Rickards Road Castlereagh – Central Lot

Vegetation Management Plan

Prepared for Enviro Waste Services Group Pty Ltd

August 2017

Rickards Road Vegetation Management Plan

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Project Name Rickards Road VMP – Central Lot Project Number 17WOL-6848 Jack Talbert Project Manager (02) 4021 2211 Level 2, Suite 204, 62 Moore Street Austinmer NSW 2515 Prepared by Rebecca Dwyer, Jack Talbert, Paul Price Reviewed by Andrew Whitford Approved by Andrew Whitford Status DRAFT Version Number 1 Last saved on 7 August 2017

Right: Cooks River Castlereagh Ironbark Forest within the VMP area, Top left: Dillwynia Cover photo tenuifolia, bottom right: Grevillea juniperina subsp. juniperina. Photos taken by Rebecca Dwyer March 2017

This report should be cited as ‘Eco Logical Australia 2017. Rickards Road – Central Lot Vegetation Management Plan. Prepared for Enviro Waste Services Group Pty Ltd.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This document has been prepared by Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd with support from Paul Lemm Planning Consultant and Eddy Hawach from Enviro Waste Services Group Pty Ltd.

Disclaimer This document may only be used for the purpose for which it was commissioned and in accordance with the contract between Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd and Enviro Waste Services Group Pty Ltd. The scope of services was defined in consultation with Enviro Waste Services Group Pty Ltd, by time and budgetary constraints imposed by the client, and the availability of reports and other data on the subject area. Changes to available information, legislation and schedules are made on an ongoing basis and readers should obtain up to date information. Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for or in respect of any use of or reliance upon this report and its supporting material by any third party. Information provided is not intended to be a substitute for site specific assessment or legal advice in relation to any matter. Unauthorised use of this report in any form is prohibited.

Template 29/9/2015

Rickards Road Vegetation Management Plan

Contents

1 Introduction ...... 1 1.1 Background...... 1 1.2 Commonwealth request for preliminary documentation conditions...... 1 1.3 Scope and objectives of VMP...... 2 1.4 Key terms ...... 2

2 Description of the environment ...... 2 2.1 Location ...... 2 2.2 Management history & usage ...... 2 2.3 Drainage and hydrology ...... 2 2.4 Geology / landscape ...... 2 2.5 Vegetation communities ...... 2 2.6 Flora ...... 4 2.7 Fauna ...... 6 2.7.1 Habitat ...... 6 2.7.2 Fauna species ...... 6

3 Management works ...... 8 3.1 Protection and management of the VMP area ...... 8 3.2 Brush matting and biomass collection ...... 8 3.3 Fencing and signage ...... 8 3.4 Retention of regrowth and remnant native vegetation ...... 8 3.5 Vegetation management zones ...... 9 3.5.1 Zone 1: Core Bushland ...... 9 3.5.2 Zone 2: APZ / Buffer ...... 9 3.6 Maintenance ...... 11

4 Monitoring and reporting ...... 14 4.1 Audit and monitoring reports ...... 14 4.2 Performance criteria ...... 15

5 Implementation schedule and performance criteria ...... 17 5.1 Implementation schedule ...... 17 5.1 Adaptive management ...... 17

6 Costs ...... 18 6.1 Preliminary works ...... 18 6.1.1 Fencing ...... 18

Rickards Road Vegetation Management Plan

6.2 Brush collection and distribution ...... 18 6.2.1 Vertebrate pest management ...... 18 6.3 Weed control treatments ...... 18 6.4 Monitoring and reporting ...... 18

References ...... 20

Appendix A Flora species recorded at subject site ...... 21

Appendix B Techniques and specifications ...... 24

Appendix C Sewer works ...... 29

Appendix D Fencing specifications ...... 31

List of figures

Figure 1: Location of the subject site ...... 3

Figure 2: Location of VMP ...... 1

Figure 3: Vegetation communities and threatened flora species within the subject site...... 5

Figure 4 Site layout ...... 12

Figure 5: Proposed management actions ...... 13

Figure 6 : Weed fence specifications (source http://www.catchmentsandcreeks.com.au) ...... 31

List of tables

Table 1: EPBC Act condition thresholds for CRCIF ...... 3

Table 2: Noxious and WoNS within the subject site...... 4

Table 3: Key fauna habitat features present across the study area ...... 6

Table 4: Fauna species recorded at the study area ...... 6

Table 5: Performance criteria ...... 16

Table 6: Implementation schedule ...... 17

Table 7 : Indicative annual cost breakdown ...... 19

Table 8 : Indicative ongoing management costs ...... 19

Rickards Road Vegetation Management Plan

Abbreviations

Abbreviation Description

APZ Asset Protection Zone

AABR Association of Australian Bush Regenerators

CRCIF Cooks River Castlereagh Ironbark Forest

EEC Endangered Ecological Community

ELA Eco Logical Australia

EPBC Act Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

LGA Local Government Area

LLS Local Land Services

NW Act Noxious Weeds Act 1993

OSMS On-site Sewage Management System

PCC Penrith City Council

TSC Act Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995

VMP Vegetation Management Plan

WoNS Weeds of National Significance

Rickards Road Vegetation Management Plan

1 Introduction

This Vegetation Management Plan (VMP) has been prepared by Eco Logical Australia (ELA) Pty Ltd on behalf of Enviro Waste Services Group Pty Ltd for the proposed subdivision at Lot 3 DP 184056 Rickards Road, Castlereagh. The subject site is located within the Penrith City Council (PCC) Local Government Area (LGA). This VMP relates to the 2 ha central lot.

This plan ensures the retention and management of native vegetation consisting of the Threatened Ecological Community (TEC) Cooks River Castlereagh Ironbark Forest (CRCIF), and threatened flora species within the VMP area. The works outlined in this VMP also relate to the condition set out in the request for preliminary documentation, provided by the Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE), and the development consent conditions provided by Penrith City Council (PCC).

1.1 Background The subject site is located 55 kilometres (km) north-west of the Sydney Central Business District, to the east of Rickards Road, Castlereagh, NSW (Figure 1). The development area is zoned as ‘RU4 Primary Production Small Lots’ in the Penrith Local Environmental Plan 2010.

The proposed overall works will require the removal and / or modification of 1.56 ha of TEC) Cooks River Castlereagh Ironbark Forest (CRCIF) (including 1.03 ha listed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) for a three lot subdivision. The proposed development will include two 2 ha lots and one 9.15 ha lot, each including street setback, residential dwelling, Asset Protection Zone (APZ) and On-site Sewage Management System (OSSM). The 9.15 ha lot also includes an 8.65 ha Biobank site. This VMP relates to the central 2 ha lot and henceforth will be referred to as the VMP 1 area (Figure 2).

