Approved NSW & National Recovery Plan australis (Peach Myrtle)

August 2005 © Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW), 2005. This work is copyright. However, material presented in this plan may be copied for personal use or published for educational purposes, providing that any extracts are fully acknowledged. Apart from this and any other use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced without prior written permission from the Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW).

Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) 59-61 Goulbourn Street (PO Box A290) Sydney South NSW 1232 Phone: (02) 9995 5000 (switchboard) Phone: 131 555 (information & publications requests) TTY: (02) 9211 4723 Fax: (02) 9995 5999 Email: [email protected] Website: www.environment.nsw.gov.au

Requests for information or comments regarding the recovery program for the Peach Myrtle (Uromyrtus australis) are best directed to:

The Uromyrtus australis Recovery Co-ordinator Threatened Species Unit, North East Branch Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) Locked Bag 914 Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 Phone: 02 6651 5946

Cover illustrator: Adam Gill

This plan should be cited as follows: Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) 2005, Approved Recovery Plan for the Peach Myrtle (Uromyrtus australis), Department of Environment and Conservation(NSW), Sydney.

ISBN 1 74137 387 5 August 2005 DEC 2005/238

Printed on recycled paper Approved Recovery Plan Uromyrtus australis

Recovery Plan for the Peach Myrtle (Uromyrtus australis)

Foreword

The New South Wales Government established a new environment agency on 24 September 2003, the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC), which incorporates the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. Responsibility for the preparation of Recovery Plans now rests with this new department. This document constitutes the formal National and New South Wales State Recovery Plan for Uromyrtus australis and, as such, considers the conservation requirements of the species across its known range. It identifies the actions to be taken to ensure the long-term viability of Uromyrtus australis in nature and the parties who will undertake these actions. Uromyrtus australis is included as Endangered on the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, and Endangered on the New South Wales Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. Uromyrtus australis (Family ) is a tree of warm temperate rainforest from the Nightcap Range in north east NSW, where it mainly occurs in National Parks and State Conservation Areas with one record for private land. The future recovery actions detailed in this Recovery Plan include: (i) monitoring to detect trends in the population, (ii) research into genetics, such as the extent of clonality, inbreeding depression and differentiation across the population and (iii) surveys of under-sampled habitat. It is intended that this Recovery Plan will be implemented over a five year period. Actions will be undertaken by the DEC.

LISA CORBYN BOB DEBUS MP Director General Minister for the Environment

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Acknowledgments The DEC has prepared this plan in consultation with specialist ecologists. The Plan is largely based on a draft Recovery Plan prepared by consultant botanist Nick Wilson under contract to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (now DEC) Threatened Species Unit, Northern Directorate. Nigel Cotsell, Nick Sheppard, Maria Matthes, John Hunter and Lynn Baker of the Threatened Species Unit, contributed to the preparation of the Plan and Dianne Mackey and Katrina McKay contributed to Plan preparation and finalised the Plan. The consultant wishes to thank numerous people who provided information about Uromyrtus australis including John Hunter (DEC), Robert Kooyman (Earth Process Ecological Services), Gordon Guymer ( Herbarium) and Peter Wilson (National Herbarium of NSW). Maurizio Rossetto (Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney) provided information on the genetic study of threatened . Robert Kooyman (at times with associates) undertook much of the survey work that forms the basis for the current distribution and population knowledge underpinning this Recovery Plan.

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Table of Contents Foreword...... i Acknowledgments ...... ii 1 Introduction...... 1 2 Legislative Context...... 1 2.1 Legal Status ...... 1 2.2 Responsibilities under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 ...... 1 2.3 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999...... 2 2.4 Relationship to other legislation ...... 2 3 Species Information ...... 2 3.1 Description and ...... 2 3.2 Distribution...... 4 3.3 Land tenure ...... 7 3.4 Life history and ecology...... 7 3.5 Ability of species to recover ...... 9 4 Threats and Management Issues ...... 9 4.1 Current threats ...... 9 4.2 Potential threats ...... 10 5 Previous Recovery Actions ...... 10 6 Proposed Recovery Objectives, Actions and Performance Criteria ...... 10 7 Implementation...... 14 8 Social and economic consequences...... 14 9 Biodiversity Benefits ...... 14 10 Preparation Details ...... 15 11 Review Date...... 15 12 References ...... 15 13 Acronyms Used in this Document ...... 16 Appendix 1: Summary of advice from the NSW Scientific Committee...... 18

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Figures Figure 1 The fruit, flowers and foliage of Uromyrtus australis...... 3 Figure 2 The distribution of Uromyrtus australis in north east NSW...... 5

Tables Table 1 Some diagnostic characteristics separating Uromyrtus australis from superficially similar Myrtaceous shrubs and small trees...... 4 Table 2 General location data for Uromyrtus australis, estimates of population sizes and reservation status of the land concerned...... 6 Table 3 Estimated costs of implementing the actions identified in the recovery plan...... 17

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Scientific Committee with respect to the plan, 1 Introduction details of any amendments made to the plan to take account of that advice, and a statement of the Uromyrtus australis A.J.Scott is found only in north reasons for any departure from that advice. This east New South Wales (NSW) on the Nightcap summary is provided in Appendix 1. Range where an estimated 800–1000 plants occur across 46 locations. The species was first recorded in The TSC Act requires that a government agency 1953 and is typically located in warm temperate must not undertake actions inconsistent with a rainforest. Recovery Plan. The actions identified in this plan for the recovery of Uromyrtus australis in NSW are This document constitutes the formal National and the responsibility of the DEC. Other public State Recovery Plan for Uromyrtus australis and, as authorities may have statutory responsibilities such, considers the requirements of the species relevant to the conservation and protection of across its known range. It identifies the actions to be Uromyrtus australis. taken to ensure the long-term viability of Uromyrtus australis in nature and the parties who will undertake Consultation with indigenous people these actions. Attainment of the objectives of this Local Aboriginal Land Councils, Elders and other Recovery Plan is subject to budgetary and other groups representing indigenous people in the areas constraints affecting the parties involved. The where the Uromyrtus australis occurs have been information in this Recovery Plan is accurate to identified and copies of the Recovery Plan sent to August 2005. them. Their comments on the draft of this Recovery The NSW Department of Environment and Plan were sought. It is the intention of the DEC to Conservation (DEC) has prepared this plan in consider the role and interests of these indigenous consultation with specialist plant ecologists. The communities in the implementation of the actions Plan is largely based on a draft Recovery Plan identified in this plan. prepared by consultant botanist Nick Wilson. Critical Habitat The TSC Act makes provision for the identification 2 Legislative Context and declaration of Critical Habitat for species, populations and ecological communities listed as Endangered. Once declared, it becomes an offence 2.1 Legal Status to damage Critical Habitat (unless the TSC Act Uromyrtus australis is listed as Endangered on specifically exempts the action) and a Species Impact Schedule 1 of the NSW Threatened Species Statement (SIS) is mandatory for all developments Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) and under the and activities proposed within Critical Habitat. Commonwealth Environment Protection and The declaration of Critical Habitat in NSW is not Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). considered to be a priority for this species at this stage, as other mechanisms provide for its protection. 2.2 Responsibilities under the Threatened Key Threatening Processes Species Conservation Act 1995 and Threatened Species Legislation Amendment Act 2004 As of June 2005 there are 25 Key Threatening Processes listed on the TSC Act. Of these Recovery plan preparation, exhibition and anthropogenic climate change, clearing of native implementation vegetation and high frequency fire are relevant to The TSC Act provides a legislative framework to Uromyrtus australis. In addition to these Key protect and encourage the recovery of Endangered Threatening Processes, a range of other processes is and Vulnerable Species, Endangered Populations recognised as threatening the survival of the species and Endangered Ecological Communities in NSW. in NSW. The TSC Act includes specific requirements for both Threat Abatement Plans (TAPs) must now be the matters to be addressed by Recovery Plans and prepared to address the threats posed by these Key the process for preparing Recovery Plans. This Threatening Processes to a range of animals and Recovery Plan satisfies these provisions. plants. As these Plans are developed and the This Recovery Plan was placed on public exhibition Recovery Plan reviewed, recommendations of the from 22 December 2003 to 2 February 2004. TAPs will be incorporated into the Recovery Plan where appropriate to this species. The Threatened Species Legislation Amendment Act 2004 states that an approved Recovery Plan must include a summary of advice given by the NSW

