Flora and Fauna Survey Report Proposed Rezoning

FLORA AND FAUNA SURVEY REPORT

PROPOSED REZONING VALLA URBAN GROWTH AREA

DECEMBER 2010 (REF: 10054F)

FLORA AND FAUNA SURVEY REPORT

PROPOSED REZONING VALLA URBAN GROWTH AREA

DECEMBER 2010

Conacher Environmental Group

Environmental and Land Management Consultants

Suite E, 78 York Street, East Gosford NSW PO Box 4300, Gosford NSW Phone: 02 4324 7888 Fax: 02 43247899 [email protected]

PREFACE

This Flora and Fauna Survey Report has been prepared by Conacher Environmental Group to identify the flora and fauna characteristics of land within the Valla Urban Growth Area.

The report has been prepared as an investigation to provide information on the ecological characteristics of the subject site. This report also identifies habitats and occurrence of threatened species as listed within the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act). This information may be used in assessing the potential biodiversity impacts of rezoning the land for future urban development.

PROJECT TEAM

PHILLIP ANTHONY CONACHER B.Sc.(Hons), Dip.Urb Reg Planning, M.Nat.Res. NPWS Scientific Licence Number: S10618 Director Conacher Environmental Group

JACOB MANNERS B.Sc. NPWS Scientific Licence Number: S10618 Ecological Consultant Conacher Environmental Group

PAUL GERARD SHELLEY Grad. Cert. Appl. Sc NPWS Scientific Licence Number: S10618 Fauna Technician Conacher Environmental Group

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

1.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.2 SITE CHARACTERISTICS ...... 1 1.3 PROPOSED REZONING ...... 1

SECTION 2 FLORA CHARACTERISTICS

2.1 THREATENED FLORA SPECIES ...... 2 2.2 ENDANGERED FLORA POPULATIONS & ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES ...... 3 2.3 VEGETATION SURVEY METHODOLOGY ...... 6 2.4 VEGETATION COMMUNITY DESCRIPTIONS & FLORA SPECIES...... 7

SECTION 3 FAUNA CHARACTERISTICS

3.1 THREATENED FAUNA SPECIES ...... 15 3.2 ENDANGERED FAUNA POPULATIONS...... 20 3.3 FAUNA SURVEY METHODOLOGY ...... 20 3.4 FAUNA OBSERVED ...... 22

SECTION 4 SURVEY SUMMARY AND ASSESSMENTS

4.1 SUMMARY OF SURVEY RESULTS ...... 24 4.2 SEPP 44 ASSESSMENT ...... 24 4.3 EP&BC ACT REVIEW ...... 24 4.4 CONSIDERATION OF BIDIVERSITY ISSUES ...... 25

APPENDICES

APPENDIX 1 FLORA & FAUNA SURVEY METHODS APPENDIX 2 FLORA SPECIES OBSERVED WITHIN STUDY AREA APPENDIX 3 FAUNA SPECIES OBSERVED WITHIN STUDY AREA APPENDIX 4 WEATHER CONDITIONS DURING SURVEY PERIODS APPENDIX 5 SEPP 44 ASSESSMENT APPENDIX 6 EP&BC PROTECTED MATTERS REVIEW

SECTION 1

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Conacher Environmental Group has been engaged to prepare a Flora and Fauna Assessment Report for the proposed rezoning of the Valla Urban Growth Area.

This Flora and Fauna Survey report has been prepared to identify the flora and fauna characteristics of the site and to determine the potential ecological constrains within the subject site with regard to species, populations and ecological communities listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999) the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) and the Fisheries Management Act 1994 (FM Act).

1.2 SITE CHARACTERISTICS

The planning and cadastral details of the study area are provided in Table 1.1 while Table 1.2 summarises the geographical characteristics of the site.

TABLE 1.1 STUDY AREA DETAILS Location Valla Urban Release Area Area Approximately 650 hectares Topographic Map Missabotti 1:25 000 and Macksville 1:25 000 Grid Reference 497000E 6613000N Local Government Area Nambucca Shire Existing Land Use Predominantly agriculture and rural residential Proposed Activity Rezoning for employment and residential development

1.3 PROPOSED REZONING

It is proposed to rezone the Valla Urban Growth Area for employment and residential purposes. This report has been prepared as part of the Local Environment Study to support a Local Environment Plan for the Valla Urban Growth Area.

Flora and Fauna Survey Report – Valla Urban Growth Area (Ref: 10054) © Conacher Environmental Group Ph: (02)4324 7888 1

SECTION 2

FLORA CHARACTERISTICS

2.1 THREATENED FLORA SPECIES

A search of the Atlas of NSW Wildlife (NPWS 2010) was undertaken to identify records of threatened flora species located within 20km of the site. This allowed for a specific search for threatened flora to be undertaken determining if any threatened flora species were present within the study area. Details on threatened flora species as listed in Schedules 1 and 2 of the TSC Act (1995), with a known or possible occurrence within the local area, are provided in Table 2.1.

TABLE 2.1 THREATENED FLORA SPECIES OF THE AREA TSC EPBC Species Growth Form and Habitat Requirements Comments Act Act

Acacia E - Small tree to 15m tall. Grows as an Suitable habitat chrysotricha understorey species on rainforest edges and present. in wet sclerophyll or dry eucalypt forest in steep narrow gullies on quartzite soils. Acronychia E E Small tree to 6m tall. Grows in littoral No suitable habitat littoralis rainforest in transitional areas between present.

swamp sclerophyll forest, cypress pine communities and cleared land. Found on sand in humid high rainfall zones generally within 2km of the ocean. Creeping grass with branching, erect stems. Suitable habitat Arthraxon hispidus V V Found in or on the edges of rainforest and in present.

wet eucalypt forest. Chamaesyce E - Prostrate herb. Grows on coastal dunes. No suitable habitat psammogeton present. Crytostylis Saprophytic orchid. Grows in swamp heath on No suitable habitat V V hunteriana sandy soils or Scribbly Gum Woodland. present. Cynanchum Climber or twiner to 1 m. Grows in rainforest Suitable habitat E E elegans gullies, scrub & scree slopes. present. Dendrobium E - Epiphytic orchid growing frequently on Suitable habitat melaleucaphilum Melaleuca stypheloides , less commonly on present. rainforest trees or on rocks in coastal districts. Flowers July-Oct. A small tree to 10m growing in subtropical Suitable habitat rainforest, moist eucalypt forest and Brush present. Hicksbeachia Box forest. Distributed along coastal areas of V V pinnatifolia north-east NSW from the Nambucca Valley north to south-east Queensland.

Marsdenia E V Slender climber of the milk vine group. Found Suitable habitat longiloba in subtropical and warm temperate forests, present. adjoining lowland moist eucalypt forest and on rock outcrops.

Flora and Fauna Survey Report – Valla Urban Growth Area (Ref: 10054) © Conacher Environmental Group Ph: (02)4324 7888 2

TABLE 2.1 THREATENED FLORA SPECIES OF THE AREA TSC EPBC Species Growth Form and Habitat Requirements Comments Act Act Shrub or small tree 2-5m tall and rarely 10m No suitable habitat Melaleuca tall with fibrous paperbark. Grows in heath present. V - groveana often in exposed areas within higher areas and the coastal districts north of Port Stephens. Niemeyera whitei V - Tree to 20m. Found in rainforest and adjacent Suitable habitat moist eucalypt forest. present. Parsonsia V E Climber to 6m tall. Grows in tall eucalypt Suitable habitat dorrigoensis forest and in subtropical and warm-temperate present. rainforest. Prefers open areas and forest margins and usually grows on brown clay soils derived from metasediments up to 800m above sea level. Epiphyte with photosynthetic roots. Grows on Suitable habitat Taeniophyllum outer branches and branchlets of rainforest present. V - muelleri trees. coast and coastal ranges north from the Bellinger R. Erect herb to 0.4 m high. Root parasite. Suitable habitat Thesium australe V V Grassland or woodland often damp. present. Tinospora E - Climber. Found in dry rainforest and along the No suitable habitat smilacina boundaries of dry rainforest and dry eucalypt present. forest. Tinospora V V Tall woody climber. Found in wetter Suitable habitat tinosporoides subtropical rainforest, including littoral present. rainforest, on fertile, basalt-derived soils. E = Endangered Species V = Vulnerable Species

No threatened flora species were observed within the subject site. There is however suitable habitat contained within the study area for several threatened flora species.

2.2 ENDANGERED FLORA POPULATIONS & ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES

2.2.1 Endangered Flora Populations

An endangered flora population of Glycine clandestina (broad leaf form), occurs within the Nambucca local government area. This species is only known from two locations on a headland immediately south of Scotts Head.

This species was not observed on the subject site. It is therefore considered that no endangered flora population is present on the subject site.

2.2.2 Endangered Ecological Communities

Details regarding the habitat attributes and indicative species for the Endangered Ecological Communities (EECs) known to occur in the local government area are provided in Table 2.2.

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TABLE 2.2 ENDANGERED ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES OF THE AREA Name Habitat Requirements Comments Coastal Saltmarsh Geology / Soils: Estuarine mud flats. Not observed in the NSW North Topography: Intertidal zone on the shores of during surveys. Coast, Sydney estuaries and lagoons often inland of Mangrove Basin and South stands. East Corner Characteristic Species: Variable with elevation; Bioregions (CS) Lowest-Sarcocornia quinqueflora ; Mid-Sporobolus virginicus ; Upper-Juncus krausii & Baumea juncea Freshwater Geology / Soils: Silts, muds or humic loams. Not observed Wetlands on Topography: in depressions, flats, drainage lines, during surveys. Coastal Floodplains backswamps, lagoons and lakes associated with of the NSW North coastal floodplains. Coast, Sydney Characteristic Species: Carex appressa, Paspalum Basin and South distichum, Baumea caniculata, Phylidrum East Corner lanuginosum, Ludwigia peploides ssp. montevidensis Bioregion (FWCF) and Myriophyllum spp. Littoral Rainforest in Geology / Soils: Coastal dune soils, shallow soils over Not observed the NSW North bedrock, deep clay soils. during surveys. Coast, Sydney Topography: Located near coastline in sheltered Basin and South positions. Often found on coastal dunes, headlands or East Corner riparian locations. Bioregions Characteristic Species: Rainforest type species; Cupaniopsis anacardioides, Syzygium leuhmannii, Acacia hemilampra, Lophostemon confertus, Ficus sp., Livistona australis. Lowland Rainforest Geology / Soils: Typically of high nutrient geological Not observed in the NSW North substrates, notably basalts and fine-grained during surveys. Coast and Sydney sedimentary rocks. Basin Bioregions Topography: Lower slopes and ranges below 600m above sea level in its northern range and below 350m sea level within the Sydney basin. Characteristic Species: Lowland Rainforest encompasses stands which fall principally within the following subtropical alliances and suballiances of Floyd (1990): Argyrodendron trifoliatum alliance • 1. Argyrodendron trifoliatum suballiance • 5. Castanospermum australe – Dysoxylum muelleri suballiance • 6. Archontophoenix – Livistonia suballiance Dendrocnide excelsa – Ficus spp. alliance • 14. Doryphora sassafras – Daphnandra micranthus – Dendrocnide excelsa – Ficus spp. – Toona suballiance • 15. Ficus spp. – Dysoxylum fraserianum – Toona – Dendricnide suballiance Drypetes australasica – Araucaria cunninghamii alliance • 21. Araucaria cunninghamii suballiance • 22. Flindersia spp. – Araucaria suballiance Lowland Rainforest Geology / Soils: fertile moist silts often on basic Observed during on Floodplain in the volcanic substrates. surveys. NSW North Coast Topography: Lowland river valleys in riverine Bioregion corridors and on alluvial flats. Characteristic Species: Lowland Rainforest on

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TABLE 2.2 ENDANGERED ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES OF THE AREA Name Habitat Requirements Comments Floodplain falls predominately into Suballiance 3: Cryptocarya obovata - Dendrocnide excelsa - Ficus spp – Araucaria of Floyd (1990).

Elements of the following Floyd (1990) suballiances may also be present: 1: Heritiera trifoliata suballiance, 2: Toona – Flindersia suballiance, 4: Elaeocarpus grandis suballiance, 5: Castanospermum - Dysoxylum mollissimum suballiance, 6: A rchontophoenix – Livistona suballiance 23: Ficus -Streblus -Dendrocnide -Cassine , Suballiance 24: Castanospermum - Grevillea robusta , Suballiance 25: Streblus - Austromyrtus , Suballiance 26: Waterhousea floribunda - Tristaniopsis laurina suballiance, and 33: Ceratopetalum /Schizomeria - Heritiera /Sloanea suballiance also occur. River-Flat Eucalypt Geology / Soils: Silts, clay-loams and sandy loams. Observed during Forest on Coastal Topography: Periodically inundated alluvial flats, surveys. Floodplains of the drainage lines and river terraces associated with North Coast, coastal floodplains with a recurring flood interval of Sydney basin and less than 1 in 100 years. South East Corner Characteristic Species: Eucalyptus tereticornis, E. bioregions (REFCF) amplifolia, E. botryoides, E. grandis, E. benthamii, Angophora floribunda, A. subvelutina, Melaleuca decora, M. stypheloides, Backhousia myrtifolia, Casuarina cunninghamiana and Casuarina glauca. Subtropical Coastal Geolo gy / Soils: clay-loams and sandy loams. Observed during Floodplain Forest of Topography: Periodically inundated alluvial flats, surveys. the NSW North drainage lines and river terraces associated with Coast Bioregion coastal floodplains. (SCFF) Characteristic species: Eucalyptus tereticornis, E. siderophloia , Corymbia intermedia and, north of the Macleay floodplain, Lophostemon suaveolens. Swamp Oak Geology / Soils: Alluvial soils of fluvial or estuarine Not observed Floodplain Forest of origin, with significant salinity. during surveys. the NSW North Topography: Flood plains in areas with saline soils Coast, Sydney and flats adjoining estuaries. Basin and South Characteristic Species: Casuarina glauca. East Corner Bioregions (SOFF) Swamp Sclerophyll Geology / Soils: Waterlogged or periodically Observed during Forest on Coastal inundated humic clay loams and sandy loams. surveys. Floodplains of the Topography: Alluvial flats and drainage lines of NSW North Coast, coastal floodplains. Sydney Basin and Characteristic Species: includes species such as South East Corner Eucalyptus robusta, Melaleuca quinquenervia and Bioregions (SSFCF) Eucalyptus botryoides.

Flora and Fauna Survey Report – Valla Urban Growth Area (Ref: 10054) © Conacher Environmental Group Ph: (02)4324 7888 5

The following endangered ecological communities were observed within the subject site:

• Lowland Rainforest in the NSW North Coast and Sydney Basin Bioregions;

• River-Flat Eucalypt Forest on Coastal Floodplains of the North Coast, Sydney basin and South East Corner bioregions;

• Subtropical Coastal Floodplain Forest of the NSW North Coast Bioregion; and

• Swamp Sclerophyll Forest on Coastal Floodplains of the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions.

Corresponding vegetation communities are described below in Section 2.4 and mapped in Figure 1. Locations of endangered ecological communities are shown in Figure 1.

