Environmental Consulting Options Tasmania

ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE PROPOSED NORTH ESK IRRIGATION SCHEME, TASMANIA

Environmental Consulting Options Tasmania (ECOtas) for Tasmanian Irrigation Pty Ltd 31 January 2017

Mark Wapstra ABN 83 464 107 291 28 Suncrest Avenue email: [email protected] business ph.:(03) 62 283 220 Lenah Valley, TAS 7008 web: www.ecotas.com.au mobile ph.: 0407 008 685

ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting 28 Suncrest Avenue Lenah Valley, TAS 7008 [email protected] www.ecotas.com.au (03) 62 283 220 0407 008 685 ABN 83 464 107 291

Tasmanian Irrigation Pty Ltd ATTENTION: Ian Smith (NEIS Project Manager) PO Box 84 Evandale TAS 7212

14 February 2017

Dear Ian

RE: North Esk Irrigation Scheme: Vegetation, Flora and Fauna Assessments Addendum (minor re-alignments)

This statement is prepared as an addendum to: ECOtas (2017). Ecological Assessment of the Proposed North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania. Report by Environmental Consulting Options Tasmania (ECOtas) for Tasmanian Irrigation Pty Ltd, 31 January 2017. Minor re-alignments to the proposed transfer and distribution pipeline routes have been proposed, as shown in the maps dated 8 February 2017. Below I outline the ecological values likely to be associated with each variation. If no mention is made of a particular value (e.g. threatened fauna), this means that the recommendations and mapping in ECOtas (2017) remain valid.

Variation 1 (van Esperen) The area covered by the variation was effectively covered in a broad sweep through this section of the original survey corridor, and the revised pipeline route essentially followed as it is close to the boundary of the original survey area. Vegetation types: The additional area can be allocated to “Eucalyptus amygdalina forest and woodland on dolerite” (DAD). A small area may be better mapped as “Eucalyptus viminalis grassy forest and woodland” (DVG) or “Acacia dealbata forest” (NAD) but this would be away from the pipeline itself so such mapping is a bit moot as neither DVG or NAD are threatened, and as described in ECOtas (2017), NAD, DVG and DAD form a tight mosaic that is sometimes inseparable. Threatened flora: There is a minor chance of additional sites of species such as Aphelia pumilio (see original mapping that placed a couple of sites very close to the revised pipeline route). An additional targeted survey would be of academic interest only as (a) it would need to be conducted in spring to detect the species and (b) even if detected, such species would be localised, and additional sites would not alter the conditions that would need to be applied in a threatened species permit (likely to be limited). As such, I do not advocate for an additional survey.

Variation 2 (Dalness) The area covered by the variation was at least driven through to access the original survey corridor and also covered by our previous assessments of the broader Dalness property.

ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting Vegetation types: The additional area can be allocated to “lowland grassland complex” (GCL) – open areas – and “weed infestation” (FWU) – dark green areas (with a note that the contributing species is gorse, Ulex europaeus). Threatened flora: Oddly, we did not detect any threatened flora en route through this section – at the time of survey the flowering annuals were quite obvious. I suspect this area may be too heavily grazed or otherwise modified to still support the suite of annuals we detected further to the northwest along the pipeline route and further to the east south of the Dalness dam. I do not advocate for an additional survey of this small area.

Variation 3 (Nile Road) We did not survey this area per se but did walk right to the end of the original survey corridor and look west over the paddocks. Vegetation types: The additional area can be allocated to “agricultural land” (FAG) as it basically all cultivated and irrigated paddocks. If needed, the broader windbreaks of pines could be allocated to “plantations for silviculture” (FPL) but this is getting a bit technical and not considered necessary (especially since the pipeline ends before them). Weeds: The section of original corridor west of Nile Road had significant weed infestations of gorse, blackberry, and (annoyingly) patersons curse (only place we detected it), and I expect this additional section may also have some such infestations. General recommendations in ECOtas (2017) are applicable but the above is presented because of the suite of species present and to alert TI to a localised management issue (depending on landowner concerns).

Variation 4 (Relbia Road) Vegetation types: The additional areas can be allocated to: “agricultural land” (FAG) – open paddocks; “water, sea” (OAQ) – dams; “permanent easements” (FPE) – roads; and “weed infestation” (FWU) – patches of gorse.

Variation 5 (Relbia) Vegetation types: Most of the additional area can be allocated to: “agricultural land” (FAG) – open paddocks. Without a site assessment, it is difficult to assign the small patch of forest to a TASVEG unit but I note the pipeline alignment entirely avoids this so classification is moot. I am confident to state that it would not be classified as a threatened vegetation type (looks most similar to “Eucalyptus amygdalina forest and woodland on dolerite” (DAD)).

Variation 6 (Corra Linn) Vegetation types: The additional area can be allocated to: “agricultural land” (FAG) – open paddocks.

On the above analysis, I do not recommend that additional ecological field surveys are warranted. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further queries or need additional information to that provided.

Yours sincerely

Mark Wapstra Senior Scientist/Manager Senior Scientist/Manager

ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

CITATION This report can be cited as: ECOtas (2017). Ecological Assessment of the Proposed North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania. Report by Environmental Consulting Options Tasmania (ECOtas) for Tasmanian Irrigation Pty Ltd, 31 January 2017.

AUTHORSHIP Field assessment: Mark Wapstra, Phil Bell Report production: Mark Wapstra (editing by Phil Bell) Habitat and vegetation mapping: Mark Wapstra, Phil Bell Base data for mapping: TheList, TasMap, GoogleEarth, Tasmanian Irrigation GIS mapping: Mark Wapstra Digital and aerial photography: Mark Wapstra, GoogleEarth, TheList

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Ian Smith, Tegan Lovell and Kathryn Pugh (Tasmanian Irrigation) facilitated access and provided background information. James Wapstra (ECOtas) and Sam Bell provided field assistance, and Lorilee Yeates (ECOtas) undertook data entry. Miguel de Salas (Tasmanian Herbarium) confirmed my identification of Poa, Isolepis and Uncinia species.

COVER ILLUSTRATION Main image: existing dam proposed for enlargement. Insets (L-R): Epacris exserta (south esk heath), Aphelia pumilio (dwarf fansedge), Aphelia gracilis (slender fansedge), Siloxerus multiflorus (small wrinklewort), Triptilodiscus pygmaeus (dwarf sunray).

Please note: the blank pages in this document are deliberate to facilitate double-sided printing.

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania i ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania ii ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

CONTENTS SUMMARY ...... 1 PURPOSE, SCOPE, LIMITATIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS OF THE SURVEY...... 7 Purpose ...... 7 Scope ...... 7 Limitations ...... 7 Qualifications...... 8 Permit ...... 8 THE PROPOSAL...... 8 THE STUDY AREA...... 9 METHODS ...... 10 Nomenclature ...... 10 Preliminary investigation ...... 10 Botanical survey ...... 10 General...... 10 Vegetation mapping ...... 11 Threatened flora ...... 11 Weeds ...... 12 Zoological survey ...... 12 Masked owl, Tyto novaehollandiae subsp. castanops...... 12 Wedge-tailed eagle, Aquila audax subsp. fleayi ...... 12 Green and golden frog, Litoria raniformis ...... 12 Tasmanian devil, Sarcophilus harrisii & quoll species (Dasyurus spp.) ...... 13 FINDINGS...... 13 Vegetation types ...... 13 Comments on TASVEG mapping...... 13 Vegetation types recorded as part of the present study...... 14 Comments on conservation significance of vegetation types ...... 14 Plant species ...... 18 General observations ...... 18 Priority species recorded from the study area ...... 18 Comments on priority flora recorded from databases ...... 22 Fauna species ...... 23 General observations ...... 23 Priority fauna – sightings and potential habitat ...... 23 Comments on priority fauna recorded from databases ...... 26

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania iii ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Other ecological values ...... 26 Additional “Matters of National Environmental Significance” – threatened ecological communities...... 26 Weed species...... 26 Rootrot pathogen, Phytophthora cinnamomi ...... 29 Myrtle wilt ...... 29 Myrtle rust ...... 29 Chytrid fungus and other freshwater pathogens ...... 29 DISCUSSION...... 30 Summary of key findings...... 30 Legislative and policy implications ...... 33 Recommendations ...... 38 REFERENCES...... 39 APPENDIX A. Vegetation community structure and composition ...... 67 APPENDIX B. Vascular plant species recorded from study area ...... 70 APPENDIX C. Vertebrate fauna recorded from study area...... 80 APPENDIX D. Analysis of database records of threatened flora...... 86 APPENDIX E. Analysis of database records of threatened fauna ...... 96 APPENDIX F. Annotated images of threatened flora ...... 100 APPENDIX G. Annotated images of potential habitat of threatened fauna ...... 104 APPENDIX H. Annotated images of weeds ...... 108 APPENDIX I. CofA’s Protected Matters report for assessment area ...... 110 OTHER ATTACHMENTS ...... 110

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania iv ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

SUMMARY

General

Tasmanian Irrigation Pty Ltd engaged Environmental Consulting Options Tasmania (ECOtas) to undertake an ecological assessment of the proposed North Esk Irrigation Scheme (NEIS), including the proposed dam on the “Dalness” property and the proposed transfer and distribution pipeline routes, primarily to facilitate further land use planning though local, State and Commonwealth government environmental planning approvals protocols. The study area was assessed on 5, 10, 11 & 14 October 2015 and 2 & 3 November 2015 by Mark Wapstra (ECOtas), with further assessments of the revised/updated pipeline routes on 2 & 3 November 2016 by Mark Wapstra and Phil Bell.

Summary of key findings

Non-priority flora (e.g. species of biogeographic significance)  No species of high conservation significance detected – no special management actions required. Non-priority fauna (e.g. species of biogeographic significance)  No species of high conservation significance detected – no special management actions required.  Note that the project area supports several species of frog, which are susceptible to the chytrid frog pathogen – it is recommended that strict machinery hygiene protocols, as outlined in Rudman et al. (2004), Rudman (2005) and Allan & Gartenstein (2010), are recommended, as well as the implementation of a chytrid management strategy to minimise the risk of introducing the pathogen to chytrid-free sites. Threatened flora  No plant species listed as threatened on the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 were detected from within study area. Two species are present close to the study area but will not be affected by the works, as follows:  Epacris exserta (south esk heath): also listed on the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995; occurs along the North Esk River upstream and downstream of the weir (sites can be avoided and no individuals are close to the works area itself); and  Lepidium hyssopifolium (soft peppercress): locally dense population on eastern side of Nile Road near southern end of distribution pipeline (nominally outside the pipeline corridor, which is on the western side of Nile Road and on the other side of the fence – recommend population be protected from inadvertent disturbance (e.g. parked vehicles) by barrier mesh/bunting).  Seven plant species listed as threatened on the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995, were detected within or close to the study area as follows:  Aphelia gracilis (slender fanwort): infrequent but locally abundant, mainly associated with small “holes” in “rough pasture” and native grasslands i.e. localised water-holding sites;

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 1 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

 Aphelia pumilio (dwarf fanwort): infrequent and most strongly associated with native grassland and rock outcrops;  Haloragis heterophylla (variable raspwort): several patches associated with natural drainage depressions “feeding” the existing Dalness dam; also several sites in “damp” grassy woodland on gentle surrounding slopes;  Siloxerus multiflorus (small wrinklewort): locally abundant in rockplate grassland and extending into “rough pasture” between Blessington Road and Dalness dam, with several patches in forest openings to the east;  Myriophyllum integrifolium (tiny watermilfoil): localised to a shallow table drain on private track north of Blessington Road;  Teucrium corymbosum (forest germander): locally frequent on steep rocky slopes above North Esk River between river banks and top of slope, and localised patch on rock outcrop in catchment of Rose Rivulet;  Triptilodiscus pygmaeus (dwarf sunray): locally abundant in rockplate grassland and extending into “rough pasture” between Blessington Road and Dalness dam, with several patches in forest openings to the east.  A referral under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 is not considered warranted for Lepidium hyssopifolium (provided minimal protection is provided to a small population) or Epacris exserta (sites outside works area).  The presence of the State-listed species will need to be taken into account in further land use planning under Section 51 of the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995. At this stage of planning, it appears unlikely that the presence of these species will significantly constrain the project i.e. they do not present as a “fatal flaw”, and it is recommended that the project can move immediately to the preparation of a permit application on the basis of the information provided in this report. Threatened fauna  Potential habitat is present for:  Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii);  spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus subsp. maculatus);  eastern quoll (Dasyurus viverrinus);  eastern barred bandicoot (Perameles gunnii subsp. gunnii);  tussock skink (Pseudemoia pagenstecheri);  glossy grass skink (Pseudemoia rawlinsoni);  Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle (Aquila audax subsp. fleayi);  Tasmanian masked owl (Tyto novaehollandiae subsp. castanops); and  green and golden frog (Litoria raniformis).  Tasmanian Irrigation should implement its standard threatened fauna management protocols, as previously accepted by State and Commonwealth agencies. Advice should be sought from the relevant section of DPIPWE if these standard protocols are not applicable or need to be modified to suit a particular aspect of the project (e.g. management of construction timing in relation to the contextual position of the wedge-tailed eagle nests). Vegetation types  The study area supports twenty TASVEG 3.0 mapping units:

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 2 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

 agricultural land (FAG);  regenerating cleared land (FRG);  weed infestation (FWU);  permanent easements (FPE);  urban areas (FUR);  plantations for silviculture (FPL);  extra-urban miscellaneous (FUM);  lowland grassland complex (GCL);  rockplate grassland (GRP);  lowland grassy sedgeland (GSL);  lowland Themeda triandra grassland (GTL);  water, sea (OAQ);  Bursaria-Acacia woodland and scrub (NBA);  Acacia melanoxylon forest on rises (NAR);  Allocasuarina verticillata forest (NAV);  Acacia dealbata forest (NAD);  Eucalyptus viminalis grassy forest and woodland (DVG);  Eucalyptus ovata forest and woodland (DOV);  Eucalyptus amygdalina forest and woodland on dolerite (DAD); and  Eucalyptus amygdalina forest on mudstone (DAM).  DOV is classified as threatened under Schedule 3A of the Tasmanian Nature Conservation Act 2002, but it is understood that the pipeline installation can avoid both small patches such that special management is unlikely to be required.  The small area of GTL equates to the threatened ecological community Lowland Native Grasslands of Tasmania listed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, but it is understood that the pipeline installation can avoid the small extension of this mapping unit into the project area such that special management is unlikely to be required. Weeds  Seven species classified as “declared weeds” within the meaning of the Tasmanian Weed Management Act 1999 were detected from the study area.  Given the largely primary production context and widespread nature of the species in the broader project area, eradication is not a realistic objective because of the massive source of future propagules, and because it would require a coordinated approach between numerous private property owners and other land managers including local councils and the Department of State Growth (for roadside occurrences) to properly address the extent of weed infestations.  Strict machinery hygiene protocols, as outlined in Rudman et al. (2004), Rudman (2005) and Allan & Gartenstein (2010), are recommended where the distribution of weeds is such that the project works present a risk of exacerbating infestations, especially where such

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 3 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

exacerbation may impact on primary production activities or introduce these weeds to areas of native vegetation without significant infestations. In addition, machinery that has operated in weed-infested parts of the project area should not be moved to another part of the project area, municipality, other municipalities, reserved areas, or private properties without being subject to strict machinery hygiene protocols (see the manual Keeping it Clean – A Tasmanian Field Hygiene Manual to Prevent the Spread of Freshwater Pests and Pathogens (Allan & Gartenstein 2010) for further details). It may be prudent in some locations to pre-treat localised infestations or flag off a weed infestation (to prevent machinery, vehicle and personnel incursions) prior to the commencement of works. Post- works monitoring is strongly recommended with appropriate control of novel or exacerbated infestations.  Special attention may need to be paid to the infestation of Echium plantagineum (patersons curse) at the southern end of the distribution pipeline, although this may not be practical if the plants are not in flower and no longer obvious at the time of works. Machinery washdown prior to moving to another part of the project area after working near this infestation is advised.  Special attention should be paid to the management of Acacia paradoxa (kangaroo thorn) detected from a localised part of the distribution pipeline. While not listed as a declared species, minimising the risk of spreading this environmental weed to other sites is recommended. Plant and animal disease  No evidence of plant disease (Phytophthora cinnamomi, rootrot fungus; myrtle wilt; myrtle rust) was detected.  The main concern is the future risk of transferring water from a chytrid-infected water storage facility to non-infected parts of a catchment.  Strict machinery hygiene protocols, as outlined in Rudman et al. (2004), Rudman (2005) and Allan & Gartenstein (2010), are recommended, as well as the implementation of a chytrid management strategy to minimise the risk of introducing the pathogen to chytrid- free sites.

Recommendations

At this stage of project planning for the North Esk Irrigation Scheme, the ecological assessment of the proposed Dalness dam site and transfer/distribution pipeline corridor components of the project has indicated the presence of several values that will require further consideration during further project development, including:  vegetation types – the need for a Forest Practices Plan will need to be determined to ascertain the application of the Permanent Native Forest Estate policy and management of threatened vegetation types under Schedule 3A of the Tasmanian Nature Conservation Act 2002, and threatened species under the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995;  threatened flora – both Commonwealth- and State-listed species have been detected, meaning referral under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 will need to be considered if a significant impact on the identified species (Lepidium hyssopifolium and Epacris exserta) is anticipated (at this stage, no impact is anticipated);

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 4 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

 threatened flora – the mechanism for application of a permit under Section 51 of the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 will need to be clarified (depends on whether a permit issued under the Water Management Act 1999 negates the need for a Forest Practices Plan under the Forest Practices Act 1985);  potential habitat of threatened fauna – Tasmanian Irrigation should implement its standard threatened fauna management protocols, as previously accepted by State and Commonwealth agencies; advice should be sought from the relevant section of DPIPWE if these standard protocols are not applicable or need to be modified to suit a particular aspect of the project (e.g. management of construction timing in relation to the contextual position of the wedge-tailed eagle nests), noting that Tasmanian Irrigation routinely refer all proposed schemes to the Commonwealth Department of the Environment under the provisions of the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999);  wedge-tailed eagle nests – it is suggested that Tasmanian Irrigation receive formal advice from DPIPWE on the management requirements related to known wedge-tailed eagle nests within 1 km of the project area if existing standard protocols are not available or cannot be applied (although it is noted that recommendations in this report indicate no special management should be required);  declared weeds – strict machinery hygiene protocols, as outlined in Rudman et al. (2004), Rudman (2005) and Allan & Gartenstein (2010), are recommended where the distribution of weeds is such that the project works present a risk of exacerbating infestations;  environmental weeds – the patch of Acacia paradoxa should be carefully managed to minimise the risk of exacerbating the patch of spreading the species to other sites;  plant disease – no significant constraints but strict machinery hygiene protocols are recommended; and  freshwater pathogens (chytrid) – the main concern is the future risk of transferring water from a chytrid-infected water storage facility to non-infected parts of a catchment; strict machinery hygiene protocols, as outlined in Rudman et al. (2004), Rudman (2005) and Allan & Gartenstein (2010), are recommended, as well as the implementation of a chytrid management strategy to minimise the risk of introducing the pathogen to chytrid- free sites. There are no ecological values that are likely to critically constrain the construction of the North Esk Irrigation Scheme. However, this should be confirmed by advice from relevant authorities, and further management prescriptions may need to be developed in relation to some of the identified values and/or potential risks.

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 5 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 6 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

PURPOSE, SCOPE, LIMITATIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS OF THE SURVEY

Purpose

Tasmanian Irrigation Pty Ltd engaged Environmental Consulting Options Tasmania (ECOtas) to undertake an ecological assessment of the proposed North Esk Irrigation Scheme (NEIS), including the proposed dam on the “Dalness” property and the proposed transfer and distribution pipeline routes, primarily to facilitate further land use planning though local, State and Commonwealth government environmental planning approvals protocols.

Scope

This report relates to:  flora and fauna species of conservation significance, including a discussion of listed threatened species potentially present, and other species of conservation significance/interest;  vegetation types (forest and non-forest, native and exotic) present, including a discussion of the distribution, condition, extent, composition and conservation significance of each community;  plant and animal disease management issues;  weed management issues; and  a discussion of some of the policy and legislative implications of the identified ecological values. This report follows the government-produced Guidelines for Natural Values Surveys – Terrestrial Development Proposals (DPIPWE 2015) in anticipation that the report (or extracts of it) may be used as part of various approval processes that may be required for the development proposal on the site. The assessment also complies with the ecological components of the Tasmanian EPA’s Environmental Effects Report requirements. The report also addresses matters usually considered by the Assessment Committee for Dam Construction (ACDC) under Section 154 of the Water Management Act 1999, meeting the intent of the ACDC’s Directions for Natural Values Assessments for Dam Works Proposals. The report also specifically addresses further information usually requested by local government for developments on sites where particular environmental values need to be considered under the relevant planning scheme. The report format will also be applicable to other assessment protocols as required by the Commonwealth Department of the Environment (as it is understood that Tasmanian Irrigation routinely refers this type of land use proposal to the Commonwealth Department of the Environment& Energy under the provisions of the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999).

Limitations

The ecological assessment of the project area was undertaken in two stages: between 5 October 2015 and 3 November 2015; and between 2 & 3 November 2016. Many plant species have ephemeral or seasonal growth or flowering habits, or patchy distributions (at varying scales), and it is possible that some species were not recorded for this reason. However, every effort was made to sample the range of habitats present in the survey area to maximise the opportunity of recording

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 7 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting most species present (particular those of conservation significance). Late spring and into summer is usually regarded as the most suitable period to undertake most botanical assessments. While some species have more restricted flowering periods, a discussion of the potential for the site to support these is presented. The survey was also limited to vascular species: species of mosses, lichens and liverworts were not recorded. However, a consideration is made of threatened species (vascular and non-vascular) likely to be present (based on habitat information and database records) and reasons presented for their apparent absence. Surveys for threatened fauna were practically limited to an examination of “potential habitat” (i.e. comparison of on-site habitat features to habitat descriptions for threatened fauna), and detection of tracks, scats and other signs, except as indicated.

Qualifications

Except where otherwise stated, the opinions and interpretations of legislation and policy expressed in this report are made by the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the relevant agency. The client should confirm management prescriptions with the relevant agency before acting on the content of this report.

Permit

Any plant material was collected under DPIPWE permit TFL 15280 (in the name of Mark Wapstra). Relevant data has been (and further data will be) entered into DPIPWE’s Natural Values Atlas database by the author. Some plant material has been (and further plant material will be) lodged at the Tasmanian Herbarium by the authors. No invertebrate or vertebrate material was collected.

THE PROPOSAL [taken from Proposed North Esk Irrigation Scheme – Vegetation, Flora and Fauna Values Assessment: Request for Quotation documentation]

This consultancy relates to the proposed NEIS located just out of Launceston in the State’s north. The focus of this assessment is the Dalness Dam site at White Hills, the North Esk River off-take and transfer pipeline and the distribution pipeline routes. Within this scope the aims of the consultancy are to:  document the existing vegetation, flora and fauna values within the proposed dam footprint, pipeline corridor and other identified areas, as shown in the attached documentation (the actual corridor path defined in the attached documentation is likely to change prior to surveys being conducted, however the distance to be surveyed and general area of interest will be consistent with this scope); and  identify distribution of threatened vegetation, flora and fauna species’ habitat, communities or populations listed under State and/or Commonwealth legislation.

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 8 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

THE STUDY AREA

The study area comprises the extent of the key elements of the proposed North Esk Irrigation Scheme, as follows (and as shown in report maps herein):  a proposed 3,150 ML storage on the Dalness property at White Hills;  a transfer pipeline, approximately 8.8 km in length from the North Esk River; and  approximately 45 km of distribution pipeline. The extent of the study area was indicated in Proposed North Esk Irrigation Scheme – Vegetation, Flora and Fauna Values Assessment: Request for Quotation documentation and subsequently provided GIS files. The initially defined study area was assessed in late 2015 but the pipeline routes were then further modified and additional areas were surveyed in late 2016. The present report refers to the updated project area. The project area is located almost wholly on private property and road reserve areas between the North Esk River, Evandale and Nile (Nile 5238, Evandale 5239, Blessington 5240, Longford 5039 and Prospect 5040 1:25,000 scale TASMAPs). Land tenure and other categorisations of the project area are as follows:  various private property titles (details held by Tasmanian Irrigation);  City of Launceston and Northern Midlands municipalities;  Ben Lomond Bioregion (North Esk River catchment section) and Northern Midlands Bioregion (main dam and majority of distribution pipelines); and  Northern Natural Resource Management (NRM) region. Most of the distribution pipeline route comprises gentle to low undulating terrain utilised for grazing and cropping, dissected by minor drainage features, most of which are cleared or dominated by weeds. The proposed dam on the “Dalness” property will extend an existing large irrigation dam. Surrounding areas are a mosaic of forest, woodland, native grassland and pasture (historical maps show that most of the “Dalness” property was completely cleared of trees c. 70 years ago). The transfer pipeline routes are through more intact native vegetation (mainly forest) and some farmland, in the catchments of the North Esk River and Rose Rivulet. Geology of the study area is variable and includes the following:  Jurassic-age “dolerite (tholeiitic) with locally developed granophyre” (geocode: Jd);  Tertiary-age “basalt (tholeiitic to alkalic) and related pyroclastic rocks)” (geocode: Tb);  Tertiary-age “dominantly non-marine sequences of gravel, sand, silt, clay and regolith” (geocode: Ts);  Permian-age Lower Parmeener Supergroup “upper glaciomarine sequences of pebbly mudstone, pebbly sandstone and limestone” (geocode: Pu);  Quaternary-age “sand gravel and mud of alluvial, lacustrine and littoral origin” (geocode: Qh); and  Quaternary-age “talus, vegetated and active” (geocode: Qpt & R). The geology of the study area is mentioned due to its strong influence on vegetation expression, and especially the actual and potential presence of threatened flora species.

