Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Appendix D

Appendix D Biodiversity technical paper

Mount Victoria village safety upgrade Appendix D Review of Environmental Factors

GREAT WESTERN HIGHWAY Katoomba to Lithgow Upgrade Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade

BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT

• Final

• November 2013

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

GREAT WESTERN HIGHWAY Katoomba to Lithgow Upgrade Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT • Final • November 2013

Prepared by Sinclair Knight Merz ABN: 37 001 024 095 710 Hunter Street Newcastle West NSW 2302 Australia PO Box 2147 Dangar NSW 2309 Australia Tel: +61 2 4979 2600 Fax: +61 2 4979 2666 www.skmconsulting.com

COPYRIGHT: The concepts and information contained in this document are the property of Sinclair Knight Merz Pty Ltd (SKM). Use or copying of this document in whole or in part without the written permission of SKM constitutes an infringement of copyright. LIMITATION: This report has been prepared on behalf of and for the exclusive use of SKM’s client, and is subject to and issued in connection with the provisions of the agreement between SKM and its client. SKM accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for or in respect of any use of or reliance upon this report by any third party.

The SKM logo trade mark is a registered trade mark of Sinclair Knight Merz Pty Ltd. Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Contents

Terms and abbreviations v Executive summary vi 1. Introduction 1 1.1. Background 1 1.2. Project description 1 1.3. Study area 3 1.4. Legislative context 3 1.4.1. Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 5 1.4.2. NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act, 1995 5 1.4.3. Fisheries Management (FM) Act, 1994 5 1.4.4. Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999 5 1.4.5. NSW Noxious Weeds Act 1993 6 1.4.6. State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) 44 - Koala Habitat Protection 6 1.5. Study aims 6 1.5.1. Objectives and scope works 7 2. Methodology 8 2.1. Personnel 8 2.2. Database searches and literature reviews 8 2.2.1. Vegetation mapping 8 2.2.2. Vegetation condition 9 2.3. Field survey 10 2.4. Survey effort 10 2.5. Limitations 10 2.6. Threatened species assessment 13 2.6.1. Likelihood of occurrence 13 3. Existing environment 14 3.1. Landscape context 14 3.2. Land use 14 3.3. Literature and database review 14 3.3.1. Vegetation communities and habitat 14 3.3.2. Fauna habitat 19 3.3.3. Threatened ecological communities 22 3.3.4. Groundwater dependent ecosystems 22 3.3.5. Threatened flora 23 3.3.6. Threatened fauna 31 3.3.7. Migratory and marine species 38

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3.3.8. Wildlife connectivity corridors 41 3.4. Field investigations 41 3.4.1. Vegetation and habitat 41 3.4.2. Threatened flora and ecological communities 44 3.4.3. Threatened fauna 44 3.4.4. Migratory species 44 4. Potential impacts 45 4.1. Loss of vegetation and habitat 45 4.1.1. Threatened ecological communities 47 4.1.2. Threatened fauna 47 4.1.3. Hollow bearing trees 48 4.1.4. Loss of foraging habitat 48 4.1.5. Koala habitat 49 4.2. Wildlife connectivity and habitat fragmentation 49 4.3. Injury and mortality 49 4.4. Weeds 51 4.5. Pests and pathogens 51 4.6. Changed hydrology 52 4.7. Groundwater dependent ecosystems 52 4.8. Aquatic impacts 53 4.9. Noise, vibration and light 53 4.10. Impact on relevant key threatening processes 53 4.11. Cumulative impacts 54 5. Avoidance and Mitigation 55 5.1. Avoid and minimise 55 5.2. Mitigation measures 57 5.2.1. Weed Management 59 5.2.2. Pest and disease management 60 5.2.3. Vegetation re-establishment 61 5.2.4. Aquatic habitat and riparian zones 61 5.2.5. Wildlife connectivity 62 6. Significance assessments 64 7. Conclusion 68 8. References 69 Appendix A Vegetation community descriptions 72 Appendix B Fauna list of study locality of open forest habitat 76 Appendix C Assessment of Significance 79

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C.1 Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1995 (S.5a) 79 C.2 Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999125

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Document history and status

Revision Date issued Reviewed by Approved by Date approved Revision type Draft 05/08/2013 A.Carty J.Carr 05/08/2013 Practice Review Draft 06/08/2013 A.Carty J.Carr 06/08/2013 Practice Review Draft 06/08/2013 V Cadungog A Spinks 06/08/2013 Planning review Final 03/10/2013 Josh Hale J.Carr 03/10/2013 Comments review Final 22/10/2013 B Watson A. Spinks 22/10/2013 Professional review Final 2 13/11/2013 V Cadungog V Cadungog 13/11/2013 Planning Review

Distribution of copies Revision Copy no Quantity Issued to Draft Electronic 1 Roads and Maritime Final Electronic 1 Roads and Maritime Final 2 Electronic 1 Roads and Maritime

Printed: 13 November 2013 Last saved: 13 November 2013 01:00 PM File name: I:\ENVR\Projects\EN04213\Communications\Out\20131022_RMS_MVV Final Working Papers\Biodiversity\EN04213_BiodiversityAssessment_MtVic_Final.docx Author: Jonathan Carr Project manager: Vivira Cadungog Name of organisation: Sinclair Knight Merz

Name of project: Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade Name of document: Biodiversity Assessment Document version: Final 2

Project number: EN04213

PAGE iv Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Terms and abbreviations

Term Meaning CMA Catchment Management Authority CEMP Construction Environmental Management Plan Construction footprint 5 metre buffer of the proposed footprint CSIRO Commonwealth Science and Industrial Research Organisation DBH Diameter at breast height DEC Commonwealth Department of Environment and Conservation DECC NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change DECCW NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water, now OEH (see below) DPI Department of Primary Industries DSEWPaC Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities EP&A Act Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 EPBC Act Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 FM Act Fisheries Management Act 1994 GPS Global positioning system HBT Hollow bearing trees Km Kilometre m Metre m² Metres squared NPW Act National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 NPWS National Parks and Wildlife Service (now included under OEH) NSW New South Wales OEH NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (previously DECCW and DECC) Proposed footprint The immediate design footprint of the proposal Riparian Transition zone between land and watercourse REF Review of Environmental Factors RMS Roads Maritime Service NSW RTA Roads Traffic Authority NSW (now known as the RMS) SEPP State Environmental Planning Policy SIS Species impact Statement SKM Sinclair Knight Merz Study area Encompasses the proposed footprint and any adjoining or adjacent habitat where potential indirect impacts may occur. Study locality The broader bioregional context defined by Thackway and Creswell (1995) as the Sydney Bioregion and occurs within a 10 kilometre radius of the proposed footprint. TEC Threatened Ecological Communities TSC Act Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995

PAGE v Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Executive summary

Background

Roads and Maritime proposes to construct safety works along the Great Western Highway at Mount Victoria, approximately 15 kilometres southeast of Lithgow and approximately five kilometres northwest of Blackheath. The proposed works extend from Browntown Oval, to the east of the village and continues just west of Mount York Road with approximately 2.3 kilometres of safety enhancements. The main features of the proposal include:

• Widening the highway shoulders by up to about three metres on each side of the road. • Moving the highway about 20 metres to the north east between Mount Piddington Road and Hooper Street to improve the road alignment. • Upgrading six intersections, including: – Dedicated right turn bays at Harley Avenue, Mount Piddington Road, Kanimbla Valley Road and Selsdon Street. – Dedicated left turn bay at Mount York Road with the use of line marking. – Basic right turn at Victoria Falls Road. – Left in /left out only at Hooper Street and Cecil Road with the use of appropriate sign posting and line marking. • Providing a new service road to improve and provide safe access to private properties on the southern side of the highway between Cecil Road and Mount Piddington Road. • Providing a pedestrian refuge in the central median near Selsdon Street and improved connectivity through additional pedestrian pathways within the proposal area. • Building four retaining walls up to 5.5 metres high and up to 230 metres long. • Building two new culverts and upgrading existing drainage infrastructure. • Providing water quality basins at potentially three locations. • Temporary construction facilities, including construction compounds and stockpile sites along its length. • Tie-ins with the existing pavement and highway levels at the end of each section.

This report details the methods and results of a biodiversity assessment prepared to identify the extent and potential magnitude of ecological impacts associated with the proposal. The report addresses the requirements for assessment of significance under the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) and the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

Existing environment

The study area is located within the South Eastern Highlands and Sydney Basin bioregions (Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia, 2012). The study area is located entirely within the Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment Management Area (CMA) and traverses the Mid Coxs River and Gorse River Subcatchments. The region is important for biodiversity because it provides a variety of landforms, aspects and microhabitats that support a high diversity of plants and animals. The

PAGE vi Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

study area traverses the eastern highland (Medlow Bath) sandstone plateau. The dominant vegetation formation is dry sclerophyll forest and less frequent wet sclerophyll forest and heathland and freshwater wetland.

The majority of the construction footprint occurs in maintained roadsides with planted exotic trees and shrubs and on front verges of residential properties. There are a limited number of remnant trees (Eucalyptus sieberi, Eucalyptus mannifera, Eucalyptus sclerophylla, and Eucalyptus cypellocarpa) mixed in with horticultural gardens and modified habitats. Native vegetation consists of Map Unit 1 Silvertop Ash – Peppermint Forest and one modified habitat (Map Unit 5) within the construction footprint and sedimentation basin (Fairy Dell Road).

The main fauna habitats present within the study area include dry sclerophyll forest, freshwater wetlands (Hanging Swamps) and modified habitats.

No threatened flora and fauna species, or evidence of their presence was observed in the construction footprint, although suitable habitat is present for some threatened species considered likely to occur in the study area. The Hanging Swamps are known to support threatened fauna such as the Red-crowned Toadlet (Pseudophryne australis), Blue Mountains Water Skink (Eulamprus leuraensis) and Giant Dragonfly (Petalura gigantea).

Potential impacts

The extent of vegetation and habitat loss in the construction footprint is considered to be low which is summarised in Table 4-1. The construction footprint with associated safety works (including water quality structures) would impact on a total of 1.33 hectares of mostly modified and native vegetation. Of this, 0.55 hectares (about 41 per cent) is remnant vegetation and the remaining areas comprise of modified habitats including exotic plantings, residential gardens and maintained roadsides. The magnitude of potential impacts would have a small effect on native vegetation with minor losses to remnant canopy cover, native species composition and native seed bank in the topsoil, particularly when considering the extensive areas of similar habitat types in surrounding National Parks and private property. These impacts are detailed for each section of the proposal in Table 4-2 along with proposed management and mitigation measures.

Avoidance and mitigation

Key avoidance and mitigation measures to minimise and avoid biodiversity impacts include but are not limited to:

• Pre-clearing surveys and staged habitat removal. • Exclusion zones established for habitats adjacent to the footprint • Avoidance and minimisation of vegetation clearing where possible. • Re-establishment of habitat such as woody debris. • Management of noxious weeds during construction. • Pest and disease management during construction.

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Significance and conclusions

The proposed upgrade is unlikely to have a significant impact on threatened fauna species and ecological communities listed under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) and therefore a Species Impact Statement is not required. Further to this, no significant impacts on a matter of national environmental significance under the EPBC Act have been identified and a referral is not required.

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1. Introduction

1.1. Background

The Katoomba to Lithgow Great Western Highway upgrade (previously known as the Mount Victoria to Lithgow Upgrade) is part of the NSW and Australian Governments’ commitment to improve road safety and accessibility to communities in the Blue Mountains and central west of NSW. Investigations for the upgrade started in May 2008 to determine the preferred route corridor. The preferred route alignment was announced in May 2010, followed by corridor investigations in 2011.

In July 2012, the NSW and Australian governments announced a $250 million revised investment program for the upgrade of the Great Western Highway between Katoomba and Lithgow. This decision addressed recommendations from an independent review of the proposed upgrades of the Great Western Highway west of Katoomba.

The revised package of upgrades will enhance safety outcomes and maximise benefits to the community by targeting specific deficiencies. Roads and Maritime Services (Roads and Maritime) will manage and deliver the following:

• Upgrading the highway at Forty Bends, east of Lithgow to three lanes on the current alignment ($120 million). • A number of enhanced safety upgrades between Mount Victoria and Lithgow. These include Forty Bends, River Lett Hill, Hartley Valley and Mount Victoria village Safety Upgrades ($83 million). • Finalising the concept design and road boundaries for upgrading the highway from Mount Victoria to Lithgow and requesting councils to adopt these in their future planning. • Using the remaining funds from the joint $250 million Australian and NSW government commitment for upgrades of the Great Western Highway between Katoomba and Mount Victoria.

The Forty Bends design and review of environmental factors (REF) were completed in April 2013. The design and REFs for the remaining safety upgrades are currently being prepared.

This report describes and assesses the potential ecological impacts of the proposed safety upgrade at Mount Victoria.

1.2. Project description

Roads and Maritime proposes to upgrade a section of the highway through Mount Victoria village in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales. The upgrade extends about 2.3 kilometres and is comprised of three sections, from 400 metres west of Browntown Oval (east of Mount Victoria

PAGE 1 Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

village) to just west of Mount York Road (in this report, this is referred to as ‘the proposal’). Key features of the proposal are outlined in Table 1-1 and shown on Figure 1-1.

 Table 1-1 Key elements of the proposal

Section Proposed safety improvements

Section 1: Between 400 m • Widen the road shoulders up to about 2.5 m on both sides of the west of Browntown Oval road. and 240 m west of Victoria • Provide a basic right turn into Victoria Falls Road. Falls Road (chainage 15400 to chainage 15880) • Provide a concrete safety barrier, new pedestrian footpath (about 80 m long) and pedestrian fence next to the Gatekeepers Cottage. • Provide a pedestrian pathway about 160 m long next to the westbound lane between about chainage 15400 and 15600 • Upgrade drainage, with kerb and guttering along the length of Section 1, including underground pipes to convey stormwater. • Water quality treatment next to the eastbound lane, near Victoria Falls Road. • Incorporation of underground utilities within the proposed pedestrian pathway between chainage 15490 and 15560. Section 2: Between 200 m • Widen the road shoulders up to about 3 m on both sides of the road. east of Harley Avenue and • Build a 6 m wide and 230 m long two-way service road. This road 20 m east of Station Street would provide safe access to private properties on the southern side (chainage 16130 to of the highway between Cecil Road and Mount Piddington Road. chainage 16660) This service road would have shared vehicle and pedestrian use. • Provide a pathway about 170 m long between Mount Piddington Road and Hooper Street, next to the westbound lane. • Provide dedicated right-turn bays into Harley Avenue and Mount Piddington Road. • Provide a left-in and left-out turning control at Hooper Street with signposting and line marking. • Moving the road about 20 m to the north between Mount Piddington Road and Hooper Street to improve the road alignment by easing the sharp curve. • Upgrade drainage, with kerb and guttering along the length of Section 2, including underground pipes to convey stormwater. • Provide 4 retaining walls to minimise environmental and property impacts. • Build a water quality and detention basin next to the eastbound lane, opposite Mount Piddington Road. • Relocation of underground utilities within the new service road. Section 3: Between 90 m • Widen the road shoulders up to about 2.5 m on both sides of the west of Station Street and road. immediately west of Mount • Provide dedicated right-turn bays at Kanimbla Valley Road and York Road (chainage Selsdon Street. 16790 to chainage 17760) • Line marking improvements on the highway immediately west of Mount York Road to create a dedicated left turn lane into Mount York Road. • Install a raised island in the median of Fairy Dell Road. • Remove the eastbound steel guardrail west of Grandview Road and

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Section Proposed safety improvements

relocate electrical poles and the pole-mounted transformer. • Provide a pedestrian refuge in the central median of the highway near Selsdon Street. • Provide a pedestrian pathway along both sides of the highway, for the length of Section 3. • Upgrade drainage, with kerb and guttering along the entire length of Section 3, including underground pipes to convey stormwater. • Build a water quality and detention basin on Fairy Dell Road. • Incorporate underground utilities into the proposed pedestrian pathway on both sides of the highway for the length of the section. All sections • Design speed would remain at 60 km/h. • Highway would remain a two-laned road (one lane in each direction). • Partial acquisition of 18 properties. • Install kerb and guttering south of the highway in all sections. • Improve the road surface by providing new pavement to tie-in to the vertical levels of the existing highway.

1.3. Study area

Throughout this report, reference is given to the terms ‘proposed footprint’, ‘construction footprint’ ‘study area’ and ‘study locality’. The ‘proposed footprint’ refers to the road safety works infrastructure, including drainage structures and basins. A five metre buffer zone is added to the proposed footprint and termed the ‘construction footprint’. The term ‘study area’ refers to the general location around the proposed footprint and includes adjacent lands or waterways that may potentially be impacted directly or indirectly by the proposal. Finally, the ‘study locality’ is considered to be a radius of 10 kilometres from the study area.

1.4. Legislative context

The information presented in this report identifies the potential ecological impacts of the proposed upgrade in relation to the relevant State and Commonwealth environmental and threatened species legislation and policy. Relevant legislation and policy includes the:

• NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act). • NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act). • NSW Fisheries Management Act 1994 (FM Act). • NSW Noxious Weeds Act 1993 (NW Act). • Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) • State Environment Planning Policy 44 (SEPP 44) - Koala Habitat Protection.

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Sinclair Knight Merz does not warrant that this document is definitive nor free of error and does not accept liability for any loss caused or arising from reliance upon information provided herein. LEGEND SOURCES DATA 2013, Services Maritime and Roads 2001 STREETWORKS 2010, LPMA MOUNT VICTORIA 4213_GIS_Gen_F001_MV_Proposal_r2v1.mxd

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1.4.1. Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979

Under Part 5 of the EP&A Act (s.111 and s.112), all proposals must include an assessment of threatened flora and fauna and their habitats that are likely to occur within the area of the activity or that may be indirectly affected by the construction and operation of an activity. The assessment has to address whether the proposed activity ‘is likely to have a significant effect’ on the threatened biodiversity identified, and a decision made on whether an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or Species Impact Statement (SIS) is required. In order to make this decision, a determining authority must consider the effect of an activity on:

• Threatened species, populations and ecological communities, and their habitats (listed under the TSC Act or FM Act) and whether there is likely to be a significant effect on these (as determined in Section 5A of the EP&A Act). • Critical habitat (listed under the TSC Act or FM Act). • Any other protected fauna or protected native plants within the meaning of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NPW Act).

Section 5A of the EP&A Act outlines the seven factors that must be taken into account when deciding whether a proposal would be likely to have a significant impact on threatened species, populations or communities or their habitats (significance assessments).

1.4.2. NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act, 1995

The TSC Act identifies threatened species, populations and ecological communities, as listed under Schedules 1, 1A and 2 that are to be identified as potential subject species and therefore require a significance assessment under section 5A of the EP&A Act.

1.4.3. Fisheries Management (FM) Act, 1994

The FM Act establishes provisions for the identification, conservation and recovery of threatened fish, aquatic invertebrates and marine vegetation. This Act also covers the identification and management of key threatening processes which affect threatened species or could cause other species to become threatened (Department of Primary Industries (DPI)).

1.4.4. Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999

The EPBC Act protects the environment, particularly Matters of National Environmental Significance (NES matters) and assessment of the environment on Commonwealth land. It streamlines the national environmental assessment and approvals process, protects Australian biodiversity and integrates management of important natural and cultural places.

The EPBC Act identifies eight NES matters:

• World Heritage properties. • National heritage places.

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• Wetlands of international importance (Ramsar wetlands). • Threatened species and ecological communities. • Migratory species. • Commonwealth marine areas. • Nuclear actions (including uranium mining). • Great Barrier Reef.

The EPBC Act is triggered by actions that would be likely to have a significant impact upon NES matters. Under the EPBC Act, such actions require approval from the Commonwealth Environment Minister and should be referred to the Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (SEWPaC) for consideration. Actions deemed by the SEWPaC to require Commonwealth approval would be ‘controlled actions’ which require an environmental assessment.

1.4.5. NSW Noxious Weeds Act 1993

The objectives of the NW Act are to reduce the negative impact of weeds on the economy, community and environment of NSW. This involves: establishing control mechanisms to prevent the establishment of significant new weeds; prevent, eliminate or restrict the spread of particular significant weeds; effectively manage widespread significant weeds; and to provide for the monitoring of and reporting on the effectiveness of the management of weeds in NSW.

1.4.6. State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) 44 - Koala Habitat Protection

SEPP 44 aims to encourage the ‘proper conservation and management of areas of natural vegetation that provide habitat for Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) to ensure a permanent free- living population over their present range and reverse the current trend of Koala population decline’. Schedule 1 of SEPP 44 identifies areas of land that are classified as being ‘Core Koala Habitat’ or ‘Potential Koala Habitat’. ‘Core Koala Habitat’ is defined as an area of land with a resident population of Koalas, evidenced by attributes such as breeding females and recent sightings of and historical records of a population. Potential Koala Habitat’ comprises areas of native vegetation where the trees of the types listed in Schedule 2 constitute at least 15 per cent of the total number of trees in the upper or lower strata of the tree component.

While SEPP 44 does not apply to projects that are being assessed under Part 5 of the EP&A Act, the intent of the SEPP was considered during the assessment of the proposal.

1.5. Study aims

This report is a specialist study that presents the methods and findings of targeted biodiversity field surveys and assessment to identify the extent and magnitude of ecological impacts associated with the proposal.

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1.5.1. Objectives and scope works

There have been a considerable number of biodiversity investigations previously undertaken in the study area and a number of key ecological constraints were identified for the preferred route alignment for the Mount Victoria to Lithgow investigations. This biodiversity assessment builds on the baseline data from the corridor studies (Roads and Maritime 2011) and uses additional field data to provide an updated review and of the proposal footprint. The biodiversity assessment aims to:

• Determine the presence or likely presence and extent of terrestrial and aquatic flora and fauna species, populations and, ecological communities and their habitats, and migratory species listed under TSC Act, the FM Act and the EPBC Act. • Determine and describe the characteristics and condition of the vegetation communities and flora and fauna habitats both terrestrial and aquatic within the study area • Assess the significance of the potential impacts on listed species and communities according to Section 5A of the EP&A Act, for species listed under the TSC Act and the FM Act, in addition to the guidelines of significance under the EPBC Act for any Matters of NES potentially impacted by the proposal. • Propose mitigation strategies to mitigate potential impacts on the biodiversity values of the study area.

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2. Methodology

2.1. Personnel

SKM ecologists are licensed to conduct field surveys under the NPW Act (Scientific Research Permit SL100044) and hold ethical approval to conduct research by the DPI Animal Care and Ethics Committee (Animal Research Authority (09/1895)).

2.2. Database searches and literature reviews

The key stage of the assessment was the review of relevant studies previously undertaken for the Mount Victoria to Lithgow Upgrade. These include:

• Great Western Highway Upgrade: Mount Victoria Safety Works – Biodiversity Investigation (2012). • Great Western Highway Upgrade: Concept design (2013). • Great Western Highway Upgrade: Forty Bends – Biodiversity (2012). • Great Western Highway Upgrade: Corridor Studies – Biodiversity (2011). • Great Western Highway Upgrade: Route Options – Biodiversity Working Paper (2009).

In addition, an updated review of government databases was undertaken to identify potential threatened species, populations and ecological communities within a 10 kilometre radius of the study area. Databases and mapping include:

• GIS data layer of the Regional Biodiversity Corridors in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment Management Authority Area (DECC 2005). • Vegetation types database [Biometric] (OEH 2013a). http://mapdata.environment.nsw.gov.au/geonetwork/srv/en/main.home • Threatened species database. NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH 2013b) http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedspecies/ • Native vegetation of south-east NSW: a revised classification and map for the coast and eastern tablelands (Tozer et al. 2010). • Vegetation Mapping in the Blue Mountains 1999-2002 (Douglas 2001). • The Vegetation of the Western Blue Mountains (DEC 2006). • Atlas of NSW Wildlife Database (OEH July 2013). http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/atlaspublicapp/UI_Modules/ATLAS_/AtlasSearch.aspx?wh o=86cf3f1e-8ef9-4273-901a-dfd8e6918622 • EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool (accessed June 2013).

2.2.1. Vegetation mapping

Digital mapping of vegetation community boundaries was conducted using the ArcGIS software package. A combination of field data, existing broad-scale vegetation mapping (Tozer et al. 2010; Douglas 2001), aerial photograph interpretation and biophysical data such as elevation and soil

PAGE 8 Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

type was used to map the boundaries of vegetation communities. Description of the vegetation communities was based on their structure and dominant canopy species as per Specht (1981) and correlated with the NSW Vegetation Classification Assessment project (Keith 2006) as well as local and regional vegetation mapping projects (Tozer et al. 2010; Douglas 2001; DEC 2006). In addition, the distribution, classification and condition of vegetation and fauna habitats are consistent with previous vegetation mapping units (corridor studies, Roads and Maritime 2011) where information can be referred.

2.2.2. Vegetation condition

Vegetation condition was broadly assessed in each of the vegetation communities, based on the degree of modification and disturbance observed in these areas. A basic scale was established to quantify the condition of each patch of native vegetation. The scale for vegetation condition is defined in Table 2-1.

 Table 2-1 Vegetation condition classes

Condition Description Criteria class Native Canopy Mid- Weed flora cover storey abundance diversity High Vegetation still retains the majority of native High Intact Intact Low species and structural characteristics of the pre-European equivalent. Such vegetation is usually in a near natural state and displays resilience to weed invasion due to intact ground cover, shrub and canopy layers and lack of soil disturbance. Some limited weed cover is present in edge habitats. Moderate Vegetation generally still retains most of its Moderate Intact Partial- Moderate - structural integrity but has been partially Intact High disturbed and has lost some component of its original species complement. Weed invasion varies from slight to high. Low Modified areas where most of the native Low- Partial Absent High- diversity and vegetation structure has been moderate Moderate lost. Includes thin strips of roadside vegetation, areas of derived grassland and shrubby vegetation in the power easement. Environmental weeds are often co-dominant with the original indigenous species Very Low Includes cleared paddock areas and roadside Low None Absent- High clearings dominated by exotic species Sparse including noxious weeds. Some regenerating shrubs and native groundcovers may be present in low abundance. Some of these areas support planted trees and shrubs including native and exotic species.

PAGE 9 Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

2.3. Field survey

Current field surveys focused on the proposed footprint with a five metre buffer (construction footprint) along the entire length of the study area. Terrestrial flora and fauna surveys were undertaken on the 10 and 11 July 2013. The survey aimed to identify biodiversity values within the vicinity of the construction footprint, particularly where the proposed design intersected vegetation, areas of high ecological sensitivity and where there was a lack of data from previous surveys. The present study aimed to record flora and fauna diversity, vegetation types and distribution, and habitat associations.

Comprehensive surveys such as fauna trapping and threatened species specific targeted searches were not undertaken due to the limited extent of the habitat and vegetation in the construction footprint and existing detailed data from previous studies. The survey instead, undertook the following:

• General traverses throughout the construction footprint and in gaps not previously surveyed in past studies. • Opportunistic sightings of fauna during traverses (incidental sightings and observed signs, scats and tracks), • Plot based assessments (n=3) in suitable vegetated locations for confirming vegetation condition and habitat quality, • Inspection of threatened species habitat suitability within the construction footprint.

Survey results are outlined in Section 3.4. The study area, and current and previous survey sites are shown in Figure 2-1.

2.4. Survey effort

Due to the availability of existing survey data in the study area and the disturbed nature of roadside environment, it was not necessary to conduct detailed surveys. Instead, areas of known data gaps were targeted, including areas of known conservation significance.

Surveys traversed the study area in one full day. Site assessments recorded flora and fauna species information, vegetation type, important fauna habitat areas (such as habitat trees, hollows) and rapid searches for threatened species. The study area, and current and previous survey sites are shown in Figure 2-1.

2.5. Limitations

It should be recognised that site conditions, including the presence of threatened species, can change with time. To address this limitation, the assessment has aimed to identify species’ presence/absence and suitability of the habitat for threatened species as discussed in the following section.

PAGE 10 Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Property access was not available at the proposed sedimentation basin on Fairy Dell Road, due to late changes in the design process which restricted detailed field data collection. The proposed area for the basin has remnant vegetation with good quality habitat and should have further surveys before construction (with property access) to better quantify biodiversity and habitat loss (refer to Section 4.1 for impacts and Section 5.2.1 for mitigation measures).

PAGE 11 FIGURE 2-1 | LOCATION OF SURVEY PLOTS (! LEGEND F F K O E

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2.6. Threatened species assessment

2.6.1. Likelihood of occurrence

The habitat preferences of the state and nationally listed threatened species identified from the background reviews was used to estimate the likelihood that the species occur in the habitats present within the study area. The results of this review are provided in Tables 3.2, 3.4 and 3.5. The likelihood of occurrence was classified according to the criteria described in Table 2-2. The presence of all potentially occurring threatened species was considered during the survey with particular emphasis on identifying potential habitat for those species with a moderate and high likelihood of occurrence. The assessment of criteria for each potentially occurring species was based on the likelihood of occurrence in the construction footprint. Species with a confirmed or high and moderate likelihood of occurrence were subject to assessments of significance under the relevant legislation (TSC Act and/or EPBC Act).

 Table 2-2 Likelihood of occurrence includes one or more of the following criteria

Likelihood of Criteria Occurrence

Unlikely • Species highly restricted to certain geographical areas not within the proposal area • Specific habitat requirements are not present in the study area Low Species not recorded during field surveys and fit one or more of the following criteria: • Have not been recorded previously in the study area/surrounds and for which the study area is beyond the current distribution range • Use specific habitats or resources not present in the study area • Are a non-cryptic perennial flora species that were specifically targeted by surveys and not recorded Moderate Species not recorded during the field surveys that fit one or more of the following criteria: • Have infrequently been recorded previously in the study area/surrounds • Use specific habitats or resources present in the study area but in a poor or modified condition • Are unlikely to maintain sedentary populations, however may seasonally use resources within the study area opportunistically or during migration • Are cryptic flowering flora species that were not seasonally targeted by surveys and that have not been recorded High Species recorded during the field surveys or species not recorded that fit one or more of the following criteria: • Have frequently been recorded previously in the study area/surrounds • Use habitat types or resources that are present in the study area that are abundance and/or in good condition within the study area • Are known or likely to maintain resident populations surrounding the study area • Are known or likely to visit the site during regular seasonal movements or migration

PAGE 13 Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

3. Existing environment

3.1. Landscape context

The study area is located within the South Eastern Highlands and Sydney Basin bioregions (Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia, 2012). The study area is located entirely within the Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment Management Area (CMA) and traverses the Mid Coxs River and Gorse River subcatchments. The region provides a variety of landforms, aspects and microhabitats that support a high diversity of plants and animals.

The study area traverses across the eastern highland (Medlow Bath) sandstone plateau (King 1994).The dominant vegetation formation is dry sclerophyll forest and less frequent wet sclerophyll forest and heathland and freshwater wetland.

The Blue Mountains National Park surrounds the study area and is part of the Greater Blue Mountains Area listed as National and World Heritage Area under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

3.2. Land use

The study area supports a variety of land uses and is bisected by the Great Western Highway. Areas of modified bushland in the north-western extreme of the study area comprise freehold land and an area of unknown tenure. Areas of more intact bushland occur at the south-eastern end of the study area largely comprising crown land. The remainder of the study area is made up of small landholdings and rural residential properties along the highway and associated streets of the Mount Victoria village, road reserves and rail corridors.

3.3. Literature and database review

Previous flora and fauna surveys undertaken by SKM (Roads and Maritime 2011, 2012) and relevant government wildlife databases were considered as part of this assessment. All sections of the study area were reviewed, including areas of both general and targeted surveys for threatened species and threatened ecological communities.

3.3.1. Vegetation communities and habitat

Four native vegetation communities occur in the study area, all of which were identified during the review of previous corridor studies (Roads and Maritime 2011). These are listed in Table 3-1 with corresponding fauna habitats, equivalent map units identified in regional vegetation community mapping projects and the conservation status of each community according to information provided by Tozer et al. (2010), Douglass (2001) and the listing advice and final determinations for threatened ecological communities listed under the TSC Act and EPBC Act.

