BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN

HARVEST ESTATE

WEST BYRON

Prepared for Villa World Byron Pty Ltd

Planit Consulting Pty Ltd October 2017 Biodiversity Conservation Management Plan Harvest Estate, West Byron Prepared for Villa World Byron P/L

Environmental As

This report has been prepared by:

Planit Consulting Pty Ltd

ABN 20 099 261 711

Level 1, 2247 Gold Coast Highway

Nobby Beach QLD 4218

PO Box 206

Nobby Beach QLD 4218

Telephone: (07) 5526 1500

Facsimile: (07) 5526 1502

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.planitconsulting.com.au

Document Control

Issue Date Description Prepared By Checked By A 22/3/2017 Draft BS/TR BS B 24/03/2017 Final BS/TR BS C 25/10/2017 Amended Document BS/TR BS

Prepared by Planit Consulting October 2017

Biodiversity Conservation Management Plan Harvest Estate, West Byron Villa World Byron Pty Ltd

CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 2 2.0 SITE DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION ...... 3 2.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...... 4 2.2 GEOLOGY AND TOPOGRAPHY ...... 5 2.3 EXISTING DRAINAGE ...... 7 2.4 EXISTING VEGETATION COMMUNITIES ...... 7 2.5 SIGNIFICANT VEGETATION COMMUNITIES AND SPECIES ...... 22 2.7 EXISTING FAUNA ...... 28 3.0 SITE REHABILITATION ...... 28 4.0 REHABILITATION STRATEGY ...... 29 4.1 WEED MANAGEMENT STRATEGY ...... 31 4.2 REVEGETATION/REGENERATION STRATEGY ...... 43 4.3 REVEGETATION/REGENERATION TYPES ...... 43 4.3.1 ASSISTED NATURAL REGENERATION (WITH SUPPLEMENTARY PLANTINGS) ...... 44 4.3.3.1 DESCRIPTION OF ASSISTED REGENERATION ZONES ...... 45 4.3.3 REVEGETATION TECHNIQUES ...... 57 4.4 MAINTENANCE, MONITORING AND REPORTING ...... 58 4.5 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ZONE PERFORMANCE CRITERIA ...... 67 4.6 CORRECTIVE ACTIONS ...... 70 4.7 PREVIOUSLY SUCCESSFUL RESTORATION/REHABILITATION WORKS ...... 71 5.0 FAUNA HABITAT ENHANCEMENT ...... 72 5.1 FAUNA MANAGEMENT DURING VEGETATION CLEARING ...... 77 5.1.1 GENERAL FAUNA MANAGEMENT ...... 77 5.1.2 SUCCESSIONAL CLEARING PROTOCOL ...... 78 5.1.3 ONGOING FAUNA MANAGEMENT DURING CONSTRUCTION WORKS ...... 79 5.2 FAUNA NESTBOXES ...... 79 6.0 ATTACHMENT LIST ...... 80

FIGURES FIGURE 1: SITE LOCATION ...... 3 FIGURE 2: SITE ZONING AND DEVELOPMENT YIELD ...... 4 FIGURE 3: HARVEST ESTATE PROPOSED SUBDIVISION PLAN...... 5 FIGURE 4: ESPADE GEOLOGY MAPPING EXTRACT...... 6 FIGURE 5: VEGETATION COMMUNITY MAP ...... 8 FIGURE 6: VEGETATION CLEARING PLAN ...... 24 FIGURE 7: EXAMPLES OF VEGETATION PROTECTION FENCING ...... 27 FIGURE 8: REHABILITATION ZONE/AREA 1A LOCATION PLAN ...... 46 FIGURE 9: STAGING OF ZONE/AREA 1A ...... 47 FIGURE 10: REHABILITATION AREA/ZONE 1A SPECIES LIST AND PLANTING MODULES ...... 49 FIGURE 11: REHABILITATION AREA/ZONE 1B LOCATION PLAN ...... 49 FIGURE 12: REHABILITATION AREA/ZONE 1B STAGING PLAN ...... 51 FIGURE 13: REHABILITATION ZONE/AREA 1B SPECIES LIST AND PLANTING MODULES ...... 53

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FIGURE 14: REHABILITATION AREA/ZONE 2 LOCATION PLAN ...... 53 FIGURE 15: REHABILITATION AREA/ZONE STAGING PLAN ...... 55 FIGURE 16: REHABILITATION AREA/ZONE 2 SPECIES LIST AND PLANTING MODULES ...... 57 FIGURE 17: EXAMPLE OF PROTECTION FENCING AND SIGNAGE ...... 60

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Planit Consulting has been commissioned by Villa World Byron Pty Ltd to prepare a Biodiversity Conservation Management Plan (BCMP) associated with a proposed subdivision of 282 allotments located within part of the West Byron Urban Release Area, known as the Harvest Estate (refer Figure 1).

The Biodiversity Conservation Management Plan (BCMP) outlines a program of staged rehabilitation of various areas of the site, as well as providing vegetation and fauna management during the vegetation removal and construction phases of the development.

This document will also outline the procedures for management and monitoring to achieve the objectives as provided within this plan.

The overarching aim of this plan is to restore to the greatest extent possible the structure, function, dynamics and integrity of the pre-existing vegetation and the habitat it supports.

The best practice objectives to achieve this aim are:

. Enhance and expand the existing native vegetation and habitats within the site by implementing best practice ecological restoration practices;

. Increase the regeneration capacity and condition of the native vegetation within the site;

. Protect and expand the populations of threatened flora and fauna and endangered ecological communities by reducing impacts and threats and improving habitat;

. Revegetate highly degraded areas to increase habitat for native and animals including threatened species; and

. Reduce maintenance over time to a minimum level to ensure that weeds do not reinvade the area and impact on the native flora and fauna.

