ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT 173‐215 Paradise Road & 204 Learoyd Rd, Willawong

Client: Uniland Pty Ltd

Ref: S50033ER001 Ecological Assessment

Date: 19th of August, 2015 Table of Contents

ABBREVIATIONS ...... ii

1.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 1

1.1 Site Description ...... 1

1.2 Review of Historical Aerial Photography .... 4

1.3 Proposed Development ...... 4

2.0 METHODOLOGY ...... 6

2.1 Proposed Vegetation Survey Methodology10

3.0 ECOLOGICAL FEATURES ...... 11

3.1 Geology and Topography ...... 11

3.2 Flora ...... 12

3.3 Fauna ...... 29

3.4 Threatened Species ...... 32

3.5 Significant Flora Species ...... 32

3.6 Significant Fauna Species ...... 35

3.7 Pests Plants ...... 49

3.8 Pest Animals ...... 52

4.0 ECOLOGICAL FUNCTION ...... 53

4.1 Local Site Habitat Values ...... 53

4.2 Regional Functionality and Corridor Connectivity 56

4.3 Water Quality Buffering ...... 59

4.4 Oxley Creek Impoundment Erosion ...... 59

5.0 LEGISLATIVE AND PLANNING OVERVIEW . 60

5.1 International Agreements ...... 60 5.2 Federal legislation ...... 61

5.3 State legislation ...... 62

5.4 Local Legislation ...... 69

6.0 POTENTIAL IMPACTS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 75

7.0 DISCUSSIONS AND CONCLUSIONS ...... 81

8.0 REFERENCES ...... 83

Figures – Place Design Group RoL Plan (Drawing number 1115014_07 Rev C, 3rd August, 2015) Appendix A – EPBC Protected Matters Search Appendix B – Wildlife Online Search (DEHP) Appendix C – State Government Matters Appendix D – Local Government Matters Appendix E – Floristic Inventory Appendix F – Fauna Inventory

Quality Control

Prepared for: Uniland Pty Ltd Prepared by: S5 Consulting Pty Ltd (ACN 600 187 844) PO Box 602 Lutwyche, QLD, 4030 T 0481 367 555 www.s5consulting.com.au Date: 19/08/15

Version Description Date Author Verifier Approver 01 DRAFT 06/08/2015 Rikki Pieters Mary Timms Rob Siddle 02 FINAL 19/08/2015 Rikki Pieters Mary Timms Rob Siddle

S5 Consulting Pty Ltd has prepared this document for the sole use of the Client and for a specific purpose, each as expressly stated in the document. No other party should rely on this document without the prior written consent of S5 Consulting Pty Ltd. These materials or parts of them may not be reproduced in any form, by any method, for any purpose except with written permission from S5 Consulting Pty Ltd. Subject to these conditions, this document may be transmitted, reproduced or disseminated only in its entirety.

ABBREVIATIONS

AHD Australian Height Datum BAL Bushfire Attack Level BCC Brisbane City Council BONN Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals 1991 (or the BONN Convention) CAMBA China/Australia Migratory Bird Agreement 1988 CBD Central Business District CE Critically Endangered Cwlth Commonwealth DAF Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (Qld) DBH Diameter at Breast Height DE Department of the Environment (Cwlth) DEHP Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (Qld) DIP Department of Infrastructure and Planning (Qld) DNRM Department of Natural Resources and Mines (Qld) Draft Koala SPRP Draft South East Queensland Koala State Regulatory Planning Provisions DSDLGP Department of State Development, Local Government and Planning (Qld) E Endangered EC Emerging Community EPA Environmental Protection Agency EPBC Act Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth) ESD Ecologically Sustainable Development EVNT Endangered, Vulnerable and Near Threatened FMP Fauna Management Plan ha Hectares HES High Ecological Significance IPA Integrated Planning Act 1997 IPR Integrated Planning Regulation 1998 IR Information Request JAMBA Japan/Australia Migratory Bird Agreement 1981 KADA Koala Assessable Development Area Koala SPRP South East Queensland Koala Conservation State Planning Regulatory Provisions KCA Koala Conservation Area KSA Koala Sustainability Area LGA Local Government Area M Migratory MLES Matters of Local Environmental Significance MNES Matters of National Environmental Significance MSES Matters of State Environmental Significance NALL Natural Assets Local Law 2003 NAPSP Natural Assets Planning Scheme Policy NC Act Nature Conservation Act 1992 (Qld) NT Near Threatened PMAV Property Map of Assessable Vegetation

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

QPWS Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service RoL Reconfiguration of a Lot RE Regional Ecosystem RMP Rehabilitation Management Plan ROKAMBA Republic of Korea Migratory Bird Agreement 2007 RU Rural QH Queensland Herbarium QLD Queensland SARA State Assessment and Referral Agency (Qld) SDAP State Development Assessment Provisions SL Special Least Concern SLT Significant Landscape Tree SNV Significant Native Vegetation SPA Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (Qld) SPP State Planning Policy SPR Sustainable Planning Regulation 2009 (Qld) SPRP State Planning Regulatory Provisions TPZ Tree Protection Zone TRP Tree Retention Plan UKA Urban Koala Management Area V Vulnerable VC Vegetation Community VMA Vegetation Management Act 1999 (Qld) VMP Vegetation Management Plan WoNS Weeds of National Significance

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

1.0 INTRODUCTION

S5 Environmental as the Environment Services arm of S5 Consulting Pty Ltd was commissioned by Uniland Pty Ltd to conduct a detailed Ecological Assessment for the proposed development at 173-215 Paradise Road and 204 Learoyd Road, Willawong over 15 subject lots being Lots 1 and 2 on RP87500, Lots 5 - 10 and Lots 12 – 17 on RP75165 and Lot 18 on RP69231. The site has a total area of 54.11 hectares (ha) and will be herein referred to as the ‘Site’. This Ecological Assessment has been compiled as environmental supporting documentation for the Development Application over the Site.

It is understood by S5 Environmental that the current proposal is for a Reconfiguration of a Lot (RoL) to accommodate a 324 lot subdivision with open space and parkland. The proposed subdivision lot boundaries are shown on the Place Design Group RoL Plan (Drawing number 1115014_07 Rev C dated 3rd of August, 2015) attached in the Figures Section of this report. The Development Application was lodged with Brisbane City Council (BCC) on 23rd of December 2008 and was ‘properly’ made on 4th of March 2009 (Reference No: A002229617). BCC issued its Acknowledgement Notice on 19th March 2009 and subsequently an amended Acknowledgement Notice was issued on 5th of May 2009. An Information Request (IR) was received on 30th of March 2009. The Development Application has been in an extended information request period since 2009.

The purpose of this report is to provide:  A description of the ecological condition and values of the Site;  Investigate the presence and/or absence of Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NC Act) and Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) listed species and ecological corridor connectivity across the site and regional surrounds; and  Identify the conservation planning constraints which apply and the measures which should be implemented in order to mitigate any adverse impacts of the proposed development (refer to Section 6.0).

1.1 Site Description The Site is located in the suburb of Willawong, which is within the Local Government Area of Brisbane City and is approximately 17 kilometres (km) to the south of the Brisbane CBD. Willawong is predominately comprised of detached residential dwellings, rural residential allotments and several large parcels of land historically used for agriculture and extractive industries. Land directly to the east of the Site and also fronting Paradise Road maintains a Light Industrial designation and is comprised of various associated uses.

The BCC Willawong Waste Transfer Station is located approximately 1.5 km to the west of the Site and the Sydney-Brisbane Rail Corridor is located approximately 500 m to the west of the property. Other nearby amenities include schools, commercial outlets, parks and recreational facilities and transport and infrastructure corridors.

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

The Site is bound to the east by Paradise Road; to the north by Learoyd Road and by greenfield areas associated with Oxley Wedge1 to the south and west. The Site is located in the easternmost corner of the Oxley Wedge and is surrounded by industrial and residential activities. Primary road frontage is to Paradise Road, with secondary road frontage provided from Learoyd Road. Historical uses of the Site include low intensity agriculture as well as a period of extensive sand mining which occurred between the early 1950s to the mid-1970s. A series of water bodies located in the western and southern portions of the Site are remnant indicators of former sand extraction in this area of the Site. The thirteen smaller parcels have previously been used for larger residential lots. The Site location and surrounding features are shown on Figure 1 – Subject Site and Locality Plan below.

The Site currently contains a single residential dwelling situated on Lot 2 on RP87500 and a single residential dwelling situated on Lot 18 on RP69231.

The majority of the Site is vegetated with the exception of the waterbodies2 associated with Oxley Creek, cleared areas surrounding the existing two residences and portions within the northern and southern sections of the Site. The vegetation communities on-Site are broadly described as regrowth vegetation, exotic grassland and mixed complex woodland to open forest. Evidence of gross clearing and under-scrubbing is evident across the greater balance of the Site, particularly in the eastern sector where regrowth areas have re-established. Large mature eucalypts have been retained and are scattered throughout the Site, predominately in areas associated with Oxley Creek and an area located within the north-eastern corner of the Site. Overall however, the Site is characteristic of an area which has experienced significant disturbance. In the main, vegetation structures lack complexity and there is evidence of significant and wide spread weed infestation across the Site.

The floristics of the Site is further described in Section 3.2.

1 Oxley Wedge – areas of vegetation associated with rural, industrial and residential development along Oxley Creek, north of the Logan Motorway.

2 The terms “waterbodies” and “artificial wetlands” are used synonymously throughout this report.

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

Legend Site Boundary Digital Cadastral Database

Figure 1 Subject Site and Locality Plan Proposed Residential Development Paradise Road, Willawong Uniland Pty Ltd C/- The Place Design Group Job Number: S50033; Scale: varies D:\S5 Consulting Server\S5 Projects\S5 Projects\S50033 Paradise Road Willawong\04 Drawings\PDF\Figure1 Author: MT; Date: 30 July 2015 Data: Digital Cadastral Database (c) - State of Qld, Aerial (c) - Goggle Earth Pro. 2015 CRS: MGA94 Z56 This plan may only be relied upon in relation to the project and purpose for which it was commissioned. 4

1.2 Review of Historical Aerial Photography The earliest available aerial photography was taken in 1944 (Figure 2), which indicated the Site remained well vegetated, however a small area in the south of the Site adjoining Paradise Road appears to have been cleared of native vegetation cover. In the period between 1944 and 1951 further clearing has occurred in the north of the Site adjoining Learoyd Road. There has been very little retention of native woody vegetation within these cleared areas. The 1964 photograph indicates that the areas adjacent to Learoyd and Paradise Roads have undergone subdivision to create rural residential lots. Further broad scale clearing has occurred in the south of Site and there is evidence of sand mining activities within the Oxley Creek area which bounds the Site to the west. A large area of vegetation located south of the rural residential lots adjoining Learoyd Road has remained intact during this decade.

Over the next two decades extensive clearing for sand mining activities has occurred. It is evident from the 1982 aerial that the north western areas of Oxley Creek have been subject to sand and gravel extraction techniques which rendered this area void of any vegetation. The southern lot adjoining Oxley Creek has been for the most part, cleared of its native woody vegetation, however areas adjoining Oxley Creek appear to have retained some vegetation. The majority of the areas which remained intact (as noted within the 1964 aerial) seem to have suffered small areas of incursion for mining activities and selective thinning.

The 2002 aerial photograph reveals extensive clearing of vegetation within the entirety of Oxley Creek. The majority of the low lying areas have been subject to complete clearing as a result of the mining processes. It is noted that areas in the north of the Site still remain somewhat intact or have been allowed to regenerate with native woody vegetation. The Google Earth 2008 image indicates regeneration of vegetation across the majority of the Site apart from the areas associated with sand mining. These areas have caused impoundments and hold water along Oxley Creek. The most recent 2015 Google Earth image confirms regeneration has continued to occur across the entire Site. Vegetative cover has been reinstated around the majority of the sand mining impoundments, masking signs of previous scarring.

1.3 Proposed Development It is understood by S5 Environmental at the time of writing this assessment, that the project involves a Development Application for a RoL to accommodate a 329 lot subdivision with substantial open space and parkland. The proposal currently incorporates dual road access from Paradise Road and Learoyd Road. The Lots range from 315m2 to >600m2 in area as indicated on the RoL Plan (refer to the Figures Section). A number of internal access roads are proposed throughout the Site including an esplanade road along the western boundary of the developable area.

A linear strip of open space (1.43 ha) is to be provided above the Q100 line and will parallel the entire length of the western and southern boundaries of the proposed subdivision. Five (5) parks will be incorporated within the development. An extensive area of low lying, flood prone land (28.87 ha) which has been previously disturbed by sand and gravel extraction will be progressively rehabilitated as an offset to mitigate the loss of vegetation within the development footprint. S5 Environmental understand that as part of the proposal this 28.87 ha will be transferred to BCC. Whilst the proposed development will result in the removal of areas of native regrowth or exotic vegetation, loss will be adequately compensated by improved management of the vegetation bordering Oxley Creek, improved stormwater treatment and resultant water quality, the rehabilitation of the floodplain and the provision of ecologically suitable planting throughout the development.

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

2.0 METHODOLOGY

The intent of this report is to provide an informed assessment of the environmental and ecological values that are present and likely to be present on the Site. This report also provides an assessment of the Site’s habitat and biodiversity values and ecological functionality.

A detailed site inspection was conducted by three S5 Environmental team members (Senior Botanist, Senior Zoologist and Environmental Planner) from Monday the 9th to Friday 13th February, 2015. The weather during the survey period was mostly fine with some showers (25.8 mm total during survey). Temperatures ranged from a minimum of 19.6° to a maximum of 30.3°C (BoM, 2015). For the ecological assessment, the ‘random meander’ technique (Cropper, 1993) was used to traverse the Site. The ecological intactness of land neighbouring the Site was broadly investigated as part of the assessment.

A measured walkover of the entire Site area was achieved. Flora and fauna species were recorded as they were encountered. Vegetation communities were inspected in order to assess their structure, dominance, associations and function. The structure, health and integrity of the ecosystems within the Site was also assessed and documented.

The Site fauna survey included trapping and observational techniques including the following:

 Elliott trapping - 20 Elliott A traps located 10 m apart along a single transect at each site. Traps baited with peanut butter, oats and honey mixture;

 Pitfall/funnel trapping - A pitfall line at each site comprising 3 x 20 litre pitfall buckets, 30 m fence and 4 x funnel traps paired at each end of fence line;

 Diurnal bird census comprising 20 minute bird surveys at each trap site and opportunistically throughout the Site and immediate surrounds. Birds identified by direct observation and/or by call;

 Rapid habitat value assessment for fauna including evaluation of the presence of features likely to improve value for fauna. This includes features such as tree hollows (shelter/breeding habitat for birds, microbats and arboreal mammals), rocks and fallen woody debris (shelter for small mammals, reptiles and frogs), complex vegetation strata, landuse impacts (weed invasion, presence of livestock) and presence of water;

 Diurnal herpetofauna (i.e. reptiles and frogs) searches including under fallen woody debris, rocks and bark, underneath standing bark, under man-made debris (such as corrugated iron) and under leaf litter. Given time constraints this survey method was ongoing throughout on-Site surveys;

 Anabat microbat echolocation call recording at suitable sites (flyways, waterbodies);

 Targeted searches for Koala and specific signs of presence (i.e. tree scratches and scats); and

 Incidental (opportunistic) records were ongoing throughout the survey period.

Surveys across the Site focused on species listed as conservation significant under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NC Act) and/or Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) including bird species listed as Migratory, however all fauna species encountered were recorded. A full fauna species list of those encountered during this survey is located in Appendix F.

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

The survey was carried out under CDM Smith’s Scientific Purposes Permit (no. WISP12352813) and Animal Ethics Committee Permit (no. CA2013/01/659).

A total of three survey sites were established for terrestrial fauna sampling. Survey sites were selected based on the integrity of the habitat to support local fauna species. Descriptions of the three fauna trapping sites are provided in Table 1 and locations of survey sites (including anabat recording sites) are depicted in Figure 3.

Table 1: Description of Fauna Trapping Sites

Trap Habitat description Representative photograph site T1 Trap line located adjacent to shallow vegetated drainage line. Standing water present. Riparian vegetation of variable width (but less than 15 m) with some native eucalypt and acacias present. Lantana (Lantana camara) dominant in understorey and Camphor Laurel (Cinnamomum camphora) present. Dense grassy layer where cleared.

T2 Trap line located in low closed canopy forest dominated by Black She- oak (Allocasuarina littoralis) with some emergent eucalypt species. Dense litter layer present with some fallen timber on ground.

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

Trap Habitat description Representative photograph site T3 Trap line located in tall open forest at bottom of slope with a variety of eucalypt species present. Lower storey dominated by patchily dense layer of Lantana (Lantana camara). Patchy leaf litter and fallen timber on ground with native grasses present.

Aerial photography was utilised to discern potential wildlife movement corridors and regional ecological function of the locality. Desktop searches, as described in Section 5.0, were reviewed prior to the field assessment in order to inform a targeted search for threatened species and ecological communities with the potential to occur on the Site.

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

Legend Site Boundary Digital Cadastral Database Fauna Survey Site

ABBREVIATIONS AB Anabat TR Fauna Trap

Figure 3 Fauna Survey Sites Proposed Residential Development Paradise Road, Willawong Uniland Pty Ltd C/- The Place Design Group Job Number: S50033; Scale: 1:8500 @ A4 D:\S5 Consulting Server\S5 Projects\S5 Projects\S50033 Paradise Road Willawong\04 Drawings\PDF\Figure3 Author: MT; Date: 30 July 2015 Data: Digital Cadastral Database (c) - State of Qld, Aerial (c) - Goggle Earth Pro. 2015 100 0 100 200 300 m CRS: MGA94 Z56 This plan may only be relied upon in relation to the project and purpose for which it was commissioned. 10

2.1 Proposed Vegetation Survey Methodology Due to the size of the Site and development area, S5 Environmental do not see the value of surveying the vegetation on the Site in entirety. S5 Environmental thus nominate vegetation community data would be more valuable information.

S5 Environmental propose that the quadrat/plot survey methodology as described in the Queensland Herbarium publication, Methodology for Survey and Mapping of Regional Ecosystems and Vegetation Communities in Queensland (Nelder et al, 2012) be adopted for the purposes of this assessment. This methodology uses a 10m x 50 m plot size (500m2) and states, “This plot size is widely accepted internationally and is often used in surveys in Australia….It is time-efficient as it requires only a single 50 m tape to be placed along the centre line. Individual woody plants within 5 m of either side of the tape area generally apparent and easily measured.”

Therefore, S5 Environmental propose to survey the vegetation communities (as described in Section 3.2) using the quadrat method. Allocation of quadrats will be proportional to the area of each vegetation community. Quadrats will be predetermined and located along visible contours. Sites may alter due to site conditions and disturbance areas.

In addition, S5 Environmental propose the interface of the development and the areas to be retained are formally surveyed and tree data collected as per the methodology described in Schedule 6.3 of BCC’s Biodiversity Areas Planning Scheme Policy. A Vegetation Management Plan (VMP) will be prepared and will highlight the interface corridor (10 m wide).

S5 Environmental requests the abovementioned vegetation survey methodology is approved and confirmation received from Council prior to proceeding with the survey.

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

3.0 ECOLOGICAL FEATURES

For ease of reference, where the common name of a flora or fauna species has been used for the first time in this report, the scientific name using Binomial Nomenclature will follow once, italicised in brackets. If that species name is used again in the text, only the common name will be used. A series of site photographs have been provided in Section 3.2 of this report.

3.1 Geology and Topography The overall topography of the Site reveals a moderate to gentle slope from the northern boundary to the south and west into Oxley Creek. The elevation of the Site ranges from approximately 10 m Australian Height Datum (AHD) to 42 m AHD. The more densely north-eastern vegetated sector contains small areas of slopes that are greater than 15%. The western sector is dominated by constructed impoundments and relatively flat terrestrial topography.

The underlying geology in the northern portion of the Site (indicated in yellow in Figure 4 below) is Tertiary Age comprising lacustrine and fluviatile lithic labile sandstone, mudstone, siltstone, shale, minor conglomerate; lateritised, also known as the Darra Formation. The eastern portion of the Site (indicated in blue in Figure 4 below) is Holocene Age comprising second river terrace; sand, silt, clay gravel also known as the Qha/ 2-9543 Formation. The southern portion of the Site (indicated in cream in Figure 4 below) is the Holocene Age comprising lowest river terrace; gravel, sand, silt, clay also known as Qha/1-9543 Formation (DEEDI, 2011).