A cumulative total of 11.59 ha of Cooks River Castlereagh Ironbark Forest will be retained and undergo conservation management, regeneration and revegetation to ensure ecological benefits and to improve the condition to meet EPBC Act thresholds. This outcome will be provisioned as follows:

 retention and management of 8.65 ha under a BioBanking Agreement  retention and management of 2.94 ha under a Section 88B covenant under the NSW Conveyancing Act 1919 and two Vegetation Management Plans (VMP 1 and VMP 2).

Two threatened species, Dillwynia tenuifolia and Grevillea juniperina subsp. juniperina, both listed as vulnerable under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) were recorded within the VMP 1 area. In addition, potential habitat for Micromyrtus minutiflora and Acacia bynoeana, both listed as endangered under the TSC Act and vulnerable under the EPBC Act, were also recorded within the VMP 1 area.

1.2 Commonwealth request for preliminary documentation conditions DotEE provide a request for further information as part of the subdivisions Commonwealth Approval. The requests which relate to this VMP are outlined below:

 provide information on how sewage generated from the proposed subdivision would be managed, such as the details of the proposed OSSM, including the mapped location of the placement of required infrastructure and any subsurface or surface irrigation areas

Rickards Road Vegetation Management Plan

 provide detailed information on how the proposed 25 metre Asset Protection Zones will be managed as ecological buffers for the adjacent conservation areas  details of the proposed active management measures under a VMP and how they would maintain or improve the viability of the protected matters, including duration, cost and funding arrangements.

1.3 Scope and objectives of VMP This VMP will guide the bushland restoration and protection in perpetuity of the VMP 1 area. The objectives of this VMP are to provide a guide to bush regeneration contractors to:

 protect and regenerate the TEC Cooks River Castlereagh Ironbark Forest control noxious and environmental weeds within the VMP 1 area  protect threatened flora identified within the subject site  manage the vegetation within the VMP 1 area in perpetuity

The maintenance period will run in perpetuity to ensure the objectives and performance criteria outlined in this VMP are met.

1.4 Key terms The following:

 Subject site: The overall extent of the site, including the development footprint, VMP 1 area, VMP 2 area and Biobank site as shown in Figure 1.  Development footprint: The portion of each lot including the setback and building envelope  VMP 1 area: The conservation area associated with the central lot, including the OSSM and APZ as shown in Figure 2. Management in this area is directed by this VMP.  VMP 2 area: The conservation area associated with the southern lot, including the OSSM and APZ. Management in this area is directed by ELA 2017.  Biobank site: The conservation area associated with the northern lot. Management in this area is directed by Biobanking agreement.

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Figure 1: Location of the subject site

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Figure 2: Location of VMP

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2 Description of the environment

2.1 Location The site is located approximately 55 kilometres (km) north-west of the Sydney Central Business District, to the east of Rickards Road, Castlereagh, within the Penrith Local Government Area. The site is bordered by Rickards Road and residential development to the west, a dirt bike riding facility to the north, Car wreckers to the south, and remnant vegetation to the east and south-east.

2.2 Management history & usage The subject site is located within a rural environment and is currently under private ownership for a single allotment. There are several walking tracks throughout the site. A small portion of the site along Rickards Road is currently being used for storage with a large shipping container and several pipes and general equipment stored within this area.

2.3 Drainage and hydrology One farm dam occurs within the centre of the site. There are no known watercourses or drainage lines within the subject site.

2.4 Geology / landscape The soil landscape within the subject site is identified as Agnes Banks, bordered by Freemans Reach and Berkshire Park.

The subject site is entirely comprised of remnant native vegetation identified as Cooks River Castlereagh Ironbark Forest. Remnant native vegetation within the subject site and surrounds was identified as Cooks River Castlereagh Ironbark Forest (CRCIF), which corresponds to Threatened Ecological Community (TEC), Cooks River/Castlereagh Ironbark Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion, listed as an endangered ecological community (EEC) under the TSC Act and a critically endangered ecological community (CEEC) under the EPBC Act.

2.5 Vegetation communities The field survey confirmed the presence of CRCIF within the study area during the field survey (Figure 3). CRCIF corresponds to Threatened Ecological Community (TEC), Cooks River/Castlereagh Ironbark Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion, listed as an endangered ecological community (EEC) under the TSC Act and a critically endangered ecological community (CEEC) under the EPBC Act.

Cooks River Castlereagh Ironbark Forest CRCIF ranges from open forest to low woodland, with a canopy dominated by Eucalyptus fibrosa (Broad- leaved Ironbark) and Melaleuca decora (White-feather Honey-myrtle). The canopy may also include other eucalypts such as E. longifolia (Woolybutt), E. moluccana (Grey Gum) and E. capitellata (Brown Stringybark). The dense shrubby understorey consists of Melaleuca nodosa (Prickly-leaved Paperbark) and Lissanthe strigosa (Peach Heath), with a range of ‘pea’ flower shrubs, such as Dillwynia tenuifolia, Pultenaea villosa (Hairy Bush-pea) and Daviesia ulicifolia (Gorse Bitter Pea) and Grevillea juniperina subsp. juniperina. Commonly occurring species in the ground stratum include Entolasia stricta (Wiry Panic), Lepidosperma laterale (Variable Sword-sedge), Opercularia diphylla, Dianella revoluta (Blue Flax- lily), Themeda triandra (Kangaroo Grass), Microlaena stipoides (Weeping Grass), Cheilanthes sieberi

Rickards Road Vegetation Management Plan

subsp. sieberi (Mulga Fern), Goodenia hederacea subsp. hederacea (Forest Goodenia) and Pratia purpurascens (Whiteroot).

The vegetation type is consistent with the EEC CRCIF, listed under the TSC Act and CEEC under the EPBC Act.

The CRCIF in good condition within the study area is categorised as Category D under the EPBC Act (Table 1).

Table 1: EPBC Act condition thresholds for CRCIF

Category Thresholds

Patch size ≥0.5ha And

≥30% of the perennial understorey vegetation cover is made up of native species.

And

The patch is contiguous with a native vegetation remnant (any A. Moderate condition class native vegetation where cover in each layer present is dominated by native species) ≥1ha in area.

And /or

The patch has at least one tree with hollows or at least one large locally indigenous tree (>80cm dbh). Where patches are ≥1ha, a density of at least one mature tree/tree with hollows per hectare is required.

Patch size ≥0.5ha And B. Moderate condition class ≥50% of the perennial understorey vegetation cover is made up of native species.

Patch size ≥0.5ha And C. High condition class ≥70% of the perennial understorey vegetation cover is made up of native species.

Patch size ≥2ha And D. High condition class ≥50% of the perennial understorey vegetation cover is made up of native species.