. Providing a fauna management plan to ensure fauna impacts during vegetation clearing and construction phases of the development are avoided.

. Providing a vegetation management plan to ensure vegetation proposed to be retained are protected.

. Compensate for the unavoidable residual impacts as a result of the proposal.

The above aims and objectives will guide the project to improve the condition and biodiversity values, increase the regeneration capacity of the native vegetation, improve connectivity for flora and fauna, reduce restoration maintenance time to a minimum and increase community capacity to restore bushland remnants.

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2.0 SITE DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION

The subject site encompasses portion of Lot 6 in DP1222674, Lot 1 in DP542178, Lot 227 in RP755695, Lot 9 in DP111821, Portion of Lot 229 in DP755695, Portion of Lot 1 in DP1166535, Portion of Lot 7020 in DP1113431 (drainage allotment), Portion of Lot 2 in DP542178, and Portion of Melaleuca Drive Adjacent Lot 6 in DP1222674 (refer to Figure 1).

FIGURE 1: SITE LOCATION (NEARMAP, 2016)

This allotment shall be hereafter referred to as ‘the site.’ The site is irregular in shape and is bordered by Ewingsdale Road and Belongil Fields Caravan Park (to the north), Belongil Creek and Cumbebin Swamp Nature (to the east) and grazing/agricultural uses (to the south and west). Current improvements are limited to typical rural infrastructure (i.e. vehicular tracks, fencing, culverts, dams, drainage lines, sheds etc.). Additionally, an existing dwelling occurs within Lot 1 DP542178.

The site is zoned R2 – Low Density Residential, E2 Environmental Conservation and RE1 Public Recreation pursuant to the Byron Local Environmental Plan 1988 (BLEP 1988) (Refer to Figure 2).

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FIGURE 2: SITE ZONING AND DEVELOPMENT YIELD

2.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The proposed subdivision known as Harvest Estate, seeks to subdivide R2 zoned land and consolidate E2 zoned land for the provision of 282 allotments (refer to Figure 3).

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FIGURE 3: HARVEST ESTATE PROPOSED SUBDIVISION PLAN

2.2 GEOLOGY AND TOPOGRAPHY

As illustrated within the eSPADE geology mapping extract (refer Figure 4), the site contains two soil landscapes described as follows:

- Black Rock (9540br); and - Tyagarah (9540ty)

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FIGURE 4: ESPADE GEOLOGY MAPPING EXTRACT (SOURCE: ESPADE MAPPING, 2016)

Such areas are described in detail within Morland, 1994:

 Black Rock (br): mapped over of the majority of the study area and the entire development footprint.

Location: Pleistocene beach ridge plains on the Tweed-Byron Coast, north of Lennox Head and north of Byron Bay. Type location is traversed by the coast road between, Lennox Head and Broken Head. Geology: Quaternary (Pleistocene) beach and dune sand. Topography: Extremely low, level to gently undulating beach ridge plains. Elevation is generally 1-2m, though can be 4-9m on some higher dunes which have been modified by mining and/or Holocene transgressive material. Slopes range from 0-5% and relief is 1-2m. The topography is characterised by dune/swale systems aligned parallel to the coast and associated sand sheets. Swales can be linearly discontinuous and narrow to moderately broad (100-500m). Dunes are low (up to 3m) and narrow to moderately on aerial photography or satellite imagery. Wave erosion of Holocene sand deposits has left a sand scarp several metres high at the rear of the beach in places (eg., north end of Seven Mile Beach). This is often underlain by exposed coffee rock.

 Tyagarah (ty): mapped over of the southern and western areas of the study area, external to the development footprint.

Location: Sediment basins of mixed estuarine and aeolian origin within the inland margins of the Tweed-Byron Coast. Geology: Quaternary estuarine alluvium overlain by and/or mixed with Quaternary (Pleistocence) sands. The sands are generally Aeolian, originating from the adjacent beach ridge systems. Topography: Level to gently undulating plains. Watertables are generally within 100-200cm of the surface but can be higher in poorly drained areas. These are essentially the back barrier environment (Thom, 1984), a flat-lying sediment basin located inland of the inner

October 2017 Page 6 of 83 Biodiversity Conservation Management Plan Harvest Estate, West Byron Villa World Byron Pty Ltd barrier system. Within the back barrier zone sediments have accumulated from a number of processes, as listed below (summarised from Thom, 1984):

o Deposition by suspension from rivers o Washover sand deposition as extensive sheets which have been transported by storm surges across the shore zone and frontal dune ridges o Aeolian reworking of exposed sand surfaces to produce back dune flats o Channel-fill deposition of flood-tidal delta origin

Slopes are 1-2%, relief is 1-2m and elevation is 2-5m (Morand 1994; 160-161 + map).

The topography of the site is flat with low relief and grades typically less than 5%. Lower lying areas are prone to flooding and inundation.

2.3 EXISTING DRAINAGE

Currently the majority of site drainage is uncontrolled and comprised of sheet flow which runs within the site’s drainages lines and Belongil Creek.

2.4 EXISTING VEGETATION COMMUNITIES

As a result of flora surveying (Planit Consulting, 2016) nine (9) vegetation communities were identified within the study area and are described separately below. The vegetation communities observed are considered generally reflective of those identified by LandPartners (2010). Where possible, identified communities were compared to recognized documents such as Forest Types in NSW (1989), CRA Forest Ecosystems (1999), Byron Shire Vegetation Mapping (2012), Byron Flora and Fauna Study (1999) and Keith (2004) Ocean Shores-Desert Dunes. A vegetation community map has been produced for the study area (refer to Figure 5) with descriptions provided below.

