Draft Environmental Impact Statement

ICON WATER

DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

VOLUME 2 TECHNICAL PAPERS

WSP

Page 1

Project No PS108057 Belconnen Trunk Sewer Augmentation EIS Draft Environmental Impact Statement

Technical Papers Icon Water

TECHNICAL PAPER 1 BIODIVERSITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT

ICON WATER BELCONNEN TRUNK SEWER AUGMENTATION BIODIVERSITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT

JUNE 2020 PUBLIC

Belconnen Trunk Sewer Augmentation Biodiversity Impact Assessment

Icon Water

WSP Level 1, 121 Marcus Clarke Street Canberra ACT 2601 PO Box 1551 Canberra ACT 2600

Tel: +61 2 6201 9600 Fax: +61 2 6201 9666 wsp.com

REV DATE DETAILS

A 25/01/2019 Draft

B 16/04/2019 Final

C 15/06/2020 Final (with impact area revisions)

NAME DATE SIGNATURE

Lauren Smith; Julia Wyllie; Prepared by: 15/06/2020 Selga Harrington; Nathan Cooper

Alex Cockerill; Reviewed by: 15/06/2020 Selga Harrington

Approved by: Emma Taylor 15/06/2019

This document may contain confidential and legally privileged information, neither of which are intended to be waived, and must be used only for its intended purpose. Any unauthorised copying, dissemination or use in any form or by any means other than by the addressee, is strictly prohibited. If you have received this document in error or by any means other than as authorised addressee, please notify us immediately and we will arrange for its return to us.

PS108057-ECO-REP-001 RevC_Tech Paper 1_Biodiversity.docx Public June 2020

TABLE OF GLOSSARY ...... VII CONTENTS ABBREVIATIONS ...... IX EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... X

1 PROJECT INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 PROJECT BACKGROUND ...... 1 1.2 PROJECT NEED ...... 1 1.3 PROJECT PROPONENT ...... 1 1.4 PURPOSE OF THIS REPORT ...... 1 1.5 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT ...... 3 1.6 PROJECT STUDY AREA ...... 5 1.7 PROJECT IMPACT AREA...... 5

2 METHODOLOGY ...... 7 2.1 PERSONNEL ...... 7 2.2 DESKTOP ASSESSMENT ...... 7 2.3 LIKELIHOOD OF OCCURRENCE ASSESSMENT ...... 9 2.4 FIELD SURVEYS ...... 9 2.5 IMPACT ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY ...... 20

3 RESULTS ...... 21 3.1 VEGETATION COMMUNITIES...... 21 3.2 FAUNA SPECIES AND HABITATS ...... 29 3.3 TREE ASSESSMENT ...... 33

4 THREATENED BIODIVERSITY ...... 35 4.1 THREATENED ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES ...... 35 4.2 THREATENED SPECIES ...... 42 4.3 MIGRATORY SPECIES ...... 43 4.4 ACT REGISTERED TREES ...... 43 4.5 CRITICAL HABITAT ...... 43 4.6 WETLANDS OF INTERNATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE ...... 44 4.7 HABITAT PATCHES AND CONNECTIVITY ...... 44

CONTENTS (Continued)

5 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ...... 45 5.1 DIRECT IMPACTS ...... 45 5.2 INDIRECT IMPACTS ...... 48 5.3 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ...... 52

6 MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 54

7 RESIDUAL RISK ASSESSMENT ...... 57

8 BIODIVERSITY OFFSETS ...... 62

9 CONCLUSIONS ...... 63

10 REFERENCES ...... 65

11 LIMITATIONS ...... 67 11.1 PERMITTED PURPOSE ...... 67 11.2 QUALIFICATIONS AND ASSUMPTIONS ...... 67 11.3 USE AND RELIANCE ...... 67 11.4 DISCLAIMER ...... 68 11.5 FIELD SURVEY LIMITATIONS ...... 68

LIST OF TABLES TABLE 1.1 RELEVANT SCOPING DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS ...... 2 TABLE 2.1 CONTRIBUTORS AND THEIR ROLES ...... 7 TABLE 2.2 DATABASE SEARCHES FOR THREATENED SPECIES, POPULATIONS AND COMMUNITIES...... 8 TABLE 2.3 LIKELIHOOD OF OCCURRENCE ASSESSMENT ...... 9 TABLE 2.4 TARGETED FLORA SURVEYS FOR MATTERS OF NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE ...... 10 TABLE 2.5 QUADRAT LOCATIONS ...... 10 TABLE 2.6 FAUNA HABITAT CONDITION ...... 13 TABLE 2.7 TARGETED FAUNA SURVEYS ...... 13 TABLE 2.8 ARTIFICIAL SHELTER SURVEY SITE LOCATIONS ...... 14 TABLE 2.9 ARTIFICIAL SHELTER SURVEYS ...... 15 TABLE 2.10 GOLDEN SUN MOTH SURVEYS ...... 16 TABLE 3.1 VEGETATION COMMUNITIES RECORDED WITHIN THE PROJECT STUDY AREA ...... 21 TABLE 3.2 FAUNA HABITAT WITH CORRESPONDING HABITAT DESCRIPTION AND AREA ...... 29 TABLE 3.3 SPECIES OF ANIMAL RECORDED ...... 31 TABLE 3.4 ARTIFICIAL SHELTER SITE SURVEY RESULTS ...... 32 TABLE 3.5 GOLDEN SUN MOTH SURVEY RESULTS ...... 32 TABLE 4.1 KEY DIAGNOSTIC CHARACTERISTICS OF NATURAL TEMPERATE GRASSLAND OF THE SOUTH EASTERN HIGHLANDS ...... 35 TABLE 4.2 PATCH CONDITION THRESHOLD ASSESSMENT ...... 37 TABLE 4.3 THREATENED FAUNA WITH POTENTIAL TO OCCUR WITHIN THE PROJECT STUDY AREA ...... 42 TABLE 5.1 VEGETATION COMMUNITIES RECORDED WITHIN THE PROJECT STUDY AREA AND PROJECT IMPACT AREA ...... 46 TABLE 5.2 KEY THREATENING PROCESSES ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROJECT ...... 46 TABLE 5.3 POTENTIAL IMPACTS TO THREATENED SPECIES HABITAT ...... 47 TABLE 5.4 POTENTIAL FOR INJURY AND MORTALITY OF FAUNA RESULTING FROM THE PROJECT ...... 48 TABLE 5.5 POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF THE PROJECT RELATING TO HABITAT CONNECTIVITY AND FRAGMENTATION ...... 49 TABLE 5.6 POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF THE PROJECT DUE TO EDGE EFFECTS ...... 50 TABLE 7.1 QUALITATIVE RISK ASSESSMENT MATRIX – RISK RATING ...... 57 TABLE 7.2 RESIDUAL RISK ASSESSMENT ...... 58

LIST OF FIGURES FIGURE 1.1 LOCALITY OF PROJECT ...... 4 FIGURE 1.2 THE PROJECT...... 6 FIGURE 2.1 SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM ILLUSTRATING THE LAYOUT OF THE NESTED 20 X 50 METRE AND 20 X 20 METRE QUADRATS USED FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF CONDITION ATTRIBUTES AT EACH SITE ...... 11 FIGURE 2.2 SURVEY EFFORT ...... 17 FIGURE 3.1 VEGETATION COMMUNITIES ...... 26 FIGURE 3.2 GOLDEN SUN MOTH HABITAT ...... 34 FIGURE 4.1 FLOWCHART TO HELP IDENTIFY WHICH AREAS (PATCHES) OF THE NATURAL TEMPERATE GRASSLAND OF THE SOUTH EASTERN HIGHLANDS ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITY MEET THE MINIMUM CONDITION THRESHOLDS A FOR NATIONAL PROTECTION ...... 37 FIGURE 4.2 FLOWCHART TO HELP IDENTIFY WHICH AREAS (PATCHES) OF THE NATURAL TEMPERATE GRASSLAND OF THE SOUTH EASTERN HIGHLANDS ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITY MEET THE MINIMUM CONDITION THRESHOLDS B, FOR NATIONAL PROTECTION ...... 38 FIGURE 4.3 THREATENED ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES...... 39

LIST OF PHOTOGRAPHS PHOTO 3.1 NATURAL TEMPERATE GRASSLANDS DOMINATED BY THEMEDA TRIANDRA ...... 22 PHOTO 3.2 NATURAL TEMPERATE GRASSLANDS DOMINATED BY THEMEDA TRIANDRA ...... 22 PHOTO 3.3 TABLELANDS MOIST TUSSOCK GRASSLAND RECORDED WITH PLANTED EUCALYPTUS SCOPARIA CANOPY ...... 22 PHOTO 3.4 TABLELANDS MOIST TUSSOCK GRASSLAND UNDERSTOREY WITH PLANTED EUCALYPTUS POLYANTHEMOS OVER STOREY ...... 22 PHOTO 3.5 EXOTIC GRASSLAND DOMINATED BY PHALARIS AQUATICA* ...... 23 PHOTO 3.6 EXOTIC GRASSLAND DOMINATED BY ERAGROSTIS TENUIFOLIA* ...... 23 PHOTO 3.7 EXOTIC GRASSLAND WITH PLANTED NATIVE CANOPY RECORDED AT Q4...... 23 PHOTO 3.8 EUCALYPTUS SCOPARIA PLANTED AMONGST EXOTIC GRASSLAND ...... 23 PHOTO 3.9 EXOTIC CANOPY SPECIES (POPULUS ALBA*) WITH PLANTED NATIVE EUCALYPTUS SPECIES IN THE FOREGROUND...... 24 PHOTO 3.10 NATIVE CANOPY SPECIES (CASUARINA CUNNINGHAMIANA AND BANKSIA ERICIFOLIA) WITH EXOTIC CANOPY SPECIES (SALIX BALYLONICA*) ...... 24 PHOTO 3.11 SALIX BABYLONICA* RECORDED AS EXOTIC CANOPY ...... 25 PHOTO 3.12 PINUS RADIATA* RECORDED AS EXOTIC CANOPY ...... 25 PHOTO 3.13 AN EXAMPLE OF NATIVE GRASSLAND IN THE PROJECT STUDY AREA ...... 30 PHOTO 3.14 AN EXAMPLE OF EXOTIC GRASSLAND IN THE PROJECT STUDY AREA ...... 30 PHOTO 3.15 AN EXAMPLE OF PLANTED CANOPY SPECIES IN THE PROJECT STUDY AREA ...... 30 PHOTO 3.16 AN EXAMPLE OF PLANTED WOODLAND DISPLAYING GRASSY WOODLAND STRUCTURE ...... 30 PHOTO 3.17 SALIX BABYLONICA* (WEEPING WILLOW) RECORDED IN RIPARIAN AREA OF GINNINDERRA CREEK ...... 31 PHOTO 3.18 SCATTERED NATIVE TREE PLANTINGS NEAR A TRIBUTARY OF GINNINDERRA CREEK ...... 31

LIST OF APPENDICES APPENDIX A SPECIES RECORDED APPENDIX B TREE ASSESSMENT RESULTS APPENDIX C LIKELIHOOD OF OCCURRENCE OF THREATENED FLORA APPENDIX D LIKELIHOOD OF OCCURRENCE OF THREATENED FAUNA APPENDIX E PROTECTED MATTERS SEARCH TOOLS APPENDIX F EPBC ACT ASSESSMENTS

GLOSSARY

* An asterix following a species name indicates that the species is an introduced species.

ACTmapi ACTmapi is the ACT Government's interactive mapping service that provides a convenient and fast way to analyse ACT spatial data. It includes a wide range of ACT government data including significant species, vegetation communities and registered trees in the ACT region.

Biodiversity The biological diversity of life is commonly regarded as being made up of the following three components:

— Genetic diversity – the variety of genes (or units of heredity) in any population — Species diversity – the variety of species — Ecosystem diversity – the variety of communities or ecosystems.

Controlled action A proposed action (a project, a development, an undertaking, an activity or a series of activities) that is likely to have a significant impact under the EPBC Act on: a matter of national environmental significance; the environment of Commonwealth land (even if taken outside Commonwealth land); or the environment anywhere in the world (if the action is undertaken by the Commonwealth).

Critical habitat Critical habitat is listed under the Nature Conservation Act 2014 and/or the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Critical habitat is the whole or any part or parts of an area or areas of land comprising habitat critical to the survival of an endangered species, population or ecological community.

Direct impact Where a primary action is a substantial cause of a secondary event or circumstance which has an impact on a protected matter (Commonwealth of Australia 2012).

Ecological An assemblage of species occupying a particular area. community

Habitat An area or areas occupied, or periodically or occasionally occupied by a species, population or ecological community, including any biotic or abiotic components.

Indirect impact An indirect impact is not a direct result of the Project or action, often produced away from or as a result of a complex impact pathway.

Key Threatening A process that threatens, or may threaten, the survival, abundance or evolutionary development of Processes native species, populations or ecological communities (Department of the Environment and Energy 2018). Key Threatening Processes are listed under the Nature Conservation Act 2014 and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Capitalisation of the term ‘Key Threatening Processes’ in this report refers to those processes listed specifically under the relevant territory and Commonwealth legislation.

Likely Taken to be a real chance or possibility (Department of Environment and Conservation 2004).

Local population The population that occurs within the site, unless the existence of contiguous or proximal occupied habitat and the movement of individuals or exchange of genetic material across the boundary can be demonstrated (Department of Environment and Climate Change 2007).

Locality The area within 10 km of the site.

Project No PS108057 WSP Belconnen Trunk Sewer Augmentation June 2020 Biodiversity Impact Assessment Page vii Icon Water

Matters of Matters of national environmental significance are matters which are protected under the National Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and include: world heritage Environmental properties; national heritage properties; wetlands of international importance; listed threatened Significance species and communities; migratory species; Commonwealth marine areas; nuclear actions and water (MNES) resources in relation to coal seam gas or large coal mining developments.

Region A bioregion defined in a national system of bioregionalisation. For this study, this is the South Eastern Highlands as defined in the Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia (Thackway and Cresswell 1995).

Project impact The Project impact area forms the basis for assessment of the potential direct environmental impacts area of the Project. It is noted that ground disturbance works and complete vegetation clearing may not be required across the entire Project impact area (such as within areas where construction compounds are required).

Project study area An area within up to around 100 to 200 metres of the proposed North Latham OCU, and between around 50 and 100 metres either side of the new pipeline alignment. The Project study area is shown on Figure 1.2.

Threatened Threatened species, populations or ecological communities, or their habitats as listed under the biodiversity Nature Conservation Act 2014 or the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Threatened Species, populations and ecological communities listed as vulnerable, endangered or critically species, endangered (collectively referred to as Threatened) under the Nature Conservation Act 2014 or the populations and Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. ecological Capitalisation of the terms ‘threatened’, ‘vulnerable’, ‘endangered’ or ‘critically endangered’ in this communities report refers to listing under the relevant territory and/or Commonwealth legislation.

Project No PS108057 WSP Belconnen Trunk Sewer Augmentation June 2020 Biodiversity Impact Assessment Page viii Icon Water

ABBREVIATIONS

ACT Australian Capital Territory

BIA Biodiversity Impact Assessment

BTS Belconnen Trunk Sewer

CEMP construction environmental management plan

CTMP construction traffic management plan

DA development application

DBH Diameter breast height

DEE Department of the Environment and Energy

EIS environmental impact statement

EPBC Act (Commonwealth) Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

EPSDD (ACT) Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate

Ha hectares

NC Act (ACT) Nature Conservation Act 2014

TCCS (ACT) Transport, Canberra and City Services Directorate

TEC Threatened ecological community/communities

(the) Project Belconnen Trunk Sewer Augmentation Project

OCU Odour Control Unit

TP Act (ACT) Tree Protection Act 2005

Project No PS108057 WSP Belconnen Trunk Sewer Augmentation June 2020 Biodiversity Impact Assessment Page ix Icon Water

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Icon Water is proposing to construct a new trunk sewer main and odour control unit (OCU) adjacent to Ginninderra Drive in the Belconnen area. The purpose of this Biodiversity Impact Assessment (BIA) is to support the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) which has been prepared for the Project. The (ACT) Environment and Planning Sustainable Development Directorate (EPSDD) has provided the Scoping Document requirements for the EIS which specifically outline the specialist study requirements of the EIS. The purpose of this report is to address the specialist study requirements associated with biodiversity. Table 1.1 in Section 1.3 of this report outlines where the scoping document requirements associated with biodiversity are addressed in this report. This report presents an outline of the desktop and ecological survey assessment methods, results, and values identified within the Project study area as well as an assessment of the likely impacts of the Project on biodiversity values. Although the Project study area has been highly modified, the following biodiversity values were recorded:

— small discrete patches of Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands – listed as a Critically Endangered Ecological Community under the Nature Conservation Act 2014 (NC Act) and Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) — Golden Sun Moth – listed as Endangered under the NC Act and Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act. In addition to the Golden Sun Moth, five threatened species listed under NC Act and/or the EPBC Act are considered to have a moderate or higher likelihood of occurrence in the Project study area, based on availability of potential habitat, including:

— four species of bird — one species of mammal. The Project would require clearing of up to 10.65 hectares of vegetation for construction, of which only 0.46 hectares are considered to be consistent with remnant native vegetation and only 0.15 ha of this is consistent with a threatened community. Impacts to Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands and Golden Sun Moth have been avoided and minimised, where possible, through early identification, preliminary design and consideration of alternatives construction methodologies through:

— avoidance of impacts to an ecological sensitive area to the east of Kingsford Smith Drive, which would retain one of the higher quality patches of Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands and the area that appeared to support the largest density of Golden Sun Moths and mapped core habitat. This would be achieved using trenchless construction techniques at this location

— reducing the Project impact area extent in areas consistent with Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands

— minimising impacts to patches of native trees and areas dominated by native groundcover vegetation through route alignment and exclusion of construction compounds. A referral under the EPBC Act was lodged prior to final design based on the anticipated worst-case scenario of complete clearing within the easement and the presence of habitat for Matters of National Environmental Significance. The referral decision was a non-controlled action based on low level of potential impacts to threatened species and communities including:

— Golden Sun Moth — Lepidium ginninderrense — Leucochrysum albicans var. tricolor — Swainsona recta

Project No PS108057 WSP Belconnen Trunk Sewer Augmentation June 2020 Biodiversity Impact Assessment Page x Icon Water

— Pink-tailed Worm Lizard — Striped Legless Lizard — Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands. Since the preparation of the referral, targeted seasonal surveys were undertaken for Golden Sun Moth, Pink-tailed Worm Lizard, Striped Legless Lizard, Lepidium ginninderrense, Leucochrysum albicans var. tricolor, and Swainsona recta. The Golden Sun Moth was the only threatened species recorded during targeted surveys in suitable conditions. Although not recorded, Superb Parrot and Grey-headed Flying-fox are considered to have a moderate likelihood of occurrence within the Project study area based on the presence of foraging habitat. All other threatened species included in the EPBC referral are considered unlikely to occur. Overall, the Project is considered unlikely to have a significant impact to threatened biodiversity with the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures.

Project No PS108057 WSP Belconnen Trunk Sewer Augmentation June 2020 Biodiversity Impact Assessment Page xi Icon Water

1 PROJECT INTRODUCTION

1.1 PROJECT BACKGROUND

The Belconnen Trunk Sewer (BTS) was constructed in the 1960s and is part of the Belconnen sewerage network which serves the Belconnen, Gungahlin and Hall catchments. The BTS discharges into the Ginninderra Sewer Tunnel, which discharges into the Lower Molonglo Water Quality Control Centre. The catchment for the existing network contains approximately 1,100 kilometres of sewer conduit of a variety of materials, age and size. The catchment is approximately 4,545 hectares in area, serving a population of approximately 138,000. The BTS begins at the dam wall of Lake Ginninderra and extends downstream to the Ginninderra Sewer Tunnel. The sewer was initially constructed with three unlicensed, purpose-built overflow points located next to watercourses which were originally designed to minimise impact on properties from overflows. Two of these overflow points have since been sealed with the last operating point being located at Copland Drive near Ginninderra Creek. It was originally planned that when future flows from the Gungahlin catchment reached capacity of the BTS, two new trunk sewers would be built at different stages to run parallel to the BTS. The new sewers were envisaged to run indicatively east to west on the north side of Ginninderra Creek, operating in parallel with the BTS located south of the creek. A pipe stub connection was built on the BTS to the east of the Lake Ginninderra dam wall to connect the future sewer to the BTS.

1.2 PROJECT NEED

Major development of Gungahlin has recently occurred and further increases in the catchment area have been projected. The hydraulic capacity of the BTS therefore needs to be increased to ensure that the system has sufficient capacity to meet Icon Water’s standards, namely the prevention of overflows up to a 1 in 10-year event. The Project is a key priority for Icon Water. The driver for this project is to comply with Icon Water’s commitment to contain all wastewater flows (no overflows) up to a 1 in 10-year rainfall event. The Belconnen Trunk Sewer main is experiencing capacity problems and experiencing overflows in less than 1 in 10-year events.

1.3 PROJECT PROPONENT

The Project is proposed to be undertaken by Icon Water. Icon Water Limited is an unlisted public company owned by the ACT Government. Icon Water owns and manages the assets and operation of water and sewerage services to the ACT and bulk water to Queanbeyan. Icon Water also has an investment in the ACT’s energy distributor and retailer Evoenergy (formerly ActewAGL), through a joint venture of two partnerships with each of Jemena Limited and AGL Energy Limited.

1.4 PURPOSE OF THIS REPORT

WSP Australia Limited (WSP) has been engaged to prepare a Biodiversity Impact Assessment (BIA) for the proposed Belconnen Trunk Sewer Main Project hereafter, referred to as the Project). The purpose of the BIA is to support the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) which has been prepared for the Project and assess the potential construction and operational impacts to biodiversity associated with the Project. This report presents the desktop and ecological survey assessment methods, results, and the likely ecological impacts of the Project.

Project No PS108057 WSP Belconnen Trunk Sewer Augmentation June 2020 Biodiversity Impact Assessment Page 1 Icon Water

The (ACT) Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate (EPSDD) have provided the Scoping Document requirements for the EIS which specifically outlines the specialist study requirements of the EIS. The purpose of this report is to address the specialist study requirements outlined in the scoping document that are associated with biodiversity. The table below (Table 1.1) outlines the specific requirements and where in the report these aspects are addressed in this report.

Table 1.1 Relevant scoping document requirements

SCOPING DOCUMENT REQUIREMENT SECTION OF REPORT WHERE ADDRESSED Assessment of impacts to biodiversity: Section 5.1.1, Section 5.1.2, — impact on protected fauna and flora species including the removal of habitat Appendix F — impact on native vegetation — impact on protected ecological communities — impact on existing trees/clearing of existing vegetation. Describe all ecological communities and protected species present in the proposed area Section 3.1, Section 3.2, of construction Section 4, Section 5.1 Describe whether any ecological communities or species that may be present in the Section 4 proposed area are listed as critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable or conservation dependent, or protected, under any of the following Acts: Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), Nature Conservation Act 2014, Tree Protection Act 2005 Describe all avoidance measures for the proposed development and associated works Section 6 including measures relating to critical habitat within proximity of the site Include a description of mitigation measures aimed at reducing impacts on ecological Section 6 communities and protected species Define any areas where habitat rehabilitation will occur after the works have been Section 6 conducted Ecological studies must be conducted and provided as part of the draft EIS to Section 2.4.2, Section 3.2.5, determine the presence, or absence, of threatened reptile species within the impact Section 4.2.2 zone If Natural Temperate Grassland cannot be avoided then the EIS must address how the Section 6 width of disturbance can be reduced Discuss the impacts of removing habitat in relation to movement corridors and the Section 4.7 functional connective canopy which is used to create linkages between core habitat Consider the effect of removing habitat within the impact zone and what impact it may Section 4.7 have for connectivity on a broader scale Describe the effects of the potential degradation of marginal habitat and lesser quality Section 5 habitat and what affect this will have to biodiversity Identify EPBC Act listed threatened species and communities potentially within, or Section 2.2, Section 4, surrounding, the impact zone which may be directly or indirectly affected by the Appendix E proposal Provide tree assessment/plans indicating the tree type, health, size, specie, and canopy Section 3.3, Appendix B and outline strategies to minimise the impact of planted and native trees along the corridor

Project No PS108057 WSP Belconnen Trunk Sewer Augmentation June 2020 Biodiversity Impact Assessment Page 2 Icon Water

This biodiversity impact assessment is one of several technical reports supporting the EIS for the Project.

1.5 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

Icon Water are proposing to construct a new trunk sewer main (including a crossing of Ginninderra Creek) and associated odour control facility, generally to the north of Ginninderra Drive between Tillyard Drive, Latham and Copland Drive, Melba (the Project). The purpose of the Project is to allow Icon Water to comply with its commitment to contain all wastewater flows (no overflows) up to a 1 in 10-year rainfall event. The Project would consist of the augmentation of the existing BTS main within the existing open space. The key features of Project components are summarised below:

— Construction and operation of a new trunk sewer main between the eastern side of Tillyard Drive, Latham and the western side of Copland Drive, Melba. The trunk sewer main would include:

— around 2.4 kilometres of new trunk sewer main with a diameter of 1,200 millimetres. The trunk sewer main would generally be located underground (to a depth of typically between around 1.5 metres and 6.0 metres) and would include a series of access and maintenance pits along the length of the alignment — a crossing of Ginninderra Creek via a new pipe bridge to the west of Copland Drive. The new pipe bridge would be around 230 metres in length — connections to the existing sewer network including: — connection to the existing Latham trunk sewer line near the intersection of Ginninderra Drive and Tillyard Drive — connection to the existing BTS with a penstock compound at the eastern end of the Project.

— Construction and operation of a new OCU scrubber facility at Latham North, south of Ginninderra Drive. The North Latham OCU scrubber facility would provide filtration and ventilation to sections of sewer main upstream of the facility. The North Latham OCU scrubber facility would consist of extraction ductwork, a fan, activated carbon filter treatment, a ventilation stack (up to around 24 metres in height) and driveway access from Ginninderra Drive. The OCU would also require additional ventilation pipework to connect with an existing sewer main at the western end of the site allowing connection to the new trunk sewer main on the northern side of Ginninderra Drive.

— Relocation of a section of existing footpath/cycleway to accommodate the proposed pipe bridge structure on the western side of Ginninderra Creek.

— Vegetation clearing and earthworks for the above works, suitable for a construction of the trunk sewer main (up to approximately 15 metres either side of the proposed alignment) including potential embankment stabilisation at points along the alignment (where required).

— Relocation, protection of or adjustment to any affected services including electricity, water supply mains, existing sewer, stormwater and telecommunications. The exact requirements would be confirmed as the environmental assessment and ongoing design progresses. Figure 1.1 provides an overview of the proposed alignment of the new trunk sewer main and location of the OCU. Subject to planning approval, the Project is expected to commence construction by mid-2019 with a construction period of up to two years.

Project No PS108057 WSP Belconnen Trunk Sewer Augmentation June 2020 Biodiversity Impact Assessment Page 3 Icon Water EK CRE NICHOLLS ERHOUSE DR LS T IVE HAL A IVE W N DR S A

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N A S V Trenchless construction under road I I M T R H BELCONNEN M K E I D

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B A N A B L EL G C D Project study area ONNEN WAY L N E R

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Map: PS108057_GIS_F051_A5 Author: Roanne Pancho 0 400 800 m Belconnen Trunk Sewer Alignment Date: 6/15/2020 Approved by: ° 1:30,000 Data source: Metromap, 2019 Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Figure 1.1 Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), (c) OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community Coordinate system: Stromlo ACT Scale ratio correct when printed at A3 Locality of Project

© WSP Australia Pty Ltd ("WSP") Copyright in the drawings, information and data recorded ("the information") is the property of WSP. This document and the information are solely for the use of the authorised recipient and this document may not be used, copied or reproduced in whole or part for any purpose other than that which it was supplied by WSP. WSP makes no representation, undertakes no duty and accepts no responsibility to any third party who may use or rely upon this document or the information. NCSI Certified Quality System to ISO 9001. © APPROVED FOR AND ON BEHALF OF WSP Australia Pty Ltd.

C:\Users\AURP502980\WSP O365\AU-WKG - Geospatial - AIS - Projects\PS108057_Belconnen_Trunk_S\5_Shared\GIS\54_Production\Maps\PS108057_GIS_F051_A5.mxd Icon Water www.wsp.com

1.6 PROJECT STUDY AREA

A Project study area was determined early in the Project development phase when the design and locations of certain Project elements were still being determined and refined. The purpose of the early determination of Project study area was to identify the environmental conditions of a wider area than would be ultimately directly impacted by the pipeline and OCU infrastructure. This allowed for identification of environmental constraints and potential opportunities for avoidance of these through the design development process. The Project study area has been developed to represent an area within up to around 100 to 200 metres of the proposed North Latham OCU, and between around 50 and 100 metres either side of the new pipeline alignment. The Project study area is shown on Figure 1.2.

1.7 PROJECT IMPACT AREA

A Project impact area has been developed as part of this Draft EIS. The Project impact area includes all final determined locations of Project infrastructure elements (including the proposed pipeline alignment, pipe bridge, North Latham OCU site) as well as locations for construction elements such as construction compounds, access tracks and site access points, and the proposed underbore launch and receival shaft locations. The Project impact area is located completely within the identified Project study area. The Project impact area forms the basis for assessment of the potential direct environmental impacts for this Draft EIS. It is noted that ground disturbance works and complete vegetation clearing may not be required across the entire Project impact area (such as within areas where construction compounds are required). The Project impact area is shown on Figure 1.2.

Project No PS108057 WSP Belconnen Trunk Sewer Augmentation June 2020 Biodiversity Impact Assessment Page 5 Icon Water P

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2 METHODOLOGY

This section provides a detailed description of the methodologies used to undertake the ecological desktop assessment, and field surveys within the Project study area.

2.1 PERSONNEL

The contributors to the preparation of this report, their qualifications and roles are provided in Table 2.1.

Table 2.1 Contributors and their roles

NAME QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE ROLE

Selga Harrington Bachelor of Science (Hons) Principal Ecologist – field surveys, report 19 years’ experience preparation

Julia Wyllie Bachelor of Environment (Environmental Ecologist – field surveys, report preparation Management and Biological Science) Certificate 3 Conservation and Land Management Six years’ experience

Lauren Smith Bachelor of Science Ecologist – desktop assessment, field surveys Two years’ experience and report preparation

Nathan Cooper Bachelor of Environmental Science Senior Ecologist – report preparation Graduate Diploma Ornithology 10 years’ experience

Michael Orfanos Bachelor of Geographic Information Systems GIS consultant – data management and map Eight years’ experience preparation

Alex Cockerill Bachelor of Science (Hons) Principal Ecologist – report review 18 years’ experience

2.2 DESKTOP ASSESSMENT

The aim of this background research and literature review was to identify the following potential ecological values that may occur within the Project study area:

— threatened flora and fauna species and/or populations — threatened ecological communities — Commonwealth listed Migratory species — critical habitat recorded previously or predicted to occur near the Project study area. The information gathered as a result of the desktop assessment was used to determine the likely vegetation and habitats on site and to identify the potential ecological values within the Project study area. This assessment allowed the known habitat characteristics of threatened species and/or populations to be compared with those of the Project study area to determine the likelihood of occurrence of each species or population. These results informed the field survey effort to ensure that it was focussed on the threatened species and/or populations most likely to be present.

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This desktop assessment included a review of:

— ACT Threatened Species website (ACT Government 2018) — ACTmapi Significant Plants and Animals and Registered Trees Mapping web site on threatened species and communities within the Project study area (ACT Government 2018) — ACT Fisheries Act 2000, list of protected fish species — relevant database searches for threated species such as Department of the Environment and Energy’s Protected Matters Search Tool (2018) — topographic maps and aerial photographs — design plans for the Project — vegetation mapping of the local area (ACT Government 2018) — other relevant studies and conservation strategies such as: — Box Gum Woodland in the ACT (Maguire and Mulvaney 2011) — lowland native grasslands in the ACT and surrounding region: A review and research strategy for a recovery plan (Sharp 1994) — Action Plans prepared by the ACT Government — ACT Native grassland conservation strategy and action plans (ACT Government 2017) — Canberra Nature Park Plan of Management — a list of bird species found at Umbagong District Park (Wenger 2018) — Umbagong District Park Blue Devil Grassland: an inventory of plant and animal species and suggested management activities (Crawford 2000) — Latham District Park, ACT: Flora and fauna survey and recommendations for management and ecological enhancement (Rowell 1992) — Latham District Park, ACT: Flora and fauna survey summer 1992/1993 update (Rowell 1993). In addition, consultation with the Ginninderra Catchment Group was undertaken to enable knowledge sharing regarding biodiversity values of the local area and appropriate rehabilitation measures for the project. Threatened species and/or populations previously recorded or predicted to occur in the Project study area locality were identified from the databases outlined below in Table 2.2.

Table 2.2 Database searches for threatened species, populations and communities

DATABASE DATE OF SEARCH SEARCH AREA REFERENCE

EPBC Protected Matters March 2018 and 2 January 10 km buffer of Project (Department of the Search Tool 2019 study area Environment and Energy 2018)

ACTMapi – Significant March 2018 and 2 January 10 km buffer around (ACT Government 2018) Plants, Animals and 2019 Project study area Registered Trees

ACT Threatened species list March 2018 and 2 January 10 km buffer around (ACT Government 2018) 2019 Project study area

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2.3 LIKELIHOOD OF OCCURRENCE ASSESSMENT

The likelihood of threatened species and/or populations and migratory species occurring within the Project study area was assessed against the criteria outlined in Table 2.3. Species subject to likelihood of occurrence assessments were those identified during the desktop investigations and/or the professional opinion of contributors to this assessment.

Table 2.3 Likelihood of occurrence assessment

LIKELIHOOD OF CRITERIA OCCURRENCE

Low Have not been recorded previously in the Project study area and surrounds and/or the Project study area is beyond the current known geographic range of the species. Are dependent on specific habitat types or resources that are not present in the Project study area. Are considered extinct in the locality.

Moderate Have been recorded previously in the Project study area and surrounds infrequently (i.e. vagrant individuals). Use habitat types or resources that are present in the Project study area, although generally in a poor or modified condition. Are unlikely to maintain sedentary populations, however may seasonally utilise resources within the Project study area opportunistically during variable seasons or migration.

