Geotechnical Investigation - Response to Submissions

Shoalhaven Hydro Expansion Project Origin Energy Eraring Pty Ltd

IA193700-0100-EN-RPT-006 | 1 10 April 2019

Geotechnical Investigation - R esponse to Submissi ons Origin Energ y Eraring Pty Ltd

Geotechnical Investigation - Response to Submissions

Shoalhaven Hydro Expansion Project

Project No: IA193700 Document Title: Geotechnical Investigation - Response to Submissions Document No.: IA193700-0100-EN-RPT-006 Revision: 1 Date: 10 April 2019 Client Name: Origin Energy Eraring Pty Ltd Client No: Project Manager: Mike Luger Author: Thomas Muddle File Name: J:\IE\Projects\04_Eastern\IA193700\Geotech EIS\IA193700_Origin_Shoalhaven Pumped Hydro_Geotech Investigations_RtS_rev1.docx

Jacobs Group (Australia) Pty Limited ABN 37 001 024 095 Level 7, 177 Pacific Highway North Sydney NSW 2060 Australia PO Box 632 North Sydney NSW 2059 Australia T +61 2 9928 2100 F +61 2 9928 2444 www.jacobs.com

© Copyright 2019 Jacobs Group (Australia) Pty Limited. The concepts and information contained in this document are the property of Jacobs. Use or copying of this document in whole or in part without the written permission of Jacobs constitutes an infringement of copyright.

Limitation: This document has been prepared on behalf of, and for the exclusive use of Jacobs’ client, and is subject to, and issued in accordance with, the provisions of the contract between Jacobs and the client. Jacobs accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for, or in respect of, any use of, or reliance upon, this document by any third party.

Document history and status

Revision Date Description By Review Approved

1 10/04/2019 Final Report form TM LB ML

IA193700-0100-EN-RPT-006 i Geotechnical Investigation - Response to Submissions

Contents 1. Background ...... 1 2. Project Overview ...... 1 3. Assessment Process ...... 1 4. Submissions ...... 1 4.1 Public Feedback - Submission number 315472 ...... 2 4.2 NSW Department of Planning & Environment – Division of Resources & Geoscience, Geological Survey of New South Wales Comment ...... 2 4.3 RMS Comments ...... 2 4.4 OEH Submissions ...... 4 4.4.1 Impacts to Morton National Park ...... 4 4.4.2 Biodiversity ...... 4 4.4.3 Heritage ...... 6 4.5 Shoalhaven Council Comment ...... 7 4.6 Environmental Protection Authority Comment ...... 7 4.7 Department of Industry Comment ...... 7 4.8 WaterNSW Comment ...... 9 4.9 RFS Comment ...... 9 5. Conclusions ...... 10

Appendix A. Shoalhaven Hydro Expansion Project – Geotechnical Investigations Biodiversity Development Assessment Report Revision 2

IA193700-0100-EN-RPT-006 ii Geotechnical Investigation - Response to Submissions

1. Background

Origin Energy Eraring Pty Ltd (a subsidiary of Origin Energy Limited) (collectively, Origin) is the current operator of the Shoalhaven Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Scheme (the existing scheme). The existing scheme is located in the New South Wales (NSW) Southern Highlands, approximately 150km south east of Sydney. The existing scheme was commissioned in 1977 and currently has a generating capacity of 240MW. Origin now proposes to almost double the electricity generation capacity of the existing scheme with the Shoalhaven Hydro Expansion Project, which will provide approximately an additional 235MW of pumped storage generation capacity. Origin has completed a pre-feasibility study and is now undertaking a feasibility study for the Shoalhaven Hydro Expansion Project. To confirm the feasibility of the Shoalhaven Hydro Expansion Project, geotechnical investigations are required to provide confidence that the below ground structures can be constructed and operated safely and cost effectively.

The Shoalhaven Hydro Expansion Project, including geotechnical investigations, was declared to be State significant infrastructure and critical State significant infrastructure (CSSI) by an amendment made to the State Environmental Planning Policy (State and Regional Development) 2011 (SRD SEPP) on 14 December 2018. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Project was publicly exhibited from 22 February 2019 to 23 March 2019. This letter responds to the submissions made in relation to the Project.

2. Project Overview

The geotechnical investigations are proposed on land owned by WaterNSW associated with the existing Kangaroo Valley and Bendeela Power Stations and water transfer operations. Locations 1, 2, 7 and 8 are positioned in currently cleared areas with evidence of prior ground disturbance and with existing established access tracks. Locations 3, 4 and 5 are positioned within areas previously cleared for agricultural purposes that have revegetated naturally following the exclusion of agriculture. Location 6 is within an area that appears to be have been partially cleared and subsequently naturally revegetated. Access to borehole locations 3, 4, 5 and 6 would require limited clearing of shrubs to ground level to establish approximately 500 metres of temporary access tracks up to two-metre-wide to facilitate the access of drill rigs, and daily travel of support vehicles and utility vehicles. No excavation of the ground surface would be undertaken, and large, mature vegetation and other habitat features will be avoided.

3. Assessment Process

The Project was declared to be Critical SSI for the purpose of the EP&A Act on 14 December 2018. Origin lodged a State significant infrastructure application report with the Department of Planning and Environment (DP&E) on 18 December 2018 and was issued with Environmental Assessment Requirements (EARs) on 25 January 2019. In preparing the EARs, the DP&E received input from each of the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), Office of Environment and Heritage, WaterNSW and Shoalhaven Council.

The EIS was prepared to address these EARs and was placed on public exhibition for four weeks, between 22 February 2019 and 23 March 2019, during which time submissions were invited. The submissions received were collated by the DP&E and provided to Origin for review and response.

4. Submissions

The following submissions were received in relation to the Project: • Submissions, categorised as comments, were received from eight government agencies; and

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• 1 submission, categorised as an objection, was received from a member of the general public.

The following sections respond to each submission.

4.1 Public Feedback - Submission number 315472

One objection was received from the public during the exhibition period. This submission consists of a general objection to pumped hydro and suggested alternatives in terms of electricity generation and storage. The full submission is available at http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/?action=view_submission&job_id=9816&submission_id=315472

The submission does not relate to the geotechnical investigations, and does not contain any explicit objection to the geotechnical investigations. The issues and alternatives raised will be considered as part of the main works EIS.

4.2 NSW Department of Planning & Environment – Division of Resources & Geoscience, Geological Survey of New South Wales Comment

Thank you for the opportunity to provide advice on the above matter. This is a response from NSW Department of Planning & Environment – Division of Resources & Geoscience, Geological Survey of New South Wales (GSNSW).

GSNSW has reviewed the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Shoalhaven Hydro Expansion Project within the Shoalhaven LGA. As the study area does not preclude access to known resources or exploration for future resource discovery and extraction, and there are no intended biodiversity offsets for the project, GSNSW has no concerns or issues to raise in relation to resource sterilisation at this stage.

Comment noted.

4.3 RMS Comments

RMS provided two submissions during the exhibition period, the first requesting additional information and the second providing comment on the additional information as follows:

Comment 1:

RMS has reviewed the provided information, focussing on the impact to the state road network. RMS notes for this application: • The key state road is Moss Vale Road; • Access to sites 1 & 2 from Moss Vale Road are via the existing intersection with the Promised Land Trail; • Access to sites 3-8 from Moss Vale Road are via the intersection Bendeela Road; and • The proposed borehole locations in the attached plan.

It is unclear whether the existing intersection of Moss Vale Road and the Promised Land Trail can accommodate storage of the largest vehicle (or number of vehicles if arriving/leaving at one time) requiring access, clear of the through lanes of Moss Vale Road, while the access gate is being opened or closed. RMS

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requires clarification of how access at this location will be safely managed with minimal impact to the through traffic on Moss Vale Road.

Comment 2:

Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) refers to correspondence received from Mike Luger of Jacobs (see attachment A) dated 21 March 2019 regarding RMS’ response to the subject State Significant Infrastructure. RMS has reviewed the additional information provided and notes the following: • There is approximately 21m of storage space available at the intersection of Moss Vale Road and the Promised Land Trail. • Prior to any large vehicle arriving, the site manager will open the gate located on the Promised Land Trail to ensure the heavy vehicle can continue onto the Trail, without needing to store in the abovementioned storage area.

Given the sight distance available at the intersection of Moss Vale Road and the Promised Land Trail is less than the required Safe Intersection Sight Distance (SISD), as outlined in Austroads Guide to Road Design Part 4A, RMS considers a Traffic Management Plan (TCP) should be in place to manage the risks associated with the identified heavy vehicle access at this location. Having regard for the above, RMS will not object the application subject to the following being included in the conditions of any development consent issued: • A Traffic Management Plan (TMP) to manage the impact of the heavy vehicle accessing the site via the intersection of Moss Vale Road and The Promised Land Trail shall be developed in consultation with RMS Southern Traffic Operations Unit and Council’s Local Traffic Committee (LTC). The TMP (and associated Traffic Control Plans) shall be submitted to Council’s LTC for final acceptance. • A copy of the accepted TMP shall be forwarded to RMS (via [email protected]) prior to any transportation occurring or works commencing on site for this development

RMS highlights that in determining the DA under Part 4 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979, it is the consent authority's responsibility to consider the environmental impacts of any road works which are ancillary to the development. This includes any works which form part of the proposal and/or any works which are deemed necessary to include as requirements in the conditions of development consent (i.e. insert). Depending on the level of environmental assessment undertaken to date and nature of the works, the consent authority may require the developer to undertake further environmental assessment for any ancillary road works.

Since the completion of the geotechnical investigation EIS, and correspondence of 21 March between Jacobs and RMS, a preferred drilling contractor has been selected and specific information on the truck to be used to transport the drill rig to be used to progress the borehole accessed from the Promised Land Trail has been obtained. The truck will be approximately 11.8m long and with the drill rig will have a combined weight of approximately 18 tonnes.

The drilling contractor has also confirmed that they can access the Promised Land Trail from the south so that they can turn left onto the Promised Land Trail. This arrangement would negate the less desirable right turn movement. The truck could also turn left when leaving the Promised Land Trail to again achieve a better safety outcome. Additionally, the risk could further be mitigated through the provision of a spotter on each of the approaches. In light of the above, the road safety risk associated with the delivery and recovery of the drill rig is considered to be low.

In the absence of this specific information, the EIS adopted a “worst case” approach in assessing road safety risks leading to identification of the potential need for mitigation measures that would have required the consideration and approval of RMS Southern Traffic Operations Unit and Shoalhaven Traffic Committee as per RMS delegated authority under the Transport Administration Act 1988. With the confirmation of smaller than anticipated delivery vehicles and alternative available route the need for these mitigation measures has been removed.

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A Traffic Management Plan will still be prepared outlining the route to be taken for delivery and removal of the drilling rig, including discussion of origin/destination and identification of a safe location for the transport vehicle to turn around (if required). Similarly, the abovementioned would also be identified for the daily light vehicle movements. RMS has confirmed that the TMP will not require approval of Council Local Traffic Committee.

For avoidance of doubt, the project does not seek approval under Part 4 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and instead is to be determined under Part 5.1 as State significant infrastructure by the Minister for Planning.

4.4 OEH Submissions

4.4.1 Impacts to Morton National Park

We note that access across the Promised Land track within Morton National Park is the only aspect of the geotechnical explorations project occurring on NPWS land. Access across locked WaterNSW lands will also be required. No boreholes or associated staging works are proposed on-park. Access arrangements within the Morton NP for Origin contractors are already in place and administered at the time of each entry.

Conditions of access include no dogs or firearms within the Morton NP, ensuring that gates are closed and locked after access and prohibiting entry and after rain until roads can be used without causing damage.

Our preferred approach for the geotechnical explorations project is that the existing access arrangements are utilised. It is anticipated that, prior to the more extensive period of access for the expansion project (which may involve physical works such as track widening, vegetation trimming on-park and the like), a licence for access under the National Parks & Wildlife Act 1974 will be issued.

Comment noted and Origin will continue to comply with existing access arrangements.

4.4.2 Biodiversity

We have reviewed the Biodiversity Development Assessment Report (BDAR) prepared in support of the EIS. The BDAR states that the 0.21 ha of proposed vegetation clearing does not trigger the 0.25ha threshold above which offsets are required. However, the clearing thresholds applicable for development assessed under Part 4 of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 are not relevant for SSD/SSI projects. Under s7.14 of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, impacts for major projects are required to be offset unless a BDAR waiver is granted (generally at SEARs stage). Therefore, the biodiversity credit liability calculated by the BDAR will need to be offset and credit retirement provided for by way of condition.

We also note that the BDAR has included a number of species credit species as potentially present in the suitability assessment, identifying these as "not excluded". As per the above comments, offsets for the project will need to be provided. However, taking account of the streamlined assessment pathway, we support offsets being provided for the ecosystem credits only in this case, given the fairly minimal impact upon species credit species. The BDAR will need to be updated to reflect this. Finally, we also note that the online BAM calculator will need to be submitted online and reviewed by our office at or prior to Response To Submissions stage.

It is acknowledged that the application of the offset scheme thresholds has been misinterpreted and that in the absence of the offset scheme threshold S7.14 applies to an application for approval for State significant infrastructure under Part 5.1 of the EP&A Act that is required to be accompanied by a biodiversity development assessment report (BDAR). The credit calculation has been provided below and the updated BDAR is attached.

In determining the number of biodiversity credits in the online BAM calculator, additional biodiversity survey effort has been completed in the broader study area for the Shoalhaven Hydro Expansion Project Main Works and this has better informed plant community type classification. As a result, this information has indicated the

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absence of Forest Red Gum - Thin-leaved Stringybark grassy woodland on coastal lowlands, southern Sydney Basin Bioregion (PCT 838) and associated Illawarra Lowlands Grassy Woodland in the Sydney Basin Bioregion TEC (BC Act and EPBC Act) in the study area. Previously this classification relied on data from a single floristic plot which showed a dominance of Thin-leaved Stringybark (Eucalyptus eugenioides) and a lack of mid-storey structure which was likely related to past logging disturbance. Broader searches and floristic plots in the same vegetation community have indicated that Thin-leaved Stringybark co-dominates with Turpentine (Syncarpia glomulifera), Red Bloodwood (Corymbia gummifera) and Sydney Peppermint (Eucalyptus pipertia) with a mesic understorey species consistent with the Southern Lowland Wet Sclerophyll forests vegetation class and representative of Turpentine - Red Bloodwood - Sydney Peppermint shrubby open forest on the foothills, southern Sydney Basin Bioregion and northern South East Corner Bioregion (PCT 1283).

The online BAM calculator was interrogated to measure the total change in vegetation integrity (future value scores) after impact for Plant Community Types (PCTs) assuming the loss of all native shrub composition and structure, as well as minor disturbances to groundcover (future values reduce by half). Tree composition and structure would remain intact and minor tree branch lopping would be negligible. Functional attributes would also remain intact where impacts would avoid these biodiversity values. High Threat Weed cover of abundance is assumed to remain unchanged. Biodiversity credits were calculated based on the future condition of PCTs limited to residual impacts in the impact area and the total number of ecosystem credits required for offsetting is summarised in Table 1.

Table 1 Summary of plant community types change in vegetation integrity and associated number of ecosystem credits required for offset.

Plant Community Type Footprint Total change in VI Ecosystem credits impact area score (after required (ha) impact) Turpentine - Red Bloodwood - Sydney Peppermint shrubby open forest on the 0.15 -25.5 1 foothills, southern Sydney Basin Bioregion and northern South East Corner Bioregion (PCT 1283) Sydney Blue Gum x Bangalay - Lilly Pilly moist forest in gullies and on sheltered 0.04 -28.3 1 slopes, southern Sydney Basin Bioregion (PCT 1245)

River Peppermint - Rough-barked Apple - River Oak herb/grass riparian forest of 0.02 -16.5 1 coastal lowlands, southern Sydney Basin Bioregion and South East Corner Bioregion (PCT 1108) River-Flat Eucalypt Forest on Coastal Floodplains of the New South Wales North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions (BC Act) Total 0.21 - 3

Section 7.14 (3) states that:

If the Minister for Planning decides to grant consent or approval and the biodiversity offsets scheme applies to the proposed development, the conditions of the consent or approval may require the applicant to retire biodiversity credits to offset the residual impact on biodiversity values (whether of the number and class specified in the report or other number and class). The residual impact is the impact after the measures that are required to be carried out by the terms or conditions of the consent or approval to avoid or minimise the impact on biodiversity values of the proposed development.

It was argued in the Scoping Report that no significant impacts to biodiversity values was likely. It was also argued in the BDAR that there are no significant biodiversity impacts associated with the geotechnical investigations (the usual trigger for an infrastructure activity to be elevated to State significant infrastructure and as such the trigger for a BDAR and offsetting). It is further highlighted that the area of impact is capable of rehabilitation to its current state in the long term and no permanent residual impacts will result from the geotechnical investigations. The geotechnical investigations are also the location of proposed works associated

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with the Shoalhaven Hydro Expansion Project and (should it proceed) would require offsetting. These factors should be considered in the conditioning of any approval of the works as follows: • Either offsetting is required, and rehabilitation (for biodiversity purposes) is not; and • Any offsetting associated with the geotechnical works should not require offsetting for the Shoalhaven Hydro Expansion Project if approved and commenced.

Should offsetting be required, Origin propose to satisfy this requirement through payment into the Biodiversity Conservation Fund. Origin request that consideration of the timing of any required payment should be deferred and based on actual area cleared after the Geotech exploration campaign is completed. This approach is considered to have merit as it is likely that not all investigation locations will be drilled, and furthermore that this would act as an incentive for Origin (and the contractor) to minimise the impact area.

4.4.3 Heritage

A due diligence assessment for Aboriginal cultural heritage is included in the EIS. Due diligence assessments for Aboriginal cultural heritage are usually completed as a defence to the strict liability provisions under s87 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 and, although OEH has no formal role in certifying such assessments, comments are provided below.

The due diligence assessment indicates that no harm to Aboriginal objects from the proposed geotechnical investigations is anticipated. We support boreholes 7 and 8 being moved to disturbed areas to avoid potential archaeological sensitivity (Jacobs 2019:61). However, we do note that the areas of potential sensitivity are based on surface survey and background research. These areas have not been confirmed through archaeological test excavation.

Jacobs (2019:61) recommend that no further Aboriginal cultural heritage assessment is required for the geotechnical investigations. The assessment has identified that each borehole location is in an area of low archaeological sensitivity (Jacobs 2019:61).

The due diligence assessment indicates that the location of boreholes 7 and 8 were moved to disturbed areas to avoid potential archaeological sensitivity. However, boreholes 7 and 8 are still located close to an area of potential archaeological sensitivity. As such, we recommend that management measures, such as temporary fencing, or inclusion of a "no-go" area as part of the recommended Aboriginal heritage induction for geotechnical contractors, are included to prevent inadvertent impact. The EIS notes that ancillary works areas are required. These ancillary works areas for borehole locations 7 and 8 could encroach on the archaeologically sensitive area if management measures are not included.

If the impact footprint changes then an updated Aboriginal cultural heritage assessment should be completed. This may require further works, including Aboriginal community consultation in accordance with the OEH Consultation Requirements and archaeological test excavation in accordance with relevant OEH guidelines. The unexpected finds protocol outlined in the EIS should be followed if Aboriginal objects are identified during works.

Consultation regarding the proposed geotechnical investigations has occurred with the Nowra Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) and the lllawarra LALC. Formal consultation in accordance with the OEH Consultation Requirements has not been undertaken as part of this assessment as no harm to Aboriginal objects is anticipated. As such, and although not required by the SEARs, we advise that there is a risk that unidentified cultural values may be present in the study area. If any harm is proposed to occur to areas of potential archaeological sensitivity or if Aboriginal objects are identified during works, Aboriginal community consultation in accordance with the OEH Consultation Requirements should be completed.

Formal consultation with RAPs for broader components of the Shoalhaven Hydro Expansion Project is ongoing and includes field surveys and where identified as necessary in consultation with RAPs, archaeological test

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excavation of areas of potential archaeological deposit with the RAPs. These investigations are likely to be completed prior to geotechnical investigations commencing.

The boundary between the identified low sensitivity and moderate sensitivity areas is designated by an existing chain-wire fence associated with the existing Bendeela Power Station. No works outside this fence are proposed and encroachment into the moderate sensitivity area is therefore unlikely. Geotechnical investigation environmental management plans and inductions will include identification of no go areas to avoid inadvertent impacts as recommended.

Should any cultural values associated with the project impacts be raised by the RAPs, or any additional areas of potential archaeological sensitivity or potential archaeological deposit be identified in the vicinity of the geotechnical investigation works areas, additional consultation and investigation will be undertaken, and additional management measures developed to avoid impacts. The unexpected finds protocol would be followed in case any unidentified cultural values are identified during the conduct of the geotechnical investigations.

4.5 Shoalhaven Council Comment

Given the nature of the proposal and the sensitive location within which it is proposed to occur, Council requests that it be appropriately accessed against all relevant legislation, any environmental impact is minimised and managed and any damage/disturbance appropriately rehabilitated or restored.

Comment noted. The EIS commits to various impact minimisation and management measures. Origin is committed to complying with any conditions of consent arising out of DPE assessment of the geotechnical investigations.

4.6 Environmental Protection Authority Comment

The EPA has reviewed the Shoalhaven Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Expansion - Geotechnical Investigations Environmental Impact Statement, 7 February 2019 (the EIS) and is satisfied that the EIS addresses the EPA's concerns as detailed in previous correspondence on this matter.

The EPA advises that the Kangaroo Valley and Bendeela Hydro Electric Power Stations hold an Environment Protection License (EPL) under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 for the generation of electrical power (EPL No. 10595). The EPA notes that borehole location 8 (and potentially borehole 7 depending on final location) is situated adjacent to the Bendeela Power Station and within the licensed premises (Lot 1 DP 1129355). This location(s) falls within the premises description and therefore the proponent should be advised that activities undertaken at this location(s) will be subject to all conditions contained within EPL No. 10595, and that the EPA would be the Appropriate Regulatory Authority for activities undertaken at this location(s).

Comment noted.

4.7 Department of Industry Comment

I refer to your email of 15 February 2019 to the Department of Industry (DoI) in respect to the above matter. Comment has been sought from relevant branches of Lands & Water and Department of Primary Industries.

The department provides the following comments and recommendations for consideration in assessment of the proposal.

