Draft Preliminary Description of Plant Communities on Ferricrete-Ironstone in South-West

DRAFT Description, Threats Analysis and Priority Conservation Actions for PLANT COMMUNITIES ON FERRICRETE/IRONSTONE IN SOUTH-WEST WESTERN AUSTRALIA

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee is assessing a nomination to list as a national ecological community a series of plant communities that occur on a restricted iron-rich substrate in southern Western Australia. The potential national ecological community has five regional component types, with significant variation in the species composition of each, and distances separating each type of between approximately 90 and 610km. The following document considers the combined entity encompassing the five regional types. Hereafter the term “ecological community” should be understood to stand for the potential national ecological community including those five regional type whose conformity as an entity with the definition of an ecological community under the EPBC Act 1999 and its conservation status is the subject of this document.

Contents

1. PART A DESCRIPTION AND THREATS ANALYSIS 1. Description Name of the ecological community The name of the ecological community under assessment is Plant Communities on Ferricrete/Ironstone in South-West Western Australia. The name was suggested by the Western Australian Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) as best describing the ecological community. Throughout this document it is referred to as the ecological community or the plant communities. This ecological community was nominated for listing as threatened under the EPBC Act as part of a process to streamline the listing of state endemic ecological communities under federal and state processes. Location and climate The ecological community occurs as extremely restricted, disjunct patches within the Southwest Botanical Province of Western Australia (Meissner and English 2005a,b). Within this Province, there are restricted areas of ironstone and ferricrete soils which are associated with unique plant communities. These are currently known to occur in a number of areas in the south-west of Western Australia (WA) near Eneabba, at Gingin, at Busselton, the Scott River and near Albany. The known plant communities associated with each of these locations are referred to throughout this document as regional types, with patches within each type referred to as occurrences. The ecological community is found in the Swan Coastal Plain, Geraldton Sandplains, Jarrah Forrest and Warren IBRA bioregions (Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation of Australia version 6.1). The south-west of WA has a mild Mediterranean climate of warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters (Beard et al., 2000; Wheeler, 2002). Much of the area receives in excess of 1000mm per year (average of 800-1500mm), the majority of which falls between May and October (Wheeler, 2002). Geology and landforms The ecological community occurs as scattered patches on the coastal plain or on the footslopes of scarps and plateaux in south-west WA. On the coastal plain of WA, deep layers of iron-rich substrate are common, producing sumplands and damplands (Gibson et al., 2000). The soils associated with this geology are composed of deep layers of Quaternary sand deposits (Poot et al., 2008). However, the shallow soils associated with the ferricrete/ironstone substrate are extremely restricted in south-west WA and the plant communities associated with them are therefore also highly restricted (Gibson et al., 2000). The soils of the plant communities are generally very shallow, ranging from 0-20cm (Poot et al., 2008), with soil depth ranging throughout a patch of the ecological community. The soils are derived mainly from weathering of the underlying ironstone rock (Poot et al., 2008). The ferricrete/ironstone substrate can occur as a mosaic with other substrates, resulting in pockets or patches of deeper soil. Outcropping of ferricrete and ironstone rocks in the ecological community is common. Around Gingin, Busselton, Scott River and Albany, the ecological community occurs on very shallow, reddish, loamy sands over massive ironstone rock (Poot et al., 2008). Ironstone soils contain more than 60% of ironstone gravel throughout the profile and have a distinct red-brown colour (CSIRO, 1983; Poot et al., 2008). Ironstone is thought to have formed in bogs, with iron being deposited by water percolating through the soil, followed by evaporation, to create a very hard stony habitat (Gibson et al., 2000). Around Eneabba, the ecological community occurs on very shallow red and brown loamy sands over ferricrete (Hamilton-Brown et al., 2004). Ferricrete is formed in the soil profile at the water table when iron oxides accumulate and cement together to form a gravely or nodule-rich band (Hamilton-Brown et al., 2004). The formation of the ferricrete/ironstone substrate is an ongoing process. Hydrology South-west WA receives an average of 800-1500mm of rain per year, most of which falls between May and October (Wheeler, 2002). The ironstone and ferricrete substrate on which the plant communities occur produces a specific hydrological regime. The shallow soil layer above the substrate impedes drainage, leading to inundation of the ecological community during heavy or prolonged rainfall (Meissner and English, 2005b). During the winter months, the plant communities experience numerous waterlogging and drainage events (Poot et al., 2008). The watertable is close to or above the surface for several months between May-October, drying out at the surface in summer (Smith and Ladd, 1994; Luu and English, 2004; Meissner and English, 2005a,b). The depth and length of inundation varies between occurrences, with some having very little or no standing water and others having obvious pools of water (Luu and English, 2004). The plant communities are dependent on groundwater for formation and maintenance of the ferricrete or ironstone substrate (Hamilton-Brown et al., 2004). Groundwater generally comes close to or is above the surface during the winter months. Surface water which originates from rainfall during wetter months can also make its way down into the groundwater (Meissner and English, 2005b). As there are connections between the surface and groundwater through the ironstone or ferricrete, then both these sources affect the quantity and quality of water in the plant communities (Meissner and English, 2005b). The occurrence of the plant community at Gingin is located on and connected to the Gnangara Mound, a shallow groundwater aquifer (Meissner and English, 2005b). Local hydrogeology is therefore likely to be very important in maintaining the community (Meissner and English, 2005b). The ferricrete plant communities around Eneabba are associated with organic mound springs which experience continuous discharge of groundwater in raised areas of peat (Rees and Broun, 2005). The groundwater which feeds these springs is related to the aquifer which forms and maintains the ferricrete (Hamilton-Brown et al., 2004). Water from these mound springs also flows into adjacent ferricrete plant communities adding to inundation in the wetter months. The southern ironstones near Busselton have also been identified as groundwater dependent ecosystems (Meissner and English, 2005a) and a suite of aquifers within sand or sandstone occur beneath the Scott River plant communities (Luu and English, 2004). Vegetation The ecological community is variable in terms of species composition and structure. This variation is found among regional types as well as among occurrences. Composition and structure also varies in response to disturbances such as fire and clearing. The plant communities are generally heathlands or shrublands with a proliferation of flowering annuals in the spring following winter inundation. Plants from the families Proteacae and Epacridacae make up the majority of woody vegetation. Low trees and/or shrubs can form a sparse to dense canopy, with grasses, herbs and smaller shrubs in the understorey. Annual herbs flower in the spring when the soil has dried out, and set seed in summer, generally dying out by autumn. The floral composition of a particular occurrence is thought to be a response to soil depth and degree of waterlogging (Smith and Ladd, 1994). The Plant Communities on Ferricrete/Ironstone in South-West Western Australia ecological community is currently known to include the following WA ecological communities: Shrublands and woodlands on Perth to Gingin ironstone (Perth to Gingin ironstone association) of the Swan Coastal Plain This regional type consists of three occurrences within the Shire of Gingin, on heavy clay soils on the eastern side of the Swan Coastal Plain. It experiences shallow seasonal inundation with fresh surface water, and groundwater may come very close to or may reach the surface in wetter months (Meissner and English, 2005b). It is the only plant community on ironstone soils that is characterised by Rhodanthe spp. (massed everlastings) in the understorey (Meissner and English, 2005b). This everlasting- dominated herb layer does not occur on deeper soils adjoining the ironstone areas. The vegetation is made up of a sparse shrubland over an herbaceous layer of annuals. Typical and common native species in the community are the shrubs: Kunzea aff. recurva, Grevillea curviloba subsp. incurva (narrow curved-leaf grevillea), Melaleuca viminea (mohan), Acacia saligna (golden wreath wattle), Jacksonia furcellata (grey stinkwood), Grevillea obtusifolia (Gingin gem) and Banksia sessilis (parrot bush); and the herbs: Rhodanthe manglesii (pink sunray), Tribonanthes australis and Isotropis cuneifolia subsp. glabra (granny bonnets). Shrublands on southern Swan Coastal Plain ironstones The plant communities of this regional type are species-rich and are found on the southern Swan Coastal Plain bioregion near Busselton. Much of the high species diversity comes from annuals and geophytes (Phillimore et al., 2001). Many of the plant species in these communities are endemic to the region, and in some cases, to specific patches. Many of the plant species are susceptible to dieback disease and/or are obligate seeders. The vegetation is sparse to dense shrubland over an herbaceous layer. Typical and common native species in the community are the shrubs: Kunzea aff. micrantha, Pericalymma ellipticum (swamp teatree), Hakea spp., Hemiandra pungens (snakebush) and Viminaria juncea (swish bush) and the herbs: Aphelia cyperoides, Centrolepis aristata (pointed centrolepis). The introduced species Hypochaeris glabra (smooth catsear) is also common in the community (Meissner and English, 2005a). Ferricrete floristic community (Rocky Springs type) The plant communities of this regional type are found on infrequently inundated red and brown sandy loams over ferricrete soils in the Eneabba region. Surrounding vegetation is generally sclerophyllous shrubland, or ‘kwongan’. The vegetation of this regional type is a tall, generally dense shrubland. The occurrences are dominated by Acacia blakelyi (Blakely’s wattle), Allocasuarina campestris (tamma), Banksia strictifolia and Labichea lanceolata subsp lanceolata (Hamilton-Brown et al., 2004). Associated species include Alyogyne hakeifolia (Australian hibiscus), Borya sphaerocephala (pincushions), Isotoma hypocrateriformis (Woodbridge poison),

