled Bat, Eastern Bentwing Bat and Little Forest Bat (Figure 18). Three vulnerable species were definitely recorded; Eastern Bentwing Bat, Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat and Eastern Cave Bat. One vulnerable species was probably recorded, Eastern Falsistrelle.

600 500 400 300 200 Definite Calls 100 Pre-construction Survey 0 2010 Monitoring 2011 Monitoring

Figure 18: Control Site 3 definite calls by species identified during 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring 3.2.10 Control Site 4 Nine microbats were captured in harp traps during the 2011 monitoring period, including five Little Forest Bat’s, two Lesser Long-eared Bats and one Gould’s Wattled Bat. This is a decrease in captures from the 2010 monitoring, with seventeen microbats were captured, most of which were Little Forest

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

Bat, with seven captured over two nights. This is also a decrease from the 2009 pre-construction survey, which captured fifteen microbats.

From the subset of data analysed, the Anabat detection devices at Control Site 4 recorded 536 files over the two nights, including 278 definite, 92 probable and 166 possible identifications (Table 15).

Table 15: 2011 monitoring period Control Site 4 Harp Trap and Anabat results Anabat Harp Traps Scientific Name Common Name Mean Forearm Mean No. D Pr Po Length (mm) Weight (g) Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat 17 15 21 1 45 12.5 Chalinolobus morio Chocolate Wattled Bat 6 14 40 Falsistrellus tasmaniensis Eastern Falsistrelle 0 0 1 Miniopterus schreibersii 3 4 4 oceanensis Eastern Bentwing Bat Mormopterus sp.3 Inland Freetail Bat 9 8 5 Mormopterus sp.4 Southern Freetail Bat 50 2 6 Nyctophilus geoffroyi Lesser Long-eared Bat 2 38 8.2 Nyctophilus spp. 4 0 0 Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat 8 1 0 Scotorepens balstoni Inland Broad-nosed Bat 58 26 32 Scotorepens greyii Little Broad-nosed Bat 12 14 7 Tadarida australis White-striped Freetail Bat 93 3 1 Vespadelus troughtoni Eastern Cave Bat 4 3 39 Vespadelus vulturnus Little Forest Bat 14 2 10 5 30.5 6.2

The White-striped Freetail Bat had the highest number of definite identifications, followed by the Inland Broad-nosed Bat and Southern Freetail Bat (Figure 19). Three vulnerable species were definitely recorded; Eastern Bentwing Bat, Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat and Eastern Cave Bat. One species was possibly recorded; Eastern Falsistrelle.

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 Definite Calls 20 Pre-construction Survey 10 0 2010 Monitoring 2011 Monitoring

Figure 19: Control Site 4 definite calls by species identified during 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring

3.2.11 Control Site 5 No microbats were captured in the harp traps during the 2011 monitoring period. This is no change from the 2010 monitoring period. However, this is a decrease in captures from the 2009 pre- construction survey, where three microbats were captured, of which the most frequent was the Lesser Long-eared Bat, with 2 caught over the two nights.

From the subset of data analysed, the Anabat detection devices at Control Site 5 recorded 340 files over the two nights, including 110 definite, 68 probable and 162 possible identifications (Table 16).

Table 16: 2011 monitoring period Control Site 5 Anabat results Anabat Scientific Name Common Name D Pr Po Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat 25 19 43 Chalinolobus morio Chocolate Wattled Bat 5 2 1 Falsistrellus tasmaniensis Eastern Falsistrelle 0 0 3 Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis Eastern Bentwing Bat 0 1 3 Mormopterus sp.3 Inland Freetail Bat 28 36 72 Mormopterus sp.4 Southern Freetail Bat 1 3 5 Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat 16 0 0 Scotorepens balstoni Inland Broad-nosed Bat 16 2 14 Scotorepens greyii Little Broad-nosed Bat 2 2 6 Scotorepens sp. 1 0 1 Vespadelus darlingtoni Large Forest Bat 0 1 1 Vespadelus regulus Southern Forest Bat 1 1 1 Vespadelus vulturnus Little Forest Bat 9 0 3

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

The Inland Freetail Bat had the highest number of definite identifications, followed by Gould’s Wattled Bat (Figure 20). One vulnerable species was definitely recorded; Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat. One species was probably recorded; Eastern Bentwing Bat. One species was possibly recorded; Eastern Falsistrelle.

160 140 120 100 80 60

Definite Calls 40 Pre-construction Survey 20 0 2010 Monitoring 2011 Monitoring

Figure 20: Control Site 5 definite calls by species identified during 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

3.3 WOODLAND & MIGRATORY BIRDS 3.3.1 Summary The woodland and migratory bird monitoring was undertaken across the ten sites during August 2011. The 2011 Monitoring observed a decline in diversity of species at eight of the ten sites surveyed in the 2010 Monitoring period.

The woodland and migratory bird monitoring indentified a total of 59 species from across the ten sites. This is a decrease of 29 species from the 2010 monitoring period, which identified a total of 88 species across ten sites, observations over Keepit Dam and opportunistic sightings. During the 2011 monitoring, seven species were identified that were not recorded during the 2010 monitoring or 2009 pre-construction survey and forty five species identified during the 2010 monitoring and 2009 pre- construction survey were not observed during the 2011 monitoring. Appendix C provides a table of the species identified at each site during the 2011 monitoring.

Two out ten monitoring sites recorded higher species numbers during the 2011 monitoring than in the 2010 monitoring and 2009 pre-construction survey (Figure 21).

35 30 25 20 Pre-construction Survey 15 2010 Monitoring 10 2011 Monitoring

No.of Species Recorded 5 0 I1 I2 I3 I4 I5 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 Monitoring Sites

Figure 21: Bird species identified during 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring

No threatened species found during the 2010 monitoring and 2009 pre-construction were identified during the 2011 monitoring.

One species listed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) as a migratory bird was recorded during the 2011 monitoring period, Ardea alba (Great Egret).

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

3.3.2 Impact Site 1 The 2011 monitoring identified 9 bird species, including Acanthiza apicalis (Inland Thornbill), Acanthiza pusilla (Brown Thornbill), Colluricincla harmonica (Grey Shrike-thrush), Gerygone fusca (Western Gerygone), Melithreptus brevirostris (Brown-headed Honeyeater), Pachycephala pectoralis (Golden Whistler), Pachycephala rufiventris (Rufous Whistler), Phalacrocorax varius (Pied Cormorant) and Rhipidura albiscapa (Grey Fantail).

The 2011 monitoring identified twelve overall bird species less than the 2010 monitoring. Twenty one species recorded during the 2010 monitoring period were not recorded during the 2011 monitoring, however, an additional four species were recorded (Appendix C for complete list of bird species from the 2009 pre-construction survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring).

No threatened or migratory bird species listed under either the NSW TSC Act or Commonwealth EPBC Act were identified at Impact Site 1 during the 2011 monitoring.

3.3.3 Impact Site 2 The 2011 monitoring identified 21 bird species, including Acanthagenys rufogularis (Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater), Cacatua galerita (Sulphur-crested Cockatoo), Chenonetta jubata (Australian Wood Duck), Grey Shrike-thrush, Corvus coronoides (Australian Raven), Coturnix ypsilophora (Brown Quail), Cracticus nigrogularis (Pied Butcherbird), Cracticus tibicen (Australian Magpie), Cracticus torquatus (Grey Butcherbird), Eolophus roseicapillus (Galah), Haliastur sphenurus (Whistling Kite), Malurus cyaneus (Superb Fairy-wren), Manorina melanocephala (Noisy Miner), Melithreptus lunatus (White- naped Honeyeater), Neochmia temporalis (Red-browed Finch), Nycticorax caledonicus (Nankeen Night Heron), Ocyphaps lophotes (Crested Pigeon), Platycercus eximius (Eastern Rosella), Grey Fantail, Rhipidura leucophrys (Willie Wagtail) and Sturnus vulgaris (Common Starling).

The 2011 monitoring identified six overall bird species less than the 2010 monitoring. Sixteen species recorded during the 2010 monitoring period were not recorded during the 2011 monitoring, however, an additional nine species were recorded (Appendix C for complete list of bird species from the 2009 pre- construction survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring).

No threatened or migratory bird species listed under either the NSW TSC Act or Commonwealth EPBC Act were identified at Impact Site 2 during the 2011 monitoring.

3.3.4 Impact Site 3 The 2011 monitoring identified 15 bird species, including Acanthiza nana (Yellow Thornbill), Brown Thornbill, Australian Raven, Australian Magpie, Galah, Eopsaltria australis (Eastern Yellow Robin), Superb Fairy-wren, Brown-headed Honeyeater, Crested Pigeon, Rufous Whistler, Grey Fantail, Willie Wagtail, Sericornis frontalis (White-browed Scrubwren), Strepera graculina (Pied Currawong) and Struthidea cinerea (Apostlebird).

The 2011 monitoring identified eleven overall bird species less than the 2010 monitoring. Fifteen species recorded during the 2010 monitoring period were not recorded during the 2011 monitoring, however, an additional four species were recorded (Appendix C for complete list of bird species from the 2009 pre-construction survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring).

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

No threatened or migratory bird species listed under either the NSW TSC Act or Commonwealth EPBC Act were identified at Impact Site 1 during the 2011 monitoring.

3.3.5 Impact Site 4 The 2011 monitoring identified 9 bird species, including Aythya australis (Hardhead), Australian Raven, Australian Magpie, Galah, Grallina cyanoleuca (Magpie-lark), Noisy Miner, Eastern Rosella, Common Starling and Tachybaptus novaehollandiae (Australasian Grebe).

The 2011 monitoring identified six overall bird species less than the 2010 monitoring. Six species recorded during the 2010 monitoring period were not recorded during the 2011 monitoring, however, an additional one species was recorded (Appendix C for complete list of bird species from the 2009 pre- construction survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring).

No threatened or migratory bird species listed under either the NSW TSC Act or Commonwealth EPBC Act were identified at Impact Site 1 during the 2011 monitoring.

3.3.6 Impact Site 5 The 2011 monitoring identified 11 bird species, including Inland Thornbill, Yellow Thornbill, Brown Thornbill, Accipiter novaehollandiae (Grey Goshawk), Pied Butcherbird, Galah, Hirundo neoxena (Welcome Swallow), Rufous Whistler, Petrochelidon nigricans (Tree Martin), Grey Fantail and Willie Wagtail.

The 2011 monitoring identified thirteen overall bird species less than the 2010 monitoring. Sixteen species recorded during the 2010 monitoring period were not recorded during the 2011 monitoring, however, an additional seven species were recorded (Appendix C for complete list of bird species from the 2009 pre-construction survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring).

No threatened or migratory bird species listed under either the NSW TSC Act or Commonwealth EPBC Act were identified at Impact Site 1 during the 2011 monitoring.

3.3.7 Control Site 1 The 2011 monitoring identified 22 bird species, including Anas gracilis (Grey Teal), Anas superciliosa (Pacific Black Duck), Anhinga novaehollandiae (Australasian Darter), Ardea alba (Great Egret), Hardhead, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Cacatua sanguinea (Little Corella), Australian Wood Duck, Corcorax melanorhamphos (White-winged Chough), Australian Raven, Pied Butcherbird, Australian Magpie, Dacelo novaeguineae (Laughing Kookaburra), Egretta novaehollandiae (White-faced Heron), Galah, Fulica atra (Eurasian Coot), Magpie-lark, Whistling Kite, Noisy Miner, Phalacrocorax sulcirostris (Little Black Cormorant), Pied Cormorant and Platalea regia (Royal spoonbill).

The 2011 monitoring identified one overall bird species more than the 2010 monitoring. Ten species recorded during the 2010 monitoring period were not recorded during the 2011 monitoring, however, an additional eleven species were recorded (Appendix C for complete list of bird species from the 2009 pre-construction survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring).

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

No threatened bird species listed under the NSW TSC Act were identified at Control Site 1 during the 2010 Monitoring. One migratory bird listed under the Commonwealth EPBC Act was identified within Control Site 1 during the 2011 monitoring, the Great Egret.

3.3.8 Control Site 2 The 2011 monitoring identified 19 bird species, including Grey Goshawk, Australasian Darter, Great Egret, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Little Corella, Australian Raven, Pied Butcherbird, Australian Magpie, Galah, Eurasian Coot, Magpie-lark, Whistling Kite, Larus novaehollandiae (Silver Gull), Noisy Miner, Little Black Cormorant, Eastern Rosella, Australasian Grebe, Threskiornis spinicollis (Straw-necked Ibis) and Vanellus miles (Masked Lapwing).

The 2011 monitoring identified twelve overall bird species less than the 2010 monitoring. Sixteen species recorded during the 2010 monitoring period were not recorded during the 2011 monitoring, however, an additional four species were recorded (Appendix C for complete list of bird species from the 2009 pre-construction survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring).

3.3.9 Control Site 3 The 2011 monitoring identified 15 bird species, including Yellow Thornbill, Brown Thornbill, Australasian Darter, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, White-winged Chough, Australian Raven, Australian Magpie, Galah, Noisy Miner, Crested Pigeon, Eastern Rosella, Grey Fantail, Willie Wagtail, Pied Currawong and Masked Lapwing.

The 2011 monitoring identified eight overall bird species less than the 2010 monitoring. Fourteen species recorded during the 2010 monitoring period were not recorded during the 2011 monitoring, however, an additional six species were recorded (Appendix C for complete list of bird species from the 2009 pre-construction survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring).

No threatened or migratory bird species listed under either the NSW TSC Act or Commonwealth EPBC Act were identified at Impact Site 1 during the 2011 monitoring.

3.3.10 Control Site 4 The 2011 monitoring identified 26 bird species, including Anas castanea (Chestnut Teal), Grey Teal, Pacific Black Duck, Australasian Darter, Hardhead, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Little Corella, Australian Wood Duck, White-winged Chough, Australian Raven, Pied Butcherbird, Australian Magpie, Galah, Magpie-lark, Whistling Kite, Silver Gull, Noisy Miner, Tree Martin, Phalacrocorax carbo (Great Cormorant), Little Black Cormorant, Pied Cormorant, Eastern Rosella, Podiceps cristatus (Great- crested Grebe), Willie Wagtail, Common Starling and Masked Lapwing.

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

The 2011 monitoring identified two overall bird species less than the 2010 monitoring. Eleven species recorded during the 2010 monitoring period were not recorded during the 2011 monitoring, however, an additional six species were recorded (Appendix C for complete list of bird species from the 2009 pre- construction survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring).

No threatened or migratory bird species listed under either the NSW TSC Act or Commonwealth EPBC Act were identified at Impact Site 1 during the 2011 monitoring.

3.3.11 Control Site 5 The 2011 monitoring identified 21 bird species, including Grey Teal, Pacific Black Duck, Australasian Darter, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Little Corella, Australian Wood Duck, Australian Raven, Australian Magpie, White-faced Heron, Galah, Falco berigora (Brown Falcon), Falco longipennis (Australian Hobby), Magpie-lark, Silver Gull, Noisy Miner, Pelecanus conspicillatus (Australian Pelican), Little Black Cormorant, Pied Cormorant, Eastern Rosella, Great-crested Grebe, Apostlebird and Australasian Grebe.

The 2011 monitoring identified five overall bird species more than the 2010 monitoring. Seven species recorded during the 2010 monitoring period were not recorded during the 2011 monitoring, however, an additional twelve species were recorded (Appendix C for complete list of bird species from the 2009 pre-construction survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring).

No threatened or migratory bird species listed under either the NSW TSC Act or Commonwealth EPBC Act were identified at Impact Site 1 during the 2011 monitoring.

3.3.12 White-bellied Sea-eagle & White Throated Needletail

The White-bellied Sea-eagle and White Throated Needletail are a target migratory species for the monitoring program. The intent of the White-bellied Sea-eagle target survey is to identify the presence of nest sites, which are likely to be close to the water’s edge of the dam. The intent of the White Throated Needletail target survey is to identify their presence in the airspace over the dam.

No White-bellied Sea-eagle were observed during the 2011 monitoring and no nests were observed with Keepit Dam. No presence of the White Throated Needletail’s was observed in the airspace over Keepit Dam.

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

4 Nest Box Monitoring

Nest box monitoring has been undertaken by the John Holland Group. The nest box monitoring was undertaken at 50% (or the amount able to be monitored in one day) of all boxes monitored during each month. Monitoring summary of the nest box monitoring is provided below.

• Structural Integrity and Attachments: No structural integrity issues were identified. • Insect Pest: All nest boxes were checked for the presence of pests. Nest box number 1, 3, 8, 10, 16, 17, 22, 28, 34, 39, 41, 42, 43 & 46 were recorded as having cob webs over the entrance. Nest box 1 had an extinct wasp nest in the box. There was no sign of feral bees or wasps inhabiting any of the nest boxes. • Feral Bird Colonisation: No exotic birds were detected at any of the nest boxes and no evidence suggesting likely usage of such species was detected. • Native Fauna: Evidence of native fauna occurrence was recorded at a number of nest box trees (e.g. scratching around entrance), no evidence of current native fauna occupation of the nest boxes was detected. The nest boxes displaying signs of potential use are nest box’s 4, 10, 11, 20, 23, 25, 27, 31, 34, 35, 36, 40, 41, 42 and 44 (John Holland Group 2011).

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

5 Fauna Fatality Records

John Holland Group has been keeping records of fauna fatalities associated with the Keepit Dam Upgrade works. During the fatality recording period from January to June 2011, there have six records of fauna being stranded within construction areas, injured or killed by the associated works (Table 17).

Table 17: Fauna which have been stranded within construction areas, injured or killed by the associated works Uninjured / Species Injured Dead / Killed Stranded

Eastern Grey Kangaroos 1 1 2

Galah 1

Australia Wood Duck 1

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

6 Discussion

6.1 VEGETATION Box Gum Woodland monitoring undertaken in 2011 has identified an overall increase in flora species present within each quadrat monitored from the 2010 monitoring and 2009 pre-construction. The increase in flora species present within each quadrat was dominated by native species, with between 5 and 15 new native species occurring within each quadrat. The exotic species numbers within each quadrat generally increased slightly, apart from KDVEG03 and KDVEG04, which saw decrease in exotic species numbers from the 2010 monitoring period.

The increase in native and exotic species within each quadrat may correspond to the above average rainfall received during 2011. Although exotic species numbers increased across the majority of the quadrats, the cover percentage did not dramatically increase, with a 4% or less increase across all sites.

The canopy across the two patches/blocks of Box Gum Woodland being monitored showed little change, whilst there was an overall increase of cover in the understorey and groundcover. Habitat potential across the sites did not change.

As such, general comments from the 2011 Monitoring period can be made regarding the performance criteria for the upgrade works. These general comments include:

• No direct impacts from the construction works have been visible within any of the Monitoring quadrats, with the majority of the quadrats showing no change or increases in cover abundance in the canopy, understorey and groundcover.

• Habitat values of the Box Gum Woodland have not been affected.

6.2 MICROCHIROPTERAN BATS Microbat monitoring during 2011 caught fewer microbats within harp traps and detected fewer calls by the Anabat devices. Monitoring sites that achieved a lower capture or similar captures of Microbats during the 2011 monitoring than the 2010 monitoring or the 2009 pre-construction survey included:

• Impact Site 1 (comparable to 2010 monitoring with 1 capture); • Impact Site 3 (comparable to 2010 monitoring with 1 capture, however less than 2009 pre- construction survey which had 29 captures previously); • Impact Site 4 (less than 2010 monitoring which had 1 capture); • Impact Site 5 (11 captures during 2011 monitoring, one capture in 2010 monitoring and 16 captures previously during the 2009 pre-construction survey); • Control Site 1 (three captures during 2011 monitoring, no captures in 2010 monitoring and four captures previously during the 2009 pre-construction survey); • Control Site 3 (nine captures during 2011 monitoring, 17 captures in 2010 monitoring and 15captures previously during the 2009 pre-construction survey);

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

The Anabat detection devices recorded lower numbers, with 2,757 less definite identifiable recordings during this monitoring period than the 2010 monitoring period and 7,207 less definite identifiable recordings than the 2009 pre-construction survey.

The reduction in microbat captures and Anabat recordings may be contributed to a number of factors, these include:

• Weather – the weather at the time of the 2011 monitoring was a little warmer than the 2010 monitoring period, however cooler than the 2009 pre-construction survey, with slightly warmer minimum temperatures for the first three days then cooler minimum temperatures and warmer maximum temperatures for the first three days then cooler maximum temperatures, as shown in Figure 22.

45 40 Pre-construction Survey Min Temp 35 2010 Monitoring Min Temp 30 25 2011 Monitoring Min Temp

(oC) 20 Pre-construction Survey Max 15 Temp 10 2010 Monitoring Max Temp 5 2011 Monitoring Max Temp 0 Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6

Figure 22: Weather comparisons from the 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring • Dam capacity - the dam levels of the Keepit Dam have increased significantly since the 2009 pre-construction survey, from 28.5% to 99.8% during the 2010 monitoring period and 100% during the 2011 monitoring period. This increase in the dam level has significantly reduced the amount of roosting habitat, with stags located within the dam being submerged and saturating hollows.

During the 2011 monitoring period, no new species of microbat were caught within the harp traps or recorded by the Anabat devices. Whilst overall numbers of microbats either caught or recorded were down on the 2010 monitoring and 2009 pre-construction survey, more threatened species were detected by the Anabat devices.

The Little Pied Bat, which is listed as vulnerable under the TSC Act, was recorded at one impact sites (I5). This species was not recorded at any site during the 2010 monitoring or the 2009 pre-construction survey.

The Eastern Falsistrelle, which is listed as vulnerable under the TSC Act, was recorded at three impact sites (I1, I3, I5) and five control sites (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5). This species was not recorded at any site during the 2010 monitoring or the 2009 pre-construction survey.

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

The Eastern Bentwing Bat, which is listed as vulnerable under the TSC Act, was recorded at 3 impact sites and 2 control sites during 2011. Previously this species had been recorded at all sites except Impact Site 1. With the exception of Impact Site 3, Impact Site 4 and Control Site 4, fewer calls were recorded at site Impact Site 2, Impact Site 5, Control Site 1, Control Site 2, Control Site 3 and Control Site 5 (Figure 23).

160

140

120

100 Pre-construction Survey 80 2010 Monitoring 60 Definite Calls Definite 2011 Monitoring 40

0 I1 I2 I3 I4 I5 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5

Figure 23: The number of Eastern Bentwing Bat definite calls identified in the 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring The Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat, which is listed as vulnerable under the TSC Act, was recorded at 4 impact sites and four control sites. This species was recorded at Impact Site 1, at which it had not previously been recorded, but was not recorded at Impact Site 4 and Control Site 1 where it was recorded in previously during either the 2010 monitoring or the 2009 pre-construction survey. Overall, increases in definite recordings were experienced at Impact Site 1, Impact Site 2 and Impact Site 3. Decreases in numbers were experienced at Impact Site 4, Impact Site 5, Control Site 1, Control Site 2, Control Site 3, Control Site 4 and Control Site 5 (Figure 24).

100 90 80 70 60 Pre-construction Survey 50 2010 Monitoring 40 Definite Calls Definite 2011 Monitoring 30 20 10 0 I1 I2 I3 I4 I5 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5

Figure 24: Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat comparisons between the 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

The Eastern Cave Bat, which is listed as vulnerable under the TSC Act, was recorded at no impact sites and 3 control sites. The species was recorded for the first time at Control Site 2, but was not recorded at Impact Site 1, Impact Site 2, Impact Site 3, Impact Site 4, Impact Site 5, Control Site 1 and Control Site 5 at which it was previously recorded during either the 2010 monitoring of the 2009 pre- construction survey. Overall, increases in definite recordings were experienced at Control Site 2 and Control Site 4 (Figure 25).

50 Pre-construction Survey 40 2010 Monitoring 30 Definite Calls 2011 Monitoring 20

0 I1 I2 I3 I4 I5 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5

Figure 25: Eastern Cave Bat comparisons between the 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring

As such, general comments from the 2011 monitoring period can be made regarding the performance criteria for the upgrade works:

• There is no discernable trend in the assemblage of bat species, the numbers of bat calls or the distribution of bats that may be attributed to the construction works at any impact site as similar variability is evident at control sites.

• No direct impacts from the construction works have been visible within any of the monitoring sites, and conditions outside the construction works may be attributed to the decrease in microbat numbers caught within the harp traps and recorded on the Anabat devices.

• An increase in two threatened species of microbats has been observed from across all Monitoring sites, including the Impact Sites.

• General trends across all sites were a decrease in numbers, including the Control sites.

6.3 WOODLAND BIRDS The woodland and migratory bird monitoring during 2011 experienced a decrease in species diversity from the ten sites than during the 2010 monitoring and the 2009 pre-construction survey. The woodland and migratory bird monitoring identified a total of 59 species from across the ten sites. This is a decrease 29 species from the 2010 monitoring, which identified a total of 88 species across ten sites, observations over Keepit Dam and opportunistic sightings. The decrease in bird species numbers from

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

previous monitoring was experienced across the majority of the sites, both within the impact sites and control sites, with the exception being Control Site 1 and Control Site 5. The decrease in bird species recorded during the 2011 monitoring is likely to be affected by foraging resources, change in observers and timing of surveys.

No threatened species found during the 2010 monitoring period or the 2009 pre-construction survey were indentified during the monitoring. One species listed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) as a migratory bird was recorded during the 2011 monitoring period, the Great Egret, which was observed at Control Site 1 and Control Site 2.

As such, general comments from the 2011 monitoring period can be made regarding the performance criteria for the upgrade works. These general comments include:

• No direct impacts from the construction works have been visible within any of the monitoring sites, and bird activity either decreased or increased during the 2011 monitoring. The decrease in bird species numbers from previous monitoring was experienced across the majority of the sites, both within the impact sites and control sites.

• The decrease in bird species diversity may be attributed to several factors:

o Resources – it has been noted in several resources that it was a poor season (winter) for flowing of eucalypt (and other shrubs) on the western slopes. For example the Swift Parrot /Regent Honeyeater newsletter noted this. o Observers – changing observers will change data. David Keith noted that there can be a 17% (ish) difference in data purely due to observer bias/error. This should level out during the 2012 monitoring period. o Timing – the 2011 survey was a little later than the 2010 monitoring and the pre- construction survey was completed in summer not winter. Many species may have been well into their breeding cycles, and breeding sites may not be close to our monitoring points. Some birds will advertise/call frequently pre-breeding season to establish territories and attract mates. Once breeding starts, they don’t want to attract attention to a nest site, and can be much quieter.