High Have been previously recorded in the Project study area. Are dependent on habitat types or resources that are present in the Project study area that are abundant and/or in good condition within the Project study area. Are known or likely to maintain resident populations surrounding the Project study area. Are known or likely to visit the Project study area or surrounds during regular seasonal movements or migration.

2.4 FIELD SURVEYS

A preliminary site survey was undertaken on 16 and 19 March 2018 to determine ecological values of the Project study area (WSP Australia 2018). Additional field surveys were also undertaken as part of the EIS, as described in sections 2.4.1 and 2.4.2 of this report between 19 September 2018 and 13 December 2018.

2.4.1 FLORA

2.4.1.1 RANDOM MEANDER

Random meander surveys are a variation of the transect type survey and were completed in accordance with the technique described by (Cropper 1993), whereby the recorder walks in a random meander throughout the Project study area recording dominant and key plant species (e.g. threatened species, noxious weeds), between various vegetation communities and condition of vegetation. The time spent in each vegetation community was generally proportional to the size of the community and its species richness.

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2.4.1.2 TARGETED FLORA SURVEYS

Surveys were undertaken to target threatened species of plant, specifically three species listed under the EPBC Act which were identified as having potential habitat within the Project study area (Table 2.4). Random meander and transect surveys were undertaken targeting these species during their flowering period. In addition, opportunities for sightings while completing other surveys within the Project study area were utilised.

Table 2.4 Targeted flora surveys for Matters of National Environmental Significance

SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME FLOWERING PERIOD AND SURVEYS SURVEY TIMING UNDERTAKEN REQUIREMENTS

Lepidium ginninderrense Ginninderra Peppercress Flowers in late spring Random meanders, (Department of the Environment transects, and opportunistic and Energy n.d) sightings

Leucochrysum albicans var. Hoary Sunray Flowers Spring and Summer, Random meanders, tricolor November to January transects, and opportunistic (Department of the Environment sightings and Energy 2017)

Swainsona recta Small Purple Pea September – November Random meanders, transects, and opportunistic sightings

2.4.1.3 PLOTS AND TRANSECTS

Detailed quantitative quadrat surveys were completed, including both plot and transect surveys as outlined in the methodology contained within ACT Environmental Offsets Policy (ACT Government - Environment and Planning 2015). The results of plot and transect surveys were collected to allow comparison with benchmark values contained in the ACT Vegetation Benchmark Database and for calculation of offsets, if required. Six plots and transect surveys were undertaken (at locations summarised in Table 2.5 and mapped in Figure 2.2). These surveys were undertaken following methods described below and illustrated in Figure 2.1.

Table 2.5 Quadrat locations

QUADRAT EASTING1 NORTHING1 VEGETATION COMMUNITY

1 0686803 6100703 Planted Native Canopy/Exotic Understorey

2 686214 6101134 Planted Native Canopy/Exotic Understorey

3 685575 6101568 Planted Native Canopy/Natural Temperate Grassland

4 685548 6101751 Planted Native Canopy/Exotic Understorey

5 686276 6101027 Natural Temperate Grassland

6 686242 6101070 Natural Temperate Grassland (1) Zone 55

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Figure 2.1 Schematic diagram illustrating the layout of the nested 20 x 50 metre and 20 x 20 metre quadrats used for the assessment of condition attributes at each site The following site attributes were recorded at each site:

— Location (easting – northing).

— Vegetation structure and dominant species and vegetation condition. Vegetation structure was recorded through estimates of percentage foliage cover, average height and height range for each vegetation layer.

— Native and exotic species richness (within a 400 square metre quadrat): This consisted of recording all species by systematically walking through each 20 x 20 metre quadrat. The cover abundance (percentage of area of quadrat covered) of each species was estimated.

— Native overstorey cover: This consisted of estimating the percentage foliage projective cover of the tallest woody stratum present (greater than one metre and including emergents) at 10 points along the 50 metre transect and calculating the average. The woody stratum included species that were native to ACT including both indigenous and non-indigenous native species.

— Native mid-storey cover: This involved estimating the foliage projective cover of vegetation between the overstorey stratum and a height of one metre (i.e. tall shrubs, under-storey trees and tree regeneration) at 10 points along the 50 metre transect and calculating the average.

— Ground cover: This comprised estimating the foliage projective cover of plants below 1 m in height at 50 points along the 50 m transect and calculating the average. The following categories of plants were recorded:

— Native ground cover (grasses): native grasses (Poaceae family native to ACT). — Native ground cover (shrubs): all woody vegetation below one metre in height and native to ACT. — Native ground cover (other): non-woody vegetation (i.e. vascular plants – ferns and herbs) below one metre in height and native to ACT. — Exotic plant cover: vascular plants not native to Australia.

— Number of large trees (1,000 square metre quadrat): The count of the number of living and dead trees within a 50 x 20 metre quadrat which have a circumference of 150 centimetres, one metre above ground height.

— Overstorey regeneration: This was estimated as the proportion of overstorey species present at the site that was regenerating (i.e. saplings with a diameter at breast height ≤ five centimetres). The maximum value for this measure was one.

— Total length of fallen logs (1,000 square metre quadrat): This was the cumulative total of logs within each 50 x 20 metre quadrat with a diameter of at least 10 centimetres and a length of at least 0.5 metres.

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2.4.1.4 CONDITION OF VEGETATION COMMUNITIES

Native vegetation is defined under the Nature Conservation Act 2014 as either:

— 10 percent or more of the area is covered with vegetation (dead or alive). — No more than 60 percent of the ground layer vegetation cover is exotic annual (at any time of the year). — More than 50 percent of the perennial ground layer vegetation cover is native vegetation. OR

— Trees or shrubs indigenous to the area have a canopy cover of 10 percent or more in any stratum over the area. — The condition of native vegetation was firstly assessed against the ACT Environmental Offsets Policy (ACT Government - Environment and Planning Directorate 2015, ACT Government - Environment and Planning Directorate 2016) definitions of ‘low’ and ‘moderate to good’ condition. Vegetation in ‘low’ condition means:

— Paddock trees – native over-storey foliage cover less than 25 percent of the lower value of the over-storey percent foliage cover benchmark for that vegetation type, and less than 50 percent of ground cover perennial vegetation is indigenous species. — Native pasture – trees are absent or form less than one percent cover. The understorey is predominantly comprised of native grasses, and there are five or less native herbs within the most diverse 20 x 20 metres of the investigation area. ‘Moderate to good’ broad condition is native vegetation that is not in ‘low’ broad condition.

2.4.1.5 TREE ASSESSMENTS

Tree assessments were carried out within patches of vegetation which fall within the Project Impact Area with more than two canopy species present. Tree assessments were used to inform habitat assessments and recorded the following:

— dominant canopy species — visual assessment of tree health — tree height — projective foliage cover — ecological value (presence of nests/hollows/mistletoes — natural regeneration — visual assessment of vegetation as either remnant/planted — diameter at Breast Height (DBH). Trees were recorded in good health where no signs of disease or decay were visible.

2.4.2 FAUNA

Fauna surveys were undertaken in conjunction with the flora surveys. The fauna surveys included habitat assessments as well as targeted threatened species diurnal surveys of the Project study area for species with moderate or higher likelihood of occurrence based on the desktop review and the EPBC Act referral decision. These surveys sought primarily to identify fauna habitat characteristics present within the Project study area.

2.4.2.1 FAUNA HABITAT ASSESSMENT

Fauna habitat assessments were undertaken to assess the likelihood of threatened fauna species (those species known or predicted to occur within the locality from the literature and database review) occurring within the Project study area. Fauna habitat characteristics assessed included:

— structure and floristics of the canopy, understorey and ground vegetation, including the presence of flowering and fruiting trees providing potential foraging resources — presence of hollow-bearing trees providing roosting and breeding habitat for arboreal mammals, birds and reptiles

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— presence of the ground cover vegetation, leaf litter, rock outcrops and fallen timber and potential to provide protection for ground-dwelling mammals, reptiles and amphibians — presence of waterways (ephemeral or permanent) and water bodies. The criteria used to evaluate the condition of habitat values are summarised in Table 2.6.

Table 2.6 Fauna habitat condition

HABITAT DESCRIPTION CONDITION

Good — A full range of fauna habitat components are usually present (for example, old-growth trees, fallen timber, feeding and roosting resources). — Habitat linkages to other remnant ecosystems in the landscape are intact.

Moderate — Some fauna habitat components are missing or greatly reduced (for example, old-growth trees and fallen timber). — Although linkages with other remnant habitats in the landscape are usually intact, but sometimes degraded.

Poor — Many fauna habitat elements in low quality remnants have been lost, including old growth trees (for example, due to past timber harvesting or land clearing) and fallen timber, and tree canopies are often highly fragmented. — Habitat linkages with other remnant ecosystems in the landscape have usually been severely compromised by extensive clearing in the past.

2.4.2.2 TARGETED FAUNA SURVEYS

Surveys were undertaken to target threatened species of animal listed under the EPBC Act and NC Act, which were identified as having potential habitat in the Project study area (Table 2.7).

Table 2.7 Targeted fauna surveys

COMMON SCIENTIFIC EPBC NC SURVEY TIMING SURVEYS NAME NAME ACT ACT REQUIREMENTS UNDERTAKEN

Pink-tailed Worm Aprasia V V September – November Habitat assessment Lizard parapulchella Survey in spring, avoiding hot Artificial shelter surveys days in November.

Striped Legless Delma impar V V September – December Habitat assessment Lizard Artificial shelter surveys

Little Eagle Hieraaetus – V N/A Habitat assessment morphnoides Opportunistic bird surveys

White-winged Lalage sueurii – V N/A Habitat assessment Triller Opportunistic bird surveys

Scarlet Robin Petroica boodang – V N/A Habitat assessment Opportunistic bird surveys

Superb Parrot Polytelis V V Area searches Habitat assessment swainsonii Opportunistic bird surveys

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COMMON SCIENTIFIC EPBC NC SURVEY TIMING SURVEYS NAME NAME ACT ACT REQUIREMENTS UNDERTAKEN

Grey-headed Pteropus V V Daytime searches for camps Habitat assessment Flying-fox poliocephalus Surveys of vegetation Vegetation survey and tree communities and food plants assessment Opportunistic diurnal Night time surveys searches of study area

Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana CE E Flying season, usually between Transect surveys within late October to early January Project study area Observation of species flying at a reference site on day of survey (1) V = Vulnerable, E = Endangered, under the NC Act. (2) V = Vulnerable, CE = Critically Endangered, under the EPBC Act. PINK-TAILED WORM LIZARD AND STRIPED LEGLESS LIZARD Targeted surveys for the Pink-tailed Worm Lizard and Striped Legless Lizard involved the laying of artificial shelters (concrete roof tiles) as described in the ACT Governments Survey Guidelines for Striped Legless Lizard (Conservation Research 2016). Two survey locations (grids of 50 tiles per location) were located within the areas of Natural Temperate Grassland (one mown, and one unmown patch) identified within the study area. Survey effort was determined from preliminary habitat assessments within the Project study area. From preliminary habitat assessments, it was determined that most of the Project study area is dominated by exotic groundcover species, regularly mown to a short height. This, combined with the lack of shelter (such as rocks or tussocky vegetation), is likely to preclude the presence of either threatened reptile species from most of the Project study area. However, 0.13 hectares of potential habitat was mapped, consisting of one area of native grassland, to the east of Kingsford Smith Drive, which appears exempt from mowing and supports rock cover, and some other areas of native vegetation which are in poorer condition as they are regularly mown. In accordance with the Survey Guidelines, 50 shelters (1 grid) is required per 3 hectares, with a minimum of 100 shelters (2 grids). As such, two grids were laid across the highest quality potential habitat (Table 2.8). Surveys were undertaken in peak seasonal activity periods (spring), with survey effort detailed in Table 2.9. Searches of Pink-tailed Worm Lizard microhabitat features such as under rocks, leaf litter, fallen timber, bark, were not undertaken due to the general paucity of such features in the study area, and as the artificial shelter survey methods is far less destructive to the species habitat.

Table 2.8 Artificial shelter survey site locations

GRID CENTRE OF GRID HABITAT CONDITION

Easting Northing

1 685576 6101651 Moderate – low: mown grassland community dominated by native groundcover. Planted Eucalyptus canopy cover at a portion of the location.

2 686262 6101052 High: Unmown grassland community dominated by native tussock groundcover, rocky outcrops, no signs of grazing pressure, no canopy cover. Located within the Ecological Protection Zone shown on Figure 2.2.

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Table 2.9 Artificial shelter surveys

DATE TIME TEMPERATURE (C) CLOUD COVER (%)

14/09/18 1000–1030 17 5

20/09/18 0915–0945 9–10 0

28/09/18 1230–1300 21 10

03/10/18 0940–1015 17–17.2 75–100

10/10/18 1250–1350 12.1–12.2 75–100

19/10/18 1055–1130 21.7–23.8 0

26/10/18 1330–1400 23–23.7 0

02/11/18 0949–1015 25.5–26.2 100

09/11/18 1415–1445 19 10

16/11/18 1535–1615 22 20

GOLDEN SUN MOTH The EPBC Act survey guidelines recommend surveys for the Golden Sun Moth be conducted at any location containing habitat likely to support the species, which includes all areas which have, or once had, native grasslands (including derived grasslands) or grassy woodlands that occur within the historical range of the species including sites dominated by the exotic weed Chilean Needlegrass. Surveys guidelines include surveys:

— during the local flying season (generally late October-January) — of reference sites (sites of known occurrence) to guide survey timing — over at least four suitable days: — warm to hot day (above 20°C by 10 am) — clear or mostly cloudless sky — still or relatively still wind conditions — at least two days since rain. Targeted surveys for Golden Sun Moth were undertaken in areas of open grassland within the Project study area. Transects were walked throughout this area between 10 and 50 metres apart in suitable weather conditions during the flying season of the moth. Survey dates and conditions are summarised in Table 2.10. A reference site is a site known to support the species. The reference site is surveyed to confirm that the conditions on the day of survey are suitable for the detecting the species if it is present at a site. All surveys were undertaken in conditions when Golden Sun Moths were recorded flying at reference sites and as such the species is likely to have been detectable within the Project study area if present. Once the species was detected within the Project study area, the site of their original detection was then used as the reference site for all subsequent surveys.

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Table 2.10 Golden Sun Moth surveys

DATE CONDITIONS SURVEY FLYING AT EFFORT REFERENCE SITES

9/11/2018 20–22 degrees, 20% cloud cover, light to moderate breeze 1 hours Yes

10/11/2018 20–23 degrees, sunny, no cloud, calm 3 hours Yes

12/11/2018 29.5 degrees, light to moderate breeze 3 hours Yes

13/11/2018 25–28 degrees, sunny, 10% cloud cover, light to moderate breeze 5 hours Yes

20/11/2018 22–28 degrees, sunny, light to moderate breeze 3 person hours Yes

27/11/2018 21–24 degrees, sunny, light breeze 4 person hours Yes

2.4.2.3 OPPORTUNISTIC RECORDING OF FAUNA

Opportunistic sightings of animals were recorded including diurnal birds, mammals and reptiles. Evidence of animal activity, such as scats, diggings, scratch marks, nests/dreys, burrows etc., was also noted. This provided indirect information on animal presence and activity.

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Map: PS108057_GIS_F048_A8 Author: Roanne Pancho 0 30 60 Belconnen Trunk Sewer Alignment m Date: 6/15/2020 Approved by: ° 1:2,500 Figure 2.2 Data source: Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Coordinate system: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55 Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), (c) OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community Survey Effort Scale ratio correct when printed at A3 Page 1 of 3 © WSP Australia Pty Ltd ("WSP") Copyright in the drawings, information and data recorded ("the information") is the property of WSP. This document and the information are solely for the use of the authorised recipient and this document may not be used, copied or reproduced in whole or part for any purpose other than that which it was supplied by WSP. WSP makes no representation, undertakes no duty and accepts no responsibility to any third party who may use or rely upon this document or the information. NCSI Certified Quality System to ISO 9001. © APPROVED FOR AND ON BEHALF OF WSP Australia Pty Ltd.

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Map: PS108057_GIS_F048_A8 Author: Roanne Pancho 0 30 60 Belconnen Trunk Sewer Alignment m Date: 6/15/2020 Approved by: ° 1:2,500 Figure 2.2 Data source: Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Coordinate system: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55 Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), (c) OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community Survey Effort Scale ratio correct when printed at A3 Page 2 of 3 © WSP Australia Pty Ltd ("WSP") Copyright in the drawings, information and data recorded ("the information") is the property of WSP. This document and the information are solely for the use of the authorised recipient and this document may not be used, copied or reproduced in whole or part for any purpose other than that which it was supplied by WSP. WSP makes no representation, undertakes no duty and accepts no responsibility to any third party who may use or rely upon this document or the information. NCSI Certified Quality System to ISO 9001. © APPROVED FOR AND ON BEHALF OF WSP Australia Pty Ltd.

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Map: PS108057_GIS_F048_A8 Author: Roanne Pancho 0 30 60 Belconnen Trunk Sewer Alignment m Date: 6/15/2020 Approved by: ° 1:2,500 Figure 2.2 Data source: Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Coordinate system: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55 Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), (c) OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community Survey Effort Scale ratio correct when printed at A3 Page 3 of 3 © WSP Australia Pty Ltd ("WSP") Copyright in the drawings, information and data recorded ("the information") is the property of WSP. This document and the information are solely for the use of the authorised recipient and this document may not be used, copied or reproduced in whole or part for any purpose other than that which it was supplied by WSP. WSP makes no representation, undertakes no duty and accepts no responsibility to any third party who may use or rely upon this document or the information. NCSI Certified Quality System to ISO 9001. © APPROVED FOR AND ON BEHALF OF WSP Australia Pty Ltd.

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2.5 IMPACT ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY

Potential impacts to threatened ecological communities and threatened species and their habitat as a result of the Project are summarised in Section 5. An assessment of the potential for significant impact to threatened entities was considered with reference to Project avoidance, minimisation and mitigation (Section 6). A referral under the EPBC Act was lodged based on a worst-case scenario of complete clearing within the easement and a preliminary assessment of habitat for Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES). The referral decision dated 10 September 2018 concluded that the Project was ‘not a controlled action’. Since the preparation of the referral, additional surveys were undertaken including targeted surveys for Golden Sun Moth, Pink-tailed Worm-Lizard, Striped Legless Lizard, Ginninderra Peppercress, Hoary Sunray, and Small Purple-pea. Aside from the Golden Sun Moth, the remainder of the species were not recorded during targeted seasonal surveys in suitable conditions, and as such are considered unlikely to occur. The referral did not consider the impacts to the Superb Parrot or Grey-headed Flying-fox under the EPBC Act, which since undertaking further surveys, are considered to have a moderate likelihood of occurrence within the Project study area. For all EPBC Act listed species with a moderate or higher likelihood of occurrence, the significant impact assessments (using the relevant EPBC Act guidelines) have been revised based on the field survey results, habitat assessments and additional information regarding potential impacts and mitigation. These assessments are provided as Appendix F. Although a decision on the action under the EPBC Act has already been provided, the availability of new information warranted their update for consistency. In determining the significance of impact on species listed solely under the NC Act, the following were taken into consideration:

— kind, size, frequency, intensity, scope and length of time of the impact. — the sensitivity, resilience and rarity of the species.

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3 RESULTS

This section provides a summary of the results of the desktop assessment and field surveys, and the ecological characteristics of the Project study area.

3.1 VEGETATION COMMUNITIES

A total of 87 species of flora were recorded within the Project study area. Of these, 29 (45 percent) were native species. The quadrat and transect data are presented in Appendix A. The vegetation within the Project study area has been highly modified as a result of agricultural, residential, and recreational development and now occurs predominantly as exotic pastures with two isolated remnant patches of Natural Temperate Grassland. Although highly modified the Project study area still retains some areas of native vegetation communities. Vegetation communities, recorded within the Project study area are summarised below in Table 3.1 and mapped in Figure 3.1. Further detail on each of the communities is provided in Sections 3.1.1 to 3.1.6.

Table 3.1 Vegetation communities recorded within the Project study area

PLANT COMMUNITY VEGETATION CODE NC ACT EPBC ACT

Natural Temperate Grassland ID3 / ACT03: CE CE Tablelands Moist Planted native canopy with Natural Temperate Grassland Tussock Grassland understorey

Exotic grassland – – –

Planted native canopy with exotic understorey – – –

Exotic canopy – – – Notes: E= Endangered under the Nature Conservation Act 2014 (NC Act); CE= Critically Endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

3.1.1 TABLELANDS MOIST TUSSOCK GRASSLAND

Tablelands Moist Tussock Grassland (ID3 / ACT03) is known to occur in moist drainage areas on valley floors in natural grassland areas within and surrounding the suburb of Belconnen and is characterised by Themeda triandra, Rytidosperma spp., Poa sieberiana, Chrysocephalum apiculatum, Microlaena stipoides, Wahlenbergia sp., Asperula sp., Juncus sp. and Acaena ovina. This vegetation community aligns to the threatened ecological community, Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands listed as Critically Endangered under the NC Act and EPBC Act. This is discussed further in section 4.1. Within the Project Study Area vegetation where canopy was not present and greater than 50 percent of groundcover species were characteristic of Tablelands Moist Tussock Grassland. A total of seven patches of Tablelands Moist Tussock Grassland were recorded within the Project Study Area and occupied 0.66 hectares (~2 percent). Generally, species richness was low due to disturbances such as weed invasion, typically Eragrostis tenuifolia*, Avena fatua* and Nassella neesiana* (Chilean Needle Grass). Dominant native species generally included Themeda triandra, Bothriochloa macra, Microleana stipoides, Chrysocephalum apiculatum and Lomandra multiflora subsp. multiflora. This vegetation community is shown in Photo 3.1 and Photo 3.2, with the extent within the study area illustrated in Figure 3.1.

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Photo 3.1 Natural Temperate Grasslands dominated Photo 3.2 Natural Temperate Grasslands dominated by Themeda triandra by Themeda triandra

3.1.2 PLANTED NATIVE CANOPY WITH TABLELANDS MOIST TUSSOCK GRASSLAND UNDERSTOREY

Within the Project Study Area vegetation where canopy present and greater than 50 percent of groundcover species were characteristic of Tablelands Moist Tussock Grassland (ID3 / ACT03) was assigned to Planted Native Canopy with Natural Temperate Grassland understorey. Typically, native planted canopy species included Eucalyptus pauciflora, Eucalyptus scoparia and Eucalyptus polyanthemos. Three patches of this vegetation community were recorded within the Project Study area and occupied 0.52 hectares (~1.6 percent). The understorey of this vegetation community aligns to the threatened ecological community, Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands listed as Critically Endangered under the NC Act and the EPBC Act. This is discussed further in section 4.1. This vegetation community is shown in Photo 3.3 and Photo 3.4, with the extent within the study area illustrated in Figure 3.1.

Photo 3.3 Tablelands Moist Tussock Grassland Photo 3.4 Tablelands Moist Tussock Grassland recorded with planted Eucalyptus understorey with planted Eucalyptus scoparia canopy polyanthemos over storey

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3.1.3 EXOTIC GRASSLAND

Exotic grassland was assigned to vegetation where greater than 50 percent of the understorey was comprised of exotic groundcover species and was most common vegetation community recorded within the Project Study area, covering 17.97 hectares (~55 percent). Dominant exotic species included Festuca pratensis*, Phalaris aquatica*, Eragrostis tenuifolia*, Avena fatua* and Nassella neesiana*. This vegetation community does not align to a recognised ACT vegetation type or any corresponding threatened ecological community. Photo 3.5 and Photo 3.6 shows exotic grasslands recorded within the Project Study Area with the extent illustrated in Figure 3.1.

Photo 3.5 Exotic grassland dominated by Phalaris Photo 3.6 Exotic grassland dominated by Eragrostis aquatica* tenuifolia*

3.1.4 PLANTED NATIVE CANOPY WITH EXOTIC UNDERSTOREY

Planted Native Canopy with exotic understorey was assigned to vegetation where native planted canopy was present and greater than 50 percent of the understorey was comprised of exotic groundcover species and was most common vegetation community recorded within the Project Study Area, covering 10.20 hectares (~31.6 percent). This vegetation community does not align to a recognised ACT vegetation type or any corresponding threatened ecological community. Photo 3.7 and Photo 3.8 show this vegetation community within the Project Study Area with the extent within the study area illustrated in Figure 3.1.

Photo 3.7 Exotic grassland with planted native Photo 3.8 Eucalyptus scoparia planted amongst canopy recorded at Q4 exotic grassland

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3.1.5 PLANTED NATIVE / EXOTIC CANOPY

Planted Native/Exotic Canopy was assigned to vegetation where both native and exotic canopy species were recorded within the same patch and greater than 50 percent of the understorey was comprised of exotic groundcover species. Within the Project Study Area six discrete patches of this vegetation was recorded which collectively covered 2.22 hectares (~7.0 percent). Exotic species included Pinus radiata*, Populus alba* and Salix babylonica* with native species including Eucalyptus pseudoglobulus, Casuarina cunninghamiana and juvenile Eucalyptus sp. This vegetation community does not align to a recognised ACT vegetation type or any corresponding threatened ecological community. Photo 3.9 and Photo 3.10 show this vegetation type within the study area, with the extent illustrated in Figure 3.1.

Photo 3.9 Exotic canopy species (Populus alba*) Photo 3.10 Native canopy species (Casuarina with planted native Eucalyptus species in cunninghamiana and Banksia ericifolia) with the foreground exotic canopy species (Salix balylonica*)

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3.1.6 EXOTIC CANOPY

Exotic canopy was assigned to vegetation where exotic canopy species were recorded and greater than 50 percent of the understorey was comprised of exotic groundcover species. Within the Project Study Area 0.96 hectares (~3.0 percent) was recorded. Exotic canopy species included Acer negundo*, Populus alba*, Salix babylonica* and Ulmus parvifolia*. This vegetation community does not align to a recognised ACT vegetation type or any corresponding threatened ecological community. Photo 3.11 and Photo 3.12 show this vegetation type within the study area with the extent within the study area illustrated in Figure 3.1.

Photo 3.11 Salix babylonica* recorded as Exotic Photo 3.12 Pinus radiata* recorded as Exotic Canopy Canopy

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Map: PS108057_GIS_F049_A11 Author: Roanne Pancho 0 30 60 Belconnen Trunk Sewer Alignment m Date: 6/15/2020 Approved by: ° 1:2,500 Figure 3.1 Data source: Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Coordinate system: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55 Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), (c) OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community Vegetation Communities Scale ratio correct when printed at A3 Page 1 of 3 © WSP Australia Pty Ltd ("WSP") Copyright in the drawings, information and data recorded ("the information") is the property of WSP. This document and the information are solely for the use of the authorised recipient and this document may not be used, copied or reproduced in whole or part for any purpose other than that which it was supplied by WSP. WSP makes no representation, undertakes no duty and accepts no responsibility to any third party who may use or rely upon this document or the information. NCSI Certified Quality System to ISO 9001. © APPROVED FOR AND ON BEHALF OF WSP Australia Pty Ltd.

C:\Users\AURP502980\WSP O365\AU-WKG - Geospatial - AIS - Projects\PS108057_Belconnen_Trunk_S\5_Shared\GIS\54_Production\Maps\PS108057_GIS_F049_A11.mxd Icon Water www.wsp.com C COM O PANION CRESCENT N L E Y D RI

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Map: PS108057_GIS_F049_A11 Author: Roanne Pancho 0 30 60 Belconnen Trunk Sewer Alignment m Date: 6/15/2020 Approved by: ° 1:2,500 Figure 3.1 Data source: Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Coordinate system: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55 Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), (c) OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community Vegetation Communities Scale ratio correct when printed at A3 Page 2 of 3 © WSP Australia Pty Ltd ("WSP") Copyright in the drawings, information and data recorded ("the information") is the property of WSP. This document and the information are solely for the use of the authorised recipient and this document may not be used, copied or reproduced in whole or part for any purpose other than that which it was supplied by WSP. WSP makes no representation, undertakes no duty and accepts no responsibility to any third party who may use or rely upon this document or the information. NCSI Certified Quality System to ISO 9001. © APPROVED FOR AND ON BEHALF OF WSP Australia Pty Ltd.

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Tablelands Moist Tussock Grassland J Trenchless construction under O H ecologically sensitive area Exotic Grassland N C L Planted Native Canopy with Exotic E Project Impact Area L Understorey A N Project Study Area D Planted Native / Exotic Canopy C R E Habitat Assessment / Fauna Exotic Canopy S C !( E Large nest N T

Map: PS108057_GIS_F049_A11 Author: Roanne Pancho 0 30 60 Belconnen Trunk Sewer Alignment m Date: 6/15/2020 Approved by: ° 1:2,500 Figure 3.1 Data source: Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Coordinate system: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55 Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), (c) OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community Vegetation Communities Scale ratio correct when printed at A3 Page 3 of 3 © WSP Australia Pty Ltd ("WSP") Copyright in the drawings, information and data recorded ("the information") is the property of WSP. This document and the information are solely for the use of the authorised recipient and this document may not be used, copied or reproduced in whole or part for any purpose other than that which it was supplied by WSP. WSP makes no representation, undertakes no duty and accepts no responsibility to any third party who may use or rely upon this document or the information. NCSI Certified Quality System to ISO 9001. © APPROVED FOR AND ON BEHALF OF WSP Australia Pty Ltd.

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3.2 FAUNA SPECIES AND HABITATS

The suitability, size and configuration of fauna habitats correlated broadly with the structure, floristic and quality of vegetation communities (Table 3.2). Habitat features recorded in the Project study area generally included those associated with native grassland, exotic grassland, woodland and riparian habitat, and were generally in moderate to low condition. Such areas provided habitat for a range of birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. Most of the Project study area has been heavily modified and disturbed from historic and current land use practices.

Table 3.2 Fauna habitat with corresponding habitat description and area

FAUNA HABITAT CORRESPONDING VEGETATION COMMUNITY AREA (ha) DESCRIPTION

Native grassland Tablelands Moist Tussock Grassland 0.66 ha

Planted woodland Planted Native Canopy with Tablelands Moist Tussock Grassland 13.84 ha Understorey Planted Native canopy with Exotic Understorey Planted Native/Exotic Canopy

Riparian habitat Exotic Canopy 0.07 ha Planted Native/ Exotic Canopy (associated with Ginninderra Creek)

Exotic grassland Exotic Grassland 17.97 ha

Total 32.54 ha

3.2.1 NATIVE GRASSLAND

Within the Project study area, native grassland habitat was characterised by Themeda triandra, Rytidosperma spp., Poa sieberiana, Chrysocephalum apiculatum, Microlaena stipoides, Wahlenbergia sp., Asperula sp., Juncus sp. and Acaena ovina. Native grassland occurred as several relatively small patches of habitat encapsulated by large areas of exotic grassland, planted native canopy trees, and are subject to routine maintenance such as mowing. Two patches of native grassland however remained unmown; likely due to the presence of small rocky outcropping (Photo 3.13). The presence of such habitat complexity including unmown native tussock grasses together rocky outcropping provided potential habitat for small disturbance tolerant reptiles, invertebrates and granivorous birds. Native grassland provided habitat for the threatened Golden Sun Moth, with targeted surveys identifying this species presence (Figure 3.1).

3.2.2 EXOTIC GRASSLAND

Most of the Project study area was comprised of exotic grassland, which was dominated by introduced grass species such as Festuca pratensis*, Phalaris aquatica*, Eragrostis tenuifolia*, Avena fatua* and Nassella neesiana*. This habitat does not correspond to any native vegetation community and has been subject to substantial human disturbance, such as clearing for residential development and associated infrastructure and regular routine maintenance though mowing (Photo 3.14). Exotic grassland lacked important habitat features (such as tree hollows, leaf litter, woody debris, shrub layers) that may otherwise support a diverse fauna, and while scattered planted trees were present, understorey strata were highly managed and did not offer any cover for small animal species. Consequently, this habitat was suited to those native and introduced fauna species that have adapted to open environments and are tolerant of routine disturbance. Nevertheless, areas of exotic grassland with Nassella neesiana* provide habitat for the threatened Golden Sun Moth. Targeted surveys undertaken in these areas detected the species presence and gained an understanding of their range within the Project study area (Figure 3.1).

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Photo 3.13 An example of native grassland in the Photo 3.14 An example of exotic grassland in the Project study area Project study area

3.2.3 PLANTED WOODLAND

Planted woodlands occurred as scattered stands of trees that occurred throughout the Project study area and included both native and exotic plantings. Native planted canopy species included Eucalyptus pauciflora, Eucalyptus scoparia and Eucalyptus polyanthemos. Exotic canopy species included Acer negundo*, Populus alba*, Salix babylonica* and Ulmus parvifolia*. Stands of planted woodland occurred with a native grassland understorey strata (Tablelands Moist Tussock Grassland), whilst others were dominated by exotic grassland. Planted woodland habitat with native canopy species provided potential foraging resources for canopy nectarivorous fauna, such as birds and bats, during the various blossom cycles of those species planted. In addition, planted trees with moderate canopy condition provided potentially suitable breeding opportunities for canopy nesting birds that are tolerant of disturbance and edge effects, with a marginal number of nests observed therein. However, the planted woodland lacked important habitat features that might otherwise support a diverse fauna. For example, the planted native canopy trees were generally of a young age-class with critically limiting habitat features, such a tree hollows, not recorded during a detailed tree assessment of the Project study area. Moreover, the understorey strata were highly managed. Fallen woody debris was limited, not occurring within much of the Project study area, and there were limited cover opportunities (such as mosaic shrub layer) for small animal species. The condition of this habitat was considered moderate to low as the area has been heavily disturbed and modified from urban development.

Photo 3.15 An example of planted canopy species in Photo 3.16 An example of planted woodland the Project study area displaying grassy woodland structure

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3.2.4 RIPARIAN HABITAT

The riparian area has been heavily disturbed from residential development and associated runoff. The presence of shrub and tree layers along creek generally with a dense cover of exotic grasses provides foraging habitat for a range of insectivorous and granivorous bird species such as the Superb Fairy-wren, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Red-rumped Parrot, and Galah. Ginninderra Creek is located within the study area, which feeds into Lake Ginninderra, a known source of habitat for the Murray Cod. Although this Vulnerable species (NC Act) is not likely to occur within Ginninderra Creek, the Project may have indirect impacts potential habitat downstream.

