ORICA RICHMOND VALE BIODIVERSITY OFFSET AREA MONITORING REPORT – 2019
FINAL
October 2019
ORICA RICHMOND VALE BIODIVERSITY OFFSET AREA MONITORING REPORT – 2019
FINAL
Prepared by Umwelt (Australia) Pty Limited on behalf of Orica Mining Services
Project Director: Shaun Corry Project Manager: James Garnham Report No. 4661/R01/V2 Date: October 2019
Newcastle
75 York Street Teralba NSW 2284
Ph. 02 4950 5322 www.umwelt.com.au
This report was prepared using Umwelt’s ISO 9001 certified Quality Management System.
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction 1 1.1 Background 1 2.0 Methods 4 2.1 Flora Methods 6 2.1.1 Floristic Surveys 6 2.1.2 Plant Identification and Taxonomic Review 7 2.1.3 Condition Assessment 7 2.1.4 Photo Monitoring 7 2.2 Fauna Methods 7 2.2.1 Diurnal Herpetofauna Survey 7 2.2.2 Diurnal Avifauna Survey 8 2.2.3 Call Playback 8 2.2.4 Nocturnal Survey 8 2.2.5 Micro-bat Echolocation Survey 9 2.3 Ecosystem Function Assessment 9 3.0 Monitoring Results 10 3.1 Flora 10 3.1.1 MP1 11 3.1.2 MP2 13 3.1.3 MP3 15 3.1.4 MP4 17 3.2 Fauna 19 3.2.1 MP1 19 3.2.2 MP4 22 3.3 Ecosystem Function Assessment 23 3.3.1 Native Vegetation Condition Assessment 23 3.3.2 Water Bodies Condition Assessment 23 4.0 Management Issues 24 4.1 Weeds 24 4.2 Pest Species 26 4.3 Unauthorised Access 26 4.4 Erosion 27 4.4.1 Waterways 27 4.4.2 Access Tracks 28 4.5 Bushfire Management 29
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5.0 Summary 31 5.1 Flora 31 5.2 Fauna 31 6.0 Conclusions and Recommendations 33 7.0 References 35
Figures
Figure 1.1 Locality Plan 2 Figure 2.1 Monitoring Point Locations 5 Figure 3.1 Threatened Fauna Records 21 Figure 4.1 Biodiversity Management Issues 25
Plates
Plate 3.1 MP1 Photo North 11 Plate 3.2 MP1 Photo East 11 Plate 3.3 MP1 Photo South 11 Plate 3.4 MP1 Photo West 11 Plate 3.5 MP2 Photo North 13 Plate 3.6 MP2 Photo East 13 Plate 3.7 MP2 Photo South 13 Plate 3.8 MP2 Photo West 13 Plate 3.9 MP3 Photo North 15 Plate 3.10 MP3 Photo East 15 Plate 3.11 MP3 Photo South 15 Plate 3.12 MP3 Photo West 15 Plate 3.13 MP4 Photo North 17 Plate 3.14 MP4 Photo East 17 Plate 3.15 MP4 Photo South 17 Plate 3.16 MP4 Photo West 17 Plate 4.1 Dog track identified in Surveyors Creek during the 2019 monitoring survey 26 Plate 4.2 Motorbike tracks observed during the 2019 monitoring survey 27 Plate 4.3 Severe stream bank erosion near along Surveyors Creek 28 Plate 4.4 Severe track erosion near MP3 from vehicles 29 Plate 4.5 Bush fire fuel load accumulation at MP1 30
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Tables
Table 2.1 Coordinates of Biodiversity Offset Area Monitoring Points 4 Table 3.1 Summary of Flora Data Collected during Monitoring Surveys at Site MP1 12 Table 3.2 Summary of Flora Data Collected during Monitoring Surveys at Site MP2 14 Table 3.3 Summary of Flora Data Collected during Monitoring Surveys at Site MP3 16 Table 3.4 Summary of Flora Data Collected during Monitoring Surveys at Site MP4 18 Table 3.5 Summary of Fauna Data Collected during Monitoring Surveys at Site MP1 20 Table 3.6 Summary of Fauna Data Collected during Monitoring Surveys at Site MP4 22
Appendices
Appendix 1 Flora List Appendix 2 Fauna List Appendix 3 OEH Data Sheets
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1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background
The Orica Technology Centre (the site) is situated on the southern side of George Booth Drive, Richmond Vale, NSW (Figure 1.1). The Technology Centre commenced operation in 1991 as an explosives research and production facility. It comprises 292 hectares of predominantly open forest vegetation, of which 8 hectares is currently occupied by the existing Technology Centre operations.
On 26 July 2010, development approval under Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) was granted for the continuation of the existing operations at the Technology Centre as well as the construction and operation of a proposed Ammonium Nitrate Emulsion (ANE) Production Facility.
As a result of the potential impacts associated with the Project, a Biodiversity Offset Area has been developed to offset the impacts of the project on threatened species, endangered ecological communities (EECs) and their habitats. The Biodiversity Offset Area was increased from approximately 17 hectares to 31.7 hectares following consultation with the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) as part of the Response to Submissions process.
A Vegetation Management Plan (Umwelt 2012a) was developed in consultation with the OEH – Conservation Partnerships Delivery Unit, which outlined the need to undertake annual ecological monitoring of the Biodiversity Offset Area. The Vegetation Management Plan (VMP) was revised twice; once in 2015 (Umwelt 2015a) and again in 2018 (Umwelt 2018a). The current VMP outlined the need to incorporate the annual ecological monitoring with the required annual reporting for the OEH Conservation Agreement to streamline the process and negate the need for multiple surveys.
This combined annual ecological monitoring report and OEH Conservation Agreement report will satisfy the regulatory requirements of both the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) and OEH. In 2012, four permanent ecological monitoring points (MP) were established within the Biodiversity Offset Area. All four points were assessed for their flora characteristics and ecosystem function and two of the monitoring points were also assessed for their fauna assemblages. The data collected in 2012 provided baseline data for future monitoring to be compared against and enables targeted and adaptive management procedures to be implemented to ensure the biological integrity of the Biodiversity Offset Area is maintained or improved and conserved into the future.
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Based on the results of the 2018 ecological surveys and the Biodiversity Offset Area Land Management Action Plan (LMAP) 2018-2019 (HLM 2019), a number of management issues were identified that, if left un- managed would likely represent a threat to the biodiversity values of the Biodiversity Offset Area. These issues included:
• low to moderate density of weed species along the creek lines and vehicle tracks
• vertebrate pests
• unauthorised access
• severe creek bank erosion, and
• accumulation of bush fire fuel loads.
This biodiversity monitoring report presents the methods and results of the 2019 biodiversity monitoring program at the Orica Biodiversity Offset Area, including a discussion of the findings and comparisons with the results of the baseline data and subsequent monitoring surveys conducted between 2013 and 2018. Management recommendations that relate to the current monitoring phases are documented in Section 4.0.
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2.0 Methods
The following sections detail the methods employed for the 2019 Biodiversity Offset Area monitoring program. The methods employed as part of this monitoring program are consistent with those outlined in the VMP (Umwelt 2018a) as well as those employed in the 2013 to 2018 Biodiversity Offset Area monitoring programs.
The locations of the monitoring points surveyed as part of the 2019 monitoring are provided in Figure 2.1, and the coordinates for each MP are provided in Table 2.1.
Table 2.1 Coordinates of Biodiversity Offset Area Monitoring Points
Monitoring Point Name Coordinates (MGA)
Easting Northing
MP1 362234.0 6362341.9
MP2 362087.5 6362271.3
MP3 361928.5 6362306.8
MP4 361936.4 6362395.8
The flora and fauna survey for the 2019 ecological monitoring of the Orica Biodiversity Offset Area was undertaken on 23 and 24 July 2019. The temperature during this period ranged from approximately 0.2°C to 23.2°C, there was minimal rainfall of 0.6 mm and the wind speed ranged from 33 – 50 km/h from the northwest (BoM, 2019a).
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2.1 Flora Methods
2.1.1 Floristic Surveys
Flora surveys were undertaken at all four monitoring points. The methods used were in accordance with the BioMetric field methodologies for measuring condition variables for site value and at reference sites documented in Appendix 4 of the Operational Manual for BioMetric 3.1 (DECCW 2011). A 20 metre by 50 metre permanent quadrat was re-established at each of the four monitoring points.
Schematic 1 illustrates the manner in which each 20 metre by 50 metre plot was re-established. 20 m
20x20 m plot
50 m line transect 20 m
20 m
Schematic 1 Vegetation Monitoring Plot Design
The flora surveys, using the methods as outlined in the BioMetric field methodologies, (DECCW 2011) provide information on:
• floristic composition (including cover and abundance of species) and structure
• general health of vegetation (including weed density and dieback)
• evidence of natural recruitment
• presence of important habitat features such as tree hollows and nests
• evidence of feral animal usage
• signs of disturbance
• erosion and need for repair
• fire management
• success of any management programs implemented and
• other management issues.
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2.1.2 Plant Identification and Taxonomic Review
The flora specimens that were recorded or collected on-site were identified using the nomenclature and keys as described in Harden (1992, 1993, 2000 and 2002) and Wheeler et al. (2002). New changes to classification as identified from PlantNET (Botanic Gardens Trust 2019) were incorporated into floristic results.
The common names used in floristic results follow those used in Harden (1992, 1993, 2000 and 2002). The common names used for this report are also a reflection of local names in cases where reference documents could not provide common names.
2.1.3 Condition Assessment
For the purpose of this monitoring project, information was gathered on the condition of the vegetation at each of the monitoring points. Details on the general health of the vegetation, evidence of natural regeneration, identification of terrestrial and arboreal nesting and roosting sites, food and water resources, habitat structure and habitat deficiencies, occurrence and abundance of weeds and evidence of disturbance by feral animals were recorded.