2.3 VEGETATION SURVEY METHODOLOGY

To determine the likely and actual occurrence of flora species and plant communities in the study area, field survey work was undertaken to supplement literature reviews and previous flora surveys of the area. The methods utilised for the flora survey are outlined as follows.

Literature Review

• A review of available literature for the area was undertaken to obtain reference material and background information for this study. These documents are listed in the References section of this Report.

• A search of the Atlas of NSW Wildlife (NPWS 2010) was undertaken to identify records of threatened flora species located within 10km of the study area. This enabled the preparation of a predictive list of threatened flora species that could possibly occur within the habitats found on the site.

Aerial Photograph Interpretation

• Aerial photographs at 1:25,000 scale were utilised to identify the extent of vegetation with respect to the study area and surrounding areas.

Field Survey

• A field survey which consisted of foot traverses within vegetated areas was conducted according to Cropper (1993) to identify the occurrence of flora species and the extent and location of vegetation communities present within the study area and to determine the positioning of more intensive survey locations.

• Initial flora surveys were undertaken within the subject site for the Preliminary Ecological Report prepared for the Boggy Creek Urban Release Area (Conacher Environmental Group 2008). These flora surveys were undertaken on the 30 February and 1 May 2008.

• Previous surveys were supplemented by further more extensive surveys undertaken on 1, 2, 3 and 4 November 2010 and generally incorporating the methodologies outlined in Dec (2004). Flora surveys were undertaken by consulting botanist Barry Collier.

Flora and Fauna Survey Report – Valla Urban Growth Area (Ref: 10054) © Conacher Environmental Group Ph: (02)4324 7888 6

• Additional opportunistic searches were also undertaken in conjunction with fauna surveys for the site.

• Flora survey locations are shown in Figure 1.

• Over both survey periods eighteen (18) 400m 2 quadrats were sampled within the study area for all flora species; and

• Eighteen (18) vegetation transects were surveyed within the study area. Transects were approximately 100m long and were traversed on foot with observation and recording of all species occurring within 2m of the transect.

• Targeted meander searches were conducted across the study area.

• Specimens of plants not readily identified in the field were collected for identification.

• Specimens of plants tentatively identified as threatened species are sent to the Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens for confirmation of the identification.

Vegetation Community Nomenclature

• The vegetation communities identified within the study area by Conacher Environmental Group were classified according to Keith (2004). Within the descriptions, the dominant species are listed after the structural description.

• Corresponding Endangered Ecological Communities listed on both the TSC Act (1995) and Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999) (EPBC) are also provided if relevant.

2.4 VEGETATION COMMUNITY DESCRIPTIONS AND FLORA SPECIES

The vegetation communities present within the study area consist of the following communities:

1) Blackbutt Forest; 2) Tallowwood Forest; 3) Spotted Gum Forest; 4) Flooded Gum Forest; 5) Melaleuca Swamp Forest; 6) Rainforest; 7) Pasture Lands; and 8) Agricultural Plantations / Orchards.

Vegetation community descriptions are provided below while a detailed species list is provided in Appendix 2 and locations are shown in Figure 1. Flora surveys have been completed and ongoing ground-truthing of vegetation community areas is currently being undertaken to accurately determine the extent of each vegetation community.

Flora and Fauna Survey Report – Valla Urban Growth Area (Ref: 10054) © Conacher Environmental Group Ph: (02)4324 7888 7

BLACKBUTT FOREST

Structure: Canopy Trees: To 30 metres high with 60% PFC.

Sub-canopy Trees: To 15 metres high with 10% PFC.

Shrubs: To 3 metres high with 40% PFC.

Groundlayer: To 1 metre high with 95% PFC.

Floristics: (Main Species Present) Canopy Trees: Eucalyptus pilularis, Syncarpia glomulifera.

Sub-canopy Trees: Allocasuarina torulosa .

Shrubs: Dodonaea triquetra, Lomatia silaifolia, and Phyllanthus gunnii .

Groundlayer: Imperata cylindrica , Themeda australis , Calochlaena dubia and Pteridium esculentum.

Weeds: Lantana camara.

Classification: This community does not correspond to any endangered ecological community.

Variation: Low levels of Angophora costata are present at higher elevations and Syncarpia glomulifera is common at lower elevations and along creekline areas.

Disturbance: This community has been disturbed by land clearing for the creation of vehicle tracks, past logging and past fire disturbance which was evidenced through blackened tree trunks.

Weed Invasion: Weed invasion is mostly low throughout most of this community, with the exception of some drainage line areas which contain a shrub layer dominated by Lantana camara .

Location and Distribution: This vegetation community is dominant through the study area. The distribution of this community is shown in Figure 1.

Flora and Fauna Survey Report – Valla Urban Growth Area (Ref: 10054) © Conacher Environmental Group Ph: (02)4324 7888 8

TALLOWWOOD FOREST

Structure: Canopy Trees: To 30 metres high with 50% PFC.

Shrubs: To 3 metres high with 80% PFC.

Groundlayer: To 1 metre high with 60% PFC.

Floristics: (Main Species Present) Canopy Trees: Eucalyptus microcorys, Lophostemon confertus, Eucalyptus siderophloia, Eucalyptus propinqua and Eucalyptus carnea .

Shrubs: Acacia sp, Livistona australis, Ozothamnus diosmifolius and Lantana camara.

Groundlayer: Paspalum wetsteinii , Blechnum cartilagineum, Doodia aspera and Cissus hypoglauca.

Weeds: Lantana camara and Paspalum wetsteinii.

Classification: Whilst the floristic assemblage this community with mesic mid-stratum community contains a number of rainforest species, this community does not form part of the Lowland Rainforest in the NSW North Coast and Sydney bioregions community. This has been determined based on the vegetation structure being of open forest <70% and that the community does not fall within the following alliances and suballiances of Floyd (1990).

Variation: There is variation within this community with respect to species distribution particularly with regard to the sub-dominant canopy trees.

Disturbance: This community has been disturbed logging, the creation of vehicle tracks and weed invasion.

Weed Invasion: High levels of weed invasion were observed throughout the shrub and groundcover layers of this community.

Location and Distribution: This vegetation community is located mostly on slopes within the study area. The distribution of this community is shown in Figure 1.

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SPOTTED GUM FOREST

Structure : Trees: To 18 - 24 metres high with a Projected Foliage Cover (PFC) of 40- 55%.

Shrubs: To 2.5 metres high with a variable 5 - 45% PFC.

Groundlayer: To 1 metre in height with variable 35 - 75% PFC.

Floristics: (Main Species Present) Trees: Corymbia maculata (Spotted Gum), Eucalyptus propinqua (Small- fruited Grey Gum) , Eucalyptus siderophloia (Northern Grey Ironbark)

Shrubs: Lantana camara* (Lantana), Dodonaea triquetra (Common hop Bush), Polyscias sambucifolia subsp. sambucifolia , Leptospermum polygalifolium subsp. transmontanum , Choricarpia leptopetala (Brush Turpentine), Glochidion ferdinandi var. ferdinandi (Cheese Tree), and Pittosporum undulatum (Sweet Pittosporum).

Groundlayer: Imperata cylindrica var. major (Blady Grass), Entolasia stricta (Wiry Panic),, Cymbopogon refractus (Barbed Wire Grass), Oplismenus imbecillis , Themeda australis (Kangaroo Grass), Lomandra longifolia (Spiny-headed Mat-rush), Hibbertia scandens (Climbing Guinea Flower), Hardenbergia violacea (False Sarsaparilla), Panicum simile (Two-colour Panic), Aristida vagans (Threeawn Speargrass) and Poa labillardieri var. labillardieri (Tussock).

Classification: This community does not correspond to any endangered ecological community.

Variation: On the lower slopes this community intergrades with the Wet Sclerophyll Tallowwood Forest community.

Disturbance: This community has been disturbed by grazing, edge effects and weed invasion.

Weed Invasion: Weed species observed were generally restricted to juvenile seedlings in areas that are regularly grazed. Steeper sloped un-grazed areas exhibited higher levels of Lantana camara (Lantana) in the mid stratum.

Location and Distribution: This vegetation community is located along the upper elevations of Cow Creek Road. The distribution of this community is shown in Figure 1.

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FLOODED GUM FOREST

Structure: Canopy Trees: To 30 metres high with 40% PFC.

Sub-canopy Trees: To 10-20 metres high with 50% PFC.

Shrubs: To 5 metres high with 50% PFC.

Groundlayer: To 1 metre high with 5-10% PFC.

Floristics: (Main Species Present) Canopy Trees: Eucalyptus grandis, Lophostemon confertus and Eucalyptus microcorys .

Sub-canopy Trees: Alphitonia excelsa , Backhousia myrtifolia and Tristaniopsis collina .

Shrubs: Ficus coronata, Backhousia myrtifolia and Wilkiea heugeliana.

Groundlayer: Rubus nebulosus , Morinda jasminoides , Blechnum cartilagineum and Christella dentata.

Weeds: Lantana camara and Paspalum wetsteinii.

Classification: This community corresponds to the endangered ecological community River-Flat Eucalypt Forest on Coastal Floodplains of the North Coast, Sydney basin and South East Corner bioregions.

Variation: There is variation within this community with respect species distribution particularly with regard to the sub-dominant canopy trees. Lomandra hystrix is also more common on creek bank areas.

Disturbance: This community has been disturbed by weed invasion, clearing and trampling by stock access to the creekline areas.

Weed Invasion: High levels of weed invasion were observed within the shrub layer and low to moderate levels of weed invasion were observed within the groundlayer of this community.

Location and Distribution: This vegetation community is located along watercourses through the subject site. The distribution of this community is shown in Figure 1.

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MELALEUCA SWAMP FOREST

Structure: Canopy Trees: To 20 metres high with 80% Projected Foliage Cover (PFC).

Sub-canopy Trees: To 10 metres high with 20% PFC.

Shrubs: To 3 metres high with 20% PFC.

Groundlayer: To 1.5 metre high with 90% PFC.

Floristics: (Main Species Present) Canopy Trees: Melaleuca quinquenervia, Eucalyptus robusta, Eucalyptus grandis and Melaleuca stypheloides .

Sub-canopy Trees: Callicoma serratifolia and Melaleuca stypheloides .

Shrubs: Cordyline serratifolia and Cryptocarya microneura.

Groundlayer: Gahnia clarkei , Hypolepis muelleri , Blechnum sp. and Stephania japonica .

Weeds: Lantana camara and Paspalum wetsteinii.

Classification: This community corresponds to the endangered ecological community Swamp sclerophyll forest on coastal floodplains of the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner bioregions.

Variation: There is variation within this community with respect to water inundation.

Disturbance: This community has been disturbed by weed invasion.

Weed Invasion: Light to moderate levels of weed invasion were observed within the shrub and groundcover layers of this community.

Location and Distribution: This vegetation community is located within the low-lying swampy areas of the subject site which have poor drainage. The distribution of this community is shown in Figure 1.

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RAINFOREST

Structure: Canopy Trees: To 30 metres high with 25% PFC.

Sub-canopy Trees: To 20 metres high with 80% PFC.

Shrubs: To 4 metres high with 40% PFC.

Groundlayer: To 1 metre high with 40% PFC.

Vines: To 25m with 60% PFC.

Floristics: (Main Species Present) Canopy Trees: Eucalyptus grandis.

Sub-canopy Trees: Ripogonum fawcettianum, Synoum glandulosum, Acmena smithii and Alphitonia excelsa.

Shrubs: Livistona australis, Acacia maidenii.

Groundlayer: Blechnum cartilagineum and Doodia aspera.

Vines: Cissus antarctica and Cissus hypoglauca.

Weeds: Lantana camara.

Classification: This community contains elements of the endangered ecological communities, Lowland Rainforest in the NSW North Coast and Sydney Basin Bioregions and Subtropical Coastal Floodplain Forest of the NSW North Coast Bioregion.

With regard to Lowland Rainforest on Floodplain endangered ecological community, this community contains some of the characteristic species described within the sub alliances 6 and 23 of Floyd (1990) and is likely to be transitional between these sub alliances.

With regard to the Subtropical Coastal Floodplain Forest endangered ecological community, elements are present where this community intergrades with the surrounding, more open eucalypt forest vegetation types.

Variation: Although weed invasion is high within this community isolated high quality patches areas are free of weeds or support lower levels of the dominant weed species. Species variation is present where this community adjoins the Disturbed Land and Riparian Flooded Gum Forest communities.

Disturbance: This community has been disturbed by land clearing and weed invasion.

Weed Invasion: Weed invasion is high within the shrub layer of this community.

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Location and Distribution: This community occurs along the western area of Boggy Creek as shown in Figure 1.

PASTURE LANDS

Structure: Canopy: Scattered trees to 18 - 22 metres high with <5% PFC.

Shrubs: Generally absent.

Ground-layer: To 0.4-1-5 metres high with 70% - 85% PFC.

Floristics: (Main Species Present) Canopy: Eucalyptus microcorys , Syncarpia glomulifera , Eucalyptus grandis, Eucalyptus pilularis and Lophostemon confertus.

Shrubs: Absent.

Groundlayer: Setaria sphacelata , Sporobolus indicus var. major , Pennisetum clandestinum , Axonopus fissifolius , Paspalum wettsteinii , Trifolium repens , Dichanthium sericeum subsp. sericeum , Cynodon dactylon Sida rhombifolia, Verbena bonariensis and Bidens pilosa .

Weeds: The groundlayer is dominated by weed species.

Classification: This community is highly disturbed and does not correspond to any endangered ecological communities. Where this community is located on drainage flats, scattered remnant or regrowth canopy trees belonging to the River-Flat Eucalypt Forest on Coastal Floodplains of the North Coast, Sydney basin and South East Corner bioregions endangered ecological community may be present.

Variation: There is minor variation in species composition in the vicinity of dams and creek edges with moisture species such as Persicaria hydropiper , Persicaria strigosa, Paspalum urvillei , Eleocharis equisetina , Cyperus polystachyos and Schoenoplectus mucronatus .

Disturbance: This community is the result of historic native vegetation clearing for agricultural grazing. This community is still currently grazed and utilised for agricultural purposes.

Location and Distribution: This community occurs in cleared areas over the majority of the study area as shown in Figure 1.

Weed Invasion: This vegetation unit primarily consists of exotic grass and herb species.

Flora and Fauna Survey Report – Valla Urban Growth Area (Ref: 10054) © Conacher Environmental Group Ph: (02)4324 7888 14

SECTION 3

FAUNA CHARACTERISTICS

3.1 THREATENED FAUNA SPECIES

A search of the Atlas of NSW Wildlife (NPWS 2010) was conducted for threatened fauna recorded within 20km of the subject site. This revealed a number of threatened species that may be present in the area. Details on threatened fauna species (Schedule 1 or 2 of the TSC Act (1995)) which are known to occur within the area are provided in Table 3.1.