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• It is likely that drilling 650+ metres will encounter thin and shallow coals. The proponent should identify gas risk and undertake due diligence.

Section 7.7.2 of the Geotechnical Investigations Environmental Impact Statement notes the potential for “intersection of potential gas bearing zones by some of the deeper boreholes, and the subsequent risk of explosion. Methane monitoring will be undertaken at the surface of the boreholes that may intersect potential gas bearing zones to monitor methane levels. Management measures will be implemented if methane concentrations exceed 5% of the lower explosive limit.” • Any monitoring bore would be required to target one formation at a time only and not be screened across several formations. Groundwater conceptualisation requires each aquifer to be characterised independently.

Section 7.7.2 of the Geotechnical Investigations Environmental Impact Statement notes that “the piezometers will target only one aquifer unit and will not be screened across two or more aquifers”. • Vibrating wire piezometers (VWP) are not recommended as they tend to drift, potentially leading to the bore becoming lost. VWPs can also have low data reliability, and data cannot be checked to determine if the measurements are accurate.

A borehole installed with multiple VWP’s allows measurement of groundwater pressure within multiple hydrogeological units – this maximises the data available from a single borehole, and can be particularly useful in characterising vertical aquifer connectivity. This feature of VWP-instrumented boreholes presents a significant advantage over piezometers, because piezometers measure the pressure across the screened unit only (it is noted that nested piezometers are possible within the same borehole, but these present significant risk of being inadequately constructed).

All monitoring systems present risk. Piezometers may be incorrectly constructed (particularly in deep boreholes), or damaged during construction or operation, or blocked during operation (rendering them unusable). A combination of VWP and piezometer monitoring systems are proposed in an effort to reduce/spread this risk. • Assuming the bores are cored, logging of the core should include information on water inflows, fracturing and whether the fractures are open/closed.

All boreholes will be cored and the borehole logs will note water inflows/loss. Rock core fractures will be logged in accordance with AS1726 (2017). • Packer testing or similar hydraulic tests should be done to support aquifer characterisation.

Packer test intervals will be selected to target distinct hydrogeological units in order to support aquifer characterisation. Sections 3.2.1 and 3.5 of the Geotechnical Investigations Environmental Impact Statement describe the proposed testing. • Aquitards should be characterised for hydraulic conductivity Packer test intervals will be selected to target low hydraulic conductivity hydrogeological units (aquitards) in order to support aquifer characterisation.

• It may be necessary to consider separately monitoring two aquifers at a same location to characterise relative head difference and gradient. This would be for the proponent to define with respect to impact on environmental values.

Monitoring of separate hydrogeological units (aquifers) will be achieved by installation of multiple VWP’s within the same borehole.

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4.8 WaterNSW Comment

I refer to your e-mail dated 15 February 2019 inviting WaterNSW to comment on the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Shoalhaven Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Expansion – Geotechnical Investigations Project (the Project).

WaterNSW considers that the project sites can be accessed, drilled, monitored and rehabilitated without impacting significantly on WaterNSW infrastructure and land subject to appropriate impact mitigation measures being applied. WaterNSW also considers that the project can be undertaken so as to have a neutral or beneficial effect on water quality subject to appropriate impact mitigation measures being applied.

WaterNSW has an interest in the project as:

1. Each of the drill sites are located on WaterNSW land.

2. The project area is located in the declared Sydney catchment area where WaterNSW has legislative objectives and functions relating to protection of the catchment and the protection of both the quality and quantity of water.

3. A number of the drill sites are located adjacent to or in close proximity to WaterNSW water supply infrastructure.

WaterNSW requests that if the project is recommended for approval by the Minister for Planning, the approval require:

1. Implementation of the mitigation measures stated in the EIS.

2. All drilling muds to be stored/recirculated via above ground tanks.

3. Consultation to occur with WaterNSW during the development of the Environmental Management Plan (EMP). The EMP should include measures:

a. to protect water supply infrastructure at sites 1 and 2 and to enable WaterNSW to access this infrastructure at all times

b. to avoid disturbing large trees and hollow bearing trees, rock outcrops and bushrock, termite mounds and large hollow logs at sites 3, 4, 5 and 6, and

c. for verification at the completion of the works that all materials used as part of the project have been removed and that the sites are free of contamination that may be caused by the project.

Origin Energy currently holds a consent from WaterNSW to enter WaterNSW lands to undertake non-invasive environmental studies for the Shoalhaven Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Expansion project. Subject to approval being granted by the Minister for Planning for the geotechnical investigations project, WaterNSW will issue Origin Energy a new conditional consent to enter and undertake the geotechnical investigations.

Comment noted. WaterNSW comments are consistent with the commitments made in the EIS and the EMP will be submitted to WaterNSW as part of the application for new conditional consent to enter and undertake geotechnical investigations in WaterNSW land.

4.9 RFS Comment

The New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) has reviewed the information provided and raises no objection subject to the following recommended condition:

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1. Prior to the commencement of works, a Fire Safety Management Plan shall be implemented in accordance with section 7.11.3 of the Environmental Impact Statement prepared by Jacobs Group dated 7 February 2019

Comment noted, and a Fire Safety Management Plan will be implemented in accordance with the commitments made in the EIS.

5. Conclusions

The geotechnical investigation planning, impacts, safeguards and management measures detailed in the EIS allow for the proper management, development and conservation of natural and artificial resources. No changes to the project description or mitigation measures are proposed in response to the submissions received. Additional biodiversity survey has led to an improved understanding of vegetation types and as a result, an impact to Illawarra Lowlands Grassy Woodland in the Sydney Basin Bioregion (BC Act) and Illawarra and south coast lowland forest and woodland ecological community (EPBC Act) is no longer identified.

The geotechnical investigations are considered to have no long-term impacts and limited short-term environmental impacts.

The geotechnical investigations are a necessary step in confirming the viability of the Shoalhaven Hydro Expansion Project which, if approved and developed, would maximise the use of the existing WaterNSW storage assets in the provision of energy storage and generation. If approved, the geotechnical investigations are scheduled to commence as soon as possible to facilitate a financial investment decision in the Shoalhaven Hydro Expansion Project. The Shoalhaven Hydro Expansion Project, including the required Geotechnical investigations, has been declared Critical SSI and as such will be assessed under Division 5.2 of the EP&A Act. Origin are targeting a financial investment decision as soon as possible such that this critical project can be realised at the earliest opportunity and contribute to energy security and affordability.

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Appendix A. Shoalhaven Hydro Expansion Project – Geotechnical Investigations Biodiversity Development Assessment Report Revision 2

IA193700-0100-EN-RPT-006 Shoalhaven Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Expansion - Geotechnical Investigations Origin Energy

Biodiversity Development Assessment Report (Small Area)

IA193700-0100-BD-RPT-001 | 02 3 April 2019

B iodiversity D evelo pm ent A sse ssme nt Re por t Origin E n ergy Biodiversity Development Assessment Report

Shoalhaven Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Expansion - Geotechnical Investigations

Project No: IA193700 Document Title:Biodiversity Development Assessment Report Document No.: IA193700-0100-BD-RPT-001 Revision 02 Date: 3 April 2019 Client Name: Origin Energy Project Mike Luger Manager: Author: Jonathan Carr & Lauren Ascah File Name: \\jacobs.com\ANZ\IE\Projects\04_Eastern\IA193700\Biodiversity\Geotech_BDAR\IA193700_Origin_Shoalhaven Pumped Hydro_Geotech_BDAR_Final_Rev2_3April2019.docx

Jacobs Group (Australia) Pty Limited ABN 37 001 024 095 710 Hunter Street Newcastle West NSW 2302 Australia PO Box 2147 Dangar NSW 2309 Australia T +61 2 4979 2600 F +61 2 4979 2666 www.jacobs.com

Document history and status

Revision Date Description By Review Approved

Rev 0 17/01/2019 Draft report J.Carr C.Thomson C.Thomson

Rev 1 29/01/2019 Final J.Carr C.Thomson C.Thomson

Rev 2 03/04/2019 Revision addressing OEH Submission J.Carr C.Thomson C.Thomson

i Biodiversity Development Assessment Report

Contents 1. Introduction ...... 1 1.1 Background and project overview ...... 1 1.2 Purpose of this report ...... 4 1.3 Assessment Methodology ...... 4 1.4 Sources of information ...... 4 1.5 Site context ...... 5 1.5.1 The existing scheme ...... 5 1.5.2 Morton National Park...... 6 1.5.3 Surrounding landholdings ...... 6 2. Project Description ...... 7 2.1 Investigation footprint ...... 7 2.2 Proposed activities ...... 11 2.2.2 Ancillary works ...... 12 2.2.3 Access ...... 12 2.2.4 Duration and Timing ...... 12 2.2.5 Disturbance Requirements and Environmental Management ...... 12 3. Legislative context ...... 13 3.1 NSW Planning Framework ...... 13 3.1.1 Critical State significant infrastructure ...... 13 3.1.2 Application of other parts of EP&A Act ...... 14 3.2 Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 ...... 14 3.3 National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 ...... 14 3.4 Commonwealth referral requirements ...... 15 4. Methodology...... 16 4.1 Small area assessment module ...... 16 4.2 Personnel ...... 16 4.3 Background research ...... 16 4.4 Field survey timing ...... 17 4.5 Stratification of native vegetation ...... 17 4.6 Assessment of vegetation zones ...... 17 4.7 Plot survey ...... 18 4.8 Assessing vegetation integrity ...... 18 4.9 Limitations...... 20 5. Landscape context ...... 21 5.1 IBRA Bioregions and sub-regions ...... 21 5.2 BioNet NSW Landscapes (Mitchell landscapes) ...... 21 5.3 Rivers, streams and estuaries ...... 21 5.4 Wetlands ...... 21 5.5 Connectivity ...... 24 5.6 Areas of geological significance and soil hazard features ...... 24

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5.7 Areas of outstanding biodiversity value ...... 24 5.8 Native vegetation extent ...... 24 5.9 Patch sizes ...... 24 6. Native Vegetation ...... 25 6.1 Plant Community Types and vegetation zones ...... 25 6.1.1 Turpentine - Red Bloodwood - Sydney Peppermint shrubby open forest on the foothills, southern Sydney Basin Bioregion and northern South East Corner Bioregion (PCT 1283)...... 25 6.1.2 Sydney Blue Gum x Bangalay - Lilly Pilly moist forest in gullies and on sheltered slopes, southern Sydney Basin Bioregion (PCT 1245) ...... 27 6.1.3 River Peppermint - Rough-barked Apple - River Oak herb/grass riparian forest of coastal lowlands, southern Sydney Basin Bioregion and South East Corner Bioregion (PCT 1108) ...... 29 6.2 Patch sizes ...... 30 6.3 Vegetation integrity results ...... 31 7. Habitat Suitability for Threatened Species ...... 34 7.1 Ecosystem Credit Species Assessment ...... 34 7.2 Species Credit Species Assessment ...... 35 7.3 Biodiversity Risk Weighting ...... 37 8. Matter of National Environmental Significance ...... 38 8.1 Threatened ecological communities...... 38 8.2 Threatened species ...... 38 8.3 Migratory species ...... 38 9. Impact Assessment...... 41 9.1 Avoiding and minimising impacts on native vegetation and habitat...... 41 9.3.1 Impacts on native vegetation and habitat ...... 42 9.3.2 Prescribed biodiversity impacts ...... 46 9.4 Impacts on a potential entity that are serious and irreversible impacts ...... 47 10. Mitigating and management impacts on biodiversity values ...... 48 10.1 Native vegetation and flora habitat ...... 48 10.2 Fauna habitat ...... 48 10.3 Weeds and High Threat Weeds ...... 48 10.4 Water quality and hydrology ...... 49 10.5 Induction of Construction Personnel ...... 49 11. Biodiversity offsets ...... 50 12. Summary and Conclusions ...... 51 13. References ...... 52

Appendix A. Likelihood of occurrence List of Figures Figure 1.1: Shoalhaven Hydro Expansion Project location ...... 2 Figure 1.2: Historic context...... 3 Figure 2.1: Geotechnical locations ...... 8 Figure 5.1: Site Map...... 22 Figure 5.2: Key Fish Habitat ...... 23 Figure 6.1: Distribution of Plant Community Types, TECs and Vegetation Zones ...... 33

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1. Introduction

1.1 Background and project overview

Origin Energy Eraring Pty Ltd (a subsidiary of Origin Energy Limited) (collectively, Origin) is the current operator of the Shoalhaven Pumped Hydro Energy Storage (PHES) Scheme (the existing scheme). The existing scheme is located in the NSW Southern Highlands, approximately 150km south east of Sydney (refer to Figure 1.1). The existing scheme was commissioned in 1977 and currently has a generating capacity of 240MW.

The existing scheme was designed and constructed as a dual-purpose system, having both pumped storage generation capacity and inter-region water supply ability to move water from the Shoalhaven catchment to the Sydney drinking water catchment. The existing scheme was designed in the late 1960’s and Stage 1 Phase 1 was constructed in the 1970’s including two generating / pumping units at Kangaroo Valley Power Station and two generating units at the Bendeela Power Station.

The existing scheme was designed to allow for expansion and much of the required infrastructure needed for duplicating the scheme is already in place.

Origin now proposes to almost double the electricity generation capacity of the existing scheme with the Shoalhaven Hydro Expansion Project , which will provide approximately an additional 235MW of pumped storage generation capacity. Origin has completed a Pre Feasibility Study and is now undertaking a Feasibility Study for the Shoalhaven Hydro Expansion Project.

To confirm the feasibility of the Shoalhaven Hydro Expansion Project, geotechnical investigations are required to provide confidence that the below ground structures can be constructed and operated safely and cost effectively. The purpose of this report is to address Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) issued by New South Wales Department of Planning and Environment under section 5.16 of the EP&A Act for these geotechnical investigations.

The geotechnical investigations are limited to the drilling of up to eight boreholes ranging in depth from 25 to 650 metres below ground level and ancillary works to establish temporary access and works areas, geotechnical testing, decommissioning and rehabilitation. The target locations of the geotechnical investigations are located at the proposed locations of key components of the Shoalhaven Hydro Expansion Project or are aimed at facilitating improved understanding of identified higher risk ground conditions. In the event that the project is deemed unfeasible, all geotechnical drilling locations would be decommissioned and rehabilitated to match the existing land use and habitat values of each location. Some bores would be converted to monitoring bores.

The geotechnical investigations are located in close proximity to the existing scheme and generally in areas of prior disturbance as illustrated in Figure 1.2. Locations 1, 2, 7 and 8 and their access tracks are positioned in currently cleared areas with evidence of prior ground disturbance. Locations 3, 4 and 5 are positioned within areas previously cleared for agricultural purposes that have revegetated naturally following the exclusion of agriculture. Location 6 is within an area that appears to be have been partially cleared and subsequently naturally revegetated.

Clearing is only required for access and works areas at geotechnical investigation locations 3, 4, 5 and 6. As such, the focus of the Biodiversity Development Assessment Report is on these locations. Background information review and site visits have covered locations 1, 2, 7 and 8 and it is confirmed that the findings and conclusions of this report apply to the completion of the geotechnical investigations at all locations.

1 MOSS VALE ! KIAMA !

LE R A OAD V S S MO

Intake works !

MORTON A

R NATIONAL PARK T D N A L D E IS M O R P

Indicative surge tank !!

Indicative Vertical Shaft

C P H A D I LS A T O R R A S

IL G IN R

R D A A D

O E R R Indicative C CKS CORNE JA ! ! KANGAROO VALLEY AD cavern !R ! RO ! LA POWER STATION EE location ND BE !R KANGAROO

BENDEELA RIVER NATURE

PONDAGE RESERVE J R E

D E N

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Indicative O A R R R ! A O N

access L O D

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portal BENDEELA POWER E KANGA D

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L O Indicative outlet works !R BENDEELA PICNIC AND

AD CAMPING AREA RO TA IA D D A A O R R ZI N A SC T MOUN

TA ROAD LLOWA DAM © Department of Finance, Services & Innovation 2018 JACOBS NSW GISSPATIAL - MAP file : J:\IE\Projects\04_Eastern\IA193700\GIS\Directory\Templates\Figures\PEA\IA193700_SHPS_PEA_F003_ProjectLocation_r1v1.mxd | 11/12/2018

Legend 0 1 2 km ³ !R Points of interest Existing KV tunnel alignment Indicative tunnel alignment N³ 1:40,000 @ A4 «¬ Study area Existing scheme pipeline Indicative access tunnel

NPWS Reserve Indicative above ground pipeline

Data sources DFSI - Spatial Services Figure 1.1 | Shoalhaven Hydro Expansion project location and layout Jacobs 2018 MOSS VALE ! KIAMA ! AD O LE R VA S S O M

Intake works

T D N A L D E IS M O R A! P Location 1

A! Location 2

H A D IL ST A R O A R I S L G IN R

Location 3 R D A A D O KANGAROO VALLEY E R KS CO ER C AC RN Location 4 ! POWER STATION J !A !R AD A RO LA EE A! ND BE Location 5 !R BENDEELA

PONDAGE

D R E

A E E

O IV N

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Location 7 A ! L O A Location 6 D O N

E R R E E

BENDEELA NGA T D KA

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!R STATION B

L O Location 8

!R BENDEELA PICNIC AND

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ROAD A DAM ALLOW T © Department of Finance, Services & Innovation 2017 JACOBS NSW GISSPATIAL - MAP file : \\Jacobs.com\ANZ\IE\Projects\04_Eastern\IA193700\GIS\Directory\Templates\Figures\PEA\IA193700_SHPS_PEA_F010_GeotechLocations1974_r1v1.mxd | 18/01/2019

Legend 0 1 2 km ³ !R Points of interest A! Indicative Geotech Locations N³ 1:40,000 @ A4 «¬ Study area Access tracks

Data sources DFSI - Spatial Services Figure 1.2 | Historic context (1974) Jacobs 2018 Biodiversity Development Assessment Report

1.2 Purpose of this report

This Biodiversity Development Assessment Report (BDAR) has been prepared in accordance with the Biodiversity Assessment Methodology 2017 (BAM), which is the central element of the NSW Biodiversity Offsets Scheme established under Part 6 of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (BC Act). The BDAR identifies the biodiversity values on the land proposed for geotechnical investigations, outlines the initiatives to avoid and minimise impacts to biodiversity as well as any offset requirements, where needed for unavoidable residual impacts. The report is structured as follows:

Chapter 1 introduces geotechnical investigations and their context and describes the assessment methodology;

Chapter 2 describes the proposed geotechnical investigations;

Chapter 3 summarises the relevant planning approval pathway and the associated environmental assessment requirements for the geotechnical investigations;

Chapters 4 through to 8 document the methods and results of the assessment of the biodiversity values in the study area by assessing the: · Landscape features and site context in accordance with Chapter 4 of the BAM (results presented in Chapter 5 of report); · Presence of Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs), Plant Community Types (PCTs) and the condition (vegetation integrity) of native vegetation in accordance with Chapter 5 of the BAM (results presented in Chapter 6 of report); · Habitat suitability for threatened species on the geotechnical investigation locations in accordance with Chapter 6 of the BAM (results are presented in Chapter 7 of report); and · Matters of National Significance for threatened species and ecological communities listed under the EPBC Act presented in Chapter 8;

Chapter 9 and 10 identify potential impacts of the geotechnical investigations on biodiversity values and outlines recommendations to avoid and minimise impacts;

Chapter 11 provides context to the size of the impact in relation to biodiversity offsets set out in the BAM, and hence applicability to the biodiversity offsets scheme; and

Chapter 12 provides a summary of the outcomes and conclusions of the assessment.

1.3 Assessment Methodology

The geotechnical investigations have been purposely designed to avoid and minimise disturbance to native vegetation. This includes planning to work in existing cleared landscapes as much as possible. Where clearing of native vegetation is required, each temporary work area and planning for access will be relatively small in area, hence the streamlined assessment module of the BAM (s.3.2 and Appendix A) is applicable and has been addressed. The components of the geotechnical investigations meet the area limits criteria for assessment as a small area, and are not located within the Biodiversity Values Map.

1.4 Sources of information

A background review of available online information was undertaken to identify the existing environment of the geotechnical investigation locations within a search area of 10 kilometres. The review focussed on database searches, relevant ecological reports pertaining to the study area, property boundaries, and relevant GIS layers. The review was used to prepare a list of threatened species, populations and communities as well as important habitat for migratory species with a likelihood of occurrence in the study

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area and locality. The searches were also undertaken to identify if any Areas of Outstanding Biodiversity Value were present.

The following database searches were performed: · BioNet - the website for the Atlas of NSW Wildlife and OEH Threatened Species Profile Database; · The federal Department of Environment and Energy Protected Matters Search Tool; · The Biodiversity Assessment Method (BAM) calculator predicted species function; · NSW Department of Primary Industries freshwater threatened species distribution maps (DPI, 2016); · OEH BioNet Vegetation Classification System database; · The Federal Bureau of Meteorology’s Atlas of Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems (GDE); · Department of Environment and Energy directory of important wetlands; · Atlas of Living Australia; · Register of Declared areas of Outstanding Biodiversity Value; and · Key fish habitat maps (DPI, 2007) Spatial data used in the assessment included, · Available regional vegetation mapping: Shoalhaven Biometric VIS 3900 v2 (OEH, 2013) and Southeast NSW Native Vegetation Classification and Mapping – SCIVI (VIS_ID 2230) (Tozer et al. 2010). · Mitchell Landscapes Version V3.1 (OEH, 2016); · Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation of Australia (IBRA) Version 7 (DoEE, 2017); and · Waterways stream orders (DPI, 2013)

1.5 Site context

The geotechnical investigations for the Shoalhaven Hydro Expansion Project would be undertaken in the NSW Southern Highlands, approximately 150 km south east of Sydney within the Shoalhaven Local Government Area (Refer to Figure 1.1).

The geotechnical investigations are proposed in land owned by WaterNSW associated with the existing Kangaroo Valley and Bendeela Power Stations and water transfer operations (Refer to Figure 1.1). WaterNSW land includes land either side of the existing surface pipeline and surge tank at the top of the plateau and land between Jacks Corner Road and Lake Yarrunga.

Access to geotechnical investigation locations on the plateau would be required via existing access tracks through the Morton National Park.

The major features of the area surrounding the geotechnical investigations include: · The existing scheme; · Morton National Park; and · Rural landholdings.