Photo 3.17 Salix babylonica* (Weeping Willow) Photo 3.18 Scattered native tree plantings near a recorded in riparian area of Ginninderra tributary of Ginninderra Creek Creek

3.2.5 FAUNA SURVEY RESULTS

Across the targeted and incidental fauna surveys completed for this assessment, 39 fauna species were recorded within the Project study area (Table 3.3, Appendix A), including one threatened species, Golden Sun Moth. Three introduced species, Common Myna, Rabbit, and Fox were also recorded. The results of the two targeted fauna surveys are detailed in the following sections.

Table 3.3 Species of animal recorded

GROUP NATIVE THREATENED INTRODUCED TOTAL

Frogs 3 – – 3

Reptiles 5 – – 5

Birds 24 – 1 25

Mammals – – 2 2

Invertebrates 3 1 – 4

Total 35 1 3 39

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3.2.5.1 TARGETED PINK-TAILED WORM LIZARD AND STRIPED LEGLESS LIZARD SURVEY

Table 3.4 details survey results from artificial shelter site surveys for the Pink-tailed Worm Lizard and Striped Legless Lizard. No Pink-tailed Worm-lizard or Striped Legless Lizard were recorded. The Olive Legless Lizard is a woodland and derived grassland species which can co-occur with Striped Legless Lizard. This species was recorded reliably in high numbers during the survey. The presence of this species in the numbers observed, with no records of Striped Legless Lizard, is a good indication that the Striped Legless Lizard are not likely to occur.

Table 3.4 Artificial shelter site survey results

DATE SURVEY SPECIES COUNT LOCATION

14/09/2018 2 Sun skink 3

28/09/2018 2 Olive Legless Lizard 3 Sun skink 2

03/10/2018 2 Olive Legless Lizard 2 Sun skink 10

10/10/2018 2 Olive Legless Lizard 7 Sun skink 6

19/10/2018 2 Olive Legless Lizard 2 Eastern Earless Skink 1

02/11/2018 1 Olive Legless Lizard 1 Sun skink 1

02/11/2018 2 Olive Legless Lizard 3 Eastern Earless Skink 6 Sun skink 1

09/11/2018 1 Sun skink 2

09/11/2018 2 Olive Legless Lizard 1 Sun skink 2

3.2.5.2 GOLDEN SUN MOTH

Golden Sun Moth was detected in both exotic and native-dominated grassland areas. The results are provided in Table 3.5 and the records are shown on Figure 3.2. Habitat mapping for the species is discussed below.

Table 3.5 Golden Sun Moth survey results

DATE GOLDEN SUN MOTH RECORDS

9/11/2018 2

12/11/2018 17

13/11/2018 10

18/11/2018 6

19/11/2018 2

27/11/2018 49

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HABITAT MAPPING Mapping of Golden Sun Moth habitat in the Project study area was difficult for the following reasons:

— The species appears to be utilising native vegetation dominated by Rytidosperma spp (Wallaby grasses) as well as exotic vegetation with a proportion Nassella neesiana* (a noxious weed known to be a feed species for Golden Sun Moth).

— The proportion of Nassella neesiana* across much of the mapped exotic grassland has not been mapped, and accordingly a threshold for the required proportion of the species needed to support Golden Sun Moth cannot be determined.

— Some Rytidosperma spp. is likely to occur in low density outside of the mapped native grassland and may potentially be supporting the species in areas where exotic vegetation is otherwise dominant.

— Golden Sun Moth is a species which may not be detected during surveys in a location for a year or more, but which may suddenly be recorded during a good season. This is likely due in part to the ecology of the species, as the larvae live underground for multiple years (1–3), resulting in waves of emergence tied to a previous laying season. Habitat value can also change over time due to habitat management. As such, record data is useful, however one survey season cannot be solely relied upon to provide a comprehensive understanding of habitat value. Given the above, a conservative approach to mapping of habitat was undertaken. The records from the survey were buffered by 50 metres (100 metre diameter) which is a reasonable maximum movement distance for a male moth, and the treed areas were removed from the resulting polygons (as the species is not known to occur in shaded/heavily treed areas). The polygons were then split into core habitat patches and supplementary habitat patches. Core habitat patches is defined as Tablelands Moist Tussock Grassland patches which appeared to support the largest density of Golden Sun Moths. Supplementary habitat supports lower moth numbers and was mapped as exotic vegetation. The remaining areas of the study area are considered unlikely to be habitat for the species, however for the reasons stated above, absence cannot be conclusively determined. If the species is present outside of the mapped habitat, it is unlikely to be present in high numbers, and the habitat is unlikely to be of high value to the species. The resulting habitat mapping is provided on (Figure 3.2). In total, approximately 0.62 hectares of core Golden Sun Moth habitat and 1.32 hectares of supplementary habitat were mapped in the Project study area.

3.3 TREE ASSESSMENT

Within the study area 31 individual patches of trees were subject to the tree assessment detailed in section 2.4.1.5 and mapped in Figure 2.2. Data acquired from the tree assessment is presented in full in Appendix B. In summary:

— twenty-three tree species were recorded with a height range between five metres and 25 metres; however most occurred with a height range between six metres and 12 metres — two tree patches (patch 3 and patch 4) occurred with a canopy cover between 5 percent to 10 percent, whilst most other patches occurred between 15 percent to 35 percent — a diversity of tree stem size classes was recorded from less than 5 centimetres to greater than 80 centimetres Diameter Breast Height (DBH). Most stem sizes occurred between 10 centimetres and 49 centimetres DBH — all trees were in good health (i.e. no visible signs of disease or decay) — important habitat attributes, such as tree hollows and mistletoes, were not recorded.

Project No PS108057 WSP Belconnen Trunk Sewer Augmentation June 2020 Biodiversity Impact Assessment Page 33 Icon Water COMP ANION CRES CENT

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Map: PS108057_GIS_F053_A7 Author: Roanne Pancho 0 30 60 m Belconnen Trunk Sewer Alignment Date: 6/15/2020 Approved by: ° 1:3,000 Data source: Metromap 2019, Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Figure 3.2 Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), (c) OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community Coordinate system: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55 Scale ratio correct when printed at A3 Golden Sun Moth Habitat

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4 THREATENED BIODIVERSITY

4.1 THREATENED ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES

4.1.1 NATURAL TEMPERATE GRASSLAND OF THE SOUTH EASTERN HIGHLANDS

Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands is listed as Critically Endangered under the NC Act and the EPBC Act. Listing status of this community under the NC Act was upgraded from Endangered to Critically Endangered on 26 May 2020. Within the study area, discrete patches of Tablelands Moist Tussock Grasslands were recorded. This section compares Tablelands Moist Tussock Grassland and Planted Native Canopy with Tablelands Moist Tussock Grassland Understorey to the key diagnostic characteristics and condition thresholds (Table 4.1, Figure 4.1 and Figure 4.2) relevant to commonwealth legislation to determine if the vegetation recorded is commensurate with Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands.

Table 4.1 Key diagnostic characteristics of Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands

NATURAL TEMPERATE GRASSLAND OF THE SOUTH CONSISTENCY WITH DIAGNOSTIC EASTERN HIGHLANDS CHARACTERISTICS

Sites are generally confined to the South Eastern Highlands bioregion Yes, Project study area occurs in characteristic bioregion.

Sites typically occur at elevations between 350–1200 m above sea Yes, Project study area occurs at suitable level, but may occur as low as 250 m, due to influences of local altitude. microclimate

Native grasses usually are dominant and include one or more of the Native species include characteristic species following, depending on the association present: – The major dominant including Themeda triandra (Kangaroo Grass), or co-dominant grass species in NTG–SEH are: Themeda triandra syn. Austrostipa scabra (Slender speargrass), T. australis (Kangaroo grass), Poa sieberiana (Snowgrass), Poa Bothriochloa macra (Red Grass), Poa labillardierei (River Tussock Grass), Austrostipa bigeniculata (Kneed labillardierei (River Tussock Grass) and Speargrass), Austrostipa scabra (Slender speargrass), Bothriochloa Rytidosperma sp. and species uncommonly macra (Red Grass), various Rytidosperma species syn. recorded in the community such as Chloris Austrodanthonia species (Wallaby Grasses) and Lachnagrostis spp. truncata (Windmill Grass) and Anthosachne (Blowngrasses). - Other grasses that commonly occur, and might form scaber (Wheat Grass). a dominant area within a patch, include Aristida spp. (Wiregrasses), Austrostipa densiflora (Fox-tail Speargrass), Dichelachne spp. (Plume Grasses), indigenous Eragrostis spp. (Lovegrasses) and Poa meionectes (Fine-leaf Tussock-grass, Short Snowgrass). - Other grasses that are frequently present, though seldom dominant, include Anthosachne scaber syn. Elymus scaber (Common Wheatgrass), Panicum effusum (Hairy Panic), Chloris truncata (Windmill Grass), and Enneapogon nigricans (Nine-awned Grass)

Native sedges may be dominant or co-dominant in some associations, Not recorded. typically Carex appressa (Tussock Sedge) or C. bichenoviana (Plains Sedge).

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NATURAL TEMPERATE GRASSLAND OF THE SOUTH CONSISTENCY WITH DIAGNOSTIC EASTERN HIGHLANDS CHARACTERISTICS

Typically, a range of native forb species are present, or, in recently A limited range of native forbs were recorded disturbed sites, components of the indigenous native species (including including Chrysocephalum apiculatum both existing plants and reproductive propagules in the soil e.g. soil (Common Everlasting), Wahlenbergia seed banks) are present that are sufficient to re-establish the communis (Bluebell) and less commonly characteristic native groundcover. Typical forb species for each of the Asperula conferta (Common Woodruff) and defined associations are outlined in Armstrong et al. (2013). Species Goodenia pinnatifida. that are known to occur are also listed in Appendix A, Table A.1.

A tree, shrub or sub-shrub layer may be present, with up to 10% Naturally occurring tree or shrub layer was Projective foliage cover of each layer being present absent. In some patches, Eucalyptus species had been planted into native grasslands.

The area is not a derived or secondary grassland (i.e. a grassland No evidence of clearing was obvious such as derived from clearing of a woodland or forest community), as assessed stumps or dead timber or depressions. by the following criteria: There is no evidence of trees formerly occurring on the site in a density greater than that which would produce a 10% Projective foliage cover (e.g. there are no stumps, regularly spaced depressions in the ground that were once occupied by tree stumps and that may or may not retain pieces of dead timber, or significant amounts of fallen timber, and/or there are no trees of woodland or forest tree species in a woodland or forest formation adjacent to or near the site, on similar topographical positions and geological substrates); if these signs are evident, then the site is likely to be a derived or secondary grassland. As a derived grassland, it may be part of another threatened ecological community that is listed nationally (EPBC Act) or under ACT, NSW or Victorian legislation. - Natural grasslands in some regions are restricted to frost hollows or on heavy soils, where trees will not usually persist. Sites that are difficult to determine as natural or derived grassland should be considered to be part of NTG–SEH, if they otherwise meet the Description and Key Diagnostic Characteristics

CONCLUSION The Project study area is in the correct biogeography and topographic landscape with characteristic species recorded.

As Tablelands Moist Tussock Grassland is consistent with the key diagnostic characteristics outlined in Natural Temperate Grasslands in the Approved Conservation Advice (Threatened Species Scientific Committee, 2016), a condition threshold assessment was undertaken for each patch of potential Natural Temperate Grasslands. Condition threshold assessments (Figure 4.1 and Figure 4.2) were undertaken on nine patches following the patch definition outlined in the Approved Conservation Advice (Threatened Species Scientific Committee, 2016). Table 4.2 summaries the condition threshold assessment findings. In total, four patches and approximately 0.63 hectares (0.15 ha within the Project footprint) of Tablelands Moist Tussock Grassland were commensurate with the Natural Temperate Grassland of South Eastern Highlands threatened ecological community (Figure 4.3).

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Table 4.2 Patch condition threshold assessment

PATCH A B C D E F G H I NUMBER

Minimum Consistent Consistent Consistent Non- Non- Non- Non- Consistent Non- condition with EEC with EEC with EEC complying complying complying complying with EEC complying threshold outcome

Justification Patch Patch Patch Patch Patch Patch Patch Patch Patch >0.1 ha in >0.1 ha in >0.1 ha and <0.1 ha in <0.1 ha in <0.1 ha in <0.1 ha in >0.1 ha in <0.1 ha in size and size and has has a size size size size size and has size >50% a floristic floristic a floristic foliage value score value score value score cover of of >5 (Q6) of >5 (Q3) of >5 (Q5) Themeda triandra.

Figure 4.1 Flowchart to help identify which areas (patches) of the Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands ecological community meet the minimum condition thresholds A for national protection

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Figure 4.2 Flowchart to help identify which areas (patches) of the Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands ecological community meet the minimum condition thresholds B, for national protection

Project No PS108057 WSP Belconnen Trunk Sewer Augmentation June 2020 Biodiversity Impact Assessment Page 38 Icon Water Patch A

Patch A

Patch B Patch B ET GINNINDERRA DR RE IVE ST Y SK Patch B OT LH

Patch C

T N E TI IVE S C LLY RD DR C E Patch C A OMPANION CR

Small pipe bridge ! crossing Ginninderra K EE CR Creek tributary RA ER IND NN GI

Proposed odour control unit facility

ON CRES RR CEN HE T

Legend Waterway Management Indicative Project Alignment Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Open trench across road Eastern Highlands: Critically Endangered - NC Act / Critically Endangered - EPBC Act Project Impact Area Project Study Area

Map: PS108057_GIS_F050_A7 Author: Roanne Pancho 0 30 60 Belconnen Trunk Sewer Alignment m Date: 6/15/2020 Approved by: ° 1:2,500 Figure 4.3 Data source: Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Coordinate system: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55 Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), (c) OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community Threatened Ecological Communities Scale ratio correct when printed at A3 Page 1 of 3 © WSP Australia Pty Ltd ("WSP") Copyright in the drawings, information and data recorded ("the information") is the property of WSP. This document and the information are solely for the use of the authorised recipient and this document may not be used, copied or reproduced in whole or part for any purpose other than that which it was supplied by WSP. WSP makes no representation, undertakes no duty and accepts no responsibility to any third party who may use or rely upon this document or the information. NCSI Certified Quality System to ISO 9001. © APPROVED FOR AND ON BEHALF OF WSP Australia Pty Ltd.

C:\Users\AURP502980\WSP O365\AU-WKG - Geospatial - AIS - Projects\PS108057_Belconnen_Trunk_S\5_Shared\GIS\54_Production\Maps\PS108057_GIS_F050_A7.mxd Icon Water www.wsp.com C COM O PANION CRESCENT N L E Y D RI

VE !

Patch C

I N

S Patch C F O Prop R co osed D nt o rol u dou S r M nit fa ci I lity T

I V Patch H E Patch H

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Legend Waterway Management GINNINDERRA DRIVE Indicative Project Alignment Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Trenchless construction under road Eastern Highlands: Critically Endangered - NC Act / Critically Endangered - EPBC Act Trenchless construction under ecologically sensitive area Project Impact Area Project Study Area

Map: PS108057_GIS_F050_A7 Author: Roanne Pancho 0 30 60 Belconnen Trunk Sewer Alignment m Date: 6/15/2020 Approved by: ° 1:2,500 Figure 4.3 Data source: Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Coordinate system: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55 Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), (c) OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community Threatened Ecological Communities Scale ratio correct when printed at A3 Page 2 of 3 © WSP Australia Pty Ltd ("WSP") Copyright in the drawings, information and data recorded ("the information") is the property of WSP. This document and the information are solely for the use of the authorised recipient and this document may not be used, copied or reproduced in whole or part for any purpose other than that which it was supplied by WSP. WSP makes no representation, undertakes no duty and accepts no responsibility to any third party who may use or rely upon this document or the information. NCSI Certified Quality System to ISO 9001. © APPROVED FOR AND ON BEHALF OF WSP Australia Pty Ltd.

T I CO M NL S E Y D D R IVE R

N I

Patch H

ACT Healthy Waterways

Melba Site !

GINNINDERRA CREEK

New pipe bridge GINNINDERRA DRIVE crossing structure over Legend Ginninderra Creek Waterway Management J O Indicative Project Alignment Natural Temperate Grassland of the South H N Eastern Highlands: Critically Endangered - C Trenchless construction under road L E NC Act / Critically Endangered - EPBC Act L Trenchless construction under ecologically A N sensitive area D C R Project Impact Area E S C E Project Study Area N T

Map: PS108057_GIS_F050_A7 Author: Roanne Pancho 0 30 60 Belconnen Trunk Sewer Alignment m Date: 6/15/2020 Approved by: ° 1:2,500 Figure 4.3 Data source: Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Coordinate system: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55 Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), (c) OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community Threatened Ecological Communities Scale ratio correct when printed at A3 Page 3 of 3 © WSP Australia Pty Ltd ("WSP") Copyright in the drawings, information and data recorded ("the information") is the property of WSP. This document and the information are solely for the use of the authorised recipient and this document may not be used, copied or reproduced in whole or part for any purpose other than that which it was supplied by WSP. WSP makes no representation, undertakes no duty and accepts no responsibility to any third party who may use or rely upon this document or the information. NCSI Certified Quality System to ISO 9001. © APPROVED FOR AND ON BEHALF OF WSP Australia Pty Ltd.

C:\Users\AURP502980\WSP O365\AU-WKG - Geospatial - AIS - Projects\PS108057_Belconnen_Trunk_S\5_Shared\GIS\54_Production\Maps\PS108057_GIS_F050_A7.mxd Icon Water www.wsp.com

4.2 THREATENED SPECIES

4.2.1 THREATENED FLORA

Eighteen threatened flora species listed under the NC Act, and/or EPBC Act have been recorded or are predicted to occur within a 10 kilometre radius of the Project study area. No threatened flora species are known to have been recorded within the Project study area or were recorded during this survey. Preliminary assessment determined that three flora species had a low-moderate or moderate likelihood of occurrence. None of these species were detected during seasonal surveys and as such the likelihood of occurrence assessment has been updated and no threatened flora species identified in the desktop assessment are considered likely to occur within the Project study area (Appendix C).

4.2.2 THREATENED FAUNA

Thirty-seven threatened fauna species listed under the NC Act, EPBC Act and/or the ACT Fisheries Act 2000 have been recorded or are predicted to occur within a 10 kilometre radius of the Project study area. Of these species, one was recorded during field survey, Golden Sun Moth. In addition, another five species of threatened fauna species are considered to have a moderate or higher likelihood of occurrence in the Project study area, based on availability of potential habitat (Table 4.3, Appendix D). The remainder of species were considered to have a low likelihood of occurrence based on the availability of habitat. Appendix D provides full details of habitat requirements and likelihood of occurrence assessment for each species. Preliminary ecological assessments determined that two fauna species, Striped Legless Lizard and Pink-tailed Worm Lizard had a moderate likelihood of occurrence. These two species were not detected during targeted seasonal surveys during suitable conditions, and as much the Project study area is dominated by exotic groundcover species and regularly maintained (i.e. mown to short height), the likelihood of occurrence assessment has been updated and the Striped Legless Lizard and Pink-tailed Worm Lizard are not considered likely to occur in the Project study area.

Table 4.3 Threatened fauna with potential to occur within the Project study area

COMMON NAME NC ACT(1) EPBC ACT(2) LIKELIHOOD OF HABITAT PRESENT (SCIENTIFIC NAME) OCCURRENCE

Golden Sun Moth E CE Recorded in Project Refer to Section 3.2.5.2 (Synemon plana) study area

Grey-headed Flying-fox V V Moderate Potential foraging habitat in the (Pteropus poliocephalus) form of planted native canopy species

Little Eagle V – Moderate Potential foraging habitat (Hieraaetus morphnoides)

Scarlet Robin V – Moderate Potential seasonal foraging habitat (Petroica boodang) during winter altitudinal migration

Superb Parrot V V Moderate Potential foraging habitat (Polytelis swainsonii)

White-winged Triller V – Moderate-High Potential foraging and breeding (Lalage sueurii) habitat (3) V = Vulnerable, E = Endangered, under the NC Act. (4) V = Vulnerable, CE = Critically Endangered, under the EPBC Act.

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4.3 MIGRATORY SPECIES

Migratory species are protected under international agreements to which Australia are a signatory, including Japan- Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA), China- Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA), Republic of Korea-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (RoKAMBA) and the Bonn Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals. Migratory species are considered MNES and are protected under the EPBC Act. Based on EPBC Protected Matters area search and other desktop database searches, 13 migratory species have been recorded or have the potential to occur in the Project locality (Appendix D); although none were recorded during field surveys informing this report. While Migratory species of bird may use the Project study area and have records in the locality, the Project study area is not considered to be of sufficient extent or quality to be critical for these species. The Project study area would not be considered ‘important habitat’ for migratory birds as defined under the EPBC Act Policy Statement 1.1 Principal Significant Impact Guidelines (Department of the Environment 2013), in that the Project study area does not contain:

— habitat utilised by a migratory species occasionally or periodically within a region that supports an ecologically significant proportion of the population of the species — habitat utilised by a migratory species which is at the limit of the species range — habitat within an area where the species is declining. As such, it is considered unlikely that the Project would significantly affect migratory species and these species are not considered further.

4.4 ACT REGISTERED TREES

Trees of exceptional value are protected and identified under the ACT Tree Protection Act 2005 (TP Act) across leased and unleased urban land. The trees protected by the TP Act are provided for in the ACT Tree Register. No trees protected under the TP Act are located within the Project study area.

4.5 CRITICAL HABITAT

Critical habitat is listed under the NC Act and/or the EPBC Act. Critical habitat is the whole or any part or parts of an area or areas of land comprising habitat critical to the survival of an endangered species, population or ecological community. Critical habitats are areas of land that are crucial to the survival of particular threatened species, populations and ecological communities. To date, no critical habitat has been declared for species with potential habitat within the Project study area (Department of Environment and Energy 2017) or mapped within the Project study area. Habitat critical to the survival of a species may also include areas that are not listed on the Register of Critical Habitat if they are necessary:

— for activities such as foraging, breeding or dispersal — for the long-term maintenance of the species or ecological community (including the maintenance of species essential to the survival of the species or ecological community, such as pollinators) — to maintain genetic diversity and long term evolutionary development — for the reintroduction of populations or recovery of the species or ecological community. Due to the disturbed and degraded habitat within the study area and ongoing disturbance associated with urban environment, the Project study area is not considered to contain critical habitat.

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4.6 WETLANDS OF INTERNATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE

Wetlands of International Significance (RAMSAR wetlands) are listed as MNES under the EPBC Act. The EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool identified four RAMSAR Wetlands, including:

— Banrock station wetland complex, located approximately 700–800 kilometres downstream from the proposed — Hattah-kulkyne lakes, located approximately 500–600 kilometres downstream from the proposed — Riverland, located approximately 700–800 kilometre downstream from the proposed — The Coorong, and Lakes Alexandrina and albert wetland, located approximately 800–900 kilometres downstream from the proposed. Given the significant distance between the Project and the identified wetlands, it is not considered likely that the Project would have any direct or indirect impacts to these wetlands. ACTmapi has identified no ACT Important Wetlands within an approximate 10-kilometre radius of the Project study area. Given the nature of the Project and the construction and civil works associated with the Project, indirect impacts to these ACT Important Wetlands are considered unlikely. No wetlands of national significance have been mapped within the Project study area or were observed on site during field surveys.

4.7 HABITAT PATCHES AND CONNECTIVITY

Wildlife corridors can be defined as ‘retained and/or restored systems of (linear) habitat which, at a minimum enhances connectivity of wildlife populations and may help them overcome the main consequences of habitat fragmentation’ (Wilson and Lindenmayer 1995). Corridors can provide ecological functions at a variety of spatial and temporal scales, from daily foraging movements of individuals, to broad-scale genetic gradients across biogeographical regions. Vegetation and associated fauna habitat within the Project study area is in low to moderate condition. The vegetation exists as a highly fragmented mosaic of exotic and native grassland with scattered patches of trees (both native and exotic and many planted). This fragmented vegetation plays a role in maintaining local connectivity between the remaining patches of habitat. These linkages may be used by species that would not otherwise move across the open landscape matrix.

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5 POTENTIAL IMPACTS

The section contains a description of the potential impacts of the Project on biodiversity. The impacts are separated into direct, indirect and cumulative impact categories and include the following:

— Direct impacts:

— removal of native vegetation (including threatened ecological communities) — removal of threatened fauna species habitat — fauna injury or mortality.

— Indirect impacts:

— wildlife habitat fragmentation — edge effects; including weed invasion, noise, light and vibration — invasion and spread of pests — invasion and spread of pathogens and disease — erosion and sedimentation.

— Cumulative impacts on biodiversity (resulting from this Project and surrounding developments within the locality). Where applicable, impacts are also correlated with relevant key threatening processes.

5.1 DIRECT IMPACTS

5.1.1 REMOVAL OF NATIVE VEGETATION AND FAUNA HABITAT

Construction of the Project would require the clearing of vegetation and habitats as summarised in Table 5.1. Most of the Project study area occurs with planted native and exotic canopy species with a maintained understorey of exotic and/or native grasses. It is evident by the general paucity of understorey debris, the relatively young age cohort of some trees and the lack of canopy strata in some areas, that the Project study area has been subject to previous widespread disturbance. Consequently, the vegetation communities do not occur as old growth forms and important habitat features, such as tree hollows, woody debris, leaf litter and large patch size are typically lacking in the Project study area. Nevertheless, important habitat features were present for the Golden Sun Moth, which was recorded in the Project study area. The species appears to be utilising native grassland vegetation dominated by Rytidosperma spp as well as exotic vegetation with a proportion Nassella neesiana*, some of which would be removed as part of the construction of the Project. In addition, seasonal foraging resources in the form of planted native and exotic canopy species would be impacted by the Project. Several patches of vegetation in the study area were considered consistent with the Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands, which is listed as Endangered under the NC Act and Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act. This included patches of Tablelands Moist Tussock Grassland (ID3/ ACT03) and Planted Native Canopy with Tablelands Moist Tussock Grassland Understorey. Approximately 0.15 hectares of this threatened community is likely to be impacted by the Project (Figure 4.3). Although the removal of native vegetation and fauna habitat is likely to be permanent in certain locations (i.e. OCU, access and maintenance pits along the length of the Project), much of the Project alignment is likely to be temporarily impacted (including short-term ancillary construction areas). A revegetation plan is proposed to mitigate this impact and guide the reinstatement of habitat (refer to section 6 and section 8 of this report). The Project would involve the loss of up to 10.65 hectares of vegetation of which, only 0.46 hectares was considered consistent with remnant native vegetation (Table 5.1). Only 0.15 ha of this is consistent with the threatened Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands ecological community.

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Table 5.1 Vegetation communities recorded within the Project study area and Project impact area

PLANT COMMUNITY FAUNA HABITAT AMOUNT IN AMOUNT IN PROJECT STUDY PROJECT IMPACT AREA (ha) AREA (ha)

Remnant native vegetation communities

Tablelands Moist Tussock Grassland (ID3 / Native grassland 0.66 ha 0.19 ha ACT03)

Planted Native Canopy with Tablelands Planted woodland 0.52 ha 0.27 ha Moist Tussock Grassland Understorey

Miscellaneous ecosystems

Planted native canopy with exotic Planted woodland 10.20 ha 3.42 ha understorey

Planted Native / Exotic Canopy Planted woodland (riparian 2.22 ha 0.66 ha habitat where it occurs along Ginninderra Creek)

Exotic canopy with exotic understorey Planted woodland (riparian 0.96 ha 0.26 ha habitat where it occurs along Ginninderra Creek)

Exotic grassland Exotic grassland 17.97 ha 5.85 ha

Total 32.53 ha 10.65 ha

Key threatening processes associated with removal of vegetation and fauna habitat are shown in Table 5.2.

Table 5.2 Key threatening processes associated with the Project

KEY THREATENING LEGISLATION IMPACT OF THE PROJECT PROCESSES NC EPBC ACT ACT

Land clearance – X The Project would impact approximately 0.19 hectares of Tablelands Moist Tussock Grassland and 0.27 ha of Planted Native Canopy Trees with Tablelands Moist Tussock Grassland Understorey.

Loss of Mature Native Trees X – The Project would impact approximately 3.69 hectares of Planted Native Canopy Trees.

5.1.2 REMOVAL OF THREATENED SPECIES HABITAT

Table 5.3 details threatened species with the potential to be impacted by the Project. Of the six threatened fauna species, only the Golden Sun Moth was recorded in the Project study area. The Project EPBC referral did not consider Project impacts to the Superb Parrot and Grey-headed Flying-fox, which since undertaking additional field surveys are considered to have a moderate likelihood of occurrence within the Project study area based on presence of potential foraging habitat. An Assessment of Significance under the EPBC Act was prepared for these species, whilst that for Golden Sun Moth was updated based on targeted field survey results for a consistency assessment. Updated Assessments of Significance under the EPBC Act, with reference to the proposed Project mitigation measures (Section 6), concluded that the Project is not likely to have significant impact on MNES (Appendix F).

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Table 5.3 Potential impacts to threatened species habitat

COMMON NC EPBC HABITAT SIGNIFICANT IMPACT? NAME ACT(1) ACT(2) CLEARING (ha) (SCIENTIFIC NAME) Golden Sun Moth E CE Up to 0.01 ha of No. (Synemon plana) core habitat Given that the impact upon this species would be temporary, 0.47 ha of most of the highest value habitat is being avoided, and supplementary measures would be implemented to reinstate any temporarily habitat impacted habitat, the impact to the Golden Sun Moth is unlikely to be significant. Refer EPBC Assessments of Significance (Appendix F). Grey-headed V V 4.61 ha of planted No. Flying-fox woodland The study area did not contain any Grey-headed Flying -fox (Pteropus roost sites and potential foraging resources consisted of poliocephalus) planted native canopy species only. Whilst this species may potentially use such resources during blossom availability, the Project study area is not likely to be a significant foraging resource and would not sustain individuals in isolation of other foraging grounds. Refer EPBC Assessments of Significance (Appendix F). Little Eagle V – 10.65 ha, No. (Hieraaetus including exotic No breeding habitat, and no significant foraging habitat for morphnoides) grassland the species was recorded during field surveys. While the species may utilise the site intermittently, the temporary impacts of the Project are not considered likely to have a significant impact on the species. Scarlet Robin V – 4.61 ha of planted No (Petroica woodland Altitudinal migrant to Project locality during winter. No boodang) breeding habitat available and marginal disturbed foraging habitat in the form of planted native canopy species. Superb Parrot V V 4.54 ha of planted No (Polytelis native woodland Species was not recorded and the Project study area provides swainsonii) and Tablelands only potential marginal foraging habitat. Due to the Moist Tussock relatively small impact (4.54 ha of marginal foraging Grassland habitat) and the availability of habitat within the region the proposed action is not likely to significantly impact the Superb Parrot. Refer EPBC Assessments of Significance (Appendix F). White-winged V – 4.61 ha of planted No Triller woodland Potential habitat for this species was recorded within the (Lalage sueurii) Project study area. Given the availability of habitat for the species in the Project locality, and the lack of recordings of the species within the Project study area, the temporary impacts of the Project area considered unlikely to have a significant impact on the species.

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5.1.3 FAUNA INJURY OR MORTALITY

Fauna injury or mortality could occur during the Project’s construction phase when vegetation and habitats are being cleared. Fauna injury or mortality also has the potential to occur as a result of collisions during vehicle and plant or machinery movement along the Project alignment.

Table 5.4 Potential for injury and mortality of fauna resulting from the Project

ACTIVITY WITH NATIVE ANIMALS WITH NATURE AND MAGNITUDE OF THE IMPACT POTENTIAL TO CAUSE POTENTIAL TO BE OF THE PROJECT MORTALITY AFFECTED

Vegetation/habitat removal during construction

Removal of understorey, — Small woodland birds Threatened terrestrial fauna: The level of mortality groundcover, topsoil and (species which nest in and injury of both non-threatened and threatened rocks understorey vegetation and species is likely to be low with the implementation breed locally) of mitigation measures. The implementation of — Reptiles (snakes, legless mitigation measures include pre-clearing surveys and lizards, skinks) ‘spotter-catchers’ whilst vegetation clearance is — Frogs being undertaken. — Invertebrates (Golden Sun Short-term, temporary. Moth). Machinery/plant and vehicle movements during construction

Direct hit with movement of — Birds Occasional mortality of native animals, may occur equipment between locations — Reptiles during vehicle movements within the Project study within the Project area area. With the implementation of mitigation — Frogs measures, the level of construction-phase mortality — Mammals of fauna is likely to be negligible. — Invertebrates (Golden Sun Short-term, temporary. Moth).

5.2 INDIRECT IMPACTS

5.2.1 WILDLIFE HABITAT CONNECTIVITY AND FRAGMENTATION

Habitat fragmentation is the division of a single area of habitat into two or more smaller areas, with the occurrence of a new habitat type in the area between the fragments. This new dividing habitat type is often artificial and inhospitable to the species remaining within the fragments. Although the newly created habitat is generally used by some species, those species are usually generalists and are often considered aggressive (Grey, Clarke et al. 1998), further decreasing population levels of the species remaining in the fragments. Habitat fragmentation can result in a number of impacts including barrier effects to the movement of small and sedentary fauna, such as reptiles, amphibians and mammals. Habitat fragmentation can also create barriers to pollination (movement of pollinator vectors), such as restricting insect movements, thereby affecting the lifecycle of flora. Within the Project locality, Ginninderra Creek is effectively the last remaining corridor and connects Umbagong District Park in the west with Lake Ginninderra in the east. This corridor is effectively surrounded by urban residential development. The Project study area largely occurs in the northern extent of this corridor, crossing Ginninderra Creek in one location in the Project’s eastern extent. Furthermore, much of the Project study area was historically used for sheep grazing and consequently, the study area is dominated by exotic grassland communities and patches of planted native and exotic tree species. Notwithstanding this, several relatively small patches of Tablelands Moist Tussock Grassland were distributed along the Project alignment.

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Whilst vegetation in the study area is not likely to be used solely in isolation of other habitat for most mobile guilds of animal, the study area may be used as a stepping stone between habitat patches. Comparably, small sedentary fauna such as reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates, are likely to be impacted by fragmentation temporarily during construction of the Project where open trenching methodologies area proposed. A revegetation management plan proposed to ameliorate project impacts would guide reinstatement of appropriate vegetation/habitat.