TABLE 3.1 THREATENED FAUNA SPECIES OF THE AREA

Common Name TSC EPBC Preferred Habitat Comments Scientific Name Act Act Wallum Froglet V - Found in acidic paperbark swamps and wallum Suitable habitat Crinia tinnula country with dense groundcover. Breeds in present. temporary and permanent pools and ponds of high acidity. Green and Golden Bell E V Generally restricted to shallow, still or slow Suitable habitat Frog flowing, ephemeral and/or widely fluctuating present. Litoria aurea water bodies which are unpolluted and without heavy shading. Known habitats include coastal swamps, marshes, dune swales, lagoons, lakes and other estuary wetlands as well as riverine floodplain wetlands and billabongs, constructed water bodies including farm dams and ditches and other excavations capable of capturing water. Often found under debris. Green-thighed Frog V - Found in rainforests and open forests within or Suitable habitat Litoria brevipalmata at the edge of streams, swamps, lagoons, present. dams and ponds. Giant Barred Frog E E This species forages and shelters in deep, Suitable habitat Mixophyes iteratus damp leaf litter in rainforests, moist eucalypt present. forest and nearby dry eucalypt forest, at elevations below 1000 m. Breeding occurs around shallow, flowing rocky streams from late spring to summer . Stephens’ Banded V - A nocturnal and partly arboreal species that Suitable habitat Snake inhabits open and closed forest communities present. Hoplocephalus sheltering under bark, in hollows and under stephensii exfoliating slabs of granite. Blue-billed Duck V A completely aquatic species occurring mainly No suitable habitat Oxyura australis throughout the Murray-Darling basin in cool to present. warm temperate deep permanent freshwater lakes, lagoons and swamps with extensive reed-beds. Wompoo Fruit Dove V - Inhabits large undisturbed patches of lowland, Suitable habitat Ptilinopus magnificus adjacent highland rainforest and moist present. Observed eucalypt forests feeding on fruit. during surveys.

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TABLE 3.1 THREATENED FAUNA SPECIES OF THE AREA

Common Name TSC EPBC Preferred Habitat Comments Scientific Name Act Act Superb Fruit-Dove V - Rainforests, adjacent mangroves, eucalypt Suitable habitat Ptilinopus superbus forests, scrublands with native fruits. present. Rose-crowned Fruit- V - Occurs in dense rainforests with a substantial Suitable habitat dove understorey where it feeds entirely on fruit. present. Ptilinopus regina Black-necked Stork E - Occurs in tropical to warm temperate Suitable habitat Ephippiorhynchus terrestrial wetlands, estuarine and littoral present. asiaticus habitats. Black Bittern V - Freshwater & brackish streams & ponds. Suitable habitat Ixobrychus flavicollis present.

Eastern Osprey V - Utilises waterbodies including coastal waters, Suitable habitat Pandion cristatus inlets, lakes, estuaries and offshore islands present. with a dead tree for perching and feeding. Square-tailed Kite V - Utilises mostly coastal and sub-coastal open Suitable habitat Lophoictinia isura forest, woodland or lightly timbered habitats present. and inland habitats along watercourses and mallee that are rich in passerine birds. Little Eagle V - Inhabits a variety of habitats including Suitable habitat Hieraaetus woodland open forest, partially cleared areas, present. morphnoides along watercourses and around wetlands. Brolga V - Inhabits vegetated shallow wetlands, grassy No suitable habitat Grus rubicunda plains, coastal mudflats and irrigated present. croplands and, less frequently, mangrove- studded creeks and estuaries. Beach Stone-curlew E Inhabits remote and secluded beaches, coral No suitable habitat Esacus neglectus reefs and cays, mangrove fringes and present. estuarine mudflats. Australian Pied V - Inhabits coastal beaches and estuarine flats. No suitable habitat Oystercatcher present. Haematopus longirostris Sooty Oystercatcher V - Exclusively coastal in distribution foraging No suitable habitat Haematopus along rocky coastlines and estuaries. present. fuliginosus Comb-crested Jacana V - Deep and permanent vegetation-choked No suitable habitat Irediparra gallinacea tropical and warm temperate wetlands. present.

Little Tern E - An almost exclusively coastal species No suitable habitat Sterna albifrons inhabiting open beaches, sheltered inlets, present. estuaries and occasionally lakes. Distribution Limit- N-North of Tweed Heads. S-South of Eden. Glossy Black-Cockatoo V - Open forests with Allocasuarina species and Suitable habitat Calyptorhynchus hollows for nesting. present. Chewed lathami A. torulosa cones observed during surveys.

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TABLE 3.1 THREATENED FAUNA SPECIES OF THE AREA

Common Name TSC EPBC Preferred Habitat Comments Scientific Name Act Act Little Lorikeet V - Found in forests, woodlands, large trees in Suitable habitat Glossopsitta pusilla open country, timbered watercourses and present. Observed street trees. during surveys. Powerful Owl V - Forests containing mature trees for shelter or Suitable habitat Ninox strenua breeding & densely vegetated gullies for present. Heard roosting. calling from north- west of the subject site during surveys. Barking Owl V - Inhabits principally woodlands but also open Suitable habitat Ninox connivens forests and partially cleared land and utilises present. hollows for nesting. Sooty Owl V - Tall, dense, wet forests containing trees with Suitable habitat Tyto tenebricosa very large hollows. present. Masked Owl V - Open forest & woodlands with cleared areas Suitable habitat Tyto novaehollandiae for hunting and hollow trees or dense present. vegetation for roosting. Grass Owl V - Inhabits grassland, coastal heath and lignum No suitable habitat Tyto capensis swamps, sheltering in dense grass tussocks present. by day. Brown Treecreeper V - Occupies Eucalypt woodlands, open No suitable habitat (Eastern subspecies) woodland lacking a dense understorey with present. Climacteris picumnus fallen dead timber. Distribution Limit. (Sub victoriae species victoriae) Central NSW west of Great Div. Cumberland Plains, Hunter Valley, Richmond, Clarence, and Snowy River Valleys. Mangrove Honeyeater V - Primarily inhabits mangrove forests and Suitable habitat Lichenostomus adjacent areas containing banksias, present. fasciogularis eucalypts, casuarinas and paperbarks. Regent Honeyeater E E Found in temperate eucalypt woodland and Suitable habitat Anthochaera Phrygia open forest including forest edges, wooded present. farmland and urban areas with mature eucalypts. Grey-crowned Babbler V - Found in dry open forests, woodland Suitable habitat Pomatostomus scrubland, and farmland with isolated trees. present. temporalis temporalis Distribution Limit mostly west of Great Divide except Hunter Valley. Varied Sittella V - Prefers open eucalypt woodlands and forests, Suitable habitat Daphoenositta mallee, inland acacia, coastal tee-tree scrubs, present. chrysoptera parks and gardens. Barred Cuckoo-shrike V - Inhabits warm temperate to tropical rainforest Suitable habitat Coracina lineata and their margins, feeding mainly on fruit. present. Scarlet Robin V - Dry eucalypt forest and woodlands with open Suitable habitat Petroica boodang understorey during breeding season, present. dispersing during autumn–winter into open habitats including urban areas. Diamond Firetail V - Found in Eucalypt woodlands, forests and No suitable habitat Stagonopleura guttata mallee where there is grassy understorey west present. of the Great Div. also drier coastal woodlands of the Cumberland Pla in and Hunter Richmond and Clarence River Valleys.

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TABLE 3.1 THREATENED FAUNA SPECIES OF THE AREA

Common Name TSC EPBC Preferred Habitat Comments Scientific Name Act Act Spotted-tailed Quoll V V Dry and moist open forests containing rock Suitable habitat Dasyurus maculatus caves, hollow logs or hollow trees for shelter. present. Brush-tailed V E A largely arboreal mammal of open forests Suitable habitat Phascogale and woodlands using hollows as nesting in present. Phascogale tapoatafa hollow bearing trees.

Common Planigale V - Utilises a range of habitats including Suitable habitat Planigale maculata rainforest, dry open forest, grasslands and present. marshland with dense groundcover, a deep litter layer and log debris. Parma Wallaby V Inhabits rainforests and wet and dry Suitable habitat Macropus parma sclerophyll forests with a dense understorey present. and associated grassy patches. Brush-tailed Rock- E V Found in rocky gorges with a vegetation of No suitable habitat wallaby rainforest or open forests to isolated rocky present. Petrogale penicillata outcrops in semi-arid woodland country. Yellow-bellied Glider V - Tall mature eucalypt forests with high nectar Suitable habitat Petaurus australis producing species and hollow bearing trees. present.

Squirrel Glider V - Mixed aged stands of eucalypt forest and Suitable habitat Petaurus norfolcensis woodlands including gum barked, high nectar present. producing species and hollow bearing trees. Koala V - Inhabits both wet & dry eucalypt forests on Suitable habitat Phascolarctos cinereus high nutrient soils containing preferred feed present. Trees with trees. scratch marks characteristic of Koala use observed during surveys. Grey-headed Flying- V V Found in a variety of habitats including Suitable habitat fox rainforest, mangroves, paperbark swamp, wet present. Observed Pteropus and dry open forest and cultivated areas. during surveys. poliocephalus Forms camps commonly found in gullies and in vegetation with a dense canopy. Eastern Blossom bat V - Roosts in the dense foliage of coastal Suitable habitat Syconycteris australis rainforests and forages for nectar and pollen present. in coastal rainforest, heathland, melaleuca swamp and coastal eucalypt forest habitats. Yellow-bellied V - Inhabits wet and dry sclerophyll forest, open Suitable habitat Sheathtail-bat woodland, shrubland, mallee, grassland and present. Saccolaimus desert. Roosts in tree hollows. flaviventris Eastern Freetail-bat V - Inhabits eucalypt forest and woodland on the Suitable habitat Mormopterus coastal side of the Great Dividing Range. present. norfolkensis Roosts in tree hollows, under bark and in various man made structures. Eastern False V - Inhabits wet sclerophyll forest, open forest, Suitable habitat Pipistrelle rainforest and coastal mallee. Roosts mostly present. Observed Falsistrellus in roosts in hollow trunks of eucalypts but also during surveys. tasmaniensis in caves and man made structures.

Flora and Fauna Survey Report – Valla Urban Growth Area (Ref: 10054) © Conacher Environmental Group Ph: (02)4324 7888 18

TABLE 3.1 THREATENED FAUNA SPECIES OF THE AREA

Common Name TSC EPBC Preferred Habitat Comments Scientific Name Act Act Golden-tipped Bat V Inhabits rainforest and adjoining moist open Suitable habitat Kerivoula papuensis forest habitats. Roosts in tree hollows and present. dense vegetation. Little Bentwing-bat V - Inhabits rainforest, vine thicket, wet and dry Suitable habitat Miniopterus australis melaleuca swamps and coastal forests. Roosts present. Observed in caves, man made structures such as during surveys. abandoned mines and buildings and occasionally banana trees and tree hollows. Eastern Bentwing-bat V - Inhabits rainforest, wet and dry sclerophyll Suitable habitat Miniopterus forest, open woodland, Melaleuca forests and present. schreibersii open grassland. Roosts in caves and man oceanensis made structures. Southern Myotis V - Roosts in caves, mines, tunnels, buildings, Suitable habitat Myotis macropus tree hollows and under bridges. Forages over present. Observed open water. during surveys. Eastern Long-eared V - Prefers wetter habitats such as rainforest, wet Suitable habitat Bat sclerophyll and swamp sclerophyll forest. present. Nyctophilus bifax Utilises a variety of roost habitats including tree hollows, opportunistic areas such as foliage roosts and depressions in tree branches and trunks. Greater Broad-nosed V - Inhabits moist gullies in mature coastal forest, Suitable habitat Bat rainforest, open woodland, Melaleuca swamp present. Scoteanax rueppellii woodland, wet and dry sclerophyll forest, cleared areas with remnant trees and tree- lined creeks in open areas. Roosts in tree hollows, cracks and fissures in trunks and dead branches, under exfoliating bark, and in man made structures. Eastern Cave Bat V - Roosts in caves and rock overhangs, and is Suitable habitat Vespadelus troughtoni primarily found in areas containing sandstone present. or volcanic rock escarpments. Inhabits mixed woodland and wet and dry sclerophyll forest along the coast and the Great Dividing Range. Is found in drier forest on the western slopes and within inland areas. Black Grass-dart E - Restricted to areas containing its source food No suitable habitat Butterfly plant Alexfloydia repens , between Digger’s present. Ocybadistes Headland and Warrell Creek. knightorum V = Vulnerable species E = Endangered species

Flora and Fauna Survey Report – Valla Urban Growth Area (Ref: 10054) © Conacher Environmental Group Ph: (02)4324 7888 19

The following threatened fauna species have been recorded within the subject site:

• Wompoo Fruit Dove ( Ptilinopus magnificus ); • Glossy Black-Cockatoo ( Calyptorhynchus lathami ); • Little Lorikeet (Glossopsitta pusilla ); • Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua ); • Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus ); • Grey-headed Flying-fox ( Pteropus poliocephalus ); • Eastern False Pipistrelle ( Falsistrellus tasmaniensis ); • Little Bentwing-bat ( Miniopterus australis ); • Southern Myotis ( Myotis macropus ).

Threatened species observation locations are shown in Figure 1.

3.2 ENDANGERED FAUNA POPULATIONS

An endangered population of the Emu ( Dromaius novaehollandiae ), occurs within the NSW North Coast Bioregion and Port Stephens LGA. Nambucca Shire is located within this area.

The Emu was not observed within the study area. It is therefore considered that no endangered fauna population is present within the study area.

3.3 FAUNA SURVEY METHODOLOGY

In order to detect the possible occurrence of threatened fauna species specific methods targeting these species were employed.

Literature Review

• Review of local resource documents; • A search of the Atlas of NSW Wildlife (NPWS 2010) was undertaken to identify records of threatened fauna species located within 10km of the site. This enabled the preparation of a predictive list of threatened fauna species that could possibly occur within the habitats found on the site.

Fauna Survey

A detailed fauna survey of the subject site was undertaken generally incorporating the methodologies outlined in DEC (2004).

Sampling Design Justification Stratification of sampling design was specifically targeted for each fauna group. The following stratification design was utilised.

Amphibians Survey for amphibians was stratified into three units:

1) Boggy Creek; 2) Cow Creek; 3) The unnamed drainage line north of Cow Creek.

Flora and Fauna Survey Report – Valla Urban Growth Area (Ref: 10054) © Conacher Environmental Group Ph: (02)4324 7888 20

Reptiles No threatened reptile species are known within the locality, searches for reptiles was incorporated into opportunistic and diurnal searches for other fauna groups

Birds Five main bird census sites were established across the subject site. These census sites were surveyed several times over the period of the survey program. Censuses were also undertaken at opportunistic and one-off locations to account for variations in habitat types across the site.

The habitat types targeted included:

1) Wet Sclerophyll Forest (survey sites 1, 2, 3 and 4); 2) Riparian Forest (Several opportunistic observations and one-off survey points at various locations); 3) Swamp Sclerophyll Forest (Survey site 3); 4) Rainforest (Several opportunistic observations and one-off survey points at various locations).

Opportunistic searches were also undertaken while conducting vegetation surveys across the subject site. Locations of opportunistic searches were not recorded, however any threatened species observed during opportunistic surveys are shown in Figure 2.

Non Flying Mammals Five survey sites were established across the subject site for arboreal and terrestrial non flying mammals. Trapping, spotlighting and recorded call playback was undertaken at each survey site. It is considered that one main stratification type, Wet Sclerophyll Forest is present across the study area. Placement of survey sites did account for habitat variation and across the site and small areas of vegetation variation such as pockets of Rainforest and Swamp Sclerophyll Forest. Surveys were also undertaken at opportunistic and one-off locations to account for variations in habitat types across the site.

