Mount Pleasant Rural Residential Subdivision Flora and Fauna Assessment

Final V2 – September 2016 Prepared for CIC Australia Pty Ltd

Document Information

Report for: CIC Australia Pty Ltd Prepared by: Robert Speirs Capital Ecology project no.: 2681 Citation: Capital Ecology (2016). Mount Pleasant Rural Residential Subdivision – Flora and Fauna Assessment. Final V2 – September 2016. Prepared for CIC Australia Pty Ltd. Author: R. Speirs. Project no. 2681.

Version Control

Version Internal reviewer External reviewer Date of issue Draft version 01 Dr Monica Campbell Hoa Luu (CIC Australia) & 21/01/2016 Jenny Rudolf (Elton Consulting) Draft version 02 Dr Monica Campbell Hoa Luu (CIC Australia) & 31/01/2016 Jenny Rudolf (Elton Consulting) Final version 01 - - 08/02/2016 Final version 02 - Matthew Frawley (CIC Australia) 12/09/2016

Acknowledgements

Capital Ecology gratefully acknowledges the contributions and/or assistance of the following people and organisations in undertaking this study.  Hoa Luu and Matthew Frawley, CIC Australia Pty Ltd.  Jenny Rudolf, Director, Elton Consulting Pty Ltd.  Arden Jones, Landscape Architect, SpaceLab Pty Ltd.  Dr Monica Campbell, Senior Ecologist.  Alex Christie and Sally Hatton, Research Assistants.  Lynn and Michael Dunn and James Wells, owners of Mount Pleasant.

Disclaimer Capital Ecology Pty Ltd has undertaken the supporting studies and developed this document, including any assessment/s provided herein, in accordance with the relevant Commonwealth, State/Territory and local legislation and current industry best practice. This document does not provide legal or investment advice. Capital Ecology Pty Ltd accepts no liability for any damages or loss of any type incurred as a result of reliance placed upon the content of this document for any purpose other than that for which it was expressly intended.

© Capital Ecology Pty Ltd This document is and shall remain the property of Capital Ecology Pty Ltd. This document may be used solely for the purposes for which it was commissioned and only by those parties for whom it is intended. Use of this document in any form other than that authorised is prohibited.

Capital Ecology Pty Ltd

PO Box 854 ACN: 607 364 358 Phone: 0412 474 415 Gungahlin ACT 2912 ABN: 50 607 364 358 Email: [email protected] www.capitalecology.com.au ii

Table of Contents

1 Executive Summary ...... 1

2 Introduction ...... 7 2.1 Objective of this Flora and Fauna Assessment ...... 7 2.2 Key Requirements ...... 7 2.2.2 Standard scope of a F&FA ...... 7 2.2.3 OEH requirements ...... 8 3 Background ...... 9 3.1 Study Area ...... 9 3.2 Previously Completed Studies within the Study Area ...... 9 3.3 History of Land Management ...... 9 3.4 Proposed Development ...... 11 4 Methods ...... 15 4.1 Taxonomy ...... 15 4.2 Database and Literature Review ...... 15 4.3 Definitions of Conservation Significance ...... 15 4.4 Likelihood of Occurrence Assessment ...... 15 4.5 Field Surveys ...... 16 4.5.2 Preliminary Field Inspection ...... 16 4.5.3 Vegetation Survey and Mapping ...... 16 4.5.4 Targeted Threatened Fauna Surveys ...... 19 4.5.5 Grassland Fauna Habitat Assessment Transects ...... 20 4.5.6 Opportunistic Flora and Fauna Observations ...... 20 4.5.7 Authority to Undertake Surveys ...... 20 4.6 Study Limitations...... 24 4.6.2 Survey Limitations ...... 24 4.6.3 Spatial Data Limitations ...... 24 5 Results...... 25 5.1 Vegetation Survey and Mapping ...... 25 5.1.2 Plant Community Type (PCT) mapping ...... 25 5.1.3 Vegetation Zone Definition and Mapping ...... 26

5.1.4 Plots and Transects ...... 30 5.2 Threatened Ecological Community Assessment ...... 31 5.2.2 Commonwealth EPBC Act ...... 31 5.2.3 NSW TSC Act ...... 33 5.3 Fauna Habitat ...... 35 5.3.2 Grassland Fauna Habitat Assessment Transects ...... 36 5.4 Flora and Fauna Species Recorded Within the Study Area ...... 37 5.4.2 Recorded Flora ...... 37 5.4.3 Recorded Fauna ...... 37 5.4.4 Listed Threatened Flora ...... 37 5.4.5 Listed Threatened Fauna...... 38 5.5 Likelihood of Occurrence Assessment ...... 44 5.6 Noxious Weeds ...... 49 5.7 Pest Animals ...... 51 6 Proposed Measures to Avoid, Minimise and Mitigate Impacts on Biodiversity ... 53 6.1 Proposed Measures to Avoid, Minimise and Mitigate Impacts ...... 53 6.1.2 Development Design/Layout ...... 53 6.1.3 Biodiversity Protection Controls and Enhancement Measures ...... 55 6.2 Net Biodiversity Impact Position with Implementation of Measures...... 56 6.3 Development vs Non-development – Future Net Biodiversity Values Position under each Scenario ...... 57 7 Assessment against Biodiversity Conservation Legislation and Policy ...... 59 7.1 Commonwealth ...... 59 7.1.2 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 ...... 59 7.2 New South Wales (State) ...... 60 7.2.2 Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 ...... 60 7.2.3 Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 ...... 63 7.2.4 Native Vegetation Act 2003 ...... 63 7.2.5 Noxious Weeds Act 1993 ...... 64 7.2.6 Fisheries Management Act 1994 ...... 64 7.3 Summary of Assessment Results and Requirements ...... 64 8 Conclusion ...... 67

References ...... 68

Appendices ...... 70 Appendix 1. Recorded Flora Species and Vegetation Survey Data...... 71 Appendix 2. Grassland Fauna Habitat Transect Data ...... 77 Appendix 3. Vertebrate Fauna Species Recorded ...... 78 Appendix 4. Golden Sun Moth surveys – weather conditions and results ...... 81 Appendix 5. Likelihood of Occurrence Assessment ...... 83 Appendix 6. TSC Act Assessments of Significance ...... 99 Appendix 7. Mount Pleasant Rural Residential Subdivision – Vegetation Management Plan ...... 120 Appendix 8. Mount Pleasant Rural Residential Subdivision – BioBanking Metric Assessment ..... 121

List of Figures

Figure 1. Locality Plan ...... 13 Figure 2. Study area and Proposed Development ...... 14 Figure 3. Vegetation Surveys ...... 18 Figure 4. Pink-tailed Worm-Lizard Surveys ...... 22 Figure 5. Golden Sun Moth Surveys ...... 23 Figure 6. Biodiversity Values ...... 43 Figure 7. Proposed Development ...... 58

List of Tables

Table 1. Vegetation Zones ...... 26 Table 2. Assessment against the listing criteria for the EPBC listed TEC – White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland...... 32 Table 3. Assessment against the key criteria for the TSC Act listed TEC – White Box – Yellow Box – Blakely's Red Gum Woodland ...... 34 Table 4. Fauna habitat features ...... 35 Table 5. Potential for adverse impacts to species with moderate or higher likelihood of occurrence ...... 45 Table 6. Noxious weed occurrence ...... 49 Table 7. Assessment of the potential for significant impacts upon MNES ...... 60 Table 8. Summary of assessment results and corresponding requirements ...... 65 Table 9. Vegetation survey data – species recorded during transect/plot surveys ...... 71

Table 10. Vegetation survey data – additional species recorded ...... 75 Table 11. Summary of results from Grassland Habitat Transects...... 77 Table 12. Fauna species recorded ...... 78 Table 13. Golden Sun Moth surveys – weather conditions and results ...... 81 Table 14. Threatened Species Likelihood of Occurrence Assessment ...... 83 Table 15. Activities to assist the recovery of TSC Act Box-Gum Woodland ...... 102 Table 16. Key threatening processes relevant to the proposed development ...... 104 Table 17. Consistency of the proposed development with ‘Action Toolbox’ items for the Scarlet Robin and Flame Robin ...... 109 Table 18. Consistency of the proposed development with ‘Action Toolbox’ items for the Diamond Firetail ...... 117

1 Executive Summary

CIC Australia Pty Ltd (CIC) is currently progressing with the planning and approval process for the development of a 41 lot rural residential subdivision at Burra, NSW (the ‘proposed development’). Capital Ecology Pty Ltd (Capital Ecology) has been commissioned by CIC to undertake ecological surveys and prepare this Flora and Fauna Assessment Report (F&FA) to identify and assess the significance of the impacts that the proposed development may have upon biodiversity values of the subject land (the ‘study area’).

Objective and Scope

Although general biodiversity values are identified and considered, the primary objective of this F&FA is to specifically identify and assess the potential impacts of the proposed development upon biodiversity values of formally recognised conservation significance. To achieve this objective, Capital Ecology has completed a thorough investigation into the currently listed significant biodiversity values (i.e. threatened species, populations and ecological communities) that occur or have the potential to occur within the study area. The results of this investigation have then informed a thorough assessment of the likely type and degree of any impacts that the proposed development may have upon the identified biodiversity values, as required in accordance with the:

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

• NSW Environment Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act);

• NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act); and

• NSW Fisheries Management Act (FM Act).

The scope of this F&FA was developed to include all of the elements and matters for consideration in a standard F&FA in NSW. In addition to covering this standard scope, this F&FA also unambiguously addresses the survey, mapping and assessment inclusions requested by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH), specifically:

• mapping of the vegetation communities present within the study area with reference to the NSW Vegetation Information System classifications;

• targeted surveys for the Pink-tailed Worm-lizard Aprasia parapulchella (listed as vulnerable pursuant to both the EPBC Act and TSC Act) and Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana (listed as critically endangered pursuant to the EPBC Act and endangered pursuant to the TSC Act);

• consideration of the likelihood of occurrence and potential for impacts to any of the numerous other threatened flora and fauna species with the potential to occur in the locality; and

• assessment for each threatened species, population or ecological community identified as potentially occurring within the study area to determine whether it is likely to be significantly affected by the proposed development.

Methods and Results

Surveyed and mapped using a method based on the NSW BioCertification Assessment Methodology, with a further level of categorisation added to suitably recognise the substantial variation in groundstorey floristic diversity, the study area was assessed as supporting the following three Plant Community Types (PCTs).

• PCT999 – Norton's Box - Broad-leaved Peppermint open forest on foot slopes, central and southern South Eastern Highlands Bioregion.

• PCT1289 – Wallaby Grass - Red-grass - Tall Speargrass - Kangaroo Grass dry tussock grassland of the North-western and Eastern Southern Tablelands in the South Eastern Highlands Bioregion.

• PCT1334 – Yellow Box grassy woodland in lower valleys on lower slopes and valley bottoms.

Based on the structure, floristic composition and overall condition (‘intactness’) of the groundstorey, each of these PCTs was catergorised into three discernable Vegetation Zones. The distribution of each Vegetation Zone of each PCT was ground-truthed, accurately mapped using a Geographic Information System, and quantified (i.e. total hectares).

Zone 1 of PCT1334 was determined to be clearly consistent with the definition of the Box-Gum Woodland threatened ecological community (TEC) as listed pursuant to the EPBC Act and TSC Act. Zone 2 of PTC1334 is consistent with the TSC Act listed TEC, albeit it a very marginal form.

An extensive targeted survey for the Pink-tailed Worm-lizard was undertaken during optimal survey conditions, covering all potential habitat within the study area and employing a level of survey effort sufficient to achieve an indication of the species’ presence/absence to the 95% confidence interval. This survey recorded seven individual Pink-tailed Worm-lizards, all of which were found in a patch of high quality habitat located in the eastern extent of the study area.

A program of four targeted Golden Sun Moth surveys was undertaken in accordance with the Commonwealth Government survey guidelines, with no Golden Sun Moth individuals or other evidence of Golden Sun Moth occurrence recorded. Whilst the study area does occur within the broad distribution of the Golden Sun Moth and it does support an extensive area of characteristically suitable habitat, the absence of Golden Sun Moths recorded across the targeted surveys provides strong evidence for the absence of the species within the study area.

A total of 156 native flora species were recorded within the study area, however none of the eleven listed threatened flora species identified as potentially occurring within the study area were recorded. Given the considerable survey effort employed by experienced ecologists, covering the entire study area and occurring across each season, it is considered unlikely that any threatened flora species occurs within the study area.

A total of 81 native vertebrate fauna species were recorded within the study area, and four of the 35 listed threatened or terrestrial migratory fauna species identified as potentially occurring within the study area were recorded during the surveys, namely, the Pink-tailed Worm-lizard and the TSC Act vulnerable listed woodland birds Scarlet Robin Petroica boodang, Flame Robin P. phoenica and Diamond Firetail Stagonopleura guttata.

A total of 50 exotic plant species were recorded within the study area, of which Serrated Tussock Nassella trichotoma and African Love Grass Eragrostis curvula currently pose a very high to critical threat level to the biodiversity values of the study area and adjoining land.

A total of eleven exotic fauna species were recorded within the study area, of which European Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus, Feral Pig Sus scrofa and Red Fox Vulpes vulpes are listed as declared pest species. The study area currently contains a very large European Rabbit infestation with numerous large warrens present, particularly around the periphery of Mount Pleasant.

Proposed Measures to Avoid, Minimise and Mitigate Impacts

A number of measures have been incorporated into the design and layout of the proposed development with the objective of avoiding, minimising and mitigating impacts upon the biodiversity values of the study area. The key measures are the:

• proposed establishment of a 107 hectare ‘Biodiversity Conservation Area’ (39% of the study area) which will include all of the moderate to high quality Box-Gum Woodland TEC, the patch of Pink-tailed Worm-lizard habitat, all of the high quality woodland bird habitat and all of the steep sloping land; and

• design and layout of lots and infrastructure which allows for the retention of all remnant trees, restricts the minimum lot size to two hectares, restricts maximum building envelope size to 2,000m2 (0.2 hectare) and stipulates the location of these building envelopes to minimise impacts.

In addition to the above, the implementation of a number of biodiversity protection controls and enhancement measures is proposed as part of the proposed development. As detailed in the Vegetation Management Plan (VMP) prepared for the proposed development, as applicable to the defined ‘Vegetation Management Areas’, the key measures proposed to be implemented are the:

• requirement to preserve all remnant eucalypts;

• restrictions on the clearing or removal of native vegetation;

• requirement to maintain the native grass groundstorey;

• prohibition or restriction on the keeping of hooved animals;

• prohibition on the planting of noxious weeds and potential pest plant species;

• restrictions on plant species used for revegetation, landscaping and other planting;

• requirements to undertake initial and ongoing priority weed and vertebrate pest monitoring and control; and

• commitment to undertake initial revegetation works (tree and shrub planting).

A Community Management Statement (CMS) has been developed and, once endorsed and implemented, will provide in perpetuity legal certainty for the measures detailed in the VMP. CMS ‘Part 5 – By-Laws Required by Authorities’ will ensure that the authorities have the power to enforce the implementation of the VMP in perpetuity.

Assessment against Biodiversity Conservation Legislation and Policy

The below table provides a summary of the results of the completed assessment and the corresponding approval and/or permit requirements applicable pursuant to the current relevant biodiversity conservation legislation and government policy.

Legislation/Policy Relevant Biodiversity Value/s Assessment Results and Approval/Permit Requirement/s Commonwealth Environment Protection and White Box – Yellow Box – The entire area of EPBC Act listed Box-Gum Woodland Biodiversity Conservation Blakely's Red Gum grassy present within the study area, south of Burra Road, will be Act 1999 woodland and derived native included in the proposed Biodiversity Conservation Area. grassland (EPBC Act Box-Gum Strict management conditions and controls will be Woodland). implemented to ensure that the values of the listed Potential habitat for threatened community are conserved. fauna species. None of the EPBC Act listed threatened species with the potential to occur in the study area are likely to be significantly impacted by the proposed development. The proposed development is unlikely to significantly impact upon any MNES. As such, referral of the development for consideration, and potentially assessment, under the provisions of the EPBC Act is not considered warranted. New South Wales (State) Environmental Planning & White Box – Yellow Box – As determined via the preparation of Assessments of Assessment Act 1979 Blakely's Red Gum grassy Significance (seven-part-tests), the proposed development woodland (TSC Act Box-Gum is unlikely to significantly affect this TSC Act listed TEC or Woodland). any of the relevant TSC Act listed threatened species. Potential habitat for threatened Accordingly, the preparation of Species Impact Statements fauna species. or the provision of a formal offset is not considered warranted for the proposed development. Notwithstanding the above, Capital Ecology has prepared a BioBanking Metric Assessment for the proposed development, the conclusion of which is that the proposed establishment, protection and enhancement of the approx. 107 ha Biodiversity Conservation Area would sufficiently offset the impacts of the proposed development.

Legislation/Policy Relevant Biodiversity Value/s Assessment Results and Approval/Permit Requirement/s Queanbeyan Local Land mapped as ‘Biodiversity’ The proposed establishment and enhancement of the Environment Plan 2012 on the Terrestrial Biodiversity Biodiversity Conservation Area, together with the sensitive Map. design and location of a lots, building envelopes and infrastructure, will avoid, minimise and mitigate impacts such that the proposed development is unlikely to result in any significant adverse impact upon the biodiversity values of the study area. As such, the proposed development is consistent with the objective of Clause 7.3 of the Queanbeyan LEP. Threatened Species White Box – Yellow Box – The study area does not contain declared critical habitat for Conservation Act 1995 Blakely's Red Gum grassy any species, population or ecological community. woodland (TSC Act Box-Gum The proposed development will retain all trees and most of Woodland). the groundcover throughout the development footprint. Potential habitat for threatened Therefore, it will not result in substantial damage to habitat fauna species. of a threatened species, population or ecological community. As such, a licence under Section 91 of the TSC Act is unlikely to be required. Fisheries Management Act None The study area does not support any community, species, 1994 or potential habitat for any species, listed pursuant to the FM Act. Native Vegetation Act 2003 Native vegetation The proposed development is the subject of a Development Application to be assessed by Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council under the provisions of the EP&A Act. On approval of the proposed development the clearing for ‘dwellings’ will be subject to an exclusion under Section 25 of the NV Act. However, the proposed clearance of native vegetation for the road network is not subject to an exemption, and therefore, this clearance requires consent under the NV Act. CIC Australia has commenced the NV Act assessment process with South-East Local Land Services (LLS), the outcomes of which will be known following LLS’ onsite vegetation survey scheduled for October 2016. Noxious Weeds Act 1993 Noxious weeds The occupier is required under the NW Act to implement all reasonable measures in accordance with the requirements of Weed Control Order No. 30. This is of particular relevance for the control of the Serrated Tussock and African Love Grass within the study area as these species currently pose a very high to critical threat level to the biodiversity values of the study area and adjoining land.

Conclusion

Based on our completed assessment, we conclude that, with the implementation of the proposed measures to avoid, minimise and mitigate impacts upon biodiversity values, the proposed development is:

1. unlikely to significantly impact upon any MNES as listed pursuant to the Commonwealth EPBC Act, and therefore referral of the proposed action to the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment is unwarranted;

2. unlikely to significantly affect any threatened species, population or ecological community listed pursuant to the NSW TSC Act, and therefore the preparation of Species Impact Statements or the provision of a formal offset is unwarranted;

3. likely to result in a medium to long term outcome for the biodiversity values of the study area which is superior to that which is likely to eventuate under the non-development scenario with its corresponding lack of action and continuance of degrading factors; and

4. likely to accord with the NSW Government’s policy objective that development results in a ‘net improvement in biodiversity over time’.

2 Introduction

Although general biodiversity values are identified and considered, the primary focus of this F&FA is to specifically identify and assess the potential impacts of the proposed development upon biodiversity values of formally recognised conservation significance.

In addition to covering the standard scope of a F&FA in NSW, this F&FA has been developed to unambiguously address the requirements specified by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH). 2.1 Objective of this Flora and Fauna Assessment

The objective of this F&FA is to provide a thorough investigation into the currently listed significant biodiversity values (i.e. threatened flora and fauna species and threatened ecological communities) that occur or have the potential to occur within the study area. The results of this investigation will then to be used to inform a thorough assessment of the likely type and degree of any impacts that the proposed development may have upon the identified biodiversity values, as required in accordance with the:

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

• NSW Environment Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act);

• NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act); and

• NSW Fisheries Management Act (FM Act). 2.2 Key Requirements

2.2.2 Standard scope of a F&FA

The scope of this F&FA has been developed to include all of the elements and matters for consideration in a standard F&FA in NSW. This includes the following.

1. A thorough desktop database and literature review to identify all of the currently EPBC Act, TSC Act or FM Act listed significant biota (i.e. threatened species, population and ecological communities) known to occur, or considered to have the potential to occur, within the study area.

2. Use of the results of the desktop review to inform and develop:

• detailed survey and GIS prepared mapping of the vegetation present within the study area, employing survey methods and classification currently recognised by the NSW Government;

• detailed survey and mapping the habitat features present that are of specific relevance to one or more of the threatened species identified during the desktop review; and

• targeted surveys for threatened species identified during the desktop review, employing appropriate survey methods and effort in accordance with current published survey guidelines (where available).

3. The preparation of a likelihood of occurrence assessment which addresses all threatened ecological communities, threatened flora species and threatened and/or terrestrial migratory fauna species with the potential to occur within the study area.

4. An assessment of the potential for impacts, and the likely significance of these impacts, upon the listed significant biota identified as occurring or potentially within the study area.

5. Advice and recommendation regarding the impact avoidance, minimisation, mitigation and if required, offset, measures that will be required to facilitate accordance with the NSW Government’s policy objective that development results in a ‘net improvement in biodiversity over time’.

2.2.3 OEH requirements

In addition to the above, it is noted that the scope of this F&FA has been developed to specifically address the survey, mapping and assessment inclusions requested by OEH in their advice to Queanbeyan City Council dated the 29th of April 2015 and subsequent email communications. These inclusions are summarised as follows.

• Mapping of the vegetation communities present within the study area with reference to the NSW Vegetation Information System (VIS) (OEH 2016) classifications.

• Targeted surveys for the Pink-tailed Worm-lizard Aprasia parapulchella, listed as vulnerable pursuant to both the EPBC Act and the TSC Act.

• Targeted surveys for the Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana, listed as critically endangered pursuant to the EPBC Act and endangered pursuant to the TSC Act.

• Consideration of the likelihood of occurrence and potential for impacts to any of the numerous other threatened flora and fauna species with the potential to occur in the locality.

• Assessment for each threatened species, population or ecological community identified as potentially occurring within the study area to determine whether it is likely to be significantly affected by the proposed development.

3 Background

3.1 Study Area

The proposed development is located within the property known as Mount Pleasant, an approximate 275 hectare parcel of land formally known as Lot 1 in DP 1209260, located at 102 Burra Road near the intersection near the intersection of Burra Road and Old Cooma Road. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the study area is bisected by Burra Road with the majority of the lot located south of Burra Road.

Located within the Queanbeyan Local Government Area (LGA), pursuant to the Queanbeyan Local Environment Plan 2012 (Queanbeyan LEP), the portion of Lot 1 located south of Burra Road is zoned E4 - Environmental Living and the portion north of Burra Road is zoned RU2 – Rural Landscape.

Lot 1 occurs within the upper catchment of Church Creek which is a substantial and deeply incised water course that traverses the northern part of the study area in an east to west direction, generally parallel with Burra Road.

The elevation within Lot 1 ranges from 780m Australian Height Datum (AHD) where Church Creek crosses the western boundary to 905m AHD at the top of the central hill known as Mount Pleasant.

The built infrastructure currently within Lot 1 includes the Mount Pleasant homestead and associated buildings, a functioning shearing shed, a hay shed and the numerous stock fences, the majority of which are in good to functional condition. Lot 1 also contains numerous small constructed farm dams. 3.2 Previously Completed Studies within the Study Area

Kevin Mills and Associates Pty Ltd (KMA) completed considerable survey effort within the study area over the period from November 2012 to July 2015. The results of their completed surveys were presented in their report dated July 2015 (KMA 2015). The survey data provided by KMA has been used to inform this F&FA where relevant. Notably, KMA’s survey effort has assisted in developing robust native flora and avifauna inventories (refer Appendices 1 and 3). This has been of particular value in ensuring that the threatened species likelihood of occurrence assessment is very well informed (refer Appendix 5). 3.3 History of Land Management

The current type and condition of the natural values of a parcel of land are often a direct reflection and result of the management of that land. The management of land for stock grazing, cropping or other agricultural purposes has altered the composition, structure and overall condition of the vast majority of the low to mid elevated land throughout the Southern Tablelands of NSW and the ACT. The degree of this alteration ranges from quiet discrete changes to complete transformation and loss of the original ecological community.

The land use history of a study area is useful when preparing a F&FA as it usually provides information, and often explanation, regarding the type and condition of the natural values now present. Such information can explain why floristic diversity and structure varies vastly within one paddock from that over the fence. It can also explain observed peculiarities in the site-scale occurrence of certain flora and

© Capital Ecology Pty Ltd 2016 9 fauna species. In this regard, the following land use information, provided as an extract from KMA 2015, was sought by KMA from the Wells family, the current owners of the property who have farmed the area for over 80 years by. Discussions with James Wells during the current surveys also confirmed the below information.

The Mount Pleasant property has been grazed intensively from 1930 to date by various members of the Wells family. Cattle and sheep grazing involved approximately 1,000 sheep and 80 head of cattle and horses. Cropping and sowing has occurred on much of the farm over the years. The notes tabulated in Table 2 relate to the paddock numbers shown on the map at Figure 3.

Fertilising with superphosphate was undertaken on an annual basis for many decades up until 1995. The whole property was fertilised, from an aeroplane and/or tractor spreader. The above farming activities can still be recognised on the ground today. Those paddocks that were cropped support exotic and native grassland, the latter composed of common recolonising natives following cessation of cropping activity. This includes paddocks 3 and 4 that were intensively ploughed and sown.

In recent years the property has been gradually de-stocked. A maximum of approximately 1,000 sheep and 80 to 100 cattle have been on the property from time to time between 1930 and the present.

Farming History Map – Image extracted from KMA 2015

3.4 Proposed Development

As illustrated in Figure 2, the proposed development will involve the subdivision of the lower elevated western portion of the study area. The intent is to establish 41 rural residential lots ranging in size from approximately 2 hectares to approximately 5 hectares. The creation and subsequent occupation of these lots will involve the following development and related activities.

• Clearing of existing vegetation and modification of the landform.

• Construction of the public road network and bridge over Church Creek.

• Installation of the subterranean electricity and data network.

• On-ground survey, delineation and fencing or lot boundaries.

• Confirmation, on-ground demarcation and establishment of building envelopes within the identified maximum building envelopes shown in Figure 2.

• Construction of internal driveways.

• Construction of houses and associated buildings.

• Planting of trees along public roads and within lots, notably in accordance with the specifications provided in the Landscape Master Plan (SpaceLab 2015) and Vegetation Management Plan (Capital Ecology 2016).

0 1 2 3 4 km

Acknowledgement - Basemap (c) NSW Land and Property Informaon 2016 Scale 1:60,000 @ A4, GDA 1994, MGA Zone 55

Figure 1. Locality Plan Legend Study_Area_Boundary

Capital Ecology Project No: 2681 Drawn by: R. Speirs Date: 12 September 2016 Figure 2. Study Area and Proposed Development

d a o Legend R a m o Study_Area_Boundary o C Development Lot Layout ld O Building_Envelope

B u r ra R o a d

Community Lot 1

Capital Ecology Project No: 2681 Drawn by: R. Speirs Date: 12 September 2016

Mount Pleasant

0 100 200 300 400 m

Scale 1:7,200 @ A3, GDA 1994, MGA Zone 55

Acknowledgement - Image (c) Nearmap 2016

4 Methods

4.1 Taxonomy

The plant taxonomy (method of classification) used in this report follows the most recent Flora of New South Wales, volumes 1-4 (Harden 2002). The most current scientific and common names for plant species have been determined using recently published field guides on the native and/or exotic flora of the ACT and region (Wood and Wood 2005, Eddy et al. 2011, Cosgrove 2014, Richardson et al. 2011).

The naming convention used for vertebrate fauna follows the Census of Australian Vertebrates (CAVs) maintained by the Commonwealth Department of the Environment.

In the body of this report flora and fauna species are referred to by both their common and scientific names when first mentioned. Subsequent references to these species cite the common name only. 4.2 Database and Literature Review

The References section of this report lists the literature referred to during the conduct of the surveys for this study and/or during the preparation of this report.

A list of threatened species (flora and fauna), threatened populations and threatened ecological communities (TECs) listed pursuant to the EPBC Act with the potential to occur within a five kilometre radius of the study area was obtained using the Department of the Environment's online EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool (PMST) on 15 September 2015. An updated search was also run on 12 January 2015 to check for recently added listings.

Ecological point data from the NSW Wildlife Atlas (BioNet) was also obtained. The point data does not include any records of significant species within the study area, however it does show many threatened species as occurring in the wider locality (i.e. within a five kilometre radius of the study area). It is noted that a lack of records submitted for a given study area may simply reflect a lack of previous survey and does not necessarily indicate that the subject species does not occur within. As such, the point data is used herein to inform likelihood of occurrence assessments and as useful background. 4.3 Definitions of Conservation Significance

The conservation significance of a species, population or community is determined by its current listing pursuant to Commonwealth and/or State legislation and associated policy, more specifically:

 National – Listed as threatened (critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable or conservation dependent) pursuant to the EPBC Act.

 State (NSW) – Listed as threatened (critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable) pursuant to the TSC Act. 4.4 Likelihood of Occurrence Assessment

The likelihood of occurrence assessment for threatened flora species and threatened and/or terrestrial migratory fauna species is a categorisation used to determine the likelihood that the subject species

© Capital Ecology Pty Ltd 2016 15 occurs within a study area. The results of the likelihood of occurrence assessment are based on the findings of completed desktop studies and field surveys, expert opinion and consideration of the species’ currently recognised distribution and preferred habitat.

Threatened species and populations included in the likelihood of occurrence assessment include all of those identified during the database and literature review as potentially occurring within five kilometres of the study area. We have also included threatened species listed only pursuant to the TSC Act and not identified by BioNet as previously being recorded within five kilometres of the study area, yet considered by Capital Ecology to have at least some potential of occurring within the study area.

The likelihood of a species occurring within the study area is categorised as either negligible, low, moderate or high. A species that has been identified within the study area during the surveys for this study or by other confirmed records is expressed as confirmed.

The completed likelihood of occurrence assessment is provided as Appendix 5. Species assigned a moderate or higher likelihood of occurrence are considered in more detail in this F&FA, these are listed in Table 5 in Section 5.5. 4.5 Field Surveys

4.5.2 Preliminary Field Inspection

A preliminary field inspection was undertaken during September 2015 to develop an independent assessment of the broad vegetation communities present, the habitat features present and the potential for threatened species occurrence. The information obtained was then considered in the context of the results of the completed desktop review and findings previous studies and used to tailor the subsequent field surveys.

4.5.3 Vegetation Survey and Mapping

The vegetation across the entire study area was surveyed and mapped in accordance with the NSW BioCertification Assessment Methodology (BCAM) (DECCW 2011). It is noted however that an additional level of categorisation was added to the survey method to allow for the substantial variation in groundstorey floristic diversity to be recognised and mapped. The vegetation survey and mapping involved the three-staged process outlined below.

The results of the complete vegetation mapping have been accurately mapped using GIS which provides accurate calculations of the total area of each Vegetation Zone within the study area.

4.5.3.1 Plant Community Type (PCT) mapping (October 2015)

The on-ground boundaries of each of the Plant Community Types (PCTs) (as provided in the NSW Vegetation Information System, VIS) present within the study area were accurately mapped using either hand-held GPS or by marking boundaries directly onto high resolution orthorectified aerial photograph field maps.

