Coombabah – Parkwood Conservation Reserves

Management Plan

November 2010 Table of contents

Acknowledgements...... 4 Executive summary...... 5 Acronyms used...... 6 1 Introduction...... 7 1.1 Management vision ...... 7 1.2 Plan development and implementation ...... 7 1.2.1 Methodology and overview ...... 7 1.2.2 Implementation ...... 8 2 Background...... 9 2.1 Existing management plan...... 9 2.2 Location and planning area...... 9 2.3 Regional context ...... 11 2.4 Significance of the planning area ...... 11 2.4.1 Natural values...... 11 2.4.2 Cultural heritage values ...... 17 2.4.3 Recreation values ...... 18 2.4.4 Scientific and educational values...... 19 2.4.5 Social and economic values ...... 19 2.5 Climate change ...... 19 3 Management framework ...... 21 3.1 Legislative and policy framework ...... 21 3.1.1 Gold Coast Open Space Preservation Levy Acquisition Program ...... 21 3.1.2 Gold Coast Planning Scheme and other Council policies and guidelines...... 21 3.1.3 Strategies for South East Queensland...... 24 3.1.4 Other relevant legislation ...... 24 3.2 Management directions...... 26 3.3 Specific management objectives for the Coombabah-Parkwood Conservation Reserves ...... 27 4 Management strategies for the Coombabah-Parkwood Conservation Reserves...... 28 4.1 Landscape protection...... 28 4.1.1 Current management situation...... 28 4.1.2 Desired outcomes...... 29 4.1.3 Management strategy ...... 29 4.1.4 Key monitoring priorities ...... 30 4.2 Catchment management...... 30 4.2.1 Current management situation...... 30 4.2.2 Desired outcomes...... 33 4.2.3 Management strategy ...... 33 4.2.4 Key monitoring priorities ...... 34 4.3 Native vegetation ...... 35 4.3.1 Current management situation...... 35 4.3.2 Desired outcomes...... 37 4.3.3 Management strategy ...... 37 4.3.4 Key monitoring priorities ...... 38 4.4 Native fauna ...... 39 4.4.1 Current management situation...... 39 4.4.2 Desired outcomes...... 40 4.4.3 Management strategy ...... 40 4.4.4 Key monitoring priorities ...... 42 4.5 Fire management ...... 42 4.5.1 Current management situation...... 42 4.5.2 Desired outcomes...... 48 4.5.3 Management strategy ...... 49 4.5.4 Key monitoring priorities ...... 52 4.6 Pest plants and ecological restoration...... 52 4.6.1 Current management situation...... 52 4.6.2 Desired outcomes...... 55 4.6.3 Management strategy ...... 55 4.6.4 Key monitoring priorities ...... 57 4.7 Pest animals...... 57 4.7.1 Current management situation...... 57 4.7.2 Desired outcomes...... 58 4.7.3 Management strategy ...... 59 4.7.4 Key monitoring priorities ...... 60 4.8 Aboriginal and European cultural heritage ...... 60 4.8.1 Current management situation...... 60

2 4.8.2 Desired outcomes...... 61 4.8.3 Management strategy ...... 61 4.8.4 Key monitoring priorities ...... 62 4.9 Recreation opportunities ...... 62 4.9.1 Current management situation...... 62 4.9.2 Desired outcomes...... 68 4.9.3 Management strategy ...... 68 4.9.4 Key monitoring priorities ...... 70 4.10 Infrastructure ...... 70 4.10.1 Current management situation...... 70 4.10.2 Desired outcomes...... 71 4.10.3 Management strategy ...... 71 4.10.4 Key monitoring priorities ...... 72 4.11 Access...... 72 4.11.1 Current management situation...... 72 4.11.2 Desired outcomes...... 73 4.11.3 Management strategy ...... 73 4.11.4 Key monitoring priorities ...... 75 4.12 Leased areas ...... 77 4.12.1 Current management situation...... 77 4.12.2 Desired outcomes...... 77 4.12.3 Management strategy ...... 78 4.12.4 Key monitoring priorities ...... 78 4.13 Commercial activities ...... 78 4.13.1 Current management situation...... 78 4.13.2 Desired outcomes...... 79 4.13.3 Management strategy ...... 79 4.13.4 Key monitoring priorities ...... 80 4.14 Community involvement, education and interpretation...... 80 4.14.1 Current management situation...... 80 4.14.2 Desired outcomes...... 81 4.14.3 Management strategy ...... 81 4.14.4 Key monitoring priorities ...... 82 4.15 Research and monitoring ...... 82 4.15.1 Current management situation...... 82 4.15.2 Desired outcomes...... 83 4.15.3 Management strategy ...... 83 4.15.4 Key monitoring priorities ...... 85 4.16 Consolidation of estate and management of isolated reserves ...... 85 4.16.1 Current management situation...... 85 4.16.2 Desired outcomes...... 86 4.16.3 Management strategy ...... 86 4.16.4 Key monitoring priorities ...... 87 4.17 Coordinated reserve management...... 87 4.17.1 Current management situation...... 87 4.17.2 Desired outcomes...... 87 4.17.3 Management strategy ...... 88 4.17.4 Key monitoring priorities ...... 88 4.18 Naming of reserves within the planning area ...... 88 4.18.1 Current management situation...... 88 4.18.2 Desired outcomes...... 89 4.18.3 Management strategy ...... 89 4.18.4 Key monitoring priorities ...... 89 5 Summary of management priorities and timeframes ...... 90 6 References ...... 101 7 Appendices ...... 105

3 Acknowledgements

This plan has been developed with the support and assistance of staff in Council’s Natural Areas Management Unit. Council officers from the following departments also provided help: Environmental Planning and Conservation Unit, Parks and Recreational Services Branch, Catchment Management Unit, Pest Management Unit, Animal Management Unit, the Office of City Architect and Heritage, and Legal Services. The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service has also provided valuable input.

4 Executive summary

This management plan provides the strategic framework that governs the development and delivery of all management programs and day-to-day issues affecting the Coombabah – Parkwood Conservation Reserves. It will be effective from the date the plan is adopted by Council, for a period of ten years. Further amendments, where required, will be subject to adoption by Council.

At 833 ha in size, the Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area (CLCA) is the most prominent Council managed reserve in the planning area and protects a large portion of the middle reaches of Coombabah Creek including Lake Coombabah. It is the largest coastal mainland conservation reserve of the Gold Coast and is part of a series of protected estate conserving the natural landscape of the Southern Moreton Bay area. Within the planning area, other smaller reserves found in Parkwood, Arundel, Gaven, Helensvale and Molendinar provide recreational opportunities and meeting places for visitors and local residents, while also protecting small but significant natural areas.

Lake Coombabah is an internationally listed Ramsar wetland site and declared Fish Habitat Area that is essential for the protection of coastal wetlands. It complements the adjacent Southern Moreton Bay Island National Parks, Moreton Bay Marine Park and protects a diversity of coastal lowland vegetation types typical of South East Queensland, but otherwise poorly represented in protected areas.

The planning area is located within a partly forested corridor extending from the Moreton Bay islands west to the hinterland, providing important connectivity for the altitudinal migration of fauna.

The range of habitat types within the planning area is reflected by a rich and diverse assemblage of native flora and fauna. Small numbers of Agile Wallabies and locally Rare Golden Swamp Wallabies also known to occur within the CLCA.

The CLCA conserves a rich bird fauna. It provides important wetland habitat for migratory wading birds, including the Rare Eastern Curlew, which are subject to international treaty agreements between Australia, Japan and China. It is also an important refuge for threatened bird species, including the Powerful Owl, Glossy Black Cockatoo, Square-Tailed Kite, Black-necked Stork, and Chestnut Teal.

The planning area will be managed to conserve it’s natural landscape integrity and scenic, natural and cultural heritage values, while providing opportunities for sustainable nature- based public use.

This plan aims to protect and enhance the values of the reserves in perpetuity, through providing management strategies for the protection and rehabilitation of biodiversity, landscapes, catchments and cultural heritage. The strategies are based on sound scientific information and will be supported by ongoing monitoring of ecosystem condition and impacts of management actions.

The plan also addresses opportunities for public education and involvement, through development of safe, environmentally sensitive, nature-based recreational and interpretive opportunities. Visitors will be able to enjoy activities including bushwalking, bike riding, picnicking and day use facilities to interpret the area’s natural and cultural values will be developed to enhance visitor experience and foster a greater appreciation of Council’s city- wide conservation objectives.

5 Acronyms used

BAMM Biodiversity Assessment Mapping Methodology

CA Conservation Area

CAMBA China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement

CLCA Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area

DERM Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management

EPA Environmental Protection Agency

EPBC Act Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

FaBCon Fire and Biodiversity Consortium

GCCC Gold Coast City Council

JAMBA Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement

KDO Key Desired Outcomes

LAP Local Area Plan (Our Living City; Gold Coast Planning Scheme)

NCA Nature Conservation Act 1992

NCWR Queensland Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 1994

NP National Park

OSPL Open Space Preservation Levy

QPWS Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service

RE Regional Ecosystem

SMA Special Management Area

VCA Voluntary Conservation Agreement

VMA Queensland Vegetation Management Act 1999

6 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan 1 Introduction

1.1 Management vision

A healthy, robust and sustainable reserve network to safeguard biodiversity, ecological processes, ecosystem services and recreational amenity for the community in perpetuity.

1.2 Plan development and implementation

1.2.1 Methodology and overview

In 1998/1999 the first management plan for the Coombabah Conservation Area and nearby existing reserves was developed and adopted by Council. The subsequent addition of new reserves and substantial development of infrastructure in the region has necessitated a review of this management plan.

This updated management plan provides the strategic framework that governs the development and delivery of all management programs and actions affecting the Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves. It outlines all future management activities and uses (whether temporary or permanent) to be permitted within the planning area (subject to legislative and planning scheme approvals). Where other uses, activities and/or an increase in the scale of a permitted use are proposed subsequent to this plan, they will require full review and assessment. If the review deems that the proposal will likely result in substantive variation to current management strategies, a formal amendment to the management plan will be required, including public consultation and adoption of the amended plan by Council. Generally uses, activities and increases in scale which are not in accordance with the specific management objectives for the planning area (Section 3.3), or the management strategies given in Chapter 4, will not be supported unless an environmental benefit is demonstrated and the proposal will lead to an increase in the community's understanding and appreciation of the environment.

A process of site assessment, stakeholder consultation and literature review has been used to evaluate existing issues, values and infrastructure within the planning area. Stakeholder consultation was conducted prior to development of the draft plan in addition to the compilation of existing and ongoing records of community input obtained during regular ranger patrols.

Chapter 2 of this plan summarises the background information to the planning area, including the location, regional context and natural, cultural and social values of the reserve network. The legislative and policy framework for the management plan is summarised in 3.1 and this underpins the management directions and specific management objectives listed in 3.2-3.3.

Chapter 4 is subdivided into 18 sub-sections relating to management of specific values (e.g. flora, fauna, heritage), issues (e.g. fire, pest species, access) and opportunities (e.g. restoration, recreation, education and research) within the planning area. For each topic the current management situation is presented, including existing management initiatives, management needs and threats. A detailed management strategy for each sub-section is presented and is comprised of a broad management objective(s) for that sub-section, key desired outcomes (KDO) to fulfil the broad management objective(s) and a series of specific actions and guidelines to achieve each KDO. Management guidelines and actions are intended to be sufficiently robust to facilitate sustainable natural resource management over the long term, whilst incorporating enough flexibility to adapt management to meet changing operational demands and advances in scientific understanding as required. Also in Chapter 4, a summary of key monitoring priorities is provided below each management strategy to guide resource allocation.

7 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

Chapter 5 provides a prioritised summary of timeframes for each of the management actions listed in Chapter 4. Chapter 5 is intended to function as a stand-alone work plan for natural areas staff and contractors, and lists actions by reserve to facilitate easy incorporation into operational and restoration staff work programs.

1.2.2 Implementation

Council will undertake day-to-day management of the planning area and will coordinate the implementation of this management plan. Management actions detailed in this plan will be undertaken within the annual works program, subject to the availability of funding, staff and city-wide priorities.

In order for the conservation goals of the plan to be achieved, on-site facilities operated by Gold Coast Water and various lessees will be required to comply with the stated principles and objectives of the management plan and will be responsible for day to day management of the areas identified by either their respective leases or tenure. (refer to Sections 4.10 & 4.12 respectively)

The effective maintenance and management of the planning area depends on a regular and reliable input of resources for ongoing day to day operations and to fund new capital works programs. As these projects are developed in more detail and the exact resource requirements are identified, these projects can be resourced accordingly.

Contractors and other Council staff from a number of units and branches will be responsible for the implementation of management actions. It is important that all staff working within the planning area are familiar with the parts of this plan that dictate their responsibilities in regards to working within sensitive natural areas.

For effective delivery of this management plan, it is important that consultation between Councillors, relevant Council staff and lessees is undertaken to ensure consistency with management objectives. Community endorsement is critical in the effective implementation of this plan and public stakeholder input has been and continues to be an important part of plan development. In addition to responding to existing public concerns, the plan provides guidelines to facilitate future public involvement and support.

A review of the management plan will be undertaken by Council within ten years from the date of approval. An adaptive management strategy will identify any supplementary reviews needed within this time frame to address unforseen or changing circumstances.

8 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan 2 Background

2.1 Existing management plan

A management plan for the Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area was commissioned by Council in 1993 to guide the area’s management. It was subsequently reviewed in 1998 before being formally adopted by GCCC in September 1999. The plan provided a framework for operational use, community use, conservation, cultural heritage, education and recreational management of the area.

Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area and it’s surrounds have witnessed many changes since the implementation of the initial management plan in 1998/99. Some threats to the integrity of the area have been reduced while new threats have become apparent. The Gold Coast, is one of Australia’s fastest growing cities and continues to see significant population increases accompanied by rapid expansion in housing and commercial development. Urban growth will continue to place additional pressure on the values of the land within the planning area. While, many of the management strategies and actions from the 1998 plan have been implemented, others have become obsolete. These significant changes have necessitated a review of the original management plan.

2.2 Location and planning area

The Coombabah-Parkwood Conservation Reserves are located within an approximately 3 to 10 kilometre radius northwest of Surfers Paradise and are bounded by the suburbs of Helensvale, Gaven, Runaway Bay and Molendinar (See Figure 1). The planning area covers a total of almost 1292 hectares of Council managed reserve, comprised of mainly freehold land (875 ha) purchased by Gold Coast City Council. However, the planning area also includes another 417 hectares of State owned land for which Council is Trustee. This collection of natural areas is located throughout Parkwood, Arundel, Gaven, Helensvale and Molendinar. This combined conservation land is collectively managed as the Coombabah- Parkwood Conservation Reserves and forms the largest mainland coastal conservation reserve in the Gold Coast and Southern Moreton Bay area.

The management plan applies to both the land currently protected as the Coombabah- Parkwood Conservation Reserves (referred to herein as “the planning area”) and to any future additions to the planning area. Where management strategies or works are proposed for any future additions that are not consistent with this plan, an amendment to the plan will be required.

A summary of all reserves within the planning area is listed in Appendix 1.

9 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

Figure 1 Planning Area

10 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

2.3 Regional context

The planning area provides critical habitat for many native species of flora and fauna. The South East Queensland Regional Plan shows the Coombabah section of the planning area as being part of the Southern Bay Islands and estuarine habitat system, which is classified as a ‘biodiversity area of state significance’. The estuarine corridor is characterised by a network of channels divided by numerous islands and sand bars, which links to the central and northern portion of the Gold Coast Broadwater. The important conservation values of the Broadwater and Southern Moreton Bay are reflected by the protected area status of these adjoining marine reserves. The planning area borders the Moreton Bay Marine Park, the Coombabah Creek Fish Habitat Area and Lake Coombabah, an internationally listed Ramsar wetland site.

West of Lake Coombabah, one of the city’s critical wildlife corridors narrows as it follows Coombabah Creek extending west to Nerang National Park. The viability of this narrow corridor is threatened by increasing development pressure. This corridor is important for seasonal altitudinal migration of mobile fauna, particularly birds, which depend on coastal fruit bearing trees in winter. The Parkwood section of the planning area forms a scattered, loosely connected network of small linkages running roughly north to south from Coombabah to Molendinar.

A number of other protected areas help to conserve a large portion of the natural landscape around Coombabah, Helensvale and Lake Coombabah. Nearby protected areas include the Southern Moreton Bay Island National Parks (South Stradbroke Island Conservation Park), Coombabah Lake Conservation Park, Pine Ridge Conservation Park and Coomera Island Conservation Park.

2.4 Significance of the planning area

2.4.1 Natural values

The Coombabah-Parkwood Conservation Reserves have been identified as being ecologically significant on a regional, national and international scale. The planning area protects an important natural element of the Southern Moreton Bay islands and estuarine habitat system, and represents the largest mainland conservation area in the coastal zone of the city. The planning area supports large populations of diverse vertebrate fauna assemblages and vegetation communities characteristic of the Coastal Lowlands of South East Queensland. These Council reserves share an equal level of conservation significance with the internationally recognised adjacent Moreton Bay Marine Park, Coombabah Fish Habitat Area and other Ramsar listed wetlands. Although the pressures of fragmentation, weeds and domestic and feral animals influence the reserves, they still provide refuge for a high diversity of fauna and flora no longer common in more urbanised parts of the Gold Coast.

2.4.1.1 Catchment

Coombabah Creek sub-catchment is one of the major tributaries of the Coomera River Catchment. With a catchment area of approximately 53km², the Coombabah Creek sub- catchment encompasses several land use types including industry, residential, open space and conservation. The major waterway within this sub-catchment is Coombabah Creek, which extends 17km from its headwaters of Nerang National Park to its confluence with the Coomera River estuary. From the forested headwaters, Coombabah Creek traverses through Hanson Quarry, shortly followed by Pacific Pines residential estate and a number of rural residential properties. At it upper estuarine reaches, Coombabah Creek then flows into Coombabah Lake, a large, shallow, coastal lake with significant tidal influence from the receiving waters of the Gold Coast Broadwater. The lake is bounded by Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area containing extensive tidal wetlands dominated by mangrove

11 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan forests and salt marshes. These are fringed on the seaward side by tidal mudflats and by melaleuca wetlands on the landward side

2.4.1.2 Geology

Three landforms are evident within the planning area, the Coastal Foothills, Coastal Lowlands and the Beach Ridges. The Coastal Foothills rise from the southwest in a series of ridges of the Neranleigh Fernvale beds that penetrate into the area. These ridges rise to 76 metres above sea level to the west of Helensvale and 20 -25 metres above sea level to the south west of Lake Coombabah.

Lake Coombabah and Coombabah Creek are located on a coastal plain, which developed some 6000 years ago. Overall the site is characterised by a uniformly low and gradually undulating landform on rich sandy or muddy soils forming part of the broader floodplain adjacent to the relatively large expanses of marine intertidal mangroves and mudflats associated with the Lake Coombabah and Coombabah Creek estuary. Within the CLCA section of the planning area the maximum elevation above sea level is 21 metres with slopes up to 15%. The majority of the CLCA, is very low lying being predominantly below the 2.5 metre contour. Forestman and Associates (1998a) report that the 1974 flood covered the area to about the 3-metre contour.

The planning area consists of two distinct geological formations, the Neranleigh - Fernvale beds and the Quaternary Alluvium (Wilmott 1989). To the south and west of the Conservation Area the low ridges of the Neranleigh - Fernvale beds can be found. These are folded, metamorphosed and uplifted marine sediments of the Palaeozoic era (Devonian to late Carboniferous). Weathering of the argillite, greywacke, jasper and quartzite rocks of the strata of these beds has produced fine grained, pale, gravely soils of shallow to moderate depth. The Quaternary Alluvium occurs on the low-lying areas predominately around Lake Coombabah and adjacent to Coombabah Creek estuary. Sediments are layered coarse sands, silts and clays of varying thickness and bedding. This layering has been influenced by periods of inundation and deposition with changes in sea level and the course of Coombabah Creek. To the east in Pine Ridge Conservation Park a series of parallel sandy beach ridges has created a diverse environment with different vegetation communities (Forestman & Associates 1998a).

The north-eastern margins of the planning area encompass expansive areas of low, flat intertidal and supra-tidal marine terraces, supporting fine sand and marine mud soil types. These may range from siliceous sands of the beach ridges to podzols on the deeper sands, to greyed podzolics/poorly drained yellow podzolics on the periodically water logged areas, to solanchaks on the clay mudflats and permanently inundated sites. On the elevated parts there are generally shallow clayey soils of 1 to 2m depths above weathered rock. The soils and underlying geology of this area are classified as moderately well drained yellow podzolic soils on the upper slopes grading to poorly drained gleyed podzolic soils on the lower slopes. Soils are finely textured, gravely, acid non-sodic and non-saline (Wilmott 1989; in Forestman & Associates 1998a).

2.4.1.3 Flora

The reserves protect distinct plant communities characteristic of the coastal lowlands of the Gold Coast region, a habitat that has been severely reduced due to coastal development. These communities support approximately 416 native species of plants within 11 distinct remnant Regional Ecosystems (Table 1 and Appendix 2). Of the mapped areas, Regional Ecosystems (RE) 12.1.2 salt marsh and 12.1.3 mangrove forests, dominate areas of estuarine and/or tidal affected vegetation. In this area the Grey Mangrove (Avicenia marina) is dominant, while the salt marsh is characterised by Saltwater Couch Grass (Sporobolus virginicus).

12 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

Table 1 Regional Ecosystem types occurring within the Planning Area

Vegetation GCCC Extent Regional Management Vegetation Description Veg Remaining Ecosystem Act Status of Type* in city*** RE** 12.1.1 Casuarina glauca woodland to open forest 16 Of concern 51% 12.1.2 Salt Marshes 22 Not of concern 66% 12.1.3 Mangroves 18 Not of concern 89% Melaleuca quinquinervia – Eucalyptus robusta- 39 Not of concern 34% 12.2.7 Corymbia intermedia woodland on coastal sand deposits 12.3.5 Melaleuca quinquinervia Open forest on alluvium 9 Not of concern 8.8% Melaleuca quinquinervia-Casuarina glauca+/- 15 Not of concern 4.8% 12.3.5a Eucalyptus tereticornis woodland or open forest on alluvium Melaleuca quinquinervia- Eucalyptus tereticornis- 8 Not of concern 5.6% 12.3.6 Lophostemon Spp.woodland on alluvium Eucalyptus tereticornis- Corymbia intermedia – 6 Of concern 8.2% 12.3.11 Eucalyptus sideroploia woodland or open forest on alluvium Eucalyptus carnea – E. tinaliae woodland to open 1 Not of concern 43% 12.11.5a forest on metasediments Eucalyptus seeana – Corymbia intermedia +/-E. 3 Not of concern 7.1 12.11.5j sideroploia woodland on metasediments Corymbia henryi –Eucalyptus carnea woodland to open 4d Not of concern 44% 12.11.5k forest on metasediments Eucalyptus pilularis tall woodland to open forest on 5 Endangered 11% 12.11.23 metasediments *Gold Coast Nature Conservation Strategy 1998. **Queensland Vegetation Management Act 1999. ***Vegetation extent in accordance with Table 3 Council Nature Conservation Mapping Review, Stage 1 (November 2003).

Substantial areas of paperbark (Melaleuca quinquinervia) forest cover the lower lying sections of the planning area. These forests are important remnants of a once widespread system of wetlands throughout the Gold Coast. Mature tall Eucalypt forest and Eucalypt open woodland can be found on the low ridges. Upon the low lying Quaternary Alluvium, one ‘Of Concern’ Regional Ecosystem (12.3.11) has been cleared to a small percentage of its former distribution throughout the Gold Coast.

Once widespread along the coastal lowlands of the Gold Coast mainland, Blackbutt (Eucalyptus pilularis) on metasediments (RE 12.11.23) is now relatively scarce as a result of extensive urban development. It is classified as Endangered under the QLD Vegetation Management Act 1999. It is poorly represented in protected areas throughout the region, although within this planning area the Blackbutt community is generally in good condition. The planning area also protects large Swamp Oak (Casuarina glauca) woodland areas which are ‘Of Concern’ under the Qld VMA. Within the planning area this Regional Ecosystem is generally in good condition, however Swamp Oak woodlands are now greatly reduced on the Gold Coast as a result of urban development and past clearing and drainage of wetlands.

Other sections of the planning area are vegetated with dry Eucalypt communities dominated with stringy barks and spotted gum. These communities are mostly in good condition and are crucial for their habitat values. Many hectares of Eucalypt regrowth exists, which in the future will develop into a mature vegetation community of regional significance. In addition to the vegetation communities above several small patches of moist coastal wallum exist primarily within the Len and Muriel Godlonton Reserve and in the eastern section of the Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area. These areas are too small to be recognised under Regional Ecosystem classifications.

One Endangered ground orchid (Phaius australis) species and at least 14 native species of locally rare plants are known to occur within the planning area (Table 2). This includes three

13 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

Acacia species, Tall Broom Heath (Monotoca sp. “Fraser Island”), Arrowhead Violet (Viola betonicifolia), Red Passionflower (Passiflora aurantia), Corkwood (Endiandra sieberii), Hakea (Hakea actites), Cabbage Palm (Livistona australis) Tall Sedge (Gahnia clarkei) and others. The Hakea (Hakea actites) is found in only two locations locally while the largest known Gold Coast population of Tall Sedge (Gahnia clarkei), the host plant for the Critically Endangered Swordgrass Brown Butterfly (Tisiphone abeone morrisi), can be found at Len and Muriel Godlonton Reserve, Runaway Bay.

Table 2 Significant flora species within the Planning Area

Species/Common Name Status Ecological Requirements Occurs in eucalypt forests and generally Acacia cincinniata Locally rare restricted to open forest on coastal sand and sub-coastal metasediments Angphora woodsiana ( rough Scattered in dry open forest on sub- Locally uncommon barked/smudgee apple) coastal metasediments Occurs in eucalypt forests and generally Artanema fimbriatum Locally rare restricted to moist creek banks and near Melaleuca wetlands on alluviums Boronia polygalifolia (dwarf Restricted to open forest on sub-coastal Locally rare boronia) metasediments Ceratopteris thalictroides (water Locally rare Restricted to permanent freshwater fern) Cyperus procerus (leafy twigrush) Locally uncommon Occurs in freshwater swamp Comesperma hispidulum Scattered in open forest on sub-coastal Locally uncommon (matchsticks) metasediments Scattered in open forest in sheltered Curculigo ensifolia (weevil lilly) Locally uncommon areas on sub-coastal metasediments Cynanchum carnosum (mangrove Locally uncommon but Occurs in marine communities, restricted milk vine) irregular to mangrove margins Scattered in open forest on well-drained Daviesia mimoiodes Locally rare sub-coastal metasediments Desmodium brachypodium (Large Occurs in open forest and moist open Locally uncommon Tick-trefoil forest on sub-coastal metasediments Occurs in open forest on sub-coastal Desmodium gangeticum Locally rare metasediments Dichelachne sp. (Brisbane BK Locally uncommon Occurs in eucalypt forest Simon 3221-Brisbane plumegrass) Scattered in open forest on sub-coastal Digitaria orbata Locally uncommon metasediments Restricted to coastal wetland areas and Enydra fluctuans (enydra) Locally uncommon close to marine areas Scattered in open forest on sub-coastal Flemingia parviflora Locally uncommon metasediments Scattered in moist forest types on Gahnia clarkei (Tall sword sedge) Locally uncommon alluvial soils and coastal sand Locally uncommon but Restricted to heath on coastal sand and Gonocarpus micranthus irregular coastal forest on sandy alluvials Restricted to open forest on sub-coastal Hakea actites Locally rare metasediments Hydrocotyle verticillata (shield Restricted to poorly drained coastal Locally uncommon penny wart) freshwater wetlands Restricted to moist areas in grasslands Lipopcarpha australis Locally occasional and sedgelands on heavy soils Restricted to swamp forests and Livistona australis (cabbage palm) Locally uncommon rainforest on alluvial soils in coastal areas Restricted to heath and open forest on Monotoca sp. ‘Fraser Island’ Locally uncommon sand Scattered in Casuarina glauca forest Nicotiana forsteri Locally rare near saltwater on alluvials and in rainforest on volcanics Passiflora aurantia (red passion Scattered in moister open forest on sand Locally rare flower) and sub-coastal metasediments Phaius australis Endangered* Restricted to Melaleuca forest on sand Polygala japonica Locally uncommon Scattered in open forest on sub-coastal

14 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

Species/Common Name Status Ecological Requirements metasediments Ricciocarpus natans (liverwort) Locally uncommon Floating plant Rostellularia adscendens Locally uncommon Occurs in eucalypt forests Restricted to rainforest on basic Ruppia maritime (sea tassel) Locally rare volcanics Scattered in small populations near Schoenus nitens (shiny bog rush) Locally rare mangroves on moist sandy soils Irregular in open forest on sub-coastal Swainsonia brachycarpa Locally uncommon metasediments Villarsia exaltata (yellow marsh Restricted to open marshy Melaleuca Locally rare flower) swamps on alluvials Viola betonicifolia (arrowhead Restricted to open marshy Melaleuca Locally rare violet) swamps on alluvials *Queensland Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006.

2.4.1.4 Fauna

The area supports over 288 species of terrestrial vertebrate fauna including 33 species of mammals, 212 species of birds, 25 reptiles and 17 amphibians. Over 57 species are considered to be threatened or locally significant (Table 3). The forest communities of the Conservation Area provide critical habitat for one of the Gold Coast’s largest Koala populations and subsequently is classified as a Koala Conservation Area under the Queensland Government Nature Conservation (Koala) Conservation Plan 2006 and Management Program 2006-2016. The Koala is listed as Vulnerable under state legislation and estimates suggest a population in the Coombabah area of approximately 160-180 individuals.

Table 3 Significant fauna species within the planning area

Significance Scientific Name Common name NCA* EPBC** KNOWN ENDANGERED, VULNERABLE, RARE and MIGRATORY SPECIES Birds Acipiter novaehollandiae Grey Goshawk R Actitis hypoleucos Common sandpiper M Anas castanea Chestnut Teal R Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift M Ardea alba Great Egret M Ardea ibis Cattle Egret M Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper M Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper M Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint M Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot M Calyptorhynchus lathami Glossy Black Cockatoo V Charadrius bicincutus Double-banded Plover M Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus Black-necked stork R Gallinago hardwickii Japanese Snipe M Haliaeetus leucogaster White-breasted Sea-Eagle M Heteroscelus brevipes Grey-tailed Tattler M Hirundapus caudacutus White-throated Needletail M Limicola falcinellus Broad-billed Sandpiper M Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit M Lophoictinia isura Square-tailed Kite R Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-Eater M Monarcha melanopsis Black-faced Monarch M Monarcha trivirgatus Spectacled Monarch M Myiagra cyanoleuca Satin Flycatcher M Ninox strenua Powerful Owl V Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew R M Numenius minutus Little Whimbrel M

15 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel M Pandion haliaetus Osprey M Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis M Pluvialis fulva Lesser Golden Plover M Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover M Rhipidura rufifrons Rufous Fantail M Rostratula benghalensis Painted Snipe V V,M Sterna albifrons Little Tern E M Sterna caspia Caspian Tern M Sterna hirundo Common Tern M Tringa nebularia Greenshank M Tringa stagnatilis Marsh Sandpiper M Xenus cinereus Terek Sandpiper M Mammals Phascolarctos cinereus Koala V Pteropus poliocephalus Grey-headed Flying-fox V Tachyglossus aculeatus Short-beaked Echidna C Wallabia bicolor welsbyii Golden Swamp Wallaby C Amphibians Adelotus brevis Tusked frog V Crinia tinnula Wallum Froglet V *EPBC = species listed under the Commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. V = vulnerable. M = Migratory **NCA = species listed under the Queensland Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation. C = common; R =.Rare; V = vulnerable, E = endangered.

Located within the Helensvale section of the planning area is an important maternity campsite for the Vulnerable Grey-headed Flying Fox (Pteropus poliocephalus). This species is listed under the Commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The permanent camp, also containing the Black Flying Fox (Pteropus alecto) ranges in size from around 3 500-15 000 individuals. The camp swells to more than 35 000 plus in some years with the arrival of the migratory Little Red Flying Foxes (Pteropus scapulatus) (EPA 2007a).

Vulnerable species (Nature Conservation Act 1992) found within the reserves include the Glossy Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami), Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua) and the Painted Snipe (Rostratula benghalensis). The Endangered Little Tern (Sterna albifrons) which breeds in secluded locations of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands has been observed in the Coombabah Lake and Coombabah Creek area. Several birds identified within the planning area are listed as Rare under the Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992. These include the Chestnut Teal (Anas castanea), Grey Goshawk (Acipiter novaehollandiae), Square-tailed Kite (Lophoictinia isura), Black-necked Stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus), and Eastern Curlew (Numenius madagascariensis).

The aquatic habitats, open grasslands and mature forests provide a valuable food resource, important feeding and nesting sites for an abundant bird-of-prey population, including the Rare square-tailed kite, the Wedge-tailed Eagle (Aquila audax), White-bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaste), Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus), Brown Goshawk (Accipiter fasciatus), Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus axillaris), Brown Falcon (Falco berigora), Nankeen Kestrel (Falco cenchroides), Whistling Kite (Haliastur spenurus), Collared Sparrowhawk (Accipiter cirrhocephalus) and the locally rare Spotted Harrier (Circus assimillis).

Moreton Bay Marine Park (which includes Lake Coombabah) is one of Australia’s top 12 habitats for shorebirds. The bay provides year round habitat for more than 3500 resident shorebirds and a summer home for over 40 000 migratory shorebirds (EPA 2005).

Wetlands within the reserves provide undisturbed mainland roosting and general foraging sites for a number of species of migratory waders, including the Painted Snipe and the

16 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

Eastern Curlew, which are subject to international treaty agreements for their protection including the Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA), China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA), Bonn Convention, and Ramsar Convention.

The ephemeral freshwater wetlands within the planning area are also important habitats for fish, turtles, frogs and crustaceans and act as a source of water and food for wildlife in the area. Scattered ephemeral wetlands within the planning area provide essential habitat for the Vulnerable Wallum Froglet (Crinia tinnula).The wetland areas support a large diversity of water dependent species including Eastern Water Dragon (Physignathus lesuerii), Snake- necked Turtle (Chelodina longicollis), Brisbane River Turtle (Emydura signata), Eastern Sedge Frog (Littoria fallax) and Beeping Froglet (Crinia parinsignifera).

The floristic and structural diversity of the understorey vegetation combined with the occurrence of specialised microhabitats (e.g. wetlands and sandy soils) provide a range of habitats for reptiles and amphibians. The mature woodland and sandy soil habitats support a number of locally declining and/or restricted burrowing ground fauna, including significant populations of Verreaux’s Skink (Anomalopis verreauxii), Scarlet-sided Pobblebonk (Limnodynastes terrareginae) and Ornate Burrowing Frog (Limnodynastes ornatus).

The woodland areas support a range of species including bearded dragon (Pogona barbata), Lace Monitor (Varanus varius), Carpet Python (Morelia spilota), Common Tree Snake (Dendrelaphis punctulata), Yellow-faced Whip Snake (Demansia psammophis) and Graceful Tree Frog (Litoria gracilenta).

The planning area is also a stronghold for regionally significant populations of macropod species. The CLCA section provides woodland and open grassland grazing habitat. Five species of macropod have been recorded, including the Red-necked Wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus), Swamp Wallaby (Wallabia bicolour bicolour), Golden swamp Wallaby (Wallabia bicolour welsyii), Agile Wallaby (Macropus agilis) and Eastern Grey Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus). Separate reports by Forestman & Associates (1996) and Ingram et al (1991) suggest that the mainland coastal populations of the Agile wallaby and Golden Swamp Wallaby are of very high conservation significance.

This planning area provides habitat for a range of mammal species recorded within or adjacent to the areas’ reserves including the Squirrel Glider (Petaurus norfolcensis), Sugar Glider (Petaurus breviceps), Greater Glider (Petaurus volans), Northern Brown Bandicoot (Isoodon macrourus), Swamp Rat (Rattus lutreolus), Common Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), Yellow-footed Antechinus (Antechinus flavipes), Swamp Rat (Rattus lutreolus), Black Flying Fox (Pteropus alecto), Bush Rat (Rattus fuscipes), Short-beaked Echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus), Eastern Freetail Bat (Mormopterus norfolkensis), Hoary Wattled Bat (Chalinolobus nigrogriseus) and the Little Bentwing Bat (Miniopterus australis).