2.1.4 Photo Monitoring
The metal star-pickets established in each corner of the vegetation plots were used as the permanent photo monitoring points at each monitoring point. Four photographs were taken at each monitoring point. At MP2 and MP3 photographs were taken from the northeast corner of the plot, whereas photographs were taken from the southeast and northwest corner of the plot for MP1 and MP4, respectively. Photographs were oriented towards the north, east, south and west. These photos will form the baseline images in which future surveys will be compared against. Whilst the photo will aid in the broad comparisons over time, they are best used in combination with floristic data as they are unlikely to show fine scale changes on their own.
2.2 Fauna Methods
Fauna surveys were conducted at MP1 and MP4 during the monitoring survey (refer to Figure 2.1).
2.2.1 Diurnal Herpetofauna Survey
Diurnal herpetofauna searches were undertaken by two ecologists for 30 minutes at both MP1 and MP4, totalling one person hour per monitoring point. These searches were undertaken toward the middle of the day when the activity level for most diurnal ectotherms should be at its highest. Likely microhabitats were examined, such as under rocks and logs, in bark at the base of trees, ground litter, around water sources and in man-made features. Reptiles were identified based on visual observation.
Opportunistic records of herpetofauna and threatened species were recorded during other aspects of the field survey.
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2.2.2 Diurnal Avifauna Survey
Diurnal avifauna searches were undertaken by two ecologists for 30 minutes at both MP1 and MP4 totalling one person hour per monitoring point. Bird surveys were undertaken during peak activity times mainly during the early morning and late afternoons. Birds were identified by direct sightings or by recognition of their characteristic calls. Observations were also recorded during all other aspects of the field survey.
The current monitoring surveys were conducted in winter 2019 which is a typical flowering period for many eucalypt feed trees for several threatened bird species, namely the swift parrot (Lathamus discolor), regent honeyeater (Anthochaera phrygia) and little lorikeet (Glossopsitta pusilla). Feed trees within the monitoring points were carefully investigated during the diurnal avifauna survey for flowering.
2.2.3 Call Playback
Call playback was undertaken on one occasion during the nocturnal surveys at MP1 and MP4. Calls were broadcast using a 10 watt directional loud hailer. Call playback sessions commenced and ended with a quiet listening period of approximately 2 minutes. Each species’ call was played for a minimum of four minutes followed by a listening period of 2 minutes before the beginning of the next species’ call. Mammal calls were played before bird calls to prevent the calls of predators (such as owls) decreasing the likelihood of prey species (such as gliders) responding to call playback. Call playback sessions included the calls of:
• yellow-bellied glider (Petaurus australis)
• koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)
• squirrel glider (Petaurus norfolcensis)
• powerful owl (Ninox strenua)
• sooty owl (Tyto tenebricosa), and
• masked owl (Tyto novaehollandiae).
2.2.4 Nocturnal Survey
Specific nocturnal surveys were undertaken on one night at MP1 and MP4 targeting nocturnal herpetofauna, mammals and birds. Spotlighting was conducted by two ecologists for 30 minutes totalling one person hour at each monitoring point. Surveys were undertaken on foot using Led Lenser head torches (rated at 850 lumens). Likely microhabitats were examined, such as under rocks and logs, in bark at the base of trees, ground litter, around water sources and in man-made features. Amphibian species were identified based on visual observation and vocal calls. Reptiles were identified based on visual observation.
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2.2.5 Micro-bat Echolocation Survey
Micro-bat echolocation surveys were undertaken at MP1 and MP4 using an Anabat Express Unit. The Express Unit was placed stationary in a likely flyway at the monitoring point. One hour of continuous recording was undertaken at each monitoring point. All recorded calls were analysed by Dr Anna McConville from Echo Ecology Pty Ltd (a recognised expert in the identification of micro-bat calls). The echolocation calls of species were identified to one of three levels of confidence:
• confident
• probable, and
• possible.
For the purposes of this monitoring, all three levels of confidence were treated as positive identifications.
2.3 Ecosystem Function Assessment
An ecosystem function assessment (EFA) was undertaken at each of the four monitoring points using the OEH Biometric methodology for conservation agreements. This assessment focused on:
• management works and actions undertaken in the last 12 months
• condition assessment of native vegetation and water bodies (where applicable)
• fire history
• visitation
• conservation values
• feral animals
• weeds
• impacts of human use
• vehicle use, and
• other permitted use.
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3.0 Monitoring Results
3.1 Flora
The floristic diversity of the Biodiversity Offset Area has shown a trending decline since 2016/2017 and this trend has continued in 2019 for the site overall. This general decrease is likely attributed to the drought conditions that have continued throughout much of NSW. The period from January 2017 to July 2019 has been the driest on record for the state of NSW (33 per cent below average) (BoM 2019b). Importantly, these dry conditions have been especially prominent throughout the cool season, which is when the monitoring surveys for the Biodiversity Offset Area are conducted. Since 2017, the total rainfall for the April to September period has been less than 50 per cent average in NSW (BoM 2019a).
Notably, the flora diversity has continued to decrease for MP1 and MP2 but have remained consistent for MP3 and MP4. The proximity of MP4 to Surveyors Creek may explain why the species diversity has not demonstrated a substantial decline compared with the monitoring points, which are located further from a source of water (MP1 and MP3) or in the upper reaches of Surveyors Creek (MP2) that is less likely to hold water. Despite sections of Surveyors Creek being drier than previously recorded, the availability of water within the water table may be supporting the plant species at MP4 enough for the sites to maintain a consistent floristic diversity.
The floristic composition and structure of each monitoring point is outlined in the following sections, including condition assessment results. A full list of flora species recorded is provided in Appendix 1.
No threatened flora species were recorded at the monitoring points.
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3.1.1 MP1
Plate 3.1 MP1 Photo North Plate 3.2 MP1 Photo East
Plate 3.3 MP1 Photo South Plate 3.4 MP1 Photo West
MP1 is located in an area of Coastal Plains Smooth-barked Apple Woodland (Umwelt 2009) in the north-eastern portion of the Biodiversity Offset Area (refer to Figure 2.1). This monitoring point is dominated by smooth-barked apple (Angophora costata), broad-leaved white mahogany (Eucalyptus umbra) and red ironbark (Eucalyptus fibrosa) in the canopy with a sub-canopy layer of prickly-leaved paperbark (Melaleuca nodosa) and narrow-leaved geebung (Persoonia linearis). A sparse shrub layer (5 per cent foliage cover) is present and contains hairpin banksia (Banksia spinulosa), prickly beard-heath (Leucopogon juniperinus) and tantoon (Leptospermum polygalifolium subsp. polygalifolium). Groundcover is dense (up to 30 per cent foliage cover) and contains a range of native grasses including kangaroo grass (Themeda australis) and blady grass (Imperata cylindrica var. major).
A total of 24 plant species were recorded within this monitoring point during the 2019 survey.
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Table 3.1 Summary of Flora Data Collected during Monitoring Surveys at Site MP1
Year of Monitoring Number of native flora Number of introduced flora Total number of species (per cent of total) species (per cent of total) flora species
2019 24 (100) 0 (0) 24
2018 36 (97) 1 (3) 37
2017 37 (97) 1 (3) 38
2016 44 (98) 1 (2) 45
2015 47 (96) 2 (4) 49
2014 38 (97) 1 (3) 39
2013 35(97) 1 (3) 36
2012 35 (100) 0 35
Total Number of Flora Species Recorded Since Monitoring Commencement 84
Total Number of Native Species Recorded Since Monitoring Commencement 81
Average Number of Species Recorded 38
Lowest Number of 24 (2019) Highest Number of Species 49 (2015) Species Recorded Recorded
Average Number of Introduced Species Recorded 1
Average Number of Native Species Recorded 37
General Condition
Drought conditions have continued to affect the majority of NSW over the past three years with rainfall recorded as less than 50 per cent than average during the cool season (BoM 2019a). The diversity of plant species recorded during 2019 surveys was lower than any previous monitoring year, which is likely explained by these current drought conditions occurring at the Biodiversity Offset Area and greater Hunter Valley and is not due to be a direct measure of the condition of vegetation in this monitoring point. Despite the decline in species diversity, the overall condition of MP1 was considered healthy. No weed species were recorded during the 2019 survey. Similarly, evidence of significant insect attack, dieback and mistletoe infestation was absent.
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3.1.2 MP2
Plate 3.5 MP2 Photo North Plate 3.6 MP2 Photo East
Plate 3.7 MP2 Photo South Plate 3.8 MP2 Photo West
MP2 is located alongside the upper reaches of Surveyors Creek in the central portion of the Biodiversity Offset Area. This monitoring point is located within Lower Hunter Spotted Gum – Ironbark Forest (Umwelt 2009). The canopy is moderately dense (40 per cent foliage cover) and is dominated by spotted gum (Corymbia maculata) and rough-barked apple (Angophora floribunda). The sub-canopy layer is moderately dense (30 per cent foliage cover) and is dominated by cheese tree (Glochidion ferdinandi var. ferdinandi), forest oak (Allocasuarina torulosa) and young canopy trees along the creek line. The understorey is moderately dense (25 per cent foliage cover) and is dominated by coffee bush (Breynia oblongifolia) flax- leaved paperbark (Melaleuca linariifolia) and prickly-leaved paperbark (Melaleuca nodosa). The ground cover is moderately dense (30 per cent foliage cover) and dominated by basket grass (Oplismenus aemulus), bracken fern (Pteridium esculentum) and spiny-headed mat-rush (Lomandra longifolia) close to the creek and weeping grass (Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides), blady grass (Imperata cylindrica var. major), blue flax-lily (Dianella caerulea var. producta) and kangaroo grass (Themeda australis) away from the creek.
A total of 36 plant species were recorded within this monitoring point.