Table 5.5 Potential impacts of the Project relating to habitat connectivity and fragmentation

IMPACT OF BIODIVERSITY NATURE AND MAGNITUDE OF THE IMPACT OF DURATION FRAGMENTATION WITH POTENTIAL THE PROJECT AND TO BE AFFECTED NATURE OF IMPACTS

Genetic isolation due Native plants The habitat of these plants is already fragmented and Temporary to fragmentation of isolated by existing roadways, cycle paths, play and habitat and barrier equipment, and areas of housing. While the Project would permanent, effects result in a slight temporary increase in the distance unknown between the habitat of populations and sub-populations of impacts these species, it is not likely to significantly alter the current extent of genetic mixing or to result in significantly increased genetic isolation. The impacts from clearing for the OCU, and access and maintenance pits would be permanent.

Birds Birds are unlikely to be genetically isolated by the Project Temporary, as they would be able to continue to fly over the OCU, and unknown construction areas during the construction of the trunk impacts sewer main.

Terrestrial mammals These groups are likely to continue to cross the surface Temporary, and reptiles above the trunk sewer main. In the absence of fencing or unknown other movement barriers, all these animal groups are likely impacts to cross the Project area once complete at ground level. During the construction phase these species may be at risk of mortality or becoming trapped in open excavations. However, low-moderate increases in genetic isolation of populations of these groups may occur as a result of the Project if rates of movement between habitat areas are reduced.

Indirect impacts of All species A wide variety of developments are underway or planned Temporary, fragmentation on in the locality, some of which would also have the unknown threatened predators potential to impact threatened biodiversity. These impacts developments would have an additive effect on processes that increase the likelihood of extinction of threatened biodiversity. However, no population of any of the species or local occurrence of any ecological communities known or likely to be present on the Project area is considered likely to be on the verge of meeting a critical threshold for habitat loss or degradation.

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5.2.2 EDGE EFFECTS

Edge effects are zones of changed environmental conditions (i.e. altered light levels, wind speed and/or temperature) occurring along the edges of habitat fragments. These new environmental conditions along the edges can promote the growth of different vegetation types and allow invasion by pest animals specialising in edge habitats and/or change the behaviour of resident animals. Edge zones can be subject to higher levels of predation by introduced mammalian predators and native avian predators. Edge effects have mainly been recorded adjacent to roads and at distances greater than 1,000 metres from the road surface (Forman et al 2000). However, Bali (2005), in a comparison of edge effects in a variety of different habitat types, estimated that average edge effects generally occur up to 50 metres away from the road edge. Habitat/vegetation fragmentation is likely to cause the following increased edge effects associated with the interface between the construction area and adjacent areas of habitat:

— altered soil moisture conditions — altered light conditions (shading, reduced-shading, artificial lighting) — noise and vibration (during construction) — weed invasion (associated with soil disturbance). The effects of fragmentation can reduce the suitability of habitat adjacent to the Project impact area, however, most vegetation/habitats are already subject to substantial edge effects. Therefore, edge effects created by the Project are not likely to be significant.

Table 5.6 Potential impacts of the Project due to edge effects

EDGE BIODIVERSITY NATURE AND MAGNITUDE OF THE IMPACT OF THE DURATION EFFECTS WITH PROJECT AND POTENTIAL TO NATURE OF BE AFFECTED IMPACTS

Soil moisture Native plants A change in soil moisture can result in changes in vegetation Permanent, changes structure and composition. It can result in the loss of particular localised plant species and the proliferation of others, and in extreme cases, complete transformation of vegetation communities (e.g. from woodland to wetland or vice versa). This can, in turn, affect the suitability of vegetation as habitat for animals, including threatened species. There may be small scale changes in soil moisture conditions associated with increased hard surfaces at the OCU site and altered drainage. However, such changes are likely to occur over only very small areas adjacent to drainage channels and are unlikely to significantly affect biodiversity values.

Noise and All animal Substantial variation has been shown in scientific studies in the Short term vibration species responses of wildlife to human-generated noise and vibration, (construction), ranging from serious to non-existent in different species and reversible situations. The risk of hearing damage in wildlife is probably greater from exposure to very loud noises at close proximity than from long-term exposure to lower noise levels. The presence or otherwise of direct physiological effects of noise on wildlife is poorly known (Larkin 1996).

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EDGE BIODIVERSITY NATURE AND MAGNITUDE OF THE IMPACT OF THE DURATION EFFECTS WITH PROJECT AND POTENTIAL TO NATURE OF BE AFFECTED IMPACTS The main impacts on wildlife associated with noise are behavioural. Vehicle noise has been shown, particularly in some species of birds and frogs, to interfere with communication essential for reproduction; however pedestrian activity may cause stronger behavioural reactions than people in vehicles. Noise may affect behaviour by causing animals to retreat from favourable habitat near noise sources, reducing time spent feeding and resulting in energy depletion and lower likelihood of survival and reproduction (Larkin 1996). Serious effects such as decreased reproductive success have been documented in some studies and documented to be lacking in other studies on other species (Larkin 1996). Decreased responsiveness of wildlife after repeated noises is frequently observed and usually attributed to habituation (Larkin 1996). While the construction phases of the Project may cause temporary disturbance to animals, the impacts from noise emissions are likely to be localised close to the Project impact area (up to 100 metres) and are not likely to have a significant, long-term, impact on wildlife populations. It is likely that most animal species within the Project study area and surrounds are already well habituated to periodic noise disturbance from human activity.

Weed invasion Native plants The weed density in the existing native vegetation that would Short to Threatened be retained varies from very low to high. The most problematic medium term, ecological weeds being various species of exotic perennial grasses. At reversible communities present, urban development appears to be one of the main causes of weed invasion, in conjunction with human activities in the area. The Project has the potential to further disperse weeds into adjacent areas of native vegetation. The greatest potential for weed dispersal and establishment associated with the Project would include earthworks, movement of soil and attachment of seed (and other propagules) to vehicles and machinery where these are utilised within or adjacent to retained vegetation. Due to most of the construction occurring within exotic grasslands, and the implementation of proposed mitigation measures, it is unlikely that dispersal of weeds into unaffected areas would occur and be of significant detriment to native vegetation.

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5.2.3 INVASION AND SPREAD OF PESTS

From a biodiversity conservation perspective, pest animals include all species that have a negative impact on the functioning of natural ecosystems and/or the conservation of threatened biodiversity. Pests therefore include both exotic and native species. Exotic pests recorded in the Project study area include the Fox, Rabbit and Common Myna. These species have the potential to affect uncommon or threatened indigenous biodiversity through predation (e.g. Fox), grazing (e.g. Rabbit) and competition for breeding habitat (e.g. Common Myna). The habitat that would be removed for the Project is already affected by pest species. Removal of this habitat would result in a reduction in habitat available to these species. Many highly invasive and destructive pest species which are found overseas or interstate have not yet become established or presently have restricted distributions in ACT. Several such species are the subject of Key Threatening Process listings (e.g. Red Imported Fire Ant, Large Earth Bumblebee, Cane Toad). The primary risk associated with these species is the importation of goods or materials from interstate or overseas locations where populations of these species are well established. However, the Project is considered to have a low potential of spreading such exotic species in the Project study area.

5.2.4 INVASION AND SPREAD OF PATHOGENS AND DISEASE

Plant and animal pathogens can affect threatened biodiversity through direct mortality and modification to vegetation structure and composition. The following pathogens are considered to have the potential to affect the biodiversity of the Project study area and are the subject of Key Threatening Process listings:

— Amphibian Chytrid Fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) — Phytophthora Root Rot Fungus (Phytophthora cinnamomi). The main way in which plant pathogens may be spread is through the movement of infected plant material and/or soil. The construction and operation of the Project may increase the risk of disturbing and spreading these pathogens. With the implementation of hygiene procedures for the use of vehicles and the importation of materials to the Project impact area, the risk of introducing these pathogens would, however, be low. Preferential use of plant materials sourced on-site (e.g. mulch, seeds) used for vegetation restoration would also help to minimise this risk. Amphibian Chytrid Fungus can be spread through the movement of infected animals or water (including mud or moist soil) from infected areas. With the implementation of hygiene procedures for the use of vehicles and the importation of materials to the Project impact area, the risk of introducing this pathogen to uninfected areas is low.

5.3 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS

The incremental effect of multiple sources of impact (past, present and future) are referred to as cumulative impacts (Council on Environmental Quality 1978, Contant and Wiggins 1991). Cumulative impact assessment considers a Project within the context of other past, present and likely future sources of impact. This is necessary to identify any impacts associated with the Project that may have an additive effect or interaction with impacts from other activities within the locality to the extent that the overall (cumulative) impact becomes significant when it would not otherwise have been significant. The potential cumulative biodiversity impacts as a consequence of the construction and operation of the Project are discussed here within the context of the existing environment, present and likely future impacts. Agricultural, residential and infrastructure development in the locality in historic and recent times has led to extensive vegetation clearing in the locality and at the catchment scale. Remaining native vegetation communities/habitat have also been affected by a variety of disturbance mechanisms, including clearing of undergrowth, grazing by domestic animals, altered fire regimes, feral animals and weed invasion. This habitat loss and disturbance has resulted in the local extinction

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of a number of species which are less tolerant of habitat loss and disturbance (e.g. woodland birds and small mammals) and an increased risk of extinction to a number of vegetation communities. Isolated remnant populations of disturbance-sensitive threatened species in such a landscape may be susceptible to local extinction due to seemingly small reductions in habitat area or quality, if the habitat is near the lower limit in size or quality necessary to support a viable population and a critical threshold is reached. In assessing the cumulative impact of a Project, it is important to consider whether the additive effects of multiple Projects may cause such a critical threshold to be reached for any threatened biodiversity affected. The most significant recent development within the Project locality is the Ginninderry urban development at West Belconnen (Holt and Macgregor). A variety of other smaller scale developments are underway or planned in the locality, some of which would undoubtedly also impact threatened biodiversity. These developments, when considered in respect of previous disturbance and the currently proposed impacts associated with the Project, would have an additive effect on processes that increase the likelihood of extinction of threatened biodiversity.

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6 MITIGATION MEASURES

The general principle to minimise impacts to biodiversity, should in order of consideration, endeavour to:

— avoid impacts on habitat, through the planning process — minimise impacts on habitat, through the planning process — mitigate impacts on habitat, though the use of a range of mitigation measures. The avoidance of impacts and minimisation of impacts, where feasible was undertaken through the planning and design process. This included:

— avoidance of impacts to an ecological sensitive area to the east of Kingsford Smith Drive, which retained one the higher quality patches of Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands and the area that appeared to support the largest density of Golden Sun Moths and mapped core habitat — reducing the Project impact area extent in areas consistent with Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands — minimising impacts to patches of native trees and areas dominated by native groundcover vegetation through route alignment and exclusion of construction compounds. As part of the overall Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) for the Project, the following detailed mitigation measures would be incorporated to address potential biodiversity impacts:

— Opportunities would be considered to refine the Project design (including construction methods) to minimise the Project impact area in areas of native vegetation and important fauna habitat (particularly Golden Sun Moth), as far as reasonably practicable.

— Workers would be inducted on environmental sensitivities, legislative requirements and penalties prior to commencement of site work.

— Clear site maps would be provided identifying areas of ecological significance within the CEMP and protecting these areas using construction fencing (high visibility fencing or similar) and signage.

— The limits of clearing would be clearly demarcated (using continuous high visibility flagging or similar) prior to construction to avoid unnecessary vegetation and habitat removal.

— Fencing of ecologically sensitive areas with 1.8 m high temporary fencing along the Project alignment to be installed to avoid unintended impacts to these areas.

— An experienced fauna ecologist would be required to undertake pre-clearing surveys of trees for arboreal mammals/ nests prior to removal (no hollow-bearing trees identified), and understorey debris (where available) for small terrestrial fauna. The fauna ecologist should be present during tree removal.

— Construction fencing (with shade cloth/reptile proof fencing or similar) would be installed to reduce terrestrial fauna access to open trenches in Project impact area

— Open trenches would be backfilled as soon as possible following completion of works. If open trenches remain overnight, they would be fully fenced with any open sewer physically barricaded. Furthermore, open excavations/ trenches would be thoroughly checked each morning (prior to construction commencing) for any fauna that may have fallen into the trench. A fauna handler or ecologist would be used to remove and relocate any trapped animals appropriately (as required).

— A rehabilitation and replanting plan would be prepared and approved by EPSDD and Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate (TCCSD) which would include the following considerations and measures:

— Removing the top soil in areas of impact containing predominately native vegetation prior to construction. The top soil would be stored and respread over the same areas following construction.

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— Stockpiling rocks removed and reimplanting them in adjacent areas or back in the same area following construction. — Stockpiling timber from tree removal to be utilised as course woody debris in nearby reserves. Organisation regarding the appropriate location for the placement of timber should be organised with the Area Manager for the Murrumbidgee River Corridor. — Revegetation of the groundcover vegetation within the Project impact area would consist of locally native grasses and forbs to be decided in consultation with the Ginninderra Catchment Group and ACT Government Ecologists. A list of the species used in the proposed seed mix will be provided to the Conservator of Flora and Fauna to confirm their suitability. — A tree planting plan detailing the locations and species of trees to be replanted. In developing this plan key stakeholders would be consulted including, Icon Water, TCCS, the Conservator of Flora and Fauna, and the Ginninderra Catchment Group to determine the species used, numbers and locations of replanting. Tree species used for plantings are to be locally native to the region. Re-planting locations outside of the Project impact area would also be considered if sufficient suitable planting locations are not available within the Project impact area. — Potential for transplanting of native grasses and herbs from good condition areas to be discussed with the Ginninderra Catchment Group, and may be implemented if proof of success can be obtained for other sites within the region. — Any screening vegetation planted for the OCU site would consist of locally endemic species. — Maintenance of revegetation would occur for a minimum of two years and until vegetation is established. — Revegetating areas of potential and previous Golden Sun Moth habitat with known native feed species (i.e. Rytidosperma spp.). — Commitment of weed control for a minimum two years following the establishment of groundcover vegetation within the Project impact area. Weed control should focus in patches of native vegetation and surrounding areas. — Consultation with the Ginninderra Catchment Group regarding ongoing care and support for the management of the grasslands and in particular the impact area across Natural Temperate Grassland.

— The following would be undertaken to prevent the spread of invasive species and pathogens, including into areas of potential habitat for threatened species:

— undertake control of African Lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula) in patches of native vegetation and surrounding areas prior to construction works to minimise potential spread of this weed into areas of native vegetation following soil disturbance associated with construction works — monitor areas of potential new outbreaks for weed control including soil stockpiles, roadsides and any other disturbed areas and undertaking weed control when outbreaks are identified in and adjacent to the Project study area to ensure the requirements of the Pest Plants and Animals Act 2005 are met — undertake vehicle check procedures, including wash/brush down if required, to reduce the spread of weeds via vehicles and machinery — cleaning of footwear and minimising soil movement between locations — certify any imported fill at the source location as pathogen and weed free — monitoring programs for noxious and problematic weeds and pests on site and in and adjacent to the project area to ensure the requirement of Noxious Weeds Act 1993 are met — controlling noxious and problematic weeds should they be found (Chilean Needle Grass is a noxious weed but also a Golden Sun Moth feed species) — working from clean area towards weedy area to reduce the spread of weeds into areas that are currently weed free (as appropriate) — commitment of weed control to be extended to a two-year period following the establishment of groundcover vegetation from revegetation works within the Project impact area. Weed control should focus on areas of native vegetation and immediate surroundings.

— Erosion and sediment controls would be implemented, including stockpiling spoil in a manner to avoid the possibility of sediments entering waterways or migrating off-site.

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— Monitor clearing areas to ensure impacts are no greater than approved.

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7 RESIDUAL RISK ASSESSMENT

The original risk rating without any mitigation are described below, along with the residual risk assessment, which includes the consideration of management, mitigation and monitoring strategies applied to each risk identified. The residual risk rating describes the final risk with the mitigation measures in place (Table 7.2). The risk rating level is determined by cross-referencing the likelihood of it occurring and the consequence of the action. A risk rating is determined from Table 7.1 below.

Table 7.1 Qualitative risk assessment matrix – risk rating

LIKELIHOOD CONSEQUENCE

POSITIVE MINIMAL MINOR MODERATE MAJOR CATASTROPHIC

REMOTE Beneficial Negligible Negligible Very Low Low Medium

UNLIKELY Beneficial Negligible Very Low Low Medium High

POSSIBLE Beneficial Very Low Low Medium High Very High

LIKELY Beneficial Low Medium High Very High Significant

ALMOST Beneficial Medium High Very High Significant Significant CERTAIN

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Table 7.2 Residual risk assessment

IMPACT ORIGINAL ACTIONS CONDUCTED/MITIGATIONS PROPOSED RESIDUAL RESIDUAL RESIDUAL RISK RISK RATING LIKELIHOOD CONSEQUENCE RATING

Vegetation clearing

Vegetation clearing Very high — Project design has minimised clearing of native vegetation Almost certain Minimal Medium — Project impact area refined considering ecological constraints — ecological sensitive area (area of substantial biodiversity constraints) excised from Project impact area. — The temporary nature of most Project related impacts enable important mitigation measures such as the preparation of a rehabilitation management plan to guide the reinstatement of habitat in key areas of the Project alignment.

Impact on threatened native High — Project design has minimised clearing of native vegetation. This Likely Minor – within Medium vegetation communities, has included avoidance of the largest area of Natural Temperate previously disturb including: Grasslands of the South Eastern Highlands within the study area. areas Natural Temperate Grasslands — The temporary nature of most Project related impacts enable of the South Eastern Highlands important mitigation measures such as the preparation of a rehabilitation management plan to guide the reinstatement of habitat in key areas of the Project alignment. — Additional mitigation measures, such as high visibility fencing will clearly delineate the Project construction area and minimise potential for over clearing.

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IMPACT ORIGINAL ACTIONS CONDUCTED/MITIGATIONS PROPOSED RESIDUAL RESIDUAL RESIDUAL RISK RISK RATING LIKELIHOOD CONSEQUENCE RATING

Threatened species and habitat clearing

Impact on threatened flora Medium — Targeted surveys undertaken and no threatened flora species Unlikely Minor – within Very low species identified within study area. previously — Project design has minimised impacts to areas of potential habitat. disturbed areas

Impact on threatened fauna Very high — Targeted searches for Golden Sun Moth undertaken with areas of Likely Minor Medium species core habitat and supplementary habitat identified — Project impact area refined considering ecological constraints — ecological sensitive area (area of substantial biodiversity constraints, including area of high Golden Sun Moth density and mapped core habitat) excised from Project impact area. — Targeted surveys undertaken for Striped Legless Lizard and Pink- tailed Worm Lizard with the species not being identified within study area. — The temporary nature of most Project related impacts enable important mitigation measures such as the preparation of a rehabilitation management plan to guide the reinstatement of habitat in key areas of the Project alignment. — Additional mitigation measures, such as high visibility fencing will clearly delineate the Project construction area and minimise potential for over clearing.

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IMPACT ORIGINAL ACTIONS CONDUCTED/MITIGATIONS PROPOSED RESIDUAL RESIDUAL RESIDUAL RISK RISK RATING LIKELIHOOD CONSEQUENCE RATING

Habitat clearing Very high — Project design refined to minimise clearing of areas of high Likely Minor Medium conservation significance — ecological sensitive area (area of substantial biodiversity constraints) excised from Project impact area. — Additional mitigation measures, such as high visibility fencing will clearly delineate the Project construction area and minimise potential for over clearing. — Mitigation measures including pre-clearing surveys and presence of experienced fauna ecologist during vegetation removal.

Impacts to trees, connectivity High — Surveys were undertaken to assess significance of tree patches Possible Minor Low and associated habitat (see section 2.4.2 and 3.3) for fauna including identifying patches with nests (seven out of 30), identifying hollow bearing trees (none identified). — Design minimised clearing of trees as far as practical — Implementation mitigation measures in to a CEMP. Injury and mortality

Injury and mortality during Low — Significance assessment undertaken for EPBC Act threatened Unlikely Minor – within Very Low vegetation clearing species. previously disturb — Implementation of CEMP. areas — Experienced ecologist onsite for pre-clearing surveys and vegetation removal.

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IMPACT ORIGINAL ACTIONS CONDUCTED/MITIGATIONS PROPOSED RESIDUAL RESIDUAL RESIDUAL RISK RISK RATING LIKELIHOOD CONSEQUENCE RATING

Indirect impacts

Wildlife habitat connectivity Low — Project design has minimised clearing of habitat. Unlikely Minimal Negligible and fragmentation — Restoration following construction.

Edge effects Low — Surveys were undertaken to assess significance of tree patches Possible Minimal Very low (see section 2.4.2 and 3.3) for fauna including identifying patches with nests (seven out of 30), identifying hollow bearing trees (none identified). — Design minimised clearing of trees as far as practicable. — Implementation mitigation measures, including weed control and monitoring, in to a CEMP. — Implement erosion and sediment controls, including stockpiling spoil in a manner to avoid the possibility of sediments entering waterways or migrating off-site.

Invasion and spread of pests Very Low — No importation of goods or materials from overseas. Remote Moderate Very low

Invasion and spread of Medium — Monitoring and weed control included in CEMP. Unlikely Minor Very low pathogens and disease — Undertake vehicle check procedures, including wash/brush down if required, to reduce the spread of weeds via vehicles and machinery. — Cleaning of footwear and minimising soil movement between locations. — Certify any imported fill at the source location as pathogen and weed free.

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8 BIODIVERSITY OFFSETS

The aim of offsetting is founded in the theory of ‘avoid, minimise and mitigate’ the impacts of projects. The accepted approach to environmental assessment requires that, in the first instance, environmental impacts are avoided or minimised as far as possible and subsequently reduced to acceptable levels through appropriate mitigation techniques. Where measures to avoid and mitigate impacts are not feasible or cost effective, then offset strategies can be used to compensate the residual impacts of the development on biodiversity. In determining any offset requirements for the Project the following were reviewed:

— the ACT Environmental Offsets Policy (the Policy) (Environment and Planning Directorate 2015) — ACT Environmental Offset Policy Delivery Framework (Environment and Planning Directorate 2015) and the Environmental Offsets Calculator. These documents outline the ACT Government’s approach and delivery to the use of environmental offsets for MNES under the EPBC Act and for ACT protected matters. This policy requires offsets to be considered for significant residual adverse impacts against all matters of MNES. As the Project is not considered to have significant residual adverse impacts on any MNES, offsets for MNES are not be required. In addition to offsets for MNES, the ACT offsets policy also outlines offset requirements for ACT protected matters, namely ACT listed threatened species. The policy outlines that offsets for ACT threatened species are not required:

— if an ACT listed threatened species is also listed as threatened under the EPBC Act, because the offset requirements are considered to have been met through the EPBC Act requirements — where an ACT listed species is strongly associated with box–gum woodland (BGW) or natural temperate grassland (NTG) as these would not be subject to any additional offset requirements, because offset requirements under the EPBC Act for the ecological community would provide an offset for the species as well. Species with strong associations to an EPBC Act listed ecological community include: — Little Eagle (foraging requirements are covered by requirements for NTG and BGW) — for minor impacts where there is no appreciable long-term impact on the threatened species; and — for ACT listed ecological communities. While differing in description to EPBC Act ecological communities, the listed communities are essentially protecting similar habitat (Environment and Planning Directorate 2015). Offsets are generally only required if residual impacts are significant (Environment and Planning Directorate 2015). For this Project, no significant impact to threatened ecological communities or threatened species are considered likely. Although the Project would require the removal of vegetation and habitat clearing, refinement of the Project impact area resulted in excising a substantial ecological sensitive area to the west of Kingsford Smith Drive, which retained a relatively large patch of Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands and core habitat for the Golden Sun Moth. In total, the Project would impact approximately:

— 0.15 hectares of Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands — 0.01 hectares of core Golden Sun Moth habitat and 0.47 hectares of supplementary Golden Sun Moth habitat. Although the removal of native vegetation and fauna habitat is likely to be permanent in certain locations (i.e. OCU, and access and maintenance pits along the length of the Project), much of the Project alignment is likely to be temporarily impacted (including short-term ancillary construction areas). Additional mitigation measures, including the development of a rehabilitation plan in consultation with the Ginninderra Catchment Group, would minimise potential impacts and guide the remediation and revegetation of the Project impact area following construction of the trunk sewer main. Accordingly, biodiversity offsets are not considered necessary for the Project.

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9 CONCLUSIONS

This BIA was conducted to identify ecological values within the Project study area, minimise impacts through the design process and assess the impacts of the Project. Specifically, this BIA addresses the scoping document requirements relevant to biodiversity including assessment of impacts to threatened species, populations and ecological communities as a result of the Project. The Project study area consists of predominately open space parkland. The study area is generally used as general open space and informal parkland and contains a series of walking and cycling paths, as well as a small playground. The Project study area is surrounded by residential and associated developments. Accordingly, the Project study area has been highly modified, and now predominately consists of scattered patches of planted native and exotic canopy species with a maintained understorey of predominately exotic grasses. It is evident by the general paucity of understorey debris, the relatively young age cohort of some trees and the lack of canopy strata in some areas, that the Project study area has been subject to previous widespread disturbance. Consequently, the vegetation communities do not occur as old growth forms and important habitat features, such as tree hollows, woody debris, leaf litter and large patch size are typically lacking. Although highly modified, biodiversity values were recorded in the Project study area, including:

— small discrete patches of Tableland Moist Tussock Grassland and Planted Native Canopy with Tablelands Moist Tussock Grassland Understorey, some of which meet threshold requirements for Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands and Critically Endangered Ecological Community (EPBC Act and NC Act)

— habitat for the threatened Golden Sun Moth, which was recorded in the Project study area. This species is listed as Endangered under the NC Act and Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act. Based on habitat characteristics of the study area, a further five threatened species of animal are considered to have a moderate or higher likelihood of occurrence, including four birds and one mammal. Although the Project would require vegetation and habitat clearing, refinement of the Project impact area through early identification and preliminary design resulted in the excision of a substantial ecological sensitive area to the west of Kingsford Smith Drive. This area retained a relatively large patch of the threatened ecological community Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands, retained the area of Golden Sun Moth records and core habitat for the Golden Sun Moth. It is proposed that a trenchless construction of the trunk sewer main would be used in this location. The Project would require the removal of about 10.65 hectares of vegetation, of which 0.46 hectares was considered remnant native vegetation and 10.19 hectares is miscellaneous ecosystems (exotic grassland, native and exotic canopy plantings). Of the vegetation likely to be cleared, approximately 0.15 hectares is consistent with the threatened ecological community Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands. In addition, the Project is likely to impact approximately 0.01 hectares and 0.47 hectares of core and supplementary Golden Sun Moth habitat respectively. Whilst the removal of vegetation and fauna habitat is likely to be permanent in certain locations (i.e. OCU, and access and maintenance pits along the length of the Project), much of the Project alignment is likely to be temporarily impacted (including short-term ancillary construction areas). Additional mitigation measures, including a revegetation plan, would minimise potential impacts and guide the remediation and revegetation of the Project impact area following construction of the trunk sewer main. It is anticipated that locally sourced seed of native feed species (i.e. Rytidosperma spp.) for the Golden Sun Moth would be used to rehabilitate or enhance areas of existing Tablelands Moist Tussock Grasslands along the Project alignment.

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Assessments of Significance under the EPBC Act were completed for threatened ecological communities and species listed under the Act. The Project EPBC referral did not consider Project impacts to the Superb Parrot and Grey-headed Flying-fox, which since undertaking additional field surveys are considered to have a moderate likelihood of occurrence within the Project study area. An Assessment of Significance was prepared for these species, whilst that for Golden Sun Moth was updated for consistency based on targeted field surveys and habitat mapping. Assessments of Significance under the EPBC Act concluded that the Project is not likely to have a significant impact on threatened biodiversity with the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures. Impacts to NC Act listed species are also unlikely to be significant based on small area of habitat to be impacted, low likelihood of mortality, the temporary nature of Project related impacts and the mitigation measures such as rehabilitation management plan to guide the reinstatement of habitat. Overall, the Project is not considered likely to have a significant impact to threatened biodiversity. The avoidance of impacts and minimisation of impacts, where feasible, was undertaken through the planning process, preliminary design and consideration of alternatives construction methodologies. This included:

— avoidance of impacts to one of the main areas of Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands (ecological sensitive area) — reducing the Project impact area extent in areas consistent with Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands — avoidance of impacts to the area which appeared to support the largest density of Golden Sun Moths and mapped core habitat (ecological sensitive area) — minimising impacts to patches of native trees and areas dominated by native groundcover vegetation through route alignment and exclusion of construction compounds. Detailed mitigation measures would be incorporated into the Construction Environmental Management Plan to further minimise impacts to biodiversity. Offsets are generally only required if residual impacts are significant (Environment and Planning Directorate 2015). For this Project, no significant impacts to threatened species are considered likely. Although the Project includes vegetation and habitat clearing, clearing includes approximately 0.46 hectares of remnant native vegetation, the refinement of design and mitigation measure provided have minimised impacts and the residual impacts are medium for clearing (unavoidable) and decreased to low or negligible for other impacts. As such, offsets are not considered necessary for this Project.

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10 REFERENCES

— ACT Government - Environment and Planning (2015). "ACT environmental offsets policy." from https://www.environment.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/628758/ACT-Environmental-Offsets-Policy- ACCESS-PDF.PDF.

— ACT Government - Environment and Planning Directorate (2015). ACT environmental offsets calculator assessment methodology.

— ACT Government - Environment and Planning Directorate (2016). ACT environmental offsets calculator operational manual.

— ACT Government (2017). ACT Native Grassland Conservation Strategy and Action Plans (Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development, Canberra). Canberra.

— ACT Government (2018). "ACTmapi - Significant Species, Vegetation Communities & Registered Trees." from http://app.actmapi.act.gov.au/actmapi/index.html?viewer=ssvcrt.

— ACT Government (2018). "Threatened Species List (Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate, Canberra)." Retrieved 15 October, 2018, from https://www.environment.act.gov.au/cpr/conservation_and_ecological_communities/threatenedspecieslist.

— Commonwealth of Australia (2012). Environment Assessment Manual - Implementing Chapter 4, EPBC Act., Commonwealth of Australia.

— Conservation Research (2016). Survey Guidelines for Striped Legless Lizard, ACT Government.

— Contant, C. K. and L. L. Wiggins (1991). "Defining and analyzing cumulative environmental impacts." Environmental Impact Assessment Review 11: 297-309.

— Council on Environmental Quality (1978). CEQ - Regulations for Implementing National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) - Sec. 1508.7 Cumulative impact. Washington DC, Council on Environmental Quality (United States of America).

— Crawford, I. (2000). Umbagong District Park Blue Devil Grassland: an inventory of plant and animal species and suggested management activities Unpublished report to Umbagong Landcare Group, Australian Botanical Surveys.

— Cropper, S. C. (1993). Management of Endangered Plants. Melbourne, CSIRO Australia.

— Department of Environment and Climate Change (2007). Threatened species assessment guidelines. The assessment of significance. Hurstville, Department of Environment and Climate Change.

— Department of Environment and Conservation (2004). Threatened Biodiversity Survey and Assessment: Guidelines for Developments and Activities (Working Draft). Hurstville, Department of Environment and Conservation.

— Department of Environment and Energy (2017). "Register of Critical Habitat." from http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicregisterofcriticalhabitat.pl.

— Department of the Environment (2013). Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1 - Matters of National Environmental Significance Canberra, Department of the Environment.

— Department of the Environment and Energy (2017). "Species Profile and Threats Database (SPRAT)." from http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/sprat.pl.

— Department of the Environment and Energy (2018). "Key threatening processes under the EPBC Act." from environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/key-threatening-processes.

— Department of the Environment and Energy (2018). "Protected Matters Search Tool." Retrieved 17 September 2018, from http://www.deh.gov.au/erin/ert/epbc/index.html

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— Department of the Environment and Energy (n.d). Recovery plan for Ginninderra Peppercress (Lepidium ginninderrense) D. o. t. E. a. Energy.

— Environment and Planning Directorate (2015). ACT Environmental Offsets and Policy Delivery Framework. E. a. Planning. Canberra, ACT Government.

— Environment and Planning Directorate (2015). ACT Environmental Offsets Policy. E. a. Planning. Canberra, ACT Government.

— Grey, M. J., et al. (1998). "Influence of the Noisy Miner Manorina melanocephala on avian diversity on avian diversity and abundance in Grey Box woodland." Pacific Conservation Biology(4): 55-69.

— Larkin, R. P. (1996). "Effects of military noise on wildlife: a literature review." from http://nhsbig.inhs.uiuc.edu/bioacoustics/noise_and_wildlife.pdf.

— Maguire and Mulvaney (2011). Bog-Gum Woodland in the ACT. Canberra, prepared on behalf of Conservation Planning and Research Policy Division of the Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate.

— Rowell, A. (1992). "Latham District Park, ACT: Flora and fauna survey and recommendations for management and ecological enhancement."

— Rowell, A. (1993). Latham District Park, ACT: Flora and fauna survey summer 1992/1993 update.

— Sharp (1994). Lowland Native Grasslands in the ACT and surrounding region: A review and research strategy flora recovery plan, Department of the Environment, Land and Planning - ACT Parks and Conservation Service.

— Thackway, R. and I. D. Cresswell (1995). An Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation of Australia. Canberra, Australian Nature Conservation Agency.

— Wenger, L. (2018). Bird species found at Umbagong District Park, Ginninderra Catchment Group.

— Wilson, A. and D. B. Lindenmayer (1995). Wildlife Corridors and the Conservation of Biodiversity: A Review. Canberra, National Corridors of Green Program, Green Australia Ltd.

— WSP Australia (2018). Icon Water Belconnen Trunk Sewer and Odour Control Units – Preliminary ecological assessment.

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11 LIMITATIONS

This Report is provided by WSP Australia Pty Limited (WSP) for Icon (Client) in response to specific instructions from the Client and in accordance with WSP’s proposal dated 1 March 2018 and agreement with the Client dated 5 March 2018 (Agreement).

11.1 PERMITTED PURPOSE

This Report is provided by WSP for the purpose described in the Agreement and no responsibility is accepted by WSP for the use of the Report in whole or in part, for any other purpose (Permitted Purpose).

11.2 QUALIFICATIONS AND ASSUMPTIONS

The services undertaken by WSP in preparing this Report were limited to those specifically detailed in the Report and are subject to the scope, qualifications, assumptions and limitations set out in the Report or otherwise communicated to the Client. Except as otherwise stated in the Report and to the extent that statements, opinions, facts, conclusion and / or recommendations in the Report (Conclusions) are based in whole or in part on information provided by the Client and other parties identified in the report (Information), those Conclusions are based on assumptions by WSP of the reliability, adequacy, accuracy and completeness of the Information and have not been verified. WSP accepts no responsibility for the Information. WSP has prepared the Report without regard to any special interest of any person other than the Client when undertaking the services described in the Agreement or in preparing the Report.