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Licensing decide whether the action requires EPBC Act Any activity not requiring development consent approval. This is in addition to any State or Local under the NSW Environmental Planning and Government approval requirement specified for the Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) or the NSW EP&A Act or NV Act. Native Vegetation Act 2003, which is likely to result Administrative guidelines are available from the in Uromyrtus australis being picked, or in damage to Australian Government Department of its habitat, requires a licence from the DEC under Environment and Heritage to assist proponents in the provisions of the TSC Act or the NSW National determining whether their action is likely to have a Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NPW Act). If the significant impact. impact is likely to be significant, a SIS is required. Other conservation measures 2.4 Relationship to other legislation The TSC Act includes provision for other measures Additional legislation relevant to the conservation that may be taken to conserve Uromyrtus australis and recovery of Uromyrtus australis in NSW includes and its habitat, including the making of a Stop Work the following: Order or Joint Management Agreement. • National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974; • Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979; 2.3 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 • Local Government Act 1993; • Native Vegetation Act 2003; The EPBC Act provides a legislative framework for the protection of threatened species across . • Forestry and National Park Estate Act 1998; An important role of the EPBC Act is to facilitate • Plantations and Reafforestation Act 1999; the preparation and implementation of Recovery • Rural Fires Act 1997; and Plans for species listed under the Act in cooperation with the States in which populations of listed species • Rural Fires and Environmental Assessment occur. In preparing a Commonwealth Recovery Plan, Legislation Amendment Act 2002. consideration must be given to the role and interests of indigenous people in the conservation of 3 Species Information Australia's biodiversity. The Act also seeks to impose the obligation (arising from the listing) for 3.1 Description and taxonomy responsible agencies (particularly Commonwealth) Uromyrtus australis is a tree to a height of about 20 to adopt protective measures. This Recovery Plan metres, with brown, scaly bark and glossy green will be submitted to the Commonwealth for approval oppositely arranged leaves. The leaves are many and under the EPBC Act. crowded, giving a particular dense appearance to the Under the EPBC Act, Critical Habitat may be crown of the species. registered for any Nationally listed threatened Uromyrtus australis has characteristic pendant species or ecological community. When adopting a flowers that are initially white, then turning pink to Recovery Plan the Australian Government Minister magenta. Flowers are present in November and for the Environment must consider whether to list December and are followed by small black berries in habitat identified in the Recovery Plan as being April to July. Fuller description of the species can be critical to the survival of the species or ecological found in Floyd (1989) and Wilson (1991). community. It is an offence under the EPBC Act for a person to knowingly take an action that will Uromyrtus australis exhibits stems of variable height significantly damage Critical Habitat (unless the and can occur in all strata of the forest. The stratum EPBC Act specifically exempts the action). This in which it occurs is related to forest height and offence only applies to Commonwealth areas. population structure at individual sites (Kooyman However, an action that is likely to have a pers. comm.). significant impact on a listed species is still subject to referral and approval under the EPBC Act. As Uromyrtus australis is listed Nationally under the EPBC Act, any person proposing to undertake actions likely to have a significant impact on this species should refer the action to the Australian Government Minister for the Environment and Heritage for consideration. The Minister will then

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(A)

anther

filament

Figure 1. The fruit, flowers and foliage of Uromyrtus australis. Illustrated by Adam Gill, © Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney.

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Table 1. Some diagnostic characteristics separating Uromyrtus australis from superficially similar Myrtaceous shrubs and small trees.

Part of the plant Characteristics of Uromyrtus australis Leaves and New growth and branchlets with fine, silky, silvery hairs branches Branchlets brown turning grey (red or red/brown in Pilidiostigma and Archirhodomyrtus) Intramarginal vein absent (present in other species) Oil dots obscure with no distinctive smell when crushed (strong smell in Archirhodomyrtus, Syzygium and Austromyrtus; smell also faint in Pilidiostigma) Flowers Initially white, turning pink to magenta (other species tending to remain white or paler pink) Held singly on slender pendant pedicels (no other species has pendant flowers) Distinctive and unique ‘tail-like’ appendage present on the apex of the anthers (not readily visible to the naked eye and illustrated in Wilson [1991]) Fruit Black berry with few seeds (black in some species such as Pilidostigma, but generally more seeds, yellow/orange in Archirhodomyrtus beckleri, reddish in Syzygium)

A number of species in other genera of the occurs from north-east NSW to south-east Myrtaceae can be confused with Uromyrtus australis, Queensland. especially in the absence of flowers, as their habit and leaves are superficially similar. These include 3.2 Distribution Archirhodomyrtus beckleri, Pilidiostigma glabrum and species of Austromyrtus (sens. lat.) and Syzygium. Uromyrtus australis occurs in a very specialised Some of these species can be found in the same habitat, being restricted to high rainfall, high altitude localities as Uromyrtus australis. areas on Nimbin Rhyolite geology in the Nightcap Range and nearby areas in north east NSW Table 1 details some of the features that are useful (particularly Jerusalem Mountain to Koonyum for identifying Uromyrtus australis. Figure 1 Range). Figure 2 shows the distribution of U. illustrates flowers and fruit. Figure 1 also depicts the australis in north east NSW. This is a very limited short appendage extending beyond the anther (A), range for a plant species, of approximately 13 by 11 which is a diagnostic characteristic of the kms, and is an important risk factor for the species. (Kooyman pers. comm.). Indeed, the range is smaller than this figure indicates Uromyrtus is a member of the subfamily Myrtoideae as a significant part of this nominal area, particularly of the family Myrtaceae, which is characterised by in the south-west, is on basalt geology or is in other fleshy fruits. The other subfamily ways unsuitable for U. australis. (Leptospermoideae) has dry fruits (capsular or nut- Uromyrtus australis is patchy within its range, for like) and consists of the larger number of Australian obscure reasons. U. australis does not occur in all Myrtaceae, including Eucalyptus, Melaleuca, areas of seemingly suitable habitat such as rhyolitic Leptospermum and others. areas of the western Nightcap Range (Stewart & Uromyrtus is a small genus in the family Myrtaceae, McKinley 1998; Kooyman, pers. comm.) or does so consisting of around 15 species, four of which are in low numbers. recognised in Australia (Wilson 1991; Guymer, pers. There are only a few areas with significant comm.). The genus appears to be of Gondwanan concentrations of Uromyrtus australis, such as the origin, based on the distribution of extant species headwaters of Rocky Creek and the southeastern (Australia and New Guinea to New Caledonia). slopes of Mt Jerusalem. Some additional scattered The centre for diversity in Uromyrtus is New and peripheral populations occur such as around Caledonia (Adam 1987). Rocky Creek between Tungun and Rummery Roads, There are four Australian species of Uromyrtus. They along the upper Gibbergunyah Range, near Mt are widely scattered and include two species from far Matheson and on Koonyum Range and Blackbutt north Queensland, U. metrosideros (F.M. Bail.) A.J. Plateau. Discrete populations are separated by areas Scott and U. tenellus N. Snow & G. Guymer. A third where no U. australis occurs, with greatest continuity species, U. lamingtonensis N. Snow & G. Guymer on the Nightcap Range to Mt Jerusalem