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Table 3.2 Summary of Flora Data Collected during Monitoring Surveys at Site MP2
Year of Monitoring Number of native flora Number of introduced flora Total number of species (per cent of total) species (per cent of total) flora species
2019 34 (95) 2 (5) 36
2018 43 (97) 1 (3) 44
2017 42 (93) 3 (7) 45
2016 43 (91) 5 (9) 48
2015 42 (95) 2 (5) 44
2014 45 (96) 2 (4) 47
2013 42 (98) 1 (2) 43
2012 47 (96) 2 (4) 49
Total Number of Flora Species Recorded Since Monitoring Commencement 90
Total Number of Native Species Recorded Since Monitoring Commencement 83
Average Number of Species Recorded 45
Lowest Number of 36 (2019) Highest Number of Species 49 (2012) Species Recorded Recorded
Average Number of Introduced Species Recorded 2
Average Number of Native Species Recorded 42
General Condition
Drought conditions have continued to affect the majority of NSW over the past three years with rainfall recorded as less than 50 per cent than average during the cool season (BoM 2019a). Consequently, the diversity of plant species recorded during 2019 surveys was lower than any previous monitoring year, which is likely explained by these current drought conditions occurring at the Biodiversity Offset Area and greater Hunter Valley and is not due to be a direct measure of the condition of vegetation in this monitoring point. Despite the decline in species diversity, the overall condition of MP2 was considered healthy with natural recruitment recorded. Evidence of significant insect attack, dieback and mistletoe infestation was not recorded at this monitoring point. Two weed species were recorded within the monitoring point, being fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis) and flatweed (Hypochaeris radicata). These species were recorded in low density (less than 5 per cent cover) and occurred along the creek line and did not appear to have dispersed far into the surrounding vegetation.
Similar to the 2018 results, the creek itself is still actively widening with stream side vegetation being undercut in high flow events. Actions should continue to be taken to lessen the flow rate in this area, as discussed further in Section 4.4.
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3.1.3 MP3
Plate 3.9 MP3 Photo North Plate 3.10 MP3 Photo East
Plate 3.11 MP3 Photo South Plate 3.12 MP3 Photo West
MP3 is located in an area of Lower Hunter Spotted Gum – Ironbark Forest (Umwelt 2009) alongside a vehicle track running east to west through the Biodiversity Offset Area. The canopy is moderately dense (40 per cent foliage cover) and dominated by a mixture of regrowth and mature red ironbark (Eucalyptus fibrosa) with scattered grey gum (Eucalyptus punctata). Although not recorded within the monitoring point, spotted gum (Corymbia maculata) did occur in the area. The sub-canopy layer is dense (to 50 per cent foliage cover); dominated by prickly-leaved paperbark (Melaleuca nodosa). The understorey is sparse (30 per cent canopy cover), dominated by coffee bush (Breynia oblongifolia) and narrow-leaved geebung (Persoonia linearis). The ground cover is dense (to 50 per cent canopy cover), dominated by blady grass (Imperata cylindrica var. major) and panic grass (Entolasia stricta).
A total of 43 flora species were recorded within this monitoring point.
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Table 3.3 Summary of Flora Data Collected during Monitoring Surveys at Site MP3
Year of Monitoring Number of native flora Number of introduced flora Total number of species (per cent of total) species (per cent of total) flora species
2019 41 (95) 2 (5) 43
2018 42 (93) 3 (7) 45
2017 43 (98) 1 (2) 44
2016 44 (98) 1 (2) 45
2015 50 (96) 2 (4) 52
2014 34 (97) 1 (3) 35
2013 42 (98) 1 (2) 43
2012 37 (97) 1 (3) 38
Total Number of Flora Species Recorded Since Monitoring Commencement 92
Total Number of Native Species Recorded Since Monitoring Commencement 90
Average Number of Species Recorded 43
Lowest Number of 35 (2014) Highest Number of Species 52 (2015) Species Recorded Recorded
Average Number of Introduced Species Recorded 2
Average Number of Native Species Recorded 41
General Condition
The overall condition of MP3 was healthy with high native species diversity and natural recruitment recorded. The mixed age range of trees within the monitoring point suggests that this monitoring point has been logged at some stage in the past but natural regeneration is progressing well with signs of successional thinning starting to occur in the vicinity of the monitoring point. Evidence of significant insect attack, dieback and mistletoe infestation was not recorded at this monitoring point.
Two weed species were recorded in MP3 and included lantana (Lantana camara) and flatweed (Hypochaeris radicata) but these species occurred at low densities (less than 5 per cent cover) in areas closest to the vehicle track. Lantana was the most abundant of these species and has been actively managed in this area since the baseline monitoring in 2012 and now exists as scattered small plants.
There was a slight decrease in the flora species diversity between the 2018 and 2019 monitoring surveys by two species. Such changes are expected to occur within ecological systems and is not considered to be a direct measure of the condition of vegetation in this monitoring point and it is likely to be a result of timing of the monitoring surveys and natural fluctuation in species diversity.
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3.1.4 MP4
Plate 3.13 MP4 Photo North Plate 3.14 MP4 Photo East
Plate 3.15 MP4 Photo South Plate 3.16 MP4 Photo West
MP4 is located adjacent to Surveyors Creek in a low lying area in the north-western portion of the Biodiversity Offset Area (refer to Figure 2.1). This monitoring point is situated in River-flat Eucalypt Forest (Umwelt 2009).
The canopy is open (35 per cent foliage cover) and is dominated by forest red gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis). The shrub layer is moderate (20 per cent foliage cover) and dominated by green wattle (Acacia irrorata), black thorn (Bursaria spinosa) and coffee bush (Breynia oblongifolia). The ground cover is very dense (to 85 per cent foliage cover), dominated by kidney weed (Dichondra repens), basket grass (Oplismenus aemulus) and weeping grass (Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides).
A total of 40 flora species were recorded within this monitoring point.
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Table 3.4 Summary of Flora Data Collected during Monitoring Surveys at Site MP4
Year of Monitoring Number of native flora Number of introduced flora Total number of species (per cent of total) species (per cent of total) flora species
2019 36 (90) 4 (10) 40
2018 35 (88) 4 (12) 39
2017 35 (92) 3 (8) 38
2016 40 (98) 1 (2) 41
2015 38 (93) 3 (7) 41
2014 31 (82) 7 (18) 38
2013 33 (90) 4 (10) 37
2012 33 (90) 4 (10) 37
Total Number of Flora Species Recorded Since Monitoring Commencement 82
Total Number of Native Species Recorded Since Monitoring Commencement 71
Average Number of Species Recorded 39
Lowest Number of 37 (2012/13) Highest Number of Species 41 (2015/16) Species Recorded Recorded
Average Number of Introduced Species Recorded 4
Average Number of Native Species Recorded 35
General Condition
The overall condition of MP4 was good with high native species diversity and good succession of sub- canopy and understory species. Evidence of significant insect attack and mistletoe infestation was not recorded at this site. However slight dieback of canopy species was observed. Consistent with previous years monitoring surveys, MP4 contains the highest diversity and density of weed species of the four monitoring points which is likely to be the result of its topographic position in the depositional zone during times of high flow in Surveyors Creek. Management efforts have been directed to this monitoring point and the results of the 2018 monitoring survey indicate that these works have been largely successful. In particular, dieback of lantana (Lantana camara) was observed on site. Refer to Section 4.1 for a detailed assessment of the management of weeds within the Biodiversity Offset Area.
Despite other areas of the Biodiversity Offset Area demonstrating floristic declines due to continued drought conditions, the native flora species diversity for MP4 has increased slightly from the 2018 monitoring survey; the exotic species diversity remained the same. The consistency of diversity recorded at this site is likely a result of the proximity to Surveyors Creek and subsequent availability to water resources.
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3.2 Fauna
The sections below document the results from the targeted diurnal and nocturnal surveys and opportunistic observations. Four threatened fauna species were recorded within the Biodiversity Offset Area during the 2019 surveys, being:
• little bentwing-bat (Miniopterus australis)
• yellow-bellied glider (Petaurus australis)
• powerful owl (Ninox strenua), and
• little lorikeet (Glossopsitta pusilla).
These are shown on Figure 3.1.
3.2.1 MP1
A total of 12 bird species, two mammal species and one reptile species were recorded at MP1 during the 2019 fauna monitoring surveys.
In total, two mammal species were recorded during the 2019 field survey including the yellow-bellied glider (Petaurus australis) and common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) (refer to Appendix 2). The yellow-bellied glider (Petaurus australis) is listed as vulnerable under the BC Act.
No bat species were detected in MP1. Although not recorded during the surveys, it is likely that micro-bat species remain in the area but were not detected at this time. The weather conditions for the 2019 monitoring survey were favourable for micro-bat detection, with daytime temperatures reaching a maximum of 24°C, however micro-bats may not have been actively foraging within this area during the survey period. Regardless, changes in the differences of recordings since baseline surveys can be explained by natural fluctuations in species detection and activity.
No amphibians were recorded at this site. The common froglet (Crinia signifera) has been recorded at MP1 annually from 2013 to 2018. It was likely not recorded in 2019 due to unfavourable weather conditions with minimal rainfall recorded prior to and during the surveys.
The location of threatened fauna species identified during the surveys is shown in Figure 3.1. A complete list of all fauna species recorded at MP1 is provided in Appendix 2. Table 3.5 below summarises the results of the past and current fauna monitoring results at MP1.
