BIODIVERSITY DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENT REPORT

for a proposed

Caravan Park at Lot 105 DP 260058 (No. 246) Mungo Brush Road

HAWKS NEST NSW

Prepared by: WILDTHING Environmental Consultants 38c Stapleton Street WALLSEND NSW 2287 ABN: 41 033 509 215

For: Australia Oracle Developments Pty Ltd

Job No: 12399 December 2019

38c Stapleton Street, Wallsend NSW 2287 Phone: 02 4951 3311 Fax: 02 4951 3399 Email: [email protected] www.wildthing.com.au A division of Tattersall Lander Pty Ltd ABN: 41 003 509 215

Biodiversity Development Assessment Report for a proposed caravan Project Name park at Lot 105 DP 260058 (No. 246) Mungo Brush Road, Hawks Nest NSW.

Project Number 12399

Daryl Harman Senior Ecologist - Accredited

Assessor Prepared By (BAAS17074)

Dr Kylie Bridges BEnvSc Hons PhD

Status 04/12/2019

Version Number 1

Disclaimer

This report has been prepared in accordance with the proposal provided by the Client and outlined within this report. All findings, conclusions or recommendations contained within this report are based upon the data and results collected under the times and conditions specified in the report and are only applicable for the proposal considered within this report. This report has been prepared for use exclusively by the Client. No responsibility for its use by any other party is accepted by WILDTHING Environmental Consultants.

Wildthing Environmental Consultants

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CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 OBJECTIVE 1 1.2 THE PROPOSAL 1 1.3 DEFINITION OF THE STUDY AREA AND SUBJECT SITE 4 1.3.1 STUDY AREA 4 1.3.2 THE SUBJECT SITE 4 1.4 INFORMATION SOURCES 4

2.0 LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT 7 2.1 NSW ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND ASSESSMENT AMENDMENT ACT 2017 7 2.1.1 NSW BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION (BC) ACT 2016 7 2.1.2 STATE ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING POLICY (SEPP) 44 KOALA HABITAT PROTECTION 8 2.1.3 COASTAL MANAGEMENT SEPP 8 2.2 NSW BIOSECURITY ACT 2015 8 2.3 COMMONWEALTH ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 9 2.4 LICENCING 9

3.0 STAGE 1 - BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT 10

LANDSCAPE CONTEXT 10 3.1 IBRA BIOREGION & SUBREGION 10 3.2 NSW LANDSCAPE REGION 10 3.3 RIVERS AND STREAMS 10 3.4 WETLANDS 10 3.5 CONNECTIVITY FEATURES 12 3.6 GEOLOGY TOPOGRAPHY AND SOILS 12 3.8 NATIVE VEGETATION EXTENT IN THE BUFFER AREA 12 3.9 CLEARED AREAS 13 3.10 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MAPPED VEGETATION EXTENT AND AERIAL IMAGERY 13

4.0 SUBJECT SITE CONTEXT 15 4.1 NATIVE VEGETATION EXTENT IN THE SUBJECT SITE 15 4.2 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MAPPED VEGETATION EXTENT AND AERIAL IMAGERY 15

5.0 PLANT COMMUNITY TYPES 16 5.1 PLANT COMMUNITY TYPE (PCT) ASSESSMENT METHOD 16 5.2 PCT’S IDENTIFIED WITHIN THE STUDY AREA 16

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5.3 PCT’S IDENTIFIED WITHIN THE SUBJECT SITE 18

6.0 VEGETATION ZONES 20 6.1 VEGETATION ZONES ASSESSMENT METHOD 20

7.0 ECOSYSTEM CREDIT SPECIES 26 7.1 ECOSYSTEM CREDIT SPECIES ASSESSMENT (STEP 2) 28

8.0 SPECIES CREDIT SPECIES 29 8.1 DETERMINE PRESENCE OR ABSENCE OF A CANDIDATE SPECIES CREDIT SPECIES 41 8.2 DETERMINE THE AREA OR COUNT, AND LOCATION OF SUITABLE HABITAT FOR A SPECIES CREDIT SPECIES 42

STAGE 2 – IMPACT ASSESSMENT 47

9.0 ACTIONS TO AVOID/MINIMISE PROJECT IMPACTS 47 9.1 PLANNING AND DETAILED DESIGN 47 9.2 CONSTRUCTION 48

10.0 ASSESSMENT OF RESIDUAL IMPACTS 51 10.1 DIRECT RESIDUAL IMPACTS 51 10.2 INDIRECT RESIDUAL IMPACTS 51 10.3 PRESCRIBED IMPACTS 53 10.4 SERIOUS AND IRREVERSIBLE IMPACTS (SAII) 54 10.5 ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 54

11.0 BIODIVERSITY CREDITS 55 11.1 IMPACTS ON VEGETATION ZONES NOT REQUIRING OFFSETS 55 11.2 IMPACTS REQUIRING OFFSETS UNDER THE BIODIVERSITY OFFSETS SCHEME 55 11.2.1 ECOSYSTEM CREDITS 55

12.0 CONCLUSION 56

13.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY 58

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LIST OF APPENDICES APPENDIX A ASSESSMENT AGAINST BIODIVERSITY LEGISLATION APPENDIX B – FIELD SURVEY APPENDIX C FLORA LIST APPENDIX D FAUNA LIST APPENDIX E BAM FIELD DATA SHEETS APPENDIX F – BAM PLOT PHOTOS APPENDIX G BAM CREDIT CALCULATOR OUTPUT APPENDIX H EPBC PROTECTED MATTERS SEARCH TOOL

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Acronyms and Abbreviations used in this report AOBV Area of outstanding Biodiversity Value BAM Biodiversity Assessment Method BC Act Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 BAR Biodiversity Assessment Report BCAR Biodiversity Certification Assessment Report BDAR Biodiversity Development Assessment Report BCT Biodiversity Conservation Trust BSA Biodiversity Stewardship Site Agreement BOAMS Biodiversity offsets and Agreement Management System BOPC Biodiversity Offsets Payment Calculator BOS Biodiversity Offset Scheme BOSET Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Entry Tool CEEC Critically Endangered Ecological Community CKPoM Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management DNG Derived Native Grassland DPIE Department of Planning, Industry and Environment DoEE Department of Environment and Energy EEC Endangered Ecological Community EPBC Act Environmental Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 EP&A Act Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 IBRA Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia LLS Act Local Land Services Act 2013 NOW NSW Office of Water NPW Act National Parks & Wildlife Act 1974 OEH Office of Environment & Heritage (now DPIE) PCT Plant Community Type REF Review of Environmental Factors SAII Serious and Irreversible Impacts SEPP State Environmental Planning Policy TEC Threatened Ecological Community VIS Vegetation Information System

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1.0 INTRODUCTION This Biodiversity Development Assessment Report (BDAR) has been prepared for Australia Oracle Developments Pty Ltd (the proponent) to inform the preparation of a Development Application (DA) for a proposed caravan park at Lot 105 DP 260058 (No. 246) Mungo Brush Road, Hawks Nest NSW. A location map of the study area has been provided in Figure 1.1.

This assessment forms part of a development application in accordance with Part 4 of the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EPA Act).

1.1 OBJECTIVE This BDAR has been prepared in accordance with the Biodiversity Assessment Methodology (BAM) (OEH 2017) by Wildthing Environmental Consultants on behalf of Australia Oracle Developments Pty Ltd. The primary objective of this assessment is to use the guidelines and methodology provided in the BAM to determine the impact the project would have on biodiversity, avoid and mitigate these impacts and then calculate the project’s biodiversity offset requirement. This BDAR has two broad stages consistent with the BAM methodology: Stage 1 – Biodiversity Assessment • assessment of site context features, • assessment of native vegetation; and • assessment of threatened species and populations Stage 2 – Impact Assessment • avoid and minimise impacts on biodiversity values, • consider impact and offset thresholds; and • determine and calculate offset requirements

In addition, assessment was also undertaken having regard to Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES) listed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 and relevant State Environmental Planning Policies.

All aspects of this biodiversity assessment have been undertaken in accordance with the BAM. This BDAR has been prepared by Accredited Assessor Daryl Harman (BAAS17074).

1.2 THE PROPOSAL The proposal is for a caravan park with 220 long-term sites – there will not be any short-term sites. The proposal also includes community facilities for use by the occupants of the park and road and drainage. The landscaping plan includes an east west movement corridor for native fauna species such as Koalas. The proposal also includes a perimeter road and two entrance ways. The proposal will be positioned largely on an area that is highly disturbed as a result of previous sand mining. The proposed development layout is shown in Figure 1.2.

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1.3 DEFINITION OF THE STUDY AREA AND SUBJECT SITE 1.3.1 STUDY AREA The study area (48.16ha) wholly encompasses Lot 105 DP 260058 (approximately 45ha in size) and is located at 246 Mungo Brush Road, Hawks Nest, NSW within the Mid Coast Council Local Government Area (LGA). The study area was bordered by the Myall River to the west and Mungo Brush Road to the east. The study area includes the narrow strip of road reserve alongside Mungo Brush Road(3.16ha). Under the Great Lakes Environmental Plan (Great Lakes Council, 2014) the eastern portion of the study area is zoned RU2 Rural Landscape with the majority of the western portion zoned E2 Environmental Conservation.

1.3.2 THE SUBJECT SITE The subject site located within the study area and is defined as the total area of disturbance; including both the construction and operational footprints and the total development avoidance area as defined within Section 9 of this report. The subject site covers a total area of 10.86ha and was contained within the area zoned RU2 Rural Landscape. In accordance with Section 3.1.1.1 of the BAM assessment of biodiversity values will be confined to impacted areas within the subject site. Figure 1.3 provides an aerial map of both the study area and subject site.

1.4 INFORMATION SOURCES A list of the resources used to inform this BDAR, the date they were accessed and the spatial extent captured, where relevant, is provided in Table 1.1.

Table 1.1: Desktop Resources Resource Date Reviewed Spatial Extent Previous Ecological Studies Key Habitats and Corridors for Forest Fauna A Landscape Framework for Conservation in North- 29 November 2019 - east New South Wales (Scotts, 2003) Zoning and Regulatory Maps Great Lakes Environmental Plan 13 November 2019 Entire study area Biodiversity Values and Landscape Maps NSW Biodiversity Values Map (OEH 2018a) 14 May 2019 Entire study area SIX Maps -Base Map - LPI 1:25,000 digital topographic databases (DTDB) (LPI 2018) 29 November 2019 Entire study area -Cadastral data LPI digital cadastral database (DCDB) (LPI 2018) NSW SEED Mapping (NSW Gov 2018) Various dates Entire study area BioNet NSW (Mitchell) Landscapes – Version 3.1 29 November 2019 Entire study area (OEH 2016a) NSW Interim Biogeographic Regions of Australia (IBRA region and sub-regions) – Version 7 (OEH 29 November 2019 Entire study area 2016b) Atlas of Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems Entire study area (BoM 2018) Soil Landscapes of the Port Stephens 1:100 000 13 November 2019 Entire study area Sheet Map. (Murphy 1995). Threatened Species, Vegetation and Landscape Databases BioNet Atlas of NSW Wildlife (BioNet) (OEH 4 December 2019 10x10km radius of study area

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2019b) Commonwealth Protected Matters Search Tool Updated 10x10km radius of study area (PMST) (DoEE 2019a) 4 December 2019 Commonwealth species profiles and threats 28 November 2019 - database (SPRAT) (DoEE 2018b) OEH Profiles of threatened species, population, 4 December 2019 - and ecological communities (OEH 2019c) OEH BioNet Threatened Biodiversity Data 13 November 2019 - Collection (TBDC) (OEH 2019d) OEH BioNet vegetation classification database 13 November 2019 - (OEH 2018e) PlantNet NSW (The Royal Botanic Gardens and Various dates - Domain Trust 2018). Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia 28 November 2019 - (DIWA) (DoEE 2018c) Estuaries of NSW: Physical characteristics, tidal 28 November 2019 - surveys and hydrographic surveys (OEH 2018e) Geological sites of NSW (Cartoscope 2018) 28 November 2019 - OEH BioNet Vegetation Classification Database Various dates - (VIS) (OEH 2018h) Survey and Reporting Methodology Biodiversity Assessment Method (BAM) (OEH Various dates - 2017) Biodiversity Assessment Method Operational Various dates - Manual – Stage 1 (OEH 2018f) Biodiversity Assessment Method – Operational Various dates

Manual – Stage 2 (DPIE, 2019) Threatened species survey and assessment Various dates guidelines: field survey methods for fauna – - amphibians (OEH 2009) NSW Guide to Surveying Threatened Plants (OEH Various dates - 2016) OEH Threatened Biodiversity Survey and Various dates Assessment Guidelines. Guidelines for - Developments and Activities (OEH 2004) Biodiversity Assessment Method Credit Calculator November 2019 - (BAM-CC) (OEH, 2018g) Climactic Data 061.54 Nelson Bay WWTP (BoM 2019) Various dates - Development Footprint Design Proposed Development Plan November 2019 Entire development footprint (Interworks Architects, 2018).

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2.0 LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT This chapter provides a brief outline of the key biodiversity legislation and government policy considered in this assessment.

2.1 NSW ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND ASSESSMENT AMENDMENT ACT 2017 The Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) was legislated to require the consideration and management of impacts of proposed development and land use change on the environment and the community. • Part 1 Section 1.7 of the EP&A Act requires consideration of the proposed development under Part 7 of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (BC Act). • The EP&A Act is also supported by other statutory environmental planning instruments, including State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs). The following SEPPs are relevant to this report:

2.1.1 NSW BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION (BC) ACT 2016 The purpose of the BC Act is “to establish a pathway to avoid, minimise and offset the impacts of proposed development and land use change on biodiversity and to establish a scientific method for assessing the likely impacts on biodiversity values of proposed development and land use change, for calculating measures to offset those impacts and for assessing improvements in biodiversity values”.

In accordance with the BC Act, the Biodiversity Assessment Method (BAM) (OEH 2017c) and entry into the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme (BOS) is applicable to certain development activities based on specific criteria. Preparation of a Biodiversity Development Assessment Report (BDAR) is required for a development application that meets any of the following criteria: • Part 4 development activities deemed to be ‘State Significant’ under the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW EP&A Act); • Development activities that have the potential to impact Areas of Outstanding Biodiversity Value (AOBV) as listed under Part 3 of the BC Act; • Development activities that have the potential to cause a significant impact on a threatened species, population or ecological community, listed under Schedules 1 and 2 of the BC Act, as determined by application of a five-part-test of significance in accordance with Section 7.3 of the BC Act; • Development activities that have the potential to impact areas mapped as having ‘high biodiversity value’ as indicated by the NSW Biodiversity Values Map (BV Map); and • Development activities that involve clearing of native vegetation that exceeds the Biodiversity Offset Scheme thresholds (BOS thresholds) as determined by the NSW BC regulation. As the proposed development will require removal of 10.86ha of native vegetation which exceeds the BOS clearing threshold (1ha) detailed in Section 7.2 of the Biodiversity Conservation Regulation 2017, a BDAR is required to support a development application for the proposed development. This report has been prepared according to the methodology detailed within the BAM.

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2.1.2 STATE ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING POLICY (SEPP) 44 KOALA HABITAT PROTECTION SEPP 44 aims to encourage the conservation and management of natural vegetation areas that provide habitat for koalas to ensure permanent free‐living populations will be maintained over their present range and to reverse the current trend of koala‐population decline. It applies to areas of native vegetation greater than one hectare and in Councils listed in Schedule 1 of SEPP 44. The study area is located in the Mid- Coast LGA, as such the requirements of SEPP 44 are relevant to the assessment. Further information on Koala conservation within the study area has been provided in Appendix A of this report.

2.1.3 COASTAL MANAGEMENT SEPP The State Environmental Planning Policy (Coastal Management) 2018 (CM SEPP) updates and consolidates into one integrated policy SEPP 14 (Coastal Wetlands), SEPP 26 (Littoral Rainforests) and SEPP 71 (Coastal Protection), including clause 5.5. of the Standard Instrument – Principal Local Environmental Plan. These policies are now repealed.

The aim of this Policy is to promote an integrated and co-ordinated approach to land use planning in the coastal zone in a manner consistent with the objects of the Coastal Management Act 2016, including the management objectives for each coastal management area, by: • managing development in the coastal zone and protecting the environmental assets of the coast, and • establishing a framework for land use planning to guide decision-making in the coastal zone, and • mapping the 4 coastal management areas that comprise the NSW coastal zone for the purpose of the definitions in the Coastal Management Act 2016. These coastal management areas are: • the coastal wetlands and littoral rainforests area, • the coastal vulnerability area, • the coastal environment area, and • the coastal use area.

The study area contained areas of Coastal wetlands, Coastal Environment Area and Coastal Use areas. Further information on this matter is provided in Appendix A of this report.

2.2 NSW BIOSECURITY ACT 2015 The NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 (BS Act), amongst other considerations, provides regulatory controls and powers to manage noxious weeds in NSW. For weed management, this Act divides NSW into regions based on combined LGAs and priority weeds for a region are listed. Some weeds are managed at a state level as they form part of a broader containment strategy. The legislation

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HAWK S N E S T NSW compliments listed Weeds of National Significance (WoNS). Further information on this matter is provided in Appendix A of this report.

2.3 COMMONWEALTH ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 The purpose of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) is to ensure that actions likely to cause a significant impact on Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES) undergo a process of assessment. Under the EPBC Act, an action includes a project, undertaking, development or activity that may impact MNES. An action that ‘has, will have or is likely to have a significant impact on a MNES’ is deemed to be a ‘controlled action’ and may not be undertaken without prior approval from the Commonwealth Minister for the Department of the Environment and Energy (DoEE). MNES categories listed under the EPBC Act are: • world heritage properties; • national heritage places; • wetlands of international importance (Ramsar wetlands); • threatened species and ecological communities (Section 18 and 18A); • migratory species; • commonwealth marine areas; • nuclear actions (including uranium mining); and • a water resource, in relation to coal seam gas development and large coal mining development. Initially, MNES protected under the EPBC Act are assessed in accordance with the Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1 - Matters of National Environmental Significance (DoE 2013). This is performed to determine if there is likelihood for an action to have a significant impact on MNES. An action will require referral to, and may require the approval of, the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment (in addition to any local or state government consent or approval) if that action will have, or is likely to have, a significant impact on the environment or on a MNES.

The project is unlikely to have a significant impact on MNES and is, therefore, not required to be referred to DoEE for consideration. Further information on this matter is provided in Appendix A of this report. An extract of the Protected Matters Search Tool used for this assessment has been provided in Appendix G.

2.4 LICENCING Fieldwork undertaken by Wildthing Environmental Consultants was carried out under the NPWS Scientific Investigation Licence SL 100345 and under Animal Care and Ethics Approval: Animal Research Authority Issue by the Director General of NSW Agriculture (File No. TRIM 13/251) for the Fauna Survey for Biodiversity and Impact Assessment.

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3.0 STAGE 1 - BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT LANDSCAPE CONTEXT This Section of the report describes the landscape context, including the landscape features present within the study area and a 1500 metre buffer from the edge of the study area, as required by the BAM (OEH 2017).

3.1 IBRA BIOREGION & SUBREGION Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA) Bioregions are large, geographically distinct areas of land with common characteristics such as geology, landform patterns, climate, ecological features, and flora and fauna communities. The study area is located within the NSW North Coast (NNC) IBRA Bioregion and the Karuah Manning IBRA Subregion (OEH 2016b). Both IBRA and IBRA Subregional Boundaries do not occur near the study area and hence are not shown within Figure 3.1.

3.2 NSW LANDSCAPE REGION The study area falls entirely within the Myall - Forster Barrier BioNet Landscape (formerly Mitchell Landscapes) (OEH 2016a). The BioNet Landscapes within the vicinity of the study area are shown in Figure 3.1.

3.3 RIVERS AND STREAMS The study area is located within the Hunter Central Rivers Catchment. According to the NSW Government SEED mapping no streams were present within the study area. The estuarine Myall River formed the western boundary of the study area. Streams within the vicinity of the study area are displayed in Figure 3.1.

3.4 WETLANDS The study area is located in close proximity (approximately 500m to the west) to Myall River, this area is mapped as part of the greater Port Stephens Estuary, which is included in the Directory of Important Wetlands of Australia (DIWA) (DoEE 2018c). The Port Stephens Estuary is 30 253 hectares in area and was listed on the DIWA for the following reasons: • It is a good example of a wetland type occurring within a biogeographic region in Australia. • It is a wetland which is important as the habitat for animal taxa at a vulnerable stage in their life cycles, or provides a refuge when adverse conditions such as drought prevail. • The wetland supports native plant or animal taxa or communities which are considered endangered or vulnerable at the national level.

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The study area is also located to the south of the Ramsar listed wetland Myall Lakes. Ramsar wetlands are representative, rare or unique wetlands, or are important for conserving biological diversity.

3.5 CONNECTIVITY FEATURES The entire eastern portion of the study area including the subject site was mapped as a regional corridor in NE NSW (NPWS 2003)(Figure 3.1). A large portion of the study area was also mapped as key habitat (NPWS 2003). Habitat within the study area formed part of a much larger area of key habitat (Figure 3.1). Key habitats define areas identified as centres of high native species diversity for a range of fauna assemblages (NPWS 2003). The majority of the subject site was not mapped as Key Habitat. The proposal will result in the removal of a small amount of key habitat.

3.6 GEOLOGY TOPOGRAPHY AND SOILS The study area is located on the Port Stephens soil landscape and is composed of undulating to rolling low hills on mudstones and minor interbeds of lithic sandstones of the Wootton Beds There are no karst, caves, cliffs or other areas of geological significance within the study area or within the surrounding assessment area.

3.7 HIGH AND OUTSTANDING BIODIVERSITY AREAS The NSW Biodiversity Values Map was consulted on 27 November 2019, at this time it was observed that the study area does contain areas of high biodiversity value in the west outside the subject site. There are currently no declared areas of Outstanding Biodiversity Value under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Regulation 2017 associated with the study area.

3.8 NATIVE VEGETATION EXTENT IN THE BUFFER AREA The Biodiversity Assessment Method Operational Manual Stage 1 (OEH 2018f) defines ‘Native Vegetation Cover’ as: The amount of native vegetation (woody and non-woody vegetation including regrowth and plantations comprised of plants native to New South Wales) that is estimated to remain in the landscape proximal to the assessment area. It is used: • as a filter by the Calculator to predict threatened species likely to occur or use habitat on a site; and • to define the intrinsic rate of increase in species richness and plant cover as part of the assessment of future vegetation condition on a biodiversity stewardship site

Native vegetation extent within a 1500m buffer from the edge of the study area was estimated from review of aerial mapping interpretation and spatial data from the forest ecosystem distribution map Mid North Coast Vegetation (EcoLogical Version). VIS_ID 3886 (EcoLogical 2006). Supplementary iterations and amendments were made to the mapped vegetation extent to conform with the study area scale vegetation extent as mapped by Wildthing (Section 4).

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Thirteen forest ecosystem types were mapped within the 1500 m buffer, including: • Banksia • Coastal Sands Blackbutt • Heath • Mangrove • Paperbark • Saltmarsh • Smooth-barked Apple • South Coast Tallowwood-Blue Gum • Swamp Mahogany • Swamp Oak

Native vegetation cover within the buffer area (including the survey area) was determined as the sum of all areas of mapped native vegetation that are likely to be derived from the mapped woodland communities. Approximately 755.17ha of native vegetation was mapped within the 1177.36ha buffer area. Native vegetation cover within the buffer area is approximately 64.14%.

Native vegetation contained within a 1500m buffer of the study area is shown in Figure 3.2

3.9 CLEARED AREAS Areas not containing native vegetation within the landscape buffer include roads, agricultural lands existing development, and waterbodies and waterways (natural and man-made).

3.10 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MAPPED VEGETATION EXTENT AND AERIAL IMAGERY There were no significant differences between the mapped vegetation extent and that present within available aerial imagery.

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4.0 SUBJECT SITE CONTEXT This section describes the vegetation extent present within the subject site, as required by the BAM (OEH, 2019). The habitats and vegetation within the subject site are a small subset of the in the wider landscape. A full inventory of the flora and fauna species identified within the subject site has been provided in Appendix C and D respectively.

4.1 NATIVE VEGETATION EXTENT IN THE SUBJECT SITE The entire 10.85ha subject site contained native vegetation. This is inclusive of all areas of native vegetation (treed woodland and derived native ground covers). Section 5 provides details of the native vegetation extent recorded within the subject site, as assessed during the Vegetation Integrity Assessment.

4.2 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MAPPED VEGETATION EXTENT AND AERIAL IMAGERY There were no significant differences between the mapped vegetation extent and that present within available aerial imagery.