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$ $ $ $ $$ $ $ LEGEND $ Mount Jerusalem Uromyrtus australis NP $T $ records $ $ DEC Estate N $ $$ $ $ Major rivers Nightcap NP $ $$$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $$ $ Tweed Heads ( $ NSW $ $ $ Goonengerry Qld $ $ $ $ $$ NP ) Whian Whian $ $ SCA $$ $ # $ $ Murwillumbah

$ $ $ NSW Nightcap NP $$ Uromyrtus australis

Byron Bay #

0123456Kilometres Lismore Pa g e 5 Figure 2. The distribution of Uromyrtus australis in north east NSW. Approved Recovery Plan Uromyrtus australis

Table 2. General location data for Uromyrtus australis, estimates of population sizes and reservation status of the land concerned.

Locality1 Tenure Population estimate2

Headwaters of Rocky Creek Nightcap National Park (NP) > 500

Lower down Rocky Creek Mostly Whian Whian State Conservation Area > 100 (Tungun to Rummery Roads) (SCA) with a minor area in Nightcap NP

Southern slopes of Mt Jerusalem Mt Jerusalem NP > 100

Headwaters of Wilsons River Mt Jerusalem NP > 50

Headwaters of Boomerang Whian Whian SCA > 40 Creek

Koonyum Range (Palmwoods Mt Jerusalem NP > 30 Spur)

Koonyum Range (former Mt Jerusalem NP > 30 Compartment 61)

Vicinity Of Peates Mountain Whian Whian SCA and Nightcap NP > 10 Road

Upper Gibbergunyah Range Nightcap NP and Whian Whian SCA > 10

Blackbutt Plateau Mt Jerusalem NP > 5

Adjacent to Goonengerry NP Private land <5

1 This general locality information summarises the main known localities of Uromyrtus australis and is based on Kooyman (pers. comm.) and Stewart & McKinley (1998). 2 Estimates are based on Stewart & McKinley (1998), Kooyman (2000a) and Kooyman (pers. comm.) and are indicative only. Determining genetically distinct individuals in the field can be difficult due to the multi-stemmed habit of the species. There may also be some overlap of populations. and the headwaters of Wilsons Creek (Kooyman north west of Mt Warning (the Chillingham pers. comm.). The connection between any of the Volcanics) or the outliers of Nimbin Rhyolite to the occurrences and whether the peripheral populations west of the Nightcap Range. Any further discoveries are relicts or the result of recent dispersal is unclear. of Uromyrtus spp. from the high rainfall rhyolite on Answering such questions is important to the Lamington and Springbrook Plateaux understanding the ecology of U. australis and to (Queensland) are unlikely to be U. australis, given refining its management. The DEC will encourage the presence of U. sp. ‘McPherson Range’ near those research into this and other related ecological areas. questions. Details of the geology and geomorphology of the General locality information with estimates of remnants of the Tweed Shield Volcano, including population sizes is shown in Table 2. Some older the habitat of Uromyrtus australis, are available from recorded locations have not been re-located and numerous sources (e.g. Adam 1987; RACAC 1996). some have been corrected (Stewart & McKinley Rainfall is amongst the highest recorded in NSW, 1998; Kooyman 2000a). with a 53-year average for Rummery Park in Whian There are no records of Uromyrtus australis from Whian State Forest (SF) (now part of Whian Whian other rhyolite areas associated with the Tweed State Conservation Area) being 2368.3 mm, with Shield Volcano, such as those to the north and rainfall certainly greater at higher altitudes.

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As discussed in Section 4, there are strong However, Uromyrtus australis is patchy even on the indications that Uromyrtus australis was restricted in Nimbin Rhyolite. Reasons for this patchiness have its range prior to European land use. Although there not been determined. are indications of European impact on populations Uromyrtus australis can occur in ‘mixed forest’ (Section 3.5) the degree to which the present patchy vegetation, where an overstorey of one or more distribution reflects European land use practices is Eucalyptus species, including Blackbutt (E. pilularis), unknown. Flooded Gum (E. grandis) and New England Blackbutt (E. campanulata), or Brush Box 3.3 Land tenure (Lophostemon confertus) overtops a warm temperate Uromyrtus australis is known only from Whian rainforest stratum of varying degrees of development. Whian SF (now Whian Whian State Conservation The status of such vegetation has long been Area), Nightcap and Mt Jerusalem National Parks controversial (Adam 1994), but it has traditionally and one record from private land. This plan is been available for timber harvesting in State Forests, written on the assumption that this is the complete despite its close relationship to rainforest. range for the species. Habitat 3.4 Life history and ecology Uromyrtus australis is a species of ‘warm temperate Life cycle rainforest’ (Floyd 1989; Wilson 1991; Quinn et al. Uromyrtus australis is a perennial, probably with a 1995). Such vegetation is typified by a closed relatively long life span. Very slow growth rates are canopy, usually dominated by Coachwood evident from analysis of initial growth rate data (), along with other members (Kooyman 2000b). Most stems observable in the of the family Cunoniaceae, such as Black Wattle field are small, but Stewart & McKinley (1998) (Callicoma serratifolia), Crabapple (Schizomeria ovata) record stems up to 20 cm diameter at breast height and Corkwood (Caldcluvia paniculosa). Numerous (dbh). These larger stems may be four hundred to other tree species may be present. A discussion of one thousand years old (Kooyman 2000b). the nature and distribution of warm temperate rainforest can be found in Adam (1994) and There is no information on pollinating agents of elsewhere. Uromyrtus australis. However, given the open structure of the flower, and the general patterns in The vegetation corresponds to Floyd’s (1990) rainforest taxa, insects such as bees, and possibly ‘Suballiance 35. Ceratopetalum/Schizomeria – beetles, are most likely to be pollinating agents Caldcluvia’ and is predominantly Simple Notophyll (Williams, pers. comm.). Evergreen Vine Forest in Webb’s (1959) physical character system. Although principally notophyll Uromyrtus australis is monoecious (hermaphroditic), forest, the vegetation where the species occurs is but there is little further information on its breeding reduced to tall microphyll thicket in some areas of system (e.g. questions of self-compatibility versus shallow soil. outcrossing), nor on effective pollination distances. The latter, however, may be surmised from likely It is probable that the combination of high rainfall, pollinators, and if large bees are pollinating moderate temperatures and the relatively nutrient- U. australis, then it may be speculated that relatively poor podsolic soils derived from rhyolite accounts for long distances are involved (Williams & Adam the occurrence of warm temperate rainforest in the 1994). Nightcap area. Basaltic soils in the vicinity support subtropical rainforest. The fruit is a small, fleshy, black berry and would probably be attractive to birds (possibly smaller, Sites supporting Uromyrtus australis have the generalist frugivores). It is likely that these would be following in common: dispersing agents. Based on what is known of the • predominantly above 600 metres in altitude; species’ biology it is unlikely that a persistent seedbank is present. • Nimbin Rhyolite geology; Little is known of the conditions required by • wet and often subject to cloud cover; Uromyrtus australis to regenerate from seed. No • close proximity to Coachwood, although it may seedlings were seen during an inspection of one of be scarce in some cases (Kooyman pers. comm.; the larger populations or in extensive surveys Kooyman 2000a; Stewart & McKinley 1998). (Benwell, quoted in Stewart & McKinley 1998; Kooyman 2000a). Observations of flowering and fruiting suggest generally low numbers of flowers and