PAGE 14 Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Vegetation in the study area is dominated by either landscaped exotic species within residential frontages or street-scape areas along footpaths and in parklands. The majority of native vegetation is isolated or clumped in narrow patches linking to high condition vegetation of the broader Blue Mountains National Park. Within the township, the remaining native vegetation includes individual remnant Eucalypt trees surrounded by horticultural plantings and lack a native understorey and ground-layer species. Vegetation communities at the eastern and western areas of the study area are generally in better condition with fewer disturbances from urban occupation.

 Table 3-1 Vegetation communities and habitat types in the study area

Vegetation Equivalent units Conservation Fauna habitat community attributes Map Unit 1 Biometric: Silvertop Ash - Tozer et al. (2010) estimates there is Dry Sclerophyll Silvertop Ash Narrow-leaved Peppermint open approximately 80-90 per cent of the Forest – - Peppermint forest on ridges of the eastern pre-clearing area of this vegetation potential hollow- Forest tableland, South Eastern community (DSF p8) remaining, and bearing trees Highlands and South East Corner 40-60 per cent of the pre-clearing and rocky Tozer et al.( 2010): DSF p136 area is in conservation reserves. outcrops Blue Mountains Ridgetop Forest Douglas 2001: 11A Eucalyptus sieberi – E. piperita Open- Forest/Woodland Map Unit 2 Biometric: Sydney Peppermint – This community is regarded as being Dry Sclerophyll Hard-leaved Silvertop Ash heathy open forest relatively common with an estimated Forest– potential Scribbly Gum on sandstone ridges of the upper 80-95% of the pre-European extant hollow-bearing Open Forest Blue Mountains, Sydney Basin. remaining and an estimated 55-70% trees and rocky Tozer et al.( 2010): DSF p136 of the pre-European extant occurring outcrops Blue Mountains Ridgetop Forest in conservation reserves. Douglas 2001: 11A Eucalyptus sieberi – E. piperita Open- forest/Woodland Map Unit 3 Biometric: Narrow-leaved Identified as a sensitive vegetation Dry Sclerophyll Blue Peppermint - Mountain Gum - unit under the Blue Mountains Local Forest – Mountains Brown Barrel moist open forest Environment Plan 2005. potential hollow- Ash Open on high altitude ranges, northern bearing trees Forest South Eastern Highlands; and/or and rocky Blaxland's Stringybark - Blue outcrops Mountains Ash - Blackwood moist open forest on basalt caps of the Blue Mountains, Sydney Basin Tozer et al.( 2010): DSF p136 Blue Mountains Ridgetop Forest Douglas 2001: 2G Eucalyptus oreades Open-forest/Tall Open- forest Map Unit 4 Biometric: Prickly Tea-tree - Listed as Endangered under the Freshwater Hanging sedge wet heath on sandstone EPBC Act (Temperate Highland Peat wetlands Swamps plateaux, central and southern Swamps on Sandstone) and (Hanging Vulnerable under the TSC Act (Blue (Threatened Sydney Basin Bioregion Swamps) – Tozer et al.( 2010): FrW p130 Mountains Swamps). It has also Contains Ecological been identified as a sensitive Community) Blue Mountains- Shoalhaven Sphagnum moss Hanging Swamps. vegetation unit under the Blue and wet Mountains Local Environment Plan Douglas 2001: 5B Blue environment for

PAGE 15 Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Vegetation Equivalent units Conservation Fauna habitat community attributes Mountains Swamps 2005. threatened fauna habitat Map Unit 5 Nil. Nil. Modified Horticultural habitats plantings

The distribution of these communities within the study area is displayed in Figure 3-1a and Figure 3-1b. Full descriptions of vegetation communities are provided in Appendix A and include dominant species, landscape position, conservation status and equivalent map units.

PAGE 16 H 200 3-1a Checked by : JWC BLACKHEATH 3-1b H ° Metres MOUNT VICTORIA Construction footprint (5 (5 m buffer) footprint Construction highway Existing Road Primary waterway Minor waterway 1: Unit Map Forest – Peppermint Ash Silvertop 2: Unit Map Gum Open Forest Scribbly Hard-leaved 3: Unit Map Forest Open Ash Mountains Blue 4: Unit Map (TEC) Swamps Hanging 5: Unit Map plantings Horticulture High Moderate Low 0 Newcastle Spatial Team - Prepared by Newcastle: KO SpatialTeam ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!! !!! !!! ! !! !!

Vegetation communities Vegetation Sinclair Knight Merz does not warrant that this document is definitive nor free of error and does not accept liability for any loss caused or arising from reliance upon information provided herein. LEGEND condition Vegetation SOURCES DATA 2013, Services Maritime and Roads 2001, STREETWORKS 2010, LPMA 2011 2013, SKM 4213_GIS_Ec_F003_MV_VegComm_r2v1.mxd ! ! ! ! !

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3.3.2. Fauna habitat

Fauna habitats were identified from a combination of the field surveys and broad-scale mapping of vegetation communities in the region (Tozer et al. 2010; Douglass 2001). The main fauna habitats present within the study area include dry sclerophyll forest, freshwater wetlands (Hanging Swamps) and modified habitats. Fauna habitats have been mapped in Figure 3-2a and Figure 3-2b and are described below.

Dry sclerophyll forest

Mature dry sclerophyll forest dominate the native vegetation communities of the study area, with a varied understorey of shrubs, grasses and herbs. These areas support a moderate cover of large and mid-sized trees and shrubs such as Wattles (Acacia spp.) and tea tree (Leptospermum spp.). Large tree hollows appear negligible within the study area environments, reducing the habitat suitability for hollow-dependent fauna. The groundcover varies from open shrubs with tussock grasses, to bare soil, rocks, and leaf litter. Grassy groundcover vegetation is scattered throughout with a sparse distribution of medium and large rocks as well as logs. These logs may provide shelter for small reptiles.

The dry sclerophyll open forest is likely to provide important habitat for a range of fauna groups, particularly arboreal mammals and nectivorous birds. Dry open forest habitats also provide a range of food resources for fauna including a diversity of eucalypt species providing a year-round seasonal supply of nectar and pollen. Secondary and supplementary food trees (Eucalyptus mannifera and Eucalyptus blaxlandii) are present for Koala (listed as vulnerable under EPBC Act and TSC Act) and Allocasuarina spp. Glossy Black-cockatoo (listed as vulnerable under TSC Act). The structural diversity offers a range of foraging substrates (such as peeling bark, fallen logs, leaf litter, shrubby understorey, and grassy groundcover) and cover for threatened fauna such as Scarlet Robin and Gang Gang Cockatoo (listed as vulnerable under TSC Act).

PAGE 19 H 200 Checked by : VC 3-2a BLACKHEATH 3-2b H ° Metres MOUNT VICTORIA Existing highway Existing Road Primary waterway Minor waterway (5 m buffer) footprint Construction Wildlifecorridors - Blue Mountains Escarpment Western tree Habitat Gang-gang Cockatoo Robin Scarlet forest Dry sclerophyll dam Farm wetlands swamp Hanging forest sclerophyll dry Sheltered habitat Modified 0 Newcastle Spatial Team - Prepared by Newcastle: KO SpatialTeam h g " ) " ) Threatened fauna Threatened habitat Fauna Sinclair Knight Merz does not warrant that this document is definitive nor free of error and does not accept liability for any loss caused or arising from reliance upon information provided herein. LEGEND SOURCES DATA 2013, Services Maritime and Roads 2001, STREETWORKS 2010, LPMA 2011 2013, SKM

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Freshwater wetlands (Hanging Swamps)

Small pockets of freshwater wetlands habitat were observed on steep slopes within dry sclerophyll forests. This habitat typically occurs on seepage zones with little tree cover and is known to provide habitat for a number of threatened fauna species including the Blue Mountains Water Skink (Eulamprus leuraensis), Red-crowned Toadlet (Pseudophryne australis) and Giant Dragonfly (Petalura gigantea). None of these species were observed within the swamps in the study area at the time of previous surveys (Roads and Maritime 2011 and 2012). The intact nature and high condition of these areas would suggest such species could reasonably be expected to occur in these habitats. Calls of the Red-crowned Toadlet have been heard in other Hanging Swamps in the area (OEH 2013).

Modified habitat

Modified habitats within the study area are dominated by landscaped residential frontages along the highway or streetscapes such as footpaths and parklands. These areas are dominated by exotic trees with native vegetation cover restricted largely to scattered mature trees in front yards or on footpaths with maintained lawns, and small fragments of re-growth woodland or planted shelter rows along fences and driveways. Tree hollows and logs were not observed in this habitat type. These habitats would still be utilised by a range of local native fauna for foraging and dispersal such as macropods and woodland birds despite the disturbed conditions.

3.3.3. Threatened ecological communities

Following field verification of the vegetation communities mapped in the study area, the Hanging Swamp community was considered to be consistent with a threatened ecological community (TEC) listed under the NSW TSC Act and the Commonwealth EPBC Act. This community was considered to be characteristic of the Vulnerable Blue Mountains Swamps TEC in the Sydney Basin Bioregion under the TSC Act and the Temperate Highland Peat Swamps on Sandstone endangered ecological community under the EPBC Act.

Hanging Swamps in and adjacent to the study area occurred in small pockets on seepage zones on steep slopes and sometimes gullies within dry forest communities. These swamps were generally devoid of tree cover and determined by the presence of a suite of indicator species known to occur in the community. This community was observed in high condition and is confined to crown land in the south-east (northern end of Section 1) of the study area downslope of the rail overbridge. Refer to Map Unit 4: Hanging Swamps (TEC) in Figure 3-1a and Figure 3-1b.

3.3.4. Groundwater dependent ecosystems

The Hanging Swamps wetland habitat is highly dependent on groundwater for sustaining function and productivity. They regulate flows, reduce turbidity and stabilise or improve water quality. These ecosystems are restricted to specific topographic locations where water-bearing sandstone

PAGE 22 Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

and permeable claystone bands allow partial waterlogging by moisture seepage on steep valley slopes (Keith et al. 2006 and Holland et al. 1991).

3.3.5. Threatened flora

On the basis of previous surveys, an updated review of threatened flora database records (with a 10 kilometre radius around the proposed footprint) and the presence of suitable habitat, a total of 20 threatened flora species and one threatened fungi species were found to be potentially occurring as detailed in Table 3-2 and mapped in Figure 3-3. Assessment of likelihood of occurrence was applied to all species for habitats present in the construction footprint.

There are database records of threatened flora species Flockton Wattle (Acacia flocktoniae), Smooth Bush-pea (Pultenaea glabra), Bynoe's Wattle (Acacia bynoeana) and the Buttercup Doubletail (Diuris aequalis) occurring in close proximity (80 to 300 metres) to the proposed footprint in semi-disturbed areas and residential backyards. Although these species may occur within the study locality, the recorded locations are questionable being 50-100 years old and would not likely occur in the construction footprint where majority of vegetation is of low condition.

PAGE 23 FIGURE 3-3 | THREATENED FLORA IN THE LOCALITY

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18/10/2013 | I:\ENVR\Projects\EN04213\Technical\Spatial\GIS_Directory\ArcMap\Figures\TechnicalReports\MountVic\Ecology\EN04213_GIS_Ec_F005_MV_AtlasFlora_r2v1.mxd Newcastle Spatial Team - Prepared by : KO Checked by : VC Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

 Table 3-2 Distribution and habitat of potentially occurring threatened flora species in the study area

Species Common Name Status Distribution and habitat requirements* Potential habitat in Likelihood of the study area occurrence in the

construction footprint EPBC Act TSC Act Plantae Acacia bynoeana Bynoe's Wattle V E Found in central eastern NSW, from the Hunter Heath and dry Low District south to the Southern Highlands and west to sclerophyll forest the Blue Mountains. It has recently been found in the Colymea and Parma Creek areas west of Nowra. Occurs in heath or dry sclerophyll forest on sandy soils. Seems to prefer open, sometimes slightly disturbed sites such as trail margins, edges of roadside spoil mounds and in recently burnt patches. Associated overstorey species include Corymbia gummifera, Eucalyptus haemastoma, Eucalyptus parramattensis, Banksia serrata and Angophora bakeri. Acacia flocktoniae Flockton Wattle V V The Flockton Wattle is found only in the Southern Dry sclerophyll forest Low Blue Mountains at Mount Victoria, Megalong Valley and Yerranderie. Grows in dry sclerophyll forest on sandstone. Acrophyllum australe V V Restricted, from Faulconbridge to Lawson, South of Wet sclerophyll forest Low Bilpin and near Kings Tableland, in the Blue and cliffs where there Mountains area, all within the Central Coast Botanical is constant supply of Subdivision, currently known from 27 sites. Grows in water sheltered gullies beneath waterfalls and drip zones of rock overhangs and cliff faces, usually with a south- east to south-west aspect. Typically found in areas where there is a more or less constant supply of water. Usually grows in shale interbeds at the base of small cliffs, in crevices on the sandstone rock face or on talus slopes. The rock overhangs are of Hawkesbury or Narrabeen Sandstone. Associated species commonly include Callicoma serratifolia, Dracophyllum secundum, Todea barbata, Allania endlicheri and Blechnum ambiguum. Found adjacent PAGE 25 Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Species Common Name Status Distribution and habitat requirements* Potential habitat in Likelihood of the study area occurrence in the

construction footprint EPBC Act TSC Act to open forest of Eucalyptus piperita and Angophora costata and closed forest of Doryphora sassafras and Ceratopetalum apetalum. Frequently growing on very thick layers of moss. Asterolasia buxifolia E Known from a single site at a granite outcrop in the Riparian areas Unlikely riparian zone of the River Lett. Rediscovered in 2000, little is known about the species. Carex klaphakei Klaphake's Sedge E Found in only three locations, from the Blue Freshwater swamps Low Mountains (at Blackheath and Mount Werong) to the Southern Highlands (at Penrose). Grows with other native sedges and rushes in swamps on sandstone at altitudes of greater than 600 metres elevation. Derwentia blakelyi V Restricted to the western Blue Mountains, near Wet and dry Low Clarence, near Mount Horrible, on Nullo Mountain and sclerophyll forests in the Coricudgy Range. Occurs at fewer than 20 locations, none of which is in a conservation reserve. Occurs in eucalypt forest, often in moist areas. Diuris aequalis Buttercup Doubletail V E The Buttercup Doubletail has been recorded in Grassy woodland Low Kanangra-Boyd National Park, Gurnang State Forest, towards Wombeyan Caves, the Taralga - Goulburn area, and the ranges between Braidwood, Tarago and Bungendore. The Type collection (from the 19th Century) is from Liverpool, west of Sydney. Recorded in forest, low open woodland with grassy understorey and secondary grassland on the higher parts of the Southern and Central Tablelands Epacris hamiltonii E E Occurs in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney. Found Escarpment areas Low at 72 sites within three creek catchments. The creeks where there is a occur in an altitude range of 810 - 940 metres constant supply of elevation and are all located on the northern side of water including the escarpment and flow into the Grose Valley. All riparian and swampy known sites occur within a radius of approximately habitats five kilometres. Has a very specific habitat, being found on or adjacent to Narrabeen sandstone cliffs alongside perennial creeks, often below plateau PAGE 26 Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Species Common Name Status Distribution and habitat requirements* Potential habitat in Likelihood of the study area occurrence in the

construction footprint EPBC Act TSC Act Hanging Swamps. The soil generally has a spongy/peat-like consistency, with very high moisture content. Sites are found at the sheltered base of cliffs adjacent to wet gully or swamp vegetation, usually where a perennial or virtually perennial source of water, such as cliff seepages, is present. Associated species include King Fern (Todea barbara), Rough Tree Fern (Cyathea australis) and Coral Fern (Gleichenia rupestris). Sundews (Drosera binata) are also common on the cliff face. Occasionally occurs beside small creek lines which are vegetated with moist gully forest species (Callicoma serratifolia, Doryphora sassafras and Ceratopetalum apetalum). Eucalyptus aggregata Black Gum V In NSW it occurs in the South Eastern Highlands Grassy woodlands Low Bioregion and on the western fringe of the Sydney Basin Bioregion. It has a moderately narrow distribution, occurring mainly in the wetter, cooler and higher parts of the tablelands, for example in the Blayney, Crookwell, Goulburn, Braidwood and Bungendore districts. Grows on alluvial soils, on cold, poorly-drained flats and hollows adjacent to creeks and small rivers. Often grows with other cold-adapted eucalypts. Eucalyptus Silver-leafed Gum V V The Silver-leafed Gum is found in two quite separate Dry sclerophyll forests Low pulverulenta areas, the Lithgow to Bathurst area and the Monaro (Bredbo, Bombala areas). Grows in shallow soils as an understorey plant in open forest, typically dominated by Brittle Gum (Eucalyptus mannifera), Red Stringybark (E. macrorhyncha), Broad-leafed Peppermint (E. dives), Silvertop Ash (E. sieberi) and Apple Box (E. bridgesiana). Euphrasia bowdeniae V V Endemic to the upper Blue Mountains. Confined to Moist cliff faces Low wet or damp vertical sandstone rock faces on major cliff-lines facing south or east, growing in small pockets of damp, sandy soil on ledges or at the cliff PAGE 27 Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Species Common Name Status Distribution and habitat requirements* Potential habitat in Likelihood of the study area occurrence in the

construction footprint EPBC Act TSC Act base. May rarely occur in damp sites at the top of cliffs. Sites are associated with the Hassans Walls soil landscape with steep Narrabeen Sandstone cliffs colluvial talus slopes developed over Illawarra Coal Measures. Grammitis stenophylla Narrow-leaf Finger Fern E In NSW it has been found on the south, central and Rainforest and wet Low north coasts and as far west as Mount Kaputar sclerophyll forest National Park near Narrabri. Inhabits moist places, usually near streams, on rocks or in trees, in rainforest and moist eucalypt forest. Isopogon fletcheri Fletcher's Drumsticks V V Restricted to a very small area in the Blackheath Dry sclerophyll forest Low district of the Blue Mountains on the Central and heath near Tablelands. The entire known population occurs waterfalls within Blue Mountains National Park. Restricted to moist sheltered cliffs within the spray zone of a waterfall. Grows in dry sclerophyll forest and heath on sandstone and is confined to sheltered moist positions. Leionema E E Occurs at 10 sites in the upper Blue Mountains, within Heath Low lachnaeoides a 12 kilometres range between Katoomba and Blackheath. Potential habitat occurs in the Megalong and Jamison Valleys. Populations occur on exposed sandstone cliff tops and terraces, at 960 - 1000 metres altitude and with aspects from south-east to south-west. Habitat vegetation is montane heath and commonly includes Eucalyptus stricta, Allocasuarina nana, Dillwynia retorta, Epacris microphylla and Caustis flexuosa. Lepidosperma Evans Sedge V Currently known from three locations (at Blackheath Wet sandstone cliff Unlikely evansianum and Wentworth Falls). All known sites occur within faces Blue Mountains National Park, although they are near the boundary of the reserve. It grows on wet sandstone cliff faces in the Blue Mountains in the central tablelands of New South Wales.

PAGE 28 Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Species Common Name Status Distribution and habitat requirements* Potential habitat in Likelihood of the study area occurrence in the

construction footprint EPBC Act TSC Act Persoonia acerosa Needle Geebung V V The Needle Geebung has been recorded only on the Dry sclerophyll forests Low central coast and in the Blue Mountains, from Mount Tomah in the north to as far south as Hill Top where it is now believed to be extinct. Mainly in the Katoomba, Wentworth Falls, Springwood area. Occurs in dry sclerophyll forest, scrubby low-woodland and heath on low fertility soils. Persoonia nutans Nodding Geebung E E Restricted to the Cumberland Plain in western Dry sclerophyll open Unlikely Sydney, between Richmond in the north and forest Macquarie Fields in the south. Core distribution occurs within the Penrith, and to a lesser extent, Hawkesbury LGAs, with isolated and relatively small populations also occurring in the Liverpool, Campbelltown, Bankstown and Blacktown LGAs. Confined to aeolian and alluvial sediments and occurs in a range of sclerophyll forest and woodland vegetation communities, with the majority of individuals occurring within Agnes Banks Woodland or Castlereagh Scribbly Gum Woodland. Prasophyllum fuscum Slaty Leek Orchid V CE The type specimen is from "moist meadows towards Heath and seepage Low the Georges River" in the Sydney area. The species lines is likely to be extinct from this area. Harden (1993) states that it is confined to the Blue Mountains area. However, some authorities believe Prasophyllum species from this area are not Prasophyllum fuscum, but an un-described species. In addition, some authorities believe it is identical to Prasophyllum uroglossum which occurs in the Wingecarribee area. Grows in moist heath, often along seepage lines. Pultenaea glabra Smooth Bush-Pea V V Restricted to the higher Blue Mountains and has been Wet and dry Low recorded from the Katoomba-Hazelbrook and Mount sclerophyll forest, Victoria areas, with unconfirmed sightings in the swampy areas and Mount Wilson and Mount Irvine areas. All known heath populations occur within the Blue Mountains Local Government Area. Grows in swamp margins, PAGE 29 Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Species Common Name Status Distribution and habitat requirements* Potential habitat in Likelihood of the study area occurrence in the

construction footprint EPBC Act TSC Act hillslopes, gullies and creekbanks and occurs within dry sclerophyll forest and tall damp heath on sandstone. Velleia perfoliata - V V Only known from the Hawkesbury district and upper Shallow depressions Unlikely Hunter Valley. Found in shallow depressions on on sandstone shelves Hawkesbury sandstone shelves or under cliffs. and under cliffs Occurs on fairly shallow soils of sandy loam texture. Generally found growing on moss mats formed on the rock shelf. Fungi Hygrocybe anomala - - V The type locality is from Lane Cove Bushland Park Wet sclerophyll forest, Unlikely var. ianthinomarginata and other records are known from the Royal and Blue Rainforest Mountains National Parks. It occurs in gallery warm temperate forests associated with low fertility alluvial sandy soils dominated by Lilly Pilly (Acmena smithii), Grey Myrtle (Backhousia myrtifolia), Cheese Tree (Glochidion ferdinandi) and Sweet Pittosporum (Pittosporum undulatum). Fruiting bodies begin appearing mid May to mid July sometimes to August (DECC 2005).

PAGE 30 Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

3.3.6. Threatened fauna

The range of habitats and configuration of topography in study area are expected to support a high diversity of fauna, particularly areas of high quality Hanging Swamps and dry sclerophyll forest. The previous corridor studies (Roads and Maritime 2011) included detailed fauna surveys within and outside of the current study area. These surveys confirmed the presence of two threatened birds. These species are shown in Table 3-3 with associated habitat details.

An updated review of threatened fauna database records was undertaken with a 10 kilometre radius around the study area as shown in Figure 3-4. A total of 27 threatened fauna species were identified with most having a high likelihood of occurrence. Details of these findings are displayed in Table 3-4.

Table 3-3 Threatened species recorded in previous surveys of the study area (Roads and Maritime 2011)

Species Status Fauna Habitat Location habitat condition type Gang Gang Vulnerable Dry Moderate- In habitat with hollow bearing trees. Cockatoo (TSC Act) Sclerophyll high Recorded 160 metres north east from (Callocephalon Forest Section 2. fimbriatum) Scarlet Robin Vulnerable Dry Low- In a disturbed, vegetated area of old golf (Petroica (TSC Act) Sclerophyll moderate course. Recorded 460 metres north of boodang) Forest Section 2.

The threatened Purple Copper Butterfly (PCB) (Paralucia spinifera) (also known as the Bathurst Copper Butterfly) which is listed as endangered under the TSC Act and vulnerable under the EPBC Act, was not considered in this report. The PCB inhabits open forest and woodland areas above 850 metres elevation in a restricted range between Bathurst and Hartley. It is reliant on the presence of the Native Blackthorn (Bursaria spinosa subsp. lasiophylla) shrub which is a critical host for PCB larvae and has a symbiotic relationship with larvae attendant ant (Anonychomyra itinerans). The PCB is known to be capable of only limited flight, and as such is unable to disperse between isolated patches of habitat. Larvae are also incapable of moving over open patches of ground and only move between individual Native Blackthorn shrubs via their intermingled foliage.

The study area is beyond the PCB distributional range and lacks the Native Blackthorn host plant and therefore does not contain suitable PCB habitat.

Five other threatened fauna species have not been considered for assessment which may have a potential presence in the broader study area. There is limited evidence (including database records) to support the presence of these species in the study area. Although potential foraging habitat may occur, the project is proposing a very small loss of low to moderate condition native

PAGE 31 Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

vegetation and habitat (0.55 hectares) and is expected not to have a significant impact on these species. Species are discussed below:

• Glossy Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami) Reasons for exclusion: – Lack of large hollow-bearing suitable for nesting and low abundance of feed tree Allocasuarina, – No records in the study locality (from literature review) • Little Bentwing-bat (Miniopterus australis) Reasons for exclusion: – Study area is on the most southern limit of the species distribution and has inadequate cave roosting habitat, – Lack of records in the study locality (from literature review) with the closest confirmed observation in Hartley Valley (>10 km). • Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua) Reasons for exclusion: – Lack of large hollowing bearing trees suitable for nesting and limited high condition foraging in the study area, – Only one record (almost 30 years old) based on a scat observation. • Barking Owl (Ninox connivens) and Masked Owl (Tyto novaehollandiae) Reasons for exclusion: – Lack of large hollowing bearing trees suitable for nesting and limited high condition foraging in the study area, – No records in the study locality (from literature review).

PAGE 32 Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

 Table 3-4 Distribution and habitat of potentially occurring threatened fauna species in the study area

Species Common name Status Distribution and habitat requirements* Potential habitat in the Likelihood of study area occurrence in the construction

footprint

EPBC Act TSC Act Birds Ninox connivens Barking Owl V Forest and woodland habitats, particularly drier western slopes and Dry sclerophyll forest, Low riverine areas, hunts for birds and small mammals. woodlands. Climacteris Brown V Woodland bird species, favour dry sclerophyll forests and woodlands, Dry sclerophyll forest and Low picumnus Treecreeper generally with a sparse understorey, grassy areas and mature hollow- woodlands. victoriae (eastern bearing trees. subspecies) Petroica Flame Robin V Prefers clearings or areas with open understoreys. Occasionally Dry sclerophyll forest and High phoenicea occurs in temperate rainforest, and also in herbfields, heathlands, woodland. shrublands and sedgelands at high altitudes. Often occurs in recently burnt areas; however, habitat becomes unsuitable as vegetation closes up following regeneration. In winter lives in dry forests, open woodlands and in pastures and native grasslands, with or without scattered trees (in valleys below the ranges, and to the western slopes and plains). Breeds in upland tall moist eucalypt forests and woodlands, often on ridges and slopes. Callocephalon Gang-gang V Moist and tall open forests, particularly in steep topographic areas. Wet and dry sclerophyll High, confirmed in fimbriatum Cockatoo Numerous records in the corridor. forest. the study area Glossopsitta Little Lorikeet V Forages primarily in the canopy of open Eucalyptus forest and Wet and dry sclerophyll High pusilla woodland, finds food in Angophoras, Melaleucas and other tree forests, woodlands and species. Riparian habitats are particularly used, due to higher soil riparian areas. fertility and hence greater productivity. Isolated flowering trees in open country, eg paddocks, roadside remnants and urban trees also help sustain viable populations of the species. Roosts in treetops, often distant from feeding areas. Riparian trees often chosen for nesting, including species like Allocasuarina. Ninox strenua Powerful Owl V Open forests with dense wet gullies and creek areas, requires large Wet and dry sclerophyll Low mature trees with hollows for breeding and dense areas of vegetation forests, woodlands and for prey and roosting rainforest.

PAGE 33 Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Species Common name Status Distribution and habitat requirements* Potential habitat in the Likelihood of study area occurrence in the construction

footprint

EPBC Act TSC Act Petroica boodang Scarlet Robin V The Scarlet Robin lives in dry eucalypt forests and woodlands. The Dry sclerophyll forest and High, confirmed in understorey is usually open and grassy with few scattered shrubs. woodlands, agricultural the study area This species lives in both mature and regrowth vegetation. It areas with scattered tree occasionally occurs in mallee or wet forest communities, or in remnants. wetlands and tea-tree swamps. Scarlet Robin habitat usually contains abundant logs and fallen timber: these are important components of its habitat. The Scarlet Robin breeds on ridges, hills and foothills of the western slopes, the Great Dividing Range and eastern coastal regions; this species is occasionally found up to 1000 metres in altitude. In autumn and winter many Scarlet Robins live in open grassy woodlands, and grasslands or grazed paddocks with scattered trees. Tyto tenebricosa Sooty Owl V Occurs in rainforest, including dry rainforest, subtropical and warm Wet sclerophyll forest. Low temperate rainforest, as well as moist eucalypt forests. Daphoenositta Varied Sittella V Inhabits eucalypt forests and woodlands, especially those containing Grassy woodlands Low chrysoptera rough-barked species and mature smooth-barked gums with dead branches, mallee and acacia woodland. Mammals Miniopterus Eastern V Forages in a variety of habitat types including, dry sclerophyll forests Dry sclerophyll forests, High schreibersii Bentwing-bat and woodlands, as well as cleared and modified urban environments; woodlands and derived oceanensis a cave-roosting species requiring caves and artificial tunnels for grasslands, agricultural breeding and roosting. areas. Falsistrellus Eastern False V Occurs in a variety of open forest and woodland habitats, where Sclerophyll forests and High tasmaniensis Pipistrelle hollow-bearing trees are present and required for roosting, may forage woodlands. in younger regrowth and modified environments. Mormopterus Eastern V Occur in dry sclerophyll forest and woodland east of the Great Dividing Dry sclerophyll forests, High norfolkensis Freetail-bat Range. Roosts mainly in tree hollows but will also roost under bark or woodlands and derived in human-made structures. grasslands, agricultural areas. Cercartetus Eastern Pygmy- V Found in a broad range of habitats from rainforest through to wet and Sclerophyll forests, heath Low nanus possum dry sclerophyll forest and woodland to heath, but in most areas and woodlands. woodlands and heath appear to be preferred.

PAGE 34 Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Species Common name Status Distribution and habitat requirements* Potential habitat in the Likelihood of study area occurrence in the construction

footprint

EPBC Act TSC Act Scoteanax Greater Broad- V Inhabits a broad range of forest and woodland habitats, including Wet and dry sclerophyll High rueppellii nosed Bat adjacent cleared lands. forest. Phascolarctos Koala V V Open forests and woodlands with favoured food tree species. No Suitable foraging habitat Moderate cinereus records in the lower Blue Mountains although known from Wollemi present. National Park in the upper regions. Chalinolobus Large-eared V V Occur in subtropical and temperate rainforests, tall sclerophyll forests Dry sclerophyll forest and High dwyeri Pied Bat and woodlands, heaths and swamps as well as urban gardens and woodland. cultivated fruit crops.