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 9 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

METHODS

Nomenclature

All grid references in this report are in GDA94, except where otherwise stated. Vascular species nomenclature follows de Salas & Baker (2016) for scientific names and Wapstra et al. (2005+) for common names. Fauna species scientific and common names follow the listings in the Natural Values Atlas (DPIPWE 2016). Vegetation classification follows TASVEG 3.0, as described in From Forest to Fjaeldmark: Descriptions of Tasmania’s Vegetation (Kitchener & Harris 2013).

Preliminary investigation

Available sources of threatened flora and fauna records, vegetation mapping and other potential environmental values were interrogated. These sources include:  Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water & Environment’s Natural Values Atlas data of threatened flora and fauna, as available to the consultant as a GIS coverage (study area too convoluted to facilitate easy production of a standard format report) (DPIPWE 2016);  Commonwealth Department of the Environment’s Protected Matters Search Tool Report for approximate project area, buffered by 10 km, dated 7 December 2015 (CofA 2015) [Appendix I – not updated for the additional 2016 revisions];  Forest Practices Authority’s Biodiversity Values Database report, specifically the species’ information for nominal grid references at various points along the pipeline route, buffered by 5 km, hyperlinked species’ profiles and predicted range boundary maps, dated 7 December 2015 (FPA 2015 – not updated for the additional 2016 revisions, except where new information was needed) – obtained to provide the DPIPWE/FPA-endorsed descriptions of potential habitat of threatened fauna and to confirm the accepted core and potential range boundaries of various threatened fauna species;  the TASVEG 3.0 vegetation coverage (as available through a GIS coverage); and  other sources listed in tables and text as indicated.

Botanical survey

General

The study area was assessed on 5, 10, 11 & 14 October 2015 and 2 & 3 November 2015 by Mark Wapstra (ECOtas), with further assessments of the revised/updated pipeline routes on 2 & 3 November 2016 by Mark Wapstra and Phil Bell. The survey aimed to assess the range of habitat types present in the study area (at the broad scale e.g. vegetation type, altitude variation, and at the finer scale e.g. microhabitats such as open areas, tracks, poorly-drained patches, disturbed sites, dams, remnant patches of woodland, bases of isolated eucalypts, etc.).

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 10 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

In relation to the “Dalness” dam, the approximate high water mark was walked by reference to the GIS coverage projected on to aerial imagery on a hand-held GPS. Meandering transects across the dam floor (except for areas already inundated by the existing dam) were undertaken, targeting the variation in habitat e.g. drainage lines, fence lines, localised sedge/sagg patches, stony rises, etc. The location of the proposed (upgrade to existing dam wall) dam wall was also assessed by reference to a GIS coverage projected on to aerial imagery on a hand-held GPS. The possible higher water level for a larger dam was assessed more broadly, as was the site to the west of the existing dam proposed as a borrow material area. In relation to the pipeline route, a GIS coverage projected on to aerial imagery and cadastral data on a hand-held GPS was used to navigate the route. For the purposes of assessment, the pipeline corridor was assumed to be c. 100 m wide (i.e. 50 m either side of a nominal centre line). In most places, the 100 m width was easily assessed by a slightly meandering transect through open pasture or along a road/fence verge without the need for doubling-back to ensure adequate survey intensity. In some places (e.g. where pasture was replaced by grassy native woodland and scrub, or on poorly-drained broad flats), the pipeline route was walked in two directions (or by two people) to ensure adequate coverage. In addition, it is noted that where potential habitat for threatened flora or fauna was detected outside the nominal 100 m survey corridor, the survey was locally extended (hence some data points are outside the nominal corridor). Reference to topographic maps (Nile 5238, Evandale 5239, Blessington 5240, Longford 5039 and Prospect 5040 1:25,000 scale TASMAPs), aerial photography (GoogleEarth, TheList) and vegetation maps (TASVEG 3.0) established the approximate range and distribution of topographic and habitat variation present in the study area.

Vegetation mapping

Detailed plots recording all vascular species, vegetation structure and site characteristics were undertaken in each of the representative native vegetation types. Plot data and species list can be supplied on request. Boundaries between vegetation types were delineated using waypoints gathered by hand-held GPS (Garmin Oregon 650) combined with interpretation of aerial photography. Note that the “Dalness” property owners and Tasmanian Irrigation both supplied recent high quality aerial imagery such that some quite fine-scale vegetation mapping could be undertaken. The mapping for the North Esk Irrigation Scheme has combined the datasets from the original scheme surveys (2015) with the mapping from the “Dalness” property surveys and the more recent surveys (2016).

Threatened flora

Where threatened flora populations were encountered, hand-held GPS (Garmin Oregon 650) was used to mark the point location and/or extent of the population and estimates made of abundance of individuals, where practical. The term “where practical” is used in relation to species such as Aphelia gracilis (slender fanwort), A. pumilio (dwarf fanwort), Siloxerus multiflorus (small wrinklewort) and Triptilodiscus pygmaeus (dwarf sunray) that were either locally extremely abundant or difficult to count due to growing through dense grass. Not all populations of some shrub species such as Prostanthera rotundifolia (roundleaf mintbush) were counted precisely due to locally dense patches. The rhizomatous patch-forming sedge Uncinia elegans (handsome hooksedge) was also simply pinpointed by GPS waypointing. Other species were subject to more precise counts (but see notes under each species for specific information).

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 11 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Note that some data points for some threatened flora have been collected and mapped beyond the nominated survey area designated for the current project because the authors were independently engaged by the “Dalness” property owners to document the natural values of the property. In addition, because the survey was undertaken in a staged manner (i.e. the initial pipeline route in late 2015 and the revised pipeline route in late 2016), some data points from the original surveys remain visible on the maps and in the supplied data files.

Weeds

Where “declared weeds”, within the meaning of the Tasmanian Weed Management Act 1999, were encountered, hand-held GPS (Garmin Oregon 650) was used to mark the point location and/or extent of the population and noted made of abundance of individuals and/or extent of patch. Within the “Dalness” dam area, gorse (Ulex europaeus) was extensive and this was mapped by reference to recent aerial imagery.

Zoological survey

Potential habitat for threatened fauna (as listed on databases referred to above) was assessed by reference to the vegetation types and site characteristics present. The presence of mammals, birds, frogs and reptiles was determined by opportunistic discovery (e.g. sightings and calls) during the main botanical assessment, and evidence such as tracks, scats and other signs, except as indicated below.

Masked owl, Tyto novaehollandiae subsp. castanops

Surveys for the masked owl were limited to examining the bases of large mature trees with obvious large hollows potentially suitable for nesting and/or roosting for evidence of occupation (e.g. feathers, pellets, prey items, whitewash). Trees with potential roost/nest hollows were waypointed using hand-held GPS for later reference.

Wedge-tailed eagle, Aquila audax subsp. fleayi

Forested areas were surveyed for the presence of wedge-tailed eagle nests within the survey area only. No surveys were undertaken outside the indicated survey area. There are three known nests of the wedge-tailed eagle within 1 km of the survey corridor, which are considered under FINDINGS.

Green and golden frog, Litoria raniformis

Surveys for the green and golden frog were undertaken by opportunistic visual and auditory assessments at sites with potential habitat (e.g. dams, vegetated drainage channels entering and exiting dams). The existing dams on the “Dalness” property were examined on three separate occasions (all warm still days in spring). Numerous logs were overturned surrounding the existing dam (proposed for enlargement) in search of frogs.

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 12 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Tasmanian devil, Sarcophilus harrisii & quoll species (Dasyurus spp.)

Surveys for Tasmanian devil and quoll species followed, in a general sense, Survey Guidelines and Management Advice for Development Proposals that may impact on the Tasmanian Devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) (DPIPWE 2015). Where detected, scats identifiable to species were pinpointed using hand-held GPS (Garmin Oregon 650). Potential den sites (wombat burrows) were similarly documented. Survey of the transfer and distribution pipeline exceeded the recommended minimum 30% coverage as these areas were criss-crossed as part of vegetation classification and mapping threatened flora. Larger expanses of forest received a similar coverage by meandering transects. That said, the steep rocky slopes above the North Esk River present as ideal habitat and attempting to locate potential den sites in the rock screes and dense riparian scrub was impractical. The large expanses of gorse in paddock and forest areas also thwarted search efforts and it is likely that wombat and rabbit burrows are numerous amongst the gorse, and that these, and simply the dense gorse itself, present ideal habitat impractical to survey in any consistent manner.

FINDINGS

Vegetation types

Comments on TASVEG mapping

This section, which comments on the existing TASVEG 3.0 mapping for the study area, is included to highlight the differences between existing mapping and the more recent mapping from the present study to ensure that any parties assessing land use proposals (via this report) do not rely on existing mapping. Note that TASVEG mapping, which was mainly a desktop mapping exercise based on aerial photography, is often substantially different to ground-truthed vegetation mapping, especially at a local scale. An examination of existing vegetation mapping is usually a useful pre-assessment exercise to gain an understanding of the range of habitat types likely to be present and the level of previous botanical surveys. The following vegetation types are currently mapped along the pipeline route:  agricultural land (FAG);  regenerating cleared land (FRG);  plantations for silviculture (FPL);  weed infestation (FWU);  urban areas (FUR);  Eucalyptus amygdalina forest and woodland on dolerite (DAD);  Eucalyptus amygdalina inland forest and woodland on Cainozoic deposits (DAZ);  Eucalyptus viminalis grassy forest and woodland (DVG);  Bursaria – Acacia woodland and scrub (NBA);  eastern riparian scrub (SRE);  lowland grassland complex (GCL);  lowland Poa labillardierei grassland (GPL); and  water, sea (OAQ).

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 13 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Of these vegetation types, SRE and DAZ are listed as threatened under Schedule 3A of the Tasmanian Nature Conservation Act 2002. SRE is indicated as highly restricted within the survey corridor to a short section of the North Esk River. DAZ is indicated as small remnants along the distribution pipeline. GPL is not listed as threatened under Schedule 3A of the Tasmanian Nature Conservation Act 2002 but occurrences can equate to the threatened ecological community Lowland Native Grasslands of Tasmania listed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Vegetation types recorded as part of the present study

Vegetation types have been classified according to TASVEG 3.0, as described in From Forest to Fjaeldmark: Descriptions of Tasmania’s Vegetation (Kitchener & Harris 2013). Table 1 provides information on the vegetation types identified with notes provided on condition. Figures 1-24 indicate the revised mapping of the vegetation within the study area (also supplied as GIS files to the client). More detailed descriptions of the native vegetation mapping units identified from the study area are provided in Appendix A. It should be noted that roads and farm tracks and transmission lines have not been separately mapped as permanent easements (TASVEG code: FPE) where they occur as part of a broader vegetation type such as agricultural land. Where the pipeline crosses major roads, the section of road has been separately mapped as permanent easements. Not all small farm dams have been mapped separately as water (TASVEG code: OAQ) because of the practicalities of mapping at such small scales. Only extensive areas of weeds (mainly gorse) were mapped separately as weed infestation (TASVEG code: FWU).

Comments on conservation significance of vegetation types

Of the vegetation types present, one is classified as threatened under Schedule 3A of the Tasmanian Nature Conservation Act 2002. Eucalyptus ovata forest and woodland (TASVEG code: DOV) occurs as a small linear stand south of Blessington Road, and a small patch near the junction of Blessington and Forest roads. As discussed in Table 1, Both these patches were hitherto quite indistinct on the ground but recent firebreak/fenceline clearing has resulted in the patches becoming more pronounced. Based on the revised design, it is understood that both patches of DOV will be avoided by the pipeline installation. If this is the case, no special management is recommended. If disturbance to the patches is anticipated, further discussion with the Forest Practices Authority is likely to be required as part of the development of a Forest Practices Plan. None of the vegetation mapping units identified from the project area equate to threatened ecological communities as listed on schedules of the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The EPBCA-listed threatened ecological community Lowland Native Grasslands of Tasmania is comprised of both lowland Poa labillardierei grassland (TASVEG code: GPL – not present within the study area) and lowland Themeda triandra grassland (TASVEG code: GTL – localised patch present within the study area), either singly or in combination. Whether patches of GPL and GTL qualify as the EPBCA-listed entity depends on a number of factors including extent, composition and condition (CofA 2010). While the extent of GTL within the survey corridor does not exceed 1 ha (a nominal threshold for possible classification as the EPBCA-listed entity), the patch extends further south on to Dalness, and forms a complex mosaic with other native grassland types, including GPL. As part of the ecological assessment of the Dalness property, it was concluded that the GPL and GTL associated with the “Dalness grassland” (the northern extent of which is within the transfer pipeline survey corridor) equated to the EPBCA-listed entity for future management purposes because the combined extent exceeds 1 ha, the composition is

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 14 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting predominately of native grass species, the floristic diversity is high (including several threatened flora species) and the patches are in overall good ecological condition. This means that the patch of GTL within the survey corridor also technically qualifies as the EPBCA-listed entity and should be managed as such. It is understood that the pipeline will be installed within the now cleared fenceline firebreak immediately south of Blessington Road, which would not result in any significant disturbance to the patch of GTL. On this basis, referral under the EPBCA of the management of this patch of GTL would not be warranted – this would need to be re-evaluated if disturbance to the patch could not be ensured.

Table 1. Vegetation mapping units present in study area [conservation priorities: TASVEG – as per Schedule 3A of the Tasmanian Nature Conservation Act 2002, using units described by Kitchener & Harris (2013), relating to TASVEG mapping units only; EPBCA – as per the listing of ecological communities on the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, relating to communities as described under that Act, but with equivalencies to TASVEG units]

Conservation TASVEG Equivalent priority Comments (Kitchener & Harris 2013) TASVEG EPBCA

Agricultural, urban and exotic vegetation

FAG occupies most of the distribution pipeline route and much of the proposed “Dalness” dam site. Parts of the transfer pipeline also support FAG. FAG varies from lush pasture, crops, orchards to sheep-grazed “rough pasture”. FAG grades into weed infestation (TASVEG code: FWU) – mainly areas becoming Agricultural land Not threatened dominated by gorse, lowland grassland complex (TASVEG code: (FAG) Not threatened GCL), rockplate grassland (TASVEG code: GRP) and regenerating cleared land (TASVEG code: FRG). FAG also contains farm dams (some larger ones have been mapped separately as water (TASVEG code: OAQ), where obvious on aerial imagery or on the ground).

FRG has been used to map the areas of “rough pasture” clearly not dominated by native grass species and forming a Regenerating cleared land Not threatened successional stage between obvious pasture/cropping land and some form of native grassland, shrubland or even low woodland. (FRG) Not threatened In many ways, FRG is a transient mapping unit in many parts of the project area, its status, extent and condition affected by grazing regimes.

FWU has been used to map locally dense stands of gorse, willow and some mixed stands of weeds. Some localised clumps within pasture have not been separated as FWU due to scale of mapping. Weed infestation Not threatened FWU is mainly dominated by gorse in “paddock” areas and by (FWU) Not threatened willow in riparian areas. FWU forms a mosaic with FAG, FRG and GCL. Note that the GIS shape file provided to the client includes a note for each FWU entry indicating the primary weed species contributing to the FWU classification.

FPE is used to map major roads and similar infrastructure features lacking any significant vegetation. Whether such Permanent easements Not threatened features are mapped as FPE or FUM makes no material difference (FPE) Not threatened to the project planning but it is noted that some people choose the latter for such features, reserving FPE for major easements such as 100 m wide powerline clearings.

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 15 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Conservation TASVEG Equivalent priority Comments (Kitchener & Harris 2013) TASVEG EPBCA

FUR is used to map homesteads and surrounding farm buildings, Urban areas Not threatened driveways and ornamental gardens. The old “Rocklands” homestead area now represented by old fences and “hedges” (FUR) Not threatened formed by ornamental species has been retained as FUR, although could have been mapped as FWU or FAG. FPL has been used to map areas of softwood managed as a commercial plantation (south of Rose Rivulet) but also other Plantations for silviculture Not threatened areas of more substantial pine windbreaks or small woodlots. (FPL) Not threatened Linear shelterbelts separating paddocks and titles have been mapped as FAG, not FPL, because they form part of the primary production land not a commercial wood production unit.

Extra-urban miscellaneous Not threatened A small quarry area has been mapped as FUM. (FUM) Not threatened

Native grassland

GCL occupies areas of “rough pasture” dominated by native grasses rather than exotic species. Most areas are sheep-grazed (and also grazed by deer, rabbits and native mammals). GCL grades into weed infestation (FWU), where gorse has started to infest native grassland, rockplate grassland (GRP), where rock Lowland grassland complex Not threatened outcrops become obvious) and agricultural land (FAG), where (GCL) Not threatened land use practices have shifted the dominance of grass species from native to exotic. GCL can also form a mosaic with patches of tall shrubs (mainly prickly box, black wattle and white gum), which are mapped as Bursaria-Acacia woodland and scrub (TASVEG code: NBA). GRP occurs where dolerite outcrops and is dominated by native Rockplate grassland Not threatened grasses (also often supporting threatened annual herb species). The distinction between GRP and GCL (and indeed FRG and FAG) (GRP) Not threatened is somewhat arbitrary and many patches of GRP within these other units are too small to map practically. Gentle drainage lines around the existing “Dalness” dam site are Lowland grassy sedgeland Not threatened dominated by Lomandra longifolia (sagg), Juncus (rush) species and various grasses and sedges. These areas have been mapped (GSL) Not threatened as GSL, although could equally have been subsumed into a broader concept of regenerating cleared land (FRG).

A small area of open grassland dominated by Themeda triandra is present south of Blessington Road near the crossing point of the transfer pipeline. It occurs as a mosaic with NAD, DOV, GCL and FRG. It is understood that the pipeline will be installed in the Lowland Themeda triandra Not threatened now cleared strip of land immediately south of Blessington Road grassland Possibly such that this small patch of GTL will be protected from (GTL) threatened disturbance. The patch may equate to the EPBCA-listed threatened ecological community Lowland Native Grasslands of Tasmania – refer to text before Table 1.

Other natural environments

Large (existing dams on “Dalness” property) and larger farm Water, sea Not threatened dams (obvious on aerial imagery and/or on the ground) have been mapped as OAQ. Sections of the North Esk River have also (OAQ) Not threatened been mapped as OAQ, where the nominal survey corridor includes areas of open water.

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 16 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Conservation TASVEG Equivalent priority Comments (Kitchener & Harris 2013) TASVEG EPBCA

Non-eucalypt forest and woodland

NBA occurs as a mosaic with non-forest mapping units (mainly Bursaria-Acacia woodland FAG, FRG, FWU and GCL) and forest mapping units (mainly DVG Not threatened and scrub and DAD), and the distinction between NBA and other units is Not threatened somewhat nebulous, often, the boundaries masked by partial (NBA) overstorey dieback and understorey modification (e.g. gorse infestations). A short section of remnant blackwood along the upper reaches Acacia melanoxylon forest of a minor tributary of the North Esk River on “Watery Plains” Not threatened on rises has been mapped as NAR, essentially for want of a better Not threatened (NAR) classification (merely a few Acacia melanoxylon over pasture and weeds in a riparian zone). NAV occurs on dolerite-based slopes, mainly above the North Esk River, where it grades into Eucalyptus amygdalina forest and woodland on dolerite (TASVEG code: DAD) and Eucalyptus Allocasuarina verticillata viminalis grassy forest and woodland (TASVEG code: DVG). It Not threatened forest forms almost pure stands with a relatively dense canopy of Not threatened (NAV) Allocasuarina verticillata and a quite open understorey (rocky). NAV has probably arisen as a result of fires, with evidence of a previous eucalypt canopy in the forms of stags and coarse wood debris. NAD occupies relatively small patches of previously disturbed (cleared) forest and woodland north and south of Blessington Acacia dealbata forest Not threatened Road, where it forms a mosaic with into Eucalyptus amygdalina (NAD) Not threatened forest and woodland on dolerite (TASVEG code: DAD) and Eucalyptus viminalis grassy forest and woodland (TASVEG code: DVG).

Dry eucalypt forest and woodland

DVG occurs on dolerite-based slopes and ridges between the North Esk River and Rose Rivulet. The distinction between DVG and Eucalyptus amygdalina forest and woodland on dolerite (TASVEG code: DAD) is not clear where the two canopy species Eucalyptus viminalis grassy Not threatened share dominance and there is a rapid transition with subtle forest and woodland Not threatened variation in aspect, slope and land use history. Most DVG is in (DVG) good condition with only minor weed infestations but some sites are heavily weed-infested (gorse) or have a highly modified understorey because of grazing (e.g. some parts of the Rose Rivulet catchment). DOV occurs as a small linear strip south of Blessington Road where it occupies an undefined drainage flat “upstream” of a small dam nestled amongst forest. The site barely qualifies as DOV and could be subsumed into Eucalyptus amygdalina forest and woodland on dolerite (TASVEG code: DAD) but the darker canopy is visible on aerial imagery and Eucalyptus ovata at least shares canopy dominance. Another small area also occurs near Eucalyptus ovata forest and Threatened the corner of the “Dalness” property where Forest Road meets woodland Not threatened Blessington Road. Both these patches were hitherto quite (DOV) indistinct on the ground but recent firebreak/fenceline clearing has resulted in the patches becoming more pronounced. Based on the revised design, it is understood that both patches of DOV will be avoided by the pipeline installation. Note that small copses of Eucalyptus ovata elsewhere have not been mapped as DOV, as they are best subsumed into the supporting vegetation mapping unit (e.g. FWU).

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 17 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Conservation TASVEG Equivalent priority Comments (Kitchener & Harris 2013) TASVEG EPBCA DAD is the most widespread forest mapping unit within the project area. It, like DVG, is largely regrowth in structure (most Eucalyptus amygdalina of the forested parts of the “Dalness” property were completely forest and woodland on Not threatened cleared c. 70 years ago), and forms a mosaic with DVG, NAV, dolerite Not threatened NBA, GCL, GRP, and FWU. Large portions in the “Dalness” dam (DAD) area have a highly modified understorey (gorse infestations) but patches on steeper rocky slopes above the North Esk River are in good condition. The proposed borrow material area west of the existing “Dalness” dam supports DAM. Superficially, the structure and composition is virtually identical to adjacent DAD, and this area has only been mapped as DAM because of the underlying geology. In some ways, this forest has affinities to Eucalyptus amygdalina forest Eucalyptus amygdalina and woodland on Cainozoic deposits (TASVEG code: DAZ), as Not threatened forest on mudstone exemplified by sites along Nile Road, but the lack of lateritic Not threatened (DAM) “lags” and several “indicator” species suggests classification as DAM is most appropriate. DAM is in good condition, generally speaking, although patches of gorse and a relatively intensive grazing regime detract from the understorey diversity. DAM grades into NBA on its fringes and includes patches of GCL (close to FAG) within and adjacent to it.

Plant species

General observations

A total of 452 vascular plant species were recorded from the study area (Appendix B), comprising 278 dicotyledons (including 8 endemic and 89 exotic species); 161 monocotyledons (including 5 endemic and 39 exotic species); 11 pteridophytes (all native) and 2 gymnosperms (both exotic). Additional surveys at different times of the year may detect additional short-lived herbs and grasses, although such surveys are not considered warranted because any additional species detected are not likely to have a high priority for conservation management. Note the high proportion of exotic species reflecting the highly modified character of much of the project area.