Bats Five survey sites were established across the subject site for bats. Anabat detection, and spotlighting was undertaken at each survey site and at several additional sites across the study area. It is considered that one main stratification type, Wet Sclerophyll Forest is present across the study area. Placement of survey sites accounted for habitat variation across the site and small areas of vegetation variation such as pockets of Rainforest and Swamp Forest.

Methods Utilised

The methods that were utilised consisted of:

• Targeted Amphibian searches; • Targeted Reptile searches; • Diurnal and nocturnal bird surveys; • Playback of recorded owl calls; • Nocturnal spotlighting; • Bat echolocation call detection; • Arboreal and terrestrial mammal trapping using Elliott Type A & B traps; • Wire Cage Trapping; • “Spot Assessment Technique” to determine Koala habitation; and • Habitat searches.

Flora and Fauna Survey Report – Valla Urban Growth Area (Ref: 10054) © Conacher Environmental Group Ph: (02)4324 7888 21

Surveys were undertaken as follows:

19 - 28 December 2007 - Diurnal Census / habitat search x 4 days - Call Playback x 2 nights - Spotlighting x 3 nights - 10 hair tubes x 4 transects x 10 nights (400 Hairtube Nights) - 10 x A & B Elliott traps x 3 transects x 3 nights (90 Elliot Trap Nights) - 2 x Large Cage Traps x 3 night (6 Cage Trap Nights) - 2 Anabat Units x 3 nights (6 Anabat Nights).

29 August 2008 - Diurnal Census / habitat search.

19-21 October 2010 - Diurnal Census / habitat search x 2 days - Call Playback x 2 nights - Spotlighting x 2 nights - 2 Anabat Units x 2 nights (4 Anabat Nights).

1-5 November 2010 - Diurnal Census / habitat search x 5 days - Call Playback x 4 nights - Spotlighting x 4 nights - 10 x A & B Elliott traps x 10 transects x 3 nights (300 Elliot Trap Nights) - 24 x Large Cage Traps x 3 nights (72 Elliot Trap Nights) - 3 Anabat Units x 3 nights ( 9 Anabat Nights).

9-10 December 2010 - Diurnal opportunistic observation on the afternoon of 9 December and morning of 10 December 2010 - Spotlighting and opportunistic call observations at two locations on 9 December 2010 between 8pm and 10pm

30 - 31 December 2010 - Diurnal opportunistic observations during 8 hours of field checking of vegetation communities and habitat attributes

The weather conditions experienced during the various survey periods are summarised in Appendix 4. The warm springtime/summertime weather conditions experienced during the November/December 2010 survey period were optimal survey conditions for reptiles, bats and birds.

3.4 FAUNA OBSERVED

The fauna species observed within the study area are listed in Appendix 3. Observation locations for threatened fauna species are shown in Figure 2. All other species observed are considered to be relatively common within the local area. The following threatened fauna species have been recorded within the subject site:

• Wompoo Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus magnificus ); • Glossy Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami ); • Little Lorikeet (Glossopsitta pusilla ); • Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua );

Flora and Fauna Survey Report – Valla Urban Growth Area (Ref: 10054) © Conacher Environmental Group Ph: (02)4324 7888 22

• Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus ); • Grey-headed Flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus ); • Eastern False Pipistrelle (Falsistrellus tasmaniensis ); • Little Bentwing-bat (Miniopterus australis ); and • Southern Myotis (Myotis macropus ).

Two Wompoo Fruit Doves were observed foraging in a fig tree located within a rural residential backyard within the south-east of the study area on 3 November 2010.

Chewed Allocasuarina torulosa cones, attributed to foraging Glossy Black Cockatoos, were observed within the Blackbutt Forest vegetation community at the location shown in Figure 2 during surveys conducted in October 2010. No direct Glossy Black Cockatoo sightings were obtained during surveys.

Several Little Lorikeets were observed foraging within the Spotted Gum Forest vegetation community on 9 December 2010.

A Powerful Owl was heard calling from north-west of the study area early in the evening on 9 December 2010.

Several trees (mostly Eucalyptus propinqua ) at the two locations shown in Figure 2, contained scratch marks characteristic of Koala use. These trees were identified during surveys in October 2010 and December 2010. No scats or direct Koala observations were recorded during the survey period. Threatened species records for the local area provided by Nambucca Shire Council show records for the Koala within the locality.

Grey-headed Flying-foxes were observed at three separate locations across the study area during nocturnal surveys conducted in November 2010 and December 2010.

The Eastern False Pipistrelle was detected at one location during anabat surveys conducted in November 2010 in the north-western section of the study area.

The Little Bentwing-bat was detected at the locations shown in Figure 1 during anabat surveys conducted during November 2010.

The Southern Myotis was detected during anabat surveys within the south-eastern area of the study area during surveys conducted during November 2010. The location where this species was detected is in close proximity to the Melaleuca Swamp Forest vegetation community, which contains wetland areas which provide suitable foraging habitat for this species.

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SECTION 4

SURVEY SUMMARY AND ASSESSMENT

4.1 SUMMARY OF SURVEY RESULTS

Based on the detailed field surveys it is concluded that:

i. No threatened flora species were observed within the subject site during surveys.

ii. The following threatened fauna species were observed during surveys: - Wompoo Fruit Dove ( Ptilinopus magnificus ); - Glossy Black-Cockatoo ( Calyptorhynchus lathami ); - Little Lorikeet ( Glossopsitta pusilla ); - Powerful Owl ( Ninox strenua ); - Koala ( Phascolarctos cinereus ); - Grey-headed Flying-fox ( Pteropus poliocephalus ); - Eastern False Pipistrelle (Falsistrellus tasmaniensis ); - Little Bentwing-bat (Miniopterus australis ); and - Southern Myotis ( Myotis macropus ).

iii. No endangered populations were observed within the subject site.

iv. The following endangered ecological communities were observed during surveys: - Lowland Rainforest in the NSW North Coast and Sydney Basin Bioregions; - River-Flat Eucalypt Forest on Coastal Floodplains of the North Coast, Sydney basin and South East Corner bioregions; - Subtropical Coastal Floodplain Forest of the NSW North Coast Bioregion; and - Swamp Sclerophyll Forest on Coastal Floodplains of the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions.

4.2 STATE ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING POLICY No 44 ASSESSMENT

A detailed assessment of potential koala utilizing various locations within the study area, particularly where the Small-fruited Grey Gums ( Eucalyptus propinqua ) occurred, was observed by the presence of koala claw scratch marks on the trunks of these smooth barked trees.

While some of the vegetation communities were assessed as containing patches of potential koala habitat no direct observations of koalas were made. The SEPP 44 assessment has concluded that the study area does not contain core koala habitat as defined in SEPP 44.

4.3 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT REVIEW

A detailed review of the rezoning proposal in relation to biodiversity matters identified in the EP&BC Act is provided in Appendix 6. This review identified that:

- No threatened flora species listed within the EP&BC Act (1999) were observed within the study area;

Flora and Fauna Survey Report – Valla Urban Growth Area (Ref: 10054) © Conacher Environmental Group Ph: (02)4324 7888 24

- One threatened fauna species, the Grey-headed Flying-fox ( Pteropus poliocephalus ), listed within the EP&BC Act (1999) was observed flying over and foraging within the study area. No Grey-headed Flying-fox roost or camp sites were observed within the subject site;

- No endangered ecological communities listed within the EP&BC Act (1999) were observed within the study area.

- The EP&BC Act review concluded that a referral of this project to the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities is not required as it is not likely to impact on a significant population of nationally listed threatened species or on any nationally listed endangered ecological community.

4.4 CONSIDERATIONS OF BIODIVERSITY ISSUES

The results of the detailed flora and fauna surveys and vegetation mapping will be used to assess the various matters relating to biodiversity within the study area. The occurrence of threatened fauna species and endangered ecological communities within the study area is of relevance in determining the potential significance of future urban development within the study area. The potential for retention of habitats and/or connectivity of habitats is to be assessed in future biodiversity assessment reporting for the study area.

Flora and Fauna Survey Report – Valla Urban Growth Area (Ref: 10054) © Conacher Environmental Group Ph: (02)4324 7888 25

APPENDIX 1

FLORA & FAUNA SURVEY METHODS

FLORA AND FAUNA SURVEY METHODOLOGY

Introduction

Flora survey methods utilised are detailed in the report and are specific for each area surveyed. The methods utilized are dependent on the nature and extent of vegetation present and season of survey.

Fauna survey methods used by Conacher Environmental Group are based upon the standard methods utilised by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS 2010), State Forests of NSW (York et al . 1991), LHCCREMS (2003), Wyong Shire Council (Forest Fauna Surveys et al . 1999) and Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC 2004) and adapted to those specific requirements of various local Council fauna survey guidelines where appropriate. Specific fauna groups are targeted using methods specific to that group. This appendix provides specific information on each of the fauna survey methods applied for this survey. During each of the methods used the following data is gathered relating to weather conditions:

• Air temperature; • Moon (where relevant) (eg none, 1/4 moon, 1/2 moon, 3/4 moon, full moon); • Rain (eg none, light drizzle, heavy drizzle, heavy rain); • Recent rain events (where relevant); • Wind Strength eg calm, light (leaves rustle), moderate (moves branches), strong (moves tree crowns).

The survey methods outlined below are the standard survey methods utilised by Conacher Environmental Group. The specific survey methods used for each site will depend upon the site characteristics such as size of the site, number of vegetation communities and amount of disturbance.

1. Diurnal Birds a. Bird Census

• A diurnal bird census is undertaken on each day of the survey. Each census involves a 1-2 hour census throughout the site. Birds may be recorded by the observer traversing the subject site or from targeted census points within the site. A bird census is undertaken during peak activity periods (6am-9am and 3pm-6pm or later depending on season) and birds are identified through observation and call identification. Specific habitats of threatened species are also targeted across the study areas either during the bird census or opportunistically.

• Opportunistic bird counts are also made while undertaking other survey work and during spotlight surveys of the site.

• Birds are observed and identified using binoculars. Calls are generally identified in the field by the observer. If an unknown call is heard it is recorded and identified using reference libraries.

Appendix 1 – Flora & Fauna Survey Methods © Conacher Environmental Group Ph: (02)4324 7888 1

b. Opportunistic Sampling

• When carrying out any particular method of fauna survey, any birds observed or heard are recorded. Signs of birds such as feeding stations are also noted and analysed. This provides a wider opportunity for observation of species. c. Habitat Searches

• Habitat searches involve targeted searches for signs of likely bird activity such as nesting or hollow tree use. Signs of feeding such as the characteristic chew marks of Allocasuarina cones are also targeted during searches.

2. Nocturnal Birds a. Spotlighting

• Spotlight surveys are conducted in the evening for 1 hour after sunset in small or highly disturbed sites and for 2 hours in large, undisturbed sites. Surveys are carried out by one or more persons and involve the use of a 55 watt spotlight powered by a 12 volt rechargeable battery. Spotlighting is carried out along existing tracks and/or roads, animal paths, boundary fence lines, woodland or forest with open understorey, individual trees, and where accessible, trapping transects. b. Owl Call Playback

• The recorded calls of the Powerful, Barking, Masked, and Sooty Owls are broadcast at the completion of spotlighting via a 13 watt battery operated loudspeaker. Calls are broadcast separately for 5 minutes followed by a listening period of 2 minutes. The immediate area is then surveyed with a spotlight to detect any responses. Calls for each species are played separately. Calls are broadcast from different locations depending on the size of the site and the length of the survey. c. Stagwatch

• Stagwatch surveys are conducted in the evening for approximately 15 minutes prior to and 45 minutes after sunset. Hollow trees identified with habitat potential are observed for use by fauna. Any owls observed leaving hollows are noted and identified.

3. Arboreal Mammals a. Elliott Trapping

• Arboreal mammal trapping involves the use of either Type A or Type B Elliott Traps or a combination of both. Elliott Traps are small folding box traps available in two sizes, Type A (330 x 100 x 100 mm) and Type B (450 x 150 x 150 mm) (Elliott Scientific Co., Victoria). Traps are secured with rubber bands onto mounts that are attached to the trunk of large trees (Diameter at Breast Height - DBH > 100mm) at heights ranging from approximately two to three metres.

• The trap mounts consist of 500mm long hardwood planks bolted onto a steel angle bracket. These mounts are then nailed onto the tree trunk at an incline to facilitate drainage. All traps are placed in an open-ended plastic bag to provide captured animals with insulation and protection from inclement weather conditions.

Appendix 1 – Flora & Fauna Survey Methods © Conacher Environmental Group Ph: (02)4324 7888 2

• Traps are placed along transects or within grids. Traps are mounted at intervals to the nearest large trees in transects or grids of 5 to 10 traps each depending upon the size of the site and type and number of vegetation communities present. This gives transects of approximately 100-200 metres in length or grids approximately 1 hectare in size.

• Traps are set for a period of 3-4 continuous nights.

• Traps are baited with a mixture of peanut butter, rolled oats and honey. A 50/50 solution of honey and water is sprayed on the tree trunk, trap and mount to act as an attractant for arboreal mammals.

• All traps are checked each morning and cleared of entrapped animals which are released at point of capture.

• When released, captured animals are traced to their den sites if possible. b. Spotlighting

• Hair tubes consist of a 200mm length of PVC stormwater pipe (90mm diameter) fitted with a PVC plug and cap at one end which creates a bait chamber. Bait is placed in the bait chamber between the cap and the plug which has several holes drilled into it. This allows the smell of the bait to permeate from the tube without allowing access to the bait chamber. Strips of Schafco Advance Tape are placed around the inner surface of the tube opening to catch the hairs of fauna visiting the hair tubes.

• For arboreal fauna surveying hair tubes are placed on the trunk of trees at approximately two metres height using nails and rubber bands. Tubes are baited with a mixture of rolled oats, peanut butter and honey with a 50/50 honey water mix sprayed on the trunk of the tree. Tubes are placed along transects or within grids with the open side down to prevent rain effecting the adhesiveness of tapes.

• When the hair tubes are collected, the hair samples are sent to Barbara Triggs for analysis. d. Stagwatch

• Stagwatch surveys are conducted in the evening for approximately 30 minutes prior to and 60 minutes after sunset. Hollow trees identified with habitat potential are observed for use by fauna. Any arboreal fauna observed leaving hollows are noted and identified.

4. Terrestrial Mammals a. Elliott Trapping

• Terrestrial mammal trapping involves the combined use of both Type A and Type B Elliott Traps. Elliott Traps are small folding box traps available in two sizes, Type A (330 Appendix 1 – Flora & Fauna Survey Methods © Conacher Environmental Group Ph: (02)4324 7888 3

x 100 x 100 mm) and Type B (450 x 150 x 150 mm) (Elliott Scientific Co., Victoria). All traps are placed in an open-ended plastic bag to provide captured animals with insulation and protection from inclement weather conditions.

• Traps are placed on the ground in transects or grids of 5 to 10 traps each depending upon the size of the site and type and number of vegetation communities present. This gives transects of approximately 100-200 metres in length or grids approximately 1 hectare in size.