3 Petrophile seminuda, Stylidium dichotomum (pins and needles), Thysanotus patersonii (twining fringe-lily) and Waitzia paniculata (woolly waitzia) (Hamilton-Brown et al., 2004). Scott River ironstone association The plant communities of this regional type are found on the Scott Coastal Plain near Augusta. The occurrences are highly variable in plant species composition, probably as a result of variation in soil type and depth (Luu and English, 2004). The vegetation of this regional type is heathlands and shrublands, with dominant species depending on the degree of waterlogging (Luu and English, 2004). The occurrences are variously dominated by Melaleuca preissiana (moonah), Hakea tuberculata, Kunzea micrantha or Melaleuca incana subsp. Gingilup (grey honey-myrtle).The understorey is generally dominated by Loxocarya magna. All occurrences (except the long inundated wetlands and dense thickets) have a diverse annual flora of Stylidium spp. (trigger-plants), Centrolepis spp., Schoenus spp. (bog-rush) and Brizula spp. (Luu and English, 2004).

Wet ironstone heath community (Albany district) This plant community is found north of Albany in the Porongurups (DEC, 2012b). It is located in a valley floor of the Twins Creek Conservation Reserve, adjacent to a stream (CALM, 2006). The vegetation of this regional type is heath dominated by Kunzea recurva, K. preissiana, K. micrantha, Hakea lasiocarpha (long styled hakea), H. tuberculata, H. oldfieldii, H. cucullata (scallop hakea), H. sulcata (furrowed hakea), Petrophile squamata, Dryandra tenuifolia sp. tenuifolia, Adenanthos apiculatus, Melaleuca suberosa (cork bark honey myrtle), M. violacea (violet paperbark) and Gastrolobium spinosum (prickly poison). The understorey is made up of various moisture-loving species including sedges, Drosera spp. (sundew), mosses and several orchid species (CALM, 2006).

Key diagnostic characteristics and condition thresholds The ecological community no longer exists at many sites where it was formerly present. In many cases, the loss is irreversible because sites have been permanently cleared or have undergone some other substantial modification that has removed their natural hydrological and biological characteristics. In other cases, the ecological community now exists in a disturbed or degraded state, and may be so degraded that it is impractical to restore it. National listing focuses legal protection on the remaining occurrences of the ecological community that are functional, relatively natural and in relatively good condition. Condition thresholds help identify a patch of the threatened ecological community and when the EPBC Act is likely to apply to an ecological community. They provide guidance for when a patch of a threatened ecological community retains sufficient conservation values to be considered as a Matter of National Environmental Significance, as defined under the EPBC Act. This means that the protection provisions of the EPBC Act would be focussed on the most valuable elements of Australia’s natural environment, while heavily degraded patches, which do not meet the condition thresholds, would be largely excluded from EPBC Act protection. The condition thresholds for the ecological community are based on those developed and used to assess condition by the WA Department of Environment and Conservation. Although highly degraded patches would not be a part of the ecological community listed under the EPBC Act, it is recognised that patches that do not meet the condition thresholds may still retain important natural values. As such, these patches should not be excluded from recovery and other management actions (see also the Surrounding environmental and landscape context below).

Step 1 Key diagnostic characteristics The key defining attributes for the ecological community are:  It occurs in the south-west botanical province of Western Australia (as per Beard et al., 2000);  Soils are shallow, loamy sands above a substrate of ironstone or ferricrete at or near the surface;  Rainfall is winter-dominated, mainly falling between May and October;  Sites are seasonally inundated in winter and may be waterlogged at this time;  Vegetation is generally shrubland or heathland with an open to closed structure;  A shrub or heath layer is present at all times, typically dominated by a combination of species from the genera: Acacia, Adenanthos, Allocasuarina, Banksia, Dryandra, Gastrolobium, Grevillia, Hakea, Hemiandra, Kunzea, Jacksonia, Labichea, Loxocarya, Melaleuca, Pericalymma, Petrophile and/or Viminaria; and  An annual herbaceous layer is present in the dry season (Oct-April).

Step 2 Condition thresholds The listed ecological community is limited to patches that meet the description, key diagnostic characteristics and the following condition thresholds. To be considered as part of the ecological community a patch should meet at least the Good Condition category of the DEC ecological community condition criteria (Government of Western Australia, 2000). DEC assesses ecological community condition based on the following Vegetation Condition descriptions: Pristine: Pristine or nearly so, no obvious signs of disturbance. Excellent: Vegetation structure intact, disturbance is only affecting individual species and weeds are non-aggressive species. Very Good: Vegetation structure altered, with obvious signs of disturbance. For example, disturbance to vegetation structure caused by repeated fires, the presence of some more aggressive weeds, dieback, logging and/or grazing. Good: Vegetation structure significantly altered by very obvious signs of multiple disturbance. Retains basic vegetation structure or the ability to regenerate it. For example, disturbance to vegetation structure caused by very frequent fires, the presence of some very aggressive weeds at high density, partial clearing, dieback and/or grazing. Degraded: Basic vegetation structure severely impacted by disturbance. Scope for regeneration but not to a state approaching good condition without intensive management. For example, disturbance to vegetation structure caused by very frequent fires, the presence of very aggressive weeds, partial clearing, dieback and/or grazing.

5 Completely degraded: The structure of the vegetation is no longer intact and the area is completely or almost completely without native species. These areas are often described as “parkland cleared” with the flora comprising weed and crop species with isolated native trees or shrubs. The following information should also be taken into consideration when applying condition thresholds.  A patch of the listed ecological community is defined as a discrete and continuous area of the ecological community, as described, and does not include substantial elements of other ecological communities. As the ecological community occurs in restricted locations that can be very small, no minimum patch size would be recommended. A patch of the listed ecological community may include small-scale disturbances, such as tracks or breaks, that do not alter its overall functionality, for instance the easy movement of wildlife or dispersal of plant propagules, and may also include small-scale variations in vegetation that are noted in the Description and National Context. In particular, there can be a mosaic of different soil types and depths within a patch that will produce differences in vegetation structure; however the whole patch should be considered part of the ecological community.  Buffer zones around the ecological community are important for protection against further weed invasions and disruptions to hydrology. To assist in the preservation of the patch and persistence of the ecological community, it is recommended that a buffer zone of at least 50 m be maintained from the outer edge of the patch. However, the width of the buffer required may be greater, depending on the type of development proposed, the local hydrology, the vegetation in the buffer and other factors.  The sampling protocol involves developing a quick/simple map of the vegetation condition, landscape qualities and management history (where possible) of the site. The area with the most apparent native vegetation cover in the ground layer should be adequately sampled to determine estimates of ground cover.  Timing of surveys is an important consideration because the ecological community can be variable in its appearance between wet and dry seasons and between years depending on drought-rain cycles. Timing of surveys should also consider the detectability of mid and ground layer species at different times of their life cycle, or their recovery after recent disturbances (natural or human-induced) to the ecological community.