Myotis macropus Southern Myotis V Generally roost in groups of 10-15 close to water in caves, mine Freshwater wetlands, High shafts, hollow-bearing trees, stormwater channels, buildings, under swamps, creeks and bridges and in dense foliage. Forage over streams and pools catching adjacent forest and insects and small fish by raking their feet across the water surface. woodland habitats. Dasyurus Spotted-tailed E V Wet and dry sclerophyll forests and rainforests, and adjacent open Extensive areas of High maculatus Quoll agricultural areas. Generally associated large expansive areas of suitable habitat, and a habitat to sustain territory size. considerable number of records in the corridor. Petaurus Squirrel Glider V Forest and woodland habitats, particularly areas with a diversity of Wet and dry sclerophyll Moderate norfolcensis eucalypt species in the canopy and other suitable food resources forests, woodlands and (shrubs and small trees). Requires tree hollows for denning. heaths. Petaurus Yellow-bellied V Tall open forest habitats, favours mature wet sclerophyll forest and Wet and dry sclerophyll Moderate australis Glider dense gullies. forest. Saccolaimus Yellow-bellied V Forages in most habitats across its very wide range, with and without Wet and dry sclerophyll High flaviventris Sheathtail-bat trees; appears to defend an aerial territory. Roost in tree hollows and forest. buildings. Amphibians Heleioporus Giant Burrowing V V Found in heath, woodland and open forest with sandy soils. Heath and woodland. Low australiacus Frog Pseudophryne Red-crowned V Occurs in open forests, mostly on Hawkesbury and Narrabeen Dry sclerophyll forest in Moderate australis Toadlet Sandstones. Inhabits periodically wet drainage lines below sandstone steeper terrain with ridges that often have shale lenses or cappings. Shelters under rocks exposed, boulders, and

PAGE 35 Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Species Common name Status Distribution and habitat requirements* Potential habitat in the Likelihood of study area occurrence in the construction

footprint

EPBC Act TSC Act and amongst masses of dense vegetation or thick piles of leaf litter. rocky slopes. Mixophyes Stuttering Frog V E Permanent streams in moist and wet sclerophyll forests. Rainforest streams. Low balbus Reptiles Eulamprus Blue Mountains E E Sedge swamps and Hanging Swamps in the upper Blue mountains Densely vegetated Moderate leuraensis Water skink area, Several records in the corridor and surrounding landscape. swamps. Hoplocephalus Broad-headed V E Shelters in rock crevices and under flat sandstone rocks on exposed Dry sclerophyll forests on Moderate bungaroides Snake cliff edges during autumn, winter and spring. Moves from the steep escarpments with sandstone rocks to shelters in hollows in large trees within 200 metres exposed sandstone of escarpments in summer. rocks, boulders and platforms. Invertebrates Petalura gigantea Giant Dragonfly E Sedge swamps, freshwater wetlands and peat bogs. Several records Vegetated swamps and Moderate near the corridor. wetlands.

PAGE 36 FIGURE 3-4 | THREATENED FAUNA IN THE LOCALITY

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18/10/2013 | I:\ENVR\Projects\EN04213\Technical\Spatial\GIS_Directory\ArcMap\Figures\TechnicalReports\MountVic\Ecology\EN04213_GIS_Ec_F006_MV_AtlasFauna_r2v1.mxd Newcastle Spatial Team - Prepared by : KO Checked by : VC Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Koala

There is limited evidence to support Koala activity in the study area. There are three historical records of Koala recorded in the study locality of the Blue Mountains National Park between the years of 1967 and 2004. One 33 year old collection of a Koala road kill was recorded in Mount Victoria. There is known populations in Wollemi National Park greater than 20 kilometres to north east of the study area. There are no known populations in the study area but marginal foraging opportunities are available with uncommon secondary food trees such as Brittle Gum (Eucalyptus mannifera) supplementary food tree Blaxland’s Stringybark (Eucalyptus blaxlandii) The proportion of food trees are considered to only provide tertiary habitat (DECC 2008b).

According to DSEWPaC (2012), ‘habitat critical to the survival of Koala’ is considered to be areas of forest or woodland with:

• primary Koala food tree species comprise at least 30 percent of the overstorey trees, or • primary Koala food tree species comprise less than 30 percent of the overstorey trees, but together with secondary food tree species comprise at least 50 percent of the overstorey trees or, • primary food tree species are absent but secondary food tree species alone comprise at least 50 percent of the overstorey trees, or • the above qualities may be absent in a forest or woodland but other essential habitat features are present and adjacent to areas exhibiting the above qualities, or • a relatively high density of Koalas is supported, regardless of the presence of food tree species. Koala population densities vary across their range and regional data should be used to judge relative density.

These criteria have been applied to the field data to identify the proportion of Koala habitat for Koala situated within the study area. The data used in this assessment includes detailed descriptions of vegetation communities and floristic composition gathered from previous and current surveys, and also broad scale vegetation mapping (Tozer et.al 2010).

3.3.7. Migratory and marine species

A total of 15 migratory fauna species were identified in the EPBC Act Protected Matters Report as potentially occurring in the broader study area. All species have a low potential for occurring in the construction footprint. These migratory species, along with their preferred habitat requirements and assessment of occurrence are listed in Table 3-5.

 Table 3-5 Potential occurrence of migratory species (EPBC Act) Common Species Status Preferred habitat Likelihood of occurrence name within the construction footprint Swift Parrot Lathamus Endangered On the mainland they occur in Low chance of occurring discolour (TSC Act areas where eucalypts are at forested sites and EPBC flowering profusely or where there throughout the study area. Act) are abundant lerp (from sap- These habitats form part Marine sucking bugs) infestations. of the much larger habitat

PAGE 38 Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Common Species Status Preferred habitat Likelihood of occurrence name within the construction footprint Favoured feed trees include range of the species. winter flowering species such as Swamp Mahogany Eucalyptus robusta, Spotted Gum Corymbia maculata, Red Bloodwood C. gummifera, Mugga Ironbark E. sideroxylon, and White Box E. albens. Regent Xanthomyza Migratory Forages in swamp and open Low chance of occurring Honeyeater phrygia (JAMBA); eucalypt forests, feeding on at forested sites Endangered nectar and pollen of flowering tree throughout the study area. (as species. These habitats form part Anthochaera of the much larger habitat phrygia) range of the species Black- Monarcha Marine, Rainforests, eucalypt forests and Low chance of occurring faced melanopsis Migratory coastal scrubs at forested sites Monarch (Bonn) throughout the study area. These habitats form part of the much larger habitat range of the species. White- Haliaeetus Marine, Predominantly ocean shores and Low bellied Sea leucogaster Migratory estuaries, occasionally inland Eagle (CAMBA) rivers and streams. White- Hirundapus Marine, An aerial foraging species which Low throated caudacutus Migratory occupies a range of habitats from Needletail (CAMBA, open modified landscapes to JAMBA) woodland and forest.

Malleefowl Leipoa Vulnerable Mostly occurs in semi-arid and Unlikely ocellata (EPBC Act) arid zones of temperate Australia, Endangered where it occupies shrublands and (TSC Act) low woodlands that are dominated Migratory by mallee vegetation. Is also (JAMBA known to inhabit eucalypt woodlands, native pine Callitris woodlands, acacia shrublands. Osprey Pandion Vulnerable Estuarine areas and rivers Unlikely haliaetus (TSC Act) Marine, Migratory (Bonn) Rufous Rhipidura Marine, Predominantly rainforest and Low chance of occurring Fantail rufifrons Migratory forests at forested sites (Bonn) throughout the corridor. These habitats form part of the much larger habitat range of the species. Rainbow Merops Marine, Predominantly woodland and Low potential habitat for Bee-eater ornatus Migratory timbered plains this species occurs in a (JAMBA) diversity of habitats including remnant woodland and partially cleared agricultural areas provided there is a

PAGE 39 Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Common Species Status Preferred habitat Likelihood of occurrence name within the construction footprint patchwork of small woodland remnants in the landscape. These habitats form part of the much larger habitat range of the species. Satin Myiagra Marine, Predominantly forests, in Low chance of occurring Flycatcher cyanoleuca Migratory particular thick vegetation in at forested sites (Bonn) gullies throughout the study area. These habitats form part of the much larger habitat range of the species. Lathams Galliago Marine, Wetlands, wet meadows, flooded Unlikely Snipe hardwickii Migratory grassy paddocks, open grassland (Bonn, and drainage areas CAMBA, JAMBA, ROKAMBA) Painted Rostratula Endangered Wetlands, reedlands, marshes Unlikely Snipe australis) (TSC Act and swamps and EPBC Act) Marine, Migratory (CAMBA) Cattle Ardea ibis Marine, Grasslands, woodlands and Unlikely Egret Migratory wetlands, and is not common in (CAMBA, arid areas. It also uses pastures JAMBA) and croplands, especially where drainage is poor. Often seen with cattle. Great Egret Ardea alba Marine, Prefers shallow water, particularly Unlikely Migratory when flowing, but may be seen on (CAMBA, any watered area, including damp JAMBA) grasslands. Fork-tailed Apus Marine, The species breeds in Asia and Unlikely Swift pacificus Migratory migrate to Australia in the (CAMBA, summer from which they spend JAMBA, their entire life-cycle on the wing, ROKAMBA) hunting, resting and sleeping.

A review of the Assessment of Significance of potential impacts from the proposed upgrade on listed migratory species was conducted using the significant impact guidelines 1.1 provided in DEWHA (2009). According to the guidelines an action is likely to have a significant impact on a migratory species if there is a real chance or possibility that it will:

• Substantially modify (including by fragmenting, altering fire regimes and nutrient cycles or; altering hydrological cycles), destroy or isolate an area of important habitat for a migratory species. • Result in an invasive species that is harmful to the migratory species becoming established in an area of important habitat for the migratory species.

PAGE 40 Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

• Seriously disrupt the lifecycle (breeding, feeding, migration or resting behaviour) of an ecologically significant proportion of the population of a migratory species.

A determination for assessing the significance of potential impacts on migratory species was decided in Section 3.4.4.

3.3.8. Wildlife connectivity corridors

DECC (2005) has identified the Blue Mountains Western Escarpment wildlife corridor for fauna movement and is an important connection linking a south-north passage through the Great Western Highway. This large area of continuous habitat is particularly important for species which require large home ranges, as they provide adequate food resources, are more likely to support other important life-cycle attributes, and increase the carrying capacity of an area. Maintaining contiguous vegetation may also decrease the likelihood of local extinctions from stochastic events such as wildfire and disease, as individuals can re-populate areas more effectively

This corridor occurs outside of the Mount Victorian township extending along the southern boundary of the study area and passes around and through Victoria Pass in the north eastern extent of the study locality. Vegetation in the south side of Section 1 forms part of this corridor.

3.4. Field investigations

3.4.1. Vegetation and habitat

The majority of the construction footprint occurs in maintained roadsides with planted exotic trees and shrubs and on front verges of residential properties. There are a limited number of remnant trees (Eucalyptus sieberi, Eucalyptus mannifera, Eucalyptus sclerophylla, and Eucalyptus cypellocarpa) mixed in with dominant introduced gardens and modified habitats. Native vegetation consists of Map Unit 1 Silvertop Ash – Peppermint Forest and one modified habitat (Map Unit 5) within the construction footprint and sedimentation basin (Fairy Dell Road).

The condition of Map Unit 1 varies from low to high with an intact canopy and relatively moderate to high diversity of native understorey species, particularly on Fairy Dell Road (Section 3). Further surveys during spring would be beneficial to describe flora and fauna at the proposed sedimentation basin (Fairy Dell Road) as property access to this site was limited. All areas have different levels of weed invasion or exotic plantings depending on the proximity to the roadside and private properties.

The dry sclerophyll forest within the south-eastern end (Section 1) of the study area was observed to support wombats on the midslopes adjacent to the highway, with several burrows demonstrating evidence of recent occupation. Macropod scats and shallow depressions, possibly made by bandicoots, were also frequently observed in this area. The Spotted-tailed Quoll (listed as endangered under EPBC Act and vulnerable under TSC Act) has been reportedly observed from dry forest habitat in this location previously (OEH 2013) and would commonly use the Blue Mountains Escarpment Corridor that traverses parallel with the study area.

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A number of noxious weed species were observed in the study area, although this was predominantly in areas of high disturbance such as roadside areas, disturbed areas of low condition remnant vegetation and unmaintained areas on private property. These include African Lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula) and Blackberry (Rubus fruiticosus).

No hollow bearing trees were observed in the construction footprint, but there is approximately fourteen of hollow bearing trees with small hollows in dry sclerophyll forest north east of the construction footprint in Section 1 (refer to Figure 3-2a). Fauna habitat quality is considerably better outside of the construction footprint, particularly in the Hanging Swamps.

Detailed descriptions of survey inspection results are shown in Table 3-6.

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Table 3-6 Results of the biodiversity filed inspections for location with ecological values

Chainage Vegetation and habitat Proposed construction Potential Noxious weeds description threatened present species Section 1 15680- High condition native vegetation Widening on the both Potential None 15760 (Map Unit 1) with five habitat trees sides of highway threatened (5-25% small hollows) outside of species the construction footprint. High habitat for diversity of native shrubs and gliders, ground cover. Dominant canopy microbats, species include Silvertop Ash Spotted (Eucalyptus sieberi) and Sydney tailed Quoll Peppermint (Eucalyptus piperita). 15820- Remnant trees of Silvertop Ash Widening on the south None None 15860 (Eucalyptus sieberi) and Sydney side of highway Peppermint (Eucalyptus piperita). Low condition vegetation and habitat. Section 2 16280- Scatter remnant trees amongst Widening (10-15 m) on None Blackberry 16400 mixed Pine (Pinus radiata) south side of the (Rubus plantings. Lacks native species highway fruticosus) understorey, replaced with exotic plantings. 16400- Low condition Map Unit 1. Widening (10-15 m) on None Montpellier 16460 Remnant trees Silvertop Ash south side of the Broom (Eucalyptus sieberi) and Sydney highway (Genista Peppermint (Eucalyptus piperita) monspessulana) (10-12m in height). Moderate diversity of native species with patches of disturbed areas. 16460- Steep clearing of exotic grasses Water quality structure None Montpellier 16520 and herbs. No canopy (sedimentation basin) Broom (Genista monspessulana) Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) Section 3 16880- Remnant trees (15m in height) Intersection widening on None None 16940 Blue Mountains Ash (Eucalyptus south side of highway oreades) and Silvertop Ash (Eucalyptus sieberi). Disturbed understorey with some Acacia mearnsii. 17020- Disturbed area of horticultural Widening both sides of None None 17200 plantings. Modified fauna habitat. the highway

17200- Disturbed area of horticultural Widening both sides of None None 17340 plantings. Modified fauna habitat. the highway

17440 Moderate condition (Map Unit 1) Water quality structure None None vegetation. Remnant canopy (sedimentation basin – species. Limited weed abundance. Fairy Dell Road)

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3.4.2. Threatened flora and ecological communities

There is suitable habitat present for some of the threatened flora species that are likely to occur in the study area. However the condition of habitat within the construction footprint is disturbed from weed invasion and clearing of the midstorey in Map Unit 1. No threatened flora species were observed in the construction footprint during surveys, however there is potential for cryptic species such as Diuris aequalis in high condition vegetation considering the winter timeframe of the surveys.

There are three small patches of Hanging Swamps TEC north of Section 1 at the eastern end of the study area. These are of high conservation importance and would need to be considered for potential indirect impacts. This community does not occur within the construction footprint, however there are potential for indirect impacts from altered hydrology and water quality during construction and operation.

3.4.3. Threatened fauna

No threatened fauna species, or evidence of their presence were observed in the construction footprint, although suitable habitat is present for some threatened species considered likely to occur in the study area. The Hanging Swamps are known to support threatened fauna such as the Red-crowned Toadlet (Pseudophryne australis) and the Blue Mountains Water Skink (Eulamprus leuraensis) and Giant Dragonfly (Petalura gigantea).

Koala The current surveys confirmed the limited habitat suitability for Koala. There were no Koala scats detected and no primary feed trees recorded during field surveys. There is also little evidence to support the presence of a local breeding population of Koalas. Vegetation within the study area is considered to provide only marginal habitat which may provide some foraging opportunities, from secondary food tree Brittle Gum (Eucalyptus mannifera) and supplementary food tree Blaxland’s Stringybark (Eucalyptus blaxlandii) listed in the NSW Koala Recovery Plan (DECC 2008b) and under Schedule 2 of State Environmental Planning Policy No. 44. The potential of the proposal to impact upon the Koala and its habitat is conducted in an Assessment of Significance under both NSW and Commonwealth legislation and can be found in Appendix C.

3.4.4. Migratory species

There is no evidence to suggest that an area of important habitat exists or that the study area is occupied by an ecologically significant proportion of the populations of migratory species. It is therefore considered unlikely that the proposal would reduce populations of these migratory species or substantially reduce the extent of potential habitat available to these species in the study area. No further assessment is therefore required.

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4. Potential impacts

4.1. Loss of vegetation and habitat

 Table 4-1 Direct impacts on vegetation and fauna habitat

Vegetation Fauna Biometric vegetation Conservation Condition Area community habitat type type status/percentage (ha) type cleared (Tozer 2010) Construction footprint Map Unit 1: Silvertop Dry Silvertop Ash - 10-20% of original High 0.08 Ash- Peppermint Sclerophyll Narrow-leaved extent estimated to Forest Forest Peppermint open be cleared forest on ridges of Moderate 0.23 the eastern tableland, South Low 0.13 Eastern Highlands and South East Corner Sub-total 0.44 hectares

Sedimentation basin (Fairy Dell Road) Map Unit 1: Silvertop Dry Silvertop Ash - 10-20% of original Moderate 0.11 Ash- Peppermint Sclerophyll Narrow-leaved extent estimated to Forest Forest Peppermint open be cleared forest on ridges of the eastern tableland, South Eastern Highlands and South East Corner Sub-total 0.11 hectares

TOTAL 0.55 hectares

The magnitude of potential impacts would have a small effect on native vegetation with minor losses to remnant canopy cover, native species composition and native seed bank in the topsoil. These impacts are specifically listed for each section in Table 4-2 along with proposed management and mitigation measures.

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 Table 4-2 Potential impacts in each section of the proposal

Chainage Vegetation and habitat description Proposed Potential impacts construction Section 1 15680- High condition native vegetation (Map Widening on the Disturbance to encroaching 15760 Unit 1) with five habitat trees (5-25% both sides of native trees. small hollows) outside of the highway Lopping or removal of construction footprint. High diversity of overhanging branches. native shrubs and ground cover. Edge effects to high condition Dominant canopy species include vegetation. Silvertop Ash (Eucalyptus sieberi) and Sydney Peppermint (Eucalyptus piperita). 15820- Remnant trees of Silvertop Ash Widening on the Removal of remnant trees and 15860 (Eucalyptus sieberi) and Sydney south side of nectar resources. Peppermint (Eucalyptus piperita). Low highway condition vegetation and habitat. Section 2 16280- Scatter remnant trees amongst mixed Widening (10-15 Removal of remnant trees and 16400 Pine (Pinus radiata) plantings. Lacks m) on south side nectar resources. native species understorey, replaced of the highway with exotic plantings. 16400- Low condition Map Unit 1. Remnant Widening (10-15 Native vegetation clearing. 16460 trees Silvertop Ash (Eucalyptus m) on south side Removal of remnant trees and sieberi) and Sydney Peppermint of the highway nectar resources. (Eucalyptus piperita) (10-12 m in height). Moderate diversity of native species with patches of disturbed areas. 16460- Steep clearing of exotic grasses and Water quality No impact to ecological values 16520 herbs. No canopy structure (sedimentation basin) Section 3 16880- Remnant trees (15 m in height) Blue Intersection Removal of remnant trees and 16940 Mountains Ash (Eucalyptus oreades) widening on south nectar resources. and Silvertop Ash (Eucalyptus sieberi). side of highway Disturbed understorey with some Acacia mearnsii. 17020- Disturbed area of horticultural Widening both Clearing of modified habitat 17200 plantings. Modified fauna habitat. sides of the highway 17200- Disturbed area of horticultural Widening both Clearing of modified habitat 17340 plantings. Modified fauna habitat. sides of the highway 17440 Moderate condition (Map Unit 1) Water quality Clearing of native vegetation. vegetation. Remnant canopy species. structure Removal of several remnant Limited weed abundance. (sedimentation trees. basin –Fairy Dell Loss of moderate fauna habitat. Road) Loss of native seed bank.

PAGE 46 Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

4.1.1. Threatened ecological communities

The Hanging Swamps TEC would not be directly impacted during construction and operation of the proposal within the construction footprint. Any alterations to hydrology, such as the lowering of the water table and diverting water into creeks rather than infiltrating the soil to recharge swamps, would interrupt ecosystem processes and cause species decline (NPWS 2001).

There is a small low risk of surface water quality contamination from sediment-laden runoff during project construction. The proposed works (Section 1) are minor and are located approximately 110 metres to the south of the swamps and are not expected to be impacted. It is vital that suitable erosion control measures be implemented and construction site surface water be prevented from entering this community. Section 2 and 3 would not impact the Hanging Swamps.

Threatened flora

There was no threatened flora recorded during surveys. Threatened flora habitat suitability has assessed in vegetation within the construction footprint. In addition, there is a low risk of potential impact to flora species from the proposal as most habitats are already in low condition from weed infestation and roadside edge effects.

4.1.2. Threatened fauna

There is a high likelihood for some threatened fauna species to utilise habitats in the construction footprint, particularly considering the presence of extensive areas of suitable habitat in surrounding areas. However, the majority of habitat within the construction footprint is generally of low value to many potentially occurring threatened fauna.

Habitats in the construction footprint are considered likely to provide foraging opportunities for birds and possibly microbats. The lack of hollow bearing trees and structural diversity for refuge restricts threatened fauna presence. The Spotted-tailed Quoll (listed as vulnerable under the TSC Act and endangered under the EPBC Act) may visit affected habitat on an occasional basis, but is not expected to reduce movement through greater cleared areas.

Increased roadside edge effects may also encourage Noisy Miner (Manorina melanocephala) dominance into remaining disturbed areas and cause decline in other native woodland and forest birds. Noisy Miner aggression has been considered as a Key threatening process in a recent Preliminary Determination by the Scientific Committee of the TSC Act.

The extent of impacts would affect 0.42 hectares of moderate to high condition dry sclerophyll habitat. The magnitude of potential impacts to fauna habitat is likely to be low considering the largely modified nature of the habitats present in the construction footprint and lack of important habitat features such as hollow trees, rocky outcrops and hollow logs, and the extensive areas of potential habitat surrounding the construction footprint.

PAGE 47 Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

4.1.3. Hollow bearing trees

Several threatened fauna species depend on hollow bearing trees for breeding and shelter. Hollow bearing trees generally occur in older stands, gullies and vegetation that has not been logged, and on flat terrain on fertile soils (Gibbons and Lindenmayer 2002).

The fourteen habitat trees or hollowing bearing trees with small hollows (9 trees to the south east and 5 trees to the north east) near Section 1 would not be directly impacted and a loss of habitat is not expected (refer to Figure 3-2a). Lopping or removal of branches on over hanging trees would need to be inspected during pre-clearing surveys for potential hollows where microbats such as the Eastern False Pipistrelle (Falsistrellus tasmaniensis), Eastern Freetail-bat (Mormopterus norfolkensis), Greater Broad-nosed Bat (Scoteanax rueppellii) and the Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat (Saccolaimus flaviventris) may be taking refuge.

In NSW, terrestrial vertebrate species that are reliant on tree hollows for shelter and nests include at least 46 mammals, 81 birds, 31 reptiles and 16 frogs (Gibbons and Lindenmayer 2002). Of these, 11 listed threatened species (TSC Act or EPBC Act) have either been identified within the study area or considered likely to occur as discussed previously, these are shown in Table 4-3.

 Table 4-3 Threatened species potentially affected by the loss of hollow-bearing trees and considered to occur in the study area

Common name Species TSC Act EPBC Act Gang-gang Cockatoo Callocephalon fimbriatum V - Spotted-tailed Quoll Dasyurus maculatus V V Large-eared Pied Bat Chalinolobus dwyeri - V Eastern Bent-wing Bat Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis V - Eastern False Pipistrelle Falsistrellus tasmaniensis V - Eastern Freetail-bat Mormopterus norfolkensis V - Southern Myotis Myotis macropus V - Yellow-bellied Glider Petaurus australis V - Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat Saccolaimus flaviventris V - Greater Broad-nosed Bat Scoteanax rueppellii V - Squirrel Glider Petaurus norfolcensis V -

4.1.4. Loss of foraging habitat

As discussed the proposed works would result in the clearing of about 1.33 hectares of native and modified habitat, thereby affecting areas of habitat for fauna. There would also be impacts to areas of cleared land with some value for fauna although mostly common species such as macropods and birds adapted to disturbed areas. The loss of dry sclerophyll forest habitat (0.55 hectares) would reduce native fauna area of occupation. This would not decrease the occurrence of fauna species, as the proposed works avoid large areas of high condition dry sclerophyll forest. The loss

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of habitat is a Key Threatening Process listed as ‘Clearing of native vegetation’ under Schedule 3 of the TSC Act.

4.1.5. Koala habitat

Koala habitat in the study area is not considered to be an important food resource for Koala. An important population is not known to occur in the study area and there are scarce individual records. There is a large quantity of native vegetation containing potential koala feed tree species adjoining the study area and indeed throughout the greater Blue Mountains area may support a koala population, although this has not been adequately confirmed. The study area is expected to have tertiary habitat for Koala where small proportions of secondary and supplementary habitat occur. However, the loss of habitat in the construction footprint is minor and would not be used as a food resource. Removal of individual listed food trees (DECC 2008b) Brittle Gum (Eucalyptus mannifera) and Blaxland’s Stringybark (Eucalyptus blaxlandii) may occur within the construction footprint.

4.2. Wildlife connectivity and habitat fragmentation

The habitats surrounding the study area vary in size from large forested areas to small roadside patches of which may extend into private holdings. The proposed footprint generally impacts areas close to the roadside and does not dissect vegetated areas that form wildlife pathways or broader movement corridors.

Some sections of the existing highway will be widened as part of the proposed design. This may result in habitats being further fragmented and create a wider barrier between habitats. Roads decrease the amount and quality of habitat available to wildlife, and can subdivide populations, leading to reduced genetic exchange. Smaller, more isolated populations also experience higher risk of local extinction from significant disturbance events such as bushfire. Edge effects further affect the quality of the remaining habitat for species that are sensitive to disturbance, and/or require particular microhabitat features found in forested areas. The most robust species to habitat fragmentation are highly mobile generalists, such as some of the more common birds, and pest species such as foxes and cats.

The proposed works would have some potential impacts to wildlife connectivity with increases to the width of the Great Western Highway in the study area, and therefore increase the distance for any wildlife crossing the road. This would create a barrier to some terrestrial fauna movements. The main fauna species potentially impacted from the increased width of the road would be terrestrial species such as Spotted-tail Quoll, reptiles and macropods, as well as arboreal species such as Koala, possums and gliders.

4.3. Injury and mortality

Fauna injury or death can occur during the clearing phase of construction via the removal of habitat trees, as well as throughout the life-time of the road operation as a result of collision with vehicles.

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There is also potential for increased fauna injury and mortality as a result of further habitat fragmentation, degradation and loss.

There is potential for injury and mortality to fauna species during vegetation clearing activities. The most vulnerable species are those who take refuge in trees (e.g. hollows, under bark, in nests, and in fallen logs) and in the ground, and/or have low agility. A range of ground-dwelling mammals, microbats, possums, reptiles, and birds (particularly fledglings) are likely to be affected. Macropods, larger reptiles and adult birds are least likely to be affected by vegetation clearing activities because they are able to flee to unaffected areas of suitable habitat.

Construction impacts

While some diurnal and mobile species, such as birds and large reptiles, may be able to move away from the path of clearing, other species that are less mobile or those that are nocturnal, or have smaller home ranges and/or strong site fidelity, are less inclined to move rapidly or disperse large distances away from the activity. This includes species such roosting microchiropteran bats, arboreal mammals, small reptiles and frogs. Roads and Maritime has developed biodiversity guidelines to protect and manage biodiversity on Roads and Maritime projects (RTA 2011). Further details on the procedures to be implemented are outlined in Chapter 5.

Operation impacts

Mortality due to vehicle strike during operation of the safety works upgrade has the potential to affect fauna species at the sub-population level. In general, rates of vehicle strike mortality are likely to be directly proportional to the distance of native vegetation/fauna habitat crossed by the proposal (Forman et al. 2000). However, other factors such as the design of the road (e.g. through cut or fill, presence of adjacent fences, safety barriers, fauna exclusion fences or fauna crossing structures), vegetation in close proximity to the road, cleared areas where grazing animals forage such as macropods also influence vehicle strike mortality rates. Estimates of road mortality in Australia, based on a single pass survey, have suggested that one bird is lost every 13 kilometre and one mammal lost every 30 kilometre (Disney and Fullagar 1978; Vestjens 1973). Burgin and Brainwood (2008) reported a roadkill frequency of 6.32 animals per 100 kilometre in central western NSW and 3.39 animals per 100 kilometres in peri-urban Sydney. These authors reported more mammals being killed than birds, and identified significantly higher numbers of animals killed on medium traffic volume roads such as major secondary roads and minor highways than on high volume major highways (Burgin and Brainwood 2008).

However, simple counts of road mortality fail to consider the impacts that such mortality can have in the wider populations through lost breeding (Forman et al. 2000; Taylor and Goldingay 2004) and the impacts on discrete populations where recruitment is reliant on breeding rather than influx of more animals from adjacent populations.

Fauna road kill mortality is already an existing issue on the Great Western Highway. A combination of the proposed road widening, safety barriers and an increase in the area of roadside verges,

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particularly adjacent to native vegetation on both sides of the highway, would potentially increase the rates of fauna mortality at Mount Victoria in the operation phase of the project. Road kill mortality hotspots are expected to occur at the eastern and western ends of the construction footprint, mostly in proximity to the Blue Mountains Western Escarpment wildlife corridor.

4.4. Weeds

Weed establishment along roadsides is already dominant, particularly in areas adjacent to existing cleared land. An urban environment occurs throughout the construction footprint consisting of landscaped gardens and exotic plantings. There is a high potential for weeds to spread along modified road edges and penetrate into adjacent remnant vegetation. Four identified noxious weeds have been recorded shown in Table 4-4.

 Table 4-4 Noxious weed species identified in the study area (Blue Mountains Local Government Area)

Species Prevalence on site Noxious class

Montpellier Broom Recorded in low abundance in disturbed Class 2: The plant must be eradicated from Genista roadside areas. the land and the land must be kept free of monspessulana the plant.

Asparagus Fern Widespread throughout the study area in Class 4: The growth and spread of the Asparagus residential gardens, recorded in low plant must be controlled according to the aethiopicus abundance. Seed spread by bird species. measures specified in a management plan published by the local control authority and St John’s Wort Recorded in moderate to high abundance the plant may not be sold, propagated or Hypericum in disturbed road easements, disturbed knowingly distributed. perforatum areas of remnant vegetation and agricultural areas. Blackberry Recorded in moderate to high abundance Rubus fruticosus in unmaintained road easements and disturbed areas of remnant vegetation.

4.5. Pests and pathogens

The proposed upgrade is not likely to increase the invasion of pest species. Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are known to occur in the study area but are not expected to increase in numbers from the proposed upgrade. There is a risk that foxes may prey on displaced native fauna with the removal of habitat and habitat trees. Increased vegetation clearing may lead to greater colonisation of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) who take advantage of disturbed and modified environments. This may increase the population of rabbits and compete against native fauna in a modified habitat. Following construction of the upgrade, revegetation of native species in impacted sections would beneficial to reduce potential habitat for rabbits.

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Pathogens are agents that cause disease in flora and fauna and are usually living organisms such as bacterium, virus or fungus. The study area is susceptible to native plant dieback via root rot caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi. It is known to occur in areas around Mt Victoria and the upper Blue Mountains plateau (Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Authority 2008). It is important that infected soil or plant material from local affected areas is not transported to the study area.

4.6. Changed hydrology

Changes to surface and ground hydrology are expected to be minimal. The proposal follows the existing highway alignment and includes minor works of roadside verge widening (pavement) and small cut and fill batters. The road design has avoided hydrology and drainage works in the sensitive areas of Hanging Swamps (TEC). Works proposed in Section 1 are situated approximately 110 metres south of the Hanging Swamps.

Minor earthworks, removal of vegetation and altered surface hydrology may potentially cause sediment laden runoff and contaminated water quality to enter retained vegetation to the east and west of Section 1 during construction. Construction activities would need to be mitigated to reduce the level of indirect impacts.

In the operation phase, stormwater flows and road runoff would be captured with provisional concrete gutters and underground pipes. Additional water flow volumes from the increase of road and verge surface area are minimal and would not be directed towards the Hanging Swamps and would not cause impact.