Rickards Road Vegetation Management Plan

2.6 Flora A total of 52 flora species were identified within the study area during field investigations, of which 14 are exotic species. Two noxious weeds, including two Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) were also recorded within the subject site (Table 2). A complete list of native and exotic flora recorded within the subject site is provided in Appendix A.

Table 2: Noxious and WoNS within the subject site

Scientific name Common Control Weed category WoNS name Class

Lantana camara Lantana 4 The growth of the plant must be managed in a manner Yes that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread.

Senecio Fireweed 4 The plant must not be sold, propagated or knowingly Yes madagascariensis distributed.

Four threatened flora species were recorded within the subject site during targeted flora survey, including Dillwynia tenuifolia, Grevillea juniperina subsp. juniperina, Acacia bynoeana and Micromyrtus minutiflora (Figure 3).

Dillwynia tenuifolia and Grevillea juniperina subsp. juniperina are listed as vulnerable under the TSC Act, and were recorded in the VMP 1 area. Acacia bynoeana and Micromyrtus minutiflora are listed as endangered under the TSC Act and vulnerable under the EPBC Act, these species were not recorded in VMP area but are considered to have the potential to occur.

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Figure 3: Vegetation communities and threatened flora species within the subject site

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2.7 Fauna

2.7.1 Habitat A range of fauna habitat features are present throughout the study area:

 vegetated areas of tall open woodland  hollow bearing trees  leaf litter / woody debris  dam.

Habitat within the study area provides potential foraging, breeding and nesting resources for a range of fauna. A total of four hollow bearing trees (HBTs) were recorded within the subject site. All HBTs contained small-medium hollows.

The habitat features relevant to each fauna group are identified in Table 3 below.

Table 3: Key fauna habitat features present across the study area

Habitat features Fauna species

Vegetated areas of tall open Birds, arboreal mammals, microchiropteran bats and owls woodland/forest

HBTs Birds, reptiles, microchiropteran bats and marsupials

Dam Amphibians; birds, microchiropteran bats, reptiles and marsupials

Leaf litter / woody debris Amphibians and reptiles

Potential habitat for the Regent Honeyeater and Grey-headed Flying Fox will be managed and protected within the local area in the form of the abovementioned CRCIF environmental outcomes. The total minimum area of habitat that will contribute to the environmental outcomes for these species is 11.59 ha.

2.7.2 Fauna species Opportunistic sightings of fauna were undertaken during the survey, with 10 fauna species recorded, consisting of six indigenous bird species, one exotic bird, one amphibian, and two native mammals (Table 4).

No threatened fauna species listed under the TSC Act or EPBC Act were recorded within the study area during field survey.

Table 4: Fauna species recorded at the study area

Class Family Scientific name Common name

Acanthizidae Acanthiza pusilla Brown Thornbill

Artamidae Cracticus tibicen Australian Magpie

Aves Corvidae Corvus coronoides Australian Raven

Meliphagidae Caligavis chrysops Yellow-faced Honeyeater

Psittacidae Trichoglossus haematodus Rainbow Lorikeet

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Class Family Scientific name Common name

Rhipiduarae Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail

Sturnidae Acridotheres tristis* Common Myna

Amphibia Myobatrachidae Crinia signifera Common Froglet

Macropus giganteus Eastern Grey Kangaroo Mammalia Macropodidae Wallabia bicolor Swamp Wallaby

* Exotic species

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3 Management works

The Management works for this VMP area will be undertaken consistent with the proposed Management Actions Template for the adjacent Biobanking site.

3.1 Protection and management of the VMP area The area subject to this VMP will be protected and managed under Section 88B instrument which will ensure the land will be protected in perpetuity. The Section 88B covenant will prohibit the carrying out of any development on the land into the future. Specifically, it will stipulate on the land that:

 any future dwelling and associated development is confined to the building envelope and APZ as identified on the subdivision plan  the vegetation within this area is to be retained in a natural state and protected to offset the impacts of the proposed development  this area is to be permanently fenced to restrict unnecessary access. A gate may be included to allow access for management and passive activities. The fence is to be of permanent metal, see-through fence of rural character and is to be maintained in perpetuity  no native vegetation located within this protected area is to be damaged. No dumping, development, erection of structures, or other activities that may damage the vegetation such as grazing, agriculture, removal of woody debris of bush rock, use of vehicles or establishment of tracks or paths is to occur within this protected area without the prior consent of Penrith City Council  all existing paths and other disturbed areas are to be allowed to regenerate  for any development or activity that will adversely impact on the vegetation in this area, a new flora and fauna assessment will be required to be submitted with the Development Application and suitable offset measure proposed  a VMP has been prepared for this area. The VMP is to be implemented in its entirety  noxious and environmental weeds are to be managed and controlled within this area

3.2 Brush matting and biomass coll ection Prior to the commencement of civil works with the proposed development footprints and the catered of their associated APZs, all woody biomass and ‘brush’ associated with the residing CRCIF is to be harvested and placed within the VMP area as erosion control measures.

3.3 Fencing and signage Fencing and permanent signage is to be installed and maintained to deter human disturbance and waste dumping, as per the management actions map (Figure 5). At minimum this signage should identify, the site as a ‘Conservation Area’.

3.4 Retention of regrowth and remnant native vegetation Native vegetation (whether remnant native vegetation or regrowth) on the biobank site must not be cut down, felled, thinned, logged, killed, destroyed, poisoned, ringbarked, uprooted, burnt or otherwise removed.

Rickards Road Vegetation Management Plan

3.5 Vegetation management zones Vegetation management works for this VMP are focused on revegetation and weed removal. The conservation area is divided into two treatment zones (Figure 5) proposed to achieve the objectives identified in Section 1.2.

 Zone 1: Core bushland  Zone 2: Asset Protection Zone

3.5.1 Zone 1: Core Bushland This treatment zone, approximately 1.46 ha, represents good condition remnant CRCIF with low weed densities and a shrubby understorey.

The priorities for management in this zone are:

 Target noxious and environmental weeds for reduction and containment.  Protect the existing D. tenuifolia and G. juniperina subsp. juniperina individuals  Increase in native species diversity, including CRCIF species, through natural regeneration.  Minor surface erosion works through the use of offsite brush matting material

Primary weed control will involve hand-removal in areas where small woody weeds, herbs and grasses occur in small densities. Hand removal should be undertaken of all weeds in close proximity to D. tenuifolia and G. juniperina subsp. juniperina individuals. Disturbance of the soil should be kept to a minimum. In high densities herbs and grasses are spot-sprayed with a non-selective herbicide, though care must be taken to avoid spray drift or impact on regeneration of native species present. Woody weeds will be removed using the cut and paint method to avoid damage to surrounding native species. Secondary weeding will target re-sprouting or new weed infestations. Monitoring will be conducted in this zone and will advise the intensity of follow-up treatments.