Given that ecotones are usually gradual transitions between vegetation communities (i.e. often in excess or 50m in width) and that the vegetation across the study area has been subject to various disturbances

© Capital Ecology Pty Ltd 2016 16 over an extended period, it is now difficult to define the boundary of the climax communities with great precision. Notwithstanding this, the PCT boundaries were defined based on the:

• presence, species, growth form and density of remnant canopy trees and/or stags or stumps of these;

• presence and species of midstorey shrubs and trees;

• floristic composition of the groundstorey; and

• the landscape position and other geographical features (elevation, aspect soils, apparent hydrology).

4.5.3.2 Vegetation Zone definition and mapping (November 2015)

Each of the mapped PCTs was divided into Vegetation Zones based on the structure, floristic composition and overall condition (‘intactness’) of the groundstorey. Each PCT can contain one or more of the following three ‘Zones’:

• Zone 1 – Native dominated groundstorey – moderate to high diversity;

• Zone 2 – Native dominated groundstorey – low diversity; or

• Zone 3 – Exotic dominated groundstorey.

4.5.3.3 Plots and transects (November 2015)

A series of a vegetation assessment survey plot/transect combination was completed in a manner that adequately sampled each Vegetation Zone. For each plot/transect the ten condition attributes listed in Table 1 of the BCAM were collected. The number of survey plot/transects completed within each Vegetation Zone was determined in accordance with Table 11 of the BCAM and involved a total of 18 across the eight zones as shown in Figure 3.

As illustrated in Diagram 1, Each transect/plot combination involved a 20x20m (400m2) plot within which all species were recorded. A 50m transect traverses the plots and runs 30m further, along this all of the other attributes were collected.

20x20m 50m

Diagram 1. Vegetation survey plot/transect combination

Legend Study_Area_Boundary VegCondion_Plot_23+24-Nov-2015 VegCondion_Transect_23+24-Nov-2015 Snow_Gum_(E.pauciﬂora) Apple_Box_(E.bridgesiana) Red_Box_(E.polyanthemos) Broad-leaved_Peppermint_(E.dives) Mealy_Bundy_(E.nortonii) Candlebark_(E.rubida) Yellow_Box_(E.melliodora) PCT_999_Dry_Sclerophyll_Forest PCT_999_Zone1_NaveDom_Mod-High PCT_999_Zone2_NaveDom_Low PCT_999_Zone3_ExocDom PCT_1334_Yellow_Box_Grassy_Woodland PCT_1334_Zone1_NaveDom_Mod-High PCT_1334_Zone2_NaveDom_Low PCT_1334_Zone3_ExocDom PCT_1289_Dry_Tussock_Grassland PCT_1289_Zone1_NaveDom_Low PCT_1289_Zone2_ExocDom

Capital Ecology Project No: 2681 Drawn by: R. Speirs Date: 12 September 2016

0 100 200 300 400 m

Scale 1:7,200 @ A3, GDA 1994, MGA Zone 55

Acknowledgement - Image (c) Nearmap 2016

4.5.4 Targeted Threatened Fauna Surveys

4.5.4.1 Pink-tailed Worm-Lizard surveys and habitat mapping

The Pink-tailed Worm-lizard Aprasia parapulchella is listed as vulnerable pursuant to the EPBC Act and the TSC Act. The Pink-tailed Worm-lizard is known to occur at numerous sites in the ACT and surrounding region, notably along the mid and upper slopes of the Murrumbidgee, Molonglo and Queanbeyan rivers and nearby hills. Within this distribution, the occurrence of the Pink-tailed Worm- lizard is usually confined to sites which are characterised by a moderate to high scatter density of surface rock of volcanic origin, generally interspersed by Kangaroo Grass Themeda triandra, Red Grass Bothriochloa macra and Wattle Mat-rush Lomandra filiformis (Osborne and Jones 1995).

As described in detail in Section 5.3, the slopes of Mount Pleasant and much of the land in the eastern portion of the study area is characterised by moderate to high surface scatter density of rock of volcanic origin, primarily dacite and granodiorite. The degree of embedment of the rocks and the composition and structure of the groundcover vegetation are highly varied, however substantial patches of this rock scatter are characteristic of Pink-tailed Worm-lizard habitat. Notably, the less modified rocky habitat located in the eastern portion of the study area appears consistent with the high quality Pink-tailed Worm-lizard habitat located in the Googong township Pink-tailed Worm-lizard Conservation Area (R. Speirs pers. obs.).

Given the above, a targeted rock-turning survey was undertaken across all rocky habitat within the study area. Prior to the rock-turning survey all of the rocky habitat within the study area (i.e. potential Pink- tailed Worm-lizard habitat) was mapped onto high resolution field maps, the extent of this rocky habitat is illustrated in Figure 4.

The targeted survey was undertaken during optimal survey conditions (sunny with maximum temperatures of 23 and 25 respectively) on the 1st and 2nd of October 2015 and resulted in a total of approximately 36hrs of active survey effort (i.e. one ecologist with two field assistants for two six hour days). The survey immediately followed the Googong township Pink-tailed Worm-lizard Conservation Area population monitoring which was undertaken on the 30th of September. The survey was scheduled in this manner to provide a useful ‘control’ against which to compare the results obtained.

Jones (1999) found that 750 suitable habitat rocks need to be turned within a given site to achieve an indication of Pink-tailed Worm-lizard presence/absence to the 95% confidence interval. Accordingly, where possible, the number of rocks turned per rocky patch was determined with the objective of achieving the 95% confidence interval of presence/absence within the patch. However, given the sparsity of loose surface rocks within the smaller patches in the western portion of the study area, in effect, the survey involved the turning of most turnable surface rocks within these patches. The total number of habitat rocks turned during the survey is estimated to be approximately 9,700 (based on extrapolation of the average of five half hour counts).

A GPS track was taken during the survey across the large and generally contiguous patch of rocky habitat across Mount Pleasant and the higher elevated land to the east (refer Figure 4). This track was not extended to cover the survey of the smaller patches due to their scattered locations. Where Pink-tailed Worm-lizards were found, they were photographed and their location was recorded via hand-held GPS. Sloughed skins of the species were similarly recorded where encountered.

The results of the targeted survey were used to identify which patches, or portions of patches, of the mapped potential habitat actually support the species (to the 95% confidence level), and are therefore considered confirmed Pink-tailed Worm-lizard habitat. The boundary of the area of confirmed habitat was subsequently delineated via hand-held GPS (accurate +/- 3m) and the relative quality of the habitat was assessed.

4.5.4.2 Golden Sun Moth surveys

A program of four targeted Golden Sun Moth surveys was undertaken in accordance with the survey guidelines detailed in the Background Paper to EPBC Act Policy Statement 3.12 - Significant Impact Guidelines for the Critically Endangered Golden Sun Moth (Synemon plana) (DEWHA 2009). As illustrated in Figure 5, each survey involved two ecologists walking broad belt transects (approx. 200m apart) throughout the open native grass dominated areas across the entire study area. Broad belt transects were chosen as the most suitable method for the surveys given the large area (approx. 100ha) of potential habitat requiring survey.

As recommended in DEWHA (2009), four surveys were undertaken with at least four days between each survey. On each survey day moths were confirmed to be flying at a reliable reference site located immediately south of IKEA, Majura Valley, ACT. Golden Sun Moth activity across the region was also confirmed by email and phone communication with other ecologists conducting surveys at other sites. The details of the four survey days and relevant survey conditions are provided in Table 13 in Appendix 4. In summary, each of the four targeted surveys was undertaken during good to optimal survey conditions on days when moderate to high Golden Sun Moth numbers were observed at a reliable reference site.

A GPS track was recorded for each survey, these are illustrated in Figure 5. Whilst the surveys primarily focused on recording observed male flights, the ecologists also searched for female moths and pupal cases, particularly in the areas considered to have the highest potential for Golden Sun Moth occurrence.

4.5.5 Grassland Fauna Habitat Assessment Transects

As requested by OEH, five Grassland Habitat Assessment Transects were completed on 10 December 2015 to accompany the Golden Sun Moth surveys. These transects were located with the aim of capturing the variation in grassland composition and condition across the portions of study area covered by the Golden Sun Moth surveys. Figure 5 shows the locations of the completed transects.

4.5.6 Opportunistic Flora and Fauna Observations

All notable observations of flora and fauna made across the program of surveys have been recorded and added to species inventories and/or are otherwise noted in this F&FA.

4.5.7 Authority to Undertake Surveys

All flora and fauna surveys were undertaken under the terms and conditions of Capital Ecology’s Scientific Licence (SL101623, expiry 30 September 2016) issued by OEH under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974. As required under this licence, records of threatened flora and fauna species will be submitted to OEH for incorporation into the NSW Wildlife Atlas.

Fauna survey was conducted under approval 15/2046 (Robert Speirs – Principal Investigator) from the NSW Department of Primary Industries Secretary’s Animal Care and Ethics Committee.

All flora and fauna surveys were undertaken by and/or under the direct supervision Robert Speirs, Capital Ecology’s Principal Ecologist who has over ten years of experience in ecological survey and assessment.

Legend Study_Area_Boundary Surveyed_Rocky_Habitat PTWL_Survey_Track_2-Oct-2015 PTWL_Points_2-Oct-2015 Likely_Extent_Of_PTWL_Presence

Capital Ecology Project No: 2681 Drawn by: R. Speirs Date: 12 September 2016

0 100 200 300 400 m

Scale 1:7,200 @ A3, GDA 1994, MGA Zone 55

Acknowledgement - Image (c) Nearmap 2016 Figure 5. Golden Sun Moth Surveys

Legend Study_Area_Boundary Potenal_Golden_Sun_Moth_Habitat Grassland_Fauna_Habitat_Transect_10-Dec-2015 GSM_Survey_Track_1_23-Nov-2015 GSM_Survey_Track_2_30-Nov-2015 GSM_Survey_Track_3_6-Dec-2015 GSM_Survey_Track_4_10-Dec-2015

Capital Ecology Project No: 2681 Drawn by: R. Speirs Date: 12 September 2016

0 100 200 300 400 m

Scale 1:7,200 @ A3, GDA 1994, MGA Zone 55

Acknowledgement - Image (c) Nearmap 2016

4.6 Study Limitations

4.6.2 Survey Limitations

No degree of survey effort or array of employed survey methods can ensure that all species are detected during a survey. Numerous factors can impact upon the detection of some species, these include: seasonal conditions, species dormancy, grazing impacts, the ephemeral nature of waterbodies (i.e. creeks, farms dams etc) and the breeding, migratory and other behaviours of some fauna.

Notwithstanding the above, as described herein, the ecological studies completed to inform this study have involved numerous surveys, undertaken by experienced ecologists, across all seasons and employing various survey methods as deemed necessary to thoroughly assess the biodiversity values of the study area. Assessment and mapping of vegetation community type and condition has been undertaken in accordance with currently recognised NSW survey techniques and metrics. Where there was recognised potential for threatened species to be present the presence or absence of the species was appropriately assessed in accordance with the current Commonwealth Government and/or NSW Government survey guidelines.

In addition to the surveys undertaken by Capital Ecology, this study is informed by the results of the considerable survey effort completed previously by KMA (KMA 2015). KMA’s survey effort has greatly assisted in developing native flora and avifauna inventories in a manner that is as complete as practicable (refer Appendices 1 and 3). This has been of particular value in ensuring that the threatened species likelihood of occurrence assessment is very well informed (refer Appendix 5).

Given the above, this study is not considered to be subject to any significant survey limitations.

4.6.3 Spatial Data Limitations

Conclusions on the likelihood of some species to occurring within the study area are reliant, at least in part, upon external data sources and information managed by third parties (i.e. NSW BioNet etc).

Vegetation community mapping data and threatened species point data was collected using a hand-held (uncorrected) GPS unit and high resolution aerial photograph interpretation. The accuracy of the mapping presented in the resulting figures is therefore subject to the accuracy of the GPS unit (up to ± 4 metres) and the rectification and registration limitations of NSW Land and Property Information’s aerial imagery data.

The figures presented in this report have been prepared using a Geographic Information System (GIS). Electronic files (.shp) of all data presented in the figures can be provided for incorporation in third party plans and documents. It must be noted however that this data may not be sufficiently precise for detailed survey or design purposes.

5 Results

5.1 Vegetation Survey and Mapping

5.1.2 Plant Community Type (PCT) mapping

The study area supports the following three PCTs as shown in Figure 3.

1. PCT999 – Norton's Box - Broad-leaved Peppermint open forest on foot slopes, central and southern South Eastern Highlands Bioregion.

Historically, PCT999 would have occurred across the higher elevated land within the study area, notably on the summit and slopes of Mount Pleasant. This community is primarily associated with thin infertile soils over geology of volcanic origin. In its climax form this community would have supported a moderately dense canopy with a defined shrubstorey and groundstorey dominated by Red-anther Wallaby Grass Rytidosperma pallidum.

Three relatively intact yet varied examples of PCT999 remain within the study area, being:

• the patch on the southern slope of Mount Pleasant which supports an intact canopy of Broad-leaved Peppermint Eucalyptus dives, a typically dominant species of PCT999 where it occurs in protected southern aspects;

• the patch on the northern slope of Mount Pleasant which supports and dense canopy of Norton’s Box E. nortonii (also known as Mealy Bundy) and Drooping Sheoak Allocasuarina verticillata;

• the patch in the eastern extent of the portion of the study area north of Burra Road, this patch supports a canopy of Norton’s Box with relatively intact groundstorey dominated by Red-anther wallaby grass.

2. PCT1289 – Wallaby Grass - Red-grass - Tall Speargrass - Kangaroo Grass dry tussock grassland of the North-western and Eastern Southern Tablelands in the South Eastern Highlands Bioregion.

Historically, PCT1289 would have occurred across the lowest elevated land in the north-western corner of the study area. This community occurs on the most fertile and deepest alluvial soils within the study area and is generally associated with valley bottoms which are subject to lingering frost and cold air during winter. In its climax form this community would have been characterised by the named native grasses with a high diversity of native forbs (lilies, daisies, orhids, rushes etc).

Owing to the fertile soil, close proximity to the homestead and shearing sheds and little impediment to cultivation, the entire area of PCT1289 within the study area has undergone a high degree of modification. This is consistent with the land management history described in Section 3.3. No relatively intact yet varied examples of PCT1289 remain within the study area.

3. PCT1334 – Yellow Box grassy woodland in lower valleys on lower slopes and valley bottoms.

Historically, PCT1334 would have occurred across the majority of the study area, including the lower slopes of Mount Pleasant and throughout the valleys and gently undulating areas. This community occurs on soils of moderate to high fertility and generally moderate depth. In its climax form this community would have been characterised by an open canopy, sparse or absent mid and shrubstorey, together with a defined grassy groundstorey supporting a high diversity of native forbs.

As detailed below and illustrated in Figure 3, the condition of the PCT1334 is highly varied across the study area. The majority of the PCT1334 within the western two thirds of the study area has been highly modified and exists now as native pasture with or without scattered remnant trees. Numerous substantial stock camps occur within this area and these support only exotic pasture and weed species.

The eastern paddock of the study area and the block north of Burra Road are the classic ‘back paddock’ of the property, furthest from the homestead and shearing shed and consequently having been subject to a considerably lighter grazing history. As shown in Figure 3, the majority of this area supports PCT1334 in a relatively intact form, retaining a clearly native groundstorey with moderate forb diversity. Bulbine Lily Bulbine bulbosa, Nodding Chocolate Lily Dichopogon fimbriatus, Dusky Scurfpea Cullen microcephalum, Billy Buttons Craspedia variabilis and other species indicative of less intense grazing were recorded in these patches of PCT1334 but absent elsewhere.

5.1.3 Vegetation Zone Definition and Mapping

The study area was found to support eight discernible Vegetation Zones, as detailed in Table 1 and illustrated in Figure 3. Plates 1 to 8 provide representative photographs of each of the Vegetation Zones.

Table 1. Vegetation Zones

PCT Zone ID Photograph Groundstorey Dominance Diversity Vegetation Total Area Plate Native or Exotic Low or Mod-high Zone ID Ha PCT999 1 1 Native Mod-high 999.1 23.24 2 2 Native Low 999.2 28.43 3 3 Exotic Low 999.3 60.89 PCT1289 1 4 Native Low 1289.1 34.69 2 5 Exotic Low 1289.2 29.23 PCT1334 1 6 Native Mod-high 1334.1 64.53 2 7 Native Low 1334.2 59.32 3 8 Exotic Low 1334.3 19.22

Plate 1. PCT 999 – Zone 1

Plate 2. PCT 999 – Zone 2

Plate 3. PCT 999 – Zone 3

Plate 4. PCT 1110 – Zone 1

Plate 5. PCT 1110 – Zone 2

Plate 6. PCT 1334 – Zone 1

Plate 7. PCT 1334 – Zone 2

Plate 8. PCT 1334 – Zone 3 5.1.4 Plots and Transects

The results of the 18 floristic plot/transect combinations are provided in Appendix 1. The results obtained provide clear confirmation of the distinction between the identified Vegetation Zones. For

© Capital Ecology Pty Ltd 2016 30 example, Zones 1334.1 and 1334.2 are both characterised by a native dominated groundstorey, however Zone 1334.1 supports an average or 26 native species per plot compares to 11.6 for Zone 1334.2. This diversity quantification is important as the accurate documentation of groundstorey diversity is of critical importance to the listing criteria for temperate threatened ecological communities (discussed further in Section 5.2). 5.2 Threatened Ecological Community Assessment

5.2.2 Commonwealth EPBC Act

The following two threatened ecological communities (TECs) were identified on DoE’s EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool as having the potential to occur within the study area.

Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands and New England Tablelands – listed as critically endangered pursuant to the EPBC Act.

Description – The Natural Temperate Grassland TEC is characterised by grassy vegetation dominated by moderately tall (25–50cm) to tall (50–100cm), dense to open tussock grasses in the genera Rytidosperma, Austrostipa, Bothriochloa, Poa and Themeda. Up to 70% of all plant species may be forbs. The community may be treeless or contain up to 10% cover of trees, shrubs or sedges. Natural Temperate Grassland occurs within the geographical region of the Southern Tablelands of NSW and the ACT at altitudes between 560m in central and northern parts of its distribution and 1200m in the south, in valleys influenced by cold air drainage and in broad plains (link to the EPBC Act listing advice http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi- bin/sprat/public/publicshowcommunity.pl?id=152&status=Critically+Endangered).

Presence within the study area – None. The portion of the study area mapped as PCT1289 would have once supported this TEC, however intensive agricultural land use (notably grazing, cropping and pasture improvement) has modified the structure and composition of this area such that it longer has the structural and floristics characteristics of this TEC.

White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland – listed as critically endangered pursuant to the EPBC Act.

Description – The White Box - Yellow Box - Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland TEC is characterised by a species-rich understorey of native tussock grasses, herbs and scattered shrubs (where shrub cover comprises less than 30% cover), and a dominance or prior dominance of White Box and/or Yellow Box and/or Blakely’s Red Gum trees. This TEC occurs along the western slopes and tablelands of the Great Dividing Range from southern Queensland through New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory to Victoria (link to the EPBC Act listing advice http://www.environment.gov.au/node/14495).

Presence within the study area – Confirmed – The entire portion of the study area mapped as PCT1334 would have once supported the climax community of this TEC.

Assessments of structure and floristic composition were undertaken within each of the three discernible condition categories (Vegetation Zones) of PCT1334 present within the study area. The purpose of these assessments was to determine whether the patches of each Vegetation Zone support characteristics

sufficient to meet the listing criteria for the EPBC Act listed TEC. The assessment process follows that provided in the Commonwealth EPBC Act Policy Statement 3.5 – White Box – Yellow Box – Blakely’s Red Gum grassy woodlands and derived native grasslands (DEH 2006). The results of this assessment are provided in Table 2. As detailed in Table 2, the area mapped as PCT1334 - Zone 1 clearly meets the criteria for the EPBC Act listed TEC. PCT1334 – Zones 2 and 3 do not meet the listing criteria.

Table 2. Assessment against the listing criteria for the EPBC listed TEC – White Box-Yellow Box- Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland.

Criterion Assessment Results PCT1334-Zone1 PCT1334-Zone2 PCT1334-Zone3 1. Is, or was previously, at least Yes Yes Yes one of the most common Yellow Box is dominant or Scattered Yellow Box trees Scattered Yellow Box trees overstorey species White co-dominant throughout this remain in areas of the zone remain in areas of the zone Box, Yellow Box or Blakely’s zone. and this species is and this species is Red Gum? expected to have been expected to have been dominant or co-dominant dominant or co-dominant throughout this zone throughout this zone historically. historically. 2. Does the patch have a Yes – clearly Yes – marginally No predominantly native The understorey was The understorey was The understorey was understorey? recorded as ranging from 54 recorded as ranging from recorded as ranging from 0 to 84 % native species cover. 44 to 52 % native species to 6 % native species cover. cover. 3. Is the patch 0.1 ha (1000 Yes No N/A m2) or greater is size with Zone 1 occurs as a generally While Zone 2 occurs as a Refer Criterion 2 results. 12 or more native contiguous patch with a total generally contiguous patch understorey species present area of 64.53ha. with a total area of (excluding grasses)? There An average of 20.3 native 59.32ha, only an average must be at least one non-grasses and 4 important of 6.7 native non-grasses important species. species were recorded was recorded across the across the plot/transects. plot/transects. Or Is the patch 2 ha or greater No No N/A in size with an average of 20 Zone 1 occurs as a generally Zone 2 occurs as a Refer Criterion 2 results. or more mature trees per contiguous patch with a total generally contiguous patch hectare, or is there natural area of 64.53ha, however it with a total area of regeneration of the has an average of less than 59.32ha, however it has an dominant overstorey 20 mature trees per hectare average of less than 20 eucalypts? and virtually no regeneration mature trees per hectare of overstorey eucalypts. and no regeneration of overstorey eucalypts. Does the patch meet the Yes No No criteria for the listed TEC?

5.2.3 NSW TSC Act

White Box – Yellow Box – Blakely's Red Gum Woodland

The below description is extracted from the NSW Final Determination for the TSC Act endangered listed ecological community White Box – Yellow Box – Blakely's Red Gum Woodland (TSC Act Box-Gum Woodland) (the ‘Final Determination’) (NSW Scientific Committee 2002, gazetted 15 March 2002).

White Box Yellow Box Blakely's Red Gum Woodland is found on relatively fertile soils on the tablelands and western slopes of NSW and generally occurs between the 400 and 800 mm isohyets extending from the western slopes, at an altitude of c. 170m to c. 1200 m, on the northern tablelands (Beadle 1981). The community occurs within the NSW North Coast, New England Tableland, Nandewar, Brigalow Belt South, Sydney Basin, South Eastern Highlands and NSW South Western Slopes Bioregions.

White Box Yellow Box Blakely's Red Gum Woodland includes those woodlands where the characteristic tree species include one or more of the following species in varying proportions and combinations - Eucalyptus albens (White Box), Eucalyptus melliodora (Yellow Box) or Eucalyptus blakelyi (Blakely's Red Gum). Grass and herbaceous species generally characterise the ground layer. In some locations, the tree overstorey may be absent as a result of past clearing or thinning and at these locations only an understorey may be present. Shrubs are generally sparse or absent, though they may be locally common.

Although the Final Determination does not provide specific listing criteria against which assess a patch of vegetation, a useful key is provided in Identification Guidelines for Endangered Ecological Communities - White Box Yellow Box Blakely's Red Gum Woodland (Box-Gum Woodland) (NSW NPWS 2002), which draws its information from the Final Determination. An extract of this key and brief assessment of the areas of the zones of PCT1334 within the study area is provided in Table 3 below.

Table 3. Assessment against the key criteria for the TSC Act listed TEC – White Box – Yellow Box – Blakely's Red Gum Woodland

Criterion Assessment Results PCT1334-Zone1 PCT1334-Zone2 PCT1334-Zone3 1. The subject land meets this Criterion 1 as it occurs in the South Eastern Highlands bioregion.

2. The understorey of Zone 1 is The understorey of Zone 2 is low The understorey of Zone 3 is moderate to high diversity native diversity native grassland/pasture so comprised almost entirely of exotic grassland so it is otherwise. it is otherwise. pasture species and weeds. These areas are unlikely to respond substantially to assisted natural regeneration. 3. Zone 1 has patches of remnant Zone 2 has scattered remnant trees; N/A – refer result for Criterion 2. trees; all treeless areas would all treeless areas would have have supported Yellow Box prior supported Yellow Box prior to to clearing. clearing. 4. The majority of the remnant The majority of the remnant trees trees are Yellow Box. are Yellow Box.

5. Zone 1 is predominantly grassy. Zone 2 is predominantly grassy.

Does the patch meet the criteria for the listed TEC? Yes Yes No

As described in the Final Determination and the associated key, the definition for the TSC Act Box-Gum Woodland TEC is extremely broad. In effect, any land for which the climax community is Box-Gum Woodland that has not been cultivated, become a stock camp or otherwise been entirely modified is likely to meet the definition of the TSC Act listed TEC.

With regard to the above, it must be noted that the TSC Act definition provides the absolute minimum requirements a patch to be considered to support the TEC. As such, the NSW Government encourages the use of a suitable biometric (such as the BioCertification Assessment Methodology) to categorise the vegetation within a given study area in a manner that reflects the actual and relative values of the vegetation. This categorisation is essential in informing planning processes, such that more intact (i.e. higher value) areas of TEC can be appropriately prioritised for conservation. Conversely, marginal areas of the TEC, such as those that support only scattered remnant trees or low diversity native grassland/pasture, may be unlikely to degrade further under an alternate management regime. 5.3 Fauna Habitat

The fauna habitat features within the study area include scattered and outcropping rock, native and exotic grassland/pasture, remnant eucalypts, scattered shrubs and the numerous water courses and farm dams. These fauna habitat features are detailed in Table 4.

Table 4. Fauna habitat features

Habitat Feature Description Revenant Native Fauna Species/Assemblages Rock scatters and The slopes of Mount Pleasant and much of The patches of the rock scatter with small to medium outcrops the land in the eastern portion of the study plate-like rocks surrounded by native grasses are area are characterised by moderate to high potential habitat for the Pink-tailed Worm-lizard. As surface scatter density of rock of volcanic detailed in Section 5.4.5.1, these were surveyed for this origin, primarily dacite and granodiorite F&FA with the species recorded in one patch of rocky (refer Figure 4). The degree of embedment of habitat. As detailed in Appendix 3, the rocky habitat the rocks and the composition and structure within the study area was found to support numerous of the groundcover vegetation are highly other common reptiles, frogs and invertebrates. varied. Grassland/pasture As described in Section 5.1, the study area The less modified grassy areas would provide foraging supports grassy vegetation communities. The resources for the numerous woodland birds occurring in degree of modification of these varies from the study area. The open and more modified areas of the moderately intact areas in the Zone 1s to grassland/pasture would provide hunting resources for entirely modified pasture and weeds in raptors and other predatory birds. cropped areas and stock camps. The grassy areas in eastern portion of the study area would provide grazing resources for common herbivores such as the Eastern Grey Kangaroos Macropus giganteus, Swamp Wallaby M. bicolor and Common Wombat Vombatus ursinus.

Habitat Feature Description Revenant Native Fauna Species/Assemblages Remnant The many mature eucalypts contain tree The hollows in the remnant trees in the western more eucalypts hollows with varying characteristics and many modified portion of the study area are likely to be used Mistletoe Amyema spp. plants. The eucalypts, by Brushtail Possums Trichosurus vulpecula, common particularly the Yellow Box, provide a nectar native birds (e.g. Red-rumped Parrot Psephotus resource when in flower. haematonotus, Rosellas Platycercus spp.) as well as Starlings Sturnus vulgaris and potentially Indian Mynas Sturnus tristis. Hollows in the eastern portion of the study area may be inhabited by broader variety of birds as well as other small mammals such as the Sugar Glider Petaurus breviceps and microchiropteran bats. Tree hollows are a limiting habitat feature for many native fauna species, some of which are now listed threatened species. The flowering eucalypts and Mistletoe, particularly in the eastern portion of the study area, are likely to provide feeding resources for a broad variety of birds. Scattered shrubs The midstorey and shrubstorey strata a The few scattered native shrubs would provide limited conspicuously absent component of the nesting and refuge resources for the small native birds vegetation communities within the study recorded within the study area. Although an exotic area. This is a legacy of the long history of weed, the Briar Rose bushes were noted to be utilised intense stock grazing which has removed by numerous native birds, including the TSC vulnerable most shrubs and prevented tree listed species Scarlet Robin Petroica boodang and regeneration. Notwithstanding this, a few Diamond Firetail Stagonopleura guttata. scattered Native Buckthorn Bursaria spinosa subsp. spinosa shrubs occur in Zone 1 of the study area. In addition, the study area supports many large Briar Rose Rosa rubiginosa bushes. Water courses Church Creek and numerous tributary The water bodies along Church Creek and the dams and farm dams drainage lines run through the study area. In located in the eastern portion of the study area are addition, the study area contains numerous likely to provide foraging and/or breeding resources to small farm dams. The dams in the western numerous common native fauna. These include the portion of the study are murky and support numerous recorded waterfowl and frogs (refer little fringing vegetation, however those in Appendix 3) and Eastern Long-necked Turtles Chelodina the eastern portion of the study area are longicollis. clear with much fringing vegetation. The dams in the western paddocks are likely to be of far less habitat value owing to their disturbed condition and distance from tree cover.

5.3.2 Grassland Fauna Habitat Assessment Transects

The results of the five completed OEH Grassland Habitat Assessment Transects are provided in Table 11 (Appendix 2). As detailed in Table 11, the native dominant portions of the open grassland portions of the study area support a cover primarily comprising species of the grass genera Rytidosperma (Wallaby Grasses) and Austrostipa (Spear Grasses) with Wheat Grass Elymus scaber and Hairy Panic Panicum

© Capital Ecology Pty Ltd 2016 36 effusum also codominant. Kangaroo Grass Themeda triandra, Tussock Grass Poa labillardieri and Snow Grass P. sieberiana occur as codominant grasses in the poorly drained patches in the western paddocks of the study area.

As discussed in Section 5.1 and detailed in Table 9 and Table 11, the open grasslands present across the western paddocks of the study area have been highly modified and simplified by extended high intensity grazing. Whilst this modification has greatly depleted the habitat value of this land for a diversity of native flora and fauna, it has likely encouraged the dominance of the most grazing tolerate native grasses, namely Wallaby Grasses and Spear Grasses. This dominance of Wallaby Grasses in particularly noteworthy given that the genus is the primary natural fodder plant for the Golden Sun Moth. Accordingly, OEH’s request for targeted Golden Sun Moth surveys was well founded and reasonable. 5.4 Flora and Fauna Species Recorded Within the Study Area

5.4.2 Recorded Flora

A total of 106 flora species were recorded within the study area during the completed transect/plot surveys, comprising 66 native species and 40 exotic species (refer Table 9 in Appendix 1).

Fifty (50) additional flora species were recorded within the study area during one or more of the other surveys completed by Capital Ecology or KMA (KMA 2015). These comprised 40 native species and 10 exotic species (refer Table 10 in Appendix 1).

5.4.3 Recorded Fauna

A total of 81 native vertebrate fauna species were recorded within the study area during one or more of the surveys completed by Capital Ecology or KMA (KMA 2015). These comprised 64 birds, 4 mammals, 9 reptiles and 4 frogs.

In addition, 11 exotic fauna species were recorded, including 3 domestic/farmed species and 8 feral species.

A list of vertebrate fauna species recorded within the study area is provided in Table 12 in Appendix 3.

5.4.4 Listed Threatened Flora

Eleven (11) EPBC Act and/or TSC Act listed threatened flora species are identified as potentially occurring within the study area on NSW BioNet and/or the EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool. An additional one exclusively TSC Act listed threatened flora species, Silky Swainson-pea Swainsona sericea, is considered by Capital Ecology to warrant consideration. These species are detailed in the likelihood of occurrence assessment provided in Appendix 5.

No threatened flora species have been recorded within the study area during any of the field surveys undertaken by Capital Ecology or those previously undertaken by KMA (KMA 2015). These surveys have involved many hours of survey by experienced ecologists, covering the entire study area and occurring across each season. Notably, the vegetation survey and mapping (refer Section 4.5.3) and targeted fauna surveys (refer Section 4.5.4) completed to inform this F&FA involved approximately 80hrs of survey spread across spring 2015. Accordingly, it is considered unlikely that any threatened flora species occurs within the study area that have not been recorded to date.