Priority species recorded from the study area

Most of the project area does not support previous records of threatened flora (see Figures 1-25), presumably reflecting a combination of the land use history (large areas of cleared land) and lack of previous surveys. An exception is the presence of several species of threatened flora along the North Esk River and adjacent slopes, which are the result of previous surveys by the author in the late 2000s (ECOtas 2007). The present surveys have indicated that threatened flora are widespread throughout several parts of the project area, mainly associated with native vegetation but also extending to some highly modified habitats such as sheep-grazed “rough pasture”. The distribution of threatened flora is indicated in Figures 1-25 and summarised in Table 2. Appendix F provides annotated images of most of the species detected. Note that the data for threatened flora collected as part of the present assessment will be provided to the client in the

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 18 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting requested format. At the time of the initial assessments in 2015, several additional threatened flora species to those reported herein were recorded but these have since been formally removed from schedules of the relevant legislation so are not discussed further (refer to Table D1 in Appendix D, which includes a listing of these species).

Table 2. Details of threatened flora recorded from study area (and nearby sites) Species listed below are listed as rare (r), vulnerable (v), endangered (e), or extinct (x) on the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 (TSPA); vulnerable (VU), endangered (EN), critically endangered (CR) or extinct (EX) on the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBCA).

Status Summary of potential Species TSPA Comments impact of project on EPBCA species Range extension: no Infrequent but locally abundant, mainly Range infilling: no Aphelia gracilis r associated with small “holes” in “rough New populations: yes (slender fanwort) - pasture” and native grasslands i.e. localised water-holding sites. Significant impact: no (see comments below) Infrequent and most strongly associated Range extension: no with native grassland and rock outcrops. Range infilling: no Aphelia pumilio r The distribution presented is probably New populations: yes (dwarf fanwort) - indicative only as detection of this species is somewhat serendipitous and requires Significant impact: no (see methodical hands-and-knees survey. comments below) Several patches associated with natural Range extension: no Range infilling: no Haloragis heterophylla r drainage depressions “feeding” the existing Dalness dam; also several sites New populations: yes (variable raspwort) - in “damp” grassy woodland on gentle Significant impact: no (see surrounding slopes. comments below) Locally abundant in rockplate grassland and extending into “rough pasture” Range extension: no between Blessington Road and Dalness Range infilling: yes Siloxerus multiflorus r dam, with several patches in forest New populations: yes (small wrinklewort) - openings and rockier parts of “rough Significant impact: no (see pasture” to the east and west.pipeline comments below) above the North Esk River. Range extension: no Myriophyllum Localised to a table drain on verge of Range infilling: no v integrifolium private property road north of Blessington New populations: yes - (tiny watermilfoil) Road. Significant impact: no (see comments below) Locally frequent on steep rocky slopes Range extension: no above North Esk River between river Range infilling: no Teucrium corymbosum r banks and top of slope, and one localised New populations: yes (forest germander) - patch in catchment of Rose Rivulet Significant impact: no (see southwest of Cherry Tree Hollow. comments below) Locally abundant in rockplate grassland Range extension: yes and extending into “rough pasture” Range infilling: no Triptilodiscus pygmaeus v between Blessington Road and Dalness New populations: yes (dwarf sunray) - dam, with several patches in forest openings and rockier parts of “rough Significant impact: no (see pasture” to the east and west. comments below)

No plant species listed as threatened on the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 were detected from within the study area. Two EPBCA-listed species are known from close to the study area and these are discussed in more detail below. There is some potential habitat for other species but the timed targeted survey did not result in any detections of these species (refer to Appendix D for a more detailed discussion of such species).

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 19 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Lepidium hyssopifolium (soft peppercress) is listed as endangered on both the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1999. There is a previously reported location along Nile Road (Figure 11), which has a precision of ± 100 m. However, the site lands west of Nile Road in a cultivated paddock. The species was confirmed from the eastern verge of Nile Road underneath a row of macrocarpa pines (growing on the private property side of the wire fence). This site almost certainly represents the earlier point location. The species is locally abundant (c. 500 individuals – most new seedlings) between the road edge and the fenceline, the linear extent defined by two GPSed end points at either end of the row of pines. The pipeline route is actually on the western side of Nile Road so in theory there is no reason for the patch of Lepidium hyssopifolium to be disturbed. However, the road verge, including underneath the macrocarpa pines, provides an ideal location to park vehicles. As such, it is recommended that the area be excluded from this risk during the construction period by the installation of a barrier (stakes and barrier mesh or bunting is all that should be required). Provided that disturbance to the patch can be excluded, no permit under Section 51 of the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 will be required and no referral under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 is considered warranted for the proposed works.

Epacris exserta (south esk heath) is listed as endangered on both the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1999. The distribution of the species along the North Esk River has been previously mapped in considerable detail (ECOtas 2007). That survey involved walking both banks of the North Esk River (and parts of Weavers Creek and the St Patricks River), including walking along the riverbed, resulting in an accurate representation of the abundance of the species, the location of individuals and the supporting habitat. It is clear that the species is restricted to the crevices of flood-prone river boulders along the river bed and immediate banks (amongst dense riparian shrubbery) but does not extend beyond the first few metres of the riparian zone. No occurrences of the species are mapped (ECOtas 2007) in the immediate vicinity of the weir and works area, and site surveys did not indicate any novel individuals in this area. No permit under Section 51 of the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 will be required and no referral under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 is considered warranted for the proposed works.

Seven plant species listed as threatened on the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 (Epacris exserta is discussed in the section above) were detected from within and adjacent to the study area (Table 2, Figures 1-25: note that this information is also supplied in the requested GIS format to the client). Most of the species detected are of relatively low conservation significance from the perspective that the novel sites do not represent significant range extensions or range infillings, are not within unusual or unexpected habitats, and are from anthropogenically modified environments such as “rough pasture”. Most of the threatened flora recorded will benefit from temporary disturbance caused by the installation, exemplified by the fact that they currently occur along tracks, in heavily-grazed paddocks and along an existing pipeline. All species are discussed in greater detail below.

Aphelia gracilis (slender fanwort) is listed as rare on the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1999. This is a tiny annual and ephemeral herb, detectable for short periods of the year only, and usually only coincident with suitable seasonal conditions that provide suitably locally poorly-drained soils, usually amongst grasslands and grassy woodlands. The species was detected from seasonally-inundated low-lying depressions amongst grassland close to Blessington Road, in

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 20 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

“rough pasture” southwest of the main “Dalness” dam and on a saddle to the southwest of Cherry Tree Hollow. It is likely that the species is more widespread than indicated, although the detection of several other annual ephemeral herbs from numerous additional sites throughout the project area suggests that Aphelia gracilis is the least widely distributed of the suite of annual herbs detected from the project area. The species has been previously detected to the east of the project area. Avoiding all sites supporting Aphelia gracilis may be difficult but this is not considered necessary in the context of the mapped distribution, with most sites likely to remain well outside the inundation area and construction zone. Any sites that coincide with a pipeline route should be avoided if practical. However, as with all threatened annual herbs detected from the project area, avoiding disturbance is not considered warranted in all cases because most species clearly respond to disturbance with localised proliferation.

Aphelia pumilio (dwarf fanwort) is listed as rare on the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1999. Detection of this tiny annual and ephemeral herb is almost serendipitous, usually requiring survey on hands-and-knees to find the tiny flowering heads amongst dense grass. In the case of the project area, it was almost always detected in association with other threatened (and non-threatened) annual and ephemeral herbs, most often with open rocky/grassy areas. As with Aphelia gracilis, the species is predicted to be more widespread than indicated by the small number of detected sites. It is also known from the site to the east of the project area. Management is recommended to be as per Aphelia gracilis.

Haloragis heterophylla (variable raspwort) is listed as rare on the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1999. The species is very close to failing to meet the criteria for the rare status but has not been recommended for delisting by the Scientific Advisory Committee in a relatively recent review of the species’ status. However, it is widely recognised that the species is widespread and often locally common, especially in disturbed sites such as roadside ditches, poorly- drained pastures and around farm dams. Within the project area, the species was detected from several sites, the majority of which will not be inundated (unless the larger dam proceeds, but even then most sites will remain undisturbed on adjacent slopes). No special management is recommended for any aspects of the project (the grid references should be used to determine how many sites may be affected) because sufficient locations will remain unaffected (the species is also known from sites to the east, outside the project area).

Myriophyllum integrifolium (tiny watermilfoil) is listed as vulnerable on the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1999. Within the project area, the species was detected from a roadside drain, where it co-occurred with Aphelia gracilis and A. pumilio, on a private property drive north of Blessington Road. Unless the pipeline is installed within the shallow table drain of the verge of this private road (which seems unlikely), no deleterious disturbance to the site is anticipated.

Siloxerus multiflorus (small wrinklewort) is listed as rare on the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1999. The detection of the species from the project area represents an apparently significant range infilling with sites known from the Midlands (e.g. Epping Forest), Launceston area and the northeast coast. However, the prevalence of the species across much of the project area, and in association with several other listed annual and ephemeral herbs, suggests that the species has merely been hitherto overlooked in this part of the State. Most sites for the species are well outside the predicted inundation zone (lower volume dam, but even if the larger volume dam proceeds, numerous sites are well outside the inundation zone). Several sites are

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 21 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting nominally within the pipeline corridor although at any one location the species is patchy and it is highly unlikely that construction would deleteriously affect the species. Indeed, the presence of the species (along with Triptilodiscus pygmaeus) from the surface of the maintained service road to the existing pipeline above the North Esk River but not from surrounding rocky forests, suggests that localised disturbance events that create bare ground will be manifestly beneficial. Therefore, despite the apparent biogeographical significance of the populations within and near the project area, special management prescriptions are not recommended because most sites will either remain undisturbed or it is likely that the works will benefit the species. Estimating the number of individuals present (and therefore that may be affected) is impractical (each rock outcrop supports perhaps 100s to 1000s of individuals, with some patches extending across c. 1 ha with perhaps 100s of 1000s if not millions of individuals).

Teucrium corymbosum (forest germander) is listed as rare on the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1999. Within the project area, only a small patch may be affected on the rocky slopes above the North Esk River, with all other occurrences recorded outside the nominal 100 m wide. Surveys have indicated it is locally common on disturbed sites (such as the batter of the pipeline service road and even on the concrete plinths of the pipeline itself) above the North Esk River, with population numbers in the high 1,000s (as a minimum). Impacting on a small number of plants at the one site is not considered significant and special management is not considered warranted.

Triptilodiscus pygmaeus (dwarf sunray) is listed as vulnerable on the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1999. The detection of the species from the project area represents an apparently minor range extension. That said, as with Siloxerus multiflorus (with which the species co-occurs at virtually every site across the project area), it is probable that the species is more widespread than indicated by existing information as detection is serendipitous, success based on “right place, right time” with the appropriate set of seasonal conditions creating suitable growth conditions. Also similar to Siloxerus multiflorus, estimating the number of individuals present (and therefore that may be affected) is impractical (each rock outcrop supports perhaps 100s to 1,000s of individuals, with some patches extending across c. 1 ha with perhaps 100s of 1,000s if not millions of individuals). Despite the higher conservation status of the species (vulnerable not rare) and the apparent range extension, special management prescriptions are not considered warranted (see discussion under Siloxerus multiflorus).

Comments on priority flora recorded from databases

Appendix D provides a listing of priority flora from within 5,000 m of the study area (nominal buffer width usually used to discuss the potential of a particular study area to support various species listed in databases), with comments on whether potential habitat is present for the species, and possible reasons why a species was not recorded. Some species not listed on databases but considered by the author to have potential to occur in the survey area are also discussed. Note that the field assessment was not restricted to the species listed in Appendix D but considered any threatened flora with the potential to be present. While the database analysis utilises a nominal buffer of 5,000 m, the author’s own experience of the greater Launceston-Blessington-northern Midlands area, combined with database interrogation, meant that the specific potential for numerous other species previously recorded from the wider area were taken into account.

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 22 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Fauna species

General observations

Refer to Appendix C for a description of vertebrate fauna (native and exotic) detected from the survey area.

Priority fauna – sightings and potential habitat

No fauna species, listed as threatened on the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 or the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, were directly recorded from the study area (Tasmanian devils were determined to be present via scats, however). There are known sites and potential habitat of several species, as detailed below. (see also Appendix G for annotated images of threatened fauna habitat).

Astacopsis gouldi (giant freshwater crayfish) is listed as vulnerable on the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1999 and the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. There is an unofficially introduced population (i.e. not part of a formal government-endorsed or managed translocated population) of the giant freshwater crayfish in the greater North Esk River catchment (nominally usually stated as occurring in the St Patricks River). Works will not have a material impact on the habitat of the species

Litoria raniformis (green and golden frog or growling grass frog) is listed as vulnerable on the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1999 and the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The project area is within a “hotspot” for Litoria raniformis. The two large dams on the Dalness property are superficially ideal but repeated opportunistic surveys failed to detect the species. It is understood that Tasmanian Irrigation have also conducted similar visual and auditory surveys (and SongMeter monitoring) of the dam proposed for enlargement without detection of the species. The project area also supports several smaller farm dams. Those that are present in open pasture without significant native vegetation are considered relatively low quality potential habitat for the species. However, having observed the species in some superficially apparently unsuitable sites, any semi-permanent waterbody within the broader area should be considered as part of the habitat of the species. Data has been provided of all sites mapped as water (TASVEG code: OAQ) with notes on the potential significance for Litoria raniformis to guide construction activities.

Aquila audax subsp. fleayi (Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle) is listed as endangered on the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1999 and the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. There are three known wedge-tailed eagle nests located within 1 km of the survey corridor (Figures 25 & 26). The two western nests (129, 471) are located on State forest and are opposite the proposed transfer pipeline. Installation works may be within 1 km line-of-sight of one of these nests (southeastern one of the pair), although the nest is probably on part of the slope essentially out-

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 23 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting of-sight of the most likely works area (this has not been confirmed by reference to the height of the nest in the tree relative to the ridgeline an density of intervening forest). I would be comfortable regarding the project area as not being in line-of-sight. There are additional areas of potential habitat on the slopes within about 250 m of these nests. However, even if searches detected an additional nest site, this would almost certainly be within the areas described above. The works area is on the boundary of the nominal 500 m buffer zone for one of the nests. Given that the works would not be directed at the nest site (i.e. works involve machinery working in relatively dense forest on the slope), in my opinion there should not be a need for seasonal construction restrictions in this area. The eastern nest (which was recorded during threatened flora surveys of ECOtas (2007) and forwarded to DPIPWE but does not appear in the Natural Values Atlas as a nest site – sighting only) is on private property. It is more than 500 m from the closest part of the survey corridor and also not in line-of-sight of the proposed works. Therefore, in my opinion there should not be a need for seasonal construction restrictions in this area.

Pseudemoia pagenstecheri (tussock skink) is listed as vulnerable on the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1999. Potential habitat for the tussock skink (Pseudemoia pagenstecheri) is probably relatively restricted to small parts of the catchment above the existing Dalness dam, where a mosaic of grass and sedge tussocks form superficially suitable habitat. In the absence of known sites from this part of the State, formal surveys were not undertaken for the species and these are not considered warranted. The gradual inundation of the grassy/edgy areas around the existing dam will reduce potential habitat at a local level only.

Pseudemoia rawlinsoni (glossy grass skink) is listed as rare on the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1999. Potential habitat for the glossy grass skink (Pseudemoia rawlinsoni) is probably relatively restricted to the poorly-drained grassy-sedgy flat of the floodplain of the North Esk River at the far northwestern end of the distribution pipeline, and possibly small parts of the Dalness dam fringes. All collections of the species from Tasmania have been opportunistic (e.g. as part of other fauna/reptile surveys) or serendipitous. The dense vegetation preferred by the species does not lend itself to targeted or stratified surveys. Within the broader project area, the species is known from three sites associated with the North Esk River: (between Tamar Street bridge and Killafaddy abattoir (one female recorded in 1988); Hoblers Bridge walking track (where it is described as being common); and near Upper Blessing ton (it is one female recorded in 1994). The species occurs amongst rushy grasses and low dense vegetation in moist situations along the margins of swamps and watercourses. It thrives in anthropogenic habitats in several locations in Tasmania (S. Fearn pers. comm.), especially through much of the low-lying central north (e.g. marshy drainage lines amongst paddocks). In the absence of known sites from the actual project area, the limited extent of potential habitat, and the intensive surveys that would be required to detected the species (and the probability of limited to no special management even if the species were detected), formal surveys were not undertaken for the species and these are not considered warranted. The gradual inundation of the grassy/edgy areas around the existing dam will reduce potential habitat at a local level only, and construction of a pipeline

Tyto novaehollandiae subsp. castanops (Tasmanian masked owl) is listed as endangered on the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1999 and as vulnerable the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 24 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

No evidence of use of mature trees by the masked owl was noted. Detection of use of trees by searching for evidence beneath trees is only partially reliable (evidence can be contained within the tree and not expressed externally). However, follow-up playback surveys are not considered warranted because while this may result in detection of the species, given the large project area it is unlikely to indicate how the species is utilising the area. It will be prudent to minimise loss of hollow-bearing trees that support potentially suitable hollows. There are none of these within the lower volume inundation area (larger hollows on the existing edge of the dam appear to be occupied by native ducks) and are virtually absent from the higher volume dam option (if this is pursued). The installation of the pipelines is largely through paddocks, regrowth forest and woodland or along an existing pipeline/track such that loss of hollow-bearing trees will be minimised. However, the section at 18 that is mapped as Eucalyptus amygdalina forest and woodland on dolerite (DAD), but is essentially scattered mature trees over pasture grass, is highlighted as a section where there is a preponderance of large (mainly dead) trees with massive hollows. These were being utilised by eastern rosellas and starlings at the time of assessment, and no evidence of use by owl species was noted below the trees examined. However, as mentioned, such evidence can be obscured. It is recommended that the pipeline route through this section be designed to avoid the need to fell the large old paddock trees.

Perameles gunnii subsp. gunnii (eastern barred bandicoot) is listed as Vulnerable on the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 but not listed on the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1999. State authorities do not consider the species to be threatened, and properties like Dalness and surrounding titles provide ideal and extensive potential habitat (including the areas of gorse infestation). It is reasonable to conclude that the survey area would support the species. No specific habitat elements such as suspected “dens” were detected. Slow inundation of the dam site will not deleteriously affect the species because most of the area to be inundated is very open. Installation of the pipelines will cause temporary and highly localised disturbance to potential habitat but is unlikely to materially affect individuals or habitat in the longer term.

Sarcophilus harrisii (Tasmanian devil) is listed as endangered on both the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1999 and the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Scats of the species were recorded on the weir across the North Esk River (indicating the species is utilising this as a bridge to cross from one side of the river to the other) and along the service road adjacent to the existing pipeline above the North Esk River (several scat sites). Surprisingly, no scats were detected along numerous farm tracks, tracks through gorse-infested paddocks or around dam sites. Scats were detected further to the east in the “Dalness grassland/wetland” as part of separate surveys of that part of the Dalness property. Apart from occasional wombat burrows, no suspected den or potential den sites were detected. Large parts of the project area are highly suitable for denning including the rocky steeper slopes above the North Esk River, the large swathes of gorse-infested “paddocks” and the dense grassy areas of forest on slopes, especially where there are patches of gorse. In my opinion, the proposed enlargement of the existing dam will not have a significant impact on the Tasmanian devil. Installation of the transfer and distribution pipelines will temporarily disturb potential habitat but no known den sites will be affected.

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 25 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Dasyurus maculatus subsp. maculatus (spotted-tailed quoll) is listed as rare on the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1999 and as vulnerable on the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. No evidence of the spotted-tailed quoll was detected within the study area but given the extent of potential habitat (forest-scrub-pasture-weed mosaic) throughout most of the study area, it is reasonable to assume the presence of the species. See also comments under Tasmanian devil.

Dasyurus viverrinus (eastern quoll) is listed as endangered on the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. No evidence of the eastern quoll was detected within the study area but given the extent of potential habitat (forest-scrub-pasture-weed mosaic) throughout most of the study area, it is reasonable to assume the presence of the species. See comments under Tasmanian devil. In my opinion, the species will not be deleteriously affected by the proposed works (see comments under Tasmanian devil). The recent listing of the eastern quoll appears to be in response to the threat posed by introduced predators/competitors, not land clearing.

Comments on priority fauna recorded from databases

Appendix E provides a listing of priority fauna recorded from within 5,000 m (nominal buffer width usually used to discuss the potential of a particular study area to support various species listed in databases) of the study area, with comments on whether potential habitat is present for the species, and possible reasons why a species was not recorded.

Other ecological values

Additional “Matters of National Environmental Significance” – threatened ecological communities

The EPBCA Protected Matters Area report (CofA 2015) indicates that the Critically Endangered threatened ecological community Lowland Native Grasslands of Tasmania is likely to occur within the report area. Refer to section on FINDINGS Vegetation types Comments on conservation significance of vegetation types for more detail. The EPBCA Protected Matters Area report (CofA 2015) also indicates that the Endangered threatened ecological community Alpine Sphagnum Bogs and Associated Fens may occur within the report area. The assessment did not indicate the presence of this ecological community and the project area is outside the climatic range of this vegetation type.

Weed species

Seven species classified as “declared weeds” within the meaning of the Tasmanian Weed Management Act 1999 were detected from the study area (Table 3): this number increases to ten if different taxa of Carduus, Rubus and Salix are recognised. Three of these species are also

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 26 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting considered as Weeds of National Significance (WoNS). An additional species regarded by the author as a potentially invasive environmental weed was detected from the study area (Table 3). Appendix H provides annotated images of several of the weed infestations within the project area. Given the largely primary production context and widespread nature of the species in the broader project area, eradication is not a realistic objective because of the massive source of future propagules, and because it would require a coordinated approach between numerous private property owners and other land managers including local councils and the Department of State Growth (for roadside occurrences) to properly address the extent of weed infestations. Strict machinery hygiene protocols, as outlined in Rudman et al. (2004), Rudman (2005) and Allan & Gartenstein (2010), are recommended where the distribution of weeds is such that the project works present a risk of exacerbating infestations, especially where such exacerbation may impact on primary production activities or introduce these weeds to areas of native vegetation without significant infestations. In addition, machinery that has operated in weed-infested parts of the project area should not be moved to another part of the project area, municipality, other municipalities, reserved areas, or private properties without being subject to strict machinery hygiene protocols (see the manual Keeping it Clean – A Tasmanian Field Hygiene Manual to Prevent the Spread of Freshwater Pests and Pathogens (Allan & Gartenstein 2010) for further details). It may be prudent in some locations to pre-treat localised infestations or flag off a weed infestation (to prevent machinery, vehicle and personnel incursions) prior to the commencement of works. Post-works monitoring is strongly recommended with appropriate control of novel or exacerbated infestations.

Table 3. Details of environmental weeds recorded from study area

Status on Species Comments WMA 1

Species classified as “declared weeds” within the meaning of the Tasmanian Weed Management Act 1999 [* = also Weed of National Significance, WoNS]

Blackberry is sparse within the study area, mainly occurring along fencelines, roadsides and occasionally in riparian areas. The presence of the species is * Rubus of concern to primary production but the installation of a pipeline in already anglocandicans 2 infested areas is unlikely to severely exacerbate the extent and density of the B (wi) Rubus leucostachys 2 species. (blackberry) Most specific locations have not been pinpointed by GPS because any such mapping would simply represent a snapshot of the current distribution and not be useful for management purposes. Gorse is widespread throughout much of the study area, with extensive areas mapped as “weed infestation” (TASVEG code: FWU), with a note included indicating if the species is the major contributor to the classification as FWU. * Ulex europaeus Many areas not mapped as FWU also support high densities of gorse in the B (wi) (gorse) understorey. The owners of Dalness are currently actively treating gorse – some of the recently treated sites have still been mapped as FWU but hopefully these areas will revert to native vegetation or primary production land. Locally dense stands in several drainage depressions and creeklines surrounded by pasture. Special prescriptions are not considered warranted for the management of this species as any pipelines installed across drainage features will disturb the patches but this will not exacerbate the infestations * Salix x fragilis as the species will not spread beyond the riparian zone (which it already nothovar. fragilis B (wi) occupies). (crack willow) Sites dominated by willow have not been pinpointed by GPS and are shown on vegetation maps as “weed infestation” (TASVEG code: FWU), with a note included indicating if the species is the major contributor to the classification as FWU.