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FIGURE 5: VEGETATION COMMUNITY MAP

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COMMUNITY 1: MID-HIGH TO TALL OPEN FOREST (BROAD-LEAVED PAPERBARK)

This community occupies the majority of the forested areas of the site and includes fragmented patches within the northern and western portions of the site.

The canopy is comprised principally of Broad-leaved Paperbark () within the 14-18m height range. The canopy is mostly intact although several areas of fragmentation occur due to previous clearing and historical maintenance. Whilst Paperbark is dominant species, several additional canopy and sub-canopy species were noted which included Pink Doughwood (Melicope elleryana), Brush Box (Lophostemon confertus), Swamp Box (L. suaveolens), Swamp Oak (), Hard Corkwood (Endiandra sieberi), Blueberry Ash (Elaeocarpus reticulatus), Swamp Mahogany (Eucalyptus robusta), Corkwood (Duboisia myoporoides), Willow Bottlebrush (Callistemon salignus), Tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis anacardioides), Sandpaper Fig (Ficus coronata), Hickory Wattle (Acacia disparrima subsp. disparrima), Blackwood (A. melanoxylon), Brown Kurrajong (Commersonia bartamia), Bangalow Palm (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana), Alexander Palm (A. alexandrae), Cheese Tree ( ferdinandi), Umbrella Cheese Tree (Glochidion sumatranum), Brown Bolly Gum (Litsea australis) and Beach Acronychia (Acronychia imperforata).

The small tree and shrub layer was generally scarce and was primarily occupied by juvenile Paperbarks. Additional species observed included Wallum Bottlebrush (Melaleuca pachyphylla), Lilly Pilly (Acmena smithii), Heath-leaved (), Swamp Banksia (B. oblongifolia), Narrow-leaved Palm Lily (Cordyline stricta), Swamp Hibiscus (Hibiscus diversifolius), Prickly Tea-tree (Leptospermum juniperinum), Tantoon (L.

October 2017 Page 9 of 83 Biodiversity Conservation Management Plan Harvest Estate, Byron Bay Villa World Byron Pty Ltd polygalifolium), Black Tea-tree (L. trinervium), White Tea-tree (L. whitei), Blue Tongue (Melastoma affine), Satinwood (Nematolepis squamea), Hairy Bush Pea (Pultenaea villosa) and Geebung ( stradbrokensis).

The lower strata was principally occupied by typical species tolerant to waterlogging such as Tassel Cord Rush (Baloskion tetraphylla subsp. meiostachyum), Soft-twig Rush (Baumea rubiginosa), Swamp Water Fern (Blechnum indicum), Soft Bracken (Calochlaena dubia), Wandering Jew (Commelina cyanea), Bunchy Sedge (Cyperus polystachyos), Sundew (Drosera spatulata), Blue Flax Lily (Dianella caerulea), Saw-sedge (Gahnia clarkei), Scrambling Lily (Geitonoplesium cymosum), Coral Fern (Gleichenia dicarpa), Bat’s Wing Fern (Histiopteris incisa), Bleeding Heart (Homalanthus populifolius), Ground Fern (Hypolepis muelleri), Australian Silver Rush (Juncus polyanthemos), Common Sedge (J. usitatus), Bracken Fern (Pteridium esculentum), Zig-zag Bog-rush (Schoenus brevifolius), Swamp Selaginella (Selaginella uliginosa) and Bog Primrose (Liparophyllum exaltatum).

Additionally, both native and exotic grass species were observed which included Narrow- leaved Carpet Grass (Axonopus fissifolius), Bordered Panic (Entolasia marginata), Wiry Panic (Entolasia stricta), Blady Grass (Imperata cylindrica), Basket Grass (Oplismenus imbecilis), Pademelon Grass (Ottochloa gracillima), Broad-leaved Paspalum (Paspalum dilatatum), Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum), Pigeon Grass (Setaria sphacelata) and Buffalo Grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum).

Scramblers, vines and epiphytic species included Strangler Fig (Ficus watkinsiana), Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium australasicum), Guinea Vine (Hibbertia scandens), Coastal Morning Glory (Ipomoea cairica), Climbing Fern (Lygodium microphyllum), Common Milk Vine (Marsdenia rostrata), Monkey Rope (Parsonsia straminea), Barbed Wire Vine (Smilax australis) and Tape Vine (Stephania japonica).

Weed were generally scarce within this vegetation community and primarily occupied along the fringes which are subject to historical slashing and grazing. Species noted included Crofton Weed (Ageratina adenophora), Blue Billygoat Weed (Ageratum houstonianum), Coral Berry (Ardisia crenata), Thickhead (Crassocephalum crepidioides), Umbrella Tree (Schefflera actinophylla), Broad-leaved Pepper Tree (Schinus terebinthifolius), Easter Cassia (Senna pendula var. Glabrata), Paddy’s Lucerne (Sida rhombifolia), Camphor Laurel (Cinnamomum camphora), Wild Tobacco (Solanum mauritianum) and Cocos Palm (Syagrus romanzoffianum).

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Equivalent vegetation communities

Forest Types in NSW 1989: Code 31_ Paperbark

CRA Forest Ecosystems 1999: Code112_Paperbark

Byron Shire Vegetation Mapping 2012: Paperbark

Byron Flora and Fauna Study 1999: Paperbark (PB)

Keith (2004) Ocean Shores-Desert Dunes: Coastal Swamp Forests

COMMUNITY 2: MID-HIGH TO TALL OPEN DRY HEATH +/- BROAD-LEAVED PAPERBARK

This community is located along the northern portions of Lot 229/DP755695, as well as a regenerating strip along Lot 1/DP542178 and extends into the northwestern areas of Lot 227/DP755695.