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Table 3.5 Summary of Fauna Data Collected during Monitoring Surveys at Site MP1
Year of Number of Number of Number of Number of Total Number Monitoring Bird Species Reptile Amphibian Mammal of Fauna (Number of Species Species Species species Threatened (Number of (Number of (Number of (Number of Species) Threatened Threatened Threatened Threatened Species) Species) Species) Species)
2019 12 (0) 1 0 2 (1) 15 (1)
2018 17 (0) 0 0 6 (4) 23 (4)
2017 11 (0) 0 1 (0) 2 (1) 14 (1)
2016 15 (1) 2 (0) 1 (0) 4 (1) 22 (2)
2015 17 (0) 1 (0) 1 (0) 5 (1) 24 (1)
2014 15 (0) 0 1 (0) 4 (1) 20 (1)
2013 21 (0) 1 (0) 1 (0) 5 (2) 28 (2)
2012 16 (0) 1 (0) 0 5 (0) 22 (0)
Total Number of Pest Species Identified 0
Total Number of Native Species Recorded Since Monitoring Commencement 56
Total number of Threatened Species Recorded Since Monitoring Commencement 6
Average Number of Species Recorded 21
Lowest 14 (2017) Highest Number of Species 28 (2013) Number of Recorded Species Recorded
The 2019 monitoring surveys identified eight less fauna species compared to the 2018 monitoring period. Such variation among species diversity is not uncommon and has been observed in the past. There has been no real change in the differences in fauna diversity over time that cannot be explained by natural fluctuations in species diversity or species detectability.
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3.2.2 MP4
A total of 27 bird species, one amphibian species and seven mammal species were recorded at MP4 during the 2019 fauna monitoring surveys. No reptile species were recorded. One threatened bat was detected in MP4 being the little bent-winged bat (Miniopterus australis). This species is listed as vulnerable under the BC Act and has been previously recorded at the site.
Two threatened bird species were recorded at MP4 in the 2019 monitoring surveys being the powerful owl Ninox strenua) and little lorikeet (Glossopsitta pusilla). Both the powerful owl and little lorikeet are listed as vulnerable under the BC Act.
This is the second record of the powerful owl in as many years at the Biodiversity Offset Area. Since 2018, this species was not recorded since monitoring of the site began in 2012. One female was recorded during the 2019 surveys whereas during 2018, both a female and male were heard calling during call playback surveys. Nesting for this species occurs mid-late winter (OEH, 2017) therefore it is probable that a nesting site may occur within, or in proximity to, the Biodiversity Offset Area.
The location of threatened fauna species identified during the surveys is shown in Figure 3.1. A complete list of all fauna species recorded at MP4 is provided in Appendix 2. Table 3.6 below summarises the results of the past and current fauna monitoring results at MP4.
Table 3.6 Summary of Fauna Data Collected during Monitoring Surveys at Site MP4
Year of Number of Number of Number of Number of Total Number of Monitoring Bird Species Reptile Amphibian Mammal Species Fauna species (Number of Species Species (Number (Number of (Number of Threatened (Number of of Threatened Threatened Threatened Species) Threatened Species) Species) Species Species)
2019 22 (2) 0 1 (0) 7 (2) 28 (4)
2018 27 (2) 0 1 (0) 4 (3) 32 (5)
2017 22 (1) 2 (0) 1 (0) 2 (0) 27 (1)
2016 15 (0) 1 (0) 2 (0) 4 (1) 22 (1)
2015 22 (0) 1 (0) 3 (0) 7 (2) 33 (2)
2014 18 (0) 0 2 (0) 8 (1) 28 (1)
2013 17 (0) 1 (0) 5 (0) 8 (5) 31 (5)
2012 26 (2) 2 (0) 4 (0) 9 (0) 41 (2)
Total Number of Pest Species Identified 0
Total Number of Native Species Recorded Since Monitoring Commencement 89
Total Number of Threatened Species Recorded Since Monitoring Commencement 10
Average Number of Species Recorded 31
Lowest Number 22 (2016) Highest Number of Species Recorded 41 (2012) of Species Recorded
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The diversity of fauna species recorded in 2019 was comparable to that recorded during the 2012 baseline surveys and subsequent monitoring surveys from 2013 to 2018.
3.3 Ecosystem Function Assessment
An EFA was undertaken at each of the four monitoring points and documented using the OEH Monitoring Report Form (Appendix 3). The outcomes of these condition assessments have been used to recommend management opportunities in Section 4.0.
3.3.1 Native Vegetation Condition Assessment
All monitoring points assessed as part of the monitoring program are considered to be in healthy condition, in accordance with the condition rating provided in the OEH Condition Assessment Native Vegetation (refer to Appendix 3). As a result, the monitoring points do not require additional management at this stage.
There is an existing Land Management Action Plan (LMAP) being applied to the Biodiversity Offset Area. The LMAP 2019-20 report describes the number of weed control practices being undertaken within the site (HLM 2019). The methods include physical removal of weeds as well as the use of herbicide. The current plan sees the weed control practices continuing until end of June 2020 (HLM 2019).
3.3.2 Water Bodies Condition Assessment
The stream present within MP2 and MP4 required a ‘Water Bodies Condition Assessment’. This assessment was undertaken in accordance with the EFA methodology. Both monitoring points were rated as healthy despite a considerable amount of bank erosion at both locations. A healthy condition rating means that the water bodies at MP2 and MP4 do not require additional management. Both MP1 and MP3 did not support a water body; therefore a ‘Water Bodies Condition Assessment’ was not conducted at either of these two sites.
There has been no change in condition of the water bodies at the MP2 and MP4 monitoring points between 2012 when the baseline data was collected and in 2019 when the current field surveys were conducted. Despite both MP2 and MP4 scoring the highest condition classification possible, ongoing management of bank erosion is necessary and will lead to an increased quality of the Biodiversity Offset Area. This issue is discussed in more detail in Section 4.4.
The LMAP 2019-20 report described above includes a stream remediation plan which will continue until the end of June 2020 (HLM 2019).
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4.0 Management Issues
Several biodiversity management issues were identified during monitoring. These include the presence of invasive and noxious weeds, signs of feral fauna, unauthorised access, extensive erosion of creeks and accumulation of bush fire fuel loads within the Biodiversity Offset Area.
4.1 Weeds
Six weed species were recorded within monitoring points of the Biodiversity Offset Area in 2019 compared to the seven recorded when baseline data was collected in 2012. Those species recorded in 2019 were:
• lantana (Lantana camara)
• blackberry complex (Rubus fruticosus)
• Paddy’s lucerne (Sida rhombifolia)
• arsenic bush (Senna septemptrionalis)
• flatweed (Hypochaeris radicata) and
• fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis).
The dominant weed species recorded within the Biodiversity Offset Area was lantana (Lantana camara) which is highly invasive if left unmanaged. The current distribution of lantana within the Biodiversity Offset Area is confined to the creek lines or areas adjoining access and recreational tracks, where disturbance has occurred.
Consistent with observations made during previous monitoring surveys, the lantana has been subject to herbicide control (especially within the monitoring points) as observed in the dieback of this weed species. The density of lantana across the Biodiversity Offset Area has greatly reduced since management started in 2013, however ongoing monitoring is needed as this species is continuing to persist.
One previously unrecorded weed, arsenic bush (Senna septemptrionalis) was recorded in small numbers at site MP4 in 2019. This weed has a General Biosecurity Duty under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 to control and minimise spread. It is recommended that this species is controlled while it is in this early stage of colonisation to eradicate the weed as efficiently as possible.
Ongoing control of lantana, as well as a number of other weed species that have been recorded within the Biodiversity Offset Area is planned to continue until the end of June 2020 within the current LMAP (HLM 2019). This will prevent further infestations of these species occurring as well as aiming to reduce their current extent.
The remainder of weed species were unevenly distributed across the remainder of the Biodiversity Offset Area with areas in the north-east containing low to moderate densities of weeds (refer to Figure 4.1). The vehicle tracks continue to be associated with higher densities of weeds with fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis) and flatweed (Hypochaeris radicata) commonly found adjacent to the tracks, however the densities of these species have reduced considerably since weed management began in 2013.
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4.2 Pest Species
The Biodiversity Offset Area is considered to contain a low density of pest fauna species and includes predominately wild dogs. This is based on the observations of tracks and scats along the tracks during annual monitoring since 2012. During the 2019 monitoring period, signs indicating that wild dog and fox baiting was currently being undertaken using 1080 baiting were observed a along the access track. A vertebrate pest control program, which includes 1080 baiting, will continue until July 2020 (HLM 2019).
Wild dog (Canis lupus familiaris) footprints were also recorded at Surveyors Creek during the 2019 monitoring survey (refer to Plate 4.1). Dogs have previously been recorded on site from 2012-2018 (Umwelt 2018b).
Plate 4.1 Dog track identified in Surveyors Creek during the 2019 monitoring survey
4.3 Unauthorised Access
Since the baseline monitoring data was collected in 2012, the occurrence of unauthorised vehicles and related disturbance within the Biodiversity Offset Area has generally decreased. One week prior to the 2019 monitoring surveys, a portion of fence that was reported as missing after the previous year’s surveys had been reinstalled, preventing unauthorised vehicles from accessing the site.
While unauthorised access to the site is restricted, evidence of unauthorised access in the form of motorbike tracks was observed (Plate 4.2). As noted in the VMP, additional measures may have to be implemented in consultation with the OEH to deter unauthorised access.
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Plate 4.2 Motorbike tracks observed during the 2019 monitoring survey
4.4 Erosion
4.4.1 Waterways
Significant erosion of stream banks was identified within the Biodiversity Offset Area during the 2012 baseline surveys and was observed to lower the watercourse by more than 3 metres in some locations (refer to Plate 4.3). Gully erosion was recorded was a key management issue in 2014 to 2018 and remains a key management issue in 2019. The area of erosion is the result of a head cut moving through the creek. The head cut is located upstream of the Biodiversity Offset Area within the Sugarloaf State Conservation Area (SCA).