6.4 REVIEW OF THE MONITORING PROGRAM The monitoring program undertaken during the 2011 period achieved some good results, in that:

• No direct impacts from the construction works have been visible within any of the vegetation monitoring quadrats, with the majority of the quadrats showing no change or increases in cover abundance in the canopy, understorey and groundcover.

• No direct impacts from the construction works have been visible within any of the microbat monitoring sites, and conditions outside the construction works may be attributed to the decrease in microbat numbers caught within the harp traps and recorded on the Anabat devices and two new threatened species were detected.

• No direct impacts from the construction works have been visible within any of the monitoring sites, and bird activity either decreased or increased during the 2011 monitoring..

Given these good results, the monitoring program should continue without any foreseeable changes to the methodology.

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

References

• Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) (2012) Daily Weather Observation, Gunnedah: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/IDCJDW2056.latest.shtml

• Eco Logical Australia (ELA) (2010), Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program - Pre- construction Survey. Prepared for State Water Corporation, Parramatta, NSW.

• Eco Logical Australia (ELA) (2011), Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2010 Monitoring Period. Prepared for State Water Corporation, Parramatta, NSW.

• GeoLINK (2010). Nest Box Monitoring 1 (May) and Nest Box Monitoring 2. Prepared for John Holland Group.

• John Holland Group (2010). Monthly Nest Box Monitoring (August to December).

• John Holland Group (2010). Fauna Incident Register.

• John Holland Group (2010). Monthly Environmental Report (August 2011).

• Parsons Brinckerhoff (2007), Keepit Dam Upgrade Environmental Assessment. Prepared for State Water Corporation, Parramatta, NSW.

• Parsons Brinckerhoff (2009). Keepit Dam Upgrade - Ecological Monitoring Program. Prepared for State Water Corporation, Parramatta, NSW.

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program –2011 Monitoring

Appendix A: Floristic Data

KDVEG01 KDVEG02 KDVEG03 KDVEG04 KDVEG05 KDVEG06

Scientific Name Common Name 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011

Acacia decora Western Silver Wattle x x x x x x

Ajuga australis Austral Bugle x x x x x x

Alectryon oleifolius Western Rosewood x x

Amyema miquelii Box Mistletoe x x

Amyema sp. x x x x x x x

Anagallis arvensis* Scarlet Pimpernel x Lesser Thyme-leaved Arenaria leptoclados* Sandwort x x x x

Aristida personata Purple Wiregrass x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Arthropodium minus Small Vanilla Lily x

Arthropodium sp. x x x x

Asperula conferta Common Woodruff x x x

Austrodanthonia bipartita Wallaby Grass x x x x x x Austrodanthonia racemosa var. obtusata Wallaby Grass x x x x x Austrodanthonia racemosa var. racemosa Wallaby Grass x x

Austrodanthonia sp. x x x x x x x x

Austrostipa ramosissima Stout Bamboo Grass x x x x x x

Austrostipa scabra Speargrass x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Slender Bamboo Austrostipa verticillata Grass x x x x x x

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

KDVEG01 KDVEG02 KDVEG03 KDVEG04 KDVEG05 KDVEG06

Scientific Name Common Name 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011

Bidens pilosa* Cobblers Pegs x x x x x x x x Greater Beggar's Bidens subalternans* Ticks x

Boerharvia sp. x x x x x

Boerhavia dominii Tarvine x x x Bothriochloa decipiens var. decipiens Pitted Bluegrass x x x x

Bothriochloa macra Red Grass x x x x x

Bothriochloa sp. x

Brachychiton populneus Kurrajong x x x x

Bromus molliformis* Soft Brome x x

Brunoniella australis Blue Trumpet x x x x x x

Bursaria spinosa Native Blackthorn x x x x x x

Callitris glaucophylla White Cypress Pine x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Calotis lappulacea Yellow Burr-daisy x x x x x x x x x x

Carex inversa x x

Carthamus lanatus* Saffron Thistle x x x

Centaurea melitensis* Maltese Cockspur x x

Centaurea solstitialis* Yellow Star-thistle x x x x

Centaurium sp.* x x x

Chamaesyce sp. x

Cheilanthes distans Bristly Cloak Fern x x Cheilanthes sieberi subsp. sieberi Rock Fern x x x x x x x x x x x

Chenopodium pumilio Small Crumbweed x

Chloris truncata Windmill Grass x x x

Chloris ventricosa Tall Chloris x x x

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

KDVEG01 KDVEG02 KDVEG03 KDVEG04 KDVEG05 KDVEG06

Scientific Name Common Name 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011 Chrysocephalum apiculatum Common Everlasting x x

Clematis microphylla Small-leaved Clematis x x

Commelina cyanea Native Wandering Jew x Convolvulus graminetinus x

Conyza bonariensis* Flaxleaf Fleabane x x x x x x x x x Cyclospermum leptophyllum* Slender Celery x x Cymbonotus lawsonianus x x x

Cymbopogon refractus Barbed Wire Grass x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Cyperus gracilis Slender Flat-sedge x x x x x x x x x x x

Daucus glochidiatus Native Carrot x x Desmodium brachypodum Large Tick-trefoil x x x x x x x x x x x x

Desmodium gunnii Slender Tick-trefoil x

Desmodium varians Slender Tick-trefoil x x x x x x

Dianella longifolia Blue Flax-Lily x

Dianella revoluta Blueberry Lily x x Dichanthium sericeum subsp. sericeum Queensland Bluegrass x x x x x

Dichelachne micrantha Shorthair Plumegrass x x x x x x x

Dichondra sp. A x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Nodding Chocolate Dichopogon fimbriatus Lily x

Digitaria brownii Cotton Panic Grass x x x

Digitaria porrecta Finger Panic Grass x

Dodonaea viscosa Broad-leaf Hopbush x x x x

Echium plantagineum* Paterson’s Curse x x x

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

KDVEG01 KDVEG02 KDVEG03 KDVEG04 KDVEG05 KDVEG06

Scientific Name Common Name 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011

Einadia polygonoides Knotweed Goosefoot x x x x Einadia trigonos subsp. leiocarpa Fishweed x x x x x

Elymus scaber x x x x

Enneapogon nigricans Niggerheads x x

Enteropogon acicularis Curly Windmill Grass x x x

Eragrostis leptostachya Paddock Lovegrass x x x x x x

Eragrostis alveiformis x

Erneapogon sp. x

Eucalyptus albens White Box x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Eucalyptus blakelyi Blakely's Red Gum x x

Euchiton sp. x

Euchiton sphaericus x x x x x x

Fumaria sp. x

Geijera parviflora Wilga x x

Geranium solanderi Native Geranium x x x

Glossogyne tannensis Cobbler's Tack x x x x x x x x

Glycine clandestina Twining Glycine x x x x x x x x x x x

Glycine tabacina Variable Glycine x x x x x x x Gomphocarpus Narrow-leaved Cotton fruticosus* Bush x

Gomphocarpus sp. x

Goodenia glabra x x

Goodenia pinnatifida x

Hibbertia obtusifolia Hoary Guinea Flower x

Hordeum sp.* x

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

KDVEG01 KDVEG02 KDVEG03 KDVEG04 KDVEG05 KDVEG06

Scientific Name Common Name 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011

Hyparrhenia hirta* Coolatai Grass x x

Hypericum gramineum Small St John's Wort x x x x x

Jasminum lineare Desert Jasmine x

Juncus usitatus x

Lactuca saligna Willow-leaved Lettuce x

Lactuca serriola* Prickly Lettuce x

Lamium amplexicaule* Dead Nettle x

Lepidium africanum* Common Peppercress x x x x x x Argentine Lepidium bonariense* Peppercress x x

Lepidium fasciculatum x

Linum marginale Native Flax x x x

Lomandra filiformis Wattle Matt-rush x x x x x Lomandra multiflora Many-flowered Mat- subsp. multiflora rush x x x x x x x

Lotus australis Australian Trefoil x x Maireana enchylaenoides Wingless Bluebush x

Maireana microphylla Small-leaf Bluebush x x x x

Malva sp.* x Malvastrum coromandelianum Prickly Malvastrum x x x Narrow-leaved Maytenus silvestris Orangebark x x

Medicago sp.* x x

Melia azedarach White Cedar x

Mentha satureioides Creeping Mint x x

Microlaena stipoides Weeping Grass x x

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

KDVEG01 KDVEG02 KDVEG03 KDVEG04 KDVEG05 KDVEG06

Scientific Name Common Name 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011

Misopates orontium* Lesser Snapdragon x x

Myoporum montanum Western Boobialla x Notelaea microcarpa var. microcarpa x x x x x x

Opuntia aurantiaca* Tiger Pear x x x x x x x x Opuntia stricta var. stricta* Common Prickly Pear x x x x x

Oxalis exilis x x

Oxalis sp. x x x

Pandorea pandorana Wonga Wonga Vine x x

Panicum effsum Hairy Panic x

Papaver sp.* x

Paspalidium sp. x x

Petrorhagia nanteuilii* Proliferous Pink x x x x x x x x x x x

Pimelea curviflora x

Pimelea neo-anglica Poison Pimelea x x x x x x x x x x x

Plantago debilis Shade Plantain x x x x x

Polycarpon tetraphylla* Four-leaved Allseed x

Phyllanthus virgatus x

Poa sieberiana Snowgrass x x x x x x x x x x

Portulaca oleracea Pigweed x x x

Psydrax odorata Canthium x Rostellularia adscendens var. adscendens x x x

Rumex brownii Swamp Dock x x x x x x x

Salvia reflexa* Mintweed x

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

KDVEG01 KDVEG02 KDVEG03 KDVEG04 KDVEG05 KDVEG06

Scientific Name Common Name 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011

Scleria mackaviensis x

Sclerolaena birchii Galvanized Burr x x x x

Senecio quadridentatus Cotton Fireweed x x x x

Senna barclayana Smooth Senna x

Sida corrugata Corrugated Sida x x x x x x x x x x x

Sida cunninghamii Ridge Sida x x x x x

Sida spinosa x x x x x x

Sida sp. x x x x* x* x*

Sigesbeckia orientalis x

Sigesbeckia sp. x

Sisymbrium officinale* Hedge Mustard x

Sisymbrium orientale* Indian Hedge Mustard x x

Solanum cinereum Narrawa Burr x x x x x x x x

Solanum esuriale Potato Weed x

Solanum nigrum* Black Nightshade x x

Sonchus oleraceus* Sow Thistle x x x x x x Slender Rat's Tail Sporobolus creber Grass x x

Swainsona galegifolia Smooth Darling Pea x x x x x

Themeda australis Kangaroo Grass x

Tribulus sp. x x

Trifolium arvense* Haresfoot Clover x x x x

Trifolium campestre* Hop Trefoil x

Verbena gaudichaudii Verbena x x x x x x

Veronica calycina Hairy Speedwell x x x x

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

KDVEG01 KDVEG02 KDVEG03 KDVEG04 KDVEG05 KDVEG06

Scientific Name Common Name 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011

Vittadinia cuneata A Fuzzweed x x x x

Vittadinia muelleri A Fuzzweed x

Vittadinia sp. x x x

Vulpia sp.* x

Wahlenbergia communis Tufted Bluebell x x x x x x x x x x

Xerochrysum viscosum Sticky Everlasting x x x x x x x x

*Exotic Species

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program –2011 Monitoring

Appendix B: Anabat Data (Definite Calls)

2009 Pre-construction Survey 2010 Monitoring 2011Monitoring Scientific Name Common Name I1 I2 I3 I4 I5 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 I1 I2 I3 I4 I5 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 I1 I2 I3 I4 I5 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5

Chalinolobus gouldii 5 170 47 43 32 93 27 156 6 65 9 113 5 12 0 19 18 6 6 6 26 44 217 4 6 8 6 21 17 26 Gould's Wattled Bat

Chalinolobus morio 0 141 68 7 3 49 4 41 4 16 4 154 2 2 17 39 2 90 0 4 2 21 16 0 5 0 10 115 6 5 Chocolate Wattled Bat

Chalinolobus picatus 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 Little Pied Bat

Falsistrellus tasmaniensis 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 Eastern Falsistrelle

Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis 0 34 0 0 2 11 10 8 0 13 0 144 0 0 3 2 0 27 0 1 0 16 1 1 0 0 0 12 3 0 Eastern Bentwing Bat

Mormopterus sp.3 15 315 24 52 61 68 438 77 58 149 0 4 2 6 24 0 20 7 3 7 0 35 12 0 0 1 27 5 9 28 Inland Freetail Bat

Mormopterus sp.4 21 64 28 194 52 184 356 61 30 59 1 0 0 0 0 1 18 4 33 4 0 15 0 0 4 0 2 2 50 1 Southern Freetail Bat

Nyctophilus spp. 3 24 0 9 5 22 2 6 2 15 15 0 0 0 6 5 0 2 0 0 0 0 3 0 2 0 0 2 4 0

Saccolaimus flaviventris 0 5 7 5 4 0 20 8 15 92 0 0 2 2 9 6 37 15 59 2 1 12 26 0 1 0 1 2 8 16 Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat

Scotorepens balstoni 8 75 2 0 53 56 22 114 7 28 37 44 4 9 20 0 4 13 6 16 1 24 6 0 4 0 11 10 58 16 Inland Broad-nosed Bat

Scotorepens greyii 24 366 164 5 33 174 24 27 0 14 1 29 5 0 5 9 0 13 1 28 0 2 0 6 1 0 0 4 12 2 Little Broad-nosed Bat

Scotorepens orion 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 10 0 0 3 1 2 2 0 5 Eastern Broad-nosed Bat

Scotorepens sp. 3 21 16 0 3 0 0 2 2 0 3 3 1 1 0 29 0 2 0 16 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1

Tadarida australis 37 0 8 14 17 27 171 2 13 3 39 0 5 1 2 22 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 4 80 2 2 37 93 0 White-striped Freetail Bat

Vespadelus darlingtoni 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Large Forest Bat

Vespadelus regulus 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Southern Forest Bat

Vespadelus troughtoni 0 10 12 0 1 2 0 10 1 7 2 75 2 0 1 9 0 8 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 4 0 Eastern Cave Bat

Vespadelus vulturnus 22 305 43 2 128 217 40 509 25 37 2 572 6 0 18 3 1 84 1 18 2 53 3 0 2 0 9 12 14 9 Little Forest Bat

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program –2011 Monitoring

Appendix C: Woodland & Migratory Bird Data

Pre-Construction 2009 Monitoring 2010 Monitoring 2011 Scientific Name Common Name I1 I2 I3 14 15 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 I1 I2 I3 14 15 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 I1 I2 I3 14 15 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 Acanthagenys rufogularis Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater x x x x Acanthiza apicalis Inland Thornbill x x x Acanthiza chrysorrhoa Yellow-rumped Thornbill x x Acanthiza nana Yellow Thornbill x x x x x x x x Acanthiza pusilla Brown Thornbill x x x x x x x x Acanthiza reguloides Buff-rumped Thornbill x x Accipiter novaehollandiae Grey Goshawk x x Acrocephalus australis Australian Reed-Warbler x x Alisterus scapularis Australian King-Parrot x Anas castanea Chestnut Teal x x x x Anas gracilis Grey Teal x x x x x Anas superciliosa Pacific Black Duck x x x x x x x x x Anhinga novaehollandiae Australasian Darter x x x x x x x x Anthochaera carunculata Red Wattlebird x Aphelocephala leucopsis Southern Whiteface x Aquila audax Wedge-tailed Eagle x x Ardea alba Great egret x x x x x Ardea garzetta Little egret x x Artamus cyanopterus Dusky Woodswallow x x Aythya australis Hardhead x x x x x Cacatua galerita Sulphur-crested Cockatoo x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Cacatua sanguinea Little Corella x x x x x x x x x x Cacomantis flabelliformis Fan-tailed Cuckoo x Ceyx azureus Azure Kingfisher x x Chenonetta jubata Australian Wood Duck x x x x x x x x x x x Cheramoeca leucosterna White-backed Swallow x x Cincloramphus mathewsi Rufous Songlark x x Circus approximans Swamp Harrier x Cisticola exilis Golden-headed Cisticola x x Climacteris picumnus Brown Treecreeper x x Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush x x x x Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike x x x x x Corcorax melanorhamphos White-winged Chough x x x x x x x x x x

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

Pre-Construction 2009 Monitoring 2010 Monitoring 2011 Scientific Name Common Name I1 I2 I3 14 15 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 I1 I2 I3 14 15 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 I1 I2 I3 14 15 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 Corvus coronoides Australian Raven x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Corvus orru Torresian Crow x Coturnix ypsilophora Brown Quail x x x Cracticus nigrogularis Pied Butcherbird x x x x x x x x x x Cracticus tibicen Australian Magpie x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird x x x x x x x x x x x x Cygnus atratus Black Swan x Dacelo novaeguineae Laughing Kookaburra x x x x x Dicaeum hirundinaceum Mistletoebird x Egretta novaehollandiae White-faced Heron x x x x x Eolophus roseicapillus Galah x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Eopsaltria australis Eastern Yellow Robin x x x x x x x Eurystomus orientalis Dollarbird x Falco berigora Brown Falcon x x x Falco cenchroides Nankeen Kestrel x x x x x Falco longipennis Australian Hobby x Fulica atra Eurasian Coot x x x x Geopelia humeralis Bar-shouldered Dove x Geopelia striata Peaceful Dove x Gerygone albogularis White-throated Gerygone x x Gerygone fusca Western Gerygone x x x x x Glossopsitta concinna Musk Lorikeet x x Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-Eagle x Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite x x x x x x x x x x Hirundo neoxena Welcome Swallow x x x Larus novaehollandiae Silver Gull x x x x x x x x x Lichenostomus penicillatus White-plumed Honeyeater x x x x x x x Lichenostomus virescens Singing Honeyeater x Malurus cyaneus Superb Fairy-wren x x x x x x x x Manorina melanocephala Noisy Miner x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Melithreptus brevirostris Brown-headed Honeyeater x x x Melithreptus lunatus White-naped Honeyeater x Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater x x Microcarbo melanoleucos Little Pied Cormorant x x x Myiagra inquieta Restless Flycatcher x Neochmia temporalis Red-browed Finch x x x Neophema pulchella Turquoise Parrot x Nycticorax caledonicus Nankeen Night Heron x Nymphicus hollandicus Cockatiel x x x x Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Pachycephala pectoralis Golden Whistler x

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

Pre-Construction 2009 Monitoring 2010 Monitoring 2011 Scientific Name Common Name I1 I2 I3 14 15 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 I1 I2 I3 14 15 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 I1 I2 I3 14 15 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 Pachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler x x x x x x x x Pardalotus striatus Striated Pardalote x x x x x x x x Pelecanus conspicillatus Australian Pelican x x x x x x Petrochelidon ariel Fairy Martin x x x Petrochelidon nigricans Tree Martin x x x x Phalacrocorax carbo Great Cormorant x x Phalacrocorax sulcirostris Little Black Cormorant x x x x x x x x x Phalacrocorax varius Pied Cormorant x x x x x Phaps chalcoptera Common Bronzewing x x Philemon citreogularis Little Friarbird x Platalea regia Royal spoonbill x x Platycercus eximius Eastern Rosella x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Podiceps cristatus Great-crested Grebe x x x x Pomatostomus superciliosus White-browed Babbler x x Pomatostomus temporalis Grey-crowned Babbler temporalis (eastern subspecies) x Porphyrio porphyrio Purple Swamphen x x Psephotus haematonotus Red-rumped Parrot x x x x x x x x x x Pyrrholaemus saggitatus Speckled Warbler x x Rhipidura albiscapa Grey Fantail x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Sericornis frontalis White-browed Scrubwren x Stagonopleura guttata Diamond Firetail x x Strepera graculina Pied Currawong x x x x x Struthidea cinerea Apostlebird x x x x x x x x x x Sturnus vulgaris* Common Starling x x x x x x x x x x Tachybaptus novaehollandiae Australasian Grebe x x x x x x x Taeniopygia bichenovii Double-barred Finch x x Threskiornis spinicollis Straw-necked Ibis x x Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank x Vanellus miles Masked Lapwing x x x x x x x Zosterops lateralis Silvereye x x x x *Introduced species

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program –Pre- construction Survey

HEAD OFFICE SYDNEY ST GEORGES BASIN Suite 4, Level 1 Suite 604, Level 6 8/128 Island Point Road

2-4 Merton Street 267 Castlereagh Street St Georges Basin NSW 2540 Sutherland NSW Sydney NSW 2000 T 02 4443 5555 T 02 8536 8600 T 02 9993 0566 F 02 4443 6655 F 02 9542 5622 F 02 9993 0573

CANBERRA HUNTER NAROOMA Level 4 Suite 17, Level 4 5/20 Canty Street

11 London Circuit 19 Bolton Street Narooma NSW 2546 Canberra ACT 2601 Newcastle NSW 2300 T 02 4476 1151 T 02 6103 0145 T 02 4910 0125 F 02 4476 1161 F 02 6103 0148 F 02 4910 0126

COFFS HARBOUR ARMIDALE BRISBANE 35 Orlando Street 92 Taylor Street 93 Boundary St Coffs Harbour Jetty NSW 2450 Armidale NSW 2350 West End QLD 4101 T 02 6651 5484 T 02 8081 2681 T 0429 494 886 F 02 6651 6890 F 02 6772 1279

WESTERN AUSTRALIA 108 Stirling Street Perth WA 6000 T 08 9227 1070 F 08 9227 1078

Appendix D - Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Annual Monitoring Report 2012

Keepit Dam Upgrade Annual Compliance Report (EPBC 2006/3186 - Condition 6)

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program Annual Monitoring Report 2012

Prepared for State Water Corporation

6 February 2013 Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2012 Monitoring

DOCUMENT TRACKING

ITEM DETAIL Project Name Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program Project Number 09ARMECO-0008

File location W:\Projects\Keepit Dam Ecological Monitoring

Prepared by Hamish Mackinnon, Daniel Magdi, Peter Hancock Approved by Paul Frazier Status Final Version Number 5 Last saved on 6 February 2013

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This document has been prepared by Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd with support from the State Water Corporation and John Holland Group.

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2012 Monitoring

Contents

Contents ...... ii

List of Figures ...... iv

List of Tables ...... v

1 Introduction ...... 1 1.1 Performance Criteria of the Monitoring Program ...... 1

2 Methodology ...... 4 2.1 Weather Conditions ...... 4

3 Results & Analysis ...... 6 3.1 Vegetation ...... 6 3.1.1 Summary ...... 6 3.1.2 Northern Block ...... 6 3.1.3 Southern Block ...... 10 3.2 Microbats ...... 13 3.2.1 Summary ...... 13 3.2.2 Impact Site 1 ...... 16 3.2.3 Impact Site 2 ...... 16 3.2.4 Impact Site 3 ...... 17 3.2.5 Impact Site 4 ...... 18 3.2.6 Impact Site 5 ...... 19 3.2.7 Control Site 1 ...... 19 3.2.8 Control Site 2 ...... 20 3.2.9 Control Site 3 ...... 21 3.2.10 Control Site 4 ...... 22 3.2.11 Control Site 5 ...... 22 3.3 Woodland & Migratory Birds ...... 23 3.3.1 Summary ...... 23 3.3.2 Impact Site 1 ...... 25 3.3.3 Impact Site 2 ...... 25 3.3.4 Impact Site 3 ...... 25 3.3.5 Impact Site 4 ...... 25

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2012 Monitoring

3.3.6 Impact Site 5 ...... 25 3.3.7 Control Site 1 ...... 25 3.3.8 Control Site 2 ...... 25 3.3.9 Control Site 3 ...... 25 3.3.10 Control Site 4 ...... 25 3.3.11 Control Site 5 ...... 26 3.3.12 White-bellied Sea-eagle & White Throated Needletail ...... 26

4 Discussion ...... 27 4.1 Vegetation ...... 27 4.2 Microchiropteran Bats ...... 27 4.3 Woodland Birds ...... 28 4.4 Overview Monitoring results ...... 29

References ...... 30

Appendix A: Floristic Data ...... 31

Appendix B: Anabat Data (Definite Calls) ...... 36

Appendix C: Woodland & Migratory Bird Data ...... 37

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2012 Monitoring

List of Figures

Figure 1: Keepit Dam and surrounds, with construction areas highlighted...... 3

Figure 2: The number of species observed during the four vegetation surveys conducted to date at Keepit...... 6

Figure 3: KDVEG01 Native cover % comparisons from 2009 to 2012 ...... 8

Figure 4: KDVEG02 Native cover % comparisons from 2009 to 2012 ...... 9

Figure 5: KDVEG03 Native cover % comparisons from 2009 to 2012 ...... 9

Figure 6: KDVEG04 Native cover % comparisons from 2009 to 2012...... 10

Figure 7: KDVEG05 Native cover % comparisons from 2009 to 2012...... 12

Figure 8: KDVEG06 Native cover % comparisons from 2009 to 2012 ...... 13

Figure 9: Harp trap captures during 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring, 2011 monitoring and 2012 monitoring ...... 14

Figure 10: Definite calls identified during four surveys at Keepit ...... 15

Figure 11: Bird species observed for each of the four surveys since 2009 ...... 24

Figure 12: Average number of bird species observed at impact and control sites in 4 years of surveys 24

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2012 Monitoring

List of Tables

Table 1: Weather conditions preceding the monitoring period ...... 4

Table 2: Weather conditions during the monitoring period...... 5

Table 3: Summary of data from the northern block quadrats from 2009 to 2012 ...... 7

Table 4: Summary of data from the southern block quadrats during the 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring, 2011 monitoring and 2012 monitoring ...... 11

Table 5: Minimum and maximum temperatures (°C) measured at the Gunnedah weather station during microbat survey periods ...... 13

Table 6: Summary of harp trap results from the 2012 monitoring period ...... 14

Table 7: Summary of Anabat results from the 2012 monitoring period. * indicates species listed under NSW TSC Act...... 15

Table 8: Average number of bat species detected in control and impact sites ...... 16

Table 9: 2012 monitoring period Impact Site 1 Harp Trap and Anabat results ...... 16

Table 10: 2012 monitoring period Impact Site 2 Anabat results ...... 17

Table 11: 2012 monitoring period Impact Site 3 Harp Trap and Anabat results ...... 18

Table 12: 2012 monitoring period Impact Site 4 Anabat results ...... 18

Table 13: 2012 monitoring period Impact Site 5 Harp Trap and Anabat results ...... 19

Table 14: 2012 monitoring Period Control Site 1 Anabat results ...... 20

Table 15: 2012 monitoring period Control Site 2 Harp Trap and Anabat results ...... 20

Table 16: 2012 monitoring period Control Site 2 Anabat results ...... 21

Table 17: 2012 monitoring period Control Site 4 Harp Trap and Anabat results ...... 22

Table 18: 2012 monitoring period Control Site 5 Anabat results ...... 23

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2012 Monitoring

1 Introduction

Eco Logical Australia (ELA) has been engaged by State Water Corporation to undertake the ecological monitoring program for the Keepit Dam Upgrade from 2009 to 2016.