Figure 4: Site Geology

Source: DEEDI, 2011

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

3.2 Flora The Site’s vegetation communities are broadly described as wattle regrowth, mixed complex sclerophyllous woodland to open forest, pastoral expanse, moist grasslands and Stillwater vegetation on deeply weathered and alluvial sandy loams to clays.

The Site is comprised of two main lots which have undergone gross disturbance due to sandmining and associated earthworks. The western sector has seen the retention of greater than 45% of its mature extant native vegetation along the western side of the creek line.

Conversely, the eastern sector has undergone gross clearing and under-scrubbing within the greater balance of the Site. A large area of regrowth vegetation has re-established itself within the property and is dominated by Black She-oak (Allocasuarina littoralis) and Red Ash (Alphitonia excelsa). Large mature eucalypts have been retained throughout the Site and particularly in the riparian areas associated with Oxley Creek which are densely vegetated.

Within defined ornamental garden areas a floristic inventory of the gardens immediately associated with the residences was not conducted. Although cursory reconnaissance for planted threatened, cultivated flora was performed. Fourteen (14) vegetation communities (VC) have been identified on the Site. Detailed structural composition of the extant native vegetation communities are provided below.

Descriptions of Vegetation Communities across the Site are detailed below and the locations of these communities are indicated in Figure 5. A full floristic inventory is provided in Appendix E.

VC1 – Eucalypt Open Forest with Shrubby Understorey

Description Land zone3 5 - this community is situated upon Tertiary duricrust in the central portion of the Site. It occupies a ridge that falls to the south with a gentle slope (approximately 5 degrees) and its western slopes which have a slope of 10-15º. The soil is brown clay loam.

VC Structure The canopy (T1) layer (16-24m) is very sparse and dominated by Northern Grey Ironbark (Eucalyptus siderophloia) with associated Lemon-scented Gum (Corymbia citriodora subsp. variegata), Pink Bloodwood (Corymbia intermedia) and Grey Gum (Eucalyptus propinqua). Sub-dominant species comprise Smooth-barked Apple (Angophora leiocarpa), Forest Red Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis) and Narrow-leafed Red Gum (Eucalyptus seeana). Some scattered emergent Silky Oak (Grevillea robusta) are present.

The sub-canopy (T2) layer (8-14m) is very sparse with co-dominant species being juvenile T1 species, Early Black Wattle (Acacia leiocalyx), Willow Bottlebrush (Melaleuca salicina) and Black She-oak.

3 Land zones are categories that describe the major geologies and associated landforms and geomorphic processes of the State of Queensland (Wilson and Taylor, 2012).

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

The upper shrub (S1) layer (3-8m) is of medium density with co-dominant species Hickory Wattle (Acacia disparrima) and Black Wattle (Acacia concurrens). Associated species include Early Black Wattle, Willow Bottlebrush, Black She-oak with sub-dominant Red Ash.

The lower shrub (S2) layer (1-3m) is very sparse and co-dominated by Rice Flower (Ozothamnus diosmifolius), Coffee Bush (Breynia oblongifolia) and Lantana (Lantana camara*4). A small clump of Johnson’s Grass Trees (Xanthorrhoea johnsonii) occurs on the upper embankment adjacent to the lower access track.

Ground stratum (0-0.5m) is sparse and co-dominated by Spiny-head Mat-rush (Lomandra longifolia), Many- flowered Mat-rush (Lomandra multiflora), Threeawn Speargrass (Aristida vagans), Barbed Wire Grass (Cymbopogon refractus) with sub-dominant Brown’s Lovegrass (Eragrostis brownii).

Ecological Notes The condition of VC1 is fair. The canopy is fragmented and the ground stratum is patchily invaded by exotic species. Most trees are too immature to bear hollows and there is little fallen timber. A large Narrow-leafed Red Gum located adjacent to the riparian corridor of VC6 is a significant exception. With a diameter at breast height (DBH) greater than 1500mm, it contains multiple hollows and hosts a Black Orchid (Cymbidium canaliculatum). Lantana is not preventing regeneration of the upper structural layers for this community.

Threatened and Significant Species With reference to NC Act and the EPBC Act, no species of conservation significance were recorded from this vegetation type.

Eucalyptus seeana is a species of city wide significance in Brisbane City.

Weed Status Weeds of concern include Lantana, Asparagus spp., Groundsel Bush (Baccharis halimifolia*) and Ochna (Ochna serrulata). An infestation of Glycine (Neonotonia wightii*) and Siratro (Macroptilium atropurpureum*) occurs on the embankment adjacent to the riparian open forest to the south. A small number of Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana*) clumps are also present. Groundsel Bush is a Class 2 pest and Lantana and Asparagus spp. are Class 3 pests under Queensland’s Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002.

Management Status This vegetation is not analogous with any Endangered Ecological Community listed under the EPBC Act.

With reference to Queensland’s Vegetation Management Act 1999 (VMA), the species composition of this community is analogous with RE 12.5.7 (Corymbia citriodora subsp. variegata +/- Eucalyptus portuensis or E. acmenoides, E. fibrosa subsp. fibrosa open forest on remnant Tertiary surfaces. Usually deep red soils). Currently this community has a VMA class of “Least Concern”, however it does not meet the structural requirements to be deemed remnant and is appropriately omitted from the Department of Natural Resources and Mines (DNRM) Regulated Vegetation Mapping.

The VC1 eucalypt open forest with shrubby understorey is represented in Photo Plate 1 below.

4 * indicates exotic or not locally native species.

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

VC2 – Eucalypt Open Forest with Grassy Understorey

Description Land zone 5 - this community is situated upon Tertiary duricrust in the north-eastern portion of the Site. It occurs on a moderate slope (5-10º) that falls to the west. The soil is brown clay loam.

VC Structure T1 (6-22m) is sparse and co-dominated by Northern Grey Ironbark and Lemon-scented Gum. Associated species include Pink Bloodwood and Grey Gum. Sub-dominant species comprise Smooth-barked Apple and Narrow- leafed Red Gum.

T2 is absent.

S1 (2-6m) is sparse with co-dominant Black Wattle and associated Early Black Wattle, Willow Bottlebrush, Black She-oak and Fringed Wattle (Acacia fimbriata). Sub-dominant species include Red Ash and Prickly-leaved Paperbark (Melaleuca nodosa).

S2 (1-2m) is sparse and co-dominated by Rice Flower, Coffee Bush and Lantana.

Ground stratum (0-0.5m) is sparse and co-dominated by Threeawn Speargrass and Barbed Wire Grass with associated Rough Saw-sedge (Gahnia aspera) and Wiry Panic (Entolasia stricta). Sub-dominant species include Blady Grass (Imperata cylindrica), Dark Wiregrass (Aristida calycina), Scented-top Grass (Capillipedium spicigerum), Brown’s Lovegrass, Poverty Grass (Eremochloa bimaculata), Hairy Panic (Panicum effusum) and Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra).

Ecological Notes The condition of VC2 is fair. The canopy is relatively intact and the ground stratum exhibits very little invasion by exotic species except on the lowest slopes, in gully lines and along some edges. There are occasional hollow bearing trees and fallen timber.

Threatened and Significant Species With reference to NC Act and the EPBC Act, no species of conservation significance were recorded from this vegetation type.

Eucalyptus seeana is a species of city wide significance in Brisbane City.

Weed Status Weeds of concern include Lantana, Asparagus spp. and Ochna. Lantana and Asparagus spp. are Class 3 pests under Queensland’s Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002.

Management Status This vegetation is not analogous with any Endangered Ecological Community listed under the EPBC Act.

With reference to the VMA, the species composition of this community is analogous with RE 12.5.7 (Corymbia citriodora subsp. variegata +/- Eucalyptus portuensis or E. acmenoides, E. fibrosa subsp. fibrosa open forest on remnant Tertiary surfaces. Usually deep red soils). Currently this community has a VMA class of “Least Concern”, however it does not meet the structural requirements to be deemed remnant and is appropriately omitted from the DNRM Regulated Vegetation Mapping.

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

The VC2 eucalypt open forest with grassy understorey is represented in Photo Plate 2 below.

VC3 – Eucalypt Woodland with Shrubby Understorey

Description Land zone 5 - this community is situated upon Tertiary duricrust in the central eastern portion of the Site. It occurs on a slope that falls to the south-east with a gradient of 5-10º. The soil is brown clay loam.

VC Structure T1 (12-22m) is very sparse and co-dominated by Northern Grey Ironbark and Lemon-scented Gum. Associated species include Pink Bloodwood and Grey Gum. Sub-dominant species comprise Smooth-barked Apple and Narrow-leafed Red Gum.

T2 (6-12m) is very sparse with co-dominant species being juvenile T1 species, Early Black Wattle, Black She-oak and Brush Box (Lophostemon confertus).

S1 (2-6m) is sparse with co-dominant Black Wattle and associated Early Black Wattle, Willow Bottlebrush and Black She-oak. Sub-dominant species include Red Ash and juvenile T1 species.

S2 (1-2m) is sparse and co-dominated by Rice Flower, Coffee Bush and Lantana.

Ground stratum (0-0.5m) is sparse and co-dominated by Spiny-head Mat-rush, Many-flowered Mat-rush, Threeawn Speargrass and Barbed Wire Grass. Associated species include Rough Saw-sedge and Wiry Panic.

Ecological Notes The condition of VC3 is poor. This community has experienced past thinning of canopy trees and significant clearing of understorey vegetation.

Threatened and Significant Species With reference to NC Act and the EPBC Act, no species of conservation significance were recorded from this vegetation type.

Eucalyptus seeana is a species of city wide significance in Brisbane City.

Weed Status Weeds of concern include Lantana, Asparagus spp. and Ochna. Lantana and Asparagus spp. are Class 3 pests under Queensland’s Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002.

Management Status This vegetation is not analogous with any Endangered Ecological Community listed under the EPBC Act.

The VC3 eucalypt woodland with shrubby understorey is represented in Photo Plate 3 below.

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

VC4 – Gum-topped Box Open Forest

Description Land zone 5 - this community is situated upon Tertiary duricrust in the north-eastern portion of the Site. It occupies a moderate south-west slope (10-15º) which is incised by several gullies. The soil is brown clay loam.

VC Structure T1 (18-22m) is sparse and is dominated by Gum-topped Box (Eucalyptus moluccana) with associated Northern Grey Ironbark and Smooth-barked Apple.

T2 (12-14m) is very sparse and dominated by Red Ash.

S1 and S2 (4-6m) layers are sparse with regrowth T1 trees.

The ground layer (0-0.5m) is dense and co-dominated by Lantana, Guinea Grass (Megathyrsus maximus*) and Creeping Lantana (Lantana montevidensis*). Associated species include Rough Saw-sedge, Blady Grass, Kangaroo Grass, Creeping Woodsorrel (Oxalis corniculata*) and Wattle Mat-rush (Lomandra filiformis). Sub- dominant species Emilia (Emilia sonchifolia*), Stinking Passionflower (Passiflora foetida*), Corky Passionflower (Passiflora suberosa*), Basket Asparagus (Asparagus aethiopicus*), Purpletop (Verbena incompta*) and Blue Billygoat Weed (Ageratum houstonianum*).

Ecological Notes The condition of VC4 is fair. Lantana is dense in patches and a linear clearing dominated by exotic grasses bisects this community. There are occasional hollow bearing trees and fallen timber. The ground layer is littered with an abundance of Gum-topped Box shards.

Threatened and Significant Species With reference to NC Act and the EPBC Act, no species of conservation significance were recorded from this vegetation type.

Weed Status Weeds of concern include Lantana, Creeping Lantana, Asparagus spp., Corky Passionflower, Brazilian Nightshade (Solanum seaforthianum*), Ochna, Mother-of-Millions (Bryophyllum delagoense*) and Cat’s Claw Creeper (Macfadyena unguis-cati*). Lantana, Asparagus spp. and Cat’s Claw Creeper are Class 3 pests under Queensland’s Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002.

Management Status This vegetation is not analogous with any Endangered Ecological Community listed under the EPBC Act.

With reference to the VMA, the species composition of this community is analogous with RE 12.5.7a (Corymbia citriodora subsp. variegata +/- Eucalyptus portuensis +/- Lophostemon spp., C. intermedia, E. moluccana (lower slopes), E. crebra, E. exserta woodland. Occurs on coastal low relief Cainozoic and Mesozoic sediments). Currently this community has a VMA class of “Least Concern”, however it does not meet the structural requirements to be deemed remnant and is appropriately omitted from the DNRM Regulated Vegetation Mapping.

The VC4 Gum-topped Box open forest is represented in Photo Plate 4 below.

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

VC5 – Forest Red Gum Open Forest

Description Land zone 3 - this community is situated upon Tertiary alluvium in two pockets. One is located in the north-west of the Site, occupying the foot of the west facing slope. The second occurs in the central portion of the Site on near level terrain. The soil is light red-brown clay.

VC Structure T1 (16-24m) is very sparse and is dominated by Forest Red Gum.

T2 (3-6m) is of medium density and is dominated by Hickory Wattle.

S1 (1-3m) is of medium density and is dominated by Lantana.

S2 is absent.

The ground layer (0-1m) is dominated by Guinea Grass.

Ecological Notes The condition of VC5 is poor. VC5 pockets constitute small patches of highly fragmented relictual canopy trees and the ground stratum is heavily invaded by exotic species.

Threatened and Significant Species With reference to NC Act and the EPBC Act, no species of conservation significance were recorded from this vegetation type.

Weed Status Weeds of concern include Lantana and Guinea Grass. Lantana is categorised as a Class 3 pest under Queensland’s Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002.

Management Status This vegetation is not analogous with any Endangered Ecological Community listed under the EPBC Act.

With reference to the VMA, the species composition of this community is analogous with RE 12.3.3 (Eucalyptus tereticornis woodland on Quaternary alluvium). Currently this community has a VMA class of “Endangered”, however it does not meet the structural requirements to be deemed remnant and is appropriately omitted from DNRM Regulated Vegetation Mapping.

The VC5 Forest Red Gum open forest is represented in Photo Plate 5 below.

VC6 – Riparian Open Forest

Description Land zone 3 - this community is situated in the southern portion of the Site on a second river terrace of Tertiary alluvium. It occupies a gully that runs with a mild slope (approximately 5 degrees) from the mid-eastern boundary to the Oxley Creek in the west. A small pocket is also located in the north-western portion of the Site. Soil is a light red-brown clay loam.

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

VC Structure T1 (14-24m) is sparse and dominated by Forest Red Gum with co-dominant Northern Grey Ironbark. Associated species include Pink Bloodwood and Grey Gum with sub-dominant Broad-leaved Apple (Angophora subvelutina). A number of trees host Variable Mistletoe (Amyema congener).

T2 (6-14m) is sparse and is co-dominated by Swamp Box (Lophostemon suaveolens) and Willow Bottlebrush with associated Black She-oak.

S1 (3-6m) is sparse and is co-dominated by Hickory Wattle and Maiden’s Wattle (Acacia maidenii). Associated species include Silver Weeping Tea Tree (Leptospermum brachyandrum), Broadleaved Pepper Tree (Schinus terebinthifolius*) and Yellow Bells (Tecoma stans*).

S2 (1.5-3m) is dominated by Lantana.

The ground layer (0-1.5m) is dominated by Guinea Grass with co-dominant Rhodes Grass (Chloris gayana*), Signal Grass (Urochloa decumbens*) and Siratro (Macroptilium atropurpureum*).

Ecological Notes The condition of VC6 is poor. This community is highly disturbed in all structural layers and forms a narrow disjunct band fringing Oxley Creek and the associated sand extraction ponds. One large, mature Forest Red Gum with hollow occurs in the community and this represents significant habitat value on account of the size, type and number of hollows present. Otherwise, mature large trees are absent.

Threatened and Significant Species With reference to NC Act and the EPBC Act, no species of conservation significance were recorded from this vegetation type.

Weed Status Weeds of concern include Lantana, Broadleaved Pepper Tree, Yellow Bells, Guinea Grass, Rhodes Grass, Signal Grass and Siratro. Lantana, Broadleaved Pepper Tree and Yellow Bells are categorised as Class 3 pests under Queensland’s Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002.

Management Status This vegetation is not analogous with any Endangered Ecological Community listed under the EPBC Act.

With reference to the VMA, the species composition of this community is analogous with RE 12.3.11 (Eucalyptus tereticornis +/- Eucalyptus siderophloia, Corymbia intermedia open forest on alluvial plains usually near coast). Currently this community has a VMA class of “Of Concern”, however it does not meet the structural requirements to be deemed remnant and is appropriately omitted from DNRM Regulated Vegetation Mapping.

The VC6 riparian open forest is represented in Photo Plate 6 below.

VC7 – Eucalypt Woodland with She-oak Understorey

Description Land zone 5 - this community is situated upon Tertiary duricrust in the north-eastern portion of the Site. The terrain has a 5 degrees slope to the south and the soil is a brown clay loam.

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

VC Structure T1 (10-16m) is extremely sparse and co-dominated by Northern Grey Ironbark, Brown Bloodwood (Corymbia trachyphloia), Pink Bloodwood and Tindale’s Stringybark (Eucalyptus tindaliae). Narrow-leafed Red Gum occur as a sub-dominant.

T2 (6-14m) is of medium density and is dominated by Black She-oak with associated Willow Bottlebrush.

S1 (1-3m) is very sparse and is dominated by Red Ash with associated Prickly-leaved Paperbark.

S2 is absent.

The ground layer (0-0.5m) is dominated by Rough Saw-sedge with co-dominant Wiry Panic, Variable Saw-sedge (Lepidosperma laterale), White Root (Lobelia purpurascens) and Monkey Rope (Parsonsia straminea). A cluster of approximately ten (10) Johnson’s Grass Trees were also present.

Ecological Notes The condition of VC7 is fair. Thinning in this area has led to the development of a dense sub-canopy of Black She-oak and associated species forming a closed forest. Most trees are too immature to bear hollows and there is little fallen timber. Two small shallow ponds are situated in the north-western portion of this vegetation community. Frog’s Mouth (Philydrum lanuginosum) occurs in the shallow margins of these ponds and amphibian calls were recorded during the nocturnal survey.

Threatened and Significant Species With reference to NC Act and the EPBC Act, no species of conservation significance were recorded from this vegetation type.

Weed Status With reference to Queensland’s Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002, no weed species were recorded from this community.

Management Status This vegetation is not analogous with any Endangered Ecological Community listed under the EPBC Act.

With reference to the VMA, the species composition of this community is analogous with RE 12.5.3a (Corymbia intermedia, Eucalyptus seeana +/- E. racemosa subsp. racemosa, Angophora leiocarpa, E. siderophloia, C. citriodora subsp. variegata, Lophostemon suaveolens open woodland. Occurs on complex of remnant Tertiary surfaces +/- Cainozoic and Mesozoic sediments), however it does not meet the structural requirements to be deemed remnant and has been appropriately omitted from the DNRM Regulated Vegetation Mapping. Currently this community has a VMA class of “Endangered”.

The VC7 eucalypt woodland with She-oak understorey is represented in Photo Plate 7 below.

VC8 – Acacia Woodland with Exotic Grass Ground Cover

Description Land zone 3 - this community occurs around the margins of the on-Site waterbodies on a second river terrace of Tertiary alluvium. The soil is light red-brown clay loam and the terrain is level.

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

VC Structure T1 (3-10m) is sparse and dominated by Hickory Wattle with associated Black Wattle and Maiden’s Wattle.

T2 is absent.

S1 (1-2m) is extremely sparse and is co-dominated by Lantana and Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala*).

S2 is absent.

The ground layer (0-1.5m) is dominated by Guinea Grass with associated Rhodes Grass, Signal Grass, Singapore Daisy (Sphagneticola trilobata*) and South African Pigeon Grass (Setaria sphacelata*). A dense infestation of Flannel Weed (Sida cordifolia*) occurs along a portion of the northern boundary.

Ecological Notes The condition of VC8 is poor. This community is widespread across the alluvial plains of the Site and represents a response to previous clearing and colonisation of exotic grasses. Historically this area of the Site was utilised for sand mining activities and was cleared in its entirety between 1964 and 2002. Mature large trees and hollow- bearing trees are absent.

Threatened and Significant Species With reference to NC Act and the EPBC Act, no species of conservation significance were recorded from this vegetation type.