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Plate 4.3 Severe stream bank erosion near along Surveyors Creek
Previous LMAP reports have incorporated recommendations provided in previous biodiversity monitoring reports (Umwelt 2013 to 2018). The current LMAP (HLM 2019) includes a plan to remediate the impacts of creek erosion through continuation of the stream remediation plan through to the end of June 2020. Management actions could include the construction of appropriate stream structures and bank stabilisation measures and provisions for ongoing monitoring. In addition to this, Orica will be working with NPWS to remediate the head cut which is located upstream of the monitoring site within the Sugarloaf SCA.
4.4.2 Access Tracks
Since the baseline monitoring data was collected in 2012, the conditions of access tracks within the Biodiversity Offset Area have been improving in sections. However, some sections have deteriorated which is likely to be a result of disturbance by unauthorised vehicular access (primarily motorbikes as shown in Plate 4.4) and scoured by water runoff.
Tracks may require remediation to prevent excess sediment loading of the nearby ephemeral drainage line. The recent installation of fencing to restrict unauthorised access will also aid in reducing erosion to access tracks.
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Plate 4.4 Severe track erosion near MP3 from vehicles
4.5 Bushfire Management
The 2019 monitoring surveys noted areas of accumulating fuel loads within areas of the Biodiversity Offset Area (Plate 4.5). As noted in the VMP, the Biodiversity Offset Area is subject to the risk of bushfire with potential causes including:
• arson and car dumping
• arcing of electrical powerlines
• breaches from legal burning activities
• illegal bushfire activities, and
• natural processes such as lightning.
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Plate 4.5 Bush fire fuel load accumulation at MP1
The Biodiversity Offset Area falls within the area subject to the Rural Fire Service (RFS) Hunter Fire Management Plan (HBFMC 2009). The Hunter Fire Management Plan identifies specific land uses within the Cessnock and Maitland Local Government Areas and the relevant fire management activities which are required.
Areas of bush fire fuel load accumulation should be assessed by RFS to determine if hazard reduction works are required. Any hazard reduction activities within the Biodiversity Offset Area will be undertaken in coordination with the RFS and will be designed to minimise impacts on ecological values. A bushfire and biodiversity management plan may be prepared to provide recommendations to mitigate the impacts to biodiversity features of the Biodiversity Offset Area as a result of any proposed hazard reduction works.
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5.0 Summary
The ecological surveys undertaken within the Biodiversity Offset Area during 2019 provides the seventh round of annual monitoring data that can be directly compared with the baseline data collected in 2012. The ecological monitoring surveys also included the annual reporting required for the conservation agreement with OEH.
5.1 Flora
No threatened flora species have been recorded at any of the monitoring points or at any other locations within the Biodiversity Offset Area by Umwelt during the baseline surveys or subsequent monitoring surveys in from 2013 to 2019. The diversity of plant species recorded during the 2019 surveys was variable among the monitoring points but generally trended to a lower species assemblage than previous years. This is likely due to current drought conditions occurring at the Biodiversity Offset Area and greater Hunter Valley and is not due to be a direct measure of the condition of vegetation in the monitoring points. Continued monitoring of the Biodiversity Offset Site will provide further information on the response of flora diversity to drought conditions and if this ecological phenomenon is indeed the cause of lower than usual floristic diversity.
The general condition of the vegetation within the Biodiversity Offset Area was good quality with a moderate diversity of species across the four monitoring points. Weed invasion by lantana (Lantana camara) is of most concern due to the highly invasive nature of the species. Lantana typically becomes a dominant species in riparian areas, along tracks and previously disturbed areas, and generally requires management and control to prevent modification of the environment in which it occurs.
Since the 2012 baseline field surveys of the Biodiversity Offset Area, the majority of the lantana has reduced in extent following active control (refer to Section 4.1).This control action occurred as recommended following the 2012 monitoring field survey and is described within the current LMAP (HLM 2019). The Biodiversity Offset Area no longer has ‘high density weed’s and the area declared as ‘low density weeds’ has reduced in the past 12 months. Weed management activities within the Biodiversity Offset Area will continue to occur until the end of June 2020 (HLM 2019).
5.2 Fauna
A total of eleven threatened species have been recorded in the Biodiversity Offset Area. The threatened species recorded, including the year, include:
• east coast freetail bat (Mormopterus norfolkensis) – 2013 and 2018
• eastern bentwing-bat (Miniopterus schreibersii oceansis) – 2013
• large-eared pied bat (Chalinolobus dwyeri) – 2012 and 2013
• little bentwing-bat (Miniopterus australis) – 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2019
• eastern cave bat (Vespadelus troughtoni) - 2018
• little lorikeet (Glossopsitta pusilla) – 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016 2017, 2018 and 2019
• masked owl (Tyto novaehollandiae) – 2012 and 2016
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• squirrel glider (Petaurus norfolcensis) – 2013
• yellow-bellied glider (Petaurus australis) – 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2019
• yellow-bellied sheathtail bat (Saccolaimus flaviventris) – 2012
• powerful owl (Ninox strenua) – 2012, 2018 and 2019.
Fauna habitat resources are relatively abundant within the Biodiversity Offset Area with most areas providing high quality perching, foraging and nesting habitat for forest birds, an understorey providing refuge and foraging habitat for a range of small birds and mammals and fallen timber providing valuable refuge for small animals, amphibians and reptiles. A high proportion of the canopy species are winter flowering eucalypts, including spotted gum (Corymbia maculata) and forest red gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis). These canopy species provide a valuable food source for the critically endangered swift parrot (Lathamus discolor) and regent honeyeater (Anthochaera phrygia), which are known to occur in the general area.
A total of 46 threatened species have been recorded within 10 kilometres of the Biodiversity Offset Area (OEH 2019) however this encompasses a large expanse of contiguous forest habitat contained within Sugarloaf SCA. The Biodiversity Offset Area adjoins Sugarloaf SCA and offers similar habitat on a smaller scale. Given the number of threatened species (eleven) recorded in a ‘snap-shot’ fauna survey within the Biodiversity Offset Area and the connectivity to Sugarloaf SCA, it is considered that many more threatened fauna species are likely to occur within the Biodiversity Offset Area on at least an intermittent basis.
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6.0 Conclusions and Recommendations
Only minor changes to the diversity of flora species were recorded at MP1 to MP4.The slight changes in flora species diversity recorded within the monitoring points is most likely a result of weather during the 2019 monitoring period and natural fluctuations in the diversity and abundance of species between sampling periods, which is expected in such a dynamic biological system. No threatened flora species were recorded in 2012-2019 monitoring surveys. The vegetation condition classification remained the same (healthy category) for all monitoring sites.
A total of eleven threatened fauna species have been recorded in the Biodiversity Offset Area. No additional species were recorded on site during the 2019 monitoring that have not been recorded since monitoring began in 2012. Four previously recorded threatened fauna species; the yellow-bellied glider (Petaurus australis), little bentwing-bat (Miniopterus australis), powerful owl (Ninox strenua) and little lorikeet (Glossopsitta pusilla), were also recorded during this monitoring period.
During the ecological surveys, a number of management issues were identified that will require continued management in order to reduce the threat to the biodiversity values of the Biodiversity Offset Area. These issues include:
• low density of weed species along the creek lines and vehicle tracks
• pest species (wild dogs and foxes)
• unauthorised access
• severe creek bank erosion, and
• accumulation of bush fire fuel loads.
In order to maintain or improve the biodiversity value of the Biodiversity Offset Area, it is recommended that:
• the weed management works described in the current LMAP (HLM 2019) be undertaken until the end of June 2020. The condition and extent of weed species within the Biodiversity Offset Area should be re-assessed and the ongoing management of weeds should be extended as necessary
• wild dog and fox baiting to continue with additional controls for wild pigs if detected on remote cameras set by HLM
• continued maintenance of the boundary fence and access points to prevent unauthorised access. Installation of cameras to identify and deter the individual/s entering the site
• erosion and sediment control measures continue to be implemented across the Biodiversity Offset Area targeting areas of existing erosion and potential high water flow areas as described within the current 2019-2020 LMAP (HLM 2019)
• further consultation with upstream land owners to implement a creek erosion remediation plan to restrict further creek widening and vegetation loss within the Biodiversity Offset Area
• Orica consult with RFS to assess the fuel loads within the Biodiversity Offset Area and determine the need for/benefits of hazard reduction works.
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There is sufficient evidence to suggest that the current biological values of the Biodiversity Offset Area are being managed in an appropriate manner. Ongoing management is critical to ensuring that this trend continues and that the diversity of flora and fauna species, quality and condition of the native vegetation and water bodies is maintained or enhanced within the Biodiversity Offset Area. This is likely to continue being achieved through the implementation of the current LMAP (HLM 2019).
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7.0 References
Anstis, M. (2017) (2nd ed) Tadpoles and frogs of Australia. New Holland Publishers, Chatswood.
Barker, J, Grigg, G C & Tyler, M J (1995). Field Guide to Australian Frogs. Surrey Beatty & Sons, Sydney.
Birdlife International (2017) Taxonomic Checklist, Version 2, December 2017.
Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) (2019a). Station Number 061152, Cessnock, New South Wales, July 2019 Daily Weather Observations. http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/IDCJDW2027.latest.shtml accessed July 2019.
Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) (2019b). Drought. http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/drought/ accessed August 2019.
Botanic Gardens Trust (2017). PlantNET – The Plant Information Network System of Botanic Gardens Trust, Sydney, Australia (version 2.0).
Cogger, H. G. (2014) Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. CSIRO Publishing.
Cronquist, A (1981). An Integrated System of Classification of Flowering Plants. Columbia University Press, New York.
Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW (DECCW) (2011). Operational Manual for BioMetric 3.1. Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water, NSW Sydney
Harden, G J editor (1992). Flora of New South Wales. Volume 3. New South Wales University Press and Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney.
Harden, G J editor (1993). Flora of New South Wales. Volume 4. New South Wales University Press and Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney.
Harden, G J editor (2000). Flora of New South Wales. Volume 1. 2nd edition. New South Wales University Press and Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney.