The canopy layer generally ranges from 4-10m in height although several emergent specimens such as Swamp Mahogany (Eucalyptus robusta) occurs. Canopy species within this community include Hickory Wattle (Acacia disparrima subsp. disparrima), Coast Wattle (A. longifolia), Blackwood (A. melanoxylon), Beach Acronychia (Acronychia imperforata), Soap Tree (Alphitonia excelsa), Coast Cypress Pine (Callitris columellaris), Three-veined Laurel (Cryptocarya triplinervis), Corkwood (Duboisia myoporoides), Blueberry Ash (Elaeocarpus reticulatus), Hard Corkwood (Endiandra sieberi), Cheese Tree (Glochidion ferdinandi), Brush Box (Lophostemon confertus) and Broad-leaved Paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia). It is noted that several areas of this community contain higher records of Broad-leaved Paperbark.

The shrub and small tree layer are the dominant layer of this community and are approximately 2-6m in height and contains a wide variety of typical heath species. The layer is dominated by Tea Tree species (Leptospermum juniperinum, L. liversidgei, L. polygalifolium, L. trinervium, L. liversidgei). Additional species noted include Sweet Wattle (A. suaveolens), Prickly Moses (A. ulicifolia), Ground Berry (Acrotriche aggregata), Common Aotus (Aotus ericoides), Woolly Aotus (A. lanigera), Star Hair Bush (Astrotricha longifolia), Midgen Berry (Austromyrtus dulcis), Weeping Baeckea (Baeckea frutescens), Heath-leaved Banksia (Banksia ericifolia), Coastal Banksia (B. integrifolia), Swamp Banksia (B. oblongifolia), Parrot Pea (Dillwynia retorta), Hop Bush (Dodonaea triquetra), Coral Heath (Epacris pulchella), Raspwort (Gonocarpus

October 2017 Page 11 of 83 Biodiversity Conservation Management Plan Harvest Estate, Byron Bay Villa World Byron Pty Ltd tetragyna), Homoranthus (Homoranthus virgatus), Pointed-leaf Hovea (Hovea acutifolia), Dusky Coral Pea (Kennedia rubicunda), Beard Heath (Leucopogon lanceolatus, L. leptospermoides, L. margarodes), Blue Tongue (Melastoma affine), Broom Heath (Monotoca elliptica), Satinwood (Nematolepis squamea), Mock Olive (Notelaea longifolia), Geebung (Persoonia stradbrokensis), Shrubby Playsace (Platysace lanceolata), Hairy Bush Pea (Pultenaea villosa), Tie Bush (Wikstroemia indica) and Sandfly Zieria (Zieria smithii).

Species within the ground layer included Soft Bracken (Calochlaena dubia), Curly Wigs (Caustis recurvata), Pennywort (Centella asiatica), Wandering Jew (Commelina cyanea), Blue Flax Lily (Dianella caerulea), Saw-sedge (Gahnia clarkei), Coral Fern (Gleichenia dicarpa), Common Sedge (Juncus usitatus), Spiny-head Mat-rush (Lomandra longifolia), Slender Rice Flower (Pimelea linifolia), Pomax (Pomax umbellata), Bracken Fern (Pteridium esculentum) and Australian Bluebell (Wahlenbergia stricta). Grass species include both native and exotic species such as Whiskey Grass (Andropogon virginicus), Wiry Panic (Entolasia stricta), Blady Grass (Imperata cylindrica), Red Natal Grass (Melinis repens), Guinea Grass (Megathyrsus maximus var. maximus) and Buffalo Grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum).

Vines and Scramblers included Slender Devil’s Twine (Cassytha glabella), False Sarsaparilla (Hardenbergia violaceae), Guinea Flower (Hibbertia scandens), Corky Milky Vine (Marsdenia lloydii), Monkey Rope (Parsonsia straminea), Barbed Wire Vine (Smilax australis), Sweet Smilax (S. glyciphylla) and Tape Vine (Stephania japonica).

Weed species were generally scarce within this community and primarily occupied the fringes of this community. Species noted include Ground Asparagus (Asparagus aethiopicus), Bitou Bush (Chrysanthemoides monilifera), Flaxleaf Fleabane (Conyza bonariensis), Lantana (Lantana camara), Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii), Umbrella Tree (Schefflera actinophylla) and Fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis).

Equivalent vegetation communities

Forest Types in NSW 1989: Code223_Heath

CRA Forest Ecosystems 1999: Code64_Heath

Byron Shire Vegetation Mapping 2012: Teatree

Byron Flora and Fauna Study 1999: Teatree (TT)

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Keith (2004) Ocean Shores-Desert Dunes: Wallum Sand Heaths

COMMUNITY 3: TALL TO VERY TALL OPEN FOREST (BRUSH BOX)

This community occurs within the central portions of Lot 229/DP755695 and is approximately 0.589ha in size. The canopy is comprised principally of Brush Box (Lophostemon confertus) in the 14-20m height range with several larger emergent trees up to ~24m in height. Additional canopy species were scattered and included Broad-leaved Paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia), Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon), Beach Acronychia (Acronychia imperforata), Soap Tree (Alphitonia excelsa), Brown Kurrajong (Commersonia bartramia), Three-veined Laurel (Cryptocarya triplinervis), Tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis anacardioides), Corkwood (Duboisia myoporoides), Blueberry Ash (Elaeocarpus reticulatus), Hard Corkwood (Endiandra sieberi), Umbrella Cheese Tree (Glochidion ferdinandi), Brown Bolly Gum (Litsea australis), Swamp Box (L. suaveolens) and Pink Doughwood (Melicope elleryana).