Keepit Dam is located on the Namoi River, approximately 13 km upstream from the confluence with the Peel River. Keepit Dam is approximately 40 km east of Gunnedah and 57 km west of Tamworth (Figure 1). State Water Corporation is upgrading Keepit Dam to ensure that the dam can withstand extreme floods and earthquakes and comply with the NSW Dams Safety Committee standards.

The dam upgrade involved construction activities that potentially impact on ecological values surrounding the dam. As part of the Conditions of Approval for the construction works, the effectiveness of mitigation measures prescribed in the Environmental Assessment, Biodiversity Offset Package will be monitored.

Monitoring was undertaken prior to, during and after construction. The pre-construction survey was undertaken December 2009 and January 2010 and collected baseline data to be used for comparison throughout the monitoring program period (2010 – 2016). Monitoring during construction is to take place during the two main phases of construction, Works Package 1 and Works Package 2. Post construction monitoring is to continue for a period of 3 years after the completion of construction.

This report includes results from the Post Construction monitoring 2012 (referred to as 2012 monitoring) period, the fourth monitoring event since construction commenced. Data from 2012 are compared with results from the 2009 pre-construction survey, the 2010 and 2011 monitoring periods and performance criteria located in Section 1.1. The 2012 monitoring was undertaken in June 2012 (Woodland and migratory birds) and October 2012 (Microchiropteran bats & Box Gum Woodland).

1. The direct impacts of the project are limited to those approved for the project.

2. During and following construction the biodiversity values of the native vegetation/habitat surrounding the direct impact sites are not significantly affected by the project. In particular:

a) habitat values of the native woodlands are not negatively affected

b) habitat use by threatened species of fauna are not negatively affected by the project.

3. That habitat values of the offset sites increase in response to management activities (Parsons Brinckerhoff, 2009).

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2012 Monitoring

Microbats - Activity levels of microbats (including threatened species) are not affected by the construction or operation of the project.

Woodland Birds - Activity levels of woodland birds (including threatened species) are not affected by the construction or operation of the project.

Migratory Birds – Activity levels of migratory species are not affected by the construction or operation of the project. Further, breeding of White-bellied Sea-eagles (if present) is not affected by construction and operation of the project.

Vegetation Communities - The habitat values of Box Gum Woodland adjacent to the project are not affected.

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2012 Monitoring

Figure 1: Keepit Dam and surrounds, with construction areas highlighted.

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2012 Monitoring

2 Methodology

The 2012 monitoring was undertaken by Dr Lachlan Copeland, Peter Knock, Rodney Armistead, Hamish Mackinnon and Rebecca McCue of ELA. The monitoring occurred in three periods, the 27th and 28th June 2012 (Woodland and migratory birds), 4th and 5th October 2012 (Box Gum Woodland) and 8th to 12th October 2012 (Microchiropteran bats).

The 2012 monitoring was undertaken at the same sites as the previous monitoring and used the same methodology as that used in all surveys since the pre-construction survey undertaken in 2009 (refer to Section 2 of ELA 2012).

2.1 WEATHER CONDITIONS Weather conditions in the months preceding and during the monitoring were cool to mild, with generally above average rainfall. The mean minimum temperatures during the survey period were lower than the historical average for the Gunnedah area, whilst the mean maximum temperatures were higher than average during winter and spring (Table 1). Rainfall for the Gunnedah area was below average for all months except July (Table 1).

Table 1: Weather conditions preceding the monitoring period 2012 Monthly Mean Total Historical Averages

Month Min Temp Rainfall Min Temp Rainfall Max Temp (°C) Max Temp (°C) (°C) (mm) (°C) (mm)

May 2.6 17.8 33.2 7.1 21.3 42.5

June 3.2 22.3 36.4 4.3 17.6 43.6

July 2.5 17.1 77.4 3.0 16.9 42.7

September 4.3 24.0 30.6 7 22.8 40.3

October 6.1 25.4 2.2 10.8 26.7 55.5

Weather observations were taken from Gunnedah Airport (www.bom.gov.au)

Weather conditions during the 2012 monitoring periods were all adequate for microbat surveys, as temperatures were mild, and there was minimal rainfall (Table 2).

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2012 Monitoring

Table 2: Weather conditions during the monitoring period.

Min Max 9am 3pm Rainfall Max Wind Temp Temp Survey Date Temp Temp (mm) Gust (km/h) (°C) (°C) (°C) (°C)

27th June 2012 6.9 14.7 0 39 10.9 14.3 Woodland & Migratory birds 28th June 2012 8.2 19.9 0 35 12.2 19.3

4th October 2012 5.3 29.1 0 33 20.2 28.0 Box Gum Woodland 5th October 2012 6.8 32.6 0 43 23.2 32.1

8th October 2012 8.5 25.0 0 31 14.9 23.7

9th October 2012 3.4 25.5 0 48 15.5 24.0 Microchiropteran 10th October 2012 6.7 29.8 0 41 16.9 28.3 bats 11th October 2012 11.4 17.7 1.0 41 12.6 16.8

12th October 2012 1.8 17.8 1.2 63 8.5 15.2

Weather observations were taken from Gunnedah Airport (www.bom.gov.au)

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2012 Monitoring

3 Results & Analysis

3.1 VEGETATION 3.1.1 Summary Vegetation quadrats were surveys as part of the ongoing monitoring in patches (blocks) of Box Gum Woodland to the north and south of the construction works. Quadrats were located in the same position as previous surveys within the two blocks. Overall, 124 plant species were recorded from the six quadrats during the 2012 monitoring period, including 100 native species and 24 exotic species (view Appendix A for complete list of species).

The overall number of species recorded during the 2012 monitoring period has decreased by 18 (Figure 2) from the 2011 monitoring survey. There were 15 native species and three exotic species not recorded in this survey that were recorded in previous surveys. During the 2012 monitoring, 6 native and 10 exotic species were recorded that were not recorded during the 2009 pre-construction survey, 2010 monitoring and 2011 monitoring.

140 120 100 Pre-construction Survey 80 2010 Monitoring 60 2011 Monitoring 40 Number of species Number 2012 Monitoring 20 0 Overall Species Native Species Exotic Species

Figure 2: The number of species observed during the four vegetation surveys conducted to date at Keepit.

3.1.2 Northern Block The 2012 monitoring was undertaken at the three sites selected during the 2009 pre-construction survey. Overall, 72 plant species (57 native and 15 exotic) were recorded from the three quadrats. Table 3 provides a summary of data collected from the quadrats in the northern block of Box Gum Woodland during the 2012 monitoring period.

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2012 Monitoring

Table 3: Summary of data from the northern block quadrats from 2009 to 2012 KDVEG01 KDVEG02 KDVEG03

2009 2010 2011 2012 2009 2010 2011 2012 2009 2010 2011 2012

Native Species 24 32 40 34 30 32 41 35 28 29 44 40 Exotic Species 0 2 4 2 2 6 8 11 5 11 9 6 Native Overstorey Cover 8.5 8.5 9.5 11 9 9.5 10.5 10.5 9.5 9.5 10 10 (%) Native Midstorey Cover (%) 12 11 12 12 7 7 7 7.5 7.5 7.5 7.5 8 Native Groundcover Cover - 6 8 14 10 22 28 34 26 22 24 26 22 Grasses (%) Native Groundcover Cover - 4 6 6 6 4 2 4 2 2 2 2 2 Shrubs (%) Native Groundcover Cover - 2 2 4 6 6 8 12 12 6 4 8 4 Other (%) Exotic Overstorey Cover (%) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Exotic Midstorey Cover (%) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Exotic Groundcover Cover <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 2 4 <1 <1 <1 <1 (%) No. Of Hollow Bearing Trees 0 0 0 0 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 Total Length of Fallen 15 21 24 28 65 65 70 66 50 53 61 60 Timber (m) Overstorey Regeneration 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2012 Monitoring

Plot KDVEG01 was located in the northern section of this block of Box Gum Woodland. During the 2012 monitoring, cover in the overstorey was similar to previous years (Figure 3) and was still dominated by Eucalyptus albens (White Box), Callitris glaucophylla (White Cypress Pine), and Brachychiton populneus (Kurrajong).

In the understorey, there was no change evident in the amount of cover since 2009 (Figure 3). The understorey still consisted of Acacia decora (Western Silver Wattle), Bursaria spinosa var. spinosa (Native Blackthorn), Dodonaea viscosa ssp. angustifolia (Broad-leaf Hopbush) and Notelaea microcarpa var. microcarpa.

There was a slight decrease of 2% in the overall groundcover between 2011 and 2012 monitoring periods (Figure 3). A decrease in exotic species abundance occurred at this quadrat, with only two exotic species now occurring.

The quadrat also contained a large number of native groundcover species, including Aristida personata (Purple Wiregrass), Austrostipa scabra ssp. scabra (Speargrass), Cymbopogon refractus (Barbed Wire Grass), Desmodium brachypodum (Large Tick-trefoil), Lomandra filiformis subsp. filiformis (Wattle Mat- rush) and Wahlenbergia communis ( Tufted Bluebell).

16 14 12 10 8 Pre-construction 6 Survey 2010 Monitoring Native CoverNative (%) 4 2011 Monitoring 2 0 2012 Monitoring Overstorey Midstorey Groundcover Groundcover Groundcover Cover Grasses Shrubs Other Stratum

Figure 3: KDVEG01 Native cover % comparisons from 2009 to 2012

KDVEG02 was located in the northern section of this block of Box Gum Woodland. During the 2012 monitoring, no change in cover abundance was observed in the overstorey (Figure 4), which was still dominated by White Box and White Cypress Pine.

There was no significant change in shrub layer cover between 2011 and 2012 (Figure 4) and Native Blackthorn, Notelaea microcarpa var. microcarpa, and Pimelea neo-anglica (Poison Pimelea) were still the dominant species. There was an increase of 8% for groundcover over the same period (Figure 4) despite an increase in the number of exotic species (11 species) in this layer. The quadrat also contained a large number of native groundcover species, including Purple Wiregrass, Speargrass, Barbed Wire Grass, Large Tick-trefoil, Desmodium varians (Slender Tick-trefoil), Wattle Matt-rush, and Verbena gaudichaudii (Verbena).

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2012 Monitoring

40 35 30 25 20 Pre-construction Survey 15 2010 Monitoring

Native CoverNative (%) 10 2011 Monitoring 5 0 2012 Monitoring Overstorey Midstorey Groundcover Groundcover Groundcover Cover Grasses Shrubs Other Stratum

Figure 4: KDVEG02 Native cover % comparisons from 2009 to 2012 KDVEG03 was located in the southern section of this block of Box Gum Woodland. During the 2012 monitoring, no change was evident in cover abundance of the overstorey (Figure 5), and the plot was still dominated by White Box, White Cypress Pine and Kurrajong.

There has been no significant change in the amount of shrub cover since 2009 (Figure 5). This layer is still dominated by Western Silver Wattle and Poison Pimelea.

Overall groundcover cover decreased by 8% since 2011, but is at a level similar to the 2010 survey (Figure 5). There was a decrease to 6 in the number of exotic species recorded in the quadrat, but exotic species cover remained at <1%.

The quadrat also contained a large number of native groundcover species, including Purple Wiregrass, Speargrass, Arthropodium minus (Small Vanilla Lily), Austrodanthonia racemosa var. obtusata (Wallaby Grass), Calotis lappulacea (Yellow Burr-daisy), Barbed Wire Grass, Large Tick-trefoil, Dianella longifolia (Blue Flax-Lily) Many-flowered Mat-rush and Verbena.

15 Pre-construction Survey 10 2010 Monitoring Native CoverNative (%) 5 2011 Monitoring

0 2012 Monitoring Overstorey Midstorey Groundcover Groundcover Groundcover Cover Grasses Shrubs Other Stratum

Figure 5: KDVEG03 Native cover % comparisons from 2009 to 2012

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2012 Monitoring

3.1.3 Southern Block The 2012 monitoring occurred at three sites selected during the 2009 pre-construction survey. Overall, 71 plant species were recorded from the three quadrats, including 57 native species and 14 exotic species. Table 4 provides a summary of data collected from the quadrats in the southern block of Box Gum Woodland during the 2012 monitoring period.

KDVEG04 is located in the middle section of the southern block of Box Gum Woodland. During the 2012 monitoring, overstorey cover was similar to previous years (Figure 6), and was still dominated by White Box and White Cypress Pine.

No change was evident in understorey cover between 2011 and 2012, although there has been a slight decrease in 2009 and 2010 (Figure 6). The shrub layer was dominated by Poison Pimelea.

There was an increase of 10% in groundcover between 2011 and 2012 monitoring (Figure 6). There was a slight decrease (2%) in exotic species cover despite an increase in the number of exotic species to seven.

The quadrat contained a large number of native groundcover species, including Speargrass, Small Vanilla Lily, Bothriochloa macra (Red Grass), Calotis cuneifolia (Purple Burr-daisy), Chloris ventricosa (Tall Chloris), Barbed Wire Grass, Einadia trigonos subsp. leiocarpa (Fishweed), Enteropogon acicularis (Curly Windmill Grass), Eragrostis leptostachya (Paddock Lovegrass), Many-flowered Mat-rush and Snowgrass.

30 Pre-construction 20 Survey

Native CoverNative (%) 2010 Monitoring 10 2011 Monitoring 0 Overstorey Midstorey Groundcover Groundcover Groundcover Cover Grasses Shrubs Other Stratum

Figure 6: KDVEG04 Native cover % comparisons from 2009 to 2012.

K e e p i t Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2012 Monitoring

Table 4: Summary of data from the southern block quadrats during the 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring, 2011 monitoring and 2012 monitoring KDVEG04 KDVEG05 KDVEG06

2009 2010 2011 2012 2009 2010 2011 2012 2009 2010 2011 2012 Native Species 30 31 43 37 28 32 43 32 16 16 21 19 Exotic Species 5 8 5 7 2 8 13 12 8 9 11 11 Native Overstorey Cover (%) 8 8 8.5 9.5 5.5 5.5 6 6 6 4 5 5 Native Midstorey Cover (%) 2 2.5 3 3 14 14 15 13.5 0 0 0 0 Native Groundcover Cover - 26 30 46 52 22 28 40 34 28 42 66 60 Grasses (%) Native Groundcover Cover - 8 6 4 4 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Shrubs (%) Native Groundcover Cover - 4 6 10 14 4 6 12 6 2 6 12 12 Other (%) Exotic Overstorey Cover (%) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Exotic Midstorey Cover (%) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Exotic Groundcover Cover (%) 4 6 8 6 2 <1 2 0 10 12 16 20 No. Of Hollow Bearing Trees 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 Total Length of Fallen Timber (m) 29 31 35 35 15 15 19 23 55 19 22 24 Overstorey Regeneration 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 0 0

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2012 Monitoring

KDVEG05 is located in the northern section of this block of Box Gum Woodland. During the 2012 monitoring there was no change in cover abundance of the overstorey (Figure 7), and it was still dominated by White Box and White Cypress Pine.

There was no significant change in midstorey cover between 2011 and 2012 (Figure 7). This layer is still dominated by Poison Pimelea.

The 2012 monitoring showed a decrease (12%) in the overall groundcover cover percentage within the quadrat from the 2011 monitoring (Figure 7). There was a slight decrease in the number of exotic species, with 12 exotic now occurring in the quadrat.

The groundcover consisted of Speargrass, Austrostipa verticillata (Slender Bamboo Grass), Yellow Burr-daisy, Slender Flat-sedge, Large Tick-trefoil, Linum marginale (Native Flax), Mentha satureioides (Creeping Mint), and Snowgrass.

45 40 35 30 25 20 Pre-construction 15 Survey Native CoverNative (%) 10 2010 Monitoring 5 2011 Monitoring 0 Overstorey Midstorey Groundcover Groundcover Groundcover Cover Grasses Shrubs Other Stratum

Figure 7: KDVEG05 Native cover % comparisons from 2009 to 2012.

KDVEG06 is in the southern section of this block of Box Gum Woodland. There has been no change in overstorey cover since 2011 (Figure 8), and this layer is still dominated by White Box and Eucalyptus blakelyi (Blakely's Red Gum).

There was a 6% decrease in overall groundcover between 2011 and 2012 (Figure 8). No change in the exotic species number was recorded in the quadrat, with 11 exotic species still occurring. There was a slight increase of 4% in the amount of cover provided by exotic species.

The quadrat also contained a large number of native groundcover species, including Speargrass, Slender Bamboo Grass, Purple Burr-daisy, Chloris truncata (Windmill Grass), Barbed Wire Grass, and Curly Windmill Grass.

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2012 Monitoring

70 60 50

40 Pre-construction 30 Survey 2010 Monitoring 20 Native CoverNative (%) 2011 Monitoring 10 0 2012 Monitoring Overstorey Midstorey Groundcover Groundcover Groundcover Cover Grasses Shrubs Other Stratum

Figure 8: KDVEG06 Native cover % comparisons from 2009 to 2012

3.2 MICROBATS 3.2.1 Summary Ambient temperatures during the microbat survey period in 2012 were lower than in previous years, ranging from 1.8 °C to 29.8 °C. In previous years, the minimum recorded temperature was 3.7 °C or higher and maximum was greater than 32.1 °C (Table 5).

Table 5: Minimum and maximum temperatures (°C) measured at the Gunnedah weather station during microbat survey periods

2009 2010 2011 2012

Minimum 19.9 3.7 15.2 1.8 Maximum 38.3 32.1 38.5 29.8

Harp trapping during the 2012 monitoring period yielded mixed results. Microbats were caught at 70% of sites, compared 50% of sites in 2011, 70% in 2010, and 60% in 2009. Harp trapping collected 42 bats across the following sites in 2012: Impact Site1, Impact Site2, Impact Site 3, Impact Site 5, Control Site 1, Control Site 4 and Control Site 5. Thirteen bats were captured at impact sites and 29 were captured at control sites, as shown within Table 6.

A total of eight species were caught, none of which are listed under either the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) or the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). Table 6 provides a summary of the number of each species caught at each site during the 2012 monitoring period.

Fewer bats were trapped in the 2012, 2011 and 2010 monitoring periods than in 2009 ( Figure 9). A total of 126 microbats were collected across all sites. Of these, 45 were captured at impact sites and 81 were captured at control sites.

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2012 Monitoring

Table 6: Summary of harp trap results from the 2012 monitoring period

Scientific Name Common Name I1 I2 I3 I4 I5 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5

Chalinolobus gouldii Gould’s Wattled Bat 6

Chalinolobus morio Chocolate Wattled Bat 1 2

Nyctophilus geoffroyi Lesser Long-eared Bat 1 10 4

Nyctophilus gouldi Gould’s Long-eared Bat 1

Scotorepens balstoni Inland Broad-nosed Bat 2

Scotorepens sp. 2 1 2

Mormopterus sp. 4 Southern Freetail Bat 1

Vespadelus vulturnus Little Forest Bat 1 3 4 1

Total 1 1 1 0 10 5 0 0 5 19

40 Pre-construction Survey 30 2010 Monitoring 20 Microbat CapturesMicrobat 2011 Monitoring 10 2012 Monitoring 0 I1 I2 I3 I4 I5 C1 C2 C3 Monitoring Sites

Figure 9: Harp trap captures during 2009 Pre-construction Survey, 2010 monitoring, 2011 monitoring and 2012 monitoring The Anabat devices recorded approximately 9,075 files over all sites during the 2012 monitoring period. For consistency with the 2011 and 2010 monitoring and 2009 pre-construction survey, analysis was conducted on a subset of files recorded between 8pm and 12.30am each night. This resulted in 3,565 bat calls, 2,187 calls too short for analysis and 3,323 calls of insufficient quality to attempt identification. Overall there were sixteen microbat species detected at the ten sites, with 3,158 definite identifications, 117 probable identifications and 290 possible identifications (Table 7).

Five of the recorded species are listed as vulnerable under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act):

Chalinolobus dwyeri (Large-eared Pied Bat); Falsistrellus tasmaniensis (Eastern Falsistrelle); Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis (Eastern Bentwing Bat); Saccolaimus flaviventris (Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat); and Vespadelus troughtoni (Eastern Cave Bat).

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2012 Monitoring

Table 7: Summary of Anabat results from the 2012 monitoring period. * indicates species listed under NSW TSC Act. Scientific Name Common Name Definite Probable Possible Chalinolobus dwyeri* Large-eared Pied Bat 1 0 0 Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat 697 9 14 Chalinolobus morio Chocolate Wattled Bat 425 10 20 Falsistrellus tasmaniensis* Eastern Falsistrelle 87 19 23 Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis* Eastern Bentwing Bat 200 11 40 Mormopterus sp.3 Inland Freetail Bat 317 5 14 Mormopterus sp.4 Southern Freetail Bat 155 3 45 Nyctophilus spp. 24 5 21 Saccolaimus flaviventris* Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat 326 2 1 Scotorepens balstoni Inland Broad-nosed Bat 51 0 2 Scotorepens greyii Little Broad-nosed Bat 136 0 31 Scotorepens orion Eastern Broad-nosed Bat 0 0 2 Tadarida australis White-striped Freetail Bat 23 0 0 Vespadelus darlingtoni Large Forest Bat 4 1 0 Vespadelus troughtoni* Eastern Cave Bat 33 5 30 Vespadelus vulturnus Little Forest Bat 679 47 47 Total 3,158 117 290

The Large-eared Pied Bat (Chalinolobus dwyeri) was recorded in 2012 but not in any previous surveys. More microbat calls were recorded during 2012 than both the 2011 and 2010 monitoring periods, however, fewer calls were recorded than the 2009 pre-construction survey (Figure 10, Appendix B).

1800 1600 1400 1200 2009 Pre-construction Survey 1000 2010 Monitoring 800 2011 Monitoring Definite Calls Definite 600 400 2012 Monitoring 200 0 I1 I2 I3 I4 I5 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5

Figure 10: Definite calls identified during four surveys at Keepit There were 16 species of bat detected with Anabat devices across all sites in 2012 (Table 8). This is a similar number of species to 2011, but more than were detected in the 2009 and 2010 surveys (Table 8). On average, 11 species were detected at each control site in 2012, compared to nearly 9 species at

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2012 Monitoring

the impact sites. Similar ratios between control and impact occurred in previous years, with consistently more species occurring in the control sites (Table 8).

Table 8: Average number of bat species detected in control and impact sites Average no. species Total Year no. sp. Impact Control 2009 10.8 11.6 13 2010 9.2 9.8 13 2011 8.6 10.6 17 2012 8.8 11 16

3.2.2 Impact Site 1 Nyctophilus geoffroyii (Lesser Long-eared Bat) was the only microbat captured during the 2012 monitoring period. Vespadelus vulturnus (Little Forest Bat) and Nyctophilus gouldi (Gould’s Long-eared Bat) were the only bats previously captured at this site. No bats were captured in the 2009 pre- construction survey.

The Anabat devices at Impact Site 1 recorded 23 files over two nights. This included 19 definite, 2 probable, and 2 possible identifications (Table 9).

The Little Forest Bat had the highest number of definite calls, followed by Mormopterus sp.4 (Southern Freetail Bat) and Mormopterus sp.3 (Inland Freetail Bat) (Table 9). The Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat was the only vulnerable species recorded at this site.

Table 9: 2012 monitoring period Impact Site 1 Harp Trap and Anabat results Anabat Harp Trap Mean Mean Scientific Name Common Name Forearm D Pr Po No. Weight Length (g) (mm) Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat 1 Chalinolobus morio Chocolate Wattled Bat 1

Mormopterus sp.3 Inland Freetail Bat 4 Mormopterus sp.4 Southern Freetail Bat 5 1 Nyctophilus geoffroyii Lesser Long-eared Bat 1 38.4 8.3 Yellow-bellied Sheathtail- Saccolaimus flaviventris 1 bat Tadarida australis White-striped Freetail Bat 2 Vespadelus troughtoni Eastern Cave Bat 1 Vespadelus vulturnus Little Forest Bat 6 1

3.2.3 Impact Site 2 A single Vespadelus vulturnus (Little Forest Bat) was captured in harp traps during the 2012 monitoring period. No microbats were captured in any of the previous surveys.

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2012 Monitoring

The Anabat devices at Impact Site 2 recorded 640 files over two nights, including 604 definite, 11 probable and 25 possible identifications (Table 10).

Chalinolobus gouldii (Gould's Wattled Bat) had the highest number of definite identifications, followed by the Little Forest Bat and Eastern Bentwing Bat (Table 10). The Eastern Bentwing Bat, Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat and Eastern Cave Bat are all vulnerable species that were definitely recorded at Impact Site 2.

Table 10: 2012 monitoring period Impact Site 2 Anabat results Anabat Harp Trap Mean Mean Scientific Name Common Name Forearm D Pr Po No. Weight Length (g) (mm) Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat 353 4 7 Chalinolobus morio Chocolate Wattled Bat 44 1 Miniopterus schreibersii 67 1 5 oceanensis Eastern Bentwing Bat Mormopterus sp.3 Inland Freetail Bat 35 1 2 Mormopterus sp.4 Southern Freetail Bat 4 1 Nyctophilus sp. 1 Yellow-bellied Sheathtail- 16 Saccolaimus flaviventris bat Scotorepens balstoni Inland Broad-nosed Bat 1 Scotorepens greyii Little Broad-nosed Bat 2 Tadarida australis White-striped Freetail Bat 3 Vespadelus troughtoni Eastern Cave Bat 1 3 Vespadelus vulturnus Little Forest Bat 78 5 5 1 30.2 6.3

3.2.4 Impact Site 3 Chalinolobus morio (Chocolate Wattled Bat) was the only bat captured in the harp traps during the 2012 monitoring period. Single bats were also captured in the 2011 and 2010 monitoring periods. In contrast to this, 29 bats were captured during the 2009 pre-construction survey. Of these, 14 were Little Broad- nosed Bats.