Sections 2 and 3 would have minor diversions of drainage lines which may result in localised flooding. If not controlled, contaminated floodwaters may cause soil erosion and degrade native vegetation. The construction of the sedimentation basin at Fairy Dell Road would expose soils and potentially increase the sediment load which would wash downslope into retained remnant vegetation if unmitigated. Sediment and contaminated water (e.g. heavy metals, and hydrocarbons) which is allowed to wash into remnant vegetation areas (which mostly occur down slope of the proposal) may reduce habitat condition and native plant diversity, particularly to nutrient sensitive understorey plant species.

4.7. Groundwater dependent ecosystems

There are four small patches of Hanging Swamp communities in the study area listed under the EPBC Act and TSC Act that are wetland ecosystems highly dependent on groundwater. These do not occur in the construction footprint but are in proximity to Section 1 (about 50 to 60 metres from the proposal). The proposed works are not being undertaken directly up slope of the Hanging Swamps and indirect impacts from run-off are not expected.

Minor cut and fill activities would be carried out in Section 1 and are not expected to impact the existing groundwater regime.

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Best-practice sedimentation and erosion controls need to be implemented during construction and operation of the project to ensure the Hanging Swamps are not indirectly impacted.

4.8. Aquatic impacts

The only wetland habitats in the study area are the Hanging Swamps (TEC). Any potential earthworks, placement of road surface, disposal of wastewater, equipment and chemical storage areas and erosion from exposed ground and stockpiles may affect water quality and reduce the health of the wetland environment which supports many species of invertebrates, frogs, reptiles and birds. Increased particulates in the water column can also reduce water infiltration which could impact hydrology of hanging swamp areas. As the proposed works are not located near the Hanging Swamps, there would not be direct impacts and indirect impacts to water quality are not expected to reach the sensitive Hanging Swamp ecosystem.

4.9. Noise, vibration and light

Considering the existing levels of noise, vibration and light from the Great Western Highway, it is unlikely there would be a significant increase to the existing levels which would result in any significant impacts to native fauna species. There is potential for impacts to local fauna from noise and vibration during construction, which may result in fauna temporarily avoiding habitats adjacent to the proposed footprint.

4.10. Impact on relevant key threatening processes

Key threatening processes listed under the TSC Act, FM Act and EPBC Act and considered likely to be increased by the upgrade are listed in Table 4-5. Key threatening processes identified as being impacted by the upgrade comprise those associated with habitat degradation including vegetation clearing, potential bushrock removal and removal of potential hollow-bearing trees and fallen timber. Mitigation measures would be implemented to minimise the extent of vegetation clearing and habitat disturbance (refer to Chapter 5), and relocate important fauna habitats.

There is also potential for other key threatening processes to be increased (e.g. weed invasion, introduction of pests and diseases and alteration of hydrological regimes).

 Table 4-5 Enacting key threatening processes

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Threatening process Relevant Increased by Proposed legislation the proposal? mitigation Feral vertebrate fauna Competition and land degradation by rabbits / EPBC Act, TSC Potential Section 5.2 Competition and grazing by the feral European rabbit Act (Oryctolagus cuniculus) Hydrology and wetland areas Alteration to the natural flow regimes of rivers and TSC Act Unlikely Section 5.2 streams and their floodplains and wetlands Pathogens Dieback caused by the root-rot fungus (Phytophthora EPBC Act, TSC Potential Section 5.2 cinnamomi)/Infection of native plants by Phytophthora Act cinnamomi Weeds Loss and degradation of native plant and animal habitat EPBC Act Potential Section 5.2 by invasion of escaped garden plants, including aquatic plants Invasion of native plant communities by exotic perennial TSC Act Potential grasses Climate change Loss of terrestrial climatic habitat caused by EPBC Act Potential n/a anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases Anthropogenic climate change TSC Act Potential n/a

4.11. Cumulative impacts

The proposed upgrade would have a minor increase ecological disturbance created by the existing highway. Direct impacts of vegetation and habitat removal are minimal in the proposal. However, additional road developments along the Katoomba to Lithgow corridor would have an accumulated loss of vegetation and would permanently displace fauna shelter and foraging opportunities causing long term competition for resources and potential species population decline throughout the landscape. Other local developments contributing to this impact include Hartley Safety Works Upgrade, River Lett Safety Works Upgrade and Forty Bends Upgrade.

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5. Avoidance and Mitigation

The Roads and Maritime Corporate Plan: Blueprint Update (2011) states Roads and Maritime ‘will reduce the impact of road projects on the natural and social environment’. The Roads and Maritime Biodiversity Guidelines (RTA 2011) respond to Roads and Maritimes’ corporate commitments by addressing biodiversity management. In managing biodiversity, Roads and Maritime aims to:

• Avoid and minimise impacts first. • Mitigate impacts where avoidance is not possible. • Offset where residual impacts cannot be avoided. 5.1. Avoid and minimise

Roads and Maritime (2011, 2012) studies for the preferred route of the Great Western Highway have previously identified key environmental constraints which has been summarised in this report and used to inform the current design. The proposed upgrade has been designed to minimise vegetation clearing where possible and minimise potential impacts to specific threatened species and ecological communities present in the study area. Key avoidance and minimisation measures associated with the design include:

• Avoiding broad scale vegetation clearing. • Minimising vegetation/habitat clearing where possible to reduce impacts to threatened fauna species which rely on these habitats. • Minimising impacts to the threatened ecological communities through appropriate road design. • Minimising habitat fragmentation and reduced connectivity.

The construction footprint is in close proximity to high conservation values of the Blue Mountains National Park. It is suggested that the proposed works take particular care and consideration during each phase of the project (i.e. pre-construction, construction and operation) The following measures shown below would manage impacts within the construction footprint and therefore minimise the risk of the proposed works causing impact on the surrounding landscape.

To minimise the direct and indirect impacts to specific areas of biodiversity values within the construction footprint, recommendations have been outlined in Table 5–1.

 Table 5-1 Recommendations to manage and minimise potential impacts

Chainage Proposed construction Potential impacts Management recommendations Section 1 15680- Widening on the both sides Disturbance to encroaching Reduce disturbance to remnant 15760 of highway and minor cut native trees. trees and native habitat including and fill works. Lopping or removal of hollow bearing trees. overhanging branches. Avoid disturbance to drip line of Edge effects to high remnant trees, where possible. condition vegetation.

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Chainage Proposed construction Potential impacts Management recommendations 15820- Widening on the south side Removal of remnant trees Avoid disturbance to drip line of 15860 of highway and nectar resources. remnant trees, where possible.

Section 2 16280- Widening (10-15 m) on Removal of remnant trees Avoid disturbance to drip line of 16400 south side of the highway and nectar resources. remnant trees, where possible. Weed management measures required. 16400- Widening (10-15 m) on Native vegetation clearing. Avoid disturbance to drip line of 16460 south side of the highway Removal of remnant trees remnant trees, where possible. and nectar resources. Pre-clearing survey for nesting fauna. Weed management measures required. 16460- Water quality structure No impact to ecological Weed management measures 16520 (sedimentation basin) values required. Section 3 16880- Intersection widening on Removal of remnant trees Avoid disturbance to drip line of 16940 south side of highway and nectar resources. remnant trees, where possible. Reduce disturbance to remnant trees and native habitat. 17020- Widening both sides of the Clearing of modified habitat Pre-clearing survey for nesting 17200 highway fauna.

17200- Widening both sides of the Clearing of modified habitat Pre-clearing survey for nesting 17340 highway fauna.

17440 Water quality structure Clearing of native vegetation. Avoid disturbance to drip line of (sedimentation basin –Fairy Removal of several remnant remnant trees, where possible. Dell Road) trees. Retain topsoil for post respread. Loss of moderate fauna Re-establishment of habitat. habitat. Pre-clearing survey for nesting Loss of native seed bank. fauna.

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5.2. Mitigation measures

The proposed mitigation measures for all project phases specified below and are consistent with the Biodiversity Guidelines: Protecting and managing biodiversity on RTA projects (RTA 2011). Mitigation measures for protecting the Hanging Swamps (TEC) are outlined in section 5.2.4.

Flora and Fauna Management Plan

A flora and fauna management plan would be prepared as part of the construction environmental management plan (CEMP). The plan would include all flora and fauna species and their habitat for protection and impact mitigation. A clearing procedure would also be included which in turn would specify the requirements for pre-clearing.

The Hanging Swamps (TEC) would also be included in the plan as a precaution to provide information how it should be managed during construction, particularly with water quality monitoring. It would also include details about specific threatened species management such as improving the connectivity for gliders using revegetation to reduce the gap for gliders to glide across the highway.

Vegetation and habitat pre-clearing

• Pre-clearing surveys would be undertaken by an experienced ecologist to identify the location and extent of important habitats in the construction footprint. Items to be salvaged for reuse/relocation, such as bushrock, hollow trees and woody debris would also be identified. • Identify and mark habitat features to be protected during construction in retained areas, particularly habitat trees. • Identify roosting habitat for microchiropteran bats in nearby structures such as bridges and culverts. • Identify nearby habitats on both sides of the existing highway along the length of the proposal suitable for the release of fauna that may be encountered during the pre-clearing process or habitat removal. • Map the location of any threatened flora and/or fauna species, threatened ecological communities and habitat identified in the CEMP. • Follow the unexpected threatened species finds procedure as outlined in the Roads and Maritime Biodiversity Guidelines (RTA 2011) which would be outlined in the CEMP. • Ensure no parking of vehicles and/or machinery and the stockpile or storage of equipment under the dripline of any trees as outlined in the Roads and Maritime Biodiversity Guidelines.

Exclusion zones

The location of exclusion zones would be determined and established to avoid damage to native vegetation and fauna habitats and prevent the distribution of pests, weeds and disease. Basic temporary fencing would be installed to indicate the limits of clearing. The location of exclusion fencing to be installed would be identified on plans in the CEMP and the function and importance of the exclusion zones communicated to construction personnel. For further information regarding the

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establishment of exclusion zones refer to the Roads and Maritime Biodiversity Guidelines – Guide 2 Exclusion Zones (RTA 2011).

Staged habitat removal

A staged habitat removal process would be implemented in areas where fauna habitat has been identified consistent with the procedures identified in the Roads and Maritime Biodiversity Guidelines (RTA 2011). The staged habitat removal process would be incorporated into the CEMP and communicated to construction personnel. The staged habitat removal procedure is summarised in Table 5-2.

 Table 5-2 Staged habitat removal process (adapted from RTA 2011)

Stage Details 1. Contact vet and/or Vet and/or wildlife carers need to be contacted prior to construction wildlife carers commencing to ensure they are willing to assist in treating injured animals if necessary. Their contact details would be included in the CEMP, be given to the site manager and clearly displayed in the site office. 2. An experienced and An experienced and licensed wildlife carer and/or ecologist would be present on licensed wildlife carer site during all habitat removal activities to capture and relocate fauna that may and/or ecologist would be be encountered. present 3. Remove non-habitat Progressive habitat removal would take place around habitat identified and vegetation first marked during the pre-clearing process. Remove non-hollow-bearing trees, undergrowth, feed-trees, regrowth and grass. Do not fell trees towards exclusion zones. 4. Leave habitat for a Identified habitat (e.g. hollow-bearing trees) would be left for at least 24 hours minimum of 24 hours after removing non-habitat vegetation to allow fauna to escape. A licensed wildlife carer and/or ecologist would check hollow-bearing trees are not being used by fauna before felling. If necessary, fauna may need to be trapped and relocated to pre-determined habitat identified for fauna release. 5. Remove habitat Fell habitat trees as carefully as possible to avoid injury to any fauna still remaining in trees. Use equipment that would allow the habitat trees to be lowered to the ground with minimal impact (e.g. claw extension). Do not fell trees towards exclusion zones. 6. Inspect habitat An experienced and licensed wildlife carer and/or ecologist would inspect habitat once it is removed e.g. after a tree is felled). Animals that emerge would be captured, inspected for injury then relocated to pre-determined habitat identified for fauna release. 7. Relocate habitat All hollows have the potential to support fauna and would be placed in adjacent habitat until the following day for further inspection by a licensed wildlife carer and/or ecologist to verify no fauna is present. If possible, the hollows would be permanently relocated in adjacent areas in accordance with the Roads and MaritimeBiodiversity Guidelines (RTA 2011). Inspect woody debris for fauna immediately before chipping to avoid injury or death to fauna that may be present. 8. Reporting The construction project manager and/or environment manager would ensure that the outcomes of the clearing process are recorded. Reporting is usually the responsibility of an ecologist or environment officer. Reports are to be submitted to relevant personnel (e.g. environment manager or Roads and Maritimeregional environment staff).

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Minimising fauna injury and mortality

To prevent injury and mortality of fauna during the clearing of vegetation, an experienced and licensed wildlife carer and/or ecologist would be present to supervise vegetation clearing and capture and relocate fauna where required. Further details regarding fauna handling and vegetation clearing procedures are provided in the Roads and Maritime Biodiversity Guidelines (RTA 2011). The following would be implemented to avoid injury and mortality of fauna:

• Allow fauna to leave an area without intervention as much as possible. • In circumstances where the handling of fauna is completely unavoidable, best practice methods need to be followed as outlined in the Roads and Maritime Biodiversity Guidelines – Guide 9 Fauna Handling (RTA 2011). • Include the procedures in project inductions for construction staff to implement if fauna is found or injured on site and also the importance of not feeding any wildlife that may be encountered on construction sites. • Never deliberately kill a snake as all snakes are protected under the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974. • Keep records of fauna captured and relocated. • Report any injury to or death of a threatened species to the Roads and Maritime environmental staff.

Nest box and hollow bearing tree management

The removal of hollow bearing trees is not expected to occur within the construction footprint. There are fourteen hollow bearing trees in the study area in close proximity to Section 1 of the proposed works and some branches of these trees may be potentially branches lopped during the construction phase.

Pre-clearing surveys would inspect these hollows and determine fauna occupation, and number, quality and size of hollows to be removed. It is proposed as a precaution, to have a next box management strategy developed as part of the CEMP to have nest boxes installed to compensate for any loss. A required 70 per cent of nest boxes would need to be installed at least 3-6 months prior to removal.

5.2.1. Weed Management

A weed management plan would be developed as part of the CEMP, the Roads and Maritime Biodiversity Guidelines (RTA 2011) and the Introductory Weed Management Manual (Natural Heritage Trust 2004) provide guidance for developing weed management plans. As part of the weed management plan a site assessment by an ecologist or person trained in weed identification and management would be required to assess the extent and severity of weed species in the construction footprint with particular emphasis on noxious weed species.

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The weed management plan would include descriptions and mapping of major weed infestations during pre-clearing surveys and appropriate management actions to be undertaken for each infestation. The details of the weed management plan would vary for each site but would include:

• Taxa and potential sources of the weed species. • Weed management priorities and objectives. • Sensitive environmental areas within or adjacent to the site. • Location of weed infested areas. • Mechanical weed control methods such as slashing or mowing, as well as a range of herbicides to avoid the development of herbicide resistance. • Measures to prevent the spread of weeds. • A monitoring program to measure the success of weed management. • Strategic management with adjacent landowners. • Appropriate disposal of weed infested materials and soils to be identified in the CEMP. • Communication strategies to improve contractor awareness of weeds and weed management.

5.2.2. Pest and disease management

A number of pests and diseases may potentially be present in the proposal footprint. There have been reports of Phytophthora cinnamomi within the study locality. The Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority (2008) has listed positive Phytophthora cinnamomi sites in Blackheath and Mount Victoria (also some negative sites). Appropriate controls are required to reduce this threat as it may have long term implication for habitat and species. The management of these threats would be managed under the guidance of a Weed Management Plan and Pest and Disease Management Plan to be prepared as part of the CEMP. Suitable protocols have been developed under the Roads and Maritime Biodiversity Guidelines (Roads and Maritime2011).

Measures to prevent the introduction and/or spread of pests and disease causing agents such as bacteria and fungi need to be incorporated into the CEMP for the proposal. This procedure would include:

• Testing soils for the presence of pathogens/disease causing agents such as bacteria and fungi prior to construction. • If pathogens/disease causing agents are found to present, the implementation of a Pest and Disease Management Plan would be developed as part of the CEMP to address hygiene protocols and areas of exclusion zones with fencing and signage to restrict access into contaminated areas where required.

Detailed prevention methods are provided in the Roads and Maritime Biodiversity Guidelines – Guide 7 Pathogen Management (RTA 2011) and include:

• Provide vehicle and boot wash down facilities and ensure vehicles and footwear is free of soil before entering or exiting the site. • The risk of spreading pathogens and the mitigation measures required on site would be regularly communicated to staff and contractors during inductions and toolbox talks.

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• Construction works would be programmed to move from uninfected areas to any known infected areas. • Restrict vehicles to designated tracks, trails and parking areas.

5.2.3. Vegetation re-establishment

Re-establishment of native vegetation would follow the Roads and Maritime Guidelines – Guide 3 (RTA 2011). As there would be removal of native vegetation and potentially habitat, a landscape management plan would need to be developed as part of the CEMP which will provide specific details for the re-establishment of native vegetation on batters, cut faces, and other areas disturbed during construction. This would include details for the appropriate restoration of the Map Unit 1 Silvertop Ash-Peppermint Forest and revegetation of representative species in obsolete sections of the existing highway. The landscape management plan would need to consider a range of constraints and opportunities associated with the proposed upgrade including:

• Clearly identified locations and composition of revegetation activities as chosen by ecologists and landscape architects. • Collect local native topsoil and leaf litter which is free of invasive weed species and store for use in revegetation works and allow sufficient time to prepare the ground for revegetation. • Avoid compaction of soils in areas identified for revegetation and where compaction has occurred, the soil would be loosened. • When planting consider seasonal risks of frost, drought, flooding and sun exposure to avoid damaging plants and to encourage growth. • Collect seed from local representative (scheduled for removal or retained vegetation) sources, including secondary Koala food tree species and would need to consider planting out structure and spacing. • Inspection, monitoring and maintenance of revegetated areas would be conducted biannually for a minimum of 2 years following the completion of construction in accordance with the landscape management plan. • Koala feed trees would be included in any plantings and strategic revegetation for the proposal.

Re-use of woody debris and bushrock

Woody debris and bushrock would be re-used on site for habitat improvement where applicable and would be detailed in the landscape management plan/CEMP. Suitable areas for re-use may include existing habitat and rehabilitation areas. Guidelines for the re-use of woody debris and bushrock are provided in the Roads and Maritime Biodiversity Guidelines (RTA 2011).

5.2.4. Aquatic habitat and riparian zones

Aquatic habitats are to be managed in accordance with the Biodiversity Guidelines: Guideline 10 – Aquatic habitats and riparian zones (RTA 2011). Additional measures to be adopted to minimise the potential impact of the proposal on general aquatic values of construction and operation are provided in Table 5-3.

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A Water Quality Monitoring Plan would need to be implemented to manage these water quality conditions. Management and mitigation measures would be designed to minimise potential impacts to Hanging Swamps from poor water quality and potential indirect impacts from altered hydrology.

 Table 5-3 Mitigation measures for protection of the wetland habitat (Hanging Swamps) and other adjacent vegetation.

Mitigation Description measures

Water quality • Construction traffic would be restricted to access tracks, fenced prior to the start of management construction and maintained until construction is complete. • Ensure chemicals and fuels are stored and bunded greater than 50 metres away from drainage lines • Appropriate sediment and erosion control measures would be put in place during the construction process and may include sediment and erosion control curtains near the Hanging Swamps to control potential runoff generated during the construction and restoration process. • No turbid water generated from the construction corridor or construction area is to be discharged into any waterway. • A Water Quality Monitoring Plan would be prepared to monitor water quality impacts. Sedimentation • All standard sediment and erosion control measures for downstream water quality and erosion management would be implemented. management • Develop and conduct water quality monitoring. • Management measures would be discussed with contractors during toolbox talks and inception meetings.

5.2.5. Wildlife connectivity

As part of the corridor studies in (Roads & Maritime) 2011, planning for biodiversity connectivity was undertaken to identify key fauna movement zones based on priority fauna habitats, fauna population hotspots for both arboreal and terrestrial fauna and important links in the landscape between fragmented vegetation patches. The proposed construction at Mount Victoria does not have identified key connectivity zones. The Blue Mountains Western Escarpment wildlife corridor will remain intact and continue to support fauna movement (refer to Figure 3-2a and Figure 3-2b).

5.3. Offsetting residual impacts

The Roads and Maritime (2011) Guideline for Biodiversity Offset was considered to determine whether the project would trigger offset requirements under the guideline. The guideline identifies projects where greater than five hectares of threatened species habitat is being impacted and/or greater than one hectare of a threatened ecological community (high-moderate condition) or a vegetation type greater than 70 percent cleared in NSW is being impacted.

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The proposed safety works, including the installation of water quality structures would result in the loss of less than 0.1 hectares of high condition vegetation (Map Unit 1) and a total loss of 0.55 hectares of native vegetation. As a result, biodiversity offsets would not be required.

Although offsets are not required, there would be consideration given to offsets for the cumulative impacts associated with other road developments as part of the broader Katoomba to Lithgow Upgrade.

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6. Significance assessments

Significance assessments have been conducted for threatened biodiversity that have been positively identified or that have a high or moderate likelihood of occurring in the construction footprint or may be affected indirectly.

6.1. NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979

For threatened species and ecological communities listed under the NSW TSC Act, this section details the heads of consideration as listed under Section 5a of the EP&A Act in assessing the significance of the impacts. Species with similar taxonomy or ecological requirements have been assessed together, for example tree-roosting microchiropteran bats. Full details of assessment of significance under the EP&A Act are presented in Appendix D. The conclusions of the EP&A Act are provided in Table 6-1, which indicates that a significant impact is considered unlikely on any biota listed under the TSC Act.

 Table 6-1 Summary of EP&A Act assessments of significance

Species Status Sect 5a EP&A Act (heads of Likely Potential to (TSC Act) consideration*) significant occur in the impact constructio a b c d e f g n footprint Threatened Ecological Communities Blue Mountains Swamps in V N X X N X N Y No Confirmed in the Sydney Basin Bioregion the study area Threatened Fauna Spotted-tailed Quoll V N X X N X N Y No High (Dasyurus maculatus) Yellow-bellied Glider V N X X Y X N Y No Moderate (Petaurus australis) Squirrel Glider (Petaurus V N X X Y X N Y No Moderate norfolcensis) Koala (Phascolarctos V N X X N X N Y No Moderate cinereus) Little Lorikeet (Glossopsitta V N X X N X N Y No High pusilla) Gang-gang Cockatoo V N X X N X N Y No Confirmed in (Callocephalon fimbriatum) study area Scarlet Robin V N X X N X N Y No Confirmed in (Petroica boodang) study area Flame Robin (Petroica V N X X N X N Y No High phoenicea) Blue Mountains Water Skink E N X X N X N Y No Moderate (Eulamprus leuraensis) Red-crowned Toadlet V N X X N X N Y No Moderate

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Species Status Sect 5a EP&A Act (heads of Likely Potential to (TSC Act) consideration*) significant occur in the impact constructio a b c d e f g n footprint (Pseudophryne australis) Broad-headed Snake E N X X N X N Y No Moderate (Hoplocephalus bungaroides) Cave-roosting microbats Eastern Bent-wing Bat V N X X N X X Y No High (Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis) Large-eared Pied Bat V High (Chalinolobus dwyeri) Southern Myotis V High (Myotis macropus) Tree-roosting microbats Eastern False Pipistrelle V N X X N X X Y No High (Falsistrellus tasmaniensis) Eastern Freetail-bat V High (Mormopterus norfolkensis) Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat V High (Saccolaimus flaviventris) Greater Broad-nosed Bat V High (Scoteanax rueppellii) Threatened Invertebrate Giant Dragonfly E N X X N X N Y No Moderate (Petalura gigantea) * Y= Yes (negative impact), N = No (no or positive impact), X = not applicable, Significance Assessment Questions (heads of consideration) as detailed in S.5a of the EP&A Act a in the case of a threatened species, whether the action proposed is likely to have an adverse effect on the life cycle of the species such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction, b in the case of an endangered population, whether the action proposed is likely to have an adverse effect on the life cycle of the species that constitutes the endangered population such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction, c in the case of an endangered ecological community or critically endangered ecological community, whether the action proposed: (i) is likely to have an adverse effect on the extent of the ecological community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction, or (ii) is likely to substantially and adversely modify the composition of the ecological community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction, d in relation to the habitat of a threatened species, population or ecological community: (i) the extent to which habitat is likely to be removed or modified as a result of the action proposed, and (ii) whether an area of habitat is likely to become fragmented or isolated from other areas of habitat as a result of the proposed action, and (iii) the importance of the habitat to be removed, modified, fragmented or isolated to the long- term survival of the species, population or ecological community in the locality, e whether the action proposed is likely to have an adverse effect on critical habitat (either directly or indirectly),

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Species Status Sect 5a EP&A Act (heads of Likely Potential to (TSC Act) consideration*) significant occur in the impact constructio a b c d e f g n footprint f whether the action proposed is consistent with the objectives or actions of a recovery plan or threat abatement plan, g whether the action proposed constitutes or is part of a key threatening process or is likely to result in the operation of, or increase the impact of, a key threatening process.

6.2. Commonwealth Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

Full details of the assessment of significance for threatened species under the EPBC Act are presented in Appendix D. The conclusions of the EPBC Act assessment of significance are provided in Table 6-2 which indicates that a significant impact is considered unlikely for any Matter of National Environmental Significance (MNES).

 Table 6-2 Summary of Commonwealth EPBC Act, assessment of significance

Species/Ecological *Assessment of significance questions Likely Important Community (EPBC Act) Significant Population + Impact

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Endangered ecological community Temperate Highland Peat N N N N N N N N N No N/A Swamps on Sandstone Vulnerable fauna Koala N N N N N N N N N No No (Phascolarctos cinereus) Broad-headed Snake N N N N N N N N N No N/A (Hoplocephalus bungaroides) Large-eared Pied Bat N N N N N N N N N No N/A (Chalinolobus dwyeri) Endangered fauna Blue Mountains Water Skink N N N N N N N N N No N/A (Eulamprus leuraensis) Spotted-tailed Quoll N N N N N N N N N No N/A (Dasyurus maculatus) * Assessment of significance questions

1) Lead to a long-term decrease in the size of a population; 2) Reduce the area of occupancy of the species; 3) Fragment an existing population into two or more populations; 4) Adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of a species; 5) Disrupt the breeding cycle of a population;

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6) Modify, destroy, remove, isolate or decrease the availability or quality of habitat to the extent that the species is likely to decline; 7) Result in invasive species that are harmful to a critically endangered or endangered species becoming established in the endangered or critically endangered species’ habitat; 8) Introduce disease that may cause the species to decline; or 9) Interfere with the recovery of the species. + Important Population as determined by the EPBC Act is a population of a vulnerable species that: is likely to be key source populations either for breeding or dispersal is likely to be necessary for maintaining genetic diversity is at or near the limit of the species range.

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7. Conclusion

The proposed upgrade of safety works in the Mount Victoria Village along the Great Western Highway is unlikely to have significant impacts upon threatened species, populations and ecological communities listed under the NSW TSC Act and the Commonwealth EPBC Act.

The majority of the construction footprint occurs in maintained roadsides with planted exotic trees and shrubs and on front verges of residential properties. There are a limited number of remnant trees (Eucalyptus sieberi, Eucalyptus mannifera, Eucalyptus sclerophylla, and Eucalyptus cypellocarpa) mixed in with dominant introduced gardens and modified habitats. Native vegetation consists of Map Unit 1 Silvertop Ash – Peppermint Forest and one modified habitat (Map Unit 5) within the construction footprint and the sedimentation basin (Fairy Dell Road).

The condition of Map Unit 1 varies from low to high with an intact canopy and relatively moderate to high diversity of native understorey species, particularly on near Fairy Dell Road (Section 3). Additional surveys would be necessary to access property for further description of flora and fauna in the proposed sedimentation basin (Fairy Dell Road). All areas appear to have different levels of weed invasion or exotic plantings depending on the proximity to the roadside and private properties.

The extent of vegetation and habitat loss in the construction footprint is considered to be low which is summarised in Table 4-1. The construction footprint with associated safety works (including water quality structures) would impact on a total of 1.33 hectares of mostly modified and native vegetation. Of this, 0.55 hectares (about 41 per cent) is remnant vegetation. The remaining lands are mostly modified fauna habitat of exotic plantings and disturbed areas in the form of residential gardens and maintained roadsides. The magnitude of potential impacts would have a small effect on native vegetation with minor losses to remnant canopy cover, native species composition and native seed bank in the topsoil. These impacts are specifically listed for each section in Table 4-2 along with proposed management and mitigation measures.

Key mitigation measures to minimise and avoid biodiversity impacts include but are not limited to:

• Pre-clearing surveys and staged habitat removal. • Avoidance and minimisation of vegetation clearing, where possible. • Re-establishment of vegetation such as a landscape management plan for revegetation and habitat replacement. • Management of noxious weeds during construction. • Sediment runoff and water quality monitoring in relation to Hanging Swamps.

The proposed upgrade is unlikely to have a significant impact on threatened fauna species and ecological communities listed under the TSC Act, and therefore a Species Impact Statement is not required. Further to this, no significant impacts on a matter of national environmental significance under the EPBC Act have been identified and a referral is not required.

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8. References

Business Services. (1995). Fauna Impact Statement for the Gloucester and Chichester Management Areas. Report prepared for State Forests of NSW.

Bureau of Meteorology (2013) Atlas of Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems, Australian Government accessed in July 2013 at

Debus, S. J. S. (1997). The Barking Owl in New South Wales. Australian Birds, 30(3), 53-80.

Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) (2006) The Vegetation of the Western Blue Mountains. Unpublished report funded by the Hawkesbury – Nepean Catchment Management Authority. Department of Environment and Conservation, Hurstville.

Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) (2008a). Biobanking Assessment Methodology. Department of Environment and Climate Change, Sydney, NSW.

Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) (2008b). Recovery Plan for the Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW. Sydney.

Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (DSEWPaC) (2012) Interim Biogeographic Regionalism Assessment, version 7, Australian Government.

Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.(DSEWPAC) (2012). Interim koala referral advice for proponents. Australian Government.

Douglas, S.M. (2001) Native vegetation of Areas 1 to 5 in Blue Mountains City local government area. Ecological Surveys & Planning Pty Ltd., Hornsby.

Edgar, R. & Belcher, C. (1995). Spotted-tailed Quoll, pp. 67 - 69 in The Mammals of Australia. ed. R. Strahan, Australian Museum and Reed, Sydney.

Gibbons, P., and Lindenmayer, D. B. (2002). Tree Hollows and Wildlife Conservation in Australia’ (CSIRO Publishing: Melbourne.).

Goldingay, R. L. & Kavanagh, R. P. (1991). The Yellow-bellied Glider: a Review of its Ecology and Management Considerations. pp. 365 - 375 in Conservation of Australian Forest Fauna, ed. D. Lunney. Royal Zool. Soc. of NSW, Mosman

Goldingay, R. L. & Kavanagh, R. P. (1993). Home-range Estimates and Habitat of the Yellow- bellied Glider (Petaurus australis) at Waratah Creek, New South Wales. Wildl. Res. 20 : 387 - 404.

Goldingay, R.L. 1986. Feeding behaviour of the yellow-bellied glider Petarus australis (Marsupialla: Petauridae) at Bombala, New South Wales. Aust Mammal 9: 17-25.

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Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority (2008) Phytophthora cinnamomi in the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority Area. Botanic Gardens Trust (Sydney) and Department of Environment and Climate Change.

Kavanagh, R.P. 1987. Forest phonelogy and its effect on foraging behaviour and selection of habitat by the yellow-bellied glider, Petaurus australis. Aust. Wild. Res. 14: 371-84.

Kavangh, R.P. 1987b. Foraging behavious of the yellow-bellied glider, Petaurus australis, near Eden New South Wales. Aust. Mammal. 10:37-39.