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resulting fruit with annual variations including some Uromyrtus australis has been observed to produce years with little or no flowering (Kooyman pers. suckers in response to mechanical disturbance, such comm.). The flowering season is in November and as the slashing of roadsides in the former Whian December and fruit is ripe in April and May (Floyd Whian SF (Kooyman 2000a). 1989). During December 1998, a small number of The closed forest habitat of Uromyrtus australis is trees in several sites produced only a few flowers. relatively protected against serious external While this sparse flowering may have resulted from a (exogenous) disturbance events. Storms will occur variable factor such as poor seasonal conditions, it from time to time but, while the mid storey species does raise questions about the reproductive ability of would mostly be unharmed, some damage to the species. individual plants would be likely if taller trees were Given that areas where Uromyrtus australis occurs uprooted or branches fell. remain well vegetated, pollinating and dispersing Drought occurs infrequently in the high rainfall agents are probably still present. Nevertheless, it is habitat of Uromyrtus australis. U. australis is unclear whether U. australis can readily recolonise intolerant of dry and exposed conditions in former habitat. cultivation (Nicholson and Nicholson 1991) which In cultivation Uromyrtus australis always has far is understandable given the moist and protected fewer fruit than flowers (Nicholson and Nicholson habitat of the species. 1991) but this does not necessarily mean that The species’ mesic habitat is naturally fire resistant fecundity is low. Floyd (1989) recorded a reasonable and naturally occurring fires would be rare. Very germination rate (75%) in a horticultural sample of infrequent high intensity fires are possible, unstated size. particularly following severe drought, and would be likely to have a major impact on vegetation that had Population structure developed during a long inter–fire period. However, Uromyrtus australis exhibits stems of a wide range of direct information on the response of Uromyrtus heights and can occur in all strata of the forest. The australis is lacking, although the species may be fire stratum in which it occurs is related to forest height sensitive. and population structure at individual sites The predominant disturbance regime in natural (Kooyman pers. comm.). habitat is likely to be gap phase disturbance as Data on the height of Uromyrtus australis stems at individual canopy trees die. This internal twenty sites shows that two-thirds of stems are two (endogenous) disturbance regime does not produce metres or less, however plants have been recorded gross changes in the vegetation, but may allow up to 20 metres (Kooyman 2000a). Most stems of individual sub-canopy plants to regenerate and grow trees five metres and over are five centimeters to ten better in the relatively brighter conditions of a tree- centimeters dbh, however stems have been recorded fall gap. up to 20 cm dbh (Stewart & McKinley 1998). Stem The dynamics of Uromyrtus australis in response to densities of up to 1625/ha (for stems greater than six gap phase disturbance or to the more drastic centimeters dbh) and 500/ha (for stems greater than exogenous disturbance events are poorly known and ten centimeters diameter dbh) have been recorded require further study. The species has been recorded (Stewart & McKinley 1998). growing with Nightcap Wattle (Acacia orites) which The large number of small plants and large numbers probably means that the area has experienced a of stems with a low dbh reflect the suckering habit relatively recent past disturbance event (Stewart & (Wilson pers. obs.; Floyd pers. comm. quoted in McKinley 1998). Quinn et al. 1995; Stewart & McKinley 1998) of the Past silvicultural practices to promote the regrowth species and make population numbers harder to of commercial tree species and to establish assess. plantations in the former Whian Whian SF and adjacent State Forests may have adversely affected Predators and parasites Uromyrtus australis. The degree of impact is There is no information recorded on predators and unknown given that the distribution of Uromyrtus parasites of wild populations of Uromyrtus australis. australis in the Nightcap and Kooynum Range area prior to European occupation is unknown. Disturbance Nevertheless, large areas of the predicted habitat of Uromyrtus australis suckers from the roots and this U. australis, based on a DEC model, is unoccupied by almost certainly gives greater persistence to the species. individual plants, at least following disturbance.

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3.5 Ability of species to recover specimen of the species is known to have been affected by fire over the past twenty years. However, The relative security of Uromyrtus australis habitat given the current state of knowledge, it is suggests that the species has the ability to recover precautionary to class the species as fire sensitive, and persist in the long term, given sympathetic particularly with respect to intense fires. Therefore, management. One proviso is whether the species fires, whether wildfire or on a smaller scale has the biological and demographic capacity to associated with silviculture or fuel reduction persist in the long term even in areas of protected burning, may be a significant threat to U. australis. habitat, given its restricted, possibly refugial, distribution and the possible influence of past land Fire Management Strategies (FMSs) are the use. principal planning documents for fire management on the National Park Estate, including fuel hazard It is important that such naturally ‘rare’ species, reduction burns. Draft FMSs are being prepared for particularly those with relatively small numbers, be Nightcap and Mt Jerusalem NPs. Information on protected from additional human-induced pressure. the likely fire response of Uromyrtus australis and the They may be susceptible to such pressure because community in which it occurs, generally warm they have limited options for dispersal, along with a temperate rainforest, will be considered in susceptibility to ecological or genetic catastrophic development of the strategy. A FMS will also need events. Because questions remain about the to be prepared for Whian Whian SCA. performance of Uromyrtus australis even in intact habitat, research is a central recovery action under Bush Fire Risk Management plans prepared for each this Recovery Plan. Local Government Area and corresponding Plans of Operations address general fire protection and control measures until FMSs are adopted. These 4 Threats and Management Issues plans are also required to consider the requirements of threatened species. 4.1 Current threats Roads and road maintenance There is no direct evidence of decline of Uromyrtus In the past, road construction, maintenance and australis within historical time. U. australis has roadside slashing has affected Uromyrtus australis in probably always been ‘rare’ during the time of Whian Whian SF when it was managed by SFNSW European occupation, with specific habitat needs. (now Forests NSW). A number of large populations Forestry was the principal extractive land use in the have been fragmented and some small populations habitat of Uromyrtus australis. However, conclusions substantially affected. These small populations now about the impact of forestry activities on U. australis persist on and adjacent to roadsides (Kooyman pers. are sketchy due to a lack of information. Forestry comm.). activities since 1999 in the vicinity of U. australis Plants have now been marked in situ and DEC will were regulated by conditions of the TSL under the ensure plants are not damaged now the area is part IFOA but the area has now been transferred to the of DEC estate. The proportion of individuals on DEC. roadsides that have been marked is unknown. U. Low numbers australis is able to sucker from the roots so individuals may survive incidental mechanical Total numbers of Uromyrtus australis are low, damage however this does not mean that the species possibly as few as 800 individuals confirmed in the is tolerant of roadside slashing. Further, the impact wild based on Stewart & McKinley (1998), of roads on the clonal populations that they Kooyman (2000a) and Kooyman (pers. comm.). fragment is not known (Kooyman pers. comm.). Important population information is lacking, notably the degree of interconnection through pollination Mining and dispersal, as is insight into effective population The Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) has size (the average number of individuals in a issued an exploration licence to Diamond Rose NL population that are actually contributing genes to for the purpose of conducting exploration activities successive generations [Ne]) (Nunney and Elam for the presence and extent of Group 6 minerals 1994). (Corundrum, Diamond, Ruby and Sapphire) within Fire an area exceeding 200 km2, including the recently gazetted Whian Whian SCA. The NPW Act permits It is not known if Uromyrtus australis can sucker certain prospecting and mining activities within state following fire, but it is expected that it may sucker conservation areas with the concurrence of the following low intensity fires. No population or Minister responsible for the administration of the