• Traps are baited with a mixture of rolled oats, honey and peanut butter and set in suitable locations next to animal diggings, burrows, fallen logs, tree trunks and animal runways.

• All traps are checked each morning and cleared of entrapped animals which are released at point of capture.

• Traps are set for a period of 3-4 continuous nights.

• When released, captured animals are traced to their den sites if possible. b. Spotlighting

• For terrestrial fauna surveying hair tubes are placed along transects or in grids and left in place for approximately 10 days. Along each of the hair tube transects, tubes are baited either with chicken meat or with peanut butter, rolled oats and honey.

• When the hair tubes are collected, the hair samples are sent to Barbara Triggs for analysis. d. Cage Trapping

• Terrestrial cage mammal trapping involves the use of wire cage traps. Wire cage traps are made of collapsible wire mesh and designed for the capture of larger size mammals.

Appendix 1 – Flora & Fauna Survey Methods © Conacher Environmental Group Ph: (02)4324 7888 4

• Traps are baited with chicken or rolled oats, peanut butter and honey and placed within transect lines or grids, usually in conjunction with Elliott trapping.

• All traps are placed in sheltered locations to provide protection from inclement weather. • All traps are checked each morning and cleared of entrapped animals which are released at point of capture.

• Traps are set for a period of 3-4 continuous nights.

5. Bats a. Sonar Detection

• The ultrasonic calls of Microchiropteran bats are recorded to audio cassette tapes using an Anabat II echolocation call detector. Recordings are made at suitable locations within the study area for a 45 minute continuous recording or all night call activated recording.

• An Anabat II ZCA Interface Module and Anabat 5.2b Software package for an IBM Compatible computer are used to analyse the ultrasonic call patterns recorded during the field and to identify those species recorded on site. b. Spotlighting • A survey for Flying-foxes was conducted by spotlighting potential food trees and by identifying their characteristic social calls. c. Harp Traps

• Harp traps are placed within suitable “flyways” such as across tracks, trails or creeks to maximise the likelihood of captures. Harp traps are placed within suitable vegetation types for a minimum of three nights.

• Harp traps are checked and cleared of captured bats 2hrs after dusk and again cleared of captured bats the next morning. All captured bats identified using field identification guides. Bats are then released at the point of capture or placed under bark or within trunk splits of nearby trees. d. Stagwatch

• Stagwatch surveys are conducted in the evening for approximately 15 minutes prior to and 45 minutes after sunset. Hollow trees identified with habitat potential are observed for use by microchiropteran bats. Any bats observed leaving hollows are identified by Anabat II detectors positioned at the base of the tree.

6. Amphibians a. Habitat Search

• Habitat searches involve searching likely niches such as dense undergrowth, around trees, under logs and rocks, and aquatic and gully habitats. Amphibian species observed during habitat searches are noted and the calls of species not observed are recorded onto a personal cassette recorder for later comparison with call reference libraries. Captured individuals were identified on site using field reference texts and released.

• If aquatic habitats are present on the site they are sampled for the presence of particular fish species to gather information on any predatory fish species such as Gambusia Appendix 1 – Flora & Fauna Survey Methods © Conacher Environmental Group Ph: (02)4324 7888 5

holbrooki . A small dip net is passed through the waterbody a number of times to sample the fish stock of the aquatic habitat.

• Opportunistic sightings of any reptiles or amphibians are also made while undertaking other survey work and during spotlight surveys of the site.

• Field traverses are made across the study area 0.5 hours at a time. Optimal times for conducting habitat searches are early morning, late afternoon or when favourable weather conditions for a particular species prevail. b. Call Identification

• Where suitable habitats are present, areas frogs heard calling are targeted and any frogs heard calling are identified in the field or recorded onto cassette for later identification. This method is specifically used during times of peak calling activity, that is, after rain/storms and in periods of warm weather.

7. Reptiles a. Habitat Search

• Habitat searches involve searching likely niches such as dense undergrowth, around trees, under logs and rocks, and aquatic and gully habitats. Destructive searches whereby bark, logs, debris, rocks and ant-nests are displaced are also carried out. Reptile species observed during habitat searches are noted and if individuals are captured they are identified on site using field reference texts and released.

• Opportunistic sightings of any reptiles are also made while undertaking other survey work.

• Field traverses are made across the study area for up to 3 hours at a time, usually by one person. Optimal times for conducting habitat searches are between 6am to 9am and 3pm to 6pm, or in suitable weather conditions depending on the season. b. Spotlighting

• Spotlight surveys are conducted in the evening for 1 hour after sunset in small or highly disturbed sites and for 2 hours in large, undisturbed sites to target nocturnal reptile species. Both terrestrial and arboreal habitats are searched during nocturnal searches. Surveys are carried out by one or more persons and involve the use of a 55 watt spotlight powered by a 12 volt rechargeable battery. Spotlighting is carried out along existing tracks and/or roads, animal paths, boundary fence lines, woodland or forest with open understorey, individual trees, and where accessible, trapping transects.

Appendix 1 – Flora & Fauna Survey Methods © Conacher Environmental Group Ph: (02)4324 7888 6

REFERENCES

DEC, (2004). Threatened Species Survey and Assessment: Guidelines for Developments and Activities (working drafts). New South Wales Department of Environment and Conservation.

Forest Fauna Surveys, EcoPro Pty Ltd and Fly By Night Bat Surveys Pty Ltd. (1999) Flora and Fauna Survey Guidelines . Prepared for Wyong Shire Council.

Lower Hunter Central Coast Regional Environmental Management (2002) Flora and Fauna Survey Guidelines Lower Hunter Central Coast Region.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. (1999) NSW Comprehensive Regional Assessments - Vertebrate Fauna Surveys (1996-97) Summer Survey Season Field Survey Methods . Amended January 1997. Prepared by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

York, A., Binns, D. and Shields, J. (1991) Flora and Fauna Assessment in NSW State Forests. Survey Guidelines . Report by Forest Ecology and Silviculture Section, Wood Technology and Forest Research Division, Forestry Commission of NSW.

Appendix 1 – Flora & Fauna Survey Methods © Conacher Environmental Group Ph: (02)4324 7888 7

APPENDIX 2

FLORA SPECIES OBSERVED WITHIN STUDY AREA

TABLE A2 FLORA SPECIES OBSERVED WITHIN STUDY AREA Family Scientific Name Common Name TREES Araliaceae Polyscias elegans Black Pencil Cedar Araliaceae Polyscias murrayi Pencil Cedar Araliaceae Polyscias sambucifolia Elderberry Panax Araucariaceae Araucaria cunninghamii Hoop Pine Arecaceae Archontophoenix cunninghamiana Bangalow Palm Arecaceae Livistona australis Cabbage Tree Palm Casuarinaceae Allocasuarina littoralis Black She-oak Casuarinaceae Allocasuarina torulosa Forest Oak Cunoniaceae Schizomeria ovata Crabapple Elaeocarpaceae Elaeocarpus reticulatus Blue-berry Ash Euphorbiaceae Claoxylon australe Brittlewood Euphorbiaceae Croton stigmatosus White Croton Euphorbiaceae Drypetes deplanchei Yellow Tulip Euphorbiaceae Mallotus philipensis Red Kamala Lauraceae Cinnamomum camphora* Camphor Laurel Lauraceae Cinnamomum oliveri Oliver's Sassafras Lauraceae Cryptocarya glaucescens Jackwood Lauraceae Endiandra muelleri Green-leaved Rose Walnut Lauraceae Litsea australis Brown Bolly Gum Lauraceae Neolitsea australensis Green Bolly Gum Lauraceae Neolitsea dealbata White Bolly Gum Meliaceae Dysoxylum mollissimum Red Bean Meliaceae Melia azedarach White Cedar Mimosoideae Archidendron grandiflorum Pink Lace Flower Moraceae Ficus coronata Sandpaper Fig Moraceae Ficus obliqua Small-leaved Fig Moraceae Ficus rubiginosa Rusty Fig Moraceae Ficus watkinsiana Strangler Fig Myrtaceae Acmena smithii Lilly Pilly Myrtaceae Angophora costata Smooth-barked Apple Myrtaceae Angophora floribunda Rough-barked Apple Myrtaceae Archirhodomyrtus beckleri Rose Myrtle Myrtaceae Callistemon salignus Willow Bottlebrush Myrtaceae Corymbia intermedia Pink Bloodwood Myrtaceae Corymbia maculata Spotted Gum Myrtaceae Eucalyptus carnea Thick-leaved Mahogany Myrtaceae Eucalyptus grandis Flooded Gum Myrtaceae Eucalyptus microcorys Tallowwood Myrtaceae Eucalyptus pilularis Blackbutt Myrtaceae Eucalyptus propinqua Small-fruited Grey Gum Myrtaceae Eucalyptus resinifera ssp hemilampra Red Mahogany Myrtaceae Eucalyptus robusta Swamp Mahogany Myrtaceae Eucalyptus saligna Sydney Blue Gum Myrtaceae Eucalyptus siderophloia Northern Grey Ironbark

Appendix 2 – Flora Species Observed within Study Area © Conacher Environmental Group Ph: (02)4324 7888 1

TABLE A2 FLORA SPECIES OBSERVED WITHIN STUDY AREA Family Scientific Name Common Name Myrtaceae Lophostemon confertus Brush Box Myrtaceae Melaleuca quinquenervia Broad-leaved Paperbark Myrtaceae Melaleuca sieberi Myrtaceae Melaleuca styphelioides Prickly-leaved Tea Tree Myrtaceae Pilidiostigma glabrum Plum Myrtle Myrtaceae Rhodomyrtus psidioides Native Guava Myrtaceae Syncarpia glomulifera Turpentine Myrtaceae Syzygium australe Brush Cherry Myrtaceae Syzygium crebrinerve Native Cherry Myrtaceae Syzygium oleosum Blue Lilly Pilly Proteaceae Banksia integrifolia Coast Banksia Quintiniaceae Quintinia verdonii Grey Possumwood Rhamnaceae Alphitonia excelsa Red Ash Rubiaceae Ixora beckleri Native Ixora Rutaceae Melicope micrococca White Euiodia Sapindaceae Cupaniopsis anacardioides Tuckeroo Sapindaceae Diploglottis cunninghamii Native Tamarind Sapindaceae Harpullia hillii Sapindaceae Jagera pseudorhus Foam Bark Sapindaceae Mischocarpus australis Sapindaceae Mischocarpus pyriformis Yellow Pear Fruit Urticaceae Dendrochnide excelsa Giant Stinging Tree

SHRUBS Apocynaceae Gomphocarpus fruiticosus* Narrow-leaved Cotton Bush Apocynaceae Tabernaemontana pandacaqui Banana Bush Araliaceae Astrotricha latifolia Asteraceae Baccharis halimifolia* Groundsel Bush Asteraceae Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp monilifera* Bitou Bush Asteraceae Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp rotundata* Bitou Bush Asteraceae Ozothamnus diosmifolius Dog Wood Capparaceae Capparis arborea Caper berry Celastraceae Maytenus bilocularis Orange Bark Cunoniaceae Callicoma serratifolia Black Wattle Dilleniaceae Hibbertia aspera Guinea Flower Dilleniaceae Hibbertia linearis Dilleniaceae Hibbertia obtusifolia Guinea Flower Dilleniaceae Hibbertia serpyllifoliaa Hairy Guinea Flower Dilleniaceae Hibbertia vestita Hairy Guinea Flower Epacridaceae Trochocarpa laurina Tree Heath Euphorbiaceae Alchornea ilicifolia Native Holly Euphorbiaceae Homalanthus populifolius Bleeding Heart Eupomatiaceae Eupomatia laurina Bolwarra Faboideae Hovea linearis Narrow-leaved Hovea Faboideae Platylobium formosum Handsome Flat Pea

Appendix 2 – Flora Species Observed within Study Area © Conacher Environmental Group Ph: (02)4324 7888 2

TABLE A2 FLORA SPECIES OBSERVED WITHIN STUDY AREA Family Scientific Name Common Name Faboideae Pultenaea retusa Egg & Bacon Pea Flacourtiaceae Scolopia braunii Flintwood Goodeniaceae Dampiera sylvestris Lamiaceae Clerodendrum tomentosum Hairy Clerodendron Loganiaceae Logania albiflora Malvaceae Hibiscus heterophyllus Native Rosella Malvaceae Hibiscus splendens Pink Hibiscus Melastomataceae Tibouchina urvilleana* Purple Glory Bush Meliaceae Synoum glandulosum Scentless Rosewood Mimosoideae Acacia falcata Falcate wattle Mimosoideae Acacia fimbriata Fringed Wattle Mimosoideae Acacia floribunda Sally Wattle Mimosoideae Acacia irrorata Green Wattle Mimosoideae Acacia longifolia Sydney Golden Wattle Mimosoideae Acacia maidenii Maiden's Wattle Mimosoideae Acacia myrtifolia Red Stemmed Wattle Mimosoideae Acacia ulicifolia Prickly Moses Monimiaceae Wilkiea huegeliana Veiny Wilkiea Musaceae Musa acuminata* Banana Myrsinaceae Myrsine howittiana Brush Muttonwood Myrsinaceae Myrsine variabilis Muttonwood Myrtaceae Backhousia myrtifolia Grey Myrtle Myrtaceae Choricarpia leptopetala Brush Turpentine Myrtaceae Gossia bidwillii Python Tree Myrtaceae Leptospermum polygalifolium Tantoon Myrtaceae Rhodamnia rubescens Scrub Turpentine Myrtaceae Sannantha pluriflora Ochnaceae Ochna serrulata* Micky Mouse Plant Oleaceae Notelaea longifolia Mock Olive Oleaceae Notelaea ovata Phyllanthaceae Breynia oblongifolia Coffee Bush Phyllanthaceae Glochidion ferdinandi Cheese Tree Phyllanthaceae Phyllanthus gunnii Scrubby Spurge Pittosporaceae Bursaria spinosa Blackthorn Pittosporaceae Pittosporum multiflorum Orange Thorn Pittosporaceae Pittosporum revolutum Rough-fruit Pittosporum Pittosporaceae Pittosporum undulatum Sweet Pittosporum Proteaceae Lomatia silaifolia Crinkle Bush Proteaceae Persoonia conjuncta Geebung Proteaceae Persoonia levis Broad-leaved Geebung Proteaceae Stenocarpus salignus Scrub Beefwood Rhamnaceae Pomaderris argyrophylla Silver Pomaderris Rutaceae Acronychia imperforata Beach Acronychia Santalaceae Exocarpos cupressiformis Native Cherry Santalaceae Exocarpos strictus

Appendix 2 – Flora Species Observed within Study Area © Conacher Environmental Group Ph: (02)4324 7888 3

TABLE A2 FLORA SPECIES OBSERVED WITHIN STUDY AREA Family Scientific Name Common Name Sapindaceae Dodonaea triquetra Large-leaf Hop Bush Sapindaceae Guioa semiglauca Guioa Solanaceae Physalis peruviana* Cape Gooseberry Solanaceae Solanum mauritianum* Wild Tobacco Solanaceae Solanum nigrum* Blackberry Nightshade Solanaceae Solanum pseudocapsicum * Jerusalem Cherry Solanceae Duboisia myoproides Hard Corkwood Styphelioideae Leucopogon juniperinus Prickly Beard-heath Thymelaeaceae Pimelea linifolia Rice Flower Thymeleaceae Wikstroemia indica Ulmaceae Trema tomentosa Native Peach Verbenaceae Lantana camara Lantana