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5.0 PLANT COMMUNITY TYPES This Section describes the attribution of vegetation community profile descriptors to vegetation surveyed within the subject site in accordance the NSW Plant Community Types (PCTs) held within the NSW BioNet Vegetation Information System (BioNet VIS) database.

5.1 PLANT COMMUNITY TYPE (PCT) ASSESSMENT METHOD Existing surveys conducted within the locality as well as database searches (See Section 1.3) were reviewed to inform the vegetation investigations. In addition, a search was undertaken of the BioNet VIS Database (OEH 2019h) and NSW SEED mapping to access existing vegetation mapping information within the subject site. It was determined that the mapping dataset, Lower Hunter Vegetation Mapping VIS_ID 4513 (Parsons Brinckerhoff Pty Ltd 2017), was the most appropriate to use for the context of the subject site as it was both fine scale, current and contains the broader context of vegetation types present in the locality. Accordingly, this mapping data (VIS_ID 4513) was adopted as a ‘base map’ to inform field studies of vegetation extent and type within the subject site and representation of the extent within the region. Based on the results of the background review and the requirements of the BAM with respect to this BDAR, appropriate surveys were designed for the subject site. The vegetation base map was used to guide a floristic assessment of the subject site. Supplementary iterations and amendments were made to the base map throughout the fieldwork period, in accordance with Section 5.2 of the BAM, via hand-held GPS units and aerial photo interpretation. Iterations to the base map were based on observation of broad vegetation composition, landform, physiography and on quantitative data collection through identification of all plants encountered to the species level. The vegetation types observed were compared to the base map and cross-referenced with the community profile descriptors (and diagnostic species tests) held within the BioNet VIS Database (OEH 2018h) with an assessment of consistency being conducted. Details of the most consistent PCTs selected are detailed in Section 5.2 below.

5.2 PCT’S IDENTIFIED WITHIN THE STUDY AREA One Plant Community Type (PCT) was determined to be present within the study area, being: • PCT 1648 - Smooth-barked Apple - Blackbutt heathy open forest of the Tomaree Peninsula; • PCT 1725 - Swamp Mahogany - Broad-leaved Paperbark - Swamp Water Fern - Plume Rush swamp forest on coastal lowlands of the Central Coast and Lower North Coast; • PCT 1724 - Broad-leaved Paperbark - Swamp Oak - Saw Sedge swamp forest on coastal lowlands of the Central Coast and Lower North Coast; • PCT 1808 - Common Reed on the margins of estuaries and brackish lagoons along the New South Wales coastline; • PCT 1747 - Grey Mangrove low closed forest.

A vegetation map of the study area is shown in Figure 5.1.

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5.3 PCT’S IDENTIFIED WITHIN THE SUBJECT SITE Only one of the PCT’s recorded within the study area was identified within the subject site being: • PCT 1648 - Smooth-barked Apple - Blackbutt heathy open forest of the Tomaree Peninsula;

As a result of past disturbances, the condition of PCT 1648 - Smooth-barked Apple - Blackbutt heathy open forest of the Tomaree Peninsula varied across the subject site from good condition to derived vegetation. The larger areas identified as derived vegetation had been subject to historical sandmining and had been maintained low to the ground.

A comprehensive description of the PCT present within the subject site is provided within Table 5.1. A full list of the flora species recorded during the fieldwork is listed in Appendix C.

Table 5.1: Details of PCT 1648 Smooth-barked Apple Blackbutt heathy open Forest of the Tomaree Peninsula PCT No. 1648 PCT Name Smooth-barked Apple Blackbutt heathy open Forest of the Tomaree Peninsula Vegetation Formation Dry Sclerophyll Forests (Shrubby sub-formation) Vegetation Class Coastal Dune Dry Sclerophyll Forests Extent within study area 10.85ha Extent within subject site 10.85ha Associated Species* Angophora costata; Corymbia gummifera; Eucalyptus pilularis, *The associated species which Banksia serrata; Bossiaea rhombifolia; Acacia terminalis; Dillwynia occurred within the subject site retorta; Eriostemon australasius; Acacia suaveolens; Ricinocarpus pinifolius; Acacia ulicifolia; Persoonia levis; Themeda australis; and informed assignment of this Leucopogon ericoides; Tetratheca ericifolia; Hypolaena fastigiata; PCT have been made bold. Pteridium esculentum; Epacris pulchella. Justification of PCT The PCT assigned to this forest assemblage was initially determined by entering dominant canopy species and the IBRA bioregion into the BioNet vegetation classification database, a shortlist of two PCTs was collected that were considered to have potential to occur within the locality, these were: • PCT 1646 - Smooth-barked Apple - Blackbutt - Old Man Banksia woodland on coastal sands of the Central and Lower North Coast; • PCT 1648 - Smooth-barked Apple - Blackbutt heathy open forest of the Tomaree Peninsula

The short list of PCTs above were cross referenced with the floristic inventory collected for the study area. It was found that both PCTs were largely consistent with the flora inventory taken within the site. However, despite PCT 1648 not occurring on the Tomaree Peninsula it had diagnostic flora species within the middle and lower stratum such as Eriostemon australasius which were not diagnostic within PCT 1646. As such PCT 1648 was chosen as the most consistent PCT prescriptive of the study area.

Description of PCT within the PCT 1648 was present within the eastern portion of the study area and subject site. occurred over the entirety of the subject site in various degrees of disturbance. The most common canopy species was Eucalyptus pilularis (Blackbutt), Angophora costata (Smooth-barked Apple) and Corymbia gummifera (Red Bloodwood). Eucalyptus piperita (Sydney Peppermint) was also present in lower numbers. Common mid-storey species were Banksia serrata (Old Man Banksia) and Nematolepis squamea (Satinwood). The shrub layer was diverse and included species such as Bossiaea rhombifolia, Leucopogon lanceolatus (Lance Beard Heath), Monotoca elliptica (Tree Broom Heath) and Leptospermum polygalifolium subsp. polygalifolium (Teatree). Common groundcovers included Pteridium esculentum (Bracken Fern), Lomandra longifolia (Spiny Mat Rush), Pomax umbellata (Pomax) and

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Smooth-barked Apple Blackbutt heathy open Forest of the Tomaree Peninsula Themeda australis (Kangaroo Grass).

TEC Status This PCT is not consistent with any listed Threatened Ecological Community.

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6.0 VEGETATION ZONES This Section describes the attribution of vegetation zones to the PCT identified within Section 5.0 of this report. Designation of vegetation zones was undertaken accordance with the methodology for vegetation integrity assessment outlined within Section 5.3 of the BAM (OEH, 2017).

6.1 VEGETATION ZONES ASSESSMENT METHOD Detailed floristic surveys were undertaken IN September and October 2019. These surveys included the establishment of vegetation integrity plots across the subject site. The survey effort (number of vegetation integrity plots established, per vegetation zone) was undertaken in accordance with Table 2 in the BAM (OEH, 2017). Data on the composition, structure and function of the vegetation was collected utilising the methodology presented in the (BAM, 2017) by persons trained in the BAM and under the direction of persons accredited under the BAM. The field data collected during the vegetation integrity assessment can be found in Appendix E.

One PCT was identified within the subject site: • PCT 1648 - Smooth-barked Apple - Blackbutt heathy open forest of the Tomaree Peninsula;

This PCT was further stratified into separate vegetation zones bases on current condition state or other environmental variables. The random meander, overview inspection and detailed floristic plots have been used to inform the stratification of this PCT into vegetation zones. PCT1648 was stratified on the basis of the broad presence/absence of key strata over the subject site, vegetation zones were attributed with a vegetation zone ID, which are • 1648_Good Condition (0.93ha) • 1648_Moderate (0.68ha) • 1648_ Derived (9.22ha)

An aerial photo showing the extent of the three Vegetation Zones and location of the vegetation integrity plots within the subject site is shown in Figure 6.1. Table 6.1 provides details of the vegetation zones within the subject site. The plot data from the vegetation integrity survey plots were entered into the BAM credit calculator (BAM-CC). The results from the vegetation integrity assessment are provided in Table 6.2.

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Vegetation Zone ID/Condition Area No. of Patch Photo example of Vegetation Zone within subject site Total Vegetation Size (ha) Integrity (ha) Plots Established

1648_ Smooth-barked Apple - 0.93 1 >101 Blackbutt heathy open forest of the Tomaree Peninsula (Good Vegetation).

Area of generally intact open forest. The most common canopy species was Eucalyptus pilularis (Blackbutt), Angophora costata (Smooth-barked Apple) and Corymbia gummifera (Red Bloodwood). Eucalyptus piperita (Sydney Peppermint) was also present in lower numbers.

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Vegetation Zone ID/Condition Area No. of Patch Photo example of Vegetation Zone within subject site Total Vegetation Size (ha) Integrity (ha) Plots Established

1648_ Smooth-barked Apple - 0.68 1 >101 Blackbutt heathy open forest of the Tomaree Peninsula (Moderate Condition)

Areas of subject site containing trees with a managed understorey of largely native species.

The most common canopy species was Eucalyptus pilularis (Blackbutt), and Corymbia gummifera (Red Bloodwood).

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Vegetation Zone ID/Condition Area No. of Patch Photo example of Vegetation Zone within subject site Total Vegetation Size (ha) Integrity (ha) Plots Established

1648_ Smooth-barked Apple - 9.22 3 >101 Blackbutt heathy open forest of the Tomaree Peninsula (Derived Vegetation)

This larger zone had been subject to historical sandmining. Vegetation was maintained low to the ground. Canopy and mid-storey absent.

Common groundcovers were Pteridium esculentum (Bracken Fern) and Lomandra longifolia (Spiny Mat Rush).

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Table 6.2: Current vegetation integrity scores for each vegetation zone. Zone PCT ID Condition Area (ha) Composition Score Structure Function Score Vegetation Integrity

No. Score Score

1 1648 Good 0.93 59.3 65.6 82.4 68.4

2 1648 Moderate 0.68 45.8 25 70.1 43.1

3 1648 Derived Vegetation 9.22 22.2 5.2 27.6 14.7

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7.0 ECOSYSTEM CREDIT SPECIES This Section identifies and assesses the suitability of habitat constraints within the subject site for ecosystem credit species. Ecosystem credit species are threatened species where the likelihood of occurrence of a species or elements of the species’ habitat can be predicted by habitat surrogates and landscape features, or for which targeted survey has a low probability of detection. Targeted survey is not required for these species.

During the field survey five ecosystem credit species; Glossopsitta pusilla (Little Lorikeet), Haliaeetus leucogaster (White-breasted Sea-Eagle), Falsistrellus tasmaniensis (Eastern Falsistrelle), Pteropus poliocephalus (Grey-headed Flying-fox) and Miniopterus australis (Little Bentwing-bat) were recorded within the subject site.

All species that were associated with PCT_1648 were assumed to occur and generate ecosystem credits. Impacts to these species require consideration within the impact assessment for the proposed development, however targeted survey is not required.

Ecosystem credit species are pre-determined by OEH in the BAM-CC (OEH, 2018g) based on the data collected and displayed in Section 3.0 of this report. Ecosystem credit species predicted to occur at the subject site and their sensitivity to gain class is included in Table 7.1.

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Table 7.1: Ecosystem Credit Species for Assessment

Conservation Status BAM-CC Vegetation Scientific Name Common Name Association or BC Act EPBC Act Recorded Database Gang-gang Cockatoo

Callocephalon fimbriatum V E PCT_1648 (Foraging) Glossy Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami V PCT_1648 (Foraging) Daphoenositta Varied Sittella V PCT_1648 chrysoptera Dasyurus maculatus Spotted-tailed Quoll V E PCT_1648 Falsistrellus tasmaniensis Eastern False Pipistrelle V PCT_1648 Glossopsitta pusilla Little Lorikeet V PCT_1648 White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster V PCT_1648 (Foraging) Hieraaetus morphnoides Little Eagle V PCT_1648 Lathamus discolor Swift Parrot (Foraging) E CE PCT_1648 Lophoictinia isura Square-tailed Kite (Foraging) V PCT_1648 Melithreptus gularis Black-chinned Honeyeater V PCT_1648 gularis Micronomus norfolkensis Eastern Freetail-bat V PCT_1648 Miniopterus australis Little Bentwing-bat (Foraging) V PCT_1648 Miniopterus orianae Eastern Bentwing-bat V PCT_1648 oceanensis (Foraging) Neophema pulchella Turquoise Parrot V PCT_1648 Ninox connivens Barking Owl (Foraging) V PCT_1648 Ninox strenua Powerful Owl (Foraging) V PCT_1648 Pandion cristatus Osprey (Foraging) V PCT_1648 Petaurus australis Yellow-bellied Glider V PCT_1648 Phascolarctos cinereus Koala (Foraging) V PCT_1648 Kerivoula papuensis Golden-tipped Bat V PCT_1648 Pomatostomus Grey-crowned Babbler V PCT_1648 temporalis temporalis (eastern subspecies) Pseudomys Eastern Chestnut Mouse V PCT_1648 gracilicaudatus Grey-headed Flying-fox Pteropus poliocephalus V V PCT_1648 (Foraging) Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat V PCT_1648 Scoteanax rueppellii Greater Broad-nosed Bat V PCT_1648 Syconycteris australis Common Blossom-bat V PCT_1648 Tyto novaehollandiae Masked Owl (Foraging) V PCT_1648 Legend E=Endangered Species V=Vulnerable Species CE=Critically Endangered Cells highlighted dark grey indicate the species has been previously recorded as occurring within a 10km radius of the study area within databases reviewed within Section 1.4 of this report.

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7.1 ECOSYSTEM CREDIT SPECIES ASSESSMENT (STEP 2) Under this step of the BAM the assessor may opt to undertake an additional assessment of the habitat constraints on the subject land for the ecosystem credit species predicted by the BAM-CC. All species that were associated with PCT_1648 were assumed to occur and generate ecosystem credits.

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8.0 SPECIES CREDIT SPECIES This Section identifies and assesses the suitability of habitat present within the subject site for species credit species. Species credit species are threatened species where the likelihood of occurrence of a species or elements of suitable habitat for the species cannot be confidently predicted by vegetation surrogates and landscape features and can be reliably detected by survey. Targeted survey is required for these species which are not excluded from assessment in Section 8.2.

Species credit species are pre-determined by the BAM-CC based on the data collected and displayed in Section 3.6 of this report. The residual impact on the species’ habitat from development, clearing is measured in biodiversity credits using the vegetation integrity score for each vegetation zone.

The BAM assessment defines a six-step process for identifying habitat suitability for species credit species, this is: 1) identify species credit species for assessment, 2) assess the habitat constraints for species credit species on the Subject land, 3) identify candidate species credit species for further assessment, 4) determine presence or absence of a candidate species credit species, 5) determine the area or count, and location of suitable habitat for a species credit species; and 6) determine the habitat condition within the species polygon for species assessed by area.

Species credit species predicted to occur at the subject site, their associated habitat constraints, geographic limitations (if applicable) and habitat description is included in Table 8.1 (Step 1 & 2). An assessment of whether suitable habitat occurs within the Subject site, and therefore whether a species is to be considered a candidate species credit species is also provided (Step 3). The remaining candidate species will require targeted survey to confirm their presence/absence (Step 4) and have been assessed further within Section 8.2 (Step 5 & 6).

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Table 8.1: Species Credit Species for Assessment

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Candidate Habitat type Habitat Description EPBC Geographic Species Species BC Act (Breeding/ Foraging) (Threatened Biodiversity Data Justification Act Limitations Credit Habitat Constraints Collection) Species Occurs most frequently in four main vegetation communities: (i) Eucalyptus haemastoma–Corymbia gummifera– Angophora inopina woodland/forest; (ii) Angophora inopina Hakea teretifolia–Banksia oblongifolia wet V V N/A N/A Yes Charmhaven Apple heath; (iii) Eucalyptus resinifera–Melaleuca sieberi–Angophora inopina sedge woodland; (iv) Eucalyptus capitellata– Corymbia gummifera–Angophora inopina woodland/forest. Inhabits open forests and woodlands with a The subject site did Burhinus grallarius Fallen/standing dead sparse grassy ground layer and fallen E N/A Yes contain fallen/standing Bush Stone-curlew timber including logs timber. Largely nocturnal, being especially dead timber. active on moonlit nights Callistemon Grows in dry sclerophyll forest on the coast Suitable habitat was linearifolius V N/A N/A Yes and adjacent ranges. present Netted Bottle Brush Callocephalon Hollow bearing trees In spring and summer, generally found in fimbriatum Eucalypt tree species tall mountain forests and woodlands, Suitable habitat was V N/A Yes Gang Gang with hollows greater than particularly in heavily timbered and mature present Cockatoo 9 cm diameter wet sclerophyll forests. Inhabits open forest and woodlands of the In accordance with Hollow bearing trees Calyptorhynchus coast and the Great Dividing Range where Section 6.4.1.17 of the Living or dead tree with lathami stands of Sheoak occur. Black Sheoak and BAM the subject site V hollows greater than 15cm N/A Yes Glossy Black- Forest Sheoak are important foods. was determined to diameter and greater than Cockatoo Dependent on large hollow-bearing constitute limited 5m above ground. eucalypts for nest sites. A single egg is laid habitat for this

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Candidate Habitat type Habitat Description EPBC Geographic Species Species BC Act (Breeding/ Foraging) (Threatened Biodiversity Data Justification Act Limitations Credit Habitat Constraints Collection) Species between March and May. species. There were few feed tree species and large hollows. Found in a broad range of habitats from rainforest through sclerophyll (including Cercartetus nanus Box-Ironbark) forest and woodland to Suitable habitat was Eastern Pygmy- V N/A N/A heath, but in most areas woodlands and Yes present possum heath appear to be preferred, except in north-eastern NSW where they are most frequently encountered in rainforest. A desktop evaluation of the landscape and geological mapping for Cliffs the region indicates Roosts in caves (near their entrances), Within two kilometres of that the geology within crevices in cliffs, old mine workings and in rocky areas containing 2km of the subject site Chalinolobus dwyeri the disused, bottle-shaped mud nests of caves, overhangs, would not be support Large-eared Pied V V N/A the Fairy Martin, frequenting low to mid- No escarpments, outcrops, or the formation of Bat elevation dry open forest and woodland crevices, or within two significant caves, close to these features Found in well- kilometres of old mines or overhangs, timbered areas containing gullies tunnels. escarpments, outcrops, or crevices nor likely to have been historically mined. Sheltered areas such as gullies and Corybas dowlingii southerly slopes in tall open forest on well- Marginal habitat was V N/A N/A Yes Red Helmet Orchid drained gravelly soil at elevations of 10-200 present. m

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Candidate Habitat type Habitat Description EPBC Geographic Species Species BC Act (Breeding/ Foraging) (Threatened Biodiversity Data Justification Act Limitations Credit Habitat Constraints Collection) Species Marginal habitat Crinia tinnula usually associated with acidic swamps on V N/A N/A Yes bordered the west of Wallum Froglet coastal sand plains. the subject site. Does not appear to have well defined habitat preferences and is known from a range of communities, including swamp- This species has no heath and woodland. The larger Cryptostylis defined habitat populations typically occur in woodland hunteriana constraint. In addition, V V N/A N/A dominated by Scribbly Gum, Silvertop Ash, Yes Leafless Tongue this species has Red Bloodwood and Black Sheoak; Orchid undefined habitat appears to prefer open areas in the preferences. understorey of this community and is often found in association with the Large Tongue Orchid and the Tartan Tongue Orchid. Dunes|, Other Diuris arenaria South from Coastal heath and dry grassy eucalypt Subject Site is north of E Sand or sandy soils No Sand Doubletail Soldiers Point forest on sandy flats. Soldiers Point

Hills and slopes of near-coastal districts in Diuris praecox Suitable habitat was V V N/A open forests which have a grassy to fairly Yes Rough Doubletail present dense understorey. Dromaius Suitable habitat was novaehollandiae - Range of predominantly open lowland present. Has been E-pop N/A N/A Yes endangered habitats recorded in close population proximity (DPIE, 2019) Eucalyptus Poor coastal country in shallow sandy soils camfieldii Marginal habitat was V V N/A N/A overlying Hawkesbury sandstone. Coastal Yes Camfield's present. heath mostly on exposed sandy ridges. Stringybark

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Candidate Habitat type Habitat Description EPBC Geographic Species Species BC Act (Breeding/ Foraging) (Threatened Biodiversity Data Justification Act Limitations Credit Habitat Constraints Collection) Species Eucalyptus deep, low-nutrient sands, often those parramattensis Suitable habitat was V V N/A N/A subject to periodic inundation or where Yes subsp. decadens present water tables are relatively high. Drooping Red Gum Living or dead mature Sites near the sea or sea-shore, such as Haliaeetus trees within suitable around bays and inlets, beaches, reefs, leucogaster vegetation within 1km of a Suitable habitat was V N/A lagoons, estuaries and mangroves; and at, Yes White-bellied Sea- rivers, lakes, large dams present or in the vicinity of freshwater swamps, Eagle or creeks, wetlands and lakes, reservoirs, billabongs and saltmarsh. coastlines. No potential nest of this species was Occupies open eucalypt forest, woodland Other observed within the or open woodland. Sheoak or woodlands Hieraaetus Nest trees - live site despite a and riparian woodlands of interior NSW are morphnoides V (occasionally dead) large N/A Yes systematic survey also used.; Nests in tall living trees within a Little Eagle old trees within undertaken across the remnant patch, where pairs build a large vegetation. subject site for stick nest in winter. significant habitat features. The Pale-headed Snake is a highly cryptic species that can spend weeks at a time Hoplocephalus hidden in tree hollows. Found mainly in dry Suitable habitat was bitorquatus V N/A N/A Yes eucalypt forests and woodlands, cypress present Pale-headed Snake forest and occasionally in rainforest or moist eucalypt forest. Migrates to the Australian south-east All mapped breeding Lathamus discolor Other mainland between February and October. areas for this species E CE N/A No Swift Parrot As per mapped areas In winter they return to Tasmania where are located in they breed from September to January, Tasmania.

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Candidate Habitat type Habitat Description EPBC Geographic Species Species BC Act (Breeding/ Foraging) (Threatened Biodiversity Data Justification Act Limitations Credit Habitat Constraints Collection) Species nesting in old trees with hollows and feeding in forests dominated by Tasmanian Blue Gum. Green-thighed Frogs occur in a range of habitats from rainforest and moist eucalypt forest to dry eucalypt forest and heath, No suitable aquatic Litoria brevipalmata typically in areas where surface water V N/A N/A Yes habitat was present Green-thighed Frog gathers after rain. It prefers wetter forests within the subject site. in the south of its range, but extends into drier forests in northern NSW and southern Queensland. No potential nest of Found in a variety of timbered habitats this species was including dry woodlands and open forests. observed within the Shows a particular preference for timbered site despite a Lophoictinia isura Other V N/A watercourses. Breeding is from July to Yes systematic survey Square-tailed Kite Nest trees February, with nest sites generally located undertaken across the along or near watercourses, in a fork or on subject site for large horizontal limbs. significant habitat features. Grove's Paperbark grows in heath and shrubland, often in exposed sites, in low coastal hills, escarpment ranges and This species has no Melaleuca groveana V N/A N/A tablelands on outcopping granite, rhyolite Yes defined habitat Grove's Paperbark and sandstone on rocky outcrops and cliffs. constraint. It also occurs in dry srubby open forest and woodlands. Miniopterus australis Caves Moist eucalypt forest, rainforest, vine The subject site did V N/A No Little Bentwing-bat Cave, tunnel, mine, thicket, wet and dry sclerophyll forest, not contain caves or

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Candidate Habitat type Habitat Description EPBC Geographic Species Species BC Act (Breeding/ Foraging) (Threatened Biodiversity Data Justification Act Limitations Credit Habitat Constraints Collection) Species culvert or other structure Melaleuca swamps, dense coastal forests any other structure known or suspected to be and banksia scrub. Generally found in well- which was likely to used for breeding timbered areas. Little Bentwing-bats roost provide breeding including species records in caves, tunnels, tree hollows, abandoned habitat. in BioNet with mines, stormwater drains, culverts, bridges microhabitat code ‘IC – in and sometimes buildings during the day, cave’; observation type and at night forage for small insects code ‘E nest-roost’; with beneath the canopy of densely vegetated numbers of individuals habitats. Only five nursery sites /maternity >500; or from the scientific colonies are known in Australia. literature. Caves Cave, tunnel, mine, Caves are the primary roosting habitat, but culvert or other structure also use derelict mines, storm-water known or suspected to be tunnels, buildings and other man-made The subject site did Miniopterus orianae used for breeding structures. Form discrete populations not contain caves or oceanensis V including species records N/A centred on a maternity cave that is used No any other structure Eastern Bentwing- with microhabitat code "IC annually in spring and summer for the birth which was likely to bat - in cave;" observation and rearing of young. Hunt in forested provide breeding type code "E nest-roost;" areas, catching moths and other flying habitat. with numbers of insects above the tree tops. individuals >500 Hollow bearing trees Generally, roost in groups of 10 - 15 close Within 200 m of riparian to water in caves, mine shafts, hollow- The subject site was zone bearing trees, storm water channels, Myotis macropus over 350m from a V Other N/A buildings, under bridges and in dense No Southern Myotis riparian zone (Myall Bridges, caves or artificial foliage. Forage over streams and pools River). structures within 200 m of catching insects and small fish by raking riparian zone. This include their feet across the water surface.