5.4.5 Listed Threatened Fauna

Nineteen (19) EPBC Act and/or TSC Act listed threatened or terrestrial migratory fauna species are identified as potentially occurring within the study area on NSW BioNet and/or the EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool. An additional 16 listed threatened fauna species are considered by Capital Ecology to warrant consideration. These species are detailed in the likelihood of occurrence assessment provided in Appendix 5.

As the site does not support any marine areas or substantial wetlands, marine and wetland migratory species will not be impacted by the proposed development and thus they have not been considered in this F&FA.

5.4.5.1 Pink-tailed Worm-Lizard

Seven (7) individual Pink-tailed Worm-lizards were recorded during the survey (refer Plate 9), all of which were found in the large patch of high quality habitat located in the eastern extent of the study area (refer Figure 4).

In addition to many scorpions, spiders, centipedes and other common invertebrates, a number of non- target herpetofauna species were recorded during the survey, these are detailed in Table 12 or Appendix 3).

As shown in Plate 10, the majority of the approximate 80ha of rocky habitat within the study area (refer Figure 4) is characterised by deeply embedded boulder-like rocks with few loose surface rocks. Many of the patches are also associated with stock camps where the key native groundcover flora species have generally been replaced by exotic pasture and weed species. The only substantial patches of rocky habitat which support moderate to high surface rock scatter interspersed by native groundcover species (notably Kangaroo Grass) are located in the eastern extent of the study area. As shown in Plate 11, the rocky habitat in this location is similar to the high quality Pink-tailed Worm-lizard habitat elsewhere in the locality (i.e. Googong, R. Speirs pers. obs.). Although all of this characteristic Pink-tailed Worm-lizard habitat was thoroughly surveyed, the species was only found in the centre of the northern portion of the large patch adjoining the eastern boundary of the study area.

Based on the rock characteristics, the composition and condition of the groundcover vegetation and the results of the completed targeted survey, the area considered likely to currently support the Pink-tailed Worm-lizard is that mapped in Figure 4. Whilst this mapping should not be read as entirely precluding the occurrence of the Pink-tailed Worm-lizard more broadly within the eastern portion of the study area, it is considered highly unlikely that the species is present on Mount Pleasant or further west.

In light of the above, although the patch of Pink-tailed Worm-lizard habitat within the study area is quite small in the context of those known to occur in the Googong-Burra locality, it supports all of the characteristics of very high quality habitat and is apparently quite densely occupied. Furthermore, it is likely that the habitat patch extends well into the adjoining O’Keefe Reserve, and thus, it may be a component of a much larger habitat patch.

Plate 9. Adult Pink-tailed Worm-lizard A. parapulchella.

Plate 10. Representative photograph of rocky habitat – not Pink-tailed Worm-lizard habitat

Plate 11. Representative photograph of confirmed Pink-tailed Worm-lizard habitat 5.4.5.2 Golden Sun Moth

No Golden Sun Moth individuals or other evidence of Golden Sun Moth occurrence was recorded within the study area during the surveys.

The results of the four completed OEH Grassland Habitat Assessment Transects are provided in Table 11 (Appendix 2). As detailed in Table 11, much of the study area supports characteristically suitable habitat for the Golden Sun Moth.

Plate 12. Representative photograph of potential GSM habitat surveyed. Note: as illustrated in this photograph, much of the area surveyed supports a high proportion of Short Wallaby Grass Rytidosperma carphoides, a favoured fodder species for the Golden Sun Moth. The absence of Golden Sun Moths recorded across the completed full survey program of targeted surveys for the Golden Sun Moth provides strong evidence for the absence of the Golden Sun Moth within the study area.

To date the only confirmed records of the Golden Sun Moth in the Googong – Burra locality are located approximately 5.5 kilometres northwest of the study area (Johnstone Centre in 2004). Those records occur in a patch of remnant Natural Temperate Grassland (the primary habitat of the Golden Sun Moth) located on land that has been subject to a history of considerably lighter grazing than the study area. It is also relevant to note that no Golden Sun Moths have been recorded at Googong during any of the targeted surveys completed in recent years (Johnstone Centre in 2004, Biosis Research 2009, Capital Ecology 2015).

In light of the above, whilst the study area does occur within the broad distribution of the Golden Sun Moth and it does support an extensive area of characteristically suitable habitat, based on the results of this survey program and those of previous surveys completed nearby, it is now reasonable to assert that the species is highly unlikely to occur within the study area.

5.4.5.3 Threatened Woodland Birds

Three woodland bird species listed as vulnerable pursuant to the TSC Act were recorded within the study area during the surveys, namely the Scarlet Robin Petroica boodang, Flame Robin P. phoenica and Diamond Firetail Stagonopleura guttata.

Numerous small flocks of non-breeding Scarlet Robins and Flame Robins were observed foraging throughout much of the study area during the preliminary field inspection undertaken during winter 2015. Substantial flocks have been observed to over-winter in the open agricultural land across the locality (Biosis 2015, R. Speirs pers. obs.) and the presence of these species within the study area was also noted in previous years by KMA (KMA 2015).

Diamond Firetails were observed within the study area during each field survey, primarily associated with the large dense patch of remnant Drooping Sheoak on the northern slope of Mount Pleasant. Small flocks of the species were observed during winter and early spring with these breaking into breeding pairs from early November. As shown in Figure 6, a single active nest was observed in the canopy of a large Red Box and it is expected that other pairs nested this season in the Drooping Sheoak patch and immediate surrounds. Although no nests were observed, the Diamond Firetails and numerous other small birds were observed to frequently utilise the refuge offered by the large Briar Rose bushes in this portion of the study area. Diamond Firetails were observed to not stray further than approximately 100 metres from the Drooping Sheoak patch, indicating the importance of this dense patch of remnant trees to this species.

Legend Study_Area_Boundary QBN_LEP_Biodiversity EPBC_Act_Box-Gum_Woodland TSC_Act_Box-Gum_Woodland Likely_Extent_Of_PTWL_Presence Diamond_Firetail_Nest Snow_Gum_(E.pauciﬂora) Apple_Box_(E.bridgesiana) Red_Box_(E.polyanthemos) Broad-leaved_Peppermint_(E.dives) Mealy_Bundy_(E.nortonii) Candlebark_(E.rubida) Yellow_Box_(E.melliodora)

Note: EPBC Act Box-Gum Woodland is also TSC Act Box-Gum Woodland

Capital Ecology Project No: 2681 Drawn by: R. Speirs Date: 12 September 2016

0 100 200 300 400 m

Scale 1:7,200 @ A3, GDA 1994, MGA Zone 55

Acknowledgements. Image (c) Nearmap 2016. LEP Biodiversy Layer (c) QBN City Council

5.5 Likelihood of Occurrence Assessment

A likelihood of occurrence assessment for threatened flora and fauna species was undertaken as described in Section 4.4. The full likelihood of occurrence assessment is provided as Appendix 5.

Table 5 lists those threatened species or populations assigned a moderate or higher likelihood of occurrence within the study area.

As discussed in Section 7.2.2.1, the preparation of an Assessment of Significance (seven-part-test) is required pursuant to EP&A Act for all threatened species or populations that may be adversely impacted by the proposed development. It is of assistance to this assessment process to initially briefly assess each species or population with a moderate of higher likelihood of occurrence to separate those that have real potential to be adversely impacted upon from those that do not. For instance, a highly mobile species may visit the study area as a component of its large foraging range but the habitat is of no particular important to the species. Table 5 provides the results of this initial assessment and the corresponding determination regarding whether an Assessment of Significance is required.

Table 5. Potential for adverse impacts to species with moderate or higher likelihood of occurrence Key for below table

EPBC Act: TSC Act: CE - critically endangered CE1 - critically endangered (Part 1, Schedule 1A) E - endangered E1 - endangered species (Schedule 1, Part 1) V - vulnerable E2 - endangered population (Schedule 1, Part 2) CD - conservation dependent E4 - presumed extinct (Schedule 1, Part 4) V1 - vulnerable species (Schedule 2, Part 1)

Species Name Status Habitat Values Present Potential for Adverse Impact on Threatened Species or Population1 Is Impact Does the proposed development have the potential to: Assessment Required?2 EPBC TSC Cause the loss or disturbance Fragment Adversely affect Act Act of limiting foraging or limiting stages of the lifecycle breeding resources? habitat? of the species? study area. The study area does not support potential roosting habitat. Pteropus poliocephalus V - This species may visit the study area to No No No No Grey-headed Flying Fox feed on the overstorey trees present. However, there are no camps (roost sites) in the Googong-Burra locality and camps are usually located near large waterbodies. The more modified portions of the study area are less likely to be visited by the species. Birds Anthochaera phrygia E CE1 This species may visit the less modified No No No No Regent Honeyeater eastern portions of the study area to feed on flowering eucalypts and mistletoe during broad regional movements. This species is unlikely to visit the more modified portions of the study area. Chthonicola sagittata - V1 The eastern less modified potion of the No No No No Speckled Warbler study area provides potential habitat for this species, however it is unlikely to visit the more modified portions of the study area. Climacteris picumnus - V1 The eastern less modified potion of the No No No No victoriae study area provides potential habitat Brown Treecreeper for this species, however it is unlikely

Species Name Status Habitat Values Present Potential for Adverse Impact on Threatened Species or Population1 Is Impact Does the proposed development have the potential to: Assessment Required?2 EPBC TSC Cause the loss or disturbance Fragment Adversely affect Act Act of limiting foraging or limiting stages of the lifecycle breeding resources? habitat? of the species? (eastern subspecies) to visit the more modified portions of the study area. Hieraaetus morphnoides - V1 The study area may be part of the large No No No No Little Eagle foraging range of a pair of Little Eagles, however this species has not been recorded during past field surveys and no indications of breeding activity have been observed within the study area. Petroica boodang - V1 The study area provides winter foraging Yes No No Yes Scarlet Robin habitat for the species. The eastern less Refer to modified portion of the study area may Section also provide potential breeding habitat, 7.2.2.1 however the species was not observed to remain within the study area into spring-summer indicating that the species breeds elsewhere. Petroica phoenica - V1 The study area provides winter foraging Yes No No Yes Flame Robin habitat for this species. The study area Refer to does not provide potential breeding Section habitat for the species. 7.2.2.1 Stagonopleura guttata - V1 The more densely treed patches in the Yes No Yes Yes Diamond Firetail eastern portion of the study area Refer to provide confirmed breeding habitat for Section this species. These patches and the 7.2.2.1 surrounding open land provides foraging habitat.

Species Name Status Habitat Values Present Potential for Adverse Impact on Threatened Species or Population1 Is Impact Does the proposed development have the potential to: Assessment Required?2 EPBC TSC Cause the loss or disturbance Fragment Adversely affect Act Act of limiting foraging or limiting stages of the lifecycle breeding resources? habitat? of the species? Reptiles Aprasia parapulchella V V Based on the rock characteristics, the No No No No Pink-tailed Worm-lizard composition and condition of the groundcover vegetation and the results of the completed targeted survey, the portion of the study area considered likely to currently support this species is that shown in Figure 4. This patch of confirmed habitat is located entirely within the proposed Biodiversity Conservation Area and thus it will be conserved and not impacted by the proposed development. 1Table adapted from the Threatened Species Assessment Guidelines – The Assessment of Significance (DECC 2007). 2 EPBC Act Significant Impact Criteria assessment and/or EP&A Act Assessment of Significance (seven-part-test) (refer Section 7.2.2.1).

5.6 Noxious Weeds

As detailed in Table 9 and Table 10 in Appendix 1, 50 exotic plant species were recorded within the study area. Whilst the majority of these are common weeds across the agricultural land throughout the region, the species detailed in Table 6 are listed as a Weed or National Significance (Commonwealth) and/or are listed as a noxious species in the Queanbeyan LGA.

Table 6. Noxious weed occurrence Key for below table

 WoNS - (Commonwealth) Weed of National Significance  Noxious weed status under the NSW Noxious Weeds Act 1993 (Queanbeyan LGA) Class 1 State prohibited species Class 2 Regionally prohibited species Class 3 Regionally controlled species Class 4 Regionally restricted species Class 5 Restricted plant

Name Growth Form Status Description of Occurrence Threat Level Echium plantagineum Forb <1.2m Class 4 Few scattered plants located in small Low patches in the more modified portions of the study area, primarily Paterson's Curse associated with stock camps. Eragrostis curvula Tussock Class 4 Few scattered plants and small Very High – In the absence of <1.2m patches, primarily located in the concerted control this currently northwest corner paddock (refer small infestation will rapidly African Love Grass Plate 13). proliferate throughout the study area. Hypericum perforatum Forb <1m Class 4 Numerous scattered plants located High across the lower elevated portions of the study area, primarily associated St John's Wort with stock camps and other disturbed areas. Nassella trichotoma Tussock WoNS, A large infestation of >500 plants is Critical – In the absence of <0.6m Class 4 present in the centre of the study concerted control this area and scattered plants occur infestation will rapidly continue Serrated Tussock across the eastern paddocks (refer to proliferate throughout the Plate 14). study area and into adjoining properties. Orobanche minor Forb Class 1 Few scattered individual plants occur Low <0.4m around the large stock camp located in the eastern portion of the study Lesser Broomrape area.

Name Growth Form Status Description of Occurrence Threat Level Rosa rubiginosa Shrub Class 4 Scattered plants occur throughout Moderate – Control of this <3m the lower elevated land, notably species is recommended, around the eastern paddocks. A few however this should occur in Briar Rose large bushes are located along the conjunction with planting of fence immediately north of the large native shrubs to replace the patch of Drooping Sheoak on the small bird habitat removed. northern slope of Mount Pleasant. Rubus fruticosis Shrub/bramble WoNS, A few small brambles occur along the Low-moderate – The infestation <3m Class 4 creeks within the study area. The is currently at low levels but current infestation is light in should be controlled to Blackberry comparison to similar sites in the maintain this. locality.

Plate 13. African Love Grass plants and small patches.

Plate 14. Large patch of Serrated Tussock. 5.7 Pest Animals

As detailed in Table 12 in Appendix 3, 11 exotic animal species were recorded within the study area. Of these European Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus, Feral Pig Sus scrofa and Red Fox Vulpes vulpes are listed as declared pest species and species which are the cause of or key contributor a declared Key Threatening Process.

Few foxes were observed within the study area and the presence of feral pigs was observed only from the small patches of rooting along the drainage lines in the eastern portion of the study area. Such infestation levels are consistent with those across similar agricultural land in the Googong-Burra locality (R. Speirs pers. obs.).

The study area currently contains a very large rabbit infestation with numerous large warrens present, particularly around the periphery of Mount Pleasant (refer Plate 15). These rabbits are causing considerable erosion and other damage to the ecological and environmental values of the study area through intense grazing, warren construction, run formation and nutrification. The implementation of a broad scale and intensive rabbit control program is required to halt or at least substantially reduce the impacts associated with this pest species.

Plate 15. Large rabbit warren on northern slope of Mount Pleasant.

6 Proposed Measures to Avoid, Minimise and Mitigate Impacts on Biodiversity

6.1 Proposed Measures to Avoid, Minimise and Mitigate Impacts

6.1.2 Development Design/Layout

The following measures have been incorporated into the design and layout of the proposed development to avoid and minimise impacts of the upon biodiversity values, particularly those of recognised conservation significance.

Biodiversity Conservation Area

As shown in Figure 7, the establishment of a 107 hectare ‘Biodiversity Conservation Area’ (39% of the study area) which will include the following.

1. The entire area of each Zone 1 of each Plant Community Type (PCT) south of Burra Road. Notably, this will include all of the EPBC Act listed Box-Gum Woodland TEC south of Burra Road.

2. The patch of confirmed Pink-tailed Worm Lizard habitat as well as most of the other rocky habitat within the study area.

3. All of the high quality woodland bird habitat occurring within the study area, south of Burra Road. Notably, all of the Drooping Sheoak, other dense patches of woody vegetation and the areas observed to be of importance to threatened woodland birds will be included.

4. All of the steep sloping land within the study area, including the summit and slopes of Mount Pleasant.

In addition to the above, from a landscape perspective, the proposed Biodiversity Conservation Area will include all of the land within the study area (south of Burra Road) of significance to the retention of the fauna habitat linkage running generally north-south along the eastern portion of the study area. The fauna habitat value of the remnant eucalypts located within the proposed development footprint is likely to be limited to that of ‘stepping-stones’, primarily for birds common to rural environs. All of these trees are proposed to be retained and their stepping-stone function is unlikely to be substantially altered.

The establishment of the proposed Biodiversity Conservation Area will also maintain (and enhance, refer Section 6.1.3) the direct linkage to the expanses of high biodiversity conservation value land located to the east within Palerang LGA (i.e. within O’Keefe’s Reserve and Googong Foreshores beyond).

The majority of the Biodiversity Conservation Area will become the community titled parcel of land known as Community Lot 1 (refer Figure 7).

It is recognised that the proposed Biodiversity Conservation Area (developed based on the ground- truthed values presented in this F&FA) varies from the area identified on the ‘Biodiversity’ layer of the LEP Terrestrial Biodiversity Map Sheet BIO_001. As illustrated on Figure 6, whilst the Biodiversity layer

© Capital Ecology Pty Ltd 2016 53 roughly reflects the areas of the study area of highest biodiversity significance, the mapping as it relates to the study area requires considerable refinement. Specifically, the Biodiversity layer:

1. Does not include substantial areas of the Zone 1 areas of both PCT999 and PCT1334 west of Mount Pleasant. These areas support the highest quality Box-Gum Woodland within the study area.

2. Includes much of the toe slope and mid slope land around the western and northern sides of Mount Pleasant. These areas primarily support Zones 2 and 3 of PCT1334 which are characterised as low diversity native or exotic grassland/pasture, with or without scattered remnant eucalypts. Beyond protecting the remnant trees in this area, little would be gained by including this area in the proposed Biodiversity Conservation Area.

3. Does not include most of the confirmed Pink-tailed Worm-lizard habitat.

4. Does not include the land of high fauna habitat linkage value located in the south-east corner of the study area which is directly linked to the high biodiversity conservation value land located to the east within Palerang LGA (i.e. within O’Keefe’s Reserve and Googong Foreshores beyond).

5. Includes two fingers which extend across the western paddocks but do not represent any substantial watercourse or other important habitat feature on the ground.

Infrastructure and lot location

As shown in Figure 7, the following impact avoidance measures have been included in the location and design of infrastructure and rural residential lots.

1. The location of public roads, positioning of building envelopes and alignment of boundary fences in a manner that allows for the retention of all remnant trees.

Given their high habitat value and the long period of time required for woodland eucalypts to reach the age at which hollows begin to develop (i.e. generally >100 years), the retention of hollow-bearing and other remnant eucalypts has been included as a key priority during development design.

2. The stipulation of two hectares as the minimum lot size.

3. The stipulation of 2,000m2 (0.2 hectare) maximum building envelope size. This restricts the area of the lot that may be cleared for development related activities to a maximum of 10% of the lot.

4. The designation of a specific location for the building envelopes where the subject lot includes PCT Zones 1 or 2. In such cases, the designated position is located in Zone 3 (exotic) areas or in a manner that otherwise minimises impacts.

6.1.3 Biodiversity Protection Controls and Enhancement Measures

Vegetation Management Plan

The Mount Pleasant Rural Residential Subdivision – Vegetation Management Plan (VMP) (Capital Ecology 2016) (refer Appendix 7) has been developed to provide specifications for revegetation works and other planting to occur within the subdivision and Biodiversity Conservation Area. More specifically, the VMP details the suite of management measures to be implemented specific to each of the following three ‘Vegetation Management Areas’(VMAs).

1. Vegetation Management Area 1 – Community Biodiversity Conservation Area.

VMA 1 will comprise the community titled portions of the Biodiversity Conservation Area (i.e. Community Lot 1, refer Figure 7). As detailed in the VMP, VMA 1 will be subject to active measures which aim to conserve and enhance the condition of the ecological communities within and increase the habitat value of the area for native flora and fauna, notably threatened fauna. The proposed measures include replanting 3,000 woodland trees and shrubs (notably Drooping Sheoak to increase the potential habitat value for Glossy Black-cockatoos, aiming to encourage more visitation of the broader locality by this species), initial and ongoing weed control and control of vertebrate fauna pest species (notably rabbits).

2. Vegetation Management Area 2 – Private Biodiversity Conservation Area.

VMA 2 will comprise the portions of the Biodiversity Conservation Area included within privately owned lots. In a similar manner to VMA 1, VMA 2 will be subject to active measures which aim to conserve and enhance the condition of the ecological communities encompassed and increase the habitat value of the area for native flora and fauna, notably threatened fauna. The appropriate management and enhancement of VMA 2 will be of particular value as a means of strengthening the biodiversity corridor which runs north-south along the eastern side of the study area.

3. Vegetation Management Area 3 – Biodiversity Covenant Areas.

VMA 3 will comprise the portions of private lots that support Vegetation Zone 2 of either PCT999 or PCT1334. The portions of private lots encompassed by VMA 3 will be subject to land management provisions requiring landowners to retain all remnant trees, plant only trees of species indigenous to the locality and maintain the ‘native grassland’ characteristics of the groundstorey.

Community Management Statement (CMS)

The Mount Pleasant Rural Residential Subdivision – Community Management Statement (CMS) (Holding Redlich, Draft 2015) has been developed to provide controls relating to the management of the subdivision during occupation. Once endorsed and implemented, the CMS will provide in perpetuity legal certainty for the measures detailed in the VMP (among numerous other elements). CMS ‘Part 5 – By-Laws Required by Authorities’ will ensure that the authorities have the power to enforce the implementation of the VMP in perpetuity. The following biodiversity protection related controls will be enforced to protect biodiversity values following occupation of the lots.

1. Lot owners must preserve all remnant eucalypts within their lot.

2. Lot owners must comply with the requirements of the Vegetation Management Plan (i.e. becoming conditions of consent as applied via the CMS) applicable to the lot.

3. On all lots contained either partly or wholly within the Biodiversity Conservation Area, an owner and/or occupier must ensure that all native vegetation within the Biodiversity Conservation Area is protected and managed in a way that facilitates and encourages regeneration of indigenous native species, using the strategies nominated below:

a. no clearing or removal of native vegetation, including standing trees (living or dead), fallen dead timber greater than 20 cm diameter, shrubs, grasses or groundcovers (except for the purposes of constructing a single vehicle access road (driveway) between the public road and the building envelope), unless approval is obtained from the Council or other relevant authority;

b. no keeping of hooved animals (either on a permanent or temporary basis) on the lot, unless approval is obtained from the Council or other relevant authority;

c. light grazing is permitted provided that grazing is confined to those parts of these Lots outside the Biodiversity Conservation Area and that a stock proof fence (hinge jointed mesh and two plain wire strands) is erected to ensure no grazed animals may enter the Biodiversity Conservation Area areas. Stocking rates are not to exceed 1 horse or cow (or equivalent) per 2 hectares of grazing and/or 5 sheep or goats (or equivalent) per 2 hectares of grazing land. Groundcover must not fall below 70% coverage before stock is removed.

d. no species listed as prohibited plants in the Vegetation Management Plan may be planted on the lot; and

e. landscaping of the lot may only be carried out if it is complementary to the native indigenous vegetation of the lot, using species from the list provided in the Vegetation Management Plan. 6.2 Net Biodiversity Impact Position with Implementation of Measures

With the implementation of the above described impact avoidance, minimisation and mitigation measures, the residual impacts of the proposed development will be limited to the clearance of groundcover vegetation within Vegetation Zones 2 (low diversity native) and 3 (exotic) for the 2,000m2 maximum building envelopes and that required to construct public roads, internal driveways and install underground services.

6.3 Development vs Non-development – Future Net Biodiversity Values Position under each Scenario

As described above, the clearance of limited areas of lower condition vegetation cannot be avoided. As discussed in Section 7, given the substantial reduction in impacts achieved through the incorporation of ecologically sensitive design measures, this residual impact is considered unlikely to significantly affect the relevant significant biodiversity values.

When assessing the likely impacts of a proposed development on biodiversity values, it is useful to also consider the likely future net biodiversity values in the non-development scenario. In this regard, the following salient points should be considered.

1. If the proposed development does not go ahead, then the current land management regime will continue unchanged. In this scenario:

a. the set stock grazing will continue, preventing tree regeneration and gradually yet progressively continuing to degrade and simplify the groundstorey;

b. with the lack of recruitment, the old remnant trees will senesce and die without replacement, eventually turning the Zone 2 areas of scattered trees over modified grassland to modified grassland only (estimated to occur noticeable over the next 50 years);

c. the significant infestations of noxious weeds, notably Serrated Tussock and African Love Grass are unlikely to be effectively controlled, leading the proliferation of these species within the study area and potentially their spread into adjoining properties;

d. vertebrate pests, notably rabbits which are the cause of a declared Key Threatening Process, are unlikely to be effectively controlled, leading to continued land degradation; and

e. the erosion and sediment management measures proposed to address the significant erosion along Church Creek will not be implemented.

2. If the proposed development does not go ahead, then the substantial biodiversity protection and enhancement measures described in Section 6.1.3 and detailed in the VMP will not be implemented. Therefore, the potential benefits to biodiversity within the study area and broader locality would not be realised.

Given the above, it is reasonable to suggest that the non-development scenario, with its corresponding lack of action and continuance of degrading factors, may in fact result in an inferior medium to long term outcome for the biodiversity values of the study area.

Legend Study_Area_Boundary Development Lot Layout Proposed_Biodiversity_Conservaon_Area Building_Envelope B u EPBC_Act_Box-Gum_Woodland r ra TSC_Act_Box-Gum_Woodland R o a d Likely_Extent_Of_PTWL_Presence Diamond_Firetail_Nest Snow_Gum_(E.pauciﬂora) Apple_Box_(E.bridgesiana) Red_Box_(E.polyanthemos) Broad-leaved_Peppermint_(E.dives) Mealy_Bundy_(E.nortonii) Candlebark_(E.rubida) Yellow_Box_(E.melliodora)

Note: EPBC Act Box-Gum Woodland is also TSC Act Box-Gum Woodland

Community Lot 1

Capital Ecology Project No: 2681 Drawn by: R. Speirs Date: 12 September 2016

0 100 200 300 400 m

Scale 1:7,200 @ A3, GDA 1994, MGA Zone 55

7 Assessment against Biodiversity Conservation Legislation and Policy

This section provides an assessment of the proposed development against the current biodiversity conservation legislation and government policy. 7.1 Commonwealth

7.1.2 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The EPBC Act is the key Commonwealth Government legislation for the protection and conservation of Australia’s environment and biodiversity. The EPBC Act provides the legislative framework for the assessment and approval mechanism requiring that proposed ‘actions’ to be assessed in terms of their potential to impact upon ‘Matters of National Environmental Significance’ (MNES). MNES currently listed under the EPBC Act are:

• world heritage properties;

• natural heritage places;

• wetlands of international importance (listed under the Ramsar Convention);

• threatened species and ecological communities;

• migratory species (protected under international agreements);

• Commonwealth marine areas;

• the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park;

• nuclear actions (including uranium mining); and

• a water resource, in relation to coal seam gas development and large coal mining development.

Where a potential impact on a MNES may occur as a result of a proposed action, the significance of that impact must be assessed. Guidelines for determining whether an impact is significant are provided by the DoE (DoE 2013). If it is determined that a proposed action will, or is likely to, have a significant impact on a MNES, the action must be referred to the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment. The DoE will then consider the referred action and the Minister (or his/her Delegate) will make a determination regarding whether the action requires approval under the EPBC Act and associated conditions and controls.

The following website provides further information regarding the EPBC Act referral and approval process: http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/index.html

The MNES of relevance to the proposed development are described in Table 7. Table 7 also provides an assessment of the potential for the proposed development to significantly impact the MNES. As detailed in Table 7, referral of the proposed development is not required.

Table 7. Assessment of the potential for significant impacts upon MNES

MNES Occurrence/Relevance Assessment Threatened species The portions of the study area The entire area of EPBC Act listed Box-Gum Woodland present and ecological mapped as PCT1334 – Zone 1 are within the study area, south of Burra Road, will be included in communities consistent with the definition of the the proposed Biodiversity Conservation Area. As described in critically endangered listed ecological Section 6.1.3, this area will be subject to strict management community White Box – Yellow Box – conditions and controls which will ensure that the values of the Blakely's Red Gum grassy woodland community are conserved. and derived native grassland (Box- As detailed in Table 14, none of the EPBC Act listed threatened Gum Woodland). species with the potential to occur in the study area are likely Twenty-six (26) EPBC Act threatened to be impacted by the proposed development. species are known or considered likely to occur in the locality Migratory species Six (6) terrestrial migratory species An area of 'important habitat' for a migratory species is defined are known or considered likely to by the Department of the Environment (DoE 2013) as: occur in the locality. • habitat utilised by a migratory species occasionally or periodically within a region that supports an ecologically significant proportion of the population of the species; and/or • habitat that is of critical importance to the species at particular lifecycle stages; and/or • habitat utilised by a migratory species which is at the limit of the species range; and/or • habitat within an area where the species is declining. While some of the relevant listed migratory species may visit the study area, the study area does not provide important habitat for an ecologically significant proportion of any migratory listed species. Wetlands of The study area is located in the The study area is remote from each of these Ramsar wetlands international catchment of three Ramsar and, as such, none will be significantly impacted be the importance wetlands: proposed development. (Ramsar wetlands)  Banrock Station Wetland The removal of stock grazing and effective management of Complex; sediment and erosion will result in improved water quality in  Coorong and Lakes Alexandrina flows to the receiving environment. and Albert; and  Riverland

7.2 New South Wales (State)

7.2.2 Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979

The EP&A Act was enacted to ensure that the impacts of proposed development or land-use changes on the environment (biodiversity and broader) are properly considered and controlled. The EP&A Act is administered by the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure.

The Parts of the EP&A Act of key relevance to the protection and conservation of biodiversity are discussed in the following sections. Consideration is provided regarding the implementation of EP&A Act for the proposed development.

7.2.2.1 Assessment of Significance (Section 5A)

Section 5A of the EP&A Act (and Section 94 of the TSC Act) outlines seven factors that must be taken into account in an Assessment of Significance (AoS) (known as a seven-part-test). If an AoS deems the development likely to significantly affect a threatened species, population, ecological communities or its habitat, a Species Impact Statement (SIS) must be prepared as outlined in Section 110 of the TSC Act.

The following website provides further information regarding the AoS and SIS preparation and assessment: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedspecies/tsaguide.htm

As discussed in Table 5, three TSC Act listed woodland birds were considered to warrant the preparation of an AoS. The resulting assessments are provided in Appendix 6, the results of which indicate that the proposed development is unlikely to significantly affect any of these species.

As described in Section 5.2.3, the portions of the study area mapped as PCT1334-Zone1 support the NSW listed TEC White Box – Yellow Box – Blakely’s Red Gum grassy woodland. The area mapped as PCT1334-Zone2 is also consistent with the listed community, albeit in a very marginal form. An AoS was prepared for this community and is provided in Appendix 6, the results of which indicate that the proposed development is unlikely to significantly affect this TEC.

Given the above, no SISs are required for the proposed development.

7.2.2.2 BioBanking Metric Assessment

Item 2 of the Request for Further Information (‘RFI’) received from Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (‘Council’), dated 6 June 2016, requested that the NSW BioBanking metric be applied to the vegetation mapping prepared by Capital Ecology across spring 2015 and presented in the version of this F&FA dated 8 February 2016.

It is noted that a BioBanking agreement/statement cannot be issued for the study area due to the non- urban land zone (i.e. E4 - Environmental Living). Notwithstanding this, as noted in the RFI, the BioBanking metric provides the most appropriate means of assessing the adequacy of the proposed offset (i.e. the Biodiversity Conservation Area) in a quantified, open and transparent manner. Accordingly, Capital Ecology has undertaken a BioBanking Metric Assessment to address RFI Item 2, a copy of which is provided as Appendix 8.

The conclusion of the BioBanking Metric Assessment is that the proposed establishment, protection and enhancement of the approx. 107 ha Biodiversity Conservation Area would sufficiently offset the impacts of the proposed development.