Revegetation or soil preparation works have not been proposed for this zone. Assisted natural regeneration should occur through careful weed management.

Minor surface erosion and brush matting works will be limited to the previously used motorbike tracks which dissect throughout the management zone. It is approximated that 0.07ha will require this treatment. Brush and logs are to be derived from the collection of woody vegetative material from both the development footprints and corresponding APZs establishment. Only species indicative to that of CRCIF are to be collected and used for this activity.

3.5.2 Zone 2: APZ / Buffer The EPBC significant impact guidelines (DotEE 2015) recommended a minimum buffer zone of 30 m from the outer edge of the patch is provided to act as a barrier to further direct disturbance. Where the buffer is subject to existing land uses, such as cropping, grazing or fire breaks, these can continue. A 30 m APZ is proposed around the retained vegetation, this will involve selective thinning of trees and shrubs and suppression of the ground layer, all canopy trees will be maintained.

This treatment zone, approximately 0.32ha, represents remnant CRCIF with moderate to low weed densities and a shrubby understorey.

The priorities for management in this zone are:

 Provide protection to CRCIF, D. tenuifolia and G. juniperina subsp. juniperina from fire through appropriate bushfire management.

Rickards Road Vegetation Management Plan

 Maintain minimal fuel through suppression of vegetation growth.  Provide a protective weed buffer to the adjacent VMP and Biobank areas through the intense management of annual and perennial wed species  Limit the impact of the proposed wastewater management systems sub-surface irrigation on the residing CRCIF, D. tenuifolia and G. juniperina subsp. juniperina.

APZ management

Management of this zone involves thinning of vegetation in order to reduce the hazard presented by bushfires. However, management in this zone is also meant to provide a buffer against impacts for the CRCIF, D. tenuifolia and G. juniperina subsp. juniperina located in Zone 1. As such, maintenance of this buffer will be undertaken in such a way as to encourage native vegetation and reduce weed occurrence such that natural diversity is maintained.

Management will consist of slashing this zone to a height of 0.50 m and managing weeds in-between slashings. Slashing should occur when the vegetation reaches 1-1.5 m in height. Slashing and trimming should be done in mid to late summer to allow most species to set seed. No D. tenuifolia should be removed as part of APZ management. Weed control will involve spot spraying of pasture grasses and herbaceous weeds before they set seed.

Pre-clearance targeted surveys are to be undertaken by a suitably qualified and experienced Flora ecologist prior to any APZ clearance or maintenance activities in order record and ‘flag’ any naturally regenerating threatened species. Any D. tenuifolia or G. juniperina subsp. juniperina located during surveys are to be removed and translocated due to high levels of Phosphorous generated via the OSMS.

It is also recommended that management of the landscaping areas between stockpiles be maintained in a similar fashion both to provide a buffer for the conservation areas and to reduce the risk of bush fire. Guidelines for bushfire management in all areas are provided in Appendix B.

All woody biomass or debris derived from the establishment of the APZ is to be used as brushmatting material with Zone 1 to assist with any potential surface erosion issues.

On-site Sewage Management System (OSMS) The APZ area also contains the OSMS (Figure 4). The OSMS will utilise pressure dosed absorption beds. The VMP area encompasses two APZ management areas each with a pressure dosed absorption area of 180m2 each. The wastewater will be treated in a NSW Department of Health approved aerated wastewater treatment system or equivalent. The OSMS area will not require any additional vegetation clearance or specific vegetation management that differs from the actions proposed for the APZ. Pressure dosed absorption presents less chance of surface saturation compared to other irrigation types. It is a non-intrusive sewage management system which will not require the clearing of any additional vegetation.

It is noted that due to the acidic nature of the subgrade, a recommended application of lime (Calcium carbonate) distributed at a rate of 250 g/m2 (415kg in total) will be spread across the APZs to raise the pH from an mean of 4.6 to an anticipated minimum of 5.5. It is also noted that the final wastewater product will further raise the management zones pH between the range values of 6.5 – 8.0 (S. Doberer, personal communication, 12 July 2017). It is expected that due to these conditions, and the addition of wastewater derived nutrients (effluent concentrations of Nitrogen at 25mg/L and Phosphorous at 12mg/L), that the management zone would be subject to additional weed invasion at elevated growth rates.

To effectively manage weeds within the zone the following actions are to be implemented:

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 Regular weed control treatments will be required to maintain low weed densities (primarily spot-sprayed with a non-selective herbicide) and to impede any potential exotic plant encroachment into the neighbouring conservation areas.  All APZ/ VMP and Biobank interfaces are to be bunded by a weed exclusion fence i.e. silt fence to control additional surface water transported weed seeds. Specifications for the installation and maintenance of the weed exclusion fence are provided as Appendix D.  Construction of a diversion drain at the ‘top and sides ‘of the application area to divert surface water flow (Envirotech 2017).

3.6 Maintenance Maintenance works should be implemented in all zones at the conclusion of the primary management works. All zones, including the APZ, will be protected in perpetuity under the guidance of the consent conditions provided by PCC, the Section 88B agreement and the conditions from the Commonwealth approval for the proposed development. Work in this phase is to be undertaken by a suitably qualified, experienced and licenced bush regeneration contractor as identified in Appendix C.

A regular audit program carried out by a suitably qualified ecologist will be implemented to ensure that the performance criteria as detailed in Section 4.3 are being met. The audit will be undertaken annually for the first 3 years and thereafter at 2 yearly intervals. Audit results will be submitted to PCC and DotEE.

Priorities for management will be the treatment of any regrowth of primary treated weed species and control of subsequent growth of other weed species (secondary weed control). Maintenance will be required on a regular basis especially in the peak growing seasons and less frequently in the cooler periods. The frequency of maintenance required will depend on the rate of native regeneration and persistence of exotic species. It is expected that maintenance works following establishment phase will be required bi-monthly during the peak growing seasons and quarterly in the cooler periods.

Techniques for weed control may include spot spraying of herbaceous weeds and exotic grasses and hand-weeding to protect and encourage regenerating native species. The regeneration techniques to be used should be in accordance with techniques outlined in Buchanan (2000).

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Figure 4 Site layout

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Figure 5: Proposed management actions

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4 Monitoring and reporting

The bush regeneration contractor and the land manager will monitor the vegetation for changes over time. Monitoring and reporting are extremely important. Information gained through the monitoring and reporting process will identify works that have and have not been successful, and the reasons for their success or failure.

The aim of monitoring is to measure the effectiveness of the control actions to achieve the desired outcome. It will identify non-conformance and provide the land manager with the ability to implement corrective actions. Information derived from the results of monitoring will also be used in adaptive management (i.e. learning from past experience to inform future priorities and work plans). For example, as annual grass weeds are removed, herbaceous and perennial weeds may establish.