2. Surrounding environment and national context The Good condition class (or category) outlined above is the minimum level at which patches are to be considered under the EPBC Act for actions that may require referral to the Australian Government. The descriptions for Very Good, Excellent and Pristine categories represent a more ideal state of the ecological community. In addition the larger and more diverse a patch is, the greater the likely biodiversity value and its sustainability. Patches that link native remnants in the landscape are also important as wildlife habitat and for the viability of the ecological community into the future. Therefore, in the context of actions that may have significant impacts and require approval under the EPBC Act, it is important to consider the environment surrounding the listed patches that meet the Good, Very Good, Excellent and Pristine condition classes (categories). Some patches that meet the condition thresholds above will occur in isolation and require protection, as well as priority actions, to link them with other native vegetation. Other patches will have additional conservation value through being connected to other intact native vegetation. In these instances, the following indicators should be considered when assessing the impacts of actions or proposed actions under the EPBC Act, or when considering recovery, management and funding priorities for a particular patch:  Large size and/or with a large area to boundary ratio – larger area/boundary ratios are less exposed and more resilient to edge effect disturbances such as weed invasion and other anthropogenic impacts;  Areas of minimal weeds and feral animals or where they can be easily managed;  Connectivity to other, surrounding native vegetation remnants;  Patches that occur in those areas in which the ecological community has been most heavily cleared and degraded, or that are at the natural edge of its range, and components of the ecological community that are the least protected in conservation reserves; and/or  Patches that contain listed threatened species (state or national).

3. Area critical to the survival of the ecological community Areas that meet the condition thresholds and the buffer zone (page 6) are considered critical to the survival of this ecological community. Abiotic features including the soil type, substrate and the surface, groundwater and groundwater catchment hydrology that maintains the vegetation of the ecological community are also considered critical to the ecological community’s survival. Additional areas such as adjoining native vegetation and areas that meet the description of the ecological community but not the condition thresholds are also considered important to the survival of the ecological community. It is also important to consider the surrounding environment and landscape context as outlined on page 7.

4. Geographic extent and distribution The ecological community occurs naturally as isolated patches due to the restricted nature of the ferricrete/ironstone substrate. However, it has undergone a decline in distribution, largely as a result of clearing for agriculture. Table 1 below presents information on the pre-European extent and current extent, based on information provided by DEC (DEC, 2012c) and Meissner and English (2005a). The figures have been calculated for each regional type that comprises the ecological community. The Ferricrete floristic community is thought to be largely uncleared since pre-European times. There is no pre-European extent data for the Wet ironstone heath community (Albany district). However, the current extent is estimated at 53-75ha based on information provided by DEC (2012c). For the purposes of Table 1, it has been assumed that this regional type has not declined in extent. The remaining known patches of the ecological community occur on a variety of tenures from private, freehold land to Nature Reserves managed by DEC. The available patch size data provided by DEC (2012c) and presented in Table 2 indicate a high degree of fragmentation across the range of the ecological community with most patches (88%) less than 50ha.

Table 1. Estimates of pre-European and current extent Regional type Pre-European Current total Percentage extent (ha) area (ha) decline Shrublands and woodlands on Perth to Gingin 900-1500 27-51 94-98 ironstone (Perth to Gingin ironstone association) of the Swan Coastal Plain Shrublands on southern Swan Coastal Plain 1200 130-164 86-89 ironstones 7 Ferricrete floristic community (Rocky Springs 395-473 395-473 0-16 type) Scott River ironstone association 1100-1700 276-404 63-84 Wet ironstone heath community (Albany 53-75 53-75 0-29 district) Total 3648-4948 881-1167 68-82

Table 2. Patch data for the ecological community Patch size (ha) Number of patches Percentage of total Cumulative percentage patches <1 10 17 17 1 - 10 27 46 63 10 - 20 10 17 80 20-50 5 8 88 >50 7 12 100 Total 59 100 100

5. Summary of threats The main ongoing threats to the ecological community are:  Land clearing;  Dieback disease caused by root-rot fungus (Phytophthora cinnamomi);  Grazing by native and non-native animals; and  Weed invasion.

The ecological community is potentially threatened by:  Altered fire regimes;  Hydrological changes; and  Climate change.

Further details about the threats to the ecological community can be found at Appendix D.

6. Other existing protection Relationship to nationally-listed ecological communities Two of the regional types that make up the ecological community were previously listed as separate endangered ecological communities under the EPBC Act:  Shrublands and woodlands on Perth to Gingin ironstone (Perth to Gingin ironstone association) of the Swan Coastal Plain; and  Shrublands on southern Swan Coastal Plain ironstones. Relationship to state-listed ecological communities Four regional types included in the national ecological community are listed in WA as Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs) endorsed in December 2006 (DEC 2012a). Table 3 below shows these ecological communities and their status. Table 3. Ecological community regional types listed in WA. TEC name DEC WA status community identifier Shrublands and woodlands on Perth to Gingin ironstone NTHIRON Critically Endangered Shrubland association on southern Swan Coastal Plain ironstone SCP10b Critically (Bussleton area) (southern ironstone association) Endangered Ferricrete floristic community (Rocky Springs type) Ferricrete Vulnerable Scott River ironstone association SCOTT Endangered IRONSTONE

One regional type included in the ecological community is listed on the WA DEC website as Priority 1 for assessment as a threatened ecological community (DEC, 2012b): Wet ironstone heath community (Albany district). There has been do endorsement of TECs for listing in WA since 2006. There is currently no legislation specifically covering the protection of listed TECs in WA. However, informal non-statutory processes are in place.

Listed threatened flora species Table 4 below provides a list of flora species protected under state and/or national legislation, by regional type.

Table 4. Threatened plant species known to occur in the ecological community. Scientific Name Common name WA National Shrublands and woodlands on Perth to Gingin ironstone Grevillea curviloba subsp. incurva narrow curved-leaf grevillea DRF E

Shrubland association on southern Swan Coastal Plain ironstone (Bussleton area) (southern ironstone association) Eremophila microtheca heath-like eremophila DRF Brachyscias verrucundus ironstone brachyscias DRF CE Gastrolobium modestum broad-leaved gastrolobium DRF V Gastrolobium papilio butterfly-leaved gastrolobium DRF E Chamelaucium roycei Royce’s waxflower DRF V Darwinia whicherensis abba bell DRF E Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa swamp honeypot DRF E Banksia squarrosa subsp. argillacea Whicher Range dryandra DRF V Grevillea elongata ironstone grevillea DRF V Grevillea maccutcheonii McCutcheon’s grevillea DRF E Lambertia echinata subsp. western prickly honeysuckle DRF E occidentalis Petrophile latericola laterite petrophile DRF E Brachyscias verecundus ironstone brachyscias DRF CE

Scott River ironstone association Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa swamp honeypot DRF E Darwinia ferricola Scott River darwinia DRF E Lambertia orbifolia subsp. Scott River roundleaf honeysuckle DRF E Plains Legend: WA= Wildlife Conservation Act 1990; National= EPBC Act; DRF= Declared Rare Flora; CE= critically endangered; E= endangered; V= vulnerable.