7.2.2.3 State Environmental Planning Policies

State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs) outline policy objectives relevant to state wide issues. No SEPPs of a biodiversity conservation focus are of relevance to the study area or the proposed development.

7.2.2.4 Local Environment Plan

The Queanbeyan Local Environment Plan (LEP) applies to the study area, providing the zoning of the land and stipulating what development and other activities may occur within the relevant zone.

‘Clause 7.3 Terrestrial Biodiversity’ of the LEP applies to land identified as ‘Biodiversity’ on the Terrestrial Biodiversity Map (BIO_001 maps). The objective of Clause 7.3 is to:

Maintain terrestrial biodiversity by:

(a) protecting native fauna and flora, and

(b) protecting the ecological processes necessary for their continued existence, and

In accordance with Clause 7.3, before determining a development application for development on land identified as ‘Biodiversity’, the consent authority must consider:

(a) whether the development is likely to have:

(i) any adverse impact on the condition, ecological value and significance of the fauna and flora on the land, and

(ii) any adverse impact on the importance of the vegetation on the land to the habitat and survival of native fauna, and

(iii) any potential to fragment, disturb or diminish the biodiversity structure, function and composition of the land, and

(iv) any adverse impact on the habitat elements providing connectivity on the land, and

(b) any appropriate measures proposed to avoid, minimise or mitigate the impacts of the development.

Development consent must not be granted to development on land on land identified as ‘Biodiversity’ unless the consent authority is satisfied that:

(a) the development is designed, sited and will be managed to avoid any significant adverse environmental impact, or

(b) if that impact cannot be reasonably avoided by adopting feasible alternatives-the development is designed, sited and will be managed to minimise that impact, or

Shown overlain on Figure 6, a substantial portion of the study area is subject to the ‘Biodiversity’ layer on the LEP Terrestrial Biodiversity Map Sheet BIO_001 maps. As discussed Section 6.1.2, whilst the Biodiversity layer roughly reflects the areas of the study area of highest biodiversity significance, the mapping as it relates to the study area requires considerable refinement.

As detailed in Section 6, the protection and conservation of terrestrial biodiversity has been a key consideration throughout the design of the proposed development. The proposed establishment and enhancement of the 107 hectare Biodiversity Conservation Area, together with the sensitive design and location of a lots, building envelopes and infrastructure, will avoid, minimise and mitigate impacts such that the proposed development is unlikely to result in any significant adverse impact upon the biodiversity values of the study area.

Given the above, the proposed development is consistent with the objective of Clause 7.3.

7.2.3 Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995

The TSC Act provides for the protection and conservation of biodiversity in NSW through the listing of threatened species, populations and communities, together with the listing of critical habitat and key threatening processes for these.

Critical habitat for an endangered or critically endangered species, population or ecological community is described on the Register of Critical Habitat maintained by OEH. The study area does not contain declared critical habitat for species, population or ecological community.

Under Section 91 licence of the TSC Act a licence is required for actions that are likely to result in:

• harm to, or picking of, a threatened species, population or ecological community;

• damage to a habitat of a threatened species, population or ecological community, including critical habitats.

Licensing provisions for protected flora and fauna are provided in the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974. However, a Section 91 licence may be extended to include protected flora and fauna when these will be affected by a proposed development or action.

The proposed development will retain all trees and most of the groundcover throughout the development footprint. Therefore, it will not result in substantial damage to habitat of a threatened species, population or ecological community. As such, a licence Under Section 91 licence of the TSC Act is unlikely to be required.

7.2.4 Native Vegetation Act 2003

The NV Act provides the framework for the management of native vegetation in NSW, preventing broad- scale clearing unless it improves or maintains environmental outcomes. Native vegetation is classified as any species of vegetation that existed in NSW before pastoral settlement, including trees, saplings, shrubs, scrub, understorey, groundcover or wetland plants.

Under the NV Act clearing of native vegetation is prohibited unless it is permitted for a routine agricultural management activities (RAMAs), is in accordance with development consent from the relevant Council or other authority or under a Property Vegetation Plan (PVP) approved by NSW Local Land Service.

The following website provides further information regarding NV Act and its application: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/vegetation/nvact.htm

The proposed development is the subject of a Development Application to be assessed by Queanbeyan- Palerang Regional Council under the provisions of the EP&A Act. On approval of the proposed development the clearing for ‘dwellings’ will be subject to an exclusion under Section 25 of the NV Act. However, the proposed clearance of native vegetation for the road network is not subject to an exemption, and therefore, this clearance requires consent under the NV Act.

CIC Australia has commenced the NV Act assessment process with South-East Local Land Services (LLS), the outcomes of which will be known following LLS’ onsite vegetation survey scheduled for October 2016.

7.2.5 Noxious Weeds Act 1993

The NW Act was enacted to provide for the identification, classification and control of declared noxious weeds. The Noxious Weeds (Weed Control) Order 2014 (known as Weed Control Order No. 30) (DPI 2014) details the weeds declared noxious in New South Wales under the NV Act. Weed Control Order No 30 lists the weed name, control class and legal control requirements for each species declared in a Local Control Authority area (generally aligning with a Local Government Area).

The following website provides further information regarding NW Act and its application: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/aboutus/about/legislation-acts/noxious-weeds

The declared noxious weeds recorded within the study area are detailed in Table 6. An occupier (other than a public authority or a Local Control Authority) is required under the NW Act to implement all reasonable measures to eradicate state prohibited weeds and comply with the stated requirements for a notifiable weeds and restricted plants.

7.2.6 Fisheries Management Act 1994

The objective of the FM Act is to conserve, develop and share the fishery resources of NSW for the benefit of present and future generations. The FM Act includes provisions to ensure the protection and conservation of aquatic species and their habitat throughout NSW. Similar to terrestrial species listed pursuant to the TSC Act, impacts to threatened species, populations and communities listed pursuant to the FM Act must be assessed via the Assessment of Significance process under Section 5A of the EP&A Act.

The study area does not support any community, species or potential habitat for any species listed pursuant to the FM Act, and therefore, the proposed development is unlikely to significantly affect any such species or population thereof. Accordingly, no further consideration of aquatic species and their habitat is provided herein. 7.3 Summary of Assessment Results and Requirements

This F&FA provides a thorough investigation into the currently listed significant biodiversity values (i.e. threatened flora and fauna species and threatened ecological communities) that occur or have the potential to occur within the study area. A thorough assessment has then been undertaken to assess the likely type and degree of any impacts that the proposed development may have upon the identified biodiversity values, as required in accordance with the EPBC Act, EP&A Act and TSC Act.

Table 8 provides a summary of the results of this assessment and the corresponding approval and/or permit requirements applicable pursuant to the current relevant biodiversity conservation legislation and government policy.

Table 8. Summary of assessment results and corresponding requirements

Legislation/Policy Relevant Biodiversity Value/s Assessment Results and Approval/Permit Requirement/s Commonwealth Environment Protection White Box – Yellow Box – As shown in Figure 7, the entire area of EPBC Act listed Box- and Biodiversity Blakely's Red Gum grassy Gum Woodland present within the study area, south of Burra Conservation Act 1999 woodland and derived native Road, will be included in the proposed Biodiversity grassland (EPBC Act Box-Gum Conservation Area. Strict management conditions and controls Woodland). will be implemented to ensure that the values of the listed Potential habitat for community are conserved. (refer to Section 6). threatened fauna species. As detailed in Table 14, none of the EPBC Act listed threatened species with the potential to occur in the study area are likely to be significantly impacted by the proposed development. The proposed development is unlikely to significantly impact upon any MNES. As such, referral of the development for consideration, and potentially assessment, under the provisions of the EPBC Act is not considered warranted. New South Wales (State) Environmental Planning & White Box – Yellow Box – As detailed in the AoSs provided in Appendix 6, the proposed Assessment Act 1979 Blakely's Red Gum grassy development is unlikely to significantly affect this TSC Act listed woodland (TSC Act Box-Gum TEC or any of the relevant TSC Act listed threatened species. Woodland). Accordingly, the preparation of Species Impact Statements or Potential habitat for the provision of a formal offset is not considered warranted for threatened fauna species. the proposed development. Notwithstanding the above, Capital Ecology has prepared a BioBanking Metric Assessment for the proposed development, the conclusion of which is that the proposed establishment, protection and enhancement of the approx. 107 ha Biodiversity Conservation Area would sufficiently offset the impacts of the proposed development. Queanbeyan Local Land mapped as ‘Biodiversity’ The proposed establishment and enhancement of the Environment Plan 2012 on the Terrestrial Biodiversity Biodiversity Conservation Area, together with the sensitive Map. design and location of a lots, building envelopes and infrastructure, will avoid, minimise and mitigate impacts such that the proposed development is unlikely to result in any significant adverse impact upon the biodiversity values of the study area. As such, the proposed development is consistent with the objective of Clause 7.3 of the Queanbeyan LEP.

Legislation/Policy Relevant Biodiversity Value/s Assessment Results and Approval/Permit Requirement/s Threatened Species White Box – Yellow Box – The study area does not contain declared critical habitat for Conservation Act 1995 Blakely's Red Gum grassy any species, population or ecological community. woodland (TSC Act Box-Gum The proposed development will retain all trees and most of the Woodland). groundcover throughout the development footprint. Potential habitat for Therefore, it will not result in substantial damage to habitat of threatened fauna species. a threatened species, population or ecological community. As such, a licence under Section 91 of the TSC Act is unlikely to be required. Fisheries Management Act None. The study area does not support any community, species, or 1994 potential habitat for any species, listed pursuant to the FM Act. Native Vegetation Act Native vegetation. The proposed development is the subject of a Development 2003 Application to be assessed by Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council under the provisions of the EP&A Act. On approval of the proposed development the clearing for ‘dwellings’ will be subject to an exclusion under Section 25 of the NV Act. However, the proposed clearance of native vegetation for the road network is not subject to an exemption, and therefore, this clearance requires consent under the NV Act. CIC Australia has commenced the NV Act assessment process with South-East Local Land Services (LLS), the outcomes of which will be known following LLS’ onsite vegetation survey scheduled for October 2016. Noxious Weeds Act 1993 Noxious weeds. The occupier is required under the NW Act to implement all reasonable measures in accordance with the requirements of Weed Control Order No. 30. As detailed in Section 7.2.5, this is of particular relevance for the control of the Serrated Tussock and African Love Grass within the study area as these species currently pose a very high to critical threat level to the biodiversity values of the study area and adjoining land.

8 Conclusion

This F&FA presents the results of a thorough investigation undertaken by Capital Ecology into the currently listed significant biodiversity values that occur or have the potential to occur within the study area. The results of this study, together with information obtained from a review of relevant databases and literature, have informed our assessment of the significance of the impacts that the proposed development is likely to have upon the identified biodiversity values.

Based on our completed assessment, we conclude that, with the implementation of the proposed measures to avoid, minimise and mitigate impacts upon biodiversity values (as detailed in Section 6), the proposed development is:

4. likely to accord with the NSW Government’s policy objective that development results in a ‘net improvement in biodiversity over time’.

References

Biosis (2015). Googong Township Neighbourhoods 2 to 5 – Ecological Values and Constraints Assessment. Author: S. Vertucci. Prepared for Googong Township Pty Ltd.

Capital Ecology (2016). Mount Pleasant Rural Residential Subdivision – Vegetation Management Plan. Final – February 2016. Prepared for CIC Australia Pty Ltd. Author: R. Speirs. Project no. 2681.

Cosgrove (2014). Photographic Guide to Native Plants of the Australian Capital Territory. Published by Meadow Argus.

DECCW (2011). NSW BioCertification Assessment Methodology. NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water.

DECC (2007). Threatened Species Assessment Guidelines – The Assessment of Significance. NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change.

DEH (2006). Policy Statement 3.5: White Box – Yellow Box – Blakely’s Red Gum grassy woodlands and derived native grasslands. Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Commonwealth Department of Environment and Heritage.

DEWHA (2009). Background Paper to EPBC Act Policy Statement 3.12 - Significant Impact Guidelines for the Critically Endangered Golden Sun Moth (Synemon plana). Commonwealth Department of Water, Heritage and the Arts.

DoE (2013). Matters of National Environmental Significance - Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1. Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Commonwealth Department of the Environment.

DPI (2014). Noxious Weeds (Weed Control) Order 2014 (Weed Control Order No. 30). NSW Department of Primary Industries.

Eddy D., Mallinson D., Rehwinkel R. and Sharp S. (2011). Grassland Flora – A field quide to for the Southern Tablelands (NSW & ACT).

Harden G.J. (2002). Flora of New South Wales. Volume 1-4. University of New South Wales Press Ltd., Kensington.

Holding Redlich (2015). Mount Pleasant Rural Residential Subdivision – Community Management Statement (Draft). Prepared for CIC Australia Pty Ltd.

Johnstone Centre (2004). Environmental Assessment – Googong Urban Investigation Area. A report to Willana Associates Pty Ltd. Report No. 66, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga. Authors: L. Thompson and B. Mullins.

Jones S.R. (1999). Conservation biology of the pink-tailed worm lizard (Aprasia parapulchella). PhD thesis, Applied Ecology Research Group, University of Canberra.

Kevin Mills & Associates (2015). Revised Report, Flora and Fauna Assessment, Rural Residential Subdivision. Mount Pleasant, Burra Road, Queanbeyan. Report prepared for CIC Australia, Canberra, July.

NSW NPWS (2002). Identification Guidelines for Endangered Ecological Communities - White Box Yellow Box Blakely's Red Gum Woodland (Box-Gum Woodland). NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

NSW Scientific Committee (2002). Final Determination: White Box Yellow Box Blakely's Red Gum Woodland. Gazetted 15 March 2002.

OEH (2016). NSW Vegetation Information System. NSW Office of Environment and Heritage. http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/research/Vegetationinformationsystem.htm

Osborne W.S. and Jones S.R. (1995). Recovery plan for the Pink-tailed Worm Lizard Aprasia parapulchella. Technical Report No.10. ACT Parks and Conservation Service.

Queanbeyan City Council (2012). Local Environmental Plan. Terrestrial Biodiversity Map Sheet BIO_001. http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/mapindex?type=epi-made&year=2012&no=576

Richardson F.J, Richardson R.G. and Shepherd R.C.H (2011). Weeds of the South-East – An Identification Guide for Australia. Second Edition.

SpaceLab (2015). Mt. Pleasant Burra - Landscape Master Plan. Prepared for CIC Australia.

Wood D. and Wood B. (2005). Flowers of the ACT & Region – A field guide. Wood’s Books, ACT.

Appendices

Appendix 1. Recorded Flora Species and Vegetation Survey Data

Key for below tables

EPBC Act: TSC Act: # - Native species outside of its natural distribution CE - critically endangered CE1 - critically endangered (Part 1, Schedule 1A) WoNS - (Commonwealth) Weed of National Significance E - endangered E1 - endangered species (Schedule 1, Part 1) Noxious weed status under the NSW Noxious Weeds Act 1993 (Queanbeyan LGA) V - vulnerable E2 - endangered population (Schedule 1, Part 2) Class 1 State prohibited species CD - conservation dependent E4 - presumed extinct (Schedule 1, Part 4) Class 2 Regionally prohibited species V1 - vulnerable species (Schedule 2, Part 1) Class 3 Regionally controlled species Class 4 Regionally restricted species Class 5 Restricted plant

Table 9. Vegetation survey data – species recorded during transect/plot surveys

Vegetation Surveys Plots and Transects - Data summary Survey Date 23/11/2015 to 24/11/2015 Surveyors Robert Speirs and Alex Christie

Plant Community Type (PCT) Code 999 1289 1334 Vegetation Zone 1 1 2 2 3 3 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 Transect/Plot Number 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 Transect/Plot Identifier 999.1.1 999.1.2 999.2.1 999.2.2 999.3.1 999.3.2 1289.1.1 1289.1.2 1289.2.1 1289.2.2 1334.1.1 1334.1.2 1334.1.3 1334.2.1 1334.2.2 1334.2.3 1334.3.1 1334.3.2

Native overstorey cover % 20 16 0 3 0 13 0 0 0 0 30 1.5 0 0 16 10 6.5 0 Native midstorey cover % 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Native groundcover (shrubs) % 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Native groundcover (grasses) % 18 58 52 62 8 0 46 60 14 32 38 80 64 52 52 44 0 6 Native groundcover (other) % 36 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 16 4 4 0 2 4 0 0 Exotic groundcover % 18 6 44 26 78 78 38 28 86 68 22 16 32 28 54 34 27 94

Total length of fallen logs (m) 108 34 0 2 0 39 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Number of trees with hollows 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Species Name Common Name Status Overstorey Broad-leaved Eucalyptus dives Peppermint X,R Eucalyptus melliodora Yellow Box X X,R X X X Eucalyptus nortonii Mealy Bundy X,R X X X,R Eucalyptus polyanthemos Red Box X Eucalyptus rossii Scribbly Gum X

Midstorey Allocasuarina verticillata Drooping Sheoak X Bursaria spinosa subsp. spinosa Native Blackthorn X Groundcover Native Acaena ovina Sheep's Burr X X Asperula conferta Common Woodruff X X X X X Austrostipa bigeniculata Tall Speargrass X X X X X X X X Austrostipa scabra Corkscrew X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Bossiaea buxifolia Matted Bossiaea X Bothriochloa macra Red-leg Grass X X X X X Bulbine bulbosa Bulbine Lily X X Bursaria spinosa subsp. spinosa Native Blackthorn X X Carex appressa Tall Sedge X X Carex inversa Knob Sedge X X X X Cassinia quinquefaria Sifton Bush X Cheilanthes austrotenuifolia Rock Fern X X Chloris truncata Windmill Grass X Chrysocephalum apiculatum Common Everlasting X X Convolvulus angustissimus Austral Bindweed X X X X X Cullen microcephalum Dusky Scurfpea X Cymbonotus lawsonianus Austral Bears-ear X X X X X X Cynoglossum suaveolens Sweet Hound's Tongue X Daucus glochidiatus Native Carrot X Desmodium varians Slender Tick-trefoil X X X Dianella revoluta Black-anther Flax-lily X Dichelachne sp. Plume Grass X Dichondra repens Kidney Weed X Dichopogon fimbriatus Nodding Chocolate Lily X Drosera peltata Pale Sundew X Elymus scaber Wheat Grass X X X X X X X X Euchiton sp. Native Cudweed X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Geranium solanderi Native Geranium X X X X X X X X X Gonocarpus tetragynus Raspwort X X Hardenbergia violacea False Sarsparilla X Hibbertia obtusifolia Grey Guinea-flower X Hydrocotyle laxiflora Stinking Pennywort X X X Hypericum gramineum Small St John's Wort X X X X Juncus australis Austral Rush X X X X X X X X Juncus subsecundus Finger Rush X X X X

Leptorhynchos squamatus Scaly Buttons X X Lomandra filiformis subsp. coriacea Wattle Mat-rush X X X X Luzula densiflora Woodrush X Melichrus urceolatus Urn Heath X Microlaena stipoides Weeping Grass X X X X X X X X X Microtis unifolia Common Onion Orchid X Oreomyrrhis eriopoda Australian Carraway X X Oxalis perennans Perennial Oxalis X X X X X X X X X Panicum effusum Hairy Panic X X X X X Plantago varia Variable Plantain X X Poa sieberiana Snow Grass X X X X X X X X X Rubus parvifolius Native Raspberry X Rumex brownii Swamp Dock X X X X X X X X X X X Rytidosperma sp. Wallaby Grass X X X X X X X X X X X X Schoenus apogon Common Bog Sedge X X X X Solenogyne dominii Smooth Solenogyne X X X X Themeda triandra Kangaroo Grass X X X X X Tricoryne elatior Yellow Rush-lily X X X Triptilodiscus pygmaeus Common Sunray X X X X Viola betonicifolia Arrowhead Violet X Vittadinia cuneata Fuzzweed X Narrow-leaved New Vittadinia muelleri Holland Daisy X X X Wahlenbergia sp. Blue Bell X X X X X X X X X Wurmbea dioica Early Nancy X Total Native Groundcover Species 59 23 19 9 10 8 2 16 10 7 7 34 27 17 14 9 12 1 7 Exotic Acetosella vulgaris Sorrel X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Aira sp. Air Grass X X X X X X X X X X X Briza maxima Quaking Grass X X Briza minor Shivery Grass X X X X Bromus sp. Brome Grass X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Carthamus lanatus Saffron Thistle X X X X X X X X X X X X Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd's Purse X X X Centaurium erythraea Common Centaury X X X X X X Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle X X X X X X X X X X X Conyza sp. Fleabane X X X X X X X Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn X Cyperus eragrostis Umbrella Sedge X Eleusine tristachya Goose Grass X Eragrostis curvula African Love Grass Class 4 X Erodium sp. Storksbill X X X X X X X X X

Gamochaeta sp. Spike Cudweed X X X X X X X Hirschfeldia incana Hoary Mustard X X Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog X X X Hordeum sp. Barley Grass X X X X X X X Hypericum perforatum St John's Wort Class 4 X X X X Hypochaeris glabra Smoot Cat's Ear X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Hypochaeris radicata Flatweed X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Lolium perenne Perennial Ryegrass X X Malva sp. Mallow X X X WoNS, Nassella trichotoma Serrated Tussock Class 4 X Onopordum acanthium Scotch Thistle X X X X X X X Orobanche minor Lesser Broomrape Class 1 X Paronychia brasiliana Brazilian Whitlow X X X X X X X X X X X Petrorhagia nanteuilii Proliferous Pink X X X X X Phalaris aquatica Phalaris X X Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain X X Poa bulbosa Bulbous Bluegrass X X X Rosa rubiginosa Briar Rose Class 4 X X X X X X Salvia verbenaca Wild Sage X Solanum linnaeanum Apple of Sodom X Sonchus sp. Milk Thistle X X Spergularia rubra Red Sand-spurrey X Trifolium sp. Clover X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Verbascum thapsus Great Mullein X X X X X X Vulpia sp. Rat's Tail Fescue X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Total Exotic Groundcover Species 40 15 17 10 15 11 13 15 14 12 14 15 15 15 14 15 13 9 10

Table 10. Vegetation survey data – additional species recorded

Species Name Common Name Status Overstorey Amyema pendulum Drooping Mistletoe Eucalyptus blakelyi Blakely's Red Gum Eucalyptus bridgesiana Apple Box Eucalyptus pacuiflora Snow Gum Eucalyptus rubida Candlebark Pinus radiata Radiata Pine Midstorey Acacia dealbata Silver Wattle Acacia implexa Hickory Leptospermum myrtifolium Swamp Teatree Groundcover Native Acaena novae-zelandiae Bidgee Widgee Alternanthera sp. Joyweed Aristida ramosa Three-awned Speargrass Bossiaea buxifolia Matted Bossiaea Cheilanthes sieberi Mulga Fern Craspedia variabilis Billy Buttons Crassula sieberiana Australian Stonecrop Cryptandra amara Bitter Cryptandra Cymboporgon refractus Barb-wire Grass Cynodon dactylon Couch Grass Cynoglossum australe Austral Hound's Tongue Eleocharis acuta Small Spike Rush Eleocharis sphacelata Tall Spike Rush Enneapogon nigricans Nineawn Grass Epilobium billardierianum Willowherb Exocarpos cupressiformis Native Cherry Haloragis heterophylla Swamp Raspwort Hovea linearis Creeping Hovea Lachnagrostis filiformis Blown Grass Lomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rush Lomandra multiflora Many-flowered Mat-rush Pimelea curviflora Curved Rice-flower Poa labillardieri River Tussock Rytidosperma pallidum Red-anther Wallaby Grass Scleranthus biflorus Twin-flowered Knawel Senecio quadridentatus Cotton Fireweed Vittadinia gracilis Woolly New Holland Daisy Total Additional Native Groundcover Species 27

Exotic Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel Avena sp. Oats Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot Echium plantagineum Paterson's Curse Class 4 Marrubium vulgare Horehound Parentucellia latifolia Common Bartsia Pentaschistis airoides False Hairgrass Rubus fruticosis Blackberry WoNS, Class 4 Sanguisorba minor Sheep's Burnet Stellaria media Chickweed Total Additional Exotic Groundcover Species 10

Appendix 2. Grassland Fauna Habitat Transect Data

Table 11. Summary of results from Grassland Habitat Transects

Note: bolded numbers on yellow provide the percentage of the groundstorey cover comprising Rytidosperma spp., the primary natural fodder genus for the Golden Sun Moth.

Project 2681 - Mount Pleasant Flora and Fauna Assessment - GSM Surveys Assessor/s Robert Speirs and Alex Christie Date Thursday, 10 December 2015 Transect Number T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 700128 700015 700394 700868 700386 Transect start waypoint 6072819 6073081 6073445 6073694 6074041 700175 699966 700445 700857 700382 Transect end waypoint 6072822 6073096 6073432 6073644 6074093 Dominant noxious weed species Nassella Nassella Nassella Eragrostis None (transect area) trichotoma trichotoma trichotoma curvula Dominant non-noxious exotic perennial None None None None None grass species (transect area) Number of hits along a 50m transect No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % Bare ground 4 8 4 8 3 6 5 10 Cryptogam

Embedded rock Loose surface rock Strata Detached leaf litter Large tussock base (>10cm basal dia) 3 6 3 6 7 14 5 10 1 2

Small tussock base (<10cm basal dia)

Exotic perennial grass

Exotic annual grass 12 24 13 26 7 14 4 8 11 22 Trifolium spp. Exotic forb 7 14 9 18 1 2 2 4

Exotic plant cover Noxious weed Native forb 1 2 Native shrub Sedge/rush 3 6 Rytidosperma spp. 4 8 14 28 23 46 27 54 19 38 Austrostipa spp. 2 4 3 6 15 30 7 14 9 18 Elymus scaber 9 18 2 4 2 4 2 4

Panicum spp. 2 4 4 8 1 2 2 4 native cover native Dichlachne spp. Bothriochloa macra 2 4 1 2 4 8

Perennial Themeda australis 1 2 2 4 2 4

Microlena spp. Aristida ramosa Joycea spp. Poa spp. 4 8 1 2 Totals 50 100 50 100 50 100 50 100 50 100

Appendix 3. Vertebrate Fauna Species Recorded

Key for below table

D - Declared Pest Species under the NSW Local Land Services Act 2013 KTP - Key contributor to a Key Threatening Process listed under the EPBC Act.

Table 12. Fauna species recorded

Species Name Common Name Status Observed Occurrence for Notable Species Native Mammals Macropus bicolor Swamp Wallaby Macropus giganteus Eastern Grey Kangaroo Tachyglossus aculeatus Short-beaked Echidna Vombatus ursinus Common Wombat Birds Acanthiza chrysorrhoa Yellow-rumped Thornbill Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris Eastern Spinebill Acrocephalus stentoreus Clamorous Reed-Warbler Anas gracilis Grey Teal Anas rhynchotis Australian Shoveler Anas superciliosa Pacific Black Duck Anthus novaeseelandiae Richard's Pipit Aphelocephala leucopsis Southern Whiteface Aquila audax Wedge-tailed Eagle Ardea pacifica Pacific Heron Many breeding pairs observed within the more densely wooded areas of the study area. Numerous nest very observed during November surveys around the Drooping Sheoak patch on the Artamus cyanopterus Dusky Woodswallow northern side of Mount Pleasant. Aythya australis Hardhead Cacatua galerita Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua roseicapilla Galah Chenonetta jubata Australian Wood Duck Cincloramphus mathewsi Rufous Songlark Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Corvus coronoides Australian Raven

Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird Cuculus pallidus Pallid Cuckoo Dicaeum hirundinaceum Mistletoebird Egretta novaehollandiae White-faced Heron Elseyornis melanops Black-fronted Dotterel Falco berigora Brown Falcon Falco cenchroides Nankeen Kestrel Fulica atra Eurasian Coot Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark Gymnorhina tibicen Australian Magpie Hirundo neoxena Welcome Swallow Hirundo nigricans Tree Martin Lalage sueurii White-winged Triller Lichenostomus chrysops Yellow-faced Honeyeater Lichenostomus leucotis White-eared Honeyeater Lichenostomus penicillatus White-plumed Honeyeater Malacorhynchus membranaceus Pink-eared Duck Malurus cyaneus Superb Fairy-wren Manorina melanocephala Noisy Miner Falco cenchroides Nankeen Kestral Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon Pachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler Pardalotus striatus Striated Pardalote Numerous non-breeding small flocks observed foraging during winter, primarily around Mount Petroica boodang Scarlet Robin V1 Pleasant. Numerous non-breeding small flocks observed foraging during winter, primarily around Mount Petroica phoenicea Flame Robin V1 Pleasant. Phalacrocorax carbo Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax melanoleucos Little Pied Cormorant Phaps chalcoptera Common Bronzewing Phylidonyris novaehollandiae New Holland Honeyeater Platycercus elegans Crimson Rosella Platycercus eximius Eastern Rosella Poliocephalus poliocephalus Hoary-headed Grebe Psephotus haematonotus Red-rumped Parrot Neochmia temporal Red-browed Finch Rhipidura fuliginosa Grey Fantail Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail Sericornis frontalis White-browed Scrubwren Smicrornis brevirostris Weebill Numerous pairs observed, particularly associated with the patch of Drooping Sheoak on the northern side of Mount Pleasant. One active nest Stagonopleura guttata Diamond Firetail V1 was observed during November surveys.

Strepera graculina Pied Currawong Strepera versicolor Grey Currawong Tachybaptus novaehollandiae Australasian Grebe Taeniopygia bichenovii Double-barred Finch Threskiornis spinicollis Straw-necked Ibis Vanellus miles Masked Lapwing Frogs Crinia parinsignifera Plains Froglet Crinia signifera Common Eastern Froglet Limnodynastes tasmaniensis Spotted Grass Frog Uperoleia laevigata Smooth Toadlet Reptiles 7 individuals found under rocks in the eastern Aprasia parapulchella Pink-tailed Worm-Lizard V1 extent of the study area. Refer to Figure 4. Chelodina longicollis Long-necked Tortoise Ctenotus robustus Robust Striped Skink Ctenotus taeniolatus Copper-tailed Skink Egernia cunninghami Cunningham's Skink Lampropholis delicata Delicate Skink South-eastern Morethia Morethia boulengeri Skink Pseudechis porphyriacus Red-bellied Black Snake Pseudonaja textilis Eastern Brown Snake Total Native Fauna Species 81 Exotic Mammals Bos taurus Domestic Cattle Approx. 80 head kept in western paddocks. Domestic - few observed being ridden in Equus caballus Domestic Horse paddocks. Lepus capensis Brown Hare Few observed grazing in western paddocks. Numerous very large warrens observed, Oryctolagus cuniculus European Rabbit D, KTP particularly around Mount Pleasant. Approx. 500 head kept in various paddocks across Ovis aries Domestic Sheep property. Damage from pig rooting observed along water Sus scrofa Feral Pig D, KTP courses and seepages. Vulpes vulpes Red Fox D, KTP Numerous individuals observed. Birds Carduelis carduelis European Goldfinch Few observed in trees around farm house. Passer domesticus House Sparrow Few observed in trees around farm house. Few observed in trees around farm house and Sturnus tristis Indian Myna western paddocks. Sturnus vulgaris Common Starling Few observed in trees across western paddocks. Total Exotic Fauna Species 11

Appendix 4. Golden Sun Moth surveys – weather conditions and results

Table 13. Golden Sun Moth surveys – weather conditions and results

Project No: 2681 Project Name: Mount Pleasant F&F Assessment – 2015 Golden Sun Moth surveys

Survey No: 1 Date: Monday 23-11-2015 Observer/s: RS&AC Reference Site: South of IKEA, Majura Survey Site: Study area Time Air Temp. Wind speed Cloud cover Time Air Wind speed Cloud Other weather information Temp. cover (last rain/forecast rain, changes) Start: 11:00am 22 15 0% Start: 12:15pm 24 19 0% No recent rain. Finish: 11:10am 22 20 0% Finish: 2:10pm 25 20 0% General site notes: General site notes:

Golden Sun Moths recorded: 10 males in 5mins, flying freely. Golden Sun Moths recorded: None

Survey No: 2 Date: Monday 30-11-2015 Observer/s: RS&AC Reference Site: South of IKEA, Majura Survey Site: Study area Time Air Temp. Wind speed Cloud cover Time Air Wind speed Cloud Other weather information Temp. cover (last rain/forecast rain, changes) Start: 12:15pm 26 20 0% Start: 1:00pm 27 20 0% No recent rain. Finish: 12:30pm 27 22 0% Finish: 3:15pm 28 18 0% General site notes: Soil still quite damp from rain. General site notes: Steady breeze. Lots of invertebrates, hover flies, butterflies, grasshoppers etc.