11.3 USE AND RELIANCE

This Report should be read in its entirety and must not be copied, distributed or referred to in part only. The Report must not be reproduced without the written approval of WSP. WSP will not be responsible for interpretations or conclusions drawn by the reader. This Report (or sections of the Report) should not be used as part of a specification for a project or for incorporation into any other document without the prior agreement of WSP. WSP is not (and will not be) obliged to provide an update of this Report to include any event, circumstance, revised Information or any matter coming to WSP’s attention after the date of this Report. Data reported and Conclusions drawn are based solely on information made available to WSP at the time of preparing the Report. The passage of time; unexpected variations in ground conditions; manifestations of latent conditions; or the impact of future events (including (without limitation) changes in policy, legislation, guidelines, scientific knowledge; and changes in interpretation of policy by statutory authorities); may require further investigation or subsequent re-evaluation of the Conclusions. This Report can only be relied upon for the Permitted Purpose and may not be relied upon for any other purpose. The Report does not purport to recommend or induce a decision to make (or not make) any purchase, disposal, investment, divestment, financial commitment or otherwise. It is the responsibility of the Client to accept (if the Client so chooses) any Conclusions contained within the Report and implement them in an appropriate, suitable and timely manner. In the absence of express written consent of WSP, no responsibility is accepted by WSP for the use of the Report in whole or in part by any party other than the Client for any purpose whatsoever. Without the express written consent of WSP, any use which a third party makes of this Report or any reliance on (or decisions to be made) based on this Report is at the sole risk of those third parties without recourse to WSP. Third parties should make their own enquiries and obtain independent advice in relation to any matter dealt with or Conclusions expressed in the Report.

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11.4 DISCLAIMER

No warranty, undertaking or guarantee whether expressed or implied, is made with respect to the data reported or the Conclusions drawn. To the fullest extent permitted at law, WSP, its related bodies corporate and its officers, employees and agents assumes no responsibility and will not be liable to any third party for, or in relation to any losses, damages or expenses (including any indirect, consequential or punitive losses or damages or any amounts for loss of profit, loss of revenue, loss of opportunity to earn profit, loss of production, loss of contract, increased operational costs, loss of business opportunity, site depredation costs, business interruption or economic loss) of any kind whatsoever, suffered on incurred by a third party.

11.5 FIELD SURVEY LIMITATIONS

Detailed desktop assessment was undertaken prior to field surveys to identify the threatened biodiversity likely to occur in the locality and determine the field survey effort required for the scale of the project and its ecological context for a constraints assessment. However, the precise range of habitats utilised by some species is not well understood. Furthermore, the discovery of hither to unknown populations of threatened species, even well outside their known range, is always present. This applies particularly to cryptic species of plants and animals and plant species which can persist as soil seedbanks and easily go undetected despite intensive survey. No sampling technique can eliminate the possibility that a species is present within the study area. For example, some species of plant may be present in the soil seed bank and some fauna species use habitats on a sporadic or seasonal basis and may not be present within the study areas during surveys. The conclusions in this report are based upon data acquired for the study area and the known distribution and habitat preferences of species. The conclusions are, therefore, merely indicative of the likely biodiversity values of the study area, based on information available at the time of preparing the report, including the presence or otherwise of species. It should be recognised that, as more information becomes available, assessment of the likely presence of threatened species can change with time.

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SPECIES RECORDED

A1 FLORA RECORDED WITHIN THE PROJECT STUDY AREA

Table A.1 Recorded flora

SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Q6 RM

Acacia baileyana Cootamundra wattle 2 4 x

Acacia decurrens Green wattle x

Acacia mearnsii Black Wattle 1

Acacia parramattensis Parramatta Wattle 1 x

Acaena novae-zelandiae Bidgee-widgee 2 1 2

Acer negundo* Box-elder Maple x

Acetosella vulgaris* Sheep Sorrel 2

Aira elegantissima* Delicate Hairgrass 1

Anagallis arvensis* Scarlett Pimpernell 1

Anthosachne scabra Wheatgrass 1 2 2

Anthoxanthum odoratum* Sweet Vernal Grass 6 1 x

Asperula conferta Common Woodruff 1

Austrostipa bigeniculata Speargrass 3

Austrostipa scabra Speargrass 1 2 x

Avena fatua* Wild Oats 1 4 1 1 x

Bothriochloa macra Red Grass 2 2 2 x

Brassica rapa* Field Mustard x

Bromus catharticus* Prairie Grass x

Bromus diandrus* Great Brome 1 x

Bromus hordeaceus* Soft Brome 2

Bromus molliformis* Soft Brome 2 x

Callistemon viminalis Weeping Bottlebrush x

Carex inversa - 1

Casuarina cunninghamiana River Oak x

Chloris truncata Windmill Grass 1 2 2

Chondrilla juncea* Skeleton Weed 2 x

Chrysocephalum apiculatum Common Everlasting 2 2 x

Convolvulus erubescens Common Bindweed x

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SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Q6 RM

Cotoneaster glaucophyllus* Cotoneaster 1 2 1 x

Cynodon dactylon Couch 2 1

Dactylis glomerata* Cocksfoot 3 3

Desmodium varians Slender Tick-trefoil 1

Echium vulgare* Vipers Bugloss x

Einadia nutans Einadia 1 x

Eragrostis curvula* African Lovegrass 2 x

Eragrostis tenuifolia Elastic Grass 3 2 4 x

Eucalyptus albens White Box x

Eucalyptus blakeyi Blakeys Red Gum x

Eucalyptus mannifera Brittle Gum x

Eucalyptus nicholii Narrow-leaved Black Peppermint 5 x

Eucalyptus pauciflora Snow Gum 6

Eucalyptus perriniana Spinning Gum x

Eucalyptus polyanthemos Red Box 5 6 x

Eucalyptus pseudoglobulus Bastard Eurabbie x

Eucalyptus pulverulenta Silver-leaved Mountain Gum x

Eucalyptus rossii Inland Scribbly Gum 5 x

Eucalyptus scoparia Wallangarra White Gum 5

Eucalyptus sideroxylon Mugga Ironbark 4 x

Eucalyptus sp. Eucalyptus 3 4

Eucalyptus viminalis Ribbon Gum x

Festuca pratensis* Meadow Fescue 4 3 2 4 2 1 x

Galium aparine* Goosegrass 1 x

Geranium solanderi Native Geranium 1

Goodenia pinnatifida - 1

Grevillea sp. Grevillea 1 x

Hedera helix* English Ivy 2 x

Holcus lanatus* Yorkshire Fog 5

Hypericum perforatum* St Johns Wort 2 2 1 2 2 x

Hypochaeris radicata* Catsear 1 3 2 1 1 x

Lactuca serriola* Prickly Lettuce x

Ligustrum lucidum* Large-leaved Privot x

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SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Q6 RM

Lolium perenne* Ryegrass 2 3 x

Lomandra filiformis Wattle Mat-rush 1

Lomandra multiflora Many-flowered Mat-rush 1 1

Marrubium vulgare* Horehound 1

Microlaena stipoides Weeping Meadowgrass 1 x

Modiola caroliniana* Red-flowered Mallow 1 x

Nassella neesiana* Chilean Needlegrass 2 3 5 1 1 x

Oxalis corniculata* - 1 2

Oxalis perennans - 1 x

Panicum effusum Hairy Millet 1 1

Paronychia brasiliana Chilean Whitlow Wort 1

Paspalum dilatatum* - 2 3 2 x

Persicaria prostrata* Creeping Knotweed 1

Petrorhagia nanteuilii* 2

Phalaris aquatica* Phalaris 3 3 2 x

Pinus radiata* Radiata Pine x

Pistacia chinensis* Chinese Pistachio x

Plantago lanceolata* Lambs Tongue 1 2 1 3 1 x

Plantago varia - 1

Poa bulbosa* Bulbosus Poa 2

Poa labillardierei - 3 3

Poa sieberiana Snowgrass 2 x

Polygonum aviculare* Wireweed 1 2

Populus alba* White Poplar x

Rosa rubiginosa* Sweet Briar 1

Rubus fruiticosus aggregate* Blackberry x

Rumex crispus* Curled Dock x

Rytidosperma carphoides Wallaby Grass 2

Rytidosperma erianthum Wallaby Grass 2

Rytidosperma sp. Wallaby Grass 2

Salix babylonica* Weeping Willow x

Sonchus oleraceus* Common Sowthistle x

Stenophorum secutum* Buffalo Grass 2

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SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Q6 RM

Taraxacum officinale* Dandelion 1

Themeda triandra Kangaroo Grass 4 3 2 x

Tragopogon porrifolius* Oyster Plant 1

Trifolium arvense* Harsefoot Clover 1 1

Ulmus parviflora* Chinese Elm x

Vulpia myuros* Rat's Tail Fescue 1 3 x

Wahlenbergia communis Bluebell 2 2 2

*denotes exotic species.

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A2 FAUNA RECORDED WITHIN THE PROJECT STUDY AREA

Table A.2 Recorded fauna

SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME

Acanthiza chrysorrhoa Yellow-rumped Thornbill

Acridotheres tristis* Common Myna

Alisterus scapularis Australian King-Parrot

Anthochaera sp. Wattlebird

Cacatua galerita Sulphur-crested Cockatoo

Cacatua roseicapilla Galah

Chenonetta jubata Australian Wood Duck

Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush

Corcorax melanorhamphos White-winged Chough

Corvus coronoides Australian Raven

Cracticus tibicen Australian Magpie

Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird

Crinia signifera Common Eastern Froglet

Delma inornata Olive Legless Lizard

Eudynamys orientalis Eastern Koel

Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark

Hemiergis talbingoensis Eastern Earless Skink

Intellagama lesueurii Eastern Water Dragon

Lampropholis delicata Grass Skink

Lampropholis guichenoti Garden Skink

Latrodectus hasselti Redback Spider

Limnodynastes dumerilii Eastern Banjo Frog

Limnodynastes peronii Brown-striped Frog

Lycosidae sp. Wolf Spider

Malurus cyaneus Superb Fairy-wren

Manorina melanocephala Noisy Miner

Myiagra rubecula Leaden Flycatcher

Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon

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SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME

Oriolus sagittatus Olive-backed Oriole

Oryctolagus cuniculus* Rabbit

Platycercus elegans Crimson Rosella

Platycercus eximius Eastern Rosella

Rhipidura fuliginosa Grey Fantail

Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail

Scolopendra sp. Centipede

Strepera sp. Currawong

Synemon plana Golden Sun Moth

Vulpes vulpes* Fox

Zosterops lateralis Silvereye * denotes exotic species

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TREE ASSESSMENT RESULTS

Table B.1 Tree assessment results

PATCH DOMINANT SPECIES TREE TREE CANOPY TREE STEM SIZE CLASS2 ECOLOGICAL COMMENTS NUMBER1 HEALTH HEIGHT (m) COVER (%) VALUE <5 5-9 10-19 20-29 30-49 50-79 80+

1 E. viminalis, S. babylonica Good 9–12 25–30 2 x E 1x N-E Mature trees / Exotic Planted understorey

2 C. cunninghamiana, E. Good 8–16 30–35 E E E / N-E E / N-E E / N-E 4 x E 4 x E Mature trees / Exotic goniocalyx, E rossii, E. Planted understorey viminalis

3 C. cunninghamiana Good 5–7 5–10 N-E N-E Planted Exotic understorey

4 C. cunninghamiana Good 6–7 5–10 N-E N-E Planted Exotic understorey

5 C. cunninghamiana, E. rossii Good 20–25 9–15 N-E E / N-E E / N-E Planted / Nest Exotic understorey

6 C. cunninghamiana, E. Good 8–12 35–40 N-E N-E N-E 2 x E 1 x E Mature trees / Exotic mannifera, E. viminalis Planted understorey

7 E. mannifera Good 9–12 30–35 E E E E 2 x E Mature trees / Exotic Planted understorey

8 E. mannifera, E. viminalis Good 10–18 30–35 E E E E 2 x E Mature trees / Exotic Planted understorey

9 E. mannifera, E. Good 10–12 25–30 N-E N-E 2 x E 1 x E Mature trees / Exotic polyanthemos, E. rossii Planted understorey

10 E. cinerea, E. mannifera, E. Good 10–12 15–20 E E E E 1 x E Mature trees / Exotic rossii, E. sideroxyln Planted understorey

11 E. goniocalyx, E. mannifera, Good 6–14 15–20 E E E E 2 x E 1 x E Mature trees / Exotic E. rossii Planted understorey

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PATCH DOMINANT SPECIES TREE TREE CANOPY TREE STEM SIZE CLASS2 ECOLOGICAL COMMENTS NUMBER1 HEALTH HEIGHT (m) COVER (%) VALUE <5 5-9 10-19 20-29 30-49 50-79 80+

12 C. cunninghamiana, E. Good 8–10 10–15 E 2 x E Mature trees / Exotic mannifera, E. rossii Planted understorey

13 C. cunninghamiana, E. Good 12 20–25 E E 1 x N- Mature trees / Exotic mannifera E Planted understorey

14 E. mannifera Good 10–12 15–20 E Planted Exotic understorey

15 A. mernsii, E. mannifera, E. Good 7–12 10–15 N-E E Planted Exotic polyanthemos understorey

16 C. cunninghamiana, E. Good 12–16 30–40 E E E E 1 x E Mature trees / Natural mannifera, E. polyanthemos, Planted / Nest / Temperate E. pseudoglobulus, E. Natural Grassland viminalis regeneration Understorey

17 E. mannifera, E. Good 8–12 15–20 E E E E 5 x E Mature trees / Exotic polyanthemos, E. Planted / Natural understorey pseudoglobulus, E. rossii regeneration

18 E. albens, E. blakeyi, E. Good 7–13 35–40 E E E E Planted / Nest Exotic mannifera, E. polyanthemos understorey

19 C. cunninghamiana, E. Good 10–12 25–30 E E E E / N-E E / N-E Planted / Natural Exotic polyanthemos, E. regeneration understorey pseudoglobulus, E. rossii

20 E. mannifera, E. Good 5–11 20–30 E E E E Planted Exotic polyanthemos, E. rossii understorey

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PATCH DOMINANT SPECIES TREE TREE CANOPY TREE STEM SIZE CLASS2 ECOLOGICAL COMMENTS NUMBER1 HEALTH HEIGHT (m) COVER (%) VALUE <5 5-9 10-19 20-29 30-49 50-79 80+

21 E. albens, E. mannifera, E. Good 6–10 15–20 E E E E E 1 x E Mature trees / Exotic melliodora, E. polanthemos, Planted / Nest / understorey E. pauciflora, E. rubida Natural regeneration

22 C. cunninghamiana, E. Good 8–15 20–35 E E / N-E E / N-E E / N-E E / N-E 1 x E Mature trees / Natural albens, E. polyanthemos, E. Planted / Nest / Temperate pseudoglobulus, E. rossii, P. Natural Grassland radiata, P. alba regeneration Understorey

23 E. cladocalyx, E. mannifera, Good 8–10 30–35 E E E Planted Exotic E. melliodora, E. pauciflora, understorey E. polyanthemos, E. rubida, E. sideroxyln

24 E. melliodora, E. Good 7–11 20–25 E E E Planted Natural polyanthemos, E. sideroxyln Temperate Grassland Understorey

25 C. cunninghamiana, E. Good 8–10 25–30 E E / N-E E / N-E Planted / Nest Exotic melliodora, E polyanthemos, understorey E. sideroxyln

26 Acer sp., C. cunninghamiana, Good 6–12 15–20 N-E E E / N-E 3 x E Planted Exotic E. mannifera, E understorey polyanthemos, E. rubida, E. scorparia, E. sideroxyln

27 E. blakeyi, E. melliodora, E. Good 7–10 15–20 E E E Planted Exotic polyanthemos understorey

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PATCH DOMINANT SPECIES TREE TREE CANOPY TREE STEM SIZE CLASS2 ECOLOGICAL COMMENTS NUMBER1 HEALTH HEIGHT (m) COVER (%) VALUE <5 5-9 10-19 20-29 30-49 50-79 80+

28 C. cunninghamiana Good 9–11 20–25 N-E Planted Exotic understorey

29 E. nicholii, E. scorparia Good 6–8 20–25 E E E Planted Exotic understorey

30 E. goniocalyx, E. mannifera, Good 8–2 30–35 E E E E E 2 x E Mature trees / Exotic E. rossii Planted / Nest / understorey Natural regeneration

31 E. scorparia, E. rossii, E. Good 6–8 15–25 Planted Exotic polyanthemos understorey (1) Patch number as mapped in Figure 2.2 (2) E = Eucalyptus, N-E = Non-Eucalypt.

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LIKELIHOOD OF OCCURRENCE OF THREATENED FLORA

Likelihood of occurrence of threatened species of plant

SCIENTIFIC COMMON EPBC NC DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT DATA LIKELIHOOD OF NAME NAME LISTING1 LISTING2 SOURCE3 OCCURRENCE

Ammobium Yass Daisy V - Found from near Crookwell on the Southern Tablelands to near Wagga PMST Low craspedioides Wagga on the South Western Slopes. Most populations are in the Yass Project site is outside region. Found in moist or dry forest communities, Box-Gum Woodland and known distribution and secondary grassland derived from clearing of these communities. Grows in preferred habitat not association with a large range of eucalypts (Eucalyptus blakelyi, E. present. bridgesiana, E. dives, E. goniocalyx, E. macrorhyncha, E. mannifera, E. melliodora, E. polyanthemos, E. rubida). Apparently unaffected by light grazing, as populations persist in some grazed sites. (Office of Environment & Heritage 2015).

Amphibromus River Swamp V - There are many historic collections in the City of Greater Albury. It has been PMST Low fluitans Wallaby-grass recorded recently in lagoons beside the Murray River near Cooks Lagoon Preferred habitat not (Shire of Greater Hume), Mungabarina Reserve, East Albury, at Ettamogah, present within the Thurgoona (Charles Sturt University Campus), near Narranderra, and also project site. further west along the Murray River (near Mathoura) and in Victoria. There is a recent record of this species near Laggan in Upper Lachlan Shire. It is also found in Victoria and in Tasmania. Grows mostly in permanent swamps. The species needs wetlands which are at least moderately fertile and which have some bare ground, conditions which are produced by seasonally-fluctuating water levels. Habitats in south-western NSW include swamp margins in mud, dam and tank beds in hard clay and in semi-dry mud of lagoons with Potamogeton and Chamaeraphis species. Flowering time is from spring to autumn or November to March (Office of Environment & Heritage 2014).

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SCIENTIFIC COMMON EPBC NC DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT DATA LIKELIHOOD OF NAME NAME LISTING1 LISTING2 SOURCE3 OCCURRENCE

Bossiaea grayi Murrumbidgee V E This rare, wiry shrub generally grows to around 1.5m high. It has yellow and ACTmapi Low Bossiaea brown pea flowers from September to October then develops long seedpods ACT Threatened Preferred habitat not that drop off the plant in December. The Murrumbidgee Bossiaea typically Species List present within the grows in sandy soil amongst boulders on river banks and adjacent slopes project site. close to rivers (Environment and Planning Directorate - Environment 2015).

Caladenia Canberra CE E The Canberra Spider-orchid is currently known from two populations of ACT Threatened Low actensis Syn. Spider Orchid about 250 plants with an area of occupancy of about five hectares on the Species List Vegetation within the Arachnorchis lower western slopes of Mt Ainslie (about 30 plants) and Mt Majura (about actensis EPBC project site has been 220 plants), in the Canberra Nature Park. The species was also previously subject to ongoing recorded at a site that has now been developed as the suburb of Aranda, and disturbance, has low at a second site on Mt Ainslie in the suburb of Campbell. It no longer exists species diversity at either of these locations. The species lives amongst ground cover of particularly of non-grass grasses, small plants and low shrubs (Department of the Environment 2015) groundcover species and is unlikely to support this disturbance sensitive species.

Corunastylis Brindabella CE E The Brindabella Midge-orchid occurs in a single known population of 35 ACT Threatened Low ectopa Midge Orchid plants with an area of occupancy of approximately one hectare. The total Species List Known population is number of plants in 1999 was estimated at 70, and at last count (February restricted to the north- 2004, following bushfires and drought conditions) 35 plants were observed. west of Tinbinbilla. The Brindabella Midge Orchid grows on a steep slope with a northerly Preferred habitat does aspect in tall Eucalyptus robertsonii – Eucalyptus viminalis Montane Forest. not occur within project The plants grow in an open area with sparse shrub cover. The soil is stony site. brown loam over shale derived from the Nungar Beds (Department of the Environment and Energy 2017).

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SCIENTIFIC COMMON EPBC NC DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT DATA LIKELIHOOD OF NAME NAME LISTING1 LISTING2 SOURCE3 OCCURRENCE

Dodonaea Trailing Hop- V - Found in the dry areas of the Monaro, between Michelago and Dalgety. PMST Low procumbens bush There is one population at Lake Bathurst (the northern-most occurrence of Preferred habitat not the species). Occurs mostly in Natural Temperate Grassland or Snow Gum present within the Woodland. Grows in open bare patches where there is little competition project site. from other species. Found on sandy-clay soils, usually on or near vertically- tilted shale outcrops. Produces roots along the stems that enable the plants to recover from minor disturbances. It often occurs on roadside batters but does not persist in heavily grazed pastures of the Monaro (Department of Environment and Climate Change 2007).

Eucalyptus Black Gum V V Black Gum is found in the NSW Central and Southern Tablelands, with PMST Low aggregata small isolated populations in Victoria and the ACT. Black Gum has a No recent records moderately narrow distribution, occurring mainly in the wetter, cooler and within locality. higher parts of the tablelands, for example in the Blayney, Crookwell, Preferred habitat not Goulburn, Braidwood and Bungendore districts (Office of Environment and present within the Heritage 2017). In the ACT the species occurs to a very minor extent, with project site. only 16 known mature trees in the wild in 2014. Older records identify a further two mature trees by the Kings Highway, but these have subsequently been removed (Department of the Environment and Energy 2017)

Gentiana Baeuerlen’s E E The species grows in Namadgi National Park (ACT) as an inter-tussock herb ACT Threatened Low baeuerlenii Gentian or grassland and sedgeland in moist areas on the lower slope of broad Species List Limited available valleys. Also recorded in damp places in short turf in NSW near Bombala; habitat within the very rare, possibly extinct (Harden 1992). project site.

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SCIENTIFIC COMMON EPBC NC DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT DATA LIKELIHOOD OF NAME NAME LISTING1 LISTING2 SOURCE3 OCCURRENCE

Lepidium Ginninderra V E The Ginninderra Peppercress is a perennial herb that flowers in late Spring. ACTmapi Low ginninderrense Peppercress The Ginninderra Peppercress grows in a natural temperate grassland on the ACT Threatened Project site occurs on flood plain of Ginninderra Creek, especially in locations where grass Species List floodplain of tussocks and other plant growth are short and open, thus there is little EPBC Ginninderra Creek. The competition for space and light. The soil type over most of the site is a majority of grassland shallow red earth, with patches of colluvium on the footslopes and the areas are either population occurs at an altitude of c.580 metres (Department of the regularly mown or are Environment and Energy 2017). tall and dense and generally dominated by the introduced Phalaris. The species was not recorded during seasonal surveys.

Lepidium Basalt E - In NSW, there is a population consisting of 6 plants near Bathurst, a PMST Low hyssopifolium Peppercress population near Bungendore and Crookwell both on the Southern Not recorded within the Tablelands. The species was also recorded near Armidale in 1945 and 1958 project site and not however it is not known whether it remains in this areas. A specimen previously recorded collected in the Cooma area about 100 years ago may also be Aromatic within the locality. Peppercress. The species occurs in a variety of habitats including woodland with a grassy understorey and grassland (Office of Environment and Heritage 2013).

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SCIENTIFIC COMMON EPBC NC DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT DATA LIKELIHOOD OF NAME NAME LISTING1 LISTING2 SOURCE3 OCCURRENCE

Leucochrysum Hoary Sunray E - In NSW/ACT, it occurs at relatively high elevations in woodland and open ACTmapi Low albicans var. forest communities, in an area roughly bounded by Goulburn, Albury and PMST Potential habitat is tricolor Bega. Herbarium records indicate that the taxa once occurred more widely in present in the form of inland NSW. In NSW and ACT, it occurs in grasslands, grassy areas in open forests and grassy woodlands and dry open forests, and modified habitats, on a variety of soil woodland. Most types including clays, clay loams, stony and gravely soil (Department of the recently recorded in Environment and Energy 2017). 2016 in Hughes. The species can occur in modified habitats and bare ground and disturbance required for germination. Although disturbed, the majority of groundcover is dense. The species was not recorded during seasonal surveys.

Muehlenbeckia Tuggeranong E E The Tuggeranong lignum is known from the flood terraces on the eastern ACT Threatened Low tuggeranong Lignum bank of the Murrumbidgee River south of Canberra (Makinson and Species List Species known Mallinson 1997). The site is near Pine Island, which occurs in the distribution is restricted Murrumbidgee River Corridor (Department of the Environment and Energy to Murrumbidgee River. 2017) No habitat for species within project site.

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SCIENTIFIC COMMON EPBC NC DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT DATA LIKELIHOOD OF NAME NAME LISTING1 LISTING2 SOURCE3 OCCURRENCE

Pelargonium Omeo Stork's- E - Known from only 4 locations in NSW, with three on lake-beds on the basalt PMST Low sp. Striatellum bill plains of the Monaro and one at Lake Bathurst. The only other known Preferred habitat not population is at Lake Omeo, Victoria. It occurs at altitudes between 680 to present within the 1030 m. It is known to occur in the local government areas of Goulburn- project site. Mulwaree, Cooma-Monaro, and Snowy River, but may occur in other areas with suitable habitat; these may include Bombala, Eurobodalla, Palerang, Tumbarumba, Tumut, Upper Lachlan, and Yass Valley local government areas. It has a narrow habitat that is usually just above the high-water level of irregularly inundated or ephemeral lakes, in the transition zone between surrounding grasslands or pasture and the wetland or aquatic communities. It occurs with Serrated Tussock (Nassella trichotoma) and Curly Sedge (Carex bichenoviana), and less commonly with Creeping Hopbush (Dodonaea procumbens) and a bog-sedge (Schoenus nitens) on sandy soils or gravelly soils or amongst rocks. (Heritage; 2015)

Pomaderris Pale V V Pale Pomaderris has been recorded from near Kydra Trig, north-west of ACTmapi Low pallida Pomaderris Nimmitabel, Tinderry Nature Reserve, and the Queanbeyan River. A record PMST Previously recorded from Byadbo in Kosciuszko National Park has not been relocated. The main within proximity to distribution is along the Murrumbidgee in the ACT. It was recorded recently Bullen Range and in eastern Victoria. This species usually grows in shrub communities Murrumbidgee River. surrounded by Brittle Gum (Eucalyptus mannifera) and Red Stringybark (E. Preferred habitat not macrorhynca) or Callitris spp. Woodland (Royal Botanic Gardens 2009). present within the project site.

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SCIENTIFIC COMMON EPBC NC DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT DATA LIKELIHOOD OF NAME NAME LISTING1 LISTING2 SOURCE3 OCCURRENCE

Prasophyllum Tarengo Leek E E Natural populations are known from a total of five sites in NSW. These area ACT Threatened Low petilum Orchid at Boorowa, Captains Flat, Ilford, Delegate and a newly recognised Species List Species known population c.10 k SE of Muswellbrook. It also occurs at Hall in the PMST distribution is restricted Australian Capital Territory. Grows in open sites within Natural Temperate to Hall. Vegetation Grassland at the Boorowa and Delegate sites. Also grows in grassy within the project site woodland in association with River Tussock Poa labillardieri, Black Gum has been subject to Eucalyptus aggregata and tea-trees Leptospermum spp. at Captains Flat and ongoing disturbance, within the grassy groundlayer dominated by Kanagroo Grass under Box- has low species Gum Woodland at Ilford (and Hall, ACT). Highly susceptible to grazing, diversity particularly of being retained only at little-grazed travelling stock reserves (Boorowa & non-grass groundcover Delegate) and in cemeteries (Captains Flat, Ilford and Hall) (Office of species and is unlikely Environment & Heritage 2015, Department of the Environment and Energy to support this 2017). disturbance sensitive species.

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SCIENTIFIC COMMON EPBC NC DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT DATA LIKELIHOOD OF NAME NAME LISTING1 LISTING2 SOURCE3 OCCURRENCE

Rutidosis Button E E Occurs in Box-Gum Woodland, secondary grassland derived from Box-Gum ACTmapi Low leptorhynchoide Wrinklewort Woodland or in Natural Temperate Grassland; and often in the ecotone ACT Threatened The species can occur in s between the two communities. Species List modified habitats but Grows on soils that are usually shallow, stony red-brown clay loams; tends PMST bare ground and to occupy areas where there is relatively less competition from herbaceous disturbance required. species (either due to the shallow nature of the soils, or at some sites due to Ground cover is dense the competitive effect of woodland trees). Exhibits an ability to colonise and/or regularly disturbed areas (e.g. vehicle tracks, bulldozer scrapings and areas of soil mowed. The nearest erosion). Normally flowers between December to March; plants do not record is approximately usually flower until their second year. Has regenerative buds at the surface 10 km to the east in of the soil but not below, so plants do not have the ability to resprout from Crace Nature Reserve underground structures; the stems usually die back in late summer or autumn (2001). and new basal leaves are evident by early winter. Observed flourishing at a site a few years after the area was burnt by a wildfire. Apparently susceptible to grazing, being retained in only a small number of populations on roadsides, rail reserves and other un-grazed or very lightly grazed sites (Department of the Environment and Energy 2017)

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SCIENTIFIC COMMON EPBC NC DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT DATA LIKELIHOOD OF NAME NAME LISTING1 LISTING2 SOURCE3 OCCURRENCE

Swainsona Small Purple E E Found in grassland and open woodland, often on stony hillsides (Department ACTmapi Low recta Pea of the Environment and Energy 2017). Before European settlement it ACT Threatened Potential habitat in the occurred in the grassy understorey of woodlands and open-forests dominated Species List form of grassy by Blakely’s Red Gum (Eucalyptus blakelyi), Yellow Box (E. melliodora), PMST woodland occurs within Candlebark Gum (E. rubida) and Long-leaf Box (E. goniocalyx). Grows in the project site however association with understorey dominants that include Kangaroo Grass this is highly disturbed (Themeda triandra), poa tussocks (Poa spp.) and spear-grasses (Austrostipa as has very few non- spp). Plants die back in summer, surviving as a rootstocks until they shoot grass species in again in autumn. Flowers throughout spring, with a peak in October (Office understorey. of Environment & Heritage 2012). The species was not recorded during seasonal surveys.

Thesium Austral V V Grows in grassland or woodland often in damp sites. It is a semi-parasitic PMST Low australe Toadflax herb and hosts are likely to be Themeda triandra and Poa spp. (Harden Preferred habitat not 1992, Department of Environment and Climate Change 2008). present within the project site.

(1) V = Vulnerable, E = Endangered, CE = Critically Endangered, under the Nature Conservation Act 2014 (ACT Status). (2) V = Vulnerable, E = Endangered, CE = Critically Endangered, under the Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Comm Status). (3) ACTmapi = Significant Plants, Animals and Registered Trees, PMST = Department of Environment’s EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool.

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REFERENCES

Department of Environment and Climate Change (2007). "Threatened species, populations and ecological communities." 2006, from http://www.threatenedspecies.environment.nsw.gov.au/index.aspx.

Department of Environment and Climate Change (2008). "Threatened species, populations and ecological communities." 2008, from http://www.threatenedspecies.environment.nsw.gov.au/index.aspx.

Department of the Environment (2015). "Caladenia actensis — Canberra Spider Orchid." Retrieved 22 July, 2015, from http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=76138.

Department of the Environment and Energy (2017). "Species Profile and Threats Database (SPRAT)." from http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/sprat.pl.

Environment and Planning Directorate - Environment (2015). "Murrumbidgee Bossiaea." Retrieved 22 July, 2015, from http://www.environment.act.gov.au/cpr/conservation_and_ecological_communities/information_on_action_plans/factshe ets2/murrumbidgee_bossiaea.

Harden, G. (1992). Flora of New South Wales Volume 3. Kensington, University of New South Wales Press Ltd.

Heritage;, O. o. E. (2015). "Omeo Storksbill - profile ". from http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedSpeciesApp/profile.aspx?id=20147.

Office of Environment & Heritage (2012). "Small Purple-pea (Swainsona recta) - profile ". from http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/ThreatenedSpeciesApp/profile.aspx?id=10782.

Office of Environment & Heritage (2014). "Floating Swamp Wallaby-grass (Amphibromus fluitans) - profile ". from http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/ThreatenedSpeciesApp/profile.aspx?id=10045.

Office of Environment & Heritage (2015). "Tarengo Leek Orchid - profile ". from http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/ThreatenedSpeciesApp/profile.aspx?id=10666.

Office of Environment & Heritage (2015). "Yass Daisy (Ammobium craspedioides)- profile ". from http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/ThreatenedSpeciesApp/profile.aspx?id=10043.

Office of Environment and Heritage (2013, 10 May 2013). "Aromatic Peppercress - profile." from http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedspeciesapp/profile.aspx?id=10462.

Office of Environment and Heritage (2017). "Threatened species, populations and communities database." from .

Royal Botanic Gardens (2009). "PlantNet - The Plant Information Network System of Botanic Gardens Trust (version 2.0)." from http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/.

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LIKELIHOOD OF OCCURRENCE OF THREATENED FAUNA

Likelihood of occurrence of threatened species of animal

SCIENTIFIC COMMON EPBC NC DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT DATA LIKELIHOOD NAME NAME LISTING1 LISTING2 SOURCE3 OF OCCURRENCE

AMPHIBIANS

Litoria aurea Green and V V This species occurs in fragment patches near coastal locations from Vic to south of the PMST Low Golden Bell NSW-QLD border. The species was previously known from elsewhere in the Southern Project study area Frog Tablelands, but is now considered to have disappeared from the ACT (Osborne and did not contain Wong 2013) and central slopes around Bathurst (Department of Environment and preferred habitat. Conservation 2005). For breeding it utilises a wide range of waterbodies, including This species is both natural and man-made structures, such as marshes, dams and stream sides, and believed to have ephemeral wetlands. It is found in small pockets of habitat in otherwise developed disappeared almost areas and can occur in disturbed sites. There is a clear preference for sites with a entirely from its complexity of vegetation structure and terrestrial habitat attributes which include former range in the extensive grassy areas and an abundance of shelter sites such as rocks, logs, tussock Southern forming vegetation and other cover used for foraging and shelter. Over-wintering Tablelands. shelter sites may be adjacent to or some distance away from breeding sites but the full range of possible habitat used is not yet well understood (Department of Environment and Conservation 2004, Department of Environment and Conservation 2005).