1.5.1 The existing scheme

The existing Shoalhaven Scheme comprises the Fitzroy Falls reservoir, Fitzroy Falls canal, Kangaroo Pipeline, Kangaroo Valley Power Station, Bendeela Pondage, Bendeela Pipeline, Bendeela Power Station, Tallowa Dam (Lake Yarrunga). The geotechnical investigations would require access through land associated with the existing scheme but would not lead to any cumulative or ongoing impacts affecting the scheme or the environment.

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1.5.2 Morton National Park

The Morton and Budawang National Parks together comprise an area of over 190,000 hectares on the eastern escarpment of the Southern Tablelands. The park stretches from Bundanoon in the north to southeast of Braidwood and covers a diverse, rugged and scenically magnificent landscape. The Morton National Park is managed in accordance with the Morton and Budawang National Parks Plan of Management (NSW NPWS, 2001). This document recognises the important landscape, geology, biodiversity, heritage and wilderness values of the Morton National Park. The document also recognises existing uses associated with water and electricity infrastructure.

The geotechnical investigations would require access via short sections of existing access tracks established as part of the construction of the existing Shoalhaven Scheme. No impacts to the Morton National Park will result from the geotechnical investigations.

1.5.3 Surrounding landholdings

There are several communities and townships within the zone of influence of the Shoalhaven Hydro Expansion Project. These include Barrengarry and Kangaroo Valley, Fitzroy Falls, Wildes Meadow, Avoca and Burrawang. The scale of the geotechnical investigations would not impact any of these population centres.

Landholdings surrounding the geotechnical investigation areas are rural in nature consisting of isolated dwellings. The Scots Collage Glengarry Campus is located approximately 500 metres to the west of the geotechnical investigations.

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2. Project Description

2.1 Investigation footprint

The geotechnical investigations includes eight cored borehole locations as described in Table 2-1 and illustrated on Figure 2.1. At each location the proposed activity will require the establishment of a temporary works area of less than 400 square metres. Accessing locations 3, 4, 5 and 6, would require the establishment of temporary access tracks of under 500 metres in length and 2 metres in width with less than 300 metres of this requiring clearing. In total, 0.21 hectares of clearing is anticipated.

Table 2-1: Preliminary borehole collar locations and depths

Borehole ID Location Inclination (°) Approximate Hole Elevation RL (m) Length (m)

Location 1 Pipeline anchor block 90 548 25 Location 2 Vertical shaft 90 636 480 - 650 Location 3 Cavern Area 90 179 250 Location 4 Cavern Area 60 178 235 Location 5 Tailrace and crest of cliff 90 185 210 Location 6 Access tunnel portal + tailrace tunnel 90 69 70 Location 7 Tailrace Tunnel initial portal drive 90 73 55 Location 8 Tailrace channel cut 90 73 45

A brief description of each geotechnical investigation location is provided in Table 2-2, this table provides details of the existing conditions at the locations and the area expected to be cleared to complete the activity. Specific information on the ecological values at each geotechnical investigation location is provided in Chapters 5 to 8.

7 MOSS VALE ! KIAMA !

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Intake works

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R NATIONAL PARK T D N A L D E IS M O R A! P Location 1

A! Location 2

C P H A D I LS A T O R R A S

IL G IN R

Location 3 R D A A D

O E R R C CKS CORNE Location 4 A JA A! KANGAROO VALLEY AD ! !R RO LA POWER STATION EE A! ND BE Location 5 !R KANGAROO

BENDEELA RIVER NATURE

PONDAGE RESERVE J R E

D E N

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O A R R R

Location 7 A! A O N Location 6 L O D

E R T ER

E KANGA

D A! N

A! E

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STATION O Location 8

!R BENDEELA PICNIC AND

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Legend 0 1 2 km ³ !R Points of interest A! Indicative Geotech Locations N³ 1:40,000 @ A4 «¬ Study area Access tracks

NPWS Reserve

Data sources DFSI - Spatial Services Figure 2.1 | Geotechnical Investigation Locations Jacobs 2018 Biodiversity Development Assessment Report

Table 2-2: Geotechnical investigation location photolog

Photo Location and description

Location 1 Proposed anchor block location with works to be limited to the existing area of disturbance and concrete and access via existing access track requiring no vegetation clearing.

Location 2 Proposed vertical shaft location with works to be limited to areas largely devoid of vegetation and within an area previously disturbed by construction of the original scheme.

Locations 3 and 4 Ground above indicative power station cavern location require establishment of an approximately 200 metre long and 2 metre wide temporary access track positioned to avoid disturbance of habitat features. Establishment of two works areas one for each location (Location 3 above photo, Location 4 below photo), would require establishment of two temporary works areas of less than 20 metre by 20 metre dimension avoiding habitat features. No ground disturbance is proposed other than the bore hole and access track.

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Photo Location and description

Location 5 Location 5 is targeting the indicative tailrace and access tunnels and is aimed at providing improved understanding of ancient landslide formation. Drilling location and works areas would be in an area previously cleared and naturally revegetated. Location 5 would require establishment of an approximate 120 metre long and 2 metre wide temporary access track extending from location 4 and positioned to avoid disturbance of habitat features. The establishment of a temporary works area of less than 20 metre by 20 metre dimension avoiding habitat features would also be required. No ground disturbance is proposed other than the bore hole and access track. Location 6 Indicative access tunnel portal location with geotechnical investigations positioned to limit clearing to the extent possible and access provided by a 175 metre long, and 2 metre wide temporary access track and less than 20 metre by 20 metre dimension temporary works area positioned to avoid disturbance of habitat features. No ground disturbance is proposed other than the bore hole and access track.

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Photo Location and description

Location 7 Indicative tailrace tunnel initial drive location with works to be limited to cleared and previously disturbed area within the Bendeela power station site as shown. No new clearing is required for establishment of access or works area. No ground disturbance is proposed other than the bore hole.

Location 8 Targeting geotechnical properties of the indicative intake structure, with bore location relocated further east with the existing access to the Bendeela power station forebay, out of an adjacent area identified as moderate archaeological potential.

2.2 Proposed activities

2.2.1 Drilling method and core sizes

General methods and requirements for drilling are expected to involve the following: · Preparation of a bunded work area lined with a basal geotextile mat and then overlain by a heavy-duty plastic impervious sheet. Bunded above ground mud pits/ tanks to prevent off site drilling fluid discharges and other requirements. The mud pits will be fully impervious using both geotextile and plastic sheeting and additional barriers and redundancy to prevent any discharges; · Boreholes may be advanced by augering in the upper soil profile, followed by wash boring to the rock head which is expected to be a maximum of about 10 m below the surface. For drilling in soils, Standard Penetration Tests (SPT) may be performed in soils and undisturbed tube samples may be collected in cohesive or fine-grained soils; and · Rock core drilling would commence from the top of bedrock and advanced to the target depth.

The drilling hole sizes are likely to range from 75 to 140 millimetres in diameter.

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2.2.2 Ancillary works

The following ancillary works would be undertaken at each geotechnical investigation location: · Packer Testing - Down-hole water injection (Lugeon) rock mass permeability testing will be carried within various boreholes using a gas-inflated packer wireline apparatus with a single packer configuration as the hole is advanced to the required depth for each test interval. · In situ stress testing – A narrow 0.5m deep pilot hole drill will be drilled into the base of the borehole at various depths and a stress testing tool wedged into pilot hole. The pilot hole will then be over-cored and the stress testing tool will record deformations in the pilot hole resulting from relief of in situ stress during the over coring process. · Borehole Geophysics and Televiewer Surveys - All borehole walls will be imaged using acoustic televiewer (ATV) below the water table and optical televiewer (OTV) in dry sections of borehole. Geophysical surveys including full wave sonic, natural gamma, density and temperature profiles for the full depth for each hole will also be undertaken. These surveys will be undertaken at the completion of the drilling and prior to installation of groundwater monitoring installations and or back-grouting of holes · Groundwater Monitoring Installations - Groundwater monitoring installations will include a combination of screened standpipe piezometers and grouted-in vibrating wire piezometers (VWP). The standpipe piezometers will allow for periodic groundwater quality sampling and level monitoring. · Bore Completion Works - All holes that are not to be instrumented for long term groundwater monitoring will be fully grouted at the completion of drilling work. The remaining holes that are to be completed for groundwater monitoring will be fully grouted to the base depth of the monitoring well. The piezometer will be finished with stick up of between 0.6m and 0.8m above ground level and finished with installation of a steel lockable monument.

2.2.3 Access Access to bore holes 1 and 2 would be via the existing Promised Lands Trail off Moss Vale Road between Fitzroy Falls and Barrengarry. The Promised Lands Trail runs through WaterNSW land and the Morton National Park and was constructed to facilitate construction and operation of the existing scheme. No new, or modified access tracks are required for these locations.

Access to the remaining bore holes would be via Jacks Corner Road and Lower Bendeela Road off Moss Vale Road between Shoalhaven and Barrengarry. No upgrades to public roads would be required. Access to boreholes 3 to 6 would require limited clearing of shrubs to ground level to establish a corridor to facilitate the daily access of a drill rig, support vehicles and worker vehicles. No excavation of the ground surface would be undertaken and large, mature vegetation is expected to be avoidable due to historic clearing.

2.2.4 Duration and Timing

The deepest borehole drilling associated with the geotechnical investigations are anticipated to take up to three months. Shallow bores would be completed over a period of a few weeks. Drilling is proposed to be limited to 10 hours per day, six days per week and during daylight hours.

2.2.5 Disturbance Requirements and Environmental Management

As identified in Table 2-2, minimal clearing for access and a work area is required at geotechnical investigation locations 3, 4, 5 and 6. This involves providing access for a drill rig and clearing a temporary works area at the drill site. Clearing of vegetation would be done by hand removing shrubs, small trees and groundcover vegetation to ground level, there will be no clearing of moderate and large sized trees and deliberate disturbance of the soil layer would be avoided. This is expected to be a temporary disturbance of medium duration.

Works would be undertaken generally in accordance with Department of Planning and Environment (2017a) Exploration Code of Practice: Environmental Management and Department of Planning and Environment (2017b) Exploration Code of Practice: Rehabilitation.

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3. Legislative context

3.1 NSW Planning Framework

The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) establishes the planning and approvals process in NSW. The EP&A Act provides for the making of Environmental Planning Instruments (EPIs) including Local Environmental Plans (LEPs) and State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs), which set out requirements for particular localities and/or particular types of development. The applicable EPIs and the Regulations made under the EP&A Act determine the relevant planning approval pathway and the associated environmental assessment requirements for proposed development activities.

3.1.1 Critical State significant infrastructure

Clause 16 of the State Environmental Planning Policy (State and Regional Development) 2011 (SRD SEPP) provides that: Development specified in Schedule 5: (a) may be carried out without development consent under Part 4 of the Act, and (b) is declared to be State significant infrastructure for the purposes of the Act if it is not otherwise so declared, and (c) is declared to be critical State significant infrastructure for the purposes of the Act.

Schedule 5 of the SRD SEPP lists: (1) Development for the purposes of the Shoalhaven Hydro Expansion Project. (2) The Shoalhaven Hydro Expansion Project includes the following: a. exploratory geotechnical works for the design of the project, b. A new underground pumped hydro station, c. tunnels and underground and overground water pipelines, d. surge tanks and intake and outlet structures, e. the decommissioning of the underground pumped hydro power station and rehabilitation of the site. (3) Development that is ancillary to other development in this clause (including the upgrading or construction of access roads, utilities infrastructure, construction accommodation, construction compounds). (4) The development is to be carried out on land in Kangaroo Valley, Barrengarry and Fitzroy Falls. (5) In this clause, development does not include the carrying out of surveys, sampling, environmental investigations, archaeological excavations or other tests or investigations for the assessment of the project.

Accordingly, the project is Critical SSI which requires approval under Division 5.2 of the EP&A Act and the NSW Minister for Planning is the determining authority.

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3.1.2 Application of other parts of EP&A Act

Under Division 5.2, Section 5.22 (Application of other provisions of Act): “(1) Part 4 and Division 5.1 do not, except as provided by this Division, apply to or in respect of State significant infrastructure (including the declaration of the infrastructure as State significant infrastructure and any approval or other requirement under this Division for the infrastructure)”.

(2) Part 3 and environmental planning instruments do not apply to or in respect of State significant infrastructure, except that:

(a) they apply to the declaration of infrastructure as State significant infrastructure or as critical State significant infrastructure (and to the declaration of development that does not require consent), and

(b) they apply in so far as they relate to section 3.16, and for that purpose a reference in that section to enabling development to be carried out in accordance with an environmental planning instrument or in accordance with a consent granted under this Act is to be construed as a reference to enabling State significant infrastructure to be carried out in accordance with an approval granted under this Division.

Accordingly, SEPPs and the LEPs do not affect the permissibility or assessment process for the geotechnical investigations.

3.2 Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016

Part 7 of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (BC Act) requires that an application for State significant infrastructure approval under Division 5.2 of the EP&A Act be accompanied by a "biodiversity development assessment report unless " the Secretary of the Department of Planning and the Chief Executive of the Office of Environment and Heritage” determine that the proposed development is not likely to have any significant impact on biodiversity values". The project SEARS, requested completion of a BDAR for the geotechnical investigations.

3.3 National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 The objects of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 Act (NPW Act) are as follows: (a) the conservation of nature, including, but not limited to, the conservation of: (i) habitat, ecosystems and ecosystem processes, and (ii) biological diversity at the community, species and genetic levels, and (iii) landforms of significance, including geological features and processes, and (iv) landscapes and natural features of significance including wilderness and wild rivers, (b) the conservation of objects, places or features (including biological diversity) of cultural value within the landscape, including, but not limited to: (i) places, objects and features of significance to Aboriginal people, and (ii) places of social value to the people of New South Wales, and (iii) places of historic, architectural or scientific significance, (c) fostering public appreciation, understanding and enjoyment of nature and cultural heritage and their conservation, (d) providing for the management of land reserved under this Act in accordance with the management principles applicable for each type of reservation. The Morton National Park is reserved under the NPW Act and the use of existing roads within the reserved lands is required to access geotechnical investigation locations 1 and 2. The proposed geotechnical

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investigation locations 1 and 2 are approximately 40 metres from the Morton National Park. No works or activities are proposed within the Morton National Park. Part 12 of the NPW Act allows for the granting of leases, licences, easements and rights of way for activities within reserved lands. Origin has agreed formal access arrangements for the use of existing access track through the Morton National Park with National Parks and Wildlife services and no additional approvals are understood to be necessary.

3.4 Commonwealth referral requirements

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) is the primary Commonwealth legislation relating to the environment. Under Part 3 of the EPBC Act, approval from the Australian Minister for the Environment and Energy is required for a controlled action being an action that: · Has, will have, or is likely to have a significant impact on a matter of national environmental significance; · Is undertaken on Commonwealth land and has, will have, or is likely to have a significant impact on the environment; · Is undertaken outside Commonwealth land and has, will have or is likely to have a significant impact on the environment of Commonwealth land; or · Is undertaken by the Commonwealth and has, will have or is likely to have a significant impact on the environment.

A significant impact under the EPBC Act is an impact which is important, notable, or of consequence, having regard to its context or intensity. Whether or not an action is likely to have a significant impact depends upon the sensitivity, value, and quality of the environment which is impacted, and upon the intensity, duration, magnitude and geographic extent of the impacts. Matters of national environmental significance (MNES) include: · World heritage properties; · National heritage places; · Wetlands of international importance (often called 'Ramsar' wetlands after the international treaty under which such wetlands are listed); · Nationally threatened species and ecological communities; · Migratory species; · Commonwealth marine areas; · The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park; · Nuclear actions (including uranium mining); and · A water resource, in relation to coal seam gas development and large coal mining development.

It is generally the responsibility of the proponent (or the land owner if owned by the Commonwealth) of a proposed action to determine whether the Project, or action, has the potential to impact upon a MNES and constitute the need for a referral to the Commonwealth for determination. An action that is referred for consideration by the Australian Minister for the Environment and Energy cannot be undertaken until the outcome of the referral process is completed - either through the decision of the Minister that the action is not a controlled action or that the assessment and approval process has been completed.

Impacts to MNES are considered in Chapter 8 and it is concluded that a significant impact is not likely and as such a referral is not required.

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4. Methodology

4.1 Small area assessment module

The BAM module for assessing small areas has been applied for this BDAR on the basis that the cumulative area to be disturbed by the geotechnical investigations is below the maximum clearing area threshold set out in the BAM. In this regard the minimum lot size associated with the study area is 1 ha and the proposed activity would involve clearing/disturbance to less than 1ha of native vegetation (i.e. less than 0.25 ha).

The assessment approach adopted included a site survey and collection of plot-based survey data to identify Plant Community Types (PCTs), vegetation zones and vegetation integrity. Survey data was used to determine the habitat suitability for threatened species.

The streamlined assessment module for small area development component of the BAM Credit Calculator only accepts assessment of one PCT, therefore the assessor has used the standard assessment module for this assessment.

4.2 Personnel

This BDAR has been prepared by an accredited assessor in accordance with Section 6.10 of the BC Act; and qualified and experienced ecologists. The fieldwork undertaken during the preparation of this BDAR was led by Jonathan Carr (BAAS18009) and Lauren Ascah.

4.3 Background research

The following database searches were performed: · BioNet - the website for the Atlas of NSW Wildlife and OEH Threatened Species Profile Database; · The federal Department of Environment and Energy Protected Matters Search Tool; · The Biodiversity Assessment Method (BAM) calculator predicted species function; · OEH BioNet Vegetation Classification System database; · The Federal Bureau of Meteorology’s Atlas of Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems (GDE); · Atlas of Living Australia; and · Register of Declared areas of Outstanding Biodiversity Value. Spatial data used in the assessment included: · Available regional vegetation mapping: Shoalhaven Biometric VIS 3900 v2 (OEH, 2013) and Southeast NSW Native Vegetation Classification and Mapping – SCIVI (VIS_ID 2230) (Tozer et al. 2010). · Mitchell Landscapes Version V3.1 (OEH 2016);

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· Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation of Australia (IBRA) Version 7 (DoEE 2017); and · Waterways stream orders (DPI, 2013).

Likelihood of occurrence for each species identified in the desktop search was assigned based on knowledge of the species’ preferred habitats and known distributions, confirmed against the assumed habitat in the study area. Verified sightings of threatened species were also used to determine a species’ presence in the area. The likelihood of occurrence table (Appendix A) summarises all potential threatened species which may occur at the site based on the above searches. The table indicates which search the species was listed in, as well as the species known range/habitat, and the deemed likelihood of occurrence at the site.

4.4 Field survey timing

Each geotechnical investigation location and temporary access track was identified in the field and traversed on foot to search for threatened species and complete vegetation integrity plots. The field surveys were undertaken over 2 days on 10 and 11 January 2019.

4.5 Stratification of native vegetation

A streamlined assessment allows the use of existing information such as VIS Flora Survey Module in BioNet and existing vegetation maps and ecological reports. No local floristic data in surveys or sites in the VIS Flora Survey were found.

The preliminary extent of each PCT within the proposal area was firstly reviewed using regional vegetation mapping spatial layers in Shoalhaven Biometric VIS 3900 v2 (OEH, 2013) and SCIVI VIS_ID 2230. The regional mapping was used to develop a survey design for stratifying vegetation zones and sampling the required number of plots based on the existing broad condition state of vegetation types. Prior to the field survey, proposed plots/mid-lines were randomly marked on map within each area of mapped vegetation or direct geotechnical locations to provide a representative assessment of the vegetation. At each point, a random number was selected between 1-360 to generate a compass bearing for the direction of plots/mid-lines. Plots were positioned to provide a wide spatial coverage of the proposal area and where possible, avoided locations on ecotones, tracks (their edges) and/or disturbed areas distinguishably different to the target vegetation zones.

The preliminary vegetation mapping was examined and where possible vegetation within the proposal area was identified according to the Plant Community Types (PCTs) classification as described in the NSW Vegetation Information System (VIS) Classification database. In addition to the descriptions of PCTs provided in the VIS database, broad scale vegetation mapping of the area including the Native vegetation of southeast NSW: a revised classification and map for the coast and eastern tablelands (Tozer et al. 2010) was used to inform the identification of PCTs. Many PCTs could not be confidently identified before further detailed floristic data and vegetation structure data was collected on site. In these cases, PCTs were assigned upon examination of the field data. The preliminary vegetation mapping was altered in some areas, but generally kept within the same vegetation class.

4.6 Assessment of vegetation zones

The field surveys were designed to assess the environmental variation within the site. The condition of PCTs was assessed in accordance with Chapter 5 of the BAM and vegetation zones assigned by comparing the dominant species, the general description of location, soil type and other attributes as described in the VIS classification database. Each PCT was divided into vegetation zones (an area of

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native vegetation in the proposed area that is the same PCT and has a similar broad condition state). The PCTs identified within the proposal area are outlined in detail in Chapter 6.

Four vegetation zones were identified (labelled 1 to 4) (see Table 4.1) based on the PCT and broad condition state. Vegetation was assigned to two broad condition classes: Moderate to Good (Regrowth) and Low condition regrowth.

The vegetation zones assigned as Moderate to Low and included regrowth condition class mostly comprised of tree and shrub regrowth or regeneration with evidence of old clearing activities greater than 40 years old.

Rapid data points (RDPs) and walked tracks were mapped in the field using a GPS tablet (Trimble Yuma and Garmin 64S). RDPs were used to map and identify PCTs/vegetation zone boundaries (ecotones) and broad condition state by assessing the presence of dominant plant species.

4.7 Plot survey

A plot-based full floristic survey was undertaken according to the BAM using a series of 20 x 20 metre plots (or 400 m2 equivalent area) nested inside a 20 x 50 metre plot (or equivalent 1,000 m 2 equivalent area). The number of plots/mid-lines required per vegetation zone area were completed according to the BAM (see Table 4-1). The location of each plots/mid-lines undertaken during the survey is illustrated in Figure 6.1. Plots/mid-lines were established to provide a representative assessment of the vegetation integrity of the vegetation zone, accounting for the level of variation in the broad condition state of the vegetation zone.