Finally, monitoring and reporting will help determine and quantify the costs related to weed management and the cost effectiveness of the VMP.

Short term (follow up) monitoring, is to be undertaken after the initial weed control works. This will determine if the initial treatment has been effective in controlling the target species or if follow up treatments are required and for how long. Follow up monitoring will prevent controlled areas from being reinfested. This monitoring is essential to get maximum value for money from the initial weed control works.

A regular audit program carried out by a suitably qualified ecologist will be implemented. The audit will be undertaken annually for the first 3 years and thereafter at 2 yearly intervals. Audit results will be submitted to PCC and the Department of Environment.

The audit program will be used for initial work schedule planning, where and when to target weed control works in the coming year, health and cover abundance of identified threatened species D. tenuifolia and G. juniperina subsp. juniperina and likely species Acacia bynoeana and Micromyrtus minutiflora, appropriate works to be implemented noting that varying climatic conditions throughout the year may mean that the initial schedules need to be altered.

4.1 Audit and monitoring reports The audit must be documented and compiled into an annual report to determine the effectiveness of the works undertaken. The annual report should be submitted to PCC and the Department of Environment. Site conditions should be recorded on the work plan template at the beginning and end of on-ground works. This data should be included in the annual report. Monitoring photo points should be set-up using a permanent reference point to provide a visual reference of changes in the vegetation. Photo monitoring to include:

 set up five photo points across the site with the following distribution: o Four photo points in Zone 1 o One photo point in Zone 2  mark the photo point with a six foot star picket and map the location using GPS;  take a digital photo showing the length of the star picket at a recorded bearing, preferably with a visual reference point in the background;  organise the digital photos logically with each image labelled with a unique reference number indicating the location of the photo point and the date the photo is taken

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 In addition to the above, a traverse of all reaches is to be undertaken annually, and after a one in five year rain event to identify any erosion points, weed infestations or other management issues. In addition, the report should include:

 works carried out, including weed species targeted and their location  an approximation of the time spent on each task  any observations, such as the occurrence of new weed species  rates of regeneration or other issues (e.g. records of threatened species)  a description of any problems encountered and how they were overcome  a summary of how the site-specific objectives have been met (or not)  herbicide and other chemicals used, including quantity, dilution rate and other relevant information  other weed control mechanisms (e.g. mechanical control) used during the period  climatic conditions which influenced weed germination  performance criteria and success  if required, maps of weed distribution and density.

The annual report will highlight the effectiveness of the program and identify any changes needed to improve weed management or the management of D. tenuifolia and G. juniperina subsp. juniperina within the conservation area (i.e. changes to weed control techniques, types of herbicides used or weed priority). Annual reporting will be crucial in determining whether the actions being implemented are having the desired effect or if alternative management techniques are required.

4.2 Performance criteria The performance criteria required for the site and to be assessed annually are listed in Table 5.

If monitoring indicates that the VMP tasks are not resulting in achievement of the performance criteria, the task program will be revised. The bush regeneration contractor, in consultation with the PCC, can adapt these criteria as required in response to the success of rehabilitation works.

Where non-performance occurs, and is not immediately rectified, a ‘stop the clock’ notice on the maintenance period will be issued by the PCC until the non-performance is rectified.

Rickards Road Vegetation Management Plan

Table 5: Performance criteria

Treatment Year 1 Year 2-4 Year 5+ Zones

Commencement of all tasks outlined in the VMP or evidence of planning for their implementation

A demonstrated increase in native cover and diversity and a demonstrated decrease in exotic cover and diversity by the end of Year 5

All Zones Removal of all mature woody weeds (if any) Suppression of woody weed regrowth (if any) Suppression of woody weed regrowth (if any)

Fencing installed around extent of zone and signage Maintenance of fencing and signage and replacement where necessary installed.

Native species to cover a minimum of 50% of Native species to cover a minimum of 60% of Native species to cover a minimum of 80% of groundlayer groundlayer groundlayer Zone 1: Core No greater than 15% exotic cover No greater than 10% exotic cover No greater than 5% exotic cover Bushland Improve or maintain the health, extent and density of D. tenuifolia and Grevillea juniperina subsp. juniperina as identified in Figure 3.

Improve or maintain the health, extent and density of Acacia bynoeana and Micromyrtus minutiflora if identified.

Native species to cover a minimum of 30% of Native species to cover a minimum of 40% of Native species to cover a minimum of 50% of groundlayer groundlayer groundlayer

No greater than 20% exotic cover, No greater than 10% exotic cover No greater than 5% exotic cover

A minimal ground fuel of less than 4 tonnes per hectare of fine fuel Zone 2: APZ Lower tree branches no less than 2 m above the ground

Vegetation slashed to a height of 0.5 m when between 1-1.5 m high, preferentially timed to allow for native seed set

Preferential protection of D. tenuifolia, Grevillea juniperina subsp. juniperina, Acacia bynoeana and Micromyrtus minutiflora where identified.

Weed (Silt) fence intact and well maintained

Rickards Road Vegetation Management Plan

5 Implementation schedule and performance criteria

All revegetation and bush regeneration works are to be implemented by suitably qualified and experienced bush regeneration contractors who are members of the Australian Association of Bush Regenerators (AABR) or fulfil the membership criteria (e.g. TAFE Certificate III in Conservation & Land Management or equivalent and/or two years’ experience in bush regeneration). All staff are suitable qualified and have a minimum an AQF 3 Chemical users certificate with senior project management. Staff with a AQF 4 in Chemical Risk management. Current CVs and certificates are to be supplied to the client prior to the commencement of works.

5.1 Implementation schedule An implementation schedule for these works is provided in Table 6. Any natural regeneration should be assessed and taken into account before revegetation works begin.

Table 6: Implementation schedule

Establishment phase Year 1 Ongoing

Site preparation of buffer areas, fencing Fence maintenance as required Fence maintenance as required and signage

Primary and secondary control of all Secondary and maintenance Maintenance weed control. weeds weed control Monitoring and reporting Monitoring and reporting Monitoring and reporting

5.1 Adaptive management As this is a long-term project that will be implemented over a number of years, an adaptive management approach will be implemented that enables the successful contractor to learn from and respond to successful and unsuccessful techniques used on the site. In its simplest form this may include the substitution of species identified in the planting table for advanced direct seeding techniques in place of manual planting techniques.

The success of the works will be determined by meeting the performance criteria identified in Table 5. Contractors have the flexibility to implement different techniques to those specified here if those performance criteria are met. Any major departures from the VMP or change to performance criteria must be approved in writing by PCC and the Department of the Environment and Energy.