Litoria Booroolong E - Restricted to NSW and north-eastern Victoria, predominantly along the western- PMST Low booroolongensis Frog flowing streams of the Great Dividing Range. Live along permanent streams with This species is not some fringing vegetation cover such as ferns, sedges or grasses. Adults occur on or known to occur in near cobble banks and other rock structures within stream margins and shelter under the locality and the rocks or amongst vegetation near the ground on the stream edge. In summer, can be Project study area found basking in the sun on exposed rocks near flowing water. Breeding occurs in did not contain spring and early summer. Eggs are laid in submerged rock crevices and tadpoles grow preferred habitat. in slow-flowing connected or isolated pools (Office of Environment and Heritage 2018).

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SCIENTIFIC COMMON EPBC NC DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT DATA LIKELIHOOD NAME NAME LISTING1 LISTING2 SOURCE3 OF OCCURRENCE

Litoria castanea Yellow- E CE The species was once known from a northern and southern population. The northern PMST Low spotted Tree population occurred in the New England Tablelands near the town of Guyra, NSW and Project study area Frog the southern population had a distribution between Canberra, ACT and Bombala, NSW did not contain on the Southern Tablelands at altitudes between 700 and 800 m (Department of the preferred in the Environment and Energy 2018). The species suffered extensive decline following the form of lowland outbreak of the chytrid virus in the 1970s, and was believed to be extinct until rivers, swamps, rediscovered near Yass on the Southern Tablelands in 2009 (Office of Environment farm dams or and Heritage 2017). The species requires large permanent ponds, swamps, lagoons, lakes. This species farm dams, and the still backwaters of rivers usually with tall reeds present (Office of is believed to be Environment and Heritage 2017, Department of the Environment and Energy 2018). extinct within the Adults are active during spring and summer and bask on sunny days. Move and forage ACT region, with at night on grassy banks or float on the water's surface. Males call at night from the the only known open water and breeding generally occurs during or following rain. Eggs are laid extant population amongst aquatic vegetation (Office of Environment and Heritage 2017). Shelters of the species during autumn and winter in hollow centres of rotting logs, in earth surrounding occurs in the Yass uprooted trees, under fallen timber, rocks, other debris or thick vegetation (Office of area outside of the Environment and Heritage 2017, Department of the Environment and Energy 2018). locality of the Project study area.

Pseudophryne Northern V ECE Confined to the high country of the ACT and adjacent NSW, along the Brindabella and ACT Low pengilleyi Corroboree Bimberi Ranges and through the Fiery Range and Bogong Mountains. The ACT Threatened Project study area Frog population is located almost entirely in the subalpine areas of Namadgi National Park Species List did not contain in the Ginini Flats wetland complex. Habitat varies from summer to winter. In summer, preferred habitat. breeding occurs in low lying pools in sphagnum, wet heath, wet herbfields and wet tussock grasslands. However, in winter, this species moves away from pools into surrounding leaf litter, logs and dense groundcover (Department of Environment Water Heritage and the Arts 2009).

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AQUATIC SPECIES

Bidyanus Silver Perch - E The Silver Perch is found over a broad area of the Murray-Darling Basin and is often ACT Low bidyanus found in similar habitats to Murray Cod (Maccullochella peelii) and Golden Perch Threatened Project study area (Macquaria ambigua), ie. lowland, turbid rivers. It prefers faster, open water, but the Species List did not contain general scarcity of information on the habitat preferences of the species makes preferred habitat. generalisation difficult. The species is not found in the cool, fast-flowing, upland rivers of the Murray-Darling Basin. In the Canberra region the species has been recorded from the Murrumbidgee River where numbers recorded in a fish trap at Casuarina Sands between 1980 and 1991 declined noticeably from the mid-1980s. In the last decade, there have been a small number of angler reports of Silver Perch from the Murrumbidgee River in the ACT. In the Canberra region the species is also known from four other locations being: a stocked population in Googong Reservoir on the Queanbeyan River, a stocked population in the Yass weir pool on the Yass River; a stocked population in Lake George; and a population of unknown size in Burrinjuck dam (ACT Government - Environment and Planning Directorate - Environment 2016)

Euastacus Murray - V The Murray River Crayfish inhabits large and small streams in a variety of habitats ACT Low armatus River including cleared pasture and dry and wet sclerophyll forests at altitudes from close to Threatened Project study area Crayfish sea level to over 700 m above sea level. The species prefers faster flowing cool water Species List did not contain habitats of the main channels of rivers, in contrast to the Yabby, which prefers slow ACTmapi preferred habitat. warm water and billabongs. In lowland rivers such as the Murray and lower Murrumbidgee, the species constructs burrows in the clay river banks for shelter. In the upland rivers with stony beds such as the Tumut, Goobarragandra and upper Murrumbidgee, the species tends to use the interstitial spaces between boulders and cobbles on the river bed for shelter. Within the ACT, it is mainly found in the Murrumbidgee River, but has also been recorded from the Cotter and Paddys rivers (ACT Government 2015)

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Gadopsis Two-spined - V The Two-spined Blackfish only occurs in inland drainages of south-eastern Australia, ACT Low bispinosus Blackfish where it is restricted to cool, clear upland or montane streams with abundant instream Threatened Project study area cover, usually in the form of boulders and cobble. It is more often found in the medium Species List did not contain to larger streams where there is greater water depth and lower stream velocity. It is not preferred habitat. found in the smallest headwater streams but is generally found in forested catchments, where there is little sediment input to the stream from erosion or land management practices. In the ACT, the species is now found only in the Cotter River catchment upstream of the Cotter Dam (ACT Government 1999)

Maccullochella Trout Cod E E Once widespread in the south-eastern region of the Murray-Darling Basin with records ACTmapi Low macquariensis from the Murray, Murrumbidgee and Macquarie rivers in New South Wales/Australian ACT Project study area Capital Territory and the Goulburn, Broken, Campaspe, Ovens, King, Buffalo and Threatened did not contain Mitta Mitta rivers in Victoria. The Murray River from Yarrawonga to Cobram is a Species List preferred habitat. large (60-100 m wide), slow flowing and deep (>3 m) river with a sand, silt and clay substrate, and contains abundant snags and woody debris. Seven Creeks (Victoria) is a PMST relatively narrow (5-7 m wide) stream having a rock, gravel and sand substrate. The pools are generally less than 2 m deep and are interspersed by rapids and cascades. The physical characteristics of the Murrumbidgee River in the ACT are intermediate between Seven Creeks and the Murray River. In general, it appears that adults are essentially a pool dwelling, cover-seeking fish. In the ACT the species has been released in the Murrumbidgee River and associated tributaries (ACT Government 1999)

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Maccullochella Murray Cod V - The Murray Cod was historically distributed throughout the Murray-Darling Basin, ACTmapi Low peelii which extends from southern Queensland, through New South Wales (NSW), the PMST Project study area Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and Victoria to South Australia, with the exception did not contain of the upper reaches of some tributaries. The species still occurs in most parts of this preferred habitat. natural distribution, up to approximately 1000 m above sea level. It utilises a diverse Species may occur range of habitats from clear rocky streams, such as those found in the upper western in nearby slopes of NSW (including the ACT), to slow-flowing, turbid lowland rivers and waterways. billabongs. Preferred microhabitat consists of complex structural features in streams such as large rocks, snags (pieces of large submerged woody debris), overhanging stream banks and vegetation, tree stumps, logs, branches and other woody structures. Known to occur in Lake Ginninderra (Department of the Environment 2016).

Macquaria Macquarie E E Macquarie Perch are found in the Murray-Darling Basin (particularly upstream ACT Low australasica Perch reaches) of the Lachlan, Murrumbidgee and Murray rivers, and parts of south-eastern Threatened Project study area coastal NSW, including the Hawkesbury/Nepean and Shoalhaven catchments. In the Species List did not contain ACT, it is restricted to four rivers, the Murrumbidgee, Molonglo, Paddys and Cotter PMST preferred habitat. rivers. Macquarie Perch are found in both river and lake habitats; especially the upper reaches of rivers and their tributaries. It prefers clear water and deep, rocky holes with lots of cover. As well as aquatic vegetation, additional cover may comprise of large boulders, debris and overhanging banks. Spawning occurs just above riffles (shallow running water) (ACT Government - Environment and Planning Directorate - Environment 2015, Department of the Environment and Energy 2017).

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BIRDS

Actitis Common M - The Common Sandpiper frequents a wide range of coastal wetlands and some inland PMST Low hypoleucos Sandpiper wetlands, with varying levels of salinity. It is mostly encountered along muddy Project study area margins or rocky shores and rarely on mudflats. It has been recorded in estuaries and did not contain deltas of streams, banks farther upstream; around lakes, pools, billabongs, reservoirs, preferred habitat. dams and claypans, and occasionally piers and jetties. The muddy margins utilised by the species are often narrow, and may be steep. The species is often associated with mangroves, and sometimes found in areas of mud littered with rocks or snags. Roost sites are typically on rocks or in roots or branches of vegetation, especially mangroves. The species is known to perch on posts, jetties, moored boats and other artificial structures, and to sometimes rest on mud or 'loaf' on rocks.

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SCIENTIFIC COMMON EPBC NC DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT DATA LIKELIHOOD NAME NAME LISTING1 LISTING2 SOURCE3 OF OCCURRENCE

Anthochaera Regent CE CE Occurs mostly in box-ironbark forests and woodland and prefers wet, fertile sites such ACT Low phrygia Honeyeater as along creek flats, broad river valleys and foothills. Riparian forests with Casuarina Threatened Project study area cunninghamiana and Amyema cambagei are important for feeding and breeding. Species List did not contain Spotted Gum and Swamp Mahogany forests are also important feeding areas in coastal PMST preferred habitat. areas. Important food trees include Eucalyptus sideroxylon (Mugga Ironbark), E. albens (White Box), E. melliodora (Yellow Box) and E. leucoxylon (Yellow Gum) Whilst marginal (Garnett and Crowley 2000). Within the ACT Regent Honeyeaters movements are foraging habitat complex and usually dependent on the occurrence of blossom resource of several may be present in eucalypt species. In the ACT region individuals have regularly been associated with the study area (in the occurrence of Yellow Box – Red Gum Grassy Woodland along the lower slopes of the form of planted Mounts Ainslie and Majura, extending through Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve to the native canopy Sutton and Lake George areas. The occurrence of large heavily flowering eucalypts on species), rare fertile soils are important habitats for individuals. Due to the species rapid decline occurrences of this there has been few records of individuals within the ACT, and majority of sightings species cannot be have been single birds or occasional pairs. It is perceived that the ACT region acts as discounted due to an area for rare breeding summer visitors. The most recent breeding records are of four complex and pairs on the lowest western slopes of Mount Majura bordering Antill Street in Watson varied seasonal in early 1996 (ACT Government - Environment and Planning Directorate - movements across Environment 2015). its former range.

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Apus pacificus Fork-tailed M - Breeds in the northern hemisphere, wintering south to Australia. It is almost PMST Low Swift exclusively aerial, flying from less than 1 m to at least 300 m above ground. It mostly Whilst this species occurs over inland plains but sometimes above foothills or in coastal areas over cliffs, may occur in aerial beaches, islands and well out to sea. It also occurs over towns and cities. It mostly spaces above the occurs over dry and/or open habitats, including riparian woodland and tea-tree Project, the species swamps, low scrub, heathland or saltmarsh, grassland, spinifex sandplains, farmland is not likely to and sand-dunes. It sometimes occurs above forests. It probably roosts aerially, but has occur in terrestrial occasionally been observed to land (Higgins 1999). habitats within the Project study area.

Calidris Sharp-tailed M - Occurs in a variety of habitats: tidal mudflat, mangrove swamps, saltmarshes, shallow PMST Low acuminata Sandpiper fresh, brackish, salt inland swamps and lakes; flooded and irrigated paddocks, sewage Project study area farms and commercial saltfields. did not contain preferred habitat.

Calidris Curlew CE - Curlew Sandpipers occur around the coasts and are also quite widespread inland, PMST Low ferruginea Sandpiper M though in smaller numbers. In NSW, they are widespread east of the Great Divide, Project study area especially in coastal regions. They are occasionally recorded in the Tablelands and are did not contain widespread in the Riverina and south-west NSW, with scattered records elsewhere. preferred habitat. Occurs in inter-tidal mudflats of estuaries, lagoons, mangrove channels and also around lakes, dams, floodwaters and flooded saltbush surrounding inland lakes. They are also recorded inland, though less often, including around ephemeral and permanent lakes, dams, waterholes and bore drains, usually with bare edges of mud or sand. They occur in both fresh and brackish waters (Morcombe 2003, Department of the Environment and Energy 2017)

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SCIENTIFIC COMMON EPBC NC DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT DATA LIKELIHOOD NAME NAME LISTING1 LISTING2 SOURCE3 OF OCCURRENCE

Calidris Pectoral M - In Australasia, the Pectoral Sandpiper prefers shallow fresh to saline wetlands. The PMST Low melanotos Sandpiper species frequents coastal lagoons, estuaries, bays, swamps, lakes, inundated grasslands, Project study area saltmarshes, river pools, creeks, floodplains and artificial wetlands. It is usually found did not contain in coastal or near coastal habitat but occasionally further inland. It prefers wetlands preferred habitat. that have open fringing mudflats and low, emergent or fringing vegetation, such as grass or samphire. It has also been recorded in swamp overgrown with lignum. They forage in shallow water or soft mud at the edge of wetlands.

Calyptorhynchus Glossy - V The species is uncommon although widespread throughout suitable forest and ACT Low lathami Black- woodland habitats, from the central Queensland coast to East Gippsland in Victoria, Threatened Project study area Cockatoo and inland to the southern tablelands and central western plains of NSW, with a small Species List did not contain population in the Riverina. It inhabits open forest and woodlands of the coast and the preferred habitat. Great Dividing Range where stands of sheoak occur. Black Sheoak (Allocasuarina littoralis) and Forest Sheoak (A. torulosa) are important foods. Feeds almost exclusively on the seeds of several species of she-oak (Casuarina and Allocasuarina species), shredding the cones with the massive bill. In the ACT, they feed almost exclusively on Dropping Sheoaks (Allocasuarina verticillata) in larger stands. Major known feeding and breedings areas in Canberra are on Mount Majura and Mount Ainslie although have been sighted through surrounding nature reserves in the ACT. Dependent on large hollow-bearing eucalypts for nest sites (Office of Environment & Heritage 2015, ACT Government - Environment and Planning Directorate - Environment 2016).

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Climacteris Brown - V The Brown Treecreeper is found in sub-coastal environments and the inland slopes of ACT Low picumnus Treecreeper the Great Dividing Range from the Grampians in western Victoria, through central Threatened Project study area New South Wales to the Queensland border and north to the Bunya Mountains. In the Species List did not contain ACT, the species is found in dry woodlands and open forest below 1000 m, including preferred habitat. in the Clear Range and along the Lower Naas River, Campbell Park, Goorooyarroo, Burbong, former quarries south of the airport, and Castle Hill, north of Tharwa. Important habitat includes relatively undisturbed grassy woodland with native understorey; large living and dead trees for nesting and foraging and fallen timber on the ground layer (Office of Environment & Heritage 2014).

Daphoenositta Varied - V The Varied Sittella inhabits most of mainland Australia except the treeless deserts and ACT Low chrysoptera Sittella open grasslands. It inhabits eucalypt forests and woodlands, especially rough-barked Threatened Project study area species and mature smooth-barked gums with dead branches, mallee and Acacia Species List did not contain woodland. The Varied Sittella feeds on arthropods gleaned from crevices in rough or preferred habitat. decorticating bark, dead branches, standing dead trees, and from small branches and No recent species twigs in the tree canopy. It builds a cup-shaped nest of plant fibres and cobwebs in an records in Project upright tree fork high in the living tree canopy, and often re-uses the same fork or tree locality. in successive years (Office of Environment & Heritage 2016). In the ACT, it is recorded in Aranda bushland, O’Connor and Bruce Ridges, Black Mountain, the Pinnacle Stringybark forest, Mt Ainslie–Campbell Park, Mulligan’s Flat, Bluett’s Eucalypt forest, Naas and Orroral valleys, Shepherd’s Lookout and the Murrumbidgee River Corridor. In this region, the species has a preference for areas with Red Stringybark (Eucalyptus macrorhyncha) (ACT Government - Environment and Planning Directorate - Environment 2016).

Gallinago Latham’s M - Occurs in freshwater or brackish wetlands generally near protective vegetation cover. PMST Low hardwickii Snipe This species feeds on small invertebrates, seeds and vegetation. It migrates to the Project study area northern hemisphere to breed. did not contain preferred habitat.

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Grantiella picta Painted V V Lives in dry forests and woodlands. Primary food is the mistletoes in the genus ACT Low Honeyeater Amyema, though it will take some nectar and insects. Its breeding distribution is Threatened Project study area dictated by presence of mistletoes which are largely restricted to older trees. Less Species List did not contain likely to be found in in strips of remnant box-ironbark woodlands, such as occur along PMST preferred habitat. roadsides and in windbreaks, than in wider blocks (Garnett and Crowley 2000). In the ACT region, the species has been recorded from a range of woodlands that contain mistletoe, including River Oak (Casuarina cunninghamiana) woodland associated with river systems, and Yellow Box–Red Gum Woodlands at locations such as Mulligans Flat and Campbell Park (ACT Government - Environment and Planning Directorate - Environment 2015).

Hieraaetus Little Eagle - V The Little Eagle is distributed throughout the Australian mainland occupying habitats ACT Moderate morphnoides rich in prey within open eucalypt forest, woodland or open woodland. Sheoak or acacia Threatened Project study area woodlands and riparian woodlands of interior NSW are also used. For nest sites it Species List contained potential requires a tall living tree within a remnant patch, where pairs build a large stick nest in foraging habitat winter and lay in early spring. Prey includes birds, reptiles and mammals, with the only. No breeding occasional large insect and carrion. Most of its former native mammalian prey species habitat or in inland areas are extinct and rabbits now form a major part of the diet (Marchant and significant Higgins 1993, Office of Environment and Heritage 2017). Within the ACT sightings foraging habitat have been recorded across majority of the territory, however, breeding range has been was observed. restricted to the lower parts of northern ACT around the Murrumbidgee and Molonglo river corridors (ACT Government - Environment and Planning Directorate - Environment 2016).

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Hirundapus White- M V It is almost exclusively aerial, from heights of less than 1 m up to more than 1000 m PMST Low caudacutus throated above the ground. Occurs in airspace over forests, woodlands, farmlands, plains, lakes, Whilst this species Needletail coasts and towns. Breeds in the northern hemisphere and migrates to Australia in is likely to October-April. It is widespread in eastern and south-eastern Australia, from the islands occasionally occur in Torres Strait and the tip of Cape York south to Tasmania (Pizzey and Knight 2007, in aerial spaces Department of the Environment and Energy 2017). above the Project, the species is not likely to occur in terrestrial habitats within the Project study area.

Lalage sueurii White- - V The species is found across Australia. It is resident near water in the north, but ACT Moderate - High winged nomadic and seasonally migratory through central and southern Australia and vagrant Threatened Species previously Triller in northern Tasmania. It is also found in Indonesia and New Guinea. In the ACT Species List recorded in the region, the species is an uncommon, breeding, summer migrant, and numbers vary Project locality from year to year. In the local area, the species is found in and around grassy woodland and potential areas including Yellow Box–Red Gum, Apple Box, Candlebark, or less commonly, habitat was Snowgum woodlands. Important habitat includes large living and dead trees and areas recorded in the of grass and fallen timber for foraging. In the ACT region, records of the species are Project study area. widespread, but most records are from Hall, Mulligans Flat, Goorooyarroo, the Pinnacle, Campbell Park and the Gigerline–Tharwa area (ACT Government - Environment and Planning Directorate - Environment 2016).

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Lathamus Swift Parrot CE VCE Breeding occurs in Tasmania, majority migrates to mainland Australia in autumn, ACT Low discolor over-wintering, particularly in Victoria and central and eastern NSW, but also south- Threatened Project study area eastern Queensland as far north as Duaringa. Until recently it was believed that in New Species List did not contain South Wales, swift parrots forage mostly in the western slopes region along the inland PMST preferred habitat. slopes of the Great Dividing Range but are patchily distributed along the north and south coasts including the Sydney region, but new evidence indicates that the forests Whilst marginal on the coastal plains from southern to northern NSW are also extremely important. In foraging habitat mainland Australia it is semi-nomadic, foraging in flowering eucalypts in eucalypt may be present in associations, particularly box-ironbark forests and woodlands. Preference for sites with the study area (in highly fertile soils where large trees have high nectar production, including along the form of planted drainage lines and isolated rural or urban remnants, and for sites with flowering Acacia native canopy pycnantha, is indicated. Sites used vary from year to year. In the ACT region, the Swift species), rare Parrot is associated with flowering and lerping eucalypts, particularly box-ironbark intermittent communities and Yellow Box – Red Gum Woodlands. It has the potential to occur occurrences of this anywhere below 700m and has also been recorded in suburban environments. Majority species cannot be of records of the species have been from inner Canberra suburbs, Gungahlin and Hall discounted due to (Garnett and Crowley 2000, Swift Parrot Recovery Team 2001, ACT Government - complex and Environment and Planning Directorate - Environment 2015). varied spatial and temporal distribution of flowering resources.

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Melanodryas Hooded - V Found in south-eastern Australia, generally east of the Great Dividing Range. Found in ACT Low cucullata Robin eucalypt woodland and mallee and acacia shrubland. This is one of a suite of species Threatened Project study area that has declined in woodland areas in south-eastern Australia (Garnett and Crowley Species List did not contain 2000, Traill and Duncan 2000). The species occupies drier eucalypt forest, woodland preferred habitat and scrub, grasses and low shrubs, as well as cleared paddocks with regrowth or and species has not stumps. It avoids dense forests and urban areas. Yellow Box–Red Gum Grassy been recently Woodland provides important habitat. The species appears unable to survive in recorded in the remnants smaller than 100-200ha (Department of Environment and Conservation Project locality. 2005). In the ACT, the species has been recorded at Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve, Goorooyarroo Woodlands, Newline Quarry, Majura Field Firing Range and Tharwa. Black Mountain, Campbell Park, Mt Ainslie and Tuggeranong Homestead may no longer support populations of the species (Department of Environment and Conservation 2005).

Monarcha Black-faced M - The Black-faced Monarch is widespread in eastern Australia. In New South Wales and PMST Low melanopsis Monarch the Australian Capital Territory, the species occurs around the eastern slopes and Project study area tablelands of the Great Divide, inland to Coutts Crossing, Armidale, Widden Valley, did not contain Wollemi National Park, Wombeyan Caves and Canberra. Mainly occurs in rainforests, preferred habitat. but also is known to occur in eucalypt woodlands, coastal scrubs, damp gullies in rainforest, eucalypt forest and in more open woodland when migrating (Pizzey and Knight 2007, Department of the Environment and Energy 2017).

Motacilla flava Yellow M - This species occurs in a range of habitats including estuarine habitats such as sand PMST Low Wagtail dunes, mangrove forests and coastal saltmarshes. This species also occurs in open Project study area grassy areas including disturbed sites such as sports grounds and has been recorded on did not contain the edges of wetlands, swamps, lakes and farm dams. This species migrates from Asia preferred habitat. to Australia in spring-summer. It has been recorded in the estuarine areas of the Hunter River in Newcastle NSW and in QLD and the north of NT and WA (Higgins, Peter et al. 2006).

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Myiagra Satin M - Widespread in eastern Australia. In Queensland, it is widespread but scattered in the PMST Low cyanoleuca Flycatcher east. In NSW and ACT, they are widespread on and east of the Great Divide and Project study area sparsely scattered on the western slopes, with very occasional records on the western did not contain plains. In Victoria, the species is widespread in the south and east, in the area south of preferred habitat. a line joining Numurkah, Maldon, the northern Grampians, Balmoral and Nelson. Inhabit heavily vegetated gullies in eucalypt-dominated forests and taller woodlands, and on migration, occur in coastal forests, woodlands, mangroves and drier woodlands and open forests. Satin Flycatchers mainly inhabit eucalypt forests, often near wetlands or watercourses. They generally occur in moister, taller forests, often occurring in gullies. They also occur in eucalypt woodlands with open understorey and grass ground cover, and are generally absent from rainforest. In south-eastern Australia, they occur at elevations of up to 1400 m above sea level, and in the ACT, they occur mainly between 800 m above sea level and the treeline (Pizzey and Knight 2007, Department of the Environment and Energy 2017).

Numenius Eastern CE - Inhabits coastal estuaries, mangroves, mud flats and sand pits. It is a migratory PMST Low madagascariensis Curlew M shorebird which generally inhabits sea and lake shore mud flats, deltas and similar Project study area areas, where it forages for crabs and other crustaceans, clam worms and other annelids, did not contain molluscs, insects and other invertebrates. Its migration route ranges from its wintering preferred habitat. grounds in Australia to its breeding grounds in northern China, Korea and Russia (Pizzey and Knight 2007).

Pandion Osprey M - Eastern Ospreys are found right around the Australian coast line, except for Victoria PMST Low haliaetus and Tasmania. They are common around the northern coast, especially on rocky Project study area shorelines, islands and reefs. The species is uncommon to rare or absent from closely did not contain settled parts of south-eastern Australia. There are a handful of records from inland preferred habitat. areas. Favour coastal areas, especially the mouths of large rivers, lagoons and lakes. Feed on fish over clear, open water.

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Petroica boodang Scarlet - V The Scarlet Robin occupies dry open eucalypt forests and woodlands from the coast to ACT Moderate Robin the inland slopes. Some dispersing birds may appear in autumn or winter on the eastern Threatened Potential habitat fringe of the inland plains. It prefers an open understorey of shrubs and grasses. Species List recorded in the Abundant logs and coarse woody debris are important structural components of its Project study area. habitat. In autumn and winter it migrates to more open habitats such as grassy open Whilst foraging woodland or paddocks with scattered trees. It forages from low perches, feeding on habitat was invertebrates taken from the ground, tree trunks, logs and other coarse woody debris considered (Higgins and Peter 2002, Office of Environment and Heritage 2018). In the ACT marginal due to region, it is widely distributed and during autumn adults and immature birds disperse existing regular from forested slopes into more open valleys around Canberra, with odd occurences in groundcover suburban gardens. The species has been found to be absent from remnants surrounded maintenance, by cereal cropping, less common in isolated patches of 30 ha or less (where there was records are no tree cover within 200 m and less than 20% cover within 1 km), less common in sites distributed widely surrounded by cattle grazing and more common in sites with native versus exotic across the ACT grasses if ungrazed for more than 10 years (ACT Government - Environment and and Ginninderra Planning Directorate - Environment 2016). Catchment Group have common sightings in the Project locality.

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Chthonicola Speckled - - The Speckled Warbler has a patchy distribution throughout south-eastern Queensland, Low sagittate Warbler the eastern half of NSW, ACT and into Victoria, as far west as the Grampians. The Project study area species is most frequently reported from the hills and tablelands of the Great Dividing did not contain Range, and rarely from the coast. Occurs in a wide range of eucalypt forests and preferred habitat. woodlands that have grass understorey, often on rocky ridges or in gullies. Habitat that has tussock grasses, sparse shrub layer and eucalypt regrowth / canopy are preferred. Large relatively undisturbed remnants of eucalypt communities are required for local populations to persist. In the ACT region it has been generally recorded on the edge of suburban areas next to patches of native reserves of remnant woodland (ACT Government – Environment and Planning Directorate, 2016; Office of Environment and Heritage, 2018).

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Polytelis Superb V V Found throughout eastern inland NSW and ACT. On the South-western Slopes their ACT Moderate swainsonii Parrot core breeding area is roughly bounded by Cowra and Yass in the east, and Grenfell, Threatened Species previously Cootamundra and Coolac in the west. Birds breeding in this region are mainly absent Species List recorded in the during winter, when they migrate north to the region of the upper Namoi and Gwydir Project locality Rivers. The other main breeding sites are in the Riverina along the corridors of the and potential Murray, Edward and Murrumbidgee Rivers where birds are present all year round. foraging habitat Inhabit Box-Gum, Box-Cypress-pine and Boree Woodlands and River Red Gum recorded in the Forest. In the Riverina, the birds nest in the hollows of large trees (dead or alive) Project study area. mainly in tall riparian River Red Gum Forest or Woodland. On the South West Slopes nest trees can be in open Box-Gum Woodland or isolated paddock trees. Tree species Project study area known to be used are Blakely’s Red Gum, Yellow Box, Apple Box and Red Box. Feed is unlikely to in trees and understorey shrubs and on the ground and their diet consists mainly of provide breeding grass seeds and herbaceous plants. Also eaten are fruits, berries, nectar, buds, flowers, habitat, limiting insects and grain. breeding In the ACT region, the Hall area in the northern part of the ACT forms the southern resources, such as edge of one of the two main centres for breeding distribution of the Superb Parrot. The tree hollows, were species arrives in the ACT region during August to breed, departing the following not recorded in the January. In the ACT region, Yellow Box–Red Gum Grassy Woodlands form the major study area. habitat of the species, with E. blakelyi being the main source of nesting hollows. A recent study by researchers at the Fenner School (Rayner et al., 2016) found that Superb Parrots nesting at Throsby in northern ACT chose to breed in trees that had: a trunk DBH of at least 75cm; hollows at least 4m above the ground that were in or proximal to the main trunk; and preferred near round entrance hollows about 11cm across and within the range of 8 -18 cm (Garnett and Crowley 2000, Department of the Environment and Energy 2017, Office of Environment and Heritage 2017).

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Rhipidura Rufous M - Occurs in a range of habitats including the undergrowth of rainforests/wetter eucalypt PMST Low rufifrons Fantail forests/gullies, monsoon forests paperbarks, sub-inland and coastal scrubs, mangroves, Whilst this species watercourses, parks and gardens. When migrating they may also be recorded on farms, may be observed streets and buildings. Migrates to SE Australia in October-April to breed, mostly in or during migration on the coastal side of the Great Dividing Range (Pizzey and Knight 2007). movements, the Project study area did not contain preferred habitat.

Rostratula Australian E E It has been recorded at wetlands in all states of Australia. It is most common in eastern PMST Low australis (syn. R. Painted Australia, where it has been recorded at scattered locations throughout much of Project study area benghalensis) Snipe Queensland, NSW, Victoria and south-eastern South Australia. Inhabits shallow, did not contain (Painted vegetated, temporary or infrequently filled wetlands, including where there are trees preferred habitat. Snipe) such as Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River Red Gum), E. populnea (Poplar Box) or shrubs such as Muehlenbeckia florulenta (Lignum) or Sarcocornia quinqueflora (Samphire). Feeds at the water's edge and on mudlflats on seeds and invertebrates, including insects, worms, molluscs and crustaceans. Males incubate eggs in a shallow scrape nest (Garnett and Crowley 2000). Breeding habitat requirements may be quite specific and include; shallow wetlands with areas of bare wet mud and both upper and canopy cover nearby. Nest records are all, or nearly all, from or near small islands in freshwater wetlands (Department of the Environment and Energy 2017)

INSECTS

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Perunga Perunga - V Important habitat for the species appears to be natural temperate grassland dominated ACTmapi Low ochracea Grasshopper by wallaby, kangaroo and spear grasses with forb food plants located in the inter- ACT Project study area tussock spaces. Grass tussocks are used also to escape predators. It may also occur in Threatened did not contain open woodland areas with a grassy understorey, including the endangered Yellow Species List preferred habitat. Box–Red Gum Grassy Woodland community. Records of the species are from Wagga Wagga, Boorowa, Galong, the ACT and adjacent areas of NSW including Jeir, Murrumbateman and Queanbeyan. ACT locality records include Black Mountain, Gungahlin, Majura Valley, Canberra International Airport, Jerrabomberra Valley, Molonglo valley, the Campbell Park paddocks, Belconnen Naval Station, Hall, Kambah Pool, Mt Stromlo, Reid, Weetangera and Tuggeranong (Environment ACT 2006)

Synemon plana Golden Sun CE E The Golden Sun Moth's NSW populations are found in the area between Queanbeyan, ACTmapi Recorded Moth Gunning, Young and Tumut. The species' historical distribution extended from ACT Bathurst (central NSW) through the NSW Southern Tablelands, through to central and Threatened western Victoria, to Bordertown in eastern South Australia. Occurs in Natural Species List Temperate Grasslands and grassy Box-Gum Woodlands in which groundlayer is dominated by wallaby grasses (Austrodanthonia spp). Grasslands dominated by PMST wallaby grasses are typically low and open - the bare ground between the tussocks is thought to be an important microhabitat feature for the Golden Sun Moth, as it is typically these areas on which the females are observed displaying to attract males. Habitat may contain several wallaby grass species, which are typically associated with other grasses particularly spear-grasses Austrostipa spp. or Kangaroo Grass Themeda australis. The flight period is relatively short, typically lasting from six to eight weeks (during November and December in the ACT region, possibly earlier or later in other regions). Males fly only in bright sunshine during the warmest part of the day (1000 - 1400 hrs). Adults emerge continuously throughout the flying season (Department of the Environment and Energy 2017, Office of Environment and Heritage 2017).

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MAMMALS

Bettongia Eastern - RCD The species occurs in dry eucalypt and casuarina forests with grassy or heathy ACT Low gaimardi Bettong understory. It builds a nest under fallen timber, or amongst small bushes and tussocks Threatened Species List Populations on the where it refuges during the daytime. The diet is primarily comprised of mycorrhizal mainland are

fungi, and an individual can travel up to 1.5 km from its nest area to feeding areas. The confined in fenced species has been extinct from the wild on mainland Australia but persists in Tasmania. areas. Two populations of the species have been introduced to the ACT. One in Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary and the other at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Both of these populations occur in predator proof fenced areas.