Coombabah Lake is a protected Fish Habitat Area (Fisheries Act 1994) and it’s mangrove communities provide nursery habitat for species of fish, prawns and crabs that help sustain an important recreational and commercial fishery.

Based on habitat type and distribution, some threatened species are predicted to occur within the planning area, but are yet to be recorded due to lack of targeted survey data. Further systematic surveys are required for a full understanding of threatened species utilisation of the planning area.

2.4.2 Cultural heritage values

The Gold Coast region has a rich Aboriginal history and the planning area lies within the territory of the Yugambeh people, which stretches from the Coomera River in the north, to the Tweed River in the south and west to the Gold Coast hinterland.

17 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

Evidence suggests that Aboriginal people have occupied the adjacent Moreton Bay Islands for at least the last 22,000 years. The planning area is part of the lands of the Yugambeh nation. The Yugambeh people used Coombabah as a primary food resource, and as a place of ceremonial, social and economic interaction. This was due in large part to the region’s accessibility, fresh water and abundance of food. The name Coombabah is derived from the Yugambeh language and is generally interpreted as meaning “place of the Cobra or Teredo Worm”. The Yugambeh people considered the Cobra Worm a delicacy and harvested this resource seasonally.

In 1839 land surveys were ordered for free land settlement in the region and available land was taken up by 1846, principally for pastoral activities. By the 1940’s much of the area around Coombabah Lake had been cleared primarily for cattle grazing and/or dairying. The Gold Coast was extensively developed from the 1950’s as a holiday and tourism destination with widespread and very intensive land clearing, alteration and development. Properties within and around the planning area were progressively broken up to make way for development, which now surrounds Lake Coombabah with today’s urban residential areas.

A considerable amount recreational exploitation of the planning area’s resources took place over the 100 years post-1870 in the form of fishing, crabbing and shooting. As a result a great many colloquial names for locations such as Robinson’s Swamp, The Windmill, Horseshoe Corner and The Camp to name a few, became well known to local families.

2.4.3 Recreation values

The historic use of the area for recreation has been limited because of private ownership, but generally includes recreational fishing in the permitted sections of Coombabah Creek, bushwalking, exercising, nature observation and bird watching. However, because of its proximity to Surfers Paradise, Southport and the northern cities of Logan and Brisbane, the Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area has considerable potential to be accessible for low-impact nature-based recreational activities in a natural coastal setting.

Limited recreation facilities currently exist within the planning area. However, the growing population of the central to northern Gold Coast area will place increasing pressure on the reserves in Coombabah and Parkwood and is a major consideration in the planning process. To many visitors the planning area’s attraction is its natural and largely unmodified character, extensive landscape views, wildlife viewing opportunities and lack of development.

An important consideration in the development of nature based recreational facilities is the fluctuating mosquito population. The salt marshes are ideal breeding areas for mosquitoes, which is a natural process within the planning area. Breeding is triggered when the tidal salt marshes are flooded by tides above 1.6m or when there is heavy rain. Walking in the CLCA is pleasant for the majority of the year, however upward fluctuations in the mosquito population directly correlates with a reduction in the quality of visitor experience.

One of the main highlights of the planning area is the abundance and diversity of birds. The planning area provides excellent bird watching opportunities due to the variety of habitats, including vast marine flats, extensive woodland, and both freshwater and estuarine wetlands. In particular ,the CLCA is an important haven for birds due to the integrity and diversity of habitats, and this is reflected by over 200 bird species recorded to date.

A key area for bird activity is focused on the centrally located Lake Coombabah. A bird hide is situated at the end of the mangrove boardwalk off Shelter Road and is a rewarding location for viewing a variety of species and observing bird activity. Other sections of the CLCA such as the central salt marshes and fringing marshes of the lake also offer viewing opportunities. However, uncontrolled visitor activity has the potential to disturb birds feeding, roosting and breeding. To keep disturbance of these birds to a minimum, and to allow a

18 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan better visitor experience, it is suggested that bird-observing activities are limited in these areas.

Coombabah Creek is in a mostly natural condition in its lower reaches and offers access to the Southern Moreton Bay Islands. This waterway receives moderate motorised boat traffic while the shallow Lake Coombabah receives minimal boat traffic.

2.4.4 Scientific and educational values

The planning area’s proximity to the Southern Moreton Bay islands’ rich diversity of flora and fauna, and a range of coastal ecosystems provides many opportunities for scientific research and education. Furthermore, the planning areas location within an urban setting puts the reserves within easy reach of many different educational and research establishments. Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area is a focal point for a wide range ecological studies undertaken by tertiary institutions.

2.4.5 Social and economic values

The reserves of the planning area contribute significantly to the health and lifestyle of nearby residents, offering space for daily exercise, visual amenity afforded by the presence of vegetation, geographic recognition, a sense of identity and also higher property values. An example of this essential visual relief from the backdrop of industrial estates is evident at the residential/industrial interface in suburbs like Arundel and Molendinar. The planning area’s natural amenity is an important element in Southern Moreton Bay, and together with Lake Coombabah and the adjacent State-managed Coombabah Lake Conservation Park, value adds to the experiential component of recreational use within the central Broadwater area.

The role of the wetlands in providing fish breeding habitat is vital for the fishing industry on a regional basis and essential for local recreational fishing pursuits. The retention and restoration of vegetative communities along riparian zones within the planning area will reduce siltation and associated detrimental effects in these vital wetland areas.

Mangrove communities provide significant ecosystem services such as nurseries for economically important fisheries; habitat for molluscs, crustaceans, birds, reptiles and insects; the filtering and trapping of sediment and pollutants; land stabilisation and protection against storm damage.

Forested remnants play a vital role in improving the air quality of the city and the health and well being of its inhabitants. With attractive lifestyle options and tourism as major drawcards to the area for potential residents and visitors respectively, the economic benefits of viable, functioning natural systems are considerable.

The area has been a popular location for the Gold Coast’s film industry over the years, with a number of major movies utilising the area. The appeal to the film industry is the landscape value of the uninterrupted views to the hinterland, natural backdrop, its relative isolation, but at the same time access to facilities and local studios.

2.5 Climate change

Current observations of global air and ocean temperatures, changing sea levels and melting snow and ice indicate a warming of the global climate system (IPCC 2007), with a warming of approximately 0.8 – 1.3 qC recorded in Northern NSW since 1950 (CSIRO 2007). The Australian Government now includes loss of climatic habitat caused by anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases as a key threatening process (DEC 2004).

Specific impacts of the changing climate are difficult to predict, with simulated climate futures varying considerably in their predictions of variables such as rainfall, wind speeds, relative

19 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan humidity and storm activity (Bushfire CRC 2006). However, regional changes to climate are likely to have significant impacts on species biodiversity, including changes in species distributions as some species are no longer able to survive in a particular area and others become more competitive and begin to colonise (CSIRO 2007). At particular risk are species that occupy a narrow altitudinal or latitudinal distribution that is unlikely to retain the required temperature envelope for that species under a changing climate (Westoby and Burgman 2006). Even for those species physiologically able to cope with a change in temperature, threats may arise from the cumulative effects of multiple stresses including coping with competitors and diseases previously confined to warmer zones (DECC NSW 2008), changed disturbance regimes, loss of critical habitat or changes to physiological and biological processes due to elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide (Pittock 2003, Howden et al. 2001).

Low lying coastal wetlands such as those found in the Coombabah Lakelands area are likely to be affected by climate change phenomena such as the increased frequency, intensity and inland penetration of storm surges as well as changes in the boundaries of intertidal zones resulting from sea level rise.

Conservation planning under climate change needs to be wide-scale as there are limits to what can be achieved at a reserve, or even a regional scale (Hughes and Westoby 1994). Management attempts to retain species in their present location are dependent on those species being able to tolerate changing temperatures and associated stresses including competition and disease. Translocation of threatened species to a more suitable temperature envelope requires alignment of numerous other factors, including soils, rainfall, disturbance regimes, competition and co-dependant species. Therefore the option of attempting to halt global carbon emissions and prevent further warming is likely to be critical (Westoby and Burgman 2006).

However, climate change is, to a large extent, an exacerbator of other threats to biodiversity. Management options that can be adopted at the reserve scale to mitigate these threats may in turn maximise the capacity of species and ecosystems to adapt to changing climates (DECC NSW 2008, NRMMC 2004). Relevant management options are provided in Section 4 of this plan and include specific actions and guidelines to assist in: building resilience into natural systems through reducing existing threats to biodiversity; ongoing development of an adequate, representative and well connected protected area network; monitoring and research into the impacts of climate change and adaptation options for threatened species and ecosystems; and adapting management systems to incorporate climate change information and associated management tools.

Council’s Climate Change Strategy (GCCC 2009b) has been developed to provide a comprehensive approach to climate change on the Gold Coast. The dynamic nature of the Gold Coast, with around 55 kilometres of coastline, over 260 kilometres of navigable waterways and a historic and anticipated high population growth rate, makes its exposure to climate change particularly unique. The main focus of the Climate Change Strategy is to provide Council and the community with a well-defined direction for responding to climate change risks and challenges and to develop resilience to future impacts. The Climate Change Strategy adopts two broad treatment options to address the risks of climate change: mitigation of the impacts of climate change through reducing the city’s carbon footprint and addition to adaptations to changing circumstances in response to anticipated climate change.

A comprehensive risk response matrix has been developed to identify and prioritise how Council will address climate change risks including bushfire, drought, extreme weather events and impacts on biodiversity. Additionally, Council’s Climate Change Strategy allows provision for Council’s functions and services to be continually informed by a contemporary understanding of climate change, resulting in ongoing adaptive risk-based management responses. The strategy will be reviewed annually to ensure it is consistent with the most recent and relevant information, science and response methodology available.

20 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan 3 Management framework

3.1 Legislative and policy framework

3.1.1 Gold Coast Open Space Preservation Levy Acquisition Program

The land that is now recognised as the Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area was purchased by Council in 1979, to be utilised as a buffer zone for the sewerage treatment plant. It later became Council’s first free hold Conservation Area. Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area is generally not considered part of the Open Space Preservation Levy Estate because its purchase predates the development of the Nature Conservation Strategy (1998) and the Open Space Preservation Levy Policy and Acquisition Program (2004). No other reserves within the planning area were purchased with OSPL funds.

3.1.2 Gold Coast Planning Scheme and other Council policies and guidelines

3.1.2.1 Domains and Local Area Plans

The Gold Coast Planning Scheme designates the majority of the planning area’s reserves within the Public Open Space Domain of the Gold Coast Planning Scheme: “Our Living City”. The management of all land included within the Public Open Space Domain of the Planning Scheme is to be controlled by an approved management plan. The Planning Scheme recognises the primary function of a management plan is “to regulate proposed activities on the land to ensure conservation, biodiversity, habitat, open space and recreation values are protected.” The intent for the Public Open Space Domain is to provide for the protection of land in public ownership for nature conservation, outdoor recreation, landscape preservation, environmental buffers, natural resource management and natural hazard management purposes. It is envisaged that all land is to be subject to a development concept plan or integrated management plan which will guide future development and regulate proposed activities to protect the management intent for this domain.

A number of the planning area’s reserves are within the Community Purposes, Industry 2, Detached Dwelling and Residential Choice Domains.

Within the Community Purposes Domain the intent is to retain and reserve appropriate land throughout the city for community purposes and public infrastructure. It provides for the identification of sufficient land to accommodate the diverse public infrastructure that will be needed to service the urban and rural areas within the Gold Coast City areas. There are no specific provisions for conservation within this domain.

The purpose of the Industry 2 Domain is to provide and secure land for industrial, manufacturing and storage activities, whilst ensuring that generated waste is adequately managed and that industrial activities are controlled to further reduce their environmental impact. There are no specific provisions for conservation within this domain.

The Detached Dwelling Domain is intended to preserve and enhance the suburban character and residential amenity of low density residential neighbourhoods. A key objective is to provide for extensive areas of both private and public open space, to promote the landscaping of these areas to achieve a green and attractive residential environment, and to contribute to city-wide landscape character themes.

The Residential Choice Domain is intended to support the development of a residential pattern comprising mixed dwelling types, including detached dwellings, attached dwellings and apartment buildings that relate well to each other. There are no specific provisions for conservation within this domain.

21 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

The Uplands Drive and Woodlands Way Local Area Plan Precincts and Hope Island Local Area Plan Precincts are wholly or partly within the planning area and contain a small number of reserves.

The Uplands Drive and Woodlands Way Local Area Plan (LAP) seeks to ensure maintenance of the area as a distinctive low density residential 'enclave', whilst allowing development that reflects the strong landscape and scenic values. Two small reserve lots are located within the Large Lot Residential Precinct of this LAP.

The purpose of the Hope Island LAP is to maintain the diverse contrast of high quality resort/residential facilities, international hotels, new developing residential communities, small villages, marine industries, retail and tourist attractions in Hope Island. This LAP also addresses significant flooding and hydraulic constraints that require the construction of a controlled flow path through a canal system. Two reserve lots are located with the South Crescent Avenue Precinct of this LAP.

3.1.2.2 Planning strategy

The Nature Conservation Planning Strategy within the Gold Coast Planning Scheme has been developed in accordance with the Gold Coast City Nature Conservation Strategy, as a mechanism to achieve protection of the city’s natural assets through the Planning Scheme and planning process. A Conservation Strategy Plan was also created (Planning Strategy Map PS-3: Conservation Strategy Plan, and Overlay Map OM20: Conservation Strategy Plan) which along with associated text, provides critical guidance to land use and management decisions within the city’s public and private natural areas.

The Conservation Strategy Plan identifies Large Habitat Systems, Bushland Mosaics, Key Linkages (land based), Significant Remnants and Foothill Buffers within the planning area. The Conservation Strategy Plan indicates that Large Habitat Systems cover extensive areas of relatively intact habitat in the mountainous areas and the coastal marine areas of the city, supporting a variety of vegetation, and providing habitat for diverse fauna populations. These areas are intended to have the highest form of protection, and their function and integrity is best preserved by retaining large, intact areas and minimising fragmentation. Conservation objectives should be paramount, and existing reserves should be protected against impacts from adjacent development.

Bushland Mosaics are often large, and may support significant vegetation associations. They also provide habitat for a diversity of fauna, and provide stepping stones for fauna movement between large areas of habitat. It is intended that these areas be retained and enhanced, with further fragmentation and vegetation loss to be avoided. Consolidation of fragments is encouraged and existing natural area reserves should be protected against impacts from adjacent development.

Key Linkages have been identified as a functioning ecological network which provide linkages between the large habitat systems and key isolated remnants, and between coastal and inland areas, providing corridors for fauna movement. It is of critical importance that these ecological connections be sustained in the long term, with emphasis placed on retaining existing vegetation, rehabilitating degraded areas, and avoiding the construction of barriers to fauna movement.

Significant Remnants range from small isolated remnants to large areas of relatively intact bushland. They contribute to ecosystem and species diversity, and provide representative samples of vegetation communities across the landscape. It is intended that these areas be retained and enhanced, with further fragmentation and vegetation loss to be avoided. Consolidation of fragments is encouraged and existing natural reserves should be protected against impacts from adjacent development.

Foothill Buffers act as a managed interface and buffer between the city's Large Habitat Systems and areas of existing or proposed rural residential development. Within these areas

22 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan emphasis should be placed on the conservation and retention of existing vegetation, ensuring that development does not impact on adjacent natural reserves, and encouraging the rehabilitation of degraded areas.

The City Image and Townscape Planning Strategy within the Gold Coast Planning Scheme provides an overall framework for the built form of the city that aims to retain and enhance the Gold Coast’s physical features and its distinctive built form. Key elements and relationships of the city’s landscape and form are shown on Planning Strategy Maps 11, 12, 13 and 14, which highlight the predominantly urban form of the city, and the major views and key elements that contribute to visual quality and primary scenic routes and gateways.

Planning Strategy Map 12 City Image Major Views identifies General Views and Primary View Boulevards within the planning area. General Views encompass a broad viewing area of a significant scenic resource, where as Primary View Boulevards are the major corridors from which one gets an immediate perception of the image of the city. Development within these corridors should be designed and located to enhance and improve their visual amenity. The General Views are essentially the vistas across the planning area as seen to the west from Moreton Bay and to the east from the escarpments of Mt Tamborine. The Primary View Boulevards follow the Pacific Motorway (M1), Brisbane Road and Smith Street.

Visually Significant Remnant Vegetation is identified within the planning area on Planning Strategy Map 13. A major portion of this feature is found to the west of the planning area, but also includes reserves the on the western and southern edges of the planning area. Areas of Major Visually Significant Remnant Vegetation retain remnant vegetation of ecological and visual value in areas of rapidly altering landscape. The landscape character of these areas is strongly defined by the remnant vegetation, which should be carefully integrated into any future development, through landscape work and the retention of open space areas.

3.2.1.3 Other GCCC policies and guidelines

This management plan has also been developed in accordance with several other relevant Council strategies, including the Gold Coast City Bushfire Management Strategy 1998 (currently under review), the City of the Gold Coast Pest Management Plan 2006-2010, the Gold Coast Nature Conservation Strategy 1998 (currently under review), the Corporate Plan 2005-2009, Our Natural Playground – A Parks and Recreation Plan for the Gold Coast 2004, the Gold Coast Water Catchment Management Strategy 2006 and the Business Plan 2008- 2011 Natural Areas Management Unit.

An Interim Management Plan (IMP) was prepared for the Coombabah-Parkwood Conservation Reserves cluster in 2006. This plan was designed to provide an overview of the planning area’s key values, threatening processes, management objectives and management strategies. It provides interim guidelines for a range of land management operations including: landscape, soils and catchment protection; native plants and animals; bushfire management; pest plants and animals; cultural heritage; recreation and interpretation; and neighbours, surrounding land uses and future development. Having been prepared in accordance with the intent of this interim document, the adoption of this management plan supersedes the IMP for the planning area.

The day-to day operations of the Natural Areas Management Unit, which is the asset custodian for Council’s conservation reserves, is guided by the NAMU Business Plan 2008- 2011. Implementation and prioritisation of management actions and guidelines given in this management plan will be in accordance with the NAMU Business Plan.

23 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

3.1.2.4 State land held under trusteeship

Under the Land Act 1994, unallocated State land may be dedicated as a reserve for a community purpose as defined under Schedule 1 of that Act, with a trustee appointed to manage the trust land. The trustee must have some particular association or expertise with the trust land and it’s purpose, or with the local community and in a way that is consistent with the purpose for which the reserve was dedicated.

As a statutory body, Council is trustee for a number of such reserves within the planning area. These reserves predominantly have community purposes such as ‘Parks’ and ‘Recreation’.

3.1.3 Strategies for South East Queensland

The South East Queensland Regional Plan provides a sustainable growth management strategy for South East Queensland. The plan identifies the planning area as being a ‘biodiversity area of state significance’, including habitat for rare and threatened species. The planning area also falls within a Koala Conservation Area under the Nature Conservation (Koala) Conservation Plan 2006 and Management Program 2006-2016. The Koala Conservation Plan sets out a statutory and policy framework for conserving Koalas and Koala habitat in Queensland. The Koala Conservation Area at Coombabah contains high Koala habitat conservation values and is considered important for the survival and dispersal of Koalas across the landscape.

The Coombabah-Parkwood Conservation Reserves are part of a Bioregional Corridor of State Significance under the EPA Biodiversity Planning Assessment. Whilst this is not legislation, it is intended as a tool to assist state and local government agencies in land use and land management decision-making.

All management actions identified in this plan of management aim to be consistent with the Regional Nature Conservation Strategy for South East Queensland 2003-2008. The strategy sets the regional framework for nature conservation, and has been endorsed by State and local governments and establishes agreed processes for assessing, protecting and managing nature conservation and biodiversity values in South East Queensland.

3.1.4 Other relevant legislation

In its management of the planning area, Council has obligations under various acts, recovery plans and international agreements relating to state, federal and international legislation. Some of the legislation, plans and strategies that are directly relevant to management of the planning area are listed below. However, this list is not comprehensive and is likely to change, as new legislation is introduced/amended during the period of this plan. For a more comprehensive list of legislation that may be pertinent to this plan, refer to Appendix B of Council’s Conservation Areas Management Planning Framework document.

Table 4. Relevant State, Commonwealth and International legislation to the management of the Coombabah-Parkwood Conservation Reserves.

Jurisdiction Legislation Description Provides for the conservation of nature and Nature Conservation Act 1992 prescribes management principles for protected and other wildlife. Establishes declared management intents for State Nature Conservation (Wildlife) classes of protected wildlife that include Regulation 2006 addressing threatening processes through recovery plans and conservation plans. Provides for State Government land to be held in Land Act 1994 trusteeship by Council for Community Purposes. Vegetation Management Act Provides for the protection of remnant vegetation. 1999

24 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

Jurisdiction Legislation Description Ensures protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act values and imposes a duty of care where 2003 construction or disturbance is planned. Requires eradication, control or containment of Land Protection (Pest and Stock declared weeds and animals on Council- Route Management) Act 2002 managed land. Requires a reduction of fire risk on Council- Fire and Rescue Services Act managed land and management measures to 1990 ensure that fire does not impact upon neighbouring properties. Provides for the protection of mangroves and other marine plants on tidal lands. Designates the Fisheries Act 1994 Coombabah Lake and Creek as a Declared Fish Habitat Area for the protection of inshore and estuarine fish habitats. Provides for a balance between human needs and the need to conserve Moreton Bay’s values. Marine Parks (Moreton Bay) The Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area is Zoning Plan 1997 adjacent to a Conservation Zone which aims to conserve the natural condition to the greatest possible extent. Environmental Protection Act Provides for ecologically sustainable 1994 development. In conjunction with the South East Queensland Regional Plan 2005 and the Integrated Sustainable Planning Act 2009 Development Assessment System, provides direction for infrastructure development and triggers for referrable wetlands. Provides for protection and sustainable Water Act 2000 management of water resources Provides for environmental management in Local Government Act 2009 accordance with Council’s Parks and Reserves Law (Local Law 9). Provides for the protection and management of Queensland Heritage Act 1992 sites on Queensland’s Heritage Register Queensland Workplace Health Provides for safe access and work within and Safety Act 1995. reserves. Provides for the protection of federally threatened Environment Protection and species and critical habitat, the identification of Biodiversity Conservation Act key threatening processes and the preparation of 1999 recovery plans and conservation agreements. Identifies and provides information on the values Commonwealth Directory of Important Wetlands of 851 nationally important wetlands in Australia in Australia (Australian Nature (including the waters adjoining the Coombabah Conservation Agency 2001) Lakelands Conservation Area). Civil Aviation Safety Regulations Prescribes standards for the safe operation of 1998 registered aerodromes. Japan-Australia & China-Australia Encourages habitat protection for migratory birds International Migratory Bird Agreements listed in the agreements. (JAMBA & CAMBA) Encourages the wise use of wetlands. Lake Coombabah and the adjoining estuarine waters Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of Coombabah Creek are included within the of International Importance listed Southern Moreton Bay Marine Park Ramsar site. Convention on the Conservation A multi-lateral treaty that seeks to foster of Migratory Species (CMS) of international cooperation for the conservation of Wild Animals (Bonn Convention) migratory species.

25 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

3.2 Management directions

A management plan provides the framework for management of the planning area by stating the philosophy on which decisions should be based and by setting out objectives and actions for management. Each management plan will establish a limited range of uses of the site that are agreed by Council and supported by the community as being consistent with maintaining the site’s ecological, other environmental, cultural and visual values.

The overall management intent for the planning area is to protect the natural landscape integrity and scenic, natural and cultural heritage values of the reserves, while providing low- key, nature-based, sustainable recreational opportunities where appropriate. In particular, land management will strive to protect and enhance connectivity between the reserves and adjacent remnants to ensure long-term protection of a viable habitat network between the coast and the hinterland.

Management decisions for the planning area are based on four core principles:

1. Conservation reserves are primarily managed to preserve the full range of significant natural values and processes that they possess. This is the over-riding principle that will be applied when considering all land use proposals and options for management. 2. Protection of natural values provides the basis for ecologically sustainable managed use of the conservation reserves by the community. 3. Protection of the natural values of the conservation reserves can also provide benefits to the community by preserving ecosystem services, scenic amenity and enhancing catchment and cultural heritage values. 4. The long-term protection of the natural values of the conservation reserves will be achieved more readily if the community understands and supports Council’s goals for management.

As a reflection of these principles, Council will seek to achieve the following management goals for the planning area:

ƒ restore, protect and maintain the biophysical processes and indigenous biodiversity including species, communities, ecosystems and, where possible genetic diversity and species capacity to adapt and evolve ƒ provide for public appreciation, enjoyment and understanding of natural and cultural values, through provision of low-key recreational infrastructure in appropriate locations, developed so as not to negatively impact on the aforementioned values ƒ increase community awareness of the need to manage human activity and associated impacts upon natural values ƒ minimise the impacts of human activity through increased participation by the community in the prevention of damaging processes ƒ improve the condition of aspects of natural features and ecological processes where they have become significantly degraded, or will become so if not properly managed ƒ conserve geological, geomorphological, hydrological and landscape features ƒ protect cultural heritage values and provide opportunity for the local indigenous community to become involved in conserving these values ƒ protect catchment values ƒ provide for research and long-term monitoring programs to better inform decision makers in applying best-practice management solutions ƒ optimise integration of management between state authorities and Council ƒ where required, utilise adaptive management principles in order to address the potentially detrimental effects of climate change ƒ manage in accordance with all relevant legislation and policy

26 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

3.3 Specific management objectives for the Coombabah-Parkwood Conservation Reserves

ƒ Restore, protect and enhance diversity and integrity of remnant vegetation communities within the planning area, particularly Endangered and Of Concern Regional Ecosystems. ƒ Protect and enhance indigenous native species biodiversity through appropriate planning and management of bushfire, invasive species, human impacts, infrastructure and adjacent land uses. ƒ Manage populations of endangered, vulnerable and rare plants and animals in accordance with best practice to maintain and enhance populations. ƒ Rehabilitate degraded vegetation communities - particularly those on the interface between remnant and degraded areas - through removal of threatening processes and facilitate recruitment of suitable native species. ƒ Control and/or eradicate pest plants and animals through preparation of restoration plans, pest management plans and, where relevant, coordinated management with adjacent landholders. ƒ Protect and enhance landscape values associated with the site through vegetation retention and enhancement and appropriate location of necessary bushfire management infrastructure. ƒ Ensure that the Gold Coast Planning Scheme provides sufficient protection of the planning area, particularly in relation to conflicting land uses on neighbouring properties. ƒ Manage the planning area within the context of existing Marine Park, National Parks and Conservation Parks, through regular liaison with relevant State and local land managers. ƒ Protect water catchment values through appropriate management of stormwater runoff, vegetation, bushfire, access tracks and visitors. ƒ Assess recreational uses in relation to their impacts on the ecological values of the reserves and provide recreational and interpretive opportunities where it can be demonstrated that there will be no detrimental impact on ecological values. ƒ Identify and protect Aboriginal cultural heritage values through cooperative management with local Aboriginal parties and in accordance with the Qld Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003. ƒ Identify and protect European cultural heritage. ƒ Encourage and facilitate research and monitoring to improve knowledge of natural and cultural values within the reserves and to contribute towards effective management of the ecological values of the planning area. ƒ Establish and maintain good communication/relations with adjacent landholders and relevant stakeholders (e.g. through ranger patrols, local media, and encouraging increased community awareness of the conservation values associated with the planning area). ƒ Manage pre-existing, non-conservation oriented land uses, such as special leases and service easements, in a manner that supports and maintains the ecological values of the planning area.

27 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan 4 Management strategies for the Coombabah-Parkwood Conservation Reserves

4.1 Landscape protection

4.1.1 Current management situation

The planning area offers outstanding views from the coast towards the Gold Coast hinterland and across a vast natural landscape - a view that is now rare on the Gold Coast. Other sections of the planning area offer views across marine intertidal zones and expansive water views of mangrove-lined estuaries towards the Southern Moreton Bay Islands. Under the Gold Coast Planning Scheme, the overall management intent for the Public Open Space Domain includes the conservation of important areas of natural landscape within the city. A majority of the reserves within the planning area either wholly or partially fall within this domain.

The reserves in the Helensvale, Parkwood and Molendinar areas provide visual and acoustic buffering from neighbouring industrial estates and major transport corridors. The retention and sound management of these natural areas is essential in providing an ongoing high quality of living for residents.

The management of landscapes adjacent to reserves can affect visual quality and visitor perceptions and so need to be considered in any new developments. In the future, the natural landscape character of the planning area will be an important element in the Hope Island-Coomera urban growth corridor.

The Slope Instability Hazard rating of the planning area ranges from Low to Moderate, with the majority of the planning area being designated as Low slope instability. All reserves that contain areas rated as Moderate have well established vegetative cover, the preservation of which is an important aspect of protecting the landscape values and reducing the likelihood of slope failure.

Large reservoir infrastructure and communication towers are located within Brushwood Ridge Parklands and the Helensvale Reservoir reserve. The sewage treatment plant within the CLCA is the largest such facility in the city. These facilities are for the most part screened by surrounding vegetation which assists in retaining predominantly natural skylines and landscapes throughout the planning area.

The removal of vegetation by private landholders for the purpose of view enhancement is an ongoing issue and occasionally occurs adjacent to and within reserves of the planning area Known instances are reported to Council local law officers and subsequent investigations are greatly assisted with recent photographic records of the area.

Vegetation management is carried out in sections of the CLCA to facilitate the safe operation of the registered aerodrome contained within. Liaison between Council and the lessee is ongoing so as to minimise impact upon the scenic amenity and ecological values of the immediate area neighbouring the aerodrome.

28 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

4.1.2 Desired outcomes

ƒ Significant landscape features and the vegetated nature of the Coombabah-Parkwood Conservation Reserves are protected and enhanced. ƒ Visual impacts on the natural landscape, especially from major viewing points, are minimised. ƒ Infrastructure and recreational uses complements and does not detract from the natural landscape. ƒ Geological hazards, soil erosion and slope instability are minimised and prevented where possible. ƒ Geological and soil landscapes are protected from human induced disturbance.

4.1.3 Management strategy

4.1.3.1 Guidelines

G1.1 Limit clearing of native vegetation to essential statutory and operational requirements of the registered aerodrome. Other infrastructure, including the waste water treatment plant should not expand beyond their existing footprints.

G1.2 Ensure that weed control activities are conducted in such a manner as to minimise soil disturbance and erosion and that degraded and erosion-prone areas are prioritised during restoration planning.

G1.3 When locating new infrastructure and embellishments within areas of Moderate Slope Instability Hazard or higher, a Slope Stability Report must be prepared. This report must: demonstrate that the area is suitable for building purposes (with due consideration of the stability risk and potential stability problems); provide construction measures to support the proposed works; and be prepared by a registered and appropriately qualified engineer.

G1.4 Implement appropriate sediment and erosion control measures during all works conducted within the planning area. For major works or those conducted upon slopes of a Moderate Slope Instability Hazard or higher, it is recommended that an erosion hazard assessment be conducted and where necessary, an Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan should be prepared.

G1.5 Wherever possible, locate all new infrastructure and embellishments at appropriate setbacks to unstable slopes.

G1.6 Locate new infrastructure, public utilities and facilities outlined in this plan on previously disturbed sites wherever possible.

G1.7 Ensure reserve facilities, visitor use and management actions do not adversely impact on geological and soil landscapes.

G1.8 Restrict visitor and management access to areas that are less susceptible to soil degradation and erosion.

G1.9 Ensure that reserve facilities and management infrastructure are located and designed to minimise their visual impact within the landscape.

G1.10 Ensure relevant site management authority undertakes rectification works associated with any infrastructure failure at major facilities.

29 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

4.1.3.2 Actions

A1.1 Liaise with neighbours to encourage the retention of landscape values adjoining the planning area and support Council’s Environmental Planning and Conservation Unit in promoting private landholder vegetation conservation incentives to residents in the planning area – particularly those neighbouring conservation reserves.

A1.2 Support the acquisition of vegetated and visually prominent properties within the planning area through Council’s Open Space Preservation Levy.

A1.3 Liaise with the Implementation and Assessment Branch and Recreational Planning and Services Unit of Council to ensure that future developments complement the natural character of the area, and protect significant scenic and landscape features adjoining or in proximity to the planning area.

4.1.4 Key monitoring priorities

x Photo monitoring of vegetated ridgelines and elevated areas adjoining private property to assist in identifying unauthorised clearing of vegetation by residents and landowners for the purposes of view creation. x Monitor sediment and erosion control measures used during any operational works so that any additional management requirements can be identified and implemented immediately. x Conduct ongoing monitoring of management programs and actions aimed at improving landscape amenity to ensure their effectiveness.

4.2 Catchment management

4.2.1 Current management situation

The Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area is noted for it’s important coastal wetlands and migratory water bird habitat. The area is covered by an international agreement, the Ramsar Convention for Wetlands (1971). Lake Coombabah also forms part of the southern section of the Moreton Bay Marine Park which is vital habitat for fish, dugong, migratory shorebirds and waterbirds. The mangrove communities within the planning area provide nursery habitat for fish, prawns and crabs which disperse north and form the basis of an important recreational and commercial fishing industry in Moreton Bay.

Lake Coombabah and sections of Coombabah Creek are protected as Level B Fish Habitat Areas under Queensland Fisheries legislation (Fisheries Act 1994) and are mapped as prohibited areas for the taking of all or any kind of fish. Level B Fish Habitat Area status provides increased management of all subtidal and intertidal habitats within the lake and protects these habitats from major, direct, development impacts. The Moreton Bay Marine Park Draft Zoning Plan does not propose any further restrictions in regards to activities within the Lake Coombabah section.

Protection of Lake Coombabah has not extended to its supralittoral habitats which have increasingly been developed, especially on the lake’s north western shores. Helensvale has been established as a residential area, whilst significant areas of the upstream catchment in the suburb of Gaven has been developed for urban and industrial purposes.

Catchment monitoring of Coombabah Creek has concluded that the lower freshwater and the upper tidal sections of Coombabah Creek and Lake Coombabah showed signs of environmental stress. The major issues were associated with urban development and included increased nutrients and suspended sediments and changes in the frequency and volume of freshwater inflow. Changes in these parameters may result in adverse impacts

30 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan such as algal blooms, stream bank erosion, loss of habitat (particularly for aquatic plants and animals) and lowered dissolved oxygen (SKM, 1997).

The GHD Coombabah Creek Environmental Inventory Report (2003); states that the upper fresh water section of Coombabah Creek in the highest parts of the Nerang National Park (Figure 2) is in pristine condition whereas the lower fresh water system has been substantially impacted by fine silts particularly down stream from the quarry with further sedimentation, nutrient enrichment and mechanical disturbance down stream from Pacific Pines . It was also noted that Aquatic macrophytes (water plants) and charophytes (sedimentation and nutrient intolerant plants) are numerous above the quarry and Pacific Pines but not below these points and absent even further down stream. The study found high concentrations of phytoplankton below Pacific Pines indicative of nutrient enrichment and a reduction in invertebrate abundance downstream from Pacific Pines.

Within the estuary above Lake Coombabah GHD reported that detectable impacts (i.e. bivalve mortality, loss of macroalgae and seagrasses) are noticeable and are likely to have been caused by increased frequency and volume of freshwater inflow, increased sedimentation and fishing pressures. The lake and the estuary below the lake show signs of nutrient enrichment, sediment inflow, human encroachment and fishing pressures. Despite these impacts the lake and estuary are still a viable and functioning habitat for wading birds, plants and larval, juvenile and adult crustaceans, fish, and benthic fauna. In addition, an intact large and diverse salt marsh neighbours these sections of the catchment. However the catchment is showing signs of human impact; high concentrations of phytoplankton were found in the lake and estuarine system and the study identified the presence of an undesirable species, the highly toxic red tide causing algae Heterosigma akashiwo. Furthermore, there are locally elevated levels of two heavy metals, nickel and arsenic in Lake Coombabah (Lee et al., 2006).

Catchment management and waterway health in the planning area is influenced by the Coombabah Sewage Treatment Plant. Despite the significant urbanisation occurring at the Helensvale and the upper Coombabah Creek sub-catchments, influx sources of pollutants from these sub-catchments generally result in weaker disturbance to local waterway health and habitat condition than the discharge to Coombabah Creek near the sewage treatment plant (Lee et al., 2006).