The Anabat devices at Impact Site 3 recorded 363 files over the two nights, including 323 definite, 5 probable, and 35 possible identifications (Table 11).

The Gould’s Wattled Bat had the highest number of definite identifications, followed by the Yellow- bellied Sheathtail-bat and the Chocolate Wattled Bat (Table 11). Two vulnerable species, the Yellow- bellied Sheathtail-bat and Eastern Bentwing Bat, were definitely recorded. The Eastern Falsistrelle, also vulnerable, was possibly recorded.

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2012 Monitoring

Table 11: 2012 monitoring period Impact Site 3 Harp Trap and Anabat results Anabat Harp Trap Mean Mean Scientific Name Common Name Forearm D Pr Po No. Weight Length (g) (mm) Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat 136 2 Chalinolobus morio Chocolate Wattled Bat 57 1 37.5 8 Miniopterus schreibersii Eastern Bentwing Bat 25 2 2 oceanensis Mormopterus sp.4 Southern Freetail Bat 5 33 Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow-bellied 4 Sheathtail-bat Tadarida australis White-striped Freetail 3 Bat Vespadelus darlingtoni Large Forest Bat 2 Vespadelus troughtoni Eastern Cave Bat 2 Vespadelus vulturnus Little Forest Bat 89 1

3.2.5 Impact Site 4 No microbats were captured in the harp traps during the 2012 monitoring period, as in 2011 or 2009. The only bat captured at this site was a single Chocolate Wattled Bat in 2010.

The Anabat devices at Impact Site 4 recorded 235 files over the two nights, including 217 definite, 8 probable and 10 possible identifications (Table 12). Scotorepens balstoni (Inland Broad-nosed Bat) had the highest number of definite identifications, followed by the Chocolate Wattled Bat and the Little Forest Bat. No vulnerable species were definitely recorded, although the Eastern Falsistrelle and the Eastern Cave Bat were probably recorded, and the Eastern Bentwing Bat was possibly recorded (Table 12).

Table 12: 2012 monitoring period Impact Site 4 Anabat results

Anabat Scientific Name Common Name D Pr Po Chalinolobus gouldii Goulds Wattled Bat 20 1 Chalinolobus morio Chocolate Wattled Bat 61 Falsistrellus tasmaniensis Eastern False Pipistrelle 2 Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis Eastern Bentwing Bat 4 Mormopterus species 3 Inland Freetail Bat 95 1 Mormopterus species 4 Southern Freetail Bat 1 Scotorepens balstoni Inland Broad-nosed Bat 5 Vespadelus troughtoni Eastern Cave Bat 1 4 Vespadelus vulturnus Little Forest Bat 35 3 2

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2012 Monitoring

3.2.6 Impact Site 5 Ten microbats were captured in harp traps in 2012, all being Lesser Long-eared Bats. This is the same number as the 2011 monitoring period, although 5 different species were captured. One bat, a Chocolate Wattled Bat, was captured in 2010. Fifteen bats were captured in 2009 pre-construction survey, with six of these being Lesser Long-eared Bats.

The Anabat devices at Impact Site 5 recorded 103 files over the two nights, including 74 that allowed definite identification, 4 that allowed probable identification and 25 that allowed possible identifications (Table 13).

The Southern Freetail Bat had the highest number of definite identifications, followed by the Little Forest Bat (Table 13). Two vulnerable species, Eastern Falsistrelle and Eastern Bentwing Bat, were definitely recorded.

Table 13: 2012 monitoring period Impact Site 5 Harp Trap and Anabat results Anabat Harp Trap Scientific Name Common Name Mean Forearm Mean D Pr Po No. Length (mm) Weight (g)

Chalinolobus gouldii Goulds Wattled Bat 2 1 Chalinolobus morio Chocolate Wattled Bat 8 Falsistrellus Eastern False Pipistrelle 1 tasmaniensis Miniopterus schreibersii Eastern Bentwing Bat 5 oceanensis Mormopterus species 3 Inland Freetail Bat 7 3 Mormopterus species 4 Southern Freetail Bat 25 1 5 Nyctophilus spp. Long eared Bat 2 8 10 37.4 8.3 Scotorepens greyii/sp. Little Broad-nosed Bat / 8 1 Central-eastern Broad- nosed Bat Scotorepens orion Eastern Broad-nosed Bat 1 Scotorepens balstoni Inland Broad-nosed Bat 2 1 Tadarida australis White-striped Freetail Bat 3 Vespadelus vulturnus Little Forest Bat 11 2 6

3.2.7 Control Site 1 Five microbats from two species were captured in the harp traps during the 2012 monitoring period (Table 14). For comparison, two bats were captured in 2011, none in 2012, and four in 2009. Three of the bats captured in 2009 were Gould’s Wattled Bat.

Anabat devices recorded 903 files at Control Site 1 over the two nights. These consisted of 716 files suitable for definite identification, 63 files that allowed probable identification and 124 files that allowed possible identifications (Table 14).

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2012 Monitoring

The Little Forest Bat had the most definite identifications, followed Goulds Wattled Bat and Eastern Bentwing Bat (Table 14). Eastern Falsistrelle, Eastern Bentwing, Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat, and Eastern Cave Bat are all listed as vulnerable and were all definitely recorded at Control Site 1.

Table 14: 2012 monitoring Period Control Site 1 Anabat results Anabat Harp Trap Scientific Name Common Name Mean Forearm Mean D Pr Po No. Length (mm) Weight (g)

Chalinolobus gouldii Goulds Wattled Bat 86 1 Chalinolobus morio Chocolate Wattled Bat 45 8 16 Falsistrellus Eastern False Pipistrelle 69 16 16 tasmaniensis Miniopterus schreibersii Eastern Bentwing Bat 83 6 20 oceanensis Mormopterus species 3 Inland Freetail Bat 34 2 2 Mormopterus species 4 Southern Freetail Bat 13 1 1 Nyctophilus spp. Long eared bat 1 2 Saccolaimus Yellow-bellied Sheathtail 2 flaviventrus Bat Scotorepens sp. 2 31.5 6.37 Scotorepens orion Eastern Broad-nosed Bat 1 Scotorepens balstoni Inland Broad-nosed Bat 6 Scotorepens greyii/sp. Little Broad-nosed Bat / 56 25 Central-eastern Broad- nosed Bat Tadarida australis White-striped Freetail Bat 3 1 Vespadelus troughtoni Eastern Cave Bat 28 4 17 Vespadelus vulturnus Little Forest Bat 290 26 22 3 28.4 3.9

3.2.8 Control Site 2 No microbats were captured in harp traps during 2012 and 2011. Six microbats were captured during the 2010 monitoring period, with five of these being Little Forest Bat. The 2009 pre-construction survey also captured no bats.

The Anabat devices at Control Site 2 recorded 65 files over the two nights, including 56 definite, 2 probable and 7 possible identifications (Table 15).

Table 15: 2012 monitoring period Control Site 2 Harp Trap and Anabat results Anabat Scientific Name Common Name D Pr Po

Chalinolobus gouldii Goulds Wattled Bat 4 2 Chalinolobus morio Chocolate Wattled Bat 9 Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis Eastern Bentwing Bat 1 Mormopterus species 3 Inland Freetail Bat 4 1 Mormopterus species 4 Southern Freetail Bat 8 2

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2012 Monitoring

Anabat Scientific Name Common Name D Pr Po

Nyctophilus spp. Long eared bat 1 Saccolaimus flaviventrus Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat 1 1 Scotorepens greyii/sp. Little Broad-nosed Bat / Central-eastern Broad-nosed 1 Bat Vespadelus troughtoni Eastern Cave Bat 1 Vespadelus vulturnus Little Forest Bat 28 1

The Little Forest Bat had the highest number of definite identifications, followed by Chocolate Wattled Bat (Table 16). Two vulnerable species were definitely recorded. These were the Eastern Bentwing Bat and the Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat. In addition to these, the Eastern Cave Bat was probably recorded.

3.2.9 Control Site 3 No microbats were captured in the harp traps in 2012 or 2011. Two Lesser Long-eared Bats were captured in the 2010 monitoring period. Prior to construction, 58 bats were captured, 16 of which were the Gould’s Wattled Bat.

The Anabat devices at Control Site 3 recorded 379 files over the two nights, including 352 definite, 5 probable, and 22 possible identifications (Table 16).

The Chocolate Wattled Bat had the highest number of definite identifications, followed by Little Forest Bat and Gould’s Wattled Bat (Table 16). The vulnerable species definitely recorded at Control Site 3 were the Eastern Falsistrelle and Eastern Bentwing Bat. Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat was probably recorded.

Table 16: 2012 monitoring period Control Site 2 Anabat results Anabat Scientific Name Common Name D Pr Po

Chalinolobus gouldii Goulds Wattled Bat 49 1 1 Chalinolobus morio Chocolate Wattled Bat 121 1 2 Falsistrellus tasmaniensis Eastern False Pipistrelle 2 1 Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis Eastern Bentwing Bat 8 6 Mormopterus species 3 Inland Freetail Bat 38 2 Mormopterus species 4 Southern Freetail Bat 21 Nyctophilus spp. Long eared bat 12 Saccolaimus flaviventrus Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat 1 Scotorepens balstoni Inland Broad-nosed Bat 33 Scotorepens greyii/sp. Little Broad-nosed Bat / Central-eastern Broad- 6 1 nosed Bat Tadarida australis White-striped Freetail Bat 6 Vespadelus darlingtoni Large Forest Bat 2 1 Vespadelus vulturnus Little Forest Bat 54 1 9

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2012 Monitoring

3.2.10 Control Site 4 Five microbats were captured in harp traps during the 2012 monitoring period, including: four Little Forest Bat’s; one Scotorepens sp.; and one Gould’s Wattled Bat. This is fewer than captures in 2011 and 2010 monitoring, with nine and seventeen microbats captured respectively. Most of the captures in 2010 were Little Forest Bats, with seven captured over two nights. In the 2009 pre-construction survey, fifteen microbats were captured.

The Anabat devices at Control Site 4 recorded 517 files over the two nights, including 499 definite, 3 probable and 15 possible identifications (Table 17).

The Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat had the highest number of definite identifications, followed by the Southern Freetail Bat and Little Broad-nosed Bat (Table 17). Four vulnerable species were definitely recorded. These were the Eastern Falsistrelle, Eastern Bentwing Bat, Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat and Eastern Cave Bat.

Table 17: 2012 monitoring period Control Site 4 Harp Trap and Anabat results Anabat Harp Traps Scientific Name Common Name Mean Forearm Mean D Pr Po No. Length (mm) Weight (g)

Chalinolobus gouldii Goulds Wattled Bat 2 2 1 45 12.5 Chalinolobus morio Chocolate Wattled Bat 13 Falsistrellus Eastern False Pipistrelle 10 1 3 tasmaniensis Miniopterus schreibersii Eastern Bentwing Bat 2 oceanensis Mormopterus species 3 Inland Freetail Bat 35 1 1 Mormopterus species 4 Southern Freetail Bat 55 2 Saccolaimus Yellow-bellied Sheathtail 303 flaviventrus Bat Scotorepens sp. 1 30.3 6.5 Scotorepens greyii/sp. Little Broad-nosed Bat / 46 2 Central-eastern Broad- nosed Bat Tadarida australis White-striped Freetail Bat 2 Vespadelus troughtoni Eastern Cave Bat 3 Vespadelus vulturnus Little Forest Bat 31 1 2 4 30.5 6.2

3.2.11 Control Site 5 Nineteen microbats were captured in harp traps during the 2012 monitoring period including six Gould’s Wattled Bats, four Lesser Long-eared Bats, two Chocolate Wattled Bats, two Scotorepen balstoni (Inland Broad-nosed Bat), two Scotorepens sp., and one each of Gould’s Long-eared Bat, Little Forest Bat and Mormopterus sp.4 (Table 18). In comparison, no bats were caught in 2011 and only three bats were captured in 2009 and 2010.

The Anabat devices at Control Site 5 recorded 338 files over the two nights, including 298 definite, 14 probable and 26 possible identifications (Table 18). The Chocolate Wattled Bat had the highest number of definite identifications, followed by the Inland Freetail Bat (Table 18). Large-eared Pied Bat, Eastern

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2012 Monitoring

False Pipistrelle, Eastern Bentwing and the Eastern Cave Bat are vulnerable species that were recorded at this site.

Table 18: 2012 monitoring period Control Site 5 Anabat results Anabat Harp Traps Mean Mean Scientific Name Common Name Forearm D Pr Po No. Weight Length (g) (mm)

Chalinolobus dwyeri Large-eared Pied Bat 1 Chalinolobus gouldii Goulds Wattled Bat 44 1 6 45.2 14.8 Chalinolobus morio Chocolate Wattled Bat 66 1 1 2 38.4 7.88 Falsistrellus tasmaniensis Eastern False Pipistrelle 5 3 Miniopterus schreibersii Eastern Bentwing Bat 10 2 2 oceanensis Mormopterus species 3 Inland Freetail Bat 65 3 Mormopterus species 4 Southern Freetail Bat 18 1 1 35.28 8.25 Nyctophilus geoffroyi Lesser Long-eared Bat 4 37.42 7.44 Nyctophilus gouldi Gould’s Long-eared Bat 1 36.19 8 Nyctophilus spp. Long eared bat 7 5 11 Scotorepens balstoni Inland Broad-nosed Bat 5 2 33.73 9.63 Scotorepens greyii/sp. Little Broad-nosed Bat / 17 2 Central-eastern Broad-nosed Bat Scotorepens sp. 2 31.54 7 Tadarida australis White-striped Freetail Bat 1 Vespadelus troughtoni Eastern Cave Bat 2 1 Vespadelus vulturnus Little Forest Bat 57 6 1 1 29.17 4.75

3.3 WOODLAND & MIGRATORY BIRDS 3.3.1 Summary The woodland and migratory bird monitoring occurred at ten sites in June 2012. A total of 78 bird species were observed (including opportunistic sightings), which is a decrease of 19 species from the 2011 monitoring period. During the 2012 monitoring, 12 species were identified that were not recorded during the previous three surveys. There were 40 species observed in the previous surveys that were not observed in the current survey. Appendix C provides a table of the species identified at each site during the 2012 monitoring.

For all impact sites, the same numbers of species or more were observed in 2012 than in 2011. Control sites had the same or fewer species than in 2011 except for Control Site 1 (Figure 11).

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2012 Monitoring

35 30 25

20 Pre-construction Survey 15 2010 Monitoring 10 2011 Monitoring

No. of SpeciesNo. Recorded 5 2012 Monitoring 0 I1 I2 I3 I4 I5 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 Monitoring Sites

Figure 11: Bird species observed for each of the four surveys since 2009

No threatened species were observed between 2009 and 2011. However, two species listed as vulnerable under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) were observed during 2012:

Climacteris picumnus victoriae (Brown Treecreeper), and;

Pyrrholaemus sagittatus (Speckled Warbler).

No species listed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) as a migratory bird was recorded during the 2012 monitoring period.

An average of 17 species were observed at each impact site in 2012, while 19 species were observed at control sites (Figure 12). Since the 2010 survey, there have been more species observed per control site than the impact sites, although the difference has been less than one standard deviation for all years except 2011, where there was an average of seven fewer species at the impact sites than control sites (Figure 12).

15 CONTROL IMPACT 10 Number of birdNumber species 5

0 2009 2010 2011 2012

Figure 12: Average number of bird species observed at impact and control sites in 4 years of surveys

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2012 Monitoring

3.3.2 Impact Site 1 The 2012 surveys identified 17 woodland bird species (see Appendix C for complete list of bird species from all surveys). Eight more species were observed in 2012 than in 2011.

Climacteris picumnus victoriae (Brown Treecreeper) was the only threatened to occur at Impact Site 1 during the 2012 monitoring,

3.3.3 Impact Site 2 There were 21 species present at Impact Site 2 during the 2012 survey. This is the same number of species observed in 2011. There were three new species seen in 2012 that had not been seen in any previous surveys, and eleven species observed in 2011 were absent in 2012 (Appendix C).

3.3.4 Impact Site 3 There were 23 species of bird observed at Impact Site 3 during the 2012 monitoring period (Appendix C), which is eight more than was observed in 2011. Five of the species observed in 2011 were not seen in 2012 (Appendix C).

3.3.5 Impact Site 4 Nine species were observed at Impact Site 4 in 2012 (Appendix C). There were five species common to both the 2011 and 2012 surveys, and for each survey period an additional four species were unique.

3.3.6 Impact Site 5 The 2012 monitoring counted 17 bird species, which is six more than the 2011 survey. Eight species recorded in 2011 were not recorded during 2012. One species, Pyrrholaemus sagittatus (Speckled Warbler), was listed as threatened under the NSW TSC Act was identified at Impact Site 5 during the 2012 monitoring.

3.3.7 Control Site 1 Twenty-eight species were observed at Control Site 1 in 2012. This is six more species than was present in 2011 (Appendix C). No threatened or migratory bird species listed under the NSW TSC Act or Commonwealth EPBC Act were identified in 2012.

3.3.8 Control Site 2 There were 17 bird species present at Control Site 2 during monitoring in 2012, compared to 15 in 2011 (Appendix C). None of the species are listed as threatened under the NSW TSC Act or Commonwealth EPBC Act.

3.3.9 Control Site 3 Fifteen species of bird occurred at Control Site 3 during the 2012 survey. The bird community consisted of species typical of woodland habitats, as well as two species of aquatic generalists (Appendix C). No threatened or migratory bird species listed under either the NSW TSC Act or Commonwealth EPBC Act were identified in 2012.

3.3.10 Control Site 4 In 2012, only 12 bird species were observed at Control Site 4 (Appendix C). Most of the species were generalist woodland birds, and none are listed as threatened or migratory under either the NSW TSC Act or Commonwealth EPBC Act.

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2012 Monitoring

3.3.11 Control Site 5 In 2012, 19 species of bird were observed at Control Site 5. These included aquatic birds such as Little Pied Cormorants, Pelicans, and Pacific Black Ducks, as well as common woodland birds (Appendix C). No species listed as threatened under either the NSW TSC Act or Commonwealth EPBC Act were identified at Control Site 5.

3.3.12 White-bellied Sea-eagle & White Throated Needletail

The White-bellied Sea-eagle and White Throated Needletail are target migratory species for this monitoring program. The intent of the targeted White-bellied Sea-eagle survey is to identify the presence of any nest sites, which are likely to be close to the water’s edge of the dam. The intent of the White Throated Needletail target survey is to identify their presence in the airspace over the dam.

No White-bellied Sea-eagles were observed during the 2012 monitoring and no nests were observed around Keepit Dam. No White Throated Needletails were observed in the airspace over Keepit Dam.

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2012 Monitoring

4 Discussion

4.1 VEGETATION Since 2009 there has been an overall increase in the number of native species in most Box Gum Woodland quadrats. This has been due to an increase of between 5 and 15 native species in most of the quadrats. The number of exotic species has also increased since 2009. The increase in native and exotic species in each quadrat since 2009 is likely due to the drought conditions prevalent up until 2010. Since then, the project area received above average rainfall received during 2011 and a return to average rainfall patterns in 2012.

There was little change in the canopy and understorey across the two patches/blocks of Box Gum Woodland being monitored, although there was an overall decrease in the groundcover. The potential for the woodland to be useful habitat for fauna has not changed significantly since 2009.

There appear to be no direct impacts on the Box Gum Woodland that could be attributed to the construction works. Both the number of native species and the contribution of each vegetation layer to habitat structure either improved or stayed the same.

4.2 MICROCHIROPTERAN BATS There were 16 species of bat either trapped or recorded at Keepit Dam during 2012. Five of these species are listed as vulnerable under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. The Large-eared Pied Bat was not previously known from the study are, but was recorded on Anabat devices at Control Site 5 north of the dam in 2012. Only one call was recorded at this site, so it is unlikely that the species, which roosts in caves, crevices, and cliffs in colonies of up to 40 individuals (Churchill 2008), was roosting nearby.

The most frequently encountered of the vulnerable bat species was the Eastern Bentwing Bat. This species was detected in all previous surveys, and occurred at seven sites around the dam in 2012. Previously, the species has been recorded at all sites except Impact Site 1. Highest abundances in 2012 were at sites surrounded by large amounts of native vegetation, or downstream of the dam wall. This species uses woodland for foraging during the warmer months and return to nursery caves during winter (Churchill 2008).

The Yellow-bellied Sheathtailed Bat occurred at all sites east of the dam, as well as Control Site 2, a peninsula that extends from the western shore. All of these sites are well vegetated, and most are connected to larger tracts of vegetation. This species has previously been detected at these sites, as well as at Impact Site 4, Impact Site 5, Control Site 2, Control Site 3 and Control Site 5. In 2012, Yellow- bellied Sheathtailed Bats were recorded between 1 and 16 times at all sites except Control Site 4. Here, 303 recordings were made, indicating that the species may be roosting nearby. This species roosts in large tree hollows (Churchill 2008).

As with 2011, the Eastern Falsistrelle was recorded only once in an impact site (Impact Site 5, in woodland east of the construction area). All other recordings of this species have been from control sites. In 2012, the species was recorded at all but one of the control sites (Control Site 2). Eastern Falsistrelles were not recorded in the 2009 or 2010 surveys, so their population prior to and during construction is unknown. They may be foraging in the area after a return to average rainfall conditions. This species generally roosts in hollow eucalypt trunks and generally prefer tall and wet forests, but

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2012 Monitoring

occur in open forests at lower altitudes (Churchill 2008). They forage for insects along tracks and creeklines.

The fifth vulnerable species that occurred at Lake Keepit in 2012 is the Eastern Cave Bat. This species was recorded in all previous surveys and is known from all sites except Impact Site 4. In 2012 calls were recorded at the two impact sites downstream of the dam wall (Impact Sites 2 and 3) and at Control sites 1 and 5. This species roost in small groups in cracks and crevices, as well as boulder piles, and prefers to forage over water (Churchill 2008).

The Little Pied Bat, which is listed as vulnerable under the TSC Act, was not detected in 2012 monitoring period, despite occurring at Impact Site 5 in 2011. However, this species was not detected in 2009 or 2010, so its absence from the 2012 sample results is not concerning.

More definite bat calls were recorded in 2012 (3,154 calls) than in 2011 (1,378 calls) and 2010 (2,151 calls). However, during the 2009 survey, 6,511 definite calls were recorded, indicating that bats were twice as active in this year than in 2012. Activity in 2012 was higher than 2011 and 2010, which may have been a result of less extreme temperatures in 2012.

Another factor to explain the differences in bat activity may be the changes in water level and associated uncovering of suitable bat habitat that occurs at lower water levels. During the pre- construction survey in 2009, water level was low and dam capacity was 28.5%. Capacity increased to 99.8% in 2010 and 100% in 2011, and then dropped to 95% in 2012. With declining water levels, standing timber is exposed, allowing bats to roost in hollows and cracks. Areas of bedrock and boulders are also exposed, providing further habitat for bat roosting.

Although bat activity was highest in 2009, more species were detected in 2011 and 2012 than previously. This indicates that three or four more species per year are using the woodland around Keepit Dam, than in 2009 and 2010. One explanation for this may be that, with the increased dam capacity the water edge has moved closer to the sites. This brings the species that forage over water closer to the sampling sites and improves the chance of detection. Many species prefer to forage over water, as food can often be plentiful and obstacles to flight are few.

Generally, there is no discernable trend in the assemblage of bat species, the numbers of bat calls or the distribution of bats that may be attributed to the construction works at any impact site as similar variability is evident at control sites. Although there was an average of 2 more species at control sites than impact sites, there was a similar difference in species number in 2009 prior to construction.

Since 2011, the number of microbat species detected per year has increased from 13 to 16 or 17. This may be a result of increased water levels bringing aquatic foraging areas closer to the survey sites.

4.3 WOODLAND BIRDS There were 78 species of woodland and aquatic bird species counted during the ten surveys conducted in 2012. This is 19 more species that was counted in 2011. At eight sites, the number of species observed in 2012 exceeded that of 2011.

In 2012, there were 12 species not previously seen at the study sites between 2009 and 2011. This included two species listed as Vulnerable under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act), with Brown Treecreepers seen at Impact Site 1 and Speckled Warblers occurring at Impact Site 5. Prior to 2012, no vulnerable or threatened species had been observed at any of the sites. Both of these species can be common in suitable habitat, although are listed as vulnerable because population

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2012 Monitoring

numbers have declined in recent years as a result of clearing. Both species eat insects, with the Brown Treecreeper foraging on tree trunks, fallen timber, and the ground, and the Speckled Warbler feeding mostly on the ground.

In all of the surveys conducted after construction commenced, the average number of bird species observed at control sites has been higher than the number of species occurring at impact sites. The difference has ranged from one to seven species, and except for in 2011 was within the expected natural variability at the sites (i.e. within the standard deviation). Prior to construction there was an average of three more species at impact sites than control, although this difference was unlikely to be significant. At this stage it is difficult to attribute any difference in the number of species to the construction activities.

4.4 OVERVIEW MONITORING RESULTS The 2012 monitoring round was the third to occur since construction commenced and fourth since the pre-construction survey in 2009. None of the changes that have occurred in the vegetation community (e.g. increases in the number of species, increase in % cover for some vegetation types) are likely to be due to construction works. Instead, these changes, which occurred at both impact and control sites, were probably caused by increased rainfall since 2010.

For both birds and bats there were more species on average at the control sites than at the impact sites. However, for both groups the difference was only minor and is within the expected range of natural variability.

During 2012, one additional bat and two birds were added to the list of Vulnerable species known from the study area. These were the Large-eared Pied Bat, Brown Tree-creeper, and Speckled Warbler. There are now two bird and six bat species listed as Vulnerable under the NSW TSC Act and known to occur at the Keepit study sites.

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2012 Monitoring

References

Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) (2012) Daily Weather Observation, Gunnedah: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/IDCJDW2056.latest.shtml

Churchill, S. (2008) Australian Bats. Second Edition. Allen and Unwin, Crows Nest.

Eco Logical Australia (ELA) (2010), Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program - Pre- construction Survey. Prepared for State Water Corporation, Parramatta, NSW.

Eco Logical Australia (ELA) (2011), Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2010 Monitoring Period. Prepared for State Water Corporation, Parramatta, NSW.