King D.P., 1994, Soil Landscapes of the Katoomba 1:100,000 Sheet map and report, NSW Department of Land and Water Conservation, Sydney

Lumsden, L. F. & Menkhorst, P. W. (1996). Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat. pp. 161 - 162 in Mammals of Victoria - distribution, ecology and conservation by Menkhorst, P. W. (ed.). Oxford University Press, Melbourne

Martin, R. W. & Handasyde, K. A. (1995). Koala. pp. 196 - 198 in The Mammals of Australia by Strahan, R. (ed). Australian Museum and Reed Books, Sydney

Menkhorst, P. and Knight, F. (2001) A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia. Oxford Uni Press, Melbourne.

Mjadwesch Environmental Service Support (2012) The Purple Copper Butterfly Paralucia spinifera, Great Western Highway Mount Victoria –Lithgow Realignment Part 1- Survey.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2001). Blue Mountains Water Skink (Eulamprus leuraensis) Recovery Plan.

Office of Environment and Heritage (2013) Atlas of NSW Wildlife accessed in July 2013 at < http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/atlaspublicapp/UI_Modules/ATLAS_/AtlasSearch.aspx?who=8 6cf3f1e-8ef9-4273-901a-dfd8e6918622>

Olsen P, Weston M, Tzaros C, Silcocks A (2005) The state of Australia’s birds 2005: Woodlands and birds. Supplement to Wingspan 15(4), 32pp.

Parnaby, H. A. (1992). An Interim Guide to Identification of Insectivorous Bats of South-eastern Australia. Technical Report No. 8. Australian Museum, Sydney.

Phillips, W. R. (1990). Koalas - the little Australians we would all hate to lose.

Roads and Maritime Services (2009). Great Western Highway Upgrade, Mount Victoria to Lithgow Alliance, Route Options Development: Biodiversity Working Paper.

Roads and Maritime Services (2011). Great Western Highway Upgrade, Mount Victoria to Lithgow Alliance, Corridor Study, Biodiversity.

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Roads and Maritime Services (2011). Guideline for Biodiversity Offsets –Roads Maritime Services.

Roads and Maritime Services (2012). Great Western Highway Upgrade, Mount Victoria to Lithgow Alliance, Biodiversity Survey Results – Sections 2 to 6.

Roads and Maritime Services (2012). Great Western Highway Upgrade, Mount Victoria Safety Works - Biodiversity Investigations.

Road and Traffic Authority (2011). Biodiversity Guidelines: Protecting and managing biodiversity on RTA projects. Revision 0/September 2011.

Thackway, R. and Cresswell, I.D. (1995). An interim biogeographic regionalisation for Australia: a framework for setting priorities in the National Reserves System Cooperative Program, Version 4.0. Australian Nature Conservation Agency, Canberra.

Tozer, M., Turner, K., Simpson, C., Keith, D., Beukers, P., MacKenzie, B., Tindall, D. and Pennay, C (2010). Native vegetation of south-east NSW: a revised classification and map for the coast and eastern tablelands. Prepared for the NSW Department of Environment and Conservation and the NSW Department of Natural Resources.

Taylor, B.D. and Goldingay, R.L. (2010). Roads and wildlife: impacts and implications for wildlife management in Australia. Wildlife Research, 37, 320-331.

Watson J, Freudenberger D, Paull D (2001) An assessment of the focal-species approach for conserving birds in variegated landscapes in southeastern Australia. Conservation Biology 15, 1364-1373.

Watson J, Watson A, Paull D, Freudenberger D (2003) Woodland fragmentation is causing the decline of species and functional groups of birds in southeastern Australia. Pacific Conservation Biology 8, 261-270.

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Appendix A Vegetation community descriptions

Map Unit 1: Silvertop Ash – Peppermint Forest

Equivalent Map Units: Local: 11A Eucalyptus sieberi – E. piperita Open- Forest/Woodland (Douglas 2001) Regional: DSF p136 Blue Mountains Ridgetop Forest (Tozer et al. 2010); MU 30 Exposed Blue Mountains Sydney Peppermint - Silver-top Ash Shrubby Woodland (DEC 2006) Biometric: Sydney Peppermint - Silvertop Ash heathy open forest on sandstone ridges of the upper Blue Mountains, Sydney Basin State: Sydney Montane Dry Sclerophyll Forest

Dominant Canopy Species: Eucalyptus sieberi, Eucalyptus piperita, Eucalyptus radiata

Other Canopy Species: Eucalyptus mannifera, Eucalyptus sclerophylla, Eucalyptus oreades

Dominant Shrub Species: Leptospermum trinervium, Platysace linearifolia, Banksia spinulosa, Persoonia levis, Lomatia silaifolia, Monotoca scoparia, Daviesia ulicifolia, Acacia obtusifolia, Bossiaea heterophylla, Banksia serrata, Hakea dactyloides, Persoonia laurina, Acacia terminalis, Pteridium esculentum, Amperea xiphoclada, Leptospermum polygalifolium

Common Groundcover Species: Pomax umbellata, Lomandra obliqua, Entolasia stricta, Xanthosia pilosa, Patersonia sericea, Joycea pallida, Mirbelia platylobioides, Gonocarpus teucrioides

Common Introduced Species: Eragrostis curvula (restricted to disturbed edges)

Conservation Status: This community is regarded as being relatively common with 80-95% of the pre-European extant estimated to remain and 55-70% of the pre-European extant estimated to occur in conservation reserves (Tozer et al. 2010).

Description: Tozer et al. (2010) describes this unit as a low eucalypt forest with an abundant sclerophyll shrub stratum and a groundcover dominated by sedges and forbs. This low forest is restricted to the upper Blue Mountains plateau north of the Kedumba valley, and extends north beyond Bell. This community occurs on sandy loams derived from Narrabeen sandstone between 650 and 1050 metres ASL within a mean annual rainfall between 1000 and 1400 millimetres (Tozer et al. 2010).

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Patches of Map Unit 4 Hanging Swamps are embedded within this community on steeper slopes with the required soil depth and drainage parameters for this community. This community is closely related to Map Unit 2 Hard-leaved Scribbly Gum Forest.

About one-third of the original distribution of Blue Mountains Ridgetop Forest has been cleared during the expansion of towns in the upper Blue Mountains including Mount Victoria, additional clearing and edge effects are likely, however considerable stands exist within Blue Mountains National Park with a total of 21200 hectares estimated to occur in conservation reserves.

This community occurs on sandstone ridges and upper slopes in the Mount Victoria area and is the dominant vegetation type in this area.

Map Unit 2: Hard-leaved Scribbly Gum Open Forest

Equivalent Map Units: Local: 11A Eucalyptus sieberi – E. piperita Open-forest/Woodland (Douglas 2001) Regional: DSF p136 Blue Mountains Ridgetop Forest (Tozer et al. 2010); MU 30 Exposed Blue Mountains Sydney Peppermint - Silver-top Ash Shrubby Woodland (DEC 2006) Biometric: Sydney Peppermint - Silvertop Ash heathy open forest on sandstone ridges of the upper Blue Mountains, Sydney Basin State: Sydney Montane Dry Sclerophyll Forest

Dominant Canopy Species: Eucalyptus sclerophylla

Other Canopy Species: Eucalyptus sieberi

Dominant Shrub Species: Leptospermum trinervium, Banksia spinulosa, Petrophile pulchella, Epacris pulchella, Banksia serrata, Hakea dactyloides, Persoonia laurina, Acacia terminalis, Dampiera stricta, Phyllota squarrosa, Pimelea linifolia

Common Groundcover Species: Lomandra glauca, Xanthosia pilosa, Stylidium lineare, Lepyrodia scariosa, Caustis flexuosa, Joycea pallida, Lomandra obliqua, Goodenia bellidifolia subsp. bellidifolia, Patersonia sericea, Gonocarpus teucrioides

Common Introduced Species: None

Description:

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

This unit is similar to Map Unit 1 sharing many of the same species and occurring in similar landscapes. This community occurs on steep slopes with skeletal sandstone derived soils often with abundant rocky outcrops. It forms a low eucalypt forest with an abundant sclerophyll shrub stratum and a groundcover dominated by sedges and forbs. It differs to Map Unit 1 by being dominated by Scribbly Gum (Eucalyptus sclerophylla) with a generally denser shrub layer. No areas of Hanging Swamps were noted within this community in the corridor.

This community occurs on upper slopes with skeletal soils in the Mount Victoria area.

Map Unit 3: Blue Mountains Ash Open Forest

Equivalent Map Units: Local: 2G - Eucalyptus oreades Open-forest/Tall Open- forest (Douglas 2001) Regional: DSF p136 Blue Mountains Ridgetop Forest (Tozer et al. 2010) Biometric: Narrow-leaved Peppermint - Mountain Gum - Brown Barrel moist open forest on high altitude ranges, northern South Eastern Highlands; and/or Blaxland's Stringybark - Blue Mountains Ash - Blackwood moist open forest on basalt caps of the Blue Mountains, Sydney Basin State: Sydney Montane Dry Sclerophyll Forest (Keith 2004) Dominant Canopy Species: Eucalyptus oreades (20-25 m) Small Tree Species: Callicoma serratifolia, Cyathea australis

Dominant Shrub Species: Leptospermum polygalifolium, Acacia terminalis, Leptospermum trinervium

Common Groundcover Species: Todea barbara, Calochlaena dubia, Gahnia siebriana, Gleichenia dicarpa, Leptospermum juniperinum, Blechnum cartilagineum Common Introduced Species:

Conyza spp.

Conservation Status: This community has been identified as a sensitive vegetation unit under the Blue Mountains Local Environmental Plan 2005. Description: This unit occurs as relatively tall forest in drainage lines and on sheltered slopes within occurrences of Map Unit 1 and 2, sharing many of the same species and occurring on similar soil landscapes. There is a higher abundance of mesic species in this community where it occurs along drainage lines including Callicoma (Callicoma serratifolia), Black Tree-fern (Cyathea australis), King Fern (Todea australis) and Gristle Fern (Blechnum cartilagineum). Drier areas of this community support a similar species to Map units 1 and 2. Map Unit 4 Hanging Swamps are present on the lower slopes adjacent to this community occurring along the drainage lines.

Since Blue Mountains Ash (Eucalyptus oreades) is fire-sensitive, this community is found in fire-protected sites in the Upper Mountains, ranging from deep soils in sheltered gullies through to ridge top sites on poorer soils, in some places the understorey is shrubby, while in moister sites a ferny understorey can be present (Douglas 2001).

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

This community occurs in drainage lines and on sheltered slopes in the Mount Victoria area. It is occurs in the area between the eastern end of the study area.

Map Unit 4: Hanging Swamps

Equivalent Map Units: Local: 5B Blue Mountains Swamps (Douglas 2001) Regional: FrW p130: Blue Mountains – Shoalhaven Hanging Swamps (Tozer et al. 2010) Biometric: Prickly Tea-tree - sedge wet heath on sandstone plateaux, central and southern Sydney Basin State: Coastal Heath Swamps / Montane Bogs and Fens (Keith 2004)

Dominant Shrub Species: Baeckea linifolia, Banksia spinulosa var. spinulosa, Leptospermum lanigerum, Leptospermum juniperinum, Leptospermum polygalifolium, Mirbelia rubiifolia, Epacris pulchella, Phyllota squarrosa

Common Groundcover Species: Lepidosperma limicola, Drosera spatulata, Lepyrodia scariosa, Empodisma minus, Caustis flexuosa, Gahnia siebriana, Gleichenia dicarpa, Lomandra longifolia, Xyris ustulata, Gahnia melanostachya, Lindsea linearis, Gonocarpus teucrioides, Selaginella uliginosa

Common Introduced species: None Conservation Status: This community is listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act (Temperate Highland Peat Swamps on Sandstone) and Vulnerable under the TSC Act (Blue Mountains Swamps). It has also been identified as a sensitive vegetation unit under the Blue Mountains Local Environmental Plan 2005.

Description: Tozer et al. (2010) describes this unit as an open canopy of tall shrubs, scattered low shrubs and a dense groundcover of sedges and forbs, restricted to humic sandstone soils in headwater valleys and seepage areas on Hawkesbury, Narrabeen and Shoalhaven Group sandstones, generally at elevations of 500-1100 metres ASL in areas receiving 1000-1850 millimetres mean annual rainfall. It is widely but patchily distributed from the upper Blue Mountains to the Morton plateau near Tolwong, occurring as small patches within a matrix of drier sandstone plateau map units (Tozer et al. 2010), including Map Units 1, 2 and 3.

Some areas of this unit may be threatened by sedimentation and changes to drainage and water quality below urban developments, fire regimes and climate change also pose significant threats, while longwall mining may affect localised areas where underground mining leases exist (Tozer et al. 2010).

The distribution of this map unit in the corridor comprises three small patches between the start of the corridor (eastern end) and the Main Western railway line at Mount Victoria.

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Appendix B Fauna list of study locality of open forest habitat

Family / Scientific name Common name Status RMS Opportunistic 2011

BIRDS Columbidae Phaps chalcoptera Common Bronzewing X Cacatuidae Callocephalon fimbriatum Gang-gang Cockatoo V (TSC X Act) Cacatua galerita Sulphur-crested Cockatoo X X Psittacidae Alisterus scapularis Australian King-Parrot X Platycercus elegans Crimson Rosella X Platycercus adscitus eximius Eastern Rosella X Cuculidae Cacomantis flabelliformis Fan-tailed Cuckoo X Chalcites basalis Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo X Scythrops novaehollandiae Channel-billed Cuckoo X Centropodidae Centropus phasianinus Pheasant Coucal X Strigidae Ninox boobook Southern Boobook X Podargidae Podargus strigoides Tawny Frogmouth X Aegothelidae Aegotheles cristatus Australian Owlet-nightjar X Alcedinidae Dacelo novaeguineae Laughing Kookaburra X X Todiramphus sanctus Sacred Kingfisher X Climacteridae Cormobates leucophaea White-throated X X Treecreeper Maluridae Malurus cyaneus Superb Fairy-wren X Malurus lamberti Variegated Fairy-wren X Pardalotidae Pardalotus punctatus Spotted Pardalote X Pardalotus striatus Striated Pardalote X Acanthizidae Gerygone olivacea White-throated Gerygone X Smicrornis brevirostris Weebill X Acanthiza lineata Striated Thornbill X Acanthiza nana Yellow Thornbill X Sericornis frontalis White-browed Scrubwren X Meliphagidae

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Family / Scientific name Common name Status RMS Opportunistic 2011

Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris Eastern Spinebill X Meliphaga lewinii Lewin's Honeyeater X Lichenostomus fuscus Fuscous Honeyeater X Lichenostomus chrysops Yellow-faced Honeyeater X Manorina melanocephala Noisy Miner X X Anthochaera carunculata Red Wattlebird X X Petroicidae Petroica boodang Scarlet Robin V (TSC X Act) Eopsaltria australis Eastern Yellow Robin X Pachycephalidae Pachycephala pectoralis Golden Whistler X Pachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler X Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush X Falcunculus frontatus Eastern Shrike-tit X Dicruridae Rhipidura albiscapa Grey Fantail X X Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail X Campephagidae Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo- X shrike Oriolidae Oriolus sagittatus Olive-backed Oriole X Artamidae Artamus cyanopterus Dusky Woodswallow Strepera graculina Pied Currawong X X Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird X Gymnorhina tibicen Australian Magpie X X Corvidae Corvus coronoides Australian Raven X Ptilonorhynchidae Ptilonorhynchus violaceus Satin Bowerbird X Neochmia temporalis Red-browed Finch X Dicaeidae Dicaeum hirundinaceum Mistletoebird X Zosteropidae Zosterops lateralis Silvereye X

MAMMALS Dasyuridae Antechinus stuartii Brown Antechinus X Peramelidae Perameles nasuta Long-nosed Bandicoot X Vombatidae Vombatus ursinus Common Wombat X Pseudocheiridae Pseudocheirus peregrinus Common Ringtail Possum X

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Family / Scientific name Common name Status RMS Opportunistic 2011

Petauroides volans Greater Glider X Phalangeridae Trichosurus vulpecula Common Brushtail X Possum Macropodidae Wallabia bicolor Swamp Wallaby X Macropus rufogriseus Red-necked Wallaby X Macropus giganteus Eastern Grey Kangaroo X Molossidae Tadarida australis White-striped Freetail-bat X Vespertilionidae Nyctophilus sp. Long-eared Bat X Nyctophilus geoffroyi Lesser Long-eared Bat X Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat X Chalinolobus morio Chocolate Wattled Bat X Scotorepens sp. Broad-nosed Bat X Scotorepens orion Eastern Broad-nosed Bat X Vespadelus regulus Southern Forest Bat X Vespadelus vulturnus Little Forest Bat X Vespadelus darlingtoni Large Forest Bat X Muridae Rattus fuscipes Bush Rat X

INTRODUCED MAMMALS Canidae Vulpes vulpes Fox X REPTILES Varanidae Varanus varius Lace Monitor X Scincidae Egernia striolata Tree Skink X Lampropholis delicata Dark-flecked Garden X Sunskink Elapidae Pseudechis porphyriacus Red-bellied Black Snake X

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Appendix C Assessment of Significance

C.1 Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1995 (S.5a) Threatened Ecological Communities

Blue Mountains Swamps in the Sydney Basin Bioregion (listed as vulnerable)

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

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

No consideration under this part of the assessment is required.

• is likely to have an adverse effect on the extent of the ecological community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction, or • is likely to substantially and adversely modify the composition of the ecological community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction.

The Blue Mountains Swamps occur at altitudes of 500 to 950 meters and are associated with poorly drained headwaters of streams on the sandstone plateaux of the Blue Mountains region. They contain high soil moisture levels combined with high rainfall that generate slow runoff and low subsurface permeability. They support a high diversity of heath, scrub, sedge or fern plant species in open or closed structures.

Blue Mountains Swamp communities (aka Hanging Swamps) were identified on the escarpment near section 1. These communities occur on seepage zones on steep slopes and sometimes gullies. The distribution of hanging swamps in relation to the construction footprint comprises nine small patches north and north east and near the main western railway line in section 1. There are also several areas of this community mapped outside of the study area. Some of these identified areas of this community have been mapped in regional vegetation mapping projects including Tozer et al. (2010) being identified as Blue Mountains hanging swamps (FrW130) and Douglas (2001) Blue Mountains Swamps (Map Unit 5B).

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

possible using handheld GPS receivers (five to10 metre accuracy). All areas of hanging swamp areas mapped in the study area have a high proportion of indicator species for this community, including sedges, diagnostic mesic shrub species and Sphagnum Moss. These areas have a high conservation value listed under State and Commonwealth legislation and supporting habitat for threatened flora and fauna species.

The Hanging Swamps TEC would not be directly impacted during construction and operation of the proposal within the construction footprint. Any alterations to hydrology such as lowering water table and drying up of swamps where water is diverted into creeks rather than infiltrating the soil to recharge swamps would interrupt ecosystem processes and cause species decline (NPWS 2001). There is a small low risk of surface water quality contamination from sediment-laden runoff during project construction. The proposed works (Section 1) are minor and are located approximately 110 metres to the south of the swamps and are not expected to be impacted. It is vital that suitable erosion control measures be implemented and construction site surface water be prevented from entering these habitats. . The proposed design has been positioned in such a way to avoid both direct and indirect impacts.

There is not likely to be adverse effects on the extent or composition of Hanging Swamps as this habitat would be avoided.

(d) In relation to the habitat of a threatened species, population or ecological community:

• the extent to which habitat is likely to be removed or modified as a result of the action proposed, and • whether an area of habitat is likely to become fragmented or isolated from other areas of habitat as a result of the proposed action; and • the importance of the habitat to be removed, modified fragmented or isolated to the long-term survival of the species, population or ecological community in the locality.

The Hanging Swamps TEC would not be directly impacted during construction and operation of the proposal within the construction footprint. Any alterations to hydrology such as lowering water table and drying up of swamps where water is diverted into creeks rather than infiltrating the soil to recharge swamps would interrupt ecosystem processes and cause species decline (NPWS 2001). There is a small low risk of surface water quality contamination from sediment-laden runoff during project construction. However the proposed works (Section 1) are minor and are located approximately 110 metres to the south of the swamps and are not expected to be impacted. It is vital that suitable erosion control measures be implemented and polluted surface water be prevented from entering these habitats.

As there would be no removal of this community and mitigation measures to control unlikely indirect impacts such as surface water runoff of sediment, the proposal would not affect the extent of this community and not lead to fragmentation of important habitat that may affect long term survival.

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

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

Critical habitat has not been declared.

(f) whether the action proposed is consistent with the objectives or actions of a recovery plan or threatened abatement plan

There is no recovery plan for this community and the Threatened Species Priorities Action Statement lists recovery actions for all threatened species. A total of 20 recovery actions are listed for the Blue Mountains Swamps and the project is consistent with these actions through ensuring weed control and appropriately assessing the threat of altering the hydrological regimes. Priority actions relevant to the proposal include:

• Undertake weed control and bush regeneration as required using approved bush regeneration methods. • Ensure that the impacts of noxious weed control on the sensitive nature of this community are considered and minimised when enforcing such control. • Monitor this community for the operation of threats via programs such as 'Swampwatch' • Maintain gates and barriers to prevent vehicular, particularly recreational 4WD and trail bike, access to fire trails that access this community. • Assess the threat of changed hydrological regimes on this community. Include the impacts of increasing urbanisation, groundwater extraction, longwall mining and climate change into this assessment. • Implement a strategy to prevent sewerage overflows, prevent illegal stormwater connections and identify and remedy blockages in catchments containing this community. • Ensure that developments upstream of this community maintain, and if possible improve, water quality exiting the site. • Develop and implement strategies to reduce impacts of urban runoff on this community. Impacts include erosion and channelisation, sedimentation, changes in water quality and spread of weeds. • Undertake rehabilitation and restoration works as required to repair damage such as sedimentation, erosion and channelisation, as well as weed invasion.

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

Key threatening processes that are relevant to this community are listed below, including reference to direct impacts and potential indirect impacts from key threatening processes and how each of these would be mitigated by the proposed upgrade. The main key threatening processes relevant to this community that are directly enacted by the proposed upgrade are associated with any alterations to surface water or groundwater flow regimes affecting wetlands of listed vegetation.

Threatening process Relevant Increased Proposed legislation by the mitigation proposal? Habitat degradation Bushrock removal TSC Act Potential Section 5.2

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Threatening process Relevant Increased Proposed legislation by the mitigation proposal? Land clearance/Clearing of native vegetation EPBC Act, Yes TSC Act Removal of dead wood and dead trees TSC Act Potential Feral vertebrate fauna Competition and land degradation by rabbits / Competition EPBC Act, Potential Section 5.2 and grazing by the feral European rabbit (Oryctolagus TSC Act cuniculus) Hydrology and wetland areas Alteration to the natural flow regimes of rivers and streams TSC Act Unlikely Section 5.2 and their floodplains and wetlands Pathogens Dieback caused by the root-rot fungus (Phytophthora EPBC Act, Potential Section 5.2 cinnamomi)/Infection of native plants by Phytophthora TSC Act cinnamomi Weeds Loss and degradation of native plant and animal habitat by EPBC Act Potential Section 5.2 invasion of escaped garden plants, including aquatic plants Invasion of native plant communities by exotic perennial TSC Act Potential grasses Climate change Loss of terrestrial climatic habitat caused by anthropogenic EPBC Act Potential n/a emissions of greenhouse gases Anthropogenic climate change TSC Act Potential n/a

Conclusion

There would not be any significant impact to the Hanging Swamps as the proposed design (Section 1) has been positioned approximately 110 metres to the south and avoids indirect impacts of potential erosion and water quality risks entering the ecosystem. Appropriate mitigation measures would be are set in place as a precaution to eliminate all ecological risks.

Threatened fauna

Spotted-tailed Quoll Dasyurus maculatus (listed as vulnerable)

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Occasionally, the species has been recorded in rock outcrops or other treeless areas (Edgar & Belcher 1995). The species requires extensive home ranges, and is generally so confined to localities which contain extensive and continuous tree cover.

Populations of the Spotted-tailed Quoll have been much reduced through habitat loss, and the species is currently sparsely distributed and rare. Land clearance for agricultural and urban development, as well as disease (possibly a form of toxoplasmosis - which is caused by a protozoan parasite prevalent in feral cats) and persecution have significantly reduced populations of this species, and the distribution of the Spotted-tailed Quoll is heavily fragmented as a result. Spotted-tailed Quolls compete for resources and shelter with Foxes, Feral Dogs and Feral Cats, and competition with these species may have an adverse impact on populations (Edgar & Belcher 1995). Spotted-tailed Quolls are also susceptible to baits laid for wild dogs.

A solitary, generally nocturnal (although some foraging, and sun-basking takes place during the day) and semi-arboreal species, the Spotted-tailed Quoll preys on a variety of species, ranging in size from small wallabies to reptiles and insects, as well as plants. Medium-sized terrestrial and arboreal mammals, such as Brushtail Possums, Rats, small macropods and Rabbits, comprise about two-thirds of the diet in south-east Australia, with birds (and their young) and carrion also being important dietary components. The species has been persecuted as a result of attacks on domestic poultry. Much of the foraging of this species is undertaken on the ground, but some foraging in trees is undertaken, and trees are also used as vantage points to detect prey and pounce on prey. Spotted-tailed Quolls, as opportunistic predators, utilise extensive home ranges which are estimated to be between 500 - 1 000 hectares (Australian Museum Business Services 1995). Movements of up to several kilometres in a single night have been recorded.

Both males and females mature when about one year old and mating occurs between April and July. The average litter size is five and young are fully independent at 18 weeks. Den and nest sites have been recorded in caves, rock crevices, tree hollows and hollow logs (Edgar & Belcher 1995).

Spotted-tailed Quolls are expected and predicted to occur in the locality and the range of habitats including large patches of native vegetation as well as farmland render the area suitable for this species. Potential impacts for the species are associated with the loss of habitat, habitat for prey species, fragmentation and the barrier effect of the highway potentially leading to increased genetic isolation and decreased dispersal ability. The species is known to feed on roadkill on roadsides, thereby placing them at risk of vehicle strike however this would already occur on the existing highway and the proposal is not expected to further increase this risk.

Life-cycle attribute include hunting and suitable habitat for prey species, shelter and breeding microhabitats and dispersal of juveniles and movements of adults to account for home range areas. The severity of the impact in the locality is likely to be minor considering the large home-range of the species occurring at low densities and wide ranging dispersal abilities. Suitable habitat for the species is very widespread in the locality within conservation reserves and private lands and the proposal would remove approximately 0.55 hectares of habitat that could potentially be used or form part of the home range of a small number of individuals.

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Viable local populations could be expected to occur in this region and the impacts to life-cycle activities would be temporary and only likely to affect a small number of individuals if present. Given the small scale of the development in relation to habitat availability in the region there would not be any significant impact to the life cycle of this species.

(d) In relation to the habitat of a threatened species, population or ecological community:

The proposal would involve the removal of approximately 0.55 hectares of potential habitat for prey species of the Spotted-tailed Quoll. The habitat to be cleared along the roadside is considered only marginal as denning or sheltering habitat for this species due to an absence of caves and low abundance of large hollow logs.

Potential impacts for the species are associated with the loss of habitat, habitat for prey species, fragmentation and the barrier effect of the highway potentially leading to increased genetic isolation and decreased dispersal ability. The species is known to feed on roadkill on roadsides, thereby placing them at risk of vehicle strike however this would already occur on the existing highway and the proposal is not expected to further increase this risk.

Vegetation clearing for the proposal would result in greater distance between habitats on either side of the highway, however no new-edges would be created and no areas of habitat would become isolated. The proposal involves some widening of the existing highway but mostly a new clearing to accommodate the upgrade. There is currently limited connectivity under the existing

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

highway. Improving connectivity for Spotted-tailed Quoll is likely to increase the chances of species survival in the area.

An existing bridge underpass exists in Section 1 which may allow passage for this species through remnant vegetation. However the railway line would create a barrier to connectivity though the highway. It is not likely that the Spotted-tailed Quoll would move through the urban environment in the remaining sections of the construction footprint.

Habitats adjacent to the road and within the construction footprint provide potential resources for this species in terms of an area of habitat for likely prey species and an area of potential shelter, however this area of habitat is currently positioned adjacent to an existing highway which may reduce its suitability particularly when considering it is part of a large expanse of remnant habitat continuing in all directions.

The species typically has a large home range and occupies a diversity of habitat types. It is therefore difficult to identify the area of occupancy and home range. Theoretically, quolls could occur in any of the larger forest fragments of the study area. Preferred habitat includes dry and moist sclerophyll forests and may include adjacent modified patches of forest on farmland. The potential impact to habitat for prey species and life-cycle activities associated with the proposal represents a very small proportion of available habitat approximately in this locality.

Viable local populations could be expected to occur in this region and the impacts to life-cycle activities would be temporary and only likely to affect a small number of individuals if present, given the scale of the development in relation to habitat availability in the region. The development is considered highly unlikely to lead to extinction for local populations of Spotted-tailed Quoll.

The loss of 0.55 hectares of potential foraging habitat would not remove or fragment important habitat for the long term survival of this species, given that a high proportion suitable habitat is well represented in the forests of the region associated with state forests and conservation reserves.

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

Critical habitat has not been declared for this species.

(f) whether the action proposed is consistent with the objectives or actions of a recovery plan or threatened abatement plan

A draft national recovery plan for the Spotted-tailed Quoll is currently being prepared. In NSW, the Threatened Species Priorities Action Statement lists recovery actions for all threatened species. A total of 33 recovery actions are listed for the Spotted-tailed Quoll. These actions focus on addressing current knowledge gaps and managing the threats to quoll populations as identified through scientific research.

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

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Threatening process Relevant Increased by Proposed legislation the proposal? mitigation Habitat degradation Bushrock removal TSC Act Potential Section 5.2 Land clearance/Clearing of native vegetation EPBC Act, Yes TSC Act Loss of hollow-bearing trees TSC Act Potential Removal of dead wood and dead trees TSC Act Potential Feral vertebrate fauna Competition and land degradation by rabbits / EPBC Act, Potential Section 5.2 Competition and grazing by the feral European rabbit TSC Act (Oryctolagus cuniculus) Pathogens Dieback caused by the root-rot fungus (Phytophthora EPBC Act, Potential Section 5.2 cinnamomi)/Infection of native plants by Phytophthora TSC Act cinnamomi Weeds Loss and degradation of native plant and animal habitat EPBC Act Potential Section 5.2 by invasion of escaped garden plants, including aquatic plants Invasion of native plant communities by exotic perennial TSC Act Potential grasses Climate change Loss of terrestrial climatic habitat caused by EPBC Act Potential n/a anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases Anthropogenic climate change TSC Act Potential n/a

Conclusion

Potential habitat for the Spotted-tailed Quoll and prey species is well represented across the landscape and region from a variety of eucalypt forest types including natural and disturbed habitats. This includes potential habitats for life-cycle activities of breeding, hunting shelter and movements. Considering the relatively small area of potential habitat removed (0.55 hectares) relative to the extent of similar habitats in the locality the proposal is considered unlikely to constitute a significant impact to this species and an SIS is not required.

Gliders (Yellow-bellied Glider Petaurus australis, Squirrel Glider Petaurus norfolcensis) (listed as vulnerable)

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

The Yellow-bellied and Squirrel Gliders are listed as a vulnerable species in NSW under the TSC Act. Squirrel and Yellow-bellied Gliders are distributed along the coast and montane ranges of eastern Australia from central Queensland to south-east Victorian, with isolated populations also occurring in the Atherton Tablelands, Queensland and south-west Victoria. The species have a patchy distribution. Known to occur in a variety of habitats, Yellow-bellied Gliders are usually associated with tall, mature wet eucalypt forest in high rainfall areas. Squirrel Gliders generally inhabit mature or old-growth Box, Box-Ironbark woodlands and River Red Gum forests. Both species are present at low densities, even in areas of preferred habitat, probably as a result of the low food availability and their territorial nature.