Sedimentation rates in Lake Coombabah are extremely slow and have not been greatly accelerated by existing urbanisation (Lee et al., 2006). As such, sediment export is probably only effective during major flooding events (Lee et al., 2006). The lack of an effective sediment transportation implies that material entering the lake from the upland catchment would be retained in the lake and surrounding wetlands, pointing to the need for careful management of future urbanisation and other processes that may generate increased loads of sediment and other contaminants (Lee et al., 2006). Thus whilst Lake Coombabah is currently relatively healthy despite significant urbanisation the system appears to be quite vulnerable to future changes in its catchment. The tendency of the lake to retain rather than export sediment coming from its catchment, the weak buffering capacity for increased metal input and the presence of local negative impacts around urban influx points that are exacerbated by rainfall runoff events all point to the fact that careful planning, monitoring and management are crucial to the lake’s capacity to deliver sustained beneficial ecosystem services (Lee et al., 2006).

31 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

Figure 2 Waterways and Extent of Tidal Influence

32 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

A tidal canal, originally constructed to provide boat access from Coombabah Creek to the former Cable Ski World runs from Myola Court to Kangaroo Avenue. Tidal flows have been reduced by a Council constructed tidal barrier and a series of storm water outlets discharge into the canal. The banks of the canal are continuing to subside which in turn continues to the widening of the channel. Stabilisation of the canal banks is required to arrest the erosion process and prevent failure which would result in the substantial release of brackish water into what is primarily a freshwater dependant vegetation community.

The Helensvale Golf Course is located adjacent to the Coombabah Lakes Reserve. It’s proximity to low lying wetlands along with the inclusion of significant drainage lines results in localised flooding issues associated with restricted water flow. A complete resolution of this issue is challenging due to the number of contributing factors including significant ecological values, however the implementation of various mitigation measures and an assessment of their effectiveness could be investigated.

The constructed open drain found in CLCA that accepts and directs stormwater from the residential area centered on Sidney Nolan Drive and gross pollutants traps should be considered along with realignment to provide better access to improve management of refuse and vegetation. Realignment will also improve access for bushfire management.

Council’s Acid Sulphate Soil hazard mapping indicates that Acid Sulphate Soils (ASS) are present within the planning area. They have been identified within Chiba park, Coombabah Lakes Reserve, Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area, Len and Muriel Godlonton Reserve, Limetree Junction Parklands, Phil Hill Environmental Park, Jabiru Island and Helensvale Road reserves. Disturbance (through drainage and exposure) to ASS may result in acidic runoff and groundwater contamination, which may detrimentally impact upon the planning area’s catchment values and overall health through compromised water quality.

4.2.2 Desired outcomes

ƒ Catchment values and the health of waterways are maintained and where possible improved. ƒ Degraded riparian and aquatic ecosystems are rehabilitated to protect downstream water quality. ƒ Riparian embankments are stabilised and native vegetative cover restored and or enhanced.

4.2.3 Management strategy

4.2.3.1 Guidelines

G2.1 Ensure that all management and operational works, including vegetation management, ecological restoration, track rehabilitation and/or construction, pest control, bushfire management, management within power easements and installation of new infrastructure does not adversely impact on water quality through the use of appropriate erosion control measures, including preparation of sedimentation and erosion control plans where necessary.

G2.2 Locate new infrastructure at appropriate setbacks to waterways, including ephemeral flow paths.

G2.3 Ensure that the method of application and quantity of herbicide used in weed control near waterways does not lead to herbicides entering the aquatic environment. Where this is unavoidable or where aquatic weeds are being targeted ensure that only herbicides designed specifically for aquatic environments are used.

33 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

G2.4 Ensure that all statutory requirements in regards to disturbance of acid sulphate soils in identified areas are adhered to during any activities, which involve earthworks or changes to local hydrology.

G2.5 Ensure development or land use proposals within or adjacent to the planning area do not result in significant alterations to natural flow regimes (including tidal, groundwater and seasonal surface variability) or aquatic ecosystems.

G2.6 Work with Council’s Catchment Management officers, state officers from the Environmental Protection Agency, catchment coordinators from SEQ Catchments and the relevant water authority regarding catchment management initiatives within the planning area.

G2.7 Develop an ecological restoration plan, in conjunction with Gold Coast Water, to determine restoration requirements for the southern ephemeral wetland within CLCA (refer to Figure 2), based on sound conservation and hydrological requirements.

G2.8 Ensure that degraded permanent and semi-permanent waterways are prioritised during site restoration planning (refer to section 4.6).

G2.9 Avoid further interference to natural drainage patterns which may affect vegetation communities in the CLCA.

G2.10 Ensure that Myola canal retains it’s structural integrity to avoid salt water intrusion into the adjacent freshwater systems

G2.11 Restrict the use of motorised vessels in the Myola canal.

4.2.3.2 Actions

A2.1 Liaise with Council’s Catchment Management officers to initiate an aquatic macro invertebrate monitoring program using the SIGNAL analysis methodology to compare changes in pollution levels over time and help to identify specific problem areas.

A2.2 Promote responsible attitudes towards water quality management through interpretive material developed for the reserves.

A2.3 Develop a protocol to enable timely notification to conservation estate asset custodians in the event of treatment plant infrastructure failure and/or the release of treated or untreated effluent within the reserve.

A2.4 Identify and assess potential locations for the installation of gross pollutant traps and potential drain realignments to arrest the movement of waste materials into the Coombabah wetlands.

4.2.4 Key monitoring priorities

x Monitor the banks of Lake Coombabah and the lower reaches of Coombabah Creek and tidal inlets to determine any erosion issues associated with wash from increased boat traffic and implement management strategies where necessary. x Monitor upper reaches of Coombabah Creek for signs of increased or concentrated runoff, movement of sediment and other contaminants resulting from urban and industrial processes. x Assist officers of the Catchment Management Unit with monitoring impacts in salt marsh areas resulting from recreational and management activities.

34 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

4.3 Native vegetation

4.3.1 Current management situation

Within the planning area examples of remnant vegetation believed to be largely original old growth are significant because they provide rare local examples of the vegetation types before the large scale clearing and modification of the surrounding landscape. Other significant vegetation remnants in the planning area are 50-90 years old. The remainder of the planning area that has been able to naturally regenerate over the last 50 or more years is represented by a mosaic of vegetation types, with many communities having achieved remnant status under the Vegetation Management Act are still maturing and going through natural ecological successional change. These communities are important buffers to mature forests and are also of important ecological significance in their own right.

Changes to floristic structure and species composition in vegetation communities through such factors as salt water intrusion from drain construction may in some locations be permanent. The encroachment of Casuarina forests upon Melaleuca stands is a likely outcome of this event. Changes in water tables and fire regimes are likely to continue until a state of equilibrium is achieved after the cessation of development in neighbouring areas and the implementation of appropriate fire management practices. The final resultant vegetation communities may be somewhat different to the existing communities at present.

Some vegetation communities and individual plant species of the planning area are sensitive to disturbance, particularly marine tidal areas, permanent and ephemeral wetlands and the endangered ground orchids species Phaius australis. Recreational and management activities within the planning area have the potential to impact on these values. This management plan will aim to protect plant communities and maintain the ongoing viability of these locally significant species. In particular, a number of significant flora species are located near infrastructure within the planning area, including a number of the abovementioned ground orchid species. This presents an important consideration for management when undertaking walking track investigations, road maintenance works and control of introduced weed species.

For the planning area to remain ecologically viable, suitable corridors need to be maintained for the movement of flora and fauna so that the area does not become isolated and lose species. Barriers such as transport corridors, ongoing developments and private land tenure coalesce to present significant challenges in maintaining viable corridors. Preventing the loss of vegetation in identified corridors, investing in the construction of workable fauna crossings and establishing revegetated corridors where necessary will assist to some degree in addressing these issues. Within CLCA revegetation has occurred along the boundaries of the open grassland areas. The maintenance of these rehabilitated areas will be continued as they are important in establishing buffer zones and habitat connectivity that will eventually link into other bushland and revegetated corridors.

Presently, approximately 16 hectares is maintained through mowing and slashing as open grassland within the Macropod Habitat Area (Figure 3) to retain and protect landscape and ecological values. Loss of all the grassland will impact on significant species dependent upon these areas. Management of these grasslands will aim to maintain biological diversity of the area by providing habitat particularly for macropods, grassland birds, ground dwelling small mammals and birds of prey. As more information becomes available through research and monitoring, the amount of grassland required to support the dependant fauna species in an ecologically sustainable manner will be reviewed.

35 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

Figure 3 Macropod Habitat Area (in blue)

36 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

A further management priority is the identification and control of threats to native vegetation. Known key threats include competition from weeds, wildfire, human disturbances and changes to ecosystem condition. Disturbance by pest plants and the impacts of fire on native vegetation are addressed in sections 4.7 and 4.6 respectively.

In 2007 an ecological restoration and rehabilitation report was prepared for the CLCA (R Joseph Consulting Pty Ltd, 2007). This plan describes detailed work zones to provide direction and management actions for the restoration of native plant communities. In addition to this, previous management and operational plans have guided the planting of approximately 25 000 trees and the control of 11 hectares of pines since 1998.

4.3.2 Desired outcomes

ƒ Structural and biological diversity and integrity of remnant vegetation communities, and populations and genetic diversity of endangered and locally significant plant species are protected and enhanced. ƒ Greater public appreciation of and willingness to protect native flora. ƒ Negative impacts on or changes to vegetation condition are rapidly identified and addressed through specific management actions. ƒ Restoration of degraded vegetation communities, particularly those providing habitat for endangered and locally significant flora or fauna.

4.3.3 Management strategy

4.3.3.1 Guidelines

G3.1 Prioritise control and management of pest plant species (refer to section 4.6) in Of Concern and Endangered Regional Ecosystems (vegetation communities) and in areas known to provide habitat for endangered and locally significant native plant species.

G3.2 Where appropriate, include known locally significant species in restoration plantings (refer to section 4.6) to enhance population viability.

G3.3 Ensure that all operational works conducted near or adjacent to marine plant habitat are carried out in accordance with the Queensland Fisheries Act 1994, with relevant permits obtained where necessary.

G3.4 Support processes such as natural recruitment and ecological burning to ensure the diversity and integrity of remnant vegetation.

G3.5 Investigate and implement methods for the rehabilitation of sedge and marine areas impacted by vehicle movement.

G3.6 Manage reserves in accordance with relevant State or Commonwealth Threatened Species Recovery Plans.

G3.7 Ensure that management operations such as slashing, hazard reduction burns, conservation burns, weed control, pest animal control and infrastructure construction and maintenance, do not impact upon significant plant species and communities. Where potential damage or incursion is likely exclusion zones are created (signed appropriately to ensure visitor safety) and/or suitable barriers are installed.

G3.8 Where works necessitate the clearing of remnant vegetation approval for these works must be sought and gained under the Queensland Vegetation Management Act 1999 and the Gold Coast Planning Scheme.

37 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

G3.9 Essential removal/translocation and seed collection of rare or threatened plant species must be assessed and approved under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and the Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992, with relevant permits obtained where necessary.

4.3.3.2 Actions

A3.1 Control access around known locations of endangered and locally significant species through installation of appropriate signage, closure of informal and unnecessary tracks (refer to section 4.9) and buffer planting along degraded edges of formal tracks.

A3.2 Promote better understanding amongst neighbours and reserve users regarding the impacts of activities such as informal track creation and dumping of green waste in native vegetation through ranger patrols and promotional material.

A3.3 Where disturbances to native vegetation (e.g. through illegal clearing, encroachment or garden waste dumping) are identified, implement appropriate management measures to control these activities where necessary with the assistance of Council’s Local Law officers.

A3.4 Support Council’s Strategic Environmental Planning Officers in the development of private landholder conservation incentives to increase resident participation in protection of native vegetation.

A3.5 Using existing survey data (Leiper, 2004 & McDonald 2000) as a baseline, conduct floristic surveys, particularly in of concern ecosystems, at regular intervals (e.g. every 5 years) to assess changes in ecological condition, floristic diversity and endangered or locally significant plant populations and review management where required.

A3.6 Forward all new floristic studies and incidental records for endangered, vulnerable, rare or locally significant species to Council’s Strategic Environmental Planning Officers for inclusion in Council’s Nature Conservation Strategy database.

A3.7 Within the Macropod Habitat Area (refer to Figure 3) maintain suitable grass species as dominant ground cover while allowing natural regeneration along forest margins.

A3.8 Minimise human and stock access in sensitive areas, including those containing known populations of rare and threatened flora species, riparian areas, and restoration sites. Where required, management measures such as information signage, closure of informal and unnecessary tracks, buffer planting and exclusion zones should be implemented to deter inappropriate access.

A3.9 Liaise with other land managers (e.g. State government departments, other branches of Council, and neighbouring landholders) to encourage the retention of native vegetation and generate support for a collaborative approach to vegetation management in the planning area.

4.3.4 Key monitoring priorities

ƒ Monitor presence/absence and population changes at known locations of endangered and locally significant species within the planning area. ƒ Monitor disturbances to native vegetation (e.g. through encroachment, dumping garden waste, illegal clearing, operational works).

38 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

4.4 Native fauna

4.4.1 Current management situation

The range of vegetation types within the planning area provides habitat for a rich and diverse assemblage of native animal species. The planning area supports many high quality habitat areas, with most reserves containing relatively intact vegetation including areas of 30–90 year old remnant vegetation with old growth trees, dense shrub and ground cover layers. It protects habitats for fauna assemblages reliant upon coastal lowlands, a habitat type that remains under-represented in protected areas along the South East Queensland coastline.

These reserves are an important wildlife refuge, particularly in the rapidly developing area bounded by Hope Island and Arundel. It includes habitat for marine and freshwater species and habitat for forest, woodland, shrubland and ground dwelling fauna and the grasslands attract seed eating birds, birds of prey and mammalian grazers.

The planning area provides important over-wintering habitat for migratory wading birds listed under JAMBA and CAMBA international agreements. Between September and March many wading birds feed on the rich food resources of Moreton Bay before leaving in April to fly thousands of kilometres to breed in Alaska, China and Siberia. The marine tidal flats are vital habitat areas for these migratory birds that need undisturbed rest before their marathon return journey and the planning area provides a significant refuge habitat for this period. The wetlands provide an important habitat for many bird species such as the Rare black-necked stork (Jabiru) and the Rare chestnut teal. The preservation of intact woodland and the marine tidal flats is vital for the conservation of declining populations of many birds. Additionally, open grassland areas are important for seed eating and ground dwelling birds, and provide hunting and courtship areas for birds of prey.

One of the Gold Coast’s largest coastal populations of Koala’s can be found within the CLCA. Studies have suggested that the estimated Koala population for the Coombabah- Hollywell area is around 159 animals (Biolink 2007). The Queensland State Government has now implemented the Nature Conservation (Koala) Conservation Plan 2006 and Management Program 2006-2016 (the Koala Plan). Most of the CLCA has been designated as being within a Koala Conservation Area – the highest category identified within the plan. Koalas are now listed as ‘Vulnerable’ for the South East Queensland Bioregion under State legislation.

The planning area is also a stronghold for regionally significant populations of macropod species. The Coombabah Lakelands section provides woodland and open grassland grazing habitat for the five recorded species of macropod, being the Red-necked Wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus), Swamp Wallaby (Wallabia bicolour bicolour), Golden Swamp Wallaby (Wallabia bicolour welsyii), Agile Wallaby (Macropus agilis) and Eastern Grey Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus). Two of these, the Agile Wallaby and Golden Swamp Wallaby are particularly significant for conservation as relic populations and distinct sub-species respectively.

A permanent Flying Fox camp is located within the Coombabah Lakes Reserve at Helensvale and provides habitat for the Vulnerable Grey-headed Flying Fox (Pteropus poliocephalus), the Black Flying Fox (Pteropus alecto) and the migratory Little Red Flying Fox (Pteropus scapulatus).

To further optimise management of significant fauna, surveys should be undertaken to establish the presence of threatened species which are predicted to occur based upon the availability of suitable habitat within the planning area (e.g. the Critically Endangered Swordgrass Brown Butterfly – Tisiphone abeone morrisi, the Endangered Australian Fritillary Butterfly – Argyreus hyperbius inconstans, and the Vulnerable Illidge’s Ant-blue Butterfly – Acrodipsas Illidgei).

39 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

The freshwater and estuarine reaches of Coombabah Creek contain a rich assemblage of invertebrate fauna species. An environmental inventory by GHD (2003) determined that the estuarine reaches of Coombabah Creek supported a relatively high diversity of benthic invertebrate taxa and trophic guilds (52 species). The freshwater reaches of the creek house a highly biodiverse in-stream community with 103 species of aquatic invertebrates recorded; however a notable decline in abundance was evident in sites below the Hymix Nerang quarry.

The effective management of key threats such as fire, weeds, feral animals and inappropriate human activities to vegetation communities will subsequently mitigate potentially damaging consequences to fauna populations. Furthermore, as visitor use has the potential to impact negatively on these populations, design of recreational infrastructure must limit disturbance to these species to ensure their ongoing protection.

The reserves within the planning area are essential to the long-term maintenance of local and regional fauna populations and enhance the functionality of a corridor for wildlife movements between the Moreton Bay islands and the hinterland. The current corridor through Arundel and Gaven to the Nerang National Park is mapped as a Bioregional Corridor by the EPA and a Conservation Corridor by GCCC. It is partly severed to the east and west of the Pacific Motorway (M1) and consolidation of the corridor along these sections of Coombabah Creek must be given high priority. Existing native vegetation on adjoining lands augments this habitat and provides important ecological links between remnant forest.

The Brisbane to Gold Coast Rail line is within a transport corridor that will also accommodate the South Coast Motorway from Oxenford to Nerang The planned road infrastructure associated with the South Coast Motorway along with the probable development of extractive industries west of the Pacific Motorway on land immediately adjacent to Hymix Reserve will potentially impact on the viability of the east-west Coombabah to hinterland bioregional corridor in regards to fauna movement. A proposal to extend Smith Street through to the Pacific Pines residential area will potentially impact further upon this vital east-west connection.

4.4.2 Desired outcomes

ƒ Current levels of indigenous fauna species diversity are maintained and viable populations of native species are protected where possible. ƒ Habitat condition, diversity and connectivity is enhanced. ƒ Increased understanding of native fauna populations and population viability within the planning area. ƒ Greater public appreciation of and willingness to protect local native fauna.

4.4.3 Management strategy

4.4.3.1 Guidelines

G4.1 Manage reserves and habitat in accordance with relevant State or Commonwealth threatened species recovery plans, threat abatement plans and other guidelines, where available. Current relevant plans/guidelines include:

ƒ Nature Conservation (Koala) Conservation Plan 2006 and Management Program 2006-2016 ƒ EPBC Act Administrative Guidelines on Significance – Supplement for the grey-headed flying-fox ƒ Back on Track Species Prioritisation Framework (EPA 2008)

40 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

G4.2 Support the processes of natural recruitment, ecological burning, resource partitioning and carrying capacity to ensure current levels of indigenous fauna diversity are maintained.

G4.3 Establish appropriate buffer zones to minimise human disturbance in areas that have specific habitat values required for breeding cycles of Rare and Vulnerable species.

G4.4 Restoration plans for each reserve (refer to section 4.6) must be developed with consideration for fauna habitat requirements consistent with the restoration plan developed for Coombabah Lakelands CA.

G4.5 Liaise with Council’s Strategic Environmental Planning officers to ensure that all activities in relation to the management of threatened fauna species are consistent with the Recovery Planning Process identified by relevant State and Commonwealth government agencies and that management is in accordance with the management intent of their listing under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

G4.6 Essential removal or translocation of rare or threatened fauna species must be subject to assessment and approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and Nature Conservation Act 1992 and relevant permits obtained where necessary.

4.4.3.2 Actions

A4.1 Maintain records of fauna mortality and cause of death within the reserves, from Council staff and community observations and local Wildcare records. Where increased disease-related mortality is observed, implement management measures to mitigate risk of further mortality and where relevant manage in accordance with State and/or Commonwealth guidelines for threatened species and/or key threatening processes.

A4.2 Manage all reserves in accordance with recommendations and requirements of Commonwealth Government Draft Threat Abatement Plan for Infection of Amphibians with Chytrid Fungus Resulting in Chytridiomycosis.

A4.3 Maintain a good working relationship with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) to ensure best practice in management of fauna and habitat, including bushfire management, habitat connectivity and pest control and disease prevention.

A4.4 Minimise disturbance to fauna habitat during ecological restoration.

A4.5 Preserve and enhance habitat values in areas that support rare or vulnerable species in order to maintain viable populations.

A4.6 Continue to enhance connectivity between nearby reserve networks through ecological restoration, changes in land management intent or land acquisition in order to enable natural dispersal of fauna populations.

A4.7 Enhance and restore flying fox roosting habitat at Helensvale through ecological restoration and/or supplementary planting of suitable roosting plant species.

A4.8 Manage visitor access to minimise fauna habitat disturbance and increase the area of fauna habitat resources available:

ƒ Close and rehabilitate informal tracks indicated on Figure 3. ƒ Restrict formal recreation to existing pathways and cleared grassed areas through signage, maps and public education.

41 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

A4.9 Provide input to Department of Main Roads regarding design and construction of adequate fauna crossing infrastructure at the Coombabah Creek crossing point of the proposed South Coast Motorway and Smith Street extension.

A4.10 Liaise with Council’s Strategic Environmental Planning Officers to consolidate corridor values at the juncture of Coombabah Creek and major traffic thoroughfares (e.g. Pacific & South Coast Motorways, Smith Street extension) through strategic land acquisition.

A4.11 Using existing survey data as a baseline, work with Council’s Strategic Environmental Planning Officers to develop a database and long-term population and distribution monitoring of significant species listed in Table 3.

A4.12 Initiate terrestrial invertebrate monitoring to improve understanding of invertebrate diversity within the reserves and to provide a baseline for future monitoring.

A4.13 Undertake research to better understand the importance of the grasslands in the CLCA for the continued presence of macropod species and significant bird species. The conclusions from the study are to be used to understand the surface area of grass and quantity of feed required to support predetermined populations of macropods and the establishment of appropriate management regimes to maintain preferred species composition (such as burning or slashing).

A4.14 Incorporate wildlife records for the planning area into Council's Nature Conservation Strategy Database. In addition, provide Queensland Museum and EPA with appropriate details and evidence of rare and threatened species.

A4.15 Promote community understanding of fauna protection and management issues (refer to section 4.14).

A4.16 Support community education programs that encourage provision of native fauna habitat in adjacent private properties.

A4.17 Facilitate public education regarding the spread of infectious diseases including toxoplasmosis, amphibian chytridiomycosis, Australian Bat Lyssavirus, koala chlamydiosis and cryptococcosis and other disease spread by pest animals.

4.4.4 Key monitoring priorities

ƒ Monitor macropods populations in CLCA to inform research projects aimed at determining sustainable densities within suitable and available habitat. ƒ Continue to closely monitor the CLCA Koala population to determine population status, population health, management requirements and threat abatement strategies. ƒ Continue to support local community ornithological (Bird watchers) groups undertaking scientifically based bird surveys within the conservation area. ƒ Continue to closely monitor and map the Helensvale Flying fox colony (in conjunction with QPWS) to determine population status, management requirements and threat abatement strategies.

4.5 Fire management

4.5.1 Current management situation

The protection of life and property from bushfires and the safety of fire fighters during operations are both paramount concerns. Council also acknowledges the importance of fire management planning in reviving and/or maintaining natural processes. The biodiversity

42 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan values of the planning area are recognised as being significant on a local, regional and global scale and must be considered in all aspects of fire planning and management.

Fire is an important natural phenomenon recognised as one of a number of factors determining the composition of vegetation and animal communities in Australia. Many species of Australian plants and animals have developed mechanisms or behaviour as a response to fire and some require fire for reproduction or stimulation of new growth.

For many vegetation communities in the planning area fire is a necessary natural mechanism for the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity. Many flora and fauna species are dependent on fire for their survival and consequently fire may be introduced in some communities at an appropriate frequency and intensity to promote biodiversity and encourage regeneration. However, the Swamp Oak (Casuarina glauca), Mangrove and Saltpan communities within the planning area are particularly sensitive to fire, and the application of appropriate fire regimes (typically being fire exclusion) is critical to their ecological health.

Current best practice fire regimes for the planning area’s vegetation communities are outlined in Table 5. Hazard reduction burns should not occur more frequently than the lower frequency limit, with programs aiming to vary the inter-fire range within the limits for each community. Maximising this variability will allow for a mixed-aged forest, increase the mosaic patterns and create different microclimates within the one forest type, serving to increase species diversity. These fire regimes should be used when preparing a strategic plan for the planning area.

The Melaleuca forest communities found in the planning area are complex in terms of their understorey composition and thus determining suitable fire regimes requires considering multiple options. In order to ensure that the use of fire delivers good conservation outcomes, a comprehensive understanding of the variance in understorey composition within these vegetation communities is required to determine the most appropriate fire regime (Table 5).

Areas of moist sclerophyll forest such as the Endangered Blackbutt communities (Eucalyptus pilularis) require hot fires to reduce the likelihood of permanent change to the forest composition through the long term establishment of rainforest species. However the implementation of such a regime may be restricted by neighbouring assets and development and may require a variety of strategies to be put in place to conserve these communities. Suggested strategies include pile burning, seed bank smoking and ground disturbance in conjunction with cool burns to promote Eucalypt species germination and reduce dominance of rainforest species. Dry sclerophyll communities with shrubby understories require a fire frequency of 7-25 years and these communities with a grassy understorey require a fire interval of 3-6 years. Without periodic fire in these communities some species of flora (and subsequently fauna) may be lost if fire is suppressed or occurs at inappropriate intervals or intensities.

The fire ecology of significant species within fire dependent communities must also be considered. Fires within moist and dry sclerophyll should be of an intensity and frequency that promotes suitable habitat for Glossy Black Cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus lathami). In particular, intense fires should be at a frequency greater than 15 years as this allows recruitment of mature Allocasuarina species. Additionally, a number of fauna species require lower intensity fires to maintain their habitat or prevent mortality, including the Grey Goshawk (Accipiter novaehollandiae), Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua), Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus), White-Crowned Snake (Cacophis harriettae) and Tusked Frog (Adelotus brevis). Although it is not recommended that fire regimes be determined based upon a single species, where practical, the intervals and intensities preferred or required by significant or priority species should be factored into the development of mosaic burning strategies within the optimal fire frequency ranges for each broader vegetation community.

43 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

Reserves within the planning area are subjected to sporadic unplanned burns or wildfires. The close proximity of these reserves to urban areas increases the likelihood of ignition from arson and artificially high fuel loads resulting from garden waste dumping. Fortunately, the ready availability of fire fighting agencies and infrastructure has resulted in most of these incidents being rapidly controlled. Wildfires in 2001/2002 and a number of more recent arson attacks on boardwalks within CLCA are known to have occurred. Wildfires originating from adjacent bushland have also burnt sections of Highvale Road Reserve as recently as 2004. The use of open fires for barbecues, campfires etc provides a potential ignition source in an overall high bushfire risk area. Hence, in order to protect life, property, and ecological values, open fires will be prohibited within the planning area.

The unplanned burns in the planning area have resulted in fire intensity at undesirably high levels, fires occurring too frequently and seasonally inappropriate times. This combined with the difficulty of providing adequate resources at short notice to carry out post-fire restoration work in these instances negatively impacts on the natural values of the area. Detrimental impacts include reduced biodiversity and ecosystem health, increased incidences of invasive plants (especially pyrogenic species and woody weeds such as Lantana), increased incidences of pest animal species, diminished recreational, scenic and cultural values, reduced habitat for fauna, diminished ability for native species to reach reproductive maturity, damage to microhabitat (e.g. leaf litter and fallen logs), increased overall fire hazard, reduced structural complexity, impacts on ability of fauna to disperse, increased light levels and increased threats to life and property within and adjacent to the planning area.

44 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

Table 5. Vegetation group and ecological fire regime for Regional Ecosystems occurring within the planning area1

Fire Vegetation Regional Ecosystem Fire Management Strategy Issues Grouping Some disturbance required to maintain structure, Fire ecology of this RE is poorly known and further monitoring of fire recovery is prevent weed invasion and reduce accumulation of needed. 12.1.1 – Casuarina dry fuels. Longer fire intervals than those recommended risk increased fire intensity and glauca open forest on Fringing Retain at least 25-50% unburnt. decimation of canopy, although fire intensity is unlikely to be high in the small margins of marine clay vegetation Fire season: early winter or storm season. pockets of this vegetation type within the planning area. plains Fire intensity: low to moderate. Grassy understoreys may be lost if fire is either too frequent or excluded. Fire interval: 7 year minimum to allow Casuarina to Lantana invasion or high density regrowth dominated by one or two species reach reproductive maturity. indicate inappropriate fire management. 12.1.2 – saltpan Saltmarsh/wet vegetation including Surrounding vegetation should only be burnt when Not usually deliberately burnt but fire should not be avoided. Can burn in and ephemeral grassland and herbland swamp is wet to avoid peat fires. association with fire in surrounding ecosystems. swamp on marine clay plains 12.1.3 – mangrove shrubland to low closed Scorching within the supra-littoral margin, e.g. where this vegetation type Mangrove Exclude fire. forest on marine clay merges with Melaleuca woodlands, can be damaging. plains and estuaries Melaleuca RE requires further fire research. Melaleuca forests are fire-adapted, but too frequent fire will prevent regeneration. Fire associations are significantly influenced by understorey composition. For heath it would burn in a similar way as coastal heath (8-12 years; McFarland 1998). For sedge, it will burn in 12.2.7 - Melaleuca association with the surrounding ecosystems (it will often burn with them but quinquinervia – Aim for 25-50% mosaic. Needs to be divided based sometimes not - so will have a slightly less fire frequency), and for mixed Eucalyptus robusta- Melaleuca forest on understorey as follows: 1. heath dominated, 2. understorey, it would burn in a similar way to dry sclerophyll - once again in Corymbia intermedia sedge dominated, 3. mixed grass/shrub. association with the surrounding dry sclerophyll, though somewhat less woodland on coastal frequently due to the additional moisture present in melaleuca communities. sand deposits Often contains obligate seed regenerators and as such, application of frequent fire may reduce species richness (if intervals between fire are not sufficient for plants to produce seed). In addition, frequent fire may result in a net loss of nutrients over time from an already nutrient poor system. (Vickers 2005). Melaleuca RE requires further fire research. Melaleuca forests are fire-adapted, but too frequent fire will prevent regeneration. Fire associations are significantly influenced by understorey composition. For heath it would burn in a similar way as coastal heath (8-12 years; McFarland 1998). For sedge, it will burn in association with the surrounding ecosystems (it will often burn with them but 12.3.5 - Melaleuca Aim for 25-50% mosaic. Needs to be divided based sometimes not - so will have a slightly less fire frequency), and for mixed Melaleuca quinquinervia Open on understorey as follows: 1. heath dominated, 2. understorey, it would burn in a similar way to dry sclerophyll - once again in wetland. forest on alluvium sedge dominated, 3. mixed grass/shrub. association with the surrounding dry sclerophyll, though somewhat less frequently due to the additional moisture present in melaleuca communities. Often contains obligate seed regenerators and as such, application of frequent fire may reduce species richness (if intervals between fire are not sufficient for plants to produce seed). In addition, frequent fire may result in a net loss of nutrients over time from an already nutrient poor system. (Vickers 2005).

45 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

Regional Ecosystem Fire Vegetation Fire Management Strategy Issues Grouping 12.3.5a - Melaleuca quinquinervia-Casuarina Melaleuca RE requires further fire research. Melaleuca forests are fire-adapted, Melaleuca glauca+/- Eucalyptus 8 years in productive zones, longer in less productive. but too frequent fire will prevent regeneration. Don't burn when completely dry wetland. tereticornis woodland or (to assist persistence of Crinia tinnula). open forest on alluvium 12.3.6 - Melaleuca quinquinervia- Melaleuca RE requires further fire research. Melaleuca forests are fire-adapted, Eucalyptus tereticornis- Melaleuca 8 years in productive zones, longer in less productive. but too frequent fire will prevent regeneration. Don't burn when completely dry Lophostemon wetland. (to assist persistence of Crinia tinnula). Spp.woodland on alluvium 12.3.11 – Eucalyptus Aim to burn 30-60% of any given area, using spot siderophloia, E. ignition to encourage mosaics of burnt and unburnt Fire regime should maintain a mosaic of grassy and shrubby understoreys, with tereticornis, Corymbia Dry (grassy) areas. fine scale mosaics of unburnt areas. intermedia open forest sclerophyll Fire season: early winter. Ground litter and fallen timber habitats should be maintained by burning only on alluvial plains near Fire intensity: low. with sufficient soil moisture. the coast Fire interval: 3-6 years. Fire regime should maintain mosaic of grassy and shrubby understoreys. Control of weeds is a major focus of planned burning in most areas. Careful 12.11.5a - Eucalyptus Aim for 25-50% mosaic burn. Burn with soil moisture thought should be given to maintaining ground litter and fallen timber habitats by carnea – E. tinaliae Dry sclerophyll. and with spot ignition strategy so that a patchwork of burning only with sufficient soil moisture. Burning should aim to produce fine woodland to open forest burnt/unburnt is achieved. scale mosaics of unburnt areas. Variability in season and fire intensity is on metasediments important, as well as spot ignition in cooler or moister periods to encourage mosaics. Fire regime should maintain mosaic of grassy and shrubby understoreys. 12.11.5j - Eucalyptus Control of weeds is a major focus of planned burning in most areas. Careful seeana – Corymbia Aim for 25-50% mosaic burn. Burn with soil moisture thought should be given to maintaining ground litter and fallen timber habitats by intermedia +/-E. Dry sclerophyll and with spot ignition strategy so that a patchwork of burning only with sufficient soil moisture. Burning should aim to produce fine sideroploia woodland on burnt/unburnt is achieved. scale mosaics of unburnt areas. Variability in season and fire intensity is metasediments important, as well as spot ignition in cooler or moister periods to encourage mosaics. 12.11.5k – Open forest with Corymbia henryi, Eucalyptus fibrosa Fire regime should maintain mosaic of grassy and shrubby understoreys. subsp. fibrosa ± C. Control of weeds is a major focus of planned burning in most areas. Careful citriodora, C. intermedia, Aim for 25-50% mosaic burn. Burn with soil moisture thought should be given to maintaining ground litter and fallen timber habitats by Angophora leiocarpa, E. Dry sclerophyll and with spot ignition strategy so that a patchwork of burning only with sufficient soil moisture. Burning should aim to produce fine propinqua, E. carnea on burnt/unburnt is achieved. scale mosaics of unburnt areas. Variability in season and fire intensity is drier ridges on important, as well as spot ignition in cooler or moister periods to encourage metamorphosed mosaics. sediments and interbedded volcanics.

46 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

Fire Vegetation Regional Ecosystem Fire Management Strategy Issues Grouping Research indicates that frequent fire is needed to keep rainforest species in check (keeps them low in the profile so other species can compete). The only reason we now need to consider introducing an intense fire into these ecosystems, is that they have not burnt in a long time, so hot fire is the only thing that will make an impact on the well established rainforest pioneers. It is likely that rainforest pioneers species will come up again after a hot fire and another fire soon after will be required. After the initial hot fire, fires should be more frequent. There are different moist 12.11.23 - Eucalyptus Needs disturbance to maintain RE structure (eucalypt sclerophyll associations with different understoreys needing different pilularis tall woodland to Moist sclerophyll. overstorey with open understorey of predominantly approaches. A number of moist sclerophyll ecosystems are 'of concern' open forest on non-rainforest species). and contain a high number of EVR's on the brink. It would be remiss of metasediments conservation managers not to maintain them as sclerophyll rather than allow them to become dominated by rainforests pioneers. Once rainforests pioneers take hold there comes a point where that forest will no longer burn even in wildfire, at that point, we have ushered in a permanent change. Any Moist Sclerophyll that are relatively open with a mixture of grasses and shrubs should be a priority for fire management to retain RE structure. 1 Fire vegetation groupings and fire management prescription in accordance with Smith and Tran (2008).