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 27 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Status on Species Comments WMA 1

Salix matsudana cv. Localised occurrence along river bank on “Winthorpe” west of Nile Road. Site Tortuosa B (wi) does not pose any significant risk of spread (species tends to remain (twisted willow) localised) – no special management is recommended. Localised patches on edge of existing dam on Dalness property and scattered occurrences elsewhere. The presence of the species is of concern to primary Marrubium vulgare production but the installation of a pipeline in already infested areas is B (wi) (white horehound) unlikely to severely exacerbate the extent and density of the species. Specific locations were pinpointed by GPS but represent a snapshot of the species’ distribution only. Highly localised within the study area (to a few seedlings on a forest track near the Stromboli and in pasture/woodland southwest of Cherry Tree Hollow in catchment of Rose Rivulet) but much more widespread in broader area. The presence of the species is of concern to primary production but the Senecio jacobaea B (wi) installation of a pipeline in already infested areas is unlikely to severely (ragwort) exacerbate the extent and density of the species. Specific locations were pinpointed by GPS but may represent a snapshot of the species’ distribution only, depending a lot on prevailing seasonal conditions. Scattered patches and individuals in “rough pasture” throughout study area. Carduus The presence of the species is of concern to primary production but the pycnocephalus installation of a pipeline in already infested areas is unlikely to severely (slender thistle) B (wi) exacerbate the extent and density of the species. Carduus tenuiflorus Specific locations have not been pinpointed by GPS because any such (winged thistle) mapping would simply represent a snapshot of the current distribution and not be useful for management purposes.

Locally abundant between cultivated paddock and drainage depression in weedy windbreak at far southern end of the distribution pipeline. The presence of the species is of concern to primary production but the Echium plantagineum installation of a pipeline in already infested areas is unlikely to severely A (li) (patersons curse) exacerbate the extent and density of the species at the site. A secondary concern is the further spread of the species to other parts of the project area through contaminated machinery – machinery washdown is recommended before moving to a new site.

Other potentially problematic weed species

Locally dense patch on the steep paddock south of Rose Rivulet near the plantation. This population has been sprayed and is in a poor state of health. However, the presence of this species outside the formally recorded range of Acacia paradoxa the species (mainly reported from southeast Tasmania) is considered worthy - (kangaroo thorn) of mention and every effort should be made to ensure that pipeline installation works in and around this patch does not cause further spread on this and adjacent properties. The patch of Acacia paradoxa has been defined by GPS waypoints (supplied).

1 WMA = status on Tasmanian Weed Management Act 1999 as per Statutory Weed Management Plans available at www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au; “zone B” species = “containment”, within the meaning of the Weed Management Act 1999, is the most appropriate management objective for municipalities who have problematic infestations but no plan and/or resources to undertake control actions at a level required for eradication (the management outcome for these municipalities is ongoing prevention of the spread of declared weeds from existing infestations to areas free or in the process of becoming free of these weeds); “zone A: species = “eradication”, within the meaning of the Weed Management Act 1999, is the most appropriate management objective for municipalities, which have little or occurrences of the species, or when a credible plan for eradicating existing infestations is being developed and implemented (with the ultimate management outcome for Zone A municipalities achieving and maintaining the total absence of the species from within municipal boundaries); wi = widespread infestations reported from municipality; li = limited infestations 2 the genus Rubus has recently undergone a review within Australia (Evans et al. 2007) but the Weed Management Act still lists all species under the aggregate Rubus fruticosus; Rubus anglocandicans and Rubus leucostachys were the only species identified from the study area

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 28 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Rootrot pathogen, Phytophthora cinnamomi

Phytophthora cinnamomi (PC) is widespread in lowland areas of Tasmania, across all land tenures. However, disease will not develop when soils are too cold or too dry. For these reasons, PC is not a threat to susceptible plant species that grow at altitudes higher than about 700 metres or where annual rainfall is less than about 600 mm (e.g. Midlands and Derwent Valley). Furthermore, disease is unlikely to develop beneath a dense canopy of vegetation because shading cools the soils to below the optimum temperature for the pathogen. A continuous canopy of vegetation taller than about 2 metres is sufficient to suppress disease. Hence PC is not considered a threat to susceptible plant species growing in wet sclerophyll forests, rainforests (except disturbed rainforests on infertile soils) and scrub e.g. teatree scrub (Rudman 2005; FPA 2009). According to Rudman (2005), some of the vegetation types recorded from the study area are slightly susceptible to the root-rot pathogen, Phytophthora cinnamomi. No evidence of the pathogen was noted (i.e. no dead or dying susceptible plant species). No soil sampling was undertaken (for later laboratory analysis for the pathogen). The project presents a low risk of the pathogen being introduced to the site (existing access and generally well-drained heavily grassed areas), although strict machinery hygiene protocols applied to minimise the risk of introducing or spreading weeds will also minimise the risk of introducing plant disease.

Myrtle wilt

Myrtle wilt, caused by a wind-borne fungus (Chalara australis), occurs naturally in rainforest where myrtle beech (Nothofagus cunninghamii) is present. The fungus enters wounds in the tree, usually caused by damage from wood-boring insects, wind damage and forest clearing. The incidence of myrtle wilt often increases forest clearing events such as windthrow and wildfire. Nothofagus cunninghamii is absent from the study area. No special management is recommended.

Myrtle rust

Myrtle rust is a disease limited to plants in the Myrtaceae family. This plant disease is a member of the guava rust complex caused by Puccinia psidii, a known significant pathogen of Myrtaceae plants outside Australia. Infestations are currently limited to NSW, Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania (DPIPWE 2015). No evidence of myrtle rust was noted. No special management is recommended.

Chytrid fungus and other freshwater pathogens

Native freshwater species and habitat are under threat from freshwater pests and pathogens including Phytophthora cinnamomi (root rot), Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Chytrid frog disease), Mucor amphibiorum (platypus Mucor disease) and the freshwater algal pest Didymosphenia geminata (Didymo) (Allan & Gartenstein 2010). Freshwater pests and pathogens are spread to new areas when contaminated water, mud, gravel, soil and plant material or infected animals are moved between sites. Contaminated materials and animals are commonly transported on boots, equipment, vehicles tyres and during road construction and maintenance activities. Once a pest pathogen is present in a water system it is usually impossible to eradicate. The manual Keeping it Clean - A Tasmanian Field Hygiene Manual to Prevent the Spread of Freshwater Pests and Pathogens (Allan & Gartenstein 2010) provides information on how to prevent the spread of freshwater pests and pathogens in Tasmanian waterways wetlands, swamps and boggy areas.

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 29 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Anecdotal evidence from Tasmanian Irrigation officers indicates that chytrid fungus may be present on the Dalness property, but this has not been confirmed. If the pathogen is present at this site, it is reasonable to assume it could be present throughout the catchment. As such, water distributed south of this catchment divide should be carefully considered. Field testing of this part of the South Esk River catchment, if this has not already occurred, is probably warranted to demonstrate the presence of the pathogen.

DISCUSSION

Summary of key findings

Non-priority flora (e.g. species of biogeographic significance)  No species of high conservation significance detected – no special management actions required. Non-priority fauna (e.g. species of biogeographic significance)  No species of high conservation significance detected – no special management actions required.  Note that the project area supports several species of frog, which are susceptible to the chytrid frog pathogen – it is recommended that strict machinery hygiene protocols, as outlined in Rudman et al. (2004), Rudman (2005) and Allan & Gartenstein (2010), are recommended, as well as the implementation of a chytrid management strategy to minimise the risk of introducing the pathogen to chytrid-free sites. Threatened flora  No plant species listed as threatened on the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 were detected from within study area. Two species are present close to the study area but will not be affected by the works, as follows:  Epacris exserta (south esk heath): also listed on the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995; occurs along the North Esk River upstream and downstream of the weir (sites can be avoided and no individuals are close to the works area itself); and  Lepidium hyssopifolium (soft peppercress): locally dense population on eastern side of Nile Road near southern end of distribution pipeline (nominally outside the pipeline corridor, which is on the western side of Nile Road and on the other side of the fence – recommend population be protected from inadvertent disturbance (e.g. parked vehicles) by barrier mesh/bunting).  Seven plant species listed as threatened on the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995, were detected within or close to the study area as follows:  Aphelia gracilis (slender fanwort): infrequent but locally abundant, mainly associated with small “holes” in “rough pasture” and native grasslands i.e. localised water-holding sites;  Aphelia pumilio (dwarf fanwort): infrequent and most strongly associated with native grassland and rock outcrops;  Haloragis heterophylla (variable raspwort): several patches associated with natural drainage depressions “feeding” the existing Dalness dam; also several sites in “damp” grassy woodland on gentle surrounding slopes;

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 30 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

 Siloxerus multiflorus (small wrinklewort): locally abundant in rockplate grassland and extending into “rough pasture” between Blessington Road and Dalness dam, with several patches in forest openings to the east;  Myriophyllum integrifolium (tiny watermilfoil): localised to a shallow table drain on private track north of Blessington Road;  Teucrium corymbosum (forest germander): locally frequent on steep rocky slopes above North Esk River between river banks and top of slope, and localised patch on rock outcrop in catchment of Rose Rivulet;  Triptilodiscus pygmaeus (dwarf sunray): locally abundant in rockplate grassland and extending into “rough pasture” between Blessington Road and Dalness dam, with several patches in forest openings to the east.  A referral under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 is not considered warranted for Lepidium hyssopifolium (provided minimal protection is provided to a small population) or Epacris exserta (sites outside works area).  The presence of the State-listed species will need to be taken into account in further land use planning under Section 51 of the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995. At this stage of planning, it appears unlikely that the presence of these species will significantly constrain the project i.e. they do not present as a “fatal flaw”, and it is recommended that the project can move immediately to the preparation of a permit application on the basis of the information provided in this report. Threatened fauna  Potential habitat is present for:  Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii);  spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus subsp. maculatus);  eastern quoll (Dasyurus viverrinus);  eastern barred bandicoot (Perameles gunnii subsp. gunnii);  tussock skink (Pseudemoia pagenstecheri);  glossy grass skink (Pseudemoia rawlinsoni);  Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle (Aquila audax subsp. fleayi);  Tasmanian masked owl (Tyto novaehollandiae subsp. castanops); and  green and golden frog (Litoria raniformis).  Tasmanian Irrigation should implement its standard threatened fauna management protocols, as previously accepted by State and Commonwealth agencies. Advice should be sought from the relevant section of DPIPWE if these standard protocols are not applicable or need to be modified to suit a particular aspect of the project (e.g. management of construction timing in relation to the contextual position of the wedge-tailed eagle nests). Vegetation types  The study area supports twenty TASVEG 3.0 mapping units:  agricultural land (FAG);  regenerating cleared land (FRG);  weed infestation (FWU);

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 31 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

 permanent easements (FPE);  urban areas (FUR);  plantations for silviculture (FPL);  extra-urban miscellaneous (FUM);  lowland grassland complex (GCL);  rockplate grassland (GRP);  lowland grassy sedgeland (GSL);  lowland Themeda triandra grassland (GTL);  water, sea (OAQ);  Bursaria-Acacia woodland and scrub (NBA);  Acacia melanoxylon forest on rises (NAR);  Allocasuarina verticillata forest (NAV);  Acacia dealbata forest (NAD);  Eucalyptus viminalis grassy forest and woodland (DVG);  Eucalyptus ovata forest and woodland (DOV);  Eucalyptus amygdalina forest and woodland on dolerite (DAD); and  Eucalyptus amygdalina forest on mudstone (DAM).  DOV is classified as threatened under Schedule 3A of the Tasmanian Nature Conservation Act 2002, but it is understood that the pipeline installation can avoid both small patches such that special management is unlikely to be required.  The small area of GTL equates to the threatened ecological community Lowland Native Grasslands of Tasmania listed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, but it is understood that the pipeline installation can avoid the small extension of this mapping unit into the project area such that special management is unlikely to be required. Weeds  Seven species classified as “declared weeds” within the meaning of the Tasmanian Weed Management Act 1999 were detected from the study area.  Given the largely primary production context and widespread nature of the species in the broader project area, eradication is not a realistic objective because of the massive source of future propagules, and because it would require a coordinated approach between numerous private property owners and other land managers including local councils and the Department of State Growth (for roadside occurrences) to properly address the extent of weed infestations.  Strict machinery hygiene protocols, as outlined in Rudman et al. (2004), Rudman (2005) and Allan & Gartenstein (2010), are recommended where the distribution of weeds is such that the project works present a risk of exacerbating infestations, especially where such exacerbation may impact on primary production activities or introduce these weeds to areas of native vegetation without significant infestations. In addition, machinery that has operated in weed-infested parts of the project area should not be moved to another part of the project area, municipality, other municipalities, reserved areas, or private properties

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 32 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

without being subject to strict machinery hygiene protocols (see the manual Keeping it Clean – A Tasmanian Field Hygiene Manual to Prevent the Spread of Freshwater Pests and Pathogens (Allan & Gartenstein 2010) for further details). It may be prudent in some locations to pre-treat localised infestations or flag off a weed infestation (to prevent machinery, vehicle and personnel incursions) prior to the commencement of works. Post- works monitoring is strongly recommended with appropriate control of novel or exacerbated infestations.  Special attention may need to be paid to the infestation of Echium plantagineum (patersons curse) at the southern end of the distribution pipeline, although this may not be practical if the plants are not in flower and no longer obvious at the time of works. Machinery washdown prior to moving to another part of the project area after working near this infestation is advised.  Special attention should be paid to the management of Acacia paradoxa (kangaroo thorn) detected from a localised part of the distribution pipeline. While not listed as a declared species, minimising the risk of spreading this environmental weed to other sites is recommended. Plant and animal disease  No evidence of plant disease (Phytophthora cinnamomi, rootrot fungus; myrtle wilt; myrtle rust) was detected.  The main concern is the future risk of transferring water from a chytrid-infected water storage facility to non-infected parts of a catchment.  Strict machinery hygiene protocols, as outlined in Rudman et al. (2004), Rudman (2005) and Allan & Gartenstein (2010), are recommended, as well as the implementation of a chytrid management strategy to minimise the risk of introducing the pathogen to chytrid- free sites.

Legislative and policy implications

Some commentary is provided below with respect to the key threatened species, vegetation management and other relevant legislation. Note that there may be other relevant policy instruments in addition to those discussed. It is recognised that at this stage of planning, the commentary below is preliminary only because the final design of the project may modify the extent of disturbance/loss of key ecological values.

Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995

Seven plant species listed as threatened on the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 were detected within or adjacent to the study area. Threatened flora on this Act are managed under Section 51, where a permit is required to knowingly “take” (which includes kill, injure, catch, damage, destroy and collect), keep, trade in or process any specimen of a listed species. Where threatened flora are likely to be disturbed, it is usual to apply for a permit under Section 51 of the Act on the required proforma to the Policy & Conservation Advice Branch (PCAB, DPIPWE). This should only be submitted when the specific design of the project is known such that details can be provided of the degree of anticipated impact on the species. However, internal planning protocols within DPIPWE may allow the approval (and any associated conditions) to be provided under the Tasmanian Water Management Act 1999, which

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 33 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting can include conditions related to threatened species. It is also noted that the installation of the transfer and distribution pipelines may trigger the need for a Forest Practices Plan under the Tasmanian Forest Practices Act 1985 and associated Regulations – if this is the case, threatened species can be managed in accordance with Section 51 of the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 through the “agreed procedures” outlined in Section D of the Forest Practices Code (i.e. a permit separate to the Forest Practices Plan may not be required). The present report has provided sufficient information to allow a consideration of the potential impacts of the North Esk Irrigation Scheme on threatened flora within the predicted disturbance footprint of the project. In summary, while threatened flora would be affected by the project, the disturbance/loss is considered acceptable in the context of the broader distribution and conservation status of the species. Potential habitat of threatened fauna is more complex to manage under Section 51 of the Act because unless works would result in the “taking” of a specimen, a permit under the Act is not technically possible. However, it is usual for development proposals involving the disturbance of potential habitat of threatened species listed on the Act to be referred to DPIPWE for advice. In the absence of being in a position to issue a permit under Section 51 of the Act, PCAB may make recommendations to a development proponent in regard to managing habitat of threatened species and/or may endorse or comment on proposed offset/mitigation strategies. Whether this advice is provided through PCAB (DPIPWE), other divisions of DPIPWE or via the Forest Practices Authority makes little material difference. However, it is recommended that Tasmanian Irrigation receive formal advice on the management requirements related to the wedge-tailed eagle (known nest sites) and Tasmanian devil, spotted-tailed quoll and eastern quoll (potential habitat). The State government (usually through DPIPWE) can make recommendations on mitigating adverse effects of activities on the environment, through the objectives of the Resource Management and Planning System for Tasmania (RMPS), which includes promoting “sustainable development of natural and physical resources and the maintenance of ecological processes and genetic diversity.” The principles of the RMPS are embedded within Schedules of the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995. The RMPS definition of sustainable development includes “avoiding, remedying or mitigating any adverse effects of activities on the environment” (information sourced from the undated DPIPWE document General Offsets Principles, downloaded from http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/Attachments/SSKA-7UM3RT?open, 2 May 2010).

Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

Two flora species listed on the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 are known from close to the study area, discussed below. The study area does support potential habitat for some additional species but the timed targeted survey was undertaken at a time to maximise the opportunity to detect such species, and their presence has not been realised. As such, there should be no constraints under this Act related to potential habitat of threatened flora. The Commonwealth Department of the Environment provides a Significant Impact Guidelines policy statement (CofA 2013) to determine if referral to the department is required. The key elements of the criteria are related to whether the activity is likely to lead to a long-term decrease in the size of an important population of a species, reduce the area of occupancy of an important population, fragment an existing important population into two or more populations, adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of a species, disrupt the breeding cycle of an important population, modify, destroy, remove or isolate or decrease the availability or quality of habitat to the extent that the species is likely to decline, result in invasive species that are harmful to a threatened species becoming established in the threatened species’ habitat, introduce disease that may cause the

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 34 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting species to decline, or interfere substantially with the recovery of the species. These criteria are considered below in relation to the two species of threatened flora identified from the project area.

 Epacris exserta (south esk heath) No individuals of this species will need to be disturbed because the proposed transfer pipeline is well away from known sites that occur on the immediate river bank of the North Esk River. Potential habitat (dense riparian scrub) may be affected close to the weir but this has now been searched on two occasions (ECOtas 2007, present assessment) and no individuals have been detected from the area that may be disturbed. Based on this information, in my opinion a referral under the provisions of the EPBCA is not warranted for Epacris exserta in relation to construction activities.

 Lepidium hyssopifolium (soft peppercress) A localised population was confirmed on eastern side of Nile Road near southern end of distribution pipeline, nominally outside the pipeline corridor, which is on the western side of Nile Road and on the other side of the fence. It is recommended that the population be protected from inadvertent disturbance (e.g. parked vehicles) by barrier mesh/bunting. Provided this is undertaken, in my opinion a referral under the provisions of the EPBCA is not warranted for Lepidium hyssopifolium in relation to construction activities.

Several fauna species listed on the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 are likely to occur within and adjacent to the project area. The study area does support potential habitat for some species (e.g. Tasmanian devil, spotted-tailed quoll, eastern quoll, eastern barred bandicoot, Tasmanian masked owl, wedge-tailed eagle, and green and golden frog). In my opinion, with respect to the above species, any proposed disturbance within the study area will not constitute a “significant impact” because while there will be a loss of small areas of potential habitat and disturbance to other areas, the loss is not of a scale such that it is likely to lead to a long-term decrease in the size of an important population of a species, reduce the area of occupancy of an important population, fragment an existing important population into two or more populations, adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of a species, disrupt the breeding cycle of an important population, modify, destroy, remove or isolate or decrease the availability or quality of habitat to the extent that the species is likely to decline, result in invasive species that are harmful to a threatened species becoming established in the threatened species’ habitat, introduce disease that may cause the species to decline, or interfere substantially with the recovery of the species. It is recognised that Tasmanian Irrigation routinely refer all major projects to the Commonwealth Department of the Environment such that the Significant Impact Guidelines can be considered in greater detail in the context of the wider project implications (e.g. the irrigation district, dam and transfer/distribution pipelines), particularly in relation to the application of specific management actions to mitigate potential impacts on EPBCA-listed species.

Tasmanian Nature Conservation Act 2002

One vegetation type (Eucalyptus ovata forest and woodland, DOV) is classified as threatened on Schedule 3A of the Act. The implications of this are somewhat complex because the Act does not provide a direct mechanism for the management of listed vegetation types, except where vegetation management is regulated under the Forest Practices Act 1985 (see below).

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 35 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

However, the intent of the listing of vegetation types on the Act is clearly to ensure their long-term conservation management (although there are no defined terms or thresholds, for example, in relation to extent, condition and context, to guide development of management actions for a particular project). In this case, it is understood that the pipeline installation can avoid both small patches of DOV such that special management is unlikely to be required. If the pipeline is installed along the southern verge of Blessington Road where DOV has been mapped, it may only be regarded as “clearing” in a very technical sense, because recent activity has resulted in a wide firebreak being created through the patch of DOV. Therefore, the installation of the pipeline through this vegetation type would cause minimal loss of the vegetation type (depending on the longer term management of vegetation around the pipeline corridor, it may be construed that there will be no “clearing” or loss of these vegetation types), can probably be achieved without the loss of a significant number of mature trees (probably none due to recent clearing not associated with the project), and will probably not lead to a long-term reduction in the ecological condition of the identified patch of DOV (because it has now been cleared to a firebreak). On this basis, the currently conceptualised design of the project is acceptable under the Act and should be able to proceed, subject to the suggested careful management to minimise disturbance.

Tasmanian Wildlife (General) Regulations 2010

While the assessment of the study area indicated the presence of species listed on schedules of the Regulations (i.e. “specially protected wildlife”, “protected wildlife”, “partly protected wildlife” – see Appendix C), no “products” (e.g. nests, dens, etc.) of these species were detected. Any disturbance within the study area will not knowingly disturb listed species or products of such species, such that no special actions are likely to be required in relation to these Regulations.

Tasmanian Weed Management Act 1999

Seven species classified as “declared weeds” within the meaning of the Tasmanian Weed Management Act 1999 were detected from the study area. These species are subject to Statutory Weed Management Plans under the Weed Management Act 1999 (see information on weed section of DPIPWE’s web site). The study area falls within the Launceston City Council and Northern Midlands municipalities, which for the management of most species is classified as a “Zone B” municipality (widespread infestations). In relation to “Zone B” species, “containment”, within the meaning of the Weed Management Act 1999, is the most appropriate management objective for municipalities who have problematic infestations but no plan and/or resources to undertake control actions at a level required for eradication. The management outcome for these municipalities is ongoing prevention of the spread of declared weeds from existing infestations to areas free or in the process of becoming free of these weeds. One species is classified as “Zone A” species within the Northern Midlands and Launceston municipalities, namely Echium plantagineum (patersons curse).In relation to “Zone A” species, “eradication”, within the meaning of the Weed Management Act 1999, is the most appropriate management objective for municipalities, which have little or occurrences of the species, or when a credible plan for eradicating existing infestations is being developed and implemented (with the ultimate management outcome for Zone A municipalities achieving and maintaining the total absence of the species from within municipal boundaries). Given the largely primary production context and widespread nature of the species in the broader project area, eradication is not a realistic objective because of the massive source of future propagules, and because it would require a coordinated approach between numerous private

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 36 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting property owners and other land managers including local councils and the Department of State Growth (for roadside occurrences) to properly address the extent of weed infestations. Strict machinery hygiene protocols, as outlined in Rudman et al. (2004), Rudman (2005) and Allan & Gartenstein (2010), are recommended where the distribution of weeds is such that the project works present a risk of exacerbating infestations, especially where such exacerbation may impact on primary production activities or introduce these weeds to areas of native vegetation without significant infestations. In addition, machinery that has operated in weed-infested parts of the project area should not be moved to another part of the project area, municipality, other municipalities, reserved areas, or private properties without being subject to strict machinery hygiene protocols (see the manual Keeping it Clean – A Tasmanian Field Hygiene Manual to Prevent the Spread of Freshwater Pests and Pathogens (Allan & Gartenstein 2010) for further details). It may be prudent in some locations to pre-treat localised infestations or flag off a weed infestation (to prevent machinery, vehicle and personnel incursions) prior to the commencement of works. Post-works monitoring is strongly recommended with appropriate control of novel or exacerbated infestations.

Tasmanian Forest Practices Act 1985 and associated regulations

A Forest Practices Plan (FPP) is required for most “clearing” activities in areas of forest and woodland (and for some activities within threatened non-forest native vegetation). Usually, an FPP is only required for clearing activities that exceed certain thresholds i.e. 1 ha or 100 tonnes of timber, from any one property in any calendar year. An FPP is required for any clearing on “vulnerable land”, which includes sites inhabited by threatened species or riparian features. Under the Regulations (section 4), circumstances in which an FPP is not required are specified, which include: 4. Circumstances in which forest practices plan, &c., not required For the purpose of section 17(6) of the Act, the following circumstances are prescribed: (d) the harvesting of timber or the clearing of trees on any land, or the clearance and conversion of a threatened native vegetation community on any land, for one or more of the following purposes: (i) dam works authorised by a dam permit granted under the Water Management Act 1999… On this basis, a Forest Practices Plan is not required for “clearing” of “forest” provided that a permit is issued under the Tasmanian Water Management Act 1999 for the Dalness dam itself. Advice should be sought from the Forest Practices Authority as to whether the granting of a dam permit under the Water Management Act 1999 is interpreted as also being applicable to the transfer and distribution pipelines (and other project elements). In my opinion, this is the logical interpretation and intent of clause 4.(d)(i) because the associated dam itself would not progress in the absence of the associated works (i.e. the granting of the permit should be for the whole project, if this is permissible under the Water Management Act 1999). If an FPP remains a formal requirement, advice will need to be sought from the Forest Practices Authority on the management of vegetation types (including the application of the Permanent Native Forest Estate policy), threatened fauna and flora, declared and other environmental weeds, and plant and animal disease under the provisions of the Forest Practices Code. In particular, the interaction of the Forest Practices Act 1985 and Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 will need to be explored in relation to threatened flora i.e. if an FPP is certified for part of the project area that includes threatened flora, should the FPP include relevant management prescriptions for threatened flora (which is acceptable under Section 51 of the TSPA) or is a separate permit under the TSPA required (this is a technical legal question).