Harden, G J editor (2002). Flora of New South Wales. Volume 2. Revised edition. New South Wales University Press and Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney.
Hunter Bush Fire Management Committee (HBFMC) (2009). Bush Fire Risk Management Plan.
Hunter Land Management Pty Ltd (HLM) (2019). Biodiversity Offset Area – Land Management Action Plan 2019-20. Orica Mining Services – Kurri Kurri NSW – July 2019.
Menkhorst, P. and Knight, F. (2010) A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia: Third Edition. Oxford University Press, South Melbourne.
Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) (2017). Powerful Owl – Profile. Accessed July 2019.
Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) (2019). NSW BioNet – the website for the Atlas of NSW Wildlife. Accessed July 2019.
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Pizzey, G. and Knight, F. (2013) Field Guide to the Birds of Australia: Ninth Edition. Harper Collins Publishers, Sydney.
Robinson, M (1998). A Field Guide to Frogs of Australia. Australian Museum/Reed New Holland, Sydney.
Swan, G, Shea, G & Sadlier, R (2004). A Field Guide to Reptiles of New South Wales. Reed New Holland, Sydney.
Umwelt (Australia) Pty Limited (2009). Environmental Assessment – Proposed Ammonium Nitrate Emulsion (ANE) Production Facility, and Continued Operation of Orica Mining Services Technology Centre, Richmond Vale, NSW.
Umwelt (Australia) Pty Limited (2012a). Biodiversity Offset Area Vegetation Management Plan – 2012. Report prepared for Orica Mining Services.
Umwelt (Australia) Pty Limited (2012b). Orica Richmond Vale Biodiversity Offset Area Monitoring Report – 2012. Report prepared for Orica Mining Services.
Umwelt (Australia) Pty Limited (2013). Orica Richmond Vale Biodiversity Offset Area Monitoring Report – 2013. Report prepared for Orica Mining Services.
Umwelt (Australia) Pty Limited (2014). Orica Richmond Vale Biodiversity Offset Area Monitoring Report – 2014. Report prepared for Orica Mining Services.
Umwelt (Australia) Pty Limited (2015a). Biodiversity Offset Area Updated Vegetation Management Plan. Report prepared for Orica Mining Services – June 2015.
Umwelt (Australia) Pty Limited (2015b). Orica Richmond Vale Biodiversity Offset Area Monitoring Report – 2015. Report prepared for Orica Mining Services.
Umwelt (Australia) Pty Limited (2016). Orica Richmond Vale Biodiversity Offset Area Monitoring Report – 2016. Report prepared for Orica Mining Services.
Umwelt (Australia) Pty Limited (2017). Orica Richmond Vale Biodiversity Offset Area Monitoring Report – 2017. Report prepared for Orica Mining Services.
Umwelt (Australia) Pty Limited (2018a). Biodiversity Offset Area Updated Vegetation Management Plan. Report prepared for Orica Mining Services – December 2018.
Umwelt (Australia) Pty Limited (2018b). Orica Richmond Vale Biodiversity Offset Area Monitoring Report – 2018. Report prepared for Orica Mining Services.
Van Dyck, S and Strahan, R (2008). The Mammals of Australia: Third Edition. Australian Museum – Reed New Holland, Sydney.
Wheeler, D J B, Jacobs, S W L and Whalley, R D B (2002). Grasses of New South Wales. 3rd edition. The University of New England, Armidale.
Wilson, S and Swan, G (2017). A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia. Reed New Holland, Sydney.
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APPENDIX 1 Flora List
Flora Species List
The following list was developed from surveys of the monitoring plots detailed in Section 2.1 of the main report. It includes the average cover all species of vascular plants observed from Monitoring Points 1 to 4 during the baseline fieldwork in 2012 and all subsequent monitoring surveys in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 and the cover of all species observed in the 2019 monitoring year. Not all species are readily detected at any one time of the year, therefore the list will not necessarily include all plant species likely to occur in the monitoring points. Many species flower only during restricted periods of the year, and some flower only once in several years. In the absence of flowering material, many of these species cannot be identified, or even detected.
Names of classes and families follow a modified Cronquist (1981) System.
The following abbreviations or symbols are used in the list:
sp. specimens that are identified to genus level only;
? specimens for which identification was uncertain;
asterisk (*) denotes species not indigenous to the Biodiversity Offset Area;
subsp. subspecies;
f. forma; and
var. variety.
All vascular plants recorded or collected were identified using keys and nomenclature in Harden (1992, 1993, 2000 & 2002) and Wheeler et al. (2002). Where known, changes to nomenclature and classification have been incorporated into the results, as derived from PlantNET (Botanic Gardens Trust 2019), the on- line plant name database maintained by the National Herbarium of New South Wales.
Common names used follow Harden (1992, 1993, 2000 & 2002) where available, and draw on other sources such as local names where these references do not provide a common.
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Family Scientific Name Common Name Site MP1 Site MP2 Site MP3 Site MP4 Avg. 2019 Avg. 2019 Avg. 2019 Avg. 2019 Filicopsida (Ferns) Adiantaceae Adiantum aethiopicum common maidenhair 2.3 2 1.0 1 Adiantaceae Adiantum hispidum rough maidenhair fern 1.0 1 Adiantaceae Cheilanthes sieberi subsp. poison rock fern 1.8 1.6 2 1.9 1 sieberi Blechnaceae Blechnum cartilagineum gristle fern 1.0 1 Dennstaedtiaceae Pteridium esculentum bracken 2.6 1 2.2 Lindsaeaceae Lindsaea microphylla lacy wedge fern 1.0 Magnoliopsida (Flowering Plants) - Liliidae (Monocots) Anthericaceae Arthropodium milleflorum vanilla lily 2.0 Commelinaceae Commelina cyanea native wandering Jew 1.0 Cyperaceae Carex appressa tall sedge 1.0 2.0 2 Cyperaceae Cyperus sp. 1.0 Cyperaceae Gahnia aspera rough saw-sedge 1.0 1 2.5 2 1.5 2 1.8 1 Cyperaceae Gahnia clarkei tall saw-sedge 2.3 Cyperaceae Gahnia sp. 1.5 Hypoxidaceae Hypoxis hygrometrica var. 1.0 villosisepala Hypoxidaceae Hypoxis pratensis var. golden weather-grass 1.5 pratensis Hypoxidaceae Hypoxis sp. 2.0 Juncaceae Juncus sp. 1.0 Lomandraceae Lomandra glauca pale mat-rush 2.0
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Family Scientific Name Common Name Site MP1 Site MP2 Site MP3 Site MP4 Avg. 2019 Avg. 2019 Avg. 2019 Avg. 2019 Lomandraceae Lomandra longifolia spiny-headed mat-rush 1.0 1 2.5 3 1.3 1 2.0 Lomandraceae Lomandra filiformis subsp. wattle flowered mat- 1.3 1 1.0 1.7 2 1.0 filiformis rush Lomandraceae Lomandra obliqua fishbones 1.3 1.5 Lomandraceae Lomandra multiflora many-flowered mat- 1.0 1.0 1 subsp. multiflora rush Lomandraceae Lomandra sp. 1.0 3.0 Luzuriagaceae Geitonoplesium cymosum scrambling lily 1.2 2 1.7 2 2.1 1 Orchidaceae Acianthus fornicatus pixie caps 2.0 1.3 1 Orchidaceae Caladenia catenata lady fingers 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 Orchidaceae Calochilus sp. 1.0 Orchidaceae Chiloglottis formicifera ant orchid 1.0 Orchidaceae Cymbidium suave snake orchid 1.0 Orchidaceae Prasophyllum brevilabre short-lipped leek 1.0 orchid Orchidaceae Pterostylis longifolia tall greenhood 2.0 Orchidaceae Pterostylis nutans nodding greenhood 1.0 1.0 Orchidaceae Pterostylis pedunculata maroonhood 1.0 1.0 2.0 Phormiaceae Dianella caerulea var. blue flax-lily 2.0 2 1.8 2 1.5 1 caerulea Phormiaceae Dianella caerulea var. blue flax-lily 1.0 1 2.1 2.6 1.4 producta Phormiaceae Dianella longifolia blueberry lily 1.0 1.6 2 2.0 Poaceae *Andropogon virginicus whiskey grass 2.0
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Family Scientific Name Common Name Site MP1 Site MP2 Site MP3 Site MP4 Avg. 2019 Avg. 2019 Avg. 2019 Avg. 2019 Poaceae Aristida sp. 2.0 Poaceae Aristida vagans threeawn speargrass 2.5 2 2.3 1.0 1 Poaceae Austrostipa verticillata slender bamboo grass 1.0 1 Poaceae Cymbopogon refractus barbed wire grass 2.0 1.0 1 1.0 1 Poaceae Cynodon dactylon couch 2.0 2 2.0 2 1.0 1 Poaceae Digitaria sp. 1.0 Poaceae Echinopogon caespitosus bushy hedgehog-grass 1.5 2.0 2.0 2.0 Poaceae Echinopogon ovatus forest hedgehog-grass 2.3 1.0 1 1.4 Poaceae Echinopogon sp. 4.0 Poaceae Entolasia stricta wiry panic 2.0 2 1.7 1 2.4 2 1.0 Poaceae Entolasia marginata 1.0 1.0 1 Poaceae Eragrostis brownii brown's lovegrass 1 2.0 Poaceae Eragrostis sp. 1.9 Poaceae Imperata cylindrica blady grass 2.1 2 2.8 3 2.9 1 Poaceae Microlaena stipoides var. weeping meadow grass 3.6 4 3.0 2 3.6 3 stipoides Poaceae Oplismenus aemulus Australian basket grass 1.0 2.4 3.0 2.9 3 Poaceae Oplismenus imbecillis creeping beard grass 1.5 2.0 2.6 Poaceae Oplismenus sp. 2.0 Poaceae Panicum simile two-colour panic 1.7 1.0 1 1.0 1 Poaceae Paspalidium distans 1.0 1.0 Poaceae *Paspalum dilatatum paspalum 1.0