GROUNDCOVERS Acanthaceae Brunoniella pumilio Darf Blue Trumpet Acanthaceae Pseuderanthemum variabile Pastel Flower Adiantaceae Adiantum aethiopicum Common Maidenhair Adiantaceae Adiantum formosum Black Stem Maidenhair Adiantaceae Adiantum hispidulum Rough Maidenhair Adiantaceae Cheilanthes austrotenuifolia Rock Fern Adiantaceae Pellaea paradoxa Amaranthaceae Alternanhera denticulata Lesser Joyweed Amaranthaceae Amaranthus viridis* Green Amaranth Apiaceae Centella asiatica Indian Pennywort Apiaceae Cyclospermum leptophyllum* Slender Celery Apiaceae Daucus carota* Wild Carot Apiaceae Hydrocotyle peduncularis Apiaceae Trachymene incisa Araceae Alocasia brisbanensis Cunjevoi Araceae Colocasia esculenta* Taro Araceae Gymnostachys anceps Settlers Flax Arecaceae Linospadix monostachya Walking-stick Palm Asparagaceae Asparagus plumosus* Climbing Asparagus Fern Aspleniaceae Asplenium aethiopicum Asteliaceae Cordyline stricta Narrow-leaved Palm Lilly Asteraceae Ageratina adenophora* Crofton Weed Asteraceae Ageratina riparia* Mistflower Asteraceae Ageratum conyzoides* Goat Weed Asteraceae Ambrosia artemisiifolia* Annual Ragweed Asteraceae Aster subulatus* Wild Aster Asteraceae Bidens pilosa* Farmers Friends Asteraceae Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle Asteraceae Conyza bonariensis* Flaxleaf Fleabane Asteraceae Conyza sumatrensis* Tall Fleabane Asteraceae Crassocephalum crepidioides* Thickhead

Appendix 2 – Flora Species Observed within Study Area © Conacher Environmental Group Ph: (02)4324 7888 4

TABLE A2 FLORA SPECIES OBSERVED WITHIN STUDY AREA Family Scientific Name Common Name Asteraceae Erechtites velerianifolia* Brazilian Fireweed Asteraceae Gamochaeta americana* Cudweed Asteraceae Hypochaeris radicata* Catsear Asteraceae Senecio madagascariensis Fireweed Asteraceae Sigesbeckia orientalis Indian Weed Asteraceae Sonchus oleraceus* Common Sowthistle Asteraceae Tagetetes minuta* Stinking Roger Asteraceae Taraxacum officionale* Dandelion Asteraceae Vernonia cinerea Vernonia Asteraceae Vittadinia hispidula Athyriaceae Deparia petersenii Athyriaceae Diplazium assimile Athyriaceae Diplazium australe Austral Lady Fern Berberidaceae Nandina domestica* Sacred Bamboo Blechnaceae Blechnum cartilagineum Gristle Fern Blechnaceae Blechnum minus Soft Water Fern Blechnaceae Blechnum nudum Fishbone Water Fern Blechnaceae Doodia aspera Rasp Fern Blechnaceae Doodia linearis Small Rasp Fern Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia stricta Austral Bluebell Caryophyllaceae Stellaria media* Chickweed Clusiaceae Hypericum gramineum Small StJohn's Wort Commelinaceae Aneilema acuminatum Commelinaceae Aneilema biflorum Commelinaceae Commelina cyanea Native Wandering Jew Commelinaceae Pollia crispata Pollia Convolvulaceae Dichondra repens Kidney Weed Convolvulaceae Polymeria calycina Bindweed Cyatheaceae Cyathea australis Rough tree-fern Cyatheaceae Cyathea leichhardtiana Prickly Tree Fern Cyperaceae Baumea articulata Jointed Twig Rush Cyperaceae Baumea teragonia Cyperaceae Carex appressa Tall Sedge Cyperaceae Carex longibrachiata Bergalia Tussock Cyperaceae Carex maculata Cyperaceae Cyperus brevifolius* Cyperaceae Cyperus disjunctus Cyperaceae Cyperus eragrostis* Umbrella Sedge Cyperaceae Cyperus filipes Cyperaceae Eleocharis sphacelata Tall Spike Rush Cyperaceae Fimbristylis dichotoma Common Fringe-sedge Cyperaceae Gahnia aspera Rough Saw Sedge Cyperaceae Gahnia clarkei Tall Saw Sedge Cyperaceae Gahnia melanocarpa Saw Sedge Cyperaceae Lepidosperma laterale

TABLE A2 FLORA SPECIES OBSERVED WITHIN STUDY AREA Family Scientific Name Common Name Cyperaceae Schoenoplectus mucronatus Cyperaceae Schoenus apogon Fluke Bog Rush Davalliaceae Arthropteris beckleri Dennstaedtiaceae Hypolepis muelleri Harsh Ground Fern Dennstaedtiaceae Pteridium esculentum Bracken Dicksoniaceae Calochlaena dubia Common Ground Fern Dryopteridaceae Arachniodes australe Prickly Shield Fern Dryopteridaceae Polystichum australiense Harsh Shield Fern Elaeocarpaceae Tetratheca thymifolia Black-eyed Susan Faboideae Desmodium gunnii SlenderTick-trefoil Faboideae Desmodium rhytidophyllum Tre-foil Faboideae Trifolium pratense* Red Clover Faboideae Trifolium repens* White Clover Geraniaceae Geranium homeanum Native Geranium Goodeniaceae Goodenia hederacea Ivy Goodenia Haloragaceae Gonocarpus teucroides Raspwort Iridaceae Patersonia sericea Silky Purple-flag Iridaceae Sisyrinchium iridifolium* Blue Pigroot Juncaceae Juncus continuus Juncaceae Juncus prismatocarpus Branching Rush Juncaceae Juncus usitatus Lamiaceae Stachys arvensis Stagger Weed Liliaceae Tripladenia cunninghamii Kreysigia Lindsaeaceae Lindsaea linearis Screw Fern Lindsaeaceae Lindsaea microphylla Lacy Wedge Fern Lobeliaceae Lobelia gibbosa Tall Lobelia Lobeliaceae Lobelia trigonocaulis Forest Lobelia Lobeliaceae Pratia purpurascens Whiteroot Lomandraceae Lomandra glauca Pale Mat-rush Lomandraceae Lomandra hystrix Lomandraceae Lomandra laxa Lomandraceae Lomandra longifolia Mat Rush Lomandraceae Lomandra multiflora Mat Rush Malvaceae Sida rhombifolia* Paddy's Lucerne Myrsinaceae Anagallis arvensis* Pimpernel Nymphaeaceae Nymphaea caerulea* Cape Waterlily Onagraceae Ludwigia peploides Water Primrose Orchidaceae Acianthus fornicatus Pixie Caps Orchidaceae Acianthus sp Gnat Orchid Orchidaceae Cryptostylis erecta Bonnet Orchid Orchidaceae Cryptostylis sp Orchidaceae Cryptostylis subulata Large Tongue Orchid Orchidaceae Dipodium punctatum Hyacinth Orchid Orchidaceae Microtis parviflora Slender Onion Orchid Oxalidaceae Oxalis chnoodes

TABLE A2 FLORA SPECIES OBSERVED WITHIN STUDY AREA Family Scientific Name Common Name Oxalidaceae Oxalis exilis Oxalidaceae Oxalis latifolia* Philydraceae Philydrum lanuginosum Frogmouth Phormiaceae Dianella caerula Blue Flax Lily Phormiaceae Dianella longifolia Blue Flax Lily Phyllanthaceae Poranthera microphylla Phytolaccaceae Phytolacca octandra* Ink Weed Plantaginaceae Plantago lanceolata* Lamb's Tongues Poaceae Andropogon virginicus* Whiskey Grass Poaceae Anthoxanthum odoratum* Sweet Vernal Grass Poaceae Aristida vagans Three-awn Spear Grass Poaceae Austrodanthonia tenuior Wallaby Grass Poaceae Austrostipa pubescens Poaceae Axonopus fissifolius* Narrow-leaved Carpet Grass Poaceae Briza maxima* Quaking Grss Poaceae Briza minor* Shivery Grass Poaceae Bromus cartharticus* Prairie Grass Poaceae Chloris gayana* Rhodes Grass Poaceae Cymbopogon refractus Barbed-wire Grass Poaceae Cynodon dactylon Common Couch Poaceae Dichanthium sericeum Queensland Blue Grass Poaceae Digitaria didactyla Queensland Blue Couch Poaceae Digitaria parviflora Small-flowered Finger Grass Poaceae Echinopogon caespitosa Hedgehog Grass Poaceae Entolasia marginata Bordered Panic Poaceae Entolasia stricta Wiry panic Poaceae Eragrostis brownii Brown's Lovegrass Poaceae Eragrostis curvula African Lovegrass Poaceae Eragrostis leptostachya Paddock Lovegrass Poaceae Imperata cylindrica Blady Grass Poaceae Lolium perenne* Perennial Ruegrass Poaceae Melenis repens Red Natal Grass Poaceae Melinis minutiflora Molasses Grass Poaceae Microlaena stipoides Weeping grass Poaceae Oplismenus aemulus Basket Grass Poaceae Oplismenus imbecillis Basket Grass Poaceae Panicum simile Two Colour Panic Poaceae Paspalum dilatatum* Paspalum Poaceae Paspalum mandiocanum* Poaceae Paspalum urvillei* Vasey Grass Poaceae Pennisetum alopecuroides Swamp Foxtail Poaceae Pennisetum clandestinum* Kikuyu Poaceae Poa labillardieri Tussock Poaceae Setaria pumila* Pale Pigeon Grass Poaceae Setaria sphacelata* Setaria

TABLE A2 FLORA SPECIES OBSERVED WITHIN STUDY AREA Family Scientific Name Common Name Poaceae Sporoblus elongatus Slender Rat's Tail Grass Poaceae Sporobolus indicus* Parramatta Grass Poaceae Themeda australis Kangaroo Grass Polygonaceae Persicaria decipiens Slender Knotweed Polygonaceae Persicaria hydropiper Water Pepper Polygonaceae Persicaria orientalis Prince's Fethers Polygonaceae Persicaria praetermissa Polygonaceae Persicaria strigosa Spotted Knotweed Polygonaceae Persicaria subsessilis Hairy Knotweed Polypodiaceae Platycerium bifircatum Elkhorn Polypodiaceae Platycerium superbum Staghorn Polypodiaceae Pyrrosia confluens Horseshoe Felt Fern Polypodiaceae Pyrrosia rupestris Rock Felt Fern Rannunculaceae Ranunculs scleratus* Celery Buttercup Rannunculaceae Ranunculus inundatus River Buttercup Rubiaceae Pomax umbellata Pomax Schizaeaceae Lygodium microphyllum Snake Fern Scrophulariaceae Veronica plebeia Trailing Speedwell Sparganiaceae Sparganium subglobosum Floating Burr-reed Thelypteridaceae Christella dentata Binung Typhaceae Typha orientalis BroadLeaved Cumbungi Urticaceae Elatostema stipitatum Verbenaceae Verbena bonariensis* Purpletop Verbenaceae Verbena rigida* Veined Verbena Violaceae Viola hederacea Ivy-leaved Violet Xanthorrhoeaceae Xanthorrhoea macronema Grass Tree Zamiaceae Lepidozamia peroffskyana Shining Burrawang Zingiberaceae Alpinia caerula Native Ginger Rutaceae Zieria smithii Sandfly Zieria

EPIPHYTES Loranthaceae Amylotheca dictyophleba Orchidaceae Cymbidium suave Snake Orchid Orchidaceae Erythrorchis cassythoides Climbing Orchid

VINES Apocynaceae Marsdenia rostrata Common Milk Vine Apocynaceae Melodinus quilfoylei Bellbird Vine Apocynaceae Parsonsia straminea Common Silkpod Bignoniaceae Pandorea pandorana Wonga Wonga Vine Celastraceae Celastrus subspicata Large-leaved Staff Vine Cunoniaceae Aphanopetalum resinosum Gum Vine Dilleniaceae Hibbertia dentata Guinea Flower Dilleniaceae Hibbertia scandens Guinea Flower Dioscoreaceae Dioscorea transversa Native Yam

TABLE A2 FLORA SPECIES OBSERVED WITHIN STUDY AREA Family Scientific Name Common Name Fabaceae Glycine tabacina Glycine Faboideae Derris involuta Derris Faboideae Glycine clandestina Glycine Faboideae Glycine microphylla Small-leaf Glycine Faboideae Hardenbergia violacea Flase Sarsaparilla Faboideae Kennedia rubicunda Dusky Coral Pea Flagellariaceae Flagellaria indica Whip Vine Lauraceae Cassytha filiformis Luzuriagaceae Eustrephus latifolius Wombat Berry Luzuriagaceae Geitonoplesium cymosum Scrambling Lilly Menispermaceae Sarcopetalum harveyanum Pearl Vine Menispermaceae Stephania japonica Snake Vine Moraceae Maclura cochinchinensis Cockspur Thorn Moraceae Trophis scandens Burny Vine Myrsinaceae Embelia australiana Embellia Passifloraceae Passiflora edulis* Common Passionfruit Passifloraceae Passiflora subpeltata* White Passionfruit Pittosporaceae Billardiera scandens Appleberry Ranunculaceae Clematis aristata Old Man's Beard Ripogonaceae Ripogonum discolor Prickly Supplejack Ripogonaceae Ripogonum fawcettianum Small Supplejack Rosaceae Rubus belobatus Rosaceae Rubus moluccanus Molucca Bramble Rosaceae Rubus nebulosus Green-leaved Bramble Rosaceae Rubus parvifolius Native Raspberry Rosaceae Rubus rossifolius Native Raspberry Rubiaceae Morinda jasminoides Sweet Morinda Smilacaceae Smilax australis Sarsaprilla Smilacaceae Smilax glyciphylla Sweet Sarsaparilla Vitaceae Cayratia clematidea Slender Grape Vitaceae Cissus antartica Water Vine Vitaceae Cissus hypoglauca Five-leaved Watervine Vitaceae Tetrastigma nitens Three-leaved Watervine Species name TS = Threatened Species * = Introduced Species