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 37 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Recommendations

At this stage of project planning for the North Esk Irrigation Scheme, the ecological assessment of the proposed Dalness dam site and transfer/distribution pipeline corridor components of the project has indicated the presence of several values that will require further consideration during further project development, including:  vegetation types – the need for a Forest Practices Plan will need to be determined to ascertain the application of the Permanent Native Forest Estate policy and management of threatened vegetation types under Schedule 3A of the Tasmanian Nature Conservation Act 2002, and threatened species under the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995;  threatened flora – both Commonwealth- and State-listed species have been detected, meaning referral under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 will need to be considered if a significant impact on the identified species (Lepidium hyssopifolium and Epacris exserta) is anticipated (at this stage, no impact is anticipated);  threatened flora – the mechanism for application of a permit under Section 51 of the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 will need to be clarified (depends on whether a permit issued under the Water Management Act 1999 negates the need for a Forest Practices Plan under the Forest Practices Act 1985);  potential habitat of threatened fauna – Tasmanian Irrigation should implement its standard threatened fauna management protocols, as previously accepted by State and Commonwealth agencies; advice should be sought from the relevant section of DPIPWE if these standard protocols are not applicable or need to be modified to suit a particular aspect of the project (e.g. management of construction timing in relation to the contextual position of the wedge-tailed eagle nests), noting that Tasmanian Irrigation routinely refer all proposed schemes to the Commonwealth Department of the Environment under the provisions of the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999);  wedge-tailed eagle nests – it is suggested that Tasmanian Irrigation receive formal advice from DPIPWE on the management requirements related to known wedge-tailed eagle nests within 1 km of the project area if existing standard protocols are not available or cannot be applied (although it is noted that recommendations in this report indicate no special management should be required);  declared weeds – strict machinery hygiene protocols, as outlined in Rudman et al. (2004), Rudman (2005) and Allan & Gartenstein (2010), are recommended where the distribution of weeds is such that the project works present a risk of exacerbating infestations;  environmental weeds – the patch of Acacia paradoxa should be carefully managed to minimise the risk of exacerbating the patch of spreading the species to other sites;  plant disease – no significant constraints but strict machinery hygiene protocols are recommended; and  freshwater pathogens (chytrid) – the main concern is the future risk of transferring water from a chytrid-infected water storage facility to non-infected parts of a catchment; strict machinery hygiene protocols, as outlined in Rudman et al. (2004), Rudman (2005) and Allan & Gartenstein (2010), are recommended, as well as the implementation of a chytrid management strategy to minimise the risk of introducing the pathogen to chytrid- free sites.

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 38 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

There are no ecological values that are likely to critically constrain the construction of the North Esk Irrigation Scheme. However, this should be confirmed by advice from relevant authorities, and further management prescriptions may need to be developed in relation to some of the identified values and/or potential risks.

REFERENCES

Allan, K. & Gartenstein, S. (2010). Keeping It Clean: A Tasmanian Field Hygiene Manual to Prevent the Spread of Freshwater Pests and Pathogens. NRM South, Hobart. Bryant, S.L. & Jackson, J. (1999). Tasmania’s Threatened Fauna Handbook: What, Where and How to Protect Tasmania’s Threatened Animals. Threatened Species Unit, Parks & Wildlife Service, Hobart. CofA (Commonwealth of Australia) (2010). Lowland Native Grasslands of Tasmania — a Nationally Threatened Ecological Community. Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 Policy Statement 3.18. Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra. CofA (Commonwealth of Australia) (2013). EPBC Act Policy Statement 1.1: Significant Impact Guidelines – Matters of National Environmental Significance. Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra. CofA (Commonwealth of Australia) (2015). Protected Matters Search Tool Report for approximate project area, buffered by 10 km, dated 7 December 2015 [appended]. de Salas, M.F. & Baker, M.L. (2016). A Census of the Vascular Plants of Tasmania, including Macquarie Island. Tasmanian Herbarium, Hobart. DPIPWE (Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water & Environment) (2015). Guidelines for Natural Values Surveys – Terrestrial Development Proposals. Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water & Environment, Hobart. DPIPWE (Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water & Environment) (2015). Survey Guidelines and Management Advice for Development Proposals that may impact on the Tasmanian Devil (Sarcophilus harrisii). Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water & Environment, Hobart. DPIPWE (Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water & Environment) (2015). Biosecurity Factsheet: Myrtle Rust. Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Hobart. DPIPWE (Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water & Environment) (2015). Threatened Native Vegetation Communities List July 2007 as per Schedule 3A of the Tasmanian Nature Conservation Act 2002. http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/webpages/awah-6547zl?open DPIPWE (Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water & Environment) (2016). Threatened flora and fauna data, extracted from the online Natural Values Atlas. Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water & Environment, Hobart. [updated at time of report update in Jan. 2017] Duretto, M.F. (Ed.) (2009+). Flora of Tasmania Online. Tasmanian Herbarium, Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery: Hobart. www.tmag.tas.gov.au/floratasmania. ECOtas (2007). Extension Surveys for Threatened Flora: Epacris exserta and Barbarea australis in the North Esk River, Weavers Creek and St Patricks River Systems; Doodia caudata in the Pipers River System; Blechnum cartilagineum in the Eastern Dial Range, Lone Star and Tin Hut Creek Areas; Cyathea cunninghamii in the Springfield-Retreat Area; Austrocynoglossum latifolium in the Parramatta Creek Area; Miscellaneous Findings of Other Threatened Species. A Report to the Threatened Species Section (Department of Primary Industries & Water) by Environmental Consulting Options Tasmania (ECOtas). 21 December 2007.

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 39 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Evans, K.J., Symon, D.E., Whalen, M.A., Hosking, J.R., Barker, R.M. & Oliver, J.A. (2007). Systematics of the Rubus fruticosus aggregate (Rosaceae) and other exotic Rubus taxa in Australia. Australian Systematic Botany 20: 187–251. FPA (Forest Practices Authority) (2016). Habitat Descriptions of Threatened Flora in Tasmania. Forest Practices Authority, Hobart. FPA (Forest Practices Authority) (2015). Biodiversity Values Database report, specifically the species’ information for a grid reference centred on approximately the middle of the project area, buffered by 2 km, hyperlinked species’ profiles and predicted range boundary maps, dated 7 December 2015 [used for habitat descriptions of threatened fauna only – re-checked in Jan. 2017 at time of report update]. Garrett, M. (1996). The Ferns of Tasmania: Their Ecology and Distribution. The Tasmanian Forest Research Council, Inc., Hobart. Jones, D., Wapstra, H., Tonelli, P. & Harris, S. (1999). The Orchids of Tasmania. Melbourne University Press, Melbourne. Kantvilas, G., Elix, J.A. & Jarman, S.J. (2001). Tasmanian Lichens: Identification, Distribution and Conservation Status. I. Parmeliaceae. Flora of Australia Supplementary Series No. 15, Australian Biological Resources Study, Canberra & the Tasmanian Herbarium, Hobart. Kitchener, A. & Harris, S. (2013). From Forest to Fjaeldmark: Descriptions of Tasmania’s Vegetation. Edition 2. Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water & Environment, Hobart. Rudman T. (2005). Interim Phytophthora cinnamomi Management Guidelines. Nature Conservation Report 05/7, Biodiversity Conservation Branch, Department of Primary Industries, Water & Environment, Hobart. Rudman, T., Tucker, D. & French, D. (2004). Washdown Procedures for Weed and Disease Control. Edition 1. Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment, Hobart. TSS (Threatened Species Section) (2003+). Notesheets and Listing Statements for various threatened species. DPIPWE, Hobart. Wapstra, M., Bryant, S. & Bell, P. (2010). Conservation overview of the azure kingfisher Ceyx azureus subsp. diemenensis in Tasmania. Tasmanian Bird Report 34: 823. Wapstra, M., Roberts, N., Wapstra, H. & Wapstra, A. (2012). Flowering Times of Tasmanian Orchids: A Practical Guide for Field Botanists. Self-published by the authors (Third Edition, May 2012 version). Wapstra, H., Wapstra, A., Wapstra, M. & Gilfedder, L. (2005+, updated online at www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au). The Little Book of Common Names for Tasmanian Plants. Department of Primary Industries, Water & Environment, Hobart.

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 40 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Figure 1. Revised vegetation mapping of survey area (existing and novel threatened flora and fauna records also shown)

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 41 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Figure 2. Revised vegetation mapping of survey area (existing and novel threatened flora and fauna records also shown)

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 42 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Figure 3. Revised vegetation mapping of survey area (existing and novel threatened flora and fauna records also shown)

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 43 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Figure 4. Revised vegetation mapping of survey area (existing and novel threatened flora and fauna records also shown)

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 44 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Figure 5. Revised vegetation mapping of survey area (existing and novel threatened flora and fauna records also shown)

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 45 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Figure 6. Revised vegetation mapping of survey area (existing and novel threatened flora and fauna records also shown)

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 46 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Figure 7. Revised vegetation mapping of survey area (existing and novel threatened flora and fauna records also shown)

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 47 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Figure 8. Revised vegetation mapping of survey area (existing and novel threatened flora and fauna records also shown)

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 48 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Figure 9. Revised vegetation mapping of survey area (existing and novel threatened flora and fauna records also shown)

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 49 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Figure 10. Revised vegetation mapping of survey area (existing and novel threatened flora and fauna records also shown)

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 50 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Figure 11. Revised vegetation mapping of survey area (existing and novel threatened flora and fauna records also shown)

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 51 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Figure 12. Revised vegetation mapping of survey area (existing and novel threatened flora and fauna records also shown)

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 52 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Figure 13. Revised vegetation mapping of survey area (existing and novel threatened flora and fauna records also shown)

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 53 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Figure 14. Revised vegetation mapping of survey area (existing and novel threatened flora and fauna records also shown)

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 54 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Figure 15. Revised vegetation mapping of survey area (existing and novel threatened flora and fauna records also shown)

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 55 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Figure 16. Revised vegetation mapping of survey area (existing and novel threatened flora and fauna records also shown)

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 56 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Figure 17. Revised vegetation mapping of survey area (existing and novel threatened flora and fauna records also shown)

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 57 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Figure 18. Revised vegetation mapping of survey area (existing and novel threatened flora and fauna records also shown)

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 58 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Figure 19. Revised vegetation mapping of survey area (existing and novel threatened flora and fauna records also shown)

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 59 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Figure 20. Revised vegetation mapping of survey area (existing and novel threatened flora and fauna records also shown)

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 60 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Figure 21. Revised vegetation mapping of survey area (existing and novel threatened flora and fauna records also shown)

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 61 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Figure 22. Revised vegetation mapping of survey area (existing and novel threatened flora and fauna records also shown)

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 62 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Figure 23. Revised vegetation mapping of survey area (existing and novel threatened flora and fauna records also shown)

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 63 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Figure 24. Revised vegetation mapping of survey area (existing and novel threatened flora and fauna records also shown)

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 64 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Figure 25. Location of known wedge-tailed eagle nests relative to pipeline corridor, showing nominal 500 m and 1,000 m management buffer zones: eastern nest site

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 65 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Figure 26. Location of known wedge-tailed eagle nests relative to pipeline corridor, showing nominal 500 m and 1,000 m management buffer zones: western nest sites

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 66 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

APPENDIX A. Vegetation community structure and composition The images below provide basic information on the structure and composition of some of the key native vegetation mapping units identified from the survey area.

Plate A1. (LHS) GCL in front of NBA with DAD in background Plate A2. (RHS) GCL in foreground with sparse DVG in background

Plate A3. (LHS) Mixed DVG/DAD north of Blessington Road Plate A4. (RHS) GRP surrounded by GCL (difficult to separate the two mapping units at a practical scale) with DAD in background

Plates A5. (LHS) DAM west of Dalness dam Plate A6. (RHS) Disturbed plantation north of Blessington Road

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 67 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Plates A7 & A8. NAV above North Esk River

Plate 11. (LHS) DAD above pipeline near weir on North Esk River Plate 12. (RHS) Small patch of NAR in un-named tributary of North Esk River

Plates 13 & 14. Examples of DVG

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 68 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Plate 15. (LHS) Odd facies of NBA above weir on North Esk River dominated by Melicytus angustifolius Plate 12. (RHS) Looking into DOV south of Blessington Road (prior to clearing for firebreak)

Plate 13. (LHS) DAD above Rose Rivulet Plate 14. (RHS) DVG above Rose Rivulet

Plate 15. (LHS) Grassy facies of DAD east of Dalness dam Plate 16. (RHS) Sedgy facies of DAD east of Dalness dam

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 69 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

APPENDIX B. Vascular plant species recorded from study area Botanical nomenclature follows A Census of the Vascular Plants of Tasmania (de Salas & Baker 2016), with family placement updated to reflect the nomenclatural changes recognised in the Flora of Tasmania Online (Duretto 2009+); common nomenclature follows Wapstra et al. (2005+, updated online at www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au). i = introduced/naturalised; e = endemic to Tasmania; DW = declared weed within meaning of the Tasmanian Weed Management Act 1999; EW = environmental weed; TSPA = threatened species within the meaning of the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995; EPBCA = threatened species within the meaning of the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

Table B1. Summary of vascular species recorded from the study area

ORDER STATUS DICOTYLEDONAE MONOCOTYLEDONAE GYMNOSPERMAE PTERIDOPHYTA 181 117 - 11 e 8 5 - - i 89 39 2 - Sum 278 161 2 11 TOTAL 452

DICOTYLEDONAE ADOXACEAE Sambucus gaudichaudiana white elderberry AMARANTHACEAE Einadia nutans subsp. nutans climbing saltbush APIACEAE Centella cordifolia swampwort Daucus glochidiatus australian carrot Eryngium vesiculosum prickfoot ARALIACEAE Hydrocotyle callicarpa tiny pennywort Hydrocotyle hirta hairy pennywort Hydrocotyle muscosa mossy pennywort Hydrocotyle pterocarpa winged pennywort ASTERACEAE i Arctotheca calendula capeweed Argentipallium dealbatum white everlasting e Bedfordia linearis subsp. linearis slender blanketleaf e Bedfordia salicina tasmanian blanketleaf i Bellis perennis english daisy Brachyscome aculeata hill daisy Brachyscome spathulata subsp. spathulata spoonleaf daisy i Carduus pycnocephalus slender thistle DW i Carduus tenuiflorus winged thistle DW Cassinia aculeata subsp. aculeata common dollybush Centipeda elatinoides spreading sneezeweed i Cicendia filiformis slender cicendia i Cirsium vulgare spear thistle i Conyza bonariensis flaxleaf fleabane Coronidium scorpioides curling everlasting Cotula alpina alpine buttons Craspedia glauca common billybuttons

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 70 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Euchiton involucratus star cottonleaf Euchiton japonicus common cottonleaf Euchiton sphaericus globe cottonleaf i Helminthotheca echioides bristly oxtongue i Hypochaeris glabra smooth catsear i Hypochaeris radicata rough catsear Lagenophora stipitata blue bottledaisy i Leontodon saxatilis hairy hawkbit Leptorhynchos squamatus subsp. squamatus scaly buttons Millotia tenuifolia var. tenuifolia soft bowflower Olearia lirata forest daisybush Olearia ramulosa twiggy daisybush Ozothamnus ferrugineus tree everlastingbush Senecio glomeratus subsp. glomeratus shortfruit purple fireweed Senecio hispidulus rough fireweed Senecio minimus shrubby fireweed Senecio prenanthoides common fireweed Senecio quadridentatus cotton fireweed Siloxerus multiflorus small wrinklewort TSPA (rare) i Silybum marianum variegated thistle Solenogyne dominii smooth flat-herb Solenogyne gunnii hairy flat-herb i Soliva sessilis jo-jo i Sonchus asper subsp. asper prickly sowthistle i Sonchus oleraceus common sowthistle i Taraxacum officinale common dandelion Triptilodiscus pygmaeus dwarf sunray TSPA (vulnerable) i Vellereophyton dealbatum white cudweed BORAGINACEAE Cynoglossum suaveolens sweet houndstongue i Echium plantagineum patersons curse DW i Marrubium vulgare white horehound DW i Myosotis discolor changing forgetmenot BRASSICACEAE i Capsella bursa-pastoris shepherds purse i Cardamine hirsuta hairy bittercress Cardamine lilacina lilac bittercress i Erophila verna subsp. verna spring whitlowgrass i Hirschfeldia incana hoary mustard Lepidium hyssopifolium soft peppercress TSPA/EPBCA (endangered) i Nasturtium officinale two-row watercress i Raphanus raphanistrum wild radish Rorippa dictyosperma forest bittercress i Sinapis arvensis charlock i Sisymbrium officinale hedge-mustard CAMPANULACEAE Wahlenbergia gracilenta annual bluebell Wahlenbergia gracilis sprawling bluebell Wahlenbergia gymnoclada naked bluebell Wahlenbergia multicaulis bushy bluebell Wahlenbergia stricta subsp. stricta tall bluebell CARYOPHYLLACEAE i Arenaria leptoclados slender sandwort i Cerastium vulgare common mouse-ear i Moenchia erecta erect chickweed i Petrorhagia nanteuilii proliferous pink i Polycarpon tetraphyllum fourleaf allseed Scleranthus biflorus twinflower knawel i Spergularia rubra greater sandspurrey Stellaria multiflora subsp. multiflora rayless starwort CASUARINACEAE Allocasuarina littoralis black sheoak Allocasuarina verticillata drooping sheoak

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 71 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

CELASTRACEAE Stackhousia monogyna forest candles CONVOLVULACEAE Convolvulus angustissimus var. angustissimus blushing bindweed Dichondra repens kidneyweed CRASSULACEAE Crassula closiana stalked stonecrop Crassula decumbens var. decumbens spreading stonecrop Crassula helmsii swamp stonecrop Crassula peduncularis purple stonecrop Crassula sieberiana rock stonecrop Crassula tetramera wiry stonecrop DILLENIACEAE Hibbertia riparia erect guineaflower DROSERACEAE Drosera auriculata tall sundew e Drosera hookeri grassland sundew Drosera peltata pale sundew Drosera pygmaea dwarf sundew ELATINACEAE Elatine gratioloides waterwort ERICACEAE Acrotriche serrulata ants delight Astroloma humifusum native cranberry Epacris gunnii coral heath Epacris impressa common heath Epacris lanuginosa swamp heath e Leptecophylla juniperina subsp. juniperina common pinkberry Leucopogon virgatus var. virgatus twiggy beardheath Lissanthe strigosa subsp. subulata peachberry heath Monotoca glauca goldey wood EUPHORBIACEAE Beyeria viscosa pinkwood i Euphorbia peplus petty spurge FABACEAE Acacia dealbata subsp. dealbata silver wattle Acacia genistifolia spreading wattle Acacia mearnsii black wattle Acacia melanoxylon blackwood Acacia mucronata subsp. mucronata erect caterpillar wattle Acacia myrtifolia redstem wattle i Acacia paradoxa thorn wattle EW Acacia verticillata subsp. verticillata prickly moses Bossiaea prostrata creeping bossia Bossiaea riparia leafless bossia Daviesia sejugata leafy spiky bitterpea Daviesia ulicifolia subsp. ruscifolia orange spiky bitterpea Daviesia ulicifolia subsp. ulicifolia yellow spiky bitterpea Glycine clandestina twining glycine Goodia lotifolia smooth goldentip Hovea heterophylla winter purplepea Indigofera australis subsp. australis native indigo i Lotus corniculatus var. corniculatus common birdsfoot-trefoil i Lotus corniculatus var. tenuifolius narrow birdsfoot-trefoil i Lotus suaveolens hairy birdsfoot-trefoil i Medicago polymorpha burr medick Pultenaea daphnoides heartleaf bushpea Pultenaea juniperina prickly beauty i Trifolium dubium suckling clover i Trifolium glomeratum cluster clover i Trifolium repens white clover i Trifolium subterraneum subterranean clover i Trifolium tomentosum woolly clover

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 72 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

i Ulex europaeus gorse DW i Vicia sativa subsp. nigra narrowleaf vetch i Vicia sativa subsp. sativa common vetch i Vicia tetrasperma smooth vetch FUMARIACEAE i Fumaria muralis subsp. muralis wall fumitory GENTIANACEAE i Centaurium erythraea common centaury i Centaurium tenuiflorum slender centaury i Cicendia filiformis slender cicendia Sebaea ovata yellow sebaea GERANIACEAE i Erodium botrys long heronsbill i Erodium cicutarium common heronsbill i Erodium malacoides oval heronsbill Geranium potentilloides var. potentilloides mountain cranesbill Geranium solanderi southern cranesbill Pelargonium australe southern storksbill GOODENIACEAE Goodenia lanata trailing native-primrose Goodenia ovata hop native-primrose HALORAGACEAE Gonocarpus micranthus subsp. micranthus creeping raspwort Gonocarpus tetragynus common raspwort Gonocarpus teucrioides forest raspwort Haloragis heterophylla variable raspwort TSPA (rare) Myriophyllum integrifolium tiny watermilfoil HYPERICACEAE Hypericum gramineum small st johns-wort Hypericum japonicum matted st johns-wort LAMIACEAE Ajuga australis australian bugle i Prunella vulgaris selfheal TSPA (rare) Teucrium corymbosum forest germander LAURACEAE Cassytha melantha large dodderlaurel Cassytha pubescens downy dodderlaurel LINACEAE Linum marginale native flax i Linum trigynum french flax LOBELIACEAE Isotoma fluviatilis subsp. australis swamp stars Lobelia anceps angled lobelia Lobelia gibbosa tall lobelia Lobelia pedunculata matted lobelia LYTHRACEAE Lythrum hyssopifolia small loosestrife MYRSINACEAE i Lysimachia arvensis scarlet pimpernel MYRTACEAE e Eucalyptus amygdalina black peppermint Eucalyptus obliqua stringybark Eucalyptus ovata var. ovata black gum Eucalyptus viminalis subsp. viminalis white gum Leptospermum lanigerum woolly teatree Leptospermum scoparium common teatree Melaleuca ericifolia coast paperbark OLEACEAE Notelaea ligustrina native olive ONAGRACEAE Epilobium billardierianum subsp. billardierianum robust willowherb Epilobium billardierianum subsp. intermedium marsh willowherb Epilobium hirtigerum hairy willowherb

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 73 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

OROBANCHACEAE i Parentucellia latifolia broadleaf glandweed OXALIDACEAE i Oxalis corniculata subsp. corniculata yellow woodsorrel Oxalis perennans grassland woodsorrel PHRYMACEAE Mazus pumilio swamp mazus PHYLLANTHACEAE Poranthera microphylla small poranthera PICRODENDRACEAE Micrantheum hexandrum river tridentbush PITTOSPORACEAE Billardiera macrantha highland appleberry Billardiera mutabilis green appleberry Bursaria spinosa subsp. spinosa prickly box Pittosporum bicolor cheesewood Rhytidosporum procumbens starry appleberry PLANTAGINACEAE i Callitriche stagnalis mud waterstarwort Gratiola peruviana southern brooklime i Plantago coronopus subsp. coronopus slender buckshorn plantain i Plantago lanceolata ribwort plantain i Plantago major great plantain Plantago varia variable plantain Veronica calycina hairy speedwell Veronica gracilis slender speedwell i Veronica serpyllifolia thyme speedwell POLYGALACEAE Comesperma volubile blue lovecreeper POLYGONACEAE i Acetosella vulgaris sheep sorrel i Persicaria maculosa common knotweed Rumex brownii slender dock i Rumex crispus curled dock Rumex dumosus wiry dock i Rumex obtusifolius broadleaf dock i Rumex pulcher subsp. pulcher fiddle dock PORTULACACEAE Calandrinia calyptrata pink purslane Montia fontana subsp. chondrosperma waterblinks PROTEACEAE Banksia marginata silver banksia Hakea lissosperma mountain needlebush Hakea microcarpa smallfruit needlebush e Lomatia tinctoria guitarplant RANUNCULACEAE i Batrachium trichophyllum water fennel Clematis aristata mountain clematis Clematis clitorioides pleasant clematis e Clematis gentianoides ground clematis Ranunculus amphitrichus river buttercup Ranunculus glabrifolius shining buttercup Ranunculus lappaceus woodland buttercup i Ranunculus parviflorus smallflower buttercup i Ranunculus repens creeping buttercup Ranunculus sessiliflorus var. sessiliflorus rockplate buttercup RESEDACEAE i Reseda luteola weld RHAMNACEAE Pomaderris apetala subsp. apetala common dogwood Pomaderris pilifera subsp. pilifera hairy dogwood ROSACEAE Acaena echinata spiny sheepsburr