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Candidate Habitat type Habitat Description EPBC Geographic Species Species BC Act (Breeding/ Foraging) (Threatened Biodiversity Data Justification Act Limitations Credit Habitat Constraints Collection) Species rivers, creeks, billabongs, lagoons, dams and other waterbodies on or within 200m of the site Inhabits woodland and open forest, including fragmented remnants and partly cleared farmland. It is flexible in its habitat use, and hunting can extend in to closed Hollow bearing trees forest and more open areas. Roost in Living or dead trees with shaded portions of tree canopies, including Suitable habitat was Ninox connivens hollows greater than 20 tall midstorey trees with dense foliage. V N/A Yes present within the Barking Owl cm diameter and greater During nesting season, the male perches in subject site. than 4m above the a nearby tree overlooking the hollow ground. entrance. Nesting occurs during mid-winter and spring, being variable between pairs and among years. As a rule of thumb, laying occurs during August and fledging in November. The Powerful Owl inhabits a range of vegetation types, from woodland and open sclerophyll forest to tall open wet forest and rainforest. The Powerful Owl requires large Hollow bearing trees tracts of forest or woodland habitat but can Suitable habitat was Ninox strenua Living or dead trees with V N/A occur in fragmented landscapes as well. Yes present within the Powerful Owl hollow greater than 20cm The species breeds and hunts in open or subject site. diameter closed sclerophyll forest or woodlands and occasionally hunts in open habitats. Powerful Owls nest in large tree hollows (at least 0.5 m deep), in large eucalypts

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Candidate Habitat type Habitat Description EPBC Geographic Species Species BC Act (Breeding/ Foraging) (Threatened Biodiversity Data Justification Act Limitations Credit Habitat Constraints Collection) Species (diameter at breast height of 80-240 cm) that are at least 150 years old. Pandion cristatus Presence of stick-nests in Coastal areas, especially the mouths of No stick nests were V N/A Yes Eastern Osprey living and dead trees large rivers, lagoons and lakes. present. Inhabits mature or old growth Box, Box- Ironbark woodlands and River Red Gum The subject site did forest west of the Great Dividing Range Petaurus contain a number of and Blackbutt-Bloodwood forest with heath norfolcensis V N/A N/A Yes hollows which may be understorey in coastal areas. Prefers mixed Squirrel Glider suitable for occupation species stands with a shrub or Acacia by this species. midstorey. Require abundant tree hollows for refuge and nest sites. Land within 1 km of rocky Rocky escarpments, outcrops and cliffs Petrogale penicillata escarpments, gorges, with a preference for complex structures No suitable rocky Brush-tailed Rock- E V steep slopes, boulder N/A No with fissures, caves and ledges, often habitat was present. wallaby piles, rock outcrops or cliff facing north. lines Prefer dry sclerophyll open forest with sparse groundcover of herbs, grasses, shrubs or leaf litter. Also inhabit heath, The subject site did Phascogale swamps, rainforest and wet sclerophyll contain a number of tapoatafa Hollow bearing trees forest. Agile climber foraging preferentially V N/A Yes hollows which may be Brush-tailed Null in rough barked trees of 25 cm DBH or suitable for occupation Phascogale greater. Nest and shelter in tree hollows by this species. with entrances 2.5 - 4 cm wide and use many different hollows over a short time span. Phascolarctos Other Inhabit eucalypt woodlands and forests. The subject site did V V N/A Yes cinereus Areas identified via survey Feed on the foliage of more than 70 contain a small

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Candidate Habitat type Habitat Description EPBC Geographic Species Species BC Act (Breeding/ Foraging) (Threatened Biodiversity Data Justification Act Limitations Credit Habitat Constraints Collection) Species Koala as important habitat (see eucalypt species and 30 non-eucalypt number of suitable comments) species, but in any one area will select food trees for this preferred browse species. species. Clarification of what constitutes ‘important Koala breeding habitat’ had not been made publicly Phascolarctos available by DPIE at Inhabit eucalypt woodlands and forests. cinereus the time of writing this Feed on the foliage of more than 70 Koala report. Due to the high E pop eucalypt species and 30 non-eucalypt Yes Koala, Hawks Nest amount of previous species, but in any one area will select and Tea Gardens records for Koala preferred browse species. population within the Atlas BioNet database, a conservative approach was taken and this habitat constraint was assumed present. Common Planigales inhabit rainforest, Suitable habitat was Planigale maculata eucalypt forest, heathland, marshland, V N/A N/A Yes present within the Common Planigale grassland and rocky areas where there is subject site. surface cover, and usually close to water. Generally, grows in sclerophyll forest and This species has no Prostanthera densa shrubland on coastal headlands and near V V N/A N/A Yes defined habitat Villous Mint-bush coastal ranges, chiefly on sandstone, and constraint. rocky slopes near the sea. Pteropus Other Occur in subtropical and temperate No potential breeding V V N/A Yes poliocephalus Breeding camps rainforests, tall sclerophyll forests and camps of this species

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Candidate Habitat type Habitat Description EPBC Geographic Species Species BC Act (Breeding/ Foraging) (Threatened Biodiversity Data Justification Act Limitations Credit Habitat Constraints Collection) Species Grey-headed Flying- woodlands, heaths and swamps as well as were observed within fox urban gardens and cultivated fruit crops. the site despite a Roosting camps are generally located systematic survey within 20 km of a regular food source and undertaken across the are commonly found in gullies, close to subject site for water, in vegetation with a dense canopy. significant habitat Individual camps may have tens of features. thousands of animals and are used for mating, and for giving birth and rearing young. Habitat requirements are poorly understood Rhizanthella slateri This species has no and no particular vegetation type has been Eastern Australian V E N/A N/A Yes defined habitat associated with the species, although it is Underground Orchid constraint. known to occur in sclerophyll forest. Low open forest/woodland with a mixed Suitable habitat was Tetratheca juncea shrub understorey and grassy V V N/A Yes present within the Black-eyed Susan groundcover. However, it has also been subject site. recorded in heathland and moist forest. Lives in dry eucalypt forests and woodlands from sea level to 1100 m. A Hollow bearing trees The subject site did Tyto forest owl, but often hunts along the edges Living or dead trees with not contain suitable novaehollandiae V N/A of forests, including roadsides. Roosts and Yes hollows greater than 20cm hollows for this Masked Owl breeds in moist eucalypt forested gullies, diameter. species using large tree hollows or sometimes caves for nesting. Inhabits ephemeral and semi-permanent Uperoleia mahonyi Marginal habitat was E N/A N/A swamps and swales on the coastal fringe Yes Mahony's Toadlet present. of its range.

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STAGE 1 STAGE 2 STAGE 3

Candidate Habitat type Habitat Description EPBC Geographic Species Species BC Act (Breeding/ Foraging) (Threatened Biodiversity Data Justification Act Limitations Credit Habitat Constraints Collection) Species Caves Within two kilometres of Very little is known about the biology of this The subject site did rocky areas containing uncommon species. A cave-roosting not contain caves or Vespadelus caves, overhangs, species that is usually found in dry open any other structure troughtoni V escarpments, outcrops, N/A forest and woodland, near cliffs or rocky No which was likely to Eastern Cave Bat crevices or boulder piles, overhangs; has been recorded roosting in provide breeding or within two kilometres of disused mine workings, occasionally in habitat. old mines, tunnels, old colonies of up to 500 individuals. buildings or sheds."

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8.1 DETERMINE PRESENCE OR ABSENCE OF A CANDIDATE SPECIES CREDIT SPECIES Species identified as candidate species within Table 8.1 will require targeted survey to confirm presence or absence. Table 8.2 identifies the candidate species, their biodiversity risk weighting, survey period and confirms their presence or absence within the subject site based on the results of targeted surveys undertaken within the site.

Targeted surveys campaigns were undertaken on the period of 30 January and 12 February for the candidate species credit species listed within Table 8.2. Surveys were conducted as per the optimum survey months defined within the BAM-CC (OEH, 2018g). Where relevant guidelines were available, targeted surveys were conducted according to taxa-specific guidelines. For all other species, targeted survey was conducted in accordance with OEH Threatened Species Survey and Assessment Guidelines.

The survey effort, timing, prevailing weather conditions are summarised in Table 8.3. A figure detailing the survey effort conducted within the subject site is provided in Figure 8.1. Details of the survey methodology used and results for each surveyed species are provided in Appendix B. Survey methodologies for candidate species credit species have been grouped where survey effort has captured multiple species

Table 8.2: Candidate Species Credit Species Present Species Assumed to Survey on polygon Scientific Name Common Name occur/survey/expert Period subject Area or report site Count Angophora inopina Charmhaven Apple All Year Surveyed No N/A Burhinus grallarius Bush Stone-curlew All Year Surveyed No N/A Callistemon linearifolius Netted Bottle Brush Oct-Jan Surveyed No N/A Callocephalon fimbriatum Gang-gang Cockatoo Oct-Jan Surveyed No N/A Calyptorhynchus lathami Glossy Black-Cockatoo Mar-Aug Surveyed No N/A Cercartetus nanus Eastern Pygmy-possum Oct-Mar Surveyed No N/A Corybas dowlingii Red Helmet Orchid Jun-Jul Surveyed No N/A Crinia tinnula Wallum Froglet All Year Surveyed No N/A Nov- Surveyed No N/A Cryptostylis hunteriana Leafless Tongue Orchid Jan Diuris praecox Rough Doubletail Aug Surveyed No N/A Phascolarctos cinereus Koala All Year Surveyed No N/A Eucalyptus camfieldii Camfield's Stringybark All Year Surveyed No N/A Eucalyptus parramattensis Surveyed No N/A All Year subsp. decadens Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-Eagle Jul-Dec Surveyed No N/A Hieraaetus morphnoides Little Eagle Aug-Oct Surveyed No N/A Hoplocephalus bitorquatus Pale-headed Snake Nov-Dec Surveyed No N/A Lathamus discolor Swift Parrot Surveyed No N/A Litoria brevipalmata Green-thighed Frog Oct-Mar Surveyed No N/A

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Present Species Assumed to Survey on polygon Scientific Name Common Name occur/survey/expert Period subject Area or report site Count Lophoictinia isura Square-tailed Kite Sep-Jan Surveyed No N/A Melaleuca groveana Grove's Paperbark All Year Surveyed No N/A Myotis macropus Southern Myotis Nov-Dec Surveyed No N/A May- Surveyed No N/A Ninox connivens Barking Owl Dec May- Surveyed No N/A Ninox strenua Powerful Owl Aug Pandion cristatus Eastern Osprey Apr-Nov Surveyed No N/A Petaurus norfolcensis Squirrel Glider All Year Surveyed Yes N/A Phascogale tapoatafa Brush-tailed Phascogale All Year Surveyed No N/A Planigale maculata Common Planigale All Year Surveyed No N/A Prostanthera densa Villous Mint-bush All Year Surveyed No N/A Pteropus poliocephalus Grey-headed Flying-fox Oct-Dec Surveyed No N/A Rhizanthella slateri Underground Orchid Sep-Nov Surveyed No N/A Tetratheca juncea Black-eyed Susan Sep-Oct Surveyed No N/A May- Surveyed No N/A Tyto novaehollandiae Masked Owl Aug Uperoleia mahonyi Mahony's Toadlet Oct-Mar Surveyed No N/A Dromaius novaehollandiae Emu All Year Surveyed No N/A

8.2 DETERMINE THE AREA OR COUNT, AND LOCATION OF SUITABLE HABITAT FOR A SPECIES CREDIT SPECIES No species credit species were recorded during targeted or incidental surveys.

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Table 8.3: Targeted Survey Effort

DATE TIME SURVEY EFFORT ACTIVITY WEATHER TARGET SPECIES (24HR) (EXPRESSED IN PERSON HOURS) Wednesday 1400 – 1500 1.0 Set up two Camera Traps 2/8 cloud, E breeze 13km/h, Phascogale tapoatafa (Brush-tailed 15/05/2019 22C, 60% humidity. Phascogale). Vegetation Mapping/Incidental Petaurus norfolcensis (Squirrel Glider) observations Pteropus poliocephalus (Grey-headed 1630 – 1700 0.5 Flying-fox). Avifauna Survey Ninox connivens (Barking Owl) 1700 - 1930 2.5 Ninox strenua (Powerful Owl) Spotlighting/Mobile Bat call survey. 0/8 cloud, Easterly breeze Myotis macropus (Southern Myotis) Owl, Bush Stone-curlew & Mammal 7km/h, 22C, 60% humidity, Tyto novaehollandiae (Masked Owl) Call Playback Moon 7/8. Calyptorhynchus lathami (Glossy Black- Cockatoo) Stationary Bat Call Survey (Anabat Phascolarctos cinereus (Koala) left out all night). Burhinus grallarius (Bush Stone-curlew) Pandion cristatus (Eastern Osprey) Thursday 0800 – 0830 0.5 Retrieval of Anabat/Incidental 4/8 cloud, WNW breeze 6km/h, Lathamus discolor (Swift Parrot) 16/05/2019 observations 12C, 96% humidity. Calyptorhynchus lathami (Glossy Black- 0830 - 0930 Avifauna Survey Cockatoo)

Thursday 0900 - 0930 0.5 Avifauna Survey 4/8 cloud, WSW breeze 6km/h, Corybas dowlingii (Red Helmet Orchid), 13/06/2019 17C, 75% humidity. Callistemon linearifolius (Netted 0930 - 1330 4.0 Targeted flora searches. Bottlebrush), Eucalyptus parramattensis subsp. decadens (Drooping Redgum), Angophora inopina (Charmhaven Apple), Eucalyptus camfieldii (Camfield's Stringybark), Prostanthera densa (Villous Mint-bush), Melaleuca groveana (Grove's Paperbark). Dromaius novaehollandiae (Emu) Tuesday 1400 - 1600 2.0 Vegetation Mapping/Incidental 0/8 cloud, N 11km/h, 19C, 30% Phascogale tapoatafa (Brush-tailed 6/08/2019 observations humidity. Phascogale). 1700 - 1730 0.5 Relocate Camera Traps Petaurus norfolcensis (Squirrel Glider) Avifauna Survey Pteropus poliocephalus (Grey-headed Flying-fox).

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DATE TIME SURVEY EFFORT ACTIVITY WEATHER TARGET SPECIES (24HR) (EXPRESSED IN PERSON HOURS) Spotlighting/Mobile Bat call survey. 0/8 cloud, N 11km/h, 17C, 49% Ninox connivens (Barking Owl) Owl, Bush Stone-curlew & Mammal humidity, Moon 3/8. Ninox strenua (Powerful Owl) Call Playback Myotis macropus (Southern Myotis) Tyto novaehollandiae (Masked Owl) Stationary Bat Call Survey (Anabat Calyptorhynchus lathami (Glossy Black- left out all night). Cockatoo) Phascolarctos cinereus (Koala) Burhinus grallarius (Bush Stone-curlew) Pandion cristatus (Eastern Osprey) Wednesday 0700 - 0730 0.25 Retrieval of Anabat/Incidental 7/08/2019 observations

Friday 0930 – 1100 1.5 BAM Plot 16/08/2019 1100 - 1430 2.5 Targeted flora searches 0/8 cloud, Wind WNW 33km/h, Diuris praecox (Rough Doubletail) (Two Persons) 23C, 16% humidity.

Thursday 1030 - 1100 1.0 Avifauna Survey 0/8 cloud, Wind southerly 9km/h, Pandion cristatus (Eastern Osprey) 5/09/2019 Relocate Camera Traps 20C, 61% humidity.

Thursday 0900 - 1200 3.0 Targeted flora searches 1/8 cloud, Wind west 6km/h, Tetratheca juncea (Black-eyed Susan) 12/09/2019 15C, 72% humidity. Rhizanthella slateri (Eastern Underground Orchid). Wednesday 0900 – 1200 3.0 Targeted flora searches 1/8 cloud, Wind WNW 15km/h, Tetratheca juncea (Black-eyed Susan) 2/10/2019 (two persons) 17C, 71% humidity. Rhizanthella slateri (Eastern Underground Orchid). 1200 - 1300 1.0 Searches under Koala Feed Tree Phascolarctos cinereus (Koala) species within subject site. Monday 0900 - 1530 6.5 Trap deployment 3/8 cloud, Wind ESE 7km/h, Phascogale tapoatafa (Brush-tailed 14/10/2019 Three persons Incidental observations 18C, 63% humidity. Phascogale). Petaurus norfolcensis (Squirrel Glider) Uperoleia mahonyi (Mahony's Toadlet) Cercartetus nanus (Eastern Pygmy- possum). Planigale maculata (Common Planigale)

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DATE TIME SURVEY EFFORT ACTIVITY WEATHER TARGET SPECIES (24HR) (EXPRESSED IN PERSON HOURS) Tuesday 0600 - 0800 2.0 Checking traps. 1/8 cloud, Wind ESE 7km/h, 15/10/2019 Incidental observations 18C, 95% humidity, Moon 8/8.

0.5 Avifauna Survey

Wednesday 0600 – 0800 2.0 Checking traps. Phascogale tapoatafa (Brush-tailed 16/10/2019 Incidental observations Phascogale). Petaurus norfolcensis (Squirrel Glider) 1600 – 1630 0.5 Check Pitfall Trap 5/8 cloud, Wind SE 19km/h, Uperoleia mahonyi (Mahony's Toadlet) 20C, 81% humidity. Cercartetus nanus (Eastern Pygmy- 1630-1700 0.5 Set Harp Traps possum). Phascolarctos cinereus (Koala) 1800 – 1830 0.5 Avifauna Survey Burhinus grallarius (Bush Stone-curlew) Hoplocephalus bitorquatus (Pale- 1900 - 2130 2.5 Spotlighting/Mobile Bat call survey. 8/8 cloud, Wind ESE 7km/h, headed Snake), Crinia tinnula (Wallum Owl, Bush Stone-curlew & Mammal 19C, 92% humidity, Storm and Froglet) Call Playback. Amphibian Survey. rain early in evening. Litoria brevipalmata (Green-thighed Frog) Stationary Bat Call Survey (Anabat Dromaius novaehollandiae (Emu) left out all night). Planigale maculata (Common Planigale) Thursday 0530 - 0800 2.0 Checking Traps 0/8 cloud, Wind SE 19km/h, Phascogale tapoatafa (Brush-tailed 17/10/2019 15C, 81% humidity, Moon 7/8. Phascogale). Avifauna Survey Petaurus norfolcensis (Squirrel Glider) Uperoleia mahonyi (Mahony's Toadlet) Cercartetus nanus (Eastern Pygmy- possum). Callocephalon fimbriatum (Gang Gang Cockatoo) Lophoictinia isura (Square-tailed Kite) Friday 0530- 0900 3.0 Checking Traps, Trap retrieval & 0/8 cloud, Wind WNW 17km/h, Phascogale tapoatafa (Brush-tailed 18/10/2019 Incidental observations. 13C, 40% humidity, Moon 7/8. Phascogale). Petaurus norfolcensis (Squirrel Glider) Uperoleia mahonyi (Mahony's Toadlet) Cercartetus nanus (Eastern Pygmy- possum).

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DATE TIME SURVEY EFFORT ACTIVITY WEATHER TARGET SPECIES (24HR) (EXPRESSED IN PERSON HOURS)

Wednesday 0930 - 1200 2.5 Incidental surveys, vegetation surveys 0/8 cloud, Wind SSW 30km/h, Haliaeetus leucogaster (White-bellied 20/11/2019 far west of study area. 21C, 64% humidity, Sea Eagle). Friday 0900 - 1200 3.0 BAM Plots 2/8 cloud, Wind NW 13km/h, 22/11/2019 31C, 37% humidity, Smoke Haze. Thursday 0900 - 1400 5.0 Hollow-bearing Tree Survey, Koala 2/8 cloud, Wind ENE 6km/h, Phascolarctos cinereus (Koala) 28/11/2019 Feed Tree Surveys and scat 21C, 58% humidity, Smoke Cryptostylis hunteriana (Leafless searches. Haze Tongue Orchid) Targeted flora surveys.

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STAGE 2 – IMPACT ASSESSMENT This Section identifies the potential impacts of the proposed development on the biodiversity values of the subject site, methods of avoidance and minimisation of impacts and a revaluation of potential impacts when considering avoidance and minimisation strategies.

9.0 ACTIONS TO AVOID/MINIMISE PROJECT IMPACTS Direct impacts to biodiversity values within the study area will be primarily restricted to the most disturbed area which had been subject to past disturbance in the form of sandmining for the development components and civil works, as detailed within Section 1.2.

The principal means to reduce impacts on biodiversity within the study area has been to avoid and minimise removal of native vegetation and fauna habitat and to avoid the direct loss of significant biodiversity values and threatened matters. The potential impacts resulting from the proposed development have broken down into two phases of activity: site selection and planning and construction. Measures taken to date to avoid and minimise impacts have been summarised and recommendations to assist the proponent to design a development that further avoids and minimises have been provided.

9.1 PLANNING AND DETAILED DESIGN The proponent has considered biodiversity values present within the study area in the planning and detailed design stages of the development layout to avoid, where possible, direct impacts to identified biodiversity values. The current development layout has been selected, in part, to minimise impacts to significant biodiversity values, threatened matters and flora and fauna habitats present within the broader study area.

As shown in Figure 1.3 the development layout has been primarily restricted to areas of lower biodiversity value with some low maintained native vegetation (area previously subject to past sandmining), with the majority of intact native vegetation being retained. The development also avoids the removal of any area of the Endangered Ecological Community; Swamp Sclerophyll Forest occurring within the western portion of the study area.

The final layout and location of the proposed development has not been able to completely avoid all biodiversity values. Biodiversity values which cannot be avoided within the scope of the development have been detailed within Section 10.1.

No further recommendations of avoidance/minimisation were relevant to this phase of the development. Assessment of the residual impact from the layout has been assessed within Section 10.

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9.2 CONSTRUCTION Construction for the proposed development will require removal of native vegetation in support of the construction of the caravan park and ancillary development components within the subject site study area including roads and drainage.

Table 9.1 defines recommendations for further avoidance and minimisation strategies during the construction phase have been detailed below. The residual impact predicted to occur after considering the avoidance and minimisation strategy below has been detailed within Section 10.

Table 9.1: Further avoidance and minimisation strategies for the construction phase Nature of Avoidance/minimisation Strategy Proposed Timing Responsibility Potential Impact Where possible, construction works should avoid any impact to mature trees. Where unavoidable, works should minimise impacts to mature trees as follows: • clearing limits will be clearly marked to prevent unnecessary clearing beyond the extent of the Prior to development footprint. Tree clearing and Clearing of native and during Construction disturbance will be limited to the development site; vegetation vegetation site manager • where a tree must be disturbed the priority should clearing be given to pruning rather than clearing; and • the clearing of any trees should be undertaken in a manner that avoids damaging adjacent vegetation i.e. all trees should be felled into disturbed areas when feasible. Priority will be given during construction to avoid any inadvertent impact to significant biodiversity values within the study area. Avoidance measures should include the following: • all material stockpiles, vehicle parking and machinery storage will be located within cleared areas proposed for clearing, and not in areas of native vegetation that are to be retained;

• establishment of wet down areas to reduce dust generation during construction; Inadvertent Prior to • implementation of temporary stormwater controls impact to and during Construction during construction and to ensure that discharges biodiversity vegetation site manager outside the development footprint are consistent values clearing with existing conditions; and

• temporary erosion and sediment controls (e.g. silt fences, sediment traps) should be installed prior to construction to avoid disturbance and degradation of soils and nearby features (e.g. wetlands, water ways, adjacent habitat and vegetation). These should conform to the specifications in Soils and Construction ‘Blue Book’ (Landcom, 2004) and should be maintained throughout the construction process until soil is successfully stabilised.

Clearing of fauna A suitably qualified and experienced ecologist should be Prior to Construction habitat, resulting engaged to supervise removal of all significant habitat and during site manager

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Nature of Avoidance/minimisation Strategy Proposed Timing Responsibility Potential Impact in fauna injury features as displayed in Figure 4.1 (Appendix B) and vegetation and suitably and/or mortality maintain a vegetation clearance register which should clearing trained fauna include the location, type, size of felled habitat trees and any handler contact with resident fauna.

The supervising ecologist will work co-operatively with the plant operator to develop an adaptive clearance methodology that should minimise impacts to potential resident fauna whilst being conducted according to safe work methods.