Table 4-1: Number of plots/mid-lines completed per vegetation zone

Vegetation Plant Community Type name PCT Vegetation Vegetation Minimum Number of Zone ID zone zone area number of plots/mid- (condition) (ha) plots/mid- lines lines required completed

1 Turpentine - Red Bloodwood - 1283 Moderate to 0.16 1 2 Sydney Peppermint shrubby open Good forest on the foothills, southern (regrowth) Sydney Basin Bioregion and northern South East Corner Bioregion

2 Sydney Blue Gum x Bangalay - 1245 Moderate to 0.05 1 1 Lilly Pilly moist forest in gullies and Good on sheltered slopes, southern (regrowth) Sydney Basin Bioregion

4 River Peppermint - Rough-barked 1108 Low 0.09 1 2 Apple - River Oak herb/grass (regrowth) riparian forest of coastal lowlands, southern Sydney Basin Bioregion and South East Corner Bioregion

Total 3 5

4.8 Assessing vegetation integrity The minimum number of plots/mid-lines were completed for each vegetation zone and recorded composition, structure and function attributes to assess vegetation integrity (site condition). These attributes were ranked against benchmark data for the relevant PCT and a vegetation integrity score

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for each vegetation zone was determined in accordance with subsection 5.3 of the BAM. The following vegetation integrity attributes collected are described below. Composition Composition was assessed using the following information in each 400m 2 plot: · Total number of native plant species (richness) was observed and recorded; · Full species names (to the lowest taxonomic order) of above ground vascular plant species were recorded where sufficient plant material was available for identification using nomenclature consistent with PlantNet NSW; · At least the three dominant native plants identified to species level; · Stratum and layer - in which each species occurs; · Growth form - for each recorded species; · Exotic and High Threat Exotic (HTE) plant species were also recorded; · The composition of each allocated growth form was assessed by counting the number of different native plant species within each growth form group (i.e. tree, shrub, grass and grass like, forb, fern and other); and · Abundance rating – A relative measure of the number of individuals or shoots of a species within the plot. The following intervals were used; numbers above about 20 are estimates only: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,20,50,100,500,1000. Numbers between 20 and 1000 individuals were estimated only as it is not possible to accurately count large numbers of some species in the plot. Structure Structure was assessed using the following information in each 400m 2 plot: · Foliage cover was measured or estimated as a percentage for each growth form group from all living plant material of all individual plant species rooted or overhanging in the plot; · Cover was recorded in decimals if less than 1% or whole numbers up to 5% or to the nearest 5% where greater than 5% cover; · Cover - a measure or estimate of the appropriate cover measure for each recorded species; recorded from 1–5 per cent and then to the nearest 5 per cent. If the cover of a species is less than 1 per cent and the species is considered important, then the estimated cover should be entered (e.g. 0.4); · Structure was calculated as the sum of all the individual foliage cover estimates of all native plant species recorded within each growth form group within each plot; and · Each non-native (exotic) plant species foliage cover estimate and either Exotic and High Threat Exotic (HTE). Function Function was assessed using the following information in each 1,000 m2 plot: · Number of large trees - count of all living stems with a DBH equal to or greater than the large tree benchmark DBH size for that PCT or vegetation class. For the PCTs on this site, the large tree benchmark DBH size is greater than 50cm; · Tree regeneration – recorded presence or absence of living trees with stems <5cm DBH; · Stem size class - recorded presence or absence of living tree stems that fall between regenerating stems (<5cm DBH) and the large tree benchmark DBH size(s) (i.e. <5, 5–9, 10–19, 20–29, 30–49, 50–79, and 80+ cm DBH) and include all species in the tree growth form group;

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· Total length of fallen logs - total length in metres of all woody material greater than 10cm in diameter that is dead and entirely or in part on the ground in each plot; · Litter cover - percentage litter cover was measured in five 1 m x 1 m sub-plots located five metres out from 50 metre mid-line marked at 5m, 15m, 25m, 35m and 45m. Litter was taken as plant material detached from a plant including leaves, seeds, twigs, branchlets and branches with diameter of <10 cm. Litter not in contact with the ground is not recorded. The estimated litter cover from each five sub-plots were averaged to generate the average percentage litter cover for the entire plot; · High threat exotic vegetation cover – was collected from the structure data assessment in 400 m 2 plot, but entered into the function data section in the BAM calculator; and · Hollow bearing trees – number of hollow-bearing trees (living or dead) were counted with at least one hollow with an opening width greater than or equal to five centimetres and the hollow at least one metre above the ground. Hollows in the shrub growth form group were also counted if met requirements.

4.9 Limitations

The vegetation field survey was able to provide good spatial coverage and survey effort of each PCT present on the site, meeting the requirements of the BAM. The vegetation within the study area has been assigned to a PCT as listed in the VIS database based on the observed species composition, vegetation structure, landscape position, and underlying geology and soils. The mapping provided in this report is supported by on ground observations and quantitative data. Plant communities are naturally variable and the boundaries between different PCTs overlap considerably. Often the boundary between PCTs is indistinct and the boundaries between PCTs usually involve ecotones, with a gradual transition from one community to another. However, a choice must be made to map and assign a PCT to a particular area of the site. As mapping necessitates that a hard boundary is drawn to separate PCTs, boundaries of PCTs and vegetation zones have been mapped as best as possible based on observations made during the field survey and aerial photography. It is likely that the boundaries of PCTs and vegetation zones will change with time. The descriptions of the PCTs in the VIS database represented in the proposal area mostly have a classification confidence level of Very Low and in many cases, the PCTs have a highly variable mixed canopy, shrub layer and ground cover species complement. The vegetation has been assigned to a PCT that was considered the most likely PCT based on the published descriptions of PCTs available in the VIS database based on the field data collected from site.

The list of species recorded in each PCT during this study should not be seen to be fully comprehensive, but rather an indication of the species apparent at the time of the survey. The survey was undertaken in summer. A period of several seasons or years is needed to identify all the species present in an area, especially as some species are only apparent at certain times of the year (e.g. orchids, annual herbs and grasses). Some species require specific prevailing weather conditions (e.g. recent rainfall) for optimum detection.

The conclusions of this report are based upon available data and the field surveys and are therefore indicative of the environmental condition of the study area at the time of the survey. It should be recognised that conditions, including the presence of threatened species, can change with time.

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5. Landscape context

The majority of the footprint of the geotechnical investigation locations have been previously disturbed during the construction of the existing scheme. However, a review of satellite imagery indicates considerable regeneration and the surrounding locality is known to retain considerable biodiversity values including a number of threatened or endangered species and communities listed under State and Commonwealth legislation. Landscape features and site context are illustrated in Figure 5.1.

5.1 IBRA Bioregions and sub-regions

The geotechnical investigations are located in the Sydney Basin bioregion, on the border between two Sub-regions; Ettrema and Illawarra, as defined by the Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA 7) (SA Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources, 2015).

5.2 BioNet NSW Landscapes (Mitchell landscapes)

The geotechnical investigation locations requiring clearing are located within the Kangaroo Valley Mitchell landscape, while locations 1 and 2 are located within the bordering Fitzroy Falls Escarpment Mitchell landscape, as mapped by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) and described by the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change (2008).

The Kangaroo Valley landscape, located in the Ettrema and Illawarra IBRA sub-regions contains an enclosed, narrow, western facing valley surrounded by sandstone escarpment features. Soils on the slopes are loamy sand matrix in a sandstone rubble beneath cliff lines, then yellow texture-contrast profiles grading to deep loam on the valley floors. The general elevation of the valley floor is 80 to 100 m, with local relief 180 m. Vegetation below the escarpment is broadly characterised by tall forests of yellow stringybark (Eucalyptus muelleriana), Sydney peppermint (Eucalyptus piperita), silvertop ash (Eucalyptus sieberi), turpentine (Syncarpia glomulifera), two-veined hickory (Acacia binervata), narrow-leaved geebung (Persoonia linerais), and sandfly zieria (Zieria smithii). Open forests on the foothills of the escarpment broadly contain forest oak (Allocasuarina torulosa), forest red gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis), rough-barked apple (Angophora floribunda), southern mahogany (Eucalyptus botryoides), river peppermint (Eucalyptus elata), and Breynia sp. The percentage of cleared land in this landscape is 42%.

5.3 Rivers, streams and estuaries Geotechnical investigation location 1 is at the foot of a valley in an area that was filled associated with the construction of the anchor block for the existing scheme surface pipeline. This valley is mapped as containing a first order creek up stream of Trimbles Creek which is mapped as Key Fish Habitat approximately 1.3 kilometres downstream of geotechnical investigation location 1 (refer to Figure 5.2). Geotechnical investigation locations 3, 4, and 5 and 6, where clearing is required, are within the catchment of Kings Creek which is mapped as Key Fish Habitat. These locations are over 100 metres from the creek and no direct or indirect impacts to Kings Creek are likely.

Geotechnical investigation locations 7 is adjacent to, and location 8 is within, the mapped area of Key Fish Habitat for Lake Yarrunga. No clearing or impact to key fish habitat is likely due to the nature of the works proposed and control measures to be employed.

5.4 Wetlands Nearby Bendeela Pondage and Lake Yarrunga are both classified as wetlands, however they do not intrude onto the area impacted by the geotechnical investigations.

21 Fitzroy Falls MOSS VALE ! Escarpment KIAMA Fitzroy ! Falls Escarpment

Illawarra

Location 3 Location 4

Location 5

Kangaroo Valley

Location 6

Ettrema Location 7 A!

A! Location 8

KANGAROO RIVER JACOBS NSW GISSPATIAL - MAP file : J:\IE\Projects\04_Eastern\IA193700\GIS\Directory\Templates\Figures\SpecialistReports\Biodivesity\IA193700_SHPS_Bio_F002_SiteMap_r1v1.mxd | 18/01/2019

Legend 0 200 400 m ³ Indicative geotechnical investigation locations A! IBRA subregions N³ (no clearing required) 1:11,000 @ A4 «¬ Mitchell landscapes Geotechnical investigation area indicative clearing Cadastre Buffer area 500m Water way Vegetation cover

Data sources DFSI - Spatial Services Figure 5.1 | Site Map Jacobs 2018 MOSS VALE ! KIAMA !

AD O LE R VA S S M O

Intake works

MORTON A

R NATIONAL PARK T D N A L D E IS M O R A! P Location 1

A! Location 2

H A D IL ST A R O A R I S L G IN R

Location 3 R D A A D O KANGAROO VALLEY E R R C CKS CORNE Location 4 A! POWER STATION JA A! D !R OA A R A! EEL ND BE Location 5 !R KANGAROO BENDEELA RIVER NATURE

PONDAGE RESERVE J

R E

E E

IV N

RIV R A Location 7 A! O

Location 6 D N D A O

R R O E

BENDEELA ANGA T R K

A! POWER A

A! L

!R E

STATION E

N E

Location 8 B OL D

!R BENDEELA PICNIC AND

AD CAMPING AREA RO TA A D I A D O A R R ZI N A SC T UN MO

M ROAD WA DA TALLO JACOBS NSW GISSPATIAL - MAP file : J:\IE\Projects\04_Eastern\IA193700\GIS\Directory\Templates\Figures\PEA\IA193700_SHPS_PEA_F002_GeotechLocations_r1v1.mxd | 18/01/2019

Legend 0 1 2 km ³ !R Points of interest A! Indicative Geotech Locations N³ 1:40,000 @ A4 «¬ Study area Access tracks

NPWS Reserve Key fish habitat (NSW DPI2015)

Data sources DFSI - Spatial Services Figure 25. | Key Fish Habitat Jacobs 2018 Biodiversity Development Assessment Report

5.5 Connectivity

The assessed area is well connected to the forests to the West of locations 3 to 8 with the areas east of Bendeela Pondage largely cleared. Geotechnical investigation locations 1 and 2 are located in an existing cleared areas within a narrow strip of WaterNSW land running through the Morton National Park and in areas of good connectivity.

5.6 Areas of geological significance and soil hazard features

Areas of geological significance generally include karst, caves, crevices and cliffs. Some rocky habitat present near the geotechnical investigation locations contained small crevices. The escarpment to the south of location 1 and 2 contain cliffs and crevices.

Soil hazard features such as dryland salinity, acidification, structural breakdown, sodicity and contamination were not noted during the field surveys. There were no apparent plant growth problems noted due to soil health. Soils at the site were generally sandy-loam, and drainage was good in all assessed areas. The acid sulfate soil risk has not been mapped for the study area. Based on surrounding topography, it is assumed to be low risk.

5.7 Areas of outstanding biodiversity value

The study area does not contain any areas of outstanding biodiversity value listed on the register of declared areas of outstanding biodiversity value.

5.8 Native vegetation extent

To assess percent current extent of native vegetation in the buffer area around locations requiring clearing, a buffer of 500 metres was placed around the centre boundaries of each linear proposal area. Native over storey vegetation was digitised off an aerial photograph to determine the extent of native vegetation cover within the 500 metre landscape buffer (see Figure 5.1). Obviously cleared areas were excluded from the mapping. However, the calculations are however subject to a degree of error as the mapping is an abstraction of reality. The extent of native vegetation cover within the 500 metre landscape buffer was then calculated in a GIS.

There are approximately 161 hectares of native vegetation within the 500 metre landscape buffer. The landscape buffer is 224 hectares in size. This results in a percent native vegetation cover of 72%. Therefore, the cover class for the development site is >70%.

5.9 Patch sizes

The patch sizes for each vegetation zone in the proposed stewardship site has been determined in accordance with Section 5.3.2 of the BAM. The BAM defines patch size as an area of native vegetation (intact) that: a) occurs on the development site or biodiversity stewardship site; and b) includes native vegetation that has a gap of less than 100m from the next area of moderate to good condition native vegetation (or ≤30m for non-woody ecosystems).

Patch size may extend onto adjoining land that is not part of the development site. Intact vegetation must include all structural layers (strata) characteristic of the PCT. The site comprises of all woody ecosystems with a very high connectivity with large areas of intact contiguous native vegetation. Patch size area was assigned to each vegetation zone as a class, being <5ha, 5–24ha, 25–100ha or ≥ 100ha. The results of patch size assessment are shown in Section 6.2 of this report.

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6. Native Vegetation

6.1 Plant Community Types and vegetation zones

A description of each Plant Community Type (PCT) in the area surrounding locations requiring clearing is provided in this section. This BDAR describes PCTs in terms of their floristic composition, geological substrate, landscape position and relevant regional vegetation classification according to the VIS classification database and plot data. Table 6.1 summarises each PCT including the corresponding threatened ecological community (if applicable). The distribution of PCTs within the surrounding areas requiring clearing is outlined in Figure 6.1.

Vegetation zones are defined under the BAM as a relatively homogenous area of native vegetation that is the same PCT and broad condition state. The vegetation was first split into PCTs then the broad condition states of the PCTs were investigated on-ground to determine the number of vegetation zones within the proposal area.

Table 6.1 : Summary of PCTS and TECs located in the proposal area

Vegetation Plant Community Type Vegetation Percent Corresponding Area Patch zones formation cleared in Threatened Ecological (ha) size major Community (TEC) catchment area 1 Turpentine - Red Wet 15% N/A 0.15 >100 Bloodwood - Sydney Sclerophyll Peppermint shrubby open Forests forest on the foothills, (Grassy sub- southern Sydney Basin formation) Bioregion and northern South East Corner Bioregion (PCT 1283) 2 Sydney Blue Gum x Wet 43% N/A 0.05 >100 Bangalay - Lilly Pilly moist Sclerophyll forest in gullies and on Forests sheltered slopes, (Shrubby sub- southern Sydney Basin formation) Bioregion (PCT 1245) 3 River Peppermint - Forested 50% River-Flat Eucalypt Forest 0.06 >100 Rough-barked Apple - Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains of River Oak herb/grass the New South Wales riparian forest of coastal North Coast, Sydney Basin lowlands, southern and South East Corner Sydney Basin Bioregion Bioregions (BC Act) and South East Corner Bioregion (PCT 1108)

6.1.1 Turpentine - Red Bloodwood - Sydney Peppermint shrubby open forest on the foothills, southern Sydney Basin Bioregion and northern South East Corner Bioregion (PCT 1283) Vegetation formation: Wet Sclerophyll Forests (Grassy sub-formation) Vegetation class: Southern Lowland Wet Sclerophyll forests

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Threatened Ecological Community: N/A Vegetation zones / survey effort / extent on site: · Zone 1 (Moderate - Regrowth): 2 plots (1 and 3) / 0.16 ha Turpentine - Red Bloodwood - Sydney Peppermint shrubby open forest on the foothills, southern Sydney Basin Bioregion and northern South East Corner Bioregion is a tall open forest with a dense shrub understorey occurring on sheltered slopes with loamy soil. On site, PCT 1283 was dominated by a mix of regrowth tree species including Syncarpia glomulifera subsp. glomulifera, Angophora floribunda, Eucalyptus eugenioides, and occasional Eucalyptus scias subsp. callimastha, Eucalyptus saligna x botroyoides and Corymbia gummifera in the canopy. The shrub layer was very dense with regrowth dominated by Kunzea ambiguea and Hakea salicifolia and had a high richness of other shrubs (n=19) Leptospermum trinerivum, Acacia irrorata, Callistemon citrinus and Melaleuca linariifolia. Diagnostic shrubs includes Banksia spinulosa subsp. spinulosa and Persoonia linearis. The groundcover had a high cover of leaf litter with a range of perennial herbs as well as some grasses, climbers and ferns. Species included Dianella caerulea, Entolasia stricta and Pteridium esculentum. On the lower foothills closer to the Kangaroo Valley River floodplain there was a richness of shrubs including Breynia oblongifolia, Pittosporum undulatum, Leucopogon juniperinus, Persoonia linearis, Allocasuarina littoralis, Bursaria spinosa and Daviesia ulicifolia. The groundcover had a high cover of leaf litter with a range of grasses including Microlaena stipoides, Panicum simile, Paspalidium distans, Eragrostis brownii, Entolasia stricta and Oplismenus aemulus. There were also a range of herbs, rushes, and Glycine spp. climbers.

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Photograph 1: Plot 1 of Vegetation Zone 1 (Moderate - Regrowth) with Turpentine - Red Bloodwood - Sydney Peppermint shrubby open forest on the foothills, southern Sydney Basin Bioregion and northern South East Corner Bioregion (PCT 1283)

This vegetation is considered most likely to be representative of PCT 1283 for the following reasons: · Dominance of Syncarpia glomulifera with a mix of other diagnostic tree species, including occasional Eucalyptus scias subsp. callimastha, and Corymbia gummifera; as well as Eucalyptus pipertia on the lower foothills; · The middle stratum was generally dense and rich with sclerophyllous shrub species including characteristic species Acacia obtusifolia, Persoonia linearis, Banksia spinulosa, Elaeocarpus reticulatus; · The ground stratum is characterised Dianella caerulea; Entolasia stricta; Pteridium esculentum and a suite of ground stratum species common to other PCTs on the site; and · Semi-sheltered west facing slope with sandy loam soils on lowlands/foothills below the escarpment, transitioning into Kangaroo Valley River floodplain (PCT1108).

Given the past disturbance and high level of tree and shrub regrowth on the site, it was difficult to ascertain a definitive PCT. The broader patch was also dominated by Eucalyptus eugenioides and Angophora floribunda typical of Forest Red Gum - Thin-leaved Stringybark grassy woodland on coastal lowlands, southern Sydney Basin Bioregion (PCT 838), however lacked any regrowth of Eucalyptus tereticornis and continuous grassy cover, perhaps a result of past selective logging. There is potential for PCT 838 listed as a Threatened Ecological Community Illawarra Lowlands Grassy Woodland in the Sydney Basin Bioregion (BC Act) in the broader region. As the study area has characteristic tree species present and occurrence of wet sclerophyllous and mesic rainforest shrubs and low cover of grasses, the community is best suited within the Wet Sclerophyll Forests (Grassy sub-formation) Vegetation Formation.

The site also intergrades with a mix of Eucalyptus saligna x botroyoides likely transitioning into PCT 1245 especially down slope to the west and south where a dominance of rainforest shrubs are more prevalent. Regrowth comprised of high densities of natural tree and shrub regeneration with a low abundance of weeds. High Threat Weed Ligustrum sinense was observed in PCT with a low cover of abundance.

6.1.2 Sydney Blue Gum x Bangalay - Lilly Pilly moist forest in gullies and on sheltered slopes, southern Sydney Basin Bioregion (PCT 1245) Vegetation formation: Wet Sclerophyll Forests (Shrubby sub-formation) Vegetation class: North Coast Wet Sclerophyll Forests Threatened Ecological Community: N/A Vegetation zones / survey effort / extent on site: · Zone 2 (Moderate - Regrowth): 1 plot (2) / 0.04 ha Sydney Blue Gum x Bangalay - Lilly Pilly moist forest in gullies and on sheltered slopes, southern Sydney Basin Bioregion is a very tall open forest which can have multiple layers of rainforest trees, palms and shrubs. Grows on deep chocolate clay soils on escarpment benches, alluvial flats and protected gullies. On site, PCT 1245 was dominated by a mix of regrowth tree species including Eucalyptus saligna, Eucalyptus botroyoides and Eucalyptus saligna x botroyoides and Syncarpia glomulifera subsp. glomulifera, with occasional Angophora floribunda and Eucalyptus eugenioides. Parts of the midstorey was dense with Kunzea ambigua as well as dominated by Acacia mearnsii, Notelaea

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venosa, Leucopogon juniperinus and Clerodendrum tomentosum. The groundcover had a high cover of leaf litter with a range of grasses perennial herbs as well as some grasses, climbers and ferns. The shrub layer was very variable, dominated by dense regrowth of Kunzea ambiguea and Hakea salicifolia as well as Leptospermum trinerivum, Callistemon citrinus and Melaleuca linariifolia. Diagonstic shrubs includes Banksia spinulosa subsp. spinulosa and Persoonia linearis. The groundcover had a high cover of leaf litter with a range of grasses, herbs, climbers and ferns. Dominant species included Entolasia marginata, Microlaena stipoides, Oplismenus aemulus, Morinda jasminoides, and Marsdenia rostrata.