Weed Status Weeds of concern include Lantana, Leucaena, Singapore Daisy, Guinea Grass, Rhodes Grass, Signal Grass, Giant Devil’s Fig (Solanum hispidum*), Mile-a-minute (Ipomoea cairica*) and South African Pigeon Grass. Lantana and Singapore Daisy are categorised as Class 3 pests under Queensland’s Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002.

Management Status This vegetation is not analogous with any Endangered Ecological Community listed under the EPBC Act.

With reference to the VMA, the species composition of this community is not analogous with any described Regional Ecosystem and is characteristic of a highly disturbed exotic grassland with acacia regrowth.

The VC8 acacia woodland with exotic grass ground cover is represented in Photo Plate 8 below.

VC9 – Wattle Forest on Tertiary Slope

Description Land zone 5 - this community is situated in the central portion of the Site on a slope that falls to the west.

VC Structure T1 (6-10m) is sparse and dominated by Hickory Wattle with associated Black Wattle and sub-dominant Fringed Wattle.

T2 (3-6m) is sparse and co-dominated by Leucaena and eucalypt saplings.

S1 (0-2m) is very sparse and is dominated by Lantana.

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

S2 is absent.

The ground stratum is dominated by Guinea Grass.

Ecological Notes The condition of VC9 is poor. This community occurs on the transition between land zone 5 and 3.

Threatened and Significant Species With reference to NC Act and the EPBC Act, no species of conservation significance were recorded from this vegetation type.

Weed Status Weeds of concern include Lantana, Leucaena and Guinea Grass. Lantana is categorised as a Class 3 pest under Queensland’s Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002.

Management Status This vegetation is not analogous with any Endangered Ecological Community listed under the EPBC Act.

The transition community between Landzone 3 and 5 does not meet the structural requirements to be deemed remnant and has been appropriately omitted from the DNRM Regulated Vegetation Mapping.

The VC9 wattle forest on tertiary slope is represented in Photo Plate 9 below.

VC10 – Roadside Vegetation

Description Land zone 5 - this community occurs as two linear strips along the Paradise Road frontage.

VC Structure T1 (6-14m) is very sparse and co-dominated by Northern Grey Ironbark, Pink Bloodwood and Forest Red Gum.

T2 (3-6m) is sparse and includes associated juvenile T1 species, Hickory Wattle and Black She-oak with sub- dominant Red Ash.

S1 (1-3m) is of medium density and includes associated species of Black She-oak, Hickory Wattle, Lantana and Monkey Rope.

S2 is generally absent.

The ground stratum is dominated by exotic grasses and vegetative litter.

Ecological Notes The condition of VC10 is poor. This community has been significantly impacted by edge effects.

Threatened and Significant Species With reference to NC Act and the EPBC Act, no species of conservation significance were recorded from this vegetation type.

Weed Status Weeds of concern include Lantana and Slash Pine. Lantana is categorised as a Class 3 pest under Queensland’s Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002. REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

Management Status This vegetation is not analogous with any Endangered Ecological Community listed under the EPBC Act.

The narrow strip of roadside vegetation does not meet the structural requirements to be deemed remnant and has been appropriately omitted from the DNRM Regulated Vegetation Mapping.

The VC10 roadside vegetation is represented in Photo Plate 10 below.

VC11 – Exotic Grassland with Emergent Eucalypts

Description Land zone 5 - this community occurs in the central eastern portion of the Site and comprises a community of slashed exotic grasses interspersed with emergent canopy trees. The soil is brown clay loam.

VC Structure The emergent layer (8-24m) is extremely sparse and dominated by Northern Grey Ironbark with associated Pink Bloodwood, Lemon-scented Gum and Grey Gum. Smooth-barked Apple occurs as a sub-dominant. A number of scattered emergent Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii) are present.

T1, T2, S1 and S2 layers are generally absent. Some emergent Slash Pine is evident.

The ground layer (0-0.3m) is dominated by slashed exotic grasses.

Ecological Notes The condition of VC11 is poor. Regular slashing has effectively suppressed regrowth within this community.

Threatened and Significant Species With reference to NC Act and the EPBC Act, no species of conservation significance were recorded from this vegetation type.

Weed Status With reference to Queensland’s Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002, no weed species were recorded from this community.

Management Status This vegetation is not analogous with any Endangered Ecological Community listed under the EPBC Act.

With reference to the VMA, the species composition of this community is not analogous with any described Regional Ecosystem.

The VC11 exotic grassland with emergent eucalypts is represented in Photo Plate 11 below.

VC12 – Waterbody

Description Land zone 3 - this community is situated in the south-western portion of the Site in constructed dams on a second river terrace of Tertiary alluvium and on the periphery of Oxley Creek. The soil is a light red-brown clay loam.

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

VC Structure The upper margins are comprised of Common Reed (Phragmites australis*), Johnson Grass (Sorghum halepense*), Signal Grass and Common Rush (Juncus usitatus).

The middle margins include a mixture of Para Grass (Urochloa mutica*), Pale Knotweed (Persicaria lapathifolia), Spotted Knotweed (Persicaria strigosa) and Broad-leaved Cumbungi (Typha orientalis).

The shallow water margins are co-dominated by Tall Flat-sedge (Cyperus exaltatus), Dwarf Papyrus Sedge (Cyperus haspan) and Bog Bulrush (Schoenoplectus mucronatus).

Emergent and floating layers are dominated by Cape Waterlily (Nymphaea caerulea var. zanzibarensis*) with some Salvinia (Salvinia molesta*) present.

Ecological Notes The condition of VC12 is fair to poor. This community occurs in areas which have been highly disturbed in the ponds remaining from the historical sand mining activities. It is composed of an interlacing mosaic of colony forming species, with water depth playing a significant role in colonisation patterns. These waterbodies are generally densely flanked on the margins by exotic grass species. Whilst present, the waterbodies are not significantly affected by Salvinia.

Threatened and Significant Species With reference to NC Act and the EPBC Act, no species of conservation significance were recorded from this vegetation type.

Weed Status Weeds of concern include Salvinia. Salvinia is categorised as a Class 2 pest under Queensland’s Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002.

Management Status This vegetation is not analogous with any Endangered Ecological Community listed under the EPBC Act.

With reference to the VMA, the species composition of this community is analogous with RE 12.3.8 (Swamps with Cyperus spp., Schoenoplectus spp. and Eleocharis spp.). Currently this community has a VMA class of “Of Concern”. However, this area does not reach remnant status.

The VC12 waterbody is represented in Photo Plate 12 below.

VC13 – Cleared Areas

Description A number of cleared areas occur on the Site. These in the main coincide with Lot 18 on RP69231, the northern half of Lot 5 on RP75165 and nearby surrounds which appears to act as a firebreak, a couple of isolated pockets along the north-western boundary and an area associated with the existing dwelling in Lot 2 on RP87500.

With the exception of the cleared firebreak area, these areas are dominated by shoulder height exotic grasses, Glycine and scattered weedy shrubs and trees such as Wild Tobacco (Solanum mauritianum), Lantana, Broadleaved Pepper Tree and Canna Lily (Canna indica). The canopy layer is very sparse and is co-dominated

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

24 by Gum-topped Box, Lemon-scented Gum and Northern Grey Ironbark. Cat’s Claw Creeper has affected a number of canopy trees. A number of stags (dead trees) also feature in this VC.

The VC13 Cleared Areas is represented in Photo Plate 13 below.

VC 14 – Riparian Corridor of Oxley Creek

Description

The riparian corridor of Oxley Creek appears to have altered course over time and modification of stream flow due to historical sand mining. Oxley Creek waterway centreline flow along the western extent of the Site. In areas along the creek the sandy riparian bank ranges from 6 – 40 m in width. The water indicated stream flow and low turbidity. A number of areas along the riparian banks indicated erosion of the bank.

Ecological Notes

The condition of VC14 is moderate. The riparian corridor of Oxley Creek represents a response to previous clearing, sand mining activities and flood events. The condition of the waterway corridor could be improved by incorporating bank stabilisation techniques into the proposed rehabilitation works.

The VC14 Riparian Corridor of Oxley Creek is represented in Photo Plate 14 below.

Summary

Despite the modified nature of the Site, a wide variety of native flora species were present and the Site does provide some habitat to local fauna, as was evidenced by the inspection. The site is representative of an area which has undergone significant disturbance as evidenced by large tracts of regrowth vegetation, significant weed incursions, Oxley Creek re-alignment and lack of remnant vegetation across the Site. Notwithstanding areas of the Site possess ecological value and habitat features. S5 Environmental are of the opinion that Vegetation Community 4 is the least disturbed area of the Site and closely represents a naturally functioning ecosystem.

However, this area of the Site indicates a lack of ecological connectivity to the surrounding areas which decreases the value of this Vegetation Community. Ecological Corridors are discussed in Section 4. It was noted that none of the Vegetation Communities on the Site exhibited structural requirements to be deemed remnant vegetation. In accordance with DNRM’s Regulated Vegetation Mapping, the Site does not contain mapped remnant vegetation.

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

Plate 1: VC1 – Eucalypt open forest with shrubby understorey. Plate 2: VC2 – Eucalypt open forest with grassy understorey.

Plate 3: VC3 – Eucalypt woodland with shrubby understorey. Plate 4: VC4 – Gum‐topped Box open forest.

Plate 5: VC5 – Forest Red Gum open forest. Plate 6: VC6 – Riparian open forest.

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

Plate 7: VC7 – Eucalypt woodland with She‐oak understorey. Plate 8: VC8 – Acacia woodland with exotic grass ground cover.

Plate 9: VC9 – Wattle forest on tertiary slope. Plate 10: VC10 – Roadside vegetation.

Plate 11: VC11 – Exotic grassland with emergent eucalypts. Plate 12: VC12 – Waterbody.

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

Plate 13: VC13 – Cleared areas. Plate 14: VC14 – Riparian Corridor of Oxley Creek.

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

Legend Site Boundary Digital Cadastral Database Oxley Creek Vegetation Communities VC1 - Eucalypt open forest with shrubby understorey VC2 - Eucalypt open forest with grassy understorey VC3 - Eucalypt open woodland with shrubby understorey VC4 - Gum-topped box open forest VC5 - Forest redgum open forest VC6 - Riparian open forest VC7 - Eucalypt woodland with sheoak understorey VC8 - Acacia woodland with exotic grass ground cover VC9 - Wattle forest on tertiary slope VC10 - Roadside vegetation VC11 - Exotic grassland with emergent eucalypts VC12 - Waterbody VC13 - Cleared area VC14 - Riparian corridor of Oxley Creek

Figure 5 - Vegetation Communities, Paradise Road, Willawong Proposed Residential Development Paradise Road, Willawong Uniland Pty Ltd C/- The Place Design Group

Job Number: S50033; D:\S5 Consulting Server\S5 Projects\S5 Projects\S50033 Paradise Road Willawong\04 Drawings\PDF\Figure5 Scale: approx 1:6000 @A3 Author: MT; Date: 14 July 2015 Data: Digital Cadastral Database (c) - State of Qld, 2015. Vegetation Communities (VC) (c) - S5 Environmental. 100 0 100 200 300 m Oxley Creek Centreline (c) Google Earth Pro. 2015 (indicative only). CRS: MGA94 Z56 This plan may only be relied upon in relation to the project and purpose for which it was commissioned. 29

3.3 Fauna 3.3.1 Habitat Assessment

During the detailed site inspection, a range of habitat and native fauna were observed within the Site (assessment methodology is summarised in Section 2.0). Site habitats were assessed to determine their value for native fauna species, in particular, significant and threatened species. Particular attention was given to habitat features including:

 The presence of hollows, fissures and tubes in mature trees suitable as nesting/roosting sites, as well as arboreal and ground based nests, dreys or burrows;  The presence of significant habitat trees;  The presence of arboreal fauna, scratch markings, orts and scats;  The presence of characteristic feeding signs, for example, diggings (terrestrial mammals), and sap feeding scars on Eucalypts (Gliders);  The presence/abundance of dense vegetation, logs, leaf litter and fallen timber; (small bush birds and reptiles);  Floristic diversity, including diversity and abundance of fruiting and flowering species; and  Vegetation connectivity. A total of 91 terrestrial vertebrate species were recorded during the field surveys, including five (5) frog, seven (7) reptile, seventy (70) bird and nine (9) mammal species (see Appendix F for the full list). The faunal community observed, particularly the suite of bird species, is typical for the region within a woodland/urbanised landscape that has suffered extensive clearing, fragmentation and modification for industrial and urban purposes.

S5 Environmental has approached the predicted occurrence of conservation significant fauna species using a conservative approach. As such, analysis of impact has been based on the assumption that significant fauna species which may exist in the Site are present unless evidence to the contrary exists. In addition to those species directly observed on-Site, an additional thirteen (13) conservation significant species (under the Natural Assets Planning Scheme Policy (NAPSP), NC Act and EPBC Act are considered likely to occur and a further thirty four (34) may potentially occur within the Site (refer to Table 3).

3.3.2 Avifauna

Avifauna were opportunistically observed both visually and aurally within the Site, with a total of 70 species recorded on-Site during the field inspection. The Site provides a moderate diversity of flowering species which contributes to local nectar and pollen resources. Native vegetation on the Site provides local foraging resources and some movement opportunities for a range of urban adapted (edge specialists), open forest birds as well as some species that are more dependent on understorey vegetation. It is highly likely that a range of other common bird species (not observed) utilise the Site for foraging and movement opportunities from time to time, depending on floristics and seasonality. The field survey recorded four bird species listed as Migratory under the EPBC Act:  Great Egret (Ardea alba);  Eastern Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis);  White-throated Needletail (Hirundapus caudacutus); and  Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus).

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

One species listed under the Brisbane City Council (BCC) Natural Asset Planning Scheme Policy (NAPSP) was also observed:  Wedge-tailed Eagle (Aquila audax) – Significant. A number of stick nests were observed during the inspection. 3.3.3 Mammals

Nine (9) mammals was observed during the survey. A Common Planigale (Planigale maculata), classed as Significant under the BCC’s NAPSP was captured in an Elliott trap at Trap Site 1 (refer Photo Plate 15). Another two microbat species listed as Significant under the NAPSP may have been detected on-Site by echolocation call recording although analysis is unable to conclusively distinguish the calls of these species from others which are similar:  Northern Long-eared Bat (Nyctophilus bifax); and  Greater Broad-nosed Bat (Scoteanax rueppellii). A range of local bat and flying fox species were recorded using the Site. Common Ringtail Possums (Pseudocheirus peregrinus) and Common Brushtail Possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) are likely to be common in the local area as scratch marks were recorded on a number of trees. Targeted searches for Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) did not record the presence of this species on-Site (i.e. no scats or scratches observed). Anecdotal evidence provided by the long-term tenant indicates Sugar Gliders are present on-Site. This species, however was not recorded during the field investigation. Due to the highly modified nature of the Site, resident dogs and surrounding residential encroachment, it is highly unlikely that the Site would provide critical habitat for any of the species that utilise the Site.

No threatened mammals under the NC Act or EPBC Act were observed during the time of the field inspection. 3.3.4 Amphibians

A detailed amphibian survey has not been undertaken at this stage, only opportunistic observations were made during the field inspection. The habitat requirements of most species of native amphibian are unlikely to be determined by forest cover or floristics, but are more strongly influenced by factors such as climatic and seasonal variation, distance to water bodies, riparian vegetation structure, hydrological and morphological characteristics of water bodies and the availability of suitable micro-habitat for aestivation and shelter. The extensive aquatic habitats on-Site provide favourable conditions for a range of amphibian species and a number of amphibian calls were noted during diurnal and nocturnal surveys. Cane Toad (Rhinella marina) was abundant and was repeatedly trapped at all fauna survey sites. Many juveniles were present at the time of the survey. No threatened amphibian species were observed during the time of the field inspection. 3.3.5 Reptiles

Reptile distributions are strongly influenced by structural characteristics of the vegetation, climate and other factors affecting thermoregulation such as shade and availability of shelter and basking sites. It was observed that the Site provided areas where ground cover such as tall grasses, fallen timber and leaf litter layers for sheltering would be suitable for reptiles. However the level of modification and edge effects within the site would indicate that it is not suitable core habitat for any threatened reptiles. A number of common reptile species were observed using the Site during the field investigation including a Keelback (Tropidonophis mairii) which was captured in an

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

Elliott trap at Trap Site 1 (refer Photo Plate 16). A Lace Monitor (Varanus varius), listed as noteworthy under the BCC NAPSP was also observed.

No threatened reptiles under the NC Act or EPBC Act were recorded during the time of the field inspection.

Plate 15: Common Planigale (Trap Site 1). Plate 16: Keelback (Trap Site 1).

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

3.4 Threatened Species Threatened Flora Species

No Endangered, Vulnerable or Near Threatened (EVNT) flora species were identified during the site inspection. Threatened Fauna Species

No EVNT fauna species were identified during the site inspection. 3.5 Significant Flora Species The EPBC Protected Matters, Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (DEHP) Wildlife Online and Queensland Herbarium HERBRECS data searches were undertaken to locate records of flora species that may potentially occur on-Site and / or have been recorded in the locality of the Site in the past (refer to data search results in Appendix A and Appendix B). These searches were used to identify species protected under State or Commonwealth Legislation. Fifteen (15) species were returned via the Protected Matters search as listed to occur within a five (5) kilometre radius of the Site. Three (3) significant species were returned via the Wildlife Online search using the same search parameters. The Angle-stemmed Myrtle (Gossia gonoclada) is listed as Endangered under both the NC Act and EPBC Act. The likelihood of these species occurring on-Site were then assessed and these species were targeted in fieldwork. Table 2 below summarises the significant flora species and their likely occurrence on the Site, in the context of the site location and habitat available. A full floristic inventory is provided in Appendix E. Based on an assessment of the likelihood of occurrence of the listed species, it is considered that only the following may have suitable habitat on the Site:  Plunket Mallee (Eucalyptus curtisii);  Angle-stemmed Myrtle (Gossia gonoclada);  Queensland Nut (Macadamia integrifolia);  Maundia triglochinoides;  Cooneana Olive (Notalaea ipsviciensis); and  Lesser Swamp-orchid (Phaius australis). Of these six species it is thought that both Plunket Mallee, Angle-stemmed Myrtle and Queensland Nut are large enough perennial species to be discounted by the current survey. The possibility of Cooneana Olive occurring on- Site is small. There is a possibility that Maundia triglochinoides and Lesser Swamp-orchid occur on this Site and difficulty in accessing their habitats has hampered efforts to rule out their presence. A number of Johnson’s Grass Trees and Black Orchids were identified on the Site. These plants are classified as Special Least Concern under the NC Act. This classification is to protect plants that are likely to be subject to excessive harvesting pressure driven by their commercial and recreational demand and the nature of their growth and reproduction (e.g. small or slow growing species, species that produce limited seed). For the purposes of this development, a permit will not be required for the removal of these species. In addition, Johnson’s Grass Trees located within the development area will be translocated and utilised as part of on-Site landscaping.

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Table 2: Threatened and Significant Flora Species Identified by Data Searches

Status Source Typical Habitat Likely Occurrence Scientific Name Common Name EPBC NC Act Found in or on the edges of Unlikely. There is rainforest and in wet eucalypt no suitable forest, often near creeks or habitat on‐site Arthraxon hispidus Hairy‐joint Grass V V EPBC swamps. and no records occur in the Wildlife Online database search. Rainforest up to 300m in altitude. Unlikely. There is Bosistoa selwynii Heart‐leaved Bosistoa V EPBC no suitable habitat on‐site. Rainforest up to 150m in altitude. Unlikely. There is Bosistoa transversa Three‐leaved Bosistoa V EPBC no suitable habitat on‐site. Littoral rainforest, usually on Unlikely. There is Stinking Cryptocarya, Cryptocarya foetida V EPBC sandy soils, with mature trees no suitable Stinking Laurel also growing on basalt soils. habitat on‐site. Reported to occur in a wide Unlikely. There is variety of habitats including suitable habitat heathlands, heathy woodlands, on‐site, however sedgelands, Xanthorrheoa spp. no species were plains, dry sclerophyll forests, recorded during Cryptostylis hunteriana Leafless Tongue‐orchid V EPBC forested wetlands, freshwater the field survey wetlands, grasslands, grassy and no records woodlands, rainforests and wet occur in the sclerophyll forests (grassy sub‐ Wildlife Online formation). database search. Dry rainforest and scrubby Unlikely. There is urbanized areas on moderate to no suitable EPBC, very steep slopes, screeslope habitat on‐site. Cupaniopsis shirleyana Wedge‐leaf Tuckeroo V V NAPSP gullies and rocky stream channels at elevations of 60‐550 m above sea level. Grows on hills and slopes in Unlikely. There is sparse, grassy open forest at no suitable Cycas ophiolitica E E EPBC altitude ranges from 80–400 m habitat on‐site. above sea level. Found in monotypic stands of Possible. However mallee growth in shrublands no specimens dominated by banksias and were recorded on‐ sometimes in association with site. Swamp Stringybark (Eucalyptus conglomerata), in poorly drained NC Act, lowland areas and in scattered Eucalyptus curtisii Plunket Mallee NT NAPSP, distribution in more open parts QH of mixed eucalypt forests. Found in sandy podosols with impeded drainage, shallow stony soils, clay loams and stony clays with a surface layer of loose stones, on low ridges and up to 457 m altitude.