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Family Scientific Name Common Name Site MP1 Site MP2 Site MP3 Site MP4 Avg. 2019 Avg. 2019 Avg. 2019 Avg. 2019 Poaceae Paspalum distichum water couch 2.0 Poaceae Rytidosperma pallidum wallaby grass 3.6 1.0 1 Poaceae Themeda australis kangaroo grass 3.6 3 2.2 4 Magnoliopsida (Flowering Plants) - Magnoliidae (Dicots) Acanthaceae Brunoniella australis blue trumpet 1.0 1 1.0 1 1.3 2 1.0 1 Acanthaceae Pseuderanthemum pastel flower 2.0 2.0 2.0 variabile Apiaceae Centella asiatica pennywort 1.0 1.0 2.7 Apiaceae Hydrocotyle laxiflora stinking pennywort 2.0 1.0 1 Apiaceae Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides pennywort 1.0 1.3 Apocynaceae Parsonsia straminea common silkpod 1.0 Apocynaceae Tylophora barbata bearded tylophora 1.0 1 Araliaceae Polyscias sambucifolia elderberry panax 1.0 Asteraceae *Ageratina adenophora crofton weed 2.0 Asteraceae *Bidens pilosa cobbler's pegs 1.8 Asteraceae *Conyza sp. fleabane 1.3 Asteraceae *Cirsium vulgare Spear thistle 1.0 Asteraceae Euchiton japonicus cud weed 1.0 Asteraceae *Hypochaeris radicata flatweed 1.4 1.6 1 1.0 1 1.0 1 Asteraceae Lagenophora gracilis slender lagenophora 2.0 1.0 3.0 1.0 Asteraceae Lagenifera stipitata 1.0 1.0 1 1.0 1 Asteraceae Ozothamnus diosmifolius white dogwood 1.3 1 2.0
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Family Scientific Name Common Name Site MP1 Site MP2 Site MP3 Site MP4 Avg. 2019 Avg. 2019 Avg. 2019 Avg. 2019 Asteraceae Ozothamnus sp. 1.0 Asteraceae Senecio diaschides 1.0 1.0 1 Asteraceae *Senecio fireweed 1.0 1 1.0 1.0 madagascariensis Asteraceae Sigesbeckia orientalis Indian weed 1.6 subsp. orientalis Asteraceae *Cyanthillium cinereum iron weed 1.0 Casuarinaceae Allocasuarina torulosa forest oak 3.0 2 Celastraceae Denhamia silvestris narrow-leaved 1.4 1.8 3 2.1 1 orangebark Clusiaceae Hypericum gramineum small St. John’s wort 1.0 Convolvulaceae Dichondra repens kidney weed 2.6 3.1 2 4.0 3 Convolvulaceae Polymeria calycina 1.0 Dilleniaceae Hibbertia aspera rough guinea flower 2.7 1.6 1 1.0 Dilleniaceae Hibbertia pedunculata 1.0 Dilleniaceae Hibbertia scandens climbing guinea flower 1.0 1.0 Dilleniaceae Hibbertia sp. 2.0 Epacridaceae Epacris microphylla coast coral heath 1.0 1 Epacridaceae Lissanthe strigosa peach heath 2.5 1.5 1.0 Epacridaceae Leucopogon juniperinus prickly beard-heath 1.0 1 1.3 2 2.0 2 Ericaceae Acrotriche divaricata 1.3 1.8 1.0 Euphorbiaceae Phyllanthus hirtellus 1.6
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Family Scientific Name Common Name Site MP1 Site MP2 Site MP3 Site MP4 Avg. 2019 Avg. 2019 Avg. 2019 Avg. 2019 Fabaceae *Senna septemptrionalis arsenic bush 1.0 1 (Caesalpinioideae) Fabaceae (Faboideae) Daviesia ulicifolia gorse bitter pea 1.0 Fabaceae (Faboideae) Desmodium large tick trefoil 1.5 1.0 1.5 1 rhytidophyllum Fabaceae (Faboideae) Desmodium gunnii slender tick-trefoil 1.0 2.0 1.9 2 1.4 Fabaceae (Faboideae) Dillwynia retorta 1.0 1 Fabaceae (Faboideae) Glycine clandestina 1.0 1.3 2.1 2.1 Fabaceae (Faboideae) Glycine tabacina 1.7 1.0 1 1.0 1 1.0 1 Fabaceae (Faboideae) Hardenbergia violacea false sarsaparilla 1.3 1.8 1.9 1 Fabaceae (Faboideae) Mirbelia rubiifolia Heathy Mirbelia 1.0 Fabaceae (Faboideae) Pultenaea paleacea chaffy bush pea 1.8 1 Fabaceae Acacia elongata swamp wattle 1.0 (Mimosoideae) Fabaceae Acacia irrorata green wattle 1.6 1 1.0 1 3.0 2 (Mimosoideae) Fabaceae Acacia longifolia Sydney golden wattle 1.0 2.3 1 1.0 1.0 1 (Mimosoideae) Fabaceae Acacia parvipinnula silver-stemmed wattle 1.0 (Mimosoideae) Geraniaceae Geranium homeanum 1.3 Goodeniaceae Goodenia heterophylla 1.3 Goodeniaceae Goodenia rotundifolia 1.3 1.6 1 Goodeniaceae Goodenia sp. 1.5 1.5
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Family Scientific Name Common Name Site MP1 Site MP2 Site MP3 Site MP4 Avg. 2019 Avg. 2019 Avg. 2019 Avg. 2019 Haloragaceae Gonocarpus sp. 1.0 Haloragaceae Gonocarpus tetragynus 2.2 2.0 2.0 Lobeliaceae Lobelia purpurascens whiteroot 2.6 2 2.5 3 2.6 3 2.6 2 Luzuriagiaceae Eustrephus latifolius wombat berry 1.3 1 Malvaceae *Malva sylvestris tall mallow 1.0 Malvaceae Sida corrugata corrugated sida 2.0 2.0 2.0 Malvaceae *Sida rhombifolia paddy's lucerne 1.0 1.9 1 Menispermaceae Stephania japonica snake vine 1.8 1 Moraceae Ficus coronata sandpaper fig 1.0 Myrtaceae Angophora costata Sydney red/rusty gum 2.8 1 Myrtaceae Angophora floribunda rough-barked apple 2.1 3 Myrtaceae Callistemon rigidus stiff bottlebrush 2.1 Myrtaceae Corymbia maculata spotted gum 4.0 4 Myrtaceae Eucalyptus fibrosa red ironbark 2.0 2 1.2 4.8 4 Myrtaceae Eucalyptus globoidea white stringybark 1.8 Myrtaceae Eucalyptus paniculata grey ironbark Myrtaceae Eucalyptus punctata grey gum 3.0 2.6 Myrtaceae Eucalyptus tereticornis forest red gum 1.0 1 4.3 4 Myrtaceae Eucalyptus umbra broad-leaved white 2.3 2 mahogany Myrtaceae Leptospermum tantoon 2.3 1 2.1 1 1.0 1.0 1 polygalifolium Myrtaceae Leptospermum trinervium flaky- barked tea- tree 1.0
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Family Scientific Name Common Name Site MP1 Site MP2 Site MP3 Site MP4 Avg. 2019 Avg. 2019 Avg. 2019 Avg. 2019 Myrtaceae Melaleuca decora 2.0 1.0 Myrtaceae Melaleuca linariifolia flax-leaved paperbark 2.8 2 2.0
Myrtaceae Melaleuca nodosa prickly- leaved 2.4 2 2.2 4.0 3 2.0 2 paperbark Oleaceae Jasminum volubile stiff jasmine 1.0 Oleaceae Notelaea longifolia large mock olive 1.2 1.0 1 1.5 1 Oxalidaceae Oxalis exilis 1.0 1 2.0 2.0 1 Oxalidaceae Oxalis perennans 1.0 Oxalidaceae Oxalis sp. 1.0 1.0 Passifloraceae Passiflora herbertiana native passionfruit 1.0 1.0 1 Phyllanthaceae Breynia oblongifolia coffee bush 1.0 1 2.7 2 2.2 3 2.7 2 Phyllanthaceae Glochidion ferdinandi cheese tree 2.7 1.0 1 Pittosporaceae Billardiera scandens appleberry 1.3 1.0 1.7 Pittosporaceae Bursaria spinosa native blackthorn 1.5 2.0 2 2.9 3 2.8 2 Pittosporaceae Pittosporum multiflorum orange thorn 1.5 Plantaginaceae *Plantago lanceolata lamb’s tongue 1.0 Proteaceae Banksia spinulosa hairpin banksia 2.0 2 Proteaceae Persoonia linearis narrow-leaved 1.0 1 1.9 2 2.7 2 geebung Ranunculaceae Clematis aristata old man's beard 1.8 1 1.2 1 2.0 Ranunculaceae Clematis glycinoides headache vine 1.0 1.0 1 Ranunculaceae Clematis sp. 2.0
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Family Scientific Name Common Name Site MP1 Site MP2 Site MP3 Site MP4 Avg. 2019 Avg. 2019 Avg. 2019 Avg. 2019 Rosaceae *Rubus fruiticosus blackberry complex 1.0 1 Rosaceae Rubus parviflorus native raspberry 1.0 Rubiaceae Asperula conferta common woodruff 2.0 1.0 1 Rubiaceae Asperula sp. 1.0 Rubiaceae Galium sp. 1.0 1.0 1.7 2.0 Rubiaceae Opercularia diphylla 1.0 1.0 1 1.0 Rubiaceae Gynochthodes jasminoides sweet morinda 1.0 1.0 1 Rubiaceae Pomax umbellata 1.3 Sapindaceae Dodonaea triquetra large-leaf hop-bush 1.5 Scrophulariaceae Eremophila debilis winter apple 1.0 Scrophulariaceae Veronica plebeia trailing speedwell 1.5 1.2 1.0 Solanaceae Duboisia myropoides corkwood 2.0 1.0 1.7 1 Solanaceae Solanum cinereum Narrawa burr 1.0 1 2.0 1.5 1 Solanaceae Solanum prinophyllum forest nightshade 1.2 2.0 1.8 Stylidiaceae Stylidium graminifolium trigger plant 1.0 Ulmacaea Trema tomentosa var. native peach 1.0 aspera Verbenaceae *Lantana camara lantana 1.0 1.0 1 2.4 1 Vitaceae Cayratia clematidea slender grape 1.2 1 Vitaceae Cissus antarctica water vine 1.3 1.0 1 Total Number of Species 24 36 43 40 Total Number of Introduced Species 0 2 2 4
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APPENDIX 2 Fauna List
Fauna Species List
The following list was developed from surveys of the Orica Biodiversity Offset Area detailed in Section 3.2 of the main report. It includes all species of vertebrate fauna observed at the Orica Biodiversity Offset Area during fauna monitoring fieldwork in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.