Golden Sun Moths recorded: 6 males in 10mins, flying freely. Golden Sun Moths recorded: None

Survey No: 3 Date: Sunday 6-12-2015 Observer/s: RS&AC Reference Site: South of IKEA, Majura Survey Site: Study area Time Air Temp. Wind speed Cloud cover Time Air Wind speed Cloud Other weather information Temp. cover (last rain/forecast rain, changes) Start: 12:30pm 29 17 0% Start: 1:30pm 30 15 15% No recent rain. Finish: 12:45pm 30 10 0% Finish: 3:00pm 31 9 35% General site notes: General site notes: Very hot, lots of invertebrates. Golden Sun Moths recorded: 8 males in 15mins, flying freely. Golden Sun Moths recorded: None

Survey No: 4 Date: Thursday 10-12-2015 Observer/s: RS&AC Reference Site: South of IKEA, Majura Survey Site: Study area Time Air Temp. Wind speed Cloud cover Time Air Wind speed Cloud Other weather information Temp. cover (last rain/forecast rain, changes) Start: 1:15pm 26 20 10% Start: 10:30am 24 9 0% No recent rain. Finish: 1:30pm 25 18 10% Finish: 12:45pm 27 18 5% General site notes: General site notes: Golden Sun Moths recorded: 4 males in 15mins, most required Golden Sun Moths recorded: None flushing from grass. *Temperature and wind speed data obtained from Bureau of Meteorology website, Canberra Airport.

Appendix 5. Likelihood of Occurrence Assessment

Key for below table

Table 14. Threatened Species Likelihood of Occurrence Assessment

Species Name EPBC Act TSC Act Description (Distribution and Habitat) Likelihood of Occurrence Status Status Plants Calotis glandulosa V V1 Occurs at higher altitudes between Eden and Dubbo where it grows in Low Mauve Burr-daisy grassland and sclerophyll forest. The main distribution is in the Monaro The species was not recorded during any of the and Kosciuszko regions. The species is found in montane grasslands in completed surveys. the Australian Alps and subalpine grassland (dominated by Poa spp.), If once present, the species is unlikely to have Natural Temperate Grassland and Snow Gum Woodlands on the Monaro persisted within the study area due to the history of and Shoalhaven area. The species appears to be a coloniser of bare moderate to high intensity stock grazing. ground, which explains why it is often seen on roadsides. Apparently common on roadsides in parts of the Monaro but does not persist in heavily-grazed pastures. Dispersed by the sticky burrs. Dillwynia glaucula - E1 Michelago Parrot-pea is recorded from four areas on the NSW Southern Negligible Michelago Parrot-pea Tablelands: near Windellama, where the species is locally abundant, near The species’ form is a moderately sized shrub and it Mongarlowe, north-east of Michelago and at Numeralla. There is was not recorded during any of the completed potential habitat between the known sites. Occurs on exposed patches surveys. of clay or on rocky outcrops in eucalypt woodland often dominated by Scribbly Gum Eucalyptus rossii, Snow Gum E. pauciflora, Broad-leafed Peppermint E.dives and Red Stringybark E. macrorhyncha. The

Species Name EPBC Act TSC Act Description (Distribution and Habitat) Likelihood of Occurrence Status Status understorey may be either grassy or shrubby. Grows adjacent to Natural Temperate Grassland in the Michelago area. Eucalyptus aggregata V V1 Black Gum occurs on the central and southern tablelands of NSW, and in Negligible Black Gum a small disjunct population in Victoria. In NSW, it occurs predominantly in This species is not present within the study area. the South Eastern Highlands Bioregion. The species is a small to medium- sized woodland tree which grows in grassy woodlands on alluvial soils in moist sites along creeks on broad, cold and poorly-drained flats and hollows. It commonly occurs with Candlebark Eucalyptus rubida, Ribbon Gum E. viminalis, and Snow Gum E. pauciflora, with a grassy understorey of River Tussock Poa labillardieri. Most populations are located on private land or road verges and travelling stock routes. Lepidium hyssopifolium E - This species is known from a few populations in NSW, Victoria and Low Basalt Peppercress Tasmania. The Basalt Pepper-cress is known to establish on open, bare The species was not recorded during any of the ground with limited competition from other plants. It was previously completed surveys, nor has it been recorded in the recorded from eucalypt woodland with a grassy ground cover, low open locality. Casuarina woodland with a grassy ground cover and tussock grassland, however recently recorded localities have predominantly been in weed- infested areas of heavy modification, high degradation and high soil disturbance such as road and rail verges, on the fringes of developed agricultural land or within small reserves in agricultural land. Many populations are now generally found amongst exotic pasture grasses and beneath exotic trees. Leucochrysum albicans E - The Hoary Sunray occurs from Queensland to Victoria and in Tasmania. Low var. In the ACT the species can be seen in spring in abundance on the Although this species is known to occur on many sites tricolor roadside along Fairbairn Avenue and into Mt Ainslie Nature Reserve, on throughout the locality (notably Googong Foreshores the western slopes of Mt Majura and adjacent to the Federal Highway Hoary Sunray and along Old Cooma Road), it was not found within road easement. In NSW it is distributed on the inland slopes and plains the study area during any of the completed surveys. including grasslands and woodlands on the Monaro and is quite a If once present, the species is unlikely to have common species along Old Cooma Road and other less modified areas persisted within the study area due to the history of south of Queanbeyan. The species is usually found in ungrazed and moderate to high intensity stock grazing. lightly grazed areas, along roadsides in particular. It appears to be very

Species Name EPBC Act TSC Act Description (Distribution and Habitat) Likelihood of Occurrence Status Status sensitive to grazing, but responds to disturbance as a coloniser and appears to tolerate mowing. Flowers spring to summer. Pelargonium sp. E E1 An undescribed species of Pelargonium, Omeo Stork’s Bill is a tufted Negligible Striatellum perennial herb threatened by grazing, recreational activities, and exotic There is no potential habitat for this species in the Omeo Stork's-bill species. It is known to occur just above the high water level of ephemeral study area. lakes in NSW and Victoria. Pomaderris pallida V V1 Pale Pomaderris has been recorded from near Kydra Trig, north-west of Negligible Pale Pomaderris Nimmitabel, Tinderry Nature Reserve, and the Queanbeyan River. A This species is not present within the study area. record from Byadbo in Kosciuszko National Park has not been relocated. The main distribution is along the Murrumbidgee in the ACT. It was recorded recently in eastern Victoria. This species usually grows in shrub communities surrounded by Brittle Gum Eucalyptus mannifera and Red Stringybark E. macrorhynca or Black Cypress Callitris endlicheri woodland. Prasophyllum petilum E E1 When first described in 1991, the Tarengo Leek Orchid was known only Negligible Tarengo Leek Orchid from the Hall Cemetery in the ACT. It has since been found at four sites in The species was not recorded during any of the New South Wales: Captains Flat Cemetery, Ilford Cemetery, Steves completed surveys and the majority of the study area Travelling Stock Route (TSR) at Delegate and the Tarengo TSR near is too modified and grazed to constitute potential Boorowa. habitat. The species is also not known to occur in the The Tarengo Leek Orchid occurs on relatively fertile soils in grassy locality. woodland or natural grassland. The three cemetery sites originally contained grassy woodland, dominated by Snow Gum Eucalyptus pauciflora and Black Gum E. aggregata at Captains Flat, and Blakely's Red Gum E. blakelyi and Yellow Box E. melliodora at Hall and Ilford. Both Tarengo TSR and Steves TSR are natural grasslands. The species is intolerant of grazing and this is considered to be the key reason it has been found only within cemeteries and TSRs, land from which grazing has been restricted. Rutidosis E E1 In the ACT and NSW, Button Wrinklewort occurs in box-gum woodland, Negligible Leptorrhynchoides secondary grassland derived from box-gum woodland or in natural

Species Name EPBC Act TSC Act Description (Distribution and Habitat) Likelihood of Occurrence Status Status Button Wrinklewort temperate grassland. It prefers open spaces where it does not have to The species is quite conspicuous when present and it compete for light. It is known from several sites in the ACT, NSW and was not recorded during any of the completed Victoria, where it is threatened by habitat loss, grazing and weed surveys. encroachment. Swainsona recta E E1 The Small Purple-pea occurs in the grassy understorey of woodlands and Negligible Small Purple-pea open forests dominated by Blakely’s Red Gum, Yellow Box, Candlebark The species was not recorded during any of the and Bundy. The species grows in association with understorey dominants completed surveys and the majority of the study area that include Kangaroo Grass, Poa tussocks and spear-grasses. Plants die is too modified and grazed to constitute potential back in summer, surviving as rootstocks until they shoot again in autumn. habitat. The species is intolerant of grazing but generally tolerant of fire, which The only portion of the study area within which the also enhances germination by breaking the seed coat and reducing species could have persisted is the block on the competition from other species. northern side of Burra Road, however this species was not recorded during surveys in this area. Swainsona sericea - V1 Silky Swainson-pea is a low growing perennial, found from the Northern Low Silky Swainson-pea Tablelands to the Southern Tablelands and Monaro region as well as The species was not recorded during any of the further inland on the slopes and plains. The species is found in Natural completed surveys. It is likely that the majority of the Temperate Grassland and Snow Gum Woodland on the Monaro, and in study area is too modified and grazed to constitute Box-Gum Woodland in the Southern Tablelands and South West Slopes. potential habitat. Thesium australe V V1 Found in very small to large populations scattered across eastern NSW, Negligible Austral Toadflax along the coast, and from the Northern to Southern Tablelands. Austral The species was not recorded during any of the Toadflax is a root parasite that takes water and some nutrients from completed surveys and the majority of the study area other plants, especially Kangaroo Grass. It is often found in damp sites in is too modified and grazed to constitute potential association with Kangaroo Grass but it is also found on other grass habitat. species at inland sites. Occurs on clay soils in grassy woodlands or coastal The only portion of the study area within which the headlands. species could have persisted is the block on the northern side of Burra Road, however this species was not recorded during surveys in this area. Mammals

Species Name EPBC Act TSC Act Description (Distribution and Habitat) Likelihood of Occurrence Status Status Dasyurus maculatus E V1 The Spot-tailed Quoll occurs along the east coast of Australia and the Low maculatus Great Dividing Range. The species uses a range of habitats including The species is likely to occur within the natural sclerophyll forests and woodlands, coastal heathlands and rainforests. Spot-tailed Quoll (SE habitat provided in nearby Googong Foreshores, Occasional sightings have been made in open country, grazing lands, Tinderry Range and Tallaganda National Park etc. The mainland population) rocky outcrops and other treeless areas. Habitat requirements include species may also occur within or move through suitable den sites, including hollow logs, rock crevices and caves, an O’Keefes Reserve adjoining the east of the study abundance of food and an area of intact vegetation in which to forage. area. However, it is unlikely that the study area Seventy per cent of the diet is medium-sized mammals, and also feeds would provide suitable habitat for the species. Whilst on invertebrates, reptiles and birds. Individuals require large areas of it is possible that the species may visit the eastern relatively intact vegetation through which to forage. The home range of a portion of the study, it is highly unlikely to venture female is between 180 and 1000ha, while males have larger home ranges into the highly modified portions of the study area. of between 2000 and 5000ha. Breeding occurs from May to August. Falsistrellus tasmaniensis - V1 The Eastern False Pipistrelle is found on the south-east coast and ranges Moderate Eastern False Pipistrelle of Australia, from southern Queensland to Victoria and Tasmania. The The species has been recorded in intact dry species generally roosts in eucalypt hollows, but has also been found sclerophyll forest in nearby Googong Foreshores and under loose bark on trees or in buildings. The species prefers moist, tall may forage and roost in the less modified eastern forest environments. The species is known to occur in the ACT region portion of the study area. The species is unlikely to however it has not been found to forage or roost in urban or highly roost or forage within the highly modified portions of modified rural areas. the study area. Miniopterus schreibersii - V1 The Eastern Bentwing Bat is a subspecies of the Common Bentwing Bat, Moderate oceanensis with a range thought to be from central Victoria to Cape York Peninsula, The species has been recorded in intact dry Queensland. It is a fast flyer, able to travel many kilometres in a night. Eastern Bentwing Bat sclerophyll forest in nearby Googong Foreshores and Caves are the primary roosting habitat for this species however similar may forage over the less modified eastern portion of man-made structures are also used (culverts, eaves etc.). The species the study area. The study area does not support forages above the forest canopy. roosting habitat and the species is unlikely to forage within the highly modified portions of the study area. Myotis macropus - V1 The Southern Myotis occurs from the north-west of Australia, across the Low Southern Myotis top-end and south to western Victoria. It is rarely found more than 100 There are no suitable major water bodies within the km inland, except along major rivers. The species roosts close to water in study area or vicinity and the species is not known to caves, hollow-bearing trees, man-made structures (bridges, culverts etc) venture far from such habitat features. and in dense foliage. Colonies occur close to water bodies, ranging from

Species Name EPBC Act TSC Act Description (Distribution and Habitat) Likelihood of Occurrence Status Status rainforest streams to large lakes and reservoirs. The species catches aquatic insects and small fish with their large hind claws, and also catches flying insects. Petaurus australis - V1 Restricted to tall native forests in regions of high rainfall along the coast Negligible Yellow-bellied Glider of NSW. Preferred habitats are productive, tall open sclerophyll forests The study area does not support potential habitat for where mature trees provide shelter and nesting hollows. Critical the species. elements of habitat include sapsite trees, winter flowering eucalypts, mature trees suitable for den sites and a mosaic of different forest types. The species lives in family groups of 2-6 individuals which commonly share a number of tree hollows. Family groups are territorial with exclusive home ranges of 30-60 ha. Very large expanses of forest (>15,000 ha) are required to conserve viable populations. Phascolarctos cinereus V V1 In NSW, the Koala mainly occurs on the central and north coasts with Negligible Koala (combined some populations in the western region. Koalas feed almost exclusively The species is not known to occur in the lowland populations of Qld, NSW on eucalypt foliage, and their preferences vary regionally. They are areas of the ACT and surrounding region of NSW. and the ACT) solitary with varying home ranges. In high quality habitat home ranges may be 1-2 hectare and overlap, while in semi-arid country they are usually discrete and around 100 ha. Pteropus poliocephalus V - The Grey-headed Flying Fox occurs in the coastal belt from Rockhampton Moderate Grey-headed Flying Fox in central Queensland to Melbourne in Victoria. Whilst Brisbane, The species may visit the study area to feed on the Newcastle, Sydney and Melbourne are occupied continuously, the flowering eucalypts however there are no camps species is widespread throughout their range during summer. In autumn (roost sites) in the Googong-Burra locality and camps the species occupies coastal lowlands and is uncommon inland. In winter are usually located near large waterbodies. The more the species congregates in coastal lowlands north of the Hunter Valley modified portions of the study area are less likely to and is occasionally found on the south coast of NSW and on the be visited by the species. northwest slopes (associated with flowering eucalypts of these areas). The Grey-headed Flying-fox requires foraging resources and roosting sites. It is a canopy-feeding frugivore and nectarivore, which utilises vegetation communities including rainforests, open forests, closed and open woodlands, Melaleuca swamps and Banksia woodlands.

Species Name EPBC Act TSC Act Description (Distribution and Habitat) Likelihood of Occurrence Status Status The Grey-headed Flying-fox roosts in aggregations of various sizes on exposed branches. Roost sites are typically located near water, such as lakes, rivers or the coast. The roost at Commonwealth Park in Canberra is the only known roost in the ACT region. Birds Anthochaera phrygia E CE1 A semi-nomadic species occurring in temperate eucalypt woodlands and Moderate Regent Honeyeater open forests. Most records are from box-ironbark eucalypt forest The species may visit the less modified eastern associations and wet lowland coastal forests. Key eucalypt species portions of the study area to feed on flowering include Mugga Ironbark, Yellow Box, Blakely's Red Gum, White Box and eucalypts and mistletoe. The species is unlikely to Swamp Mahogany. Also utilises a number of other eucalypt species. visit the more modified portions of the study area. Nectar and fruit from the mistletoes Amyema miquelii, A. pendula, and A. cambagei are also eaten during the breeding season. Regent Honeyeaters usually nest in horizontal branches or forks in tall mature eucalypts and sheoaks as well as within mistletoe haustoria (section of the root which connects with the host tree). An open cup-shaped nest is constructed by the female of bark, grass, twigs and wool. Botaurus poiciloptilus E E1 The Australasian Bittern is distributed across south-eastern Australia. It is Low Australasian Bittern often found in terrestrial and estuarine wetlands, generally where there Whilst the section of Church Creek which traverses is permanent water with tall, dense vegetation including Typha spp. and the study area does support disturbed wetland Eleoacharis spp. Typically this species forages at night on frogs, fish and vegetation, this habitat is unlikely to be suitable for invertebrates, and remains inconspicuous during the day. The breeding the species. season extends from October to January with nests being built amongst dense vegetation on a flattened platform of reeds. Callocephalon - V1 In summer the Gang-gang Cockatoo occupies tall montane forests and Low fimbriatum woodlands, particularly in heavily timbered and mature wet sclerophyll The species is quite conspicuous when present and it Gang-gang Cockatoo forests. Also occur in subalpine Snow Gum woodland and occasionally in has not been recorded within the study area during temperate or regenerating forest. In winter, the species occurs at lower any of the numerous surveys undertaken. As such, it altitudes in drier, more open eucalypt forests and woodlands, is unlikely that the species forages much if at all particularly in box-ironbark assemblages, or in dry forest in coastal areas. within the study area. The species is highly unlikely to breed within the study area.

Species Name EPBC Act TSC Act Description (Distribution and Habitat) Likelihood of Occurrence Status Status The Gang-gang Cockatoo usually breeds in tall forests in the ACT region, however they have been observed on occasion to breed in Box-Gum Woodland on Red Hill and other similar lowland habitat around Canberra (R. Speirs pers. obs., M. Mulvaney pers. comm.). Calyptorhynchus lathami - V1 The Glossy Black-cockatoo has a patchy distribution, having once been Low Glossy Black-cockatoo widespread across most of the south-east of Australia. The species is The species is quite conspicuous when present and it now distributed throughout an area which extends from the coast near has not been recorded within the study area during Eungella in eastern Queensland to Mallacoota in Victoria. Glossy black- any of the numerous surveys undertaken. As such, it cockatoos feed on casuarina seeds, however they occasionally consume is unlikely that the species currently forages much if seeds from eucalypts, angophoras, acacias and hakeas, as well as insect at all within the study area. The species is highly larvae. In the ACT region the species feeds almost exclusively on unlikely to breed within the study area. Drooping Sheoak Allocasuarina verticillata. Pairs mate for life and nest in The Drooping Sheoak present within the study area the hollows of large, old living or dead eucalypt trees. Breeding takes do provide potential foraging habitat for this species, place between March and August. however to date the species has not been observed to utilise this resource (i.e. via observation of birds or chewed cones). Chthonicola sagittata - V1 The Speckled Warbler lives in a wide range of Eucalyptus dominated Moderate Speckled Warbler communities that have a grassy understorey, often on rocky ridges or in The species has not been recorded during any of the gullies. Typical habitat includes scattered native tussock grasses, a sparse completed surveys. However, the species is known to shrub layer, some eucalypt regrowth and an open canopy. Large, occur in nearby Googong Foreshores and may occur relatively undisturbed remnants are required for the species to persist in in O’Keefes Reserve and possibly in the eastern less an area. The diet consists of seeds and insects, with most foraging taking modified potion of the study area. place on the ground around tussocks and under bushes and trees. Pairs The species is unlikely to visit the more modified are sedentary and occupy a breeding territory of about ten hectares, portions of the study area. with a slightly larger home-range when not breeding. The rounded, domed, roughly built nest of dry grass and strips of bark is located in a slight hollow in the ground or the base of a low dense plant. Climacteris picumnus - V1 In the ACT region, Brown Treecreepers occur in dry woodlands and open Moderate victoriae forest below 1,000 metres. The species is relatively common along the The species has not been recorded during any of the Brown Treecreeper Clear Range and along the Lower Naas River. Other populations occur at completed surveys. However, the species is may Mulligans Flat Reserve, Campbell Park, Burbong and former quarries

Species Name EPBC Act TSC Act Description (Distribution and Habitat) Likelihood of Occurrence Status Status (eastern subspecies) south of the airport in the northern part of the ACT, and at Castle Hill, occur in O’Keefes Reserve and possibly in the eastern north of Tharwa. Brown Treecreepers also frequent paddocks and less modified potion of the study area. grasslands where there are sufficient logs, stumps and dead trees The species is unlikely to make any substantial use of nearby. The species prefers relatively undisturbed woodland and dry the more modified portions of the study area. open forest where the native understorey, especially grasses, has been preserved. The species usually prefers predominantly rough-barked trees such as Stringybarks and rough barked Boxes. Daphoenositta - V1 In the ACT region, the Varied Sittella occurs in a wide variety of woodland Low chrysoptera and forest habitats, particularly in lowland areas. The species prefers The species has not been recorded during any of the Varied Sittella areas with a dominance of rough barked trees, notably Red Stringybark completed surveys. Although the species is likely to at relatively high density. The species is rarely recorded in sparsely treed occur in more intact areas nearby (i.e. Googong areas. Foreshores, O’Keefes Reserve etc.) it is unlikely to occur in the study area and surrounding open rural land. Grantiella picta - V1 The Painted Honeyeater is found in Queensland and New South Wales Low Painted Honeyeater west of the Great Dividing Range, through to northern Victoria. The This species is only an occasional visitor to the ACT species displays some migratory movement and is occasionally found in region and based on the location of previous the Northern Territory and is a vagrant to South Australia and the ACT. recordings, is unlikely to visit the study area or The species frequents eucalypt forests and woodlands, particularly those locality. The study area also lacks habitat for the that are infested heavily with mistletoes. In the ACT, the species' primary species. habitat is River Oak (Casuarina cunninghamiana) along river systems, especially the Murrumbidgee River. Hieraaetus morphnoides - V1 The Little Eagle is distributed throughout the Australian mainland Moderate Little Eagle excepting the most densely forested parts of the Dividing Range The study area may be part of the large foraging escarpment, and occupies habitats rich in prey within open eucalypt range of a pair of Little Eagles, however the species forest, woodland or open woodland. The species is sensitive to human has not been recorded during past field surveys and disturbance. no indications of breeding activity have been observed within the study area. Lathamus discolor E E1 The Swift Parrot occurs in woodlands and forests of NSW from May to Low Swift Parrot August, where it feeds on eucalypt nectar, pollen and associated insects.

Species Name EPBC Act TSC Act Description (Distribution and Habitat) Likelihood of Occurrence Status Status The Swift Parrot is dependent on flowering resources across a wide The species has not been recorded during any of the range of habitats in its wintering grounds in NSW. This species is completed surveys and there are no records of the migratory, breeding in Tasmania and also nomadic, moving about in species in the locality. The species may move through response to changing food availability. the study area during winter, however the species is unlikely to make substantial use of the study area given the presence of expanses of higher quality foraging habitat in the region. Melanodryas cucullata - V1 The Hooded Robin occupies drier eucalypt forest, woodland and scrub, Low cucullata grasses and low shrubs, as well as cleared paddocks with regrowth or The species has not been recorded during any of the stumps. The species uses stumps, posts or fallen timber from which to Hooded Robin completed surveys and the groundstorey throughout locate prey on the ground. In the ACT region, the species is found in (southeastern form) the study area is not that preferred by the species. woodland, often with scattered Yellow Box and/or Blakely’s Red Gum, with long grass and low shrubs, or fallen logs. Petroica boodang - V1 The Scarlet Robin is found in south-eastern Australia (extreme south-east Confirmed Scarlet Robin Queensland to Tasmania, western Victoria and south-east South Numerous small flocks of non-breeding Scarlet Australia) and south-west Western Australia. In NSW it occupies open Robins were observed foraging throughout much of forests and woodlands from the coast to the inland slopes, breeding in the study area during the preliminary field inspection drier eucalypt forests and temperate woodlands. undertaken during winter 2015. Substantial flocks have been observed to over-winter in the open agricultural land across the locality (Biosis 2015, R. Speirs pers. obs.) and the presence of these species within the study area was also noted in previous years by KMA (KMA 2015). No breeding activity has been observed within the study area and the species was not observed to remain within the study area into spring-summer. Petroica phoenica - V1 The Flame Robin is found in south-eastern Australia, from the Confirmed Flame Robin Queensland border to Tasmania, western Victoria and south-east South Numerous small flocks of non-breeding Flame Robins Australia. In NSW it breeds in upland moist eucalypt forests and were observed foraging throughout much of the woodlands, often on ridges and slopes, in areas of open understorey. The study area during the preliminary field inspection species migrates in winter to more open lowland habitats such as undertaken during winter 2015. Substantial flocks

Species Name EPBC Act TSC Act Description (Distribution and Habitat) Likelihood of Occurrence Status Status grassland with scattered trees and open woodland on the inland slopes have been observed to over-winter in the open and plains. agricultural land across the locality (Biosis 2015, R. Speirs pers. obs.) and the presence of these species within the study area was also noted in previous years by KMA (KMA 2015). The species was not observed to remain within the study area into spring-summer, this is consistent with its known altitudinal migration for breeding. Polytelis swainsonii V V1 Found mainly in open, tall riparian River Red Gum forest or woodland. Negligible Superb Parrot Often found in farmland including grazing land with patches of remnant The species is not known to occur in the Googong- vegetation. Breeds in hollow branches of tall eucalypt trees within nine Burra locality and is generally not known to occur kilometres of feeding areas. south of the Molonglo River in the ACT region. Rostratula australis V E1 Usually found in shallow inland wetlands including farm dams, lakes, rice Negligible Australian Painted Snipe crops, swamps and waterlogged grassland. The species prefers The study area does not provide potential habitat for freshwater wetlands, ephemeral or permanent, although it has been the species. The species is has been recorded on rare recorded in brackish waters. occasions at only a few locations in the ACT region (i.e. Jerrabomberra Wetlands, upper Yerrabi Ponds, North Mitchell Grasslands etc.). Stagonopleura guttata - V1 The Diamond Firetail is found in eastern Australia, from Eyre Peninsula, Confirmed Diamond Firetail South Australia, to south-eastern Queensland. There has been a decline Diamond Firetails were observed within the study in density throughout the range, and many remaining populations may area during each field survey, primarily associated now be isolated. The species inhabits a wide range of eucalypt- with the large dense patch of remnant Drooping dominated vegetation communities that have a grassy understorey, Sheoak on the northern slope of Mount Pleasant. including woodland and mallee. Small flocks of the species were observed during winter and early spring with these breaking into breeding pairs from early November. Tyto novaehollandiae - V1 The Masked Owl may be found across a diverse range of wooded Low Masked Owl habitats that provide tall or dense mature trees with hollows suitable for There are not records of the species within 10kms of nesting and roosting. The species has primarily been recorded in open the study area and very few more broadly in the forests and woodlands adjacent to cleared lands. They nest in hollows, in region, those that do occur are from fairly intact tall

Species Name EPBC Act TSC Act Description (Distribution and Habitat) Likelihood of Occurrence Status Status trunks and in near vertical spouts of large trees, usually living but forest. The study area is unlikely to provide habitat occasionally dead. The nest hollows are usually located within dense for the species. forests or woodlands. Masked Owls prey upon hollow dependent arboreal marsupials, but terrestrial mammals including Rabbits and rodents make up the largest proportion of the diet. The species has a large home range of between 500 and 1000ha. Amphibians Litoria castanea E CE1 The Yellow-spotted Tree Frog previously had a disjunct distribution, Negligible Yellow-spotted Tree Frog being recorded on the New England Tablelands and on the Southern There is no potential habitat within the study area for Tablelands from Lake George to Bombala. The species has only recently the species and the species is not known to occur in (2010) been rediscovered on the Southern Tablelands. Prior to this the the locality. species had not been recorded on the Southern Tablelands since the 1970s. Found in large permanent ponds, lakes and dams with an abundance of bulrushes and other emergent vegetation, it shelters during autumn and winter under fallen timber, rocks, other debris or thick vegetation. Litoria raniformis V E1 In NSW the species is known to exist only in isolated populations in the Negligible Growling Grass Frog Coleambally Irrigation Area, the Lowbidgee floodplain and around Lake There is no potential habitat within the study area for Victoria. Usually found in or around permanent or ephemeral swamps or the species and the species is not known to occur in billabongs with an abundance of bulrushes and other emergent the locality. vegetation along floodplains and river valleys. The species has also been found in irrigated rice crops. Outside the breeding season animals disperse away from water and take shelter beneath ground debris such as fallen timber and bark, rocks, grass clumps and in deep soil cracks. The species previously occurred on the Southern Tablelands at a number of sites within the Murrumbidgee River corridor, however it is now widely considered to have become extinct on the Southern Tablelands. Reptiles Aprasia parapulchella V V The Pink-tailed Worm-lizard is a fossorial species which lives beneath Confirmed Pink-tailed Worm-lizard surface rocks and occupies ant burrows. It feed on ants, particularly their

Species Name EPBC Act TSC Act Description (Distribution and Habitat) Likelihood of Occurrence Status Status eggs and larvae. Thought to lay eggs within the ant nests under rocks The species was recorded during the completed that it uses as a source of food and shelter and for thermoregulation. Key targeted survey. habitat features are a cover of native grasses, particularly Kangaroo Based on the rock characteristics, the composition Grass, sparse or no tree cover, little or no leaf litter, and scattered small and condition of the groundcover vegetation and the rock with shallow embedment in the soil surface. results of the completed targeted survey, the area considered likely to currently support the species is that shown in Figure 4. Delma impar V V1 The Striped Legless Lizard is patchily distributed in grasslands of south- Low Striped Legless Lizard eastern NSW, the ACT, north-eastern, central and south-western The Natural Temperate Grassland (NTG) ecological Victoria, and south-eastern South Australia. In the ACT, the species is community is known to the primary habitat for the known to occur at four separate locations - in grassland areas of species. The ACT Government has commissioned Gungahlin, Majura and Jerrabomberra Valleys, and Yarramundi. numerous large-scale tile surveys over the last five Unsuitable habitat, roads and urban development separate these sites. years encompassing many sites within the ACT. The Most areas where the species persists are thought to have had low to data obtained from these surveys demonstrates that moderate levels of agricultural disturbance in the past and it has been the species' current distribution is confined to the suggested that ploughing in particular may be incompatible with the historical extent of the NTG ecological community survival of the species. Until recently, the species was thought to inhabit plus up to approximately two kilometres into only native grasslands dominated by species such as Tall Speargrass and adjoining ecological communities (i.e. Box-Gum Kangaroo Grass. In recent years, surveys have revealed the Striped Woodland) where these support a grassy Legless Lizard in many sites dominated by exotic grasses such as Phalaris, groundstorey with a moderate to high herbage mass Serrated Tussock and Flatweed (Biosis Research 2012). They have also (R. Speirs pers. obs.). Within this distribution the been found in several secondary grassland sites, generally within two species has been found to occur in both native kilometres of primary grassland. grasslands/pasture and exotic pasture such as that dominated by Phalaris. Given the distance of the study area from the closest known record of the species and the high degree of modification throughout the lower elevated land within the study area, the likelihood of the species being present within the study area is considered very low.