The low nutritional value of the major food of this species (sap) requires individuals to spend large amounts of time foraging within extensive home ranges. As a result, the species are apparently declining mainly through the loss and fragmentation of habitat (Russell 1995). Clearance for agricultural and urban development and intensive forestry practices has probably had a significant effect on Yellow-bellied Glider populations. Loss of tree hollows and foraging areas poses the greatest threats to remnant populations. Fire may adversely affect some populations of this species.

The diet of this species includes plant exudates (sap, nectar, honeydew and manna) as well as insects. Sap is tapped from the trunks of trees via chewed "V" shaped incisions or in some cases extended vertical incisions (Goldingay & Kavanagh 1991). Tree species used varies according to locations and habitats, and although none of the species in the study area have been identified as food trees, some of these species may potentially be utilised by the species. The shedding of bark by tree species is considered important for the gathering of invertebrates and honeydew. Hollows for nest sites are essential, as are suitable food trees. Den sites are often, but not always, located in mature, living smooth-barked eucalypts.

This species is known to have a large home range of more than 35 hectares and may travel in excess of 2 kilometres from the den to forage in a single night. The resident pair and their offspring are territorial and home ranges do not overlap. Population density is low (0.05 - 0.14 individuals per hectare), with family groups of 3 - 4, and sometimes 6, animals usual for New South Wales. The largest trees within the home range are used for both roosting and feeding, and certain tree species are selected for these purposes (Goldingay & Kavanagh 1993). In south-eastern New South Wales young are born between June and December and this may be tied to the availability of exudates for food. Weaning may coincide with the availability of arthropods (Goldingay & Kavanagh 1991). The litter size is one, pouch life is about 100 days and young are left in the nest for a further 2 months. Dispersal from the family group occurs at 18 - 24 months when full body size is reached (Craig 1985).

No Yellow-bellied Gliders and Squirrel Gliders were recorded in previous surveys. There is potential habitat in the study area, particularly where a variety of flowering trees produce nectar at different times of the year and in habitat where suitable habitat trees with hollows are present.

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

The proposed works would result in the clearing of about 0.55 hectares of dry sclerophyll forest, thereby affecting areas of habitat for fauna which may have foraging opportunities for gliders. The condition of these habitats varies from low to high and do not contain habitat trees with suitable nesting hollows. As a result, there would not be significant impact to the life cycle of this species.

(d) In relation to the habitat of a threatened species, population or ecological community:

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

The proposed works would result in the clearing of about 0.55 hectares of dry sclerophyll forest, thereby affecting areas of habitat for fauna which may have foraging opportunities for gliders. The condition of these habitats varies from low to high and do not contain habitat trees with suitable nesting hollows. The removal of potential foraging habitat would not fragment or remove important habitat for this species and not lead to a long term decline.

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

Critical habitat has not been declared for this species.

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

There is a recovery plan for the Gliders. Considering the high proportion of habitat outside the proposal area for this species and the proposed mitigation measures to minimise habitat removal, the proposal is consistent with the objectives of the recovery plan.

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

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Threatening process Relevant Increased by Proposed legislation the proposal? mitigation grasses

Climate change Loss of terrestrial climatic habitat caused by EPBC Act Potential n/a anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases Anthropogenic climate change TSC Act Potential n/a

Conclusion

Key mitigation measures to minimise and avoid biodiversity impacts include but are not limited to:

• Pre-clearing surveys • Avoidance and minimisation of vegetation clearing, where possible • Re-establishment of vegetation along roadsides adjacent to remnant vegetation would improve the connectivity by reducing the gap for gliders to glide across the highway.

The proposed upgrade is unlikely to have a significant impact on gliders listed under the TSC Act, and therefore a Species Impact Statement is not required.

Koala Phascolarctos cinereus (vulnerable under the TSC Act)

The Koala is listed as vulnerable in NSW under the TSC Act. The Koala is a folivore, feeding on some Eucalypt species. The Koala is found in a variety of habitats where suitable food trees occur. The Koala is adversely affected by habitat loss and fragmentation, wild fire, predation and disease. In fragmented habitats, roadkills and dog attacks are significant problems. Genetic introgression can be a serious threat to high density populations in isolated habitats. Habitat preservation and linking of isolates with habitat corridors is essential for the long term survival of Koala populations (Martin & Handasyde 1995).

Koalas are generally solitary except during the mating season and have a home range of about 3 hectares (although the size of this area is influenced by the distribution, abundance and quality of feeding resources). In dense populations, home ranges may overlap but appear to be discrete at lower densities (Martin & Handasyde 1995). Long movements in search of a mate or new food source are sometimes undertaken, signifying the importance of dispersal corridors in secure Koala habitat (Phillips 1990).

There has been limited evidence to support Koala activity in the study area. There is one 33 year old record of a Koala road kill in Mount Victoria and other scattered records beyond the study area from the last 20 years which occur in the Blue Mountains National Park. There is known populations in Wollemi National Park greater than 20 kilometres to north east of the study area. Any Koala activity in the study area is considered to be very low and the survey results suggest

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

that the habitats adjoining the proposed footprint are not likely to be used by dispersing individuals and that there is no local population within study area.

There were no Koala scats detected and no primary feed trees in suitable habitat recorded in field surveys. There is also little evidence to support the presence of a local breeding population of Koalas in the study area or immediate surrounds based on the lack of preferred feed trees in the study area.

There are no known populations in the study area but marginal foraging opportunities are available with uncommon secondary food trees such as Brittle Gum (Eucalyptus mannifera) and supplementary food trees Blanxland’s Stringybark (Eucalyptus blaxlandii). The proportion of food trees are considered to only provide tertiary habitat (DECC 2008).

The study area is expected to have tertiary habitat for Koala where small proportions of secondary and supplementary habitat occur. However, the loss of habitat in the construction footprint is minor and would not be used as a food resource. Removal of individual listed food trees (DECC 2008) Brittle Gum (Eucalyptus mannifera) and Blanxland’s Stringybark (Eucalyptus blaxlandii) may occur within the construction footprint. Although potential food tree species occur for Koala, there is no evidence to suggest habitat occupation or important populations in the study area. As a result, the removal of potential habitat would not affect the life cycle of this species.

(d) In relation to the habitat of a threatened species, population or ecological community:

• the extent to which habitat is likely to be removed or modified as a result of the action proposed, and • whether an area of habitat is likely to become fragmented or isolated from other areas of habitat as a result of the proposed action; and • the importance of the habitat to be removed, modified fragmented or isolated to the long- term survival of the species, population or ecological community in the locality,

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

There was been no evidence of Koala in the study area from previous (Roads and Maritime2011) and current surveys. There are scattered records beyond the study area from the last 20 years which occur in the Blue Mountains National Park and there are known populations in Wollemi National Park. Any Koala activity in the study area is considered to be very low and the survey results suggest that the habitats adjoining the proposed footprint are not likely to be used by dispersing individuals and that there is no local population within study area.

There are no known populations in the study area but marginal foraging opportunities are available with uncommon secondary food trees such as Brittle Gum (Eucalyptus mannifera), and supplementary food trees Blanxland’s Stringybark (Eucalyptus blaxlandii). The proportion of food trees are considered to only provide tertiary habitat (DECC 2008).

The extent of potential habitat to be removed is 0.55 hectares of dry sclerophyll forest where a small proportion are feed trees. This habitat loss would not result in modification or fragmentation of important habitat and not lead to the long term decline of this species.

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

Critical habitat has not been declared for this species.

(f) whether the action proposed is consistent with the objectives or actions of a recovery plan or threatened abatement plan

There is a recovery plan for the Koala. Considering the impact is restricted to secondary habitat (class B and C) and there is no evidence of Koala activity in the study area and the inclusion of the proposed mitigation measures to minimise habitat removal and facilitate the natural movements of Koala across the proposal corridor, the proposal is consistent with the objectives of the recovery plan where relevant to the proposal. The footprint has been planned to minimise removal of habitat and therefore consistent with the recovery plan objectives. The objectives of the recovery plan are discussed below:

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Recovery Plan Objective Relevance to proposal Objective 1: To conserve Koalas in their existing Habitat removal has been minimised where possible habitat. through planning and refinement of the proposal footprint in the areas of identified potential Koala habitat and the proposal potentially contributes to the conservation of Koala through facilitating safe passage across the highway. Objective 2: To rehabilitate and restore Koala habitat Koala feed trees (secondary food trees only found in and populations. study area) would be included in any strategic revegetation planning for the proposal. Objective 3: To develop a better understanding of the n/a conservation biology of Koalas. Objective 4: To ensure that the community has n/a access to factual information about the distribution, conservation and management of Koalas at a national, state and local scale. Objective 5: To manage captive, sick or injured n/a Koalas and orphaned wild Koalas to ensure consistent and high standards of care. Objective 6: To manage over-browsing to prevent n/a both Koala starvation and ecosystem damage in discrete patches of habitat. Objective 7: To coordinate, promote the n/a implementation, and monitor the effectiveness of the NSW Koala Recovery Plan across NSW.

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

Threatening process Relevant Increased by Proposed legislation the proposal? mitigation Habitat degradation Land clearance/Clearing of native vegetation EPBC Act, TSC Yes Act Removal of dead wood and dead trees TSC Act Potential Feral vertebrate fauna Competition and land degradation by rabbits / EPBC Act, TSC Potential Section 5.2 Competition and grazing by the feral European rabbit Act (Oryctolagus cuniculus) Pathogens Dieback caused by the root-rot fungus (Phytophthora EPBC Act, TSC Potential Section 5.2 cinnamomi)/Infection of native plants by Phytophthora Act cinnamomi Weeds

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Threatening process Relevant Increased by Proposed legislation the proposal? mitigation Loss and degradation of native plant and animal habitat EPBC Act Potential Section 5.2 by invasion of escaped garden plants, including aquatic plants Invasion of native plant communities by exotic perennial TSC Act Potential grasses Climate change Loss of terrestrial climatic habitat caused by EPBC Act Potential n/a anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases Anthropogenic climate change TSC Act Potential n/a

Conclusion

The proposed upgrade would remove a relatively small area of 0.55 hectares of native vegetation with potential secondary and supplementary food trees but only considered tertiary habitat. The assessment concludes that the proposal is unlikely to lead to a significant impact on Koala and an SIS is not required.

Gang-gang Cockatoo Callocephalon fimbriatum(listed as vulnerable)

The Gang-gang Cockatoo is listed as vulnerable in NSW under the TSC Act. The Gang-gang Cockatoo is distributed from southern Victoria through south- and central-eastern New South Wales. In New South Wales, the Gang-gang Cockatoo is distributed from the south-east coast to the Hunter region, and inland to the Central Tablelands and south-west slopes. It occurs regularly in the Australian Capital Territory. It is rare at the extremities of its range, with isolated records known from as far north as Coffs Harbour and as far west as Mudgee (OEH 2012).

In summer this species is generally found in tall mountain forests and woodlands, and may occur at lower altitudes in winter in drier more open eucalypt forests and woodlands, with old growth habitats being favoured for nesting and roosting (OEH 2012).

Gang-gang Cockatoo was observed in two locations north of section 2 in the study locality. A widespread species which occurs in both elevated forests on the mountains and slopes and migrating locally to more flatter floodplain areas such as the Hartley Valley in the cooler months.

The removal of 0.55 hectares in the construction footprint of dry sclerophyll forest would reduce potential foraging opportunities for the Gang-gang Cockatoo.

No areas of habitat would become isolated for this species from the clearing activities as this species can readily fly across fragmented habitats including major roads and therefore the proposal would not create a major barrier to this species. The proposal is unlikely to place the species at

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

further risk of vehicle strike considering the grade and elevations of the proposal would be similar to existing conditions.

Habitats in the proposal footprint potentially have some importance for the local population for foraging and potentially for shelter, however relative to the extent of habitat in the locality the impacts represent a very small proportion of the available habitat for the local population. Therefore the habitat impacted by the proposal is considered unlikely to be highly important to the species.

(d) In relation to the habitat of a threatened species, population or ecological community:

• the extent to which habitat is likely to be removed or modified as a result of the action proposed, and • whether an area of habitat is likely to become fragmented or isolated from other areas of habitat as a result of the proposed action; and • the importance of the habitat to be removed, modified fragmented or isolated to the long- term survival of the species, population or ecological community in the locality,

The removal of 0.55 hectares in the construction footprint of dry sclerophyll forest would reduce potential foraging opportunities for the Gang-gang Cockatoo. This species requires large tree hollow cavities for nesting. Based on observations of hollow trees in the study area, large tree hollows are very limited particularly in roadside areas. However the density of all hollows reported in the study locality was also found to be similar across other areas of habitat outside the study area.

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

In the discovery of nest sites (large hollows in a habitat tree) during pre-clearing surveys or unexpected find, appropriate measures would be undertaken to avoid or mitigate following the CEMP as outlined in Chapter 5. It is unlikely that nests would be disturbed in the small area of proposed clearing and would not pose a significant impact to these species.

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

Critical habitat has not been declared for this species.

(f) whether the action proposed is consistent with the objectives or actions of a recovery plan or threatened abatement plan

There is no recovery plan for this species. There are 11 priority action statements for this species related to scientific research, community awareness, habitat restoration and protection of this species. Considering the low potential impact to habitat to this species and the proposed mitigation measures to minimise habitat removal and restore foraging habitat through the re-establishment of native vegetation including potential feed trees (Eucalyptus spp.), the proposal is consistent with these priority actions.

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

Key threatening processes that are relevant to this species are listed below, including reference to direct impacts and potential indirect impacts from key threatening processes and how each of these would be mitigated by the proposal. The main key threatening processes relevant to this species that are directly enacted by the proposal are those associated with clearance and degradation of foraging habitat. Potential indirect impacts include the introduction or spread of pathogens and weeds which may alter habitat quality, for hollow resources and habitat degradation from feral herbivores. It is considered unlikely that the proposal would increase the likelihood of predation on this species by feral carnivores.

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Threatening process Relevant Increased by Proposed legislation the proposal? mitigation Competition and land degradation by rabbits / EPBC Act, Potential Section 5.2 Competition and grazing by the feral European rabbit TSC Act (Oryctolagus cuniculus) Pathogens Dieback caused by the root-rot fungus (Phytophthora EPBC Act, Potential Section 5.2 cinnamomi)/Infection of native plants by Phytophthora TSC Act cinnamomi Weeds Loss and degradation of native plant and animal habitat EPBC Act Potential Section 5.2 by invasion of escaped garden plants, including aquatic plants Invasion of native plant communities by exotic perennial TSC Act Potential grasses Climate change Loss of terrestrial climatic habitat caused by EPBC Act Potential n/a anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases Anthropogenic climate change TSC Act Potential n/a

Conclusion

The proposal would result in the removal of approximately 0.55 hectares of potential foraging habitat. Similar potential habitats in the locality are extensive through private lands, conservation reserves and state forests. The proposal is considered unlikely to impose a significant impact on the Gang-Gang Cockatoo and a SIS is not required.

Little Lorikeet Glossopsitta pusilla (listed as vulnerable)

The Little Lorikeet has a wide distribution along the east coast of Australia and the Great Divide regions. NSW provides a large portion of the species' core habitat. The species appears largely transient as it moves with seasons and food resources. The ecology of the species is strongly linked to foraging opportunities for nectar and pollen provided by species from the Myrtaceae family (eucalypts, angophoras and melaleucas). Areas of riparian habitats are favoured, presumably due to the nutrient-rich, productive environment. The species is known to roost in tree canopies in areas separate from foraging habitats and create nests in hollows of limbs or trunks (<3cm diameter) of smooth-barked eucalypts and other tree species. Nest sites are repeatedly used.

Little Lorikeets are known to occupy a diversity of forest and woodland habitats, including old- growth and logged forests, and remnant woodland patches and roadside vegetation (Pizzey & Knight 1997, DECC 2008). The species is generally considered to be nomadic, with irregular large or small influxes of individuals occurring at any time of year, apparently related to food availability (DECC 2008). However, they do exhibit some site fidelity, with breeding pairs resident from April to

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

December, and even during their non-resident period some individuals will return to the nest area for short periods if there is some tree-flowering in the vicinity.

They feed in small flocks, often with other species of lorikeet, primarily on nectar and pollen in the tree canopy. They prefer profusely flowering eucalypts but will also feed in other species such as Melaleucas and mistletoes. The species breeds in tree hollows in living trees, during May to September, raising clutches of three to five eggs (DECC 2008). They likely commence breeding at one year, and live for around 10 years in the wild.

Major threats to Little Lorikeets are loss of breeding sites and food resources from ongoing land clearing. Loss of nest trees from road-side verges, often associated with road works, remains an ongoing threat (DECC 2008).

The study area would constitute breeding and non-breeding habitat for the Little Lorikeet in New South Wales. The proposal would result in the removal of approximately 0.55 hectares of potential foraging habitat. The study area is not considered a critical area for the little lorikeet as extensive areas of suitable habitat occur elsewhere in the region. The current potential for the species to occur based on the presence of potential foraging and breeding habitat is expected to remain after completion of the project such that foraging, movement and other life-cycle attributes would not be impacted such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction.

(d) In relation to the habitat of a threatened species, population or ecological community:

• the extent to which habitat is likely to be removed or modified as a result of the action proposed, and • whether an area of habitat is likely to become fragmented or isolated from other areas of habitat as a result of the proposed action; and • the importance of the habitat to be removed, modified fragmented or isolated to the long- term survival of the species, population or ecological community in the locality,

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

The project would remove about 0.55 hectares of vegetation comprising of dry sclerophyll forest. In considering the potential habitat for the species in the study area, it is likely that all the open forest habitats present at the study area, provide opportunities for foraging. This loss is considered very low and there is a high portion of the habitat in the study locality available to this species. Large areas of high quality habitat are represented outside the proposed footprint in State Forests, conservation reserves and rural properties. The potential for continued visitation to the region is expected following construction of the project.

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

None of the habitats present in the study area are registered on the current list of recommended or declared critical habitat in NSW under the TSC Act.

(f) whether the action proposed is consistent with the objectives or actions of a recovery plan or threatened abatement plan

There are no recovery plan actions or threat abatement plans associated with the protection of the Little Lorikeet.

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

Key threatening processes that are relevant to this community are listed below, including reference to direct impacts and potential indirect impacts from key threatening processes and how each of these would be mitigated by the proposed upgrade. The main key threatening processes relevant to this community that are directly enacted by the proposed upgrade are those associated with clearance and degradation of listed vegetation.

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Threatening process Relevant Increased by Proposed legislation the proposal? mitigation by invasion of escaped garden plants, including aquatic plants Invasion of native plant communities by exotic perennial TSC Act Potential grasses Climate change Loss of terrestrial climatic habitat caused by EPBC Act Potential n/a anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases Anthropogenic climate change TSC Act Potential n/a

Conclusion

Scarlet Robin Petroica boodang and Flame Robin Petroica phoenicea (listed as vulnerable)

These robins typically live in dry and moist eucalypt forests and woodlands, often on ridges and slopes. The understorey is usually open and grassy with few scattered shrubs. Fallen timber and abundant logs are an important habitat component. Occasionally these robins also occur in temperate rainforest, herbfields, heathlands, shrublands and sedgelands. Some robins migrate seasonally within their home range to drier more open habitats. Breeding pairs defend a breeding territory, and stay together year round. A Scarlet Robin was observed and heard calling at the site.

The Scarlet Robin is found from south east Queensland to south east South Australia and also in Tasmania and south west Western Australia. In NSW, it occurs from the coast to the inland slopes. After breeding, some Scarlet Robins disperse to the lower valleys and plains of the tablelands and slopes. Some birds may appear as far west as the eastern edges of the inland plains in autumn and winter.

The Flame Robin prefers clearings or areas with open understoreys. Occasionally occurs in temperate rainforest, and also in herbfields, heathlands, shrublands and sedgelands at high altitudes. Often occurs in recently burnt areas; however, habitat becomes unsuitable as vegetation closes up following regeneration. In winter lives in dry forests, open woodlands and in pastures and native grasslands, with or without scattered trees (in valleys below the ranges, and to the western slopes and plains). Breeds in upland tall moist eucalypt forests and woodlands, often on ridges and slopes.

Approximately 0.55 hectares of potential habitat for the Scarlet Robin and Flame Robin are likely to be cleared as a result of the proposed development. The Blue Mountains National Park provides a vast area of alternative high quality habitat and as such it is highly unlikely that the action proposed

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

would have any effect other than a short term impact on a few individuals. There is little to no possibility that local populations of Scarlet Robins and Flame Robin would be at risk of extinction as a result of the proposed action. In the event of the discovery of nest sites (Scarlet Robin – cup shaped nests in tree or shrub canopy, Flame Robin – sheltered in scrub or small hollow stumps) during pre-clearing surveys or as an unexpected find, appropriate measures would be undertaken to avoid or mitigate following the CEMP as outlined in Chapter 5. It is unlikely that nests would be disturbed and would not pose a significant impact to these species.

(d) In relation to the habitat of a threatened species, population or ecological community:

• the extent to which habitat is likely to be removed or modified as a result of the action proposed, and • whether an area of habitat is likely to become fragmented or isolated from other areas of habitat as a result of the proposed action; and • the importance of the habitat to be removed, modified fragmented or isolated to the long- term survival of the species, population or ecological community in the locality,

The proposed action would result in the removal of approximately 0.55 hectares of potential habitat for the Scarlet Robin and Flame Robin. They are generally mobile species’ when not nesting, and will move between habitat types, often found in more open grasslands or grazed paddocks in autumn and winter.

Considering the project area, surrounded by the Blue Mountains National Park, it is unlikely that the proposed action will have a significant effect on the other areas of potential habitat in the wider area. Additionally, it is unlikely that the impacts to habitat as a result of the proposed action will have a substantial effect on the long-term survival of the Scarlet Robin and Flame Robin populations in the area.

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

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Critical habitat has not been declared for this species.

(f) whether the action proposed is consistent with the objectives or actions of a recovery plan or threatened abatement plan

There is no recovery plan for this species outside of Norfolk Island.

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

Key threatening processes that are relevant to this species are listed below, including reference to direct impacts and potential indirect impacts from key threatening processes and how each of these would be mitigated by the proposal. The main key threatening processes relevant to this species that are directly enacted by the proposal are those associated with clearance and degradation of foraging, nesting and roosting habitat. Potential indirect impacts include the introduction or spread of pathogens and weeds which may alter habitat quality, increased competition with habitat degradation from feral herbivores. It is considered unlikely that the proposal would increase the likelihood of predation on this species by feral carnivores.

Threatening process Relevant Increased by Proposed legislation the proposal? mitigation Habitat degradation Land clearance/Clearing of native vegetation EPBC Act, Yes TSC Act Removal of dead wood and dead trees TSC Act Potential Feral vertebrate fauna Competition and land degradation by rabbits / EPBC Act, Potential Section 5.2 Competition and grazing by the feral European rabbit TSC Act (Oryctolagus cuniculus) Pathogens Dieback caused by the root-rot fungus (Phytophthora EPBC Act, Potential Section 5.2 cinnamomi)/Infection of native plants by Phytophthora TSC Act cinnamomi Weeds Loss and degradation of native plant and animal habitat EPBC Act Potential Section 5.2 by invasion of escaped garden plants, including aquatic plants Invasion of native plant communities by exotic perennial TSC Act Potential grasses Climate change Loss of terrestrial climatic habitat caused by EPBC Act Potential n/a anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases Anthropogenic climate change TSC Act Potential n/a

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Conclusion

Blue Mountains Water Skink Eulamprus leuraensis (listed as endangered)

The Blue Mountains Skink is listed under both State and Commonwealth protected species legislation because it has a highly limited distribution in the Blue Mountains (from between Newnes Plateau to just south of Hazelbrook). Little is known about the ecology of the species but it is thought to be semi-aquatic. It occupies sedge and shrub swamps that have boggy soils and appear to be permanently wet. These areas are naturally isolated and fragmented in the dominant forest, heath and woodland landscape in the Blue Mountains. The small number and apparent isolation of populations in conjunction with the limited geographic distribution of the species render it vulnerable to habitat loss and disturbance. For example, clearing for urban development has resulted in the reduction of the area of known and potential habitat as well as the apparent extinction from areas where the species previously occurred (NSW NPWS 2002). Possible threats also include pollution and sedimentation (including stormwater runoff), alterations to hydrological regimes (through construction of roads, tracks and plantations) weed invasion, visitor disturbance (eg trail bikes and recreational vehicles) and predation by cats (NSW NPWS 2002).

The species is likely to occur in suitable habitats of Hanging Swamps near Section 1 of the study area. During construction and operation of the project there is potential to indirectly impact the species. No permanent habitat for this species would be removed by the proposed works. There is a low risk low risk of surface water quality contamination from sediment-laden runoff during project construction. If these impacts are not mitigated there would be a loss of plant species composition and reduce the quality of specialist habitat for threatened fauna such as the Blue Mountains Water Skink. The proposed design has been positioned to the south of the Hanging Swamps in such a way to avoid both direct and indirect impacts.

As there would be mitigation measures to control surface water runoff of sediment into the species habitat, the proposal is not likely to affect the life cycle of this species.

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

(d) In relation to the habitat of a threatened species, population or ecological community:

• the extent to which habitat is likely to be removed or modified as a result of the action proposed, and • whether an area of habitat is likely to become fragmented or isolated from other areas of habitat as a result of the proposed action; and • the importance of the habitat to be removed, modified fragmented or isolated to the long- term survival of the species, population or ecological community in the locality,

The species is likely to occur in suitable habitats of Hanging Swamps near Section 1 of the study area. No permanent habitat for this species would be removed by the proposed works. There is a low risk of surface water quality contamination from sediment-laden runoff during project construction. The proposed design has been positioned in such a way to avoid both direct and indirect impacts. The hanging swamps habitat would remain intact not become fragmented or isolated and therefore not affect the long-term survival of this species. Mitigation measures would be in place as a precaution to control surface water runoff of sediment into the species habitat.

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

Critical habitat has not been declared for this species.

(f) whether the action proposed is consistent with the objectives or actions of a recovery plan or threatened abatement plan

An approved state recovery plan for the Blue Mountains Water Skink exists for NSW. It notes the major threats to the management of the species which include habitat loss, habitat degradation through weed invasion, access and vehicle use near adjacent habitats, and water quality contamination. It is vital that suitable erosion control measures be implemented and polluted surface water be prevented from entering these habitats. Any alterations to hydrology such as lowering water table and drying up of swamps where water is diverted into creeks rather than infiltrating the soil to recharge swamps would interrupt ecosystem processes and cause species decline. In NSW, the Threatened Species Priorities Action Statement lists recovery actions for all threatened species. A total of 17 recovery actions are listed for the Blue Mountains Water Skink.

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

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Threatening process Relevant Increased by Proposed legislation the proposal? mitigation Habitat degradation Bushrock removal TSC Act Potential Section 5.2 Land clearance/Clearing of native vegetation EPBC Act, Yes TSC Act Loss of hollow-bearing trees TSC Act Potential Removal of dead wood and dead trees TSC Act Potential Feral vertebrate fauna Competition and land degradation by rabbits / EPBC Act, Potential Section 5.2 Competition and grazing by the feral European rabbit TSC Act (Oryctolagus cuniculus) Hydrology and wetland areas Alteration to the natural flow regimes of rivers and TSC Act Unlikely Section 5.2 streams and their floodplains and wetlands Pathogens Dieback caused by the root-rot fungus (Phytophthora EPBC Act, Potential Section 5.2 cinnamomi)/Infection of native plants by Phytophthora TSC Act cinnamomi Weeds Loss and degradation of native plant and animal habitat EPBC Act Potential Section 5.2 by invasion of escaped garden plants, including aquatic plants Invasion of native plant communities by exotic perennial TSC Act Potential grasses Climate change Loss of terrestrial climatic habitat caused by EPBC Act Potential n/a anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases Anthropogenic climate change TSC Act Potential n/a

Conclusion

There would be no removal (direct impact) of viable habitat for the Blue Mountains Water Skink and no alteration (indirect impact) of the local hydrological regime. Erosion control measures would be implemented as a precaution to prevent the unlikely event of construction site surface water from entering Blue Mountains Water Skink habitats (Hanging Swamps).

The proposal is considered unlikely to impose a significant impact on the Blue Mountains Water Skink and a SIS is not required.

Red-crowned Toadlet Pseudophryne australis (listed as vulnerable)

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Red-crowned Toadlet records are restricted to suitable habitats in Triassic and Hawkesbury and Narrabeen Sandstones of the Sydney Basin. The Red-crowned Toadlet is typically found within 100 metres of the ridgetop in steep escarpment areas in the vicinity of permanently moist soaks or areas of dense ground vegetation or leaf litter along or near headwater streambeds. It prefers the first or second order ephemeral drainage lines which drain the ridges. The species is highly sedentary, moving only tens of metres from suitable breeding areas, so recruitment and re- colonisation of areas of vacant habitats is likely to be low (NSW NPWS 2001). Suitable habitats (Hanging Swamps) occur adjacent to the construction footprint in section 1, and there are records for the species in the area.

Threatening processes include high frequency fire, bush rock removal, loss and degradation of habitat from land clearing, water pollution and changed hydrological regimes (NSW NPWS 2001). Given the project could potentially cause changed hydrological regimes and water pollution, erosion control measures would implemented and polluted surface water prevented from entering these habitats

The species is likely to occur in habitats with adequate bush rock resources which may potentially occur in Hanging Swamps near Section 1 of the study area. No viable (Hanging Swamps) habitat for this species would be removed by the proposed works. There is a low risk of surface water quality contamination from sediment-laden runoff during project construction. The proposed design has been positioned in such a way to avoid both direct and indirect impacts.

Mitigation measures would be in place as a precaution to control surface water runoff of sediment into the species habitat, the proposal is not likely to affect the life cycle of this species.

(d) In relation to the habitat of a threatened species, population or ecological community:

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

• the extent to which habitat is likely to be removed or modified as a result of the action proposed, and • whether an area of habitat is likely to become fragmented or isolated from other areas of habitat as a result of the proposed action; and • the importance of the habitat to be removed, modified fragmented or isolated to the long- term survival of the species, population or ecological community in the locality,

The species is likely to occur in suitable habitats of Hanging Swamps near Section 1 of the study area. No viable habitat (Hanging Swamps) for this species would be removed by the proposed works. There is a low risk of surface water quality contamination from sediment-laden runoff during project construction. The proposed design has been positioned in such a way to avoid both direct and indirect impacts. The Hanging Swamps habitat would remain intact and therefore the proposed design would not affect the long-term survival of this species. Mitigation measures would be in place as a precaution to control surface water runoff of sediment into the species habitat.

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

Critical habitat has not been declared for this species.

(f) whether the action proposed is consistent with the objectives or actions of a recovery plan or threatened abatement plan

There is no recovery plan for this species. The Threatened Species Priorities Action Statement lists recovery actions for all threatened species. A total of 14 recovery actions are listed for the Red- crowned Toadlet Priority actions relevant to the proposal include:

• Develop preferred mitigation measures to minimize impact of wildfire and/or suppression operations. • Assess the threat of changed hydrological regimes on the habitat of this species. Include the impacts of increasing urbanisation, groundwater extraction, and climate change into this assessment.

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

Any alterations to hydrology such as lowering water table and drying up of swamps where water is diverted into creeks rather than infiltrating the soil to recharge swamps would interrupt ecosystem processes and cause species decline. Key threatening processes that are relevant to this species are listed below, including reference to direct impacts and potential indirect impacts from key

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

threatening processes and how each of these would be mitigated by the proposed upgrade. The main key threatening processes relevant to this species that are indirectly enacted by the proposed upgrade are those associated with alteration of hydrology for wetland habitats.