47 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

As the largest and most developed of the reserves in the planning area, Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area contains a considerable network of vehicle tracks that can be utilised for fire fighting and management. The Southport Flying Club facility effectively breaks up the vegetated landscape near adjacent residential properties and can potentially be utilised by emergency services for operational fire management purposes. Most of the other reserves are relatively small and lacking in comparable infrastructure although the perimeters are generally accessible from adjacent roadways and private properties. Other support infrastructure such as the city’s potable water hydrant system enhances fire fighting capacity in most cases at the interface between private properties and the reserves.

The potential bushfire hazard within the planning area predominantly ranges between Low and Medium, however some areas of High hazard are found in sections of eucalypt forests in Captain Cook Parklands, Highvale Drive Reserve and Brushwood Ridge Parklands. As a matter of priority, areas of High and Medium potential hazard require a planning strategy for hazard reduction burns that manage and reduce fuel loads, particularly in proximity to public use areas and neighbouring homes. In accordance with current best practice, fire intervals in these areas will likely occur towards the lower limit of the ranges stated in Table 5.

Owing to the residential interface and connectivity between Council and State Government land, it is important that fire management responsibilities within the planning area are shared by all landholders. Accordingly, Council and the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service will work with adjoining land owners and managers to reduce and continue to manage fire hazards on their lands. Furthermore, it is critical that all new developments on private property adjacent or proximate to the reserves of the planning area are designed and managed to reduce the risk of fire spreading into or out of these areas. In the case of new subdivisions, bushfire management strategies, such as additional fire trails and asset protection zones, should be incorporated into the development, without placing further pressure on the conservation values of Council’s existing natural area estate.

Council will continue to support the South East Queensland Fire and Biodiversity Consortium in determining fire management requirements for the range of biodiversity within the planning area. In particular, priority fire research projects will be encouraged within the area.

A Fire Management Plan was developed for the Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area in 2002. The plan for CLCA will be revised and updated as part of a strategic Bushfire Management Plan (BMP) for the entire planning area. This BMP will determine appropriate strategies for protecting life and property while addressing the ecological requirements of the various vegetation communities. Implementing appropriate burn regimes for the sclerophyll, melaleuca, casuarina and saltmarsh communities while protecting the fire sensitive mangrove communities will be central to the plans objectives.

The BMP will identify essential fire fighting infrastructure and operational procedures required to undertake burn programs and respond to wildfire events across the planning area. Opportunities with key stakeholders such as QPWS and the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service for cooperative management of fire will be explored and developed where feasible.

Consistent with all other city wide strategic Bushfire Management Plans for the Council reserve network, the BMP will utilise the format of the QPWS Fire Management System.

4.5.2 Desired outcomes

ƒ Human life and property within and adjacent to the planning area, including management structures are protected. ƒ Sites, relics and structures of European and Aboriginal cultural heritage value are protected from radiant heat and fire management activities.

48 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

ƒ Maintenance and enhancement of ecosystem health and diversity through best practice ecological fire management. ƒ Where possible, fire is excluded from ecological communities that are not tolerant of fire. ƒ Fire management is undertaken in cooperation with neighbours and other relevant organisations. ƒ Where possible, unplanned fires are prevented from entering or leaving the planning area. ƒ Increased community understanding of fire hazards, individual responsibilities and fire ecology. ƒ Improved understanding of fire management requirements for ecosystems and species occupying the planning area.

4.5.3 Management strategy

4.5.3.1 Guidelines

G5.1 Liaise with QFRS and/or QPWS regarding wildfire response plans for reserves in the planning area.

G5.2 Provide advice to Council’s Town Planning Officers regarding incorporation of bushfire hazard reduction measures into proximate new developments.

G5.3 Ensure that future fire management planning incorporates recommendations of Southeast Queensland Fire and Biodiversity Consortium and Queensland Herbarium regarding appropriate fire management prescriptions for each Regional Ecosystem present and management of fire in small urban reserves.

G5.4 Where life and property priorities allow, ensure that the timing of planned burns in mitigation and conservation zones (as determined by the planning area’s Bushfire Management Plan) supports ecological restoration projects.

G5.5 The fire regimes presented in Table 5 will be used to guide fire management in each of the vegetation communities in the planning area. If further research identifies a requirement for changes in these fire regimes then alter as required within the Bushfire Management Plan.

G5.6 Prioritise weed monitoring and control (refer to section 4.6) six months prior to and following planned burns and where desirable following unplanned fires.

G5.7 Prioritise the restoration of areas dominated by fire-promoting exotic species such as molasses grass and lantana (refer to section 4.6).

G5.8 Maximise opportunities for the protection of fire-sensitive species and ecosystems.

G5.9 Ensure that mitigation and conservation burns are designed to occur in a mosaic pattern and to maximise the diversity of post-fire successional stages at the landscape level.

G5.10 Council is responsible for all fire planning and implementation within the planning area, and for providing incident control support to QFRS during planned burn and wildfire events.

G5.11 Ensure that thorough ground truthing is carried out at all sites prior to hazard reduction and conservation burning to identify site constraints, safety issues and species, habitat or ecological communities requiring specific management.

49 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

G5.12 Maintain a diversity of plant communities and post-fire successional habitats to provide for fauna species habitat requirements and preferences.

G5.13 In respect to native animals, fire management in the planning area will be based upon:

ƒ the need to maintain or create an appropriate range of post fire successional vegetation stages and age classes, including the retention of mature vegetation and critical habitat components such as tree hollows and fallen wood debris; and ƒ the requirements of species that are known to be reliant on particular fire regimes for the maintenance of habitat attributes

G5.14 Wildfires will be extinguished as quickly as possible, except under circumstances in which the fire is considered to be of ecological benefit to the site and does not threaten life and property.

G5.15 Keep the community informed by publicising fire management activities, restrictions and regulations through local media, Council’s website and signage at key visitor nodes.

G5.16 Liaise with QPWS regarding fire management planning on and adjacent to the planning area.

G5.17 Support and facilitate Council’s partnership with the South East Queensland Fire and Biodiversity Consortium.

G5.18 Where possible, avoid the use of heavy machinery for fire suppression within the planning area, particularly in areas containing rare plants, threatened wildlife habitat, Aboriginal sites and historic places.

G5.19 Ensure that potentially hazardous management activities (such as slashing, welding, grinding and other construction/demolition activities) are excluded from the planning area during periods of very high or extreme fire danger/weather days.

4.5.3.2 Actions

A5.1 Review and update the Bushfire Management Plan for CLCA and the remainder of the planning area to ensure that it addresses the following:

ƒ protection of life and property on and adjacent to reserves ƒ viability of fire as an ecological management tool within small, isolated urban reserves ƒ protection and/or maintenance of habitat complexity, including mature trees and connectivity between structurally mature understorey and ground layers, including leaf litter ƒ protection and maintenance of koala habitat ƒ protection of fire intolerant vegetation types such as mangrove communities ƒ introduction of fire regimes and monitoring of ecological impacts in melaleuca wetland and moist sclerophyll communities as per FabCon recommendations for Regional Ecosystems (refer to table 5) ƒ rationalisation of existing fire management infrastructure (e.g. fire trails) in relation to known habitat for significant species and vegetation communities ƒ control of fire in slashed macropod feeding areas ƒ replacement of ‘fire block’ approach with broader ‘landscape’ approach based on the QPWS Fire Management System

50 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

ƒ incorporation of existing cleared areas associated with infrastructure or habitat management such as the waste water treatment plant, airstrip and macropod grazing areas into mitigation/protection zones

A5.2 Review the Bushfire Management Plan every five years, in consultation with relevant stakeholders. Confine these reviews to amendments associated with:

ƒ pertinent new research findings and information ƒ the results of monitoring programs, where they indicate the need for changes in management ƒ where existing management strategies are not achieving stated objectives

A5.3 Develop and maintain a mapping database which establishes mapping layers for effective fire planning, including:

ƒ basic topographic attributes ƒ vegetation communities, including information on age classes ƒ threatened and significant plant species and communities ƒ the habitats of rare and threatened native animal species ƒ fire histories, including ignition sources and firepath information ƒ fuel load attributes ƒ management trails and control lines ƒ water points ƒ infrastructure and assets

A5.4 Develop operational burn plan for property protection at urban interface, consistent with desired objectives of associated ecological restoration and conservation plans and that where practical is integrated into a larger landscape scale map based strategic fire plan developed using the QPWS Fire Management System (such as within the Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area, but not applicable to smaller fragmented reserves such as Limetree Junction Parklands, Rootes Family Park, etc)

A5.5 Carry out hazard reduction burns for property protection at urban interface in conjunction with ecological restoration projects.

A5.6 Prohibit open fires (e.g. campfires, wood barbeques) within the planning area through signage, public education and ranger patrols.

A5.7 Close unsafe parts of the planning area to the public in extreme fire danger periods and during and immediately after mitigation and conservation burns.

A5.8 Establish long term monitoring of unburnt and burnt areas following prescribed or unplanned fires to assess the influence of fire seasonality, frequency and intensity on species composition and diversity, habitat condition and vegetation health and to assist future decision making regarding the use of fire as an ecological management tool within the planning area.

A5.9 Ensure relevant mapping layers are maintained in Council’s Geographical Information System (GIS), including fire history, ignition source, fire path, ecological data, management trails, control lines and fire fighting infrastructure.

51 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

A5.10 Facilitate community education (refer to section 4.14) regarding threats posed by accidental fire and by dumping combustible garden waste in the reserves that may increase risk of fire.

A5.11 Liaise with traditional owners regarding fire management practices to ensure the protection of sites, places and landscapes of Aboriginal cultural significance.

A5.12 Maintain close cooperation with other government agencies, neighbours and the local Rural Fire Brigade for the management of fire within and adjoining the planning area.

A5.13 Undertake vegetation and fuel load monitoring prior to and following all hazard reduction/mitigation and conservation burns, and conduct similar monitoring following wildfires where time and resources permit.

A5.14 Ensure that bushfire management planning for the planning area is consistent with and complimentary to existing QFRS/RFS Local Action Plans and QPWS Wildfire Response Plans.

A5.15 Undertake further community education programs near medium and high bushfire hazard areas of the planning area to improve community fire preparedness.

4.5.4 Key monitoring priorities

ƒ Monitor incidence of garden waste dumping and accidental/malicious fires on/or adjacent to reserves of the planning area to guide further management action. ƒ Monitor vegetation recovery, habitat condition and plant species composition (including weeds) at all sites burnt during mitigation and conservation burns or accidental fires. ƒ Establish long-term monitoring programs in unburnt and burnt areas following mitigation, conservation and/or unplanned fires to assess the influence of fire frequency, intensity and seasonality on species composition and diversity, habitat condition and vegetation health, and to assist future decision making regarding the use of fire as an ecological management tool within the planning area.

4.6 Pest plants and ecological restoration

4.6.1 Current management situation

Non-native vegetation found within the planning area includes areas of exotic grassland and areas that were once part of a wide spread pine plantation on the Gold Coast. The introduced grasslands occur throughout the planning area as a result of previous pastoral activity. The primary introduced grasses include Setaria (Setaria sphacelata), Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum), Paspalum (Paspalum sp.) and Rhodes (Chloris sp). grass species. These grassy communities range in formation from tall closed grasslands to open woodlands. Although exotic, the grasslands are important for the maintenance of biodiversity within the planning area and are particularly important for macropod populations. However, they are progressively being reduced in extent by natural regeneration of species, active assisted restoration, and revegetation of native species. In several areas these grasslands are subject to slashing as part of general maintenance and management (refer to sections 4.3 and 4.4).

Areas of plantation pine are also found throughout the CLCA. The existing pine plantations and associated pine wildings have invaded a substantial area near the Gold Coast Highway entry of the CLCA and Ivan Gibbs Wetlands and also to the north-east of the sewage treatment plant. Whilst the plantations have some limited historical value in regards to previous land use, these infestations should be removed in order to halt the invasive process (Forestman and Associates 1998a).

52 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

The Council owned nursery within the CLCA propagates and grows plant stock for various tree and landscaping programs across the city. The management of non native or non local species requires operational safe guards to prevent escape of potential pest plant species into the surrounding reserve.

Council has obligations under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 to eradicate, control and contain declared pest plants on the land it manages. A total of 13 declared species have been recorded within the planning area (Table 6 ). Additionally, 43 of the weed species present have been identified amongst the 200 most invasive species within South East Queensland; 9 of these are listed in the top 20 (Batianoff and Butler 2002).

The weed species listed in Table 6 are considered to pose a significant threat to the biodiversity and conservation values of the planning area and will therefore be targeted for control. Areas containing threatened species or highly intact vegetation communities will be allocated the highest priority for weed control programs. An ongoing commitment to weed control will be required to conserve and improve the condition of native vegetation within the planning area.

Table 6. List of declared and priority weeds for control within the Coombabah-Parkwood Conservation Reserves

Scientific Name Common Name Class1 Invasiveness2 GCCC Priority3 Ageratina adenophora Crofton Weed 17 Ageratina riparia Mistflower 25 Medium Ambrosia artemisiifolia Ragweed Class 2 Medium-Low Araujia sericifera Moth Vine 26 Asparagus aethiopicus Ground Asparagus Class 3 23 Medium Asparagus plumosus Climbing Asparagas Class 3 57 Baccharis halimifolia Groundsel Class 2 2 High-Medium Brachiaria mutica Para Grass 42 Low Bryophyllum pinnatum Resurrection Plant 47 Madagascar 62 Catharanthus roseus periwinkle Chloris gayana Rhodes Grass 46 Chrysanthemoides monilifera Bitou Bush Class 1 12 High ssp. rotundata Cinnamomum camphora Camphor Laurel Class 3 8 Medium Silver-leaf 64 Desmodium uncinatum Desmodium Digitaria didactyla Qld Blue Couch 87 Gomphocarpus physocarpus Balloon Cotton 86 Ipomoea cairica Mile-a-minute 28 Low Ipomoea indica Blue Morning Glory 40 Low Lantana camara Lantana Class 3 1 Medium Lantana montevidensis Creeping Lantana Class 3 18 Low Ligustrum sinensis Small Leafed Privet Class 3 21 Macroptilium atropurpureum Siratro 51 Melinis minutiflorus Molasses Grass 38 Low Neonotonia wightii Glycine 19 High Nymphaea caerulea ssp. 66 zanzibarensis Cape Waterlily Ochna serrulata Mickey Mouse Bush 22 Low Panicum maximum var. 20 Low maximum Guinea Grass Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum 73 Paspalum mandiocanum (P. Broad-leaved 72 wettsteinii) Paspalum Stinking Passion 70 Passiflora foetida Flower

53 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

Scientific Name Common Name Class1 Invasiveness2 GCCC Priority3 Corky Passion 37 Passiflora suberosa Flower White Passion 63 Passiflora subpeltata Flower Pinus elliottii Slash Pine 44 Low Ricinus communis Castor Oil Plant 81 Broad-leaf Pepper Class 3 9 High Schinus terebinthifolius Tree Senecio madagascariensis Fireweed Class 2 82 Medium Senna pendula var. glabrata Easter Cassia 45 Low Setaria sphacelata var. South African Pigeon 85 sericea Grass Solanum mauritianum Wild Tobacco 61 Solanum seaforthianum Brazilian Nightshade 55 Solanum torvum Devil's Fig 93 Spathodea campanulata African Tulip Tree Class 3 190 Syagrus romanzoffianum Cocos palm 92 Tecoma stans Yellow Bells Class 3 100 1 Class as designated by the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Regulation 2003. 2 Invasiveness as designated by the Queensland Herbarium list of Invasive Naturalised Plants in Southeast Queensland (Batianoff and Butler 2002). 3 Gold Coast City Council Pest Management Plan.

Native plant communities have been modified by and lost through changes in land use and management (Aboriginal to European) and more recently by rapid urbanisation. However large areas that were cleared for agricultural and grazing purposes prior to the 1940’s, have naturally regenerated to remnant vegetation believed to be consistent with original vegetation communities, at least in terms of basic structure and species composition. The extent of regeneration within a comparatively short time demonstrates that some vegetation communities within the planning area have good resilience and that it is possible to return cleared paddocks to woodland or forest. Aerial photographs available from 1944 to 1996 indicate the extent of change in the planning area both in terms of the progress in urbanisation and in vegetation coverage. These changes are summarised in the Appendix 3, taken from the 1998 Management Plan produced by Forestman and Associates.

Vegetation disturbances, including land clearing and fire, expose surrounding forests to increased sunlight, wind and soil nutrients, which in turn make delicately balanced vegetation communities increasingly susceptible to weed invasion and further fire disturbance. Edge effects are of particular concern where they occur in close proximity to populations of rare or threatened plants, increasing competition among these species and invasive pest plants.

An Ecological Restoration Plan has been developed for Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area (R Joseph Consulting Pty Ltd, 2007). This plan provides for the long and short term restoration of native plant communities by a systematic pest plant control program. Council restoration teams and contractors are currently implementing this plan and are undertaking work within the Portion A, Subzones 1a and 1b as per the listed recommendations. Portion B, Subzones 5a and 5b and Portion C, Zones 7, 8 and 9 have also been identified as being priority areas for restoration works with the remainder of CLCA to be dealt with subsequently.

The extent of the maintained slashed areas at the interface with surrounding vegetated communities within Portion A (Zone 2) will be reassessed as restoration works reach the forest margins and the grazing area requirements of the macropod population are more comprehensively understood. Herbaceous pest plant species such as Scotch Thistle (Cirsium vulgare) are targeted within the slashed areas in order to promote a ground cover of grass species.

54 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

Ecological restoration within the remainder of the reserves of the planning area will be guided by the development of Action Plans or Contractor Specifications. All restoration planning should identify priorities, appropriate management practices and implementation schedules for the effective control of pest plants and rehabilitation of degraded areas.

Further weed species are likely to enter or be identified in the planning area in the future. New infestations will be addressed on a priority basis by Council’s Natural Areas Restoration Team, with their management requirements incorporated into the relevant Restoration Plan, Action Plan or Contractor Specification.

4.6.2 Desired outcomes

ƒ Restore degraded native vegetation communities and minimise impacts associated with pest plants and their control on native flora and fauna, cultural heritage sites, and landscapes within the planning area. ƒ Reduced threat of future weed invasion and vegetation disturbance. ƒ Planning for pest plant control and ecological restoration is strategic, integrated and collaborative. ƒ Improved public understanding of, and support for, ecological restoration and pest plant management programs within the planning area.

4.6.3 Management strategy

4.6.3.1 Guidelines

G6.1 Ensure that ecological restoration activities are carried out with due sensitivity to fauna habitat, including:

ƒ sensitive use of herbicides adjacent to waterway/wetland areas. Herbicides will generally not be permitted to enter natural waterways and artificial water bodies within the planning area, and where possible, herbicide-free buffer zones should be established around aquatic systems to minimise risk. However, under circumstances in which it is necessary to apply herbicides within close proximity to water bodies, only low-impact chemicals suitable for use in aquatic environments (e.g. Glyphosate Bioactive or equivalent) should be employed ƒ no rapid or substantial loss of fauna habitat associated with restoration works. Rehabilitation of weedy areas known to provide fauna habitat is to be staged to ensure no temporary loss of food resources or cover for ground dwelling species ƒ incorporation of known food plants of fauna species into restoration programs at an appropriate phase of vegetation establishment (refer to Section 4.4 (Native Fauna))

G6.2 Council’s natural areas management officers and pest management officers will coordinate all pest plant control programs within the planning area, including management of declared species, to ensure an integrated and controlled program of pest plant control is undertaken. Individuals should be discouraged from carrying out inappropriate and potentially unsafe weed removal or revegetation works adjacent to their properties, where these works do not form part of a Council coordinated restoration strategy.

G6.3 Ensure that all pest plant management programs are integrated and comply with the intent, objectives and regulations of all relevant Commonwealth, State and Council guidelines, strategies, policies and legislation.

G6.4 Consultation and collaboration between Council’s ecological restoration specialists and relevant fire officers must be undertaken so as to maximise opportunities for the control of pest plant species in association with prescribed burn programs.

55 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

G6.5 Ecological restoration works should seek to maximise biodiversity at a landscape level and ensure that a diversity of foraging habitat remain available to key fauna species.

G6.6 Where revegetation is required within the planning area, locally sourced naturally occurring species must be utilised to maintain genetic provenance.

G6.7 Management and control of pest plant species within the confines of the Council nursery in CLCA will be the responsibility of facility supervisor.

G6.8 Ensure that the control of new infestations is assessed upon their discovery and incorporated into the relevant Restoration Plan, Action Plan, or Contractor Specification as soon as possible.

4.6.3.2 Actions

A6.1 Implement the current Ecological Restoration Plan for Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area

A6.2 Develop and implement Ecological Restoration Plans, Action Plans, or Contractor Specifications for the balance of reserves within the planning area outside of the CLCA. These plans will determine operational requirements and priorities for restoration and weed management activities with the primary aim of restoring degraded areas and enhancing ecological values.

A6.3 Maintain 16 ha (approx) of grassland to support macropod population. Review and adjust area maintained as research better determines macropod feed requirements (Refer to Sections 4.3 and 4.4).

A6.4 Monitor existing ecological restoration programs in accordance with monitoring protocols and recommendations provided in restoration plans.

A6.5 Maintain and consistently update a database of all weed species identified within the planning area. Where practical and resources permit, Council’s natural area management officers will be responsible for undertaking an assessment of the condition and degree of infestation within all reserves. New information on declared species, or new incidences of declared species, should be regularly shared with Council’s pest plant management officers.

A6.6 Introduce management techniques which will reduce the spread of pest plants throughout the planning area e.g. where possible, confining visitor and management access to formed roads and trails (refer to Section 4.6 Pest plants and ecological restoration).

A6.7 Educate neighbouring residents about the threat posed by garden escapes to ecological values within the reserves through:

ƒ ranger patrols ƒ signage located at visible points along park boundaries ƒ development and distribution of educational material regarding problematic garden species and suitable native garden alternatives.

A6.8 Install signage at visible points adjacent to restoration areas to educate park visitors about the restoration process, impact of restoration on ecological values and how individual neighbours can help.

A6.9 Liaise with QPWS to facilitate coordinated pest plant management between Council and State managed reserves, particularly where pest plant species from State managed sites occur upslope or upstream of sites recently restored by Council.

56 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

4.6.4 Key monitoring priorities

ƒ Monitor restoration sites for weed regrowth and control weeds where necessary until native vegetation is sufficiently well established to prevent further weed invasion. ƒ Monitor reserve boundaries during ranger patrols to identify and regulate new instances of green waste dumping or vegetation disturbance. ƒ Where resources permit, monitor the success of ecological restoration programs.

4.7 Pest animals

4.7.1 Current management situation

Pest animals are those species not native to the planning area. They generally have a detrimental impact on natural areas through predation, displacement or competition with native animals. Surveys within the planning area have revealed 6 species of pest animals, which are represented by 1 amphibian, 1 bird, 4 mammals and 1 insect (Table 7 ). In addition to these, a further six pest animal species have been recorded within the surrounds of the planning area, and hence have the potential to occur within the planning area either currently or in the future. These include the House Sparrow (Passer domesticus), Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), Spotted Turtle Dove (Streptopelia chinensis), Fallow Deer (Dama dama) and Rusa Deer (Cervus timorensis). Domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) and cats (Felis catus) are the major threat to native fauna in the planning area, particularly birds, reptiles and small to medium-sized mammals - notably ground-dwelling species such as the yellow-footed antechinus and swamp rat. Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are likely to occur in low numbers throughout the planning area. Like dogs and cats, foxes will prey upon native mammals, particularly ground-dwelling species. There are currently no known records of wild pigs in the Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area, however, as they are known to occur further north in similar habitat within Pimpama River Conservation Area and the undeveloped islands that form the southern section of Moreton Bay Marine Park. Ongoing pest animal monitoring should include detection methods for this species.

Under Local Law 12 Part 9 (55), Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area is a dog prohibited area. This has been implemented to further protect the habitat values for species easily disturbed by the presence of dogs. All other reserves will remain categorised as on- lead areas unless evidence becomes available that warrants a reassessment of the situation and subsequent additional protection.

Other notable invasive species occurring within or in the vicinity of the reserves include the cane toad (Chanus marinus) and Indian myna (Acridotheres tristis). Indian mynas are listed by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) as amongst the worlds 100 most invasive species (Lowe et al., 2000) and compete aggressively with native wildlife for nesting hollows. They are capable of evicting large birds and small mammals from hollows and may mob larger mammals. Indian mynas avoid dense bushland but are highly competitive on woodland edges (Pell and Tidemann, 1997) and hence are a significant threat in small or fragmented reserves with a large perimeter to area ratio.

The impact of cane toads on native fauna can be severe, resulting in displacement, predation and poisoning of native animals. Furthermore, the control of this species is difficult. However, the planning area’s geography and accessibility lends itself to opportunities for trialling cane toad control programs. Council will liaise with research bodies to determine possible solutions for the control of cane toads as more innovative techniques become available, such as the genetic manipulation of reproductive capacity or the use solar light or breeding call traps.

57 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

Currently, two apiarist licences permit the location of bee hives within Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area. Regulation of the industry by the Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries aims to minimise the spread of various bee diseases, and weed and plant pathogens such as Phytophthora. The effects, either detrimental or beneficial, of honey bees in conservation reserves is unknown and requires assessment before determining the retention or reduction of licences in the area.

The Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 identifies introduced animal species and criteria for their control. A number of Class 2 pest animals occur within the planning area (Table 7). A Class 2 pest is one that is established in Queensland and has, or could have, a substantial adverse economic, environmental and social impact. Landowners are required to take reasonable steps to keep their land free of these animals. Non-declared pests are normally widespread but cost-effective broad scale control measures are not yet available.

Table 7 Priority pest animal species in the planning area and their status.

Common Name Scientific Name Status1 Impacts Cane Toad Chanus marinus Not declared Displace and predate on native frogs. Adults, tadpoles and eggs are toxic to predators. Feral Dog Canis familiaris Class 2 Prey upon native wildlife, including macropods, koalas, small mammals Dingo Canis familiaris dingo Class 2 Prey upon native wildlife, including macropods, koalas, small mammals Feral Cat Felis catus Class 2 Prey upon native wildlife. Threat to small/medium size fauna, including birds and terrestrial & arboreal mammals. Fox Vulpes vulpes Class 2 Prey upon native wildlife, including macropods, koalas, small mammals Indian Myna Acridotheres tristis Not declared Aggressive displacement of native bird species from nesting hollows and territory. 1 Status under Queensland Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002.

Of additional concern is the fact that the Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area has been identified as one of the most significant mosquito breeding areas on the Gold Coast. These insects are vectors for infectious viruses, which could have significant adverse impacts upon local residents and visitors to the area. With anticipated population growth in the region it is expected that the significance of this site, in terms of mosquitoes and their control, will correspondingly increase.

Within the CLCA, mosquitoes predominantly breed in saltmarsh vegetation associated with standing pools of water. Currently Council’s pest animal management officers conduct regular inspections of the Conservation Area to determine whether treatment of infestations is necessary. The frequency of control actions is highly dependent upon the presence of favourable breeding conditions. The extent of the effect of all mosquito control techniques and methodologies upon entire ecosystems and some species are not fully known; therefore, it is important to restrict or eliminate the use of higher-impact treatments wherever possible in favour of more environmentally sensitive options.

4.7.2 Desired outcomes

ƒ Reduced impacts of pest animals on native flora and fauna. ƒ Planning for pest animal control is strategic, integrated and collaborative. ƒ Improved public understanding of, and support for pest animal management programs within the planning area. ƒ The neighbouring community is well educated with regard to responsible pet ownership.

58 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

4.7.3 Management strategy

4.7.3.1 Guidelines

G7.1 Ensure pest animal control programs utilise best practice techniques that minimise impacts on non-target species and comply with animal welfare practices set out in Animal Care and Protection Act 2001

G7.2 Ensure that all pest animal management programs are integrated and comply with the intent, objectives and regulations of all relevant Commonwealth, State and Council guidelines, strategies, policies and legislation.

G7.3 Ensure that pest animal control programs are integrated and compatible with site ecological restoration (refer to section 4.6).

G7.4 Continue to support Council’s pest animal management officers in undertaking existing programs for the control of pest animals within the planning area. Ensure that adequate notice is provided to Council’s natural area management officers prior to all pest animal control activities to enable closure of all or part of the planning area where required.

G7.5 Work with QPWS in the development of public education programs for pest and domestic animal control within the planning area.

G7.6 Where new pest animal control strategies are introduced, promote these programs to build community support. G7.7 Mosquito control techniques that use more environmentally sensitive agents (e.g. biological insecticides and insect growth inhibitors) should be preferentially applied at all times – wherever possible, the use of higher-impact options (such as organophosphourous- based pesticides) should be restricted or eliminated.

G7.8 The preferred method of mosquito control is aerial control via spray or treated pellets released from a helicopter. Where on-ground control is necessary (e.g. for smaller, more localised infestations), access to treatment areas should be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.11 and in consultation with Council’s natural area management officers.

4.7.3.2 Actions

A7.1 Produce a Pest Animal Control Plan (PACP) for the planning area, focusing on predatory species. This plan should include:

ƒ triggers for initiating control strategies ƒ a set of criteria to establish priorities for non-native animal management ƒ control strategies that include multiple control methods, target multiple species and form part of an ecological restoration program ƒ integration with relevant Commonwealth Threat Abatement Plans and the Gold Coast City Council Pest Management Plan ƒ strategies for community and landholder involvement/cooperation ƒ monitoring techniques and regimes to help identify priority areas for feral animal control and to measure the effectiveness of control methodologies ƒ reporting protocols ƒ assignment of responsibility for tasks and activities

59 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

A7.2 Establish baseline data regarding the distribution and abundance of pest animals within the reserves and review the history of control measures undertaken.

A7.3 Liaise with Council’s pest animal management officers to have reserves of high environmental significance identified as Ecologically Significant Areas under the Gold Coast City Council Pest Management Plan. As a minimum, the CLCA and adjacent Coombabah Lakes and Careel Reserves, Ivan Gibbs Conservation Area and O’Brien and Proud Family Park should be designated with this status. Other reserves which may be suitable for inclusion are: Len and Muriel Godlongton Reserve, Phil Hill Environmental Park, Jabiru Island Reserve, Ballybunnion Park, Brushwood Ridge Parklands, Parkwood Family Park, Coombabah Creek Reserve and Collingwood Court Parklands.

A7.4 Implement monitoring and reporting protocols to measure effectiveness of pest animal control programs.

A7.5 Work with QPWS to ensure integrated management of pest animals within the planning area.

A7.6 Instigate research into European honey bees in CLCA to locate feral colonies, determine population densities and assess potentially detrimental environmental and public safety impacts.

A7.7 Coordinate the destruction of feral bee colonies not associated with existing apiarist licences with Council’s pest management officers.

A7.8 Install signage prohibiting dogs from the CLCA and signage advising dog-owners of the location of adjacent open space areas where dog walking is permitted.

A7.9 Add a link from relevant Council web pages on the Coombabah-Parkwood Conservation Reserves, to Local Law 12, Schedule 3, to indicate dog prohibited areas.

A7.10 Promote responsible pet ownership and community understanding of the impacts of domestic animals on native fauna through interpretational signage (refer to section 4.14), Council’s website, local media and ranger patrols.

4.7.4 Key monitoring priorities

ƒ Pest animal monitoring to record the presence/absence, abundance and distribution of pest animals within the planning area. ƒ Monitor the effects of honey bees on floristic diversity and native bee populations.

4.8 Aboriginal and European cultural heritage

4.8.1 Current management situation

4.8.1.1 Aboriginal cultural heritage

Aboriginal communities have an ongoing association and connection to country. Within a landscape the biodiversity values of the land and water are central to aboriginal spirituality and contribute to Aboriginal identity. Aboriginal communities associate natural resources with the use of foods and medicines, caring for the land, passing on cultural knowledge and strengthening social bonds. Aboriginal heritage and nature are inseparable from each other and need to be managed in an integrated manner across the landscape. Partnerships with the local Aboriginal community are therefore considered a priority to ensure appropriate recognition, conservation and management of cultural values within the planning area.

60 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

A comprehensive cultural heritage survey was carried out between 2000 and 2004 in the Coombabah Lakelands and surrounding areas. A considerable amount of historic Aboriginal use of the area was found, supporting the already substantial knowledge base of the local indigenous community in regards to long term occupation, use and cultural significance of the Gold Coast area.

Council also has an obligation to manage its land in accordance with the Queensland Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003. This legislation places a duty of care upon Council to protect items and places of cultural heritage significance. As part of this duty of care, an assessment of cultural heritage values is required where construction or any other ground disturbance is proposed, to identify cultural heritage values and prevent the inadvertent destruction of sites and values. Cultural heritage surveys carried out in accordance with Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 Section 28 – Duty of Care Guidelines, may therefore be required for construction of recreational infrastructure (refer to section 4.11).

An archaeological assessment of middens on Coombabah Creek and Saltwater Creek which compared the condition of five known sites was compared to their condition as described in a previous survey (University of Queensland 2007). Threatening processes were identified and strategies recommended to protect the midden sites. Council is currently involved in facilitating the process for site stabilisation works to be undertaken by the relevant landholders and traditional owners with approvals granted from the relevant State government agencies.

4.8.1.2 European cultural heritage

Some evidence of early European settlement such as railway infrastructure and homestead relics still exists within the planning area, although as a result of rapid urban development such remnants are scarce and scattered. A survey of remaining sites is required in order to identify and accurately record their location and condition. The results of this survey can be used to inform a process of preserving these sites for posterity and presenting their inherent values as a part of the areas rich history.

4.8.2 Desired outcomes

ƒ Aboriginal groups with traditional affiliations to the area are involved in park management. ƒ Identification and protection of sites, places and landscapes of cultural heritage significance. ƒ Increased public appreciation and understanding of local cultural heritage values.

4.8.3 Management strategy

4.8.3.1 Guidelines

G8.1 Consult Aboriginal people with affiliations to the area in decisions regarding the management of Aboriginal cultural heritage, including identification of sites, and actions to protect objects, sites and landscape features.

G8.2 Seek agreement from local Aboriginal communities before providing interpretive information on the location of any Aboriginal sites and places.

G8.3 Ensure all Council reserve management staff working in the planning area attend Indigenous Cultural Heritage Induction Course.

61 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

G8.4 All construction works are to be carried out in accordance with the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 Section 28 – Duty of Care Guidelines, including preparation of a Cultural Heritage Management plan where recommended as the result of a Cultural Heritage Assessment.

G8.5 Ensure all operations are carried out in accordance with the Queensland Heritage Act 1992.

G8.6 Where interest occurs, facilitate involvement of local historical societies in management of heritage infrastructure.

4.8.3.2 Actions

A8.1 Schedule assessments of known sites of cultural significance to monitor condition of artefacts and determine the necessity for remedial actions if required.

A8.2 Facilitate remedial works as required to protect sites of cultural significance.

A8.3 In consultation with the local Aboriginal community, provide interpretation/educational infrastructure to promote public appreciation and understanding of Aboriginal sites, landscape features and heritage values within the planning area.

A8.4 Assess the significance of known and newly discovered historic features identified within the planning area. Where these are determined to be of European cultural significance, liaise with Council’s heritage planning officers to ensure that they are recorded as being of heritage significance, and that they are provided with adequate protection.

A8.5 Promote public understanding and appreciation of the planning area’s European cultural heritage values through the provision of interpretation and educational material.

4.8.4 Key monitoring priorities

ƒ Scheduled assessments of the condition of sites of cultural significance are to be undertaken. ƒ Regular ranger patrols to monitor disturbance and/or damage to known sites or areas of cultural heritage, as identified during cultural heritage assessments. ƒ Monitoring to assess for any negative impacts on cultural heritage values resulting from management actions.

4.9 Recreation opportunities

4.9.1 Current management situation

The planning area is valued highly by many local residents for its wildlife, visual amenity and natural values. Protection of these values and features can be best achieved if visitors to the area are aware of the significance of the reserves of the planning area and their surrounds. This appreciation will be promoted through the provision of interpretive material which will facilitate an understanding of the issues which impact upon conservation and management within the area.

Within Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area, recreational opportunities such as bushwalking, nature appreciation and cycling are well established and publicised, however this is not consistent across all other reserves in the planning area. In order to improve nature based recreation opportunities and to ensure that appropriate recreation occurs, it will be necessary to plan for and provide coordinated opportunities across the planning area, with well defined access points and a clear intended use. Furthermore, to better promote the

62 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan high quality visitor experiences it is important to provide comprehensive information and education to residents and visitors across a number of easily accessible formats.