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NPW Act. Prospecting and mining in national parks • states that once threatened species Recovery and nature reserves is prohibited. Plans are finalised the Plan of Management will need to be reviewed to ensure consistency, Potential threats to Uromyrtus australis from prospecting and mining include damage to individual • includes as a desired biodiversity outcome to specimens and their habitat. conserve populations of threatened species and their habitat, and Grazing, Disease and Weeds • includes as a desired fire management outcome The threat posed by grazing, disease and weeds has the exclusion of fire from rainforest and wet been assessed as low. sclerophyll communities. A plan will be prepared for Whian Whian State 4.2 Potential threats Conservation Area . Logging Habitat protection and management The threat logging poses to the occurrence of Measures for the conservation of Uromyrtus australis Uromytus austalis on private land is unknown and in wood production areas of State Forests are will be determined during the life of the plan. detailed in the TSL of the IFOA for the Upper and Logging on private land is regulated under the NV Lower North East Regions. SFNSW is required to Act. implement the conditions of each IFOA, whilst the Climate change DEC is required to monitor and enforce compliance with conditions. A longer-term threat to Uromyrtus australis may be climate change brought about by anthropogenic As stated previously, no specimens of Uromyrtus activities, either directly or through other agents, australis are currently known from Forests NSW such as increased fire frequency. While this might (FNSW) land. be said for many species, it can be speculated that U. Ex-situ Cultivation australis may be susceptible as a species with relatively low numbers occupying a specialised Four Uromyrtus australis individuals are in highland habitat, with few options for lateral or cultivation at the North Coast Regional Botanic altitudinal migration. Recovery actions cannot Garden in parts of the Gardens devoted to rare and remove this threat per se., however maintaining the endangered plants and to rainforest. The plants are maximum numbers of individuals and the quality of being cultivated primarily for public education the habitat may provide greater resilience to climate purposes (Alex Floyd, pers. comm.). U. australis is change, thereby increasing the imperative to protect also cultivated at the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide, all populations. the Agricultural Research Institute, Wagga Wagga, the Royal Botanical Gardens Mt Annan Annex and the Australian National Botanical Gardens, 5 Previous Recovery Actions Canberra (Australian Network for Plant Surveys and monitoring Conservation, quoted in Quinn et al. 1995). Stewart & McKinley (1998) surveyed a representative range of Uromyrtus australis sites and 6 Proposed Recovery Objectives, Actions documented abundance, distribution, site and Performance Criteria characteristics and threats at these sites. Kooyman (2000a) sampled additional sites and surveyed The overall objective of this Recovery Plan is to potential habitat to assist understanding of U. protect populations of Uromyrtus australis from australis distribution, population numbers and decline by human-induced impacts, and to ensure habitat. that wild populations of U. australis remain viable in the long term. Kooyman (2000b) designed a monitoring program to determine whether wild populations of Uromyrtus Specific objectives of this Recovery Plan are listed australis are declining spatially and/or numerically below. Recovery actions, each with a performance and implemented the initial stages of the program. criterion, have been developed for the thirteen objectives. Management plans A Plan of Management (NPWS 2004) which incorporates Nightcap and Mt Jerusalem NPs was adopted on the 15 November 2005. The plan:

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Objective 1: Improve the consideration of on reproduction biology is lacking. In view of this, Uromyrtus australis in environmental impact licences will not be issued for the collection of assessment for developments and activities. propagation material, beyond the requirements of any recovery actions in this plan, until further Action 1.1: information is known. The DEC will develop and distribute standard survey and environmental assessment guidelines for Uromyrtus Performance Criterion: No licences are granted australis to all relevant DEC staff and consent under the TSC Act or the NPW Act for collection authorities. of propagation material from Uromyrtus australis unless collection is part of the Recovery Program. A standard, minimum survey effort should be undertaken when determining if Uromyrtus australis Objective 3: To familiarise landholders and public is present in or near the area of a potential authority staff with Uromyrtus australis. development or activity. Presence of the species Action 3.1: should require implementation of effective Staff from DEC, Rous County Council (RCC) and mitigation measures to reduce or eliminate the Lismore City Council (LCC) and landholders directly impact of a proposed development or activity. responsible for the management of Uromyrtus australis Performance Criterion: Standard survey and populations and habitat will be made familiar with the environmental assessment guidelines are developed species in the field. and distributed within the life of the plan. Currently, Uromyrtus australis is only known from Action 1.2: DEC estate and one location on private land. The DEC will implement the Memorandum of However, LCC and RCC have management Understanding (MOU) between the DEC and the responsibilities for adjacent land where U. australis DMR and the associated guidelines for a review of may be present but has not been recorded. Agency environmental factors in relation to any prospecting or staff familiar with U. australis are unlikely to mining proposed in Whian Whian SCA. The DEC will inadvertently damage the plant in the course of their oppose prospecting and mining proposals that may cause duties and are more likely to note and report new adverse impacts to specimens of Uromyrtus australis records and any damage that may occur by other and their habitat. means, for example, storms. Landholders are less likely to inadvertently damage the plant if they are Prospecting and mining activities have the potential familiar with its appearance, habitat and location. to damage or destroy specimens of Uromytrus australis and to damage its habitat. Implementation Performance Criterion: Appropriate agency staff and of the MOU’s ‘Guidelines for completing a review of landholders participate in the Uromyrtus australis environmental factors covering exploration in state familiarisation field sessions. Familiarisation sessions conservation areas’ will ensure that adequate will be offered within the life of the plan and environmental impact assessment processes are relevant agencies and landholders will be invited to undertaken, appropriate mitigation measures are participate. applied, the necessary approvals are obtained and Objective 4: To protect roadside populations of the management of exploration and mining is Uromyrtus australis. monitored and reviewed. Action 4.1: Objective 2: Restrict the licensing of picking of The DEC will develop and implement a marking system Uromyrtus australis under the TSC Act or the for roadside occurrences of Uromyrtus australis in areas NPW Act. under its management. Action 2.1: The development and implementation of a marking The DEC will not grant a licence under the TSC Act or system will assist DEC staff to identify Uromyrtus the NPW Act to collect propagation material from australis populations on roadsides and will help to Uromyrtus australis unless collection is consistent with protect it from inadvertent damage by roadside the Recovery Program. maintenance practices. Actions that do not require a consent or approval Performance criteria: A marking system for under the EP&A Act may require a licence under Uromyrtus australis populations on roadsides is the TSC Act or the NPW Act, for example, developed and implemented by the DEC in areas collection of propagation material. Uromyrtus under its management within the life of the plan. australis seedlings have not been observed in recent extensive surveys (Kooyman 2000a) and information