Species Name EPBC Act TSC Act Description (Distribution and Habitat) Likelihood of Occurrence Status Status Suta flagellum - V1 Occurs in Natural Temperate Grassland, grassy woodland, and secondary Low Little Whip Snake grasslands derived from clearing of woodland. Found on well-drained There are no records of the species within the hillsides, mostly associated with scattered loose rocks. Queanbeyan Local Government Area (LGA) and the closest record is approximately 28kms northeast of the study area. The species was also not recorded during the extensive targeted rock-turning surveys completed. Tympanocryptis E E1 In the Canberra-Monaro region the Grassland Earless Dragon appears to Negligible pinguicolla be restricted to Natural Temperate Grassland or native The recent (i.e. last few thousand years) distribution Grassland Earless Dragon grassland/pasture that is dominated by perennial tussock-forming of the species is considered likely to have been species and has an open structure. It is known to make use of grass entirely confined to the historical distribution of the tussocks, surface rocks and small holes in the ground that are also used NTG ecological community. The extant ACT- by invertebrates such as wolf spiders and crickets. Spiders and insects Queanbeyan population is known from only a few appear to comprise the majority of its diet. In the ACT region the species small sub-populations persisting in a number of is known to occur in suitable native grassland habitat in the Majura and retained patches of NTG within the Majura and Jerrabomberra valleys and at the Queanbeyan Nature Reserve and Jerrabomberra valleys. At these sites the species is 'Letchworth' property near Queanbeyan in NSW. It is presumed extinct in confined to moderate to high quality NTG. Given the Victoria. distance of the study area from the closest known populations and the high degree of modification, the study area is highly unlikely to support the species. Varanus rosenbergi - V1 Rosenberg’s Goanna is a medium to large monitor species occurring in Low Rosenberg's Goanna southern parts of Western Australia and South Australia, with isolated The species is likely to occur within the natural populations in Victoria and New South Wales. In NSW it has been habitat provided in nearby Googong Foreshores, recorded from coastal areas around Sydney and further south, and west Tinderry Range and Tallaganda National Park etc. The to Mount Victoria and the Namadgi and Kosciusko national parks. The species may also occur within or move through species is found in a range of habitats including coastal heaths, humid O’Keefes Reserve adjoining the east of the study woodlands and both wet and dry sclerophyll forests, preferring area. However, it is unlikely that the study area eucalyptus woodlands and heathland. Termite mounds are a critical would provide suitable habitat for the species. Whilst habitat component, and are used for egg incubation. it is possible that the species may visit the eastern portion of the study to hunt/forage, it is highly unlikely to venture into the highly modified portions

Species Name EPBC Act TSC Act Description (Distribution and Habitat) Likelihood of Occurrence Status Status of the study area. The study area contains no substantial termite mounds which are a limiting breeding habitat resource. Fish and Crustacea Bidyanus bidyanus CE V1 Silver perch are endemic to the Murray-Darling system (including all Negligible Silver Perch states and sub-basins). They show a general preference for faster-flowing There is no potential habitat within the study area for water, including rapids and races, and more open sections of river, the species. throughout the Murray-Darling Basin. Silver perch are a highly migratory freshwater fish. The extensive migration of adults, particularly during flooding, has long been recognised and is considered to be part of their spawning behaviour. Maccullochella peelii V - The Murray Cod's natural distribution extends throughout the Murray- Negligible Murray Cod Darling basin ranging west of the divide from south east Queensland, There is no potential habitat within the study area for through NSW into Victoria and South Australia. The species is found in the species. the waterways of the Murray– Darling Basin in a wide range of warm water habitats that range from clear, rocky streams to slow flowing turbid rivers, billabongs and large deep holes. Murray Cod is entirely a freshwater species and will not tolerate high salinity levels. Macquaria australasica E E1 Macquarie Perch are found in the Murray-Darling Basin (particularly Negligible Macquarie Perch upstream reaches) of the Lachlan, Murrumbidgee and Murray rivers, and There is no potential habitat within the study area for parts of south-eastern coastal NSW, including the Hawkesbury and the species. Shoalhaven catchments. Macquarie perch are found in both river and lake habitats, especially the upper reaches of rivers and their substantial tributaries. Insects Synemon plana CE E1 The Golden Sun Moth's NSW populations are found in the area between Low Golden Sun Moth Queanbeyan, Gunning, Young and Tumut. The species occurs in Natural A full program of targeted surveys for the species was Temperate Grasslands and Box-Gum Grassy Woodland in which the completed during the 2015 survey season with no groundcover is dominated by Wallaby Grasses (Rytidosperma spp.). It is evidence of the species observed. As such, the believed that the females lay up to 200 eggs at the base of the Wallaby

Species Name EPBC Act TSC Act Description (Distribution and Habitat) Likelihood of Occurrence Status Status Grass tussocks. After hatching, the larvae tunnel underground where species is considered highly unlikely to occur within they remain feeding on the roots of Wallaby Grass tussocks. The species the study area. is also known to feed on the introduced species (and Weed of National Significance), Chilean Needle Grass Nassella neesiana. Note: The brief species distribution and habitat descriptions provided in the above table are sourced from the threatened species online profiles, listing determinations and/or recovery plans prepared for the species by the Commonwealth Government and NSW Government. These resources and associated references are provided on the relevant government websites.

Appendix 6. TSC Act Assessments of Significance

Section 5A of the EP&A Act lists seven factors against which a proposed development/action/activity must be assessed to determine whether it is likely to have a significant effect on species, populations and communities (and their habitats) listed under the TSC Act and FM Act. The Threatened Species Assessment Guidelines; the Assessment of Significance (DECC 2007) detail the manner in which the Assessment of Significance (AoS) (also known as the seven-part-test) is to be interpreted and applied. Prepared in this manner, an AoS is provided below for the one TSC listed TEC and three TSC Act listed woodland birds considered to have some potential to be impacted by the proposal.

In preparing the AoSs relevant to the proposed development, information provided in the following key documents has been relied upon.

 Capital Ecology (2016a). Mount Pleasant Rural Residential Subdivision – Flora and Fauna Assessment. Prepared for CIC Australia Limited. Author: R. Speirs. Project no. 2681.

 Capital Ecology (2016b). Mount Pleasant Rural Residential Subdivision – Vegetation Management Plan. Prepared for CIC Australia Limited. Author: R. Speirs. Project no. 2681.

White Box – Yellow Box – Blakely's Red Gum Woodland (Box – Gum Woodland)

Introduction

White Box – Yellow Box – Blakely's Red Gum Woodland (TSC Act Box-Gum Woodland) is currently listed as an endangered ecological community under the TSC Act.

As described in the Final Determination (NSW Scientific Committee 2002) and the associated key (refer Section 5.2.3 of the F&FA), the definition for the TSC Act Box-Gum Woodland TEC is broad and encompasses a range of community variants. In effect, any land for which the climax community is Box- Gum Woodland that has not been cultivated, become a stock camp or otherwise been entirely modified is likely to meet the definition of the TSC Act listed TEC.

With regard to the above, the TSC Act definition provides the absolute minimum requirements for a patch of vegetation to be considered to support the TEC. As such, the NSW Government encourages the use of a suitable biometric (such as the BioCertification Assessment Methodology) to categorise the vegetation within a given study area in a manner that reflects the actual and relative values of the vegetation. This categorisation is essential in informing planning processes, such that more intact (i.e. higher value) areas of TEC can be appropriately prioritised for conservation. Conversely, marginal areas of the TEC, such as those that support only scattered remnant trees or low diversity native grassland/pasture, may be unlikely to degrade further under an alternate management regime.

The existing Little Burra rural residential subdivision and others in Royalla and elsewhere, provide examples of the how the retention and maintenance of the basic elements of the TSC Act listed TEC can be achieved within large lots. Created on land which supported generally equivalent vegetation to that within the proposed development, many of the lots in these subdivisions have retained the scattered remnant eucalypts and maintained the characteristically grassy groundstorey. In general, most landowners who purchase a large lot in this location view the remnant eucalypts as assets.

As described in Section 5.2.2 of the F&FA, the portions of the study area mapped as PCT1334-Zone1 (total area of 64.53ha) are clearly consistent with the listed TEC. In addition, the portions of the study area mapped as PCT1334-Zone2 (total area of 59.32ha) support a highly modified and marginal example of this TEC.

Assessment of Significance

a. in the case of a threatened species, whether the action proposed is likely to have an adverse effect on the life cycle of the species such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction.

Not applicable, the matter is not a threatened species.

b. in the case of an endangered population, whether the action proposed is likely to have an adverse effect on the life cycle of the species that constitutes the endangered population such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction.

Not applicable, the matter is not an endangered population.

c. in the case of an endangered ecological community or critically endangered ecological community, whether the action proposed:

i. is likely to have an adverse effect on the extent of the ecological community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction, or

ii. is likely to substantially and adversely modify the composition of the ecological community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction.

Effect on the extent of the local occurrence

The proposed development will have minimal impact on the local occurrence of this TEC. All of the moderate to high quality Box-Gum Woodland (PCT1334-Zone1) within the study area (south of Burra Road) will be included within the proposed Biodiversity Conservation Area. The entire Biodiversity Conservation Area will be protected in perpetuity as detailed in the VMP and enforced by the Community Management Statement (CMS).

The limited clearance of marginal TSC Act Box-Gum Woodland (PTC1334-Zone2) for building envelopes, roads, driveways and service installation comprises a very small portion of the extent of the local occurrence of this marginal example of the community.

All areas with a native groundstorey outside of the Biodiversity Conservation Area (i.e. PCT1334-Zone2) will be subject to land management provisions requiring landowners to retain all remnant trees, plant only indigenous species and maintain the ‘native grassland’ characteristics of the groundstorey.

Given the above, the proposed development is unlikely to have an adverse effect on the extent of the ecological community such that its local occurrence is unlikely to be placed at risk of extinction.

Effect on the composition of the local occurrence

As discussed above, the proposed development is unlikely to substantially and adversely modify the composition of the ecological community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction.

d. in relation to the habitat of a threatened species, population or ecological community:

i. the extent to which habitat is likely to be removed or modified as a result of the action proposed, and

ii. whether an area of habitat is likely to become fragmented or isolated from other areas of habitat as a result of the proposed action, and

iii. the importance of the habitat to be removed, modified, fragmented or isolated to the long- term survival of the species, population or ecological community in the locality.

Extent of habitat removal or modified

As stated above, all of the high quality Box-Gum Woodland (PCT1334-Zone1) within the study area (south of Burra Road) will be included within the proposed Biodiversity Conservation Area. The limited clearance of marginal TSC Act Box-Gum Woodland (PTC1334-Zone2) for building envelopes, roads, driveways and service installation comprises a very small portion of the extent of the local occurrence of this marginal example of the community.

Fragmentation and isolation of habitat

As described above, all of the moderate to high quality Box-Gum Woodland (PCT1334-Zone1) within the study area (south of Burra Road) will be included within the proposed Biodiversity Conservation Area and the basic elements of the marginal TSC Act Box-Gum Woodland (PTC1334-Zone2) will be largely conserved within lots.

Importance of the habitat

The limited areas of the TSC Act Box-Gum Woodland to be removed are a marginal example of the ecological community (PCT1334-Zone2). Specifically, these marginal communities are characterised by a highly modified yet native groundstorey, with or without retained remnant eucalypts. The community in this condition is of value as a buffer to the more intact Box-Gum Woodland and for its value as a component of fauna movement corridors etc. Notwithstanding the above, the community in this condition is unlikely to respond substantially to assisted natural regeneration and is of relatively low importance to the long-term survival of the ecological community in the locality.

e. whether the action proposed is likely to have an adverse effect on critical habitat (either directly or indirectly).

There are currently no critical habitat declarations, or draft declarations, for this community.

f. whether the action proposed is consistent with the objectives or actions of a recovery plan or threat abatement plan.

There is currently no NSW recovery plan or threat abatement plan for TSC Act Box-Gum Woodland. However, Table 15 below provides an assessment of the consistency of the proposed development with each of the activities listed on the NSW threatened species profile as recommended activities to assist the recovery of this community.

As described in Table 15, the proposed development is likely to have either a generally positive influence on the conservation activities recommended for TSC Act Box-Gum Woodland.

Table 15. Activities to assist the recovery of TSC Act Box-Gum Woodland

Recovery Activity Proposed Development’s Influence on Action Positive/Neutral/Negative

Undertake control of rabbits, hares, foxes, pigs and goats Positive (using methods that do not disturb the native plants and As detailed in Section 5.7 of the F&FA, the study area animals of the remnant). currently contains numerous large rabbit warrens and these rabbits are causing considerable degradation through overgrazing and erosion. The proposed development will include the implementation of a comprehensive rabbit control program. Manage stock to reduce grazing pressure in high quality Positive remnants (i.e. those with high flora diversity or fauna habitat). One of the key conservation measures to result from the proposed development will be the removal of intense grazing, notably within the high quality woodland remnants. Do not harvest firewood from remnants (this includes living or Positive standing dead trees and fallen material). As detailed in the VMP and enforced by the CMS, harvesting of firewood will be prohibited within the proposed Biodiversity Conservation Area and within lots. There are currently no controls on firewood harvesting within the study area. Leave fallen timber on the ground. Neutral All remnant trees within the subdivision footprint, alive or dead, are to be retained. The majority of the downed trees and logs within the study area are located in the proposed Biodiversity Conservation Area and will be retained. Erect on-site markers to alert maintenance staff to the Positive presence of a high quality remnant. Appropriate signage will be erected to inform maintenance staff and the public regarding the high conservation value of the land encompassed by the proposed Biodiversity Conservation Area. Encourage regeneration by fencing remnants, controlling stock Positive grazing and undertaking supplementary planting, if necessary. As detailed in the VMP, all of the high quality Box-Gum Woodland within the study area (south of Burra Road) will

Recovery Activity Proposed Development’s Influence on Action Positive/Neutral/Negative

be fenced into the proposed Biodiversity Conservation Area. The establishment of the proposed Biodiversity Conservation Area will remove stock grazing allowing natural recruitment and regeneration. As detailed in the VMP, substantial habitat enhancement planting will also occur in the proposed Biodiversity Conservation Area. Undertake weed control (taking care to spray or dig out only Positive target species). As described in Section 5.6 of the F&FA, the study area currently contains infestations of Serrated Tussock and African Love Grass. The proposed development will include effective control of these weeds which is otherwise unlikely to occur. Protect all sites from further clearing and disturbance. Positive The establishment of the proposed Biodiversity Conservation Area will protect the high quality Box-Gum Woodland from further disturbance and degradation caused by stock, rabbits and weeds. Ensure remnants remain connected or linked to each other; in Positive cases where remnants have lost connective links, re-establish The proposed Biodiversity Conservation Area has been them by revegetating sites to act as stepping stones for fauna, designed in a manner that will maintain and enhance and flora (pollen and seed dispersal). connectivity to O’Keefe’s Reserve to the east and the habitat linkage running north-south through the eastern portion of the study area. Mark remnants onto maps (of the farm, shire, region, etc) and Positive use to plan activities (e.g. remnant protection, rehabilitation or A key component of the F&FA is the fine-scale, ground- road, rail and infrastructure maintenance work). On-site truthed categorisation and mapping of the Plant markers can alert maintenance staff to the presence of a Community Type (PCT) and condition (Vegetation Zone) of threatened ecological community. the vegetation within the entire study area. This mapping has been used to inform the proposed development layout and may be used for other purposes as relevant.

g. whether the action proposed constitutes or is part of a key threatening process or is likely to result in the operation of, or increase the impact of, a key threatening process.

The key threatening processes (KTPs) currently listed on Schedule 3 of the TSC Act of relevance to these species and the proposed development are listed in Table 16.

As described in Table 16, the proposed development does not constitute a key threatening process, nor is it likely to result in the operation of, or increase the impact of, a key threatening process.

Table 16. Key threatening processes relevant to the proposed development

Key Threatening Process Impact from Proposed Development Positive/Neutral/Negative

Aggressive exclusion of birds by Noisy Miners Neutral to Positive Manorina melanocephala The study area is currently open agricultural land and the Noisy Miner is conspicuously present throughout. In addition to removing stock to allow regeneration of the native shrubstorey and midstorey, the proposed development will include native shrub and tree planting within the proposed Biodiversity Conservation Area. The objective of these measures is to enhance the habitat value for woodland birds. Increasing the density of the shrubstorey and midstorey may in time lead to a decrease in Noisy Miner presence. Clearing of native vegetation Neutral to Positive The proposed clearance of vegetation is limited to clearance or groundcover for building envelopes, roads, driveways and the installation of underground services. All remnant trees within the subdivision footprint are to be retained. As detailed in the VMP, substantial habitat enhancement planting will occur in the Biodiversity Conservation Area. In addition, planting of only indigenous shrubs and trees within lots will provide shrubstorey and midstorey habitat where these elements are currently absent. These measures are expected to result in a net increase in native vegetation within the study area. Removal of dead wood and dead trees Neutral All remnant trees within the subdivision footprint, alive or dead, are to be retained. The majority of the downed trees and logs within the study area are located in the proposed Biodiversity Conservation Area and will be retained. Competition and grazing by the feral European Positive Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus As detailed in Section 5.7 of the F&FA, the study area currently contains numerous large rabbit warrens and these rabbits are causing considerable degradation through overgrazing and erosion. The proposed development will include the implementation of a comprehensive rabbit control program. Invasion of native plant communities by exotic Positive perennial grasses As described in Section 5.6 of the F&FA, the study area currently contains infestations of Serrated Tussock and African Love Grass. The proposed development will include effective control of these weeds which is otherwise unlikely to occur. Loss and degradation of native plant and animal Neutral habitat by invasion of escaped garden plants, As detailed in the VMP and enforced by the CMS, only indigenous including aquatic plants species may be planted within the proposed Biodiversity Conservation Area and adjoining areas subject to the provisions of the VMP. These

Key Threatening Process Impact from Proposed Development Positive/Neutral/Negative

controls will greatly reduce the potential for unwanted garden plants to invade the high biodiversity value portions of the study area. Predation by the feral cat Felis catus Neutral Feral cats are known to occur throughout the locality and would no doubt roam within the study area. The proposed subdivision is unlikely to substantially impact upon feral cat numbers in the locality. Notwithstanding this, responsible ownership of domestic cats is noted as a requirement in the CMS. Predation, habitat degradation, competition and Neutral to Positive disease transmission by feral pigs Sus scrofa The presence of feral pigs was observed only from the small patches of rooting along the drainage lines in the eastern portion of the study area. Such infestation levels are consistent with those across similar agricultural land in the Googong-Burra locality (R. Speirs pers. obs.). The proposed development is unlikely to increase feral pig presence within the study area. Moreover, the increase in human presence and surveillance within the study area may discourage feral pigs.

Scarlet Robin Petroica boodang and Flame Robin Petroica phoenica

Introduction

Both the Scarlet Robin and Flame Robin are listed as a vulnerable species on Schedule 2 of the TSC Act.

The Flame Robin is an altitudinal migrant which breeds during spring-early summer upland tall moist eucalypt forests and woodlands, often on ridges and slopes. The species moves down to over-winter in dry forests, open woodlands, native grasslands and modified pastures, with or without scattered trees.

Less of a notable altitudinal migrant than the Flame Robin, the Scarlet Robin is known to breed on ridges, hills and slopes across the Southern Tablelands, preferring to move into more open grassy woodlands, native grasslands and grazed paddocks with scattered trees to over-winter.

While both species will readily forage across open highly modified agricultural land with a simplified groundstorey, an abundance of logs and other coarse woody debris is considered an important structural habitat component.

As described in Section 5.4.5.3 of the F&FA, numerous small flocks of non-breeding Scarlet Robins and Flame Robins were observed foraging throughout much of the study area during the preliminary field inspection undertaken during winter 2015 and the presence of these species within the study area was also noted in previous years by KMA (KMA 2015). Substantial flocks of each of these species have been observed to over-winter in the open agricultural land across the locality, recorded generally between May to August at many study sites in the Googong, Burra, Royalla, Williamsdale and Michelago localities (Biosis 2015, R. Speirs pers. obs.). Birds described as “small red robins” were described by a resident of Little Burra (adjoining the southern boundary of the study area) as regularly visiting their garden and those of their neighbours.

Based on the known ecology of these species, their recorded occurrence within the study area and the habitat present, it is considered likely that study area comprises a small portion of the broad over-winter foraging habitat for both species.

The Flame Robin is highly unlikely to breed within the study area or locality. However, the Scarlet Robin may breed in the more intact woodland/dry forest in the eastern portion of the study area, expansive areas of similar habitat occur in the broader locality.

Assessment of Significance

The proposed development will involve the establishment of 2 to 5 hectare rural residential lots across a substantial area of foraging habitat for these species. Within these lots a maximum of 0.2ha will be cleared for homes and associated buildings. As detailed in the VMP and enforced by the CMS, the remnant trees within each lot will be retained and the grassy/pasture groundcover will be retained across the remainder of the lot.

The proposed development will result in the planting of many trees throughout the subdivision area and within the proposed Biodiversity Conservation Area (refer VMP). These trees will be indigenous species, chosen from the lists provided in the VMP which have been developed to enhance the habitat values of the land for native fauna, notably woodland birds.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the development of native gardens (as has occurred at Little Burra and other rural-residential subdivisions) does not exclude these species, apparently encouraging their inhabitation. It is likely that the marked increase if native shrub and midstorey vegetation would substantially increase the refuge and foraging resources present (i.e. increasing the number and diversity of invertebrate prey).

Given the above, the proposed development is considered unlikely to have an adverse effect on the life cycle of either species, such that a viable local population is likely to be placed at risk of extinction.

Not applicable, the matter is not an endangered population.

c. in the case of an endangered ecological community or critically endangered ecological community, whether the action proposed:

i. is likely to have an adverse effect on the extent of the ecological community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction, or

ii. is likely to substantially and adversely modify the composition of the ecological community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction.

Not applicable, the matter is not and endangered ecological community.

d. in relation to the habitat of a threatened species, population or ecological community:

i. the extent to which habitat is likely to be removed or modified as a result of the action proposed, and

ii. whether an area of habitat is likely to become fragmented or isolated from other areas of habitat as a result of the proposed action, and

iii. the importance of the habitat to be removed, modified, fragmented or isolated to the long- term survival of the species, population or ecological community in the locality.

Extent of habitat removal or modification

The proposed development will involve the clearance of a small extent of foraging habitat, limited to that required for the construction of building envelopes, public roads, internal drive ways and the installation of underground services. The extent of the proposed clearance of foraging habitat for these species represents a small proportion of the foraging habitat present throughout the study area and a very small proportion of the analogous habitat available across much of the broader locality.

The groundstorey throughout the proposed Biodiversity Conservation Area and the majority of the subdivision footprint will remain largely unmodified from that currently present. In fact, the removal of intense stock grazing, implementation of weed control and native tree and shrub planting, is likely to increase the habitat value of the study area for these species.

Fragmentation and isolation of habitat

The study area comprises a small portion of the analogous habitat occurring throughout much of locality and the limited clearance required for the proposed development is unlikely to significantly remove or reduce the habitat value of the land encompassed by rural residential lots. As such, the proposed development is unlikely to fragment or isolate an area of habitat.

Importance of the habitat

As discussed herein, the foraging habitat present within the study area is analogous with that that which occurs throughout much of the locality and is not of any lesser or greater importance to these species. The proposed development is also unlikely to substantially remove, modify, fragment or isolate the foraging habitat present.

The Flame Robin is not known to breed in the locality and the Scarlet Robin would be unlikely to breed in the areas subject to the proposed development, if it breeds in the locality at all.

e. whether the action proposed is likely to have an adverse effect on critical habitat (either directly or indirectly).

There are currently no critical habitat declarations, or draft declarations, for this species.

f. whether the action proposed is consistent with the objectives or actions of a recovery plan or threat abatement plan.

No specific recovery plan or threat abatement plan has been prepared for these species. However, both species have been assigned to the Landscape Species management stream under the ‘Saving our Species Program’ and associated Species Action Statement. The objective of the Species Action Statement is to ensure that the species is secure in the wild in NSW and that it’s NSW geographic range is extended or maintained.

Website: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/savingourspeciesapp/project.aspx?ProfileID=20133

Table 17 provides an assessment of the consistency of the proposed development and associated proposed biodiversity protection controls and enhancement measures with the described actions.

As described in Table 17, the proposed development is likely to have either a positive or neutral influence on the conservation actions recommended for the Scarlet Robin and Flame Robin.

Table 17. Consistency of the proposed development with ‘Action Toolbox’ items for the Scarlet Robin and Flame Robin

Action Description Scale Proposed Development’s Influence on Action (site or Positive/Neutral/Negative area/region) Fence sites to control grazing within native woodland remnants. Site Positive One of the key conservation measures to result from the proposed development will be the removal of intense grazing, notably within the high quality woodland remnants. Apply occasional strategic grazing to sites with high productivity (natural and Site Positive secondary grassland and woodland on low-lying productive sites; not low Much of the more intact woodland and dry forest remaining within productivity sites such as hillslopes) to ensure ground layer biomass does not build the study area occurs on relatively low fertility soils. The up; grazing should only occur in remnants in mid- to late summer and be applied by replacement of intense stock grazing with naturally occurring native stock numbers and for periods sufficient to reduce standing live and dead matter herbivore grazing will improve the habitat present whilst preventing but not to a point at which bare ground is exposed (advice from an agronomist may over build-up of biomass. be sought). Control biomass accumulation in productive sites by applying strategic patch burns; Site Neutral burning up to 5% of a site in any year, the majority of a site can be burnt on a long The majority of the productive land is located within the subdivision rotation, but unburnt refuge patches (up to 10% of a site) should be retained. footprint and supports exotic pasture. Biomass within these areas will be suitably controlled by landowners. Apply "corridor" or "stepping-stone enclosure" (20x20m plots maximum 100m Site Positive apart) plantings to reconnect patches of isolated habitat, ensuring corridors are The proposed development will include substantial native sufficiently wide and varied in structure and composition to deter noisy miners vegetation plantings along Church Creek. The development of (using a mix of canopy and mid-layer tree species, shrubs, tussocky ground layer gardens planted with dense and varied indigenous shrubs and trees species); this measure is particularly appropriate along riparian corridors or along will also improve habitat (refer VMP). existing fence lines; plantings must use locally indigenous species, appropriate to the vegetation type predicted for replanting sites. Encourage landholders to enter into management agreements (preferably in Site Positive perpetuity covenants or stewardship agreements) to protect woodland and forest The entire proposed Biodiversity Conservation Area will be communities, and grasslands with scattered trees, and particularly where native protected in perpetuity as detailed in the VMP and enforced by the mid- and ground-layers are intact and regeneration of local native trees, shrubs and CMS. ground cover plants is continuing. All areas with a native groundstorey outside of the proposed Biodiversity Conservation Area will be subject to land management

Action Description Scale Proposed Development’s Influence on Action (site or Positive/Neutral/Negative area/region) provisions requiring landowners to retain all remnant trees, plant only indigenous species and maintain the ‘native grassland’ characteristics of the groundstorey. Apply augmentation planting of missing structural layers (e.g., mid-layer wattles Site Positive (Acacia spp.), shrub layer species, or coarse tussocky ground layer species), using As detailed in the VMP, substantial habitat enhancement planting locally indigenous species appropriate to the vegetation type predicted for will occur in the proposed Biodiversity Conservation Area. In replanting sites. addition, planting of only indigenous shrubs and trees within lots will provide shrubstorey and midstorey habitat where these elements are currently absent. Liaise with landholders to raise awareness of the importance of retaining standing Site Positive dead trees, fallen trees, coarse woody debris and logs in remnants, and place As detailed in the VMP and enforced by the CMS, all remnant trees material from fallen trees and logs into rehabilitated remnants if sourced from non- will be retained. The VMP also requires that course woody debris, remnant vegetation (e.g. developments). logs etc. are retained throughout the Biodiversity Conservation Area. Implement control of exotic berry-bearing trees or shrubs (e.g. sweet briar rose, Site Positive hawthorn, blackberry) in woodland remnants and ensure to replace removed As detailed in the VMP, control of Blackberry and Briar Rose will be thickets with locally indigenous species, particularly bipinnate wattles (Acacia spp.), implemented throughout the proposed Biodiversity Conservation prickly native shrubs (e.g. Bursaria spinosa) or she-oaks (Allocasuarina spp.), as Area. Indigenous shrubs will be planted to replace the removed appropriate. habitat. In addition, only indigenous species may be planted within lots, preventing the planting of exotic berry-bearing species. Create buffers around existing remnants and increase size of remnants by fencing Site Positive out a large area surrounding existing remnants; such buffers could consist of a The proposed Biodiversity Conservation Area includes all of the native grassy ground layer, with or without scattered or regenerating trees; buffers high-quality woodland bird habitat located south of Burra Road. The could be additionally planted with locally indigenous trees and shrubs; buffers boundary of the proposed Biodiversity Conservation Area is provide additional feeding grounds, as well as providing for future colonisation of generally located in a manner that provides a buffer to the highest native woody species (trees and shrubs). quality patches. The land which adjoins the proposed Biodiversity Conservation Area is also subject to covenants that require landowners to retain all

Action Description Scale Proposed Development’s Influence on Action (site or Positive/Neutral/Negative area/region) remnant trees, plant only indigenous species and maintain the ‘native grassland’ characteristics of the groundstorey. Increase and enhance native ground cover by replacing areas of exotic perennial Site Positive pasture grasses (e.g. Phalaris, cocksfoot, Paspalum) or aggressive environmental The objective of the VMP is to maintain the ‘native grassland’ weeds (e.g. African love-grass, serrated tussock) with native grass species characteristics of the groundstorey within lots and it is unlikely that appropriate to the vegetation type; weeds should be removed using best-practice native dominance of the exotic pasture and weedy areas will be methods as prescribed by the herbicide manufacturer; techniques for removal and reversed. Notwithstanding this, the proposed development will replacement of ground layer species are in development and could be applied with include a control program for Serrated Tussock and African Love the appropriate expert assistance. Grass. Increase and enhance native ground cover by applying mosaic style patch burns, Site Neutral particularly in remnants with high cover of exotic annual pasture grasses (e.g., oats, Burning will not be an appropriate biomass management technique ryegrass, Bromus, barley); most of the site can be burnt on a long rotation, burning within the subdivision. up to 5% of any site per year, but unburnt refuge patches of 10% of the site should be retained. Initiate a community education program with a focus on threatened woodland birds Area Positive in important parts of the specie’s range; actions may include to: promote the Office No specific community education program is proposed. However, of Environment and Heritage Threatened Species website; develop landholder appropriate signage will be erected to inform maintenance staff and guidelines; run bird identification courses and threatened woodland bird field days, the public regarding the high conservation value of the land particularly to demonstrate important habitat attributes at prime sites; and encompassed by the proposed Biodiversity Conservation Area. encourage experts to attend Landcare or other non-government organisation events, schools, agricultural shows, etc.

g. whether the action proposed constitutes or is part of a key threatening process or is likely to result in the operation of, or increase the impact of, a key threatening process.

The key threatening processes (KTPs) currently listed on Schedule 3 of the TSC Act of relevance to these species and the proposed development are listed in Table 16.

As described in Table 16, the proposed development does not constitute a key threatening process, nor is it likely to result in the operation of, or increase the impact of, a key threatening process.

Conclusion

As determined via consideration of the above seven factors, the proposed development is unlikely to significantly affect either the Scarlet Robin or the Flame Robin. Accordingly, a Species Impact Statement is not considered warranted for these species.

Diamond Firetail Stagonopleura guttata

Introduction

The Diamond Firetail is listed as a vulnerable species on Schedule 2 of the TSC Act.

The Diamond Firetail is known to occur in grassy eucalypt woodlands across much of the Southern Tablelands. The species prefers Box-Gum Woodland, Snow Gum Eucalyptus pauciflora Woodland and open dry sclerophyll forests, generally where a shrubby understorey and native grass dominated groundstorey have been retained. The species will also forage in open natural grasslands, derived grasslands and sometimes lightly wooded agricultural land, generally confining movements to within reasonably close proximity of a patch of eucalypt woodland or dry forest.

The Diamond Firetail forages exclusively on the ground, feeding on grass seeds, herb seeds, green leaves and invertebrates. Invertebrates appear to be a particularly important component of the diet during the breeding season.

A primarily sedentary bird, the Diamond Firetail usually occurs in flocks of 5 to 50 with these separating into small loose-knit breeding colonies of two to ten pairs.