Chalinolobus Large-eared V - Found mainly in areas with extensive cliffs and caves, from Rockhampton in PMST Low dwyeri Pied Bat Queensland south to Bungonia in the NSW Southern Highlands. It is generally rare Project study area with a very patchy distribution in NSW. There are scattered records from the New did not contain England Tablelands and North West Slopes. Roosts in caves (near their entrances), preferred habitat. crevices in cliffs, old mine workings and in the disused, bottle-shaped mud nests of the Fairy Martin (Petrochelidon ariel), frequenting low to mid-elevation dry open forest and woodland close to these features. Females have been recorded raising young in maternity roosts (c. 20-40 females) from November through to January in roof domes in sandstone caves and overhangs. They remain loyal to the same cave over many years. Found in well-timbered areas containing gullies.

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Dasyurus Spotted- E V Occurs from the Bundaberg area in south-east Queensland, south through NSW to ACTmapi Low maculatus Tailed Quoll western Victoria and Tasmania. In NSW, it occurs on both sides of the Great Dividing ACT Project study area maculatus (Southern Range and north-east NSW represents a national stronghold (NSW National Parks and Threatened did not contain Subspecies) Wildlife Service 1999). In the ACT region, occasional sightings have occuring with Species List preferred habitat. confirmed occurences in three locations in Namadgi National Park. Most sightings PMST have occurred in timbered ranges and large remant reserves (Department of Environment 2016). The preferred habitat occurs in wide range of forest types, although appears to prefer moist sclerophyll and rainforest forest types, and riparian habitat. Most common in large unfragmented patches of forest. It has also been recorded from dry sclerophyll forest, open woodland and coastal heathland, and despite its occurrence in riparian areas, it also ranges over dry ridges. Nests in rock caves and hollow logs or trees. Feeds on a variety of prey including birds, terrestrial and arboreal mammals, small macropods, reptiles and arthropods (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 1999, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 1999).

Petauroides Greater V - The Greater Glider has a restricted distribution in eastern Australia, from the Windsor PMST Low volans Glider Tableland in north Queensland to central Victoria, with an elevated range from sea Project study area level to 1200m above sea level. did not contain The species is largely restricted to eucalypt forests and woodlands, with a diet preferred habitat. comprising of eucalypt leaves and occasional flowers. It is found in abundance in montane eucalypt forest with relatively old trees and an abundance of hollows. It also favours forests with a diversity of eucalypts to cater for seasonal variation in food abundance (Department of the Environment and Energy 2017). In the ACT region the species has been recorded in the Namadgi National Park and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve during 2014 aboreal mammal surveys (ACT Government - Environment and Planning Directorate - Environment 2016).

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Petrogale Brush-tailed V E Occurs in inland and sub-coastal south eastern Australia where it inhabits rock slopes. ACT Low penicillata Rock- It has a preference for rocks which receive sunlight for a considerable part of the day. Threatened Project study area wallaby Windblown caves, rock cracks or tumbled boulders are used for shelter. Occur in small Species List did not contain groups or "colonies" each usually separated by hundreds of metres (NSW National PMST preferred habitat. Parks and Wildlife Service 2003). Within the ACT the species is presumed to be extinct, with the last confirmed sighting occurring at Wallaby Rocks in the TNR in 1959. However, the discovery of rock-wallaby skeletal material in NNP suggest a more recent occurrence of the species (Reside and Martin 1996). The nearest known extant colonies to the ACT are at Nattai National Park (156 km NNE of Canberra) and in Kangaroo Valley, NSW (187 km ENE of Canberra) (ACT Government - Environment and Planning Directorate - Environment 2015).

Phascolarctos Koala V - The Koala has a fragmented distribution throughout eastern Australia from north-east PMST Low cinereus Queensland to the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. In NSW it mainly occurs on the Project study area central and north coasts with some populations in the west of the Great Dividing did not contain Range. Inhabits eucalypt woodlands and forests. Koalas Feed on the foliage of more preferred habitat. than 70 eucalypt species and 30 non-eucalypt species, but in any one area will select preferred browse species. The preferred tree species vary widely on a regional and local basis. Some preferred species include Forest Red Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis), Grey Gum (E. punctata.) In coastal areas, Tallowwood (E. microcorys) and Swamp Mahogany (E. robusta) are important food species, while in inland areas White Box (E. albens), Bimble Box (E. populnea) and River Red Gum (E. camaldulensis) are favoured (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 1999, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2003, Office of Environment and Heritage 2017). In the ACT region, Koalas are thought to be present through the Brindabella Ranges and in the Orroral Valley, Tidbinbilla reserve and Namadgi National Park (Department of the Environment and Energy 2017).

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Pseudomys Smoky E E The Smoky Mouse is currently limited to a small number of sites in Victoria, south- ACT Low fumeus Mouse east NSW and the ACT. Despite considerable survey effort having been conducted Threatened Project study area across the known NSW range for the species, there are 3 records from Kosciuszko Species List did not contain National Park and 2 records adjacent to the park in Bondo and Ingbyra State Forests; preferred habitat. the remainder are centred around Mt Poole, Nullica State Forest and the adjoining South East Forests National Park (Office of Environment and Heritage 2017). In the ACT, despite surveys, no live individuals have been recorded since 1987 in Namadgi National Park. The Smoky Mouse occurs in a variety of vegetation communities, ranging from coastal heath to dry ridgeline forest, sub-alpine heath and, occasionally, wetter gullies. Except for the wetter sites, a consistent feature of Smoky Mouse habitats is the diversity of heath and bush-pea species present, combined with potential shelter sites in the form of woody debris or rocks. The vegetation at capture sites varies widely in age post-fire (Menkhorst and Knight 2004).

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Pteropus Grey-headed V V Occurs in the coastal belt from Rockhampton in central Queensland to Melbourne in PMST Moderate poliocephalus Flying-fox Victoria. However, only a small proportion of this range is used at any one time, as the Potential foraging species selectively forages where food is available. As a result, patterns of occurrence habitat recorded in and relative abundance within its distribution vary widely between seasons and the Project study between years. At a local scale, the species is generally present intermittently and area. irregularly. At a regional scale, broad trends in the distribution of plants with similar flowering and fruiting times support regular annual cycles of migration. Whilst Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney and Melbourne are occupied continuously, elsewhere, during spring, Grey-headed Flying-foxes are uncommon south of Nowra and widespread in other areas of their range. The species is widespread throughout their range in summer, whilst in autumn it occupies coastal lowlands and is uncommon inland. In winter, the species congregates in coastal lowlands north of the Hunter Valley and is occasionally found on the south coast of NSW (associated with flowering Spotted Gum Corymbia maculata) and on the northwest slopes (generally associated with flowering White Box Eucalyptus albens or Mugga Ironbark E. sideroxylon). Occurs in subtropical and temperate rainforests, tall sclerophyll forests and woodlands, heaths and swamps as well as urban gardens and cultivated fruit crops. Roosting camps are generally located within 20 km of a regular food source and are commonly found in gullies, close to water, in vegetation with a dense canopy. Feed on the nectar and pollen of native trees, in particular Eucalyptus, Melaleuca and Banksia, and fruits of rainforest trees and vines (Department of the Environment and Energy 2017, Office of Environment and Heritage 2017).

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REPTILES

Aprasia Pink-tailed V V This lizard is known from four sites in eastern Australia: near Canberra in the ACT, ACTmapi Low parapulchella Worm-lizard Tarcutta and Bathurst in NSW, and near Bendigo in Vic. More specifically in the ACT, ACT Small areas of (syn. Pink- known habitat include areas around Queanbeyan and regions along the Murrumbidgee Threatened potential habitat tailed and Molonglo River corridors and on adjacent outlying hills (ACT Government - Species List recorded in the Legless Environment and Planning 2016). In general, lizards occur in open grassland habitats Project study area. Lizard) that have a substantial cover of small rocks (Osbourne and Jones 1995). Lizards also PMST show a preference for sunny aspects, avoiding south facing slopes, these sites tend to Targeted surveys be well drained. Some specimens have been collected from grassland sites that appear in the Project not to support any native grasses and several animals have been found on the edge of study area did not Callitris enlicheri woodland and Eucalyptus macrorhyncha woodland (Osbourne and record this species; Jones 1995). A burrowing species, it is usually found under rocks on well-drained soil thus, it is and in ant nests, occasionally with several individuals found under the same rock considered that (Swan, Shea et al. 2004). this species is not present in the Project study area.

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SCIENTIFIC COMMON EPBC NC DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT DATA LIKELIHOOD NAME NAME LISTING1 LISTING2 SOURCE3 OF OCCURRENCE

Delma impar Striped V V The Striped Legless Lizard occurs in the Southern Tablelands, the South West Slopes ACTmapi Low Legless and possibly on the Riverina. Populations are known in the Goulburn, Yass, ACT Small areas of Lizard Queanbeyan, Cooma and Tumut areas. It also occurs in the ACT, Victoria and south- Threatened potential habitat eastern South Australia. In the ACT region, four disjunct populations are recognised: Species List recorded in the Gungahlin, Yarramundi Reach, Majura Valley and Jerrabomberra Valley (Department Project study area. of the Environment 2016). Found mainly in Natural Temperate Grassland but has also PMST been captured in grasslands that have a high exotic component. Also found in Targeted surveys secondary grassland near Natural Temperate Grassland and occasionally in open Box- in the Project Gum Woodland. Habitat is where grassland is dominated by perennial, tussock- study area did not forming grasses such as Kangaroo Grass Themeda australis, spear-grasses Austrostipa record this species; spp. and poa tussocks Poa spp., and occasionally wallaby grasses Austrodanthonia thus, it is spp. Sometimes present in modified grasslands with a significant content of exotic considered that grasses. Also sometimes found in grasslands with significant amounts of surface rocks, this species is not which are used for shelter (Environment ACT 2005, Office of Environment and present in the Heritage 2017). Project study area.

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SCIENTIFIC COMMON EPBC NC DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT DATA LIKELIHOOD NAME NAME LISTING1 LISTING2 SOURCE3 OF OCCURRENCE

Tympanocryptis Grassland E E In the ACT region, the species is found only in a small number of sites with suitable ACT Low pinguicolla Earless native grassland habitat located in the Majura and Jerrabomberra valleys and one Threatened Project study area Dragon adjacent location near Queanbeyan in NSW (Environment ACT 2005). The lizards Species List did not contain have also been recorded at several sites near Cooma. It occurs in Natural Temperate PMST preferred habitat. Grassland sites dominated by wallaby grasses (Notodanthonia spp.), spear grasses (Austrostipa spp.), Poa Tussock (Poa sieberiana), Red Grass (Bothriochloa macra), and occasionally Kangaroo Grass (Themeda australis). Introduced pasture grasses occur at many of the sites supporting this species, which has also been captured in secondary grassland. Within its habitat, apparently prefers areas with a more open structure, characterised by small patches of bare ground between the grasses and herbs. In addition to tussocks, partially embedded surface rocks, and spider and insect holes are used for shelter. These are important micro-habitat elements within the grassland habitat. Rocks and arthropod holes provide important thermal refuges during temperature extremes. It feeds on small invertebrates, including ants and spiders. Tends to be inactive beneath rocks or in arthropod burrows during the winter months. Lays up to five eggs in shallow nests or burrows, (sometimes those dug by spiders or other arthropods), between late spring and late summer. Young hatch in late summer and autumn (Department of Environment and Climate Change 2007).

(1) V = Vulnerable, E = Endangered, CE = Critically Endangered, RCP = Regionally Conservation Dependent, under the Nature Conservation Act 2014 (ACT Status). (2) V = Vulnerable, E = Endangered, CE = Critically Endangered, M = Migratory, under the Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Comm Status). (3) ACTmapi = Significant Plants, Animals and Registered Trees, PMST = Department of Environment’s EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool.

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REFERENCES

ACT Government - Environment and Planning (2016). "ACTMAPi Significant Plants, Animals and Registered Trees." from http://www.actmapi.act.gov.au/home.html. ACT Government - Environment and Planning Directorate - Environment (2015). "Threatened Species List." Retrieved 21 July, 2015, from http://www.environment.act.gov.au/cpr/conservation_and_ecological_communities/threatenedspecieslist. ACT Government - Environment and Planning Directorate - Environment (2016). "Threatened Species List." from http://www.environment.act.gov.au/cpr/conservation_and_ecological_communities/threatenedspecieslist. ACT Government (1999). Trout Cod (Maccullochella macquariensis): An endangered species. Action Plan No12. E. ACT. Canberra, ACT Government. ACT Government (1999). Two-spined Blackfish (Gadopsis bispinosus): A vulnerable species. Action Plan No.11 Environment ACT. Canberra, ACT Government,. ACT Government (2015). Fact Sheet No.14 Murray River Crayfish (Euastacus armatus). E. ACT. Canberra, ACT Government. Department of Environment and Climate Change (2007). "Threatened species, populations and ecological communities." 2006, from http://www.threatenedspecies.environment.nsw.gov.au/index.aspx. Department of Environment and Conservation (2004). Green and Golden Bell Frog environmental impact assessment guidelines Hurstville, Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW). Department of Environment and Conservation (2005). Draft Recovery Plan for the Green and Golden Bell Frog (Litoria aurea). Hurstville, NSW, Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW). Department of Environment and Conservation (2005). "Hooded Robin (south-eastern form) - Profile." Retrieved 07 2009, 2009, from http://www.threatenedspecies.environment.nsw.gov.au/tsprofile/profile.aspx?id=10519. Department of Environment, L., Water and Planning; (2016). National Recovery Plan for the Spotted-tailed Quoll (Dasyurus maculatus). D. o. Environment. Canberra, Australian Government. Department of Environment Water Heritage and the Arts (2009). "Pseudophryne corroboree in Species Profile and Threats Database." Retrieved 24 July 2009, 2009, from http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi- bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=1915. Department of the Environment (2016). "Delma impar in Species Profile and Threats Database." from http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=1649. Department of the Environment (2016). "Murray Cod (Maccullochella peelii) in Species Profile and Threats Database." Species Profile and Threats Database. from http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi- bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=66633. Department of the Environment and Energy (2017). "Species Profile and Threats Database (SPRAT)." from http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/sprat.pl. Department of the Environment and Energy (2018). "Litoria castanea in Species Profile and Threats Database." from http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=1848. Environment ACT (2005). Action plan no. 28: A vision splendid of the grassy plains extended. ACT lowland native grassland conservation strategy. Canberra, Arts, Heritage and the Environment. Environment ACT (2006). "Perunga Grasshopper (Perunga ochracea)." Garnett, S. T. and G. M. Crowley (2000). The Action Plan for Australian Birds. Canberra, Environment Australia.

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Higgins, P. J., Ed. (1999). Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds Volume 4: Parrots to Dollarbirds. Volume 4: Parrots to Dollarbird. Melbourne, Oxford University Press. Higgins, P. J. and J. M. Peter, Eds. (2002). Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Volume 6: Pardalotes to Shrike-thrushes. Melbourne, Oxford University Press. Higgins, P. J., et al. (2006). Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds, Volume 7, Boatbill to Starlings, Oxford University Press, Melbourne, Victoria. Marchant, S. and P. J. Higgins, Eds. (1993). Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds Volume 2: Raptors to Lapwings. Volume 2: Raptors to Lapwings. Melbourne, Oxford University Press. Menkhorst, P. and F. Knight, Eds. (2004). A field guide to the mammals of Australia. Melbourne, Oxford University Press. Morcombe, M. (2003). Field guide to Australian birds. Archerfield, Queensland, Steve Parish Publishing. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (1999). Koala threatened species information. Hurstville, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (1999). Spotted-tailed Quoll threatened species information. Hurstville, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (1999). Terms of licence under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. Appendix B of the Integrated Forestry Operations Approval for the Upper North East Region. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2003). Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby Warrumbungles endangered population threatened species information. Hurstville, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2003). Draft Recovery Plan for the Koala. Hurstville, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. Office of Environment & Heritage (2014). "Brown Treecreeper (eastern subspecies) - profile ". from http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/ThreatenedSpeciesApp/profile.aspx?id=10171. Office of Environment & Heritage (2015). "Glossy Black-Cockatoo - profile ". from http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/ThreatenedSpeciesApp/profile.aspx?id=10140. Office of Environment & Heritage (2016). "Varied Sittella - profile ". from http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/ThreatenedSpeciesApp/profile.aspx?id=20135. Office of Environment and Heritage (2017). "Threatened species, populations and communities database." from . Office of Environment and Heritage (2017). "Yellow-spotted Tree Frog - profile." from https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedSpeciesApp/profile.aspx?id=10486. Office of Environment and Heritage (2018). "BioNet the Atlas of NSW Wildlife Database Search." from http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/atlaspublicapp/UI_Modules/ATLAS_/AtlasSearch.aspx. Osborne, W. and D. Wong (2013). The extent of habitat for the vulnerable Pink-tailed Worm Lizard (Aprasia parapulchella) in West Belconnen – Ginninderra Creek investigation area – confirmatory distribution surreys and mapping prepared for The Riverview Group Osbourne, W. S. and S. R. Jones (1995). Recovery Plan for the Pink-tailed Worm Lizard (Apriasia parapulchella). Technical Report No. 10. Canberra, Department of Environment, Land and Planning. Pizzey, G. and F. Knight (2007). Field Guide to the Birds of Australia. Sydney, Harper and Collins. Swan, G., et al. (2004). A Field Guide to Reptiles of New South Wales. Sydney, Reed New Holland.

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Swift Parrot Recovery Team (2001). Swift Parrot Recovery Plan. W. a. E. T. Department of Primary Industries. Hobart, Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment. Traill, B. J. and S. Duncan (2000). Status of birds in the New South Wales temperate woodlands region. Chiltern, Victoria, Consultancy report to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service by the Australian Woodlands Conservancy.

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PROTECTED MATTERS SEARCH TOOLS

EPBC Act Protected Matters Report

This report provides general guidance on matters of national environmental significance and other matters protected by the EPBC Act in the area you have selected.

Information on the coverage of this report and qualifications on data supporting this report are contained in the caveat at the end of the report.

Information is available about Environment Assessments and the EPBC Act including significance guidelines, forms and application process details.

Report created: 02/01/19 12:51:23

Summary Details Matters of NES Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act Extra Information Caveat Acknowledgements

Coordinates Buffer: 10.0Km

Summary

Matters of National Environmental Significance

This part of the report summarises the matters of national environmental significance that may occur in, or may relate to, the area you nominated. Further information is available in the detail part of the report, which can be accessed by scrolling or following the links below. If you are proposing to undertake an activity that may have a significant impact on one or more matters of national environmental significance then you should consider the Administrative Guidelines on Significance.

World Heritage Properties: None National Heritage Places: 1 Wetlands of International Importance: 4 Great Barrier Reef Marine Park: None Commonwealth Marine Area: None Listed Threatened Ecological Communities: 2 Listed Threatened Species: 37 Listed Migratory Species: 13

Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act

This part of the report summarises other matters protected under the Act that may relate to the area you nominated. Approval may be required for a proposed activity that significantly affects the environment on Commonwealth land, when the action is outside the Commonwealth land, or the environment anywhere when the action is taken on Commonwealth land. Approval may also be required for the Commonwealth or Commonwealth agencies proposing to take an action that is likely to have a significant impact on the environment anywhere.

The EPBC Act protects the environment on Commonwealth land, the environment from the actions taken on Commonwealth land, and the environment from actions taken by Commonwealth agencies. As heritage values of a place are part of the 'environment', these aspects of the EPBC Act protect the Commonwealth Heritage values of a Commonwealth Heritage place. Information on the new heritage laws can be found at http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage

A permit may be required for activities in or on a Commonwealth area that may affect a member of a listed threatened species or ecological community, a member of a listed migratory species, whales and other cetaceans, or a member of a listed marine species.

Commonwealth Land: 11 Commonwealth Heritage Places: 27 Listed Marine Species: 20 Whales and Other Cetaceans: None Critical Habitats: 1 Commonwealth Reserves Terrestrial: None Australian Marine Parks: None

Extra Information

This part of the report provides information that may also be relevant to the area you have nominated.

State and Territory Reserves: 19 Regional Forest Agreements: 1 Invasive Species: 37 Nationally Important Wetlands: None Key Ecological Features (Marine) None

Details

Matters of National Environmental Significance National Heritage Properties [ Resource Information ] Name State Status Historic Australian Academy of Science Building ACT Listed place

Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar) [ Resource Information ] Name Proximity Banrock station wetland complex 700 - 800km upstream Hattah-kulkyne lakes 500 - 600km upstream Riverland 700 - 800km upstream The coorong, and lakes alexandrina and albert wetland 800 - 900km upstream

Listed Threatened Ecological Communities [ Resource Information ] For threatened ecological communities where the distribution is well known, maps are derived from recovery plans, State vegetation maps, remote sensing imagery and other sources. Where threatened ecological community distributions are less well known, existing vegetation maps and point location data are used to produce indicative distribution maps. Name Status Type of Presence Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Critically Endangered Community likely to occur Highlands within area White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Critically Endangered Community likely to occur Woodland and Derived Native Grassland within area Listed Threatened Species [ Resource Information ] Name Status Type of Presence Birds Anthochaera phrygia Regent Honeyeater [82338] Critically Endangered Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper [856] Critically Endangered Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Grantiella picta Painted Honeyeater [470] Vulnerable Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Lathamus discolor Swift Parrot [744] Critically Endangered Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew, Far Eastern Curlew [847] Critically Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area

Polytelis swainsonii Superb Parrot [738] Vulnerable Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Rostratula australis Australian Painted-snipe, Australian Painted Snipe Endangered Species or species habitat [77037] likely to occur within area

Fish Maccullochella macquariensis Trout Cod [26171] Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within

Name Status Type of Presence area Maccullochella peelii Murray Cod [66633] Vulnerable Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Macquaria australasica Macquarie Perch [66632] Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area

Frogs Litoria aurea Green and Golden Bell Frog [1870] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area

Litoria booroolongensis Booroolong Frog [1844] Endangered Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Litoria castanea Yellow-spotted Tree Frog, Yellow-spotted Bell Frog Endangered Species or species habitat [1848] may occur within area

Insects Synemon plana Golden Sun Moth [25234] Critically Endangered Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Mammals Chalinolobus dwyeri Large-eared Pied Bat, Large Pied Bat [183] Vulnerable Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Dasyurus maculatus maculatus (SE mainland population) Spot-tailed Quoll, Spotted-tail Quoll, Tiger Quoll Endangered Species or species habitat (southeastern mainland population) [75184] known to occur within area

Petauroides volans Greater Glider [254] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area

Petrogale penicillata Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby [225] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area

Phascolarctos cinereus (combined populations of Qld, NSW and the ACT) Koala (combined populations of Queensland, New Vulnerable Species or species habitat South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory) known to occur within area [85104] Pteropus poliocephalus Grey-headed Flying-fox [186] Vulnerable Roosting known to occur within area Plants Ammobium craspedioides Yass Daisy [20758] Vulnerable Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Amphibromus fluitans River Swamp Wallaby-grass, Floating Swamp Vulnerable Species or species habitat Wallaby-grass [19215] may occur within area

Caladenia actensis Canberra Spider Orchid [76138] Critically Endangered Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Dodonaea procumbens Trailing Hop-bush [12149] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area

Eucalyptus aggregata Black Gum [20890] Vulnerable Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Name Status Type of Presence Lepidium ginninderrense Ginninderra Peppercress [78474] Vulnerable Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Lepidium hyssopifolium Basalt Pepper-cress, Peppercress, Rubble Pepper- Endangered Species or species habitat cress, Pepperweed [16542] may occur within area

Leucochrysum albicans var. tricolor Hoary Sunray, Grassland Paper-daisy [56204] Endangered Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Pelargonium sp. Striatellum (G.W.Carr 10345) Omeo Stork's-bill [84065] Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area

Pomaderris pallida Pale Pomaderris [13684] Vulnerable Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Prasophyllum petilum Tarengo Leek Orchid [55144] Endangered Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Rutidosis leptorrhynchoides Button Wrinklewort [7384] Endangered Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Swainsona recta Small Purple-pea, Mountain Swainson-pea, Small Endangered Species or species habitat Purple Pea [7580] known to occur within area

Thesium australe Austral Toadflax, Toadflax [15202] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area

Reptiles Aprasia parapulchella Pink-tailed Worm-lizard, Pink-tailed Legless Lizard Vulnerable Species or species habitat [1665] known to occur within area

Delma impar Striped Legless Lizard [1649] Vulnerable Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Tympanocryptis pinguicolla Grassland Earless Dragon [66727] Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area

Listed Migratory Species [ Resource Information ] * Species is listed under a different scientific name on the EPBC Act - Threatened Species list. Name Threatened Type of Presence Migratory Marine Birds Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift [678] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Migratory Terrestrial Species Hirundapus caudacutus White-throated Needletail [682] Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Monarcha melanopsis Black-faced Monarch [609] Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Motacilla flava Yellow Wagtail [644] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Name Threatened Type of Presence Myiagra cyanoleuca Satin Flycatcher [612] Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Rhipidura rufifrons Rufous Fantail [592] Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Migratory Wetlands Species Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper [59309] Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper [874] Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper [856] Critically Endangered Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper [858] Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Gallinago hardwickii Latham's Snipe, Japanese Snipe [863] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew, Far Eastern Curlew [847] Critically Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area

Pandion haliaetus Osprey [952] Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act Commonwealth Land [ Resource Information ] The Commonwealth area listed below may indicate the presence of Commonwealth land in this vicinity. Due to the unreliability of the data source, all proposals should be checked as to whether it impacts on a Commonwealth area, before making a definitive decision. Contact the State or Territory government land department for further information. Name Commonwealth Land - Commonwealth Land - Australian Telecommunications Commission Commonwealth Land - Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation Defence - ADFA MARINE FACILITY - YARRALUMLA Defence - AIDAB Building Defence - BELCONNEN RADIO STATION ; BELCONNEN COMMUNICATIONS STATION Defence - DEFENCE RECRUITING UNIT - GIO BUILDING Defence - HEWLETT PACKARD BUILDING - FERNHILL PARK Defence - NCC BUILDING - CANBERRA CITY Defence - NORTHBOURNE HOUSE Defence - WERRIWA DEPOT

Commonwealth Heritage Places [ Resource Information ] Name State Status Natural Synemon Plana Moth Habitat ACT Listed place Historic Acton Conservation Area ACT Listed place Acton Peninsula Building 1 ACT Listed place Acton Peninsula Building 15 ACT Listed place Acton Peninsula Building 2 ACT Listed place Acton Peninsula Limestone Outcrops ACT Listed place Australian Forestry School (former) ACT Listed place Australian National Botanic Gardens (part) ACT Listed place

Name State Status CSIRO Main Entomology Building ACT Listed place Cameron Offices (Wings 3, 4 and 5, and Bridge) ACT Listed place Canberra School of Art ACT Listed place Canberra School of Music ACT Listed place Drill Hall Gallery ACT Listed place Gungahlin Complex ACT Listed place Gungahlin Homestead and Landscape ACT Listed place Institute of Anatomy (former) ACT Listed place Lennox House Complex ACT Listed place Parliament House Vista ACT Listed place Phytotron ACT Listed place R G Menzies Building ANU ACT Listed place Reserve Bank of Australia ACT Listed place Royal Australian Naval Transmitting Station ACT Listed place The CSIRO Forestry Precinct ACT Listed place Toad Hall ANU ACT Listed place University House and Garden ACT Listed place Westridge House & Grounds ACT Listed place Yarralumla and Surrounds ACT Listed place

Listed Marine Species [ Resource Information ] * Species is listed under a different scientific name on the EPBC Act - Threatened Species list. Name Threatened Type of Presence Birds Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper [59309] Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift [678] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Ardea alba Great Egret, White Egret [59541] Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Ardea ibis Cattle Egret [59542] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper [874] Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper [856] Critically Endangered Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper [858] Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Chrysococcyx osculans Black-eared Cuckoo [705] Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Gallinago hardwickii Latham's Snipe, Japanese Snipe [863] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-Eagle [943] Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Hirundapus caudacutus White-throated Needletail [682] Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Lathamus discolor Swift Parrot [744] Critically Endangered Species or species habitat known to occur

Name Threatened Type of Presence within area Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater [670] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Monarcha melanopsis Black-faced Monarch [609] Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Motacilla flava Yellow Wagtail [644] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Myiagra cyanoleuca Satin Flycatcher [612] Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew, Far Eastern Curlew [847] Critically Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area

Pandion haliaetus Osprey [952] Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Rhipidura rufifrons Rufous Fantail [592] Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Rostratula benghalensis (sensu lato) Painted Snipe [889] Endangered* Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Critical Habitats [ Resource Information ] Name Type of Presence Lepidium ginninderrense (Ginninderra Peppercress) - Northwest corner Listed Critical Habitat Belconnen Naval Transmission Station, ACT

Extra Information State and Territory Reserves [ Resource Information ] Name State Aranda Bushland ACT Australian National ACT Black Mountain ACT Bruce Ridge ACT Crace ACT Dunlop Grassland ACT Gossan Hill ACT Gungaderra Grassland ACT Kama ACT Kinleyside ACT Lower Molonglo River Corridor ACT Mt Painter ACT Mulanggari Grassland ACT Mulligans Flat ACT O'Connor Ridge ACT Percival Hill ACT Swamp Creek ACT The Pinnacle ACT Woodstock ACT

Regional Forest Agreements [ Resource Information ] Note that all areas with completed RFAs have been included. Name State Southern RFA New South Wales

Invasive Species [ Resource Information ] Weeds reported here are the 20 species of national significance (WoNS), along with other introduced plants that are considered by the States and Territories to pose a particularly significant threat to biodiversity. The following feral animals are reported: Goat, Red Fox, Cat, Rabbit, Pig, Water Buffalo and Cane Toad. Maps from Landscape Health Project, National Land and Water Resouces Audit, 2001.

Name Status Type of Presence Birds Acridotheres tristis Common Myna, Indian Myna [387] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Alauda arvensis Skylark [656] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Anas platyrhynchos Mallard [974] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Carduelis carduelis European Goldfinch [403] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Carduelis chloris European Greenfinch [404] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Columba livia Rock Pigeon, Rock Dove, Domestic Pigeon [803] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Passer domesticus House Sparrow [405] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Streptopelia chinensis Spotted Turtle-Dove [780] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Sturnus vulgaris Common Starling [389] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Turdus merula Common Blackbird, Eurasian Blackbird [596] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Mammals Bos taurus Domestic Cattle [16] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Canis lupus familiaris Domestic Dog [82654] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Felis catus Cat, House Cat, Domestic Cat [19] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Feral deer Feral deer species in Australia [85733] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Lepus capensis Brown Hare [127] Species or species

Name Status Type of Presence habitat likely to occur within area Mus musculus House Mouse [120] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Oryctolagus cuniculus Rabbit, European Rabbit [128] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Rattus norvegicus Brown Rat, Norway Rat [83] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Rattus rattus Black Rat, Ship Rat [84] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Sus scrofa Pig [6] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Vulpes vulpes Red Fox, Fox [18] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Plants Alternanthera philoxeroides Alligator Weed [11620] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Asparagus asparagoides Bridal Creeper, Bridal Veil Creeper, Smilax, Florist's Species or species habitat Smilax, Smilax Asparagus [22473] likely to occur within area

Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. monilifera Boneseed [16905] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Cytisus scoparius Broom, English Broom, Scotch Broom, Common Species or species habitat Broom, Scottish Broom, Spanish Broom [5934] likely to occur within area

Genista monspessulana Montpellier Broom, Cape Broom, Canary Broom, Species or species habitat Common Broom, French Broom, Soft Broom [20126] likely to occur within area

Genista sp. X Genista monspessulana Broom [67538] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Lycium ferocissimum African Boxthorn, Boxthorn [19235] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Nassella neesiana Chilean Needle grass [67699] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Nassella trichotoma Serrated Tussock, Yass River Tussock, Yass Tussock, Species or species habitat Nassella Tussock (NZ) [18884] likely to occur within area

Opuntia spp. Prickly Pears [82753] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Pinus radiata Radiata Pine Monterey Pine, Insignis Pine, Wilding Species or species habitat Pine [20780] may occur within area

Rubus fruticosus aggregate Blackberry, European Blackberry [68406] Species or species

Name Status Type of Presence habitat likely to occur within area Sagittaria platyphylla Delta Arrowhead, Arrowhead, Slender Arrowhead Species or species habitat [68483] likely to occur within area

Salix spp. except S.babylonica, S.x calodendron & S.x reichardtii Willows except Weeping Willow, Pussy Willow and Species or species habitat Sterile Pussy Willow [68497] likely to occur within area

Senecio madagascariensis Fireweed, Madagascar Ragwort, Madagascar Species or species habitat Groundsel [2624] likely to occur within area

Ulex europaeus Gorse, Furze [7693] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Caveat The information presented in this report has been provided by a range of data sources as acknowledged at the end of the report.

This report is designed to assist in identifying the locations of places which may be relevant in determining obligations under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. It holds mapped locations of World and National Heritage properties, Wetlands of International and National Importance, Commonwealth and State/Territory reserves, listed threatened, migratory and marine species and listed threatened ecological communities. Mapping of Commonwealth land is not complete at this stage. Maps have been collated from a range of sources at various resolutions.

Not all species listed under the EPBC Act have been mapped (see below) and therefore a report is a general guide only. Where available data supports mapping, the type of presence that can be determined from the data is indicated in general terms. People using this information in making a referral may need to consider the qualifications below and may need to seek and consider other information sources.

For threatened ecological communities where the distribution is well known, maps are derived from recovery plans, State vegetation maps, remote sensing imagery and other sources. Where threatened ecological community distributions are less well known, existing vegetation maps and point location data are used to produce indicative distribution maps.

Threatened, migratory and marine species distributions have been derived through a variety of methods. Where distributions are well known and if time permits, maps are derived using either thematic spatial data (i.e. vegetation, soils, geology, elevation, aspect, terrain, etc) together with point locations and described habitat; or environmental modelling (MAXENT or BIOCLIM habitat modelling) using point locations and environmental data layers.

Where very little information is available for species or large number of maps are required in a short time-frame, maps are derived either from 0.04 or 0.02 decimal degree cells; by an automated process using polygon capture techniques (static two kilometre grid cells, alpha-hull and convex hull); or captured manually or by using topographic features (national park boundaries, islands, etc). In the early stages of the distribution mapping process (1999-early 2000s) distributions were defined by degree blocks, 100K or 250K map sheets to rapidly create distribution maps. More reliable distribution mapping methods are used to update these distributions as time permits.

Only selected species covered by the following provisions of the EPBC Act have been mapped: - migratory and - marine The following species and ecological communities have not been mapped and do not appear in reports produced from this database:

- threatened species listed as extinct or considered as vagrants - some species and ecological communities that have only recently been listed - some terrestrial species that overfly the Commonwealth marine area - migratory species that are very widespread, vagrant, or only occur in small numbers The following groups have been mapped, but may not cover the complete distribution of the species: - non-threatened seabirds which have only been mapped for recorded breeding sites - seals which have only been mapped for breeding sites near the Australian continent Such breeding sites may be important for the protection of the Commonwealth Marine environment.