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Status Source Typical Habitat Likely Occurrence Scientific Name Common Name EPBC NC Act This species occurs in Araucarian Unlikely. There is microphyll vine forest with a no suitable mean annual rainfall of 1000 mm habitat on‐site. on alluvial soil along creeks. Fontainea venosa Bahrs Scrub Fontainea V EPBC Occurs south‐west of Beenleigh near Brisbane, along the Koolkooroon Creek in the Boyne Valley and near Littlemore in Queensland. Found in lowland riparian Possible. However EPBC, rainforest, below the peak flood no specimens Gossia gonoclada Angle‐stemmed Myrtle E E NC Act level, along permanent were recorded on‐ watercourses subject to tidal site. influence. Generally occurs in subtropical Possible. Although rainforest and complex notophyll generally found as vineforest, at the margins of planted these forests and in mixed specimens, i.e. sclerophyll forest (Barry & not in the wild. EPBC, Macadamia integrifolia Queensland Nut V V Thomas 1994). This species was NAPSP not recorded on‐ site and no records occur in the Wildlife Online search. Grows in swamps, lagoons, dams, Possible. However Maundia NC Act, no specimens V channels, creeks or shallow triglochinoides QH freshwater 30 ‐ 60 cm deep on were recorded on‐ heavy clay, low nutrients. site. Understorey plant in open Possible. However woodlands and is primarily no specimens were recorded on‐ Notalaea ipsviciensis Cooneana Olive CE E EPBC associated with eucalypt‐ dominated dry sclerophyll site. communities situated on poor sandstone‐based soils. Swampy grassland or swampy Possible. However EPBC, forest including rainforest, no specimens Phaius australis Lesser Swamp‐orchid E E NAPSP eucalypt or paperbark forest, were recorded on‐ mostly in coastal areas. site. Semi‐evergreen vine thicket on Unlikely. There is Mt Berryman Phebalium distans CE E EPBC red volcanic soils or communities no suitable Phebalium adjacent to this vegetation type. habitat on‐site. Plants have been recorded Unlikely. There is growing on chert or sandstone no suitable Plectranthus E E EPBC outcrops, in open woodlands habitat on‐site. habrophyllus often in shaded situations near vine forest. Grows chiefly along watercourses Unlikely. There is from near sea level to 800 m no suitable Streblus pendulinus Siah's Backbone E EPBC above sea level. The species habitat on‐site. grows in well‐developed rainforest, gallery forest and drier, more seasonal rainforest.

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Status Source Typical Habitat Likely Occurrence Scientific Name Common Name EPBC NC Act It occurs in shrubland, grassland Unlikely. There is or woodland, often on damp suitable habitat sites. Often found in on‐site, however association with Kangaroo no species were Austral Toadflax, Grass (Themeda triandra). recorded during Thesium australe V V EPBC Toadflax the field survey and no records occur in the Wildlife Online database search.

EPBC = Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999; where NT = Near Threatened, V = Vulnerable, E = Endangered, CE = Critically Endangered.

NC Act = Nature Conservation Act 1992; where NT = Near Threatened, V = Vulnerable and E = Endangered (DEHP Wildlife Online data search).

NAPSP = Brisbane City Council significant fauna species as listed under the Natural Assets Planning Scheme Policy 2003 (NAPSP); where E = Extinct, S = Significant and N = Noteworthy.

QH = Queensland Herbarium data

3.6 Significant Fauna Species As described in Section 5.0 of this report, Protected Matters, DEHP Wildlife Online and Queensland Museum Zoology data searches were undertaken to locate records of fauna species that may potentially occur on-Site and / or have been recorded in the locality of the Site in the past. These searches were used to identify species protected under Local, State and Commonwealth Legislation. Seventeen (17) species were returned via the Protected Matters search as listed to occur within a five (5) km radius of the Site – 9 birds, 5 mammals and 3 reptiles. Twelve (12) protected species were returned via the Wildlife Online search using a ten (10) km radius search – 2 amphibians, 6 birds, 1 insect and 3 mammals. The following species were returned in both searches:  Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus);  Red Goshawk (Erythrotriorchis radiatus);  Regent Honeyeater (Anthochaera Phrygia);  Spotted-tailed Quoll (Dasyurus maculatus maculatus) – southern subspecies; and  Swift Parrot (Lathamus discolour). Two (2) mammal species are listed as Special Least Concern (cultural significance) under the NC Act – Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) and Short-beaked Echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus). The EPBC Protected Matters Search returned 1 record of Migratory Marine Birds, 7 records of Migratory Terrestrial Birds and 4 records of Migratory Wetland Birds. Twenty seven (27) bird species listed as Special Least Concern (SL) were also returned via the Wildlife Online search. Under the Nature Conservation Regulation 2006 Special Least Concern (SL) refers to Least Concern species which are protected under the Japan/Australia Migratory Bird Agreement 1981 (JAMBA), China/Australia Migratory Bird Agreement 1988 (CAMBA) and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals 1991, or the Bonn Convention. REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

An additional 31 species are not listed under the NC Act or EPBC Acts but are listed as Extinct, Significant or Noteworthy under BCCs Natural Assets Planning Scheme Policy 2003 (NAPSP). The likelihood of these species occurring on Site or using the Site was then assessed and these species were targeted in fieldwork. Table 3 below summarises the significant fauna species and their likely occurrence on the Site, in the context of the location and habitat available. The complete results of these data searches are provided in Appendix A and B of this report. Table 3: Significant Fauna Species Identified by Data Searches

Status Likely Occurrence Scientific Name Common Name Source Typical Habitat EPBC NC Act BCC AMPHIBIANS Adelotus brevis Tusked Frog Inhabits a variety of habitats Possible. There is including rainforest, wet abundant habitat on sclerophyll, dry sclerophyll, and near site and woodland, vine forest and can multiple records occur even be found in open grazing in the Wildlife Online NC Act, country. Can be found in slow database search. V QM moving streams (or sections of slow moving water in free flowing streams) and dams, particularly around areas where there is a build‐up of debris such as leaves and sticks. Crinia tinnula Wallum Froglet The Wallum Froglet is Unlikely. Though restricted to freshwater multiple records occur swamps in lowland coastal in the Wildlife Online areas and is found in database search, the associated vegetation on‐site wetland habitat communities such as heath, is artificial and not NC Act, sedgeland and woodland on suitable (i.e. acidic) for V S NAPSP nutrient‐poor sandy soils. this species. Acidic swamps and lakes in these areas provide essential breeding habitat for wallum‐ dependent frog species. The wallum froglet has also been observed in disturbed heath habitat. AVIFAUNA Acrocephalus Australian Reed‐ Occurs on wetlands with tall Possible. Many records australis warbler M SL NC Act aquatic vegetation. in Wildlife Online and there is suitable habitat on‐site. Amaurornis Pale‐vented Bush‐ Secretive species that occur Possible. There is molluccana hen around the margins of well‐ suitable habitat around vegetated shallow wetlands the dam areas on‐site, NC Act, C S with exposed muddy areas for particularly in the NAPSP foraging. north‐west corner. Multiple records occur in the Wildlife Online database search.

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Status Likely Occurrence Scientific Name Common Name Source Typical Habitat EPBC NC Act BCC Anthochaera phrygia Regent Honeyeater Uncommon nomad in Unlikely. The habitat woodlands and open forest in on‐site is generally South‐East Queensland. Regent unsuitable and only 2 Honeyeaters mostly occur in records occur in the dry Box‐Ironbark eucalypt Wildlife Online EPBC, woodland and dry sclerophyll database search. E E NC Act forest associations in areas of low to moderate relief, wherein they prefer moister, more fertile sites available, for example along creek flats, or in broad river valleys and foothills. Anus castanea Chestnut Teal Occurs in a variety of wetlands Possible. Suitable NC Act, C E from fresh to saline waters habitat on‐site, though NAPSP including tidal mudflats. only one record occurs in Wildlife Online. Apus pacificus Fork‐tailed Swift Common migrant, throughout Likely. May forage mainland Australia, mostly sporadically over the west of the Great Divide. They site in warmer months. EPBC, M SL mostly occur over inland plains Multiple records occur NC Act but sometimes above foothills, in the Wildlife Online coastal areas and urbanised database search. areas. Aquila audax Wedge‐tailed Eagle Large raptor that occurs over a Known to occur. One NC Act, variety of landscapes across individual observed C S NAPSP Australia, although rarely over circling over the site. urbanised areas. Ardea alba Great Egret Occurs on a variety of wetlands Known to occur. There and intertidal habitats but is suitable habitat on‐ EPBC, M SL generally prefers shallow site and this species NC Act freshwater habitats. was observed during the field survey. Ardea ibis Cattle Egret Ranges in western, northern Known to occur. and eastern Australia. Prefers Foraging opportunities damp grassy areas for feeding, available on‐site and particularly pasture. more than 400 records exist in the vicinity on Wildlife Online. This EPBC, M SL species was observed NC Act during the field survey on Oxley Creek and the on‐site wetlands. Also observed on cleared yard adjacent to north‐ west boundary of site. Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern Favours permanent freshwater Possible. There is wetlands with tall, dense suitable habitat on‐ vegetation such as rushes. site. Though no E EPBC records occur in the Wildlife Online database search, this is a secretive species.

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Status Likely Occurrence Scientific Name Common Name Source Typical Habitat EPBC NC Act BCC Calyptorhynchus Yellow‐tailed Black‐ May occur in a variety of Possible. There is funereus cockatoo habitats in coastal south‐ suitable habitat on‐site NC Act, eastern Australia including (although limited in C S NAPSP rainforest, dry woodlands, extent) and multiple heathlands and exotic pine records occur in plantations. Wildlife Online. Calyptorhynchus Glossy Black‐ The Glossy Black‐Cockatoo is Possible. Allocasuarina lathami Cockatoo highly dependent on the littoralis on‐site is a distribution of Allocasuarina preferred feed tree for species and is found in this species and woodland dominated by multiple records occur Allocasuarina and in open in the Wildlife Online NC Act, V S forests where it forms a database search. NAPSP substantial middle layer. Often confined to remnant Allocasuarina patches surrounded by cleared farmlands. Requires tree hollows for breeding. Charadrius Greater Sand Plover Migratory wader species that Unlikely. Only one leschenaultiii occur in estuarine and coastal record from the wider shallow wetlands / mudflats. area (Wildlife Online) M SL NC Act and the habitat is not suitable for this species. Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover Migratory wader species that Unlikely. Only one occur in estuarine and coastal record from the wider shallow wetlands / mudflats. area (Wildlife Online) M SL NC Act and the habitat is not suitable for this species. Charadrius veredus Oriental Plover Migratory wader species that Unlikely. Though there occur in estuarine and coastal are multiple records shallow wetlands / mudflats. from the wider area M SL NC Act (Wildlife Online), there is no suitable habitat on‐site for this species. Circus approximans Swamp Harrier Occurs in swamps, wetlands, Possible. Rarely tall grasslands and cropping recorded in south‐east areas. Queensland but NC Act, C S suitable habitat on‐ NAPSP site. Only 2 records occur in Wildlife Online. Cuculus optatus Oriental Cuckoo Migrates to northern coastal Possible. There is Australia from south‐east Asia / suitable habitat on‐site NC Act, M SL S Papua New Guinea in summer and multiple records NAPSP months. May occur in a range occur in Wildlife of habitats. Online.

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Status Likely Occurrence Scientific Name Common Name Source Typical Habitat EPBC NC Act BCC Dasyornis Eastern Bristlebird Inhabits low dense vegetation Unlikely. The site is not brachypterus in a broad range of habitat within the species types including sedgeland, known range and no E E EPBC heathland, swampland, records occur in the shrubland, sclerophyll forest Wildlife Online and woodland and rainforest. database search. Ephippiorhynchus Black‐necked Stork May occur on a wide range of Possible. Abundant asiaticus natural and artificial wetlands. suitable habitat on‐ Usually occurs in singles or site. Species may occur NC Act, C S pairs. sporadically. Multiple NAPSP records occur in the Wildlife Online database search. Erythrotriorchis Red Goshawk Rare in forests and woodlands Unlikely. Forest habitat radiatus in north‐eastern and northern in area highly EPBC, Australia. A wide ranging and urbanised and V E S NC Act, highly mobile species generally fragmented and only NAPSP observed over eucalypt one record occurs in habitats. Nests in emergent the Wildlife Online trees close to water. database search. Eurostopodus White‐throated Prefers drier forests with bare Possible. Suitable mystacalis Nightjar patches (including tracks) habitat on‐site NC Act, where it roosts on the ground. although limited in C N NAPSP extent. Multiple records occur in Wildlife Online. Gallinago hardwickii Latham’s Snipe, Common migrant from Japan Possible. Though Japanese Snipe and Russia to Eastern Australia. database records occur In Australia, Latham's Snipe in Wildlife Online, the EPBC, occurs in permanent and habitat on‐site is less M SL S NC Act, ephemeral wetlands up to suitable for this NAPSP 2000 m above sea‐level. They species. Nevertheless, usually inhabit open, species may occur on‐ freshwater wetlands with low, site sporadically. dense vegetation. Geophaps scripta Squatter Pigeon Squatter Pigeon (southern) Unlikely. Not within scripta (southern) habitat is generally defined as species known home open‐forests to sparse, open range and no records woodlands and scrub that are occur in the Wildlife mostly dominated in the Online database V V EPBC overstorey by Eucalyptus, search. Corymbia, Acacia or Callitris species remnant, regrowth or partly modified vegetation communities and within 3 km of water bodies or courses.

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Status Likely Occurrence Scientific Name Common Name Source Typical Habitat EPBC NC Act BCC Haliaeetus White‐bellied Sea‐ Common resident or nomad Likely. Possible fly leucogaster Eagle along coast and on rivers, lakes over. Large and dams. Predominately feed waterbodies located EPBC, on fish. on‐site which may M SL S NC Act, provide suitable NAPSP foraging habitat for these species. Multiple records occur in the Wildlife Online database search. Hirundapus White‐throated Almost exclusively aerial, but Known to occur. Site caudacutus Needletail known to roost among dense vegetation may foliage of forest and woodland provide temporary EPBC, area. Common migrant Oct‐ roosts and several M SL NC Act Apr, mainly in eastern Australia individuals were and Tasmania. observed foraging over large dam on‐site throughout the survey period. Hydroprogne caspia Caspian Tern Caspian Tern may occur over Possible. There is inland open waters including suitable habitat on‐site M SL NC Act large farm dams. and multiple records occur in the Wildlife Online database search. Lathamus discolor Swift Parrot Breeding in Tasmania from Possible. The on‐site Sep‐Feb; winter nomadic eucalypt species visitor to sclerophyll forests provides suitable EPBC, and woodlands in south‐east habitat for foraging E E NC Act Queensland to South Australia. and multiple records occur in the Wildlife Online database search. Lewinia pectoralis Lewin’s Rail Secretive species that occur Possible. There is around the margins of well‐ suitable habitat around vegetated shallow wetlands the dam areas on‐site, NC Act, with exposed muddy areas for particularly in the C S NAPSP foraging. north‐west corner. Multiple records occur in the Wildlife Online database search. Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee‐eater Widespread species that may Known to occur. occur in a variety of habitats. Observed roosting and Nests in burrows in sandy foraging over large EPBC, banks. dam on‐site M SL NC Act throughout the survey period. Nearly 300 records also exist in the vicinity on Wildlife Online.

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Status Likely Occurrence Scientific Name Common Name Source Typical Habitat EPBC NC Act BCC Monarcha Black‐faced Monarch The Black‐faced Monarch Likely. The on‐site and melanopsis mainly occurs in rainforest nearby (Oxley Creek) ecosystems. It is also vegetation provides sometimes found in nearby suitable habitat for open eucalypt forests (mainly species to occur on a wet sclerophyll forests), and seasonal basis and especially in gullies with a multiple records occur EPBC, M SL dense, shrubby understorey as in the Wildlife Online NC Act well as in dry sclerophyll database search. forests and woodlands, often with a patchy understorey. They may be present in lowland habitats in south‐east Queensland during winter movements from Highland and southern areas. Monarcha trivirgatus Spectacled Monarch Prefers thick understorey in Likely. The waterside rainforests, wet gullies and vegetation on‐site EPBC, waterside vegetation, as well provides suitable M SL S NC Act, as mangroves. They may be habitat on a seasonal NAPSP present in lowland habitats in basis and multiple south‐east Queensland during records occur in the winter movements from Wildlife Online Highland and southern areas. database search. Myiagra cyanoleuca Satin Flycatcher Inhabit heavily vegetated Possible. The on‐site gullies in eucalypt‐dominated vegetation provides forests and taller woodlands, suitable habitat and and on migration, occur in species may use area EPBC, coastal forests, woodlands, sporadically during M SL S NC Act, mangroves and drier migrations. Multiple NAPSP woodlands and open forests. records occur in the Satin Flycatcher generally Wildlife Online migrates through coastal database search. south‐east Queensland forests in spring / autumn. Ninox strenua Powerful Owl Found in open forests and Possible. The on‐site woodlands, as well as along vegetation provides sheltered gullies in wet forests suitable habitat and with dense understoreys, multiple records occur especially along watercourses. in the Wildlife Online Will sometimes be found in database search. NT S NC Act open areas near forests such as farmland, parks and suburban areas, as well as in remnant bushland patches. Needs old growth trees to nest. Requires large home ranges and presence of arboreal mammals for prey.

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Status Likely Occurrence Scientific Name Common Name Source Typical Habitat EPBC NC Act BCC Numenius Eastern Curlew The Eastern Curlew is found on Unlikely. Wetland madagascariensis intertidal mudflats and habitat available on‐ sandflats, often with beds of site is generally NT S NC Act seagrass, on sheltered coasts, unsuitable for this especially estuaries, mangrove species. swamps, bays, harbours and lagoons. Pandion cristatus Eastern Osprey Occurs in coastal areas Likely. Large including beaches, estuaries waterbodies located and lagoons, but may range on‐site which may NC Act, well inland on larger rivers. provide suitable M SL S NAPSP Predominately feed on fish. foraging habitat for these species. Multiple records occur in the Wildlife Online database search. Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis Occurs in a variety of inland Likely. Suitable shallow and sometimes coastal fresh wetland habitat in NC Act, and saline habitats, but prefers north‐west corner of M SL S NAPSP shallow wetlands for foraging. site. Multiple records occur in the Wildlife Online database search. Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover Migratory wader species that Unlikely. Though there occur in estuarine and coastal are multiple records M SL NC Act shallow wetlands / mudflats. from the wider area (Wildlife Online), there is no suitable habitat on‐site for this species. Poephila cincta cincta Black‐throated Finch Occurs mainly in grassy, open Unlikely. The site is not (southern) woodlands and forests, within species known typically dominated by range and habitat is Eucalyptus, Corymbia and generally unsuitable. E E EPBC Melaleuca and occasionally in No records occur in the tussock grasslands or other Wildlife Online habitats (for example database search. freshwater wetlands), often along or near watercourses, or in the vicinity of water. Porzana fluminea Australian Spotted Secretive species that occur Possible. There is Crake around the margins of well‐ suitable habitat around vegetated shallow wetlands the dam areas on‐site, NC Act, C S with exposed muddy areas for particularly in the NAPSP foraging. north‐west corner. Multiple records occur in the Wildlife Online database search. Porzana pusilla Baillon’s Crake Secretive species that occur Possible. There is around the margins of well‐ suitable habitat around vegetated shallow wetlands the dam areas on‐site, NC Act, C S with exposed muddy areas for particularly in the NAPSP foraging. Also utilises floating north‐west corner. vegetation. Multiple records occur in the Wildlife Online database search. REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

Status Likely Occurrence Scientific Name Common Name Source Typical Habitat EPBC NC Act BCC Porzana tabuensis Spotless Crake Secretive species that occur Possible. There is around the margins of well‐ suitable habitat around vegetated shallow wetlands the dam areas on‐site, NC Act, C S with exposed muddy areas for particularly in the NAPSP foraging. north‐west corner. Multiple records occur in the Wildlife Online database search. Rhipidura rufifrons Rufous Fantail Common migrant or resident in Likely. The on‐site rainforest and forests along vegetation provides EPBC, eastern portion of Australia. suitable habitat on a M SL S NC Act, They may be present in seasonal basis and NAPSP lowland habitats in south‐east multiple records occur Queensland during winter in the Wildlife Online movements from Highland and database search. southern areas. Rostratula australis / Australian Painted Generally inhabits shallow Possible. There is Rostratula Snipe / Painted Snipe terrestrial freshwater suitable habitat on‐site benghalensis (sensu (occasionally brackish) particularly in dam / lato) wetlands, including temporary wetland area in north‐ E, M V EPBC and permanent lakes, swamps west corner, however and claypans. Nests in freshly no records occur in the

flooded wetlands with low Wildlife Online vegetation. database search. Tringa stagnatilis Marsh Sandpiper Migratory wader species that Possible. Though occur on estuarine and database records occur ephemeral shallow wetlands. in Wildlife Online, the NC Act, habitat on‐site is less M SL S NAPSP suitable for this species. Nevertheless, species may occur on‐ site sporadically. Turnix maculosus Red‐backed Button‐ Occurs in grassy woodlands, Possible. There is quail grassy areas near water, suitable habitat on‐ cropping areas as well as other site, largely around the NC Act, habitats with dense ground dam / wetland areas. C S NAPSP cover. Though there is only a single record in Wildlife Online, this is a secretive species. Turnix melanogaster Black‐breasted The Black‐breasted Button‐ Unlikely. There is no Button‐quail quail is restricted to rainforests suitable habitat on‐site and forests, mostly in areas and no records occur with 770‐1200 mm rainfall per in the Wildlife Online annum. They prefer drier low database search. closed forests, particularly semi‐evergreen vine thicket, V V EPBC low microphyll vine forest, araucarian microphyll vine forest and araucarian notophyll vine forest. They may also be found in low, dense acacia thickets and in littoral areas, in vegetation behind sand dunes.