Population growth within the planning area is likely to place increasing pressure on reserves through corresponding increases in recreational demand; hence it is essential that future uses and demand are a major consideration in the planning process. Furthermore, the design and location of recreational nodes must incorporate thorough feasibility analyses that evaluate community and visitor requirements, recreational demand, site suitability, access, costs, threats, biodiversity impacts, and long-term management implications.

Impacts associated with current recreational uses in the planning area can include: erosion, soil compaction, vegetation damage, introduction and spread of pest plant species, increased fire risk, fauna disturbance, littering, vandalism, arson and littering. The construction of informal tracks, cubby houses and BMX related infrastructure are examples of unregulated activities that have occurred in reserves within the planning area, resulting in negative impacts upon the natural values. Management of existing and new opportunities must aim to minimise these impacts wherever possible – particularly in more environmentally sensitive areas. Considerable work has been undertaken to restrict access to reserves by high impact, illegal and inappropriate activities such as trail bike riding. It is anticipated that one of the beneficial outcomes of formalising track networks and encouraging the use and appreciation of these reserves for passive nature based activities is a reduction in prohibited activities.

The unauthorised construction and subsequent use of substandard infrastructure, particularly in isolated bushland areas with limited accessibility, creates unacceptable levels of personal risk to users and serious liability issues for Council. The relatively low likelihood of interaction with other users and the lack of viable alternatives may contribute to undesirable behaviour within reserves. Promoting and encouraging the use of nearby purpose made Council facilities is necessary (as is the removal of any unauthorised structures) so as to provide a viable and appealing alternative diminishing the propensity for negative behaviour through increased and formalised interaction with other visitors and Council staff.

One of the contributing factors that lead to undesirable activities within reserves that result in adverse environmental impacts is the relatively low likelihood of interaction with other users. The formalisation and promotion of appropriate minimal impact recreational activities will diminish the opportunity for such behaviour through increased interaction with visitors and Council staff.

Visitor use of the planning area will be managed to maintain a high-quality nature-based recreational experience that is consistent with nature conservation and threatened species legislation, and other conservation objectives outlined in this management plan. For the purposes of this management plan, nature-based recreation can be defined as activities that:

ƒ are dependent on natural environment (i.e. the natural environment is critical to the participation and satisfaction of the participants) ƒ have an appreciation of nature as a key motivational factor ƒ do not require substantial modification to the natural environment ƒ are environmentally sustainable, as determined by an ongoing monitoring program of impacts

4.9.1.1 Bushwalking and nature appreciation

In the first public consultation phase of this draft management plan a significant proportion of respondents (40%) have indicated that having access to the reserves for passive nature based activities such as bushwalking and cycling is an important and desirable component of the management of these reserves.

63 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

The Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area provides opportunities for bushwalking in a coastal setting that in many parts of the CLCA feels remote and a long way from one of the City’s busiest suburbs. Preliminary visitor counter data collected on the existing track network has indicated that current use levels are relatively low. As a key management objective, and in conjunction with strategic marketing and appropriate infrastructure improvements, the CLCA has the potential to cater for a significant increase in the levels of recreational use and become one of the city’s major destinations for nature based recreation.

In the Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area, the levels of track use are being monitored to assist management in determining current and future infrastructure requirements. A rationalisation of the track network within CLCA, including the closure and regeneration of tracks that are not critical to park management, maintenance of the treatment plant or receive low levels of use and do not value add to the range of visitor experiences, will allow management to focus upon delivering quality nature based recreational opportunities elsewhere in the planning area (Figure 3). Improving the continuity of vegetated areas and effectively reducing the edge to area ratio through a reduction in the number of tracks will assist in managing forest communities holistically for restoration and fire purposes.

GCCC has developed a mangrove wetland walk, which makes its way through various vegetation communities of the CLCA’s coastal wetlands to a bird hide at the end of a boardwalk. The walk, located along Shelter Road contains interpretive signage which highlights the natural and cultural values of the area. Other boardwalks have been established off Myola Court and Raintree Glen. These structures provide access for nearby residential estates to the adjacent natural areas and track network.

The re-establishment of pedestrian access from Raintree Glen to Shelter Road past the treatment plant has been raised as being desirable by interested stakeholders. This will require reconfiguring existing fencing and gates and resolving security, access and traffic movement issues at the treatment plant and along the access roads. The alignment of the track connection is to be negotiated before the treatment plant is transferred to the new management entity as part of the State Government’s Water Reform Program. Most trails within the CLCA will be accessible for bushwalking and or cycling, unless sign-posted as management trails only.

The condition of bushwalking tracks within other reserves of the planning area vary from formal concrete paths to rough footpads (Table 8). Improving the connectivity between reserves within the developed urban and industrial areas with recreational infrastructure for walking and cycling is desirable and feasible, utilising the many existing pedestrian/cycle paths and road ways outside the reserves. Existing trails within reserves that are vital to the functionality of these links and that require changes to alignment or surface type should be prioritised for upgrades as demand grows and in keeping with sound sustainable development principles. Providing recreational opportunities in close proximity to residential neighbourhoods will help foster a sense of ownership and appreciation of the significant environmental, social and aesthetic values of the reserves.

Any construction or upgrading of tracks will be subject to appropriate environmental and cultural assessment and will aim to utilise the physical footprint of existing tracks and trails.

4.9.1.2 Day use

The development of any day use areas within the planning area will be based upon a demonstrated need for such facilities and the location will be influenced by factors such as access, environmental sensitivity, safety, mosquito presence and topography. The proximity of the planning area to current and future population centres generates the potential for these reserves to be a popular destination for day use visitors.

64 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

Development of new recreational nodes is likely to be highly constrained by the ecological and landscape values of the reserves. Expansion of existing day use facilities such as picnic tables, shelters and BBQ’s found in the adjacent and the nearby formal park network within the planning area should be considered before evaluating the development of green field sites. Where as the CLCA section of the planning area is suitable for active recreational activities such as cycling and bushwalking, stationary activities such as picnicking may be rendered less than satisfactory by the periodic abundant mosquito population.

4.9.1.3 Cycling

The types of cycling opportunities available throughout the planning are dependant upon the existing track surface or gradient. For example, many of the tracks are suitable for cycling although the surface is gravel or sand which is incompatible with bicycles designed specifically for road use. Some sections of tracks found in the planning area are bitumen or concrete, however at this stage these sections are fragmented and discontinuous. Any upgrades to existing walking tracks to cater for either off road or road bicycles will be dependant upon safety and environmental considerations, available resourcing, connectivity to other cycle-ways and recreational demand.

All cycling tracks within the reserves are shared with pedestrian traffic and are identified in Table 8. Mountain biking activities other than easy cross country riding on existing recreational tracks (Figure 3) are not catered for within the planning area. In the event of a reserve being identified as being a possible location for other specialist mountain biking activities, consideration may be given to the suitability of the site based upon the environmental and social values of the reserve and taking into account any associated public safety implications. A BMX/Skating facility is located in the formal park area of Collingwood Court Parklands.

4.9.1.4 Other activities

The planning area currently provides very limited opportunities for horse riding, through the existing facilities leased by Arundel Riding for the Disabled. This area is not a public access area and further opportunities for this activity will not be promoted within the planning area primarily owing to the limited opportunity for the establishment of additional track or trail corridors, the potential for conflict with other pathway users (i.e. cyclists), and a lack of local demand associated with the surrounding urban interface.

Other sporting and commercial based activities such as local school cross country events, orienteering and fitness instruction take place within the reserves. The regulation and/or coordination of these activities should be considered if the recreational experiences of other users are negatively impacted upon.

Table 8 Recreation tracks within the planning area

Public Reserve Distance Track Function Track Surface Vehicle Name Km Use Walking and/or cycling Gravel/Sand/Dirt/Grass 16.63 No Coombabah Walking and/or cycling Bitumen 0.341 No Lakelands Walking and/or cycling Boardwalk 1.065 No Conservation Area Horse Riding Gravel/Sand/Dirt/Grass 4.8 No (Leasehold) Coombabah Walking and/or cycling Gravel/Sand/Dirt/Grass 1.69 No Lakes Reserve Concrete 0.721 No

65 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

Public Reserve Distance Track Function Track Surface Vehicle Name Km Use Phil Hill Environmental Walking Boardwalk 0.313 No Park Gravel 0.352 No Chiba Park Walking and/or cycling Concrete 0.635 No Len & Muriel Godlonton Walking Gravel 0.3 No Reserve The O'Brien and Gravel 2.135 No Proud Families Walking and/or cycling Concrete 1.28 No Park Bitumen 0.4 No Captain Cook Walking and/or cycling Gravel 0.62 No Parklands Collingwood Gravel 1.275 No Walking Court Parklands Concrete 0.175 No Parkwood Walking Gravel/Sand/Dirt/Grass 0.62 No Family Park Geoff Walter Gravel/Dirt 1.412 No Walking and/or cycling Reserve Concrete 1.462 No Activity Crescent Walking and/or cycling Concrete 0.715 No Reserve Highvale Drive / Helensvale Walking and/or cycling Gravel 0.32 No Reservoir Reserve

66 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

Figure 4 Recreational trails within planning area

67 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

4.9.2 Desired outcomes

ƒ A range of low impact, nature based recreational opportunities are provided that are consistent with the protection of natural and cultural values and ecological processes. ƒ Community support for preserving the natural values of the planning area is enhanced through use of appropriately designed and maintained recreational infrastructure. ƒ Facilities are provided to complement recreational opportunities available elsewhere in the region. ƒ Facilities are designed or enhanced to achieve high standards of safety, visual and recreational amenity and environmental sustainability with minimal environmental or social impacts.

4.9.3 Management strategy

4.9.3.1 Guidelines

G9.1 Restrict development of recreational activities and infrastructure to that (existing or proposed) described within this management plan.

G9.2 Develop and maintain walking trails with the aim of minimising disturbance to geological features and reducing impacts on native plant and animal communities by utilising existing access and management trails and/or by avoiding ecologically significant areas. To further reduce potential impacts, new tracks should be designed to follow natural contours and should be constructed at the minimum width necessary to facilitate access requirements.

G9.3 Construct tracks in accordance with the Australian Standards for Walking Tracks (AS 2156.1-2001 and AS 2156.2-2001), Gold Coast City Council’s Recreational Trail Design Guidelines (GCCC 2002) and any other relevant Council design and/or construction guidelines. New tracks will likely need approvals under Council’s planning scheme and various State acts; for example, the Vegetation Management Act 1999.

G9.4 The opportunities for low impact nature-based recreation are enhanced, and inappropriate activities are identified, assessed and actively discouraged if deemed to be inconsistent with the vision and management intent of this plan.

G9.5 Provide track head, directional and interpretational signage for all walking tracks and riding trails shown on Figure 4. Locate all signage in accordance with relevant Council risk management policies.

G9.6 Where possible, install new infrastructure and embellishments in existing degraded or cleared areas.

G9.7 Maintain regular communications with local residents and interest groups to encourage safe and appropriate recreational usage and informal surveillance of the planning area.

G9.8 Ensure shared design elements across all forms of visitor infrastructure through construction in accordance with the NAMU Signage and Infrastructure Manuals.

G9.9 Rubbish bins should not be provided in Conservation Areas and users should be encouraged to be responsible for removing their own refuse. Where visitor impact monitoring identifies a necessity for rubbish bins, these should be of a type that are not accessible to animals, and emptied on a regular basis particularly during peak use periods.

G9.10 Commission regular arboricultural assessments of trees within the vicinity of all visitor infrastructure. Prune or, where no alternative exists, remove trees which have been identified as posing an unacceptable safety risk.

68 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

G9.11 Ensure that all relevant planning approvals are sought from appropriate Local and State government departments prior to the construction of any recreational infrastructure.

4.9.3.2 Actions

A9.1 Provide maps and track information on Council’s website for all walking tracks, cycling trails and day-use areas within the planning area.

A9.2 Maintain all nominated walking tracks and cycling trails to facilitate safe visitor access, prevent erosion and track degradation, and prevent unauthorised vehicle access.

A9.3 Upgrade degraded facilities in existing day use areas with park furniture that complies with all Council guidelines, manuals and policies relevant to the provision of infrastructure within public open space natural areas.

A9.4 Close and rehabilitate other degraded tracks not shown as walking, cycling or management tracks on Figure 4.

A9.5 Establish and implement maintenance schedules for all visitor facilities as part of operational planning.

A9.6 Promote recreational opportunities within the CLCA via media, Naturally GC and other Council programs.

A9.7 Develop a promotion and marketing plan

A9.8 Promote trails and encourage use of area to help develop a public sense of ownership and responsibility for the area.

A9.9 Conduct a feasibility study for all proposed recreational facilities within this plan to assess economic costs, community demand and potential environmental impacts, including compliance with local, state and federal environmental legislation and consistency with objectives of this management plan.

A9.10 Design and implement a visitor impact assessment program to monitor the impact of recreational use on the natural condition of the planning area.

A9.11 Implement a recreational demand study to identify the future need for additional nature-based recreational facilities within the planning area, incorporating monitoring data for existing recreational uses at or near the planning area. Where demand is identified, undertake a feasibility assessment to identify suitable locations within the planning area or opportunities on adjacent private properties.

A9.12 Use monitoring data for recreational usage to inform future consolidation and development of the recreational trail network within the planning area. Where a high level of use is identified, formalise tracks and implement design solutions to minimise erosion and degradation from heavy usage. Where a low level of usage is identified, consider track closure and rehabilitation (within the context of recreational requirements and demand within the planning area).

A9.13 Liaise with QPWS and other government agencies to ensure coordinated nature- based recreation planning throughout the planning area and broader region.

A9.14 Undertake regular weekday and weekend ranger patrols of the planning area to monitor visitor safety and usage along formal recreation tracks, to encourage safe and appropriate use by visitors, and to control prohibited activities.

69 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

A9.15 Maintain records of safety incidents, hazards and inappropriate use observed during ranger patrols or by the public, to inform future planning and risk management.

4.9.4 Key monitoring priorities

ƒ Design and implement a visitor impact assessment program to identify impact thresholds and appropriate management responses to protect the site’s natural values. Specifically, monitoring should investigate the impacts or changes associated with particular recreational activities, e.g. possible impacts of increased bike riding on macropods. ƒ Undertake visitor use and demand studies to assess variables such as: visitor numbers, levels of recreational use, preferred activities, visitor demographics, conflicts between different recreational uses, types and quality of visitor experience, and public demand for new or different nature-based recreational opportunities.

4.10 Infrastructure

4.10.1 Current management situation

Reserves across the planning area contain various levels of infrastructure ranging from minor infrastructure such as gates, signage, and fencing to major infrastructure such as a sewerage treatment plant, power lines and community facilities.

The Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area was originally purchased to be utilised as a buffer zone for the sewerage treatment plant. This sewerage treatment plant is currently the largest on the Gold Coast is situated approximately in the centre of the Conservation Area and the settlement ponds are frequented by a variety of birdlife. As part of the State Government’s Water Reform Program, ownership of this asset is being transferred to a new administrative entity consisting of Logan, Redland and Gold Coast City Councils. In addition to the sewerage treatment plant, a number of existing community facilities are located within the Conservation Area, notably a Council nursery, the Animal Welfare League hospital and shelter, the Arundel Park Riding for Disabled facility and the Southport Flying Club airfield. Management of these facilities is further addressed in Section 4.12.

A road easement is located within CLCA from the Raintree Glen entrance to facilitate access to the Southport Flying Club’s aerodrome. Another easement found in the CLCA is situated over a main sewer line leading from the sewage treatment facility to Brisbane Road. Geoff Wolter Reserve contains a power easement that crosses from Olsen Avenue in the east before following the northern boundary it shares with an adjoining industrial estate.

The CLCA has three timber boardwalks and one bird hide/observation structure in place. A possible realignment or reconstruction of the Myola boardwalk may be required pending the outcomes of a hydrological study of the associated canal. A number of display shelters are located at entry points associated with the boardwalks off Shelter Road and Raintree Glen. Additionally, numerous gates, bollards and fences are strategically placed on the perimeter of the reserves to restrict and control access. Constructed tracks and trails are referred to in Section 4.11 (Access).

Various land tenures within the planning area contain major infrastructure such as reservoirs and telecommunication towers. The day to day operation of these facilities do not generally affect the overall management of the reserves; however the upgrading and repairs of associated infrastructure should be carried out in consultation with Council’s natural area officers to mitigate any adverse impacts on the immediate environment.

One of the few Electro-optical Distance Meter (EDM) ranges in South East Queensland is located from the Raintree Glen entrance point through to the Coombabah sewage treatment plant. This range is used to calibrate surveying equipment using visually unobtrusive

70 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan permanent survey pillars with a clear line of sight. Subsequent to the recent repositioning of a survey pillar and the utilisation of the existing road alignment of Rain Tree Glen, vegetation clearing to maintain the range will have minimal impact.

Derelict infrastructure and related debris such as fences, wire, old timber, rubbish piles etc are scattered throughout the reserves. Any such remains are to be removed unless deemed to be of significant cultural value as a result of a cultural heritage assessment.

All infrastructure retained and installed within the planning area in response to the provisions of this management plan (including recreational infrastructure identified in Section 4.10 Recreation opportunities) must be placed on a regular maintenance roster involving provision for scheduled and reactive maintenance inspections and activities.

Within the planning area significant infrastructure such as major roads are located immediately outside of the reserve boundaries. The maintenance and upgrading of such infrastructure can impact upon the natural values and management of the reserves. The consideration of potentially environmentally negative outcomes resulting from associated works need to be addressed in the design and construction phases.

4.10.2 Desired outcomes

ƒ The location, operation and maintenance of infrastructure is consistent with and designed in light of the planning area’s highly significant natural and cultural values. ƒ Infrastructure is safe, sustainable and cost effective to operate and maintain. ƒ Infrastructure (and where practicable, utilities) supports the management and conservation of the planning area’s biodiversity, natural systems and processes.

4.10.3 Management strategy

4.10.3.1 Guidelines

G10.1 Locate any new infrastructure and facilities on disturbed or degraded sites wherever possible.

G10.2 New infrastructure should be installed in response to specific strategies or designs for the planning area (e.g. from the Bushfire Management Plan or concept plans for recreational infrastructure), or as a result of demonstrated necessity as determined by Council’s natural area management officers.

G10.3 Ensure that all relevant planning approvals are sought from appropriate Local and State government departments prior to the commencement of any works on-site.

G10.4 Maintain all weather vehicle access to visitor facilities.

G10.5 Design and install all new infrastructure with due consideration to the whole of life costs associated with the asset. Where practicable select durable, low-maintenance materials that are easy to source and replace, and are positioned in locations that will not expose them to unnecessary impacts or wear.

G10.6 The design, construction, and appearance of all infrastructure and visitor facilities is to be of high standard that is commensurate with the significance of the planning area. These facilities should create a signature appearance that is reflected across all forms of visitor infrastructure. Furthermore, they are to be constructed and designed in accordance with all Council guidelines, manuals and policies relevant to the provision of embellishments and infrastructure within public open space natural areas (i.e. Natural Areas Management Unit Strategic Park Furniture Suite, Signage and Fencing Guidelines).

71 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

4.10.3.2 Actions

A10.1 Remove or dispose of existing derelict structures not identified as being of significant cultural value within the planning area.

A10.2 At sites where infrastructure has been removed, assess for suitability as a location for recreational or other management purposes requiring infrastructure development. Alternatively, rehabilitate degraded areas in accordance with the provisions of the relevant Restoration Plan, Action Plan, or Contractor Specifications (refer to section 4.6).

A10.3 Ensure that all retained and new infrastructure within the planning area is placed upon a regular maintenance roster which schedules for routine and reactive maintenance activities and inspections.

A10.4 Consult with relevant Council sections and State Government departments regarding the maintenance or upgrading of infrastructure in close proximity to reserves where there is potential for impact upon the natural values or management of the reserves.

4.10.4 Key monitoring priorities

ƒ Monitor impacts/changes in environmental conditions in areas adjacent to infrastructure localities. ƒ Monitor recovery of degraded/modified sites after cessation of related works. ƒ Regularly assess the maintenance requirements of infrastructure within the planning area and use this information to inform future decisions relating to design and construction materials.

4.11 Access

4.11.1 Current management situation

The reserves within the planning area have various degrees of accessibility, ranging from sealed two lane roads to gravel and sand 4WD tracks. Most of the major vehicle access tracks on the reserves are used to access and maintain key facilities such as reservoirs, treatment plants and telecommunication towers. Other minor vehicle tracks provide access for management purposes such as reserves and fire management, restoration programs, feral animal control and site assessments. There are 3.12 km of bitumen surfaced roads and 9.5 km of gravel or natural surfaced tracks in the planning area identified as primarily providing access to a standard suitable for public use.

Other minor vehicle tracks provide access for management purposes such as fire management, restoration programs, pest animal control, site assessments and ranger patrols. These tracks are often dual purpose and are shared with members of the general public who utilise these tracks for recreational purposes such as bushwalking, nature appreciation and cycling.

72 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

Table 9 Access tracks within the planning area

Public Track Distance Reserve Name Track Surface Vehicle Function Km Use Coombabah Gravel/Sand/Dirt/Grass 8.586 No Lakelands Management Bitumen 2.9 Yes Conservation Area Brushwood Ridge Management & Bitumen 0.22 No Parklands lessee access Gravel 0.3 No Management & Hymix Reserve Gravel 0.33 No lessee access Highvale Drive / Management & Helensvale Gravel 0.195 No lessee Access Reservoir Reserve

Historically, the planning area has experienced problems associated with unauthorised access to reserves, such as rubbish dumping, car dumping and arson, camping, anti-social behaviour, inappropriate recreation (e.g. trail bike riding), and the ad hoc creation of roads and trails. These issues often result in adverse impacts on natural values through damage to vegetation, disturbance to fauna, increased erosion, increased fire risk, and increased pest plant invasion. Considerable work has been undertaken to restrict access to reserves by high impact, illegal and inappropriate activities such as trail bike riding. It is anticipated that one of the beneficial outcomes of formalising track networks and encouraging the use and appreciation of these reserves for passive nature based activities is a reduction in prohibited activities. However, where unauthorised access is a recurrent problem, gates and/or fencing should be installed as a preventative measure.

The impacts associated with the use of 8 wheel Argo vehicles for the treatment of mosquitoes in sensitive wetland areas requires monitoring. The use of alternative treatment methods needs to be investigated as other viable options become available. A reduction in vehicular traffic in such areas that are highly susceptible to environmental impacts is desirable.

A reduction in the speed limit to 40 km/hr along Shelter Road and Rain Tree Glen and 20 km/h to all other vehicle tracks accessible by pedestrians or cyclists will be introduced in order to ensure visitor safety and to reduce the potential for collisions with wildlife.

4.11.2 Desired outcomes

ƒ Maintenance access is facilitated in appropriate and necessary locations only. ƒ Safe access for public, management and fire fighting vehicles. ƒ The environmental impact of management vehicles is minimised, with sensitive and significant areas protected from inappropriate vehicle access.

4.11.3 Management strategy

4.11.3.1 Guidelines

G11.1 Exclude all conventional vehicle access from environmentally sensitive areas such as the marine intertidal areas of CLCA.

73 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

G11.2 To minimise impacts on sensitive areas, management activities within these areas will be undertaken on foot where possible and in consultation with Council’s natural area management officers. Any necessary access required for ground control of mosquitoes and biting insects will be undertaken utilising purpose-built low-impact 8 wheel Argo (or similar) vehicles, however, the use of these vehicles is to be minimised.

G11.3 All Council staff or contractors required to access management trails within the planning area for management purposes are to be briefed by Council’s natural area management officers on their responsibilities as outlined in this management plan.

G11.4 Restrict speed limits on all roads and vehicle tracks to reduce likelihood of collision with pedestrians, cyclists and wildlife.

G11.5 Construct all new management/recreation trails in accordance with relevant trail construction standards, and ensure that their alignment follows the most environmentally sensitive route available.

4.11.3.2 Actions

A11.1 Where the use of Argos is necessary for mosquito management, implement a monitoring regime in conjunction with Council’s Pest Management Officers to ensure potential impacts are mitigated and, where possible, eliminated.

A11.2 Retain only those roads and tracks that are essential for public and management vehicle access, and rehabilitate those that are not required (refer to Figure 5).

A11.3 Install signage to regulate unauthorised entry at key locations where vehicle access is restricted.

A11.4 Where necessary, install bollards or other vehicle exclusion devices at entry points of publicly accessible environmentally sensitive areas to restrict vehicular incursion. Ensure these structures are constructed of sustainable materials and commensurate with the natural landscape and all Council guidelines, manuals and policies relevant to the provision of infrastructure within public open space natural areas.

A11.5 Liaise with Council’s Local Law Officers to monitor and manage illegal vehicle access, including trail bike and four-wheel drive access.

A11.6 Install signage to limit speed limits on all roads to 40 km/hr, and 20km/hr to all other vehicle tracks.

A11.7 Maintain all weather vehicle access to visitor facilities and fire fighting infrastructure.

A11.8 Liaise with relevant asset custodians regarding maintenance of access roads, tracks and associated infrastructure such as drain crossovers.

A11.9 Monitor management tracks to ensure that they are safe and that drainage is functioning effectively; undertake repairs where necessary to avoid ponding of water, erosion and unsafe conditions.

A11.10 During routine patrols of the planning area undertake regular monitoring for unauthorised access to reserves and manage as a priority.

A11.11 Ensure that all management tracks within the planning area are mapped and added to Council’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) database.

74 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

4.11.4 Key monitoring priorities

ƒ Undertake regular monitoring of the condition and safety of maintenance tracks within the planning area. ƒ During ranger patrols monitor reserves of the planning area for newly created unauthorised trails. ƒ Monitor access associated with management activities to ensure that unacceptable environmental impacts are not incurred.

75 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

Figure 5 Access trails within planning area

76 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

4.12 Leased areas

4.12.1 Current management situation

There are a number of long term leases over land parcels within the planning area. These leases give exclusive rights of use in the prescribed areas. To varying degrees, these leases effect the use of the reserves by others and impact upon the natural and aesthetic values. The ongoing renewal of all leases should not be considered automatic and be subject to an evaluation of any associated impacts upon the conservation values within the relevant reserves. The evaluation process should be carried out within a reasonable timeframe prior to the expiration date of current leases.

The Southport Flying Club Inc. lease an area of approximately 17 hectares within CLCA to accommodate a runway, aircraft hangers, a clubhouse and associated infrastructure. This lease is current until 2037. As part of the lease agreement, an obstacle free zone must be maintained by Council immediately outside the leased area in such a way to facilitate safe take off and landing manoeuvres. As a registered aerodrome the design parameters (removal of obstacles and hazards etc) of the runway’s approaches is determined by the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (1998). This means that vegetation within the approaches needs to be managed in accordance with statutory requirements

.A Memorandum of Understanding will be developed between Council and the Southport Flying Club to document a negotiated agreement with CASA regarding the extent of vegetation management required. Council officers will continue to liaise with the executive of the Southport Flying Club to ensure impacts associated with vegetation management are minimised and .mutually beneficial outcomes are achieved.

The Arundel Park Riding for Disabled Inc. lease approximately 11 hectares of reserve within CLCA. This organisation works under the auspices of Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) Qld, an affiliate of RDA Australia. The leased area is used exclusively for horse riding activities conducted by this non profit organisation. This lease is current until 2013.

Along Shelter Road within CLCA the Animal Welfare League (AWL) of Queensland operate a facility through a lease arrangement, adjacent to the Council animal pound. This site serves as an administrative centre for the AWL, a veterinary clinic, temporary accommodation for lost, deserted, stray or impounded animals, a pet re-homing centre, and an educational facility. The services provided to the community through this lease arrangement are not inconsistent with overall conservation values of the reserve given the stringent environmental controls in place and opportunities to promote responsible pet ownership. The lease is due for renewal in 2017.

The Hinterland Field Archers Club have a ‘Permit to Occupy’ issued by the Department of Environment and Resource Management for Hymix Reserve. Gold Coast City Council, as trustee is currently negotiating a lease agreement with the club for their ongoing access and use. Strict conditions that limit development on the site and prescribe management practices that do not compromise the natural integrity of the reserve will form part of the lease agreement.

4.12.2 Desired outcomes

ƒ Lease arrangements do not compromise conservation values of reserves. ƒ New or existing leases should provide for the appreciation and interpretation of the planning areas natural values and foster community support for conservation values.

77 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

4.12.3 Management strategy

4.12.3.1 Guidelines

G12.1 Activities allowed on leased land are ecologically sustainable and for purposes consistent with sound conservation, social and recreational outcomes.

G12.2 Where an existing lease has little or no nexus with conservation it should be phased out and moved to an alternative location where feasible.

G12.3 All leases should contain a condition indicating that leased uses will not be permitted to negatively impact on management programs (e.g. restoration activities) within the planning area. Where a conflict exists, management requirements and outcomes should be given priority.

G12.4 Where a new lease or new lease use is proposed within the planning area, conduct an assessment of the potential environmental impacts of the proposal prior to granting approval. No activities or leases deemed to pose an unacceptable environmental impact are to be permitted within the planning area.

G12.5 Footprints of existing leases will not be permitted to increase.

4.12.3.2 Actions

A12.1 Keep a register of all leases and their renewal date.

A12.2 Review the appropriateness of all lease arrangements in a reasonable time frame prior to renewal.

A12.3 Review the conditions of leases that are to be renewed six months prior to renewal with the aim to improve ecologically sustainability of associated activities or site management.

A12.4 Develop a Memorandum of Understanding to document a negotiated agreement between Council, the Southport Flying Club regarding vegetation management in runway approach zones.

A12.5 Facilitate ongoing liaison between Council and the Southport Flying Club regarding the implementation of the MOU regarding vegetation management in runway approach zones.

A12.6 Report all breaches of lease conditions to Officers of Council’s City Property Section.

4.12.4 Key monitoring priorities

ƒ Monitoring by Council staff to assess compliance by lessees with lease conditions. ƒ Impacts associated with use of conservation estate by lessees to be assessed and monitored in order to determine the long term sustainability of designated uses under lease agreements.

4.13 Commercial activities

4.13.1 Current management situation

If managed appropriately, tourist based commercial operators can increase the diversity of recreational, interpretive and educational opportunities available for visitors and can assist reserve management through encouraging appropriate visitor use and understanding of

78 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan reserve values. This type of commercial activities can typically occur at a high frequency, involving medium to large groups of people, and therefore have potential to impact significantly on amenity values. It is important that group activities, where permitted, are carefully monitored and located in areas where impacts of crowding, traffic flow and safety on environmental and heritage values can be effectively managed.

There are no tourist based commercial operators formally regulated by Council utilising the reserves in the planning area. Currently, only a small number of these operators have been observed visiting the larger and more developed reserves such as the CLCA on an occasional basis. Any substantial increase in the use of the reserves by commercial operators will require the implementation of a permit system to regulate the types and levels of use in the planning area.

Use of the reserves by the film industry represents another type of commercial activity that is undertaken periodically. The requirements of some filming projects are not always consistent with the sound management of the conservation values of the area. Any filming projects that involve vegetation clearing and/or damage, importation of vegetative material, pyrotechnics, the use of animals or any other action that negatively impacts upon the areas natural value, will require significant restrictions.

4.13.2 Desired outcomes

ƒ Commercial tourism activities are conducted in a sustainable, safe, environmentally sensitive and culturally appropriate manner, and are compatible with other visitor uses.

4.13.3 Management strategy

4.13.3.1 Guidelines

G13.1 Applications made for the use of the planning area for filming will be approved at the discretion of the Council, based on an assessment of the ecological impacts of the given proposal. Only those proposals which are considered low-impact, of short duration and unlikely to be detrimental to the values of the planning area will be considered. Filming will generally be restricted to grassland and disturbed areas and where appropriate will require an Environmental Impact Statement to ensure minimal impact to the surrounding landscape.

G13.2 Only approve ecotourism accredited commercial operators that provide passive, nature-based recreational opportunities to conduct activities within the planning area.

G13.3 Liaise with all relevant Council branches and sections and QPWS about the development of commercial activities (i.e. tourism, corporate events, filming) in the planning area.

G13.4 Work with commercial operators to promote environmentally sensitive and sustainable economic activities on lands within and/or adjacent to the planning area.

4.13.3.2 Actions

A13.1 Develop and implement a permitted use process for external users to ensure that all activities within the planning area are conducted in a manner that:

ƒ is consistent with conservation of natural and cultural resources ƒ is nature based and provides appropriate interpretation of park values ƒ involves local Aboriginal input where there is a cultural heritage component ƒ avoids conflict with other reserve users

79 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

ƒ does not incur high public liability risks ƒ is appropriate for the level of existing infrastructure or resources ƒ incorporates appropriate monitoring mechanisms to assess sustainability of ecological and amenity values

A13.2 Maintain a database of commercial operations within the planning area, including records of frequency, location, type/s and levels of use.

A13.3 Report instances of permit non-compliance to Council’s property officers.

4.13.4 Key monitoring priorities

ƒ Monitor the effects of commercial activities for signs of unacceptable levels of environmental impact. ƒ Monitor commercial activities for non-compliance with permit conditions.

4.14 Community involvement, education and interpretation

4.14.1 Current management situation

Protection of the environmental values of the planning area becomes easier to achieve if local residents and other visitors are aware of the environmental significance of the reserves and understand Council’s management and conservation priorities. Providing information and environmental education can promote this awareness by helping to orientate visitors and enhance their visit. This in turn fosters an understanding and appreciation of the planning area’s features and values, encourages appropriate public use and behaviour, reduces potential management problems and contributes to a broader understanding of natural environments and management objectives.

Gold Coast City Council currently organises interpretive programs such as Walk on the Wild Side during school holidays. These events incorporate nature-based activities including bike riding, bush walking, spotlight tours and wildlife shows that aim to increase the participants’ understanding of the natural values of the area.

Because of its proximity to the Gold Coast and Brisbane, the CLCA could play an important role in environmental education for school and university groups and the wider community. The Conservation Area’s position adjacent to State-managed Conservation Parks, as well as the variety of vegetation communities and associated fauna present, provides excellent educational and interpretation opportunities. The significance of the Coombabah area to traditional owner communities also provides opportunities to develop a broader public understanding of cultural heritage issues.

With projected population growth in Southeast Queensland, Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area is likely to experience increased visitor usage and the use of appropriate interpretational facilities will be critical in the sustainable management of increased visitor numbers.

Encouraging community and neighbour interest in the values of the planning area and raising community awareness of management issues may be a critical factor in the success of land management activities. Community groups and volunteers can contribute to natural area management through involvement in conservation and monitoring projects, public education, community development, and the promotion of Council’s conservation objectives.

The Coombabah Lakes Bushcare Group undertake restoration work at selected sites in the CLCA as part of a Gold Coast City Council’s volunteer program. The potential exists for the formation of new Bushcare groups to contribute to restoration of bushland within other

80 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan reserves within the planning area depending upon identification of suitable sites, resource availability and community interest.

4.14.2 Desired outcomes

ƒ The local community and visitors have an appreciation, enjoyment and an understanding of the planning area’s values and support its ongoing protection. ƒ Where appropriate, community and visitor involvement in conservation and management of the planning area is encouraged. ƒ Good relationships are established with residents and landowners neighbouring the reserves of the planning area, and with community groups with an interest in the planning area. ƒ Minimal visitor impact through understanding of and support for regulations established to protect the planning area.

4.14.3 Management strategy

4.14.3.1 Guidelines

G14.1 Continue to support community groups in the delivery of management plan objectives.

G14.2 Manage educational use of the planning area according to permitted visitor uses (refer to sections 4.9 and 4.13).