Rickards Road Vegetation Management Plan

6 Costs

The total cost to implement this VMP over 5 years is estimated at approximately $67,000 (exc. GST). A cost summary and breakdown of costs per year are provided as Table 7.

It is anticipated that to maintain the VMP areas from Year 6 and beyond, annual funding of approximately $5,700 (exc. GST) will be required. This price does not include any potential monitoring and reporting and/or VMP review every 5 years. A cost summary is provided as Table 8.

These costs are based on the experience that ELA has had in regards to preparing and implementing similar vegetation management plans. It should be noted that these costs may vary significantly over subsequent years of management in response to, and effectiveness of, the proposed management and impacts of civil construction impacts. These rates are also based upon costs in 2017, and on-going maintenance costs (labour and materials) may increase over time with inflation.

6.1 Preliminary works

6.1.1 Fencing Costs for any fencing and signage installation has been included in the costing below.

6.2 Brush collection and distribution Costs for any vegetation harvesting and placement within Zone 1 has been included in the costing below.

6.2.1 Vertebrate pest management Costs for any vertebrate pest control has been included in the costing below.

6.3 Weed control treatments Bush regeneration contractors will implement the weed control treatments identified in this VMP. These works have been estimated to cost $2,000 for a team of four bush regenerators, including a supervisor, per day. The cost of bush regeneration works includes the costs of herbicide, vehicles and equipment which are required to implement the VMP.

6.4 Monitoring and reporting All monitoring, mapping and reporting works have been calculated using the rate for a qualified and trained Restoration Ecologist at $160 / hr.

Rickards Road Vegetation Management Plan

Table 7 : Indicative annual cost breakdown

Treatment Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Total

Preliminary site works

Conservation sign $35 $0 $0 $0 $0 $35

Chainwire fence installation (77m) $3,850 $0 $0 $0 $0 $3,850

APZ establishment $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $7,500

Erosion control

Brushmatting collection and placement $3,500 $0 $0 $0 $0 $3,500

Weed control

Silt fence installation (150m) $1,050 $0 $0 $0 $0 $1,050

Preliminary - Years 1- 3 $5,660 $5,660 $5,660 $0 $0 $16,980

Establishment - Years 4-5 $0 $0 $0 $4,290 $4,290 $8,580

Associated costs

Chainwire Fence maintenance $193 $0 $193 $0 $193 $579

Siltfence maintenance $0 $210 $210 $210 $210 $840

Sign replacement $0 $0 $0 $0 $35 $35

Feral & Pest Animal Control $250 $250 $250 $250 $250 $1,250

VMP review ( every 5 years ) $0 $0 $0 $0 $3,500 $3,500

Monitoring & Reporting $3,852 $3,852 $3,852 $3,852 $3,852 $19,260

Totals $19,890 $11,472 $11,665 $10,102 $13,830 $66,959

Table 8 : Indicative ongoing management costs

Treatment Per annum

Weed control

Yearly maintenance budget $3,500

Associated costs

Chain wire Fence maintenance $193

Silt fence maintenance $210

APZ maintenance $1,500

Sign replacement $35

Feral & Pest Animal Control $250

Totals $5,688

Rickards Road V e g e t a t i o n Management Plan

References

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) 2002 Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines – Dillwynia tenuifolia NPWS Hurstville NSW.

Brodie L.1999. The National Trust Bush Regenerators Handbook. National Trust of Australia (NSW).

Buchanan R.A. 2000. Bush regeneration: recovering Australian landscapes. 2nd Edition. TAFE NSW, Sydney.

Department of Primary Industries (DPI) 2014. Noxious and environmental weed control handbook – A guide to weed control in non-crop, aquatic and bushland situations. 6th Edition. Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services. Available at: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/content/agriculture/pests-weeds/weeds/publications/noxious-enviro-weed- control

Department of the Environment (DoE) 2016. Cost effective feral animal exclusion fencing for areas of high conservation value in Australia - Part 2: Catalogue of fence designs. Available at: https://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive-species/publications/cost-effective-feral-animal- exclusion-fencing

Eco Logical Australia (ELA). 2017. Rickards Road – Southern Lot Vegetation Management Plan. Prepared for Enviro Waste Services Group Pty Ltd.

Environment Protection And Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) (S266b) Approved Conservation Advice (Including Listing Advice) For Cooks River/Castlereagh Ironbark Forest Of The Sydney Basin Bioregion. 1st ed. 2017. Web. 10 Apr. 2017.

Mortlock W. 1999. Florabank Guideline 4 - Keeping Records On Native Seed. Florabank. Available at: https://www.florabank.org.au/default.asp?V_DOC_ID=876

NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) 2005. Standards for Asset Protection Zones. Available at: http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/resources/publications/hazard-reduction

Witheridge, G. 2010. Erosion and sediment control — a field guide for construction site managers. Catchments & Creeks Pty Ltd. Available at:: www.catchmentsandcreeks.com.au

Rickards Road V e g e t a t i o n Management Plan

Appendix A Flora species recorded at subject site

Family Scientific Name Common Name Native / Exotic

Fabaceae Acacia decurrens Black Wattle N

Fabaceae Acacia falcata Hickory Wattle N

Casuarinaceae Allocasuarina littoralis Black She-oak N

Apocynaceae Araujia sericifera Moth Vine E

Poaceae Aristida vagans Threeawn Speargrass N

Austrodanthonia racemosa var. Poaceae N racemosa

Poaceae Austrostipa pubescens N

Pittosporaceae Bursaria spinosa Blackthorn N

Myrtaceae Callistemon linearis Narrow-leaved Bottlebrush N

Cyperaceae Carex inversa N

Gentianaceae Centaurium tenuiflorum E

Pteridaceae Cheilanthes sieberi N

Asteraceae Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle E

Asteraceae Conyza bonariensis Flaxleaf Fleabane E

Fabaceae Daviesia genistifolia Broom Bitter Pea N

Phormiaceae Dianella revoluta Blueberry Lily N

Poaceae Dichelachne micrantha Shorthair Plumegrass N

Convolvulaceae Dichondra repens Kidney Weed N

Fabaceae Dillwynia sieberi N

Fabaceae Dillwynia tenuifolia N

Poaceae Echinopogon caespitosus Bushy Hedgehog Grass N

Poaceae Entolasia stricta Wiry Panic N

Poaceae Eragrostis curvula African Lovegrass E

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus crebra Narrow-leaved Ironbark N