7. Summary of eligibility for listing against EPBC Act criteria 9 Criterion 1 – Decline in geographic distribution Based on available data for the known occurrences, the ecological community has declined in extent from approximately 3600-4900 to 900-1200ha (Table 1). This represents a substantial decline in the order of 68-82%. It is important to note that some patches of the ecological community that are included in the data above may not meet the condition thresholds, such as patches with a high degree of disturbance, so the decline may actually be more than is estimated. As there is no accurate pre-European extent data for the Ferricrete floristic community (Rocky Springs type) or the Wet ironstone heath community (Albany district), the actual decline may be further still. The ecological community appears to have undergone a substantial decline in geographic distribution. Therefore the ecological community would meet the relevant elements of Criterion 1 to make it eligible for listing as vulnerable. Criterion 2- Small distribution coupled with demonstrable threat The remaining area of occupancy for the ecological community is approximately 900-1200ha as presented in Table 1. The lower end of the estimate is indicative of a very restricted geographic distribution (i.e., total occupancy ≤ 100ha). An analysis of patch size based on DEC data indicates that there are 59 patches of the ecological community remaining (Table 2). Of the patches remaining, 63% are less than 10ha and 88% are less than 50ha. The available patch size data indicate a high degree of fragmentation across the range of the ecological community consistent with a restricted geographic distribution (i.e. patch size is typically less than 100ha). The ecological community appears to have a very restricted geographic distribution, based on the generally small and fragmented size distribution of patches. It appears that the demonstrable ongoing threats detailed in Appendix D could cause the ecological community to become lost in the near future. Therefore, the ecological community would meet the relevant elements of Criterion 2 to make it eligible for listing as endangered under this criterion. Criterion 3 – Loss or decline of functionally important species The ecological community has variable species composition across its geographic range and it is not possible to identify a single species or suite of species that has critical functions to the ecological community as a whole. There is no information available to the assessment judge if the ecological community has undergone a loss or decline in functionally important species. Therefore, as the ecological would not have been demonstrated to meet any of the required elements of Criterion 3, it would not be eligible for listing in any category under this Criterion. Criterion 4- Reduction in community integrity Weed incursion, dieback disease and changes to hydrological regimes all have the potential to reduce the integrity of the ecological community by disruption of important community processes and to degrade the ecological community. However, there is not enough evidence to indicate that these factors are having an impact on the whole of the ecological community. Therefore, as the ecological community would not have been demonstrated to meet any of the required elements of Criterion 4, it would not be eligible for listing in any category under this Criterion. Criterion 5 – Rate of continuing detrimental change The ecological community is suspected to be undergoing continuing detrimental change (through clearing, weed incursions, grazing and changes to hydrological regimes) over the immediate past. However, there are no data available to the assessment to judge the rate of continuing detrimental change experienced by the ecological community. Therefore, as the ecological community would not have been demonstrated to meet any of the required elements of Criterion 5, it would not be eligible for listing in any category under this Criterion. Criterion 6- Quantitative analysis showing probability of extinction There is no quantitative data available to the assessment to evaluate this ecological community under this criterion. Therefore, it would not be eligible for listing under this criterion.

Further details about the ecological community’s eligibility for listing can be found in Appendix E

11 2. PART B PRIORITY CONSERVATION ACTIONS 1. Research priorities Research priorities that would inform future regional and local priority actions include:  Design and implement a monitoring program or, if appropriate, support and enhance existing programs.  More precisely assess distribution, ecological requirements and the relative impacts of threatening processes.  Undertake survey work in suitable habitat and potential habitat to locate any additional populations/occurrences/remnants.

2. Priority recovery and threat abatement actions The following priority recovery and threat abatement actions could be done to support the recovery of the Plant communities on ferricrete/ironstone in southwest Western Australia ecological community. Habitat Loss, Disturbance and Modification  Monitor known populations to identify key threats.  Monitor the progress of recovery, including the effectiveness of management actions and the need to adapt them if necessary.  Ensure road widening and maintenance activities (or other infrastructure or development activities) involving substrate or vegetation disturbance in areas where the ecological community occurs do not adversely impact on known patches.  Manage any changes to hydrology that may result in changes to water table levels and/or increased run-off, salinity, sedimentation or pollution.  Manage any disruptions to water flows.  Investigate formal conservation arrangements, management agreements and covenants on private land, and for crown and private land investigate inclusion in reserve tenure if possible.  Manage any other known, potential or emerging threats.

Diseases and Fungi  Develop and implement suitable hygiene protocols to protect known sites from further outbreaks of dieback caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi.  Use control methods such as spraying of phosphate to control identified patches infected with dieback caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi.

Trampling, Browsing or Grazing  Develop and implement a stock management plan for roadside verges and travelling stock routes.  Develop and implement a management for the control and eradication of rabbits in the region.

Invasive Weeds  Manage sites to prevent introduction or further spread of invasive exotic weeds, and targeted control of existing key weeds which threaten the ecological community, using appropriate methods.  Ensure chemicals or other mechanisms used to eradicate weeds do not have a significant adverse impact on native ferricrete/ironstone species.

Fire  Develop and implement a suitable fire management strategy for Plant communities on ferricrete/ironstone in southwest Western Australia.  Identify appropriate intensity and interval of fire to promote seed germination and vegetation regeneration.  Where appropriate provide maps of known occurrences to local and state Rural Fire Services and seek inclusion of mitigation measures in bush fire risk management plan(s), risk register and/or operation maps.

Conservation Information  Raise awareness of Plant communities on ferricrete/ironstone in southwest Western Australia within the local community.  Maintain liaisons with private landholders and land managers of land on which populations occur.

This list does not necessarily encompass all actions that may be of benefit to the Plant communities on ferricrete/ironstone in southwest Western Australia, but highlights those that are considered to be of highest priority at the time of preparing the Conservation Advice.

3. Existing plans/management prescriptions Hamilton-Brown S, Broun G and Rees R (2004). Ferricrete floristic community (Rocky Springs type). Interim Recovery Plan 2004-2009. Department of Conservation and Land Management, Wanneroo. Available on the internet at: http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/pdf/plants_animals/threatened_species/irps/tec/ferricrete_15 4.pdf Luu R and English V (2004). Scott River ironstone association. Interim Recovery Plan 2004- 2009. Department of Conservation and Land Management, Wanneroo. Available on the internet at: http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/pdf/plants_animals/threatened_species/irps/tec/scott_ironsto ne_irp217.pdf Meissner R and Engish V (2005a). Shrubland association of southern Swan Coastal Plain ironstone (Busselton area) (southern ironstone association). Interim Recovery Plan 2005-2010. Department of Conservation and Land Management, Wanneroo. Available on the internet at: http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/pdf/plants_animals/threatened_species/irps/tec/southern_iron stone_irp215_update.pdf Meissner R and English V (2005b). Shrublands and woodlands on Perth to Gingin ironstone. Interim Recovery Plan 2005-2010. Department of Conservation and Land Management, Wanneroo. Available on the internet at: http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/pdf/plants_animals/threatened_species/irps/tec/northn_ironst one_irp197update.pdf These prescriptions were current at the time of publishing; please refer to the relevant agency’s website for any updated versions. 13

3. PART C APPENDICES Appendix A - Species lists Table 1. Characteristic plant species, by regional type (Hamilton-Brown et al., 2004; Luu and English, 2004; Meissner and English, 2005a,b). *indicates that the species is not native