4.14.3.2 Actions

A14.1 Prepare and implement an Interpretation Plan. The primary aim of the plan is to ensure that all reserve and communication signage, activities and facilities are coordinated, of consistent quality and effectively communicate with visitors. The plan will include:

ƒ objectives for reserve communication activities and priorities ƒ strategies for the development of information, interpretation, education and public relations products ƒ themes relating to the planning area’s values – for example, flora and fauna (in particular threatened or otherwise significant species and communities), contribution to wildlife corridors, cultural heritage, scenic amenity, and biological diversity ƒ a signage plan

A14.2 Provide opportunities for visitors to learn and appreciate the natural and cultural values of the planning area through:

ƒ interpretive programs by Council officers, contractors and volunteers ƒ interpretive signage highlighting key conservation values and management programs ƒ a visitor information pamphlet ƒ maps and guides ƒ self guiding interpretive walking tracks ƒ information shelters ƒ information on the GCCC website ƒ regular input into local media

A14.3 Improve visitor behaviour, understanding and support of reserve management initiatives through increased Ranger patrols on weekends and holiday periods, and signage encouraging environmentally responsible recreation.

81 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

A14.4 Provide directional, interpretational and risk management signs in accordance with the GCCC Signage Masterplan, and ensure that proposed interpretative facilities and services enhance the management of the reserve.

A14.5 Review and update interpretive material for the planning area on a regular basis to ensure currency and relevance of information.

A14.6 Implement a good neighbour program tailored towards neighbouring residences. This program should address issues such as: planting of suitable native species, responsible disposal of household and garden waste, responsible pet ownership, a coordinated approach to pest plant and animal control, and bushfire hazard reduction strategies.

A14.7 Develop and evaluate a long-term volunteer strategy that incorporates the skills and interests of volunteer groups in a range of management activities.

A14.8 Provide education and training to new and existing community bushcare and other volunteer groups about operating effectively with minimal Council supervision.

A14.9 Develop and implement a permitted use, and risk assessment process for all external users (e.g. school/university or nature observation groups) to ensure that all activities within the planning area are appropriate and conducted in an environmentally sustainable manner.

4.14.4 Key monitoring priorities

ƒ Conduct surveys of visitors to ascertain the effectiveness of educational and interpretive material within the planning area by assessing whether knowledge and understanding of conservation and land management issues has improved. ƒ Conduct ongoing monitoring to assess the effectiveness of the Good Neighbour Program and other neighbour-based education initiatives. ƒ Monitor levels of community participation and satisfaction in conservation projects and their effectiveness within the planning area.

4.15 Research and monitoring

4.15.1 Current management situation

The purpose of undertaking scientific research and monitoring is to provide Council with a comprehensive understanding of the natural and cultural values, as well as ecological processes of the planning area. Furthermore, ongoing monitoring of management actions is necessary to establish whether such actions are effective and are achieving the desired conservation objectives. It is considered essential that management of these highly important reserves be based on sound scientific information and continued monitoring of ecosystem conditions. Experimental design and data collection methodologies should be consistent throughout all Council-managed natural areas. Research and monitoring of this nature will ensure that the ecological dynamics of the area are well understood, thereby enabling land managers to make informed decisions at both the reserve and landscape scale.

Currently, there is insufficient information about the carrying capacity of the Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area in regards to comprehensively managing the macropod population in a sustainable manner. Reports on kangaroo management in Coombabah were completed in 1996 and 2002 (Forestman 1996, and Streatfield, Higginbottom, Shaw 2002) and follow up monitoring and research into the habitat requirements for both macropod species and other co-existing fauna populations such as the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) is required. Ongoing research and monitoring would also be beneficial in developing a better understanding of the habitats that support the significant species of birdlife found in the wetlands areas.

82 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

A number of existing institutions, management agencies and research groups have, or may have, an interest in ecological and threatened species research within or adjacent to the planning area, including: Council’s strategic environmental planning officers and pest plant and animal management officers, Griffith University Centre for Innovative Conservation Strategies, QPWS/DERM, Southeast Queensland Fire and Biodiversity Consortium, South East Queensland Catchments, the Glossy Black Cockatoo Conservancy and the Gold Coast Bird Observers. These groups may be able to identify critical gaps in current knowledge and provide direction for research priorities.

Some monitoring of ecological restoration works is carried out by contractors and Council restoration specialists. Council’s natural areas management officers also conduct flora and visitor use monitoring to assist in informing sound management practices. Other research is undertaken on a regular basis within reserves by university students. This work is generally carried out without management input or direction and the relevance of this work to management would be greatly enhanced by closer working relationships between the tertiary institutions and Council.

There will be a continuing need to monitor the impact of recreational uses in the planning area over time. While usage may be low to begin with, population growth in the area has the potential to place increased pressure on the planning area.

The objective of this plan is to achieve sustainable management of the range of values associated with the planning area. Monitoring and evaluation will allow for the identification of developing management issues and will highlight changes in existing management practices necessary to ensure continued protection of ecological values. Furthermore, while research is important for guiding management, the areas involved can be sensitive and research itself may have an impact. It is important that research activities within the area are appropriately managed.

4.15.2 Desired outcomes

ƒ Monitoring and research contributes to improved management of the planning area. ƒ Impacts of management are rapidly assessed through targeted monitoring. ƒ Management is adapted to effectively manage trends identified during monitoring. ƒ No unacceptable environmental impacts result from research and monitoring. ƒ Research is coordinated and integrated with strategic regional biodiversity management priorities.

4.15.3 Management strategy

4.15.3.1 Guidelines

G15.1 Undertake and support research and monitoring in the planning area which aims to:

ƒ increase knowledge of planning area values and conservation significance ƒ understand the nature and rate of any change in these values ƒ improve knowledge about visitor demand, satisfaction, use, characteristics and impacts ƒ improve management practices for the natural and cultural resources ƒ provide information that contributes to Council’s strategic planning functions contributes to the broader (e.g. regional, state, national etc) body of scientific knowledge

G15.2 Ensure that data collection and experimental design are scientifically rigorous and produce results that are able to be analysed statistically.

83 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

G15.3 All research within the planning area will be subject to a permit system implemented by Council. Permits will be issued in accordance with the provisions of Gold Coast City Council Local Law No. 9 (Parks and Reserves) and Local Law Policy No. 9.1 (Parks and Reserves). Particular consideration should be given to Sections 17 and 18 of the Policy, which regulate scientific research within public open space.

G15.4 Researchers working within the planning area must liaise with the Council regarding access, safety, compliance with management plan objectives and handover of research findings.

G15.5 Research activities involving the taking, use, or keeping of protected wildlife for scientific purposes must demonstrate sustainability and require a permit under the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006.

G15.6 Where research and monitoring activities result in environmental disturbance or degradation within the reserve, researchers will be required to undertake rehabilitation of affected areas at the completion of the project/s and/or cease projects if the impact is deemed by Council to be unacceptable.

G15.7 Ensure that the results of research conducted within or relevant to the reserve inform the review of this management plan.

G15.8 Adapt management practices to take into account threats, changes and opportunities identified in monitoring surveys/research studies.

G15.9 Collaborate with research institutions and other relevant organisations where opportunities exist to develop a strategic approach to addressing key management questions within the region.

G15.10 All proposed monitoring projects will be conducted based upon the availability of resources and funding. In order to ensure that those projects of the highest imperative are undertaken first, all monitoring initiatives will be prioritised Council’s natural area monitoring projects database.

4.15.3.2 Actions

A15.1 Liaise with Council’s strategic environmental planning officers and catchment management officers regarding current and planned strategic research programs within the planning area.

A15.2 Regularly update Council’s natural area monitoring projects database when new monitoring and research projects for the planning area are identified. This database should additionally be used for assigning priorities to each of the proposed projects within the context of the planning area and the entire city.

A15.3 Using Council’s natural area monitoring projects database prepare and update a prospectus of priority research projects to be distributed to research organisations and/or tertiary institutions as a guide to preferred research projects within the reserve. Priority topics include:

ƒ updates to flora and fauna inventories ƒ monitoring of significant species and communities and further understanding of their management requirements for e.g. koala and kanagaroo population dynamics and carrying capcity ƒ monitoring of vegetation change and succession ƒ the role of wildlife corridors in the area

84 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

ƒ monitoring of fauna populations and community interactions ƒ the most appropriate fire regimes for particular vegetation communities and individual plant and animal species ƒ monitoring of the planned burn program and its effects on fuel load accumulation ƒ monitoring the success of restoration programs within the planning area ƒ the impact of pest plants and/or animals on the ecology of the planning area ƒ cultural heritage research ƒ the acceptable limits of disturbance for different environments from recreational and management activities ƒ investigation of recreational demand within the context of the planning area and the entire city

A15.4 Develop and implement a monitoring strategy to assess the overall effectiveness of this management plan. This will be a high level monitoring strategy that will monitor and assess the overall performance of the plan and the performance of the specific management strategies included within.

4.15.4 Key monitoring priorities

ƒ Facilitate further research into the population, movement and distribution of macropods throughout the Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area and adjacent reserves and properties. ƒ Facilitate research into the population, movement and distribution of Koalas within the planning area. ƒ Establish environmental benchmarks in order to measure changes associated with recreational, commercial, lessee or management use of the planning area. ƒ Ensure all research and monitoring programs do not result in unsustainable impacts upon the values of the planning area. ƒ Review on-ground management actions against Desired Outcomes and timelines at least every 5 years to assess the effectiveness of this Management Plan.

4.16 Consolidation of estate and management of isolated reserves

4.16.1 Current management situation

There is no recognised need to consider the revocation of existing trusteeships or transfer of tenure within the planning area at this stage although as either further land becomes available for conservation purposes or unforseen threats become apparent the consolidation of land tenure may be advantageous and could be considered.

It is anticipated that a number of land parcels within reserves currently designated as Detached Dwelling, Residential Choice, Rural, Industrial 2 and Community Purposes Domains will be revised or updated to the Public Open Space Domain during future reviews of Domain mapping.

85 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

Table 11 Land parcels requiring Domain review

Lot and Plan Domain Reserve 1RP811096 Community Purposes Captain Cook Parklands 10CP854277 Community Purposes Careel Reserve 978RP224481 Community Purposes Careel Reserve 21RP883601 Community Purposes CLCA 21RP883601 Not Domained CLCA 900SP126956 Detached Dwelling Ivan Gibbs Conservation Area 900SP125568 Residential Choice Limetree Junction Parklands 905SP141223 Detached Dwelling Petworth Court Reserve 12SP131451 Rural Coombabah Creek Reserve 900SP191022 Industrial 2 Arundel Access Park 953SP120543 Detached Dwelling Geoff Walter Drive Reserve 101SP157841 Detached Dwelling Reichardt Drive Reserve 998SP176518 Detached Dwelling Watergum Reserve 1RP67470 Community Purposes Brushwood Ridge Parklands

The planning area contains a number of small, isolated reserves that receive little attention because of their inaccessibility, small size, and lack of infrastructure or amenity. Some of these reserves are owned by Council, whilst others are State-owned and managed by Council as the trustee. It is probable that a number of these reserves will be of strategic importance in the future if they are consolidated through future acquisitions or if demand for public open space increases.

The role of Hymix, Coombabah Creek and Arundel Access Reserves as functional links in an east-west conservation corridor is constrained by the tenure and/or current land use of adjoining and proximate vegetated and semi-cleared areas. The acquisition of, or the change of management intent through Voluntary Conservation Agreements is desirable to ensure the long term functionality of these reserves in the planning area as wildlife corridors.

With the urban and industrial growth potential for land surrounding most of the reserves having already been realised, the opportunity for future developer contributed natural area open space is limited. Any future developments in the Arundel, Gaven and Pacific Pines precincts may provide opportunities to enhance the reserve network in one of the City’s critical conservation corridors (GCCC Nature Conservation Strategy 2009).

4.16.2 Desired outcomes

ƒ Ensure that the planning area’s values are adequately protected by appropriate land tenure and Domain or Local Area Plan designation within the Gold Coast Planning Scheme. ƒ Pursue the acquisition or protection through other measures of strategically positioned allotments, or portions of allotments, to improve the functionality and connectivity of Council’s natural area estate within the planning area.

4.16.3 Management strategy

4.16.3.1 Guidelines

G16.1 Support the acquisition or protection of lands adjacent to the planning area to improve the representation and connectivity of vegetation communities and wildlife corridors, particularly important habitat areas located in the vicinity of Coombabah Creek.

G16.2 Liaise with the Implementation and Assessment Branch and Recreational Planning Unit of Council to deliver developments, and where appropriate acquisition of developer-

86 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan contributed natural area public open space, within the region that are compatible with the management intent of the planning area.

4.16.3.2 Actions

A16.1 Transfer all land parcels identified in Table 11 from the Community Purposes, Not Domained, Detached Dwelling, Residential Choice, Rural and Industrial 2 Domains to the Public Open Space Domain during the next revision of the Gold Coast Planning Scheme.

A16.2 Provide advice to Council’s Environmental Planning and Conservation Unit regarding the acquisition of suitable parcels of land through the Open Space Preservation Levy.

4.16.4 Key monitoring priorities

ƒ Undertake periodic assessments to ensure that all new Council managed natural areas are designated within either the Public Open Space Domain or a conservation-based Local Area Plan designation. ƒ Regularly review the location of new natural area acquisitions to assess whether their position in the landscape contributes to the functionality and connectivity of Council’s natural area estate. ƒ Regularly review how the location of new natural area acquisitions (OSPL, developer contributions, or other) contributes to the functionality and connectivity of Council’s natural area estate.

4.17 Coordinated reserve management

4.17.1 Current management situation

A considerable portion of Council-managed reserves within the planning area are immediately adjacent to or nearby State-managed conservation estate. Developing and maintaining a cooperative relationship with Queensland Parks and Wildlife will ensure that the Council reserves are managed consistently with the management principles of the adjoining State reserves. Identifying common key management priorities such as education, pest plant and animal control, recreational opportunities, fire management and habitat protection will assist in the effective allocation of resources at an intergovernmental level

In addition, the CLCA surrounds the City’s largest Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP). A number of issues relating to the operations of the WWTP such as flooding, access to trunk mains that traverse the reserve, storage of materials and connectivity for recreational users impact upon the management of the CLCA. Thus developing a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) with the WWTP administrative entity will also ensure that the ongoing operation of the WWTP will be consistent with the management intent for the planning area. An MOU would also take advantage of opportunities for efficiency gains in the management of pest plant and animal control, fire, education and habitat protection

Within the planning area a few private land holders have entered into Land for Wildlife agreements although there are currently no Voluntary Conservation Agreements established. The potential exists for a significant expansion in the number of such agreements in order to enhance viability of the fragmented ecological corridors.

4.17.2 Desired outcomes

ƒ Integrated and collaborative management between Council, Queensland Parks and Wildlife and neighbours. ƒ Effective and efficient use of Council’s resources in managing priority reserves within the planning area.

87 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

4.17.3 Management strategy

4.17.3.1 Guidelines

G17.1 Ensure that Council’s natural area management officers are key stakeholders in strategic land use planning in the area. These officers should be consulted regarding all development applications on properties adjacent to conservation reserves.

G17.2 Immediately report to Council’s natural area management officers any encroachments into the planning area by adjoining land owners or managers for referral to Council’s Local Law Officers.

4.17.3.2 Actions

A17.1 Collaborate with Queensland Parks and Wildlife in the management of threatened species, fire, catchments, pest control, access and recreation in Council and State-managed conservation reserves.

A17.2 Develop a MOU with the WWTP administrative authority re maintenance of infrastructure within the CLCA and other operational matters of the facility that may impact upon conservation values within the planning area.

A17.3 Liaise with local owners of Land for Wildlife properties and Council’s Strategic Environmental Planning Officers regarding the coordination of management activities and operations.

A17.4 Provide advice to Council’s Strategic Environmental Planning Officers regarding acquisition of suitable land parcels through the Open Space Preservation Levy.

A17.5 Undertake ongoing monitoring for encroachments within the planning area through ranger patrols, examination of aerial photography, and community feedback.

4.17.4 Key monitoring priorities

ƒ Undertake a review of the success of each collaborative management program to determine whether outcomes have been achieved and to provide feedback for the improvement of future programs. ƒ During ranger patrols, monitor for new or expanded encroachments within the planning area. ƒ Periodically assess the success of collaborative management and community engagement in reducing the incidences of encroachments within the planning area.

4.18 Naming of reserves within the planning area

4.18.1 Current management situation

Parks within the planning area have been named in accordance with Council’s Naming of Parks and Community Facilities Policy. In accordance with this policy, Council adopts a general practice of naming parks and facilities after their street, suburb or a nearby geographical feature to facilitate ready identification of parks by Council staff, emergency services and the public.

Applications to name or rename parks and community facilities after individuals, families, service clubs or community organisations may be suitable in some circumstances and must be assessed against the criteria outlined in Attachment A of the policy. Currently there are no parks or reserves within the planning area identified as requiring renaming, however an

88 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan anomaly found in the naming of the CLCA on the Council’s corporate digital mapping layers requires correction.

The Naming of Parks and Community Facilities Policy includes a general principle relevant to lands bought with the OSPL, and requires that such sites are named at the time of the preparation of the management plan. The policy states that these acquisitions must be given a name which describes the general location and key natural values for which the area was purchased, followed by the term ‘Conservation Area’. The policy also acknowledges the importance of identifying any cultural and natural heritage, indicating that it is appropriate to name interpretive or recreational infrastructure after historical affiliations or individual families who have made a contribution to the city or locality.

It is further recommended that future OSPL acquisitions or nay developer contributions adjacent to existing natural area public open space be amalgamated into the existing reserves for ease of identification and management.

4.18.2 Desired outcomes

ƒ Reserve nomenclature is consistent within the planning area and identifies geographic location or cultural history and management intent of reserves.

4.18.3 Management strategy

4.18.3.1 Guidelines

G18.1 All future signage and communication materials reflect reserve names used in this management plan.

G18.2 Naming or renaming other non-OSPL reserves within the planning area is carried out in accordance with Council’s Naming of Parks and Community Facilities Policy.

G18.3 Ensure that the naming of all reserves within the planning area adequately reflects their conservation status and general management intent.

G18.4 All new natural area public open space adjoining reserves within the planning area should be amalgamated into these existing reserves and named accordingly.

4.18.3.2 Actions

A18.1 Correct naming anomaly on Council’s corporate mapping layer for the Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area.

4.18.4 Key monitoring priorities

ƒ Undertake periodic assessments ensure that all new natural area public open space within the planning area is named in accordance with the Naming of Parks and Community Facilities Policy. ƒ Undertake a periodic review of the location of new natural area public open space to ensure that acquisitions adjoining existing reserves have been appropriately amalgamated.

89 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan 5 Summary of management priorities and timeframes

Table 12 (Management priorities and timeframes) provides a prioritised list of all management actions given in Section 4 of this plan, for incorporation into strategic and operational works programs for NAMU. Management actions are listed reserve by reserve to facilitate easy identification of priority actions for each reserve within the planning area. Actions that apply to the entire planning area are listed first.

High priority activities are those imperative to achievement of the objectives and desired outcomes. It is expected that they will be achieved within five years of the approval of this plan in order to avoid significant deterioration in natural, cultural or management resources. Medium priority activities are those that are necessary to achieve the objectives and desired outcomes but are not urgent. They should be completed within the lifetime of the plan (i.e. 10 years), unless otherwise specified (e.g. many high and medium priority actions have ongoing relevance throughout and beyond the lifetime of the plan). Low priority activities are desirable to achieve management objectives and should be implemented within the lifetime of the plan, but will be contingent upon the availability of resources.

Table 12 Management priorities and timeframes.

Theme Action Action Priority Timeframe number Whole of A1.1 Develop appropriate recreational infrastructure where required. L As required cluster Liaise with neighbours to encourage the retention of landscape values adjoining the planning area, and support Council’s Environmental Planning and Conservation Unit in A1.2 L Ongoing promoting private landholder vegetation conservation incentives to residents in the planning area – particularly those neighbouring conservation reserves Landscape Support the acquisition of vegetated and visually prominent properties within the planning protection A1.3 H 2 years area through Council’s Open Space Preservation Levy. Liaise with the Implementation and Assessment Branch and Recreational Planning Unit of Council to ensure that future developments complement the natural character of the area, A1.4 H Ongoing and protect significant scenic and landscape features adjoining, or in proximity to, the planning area. Liaise with Council’s Catchment Management officers to initiate an aquatic macro A2.1 invertebrate monitoring program using the SIGNAL analysis methodology to compare H 3 years Catchment management changes in pollution levels over time and help to identify specific problem areas. Promote responsible attitudes towards water quality management through interpretive A2.2 M 5 years material developed for the reserves. Control access around known locations of locally significant species through installation of Native A3.1 M 5 years vegetation appropriate signage, closure of informal and unnecessary tracks (refer to 4.11) and buffer planting along degraded edges of formal tracks.

90 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

Theme Action Action Priority Timeframe number Essential removal of remnant vegetation must be subject to assessment and approval A3.2 under the Queensland Vegetation Management Act 1999 and Our Living City, Planning H Ongoing Scheme Promote better understanding amongst neighbours and reserve users regarding the A3.3 impacts of activities such as informal track creation and dumping green waste in native H Ongoing vegetation, through ranger patrols and promotional material. Where disturbances to native vegetation (e.g. through illegal clearing, encroachment, or garden waste dumping) are identified, implement appropriate management measures to A3.4 H Ongoing control these activities through dialogue with perpetrators and, where necessary with the assistance of GCCC Local Law. Support Council’s Strategic Environmental Planning Officers in the development of private A3.5 landholder conservation incentives to increase resident participation in protection of native L 5-10 years vegetation Using existing survey data (Leiper, 2004 & McDonald 2000) as a baseline, conduct floristic surveys, particularly in of concern ecosystems, at regular intervals (e.g. every 5 A3.6 M 5 years years) to assess changes in ecological condition, floristic diversity and rare or threatened plant populations and review management where required. Forward all new floristic studies and incidental records for rare, threatened or locally A3.7 significant species to Council’s Strategic Environmental Planning Officers for inclusion in M Ongoing Council’s Nature Conservation Strategy database Maintain records of fauna mortality and cause of death within the reserves, from Council staff and community observations and local Wildcare records. Where increased disease-related mortality is observed, implement management Native fauna A4.1 M Ongoing measures to mitigate risk of further mortality and, where relevant manage in accordance with state/commonwealth guidelines for threatened species and/or key threatening processes. Manage all reserves in accordance with recommendations and requirements of A4.2 Commonwealth Government Draft Threat Abatement Plan for Infection of Amphibians with M Ongoing Chytrid Fungus Resulting in Chytridiomycosis. Maintain a good working relationship with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service A4.3 (QPWS) to ensure best practice in management of fauna and habitat, including bushfire M Ongoing management, habitat connectivity and pest control and disease prevention. A4.4 Minimise disturbance to fauna habitat during ecological restoration M Ongoing Preserve and enhance habitat values in areas that support EVR species in order to A4.5 H Ongoing maintain viable populations.

91 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

Theme Action Action Priority Timeframe number Continue to enhance connectivity between nearby reserve networks through ecological A4.6 restoration, changes in land management intent or land acquisition in order to enable M Ongoing natural dispersal of fauna populations. Manage visitor access to minimise fauna habitat disturbance and increase the area of fauna habitat resources available: A4.8 - Close and rehabilitate informal tracks indicated on Figure 4. H 2 years - Restrict formal recreation to existing pathways and cleared grassed areas through signage, maps and public education. Provide input to Department of Main Roads regarding design and construction of A4.9 adequate fauna crossing infrastructure at Coombabah Creek crossing point of South H 2 years Coast motorway and Smith St extension Liaise with Council’s Strategic Environmental Planning Officers to consolidate corridor at A4.10 juncture of Coombabah Ck and major traffic thoroughfares (e.g. M1 & South Coast H 2 years Motorways, Smith St extension.) Using existing survey data as a baseline, work with Council’s Strategic Environmental A4.11 Planning Officers to develop a database and long-term population and distribution M 5 years monitoring of significant species listed in Table 4 Initiate terrestrial invertebrate monitoring to improve understanding of invertebrate A4.12 M 5 years diversity within the reserves and to provide a baseline for future monitoring. Undertake research to better understand the importance of the grasslands in the CLCA for the continued presence of macropod species and significant bird species. The conclusions from the study are to be used to understand the quantity of grassed area and A4.13 H 2 years feed required to support predetermined populations of macropods and the establishment of appropriate maintenance regimes and species composition (such as burning or slashing). Incorporate wildlife records for the planning area into Council’s Nature Conservation A4.14 Strategy Database. In addition, provide Queensland Museum and EPA with appropriate details and evidence of endangered, vulnerable and threatened species. Promote community understanding of fauna protection and management issues (refer to A4.15 section 4.14) Support community education programs that encourage provision of native fauna habitat A4.16 in adjacent properties.

92 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

Theme Action Action Priority Timeframe number Facilitate public education regarding the spread of infectious diseases including A4.17 toxoplasmosis, amphibian chytridiomycosis, Australian Bat Lyssavirus, koala chlamydiosis and cryptococcosis and other diseases spread by pest animals. Review and update strategic fire plan for CLCA and the remainder of the planning area that addresses the following: x Viability of fire as an ecological management tool within small, isolated urban reserves. x Protection/maintenance of habitat complexity, including mature trees and A5.1 H 1 year connectivity between structurally mature understorey and ground layers, including leaf litter. x Protection of fire intolerant vegetation types x Rationalisation of existing fire management infrastructure (e.g. fire trails) in relation to known habitat for significant species and vegetation communities. Develop operational burn plan for property protection at urban interface, consistent with A5.2 H 2 years desired objectives of associated restoration and conservation plans Carry out fuel reduction burns for property protection at urban interface in conjunction with A5.3 H 5 years restoration projects. Prohibit open fires (e.g. campfires, wood barbeques) within the planning area through A5.4 H Ongoing Fire signage, public education and ranger patrols. Close unsafe parts of the planning area to the public in extreme fire danger periods and A5.5 H As required during and immediately after planned burns Establish long term monitoring of unburnt and burnt areas following planned or unplanned fires to assess the influence of fire frequency on species composition and diversity, habitat A5.6 H As required condition and vegetation health and to assist future decision making regarding the use of fire as an ecological management tool within the planning area. Ensure relevant mapping layers are maintained in Council’s Geographical Information A5.7 System (GIS), including fire history, ignition source, fire path, ecological data, H As required management trails, control lines and fire fighting infrastructure. Promote/facilitate community education (refer to 4.14) regarding threats posed by A5.8 accidental fire and by dumping combustible garden waste in the reserves that may H Ongoing increase risk of fire.

Liaise with traditional owners regarding fire management practices to ensure the A5.9 H 2 years protection of sites, places and landscapes of aboriginal cultural significance. Pest plants Develop, prioritise and implement restoration plans for balance of reserves in the planning A6.2 M 5 years and area outside of CLCA.

93 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

Theme Action Action Priority Timeframe number ecological Monitor existing restoration programs in accordance with monitoring restoration A6.3 protocols/recommendations provided in restoration plans. M Ongoing

Educate neighbouring residents about the threat posed by garden escapes to ecological values within the reserves through: x Ranger patrols A6.4 H Ongoing x Signage located at visible points along park boundaries x Development and distribution of educational material regarding problematic garden species and suitable native garden alternatives. Install signage at visible points adjacent to restoration areas to educate park visitors about A6.5 the restoration process, impact of restoration on ecological values, and how individual M 5 years neighbours can help. Liaise with QPWS to facilitate coordinated pest plant management between Council and A6.6 State managed reserves, particularly where pest plant species from State managed sites M 5 years occur upslope or upstream of sites recently restored by Council. Produce a pest animal control plan (PACP) for the planning area, focusing on predatory A7.1 M 5 years species. Establish baseline data regarding the distribution and abundance of pest animals within A7.2 M 5 years the reserves and review the history of control measures undertaken. Implement monitoring and reporting protocols to measure effectiveness of pest animal A7.3 M 5-10 years control programs. Pest animals Work with QPWS to ensure coordinated management of pest animals within the planning A7.4 M Ongoing area Add a link from relevant Council web pages on Coombabah cluster to Local Law 12, A7.7 H 1 year Schedule 3, to indicated dog prohibited areas. Promote responsible pet ownership and community understanding of the impacts of A7.8 domestic animals on native fauna through interpretational signage (refer to 4.14), M 5 years Council’s website, local media and ranger patrols. Schedule assessments of known sites of cultural significance to monitor condition of A8.1 H 1 year artefacts and determine the necessity for remedial actions if required. Aboriginal A8.2 Facilitate remedial works as required to protect sites of cultural significance H 2 years and In consultation with the local Aboriginal community, provide interpretation/educational European Cultural A8.3 infrastructure to promote public appreciation and understanding of aboriginal sites, M 5 years Heritage landscape features and heritage values within the planning area. A8.4 European cultural heritage survey be undertaken L 5-10 years A8.5 Deliver interpretive walks in conjunction with GCCC interpretation and extension programs M Ongoing

94 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

Theme Action Action Priority Timeframe number Provide maps and track information on Councils Natural Areas web pages for all walking A9.1 H 2 years tracks, riding trails and day-use areas within the planning area. Maintain all nominated walking tracks and cycling trails to: x Facilitate safe visitor access; x Ensure access for maintenance and emergency vehicles (4-wheel drive tracks only); A9.2 H Ongoing x Prevent erosion and track degradation; x Control weeds; and x Prevent unauthorised vehicle access. Assess potential for connecting reserve network with existing footpath and bicycle paths A9.5 M 5 years Recreation to create mid distance walking/riding opportunities opportunities Install signage to discourage access along tracks through rehabilitation areas until such A9.6 M 5 years time as these areas become established Establish and implement maintenance schedules for all visitor facilities as part of A9.7 H 2 years operational planning. Promote trails and encourage use of area to help develop a public sense of ownership A9.8 H 2 years and responsibility for the area Conduct a feasibility study for all proposed recreational facilities within this plan to assess economic costs, community demand and potential environmental impacts, including A9.9 M 5 years compliance with local, state and federal environmental legislation and consistency with objectives of this management plan. Remove or dispose of existing derelict structures not identified as being of significant A10.1 M 5 years cultural value within the planning area At sites where infrastructure has been removed, rehabilitate degraded areas in A10.2 M 5 years accordance with the provisions of the Restoration Plan (Section 4.7). Ensure that all retained and new infrastructure within the planning area is placed upon a Infrastructure A10.3 regular maintenance roster which schedules for routine and reactive maintenance M Ongoing activities and inspections. Consult with relevant Council sections and State Government departments regarding the A10.4 maintenance or upgrading of infrastructure in close proximity to reserves where there is M Ongoing potential for impact upon the natural values or management of the reserves. Install signage to regulate unauthorised entry at key locations where vehicle access is Access A11.3 H 1 year restricted.

95 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

Theme Action Action Priority Timeframe number Where necessary, install bollards or other vehicle exclusion devices at entry points of publicly accessible environmentally sensitive areas to restrict vehicular incursion. Ensure A11.4 H 1 year these structures are constructed of sustainable materials and commensurate with the natural landscape and NAMU Strategic Park Furniture Suite. Liaise with Council’s Local Law Officers to monitor and manage illegal vehicle access, A11.5 M 5 years including trail bike and four-wheel drive access. A11.7 Maintain all weather vehicle access to visitor facilities and fire fighting infrastructure. H Ongoing Monitor management tracks to ensure that they are safe and that drainage is functioning A11.8 effectively; undertake repairs where necessary to avoid ponding of water, erosion and M Ongoing unsafe conditions Ensure that all management tracks within the planning area are mapped and added to A11.9 M Ongoing Council’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) database. A12.1 Keep a register of all leases and their renewal date. H Ongoing Review the appropriateness of all lease arrangements in a reasonable time frame prior to A12.2 M As required Leased areas renewal. Review the conditions of leases that are to be renewed six months prior to renewal with A12.3 M As required the aim to improve ecologically sustainability of associated activities or site management. A12.5 Report all breaches of lease conditions to Officers of Council’s City Property Section. H As required Develop and implement a permitted use process for commercial users to ensure that all activities within the planning area are conducted in a manner that: x is consistent with conservation of natural and cultural resources x is nature based and provides appropriate interpretation of park values x involves local Aboriginal input where there is a cultural heritage component A13.1 5 years x avoids conflict with other reserve users Commercial activities x does not incur high public liability risks x is appropriate for the level of existing infrastructure or resources x incorporates appropriate monitoring mechanisms to assess sustainability of ecological and amenity values. Maintain a database of commercial operations within the planning area, including records A13.2 M Ongoing of frequency, location, type/s and levels of use. A13.3 Report instances of permit non-compliance to Council’s property officers. M Ongoing

96 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

Theme Action Action Priority Timeframe number Prepare and implement an Interpretation Plan. The primary aim of the plan is to ensure that all reserve and communication signage, activities and facilities are coordinated, of consistent quality and effectively communicate with visitors. The plan will include: x objectives for reserve communication activities and priorities x strategies for the development of information, interpretation, education and public A14.1 relations products H 2 years x themes relating to the planning area’s values – for example, flora and fauna (in particular threatened or otherwise significant species and communities), contribution to wildlife corridors, cultural heritage, scenic amenity, and biological diversity x a signage plan Provide opportunities for visitors to learn and appreciate the natural and cultural values of the planning area through: x interpretive programs by Council officers, contractors and volunteers x interpretive signage highlighting key conservation values and management Community programs involvement, A14.2 x a visitor information pamphlet H 2 years education and x maps and guides interpretation x self guiding interpretive walking tracks x information shelters x information on the GCCC website x regular input into local media Improve visitor behaviour, understanding and support of reserve management initiatives A14.3 through increased Ranger patrols on weekends and holiday periods, and signage M Ongoing encouraging environmentally responsible recreation. Provide directional, interpretational and risk management signs in accordance with the A14.4 GCCC Signage Masterplan, and ensure that proposed interpretative facilities and services H 2 years enhance the management of the reserve. Review and update interpretive material for the planning area on a regular basis to ensure A14.5 M Ongoing currency and relevance of information. Implement a good neighbour program tailored towards neighbouring residences. This program should address issues such as: planting of suitable native species, responsible A14.6 H 2 years disposal of household and garden waste, responsible pet ownership, a coordinated approach to pest plant and animal control, and bushfire hazard reduction strategies.