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 74 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Acaena novae-zelandiae common buzzy Acaena x anserovina hybrid sheepsburr i Aphanes arvensis parsley piert Aphanes australiana australian piert i Crataegus monogyna hawthorn i Rosa rubiginosa sweet briar i Rubus anglocandicans blackberry DW i Rubus leucostachys blackberry DW Rubus parvifolius native raspberry i Sanguisorba minor salad burnet RUBIACEAE Asperula conferta common woodruff Coprosma quadrifida native currant i Galium aparine cleavers Galium australe tangled bedstraw Galium ciliare subsp. terminale multiflower hairy bedstraw Galium densum shade bedstraw i Galium divaricatum slender bedstraw Galium gaudichaudii subsp. parviflorum smallflower rough bedstraw i Galium murale small bedstraw Opercularia ovata broadleaf stinkweed Opercularia varia variable stinkweed RUTACEAE Correa reflexa var. reflexa common correa SALICACEAE i Salix matsudana cv. 'Tortuosa' twisted willow DW i Salix x fragilis nothovar. fragilis crack willow DW SANTALACEAE Exocarpos cupressiformis common native-cherry Exocarpos strictus pearly native-cherry Leptomeria drupacea erect currantbush SAPINDACEAE Dodonaea viscosa subsp. spatulata broadleaf hopbush SCROPHULARIACEAE i Verbascum thapsus great mullein SOLANACEAE i Solanum dulcamara woody nightshade Solanum laciniatum kangaroo apple STYLIDIACEAE Stylidium graminifolium narrowleaf triggerplant THYMELAEACEAE Pimelea drupacea cherry riceflower Pimelea humilis dwarf riceflower Pimelea linifolia slender riceflower e Pimelea nivea bushmans bootlace URTICACEAE Australina pusilla subsp. pusilla small shade nettle Urtica incisa scrub nettle VALERIANACEAE i Valerianella eriocarpa italian cornsalad VIOLACEAE Melicytus angustifolius subsp. angustifolius spiky violetbush Viola betonicifolia subsp. betonicifolia showy violet Viola hederacea subsp. hederacea ivyleaf violet Viola sieberiana tiny violet WINTERACEAE Tasmannia lanceolata mountain pepper GYMNOSPERMAE CUPRESSACEAE i Hesperocyparis macrocarpa monterey cypress PINACEAE i Pinus radiata radiata pine

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 75 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

MONOCOTYLEDONAE ARACEAE Wolffia australiana tiny duckweed ASPHODELACEAE Bulbine glauca bluish bulbine-lily Bulbine semibarbata smallflower leeklily CENTROLEPIDACEAE Aphelia gracilis slender fanwort TSPA (rare) Aphelia pumilio dwarf fanwort TSPA (rare) Centrolepis aristata pointed bristlewort Centrolepis polygyna wiry bristlewort Centrolepis strigosa subsp. strigosa hairy bristlewort COLCHICACEAE Wurmbea dioica subsp. dioica early nancy Wurmbea uniflora oneflower early nancy CYPERACEAE Carex appressa tall sedge Carex breviculmis shortstem sedge i Carex divulsa grey sedge Carex inversa knob sedge Carex iynx tussock sedge Carex tasmanica curly sedge Eleocharis acuta common spikesedge Eleocharis sphacelata tall spikesedge Ficinia nodosa knobby clubsedge Gahnia grandis cutting grass Gahnia sieberiana redfruit sawsedge Isolepis cernua nodding clubsedge Isolepis fluitans floating clubsedge Isolepis inundata swamp clubsedge Isolepis marginata little clubsedge Isolepis montivaga mountain clubsedge Isolepis platycarpa flatfruit clubsedge Lepidosperma elatius tall swordsedge Lepidosperma ensiforme arching swordsedge Lepidosperma filiforme common rapiersedge Lepidosperma gunnii narrow swordsedge e Lepidosperma inops fan sedge Lepidosperma laterale variable swordsedge Schoenus apogon common bogsedge Schoenus fluitans floating bogsedge HEMEROCALLIDACEAE Caesia parviflora var. parviflora pale grasslily Dianella revoluta var. revoluta spreading flaxlily Dianella tasmanica forest flaxlily HYPOXIDACEAE Hypoxis hygrometrica var. hygrometrica golden weatherglass Hypoxis vaginata var. brevistigmata sheathing yellowstar Hypoxis vaginata var. vaginata sheathing yellowstar IRIDACEAE Diplarrena moraea white flag-iris i Romulea minutiflora small oniongrass i Romulea rosea var. australis lilac oniongrass i Watsonia versfeldii white watsonia JUNCACEAE Juncus australis southern rush Juncus bassianus forest rush Juncus bufonius toad rush i Juncus capitatus capitate rush Juncus holoschoenus jointleaf rush Juncus pallidus pale rush Juncus pauciflorus looseflower rush Juncus planifolius broadleaf rush

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 76 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Juncus procerus tall rush Juncus sarophorus broom rush Juncus subsecundus finger rush Luzula densiflora dense woodrush Luzula flaccida pale woodrush LAXMANNIACEAE Arthropodium milleflorum pale vanilla-lily Arthropodium minus small vanilla-lily Arthropodium strictum chocolate lily Chamaescilla corymbosa var. corymbosa blue stars Lomandra longifolia sagg Thysanotus patersonii twining fringelily LUZURIAGACEAE Drymophila cyanocarpa turquoise berry ORCHIDACEAE Acianthus caudatus mayfly orchid Acianthus pusillus small mosquito-orchid Caladenia carnea pink fingers Caladenia fuscata dusky fingers Caladenia gracilis musky finger-orchid Caladenia vulgaris summer fingers Calochilus platychila purple beard-orchid e Chiloglotis gunnii tall bird-orchid e Chiloglottis grammata small bird-orchid Chiloglottis reflexa autumn bird-orchid e Chiloglottis triceratops threehorned bird-orchid Corybas diemenicus stately helmet-orchid Corybas incurvus slaty helmet-orchid Cyrtostylis reniformis small gnat-orchid Diuris orientis eastern wallflower orchid Diuris pardina leopard orchid Diuris sulphurea tiger orchid Eriochilus cucullatus pale autumn orchid Glossodia major waxlip orchid Microtis unifolia common onion-orchid Pterostylis melagramma blackstripe greenhood Pterostylis nutans nodding greenhood Pterostylis pedunculata maroonhood Thelymitra aristata great sun-orchid Thelymitra ixioides spotted sun-orchid Thelymitra pauciflora slender sun-orchid Thelymitra peniculata trim sun-orchid Thelymitra rubra pink sun-orchid POACEAE i Agrostis capillaris var. capillaris browntop bent i Agrostis stolonifera creeping bent Agrostis venusta graceful bent i Aira caryophyllea subsp . caryophyllea silvery hairgrass i Aira elegantissima delicate hairgrass i Aira praecox early hairgrass i Alopecurus pratensis subsp. pratensis meadow foxtail Anthosachne scabra rough wheatgrass i Anthoxanthum odoratum sweet vernalgrass i Arrhenatherum elatius var. bulbosum bulbous oatgrass Australopyrum pectinatum prickly wheatgrass Austrostipa mollis soft speargrass Austrostipa pubinodis tall speargrass Austrostipa rudis subsp. australis southern speargrass Austrostipa semibarbata fibrous speargrass Austrostipa stuposa corkscrew speargrass i Avena sativa cereal oat i Briza maxima greater quaking-grass i Briza minor lesser quaking-grass

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 77 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

i Bromus cebadilla chilean brome i Bromus diandrus great brome i Bromus hordeaceus soft brome i Cynodon dactylon var. dactylon couchgrass i Cynosurus cristatus crested dogstail i Cynosurus echinatus rough dogstail i Dactylis glomerata cocksfoot Deschampsia cespitosa tufted hairgrass Deyeuxia frigida forest bentgrass Deyeuxia monticola mountain bentgrass Dichelachne crinita longhair plumegrass Dichelachne rara common plumegrass Dichelachne sieberiana delicate plumegrass i Digitaria sanguinalis summergrass Echinopogon ovatus hedgehog grass i Ehrharta erecta var. erecta panic veldtgrass i Elytrigia repens english couch i Glyceria declinata small sweetgrass i Holcus lanatus yorkshire fog Hookerochloa hookeriana swamp fescue i Hordeum leporinum long-anther barleygrass i Hordeum vulgare barley Lachnagrostis aemula tumbling blowngrass Lachnagrostis filiformis common blowngrass i Lolium multiflorum italian ryegrass i Lolium perenne perennial ryegrass Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides weeping grass e Pentapogon quadrifidus var. parviflorus lesser five-awned speargrass i Phalaris aquatica toowoomba canarygrass i Phalaris minor lesser canarygrass i Poa annua winter grass Poa hookeri hookers tussockgrass i Poa infirma early meadowgrass Poa labillardierei var. labillardierei silver tussockgrass i Poa pratensis kentucky bluegrass Poa rodwayi velvet tussockgrass Poa sieberiana var. sieberiana grey tussockgrass Poa tenera scrambling tussockgrass Rytidosperma caespitosum common wallabygrass Rytidosperma dimidiatum variable wallabygrass Rytidosperma penicillatum slender wallabygrass Rytidosperma pilosum velvet wallabygrass Rytidosperma racemosum var. racemosum stiped wallabygrass Rytidosperma semiannulare marsh wallabygrass Rytidosperma setaceum bristly wallabygrass Tetrarrhena distichophylla hairy ricegrass Themeda triandra kangaroo grass i Vulpia bromoides squirreltail fescue TYPHACEAE i Typha latifolia great reedmace PTERIDOPHYTA ADIANTACEAE Adiantum aethiopicum common maidenhair Cheilanthes austrotenuifolia green rockfern Pellaea falcata sickle fern ASPLENIACEAE Asplenium flabellifolium necklace fern AZOLLACEAE Azolla filiculoides pacific azolla BLECHNACEAE Blechnum minus soft waterfern Blechnum nudum fishbone waterfern Blechnum wattsii hard waterfern

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 78 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

DENNSTAEDTIACEAE Pteridium esculentum bracken DICKSONIACEAE Dicksonia antarctica soft treefern POLYPODIACEAE Microsorum pustulatum subsp. pustulatum kangaroo fern

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 79 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

APPENDIX C. Vertebrate fauna recorded from study area The following table lists the vertebrate fauna recorded from the study area. The list is based on opportunistic detection during the course of the more detailed botanical assessment. Intensive surveys for vertebrate fauna (e.g. dissection of logs, turning of stones, nocturnal and crepuscular surveys, trapping, etc.) were not undertaken. Vertebrate nomenclature follows the following texts for the different groups: Birds: Christidis, L. & Boles, W.E. (2008). Systematics and Taxonomy of Australian Birds. CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood, with nomenclature updated to the interim working list provided by BirdLife Australia; Reptiles: Hutchinson, M., Swain, R. & Driessen, M. (2001). Snakes and Lizards of Tasmania. Fauna of Tasmania Handbook No. 9. University of Tasmania and Department of Primary Industries, Water & Environment, Hobart, with nomenclature updated to recent scincid taxonomy, as included in A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia (Wilson & Swan 2013). Amphibians: Littlejohn, M. (2003). Frogs of Tasmania. Fauna of Tasmania Handbook No. 6 (2nd edition). University of Tasmania, Hobart. i = introduced/naturalised; e = endemic to Tasmania

Table C1. Summary of vertebrate species recorded from the study area

ORDER STATUS MAMMALS BIRDS AMPHIBIANS REPTILES 3 47 6 7 e 2 5 - 2 i 3 6 - - Sum 8 58 6 9 TOTAL 81

Table C2. Vertebrate fauna recorded from assessment area [domestic stock and household pets excluded] [s = sighting, d = diggings, sc = scats, a = audible; o = other]

Record Status Scientific name Common name Comments

MAMMALS

TACHYGLOSSIDAE (echidna family)

Diggings frequent; roadkill on Tachyglossus aculeatus s, d, o Short-beaked echidna Blessington Road; several setosus individuals seen

MACROPOIDAE (kangaroo & wallaby family)

Several sighted; scats numerous; s, sc, o Macropus rufogriseus Red-necked wallaby skulls occasional; roadkill on Blessington and Nile roads

s, sc, o e Thylogale billardierii Tasmanian pademelon As above

DASYURIDAE (carnivore marsupials)

sc e Sarcophilus harrisii Tasmanian devil Scats on weir on North Esk River

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 80 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Record Status Scientific name Common name Comments

PHALANGERIDAE (possum family) Scats on logs, rocks and tracks; three skulls; “runs” up black Common brushtail s, sc, o Trichosurus vulpecula peppermints; roadkill on possum Blessington and Nile roads and Everton Lane

LEPORIDAE (rabbit and hare family)

Several flushed; roadkills; skulls; s, sc, o i Oryctolagus cuniculus European rabbit scats; occasional burrows

Three flushed from “Dalness” dam siLepus europaeus European hare area

CERVIDAE (deer family)

Several flushed seen in forested s, o i Dama dama Fallow deer areas; scratchings occasional

REPTILES

SCINCIDAE (skinks)

s Carinascincus metallicus Metallic skink Numerous individuals

seCarinascincus pretiosus Tasmanian tree skink Numerous individuals

Several seen in rock screes along seCarinascincus ocellatus Spotted skink pipeline above North Esk River

One seen under log in open grassy s Lampropholis delicata Delicate skink woodland east of “Dalness” dam

Two seen in forest along pipeline s Tiliqua nigrolutea Blotched bluetongue above North Esk River; two dead on Nile Road

One found under log east of s Cyclodomorphus casuarinae Sheoak skink “Dalness” dam

ELAPIDAE (snakes)

s Notechis scutatus Tiger snake Three seen in forested areas

Several seen in damp grassy areas s Austrelaps superbus Lowland copperhead around “Dalness” dams

One seen in forest north of s Drysdalia coronoides White-lipped snake Blessington Road

AMPHIBIANS

HYLIDAE (tree frogs)

Heard at dams; individuals found a, s Litoria ewingii Brown tree frog around margin of existing “Dalness” dam

MYOBATRACHIDAE (ground frogs)

a, s Crinia signifera Common froglet As above

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 81 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Record Status Scientific name Common name Comments

Limnodynastes dumerilii a, s Southern banjo frog As above insularis

a, s Limnodynastes tasmaniensis Spotted marsh frog As above

a, s Geocrinia laevis Smooth froglet As above

Pseudophryne a, s Southern toadlet As above semimarmorata

BIRDS

PHASIANIDAE (quail, pheasant and fowl family) Pair with two chicks flushed from s Coturnix ypsilophora Brown quail nest in forest north of Blessington Road ANATIDAE (duck, geese and swan family) One male on main “Dalness” dam s Biziura lobata Musk dusk on one occasion Pair with four chicks on “Dalness” s Cygnus atratus Black swan dam

s Tadorna tadornoides Australasian shelduck Pair on “Dalness” dam

Pair with three chicks on “Dalness” s Chenonetta jubata Australian wood duck dam Individuals on main “Dalness” dam and one flushed from s Anas superciliosa Pacific black duck upstream of weir on North Esk River PODICIPEDIDAE (grebe family) Small flock of four birds seen on s Tachybaptus novaehollandiae Australasian grebe main “Dalness” dam COLUMBIDAE (pigeon and dove family) Calls numerous in forest; several s, a Phaps chalcoptera Common bronzewing flushed from tracks ARDEIDAE (heron, egret and bittern family) Several sighted in wet paddocks s Egretta novaehollandiae White-faced heron and around farm dams ACCIPITRIDAE (eagle, hawk and kite family)

One foraging over southern s Circus approximans Swamp harrier “Dalness” dam on two occasions

Adults flying overhead on several Tasmanian wedge- seAquila audax fleayi occasions in several parts of study tailed eagle area

FALCONIDAE (falcon family)

Several seen in flight; occasionally s Falco berigora berigora Brown falcon perched on roadside fenceposts

CHARADRIIDAE (plover and dotterel family)

Small flock in paddock between s Vanellus tricolor Banded lapwing two main “Dalness” dams

Vanellus miles Southern masked s Several in paddocks novaehollandiae lapwing

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 82 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Record Status Scientific name Common name Comments

RALLIDAE (crake, rail and swamphen family)

Numerous individuals seen around s, o e Tribonyx mortierii Tasmanian native-hen dams; droppings locally abundant around dams

CACATUIDAE (cockatoo and corella family)

Calyptorhynchus funereus Tasmanian yellow- a, s Several flocks seen and heard xanthanotus tailed black cockatoo

Several seen foraging in Sulphur-crested paddocks; one bird seen exploring s Cacatua galerita cockatoo a hollow near patch of DOV south of Blessington Road PSITTACIDAE (parrot, lorikeet and rosella family) Several seen and heard Platycercus caledonicus s, a, d e Green rosella throughout; occasional feathers caledonicus on ground

Small flock seen west of Dalness s Platycercus eximius Eastern rosella homestead

Several small flocks flushed from s Neophema chrysostoma Blue-winged parrot grassy openings amongst gorse and peppermint woodland CUCULIDAE (cuckoo family)

a, s Cacomantis flabelliformis Fan-tailed cuckoo Several heard and seen

a Cacomantis pallidus Pallid cuckoo Occasional calls

HALYCONIDAE (kookaburra family)

s, a i Dacelo novaeguineae Laughing kookaburra Several seen and heard

MALURIDAE (fairy-wren, emu-wren and grasswren family) Numerous individuals seen and s, a Malurus cyaneus Superb fairy-wren heard, especially in open areas ACANTHIZIDAE (thornbill and family) Several small flocks and s, a Acanthiza pusilla Brown thornbill individuals seen and heard, mainly in forested areas Several small flocks in open grassy Yellow-rumped s Acanthiza chrysorrhoa areas on “Dalness” and properties thornbill to south PARDALOTIDAE (pardalote family) Calls occasional in forest; several spotted along pipeline service road s, a Pardalotus punctatus Spotted pardalote (possibly nesting in bank behind pipeline) Calls numerous in forest; several s, a Pardalotus striatus Striated pardalote sighted exploring hollows in trees on ridgelines and slopes MELIPHAGIDAE (honeyeater and chat family) Several heard in open woodland; s, a e Anthochaera paradoxa Yellow wattlebird one seen

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 83 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Record Status Scientific name Common name Comments

Yellow-throated Several seen and heard in a range s, a e Lichenostomus flavicollis honeyeater of vegetation types

s Phylidonyris pyrrhoptera Crescent honeyeater Several seen in forested areas

Now Holland s Phylidonyris novaehollandiae Several seen in forested areas honeyeater One seen foraging along slopes s Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris Eastern spinebill above North Esk River

s Epthianura albifrons White-fronted chat Small flock east of “Dalness” dam

Several seen and heard in open s, a Manorina melanocephala Noisy miner woodland areas CAMPEPHAGIDAE (cuckoo-shrike and triller family) Black-faced cuckoo- Individuals seen and heard on s, a Coracina novaehollandiae shrike several occasions PACHYCEPHALIDAE (whistler and shrike-thrush family) Pachycephala pectoralis Tasmanian golden a Calls in eucalypt forest occasional glaucura whistler Numerous calls, sightings Colluricincla harmonica Tasmanian grey shrike- s, a occasional, mainly in eucalypt strigata thrush forest ARTAMIDAE (woodswallow, currawong, butcherbird and magpie family) Small number of small flocks and s, a Artamus cyanopterus Dusky wood-swallow individuals foraging at forest/pasture interfaces One seen in forest south of s Cracticus torquatus Grey butcherbird Blessington Road and one west of Nile Road Individuals around farm s Cracticus tibicen Australian magpie homesteads in south and east of study area

s, a e Strepera fuliginosa Black currawong Sightings and calls occasional

s, a Strepera versicolor Grey currawong Sightings and calls occasional

RHIPIDURIDAE (fantail family) Several seen and heard in a range s, a Rhipidura fuliginosa albiscapa Tasmanian grey fantail of vegetation types CORVIDAE (crow and raven family) Corvus tasmanicus s, a Southern forest raven Several seen and heard tasmanicus PETROICIDAE (australian robin family) Tasmanian scarlet Several seen perching on stumps s Petroica multicolour leggii robin and fenceposts

s Petroica phoenicea Flame robin As above

s, a e Melanodryas vittata vittata Tasmanian dusky robin Occasional in forested areas

MOTACILLIDAE (pipit and wagtail family)

s Anthus novaeseelandiae Australian pipit Several sighted in drier paddocks

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 84 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Record Status Scientific name Common name Comments

ALAUDIDAE (lark family)

siAlauda arvensis Eurasian skylark Several sighted in drier paddocks

HIRUNDINIDAE (swallow and martin family) Numerous over pasture and wider s Hirundo neoxena Welcome swallow open water

s Petrochelidon nigricans Tree martin Small flocks above forest patches

TURDIDAE (thrush family) Several seen around farmhouses siTurdus merula Common blackbird and residential areas STURNIDAE (starling family) Several nesting in stags around “Dalness” dams and also seen in siSturnus vulgaris Common starling old hedgerows of old Rocklands homestead site PASSERIDAE (sparrow family) Several seen around farmhouses siPasser domesticus House sparrow and residential areas ESTRILDIDAE (weaver finch family) Individuals seen along Rose s Stagonopleura bella Beautiful firetail Rivulet and North Esk River TIMALIIDAE (true babbler family) Small flocks seen around gorse s Zosterops lateralis Silvereye around old Rocklands homestead site FRINGILLIDAE (old world finch family) Several seen around farmhouses siCarduelis carduelis European goldfinch and residential areas

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 85 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

APPENDIX D. Analysis of database records of threatened flora

Table D1 provides a listing of priority flora from within 5,000 m of the assessment area (nominal buffer width usually used to discuss the potential of a particular assessment area to support various species listed in databases), with comments on whether potential habitat is present for the species, and possible reasons why a species was not recorded. Some species not listed on databases but considered by the author to have potential to occur in the survey area are also discussed. Note that the field assessment was not restricted to the species listed in Table D1 but considered any threatened flora with the potential to be present. While the database analysis utilises a nominal buffer of 5,000 m, the author’s own experience of the greater Launceston-Blessington-northern Midlands area, combined with database interrogation, meant that the specific potential for numerous other species previously recorded from the wider area were taken into account.

Table D1. Priority flora records from within 5,000 m of boundary of assessment area Species listed below are listed as rare (r), vulnerable (v), endangered (e), or extinct (x) on the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 (TSPA); vulnerable (VU), endangered (EN), critically endangered (CR) or extinct (EX) on the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBCA). Information below is sourced from the DPIPWE’s Natural Values Atlas (DPIPWE 2015) and other sources where indicated. Habitat descriptions are taken from FPA (2016) and TSS (2003+), except where otherwise indicated. Species indicated with a # are also included in CofA (2015).

Status Scientific name Tasmanian habitat description (and distribution) TSPA Common name Comments on potential habitat in study area. EPBCA Acacia axillaris is mainly confined to riparian habitats such as dense riparian scrub and associated floodplains but also extends to paddocks and open grassy forests in frost hollows and areas of poor drainage, but also occasionally occurs on rocky slopes (there is a somewhat anomalous v population on the midslopes of Mt Barrow in the northeast). All Acacia axillaris populations are strongly associated with dolerite. Records outside the VU midlands wattle core of the range (e.g. Prosser River, Broad River, River Clyde) need to # only be treated carefully as they may represent the more recently described Acacia derwentiana. Potential habitat present, although the project area is well outside the recognised and predicted range of the species. This species was not detected (no seasonal restriction on survey). Aphelia pumilio is found growing on damp flats, often with impeded drainage. The main vegetation types are lowland grassland (Themeda Aphelia pumilio r triandra) and dry sclerophyll forest and woodland dominated by dwarf fanwort - Eucalyptus viminalis, E. amygdalina or E. ovata. Species detected – refer to FINDINGS Plant species Priority species recorded from the study area. Asperula minima occurs in a range of vegetation types, the common factor being locally impeded drainage. Habitats include near-coastal swamp forests, Melaleuca ericifolia swamp forest, Eucalyptus ovata sedgy Asperula minima r forest, "old pasture" regenerating to sedges and rushes, and firebreaks mossy woodruff - adjacent to clearfelled forest. No database records (inclusion in analysis is author opinion only). Potential habitat widespread but the species was not detected (no significant seasonal restriction on survey). Asperula scoparia subsp. scoparia is widespread in Tasmania, and is mainly found in native grasslands and grassy forests, often on fertile substrates such as dolerite-derived soils. Forested sites are usually Asperula scoparia subsp. r dominated by Eucalyptus globulus and E. viminalis (lower elevations) and scoparia - E. delegatensis (higher elevations). prickly woodruff No database records (inclusion in analysis is author opinion only). Potential habitat widespread but the species was not detected (no significant seasonal restriction on survey).