Regional type Name Common name Shrublands and woodlands on Perth to Gingin ironstone Shrubs Kunzea aff. recurva Grevillea curviloba subsp. incurva narrow curved-leaf grevillea Melaleuca viminea mohan Acacia saligna golden wreath wattle Jacksonia furcellata grey stinkwood Grevillea obtusifolia Gingin gem Banksia sessilis parrot bush Herbs Rhodanthe manglesii pink sunray Tribonanthes australis Isotropis cuneifolia subsp. glabra granny bonnets Shrubland association on southern Swan Coastal Plain ironstone (Bussleton area) (southern ironstone association) Shrubs Kunzea aff. micrantha Pericalymma ellipticum swamp teatree Hakea spp. Hemiandra pungens snakebush Viminaria juncea swish bush Herbs Aphelia cyperoides Centrolepis aristata pointed centrolepis *Hypochaeris glabra smooth catsear Ferricrete floristic community (Rocky Springs type) Shrubs Acacia blakelyi Blakely’s wattle Allocasuarina campestris tamma Dryandra stricta Labichea lanceolata subsp lanceolata Alyogyne hakeifolia Australian hibiscus Borya sphaerocephala pincushions Isotoma hypocrateriformis Woodbridge poison Petrophile seminuda Herbs Stylidium dichotomum pins and needles Thysanotus patersonii twining fringe-lily Waitzia paniculata woolly waitzia Scott River ironstone association Shrubs Melaleuca preissiana moonah Hakea tuberculata Kunzea micrantha Melaleuca incana subsp Gingilup grey honey-myrtle Herbs Stylidium spp. trigger-plants Centrolepis spp. Schoenus spp. bog-rushes Brizula spp. 15 Wet ironstone heath community (Albany district) Shrubs Kunzea recurva, Kunzea preissiana Kunzea micrantha Hakea lasiocarpha long styled hakea Hakea tuberculata Hakea oldfieldii Hakea cucullata scallop hakea Hakea sulcata furrowed hakea Petrophile squamata Dryandra tenuifolia sp. tenuifolia Adenanthos apiculatus Melaleuca suberosa cork bark honey myrtle Melaleuca violacea violet paperbark Gastrolobium spinosum prickly poison Herbs Drosera spp. sundew Appendix B - Detailed description of biology and ecological processes Vegetation dynamics The Southwest Botanical Province where the ecological community occurs is an internationally recognised biodiversity hotspot (Beard et al., 2000). The generally poor soils of the south-west WA region are thought to have produced plant species that are highly specialised with many species which are endemic, not only to the region, but also to specific occurrences (Beard et al., 2000). The plant communities are restricted in occurrence and geographically widespread. This isolation often results in species with restricted distributions and the ecological community contains a relatively high proportion of endemic species. Gibson et al. (2000) found twenty taxa that were endemic or had their major distribution centred on ironstone communities of the Swan Coastal Plain (this includes the regional types around Gingin and Busselton) and/or the Scott River Plain. Some of these species also occur in the plant communities on ironstone near Albany (DEC, 2012b). Table 1 below lists those species in the ecological community which are restricted to, or have their major distribution centred on, ironstone soils.

Table 1. Taxa restricted or largely restricted to the ecological community on the Swan Coastal Plain, Scott Coastal Plain and/or near Albany (Gibson et al., 2000; DEC, 2012b). Species Common name Location Endemic Andersonia ferricola ms Swan Coastal Plain Yes Gastrolobium modestum broad-leaved gastrolobium Swan Coastal Plain No Gastrolobium papilio butterfly-leaved gastrolobium Swan Coastal Plain Yes Chamelaucium roycei ms Royce’s waxflower Swan Coastal Plain No Darwinia whicherensis abba bell Swan Coastal Plain Yes Banksia squarrosa subsp. Whicher Range dryandra Swan Coastal Plain Yes argillacea Grevillea elongata ironstone grevillea Swan Coastal Plain Yes Grevillea maccutcheonii Maccutcheon’s grevillea Swan Coastal Plain Yes Hakea oldfieldii Swan Coastal Plain No and Albany Lambertia echinata subsp. western prickly honeysuckle Swan Coastal Plain Yes occidentalis Petrophile latericola ms laterite petrophile Swan Coastal Plain Yes Brachyscias verecundus ironstone brachyscias Swan Coastal Plain Yes Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa swamp honeypot Swan and Scott Yes Coastal Plains Calothamnus sp. Scott River Swan and Scott Yes Coastal Plains Chordifex isomorphus Swan and Scott No Coastal Plains Loxocarya magna Swan and Scott No Coastal Plains Darwinia ferricola ms Scott River bell Scott Coastal Plain Yes Grevillea manglesioides subsp. Scott Coastal Plain Yes ferricola Hakea tuberculata Scott Coastal Plain No and Albany Lambertia orbifolia roundleaf honeysuckle Scott Coastal Plain Yes Melaleuca incana subsp. grey honey-myrtle Scott Coastal Plain Yes Gingilup

17 The reason for this relatively high number of endemic species is likely due to the environmental constraints placed on the ecological community. Poot et al. (2008) note that the need to cope with waterlogging in winter and drought in summer, shallow soil, and potentially high levels of iron in plant tissues, are likely to lead to species specifically adapted to that environment. The special adaptations of plant species to these environmental constraints may actually be a disadvantage on deeper soils, which may explain why some species do not occur anywhere else (Poot and Lambers, 2008).

Many of the perennial woody species in the plant communities have morphological or physiological adaptations to the shallow ironstone/ferricrete soils and seasonal waterlogging (e.g. Kunzea aff. recurva) (Smith and Ladd, 1994; Meissner and English, 2005b). As discussed under Geology the soil in the ecological community is generally very shallow. Therefore, plants that establish on this shallow soil need to have special adaptations. Poot and Lambers (2008) found that shallow-soil endemic plants have a specialised root system that allows them to explore a large area, which presumably increases their chances of locating water through cracks in the rock.

The shallow soil and impenetrable nature of the ironstone/ferricrete substrate mean that plant roots are generally unable to obtain enough water to survive during the dry summer months (Smith and Ladd, 1994). However, it is thought that the inundation in the wetter months provides enough water for plant species to survive the hot, dry summers (Poot and Lambers, 2008). In addition the herb layer, which is a major distinguishing characteristic of this community, would probably not occur in late winter and early spring without winter inundation (Meissner and English 2005a, b). The duration and degree of seasonal waterlogging is also an important determinant of species composition (Smith and Ladd, 1994). The water table can be at or above the surface at this time, meaning plant roots may be submerged for months at a time. The roots of many plant species are not able to survive in the anaerobic conditions created by waterlogging and many seedlings of sclerophyllous trees are not able to establish in areas that are waterlogged for several months of the year (Smith and Ladd, 1994). It seems that many plant species which occur in the ecological community have root systems that are adapted to this annual inundation.