Eco Logical Australia (ELA) (2012), Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring Period. Prepared for State Water Corporation, Parramatta, NSW.

GeoLINK (2010). Nest Box Monitoring 1 (May) and Nest Box Monitoring 2. Prepared for John Holland Group.

John Holland Group (2010). Monthly Nest Box Monitoring (August to December).

John Holland Group (2010). Fauna Incident Register.

John Holland Group (2010). Monthly Environmental Report (August 2011).

Parsons Brinckerhoff (2007), Keepit Dam Upgrade Environmental Assessment. Prepared for State Water Corporation, Parramatta, NSW.

Parsons Brinckerhoff (2009). Keepit Dam Upgrade - Ecological Monitoring Program. Prepared for State Water Corporation, Parramatta, NSW.

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

Appendix A: Floristic Data

KDVEG01 KDVEG02 KDVEG03 KDVEG04 KDVEG05 KDVEG06 200 201 201 201 200 201 201 201 200 201 201 201 200 201 201 201 200 201 201 201 200 201 201 201 Scientific Name Common Name 9 0 1 2 9 0 1 2 9 0 1 2 9 0 1 2 9 0 1 2 9 0 1 2 Acacia decora Western Silver Wattle x x x x x x x x Ajuga australis Austral Bugle x x x x x x x x x Alectryon oleifolius Western Rosewood x x Amyema miquelii Box Mistletoe x x Amyema sp. x x x x x x x x x x x Anagallis arvensis* Scarlet Pimpernel x x x x Arenaria leptoclados* Lesser Thyme-leaved Sandwort x x x x x Aristida personata Purple Wiregrass x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Aristida ramosa Purple Wiregrass x Arthropodium minus Small Vanilla Lily x x x x x x Arthropodium sp. x x x x Asperula conferta Common Woodruff x x x x Austrodanthonia bipartita Wallaby Grass x x x x x x Austrodanthonia racemosa var. obtusata Wallaby Grass x x x x x x Austrodanthonia racemosa var. racemosa Slender Wallaby Grass x x Austrodanthonia sp. x x x x x x x x x x x Austrostipa ramosissima Stout Bamboo Grass x x x x x x Austrostipa scabra Speargrass x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Austrostipa verticillata Slender Bamboo Grass x x x x x x x x x x Bidens pilosa* Cobblers Pegs x x x x x x x x x x x Bidens subalternans* Greater Beggar's Ticks x Boerharvia sp. x x x x x Boerhavia dominii Tarvine x x x Bothriochloa decipiens var. decipiens Pitted Bluegrass x x x x Bothriochloa macra Red Grass x x x x x x Bothriochloa sp. x Brachychiton populneus Kurrajong x x x x x x Bromus molliformis* Soft Brome x x x Brunoniella australis Blue Trumpet x x x x x x Bursaria spinosa Native Blackthorn x x x x x x Callitris glaucophylla White Cypress Pine x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Calotis cuneifolia Purple Burr-daisy x x Calotis lappulacea Yellow Burr-daisy x x x x x x x x x x x x Carex inversa x x x x

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2012 Monitoring

KDVEG01 KDVEG02 KDVEG03 KDVEG04 KDVEG05 KDVEG06 200 201 201 201 200 201 201 201 200 201 201 201 200 201 201 201 200 201 201 201 200 201 201 201 Scientific Name Common Name 9 0 1 2 9 0 1 2 9 0 1 2 9 0 1 2 9 0 1 2 9 0 1 2 Carthamus lanatus* Saffron Thistle x x x Centaurea melitensis* Maltese Cockspur x x x Centaurea solstitialis* Yellow Star-thistle x x x x Centaurium sp.* x x x Chamaesyce sp. x Cheilanthes distans Bristly Cloak Fern x x x x Cheilanthes sieberi subsp. sieberi Rock Fern x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Chenopodium pumilio Small Crumbweed x Chloris truncata Windmill Grass x x x x Chloris ventricosa Tall Chloris x x x x Chrysocephalum apiculatum Common Everlasting x x x Cirsium vulgare* Spear Thistle x Clematis microphylla Small-leaved Clematis x x Commelina cyanea Native Wandering Jew x Convolvulus graminetinus x Conyza bonariensis* Flaxleaf Fleabane x x x x x x x x x x x x Cyclospermum leptophyllum* Slender Celery x x Cymbonotus lawsonianus x x x x x Cymbopogon refractus Barbed Wire Grass x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Cynodon dactylon Couch Grass x Cyperus gracilis Slender Flat-sedge x x x x x x x x x x x x Daucus glochidiatus Native Carrot x x x x Desmodium brachypodum Large Tick-trefoil x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Desmodium gunnii Slender Tick-trefoil x Desmodium varians Slender Tick-trefoil x x x x x x x x x x Dianella longifolia Blue Flax-Lily x x Dianella revoluta Blueberry Lily x x Dichanthium sericeum subsp. sericeum Queensland Bluegrass x x x x x Dichelachne micrantha Shorthair Plumegrass x x x x x x x Dichondra sp. A x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Dichopogon fimbriatus Nodding Chocolate Lily x x Digitaria brownii Cotton Panic Grass x x x x Digitaria porrecta Finger Panic Grass x Dodonaea viscosa ssp. angustifolia Broad-leaf Hopbush x x x x x x Echium plantagineum* Paterson’s Curse x x x Einadia polygonoides Knotweed Goosefoot x x x x x x Einadia trigonos subsp. leiocarpa Fishweed x x x x x x x Elymus scaber x x x x x Enneapogon nigricans Niggerheads x x Enteropogon acicularis Curly Windmill Grass x x x x x

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2012 Monitoring

KDVEG01 KDVEG02 KDVEG03 KDVEG04 KDVEG05 KDVEG06 200 201 201 201 200 201 201 201 200 201 201 201 200 201 201 201 200 201 201 201 200 201 201 201 Scientific Name Common Name 9 0 1 2 9 0 1 2 9 0 1 2 9 0 1 2 9 0 1 2 9 0 1 2 Eragrostis alveiformis x Eragrostis leptostachya Paddock Lovegrass x x x x x x x Erneapogon sp. x Erodium crinitum Blue Crowsfoot x x Eucalyptus albens White Box x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Eucalyptus blakelyi Blakely's Red Gum x x x Euchiton sp. x Euchiton sphaericus x x x x x x Fumaria sp. x Geijera parviflora Wilga x x x Geranium solanderi Native Geranium x x x x x x Glossogyne tannensis Cobbler's Tack x x x x x x x x x Glycine clandestina Twining Glycine x x x x x x x x x x x Glycine tabacina Variable Glycine x x x x x x x x Gomphocarpus fruticosus* Narrow-leaved Cotton Bush x Gomphocarpus sp. x Goodenia glabra x x Goodenia pinnatifida x x Hibbertia obtusifolia Hoary Guinea Flower x Hordeum sp.* x Hyparrhenia hirta* Coolatai Grass x x Hypericum gramineum Small St John's Wort x x x x x x x x Jasminum lineare Desert Jasmine x x Juncus usitatus x Lactuca saligna Willow-leaved Lettuce x Lactuca serriola* Prickly Lettuce x Lamium amplexicaule* Dead Nettle x Lepidium africanum* Common Peppercress x x x x x x x x Lepidium bonariense* Argentine Peppercress x x Lepidium fasciculatum x Linum marginale Native Flax x x x x x Lolium sp.* x Lomandra filiformis Wattle Matt-rush x x x x x x x x Lomandra multiflora subsp. multiflora Many-flowered Mat-rush x x x x x x x x x Lotus australis Australian Trefoil x x x Maireana enchylaenoides Wingless Bluebush x Maireana microphylla Small-leaf Bluebush x x x x x Malva sp.* x Malvastrum coromandelianum Prickly Malvastrum x x x Maytenus cunninghamii Yellowberry Bush x x

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2012 Monitoring

KDVEG01 KDVEG02 KDVEG03 KDVEG04 KDVEG05 KDVEG06 200 201 201 201 200 201 201 201 200 201 201 201 200 201 201 201 200 201 201 201 200 201 201 201 Scientific Name Common Name 9 0 1 2 9 0 1 2 9 0 1 2 9 0 1 2 9 0 1 2 9 0 1 2 Maytenus silvestris Narrow-leaved Orangebark x x x Medicago minima* Clover Burr x x x x Medicago polymorpha* Burr Medic x Medicago sp.* x x Melia azedarach White Cedar x Mentha satureioides Creeping Mint x x x Microlaena stipoides Weeping Grass x x x x x Misopates orontium* Lesser Snapdragon x x Myoporum montanum Western Boobialla x Notelaea microcarpa var. microcarpa x x x x x x x x x Opuntia aurantiaca* Tiger Pear x x x x x x x x x x x Opuntia stricta var. stricta* Common Prickly Pear x x x x x x Oxalis exilis x x x x x Oxalis sp. x x x Pandorea pandorana Wonga Wonga Vine x x x Panicum effusum Hairy Panic x x Panicum queenslandicum x Papaver sp.* x Paspalidium sp. x x x Petrorhagia nanteuilii* Proliferous Pink x x x x x x x x x x x x Phyllanthus virgatus x Pimelea curviflora x Pimelea neo-anglica Poison Pimelea x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Pittosporum angustifolium Weeping Pittosporum x Plantago debilis Shade Plantain x x x x x x x x x Poa sieberiana Snowgrass x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Polycarpon tetraphylla* Four-leaved Allseed x Portulaca oleracea Pigweed x x x Psydrax odorata Canthium x Ranunculus pumilio Ferny Buttercup x x Rostellularia adscendens var. adscendens x x x x Rumex brownii Swamp Dock x x x x x x x Salvia reflexa* Mintweed x Salvia verbenaca* Wild Sage x Scleria mackaviensis x Sclerolaena birchii Galvanized Burr x x x x x Senecio quadridentatus Cotton Fireweed x x x x x x x x Senna barclayana Smooth Senna x x Sida corrugata Corrugated Sida x x x x x x x x x x x

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2012 Monitoring

KDVEG01 KDVEG02 KDVEG03 KDVEG04 KDVEG05 KDVEG06 200 201 201 201 200 201 201 201 200 201 201 201 200 201 201 201 200 201 201 201 200 201 201 201 Scientific Name Common Name 9 0 1 2 9 0 1 2 9 0 1 2 9 0 1 2 9 0 1 2 9 0 1 2 Sida cunninghamii Ridge Sida x x x x x x Sida sp. x x x x* x* x* Sida spinosa x x x x x x x Sigesbeckia orientalis x Sigesbeckia sp. x Sisymbrium officinale* Hedge Mustard x Sisymbrium orientale* Indian Hedge Mustard x x Solanum cinereum Narrawa Burr x x x x x x x x x x Solanum esuriale Potato Weed x Solanum nigrum* Black Nightshade x x x Sonchus oleraceus* Sow Thistle x x x x x x Sporobolus creber Slender Rat's Tail Grass x x Stachys arvensis* x Swainsona galegifolia Smooth Darling Pea x x x x x x x Themeda australis Kangaroo Grass x Tribulus sp. x x Trifolium arvense* Haresfoot Clover x x x x x x Trifolium campestre* Hop Trefoil x x Verbena bonariensis* Tall Verbena x Verbena gaudichaudii Verbena x x x x x x x x Verbena tenusecta* Mayne's Pest x Veronica calycina Hairy Speedwell x x x x x Veronica sp.* x Vittadinia cuneata A Fuzzweed x x x x x x x x x Vittadinia muelleri A Fuzzweed x x x x Vittadinia sp. x x x Vulpia sp.* x x Wahlenbergia communis Tufted Bluebell x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Xerochrysum viscosum Sticky Everlasting x x x x x x x x x x x

*Exotic Species

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2012 Monitoring

Appendix B: Anabat Data (Definite Calls)

2009 Pre-construction Survey 2010 Monitoring 2011Monitoring 2012Monitoring Scientific Name I1 I2 I3 I4 I5 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 I1 I2 I3 I4 I5 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 I1 I2 I3 I4 I5 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 I1 I2 I3 I4 I5 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 Chalinolobus dwyeri 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

Chalinolobus gouldii 5 170 47 43 32 93 27 156 6 65 9 113 5 12 0 19 18 6 6 6 26 44 217 4 6 8 6 21 17 26 1 353 136 20 2 86 4 49 2 44

Chalinolobus morio 0 141 68 7 3 49 4 41 4 16 4 154 2 2 17 39 2 90 0 4 2 21 16 0 5 0 10 115 6 5 1 44 57 61 8 45 9 121 13 66

Chalinolobus picatus 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Falsistrellus tasmaniensis 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 69 0 2 10 5

Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis 0 34 0 0 2 11 10 8 0 13 0 144 0 0 3 2 0 27 0 1 0 16 1 1 0 0 0 12 3 0 0 67 25 0 5 83 0 8 2 10

Mormopterus sp.3 15 315 24 52 61 68 438 77 58 149 0 4 2 6 24 0 20 7 3 7 0 35 12 0 0 1 27 5 9 28 4 35 0 95 7 34 4 38 35 65

Mormopterus sp.4 21 64 28 194 52 184 356 61 30 59 1 0 0 0 0 1 18 4 33 4 0 15 0 0 4 0 2 2 50 1 5 4 0 1 25 13 8 21 55 18

Nyctophilus spp. 3 24 0 9 5 22 2 6 2 15 15 0 0 0 6 5 0 2 0 0 0 0 3 0 2 0 0 2 4 0 0 1 0 0 2 1 1 12 0 7

Saccolaimus flaviventris 0 5 7 5 4 0 20 8 15 92 0 0 2 2 9 6 37 15 59 2 1 12 26 0 1 0 1 2 8 16 1 16 4 0 0 2 1 0 303 0

Scotorepens balstoni 8 75 2 0 53 56 22 114 7 28 37 44 4 9 20 0 4 13 6 16 1 24 6 0 4 0 11 10 58 16 1 0 0 5 2 6 0 33 0 5

Scotorepens greyii 24 366 164 5 33 174 24 27 0 14 1 29 5 0 5 9 0 13 1 28 0 2 0 6 1 0 0 4 12 2 0 2 0 0 8 56 1 6 46 17

Scotorepens orion 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 10 0 0 3 1 2 2 0 5 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Scotorepens sp. 3 21 16 0 3 0 0 2 2 0 3 3 1 1 0 29 0 2 0 16 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Tadarida australis 37 0 8 14 17 27 171 2 13 3 39 0 5 1 2 22 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 4 80 2 2 37 93 0 2 3 0 0 3 3 0 6 2 0

Vespadelus darlingtoni 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 0

Vespadelus regulus 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Vespadelus troughtoni 0 10 12 0 1 2 0 10 1 7 2 75 2 0 1 9 0 8 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 4 0 0 1 2 0 0 28 0 0 0 2

Vespadelus vulturnus 22 305 43 2 128 217 40 509 25 37 2 572 6 0 18 3 1 84 1 18 2 53 3 0 2 0 9 12 14 9 6 78 89 35 11 290 28 54 31 57

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2012 Monitoring

Appendix C: Woodland & Migratory Bird Data

Pre-Construction 2009 Monitoring 2010 Monitoring 2011 Monitoring 2012 Scientific Name I1 I2 I3 14 15 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 I1 I2 I3 14 15 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 I1 I2 I3 14 15 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 I1 I2 I3 14 15 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 Op Acanthagenys rufogularis x x x x x Acanthiza apicalis x x x Acanthiza chrysorrhoa x x x x Acanthiza nana x x x x x x x x x Acanthiza pusilla x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Acanthiza reguloides x x Accipiter novaehollandiae x x Acrocephalus australis x x Alisterus scapularis x Anas castanea x x x x x Anas gracilis x x x x x x x Anas superciliosa x x x x x x x x x x x x x Anhinga novaehollandiae x x x x x x x x x x Anthochaera carunculata x Aphelocephala leucopsis x Aprosmictus erythropterus x Aquila audax x x x Ardea alba x x x x x Ardea garzetta x x Ardea intermedia x x x x Artamus cyanopterus x x Aythya australis x x x x x x x Cacatua galerita x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Cacatua sanguinea x x x x x x x x x x x x Cacomantis flabelliformis x x Ceyx azureus x x Chenonetta jubata x x x x x x x x x x x x x Cheramoeca leucosterna x x Cincloramphus mathewsi x x Circus approximans x Cisticola exilis x x Climacteris picumnus x x x Colluricincla harmonica x x x x x x Columba livia x Coracina novaehollandiae x x x x x x x x

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

Pre-Construction 2009 Monitoring 2010 Monitoring 2011 Monitoring 2012 Scientific Name I1 I2 I3 14 15 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 I1 I2 I3 14 15 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 I1 I2 I3 14 15 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 I1 I2 I3 14 15 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 Op Corcorax melanorhamphos x x x x x x x x x x Cormobates leucophaea x x x Corvus coronoides x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Corvus orru x Coturnix ypsilophora x x x Cracticus nigrogularis x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Cracticus tibicen x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Cracticus torquatus x x x x x x x x x x x x Cygnus atratus x Dacelo novaeguineae x x x x x x x x x Dicaeum hirundinaceum x Egretta novaehollandiae x x x x x x x Elanus axillaris x x Eolophus roseicapillus x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Eopsaltria australis x x x x x x x x x Epthianura albifrons x Eurystomus orientalis x Falco berigora x x x Falco cenchroides x x x x x x Falco longipennis x x Fulica atra x x x x x x x x Gallinula tenebrosa x Geopelia humeralis x Geopelia striata x Gerygone albogularis x x x x x Gerygone fusca x x x x x x Glossopsitta concinna x x Grallina cyanoleuca x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Haliaeetus leucogaster x Haliastur sphenurus x x x x x x x x x x x x x Hirundo neoxena x x x x Larus novaehollandiae x x x x x x x x x x x x x Lichenostomus chrysops x Lichenostomus penicillatus x x x x x x x x x x Lichenostomus virescens x x Malurus cyaneus x x x x x x x x x x x x x Manorina melanocephala x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Melithreptus brevirostris x x x x x x Melithreptus lunatus x x x Merops ornatus x x Microcarbo melanoleucos x x x x x Myiagra inquieta x

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – 2011 Monitoring

Pre-Construction 2009 Monitoring 2010 Monitoring 2011 Monitoring 2012 Scientific Name I1 I2 I3 14 15 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 I1 I2 I3 14 15 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 I1 I2 I3 14 15 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 I1 I2 I3 14 15 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 Op Neochmia temporalis x x x x Neophema pulchella x Nycticorax caledonicus x Nymphicus hollandicus x x x x x Ocyphaps lophotes x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Pachycephala pectoralis x x Pachycephala rufiventris x x x x x x x x x x x Pardalotus striatus x x x x x x x x x x x Pelecanus conspicillatus x x x x x x x x x Petrochelidon ariel x x x Petrochelidon nigricans x x x x Petroica goodenovii x Phalacrocorax carbo x x x x Phalacrocorax sulcirostris x x x x x x x x x x x x x Phalacrocorax varius x x x x x x x x x Phaps chalcoptera x x x x Philemon citreogularis x x Philemon corniculatus x x x x Platalea regia x x x Platycercus eximius x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Podiceps cristatus x x x x x Pomatostomus superciliosus x x Pomatostomus temporalis temporalis x Porphyrio porphyrio x x Psephotus haematonotus x x x x x x x x x x x x x Pyrrholaemus saggitatus x x x Rhipidura albiscapa x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Rhipidura leucophrys x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Sericornis frontalis x Smicrornis brevirostris x Stagonopleura guttata x x Strepera graculina x x x x x x Struthidea cinerea x x x x x x x x x x x x x Sturnus tristis x Sturnus vulgaris* x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Tachybaptus novaehollandiae x x x x x x x x x x Taeniopygia bichenovii x x x x Threskiornis spinicollis x x x Tringa nebularia x Vanellus miles x x x x x x x x x x Zosterops lateralis x x x x *Introduced species

Keepit Dam Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program – P r e - construction Survey

HEAD OFFICE SYDNEY ST GEORGES BASIN Suite 4, Level 1 Level 6 8/128 Island Point Road

2-4 Merton Street 299 Sussex Street St Georges Basin NSW 2540 Sutherland NSW 2232 Sydney NSW 2000 T 02 4443 5555 T 02 8536 8600 T 02 8536 8650 F 02 4443 6655 F 02 9542 5622 F 02 9264 0717

CANBERRA NEWCASTLE NAROOMA Level 2 Suites 28 & 29, Level 7 5/20 Canty Street 11 London Circuit 19 Bolton Street Narooma NSW 2546 Canberra ACT 2601 Newcastle NSW 2300 T 02 4476 1151 T 02 6103 0145 T 02 4910 0125 F 02 4476 1161 F 02 6103 0148 F 02 4910 0126

COFFS HARBOUR ARMIDALE MUDGEE 35 Orlando Street 92 Taylor Street Unit 1, Level 1 Coffs Harbour Jetty NSW 2450 Armidale NSW 2350 79 Market Street T 02 6651 5484 T 02 8081 2681 Mudgee NSW 2850 F 02 6651 6890 F 02 6772 1279 T 02 4302 1230 F 02 6372 9230

PERTH WOLLONGONG GOSFORD Suite 1 & 2 Suite 204, Level 2 Suite 5, Baker One 49 Ord Street 62 Moore Street 1-5 Baker Street

West Perth WA 6005 Austinmer NSW 2515 Gosford NSW 2250 T 08 9227 1070 T 02 4201 2200 T 02 4302 1220 F 08 9322 1358 F 02 4268 4361 F 02 4322 2897

DARWIN BRISBANE 16/56 Marina Boulevard PO Box 1422 Cullen Bay NT 0820 Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA P T Y LTD 40 T 08 8989 5601 T 0400 494 366

Appendix E - Keepit Dam Upgrade Post Construction Nestbox Monitoring Results October 2012

Keepit Dam Upgrade Annual Compliance Report (EPBC 2006/3186 - Condition 6)

Table 1: Post Construction Nest Box Monitoring Results – October 2012

Nest Nest Box Type Latitude Longitude Tree Tree Monitoring Fauna Occupancy Evidence Structural or Maintenance Box Common Scientific Date Native Fauna Non-native Fauna Native Invertebrate Attachment Required / Number Name Name Concerns Undertaken NB 1 Microbat 30º52.329 150º28.861 White Box Eucalyptus 5/10/2012 No No Yes – dense spider webs No Spider, spider’s albens were covering the entrance web and mud and within the nest box. A wasp nest mud wasp nest was also removed. present. NB 2 Shrike-thrush 30º52.338 150º28.888 White Box Eucalyptus 5/10/2012 No No No No No albens NB 3 Treecreeper 30º52.353 150º28.914 White Box Eucalyptus 5/10/2012 No - however moderate No Yes – mud wasp nest. No . Mud wasp nest albens level of chewing on the lid removed. and entrance. NB 4 Microbat 30º52.350 150º28.943 White Box Eucalyptus 5/10/2012 No – minor chewing at the No No No No albens entrance (including the interior of the entrance) however no evidence to suggest actual usage. NB 5 Brushtail 30º52.338 150º28.964 White Box Eucalyptus 5/10/2012 Yes : No No No No Possum albens . One adult female and one dependant juvenile Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) occupying the nest box. . Moderate scratches on the outside. . Negligible chewing on the outside. NB 6 Lorikeet/ 30º52.351 150º28.968 White Box Eucalyptus 5/10/2012 No - however minor No No Yes – cable . Cable Rosella albens chewing on the outside needs tightening / tightened. adjusting for stability. NB 7 Galah/Corella 30º52.296 150º28.964 White Box Eucalyptus 5/10/2012 No - however minor No No Yes – cable . Cable albens chewing on the outside and tightening / tightened. inside (at the entrance). adjusting required for stability. NB 8 Microbat 30º52.291 150º29.017 White Box Eucalyptus 5/10/2012 No No No No No albens NB 9 Glider (Greater 30º52.260 150º29.024 White Box Eucalyptus 5/10/2012 Yes : No No No No and Yellow- albens . Evidence of Brushtail bellied) Possum usage indicated by shape of nesting material, heavy chewing to increase the opening diameter (entrance now

2102-1006 Revised Keepit Dam Upgrade – Post Construction Nest Box Monitoring October 2012 8

Nest Nest Box Type Latitude Longitude Tree Tree Monitoring Fauna Occupancy Evidence Structural or Maintenance Box Common Scientific Date Native Fauna Non-native Fauna Native Invertebrate Attachment Required / Number Name Name Concerns Undertaken approximately 10 cm diameter) and moderate scratches. NB 10 Lorikeet/ 30º52.242 150º29.008 White Box Eucalyptus 5/10/2012 Yes : No No No No Rosella albens . Minor chewing at entrance plus moderate Brushtail Possum scratching (inside and out) indicative of usage at some stage. NB 11 Shrike-thrush 30º52.252 150º28.965 White Box Eucalyptus 5/10/2012 Yes : No No No No albens . Moderate scratches and shape of nesting material indicative of Brushtail Possum usage at some stage. NB 12 Microbat 30º52.295 150º28.976 White Box Eucalyptus 5/10/2012 No No No No No albens NB 13 Cockatoo 30º52.347 150º28.999 White Box Eucalyptus 5/10/2012 Yes : No No No No albens . One adult female and one dependant juvenile Brushtail Possum occupying the nest box. . Minor scratching and chewing on the outside. NB 14 Galah/ Corella 30º52.366 150º28.997 White Box Eucalyptus 5/10/2012 Yes : No No Lid will need . Replace lid albens . One mature Brushtail replacing next next Possum occupying the monitoring event monitoring nest box. if chewing event to . Moderate scratching on continues. maximise the the outside. longevity of the . Heavy chewing on the nest box. outside of the lid. . Broken egg shell at the base of the subject tree. NB 15 Owls 30º52.390 150º28.985 White Box Eucalyptus 5/10/2012 No - however minor No No Yes – cable . Cable albens Brushtail Possum tightening / tightened. scratching on the outside. adjusting required for stability. NB 16 Sugar Glider 30º52.392 150º28.963 White Box Eucalyptus 5/10/2012 No - however very minor No No No No albens Brushtail Possum scratching on the exterior. NB 17 Glider (Greater 30º52.403 150º29.006 White Box Eucalyptus 5/10/2012 Yes: No No No No and Yellow- albens . Moderate scratching and bellied) minor chewing on the

2102-1006 Revised Keepit Dam Upgrade – Post Construction Nest Box Monitoring October 2012 9