The adaptive clearance methodology should include the following key aspects: • seeking consultation with a suitably qualified ecologist to determine the best time to schedule clearance works to avoid nesting and breeding times for resident fauna; • preclearance surveys completed on the morning of any clearance works to determine if any nesting birds or canopy dwelling mammals particularly Koalas are within the clearance footprint; • clearing utilising a ‘soft felling’ technique in which trees are ‘nudged’ by machinery and fauna given time to leave (overnight), before slowly felling the tree the following day; • if fauna is identified within the proposed clearing area prior to clearing, or after ‘nudging’ the tree, operations will cease until the fauna has moved to a safe location or has been relocated. If fauna flee into a habitat tree demarcated for removal this tree should be left to fell until the following day; • any captured displaced fauna relocated to the nearest area of appropriate habitat. If arboreal, the fauna to be placed inside an artificial nest box and relocated. If the displaced fauna is nocturnal relocation to occur during dusk; and • all hollow logs and felled trees would be inspected by the ecologist before relocation into areas of similar adjacent habitat

All habitat tree felling activities and results to be summarised in a tree clearance report by the supervising ecologist, including fauna injuries.

Any animals injured during construction should be taken immediately to the Tea Gardens Veterinary Hospital (Open 9am-5pm weekdays) for treatment. Any animals suspected to require rehabilitation would be delivered post-veterinary care to an appropriate animal rehabilitator associated with Wildlife in Need of Care (phone # 1300 946 295).

All fauna sightings/captures would be recorded and uploaded to the NSW Wildlife Atlas. Salvage of Habitat salvage within the development footprint should be Prior to Construction

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Nature of Avoidance/minimisation Strategy Proposed Timing Responsibility Potential Impact significant habitat undertaken prior to and during clearance activities, with the and during site manager features salvage methodology including the following key aspect: vegetation and suitably • Tree limbs containing natural hollows should be clearing trained fauna relocated and restored for use by fauna in the handler nearest adjacent area of similar habitat by a suitably qualified ecologist.

Where natural hollows cannot be relocated, an artificial nest box should be installed onto a tree in the nearest adjacent area of similar habitat by a suitably qualified ecologist at a ratio of 2:1.

Where removal of woody debris is required: • dead trees and woody debris that are removed (diameter >10 cm) are to be placed in the nearest adjacent area of similar habitat by a suitably qualified ecologist. Protection of natural water flow No stream crossings are required. Minimise weed The following measures should be implemented to prevent Prior to Site Manager infestations exotic plant material from entering/exiting the study area: and during • no imported/exported material to be permitted vegetation unless it has been inspected and confirmed to be clearing free of dirt and mud which may contain weed seeds and vegetative material such as bulbs, root fragment, tubers or rhizomes; and • vehicles and machinery to be clean of soils, vegetation and seeds that have been brushed off or washed down prior to entering the study area • A clean down register to be maintained at the entry of the study area

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10.0 ASSESSMENT OF RESIDUAL IMPACTS In accordance with Section 9 of the BAM this section provides assessment of the extent of the residual impacts unable to be feasibly avoided and an assessment of the likelihood of residual indirect impacts which may occur after considering the avoidance and minimisation strategies proposed within Section 9.

10.1 DIRECT RESIDUAL IMPACTS The construction phase of the proposed development has the potential to directly impact biodiversity values. This would occur through impacts such as vegetation clearance and the loss of individual significant habitat trees. These impacts will be permanent and will occur from the outset of the development works. Mitigation measures outlined in Section 9 above will help to minimise the potential impacts to biodiversity values that remain present within the study area.

The direct impacts arising from the project include: • the removal of 0.93 ha of Vegetation Zone 1648_Good Condition; • the removal of 0.68 ha of Vegetation Zone 1648_Moderate Condition; • the removal of 9.22 ha of Vegetation Zone 1648_Moderate Condition; • the removal of up to 16 hollow-bearing trees within Vegetation Zones 1648 (Good & Moderate); • the removal of 6 listed SEPP 44 Koala Habitat Feed Tree Species (3 Eucalyptus microcorys Tallowwood) and 3 Eucalyptus robusta Swamp Mahogany).

10.2 INDIRECT RESIDUAL IMPACTS Indirect impacts occur when the proposal or activities relating to the construction or operation of the proposal affect native vegetation, threatened ecological communities and threatened species habitat beyond the study area. Impacts may also result from changes to land-use patterns. Table 10.2 provides an assessment of the potential indirect residual impacts on the study area and adjacent vegetation in accordance with Section 9.1.4.2 of the BAM.

Table 10.2: Indirect Impact Assessment Indirect Impact Assessment/ Likelihood of Occurrence Inadvertent impacts on adjacent habitat or vegetation The proposed development has the potential to result in inadvertent impacts on adjacent retained habitat or vegetation. However, the mitigation measures described above will minimise the likelihood of occurrence of this indirect impact during the construction phase of the project. Reduced viability of adjacent habitat due to edge The proposed development will likely result in an effects increase in edge effects impacting upon retained vegetation patches as it will result in new environmental conditions to develop along the edges of cleared environments. It is considered that establishment of weeds and modification of habitat attributes (i.e. noise and water runoff) are the most likely tangible impacts that may arise from the proposal. Such conditions often result in the simplification of biodiversity values.

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Indirect Impact Assessment/ Likelihood of Occurrence The proposed development has the potential to increase edge effects to surrounding native vegetation.

Reduced viability of adjacent habitat due to noise, The proposed development has the potential to result in dust or light spill impact to fauna habitat due to noise, dust and light spill from the construction and operational stage. Transport of weeds and pathogens from the site to The proposed development has the potential to result in adjacent vegetation an increase of weed spread within the study area and adjacent vegetation. However, the mitigation measures described above will minimise the likelihood of occurrence of this indirect impact during the construction phase of the project. Increased risk of starvation, exposure and loss of This is unlikely to occur as the proposed development shade or shelter will not substantially modify vegetation within the study area or surrounding habitat such that a significant loss in foraging, hunting and shelter resources would occur. Loss of breeding habitats Twenty-four hollow-bearing trees were recorded within in in proximity to the development footprint and up to sixteen will require removal as a result of the proposed development. However, the mitigation measures described above will ensure that no net loss of hollows will result from the proposed development within retained vegetation patches. Trampling of threatened flora species No threatened flora species were recorded within the development footprint or adjacent vegetation during the targeted survey period. Inhibition of nitrogen fixation and increased soil The proposed development will not result in the salinity removal of a substantial area of native vegetation, there are also large patches of vegetation, both within and adjacent to the study area, that will not be impacted. As such it is not considered likely that nitrogen fixation or soil salinity will be impacted. Fertiliser drift The proposed development may result in increased fertiliser use within the study area from the occupants of the completed development. Rubbish dumping The proposed development may result in increased rubbish dumping use within the study area from the occupants of newly constructed development. Wood collection The proposed development may result in increased wood collection within the study area from the occupants of newly constructed development. Bush rock removal and disturbance The study area was not found to support bush rock. Increase in predatory species populations The proposed development may result in an increase in predatory species populations within the study area arising from an increase in domestic pets i.e. cats and domestic dogs and native Dingos which are known to occur in the area. Increase in pest animal populations There is no proposed change to land use that will likely lead to an increase in pest animal populations. Increased risk of fire There is no proposed change to land use that will likely lead to an increased risk of fire. Disturbance to specialist breeding and foraging No specialist breeding habitat occurs within the study habitat, e.g. Beach nesting for shorebirds area. Fragmentation of movement corridor. Provided no east-west aligned fencing is built in the far east of the study area such as along the two access roads the proposal is unlikely to prevent fauna movement in this area.

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10.3 PRESCRIBED IMPACTS Prescribed impacts are the impacts on biodiversity values which are not related to, or are in addition to, native vegetation clearing and habitat loss (Section 6.7 of the BAM). In general, these types of impacts identify habitat or features of the environment that are irreplaceable. Assessment of prescribed biodiversity impacts are outlined and addressed in Table 10.3 below.

Table 10.3 Prescribed Impacts Assessment Prescribed impact Assessment / likelihood of occurrence Impacts of development on the habitat of threatened No karst, caves, crevices, cliffs and other features of species or ecological communities associated with geological significance will be impacted by the karst, caves, crevices, cliffs and other features of proposed works. geological significance. Impacts of development on the habitat of threatened No clusters of rocks were present within the study species or ecological communities associated with area. rocks. Impacts of development on the habitat of threatened No human made structures likely to provide habitat species or ecological communities associated with for threatened species will be impacted by the human made structures. proposed development. Impacts of development on the habitat of threatened Non-native vegetation within the study area was species or ecological communities associated with composed primarily of weeds such as Bitou Bush. non-native vegetation. This vegetation type is well represented within the wider landscape and is unlikely to provide significant habitat resources for a specific resident population of threatened fauna or flora. Impacts of development on the connectivity of different areas of habitat of threatened species that As outlined in Table 10.1 the proposed development facilitates the movement of those species across their is unlikely to result in inducing vegetation range. fragmentation or impacting the connectivity of different areas of habitat. Impacts of the development on movement of The movement of threatened species throughout the threatened species that maintains their life cycle study area is not expected to be adversely affected given the recommendations of avoidance and minimisation of impacts within Section 9. Impacts of development on water quality, water No waterbodies or waterways present within the bodies and hydrological processes that sustain study area are likely to provide significant habitat for threatened species and threatened ecological aquatic threatened species. Recommendations have communities (including subsidence or upsidence been made within Table 9.1 to ensure that pre- resulting from underground mining or other development flows will be maintained for any development) potential river crossings and to reduce the potential impacts to water quality arising during the construction phase. Impacts of wind turbine strikes on N/A protected animals Impacts of vehicle strikes on threatened Vehicle strikes on threatened species have the species of animals or on animals that are potential to occur from the increased amount of part of a TEC vehicle traffic which will arise within the study area.

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10.4 SERIOUS AND IRREVERSIBLE IMPACTS (SAII) The principles used to determine if a development will have serious and irreversible impacts, include impacts that: • Will cause a further decline of the species or ecological community that is currently observed, estimated, inferred, or reasonably suspected to be in a rapid rate of decline, or • Will further reduce the population size of the species or ecological community that is currently observed, estimated, inferred, or reasonably suspected to have a very small population size, or • Impact on the habitat of a species or ecological community that is currently observed, estimated, inferred, or reasonably suspected to have a very limited geographic distribution, or • Impact on a species or ecological community that is unlikely to respond to measures to improve habitat and vegetation integrity and is therefore irreplaceable.

No threatened matter consistent with a SAII candidate species identified as likely to occur or to contain significant habitat within the study area is likely to be impacted by the proposed development

10.5 ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY No adaptive management strategy is proposed for the development.

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11.0 BIODIVERSITY CREDITS This section outlines the thresholds for assessment and offsetting in accordance with Section 10 of the BAM.

11.1 IMPACTS ON VEGETATION ZONES NOT REQUIRING OFFSETS A 9.22 ha area of derived vegetation associated with vegetation zone 1648_derived (Vegetation Integrity Score – 14.7) was present within the study area and will require complete removal during construction. As outlined in Section 10.3.1 of the BAM, offset credit value under the BOS is required to be determined for all impacts of development on vegetation zones that have a vegetation integrity score of: • ≥15 where the PCT is representative of an endangered or critically endangered ecological community, or • ≥17 where the PCT is associated with threatened species habitat (as represented by ecosystem credits), or is representative of a vulnerable ecological community, or • ≥20 where the PCT is not representative of a TEC or associated with threatened species habitat. Vegetation zone 1648_derived is not a TEC, however it could potentially provide habitat for threatened species. As such, with a vegetation integrity score of 14.7 (ie. ≤17), offsets are not required or impact to this vegetation zone.

11.2 IMPACTS REQUIRING OFFSETS UNDER THE BIODIVERSITY OFFSETS SCHEME The following Sections provide a breakdown of the credit requirement for the proposed development in accordance with Section 10 of the BAM.

11.2.1 ECOSYSTEM CREDITS The PCTs and vegetation zones requiring offset credits and the ecosystem credits required are documented in Table 11.1. A copy of the BAM Credit Summary Report is contained in Appendix G.

Table 11.1: Summary of ecosystem credits required. Zone Vegetation Zone Total Area Proposed Vegetation Integrity Ecosystem Name for Removal loss/gain Credits 1 1648-Good 0.9 68.4 28 2 1648_Moderate 0.7 43.1 13 3 1648_Derived 9.2 14.7 0

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12.0 CONCLUSION This Biodiversity Development Assessment Report (BDAR) has been prepared for a proposed caravan park at Lot 105 DP 260058 (No. 246) Mungo Brush Road, Hawks Nest NSW.

This BDAR has been prepared in accordance with the Biodiversity Assessment Methodology (BAM) (Streamlined Assessment Module) (OEH 2017) by Wildthing Environmental Consultants to identify the potential impacts of the proposed development on biodiversity values within the subject site.

This assessment has been completed in accordance with the Biodiversity Assessment Method (BAM) and includes: Stage 1 – Biodiversity Assessment • assessment of site context features, • assessment of native vegetation; and • assessment of threatened species and populations Stage 2 – Impact Assessment • avoid and minimise impacts on biodiversity values, • consider impact and offset thresholds; and • determine and calculate offset requirements

In addition, assessment was also undertaken having regard to Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES) listed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 and relevant State Environmental Planning Policies.

The study area (48.16ha) Lot 105 DP 260058 (approximately 45ha in size) and roadside reserve (3.16ha) was bordered by the Myall River to the west and Mungo Brush Road to the east. The 10.86ha subject site is defined as the total area of disturbance; including both the construction and operational footprint and as largely positioned on an area of land that had been subject to past sandmining.

The Subject Site had been subject to a number of disturbances, particularly in the form of past sand mining. One Plant Community Type - PCT 1648 - Smooth-barked Apple - Blackbutt heathy open forest of the Tomaree Peninsula was identified within the subject site.

The project would result in the following impacts: • The removal of 1648_Good Condition (0.93ha); • The removal of 1648_Moderate (0.68ha); • The removal of 1648_ Derived (9.22ha); • The removal of up to 16 hollow-bearing trees; • The removal of 6 Koala Feed Tree Species.

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Considerations have been made to the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act (1999). It was determined that there would be not significant matters of national significance and no referrals should be required.

Ecosystem Credits required to be retired to offset the impacts of the project include: • 28 ecosystem credits for impacts on PCT 1648_Good; • 13 ecosystem credits for impacts on PCT 1648_Moderate

This gives a total of 41 Credits for PCT 1648. No credits are required for PCT 1648_Derived as offsets are not required for vegetation with an integrity score of 14.7 (ie. ≤17).

No species credit species were identified within the subject site or study area therefore no species credits are required.

To avoid and minimise potential impacts of the project on biodiversity, a series of mitigation and management measures have been identified and detailed within this report. The preferred approach to offset the residual impacts of the project is to offset by establishing a Biodiversity Stewardship site over the remainder of Lot 105 DP 260058 occurring outside the development footprint.

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13.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY Bell SAJ, Rockley C, Llewellyn A. (2019). Flora of the Hunter Region, Endemic Trees and Larger Shrubs. March 2019. CSIRO Publishing.

Brewer, I. M. & Whelan, R. J. (2003). Changes in dune vegetation over 60 years in a sand-mined area of the NSW lower North Coast. Cunninghamia (2003) 8(1): 85-92.

Churchill, S. (2008). Australian Bats (2nd edn). Allen & Unwin Australia.

Cogger, H.G. (2014). Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia (7th edn.). CSIRO Publishing.

Cropper, S. (1993). Management of Endangered Plants. CSIRO Publications, East Melbourne. deLacey, C., Bell, S., Chamberlain, S. (submitted 2012). Prediction and realised habitat for a cryptic plant species: the Leafless Tongue Orchid Cryptostylis hunteriana Nicholls. Cunninghamia.

DECC (2009). Threatened species survey and assessment guidelines: field survey methods for fauna – amphibians. State of New South Wales and Office of Environment and Heritage. NSW Australia.

DPIE (2019). Biodiversity Assessment Method Operational Manual – Stage 2

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

DoE (2014). ‘EPBC Act Referral Guidelines for the vulnerable koala (combined populations of Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory). Commonwealth of Australia, 2014’.

DoE (2016) National Recovery Plan for the Regent Honeyeater (Anthochaera phrygia). Commonwealth of Australia 2016.

DoEE (2013). Draft survey guidelines for Australia's threatened orchids. Commonwealth of Australia.

DoEE (Department of the Environment and Energy) (2019). EPBC Act Protected Matters Report for a 10 Kilometre radius search from the centre of the Subject site. Department of the Environment, Commonwealth of Australia. (Report created 4 December 2019).

Espallargas, N. (2005). The Distribution and Threatening Processes of Diuris praecox and Diuris arenaria on the Tomaree Peninsula. Work Placement Project - The University of Newcastle & Port Stephens Council.

Harden, G (1991-2000). Flora of New South Wales. Vols 1-4. NSW University Press.

Keith, D.A. (2004). ‘Ocean Shore to desert dunes: the native vegetation of New South Wales and the ACT.’ NSW Department of Environment and Conservation, Sydney.

Landcom (2004). Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils and Construction. National Library of Australia, Canberra, Australia

Leonard, G. (2007). Eucalypts: A Bushwalker’s Guide. Second Edition New South Wales University Press, Sydney.

Murphy, C. L. (1995). Soil Landscapes of the Port Stephens 1:100 000 Sheet Map. Department of Land and Water Conservation, Sydney.

NSW Government (2019) Australia’s IBRA Bioregions and sub‐bioregions accessed via (Data extracted 1 April 2019).

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NSW Government (2019). Sharing and Enabling Environmental Data NSW Mapping Accessed on September 2019 via < https://www.seed.nsw.gov.au/>

NSW LPI (2019) Spatial Information Exchange (SIX) Maps. Accessed on January 2019 via < https://maps.six.nsw.gov.au/>.

OEH (2004) Threatened Biodiversity Survey and Assessment Guidelines. Guidelines for Developments and Activities. State of New South Wales and Office of Environment and Heritage. NSW.

OEH (2016a) NSW Guide to Surveying Threatened Plants. State of New South Wales and Office of Environment and Heritage. NSW Australia.

OEH (2017) Biodiversity Assessment Method (BAM). State of New South Wales and Office of Environment and Heritage. NSW Australia.

OEH (2018). Biodiversity Assessment Method Operational Manual – Stage 1. Office of Environment and Heritage. May 2018.

OEH (Office of Environment and Heritage) (2019a). BioNet Atlas NSW Wildlife Database selected area [North: -32.67 West: 151.18 East: 151.38 South: -32.87] (data extracted 4 December 2019).

OEH (Office of Environment and Heritage) (2019b) NSW Biodiversity Values Map accessed via https://www.lmbc.nsw.gov.au/Maps/index.html?viewer=BVMap.

OEH (Office of Environment and Heritage) (2019c) Profiles of threatened species, population, and ecological communities. Accessed via

OEH (Office of Environment and Heritage) (2019d) OEH BioNet vegetation classification database. Accessed via < http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/research/Visclassification.htm>

DPIE (2019). Biodiversity Assessment Method – Operational Manual – Stage 2. Department of Planning, Industry & Environment, September 2019.

Port Stephens Examiner (2014). Rare Regent Honeyeater spotted at Tanilba Bay. Article by Sarah Price, 10 July 2015.

Robinson, L. (2003). Field Guide to the Native Plants of Sydney (3rd edn.). Kangaroo Press Pty. Ltd., New South Wales.

Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust (2019). PlantNET (The NSW Plant Information Network System). Accessed via http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au.

Sainty, G. R,. & Jacobs, S. W. (2003). Waterplants of Australia. 4th edition, Sainty & Associates, Sydney.

Scotts, D. (2003) Key Habitats and corridors for forest fauna: A landscape framework for conservation in north-east New South Wales. NSW NPWS Occasional Paper 32, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Sydney.

Smith, A. P. & Murray, M. (2003). Habitat requirements of the Squirrel Glider (Petaurus norfolcensis) and associated possum and gliders on the New South Wales Central Coast. Wildlife Research, 2003, 30, 291-301.

Somerville M (2009a) Hunter, Central & Lower North Coast Vegetation Classification & Mapping Project Volumes 1: Vegetation classification technical report, report prepared by HCCREMS/Hunter Councils Environment Division for Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority, Tocal, NSW.

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Somerville M (2009b) Hunter, Central & Lower North Coast Vegetation Classification & Mapping Project Volume 2: Vegetation Community Profiles, report prepared by HCCREMS/Hunter Councils Environment Division for Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority, Tocal, NSW.

Strahler, A. N. (1957), "Quantitative analysis of watershed geomorphology", Transactions of the American Geophysical Union, 38 (6): 913–920.

Triggs, B. (1996). Mammal Tracks and Signs-A Field Guide for South-eastern Australia. Oxford University Press, Melbourne.

Van Dyck, S. & Strahan, R. (Ed) (2008). The Mammals of Australia (3rd edn). New Holland Publishers, Australia.

Wildthing Environmental Consultants (2012). Seven Part Test for a Proposed Dwelling at Part Lot 102 DP608403 Mungo Brush Road, Hawks Nest NSW. Lawbeau Pty. Ltd.

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APPENDIX A

ASSESSMENT AGAINST BIODIVERSITY LEGISLATION

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CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1

2.0 ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 1

3.0 COASTAL MANAGEMENT SEPP 4 3.1 COASTAL ENVIRONMENT AREA 4 3.2 COASTAL USE AREA 5

4.0 CONSIDERATIONS UNDER SEPP 44 – ‘KOALA HABITAT PROTECTION’ 7 4.1 FIRST CONSIDERATION - IS THE LAND ‘POTENTIAL KOALA HABITAT’? 7 4.2 SECOND CONSIDERATION – IS THE LAND CORE KOALA HABITAT? 7

5.0 BIOSECURITY ACT 2015 9

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1.0 INTRODUCTION This appendix gives consideration to supporting biodiversity legislation relevant to the study area and the proposed development. The following legislative frameworks have been addressed in this Appendix:

• Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 • Coastal Management SEPP • SEPP 44 Koala Habitat Protection • Biosecurity Act 2015 •

2.0 ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 Considerations have been made to the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999. Assessments have been made to determine whether or not the proposal or activity has, will have, or is likely to have a significant impact on a matter of National Environmental Significance. The matters of National Environmental Significance and the appropriate responses are listed below:

• World Heritage properties; The proposed development is not considered to affect any World Heritage properties.

• wetlands recognised under the Ramsar convention as having international significance; The study area located to the south of the Ramsar listed wetland Myall Lakes. The proposal is not likely to impact this Ramsar listed wetlandetland.

• listed threatened species and communities; Two nationally threatened communities Subtropical and Temperate Coastal Saltmarsh and Coastal Swamp Oak (Casuarina glauca) Forest of New South Wales and South East Queensland ecological community were located within the far west of the study area well outside the subject site. The proposal is not likely to have any impact on these two communities.

There was one EPBC Act Listed Threatened Species, Pteropus poliocephalus (Grey-headed Flying- fox) listed as Vulnerable, recorded within the study area. These Megachiropteran bats were likely originating from a relatively large temporary camp at the time near the Singing Bridge at Hawks Nest. The proposal is unlikely to have a significant impact on P. poliocephalus.

A total of 35 additional nationally threatened species were recorded on the DoEE database as occurring or having potential habitat available within 10km of the site, these being (note all pelagic species and ocean-going birds which do not complete part of their life cycles on mainland NSW were excluded from the search): • Cryptostylis hunteriana (Leafless Tongue Orchid)

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• Diuris praecox (Newcastle Doubletail) • Phaius australis (Lesser Swamp-orchid) • Grevillea parviflora subsp. parviflora (Small-flowered Grevillea) • Angophora inopina (Charmhaven Apple) • Eucalyptus parramattensis subsp. decadens (Drooping Red Gum) • Melaleuca biconvexa (Biconvex Paperbark) • Syzygium paniculatum (Magenta Lillypilly) • Tetratheca juncea (Black-eyed Susan) • Prostanthera densa (Villous Mintbush) • Asperula asthenes (Trailing Woodruff) • Synemon plana (Golden Sun Moth) • Litoria aurea (Green and Golden Bell Frog) • Mixophyes balbus (Stuttering Frog) • Limosa lapponica bauera (Bar-tailed Godwit) • Limosa lapponica menzbieri (Northern Siberian Bar-tailed Godwit) • Calidris canutus (Red Knot) • Calidris ferruginea (Curlew Sandpiper) • Calidris tenuirostris (Great Knot) • Numenius madagascariensis (Eastern Curlew) • Charadrius mongolus (Lesser Sand-plover) • Rostratula benghalensis australis (Australian Painted Snipe) • Botaurus poiciloptilus (Australasian Bittern) • Lathamus discolor (Swift Parrot) • Anthochaera phrygia (Regent Honeyeater) • Grantiella picta (Painted Honeyeater) • Dasyornis brachypterus (Eastern Bristlebird) • Erythrotriorchis radiates (Red Goshawk) • Dasyurus maculatus maculatus (Spotted-tailed Quoll) • Phascolarctos cinereus (Koala) • Potorous tridactylus tridactylus (Long-nosed Potoroo) • Petauroides volans (Greater Glider) • Pseudomys novaehollandiae (New Holland Mouse) • Pteropus poliocephalus (Grey-headed Flying Fox) • Chalinolobus dwyeri (Large Pied Bat)

No additional nationally threatened species were recorded during fieldwork. The Koala was not directly or indirectly recorded within the site during fieldwork. However, according to database records contained in the NSW BioNet Atlas (DPIE, 2019) a number of past records of Koalas occur within and in proximity to the subject site. With consideration to the EPBC Act Referral Guidelines for the Vulnerable Koala (DoE, 2014) the proposal will be under the 2ha removal threshold. The proposal will result in an incremental reduction of Preferred Koala habitat within the local area however the action is not likely to result in significant impact at a national level and therefore no referral should be required.