Threatening process Relevant Increased by Proposed legislation the proposal? mitigation Habitat degradation Bushrock removal TSC Act Potential Section 5.2 Land clearance/Clearing of native vegetation EPBC Act, Yes TSC Act Loss of hollow-bearing trees TSC Act Potential Removal of dead wood and dead trees TSC Act Potential Feral vertebrate fauna Competition and land degradation by rabbits / EPBC Act, Potential Section 5.2 Competition and grazing by the feral European rabbit TSC Act (Oryctolagus cuniculus) Hydrology and wetland areas Alteration to the natural flow regimes of rivers and TSC Act Unlikely Section 5.2 streams and their floodplains and wetlands Pathogens Dieback caused by the root-rot fungus (Phytophthora EPBC Act, Potential Section 5.2 cinnamomi)/Infection of native plants by Phytophthora TSC Act cinnamomi Weeds Loss and degradation of native plant and animal habitat EPBC Act Potential Section 5.2 by invasion of escaped garden plants, including aquatic plants Invasion of native plant communities by exotic perennial TSC Act Potential grasses Climate change Loss of terrestrial climatic habitat caused by EPBC Act Potential n/a anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases Anthropogenic climate change TSC Act Potential n/a

Conclusion

Mitigation measures would be in place as a precaution to control surface water runoff of sediment into the species habitat, the proposal is not likely to affect the life cycle of this species.There would be no removal (direct impact) of viable habitat for the Red-crowned Toadlet and no alteration (indirect impact) of the local hydrological regime. Erosion control measures would implemented as a precaution to prevent the unlikely event of and construction site surface water from entering Red-crowned Toadlet habitats (Hanging Swamps).

The proposal is considered unlikely to impose a significant impact on the Red-crowned Toadlet and a SIS is not required.

Broad-headed Snake Hoplocephalus bungaroides (listed as endangered)

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

The distribution of the Broad-headed Snake is limited to within a radius of approximately 200 kilometres of Sydney. Within its range it occurs in Triassic sandstone habitats where woodland and open woodland or heath incorporates exposed sandstone outcrops and benching. The species has two distinct seasonal microhabitats, using rock crevices and exfoliating sheets of weathered sandstone during the cooler months, and tree hollows during summer. It has several life history traits which likely predispose it to becoming threatened, such as low rates of growth, slow maturation and a breeding cycle that is less frequent than every year (NSW NPWS 1999). Threats to the species include bushrock removal, loss of habitat due to urbanisation, altered fire regimes and predation by feral animals. The species is also thought to be particularly sensitive to habitat disturbance.

Records for the Broad-headed Snake occur throughout Blue Mountains National Park and Newnes State Forest, and habitat occurs in the study area near Section 1 of the construction footprint. There were no observations of this snake during surveys.

The proposed works would remove 0.55 hectares of dry sclerophyll forest of which may be potential foraging habitat for this snake. No important population was observed in the study area and the loss of potential habitat is not likely to affect the long term survival of this species, given the large scale of available rocky habitats surrounding the construction footprint.

(d) In relation to the habitat of a threatened species, population or ecological community:

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

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

Threatening processes to this species habitat include high frequency fire, bush rock removal, loss and degradation of habitat from land clearing, water pollution and changed hydrological regimes (NSW NPWS 2001). Given the project could potentially cause changed hydrological regimes and water pollution, erosion control measures would implemented and polluted surface water prevented from entering these habitats.

The proposed works would remove 0.55 hectares of moderate to high condition dry sclerophyll forest of which may be potential habitat for this snake. However limited bush rock was observed in the construction footprint and is unlikely that the Broad-headed Snake would utilise the majority of low condition habitat. Any potential habitat loss is not likely to affect the extent or fragment populations of this species and not lead to a long term decline. There is a high proportion of potential habitat surrounding the construction footprint that would remain intact

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

Critical habitat has not been declared for this species.

(f) whether the action proposed is consistent with the objectives or actions of a recovery plan or threatened abatement plan

There is no recovery plan for this species. The Threatened Species Priorities Action Statement lists recovery actions for all threatened species. A total of 25 recovery actions are listed for the Broad- headed Snake. Priority actions relevant to the proposal include:

• Identify key populations and important habitat and assess threats at these sites to establish priorities for management • Promote options to control and regulate bushrock removal.

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

• Develop guidelines in support of chosen options to regulate bushrock removal in accordance with outcomes from the previous Action • Guidelines are developed & disseminated to standardise & guide the approach to: EIA inc ofsetting, maintenance of infrastructure & easements; appropriate fire regimes, herps searches, and habitat restoration • Undertake threat management, site protection and restoration works at identified priority sites, in accordance with approved threat management and restoration guidelines. (g) whether the action proposed constitutes or is part of a threatening process or is likely to result in the operation of, or increase the impact of, a key threatening process.

Threatening processes to this species’ habitat generally include high frequency fire, bush rock removal, loss and degradation of habitat from land clearing, water pollution and changed hydrological regimes (NSW NPWS 2001). There is a low risk of surface water quality contamination from sediment-laden runoff during project construction. The proposed design has been positioned in such a way to avoid both direct and indirect impacts. Any alterations to hydrology such as lowering water table and drying up of swamps where water is diverted into creeks rather than infiltrating the soil to recharge swamps would interrupt ecosystem processes and cause species decline. Key threatening processes that are relevant to this species are listed below, including reference to direct impacts and potential indirect impacts from key threatening processes and how each of these would be mitigated by the proposed upgrade. The main key threatening processes relevant to this species that are indirectly enacted by the proposed upgrade are those associated with the alteration of hydrology for wetland habitats and the removal of bush rock.

Threatening process Relevant Increased by Proposed legislation the proposal? mitigation Habitat degradation Bushrock removal TSC Act Potential Section 5.2 Land clearance/Clearing of native vegetation EPBC Act, Yes TSC Act Loss of hollow-bearing trees TSC Act Potential Removal of dead wood and dead trees TSC Act Potential Feral vertebrate fauna Competition and land degradation by rabbits / EPBC Act, Potential Section 5.2 Competition and grazing by the feral European rabbit TSC Act (Oryctolagus cuniculus) Hydrology and wetland areas Alteration to the natural flow regimes of rivers and TSC Act Unlikely Section 5.2 streams and their floodplains and wetlands Pathogens Dieback caused by the root-rot fungus (Phytophthora EPBC Act, Potential Section 5.2 cinnamomi)/Infection of native plants by Phytophthora TSC Act cinnamomi Weeds Loss and degradation of native plant and animal habitat EPBC Act Potential Section 5.2 by invasion of escaped garden plants, including aquatic plants

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Threatening process Relevant Increased by Proposed legislation the proposal? mitigation Invasion of native plant communities by exotic perennial TSC Act Potential grasses Climate change Loss of terrestrial climatic habitat caused by EPBC Act Potential n/a anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases Anthropogenic climate change TSC Act Potential n/a

Conclusion

The proposal would result in the removal of approximately 0.55 hectares of potential foraging habitat. However limited bush rock was observed in the construction footprint and is unlikely that the Broad-headed Snake would utilise the majority of low condition habitat. Mitigation measures would be in place as a precaution to control surface water runoff of sediment into the species habitat, the proposal is not likely to affect the life cycle of this species. There would be no removal (direct impact) of viable habitat for the Broad-headed Snake and no alteration (indirect impact) of the local hydrological regime. Erosion control measures would implemented as a precaution to prevent the unlikely event of and construction site surface water from entering Broad-headed Snake habitats.

The proposal is considered unlikely to impose a significant impact on the Broad-headed Snake and a SIS is not required.

Cave-roosting bats (Eastern Bent-wing Bat Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis, Large- eared Pied Bat Chalinolobus dwyeri, and Southern Myotis Myotis macropus)

Eastern Bent-wing Bat is widespread and can be locally common where suitable caves or tunnels are available as roost sites. However, the major threat to this species is the loss of roost sites, and nursery caves. The dependence on relatively few nursery caves suggests that threats to the existence or structural integrity of these may place populations in jeopardy (Dwyer 1995). Frequent disturbance of roosts used for winter hibernation is known to significantly increase winter mortality. Toxic accumulation of agricultural chemicals in body fat used during winter torpor may also reduce populations. Habitat loss through clearing for development or agriculture and subsequent reductions in insect prey availability may also adversely affect this species. The Eastern Bent-wing Bat is reportedly preyed upon by feral Cats and occasionally Foxes.

Eastern Bent-wing Bats are known to forage within a variety of habitat types adjoining roost sites. This appears to include rainforest, moist and dry eucalypt forest, swamp sclerophyll forest as well as heath. Known roost sites include caves, old mines, stormwater channels, road culverts and comparable structures including buildings. Dwyer (1995) regards typical habitat as well-timbered valleys. This species has been reported utilising bushland remnants in urban areas.

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Eastern Bent-wing Bats are known to feed on moths, cockroaches, grasshoppers and ants and forages above the tree canopy (Australian Museum Business Services 1995). This is a mobile species and is estimated to forage within a 20 km radius in a single night.

The limiting factor is the availability of roost sites, with suitable caves, mines, road culverts and occasionally buildings being essential. Long migrations between roosts, according to seasonal needs or reproductive status, have been recorded. With the onset of spring, adult females move from numerous widely scattered roosts to specific nursery caves, which provide high temperature and humidity or have an internal conformation which retains air warmed by the bats activities (Dwyer 1995). Within nursery caves, the density of young bats can be up to 3 000 per square metre.

The Large-eared Pied Bat is found in caves and areas of overhanging sandstone cliffs with associated foraging habitat of highly productive forest and woodlands near watercourses. As a consequence the clearing of fertile forests with suitable roosting habitat would almost certainly decline specie habitats. It is found from north of Rockhampton and south to Ulladulla. Habitat critical to the survival of the species consists of diurnal roosts to raise young in suitable disused mine shafts, caves, overhangs and abandoned Fairy martin (Hirundo ariel) nests.

No caves or abandoned mine shafts have been recorded in the project boundary and the project is not expected to impact on the roosting life-cycle activities of this species. The location of any roost sites for these species in the regional area is not known.

Impacts would be associated with loss of foraging habitat and potentially short term reduction in habitat for insect prey species. However, the large expanse of vegetation within the surrounds Blue Mountains National Park would support substantial foraging and potential roosting opportunities.

The Southern Myotis is considered comparatively rare over its limited national range (Richards 1995). The species is considered rare and sparsely distributed in a variety of habitats associated with water in Victoria (Lumsden & Menkhorst 1995). Generally small colony sizes, relatively low reproductive rates (one to two young per year), and the specific roost requirements suggest that local populations are susceptible to impacts from even minor modifications or disturbances to roosting and foraging habitats.

Loss of roost sites and foraging habitats are considered the major threats to this species. The specific nature of its foraging habits suggest that this species is adversely impacted by habitat degradation through water pollution, and foraging habitat is likely to have been lost through nutrient enrichment, oil spills and pollutant rich run-off entering waterways. Disturbance of colonies, especially during the colder months when the bat is hibernating, may cause populations to desert roost sites, and can result in heavy mortality. The degradation of waterways through sedimentation, eutrophication, acidification and pollution may have altered the aquatic biota of foraging habitats or affected the abundance of prey populations. Widespread clearing of riparian forests may have affected the diversity of insect prey in these areas, which in turn may affect the densities of Myotis populations in these areas. The modification of hydrological regimes may also affect the prey resources of this species.

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Recorded roost sites include caves, mines, tunnels, culverts, spaces and scuppers under bridges and in buildings, Fairy Martin nests, in dense foliage in tropical areas, and from tree hollows in Victoria (Lumsden & Menkhorst 1995). The Southern Myotis has been reported feeding on flying insects (including beetles, flies, moths and grasshoppers), aquatic insects (such as boatmen) and small fish (such as the introduced Mosquito Fish.

The study area provides known and potential foraging habitat for the assessed species. These species are predominantly cave-roosting bats, although they may roost in artificial structures such as bridges and culverts. No caves or similar human-constructed habitats have been recorded in the construction footprint and the proposal is not expected to impact on the maternity life-cycle activities of these species. The location of any roost sites for these species in the regional area is not known.

The loss of 0.55 hectares of dry sclerophyll habitat may impact on the potential foraging habitat and not reduce or restrict life strategies. However comparable habitats are well represented throughout the locality and region. Therefore foraging habitat and prey abundance may be impacted by the proposal however the overall magnitude of this impact is very small relative to the extent of insect breeding resources in the study area. Potential roosting habitats of man-made structure such as culverts and bridges do not have major works being carried out as part of the proposed design and are not expected to be impacted. No suitable structures for these bat species were observed in the footprint. Pre-clearing surveys would inspect habitat structures before altering hydrological regimes which may cause minor flooding in existing culverts.

(d) In relation to the habitat of a threatened species, population or ecological community:

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

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

No areas of habitat would become isolated. Microbat species are readily able to fly across fragmented habitats including major roads, however there is some evidence from research on microbats in Europe suggesting that microbats avoid highways (Berthinussen & Altringham 2012), are road casualties (Lesinski et al. 2010) and favour particular crossing sites on highways (Abbott et al. 2012) such as bridge underpasses. It is unlikely that the proposed action would have any effect on the long-term survival of cave-roosting bats in the area.

The loss of 0.55 hectares of dry sclerophyll habitat may impact on the potential foraging habitat and not reduce or restrict life strategies. However comparable habitats are well represented throughout the locality and region. Therefore foraging habitat and prey abundance may be impacted by the proposal however the overall magnitude of this impact is very small relative to the extent of insect breeding resources in the study area. Potential roosting habitats of man-made structure such as culverts and bridges do not have major works being carried out as part of the proposed design and are not expected to be impacted. No suitable structures for these bat species were observed in the construction footprint. Pre-clearing surveys would inspect habitat structures before altering hydrological regimes which may cause minor flooding in existing culverts.

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

Critical habitat has not been declared for these species.

(f) whether the action proposed is consistent with the objectives or actions of a recovery plan or threatened abatement plan

There is no recovery plan for Eastern Bent-wing Bat and the Southern Myotis. A national recovery plan for the Large-eared Pied Bat details the main threat to this species as destruction and interference of maternity roosts and promotes further life cycle and mapping research to encourage conservation management and public awareness. There are 15-25 priority action statements for each of species related to scientific research, community awareness and protection of these species. Considering the low potential impact to habitat for these species and the proposed avoidance and mitigation measures to minimise habitat removal including appropriate design of the infrastructure to avoid ecological impacts, the re-establishment of native vegetation and reuse of habitat attributes, the proposal is consistent with these priority actions.

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

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

Key threatening processes that are relevant to these species are listed below potential indirect impacts from key threatening processes and how each of these would be mitigated by the proposal. The main key threatening processes relevant to these species that are directly enacted by the proposal are those associated with clearance and degradation of foraging. Potential indirect impacts include the introduction or spread of pathogens and weeds which may alter habitat quality and habitat degradation from feral herbivores. It is considered unlikely that the proposal would increase the likelihood of predation on this species by feral carnivores.

Threatening process Relevant Increased by Proposed legislation the proposal? mitigation Habitat degradation Land clearance/Clearing of native vegetation EPBC Act, Yes Section 5.2 TSC Act Loss of hollow-bearing trees TSC Act Potential

Removal of dead wood and dead trees TSC Act Potential Feral vertebrate fauna Competition and land degradation by rabbits / EPBC Act, Potential Section 5.2 Competition and grazing by the feral European rabbit TSC Act (Oryctolagus cuniculus) Hydrology and wetland areas Alteration to the natural flow regimes of rivers and TSC Act Unlikely Section 5.2 streams and their floodplains and wetlands Pathogens Dieback caused by the root-rot fungus (Phytophthora EPBC Act, Potential Section 5.2 cinnamomi)/Infection of native plants by Phytophthora TSC Act cinnamomi Weeds Loss and degradation of native plant and animal habitat EPBC Act Potential Section 5.2 by invasion of escaped garden plants, including aquatic plants Invasion of native plant communities by exotic perennial TSC Act Potential grasses Climate change Loss of terrestrial climatic habitat caused by EPBC Act Potential n/a anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases Anthropogenic climate change TSC Act Potential n/a

Conclusion

Considering the small area of foraging habitat that would be removed relative to the extent of similar habitats in the locality the proposal is unlikely to constitute a significant impact to these three microbat species. There would be no impacts to potential artificial roost sites, with impacts limited to a relatively small area of foraging habitat. Mitigation measures including pre-clearance

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

surveys would ensure these impacts are avoided where possible. Considering the limited potential impacts described above an SIS is not considered to be required.

Tree-roosting microbats (Eastern False Pipistrelle Falsistrellus tasmaniensis, Eastern Freetail-bat Mormopterus norfolkensis, Greater Broad-nosed Bat Scoteanax rueppellii, Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat Saccolaimus flaviventris)

All four species are listed as vulnerable in NSW under the TSC Act.

Habitat requirements of Eastern False Pipistrelle are poorly known although it has been reported from rainforest, wet and dry sclerophyll forests and woodland. The species tends to be more common at higher altitudes than on the coast. Studies suggest that this species prefers wet habitats, especially riparian or high rainfall areas, where trees are greater than 20 metres in height (Menkhorst & Lumsden 1995), although a range of other habitats are used, including woodland.

Given the shape and size of its wings, the Eastern False Pipistrelle is likely to be a fast flying but not very manoeuvrable species, and probably forages above or just below the forest canopy, in open woodland or over water (Phillips 1995). This species has been reported feeding on moths, beetles, chafers, weevils, plant bugs, flies and ants (Australian Museum Business Services 1995 Eastern False Pipistrelle roost predominantly in tree hollows, where groups of up to 10 individuals have been reported (Phillips & Inwards 1985). Individuals have also been reported utilising caves and abandoned buildings (Australian Museum Business Services 1995).

The Eastern Freetail-bat is found along the east coast from south Queensland to southern NSW. Occur in dry sclerophyll forest, woodland, swamp forests and mangrove forests east of the Great Dividing Range (OEH 2012). Roosts mainly in tree hollows but will also roost under bark or in man- made structures (OEH 2012). Usually solitary but also recorded roosting communally, probably insectivorous (OEH 2012).

The Greater Broad-nosed Bat is most common in the gullies and river systems draining the Great Dividing Range, from north-eastern Victoria to the Atherton Tableland in tropical Queensland, but it extends to the coast over much of its range (Hoye & Richards 1995). It is regarded as uncommon to rare, but may prove to be more widespread than currently indicated (Hoye & Richards 1995; Parnaby 1992). The main threat to this species is the loss of tree hollows, which are used as roost sites, through clearing or apiary. Habitat modification and clearing for agriculture may reduce foraging habitat and insect prey availability.

This species has been recorded in a variety of habitat types including rainforest, moist and dry eucalypt forest and woodland. Favoured foraging areas for this species appear to be tree-lined creeks and the junction of woodland and cleared paddocks. Large emergent trees, including dead trees, with hollows are likely to be essential as roost sites. Greater Broad-nosed Bats feed on moths, beetles and other large slow-flying insects, and possibly other bats. A low, slow-flying

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

species which utilises a large foraging area, the open nature of eucalypt woodland suits its direct flight pattern. Within denser vegetation types use is made of natural and man-made openings such as roads, creeks and small rivers, where it hawks backwards and forwards for prey (Hoye & Richards 1995).

The Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat is dependent on suitable hollow-bearing trees to provide roost sites, which may be a limiting factor on populations in cleared or fragmented habitats. Flying insects (particularly beetles, grasshoppers, chafers and bugs) are taken above the forest canopy, and closer to the ground in low vegetation types (mallee, heath, mangroves). The fast direct flight pattern allows for prey to be encountered at a greater rate in cleared and open areas (Rhodes & Hall 1997).

This species is apparently usually solitary, but small colonies of up to 10 individuals are not uncommon. In one case, a colony of 29 individuals was found within a hollow in the top of a dead eucalypt in predominantly cleared grazing land south-west of Brisbane. This clumping may have resulted from a lack of suitable roosting hollows in the locality or aggregations during winter by this species (Rhodes & Hall 1997).

Little is known of the nightly foraging movements or seasonal and regional movements of this species. Some regional migrations have been suspected, but no observations have been documented which conclusively demonstrate this. Similarly, the breeding biology is poorly known, with births occurring from December to March.

Populations may have been reduced through clearing for agriculture and development, which has removed roost trees and foraging areas. This loss of habitat is likely to be the most significant threat to this species, but predation by cats may also constitute a localised threat to some colonies. The Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat may have always occurred at low numbers (populations may have been limited by the low availability of high-flying late emerging insect prey or by interspecific and intraspecific competition). The species may be more common than records indicate as flight habits and late emergence from roosts may make observation of this species difficult during general fauna surveys.

The proposal would result in the removal of potential foraging habitat comprising 0.55 hectares of forest habitats. Potential habitats in the locality are extensive and include conservation reserves, state forests and private lands. The removal of hollow bearing trees is not expected. Pre-clearing surveys would be undertaken to inspect suspect trees, particularly on the north east side of Section 1 where lopping of tree branches may occur.

Considering the small proportion of habitat being impacted in the proposal area relative to the available habitat in the locality, viable local populations of these species are unlikely to be placed at risk of extinction. Continued use of surrounding retained habitats could be expected by these wide- ranging species considering the majority of these species have been recorded adjacent to the existing Great Western Highway in the study area.

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

(d) In relation to the habitat of a threatened species, population or ecological community:

• the extent to which habitat is likely to be removed or modified as a result of the action proposed, and • whether an area of habitat is likely to become fragmented or isolated from other areas of habitat as a result of the proposed action; and • the importance of the habitat to be removed, modified fragmented or isolated to the long- term survival of the species, population or ecological community in the locality,

The proposal would result in the removal of potential foraging habitat comprising 0.55 hectares of forest habitats. However potential habitats in the surrounding Blue Mountains National Park are extensive. The removal of hollow bearing trees is not expected. Pre-clearing surveys would be undertaken to inspect suspect trees, particularly on the north east side of Section 1 where lopping of tree branches may occur.

Habitats in the proposal footprint potentially have some importance for the local population for foraging and potentially for shelter, however relative to the extent of habitat in the locality the impact represents a small proportion of the available habitat for any local populations.

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

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

Critical habitat has not been declared for these species.

(f) whether the action proposed is consistent with the objectives or actions of a recovery plan or threatened abatement plan

There is no recovery plan for these species. There are 16-21 priority action statements for each of species related to scientific research, community awareness and protection of these species. Considering the low potential impact to habitat for these species and the proposed avoidance and mitigation measures to minimise habitat removal including appropriate design of the infrastructure to minimise ecological impacts, such as minimising the size of fill batters where appropriate, avoiding hollow tree removal where possible during construction, the re-establishment of native vegetation and provision of nest boxes and re-use of hollows, the proposal is consistent with these priority actions.

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

Key threatening processes that are relevant to these species are listed below, including reference to direct impacts and potential indirect impacts from key threatening processes and how each of these would be mitigated by the proposal. The main key threatening processes relevant to these species that are directly enacted by the proposal are those associated with clearance and degradation of foraging habitat. Potential indirect impacts include the introduction or spread of pathogens and weeds which may alter habitat quality, and habitat degradation from feral herbivores. It is considered unlikely that the proposal would increase the likelihood of predation on this species by feral carnivores.

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Threatening process Relevant Increased by Proposed legislation the proposal? mitigation cinnamomi

Weeds Loss and degradation of native plant and animal habitat EPBC Act Potential Section 5.2 by invasion of escaped garden plants, including aquatic plants Invasion of native plant communities by exotic perennial TSC Act Potential grasses Climate change Loss of terrestrial climatic habitat caused by EPBC Act Potential n/a anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases Anthropogenic climate change TSC Act Potential n/a

Conclusion

The proposal would result in the removal of approximately 0.55 hectares of potential foraging habitat. Similar potential habitats are extensive in the locality on private lands, conservation reserves and state forests.

Key mitigation measures to minimise and avoid biodiversity impacts include but are not limited to:

• Pre-clearing surveys. • Avoidance and minimisation of vegetation clearing, where possible. • Staged habitat removal. • Re-establishment of habitat such as nest boxes to substitute hollows, if any hollows are to be removed.

The proposed upgrade is unlikely to have a significant impact on threatened tree roosting bats listed under the TSC Act, and therefore a Species Impact Statement is not required.

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Giant Dragonfly Petalura gigantea (listed as endangered)

The Giant Dragonfly occurs in permanent swamps and bogs with some free water and vegetation. The species is unique in that its larvae are largely terrestrial, spending 10 to 30 years underground in burrows built under swamps and bogs. The adult stage is short-lived, surviving for one summer after emergence. It is known to occur in Blue Mountains National Park. Hanging swamp habitats in the corridor potentially provide suitable habitat for Giant Dragonfly and further field investigation would determine the presence of the species and/or suitable habitat attributes. In the project corridor these mostly occur in Section 1.

The species is likely to occur in suitable habitats of Hanging Swamps near Section 1 of the study area. All areas of Hanging Swamp mapped in the study area have a high proportion of indicator species for this community, including sedges, diagnostic mesic shrub species and Sphagnum Moss. These areas have a high conservation value listed under State and Commonwealth legislation and supporting habitat for threatened flora and fauna species.

No viable (Hanging Swamps) habitat for this species would be removed by the proposed works. There is a small low risk of surface water quality contamination from sediment-laden runoff during project construction. The proposed design has been positioned in such a way to avoid both direct and indirect impacts. The Hanging Swamps habitat would remain intact (not become fragmented or isolated) and therefore the proposed design would not affect the long-term survival of this species.

As there would be mitigation measures to control surface water runoff of sediment into the species habitat, the proposal is not likely to affect the life cycle of this species

(d) In relation to the habitat of a threatened species, population or ecological community:

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

• the extent to which habitat is likely to be removed or modified as a result of the action proposed, and • whether an area of habitat is likely to become fragmented or isolated from other areas of habitat as a result of the proposed action; and • the importance of the habitat to be removed, modified fragmented or isolated to the long- term survival of the species, population or ecological community in the locality,

The species is likely to occur in suitable habitats of Hanging Swamps near Section 1 of the study area. No viable habitat (Hanging Swamps) for this species would be removed by the proposed works. There is an low risk of surface water quality contamination from sediment-laden runoff during project construction. The proposed design has been positioned in such a way to avoid both direct and indirect impacts. The Hanging Swamps habitat would remain intact not become fragmented or isolated and therefore not affect the long-term survival of this species. Mitigation measures would be in place as a precaution to control surface water runoff of sediment into the species habitat.

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

Critical habitat has not been declared for this species.

(f) whether the action proposed is consistent with the objectives or actions of a recovery plan or threatened abatement plan

There is no recovery plan for this species. In NSW, the Threatened Species Priorities Action Statement lists recovery actions for all threatened species. A total of 20 recovery actions are listed for the Giant Dragonfly. Priority actions relevant to the proposal include:

• Identify and map potential habitat and undertake targeted survey to assess potential habitat for presence of dragonfly. • Maintain hydrological regimes of swamp habitats and and protect water flows and water quality. • Assess known sites for threats, monitor changes in site condition, and develop and implement strategies to address threats. • Ensure that developments upstream of swamps containing this species maintain, and if possible improve, water quality exiting the site • Develop and implement strategies to reduce impacts of urban runoff on upland swamps. Impacts include erosion and channelisation, sedimentation, changes in water quality and spread of weeds. • Undertake rehabilitation and restoration works as required on this species' habitat to repair damage such as sedimentation, erosion and channelisation, as well as weed invasion. • Assess the threat of changed hydrological regimes on the habitat of this species. Include the impacts of increasing urbanisation, groundwater extraction, longwall mining and climate change into this assessment. • Prepare and distribute identification guide for this species to assist the survey actions.

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

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

Threatening processes include roads, pollution, eutrophication and sedimentation of habitats, weed invasion, changed fire regimes, overuse of walking trails, and application of pesticides on or adjacent to swamps. Key threatening processes that are relevant to this species are listed below, including reference to direct impacts and potential indirect impacts from key threatening processes and how each of these would be mitigated by the proposed upgrade. The main key threatening processes relevant to this species that are indirectly enacted by the proposed upgrade are those associated with alteration of hydrology for wetland habitats.

Threatening process Relevant Increased Proposed legislation by the mitigation proposal? Habitat degradation Bushrock removal TSC Act Potential Section 5.2 Land clearance/Clearing of native vegetation EPBC Act, Yes TSC Act Loss of hollow-bearing trees TSC Act Potential Removal of dead wood and dead trees TSC Act Potential Feral vertebrate fauna Competition and land degradation by rabbits / Competition EPBC Act, Potential Section 5.2 and grazing by the feral European rabbit (Oryctolagus TSC Act cuniculus) Hydrology and wetland areas Alteration to the natural flow regimes of rivers and streams TSC Act Unlikely Section 5.2 and their floodplains and wetlands Pathogens Dieback caused by the root-rot fungus (Phytophthora EPBC Act, Potential Section 5.2 cinnamomi)/Infection of native plants by Phytophthora TSC Act cinnamomi Weeds Loss and degradation of native plant and animal habitat by EPBC Act Potential Section 5.2 invasion of escaped garden plants, including aquatic plants Invasion of native plant communities by exotic perennial TSC Act Potential grasses Climate change Loss of terrestrial climatic habitat caused by anthropogenic EPBC Act Potential n/a emissions of greenhouse gases Anthropogenic climate change TSC Act Potential n/a Conclusion

Mitigation measures would be in place as a precaution to control surface water runoff of sediment into the species habitat, the proposal is not likely to affect the life cycle of this species.There would be no removal (direct impact) of viable habitat for the Giant Dragonfly and no alteration (indirect impact) of the local hydrological regime. Erosion control measures would be implemented as a precaution to prevent the unlikely event of and construction site surface water from entering Giant Dragonfly habitats (Hanging Swamps).

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

C.2 Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

Temperate Highland Peat Swamps on Sandstone (listed as endangered)

Reduce the extent of an ecological community

The Temperate Highland Peat Swamps on Sandstone occur at altitudes of 500 to 950 meters and are associated with poorly drained headwaters of streams on the sandstone plateaux of the Blue Mountains region. They contain high soil moisture levels combined with high rainfall that generate slow runoff and low subsurface permeability. They support a high diversity of heath, scrub, sedge or fern plant species in open or closed structures.

Temperate Highland Peat Swamps on Sandstone communities (aka Hanging Swamps) were identified on the escarpment near section 1. These communities occur on seepage zones on steep slopes and sometimes gullies. The distribution of hanging swamps in relation to the construction footprint comprises nine small patches north and north east and near the main western railway line in section 1. There are also several areas of this community mapped outside of the study area. Some of these identified areas of this community have been mapped in regional vegetation mapping projects including Tozer et al. (2010) being identified as Blue Mountains hanging swamps (FrW130) and Douglas (2001) Blue Mountains Swamps (Map Unit 5B).

Accurate mapping of hanging swamp vegetation is problematic due to identified seepage zones being very small and patchy and occurring amongst dry forest communities. However, some areas are well defined with minimal or no tree cover and have a well-defined edge making mapping easier. Therefore in some cases the extent of the seepage area has been mapped as accurately as possible using handheld GPS receivers (five to10 metre accuracy). All areas of hanging swamp areas mapped in the study area have a high proportion of indicator species for this community, including sedges, diagnostic mesic shrub species and Sphagnum Moss. These areas have a high conservation value listed under State and Commonwealth legislation and supporting habitat for threatened flora and fauna species.

The Hanging Swamps TEC would not be directly impacted during construction and operation of the proposal within the construction footprint. Any alterations to hydrology such as lowering water table and drying up of swamps where water is diverted into creeks rather than infiltrating the soil to recharge swamps would interrupt ecosystem processes and cause species decline (NPWS 2001). There is an low risk of surface water quality contamination from sediment-laden runoff during project construction. The proposed works (Section 1) are minor and are located approximately 110 metres to the south of the swamps and are not expected to be impacted. It is vital that suitable erosion control measures be implemented and polluted surface water be prevented from entering these habitats.

There would be no removal of this community and any adverse effects on the extent or composition of Hanging Swamp habitat would be avoided. Mitigation measures would be in place as a precaution to control surface water runoff of sediment.