Coordinates

-35.222768 149.068436,-35.221646 149.062256,-35.219122 149.055733,-35.219122 149.046806,-35.215195 149.040283,-35.212951 149.038567,-35.208182 149.036507,-35.207902 149.033417,-35.207902 149.034103

Acknowledgements This database has been compiled from a range of data sources. The department acknowledges the following custodians who have contributed valuable data and advice: -Office of Environment and Heritage, New South Wales -Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Victoria -Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Tasmania -Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, South Australia -Department of Land and Resource Management, Northern Territory -Department of Environmental and Heritage Protection, Queensland -Department of Parks and Wildlife, Western Australia -Environment and Planning Directorate, ACT -Birdlife Australia -Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme -Australian National Wildlife Collection -Natural history museums of Australia -Museum Victoria -Australian Museum -South Australian Museum -Queensland Museum -Online Zoological Collections of Australian Museums -Queensland Herbarium -National Herbarium of NSW -Royal Botanic Gardens and National Herbarium of Victoria -Tasmanian Herbarium -State Herbarium of South Australia -Northern Territory Herbarium -Western Australian Herbarium -Australian National Herbarium, Canberra -University of New England -Ocean Biogeographic Information System -Australian Government, Department of Defence Forestry Corporation, NSW -Geoscience Australia -CSIRO -Australian Tropical Herbarium, Cairns -eBird Australia -Australian Government – Australian Antarctic Data Centre -Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory -Australian Government National Environmental Science Program -Australian Institute of Marine Science -Reef Life Survey Australia -American Museum of Natural History -Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Inveresk, Tasmania -Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, Hobart, Tasmania -Other groups and individuals

The Department is extremely grateful to the many organisations and individuals who provided expert advice and information on numerous draft distributions.

Please feel free to provide feedback via the Contact Us page.

EPBC ACT ASSESSMENTS

F1 NATURAL TEMPERATE GRASSLANDS OF THE SOUTH EASTERN HIGHLANDS

F1.1 DESCRIPTION

STATUS

Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands is listed as Critically Endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and Endangered under the ACT Nature Conservation Act 2014 (NC Act).

HABITAT AND ECOLOGY

Natural Temperate Grasslands are one of Australia’s most threatened ecosystems. Within the Australian Capital Territory these communities provide critical habitat for several threatened species of flora and fauna (ACT Government, 2017c). The ecological community occurs within the ACT’s temperate zone (elevation up to approximately 1200 m). The community is naturally treeless or may contain up to 10 percent cover of trees or shrubs. The community is dominated (50 percent of more of total vegetation) by native grasses and/ or forbs (Department of the Environment and Energy, 2018d) and is usually characterised by two or three levels of stratum (Department of the Environment and Energy, 2018d); these are:

— dominated by native perennial tussock grasses, tallest stratum up to 1 m in height — usually a lower stratum of shorter perennial and annual grasses and forbs — third discontinuous stratum of even smaller forbs, grasses and cryptograms.

THREATS

The ecological community is threatened by (Office of Environment and Heritage, 2017b):

— loss of the community to total subdivision and infrastructure development — conversion of Natural Temperate Grasslands to modified exotic pastures or crops — invasion of exotic weeds — overgrazing by domestic stock resulting in alteration of the community through changing species’ dominance, decreasing diversity, increasing fertility, increasing weediness, destruction of fauna habitat, soil erosion, and soil degradation — inappropriate fire regimes and wild fires — inappropriate mowing/slashing regimes — spray drift or non-target spraying from herbicide use — tree plantings — grazing and soil disturbance from pest animals.

SPECIFIC IMPACTS

The proposed action would involve the clearing of up to 0.15 ha of Tablelands Moist Tussock Grassland and Planted Native Canopy with Tablelands Moist Tussock Grassland Understorey, which were considered commensurate with Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands within the Project impact area. The clearing would be temporary and mitigation measures would be taken to rehabilitate the areas currently dominated by native vegetation.

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F1.2 EPBC ACT ASSESSMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

Natural Temperate Grassland is listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act. The following assessment has been undertaken following the Matters of National Environmental Significance, Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1 (Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, 2013).

AN ACTION IS LIKELY TO HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON A CRITICALLY ENDANGERED OR ENDANGERED ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITY IF THERE IS A REAL CHANCE OR POSSIBILITY THAT IT WILL:

REDUCE THE EXTENT OF AN ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITY The impact of the Project has been calculated and would see approximately 0.15 hectares of Natural Temperate Grassland cleared. The impacted 0.15 hectares consists of parts of small, isolated areas of vegetation which have been significantly modified by human management activities such as regular mowing and planting of overstorey species. The planting of overstorey species in some areas has resulted in areas of bare ground and areas of thick leaf litter within the community. While the condition of the communities within the Project impact area meet the criteria outlined for the Critically Endangered Ecological Community listed under the EPBC Act, the patches would not be considered to be of significant size, condition or importance. The patches are disconnected from other larger remaining patches of the community within the Australian Capital Territory and are unlikely to be providing important corridor habitat for grassland species. There is an estimated 1000 hectares of the ACT’s original Natural Temperate Grassland remaining in moderate to good condition (ACT Government, 2015c). The small patch that would be impacted by the proposed action makes up only 0.015 percent of the remaining ecological community within the ACT. The proposed action is not considered to result in a significant reduction to the extent of the Natural Temperate Grassland ecological community.

FRAGMENT OR INCREASE FRAGMENTATION OF AN ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITY, FOR EXAMPLE BY CLEARING VEGETATION FOR ROADS OR TRANSMISSION LINES The areas of Natural Temperate Grassland within the Project study area are already isolated and fragmented from one another and from larger areas of the ecological community. The Project is unlikely to increase the fragmentation of the ecological community.

MODIFY OR DESTROY ABIOTIC (NON-LIVING) FACTORS (SUCH AS WATER, NUTRIENTS, OR SOIL) NECESSARY FOR AN ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES SURVIVAL, INCLUDING REDUCTION OF GROUNDWATER LEVELS, OR SUBSTANTIAL ALTERATION OF SURFACE WATER DRAINAGE PATTERNS The Project would involve the disturbance of soil in construction areas through vegetation clearing, excavation and trenching works. Implemented mitigation measures would see the soil stockpiled during digging and used to refill trenches. Further, the top soil would be scraped in areas of native vegetation and respread following construction in the same areas to maintain the existing seed bank. As a result, significant modification of the soil within the area is likely to be avoided. There are no predicted modifications to the existing hydrology of the areas comprised of the ecological community.

CAUSE A SUBSTANTIAL CHANGE IN THE SPECIES COMPOSITION OF AN OCCURRENCE OF AN ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITY, INCLUDING CAUSING A DECLINE OR LOSS OF FUNCTIONALLY IMPORTANT SPECIES, FOR EXAMPLE THROUGH REGULAR BURNING OR FLORA OR FAUNA HARVESTING Mitigation measures following construction would involve the spreading of top soil from the site and the reseeding of the areas with native grassland species currently present. These measures would aim to avoid the change in species composition of the areas currently comprised of the ecological community. No threatened fauna or flora species have been identified within these areas. Mitigation measures would include weed control and measures to minimise weed spread including wash down procedures. The project would not result in changed in burning or flora and fauna harvesting. Further, the land management and use of the part of the site which contains the trunk sewer main is not expected to change following construction.

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CAUSE A SUBSTANTIAL REDUCTION IN THE QUALITY OR INTEGRITY OF AN OCCURRENCE OF AN ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITY, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO: — assisting invasive species, that are harmful to the listed ecological community, to become established, or Mitigation measures would limit habitat alteration as a result of the proposed action and would include weed control measures as part of the construction environment management plan. It is not likely that further invasive species that are harmful to the species would become established due to the proposed action.

— causing regular mobilisation of fertilisers, herbicides or other chemicals or pollutants into the ecological community which kill or inhibit the growth of species in the ecological community, or Mitigation measures would include standard spill control measures. The project does not include use of fertilisers or other pollutant likely to kill or inhibit the community. Herbicides would be used according to guidelines and label to control weeds and their use would be outlined in the weed control plan or the construction environment management plan to ensure there is limited off-target kill of native species. It is not likely that native plant species would be adversely affected by mobilisation of chemicals or pollutants as a result of the proposed action.

INTERFERE WITH THE RECOVERY OF AN ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITY The proposed action would not interfere with the recovery of the Natural Temperate Grassland ecological community. The proposed action involved the clearing of 0.15 hectares of marginal patches of the community that have already been subject to significant modification through previous and ongoing disturbance.

CONCLUSION The worst-case scenario of the proposed action would disturb 0.15 hectares of marginal Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands Critically Endangered Ecological Community. The Project impact area has been refined to minimise the impact to this ecological community. This has been done through the planned use of underboring and implementation of an ecological protection zone on the ground above these works. In the construction area where underboring is not feasible, the project footprint has been minimised to reduce impact to the threatened ecological community. Where feasible, this community would be revegetated and rehabilitated following completion of construction. Mitigation measures will include weed control measures to ensure the quality of adjacent areas is not further degraded.

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F2 GOLDEN SUN MOTH

F2.1 DESCRIPTION

STATUS

The Golden Sun Moth is listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act and Endangered under the NC Act.

HABITAT AND ECOLOGY

The Golden Sun Moth is a medium-sized day-flying moth, native to south eastern New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and South Australia (Department of the Environment, 2016c). The species is now thought to be extinct in South Australia, and is listed under the three other states' respective conservation Acts in addition to the Commonwealth listing (Department of the Environment, 2016c). The Golden Sun Moth's NSW and ACT populations are found in the area between Queanbeyan, Gunning, Young and Tumut. The species' historical distribution extended from Bathurst (central NSW) through the NSW Southern Tablelands, through to central and western Victoria, to Bordertown in eastern South Australia. The species occurs in Natural Temperate Grasslands and grassy Box-Gum Woodlands in which ground layer is dominated by wallaby grasses (Rytidosperma spp). Grasslands dominated by wallaby grasses are typically low and open - the bare ground between the tussocks is thought to be an important microhabitat feature for the Golden Sun Moth, as it is typically these areas on which the females are observed displaying to attract males. Habitat may contain several wallaby grass species, which are typically associated with other grasses particularly spear-grasses (Austrostipa spp) or Kangaroo Grass (Themeda australis). The species is also known to occur in exotic grassland dominated by the noxious weed Chilean Needle Grass Nassella neesiana on which Golden Sun Moth larvae also feed. The flight period is relatively short, typically lasting from six to eight weeks (during November and December in the ACT region, possibly earlier or later in other regions). Males fly only in bright sunshine during the warmest part of the day (1000–1400 hrs). Adults emerge continuously throughout the flying season (Office of Environment and Heritage, 2012) (Department of the Environment, 2016c).

THREATS

The primary threat to the species is the loss, fragmentation or degradation of already restricted native grassland habitat (ACT Government, 2015b). Native grassland is under threat as it is:

— in demand for urban development — vulnerable to alteration by changed agricultural practices, and — subject to degradation through weed invasion. The Department of the Environment and Energy’s SPRAT Profile for Golden Sun Moth has specifically identified the loss and degradation of Wallaby Grass-dominated native temperate grasslands within the species’ historical range and open grassy woodlands with a Wallaby Grass-dominated ground layer as a key threat to the species (Department of the Environment and Energy, 2018e). Soil disturbance at sites where the species persists is also considered to be a key threat.

SPECIFIC IMPACTS AND MITIGATION

The proposed action would involve clearing or disturbance of up to approximately 0.01 hectares of mapped Core Habitat and 0.47 hectares of Supplementary Habitat within the proposed Project impact area. Core Habitat is defined as Tablelands Moist Tussock Grassland patches which appear to support the largest density of moths. Supplementary Habitat supports lower numbers and was mapped as exotic vegetation. It supports either a low proportion of wallaby grasses Rytidosperma spp, or has areas dominated by Chilean Needle Grass.

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The habitat impact areas as a percentage of the overall mapped habitat for the species is provided in Table F.1. As can be seen on Figure 3.2 of the main report and in Table F.1, most of the habitat on site would be unaffected by the works, with very little impact proposed upon the highest quality habitat (Core Habitat). All impacts on this habitat would be temporary, as is discussed further below.

Table F.1 Golden Sun Moth temporary impact areas

HABITAT IMPACT AREA PROJECT STUDY AREA PERCENTAGE IMPACT

Core habitat 0.01 ha 0.62 ha 1.6%

Supplementary habitat 0.47 ha 1.32 ha 35.6%

Total 0.48 ha 1.94 ha 24.7%

Prior to targeted surveys undertaken by WSP in 2018, the species had not been recorded within the study area. Mitigation measures were employed early in the design phase of the Project to minimise the impact to the originally identified area of potential habitat occurring within the Project impact area. This was done through the identification of an ‘ecological protection zone’ for trenchless construction, as well as realignment of the sewer trunk. In addition, no impacts would occur outside the designated impact area. Further minimisation of impacts on Golden Sun Moth habitat is likely to be possible Project detailed design and as construction methods are refined. Clearing would be for access and trenching only. As such, most of the impacted areas (aside from access and maintenance pits) will be rehabilitated after the works through implementation of a revegetation plan. This would occur following construction and the backfill of trenches, and would incorporate a high proportion of Golden Sun Moth feed species in those areas consistent with previous Tableland Moist Tussock Grassland. Further information is provided in Section 6 of this report. F2.2 EPBC ACT ASSESSMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

The following assessment has been undertaken following the Matters of National Environmental Significance, Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1 (Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, 2013). This is consistency assessment from the original AoS completed for the Project EPBC Act referral. An assessment against the specific Significant impact guidelines for the critically endangered golden sun moth (Synemon plana) (Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts 2009) is presented at the end.

AN ACTION IS LIKELY TO HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON A CRITICALLY ENDANGERED OR ENDANGERED SPECIES IF THERE IS A REAL CHANCE OR POSSIBILITY THAT IT WILL:

LEAD TO A LONG-TERM DECREASE IN THE SIZE OF A POPULATION Given the mitigation proposed, including revegetation and management to improve habitat, the impact of the Project on Golden Sun Moth habitat would be temporary, with the exception of some small areas for maintenance and access points. As such it is considered unlikely that the Project would lead to a long term decrease in the size of a population.

REDUCE THE AREA OF OCCUPANCY OF THE SPECIES Investigation within the Project study area has determined that an area of 0.01 hectares of mapped Core Habitat and 0.47 hectares of mapped Supplementary Habitat would be impacted by the Project. The impacts of the Project within these areas are temporary, as revegetation works with appropriate native species consistent with preferred Golden Sun Moth habitat would be undertaken in these areas. Revegetation works and habitat management would aim to improve the quality of Golden Sun Moth habitat in the Project study area such that the area of occupancy of the species is not reduced.

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FRAGMENT AN EXISTING IMPORTANT POPULATION INTO TWO OR MORE POPULATIONS Golden Sun Moth habitat within the Project study area is already isolated and fragmented. The Project has a long, narrow linear footprint which is generally located near existing roads or residential development. Revegetation works would aim to improve the condition of Golden Sun Moth habitat in the impact area and create linkages between existing habitat patches. As such, the Project is unlikely to fragment or increase fragmentation of Golden Sun Moth populations.

ADVERSELY AFFECT HABITAT CRITICAL TO THE SURVIVAL OF A SPECIES The study area is unlikely to be critical to the survival of the species, because although the species is listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act and Endangered under the NC Act, it is relatively secure in the ACT. This is partly due to the secure grassland reserves which support this species, and partly because it is supported by an exotic grassy weed which is common in the Canberra area (Chilean Needle Grass). As such, this population is highly unlikely to be critical to the species’ survival. However, adverse long-term effects would be avoided by minimising impact to all extent practicable, and through revegetation and management of impacted habitat areas, with the aim of improving the condition of and expanding core habitat.

DISRUPT THE BREEDING CYCLE OF A POPULATION The Project is unlikely to disrupt the breeding cycle of the population, as most of the habitat, including the highest quality habitat on site, would not be affected by the Project.

MODIFY, DESTROY, REMOVE OR ISOLATE OR DECREASE THE AVAILABILITY OR QUALITY OF HABITAT TO THE EXTENT THAT THE SPECIES IS LIKELY TO DECLINE The proposed action would result in the disturbance and removal of up to 0.01 hectares of mapped Core Habitat and 0.47 hectares of mapped Supplementary Habitat. All habitats in the Project impact area is currently subject to edge effects and ongoing disturbance (including mowing and weed invasion) to varying degrees. The impacts of the Project within these areas are temporary, and revegetation with appropriate native species consistent with the preferred habitat for Golden Sun Moth habitat would be undertaken in these areas. Management consistent with the improvement of Golden Sun Moth habitat, including weed control, would be implemented during and after works. A such, it is considered unlikely that the species would decline as a result of the Project.

RESULT IN INVASIVE SPECIES THAT ARE HARMFUL TO A CRITICALLY ENDANGERED OR ENDANGERED SPECIES BECOMING ESTABLISHED IN THE SPECIES’ HABITAT Mitigation measures would limit habitat alteration as a result of the Project and would include weed control measures as part of a Project CEMP and rehabilitation management plan. It is not likely that further invasive species that are harmful to the species would become established due to the Project.

INTRODUCE DISEASE THAT MAY CAUSE THE SPECIES TO DECLINE There are no known diseases that affect the species. Mitigation measures would be included in the construction environment management plan to limit potential risk of introducing disease or pathogens including ensuring use of clean fill and that all equipment and vehicles are clean of soil and other material. In Golden Sun Moth habitat areas proposed to be impacted, topsoil would be collected and spread back at the conclusion of works. The Project is unlikely to introduce disease for this species.

INTERFERE SUBSTANTIALLY WITH THE RECOVERY OF THE SPECIES While the Project would include temporary impact to 0.01 hectares of mapped Core Habitat and 0.47 hectares of mapped Supplementary Habitat, it is unlikely to result in an increase in other threats, or lead to any long term impact to the species at the Project study area. Detailed mitigation measures including weed control, revegetation and rehabilitation would be implemented to minimise and mitigate impacts. As such, the Project is unlikely to interfere substantially with the recovery of the species.

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ASSESSMENT AGAINST GOLDEN SUN MOTH IMPACT THRESHOLDS An assessment against the thresholds in the Significant impact guidelines for the critically endangered golden sun moth (Synemon plana) (Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts 2009) is presented below.

Table F.1 Assessment against Golden Sun Moth impact thresholds

SIGNIFICANT RISK TO MNES LIKELIHOOD OF SIG KEY MITIGATION LIKELIHOOD OF SIG IMPACT WITHOUT IMPACT (NO MEASURES IMPACT (WITH CRITERIA MITIGATION MITIGATION) MITIGATION) MEASURES

Habitat loss, No mapped areas of N/A N/A N/A degradation or habitat >10 ha. fragmentation Construction footprint is >0.5 ha of a not part of a large and large or contiguous habitat area. contiguous habitat area (>10 ha)

Any habitat 0.01 ha of mapped Core High Minimisation of impacts Low loss, Habitat and 0.47 ha of in areas of Golden Sun No long-term loss, degradation or mapped Supplementary Moth core habitat. degradation or fragmentation Habitat would be Avoidance of key fragmentation is of a small or impacted by the works. habitat where possible anticipated. fragmented Degradation of some (e.g. trenchless habitat area remaining habitat from construction under the (<10 ha) weeds likely. ‘ecologically sensitive area’. Revegetation of all impacted habitat with key feed species. Management of weeds during and after construction. Long-term management of habitat to improve habitat values.

Fragmentation Project would not Low N/A Low of a population introduce a barrier to through the dispersal for this introduction of species. a barrier to dispersal

Overall Temporary impact to High Measures detailed Low core habitat. above.

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CONCLUSION Up to 0.01 hectares of mapped Core Habitat and 0.47 hectares of mapped Supplementary Habitat would be temporarily impacted by the Project. Impacts have been avoided and minimised where possible, and it is likely that further minimisation can occur during detailed design and as construction methods are further refined. Revegetation and habitat management including weed control would ensure that long-term, the habitat value at the Project study area is improved overall. It is considered unlikely that the Project would significantly impact this species.

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F3 GREY-HEADED FLYING-FOX

F3.1 DESCRIPTION

STATUS

The Grey-headed Flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) is listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act and the NC Act.

HABITAT AND ECOLOGY

The Grey-headed Flying-fox occurs in the coastal belt from Rockhampton in central Queensland to Melbourne in Victoria. However, only a small proportion of this range is used at any one time, as the species selectively forages where food is available. As a result, patterns of occurrence and relative abundance within its distribution vary widely between seasons and between years. At a local scale, the species is generally present intermittently and irregularly. At a regional scale, broad trends in the distribution of plants with similar flowering and fruiting times support regular annual cycles of migration. Whilst Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney and Melbourne are occupied continuously, elsewhere, during spring, Grey-headed Flying-foxes are uncommon south of Nowra and widespread in other areas of their range. The species is widespread throughout their range in summer, whilst in autumn it occupies coastal lowlands and is uncommon inland. In winter, the species congregates in coastal lowlands north of the Hunter Valley and is occasionally found on the south coast of NSW (associated with flowering Spotted Gum (Corymbia maculata) and on the northwest slopes (generally associated with flowering White Box (Eucalyptus albens) or Mugga Ironbark (E. sideroxylon). Occurs in subtropical and temperate rainforests, tall sclerophyll forests and woodlands, heaths and swamps as well as urban gardens and cultivated fruit crops. Roosting camps are generally located within 20 kilometres of a regular food source and are commonly found in gullies, close to water, in vegetation with a dense canopy. Feed on the nectar and pollen of native trees, in particular Eucalyptus, Melaleuca and Banksia, and fruits of rainforest trees and vines (Office of Environment & Heritage 2015c; Department of the Environment 2016d).

THREATS

Some of the key threats to the species have been identified as (Office of Environment and Heritage, 2018):

— loss of roosting and foraging sites — electrocution on powerlines, entanglement in netting and on barbed-wire — heat stress — conflict with humans — incomplete knowledge regarding abundance and distribution across species’ range.

SPECIFIC IMPACTS

The project would involve clearing of up to 4.61 hectares of potential foraging habitat for the species, which is consistent with planted woodland. The closest known roost site is Commonwealth Park, approximately 10 kilometres from the Project study area. As this species is highly mobile, with individuals foraging up to 50 kilometres from roost sites, it is likely that suitable foraging resources (in the form of blossoming canopy trees) are periodically utilised.

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F3.2 EPBC ACT ASSESSMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

IS THIS PART OF AN IMPORTANT POPULATION? Grey-headed Flying-foxes occur across a range of wooded habitats where their favoured food, eucalypt blossom occurs. They set up roosting camps in association with blossom availability, which are usually situated in dense vegetation and associated with water. Grey-headed Flying-foxes can migrate up to 75 kilometres north during the winter and during this time young flying-foxes establish camps. The study area does not contain suitable habitat for roosting camps, however individuals potentially visiting the site would fly from the nearby camp in Commonwealth Park. They should be considered part of an important population.

AN ACTION IS LIKELY TO HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON A VULNERABLE SPECIES IF THERE IS A REAL CHANCE OR POSSIBILITY THAT IT WILL RESULT IN ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING:

LEAD TO A LONG-TERM DECREASE IN THE SIZE OF AN IMPORTANT POPULATION OF A SPECIES The loss of a small amount of potential foraging habitat is highly unlikely to results in a long-term decrease in the size of an important population.

REDUCE THE AREA OF OCCUPANCY OF AN IMPORTANT POPULATION Given the species forages widely on a range of native and introduced vegetation, the loss of a small amount of potential foraging habitat is unlikely to reduce the area of occupancy of the local population.

FRAGMENT AN EXISTING IMPORTANT POPULATION INTO TWO OR MORE POPULATIONS The species is highly mobile and as such, the Project would not fragment the population.

ADVERSELY AFFECT HABITAT CRITICAL TO THE SURVIVAL OF A SPECIES No critical habitat is listed for this species under the EPBC Act. Habitat critical to the survival of a species may also include areas that are not listed on the Register of Critical Habitat if they are necessary:

— for activities such as foraging, breeding, roosting, or dispersal — for the long-term maintenance of the species or ecological community (including the maintenance of species essential to the survival of the species or ecological community, such as pollinators) — to maintain genetic diversity and long-term evolutionary development, or — for the reintroduction of populations or recovery of the species or ecological community (Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts 2009). The Project would remove about 4.61 hectares of potential foraging habitat for this species. This small amount of habitat is highly unlikely to be necessary to the species and critical to its survival.

DISRUPT THE BREEDING CYCLE OF AN IMPORTANT POPULATION The Project is unlikely to disrupt the breeding cycle of this species, as the small amount potential foraging habitat in the Project study area is unlikely to be necessary to support the species during its breeding season, and no roosts would be impacted.

MODIFY, DESTROY, REMOVE OR ISOLATE OR DECREASE THE AVAILABILITY OR QUALITY OF HABITAT TO THE EXTENT THAT THE SPECIES IS LIKELY TO DECLINE Given the species forages widely on a range of native and introduced vegetation, the loss of a small amount of potential foraging habitat is unlikely to cause the species to decline.

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RESULT IN INVASIVE SPECIES THAT ARE HARMFUL TO A VULNERABLE SPECIES BECOMING ESTABLISHED IN THE VULNERABLE SPECIES’ HABITAT It is not likely that invasive species (such as introduced predators) that are harmful to the Grey-headed Flying-fox would become further established as a result of the Project.

INTRODUCE DISEASE THAT MAY CAUSE THE SPECIES TO DECLINE No. There are no known diseases that are likely to increase in the area as a result of the Project.

INTERFERE SUBSTANTIALLY WITH THE RECOVERY OF THE SPECIES Habitat loss, including foraging habitat, is considered to be a key threat to the Grey-headed Flying-fox in the Draft Recovery Plan for the Grey-headed Flying-fox Pteropus poliocephalus (Commonwealth of Australia 2017). However, given the small scale of foraging habitat proposed to be impacted the Project it is unlikely to interfere substantially with the recovery of the species.

CONCLUSION The extent of native vegetation clearing and habitat removal associated with the Project is small in terms of the available habitat for the Grey-headed Flying-fox in the surrounding landscape. Although the loss of foraging habitat for Grey- headed Flying-fox is considered to be a small incremental loss of suitable habitat locally, the Project is not likely to have a significant impact upon the Grey-headed Flying-fox.

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F4 SUPERB PARROT

F4.1 DESCRIPTION

STATUS

The Superb Parrot (Polytelis swainsonii) is listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act and NC Act.

HABITAT AND ECOLOGY

The Superb Parrot is a medium-sized parrot endemic to south-eastern Australia. The species occurs on the inland slopes of the Great Divide and adjacent plains in NSW and Victoria. Vagrants have also been recorded in the south of Queensland. The breeding range of the Superb Parrot is confined to three main areas: along the Murrumbidgee River, along the Murray and Edward Rivers, and an area bounded by Molong, Yass, and Young. The species utilises forest and woodlands dominated by eucalypts, more so River Red Gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) and box eucalypts such as Yellow Box (E. melliodora) and Grey Box (E. macrocarpa). Seasonally, the species also occurs in box-pine (Callitris) and Boree (Acacia pendula) woodlands. The species has specific requirements for both foraging and breeding habitat, and generally requires that they occur within 10 kilometres of one another.

THREATS

The Department of the Environment and Energy’s SPRAT Profile for the species has identified specifically the loss, degradation and fragmentation of box woodland throughout the species range to be a key threat (Department of the Environment and Energy, 2019 ). In particular, impact to areas identified as of breeding and foraging habitats, as well as regular movement corridors. Expansion of urban areas in Canberra has resulted in the loss of formerly suitable breeding habitat through the clearing of large tracts of forest and woodland. Other threats to the species include (Department of the Environment and Energy, 2019).

— stock grazing reducing the amount of food available to the species, particularly in critical times — exploitation and regulation of water in watercourses causing hydrological changes affecting the health of breeding and foraging habitats — competition for nest hollows from both native and introduced species — poisoning from crop insecticides — illegal trapping of animals, and collection of eggs or chicks — Beak and Feather Disease caused by the Beak and Feather circovirus.

SPECIFIC IMPACTS

The Project would involve clearing of up to 4.54 hectares of potential marginal foraging habitat in the form of Planted Native Canopy Species and Tablelands Moist Tussock Grassland. No Hollow-bearing trees were recorded in the Project study area and no breeding habitat is available for the species therein.

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F4.2 EPBC ACT ASSESSMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

IS THIS PART OF AN IMPORTANT POPULATION?

Under the Act, important populations are:

— likely to be key source populations either for breeding or dispersal — likely to be necessary for maintaining genetic diversity, and/or — at or near the limit of the species range. The breeding range of the Superb Parrot is confined to three main areas. These areas are along the Murrumbidgee River, along the Murray and Edward Rivers, and an area bounded by Molong, Yass, and Young. The project area does not occur within these three main areas known to be important for the local population. However, any individuals that would occur within the project area are likely a part of this population and as such should be considered to be part of an important population for the region.

AN ACTION IS LIKELY TO HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON A VULNERABLE SPECIES IF THERE IS A REAL CHANCE OR POSSIBILITY THAT IT WILL RESULT IN ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING:

LEAD TO A LONG-TERM DECREASE IN THE SIZE OF AN IMPORTANT POPULATION OF A SPECIES The project would result in the impact of 4.54 hectares of potential marginal foraging habitat for the species. During field investigations, no hollow-bearing trees were identified within the Project study area. As such, no breeding habitat would be impacted as a result of the Project. Foraging habitat within the Project study area consisted of both planted native canopy species and Tablelands Moist Tussock Grassland, which may be intermittently utilised by the species whilst foraging within the Project locality. Due to the species’ high mobility, it is unlikely that individuals would be reliant on the resources within the Project study area. It is unlikely that the impact of a small marginal area of mostly planted native canopy trees would be lead to a long-term decrease in the size of the population.

REDUCE THE AREA OF OCCUPANCY OF AN IMPORTANT POPULATION The Project would impact approximately 4.54 hectares of potential marginal foraging habitat for this species. Due to the Project impacts being relatively small in extent and predominately located in previously disturbed land, the proposed action would disturb a relatively small area of potential marginal foraging habitat. This extent of disturbance is small in comparison to locally occurring resources that would be accessible to the species.

FRAGMENT AN EXISTING IMPORTANT POPULATION INTO TWO OR MORE POPULATIONS While majority of the study area occurs in disturbed and marginal habitat, the proposed vegetation removal would be limited to potential marginal foraging habitat. Approximately 4.54 hectares of potential marginal foraging habitat is likely to be affected by the Project with vegetation removal largely limited to a linear disturbance corridor. As the Project is linear in nature and largely avoids significant vegetation, the proposed action would not further fragment or isolate any previously undisturbed patches of habitat. Furthermore, given that these species are highly mobile and nomadic, the Project would not present a significant barrier to these species. It is not considered likely that habitat would become further isolated or fragmented significantly beyond current conditions.

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— for activities such as foraging, breeding, roosting, or dispersal — for the long-term maintenance of the species or ecological community (including the maintenance of species essential to the survival of the species or ecological community, such as pollinators) — to maintain genetic diversity and long-term evolutionary development, or — for the reintroduction of populations or recovery of the species or ecological community (Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts 2009). The Project would remove approximately 4.54 hectares of potential marginal foraging habitat, which is unlikely to be classified as critical habitat for the species. As this species is highly mobile, it is likely that the abundance of higher quality resources in the locality would be used by locally occurring Superb Parrots.

DISRUPT THE BREEDING CYCLE OF AN IMPORTANT POPULATION The proposed action would remove approximately 4.54 hectares of potential marginal foraging habitat. No suitable hollow-bearing trees would be impacted by the Project. As such, it is unlikely that the Project would disrupt the breeding cycle of the Superb Parrot in the region.

MODIFY, DESTROY, REMOVE OR ISOLATE OR DECREASE THE AVAILABILITY OR QUALITY OF HABITAT TO THE EXTENT THAT THE SPECIES IS LIKELY TO DECLINE The proposed action would remove approximately 4.54 hectares of potential marginal foraging habitat for this species. The removal of approximately 4.54 hectares of potential marginal habitat is considered to be a minor loss of suitable habitat locally, however may decrease the availability of potential foraging habitat for the Superb Parrot during seasons when individuals of this species are reliant on local resources. However, the relatively small area of potential habitat to be impacted by the proposed action represents a small component of available occurring habitat within the locality. Therefore, the impact of approximately 4.54 hectares is unlikely to decrease the availability of habitat to the extent that the species is likely to decline.

RESULT IN INVASIVE SPECIES THAT ARE HARMFUL TO A VULNERABLE SPECIES BECOMING ESTABLISHED IN THE VULNERABLE SPECIES’ HABITAT It is not likely that invasive species (such as introduced predators) that are harmful to the Superb Parrot would become further established as a result of the Project.

INTRODUCE DISEASE THAT MAY CAUSE THE SPECIES TO DECLINE No. The Project is unlikely to introduce disease which may cause this species to decline.

INTERFERE SUBSTANTIALLY WITH THE RECOVERY OF THE SPECIES For the Superb Parrot, the National Recovery Plan for the Superb Parrot (Baker-Gabb 2011) identifies the following objectives to the recovery of the species:

— determine population trends in the Superb Parrot — increase the level of knowledge of the Superb Parrot’s ecological requirements — develop and implement threat abatement strategies — increase community involvement in and awareness of the Superb Parrot recovery program. A total of 39 actions were proposed under National Recovery Plan for the Superb Parrot (2011) to achieve the plans’ objectives, of these and based on the potential ecological impacts of the proposed action on the Superb Parrot, the project would be in conflict with the third objective and its actions above to a small extent, by not protecting breeding season foraging habitat for the Superb Parrot.

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Due to the small area of potential marginal foraging habitat likely to be affected by the proposed action (4.54 hectares) and the abundance of similar, and likely better quality habitat in the locality and greater region, the proposed action is not likely to interfere with the recovery of the species.

CONCLUSION Although the Superb Parrot was not recorded in the study area, potential marginal foraging habitat occurred therein. The Project would impact approximately 4.54 hectares of this habitat. Due to the small extent of impact and the available habitat within the region the proposed action is not likely to significantly impact the Superb Parrot.

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