The small tree and shrub layers were generally sparse and primarily occupied by regrowth canopy species. Additional species noted include Midgen Berry (Austromyrtus dulcis), Narrow-leaved Palm Lily (Cordyline stricta), Beard Heath (Leucopogon lanceolatus), Broom Heath (Monotoca elliptica), Satinwood (Nematolepis squamea), Geebung (Persoonia stradbrokensis), Sandfly Zieria (Zieria smithii), Brush Muttonwood (Myrsine howittiana) Riberry (Syzygium leuhmannii) and Blue Lily Pilly (S. oleosum).

The ground layer is dominated by Saw-sedge (Gahnia clarkei) with additional rushes, sedges and ferns occurring as previously stated within Community 1.

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Vine, scrambler and epiphyte species are generally common within this community and included species such as Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium australasicum), Water Vine (Cissus hypoglauca), Scrambling Lily (Geitonoplesium cymosum), Guinea Flower (Hibbertia scandens), Cockspur Vine (Maclura cochinchinensis), Common Milk Vine (Marsdenia rostrata), Monkey Rope (Parsonsia straminea), Barbed Wire Vine (Smilax australis), Sweet Smilax (S. glyciphylla), Tape Vine (Stephania japonica),

Exotic species identified within this community are generally scarce and contain species previously listed within Community 1 (i.e. coral berry, camphor laurel, umbrella tree, easter cassia etc.).

Equivalent vegetation communities

Forest Types in NSW 1989: Code 53_ Inland Brushbox

CRA Forest Ecosystems 1999: Code103_Northern Wet Brushbox

Byron Shire Vegetation Mapping 2012: Brush Box

Byron Flora and Fauna Study 1999: Brush Box (BB)

Keith (2004) Ocean Shores-Desert Dunes: North Coast Wet Sclerophyll Forests

COMMUNITY 4: TALL TO VERY TALL OPEN FOREST (SWAMP MAHOGANY)

A small patch of this community occurs in the northwest portion of Lot 229/DP755695 and the very southern extent of Lot 1/DP1166535. This patch is approximately 753sqm with the canopy almost entirely comprised of Swamp Mahogany (Eucalyptus robusta) within the 20- 25m height range.

Additional lesser occurring canopy and sub-canopy species noted within this community includes Broad-leaved Paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia), Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon), Soap Tree (Alphitonia excelsa), Tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis anacardioides), Blueberry Ash (Elaeocarpus reticulatus), Cheese Tree (Glochidion ferdinandi) and Pink Doughwood (Melicope elleryana).

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Given the relatively small area of the community the shrub and ground layer species were generally scarce and contained Teatrees (Leptospermum liversidgei, L. polygalifolium), Blue Tongue (Melastoma affine), Satinwood (Nematolepis squamea), Geebung (Persoonia stradbrokensis), Swamp Water Fern (Blechnum indicum), Plume Rush (Baloskion tetraphyllum), Bracken Fern (Pteridium esculentum), Wandering Jew (Commelina cyanea), Blue Flax Lily (Dianella caerulea) and Saw-sedge (Gahnia clarkei). Grass species were generally common throughout the ground layer and included Narrow-leaved Carpet Grass (Axonopus fissifolius), Couch (Cynodon dactylon), Wiry Panic (Entolasia stricta), Blady Grass (Imperata cylindrica) and Broad-leaved Paspalum (Paspalum dilatatum).

Vines and scrambler species noted include Water Vine (Cissus antarctica), Guinea Flower (Hibbertia scandens), Coastal Morning Glory (Ipomoea cairica), Climbing Fern (Lygodium microphyllum), Corky Milk Vine (Marsdenia lloydii), Monkey Rope (Parsonsia straminea), Barbed Wire Vine (Smilax australis) and Tape Vine (Stephania japonica)

Weed species were primarily occupied by grass species previously mentioned and Umbrella Trees (Schefflera actinophylla) with lesser occurring Camphor Laurel (Cinnamomum camphora), Broad-leaf Pepper Tree (Schinus terebinthifolius), Easter Cassia (Senna pendula var. Glabrata), Wild Tobacco (Solanum mauritianum), Blackberry Nightshade (Solanum nigrum) and Cocos Palm (Syagrus romanzoffianum) also noted.

Equivalent vegetation communities

Forest Types in NSW 1989: Code 30_ Swamp Mahogany

CRA Forest Ecosystems 1999: Code142_Swamp Mahogany

Byron Shire Vegetation Mapping 2012: Swamp Mahogany / Swamp Box

Byron Flora and Fauna Study 1999: Swamp Mahogany/Swamp Box (SMB)

Keith (2004) Ocean Shores-Desert Dunes: North Coast Wet Sclerophyll Forests

COMMUNITY 5: MID-HIGH TO TALL OPEN FOREST (SWAMP OAK)

This Community occurs within the southern and eastern portions of the site in close proximity to Belongil Creek. The dominant tree species is Swamp Oak (Casuarina glauca) within the 12- 16m height range. Whilst Swamp Oak is the dominant species, large numbers of Broad-leaved

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Paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia) were also noted. Additional canopy and sub-canopy species recorded include Tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis anacardioides), Foambark (Jagera pseudorhus), Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon), Bleeding Heart (Homalanthus populifolius), Cheese Tree (Glochidion ferdinandi), Willow Bottlebrush (Callistemon salignus) and Grey Mangrove (Avicennia marina).

The shrub and ground layer were predominantly occupied by canopy layer species and grasses (Axonopus fissifolius, Cynodon dactylon, Entolasia stricta, Ottochloa gracillima, Stenotaphrum secundatum, Megathyrsus maximus). Additional shrub and groundlayer species included Mangrove Fern (Acrostichum speciosum), Swamp Water Fern (Blechnum indicum), Bracken (Pteridium esculentum), Baumea (Baumea juncea), Wandering Jew (Commelina cyanea), Swamp Lily (Crinum pedunculatum) and Salt Rush (Juncus kraussii subsp. australiensis).