97 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

Theme Action Action Priority Timeframe number Develop and evaluate a long-term volunteer strategy that incorporates the skills and A14.7 H 2 years interests of volunteer groups in a range of management activities. Provide education and training to new and existing community bushcare and other A14.8 H Ongoing volunteer groups about operating effectively with minimal Council supervision. Develop and implement a permitted use, and risk assessment process for all external users (e.g. school/university or nature observation groups) to ensure that all activities A14.9 M 5 years within the planning area are appropriate and conducted in an environmentally sustainable manner. Research Liaise with Council’s strategic environmental planning officers and catchment and A15.1 management officers regarding current and planned strategic research programs within M 5 years monitoring the planning area. Regularly update Council’s natural area monitoring projects database when new monitoring and research projects for the planning area are identified. This database A15.2 M Ongoing should additionally be used for assigning priorities to each of the proposed projects within the context of the planning area and the entire city. Using Council’s natural area monitoring projects database prepare and update a prospectus of priority research projects to be distributed to research organisations and/or tertiary institutions as a guide to preferred research projects within the reserve. Priority topics include: x updates to flora and fauna inventories x monitoring of significant species and communities and further understanding of their management requirements x monitoring of vegetation change and succession x the role of wildlife corridors in the area x monitoring of fauna populations and community interactions A15.3 H 2 years x the most appropriate fire regimes for particular vegetation communities and individual plant and animal species x monitoring of the planned burn program and its effects on fuel load accumulation x monitoring the success of restoration programs within the planning area x the impact of pest plants and/or animals on the ecology of the planning area x cultural heritage research x the acceptable limits of disturbance for different environments from recreational and management activities x investigation of recreational demand within the context of the planning area and the entire city

98 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

Theme Action Action Priority Timeframe number Develop and implement a monitoring strategy to assess the overall effectiveness of this management plan. This will be a high level monitoring strategy that will monitor and A15.4 M 5 years assess the overall performance of the plan and the performance of the specific management strategies included within. Consolidatio Transfer all land parcels identified in Table 11 from the Community Purposes, Not n of estate A16.1 Domained, Detached Dwelling, Residential Choice, Rural and Industrial 2 Domains to the M 5 years and management Public Open Space Domain during the next revision of the Gold Coast Planning Scheme. of isolated Provide advice to Council’s Environmental Planning and Conservation Unit regarding the A16.2 M Ongoing reserves acquisition of suitable parcels of land through the Open Space Preservation Levy. Collaborate with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service in the management of threatened A17.1 species, fire, catchments, pest control, access and recreation in Council and State- L Ongoing managed conservation reserves. Liaise with local owners of Land for Wildlife properties and Council’s Strategic Coordinated A17.3 Environmental Planning Officers regarding the coordination of management activities and M Ongoing reserve management operations. Provide advice to Council’s Strategic Environmental Planning Officers regarding A17.4 M Ongoing acquisition of suitable land parcels through the Open Space Preservation Levy. Undertake ongoing monitoring for encroachments within the planning area through ranger A17.5 M Ongoing patrols, examination of aerial photography, and community feedback. Coombabah Develop protocol to enable timely notification to conservation estate asset custodians in Lakelands Catchment A2.3 H 3 years Conservatio management the event of treatment plant infrastructure failure and/or the release of treated or untreated n Area effluent within the reserve. Identify and assess potential locations for the installation of gross pollutant traps and A2.4 potential drain realignments to arrest the movement of waste materials into the H 3 years Coombabah wetlands. Native Within Macropod Habitat Area (see figure 3) maintain dominant grass cover while allowing A3.8 H Ongoing vegetation natural regeneration along forest margins. Pest plants and A6.1 H 1 year ecological Implement Restoration Plan for Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area restoration Instigate research into native bee populations in CLCA to establish species present, A7.5 population densities, viability and key threats. Investigate population densities of M 5-10 years Pest animals European honey bees. Install signage prohibiting dogs from the CLCA and signage advising dog-owners of the A7.6 H 2 years location of adjacent open space areas where dog walking is permitted. Recreation A9.3 Promote CLCA via media, Naturally GC and other Council programs. H 2 years

99 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

Theme Action Action Priority Timeframe number opportunities Close and rehabilitate other degraded tracks not shown as walking, cycling or A9.4 H 2 years management tracks on Figure 4. A9.10 Investigate the need for a day use area within CLCA M 5 years Where the use of Argos is necessary for mosquito management, implement a monitoring A11.1 regime in conjunction with Council’s Pest Management Officers to ensure potential M 5 years impacts are mitigated and, where possible, eliminated Access Retain only those roads and tracks that are essential for public and management vehicle A11.2 access, and rehabilitate those that are not required (refer to Table 5 Access tracks within H 2 years planning area) A11.6 Limit speed limits on all public vehicle tracks to 20 km/h H 1 year Develop a Memorandum of Understanding to document a negotiated agreement between A12.4 Council, the Southport Flying Club and CASA regarding vegetation management in H 1 year Leased areas runway approach zones Facilitate ongoing liaison between Council and the Southport Flying Club regarding the A12.5 H Ongoing implementation of the MOU regarding vegetation management in runway approach zones. Coordinated Develop a MOU with the WWTP administrative authority re maintenance of infrastructure reserve A17.2 within the CLCA and other operational matters of the facility that may impact upon H 2 years management conservation values within the planning area. Naming of Correct naming anomaly on Council’s corporate mapping layer for the Coombabah reserves A18.1 H 1 year within the Lakelands Conservation Area. planning area Coombabah Enhance/restore Helensvale flying fox roosting habitat through bush regeneration and/or Lakes Native Fauna A4.7 L 5-10 years Reserve supplementary planting of suitable roosting plant species

100 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan 6 References

BAAM. (2002). Glossy Black-Cockatoos of Southern Moreton Bay Islands, Redland Shire Council. Report for GHD Pty Ltd, by Biodiversity Assessment and Management Pty Ltd, Annerley, Unpublished report.

Bushfire CRC and Australian Fire Authorities Council. (2006). Climate change and its impact on the management of bushfire. Fire Note Issue 4, September 2006.

Bowman, D, (2003). Bushfires: a Darwinian perspective. In Cary, G, Lindenmayer, D and Dovers, S (eds.) (2003). Australia Burning. Fire Ecology, Policy and Management Issues, CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne

Catling P.C, (1994). Bushfires and prescribed burning: protecting native fauna. Search 25:37-40.

Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSW) (2008). Preliminary Draft Border Ranges Rainforest Biodiversity Management Plan (NSW & QLD) National Recovery Plan for the Border Ranges Hotspot Region. Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSW), Sydney.

Environmental Protection Agency (2005). Shorebird Management Strategy Moreton Bay. The State of Queensland, Environmental Protection Agency June 2005

Environmental Protection Agency (2006). Nature Conservation (Koala) Conservation Plan 2006 and Management Program 2006-2016. Queensland Government, Brisbane.

Environmental Protection Agency (2007a). Flying Fox Colony Monitoring Database. Environmental Protection Agency, Gold Coast. 8 February 2007.

Environmental Protection Agency (2007b). Wildlife Online Database. Environmental Protection Agency, Brisbane. 1 December 2006.

Environmental Protection Agency (2008). Back on Track Species Prioritisation Framework - A framework for prioritising species conservation and recovery in Queensland. Environmental Protection Agency, Brisbane. 23 October 2008.

Forestman and Associates and the University of Queensland. (1996). Coombabah Kangaroo Management Strategy: A conservation strategy for the management of kangaroos in the Coombabah Reserve and environs. Forestman and Associates for Gold Coast City Council, Unpublished report

Forestman and Associates. (1998a). Coombabah Lakelands Management Plan. Forestman and Associates for Gold Coast City Council, Unpublished report

Forestman and Associates. (1998b). Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area Implementation Plan. Forestman and Associates for Gold Coast City Council, Unpublished report.

Fox B.J. and McKay G.M., (1981). Small mammal responses to pyric successional changes in eucalypt forest. Australian Journal of Ecology 6:29-41.

GHD. (2003). Gold Coast City Council Coombabah Creek Environmental Inventory Report. GHD Pty Ltd, Brisbane, for Gold Coast City Council, Unpublished report.

101 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

GHD. (2004). Coombabah Cattle Dip Site Stage 4 Report. GHD Pty Ltd, Brisbane, for Gold Coast City Council, Unpublished report.

Gold Coast City Council. (1998). Bushfire Management Strategy. GCCC, Gold Coast.

Gold Coast City Council. 2004b. Our Natural Playground: A parks and recreation plan for the Gold Coast. GCCC, Gold Coast.

Gold Coast City Council. (2004a). Management Guidelines for sites acquired with funds from the Open Space Preservation Levy (Phase 1 and 2 Acquisition Programs). November 2004. GCCC, Gold Coast.

Gold Coast City Council (2005a). Gold Coast City Council Corporate Plan 2005-09. GCCC, Gold Coast.

Gold Coast City Council. Gold Coast Water Catchment Management Strategy 2006. GCCC, Gold Coast

Gold Coast City Council Koala Habitat and Population Assessment for Gold Coast City LGA (2007). Final Report to Gold Coast City Council. Biolink 2007

Gold Coast City Council. (2008). City of the Gold Coast Pest Management Plan 1 July 2006 to 30 June 2010. GCCC, Gold Coast.

Gold Coast City Council. (2009). Nature Conservation Strategy. GCCC, Gold Coast.

Hannah D.S., Smith G.C. and Agnew G, (1998). Reptile and amphibian composition in prescribed burnt dry sclerophyll production forest, southern Queensland. Australian forestry 61:34-39.

House A., (1995). Fire ecology research in Queensland native forests – current status and new directions. In: Working Papers – Queensland sixth Fire Research Workshop, 8-10 March 1995, Bargara, Queensland. Toowoomba: Land Use Study Centre, University of Southern Queensland, pp. 86-97.

Howden M. et al., (2001). Climate Change Impacts on Biodiversity in Australia. Outcomes of a workshop sponsored by the Biological Diversity Advisory Committee, 1-2 October 2002 Department of the Environment and Heritage, August 2003.

Hughes L. A. and Westoby M., (1994). Climate change and conservation in Australia: too uncertain, too far away, and too hard? Pacific Conservation Biology 1: 308–18.

Ingram, G.J., McDonald, K.R. and Nattrass, A.E.O. (2002). ‘Revised common names for Queensland Frogs.’ Pp. 141-158. In Frogs in the Community – Proceedings of the Brisbane Symposium 13-14 February 1999. Queensland Frog Society, Brisbane.

Ingram, G.J. and Raven, R.J. (eds) (1991). An atlas of Queensland’s frogs, reptiles, birds and mammals. (Queensland Museum, Brisbane).

Jurskis V., (2005). Eucalypt decline in Australia, and a general concept of tree decline and dieback. Forest Ecology and Management 215(1-3):1-20.

Lee, J. Et al. (2006). Impacts of urbanisation on coastal wetlands: a case study of Coombabah Lake South-east Queensland, Technical report 54. CRC for Coastal Zone Estuary and Waterway Management, Brisbane.

102 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

Leigh J.H. and Holgate M.D., (1979). The responses of the understorey of forests and woodlands of the Southern Tablelands to grazing and burning. Australian Journal of Ecology 4:25-45. Lowe S., Browne M., Boudjelas S., De Poorter M., (2000). 100 of the World’s Worst Invasive Alien Species A selection from the Global Invasive Species Database. Published by the Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) a specialist group of the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the World Conservation Union (IUCN), 12pp. First published as special lift-out in Aliens 12, December 2000. Updated and reprinted version: November 2004.

Mary Maher and Associates and Ecograph. (1998). Gold Coast City Council Nature Conservation Strategy. Gold Coast City Council, Gold Coast, Unpublished report

McDonald, G.J. (2000). Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area, Vegetation Assessment. Unpublished report.

McDonald, R. C. Et al. (1990). Australian Soil and Land Survey, 2nd Edition, Inkata Press, Melbourne, VIC.

McFarland D.C., (1988). The composition, microhabitat use and response to fire of the avifauna of subtropical heathlands in Cooloola National Park, Queensland. Emu 88:249-57.

Menkhorst, P.W. and Knight, F. (2001). A field guide to the mammals of Australia. Oxford University Press, South Melbourne.

Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council, (2004). National Biodiversity and Climate Change Action Plan 2004-2007. Department of the Environment and Heritage 2004.

Pell, A.S. and Tidemann, C.R., (1997). The ecology of the common myna (Acridotheres tristis) in urban nature reserves in the Australian Capital Territory. EMU 97: 141-149.

Phillips, S. (2000). Tree Species Preferences of the Koala Phascolarctos cinereus as a Basis for the Delineation of Management Areas for Recovery Planning in NSW. Report to the National Parks and Wildlife Service, NSW.

Pieters, C. W. (1991). A Report on the Effects of the Development of Lot 5, 6,and 7 on the Local Koala population, (Coombabah.) Pieters.

Pieters, C. W. (1992). An Assessment of the Efficacy of the Koala Corridor on the Eastern Perimeter of lot 5 and Comments on the Application of Barrier Fences, (Coombabah.) Pieters.

Pittock, B. (ed.). (2003). Climate change: An Australian Guide to the Science and Potential Impacts. Australian Greenhouse Office, 2003.

Pizzey, G. and Knight, F. (2003). The field guide to the birds of Australia. HarperCollins, Sydney.

Rose R., Wiltshire G. & Lang S., (1999). The importance and application of spatial patterns in the management of fire regimes for the protection of life and property and the conservation of biodiversity. In: Proceedings of the Australian Bushfire Conference – Bushfire ’99. Albury NSW 7-9 July 1999. pp.349-58.

Sandercoe C.S., (1989). A review of fire research in Queensland heathlands. Paper presented at the Bushfires and shrublands Conference, Canberra, 8-10 May 1989. SKM – Sinclair Knight Merz. (1997). Gold Coast City Council Coombabah Creek Catchment Management Study. Sinclair Knight Merz Pty Ltd, Toowoomba, Unpublished report.

103 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

Smith, G. and Tran, C. (2008). Revised ecological fire intervals for the South East Queensland Bioregion. A report prepared for the EPA, Griffith University and SEQ Fire and Biodiversity Consortium.

Streatfeild, C., Higginbottom, K. & Shaw, S. (2002) Macropods of the Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area. A report compiled for the Gold Coast City Council.

Stanisic, J. (ed.) (2005). ‘Terrestrial invertebrate status review, Brisbane City.’ (Queensland Museum in partnership with the Brisbane City Council).

University of Queensland (2007). Archaeological Assessment of Middens on Coombabah Creek and Saltwater Creek, Gold Coast City. The University of Queensland Archaeological Services Unit. Vickers, H (2005) The autecology and response to disturbance of Melaleuca irbyana (RT Baker). Hons Thesis, School of Life Sciences, University of Queensland.

Westoby M. and Burgman M., (2006). Climate change as a threatening process. Austral Ecology 31(5): 549–550.

Wilmott, W. (1989). Rocks and Landscapes of the Gold Coast Hinterland. Geological Society of Queensland, Brisbane.

Wilson, S.K. and Swan, G. (2003). A complete guide to reptiles of Australia. Reed New Holland, Sydney.

Watson, P. (2001). The role and use of fire for biodiversity conservation in Southeast Queensland: Fire management guidelines derived from ecological research. SEQ Fire and Biodiversity Consortium, Griffith University Gold Coast.

104 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan 7 Appendices Appendix 1: Reserve Table

Cluster Area Gold Coast planning Regional Ecosystems occurring Park Name Lot and Plan Location and Access Sections (ha) scheme Zoning in the reserves Arundel Includes slightly elevated lands, lower areas and drainage reserves off Captain Cook Drive, Kendor Street and Napper Road. (Nth of Collingwood 32.3 1RP223934 Public Open Space The area adjoins Ballybunion Park along it’s southern Napper Road boundary. It is bounded to the west, north and in 12.3.5; 12.11.23 Napper Rd) Court part the east by residential dwellings. Access is available via Collingwood Court, Napper Road, Birdie Court, Hook Parklands Court, Clubhouse Drive, Central Street, Olsen Avenue and Nina Parade. Captain Cook 5.187 2SP161692 Public Open Space The area is bounded by Napper Road to the south, Captain Cook Drive and the Suntown Reserve to the west and 12.11.23 Parklands Captain Cook Close to the east. Access is via Captain Cook Drive and Captain Cook Close. 0.5013 1RP811096 Community Purposes 12.11.23 Kendor Street 2.269 33WD6601 Public Open Space The Kendor Drainage Reserve is a lineal vegetative buffer along Captain Cook Drive and between residential and Drainage industrial estate along Brisbane Road, Open Drive and Fadden Close. Access is via Captain Cook Drive & Close, Reserve Kendor Street, Fadden Close, Chiffley Place and Demand Avenue. 0.6771 32WD6598 Public Open Space 3.814 1RP219042 Total 40.27 Coombabah By far the largest and most important section of the planning area encompassing land surrounding Lake Coombabah and all of the adjoining and adjacent Council managed natural areas. Also includes Lakelands the Ivan Gibbs Conservation Area, Chiba Park, O’Brien and Proud Families Park, Petworth Court Reserve and Samford Court Reserve. Other natural areas that are found within this section are the Len and Muriel Godlonton Reserve and Limetree Junction Parklands at Runaway Bay and Phil Hill Environmental Park (Jabiru Island) at Paradise Point. (Coombabah Chiba Park 4.81 197WD5464 Public Open Space This Park is land-locked by the residential estates of Nalkari Road, Burrendong Road, Brady Drive, Ashley Court and 12.3.5; 12.3.6 Lake, Creek Coombabah State School. The park joins with Brady Park in the north/west Corner providing a link to Coombabah Creek. Access is via Brady Drive, Burrendong Road and Chiba Street. & surrounds Coombabah 212.98 13SP108081 Public Open Space The reserve is bounded to the east by Coombabah Creek/Lake, to the north by Helensvale Road residential estates. 12.1.1; 12.1.2; 12.1.3; 12.3.5a; 12.3.6; Lakes & Coombabah Lake Conservation Park adjoins the Gold Coast Highway along the southern boundary. The western 12.11.5a Careel boundary abuts the Helensvale State High School, Helensvale Golf Course and the residential estates of Corringal Reserves Close, Boreen Court, Gippsland Drive and Poeppel Place. Access is via Careel Close, Mildura Drive, Gold Coast 0.27 10CP854277 Community Purposes Highway, Urangan Court, Gippsland Drive, Yungaburra Place, Poeppel Place, Cootharaba Drive, Boreen Court and 12.11.5a Helensvale Road. 0.97 978RP224481 Community Purposes 12.1.1 Coombabah 728.2 21RP883601 Community Purposes The Conservation area is bounded in the north by Coombabah Creek, Myola Drain and residential estates off 12.1.1; 12.1.2; 12.1.3; 12.3.5; 12.3.5a; Lakelands Hansford Road and Myola Court. The western boundary adjoins Coombabah Lake / Creek and Coombabah Lakes 12.3.6; 12.3.11; 12.11.5j; 12.11.23 Conservation Reserve. The eastern edge abuts various residential estates, caravan parks and the Coombabah State High School. Area To the south the Conservation Area adjoins the O’Brien & Proud Family Parks and Coombabah Lakes Conservation 0.34 21RP883601 Not Domained Park at the Gold Coast Highway. Access points are located off Gold Coast Highway, Shelter Road, Raintree Glen, 12.11.5j Yulia Street, Xenia Street, Pine Ridge Road, Seidler Avenue, Leonardo Court, Bernini Place, Kangaroo Avenue, 0.63 208RP868765 Public Open Space 12.1.1 Sanctuary Court, Numbat Court, Citie Drive and Myola Court. 0.59 301RP835740 Public Open Space 12.1.1; 12.3.6 52.44 5RP868568 Public Open Space 12.1.1; 12.1.2; 12.1.3; 12.11.5j; plantation 18.4 999RP864000 12.1.1; 12.1.2; 12.1.3 Ivan Gibbs 2.31 900SP126956 Detached dwelling The north west boundaries of this conservation area adjoin the Coombabah Lake Conservation Park (QPWS). The 12.1.1; 12.3.5; 12.3.11 Conservation eastern edge is bounded by residential estate. The south-south/west boundary has approval for development as a Area golf course. Access is via Blackwattle Court, Nottinghill Gate Drive, Bristol Place, Portreeves Place and Deal Cove. 1.12 5RP229222 Public Open Space 12.3.5; 12.3.11 5.41 979RP197655 12.3.5; 12.3.11; 12.11.23 23.36 3RP803240 Public Open Space 12.3.5 Len & Muriel 2.91 610WD6053 Public Open Space This reserve is bounded by the residential estates of Limetree Parade to the north-west, Morala Avenue to the east 12.2.7; 12.2.9 Godlonton and Broadwater St to the south. Access is via Limetree Parade, Moral Avenue and Broadwater Street. Reserve Limetree 0.76 11SP179938 Public Open Space These parklands are bounded by Oxley Drive Business Precinct and residential estate to the North and East. The Junction Western and Southern boundaries adjoin residential estates of Harbour Landing and East Quay Drive. Access is via Parklands Oxley Drive. 0.31 100RP898891 Public Open Space 0.28 900SP125568 Residential Choice

105 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

Cluster Area Gold Coast planning Regional Ecosystems occurring Park Name Lot and Plan Location and Access Sections (ha) scheme Zoning in the reserves O’Brien & 24.83 158WD5896 Public Open Space This Park adjoins CLCA to the North along the Gold Coast Highway. Industrial estate and the Suntown Reserve 12.3.6; 12.11.23 Proud Families adjoin the eastern boundary. Residential estates and the Arundel Hills Country Club (golf course) off Arun Drive and Park Arundel Drive are along the south/west boundaries. Access is via Arun Drive, Arundel Drive and the Gold Coast Highway. Petworth Court 2.69 905SP141223 Detached dwelling This reserve is bounded to the south and east by Suntown Reserve. The northern and western boundaries adjoin 12.11.5a; 12.11.23 Reserve residential estates of Arun Drive and Petworth Court. Access is via Petworth Court, Goodwood Way and Arun Drive. Phil Hill 18.17 4RP841229 Public Open Space This Environmental Park is bounded by the Coombabah Creek to the west, the Coomera River to the north, an 12.1.2; 12.1.3 Environmental interconnecting canal to the east and Oxley Drive to the south. Access is via Oxley Drive. Park 2.37 212WD5230 Public Open Space 12.1.3 Jabiru Island 0.76 6RP841229 Public Open Space This Reserve is bounded to the north by Oxley Drive, to the south/west by a Boral Quarry and to the east by road 12.1.3 Reserve reserve and day use area. Access is via Oxley Drive.

Samford Court 0.9 923RP810806 Public Open Space This reserve is bounded by the residential estates of Samford Court and Mildura Drive to the north & west and 12.1.1 Reserve Bexley Court. to the south. Qld Rail property abuts the eastern boundary. Access is via Samford Court, Bexley Place, Plympton Court and Mildura Drive. Total 1105.81 Gaven (west Comprising three small natural areas on the western side of the M1 Pacific Motorway bordering or in the vicinity of the middle to upper reaches of Coombabah Creek. This section includes Coombabah of the M1) Creek Reserve, Castle Hill Parklands and Hymix reserve. Castle Hill 1.23 2RP148919 Public Open Space Castle Hill Parklands is bounded on all sides by land owned by Hymix. It is accessed by a long narrow easement, 12.11.5a Parklands east to Castle Hill Drive. Coombabah 0.84 12SP131451 Rural This reserve is bounded to the north & west by residential properties of Creek Place. The eastern and southern 12.3.6; 12.11.5a Creek Reserve boundaries are Coombabah Creek adjoining Hymix owned property. Access is off Heslop Road. Hymix 7.05 172WD6125 Public Open Space The narrow lineal roadside section is bounded to the north by Hymix Road and to the south by residential property. 12.11.5a; 12.11.5k Reserve The remainder of the Reserve is surrounded by Hymix land. Access is via Hymix Road, Smith Street and Hammond 4.28 466CP847590 Public Open Space Road. 12.11.5a; 12.11.5k 0.15 477SP107095 Public Open Space 12.11.5a; 12.11.23 Total 13.55 Helensvale This collection of natural areas includes the drier elevated lands bounded by Discovery Drive in the east and the M1 Pacific Motorway in the west. These natural areas are centred on the 17.95-hectare (West of Highvale Drive Reserve. Discovery Drive) Arundel 6.7 305WD4624 Public Open Space This Park is bounded to the north and west by Industrial estate off Millaroo Drive and the Pacific Highway. The 12.1.3; 12.3.11; 12.11.5a Access Park southern boundary abuts industrial land off Newheath Drive with the eastern edge adjoining Qld rail property and the Gold Coast Country Club (golf course). The lots are spilt E/W by Coombabah Ck and N/S by railway line. Access 3.56 900SP191022 Industrial 2 is via Millaroo Drive, Kingston Drive and Newheath Drive. 12.1.3; 12.3.11; 12.11.23 Cadaghi 0.71 306WD4677 Public Open Space The western boundary of this reserve adjoins with Eugenia Reserve. The northern and southern boundaries abut 12.11.5a Reserve residential properties off Camden Court, Dromana Court and Merino Drive. The eastern edge of the site is along Discovery Drive which provides access to the reserve. Eugenia 4.49 27CP859234 Public Open Space The reserve is confined within Tamworth Drive to the west, Discovery Drive to the east and Dromana Court to the 12.11.5a; 12.11.5k Reserves north. The S/SW boundary adjoins Helensvale reservoir and the N/E corner connecting with Cadaghi reserve. Access is via Discovery Drive, Tamworth Drive and Woodford Road. Helensvale 0.68 962RP229547 Public Open Space The western edge of this reserve adjoins the Highvale Drive Reserve, it’s N/NW boundary connects with Eugenia 12.11.5k Reservoir reserve and it’s eastern and southern boundaries abut residential properties off Woodford, Jesmond and Highvale 2.02 972SP120580 Public Open Space Drives. Access is via Highvale and Tamworth Drives. 12.11.5a; 12.1.5k Highvale Drive 12.35 310SP107823 Public Open Space This reserve is bounded to the west by the Pacific Highway, the N/N/E by Helensvale Reservoir and Shepparton 12.11.5a; 12.11.5k Reserve Road. Highvale Drive constitutes the eastern boundary. Access is via Shepparton, Tamworth and Highvale Drives. 2.45 980SP107248 Public Open Space 12.11.5k 0.8 928RP839854 Public Open Space 12.11.5a 1.88 976SP114528 Public Open Space 12.11.5k 0.13 978SP107248 Public Open Space 12.11.3 Helensvale 1.95 912WD5775 Public Open Space Helensvale Road Reserve has Saltwater Creek as it’s western and northern boundary. The reserve is bounded to 12.1.3; 12.3.5a; 12.11.5a Road Reserve the south & east by residential properties off Helensvale Road. Access is via Helensvale Road. Jesmond 0.8 308WD4678 Public Open Space This reserve is bounded to the west by Eugenia Reserve, to the east by Jesmond Drive and to the north & south by 12.11.5a Reserve residential properties off Riverstone and Jesmond Drives. Access is via Jesmond Drive.

106 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

Cluster Area Gold Coast planning Regional Ecosystems occurring Park Name Lot and Plan Location and Access Sections (ha) scheme Zoning in the reserves Mullewa 1.18 977SP107265 Public Open Space This Reserve connects with Helensvale Reservoir to the north and Highvale Dr to the west & south. The eastern 12.11.5a Crescent boundary adjoins residential properties off Mullewa Drive, Cannington Place, Pomona Court and Coen Place. Reserve Access is via Highvale Drive, Cannington Place Mullewa Crescent and Lindfield Road. 2.14 981SP107248 Public Open Space 12.11.5a; 12.11 5k 3.4 995WD6426 Public Open Space 12.11.5a Total 45.24 Molendinar Includes slightly elevated lands, lower areas and wetland remnants to the south of Smith Street, West of Olsen Avenue and north of the Southport-Nerang Road. Seven different natural areas can be *South of found within this section of the planning area. Geoff Wolter Drive Reserve is the largest at 22.97 hectares. Smith St) Activity 1.03 900SP108855 Public Open Space This reserve is bounded to the north by Molendina Road (opposite Reichert Reserve), to the east by industrial estate 12.11.5a; 12.11.23 Crescent off Export Drive, to the W/SW by residential properties off Ashmore Road, Marybeth Crescent and Jayden Place. Reserve The southern boundary is Activity Crescent (opposite Geoff Wolter Dr reserve). Access is via Ashmore Road, Export Drive, Marybeth and Activity Crescents. 1.3 2CP818959 Public Open Space 12.11.5a 0.46 900RP901002 Public Open Space 12.11.23 0.53 379WD5172 Public Open Space 12.11.23 Geoff Wolter 2.31 379WD5172 Public Open Space This reserve is bounded to the N/NE by Smith Street (opposite Parkwood Family Park) and industrial estate off 12.11.23 Drive Reserve Activity Crescent and Mercantile Court. The S/S/W boundary adjoins Watergum Reserve and industrial and 3.26 327CP868732 Public Open Space residential estates off Lockwood Place, Gemini Court, and Lilydale Place. Access is via Geoff Wolter Drive, Gemini 12.3.5; 12.11.23 Court, Batchworth Road, Smith Street, Olsen Avenue, Lockwood Place, Crestbrook Glen, Activity Crescent, 12.58 40CP868735 Public Open Space Banbrook Court and Grass Tree Way. 12.3.5; 12.11.23 0.85 605RP890566 Public Open Space 12.3.5; 12.11.23 1.05 900SP131887 Public Open Space 12.11.23 1.06 953SP120543 Detached dwelling 12.3.5 Production 1.84 446WD5572 Public Open Space This reserve is surrounded by industrial estates off Production Avenue, Export Drive and Precision Drive. Access is 12.11.23 Avenue via the above mentioned roads. Reserve Reichert Drive 0.13 101SP157841 Detached dwelling This reserve is bounded by Smith Street to the north, residential estate off Zane Street to the west, and industrial 12.11.5a Reserve estate off Reichert Drive, Energy Circuit and Production Avenue to the south & east. Access is via Zane Street and 2.09 34RP219033 Public Open Space Reichert Drive. 12.11.5a 0.36 35RP219033 Public Open Space Rootes Family 1.17 3S18279 Public Open Space This Park is contained within Southport/Nerang Road to the S/E, Industrial Avenue to the S/W, Enterprise Street to 12.11.23 Park the N/W and industrial estate to the N/E. The park can be accessed from all the road boundaries. Trade Court 1.67 38RP841231 Public Open Space Trade Court Parklands are south of Smith Street (opposite Parkwood Family park). Geoff Wolter Reserve adjoins on 12.3.5 Parklands the eastern boundary with the remainder bounded by Production Avenue, Activity Crescent and Trade Court. Access 0.35 469WD6322 Public Open Space is via Production Avenue, Mercantile Court and Smith Street. 0.7 468WD5637 Public Open Space Watergum 3.41 998SP176518 Detached dwelling This reserve adjoins Geoff Wolter Reserve and residential estate on Banbrook Court to the north & east. Residential 12.3.5; 12.11.23 Reserve estate off Watergum Parade forms the southern boundary with privately owned reserve to the west. Access is via Banbrook Court, Watergum Parade and Crestwood Drive. Total 36.15 Parkwood Takes in three relatively substantial remnant wetland and coastal Eucalypt natural areas. Reserves include Ballybunion Park, Brushwood Ridge Parklands and the Parkwood Family Park. This section is (North of bounded by Napper Road in the north, Olsen Avenue in the east and Smith Street to the south. Smith Street, south of Napper Road.) Ballybunion 22.85 91SP108368 Public Open Space The northern Napper Road boundary adjoins Collingwood Court Parklands. It is bounded to the east by the Olsen 12.3.5; 12.11.23 Park Avenue business precinct and to the west by Ballybunion Drive. The southern Wintergreen Drive boundary adjoins Parkwood Family Park. Access is via Hirono Court, Napper Road and Ballybunion Drive. Brushwood 9.82 259SP121592 Public Open Space The area is bounded by Napper Road to the north with it’s remaining boundaries are within the confines of the 12.3.5; 12.11.23 Ridge residential properties of Woodland Way and Uplands Drive. Water reservoirs and Telstra facilities are located within Parklands this reserve. Access is via Napper Road, Evergreen Court, Paperbark Court, Brushwood Drive & Uplands Drive. 1.19 1RP67470 Community Purposes 5.09 2RP167470 Public Open Space 12.11.5a

107 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

Cluster Area Gold Coast planning Regional Ecosystems occurring Park Name Lot and Plan Location and Access Sections (ha) scheme Zoning in the reserves 0.19 960SP108373 Local Area Plan 12.11.5a 0.2 989WD5849 Public Open Space 12.11.5a 0.18 161RP192392 Public Open Space Parkwood 16.4 5RP230734 Public Open Space The southern Smith Street boundary adjoins Geoff Wolter Drive and Trade Court Reserves. It is bounded to the east 12.3.5; 12.11.23 Family Park by Olsen Avenue and to the west by Henry Cotton Drive. The northern Wintergreen Drive. boundary adjoins 0.17 103WD1778 Public Open Space Ballybunion Park. Access is via Henry Cotton Drive and Olsen Avenue. 12.3.5; 12.11.23 1.7 8RP230734 Public Open Space 12.11.23 Total 57.79 Other Lake 630 12.1.1; 12.1.2; 12.1.3; 12.3.6 Protected Coombabah & Coombabah Areas (State Creek Gov.) Coombabah 68.09 6CP868569 Public Open Space This Conservation Park is bounded to the north by the Gold Coast Highway, to the west and south by Coombabah 12.1.1; 12.1.2; 12.1.3; 12.3.5 Lake Creek and adjoins Ivan Gibbs Conservation Area to the east. Access is via the Gold Coast Highway, Blackwattle Conservation. Court and Tanzen Drive (through private Property). Park Pine Ridge 59.29 1WD6725 Public Open Space This Conservation Park is bounded by Oxley Drive to the west, residential estates off Columbus Drive to the north 12.2.5; 12.2.6; 12.2.7; 12.2.9; 12.2.12 Conservation. and Jacaranda & Morala Avenue to the east. The southern boundary adjoins Council reserves off Lae Drive. Access Park is via Oxley Drive, Morala Avenue, Jacaranda Avenue and Columbus Drive. 1.4 225WD5386 Public Open Space 12.2.5; 12.2.6; 12.2.7; 12.2.9; 12.2.12 51.53 12.2.5; 12.2.6; 12.2.7; 12.2.9; 12.2.12 Total 810.31

108 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

Appendix 2: Flora list

Appendix 2 Flora species list (including non endemics and exotics) * = Exotic # Non Endemic Native

FAMILY NAME BOTANICAL NAME COMMON NAME ACANTHACEAE Brunoniella australis Blue Trumpet ACANTHACEAE Rostellularia adscendens _ ADIANTACEAE Adiantum aethiopicum Maidenhair Fern ADIANTACEAE Adiantum hispidulum Rough Maidenhair Fern AIZOACEAE Sesuvium portulacastrum Sea Purslane AMARANTHACEAE Alternanthera denticulata Lesser Joyweed AMARANTHACEAE * Amaranthus hybridus Wild Amaranth / Redshank AMARANTHACEAE * Gomphrena celosioides Gomphrena Weed ANACARDIACEAE * Schinus terebinthifolia Pepperberry Tree ANTHERICACEAE Caesia parviflora A lily ANTHERICACEAE Thysanotus tuberosus Fringed Lily ANTHERICACEAE Tricoryne elatoir A rush lily APIACEAE Apium prostratum Sea Celery APIACEAE Centella asiatica Pennywort / Gota Cola APIACEAE * Ciclospermum leptophyllum Slender Celery APIACEAE Hydrocotyle acutiloba Pennywort APIACEAE Hydrocotyle laxiflora Stinking Pennywort APIACEAE Hydrocotyle tripartita Pennywort APIACEAE Hydrocotyle verticillata Shield Pennywort APIACEAE Platysace ericoides _ APOCYNACEAE Parsonsia straminea Common Silkpod APOCYNACEAE * Thevetia peruviana Yellow Oleander ARALIACEAE # Schefflera actinophylla Umbrella Tree ARAUCARIACEAE # Agathis robusta Kauri ARECACEAE # Archontophoenix alexandrae Alexandra Palm ARECACEAE * Arecastrum romanzoffianum Cocos Palm ARECACEAE Livistona australis Cabbage Palm ARECACEAE * Phoenix canariensis Canary Island Date Palm ASCLEPIADACEAE * Araujia sericifera Moth Vine ASCLEPIADACEAE * Asclepias curvassavica Red Head Cotton Bush ASCLEPIADACEAE Cynanchum carnosum Mangrove Milk Vine ASCLEPIADACEAE * Gomphocarpus physocarpus Balloon Cotton ASCLEPIADACEAE Marsdenia rostrata Common Milk Vine ASPARAGACEAE * Asparagus densiflorus Asparagus 'Fern'

109 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

FAMILY NAME BOTANICAL NAME COMMON NAME ASPARAGACEAE * Asparagus plumosus Climbing Asparagus Fern ASPLENIACEAE Asplenium australasicum Bird's Nest Fern ASTERACEAE * Ageratum houstonianum Blue Billy Goat Weed ASTERACEAE * Ambrosia artemisiifolia Ragweed ASTERACEAE * Baccharis halimifolia Groundsel ASTERACEAE * Bidens pilosa Cobbler's Pegs Centrantherum punctatum ssp. ASTERACEAE _ punctatum Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. ASTERACEAE rotundata ASTERACEAE Chrysocephalum apiculatum Yellow Buttons ASTERACEAE * Cirsium vulgare 'Scotch' Thistle ASTERACEAE * Conyza bonariensis Flaxleaf Fleabane ASTERACEAE * Conyza canadensis Canadian Fleabane ASTERACEAE * Conyza sumatrensis Tall Fleabane Common Cotula / Carrot ASTERACEAE * Cotula australis Weed ASTERACEAE * Crassocephalum crepidioides Thickhead ASTERACEAE Eclipta platyglossa Yellow Eclipta ASTERACEAE Eclipta prostrata White Eclipta ASTERACEAE Emilia sonchifolia Emilia ASTERACEAE Enydra fluctuans Enydra ASTERACEAE Epaltes australis Epaltes ASTERACEAE * Erechtites valerianifolia Brazil Fireweed ASTERACEAE * Eupatorium adenophorum Crofton Weed ASTERACEAE * Eupatorium riparium Mist Flower ASTERACEAE Glossocardia bidens Native Cobbler's Pegs ASTERACEAE * Gnaphalium sp. A cudweed ASTERACEAE * Gnaphalium sphaericum A cudweed ASTERACEAE * Gnaphalium subfalcatum A cudweed ASTERACEAE * Hypochoeris microcephalus Flatweed ASTERACEAE * Hypochoeris radicata Dandelion / Flatweed ASTERACEAE Lagenifera gracilis _ ASTERACEAE Ozothamnus diosmifolius Sago Flower ASTERACEAE * Senecio madagascariensis Fireweed ASTERACEAE Sigesbeckia orientalis Indian Weed ASTERACEAE * Sonchus asper Prickly Sowthistle ASTERACEAE * Sonchus oleraceus Sowthistle ASTERACEAE * Sphagneticola trilobata Singapore Daisy ASTERACEAE * Tagetes minuta Stinking Roger ASTERACEAE Vernonia cinerea Vernonia