As described in Section 5.4.5.3, Diamond Firetails were observed within the study area during the field surveys, primarily within the large dense patch of remnant Drooping Sheoak on the northern slope of Mount Pleasant. Small flocks of the species were observed during winter and early spring with these breaking into breeding pairs from early November. Pairs and small flocks of Diamond Firetail are relatively commonly observed on sites across the Googong, Burra, Royalla, Williamsdale and Michelago localities (R. Speirs pers. obs.). Within these sites, the species has generally only been observed in the areas of more structurally intact vegetation, notably moderate to high quality Box-Gum Woodland. Together with the more common Red-browed Finch Neochmia temporalis and Double-barred Finch Taeniopygia bichenovii, Diamond Firetails have been observed to visit gardens in the Little Burra and Royalla rural residential subdivisions, particularly gardens with substantial plantings of native shrubs and tussock grasses.

As shown in Figure 6 of the F&FA, a single active nest was observed in the canopy of a large Red Box and it is expected that other pairs nested this season in the Drooping Sheoak patch and immediate surrounds. Although no nests were observed in them, the Diamond Firetails and numerous other small birds were observed to frequently utilise the refuge offered by the large Briar Rose bushes in this portion of the study area. Diamond Firetails were not observed further than approximately 100m from the Drooping Sheoak patch, indicating the importance of this dense patch of remnant trees to this species.

Based on the known ecology of the Diamond Firetail, its recorded occurrence within the study area and the habitat present, it is considered likely that the more intact Box-Gum Woodland and dry sclerophyll forest in the eastern portion of the study area comprises a small part of the foraging and breeding habitat for the species in the locality.

Assessment of Significance

The proposed development will involve the subdivision of a substantial portion of the lower value foraging habitat within the study area into 2 to 5 hectare rural residential lots. Within these lots a maximum of 0.2ha will be cleared for homes and associated buildings. As detailed in the VMP and enforced by the CMS, the remnant trees within each lot will be retained and the grassy/pasture groundcover will be retained across the remainder of the lot.

Breeding activity was observed during the surveys to be confined to the Drooping Sheoak patch on the northern slope of Mount Pleasant and immediate vicinity. Birds were not observed further than approximately 100m from the Drooping Sheoak community. This patch and all of the moderate to high quality Box-Gum Woodland (PCT1334-Zone1) and dry sclerophyll forest (PCT999-Zone1) in the vicinity of the patch will be included in the proposed Biodiversity Conservation Area. As detailed in the VMP, these areas will be protected and the habitat will be enhanced by tree planting and allowing natural regeneration to occur.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the development of native gardens (as has occurred at Little Burra and other rural-residential subdivisions in the locality) does not exclude these species, apparently encouraging their inhabitation. It is likely that the marked increase in native shrub and midstorey vegetation would substantially increase the refuge and foraging resources in the locality and may increase the breeding habitat available.

Given the above, the proposed development is considered unlikely to have an adverse effect on the life cycle of either species such that a viable local population is likely to be placed at risk of extinction.

Not applicable, the matter is not an endangered population.

c. in the case of an endangered ecological community or critically endangered ecological community, whether the action proposed:

i. is likely to have an adverse effect on the extent of the ecological community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction, or

ii. is likely to substantially and adversely modify the composition of the ecological community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction.

Not applicable, the matter is not an endangered ecological community.

d. in relation to the habitat of a threatened species, population or ecological community:

i. the extent to which habitat is likely to be removed or modified as a result of the action proposed, and

ii. whether an area of habitat is likely to become fragmented or isolated from other areas of habitat as a result of the proposed action, and

iii. the importance of the habitat to be removed, modified, fragmented or isolated to the long- term survival of the species, population or ecological community in the locality.

Extent of habitat removal or modification

All of the breeding habitat and higher value foraging habitat within the study area will be included in the proposed Biodiversity Conservation Area. However, the proposed development will involve the clearance of lower value foraging habitat, limited to that required for the construction of building envelopes, public roads, internal drive ways and the installation of underground services. This clearance will impact upon a small proportion of the foraging habitat present throughout the study area and a very small proportion of the analogous habitat present across much of the broader locality.

Fragmentation and isolation of habitat

All of the breeding habitat and higher value foraging habitat within the study area will be included in the proposed Biodiversity Conservation Area. The proposed development will not fragment this habitat or isolate it from the similar habitat adjoining the proposed Biodiversity Conservation Area to the south, north and east.

Importance of the habitat

As discussed herein, the breeding habitat present within the study area is similar to that which occurs on many other sites in the locality. The foraging habitat is analogous to that present throughout much of the locality and is not of any lesser or greater importance to this species. The proposed development will conserve and enhance the breeding habitat present and is unlikely to substantially remove, modify, fragment or isolate the foraging habitat.

e. whether the action proposed is likely to have an adverse effect on critical habitat (either directly or indirectly).

There are currently no critical habitat declarations, or draft declarations, for this species.

f. whether the action proposed is consistent with the objectives or actions of a recovery plan or threat abatement plan.

No specific recovery plan or threat abatement plan has been prepared for this species. However, the species has been assigned to the Landscape Species management stream under the ‘Saving our Species Program’ and associated Species Action Statement. The objective of the Species Action Statement is to ensure that the species is secure in the wild in NSW and that it’s NSW geographic range is extended or maintained.

Website: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/savingourspeciesapp/project.aspx?ProfileID=10768

Table 18 provides an assessment of the consistency of the proposed development and associated proposed biodiversity protection controls and enhancement measures with the described actions.

As described in Table 18, the proposed development is generally consistent with the actions described for the Diamond Firetail.

Table 18. Consistency of the proposed development with ‘Action Toolbox’ items for the Diamond Firetail

Action Description Scale Proposed Development’s Influence on Action (site or Positive/Neutral/Negative area/region) Protect and maintain areas of high quality habitat, which includes Site, Area Positive open forest, woodland, mallee and grasslands with a diverse ground All of the breeding habitat and higher value foraging habitat will be included in the layer dominated by a mixture of grass species which seed at different proposed Biodiversity Conservation Area. As detailed in the VMP, these areas will times of year (providing a year round food supply) and provides be protected and the habitat will be enhanced by tree planting and allowing scattered shrubs for shelter. Areas with access to water, especially natural regeneration to occur. riparian areas, are particularly important. Where possible negotiate The existing dams within the proposed Biodiversity Conservation Area will be conservation agreements with landholders, agreements should retained. preferably be funded and in perpetuity. Undertake revegetation, using a diverse mix of locally appropriate Site, Area Positive native species, which will produce high quality habitat. Revegetation As detailed in the VMP, the breeding habitat and areas of higher value foraging should focus on expanding areas of existing habitat, connecting habitat will be protected and enhanced by tree planting (assisted regeneration) isolated habitat patches (either through corridor or stepping stone and allowing natural recruitment and regeneration to occur. plantings) or establishing additional habitat patches in landscapes with already existing, although insufficient, patches of suitable habitat. Areas with access to water, especially riparian areas, are particularly important, although care should be taken to ensure that riparian revegetation programs are sufficiently wide (minimum 50m wide), and that the composition of the ground and understorey is managed. Undertake control of invasive exotic plant species that compete with Site, Area Positive native grasses, so as to increase the prevalence and diversity of food The objective of the VMP is to maintain the ‘native grassland’ characteristics of plants, in suitable habitat. the groundstorey within lots and it is unlikely that native dominance of the exotic pasture and weedy areas will be reversed. Notwithstanding this, the proposed development will include effective control of Serrated Tussock and African Love Grass which is otherwise unlikely to occur. Exclude grazing from suitable habitat, or reduce grazing intensity and Site, Area Positive regularity so that a diverse grass sward and scattered shrub layer is One of the key conservation measures to result from the proposed development maintained, and seeding grasses are present throughout the year. will be the removal of intense grazing, notably within the high quality woodland remnants which provide foraging and potential breeding habitat for this species.

Action Description Scale Proposed Development’s Influence on Action (site or Positive/Neutral/Negative area/region) Remove introduced fruit or berry producing plants (for example Site, Area Positive blackberry, hawthorn, cotoneaster, privet) that provide a food supply As detailed in the VMP, control of Blackberry and Briar Rose will be implemented for nest predators such as pied currawongs. throughout the Biodiversity Conservation Area. Indigenous shrubs will be planted to replace the removed habitat. In addition, only indigenous species may be planted within lots, preventing the planting of berry-bearing plants. Retain mistletoe and scattered patches of dense shrubs for nesting Site, Area Positive habitat, particularly in areas close to water. All of the breeding habitat (dense patches) and higher value foraging habitat will be included in the proposed Biodiversity Conservation Area. As detailed in the VMP, these areas will be protected and the habitat will be enhanced by tree planting and allowing natural regeneration to occur. All remnant trees within the study area, and the mistletoe that they carry, will be retained. The existing dams within the Biodiversity Conservation Area will be retained.

g. whether the action proposed constitutes or is part of a key threatening process or is likely to result in the operation of, or increase the impact of, a key threatening process.

The key threatening processes (KTPs) currently listed on Schedule 3 of the TSC Act of relevance to these species and the proposed development are listed in Table 16.

As described in Table 16, the proposed development does not constitute a key threatening process, nor is it likely to result in the operation of, or increase the impact of, a key threatening process.

Conclusion

As determined via consideration of the above seven factors, the proposed development is unlikely to significantly affect the Diamond Firetail. Accordingly, a Species Impact Statement is not considered warranted for this species.

Appendix 7. Mount Pleasant Rural Residential Subdivision – Vegetation Management Plan

Mount Pleasant Rural Residential Subdivision Vegetation Management Plan

Final V2 – September 2016 Prepared for CIC Australia Pty Ltd

Document Information

Report for: CIC Australia Pty Ltd Prepared by: Robert Speirs Capital Ecology project no.: 2681 Citation: Capital Ecology (2016). Mount Pleasant Rural Residential Subdivision – Vegetation Management Plan. Final V2 – September 2016. Prepared for CIC Australia Pty Ltd. Author: R. Speirs. Project no. 2681.

Version Control

Version Internal reviewer External reviewers Date of issue Draft version 01 Dr Monica Campbell Hoa Luu (CIC Australia) & 31/01/2016 Jenny Rudolf (Elton Consulting) Final version 01 - - 08/02/2016 Final version 02 - Matthew Frawley (CIC Australia) 12/09/2016

Acknowledgements

Disclaimer

Capital Ecology Pty Ltd has undertaken the supporting studies and developed this document, including any assessment/s provided herein, in accordance with the relevant Commonwealth, State/Territory and local legislation and current industry best practice. This document does not provide legal or investment advice. Capital Ecology Pty Ltd accepts no liability for any damages or loss of any type incurred as a result of reliance placed upon the content of this document for any purpose other than that for which it was expressly intended. © Capital Ecology Pty Ltd This document is and shall remain the property of Capital Ecology Pty Ltd. This document may be used solely for the purposes for which it was commissioned and only by those parties for whom it is intended. Use of this document in any form other than that authorised is prohibited.

Capital Ecology Pty Ltd

PO Box 854 ACN: 607 364 358 Phone: 0412 474 415 Gungahlin ACT 2912 ABN: 50 607 364 358 Email: [email protected] www.capitalecology.com.au ii

Table of Contents

1 Introduction ...... 4

2 Biodiversity Conservation Area ...... 7

3 Vegetation Management Areas ...... 9

4 Subdivision-wide Controls ...... 16

1 Introduction

CIC Australia Pty Ltd (CIC) is currently progressing with the planning and approval process for the development of a 41 lot rural residential subdivision at Burra, NSW (the ‘proposed development’). As shown in Figure 1, the proposed development is located within the property known as Mount Pleasant, an approximate 275 hectare parcel of land formally known as Lot 1 in DP 1209260, located at 102 Burra Road near the intersection near the intersection of Burra Road and Old Cooma Road.

Capital Ecology Pty Ltd (Capital Ecology) has been commissioned by CIC to undertake ecological surveys and prepare a Flora and Fauna Assessment Report (F&FA) (Capital Ecology 2016) to identify and assess the significance of the impacts that the proposed development may have upon biodiversity values of the subject land (the ‘study area’). Reference should be made to the F&FA for the technical information relevant to this Vegetation Management Plan (VMP).

As detailed in the F&FA, the study area supports significant biodiversity values, namely:

 the Box-Gum Woodland threatened ecological community (TEC);

 habitat for threatened woodland birds; and

 habitat for the threatened Pink-tailed Worm-lizard Aprasia parapulchella.

As described in the F&FA, the subdivision’s extent and lot layout have been designed to avoid and minimise impacts upon the biodiversity values of the study area (significant or otherwise). Notwithstanding this, the implementation of the biodiversity protection and enhancement measures prescribed in this VMP will be important to ensure that impacts are avoided, minimised or mitigated, such that the proposed development does not adversely impact upon the significant biodiversity values of the study area.

This VMP will implement the proposed biodiversity conservation measures in accordance with the anticipated approval under the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. It is envisaged that the implementation of this VMP will become a condition of consent, and/or a requirement of a by- law in the Mount Pleasant Rural Residential Subdivision – Community Management Statement (CMS) (Holding Redlich, Draft 2015).

The CMS has been developed to provide controls relating to the management of the subdivision during occupation. Once endorsed and implemented, the CMS will provide in perpetuity legal certainty for the measures detailed in this VMP (among numerous other elements). As the CMS is linked to consent it will be enforceable.

This VMP comprises the following three key sections, each of which details a key element of this VMP:

1. Section 2 – Biodiversity Conservation Area. Section 2 describes the purpose of the Biodiversity Conservation Area and the rationale behind its location and extent.

2. Section 3 – Vegetation Management Areas. Section 3 describes each of the three Vegetation Management Areas, the rationale behind their location and extent and the biodiversity protection and enhancement measures that must be implemented within each.

3. Section 4 – Subdivision-wide Controls. Section 4 described the controls that apply to the entire subdivision.

0 1 2 3 4 km

Acknowledgement - Basemap (c) NSW Land and Property Informaon 2016 Scale 1:60,000 @ A4, GDA 1994, MGA Zone 55

Figure 1. Locality Plan Legend Study_Area_Boundary

Capital Ecology Project No: 2681 Drawn by: R. Speirs Date: 12 September 2016

2 Biodiversity Conservation Area

As shown in Figure 2, the Biodiversity Conservation Area encompasses 107 hectares (39% of the study area). Informed by the results of the F&FA, the location and extent of the Biodiversity Conservation Area has been designed to include the following.

1. The entire area of each Zone 1 of each Plant Community Type (PCT) south of Burra Road. Notably, this will include all of the EPBC Act listed Box-Gum Woodland TEC south of Burra Road.

2. The patch of confirmed Pink-tailed Worm Lizard habitat as well as most of the other rocky habitat within the study area.

4. All of the steep sloping land within the study area, including the summit and slopes of Mount Pleasant.

In addition to the above, from a landscape perspective, the Biodiversity Conservation Area will include all of the land within the study area (south of Burra Road) of significance to the retention of the fauna habitat linkage running generally north-south along the eastern portion of the study area.

The establishment of the Biodiversity Conservation Area will also maintain and enhance the direct linkage to the expanses of high biodiversity conservation value land located to the east within Palerang Local Government Area (i.e. within O’Keefe’s Reserve and Googong Foreshores beyond).

As shown in Figure 2, the majority of the Biodiversity Conservation Area is encompassed by the community titled parcel of land known as Community Lot 1.

Note: EPBC Act Box-Gum Woodland is also TSC Act Box-Gum Woodland

Community Lot 1

Capital Ecology Project No: 2681 Drawn by: R. Speirs Date: 12 September 2016

0 100 200 300 400 m

Scale 1:7,200 @ A3, GDA 1994, MGA Zone 55

3 Vegetation Management Areas

As shown in Figure 3, the following three Vegetation Management Areas (VMAs) have been established within the study area.

1. Vegetation Management Area 1 – Community Biodiversity Conservation Area.

VMA 1 will comprise the community titled portions of the Biodiversity Conservation Area (i.e. Community Lot 1, refer Figure 3).

As detailed in Table 1, active measures will occur within VMA 1 which aim to conserve and enhance the condition of the ecological communities within and increase the habitat value of the area for native flora and fauna, notably the Pink-tailed Worm-lizard and threatened woodland birds. The measures include replanting woodland trees and shrubs, initial and ongoing weed control and control of vertebrate fauna pest species (notably rabbits).

2. Vegetation Management Area 2 – Private Biodiversity Conservation Area.

VMA 2 will comprise the portions of the Biodiversity Conservation Area included within privately owned lots.

As detailed in Table 1, VMA 2 will be subject to active measures which aim to conserve and enhance the condition of the ecological communities encompassed and increase the habitat value of the area for native flora and fauna, notably threatened woodland birds. The appropriate management and enhancement of VMA 2 will be of particular value as a means of strengthening the biodiversity corridor which runs north-south along the eastern side of the study area.

3. Vegetation Management Area 3 – Biodiversity Covenant Area.

VMA 3 will comprise the portions of private lots that support Vegetation Zone 2 of either PCT999 or PCT1334.

As detailed in Table 1, the portions of private lots encompassed by VMA 3 will be subject to land management provisions requiring landowners to retain all remnant trees, plant only trees of species indigenous to the locality and maintain the ‘native grassland’ characteristics of the groundstorey.

Legend Study_Area_Boundary Development Lot Layout Building_Envelope Snow_Gum_(E.pauciﬂora) Apple_Box_(E.bridgesiana) B u r ra Red_Box_(E.polyanthemos) R o a Broad-leaved_Peppermint_(E.dives) d Mealy_Bundy_(E.nortonii) Candlebark_(E.rubida) Yellow_Box_(E.melliodora) Aboriginal_Artefact_Scaer_Area_(NOHC 2016) Aboriginal_Cultural_Heritage_Site_(NOHC 2016) Proposed_Biodiversity_Conservaon_Area Vegetaon_Management_Areas VMA1_Community_Biodiversity_Conservaon_Area VMA2_Private_Biodiversity_Conservaon_Area VMA3_Biodiversity_Covenant_Area Inial_Revegetaon_-_Key_Areas

Drooping Drooping Sheoak Sheoak patch patch

Capital Ecology Project No: 2681 Drawn by: R. Speirs Date: 12 September 2016 Community Lot 1

0 100 200 300 400 m

Scale 1:7,200 @ A3, GDA 1994, MGA Zone 55

Acknowledgement - Image (c) Nearmap 2016

Table 1. Vegetation Management Areas – Vegetation Management Controls and Enhancement Measures

Control / Enhancement Measure Applicable to Vegetation Management Area Timing Responsible Party VMA 1 VMA 2 VMA 3 Control 1. Preservation of all remnant eucalypts Yes Yes Yes During CIC then lot subdivision owners and the development and Community All remnant eucalypts, alive or dead, must be preserved. in perpetuity. Association.

Note: The outcome of this control should be achieved with due consideration of the Australian Standard – Protection of trees on development sites (AS4970-2009). 2. Restriction on clearing or removal of native vegetation Yes Yes - During CIC then lot subdivision owners and the development and Community No clearing or removal of native vegetation, including fallen dead timber greater in perpetuity. Association. than 20 cm diameter, shrubs, grasses or groundcovers (except for the purposes of constructing the maximum 2000m2 building envelope and a single vehicle driveway between the public road and the building envelope), unless approval is obtained from the Council or other relevant authority. 3. Requirement to maintain native grass groundstorey - - Yes During CIC then lot subdivision owners. development and The ‘native grassland’ characteristics of the groundstorey must be maintained in perpetuity. (except for the purposes of constructing the maximum 2000m2 building envelope and a single vehicle driveway between the public road and the building envelope), unless approval is obtained from the Council or other relevant authority. 4. Prohibition on the keeping of hooved animals Yes Yes - In perpetuity, Lot owners and onwards from lot the Community occupation. Association. No keeping of hooved animals (either on a permanent or temporary basis), unless approval is obtained from the Council or other relevant authority.

Control / Enhancement Measure Applicable to Vegetation Management Area Timing Responsible Party VMA 1 VMA 2 VMA 3 5. Restriction on the keeping of hooved animals N/A – 4. N/A – 4. Yes In perpetuity, Lot owners and above above onwards from lot the Community applies. applies. occupation. Association. Light grazing is permitted provided that a stock proof fence (hinge jointed mesh and two plain wire strands) is erected to ensure no grazed animals may enter the adjoining/adjacent Biodiversity Conservation Area. Stocking rates are not to exceed 1 horse or cow (or equivalent) per 2 hectares of grazing land and/or 5 sheep or goats (or equivalent) per 2 hectares of grazing land. Groundcover must not fall below 70% coverage before stock are removed. 6. Prohibition on planting of noxious weeds and potential pest plant species Yes Yes Yes In perpetuity, Lot owners and onwards from lot the Community occupation. Association. No species listed in Table 3 may be planted. 7. Restriction on plant species used for revegetation, landscaping and other Yes Yes Yes During CIC then lot planting subdivision owners and the development and Community in perpetuity. Association. Revegetation works, landscaping and other planting may only be carried out if it is complementary to the native indigenous vegetation of the lot. Only plant species listed in Table 2 may be planted. 8. Initial priority weed control Yes Yes Yes Prior to CIC commencement of subdivision The presence and distribution of each priority noxious weed (Serrated Tussock, development. African Love Grass and Blackberry) will be assessed and mapped. This mapping will be provided to a suitably qualified and experienced weed control contractor who will be engaged to undertake the required initial weed control. The specific weed control techniques employed will be determined by the weed control contractor at the time of engagement, based upon suitability/applicability for the subject species. The initial weed control works will be timed to maximise the effectiveness of the chosen technique.

Control / Enhancement Measure Applicable to Vegetation Management Area Timing Responsible Party VMA 1 VMA 2 VMA 3 9. Ongoing weed monitoring and control Yes Yes Yes In perpetuity, Lot owners and onwards from lot the Community occupation. Association. All species declared noxious weeds in the Queanbeyan local government area must be actively monitored and controlled in accordance with the requirements of the NSW Noxious Weeds Act 1993 and the Noxious Weeds (Weed Control) Order 2014. Noxious weeds of particular priority are Serrated Tussock, African Love Grass and Blackberry. Website: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/aboutus/about/legislation-acts/noxious- weeds 10. Initial vertebrate pest control Yes Yes - Prior to CIC N/A, there are commencement of subdivision The location of each rabbit warren will be identified and mapped. This mapping currently no development. will be provided to a suitably qualified and experienced vertebrate pest control warrens contractor who will be engaged to undertake the required control activities. within VMA 3. The specific control techniques employed will be determined by the contractor at the time of engagement, based upon suitability for the warrens (i.e. size, terrain etc). The initial rabbit control will be timed to maximise the effectiveness of the chosen technique. 11. Ongoing vertebrate pest control Yes Yes Yes In perpetuity, Lot owners and onwards from lot the Community occupation. Association. All declared pest animal species in NSW (notably rabbits, foxes and feral pigs) must be actively monitored and controlled in accordance with the requirements of the relevant Pest Control Order. Website: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/pests-weeds/vertebrate- pests/legislation

Control / Enhancement Measure Applicable to Vegetation Management Area Timing Responsible Party VMA 1 VMA 2 VMA 3 Enhancement Measure 1. Initial revegetation works (tree and shrub planting) Yes - - Prior to CIC occupation of subdivision. The primary measure to implemented to facilitate and encourage revegetation of Figure 3 the Biodiversity Conservation Area will be the removal of stock. This measure will shows allow natural recruitment and regeneration to occur as seedlings from the many proposed remaining mature eucalypts will be allowed the opportunity to establish and grow initial unhindered. It is envisaged that seed from remaining trees and that in the soil revegetation seedbank and will be sufficient for most of the canopy species. areas As described in the F&FA, the midstorey and shrubstorey of Box-Gum Woodland and dry sclerophyll forest communities are important habitat components for native fauna, notably woodland birds (including many threatened species). These are generally absent throughout the Biodiversity Conservation Area due to prolonged intense grazing. Given the above, the following initial revegetation plantings will occur to add these missing habitat components to patches within the Biodiversity Conservation Area and encourage further future natural recruitment by inserting an ongoing source of seed. a. 2000 saplings (tubestock) of suitable shrub species will be planted in Biodiversity Conservation Area, concentrating plantings in and around the denser patches of trees (refer Figure 3). Species will be chosen from the list provided in Table 2 but should include a substantial proportion of Native Blackthorn Bursaria spinosa subsp. Lasiophylla and Burgan Kunzea eriocoides as these vigorous species are commercially available, will establish well and readily self-seed. b. 1000 Drooping Sheoak Allocasuarina verticillata saplings (tubestock) will be planted in and around the denser patches of trees, primarily on land with a northern aspect (refer Figure 3. The primary objective of this planting is to increase the potential foraging resource within the Biodiversity Conservation Area for the Glossy Black-cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami which feeds almost exclusively on this species in the region.

Control / Enhancement Measure Applicable to Vegetation Management Area Timing Responsible Party VMA 1 VMA 2 VMA 3 2. Ongoing revegetation works Yes Yes Yes In perpetuity, Lot owners and onwards from lot the Community occupation. Association. Lot owners and the community may undertake revegetation works as desired, noting that only the species listed in Table 2 may be planted. It is recommended that advice regarding specific species selection is sought from someone with expertise in the flora of the region (e.g. local ecologist, botanist, Greening Australia etc). This person will be able to match species to the relevant soil type, aspect, hydrology of the planting location.

4 Subdivision-wide Controls

In addition to the vegetation management controls and enhancement measures detailed in Section 3 prescribed as applicable for each specific VMA, the following controls apply to the entire subdivision.

1. All remnant eucalypts must be preserved.

2. No species listed as prohibited plants in Table 3 may be planted on a lot.

3. No cats may be kept of a lot (either on a permanent or temporary basis) other than within the dwelling house or within an appropriate purpose-built enclosure.

4. No more than three dogs may be kept on a lot (either on a permanent or temporary basis).

5. Stocking rates are not to exceed 1 horse or cow (or equivalent) per 2 hectares of grazing land and/or 5 sheep or goats (or equivalent) per 2 hectares of grazing land. Groundcover must not fall below 70% coverage before stock are removed.

6. All practicable measures must be employed to ensure that domestic stock (cattle, sheep, horses etc.) are contained within the boundary of the subject lot at all times.

Table 2. Permitted Plant Species for Vegetation Management Areas Note: The list of permitted plant species has been developed to provide a list of suitable species for each stratum (i.e. canopy, midstorey, shrubstorey and groundstorey), based on the objective of augmenting or recreating the strata of the relevant Plant Community Types (i.e. Box-Gum Woodland and Dry Sclerophyll Forest as identified and mapped for the F&FA).

It is noted that many of the species listed (notably groundstorey species) are not readily available from local suppliers, particularly during certain seasons. Accordingly, whilst the objective of the list is to ensure that only suitable species are planted, it is also important to maximise the species options. Therefore, whilst not exhaustive, Table 2 provides an extensive list of suitable species of which a sufficient diversity should be available.

Scientific Name Common Name Canopy Brachychiton populneus Kurrajong Eucalyptus blakelyi Blakely's Red Gum Eucalyptus bridgesiana Apple Box Eucalyptus dives Broad-leaved Peppermint Eucalyptus goniocalyx Bundy Eucalyptus macrorhyncha Red Stringybark Eucalyptus mannifera Brittle Gum Eucalyptus melliodora Yellow Box Eucalyptus nortonii Mealy Bundy Eucalyptus polyanthemos Red Box Eucalyptus rossii Scribbly Gum Eucalyptus rubida Candlebark Midstorey Acacia decurrens Black Wattle Acacia falcata Sickle Wattle Acacia implexa Hickory Acacia mearnsii Late Black Wattle Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood Allocasuarina verticillata Drooping Sheoak Eucalyptus pauciflora Snow Gum Eucalyptus stellulata Black Sallee Exocarpos cupressiformis Cherry Ballart Shrubstorey Acacia buxiflora Box-leaf Wattle Acacia dealbata Silver Wattle Acacia falciformis Hickory Acacia floribunda White Sallow Wattle Acacia genistifolia Early Wattle Acacia gunnii Ploughshare Wattle

Scientific Name Common Name Acacia rubida Red-stem Wattle Acacia siculiformis Dagger Wattle Acacia ulicifolia Prickly Moses Banksia marginata Silver Banksia Bursaria spinosa subsp. lasiophylla Native Blackthorn Cassinia aculeata Common Cassinia Cassinia longifolia Cauliflower Bush Cassinia quinquefaria Rosemary Cassinia Dodonaea viscosa Hopbush Grevillea rosmarinifolia Rosemary Grevillea Hakea decurrens Bushy Needlewood Hakea microcarpa Small-fruited Hakea Indigofera australis Austral Indigo Kunzea ericoides Burgan Kunzea parviflora Violet Kunzea Leptospermum brevipes Slender Tea-tree Leptospermum continentale Prickly Teatree Leptospermum lanigerum Woolly Tea-tree Leptospermum multicaule Silver Teatree Leptospermum myrtifolium Swamp Teatree Leptospermum obovatum River Tea-tree Lomatia myricoides Long-leaf Lomatia Melaleuca paludicola River Bottlebrush Pomaderris pallida Pale Pomaderris Rubus parvifolius Native Raspberry Styphelia triflora Pink Five-corners Groundstorey Shrub Bossiaea buxifolia Box-leaved Bitter-pea Bossiaea prostrata Creeping Bossiaea Brachyloma daphnoides Daphne Heath Correa reflexa Common Correa Cryptandra amara Bitter Cryptandra Daviesia genistifolia Broom Bitter-pea Daviesia latifolia Hop Bitter-pea Daviesia leptophylla Narrow-leaf Bitter-pea Daviesia mimosoides Narrow-leaf Bitter-pea Daviesia ulicifolia Gorse Bitter-pea Dillwynia cinerascens Grey Parrot-pea Dillwynia glaucula Michelago Parrot-pea Dillwynia prostrata Matted Parrot-pea

Scientific Name Common Name Dillwynia retorta Heathy Parrot-pea Dillwynia sericea Showy Parrot-pea Hardenbergia violacea False Sarsparilla Hibbertia obtusifolia Grey Guinea-flower Hibbertia riparia Stream Guinea-flower Leucopogon fletcheri Pendant Beard Heath Leucopogon fraseri Beard Heath Leucopogon virgatus Common Beard Heath Lissanthe strigosa Peach Heath Melichrus urceolatus Urn Heath Pultenaea procumbens Heathy Bush-pea Sedge, Rush Carex appressa Tall Sedge Carex inversa Knob Sedge Isolepis cernua Nodding Club-rush Isolepis hookeriana Grassy Club-sedge Isolepis inundata Swamp Club-sedge Juncus australis Austral Rush Juncus subsecundus Finger Rush Lepidosperma laterale Sword Sedge Lomandra bracteata Mat-rush Lomandra filiformis Wattle Mat-rush Lomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rush Lomandra multiflora Many-flowered Matrush Grass Aristida ramosa Purple Wiregrass Austrostipa bigeniculata Tall Speargrass Austrostipa densiflora Dense Spear-grass Austrostipa scabra Corkscrew Bothriochloa macra Red-leg Grass Chloris truncata Windmill Grass Cymbopogon refractus Barbed Wire Grass Dichelachne crinita Longhair Plumegrass Dichelachne hirtella Slender Plumegrass Dichelachne inaequiglumis Plume Grass Dichelachne micrantha Short-hair Plumegrass Dichelachne parva Plume Grass Dichelachne rara Plume Grass Elymus scaber Wheat Grass Microlaena stipoides Weeping Grass Panicum effusum Hairy Panic