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Status Likely Occurrence Scientific Name Common Name Source Typical Habitat EPBC NC Act BCC INSECTS Ornithoptera Richmond Birdwing The Richmond birdwing Unlikely. There is no richmondia butterfly lives in subtropical suitable habitat on‐site rainforest where its larval host and only one record in V NC Act plants (Pararistolochia spp.) the Wildlife Online grow. It occasionally occurs database search. and breeds in the Brisbane area. MAMMALS Chalinolobus dwyeri Large‐eared Pied Bat Spreading from central south‐ Unlikely. There is no eastern Queensland to the suitable habitat on‐site V V EPBC ACT, this species roosts in and no records occur caves, mines and disused nests in the Wildlife Online of fairy martins. database search. Dasyurus hallucatus Northern Quoll The Northern Quoll occupies a Unlikely. The on‐site diversity of habitats across its habitat is generally range which includes rocky unsuitable and outside areas, eucalypt forest and the current known E C EPBC woodlands, rainforests, sandy range. No records lowlands and beaches, occur in the Wildlife shrubland, grasslands and Online database desert. search. Dasyurus maculatus Spot Quoll, Spotted‐ The Spotted‐tailed Quoll has a Unlikely. The Site does maculatus (SE tail Quoll, Tiger Quoll preference for mature wet not provide critical mainland population) forest habitat especially in habitat and the species areas with rainfall 600 is considered to be mm/year. They are found from very rare around the sea level to sub‐alpine regions. Brisbane area (several records in recent years from areas to the EPBC, south‐west of E V E NC Act, Jimboomba and NAPSP further south). The site is relatively isolated and the species has not been located in area despite targeted searches. Five database records exist for the wider area (Wildlife Online). Macropus rufogriseus Red‐necked Wallaby Common species in region that Possible. Known from favours areas with a nearby Karawatha combination of shrubby and Forest, however site is NC Act, open vegetation. relatively isolated and C N NAPSP, habitat is likely more QM suitable for Swamp Wallaby. Multiple records occur in Wildlife Online.

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Status Likely Occurrence Scientific Name Common Name Source Typical Habitat EPBC NC Act BCC Nyctophilus bifax Northern Long‐eared Found in a variety of habitats Likely. Calls of Bat although favours wetter areas. Nyctophilus species recorded on‐site during the survey. Impossible to NC Act, differentiate from C S NAPSP other species in same genus that may be present. 2 records occur in the Wildlife Online database search. Ornithorhynchus Platypus Occurs in streams / rivers Unlikely. Rare in the anatinus flowing east from the Great greater Brisbane Dividing Range and shallower region and not known NC Act, SL S areas of man‐made water to occur in Oxley NAPSP storages / dams. Creek. There are only 2 records in the wider area (Wildlife Online). Phascolarctos Koala Eucalypt forests in eastern Possible. The site is cinereus (SEQ QLD, NSW and VIC. mapped with Medium bioregion) Value Bushland and Medium Value Rehabilitation Habitat under the SPP and EPBC, Koala SPRP and nearly V V S NC Act, 2000 records exist in NAPSP the vicinity on Wildlife Online. Despite targeted searches, no evidence of species presence was observed on‐site (i.e. tree scratches or scats). Petaurus breviceps Sugar Glider Widespread across eastern and Likely. Suitable habitat northern Australia. Occurs in a on‐site and anecdotal variety of habitats and requires evidence from the NC Act, tree hollows. long‐term tenant C N NAPSP, suggests the species QM occurs on‐site. Multiple records occur in the Wildlife Online database search. Petaurus norfolcensis Squirrel Glider Prefers woodlands with a well‐ Possible. There is developed mid‐storey of suitable habitat on‐site NC Act, acacias and banksia species. although limited in C S NAPSP, Like sugar gliders, this species extent. 50 records QM requires the presence of tree occur in the Wildlife hollows. Online database search.

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

Status Likely Occurrence Scientific Name Common Name Source Typical Habitat EPBC NC Act BCC Pteropus Grey‐Headed Flying‐ Camps located near water Likely. Probable fly poliocephalus Fox around coastal eastern over. The site may Australia. Species is a canopy‐ form part of this feeding frugivore and species large home‐ EPBC, nectarivore, utilising range, however no V C NC Act, vegetation including camps were observed QM rainforests, open eucalypt on or near site (along forests, woodlands, melaleuca Oxley Creek). Many swamps and banksia records occur in the woodlands. Wildlife Online database search. Saccolaimus Yellow‐bellied Occurs in a range of habitats Possible. Likely to flaviventris Sheathtail Bat NC Act, roosting in large tree hollows. forage over the site. C S NAPSP Several records occur in Wildlife Online. Scoteanax rueppellili Great Broad‐nosed Occurs in a variety of habitats Possible. Microbat Bat from sea level to 1200 m echolocation calls altitude. recorded that may be of this species NC Act, although difficult to C S NAPSP differentiate from other broad‐nosed bat species. Only a single record occurs in Wildlife Online. Smithhopsis murina Common Dunnart Widespread across south‐ Possible. There is eastern Australia. Occurs in a suitable habitat on‐site variety of habitats but not and several database NC Act, C S rainforest. records in Wildlife NAPSP Online. Known from nearby Karawatha Forest. Sousa sahulensis Australian Humpback Australian Humpback Dolphins Highly unlikely. There Dolphin inhabit shallow coastal, is no suitable habitat V V NC Act estuarine, and occasionally on‐site. riverine habitats, in tropical and subtropical regions. Tachyglossus Short‐beaked Widespread across Australia Possible. There is aculeatus Echidna occurring in most habitats with suitable habitat on‐site NC Act, SL N foraging potential, i.e. ants and and several database NAPSP termites. records in Wildlife Online. Wallabia bicolor Swamp Wallaby Widespread across eastern Likely. Macropod Queensland. Prefers areas with tracks were observed dense cover for shelter. on‐site and an individual was disturbed during NC Act, spotlighting although C N NAPSP, identification was not QM possible. This is the most likely species to occur. Multiple records occur in the Wildlife Online database search. REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

Status Likely Occurrence Scientific Name Common Name Source Typical Habitat EPBC NC Act BCC REPTILES Chelodina longicollis Eastern Snake‐ Occurs in swamps, lagoons and Possible. Abundant necked Turtle slow‐moving rivers in south‐ habitat on and near NC Act, east Australia. site. Multiple records C S NAPSP occur in the Wildlife Online database search. Coeranoscincus Three‐toed Snake‐ Patchily distributed in South‐ Unlikely. There is little reticulatus tooth Skink East Queensland and eastern suitable habitat on‐site New South Wales. The Three‐ or nearby and no toed Snake‐tooth Skink has records occur in the been found in loose, well Wildlife Online mulched friable soil, in and database search. V NT EPBC under rotting logs, in forest litter, under fallen hoop pine bark and under decomposing cane mulch. Generally on loamy basaltic soils, but also found in closed forest overlying silica sand dunes at Cooloola. Delma torquata Collared Delma Inhabits eucalypt dominated Unlikely. There is little woodland and open forest suitable habitat on‐site V V S EPBC where it is associated with and no records occur suitable micro‐habitats in the Wildlife Online (exposed rocky outcrops). database search. Furina dunmalli Dunmall’s Snake Rarely encountered. Forests to Unlikely. There is little woodlands associated with suitable habitat on‐site V V EPBC Brigalow scrub. and no records occur in the Wildlife Online database search. Morethia Fire‐tailed Skink Occurs in drier woodlands and Possible. Suitable taeniopleura rocky areas. habitat on‐site. NC Act, C S Multiple records occur NAPSP in the Wildlife Online database search. Pseudechis Red‐bellied Black Generally associated with Likely. Abundant prophyriacus Snake wetter areas and suitable habitat for predominately feeds on frogs. foraging on‐site. Anecdotal evidence NC Act, provided by long‐term C N NAPSP tenant suggests the species occurs there. Multiple database records in Wildlife Online. Tropidechis carinatus Rough‐scaled Snake Prefers wetter forests and Possible. Abundant NC Act, creeklines. Forages mainly for habitat on and near C S NAPSP, frogs and small mammals. site. A single record in QM the Wildlife Online database search.

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

Status Likely Occurrence Scientific Name Common Name Source Typical Habitat EPBC NC Act BCC Varanus varius Lace Monitor Occurs in a variety of timbered Known to occur. One NC Act, habitats across south‐east individual was C N NAPSP, Australia and can become observed on‐site QM habituated to areas such as during the field survey. camping grounds/picnic areas. Vermicella annulata Bandy‐bandy Secretive burrowing species Possible. Suitable NC Act, that occurs in most habitats habitat on‐site and 3 C S NAPSP, across eastern Australia. records occur in QM Wildlife Online. EPBC = Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999; where NT = Near Threatened, V = Vulnerable, E = Endangered, CE = Critically Endangered, M = Migratory.

NC Act = Nature Conservation Act 1992; where NT = Near Threatened, V = Vulnerable and E = Endangered, C = Least Concern, SL = Special Least Concern (DEHP Wildlife Online data search).

NAPSP = Brisbane City Council significant fauna species as listed under the Natural Assets Planning Scheme Policy 2003 (NAPSP); where E = Extinct, S = Significant and N = Noteworthy.

QM = Queensland Museum Zoology Records

With reference to Migratory species, the marine species are highly unlikely to utilise the Site whilst the terrestrial and wetland species listed in the search may occasionally utilise on-Site habitat for food resources. It is, however not anticipated that migratory species utilise the Site as essential / permanent habitat. Thus, a significant impact on Migratory species is unlikely to occur from the proposed development. It is likely that Grey Headed Flying Foxes may utilise the Site for foraging opportunities from time to time as the Site does provide suitable resources for these highly mobile species. However, no flying fox roosts were present on the Site. It is considered highly likely that the Koala may utilise the Site given the suitable habitat that is present and the large number of records (nearly 2000) which occur within the vicinity. During the site inspection, none of the listed species were identified on the Site. Further, in relation to Koalas, the detailed Koala survey5 conducted by Place Design Group in 2008 did not record any Koala observations or signs of Koala utilisation on-Site despite the presence of suitable koala habitat.

5 The following methodology was followed during the survey:  Scat surveys were conducted at the base of every of every koala habitat tree (DBH > 200 mm of the following species Angophora, Corymbia, Eucalyptus, Lophostemon, and Melaleuca) within the proposed 2008 development area.  Scratch surveys were conducted using the same methodology as per the scat surveys.  The areas outside of the development footprint were traversed using a meandering technique to assess its habitat values.  Opportunistic koala searches were performed whilst traversing the entire Site.  Local residents were interviewed to inquire into historical occurrence. (Draft Preliminary Ecological Assessment Report for Uniland Pty Ltd, PLACE Design Group, August 2008).

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

3.7 Pests Plants A number of exotic and invasive pest plants were recorded within the Site. Under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 declared plant species of Queensland are classified under 3 categories:

 Class 1: By law, landholders must keep their land free of this class of declared plant species;  Class 2: By law, landholders must try to keep their land free of this class of pest plant, it is illegal to possess, sell or release these species without a permit; and  Class 3: Control by landowners is not deemed to be warranted unless the plant is impacting, or has the potential to impact, on a nearby environmentally significant area. It is an offence to sell, introduce, release or supply a Class 3 species. Several of the weeds identified on the Site have been listed by BCC as Environmental Weeds. There are 3 categories of weeds defined by BCC and each class has been assigned its own objectives in terms of its suggested management. The 3 classes are:

 Class E: Early detection and eradication – This species could cause severe damage if it establishes in Brisbane. Landowners should regularly check their property to detect early infestations, immediately remove an infestation and continue inspections to ensure the plant does not establish;  Class C: Containment and reduction – This species is well established in Brisbane and the objective is to contain infestations to prevent further spread. Landowners should remove the parent plant, source of infestation or attempt to prevent seeding; and  Class R: Reduce population as part of routine maintenance – This species is well established across Brisbane and is a moderate threat. Landowners should inspect for infestations and remove invasive plants during routine property maintenance. Seven (7) weeds are also classified as Weeds of National Significance (WoNS). WoNS require the coordination among all levels of government, organisations and individuals with weed management responsibilities. A list of prevalent declared pest plants recorded on the Site are summarised in Table 4 below. Table 4: Declared and Classified Pest Plants Recorded

QLD BCC Status within the Site Common name Species name WoNS Class Class (Declared Pests Only)

Occasional, no significant Agave Agave angustifolia R infestations Occurs across Site in grassy Bahia Grass Paspalum notatum R understorey Occasional clumps, no significant infestations, Asparagus aethiopicus Basket Asparagus 3 X C mainly confined to ‘Sprengeri’ communities with better canopy cover Some infestations occurring Blue Morning Glory Ipomoea indica R in acacia woodlands surrounding waterbodies Occasional, no significant Brazilian Nightshade Solanum seaforthianum R infestations REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

QLD BCC Status within the Site Common name Species name WoNS Class Class (Declared Pests Only)

Broadleaved Pepper Tree Schinus terebinthifolius 3 R Occasional/rare, no significant infestations, occurs as isolated plants within most terrestrial communities Occasional, no significant Cadaghi Corymbia torelliana R infestations Camphor Laurel Cinnamomum camphora 3 C Rare isolated individuals along margins of forested communities Cape Water Lily Situated in shallow‐mid Nymphaea caerulea var. R margins of on‐Site zanzibarensis waterbodies Castor Oil Plant Ricinus communis R Occasional, no significant infestations Isolated patch near northern Cat’s Claw Creeper Macfadyena unguis‐cati 3 X C boundary of Site Occasional/rare, no significant infestations, Chinese Celtis Celtis sinensis 3 R occurs as isolated plants within most terrestrial communities Occasional/rare, no significant infestations, Climbing Asparagus Asparagus africanus 3 X C mainly confined to communities with better canopy cover Occasional, no significant Cocos Palm Syagrus romanzoffiana R infestations Occasional, no significant Corky Passionflower Passiflora suberosa R infestations Isolated patch near northern Creeping Lantana Lantana montevidensis 3 R border of Site Occasional, no significant Easter Cassia Senna pendula var. glabrata R infestations Isolated/rare, occurs on Fireweed Senecio madagascariensis 2 X R margins of slashed grass Occasional, no significant Giant Devil’s Fig Solanum hispidum R infestation Some infestation on Glycine Neontonia wightii R embankments within riparian open forest Occasional, no significant infestations, limited to Groundsel Bush Baccharis halimifolia 2 C communities on alluvial soils near waterbodies

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

QLD BCC Status within the Site Common name Species name WoNS Class Class (Declared Pests Only)

Occurs across Site in grassy Guinea Grass Megathyrsus maximus R understorey Occasional, no significant Jacaranda Jacaranda mimosifolia R infestations Thick infestation bordering Johnson Grass Sorghum halepense R water bodies Occasional/common, occurs more commonly within Lantana Lantana camara 3 X R communities with better canopy cover Occasional, no significant Leucaena Leucaena leucocephala R infestations Mother‐of‐Millions Bryophyllum delagoense 2 R Isolated patch near northern border of Site Some infestations occurring Mile‐a‐minute Ipomoea cairica R in acacia woodlands surrounding waterbodies Occasional, no significant Ochna Ochna serrulata C infestations Isolated clumps adjacent to Pampas Grass Cortaderia selloana R some access tracks Occurs across Site in grassy Para Grass Urochloa mutica R understorey One individual recorded in Prickly Pear Opuntia stricta 2 X R the vicinity of Paradise Road entrance Occurs across Site in grassy Rhodes Grass Chloris gayana R understorey Occasional/common, Salvinia Salvinia molesta 2 X C restricted to waterbodies Occasional, no significant Sensitive Plant Mimosa pudica R infestations Occurs across Site in grassy Signal Grass Urochloa decumbens R understorey Occasional, no significant Silver Leaf Desmodium Desmodium uncinatum R infestations Occasional/common, occurs Singapore Daisy Spagneticola trilobata 3 R along margins of waterbodies and across all alluvial soils Some infestation on Siratro Macroptilium atropurpureum R embankments within riparian open forest

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

QLD BCC Status within the Site Common name Species name WoNS Class Class (Declared Pests Only)

Some infestation within roadside vegetation and the exotic grassland with Slash Pine Pinus elliottii R emergent eucalypt community near the Paradise Road entrance Occurs across Site in grassy South African Pigeon Grass Setaria sphacelata R understorey Occasional, no significant Umbrella tree Schefflera actinophylla R infestations Occasional, no significant Wild Tobacco Solanum mauritianum R infestations Occasional/rare, no significant infestations, Yellow Bells Tecoma stans 3 R occurs as isolated plants on margins of forest communities

3.8 Pest Animals As discussed above Cane Toad (Rhinella marina) were abundant during the survey. Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) was not observed but anecdotal evidence provided by the long-term tenant and the observed location of a den site indicates at least one individual is resident on the Site. This species is a declared Class 2 pest species under the Queensland Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002. Under this Act landowners must take reasonable steps to keep land free of Class 2 pests.

Anecdotal evidence provided by the long-term tenant indicates that infestations of Red Imported Fire Ant (Solenopsis invicta) have been identified and treated on-Site. A quarantined nest was noted on-Site during the preliminary site visit in December, 2014. The Site is located within the High Risk Restricted Area for Red Imported Fire Ants (refer to Section 5.3.4).

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

4.0 ECOLOGICAL FUNCTION

Habitat type is a significant factor in the composition of the fauna species assemblage of a given area. Two habitat components are especially important: physical structure and resource availability. Structure refers to the abundance and complexity of the vegetation, debris and substrate. Habitats with thick ground cover, abundant shrubs, dense leaf litter, fallen timber and many large trees with hollows are complex and may provide abundant sheltering sites for fauna.

In addition, the availability and variety of resources (food, water and mates) affect the number and type of vertebrate species inhabiting an area. Habitats with abundant and variable resources tend to support more species, while the presence of a preferred dietary item will facilitate the presence of particular taxa. However, habitat usage will be variable with certain species utilising habitats dependent upon seasonal conditions, migratory patterns or in response to a specific event such as recent rainfall or mass flowering events.