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 86 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Status Scientific name Tasmanian habitat description (and distribution) TSPA Common name Comments on potential habitat in study area. EPBCA Asperula subsimplex occurs in sites with impeded drainage, including damp grasslands, floodplains and sometimes in grassy forest and woodland along drainage depressions (even at the outfall of artificial Asperula subsimplex r dams). water woodruff - No database records (inclusion in analysis is author opinion only). Potential habitat widespread but the species was not detected (no significant seasonal restriction on survey). Austrostipa scabra occurs mainly in open grasslands and in grasslands created by the loss of tree cover (e.g. through dieback in the Midlands), and occasionally in open woodland and forest, often occurring in rocky Austrostipa scabra r habitats such as stony rough pasture, generally on sites with lighter soil rough speargrass - than Austrostipa nodosa. Many sites are in highly disturbed habitats such as roadside verges. Potential habitat is present but the species was not detected (no seasonal restriction on survey). Barbarea australis is a riparian species found near river margins, creek beds and along flood channels adjacent to the river. It tends to favour the slower reaches, and has not been found on steeper sections of rivers. It predominantly occurs in flood deposits of silt and gravel deposited as point bars and at the margins of base flows, or more occasionally or e between large cobbles on sites frequently disturbed by fluvial processes. Barbarea australis EN Some of the sites are a considerable distance from the river, in flood riverbed wintercress # channels scoured by previous flood action, exposing river pebbles. Most populations are in the Central Highlands, but other populations occur in the northeast and upland areas in the central north. Potential habitat (flood-prone rocky river beds) present along the North Esk River. Previous (ECOtas 2007) and present surveys have failed to detect the species from this section of the North Esk River. Baumea gunnii inhabits wet moors, creeks and riverbanks (often in rocky sections) throughout the State. It can extend to poorly-drained sedgy/grassy forest and woodland dominated by Eucalyptus ovata or Baumea gunnii r E. rodwayi. slender twigsedge - No database records (inclusion in analysis is author opinion only). Potential habitat limited but the species was not detected (no seasonal restriction on survey). Bertya tasmanica subsp. tasmanica mainly occurs on riparian sites in the northern Midlands (e.g. St Pauls River) and east coast (e.g. Apsley River). It is associated with Eucalyptus ovata–Callitris oblonga forest on some sites. Other dominants include E. rodwayi and E. viminalis. A large Bertya tasmanica subsp. e population at Swanwick is atypical, with plants occurring within near- tasmanica EN coastal vegetation dominated by Allocasuarina verticillata (drooping tasmanian bertya # sheoak). Potential habitat present along the North Esk River. Previous (ECOtas 2007) and present surveys have failed to detect the species from this section of the North Esk River. Bolboschoenus caldwellii is widespread in shallow, standing, sometimes brackish water, rooted in heavy black mud. Potential habitat is present but the species was not detected (no seasonal restriction on survey). Bolboschoenus caldwellii r There is a record from 1995 (although the precision is listed as ± 25 sea clubsedge - years) that is positioned just west of Lower White Hills Road (technically outside the study area and likely construction footprint), with the supporting herbarium collection labelled as “Glenwood Vineyard, Relbia”. The drainage lines in this part of the study area were searched but all appear to have been converted to intensively managed pasture.

e Boronia hemichiton is restricted to the western flanks of the Mt Arthur Boronia hemichiton VU area. It grows in wet heath or scrub with species of Melaleuca mt arthur boronia (paperbark), Leptospermum (teatree) and Gahnia grandis (cutting # only grass), extending into ecotonal areas of dry sclerophyll forest and

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 87 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Status Scientific name Tasmanian habitat description (and distribution) TSPA Common name Comments on potential habitat in study area. EPBCA woodland dominated by Eucalyptus gunnii, E. ovata, E. amygdalina or E. delegatensis. The underlying substrate is alluvium over dolerite, and drainage is moderate to poor. Potential habitat absent, and the project area is well outside the recognised and predicted range of the species. This species was not detected (no seasonal restriction on survey). Boronia hippopala occurs in the Eastern Tiers, in wet scrubby heath dominated by Melaleuca (paperbark) species, Leptospermum (teatree) v species and Gahnia grandis (cutting grass), as well as in adjacent Boronia hippopala Eucalyptus pauciflora–E. dalrympleana woodland. The underlying VU velvet boronia substrate is dolerite, and drainage is moderate to poor. # only Potential habitat absent, and the project area is well outside the recognised and predicted range of the species. This species was not detected (no seasonal restriction on survey). Brunonia australis typically occurs in grassy woodlands and dry sclerophyll forests dominated by Eucalyptus amygdalina or less commonly E. viminalis or E. obliqua. Some smaller populations are found in heathy and shrubby dry forests. The species occurs on well-drained Brunonia australis r flats and gentle slopes between 10-350 metres a.s.l. It is most commonly blue pincushion - found on sandy and gravelly alluvial soils, with a particular preference for ironstone gravels. Populations found on dolerite are usually small. Potential habitat is present but the species was not detected (limited seasonal restriction on survey but most surveys conducted during peak flowering and fruiting period). Caesia calliantha is found predominantly in the Midlands in grassland or grassy woodland including wattle and prickly box "scrub" (occasionally extending into forest, then usually dominated by Eucalyptus viminalis or Caesia calliantha r E. amygdalina). It has also been recorded from grassy roadsides. blue grasslily - Potential habitat is present but the species was not detected (limited seasonal restriction on survey but most surveys conducted during peak flowering and fruiting period). Caladenia anthracina has a restricted distribution in the Powranna/Campbelltown/Ross area, occurring in grassy woodland with e Acacia dealbata (silver wattle) and bracken on well-drained sandy soil. Caladenia anthracina Two historical sites from the Derwent Valley are presumed extinct. CR blacktip spider-orchid Potential habitat within the project area is essentially absent and the # only majority of the project area is well outside the predicted range of the species (southern parts of the distribution pipeline are perhaps within the range but pass through a highly modified landscape). Caladenia caudata has highly variable habitat, which includes the central north: Eucalyptus obliqua heathy forest on low undulating hills; the northeast: E. globulus grassy/heathy coastal forest, E. amygdalina heathy woodland and forest, Allocasuarina woodland; and the southeast: E. amygdalina forest and woodland on sandstone, coastal E. viminalis Caladenia caudata v forest on deep sands. Substrates vary from dolerite to sandstone to tailed spider-orchid VU granite, with soils ranging from deep windblown sands, sands derived from sandstone and well-developed clay loams developed from dolerite. A high degree of insolation is typical of many sites. Potential habitat marginally present in limited parts of the project area, although atypical of known sites. The survey coincided with the peak flowering period of the species (Wapstra et al. 2012 Caladenia filamentosa occurs in lowland heathy and sedgy eucalypt forest and woodland on sandy soils. Caladenia filamentosa r Potential habitat marginally present (atypical of most known sites). The daddy longlegs - survey coincided with the peak flowering period of the species (Wapstra et al. 2012).

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 88 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Status Scientific name Tasmanian habitat description (and distribution) TSPA Common name Comments on potential habitat in study area. EPBCA Carex longebrachiata grows along riverbanks, in rough grassland and pastures, in damp drainage depressions and on moist slopes amongst forest, often dominated by Eucalyptus viminalis, E. ovata or E. rodwayi. Carex longebrachiata r Potential habitat is present but the species was not detected (no seasonal drooping sedge - restriction on survey). Note that the identification of Carex longebrachiata and Carex iynx is problematic but all material I collected from the field was identified as the latter based on a combination of characters. Colobanthus curtisiae occurs in lowland grasslands and grassy woodlands but is also prevalent on rocky outcrops and margins of forest on dolerite on the Central Highlands (including disturbed sites such as log landings Colobanthus curtisiae r and snig tracks). grassland cupflower VU Potential habitat is present but the species was not detected (some seasonal restriction on survey but most surveys conducted during peak flowering and fruiting period). Cryptandra amara grows in some of the driest areas of the State and is typically associated with fertile rocky substrates (e.g. basalt). Its habitat Cryptandra amara e ranges from near-riparian rockplates to grasslands or grassy woodlands. pretty pearlflower - Potential habitat marginally present but the species was not detected (no seasonal restriction on survey).

r Dianella amoena occurs mainly in the northern and southern Midlands, Dianella amoena where it grows in native grasslands and grassy woodlands. EN grassland flaxlily Potential habitat marginally present but the species was not detected (no # significant seasonal restriction on survey). Epacris exserta occurs along the lower reaches of the South Esk, North Esk and Supply rivers. It is a strictly riparian species that grows in areas subject to periodic inundation, mainly on alluvium amongst dolerite boulders within dense riparian scrub, and occasionally in open rocky sites. It has been recorded from 10-310 m a.s.l. The distribution of the species along the North Esk River has been previously mapped in considerable detail (ECOtas 2007). That survey involved walking both banks of the North Esk River (and parts of Weavers e Creek and the St Patricks River), including walking along the riverbed, Epacris exserta resulting in an accurate representation of the abundance of the species, EN south esk heath the location of individuals and the supporting habitat. It is clear that the # species is restricted to the crevices of flood-prone river boulders along the river bed and immediate banks (amongst dense riparian shrubbery) but does not extend beyond the first few metres of the riparian zone. The previously mapped locations of the species adjacent to the proposed pipeline downstream of the weir to near the confluence with Weavers Creek were confirmed. No impact on the species is anticipated from the construction works. Refer to FINDINGS Plant species Priority species recorded from the study area for more information. Epilobium pallidiflorum occurs in wet places (e.g. natural wetlands amongst forest, margins of Melaleuca ericifolia swamp forest, scrubby- sedgy E. ovata woodland on heavy soils, etc.) mostly in the north and Epilobium pallidiflorum r northwest of the State. showy willowherb - No database records (inclusion in analysis is author opinion only). Potential habitat widespread but the species was not detected (no significant seasonal restriction on survey). Glycine latrobeana occurs in a range of habitats, geologies and vegetation v types. Soils are usually fertile but can be sandy when adjacent to or Glycine latrobeana overlaying fertile soils. The species mainly occurs on flats and undulating VU clover glycine terrain over a wide geographical range, including near-coastal # environments, the Midlands, and the Central Plateau. It mainly occurs in grassy/heathy forests and woodlands and native grasslands.

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 89 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Status Scientific name Tasmanian habitat description (and distribution) TSPA Common name Comments on potential habitat in study area. EPBCA Potential habitat is present but the species was not detected (limited seasonal restriction on survey but most surveys conducted during peak flowering and fruiting period).

Gratiola pubescens is most commonly located in permanently or Gratiola pubescens v seasonally damp or swampy ground, including the margins of farm dams. hairy brooklime - Potential habitat widespread but the species was not detected (no significant seasonal restriction on survey). Gynatrix pulchella occurs as a riparian shrub, found along rivers and drainage channels, sometimes extending onto adjacent floodplains Gynatrix pulchella r (including old paddocks), predominantly in the north of the State. fragrant hempbush - The species was detected from several sites along the verge of the North Esk River as part of the initial transfer pipeline surveys but not sites are within the revised disturbance footprint. Gyrostemon thesioides occurs predominately on dolerite or granite in Allocasuarina (sheoak) forest in the State’s east and northeast, including Gyrostemon thesioides r the Furneaux Group. broom wheelfruit - Potential habitat limited (e.g. slopes above North Esk River) but the species was not detected (no significant seasonal restriction on survey). Haloragis heterophylla occurs in poorly-drained sites (sometimes only marginally so), which are often associated with grasslands and grassy woodlands with a high component of Themeda triandra (kangaroo grass). Haloragis heterophylla r It also occurs in grassy/sedgy Eucalyptus ovata forest and woodland, variable raspwort - shrubby creek lines, and broad sedgy/grassy flats, wet pasture and margins of farm dams. Species detected – refer to FINDINGS Plant species Priority species recorded from the study area. Hovea tasmanica occurs in central and northeastern regions. It is usually found on dry, rocky ridges or slopes (mostly dolerite) in forest and Hovea tasmanica r riverine scrub. rockfield purplepea - Potential habitat limited (e.g. slopes above North Esk River) but the species was not detected (no seasonal restriction on survey). The habitat of Isolepis habra is poorly understood and variable as it occurs from lowland to highland sites in forest and non-forest habitats. Wet Isolepis habra r sclerophyll and riparian habitats may be preferred. wispy clubsedge - No database records (inclusion in analysis is author opinion only). Species was detected outside the survey area (along Tea-tree Creek) in an area well away from any potential disturbance. Isolepis stellata has been recorded from near-coastal areas in the State’s north and east, and also in the Northern Midlands near Conara. Habitat includes the margins of sedgy wetlands, wet soaks and seasonally inundated heathy sedgelands: the altitude of recorded sites in Tasmania Isolepis stellata r ranges from close to sea level to elevations of 240 m a.s.l. star clubsedge - No database records (inclusion in analysis is author opinion only). Potential habitat widespread but the species was not detected (some seasonal restriction on survey but most potential habitat surveyed during peak growth period). Juncus amabilis occurs in a variety of habitats, usually poorly-drained sites such as damp grasslands and grassy woodlands, wet pastures, roadside ditches and edges of still and slow-flowing waterbodies. As Juncus amabilis r presently understood, the species is mainly confined to lowland areas in gentle rush - the eastern half of the State but there are potential higher elevation and more western records that require confirmation. Potential habitat widespread but the species was not detected (no significant seasonal restriction on survey).

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 90 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Status Scientific name Tasmanian habitat description (and distribution) TSPA Common name Comments on potential habitat in study area. EPBCA The habitat of Juncus fockei is poorly understood because of a paucity of records in Tasmania. On the mainland it occurs in riparian situations, Juncus fockei r swamps and drains. slender jointleaf rush - No database records (inclusion in analysis is author opinion only). Potential habitat widespread but the species was not detected (no significant seasonal restriction on survey). The habitat of Juncus prismatocarpus is poorly understood because of a paucity of records in Tasmania but includes sedgy/grassy margins of rivers such as the Apsley River. On the mainland it occurs in floodplain Juncus prismatocarpus r and riparian vegetation. branching rush - No database records (inclusion in analysis is author opinion only). Potential habitat widespread but the species was not detected (no significant seasonal restriction on survey). Juncus vaginatus is a species of low-lying poorly-drained sites such as the margins of still and slow-flowing waterbodies and areas where water lies Juncus vaginatus r for parts of the year such as "wet pasture". clustered rush - No database records (inclusion in analysis is author opinion only). Potential habitat widespread but the species was not detected (no significant seasonal restriction on survey). The native habitat of Lepidium hyssopifolium is the growth suppression zone beneath large trees in grassy woodlands and grasslands (e.g. over- mature black wattles and isolated eucalypts in rough pasture). Lepidium hyssopifolium is now found primarily under large exotic trees on roadsides e and home yards on farms. It occurs in the eastern part of Tasmania Lepidium hyssopifolium EN between sea-level to 500 metres a.s.l. in dry, warm and fertile areas on soft peppercress # flat ground on weakly acid to alkaline soils derived from a range of rock types. It can also occur on frequently slashed grassy/weedy roadside verges where shade trees are absent. Species detected – refer to FINDINGS Plant species Priority species recorded from the study area. Leptorhynchos elongatus occurs on Tertiary basalt or Quaternary sediments in Themeda triandra (kangaroo grass) grassland, as well as from open grassy shrubland. It is extant at cemeteries in Bothwell and Jericho, a solitary site in the Northern Midlands, and at a higher elevation Leptorhynchos elongatus e site at Liawenee Moor on the Central Plateau. lanky buttons - Potential habitat is present but the species was not detected (limited seasonal restriction on survey but most surveys conducted during peak flowering and fruiting period). The single record within 5,000 m is from “Woodhall” collected by C. Stuart in 1837, with no contemporary records from this part of the State. Leucochrysum albicans var. tricolor occurs in the west and on the Central Plateau and the Midlands, mostly on basalt soils in open grassland. This species would have originally occupied Eucalyptus pauciflora woodland Leucochrysum albicans e and tussock grassland, though most of this habitat is now converted to var. tricolor EN improved pasture or cropland. grassland paperdaisy # Potential habitat is present but the species was not detected (some seasonal restriction on survey but most surveys conducted during peak flowering and fruiting period). Lobelia pratioides occurs in seasonally inundated to waterlogged soils at the margins of swamps, wetlands and drainage lines, and also in damp depressions within grassland and grassy woodland. Lobelia pratioides v No database records (inclusion in analysis is author opinion only). poison lobelia - Potential habitat widespread but the species was not detected (some seasonal restriction on survey but areas of potential habitat were surveyed during the peak flowering period).

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 91 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Status Scientific name Tasmanian habitat description (and distribution) TSPA Common name Comments on potential habitat in study area. EPBCA Lythrum salicaria inhabits swamps, stream banks and rivers mainly in the north and northeast of the State. It can also occur between gaps in Melaleuca ericifolia forest. This species can act as a weed, proliferating Lythrum salicaria v along roadsides and other disturbed areas, and, as horticultural strains purple loosestrife - are in cultivation and birds can disperse seed, some occurrences may not be native. Potential habitat widespread but the species was not detected (no significant seasonal restriction on survey). Myriophyllum integrifolium occurs mostly in the Northern Midlands, with isolated populations in the State’s north, northeast and south. It grows at the margins of wetlands and in seasonally wet places, including Myriophyllum integrifolium v depressions associated with small ephemeral lakes. It can occur in coastal tiny watermilfoil - heathland and in forest in the Midlands, where it is often associated with old muddy tracks. Species detected – refer to FINDINGS Plant species Priority species recorded from the study area. Parietaria debilis occurs around muttonbird rookeries, on cliffs/rocks in the salt spray zone, in moist shaded areas in dune scrubs, and under rock overhangs in forested gullies. Parietaria debilis r No database records (inclusion in analysis is author opinion only). shade pellitory - Potential habitat present but the species was not detected (limited seasonal restriction on survey but most surveys conducted during peak flowering and fruiting period). Persicaria decipiens occurs on the banks of rivers and streams, mostly in the north of the State, including King Island. The species may colonise farm dams. There is an historical record that technically falls within the original survey Persicaria decipiens v corridor for the transfer pipeline north of “Watery Plains”: this record is of very low precision (± 20,000 m), attributed to W.V. Fitzgerald from slender waterpepper - 1 Mar. 1893 and labelled “North Esk River”. I have previously searched for the species in this area (ECOtas 2007) without success, and surveys in 2015 also failed to detect the species. Potential habitat is relatively widespread in other parts of the study area but the species was not detected (no seasonal restriction on survey). Pimelea curviflora var. gracilis occurs in a range of vegetation types from wet and dry sclerophyll forest to hardwood plantations. Understories vary Pimelea curviflora var. r from open and grassy to densely shrubby. It can densely colonise gracilis - disturbed sites such as firebreaks, log landings and tracks. slender curved riceflower Species was detected outside the survey area (above Logan Falls) in an area well away from any potential disturbance. Poa mollis is relatively widespread in the eastern half of the State, in dry sclerophyll forest and woodland (often dominated by Eucalyptus amygdalina, E. viminalis or Allocasuarina verticillata). Sites are often steep and rocky (e.g. Cataract Gorge). Poa mollis r No database records (inclusion in analysis is author opinion only). soft tussockgrass - Potential habitat widespread on rocky slopes above North Esk River. While a “soft poa” was widespread and locally abundant on the dolerite scree slopes above the North Esk River, all collected specimens from these slopes (and indeed from forests around the Dalness dam) were identified as the non-threatened Poa rodwayi (velvet tussockgrass). Prasophyllum apoxychilum is restricted to eastern and northeastern Tasmania where it occurs in coastal heathland or grassy and scrubby open (v) eucalypt forest on sandy and clay loams, often among rocks. It occurs at Prasophyllum apoxychilum a range of elevations and seems to be strongly associated with dolerite in EN tapered leek-orchid the east and southeast of its range. # only Potential habitat probably absent (certainly atypical of all known sites). The survey coincided with the peak flowering period of the species (Wapstra et al. 2012) and the species was not detected.

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 92 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Status Scientific name Tasmanian habitat description (and distribution) TSPA Common name Comments on potential habitat in study area. EPBCA Prasophyllum incorrectum is restricted to Tasmania’s Northern Midlands where it occurs in relatively damp native grassland and grassy eucalypt and Banksia woodland on sandy loam. Prasophyllum incorrectum e Potential habitat within the project area is essentially absent and the golfers leek-orchid CR majority of the project area is well outside the predicted range of the species (southern parts of the distribution pipeline are perhaps within the range but pass through a highly modified landscape). Prostanthera rotundifolia mainly occurs along flood-prone rocky riverbeds as a component of the dense riparian shrubbery but also extends to Prostanthera rotundifolia v adjacent rocky slopes. roundleaf mintbush - The species was detected from several sites along the verge of the North Esk River as part of the initial transfer pipeline surveys but not sites are within the revised disturbance footprint. Pterostylis commutata is restricted to Tasmania’s Midlands, where it occurs in native grassland and Eucalyptus pauciflora grassy woodland on e well-drained sandy soils and basalt loams. Pterostylis commutata CR Potential habitat within the project area is essentially absent and the midlands greenhood # only majority of the project area is well outside the predicted range of the species (southern parts of the distribution pipeline are perhaps within the range but pass through a highly modified landscape). Pterostylis ziegeleri occurs in the State’s south, east and north, with an outlying occurrence in the northwest. In coastal areas, the species occurs v on the slopes of low stabilised sand dunes and in grassy dune swales, Pterostylis ziegeleri while in the Midlands it grows in native grassland or grassy woodland on VU grassland greenhood well-drained clay loams derived from basalt. # only Potential habitat highly limited. The survey coincided with the peak flowering period of the species (Wapstra et al. 2012) and the species was not detected. Pultenaea prostrata occurs in grassy woodlands or grasslands, mostly on Pultenaea prostrata v Tertiary basalt or Quaternary alluvium. silky bushpea - Potential habitat is limited but the species was not detected (no seasonal restriction on survey). Senecio campylocarpus occurs on grassy margins of permanent rivers in the Midlands and on broad floodplains. Senecio campylocarpus v No database records (inclusion in analysis is author opinion only). Potential habitat restricted to floodplain of North Esk River and limited bulging fireweed - parts of Rose Rivulet catchment but the species was not detected (some seasonal restriction on survey but areas of potential habitat were surveyed during the peak flowering period). Senecio macrocarpus is presumed extinct in Tasmania, having been collected from the north of the State including the South Esk River. In Senecio macrocarpus e Victoria, the species occurs in poorly-drained basalt grasslands and largefruit fireweed VU grassy woodlands. Potential habitat may be present but the species was not detected. The species is presumed extinct in Tasmania. Senecio psilocarpus is known from six widely scattered sites in the northern half of the State, including King and Flinders islands. It occurs in swampy habitats including broad valley floors associated with rivers, edges of farm dams amongst low-lying grazing/cropping ground, herb- rich native grassland in a broad swale between stable sand dunes, Senecio psilocarpus e adjacent to wetlands in native grassland, herbaceous marshland and low- swamp fireweed VU lying lagoon systems. No database records (inclusion in analysis is author opinion only). Potential habitat restricted to floodplain of North Esk River and limited parts of Rose Rivulet catchment but the species was not detected (some seasonal restriction on survey but areas of potential habitat were surveyed during the peak flowering period).