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Action 4.2: Action 7.1: The DEC will review roadside maintenance practices in The DEC will review existing records on the Atlas of marked areas and, if necessary, modify practices to NSW Wildlife and, where possible, will remove records ensure the protection of Uromyrtus australis populations for which there is evidence that they are incorrect. and their habitat. It is important that the Atlas of NSW Wildlife Some roadside maintenance practices e.g. database contains accurate records of Uromyrtus mechanised slashing, can pose a threat to Uromyrtus australis as it is a primary resource for researchers, australis populations. Practices used in marked areas developers, environmental consultants and land need to ensure the protection of roadside managers. There is evidence that some records may populations. be incorrect. Performance criteria: No Uromyrtus australis Performance criterion: Existing records are reviewed populations are damaged by DEC roadside and, where possible, incorrect records are removed maintenance practices within the life of the plan. within the life of the plan. Objective 5: To protect Uromyrtus australis on Action 7.2: private land. The DEC will ensure that all Uromyrtus australis Action 5.1: records generated by research commissioned by the DEC are entered on the Atlas of NSW Wildlife. The DEC will liaise with the owners of the private property on which Uromyrtus australis occurs regarding It is important that the Atlas of NSW Wildlife the protection of the population. database contains accurate records of Uromyrtus australis as it is a primary resource for researchers, Through liaison with the private landholders the developers, environmental consultants and land DEC will determine the ways it can assist the managers. landholders to protect the U. australis at this location. Performance criteria: Consultants and staff undertaking research commissioned by DEC within Performance criterion: The DEC liaises with the life of the plan will provide details of new landholders of private land where Uromyrtus australis Uromyrtus australis records in a form suitable for has been located regarding its protection. entry on the database to the DEC Wildlife Data Objective 6: Fire planning. Unit on completion of the research. Action 6.1: Objective 8: To monitor population dynamics. The DEC will provide information on the ecological Action 8.1: requirements of Uromyrtus australis to the appropriate The DEC will ensure that the collection of population Bushfire Management Committees and DEC bushfire dynamics data from monitoring sites continues and will management planners. opportunistically monitor the impact of disturbance The RF Act requires that the ecological events. requirements of threatened species be considered by It is expected that the outcomes of the current Bushfire Management Committees (BMCs) in monitoring program will determine if wild preparing Bushfire Management Plans (BMPs) for populations of the species are declining spatially or local government areas. The DEC prepares Fire numerically or both. Management Strategies that complement the local BMPs, for areas under its control. Strategies are This information is crucial to determining the level currently being prepared for Nightcap and Mt of threat assigned to the species and the Jerusalem NPs and Whian Whian SCA. management actions required. Performance criterion: The DEC has provided Opportunities may arise to document the response of information on the ecological requirements of the species to fire and other disturbances (e.g. storm Uromyrtus australis to the appropriate BMCs and damage). The response of Uromyrtus australis to DEC bushfire management planners within the life roadside slashing is being monitored (Kooyman of the plan. 2000b), however, little is known of the response of U. australis to other disturbance events. Objective 7: Uromyrtus australis records in the Atlas of NSW Wildlife are accurate and current. Performance criterion: Monitoring data is collected according to the methodology and timeframes described in Kooyman (2000b), including the opportunistic monitoring of representative sites of

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Uromyrtus australis to sample response to Action 10.2: disturbance. The DEC will coordinate the opportunistic survey of Objective 9: Encourage research into genetics and those areas of suitable habitat in the western Nightcap reproductive biology. and Mt Jerusalem areas that have yet to be surveyed, and the recording of new occurrences of Uromyrtus Action 9.1: australis. The DEC will encourage research into genetics and the Surveys of suitable habitat should be completed to reproductive biology of Uromyrtus australis. establish whether any further individuals or Information on genetics and the reproductive populations exist (Kooyman 2000a). Additional biology of Uromyrtus australis will assist the DEC to survey is to be done opportunistically during any refine management actions for individual U. australis resource inventory work that is undertaken as sites in the long term. This will assist in extensive targeted surveys have been undertaken of understanding whether the population acts as one Uromyrtus australis habitat (Kooyman 2000a). continuous population or as discrete populations, Performance criterion: Suitable habitat in the possibly representing different refugia (Rossetto pers. western Nightcap and Mt Jerusalem areas is comm.). opportunistically surveyed and new occurrences Research topics will include but not be restricted to: recorded within the life of the plan. • extent of clonality, inbreeding depression and Objective 11: Collate data on ex-situ conservation differentiation across the population; plantings. • identification of sub-populations; Action 11.1: • research into gene-flow within and between The DEC will collate information on the origin and Uromyrtus australis sites with the long-term aim of population dynamics of ex-situ conservation plantings of guiding appropriate sub-population enhancement Uromyrtus australis in public collections. and population expansion; Uromyrtus australis is cultivated in a number of • fertility, pollination and dispersal vectors, public collections, however, the DEC has only basic germination rates; information on the success and origin of these plantings. If a catastrophic event affects one or a • environmental constraints on germination and number of wild U. australis populations, the genetic seedling recruitment and persistence; and composition of these plants may be valuable. • assessing natural recruitment to determine Additionally, information on the population whether recruitment is occurring from a limited dynamics of ex-situ plants may contribute to gene pool. understanding the habitat requirements of U. australis. Performance criterion: The DEC will liaise with researchers and research organisations to discuss and Performance criterion: Information is collated by the encourage research into genetics and reproductive DEC on plantings at the North Coast Regional biology within the life of the plan. Botanic Garden, Coffs Harbour, the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide, the Agricultural Research Objective 10: Complete surveys of Uromyrtus Institute, Wagga Wagga, the Royal Botanical australis populations and suitable habitat. Gardens Mt Annan Annex and the Australian Action 10.1: National Botanical Gardens, Canberra within the The DEC will coordinate the marking and recording of life of the plan. the boundaries of the larger Uromyrtus australis Objective 12: To co-ordinate Recovery. populations. Action 12.1: Work begun on delineating population boundaries The DEC will be responsible for the coordination and during previous survey and monitoring (Kooyman implementation of the recovery plan. 2000a & 2000b) needs to be completed to assist with managing and monitoring these populations. The DEC is the authority responsible for coordination of the plan and the implementation of Performance criterion: Boundaries of the larger the recovery actions Uromyrtus australis populations are marked and recorded within the life of the plan. Performance criterion: The recovery plan is coordinated and implemented by the DEC.