As such, when determining the ecological integrity and functionality of a site, it is prudent to analyse the site on a local, sub-regional and regional scale. This may also act to gauge a site’s value to known populations of EVNT species which may occur within the locale. 4.1 Local Site Habitat Values Three (3) principal fauna habitat types were present within the Site:  Eucalypt open forest;  Casuarina closed forest; and  Wetlands. 4.1.1 Eucalypt open forest

Eucalypt forest dominates the north-west extent of the Site but has evidently been subject to varying amounts of disturbance in the past. In the south of this area (around Trap Site 1 and the current dwelling) the habitat has been subject to extensive clearing and the canopy is patchy and generally quite open (refer Photo Plate 17). North of the dwelling the canopy is more continuous in nature. In general, there are few mature trees on the Site and as a result few trees with hollows large enough to provide nest sites for larger arboreal fauna such as possums, greater glider or cockatoos. Mature trees with large hollows were scattered along the riparian strip adjacent to Oxley Creek and isolated trees located on the north-south ridgeline that runs through the property (Photo Plate 18). The lower storey in this habitat is often dominated by Lantana which is quite dense on the lower slopes. The ground layer is very dense in heavily impacted areas such as the riparian Forest Red Gum community along Oxley Creek.

As a result of this past disturbance, this habitat type only has a moderate structural complexity. There is a moderate amount of suitable fallen timber scattered throughout to provide shelter for ground fauna, patchy areas of leaf litter and few large, hollow-bearing eucalypt trees. Nevertheless, eucalypts provide seasonal food resources for a range of nectar-feeding birds and flying fox species, including the listed Grey-headed Flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus). Eucalypts also provide a permanent foraging resource for Koala, although no evidence of their presence was observed. Small tree hollows may provide nest/roost sites for microbats and smaller glider species, such as Sugar Gliders which are reported to occur on the Site. Lantana, although an introduced species, provides suitable cover and foraging resources for a range of small insectivorous bird species such as fairywrens, scrubwrens and Silvereyes (Zosterops lateralis). Although limited in extent on the Site, fallen timber will provide shelter for smaller

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

ground fauna including skink species and small mammals (as evidenced by the presence of the Common Planigale).

Plate 17: Disturbed eucalypt forest in southern extent of Site Plate 18: Eucalypt open forest from northern ridgeline of Site

4.1.2 Casuarina closed forest This habitat occupies a portion of the north-west corner of the Site bordering Paradise Road (refer Photo Plate 19). Trap Site 2 was located within this habitat (refer Photo Plate 20). This habitat is dominated by Black She-oak providing a relatively homogenous and low, dense canopy (approximately 7-8 m high) with scattered emergent eucalypts. There is a dense litter layer and dispersed arrangements of clumping grass species. Scattered shrub species occur including Lantana as well as a range of native species. Fallen timber is limited in this habitat.

This habitat largely provides value to a subset of that occurring in eucalypt open forest, particularly small and medium-sized insectivorous bird species. In particular, this habitat may provide foraging resources for the Glossy Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami) which feeds solely on the cones of selected casuarina species.

Plate 19: Casuarina closed forest in north‐west extant of Site Plate 20: Casuarina closed forest – Trap Site 2

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

4.1.3 Wetlands

Artificial wetlands dominate the west and south of the Site. This includes deeper dammed areas, shallow vegetated wetlands, and adjacent tall grasslands that are seasonally inundated. These areas provide suitable habitat for a range of fauna including a number of bird species listed as Migratory (under the EPBC Act) or Significant in the Brisbane city region. Although waterbird species were not abundant during the survey period, these wetlands may provide important seasonal habitat for waterbird species during dry periods and during seasonal migratory movements, (particularly spring and autumn).

Two large dammed areas (refer Photo Plates 21 and 22) are located in the southern extent of the Site. The deeper waters here will provide foraging opportunities for fishing species such as cormorants, pelicans, grebes and Australasian Darter (Anhinga novaehollandiae). Shallower vegetated wetlands are located in the north-west (refer Photo Plate 23). These areas are suitable for a range of secretive rail species that require exposed mudflat for foraging adjacent to vegetative cover. This is also suitable habitat for a range of migratory wader species, as well as the Commonwealth-listed Australian Painted Snipe (Rostratula australis). Tall grasslands extend around the edges of the wetland areas and include some patches that will be inundated during seasonal rains (refer Photo Plate 24). These areas provide habitat for a range of specialised bird species including finches, cisticola, grassbirds and quail.

The wetland areas also provide habitat for a range of common frog species, particularly the shallow vegetated areas. This in turn will provide foraging potential for a range of predatory bird species and other frog predators such as Red-bellied Black Snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus) and Keelback.

4.1.4 Overall Habitat Assessment

Overall habitat values across the Site can be considered to be medium to low in quality. This is generally due to deficiency in essential elements required by a great many native terrestrial and arboreal fauna species. Regrowth vegetation and horticultural areas generally lack features such as hollow bearing trees and dense understorey structure. These areas generally support a significantly less diverse suite of fauna.

Some areas within the Site (specifically communities which bear hollows and have denser understoreys) support better quality habitat and have potential to provide habitat for forest dependant fauna without competition from aggressive fauna. Likewise, the artificial waterbodies and riparian corridors on-Site provide moderate quality wetland and waterway habitats for a range of local and migratory bird species as well as aquatic fauna.

Areas which lack dense canopy and understorey and/or are close to existing dwellings adjacent to the Site generally provide habitat for more common mobile species (birds and bats) noting the database searches as well as exotic species such as black rats, mice, cane toads, foxes, cats and dogs.

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

Plate 21: Damned area from microbat recording site (AB1) Plate 22: Damned area on dusk

Plate 23: Shallow vegetated wetland are in north‐west of site Plate 24: Tall grassland subject to seasonal inundation.

4.2 Regional Functionality and Corridor Connectivity A stand of trees in isolation will function differently to a stand that is connected to adjacent fragments. In a regional context, the vegetation remaining on the Site forms part of the regionally significant Oxley Creek Waterway corridor. This regional corridor provides movement opportunities for fauna between the Bremer Catchment-Spring Mountain-Greenbank-Oxley-Sherwood-Brisbane River Catchment (Flinders Peak to Bay Islands corridor). The Oxley Creek Catchment Management Plan (1999), states that the Flinders Peak to Bay Islands Corridor is a major corridor with significant ecological linkages for movement, dispersal and migration of fauna species.

Prior to anthropogenic disturbance, the Site and surrounds would have supported well vegetated areas providing a high quality habitat for local fauna. However significant long-term clearing and thinning has reduced vegetation cover and connectivity values of the Site.

The Site currently forms part of a large fragmented north-south ecological corridor which is isolated to the north and east by urban development. This corridor is severed by major arterial roads and a highly modified landscape REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

57 dominated by residential areas and industry. There is patchy bushland to the west and south of the Site on the other side of Oxley Creek. Although relatively small the Site helps to provide a bushland buffer along Oxley Creek which progressively becomes more denuded as the creek moves north of the area. Located within the broader Oxley Wedge greenspace system, the corridor provides links via Oxley Creek with more extensive bushland associated with the Greenbank Military Camp to the south of the Logan Motorway as well as Karawatha Forest located to the east.

The ability for fauna to persist in such fragmented landscapes depends on complex species-habitat relationships and resilience to adapt to anthropogenic disturbance. Fragmentation generally results in marked reduction of biodiversity and abundance of fauna (with the exception of edge specialists and urban adapted species). For some sensitive species (typically habitat specialists), local extinction events can occur.

The corridor consists of moderately sized contiguous strands of vegetation as well as stepping-stones corridor of fragmented vegetation in which fauna can utilise for dispersal and foraging. Whilst these vegetated islands and waterway corridors do not function as well as natural, connected habitat, they still play an important role in preserving biodiversity within an urban setting.

Figure 6 identifies the subregional and regional ecological links and corridors associated with the Site.

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

4.3 Water Quality Buffering The current proposal will result in a significant increase in the impermeable area, particularly across the eastern half of the Site. Stormwater quality is currently proposed to be addressed by an end of line treatment approach addressing distinct catchments. Stormwater will be collected across the developed area via kerb, channelling and a piped stormwater network and delivered to four (4) individual bio-retention basins. Each basin services a separate catchment within the proposed subdivision.

In total, the combined bio-retention filter area proposed to adequately treat the subdivision would be approximately 5,000m2. Treated stormwater from three out of the four basins is proposed to be discharged to the existing ponds adjacent to Oxley Creek, with the fourth to be discharged directly to the existing natural channel of Oxley Creek. Discharging the majority of the treated water to the ponds will provide an additional polishing function to stormwater generated and discharged from the proposed development.

The Stormwater Quality Management Plan prepared by Calibre Consulting outlines the mitigation measures and recommendations regarding stormwater treatment for the proposal. 4.4 Oxley Creek Impoundment Erosion

During the site inspection on the 13th May, 2015, two S5 Environmental team members (Ecologist and Environmental Planner) noted severe and extensive erosion located on the Site at the southern constructed impoundment (specifically on Lot 15 on RP75165). The erosion occurs at the outlet of a stormwater culvert which enters the Site via a piped network under Paradise Road. Photo Plates 25 and 26 below indicate the extensive erosion which appears to have washed away previous rehabilitation works. In addition, a second area of erosion is located further north within the road reserve of Paradise Road and on Lot 12 on RP75165. However, the erosion in this area is not as severe or extensive as the erosion on Lot 15.

This site inspection occurred after a significant rainfall and localised flooding event and it was evident that the areas associated with the water bodies and Oxley Creek accommodate high velocity and high volume flows during such events.

Plate 25: Erosion at the southern constructed impoundment Plate 26: Erosion at the southern constructed impoundment

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

5.0 LEGISLATIVE AND PLANNING OVERVIEW

State and Commonwealth database searches were completed for the Site to identify known records or potential occurrences of Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES) as well as Matters of State Environmental Significance (MSES), including significant flora and fauna species, threatened ecological communities, Regional Ecosystems (REs) and referrable wetlands. Database searches were undertaken within a 5 and 10 kilometre (km) radius of the Site centred on S -27.6026°, E 153.0327. It should be noted that the Development Application was lodged with BCC and ‘properly made’ on the 4th of March, 2009. Therefore, this legislative and planning overview has assessed the planning frameworks in place ‘as at’ the date the assessment became properly made. In addition, this assessment reviews the proposal against current legislative frameworks and policy.

Desktop searches covered the following databases and mapping sources:

 EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool (DE 2013a);  Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (DEHP) Wildlife Online database (DEHP 2013a);  Regulated Vegetation Mapping v1.2 (DNRM 2014);  State Planning Policy Mapping (DSDLGP 2013);  Map of Referable Wetlands (DEHP 2013b);  Protected Plants Trigger Map (DEHP 2014); and  Koala SPP and SPRP Maps (DEHP 2012). 5.1 International Agreements 5.1.1 Ramsar

The Ramsar Convention, a convention on wetlands of international importance, “is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources”. The EPBC Protected Matters search result indicated that the Site is located approximately 27 km upstream of the Moreton Bay Ramsar site. Oxley Creek (which discharges into the Brisbane River) is located within the site and adjacent to the western and southern boundaries of the Site. Based upon site observations and review of available aerial photography it is apparent that the Site drains directly into this catchment. Moreton Bay was added to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance in 1996 because it:  Is one of the largest estuarine bays in Australia;  Plays a substantial role in the natural functioning of a major coastal system;  Supports appreciable numbers of vulnerable green and Hawksbill Turtles, endangered Loggerhead Turtles and it is one of the top 10 Dugong habitats in Queensland;  Supports over 355 species of marine invertebrates, 55 species of algae associated with mangroves, 7 species of mangrove and 7 species of seagrass;  Is a significant feeding ground for Green Turtles and Dugong, and a breeding ground for Dugong;  Has the most significant concentration of young and mature Loggerhead Turtles in Australia;  Supports more than 50,000 wintering and staging shorebirds during the non-breeding season; REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

 Supports at least 43 species of shorebirds, which use intertidal habitats in the bay, including 30 migratory species listed by JAMBA and CAMBA; and  Is particularly significant for the population of wintering eastern curlews and the Grey-tailed Tattler, both substantially more than 1% of the known flyway population (DEHP, 1999). Ramsar wetlands are typically protected and managed under State Legislation (e.g. the Queensland Marine Parks Act 2004). Importantly, they are also protected federally under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). The EPBC Act (described in Section 5.2.1 below) regulates actions that will, or are likely to, have a significant impact on any Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES), which includes the ecological character of a Ramsar wetland. This includes relevant actions that occur outside the boundaries of a Ramsar wetland. An impact on the ecological character of a declared Ramsar wetland is significant if:

 Areas of the wetland are destroyed or seriously modified;  There is a major and measurable change in the natural hydrological regime of the wetland (e.g. changes to the timing, duration and frequency of ground and surface water flows to and within the wetland);  The habitat or lifecycle of native species dependent on the wetland is seriously affected;  There is a major and measurable change in the physio-chemical status of the wetland (e.g. salinity, pollutants, nutrients, temperature, turbidity); and  Invasive species are introduced into the wetland. An action that will, or is likely to, have a significant impact on a Ramsar wetland will be subject to a rigorous environmental assessment and approval regime under the EPBC Act. The applicability of this legislation to the proposed development is later discussed in Section 5.2.1 of this report. 5.1.2 JAMBA / CAMBA / ROKAMBA / BONN

The Japan/Australia Migratory Bird Agreement 1981 (JAMBA), China/Australia Migratory Bird Agreement 1988 (CAMBA), Republic of Korea Migratory Bird Agreement 2007 (ROKAMBA) and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals 1991, or the Bonn Convention, were signed as a means of protecting migratory species and their habitats. BONN, JAMBA, CAMBA and ROKAMBA schedule migratory species that are protected under these agreements. The Federal EPBC Act is the legislation in Australia that enforces these Agreements, as all species listed under BONN, JAMBA, CAMBA and ROKAMBA are listed as ‘Migratory’ under EPBC (refer to Section 5.2.1). 5.2 Federal legislation 5.2.1 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)

The EPBC Act facilitates Australia’s commitment to signed international agreements by requiring Federal assessment and approval of proposals that may ‘significantly impact’ upon Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES). Under this legislation, a ‘self-assessment’ is required to ascertain the necessity to refer the Matter to the Department of Environment (DE). The EPBC Act Policy Statement 1.1, the ‘Significant Impact Guidelines’ further lists a set of ‘significant impact criteria’ for each of the 8 listed matters of national environmental significance.

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

The matters of national environmental significance which are applicable to the proposed works include the potential to impact upon:

 Wetlands of International Significance;  Listed threatened Ecological Communities;  Listed threatened species; and  Migratory species protected under international agreements. These matters and each species recorded or likely to occur on the Site has been assessed against the significant impact guidelines. For fauna and flora species, their likely presence within the Site and any impact resultant of the proposed works has been considered. Following careful review of the proposed works, S5 Environmental have determined that the development MAY directly impact on one listed fauna species of national significance; the Koala. As such, a Self-Assessment under the EBBC Koala Referral Guidelines WILL BE required to determine if Referral to the Commonwealth is necessary. The complete EPBC Act Protected Matters Search record is attached in Appendix A of this report. 5.3 State legislation Under Queensland State Government legislation, a number of ecological relevant mechanisms will apply to development within the Site. These mechanisms and their application are listed and described below. The applicable Queensland State Government Mapping for the Site has been provided in Appendix B and also represented in Figure 7.

5.3.1 Nature Conservation Act 1992

The Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NC Act) ensures the management of protected areas and protected wildlife. It is unlawful to take, keep or interfere with a cultural or natural resources of a protected area or to take protected wildlife without a permit. The complete Wildlife Online search record is attached in Appendix B of this report.

5.3.2 Integrated Planning Act 1997

The development application was lodged under the repealed Integrated Planning Act 1997 (IPA). In accordance with the amended Acknowledgement Notice dated 5th of May, 2009, the Development Application was referred to the Advice and Concurrence Agencies listed under Table 5 below for matters of environmental relevance. These referrals were identified under Schedule 2 of the Integrated Planning Regulation 1998 (IPR). Table 5 further identifies the status of the referral agency response.

The development application will continue to be decided under the IPA, rather than the current Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (SPA). Pursuant to section 3.5.3 of the IPA, the codes, planning instruments, laws and policies in force at the time of the development application was made will continue to apply.

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

Table 5: Referral Triggers

Agency 2009 Agency 2015 Referral Trigger Response Status Type Department of Department of Concurrence Located in an interim koala DIP IR issued Infrastructure State habitat protection area of the 23.04.2009. and Planning Development, Draft South East DSDLGP Extension (DIP) Local Queensland Koala State granted to 24.08.2015. Government Planning Regulatory and Planning Provisions (2008). (DSDLGP) Environmental Department of Advice Within 100 metres of a Advice Agency Protection Environment referable wetland. Response issued Agency (EPA) and Heritage 18.05.2009. Projection

5.3.3 Vegetation Management Act 1999 (VMA)

The Vegetation Management Act 1999 (VMA) and the Vegetation Management Framework Amendment Act 2013 protects vegetation on freehold land that is mapped as remnant by the Queensland Herbarium (QH). It provides a framework for the description, identification and mapping of Regional Ecosystems (REs). It also prevents land degradation, maintains biodiversity, preserves ecological processes and promotes Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) through the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) Development Assessment process (since 1st July, 2013). REs are assigned a conservation status under the VMA as well as a biodiversity status by the Department of Natural Resources and Mines (DNRM). The DNRM also uses Essential Habitat Mapping to regulate the clearing of remnant vegetation that is important to endangered, vulnerable and near threatened (EVNT) species and is mapped in locations where an EVNT species has been recorded in the past. At the time of the application, the Site was not mapped as containing remnant vegetation under the certified 2003 Regional Ecosystem Map. A current Property Map of Assessable Vegetation (PMAV) applies to the Site (PMAV Number – 2006/008410; Agreement Date: 30/11/2006). The vegetation on the Site has been amended to Category X (i.e. vegetation not regulated under the VMA). Refer Appendix C. Therefore, there were NO requirements of consideration under the VMA. Further, the current Regulated Vegetation Management mapping indicates that the Site DOES NOT contain remnant vegetation (refer Appendix C). Field surveys confirm and validate that it is unlikely that the site vegetation will regain remnant status in the foreseeable future. Remnant vegetation however, is mapped on land directly adjoining the Site. The Oxley Creek riparian corridor located on the western boundary of the Site is mapped with RE 12.3.11 (Of Concern). Further, a number of small polygons containing RE 12.5.3/12.5.2 (Endangered, 60/40) are mapped in adjacent allotments along the northern and north-eastern boundaries of the Site. Details of each RE are listed below:  RE 12.3.11 (Least Concern) - Eucalyptus tereticornis +/- Eucalyptus siderophloia, Corymbia intermedia open forest on alluvial plains usually near coast.  RE 12.5.3 (Endangered) - Eucalyptus racemosa subsp. racemosa woodland on remnant Tertiary surfaces. REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

 RE 12.5.2 (Endangered) - Corymbia intermedia, Eucalyptus tereticornis open forest on remnant Tertiary surfaces, usually near coast. Usually deep red soils. The Site itself is NOT mapped to support Essential Habitat, however remnant vegetation areas listed as RE 12.3.11 which are located in the adjacent Oxley Creek corridor are mapped to support Essential Habitat for conservation dependent species Koala which is listed as Vulnerable under the NC Act and now listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act. 5.3.4 Nature Conservation (Wildlife Management) Regulation 2006

Any site within mapped ‘High Risk Trigger Areas’ under the NC Act are subject to thorough vegetation surveys to identify any threatened flora species in accordance with an approved survey methodology. Currently, under the Nature Conservation (Protected Plants) Conservation Plan 2000 a person is required to obtain a Clearing Permit, issued by DEHP, for the clearing of native vegetation within the State of Queensland. However, if the clearing is for Least Concern species (i.e. not EVNT) an exemption is listed under Part 4, Division 2, Section 41 for the clearing of vegetation if: for a least concern plant on private land—the person taking the plant is the landholder of the land. The Site IS NOT mapped as a “High Risk Area” under the DEHP Protected Plants Flora Survey Trigger Mapping (refer to the Protected Plants Flora Survey Trigger Map attached at Appendix C. Therefore, a protected plants flora survey is NOT required for the Site. Further, no EVNT species were identified as present on-Site and as such a permit to clear under this legislation is NOT required. 5.3.5 Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002

With regards to the proposed development, this Act is intended to prevent the spread of pest species, both plant and animal. Under the Act, Schedules of Declared Pests categorises pests into 3 types of management that landholders are legally required to undertake. Pest species recorded as part of this Ecological Assessment are outlined in Section 3.7 and Section 3.8 of this report. Upon review of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) Red Imported Fire Ant Restricted Area Map, it is noted that the Site IS within a declared Fire Ant Restricted Area (High Risk Restricted Area). Accordingly, movement restrictions as set out in Section s 51-58 of the Plant Protection Act a 2002 apply to soil or waste material emanating from the Site. Movement of restricted items WILL require an Approved Risk Management Plan or an Inspector’s Approval to move these items off the Site. 5.3.6 Nature Conservation (Koala) Conservation Plan 2006 and Management Program 2006-2016

The Site is located in the Urban Koala Management Area (UKA) under the Nature Conservation (Koala) Conservation Plan 2006. The development application did NOT trigger a referral under Schedule 2, item 33 of the IPR to the EPA for development relevant to koala conservation because the Site did not fall within the Koala Conservation Area (KCA) or Koala Suitability Area (KSA).