Nest Nest Box Type Latitude Longitude Tree Tree Monitoring Fauna Occupancy Evidence Structural or Maintenance Box Common Scientific Date Native Fauna Non-native Fauna Native Invertebrate Attachment Required / Number Name Name Concerns Undertaken inside and outside indicative of Brushtail Possum usage. NB 18 Galah/ Corella 30º52.447 150º29.032 White Box Eucalyptus 5/10/2012 Yes : No No No No albens . Minor scratching inside and out and Brushtail Possum scats inside the nest box. NB 19 Shrike-thrush 30º52.457 150º29.043 White Box Eucalyptus 5/10/2012 No - however minor No No No No albens chewing on the exterior. NB 20 Lorikeet/ 30º52.408 150º29.039 White Box Eucalyptus 5/10/2012 No - however Brushtail No No No No Rosella albens Possum scratches and fur at the entrance. Minor chewing on the outside. NB 21 Microbat 30º52.406 150º29.072 White Box Eucalyptus 5/10/2012 No No No No No albens NB 22 Owlet Night-jar 30º52.372 150º29.041 White Box Eucalyptus 5/10/2012 Yes : No No No No albens . Evidence of old Brushtail Possum usage indicated by shape of nesting material at the base and light scratches. NB 23 Brushtail 30º52.308 150º29.042 White Box Eucalyptus 5/10/2012 Yes : No No No No Possum albens . One mature Brushtail Possum occupying the nest box. . Minor scratching on the outside. NB 24 Sugar Glider 30º52.285 150º29.044 Rough- Angophora 5/10/2012 No - however minor No No No No barked Apple floribunda chewing on the exterior NB 25 Lorikeet/ 30º52.272 150º29.052 White Box Eucalyptus 5/10/2012 No - however moderate No No No No Rosella albens chewing at the entrance and on the lid. NB 26 Owls 30º52.263 150º29.118 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 Yes : No No Lid will need . Replace lid albens . One mature Brushtail replacing next next Possum occupying the monitoring event monitoring nest box. if chewing event to . Moderate scratches. continues maximise the . Heavy chewing on the longevity of the lid. nest box. NB 27 Microbat 30º52.263 150º29.141 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 No - however moderate No No No No albens chewing on the lid. NB 28 Treecreeper 30º52.244 150º29.146 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 No - however moderate No No No No albens chewing on the lid. NB 29 Owlet Night-jar 30º52.232 150º29.168 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 Yes: No No No No

2102-1006 Revised Keepit Dam Upgrade – Post Construction Nest Box Monitoring October 2012 10

Nest Nest Box Type Latitude Longitude Tree Tree Monitoring Fauna Occupancy Evidence Structural or Maintenance Box Common Scientific Date Native Fauna Non-native Fauna Native Invertebrate Attachment Required / Number Name Name Concerns Undertaken albens . One mature Brushtail Possum occupying the nest box. . Minor scratching and chewing on the outside. NB 30 Microbat 30º52.209 150º29.168 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 No No No No No albens NB 31 Brushtail 30º52.201 150º29.196 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 Yes: No No No No Possum albens . Evidence of old Brushtail Possum usage indicated by shape of nesting material and light scratches. . Minor chewing on exterior. NB 32 Lorikeet/ 30º52.191 150º29.219 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 No – however minor No No Lid will need . Replace lid Rosella albens scratching on the outside replacing next next and heavy chewing on the monitoring event monitoring lid. if chewing event to continues maximise the longevity of the nest box. NB 33 Microbat 30º52.273 150º29.213 Blakely's Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 No – however minor No No Top will need . Replace top of Red Gum blakelyi scratching on the outside replacing next nest box next and heavy chewing on the monitoring event monitoring top of the nest box. if chewing event to continues maximise the longevity of the nest box. NB 34 Lorikeet/ 30º52.257 150º29.272 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 Yes : No No Yes – has been . Replacement Rosella albens . Evidence of Brushtail significantly of nest box Possum usage indicated damage from maybe by shape of nesting chewing (e.g. required to material, fur and minor contains no lids ensure the scratching. and hole and part minimum . Heavy chewing on the of the wall). hollow-bearing lid. tree compensatory ratio is maintained. NB 35 Galah/ Corella 30º52.284 150º29.279 Blakely's Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 Yes : No No Heavy damage to . Monitor for Red Gum blakelyi . Evidence of Brushtail the face from usage or if Possum usage indicated chewing. Monitor damage by shape of nesting to see if continues increases. material, fur and minor to be used or if Replace the scratching. damage face if no

2102-1006 Revised Keepit Dam Upgrade – Post Construction Nest Box Monitoring October 2012 11

Nest Nest Box Type Latitude Longitude Tree Tree Monitoring Fauna Occupancy Evidence Structural or Maintenance Box Common Scientific Date Native Fauna Non-native Fauna Native Invertebrate Attachment Required / Number Name Name Concerns Undertaken . Heavy damage to the increases. further usage face. or if damage increases. NB 36 Shrike-thrush 30º52.307 150º29.270 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 Yes : No No No No albens . Evidence of Brushtail Possum usage indicated by shape of nesting material, scats and minor scratching. . Minor chewing on the outside. NB 37 Microbat 30º52.329 150º29.259 Kurrajong Brachychiton 6/10/2012 No No No No No populneus NB 38 Brushtail 30º52.339 150º29.302 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 No – however very minor No No Yes – cable . Cable Possum albens chewing is evident on the tightening / tightened. outside. adjusting required for stability. NB 39 Microbat 30º52.172 150º29.243 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 No – however heavy No No Top will need . Replace top albens chewing on the top. replacing next next monitoring event monitoring if chewing event to continues. maximise the longevity of the nest box. NB 40 Shrike-thrush 30º52.156 150º29.279 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 No – however heavy No No Top will need . Replace top albens chewing on the top. replacing next next monitoring event monitoring if chewing event to continues. maximise the longevity of the nest box. NB 41 Lorikeet/ 30º52.163 150º29.299 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 No No Yes – old paper wasp nest No Wasp nest Rosella albens inside the nest box. No removed. evidence of recent usage. NB 42 Lorikeet/ 30º52.305 150º29.205 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 No – however minor No Yes – mud wasp nest. No Wasp nest Rosella albens chewing and Brushtail removed. Possum scratches on the outside. NB 43 Microbat 30º52.320 150º29.214 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 No No No No No albens NB 44 Galah/ Corella 30º52.323 150º29.199 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 Yes : No No Yes – cable . Cable albens . One mature Brushtail tightening / tightened. Possum occupying the adjusting required nest box. for stability. . Minor scratching and moderate chewing on

2102-1006 Revised Keepit Dam Upgrade – Post Construction Nest Box Monitoring October 2012 12

Nest Nest Box Type Latitude Longitude Tree Tree Monitoring Fauna Occupancy Evidence Structural or Maintenance Box Common Scientific Date Native Fauna Non-native Fauna Native Invertebrate Attachment Required / Number Name Name Concerns Undertaken the outside. NB 45 Lorikeet/ 30º52.323 150º29.281 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 Yes : No No No No Rosella albens . Evidence of Brushtail Possum usage indicated by shape of nesting material and moderate scratching. . Minor chewing on the exterior. NB 46 Brushtail 30º52.373 150º29.286 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 Yes : No No No No Possum albens . Evidence of old Brushtail Possum usage indicated by scat and minor scratching. . Minor chewing on the exterior. NB 47 Microbat 30º52.448 150º29.472 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 No No No No No albens NB 48 Kookaburra 30º52.321 150º29.160 Blakely's Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 No – however moderate No No No No Red Gum blakelyi chewing and moderate Brushtail Possum scratching on the outside. NB 49 Ringtail 30º52.334 150º29.179 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 Yes : No No No No Possum albens . Evidence of Brushtail Possum usage indicated by shape of nesting material and minor scratching. . Minor chewing on the outside. NB 50 Brushtail 30º52.347 150º29.182 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 Yes : No No No No Possum albens . Evidence of Brushtail Possum usage indicated by fresh scats and minor scratching inside and out. . Minor chewing on the outside. NB 51 Owls 30º52.382 150º29.198 White Box Eucalyptus 5/10/2012 Yes : No No No No albens . One mature Brushtail Possum occupying the nest box. . Minor scratching on the outside. NB 52 Glider (Greater 30º52.385 150º29.177 White Box Eucalyptus 5/10/2012 No – however minor No No No No and Yellow- albens Brushtail Possum

2102-1006 Revised Keepit Dam Upgrade – Post Construction Nest Box Monitoring October 2012 13

Nest Nest Box Type Latitude Longitude Tree Tree Monitoring Fauna Occupancy Evidence Structural or Maintenance Box Common Scientific Date Native Fauna Non-native Fauna Native Invertebrate Attachment Required / Number Name Name Concerns Undertaken bellied) scratching on the inside and outside (insufficient evidence however to confirm usage – scratches could have been made from the outside). NB 53 Squirrel Glider 30º52.365 150º29.172 White Box Eucalyptus 5/10/2012 No – however minor No No No No albens chewing on the lid. NB 54 Microbat 30º52.353 150º29.152 Blakely's Eucalyptus 5/10/2012 No No Yes – old paper wasp nest No Wasp nest Red Gum blakelyi inside the nest box. No removed. evidence of recent usage. NB 55 Microbat 30º52.325 150º29.136 Blakely's Eucalyptus 5/10/2012 No – however moderate No No No No Red Gum blakelyi chewing on the lid. NB 56 Ringtail 30º52.306 150º29.118 White Box Eucalyptus 5/10/2012 Yes : No No No No Possum albens . Evidence of past Brushtail Possum usage indicated by shape of nesting material and minor scratching inside and out. . Minor chewing on the outside. NB 57 Brushtail 30º52.388 150º29.157 Blakely's Eucalyptus 5/10/2012 Yes : No No Yes - nest box will . Cable to be Possum Red Gum blakelyi . Occupied by a Lace need to be tightened Monitor (Varanus stabilised and the during next varius). cable tightened monitoring during next event. monitoring event. NB 58 Glider (Greater 30º52.403 150º29.155 Blakely's Eucalyptus 5/10/2012 Yes : No No No No and Yellow- Red Gum blakelyi . Evidence of past bellied) Brushtail Possum usage indicated by scats, the shape of nesting material and minor scratching inside and out. . Minor chewing on the outside. NB 59 Kookaburra 30º52.337 150º29.140 Blakely's Eucalyptus 5/10/2012 No – however minor No No Yes – cable . Cable Red Gum blakelyi Brushtail Possum tightening / tightened. scratching on the inside adjusting required and outside (insufficient for stability. evidence however to confirm usage – scratches could have been made from the outside).

2102-1006 Revised Keepit Dam Upgrade – Post Construction Nest Box Monitoring October 2012 14

Nest Nest Box Type Latitude Longitude Tree Tree Monitoring Fauna Occupancy Evidence Structural or Maintenance Box Common Scientific Date Native Fauna Non-native Fauna Native Invertebrate Attachment Required / Number Name Name Concerns Undertaken NB 60 Owlet Night-jar 30º52.348 150º29.117 Blakely's Eucalyptus 5/10/2012 Yes : No No No No Red Gum blakelyi . Evidence of Brushtail Possum usage indicated by scats and minor scratching inside and out. . Moderate chewing on the outside. NB 61 Microbat 30º52.365 150º29.063 White Box Eucalyptus 5/10/2012 No No No No No albens NB 62 Lorikeet/ 30º52.359 150º29.081 White Box Eucalyptus 5/10/2012 No – however minor No No Yes – not stable. . Nest box Rosella albens Brushtail Possum relocated to a scratching on the outside. different Also minor chewing evident location on the on the lid. same tree to improve stability. NB 63 Kookaburra 30º52.343 150º29.070 White Box Eucalyptus 5/10/2012 Yes : No No No No albens . Evidence of Brushtail Possum usage indicated by scats, fur and minor scratching inside and out. NB 64 Microbat 30º52.325 150º29.074 White Box Eucalyptus 5/10/2012 No No Yes – mud wasp nest No . Mud wasp nest albens present. removed. NB 65 Brushtail 30º52.554 150º29.244 Blakely's Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 Yes : No No No No Possum Red Gum blakelyi . Evidence of past Brushtail Possum usage indicated by the shape of nesting material and minor scratching inside and out. . Minor chewing on the outside. NB 66 Squirrel Glider 30º52.555 150º29.226 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 No No No No No albens NB 67 Squirrel Glider 30º52.568 150º29.191 Blakely's Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 Yes : No No . Yes – cable . Cable Red Gum blakelyi . Evidence of Brushtail tightening / tightened. Possum usage indicated adjusting . Lid to be by the shape of nesting required for replaced next material, fresh scats and stability. monitoring minor scratching inside . Lid missing event to and out. (note: this maintain the appears to be longevity of the the entry point nest box. for the

2102-1006 Revised Keepit Dam Upgrade – Post Construction Nest Box Monitoring October 2012 15

Nest Nest Box Type Latitude Longitude Tree Tree Monitoring Fauna Occupancy Evidence Structural or Maintenance Box Common Scientific Date Native Fauna Non-native Fauna Native Invertebrate Attachment Required / Number Name Name Concerns Undertaken possums: i.e. there is no evidence of usage at the entrance hole which would be too small for possums). NB 68 Treecreeper 30º52.541 150º29.177 Blakely's Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 No however minor No No . Yes – cable . Cable Red Gum blakelyi scratches are present. tightening / tightened. adjusting required for stability. NB 69 Microbat 30º52.568 150º29.173 Blakely's Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 No No No No No Red Gum blakelyi NB 70 Ringtail 30º52.578 150º29.182 Blakely's Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 Yes : No No No No Possum Red Gum blakelyi . One mature Brushtail Possum occupying the nest box. . Minor scratching on the exterior. NB 71 Brushtail 30º52.577 150º29.208 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 Yes : No No No No Possum albens . Evidence of Brushtail Possum usage indicated by the shape of nesting material, fresh scats and minor scratching inside and out. NB 72 Lorikeet/ 30º52.594 150º29.229 Blakely's Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 No however minor Yes – old European honey No No Bee hive Rosella Red Gum blakelyi scratching is present. bee hive. removed. NB 73 Microbat 30º52.366 150º29.173 White Box Eucalyptus 5/10/2012 No No No No Relocated to a albens location with better potential access for microbats (see body of report). NB 74 Microbat 30º52.351 150º29.025 White Box Eucalyptus 5/10/2012 No No No Yes – cable Relocated to a albens tightening / location with adjusting required better potential for stability. access for microbats (see body of report). NB 75 Lorikeet/ 30º52.604 150º29.262 Blakely's Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 Yes : No No . Yes – cable . Cable Rosella Red Gum blakelyi . Evidence of past tightening / tightened. Brushtail Possum usage adjusting indicated by the shape required for

2102-1006 Revised Keepit Dam Upgrade – Post Construction Nest Box Monitoring October 2012 16

Nest Nest Box Type Latitude Longitude Tree Tree Monitoring Fauna Occupancy Evidence Structural or Maintenance Box Common Scientific Date Native Fauna Non-native Fauna Native Invertebrate Attachment Required / Number Name Name Concerns Undertaken of nesting material and stability. minor scratching inside and out. NB 76 Ringtail 30º52.627 150º29.255 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 Yes : No No No No Possum albens . Evidence of Brushtail Possum usage indicated by scats and minor scratching inside and out. NB 77 Brushtail 30º52.651 150º29.219 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 Yes : No No No No Possum albens . One mature Brushtail Possum occupying the nest box. . Minor scratching on the outside. NB 78 Lorikeet/ 30º52.640 150º29.202 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 No No No . Yes – cable . Cable Rosella albens tightening / tightened. adjusting required for stability. NB 79 Microbat 30º52.653 150º29.244 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 No No No No No albens NB 80 Squirrel Glider 30º52.665 150º29.239 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 No No No No No albens NB 81 Ringtail 30º52.617 150º29.292 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 No Yes – old European honey No No Bee hive Possum albens bee hive. removed. NB 82 Brushtail 30º52.627 150º29.309 Stag - 6/10/2012 Yes : No No No No Possum . Evidence of past Brushtail Possum usage indicated by the shape of nesting material and minor scratching inside and out. NB 83 Microbat 30º52.636 150º29.323 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 No No No No Relocated to a albens location with better potential access for microbats (see body of report). NB 84 Lorikeet/ 30º52.632 150º29.276 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 Yes : No No No No Rosella albens . Evidence of Brushtail Possum usage indicated by scats and minor scratching inside and out. NB 85 Lorikeet/ 30º52.666 150º29.304 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 No however minor No No . Yes – cable . Cable

2102-1006 Revised Keepit Dam Upgrade – Post Construction Nest Box Monitoring October 2012 17

Nest Nest Box Type Latitude Longitude Tree Tree Monitoring Fauna Occupancy Evidence Structural or Maintenance Box Common Scientific Date Native Fauna Non-native Fauna Native Invertebrate Attachment Required / Number Name Name Concerns Undertaken Rosella albens scratching and chewing tightening / tightened. present. adjusting required for stability. NB 86 Lorikeet/ 30º52.644 150º29.294 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 Yes : No No No No Rosella albens . Evidence of past Brushtail Possum usage indicated by the shape of nesting material and minor scratching inside and out. NB 87 Squirrel Glider 30º52.626 150º29.189 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 No No No No No albens NB 88 Kookaburra 30º52.610 150º29.181 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 Yes : No No . Yes – cable . Cable albens . Evidence of Brushtail tightening / tightened. Possum usage indicated adjusting by the scats and required for moderate stability. scratchinginside and out. . Minor chewing on outside. NB 89 Microbat 30º52.631 150º29.181 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 No No No No No albens NB 90 Owlet Night-jar 30º52.688 150º29.231 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 No No No . Yes – cable . Cable albens tightening / tightened. adjusting required for stability. NB 91 Microbat 30º52.715 150º29.233 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 No No No . Yes – cable . Cable albens tightening / tightened. adjusting required for stability. NB 92 Squirrel Glider 30º52.712 150º29.219 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 No No No Decorticating bark . Decorticating albens covering nest box bark removed entrance and nest box location adjusted slightly to try and prevent bark build up. NB 93 Microbat 30º52.722 150º29.225 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 No No No . Yes – cable Relocated to a albens tightening / location with adjusting better potential required for access for

2102-1006 Revised Keepit Dam Upgrade – Post Construction Nest Box Monitoring October 2012 18

Nest Nest Box Type Latitude Longitude Tree Tree Monitoring Fauna Occupancy Evidence Structural or Maintenance Box Common Scientific Date Native Fauna Non-native Fauna Native Invertebrate Attachment Required / Number Name Name Concerns Undertaken stability. microbats (see body of report). NB 94 Microbat 30º52.714 150º29.272 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 No No No . Yes – cable . Cable albens tightening / tightened. adjusting required for stability. NB 95 Microbat 30º52.717 150º29.252 Rough- Angophora 6/10/2012 No No No No No barked Apple floribunda NB 96 Lorikeet/ 30º52.686 150º29.283 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 No however minor Brushtail No No No No Rosella albens Possum scratching and moderate chewing damage on the outside. NB 97 Cockatoo 30º52.684 150º29.312 Rough- Angophora 6/10/2012 Yes : No No . Yes – cable . Cable barked Apple floribunda . One adult female and tightening / tightened. one dependant adjusting juvenile Brushtail required for Possum (Trichosurus stability. vulpecula) occupying the nest box. . Minor scratches and chewing damage on outside. NB 98 Treecreeper 30º52.685 150º29.339 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 No however minor Brushtail No No . Yes – cable . Cable albens Possum scratches and tightening / tightened. moderate chewing damage adjusting on the outside. required for stability. NB 99 Treecreeper 30º52.672 150º29.368 River Red Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 No however moderate No Yes – Ants nest present. . Yes – cable . Cable Gum camaldulensi chewing damage on the tightening / tightened. s outside. adjusting . Ants nest required for removed. stability. NB 100 Microbat 30º52.676 150º29.290 White Box Eucalyptus 6/10/2012 No No No No No albens

2102-1006 Revised Keepit Dam Upgrade – Post Construction Nest Box Monitoring October 2012 19

Appendix F - Keepit Dam Upgrade Biodiversity Management Plan Progress Report 2011-2012

Keepit Dam Upgrade Annual Compliance Report (EPBC 2006/3186 - Condition 6) PROGRESS REPORT WILDLINE NATIVE NURSERY ACTIONING STAGE 1 KEEPIT DAM UPGRADE BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN 2011-2012

REVIEW OF MANAGEMENT PLAN AND RECOMMENDED RESCOPING

November – December 2011: Namoi CMA contacted regarding clarification on direct seeding methods proposed and the contravention of the NV Act 2003. The Namoi CMA urged WNN to make a submission to include the use of a crocodile seeder as an Environmental Works Routine Agricultural Management Activity in a review of the native vegetation regulations. If the proposal is accepted, gazettal of the regulation changes would occur in September 2012 and the direct seeding methods would not contravene the NV Act 2003. The WNN submission was made December 2011.

SEED COLLECTION (LOCALLY RARE SPECIES)

September 2011: Reconnoitered 3 known bush natural populations of Microseris lanceolata on TSR’s and private land. Population 1 had failed to produce flowering scapes hence no seed produced. Population 2 was pugged by travelling stock and did not flower. Population 3 situated on a TSR had been excavated by persons unknown and no surviving plants could be found.

September – November 2011: Microseris seed harvested from WNN seed production area.

November 2011: Permission granted by Central North LHPA for WNN to collect seed from the stock routes surrounding Manilla.

December 2011: Collected seed of Swainsona galegifolia from 3 bush natural populations on private and public land. The seed is still being processed.

February 2012: Collected seeding heads of Themeda avenacea from a minimum of 10 TSR sites. Seed production was down on previous years, requiring harvesting of more material. This species presence was noted on Lake Keepit foreshore country adjacent to the Borah Crossing Stock Route, justifying its inclusion in the planting program. Seed was collected of Senna barclayana from private land, TSR’s and Lake Keepit State Park. The Senna population on the Lake Keepit State Park is the most significant in terms of density and area occupied that I have come across thus far in the local area. A conservative estimate of 500 – 1000 plants/ha highlights its indispensable role in the nutrient cycle of this area. It was observed during collection the plant played host to at least 3 species of nectary feeding ants (the species could be delineated by the quality of their stings), the native Blue-banded bee (Amegilla cingulata, an important “buzz” pollinator) and the White Migrant butterfly (Catopsilia pyranthe, its pupal cases festooned the plants). Despite the plants high population density it was frequently found in association with other legumes such as the Glycine species.

February – April 2012: Processed seed of Themeda avenacea and determined seed viability of same species by hand. Processed seed of Senna barclayana and the critical quantity required for direct seeding was achieved (min. 2.3kg).

TUBESTOCK PROPAGATION

February 2012: Propagation of the 2 species Eucalyptus albens and Themeda avenacea commenced. For E. albens, the seed lots utilized came from 5 disjunct populations in the upper Namoi catchment and all of the seedlings required should be available at planting time. The propagation of T. avenacea has been laborious due to its inherent low seed viability and its attractiveness to predation by rodents. The sowing and germination/transplant period was protracted from February through to April 2012. All of the seedlings required of this species should be available at planting time.

April – June 2012: Propagation of Microseris lanceolata commenced. Some trial and error was involved in determining the optimal germination conditions and a split sowing was necessary in April and May. Approximately 70% of the required M. lanceolata seedlings will be available at planting time. The remaining 30% will be judged for planting suitability closer to the scheduled planting date.

INPUT TO GRASS SEED PROCUREMENT AND SEEDING CONTRACTS

February 2011: Initiated contact with native grass seed growers/harvesters/collectors outlining requirements.

July – August 2011: Contracts and notices of understanding secured for the growing/harvesting/collection of Themeda australis, Sorghum leiocladum and Cymbopogon refractus seed.

September 2011: Deposit details of one grower/harvester contract transferred to State Water. Seed collection contract for harvest of bush natural stands of Cymbopogon refractus seed secured.

May 2012: Required quantity of C. refractus seed secured from primary collector. Collector’s details passed onto State Water.

June 2012: Advised Russell on storage of supplied grass seed.

MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS

Record rainfalls in the local area resulted in some positive flora/fauna observations. Increased grass sward height positively influenced breeding opportunities of various Quail species around the Lake Keepit area. This in turn attracted Swamp Harriers and Spotted Harriers to the area for some time. The Harriers require a substantial home range highlighting the importance of grass sward protected from grazing by domestic stock. Juvenile Green Tree frogs moving across the landscape in search of suitable habitat also utilized the grass sward. In State Park East in February, depressions filled with water contained significant numbers of tadpoles that would have had ample time to metamorphose and emerge. Significant flowering events in Eucalyptus albens were being presaged around Lake Keepit from late April 2012. Typically >80% of E. albens were budding heavily with ~25% of these flowering in May 2012. This type of general flowering response has not been observed since 2003. Overall the Lake Keepit populations were flowering earlier than those further east, indicating that pollination vectors would most likely have remained local.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. A third monitoring quadrat set up in State Park West would be advantageous in order to capture 3 landform types. The landforms currently represented in the quadrats are: Ridge top with scalded derived grassland, and, Mid slope with Callitris/Box/Gum woodland. The only other landform not represented in the quadrats is the Flat with derived grassland. 2. During water ponding events in the offset areas, in order to encourage successful frog breeding events, it is recommended to discourage vehicular traffic through the ponds and around pond margins. 3. Monitor the gazettal process of the proposed variations to the NV Act 2003 to determine the feasibility of using the ‘crocodile’ seeder in future direct seeding operations. 4. Evaluate and mark out Property 7 and SPW for the final planting positions of the locally rare tubestock species prior to Spring 2012.

Appendix G - Keepit Dam Upgrade Biodiversity Management Plan Progress Report 2012

Keepit Dam Upgrade Annual Compliance Report (EPBC 2006/3186 - Condition 6) Progress Report Actioning Stages 1 & 2 Keepit Dam Upgrade Biodiversity Management Plan 16/7/12 – 13/1/13

By Istvan György

Wildline Native Nursery

Seed Collection (Locally Rare Species) JULY – AUGUST 2012: Pods of Swainsona galegifolia (collected December 2012) were processed and the critical quantity of 1.31kg required for direct seeding was achieved.

Tubestock Propagation February – October 2012: The propagation of all the tubestock species has been finalized and is being maintained on the premises of Wildline Native Nursery until favourable planting conditions arise.