Photograph 2: Plot 2 of Vegetation Zone 2 (Moderate - Regrowth) with Sydney Blue Gum x Bangalay - Lilly Pilly moist forest in gullies and on sheltered slopes, southern Sydney Basin Bioregion (PCT 1245)

This vegetation is considered most likely to be representative of PCT 1245 for the following reasons: · Dominance of Eucalyptus saligna x botroyoides, Eucalyptus saligna and Syncarpia glomulifera subsp. glomulifera with a mix of other tree species; · The middle stratum was generally dense and rich with sclerophyllous shrub species including characteristic species Notelaea venosa, Clerodendrum tomentosum; · The ground stratum lacked many of the characteristic ferns, but many were nearby in better sheltered slopes to west and south; and · Semi-sheltered west facing slope with sandy loam soils.

Given the past disturbance and high level of tree and shrub regrowth on the site, it was difficult to ascertain a definitive PCT. Better examples of this PCT where noted further down slope to the west.

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As the study area has characteristic tree species present and occurrence of wet sclerophyllous and mesic rainforest shrubs and low cover of grasses, the community is best suited within the Wet Sclerophyll Forests (Shrubby sub-formation) Vegetation Formation. Regrowth comprised of high densities of natural tree and shrub regeneration with no weeds.

6.1.3 River Peppermint - Rough-barked Apple - River Oak herb/grass riparian forest of coastal lowlands, southern Sydney Basin Bioregion and South East Corner Bioregion (PCT 1108) Vegetation formation: Forested Wetlands Vegetation class: Eastern Riverine Forests Threatened Ecological Community: River-Flat Eucalypt Forest on Coastal Floodplains of the New South Wales North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions (BC Act) Vegetation zones / survey effort / extent on site: · Zone 4 (Low - Regrowth): 2 plots (4,5) / 0.05 ha River Peppermint - Rough-barked Apple - River Oak herb/grass riparian forest of coastal lowlands, southern Sydney Basin Bioregion and South East Corner Bioregion is an open eucalypt forest with an open shrub layer and dense cover of grasses and forbs. Grows on sandy alluvial flats, floodplain margins and in riverine corridors. On site, PCT 1108 lacked a tree canopy. Eucalyptus elata, Angophora floribunda, Casuarina cunninghamiana, Eucalyptus saligna and Eucalyptus amplifolia subsp. amplifolia were observed nearby in better condition patches. The midstorey was dominated by Acacia mearnsii, with occasional Melicytus dentatus. There was a very high cover of Microlaena stipoides (83%) with some native grasses and forbs including Oplismenus aemulus, Commelina cyanea and Dichondra repens.

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Photograph 3: Plot 4 of Vegetation Zone 3 (Low - Regrowth) with River Peppermint - Rough-barked Apple - River Oak herb/grass riparian forest of coastal lowlands, southern Sydney Basin Bioregion and South East Corner Bioregion (1108)

This vegetation is considered most likely to be representative of PCT 1108 for the following reasons: · Diagnostic tree canopy species nearby, Eucalyptus eugenioides, with occasional Angophora floribunda and Eucalyptus amplifolia subsp. Amplifolia; · The middle stratum was dominated by characteristic Acacia mearnsii; · The ground stratum had a dense cover of Microlaena stipoides and other typical grasses, and forbs; and · On sandy alluvial soils of Kangaroo Valley River floodplain.

Past disturbance of this PCT have removed all tree canopy species in the study area, including tree regeneration. Dieback was prevalent in mature stands of Acacia mearnsii, creating woody debris and logs. Much of the ground cover were dominated by native grass, however some patches had a high weed cover. High Threat Weeds Ligustrum sinense, Ageratina riparia, and Araujia sericifera was observed in PCT with a low-moderate cover of abundance.

6.2 Patch sizes

Each vegetation zone was assessed for intact vegetation and mapping extent using ArcGIS and the latest aerial imagery. The site forms part of large contiguous patch of native vegetation extending into

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state owned land, private property and national parks which eventually reaches the coast at Jervis Bay and west to the Snowy Mountains.

All vegetation zones in the site fall within the patch size class ≥100ha.This information was used in the BAM calculator to predict habitat suitability for threatened species.

6.3 Vegetation integrity results

The results of vegetation integrity scores produced by the BAM calculator (streamlined assessment module) is summarised as the observed mean of all plots for composition, structure and function each vegetation zone in Refer Table 6.2, Table 6.3 and Table 6.4.

Table 6.2 : Summary of current vegetation integrity scores Vegetation Plant Community Type (PCT code) Current VI Zone No. scores 1 Turpentine - Red Bloodwood - Sydney Peppermint shrubby open forest on the foothills, 48.3 southern Sydney Basin Bioregion and northern South East Corner Bioregion (PCT 1283) 2 Sydney Blue Gum x Bangalay - Lilly Pilly moist forest in gullies and on sheltered slopes, 58.8 southern Sydney Basin Bioregion (PCT 1245) 3 River Peppermint - Rough-barked Apple - River Oak herb/grass riparian forest of coastal 48.9 lowlands, southern Sydney Basin Bioregion and South East Corner Bioregion (PCT 1108)

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Table 6.3 : Summary of mean vegetation composition and structure scores

Zone Plots Trees Shrubs Grasses Forbs Ferns Other High Threat VI scores Weed Cover N. spp Cover N. spp Cover N. spp Cover N. spp Cover N. spp Cover N. spp Cover Composition Structure

1 1 4 14.6 19 78.7 6 3.6 12 1.2 3 0.3 7 0.9 0 96.6 25

3 6 16.8 10 1.6 10 1.3 15 1.6 2 0.3 5 0.6 0.1

2 2 8 24.3 11 33 3 3.2 10 1 1 0.1 9 0.9 0 81.6 38.2

4 4 1 0.5 4 51.6 3 70.2 9 1 2 0.3 3 0.3 0.1 58.3 58.2

5 1 0.1 5 40.8 3 95.6 10 8.6 1 0.1 1 0.2 0.9

Table 6.4: Summary of vegetation function

Zone Plots Stem classes (1 = present, 0= absent): diameter at breast height Number Number Log Litter VI score of large of Hollow lengths cover (function) 50-79 cm 30-49 cm 20-29 cm 10-19 cm 5-9 cm < 5cm trees bearing (m) (regen) (80+ cm) trees

1 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 24 79.6 46.7

3 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 11

2 2 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 48 95 65

4 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 44 92.8 34.4

5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 78

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E S

L C I

A A

S C

A W

D E M JI Turpentine - Red Bloodwood - Sydney JAC Peppermint shrubby open forest on the KS CORNER ROAD - foothills, southern Sydney Basin Bioregion Location 3 and northern South East Corner Bioregion (PCT 1283) Location 4 Sydney Blue Gum x Bangalay - Lilly Pilly moist forest in gullies and on sheltered Location 5 slopes, southern Sydney Basin Bioregion (PCT 1245)

Location 6 River Peppermint -Rough- Turpentine - Red barked Apple - River Oak herb/grass riparian forest Bloodwood of coastal lowlands, southern---- -e Sydney Peppermint Sydney Basin Bioregion and shrubby open forest on SouthEast Corner Bioregion the foothills, southern (PCT 1108) Sydney Basin Biore- Location 7 gion and northern South East Corner Bioregion (PCT 1283) Location 8

K A N G A R O O

R I V E R JACOBS NSW SPATIAL - GIS MAP file : J:\IE\Projects\04_Eastern\IA193700\GIS\Directory\Templates\Figures\SpecialistReports\Biodivesity\IA193700_SHPS_Bio_F001_PlantCommunityTypest_r1v1.mxd | 18/01/2019 Legend

Plots 0 200 400 m N Indicative geotechnical investigation locations (no clearing required) 1:10,000 @ A4 Geotechnical investigation area indicative clearing River-Flat Eucalypt Forest on Coastal Floodplains of the New South Wales North Coast, Syd- ney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions (BC Act)

Plant community types

Figure 6.1 | Distribution of Plant Community Types, TECs and Vegetation Data sources Zones DFSI - Spatial Services Jacobs 2018 Biodiversity Development Assessment Report

7. Habitat Suitability for Threatened Species

7.1 Ecosystem Credit Species Assessment

A list of ecosystem credit species predicted by the BAM calculator to occur within the study area are shown below in Table 7-1. These predictions are based on habitat assessment and PCTs identified during field survey. As the development is classified as linear, the table includes species from both the Illawarra and Ettrema IBRA subregions. Potential for these species to occur within the survey area was assessed, and any exclusions justified based on habitat constraints or the species potential to utilise vegetation zones.

Table 7-1: Ecosystem Credit Species Habitat Suitability Assessment

Scientific Name Species Exclusions

Anthochaera phrygia Regent Honeyeater Not excluded (foraging) Callocephalon fimbriatum Gang-gang Cockatoo Not excluded (foraging) Calyptorhynchus lathami Glossy Black-Cockatoo Excluded as the geotechnical investigation locations lack suitable numbers (foraging) of mature Allocasuarina spp. Circus assimilis Spotted Harrier Not excluded Daphoenositta Varied Sittella Not excluded chrysoptera Dasyurus maculatus Spotted-tailed Quoll Not excluded Falsistrellus tasmaniensis Eastern False Pipistrelle Excluded as the geotechnical investigation locations are primarily regrowth and lacks suitable tall trees (>20m) and no tree hollows Glossopsitta pusilla Little Lorikeet Not excluded Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-Eagle Not excluded (foraging) Hieraaetus morphnoides Little Eagle (foraging) Not excluded Hoplocephalus Broad-headed Snake Excluded as the geotechnical investigation locations lack suitable sun- bungaroides (foraging) exposed rocky habitat and exposed cliff edges Kerivoula papuensis Golden-tipped Bat Not excluded Lathamus discolour Swift Parrot (foraging) Excluded as the geotechnical investigation locations lack the preferred food trees (Eucalyptus robusta, Corymbia maculata, E. sideroxylon, E. albens) Lophoictinia isura Square-tailed Kite Not excluded (foraging) Miniopterus australis Little Bentwing-bat Not excluded (foraging) Miniopterus schreibersii Eastern Bentwing-bat Not excluded oceanensis (foraging) Mormopterus Eastern Freetail-bat Not excluded norfolkensis Neophema pulchella Turquoise Parrot Not excluded Ninox connivens Barking Owl (foraging) Not excluded Ninox strenua Powerful Owl (foraging) Not excluded

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Scientific Name Species Exclusions

Pachycephala olivacea Olive Whistler Not excluded Petaurus australis Yellow-bellied Glider Excluded as the geotechnical investigation locations lack mature food trees and suitable tall eucalypts with hollows for sheltering and breeding Petroica boodang Scarlet Robin Not excluded Petroica phoenicea Flame Robin Not excluded Phascolarctos cinereus Koala (foraging) Excluded as the geotechnical investigation locations lack a suitable abundance of preferred food trees, as well as other eucalypts mature enough to shelter in Potorous tridactylus Long-nosed Potoroo Not excluded Pteropus poliocephalus Grey-headed Flying-fox Not excluded (foraging) Ptilinopus regina Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove Excluded as the geotechnical investigation locations are outside the species’ normal range Ptilinopus superbus Superb Fruit-dove Excluded as the geotechnical investigation locations are outside the species’ normal range Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail- Not excluded Bat Scoteanax rueppellii Greater Broad-nosed Bat Not excluded Stagonopleura guttata Diamond Firetail Excluded as the geotechnical investigation locations lack temperate grassland habitat and existing grassy woodland habitat is primarily shrubby regrowth and lacking in grasses Tyto novaehollandiae Masked Owl (foraging) Excluded as the geotechnical investigation locations lack the open woodland with low shrub density that the species prefers Tyto tenebricosa Sooty Owl (foraging) Not excluded

7.2 Species Credit Species Assessment

Additional threatened fauna species identified by the BAM calculator, which have the potential to utilise the study area as suitable habitat are identified in Table 7-2 below. For the streamlined assessment, targeted surveys for these species are not required, and flora species are excluded from the list. As the development is classified as linear, the table includes species from both the Illawarra and Ettrema IBRA subregions. Species credit species which are in the “very high” sensitivity to gain class are highlighted.

Table 7-2: Species Credit Species Habitat Suitability Assessment

Scientific Name Species Sensitivity Exclusions and habitat constraints to Gain Class

Anthochaera phrygia Regent Honeyeater High Excluded as the geotechnical investigation locations lack (breeding) suitably mature eucalypts for nesting Burhinus gallarius Bush Stone-Curlew High Not excluded - Habitat constraints of fallen/standing dead timber were present within the geotechnical investigation locations. Callocephalon fimbriatum Gang-gang Cockatoo High Excluded as the geotechnical investigation locations lack tree (breeding) hollows

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Scientific Name Species Sensitivity Exclusions and habitat constraints to Gain Class

Calyptorhynchus lathami Glossy Black-Cockatoo High Excluded as the geotechnical investigation locations lack tree (breeding) hollows Cercartetus nanus Eastern Pygmy-possum High Not excluded Chalinolobus dwyeri Large-eared Pied Bat Very High Not excluded – geotechnical investigation locations are within 2km of rocky areas containing escarpments. Haliaeerus leucogaster White-bellied Sea- High Excluded as the geotechnical investigation locations lack Eagle (breeding) suitably mature eucalypts for nesting. Heleioporus australiacus Giant Burrowing Frog Moderate Not excluded Hieraaetus morphnoides Little eagle (breeding) Moderate Excluded as the geotechnical investigation locations lack suitably tall trees for nesting Hoplocephalus Broad-headed Snake Very High Excluded as the geotechnical investigation locations lack bungaroides (breeding) suitable sun-exposed rocky escarpments and tree hollows Isoodon obesulus Southern Brown High Excluded as the geotechnical investigation locations do not obesulus Bandicoot (eastern) contain evidence of post-fire vegetation or regular burning Lathamus discolor Swift Parrot (breeding) Moderate Excluded as the species breeds exclusively in Tasmania Litoria aurea Green and Golden Bell High Not excluded – geotechnical investigation locations are within Frog 1km of wet areas / waterbodies. Lophoictinia isura Square-tailed Kite Moderate Excluded as the geotechnical investigation locations lack (breeding) suitably large trees for breeding Miniopterus australis Little Bentwing-Bat Very High Excluded as the geotechnical investigation locations lack (breeding) suitable tree hollows for breeding Miniopterus schreibersii Eastern Bentwing-Bat Very High Excluded as the geotechnical investigation locations lack oceanensis (breeding) suitable caves or man-made structures for breeding. Mixophyes balbus Stuttering Frog Very High Excluded as the geotechnical investigation locations lack suitable rainforest habitat, and is outside the species normal range. Myotis macropus Southern Myotis High Excluded as the geotechnical investigation locations lack hollow bearing trees and is greater than 200m from riparian zones. Ninox connivens Barking Owl (breeding) High Excluded as the geotechnical investigation locations lack suitable tree hollows for nesting Ninox strenua Powerful Owl High Excluded as the geotechnical investigation locations lack (breeding) suitable tree hollows for nesting Petaurus norfolcensis Squirrel Glider High Excluded as the geotechnical investigation locations lack the species preferred box/ironbark woodlands or river red gums. Petrogale penicillate Brush-tailed Rock- Very High Not excluded – geotechnical investigation locations are within wallaby 1km of rocky escarpments. Petroica rodinogaster Pink Robin High Excluded as the geotechnical investigation locations are outside the species normal range Phascolarctos cinereus Koala (breeding) High Excluded as the geotechnical investigation locations lack a suitable abundance of preferred food trees, as well as other eucalypts mature enough to shelter in

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Scientific Name Species Sensitivity Exclusions and habitat constraints to Gain Class

Pseudophryne australis Red-crowned Toadlet Moderate Not excluded Pteropus poliocephalus Grey-headed Flying-fox High Excluded as the geotechnical investigation locations are not (breeding) located in close proximity to any known roosting camps. Sminthopsis leucopus White-footed Dunnart Moderate Not excluded Tyto novaehollandiae Masked Owl (breeding) High Excluded as the geotechnical investigation locations lack suitable tree hollows for nesting Tyto tenebricosa Sooty Owl (breeding) Very High Excluded as the geotechnical investigation locations lack suitable tree hollows for nesting

7.3 Biodiversity Risk Weighting

For streamlined assessments, biodiversity risk weighting is only required for threatened species found on the geotechnical investigation locations. No threatened species were identified during site visits on 10 and 11 January 2019 and no biodiversity risk weighting was needed.

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8. Matter of National Environmental Significance

8.1 Threatened ecological communities

No threatened ecological communities listed under the EPBC Act were identified in the study area.

8.2 Threatened species

Six threatened species listed under the EPBC Act have potential foraging habitat in the study area based on the habitat assessment in Section 7 shown above. Given that the study area is small, and much of the habitat would remain intact, these threatened species are considered to have a low likelihood of occurrence and an assessment of significance is not necessary. Justification for low likelihood of occurrence for each species is presented below.

Large-eared Pied Bat (listed as vulnerable) may occur in caves within nearby escarpments, and may utilise the site for foraging. The vegetation clearance and geotechnical work will not impact on any escarpments or potential roosting habitat for the species. While the vegetation removal will potentially remove some foraging habitat, the area is well connected to the surrounding landscape and the overall impacts on available foraging habitat is low.

Green and Golden Bell Frog (listed as endangered) occurs in approximately 50 recorded locations in NSW, most of which are small, coastal, or near coastal populations. These locations occur over the species’ former range, however they are widely separated and isolated. Large populations in NSW are located around the metropolitan areas of Sydney, Shoalhaven and mid north coast. Waterways nearby the study area are unlikely to support habitat for this species.

Grey-Headed Flying-Fox (listed as vulnerable) may forage in the area. No roost camps are present within the geotechnical footprint, with the closest recorded roost camp in Kangaroo Valley, approximately 5 km away. The Grey-headed Flying-fox is likely to limit its foraging in the area to flowering tree species, which will not be impacted by the vegetation clearance and the overall impacts on available foraging habitat is low.

Regent Honeyeater (listed as critically endangered) may forage in the area. The vegetation clearance will avoid all trees and remove the shrub layer and understory only. While this will potentially remove some foraging habitat for the regent honeyeater, the area is well connected to the surrounding landscape and the overall impacts on available foraging habitat is low.

Giant Burrowing Frog (listed as vulnerable) may occur in the area. The geotechnical investigations will not impact upon the nearby Kings Creek, and will thus have no impact on the frog’s potential breeding ground. The frogs may utilise other space within the vegetation clearing site as habitat during the non-breeding season. Given that the impacted area consists of a very small portion within a highly connected landscape, any impacts on the burrowing frog are likely to be low.

Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby (listed as endangered) may utilise the boulders, outcrops and escarpments which occur near the site. These rock areas will not be impacted by the geotechnical investigations, and any adjacent vegetation clearance will be minimal, and is unlikely to impact the resources available to the Brush-tailed Rock- wallaby.

8.3 Migratory species Under the EPBC Act, an action requires approval from the Australian Government Environmental Minister if the actions has, will have, or is likely to have a significant impact on a listed migratory species. An action is likely to have a significant impact on a migratory species if there is a real chance or possibility that it will:

· Substantially modify (including by fragmenting, altering fire regimes, altering nutrient cycles or altering hydrological cycles), destroy or isolate an area of important habitat for a migratory species

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· Result in an invasive species that is harmful to the migratory species becoming established in an area of important habitat for the migratory species, or · Seriously disrupt the lifecycle (breeding, feeding, migration or resting behaviour) of an ecologically significant proportion of the population of a migratory species.

An area of ‘important habitat’ for a migratory species is: · Habitat used by a migratory species occasionally or periodically within a region that supports an ecologically significant proportion of the population of the species, and/or · Habitat that is of critical importance to the species at particular life-cycle stages, and/or · Habitat used by a migratory species which is at the limit of the species range, and/or · Habitat within an area where the species is declining. · Listed migratory species cover a broad range of species with different life cycles and population sizes. Therefore, what is an ‘ecologically significant proportion’ of the population varies with the species. Some factors that should be considered include the species’ population status, genetic distinctiveness and species specific behavioural patterns (for example, site fidelity and dispersal rates). These factors have been considered in the following assessment.

Sixteen listed migratory species were identified in the EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool as potentially occurring the locality based on the distributional range of the species and modelled habitat in the area. These species are listed in the table below.

Table 6-2 EPBC listed migratory species identified by the Protected Matters Search Tool

Species Potential to Utilize the Site?

Migratory Terrestrial Species Fork Tailed Swift (Apus pacificus) Yes Horsfield’s Cuckoo (Cuculus optatus) Yes White-throated Needletail (Hirundapus caudacutus) Yes Black-faced Monarch (Monarcha melanopsis) Yes Spectacled Monarch (Monarcha trivirgatus) Yes Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava) No – outside of normal range Stain Flycatcher (Myiagra cyanoleuca) Yes Rufous Fantail (Rhipidura rufifrons) Yes Migratory Wetland Species Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) No Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (Calidris acuminata) No Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea) No Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos) No Latham’s Snipe (Gallinago hardwickii) No Eastern Curlew (Numenius madagascariensis) No Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) No Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia) No

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Seven of the eight woodland species listed are considered likely to fly over and forage within the geotechnical investigations site, but would not likely use it as long-term habitat. While the area may provide some foraging opportunity for the woodland species, the site would not be classified as an “important habitat”. The remaining eight wetland species are not likely to utilise the study area. An assessment of significance for Migratory species is provided as follows:

Substantially modify (including by fragmenting, altering fire regimes, altering nutrient cycles or altering hydrological cycles), destroy or isolate an area of important habitat for a migratory species

The geotechnical investigation locations are not considered to provide important habitat for migratory species and are unlikely to substantially modify the habitat present.

The geotechnical investigation locations provide only marginal habitat for terrestrial migratory birds species and are very unlikely to support important habitat. This is further supported by the generally poor condition of vegetation within. There are no breeding records from the site or surrounds and the extent of habitat remaining in the study area would provide sufficient resources to sustain future visitation.

Based on the minor and temporary nature of the geotechnical investigations, the avoidance of habitat features in locating works areas and access tracks and the low to moderate condition of plant community types and threatened ecological communities present it is considered unlikely that the geotechnical investigations would substantially modify the habitat present. Following completion of geotechnical investigations, all locations would be allowed to, or actively managed to, rehabilitate to their current standard.

Result in an invasive species that is harmful to the migratory species becoming established in an area of important habitat for the migratory species As discussed above, there is no evidence to suggest that an area of important habitat exists in the study area for any listed migratory species. Suitable measures are proposed to control the spread o f weeds during the implementation of the geotechnical investigations.