Rickards Road V e g e t a t i o n Management Plan

Family Scientific Name Common Name Native / Exotic

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus fibrosa Red Ironbark N

Santalaceae Exocarpos cupressiformis Cherry Ballart N

Fabaceae Glycine clandestina N

Goodenia hederacea subsp. Goodeniaceae Ivy Goodenia N hederacea

Proteaceae Hakea dactyloides Finger Hakea N

Asteraceae Hypochaeris radicata Catsear E

Poaceae Imperata cylindrica Blady Grass N

Juncaceae Juncus usitatus N

Verbenaceae Lantana camara Lantana E (WoNS)*

Cyperaceae Lepidosperma laterale N

Lomandraceae Lomandra filiformis Wattle Mat-rush N

Lomandraceae Lomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rush N

Myrtaceae Melaleuca decora N

Poaceae Microlaena stipoides Weeping Grass N

Myrtaceae Micromyrtus ciliata Fringed Heath-myrtle N

Oxalidaceae Oxalis perennans N

Asteraceae Ozothamnus diosmifolius Rice Flower N

Poaceae Panicum simile Two-coloured Panic N

Poaceae Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum E

Lobeliaceae Pratia purpurascens Whiteroot N

Fabaceae Pultenaea villosa Hairy Bush Pea N

Asteraceae Senecio madagascariensis Fireweed E (WoNS)* malvaceae Sida rhombifolia Paddy’s Lucerne E

Solanaceae Solanum mauritianum Wild Tobacco Bush E

Solanaceae Solanum nigrum Blackberry NightShade E

Poaceae Themeda triandra Kangaroo Grass N

Commelinaceae Tradescantia fluminensis Wandering Jew E

Verbenaceae Verbena bonariensis Purpletop E

Rickards Road V e g e t a t i o n Management Plan

Family Scientific Name Common Name Native / Exotic

Key: WoNS = Weed of National Significance under NW Act 1993, * = class 4 noxious weed under Penrith LGA.

Rickards Road V e g e t a t i o n Management Plan

Appendix B Techniques and specifications

Weed control

Weed control involves a combination of mechanical, physical and chemical techniques to remove the weeds and prevent regrowth. Weed control will be undertaken in all management zones. A selection of the best suited weed control method within the site depends on a number of factors including:

 the species or combination of weeds being targeted  the density of the weeds  resources available (time, labour, equipment and finances)  weather conditions of the day

Weed control techniques

Detail of specific weed control techniques to be used such as cut and paint, scrape and paint, herbicide spraying and hand weeding are given in Brodie (1999). The principles of bush regeneration and techniques to trigger natural regeneration are to be in accordance with the Bradley Method and other techniques described in Buchanan (2000). Management techniques for different types of weeds are provided below.

Annual grasses

Annual grasses, such as Prairie Grass Bromus catharticus, should be hand removed or spot sprayed where isolated or in low concentrations. Larger patches of annual grasses may be slashed/brush cut in late spring to early summer, after flowering, but prior to seed set. For most species, slashing/brush cutting prior to late spring through to early summer will promote vigorous growth and should not occur. However, some annual grasses can grow and produce seed at any time of the year dependent on climatic conditions such as high rainfall and warm temperatures. Monitoring of annual species should be undertaken and if new growth occurs, the same treatment will be applied to the new growth to prevent seed production. Individual plants should be hand removed, bagged and disposed of appropriately offsite.

Perennial grasses

Perennial grasses, such as Paspalum Paspalum dilatatum and African Love Grass Eragrostis curvula, will be hand removed where isolated or in low concentrations. Larger patches may be slashed prior to seed production in spring or summer (depending on the growth cycle of the species) and the regrowth spot-sprayed 2-3 weeks later when it is actively growing and approximately 10 cm in length. Monitoring of these species will occur and if new seed production occurs, the same treatment will be applied again as required. However, slashing will not reduce the presence of exotic grasses on its own and must always be combined with targeted removal to reduce densities and allow for native regeneration. Individual plants should be hand removed, bagged and disposed of appropriately offsite.

Woody weeds

Rickards Road V e g e t a t i o n Management Plan

If woody weeds invade the site, these will be controlled by the cut and paint or drill and fill method using a non-selective herbicide. The most appropriate method to be used depends on the size of the individual to be removed and will be determined by the bush regeneration contractor. Primary weed control should use techniques that will not encourage flushes of secondary weed growth. All seedlings of woody weeds will be hand pulled or spot-sprayed with a non-selective herbicide.

Creepers and climbers

The control of creepers, including Bridal Creeper Asparagus asparagoides and Moth Vine Araujia sericifera, varies depending on the species. For the most part, seedlings will be hand pulled, while mature plants can be controlled by the stem-scrape method or spot spraying using a non-selective herbicide. The precise method to be used will be determined by the bush regeneration contractor depending on the species, size and reproductive status of the individual. All vegetative material removed should be bagged, removed from site and disposed of appropriately.

Herbaceous weeds

Where individual plants of herbaceous weeds, including Flax-leaf Fleabane Conyza bonariensis and Purpletop Verbena bonariensis, are found, they will be hand pulled prior to flowering. Where large swaths of these species occur they will be sprayed using a non-selective herbicide. If high densities of mature stands occur, weeds may be slashed first using a brush cutter and any subsequent regrowth sprayed. Regular monitoring of these species will be required to prevent seed production. Spear Thistle Cirsium vulgare will not be hand-pulled due to its thorns and instead will be spot sprayed using a non-selective herbicide. All vegetative material that is pulled out and has the potential to regrow if deposited on ground will be bagged and removed from site.

Management of weed waste

All weed propagules especially noxious weeds will be bagged and disposed of as directed by legislation at facility licensed to receive green waste. All weed waste without propagules will be composted onsite in small unobtrusive piles.

Herbicide use

The use of herbicide to control weeds should be carefully considered. Herbicide use should assess potential long-term impacts of the technique including whether the proposed works actually address the source of the weed infestation. However, herbicide application forms an important and useful component of an integrated weed management approach and can be the most appropriate method to control some weed species.

Herbicide use should occur during the active growing season for plants to encourage the chemical uptake into the plant. The selection of herbicides should also consider the type of weed and the location. Where non-selective herbicides are required for use, glyphosate is the most suitable. If herbicides are required to be used near waterways, a glyphosate-based herbicide formulated for use near waterways will be used (e.g. RoundUp© Biactive™).

Rickards Road V e g e t a t i o n Management Plan

Broad-leaf selective herbicide may be used as per the Noxious and environmental weed control handbook (DPI 2014). However, this type of herbicide is extremely toxic to aquatic life and must not be used in, or adjacent to, waterways. Registration and records must be kept in accordance with the NSW Pesticide Regulation 2009.

Revegetation works

Revegetation has the twin aims of both re-establishing the original native vegetation community at the site and reducing erosion along the length of the riparian corridor, which will carry greatly increased peak flows due the increased run-off from the hard surfaces created by the associated residential development.

The revegetation must be undertaken in accordance with the Standards for Asset Protection Zones (NSW RFS 2005). Any plantings should consist of local provenance stock. A summary of the revegetation densities is shown in Error! Reference source not found..