Fig. 1. Eucalyptus albens seedlings being held in the nursery until planting.

Fig. 2. Themeda avenacea in the nursery awaiting planting.

Fig. 3. Microseris lanceolata in nursery. Note the onset of dormancy in early November.

Input to Grass Seed Procurement and Seeding Contracts September 2012: Cumberland Plains Seeds indicates a harvest shortfall has occurred for the species Sorghum leiocladum and only 3kg of the 10kg can be supplied.

A number of growers and collectors are contacted regarding S. Leiocladum and a further 1.12kg is secured.

120gms of S. Leiocladum seed is delivered by Seeds and Plants Australia.

Formal understanding of collection for Sorghum is reached with Seeds and Plants Australia.

Formal understanding of collection and seed production for Sorghum is reached with Natural Regeneration Australia.

October 2012: 1kg of S. Leiocladum seed is delivered by Natural Capital. A formal understanding of supply of Sorghum seed is reached with the aforementioned company.

January 2013: Collection of S. Leiocladum seed from bush natural stands by the above suppliers has yielded a further 2kg. Further collections are still taking place.

Tubestock Planting (including marking of the locally rare tubestock planting areas) July – August 2012: Identity tags and pegs for the rare tubestock areas are produced.

Pegging of the rare tubestock areas is undertaken in Property 7 and SPW.

October 2012: 3/10/12 – 616 tubestock of Microseris lanceolata are planted in the appropriately marked locally rare tubestock area of property 7. Two planters were operating.

4/10/12 – 9 tubestock of Microseris lanceolata are planted in Property 7. An attempt is made to plant in the appropriately marked areas of SPW but planting is suspended due to the very dry conditions. Two planters were operating.

Fig.4. Planted Microseris reduced to 2 leaves (18/10/12).

Fig.5. Planted Microseris now technically dormant due to dry and hot conditions (18/10/12).

SUSPENSION OF TUBESTOCK PLANTING – Reasonable falls of rain were experienced around the Lake Keepit area in July 2012, maintaining an adequate soil moisture profile established in the earlier part of the year. However drying conditions from July through to January 2013 severely hampered any further planting. Rainfall data from Manilla indicated a rainfall shortage in the 3 month total to October as being in the 3rd percentile range. A drying soil profile does not allow planted tubestock to develop roots quick enough to link with moisture zones in the lower depths. Watering of the tubestock was determined to be impractical and damaging due to the tendency of the soil to compact under traffic thereby negatively impacting on water infiltration into the soil profile. These compaction problems were highlighted when planting tool penetration was virtually impossible in a barely visible vehicle track inside the locally rare tubestock planting area. The planting tool was wielded by a 110kg operator.

Communication with a professional planter from Moon’s Native Nursery indicated further planting had been abandoned at Chaffey Dam due to the near ‘suicidal’ planting conditions, even with watering of the plantings available. Another client of WNN who planted in this period experienced losses in excess of 80% even with 2 waterings per week.

Planting conditions have remained hostile to date and further planting will not commence until the seasonal conditions and the soil moisture conditions improve.

Management and Supervision of Grass Seeding and Scald Remediation August 2012 – Russell took delivery of approximately 3cuft. of Senna barclayana trash from WNN. The trash was broadcast directly onto the scalded areas of the SPW ridge top.

23/11/12 – Direct seeding of Themeda australis into slashed areas of Property 7. Approximately 32kg was broadcast with 2 operators.

24/11/12 – Direct seeding of Themeda australis into slashed areas of Property 7. Approximately 52.8kg was broadcast with 2 operators.

25/11/12 – Direct seeding of Themeda australis into slashed and non slashed areas of Property 7 and SPW.

 Approximately 25.6kg was broadcast in Property 7 with 2 operators.

 Approximately 31.2kg was broadcast in SPW with 2 operators.

In Property 7 and SPW only the derived grassland areas were subjected to direct seeding with a total of 110.4kg broadcast in Property 7.

1/12/12 – Direct seeding of Themeda australis into derived grassland areas of SPW. Approximately 36.4kg was broadcast with 2 operators. A total of approximately 67.6kg was broadcast in SPW.

A grand total of 178kg was broadcast into the two offset areas. Inaccuracies in field weighing may account for the 1kg discrepancy of the claimed supply weight along with the discovery of Field Mice, alive and dead, within the bales. The mice had devoured an unknown quantity of Themeda seed along with approximately 100gms of Sorghum leiocladum seed which had also been packed into the bales.

During the broadcasting operations a low level of contamination the two weed species Briza and Paspalum was detected within the Themeda floret. Both species were considered to be a low risk seed introduction due to their high moisture requirements for establishment.

31/12/12 – Direct seeding of Property 7 and SPW with Sorghum leiocladum and Cymbopogon refractus. The following amounts were broadcast:

 Property 7 Sorghum 3.9kg and 6.25kg Cymbopogon.

 SPW Cymbopogon 3.4kg.

As per Themeda broadcast some discrepancy between seed claimed to be supplied and actual weighed could be due to field measurement errors.

In Property 7, as per the BOMP, direct seeding of these 2 grass species was carried out in the derived grassland area with particular attention paid to the central portion.

The broadcasting operation was undertaken with a ‘Seed Slinger’ especially designed for handling fluffy and/or awned seed and this task was achievable with one operator (see fig. 6).

Overall seed quality was good however the Sorghum supplied by Cumberland Plains Seeds exhibited some immaturity as some seeds were still adhering tightly to inflorescences.

Fig. 6. The “Seed Slinger” in operation. Note the two picker wheels feeding the seed to the spreader plate enabling the machine to spread awned and fluffy seed.

Ecological Monitoring February 2012 – 3rd monitoring quadrat set up in SPW representing flat, derived grassland.

August 2012 – Developing spreadsheet templates for field logging of data during fixed area quadrat monitoring.

5/9/12 – Undertook monitoring and general assessment of quadrats in Property 7. Quadrats P7Q2, P7Q3 & P7Q4 were completed.

6/9/12 – Undertook monitoring and general assessment of quadrats in Property 7 and SPW. Quadrats P7Q1, SPWQ1, SPWQ2 & SPWQ3 were completed.

7/9/12 – Undertook monitoring and general assessment of quadrats in SPE. Quadrats SPEQ1 & SPEQ2 were completed.

10-12/9/12 – Identification of vegetation samples taken from quadrats.

October 2012 – Preparation of first quadrat monitoring report.

Calculation of P7Q1 and SPWQ3 areas.

Calculation of tree densities in the relevant quadrats.

November 2012 – Data transfer of field data to spreadsheets.

December 2012 – Data analysis of the August 2012 quadrats.

19/12/12 – Undertook December ecomonitoring of quadrats. All quadrats in Property 7 were completed.

20/12/12 – Undertook December ecomonitoring of quadrats. All quadrats in SPW and SPE were completed. Very dry conditions were evident in all of the quadrats in all of the offset areas; a significant number of species remained cryptic as a result.

January 2013 – Preparation of quad reports I and II.

General Observations Table 1. New Flora Species Recorded Outside Quadrats

Species Offset area Date recorded Alectytryon oleifolius P7 5/7/12 Senna form taxon zygophylla P7 & SPW 24/11/12 & 6/7/12 Senna barclayana P7 & SPW 24/11/12 & 20/12/12 Clematis microphylla P7 18/10/12 Maytenus cunninghamii P7 18/10/12 Eucalyptus dealbata SPW & SPE 18/10/12 Jasminum lineare SPW 18/10/12

Fig. 7. Clematis microphylla in P7. A lower to mid storey vine with excellent habitat value.

Fig. 8. An interesting successional photo with the Callitris perch site giving rise to the Brachychiton populneus which in turn has established the Maytenus cunninghamii at its base. Note the large Callitris stump indicating a long history of site occupancy.

Fig. 9. Eucalyptus dealbata in SPE.

OTHER FLORA OBSERVATIONS

Coolatai grass though removed once from SPWQ2 had managed to re-emerge and a further 3 plants were pulled on the 20/12/12. Small swards of this weed were also discovered in P7 during direct seeding operations and were flagged on the 24/11/12 and removed at a later date. This weed also seems to be emerging in SPE.

Mosaic slashing and lack of rainfall in the spring period has also had a marked influence on weed emergence in P7. Opening up of the grass sward combined with a minimal growth response enabled the weeds Echium plantagineum, Centaurae solstialis and Verbascum virgatum to become more prevalent. A good comparison between an intact sward and a modified sward occurred on the western boundary of P7 where the intact sward had limited the emergence of the aforementioned weeds. Hand chipping of the larger seed bearing weeds was undertaken in P7 and other weeds targeted included Asphodelus fistulosus and Cirsium vulgare. Maintaining grass sward dominance in such modified ecosystems is an important tool in weed control and has been corroborated in other studies Lunt (1990). Hand removal of the Opuntia spp. was undertaken on the 7/8/12 and continued for another 4 days; all plants obviously infested with bio-control agents were left insitu. Due to infestations outside of the offset areas these weeds will continue to be problematic beyond 5 years and eradication appears to be impractical.

Significant flowering events were noted in Eucalyptus albens (5/9/12 P7), Bursaria spinosa (4/10/12 P7), Swainsona galegifolia (4/10/12 P7), E. dealbata (18/10/12 SPW & SPE) and Parsonsia eucalyptophylla (31/12/12). A feature of the flowering of E. albens was the lack of attendance by honey eaters indicating a low nectar flow (possibly due to the dry conditions) however a diverse and abundant array of insects, including native bees, was present. To date the E. albens that flowered are still retaining heavy seed bearing crops. Similarly the E. dealbata flowering did not appear to support any honey eaters but insect life was abundant. Of interest were the predatory flies feasting on Lycidae or Meloidae beetles whilst mating in the shade of the E. dealbata canopies (see fig. 10.).

Fig. 10. Predatory flies devouring pollinators and/or pollinator parasites of E. dealbata.

Lycid beetles are thought to play a role in pollination on the other hand Meloidae beetle larvae attach themselves to bees visiting the flowers, detach themselves at the bees nest and feed on its larvae, pollen and nectar (Hangay, G and Zborowski, P 2010). These few examples illustrate the importance of flowering plants accessing soil moisture reserves and thereby providing food web ‘currency’ in dry times.

FAUNA OBSERVATIONS

Table 2. Native Fauna Observed Outside Quadrats

Fauna Observed in Date Swallows/Martins P7 open grassy areas, feeding on the wing 30/7/12 Red- capped Robin P7 & SPW Callitris regrowth 4/10/12, 18/10/12, 25/11/12, 20/12/12 Grey-crowned Babbler P7 Callitris regrowth & mixed Eucalypt/Callitris woodland 4/10/12, 31/12/12 Inland Thornbill SPW feeding in Callitris regrowth 18/10/12 Superb Blue Wren SPW feeding and nesting in Callitris regrowth 18/10/12, 20/12/12 Woodswallows SPW open grassy areas, feeding on the wing 18/10/12 Echidna SPE open grassy area (see fig. 10.) 18/10/12 Swamp Wallaby SPW Callitris regrowth 20/12/12 Green Tree Frog SPW open grassland in tussock 25/11/12 Various Frog spp. SPE tree canopies/hollows - calling 20/12/12 Red-necked Wallabies P7 Austrostipa verticillata sward 31/12/12

Fig. 11. An Echidna dig out of a Gravel Ant nest in SPE. Note similar hole on other side of the nest.

Table 3. Feral Fauna Observed Outside Quadrats

Fauna Observed in Date Common Starling SPE occupying many tree hollows 18/10/12 Feral Cat SPW ridge top, devoured Australian Magpie 1/12/12 Feral Pigs P7 tractoring significant portions of open grassy areas 31/12/12

As can be seen from Table 2. a significant number of important fauna species are utilizing Callitris in their everyday activities, dispelling popular local assumptions that Callitris regrowth is “sterile and nothing grows or lives in it”. A prime example for the need to retain Callitris is highlighted by the Red-capped Robin. A minimum 10% tree cover (Sage 2006) with a minimum remnant size of 10ha (Buchanan 2009) must be maintained in the landscape to insure a viable population of the Robin continues to survive. Note here that if Property 7, containing 17.5ha of woodland (Parsons Brinkerhoff 2010) was cleared or thinned of Callitris the critical threshold for the Robin may be approached resulting in the loss of this species from this particular offset area. Interestingly despite the high quality of the remnant vegetation in SPE and a patch size of 28ha the Robin is conspicuously absent from this offset area and this is the only offset area that lacks any Callitris presence.

Similarly the Grey-crowned Babbler requires large areas of non-fragmented woodland and the birds observed in P7 always remained in Callitris or mixed Eucalypt/Callitris regrowth areas. This species is listed as vulnerable (NSW NPWS 2003) and complicating this species recovery is nest predation by other birds, especially Currawongs. Currawongs tend not to be a sedentary species, often moving through known fruit bearing areas. Unfortunately for the Grey-crowned Babbler its breeding season coincides with the fruit bearing period of the Pepper Tree (Schinus areira) a tree which does occur in P7 in significant numbers and will prove attractive to Currawongs.

MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS  Continue low impact management activities in all biodiversity offset areas to retain strong floristic integrity.

 Retain Callitris regrowth to stabilize and increase populations of Red-capped Robins and Grey-crowned Babblers.

 Notify NPWS of the occurrence of Grey-crowned Babblers in Property 7.

 Continue to eliminate Pepper Trees from all offset areas.

 Retain concentrated swards of Austrostipa verticillata (Slender Bamboo grass) for Red-necked Wallaby habitat.

 Retain all fallen timber in all offset areas to benefit litter dependant species such as Echidnas.

 Continue to control Feral Pigs in Property 7 to limit the damage to the ground strata.

REFERENCES Buchanan R.A. (2009) Restoring Natural Areas in Australia. NSW Department of Industry and Investment.

Hangay G and Zborowski P (2010) A Guide to the Beetles of Australia. CSIRO publishing Collingwood.

Lunt I.D. (1990) The Soil Seed Bank of a Long-grazed Themeda triandra Grassland in Victoria. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria 102(1): 53 – 57.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2003) Threatened Species of the New England Tablelands and North West Slopes of New South Wales.

Parsons Brinkerhoff (2010) Keepit Dam Upgrade Biodiversity Offsets – Management Plan. Prepared for State Water Corporation Parramatta NSW.

Sage C (2006) Land Management Tradeoffs. ThinkingBush Science for Managing Native Vegetation in Australian Landscapes 4: 30 – 32.

Appendix H - Keepit Dam Upgrade BOMP Fixed Area Quadrat Report February 2012

Keepit Dam Upgrade Annual Compliance Report (EPBC 2006/3186 - Condition 6)

KEEPIT DAM UPGRADE BOMP FIXED AREA QUADRAT MONITORING REPORT I

By Istvan György Wildline Native Nursery

February 2012

INTRODUCTION In accordance with the Keepit Dam Upgrade Biodiversity Offsets Management Plan (BOMP), fixed area monitoring quadrats have been established in each of the restoration areas. On the 13/12/11 eight monitoring quadrats were established with two quadrats set up in each of the assisted natural regeneration areas of Property 7, SPW and SPE. A further two quadrats were also set up in the active revegetation zones of Property 7. Prior to any data collection taking place, a general site inspection of the three restoration areas revealed an occurrence of non-saline dryland scalding. Soil scalding of this nature is typical of the local area where hard setting red-brown earths have been subjected to overstocking or vehicular traffic. Both causal agents are responsible for the depletion of organic matter within the soil profile and hence the soils become hostile to plant establishment (NSW DPI). Although this degradation issue was not identified in the original management plan, scald presence is a potentially valuable tool in determining if restoration activities are having a positive ameliorative effect. With this in mind a third monitoring quadrat was set up in SPW on the 22/2/12. Following further site inspections and reviewing current scientific literature, it was determined that the timing of data collection from the monitoring quadrats was critical to better reflect the floristic seasonality of the restoration areas (Hnatiuk et al 2009). Rather than an annual collection of data, which was unlikely to capture the dormant/cryptic species of the Grassy Woodland ecosystem, a biannual collection is to be undertaken. This will also help determine if annual weed species are becoming problematic in the natural regeneration process.

SITE SELECTION/METHODOLOGY Wherever possible the site selection process for the quadrats was based upon an objective visual appraisal of an indicative recovering ecology and in order to best utilize the short lifespan of the project these transitional sites were chosen simply because they were more likely to experience a rate of change that could be measurable. The selection was achievable without compromising a stratified random approach except in the arbitrary division of Property 7 into assisted natural regeneration and active revegetation zones and the scalded quadrat in SPW. Consequently the stratification of the restoration areas enabled the representation of all the broad vegetation types to fall within the quadrats, these were: young Callitris regrowth, young Callitris/Gum regrowth, mature Box grassy woodland, young Box regrowth and derived Grassland. For the purposes of the monitoring reports the following definitions apply: young Callitris ≤25cm dbh, ≥10cm dbh and young Box/Gum≤25cm dbh, ≥8cm dbh. Quadrats were stepped and pegged as close as possible to a 20x20m format. Data collection will take place in August and December of each year and the following measurements will be taken: an inventory of all the species present in the quadrats, the cover code abundance ratings of the species and where relevant the stem densities of the major overstorey species present. Other general observations will be made where relevant in accordance with the BOMP. Prior to the monitoring taking place, Property 7 and SPW were subjected to Callitris thinning operations with all regrowth below 10cm dbh removed from within the quadrats.

PROJECT SHORTCOMINGS POSSIBLE FUTURE DIRECTIONS The unique and infrequent nature of projects in areas such as this has highlighted a lack of knowledge in the complex interplay of overstorey species in a grassy woodland ecosystem. Although beyond the scope of the current project reference quadrats should have been set up in the restoration areas making the determination of the success or failure of the revegetation strategies far easier. Another major oversight that requires attention in future projects is the establishment of monitoring quadrats within unmodified Callitris regrowth areas to ensure there is a complete and objective comparative analysis between the major vegetation types in the restoration zones. If these quadrats were maintained for long enough, some definitive answers regarding the role of Callitris in a grassy woodland ecology may be forthcoming. In lieu of this ideal, two quadrats both containing modified Callitris regrowth and derived grassland occurring in the assisted natural regeneration zones of Property 7 and SPW will enable the semblance of some comparison. However this effectively divides the quadrat in two and the data could not be garnered before thinning operations commenced. QUADRAT DESCRIPTIONS Unless stated otherwise all quadrats fall within the assisted natural regeneration areas.

PROPERTY 7

P7Q1: Open derived grassland that has been previously cleared and cultivated, situated in the active revegetation area. The quadrat is generally flat with surface rock incursion in the northern quarter, which will allow some comparative analysis in regard to cultivation sensitive species. Closest major overstorey species nearby is Eucalyptus albens.

P7Q2: Semi-cleared wooded grassland with a gently sloping southeastern aspect just outside the cultivation zone. This quadrat is dominated by a large old growth E. albens. Comparisons can be drawn between this quadrat and the Callitris regrowth in quadrat 3.

P7Q3: Thinned and partially cleared young Callitris regrowth stand on the edge of the cultivation zone with a gently sloping westerly aspect. Apart from the above-mentioned comparison, further comparison can be made with SPW Q2 and within itself for cleared versus thinned Callitris.

P7Q4: Open derived grassland previously cleared and cultivated, generally flat. Falling within the active revegetation area this quadrat has no surface rock incursion, so direct comparisons can be made with Q1 in respect of cultivation sensitive species. Major overstorey species nearby are E. albens, C. glaucophylla.

STATE PARK WEST (SPW)

SPWQ1: Exposed open ridge top consisting of cleared derived grassland with a slight northwestern aspect. Non-saline scalding is significant with large areas of bare earth. Evidence at this quadrat suggests vehicle track compaction is the main causal agent of the scalds. This quadrat will provide insight into the efficacy of the restoration methods. The main overstorey species nearby is young C. glaucophylla regrowth.

SPWQ2: Cleared and thinned young mixed C. glaucophylla/E. dealbata regrowth stand on a moderately inclined mid slope position with a northeastern aspect of approximately 23% slope value. Due to the degree of slope, inferences can be made on the influence of slope and competition on floristic diversity.

SPWQ3: Open and cleared derived grassland, generally flat. One side of the quadrat is contiguous with the offset area boundary fence and will provide some long-term comparisons with grazed versus non-grazed areas. Other comparisons can be made with Property 7 Q1 and Q4 regarding cultivation sensitive species. Nearest overstorey species is young C. glaucophylla regrowth.

STATE PARK EAST (SPE)

SPEQ1: Open and cleared derived grassland, generally flat. This quadrat occupies a relatively central position in this linear offset area. Direct comparison can be made with Q2 in reference to the tree/shrub influence on floristic diversity of the ground stratum. The nearest overstorey species are E. albens and E. dealbata.

SPEQ2: Thinned young E. albens regrowth grassy woodland, generally flat. One of the quadrat sides is contiguous with the offset area boundary, and the boundary is immediately adjacent to the National Fitness Road roadside verge. Possible observations include ‘edge effects’ with weed movement from the roadside verge and the resilience of the relatively intact grassy woodland.

REFERENCES

Hnatiuk RJ, Thackway R and Walker J (2009). Explanatory notes for the Vegetation field handbook, version 2. Bureau of Rural Sciences, Canberra.

NSW Department of Primary Industries. SOILpak – northern wheat belt.

Parsons Brinkerhoff (2010). Keepit Dam Upgrade Biodiversity Offsets – Management Plan. Prepared for State Water Corporation, Parramatta, NSW.

Appendix I - Keepit Dam Upgrade BOMP Fixed Area Quadrat Report August 2012

Keepit Dam Upgrade Annual Compliance Report (EPBC 2006/3186 - Condition 6)

KEEPIT DAM UPGRADE BOMP FIXED AREA QUADRAT MONITORING

AUGUST 2012 QUAD REPORT II

By Istvan György

Wildline Native Nursery

INTRODUCTION

Data collection took place from the 5/9/12 to the 7/9/12 inclusive. Official engagement of Wildline Native Nursery for the ecological monitoring contract was not finalised until late August 2012 and therefore field measurements were delayed until the first week of September.

Apart from a wet July period, the year was trending towards drier than average conditions, with 2012 significantly drier than 2010 and 2011. There is no doubt that rainfall plays a major role in species diversity and abundance and this will impact on the data collected. Also, due to the seasonal influences on plant communities as outlined in Quad Report I, a more accurate level of diversity and abundance cannot be gauged until the monitoring results of the December collections are combined.

RESULTS

Please see attached spreadsheet for raw data.

Table 1. QUADRAT DIVERSITY SCORES

Quadrat description No. Native species No. Introduced species P7Q1 19 9 P7Q2 33 8 P7Q3 32 9 P7Q4 17 12 SPWQ1 22 6 SPWQ2 23 12 SPWQ3 22 7 SPEQ1 22 13 SPEQ2 36 11

Table 2. TOTAL DIVERSITY RECORDED

Area Description Native Introduced Property 7 55(71%) 23(29%) State Park West 41(69%) 18(31%) State Park East 39(68%) 18(32%) Combined 73(66.4%) 37(33.6%)

Table 3. NEW DIVERSITY RECORDED

Not previously recorded in Native Introduced Biodiversity offset area 28 16 BOMP TABLE A1 18 8

Table 4. TREE DENSITIES

Quadrat Callitris stem density/ha Eucalyptus stem density/ha Total post description Pre clearance Post clear. Pre mortality Post mortal. clearance/ha P7Q2 NA NA NA 127 127 P7Q3 767 255 NA NA 255 SPWQ2 907 302 NA 110 412 SPEQ2 NA NA 698 640 640

Fig. 1. Callitris stump surrounded by the weed Stachys arvensis after thinning in SPWQ2. Cover abundance of this weed was greatly enhanced after Callitris removal.

Fig. 2. Callitris stump from figure 1 in foreground. Note infestation of Stachys arvensis extending into areas thinned of Callitris.

DISCUSSION

Of the 9 quadrats the following 4: P7Q2, P7Q3, SPWQ2, SPEQ2 were equal to or above the Bio-banking threshold of 23. The quadrats SPWQ1, SPWQ3 and SPEQ1 were below the threshold by 1 species and the remaining 2 quadrats P7Q1 and P7Q4 were significantly below the threshold. Considering that more native species will be recorded in the December 2012 quadrats the only 2 quadrats of concern will be P7Q1 and P7Q4. Note here that these 2 quadrats are the only quadrats that have been situated within a cleared and cultivated zone indicating that cultivation has a negative and significant impact on native species diversity. Areas such as this require active restoration, however despite this these quadrats remain relatively weed free which may be explained by the dense and competitive sward of Bothriochloa macra (cover abundance 50-75%) established in the wet years of 2010 and 2011.

At this stage no new emerging trends in weed abundance can be discerned apart from those weeds that have occupied niches vacated by native species due to past disturbances. These weeds include Asphodelus fistulosus in SPWQ1 and the Medicago spp. in P7Q4 and SPEQ1. In all instances it appears that domestic stock pressure has allowed these weed species to dominate more than usual. The Medicago spp., being winter growing and moisture loving annuals will decline in abundance through increased competition with native species either through natural regeneration or assisted natural regeneration. On the other hand the infestation of SPWQ1 by the perennial Asphodelus fistulosus is exacerbated by the non- saline scald and the heavily infested east facing slope of the range adjacent to the quadrat. This area appears to have been a stock camp of some duration resulting in a significant replacement of native species with this weed. The size of the infestation renders hand weeding impractical and chemical control too destructive. Direct seeding in higher concentrations of suitably competitive native species may reduce the infestation to a more manageable level whereby other forms of control may then become practical. It is expected this infestation will be problematic beyond 5 years duration.

Two other weed species highlighting the disturbance threats woodland ecosystems are under are Sonchus oleraceus and Anagallis arvensis. These two species are present within 7 of the 9 quadrats irrespective of past disturbance regimes be it high or low. Their presence indicates a potentially large and diverse weed seed bank in the soil of all of the biodiversity offset areas. Because the weeds are scored as of being at low abundance levels but widespread, the integrity of the native plant communities must be maintained in order for this competitive balance to continue. Therefore management activities must continue to be of low impact and be of minimal disturbance wherever possible.