APPENDIX 3

FAUNA SPECIES OBSERVED WITH STUDY AREA

TABLE A3 FAUNA OBSERVED AND RECORDED WITHIN STUDY AREA Observation Common Name Scientific Name Method Tusked Frog Adelotus brevis C Common Eastern Froglet Crinia signifera C Green Tree Frog Litoria caerulea O Eastern Dwarf Tree Frog Litoria fallax C Dainty Green Tree Frog Litoria gracilenta C Rocket Frog Litoria nasuta O Peron's Tree Frog Litoria peronii C Leaf-green Tree Frog Litoria phyllochroa C Tyler's Tree Frog Litoria tyleri C Eastern Water Dragon Physignathus lesueurii O Land Mullet Egernia major O Dark-flecked Garden Sunskink Lampropholis delicata O Eastern Blue-tongue Tiliqua scincoides O Diamond Python Morelia spilota spilota O Australian Wood Duck Chenonetta jubata O C Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa O Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaehollandiae O White-headed Pigeon Columba leucomela O C Spotted Dove * Streptopelia chinensis O Brown Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia amboinensis O C Common Bronzewing Phaps chalcoptera O C Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes O C Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis O C Wonga Pigeon Leucosarcia picata O C Wompoo Fruit-Dove TS Ptilinopus magnificus O Topknot Pigeon Lopholaimus antarcticus O Tawny Frogmouth Podargus strigoides Sp Little Pied Cormorant Microcarbo melanoleucos O Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris O Cattle Egret Ardea ibis O Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus O Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax O Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio O Dusky Moorhen Gallinula tenebrosa O C Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles C Glossy Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami Sc Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus funereus O C Galah Eolophus roseicapillus O C Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita O C Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus O C Scaly-breasted Lorikeet Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus O C Musk Lorikeet Glossopsitta concinna O C Little Lorikeet TS Glossopsitta pusilla O C Australian King-Parrot Alisterus scapularis O C Crimson Rosella Platycercus elegans O Eastern Rosella Platycercus eximius O C Pheasant Coucal Centropus phasianinus C Eastern Koel Eudynamys orientalis O C

TABLE A3 FAUNA OBSERVED AND RECORDED WITHIN STUDY AREA Observation Common Name Scientific Name Method Channel-billed Cuckoo Scythrops novaehollandiae O C Pallid Cuckoo Cacomantis pallidus O C Fan-tailed Cuckoo Cacomantis flabelliformis O C Powerful Owl TS Ninox strenua C Southern Boobook Ninox novaeseelandiae C Azure Kingfisher Ceyx azureus O Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo novaeguineae O C Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus O C Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis O C Superb Lyrebird Menura novaehollandiae C White-throated Treecreeper Cormobates leucophaea C Green Catbird Ailuroedus crassirostris O C Satin Bowerbird Ptilonorhynchus violaceus O C Superb Fairy-wren Malurus cyaneus O C Red-backed Fairy-wren Malurus melanocephalus O C Variegated Fairy-wren Malurus lamberti O C Yellow-throated Scrubwren Sericornis citreogularis O C White-browed Scrubwren Sericornis frontalis O C Large-billed Scrubwren Sericornis magnirostra O Brown Gerygone Gerygone mouki O C White-throated Gerygone Gerygone albogularis O C Striated Thornbill Acanthiza lineata O C Buff-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza reguloides O C Brown Thornbill Acanthiza pusilla O C Spotted Pardalote Pardalotus punctatus O C Striated Pardalote Pardalotus striatus O C Eastern Spinebill Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris O C Lewin's Honeyeater Meliphaga lewinii O C Yellow-faced Honeyeater Lichenostomus chrysops O C Bell Miner Manorina melanophrys O C Noisy Miner Manorina melanocephala O C Little Wattlebird Anthochaera chrysoptera O C Scarlet Honeyeater Myzomela sanguinolenta O C Blue-faced Honeyeater Entomyzon cyanotis O Eastern Whipbird Psophodes olivaceus O C Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae O C Golden Whistler Pachycephala pectoralis O C Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris O C Grey Shrike-thrush Colluricincla harmonica O C Australasian Figbird Sphecotheres vieilloti O C Olive-backed Oriole Oriolus sagittatus O C White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus O Grey Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus O C Pied Butcherbird Cracticus nigrogularis O C Australian Magpie Cracticus tibicen O C Pied Currawong Strepera graculina O C Spangled Drongo Dicrurus bracteatus O C Grey Fantail Rhipidura albiscapa O C

TABLE A3 FAUNA OBSERVED AND RECORDED WITHIN STUDY AREA Observation Common Name Scientific Name Method Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys O C Torresian Crow Corvus orru O C Black-faced Monarch Monarcha melanopsis O C Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca O C Pale-yellow Robin Tregellasia capito O C Eastern Yellow Robin Eopsaltria australis O C Little Grassbird Megalurus gramineus O Silvereye Zosterops lateralis O C Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena O C Red-browed Finch Neochmia temporalis O C Brown Antechinus Antechinus stuartii E Northern Brown Bandicoot Isoodon macrourus E Common Brushtail Possum Trichosurus vulpecula Sp Sugar Glider Petaurus breviceps C Koala TS Phascolarctos cinereus Sc Swamp Wallaby Wallabia bicolor O Red-necked Wallaby Macropus rufogriseus O Grassland Melomys Melomys burtoni E Bush Rat Rattus fuscipes E House Mouse * Mus musculus E Black Rat * Rattus rattus E Brown Hare * Lepus capensis O Pig * Sus scrofa O European Cattle * Bos taurus O Fox * Vulpes vulpes O Cat * Felis catus O Dog * Canis lupus familiaris O Grey-headed Flying-fox TS Pteropus poliocephalus C Nyctophilus sp. Long-eared Bat (undistinguishable between N. gouldii and N. geoffroyi A Little Bentwing-bat TS Miniopterus australis A Gould's Wattled Bat Chalinolobus gouldii A Southern Myotis TS Myotis macropus A Eastern Broad-nosed Bat Scotorepens orion A Eastern False Pipistrelle TS Falsistrellus tasmaniensis A Eastern Forest Bat Vespadelus pumilus A Short Finned Eel Anguilla australis Sp Key to Observation Type O - Observation S - Search C - Call identification A - Anabat II Sp - Spotlight Sc - Scat, Track or Sign E - Elliott Trap K - Kill T - Hair Tube Note: * indicates introduced species. TS indicates threatened species TSC Act NSW.

APPENDIX 4

WEATHER CONDITIONS DURING SURVEY PERIODS

Weather conditions during fauna surveys undertaken prior to 2010 are provided below in Table A4.1 TABLE A4.1 WEATHER CONDITIONS DURING PRE 2010 FAUNA SURVEYS Date Cld Wind Temp. Rain 19/12/2007 0/8-3/8 Light NE 25-20 No rain 20/12/2007 6/8 Light NE 20 No rain 21/12/2007 0/8-2/8 No wind- 23-27 No rain Light NE 22/12/2007 4/8 Light NE 20 No rain 27/12/2007 0/8 No wind 20 No rain

Weather conditions during fauna surveys, undertaken during 2010 are provided below in Table A4.2. Weather data was obtained from the nearest Bureau of Meteorology weather station. TABLE A4.2 WEATHER CONDITIONS DURING 2010 FAUNA SURVEYS (From nearest available Bureau of Meteorology Weather Station data) Date Temps 9AM 3PM Min Max Rain Temp. RH Cld Wind Dir Wind Temp. RH Cld Wind Dir Wind Spd Spd 0C 0C mm 0C % eig km/h 0C % eight km/h hts s 19/07/10 14.4 19.5 0 17.5 48 7 NE 11 15.5 66 8 NNW 9 20/07/10 9.5 17.0 5.0 11.2 79 1 SW 28 15.4 58 5 SSW 28 21/07/10 8.5 17.5 0 10.5 69 2 SSW 28 15.3 68 7 SSE 37 1/11/10 18.0 22.0 0 19.8 83 8 NNE 22 20.2 80 8 N 37 2/11/10 14.3 24.1 1.4 19.6 52 1 SSW 11 23.6 48 1 SE 15 3/11/10 13.0 25.1 0 18.5 45 1 SW 9 24.4 47 1 SE 15 4/11/10 15.3 24.0 0 18.0 90 7 SW 9 18.0 90 8 NE 6 5/11/10 13.5 22.8 16.4 15.5 96 7 SW 9 16.9 94 8 ESE 9 9/12/10 20.2 26.0 0.4 24.6 80 3 NE 37 25.5 78 1 NE 33 10/12/10 20.2 28.0 0 23.4 80 5 N 28 26.8 78 7 NW 9 30/12/10 15.9 28.5 0 23.0 81 1 SW 9 28.0 67 1 NE 9 31/12/10 18.6 28.7 0 23.0 83 1 WNW 6 28.2 68 1 NE 11

APPENDIX 5

STATE ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING POLICY 44 KOALA HABITAT PROTECTION ASSESSMENT

SEPP 44 - Koala Habitat Assessment The subject site was assessed for Koala activity by using the following methods: i. A search of the Atlas of NSW Wildlife (NPWS 2010) was undertaken to identify records of Koalas in the area. ii. The site was surveyed on foot with any species of Koala food trees being inspected for signs of Koala usage. Trees were inspected and identified for presence of Koalas, scratch and claw marks on the trunk and scats around the base of each tree. The proportion of any trees showing signs of Koala use was calculated for the whole of the site. Additionally the location and density of droppings if found were documented. iii. Koalas were also targeted during spotlight surveys. iv. Identification and assessment of the density of tree species listed as Koala food trees in State Environmental Planning Policy No. 44 - Koala Habitat Protection was undertaken across the site.

TABLE 4.1 SEPP-44 KOALA FEED TREE SPECIES (From SEPP-44 Schedule 2) Scientific Name Common Name Observed On Percentage Site within survey plots Eucalyptus tereticornis Forest Red Gum No 0% Eucalyptus microcorys Tallowwood Yes >15% Eucalyptus punctata Grey Gum No 0% Eucalyptus viminalis Ribbon or Manna Gum No 0% Eucalyptus camaldulensis River Red Gum No 0% Eucalyptus haemastoma Broad-leaved Scribbly Gum No 0% Eucalyptus signata Scribbly Gum No 0% Eucalyptus albens White Box No 0% Eucalyptus populnea Bimble Box or Poplar Box No 0% Eucalyptus robusta Swamp Mahogany Yes >15%

Two Koala food tree species Eucalyptus microcorys (Tallowwood) and Eucalyptus robusta (Swamp Mahogany), as listed on Schedule 2 of State Environmental Planning Policy No. 44 - Koala Habitat Protection (SEPP 44) are present within the subject site.

Eucalyptus microcorys was observed to constitute more than 15% of the total number of trees in the upper or lower strata of the tree component within some of the flora survey quadrats undertaken within the Tallowood Forest, Flooded Gum Forest and Blackbutt Forest vegetation types.

Eucalyptus robusta was observed to constitute more than 15% of the total number of trees in the upper or lower strata of the tree component within flora survey quadrats undertaken within the Melaleuca Swamp Forest vegetation community.

Therefore the subject site is considered to form potential koala habitat as defined by SEPP 44.

No Koalas were directly observed during fauna surveys, however Koala claw scratch marks were observed on Small-fruited Grey Gums (Eucalyptus propinqua) at two locations within the study area. These locations are shown in Figure 2. No Koala scats were observed during surveys undertaken. The subject site is considered to not form core Koala habitat as defined by SEPP 44. Appendix 5 –SEPP 44 Assessment © Conacher Environmental Group Ph: (02)4324 7888

APPENDIX 6

ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION & BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT

PROTECTED MATTERS REVIEW ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION & BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT (1999) PROTECTED MATTERS REVIEW

Determining Whether an Action is Likely to have a Significant Impact on a Matter of National Environmental Significance

INTRODUCTION

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, (1999) requires that Commonwealth approval be obtained for certain actions. The Act provides an assessment and approvals systems for actions that have a significant impact on matters of National Environment Significance (NES). The matters of national environmental significance are:

• Listed threatened species and ecological communities; • Migratory species protected under international agreements; • Ramsar wetlands of international importance; • The Commonwealth marine environment; • World Heritage properties; • National Heritage places; • Great Barrier Reef Marine Park; and • Nuclear actions.

Actions are projects, developments, undertakings, activities, series of activities or alteration of any of these. An action that needs Commonwealth approval is known as a controlled action. A controlled action needs approval where the Commonwealth decides the action would have a significant effect on a matter of National Environmental Significance.

Where a proposed activity is located in an area identified to be of National Environmental Significance, or such that it is likely to significantly impact a matter of National Environmental Significance, the proposal needs to be referred to the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (DSEWPC).

A Protected Matters search was undertaken within 10km of the subject site to determine the likely occurrence of Matters of National Environmental Significance.

With regard to matters of National Environmental Significance, several criteria must be assessed to satisfy the requirements of the EPBC Act (1999). Criteria identified within the EPBC Act Policy Statement 1.1 Significant Impact Guidelines (DEWHA 2009), is required to determine whether the proposed development is likely to significantly impact on matter of National Environmental Significance and constitute a controlled action. The criteria for assessment are provided in bold print below.

1. Are there any Matters of National Environmental Significance located in the area of the proposed action?

Nationally Listed Threatened Species Fifty one nationally listed threatened species have been recorded within 10km of the subject site on the EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Report (DSEWPC 2011).

One nationally listed threatened species, the Grey-headed Flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus), was observed within the subject site.

Nationally Listed Threatened Ecological Communities No threatened ecological communities listed within the EPBC Act (1999) were observed within the subject site. One threatened ecological community listed within the EPBC Act (1999) was recorded within 10km of the subject site on the EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Report (DSEWCP 2011).

Nationally Listed Migratory Species Protected Under International Agreements Fifty four migratory species protected under international agreements listed within the EPBC Act (1999) have been recorded within 10km of the subject site on the EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Report (DSEWCP 2011).

Two migratory species, the Cattle Egret (Ardea ibis) and the Black-faced Monarch (Monarcha melanopsis), protected under international agreements as listed within the EPBC Act (1999) have been recorded within the subject site.

Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance No Ramsar wetlands of international importance as listed within the EPBC Act (1999) were observed within the subject site or recorded within 10km of the subject site on the EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Report DSEWCP 2011).

The Commonwealth Marine Environment No Commonwealth marine areas as listed within the EPBC Act (1999) were observed within the subject site or recorded within 10km of the subject site on the EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Report (DSEWCP 2011).

Listed World Heritage Properties No world heritage properties as listed within the EPBC Act (1999) were observed within the subject site or recorded within 10km of the subject site on the EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Report (DSEWCP 2011).

Listed National Heritage Places No national heritage places as listed within the EPBC Act (1999) were observed within the subject site or recorded within 10km of the subject site on the EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Report (DSEWCP 2011).

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park The subject site is not located within 10km of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Nuclear Actions The proposal is not a type of development classed as a nuclear action.

2 Considering the proposed action at its broadest scope, is there potential for impacts on Matters of National Environmental Significance?

With regard to the proposed development, the following assessments are provided to determine the potential for the proposal to impact, at its broadest scope, on Matters of National Environmental Significance.

2.1 Assessment of Significant Impact on Nationally Listed Threatened Species 2.1.1 Nationally listed critically endangered and endangered species

No nationally listed critically endangered or endangered species were observed within the subject site. It is therefore considered that the proposed development is not likely to have a significant impact on nationally listed critically endangered or endangered species.

2.1.2 Assessment of Significant Impact on Nationally Listed Vulnerable Species

One nationally listed vulnerable species, the Grey-headed Flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus), was observed within the subject site.

Grey-headed Flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus)

With regard to the nationally listed vulnerable species, Grey-headed Flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus), observed within the site, several criteria must be assessed to satisfy the requirements of the EPBC Act (1999). Criteria identified within the EPBC Act Policy Statement 1.1 Significant Impact Guidelines (DEWHA 2009), is required to determine whether there is a real chance or possibility, that the proposed action is likely to have a significant impact on a migratory species. The criteria for assessment are provided in bold print below.