With the exception of the sea bird species, marine mammals and reptiles and the flora species P. densa, Persicaria elatior, Phanius australis and T. juncea the study area was considered to contain suitable habitat of varying quality for the remainder of the listed species. The proposal will result in an incremental reduction of habitat within the local area for a number of species however the action is not likely to result in significant impact at a national level and therefore no referral should be required.

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• migratory species protected under international agreements;

Fifteen nationally listed migratory species were recorded on the DoEE on-line database as occurring or having potential habitat available within 10km of the subject site, these being: Migratory Terrestrial Species: • Cuculus optatus (Oriental Cuckoo) • Hirundapus caudacutus (White-throated Needletail) • Monarcha melanopsis (Black-faced Monarch) • Motacilla flava (Yellow Wagtail) • Myiagra cyanoleuca (Satin Flycatcher) • Rhipidura rufifrons (Rufous Fantail)

Migratory Wetland Species: • Actitis hypoleucos (Common Sandpiper) • Calidris acuminate (Sharp-tailed Sandpiper) • Calidris ferruginea (Curlew Sandpiper) • Calidris melanotos (Pectoral Sandpiper) • Gallinago hardwickii (Latham’s Snipe) • Numenius madagascariensis (Eastern Curlew) • Pandion haliaetus (Osprey) • Tringa nebularia (Common Greenshank)

Migratory Marine Birds • Apus pacificus (Fork-tailed Swift)

Considering the relatively small impact on habitat in the locality it is unlikely that these species or any of the listed migratory species would be significantly affected by the proposal.

* nuclear activities; The proposal does not involve any type of nuclear activity.

* the Commonwealth marine environment; The proposal does not involve the modification of the Commonwealth marine environment.

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3.0 COASTAL MANAGEMENT SEPP A key aim of the Coastal Management SEPP (CM SEPP) is to promote an integrated and co- ordinated approach to land use planning in the coastal zone in a manner consistent with the objects of the Coastal Management Act 2016, including the management objectives for each coastal management area, by: • managing development in the coastal zone and protecting the environmental assets of the coast; • establishing a framework for land use planning to guide decision-making in the coastal zone, and • mapping the 4 coastal management areas that comprise the NSW coastal zone for the purpose of the definitions in the Coastal Management Act 2016.

The Coastal Management SEPP identifies four coastal management areas that comprise the coastal zone. These are: • the coastal wetlands and littoral rainforests area, • the coastal vulnerability area, • the coastal environment area, and • the coastal use area.

The CM SEPP imposes targeted development controls for these areas to guide appropriate development within the coastal zone.

The study area contained areas of Coastal Wetland, Coastal Use and Coastal Environment Area. A large area of the subject site (development footprint) contained the Coastal Environment Area as well as a smaller area of Coastal Use Area in the far north west (Figure A3.1). The study area did not contain littoral rainforests.

As the subject site is located within a mapped area of “Coastal Environment Area”, the development controls for this area, as listed within Division 4 of the CM SEPP have been addressed below.

3.1 COASTAL ENVIRONMENT AREA Development consent must not be granted to development on land that is within the coastal environment area unless the consent authority has considered whether the proposed development is likely to cause an adverse impact on the following: • the integrity and resilience of the biophysical, hydrological (surface and groundwater) and ecological environment, • coastal environmental values and natural coastal processes, • the water quality of the marine estate (within the meaning of the Marine Estate Management Act 2014), in particular, the cumulative impacts of the proposed development on any of the sensitive coastal lakes identified in Schedule 1, • marine vegetation, native vegetation and fauna and their habitats, undeveloped headlands and rock platforms, • existing public open space and safe access to and along the foreshore, beach, headland or

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rock platform for members of the public, including persons with a disability, • Aboriginal cultural heritage, practices and places; and • the use of the surf zone.

All stormwater runoff from the development will be captured by a Water Quality Infiltration Structure and cleaned before it exits the site, therefore the integrity and resilience of the biophysical, hydrological (surface and groundwater) and ecological environment or water quality of the marine estate is not likely to be impacted. The proposal is not likely to cause an adverse impact on the remainder of the dot points.

3.2 COASTAL USE AREA

Development consent must not be granted to development on land that is within the coastal use area unless the consent authority:

(a) has considered whether the proposed development is likely to cause an adverse impact on the following:

(i) existing, safe access to and along the foreshore, beach, headland or rock platform for members of the public, including persons with a disability,

(ii) overshadowing, wind funnelling and the loss of views from public places to foreshores,

(iii) the visual amenity and scenic qualities of the coast, including coastal headlands,

(iv) Aboriginal cultural heritage, practices and places,

(v) cultural and built environment heritage, and

(b) is satisfied that:

(i) the development is designed, sited and will be managed to avoid an adverse impact referred to in paragraph (a), or

(ii) if that impact cannot be reasonably avoided—the development is designed, sited and will be managed to minimise that impact, or

(iii) if that impact cannot be minimised—the development will be managed to mitigate that impact, and

(c) has taken into account the surrounding coastal and built environment, and the bulk, scale and size of the proposed development.

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(2) This clause does not apply to land within the Foreshores and Waterways Area within the meaning of Sydney Regional Environmental Plan (Sydney Harbour Catchment) 2005.

The proposal is not likely to cause an adverse impact on the Coastal Use Area.

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4.0 CONSIDERATIONS UNDER SEPP 44 – ‘KOALA HABITAT PROTECTION’ The principal aim of State Environment Planning Policy 44 - Koala Habitat Protection is to encourage the proper conservation and management of areas of natural vegetation that provide habitat for Koalas to ensure a permanent free-living population over their present range and to reverse the current trend of Koala population decline.

This policy applies to areas of more than one hectare or an area which has, together with any adjoining land in the same ownership, an area of more than 1 hectare, whether or not the development application applies to the whole, or only part of the land. In addressing SEPP44 there are two questions to be considered, regarding the occurrence of ‘Potential’ and ‘Core’ Koala Habitat on site.

4.1 FIRST CONSIDERATION - IS THE LAND ‘POTENTIAL KOALA HABITAT’? ‘Potential Koala Habitat’ is defined in SEPP44 as, “...an area of native vegetation where trees of the type listed in Schedule 2 (Koala feed tree species) constitute at least 15% of the total number of trees in the upper or lower strata of the tree component”.

Two tree Species Eucalyptus robusta (Swamp Mahogany) and Eucalyptus microcorys (Tallowwood) a Koala Feed Tree species listed in Schedule 2 (Koala feed tree species) were recorded in the study area. Very few specimens of these two feed tree species were present within the eastern portion of the study area containing the subject site (development footprint). However, specimens of E. robusta are likely to constitute at least 15% of the total number of trees in the upper or lower strata of the tree component” within an area of Swamp Sclerophyll Forest outside the development footprint to the west. Therefore, the study area would be considered to constitute ‘Potential Koala Habitat’ and accordingly further provisions of this policy would apply. Only a small number of specimens of E. microcorys were recorded within the study area.

4.2 SECOND CONSIDERATION – IS THE LAND CORE KOALA HABITAT? Core Koala Habitat is defined in SEPP 44 as “… an area of land with a resident population of Koalas, evidenced by attributes such as breeding females (that is females with young) and recent sightings and historical records of a Koala population.

No koalas were observed within the study area during the survey period despite targeted searches. No evidence of Koala activity such as scats and scratches on the boles of trees were recorded. According to the BioNet Atlas (DPIE, 2019) a small number of records of the Koala are present within the vicinity, including the study area. Taking into consideration the location of Koala records, the area of Swamp Sclerophyll Forest to the west of the subject site would likely constitute Core Koala Habitat is defined in SEPP 44. As a result of the low numbers of E. robusta and E. microcorys within the eastern portion of the study area containing the development footprint this area would be considered to constitute only secondary habitat. Koalas may utilise this area to access areas of better-quality

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Koala habitat. It must also be noted that the majority of the subject site (development footprint) does not contain any trees.

The proposal will result in the removal of six Koala Feed Trees; 3 specimens of E. robusta and 3 E. microcorys (Figure 4.1 in Appendix B). Compensatory plantings of E. robusta will be utilised within the landscaping plan to create an east-west corridor for Koalas.

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5.0 BIOSECURITY ACT 2015 The Biosecurity Act was enacted to provide for the identification, classification and control of Priority Weeds with the purpose of determining if a biosecurity risk is likely to occur, i.e.: • The introduction, presence, spread or increase of a pest into or within the State or any part of the State. • A pest plant has the potential to; harm or reduce biodiversity or out-compete other organisms for resources, including food, water, nutrients, habitat and sunlight. Ten Priority Weeds for NSW North Coast which includes the Mid Coast Council LGA that have been recorded in the study area are listed in Table 5.1 along with their associated Duty.

Table 5.1: Priority Weed species found within the study area. Additional Weed Species Biosecurity Duty Significance Senecio madagascariensis • General Biosecurity Duty N (Fireweed) • Prohibition on dealings

Nephrolepis cordifolia • General Biosecurity Duty (Fishbone Fern) • Prohibition on dealings

Conyza species (Fleabane) • General Biosecurity Duty

• Prohibition on dealings

Chrysanthemoides monilifera • General Biosecurity Duty T N subsp.rotundata (Bitou bush) • Prohibition on dealings

• Biosecurity Zone

Within the Biosecurity Zone (all of NSW) this weed must be eradicated where practicable, or as much of the weed destroyed as practicable, and any remaining weed suppressed. The local control authority must be notified of any new infestations of this weed within the Biosecurity Zone

Lantana camara (Lantana) • General Biosecurity Duty T N

• Prohibition on dealings

T – Listed as a Threatening Process under the NSW BC Act 2016. N –Weed of National Significance. *Priorities under the Biosecurity Act 2015 General Biosecurity Duty - any person dealing with plant matter must take measures to prevent, minimise or eliminate the biosecurity risk (as far as is reasonably practicable). Prohibition on dealings - Must not be imported into the State or sold

The remainder of the study site outside of the development footprint is proposed to be protected under a Biodiversity Stewart Agreement. This will include a plan to control all weeds within this offset area. The introduced Pinus elliotii (Slash Pine) was found to be numerous in the western portion of the study area.

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APPENDIX B

FIELD SURVEY

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CONTENTS

1.0 SURVEY TECHNIQUES 1

2.0 TARGETED THREATENED FLORA SURVEYS 1

3.0 HABITAT APPRAISAL METHODOLOGY 3 3.1 GENERAL HABITAT FOR NATIVE SPECIES 3 3.2 INVENTORY OF HOLLOW BEARING TREES 3 3.3 FAUNA SURVEY METHODOLOGY 3 3.3.1 SMALL TERRESTRIAL MAMMAL TRAPPING 4 3.3.2 MEDIUM TERRESTRIAL MAMMAL TRAPPING 4 3.3.3 ARBOREAL MAMMAL TRAPPING 4 3.3.4 MICROCHIROPTERAN BAT HARP TRAPPING 4 3.3.5 CAMERA TRAPPING CAMERA SURVEY 6 3.3.6 AMPHIBIAN SURVEY 6 3.3.7 REPTILE SURVEY 6 3.3.8 DIURNAL AVIFAUNA SURVEY 6 3.3.9 NOCTURNAL AVIFAUNA AND MAMMAL CALL PLAYBACK SURVEY 7 3.3.10 SPOTLIGHTING SURVEY 7 3.3.11 MICROCHIROPTERAN BAT CALL SURVEY 7 3.3.12 STAG WATCHING SURVEY 7 3.3.13 SUMMARY OF FAUNA SURVEY EFFORT 7

4.0 FLORA & HABITAT SURVEY RESULTS 8 4.1 SPECIES CREDIT SPECIES (FLORA) 8

5.0 FAUNA SURVEY RESULTS 12 5.1 SMALL TERRESTRIAL MAMMAL TRAPPING 12 5.2 MEDIUM TERRESTRIAL MAMMAL TRAPPING 12 5.3 ARBOREAL MAMMAL TRAPPING 13 5.4 HARP TRAPPING 13 5.5 MICROCHIROPTERAN BAT CALL DETECTION 13 5.6 AMPHIBIAN SURVEY 14 5.7 REPTILE SURVEY 14 5.8 DIURNAL AVIFAUNA SURVEY 14 5.9 NOCTURNAL AVIFAUNA SURVEY 14 5.10 SPOTLIGHTING SURVEY 15 5.11 STAGWATCHING SURVEY 15 5.12 CAMERA TRAPPING 15

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5.13 PITFALL TRAPPING 15 5.14 INCIDENTIAL OBSERVATIONS AND SECONDARY INDICATIONS 15

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1.0 SURVEY TECHNIQUES The survey techniques employed in the production of this BDAR report are discussed in this appendix. Details of the survey effort including dates, times on site and hours of survey effort are presented in Table 8.3 in the main report.

2.0 TARGETED THREATENED FLORA SURVEYS All ‘species credit’ flora species were also subject to targeted searches (See Section 8.0 in main report for list of flora species which are classed as species credit species requiring targeted surveys.

Targeted surveys were used in accordance with the NSW Threatened Biodiversity Survey and Assessment: Guidelines for Developments and Activities (Working Draft) (Department of Environment and Conservation 2004), NSW Guide to Surveying Threatened Plants State of New South Wales (OEH, 2016a) and the Draft survey guidelines for Australia's threatened orchids (DoEE, 2013). Each target threatened flora species was allocated areas of potential habitat. All vegetation communities considered to be habitat for the target species were searched. A parallel field traverse (i.e. parallel transects, as used by Cropper 1993) was undertaken within the study area. Surveys were conducted along parallel line transects approximately 10 metres apart. Transects were conducted along a straight path using the tracks on a GPS to guide the surveyors.

Threatened flora species such as trees and shrubs that could be identified by for example from their leaves were not subject to specific survey timings. Species such as terrestrial orchids were surveyed during their flowering period as the presence of flowers makes the species easier to locate and the flowers also enable positive identification. Required survey times were stated in the BAM Candidate species report. An aerial photo showing the location of targeted flora searched is shown in Figure 2.1.

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3.0 HABITAT APPRAISAL METHODOLOGY Habitat may be defined as the physical and biological environment required for the survival of a specific population of a species. In modern usage habitat has also come to be regarded as an association of landform and plant life, which provides sustenance and shelter for a particular fauna assemblage.

The methodology of the habitat appraisal used the vegetation community data combined, where relevant, with geomorphological features and the occurrence of particular plant species or forms (i.e. tree hollows) to provide a basis for a subjective habitat assessment aimed at placing the ecological status of the site within a local perspective.

3.1 GENERAL HABITAT FOR NATIVE SPECIES From the vegetation appraisal and a general inspection of the study area and surrounds, a subjective assessment of the general habitat value of this site was made. Considered in this assessment were: - occurrence of that habitat type in the general vicinity; - degree of disturbance and degradation; - area occupied by that habitat on site; - continuity with similar habitat adjacent to the site, or connection with similar habitat off site by way of corridors; and - structural and floral diversity.

3.2 INVENTORY OF HOLLOW BEARING TREES A hollow-bearing tree survey was conducted over the subject site. The ground-based survey recorded the details of each hollow-bearing tree within the study area including height, diameter at breast height (dbh), hand held GPS coordinates and fauna habitat attributes such as hollows. The presence of activity in the form of scratches, scats on the trunks of trees and scats around the base were also noted. Each of the trees were tagged and numbered. It must be noted that observations made from ground level may fail to record a small number of hollows that are obscured. Some entrances may also not lead to a cavity. The internal dimensions of the hollows are also impossible in many cases to determine from the ground.

3.3 FAUNA SURVEY METHODOLOGY The fauna survey was initiated with an assessment of the potential use of the study area by any species credit species. Subsequently, the confirmation of the fauna species list, by way of on-site observation, trapping and recording, was carried out as described below. The survey was carried out using the Department of Environment and Conservation’s (NSW) Threatened Biodiversity Survey and Assessment Guidelines – Working Draft (Department of Environment and Conservation, 2004).

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3.3.1 SMALL TERRESTRIAL MAMMAL TRAPPING Small terrestrial mammal trapping was undertaken using 30 Elliott Type A traps (8x10x33cm) within the study area in October 2019. The traps were left in place for four consecutive nights giving a total of 120 small terrestrial trap nights. The traps were hidden in thick grass, under shrubs or near fallen logs and were camouflaged with vegetation where the ground cover was sparse. The baits used for the traps were a mixture of rolled oats and honey, Good-O’s (dry dog food) and peanut butter. The traps were checked early each morning and, where necessary, reset and rebaited. The location of the small terrestrial traps lines is shown in Figure B3.1.

3.3.2 MEDIUM TERRESTRIAL MAMMAL TRAPPING Medium terrestrial mammal trapping was undertaken using 10 cage traps (60×35×40cm) within the study area in October 2019. The traps were left in place for four consecutive nights giving a total of 40 medium terrestrial trap nights. The traps were hidden in thick grass, under shrubs or near fallen logs and were camouflaged with vegetation where the ground cover was sparse. The bait used for the traps were raw chicken wings. The traps were checked early each morning and where necessary, reset and rebaited. The traps were checked early each morning and, where necessary, reset and rebaited. The location of the medium terrestrial trap lines is shown in Figure B3.1.

3.3.3 ARBOREAL MAMMAL TRAPPING Arboreal mammal trapping was undertaken using 20 Elliott Type B traps (15 x 15 x 46cm) within the study area in October 2019 to determine the presence of arboreal mammals, particularly Petaurus norfolcensis (Squirrel Glider) which is known to occur in similar habitats in the local area (DPIE, 2019). The traps were left in place for four consecutive nights giving a total of 80 arboreal trap nights. The traps were placed at least 2m above the ground on platforms mounted on tree trunks. The targeted trees contained hollows, were flowering or had scratches present on the boles. The baits used consisted of a rolled oats and honey mixture, peanut butter and an aniseed ring (sugar coated sweet). The traps were sprayed with honey mixed in water before being placed in the trees to attract fauna and mask the smell of humans. The tree trunks were also sprayed with this mixture each day. In all cases the traps were checked early each morning and, where necessary, reset and rebaited. The position of the arboreal traps within the study area can be seen in Figure B3.1.

3.3.4 MICROCHIROPTERAN BAT HARP TRAPPING Two monofilament harp traps were set over 3 nights within the study area in October 2019 giving a total of 6 harp trap nights. The harp trapping was undertaken in order to sample the use of the site by sub-canopy microchiropteran bat species. Traps were positioned in potential flyways and were checked late evening and early each morning, with any captures being identified. Harp Trap locations are shown in Figure B3.1.

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3.3.5 CAMERA TRAPPING CAMERA SURVEY Camera traps (Reconyx Hyperfire 2) were set up in four different locations within the study area from 15 May 2019 to 2 October 2019. Cameras were set either for arboreal mammals or terrestrial mammals. The bait for arboreal setups consisted of a rolled oats and honey mixture, peanut butter. Terrestrial cameras were baited with chicken necks. The locations of the camera traps within the study area are shown in Figure B3.1.

3.3.6 AMPHIBIAN SURVEY The amphibian survey included a combination of diurnal and nocturnal census methods. Diurnal searches involved systematic searches within appropriate habitat for basking or sheltering individuals. Any appropriate cover such as logs were turned over for resting individuals.

Nocturnal surveys were undertaken within areas of suitable habitat (lower lying poorly drained areas to the west of the subject site) and involved listening for the characteristic call of male frogs. Playback of frog calls was undertaken in an attempt to elicit a response from threatened amphibian species in particular Crinia tinnula (Wallum Froglet) and Litoria aurea (Green and Golden Bell Frog).

Calls broadcast included: • Uperoleia mahonyi (Mahony’s Toadlet). • Litoria aurea (Green and Golden Bell Frog) • Crinia tinnula (Wallum Froglet) • Litoria brevipalmata (Green-thighed Frog)

The location of the frog census conducted is shown in Figure B3.2.

3.3.7 REPTILE SURVEY Searches for reptiles involved a combination of diurnal and nocturnal searches. Diurnal searches for reptiles involved searching in likely habitat (i.e. leaf litter, dead logs and long grass) during the morning and afternoon survey period. Nocturnal searches were conducted for reptile species active at night such as geckos and some species of snakes and involved searching in likely habitats with the aid of a spotlight. The location of the reptile surveys is shown in Figure B3.2.

3.3.8 DIURNAL AVIFAUNA SURVEY The diurnal avifauna survey involved walking along a pre-determined 100m transect for 30 minutes. Every 20m a point survey was undertaken which involved observation and listening for calls. Surveys were conducted at peak activity periods (i.e. dawn and dusk). A number of incidental observations of avifauna were also made during other surveys. Observations were also made of secondary indications (i.e. distinctive feathers and nests) of avifauna were also recorded. The location of the diurnal avifauna surveys are shown in Figure B3.2.

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3.3.9 NOCTURNAL AVIFAUNA AND MAMMAL CALL PLAYBACK SURVEY During the nocturnal avifauna and mammal survey pre-recorded calls of Ninox connivens (Barking Owl), Ninox strenua (Powerful Owl), Tyto novaehollandiae (Masked Owl), Tyto capensis (Grass Owl), Petaurus australis (Yellow-bellied Glider), Petaurus norfolcensis (Squirrel Glider) and Phascolarctos cinereus (Koala) were broadcast through an amplification system designed to project the sound for at least 1km under still night conditions. An initial listening period of 10 minutes was undertaken, followed by 5 minutes of calls (repeated in four different directions). A period of two minutes of quiet listening was then employed after each 5-minute bracket of calls. At the conclusion of the call playback survey, spotlighting was carried out in the vicinity of the call playback site. The locations of the call playback are shown in Figure B3.2.

3.3.10 SPOTLIGHTING SURVEY Spotlighting was undertaken on foot using 100watt hand-held spotlights. The spotlighting involved walking at a slow pace around the study area and stopping every 2 minutes, allowing the observer to hear movements of animals. A total of 18-person hours of spotlighting was conducted during the survey. The spotlight routes are shown in Figure B3.2.

3.3.11 MICROCHIROPTERAN BAT CALL SURVEY Bat echo-location calls were recorded using an Anabat detector in areas which were considered likely to be used by bats. These positions were selected to sample potential hunting sites for bats, including flyways, clearings and ecotones. Echolocation surveys used a combination of stationary and hand-held mobile surveys. Hand-held surveys were undertaken during spotlighting. Stationary call activated microchiropteran bat detection was undertaken from dawn to dusk.

The bat calls recorded by Wildthing Environmental Consultants were analysed in-house by Mungo Worth. The locations of the bat call surveys are shown in Figure B3.2.

3.3.12 STAG WATCHING SURVEY The stag watching survey involved watching hollow-bearing trees within the study area, 20 minutes prior to sunset and continuing until 20 minutes after sunset. The person was in a position to allow a good view of the tree to be obtained, preferably with the tree silhouetted against the sky. The required listening period and stag watching were undertaken concurrently. Hollow trees targeted were those suitable for Petaurus norfolcensis (Squirrel Glider) and owl species such as Tyto novaehollandiae (Masked Owl) and Ninox strenua (Powerful Owl). The location of the watched stag trees is shown in Figure B3.2.

3.3.13 SUMMARY OF FAUNA SURVEY EFFORT The survey effort and times of the targeted threatened fauna species are shown in Table 8.3 in the main report.

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4.0 FLORA & HABITAT SURVEY RESULTS 4.1 SPECIES CREDIT SPECIES (FLORA) Field surveys identified approximately 186 plant species occurring within the Study Area. No species credit species or any listed threatened flora species was recorded within the study area during the survey.

4.2 INVENTORY OF HOLLOW BEARING TREES A total of 24 habitat (hollow-bearing) trees were identified within the subject site or within close proximity. The proposal will result in the removal of up to 16 of the 24 surveyed trees. The details of each tree are shown in Table 4.1. The locations of each tree are shown in Figure 4.1.