Examples of faunal roles and interactions No surveys have been conducted specifically on the fauna of this ecological community; therefore there is very limited information available. No fauna species are known to be exclusively restricted to the ecological community. A number of invertebrate species are found, including ants and spiders (N. Burton pers obs.). Some fauna species are likely to be visitors to the ecological community, for food and shelter, or using patches as stepping-stones to preferred habitat. For example, parrots such as Calyptorhynchus baudinii (Baudin’s black cockatoo) have been seen feeding within the ecological community (N. Burton pers obs.). Macropus rufus (red kangaroos) are frequent visitors, grazing on the grasses and resting in the ecological community (J. Pryde pers comm.). Appendix C - Detailed description of national context Distribution The ecological community occurs as extremely restricted, disjunct patches within the Southwest Botanical Province of Western Australia (Meissner and English, 2005a,b). Within this Province, there are restricted areas of ironstone and ferricrete soils which are associated with unique plant communities. These occur in a number of areas: near Eneabba, at Gingin, at Busselton, the Scott River and near Albany. The ecological community is known to occur in the Swan Coastal Plain, Geraldton Sandplains, Jarrah Forrest and Warren IBRA bioregions (Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation of Australia version 6.1). There may be other occurrences of the ecological community in other locations throughout south-west WA that have not been adequately documented. Patches which meet the Description, Key Diagnostics and Condition Thresholds in Part A are considered to be part of the listed ecological community. Landuse history The ecological community is generally unsuitable for agriculture due to the shallow soils which overlie the ironstone/ferricrete substrate. However, the surrounding landscape in which occurrences are found is generally productive and much of the vegetation has been removed since European settlement for grazing and cropping. This is especially the case in the agricultural areas north and south of Perth around Gingin, Busselton and the Scott River. In some cases, the ironstone substrate has been dug up and removed to make the soil more productive. In these cases, the ecological community is irretrievable. As many of the patches of the ecological community are surrounded by grazing and cropping, these patches are subject to edge effects which exacerbate threatening processes, such as weed invasion. Relationships to State-listed ecological communities Four components of the national ecological community are listed on the WA DEC website as Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs) endorsed in December 2006 (DEC, 2012a). Table 1. Ecological community regional types listed in WA. TEC name DEC WA status community identifier Shrublands and woodlands on Perth to Gingin ironstone NTHIRON Critically Endangered Shrubland association on southern Swan Coastal Plain ironstone SCP10b Critically (Bussleton area) (southern ironstone association) Endangered Ferricrete floristic community (Rocky Springs type) Ferricrete Vulnerable Scott River ironstone association SCOTT Endangered IRONSTONE

One component is listed on the WA DEC website as Priority 1 for assessment as a threatened ecological community (DEC, 2012b).  Wet ironstone heath community (Albany district) There has been do endorsement of TECs for listing in WA since 2006. There is currently no legislation covering the conservation of TECs in WA. However, informal non-statutory processes are in place. Relationships to other vegetation classifications The ecological community falls within the National Vegetation Information System (NVIS) equivalents of: 19  Major vegetation group 17 Other shrublands  Major vegetation group 18 Heathlands Differences to similar or intergrading ecological communities Kalbarri ironstone community This plant community is located near Kalbarri in the north of the Geraldton Sand Plains bioregion and is surrounded by sandplain. It is listed as a Priority 1 Ecological Community by WA. The vegetation is dominated by mallee and/or Melaleuca spp. with an herbaceous understorey (DEC, 2012b). This ecological community may be part of the listed plant communities on ferricrete/ironstone, however very little is known about it and there is no available data to determine whether it meets the Description, Key Diagnostics and Condition Thresholds set out in Part A. Shrublands and woodlands of banded ironstone formations in the Yilgarn Craton The banded ironstone formations are found in the Yilgarn Craton in the Midwest and Goldfields regions of WA. The plant communities associated with them are highly variable in terms of floristics, containing many endemic species. A number of ecological communities associated with banded ironstone formations are listed as Threatened or Priority 1 by WA (DEC 2012a,b). The formation of the ironstone in these ranges is a different process to that of the substrate of the plant communities on ferricrete/ironstone. The banded ironstone formations are found on the edge of the Southwest Botanic Province and extend into the more arid interior of WA. Therefore rainfall is lower and winter inundation does not occur to the extent that it does in south-west WA. Assemblages of organic mound springs of the three springs area This ecological community is found in conjunction with the ferricrete floristic community regional type near Enabba. It is listed as an endangered Threatened Ecological Community by WA. The ecological community consists of raised areas of peat formed and fed by continuous discharge of groundwater (Rees and Broun, 2005). The peat provides a permanently moist environment which supports a diversity of invertebrate fauna (Rees and Broun, 2005). Level of protection in reserves Based on information contained in interim recovery plans, just over half (52%) of the ecological community is currently protected in some form of conservation reserve (Hamilton- Brown et al., 2004; Luu and English, 2004; Meissner and English, 2005a,b; DEC, 2012c). Appendix D - Description of threats Threats to the ecological community vary across the regional types and occurrences. The biggest threats are clearing and dieback disease caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi. The ecological community occurs as isolated patches and is therefore subject to threats from grazing and weed invasion. Threats which have the potential to significantly impact the ecological community are altered fire regimes, changes to hydrological regimes and climate change. Clearing The ecological community occurs in the south-west of WA, where the main cause of habitat loss has been agricultural expansion (Conservation International, 2007). The plant communities which make up the ecological community are naturally restricted in the landscape due to the restricted nature of the substrate. However, clearing has occurred in the past and remains a threat. The shallow soils associated with the ferricrete/ironstone are not ideal for agriculture as it is hard for many crop species to establish. Therefore the vegetation on deeper soils surrounding the plant communities has been more extensively cleared. However in many cases, the plant communities have been removed and the ironstone substrate dug up to allow more suitable plant species for grazing and cropping to grow. Where the substrate has been removed, the ecological community is irretrievable. The regional types which have suffered the greatest loss in extent since European occupation are those that are in the agricultural districts north and south of Perth. The Perth to Gingin ironstone association regional type has suffered a 94-98% loss (DEC, 2012c) and the Shrublands on southern Swan Coastal Plain ironstone near Busselton have suffered an 86-89% loss (Meissner and English, 2005a) in extent since European occupation. Where patches of the ecological community have not been cleared, they generally occur as isolated patches within a cleared landscape. These patches are therefore subject to a range of associated threatening process including increased runoff, weed invasion, grazing and changes in hydrological regimes. Dieback disease This disease is caused by the pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi, a water mould which was inadvertently introduced from south-east Asia and impacts a number of native flora across Australia. Propagules are spread over large distances through root systems, movement of people and vehicles which have come into contact with infested soil, and in water flowing in surface and near-surface drainage systems (Shearer et al., 2007). WA is thought to be the most impacted state due to favourable climate, soil and susceptible plant species (dieback.org.au, 2012). It is estimated that 800 plant species in the south-west of WA, including the families Proteaceae and Epacridaceae, are highly susceptible to the disease (Lu and English, 2004; Shearer et al., 2004). Three out of the five regional types are known to be impacted by this pathogen. The Perth to Gingin ironstone association is not believed to be susceptible as there are very few dieback indicator species present (Meissner and English, 2005b). There is no information on the susceptibility of the Wet ironstone heath community (Albany district), although as it contains plants from the Proteaceae and Epacridaceae families it is likely to be susceptible. The regional types that are impacted by dieback are seriously threatened by the disease. These communities contain a high proportion of susceptible species from the Proteaceae and Epacridaceae families. The disease causes the plant roots to rot, resulting in death from drought stress (Hamilton- Brown et al., 2004). Rare species such as the endangered Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa (swamp honeypot) are highly susceptible (Meissner and English, 2005a). Dieback disease has the potential to significantly impact on the ecological community through loss of plant species