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

The background searches and field investigations found no evidence to suggest that an area of ‘important habitat’ exists at the site for a migratory species, or that the study area is occupied by an ecologically significant proportion of the populations of migratory species. The minor and temporary nature of the geotechnical investigations would be unlikely to disrupt the lifecycle of migratory species.

Based on the above, it is therefore unlikely that the proposed works would impact on any listed migratory species.

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9. Impact Assessment

This section of the BDAR demonstrates the efforts taken to avoid and minimise impacts on biodiversity values in accordance with Section 8 of the BAM.

Combined with appropriate mitigation measures and safeguards, the siting and planning of the geotechnical investigations is expected to be sufficient to ensure that the requirements to avoid and minimise impacts on biodiversity values as set out in Section 8 of the BAM are met. The geotechnical investigation locations and temporary access tracks have been selected to avoid impacts on biodiversity values to the greatest extent possible.

A key part of Origin Energy’s management of biodiversity for the geotechnical investigations is the application of the ‘avoid, minimise, mitigate and offset’ hierarchy as follows: 1) Avoid and minimise impacts as the highest priority; 2) Mitigate impacts where avoidance is not feasible or practicable in the particular circumstance; and 3) Offset where residual, significant unavoidable impacts would occur (if required).

9.1 Avoiding and minimising impacts on native vegetation and habitat

The selection of geotechnical investigation locations has been undertaken to target the locations of key components of the Shoalhaven Hydro Expansion Project with most susceptibility to geotechnical risks, while avoiding to the extent possible the need for clearing or ground disturbance.

The geotechnical investigations would impact on a total of 0.21 hectares of native vegetation, including: · 0.06 ha of Endangered Ecological Communities (EECs) or Critically Endangered Ecological Communities (CEECs); and · 0.21 ha of PCTs that contain threatened species habitat. To avoid and minimise impacts, four of the eight locations have been positioned in cleared and previously disturbed areas with existing established access tracks. For the remaining four locations, clearing is being minimised through: · The restricted to access tracks 2 metres wide; · Clearing only native shrubs where necessary and lopping of low lying tree branches; · Avoiding habitat features; · Using existing open spaces within the PCTs where available; and · Limiting geotechnical investigation works areas to under 20m x 20m in size. There is no area of land that the Minister for Environment has declared as an area of outstanding biodiversity value in accordance with Section 3.1 of the BC Act; There are no riparian areas of 4th order or higher streams and rivers, important wetlands or estuaries; or State significant biodiversity links.

9.2 Avoiding and minimising prescribed biodiversity impacts

Some types of projects may have impacts on biodiversity values in addition to, or instead of, impacts from clearing vegetation and/or loss of habitat. For many of these impacts, the biodiversity values may be difficult to quantify, replace or offset, making avoiding and minimising impacts critical.

The BC Regulation (clause 6.1) identifies actions that are prescribed as impacts to be assessed under the biodiversity offsets scheme: a) Impacts of development on the habitat of threatened species or ecological communities associated with:

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i. karst, caves, crevices, cliffs and other geological features of significance; or ii. rocks; or iii. human made structures; or iv. non-native vegetation. 4) Impacts of development on the connectivity of different areas of habitat of threatened species that facilitates the movement of those species across their range; 5) Impacts of development on movement of threatened species that maintains their life cycle; 6) Impacts of development on water quality, water bodies and hydrological processes that sustain threatened species and threatened ecological communities (including from subsidence or upsidence resulting from underground mining); 7) Impacts of wind turbine strikes on protected animals; and 8) Impacts of vehicle strikes on threatened species or on animals that are part of a TEC.

There are no impacts to: · Karst, caves, crevices, cliffs and other geological features of significance; or · water quality, water bodies and hydrological processes that sustain threatened species and threatened ecological communities. Rock habitats are present near geotechnical locations 3, 4 and 5. The project has deliberately selected an access route and drilling locations to avoid exposed rocks and outcrops. None of the listed habitat features would be impacted. The geotechnical investigations are not a wind farm development so turbine strike is not an issue. The geotechnical investigations do not involve construction or upgrade of a roadway so vehicle strike is not an impact requiring consideration.

9.3 Assessment of impacts

9.3.1 Impacts on native vegetation and habitat

There is native vegetation (according to the definition of native vegetation provided in the LLS Act – see Section 3.8) in the development site (see Figure 6.1). Impacts on native vegetation and habitat is assessed in accordance with Subsections 9.1.2, 9.1.3 and 9.1.4 of the BAM. This includes: · describing impacts on clearing of native vegetation, threatened ecological communities and threatened species habitat · describing the nature, extent, frequency, duration and timing of indirect impacts of the proposal · describing the nature, extent, frequency, duration and timing of prescribed biodiversity impacts relevant to the proposal · evaluating the consequences of indirect impacts on biodiversity values · evaluating the consequences of prescribed biodiversity impacts · documenting any limitations to data, assumptions and predictions with respect to impacts on biodiversity

Assessing the impact of clearing native vegetation, threatened ecological communities and threatened species habitat.

The geotechnical investigations will involve accessing eight locations for drilling, approximately 20m x 20m in size. Temporary access tracks will be 2 metres wide to avoid impacts to vegetation. · Locations 1, 2, 7 and 8 are located on existing cleared land and access tracks, and no clearing of vegetation is required.

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· Locations 3, 4 and 5 will be accessed along temporary access tracks, utilising a paper road via an overgrown gate on Jacks Corner Road. Removal of native shrubs will be required to gain access through the gate, including Acacia irrorata and Bursaria spinosa. The first portion of the paper road is devoid of shrubs and trees for around 50 metres. Access to Location 3 will require removal of some native shrubs and lopping of low tree branches. Species affected will include Persoonia linearis, Leptospermum polygalifolium, Acacia obtusifolia, Melaleuca thymifolia, Acacia ulicifolia, Melaleuca linariifolia, Breynia obtusifolia and Leucopogon juniperinus shrubs and branches of Eucalyptus scias subsp. callimastha, Syncarpia glomulifera subsp. glomulifera and Eucalyptus eugenioides. From Location 3 through to Location 5, access through dense regrowth of Kunzea ambigua and Hakea salicifolia is required and shrubs will be removed. No trees, hollows, large logs, surface rocks will be removed during access and drilling. · Access to Location 6 and 7 will involve using existing tracks and cleared areas as much as possible. These locations and access are within threatened ecological community River-Flat Eucalypt Forest on Coastal Floodplains of the New South Wales North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions. Only removal of several senescent Acacia mearnsii and lopping of some branches will be required. The groundcover is generally dense native grass comprising Microlaena stipoides and leaf litter and will generally remain intact, particularly along tracks.

The future value scores for native vegetation after impact was estimated with the assumption of removing all native shrubs and minor disturbance of groundcover within the study area. The BAM calculator was used to estimate future condition scores for composition, structure by changing shrub growth form to zero and reducing other growth form groups (except trees) in the groundcover by half for each growth form group to account for minor disturbances from drilling at geotechnical investigation locations. Lopping of tree branches was considered negligible and tree growth form wasn’t changed. It is also assumed that High Threat Weed cover of abundance would remain unchanged with weed management measures in place. Future condition scores are presented in Table 9-1. Future function condition scores remained unchanged, as the proposed works would avoid impacts to these biodiversity values.

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Table 9-1: Estimated future mean vegetation composition and structure scores after impact Zone Grasses & Future VI scores Trees Shrubs Forbs Ferns Other grass like N. Cover N. Cover N. Cover N. Cover N. Cover N. Cover Composition Structure spp spp spp spp spp spp 1 5 15.7 0 0 4 1.3 6.8 0.7 1.3 0.2 3 0.4 44.7 5.4 2 8 24.3 0 0 3 0.16 5 0.5 0.5 0.05 4.5 0.45 35.7 12.2 3 1 0.3 0 0 1.5 41.5 4.8 2.4 0.8 0.1 1 0.2 22.7 43.4

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Change in the vegetation integrity score for clearing of native vegetation, threatened ecological communities threatened species habitat

The change in the vegetation integrity (VI) score is a measure of the direct impact on native vegetation and habitat in the area. The future vegetation score was calculated by assuming a clearing of all existing vegetation except for the tree layer. Shrubs were also assumed to be completely cleared. Leaf litter coverage and fallen timber was assumed to remain unchanged.

Table 9-2 shows the calculated change in the VI score after the clearing of the required area.

Table 9-2: Change in Vegetation Integrity (VI) Score for all PCTs impacted by the vegetation removal

Plant Community Type Corresponding Threatened Removal Current VI Future VI Change in Ecological Community (TEC) Footprint Score Score VI Score Area (ha) Turpentine - Red Bloodwood - Sydney N/A 0.15 48.3 22.4 -25.9 Peppermint shrubby open forest on the foothills, southern Sydney Basin Bioregion and northern South East Corner Bioregion (PCT 1283) Sydney Blue Gum x Bangalay - Lilly Pilly N/A 0.04 58.8 30.5 -28.3 moist forest in gullies and on sheltered slopes, southern Sydney Basin Bioregion (PCT 1245) River Peppermint - Rough-barked Apple River-Flat Eucalypt Forest on 0.02 48.9 32.4 -16.5 - River Oak herb/grass riparian forest of Coastal Floodplains of the New coastal lowlands, southern Sydney Basin South Wales North Coast, Sydney Bioregion and South East Corner Basin and South East Corner Bioregion (PCT 1108) Bioregions (BC Act) Total 0.21

The reduction in vegetation integrity score is largely a result of the reduction of biodiversity values in the study area due to the clearing of the shrub layer and understorey.

Assessing indirect impacts on native vegetation and habitat

Indirect impacts would be limited to edge effects in areas of cleared native shrubs along access tracks. The construction and operation of the geotechnical investigations is restricted to a discreet area and there are no adjoining areas of native vegetation beyond the geotechnical investigation locations that would be impacted. All equipment and resources (wastewater) brought on to site will be contained and removed from site after completion. All native vegetation will already regrowing from previous disturbances and will recover after proposed geotechnical works. Although a small amount of fauna foraging habitat will be removed it will not create a barrier or restrict food resources or shelter.

Proliferation of weed and pest species is an indirect impact (i.e. not a direct result of proposal activities). The most likely causes of weed dispersal and importation associated with the geotechnical investigations include movement of soil and attachment of seed (and other propagules) to vehicles and machinery during transportation to and from the geotechnical investigation locations. High threat weed species Ligustrum sinense, Ageratina riparia, and Araujia sericifera are present near and within Locations 6.

Several pathogens known from NSW have potential to impact on biodiversity as a result their movement and infection during construction. Of these, three are listed as a key threatening process under either the EPBC Act and/or BC Act including: · Dieback caused by Phytophthora (Root Rot; EPBC Act and BC Act);

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· Infection of frogs by amphibian chytrid fungus causing the disease chytridiomycosis (EPBC Act and BC Act); and · Introduction and establishment of exotic Rust Fungi of the order Pucciniales on plants of the family Myrtaceae (BC Act).

While these pathogens were not observed or tested for in the study area the potential for pathogens to occur should be treated as a risk during geotechnical investigations. The most likely causes of pathogen dispersal and importation associated with the geotechnical investigations include minor earthworks, movement of soil, and attachment of plant matter to vehicles and machinery during all of the project phases (construction and operation).

There is potential for impacts to fauna from noise and vibration during geotechnical investigations, which may result in fauna temporarily avoiding habitats adjacent to the construction. The magnitude of this impact would be low and mitigation measures are not deemed necessary.

9.3.2 Prescribed biodiversity impacts

Impacts of development on rocks that provide habitat for threatened species

The assessment of the impacts of the geotechnical investigations on the habitat of threatened species or ecological communities associated with rocks must: · Identify the species and ecological communities likely to use the habitat; · Describe, with reference to relevant literature and other reliable published sources of information, the importance of scattered rock for connectivity and refuge nature; · Predict the nature, extent and duration of short and long-term impacts due to rock removal; and · Predict the consequences of the impacts for the local and bioregional persistence of the suite of threatened species and communities likely to use these areas as habitat, with reference to relevant literature and other published sources of information.

Rock habitats are present near geotechnical investigation locations 3, 4 and 5. The project has deliberately selected temporary access routes and drilling locations to avoid exposed rocks and outcrops. No rocky habitats will be removed. Geotechnical drilling would disturb potential subsurface bedrock near these locations, but is unlikely to affect habitat used by threatened species such as Broad-headed Snake or Rosenberg’s Goanna.

Impacts of development on the connectivity of different areas of habitat of threatened species that facilitates the movement of those species across their range

The geotechnical investigation locations 3, 4, 5 and 6 are located within a dense native vegetation regrowth where the majority of habitats have connectivity to larger contiguous areas of intact native vegetation . The habitats are not fragmented or isolated and facilitate the movement of threatened species across the landscape. There is physical habitat connectivity through native vegetation and associated with Kings Creek.

Functional connectivity exists for ground, arboreal and flying animals such as mammals, reptiles, birds and bats, as well as frogs in proximity to waterways.

The geotechnical investigations are considered unlikely to have a detrimental effect on habitat connectivity. The works are unlikely to directly impact fauna corridors but rather require lopping and trimming of tree branches and clearing of shrubs along temporary access tracks. The only ground disturbance activity that will occur at the temporary work areas will be the drilling of the borehole itself. The threatened species that may use the geotechnical investigation locations are capable flyers able to cover large distances between habitat patches. Other ground species will still be able to travel through area after work is complete without any impediments. The habitats in the geotechnical investigation locations are unlikely to be important or unique in the landscape and the geotechnical investigations will have no effect on the current dispersal and movement of species throughout the locality. No barriers to movement will be introduced and no further fragmentation of habitats will

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occur. Mitigation is not required as there will be negligible impact to the bioregional persistence of threatened species that currently benefit from the limited connectivity in the locality.

Impacts of the development on movement of threatened species that maintains their life cycle

The assessment of the impacts of the geotechnical investigations on movement of threatened species that maintains their life cycle must: · identify movement patterns key to the life cycle of relevant threatened species that intersect with the study area; · describe the nature, extent and duration of short and long-term impacts; · describe, with reference to relevant literature and other reliable published sources of information, the importance of the movement of the threatened species to their life cycle; and · predict the consequences of the impacts for the bioregional persistence of the threatened species, with reference to relevant literature and other published sources of information.

The geotechnical investigation locations are located within a dense native vegetation regrowth where the majority of habitats have connectivity to larger contiguous areas of intact native vegetation . The habitats are not fragmented or isolated and facilitate the movement of threatened species across the landscape. There is physical habitat connectivity through native vegetation and associated with Kings Creek near the geotechnical investigation locations.

Functional connectivity exists for ground, arboreal and flying animals such as mammals, reptiles, birds and bats, as well as frogs in proximity to waterways.

The geotechnical investigations are considered unlikely to have a detrimental effect on movement of threatened species. The geotechnical investigations are unlikely to direct impact fauna corridors but rather require lopping and trimming of tree branches and clearing of shrubs along access tracks and minor ground disturbance at drilling sites.

No barriers to movement will be introduced and no further fragmentation of habitats will occur. The geotechnical investigations locations are not part of a recognised movement corridor between breeding grounds, foraging grounds, or other habitats important for the lifecycle of species such as staging points for migration. Mitigation is not required as there will be negligible impact to the bioregional persistence of threatened species that currently benefit from the limited connectivity in the locality.

9.4 Impacts on a potential entity that are serious and irreversible impacts

There are no impacts on a potential entity that are serious and irreversible impacts. There will be no impacts to a potential serious and irreversible impact entity that is listed in the Guidance to assist a decision-maker to determine a serious and irreversible impact that would be impacted on by the proposed development.

The geotechnical investigations will not have any serious and irreversible impacts.

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10. Mitigating and management impacts on biodiversity values

Once all practicable steps to avoid or minimise impacts have been implemented at the design phase, mitigation measures will be implemented to further lessen the potential ecological impacts of the geotechnical investigations. Mitigation measures are to be undertaken during the construction and operational phases. The proposed techniques for implementing mitigation measures are outlined below.

The geotechnical investigations will not result in: · removal of breeding habitat or other habitat features during construction; · disruption to established home ranges; and · disruption to connections between suitable habitat for foraging and dispersal.

The main impacts associated with the geotechnical investigations are those resulting from the removal of native shrubs and lopping of native tree branches. The potential for fauna injury or death during construction may potentially occur due to the good condition of native vegetation and connectivity to large areas of vegetation.

10.1 Native vegetation and flora habitat The following avoidance measures would be implemented to ensure impacts to existing vegetation and habitat is minimised: · Where possible, vegetation clearance has been a voided or mi nimised through appropriate siting of the geotechnical investigation locations and associated access routes in the identified locations in this report; · Modified and degraded areas such as trails and easements have been utilised where possible; · Lopping and direct avoidance should always be used to protect tree cover where possible, this could involve tying back tree branches during the investigation rather than lopping; · Native vegetation shrub and ground cover should be driv en over rather than completely removed where possible to minimise direct impacts to smaller shrubs and tree seedlings; · The drip-line of remnant trees is t o be avoided including storing materials and equi pment, and w hen undertaking excavations; · No native vegetation material should be removed from site; and · Stockpile, storage and depot sit es should be si tuated in cleared/disturbed areas, such as maintained grassland areas and industrial lands.

10.2 Fauna habitat Habitat disturbance for threatened fauna species is generally limited to regenerating shrubs and lopping of tree branches. The following mitigation measures (as well as those listed above) would minimise fauna mortality and injury and avoid impacts to important habitats. No trees, hollows, large logs, surface rocks will be removed during access and drilling. Excavations should not be left open overnight to avoid trapping fauna. If this unavoidable excavations are to be inspected prior to work commencing and any trapped fauna relocated into adjacent habitats. Excavations would be backfilled as soon as possible after work on them has been completed.

10.3 Weeds and High Threat Weeds The use of the construction machinery and exposure of the ground surface could potentially result in increased spread of weeds including high threat weed species Ligustrum sinense, Ageratina riparia, and Araujia sericifera in Locations 6. Weed management practices need to be incorporated into the geotechnical investigation activities to minimise the spread of weeds.

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10.4 Water quality and hydrology The preservation of water quality is an important issue which needs to be managed effectively. Activities adjacent to Trimbles Creek. upslope of Kings Creek and up slope and within the Kangaroo Valley River floodplain need to be managed to minimise sediment laden, high nutrient run-off as well as hydrocarbons and other pollutants associated with machinery. The following mitigation measures are required to minimise potential impacts to water quality and hydrology regimes:

· At geotechnical investigation locations where there is a groundcover, no excavation should be undertaken and the existing ground layer should be protected and allowed to re-establishment following completion of works to minimise the area of exposed soil and encourage the regeneration of the existing native species; · Best-practice sediment and erosion controls would be adopted where required to prevent impacts to water quality and minimise run-off into adjacent ecologically sensitive areas where present; and · Appropriate measures to store and manage fuels and oils are to be adopted and spill containment equipment would be carried at all times.

10.5 Induction of Construction Personnel Geotechnical field personnel would be made aware of the importance of the surrounding areas of threatened ecological communities and fauna habitats in the area. All geotechnical field personnel would be inducted prior to commencing and be made aware of their environmental responsibilities, including the preservation and avoidance of vegetation.

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11. Biodiversity offsets

The assessment of site context, native vegetation, threatened ecological communities and the assessment of habitat suitability for threatened species under Stage 1 of the BAM, and the location of the project in an existing landscape suggest that the geotechnical investigation locations are appropriate for the activity.

This section of the BDAR identifies the biodiversity offsets that the assessor must apply including: b) Impacts on a potential entity that are serious and irreversible impacts; c) Impacts for which the assessor is required to determine an offset requirement; and d) Impacts that do not require further assessment by the assessor.

The process of site selection and documented mitigation strategy has aimed at avoiding and minimising impacts to biodiversity in the first instance. There would be no significant biodiversity impacts associated with the geotechnical investigations and only minor residual impacts on biodiversity values on PCTs and low condition TECs would remain. In accordance with the BAM these residual impacts are required to be offset and the quantum of biodiversity credits required have been calculated using the online BAM calculator. Only ecosystem credits were calculated based on the future condition of PCTs limited to residual impacts in the impact area and are summarised in Table 11-1.

Table 11-1 Summary of plant community types future and change in vegetation integrity score and associated number of ecosystem credits required for offset.

Plant Community Type Footprint Future VI Total change Ecosystem impact area score (after in VI score credits (ha) impact) (after impact) required

Turpentine - Red Bloodwood - Sydney 0.15 22.4 -25.5 1 Peppermint shrubby open forest on the foothills, southern Sydney Basin Bioregion and northern South East Corner Bioregion (PCT 1283) Sydney Blue Gum x Bangalay - Lilly Pilly moist 0.04 30.5 -28.3 1 forest in gullies and on sheltered slopes, southern Sydney Basin Bioregion (PCT 1245) River Peppermint - Rough-barked Apple - River 0.02 32.4 -16.5 1 Oak herb/grass riparian forest of coastal lowlands, southern Sydney Basin Bioregion and South East Corner Bioregion (PCT 1108) River-Flat Eucalypt Forest on Coastal Floodplains of the New South Wales North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions (BC Act)

Total 0.21 - 3

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12. Summary and Conclusions

The Biodiversity Offset Scheme applies to State Significant Infrastructure projects unless the Secretary of the Department of Planning and Environment and the Chief Executive of OEH determine that the project is not likely to have a significant impact. This document is the BDAR for the project as required under the Biodiversity Assessment Method (BAM). This BDAR documents the results of the biodiversity streamlined assessment undertaken for the geotechnical investigations is in line with the relevant State and Commonwealth environmental and threatened species legislation and policy. Based on the minor and temporary nature of the geotechnical investigations, the avoidance of habitat features in locating works areas and access tracks and the low to moderate condition of plant community types and threatened ecological communities present it is considered unlikely that significant impacts to biodiversity values would occur. Following completion of the geotechnical investigations, all locations would be allowed to, or actively managed to, rehabilitate to their current standard. There is unlikely to be any significant impacts to any threatened ecological communities and threatened or migratory species listed as a Matter of National Environmental Significance. The geotechnical investigations do not require a referral to the Federal Department of the Environment and Energy for these matters.

Other impacts relevant to the geotechnical investigations in relation to the BAM include prescribed impacts. The prescribed impacts of relevance include: · Impacts of development on rocks that provide habitat for threatened species; · Impacts of development on the connectivity of different areas of habitat of threatened species that facilitates the movement of those species across their range; and · Impacts of the development on movement of threatened species that maintains their life cycle.