4.3 INVENTORY OF SEPP 44 KOALA FEED TREE SPECIES WITHIN SUBJECT SITE A total of 6 State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP 44) Koala Feed Tree Species were recorded within the subject site and will require likely removal. The proposal will result in the removal of all 6 surveyed Koala Feed Trees. The details of each tree are shown in Table B4.2. The locations of each tree are shown in Figure 4.1.

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Table B4.2: Details of hollow-bearing trees within subject site and in close proximity.

Habitat Tree Easting Northing DBH Height Removal Species Class Class Class Class Comments No. GDA94 GDA94 (m) (m) Required? 1 2 3 4 1 Corymbia gummifera 423279 6387003 1? (Old Tag 11) Yes 0.47 20 (Red Bloodwood) 2 Dead Tree 423278 6386988 0.45 9 1 1 1 1 (Old Tag 14) Yes 3 Eucalyptus pilularis 423272 6386985 1 Likely 0.48 18 Blackbutt 4 C. gummifera 423267 6386972 0.68 20 1 Unlikely 5 C. gummifera 423260 6386916 0.28 10 1 No 6 423257 6386914 0.8, 0.7 1 1 No C. gummifera 20 0.55 7 423331 6386997 1 1 (Old Tag 37). Tree hollow through Yes Dead Tree 0.5 15 middle. Located northern side of proposed access road. 8 423345 6386990 1 (Old Tag 42). Within proposed Yes C. gummifera 0.4 18 access road. 9 423356 6386979 1 (Old Tag 49) Within proposed Yes access road. Arboreal Termite C. gummifera 0.85 20 Nest Nasutitermes walkeri (Tree Termite) 10 Dead Tree 423358 6386998 1 1 (Old Tag 45). Just north of Possible 0.4 12 proposed access road. 11 C. gummifera 423289 6387065 0.68 20 1 Outside subject site Unlikely 12 C. gummifera 423290 6387082 0.6 20 1 Outside subject site Unlikely 13 E. pilularis 423320 6387180 1.2 30 1 3 3 Large Tree. Outside subject site No 14 E. pilularis 423348 6387232 1.2 30 2 2 2 2 Large Tree. Outside subject site No 15 E. pilularis 423370 6387257 1.1 30 2 Large Tree. Outside subject site No 16 423180 6387256 2 Outside subject site. Maybe Possible Dead Tree 0.7 17 1 considered to be dangerous. 17 C. gummifera 423212 6386729 0.26 8 1 Yes 18 C. gummifera 423208 6386747 0.38 16 1 Hollow in trunk. Yes

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Habitat Tree Easting Northing DBH Height Removal Species Class Class Class Class Comments No. GDA94 GDA94 (m) (m) Required? 1 2 3 4 19 423204 6386756 1 Arboreal Termite Nest Yes E. pilularis 0.6 20 Nasutitermes walkeri 20 E. pilularis 423222 6386766 0.3 16 1 Hollow in dead side branch. Yes 21 E. pilularis 423220 6386773 0.5 17 1 Yes 22 E. pilularis 423224 6386766 0.42 17 1 Yes 23 Dead Tree 423272 6386700 0.7 25 1 Possible 24 C. gummifera 423268 6386707 0.55 20 1 likely Tree Data Key for Table C1. • DBH – Diameter at Breast Height. Tree trunk diameter measured at breast height (1.4 metres above ground level). Fabric diameter tape used which assumes a circular cross section. • Tree Height – Estimated with the use of an inclinometer and rangefinder (metres). • Coordinates - GDA - 1994 • Habitat/Hollows – Class 1 –very large sized hollow openings (i.e. >20cm) suitable for species such as Owls Class 2 – large sized hollow openings (i.e. 15-20cm) suitable for species such as Possums Class 3 –medium sized hollow-openings (i.e. 5-15cm) suitable for species such as Gliders and Possums Class 4 – small sized hollow openings (i.e. <5cm) suitable for species such as microchiropteran bats Spout: Hollow opening towards sky offering little protection from the weather.

Table B4.2: Details of SEPP 44 Koala Feed Tree species within subject site.

Tree Easting Northing DBH Height Removal Species Comments No. GDA94 GDA94 (m) (m) Required? 1 Eucalyptus robusta 0.45, Little evidence of Koala activity Yes 423231 6386952 16 (Swamp Mahogany) 0.44 2 Eucalyptus microcorys Little evidence of Koala activity Yes 423330 6386986 0.2, 0.2 14 (Tallowwood) 3 E. microcorys 423330 6386982 0.25 15 Little evidence of Koala activity Yes 4 0.25, Little evidence of Koala activity Yes E. microcorys 423333 6386982 13 0.25 5 E. robusta 423034 6386754 0.4, 0.3 9 Little evidence of Koala activity Yes 6 E. robusta 423031 6386775 0.43,0.2 10 Little evidence of Koala activity Yes

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5.0 FAUNA SURVEY RESULTS A full list of fauna species observed during the survey is contained in Appendix D.

5.1 SMALL TERRESTRIAL MAMMAL TRAPPING During this component of the survey two species of mammal, Antechinus stuartii (Brown Antechinus) and Rattus fuscipes (Bush Rat) were captured. The results of the small terrestrial mammal survey are shown in Table B5.1.

Table B5.1: Small Terrestrial Mammal Trapping Results. DATE TRAP NO SPECIES SEX Trapping period 14 – 18 October 2019 Tuesday T2 Antechinus stuartii (Brown Antechinus) Female (with young) 15/10/19 T10 A. stuartii Female (with young) T17 A. stuartii Female (with young) T20 A. stuartii Female (with young) T30 A. stuartii Female (with young) Wednesday T12 A. stuartii Female (with young) 16/10/19 T21 Rattus fuscipes (Bush Rat) T28 A. stuartii Female (with young) T30 A. stuartii Female (with young) Thursday T6 A. stuartii Female (with young) 17/10/19 T11 A. stuartii Female (with young) T22 R. fuscipes Male T28 A. stuartii Female (with young) Friday T9 A. stuartii Female (with young) 18/10/19 T3 R. fuscipes Male T9 R. fuscipes Female T28 A. stuartii Female (with young) T29 A. stuartii Female (with young)

5.2 MEDIUM TERRESTRIAL MAMMAL TRAPPING During this component of the survey one fauna species, Varanus varius (Lace Monitor) was captured. The results of the small terrestrial mammal survey are shown in Table B5.2.

Table B5.2: Medium Terrestrial Mammal Trapping Results. DATE TRAP NO SPECIES SEX Trapping period 14 – 18 October 2019 Tuesday No captures 15/10/19 Wednesday No captures 16/10/19 Thursday C3 Varanus varius (Lace Monitor) 17/10/19 C5 V. varius

Friday No captures 18/10/19

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5.3 ARBOREAL MAMMAL TRAPPING During this component of the survey one species of mammal Antechinus stuartii (Brown Antechinus) was captured. The results of the arboreal mammal trapping survey are shown in Table 12. The locations of the trapped Squirrel Gliders are shown in Figure B5.3.

Table B5.3: Arboreal Mammal Trapping Results. DATE TRAP NO SPECIES SEX Trapping period 14 – 18 October 2019 Tuesday No captures 15/10/19 Wednesday No captures 16/10/19 Thursday A5 Antechinus stuartii (Brown Antechinus) Female (with young) 17/10/19 Friday No captures 18/10/19

5.4 HARP TRAPPING During the harp trapping component of the survey one species of microchiropteran bat; Nyctophilus gouldi (Gould’s Long-eared Bat) was captured. The results of the harp trapping survey are shown in Table B5.3.

Table B5.3: Arboreal Mammal Trapping Results. DATE TRAP NO SPECIES SEX Trapping period 16 – 18 October 2019 Wednesday H1 No captures 16/10/19 H2 No captures Thursday H1 Nyctophilus gouldi Female 17/10/19 H1 N. gouldi Female H1 N. gouldi Female H2 No captures

5.5 MICROCHIROPTERAN BAT CALL DETECTION Three species of microchiropteran bat, Chalinolobus gouldii (Gould’s Wattled Bat), Miniopterus australis (Little Bentwing-bat) and Austronomus australis (White-striped Freetail Bat) were positively identified during the bat call survey. Likely calls from Falsistrellus tasmaniensis (Eastern Falsistrelle) were also identified. A number of calls attributed to the Genus Nyctophilus were likely to be either N. geoffroyi (Lesser Long-eared Bat) or N. gouldi (Gould’s Long-eared Bat). Nyctophilus gouldii (Gould’s Long-eared Bat) was captured during the harp trapping survey. Calls attributed to the Genus Vespadelus were likely Vespadelus vulturnus (Little Forest Bat).

Two of these microchiropteran bat species; F. tasmaniensis and M. australis are listed as vulnerable under the BC Act (2016).

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5.6 AMPHIBIAN SURVEY Despite targeted surveys and incidental observations no specimens of amphibian, were recorded within the study area during fieldwork. This would be partly due to the lack of preferred habitat and prolonged dry conditions that have been present during the entire survey period.

5.7 REPTILE SURVEY Thirteen species of reptile were identified within the study area during targeted and incidental surveys: Morelia spilota spilota (Diamond Python), Varanus varius (Lace Monitor), Lampropholis delicata (Grass Skink), Anomalopus swansoni (Swanson’s Legless Lizard) and Lialis burtonis (Burton’s Legless Lizard).

5.8 DIURNAL AVIFAUNA SURVEY An array of avifauna species was found to be present within the various habitats across study area.

Common species observed within the open area of habitat were Vanellus miles (Masked Lapwing) and Cracticus tibicen (Australian Magpie).

Within the Open Forest areas avifauna species commonly encountered included Rhipidura fuliginosa (Grey Fantail), Cormobates leucophaea (White-throated Treecreeper), Lichenostomus chrysops (Yellow-faced Honeyeater), Philemon corniculatus (Noisy Miner), Sericornis frontalis (White-browed Scrubwren) Philemon corniculatus (Noisy Friarbird), Meliphaga lewinii (Lewin’s Honeyeater), Platycercus eximius (Eastern Rosella) and Todiramphus sancta (Sacred Kingfisher) and Acanthiza pusilla (Brown Thornbill).

Birds of prey recorded included Haliastur sphenurus (Whistling Kite) and Haliaeetus leucogaster (White- breasted Sea-Eagle).

Two threatened species Glossopsitta pusilla (Little Lorikeet) and Haliaeetus leucogaster (White-breasted Sea-Eagle) listed as vulnerable under the BC Act (2016) were observed within the study area. A small number of specimens of G. pusilla were observed moving through the study area on two occasions. Haliaeetus leucogaster observed flying over the western portion of the study area on a number of occasions. Haliaeetus leucogaster (White-bellied Sea-eagle) along with another bird recorded, No large nests consistent with this species was found within the study area.

All birds observed within the study area are listed in Appendix D.

5.9 NOCTURNAL AVIFAUNA SURVEY Ninox boobook (Southern Boobook) was commonly heard calling during nocturnal surveys. Podargus strigoides (Tawny Frogmouth) was also observed and heard calling from within the site. There were no responses as a result of the owl calls played during the survey.

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5.10 SPOTLIGHTING SURVEY Four species of native mammal Trichosurus vulpecula (Common Brushtail Possum), Canis familiaris dingo (Dingo) and Pteropus poliocephalus (Grey-headed Flying-fox) were observed within the study area during the spotlighting surveys. Trichosurus vulpecula was found only on two occasions. Large numbers of P. poliocephalus were observed to be foraging within flowering specimens of Eucalyptus robusta (Swamp Mahogany) during spotlighting on 15 May 2019. These Megachiropteran bats were likely originating from a relatively large temporary camp at the time near the Singing Bridge at Hawks Nest.

There were no responses as a result of the mammal calls played during the survey.

The Grey-headed Flying-fox is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ under both state and national legislation and has been further Appendix A of this report.

5.11 STAGWATCHING SURVEY No arboreal mammal species were observed during stagwatching.

5.12 CAMERA TRAPPING A total of fourteen fauna species were positively identified within the study area during camera trapping conducted between June and October June 2019. Fauna species were Varanus varius (Lace Monitor), Antechinus stuartii (Brown Antechinus), Trichosurus vulpecula (Common Brushtail Possum), Canis familiaris dingo (Dingo), Alectura lathami (Australian Brush-Turkey), Eopsaltria australis (Eastern Yellow Robin), Leucosarcia melanoleuca (Wonga Pigeon), Isoodon macrourus (Northern Brown Bandicoot), Tachyglossus aculeatus (Echidna) and Wallabia bicolor (Swamp Wallaby).

5.13 PITFALL TRAPPING Two reptile species Anomalopus swansoni (Swanson’s Legless Lizard) and Lampropholis delicata (Grass Skink) were captured during pitfall trapping.

5.14 INCIDENTIAL OBSERVATIONS AND SECONDARY INDICATIONS A number of incidental observations and secondary indications of fauna were observed during the survey and included: • A large number of small conical diggings attributed to Bandicoot species Isoodon macrourus (Northern Brown Bandicoot) were commonly found throughout the study area. Specimens of I. macrourus were observed within the study area during the camera trapping survey; • Scats and footprints consistent with that of a macropod were found to be common throughout the site. These Scats and prints were most likely from Wallabia bicolor (Swamp Wallaby) which was observed and recorded during the camera trapping survey; • Diggings consistent with the Echidna were found on the side of some ant nests;

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• Large scratches on some of the bigger hollow-bearing trees were attributed to Varanus varius (Lace Monitor).

6.3.15 SURVEY LIMITATIONS As with all reports of this type the main survey limitation for the survey is considered to be the relatively short periods of time in which the fieldwork was undertaken. Fieldwork was timed to increase the likelihood of detecting certain subject species such as threatened orchids. Limitations were generally related to the detection of species with large home ranges such as Dasyurus maculatus (Tiger Quoll) and Large Forest Owls. Climate variability may also affect the occurrence of some species such as Lathamus discolor (Swift Parrot) and Anthochaera phrygia (Regent Honeyeater). The prolonged dry period experienced during the survey period may also have had an effect on the detectability of some species.

Limitations have been overcome by applying the precautionary principle in all cases where the survey methodology may have given a false negative result. This precautionary principle was achieved by recognising that most threatened species are rare and therefore unlikely to be encountered during a survey even if they may utilise the study area at other times. These species have been assessed on the basis of the presence of their habitat and the likely significance of that habitat to a viable local population.

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APPENDIX C

TOTAL FLORA LIST

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Introduced species are indicated by an asterisk (“*”).

The following standard abbreviations are used to indicate subspecific taxa: subsp. subspecies var.- variety  - hybrid between the two indicated species

Threatened Species - NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (BC Act) V Vulnerable E1 Endangered E2 Endangered Population E4A Critically Endangered Population

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) V Vulnerable E Endangered CE Critically Endangered

Serious and Irreversible Impact SAII

Regional Significance (Hunter Rare Plants Database – Version 1 2003) L endemic to Hunter Region DA disjunct in the Hunter Region, rare or localized (aggregated) DB disjunct in the Hunter Region, widespread and uncommon (broad) R rare but extends beyond the Hunter Region U everywhere uncommon N at northern distributional limit in the Hunter E at eastern distributional limit in the Hunter S at southern distributional limited in the Hunter W at western distributional limited in the Hunter T may be threatened in the Hunter Region S Probably secure in the Hunter Region

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SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME BC ACT EPBC SERIOUS AND REGIONALLY FLOWERING ACT IRREVERSIBLE SIGNIFICANT PERIOD IMPACT CLASS FILICOPSIDA (Ferns) Aspleniaceae Asplenium australasicum Birdnest Fern

Blechnaceae Blechnum indicum Swamp Water Fern

Davalliaceae Nephrolepis cordifolia Fishbone Fern

Dennstaedtiaceae Histiopteris incisa Batswing Fern Hypolepis muelleri Harsh Ground Fern Pteridium esculentum Bracken

Dicksoniaceae Calochlaena dubia Soft Bracken Fern

Gleicheniaceae Gleichenia dicarpa Pouched Coral Fern

Polypodiaceae Platycerium bifurcatum Elkhorn W Pyrrosia rupestris Rock Felt Fern

Schizaeaceae Schizaea dichotoma Branched Comb Fern

CYCADOPSIDA (Cycads) Zamiaceae Macrozamia communis Burrawang

CONIFEROPSIDA (Conifers) Pinaceae *Pinus elliotii Slash Pine

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SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME BC ACT EPBC SERIOUS AND REGIONALLY FLOWERING ACT IRREVERSIBLE SIGNIFICANT PERIOD IMPACT MAGNOLIOPSIDA: Magnoliidae LILOPSIDA: (Monocotyledons)

Anthericaceae Thysanotus tuberosus Common Fringe Lily Oct Tricoryne elatior Yellow Rush-lily

Arecaceae Livistona australis Cabbage-tree Palm

Asparagaceae *Asparagus aethiopicus Asparagus Fern Cordyline stricta Narrow-leaved Palm Lily

Commelinaceae Commelina cyanea Scurvy Weed *Tradescantia fluminensis Wandering Jew

Cyperaceae Baumea juncea Cyperus polystachyos Bunchy Sedge Gahnia aspera Rough Saw Sedge Gahnia clarkei amended Sword Grass Schoenus imberbis Beardless Bog-rush

Lomandraceae Lomandra cylindrica Lomandra glauca Pale Mat-rush Lomandra longifolia Spiny Mat Rush Sept Lomandra multiflora subsp. multiflora Many-flowered Mat-rush Sept

Luzuriagaceae Eustrephus latifolius Wombat Berry Geitonoplesium cymosum Scrambling Lily

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SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME BC ACT EPBC SERIOUS AND REGIONALLY FLOWERING ACT IRREVERSIBLE SIGNIFICANT PERIOD IMPACT Orchidaceae Acianthus caudatus syn. Nemacianthus caudatus Mayfly Orchid Sept Acianthus fornicatus Pixie Orchid Aug Calochilus paludosus Red Beardie Sept, Oct Calochilus robertsonii Purplish Beard Orchid Cymbidium suave Snake Flower Sept, Oct Dipodium variegatum Hyacinth Orchid Gastrodia sesamoides Potatoe Orchid Petalochilus alatus syn. Caladenia alata Petalochilus carneus syn. Caladenia carnea Pink Fingers Petalochilus catenatus syn. Caladenia catenata White Fingers Aug, Sept Petalochilus pictus syn. Caladenia picta Painted Fingers Petalochilus quadrifarius syn. Caladenia quadrifaria Large Pink Fingers Sept Pterostylis longifolia Tall Greenhood Pterostylis nutans Nodding Greenhood Jun, Jul, Aug Thelymitra purpurata Wallum Sun Orchid

Phormiaceae Dianella caerulea var. producta Blue Flax-lily

Poaceae *Aira cupaniana Silvery Grass *Andropogon virginicus Whisky Grass Austrostipa pubescens *Avena fatua Wild Oats *Axonopus fissifolius Narrow-leaved Carpet Grass *Briza maxima Quaking Grass *Briza minor Shivery Grass *Cenchrus clandestinus syn Pennisetum Kikuyu clandestinum *Cortaderia selloana Pampas Grass Cynodon dactylon Common Couch Dichelachne micrantha Plume Grass Digitaria parviflora Smallflower Fingergrass *Ehrhartia erecta Panic Veldt Grass

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SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME BC ACT EPBC SERIOUS AND REGIONALLY FLOWERING ACT IRREVERSIBLE SIGNIFICANT PERIOD IMPACT Entolasia marginata Bordered Panic Entolasia stricta Wiry Panic Eragrostis brownii Browns Love Grass *Eragrostis interrupta Lovegrass Imperata cylindrica var. major Blady Grass Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides Weeping Meadow Grass Oplismenus aemulus Basket Grass *Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum Rytidosperma sp. Wallaby Grass Themeda australis Kangaroo Grass Oct, Nov

Restionaceae Baloskion tetraphyllum subsp. meiostachyum Plume Rush Hypolaena fastigiata

Smilacaceae Smilax australis Smilax Smilax glyciphylla Native Sarsaparilla

Xanthorrhoeaceae Xanthorrhoea latifolia subsp. latifolia

MAGNOLIIDAE (Dicotyledons)

Apiaceae Actinotus helianthi Flannel Flower Sept, Oct Centella asiatica Indian Pennywort *Hydrocotyle bonariensis Kurnell Curse Hydrocotyle tripartita Penny-weed Platysace lanceolata Native Parsnip

Apocynaceae *Gomphocarpus fruticosus Narrow-leaved Cottonbush Marsdenia rostrata Common Milk Vine W Parsonsia straminea var. straminea Monkey Rope W?

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SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME BC ACT EPBC SERIOUS AND REGIONALLY FLOWERING ACT IRREVERSIBLE SIGNIFICANT PERIOD IMPACT Asteraceae *Bidens pilosa Cobblers Pegs Cassinia aculeata Common Cassinia *Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata Bitou Bush *Conyza bonariensis Flax-leaved Fleabane *Conyza parva Whorled Fleabane Gamochaeta purpurea Purple Cudweed *Hypochaeris radicata Catsear, Flatweed *Senecio madagascariensis Fireweed Sept, Oct *Sonchus oleraceus Common Sow Thistle

Campanulaceae Lobeliaceae Lobelia purpurascens White Root Wahlenbergia gracillis Sprawling Bluebell

Cassythaceae Cassytha pubescens Common Devils Twine

Casuarinaceae Allocasuarina littoralis Black She-oak Casuarina glauca Swamp She-oak

Convolvulaceae Dichondra repens Kidney Weed

Cunoniaceae Ceratopetalum gummiferum New South Wales Christmas Sept, Oct Bush

Dilleniaceae Hibbertia dentata Twining Guinea Flower W Aug, Sept, Oct Hibbertia linearis Guinea Flower Hibbertia scandens Climbing Guinea Flower Sept, Oct

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SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME BC ACT EPBC SERIOUS AND REGIONALLY FLOWERING ACT IRREVERSIBLE SIGNIFICANT PERIOD IMPACT Elaeocarpaceae Elaeocarpus reticulatus Blueberry Ash Nov

Ericaceae Brachyloma daphnoides subsp. daphnoides Daphne Heath Epacris pulchella NSW Coral Heath Leucopogon ericoides Bearded Heath Leucopogon lanceolatus Lance Beard-heath Sept Leucopogon margarodes S D U Leucopogon parviflorus Coastal Beard-heath Leucopogon virgatus Monotoca elliptica Tree Broom-heath Styphelia viridis Green Five-corners Woollsia pungens Snow Wreath D U W

Euphorbiaceae Ricinocarpus pinifolius Wedding Bush

Fabaceae Subfamily (Faboideae) Aotus ericoides Heath Aotus Aug, Sept Bossiaea heterophylla Variable Bossiaea Bossiaea rhombifolia Aug, Sept Daviesia ulicifolia Gorse Bitter Pea Desmodium rhytidophyllum Tick-treefoil Desmodium varians Slender Tick-trefoil Dillwynia retorta subsp. retorta Heathy Parrot Pea July, Aug, Sept Glycine clandestina subsp. complex Love Creeper Sept Gompholobium latifolium Giant Wedge Pea Sept Hardenbergia violacea False Sarsaparilla Aug, Sept Kennedia rubicunda Dusky Coral Pea Sept, Oct Platylobium formosum Handsome Flat-pea Sept *Trifolium campestre Hop Clover Sept, Oct *Trifolium repens White Clover Sept, Oct

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SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME BC ACT EPBC SERIOUS AND REGIONALLY FLOWERING ACT IRREVERSIBLE SIGNIFICANT PERIOD IMPACT Fabaceae (Subfamily Mimosoideae) Acacia falcata Falcata Wattle W Acacia implexa Hickory Acacia irrorata subsp. irrorata Green Wattle Nov, Dec Acacia longifolia Sydney Golden Wattle Acacia suaveolens Sweet-scented Wattle Acacia terminalis Sunshine Wattle Late Feb, Mar, Apr Acacia ulicifolia Prickly Moses

Gentianaceae *Cenaurium erythraea Common Centaury

Goodeniaceae Scaevola ramosissima Snake Flower

Haloragaceae Gonocarpus teucrioides Germander Raspwort

Hypericaceae Hypericum gramineum Native St Johns Wort

Lauraceae *Cinnamomum camphora Camphor Laurel

Linaceae *Linum trigynum French Flax

Loranthaceae Dendrophthoe vitellina Apostle Mistletoe Sept, Oct, Nov

Malvaceae *Modiola carliniana Red-flowered Mallow Sept *Sida rhombifolia Paddys Lucerne

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SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME BC ACT EPBC SERIOUS AND REGIONALLY FLOWERING ACT IRREVERSIBLE SIGNIFICANT PERIOD IMPACT Menispermaceae Stephania japonica var. japonica Snake Vine

Myrtaceae Angophora costata Smooth-barked Apple Oct, Nov Callistemon salignus Willow Bottlebrush Corymbia gummifera Red Bloodwood Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr Eucalyptus haemastoma Scribbly Gum Jan Eucalyptus pilularis ssp. pilularis Blackbutt Dec, Jan Eucalyptus piperita Sydney Peppermint Jan Eucalyptus robusta Swamp Mahogany Mar, April, May Leptospermum juniperinum Prickly Tea-tree Leptospermum laevigatum Coastal Tea-tree Leptospermum polygalifolium subsp. polygalifolium Teatree Sept Melaleuca quinquenervia Broad-leaved Paperbark Feb, Mar

Oleaceae Notelaea longifolia Mock Olive

Oxalidaceae Oxalis perennans -

Phyllanthaceae Breynia oblongifolia Coffee Bush Glochidion ferdinandi var. ferdinandi Cheese Tree Omalanthus populifolius Bleeding Heart Phyllanthus hirtellus Thyme Spurge Poranthera ericifolia Poranthera microphylla

Pittosporaceae Billardiera scandens Apple Dumplings Sept Pittosporum revolutum Rough-fruit Pittosporum Pittosporum undulatum Sweet Pittosporum Aug, Sept

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SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME BC ACT EPBC SERIOUS AND REGIONALLY FLOWERING ACT IRREVERSIBLE SIGNIFICANT PERIOD IMPACT Plantaginaceae *Plantago lanceolata Plantain

Polygalaceae Comesperma ericinum Matchheads Aug, Sept

Primulaceae *Anagallis arvensis var. arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel Sept, Oct

Proteaceae Banksia integrifolia Silver Banksia Banksia serrata Old Man Banksia Lomatia silaifolia Crinkle Bush Persoonia lanceolata Lance Leaf Geebung Persoonia levis Broad-leaved Geebung Oct, Nov Fruit-May

Ranunculaceae Clematis aristida Old Man’s Beard

Rubiaceae Opercularia diphylla Stinkweed Pomax umbellata Pomax *Richardia humistrata

Rutaceae Eriostemon australasius Pink Wax Flower Sept Nematolepis squamea Satinwood Sept Zieria smithii Sandfly Zieria Sept, Oct

Santalaceae Exocarpus cupressiformis Cherry Ballart Leptomeria acida Sour Currant Bush

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SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME BC ACT EPBC SERIOUS AND REGIONALLY FLOWERING ACT IRREVERSIBLE SIGNIFICANT PERIOD IMPACT Sapindaceae Dodonaea triquetra Hop Bush

Scrophulariaceae *Verbascum virgatum Twiggy Mullein

Solanaceae *Solanum nigrum Blackberry Nightshade

Thymelaeaceae Pimelea linifolia Rice Flower Sept

Tremandraceae Tetratheca thymifolia Thyme Pink-bells Sept, Oct

Verbenaceae *Lantana camara Lantana Noxious *Verbena bonariensis Purple Top

Viscaceae Notothixos subaureus Golden Mistletoe W

Vitaceae Cissus hypoglauca Native Grape

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APPENDIX D

TOTAL FAUNA LIST

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VERTEBRATE FAUNA LIST Family sequencing and taxonomy follow for each fauna class: Fish Allen, G.R., Midgley, S.H. & Allen, M. (2002). Field Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Australia. Western Australian Museum, Perth.