Determining an Important Population of a Vulnerable Species For the purposes of assessment of a vulnerable species under the EPBC Act (1999) an assessment as to whether the specimens observed constitute an “important population” is required.

Whether the population has been identified within a recovery plan A draft recovery plan exists for this species at state level (DECCW 2009). An important population of this species has not been identified as occurring within the subject site within any recovery plan.

Whether the population constitutes a key source population for breeding or dispersal No Grey-headed Flying Fox roost or camp sites were observed within the subject site. It is considered that while the specimens observed foraging within the subject site may be part of a larger population, they do not alone constitute a key source population for breeding or dispersal.

Whether the population constitutes a population necessary for maintaining genetic diversity No Grey-headed Flying Fox roost or camp sites were observed within the subject site. It is considered that while the specimens observed foraging within the subject site may be part of a larger population, they do not alone constitute a population necessary for maintaining genetic diversity.

Whether the population is at the limit of its known distribution The Grey-headed Flying-fox is known to occupy the coastal lowlands and slopes of south- eastern Australia from Bundaberg to Geelong and are usually found at altitudes < 200 m. Areas of repeated occupation extend inland to the tablelands and western slopes in northern New South Wales and the tablelands in southern Queensland. Sightings in inland areas of southern New South Wales and Victoria are uncommon. There are rare records of individuals or small groups west to Adelaide, north to Gladstone and south to Flinders Island (DECCW 2009).

This species is therefore not at the limit of its distribution within the subject site.

From the above information and details it is considered that the Grey-headed Flying-fox observed within the subject site is not:

 Identified in a recovery plan for this species;  A key source population for breeding or dispersal;

 A population necessary for maintaining genetic diversity;  A population which is near this species range.

Therefore it is considered that the threatened species observed does not satisfy the criteria of an important population as identified by the DEWHA (2009).

Notwithstanding the above conclusions if the precautionary approach is adopted, further consideration as to whether the proposed action is likely to have a significant impact on this species needs to assess the significant impact criteria (DEWHA 2009) for a vulnerable species.

Lead to a long-term decrease in the size of an important population of a species; This species utilised rainforests, tall sclerophyll forests and woodlands, heaths and swamps as well as urban gardens and cultivated fruit crops (DECC 2005).

While the proposal may result in a small reduction in forging habitat within the subject site, there are larger areas of suitable habitat for this species within the locality. While the proposal may result in the reduction of a small amount of foraging habitat for this species the potential for retention of habitats and/or connectivity of habitats is to be assessed in future biodiversity assessment reporting for the study area.

It is considered that the proposal is not likely to lead to the long-term decrease in the size of an important population of the Grey-headed Flying-fox.

Reduce the area of occupancy of an important population; The proposed development may require the removal of some potential habitat for this species, however it is expected that the proposed development will result in the retention of areas of suitable habitat for this species

It is therefore considered that the proposal is not likely to substantially reduce the area of available foraging habitat for this species and therefore is not likely to reduce the area of occupancy of an important population.

Fragment an existing important population into two or more populations; Due to the mobile nature of this species and the fact that it is nomadic and migratory it is considered that the proposed development is not of a type that is likely to result in the fragmentation an existing important population into two or more populations.

Adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of a species; There has currently been no critical habitat for this species declared under the EPBC Act (1999) or listed within a recovery plan for this species.

Due to the large areas of suitable habitat for this species present within the locality it is considered that the subject site does not contain habitat necessary for foraging, breeding, roosting, or dispersal.

Furthermore the proposal is not likely to adversely affect an area necessary for the long term maintenance of the species essential to the survival of the species or an area necessary to maintain genetic diversity and long term evolutionary development or an area necessary for the reintroduction of populations or recovery of the species, critical to the survival of the species.

Therefore the proposed action is not likely to adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of this species.

Disrupt the breeding cycle of an important population; No Grey-headed Flying Fox roost or camp sites were observed within the subject site.

It is therefore considered that the proposal will not disrupt the breeding cycle of an important population of this species.

Modify, destroy, remove or isolate or decrease the availability or quality of habitat to the extent that a species is likely to decline; There are larger areas of many different suitable habitat types that support this species within the locality. It is therefore considered not likely that the proposed action will modify, destroy, remove or isolate or decrease the availability or quality of habitat to the extent that the species is likely to decline.

Result in invasive species that are harmful to a vulnerable species becoming established in the vulnerable species’ habitat; The proposed development is not of a type that is likely to result in the establishment in invasive species that are harmful to this species, becoming established in this species habitat.

Introduce disease that may cause the species to decline; or The proposed development is not of a type that is likely to introduce disease that may cause this species to decline.

Interferes substantially with recovery of the species. It is considered that the proposed action is not likely to interfere substantially with the recovery of the species.

2.2 Assessment of Significant Impact on Nationally Listed Migratory Species

Cattle Egret (Ardea ibis)

With regard to the nationally listed migratory species, Cattle Egret (Ardea ibis), observed within the site several criteria must be assessed to satisfy the requirements of the EPBC Act (1999). Criteria identified within the EPBC Act Policy Statement 1.1 Significant Impact Guidelines (DEWHA 2009), is required to determine whether there is a real chance or possibility, that the proposed action is likely to have a significant impact on a migratory species. The criteria for assessment are provided in bold print below.

Habitat utilised by a migratory species occasionally or periodically within a region that supports an ecologically significant proportion of the population of the species; and/or This species is widespread and common according to migrations, movements and breeding localities between approximately Bundaberg in Queensland from the coast south-west to Port Augusta South Australia (Marchant and Higgins 1990). It is considered that the proportion of the population of this species utilising the subject site is likely to be similar within the other areas of suitable habitat available within the region. It is therefore considered that the subject site does not support an ecologically significant proportion of the population of the species.

Habitat that is of critical importance to the species at particular life-cycle stages; and/or

The Cattle Egret is a partial migrant which winters in Australia and New Zealand, and travels to breeding colonies in south-east Queensland and north-east New South Wales, with some birds staying within wintering areas to breed (Marchant and Higgins 1990).

The subject site is considered to provide mainly foraging habitat for this species. The subject site has not been registered as critical habitat for this species within the provisions of the EPBC Act (1999). Larger areas of suitable habitat for this species are present within the locality and therefore the subject site is considered to not be habitat that is of critical importance to the species at particular life-cycle stages.

Habitat utilised by a migratory species which is at the limit of the species range In Australia this species is widespread and common in north-eastern Western Australia across the Top End, Northern Territory, and in south-eastern Australia from Bundaberg, Queensland to Port Augusta, South Australia, including Tasmania. Therefore the subject site is considered to not contain habitat utilised by a migratory species which is at the limit of the species range.

Habitat within an area where the species is declining The subject site has not been registered as critical habitat for this species within the provisions of the EPBC Act (1999). The population demographics for this species within the local area are not known. Further studies are required in order to ascertain whether the species is declining within the local area. These studies are beyond the scope of this assessment.

From the above information and details it is considered that the habitats for this species within the subject site are not:

 Habitat utilised 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 utilised by a migratory species which is at the limit of the species range; or  Habitat within an area where the species is declining.

Therefore it is considered that the habitat within the subject site for this migratory species does not satisfy the criteria of “important habitat” as identified by the DEWHA (2009).

Significant Impact Criteria The consideration as to whether the proposed action is likely to have a significant impact on a migratory species needs to assess the significant impact criteria (DEWHA 2009) for a 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; or

This species is mostly associated with disturbed agricultural grazing land habitats. While the proposal may result in a small reduction in agricultural grazing land habitats within the subject site, there are larger areas of suitable habitat for this species within the locality. Therefore it is considered that the proposed action is unlikely to substantially modify, destroy or isolate and area of important habitat for this species.

Result in an invasive species that is harmful to the migratory species becoming established in an area of important habitat for the migratory species; or The proposed action is not of a type of development that is likely to result in the establishment of an invasive species that is harmful to this species becoming established in an area of important habitat for this species.

Seriously disrupt the lifecycle (breeding, feeding, migration or resting behaviour) of an ecologically significant proportion of the population of a migratory species According to Marchant and Higgins (1990) this species is widespread and common according to migrations, movements and breeding localities between approximately Bundaberg in Queensland from the coast south-west to Port Augusta South Australia. The range of the Cattle Egret has expanded to include every continent except Antarctica and is widely distributed across Australia. Genetically birds within Australia have come from Asian origins. The Cattle Egret is a partial migrant which winters in Australia and New Zealand, and travels to breeding colonies in south-east Queensland and north-east New South Wales, with some birds staying within wintering areas to breed. It is therefore considered that the modification of a relatively small amount of foraging habitat is not likely to seriously disrupt the lifecycle (breeding, feeding, migration or resting behaviour) of an ecologically significant proportion of the population of a migratory species.

Black-faced Monarch (Monarcha melanopsis)

With regard to the nationally listed migratory species, Black-faced Monarch (Monarcha melanopsis), observed within the site several criteria must be assessed to satisfy the requirements of the EPBC Act (1999). Criteria identified within the EPBC Act Policy Statement 1.1 Significant Impact Guidelines (DEWHA 2009), is required to determine whether there is a real chance or possibility, that the proposed action is likely to have a significant impact on a migratory species. The criteria for assessment are provided in bold print below.

Determining Important Habitat for a Migratory Species For the purposes of assessment of a migratory species under the EPBC Act (1999) an assessment as to whether the subject site provides an area of “important habitat” is required. Habitat utilised by a migratory species occasionally or periodically within a region that supports an ecologically significant proportion of the population of the species; and/or This species is widespread along the eastern coast of Australia from Queensland to Victoria (Higgins et al 2006). It is considered that the proportion of the population of this species utilising the subject site is likely to be similar within the other areas of suitable habitat available within the region. It is therefore considered that the subject site does not support an ecologically significant proportion of the population of the species.

Habitat that is of critical importance to the species at particular life-cycle stages; and/or The subject site is considered to provide foraging and breeding habitat for this species. The subject site has not been registered as critical habitat for this species within the provisions of the EP&BC Act (1999). Larger areas of suitable foraging habitat and breeding for this species are present within adjoining areas within the locality and therefore the subject site is

Appendix 6 –EP&BC Protected Matters Review 7 © Conacher Environmental Group Ph: (02)4324 7888 considered to not be habitat that is of critical importance to the species at particular life-cycle stages.

Habitat utilised by a migratory species which is at the limit of the species range; This species is widespread along the eastern coast of Australia from Queensland to Victoria (Higgins et al 2006). Therefore the subject site is considered to not contain habitat utilised by a migratory species which is at the limit of the species range.

Habitat within an area where the species is declining. The subject site has not been registered as critical habitat for this species within the provisions of the EPBC Act (1999). The population demographics for this species within the local area are not known. Further studies are required in order to ascertain whether the species is declining within the local area. These studies are beyond the scope of this assessment.

From the above information and details it is considered that the habitats for this species within the subject site are not:

Therefore it is considered that the habitat within the subject site for this migratory species does not satisfy the criteria of “important habitat” as identified by the DEWHA (2009).

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 and area of important habitat for a migratory species; While the proposal may result in a small reduction in suitable habitat for this species within the subject site, there are larger areas of suitable habitat for this species within the locality. Furthermore the potential for retention of habitats and/or connectivity of habitats is to be assessed in future biodiversity assessment reporting for the study area. Therefore it is considered that the proposed action is unlikely to substantially modify, destroy or isolate and area of important habitat for this species.

Result in an invasive species that is harmful to the migratory species becoming established in an area of important habitat for the migratory species; or

The proposed action is not of a type of development that is likely to result in the establishment of an invasive species that is harmful to this species becoming established in an area of important habitat for this species.

Seriously disrupt the lifecycle (breeding, feeding, migration or resting behaviour) of an ecologically significant proportion of the population of a migratory species. This species is widespread along the eastern coast of Australia from Queensland to Victoria (Higgins et al 2006). It is therefore considered that the potential modification of a relatively small amount of suitable habitat is not likely to seriously disrupt the lifecycle (breeding, feeding, migration or resting behaviour) of an ecologically significant proportion of the population of a migratory species.

3. Are there any proposed measures to avoid or reduce impacts on Matters of National Environmental Significance? The results of the detailed flora and fauna surveys and vegetation mapping will be used to assess the various matters relating to biodiversity within the study area. The occurrence of threatened fauna species and endangered ecological communities within the study area is of relevance in determining the potential significance of future urban development within the study area. The potential for retention of habitats and/or connectivity of habitats is to be assessed in future biodiversity assessment reporting for the study area.

4. Are any impacts of the proposed action on Matters of National Environmental Significance likely to be significant impacts? The above assessments have determined that the proposal is not likely to impact on Matters of National Environmental Significance.

REFERENCES Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts (2009). EPBC Act Policy Statement 1.1, Significant Impact Guidelines.

Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (2011), Protected Matters Search Tool website: http://www.environment.gov.au/erin/ert/epbc/

Legend

Subject Site Boundary

Fauna Survey Sites Nov 2010

Blackbutt Forest

Tallowwood Forest

Spotted Gum Forest

Flooded Gum Forest

Melaleuca Swamp Forest

Rainforest

Pasture Lands

Agricultural Plantations/Orchids

Dam Vegetation Quadrat May 2008 Vegetation Transect Nov 2010

Vegetation Quadrat Nov 2010

Vegetation Transect May 2008 3 5

1:13,000 0 100 200 300 400 500 m

Approximate at A3 Original plan produced in A3 colour Plan for indicative purpos es only. Not for detailed m easur ement. Flora and fauna surv ey locations are approxim ate and have not been fixed by land sur vey. *Subject Site boundary subject to final survey ABN: 62 274 841 042 PO Box 4033 Figure 1 78 York Street Vegetation Community and Flora and Fauna Survey Locations East Gosford NSW 2250 Ph: (02) 4324 7888 The Valla Urban Growth Area, Nambucca Fax: (02) 4324 7899 By.DC 28/12/10 Source: Aerial © Department of Lands (2010) [email protected] Ref.No.10054 Legend

Wompoo Fruit Dove

Glossy Black-Cockatoo (Location of chewed A. torulosa cones)

Powerful Owl (approximate location of calling individual)

Little Lorikeet

Koala (Locations of Koala scratch marks in trees)

Grey-headed Flying-fox

Eastern Flase Pipistrelle

Little Bentwing-bat

Southern Myotis

Riverflat Eucalypt Forest on Coastal Floodplains

Swamp Sclerophyll Forest on Coastal Floodplains

Lowland Rainforest / Subtroptical Coastal Floodplain Forest

1:13,000 0 100 200 300 400 500 m

Approximate at A3 Original plan produced in A3 colour Plan for indicative purpos es only. Not for detailed m easur ement. Flora and fauna surv ey locations are approxim ate and have not been fixed by land sur vey. *Subject Site boundary subject to final survey ABN: 62 274 841 042 PO Box 4300 Figure 2 78 York Street Threatened Species and Endangered Ecological Community Locations East Gosford NSW 2250 Ph: (02) 4324 7888 The Valla Urban Growth Area, Nambucca Fax: (02) 4324 7899 By.DC 27/05/10 Source: Aerial © Department of Lands (2010) [email protected] Ref.No.10054