The effects of the prescribed impacts are considered to be minor in the context of the geotechnical investigations and would likely be avoided.

There are no impacts on a potential entity that are serious and irreversible impacts. Overall, the biodiversity impacts of the geotechnical investigations are considered to be minor but some mitigation is required and will be planned.

No clearing or permanent impacts are proposed in areas mapped as Key Fish Habitat and with all drilling water and wastes to be contained and disposed of off site no impacts to Key Fish Habitat are likely.

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13. References

Department Of Environment And Climate Change. (2008). Descriptions for NSW (Mitchell) Landscapes Version 2 (2002) [Online]. Available: http://maps.environment.nsw.gov.au/Metadata/NSW%20Landscapes%20descriptions.pdf 2010].

NSW National Parks And Wildlife Service. (2002). Landscapes (Mitchell) of NSW. Hurstville NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

NSW Office Of Environment And Heritage (2011). Climate Change Corridors (Dry Habitat) for North East NSW. Bioregional Assessment Source Dataset.

NSW Office Of Environement And Heritage, (2017). Biodiversiy Assessment Method. NSW Government.

SA Department Of Environment Water And Natural Resources. (2015). IBRA Subregion Australia Version 7.0 - PED. Bioregional Assessment Source Dataset. [Online]. Available: http://data.bioregionalassessments.gov.au/dataset/e5a6d60a-009c-4fc3-b27d-67ed108b38ba.

Tozer MG, Turner K, Keith DA, Tindall D, Pennay C, Simpson C, MacKenzie B, Beukers P (2010) Native vegetation of southeast NSW: a revised classification and map for the coast and eastern tablelands. Cunninghamia 11, 359-406. Botanic gardens Trust, Sydney

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Appendix A. Likelihood of occurrence

Likelihood of occurrence indicates how likely it is that a threatened species will be present within the study area. Species are assigned a likelihood of occurrence from unlikely to high based on the following criteria:

Likelihood of Occurrence Criteria

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

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Species BC Act EPBC Act Distribution and Habitat Data Source Likelihood of Targeted *see notes on page 1 Occurrence within Survey Timing proposal area

*BAM P: Means species was listed in the BAM Predicted Species Report based on PCTs

*BAM C: Means the species was listed in the BAM Candidate Species Report based on PCTs

*# records: number of records from OEH BioNet Species Sightings Search

Birds Burhinus grallarius E- Open forests and woodlands with a sparse grassy BAM C Low Year round Bush Stone-curlew ground layer and fallen timber. Calyptorhynchus lathami V- The species is uncommon although widespread BioNet Atlas 8 Low Mar-Aug Glossy Black-Cockatoo throughout suitable forest and woodland habitats, Records from the central Queensland coast to East Gippsland BAM P in Victoria, and inland to the southern tablelands and central western plains of NSW, with a small population in the Riverina. An isolated population exists on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Inhabits open forest and woodlands of the coast and the Great Dividing Range where stands of Sheoak occur. Black Sheoak (Allocasuarina littoralis) and Forest Sheoak (A. torulosa) are important foods. Inland populations feed on a wide range of Sheoaks, including Drooping Sheoak, Allocasuarina diminuta, and A. gymnanthera. Belah is also utilised and may be a critical food source for some populations. In the Riverina, birds are associated with hills and rocky rises supporting Drooping Sheoak, but also recorded in open woodlands dominated by Belah (Casuarina cristata). Lathamus discolor E CE Where eucalypts are flowering profusely or where PMST Low May-Aug Swift Parrot there is abundant lerp infestations. Favour Swamp BAM P C Mahogany (Eucalyptus robusta), Spotted Gum (Corymbia maculata), Red Ironbark (E. sideroxylon), and White Box (E. albens).

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Species BC Act EPBC Act Distribution and Habitat Data Source Likelihood of Targeted *see notes on page 1 Occurrence within Survey Timing proposal area

Botaurus poiciloptilus EE Occurs from south-east Queensland to south-east PMST Low Australasian Bittern South Australia, Tasmania and the south-west of BAM P Western Australia. Occurs in terrestrial freshwater wetlands and, rarely, estuarine habitats. Calidris ferruginea E CE The breeding range of the Curlew Sandpiper is mainly PMST Low Curlew Sandpiper restricted to the Arctic of northern Siberia, including Yamal Peninsula east to Kolyuchiskaya Gulf, Chokotka Peninisula, and also New Siberian Island. Curlew Sandpipers mainly occur on intertidal mudflats in sheltered coastal areas, such as estuaries, bays, inlets and lagoons, and also around non-tidal swamps, lakes and lagoons near the coast, and ponds in salt works and sewage farms. Numenius madagascariensis - CE Within Australia, the Eastern Curlew has a primarily PMST Low Eastern Curlew coastal distribution. The species is found in all states, particularly the north, east, and south-east regions including Tasmania. The Eastern Curlew is most commonly associated with sheltered coasts, especially estuaries, bays, harbours, inlets and coastal lagoons, with large intertidal mudflats or sand flats, often with beds of seagrass. Grantiella picta VV Nomadic and occurs at low densities throughout its PMST Low Painted Honeyeater range. The greatest concentrations of the bird and almost all breeding occurs on the inland slopes of the Great Dividing Range in NSW, Victoria and southern Queensland. During the winter it is more likely to be found in the north of its distribution. Inhabits Boree, Brigalow and Box-Gum Woodlands and Box-Ironbark Forests.

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Species BC Act EPBC Act Distribution and Habitat Data Source Likelihood of Targeted *see notes on page 1 Occurrence within Survey Timing proposal area A specialist feeder on the fruits of mistletoes growing on woodland eucalypts and acacias. Prefers mistletoes of the genus Amyema. Rostratula australis EE Most records are from the south east, particularly the PMST Unlikely Australian Painted Snipe Murray Darling Basin, with scattered records across northern Australia and historical records from around the Perth region in Western Australia. Prefers fringes of swamps, dams and nearby marshy areas where there is a cover of grasses, lignum, low scrub or open timber. Nests on the ground amongst tall vegetation, such as grasses, tussocks or reeds. Lophoictinia isura V- In NSW it is often associated with ridge and gully BioNet Atlas 1 Low Sep-Jan Square-tailed Kite forests dominated by Eucalyptus longifolia, Corymbia Record maculata, E. elata, or E. smithii. Individuals appear to BAM P C occupy large hunting ranges of more than 100 km2. They require large living trees for breeding, particularly near water with surrounding woodland /forest close by for foraging habitat. Nest sites are generally located along or near watercourses, in a tree fork or on large horizontal limbs. Hieraaetus morphnoides V- Occupies open eucalypt forest, woodland or open BAM P C Low Aug-Oct Little Eagle woodland. Sheoak or Acacia woodlands and riparian woodlands of interior NSW are also used. Haliaeetus leucogaster VM Found in coastal habitats and terrestrial wetlands in BAM P C Low Jul-Dec White-bellied Sea-Eagle tropical and temperate regions of mainland Australia and its offshore islands. Nests require living or dead mature trees within suitable vegetation within 1km of rivers, lakes, large dams or creeks, wetlands and coastlines

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Species BC Act EPBC Act Distribution and Habitat Data Source Likelihood of Targeted *see notes on page 1 Occurrence within Survey Timing proposal area

Ninox connivens V- Inhabits woodland and open forest, including BAM P C Low May-Dec Barking Owl fragmented remnants and partially cleared farmland. Hunting can extend into closed forests and more open areas. Require hollows of large old trees, living eucalypts preferred. Ninox strenua V- Inhabits a range of vegetation types, from woodland BAM P C Low May-Aug Powerful Owl and open sclerophyll forest to tall open wet forest and rainforest. Requires large tracts of forest or woodland habitat but can occur in fragmented landscapes as well. Breeds and hunts in open or closed sclerophyll forest or woodlands and occasionally hunts in open habitats. Roosts by day in dense vegetation comprising species such as Turpentine Syncarpia glomulifera, Black She-oak Allocasuarina littoralis, Blackwood Acacia melanoxylon, Rough-barked Apple Angophora floribunda, Cherry Ballart Exocarpus cupressiformis and a number of eucalypt species. Pandion cristatus VM Global distribution with four subspecies previously BAM P C Low Apr-Nov Eastern Osprey recognised throughout its range. Favour coastal areas, especially the mouths of large rivers, lagoons and lakes. Nests are made high in trees, usually within one kilometre of the sea. Tyto novaehollandiae V- Dry eucalypt forests and woodland, typically prefers BAM P C Low May-Aug Masked Owl open forest with low shrub density. Requires old trees for roosting and nesting. Tyto tenebricosa V- Occupies the coast, coastal escarpment and eastern BAM P C Low Apr-Aug Sooty Owl tablelands. Occurs in rainforest, including dry rainforest, subtropical and warm temperate rainforest, as well as most eucalypt forests. Nests in very large tree hollows.

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Species BC Act EPBC Act Distribution and Habitat Data Source Likelihood of Targeted *see notes on page 1 Occurrence within Survey Timing proposal area

Circus assimilis V- The Spotted Harrier occurs throughout the Australian BAM P Low Spotted Harrier mainland, except in densely forested or wooded habitats of the coast, escarpment and ranges, and rarely in Tasmania. Individuals disperse widely in NSW and comprise a single population. Occurs in grassy open woodland including Acacia and mallee remnants, inland riparian woodland, grassland and shrub steppe. It is found most commonly in native grassland, but also occurs in agricultural land, foraging over open habitats including edges of inland wetlands. Anthochaera phrygia CE CE Dry open forest in temperate woodlands, particularly PMST Low Sep-Dec Regent Honeyeater Box-Ironbark woodland, and riparian forests of River BAM P Sheoak. Nest in horizontal branches or forks in tall mature eucalypts and Sheoaks. Callocephalon fimbriatum V- In summer, tall montane forests and woodlands, BioNet Atlas 12 Low Oct-Jan Gang-gang Cockatoo particularly in heavily timbered and mature wet records sclerophyll forests. In winter, lower altitudes in drier, BAM P C more open eucalypt woodlands. Require tree hollows for breeding. Petroica rodinogaster V- On the mainland, the species disperses north and BAM C Low Year round Pink Robin west and into more open habitats in winter, regularly as far north as the ACT area, and sometimes being found as far north as the central coast of NSW. Inhabits rainforest and tall, open eucalypt forest, particularly in densely vegetated gullies. Petroica phoenicea V- The Flame Robin is endemic to south eastern BAM P Low Flame Robin Australia, and ranges from near the Queensland border to south east South Australia and also in Tasmania. In NSW, it breeds in upland areas and in

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Species BC Act EPBC Act Distribution and Habitat Data Source Likelihood of Targeted *see notes on page 1 Occurrence within Survey Timing proposal area winter, many birds move to the inland slopes and plains. It is likely that there are two separate populations in NSW, one in the Northern Tablelands, and another ranging from the Central to Southern Tablelands. Breeds in upland tall moist eucalypt forests and woodlands, often on ridges and slopes. Prefers clearings or areas with open understoreys. The groundlayer of the breeding habitat is dominated by native grasses and the shrub layer may be either sparse or dense. Occasionally occurs in temperate rainforest, and also in herbfields, heathlands, shrublands and sedgelands at high altitudes. Petroica boodang V- The Scarlet Robin lives in dry eucalypt forests and BioNet Atlas 4 Low Scarlet Robin woodlands. The understorey is usually open and records grassy with few scattered shrubs. This species lives in BAM P both mature and re-growth vegetation. It occasionally occurs in mallee or wet forest communities, or in wetlands and tea-tree swamps. Artamus cyanopterus V- Dusky woodswallows are widespread in eastern, BioNet Atlas 4 Low Year round Dusky Woodswallow southern and south western Australia. The species records occurs throughout most of New South Wales, but is sparsely scattered in, or largely absent from, much of the upper western region. Most breeding activity occurs on the western slopes of the Great Dividing Range. Dasyornis brachypterus EE The distribution of the Eastern Bristlebird has PMST Low Eastern Bristlebird contracted to three disjunct areas of south-eastern BioNet Atlas 2 Australia. There are three main populations: Northern records - southern Queensland/northern NSW, Central - Barren Ground NR, Budderoo NR, Woronora Plateau, Jervis Bay NP, Booderee NP and Beecroft Peninsula

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Species BC Act EPBC Act Distribution and Habitat Data Source Likelihood of Targeted *see notes on page 1 Occurrence within Survey Timing proposal area and Southern - Nadgee NR and Croajingalong NP in the vicinity of the NSW/Victorian border. The estimated population size is less than 2000 individuals occupying a total area of about 120 sq km. There are now only four populations in the southern Queensland/northern NSW area with a total of 35 birds, compared to 15 years ago when 14 populations and 154 birds were recorded. This population once extended as far south as at least Dorrigo and has recently been identified as a separate ultrataxon (monoides) but further research is being undertaken to determine the validity of this. The remaining populations are the nominate ultrataxon (brachypterus) and once extended at least to what is now the Sydney urban area. The central population comprises an estimated 1600 birds, mainly from Barren Grounds Nature Reserve, Budderoo National Park and the Jervis Bay area. The southern population in Nadgee Nature Reserve and Howe's Flat is around 200 birds. Further surveys are required in parts of Ben Boyd National Park and Sydney Catchment Authority lands to determine whether further populations of the Eastern Bristlebird occur in these areas. Daphoenositta chrysoptera V- The Varied Sittella is sedentary and inhabits most of BioNet Atlas 2 Low Varied Sittella mainland Australia except the treeless deserts and records open grasslands. Distribution in NSW is nearly BAM P continuous from the coast to the far west. The Varied Sittella's population size in NSW is uncertain but is believed to have undergone a moderate reduction over the past several decades. Inhabits eucalypt forests and woodlands, especially those containing

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Species BC Act EPBC Act Distribution and Habitat Data Source Likelihood of Targeted *see notes on page 1 Occurrence within Survey Timing proposal area rough-barked species and mature smooth-barked gums with dead branches, mallee and Acacia woodland. Feeds on arthropods gleaned from crevices in rough or decorticating bark, dead branches, standing dead trees and small branches and twigs in the tree canopy. Stagonopleura guttata V- Found in grassy eucalypt woodlands, including Box- BioNet Atlas 1 record Low Diamond Firetail Gum Woodlands and Snow Gum (Eucalyptus BAM P pauciflora) Woodlands. Also occurs in open forest, mallee, Natural Temperate Grassland, and in secondary grassland derived from other communities. Often found in riparian areas (rivers and creeks), and sometimes in lightly wooded farmland. Pachycephala olivacea V- The Olive Whistler inhabits the wet forests on the BioNet Atlas 1 record Low Olive Whistler ranges of the east coast. It has a disjunct distribution BAM P in NSW chiefly occupying the beech forests around Barrington Tops and the MacPherson Ranges in the north and wet forests from Illawarra south to Victoria. In the south it is found inland to the Snowy Mountains and the Brindabella Range. Mostly inhabit wet forests above about 500m. During the winter months they may move to lower altitudes. Glossopsitta pusilla V- Forages primarily in the canopy of open Eucalyptus BAM P Low Little Lorikeet forest and woodland, yet also finds food in apples (angophora sp.), paperbarks (melaleuca sp.) and other tree species. Riparian habitats are particularly used, due to higher soil fertility and hence greater productivity. Isolated flowering trees in open country (e.g. paddocks, roadside remnants) and urban trees also help sustain viable populations of the species.

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Species BC Act EPBC Act Distribution and Habitat Data Source Likelihood of Targeted *see notes on page 1 Occurrence within Survey Timing proposal area

Neophema pulchella V- Range extends from southern Queensland through to BAM P Low Turquoise Parrot northern Victoria, from the coastal plains to the western slopes of the Great Dividing Range. Lives on the edges of eucalypt woodland adjoining clearings, timbered ridges and creeks in farmland. Ptilinopus regina V- Coast and ranges of eastern NSW and Queensland, BAM P Low Rose-crowned Fruit Dove from Newcastle to Cape York. Vagrants are occasionally found further south to Victoria. Rose- crowned Fruit-doves occur mainly in sub-tropical and dry rainforest and occasionally in moist eucalypt forest and swamp forest, where fruit is plentiful. Ptilinopus superbus V- The Superb Fruit-dove occurs principally from north- BAM P Low Superb Fruit-Dove eastern in Queensland to north-eastern NSW. Inhabits rainforest and similar closed forests where it forages high in the canopy, eating the fruits of many tree species such as figs and palms. It may also forage in eucalypt or acacia woodland where there are fruit-bearing trees. Ixobrychus flavicollis V- Occurs from south-east Queensland to south-east BAM P Low Black Bittern South Australia, Tasmania and the south-west of Western Australia. Occurs in terrestrial freshwater wetlands and, rarely, estuarine habitats. Mammals Chalinolobus dwyeri VV Forages over a broad range of open forest and PMST Low Sep-Mar Large-eared Pied Bat woodland habitats. Cave roosting bat which favours BAM C sandstone escarpment habitats for roosting, in shallow overhands, crevices, and caves. Cercartetus nanus V- Found in a broad range of habitats from rainforest BAM C Low October-March through to wet and dry sclerophyll forest and

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Species BC Act EPBC Act Distribution and Habitat Data Source Likelihood of Targeted *see notes on page 1 Occurrence within Survey Timing proposal area Eastern Pygmy-possum woodland to heath, but in most areas woodlands and heath appear to be preferred. Dasyurus maculatus VE Wet and dry sclerophyll forests and rainforests, and PMST Low adjacent open agricultural areas. Generally Spotted-tail Quoll BioNet Atlas 6 associated with large expansive areas of habitat to records sustain territory size. Requires hollow-bearing trees, fallen logs, small caves, rock crevices, boulder fields BAM P and rocky-cliff faces as den sites.

Miniopterus australis V- Eastern coast and ranges from Cape York to BAM P C Low Dec-Feb Little Bentwing-bat Wollongong. Roost in caves, tunnels, tree hollows, stormwater drains, culverts, bridges, and sometime buildings. Miniopterus schreibersii V- East and north-west coasts of Australia. Primarily BioNet Atlas 7 Low Nov-Feb oceanensis roost in caves, but also use abandoned mines, records Eastern Bentwing-bat stormwater tunnels, buildings and other man-made BAM P C structures. Mormopterus norfolkensis V- Occur in dry sclerophyll forest and woodland east of BioNet Atlas 6 Low Eastern Freetail-bat the Great Dividing Range. Roosts mainly in tree records hollows but will also roost under bark or in human- BAM P made structures. Myotis macropus V Roosts close to water in caves, mine shafts, hollow- BioNet Atlas 2 Low Nov-Mar Southern Myotis bearing trees, buildings, bridges, and in dense foliage. records Forages over streams and ponds. BAM C Kerivoula papuensis V- The Golden-tipped Bat is distributed along the east BAM P Low Golden-tipped Bat coast of Australia in scattered locations from Cape York Peninsula in Queensland to south of Eden in southern NSW. It also occurs in New Guinea. Found in rainforest and adjacent wet and dry sclerophyll

IA193700-0100-BD-RPT-001 Biodiversity Development Assessment Report

Species BC Act EPBC Act Distribution and Habitat Data Source Likelihood of Targeted *see notes on page 1 Occurrence within Survey Timing proposal area forest up to 1000m. Also recorded in tall open forest, Casuarina-dominated riparian forest and coastal Melaleuca forests. Roost mainly in rainforest gullies on small first- and second-order streams in usually abandoned hanging Yellow-throated Scrubwren and Brown Gerygone nests modified with an access hole on the underside. Bats may also roost under thick moss on tree trunks, in tree hollows, dense foliage and epiphytes. Scoteanax rueppellii V- Utilises a variety of habitats from woodland through to BAM P Low Greater Broad-nosed Bat moist and dry eucalypt forest and rainforest, though it is most commonly found in tall wet forest. Although this species usually roosts in tree hollows, it has also been found in buildings. Saccolaimus flaviventris V- Wide-ranging species found across northern and BAM P Low Yellow-bellied Sheathtail eastern Australia. Roosts singly or in groups of up to Bat six, in tree hollows and buildings; in treeless areas they are known to utilise mammal burrows. Phascolarctos cinereus VV In NSW it mainly occurs on the central and north PSMT Low Year round Koala coasts with some populations in the west of the Great BioNet Atlas 1 record Dividing Range. Inhabit eucalypt woodlands and BAM P C forests. Feed on the foliage of more than 70 eucalypt species and 30 non-eucalypt species, but in any one area will select preferred browse species. Pteropus poliocephalus VV Generally found within 200kn of the eastern coast. PMST Low October- Grey-headed Flying-fox Occur in subtropical and temperate rainforests, tall BioNet Atlas 4 December sclerophyll forests and woodlands, heaths and records swamps as well as urban gardens and cultivated fruit BAM P C crops. Roosting camps are generally located within 20 km of a regular food source and are commonly found

IA193700-0100-BD-RPT-001 Biodiversity Development Assessment Report

Species BC Act EPBC Act Distribution and Habitat Data Source Likelihood of Targeted *see notes on page 1 Occurrence within Survey Timing proposal area in gullies, close to water, in vegetation with a dense canopy. Potorous tridactylus VV The long-nosed potoroo is found on the south-eastern PSMT Low Long-nosed Potoroo coast of Australia, from Queensland to eastern BioNet Atlas 8 Victoria and Tasmania, including some of the Bass records Strait islands. Inhabits coastal heaths and dry and wet BAM P sclerophyll forests. Dense understorey with occasional open areas is an essential part of habitat, and may consist of grass-trees, sedges, ferns or heath, or of low shrubs of tea-trees or melaleucas. A sandy loam soil is also a common feature. The fruit- bodies of hypogeous (underground-fruiting) fungi are a large component of the diet of the Long-nosed Potoroo. They also eat roots, tubers, insects and their larvae and other soft-bodied animals in the soil. Pseudomys novaehollandiae V Distribution is fragmented across all eastern states of PMST Low New Holland Mouse Australia, where it inhabits open heath lands, open woodlands with heath understorey and vegetated sand dunes. Isoodon obesulus obesulus EE This species prefers sandy soils with scrubby PMST Low Year round Southern Brown Bandicoot vegetation and/or areas with low ground cover that (eastern) are burned from time to time. A mosaic of post fire vegetation is important for this species. Petaurus norfolcensis V- Dispersed widely but sparsely through eastern BioNet Atlas 1 record Low Year round Squirrel Glider Australia. Prefers mixed species stands with a shrub BAM C or Acacia midstorey. Petrogale penicillata EV Range follows roughly the line of the Great Dividing PMST Low Year Round Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby Range. Occupies rocky escarpments, outcrops, and BioNet Atlas 14 records

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Species BC Act EPBC Act Distribution and Habitat Data Source Likelihood of Targeted *see notes on page 1 Occurrence within Survey Timing proposal area cliffs with a preference for complex structures. Browse BAM C on vegetation in and adjacent to rocky areas. Sminthopsis leucopus The White-footed Dunnart occurs in Tasmania and BAM C Low along the Victorian and southern NSW coast. The White-footed Dunnart Shoalhaven area is the species' northern-most limit. It has not been recorded west of the coastal escarpment with the western-most record being from Coolangubra State Forest, approximately 10 km south-east of Bombala. In NSW, the species seems to favour vegetation communities with an open understorey structure (contrasting with populations in Victoria which apparently prefer dense shrub and ground layers). It is patchily distributed across these habitats and, where present, typically occurs at low densities. Breeding populations have been recorded in logged forest shortly after disturbance, but these usually do not persist as regeneration proceeds and a dense ground cover of vegetation establishes.