5.3.7 Environmental Protection Regulation 2008

The south-western portion of the Site was identified as being located within 100m of Referable Wetlands under the Queensland Wetland Mapping and was referred to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as an Advice Agency (refer Appendix C). The referral response (see Table 5) required for water entering Oxley Creek to meet

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

65 appropriate water quality objectives of the Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 1997. This Act has since been superseded by the Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009. DEHP Referable Wetlands Mapping indicates that the Site is NO longer located within 100m of a referable wetland. Refer Appendix C. 5.3.8 Queensland Government Offsets Policy (2008)

The Queensland Government Environmental Offsets Policy (QGEOP) came into effect on 1 July 2008. The QGEOP identified key principles for offsets which were to be followed in the specific offset policies. The QGEOP was intended to:

(a) continue to apply the specific issues offsets but deal with offsets in an overarching manner to increase the scope of when offsets may be appropriate; (b) apply broadly and trigger a requirement for an environmental offset under the IPA by one or more concurrence agencies (either referral or advice); and (c) be capable of being applied to development approvals and conditions in the context of a development application made under IPA.

The development application did NOT trigger referral to the EPA under the NC Act for development relevant to koala conservation because the Site was identified in a UKA and not in the KCA or KSA (refer Section 5.3.6).

5.3.9 Draft South East Queensland Koala State Planning Regulatory Provisions 2008

At the time the development application was made, the Draft South East Queensland State Planning Regulatory Provisions – December 2008 (Draft Koala SPRP) were applicable. The draft provisions expired on 1st July 2009, when the final version commenced. The Site was included within the “Interim Koala Habitat Area” under the Draft Koala SPRP. In accordance with Division 2 - Material Change of Use and Reconfiguring a Lot, Table 1, Column 2, the proposal MUST – (a) be consistent with the planning intent in the planning instruments for the premises; and (b) must comply with Schedule 3. Schedule 3 provides a framework and direction for the use of environmental offsets to provide net benefit for koala conservation in the interim koala habitat protection area. 5.3.10 South East Queensland Koala Conservation Planning Regulatory Provisions (SPRP) and State Planning Policy (SPP)

The current South East Queensland Koala Conservation State Planning Regulatory Provisions (Koala SPRP) and State Planning Policy (SPP) are made under the SPA. Areas that are captured by the Koala SPRP are depicted on a series of maps issued by DEHP. A search by Lot and Plan through the DEHP concluded that the Site IS mapped as containing Medium Value Bushland, Low Value Bushland, Medium Value Rehabilitation and Low Value Rehabilitation habitat for Koalas (refer to Koala SPP and SPRP Maps in Appendix C). The Site is within the South East Queensland Koala Protection Area and IS mapped within a Koala Assessable Development Area (KADA) and an identified Koala Broad-hectare Area (Oxley Wedge Broad-hectare Area). However, under Section 1.4 of the Koala SPRP, the provisions DO NOT apply to this development application as

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

66 the assessment was properly made prior to the instrument’s commencement. In this instance, the development application defers to the Draft Koala SPRP (refer Section 5.3.9). The SPP is a state planning instrument and is applicable when local planning instruments are made or amended and when land is designated for community infrastructure. The SPP koala habitat values mapping corresponds with the Koala SPRP mapping. 5.3.11 State Planning Policy 2014

A single State Planning Policy (SPP), came into effect in Queensland in December 2013 and was subsequently amended in July 2014. Developers use the interim assessment provisions under Part E of the SPP to the extent the SPP has not yet been appropriately integrated into the relevant planning scheme. In relation to environmental constraints, under the SPP mapping the Site is identified as containing Matters of State Environmental Significance (MSES) Wildlife Habitat and Regulated Vegetation. The Wildlife Habitat mapping corresponds with the Medium Value Bushland Habitat values on-Site as indicated in the Koala SPP and SPRP mapping. The Regulated Vegetation mapping corresponds with the DNRM Regulated Vegetation Management Map for adjoining remnant areas as outlined in Section 5.3.3. As the development application is assessable against the superseded City Plan 2000, a response to the SPP Part E: Interim Development Assessment Requirements for the State Interest – Biodiversity IS required. With regard to natural hazards, the Site is mapped as containing Medium and High (Potential Intensity) bushfire risk and Potential Bushfire Impact Buffer areas as well as Flood Hazard Area – Level 1 (Local Government mapping area). As such a Bushfire Hazard Assessment and a Flood Hazard investigation WILL be required for the Site to satisfy the SPP. S5 Environmental has prepared a Bushfire Assessment (including a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Assessment) and Bushfire Management Plan (dated the 4th August, 2015) for the proposal. A copy of the SPP Mapping is attached at Appendix C. 5.3.12 State Development Assessment Provisions

As of 1 July 2013 the State Development Assessment Provisions (SDAP) have come into effect through the amendments to the Sustainable Planning Regulation 2009 (SPR) under the SPA. The provisions set out the matters of State interest for development assessment. If there are any matters of interest to the state relevant to the proposed development, an applicant is required to provide with the application an assessment against the applicable state code (s) in the SDAP. Maps have been prepared that relate to these matters and these can be accessed via the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) online mapping system.

As the development application is to be assessed against IPA, assessment against the applicable state code(s) in the SDAP does NOT apply.

5.3.13 Environmental Offsets Act 2014

On 1 July 2014, a new environmental offsets framework was introduced in Queensland to streamline environmental offsets by providing an outcome-based approach to offsets and to remove the complexities and duplication associated with the former offsets framework and alignment of offsets across all three levels of government.

Once an administering agency has decided that a prescribed environmental activity is required to provide an offset, the offset will be delivered in accordance with the Queensland environmental offsets framework

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67 established under the Environmental Offsets Act 2014 (EO Act), Environmental Offsets Regulation 2014 and the Queensland Environmental Offsets Policy.

The Queensland Environmental Offsets Policy replaces the following offset policies:

 Queensland Government Environmental Offsets Policy (2008);  Marine Fish Habitat Offsets Policy (version FHMOP005.2);  Policy for Vegetation Management Offsets (2011);  Queensland Biodiversity Offset Policy (2011); and  Offsets for Net Gain in Koala Habitat in South East Queensland Policy (2010). As the development application was made prior to the 1 July 2014, the 2014 environmental offset regime under the transitional provisions of the EO Act do NOT apply.

However, if an offset was required under a former offset policy, the proponent and assessment manager can agree to apply the new environmental offsets legislation where this represents a more favourable offset arrangement than under the former offset policy.

This presents an opportunity for the offset requirements mandated under the Draft Koala SPRP to be delivered under the current 2014 offsets framework either in the form of a financial settlement, a land-based offset or a combination financial and land-based offset package.

S5 Environmental therefore, propose the offset for the proposal is calculated based on the mapped Koala SPRP ‘Medium Value Bushland’ for Koalas and offset in accordance with the Queensland Environmental Offsets Framework at a ratio of 1 to 3 Non-juvenile Koala Habitat Trees. The quantification of Non-juvenile Koala Habitat Trees will be calculated on the quadrats of the vegetation communities (methodology described in Section 2.1 of this report). In addition, S5 Environmental have met with project stakeholders and have discussed the opportunity for strategic rehabilitation of the severely degraded Oxley Creek Waterway Corridor. S5 Environmental are of the opinion that a land-based offset as part of the Rehabilitation Plan for the Site will provide significant ecological outcomes and long-term sustainability of the Oxley Creek Waterway Corridor. S5 Environmental conclude the above offset/rehabilitation proposal correlates with the implementation actions which are stated in the Oxley Creek Catchment Management Plan (Oxley Creek Catchment Association, 1999) and support the priorities and plans of the Lord Mayor’s Oxley Creek Catchment Taskforce. Further, S5 Environmental deem the proposed offset an opportune and tailored mitigation measure to offset the loss of native regrowth vegetation on the Site.

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

Legend Development Area Site Boundary Digital Cadastral Database Regulated Vegetation Essential Habitat Endangered Regional Ecosystem Of Concern Regional Ecosystem Koala SPRP Koala Assessable Development Area Koala Planning Areas Medium Value Bushland Low Value Bushland Medium Value Rehabilitiation Low Value Rehabilitation Oxley Wedge Broad-hectare area

Figure 7 - Queensland Government Ecological Constraints Proposed Residential Development Paradise Road, Willawong Uniland Pty Ltd C/- The Place Design Group

Job Number: S50033; D:\S5 Consulting Server\S5 Projects\S5 Projects\S50033 Paradise Road Willawong\04 Drawings\PDF\Figure7 Scale: approx 1:6000 @A3 Author: MT; Date: 21 July 2015 Data: Digital Cadastral Database (c) - State of Qld, 2015. Koala SPRP (c) - State of Qld, Regulated Vegetation (Regional 100 0 100 200 300 m Ecosystems & Essential Habitat) - (c) State of Qld CRS: MGA94 Z56 This plan may only be relied upon in relation to the project and purpose for which it was commissioned. 69

5.4 Local Legislation The development application was properly made under the superseded City Plan 2000 and will be assessed against this instrument. Consideration will also be made to the applicable designations and overlays of the current City Plan 2014 in accordance with Section 3.5.6(2) of the IPA which states that “…in assessing an application, an assessment manager may give the weight it is satisfied is appropriate to a code, planning instrument, law or policy that came into effect after the application was made…” before the commencement of the decision stage. Under BCC’s Brisbane City Plan 2000, a number of ecologically relevant mechanisms will apply to development within the Site. These planning mechanisms and their application are listed and described below. The applicable City Plan 2014 environmental overlays for the Site has been provided in Appendix D of this report and relevant City Plan 2000 ecological overlays have also been represented in Figure 8.

5.4.1 BRISBANE CITY PLAN 2000

Under the Brisbane City Plan 2000, the Site is zoned as Emerging Community (EC) in the north-east and Rural (RU) in the south-west. EC areas are described as “…generally suitable for urban purposes at some future time” and RU areas are described as those areas that “…protects land with rural amenity or open character and good agricultural land”. Calamvale District Local Plan The Site is located within the Calamvale District Local Plan. This plan requires rehabilitation of degraded waterway corridors, habitat areas and ecological corridors as well as the retention of valued vegetation, particularly in areas adjacent to Oxley Creek. Map A of the Calamvale District, indicates that the Waterway Corridor at the south-western portion of the Site is a Waterway Corridor and states that, “This area forms part of the broader “Oxley Wedge” greenspace system and provides links with core wildlife habitat areas and movement corridors within the Willawong and Acacia Ridge Local Plan areas and the Karawatha-Greenbank Corridor.” Waterway and Wetland Overlays Under the Brisbane City Plan 2000, the Site is constrained by Waterway and Wetland Overlays. The Waterway Overlay corresponds to the low lying areas associated with the on-site waterbodies and Oxley Creek as well as the first order waterway located adjacent to Paradise Road. The Wetland Overlay is mapped as a linear strip along Oxley Creek with additional polygon correlating to the larger waterbody on-Site. 5.4.2 NATURAL ASSETS LOCAL LAW 2003

Brisbane City Council introduced the Natural Assets Local Law 2003 (NALL) as part of their ongoing commitment to protect vegetation within the Council boundary. It aims to:  Protect the biodiversity of the city;  Preserve all natural land forms;  Preserve the city’s natural landscape character;  Preserve vegetation of cultural and historical value;  Control hazardous vegetation; and  Improve weed management. The NALL legislation defines 4 categories of protected vegetation. These categories identify the types of vegetation protected and the location of the vegetation. The site IS mapped as supporting all 4 of these

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

70 designations, being Significant Native Vegetation (SNV), Significant Urban Vegetation (SUV), Vegetation Protection Order (VPO) and Waterway and Wetland Vegetation (WWV) (refer to maps attached in Appendix D). The mapped WWV correlates directly to the lower lying areas of the Site in the west. A waterway corridor is also mapped running north to south adjacent to Paradise Road. SNV, SUV and VPO overlays area currently mapped over the whole of the Site. Significant Native Vegetation Brisbane City Council defines SNV as:  Protecting vegetation that has ecological value and provides important habitat or is a food source for wildlife;  Species of native plants that are unique to the region and state, species such as Hoop Pines (Araucaria cunninghamii);  Trees, shrubs, groundcovers and vines, that are located in a particular area, including dead vegetative material that provide important habitat for wildlife; and  Native vegetation communities such as melaleuca wetlands and rainforests that provide unique and valuable habitat for fauna species. All native vegetation on the Site is protected under the SNV category. This includes native trees, shrubs, vines groundcovers and grasses, as well as dead vegetation material such as logs which may provide habitat to native wildlife. Significant Urban Vegetation The SUV category protects trees on the Site which are considered rare or possess environmental, cultural or historic significance or are a Significant Landscape Tree (SLT). SLT’s include the following specific vegetation where applicable:  Fig Trees – Ficus benjamina, obliqua, platypoda, microcrapa var.hillii, bengaliensis, macrophylla, religiosa, virens, watkinsiana with a trunk diameter 100 cm or larger;  Mangifera indica (Mango) with a trunk diameter 80cm or larger;  Delonix regia (Poinciana) with a trunk diameter 80cm or larger;  Jacaranda mimosifolia (Jacaranda) with a trunk diameter 80cm or larger; and  Araucaria cunninghamii (Hoop Pine), Araucaria bidwillii (Bunya Pine), Agathis robusta (Queensland Kauri Pine), Eucalyptus tereticornis (Forest Red Gum), Eucalyptus microcorys (Tallowwood) and Eucalyptus racemosa (Scribbly Gum) with a trunk diameter of 60 cm or larger. The removal of SLTs for the proposed development WILL require an ‘Application to Carry out Works (including interfering with) on Protected Vegetation’ (NALL Permit) prior to any clearing works. Waterway and Wetland Vegetation This category protects all vegetation in wetlands and waterways, as mapped by Council. Waterways and wetlands in Brisbane do not always hold water or appear to flow. Waterways help capture, store and convey water across the city, provide important linkages between habitat areas and help maintain water quality.

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

Vegetation Protection Order The NALL states, “If in Council’s opinion, there are grounds for considering that one or more of the objects of this local law would be fostered by providing for the protection of vegetation of any nature existing on a particular area of freehold land in the city, then Council may make vegetation protection order applying to that vegetation.” Accordingly, to carry out works within the Site that would involve the removal of vegetation, an ‘Application to Carry out Works (including interfering with) on Protected Vegetation’ (NALL Permit) WILL be required from BCC preceding any clearing works. 5.4.3 NATURAL ASSETS PLANNING SCHEME POLICY

The superseded Natural Assets Planning Scheme Policy (NAPSP) aimed to protect species which have limited distributions within the Brisbane Local Government Area (LGA) such as Narrow-leafed Red Gum (Eucalyptus seeana) which has been recorded within the Site. Further to protecting this species the policy seeks to preserve biodiversity values across the city. Accordingly trees with habitat features such as hollows, basal hollows and fissures should be identified and retained as they provide denning and roosting opportunities for hollow dependent fauna. 5.4.4 BRISBANE CITY PLAN 2014

The Brisbane City Plan 2014 came into effect on 1 July 2014 and replaces the Brisbane City Plan 2000. However, the zoning for the Site mirrors that of the superseded City Plan 2000.

Willawong Neighbourhood Plan

In accordance with City Plan 2014, the Site falls within Willawong Neighbourhood Plan as an area mapped as the Paradise Wetland Investigation Precinct (NPP-002). The purpose of the Willawong Neighbourhood Plan Code is to provide local level planning for the Willawong Neighbourhood Planning Area. The overall outcomes of the Willawong Neighbourhood Plan that relate to the proposal are stated within the Code as follows:

 Development protects and enhances the regionally significant ecosystems and environmental values which will improve the health and quality of the local waterway of Blunder Creek and Oxley Creek;  The rehabilitation of extractive industry sites pays attention to the hydraulic regime, bank stability and revegetation to improve water quality;  Development adjacent to wetlands outside waterway corridors has regard to effects on the water quality and hydraulic regime of the wetland and the potential for isolation of the wetland from significant native vegetation or habitat areas;  Land subject to development constraints, character or environmental values are protected from inappropriate development in order to maintain its character, natural and ecological significance. Further the Paradise Wetland Investigation Precinct (NP-002) overall outcomes are as follows:  The precinct is being investigated as a possible area to accommodate new residential development with a choice of housing types, a centre to provide office and shop activities serving the local population and a mixed industry and business area that supports surrounding industrial areas;  The ultimate layout, design, land use mix and density of any such future development will be determined by resolving the key issues including air quality, noise and separation distances to sensitive land uses, site REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

contamination, flooding, habitat and ecological corridors, koala habitat, topography and slope stability and access for vehicles and public transport. Until these issues are resolved no further development will be approved;  Future development is also dependent on the provision of local and trunk infrastructure networks required to service the development land surrounding area. This infrastructure is not included in the Priority infrastructure plan and is therefore required to be demonstrated as part of any investigation. No performance outcomes or acceptable outcomes prescribed are indicated within the Willawong Neighbourhood Plan Code. Upon review of BCC’s 2014 Interactive Mapping the following environmental Overlays affect the Site: Biodiversity Areas Overlay Under the City Plan 2014, the High Ecological Significance (HES) sub-category is mapped over approximately three quarters of Lots 1 and 2 on RP87500. The Site is also contained within a Koala Habitat Area. A copy of the City Plan 2014 Biodiversity Areas Overlay Map for the Site is attached at Appendix D. The purpose of the Biodiversity Areas Overlay as it relates to this project, is for the conservation, consolidation, connection and restoration of the network of lands with in-situ or strategic biodiversity values within Brisbane. It is therefore the intention of the City Plan to retain vegetation community connectivity where possible within those areas mapped by the Biodiversity Areas Overlay on the Site. Areas mapped with the Biodiversity Areas Overlay are identified as containing Matters of Local Ecological Significance (MLES). S5 Environmental note that the HES layer extends into the least disturbed vegetation community on-Site, VC4 – Gum-topped box open forest (refer to Figure 5). During the detailed field assessment, the status of this vegetation was classified as non-remnant. Whilst containing ecological values this area of the Site lacks connectivity to surrounding areas of intact bushland, being severed by Learoyd Road and residential development to the north and Paradise Road, the industrial estate and the Brisbane-Sydney Railway Line to the east. From a landscape ecology perspective, the Site’s fragmentation presents an impediment to off-site fauna movement and increases risk of mortality and injury for wildlife traversing residential, industry, road and rail networks. Further, this area of the Site indicates evidence of historical disturbance such as thinning, edge effects and significant weed incursion. With the exception noted above, S5 Environmental understands that the majority of the Biodiversity Areas Overlay will be contained within the dedicated Open Space Area associated with the Oxley Creek riparian corridor and on- Site artificial wetlands. Maximising the Overlay within the Open Space Area is optimal as this will protect and strengthen the tenuous ecological corridor that traverses the western portion of the Site. Under a favourable assessment, any area of HES Overlay not included in the Open Space Area or being retained MAY incur Financial Offsets. Please note, however that Section 15 of the EO Act stipulates that specific MLES values which could be offset under the local planning scheme should not be the same, or substantially the same as any MSES or MNES. Bushfire Overlay With the exception of the artificial wetland areas (i.e. on-site waterbodies associated with former sand mining activities), the majority of the Site is mapped as Medium Hazard and Medium Hazard Buffer Area with interspersed small pockets of High Hazard and High Hazard Buffer Area. Accordingly a Bushfire Hazard Assessment, Bushfire Attack Level Assessment (BAL) and a Bushfire Management Plan has been prepared for the Site. A copy of the City Plan 2014 Bushfire Overlay Map for the Site is attached at Appendix D. REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

Significant Landscape Tree Overlay Under the City Plan 2014, the north-eastern portion of the Site is mapped with the Landscape Features sub- category. Development within this designation is to be configured in such a way as to protect the tree protection zone (TPZ) of significant landscape trees.