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 93 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Status Scientific name Tasmanian habitat description (and distribution) TSPA Common name Comments on potential habitat in study area. EPBCA Senecio squarrosus occurs in a wide variety of habitats. One form occurs predominantly in lowland damp tussock grasslands. The more widespread and common form occurs mainly in dry forests (often grassy) but extends Senecio squarrosus r to wet forests and other vegetation types. leafy fireweed - No database records (inclusion in analysis is author opinion only). Potential habitat widespread but the species was not detected (some seasonal restriction on survey but areas of potential habitat were surveyed during the peak flowering period). Siloxerus multiflorus occurs in a range of somewhat exposed lowland habitats, including bare soil and rocks amongst dense windswept coastal Siloxerus multiflorus r shrubbery to rock outcrops and bare ground associated with native small wrinklewort - grassland, grassy woodland and forest. Species detected – refer to FINDINGS Plant species Priority species recorded from the study area. Spyridium vexilliferum occurs in a range of vegetation types, including sandy heaths, rock plates and dry sclerophyll forest and woodland (mainly dominated by Eucalyptus amygdalina). It is found on a range of Spyridium vexilliferum var. substrates (e.g. mudstone, granite, laterite gravels) from near-coastal r vexilliferum areas in the east, north and west of the State, to the Midlands and lower - helicopter bush Derwent Valley. It is most abundant in open or disturbed areas, as it can proliferate from soil-stored seed after disturbance. Potential habitat is present but the species was not detected (no seasonal restriction on survey). Stenanthemum pimeleoides is restricted to Tasmania’s central East Coast and the Northern Midlands, where it occurs in dry sclerophyll forest or woodland with an open heathy or shrubby understorey. The topography Stenanthemum v tends to be flat to gently sloping. The species occurs in the drier parts of pimeleoides VU the State with rainfall between 500-800 mm per year, and usually at propeller plant # only elevations below 100 m. Potential habitat is limited but the species was not detected (no seasonal restriction on survey). Teucrium corymbosum occurs in a wide range of habitats from rocky steep slopes in dry sclerophyll forest and Allocasuarina (sheoak) Teucrium corymbosum r woodland, riparian flats and forest. forest germander - Species detected – refer to FINDINGS Plant species Priority species recorded from the study area. Tricoryne elatior occurs in native grassland, grassy woodland and forest. Tricoryne elatior v Potential habitat is present but the species was not detected (some yellow rushlily - seasonal restriction on survey but areas of potential habitat were surveyed during the peak flowering period). Triptilodiscus pygmaeus grows within grasslands, grassy woodlands or rockplates, with the underlying substrate being mostly Tertiary basalt or Jurassic dolerite. The elevation range of recorded sites in Tasmania is Triptilodiscus pygmaeus v 30-470 m a.s.l., with an annual rainfall of about 450-600 mm. The species dwarf sunray - occurs within native grassland dominated by Themeda triandra (kangaroo grass). Species detected – refer to FINDINGS Plant species Priority species recorded from the study area. Uncinia elegans occurs in a wide range of forest types including wet sclerophyll forest, dry sclerophyll forest and open grassy woodlands. It is most often associated with damp grassy habitats and can occur on Uncinia elegans r disturbed sites. handsome hooksedge - No database records (inclusion in analysis is author opinion only). Species was detected outside the survey area (along Tea-tree Creek) and south of the transfer pipeline route east of the Dalness dam in areas well away from any potential disturbance.

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 94 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Status Scientific name Tasmanian habitat description (and distribution) TSPA Common name Comments on potential habitat in study area. EPBCA Velleia paradoxa is known from the Hobart and Launceston areas, and the Midlands and the Derwent Valley, where it occurs in grassy woodlands or grasslands on dry sites. It has been recorded up to 550 m a.s.l. at sites Velleia paradoxa v with an annual rainfall range of 450-750 mm. spur velleia - Potential habitat is present but the species was not detected (some seasonal restriction on survey but areas of potential habitat were surveyed during the peak flowering period). Vittadinia burbidgeae occurs in native grassland and grassy woodland. Vittadinia burbidgeae r No database records (inclusion in analysis is author opinion only). Potential habitat widespread but the species was not detected (no smooth new-holland-daisy - significant seasonal restriction on survey but areas of potential habitat were surveyed during the peak flowering period). Xanthoparmelia jarmaniae is known from dolerite and sandstone in degraded, dry sclerophyll forest and native grassland, and from a sandstone gravestone in the Midlands. The record is attributed to S.J.Jarman from 21 Mar. 2011 from 520955mE 5398102mN, which is located in the township of Evandale (collected from Xanthoparmelia jarmaniae v a sandstone gravestone in the St Andrews Anglican Church cemetery). Elsewhere in Tasmania, the species is known from “dolerite and lichen - sandstone in degraded, dry sclerophyll forest and rough pasture” (Kantvilas et al. 2002). The study area may support potential habitat but survey for and identification of lichen species, especially those very similar to other non-threatened species, is only considered warranted if the species is considered likely to be deleteriously affected by a particular land use proposal. Xanthorrhoea arenaria is restricted to coastal areas from Bridport in the v northeast to Coles Bay on the East Coast, where it occurs in coastal sandy Xanthorrhoea arenaria heathland, extending into heathy woodland and forest, mainly dominated VU sand grasstree by Eucalyptus amygdalina. # only Potential habitat is absent and the project area is well outside the recognised and predicted range of this species.

Species originally considered as part of 2015 assessment but since delisted

The species was found to be widespread and locally common throughout Arthropodium strictum r much of the project area. The species was formally delisted in 2016 and (chocolate lily) - no longer requires formal management consideration.

The species was found to be localised in the project area (parts of the Rose Rivulet catchment upstream and downstream of the Dalness dam Carex tasmanica - and also north of Blessington Road in a wet paddock. The species was (curly sedge) VU formally delisted in 2016 and no longer requires formal management consideration.

The species was found to be widespread and locally common throughout Hypoxis vaginata r much of the project area. The species was formally delisted in 2016 and (sheathing yellowstar) - no longer requires formal management consideration.

Ranunculus sessiliflorus The species was localised to a few sites north of Blessington Road. The r var. sessiliflorus species was formally delisted in 2016 and no longer requires formal - (rockplate buttercup) management consideration.

The species was localised to the southern end of the Dalness property Senecio velleioides r associated with a water race/weir. The species was formally delisted in (forest groundsel) - 2016 and no longer requires formal management consideration.

Stellaria multiflora subsp. The species was localised to a few sites north of Blessington Road. The r multiflora species was formally delisted in 2016 and no longer requires formal - (rayless starwort) management consideration.

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 95 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

APPENDIX E. Analysis of database records of threatened fauna

Table E1 provides a listing of priority fauna from within 5,000 m of the assessment area (nominal buffer width usually used to discuss the potential of a particular assessment area to support various species listed in databases), with comments on whether potential habitat is present for the species, and possible reasons why a species was not recorded.

Table E1. Priority fauna records from within 5,000 m of boundary of assessment area Species listed below are listed as rare (r), vulnerable (v), endangered (e), or extinct (x) on the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 (TSPA); vulnerable (VU), endangered (EN), critically endangered (CR) or extinct (EX) on the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBCA). Information below is sourced from the DPIPWE’s Natural Values Atlas (DPIPWE 2015), Bryant & Jackson (1999) and FPA (2015); marine, wholly pelagic and marine littoral species such as marine mammals, fish and offshore seabirds are excluded. Species indicated with a # are also included in CofA (2015).

Status Scientific name Tasmanian habitat description (and distribution) TSPA Common name Comments on potential habitat in study area. EPBCA Potential habitat of Accipiter novaehollandiae is native forest with mature elements below 600 m altitude, particularly along watercourses. Significant habitat may be summarised as areas of wet forest, rainforest and damp forest patches in dry forest, with a relatively closed mature canopy, low stem density, and open understorey in close proximity to foraging habitat and a freshwater body (i.e. stream, river, lake, swamp, Accipiter novaehollandiae e etc.). (grey goshawk) - Potential habitat absent (except for ubiquitous and opportunistic foraging habitat). There are no known nests within 500 m of the project area and no novel nests were detected during the course of the present assessment. No individuals were sighted during assessment. The construction of the dam and pipelines will not have a deleterious impact on potential habitat of the species. Note that CofA (2016) lists the species as Ceyx azureus subsp. diemenensis. Potential foraging habitat of Alcedo azurea subsp. diemenensis is primarily freshwater (occasionally estuarine) waterbodies such as large rivers and streams with well-developed overhanging vegetation suitable for perching and water deep enough for dive-feeding. Potential breeding Alcedo azurea subsp. habitat is usually steep banks of large rivers (a breeding site is a hole e diemenensis (burrow) drilled in the bank). EN (Tasmanian azure Not listed in FPA (2015) or DPIPWE (2015). No database records within # only kingfisher) 5,000 m. Wapstra et al. (2010) documented the distribution of the species in Tasmania, concluding that the northeast and Midlands supports a very low number of birds, with a low probability of breeding occurrences. The North Esk River is more suitable, although there is only one historical record of the species reported from this river (Wapstra et al. 2010). The construction of the dam and pipelines will not have a deleterious impact on potential habitat of the species. Migratory Aerial foraging bird that rarely lands – assessment area presents marginal Apus pacificus Marine habitat only and any works in the area would not have a deleterious (fork-tailed swift) Species impact on the species. # only Potential habitat of Aquila audax subsp. fleayi comprises potential nesting habitat and potential foraging habitat. Potential foraging habitat is a wide variety of forest (including areas subject to native forest silviculture) and Aquila audax subsp. fleayi e non-forest habitats. (Tasmanian wedge-tailed EN Potential nesting habitat is tall eucalypt trees in large tracts (usually more eagle) # than 10 ha) of eucalypt or mixed forest. Nest trees are usually amongst the largest in a locality. They are generally in sheltered positions on leeward slopes, between the lower and mid sections of a slope and with the top of the tree usually lower than the ground level of the top of the

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 96 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Status Scientific name Tasmanian habitat description (and distribution) TSPA Common name Comments on potential habitat in study area. EPBCA ridge, although in some parts of the State topographic shelter is not always a significant factor (e.g. parts of the northwest and Central Highlands). Nests are usually not constructed close to sources of disturbance and nests close to disturbance are less productive. More than one nest may occur within a territory but only one is used for breeding in any one year. Breeding failure often promotes a change of nest in the next year. Refer to FINDINGS Fauna species Threatened fauna – sightings and potential habitat for more details. Migratory Potential habitat (natural and artificial swampy habitats) numerous. The Wetland/ Ardea alba species may utilise farm dams, slow-flowing river sections and wet Marine (great egret) Species pasture, but these habitat elements will not be deleteriously affected by the installation of the pipeline (temporary disturbance only). # only Migratory Wetland/ Ardea ibis Marine As above. (cattle egret) Species # only The potential range of Astacopsis gouldi extends from the Arthur River, in Tasmania’s northwest, across the north of the State to the Ringarooma River, including the Arthur River catchment and all river catchments flowing into Bass Strait, with the exception of the Tamar catchment. In Astacopsis gouldi v addition, the species has been introduced to two catchments: the North (giant freshwater crayfish) VU Esk catchment (St Patricks River) and the Derwent catchment River Clyde). Refer to FINDINGS Fauna species Threatened fauna – sightings and potential habitat for more details. Potential habitat of Botaurus poiciloptilus is natural and artificial wetlands. - Botaurus poiciloptilus The species may utilise farm dams, slow-flowing river sections and wet EN (Australasian bittern) pasture, but these habitat elements will not be deleteriously affected by # only the installation of the pipeline (temporary disturbance only). Potential habitat of Dasyurus maculatus subsp. maculatus is coastal scrub, riparian areas, rainforest, wet forest, damp forest, dry forest and blackwood swamp forest (mature and regrowth), particularly where structurally complex and steep rocky areas are present, and includes remnant patches in cleared agricultural land. Significant habitat is all Dasyurus maculatus r potential denning habitat within the core range of the species. Potential subsp. maculatus VU denning habitat includes: (1) any forest remnant (>0.5 ha) in a cleared (spotted-tailed quoll) # or plantation landscape that is structurally complex (high canopy, with dense understorey and ground vegetation cover), free from the risk of inundation, or (2) a rock outcrop, rock crevice, rock pile, burrow with a small entrance, hollow logs, large piles of coarse woody debris and caves. Refer to FINDINGS Fauna species Threatened fauna – sightings and potential habitat for more details. Potential habitat of Dasyurus viverrinus is a variety of habitats including - rainforest, heathland, alpine areas and scrub. However, it seems to prefer Dasyurus viverrinus dry forest and native grassland mosaics which are bounded by agricultural EN (eastern quoll) land. # Refer to FINDINGS Fauna species Threatened fauna – sightings and potential habitat for more details.

Engaeus orramakunna v The project area is well outside the recognised and predicted range of the VU (Mt Arthur burrowing species (DPIPWE 2015; FPA 2015). crayfish) # only

Potential habitat of Galaxiella pusilla is slow-flowing and still waters such v Galaxiella pusilla as swamps, shallow pools, lagoons, drains or backwaters of streams, VU often (but not always) with aquatic vegetation. It may also be found in (eastern dwarf galaxiid) # temporary waters that dry up in summer for as long as 6-7 months, especially if burrowing crayfish burrows are present. Habitat

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 97 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Status Scientific name Tasmanian habitat description (and distribution) TSPA Common name Comments on potential habitat in study area. EPBCA may include forested swampy areas but does not include blackwood swamp forest. The study area is well outside the range of known sites for the species in northeast Tasmania and this species should not require special consideration. Migratory Potential habitat (natural and artificial swampy habitats) numerous. The Gallinago hardwickii Wetland species may utilise farm dams, slow-flowing river sections and wet (Lathams snipe) Species pasture, but these habitat elements will not be deleteriously affected by # only the installation of the pipeline (temporary disturbance only). Potential habitat of Haliaeetus leucogaster species comprises potential nesting habitat and potential foraging habitat. Potential foraging habitat is any large waterbody (including sea coasts, estuaries, wide rivers, lakes, impoundments and even large farm dams) supporting prey items (fish). v Haliaeetus leucogaster Potential nesting habitat is tall eucalypt trees in large tracts (usually more - (white-bellied sea-eagle) than 10 ha) of eucalypt or mixed forest within 5 km of the coast (nearest # coast including shores, bays, inlets and peninsulas), large rivers (class 1), lakes or complexes of large farm dams. Scattered trees along river banks or pasture land may also be used. See comments under wedge-tailed eagle. Migratory Aerial foraging bird that rarely lands – study area presents marginal Hirundapus caudacutus Terrestrial habitat only and any works in the area would not have a deleterious (white-throated needletail) Species impact on the species. # only The records of this species are associated with the South Esk River near Hydroptila scamandra r Evandale. Based on available information, surveys for the species within (Upper Scamander River - and adjacent to the project area are not considered warranted as potential caddisfly) habitat (freshwater streams) will remain undisturbed. Potential habitat of Lathamus discolor comprises potential foraging habitat and potential nesting habitat. Potential foraging habitat comprises Eucalyptus globulus (blue gum) or Eucalyptus ovata (black gum) trees that are old enough to flower. For management purposes, potential nesting habitat is considered to comprise eucalypt forests that contain e hollow-bearing trees. Lathamus discolor CR The survey corridor is well outside the usually accepted breeding range (swift parrot) # of the species and the records represent sightings over many years, presumably of migratory birds. Potential breeding habitat is effectively absent from the survey corridor (lack of hollow-bearing trees in habitat typical of the species). Foraging habitat is also absent: Eucalyptus ovata is virtually absent (restricted to two small patches that will likely remain undisturbed); Eucalyptus globulus is entirely absent. Potential habitat of Litoria raniformis is permanent and temporary waterbodies, usually with vegetation in or around them, including features such as natural lagoons, permanently or seasonally inundated v Litoria raniformis swamps and wetlands, farm dams, irrigation channels, artificial water- VU (green and golden frog) holding sites such as old quarries, slow-flowing stretches of streams and # rivers and drainage features. Refer to FINDINGS Fauna species Priority fauna – sightings and potential habitat. Potential habitat of Myiagra cyanoleuca is any forest or woodland. Migratory Myiagra cyanoleuca Terrestrial The species was not detected by sight or call during the assessment, which was undertaken within the species’ residential period in the State. (satin flycatcher) Species Any works in the area would only marginally impact on potential habitat, # only with most works outside the most likely habitat of eucalypt forests. The records of this species are associated with the South Esk River near Oecetis gilva r Evandale. Based on available information, surveys for the species within (South Esk River caddisfly) - and adjacent to the project area are not considered warranted as potential habitat (freshwater streams) will remain undisturbed.

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 98 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Status Scientific name Tasmanian habitat description (and distribution) TSPA Common name Comments on potential habitat in study area. EPBCA The records of this species are associated with the North Esk River near Oxyethira mienica r Corra Linn. Based on available information, surveys for the species within (Ouse River caddisfly) - and adjacent to the project area are not considered warranted as potential habitat (freshwater streams) will remain undisturbed. Potential habitat of Perameles gunnii subsp. gunnii is open vegetation types including woodlands and open forests with a grassy understorey, native and exotic grasslands, particularly in landscapes with a mosaic of Perameles gunnii subsp. - agricultural land and remnant bushland. Significant habitat is dense gunnii VU tussock grass-sagg-sedge swards, piles of coarse woody debris and (eastern barred bandicoot) # denser patches of low shrubs (especially those that are densely branched close to the ground providing shelter) within the core range of the species. Refer to FINDINGS Fauna species Threatened fauna – sightings and potential habitat for more details. Potential habitat of Prototroctes maraena is all streams and rivers in their lower to middle reaches. Areas above permanent barriers (e.g. Prosser River dam, weirs) that prevent fish migration, are not potential habitat. v Prototroctes maraena VU The species is reported from Corra Linn on the North Esk River but there (Australian grayling) are no further records further upstream. There may not be any significant # natural or artificial barriers that prevent upstream movement so the species may sometimes extend as far as the weir near “Watery Plains”. No significant impact on the North Esk River is anticipated. Potential habitat of Pseudemoia pagenstecheri is grassland and grassy woodland (including rough pasture with paddock trees), generally with a Pseudemoia pagenstecheri v greater than 20% cover of native grass species, especially where medium (tussock skink) - to tall tussocks are present. Refer to FINDINGS Fauna species Threatened fauna – sightings and potential habitat for more details. Potential habitat of Pseudemoia rawlinsoni is wetlands and swampy sites, including grassy wetlands, teatree swamps and grassy sedgelands, and Pseudemoia rawlinsoni r margins of such habitat. (glossy grass skink) - Refer to FINDINGS Fauna species Threatened fauna – sightings and potential habitat for more details. Potential habitat of Sarcophilus harrisii is all terrestrial native habitats, forestry plantations and pasture. Devils require shelter (e.g. dense vegetation, hollow logs, burrows or caves) and hunting habitat (open understorey mixed with patches of dense vegetation) within their home range (427 km2). Significant habitat of Sarcophilus harrisii is a patch of potential denning habitat where three or more entrances (large enough e for a devil to pass through) may be found within 100 m of one another, Sarcophilus harrisii and where no other potential denning habitat with three or more EN (Tasmanian devil) entrances may be found within a 1 km radius, being the approximate area # of the smallest recorded devil home range. Potential denning habitat of Sarcophilus harrisii is areas of burrowable, well-drained soil, log piles or sheltered overhangs such as cliffs, rocky outcrops, knolls, caves and earth banks, free from risk of inundation and with at least one entrance through which a devil could pass. Refer to FINDINGS Fauna species Threatened fauna – sightings and potential habitat for more details. Potential habitat of Tyto novaehollandiae subsp. castanops is all areas with trees with large hollows (≥15 cm entrance diameter). In terms of using mapping layers, potential habitat is considered to be all areas with at least 20% mature eucalypt crown cover (PI type mature density class Tyto novaehollandiae e 'a', 'b', or 'c'). Remnants and paddock trees (in any dry or wet forest type) subsp. castanops VU in agricultural areas may constitute potential habitat. Significant habitat (Tasmanian masked owl) # for the masked owl is any areas within the core range of native dry forest with trees over 100 cm dbh with large hollows (≥15 cm entrance diameter). Refer to FINDINGS Fauna species Threatened fauna – sightings and potential habitat for more details.

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 99 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

APPENDIX F. Annotated images of threatened flora

Plate F1. (LHS) Habitat of Haloragis heterophylla in a minor artificial drainage depression Plate F2. (RHS) Habitat of Haloragis heterophylla in gorse-infested flat drainage depression north of the “Dalness” dam

Plates F3 & F4. Patch of GCL/NBA north of Blessington Road that supported Siloxerus multiflorus, Triptilodiscus pygmaeus and Aphelia pumilio

Plate F5. (LHS) Flowering plant of Aphelia pumilio hidden amongst dense grass Plate F6. (RHS) Flowering plant of Aphelia pumilio with GCL/GRP habitat in background

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 100 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Plate F7. (LHS) Grassland habitat of Aphelia pumilio and Aphelia gracilis near entrance south of Blessington Road Plate F8. (RHS) Flowering plant of Aphelia gracilis with GCL/GRP habitat in background

Plate F9. (LHS) Rockplate grassland habitat of Siloxerus multiflorus, Triptilodiscus pygmaeus and Aphelia pumilio south of Blessington Road Plate F10. (RHS) Open rockplate grassland habitat of Siloxerus multiflorus, Triptilodiscus pygmaeus and Aphelia pumilio east of Dalness dam extent – virtually all such openings supported some combination of these threatened flora species

Plate F11. (LHS) Siloxerus multiflorus growing amongst dried moss on rock plates Plate F12. (RHS). Habitat of threatened annual herbs southwest of Cherry Tree Hollow on Dalness

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 101 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Plate F13. (LHS) Habitat of Teucrium corymbosum above North Esk River Plate F14. (RHS) Close-up of flowers and leaves of Teucrium corymbosum

Plate F15. (LHS) Habitat of Myriophyllum integrifolium at entrance of property north of Blessington Road Plate F16. (RHS) Close-up of habitat of Myriophyllum integrifolium, which is co-occurring with Aphelia pumilio and A. gracilis at this site

Plates F17 & F18. Myriophyllum integrifolium, Aphelia pumilio and A. gracilis extend into rocky openings amongst the plantation

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 102 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Plates F19 & F20. Rockplate grassland near existing Dalness dam that supported dense swards of Triptilodiscus pygmaeus (and other annuals)

Plates F21 & F22. The distinctive yellow flowerheads of Triptilodiscus pygmaeus

Plates F23 & F24. Habitat of Lepidium hyssopifolium along eastern verge of Nile Road

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 103 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

APPENDIX G. Annotated images of potential habitat of threatened fauna

Plates G1 & G2. Paddock trees (west of existing dam wall, south of patch of DAM) with large hollows potentially suitable for nesting and/or roosting by the masked owl: both these trees appeared to be occupied by possums and starlings

Plate G3 (LHS). Paddock tree (west of existing dam wall, south of patch of DAM) with large hollows potentially suitable for nesting and/or roosting by the masked owl: this tree also appeared to be occupied by starlings Plate G4. (RHS) Hollow-bearing tree in DOV south of Blessington Road that was explored by a sulfur- crested cockatoo

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 104 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Plates G5-G8. Patch of scattered hollow-rich mature Eucalyptus amygdalina over pasture on slope north of creekline on Corra Linn property

Plate G9. (LHS) Large existing dam on “Dalness” (south of dam proposed for enlargement): superficially ideal for Litoria raniformis Plate G10. (LHS) Large existing dam on “Dalness” (dam proposed for enlargement): superficially ideal for Litoria raniformis

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 105 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Plate G11. (LHS) Small dam on saddle above Rose Rivulet: superficially ideal for Litoria raniformis Plate G12. (RHS) Puddle in drainage depression between existing “Dalness” dam and Blessington Road: superficially ideal for Litoria raniformis

Plate G13. (LHS) Dam amongst pasture north of road down to weir on North Esk River Plate G14. (RHS) Small dam in disturbed woodland north of Blessington Road

Plate G15. (LHS) Small wombat burrow (start of) on slopes north of Rose Rivulet Plate G16. (RHS) Active wombat burrow on grassy slopes east of Dalness dam

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 106 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Plate G17. (LHS) Old devil scats on weir on North Esk River Plate G18. (RHS) Rock shelter (small) above minor drainage line into North Esk River (west side of “Watery Plains”) – no evidence of devils using this was noted

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 107 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

APPENDIX H. Annotated images of weeds

Plate H1. (LHS). Marrubium vulgare amongst opening in dense Ulex europaeus north of Rose Rivulet Plate H2. (RHS). Dense Ulex europaeus north of Rose Rivulet – on the grassy slope opposite (west of the plantation), there is a patch of Acacia paradoxa

Plates H3 & H4. Patch of Acacia paradoxa (kangaroo thorn) on steep grassy slope south of Rose Rivulet next to the plantation – the patch has already been treated but still has potential to spread

Plate H5 & H6. Willow and hawthorn infestations along Rose Rivulet

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 108 ECOtas…providing options in environmental consulting

Plates H7 & H8. Extensive gorse infestations upstream of existing Dalness dam

Plates H9 & H10. Extensive gorse infestations east of existing Dalness dam

Plate H11. (LHS) Extensive gorse infestations east of existing Dalness dam in otherwise good condition dry eucalypt forest and woodland Plate H12. (RHS) Patersons curse at southern end of distribution pipeline

Ecological Assessment of North Esk Irrigation Scheme, Tasmania 109