Two quadrats where a recent disturbance regime has been implemented are P7Q3 and SPWQ2. These two quadrats have undergone a thinning of Callitris and as can be seen from figures 1 and 2 a change in the competitive balance has resulted in an increase in weed diversity and abundance when compared to the non-thinned Callitris in the same quadrat. This observation has also been corroborated in a similar study of Callitris woodlands on the Northern Tablelands of NSW where there was found to be a high correlation between disturbance and the proportion of exotics in the groundstorey (Andrews 2003). Interestingly these Callitris dominated quadrats exhibited the highest and second highest levels of native species diversity in their respective offset areas comparing more than favourably with Eucalyptus or non-cultivated grass dominated quadrats. This observation is consistent with McHenry (2007) which found no difference in native species diversity after thinning of Callitris stands and the Thompson and Eldridge (2005) study which determined dense Callitris stands did not suppress the understorey vegetation. The Thompson and Eldridge (2005) study sites possessed far greater stand densities than those exhibited in Property 7 and State Park West.

Other general observations regarding Callitris indicate the species plays an integral role in faunal movement and foraging activities throughout Property 7 and State Park West. Given the Callitris dominated quadrats are supporting high levels of native species diversity, and that this is not an anomalous result as documented by other researchers, initial assessment indicates that implementing a Callitris thinning regime in all of the biodiversity offset areas (4.3.10 BOMP) to promote native species diversity is unnecessary and would be counterproductive for the native flora and fauna (please see faunal observations in general reports).

If future land managers wish to dispute these findings then comparable quadrats with similar stand densities, age classes and cultivation history, but dominated by Eucalypts, should be established and analysed accordingly.

REFERENCES

Andrews S (2003) ‘Regrowth white cypress pine and natural resource management.’ (Greening Australia NSW Inc.: Armidale, NSW)

McHenry MT (2007) A preliminary examination of White Cypress Pine management and soil and vegetation condition. Ecological Management & Restoration 8(1), 61-63.

Parsons Brinkerhoff (2010) Keepit Dam Upgrade Biodiversity Offsets – Management Plan. Prepared for State Water Corporation, Parramatta, NSW.

Thompson WA and Eldridge DJ (2005) Plant cover and composition in relation to density of Callitris glaucophylla (white cypress pine) along a rainfall gradient in eastern Australia. Australian Journal of Botany 53, 545-554. Property Number 7 Q1 Q1 Q2 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q4 Family Scientific name Common name Native Rec CCA Rec CCA Q3 Rec CCA Rec CCA Acanthaceae Brunoniella australis Blue Trumpet Y x t Adiantaceae Cheilanthes distans Y Adiantaceae Cheilanthes sieberi Mulga Fern Y x 1 x 1 Anthericaceae Arthropodium minus Small Vanilla Lily Y x 1 Anthericaceae Dichopogon fimbriatum Chocolate Lily Y x 1 Apiaceae Ammi majus ~* Bishops Lace N Apiaceae Cyclospermum leptophyllum Slender Celery N Apiaceae Daucus glochidiatus form g ~ Wild Carrot Y x 2 Asphodelaceae Asphodelus fistulosus ~ Onion Weed N Asphodelaceae Bulbine bulbosa Bulbine Lily Y x t Asteraceae Bidens pilosa Cobbler's Pegs N Asteraceae Calotis lappulacea Yellow Burr-daisy Y x t x t x t x t Asteraceae Carthamus lanatus Saffron Thistle N Asteraceae Cassinia laevis ~ Cough Bush Y x r Asteraceae Centaurea melitensis Maltese Cockspur N x r Asteraceae Centaurea solstitialis St Barnabys Thistle N x t Asteraceae Chrysocephalum apiculatum Common Everlasting Y x t Asteraceae Cirsium vulgare ~ Spear Thistle N x r Asteraceae Conyza albida ~* Tall Fleabane N x t x t x 1 Asteraceae Cymbonotus lawsonianus Bears Ear Y x t x 1 x t Asteraceae Hypochoeris radicata ~* Catsear N Asteraceae Lactuca serriola ~ Prickly Lettuce N x r x r x t Asteraceae Senecio quadridentatus ~* Cotton Fireweed Y x t x 1 x t x t Asteraceae Sonchus oleraceus Common Sowthistle N x t x t x t x t Vittadinia cuneata var. Asteraceae hirsuta Y x t x t Asteraceae Vittadinia muelleri ~ Y x t x 1 Asteraceae Xerochrysum bracteata Golden Everlasting Y x t x r Asteraceae Zinnia peruviana ~* N Boraginaceae Echium plantagineum Patterson's Curse N x t Boraginaceae Lithospermum arvense ~* Corn Gromwell N x t Brassicaceae Brassica rapa ssp. sylvestris Wild Turnip N Brassicaceae Lepidium africanum Peppercress N x r Cactaceae Opuntia aurantiaca ~ Tiger Pear N Cactaceae Opuntia stricta Prickly Pear N x r Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia communis Tufted Bluebell Y x t x t Caryophyllaceae Stellaria media ~* Chickweed N x t Chenopodiaceae Atriplex semibaccata ~* Creeping Saltbush Y x t Chenopodiaceae Einadia hastata Berry Saltbush Y x t x t Chenopodiaceae Einadia polygonoides Y x t x r Chenopodiaceae Salsola kali ~* Roly Poly Y Chenopodiaceae Sclerolaena birchii Galvinized Burr Y Colchicaceae Wurmbea dioica ~* Early Nancy Y x t x t Convolvulaceae Convolvulus erubescens ~* Australian Bindweed Y x t Convolvulaceae Dichondra repens Kidney Weed Y x 2 x 2 x 1 Cupressaceae Callitris glaucophylla White Cypress Pine Y x 1 x 3 Cyperaceae Cyperus aggregatus N x t x t Euphorbiaceae Chamaesyce drummondii Caustic Weed Y x t Fabaceae Glycine clandestina Y x t x t Fabaceae Glycine tabacina Y x t Fabaceae Medicago campestris ~ Burr Medic N Fabaceae Medicago minima Woolly Burr Medic N x t x t x 2 Fabaceae Swainsona galegifolia Smooth Darling Pea Y x t x t Fabaceae Trifolium arvense Haresfoot Clover N Fabaceae Trifolium glomeratum Clustered Clover N x t Geraniaceae Erodium crinitum Blue Storksbill Y Geraniaceae Geranium retrorsum Y x t Geraniaceae Geranium solanderi ~* Native Geranium Y x 1 x t x 2 Goodeniaceae Goodenia hederaceae ssp. ~ Y Juncaceae Juncus sp. ~ Y Lamiaceae Lamium amplexicaule ~* Deadnettle N x t x t Lamiaceae Marrubium vulgare ~ Horehound N x t Lamiaceae Mentha diemenica Slender Mint Y Lamiaceae Stachys arvensis Stagger Weed N x 1 Linaceae Linum marginale Native Flax Y x t Lomandraceae Lomandra bracteata Y x t Lomandraceae Lomandra confertfolia Mat Rush Y x t Lomandraceae Lomandra multiflora ~ Y x r x t Loranthaceae Amyema sp Mistletoe Y x t Malvaceae Sida corrugata Variable Sida Y x r Malvaceae Sida cunninghamii Y Myrtaceae Eucalyptus albens White Box Y x 3 Myrtaceae Eucalyptus dealbata ~* Hill Red Gum Y Nyctaginaceae Boerhavia dominii ~* Tarvine Y Onagraceae Epilobium billardiereanum ~* Willow Herb Y x t Oxalidaceae Oxalis perennans Y x t x t x t Phormiaceae Dianella revoluta ~ Y Pittosporaceae Bursaria spinosa Native Blackthorn Y x 1 x t Plantaginaceae Plantago cunninghamii Y x t Plantaginaceae Plantago debilis Y x t Poaceae Aristida ramosa Wire Grass Y x t x t x t x t Threeawn Poaceae Aristida vagans Speargrass Y Ringed Wallaby Poaceae Austrodanthonia caespitosa Grass Y x t Slender Bamboo Poaceae Austrostipa verticillata ~* Grass Y x t x 3 x t x r Poaceae Bothriochloa macra ~ Red Grass Y x 4 x 1 x 1 x 4 Poaceae Bromus molliformis Soft Brome N x t x t Poaceae Chloris ventricosa Tall Chloris Y x t x t x 2 x t Poaceae Cymbopogon refractus Barbed Wire Grass Y x t x t x 1 x t Poaceae Cynodon dactylon ~* Couch Grass Y Poaceae Dactyloctenium radulans ~* Button Grass Y Poaceae Dichelachne micrantha ~* Plume Grass Y x t x 3 x t x t Poaceae Hyparrhenia hirta ~* Coolatai Grass N Poaceae Lolium rigidum Wimmera Ryegrass N x t Poaceae Poa sieberiana var. hirtella Y Slender Rat's Tail Poaceae Sporobolus creber ~ Grass Y x t x r Polygonaceae Rumex brownii ~ Swamp Dock Y x t Scarlet/Blue Primulaceae Anagallis arvensis Pimpernel N x t x t x t Rubiaceae Asperula conferta ~* Common Woodruff Y Rubiaceae Galium aparine ~ Goosegrass N x t Rutaceae Geijera parviflora Wilga Y x r Sapindaceae Alectryon oleifolius ~* Boonaree Y x t Scrophulariaceae Linaria arvensis N Scrophulariaceae Misopates orontium Lesser Snapdragon N Stackhousiaceae Stackhousia monogyna ~* Creamy Candles Y x t x 1 Sterculiaceae Brachychiton populneus Kurrajong Y x r Pimelea curviflora var. Thymelaeaceae divergens Y x r Thymelaeaceae Pimelea neo-anglica ~* Poison Pimelea Y Urticaceae Urtica incisa ~* Scrub Nettle Y x r Verbenaceae Verbena bonariensis ~ Purpletop N x r Verbenaceae Verbena officinalis Common Verbena N x t x t Number of introduced species 9 8 9 12 Number of native species 19 33 32 17 CCA LEGEND Code Description Crown cover % 5 any number of plants >75% 4 any number of plants 50 - 75% 3 any number of plants 25 - 50% 2 any number of plants 5 - 25% 1 many individuals <5% t few individuals small cover insignificant cover r single individual small cover insignificant cover

SPECIES LEGEND ~ - not previously recorded in offset area * - not recorded in BOMP Table A1 

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State Park (East) Q1 Q1 Q2 Family Scientific name Common name Native Rec CCA Rec Q2CCA Acanthaceae Brunoniella australis Blue Trumpet Y Adiantaceae Cheilanthes distans Y Adiantaceae Cheilanthes sieberi Mulga Fern Y x t x t Anthericaceae Arthropodium minus Small Vanilla Lily Y Anthericaceae Dichopogon fimbriatum Chocolate Lily Y x 1 x t Apiaceae Ammi majus ~* Bishops Lace N x t Apiaceae Cyclospermum leptophyllum Slender Celery N x t x 1 Apiaceae Daucus glochidiatus form g ~ Wild Carrot Y x t x t Asphodelaceae Asphodelus fistulosus ~ Onion Weed N Asphodelaceae Bulbine bulbosa Bulbine Lily Y x t x t Asteraceae Bidens pilosa Cobbler's Pegs N Asteraceae Calotis lappulacea Yellow Burr-daisy Y x t x 1 Asteraceae Carthamus lanatus Saffron Thistle N x r Asteraceae Cassinia laevis ~ Cough Bush Y Asteraceae Centaurea melitensis Maltese Cockspur N Asteraceae Centaurea solstitialis St Barnabys Thistle N x r x t Asteraceae Chrysocephalum apiculatum Common Everlasting Y x 1 x 2 Asteraceae Cirsium vulgare ~ Spear Thistle N Asteraceae Conyza albida ~* Tall Fleabane N Asteraceae Cymbonotus lawsonianus Bears Ear Y x t x t Asteraceae Hypochoeris radicata ~* Catsear N x t x t Asteraceae Lactuca serriola ~ Prickly Lettuce N Asteraceae Senecio quadridentatus ~* Cotton Fireweed Y Asteraceae Sonchus oleraceus Common Sowthistle N x t x r Asteraceae Vittadinia cuneata var. Y x t x 1 hirsuta Asteraceae Vittadinia muelleri ~ Y x t x t Asteraceae Xerochrysum bracteata Golden Everlasting Y x t Asteraceae Zinnia peruviana ~* N Boraginaceae Echium plantagineum Patterson's Curse N x t Boraginaceae Lithospermum arvense ~* Corn Gromwell N x t x t Brassicaceae Brassica rapa ssp. sylvestris Wild Turnip N Brassicaceae Lepidium africanum Peppercress N x t Cactaceae Opuntia aurantiaca ~ Tiger Pear N Cactaceae Opuntia stricta Prickly Pear N Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia communis Tufted Bluebell Y x t Caryophyllaceae Stellaria media ~* Chickweed N Chenopodiaceae Atriplex semibaccata ~* Creeping Saltbush Y Chenopodiaceae Einadia hastata Berry Saltbush Y Chenopodiaceae Einadia polygonoides Y x r x t Chenopodiaceae Salsola kali ~* Roly Poly Y x t Chenopodiaceae Sclerolaena birchii Galvinized Burr Y x t Colchicaceae Wurmbea dioica ~* Early Nancy Y Convolvulaceae Convolvulus erubescens ~* Australian Bindweed Y Convolvulaceae Dichondra repens Kidney Weed Y x t x t Cupressaceae Callitris glaucophylla White Cypress Pine Y Cyperaceae Cyperus aggregatus N Euphorbiaceae Chamaesyce drummondii Caustic Weed Y x t Fabaceae Glycine clandestina Y Fabaceae Glycine tabacina Y x t Fabaceae Medicago campestris ~ Burr Medic N x 2 Fabaceae Medicago minima Woolly Burr Medic N Fabaceae Swainsona galegifolia Smooth Darling Pea Y Fabaceae Trifolium arvense Haresfoot Clover N x t Fabaceae Trifolium glomeratum Clustered Clover N Geraniaceae Erodium crinitum Blue Storksbill Y x t Geraniaceae Geranium retrorsum Y Geraniaceae Geranium solanderi ~* Native Geranium Y x t Goodeniaceae Goodenia hederaceae ssp. ~ Y x 1 x 2 Juncaceae Juncus sp. ~ Y Lamiaceae Lamium amplexicaule ~* Deadnettle N Lamiaceae Marrubium vulgare ~ Horehound N Lamiaceae Mentha diemenica Slender Mint Y Lamiaceae Stachys arvensis Stagger Weed N Linaceae Linum marginale Native Flax Y x t x t Lomandraceae Lomandra bracteata Y x 1 x 1 Lomandraceae Lomandra confertfolia Mat Rush Y Lomandraceae Lomandra multiflora ~ Y Loranthaceae Amyema sp Mistletoe Y Malvaceae Sida corrugata Variable Sida Y x 1 Malvaceae Sida cunninghamii Y Myrtaceae Eucalyptus albens White Box Y x 3 Myrtaceae Eucalyptus dealbata ~* Hill Red Gum Y Nyctaginaceae Boerhavia dominii ~* Tarvine Y Onagraceae Epilobium billardiereanum ~* Willow Herb Y Oxalidaceae Oxalis perennans Y x t x t Phormiaceae Dianella revoluta ~ Y x t x t Pittosporaceae Bursaria spinosa Native Blackthorn Y Plantaginaceae Plantago cunninghamii Y x t Plantaginaceae Plantago debilis Y Poaceae Aristida ramosa Wire Grass Y x t Threeawn Poaceae Aristida vagans Speargrass Y x t Ringed Wallaby Poaceae Austrodanthonia caespitosa Grass Y x t Slender Bamboo Poaceae Austrostipa verticillata ~* Grass Y Poaceae Bothriochloa macra ~ Red Grass Y x 3 x 3 Poaceae Bromus molliformis Soft Brome N x t Poaceae Chloris ventricosa Tall Chloris Y x 1 Poaceae Cymbopogon refractus Barbed Wire Grass Y x 2 x t Poaceae Cynodon dactylon ~* Couch Grass Y Poaceae Dactyloctenium radulans ~* Button Grass Y Poaceae Dichelachne micrantha ~* Plume Grass Y x t x 2 Poaceae Hyparrhenia hirta ~* Coolatai Grass N Poaceae Lolium rigidum Wimmera Ryegrass N x t x t Poaceae Poa sieberiana var. hirtella Y x 1 Slender Rat's Tail Poaceae Sporobolus creber ~ Grass Y x t x t Polygonaceae Rumex brownii ~ Swamp Dock Y x t Scarlet/Blue Primulaceae Anagallis arvensis Pimpernel N x t x r Rubiaceae Asperula conferta ~* Common Woodruff Y x t x t Rubiaceae Galium aparine ~ Goosegrass N Rutaceae Geijera parviflora Wilga Y Sapindaceae Alectryon oleifolius ~* Boonaree Y Scrophulariaceae Linaria arvensis N x t Scrophulariaceae Misopates orontium Lesser Snapdragon N x t Stackhousiaceae Stackhousia monogyna ~* Creamy Candles Y Sterculiaceae Brachychiton populneus Kurrajong Y Pimelea curviflora var. Thymelaeaceae divergens Y Thymelaeaceae Pimelea neo-anglica ~* Poison Pimelea Y x r Urticaceae Urtica incisa ~* Scrub Nettle Y Verbenaceae Verbena bonariensis ~ Purpletop N x t Verbenaceae Verbena officinalis Common Verbena N x r Number of introduced species 13 11 Number of native species 22 36 CCA LEGEND Code Description Crown cover % 5 any number of plants >75% 4 any number of plants 50 - 75% 3 any number of plants 25 - 50% 2 any number of plants 5 - 25% 1 many individuals <5% t few individuals small cover insignificant cover r single individual small cover insignificant cover

SPECIES LEGEND ~ - not previously recorded in offset area * - not recorded in BOMP Table A1 



State Park (West)

Q1 Q1 Q2 Family Scientific name Common name Native Rec CCA Rec Q2 CCA Q3 CCA Acanthaceae Brunoniella australis Blue Trumpet Y Adiantaceae Cheilanthes distans Y x 1 Adiantaceae Cheilanthes sieberi Mulga Fern Y x 1 1 Anthericaceae Arthropodium minus Small Vanilla Lily Y x t Anthericaceae Dichopogon fimbriatum Chocolate Lily Y t Apiaceae Ammi majus ~* Bishops Lace N Apiaceae Cyclospermum leptophyllum Slender Celery N 1 Apiaceae Daucus glochidiatus form g ~ Wild Carrot Y x t x t t Asphodelaceae Asphodelus fistulosus ~ Onion Weed N x 3 t Asphodelaceae Bulbine bulbosa Bulbine Lily Y Asteraceae Bidens pilosa Cobbler's Pegs N x t Asteraceae Calotis lappulacea Yellow Burr-daisy Y x t x 1 Asteraceae Carthamus lanatus Saffron Thistle N Asteraceae Cassinia laevis ~ Cough Bush Y Asteraceae Centaurea melitensis Maltese Cockspur N x t Asteraceae Centaurea solstitialis St Barnabys Thistle N Asteraceae Chrysocephalum apiculatum Common Everlasting Y Asteraceae Cirsium vulgare ~ Spear Thistle N Asteraceae Conyza albida ~* Tall Fleabane N Asteraceae Cymbonotus lawsonianus Bears Ear Y x t x t t Asteraceae Hypochoeris radicata ~* Catsear N x t Asteraceae Lactuca serriola ~ Prickly Lettuce N Asteraceae Senecio quadridentatus ~* Cotton Fireweed Y x 1 x t 1 Asteraceae Sonchus oleraceus Common Sowthistle N x t Vittadinia cuneata var. Asteraceae hirsuta Y x 1 Asteraceae Vittadinia muelleri ~ Y x 1 x t Asteraceae Xerochrysum bracteata Golden Everlasting Y x 1 x t t Asteraceae Zinnia peruviana ~* N t Boraginaceae Echium plantagineum Patterson's Curse N x r Boraginaceae Lithospermum arvense ~* Corn Gromwell N t Brassicaceae Brassica rapa ssp. sylvestris Wild Turnip N x t Brassicaceae Lepidium africanum Peppercress N x 1 t Cactaceae Opuntia aurantiaca ~ Tiger Pear N x t x t Cactaceae Opuntia stricta Prickly Pear N Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia communis Tufted Bluebell Y x t x t Caryophyllaceae Stellaria media ~* Chickweed N Chenopodiaceae Atriplex semibaccata ~* Creeping Saltbush Y Chenopodiaceae Einadia hastata Berry Saltbush Y x t Chenopodiaceae Einadia polygonoides Y Chenopodiaceae Salsola kali ~* Roly Poly Y x t Chenopodiaceae Sclerolaena birchii Galvinized Burr Y x 1 Colchicaceae Wurmbea dioica ~* Early Nancy Y x t Convolvulaceae Convolvulus erubescens ~* Australian Bindweed Y x t t Convolvulaceae Dichondra repens Kidney Weed Y t Cupressaceae Callitris glaucophylla White Cypress Pine Y x 2 r Cyperaceae Cyperus aggregatus N Euphorbiaceae Chamaesyce drummondii Caustic Weed Y x t x t Fabaceae Glycine clandestina Y x 1 Fabaceae Glycine tabacina Y Fabaceae Medicago campestris ~ Burr Medic N Fabaceae Medicago minima Woolly Burr Medic N x 1 x t Fabaceae Swainsona galegifolia Smooth Darling Pea Y Fabaceae Trifolium arvense Haresfoot Clover N Fabaceae Trifolium glomeratum Clustered Clover N Geraniaceae Erodium crinitum Blue Storksbill Y t Geraniaceae Geranium retrorsum Y Geraniaceae Geranium solanderi ~* Native Geranium Y 1 Goodeniaceae Goodenia hederaceae ssp. ~ Y Juncaceae Juncus sp. ~ Y t Lamiaceae Lamium amplexicaule ~* Deadnettle N Lamiaceae Marrubium vulgare ~ Horehound N Lamiaceae Mentha diemenica Slender Mint Y r Lamiaceae Stachys arvensis Stagger Weed N x 1 t Linaceae Linum marginale Native Flax Y x t 1 Lomandraceae Lomandra bracteata Y Lomandraceae Lomandra confertfolia Mat Rush Y Lomandraceae Lomandra multiflora ~ Y Loranthaceae Amyema sp Mistletoe Y Malvaceae Sida corrugata Variable Sida Y x t Malvaceae Sida cunninghamii Y x t Myrtaceae Eucalyptus albens White Box Y Myrtaceae Eucalyptus dealbata ~* Hill Red Gum Y x 1 Nyctaginaceae Boerhavia dominii ~* Tarvine Y x r x t Onagraceae Epilobium billardiereanum ~* Willow Herb Y Oxalidaceae Oxalis perennans Y Phormiaceae Dianella revoluta ~ Y Pittosporaceae Bursaria spinosa Native Blackthorn Y Plantaginaceae Plantago cunninghamii Y Plantaginaceae Plantago debilis Y Poaceae Aristida ramosa Wire Grass Y x t x 1 1 Threeawn Poaceae Aristida vagans Speargrass Y Ringed Wallaby Poaceae Austrodanthonia caespitosa Grass Y Slender Bamboo Poaceae Austrostipa verticillata ~* Grass Y Poaceae Bothriochloa macra ~ Red Grass Y x t x 1 3 Poaceae Bromus molliformis Soft Brome N Poaceae Chloris ventricosa Tall Chloris Y Poaceae Cymbopogon refractus Barbed Wire Grass Y x 1 x t 2 Poaceae Cynodon dactylon ~* Couch Grass Y x 1 Poaceae Dactyloctenium radulans ~* Button Grass Y x t Poaceae Dichelachne micrantha ~* Plume Grass Y x 4 x 1 t Poaceae Hyparrhenia hirta ~* Coolatai Grass N x t Poaceae Lolium rigidum Wimmera Ryegrass N Poaceae Poa sieberiana var. hirtella Y t Slender Rat's Tail Poaceae Sporobolus creber ~ Grass Y Polygonaceae Rumex brownii ~ Swamp Dock Y x t t Scarlet/Blue Primulaceae Anagallis arvensis Pimpernel N x t t Rubiaceae Asperula conferta ~* Common Woodruff Y t Rubiaceae Galium aparine ~ Goosegrass N Rutaceae Geijera parviflora Wilga Y Sapindaceae Alectryon oleifolius ~* Boonaree Y Scrophulariaceae Linaria arvensis N x t Scrophulariaceae Misopates orontium Lesser Snapdragon N x t Stackhousiaceae Stackhousia monogyna ~* Creamy Candles Y Sterculiaceae Brachychiton populneus Kurrajong Y Pimelea curviflora var. Thymelaeaceae divergens Y 1 Thymelaeaceae Pimelea neo-anglica ~* Poison Pimelea Y x t Urticaceae Urtica incisa ~* Scrub Nettle Y Verbenaceae Verbena bonariensis ~ Purpletop N Verbenaceae Verbena officinalis Common Verbena N x r Number of introduced species 6 12 Number of native species 22 23 CCA LEGEND Code Description Crown cover % 5 any number of plants >75% 4 any number of plants 50 - 75% 3 any number of plants 25 - 50% 2 any number of plants 5 - 25% 1 many individuals <5% t few individuals small cover insignificant cover r single individual small cover insignificant cover

SPECIES LEGEND ~ - not previously recorded in offset area * - not recorded in BOMP Table A1 



Appendix J - Keepit Dam Upgrade BOMP Fixed Area Quadrat Locations

Keepit Dam Upgrade Annual Compliance Report (EPBC 2006/3186 - Condition 6) PROPERTY 7 QUADRAT 4 ACTIVE REVEGETATION

PROPERTY 7 QUADRAT 3 ASSISTED NATURAL REGENERATION

PROPERTY 7 QUADRAT 1 ACTIVE REVEGETATION PROPERTY 7 QUADRAT 2 ASSISTED NATURAL REGENERATION 395M2

STATE PARK EAST QUADRAT 1 ASSISTED NATURAL REGENERATION

STATE PARK EAST QUADRAT 2 ASSISTED NATURAL REGENERATATION

KEEPIT DAM UPGRADE BIO DIVERSITY AREA STATE PARK EAST MONITORING QUADRATS

STATE PARK WEST QUADRAT 3 ASSISTED NATURAL REGENERATION

361m2 STATE PARK WEST QUADRAT 1 ASSISTED NATURAL REGENERATION

STATE PARK WEST QUADRAT 2 ASSISTED NATURAL REGENERATION

QUADRAT 3 KEEPIT DAM UPGRADE STATE PARK WEST BIO DIVERSITY 56J 0261400 MONITORING QUADRATS UTM 6578494