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Fragment or increase fragmentation of an ecological community

This community would not be directly or indirectly fragmented. The Hanging Swamps TEC would not be directly impacted during construction and operation of the proposal within the construction footprint. Any alterations to hydrology such as lowering water table and drying up of swamps where water is diverted into creeks rather than infiltrating the soil to recharge swamps would interrupt ecosystem processes and cause species decline (NPWS 2001). No viable habitat (Hanging Swamps) for this species would be removed by the proposed works. There is a low risk of surface water quality contamination from sediment-laden runoff during project construction. The proposed design has been positioned in such a way to avoid both direct and indirect impacts. The hanging swamps habitat would remain intact not become fragmented or isolated and therefore not affect the long-term survival of this species.

There would be no removal of this community. Mitigation measures would be in place as a precaution to control surface water runoff of sediment. The proposal would not affect the extent of this community and not lead to fragmentation of important habitat that may affect long term survival.

Adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of an ecological community

The Hanging Swamps TEC would not be directly impacted during construction and operation of the proposal within the construction footprint. Any alterations to hydrology such as lowering water table and drying up of swamps where water is diverted into creeks rather than infiltrating the soil to recharge swamps would interrupt ecosystem processes and cause species decline (NPWS 2001). No viable habitat (Hanging Swamps) for this species would be removed by the proposed works. There is a low risk of surface water quality contamination from sediment-laden runoff during project construction. There would not be any significant impact to the Hanging Swamps as the proposed design has been positioned in such a way to avoid both direct and indirect impacts. With appropriate mitigation measures set in place as a precaution, any unlikely impacts would be eliminated.

Modify or destroy biotic (non-living) factors (such as water, nutrients, or soil) necessary for an ecological community’s survival, including reduction of groundwater levels, or substantial alteration of surface water drainage patterns

The Hanging Swamps TEC would not be directly impacted during construction and operation of the proposal within the construction footprint. Any alterations to hydrology such as lowering water table and drying up of swamps where water is diverted into creeks rather than infiltrating the soil to recharge swamps would interrupt ecosystem processes and cause species decline (NPWS 2001). There is a low risk of surface water quality contamination from sediment-laden runoff during project construction. It is vital that suitable erosion control measures be implemented and construction surface surface water be prevented from entering these habitats. any impact to this community would result in a loss of plant species composition and a reduction of specialist habitat for threatened fauna such as the Blue Mountains Water Skink (Eulamprus leuraensis) and Red- crowned Toadlet (Pseudophryne australis) and Giant Dragonfly (Petalura gigantea). There would

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

not be any significant impact to the hanging swamps as the proposed design has been positioned in such a way to avoid both direct and indirect impacts. With appropriate mitigation measures set in place as a precaution, any unlikely impacts would be eliminated. In Section 1,the proposed works would be undertaken on the surface with only minor earthworks for small cut and fill activities on existing slopes. Construction activities would not alter the groundwater regimes throughout the study area. Surface water runoff and drainage patterns would be mitigated to prevent modification.

Cause a substantial change in the species composition of an occurrence of an ecological community, including causing a decline or loss of functionally important species, for example through regular burning or flora or fauna harvesting

The Hanging Swamps TEC would not be directly impacted during construction and operation of the proposal within the construction footprint. Any alterations to hydrology such as lowering water table and drying up of swamps where water is diverted into creeks rather than infiltrating the soil to recharge swamps would interrupt ecosystem processes and cause species decline (NPWS 2001). There is a low risk of surface water quality contamination from sediment-laden runoff during project construction. It is vital that suitable erosion control measures be implemented and construction surface water be prevented from entering these habitats. Any impact to this community would result in a loss of plant species composition and a reduction of specialist habitat for threatened fauna such as the Blue Mountains Water Skink (Eulamprus leuraensis), Red-crowned Toadlet (Pseudophryne australis) and Giant Dragonfly (Petalura gigantea).

There would not be any significant impact to the hanging swamps as the proposed design has been positioned in such a way to avoid potential direct and indirect impacts. With appropriate mitigation measures set in place as a precaution, unlikely impacts would be eliminated.

Mitigation measures would control potential surface water runoff and reduce changes to drainage patterns. There would be no effect on the species composition or a decline in functionality of the hanging swamps.

Cause a substantial reduction in the quality or integrity of an occurrence of an ecological community, including, but not limited to:

-- assisting invasive species, that are harmful to the listed ecological community, to become established, or

-- causing regular mobilisation of fertilisers, herbicides or other chemicals or pollutants into the ecological community which kill or inhibit the growth of species in the ecological community.

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

surface water be prevented from entering these habitats. any impact to this community would result in a loss of plant species composition and a reduction of specialist habitat for threatened fauna such as the Blue Mountains Water Skink (Eulamprus leuraensis), Red-crowned Toadlet (Pseudophryne australis) and Giant Dragonfly (Petalura gigantea). The potential impacts to Hanging Swamps are further reduced where the majority of proposed works in section 1 are positioned on the south side of the highway and would not affect the TEC on the northern side.

The potential for weed invasion or dieback from plant pathogens is considered to be a risk. The Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority (2008) has listed positive Phytophthora cinnamomi sites in Blackheath and Mount Victoria (also some negative sites). Appropriate controls are required to reduce this threat as it may have long term implication for the habitat of the species. The management of these threats would be managed under the guidance of a Weed Management Plan and Pest and Disease Management Plan to be prepared as part of the CEMP. Suitable protocols have been developed under the Roads and Maritime Biodiversity Guidelines (Roads and Maritime2011).

There would not be any significant impact to the hanging swamps as the proposed design has been positioned in such a way to avoid potential direct and indirect impacts. With the installation of appropriate mitigation measures, potential impacts would be eliminated.

Interfere with the recovery of an ecological community.

There would not be any significant impact to the hanging swamps as the proposed design has been positioned on the south side of the highway as to avoid potential direct and indirect impacts. With appropriate mitigation measures set in place, any potential impacts would be almost eliminated.

Conclusion

There would not be any significant impact to the hanging swamps as the proposed design (Section 1) has been positioned approximately 110 metres to the south and avoids indirect impacts of potential erosion and water quality risks entering the ecosystem. Appropriate mitigation measures are set in place as a precaution to eliminate all ecological risks.

Key mitigation measures to minimise and avoid biodiversity impacts include but are not limited to:

• Establish temporary exclusion zones where necessary to prevent access. • All standard sediment and erosion control measures for downstream water quality management would be implemented. • Develop and conduct water quality monitoring. • Management measures would be discussed with contractors during toolbox talks and inception meetings. • Management of noxious weeds during construction. • Pest and disease management during construction.

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Endangered fauna

Spotted-tailed Quoll

Lead to a long-term decrease in the size of a population

The Spotted-tailed Quoll is listed as vulnerable in NSW under the TSC Act. The current distribution of this species is the coast and ranges of eastern Australia from southern Queensland to the Victorian/ South Australian border and Tasmania. The mainland range of this species has been fragmented and significantly reduced and is now disjunct over much of its former distribution. Spotted-tailed Quolls have been reported inhabiting a wide range of habitats including rainforest, wet and dry sclerophyll forest, woodland, coastal heathland and inland riparian forest. Occasionally, the species has been recorded in rock outcrops or other treeless areas (Edgar & Belcher 1995). The species requires extensive home ranges, and is generally so confined to localities which contain extensive and continuous tree cover.

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

isolation and decreased dispersal ability. The species is known to feed on road kill on roadsides, thereby placing them at risk of vehicle strike however this would already occur on the existing highway and the proposal is not expected to further increase this risk.

Reduce the area of occupancy of a population

The proposal would involve the removal of approximately 0.55 hectares of potential habitat for prey species of the quoll. The habitat to be cleared along the roadside is considered only marginal as denning or sheltering habitat for this species due to an absence of caves and low abundance of large hollow logs.

Vegetation clearing for the proposal would result in greater distance between habitats on either side of the highway no new-edges would be created and no areas of habitat would become isolated. The proposal involves some widening of the existing highway but mostly a new clearing to accommodate the upgrade. There is currently limited connectivity under the existing highway. Improving connectivity for Spotted-tailed Quoll is likely to increase the chances of species survival in the area.

The species typically has a large home range and occupies a diversity of habitat types. It is therefore difficult to identify the area of occupancy and home range. Theoretically, quolls could occur in any of the larger forest fragments of the study area. Preferred habitat includes dry and moist sclerophyll forests and may include adjacent modified patches of forest on farmland. Suitable habitat is well represented in the larger fragments of forest in the region associated with several state forests and conservation reserves. The potential impact to habitat for prey species and life- cycle activities associated with the proposal represents a very small proportion of available habitat approximately in this locality.

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Viable local populations could be expected to occur in this region and the impacts to life-cycle activities would be temporary and only likely to affect a small number of individuals if present, given the scale of the development in relation to habitat availability in the region. The development is considered highly unlikely to lead to extinction for local populations of Spotted-tailed Quoll.

Fragment an existing population into two or more populations

An existing bridge underpass exists in Section 1 which may allow passage for this species through remnant vegetation. However, the railway line would create a barrier to connectivity through the highway. It is not likely that the Spotted-tailed Quoll would move through the urban environment in the remaining sections of the construction footprint and the proposed works would not result in any change to the existing Spotted-tailed Quoll population.

Adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of the species

Habitat critical to the survival of a species refers to areas that are necessary for activities such as:

• Foraging, breeding, roosting, or dispersal. • For the long-term maintenance of the species including the maintenance of other species essential to the survival of the species, such as pollinators. • To maintain genetic diversity and long-term evolutionary development. • For the reintroduction of populations or recovery of the species.

Some of the larger habitats are represented outside of the study area are suitable for populations of spotted-tailed quoll and may constitute habitat critical to their survival. Suitable habitat is well represented in the larger fragments of forest in the study area, particularly national parks, state forests and adjoining private properties. The construction footprint does not contain suitable hollow- bearing trees, fallen logs, small caves, rock crevices as den sites and no latrine sites were observed. Therefore it is unlikely that proposed works would not impact on habitat critical to the survival of this species. The overall reduction of potential foraging habitat is a small proportion of the available habitat in the broader landscape.

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Disrupt the breeding cycle of a population

Modify, destroy, remove, or isolate or decrease the availability or quality of habitat to the extent that the species is likely to decline

Preferred habitat includes dry and moist sclerophyll forests and may include adjacent modified patches of forest on farmland. Suitable habitat is well represented in the larger fragments of forest in the region associated with several state forests and conservation reserves. Vegetation clearing for the proposal would result in greater distance between habitats on either side of the highway no new-edges would be created and no areas of habitat would become isolated. The proposal involves some widening of the existing road but mostly a new clearing to accommodate the upgrade. There is currently limited connectivity under the existing highway. Improving connectivity for Spotted-tailed Quoll is likely to increase the chances of species survival in the area.

Habitats adjacent to the road and within the proposal footprint provide potential resources for this species in terms of an area of habitat for likely prey species and an area of potential shelter in the form of habitat hollows (logs, trees or stags), however this area of habitat is currently positioned adjacent to an existing highway which may reduce its suitability particularly when considering it is part of a large expanse of remnant habitat continuing in all directions.

The activity would not cause the isolation or fragmentation of habitat.

Result in an invasive species that are harmful to an endangered species becoming established in the endangered species habitat

The potential for weed invasion or dieback from plant pathogens is considered to be a risk. The Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority (2008) has listed positive Phytophthora cinnamomi sites in Blackheath and Mount Victoria (also some negative sites). Appropriate controls are required to reduce this threat as it may have long term implication for the habitat of the species. The management of these threats would be managed under the guidance of a Weed Management Plan to be prepared as part of the CEMP. Suitable protocols have been developed under the Roads and Maritime Biodiversity Guidelines (Roads and Maritime2011).

Introduce disease that may cause the species to decline

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

listed positive Phytophthora cinnamomi sites in Blackheath and Mount Victoria (also some negative sites). The management of these threats would be managed under the guidance of a Pest and Disease Management Plan to be prepared as part of the CEMP.

Interferes substantially with the recovery of the species

The proposal would not conflict with the recovery of this species, as it would only have an effect on a very small proportion of potential habitat and would not impact on potential breeding habitat.

Conclusion

Suitable habitat is well represented in the larger fragments of forest and woodland in the region associated with several state forests and conservation reserves. The potential impact to habitat for prey species and life-cycle activities associated with the proposal represents a very small proportion of available habitat approximately in this locality.

As such, breeding, foraging and movement life-cycle opportunities would remain in the region and likely to sustain local populations such that there is unlikely to be a significant impact on this species.

Koala (listed vulnerable under the EPBC Act)

Lead to a long-term decrease in the size of an important population

There was no Koala scats detected and no primary feed trees in suitable habitat recorded in field surveys and there is little evidence to support the presence of a local breeding population of Koalas in the study area or immediate surrounds based on the lack of preferred feed trees in the study area.

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

populations in Wollemi National Park greater than 20 kilometres to north east of the study area. Any Koala activity in the study area is considered to be very low and the survey results suggest that the habitats adjoining the proposed footprint are not likely to be used by dispersing individuals and that there is no local population within study area.

Although there are no known populations in the study area marginal foraging opportunities are available with uncommon secondary food trees such as Brittle Gum (Eucalyptus mannifera) and supplementary food trees Blanxland’s Stringybark (Eucalyptus blaxlandii). The proportion of food trees are considered to only provide tertiary habitat (DECC 2008).

Reduce the area of occupancy of an important population

Any Koala activity in the study area is considered to be very low and the survey results suggest that the habitats adjoining the proposed footprint are not likely to be used by dispersing individuals and that there is no local population within study area.

Fragment an existing important population into two or more populations

Adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of the species

There are no known populations in the study area but marginal foraging opportunities are available with uncommon secondary food trees such as Brittle Gum (Eucalyptus mannifera) and

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

supplementary food trees Blanxland’s Stringybark (Eucalyptus blaxlandii). The proportion of food trees are considered to only provide tertiary habitat (DECC 2008).

The study area is expected to have tertiary habitat for Koala where small proportions of secondary and supplementary habitat occur. However, the loss of habitat in the construction footprint is minor and would not be used as a food resource. Removal of individual listed food trees (DECC 2008) Brittle Gum (Eucalyptus mannifera) and Blanxland’s Stringybark (Eucalyptus blaxlandii) may occur within the construction footprint, but will not impact on habitat critical to the survival of the Koala.

Disrupt the breeding cycle of an important population

Given that the habitats within the proposal area have not been identified as frequently used as part of a home range territory for an individual or the local population, the proposal is not considered to disrupt the breeding cycle. No important population was identified.

Modify, destroy, remove, or isolate or decrease the availability or quality of habitat to the extent that the species is likely to decline

The study area is expected to have tertiary habitat for Koala where small proportions of secondary and supplementary habitat occur. However, the loss of habitat in the construction footprint is minor and would not be used as a food resource. Removal of individual listed food trees (DECC 2008) Brittle Gum (Eucalyptus mannifera) and Blanxland’s Stringybark (Eucalyptus blaxlandii) may occur within the construction footprint. However potential habitat is not going to be modified, destroyed removed to the extent that the species is likely to decline.

Result in invasive species that are harmful to a vulnerable species becoming established in the vulnerable species habitat

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

The management of these threats would be under the guidance of a Weed Management Plan to be prepared as part of the CEMP. Suitable protocols have been developed under the Roads and Maritime Biodiversity Guidelines (Roads and Maritime2011).

Introduce disease that may cause the species to decline

The potential for dieback from plant pathogens is considered a risk with a proposal of this nature and appropriate controls are required to reduce this threat as it may have long term implication for the habitat of the species. The Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority (2008) has listed positive Phytophthora cinnamomi sites in Blackheath and Mount Victoria (also some negative sites). The management of these threats would be managed under the guidance of a Pest and Disease Management Plan to be prepared as part of the CEMP.

Interferes substantially with the recovery of the species

The Commonwealth Government has released the National Koala Conservation Strategy 2009- 2014 which identifies the key threats to the species and outlines the actions required to stabilise the species.

The proposal would not conflict with the recovery of this species. The proposal footprint has been selected on the basis of avoiding as much habitat as possible and preserving habitat on site. The proposed activity does not conflict with the objectives of the national recovery plan for this species and aimed at facilitating the natural movements of Koalas across the proposal corridor.

Conclusion

The study area is expected to have tertiary habitat for Koala where small proportions of secondary and supplementary habitat occur.

Koala activity in the study area is considered to be very low and the survey results suggest that the habitats adjoining the proposed footprint are not likely to be used by dispersing individuals and that there is no local population within study area.

The Koala is not expected to occur in the study area and therefore the proposed works would not impose a significant impact threatening the survival of this species. The proposed upgrade would remove a relatively small area of 0.55 hectares of native vegetation which potentially contains secondary and supplementary food trees for Koalas.

Blue Mountains Water Skink (listed as endangered)

Lead to a long-term decrease in the size of an important population

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

heath and woodland landscape in the Blue Mountains. The small number and apparent isolation of populations in conjunction with the limited geographic distribution of the species render it vulnerable to habitat loss and disturbance. For example, clearing for urban development has resulted in the reduction of the area of known and potential habitat as well as the apparent extinction from areas where the species previously occurred (NSW NPWS 2002). Possible threats also include pollution and sedimentation (including stormwater runoff) alterations to hydrological regimes (through construction of roads, tracks and plantations) weed invasion, visitor disturbance (eg trail bikes and recreational vehicles) and predation by cats (NSW NPWS 2002).

The species is likely to occur in suitable habitats of Hanging Swamps near Section 1 of the study area. No viable habitat (Hanging Swamps) for this species would be removed by the proposed works. There is an low risk of surface water quality contamination from sediment-laden runoff during project construction. The proposed design has been positioned in such a way to avoid both direct and indirect impacts. The hanging swamps habitat would remain intact not become fragmented or isolated and therefore not affect the long-term survival of this species. Mitigation measures would be in place as a precaution to control surface water runoff of sediment into the species habitat.

There has not been any important population identified in the construction footprint and the proposed works would not lead to any long-term decrease.

Reduce the area of occupancy of an important population

The species is likely to occur in suitable habitats of Hanging Swamps near Section 1 of the study area. No viable habitat (Hanging Swamps) for this species would be removed by the proposed works. There is an low risk of surface water quality contamination from sediment-laden runoff during project construction. The proposed design has been positioned in such a way to avoid both direct and indirect impacts. The hanging swamps habitat would remain intact and not reduced the occupancy of any potential important population in the study area. Mitigation measures would be in place as a precaution to control surface water runoff of sediment into the species habitat.

Fragment an existing important population into two or more populations

The species is likely to occur in suitable habitats of Hanging Swamps near Section 1 of the study area. No viable habitat (Hanging Swamps) for this species would be removed by the proposed works. There is an low risk of surface water quality contamination from sediment-laden runoff during project construction. The proposed design has been positioned in such a way to avoid both direct and indirect impacts. The hanging swamps habitat would remain intact not become fragmented or isolated and therefore not affect the long-term survival of this species. Mitigation measures would be in place as a precaution to control surface water runoff of sediment into the species habitat.

Adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of the species

The species is likely to occur in suitable habitats of Hanging Swamps habitat which is considered to be critical to the survival of this species. No viable habitat (Hanging Swamps) critical for survival for

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

this species would be removed by the proposed works. There is an low risk of surface water quality contamination from sediment-laden runoff during project construction. The proposed design has been positioned in such a way to avoid both direct and indirect impacts. The hanging swamps habitat would remain intact and not affect potential important population in the study area. Mitigation measures would be in place as a precaution to control surface water runoff of sediment into the species habitat and eliminate all ecological risks. Therefore Hanging Swamp habitat critical to the survival of the Blue Mountains Skink would not be directly or indirectly impacted.

Disrupt the breeding cycle of an important population

There is little information known about the biology ad ecology of this species. The species is likely to occur in suitable habitats of Hanging Swamps near section 1 of the study area.

No viable habitat (Hanging Swamps) for this species would be removed by the proposed works. There is a low risk of surface water quality contamination from sediment-laden runoff during project construction. The proposed design has been positioned in such a way to avoid both direct and indirect impacts. The hanging swamps habitat would remain intact not become fragmented or isolated and therefore not affect the long-term survival of this species. Mitigation measures would be in place as a precaution to control surface water runoff of sediment into the species habitat.

Direct and indirect impacts would be avoided for Blue Mountains Skink known Hanging Swamp habitat and therefore the proposed works would not disrupt the breeding cycle of this species.

Modify, destroy, remove, or isolate or decrease the availability or quality of habitat to the extent that the species is likely to decline

The species is likely to occur in suitable habitats of Hanging Swamps near Section 1 of the study area. No viable habitat (Hanging Swamps) for this species would be removed by the proposed works. There is an low risk of surface water quality contamination from sediment-laden runoff during project construction. The proposed design has been positioned in such a way to avoid both direct and indirect impacts. The hanging swamps habitat would remain intact not become fragmented or isolated and therefore not affect the long-term survival of this species. Mitigation measures would be in place as a precaution to control surface water runoff of sediment into the species habitat. Habitat is not going to be modified, destroyed, and removed to the extent that the species is likely to decline.

Result in invasive species that are harmful to a vulnerable species becoming established in the vulnerable species habitat

The potential for weed invasion or dieback from plant pathogens is considered to be a risk. The Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority (2008) has listed positive Phytophthora cinnamomi sites in Blackheath and Mount Victoria (also some negative sites). Appropriate controls are required to reduce this threat as it may have long term implication for the habitat of the species. The management of these threats would be managed under the guidance of a Weed Management Plan to be prepared as part of the CEMP. Suitable protocols have been developed under the Roads and Maritime Biodiversity Guidelines (Roads and Maritime2011).

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

Introduce disease that may cause the species to decline

Interferes substantially with the recovery of the species

As there would be no removal of viable habitat and potential minor indirect impacts to the hydrological regime, the Blue Mountains Water Skink is not likely to be impacted. With erosion control measures implemented and polluted surface water prevented from entering these habitats would not inflict impacts.

Broad-headed Snake (listed as vulnerable)

Lead to a long-term decrease in the size of an important population

Records for the Broad-headed Snake occur throughout Blue Mountains National Park and Newnes State Forest, and habitat occurs in the study area near section 1 of the construction footprint. There were no observations of this snake or important populations during surveys.

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

The proposed works would remove 0.55 hectares of dry sclerophyll forest of which may be potential habitat for this snake. No important population was observed in the study area and the loss of potential habitat is not likely to affect the long term survival of this species, given the large scale of available rocky habitats surrounding the construction footprint.

Reduce the area of occupancy of an important population

The proposed works would remove 0.55 hectares of dry sclerophyll forest of which may be potential habitat for this snake. No important population was observed in the study area and the loss of potential habitat would not reduce the area of occupancy. There were no observations of this snake or important populations during surveys.

Threatening processes to this species habitat include high frequency fire, bush rock removal, loss and degradation of habitat from land clearing, water pollution and changed hydrological regimes (NSW NPWS 2001). The species is likely to occur in suitable habitats with adequate bush rock resources which may potentially occur in Hanging Swamps near Section 1 of the study area. No viable (Hanging Swamps) habitat for this species would be removed by the proposed works. There is an low risk of surface water quality contamination from sediment-laden runoff during project construction. The proposed design has been positioned in such a way to avoid both direct and indirect impacts.

There were no observations of this snake or important populations during surveys. No removal of bush rock or hanging swamps would be undertaken in the proposed works. The Broad-headed Snake is not likely to be impacted given the large scale of available habitat surrounding the construction footprint.

Fragment an existing important population into two or more populations

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

water pollution, erosion control measures would implemented and polluted surface water prevented from entering these habitats.

The proposed works would remove 0.55 hectares of moderate to high condition dry sclerophyll forest of which may be potential habitat for this snake. This habitat loss is not likely to affect the extent or fragment populations of this species and not lead to a long term decline. There is a high proportion of potential habitat surrounding the construction footprint that would remain intact.

Adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of the species

Threatening processes to this species habitat include high frequency fire, bush rock removal, loss and degradation of habitat from land clearing, water pollution and changed hydrological regimes (NSW NPWS 2001). Given the project could potentially cause changed hydrological regimes and water pollution, erosion control measures would implemented and polluted surface water prevented from entering these habitats.

No removal of bush rock or hanging swamps would be undertaken in the proposed works. There would be no removal of viable habitat and unlikely impacts to the hydrological regime, the Broad- headed Snake. With erosion control measures implemented and polluted surface water prevented from entering these habitats would not inflict impacts. Therefore, habitat critical to the survival of the Broad-headed Snake would not be impacted.

Disrupt the breeding cycle of an important population

Threatening processes to this species habitat include high frequency fire, bush rock removal, loss and degradation of habitat from land clearing, water pollution and changed hydrological regimes

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

(NSW NPWS 2001). Given the project could potentially cause changed hydrological regimes and water pollution, erosion control measures would implemented and polluted surface water prevented from entering these habitats.

The proposed works would remove 0.55 hectares of dry sclerophyll forest of which may be potential habitat for this snake. The potential habitat loss is not likely to affect the life cycle of this species, given the large scale of available habitat surrounding the construction footprint. The pproposed works would not disrupt the breeding cycle of this species.

Modify, destroy, remove, or isolate or decrease the availability or quality of habitat to the extent that the species is likely to decline

Threatening processes to this species habitat include high frequency fire, bush rock removal, loss and degradation of habitat from land clearing, water pollution and changed hydrological regimes (NSW NPWS 2001). Given the project could potentially cause changed hydrological regimes and water pollution, erosion control measures would implemented and polluted surface water prevented from entering these habitats.

No removal of bush rock or hanging swamps would be undertaken in the proposed works. There would be no removal of viable habitat and unlikely impacts to the hydrological regime, the Broad- headed Snake.With erosion control measures implemented and polluted surface water prevented from entering these habitats would not inflict impacts.

The proposed works would remove 0.55 hectares of moderate to high condition dry sclerophyll forest of which may be potential habitat for this snake. This habitat loss is not likely to affect the

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

extent or fragment populations of this species and not lead to a long term decline. There is a high proportion of potential habitat surrounding the construction footprint that would remain intact.

Habitat is not going to be modified, destroyed removed to the extent that the species is likely to decline.

Result in invasive species that are harmful to a vulnerable species becoming established in the vulnerable species habitat

The potential for weed invasion or dieback from plant pathogens is considered to be a risk. The Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority (2008) has listed positive Phytophthora cinnamomi sites in Blackheath and Mount Victoria (also some negative sites). Appropriate controls are required to reduce this threat as it may have long term implication for the habitat of the species. The management of these threats would be managed under the guidance of a Weed Management Plan to be prepared as part of the CEMP. Suitable protocols have been developed under the Roads and Maritime Biodiversity Guidelines (Roads and Maritime2011).

Introduce disease that may cause the species to decline

Interferes substantially with the recovery of the species

There is no recovery plan for this species.

As there would be no removal of viable habitat and unlikely impacts to the hydrological regime, the Broad-headed Snake. Precautionary erosion control measures implemented and construction site surface water prevented from entering these habitats would not inflict impacts.

Large-eared Pied Bat (listed as vulnerable) Lead to a long-term decrease in the size of an important population

Found mainly in areas with extensive cliffs and caves, from Rockhampton in Queensland south to Bungonia in the NSW Southern Highlands. It is generally rare with a very patchy distribution in NSW. There are scattered records from the New England Tablelands and North West Slopes (OEH 2012). Roosts in caves (near their entrances), crevices in cliffs, old mine workings and in the disused, bottle-shaped mud nests of the Fairy Martin (Petrochelidon ariel) (OEH 2012). Large- eared Pied Bats frequent low to mid-elevation dry open forest and woodland, and well-timbered areas containing gullies close to roosts. Females have been recorded raising young in maternity roosts (c. 20-40 females) from November through to January in roof domes in sandstone caves and overhangs. They remain loyal to the same cave over many years.

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

The relatively short, broad wing combined with the low weight per unit area of wing indicates manoeuvrable flight. This species probably forages for small, flying insects below the forest canopy. This species is likely to hibernate through the coolest months. It is uncertain whether mating occurs early in winter or in spring (OEH 2012).

The proposal would remove about 0.55 hectares of vegetation comprising dry open forest habitats which could potentially be used by this species for foraging. The species roosts in caves or underground mineshafts.

Potential roosting locations on man-made structures such as culverts and bridges are not expected to be impacted as part of the proposed design. No suitable structures for this species were observed in the construction footprint. Pre-clearing surveys would inspect habitat structures before altering hydrological regimes which may cause minor flooding in existing culverts.

Therefore the potential impact is represented by a loss of potential foraging habitat only and the site is not considered to represent habitat for an important population. The proposed removal of vegetation is considered a minimal loss of potential foraging habitat in the context of available habitat in the surrounding region. The proposed action would not result in a decrease in the size of an important population and would not impact on known or potential roost sites, considering the lack of evidence to indicate that an important population is resident in the locality.

Reduce the area of occupancy of an important population

The proposal would remove about 0.55 hectares of vegetation comprising dry open forest habitats potentially used by this species for foraging. This is a small percentage of the foraging habitat available throughout the distributional range of the species and there is currently no evidence to indicate that an important population is resident in the locality. The proposal is not expected to substantially impact on food resources available for local populations and would not impact on potential roosting habitat.

Fragment an existing important population into two or more populations

The proposal would not fragment an important population of the Large-eared Pied Bat.

Adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of the species

Habitat critical to the survival of a species refers to areas that are necessary for activities such as: • Foraging, breeding, roosting, or dispersal

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

• For the long-term maintenance of the species including the maintenance of other species essential to the survival of the species, such as pollinators • To maintain genetic diversity and long-term evolutionary development • For the reintroduction of populations or recovery of the species.

The proposed area of disturbance represents a very small fraction of the potential foraging habitat for the large-eared pied bat. As the species is a cave-roosting bat and there are no caves in the study area, there would be no impact on potential roosting habitat.

Disrupt the breeding cycle of an important population No evidence of a roosting colony of the large-eared pied bat occurs in proximity to the study area and the proposal would not impact on breeding cycles or potential breeding habitat.

Modify, destroy, remove, or isolate or decrease the availability or quality of habitat to the extent that the species is likely to decline The proposal would remove about 0.55 hectares of vegetation comprising dry open forest habitats potentially used by this species for foraging. This is a small percentage of the foraging habitat available throughout the distributional range of the species and there is currently no evidence to indicate that an important population is resident in the locality. The proposal is not expected to substantially impact on food resources available for local populations and would not impact on potential roosting habitat. There would be a decrease in the availability of habitat in the region however this decrease represents a very small fraction of the potential foraging habitat for the species in the locality.

Result in invasive species that are harmful to a vulnerable species becoming established in the vulnerable species habitat Weed species are prevalent in disturbed habitats of the study area including roadside environments and cleared paddocks, which could potentially modify the habitat suitability for the species. A weed management plan would be developed as part of the CEMP and is outlined in Chapter 5.

Introduce disease that may cause the species to decline Disease has not been identified as a direct threat to the species. There is potential for indirect impacts from introduction of disease (such as Phytophthora cinnamomi and exotic rust fungi) to alter habitat attributes for the species and potentially cause the species to decline. The Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority (2008) has listed positive Phytophthora cinnamomi sites in Blackheath and Mount Victoria.

Detailed prevention methods are provided in the Roads and Maritime Biodiversity Guidelines – Guide 7 Pathogen Management (RTA 2011). These include: vehicle and boot wash down facilities and ensuring vehicles and footwear is free of soil before entering or exiting the site raising awareness about the risk of spreading pathogens and the mitigation measures required on site through regular communication to staff and contractors during inductions and toolbox talks construction works would be programmed to move from uninfected areas to any known infected

Mount Victoria Village Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

areas; restrict vehicles to designated tracks, trails and parking areas and implementation of these pathogen management measures throughout the entire construction period.

Interferes substantially with the recovery of the species The proposal would not conflict with the recovery of Large-eared Pied Bat.

Conclusion

Considering the small area of foraging habitat that would be removed relative to the extent of similar habitats there would not be a significant impact to the life/breeding cycle of this species and would not affect retained potential foraging habitat.