Herpetofauna Cogger, H.G. (2014). Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia (7th edn.). CSIRO Publishing.

Birds Pizzey and Knight (2012)(9th edn).

Mammals Van Dyck, S. and Strahan, R. (Ed) (2008). The Mammals of Australia (3rd edn). New Holland Publishers, Australia –

Churchill, S. (2008). Australian Bats. (2nd edn.). Allen & Unwin Australia.

(?) - Indicates a species identified without certainty or to a Genus level only.

* - Indicates an introduced species.

Threatened species addressed within this assessment appear in bold font.

Introduced species are indicated by an asterisk (“*”).

The following standard abbreviations are used to indicate subspecific taxa: subsp. -subspecies var.- variety  - hybrid between the two indicated species

Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (BC Act) V Vulnerable E1 Endangered E2 Endangered Population E4A Critically Endangered Population

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) V Vulnerable E Endangered CE Critically Endangered Population M Migratory

Regionally Significant Fauna Species. + Region includes Gosford, Wyong, Cessnock, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and Port Stephens LGA’s. Produced from Stage 1 of the LHCCREMS – Regional Biodiversity Conservation Strategy.

Observation Type O - Observed (sighted) R – Road Kill F – Tracks, scratching W - Heard call D – Dog Kill Z – In raptor/owl Pellet OW – Observed and heard call Q – Camera U – Ultrasonic recording X - In scat C – Cat Kill M - Miscellaneous P – Scat V – Fox Kill E – Nest/roost T - Trapped or netted K – Dead B - Burnt H – Hair, feathers or skin S – Shot Y – Bones, teeth or shell A - Stranded/Beached I – Fossil/subfossil N – Not located G – Crushed cones FB – Burrow AR – Acoustic Recording

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SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME BC ACT EPBC ACT REGIONALLY OBSERVATION SIGNIFICANT TYPE Phylum - Chordata Subphylum - Vertebrata

Class - Actinopterygii

Class Reptilia - Reptiles

Order Squamata – Lizards and Snakes Suborder Sauria - Lizards Family Pygopodidae – Legless Lizards Lialis burtonis Burton’s Snake-lizard + O

Family Varanidae - Monitors Varanus varius Lace Monitor O, T

Family Scinidae - Skinks Anomalopus swansoni Swanson’s Legless Lizard + Lampropholis delicata Grass Skink

Suborder Serpentes - Snakes

Family Boidae - Pythons Morelia spilota Carpet (Diamond) Python +

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SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME BC ACT EPBC ACT REGIONALLY OBSERVATION SIGNIFICANT TYPE Class Aves - Birds

Family Megapodiidae (Mound Builders) Alectura lathami Australian Brush-Turkey

Family Phasianidae Coturnix ypsilophora Brown Quail

Family Columbidae - Pigeons, Doves Geopelia humeralis Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia striata Peaceful Dove Leucosarcia melanoleuca Wonga Pigeon

Family Podargidae - Frogmouths Podargus strigoides Tawny Frogmouth

Family Caprimulgidae - Nightjars Eurostopodus mystacalis White-throated Nightjar

Family Aegothelidae - Owlet Nightjars Eurostopdus mystacalis White-throated Nightjar

Family Accipitridae - Osprey, Hawks, Eagles and Harriers Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-Eagle V M + Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite

Family Charadriidae Plover, Dotterels, Lapwings Vanellus miles Masked Lapwing

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SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME BC ACT EPBC ACT REGIONALLY OBSERVATION SIGNIFICANT TYPE Family Cacatuidae - Cockatoos and Corellas Cacatua galerita Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua roseicapilla Galah Calyptorhyncus funereus Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo +

Family Psittacidae - Parrots, Rosellas and Lorikeets Alisterus scapularis King Parrot Glossopsitta pusilla Little Lorikeet V Platycercus eximius Eastern Rosella Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus Scaly-breasted Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus Rainbow Lorikeet

Family Cuculidae - Cuckoos Centropus phasianinus Pheasant Coucal Cacomantis flabelliformis Fan-tailed Cuckoo Eudynamys orientalis Common Koel Scythrops novaehollandiae Channel-billed Cuckoo

Family Strigidae - Hawk-Owls Ninox novaeseelandiae Southern Boobook

Family Halcyonidae - Tree Kingfishers Dacelo novaeguineae Laughing Kookaburra Todiramphus sanctus Sacred Kingfisher

Family Meropidae - Bee-eaters Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater M

Family Coraciidae - Rollers 'Dollarbirds Eurystomus orientalis Dollarbird

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SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME BC ACT EPBC ACT REGIONALLY OBSERVATION SIGNIFICANT TYPE Family Climacteridae - Treecreepers Cormobates leucophaea White-throated Treecreeper

Family Ptilonorhynchidae - Bowerbirds Ptilonorhynchus violaceus Satin Bowerbird

Family Maluridae Malurus cyaneus Superb Fairy-wren

Family Pardalotidae - Pardalotes, Gerygones, Scrubwrens, Heathwrens and Thornbills Acanthiza nana Yellow Thornbill Acanthiza pusilla Brown Thornbill Gerygone mouki Brown Gerygone Gerygone olivacea White-throated Gerygone Pardalotus punctatus Spotted Pardalote Sericornis frontalis White-browed Scrubwren

Family Meliphagidae - Honeyeaters Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris Eastern Spinebill Caligavis chrysops Yellow-faced Honeyeater Entomyzon cyanotis Blue-faced Honeyeater Manorina melanocephala Noisy Miner Meliphaga lewinii Lewin's Honeyeater Philemon corniculatus Noisy Friarbird

Family Petroicidae - Robins and Jacky Winter Eopsaltria australis Eastern Yellow Robin

Family Pachycephalidae - Whistlers, B i o d i v e r s i t y Development Assessment Report P a g e | i

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SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME BC ACT EPBC ACT REGIONALLY OBSERVATION SIGNIFICANT TYPE Shrike-tit and Shrike-thrushes Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush Pachycephala pectoralis Golden Whistler

Family Cinclosomatidae - Whipbird and Quail-thrushes Psophodes olivaceus Eastern Whipbird

Family Monarchidae - Monarchs, Flycatchers and Magpie-Lark Myiagra inquieta Restless Flycatcher Myiagra rubecula Leaden Flycatcher Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark

Family Rhipiduridae - Fantails Rhipidura fuliginosa Grey Fantail Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail

Family Campephagidae - Cuckoo-shrikes and Trillers Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike

Family Hirundinidae - Swallows and Martins Hirundo neoxena Welcome Swallow

Family Zosteropidae - White-eyes Zosterops lateralis Silvereye

Family Oriolidae Oriolus sagittatus Olive-backed Oriole Sphecotheres vieilloti Australasian Figbird Family Artamidae - Wood-swallows, B i o d i v e r s i t y Development Assessment Report P a g e | i

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SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME BC ACT EPBC ACT REGIONALLY OBSERVATION SIGNIFICANT TYPE Butcherbirds, Magpie and Currawongs Cracticus nigrogularis Pied Butcherbird Cracticus tibicen syn. Gymnorhina tibicen Australian Magpie Strepera graculina Pied Currawong

Family Corvidae - Crows, Raven Corvus coronoides Australian Raven Corvus orru Torresian Crow

Family Estrildidae - Grassfinches Neochima temporalis Red-browed Finch O

Class Mammalia - Mammals

Subclass Prototheria - Monotremes Order Monotremata

Family Tachyglossidae - Echidna Tachyglossus aculeatus Echidna + Q, F

Subclass Marsupialia - Marsupials

Order Dasyuromorphia – Carnivorus Marsupials

Family Dasyuridae - Dasyurids Antechinus stuarti Brown Antechinus T, Q

Order Peramelemorphia B i o d i v e r s i t y Development Assessment Report P a g e | i

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SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME BC ACT EPBC ACT REGIONALLY OBSERVATION SIGNIFICANT TYPE

Family Peramelidae - Bandicoots Isoodon macrourus Northern Brown Bandicoot Q, F

Order Diprotodontia

Suborder Phalangerida

Superfamily - Phalangeroidea

Family Phalangeridae - Brushtail Possums Trichosurus vulpecula Common Brushtail Possum O, Q

Family Macropodidae - Kangaroos, Wallabies Wallabia bicolor Swamp Wallaby Q

Subclass Eutheria - Eutherian Mammals

Order Chiroptera Suborder Megachiroptera - Megabats Family Pteropodidae - Fruit Bats Pteropus poliocephalus Grey-headed Flying-fox V V OW

Family Molossidae - Freetail-bats Austronomus australis White-striped Freetail Bat U syn Nyctinomus australis, Tadarida australis

Family Vespertilionidae - Plain-nosed Bats Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat U Falsistrellus tasmaniensis Eastern Falsistrelle V U B i o d i v e r s i t y Development Assessment Report P a g e | i

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SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME BC ACT EPBC ACT REGIONALLY OBSERVATION SIGNIFICANT TYPE Miniopterus australis Little Bentwing-bat V U Nyctophilus gouldi Gould's Long-eared Bat T Vespadelus vulturnus Little Forest Bat U

Order Rodentia Family Muridae - Rodents Rattus fuscipes Southern Bush Rat

Order Lagomorpha

Family Leporidae *Oryctolagus cuniculus European Rabbit O

Order Carnivora

Family Canidae *Canis familiaris Dog Q Canis familiaris dingo Dingo O, Q

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APPENDIX D

TOTAL FAUNA LIST

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VERTEBRATE FAUNA LIST Family sequencing and taxonomy follow for each fauna class: Fish Allen, G.R., Midgley, S.H. & Allen, M. (2002). Field Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Australia. Western Australian Museum, Perth.

Herpetofauna Cogger, H.G. (2014). Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia (7th edn.). CSIRO Publishing.

Birds Pizzey and Knight (2012)(9th edn).

Mammals Van Dyck, S. and Strahan, R. (Ed) (2008). The Mammals of Australia (3rd edn). New Holland Publishers, Australia –

Churchill, S. (2008). Australian Bats. (2nd edn.). Allen & Unwin Australia.

(?) - Indicates a species identified without certainty or to a Genus level only.

* - Indicates an introduced species.

Threatened species addressed within this assessment appear in bold font.

Introduced species are indicated by an asterisk (“*”).

The following standard abbreviations are used to indicate subspecific taxa: subsp. -subspecies var.- variety  - hybrid between the two indicated species

Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (BC Act) V Vulnerable E1 Endangered E2 Endangered Population E4A Critically Endangered Population

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) V Vulnerable E Endangered CE Critically Endangered Population M Migratory

Regionally Significant Fauna Species. + Region includes Gosford, Wyong, Cessnock, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and Port Stephens LGA’s. Produced from Stage 1 of the LHCCREMS – Regional Biodiversity Conservation Strategy.

Observation Type O - Observed (sighted) R – Road Kill F – Tracks, scratching W - Heard call D – Dog Kill Z – In raptor/owl Pellet OW – Observed and heard call Q – Camera U – Ultrasonic recording X - In scat C – Cat Kill M - Miscellaneous P – Scat V – Fox Kill E – Nest/roost T - Trapped or netted K – Dead B - Burnt H – Hair, feathers or skin S – Shot Y – Bones, teeth or shell A - Stranded/Beached I – Fossil/subfossil N – Not located G – Crushed cones FB – Burrow AR – Acoustic Recording

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SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME BC ACT EPBC ACT REGIONALLY OBSERVATION SIGNIFICANT TYPE Phylum - Chordata Subphylum - Vertebrata

Class - Actinopterygii

Class Reptilia - Reptiles

Order Squamata – Lizards and Snakes Suborder Sauria - Lizards Family Pygopodidae – Legless Lizards Lialis burtonis Burton’s Snake-lizard + O

Family Varanidae - Monitors Varanus varius Lace Monitor O, T

Family Scinidae - Skinks Anomalopus swansoni Swanson’s Legless Lizard + Lampropholis delicata Grass Skink

Suborder Serpentes - Snakes

Family Boidae - Pythons Morelia spilota Carpet (Diamond) Python +

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SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME BC ACT EPBC ACT REGIONALLY OBSERVATION SIGNIFICANT TYPE Class Aves - Birds

Family Megapodiidae (Mound Builders) Alectura lathami Australian Brush-Turkey

Family Phasianidae Coturnix ypsilophora Brown Quail

Family Columbidae - Pigeons, Doves Geopelia humeralis Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia striata Peaceful Dove Leucosarcia melanoleuca Wonga Pigeon

Family Podargidae - Frogmouths Podargus strigoides Tawny Frogmouth

Family Caprimulgidae - Nightjars Eurostopodus mystacalis White-throated Nightjar

Family Aegothelidae - Owlet Nightjars Eurostopdus mystacalis White-throated Nightjar

Family Accipitridae - Osprey, Hawks, Eagles and Harriers Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-Eagle V M + Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite

Family Charadriidae Plover, Dotterels, Lapwings Vanellus miles Masked Lapwing

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SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME BC ACT EPBC ACT REGIONALLY OBSERVATION SIGNIFICANT TYPE Family Cacatuidae - Cockatoos and Corellas Cacatua galerita Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua roseicapilla Galah Calyptorhyncus funereus Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo +

Family Psittacidae - Parrots, Rosellas and Lorikeets Alisterus scapularis King Parrot Glossopsitta pusilla Little Lorikeet V Platycercus eximius Eastern Rosella Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus Scaly-breasted Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus Rainbow Lorikeet

Family Cuculidae - Cuckoos Centropus phasianinus Pheasant Coucal Cacomantis flabelliformis Fan-tailed Cuckoo Eudynamys orientalis Common Koel Scythrops novaehollandiae Channel-billed Cuckoo

Family Strigidae - Hawk-Owls Ninox novaeseelandiae Southern Boobook

Family Halcyonidae - Tree Kingfishers Dacelo novaeguineae Laughing Kookaburra Todiramphus sanctus Sacred Kingfisher

Family Meropidae - Bee-eaters Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater M

Family Coraciidae - Rollers 'Dollarbirds Eurystomus orientalis Dollarbird

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SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME BC ACT EPBC ACT REGIONALLY OBSERVATION SIGNIFICANT TYPE Family Climacteridae - Treecreepers Cormobates leucophaea White-throated Treecreeper

Family Ptilonorhynchidae - Bowerbirds Ptilonorhynchus violaceus Satin Bowerbird

Family Maluridae Malurus cyaneus Superb Fairy-wren

Family Pardalotidae - Pardalotes, Gerygones, Scrubwrens, Heathwrens and Thornbills Acanthiza nana Yellow Thornbill Acanthiza pusilla Brown Thornbill Gerygone mouki Brown Gerygone Gerygone olivacea White-throated Gerygone Pardalotus punctatus Spotted Pardalote Sericornis frontalis White-browed Scrubwren

Family Meliphagidae - Honeyeaters Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris Eastern Spinebill Caligavis chrysops Yellow-faced Honeyeater Entomyzon cyanotis Blue-faced Honeyeater Manorina melanocephala Noisy Miner Meliphaga lewinii Lewin's Honeyeater Philemon corniculatus Noisy Friarbird

Family Petroicidae - Robins and Jacky Winter Eopsaltria australis Eastern Yellow Robin

Family Pachycephalidae - Whistlers, B i o d i v e r s i t y Development Assessment Report P a g e | i

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SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME BC ACT EPBC ACT REGIONALLY OBSERVATION SIGNIFICANT TYPE Shrike-tit and Shrike-thrushes Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush Pachycephala pectoralis Golden Whistler

Family Cinclosomatidae - Whipbird and Quail-thrushes Psophodes olivaceus Eastern Whipbird

Family Monarchidae - Monarchs, Flycatchers and Magpie-Lark Myiagra inquieta Restless Flycatcher Myiagra rubecula Leaden Flycatcher Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark

Family Rhipiduridae - Fantails Rhipidura fuliginosa Grey Fantail Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail

Family Campephagidae - Cuckoo-shrikes and Trillers Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike

Family Hirundinidae - Swallows and Martins Hirundo neoxena Welcome Swallow

Family Zosteropidae - White-eyes Zosterops lateralis Silvereye

Family Oriolidae Oriolus sagittatus Olive-backed Oriole Sphecotheres vieilloti Australasian Figbird Family Artamidae - Wood-swallows, B i o d i v e r s i t y Development Assessment Report P a g e | i

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SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME BC ACT EPBC ACT REGIONALLY OBSERVATION SIGNIFICANT TYPE Butcherbirds, Magpie and Currawongs Cracticus nigrogularis Pied Butcherbird Cracticus tibicen syn. Gymnorhina tibicen Australian Magpie Strepera graculina Pied Currawong

Family Corvidae - Crows, Raven Corvus coronoides Australian Raven Corvus orru Torresian Crow

Family Estrildidae - Grassfinches Neochima temporalis Red-browed Finch O

Class Mammalia - Mammals

Subclass Prototheria - Monotremes Order Monotremata

Family Tachyglossidae - Echidna Tachyglossus aculeatus Echidna + Q, F

Subclass Marsupialia - Marsupials

Order Dasyuromorphia – Carnivorus Marsupials

Family Dasyuridae - Dasyurids Antechinus stuarti Brown Antechinus T, Q

Order Peramelemorphia B i o d i v e r s i t y Development Assessment Report P a g e | i

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SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME BC ACT EPBC ACT REGIONALLY OBSERVATION SIGNIFICANT TYPE

Family Peramelidae - Bandicoots Isoodon macrourus Northern Brown Bandicoot Q, F

Order Diprotodontia

Suborder Phalangerida

Superfamily - Phalangeroidea

Family Phalangeridae - Brushtail Possums Trichosurus vulpecula Common Brushtail Possum O, Q

Family Macropodidae - Kangaroos, Wallabies Wallabia bicolor Swamp Wallaby Q

Subclass Eutheria - Eutherian Mammals

Order Chiroptera Suborder Megachiroptera - Megabats Family Pteropodidae - Fruit Bats Pteropus poliocephalus Grey-headed Flying-fox V V OW

Family Molossidae - Freetail-bats Austronomus australis White-striped Freetail Bat U syn Nyctinomus australis, Tadarida australis

Family Vespertilionidae - Plain-nosed Bats Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat U Falsistrellus tasmaniensis Eastern Falsistrelle V U B i o d i v e r s i t y Development Assessment Report P a g e | i

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SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME BC ACT EPBC ACT REGIONALLY OBSERVATION SIGNIFICANT TYPE Miniopterus australis Little Bentwing-bat V U Nyctophilus gouldi Gould's Long-eared Bat T Vespadelus vulturnus Little Forest Bat U

Order Rodentia Family Muridae - Rodents Rattus fuscipes Southern Bush Rat

Order Lagomorpha

Family Leporidae *Oryctolagus cuniculus European Rabbit O

Order Carnivora

Family Canidae *Canis familiaris Dog Q Canis familiaris dingo Dingo O, Q

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APPENDIX E BAM FIELD DATA SHEETS

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APPENDIX F BAM PLOT PHOTOS

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APPENDIX H EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool

EPBC Act Protected Matters Report

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

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

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

Report created: 04/12/19 07:47:45

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

This map may contain data which are ©Commonwealth of Australia (Geoscience Australia), ©PSMA 2010

Coordinates Buffer: 10.0Km Summary

Matters of National Environmental Significance

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

World Heritage Properties: None National Heritage Places: None Wetlands of International Importance: 1 Great Barrier Reef Marine Park: None Commonwealth Marine Area: None Listed Threatened Ecological Communities: 5 Listed Threatened Species: 72 Listed Migratory Species: 74

Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act

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

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

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

Commonwealth Land: 2 Commonwealth Heritage Places: None Listed Marine Species: 103 Whales and Other Cetaceans: 13 Critical Habitats: None Commonwealth Reserves Terrestrial: None Australian Marine Parks: None

Extra Information

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

State and Territory Reserves: 5 Regional Forest Agreements: 1 Invasive Species: 42 Nationally Important Wetlands: 1 Key Ecological Features (Marine) None Details

Matters of National Environmental Significance Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar) [ Resource Information ] Name Proximity Myall lakes Within Ramsar site

Listed Threatened Ecological Communities [ Resource Information ] For threatened ecological communities where the distribution is well known, maps are derived from recovery plans, State vegetation maps, remote sensing imagery and other sources. Where threatened ecological community distributions are less well known, existing vegetation maps and point location data are used to produce indicative distribution maps. Name Status Type of Presence Coastal Swamp Oak (Casuarina glauca) Forest of New Endangered Community likely to occur South Wales and South East Queensland ecological within area community Littoral Rainforest and Coastal Vine Thickets of Critically Endangered Community likely to occur Eastern Australia within area Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia Critically Endangered Community likely to occur within area Posidonia australis seagrass meadows of the Endangered Community likely to occur Manning-Hawkesbury ecoregion within area Subtropical and Temperate Coastal Saltmarsh Vulnerable Community likely to occur within area Listed Threatened Species [ Resource Information ] Name Status Type of Presence Birds Anthochaera phrygia Regent Honeyeater [82338] Critically Endangered Foraging, feeding or related behaviour likely to occur within area Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern [1001] Endangered Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Calidris canutus Red Knot, Knot [855] Endangered Species or species habitat known to occur within area