The following abbreviations or symbols are used in the list: asterisk (*) denotes species not indigenous to the study area; and
V Vulnerable under the Schedules of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (BC Act) or Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
Birds recorded were identified using descriptions in Pizzey & Knight (2013) and the scientific and common name nomenclature of Birdlife Australia (Birdlife International 2017). Reptiles recorded were identified using keys and descriptions in Cogger (2014) and Wilson & Swan (2017) and the scientific and common name nomenclature of Cogger (2014).
Amphibians recorded were identified using keys and descriptions in Cogger (2014), Anstis (2017) and Barker et al. (1995) and the scientific and common name nomenclature of Cogger (2014). Mammals recorded were identified using keys and descriptions in Van Dyck & Strahan (2008), and Menkhorst & Knight (2010) and the scientific and common name nomenclature of Van Dyck & Strahan (2008).
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Scientific Name Common Name Conservation MP1 MP4 Opportunistic Status
BC Act EPBC Act 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 REPTILES Agamidae Physignathus lesueurii eastern water dragon Scincidae Lampropholis delicata grass skink Lampropholis guichenoti pale-flecked garden sunskink Saiphos equalis three-toed skink Total Reptile Species 1 1 0 1 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 AMPHIBIANS Myobatrachidae Crinia signifera common eastern froglet Limnodynastes peronii striped marsh frog Limnodynastes tasmeniensis spotted marsh frog Litoria revelata whirring tree frog Pseudophryne coriacea red-backed toadlet Hylidae Litoria fallax dwarf green tree frog Litoria latopalmata broad-palmed rocket frog Litoria tyleri Tylers tree frog Litoria verreauxii Verreaux’s frog
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Scientific Name Common Name Conservation MP1 MP4 Opportunistic Status
BC Act EPBC Act 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Total Amphibian Species 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 4 5 2 3 2 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 BIRDS Phasianidae Coturnix ypsilophora brown quail Columidae Leucosarcia melanoleuca wonga pigeon Macropygia amboinensis brown cuckoo-dove Podargidae Podargus strigoides tawny frogmouth Caprimulgidae Eurostopodus mystacalis white-throated nightjar Aegothelidae Aegotheles cristatus Australian owlet-nightjar Falconidae Falco longipennis Australian Hobby Cacatuidae Eolophus roseicapilla galah Columbidae Geopelia humeralis bar-shouldered dove Phaps chalcoptera common bronzewing Psittacidae Alisterus scapularis Australian king parrot
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Scientific Name Common Name Conservation MP1 MP4 Opportunistic Status
BC Act EPBC Act 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Calyptorhynchus funereus yellow-tailed black cockatoo Glossopsitta pusilla little lorikeet V Platycercus elegans crimson rosella Platycercus eximius eastern rosella Trichglossus haematodus rainbow lorikeet Cuculidae Cacomantis flabelliformis fan-tailed cuckoo Eudynamys orientalis common koel Tytonidae Tyto alba barn owl Tyto novaehollandiae masked owl V Alcedinidae Dacelo novaeguineae laughing kookaburra Todiramphus sanctus sacred kingfisher Hirundinidae Hirundo neoxena welcome swallow Menuridae Menura novaehollandiae superb lyrebird Climacteridae Cormobates leucophaeus white-throated treecreeper
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Scientific Name Common Name Conservation MP1 MP4 Opportunistic Status
BC Act EPBC Act 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Ptilonorhynchidae Ptilonorhynchus violaceus satin bowerbird Maluridae Malurus cyaneus superb fairy-wren Malurus lamberti variegated fairy wren Acanthizidae Acanthiza chrysorrhoa yellow-rumped thornbill Acanthiza lineata striated thornbill Acanthiza nana yellow thornbill Acanthiza pusilla brown thornbill Acanthiza reguloides buff-rumped thornbill Gerygone mouki brown gerygone Gerygone olivacea white-throated gerygone Sericornis frontalis white-browed scrubwren Smicrornis brevirostris weebill Dicaeidae Dicaeum hirundinaceum mistletoebird Pardalotidae Pardalotus punctatus spotted pardalote Pardalotus striatus striated pardalote Psittaculidae Lathamus discolor swift parrot
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Scientific Name Common Name Conservation MP1 MP4 Opportunistic Status
BC Act EPBC Act 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Strigidae Ninox strenua powerful owl V Meliphagidae Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris eastern spinebill Anthochaera carunculata red wattlebird Lichenostomus chrysops yellow-faced honeyeater Lichenostomus fuscus fuscous honeyeater Lichenostomus leucotis white-eared honeyeater Lichenostomus melanops yellow-tufted honeyeater Lichenostomus penicillatus white-plumed honeyeater Manorina melanocephala noisy miner Manorina melanophrys bell miner Meliphaga lewinii Lewin’s honeyeater Melithreptus brevirostris brown-headed honeyeater Melithreptus lunatis white-naped honeyeater Myzomela sanguinolenta scarlet honeyeater Philemon corniculatus noisy friarbird Phylidonyris niger white-cheeked honeyeater Plectorhyncha lanceolata striped honeyeater Psophodidae Psophodes olivaceus eastern whipbird
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Scientific Name Common Name Conservation MP1 MP4 Opportunistic Status
BC Act EPBC Act 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Campephagidae Coracina novahollandiae black-faced cuckoo-shrike Oriolidae Sphecotheres vieilloti Australasian figbird Pachycephalidae Colluricincla harmonica grey shrike-thrush Pachycephala pectoralis golden whistler Pachycephala rufiventris rufous whistler Artamidae Artamus cyanopterus dusky woodswallow Cracticus nigrogularis pied butcherbird Cracticus tibicen Australian magpie Strepera graculina pied currawong Accipitridae Aquila audax wedge-tailed eagle Rhipiduridae Rhipidura fuliginosa grey fantail Rhipidura rufifrons rufous fantail Corvidae Corvus coronoides Australian raven Petroicidae Eopsaltria australis eastern yellow robin
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Scientific Name Common Name Conservation MP1 MP4 Opportunistic Status
BC Act EPBC Act 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Petroica rosea rose robin Zosteropidae Zosterops lateralis silvereye Estrilididae Neochmia temporalis red-browed finch Total Bird Species 16 21 15 17 15 11 17 10 26 18 18 22 15 21 27 25 4 5 11 2 7 22 26 MAMMALS Vombatidae Vombatus ursinus common wombat Petauridae Petaurus australis yellow-bellied glider V Petaurus brevipes sugar glider Petaurus norfolcensis squirrel glider V Phalangeridae Trichosurus vulpecula common brushtail possum Pseudocheiridae Pseudocheirus peregrinus common ringtail possum Suidae *Sus scrofa pig Macropodinae Macropus giganteus eastern grey kangaroo Macropus rufogriseus red-necked wallaby
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Scientific Name Common Name Conservation MP1 MP4 Opportunistic Status
BC Act EPBC Act 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Wallabia bicolor swamp wallaby Dasyuridae Antechinus stuartii brown antechinus Emballonurdae Saccolaimus flaviventris yellow-bellied sheathtail V bat Molossidae Mormopterus norfolkensis east coast freetail bat V Mormopterus sp.2 eastern freetail Bat Miniopteridae Miniopterus australis little bent-wing Bat V Miniopterus schreibersii eastern bent-wing bat V oceansis Vespertilionidae Chalinolobus dwyeri large-eared pied bat V V Chalinolobus gouldii Gould’s wattled bat Chalinolobus morio chocolate wattled bat Vespadelus pumilus eastern forest bat Vespadelus troughtoni eastern cave bat Vespadelus vulturnus little forest bat Rhinolophidae Rhinolophus megaphyllus eastern horseshoe bat
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Scientific Name Common Name Conservation MP1 MP4 Opportunistic Status
BC Act EPBC Act 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Bovidae *Bos taurus European cattle Canidae *Canis lupus familiaris domestic dog *Vulpes vulpes red fox Total Mammal species 5 5 4 5 4 2 6 2 9 8 8 7 4 2 1 7 2 1 3 4 3 5 4
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APPENDIX 3 OEH Data Sheets
Newcastle Perth Canberra Sydney Brisbane Orange 75 York Street First Floor 2/99 Northbourne Avenue 50 York Street Level 13 Office 1 Teralba NSW 2284 12 Prowse Street Turner ACT 2612 Sydney NSW 2000 500 Queen Street 3 Hampden Street West Perth WA 6005 PO Box 6135 Brisbane QLD 4000 Orange NSW 2800 PO Box 783 O’Connor ACT 2602 West Perth WA 6872
T| 1300 793 267 E| [email protected] www.umwelt.com.au