Vines and epiphytes noted were Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium australasicum), Slender Devil’s Twine (Cassytha glabella), Coastal Morning Glory (Ipomoea cairica), Cockspur Vine (Maclura cochinchinesis), Corky Milk Vine (Marsdenia lloydii), Monkey Rope (Parsonsia straminea), Staghorn Fern (Platycerium superbum) and Barbed Wire Vine (Smilax australis).

Weed species were common, in particularly within areas proximate to Belongil Creek which included species such as Lantana (Lantana camara), Groundsel Bush (Baccharis halimifolia), Bitou Bush (Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata), Flaxleaf Fleabane (Conyza bonariensis), Umbrella Tree (Schefflera actinophylla), Broad-leaf Pepper Bush (Schinus terebinthifolius), Camphor Laurel (Cinnamomum camphora), Easter Cassia (Senna pendula var. Glabrata), Wild Tobacco (Solanum mauritianum) and Blackberry Nightshade (Solanum nigrum).

Equivalent vegetation communities

Forest Types in NSW 1989: Code 32_Swamp Oak

CRA Forest Ecosystems 1999: Code143_Swamp Oak

Byron Shire Vegetation Mapping 2012: Swamp Oak +/- Paperbark

Byron Flora and Fauna Study 1999: Swamp Oak +/- Paperbark (sOP)

Keith (2004) Ocean Shores-Desert Dunes: Coastal Swamp Forests

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COMMUNITY 6: LOW TO MID-HIGH OPEN WOODLAND (COASTAL BANKSIA)

This community occurs as a patch of vegetation within the central areas of Lot 229/DP755695 and is comprised of Coastal Banksia (Banksia intergrifolia). The community is located within predominantly cleared grazing land which is regularly slashed/maintained.

Residual small tree and shrub species noted within this patch includes Coast Wattle (Acacia longifolia subsp. sophorae), Prickly Moses (Acacia ulicifolia), Teatree (Leptospermum polygalifolium), Satinwood (Nematolepis squamea), Midgenberry (Austromyrtus dulcis), Plume Rush (Baloskion tetraphyllum), Curly Wigs (Caustis recurvata), Blue Flax-lily (Dianella caerulea), Saw-sedge (Gahnia clarkei), Raspwort (Gonocarpus tetragynus) and Bracken Fern (Pteridium esculentum). Weed species such as Umbrella Tree (Schefflera actinophylla) and Wild Tobacco (Solanum mauritianum) were also noted.

Grass species recorded include Whiskey Grass (Andropogon virginicus), Narrow-leaved Carpet Grass (Axonopus fissifolius), Rhodes Grass (Chloris gayana), Blue Couch (Digitaria didactyla), Wiry Panic (Entolasia stricta), Blady Grass (Imperata cylindrica), Red Natal Grass (Melinis repens) and Guinea Grass (Megathyrsus maximus).

Equivalent vegetation communities

Forest Types in NSW 1989: Code223_Heath

CRA Forest Ecosystems 1999: Code64_Heath

Byron Shire Vegetation Mapping 2012: Coast Banksia

Byron Flora and Fauna Study 1999: Coast Banksia (CB1)

Keith (2004) Ocean Shores-Desert Dunes: Wallum Sand Heaths

COMMUNITY 7: PAPERBARK SWAMP FOREST OF THE COASTAL LOWLANDS

This community occurs within the fenced off areas in the central portion and unmaintained low lying patches within Lot 6/DP1222674.

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Tree species are scarce and limited to Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon), Broad-leaved Paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia) and Camphor Laurel (Cinnamomum camphora).

The shrub and ground layer is dominated by Swamp Water Fern (Blechnum indicum) and Harsh Ground Fern (Hypolepis muelleri) with additional species tolerant to wet soils such as Plume Rush (Baloskion tetraphyllum), Blueberry Ash (Elaeocarpus reticulatus), Tea Tree (Leptospermum ), Soft Bracken (Calochlaena dubia), Wandering Jew (Commelina cyanea), Saw-sedge (Gahnia clarkei), Coral Fern (Gleichenia dicarpa), Bat’s Wing Fern (Histiopteris incisa), Blue Tongue (Melastoma affine), Bleeding Heart (Homalanthus populifolius), Harsh Ground Fern (Hypolepis muelleri), Bracken Fern (Pteridium esculentum), Australian Bluebell (Wahlenbergia stricta), Pomax (Pomax umbellata) and Swamp Selaginella (Selaginella uliginosa).

Grass species were generally uncommon throughout this community and mainly restricted to the outer edges of the community, bordering the grassed paddocks. Species recorded include Whiskey Grass (Andropogon virginicus), Narrow-leaved Carpet Grass (Axonopus fissifolius), Wiry Panic (Entolasia stricta), Shotgrass (Paspalidium distans), Kangaroo Grass (Themeda trinadra) and Blady Grass (Imperata cylindrica).

Vines and scramblers included Guinea Flower (Hibbertia scandens), Barbed Wire Vine (Smilax australis), Monkey Rope (Parsonsia straminea) and Climbing Maindenhair Fern (Lygodium microphyllum).

Weed species are generally uncommon throughout this community and were primarily occupied by herbaceous species on the flanks of the community. Species included Crofton

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Weed (Ageratina adenophora), Mist Flower (A. riparia) and Blue Billygoat Weed (Ageratum houstonianum).