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Objective 13: To integrate the recovery of There are considerable ancillary benefits in Uromyrtus australis with the recovery of other protecting Uromyrtus australis habitat as it represents biota. a highly significant repository of biodiversity for both fauna and flora. Some of these other species are Action 13.1: discussed in following sections. Where practical, the DEC will integrate recovery actions for the Uromyrtus australis with those of other Another wider benefit of the research program threatened species, populations or ecological communities recommended under this Recovery Plan will be the occurring in similar habitats. gaining of information about a geographically restricted and threatened plant species that should, A number of other threatened species, populations assuming the studies will be well designed, be or ecological communities are known or likely to relevant to other species in similar situations. occur in similar habitats to the Uromyrtus australis. By integrating the recovery actions of other Flora threatened biota with those of U. australis, limited The entire remnant Tweed Shield Volcano is highly resources can be used more effectively. significant for its biodiversity (Hunter 1991). It is a Performance Criterion: Where practical, recovery centre of both rarity and endemism in flora, and is an actions have been integrated with those of other important refuge area. A significant proportion of threatened species, populations or ecological this diversity is threatened: Duthy (1997) lists 60 communities. threatened species within the former Whian Whian State Forest, albeit including areas that are not habitat for Uromyrtus australis. 7 Implementation Other threatened plant species listed on Schedule 1 Table 3 outlines the implementation of recovery or 2 of the TSC Act, whose range and habitat is actions specified in this Recovery Plan by relevant encompassed by that of Uromyrtus australis include government agencies and/or parties for the period of Corokia whiteana, Tinopspora tinosporoides, Symplocos five years from publication. The DEC is the party baeuerlenii, Amorphospermum whitei, Hicksbeachia responsible for the implementation of the plan. pinnatifolia, Hibbertia hexandra, Elaeocarpus sp. ‘Rocky Estimated costs of implementing the actions Creek’ and possibly others, such as Grammitis identified in the recovery plan are provided in Table stenophylla. Protection of Uromyrtus australis habitat 3. will also afford significant protection to these plants. There are numerous plant species listed as ‘rare’ on 8 Social and economic consequences the Rare or Threatened Australian Plants (ROTAP) data base of Briggs & Leigh (1995) that are also The total cost of implementing the recovery actions coincident with Uromyrtus australis, along with will be $95,725 over the five-year period covered by numerous others that are biogeographically this plan (Table 3). significant (e.g. Sheringham and Westaway 1995). Implementation of this Recovery Plan will not affect ROTAP species include Gahnia insignis, current FNSW harvesting operations. Under glaberrima, Acacia orites, Argophyllum nullumense and current forestry practice, the IFOA for the Upper Pararistolochia laheyana. Species with North East Region applies prescriptions to harvesting biogeographical significance include a number with operations where individuals of Uromyrtus australis significant disjunctions in their distributions. These occur. No specimens of U. australis are currently species include the Dorrigo Plum (Endiandra known from Forests NSW land. introrsa), which is limited to the Nightcap Range and adjacent outliers dominated by rhyolite lithology and It is anticipated that there will be no significant simple notophyll vine forest, and also occurs in the adverse social or economic costs associated with the Dorrigo region. implementation of this Recovery Plan and that the overall benefits to society of implementation of the The warm temperate rainforest vegetation that Recovery Plan will outweigh any specific costs. characterises Uromyrtus australis habitat has significant conservation values as a regionally restricted vegetation assemblage and as a reflection 9 Biodiversity Benefits of the particular nature and diversity of plant species Uromyrtus australis is the most southerly species of that comprise it. Certain localities, such as areas of the genus Uromyrtus, and the sole representative in low forest comprising Coachwood and Hill Water NSW with the exception of U. sp. ‘McPherson Gum (Tristaniopis collina) with a significant presence Range’ that occurs on the border with Queensland.

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of U. australis on shallow soils in Nightcap NP are Floyd, A.G. 1990, Australian Rainforests in New South particularly interesting. Wales, Volume II. Surrey Beatty and Sons, Chipping Norton, NSW. Fauna It is not known if there is fauna specifically Hunter, R.J. 1991, ‘The role of remnants in the dependent on Uromyrtus australis, notwithstanding conservation of rare or threatened rainforest the indications that insects (as pollinators) and birds plants’, in Rainforest Remnants: Proceedings of a (as dispersers) may feed on floral products and fruit Workshop in Rainforest Rehabilitation held at the respectively. However, conservation action that North Coast Agricultural Institute, 17-18 retains habitat quality (or allows habitat recovery for November 1988, ed. S. Phillips, New South U. australis) will benefit a wide range of fauna, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Hurstville. including threatened species, particularly those preferring dense, mesic forest habitats. Kooyman, R. 2000a, Results of field surveys to determine the status of Peach Myrtle (Uromyrtus Threatened animal species either recorded or likely australis) at previously recorded site locations: plus within the range of Uromyrtus australis include the additional distribution records from area searches, Long-nosed Potoroo (Potorus tridactylus), Pouched report prepared for New South Wales National Frog (Assa darlingtoni), Loveridge’s Frog (Philoria Parks and Wildlife Service by Earth Process loveridgei), Stephen’s Banded Snake (Holocephalus Ecological Services, Myocum. stephensii), Sooty Owl (Tyto tenebricosa) and Albert’s Lyrebird (Menura alberti). Kooyman, R. 2000b, Report on the development of a monitoring program for the endangered plant Uromyrtus australis, report prepared for New 10 Preparation Details South Wales National Parks and Wildlife This Recovery Plan is largely based on a draft Service by Earth Process Ecological Services, Recovery Plan prepared by Nick Wilson in Myocum. consultation with Nigel Cotsell, Nick Sheppard, NSW NPWS 2004, Plan of Management for the Parks Maria Matthes, John Hunter, Lynn Baker, of the and Reserves of the Tweed Caldera (incorporating former NPWS and finalised by Dianne Mackey and Mt Warning National Park, Border Ranges Katrina McKay, DEC. National Park, Mebbin National Park, Nightcap National Park, Mt Jerusalem National Park, 11 Review Date Goonengerry National Park, Limpinwood Nature Reserve, Numinbah Nature Reserve, Snows Gully This Recovery Plan will be reviewed within five years Nature Reserve), NSW NPWS, Sydney. of the date of its publication. Nicholson, N. and Nicholson, H. 1991, Australian Rainforest Plants II: in the Forest and in the 12 References Garden, Terania Rainforest Nursery, The Adam, P. 1987, New South Wales Rainforests: the Channon. Nomination for the World Heritage List, New Nunney, L. and Elam, D.R. 1994, ‘Estimating the South National Parks and Wildlife Service, effective population size of conserved Sydney. populations’, Conservation Biology, 8(1), p.p. Adam, P. 1994, Australian Rainforests, Oxford 175-84. Biogeography Series No. 6, Oxford University Quinn, F.C., Williams, J.B., Gross, C.L. and Bruhl, Press, Oxford. J.J. 1995, Report on Rare and Threatened Plants of Briggs, J.D. & Leigh, J.H. 1995, Rare or Threatened North-eastern New South Wales, report prepared Australian Plants, CSIRO Australia, for New South Wales National Parks and Collingwood, Victoria. Wildlife Service and Australian Nature Conservation Agency, University of New Duthy, S. 1997, A study of the management options England, Armidale. for Whian Whian State Forest, north-east New South Wales, Integrated Project Report, RACAC (Resource and Conservation Assessment Southern Cross University, Lismore. Council) 1996, Regional Report of Upper North East NSW, Vol 2: Physical Attributes, RACAC, Floyd, A.G. 1989, Rainforest Trees of Mainland South- Sydney. eastern Australia, Inkata Press, Melbourne.