21 and changes in community structure. Loss of plant species is also likely to increase the chance of weed invasion which would lead to further impacts on the ecological community. Grazing Grazing is known to impact on all regional types of the ecological community. Remaining patches are subject to varying degrees of grazing by both native and non-native species. As many patches are isolated in agricultural landscapes, they are currently being grazed or have been grazed in the past by sheep (Ovis aries) and cattle (Bos taurus). Many patches are also grazed by Macropus rufus (red kangaroo) and rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Kangaroos have a large impact on vegetation through grazing, as well as trampling and breaking foliage (Luu and English, 2004). Grazing in areas of the ecological community can assist weed invasion through soil disturbance, altered soil fertility and spread of weed propagules. Preferential browsing of the understorey, particularly on herbaceous species, may impact the structure and diversity of the ecological community. In the Scott River ironstone association regional type the species composition has been altered by selective grazing of edible species, introduction of weeds and nutrients and trampling (Luu and English 2004). This is also the case in the Perth to Gingin ironstone association and Shrubland on southern Swan Coastal Plain regional types (Meissner and English, 2005a,b). Grazing is thought to have caused an increase in weed species such as capeweed (Arctotheca calendula), ursinia weed (Ursinia anthemoides), silvergrasses (Vulpia spp.), onion grass (Romulea rosea) and big quaking grass (Briza major) (Meissner and English, 2005b). In the Ferricrete floristic community regional type, grazing by rabbits is thought to have caused an increase in nutrient levels from droppings leading to introduction of weed species (Hamilton- Brown et al., 2004). Weeds The extent and impact of weed invasion is variable across the ecological community due to differences in the level of disturbance and surrounding landscape use. Weed invasions are usually assisted by disturbance to the soil, along with increased soil fertility. If weed propagules are present in a patch then fire, grazing, nutrient enrichment, mowing and spraying of chemicals can all predispose areas to weed invasion. The creation of tracks through patches of the ecological community is known to facilitate weed spread (Lu and English, 2004; Meissner and English, 2005a). When weeds are present in the ecological community they have significant impacts through competition with native species, by competing for soil moisture, nutrients and light. The presence of weed species can also lead to altered fire regimes through easy ignition of high fuel loads produced by annuals and may assist the spread of dieback disease (Phytophthera cinnamomi) (Luu and English, 2004). In the Perth to Gingin ironstone association regional type the following exotic species are common: onion grass (Romulea rosea), quaking grass (Briza maxima), suckling clover (Trifolium dubium), corn spurr (Spergula arvensis) and hesperantha (Hesperanthura falcata) (Meissner and English, 2005b). Weed species have severely degraded the remaining occurrences of this regional type (Meissner and English, 2005b). Inappropriate fire regimes The fire regime requirements of the ecological community are not fully understood, however, the impact of too frequent fires or exclusion of fire can be deduced. Impacts from altered fire regimes are noted in the Interim Recovery Plans for four of the regional types (Hamilton- Brown et al 2004; Luu and English, 2004; Meissner and English, 2005 a,b). Many plant species in the ecological community are obligate-seeding, which means they require heat from fires for their seeds to germinate. If fires are too frequent, there will not be enough time for these plants to flower and set seed. Alternatively, if the time between fires is too long, these plants may senesce and be unable to reproduce. The disturbance created by fire can create niche gaps which allow weed species to become established. Some weeds (e.g. grasses) are highly flammable and can increase the intensity and frequency of fires. Hydrological changes A potential threat to the functional integrity of the ecological community is a change in hydrological regimes. A defining characteristic of the ecological community is seasonal inundation from winter rainfall and groundwater. Changes to the regular hydrological regime could therefore have a significant impact. A number of occurrences are located on the boundary of areas that are highly cleared which can lead to increases in surface flow and groundwater recharge (Meissner and English, 2005a). Alternatively, abstraction from irrigation bores and from sand mining operations may lower groundwater levels. Changes to groundwater levels may also lead to salt accumulating near the surface (Luu and English, 2004). Changes to the period or depth of ponding could affect structure and composition through changes in the timing of growth of annuals which could then favour different plant species including weeds (Luu and English, 2004; Meissner and English, 2005a,b). Plant species in the ecological community, which are adapted to fresh water inundation, are unlikely to be able to cope with increased saline or water-logged conditions (Hamilton-Brown et al., 2004). Climate change There has been an observed significant change in rainfall in south-west WA. A sharp drop in rainfall occurred in south-west WA in the mid-1970s, with some of the driest years on record occurring since 1975. This drop in rainfall was most apparent in late autumn and winter, with fewer storms and less rainfall per storm. The driest winter on record was recorded in 2010 (Western Australia Climate Sciences Centre, 2010). South-west WA’s significant drying trend is forecast to worsen under climate change. If current climate trends continue, there will be up to 80 per cent more droughts in south-western WA by 2070 (Department of Climate Change, 2010). As inundation following winter rainfall is a defining characteristic of this ecological community, any changes to the timing or degree of rainfall is likely to have an impact through altered species composition and structure. The annual herbs that rely on winter rainfall to flower are unlikely to persist.

Key threatening processes Key Threatening Processes are listed under the EPBC Act. A threatening process is defined as a key threatening process if it threatens or may threaten the survival, abundance or evolutionary development of a native species or ecological community. Key Threatening Processes that operate in the ecological community include:  Competition and land degradation by rabbits  Dieback caused by root-rot fungus (Phytophthora cinnamomi)  Land clearing

23 Appendix E - Eligibility for listing against the EPBC Act criteria Criterion 1: Decline in geographic distribution Estimates of pre-European extent and current extent are based on information provided by DEC (DEC, 2012c) and Meissner and English (2005a) and are presented in Table 1 below. The figures have been calculated for each regional type that comprises the ecological community. The Ferricrete floristic community is thought to be largely uncleared since pre-European times. There is no pre-European extent data for the Wet ironstone heath community (Albany district). However, the current extent is estimated at 53-75ha based on information provided by DEC (2012c). For the purposes of this Criterion, it has been assumed that these regional types have not declined in extent. Table 1. Estimates of pre-European and current extent Regional type Pre-European Current total Percentage extent (ha) area (ha) decline Shrublands and woodlands on Perth to Gingin 900-1500 27-51 94-98 ironstone (Perth to Gingin ironstone association) of the Swan Coastal Plain Shrublands on southern Swan Coastal Plain 1200 130-164 86-89 ironstones Ferricrete floristic community (Rocky Springs 395-473 395-473 0-16 type) Scott River ironstone association 1100-1700 276-404 63-84 Wet ironstone heath community (Albany 53-75 53-75 0-29 district) Total 3648-4948 881-1167 68-82

Based on the available data, the ecological community has declined in extent from approximately 3600-4900 to 900-1200ha. This represents a substantial decline in the order of 68-82%. It is important to note that some patches of the ecological community that are included in the data above may not meet the condition thresholds, such as patches with a high degree of disturbance, so the decline may actually be more than is estimated. As there is no accurate pre- European extent data for the Ferricrete floristic community (Rocky Springs type) or the Wet ironstone heath community (Albany district), the actual decline may be further still. The ecological community appears to have undergone a substantial decline in geographic distribution. Therefore the ecological community would meet the relevant elements of Criterion 1 to make it eligible for listing as vulnerable. . Criterion 2: Small geographic distribution coupled with demonstrable threat This criterion aims to identify ecological communities that are geographically restricted to some extent. Three indicative measures apply: 1) extent of occurrence (i.e. the total geographic range of the ecological community); 2) area of occupancy (i.e. the area actually occupied by the ecological community within its natural range); and 3) patch size distribution (an indicator of the degree of fragmentation). It is recognised that an ecological community with a distribution that is small, either naturally or that has become so through modification, has an inherently higher risk of extinction if it continues to be subject to ongoing threats that may cause it to be lost in the future. The ecological community is subject to a range of demonstrable threats, as outlined in Appendix D. Many of these threats will continue to operate, or even intensify and compound each other, rather than diminish, particularly without further coordinated recovery and management effort. The ecological community occurs in highly restricted patches from Eneabba in the north, down to Scott River in the south, and across to Albany in the east. This is a large area that covers the south-west corner of WA. Therefore, the extent of occurrence exceeds the one million hectare threshold for considering its geographic distribution to be limited. The remaining area of occupancy for the ecological community is approximately 900-1200ha as presented in Table 2 above. This is indicative of a restricted geographic distribution (i.e. >10 000ha but <100 000ha), and the lower end of the estimate is indicative of a very restricted geographic distribution. An analysis of patch size based on DEC data indicates that there are 59 patches of the ecological community remaining (DEC, 2012c). Of the patches remaining, 63% are less than 10ha and 88% are less than 50ha (Table 2). The available patch size data indicate a high degree of fragmentation across the range of the ecological community consistent with a restricted geographic distribution (i.e. patch size is typically less than 100ha). Table 2. Patch data for the ecological community Patch size (ha) Number of patches Percentage of total Cumulative percentage patches <1 10 17 17 1 - 10 27 46 63 10 - 20 10 17 80 20-50 5 8 88 >50 7 12 100 Total 59 100 100