Equivalent vegetation communities

Forest Types in NSW 1989: N/A

CRA Forest Ecosystems 1999: N/A

Byron Shire Vegetation Mapping 2012: Sedgeland/Fernland/Grassland

Byron Flora and Fauna Study 1999: Sedge-Fernland/Grassland (SFG)

Keith (2004) Ocean Shores-Desert Dunes: Coastal Floodplain Wetlands

COMMUNITY 8: FRESHWATER WETLAND

This community occurs within lower laying portions of the site and swales which are regularly subject to inundation. Vegetation within the Union Drain is largely disturbed given the regular maintenance/slashing and grazing of these areas. The canopy layer was generally absent although the occasional scattered tree was noted such as Broad-leaved Paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia), Swamp Oak (Casuarina glauca), Camphor Laurel (Cinnamomum camphora) and Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon).

Aquatic and semi-aquatic species were observed such as Didgery Sticks (Baloskion pallens), Twig-rushes (Baumea articulate, B. juncea, B. rubiginosa, B. teretifolia), Swamp Water Fern (Blechnum indicum), Grey Sedge (Lepironia articulata), Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), Frogsmouth (Philydrum lanuginosum), Common Reed (Phragmites australis), Bog Bulrush (Schoenoplectus mucronatus), Common Bog Rush (Schoenus apogon), Zig-zag Bog Rush (S. brevifolius), Cumbungi (Typha orentalis) Binung Fern (Christella dentata), Water Buttons (Cotula coronopifolia), Bunchy Sedge (Cyperus polystachyos), Spike Rush (Eleocharis equisetina), Pipewort (Eriocaulon australe), Rusty Sedge (Fimbristylis ferruginea), Swamp Hibiscus (Hibiscus diversifolius), Cape Blue Water Lily (Nymphaea capensis), Australian Silver Rush (Juncus polyanthemos), Common Sedge (Juncus usitatus) and Bog Primrose (Liparophyllum exaltatum).

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A variety of grass species was noted in this community, in particularly along the fringes of this community which has been subject to grazing and maintenance over a long period of time. Species noted include Swamp Ricegrass (Leersia hexandra), Water Couch (Paspalum distichum), Pigeon Grass (Setaria spp.), Basket Grass (Oplismenus aemulus), Rhodes Grass (Chloris gayana), Red Natal Grass (Melinis repens), Molasses Grass (Melinus minutiflora),

Weed species were generally uncommon and predominantly occurred within the Union Drain. Exotic species noted within this community include False Daisy (Eclipta prostrata), Lantana (Lantana camara), Water Primrose (Ludwigia peploides), Slender Knotweed (Persicaria decipiens), Spotted Knotweed (P. strigosa), Lantana (Lantana camara), Purple Top (Verbena bonariensis), Blue Billygoat Weed (Ageratum houstonianum) and Balloon Cottonbush (Gomphocarpus physocarpus).

Equivalent vegetation communities

Forest Types in NSW 1989: N/A

CRA Forest Ecosystems 1999: N/A

Byron Shire Vegetation Mapping 2012: Sedgeland/Fernland/Grassland

Byron Flora and Fauna Study 1999: Sedge-Fernland/Grassland (SFG)

Keith (2004) Ocean Shores-Desert Dunes: Coastal Floodplain Wetlands

COMMUNITY 9: GRASSED PADDOCKS WITH SCATTERED TREES AND REGROWTH

This community occupies the majority of the site as well as the proposed development footprint and has been largely cleared as a result of the agricultural and grazing use of the site. As a result, canopy trees occurred sporadically throughout the site.

Residual trees noted throughout this community include Coastal Banksia (), Moreton Bay Fig (Ficus macrophylla), Small-leaved Fig (F. obliqua), Strangler Fig (F. watkinsiana), Broad-leaved Paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia), Tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis anacardioides), Beach Acronychia (Acronychia imperforata), Silky Oak (Grevilliea robusta), Camphor Laurel (Cinnamomum camphora), Swamp Oak (Casuarina glauca) and Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii).

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Given the continuous grazing and regular slashing of the paddocks, the shrub layer is generally scarce and primarily occupied by exotic species (as described below). Native species noted include Common Aotus (Aotus ericoides), Midgen Berry (Austromyrtus dulcis), Heath-leaved Banksia (Banksia ericifolia), Homoranthus (Homoranthus virgatus), Prickly Tea- tree (Leptospermum juniperinum), Tantoon (L. polygalifolium), Blue Tongue (Melastoma affine), Broom Heath (Monotoca elliptica), Slender Rice Flower (Pimelea linifolia) and Sandfly Zieria (Zieria smithii).

A wide variety of both native and exotic grass species were noted within this community and include Whiskey Grass (Andropogon virginicus), Broadleaf Carpet Grass (Axonopus compressus), Narrow-leaved Carpet Grass (A. fissifolius), Prairie Grass (Bromus catharticus), Rhodes Grass (Chloris gayana), Couch (Cynodon dactylon), Queensland Blue Couch (Digitaria didactyla), Wiry Panic (Entolasia stricta), African Lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula), Blady Grass (Imperata cylindrica), Large Bluegrass (Ischaemum australe), Molasses Grass (Melinis minutifolia), Red Natal Grass (M. repens), Guinea Grass (Megathyrsus maximus), Sour Grass (Paspalum conjugatum), Broad-leaved Paspalum (P. dilatatum), Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum), Elephant Grass (Pennisetum purpureum), Winter Grass (Poa annua), Pigeon Grass (Setaria sphacelata), Parramatta Grass (Sporobolus africanus) and Buffalo Grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum).