Planting of Hiko for trees and shrub species and Hiko or Viro cells for grasses and other groundcover species is the preferred method. Planting should be done via a low impact method such as hand digging or hand auger. The holes dug for each plant should be at least 1.5x the width and 2x the depth of the rootball. Fertiliser should be added to each hole dug as per the label specifications. Water crystals or wetting agents should be added to each plant hole. This will increase the water holding capacity of the soil and reduce watering schedules. Initial irrigation of the plantings is essential to ensure that the soil forms around the rootball and no air pockets are left. This will be required unless sufficient rainfall (approximately 10mm) occurs on the day of planting.

Tree guards will need to be installed on each tree or shrub to protect seedlings from extreme weather (frosts and heat), herbivorous grazing and herbicide drift during maintenance. Bio-degradable tree guards are recommended to protect the seedlings. Following the revegetation works, irrigation needs to be undertaken for at least 8 weeks following planting to ensure the establishment of the plants. The level of irrigation will be determined by rainfall and temperature experienced at the planting site.

Mulch should be used where identified. The use of mulch is very important because it provides organic matter to the top soil, improves soil structure and aeration, water infiltration, nutrient availability, and is also useful in the suppression of weed growth (Buchanan 2009). Mulch should be sourced from within the local area. Mulch must be free of weed propagules and invasive woody species such as Coral Tree Erythrina x sykesii. Mulching should not be undertaken within areas of high potential erosion. It is recommended jute matting is used in these areas prior to revegetation.

A temporary irrigation system should be installed to assist in the establishment of vegetation. Timing of the planting of these areas will need to take into consideration surrounding civil works and erosion/sediment control requirements, these areas will not be planted until earthworks have been completed. A maximum rate of attrition of 10% is to be tolerated, with any plant loss above this rate to be replaced at the expense of the contractor.

Bush regeneration contractors

All vegetation management works in the establishment phase will be undertaken by suitably qualified and experienced bush regeneration contractors who are members of the Australian Association of Bush

Rickards Road V e g e t a t i o n Management Plan

Regenerators (AABR) or fulfil the membership criteria. In addition to this, team leaders should have, as a minimum, a Certificate III in Conservation & Land Management or equivalent. The contractor will need to carry out best practice bush regeneration techniques as described by Buchanan (2009). A flexible approach to this site is recommended since techniques may need to be changed or modified to suit site conditions. This approach is consistent with adaptive management and allows the contractor to develop and build on site knowledge whilst implementing this VMP. Monitoring will assist in the development of the VMP actions in subsequent years.

Works in the maintenance phase will be undertaken by the land manager in consultation with PCC.

Bushfire management

Bushfire, as well as activities for bushfire management and suppression have the potential to adversely impact the environmental assessments in and around the study area. Damage of destruction of the assets may have economic and environmental consequences.

D. tenuifolia and G. juniperina subsp. juniperina contained within the conservation area is considered an environmental asset and requires protection from fire through appropriate bushfire management. The implementation of inappropriate fire regimes is a threat to D. tenuifolia and G. juniperina subsp. juniperina if done too frequently, or not often enough to maintain a more open mid-storey and allow light to penetrate to the groundcover layer. Periods of less than four years between fires will likely lead to local extinction. Minimum intervals of eight years are recommended while 10-15 years is sufficient to allow sufficient seed to accumulate and sufficient fuel to be present.

As such fire management within the site must avoid the incidence of high frequency and high intensity fires within this community.

Asset Protection ZoneAn Asset Protection Zone is a buffer area between a bushfire hazard and an asset which minimises the impact of fire on that asset. The APZ should be maintained so that bushfire fuels are minimised to protect the asset. The threat to the D. tenuifolia and G. juniperina subsp. juniperina from fire can be minimised through the provision of a 10 m APZ around the boundary of Zone 1. APZ should be maintained as follows:

 Minimal levels of ground fuel should be maintained, consisting of less than 4 tonnes per hectare of fine fuel (i.e. material of <6 mm in diameter).  Fuels to be discontinuous to avoid transfer of fire vertically (i.e. ground to shrub to canopy).  Low branches holding fine fuel (i.e. leaves and twigs of <6 mm in diameter) are pruned to 2 m from the ground.  Small diameter vegetation (i.e. less than 200 mm in diameter) including trees, shrubs, fallen trees and tree-limbs and stumps are to be maintained at between 0.5m and 1.5m in height. If maintained taller, these shall occupy no more than 15-20% of the area, and will be discontinuous.  Trees shall be spaced to provide a discontinuous canopy (2 m minimum crown separation), and species which are not either rough bark or species with ribbon barks and she excessive quantities of ground fuel.

Rickards Road V e g e t a t i o n Management Plan

To further improve protection it is recommended that the landscaping areas between the stockpiles maintained in a similar fashion.

Rickards Road V e g e t a t i o n Management Plan

Appendix C Sewer works

Rickards Road V e g e t a t i o n Management Plan

Appendix D Fencing specifications

Figure 6 : Weed fence specifications (source http://www.catchmentsandcreeks.com.au)

Rickards Road V e g e t a t i o n Management Plan

HEAD OFFICE SYDNEY HUSKISSON Suite 2, Level 3 Suite 1, Level 1 Unit 1 51 Owen Street

668-672 Old Princes Highway 101 Sussex Street Huskisson NSW 2540 Sutherland NSW 2232 Sydney NSW 2000 T 02 4201 2264 T 02 8536 8600 T 02 8536 8650 F 02 4443 6655 F 02 9542 5622 F 02 9542 5622

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COFFS HARBOUR ARMIDALE MUDGEE 35 Orlando Street 92 Taylor Street Unit 1, Level 1 Coffs Harbour Jetty NSW 2450 Armidale NSW 2350 79 Market Street T 02 6651 5484 T 02 8081 2681 Mudgee NSW 2850 F 02 6651 6890 F 02 6772 1279 T 02 4302 1230 F 02 6372 9230

PERTH WOLLONGONG GOSFORD Suite 1 & 2 Suite 204, Level 2 Suite 5, Baker One 49 Ord Street 62 Moore Street 1-5 Baker Street

West Perth WA 6005 Austinmer NSW 2515 Gosford NSW 2250 T 08 9227 1070 T 02 4201 2200 T 02 4302 1220 F 02 9542 5622 F 02 4268 4361 F 02 4322 2897

DARWIN BRISBANE 16/56 Marina Boulevard Suite 1 Level 3 1300 646 131 471 Adelaide Street Cullen Bay NT 0820 www.ecoaus.com.au T 08 8989 5601 Brisbane QLD 4000 T 07 3503 7191 F 08 8941 1220 F 07 3854 0310