Scientific Name Common Name Poa labillardierei Tussock Grass Poa sieberiana Snow Grass Rytidosperma bipartita Wallaby Grass Rytidosperma caespitosa Ringed Wallaby-grass Rytidosperma carphoides Short Wallaby-grass Rytidosperma laevis Wallaby Grass Rytidosperma monticola Small-flower Wallaby Grass Rytidosperma pallidum Red-anther Wallaby Grass Rytidosperma racemosa Slender Wallaby Grass Sorghum leiocladum Wild Sorghum Themeda triandra Kangaroo Grass Forb, Lily, Orchid Acaena novae-zelandiae Bidgee-widgee Acaena ovina Sheep's Burr Ajuga australis Austral Bugle Alternanthera nana Hairy Joyweed Arthropodium milleflorum Vanilla-lily Arthropodium minus Small Vanilla Lily Asperula conferta Common Woodruff Asperula scoparia Prickly Woodruff Brachyscome aculeata Hill Daisy Brachyscome decipiens Field Daisy Brachyscome diversifolia Large-headed Daisy Brachyscome graminea Grass Dairy Brachyscome heterodonta Lobe-seed Daisy Brachyscome multifida Cut-leaved Daisy Brachyscome rigidula Leafy Daisy Brachyscome scapigera Tufted Daisy Brachyscome spathulata Spoon Daisy Brunoniella australis Blue Trumpet Bulbine bulbosa Bulbine Lily Bulbine glauca Rock Lily Burchardia umbellata Milkmaids Caesia calliantha Blue Grass-Lily Calocephalus citreus Lemon Beauty-heads Calotis cuneifolia Purple Burr-daisy Calotis glandulosa Mauve Burr-daisy Calotis lappulacea Yellow Burr-daisy Calotis scabiosifolia Rough Burr-daisy Chamaesyce drummondii Caustic-weed Cheilanthes austrotenuifolia Rock Fern

Scientific Name Common Name Chrysocephalum apiculatum Common Everlasting Chrysocephalum semipapposum Clustered Everlasting Clematis microphylla Small-leaved Clematis Convolvulus erubescens Australian Bindweed Cotula australis Common Cotula Craspedia variabilis Billy Buttons Cullen microcephalum Dusky Scurfpea Cymbonotus lawsonianus Austral Bears-ear Cynoglossum australe Australian Hound's-tongue Cynoglossum suaveolens Sweet Hound's-tongue Daucus glochidiatus Native Carrot Derwentia perfoliata Digger's Speedwell Desmodium brachypodum Large Tick-trefoil Desmodium varians Slender Tick-trefoil Dianella longifolia Smooth Flax Lily Dianella revoluta Black-anther Flax-lily Dichondra repens Kidney Weed Dichopogon fimbriatus Nodding Chocolate Lily Dichopogon strictus Chocolate Lily Dipodium punctatum Hyacinth Orchid Diuris aequalis Buttercup Doubletail Diuris behrii Golden Cowslips Diuris chryseopsis Common Golden Moths Diuris dendrobioides Long-tail Purple Diuris Diuris maculata Leopard Orchid Diuris ochroma Pale Golden Moths Diuris pedunculata Small Snake Orchid Diuris punctata Purple Donkey-orchid Diuris semilunulata Donkey-ears Diuris sulphurea Tiger Orchid Drosera peltata Pale Sundew Drosera pygmaea Pigmy Sundew Eriochilus cucullatus Parson's Bands Erodium crinitum Native Crowfoot Eryngium ovinum Blue Devil Galium gaudichaudii Rough Bedstraw Geranium antrorsum Antrorse Geranium Geranium retrorsum Common Cranes-bill Geranium solanderi Native Geranium Glossodia major Wax-lip Orchid Glycine clandestina Twining Glycine

Scientific Name Common Name Glycine tabacina Glycine Pea Gonocarpus tetragynus Raspwort Goodenia hederacea Ivy Goodenia Goodenia pinnatifida Scrambled Eggs Helichrysum scorpioides Button Everlasting Hovea linearis Creeping Hovea Hydrocotyle laxiflora Stinking Pennywort Hypericum gramineum Small St John's Wort Isotoma axillaris Rock Isotome Leptorhynchos squamatus Scaly Buttons Leucochrysum albicans var. tricolor Hoary Sunray Lotus australis Austral Trefoil Luzula densiflora Woodrush Luzula meridionalis Common Woodrush Lythrum salicaria Purple Loosestrife Microseris lanceolata Yam Daisy Microtis parviflora Slender Onion-orchid Microtis unifolia Common Onion Orchid Opercularia diphylla Stinkweed Ophioglossum lusitanicum Adder's Tongue Oreomyrrhis eriopoda Australian Carraway Oxalis perennans Perrenial Oxalis Pelargonium australe Native Storks-bill Pimelea curviflora Curved Rice-flower Plantago varia Variable Plantain Podolepis hieracioides Tall Copper-wire Daisy Podolepis jaceoides Showy Copper-wire Daisy Polygala japonica Dwarf Milkwort Ranunculus lappaceus Common Buttercup Rumex brownii Swamp Dock Rutidosis leiolepis Monaro Golden Daisy Rutidosis leptorhynchoides Button Wrinklewort Schoenus apogon Common Bog Sedge Solenogyne dominii Smooth Solenogyne Solenogyne gunnii Hairy Solenogyne Stackhousia monogyna Creamy Candles Stellaria angustifolia Swamp Starwort Stellaria filiformis Thread Starwort Stellaria pungens Prickly Starwort Stylidium despectum Dwarf Triggerplant Stylidium graminifolium Grass Triggerplant

Scientific Name Common Name Stypandra glauca Nodding Blue Lily Swainsona behriana Behr's Swainson-pea Swainsona monticola Moutain Swainson-pea Swainsona recta Small Purple-pea Swainsona sericea Silky Swainson-pea Thelymitra ixioides Spotted Sun-orchid Thelymitra malvina Mauve-tuft Sun-orchid Thelymitra pauciflora Slender Sun-orchid Thesium australe Austral toadflax Thysanotus patersonii Twining Fringe-lily Thysanotus tuberosus Common Fringe-lily Tricoryne elatior Yellow Rush-lily Triptilodiscus pygmaeus Common Sunray Velleia paradoxa Spur Velleia Viola betonicifolia Arrowhead Violet Viola hederacea Native Violet Vittadinia cuneata Fuzzweed Vittadinia gracilis Woolly New Holland Daisy Vittadinia muelleri Narrow-leaved New Holland Daisy Wahlenbergia communis Tufted Bluebell Wahlenbergia gracilis Australian Bluebell Wahlenbergia stricta Tall Bluebell Wurmbea dioica Early Nancy Xerochrysum viscosum Sticky Everlasting Daisy

Table 3. Prohibited Plant Species Note: The list of prohibited plant species is generally consistent with that provided in the Community Management Statement for the adjoining Little Burra rural residential subdivision. However, additional noxious weeds and pest plant species that have been recorded within the study area (refer F&FA), as well as those listed in Section 2 of the Queanbeyan City Council 2011-2021 Weed Management Plan (Queanbeyan City Council 2011), have been included.

Scientific Name Common Name Acacia karoo Karoo Thorn Acacia paradoxa Kangaroo Thorn Acecia balieyana Cootamundra Wattle Achillea millefolium Yarrow Achnatherum cauda tum Broad-kernel Espartillo Ailanthus altissima Tree of Heaven Alnus gluttnosa Black Adder Alternanthera philoxeroides Alligator Weed Cannibis sativa Indian Hemp Cardus pycnoncephalus Slender Thistle Carduus nutans Nodding Thistle Carduus tenuiflorus Slender Thistle Cartaderia selloana Pampus Grass Carthamus lanatus Saffron Thistle Carus tenuiflorus Slender Thistle Cassinia arctuata Sifton Brush Celtus australis Nettle Tree Censchrus longispinus Spiny Burrgrass Centaurea caliptrata Star Thistle Cestrum pargui Green Cestrum Chromolaena ordorata Siam Weed Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle Conium maculatum Hemlock Cortaderia jubata Pampus Grass Cotoneaster franchetti Cotoneaster Cotoneaster glaucophyllus Cotoneaster Cotoneaster pannosus Cotoneaster Cotoneaster salicifolius Willow-leaf Cotoneaster Cotoneaster simonsii Cotoneaster Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Cuscuta campestris Golden Dodder Cyperus eragrostis Umbrella Sedge Cytisus scoparius Scotch Broom Echium plantagineum Paterson's Curse

Scientific Name Common Name Echium vulgare Vipers Bugloss Eichornia crassipes Water Hyacinth Equisetum arvense Horsetail Eragrostris culvula African Lovegrass Erythroxylum coca Coca Leaf Foeniculum vulgare Fennel Genista monspessulana Montpellier Heliotrope Gymnocoronis spilanthoides Senegal Tea Plant Hedera helix English Ivy Heliotropium europaeum Common Heliotrope Hypeicum perforatum St John's Wort Kochia scoparia Kochia Lagarosiphon major Lagarosiphon Ligustrum lucidum Privet Ligustrum sinense Small-leaved Privet Lonicera japonica Japanese Honeysuckle Lycium ferocissimum Africa Boxthorn Marrubium vulgare Horehound Nassella charruana Lobed Needlegrass Nassella neesiana Chilean Needlegrass Nassella trichotoma Serrated Tussock Onopordum acanthium Scotch Thistle Onopordum illyrcum Stemless Thistle Orobanche minor Lesser Broomrape Papaver somniferum Opium Poppy Parthenium hysterophorus Parthenium Weed Phyllostachys aurea Yellow Bamboo Pinus radiata Radiata Pine Pistia stratiotes Water Lettuce Populus alba White Poplar Populus nigra "Italic" Lombardy Poplar Prunus cerasifera Cherry Plum Prunus serotina Black Cherry Pyracantha angustifloia a Firethorn Pyracantha coccinea a Firethorn Pyracantha fortuneana a Firethorn Robinia pseudoacica False Acacia Rosa rubiginosa Briar Rose Rubus fruticosus Blackberry Salix alba var. vitellina Golden Upright Willow Salix caprea Pussy Willow

Scientific Name Common Name Salix cinerea Grey Sallow Salix fragilis Crack Willow Salix glaucophylloides Willow Salix matsudana "Pendula" Matsudana Willow Salix matsudana "Tortuosa" Tortured Willows Salix matsudana XS alba (all clones) Matsudana Hybrid Willows Salix nigra Black Willow Salix purpurea Purple Osier Salix viminalis Common Osier Salix X rubens (S. alba XS S.fragilis) Golden Crack Willow Salvinia molesta Salvinia Senecio madagascariensis Fireweed Solanum linnaeanum Apple of Sodom Sollya heterophylla WA Bluebell Creeper Sorbus domestica Service Tree Spartium junceum Spanish Broom Toxicodendron succedaneum Rhus Tree Tradescantia albiflora Wandering Jew Ulex europaeus Gorse Verbascum thapsus Great Mullein Vinca major Periwinkle Xanthium occidentale Noogoora burr Xanthium spinosum Bathurst Burr

Appendix 8. Mount Pleasant Rural Residential Subdivision – BioBanking Metric Assessment

26 July 2016

Mr Matthew Frawley Landscape Manager CIC Australia Limited PO Box 1000, Civic Square ACT 2608 Level 3, 64 Allara Street, Canberra, ACT, 2601 T: 02 6230 0800 E: [email protected]

Mount Pleasant Rural Residential Subdivision – BioBanking Metric Assessment Capital Ecology project no. 2710

Dear Mr Frawley,

Item 2 of the Request for Further Information (‘RFI’) received from Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (‘Council’), dated 6 June 2016, requests that the NSW BioBanking metric be applied to the vegetation mapping prepared by Capital Ecology across spring 2015 and presented in our Flora and Fauna Assessment (dated 8 February 2016)1.

Council and the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) have stated that they concur with our previous advice that a BioBanking agreement/statement cannot be issued for the study area (refer Figure 1 – Locality Plan) due to the non-urban land zone (i.e. E4 - Environmental Living). Notwithstanding this, as noted in the RFI, the BioBanking metric provides the most appropriate means of assessing the adequacy of the proposed offset in a quantified, open and transparent manner. Accordingly, Capital Ecology has undertaken this BioBanking Metric Assessment to address RFI Item 2.

This document should be read in conjunction with the following report:

1 Capital Ecology (2016). Mount Pleasant Rural Residential Subdivision – Flora and Fauna Assessment. Final – February 2016. Prepared for CIC Australia Pty Ltd. Author: R. Speirs. Project no. 2681.

Capital Ecology Pty Ltd

PO Box 854 ACN: 607 364 358 Phone: 0412 474 415 Gungahlin ACT 2912 ABN: 50 607 364 358 Email: [email protected] www.capitalecology.com.au

Background and Methodology

As per the ‘Native Vegetation Act 2003 Preliminary Assessment’ provided by NSW Local Land Services (dated 22 July 2016)2, the following is noted:

 once development approval for dwellings (and associated vegetation clearance) is granted by Council, that clearance is a legislative exclusion under Section 25 of the NV Act;

 clearance of native vegetation for the road network requires NV Act consent;

 NV Act consent will require that a ‘maintain or improve’ outcome will be achieved, this may be facilitated by the provision of an offset for clearance of native vegetation for the road network; and

 the NV Act offset will be registered on title in the form of a Property Vegetation Plan (PVP).

The same impact cannot be assessed and offset under both the NV Act the NSW Environment Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act). Therefore, for the purposes of this BioBanking metric assessment, only the impacts that will not be covered by the NV Act consent (and corresponding offset requirement) have been considered. As detailed in Table 1 and illustrated in Figure 2, these impacts comprise all of the land within the building envelopes across the 40 lots. The building envelopes within each lot would be restricted to a maximum of 2,000 m2. The actual location of the building envelope has not been defined for all lots, however to enable accurate maximum impact area calculations to be drawn to inform this assessment, we have allocated a 2,000 m2 building envelope to each lot (refer Figure 2). Based on the spatial data (i.e. GIS data) from the F&FA, Table 2 provides the total impact area for each Vegetation Zone included within these building envelopes.

Table 1. Impact area calculations

PCT and Vegetation Zone BioBanking Condition Area (ha) PCT_999_Zone1_NativeDom_Mod-High Moderate/Good_High 0.0000 PCT_999_Zone2_NativeDom_Low Moderate/Good_Poor 0.4003 PCT_999_Zone3_ExoticDom Low 0.0485 PCT_1289_Zone1_NativeDom_Low Moderate/Good_Poor 1.8121 PCT_1289_Zone2_ExoticDom Low 1.8922 PCT_1334_Zone1_NativeDom_Mod-High Moderate/Good_High 0.0000 PCT_1334_Zone2_NativeDom_Low Moderate/Good_Poor 2.6934 PCT_1334_Zone3_ExoticDom Low 1.4539

Based on the spatial data from the F&FA, Table 2 provides the total area of each Vegetation Zone of each Plant Community Type (PCT) included within the proposed Biodiversity Conservation Area.

2 NSW Local Land Services (dated 22 July 2016). Mt Pleasant Rural Subdivision Lot 1 DP 1209260, 102 Burra Rd, Googong, NSW, 2620: Native Vegetation Act 2003 Preliminary Assessment.

Table 2. Offset area calculations

PCT and Vegetation Zone BioBanking Condition Area (ha) PCT_999_Zone1_NativeDom_Mod-High Moderate/Good_High 19.6452 PCT_999_Zone2_NativeDom_Low Moderate/Good_Poor 22.7610 PCT_999_Zone3_ExoticDom Low 15.0320 PCT_1289_Zone1_NativeDom_Low Moderate/Good_Poor 0.0000 PCT_1289_Zone2_ExoticDom Low 0.0000 PCT_1334_Zone1_NativeDom_Mod-High Moderate/Good_High 46.8759 PCT_1334_Zone2_NativeDom_Low Moderate/Good_Poor 1.8794 PCT_1334_Zone3_ExoticDom Low 0.4132

The other key data used to inform the BioBanking Metric Assessment includes the following.

1. Landscape value data:

 IBRA sub-region = Monaro Murrumbidgee

 Mitchell Landscape = SEH Murrumbateman – Molonglo Ranges

 % Native vegetation cover before impact/offset (refer Figures 3 and 4):

- Impact inner circle (354 ha) = 65% native

- Impact outer circle (4,000 ha) = 88% native

- Offset inner circle (198 ha) = 85% native

- Offset outer circle (2,000 ha) = 81% native

 % Native vegetation cover after impact/offset (refer Figures 3 and 4):

- Impact inner circle (354 ha) = 62% native

- Impact outer circle (4,000 ha) = 88% native

- Offset inner circle (198 ha) = 92% native

- Offset outer circle (2,000 ha) = 82% native

2. Site value data. Data collected across spring 2015 employing the BioBanking Assessment Methodology 20143, provided as Appendix 1 of the F&FA.

The above data were then imported into the NSW BioBanking Credit Calculator by Mr Ed Cooper (Accredited BioBanking Assessor – Accreditation number 0157) to determine the:

1. Total number of credits required for each PCT to offset the proposed impact.

2. Total number of credits generated for each PCT by the proposed offset.

3 NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (2014). BioBanking Assessment Methodology 2014.

Results

Table 3 presents a summary of the results of the completed BioBanking credit calculations. A copy of the BioBanking credit report for both the ‘development site’ and ‘offset site’ is provided as Attachment A.

Table 3. BioBanking credit calculations

PCT and Vegetation Zone Threatened Ecological Impact (Development Site) Offset (Biodiversity Net Credit Community (TSC Act) Conservation Area) Position Area ha Credits Required Area ha Credits Generated Surplus Liability PCT 999 (MR583) - Norton's Box - Broad-leaved No 0.45 6.35 57.44 443.00 436.65 - Peppermint open forest on footslopes, central and southern South Eastern Highlands Bioregion PCT 1289 (MR686) - Wallaby Grass - Red-grass - Tall No 3.70 64.29 0 0 - 64.29 Speargrass - Kangaroo Grass dry tussock grassland of the North-western and Eastern Southern Tablelands in the South Eastern Highlands Bioregion PCT 1334 (MR651) - Yellow Box grassy woodland of the Yes 4.14 86.44 49.17 400.00 313.56 - northern Monaro and Upper Shoalhaven area, South Eastern Highlands Bioregion

Overall Net Credit Position = 685.92 surplus

Supplementary calculations – hypothetical ‘Scenario 2’

As detailed above, the native vegetation clearance associated with the road network will require assessment and consent under the NV Act, the offset requirements for which will be determined using the Environmental Outcomes Assessment Methodology (EOAM)4. Notwithstanding this, and with recognition that offset ratios etc. differ between the BioBanking metric and the EOAM, the BioBanking Credit Calculator has been used to determine the adequacy of the proposed offset under the hypothetical ‘Scenario 2’ where the assessed impact includes both the building envelopes and the road network. Whilst we await the results of the LLS EOAM assessment in late spring 2016, we believe that this exercise provides a useful indication regarding the adequacy of the proposed offset as an offset for the entire proposed development. Table 4 presents a summary of the results of the completed BioBanking credit calculations for Scenario 2. Figure 5 illustrates the impact and offset areas under Scenario 2.

Table 4. BioBanking credit calculations – Scenario 2

PCT and Vegetation Zone Threatened Ecological Impact (Development Site) Offset (Biodiversity Net Credit Community (TSC Act) Conservation Area) Position Area ha Credits Required Area ha Credits Generated Surplus Liability PCT 999 (MR583) - Norton's Box - Broad-leaved No 1.04 14.35 57.44 443.00 428.65 - Peppermint open forest on footslopes, central and southern South Eastern Highlands Bioregion PCT 1289 (MR686) - Wallaby Grass - Red-grass - Tall No 7.03 124.68 0 0 - 124.68 Speargrass - Kangaroo Grass dry tussock grassland of the North-western and Eastern Southern Tablelands in the South Eastern Highlands Bioregion PCT 1334 (MR651) - Yellow Box grassy woodland of the Yes 8.16 171.75 49.17 400.00 228.25 - northern Monaro and Upper Shoalhaven area, South Eastern Highlands Bioregion

Overall Net Credit Position = 532.22 surplus

4 NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (2013). Native Vegetation Regulation 2013 Environmental Outcomes Assessment Methodology.

Discussion

The results of our BioBanking Metric Assessment demonstrate that the proposed establishment, protection and enhancement of the approx. 107 ha Biodiversity Conservation Area would sufficiently offset the impacts of the proposed development. Indeed, the proposed offset would generate a net surplus of 685.92 credits, a surplus equal to 4.3 times the total credits required to offset the proposed impact.

The key drivers behind the credit surplus generated by the proposed impact/offset are as follows.

1. At approx. 107 ha, the proposed offset area is far larger than the 8.29 ha total of the areas to be impacted (12.9 times larger).

2. All of the higher condition areas of both the ‘PCT 999 Norton’s Box - Broad-leaved Peppermint open forest’ and ‘PCT 1334 Yellow Box grassy woodland’ are located within the proposed offset area. None of the higher condition areas of these PCTs would be impacted by the proposed development.

3. A key biodiversity linkage, of which the eastern portion of the study area forms a part, would not be impacted by the proposed development. Conversely, this linkage would be enhanced by the establishment of the Biodiversity Conservation Area.

Whilst the offset requirements of NV Act consent cannot be accurately estimated prior to the completion of the LLS spring survey and subsequent assessment, it is likely that the establishment of the Biodiversity Conservation Area would be sufficient to address the offset requirements for the entire development (i.e. scenario 2).

Conclusion

As demonstrated via our completed BioBanking Metric Assessment, the proposed establishment, protection and enhancement of the approx. 107 ha Biodiversity Conservation Area would sufficiently offset the impacts of the proposed development. It is our view that this assessment provides quantifiable support for the conclusions of the Flora and Fauna Assessment.

We trust that this BioBanking Metric Assessment adequately addresses Item 2 of the RFI received from Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (‘Council’), dated 6 June 2016. However, if you have any questions relating to this report, please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss.

Yours sincerely,

Robert Speirs

Director / Principal Ecologist

Attachments:

Figure 1. Locality Plan

Figure 2. Vegetation Impact and Offset Areas

Figure 3. Impact Inner and Outer Circles

Figure 4. Offset Inner and Outer Circles

Figure 5. Vegetation Impact and Offset Areas – Scenario 2

Attachment A – BioBanking Credit Reports

0 1 2 3 4 km

Acknowledgement - Basemap (c) NSW Land and Property Informaon 2016 Scale 1:60,000 @ A4, GDA 1994, MGA Zone 55

Figure 1. Locality Plan Legend Study_Area_Boundary

Capital Ecology Project No: 2710 Drawn by: R. Speirs Date: 24 July 2016 Figure 2. Vegetaon Impact and Oﬀset Areas

Legend Study_Area_Boundary Development Lot Layout - July 2016 Proposed_Biodiversity_Conservaon_Area Building Envelope Impact Areas BE_PCT999_Zone2_NaveDom_Low B u r ra BE_PCT999_Zone3_ExocDom R o a BE_PCT1289_Zone1_NaveDom_Low d BE_PCT1289_Zone2_ExocDom BE_PCT1334_Zone2_NaveDom_Low BE_PCT1334_Zone3_ExocDom Biodiverity Conservaon Area - Oﬀset Areas BCA_PCT999_Zone1_NaveDom_Mod-High BCA_PCT999_Zone2_NaveDom_Low BCA_PCT999_Zone3_ExocDom BCA_PCT1334_Zone1_NaveDom_Mod-High BCA_PCT1334_Zone2_NaveDom_Low BCA_PCT1334_Zone3_ExocDom

Capital Ecology Project No: 2710 Drawn by: R. Speirs Date: 26 July 2016

0 100 200 300 400 m

Scale 1:7,200 @ A3, GDA 1994, MGA Zone 55

Acknowledgement - Image (c) Nearmap 2016 Figure 3. Impact Inner and Outer Circles

Legend Study_Area_Boundary Development Lot Layout - July 2016 Proposed_Biodiversity_Conservaon_Area Nave Vegetaon - Impact Inner Circle Nave Vegetaon - Impact Outer Circle

Capital Ecology Project No: 2710 Drawn by: R. Speirs Date: 26 July 2016

Scale 1:26,500 @ A3, GDA 1994, MGA Zone 55 0 500 1000 1500 2000 m Acknowledgement - Image (c) Nearmap 2016 Figure 4. Oﬀset Inner and Outer Circles

Legend Study_Area_Boundary Development Lot Layout - July 2016 Proposed_Biodiversity_Conservaon_Area Nave Vegetaon - Oﬀset Inner Circle Nave Vegetaon - Oﬀset Outer Circle

Capital Ecology Project No: 2710 Drawn by: R. Speirs Date: 26 July 2016

Scale 1:26,500 @ A3, GDA 1994, MGA Zone 55 0 500 1000 1500 2000 m Acknowledgement - Image (c) Nearmap 2016 Figure 5. Vegetaon Impact and Oﬀset Areas - Scenario 2

Legend Study_Area_Boundary Development Lot Layout - July 2016 Proposed_Biodiversity_Conservaon_Area Building Envelope Impact Areas BE_PCT999_Zone2_NaveDom_Low B u r ra BE_PCT999_Zone3_ExocDom R o a BE_PCT1289_Zone1_NaveDom_Low d BE_PCT1289_Zone2_ExocDom BE_PCT1334_Zone2_NaveDom_Low BE_PCT1334_Zone3_ExocDom Road Network Impact Areas RN_PCT999_Zone2_NaveDom_Low RN_PCT1289_Zone1_NaveDom_Low RN_PCT1289_Zone2_ExocDom RN_PCT1334_Zone2_NaveDom_Low RN_PCT1334_Zone3_ExocDom Biodiverity Conservaon Area - Oﬀset Areas BCA_PCT999_Zone1_NaveDom_Mod-High BCA_PCT999_Zone2_NaveDom_Low BCA_PCT999_Zone3_ExocDom BCA_PCT1334_Zone1_NaveDom_Mod-High BCA_PCT1334_Zone2_NaveDom_Low BCA_PCT1334_Zone3_ExocDom

Capital Ecology Project No: 2710 Drawn by: R. Speirs Date: 26 July 2016

0 100 200 300 400 m

Scale 1:7,200 @ A3, GDA 1994, MGA Zone 55

Acknowledgement - Image (c) Nearmap 2016

Attachment A – BioBanking Credit Reports

This report identifies the number and type of credits required at a DEVELOPMENT SITE. Date of report: 21/07/2016 Time: 10:20:38PM Calculator version: v4.0

Development details Proposal ID: 0157/2016/3807D

Proposal name: Mount Pleasant Rural Residential Subdivision

Proposal address: 102 Burra Road Burra NSW

Proponent name: CIC Australia Pty Ltd

Proponent address: Level 3 64 Allara Street Canberra ACT 2601

Proponent phone: 02 6230 0800

Assessor name: Ed Cooper

Assessor address: Level 5, 116 Military Road Neutral Bay NSW 2089

Assessor phone: 0410 765 736

Assessor accreditation: 0157

Improving or maintaining biodiversity

An application for a red flag determination is required for the following red flag areas

Red flag Reason

Wallaby Grass - Red-grass - Tall Speargrass - Kangaroo Grass dry Vegetation type being > 70% cleared; or it tussock grassland of the North-western and Eastern Southern contains an endangered ecological community; Tablelands in the South Eastern Highlands Bioregion

Norton's Box - Broad-leaved Peppermint open forest on footslopes, Vegetation type being > 70% cleared; or it central and southern South Eastern Highlands Bioregion contains an endangered ecological community;

The application for a red flag determination should address the criteria set out in the BioBanking Assessment Methodology. Please note that a biobanking statement cannot be issued unless the determination is approved.

Additional information required for approval:

Change to percent cleared for a vegetation type/s

Use of local benchmark

Change negligible loss

Expert report...

Request for additional gain in site value

Predicted threatened species not on site Ecosystem credits summary

Plant Community type Area (ha) Credits required Red flag

Norton's Box - Broad-leaved Peppermint open forest on 0.45 6.35 No footslopes, central and southern South Eastern Highlands Bioregion

Wallaby Grass - Red-grass - Tall Speargrass - Kangaroo 3.70 64.29 No Grass dry tussock grassland of the North-western and Eastern Southern Tablelands in the South Eastern Highlands Bioregion

Yellow Box grassy woodland of the northern Monaro and 4.14 86.44 No Upper Shoalhaven area, South Eastern Highlands Bioregion

Total 8.29 157

Credit profiles BioBanking credit report

This report identifies the number and type of credits required at a DEVELOPMENT SITE. Date of report: 21/07/2016 Time: 9:45:58PM Calculator version: v4.0

Development details Proposal ID: 0157/2016/3807D

Proposal name: Mount Pleasant Rural Residential Subdivision

Proposal address: 102 Burra Road Burra NSW

Proponent name: CIC Australia Pty Ltd

Proponent address: Level 3 64 Allara Street Canberra ACT 2601

Proponent phone: 02 6230 0800

Assessor name: Ed Cooper

Assessor address: Level 5, 116 Military Road Neutral Bay NSW 2089

Assessor phone: 0410 765 736

Assessor accreditation: 0157

Improving or maintaining biodiversity

An application for a red flag determination is required for the following red flag areas

Red flag Reason

Additional information required for approval:

Change to percent cleared for a vegetation type/s

Use of local benchmark

Change negligible loss

Expert report...

Request for additional gain in site value

Predicted threatened species not on site Ecosystem credits summary

Plant Community type Area (ha) Credits required Red flag

Norton's Box - Broad-leaved Peppermint open forest on 1.04 14.35 No footslopes, central and southern South Eastern Highlands Bioregion

Wallaby Grass - Red-grass - Tall Speargrass - Kangaroo 7.03 124.68 No Grass dry tussock grassland of the North-western and Eastern Southern Tablelands in the South Eastern Highlands Bioregion

Yellow Box grassy woodland of the northern Monaro and 8.16 171.75 No Upper Shoalhaven area, South Eastern Highlands Bioregion

Total 16.23 311

Credit profiles BioBanking credit report

This report identifies the number and type of credits required at a BIOBANK SITE Date of report: 24/07/2016 Time: 8:34:04AM Calculator version: v4.0

Biobank details Proposal ID: 0157/2016/3808B

Proposal name: Mount Pleasant Rural Residential Subdivision

Proposal address: 102 Burra Road Burra NSW

Proponent name: CIC Australia Pty Ltd

Proponent address:

Proponent phone: 02 6230 0800

Assessor name: Ed Cooper

Assessor address: Level 5, 116 Military Road Neutral Bay NSW 2089

Assessor phone: 0410 765 736

Assessor accreditation: 0157

Additional information required for approval:

Use of local benchmark

Expert report...

Request for additional gain in site value Ecosystem credits summary

Plant Community type Area (ha) Credits created

Norton's Box - Broad-leaved Peppermint open forest on 57.44 443.00 footslopes, central and southern South Eastern Highlands Bioregion

Yellow Box grassy woodland of the northern Monaro and 49.17 400.00 Upper Shoalhaven area, South Eastern Highlands Bioregion

Total 106.61 843

Credit profiles

1. Yellow Box grassy woodland of the northern Monaro and Upper Shoalhaven area, South Eastern Highlands Bioregion, (MR651) Number of ecosystem credits created 397

IBRA sub-region Monaro - Murrumbidgee

2. Yellow Box grassy woodland of the northern Monaro and Upper Shoalhaven area, South Eastern Highlands Bioregion, (MR651) Number of ecosystem credits created 3

IBRA sub-region Monaro - Murrumbidgee

3. Norton's Box - Broad-leaved Peppermint open forest on footslopes, central and southern South Eastern Highlands Bioregion, (MR583) Number of ecosystem credits created 327

IBRA sub-region Monaro - Murrumbidgee

4. Norton's Box - Broad-leaved Peppermint open forest on footslopes, central and southern South Eastern Highlands Bioregion, (MR583) Number of ecosystem credits created 116

IBRA sub-region Monaro - Murrumbidgee Species credits summary Additional management actions

Additional management actions are required for:

Vegetation type or threatened species Management action details

Norton's Box - Broad-leaved Peppermint open forest on Exclude miscellaneous feral species footslopes, central and southern South Eastern Highlands Bioregion

Norton's Box - Broad-leaved Peppermint open forest on Feral and/or over-abundant native herbivore control footslopes, central and southern South Eastern Highlands Bioregion

Norton's Box - Broad-leaved Peppermint open forest on Fox control footslopes, central and southern South Eastern Highlands Bioregion

Yellow Box grassy woodland of the northern Monaro and Exclude commercial apiaries Upper Shoalhaven area, South Eastern Highlands Bioregion

Yellow Box grassy woodland of the northern Monaro and Exclude miscellaneous feral species Upper Shoalhaven area, South Eastern Highlands Bioregion

Yellow Box grassy woodland of the northern Monaro and Feral and/or over-abundant native herbivore control Upper Shoalhaven area, South Eastern Highlands Bioregion

Yellow Box grassy woodland of the northern Monaro and Fox control Upper Shoalhaven area, South Eastern Highlands Bioregion