The ecological community appears to have a very restricted geographic distribution, based on the generally small and fragmented size distribution of patches. It appears that the demonstrable ongoing threats detailed in Appendix D could cause the ecological community to become lost in the near future. Therefore, the ecological community would meet the relevant elements of Criterion 2 to make it eligible for listing as endangered under this criterion. . Criterion 3: Loss or decline of functionally important species The ecological community has variable composition and it is not possible to identify a single species or suite of species that has critical functions. There is no information available to the assessment judge if the ecological community has undergone a loss or decline in functionally important species. Therefore, as the ecological would not have been demonstrated to meet any of the required elements of Criterion 3, it would not be eligible for listing in any category under this Criterion. Criterion 4: Reduction in ecological community integrity There are a number of threatening processes that may lead to a reduction in the integrity of the ecological community. Incursion of weeds could change the structure of the ecological community and out-compete native species. In the occurrences near Gingin there are very small, degraded patches which occur on road reserves (Meissner and English, 2005b). All of these small patches are considered totally destroyed as they have been severely degraded by weeds and there are few ironstone plant species left (Meissner and English, 2005b). Dieback disease caused by root-rot fungus (Phytophthora cinnamomi) is known to have infected patches of the ecological community near Busselton, Scott River and Eneabba. As many of the plant species in the ecological community are susceptible to this fungus, it has the potential to have a very severe impact on the integrity of the ecological community through change in structure, function and species composition.

25 Hydrological regimes are important to the ecological community as they provide the conditions in which the substrate is formed and maintained. They also influence species composition due to wetting and drying cycles throughout the year. Changes to hydrological regimes and/or increased salinity are likely to have a severe impact on the ecological community. Weed incursion, dieback disease and changes to hydrological regimes all have the potential to reduce the integrity of the ecological community by disruption of important community processes and to degrade the ecological community. However, there is not enough evidence to indicate that these factors are having an impact on the whole of the ecological community. Therefore, as the ecological community would not have been demonstrated to meet any of the required elements of Criterion 4, it would not be eligible for listing in any category under this Criterion. Criterion 5: Rate of continuing detrimental change The ecological community is suspected to be undergoing continuing detrimental change (through clearing, weed incursions, grazing and changes to hydrological regimes) over the immediate past. However, there are no data available to the assessment to judge the rate of continuing detrimental change experienced by the ecological community. Therefore, as the ecological community would not have been demonstrated to meet any of the required elements of Criterion 5, it would not be eligible for listing in any category under this Criterion. Criterion 6: Quantitative analysis showing probability of extinction There is no quantitative data available to assess this ecological community under this criterion. Therefore, it would not be eligible for listing under this criterion. There is no quantitative data available to the assessment to evaluate this ecological community under this criterion. Therefore, it would not be eligible for listing under this criterion. 4. PART D BIBLIOGRAPHY Beard JS, Chapman AR and Gioia P (2000). Species richness and endemism in the Western Australian flora. Journal of Biogeography 27: 1257-1268. CALM (2006). Surveys for possible Ironstone TEC in the Porongurups. Ed. Pryde, J and Mia M. Watsnu: Species and Communities Branch newsletter for Threatened Species and Ecological Communities conservation 12: Issue 2. Conservation and Land Management, Wanneroo. Conservation International (2007). Biodiversity hotspots: Southwest Australia Viewed 22 February 2012 Available on the internet at: http://www.biodiversityhotspots.org/xp/Hotspots/australia/Pages/default.aspx CSIRO (1983). Soils: An Australian viewpoint. CSIRO, Melbourne. DEC (2009). Swamp honeypot (Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa) Recovery Plan. Department of Environment and Conservation, Western Australia. DEC (2012a). List of Threatened Ecological Communities endorsed by the Western Australian Minister for the Environment. Department of Environment and Conservation, Kingston. DEC (2012b). Priority ecological communities for Western Australia Version 17. Department of Environment and Conservation, Kensington. DEC (2012c). Database 2012. Data supplied June 2012. Department of Environment and Conservation, Kingston. Dieback.org.au (2012). Where does it occur? Western Australia. Visited 22 February 2012 Available on the internet at: http://www.dieback.org.au/go/where-does-it-occur/western-australia Gibson N, Keighery B, Keighery G (2000). Threatened plant communities of Western Australia 1. The ironstone communities of the Swan Coastal Plains. Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia 83: 1-11. Gibson N, Keighery B, Keighery G, Burbidge A and Lyons M (1994). A floristic survey of the southern Swan Coastal Plain. Unpublished Report prepared for the Australian Heritage Commission prepared by Department of Conservation and Land Management and the Conservation Council of Western Australia. Government of Western Australia (2000). Bush Forever. Volume 1: Policies, Principles and Processes. Volume 2: Directory of Bush Forever Sites. Perth, WA. Hamilton-Brown S, Broun G and Rees R (2004). Ferricrete floristic community (Rocky Springs type). Interim Recovery Plan 2004-2009. Department of Conservation and Land Management, Wanneroo. Luu R and English V (2004). Scott River ironstone association. Interim Recovery Plan 2004- 2009. Department of Conservation and Land Management, Wanneroo. Meissner R and Engish V (2005a). Shrubland association on southern Swan Coastal Plain ironstone (Busselton area) (southern ironstone association). Interim Recovery Plan 2005-2010. Department of Conservation and Land Management, Wanneroo. Meissner R and English V (2005b). Shrublands and woodlands on Perth to Gingin ironstone. Interim Recovery Plan 2005-2010. Department of Conservation and Land Management, Wanneroo.

27 Phillimore R, Soutar M and English V (2001). Ironstone petrophile (Petrophile latericola ms). Interim Recovery Plan 2001-2004. Department of Conservation and Land Management, Wanneroo. Poot P, Bakker R and Lambers H (2008). Adaptations to winter-wet ironstone soils: a comparison between rare ironstone Hakea (Proteaceae) species and their common congeners. Australian Journal of Botany 56: 574-582. Poot P and Lambers H (2008). Shallow-soil endemics: adaptive advantages and constraints of a specialised root-system morphology. New Phytologist 178: 371-381. Rees R and Broun G (2005). Assemblages of organic mound springs of the Three Springs Area. Interim Recovery Plan 2005-2010. Department of Conservation and Land Management, Wanneroo. Sawkins D, Verboom WH and Pate JS (2011). Native vegetation in Western Australia is actively involved in soil formation. Department of Agriculture and Food, Narrogin. Shearer BL, Crane EC, Barrett S and Cochrane A (2007). Phytophthora cinnamomi invasion, a major threatening process to conservation of flora diversity in the South-west Botanical Province of Western Australia. Australian Journal of Botany 55: 225-238. Shearer BL, Crane CE and Cochrane A (2004). Quantifications of the susceptibility of the native flora of the South-West Botanical province, Western Australia, to Phytophthora cinnamomi. Australian Journal of Botany 52: 435-443. Shoknecht N (2002). Soil groups of Western Australia: A simple guide to the main soils of Western Australia. Resource Management Technical Report 246. Department of Agriculture, Perth. Smith RS and Ladd PG (1994). Wet heathland of the southern Swan Coastal Plain, Western Australia: A phytosociological study. Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia 77:71-79. Stack G, Brown A and English V (2003). McCutcheon’s grevillea (Grevillea maccutcheonii). Interim Recovery Plan 2003-2008. Department of Conservation and Land Management, Wanneroo. Stack G and English V (2003). Ironstone grevillea (Grevillea elongata). Interim Recovery Plan 2003-2008. Department of Conservation and Land Management, Wanneroo. Wheeler J (2002). Flora of the south-west: Bunbury-Augusta-Denmark. Australian Biological Resources Study and Western Australia Herbarium, Bentley.