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6.0 POTENTIAL IMPACTS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

Potential ecological impacts identified here are based on the Place Design Group RoL Plan (Drawing number 1115014_01 Rev A dated 02/06/2015) and the ecological assessment undertaken for the Site. The development comprises the proposed subdivision of 173-215 Paradise Road and 204 Learoyd Road, Willawong. Currently the Site is zoned as being within EC and RU areas. The majority of the proposed 324 residential lots occur within the EC designation and all lots are located above the Q100 line. There will be a small encroachment into the RU areas in the south of Site. The proposed development will not impact the on-Site waterbodies or the Oxley Creek corridor. Table 6 below, outlines potential impacts, recommendations and mitigation measures for the proposal.

Table 6 Potential Impacts, Recommendations and Mitigation Measures

POTENTIAL IMPACTS RECOMMENDATIONS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

FLORA, FAUNA, HABITAT VALUE AND FUNCTIONALITY

The removal of native vegetation within the Site may reduce Habitat assessment has indicated that necessary faunal attributes within the investigation area have been significantly reduced foraging and habitat resources to some fauna species due to historical clearing and isolation of the Site from larger tracts of native vegetation. The Site is vulnerable to deleterious edge observed and expected to occur within the Site. effects and fragmentation from encroaching urban development. Areas within the Site, however, do provide moderate quality habitat features such as the artificial wetlands, the riparian corridor and open forest areas which support hollow bearing trees. Habitat for small terrestrial and arboreal fauna which may persist within the Site is diminished when compared to similar areas of more intact and well-connected habitat. Larger, more mobile and adaptable fauna such as birds, bats, macropods, possums and some glider species may have been able to re-colonise the Site despite clearing and isolation. These species often persist in urbanised environments providing that connectivity to more significant habitat areas and food resources is provided. S5 Environmental understands that the majority of vegetation within the development footprint, with the exception of the dedicated Open Space and Park areas is proposed to be removed. While it is noted the Site lacks an abundance of mature, hollow-bearing trees, the removal of on-Site vegetation has the potential to reduce denning habitat for hollow reliant species which occur within the Site. The proposed residential development will also effectively exclude most native forest dwelling terrestrial fauna and bird species persisting within the Site. The loss of a number of seasonal flowering trees will also impact on the availability of foraging resources for any arboreal mammals that utilise the Site throughout the year.

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

POTENTIAL IMPACTS RECOMMENDATIONS AND MITIGATION MEASURES To mitigate this impact, it is recommended that significant habitat trees (i.e. hollow bearing trees) be identified and retained where possible within the development footprint to preserve opportunities for nesting and roosting. The provision of appropriately located species-specific nest boxes within the esplanade open space area will also compensate habitat loss. Further, it is proposed that the areas within the Site that lie outside of the developable area (i.e. the disturbed waterway corridor and floodplain) will be extensively rehabilitated to offset loss of on-Site vegetation. This offset would enhance the broader diversity and ecological functionality of the Oxley Creek area, which in its current condition, is significantly degraded. These measures in conjunction with appropriate landscaping and fauna sensitive urban design offer an ecological response strategy which will strengthen the north-south ecological corridor, improve habitat quality across the Site and ensure that fauna movement opportunities within and through the Site are enhanced. The creation of a high quality wetland and waterway habitat is considered a far better ecological outcome for the wider region than the retention of isolated pockets of on-site vegetation. A detailed Tree Retention Plan (TRP) is recommended to determine the appropriateness of vegetation retention and to adequately categorise and quantify the cumulative loss of species and communities across the Site. The TRP will inform the subsequent development of the Rehabilitation Management Plan (RMP). Due to the size of the Site, it is suggested the plan be based on the Queensland Herbarium’s 10m x 50m rectangular plot methodology. This plot size is widely accepted internationally and is often used in surveys in Australia (Neldner, V.J., et al, 2012). The plots are generally located near the centre of a photo-pattern and along any observed contour, so as to typify the pattern. For Queensland vegetation, apart from rainforests, a comprehensively surveyed 500m2 plot captures the majority of the vascular plant diversity at the Site. Individual species counts from each plot will be extrapolated across the mapped vegetation community area to determine a total count of trees on-Site (species composition & count per vegetation community).

Fauna injuries and fatalities have the potential to occur Taking into account that vegetation removal will be required as part of the proposed works, the following is recommended: during vegetation clearing works on the Site.  A Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) qualified Fauna Spotter/Catcher should be commissioned to undertake fauna spotter/catching works during any clearing works.  Any recovered fauna may be re-located to retained vegetation on the Site or alternatively to local bushland reserves in the locality.  Any injured fauna resulting from clearing works are to be handled only by the qualified Fauna Spotter/Catcher and taken to a veterinary clinic or registered wildlife carer.

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

POTENTIAL IMPACTS RECOMMENDATIONS AND MITIGATION MEASURES  A detailed Fauna Management Plan (FMP) WILL be prepared to minimise impacts on native fauna populations during clearing works.

Loss of mature canopy vegetation within the Site may S5 Environmental understands that the majority of vegetation within the development footprint, with the exception of the dedicated reduce the Site’s fauna movement functionality and corridor Open Space and Park areas is proposed to be removed. The location of the esplanade road open space area, the lower-lying connectivity on a local scale to local fauna. Further wetland areas and the Oxley Creek corridor works well with the regional and sub-regional functionality of the Site as they maintain fragmentation of the local vegetation corridors may occur. the north-south ecological link described above. Strengthening this corridor through rehabilitation will enhance on-Site and intra- Site fauna dispersal and will prevent the risk of creating isolated habitat nodes which are effectively cut off from the larger landscape. The rehabilitated corridor will provide for greater diversity and will be less susceptible to impacts from adjoining land uses and associated edge effects (i.e. weeds, predators, etc.). It is further recommended that where possible, additional vegetation (i.e. significant habitat trees) should be retained within the developable area if individual Tree Protection Zones (TPZs) can be protected. That is, any vegetation located to the rear of proposed allotments should be retained if proposed building footprints do not fall within their TPZ. It is recommended that tree protection measures outlined in the Australian Standards 4970-2009 Protection of Trees on Development Sites are adhered to during the clearing and construction phases, including the inclusion of tree protection fencing prior to commencing works.

EVNT FLORA SPECIES

 Potential impacts to EVNT species.  No EVNT Flora Species were identified on-Site.

INVASIVE AND EXOTIC FLORA

Disturbance works associated with clearing efforts may act The Site is heavily modified and contains exotic flora species. A number of declared pest plant species were identified within the as a dispersal mechanism to encourage weed dispersal to Site including 10 x Class 3 and 5 x Class 2 declared pest plant species and an additional 29 x BCC weed species. The following adjacent sites which may further encourage existing exotic is recommended: species to proliferate.  Declared pest plant species within the Site as detailed in Section 3.7 should be removed.

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

POTENTIAL IMPACTS RECOMMENDATIONS AND MITIGATION MEASURES  It is recommended that retained vegetated areas within open space and parkland areas adjacent to the developable area are regularly monitored for germination and spread of declared pest plants during the construction phase; and  Where exotic vegetation is removed, it is recommended that rehabilitation with native species occurs where necessary.

INVASIVE AND EXOTIC ANIMALS

Potential Red Imported Fire Ant Risk. The Site IS within a declared Fire Ant Restricted Area. Accordingly, movement restrictions apply to soil or waste material emanating from the Site.

COUNCIL PERMITS AND APPROVALS (Environmental)

 Development Approval WILL be required from BCC.  The implications of the superseded 2000 planning scheme and the current 2014 planning scheme for development on the  NALL mapping applies to the Site. Site should be reviewed by a qualified Urban Planner.  Under the Brisbane City Plan 2014 a portion of the Site  The removal of Protected Vegetation for the proposed development WILL require an ‘Application to Carry out Works is mapped as High Ecological Significance (within the (including interfering with) on Protected Vegetation’ (NALL Permit) prior to any clearing works. Biodiversity Areas Overlay).  Consideration MAY be made to the applicable designations and overlays of the current City Plan 2014 in accordance with  Under the Brisbane City Plan 2014 the Site is mapped as Section 3.5.6(2) of the IPA. As such the development on the Site MAY be assessed against the BCC Biodiversity Areas Medium Hazard and Medium Hazard Buffer Area with Overlay, Bushfire Overlay and Significant Landscape Tree Overlay Codes. interspersed small pockets of High Hazard and High  A Bushfire Hazard Assessment, BAL and Management Plan HAS been prepared to demonstrate compliance with the Hazard Buffer Area (within the Bushfire Overlay). Brisbane City Plan 2014 Bushfire Overlay Code.  Under the Brisbane City Plan 2014 the north-eastern portion of the Site is mapped with the Landscape Feature sub-category (within the Significant Landscape Tree Overlay Code).

STATE PLANNING POLICY 2013 - BIODIVERSITY

Under the SPP mapping the Site is mapped as containing In order to meet the requirements of the SPP a Detailed Ecological Assessment is required to guide development. This Ecological MSES Regulated Vegetation and Wildlife Habitat. The Site Assessment should satisfy the requirement. The following is also required: is also mapped with Medium and High (Potential Intensity)

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

POTENTIAL IMPACTS RECOMMENDATIONS AND MITIGATION MEASURES bushfire risk and Potential Bushfire Impact Buffer as well as  A response to the SPP Part E: Interim Development Assessment Requirements for the State Interest – Biodiversity. Flood Hazard Area – Level 1 (Local Government mapping  A Bushfire Hazard Assessment and a Flood Hazard investigation. area).

DRAFT KOALA SPRP (2008)

The Site was included within the “Interim Koala Habitat Area” The proposal must: under the Draft Koala SPRP (2008).  Be consistent with the planning intent of the Calamvale District Local Plan; and  Provide environmental offsets to secure a net benefit for koala conservation in the interim koala habitat protection area. It is recommended an appropriate offset package be prepared for the Site in accordance with the 2014 Environmental Offsets Framework.

EPBC Act (Commonwealth)

The development MAY directly impact on one listed fauna A Self-Assessment under the EBBC Koala Referral Guidelines WILL be required to determine if Referral to the Commonwealth is species of national significance; the Koala. necessary.

STORMWATER, POLLUTANTS AND EROSION

Unmanaged site stormwater runoff during construction may During the site inspection on the 13th May, 2015 severe and extensive erosion was noted at the southern constructed carry sediment and pollutants into the local stormwater impoundment (specifically on Lot 15 RP75165). The erosion occurs at the outlet of a stormwater culvert which enters the site via networks and waterways, which may bring about a piped network under Paradise Road. In addition, a second area of erosion is located further north within the road reserve of deterioration in water quality. This may, in turn, adversely Paradise Road and on Lot 12 on RP75165. However, the erosion in this area is not as severe or extensive as the erosion on Lot affect the health of flora and habitat value to local fauna. 15. It is imperative that appropriate sediment and erosion controls are in place prior to and during construction works (paying particular emphasis to this discharge point) to ensure impacts upon downstream waterways are negligible.

Unmanaged additional stormwater runoff may erode soil Runoff from the Site during the construction phase of the development should be managed. During the construction phase, this from areas of the Site. will entail the development of and adherence to an erosion control procedures which will locate and describe measures to ensure that sediments do not leave the Site and degrade the receiving environment.

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

POTENTIAL IMPACTS RECOMMENDATIONS AND MITIGATION MEASURES Any fill introduced to the Site should be certified as clean and free from contaminants. With appropriate control measures in place, impacts upon the waterway corridors, the associated floodplain (west and south) and downstream waterways are expected to be negligible.

There is potential for nutrients to enter the surrounding An appropriate level of stormwater quality improvement should be applied to the ongoing operation of the subdivision. environment and waterway corridors and associated Vegetation retained across the Site (in open space and parkland areas), will aid in the uptake of nutrients that may be present in floodplain to the west and south of the Site through the runoff from the Site. inappropriate use of fertilisers associated with development

of landscaped areas. Nutrients may also be introduced by detergents, nitrous oxide deposition from vehicle exhausts and organic waste. An excess of nutrients may lead to eutrophication of downstream waterways resulting in algal blooms and excessive macrophyte growth. In extreme cases this may clog waterways and destroy habitat.

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

7.0 DISCUSSIONS AND CONCLUSIONS

The development application was properly made under the superseded City Plan 2000 and will be assessed against this instrument. Consideration will also be made to the applicable designations and overlays of the current City Plan 2014 in accordance with Section 3.5.6(2) of the IPA. Following the ecological assessment and site inspections conducted across the Site, it is evident that gross clearing and under-scrubbing has occurred across the greater balance of the Site, particularly in the eastern sector where regrowth areas have re-established. Large mature eucalypts have been retained and are scattered throughout the Site, predominately in areas associated with Oxley Creek and an area located within the north- eastern corner of the Site. Overall however, the Site is characteristic of an area which has experienced significant disturbance associated with former periods of low intensity agriculture and extensive sand mining. In the main, vegetation structures lack complexity and there is evidence of significant and wide spread weed infestation across the Site. The greatest ecological attributes of the Site are found in the low-lying areas associated with the on-Site waterbodies and the riparian corridor of Oxley Creek. The least disturbed vegetation community on-Site occurs in the north-eastern corner. This Gum-topped Box Open Forest community retains a significant pocket of native canopy vegetation however lacks the structural complexity to afford it remnant status. A current Property Map of Assessable Vegetation (PMAV) applies to the entire Site. As such the on-Site vegetation has been amended to Category X and is not regulated under the VMA. The Site currently forms part of a large fragmented north-south ecological corridor which is isolated to the north and east by urban development. This corridor is severed by major arterial roads and a highly modified landscape dominated by residential areas and industry. There is patchy bushland to the west and south of the Site on the other side of Oxley Creek. Although relatively small the Site helps to provide a bushland buffer along Oxley Creek which progressively becomes more denuded as the creek moves north of the area. Located within the broader Oxley Wedge greenspace system, the corridor provides links via Oxley Creek with more extensive bushland associated with the Greenbank Military Camp to the south of the Logan Motorway as well as Karawatha Forest located to the east. Despite the modified nature of the Site, a wide variety of native flora species were present and the Site does provide some habitat to local fauna, as was evidenced by the inspection. No EVNT flora or fauna species were identified during the site inspection. Overall habitat values across the Site can be considered to be medium to low in quality. This is generally due to deficiency in essential elements required by a great many native terrestrial and arboreal fauna species. While the proposed development will result in the loss of the majority of on-Site vegetation, it is intended that the areas within the Site that lie outside of the developable area (i.e. the disturbed waterway corridor and floodplain) will be extensively rehabilitated to offset net loss. This offset will enhance the broader diversity and ecological functionality of the Oxley Creek area, which in its current condition, is significantly degraded. These measures in conjunction with appropriate landscaping and fauna sensitive urban design offer an ecological response strategy which will strengthen the north-south ecological corridor, improve habitat quality across the Site and ensure that fauna movement opportunities within and through the Site are enhanced. The creation of a high quality wetland REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

82 and waterway habitat is considered a far better ecological outcome for the wider region than the retention of isolated pockets of on-Site vegetation. Further, open space areas, stormwater bio-retention basins and bushfire setbacks have been carefully planned and sited to maximise environmental outcomes and to positively impact on water quality. With specific reference to BCC’s environmental overlays the following can be concluded: • Brisbane City Plan 2000: Under the Brisbane City Plan 2000 the Site is mapped within the Waterway and Wetland Overlays. • Brisbane City Plan 2014: Under the Brisbane City Plan 2014 the Site is mapped within the Biodiversity Areas Overlay, the Bushfire Overlay, the Waterway Corridors Overlay and the Significant Landscape Tree Overlay. Please note, the Waterway Corridors Overlay coincides with the superseded Waterways Overlay mapping. Further, no Wetland Overlay designation is applied to the Site under the new planning scheme. This detailed Ecological Assessment and an appropriate level of Vegetation Planning, Rehabilitation, Bushfire Management and Stormwater Quality Management should provide acceptable outcomes for these Overlays. The Site is also mapped with NALL categories. To carry out works within the Site that would involve the removal of ‘Protect Vegetation’, an ‘Application to Carry out Works (including interfering with) on Protected Vegetation’ (NALL Permit) will be required from BCC preceding any clearing works. At the time the development application was made, the Draft Koala SPRP (2008) was applicable and the Site was included within the “Interim Koala Habitat Area” under this instrument. As such, the delivery of an appropriate offset package will be required to mitigate the loss of on-Site koala habitat. S5 Environmental therefore recommend the offset for the proposal is calculated based on the mapped Koala SPRP ‘Medium Value Bushland’ for Koalas and offset in accordance with the Queensland Environmental Offsets Framework at a ratio of 1 to 3 Non-juvenile Koala Habitat Trees. S5 Environmental are of the opinion that a land- based offset as part of the Rehabilitation Plan for the Site will provide significant ecological outcomes and long- term sustainability of the Oxley Creek Waterway Corridor. In relation to Federal matters, S5 Environmental has determined that the development may directly impact on one listed fauna species of national significance; the Koala. As such, a Self-Assessment under the EBBC Koala Referral Guidelines will be required to determine if Referral to the Commonwealth is necessary. In summary, it is S5 Environmental’s professional opinion that the proposed development and subsequent vegetation removal, if managed and mitigated appropriately, is suitable and compatible with the surrounding landuse and intent for the local area. With the comprehensive implementation of mitigation measures suggested in this Ecological Assessment, the retention of native vegetation to the greatest extent possible and the proposed rehabilitation of Oxley Creek and associated floodplain an appropriate level of ecological functionality and integrity of the Site may be maintained.

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

8.0 REFERENCES

Brisbane City Council (2003), A Guide to the Natural Assets Local Law – Protecting our valuable natural assets, BCC, Brisbane.

Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research (CPBR) (2006), EUCLID: Eucalypts of Australia, 3rd edn, CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood.

Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research (CPBR) (2001), WATTLE: Acacias of Australia, V1.0, CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood.

Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (2003), Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species, 1979, Bonn, Germany.

Cropper, S.C. (1993). Management of Endangered Plants. CSIRO, East Melbourne.

DAF (2015), Photo Guide to Weeds [online], https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/plants/weeds-pest-animals-ants/weeds/a- z-listing-of-weeds/photo-guide-to-weeds, The State of Queensland, Brisbane.

DAF (2015), Declared Plants of Queensland [online], https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/plants/weeds-pest-animals- ants/weeds/declared-plants, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Brisbane.

DNRM (2014), Vegetation Map Request [online], https://www.dnrm.qld.gov.au/forms/land-property/vegetation- map-request , The State of Queensland, Brisbane.

DE (2013a). Protected Matters Search Tool [online http://www.environment.gov.au/webgis- framework/apps/pmst/pmst-coordinate.jsf, Australian Government, Canberra.

DEHP (2014b), Protected Plants Trigger Map [online], https://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/licences-permits/plants- animals/protected-plants/map-request.php >, Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, Queensland Government, Brisbane.

DEHP (2013a), Wildlife Online Database Search [online], https://environment.ehp.qld.gov.au/report- request/species-list/, The State of Queensland, Brisbane.

DEHP (2013b), Map of Referrable Wetlands [online], https://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/ecosystems/wetlands/referable- wetlands-form.php, Brisbane.

DEHP (2012b), South East Queensland Koala Conservation State Planning Regulatory Provisions (SPRP) koala maps by lot and plan or street [online] http://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/wildlife/koalas/mapping/maprequestform.php, State of Queensland, Brisbane.

Neldner, V.J., Wilson, B.A., Thompson, E.J. and Dillewaard, H.A. (2012), Methodology for Survey and Mapping of Regional Ecosystems and Vegetation Communities in Queensland. Version 3.2. Updated August 2012.

REF:S50033ER001 Paradise & Learoyd Road, Willawong Ecological Assessment

Queensland Herbarium, Queensland Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts, Brisbane.

SARA (2015), State Assessment and Referral Agency DA Mapping System [online], http://dams.dsdip.esriaustraliaonline.com.au/damappingsystem/, Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, Queensland Government, Brisbane.

Wilson, P.R. and Taylor, P.M. (2012), Land Zones of Queensland. Queensland Herbarium, Queensland Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts, Brisbane.

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