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Scott, A.J. 1979, ‘New species and combinations in 13 Acronyms Used in this Document Myrtaceae for Melanesia and Australia’, Kew Bulletin, 41, p.p. 286. BMC Bushfire Management Committee BMP Bushfire Management Plan Sheringham, P. and Westaway, J. 1995, Significant Vascular Plants of Upper North East New South dbh diameter at breast height Wales, a report by the New South Wales DLWC Department of Land and Water National Parks and Wildlife Service for the Conservation Natural Resources Audit Council, NPWS, Hurstville. EP&A Act Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW) Snow, N. and Guymer, G.P. 2001, ‘Revision of EPBC Act Commonwealth Environment Protection Australian species of Uromyrtus (Myrtaceae) and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and two new combinations for New Caledonia’, Systematic Botany, 26(4), p.p. 733-742. IFOA Integrated Forestry Operations Approval Stewart, B. & McKinley, A. 1998, Field surveys to determine the locations and distribution of Peach FMS Fire Management Strategy Myrtle (Uromyrtus australis), Report prepared FNPE Act Forestry and National Park Estate Act for the NSW National Parks and Wildlife 1998 (NSW) Service by Landmark Ecological Services, Suffolk Park. FNSW Forests NSW LG Act Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) Webb, L.J. 1959, ‘A physiognomic classification of Australian rainforests’, Journal of Ecology, 47, NP National Park p.p. 551-70. NPW Act National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NSW) Williams, G. and Adam, P. 1994, ‘A review of rainforest pollination and plant-pollinator NPWS NSW National Parks and Wildlife interactions with particular reference to Service Australian subtropical rainforests’, Australian NSW New South Wales Zoologist, 29(3-4), p.p. 177-212. NV Act Native Vegetation Act 2003 (NSW) Wilson, N. 2001, ‘Rare and endangered: Peach Myrtle’, Nature Australia, 26 (11), p.p. 22-23. RF Act Rural Fires Act 1997 (NSW) ROTAP Rare or threatened Australian plant Wilson, P.G. 1991, ‘Uromyrtus’, in Flora of New South Wales, Vol. 2, ed. G.J. Harden, New SF State Forest South Wales University Press, Kensington. SFNSW State Forests NSW (now FNSW) SIS Species Impact Statement TAP Threat Abatement Plan TSC Act Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (NSW) TSL Threatened Species Licence VCA Voluntary Conservation Agreement

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p Table 3. Estimated costs of implementing the actions identified in the recovery plan. artment ofEnvironment andConservation

Action Action Title *Priority Cost Estimate ($’s/year) Total Responsible #In- ^ no. Cost ($) Party/Funding kind Cash sources Y 1 Y 2 Y 3 Y 4 Y 5 1.1 Survey and assessment guidelines 1 $2500 $2500 DEC $1750 $750 2.1 Licensing the picking of Uromyrtus australis under the TSC 1 $350 $350 $350 $350 $350 $1750 DEC $1750 Act 3.1 Familiarising agency staff and private landholders 1 $1600 $1075 $2675 DEC $2275 $400 4.1 DEC roadside marking system 1 $1200 $500 $1700 DEC $1050 $650 4.2 DEC review of roadside maintenance practices 1 $350 $350 $700 $700 5.1 Protection on private land 1 $10001 $10001 $10001 $10001 $10001 $50001 DEC $35001 $15001 6.1 Fire planning 2 $1000 $1000 DEC $700 $300 7.1 Review Atlas records 1 $1050 $1050 DEC $1050 7.2 Ensure new records from research are recorded in Atlas 1 $350 $350 $350 $350 $350 $1750 DEC $1750 8.1 Monitoring 1 $49002 $26252 $45502 $26252 $39502 $186502 DEC $143502 $43002 ( NSW 9.1 Genetics and reproductive biology 2 $700 $25350 $15350 $350 $41750 DEC $1750 $40000 10.1 Survey boundaries of larger populations 3 $800 $800 DEC $350 $450 ) 10.2 Opportunistically survey suitable habitat in unsurveyed 3 $25503 $2550 DEC $1400 $1150 areas 11.1 Collating data on ex-situ conservation plantings 3 $700 $350 $1050 DEC $1050 12.1 Recovery co-ordination 1 $1925 $1925 $1925 $1925 $3350 $11050 DEC $10150 $900 13.1 Recovery integration 3 $700 $700 $350 $1750 DEC $1750 Total Annual cost of Uromyrtus australis Recovery Program $21675 $32650 $25800 $6600 $9000 $95725 $45325 $50400 * Priority ratings are: 1 - action critical to meeting plan objectives; 2 - action contributing to meeting plan objectives; 3 - desirable but not essential action Uromyrtus australis #‘In-Kind’ Funds represent salary component of permanent staff and current resources. ^‘Cash’ Funds represent the salary component for temporary staff and other costs such as the purchasing of survey and laboratory equipment. 1 Expenditure of some of these funds is contingent on the scope of protection works required. 2 Expenditure of some of these funds is contingent on the occurrence of disturbance events. 3 Expenditure may occur from Yr 1 – 5 to allow integration with other survey work. Pa g e 17 Approved Recovery Plan Uromyrtus australis

Appendix 1: Summary of advice from the NSW Scientific Committee Under Section 66A of the TSC Act, Recovery Plans must include a summary of any advice given by the NSW Scientific Committee, details of any amendments made to the plan to take account of that advice and a statement of reasons for any departure from that advice. The Scientific Committee’s comments on the draft Uromyrtus australis Recovery Plan and details of amendments made are provided in the table below. Section and Advice Response Presumably on info page citation and foreword – the text will be Noted. Text amended to reflect the changed from NPWS to DEC. creation of the DEC. The Native Vegetation Conservation Act 1997 is now replaced by the Noted. Text amended accordingly. Native Vegetation Act 2003. Arrangements for any vegetation management plan will now come under the relevant CMA. Objective 9, Action 9.1 p14: More specific information about Noted. Text amended accordingly. exactly what research is needed (especially as $40,000 has been allocated). Objective 10 Action 10.1: What is the time frame by which Continuation (and completion) of completion of the survey and monitoring (begun by Kooyman) is to survey and monitoring is dependent be achieved. on availability of funding. Objective 11: Is there any plan to actively try and increase the size Not at this stage. of the ex-situ populations? Objective 12 Action 12.1 Objective is for the NPWS to co-ordinate Inclusion of this action, objective and and implement the recovery plan – Is it necessary to specify this as a corresponding costing is necessary to separate action as this would be understood for all recovery plans permit sufficient budgetary allocation and therefore is not necessary. by the agency for this task. Objective 12 Is there any likelihood that any of the agencies Noted. Inquiries will be made. holding material will develop the species for use in horticulture?

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