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

Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot [862] Critically Endangered Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover, Mongolian Plover [879] Endangered Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Dasyornis brachypterus Eastern Bristlebird [533] Endangered Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Diomedea antipodensis Antipodean Albatross [64458] Vulnerable Foraging, feeding or related behaviour likely to occur within area Name Status Type of Presence Diomedea antipodensis gibsoni Gibson's Albatross [82270] Vulnerable Foraging, feeding or related behaviour likely to occur within area Diomedea epomophora Southern Royal Albatross [89221] Vulnerable Foraging, feeding or related behaviour likely to occur within area Diomedea exulans Wandering Albatross [89223] Vulnerable Foraging, feeding or related behaviour likely to occur within area Diomedea sanfordi Northern Royal Albatross [64456] Endangered Foraging, feeding or related behaviour likely to occur within area Erythrotriorchis radiatus Red Goshawk [942] Vulnerable Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Fregetta grallaria grallaria White-bellied Storm-Petrel (Tasman Sea), White- Vulnerable Species or species habitat bellied Storm-Petrel (Australasian) [64438] likely to occur within area

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

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

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

Limosa lapponica baueri Bar-tailed Godwit (baueri), Western Alaskan Bar-tailed Vulnerable Species or species habitat Godwit [86380] known to occur within area

Limosa lapponica menzbieri Northern Siberian Bar-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit Critically Endangered Species or species habitat (menzbieri) [86432] may occur within area

Macronectes giganteus Southern Giant-Petrel, Southern Giant Petrel [1060] Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area

Macronectes halli Northern Giant Petrel [1061] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area

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

Pachyptila turtur subantarctica Fairy Prion (southern) [64445] Vulnerable Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Phoebetria fusca Sooty Albatross [1075] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area

Pterodroma leucoptera leucoptera Gould's Petrel, Australian Gould's Petrel [26033] Endangered Breeding known to occur within area Pterodroma neglecta neglecta Kermadec Petrel (western) [64450] Vulnerable Foraging, feeding or related behaviour may occur within area Rostratula australis Australian Painted Snipe [77037] Endangered Species or species Name Status Type of Presence habitat likely to occur within area Sternula nereis nereis Australian Fairy Tern [82950] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area

Thalassarche bulleri Buller's Albatross, Pacific Albatross [64460] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area

Thalassarche bulleri platei Northern Buller's Albatross, Pacific Albatross [82273] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area

Thalassarche cauta cauta Shy Albatross [82345] Vulnerable Foraging, feeding or related behaviour likely to occur within area Thalassarche cauta steadi White-capped Albatross [82344] Vulnerable Foraging, feeding or related behaviour likely to occur within area Thalassarche eremita Chatham Albatross [64457] Endangered Foraging, feeding or related behaviour likely to occur within area Thalassarche impavida Campbell Albatross, Campbell Black-browed Albatross Vulnerable Species or species habitat [64459] may occur within area

Thalassarche melanophris Black-browed Albatross [66472] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area

Thalassarche salvini Salvin's Albatross [64463] Vulnerable Foraging, feeding or related behaviour likely to occur within area Thinornis rubricollis rubricollis Hooded Plover (eastern) [66726] Vulnerable Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Fish Epinephelus daemelii Black Rockcod, Black Cod, Saddled Rockcod [68449] Vulnerable Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

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

Mixophyes balbus Stuttering Frog, Southern Barred Frog (in Victoria) Vulnerable Species or species habitat [1942] likely to occur within area

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

Mammals Balaenoptera musculus Blue Whale [36] Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area

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

Dasyurus maculatus maculatus (SE mainland population) Spot-tailed Quoll, Spotted-tail Quoll, Tiger Quoll Endangered Species or species habitat (southeastern mainland population) [75184] known to occur Name Status Type of Presence within area Eubalaena australis Southern Right Whale [40] Endangered Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Megaptera novaeangliae Humpback Whale [38] Vulnerable Species or species habitat known to occur within area

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

Phascolarctos cinereus (combined populations of Qld, NSW and the ACT) Koala (combined populations of Queensland, New Vulnerable Species or species habitat South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory) known to occur within area [85104] Potorous tridactylus tridactylus Long-nosed Potoroo (SE Mainland) [66645] Vulnerable Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Pseudomys novaehollandiae New Holland Mouse, Pookila [96] Vulnerable Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Pteropus poliocephalus Grey-headed Flying-fox [186] Vulnerable Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Plants Angophora inopina Charmhaven Apple [64832] Vulnerable Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Asperula asthenes Trailing Woodruff [14004] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area

Cryptostylis hunteriana Leafless Tongue-orchid [19533] Vulnerable Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Cynanchum elegans White-flowered Wax Plant [12533] Endangered Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Diuris praecox Newcastle Doubletail [55086] Vulnerable Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Eucalyptus parramattensis subsp. decadens Earp's Gum, Earp's Dirty Gum [56148] Vulnerable Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Melaleuca biconvexa Biconvex Paperbark [5583] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area

Persicaria elatior Knotweed, Tall Knotweed [5831] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area

Phaius australis Lesser Swamp-orchid [5872] Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area

Prostanthera densa Villous Mintbush [12233] Vulnerable Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Syzygium paniculatum Magenta Lilly Pilly, Magenta Cherry, Daguba, Scrub Vulnerable Species or species habitat Cherry, Creek Lilly Pilly, Brush Cherry known to occur Name Status Type of Presence [20307] within area Tetratheca juncea Black-eyed Susan [21407] Vulnerable Species or species habitat known to occur within area

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

Reptiles Caretta caretta Loggerhead Turtle [1763] Endangered Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Chelonia mydas Green Turtle [1765] Vulnerable Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Dermochelys coriacea Leatherback Turtle, Leathery Turtle, Luth [1768] Endangered Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Eretmochelys imbricata Hawksbill Turtle [1766] Vulnerable Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Natator depressus Flatback Turtle [59257] Vulnerable Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Sharks Carcharias taurus (east coast population) Grey Nurse Shark (east coast population) [68751] Critically Endangered Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Carcharodon carcharias White Shark, Great White Shark [64470] Vulnerable Breeding known to occur within area Rhincodon typus Whale Shark [66680] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area

Listed Migratory Species [ Resource Information ] * Species is listed under a different scientific name on the EPBC Act - Threatened Species list. Name Threatened Type of Presence Migratory Marine Birds Anous stolidus Common Noddy [825] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

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

Ardenna carneipes Flesh-footed Shearwater, Fleshy-footed Shearwater Foraging, feeding or related [82404] behaviour likely to occur within area Ardenna grisea Sooty Shearwater [82651] Breeding known to occur within area Ardenna pacifica Wedge-tailed Shearwater [84292] Breeding known to occur within area Ardenna tenuirostris Short-tailed Shearwater [82652] Breeding known to occur within area Calonectris leucomelas Streaked Shearwater [1077] Species or species habitat known to occur within area Name Threatened Type of Presence Diomedea antipodensis Antipodean Albatross [64458] Vulnerable Foraging, feeding or related behaviour likely to occur within area Diomedea epomophora Southern Royal Albatross [89221] Vulnerable Foraging, feeding or related behaviour likely to occur within area Diomedea exulans Wandering Albatross [89223] Vulnerable Foraging, feeding or related behaviour likely to occur within area Diomedea sanfordi Northern Royal Albatross [64456] Endangered Foraging, feeding or related behaviour likely to occur within area Fregata ariel Lesser Frigatebird, Least Frigatebird [1012] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Fregata minor Great Frigatebird, Greater Frigatebird [1013] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Macronectes giganteus Southern Giant-Petrel, Southern Giant Petrel [1060] Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area

Macronectes halli Northern Giant Petrel [1061] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area

Phoebetria fusca Sooty Albatross [1075] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area

Sternula albifrons Little Tern [82849] Breeding likely to occur within area Thalassarche bulleri Buller's Albatross, Pacific Albatross [64460] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area

Thalassarche cauta Shy Albatross [89224] Vulnerable* Foraging, feeding or related behaviour likely to occur within area Thalassarche eremita Chatham Albatross [64457] Endangered Foraging, feeding or related behaviour likely to occur within area Thalassarche impavida Campbell Albatross, Campbell Black-browed Albatross Vulnerable Species or species habitat [64459] may occur within area

Thalassarche melanophris Black-browed Albatross [66472] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area

Thalassarche salvini Salvin's Albatross [64463] Vulnerable Foraging, feeding or related behaviour likely to occur within area Thalassarche steadi White-capped Albatross [64462] Vulnerable* Foraging, feeding or related behaviour likely to occur within area Migratory Marine Species Balaena glacialis australis Southern Right Whale [75529] Endangered* Species or species habitat likely to occur within area Name Threatened Type of Presence Balaenoptera edeni Bryde's Whale [35] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Balaenoptera musculus Blue Whale [36] Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area

Caperea marginata Pygmy Right Whale [39] Foraging, feeding or related behaviour may occur within area Carcharodon carcharias White Shark, Great White Shark [64470] Vulnerable Breeding known to occur within area Caretta caretta Loggerhead Turtle [1763] Endangered Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Chelonia mydas Green Turtle [1765] Vulnerable Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Dermochelys coriacea Leatherback Turtle, Leathery Turtle, Luth [1768] Endangered Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Dugong dugon Dugong [28] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Eretmochelys imbricata Hawksbill Turtle [1766] Vulnerable Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Lamna nasus Porbeagle, Mackerel Shark [83288] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Manta alfredi Reef Manta Ray, Coastal Manta Ray, Inshore Manta Species or species habitat Ray, Prince Alfred's Ray, Resident Manta Ray [84994] may occur within area

Manta birostris Giant Manta Ray, Chevron Manta Ray, Pacific Manta Species or species habitat Ray, Pelagic Manta Ray, Oceanic Manta Ray [84995] may occur within area

Megaptera novaeangliae Humpback Whale [38] Vulnerable Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Natator depressus Flatback Turtle [59257] Vulnerable Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Orcinus orca Killer Whale, Orca [46] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Rhincodon typus Whale Shark [66680] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area

Sousa chinensis Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin [50] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Migratory Terrestrial Species Cuculus optatus Oriental Cuckoo, Horsfield's Cuckoo [86651] Species or species habitat may occur within area Name Threatened Type of Presence Hirundapus caudacutus White-throated Needletail [682] Vulnerable Species or species habitat known to occur within area

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

Monarcha trivirgatus Spectacled Monarch [610] Species or species habitat known to occur within area

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

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

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

Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone [872] Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper [874] Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Calidris canutus Red Knot, Knot [855] Endangered Species or species habitat known to occur within area

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

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

Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint [860] Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot [862] Critically Endangered Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Charadrius bicinctus Double-banded Plover [895] Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover, Mongolian Plover [879] Endangered Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Gallinago hardwickii Latham's Snipe, Japanese Snipe [863] Foraging, feeding or related behaviour may occur within area Gallinago megala Swinhoe's Snipe [864] Foraging, feeding or related behaviour likely to occur within area Gallinago stenura Pin-tailed Snipe [841] Foraging, feeding or related behaviour likely to occur within area Name Threatened Type of Presence Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit [844] Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit [845] Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew, Far Eastern Curlew [847] Critically Endangered Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Numenius minutus Little Curlew, Little Whimbrel [848] Foraging, feeding or related behaviour likely to occur within area Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel [849] Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Pandion haliaetus Osprey [952] Breeding known to occur within area Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover [25545] Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover [865] Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Thalasseus bergii Crested Tern [83000] Breeding known to occur within area Tringa brevipes Grey-tailed Tattler [851] Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank, Greenshank [832] Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Tringa stagnatilis Marsh Sandpiper, Little Greenshank [833] Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Xenus cinereus Terek Sandpiper [59300] Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area

Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act Commonwealth Land [ Resource Information ] The Commonwealth area listed below may indicate the presence of Commonwealth land in this vicinity. Due to the unreliability of the data source, all proposals should be checked as to whether it impacts on a Commonwealth area, before making a definitive decision. Contact the State or Territory government land department for further information. Name Commonwealth Land - Australian Telecommunications Commission Commonwealth Land - Telstra Corporation Limited

Listed Marine Species [ Resource Information ] * Species is listed under a different scientific name on the EPBC Act - Threatened Species list. Name Threatened Type of Presence Birds Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper [59309] Species or species habitat known to occur Name Threatened Type of Presence within area Anous stolidus Common Noddy [825] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

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

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

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

Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone [872] Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper [874] Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Calidris canutus Red Knot, Knot [855] Endangered Species or species habitat known to occur within area

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

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

Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint [860] Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot [862] Critically Endangered Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Calonectris leucomelas Streaked Shearwater [1077] Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Catharacta skua Great Skua [59472] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Charadrius bicinctus Double-banded Plover [895] Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover, Mongolian Plover [879] Endangered Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Charadrius ruficapillus Red-capped Plover [881] Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Diomedea antipodensis Antipodean Albatross [64458] Vulnerable Foraging, feeding or related behaviour likely to occur within area Diomedea epomophora Southern Royal Albatross [89221] Vulnerable Foraging, feeding or related behaviour likely to occur within area Name Threatened Type of Presence Diomedea exulans Wandering Albatross [89223] Vulnerable Foraging, feeding or related behaviour likely to occur within area Diomedea gibsoni Gibson's Albatross [64466] Vulnerable* Foraging, feeding or related behaviour likely to occur within area Diomedea sanfordi Northern Royal Albatross [64456] Endangered Foraging, feeding or related behaviour likely to occur within area Eudyptula minor Little Penguin [1085] Breeding known to occur within area Fregata ariel Lesser Frigatebird, Least Frigatebird [1012] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Fregata minor Great Frigatebird, Greater Frigatebird [1013] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Gallinago hardwickii Latham's Snipe, Japanese Snipe [863] Foraging, feeding or related behaviour may occur within area Gallinago megala Swinhoe's Snipe [864] Foraging, feeding or related behaviour likely to occur within area Gallinago stenura Pin-tailed Snipe [841] Foraging, feeding or related behaviour likely to occur within area Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-Eagle [943] Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Heteroscelus brevipes Grey-tailed Tattler [59311] Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Himantopus himantopus Pied Stilt, Black-winged Stilt [870] Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Hirundapus caudacutus White-throated Needletail [682] Vulnerable Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Larus novaehollandiae Silver Gull [810] Breeding known to occur within area Lathamus discolor Swift Parrot [744] Critically Endangered Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit [844] Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit [845] Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Macronectes giganteus Southern Giant-Petrel, Southern Giant Petrel [1060] Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area

Macronectes halli Northern Giant Petrel [1061] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within Name Threatened Type of Presence area Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater [670] Species or species habitat may occur within area

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

Monarcha trivirgatus Spectacled Monarch [610] Species or species habitat known to occur within area

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

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

Numenius minutus Little Curlew, Little Whimbrel [848] Foraging, feeding or related behaviour likely to occur within area Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel [849] Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Pachyptila turtur Fairy Prion [1066] Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Pandion haliaetus Osprey [952] Breeding known to occur within area Pelagodroma marina White-faced Storm-Petrel [1016] Breeding known to occur within area Phoebetria fusca Sooty Albatross [1075] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area

Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover [25545] Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover [865] Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Puffinus carneipes Flesh-footed Shearwater, Fleshy-footed Shearwater Foraging, feeding or related [1043] behaviour likely to occur within area Puffinus griseus Sooty Shearwater [1024] Breeding known to occur within area Puffinus pacificus Wedge-tailed Shearwater [1027] Breeding known to occur within area Puffinus tenuirostris Short-tailed Shearwater [1029] Breeding known to occur within area Recurvirostra novaehollandiae Red-necked Avocet [871] Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Rhipidura rufifrons Rufous Fantail [592] Species or species habitat known to occur within area Name Threatened Type of Presence Rostratula benghalensis (sensu lato) Painted Snipe [889] Endangered* Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Sterna albifrons Little Tern [813] Breeding likely to occur within area Sterna bergii Crested Tern [816] Breeding known to occur within area Thalassarche bulleri Buller's Albatross, Pacific Albatross [64460] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area

Thalassarche cauta Shy Albatross [89224] Vulnerable* Foraging, feeding or related behaviour likely to occur within area Thalassarche eremita Chatham Albatross [64457] Endangered Foraging, feeding or related behaviour likely to occur within area Thalassarche impavida Campbell Albatross, Campbell Black-browed Albatross Vulnerable Species or species habitat [64459] may occur within area

Thalassarche melanophris Black-browed Albatross [66472] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area

Thalassarche salvini Salvin's Albatross [64463] Vulnerable Foraging, feeding or related behaviour likely to occur within area Thalassarche sp. nov. Pacific Albatross [66511] Vulnerable* Species or species habitat may occur within area

Thalassarche steadi White-capped Albatross [64462] Vulnerable* Foraging, feeding or related behaviour likely to occur within area Thinornis rubricollis Hooded Plover [59510] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Thinornis rubricollis rubricollis Hooded Plover (eastern) [66726] Vulnerable Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank, Greenshank [832] Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Tringa stagnatilis Marsh Sandpiper, Little Greenshank [833] Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Xenus cinereus Terek Sandpiper [59300] Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Fish Acentronura tentaculata Shortpouch Pygmy Pipehorse [66187] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Festucalex cinctus Girdled Pipefish [66214] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Filicampus tigris Tiger Pipefish [66217] Species or species Name Threatened Type of Presence habitat may occur within area Heraldia nocturna Upside-down Pipefish, Eastern Upside-down Pipefish, Species or species habitat Eastern Upside-down Pipefish [66227] may occur within area

Hippichthys penicillus Beady Pipefish, Steep-nosed Pipefish [66231] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Hippocampus abdominalis Big-belly Seahorse, Eastern Potbelly Seahorse, New Species or species habitat Zealand Potbelly Seahorse [66233] may occur within area

Hippocampus whitei White's Seahorse, Crowned Seahorse, Sydney Species or species habitat Seahorse [66240] known to occur within area

Histiogamphelus briggsii Crested Pipefish, Briggs' Crested Pipefish, Briggs' Species or species habitat Pipefish [66242] may occur within area

Lissocampus runa Javelin Pipefish [66251] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Maroubra perserrata Sawtooth Pipefish [66252] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Notiocampus ruber Red Pipefish [66265] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Phyllopteryx taeniolatus Common Seadragon, Weedy Seadragon [66268] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Solegnathus spinosissimus Spiny Pipehorse, Australian Spiny Pipehorse [66275] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Solenostomus cyanopterus Robust Ghostpipefish, Blue-finned Ghost Pipefish, Species or species habitat [66183] may occur within area

Solenostomus paradoxus Ornate Ghostpipefish, Harlequin Ghost Pipefish, Species or species habitat Ornate Ghost Pipefish [66184] may occur within area

Stigmatopora argus Spotted Pipefish, Gulf Pipefish, Peacock Pipefish Species or species habitat [66276] may occur within area

Stigmatopora nigra Widebody Pipefish, Wide-bodied Pipefish, Black Species or species habitat Pipefish [66277] may occur within area

Syngnathoides biaculeatus Double-end Pipehorse, Double-ended Pipehorse, Species or species habitat Alligator Pipefish [66279] may occur within area

Trachyrhamphus bicoarctatus Bentstick Pipefish, Bend Stick Pipefish, Short-tailed Species or species habitat Pipefish [66280] may occur within area

Urocampus carinirostris Hairy Pipefish [66282] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Vanacampus margaritifer Mother-of-pearl Pipefish [66283] Species or species habitat may occur within Name Threatened Type of Presence area Mammals Arctocephalus forsteri Long-nosed Fur-seal, New Zealand Fur-seal [20] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Arctocephalus pusillus Australian Fur-seal, Australo-African Fur-seal [21] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Dugong dugon Dugong [28] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Reptiles Caretta caretta Loggerhead Turtle [1763] Endangered Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Chelonia mydas Green Turtle [1765] Vulnerable Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Dermochelys coriacea Leatherback Turtle, Leathery Turtle, Luth [1768] Endangered Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Eretmochelys imbricata Hawksbill Turtle [1766] Vulnerable Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Natator depressus Flatback Turtle [59257] Vulnerable Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Pelamis platurus Yellow-bellied Seasnake [1091] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Whales and other Cetaceans [ Resource Information ] Name Status Type of Presence Mammals Balaenoptera acutorostrata Minke Whale [33] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Balaenoptera edeni Bryde's Whale [35] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Balaenoptera musculus Blue Whale [36] Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area

Caperea marginata Pygmy Right Whale [39] Foraging, feeding or related behaviour may occur within area Delphinus delphis Common Dophin, Short-beaked Common Dolphin [60] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Eubalaena australis Southern Right Whale [40] Endangered Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Grampus griseus Risso's Dolphin, Grampus [64] Species or species habitat may occur within area Name Status Type of Presence Megaptera novaeangliae Humpback Whale [38] Vulnerable Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Orcinus orca Killer Whale, Orca [46] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Sousa chinensis Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin [50] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Stenella attenuata Spotted Dolphin, Pantropical Spotted Dolphin [51] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Tursiops aduncus Indian Ocean Bottlenose Dolphin, Spotted Bottlenose Species or species habitat Dolphin [68418] likely to occur within area

Tursiops truncatus s. str. Bottlenose Dolphin [68417] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Extra Information State and Territory Reserves [ Resource Information ] Name State Boondelbah NSW Corrie Island NSW John Gould NSW Myall Lakes NSW Tomaree NSW

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lonchura punctulata Nutmeg Mannikin [399] Species or species Name Status Type of Presence habitat likely to occur within area Passer domesticus House Sparrow [405] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Passer montanus Eurasian Tree Sparrow [406] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Pycnonotus jocosus Red-whiskered Bulbul [631] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

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

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

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

Frogs Rhinella marina Cane Toad [83218] Species or species habitat known to occur within area

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

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

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

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

Lepus capensis Brown Hare [127] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Mus musculus House Mouse [120] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

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

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

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

Sus scrofa Pig [6] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area Name Status Type of Presence Vulpes vulpes Red Fox, Fox [18] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

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

Anredera cordifolia Madeira Vine, Jalap, Lamb's-tail, Mignonette Vine, Species or species habitat Anredera, Gulf Madeiravine, Heartleaf Madeiravine, likely to occur within area Potato Vine [2643] Asparagus aethiopicus Asparagus Fern, Ground Asparagus, Basket Fern, Species or species habitat Sprengi's Fern, Bushy Asparagus, Emerald Asparagus likely to occur within area [62425] Asparagus asparagoides Bridal Creeper, Bridal Veil Creeper, Smilax, Florist's Species or species habitat Smilax, Smilax Asparagus [22473] likely to occur within area

Asparagus plumosus Climbing Asparagus-fern [48993] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Cabomba caroliniana Cabomba, Fanwort, Carolina Watershield, Fish Grass, Species or species habitat Washington Grass, Watershield, Carolina Fanwort, likely to occur within area Common Cabomba [5171] Chrysanthemoides monilifera Bitou Bush, Boneseed [18983] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata Bitou Bush [16332] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Eichhornia crassipes Water Hyacinth, Water Orchid, Nile Lily [13466] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

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

Lantana camara Lantana, Common Lantana, Kamara Lantana, Large- Species or species habitat leaf Lantana, Pink Flowered Lantana, Red Flowered likely to occur within area Lantana, Red-Flowered Sage, White Sage, Wild Sage [10892] Opuntia spp. Prickly Pears [82753] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

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

Rubus fruticosus aggregate Blackberry, European Blackberry [68406] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Sagittaria platyphylla Delta Arrowhead, Arrowhead, Slender Arrowhead Species or species habitat [68483] likely to occur within area

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

Salvinia molesta Salvinia, Giant Salvinia, Aquarium Watermoss, Kariba Species or species habitat Weed [13665] likely to occur Name Status Type of Presence within area Senecio madagascariensis Fireweed, Madagascar Ragwort, Madagascar Species or species habitat Groundsel [2624] likely to occur within area

Nationally Important Wetlands [ Resource Information ] Name State Port Stephens Estuary NSW Caveat The information presented in this report has been provided by a range of data sources as acknowledged at the end of the report.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coordinates

-32.65247 152.1806 Acknowledgements This database has been compiled from a range of data sources. The department acknowledges the following custodians who have contributed valuable data and advice: -Office of Environment and Heritage, New South Wales -Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Victoria -Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Tasmania -Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, South Australia -Department of Land and Resource Management, Northern Territory -Department of Environmental and Heritage Protection, Queensland -Department of Parks and Wildlife, Western Australia -Environment and Planning Directorate, ACT -Birdlife Australia -Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme -Australian National Wildlife Collection -Natural history museums of Australia -Museum Victoria -Australian Museum -South Australian Museum -Queensland Museum -Online Zoological Collections of Australian Museums -Queensland Herbarium -National Herbarium of NSW -Royal Botanic Gardens and National Herbarium of Victoria -Tasmanian Herbarium -State Herbarium of South Australia -Northern Territory Herbarium -Western Australian Herbarium -Australian National Herbarium, Canberra -University of New England -Ocean Biogeographic Information System -Australian Government, Department of Defence Forestry Corporation, NSW -Geoscience Australia -CSIRO -Australian Tropical Herbarium, Cairns -eBird Australia -Australian Government – Australian Antarctic Data Centre -Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory -Australian Government National Environmental Science Program -Australian Institute of Marine Science -Reef Life Survey Australia -American Museum of Natural History -Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Inveresk, Tasmania -Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, Hobart, Tasmania -Other groups and individuals

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

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© Commonwealth of Australia Department of the Environment GPO Box 787 Canberra ACT 2601 Australia +61 2 6274 1111