Petaurus australis V- Found along the eastern coast to the western slopes BioNet Atlas 12 Low Yellow-bellied Glider of the Great Dividing Range, from southern records Queensland to Victoria. Occur in tall mature eucalypt BAM P forest generally in areas with high rainfall and nutrient rich soils. Forest type preferences vary with latitude and elevation; mixed coastal forests to dry escarpment forests in the north; moist coastal gullies and creek flats to tall montane forests in the south. Feed primarily on plant and insect exudates, including nectar, sap, honeydew and manna with pollen and insects providing protein. Extract sap by incising (or biting into) the trunks and branches of favoured food trees, often leaving a distinctive ‘V’-shaped scar.

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Species BC Act EPBC Act Distribution and Habitat Data Source Likelihood of Targeted *see notes on page 1 Occurrence within Survey Timing proposal area

Falsistrellus tasmaniensis V- The Eastern False Pipistrelle is found on the south- BioNet Atlas 1 record Low Eastern False Pipistrelle east coast and ranges of Australia, from southern BAM P Queensland to Victoria and Tasmania. Petauroides volans -V The Greater Glider occurs in eucalypt forests and PMST Low Greater Glider woodlands along the east coast of Australia from BioNet Atlas 2 north east Queensland to the Central Highlands of records Victoria. This population of Greater Gliders on the south coast of NSW is bounded by the Moruya River to the north, Coila Lake to the south and the Princes Highway and cleared land exceeding 700 m in width to the west. Feeds exclusively on eucalypt leaves, buds, flowers and mistletoe. Shelter during the day in tree hollows and will use up to 18 hollows in their home range. Occupy a relatively small home range with an average size of 1 to 3 ha. Reptiles & Amphibians Hoplocephalus bungaroides VV Shelters in rock crevices and under flat sandstone BioNet Atlas 2 Low Aug-Sep Broad-headed Snake rocks on exposed cliff edges during autumn, winter records and spring. Shelters in hollows of large trees within BAM P C 200m of escarpments in summer Litoria aurea EV 50 recorded locations in NSW, mostly coastal or near PMST Low November- Green and Golden Bell Frog coastal. Large populations are located around BAM C March metropolitan Sydney, Shoalhaven, and mid north coast. Mixophyes balbus VV Found in rainforest and wet, tall open forest in the PMST Low Sep-Mar Stuttering Frog foothills and escarpment on the eastern side of the BAM C Great Dividing Range. Outside the breeding season adults live in deep leaf litter and thick understorey vegetation on the forest floor.

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Species BC Act EPBC Act Distribution and Habitat Data Source Likelihood of Targeted *see notes on page 1 Occurrence within Survey Timing proposal area

Heleioporus australiacus VV Northern population largely confined to the sandstone PMST Low Sep-May Giant Burrowing Frog geology of the Sydney Basin and extending as far BAM C south as Ulladulla. Found in heath, woodland and open dry sclerophyll forest on a variety of soil types except those that are clay based. Litoria littlejohni VV Distribution includes the plateaus and eastern slopes PMST Low July-Nov Littlejohn's Tree Frog of the Great Dividing Range. Breeds in the upper BAM C reaches of permanent streams and in perched swamps. Non-breeding habitat is heath based forests and woodlands where it shelters under leaf litter and low vegetation. Pseudophryne australis V- It has restricted distribution from Pokolbin to Nowra BAM C Low Year round and west to Mt Victoria. Occurs in open forests and Red-crowned Toadlet wet drainage lines below sandstone ridges that often have shale lenses or cappings in the Hawkesbury and Narrabeen Sandstones.

Varanus rosenbergi V- Rosenberg's Goanna occurs on the Sydney BioNet Atlas 1 record Low Rosenberg’s Goanna Sandstone in Wollemi National Park to the north-west BAM P of Sydney, in the Goulburn and ACT regions and near Cooma in the south. There are records from the South West Slopes near Khancoban and Tooma River. Also occurs in South Australia and Western Australia. Found in heath, open forest and woodland. Associated with termites, the mounds of which this species nests in; termite mounds are a critical habitat component. Shelters in hollow logs, rock crevices and in burrows, which they may dig for themselves, or they may use other species' burrows, such as rabbit warrens.

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Species BC Act EPBC Act Distribution and Habitat Data Source Likelihood of Targeted *see notes on page 1 Occurrence within Survey Timing proposal area

Plants Haloragis exalata subsp. VV Four scattered localities in eastern NSW. Requires PMST Low Year round exalata protected and shaded damp situations in riparian BAM C Square Raspwort / habitats. Wingless Raspwort Cryptostylis hunteriana VV Larger populations typically occur in woodland PSMT Low November- Leafless Tongue Orchid dominated by Scribbly Gum (Eucalyptus sclerophylla), BioNet Atlas 1 record February Silvertop Ash (E. sieberi), Red Bloodwood (Corymbia BAM C gummifera) and Black Sheoak (Allocasuarina littoralis); appears to prefer open areas in the understorey of this community and is often found in association with the Large Tongue Orchid (C. subulata) and the Tartan Tongue Orchid (C. erecta). Cynanchum elegans EE Occurs on the edge of dry rainforest vegetation. Other PMST Low Year round White-flowered Wax Plant associated vegetation types include littoral rainforest, BAM C Coastal Tea-tree (Leptospermum laevigatum) – Coastal Banksia (Banksia integrifolia subsp. integrifolia) coastal scrub; Forest Red Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis) aligned open forest and woodland; Spotted Gum (Corymbia maculata) aligned open forest and woodland; and Bracelet Honeymyrtle (Melaleuca armillaris) scrub to open scrub. Daphnandra johnsonii EE Restricted to the Illawarra region where it has been BAM C Low Year round Illawarra Socketwood recorded from the local government areas of Shoalhaven, Kiama, Shellharbour and Wollongong. Occupies the rocky hillsides and gullies of the Illawarra lowlands, occasionally extending onto the upper escarpment slopes. Associated vegetation includes rainforest and moist eucalypt forest.

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Species BC Act EPBC Act Distribution and Habitat Data Source Likelihood of Targeted *see notes on page 1 Occurrence within Survey Timing proposal area

Irenepharsus trypherus EE Prefers to grow on steep rocky slopes near cliff lines PMST Low Illawarra Irene and ridge tops that extend south and east of the BioNet Atlas 15 Illawarra escarpment. Has also been recorded in records deep sandstone gorges along the Shoalhaven River. BAM C Chorizema parviflorum - EP - Endangered population recorded between Austinmer BAM C Low endangered population and Albion Park in local government areas of Chorizema parviflorum Wollongong and Shellharbour. Occupy woodland Benth. in the Wollongong dominated by Forest Red Gum (Eucalyptus and Shellharbour Local tereticornis) and/or Woollybutt (E. longifolia). Government Areas Lespedeza juncea subsp. EP - Just south of Dapto in the Wollongong local BAM C Low sericea - endangered government area. This population is distinct from the population other (non-endangered) populations of the species in Lespedeza juncea subsp. NSW. Known from its singular roadside population of sericea in the Wollongong approximately 200 plants, located in a small strip of Local Government Area open forest dominated by Eucalyptus tereticornis (Forest Red Gum), E. longifolia (Woollybutt), and Melaleuca decora (White Feather Honeymyrtle), on Budgong Sandstone. Pimelea curviflora var. VV Confined to the coastal area of Sydney between BAM C Low Year round curviflora northern Sydney in the south and Maroota in the north-west. Former range extended south to the Pimelea curviflora var. Parramatta River and Port Jackson region including curviflora Five Dock, Bellevue Hill and Manly. Occurs on shaley/lateritic soils over sandstone and shale/sandstone transition soils on ridgetops and upper slopes amongst woodlands.

Pimelea spicata EE Broad distribution in western Sydney, occurring on the PMST Low Cumberland Plain (Narellan, Marayong, Prospect

IA193700-0100-BD-RPT-001 Biodiversity Development Assessment Report

Species BC Act EPBC Act Distribution and Habitat Data Source Likelihood of Targeted *see notes on page 1 Occurrence within Survey Timing proposal area Spiked Rice-flower Reservoir areas). Another smaller population is BAM C recorded in districts (Landsdowne to Shellharbour to northern Kiama) Illawarra. It grows on well-structured clay soils. On the inland Cumberland Plain sites it is associated with Grey Box and Ironbark. In the coastal Illawarra it occurs commonly in Coastal Banksia open woodland with a more well developed shrub and grass understorey.

Pterostylis gibbosa EE Known from a small number of populations in the PMST Low Jun-Sep Illawarra Greenhood Hunter region (Milbrodale), the Illawarra region BAM C (Albion Park and Yallah) and the Shoalhaven region (near Nowra). It is apparently extinct in western Sydney which is the area where it was first collected (1803). All known populations grow in open forest or woodland, on flat or gently sloping land with poor drainage. In the Hunter region, the species grows in open woodland dominated by Narrow-leaved Ironbark (Eucalyptus crebra), Forest Red Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis) and Black Cypress Pine (Callitris endlicheri). Solanum celatum E- This shrub is restricted to an area from Wollongong to BioNet Atlas 10 Low Sep-Nov south of Nowra and west to Bungonia. It habitat Solanum celatum records includes rainforest clearings or wet sclerophyll forest BAM C and is generally found in disturbed margins and clearings.

Syzygium paniculatum EV The Magenta Lilly Pilly is found only in NSW, in a PMST Low narrow, linear coastal strip from Upper Lansdowne to Magenta Lilly Pilly BAM C Conjola State Forest. On the south coast the Magenta Lilly Pilly occurs on grey soils over sandstone, restricted mainly to remnant stands of littoral (coastal)

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Species BC Act EPBC Act Distribution and Habitat Data Source Likelihood of Targeted *see notes on page 1 Occurrence within Survey Timing proposal area rainforest. On the central coast Magenta Lilly Pilly occurs on gravels, sands, silts and clays in riverside gallery rainforests and remnant littoral rainforest communities.

Zieria granulata EE Illawarra Zieria is a bushy shrubs restricted to the BAM C Low Year round Illawarra region primarily in coastal lowlands. It Illawarra Zieria typically occupies dry ridges and rocky outcrops on shallow volcanic soils and less frequently found on moist slopes of the Illawarra escarpment. It grows in association with vegetation comprising Melaleuca armillaris scrub and Eucalyptus tereticornis woodland and rainforest margins.

Hibbertia stricta subsp. E- Known to occur in two populations, one in the BAM C Low Oct-Mar furcatula southern outskirts of Sydney, and one near Nowra on the mid-South Coast of NSW. Habitat of the Southern Hibbertia stricta subsp. Sydney population is broadly dry eucalypt forest and furcatula woodland. This population appears to occur mainly on upper slopes and above the Woronora River gorge escarpment, at or near the interface between the Lucas Heights soil landscape and Hawkesbury sandstone. The species usually grows in 'gravelly loam or clay soil in heath under open woodland'. Habitat of the South Coast population is poorly recorded, but appears to be dry sclerophyll forest or woodland associations in sandy soils over sandstone.

Acacia bynoeana EV Found in central eastern NSW, from the Hunter PSMT Low Sep-Mar Bynoe’s Wattle District south to the Southern Highlands and west to the Blue Mountains. It has recently been found in the Colymea and Parma Creek areas west of Nowra.

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Species BC Act EPBC Act Distribution and Habitat Data Source Likelihood of Targeted *see notes on page 1 Occurrence within Survey Timing proposal area Occurs in heath or dry sclerophyll forest on sandy soils. Seems to prefer open, sometimes slightly disturbed sites such as trail margins, edges of roadside spoil mounds and in recently burnt patches. Associated overstorey species include Red Bloodwood (Corymbia gummifera), Scribbly Gum (Eucalyptus haemastoma), Drooping Red Gum (E. parramattensis), Old Man Banksia (Banksia serrata) and Small-leaved Apple (Angophora bakeri). Boronia deanei VV There are scattered populations of Deane's Boronia PMST Low between the far south-east of NSW and the Blue Mountains (including the upper Kangaroo River near Carrington Falls, the Endrick River near Nerriga and Nalbaugh Plateau), mainly in conservation reserves. Wildfires have depleted some populations. Asterolasia elegans EE Occurs north of Sydney, in the Baulkham Hills, PMST Low Hawkesbury and Hornsby local government areas. Also likely to occur in the western part of Gosford local government area. Known from only seven populations, only one of which is wholly within a conservation reserve. Occurs on Hawkesbury sandstone. Found in sheltered forests on mid- to lower slopes and valleys, e.g. in or adjacent to gullies which support sheltered forest. The canopy at known sites includes Turpentine (Syncarpia glomulifera subsp. glomulifera), Smooth-barked Apple (Angophora costata), Sydney Peppermint (Eucalyptus piperita), Forest Oak (Allocasuarina torulosa) and Christmas Bush (Ceratopetalum gummiferum). Caladenia tessellate EV Known from the Sydney area (old records), Wyong, PMST Low Ulladulla and Braidwood in NSW. Populations in

IA193700-0100-BD-RPT-001 Biodiversity Development Assessment Report

Species BC Act EPBC Act Distribution and Habitat Data Source Likelihood of Targeted *see notes on page 1 Occurrence within Survey Timing proposal area Thick-lipped Spider-orchid Kiama and Queanbeyan are presumed extinct. Generally found in grassy sclerophyll woodland on clay loam or sandy soils, though the population near Braidwood is in low woodland with stony soil. Eucalyptus macarthurii VE Has a moderately restricted distribution. It is currently PMST Low Camden Woollybutt recorded from the Moss Vale District to Kanangra Boyd National Park. In the Southern Highlands it occurs mainly on private land, often as isolated individuals in, or on the edges, of paddocks. Isolated stands occur in the north west part of the range on the Boyd Plateau. The only known record in the conservation estate is within Kanangra Boyd National Park Genoplesium baueri EE Recorded from locations between Nowra and PSMT Low Feb-Mar Yellow Gnat-orchid Pittwater and may occur as far north as Port BAM C Stephens. About half the records were made before 1960 with most of the older records being from Sydney suburbs including Asquith, Cowan, Gladesville, Longueville and Wahroonga. No collections have been made from those sites in recent years. The species has been recorded at locations now likely to be within the several conservation reserves including Berowra Valley Regional Park, Royal National Park and Lane Cove National Park. May occur in the Woronora, O’Hares, Metropolitan and Warragamba Catchments. Found in sparse sclerophyll forest and moss gardens over sandstone Melaleuca biconvexa VV Found only in NSW, with scattered and dispersed PMST Low Biconvex Paperbark populations found in the Jervis Bay area in the south and the Gosford-Wyong area in the north. Generally grows in damp places, often near streams or low-lying

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Species BC Act EPBC Act Distribution and Habitat Data Source Likelihood of Targeted *see notes on page 1 Occurrence within Survey Timing proposal area areas on alluvial soils of low slopes or sheltered aspects. Melaleuca deanei VV Deane’s Paperbark occurs in two distinct areas, in the PMST Low Deane’s Melaleuca Ku-ring-gai, Berowra, Holsworthy and Wedderburn areas, and there are also more isolated occurrences at Springwood, Wollemi National Park, Yalwal and the Central Coast areas. The species grows in heath on sandstone Pelargonium sp. Striatellum EE Known from only 3 locations in NSW, with two on PMST Low Omeo Stork’s-bill lake-beds on the basalt plains of the Monaro and one at Lake Bathurst. A population at a fourth known site on the Monaro has not been seen in recent years. The only other known population is at Lake Omeo, Victoria. It occurs at altitudes between 680 to 1030 m. It is known to occur in the local government areas of Goulburn-Mulwaree, Cooma-Monaro, and Snowy River, but may occur in other areas with suitable habitat; these may include Bombala, Eurobodalla, Palerang, Tumbarumba, Tumut, Upper Lachlan, and Yass Valley local government areas. It has a narrow habitat that is usually just above the high-water level of irregularly inundated or ephemeral lakes, in the transition zone between surrounding grasslands or pasture and the wetland or aquatic communities. It sometimes colonises exposed lake beds during dry periods. Persoonia glaucescens EV The Mittagong Geebung's historical distribution PMST Low Mittagong Geebung places the northern and eastern limit at Couridjah (Thirlmere Lakes), the southern limit at Fitzroy Falls and the western limit at High Range. However, recent surveys have indicated that the species no longer

IA193700-0100-BD-RPT-001 Biodiversity Development Assessment Report

Species BC Act EPBC Act Distribution and Habitat Data Source Likelihood of Targeted *see notes on page 1 Occurrence within Survey Timing proposal area extends to Fitzroy Falls or Kangaloon and that the present southern limit is near Berrima. The Mittagong Geebung grows in woodland to dry sclerophyll forest on clayey and gravely laterite. The preferred topography is ridge-tops, plateaux and upper slopes. Prasophyllum fuscum CE V Grows in moist heath, often along seepage lines. The PMST Low Slaty Leek-orchid known population grows in moist sandy soil over sandstone amongst sedges and grasses in an area that appears to be regularly slashed by the local council. Pterostylis pulchella VV The Waterfall Greenhood is found only at Fitzroy PMST Low Feb-May Waterfall greenhood Falls, Belmore Falls, upper Bundanoon Creek (flowering) (Meryla) and Minnamurra Falls. Found on cliff faces close to waterfalls and creek banks and mossy rocks alongside running water. Thelymitra kangaloonica CE CE Only known to occur on the southern tablelands of PMST Low Kangaloon Sun Orchid NSW in the Moss Vale / Kangaloon / Fitzroy Falls area at 550-700 m above sea level. It is known to occur at three swamps that are above the Kangaloon Aquifer. It is found in swamps in sedgelands over grey silty grey loam soils Thesium australe VV Found in very small populations scattered across PMST Low Austral Toadflax eastern NSW, along the coast, and from the Northern to Southern Tablelands. It is also found in Tasmania and Queensland and in eastern Asia. Occurs in grassland on coastal headlands or grassland and grassy woodland away from the coast. Often found in association with Kangaroo Grass (Themeda australis).

IA193700-0100-BD-RPT-001 Biodiversity Development Assessment Report

Species BC Act EPBC Act Distribution and Habitat Data Source Likelihood of Targeted *see notes on page 1 Occurrence within Survey Timing proposal area

Triplarina nowraensis EE There are five known populations of Nowra Heath PMST Low Year round Nowra Heath-myrtle Myrtle. Three of these form a cluster to the immediate BAM C west of Nowra. A fourth, much smaller population is found 18km south-west of Nowra in the Boolijong Creek Valley. The fifth population is located north of the Shoalhaven River on the plateau above Bundanon. Xerochrysum palustre VV Found in Kosciuszko National Park and the eastern PMST Low Swamp Everlasting escarpment south of Badja. Also found in eastern Victoria. Grows in swamps and bogs which are often dominated by heaths. Also grows at the edges of bog margins on peaty soils with a cover of shrubs or grasses. Pomaderrus cotoneaster EE Cotoneaster Pomaderris has a very disjunct BioNet Atlas 2 Low Oct-Nov Cotoneaster Pomaderris distribution, being known from the Nungatta area, records northern Kosciuszko National Park (near Tumut), the Tantawangalo area in South-East Forests National Park and adjoining freehold land, Badgery’s Lookout near Tallong, Bungonia State Conservation Area, the Yerranderie area, Kanangra-Boyd National Park, the Canyonleigh area and Ettrema Gorge in Morton National Park. The species has also been recorded along the Genoa River in Victoria Eucalyptus langleyi V- The main occurrence of the Albatross Mallee is to the BAM C Low Year round Albatross Mallee south-west of Nowra as far as Yarramunmun Creek. A very small population is found to the north of the Shoalhaven River in the Bomaderry Creek Regional Park. Callistemon linearifolius V- Recorded from the Georges River to Hawkesbury BioNet Atlas 1 record Low River in the Sydney area, and north to the Nelson Bay

IA193700-0100-BD-RPT-001 Biodiversity Development Assessment Report

Species BC Act EPBC Act Distribution and Habitat Data Source Likelihood of Targeted *see notes on page 1 Occurrence within Survey Timing proposal area Netted bottle brush area of NSW. Recorded in 2000 at Coalcliff in the northern Illawarra. For the Sydney area, recent records are limited to the Hornsby Plateau area near the Hawkesbury River. The species was more widespread in the past, and there are currently only 5- 6 populations remaining from the 22 populations historically recorded in the Sydney area. Three of the remaining populations are reserved in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Lion Island Nature Reserve and Spectacle Island Nature Reserve. The species has also been recorded from Yengo National Park. Gossia acmenoides EP - Gossia acmenoides grows in dry rainforest, as well as BAM C Low Not specified Gossia acmenoides in subtropical rainforest, on the ranges and coastal population in the Sydney plain of eastern Australia from the Illawarra (in the Basin Bioregion south of south) to Queensland. The population of Gossia the Georges River acmenoides in the Sydney Basin Bioregion south of the Georges River is found in the local government areas of Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama. There are currently about 30 sites where G. acmenoides is found, often as single individual plants or as a small group of up to four individuals. There are estimated to be less than 100 mature G. acmenoides plants in the population.

IA193700-0100-BD-RPT-001