Numerous low-lying areas and drainage lines occur throughout the paddocks as a result of the historical agricultural use of the site and contain aquatic and semi-aquatic species such as Tassel Cord Rush (Baloskion tetraphylla subsp. meiostachyum), Jointed Twig-rush (Baumea articulata), Soft Twig-rush (B. rubiginosa), Swamp Water Fern (Blechnum indicum), Curly Wig (Caustis recurvata), Pennywort (Centella asiatica), Binung Fern (Christella dentata), Wandering Jew (Commelina cyanea), Bunchy Sedge (Cyperus polystachyos), Umbrella Sedge (C. eragrostis), Blue Flax Lily (Dianella caerulea), Sundew (Drosera spatulata), Rusty Sedge (Fimbristylis ferruginea), Coral Fern (Gleichenia dicarpa), Raspwort (Gonocarpus tetragyna), Bat’s Wing Fern (Histiopteris incisa), Ground Fern (Hypolepis muelleri), Australian Silver Rush (Juncus polyanthemos), Common Sedge (J. usitatus), Spiny-head Mat-rush (Lomandra longifolia), Knotweed (Persicaria strigosa), Pomax (Pomax umbellata), Bracken Fern (Pteridium esculentum), Swamp Selaginella (Selaginella uliginosa) and Bog Primrose (Liparophyllum exaltatum).

Vine species are commonly recorded throughout the site and include False Sarsaparilla (Hardenbergia violacea), White Glycine (Neonotonia wightii), Monkey Rope (Parsonsia straminea) and Guinea Vine (Hibbertia scandens).

As a result of the highly disturbed nature of these areas, weed species were common, in particularly typical herbaceous paddock species. Species noted include Crofton Weed

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(Ageratina adenophora), Blue Billygoat Weed (Ageratum houstonianum), Annual Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), Groundsel Bush (Baccaris halimifolia), Cobbler’s Pegs (Bidens pilosa), Flaxleaf Fleabane (Conyza bonariensis), Thickhead (Crassocephalum crepidioides), Coral Tree (Erythrina sykesii), Balloon Cottonbush (Gomphocarpus physocarpus), Flatweed (Hypochaeris radicata), Fishbone Fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia), Ochna (Ochna serrulata), Inkweed (Phytolacca octandra), Castor Oil (Ricinus communis), Broad-leaved Pepper Tree (Schinus terebinthifolius), Fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis), Easter Cassia (Senna pendula var. Glabrata), Paddy’s Lucerne (Sida rhombifolia), Wild Tobacco (Solanum mauritianum), Blackberry Nightshade (Solanum nigrum), Singapore Daisy (Sphagneticola trilobata), Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), White Clover (Trifolium repens) and Purpletop (Verbena bonariensis).

Equivalent vegetation communities

Forest Types in NSW 1989: Code 220_Cleared/Partially Cleared

CRA Forest Ecosystems 1999: Code173_Cleared/Partially Cleared

Byron Shire Vegetation Mapping 2012: N/A cleared

Byron Flora and Fauna Study 1999: N/A cleared

Keith (2004) Ocean Shores-Desert Dunes: N/A

2.5 SIGNIFICANT VEGETATION COMMUNITIES AND SPECIES

As discussed within the Terrestrial Flora and Fauna Assessment prepared by Planit (2017), no Endangered Ecological Communities (EECs) are considered to occur within the subject site. Additionally, no threatened flora species (scheduled under the Threatened Species Conservation Act (1995) or the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999)) were recorded within the subject site during survey efforts.

2.6 PROPOSED VEGETATION CLEARING

Clearing of vegetation (native and exotic) will be the major direct impact associated with the intended establishment of the proposed development. Clearing is recognized as a key threatening process under the TSCA 1995. The proposed development will result in the removal/modification of approximately 27.8422ha. It is noted that from this ~27.8422ha, approximately 22.4337ha is Community 9 (Grassed Paddocks with Scattered Trees and Regrowth) which is considered to provide very low habitat values. Thirteen (13) preferred koala feed trees (all E. robusta) will be required to be removed to facilitate the proposal. These will be compensated in association with the proposed restoration works.

It is noted that from the abovementioned clearing total, ~0.65 ha of Community 7 and Community 8 will be compensated through BioBanking (in association with Wallum Frog habitat removal).

A summary of the proposed clearing rates for described communities associated with the development envelope is s tabulated below:

Table 1: CLEARING OF VEGETATION COMMUNITIES AS A RESULT OF THE PROPOSAL

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Mapped Community EEC? Approx. Approx. Approx % extent within extent to be remaining site (HA) cleared (HA) COMMUNITY 1 – MID-HIGH TO TALL OPEN FOREST NO 21.6603 2.5876 88.05 (BROAD-LEAVED PAPERBARK) COMMUNITY 2 – MID-HIGH TO TALL OPEN DRY HEATH NO 5.2597 0.9256 82.40 +/- BROAD-LEAVED PAPERBARK COMMUNITY 3 – TALL TO VERY TALL OPEN FOREST NO 0.5897 0 100 (BRUSH BOX) COMMUNITY 4 – TALL TO VERY TALL WOODLAND NO 0.0753 0 100 (SWAMP MAHOGANY) COMMUNITY 5 – MID-HIGH TO TALL OPEN FOREST NO 12.9144 0 100 (SWAMP OAK) COMMUNITY 6 – LOW TO MID-HIGH OPEN WOODLAND NO 0.3316 0 100 (COASTAL BANKSIA) COMMUNITY 7 – PAPERBARK SWAMP FOREST OF THE NO 1.0706 1.0706 0 COASTAL LOWLANDS COMMUNITY 8 – FRESHWATER WETLAND NO 0.8247 0.8247 0 COMMUNITY 9 – GRASSED PADDOCKS WITH NO 32.4963 22.4337 30.96 SCATTERED TREES AND REGROWTH TOTAL 75.2226 27.8422 62.99

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