110 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

FAMILY NAME BOTANICAL NAME COMMON NAME ASTERACEAE * Xanthium pungens Noogoora Burr AVICENNIACEAE Avicennia marina Grey Mangrove AZOLLACEAE Azolla pinnata Ferny Azolla BALSAMINACEAE * Impatiens sp Balsam / Busy Lizzie BIGNONIACEAE * Spathodea campanulata African Tulip Tree BIGNONIACEAE Tecomanthe sp. Mt Maroon _ BLECHNACEAE Blechnum cartilagineum Gristle Fern Bungwall/ Swamp Water BLECHNACEAE Blechnum indicum Fern BLECHNACEAE Davallia pyxidata Hare's Foot Fern CAESALPINIACEAE Chamaecrista nomame A native cassia CAESALPINIACEAE * Senna floribunda Arsenic Bush CAESALPINIACEAE * Senna pendula var. glabrata Easter Cassia CAMPANULACEAE Lobelia alata CAMPANULACEAE Lobelia purpurascens White Root CAMPANULACEAE Wahlenbergia gracilis Australian Bluebell CANNACEAE * Canna sp. Canna Lily CARYOPHYLLACEAE Drymaria cordata Tropical Chickweed CARYOPHYLLACEAE * Spergularia rubra Sand Spurry CASUARINACEAE Allocasuarina littoralis Black She-oak CASUARINACEAE Allocasuarina torulosa Forest Oak CASUARINACEAE Casuarina glauca Swamp Oak CHARACEAE Chara sp. Stonewort CHENOPODIACEAE Einadia hastata Berry Saltbush CHENOPODIACEAE Enchylaena tomentosa Ruby Saltbush CHENOPODIACEAE Sarcocornia quinqueflora Samphire CHENOPODIACEAE Suaeda australis A seablite CLUSIACEAE Hypericum gramineum Small St John's Wort COMMELINACEAE * Callisia fragrans Purple Succulent COMMELINACEAE Commelina diffusa Wandering Jew COMMELINACEAE Murdannia graminea Grass Lily CONVOLVULACEAE Dichondra repens Kidney Weed CONVOLVULACEAE * Ipomoea cairica Mile-a-minute CONVOLVULACEAE * Ipomoea indica Blue Morning Glory CONVOLVULACEAE * Ipomoea purpurea Morning Glory Vine CONVOLVULACEAE Polymeria calycina Common Bindweed CUCURBITACEAE * Cucumis dipsaceus A cucumber CUPRESSACEAE Callitris columellaris White Cypress Pine CYATHEACEAE Cyathea cooperi Soft Tree Fern CYPERACEAE Abildgaardia ovata _

111 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

FAMILY NAME BOTANICAL NAME COMMON NAME CYPERACEAE Baloskion pallens Pale Cordrush Baloskion tetraphyllum var. CYPERACEAE Tassel Cord Rush meinostachym CYPERACEAE Baumea arthrophylla A twigrush CYPERACEAE Baumea articulata Jointed Twigrush CYPERACEAE Baumea juncea Bare Twigrush CYPERACEAE Baumea rubiginosa Soft Twigrush CYPERACEAE Bolboschoenus caldwellii Sea Clubrush CYPERACEAE Bolboschoenus fluviatilis Marsh Clubrush CYPERACEAE Carex appressa Tall Sedge CYPERACEAE Carex breviculmis _ CYPERACEAE Chorizandra cymbaria _ CYPERACEAE Cladium procerum Leafy Twigrush CYPERACEAE Cyperus aquatilis _ CYPERACEAE Cyperus brevifolius Mullumbimby Couch CYPERACEAE Cyperus cyperoides _ CYPERACEAE Cyperus dietrichiae v. dietrichiae _ CYPERACEAE Cyperus difformis Rice Sedge CYPERACEAE Cyperus enervis _ Tall Flatsedge / Giant CYPERACEAE Cyperus exaltatus Sedge CYPERACEAE * Cyperus flavescens _ CYPERACEAE Cyperus flavidus _ Slender Sedge / Whisker CYPERACEAE Cyperus gracilis Sedge CYPERACEAE Cyperus haspan _ CYPERACEAE Cyperus laevis _ CYPERACEAE Cyperus leiocaulon _ CYPERACEAE Cyperus lucidus _ CYPERACEAE Cyperus pilosus _ CYPERACEAE Cyperus polystachyos Bunchy Sedge CYPERACEAE * Cyperus rotundus Nutgrass CYPERACEAE Cyperus sanguinolentus _ CYPERACEAE * Cyperus sesquiflorus Kyllinga Weed CYPERACEAE Cyperus stradbrokensis _ CYPERACEAE Cyperus subulatus _ CYPERACEAE Cyperus trinervis _ CYPERACEAE Eleocharis dulcis Chinese Water Chestnut CYPERACEAE Eleocharis equisetina Spike Rush CYPERACEAE Eleocharis minuta Dwarf Spike Rush CYPERACEAE Eleocharis sphacelata Tall Spikerush

112 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

FAMILY NAME BOTANICAL NAME COMMON NAME CYPERACEAE Fimbristylis bisumbellata A fringerush CYPERACEAE Fimbristylis brownii A fringerush CYPERACEAE Fimbristylis cinnamometorum A fringerush CYPERACEAE Fimbristylis depauperata A fringerush CYPERACEAE Fimbristylis dichotoma Common Fringerush CYPERACEAE Fimbristylis ferruginea Rusty Fringerush CYPERACEAE Fimbristylis nutans A fringerush CYPERACEAE Fimbristylis polytrichoides A fringerush CYPERACEAE Fuirena ciliaris _ CYPERACEAE Gahnia aspera A sawsedge CYPERACEAE Gahnia clarkei Tall Sedge CYPERACEAE Gahnia sieberiana Redfruited Sawsedge CYPERACEAE Isolepis inundata Swamp Club Rush CYPERACEAE Isolepis nodosa Knobby Club Rush CYPERACEAE Lepidosperma laterale Variable Swordsedge CYPERACEAE Lipocarpha microcephala _ CYPERACEAE Schoenoplectus litoralis A clubrush CYPERACEAE Schoenoplectus mucronatus Angled Clubrush CYPERACEAE Schoenoplectus validus River Clubrush CYPERACEAE Schoenus apogon Fluke Bogrush CYPERACEAE Schoenus brevifolius A bogrush CYPERACEAE Schoenus nitens Shiny Bogrush CYPERACEAE Scleria levis _ CYPERACEAE Scleria mackaviensis _ CYPERACEAE Scleria tricuspidata _ DAVALLIACEAE Davallia pyxidata Hare's Foot Fern DENNSTAEDTIACEAE Histiopteris incisa Bat's Wing Fern DENNSTAEDTIACEAE Hypolepis muelleri Harsh Ground Fern DENNSTAEDTIACEAE Pteridium esculentum Bracken Fern DICKSONIACEAE Calochlaena dubia Common Ground Fern DILLENIACEAE Hibbertia linearis var. obtusifolia A guinea flower DILLENIACEAE Hibbertia scandens Snake Vine Narrow-leaved Guinea DILLENIACEAE Hibbertia stricta Bush DILLENIACEAE Hibbertia vestita A guinea flower DROSERACEAE Drosera auriculata A sundew DROSERACEAE Drosera peltata A sundew DROSERACEAE Drosera spatulata A sundew ELAEOCARPACEAE Elaeocarpus obovatus Hard Quandong ELAEOCARPACEAE Elaeocarpus reticulatus Blueberry Ash

113 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

FAMILY NAME BOTANICAL NAME COMMON NAME ELATINACEAE Elatine gratioloides Waterwort EPACRIDACEAE Leucopogon leptospermoides May-leaf Bearded Heath Small-flowered Bearded EPACRIDACEAE Leucopogon margarodes Heath EPACRIDACEAE Leucopogon parviflorus _ EPACRIDACEAE Monotoca sp. 'Fraser Island' Prickly Broom Heath ERIOCAULACEAE Eriocaulon scariosum _ EUPHORBIACEAE Breynia oblongifolia Coffee Bush EUPHORBIACEAE * Euphorbia hirta Asthma Plant EUPHORBIACEAE Exocoecaria agallocha Milky Mangrove EUPHORBIACEAE Glochidion ferdinandi Cheese Tree EUPHORBIACEAE Glochidion sumatranum Umbrella Cheese Tree EUPHORBIACEAE Macaranga tanarius David's Heart / Macaranga EUPHORBIACEAE Phyllanthus tenellus _ EUPHORBIACEAE Phyllanthus virgatus Twiggy Phyllanthus EUPHORBIACEAE Poranthera microphylla Poranthera FABACEAE * Crotalaria incana ssp. incana Woolly Rattlepod FABACEAE * Crotalaria lanceolata Rattlepod FABACEAE Crotalaria linifolia Native Rattlepod FABACEAE * Crotalaria pallida Streaked Rattlepod FABACEAE Daviesia mimosoides _ FABACEAE Desmodium brachypodum Trefoil FABACEAE Desmodium gangeticum A trefoil FABACEAE Desmodium heterocarpon A trefoil FABACEAE * Desmodium intortum Green-leaf Desmodium FABACEAE Desmodium rhytidophyllum Rusty Tick Trefoil FABACEAE Desmodium triflorum Creeping Tick Trefoil FABACEAE * Desmodium uncinatum Silver-leaf Desmodium FABACEAE Desmodium varians Slender Tick Trefoil FABACEAE Flemingia parviflora _ FABACEAE Glycine clandestina Twining Glycine FABACEAE Glycine tabacina Glycine Pea FABACEAE Glycine tomentella Woolly Glycine FABACEAE * Gomphocarpus physocarpus Balloon Cotton FABACEAE Hardenbergia violacea Sarsparilla Vine FABACEAE Hovea acutifolia Purple Pea Bush FABACEAE Hovea linearis Small Hovea FABACEAE Hovea longifolia A hovea FABACEAE Indigofera hirsuta Hairy Indigo FABACEAE Jacksonia scoparia Dogwood

114 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

FAMILY NAME BOTANICAL NAME COMMON NAME FABACEAE Kennedia rubicunda Running Postman FABACEAE Lespedeza juncea Perennial Lespedeza FABACEAE * Macroptilium atropurpureum Siratro FABACEAE * Macroptilium lathyroides Phasey Bean FABACEAE * Neonotonia wightii Glycine FABACEAE Pultenaea retusa A pea bush FABACEAE Pultenaea villosa Hairy Pea Bush FABACEAE Swainsona brachycarpa A darling pea FABACEAE * Tephrosia glomeruliflora Pink Tephrosia FABACEAE Vigna luteola Dalrymple Vigna FABACEAE Vigna vexillata var angustifolia Wild Cow Pea GENTIANACEAE Centaurium spicatum Spike Centaury GERANIACEAE Geranium homeanum A native geranium GLEICHENIACEAE Sticherus lobatus Spreading Fan Fern GOODENIACEAE Goodenia bellidifolia A fan flower GOODENIACEAE Goodenia paniculata Swamp Goodenia GOODENIACEAE Goodenia rotundifolia Round-leaf Goodenia GOODENIACEAE Velleia spathulata Velleia HALORAGACEAE * Gonocarpus chinensis ssp verrucosus _ Gonocarpus micranthus ssp. HALORAGACEAE * _ micranthus HALORAGACEAE Haloragis heterophylla Rough Rasp Weed HALORAGACEAE Myriophyllum verrucosum Red Watermilfoil HYPOXIDACEAE Curculigo ensifolia A weevil lily HYPOXIDACEAE Hypoxis pratensis var. pratensis Golden Weathergrass HYPOXIDACEAE Hypoxis pratensis var. tuberculata Golden Weathergrass IRIDACEAE * Sisyrinchium sp.1 Scourweed JUNCACEAE Juncus bufonius Toad Rush JUNCACEAE Juncus kraussii Sea Rush JUNCACEAE Juncus polyanthemus A rush JUNCACEAE Juncus prismatocarpus Branching Rush JUNCACEAE Juncus usitatus Common Rush JUNCAGINACEAE Triglochin procerum Water Ribbons JUNCAGINACEAE Triglochin striata Streaked Arrowgrass LAMIACEAE Clerodendrum floribundum Lolly 'Bush' LAMIACEAE Mentha gracilis A native mint LAMIACEAE * Plectranthus australis Creeping Charley LAMIACEAE Plectranthus parviflorus Forest Plectranthus LAURACEAE Cassytha filiformis A dodder laurel LAURACEAE Cassytha glabella A dodder laurel

115 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

FAMILY NAME BOTANICAL NAME COMMON NAME LAURACEAE Cassytha pubescens A dodder laurel LAURACEAE * Cinnamomum camphora Camphor Laurel LAURACEAE Endiandra sieberi Hard Corkwood LEMNACEAE Spirodela punctata Thin Duckweed LENTIBULARIACEAE Utricularia aurea Bladderwort LILIACEAE Laxmannia gracilis White Laxmannia LINDSAEACEAE Lindsaea linearis Screw Fern LORANTHACEAE Dendrophthoe vitellina _ LORANTHACEAE Notothixos subaureus _ MALVACEAE Abutilon sp. indet. _ MALVACEAE Hibiscus diversifolius Swamp Hibiscus MALVACEAE Hibiscus tiliaceus Cottonwood MALVACEAE Sida rhombifolia Sida Retusa MALVACEAE Thespedeza juncea _ MALVACEAE * Urena lobata Urena Burr MELASTOMATACEAE Melastona malabathricum (M. affine) Blue Tongue MENISPERMACEAE Echinostephia aculeata Prickly Tape Vine MENISPERMACEAE Stephania japonica Tape Vine MENYANTHACEAE Villarsia exaltata Erect Marsh Flower MIMOSACEAE Acacia concurrens Black Wattle MIMOSACEAE Acacia cincinnata _ MIMOSACEAE Acacia complanata Flat-stemmed Wattle MIMOSACEAE Acacia disparrima (A. aulacocarpa) Hickory Wattle MIMOSACEAE Acacia falcata Sickle Wattle MIMOSACEAE Acacia fimbriata Brisbane Golden Wattle Early Flowering Black MIMOSACEAE Acacia leiocalyx Wattle MIMOSACEAE Acacia longissima Narrow-leaf Acacia MIMOSACEAE Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood / Black Wattle MIMOSACEAE Acacia myrtifolia Myrtle-leaved Wattle MIMOSACEAE Acacia penninervis Mountain Hickory wattle MIMOSACEAE # Acacia podalyriifolia Qld Silver Wattle MIMOSACEAE Acacia suaveolens Sweet Wattle MIMOSACEAE Acacia ulicifolia Prickly Moses MORACEAE Ficus benjamina Weeping Fig MORACEAE Ficus coronata River Sandpaper Fig MORACEAE Ficus macrophylla Moreton Bay Fig MORACEAE Ficus obliqua Small-leaved Fig MORACEAE Maclura cochinchinensis Cockspur Thorn MORACEAE * Morus nigra Mulberry

116 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

FAMILY NAME BOTANICAL NAME COMMON NAME MORACEAE Streblus pendulinus Whalebone Tree MYOPORACEAE Eremophila debilis Winter Apple MYRSINACEAE Aegiceras corniculatum River Mangrove MYRTACEAE Angophora leiocarpa Smooth-barked Apple MYRTACEAE Angophora woodsiana Smudgee Apple MYRTACEAE Austromyrtus dulcis Midyim MYRTACEAE Babingtonia collina Twiggy Heath Myrtle MYRTACEAE Baeckea frutescens Weeping Baeckea MRYTACEAE Callistemon pachyphyllus Swamp Bottlebrush MYRTACEAE Callistemon salignus Willow Bottlebrush MYRTACEAE Callistemon viminalis Weeping Bottlebrush MYRTACEAE Corymbia citriodora Spotted Gum MYRTACEAE Corymbia gummifera Red Bloodwood MYRTACEAE Corymbia intermedia Pink Bloodwood MYRTACEAE Corymbia tesselaris Moreton Bay Ash MYRTACEAE # Corymbia torelliana Cadaghi MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus crebra Narrow-leaved Ironbark MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus grandis Rose Gum MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus microcorys Tallowwood MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus pilularis Blackbutt MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus propinqua Grey Gum MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus robusta Swamp Mahogany MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus seeana Narrow-leaved Red Gum MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus siderophloia Qld Grey Ironbark MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus tereticornis Forest Red Gum MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus tindaliae Qld White Stringybark MYRTACEAE * Eugenia uniflora Brazilian Cherry MYRTACEAE Leptospernum liversidgei Lemon-scented May MYRTACEAE Leptospermum polygalifolium Wild May MYRTACEAE Leptospermum trinervium Wooly Tea Tree MYRTACEAE Lophostemon confertus Brush Box MYRTACEAE Lophostemon suaveolens Swamp Box MYRTACEAE # Melaleuca leucadendron Weeping Paperbark MYRTACEAE Melaleuca linariifolia Flaxleaf Paperbark MYRTACEAE Melaleuca nodosa _ MYRTACEAE Melaleuca quinquenervia Paperbark Tea Tree MYRTACEAE Melaleuca sieberi Small-leaved Paperbark MYRTACEAE Melaleuca thymifolia Thyme Honey Myrtle MYRTACEAE Ochrosperma lineare Shaggy Baeckea

117 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

FAMILY NAME BOTANICAL NAME COMMON NAME MYRTACEAE Syzygium australe Brush Cherry NEPHROLEPIDACEAE # Nephrolepis cordifolia Fishbone Fern NYMPHAEACEAE * Nymphaea caerulea ssp. zanzibarensis Cape Waterlily NYMPHAEACEAE Nymphoides indica Water Snowflake OCHNACEAE * Ochna serrulata Mickey Mouse Bush OLEACEAE Notelaea longifolia Large Mock Olive OLEACEAE Notelaea ovata Olive Bush ONAGRACEAE Ludwigia octovalvis Willow Primrose ONAGRACEAE Ludwigia peploides Water Primrose OPHIOGLOSSACEAE Ophioglossum lusitanicum Adder's Tongue ORCHIDACEAE Arthrochilus irritabilis Leafy Elbow Orchid ORCHIDACEAE Dipodium variegatum Hyacinth Orchid ORCHIDACEAE Geodorum densiflorum Shepherd's Crook Orchid ORCHIDACEAE Phaius australis Swamp Orchid ORCHIDACEAE Spiranthes sinensis Ladies' Tresses OXALIDACEAE * Oxalis corniculata Yellow Sorrel OXALIDACEAE * Oxalis corymbosa Pink Shamrock PARKERIACEAE Ceratopteris thalictroides Water Fern PASSIFLORACEAE Passiflora aurantia Red Passion Flower PASSIFLORACEAE * Passiflora edulis Common Passion Fruit PASSIFLORACEAE * Passiflora foetida Stinking Passion Flower PASSIFLORACEAE * Passiflora suberosa Corky Passion Flower PASSIFLORACEAE * Passiflora subpeltata White Passion Flower PHILESIACEAE Eustrephus latifolius Wombat Berry PHILESIACEAE Geitonoplesium cymosum Scrambling Lily PHILYDRACEAE Philydrum lanuginosum Frogmouth PHORMIACEAE Dianella brevipedunculata A blue flax lily PHORMIACEAE Dianella caerulea A blue Flax Lily PHORMIACEAE Dianella longifolia Long-leaved Flax Lily PHYTOLACCACEAE * Phytolacca octandra Inkweed PINACEAE * Pinus elliottii Slash Pine PITTOSPORACEAE # Pittosporum ferrugineum Rusty Pittosporum PITTOSPORACEAE Pittosporum revolutum Yellow Pittosporum PLANTAGINACEAE Plantago debilis Native Plantain PLANTAGINACEAE * Plantago lanceolata Ribwort PLANTAGINACEAE * Plantago major Greater Plantain POACEAE Agrostis avenacea Blown Grass POACEAE Alloteropsis semialata Cockatoo Grass Whisky Grass / POACEAE * Andropogon virginicus Broomsedge

118 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

FAMILY NAME BOTANICAL NAME COMMON NAME POACEAE Aristida queenslandica v. queenslandica _ POACEAE Aristida warburgii Clumping Speargrass POACEAE * Axonopus affinis Narrowleaf Carpet Grass POACEAE * Axonopus compressus Broadleaf Carpet Grass POACEAE Bothriochloa decipiens var. decipiens Pitted Blue Grass POACEAE * Brachiaria decumbens Signal Grass POACEAE Brachiaria foliosa Leafy Panic POACEAE * Brachiaria mutica Para Grass POACEAE * Bromus catharticus Praire Grass POACEAE Capillipedium spicigerum Scented Top POACEAE * Cenchrus echinatus Mossman River Grass POACEAE Chloris divaricata Slender Chloris POACEAE * Chloris gayana Rhodes Grass POACEAE * Cortaderia selloana Pampas Grass POACEAE Cymbopogon refractus Barb Wire Grass POACEAE Cynodon dactylon Green Couch POACEAE Dichelachne micrantha Plume Grass Dichelachne sp. (Brisbane BK Simon POACEAE 3221) POACEAE Digitaria breviglumis _ POACEAE * Digitaria ciliaris Summergrass POACEAE * Digitaria didactyla Qld Blue Couch POACEAE Digitaria orbata _ POACEAE Digitaria parviflora Smallflower Fingergrass POACEAE * Digitaria sanguinalis Crabgrass / Summergrass POACEAE Diplachne fusca Brown Beetle Grass POACEAE Echinochloa colona Awnless Barn Grass POACEAE * Echinochloa crus-galli Barnyard Grass POACEAE Echinopogon nutans Nodding Hedgehog Grass POACEAE * Eleusine indica Crowsfoot Grass POACEAE Entolasia stricta Wiry Panic POACEAE Eragrostis brownii Brown's Lovegrass POACEAE Eragrostis elongata Clustered Lovegrass POACEAE Eragrostis pubescens A lovegrass POACEAE Eragrostis spartinoides A lovegrass POACEAE * Eragrostis tenuifolia Elastic Grass POACEAE Eremochloa bimaculata Poverty Grass POACEAE Eriachne helmsii Buck Wanderrie Grass POACEAE Eriochloa procera Spring Grass POACEAE Hemarthria uncinata Mat Grass

119 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

FAMILY NAME BOTANICAL NAME COMMON NAME POACEAE Imperata cylindrica Blady Grass POACEAE Ischaemum australe v. australe _ POACEAE Leersia hexandra Swamp Rice Grass POACEAE Leptochloa decipiens Slender Canegrass POACEAE * Lolium perenne Perennial Rye Grass POACEAE * Melinis minutiflorus Molasses Grass POACEAE Microlaena stipoides Weeping Grass POACEAE Oplismenus aemulus Creeping Beard Grass POACEAE Oplismenus hirtellus ssp. imbecillis Pademelon Grass POACEAE Oplismenus undulatifolius A beard grass POACEAE Ottochloa gracillima _ POACEAE Ottochloa nodosa _ POACEAE Panicum effusum var. effusum Hairy Panic POACEAE Panicum effusum var. simile Two Colour Panic POACEAE * Panicum maximum var. maximum Guinea Grass POACEAE * Panicum maximum var. trichoglume Green Panic POACEAE Paspalidium aversum _ POACEAE Paspalidium disjunctum _ POACEAE Paspalidium distans _ POACEAE * Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum POACEAE Paspalum distichum Water Couch POACEAE Paspalum scrobiculatum Ditch Millet POACEAE * Paspalum urvillei Vasey Grass POACEAE Paspalum vaginatum Saltwater Couch POACEAE * Paspalum mandiocanum (P. wetsteinii) Broad-leaved Paspalum POACEAE Pennisetum alopecuroides Swamp Foxtail POACEAE Phragmites australis Common Reed POACEAE * Poa annua Wintergrass POACEAE * Rhynchelytrum repens Red Natal Grass POACEAE Sacciolepis indica Indian Cupscale Grass POACEAE * Setaria gracilis Slender Pigeon Grass POACEAE * Setaria pumila Pale Pigeon Grass POACEAE * Setaria sphacelata var. sericea South African Pigeon Grass POACEAE Sorghum arundinaceum Sorghum POACEAE Sporobolus diandrus var. (Cairns C.E. Hubbard + 6696) POACEAE Sporobolus virginicus Marine Couch POACEAE * Stenotaphrum secundatum Buffalo Grass POACEAE Themeda triandra Kangaroo Grass POLYGALACEAE Comesperma hispidulum _

120 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

FAMILY NAME BOTANICAL NAME COMMON NAME POLYGALACEAE Polygala japonica _ POLYGALACEAE * Polygala paniculata POLYGONACEAE Persicaria attenuatum A smartweed POLYGONACEAE Persicaria lapathifolium A smartweed POLYGONACEAE * Persicaria salicifolium A smartweed POLYGONACEAE Persicaria strigosum A smartweed POLYGONACEAE Rumex brownii Swamp Dock POLYGONACEAE * Rumex crispus Curled Dock POLYPODIACEAE Platycerium bifurcatum Elkhorn POLYPODIACEAE Platycerium superbum Staghorn PORTULACACEAE Portulaca oleracea Pigweed / Purslane PRIMULACEAE * Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel PRIMULACEAE Samolus repens Creeping Brookweed PROTEACEAE Banksia aemula Wallum Banksia PROTEACEAE Banksia integrifolia Coast Banksia PROTEACEAE Banksia robur Swamp Banksia PROTEACEAE Hakea florulenta _ PROTEACEAE Hakea actites Hakea PROTEACEAE Grevillea robusta Silky Oak PROTEACEAE Lomatia silaifolia Fern-leaved Lomatia PROTEACEAE Persoonia media A geebung PROTEACEAE Persoonia stradbrokensis A coastal geebung PTERIDACEAE Acrostichum speciosum Mangrove Fern RANUNCULACEAE Ranunculus inundatus River Buttercup RANUNCULACEAE Ranunculus lappaceus Willow Buttercup RESTIONACEAE Caustis recurvata Curly Sedge RESTIONACEAE Restio pallens _ RHAMNACEAE Alphitonia excelsa Soap Ash / Red Ash RICCIACEAE Ricciocarpus natans Liverwort RHIZOPHORACEAE Rhizophora stylosa Red Mangrove ROSACEAE Rubus moluccanus Molucca Bramble ROSACEAE Rubus parvifolius Pink-flowering Raspberry RUBIACEAE Mitracarpus hirtus _ RUBIACEAE Pomax umbellata _ RUBIACEAE Psychotria loniceroides Hairy Psychotria RUBIACEAE * Richardia brasiliensis Mexican Clover RUBIACEAE * Richardia stellaris _ RUPPIACEAE Ruppia maritima Sea Tassel RUTACEAE Boronia polygalifolia Dwarf Boronia

121 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

FAMILY NAME BOTANICAL NAME COMMON NAME RUTACEAE # Melicope elleryana Pink Doughwood RUTACEAE * Murraya paniculata Mock Orange RUTACEAE Zieria laxiflora Wallum Zieria SAPINDACEAE Cupaniopsis anacardioides Tuckeroo SAPINDACEAE Dodonaea triquetra Hop Bush SAPINDACEAE Jagera pseudorhus Foambark SCHIZAEACEAE Lindsaea linearis Screw Fern SCHIZAEACEAE Schizaea bifida Comb Fern SCHIZAEACEAE Schizaea dichotoma Branched Comb Fern SCROPHULARIACEAE Artanema fimbriatum 'Koala' Bells' SCROPHULARIACEAE Bacopa monnieri Bacopa SCROPHULARIACEAE * Scoparia dulcis Scoparia SCROPHULARIACEAE Veronica plebeia Trailing Speedwell SELAGINELLACEAE Selaginella uliginosa Swamp Selaginella SINOPTERIDACEAE Cheilanthes sieberi Mulga Fern SMILACACEAE Smilax australis Barb Wire Vine SMILACACEAE * Lycopersicon lycopersicum Tomato SMILACACEAE Nicotiana forsteri _ SMILACACEAE Physalis minima Wild Gooseberry SMILACACEAE * Physalis peruviana Cape Gooseberry SMILACACEAE * Solanum capsicoides Devil's Apple SOLANACEAE * Solanum hispidum Giant Devil's Fig SOLANACEAE * Solanum mauritianum Wild Tobacco SOLANACEAE * Solanum seaforthianum Brazilian Nightshade SOLANACEAE * Solanum torvum Devil's Fig SOLANACEAE * Solanum nigrum Blackberry Nightshade SPIGALIACEAE Mitrasacme alsinoides _ SPIGALIACEAE Mitrasacme paludosa _ STERCULIACEAE Commersonia bartramia Brown Kurrajong STRELITZIACEAE * Ravenala madagascariensis Traveller's 'Palm' TETRAGONIACEAE Tetragonia tetragonioides New Zealand Spinach THELYPTERIDACEAE Christella dentata Binung THELYPTERIDACEAE Cyclosorus interruptus _ THYMELAEACEAE Pimelea latifolia A riceflower THYMELAEACEAE Pimelea linifolia Slender Riceflower THYMELAEACEAE Wikstroemia indica Bootlace Bush TYPHACEAE Typha angustifolia Cumbungi TYPHACEAE Typha domingensis Cumbungi ULMACEAE Trema tomentosa Peach Poison Bush

122 Coombabah - Parkwood Conservation Reserves Management Plan

FAMILY NAME BOTANICAL NAME COMMON NAME VERBENACEAE * Lantana camara Lantana VERBENACEAE * Lantana montevidensis Creeping Lantana VERBENACEAE * Phyla nodiflora var longifolia Condamine Couch VERBENACEAE * Verbena bonariensis Purpletop VERBENACEAE * Verbena litoralis Common Verbena VERBENACEAE * Verbena rigida Veined Verbena VIOLACEAE Hybanthus stellarioides Yellow Spade Flower VIOLACEAE Viola betonicifolia Arrowhead Violet VIOLACEAE Viola hederacea Native Violet VITACEAE Cayratia clematidea Slender Grape VITACEAE Cissus opaca Small-leaf Water Vine XANTHORRHOEACEAE Lomandra confertifolia subsp. Pallida Narrow-leaved Matrush XANTHORRHOEACEAE Lomandra filiformis A slender matrush XANTHORRHOEACEAE Lomandra laxa A matrush XANTHORRHOEACEAE Lomandra longifolia Matrush XANTHORRHOEACEAE Lomandra multiflora Many-flowered Matrush XANTHORRHOEACEAE Xanthorrhoea johnsonii A grass tree XANTHORRHOEACEAE Xanthorrhoea latifolia A grass tree XANTHORRHOEACEAE Xanthorrhoea macronema A grass tree XYRIDACEAE Xyris complanata Hat Pins XYRIDACEAE Xyris juncea Swamp Hat Pins Native Endemics 416 Naturalised Natives 8 Planted Non-endemic Natives 6 Exotic 130 = 23% of all species Total 560 Species

123 Appendix 3: Shows the history of development and vegetation clearing in the Coombabah Lakelands section of the Conservation Area

West & North of Year Coombabah Reserve South & East of Coombabah Coombabah Gold Coast Highway Monterey Keys and Oyster Area is substantially cleared constructed and areas cleared Cove partially cleared. isolating the southern 1944 south of the highway Some Helensvale partially cleared swamp and north eastern clearing east of the reserve but with substantial forest forests but eastern area largely intact areas Area substantially cleared for pasture but some Largely undeveloped with few Monterey Keys/Oyster cove recovery evident. Primary access tracks. Some clearing extensively cleared for 1955 dams in place and pine to the south of O’Briens. Pine pasture. Helensvale partially trees evident along the Ridge beach ridges intact cleared Gold Coast H/way Clearing for pasture still evident south of O’Briens but Secondary clearing of the Monterey Keys/Oyster Cove rest largely undeveloped. southern area with recovery extensively cleared for 1965 Residential development along of the northern forests. Pine grazing. Helensvale partially Pine Ridge road and towards trees advancing cleared Coombabah Creek. Pine Ridge tracked and disturbed Southern side of highway largely intact. Commercial Apparent cessation of Monterey Keys /Oyster cove development underway along grazing and general forest still extensively cleared. highway. Residential 1978 recovery. Ponds Helensvale area cleared and development along Pine Ridge constructed in the central residential development road and to Coombabah area and the airfield in use. underway Creek. Cable Ski sand extraction ponds developed Continuing forest recovery Forest on the southern side of Monterey Keys/Oyster Cove with sewerage farm, highway thinned and still largely cleared with sand nursery under construction. accessed. Commercial extraction evident. Peninsula . Access roads, drainage developments under drained. Helensvale 1987 channels and pipelines in construction. Extensive continuing urban place Present airfield residential/commercial development but some constructed. Canal development east of recovery of lake edge commenced on north Coombabah with Pine Ridge vegetation eastern boundary isolated. Canal development Arundel developments Monterey Keys developing. Continuing forest recovery. underway south of the Gold Coast railway under 1993/ Sewerage plant fully highway Gold Coast Golf Club development. Helensvale 1994 operational with additional developed. Ongoing area highly developed tracks and pipelines development adjacent to including Clearing of the lake Coombabah Creek shore area Monterey Keys and Oyster Extensive urban and golf Cove advanced or under course development south of development disturbed areas Continuing vegetation highway. Major residential in the Oyster Cove peninsula 1996 recovery. Myola Court Drain development near Cable Ski Gold coast railway built. extended and Myola Court area under Development continuing east development of the rail way in the Helensvale area

124 Appendix 4: Priority weed species within the planning area

Species name Common name Status* Invasiveness** Ageratina adenophora Crofton Weed 17 Ageratina riparia Mistflower 25 Ambrosia artemisiifolia Ragweed Class 2 Araujia sericifera Moth Vine 26 Asparagus aethiopicus Ground Asparagus Class 3 23 Asparagus plumosus Climbing Asparagas Class 3 57 Baccharis halimifolia Groundsel Class 2 2 Brachiaria mutica Para Grass 42 Bryophyllum pinnatum Resurrection Plant 47 Catharanthus roseus Madagascar periwinkle 62 Chloris gayana Rhodes Grass 46 46 Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. Bitou Bush Class 1 12 rotundata Cinnamomum camphora Camphor Laurel Class 3 8 Desmodium uncinatum Silver-leaf Desmodium 64 Digitaria didactyla Qld Blue Couch 87 Gomphocarpus physocarpus Balloon Cotton 86 Ipomoea cairica Mile-a-minute 28 Ipomoea indica Blue Morning Glory 40 Lantana camara Lantana Class 3 1 Lantana montevidensis Creeping Lantana Class 3 18 Ligustrum sinensis Small Leafed Privet Class 3 21 Macroptilium atropurpureum Siratro 51 Melinis minutiflorus Molasses Grass 38 Neonotonia wightii Glycine 19 Nymphaea caerulea ssp. 66 zanzibarensis Cape Waterlily Ochna serrulata Mickey Mouse Bush 22 Panicum maximum var. 20 maximum Guinea Grass Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum 73 Paspalum mandiocanum (P. 72 wettsteinii) Broad-leaved Paspalum Passiflora foetida Stinking Passion Flower 70 Passiflora suberosa Corky Passion Flower 37 Passiflora subpeltata White Passion Flower 63 Pinus elliottii Slash Pine 44 Ricinus communis Castor Oil Plant 81 Schinus terebinthifolius Broad-leaf Pepper Tree Class 3 9 Senecio madagascariensis Fireweed Class 2 82 Senna pendula var. glabrata Easter Cassia 45 Setaria sphacelata var. sericea South African Pigeon Grass 85 Solanum mauritianum Wild Tobacco 61 Solanum seaforthianum Brazilian Nightshade 55 Solanum torvum Devil's Fig 93 Spathodea campanulata African Tulip Tree Class 3 190 Sphagneticola trilobata Singapore Daisy Class 3 16 Syagrus romanzoffianum Cocos palm 92 Tecoma stans Yellow Bells Class 3 100 *Status = status under Qld Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 **ranking of threat and/or invasiveness in Queensland (Batianoff and Butler 2002)

125