Flora and Fauna Assessment YOUNG HIGH SCHOOL LIBRARY
SEPTEMBER 2018
www.nghenvironmental.com.au e: [email protected]
Sydney Region Canberra - NSW SE & ACT Brisbane 18/21 mary st 8/27 yallourn st (po box 62) level 7, 320 adelaide st surry hills nsw 2010 (t 02 8202 8333) fyshwick act 2609 (t 02 6280 5053) brisbane qld 4000 (t 07 3511 0238)
Newcastle - Hunter and North Coast Wagga Wagga - Riverina and Western NSW Bega - ACT and South East NSW 7/11 union st suite 1, 39 fitzmaurice st (po box 5464) suite 1, 216 carp st (po box 470) newcastle west nsw 2302 (t 02 4929 2301) wagga wagga nsw 2650 (t 02 6971 9696) bega nsw 2550 (t 02 6492 8333Ba
Document Verification Project Title: Young High School Library
Project Number: 18-289 Project File Name: Young HS Flora and Fauna Assessment Revision Date Prepared by (name) Reviewed by (name) Approved by (name) Draft v1.0 28/09/18 J Murphy/J. Gooding E Budde E Budde Final V1.0 04/10/18 J Murphy/J. Gooding M Sutherland E Budde
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www.nghenvironmental.com.au e: [email protected]
Sydney Region Canberra - NSW SE & ACT Brisbane 18/21 mary st 8/27 yallourn st (po box 62) level 7, 320 adelaide st surry hills nsw 2010 (t 02 8202 8333) fyshwick act 2609 (t 02 6280 5053) brisbane qld 4000 (t 07 3511 0238)
Newcastle - Hunter and North Coast Wagga Wagga - Riverina and Western NSW Bega - ACT and South East NSW 7/11 union st suite 1, 39 fitzmaurice st (po box 5464) suite 1, 216 carp st (po box 470) newcastle west nsw 2302 (t 02 4929 2301) wagga wagga nsw 2650 (t 02 6971 9696) bega nsw 2550 (t 02 6492 8333Ba
Biodiversity Assessment Young High School Library
CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND ...... 4 1.1 THIS REPORT ...... 4 1.2 THE PROPOSAL ...... 4 2 STATUTORY CONSIDERATIONS...... 9 2.1 BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 2016 ...... 9 2.2 STATE ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING POLICY NO. 44 – KOALA HABITAT PROTECTION ...... 9 2.3 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION (EPBC) ACT 1999 (CWTH) ...... 9 2.4 FISHERIES MANAGEMENT ACT 1994...... 9 2.5 YOUNG LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN (LEP) ...... 10 3 METHODS ...... 11 3.1 BACKGROUND REVIEW ...... 11 3.2 FIELD SURVEYS ...... 11 3.3 ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS ...... 12 4 RESULTS ...... 13 4.1 BACKGROUND SEARCHES...... 13 4.2 GENERAL ...... 13 4.3 FLORA ...... 17 4.4 FAUNA ...... 19 4.5 AQUATIC HABITAT ...... 20 4.6 EPBC MATTERS OF NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE ...... 20 5 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS ...... 21 5.1 CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS ...... 21 5.2 OPERATIONAL IMPACTS ...... 21 5.3 THREATENED SPECIES IMPACT ASSESSMENT ...... 21 5.4 BIODIVERSITY VALUES ...... 21 6 MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 25 7 CONCLUSION ...... 25 8 REFERENCES ...... 26 APPENDIX A CONCEPT DESIGN ...... A-I APPENDIX B DATABASE SEARCH RESULTS ...... B-I APPENDIX C THREATENED SPECIES EVALUATIONS ...... C-I APPENDIX D ASSESSMENTS OF SIGNIFICANCE ...... D-I
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APPENDIX E FLORA SPECIES AND VEGETATION COMMUNITIES ...... E-I APPENDIX F FAUNA SPECIES LIST AND HABITAT OBSERVATIONS ...... F-I
TABLES
Table 4-1 Flora species recorded in study area...... 17
Table 4-2 Fauna species recorded, identified habitats and fauna resources of the study area...... 19
Table 4-3 Koala Habitat Assessment Tool for Young High School, Young NSW...... 19
Table 5-1 Impact assessment of biodiversity values...... 21
Table 6-1 Safeguards for Protection of Flora and Fauna...... 25
FIGURES
Figure 1-1 Location map of proposal area, Young NSW...... 5
Figure 1-2 General residential land zoning of the development site, indicated by the red boundary (LEP 2010)...... 6
Figure 1-3 Existing layout of site (Hayball Architecture)...... 7
Figure 4-1 Bionet records within Young High School locality...... 14
Figure 4-2 Planted Southern Blue Gum (Eucalyptus bicostata) in proposal area...... 15
Figure 4-3 Planted hoop pines (Araucaria cunninghamii) in the proposal area...... 15
Figure 4-4 Exotic groundcover representative of much of the site...... 16
Figure 4-5 Ornamental gardens in school grounds ...... 16
Figure 4-6 Vegetation in the proposal area...... 18
Figure 5-1 Impacts to vegetation ...... 23
Figure 5-2 The Biodiversity Value Map. The proposal area, marked by the red boundary, lies outside of areas mapped of high biodiversity value in dark orange to the north, identified as Burrangong Creek (NSW Government 2018) ...... 24
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ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
ASL Above sea level BC Act NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act BOS Biodiversity Offset Scheme Cwth Commonwealth DoE Commonwealth Department of the Environment DECC NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change (see OEH) DPI NSW Department of Primary Industry DPE NSW Department of Planning and Environment EEC Endangered ecological community – as defined under relevant law applying to the proposal EPBC Act Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwth) EP&A Act Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW) FM Act Fisheries Management Act 1994 (NSW) ha Hectares IBRA Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia ISEPP State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 (NSW) km Kilometres LEP Local Environment Plan LGA Local Government Area LLS Act Local Land Services Act 2013 (NSW) m Metres MNES Matters of National environmental significance under the EPBC Act (c.f.) NSW New South Wales OEH (NSW) Office of Environment and Heritage, formerly Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water PCT Plant Community Type SEPP State Environmental Planning Policy (NSW) SIS Species Impact Statement sp/spp Species/multiple species SPRAT Species Profiles and Threats Database VIS Vegetation Information System
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1 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND This Flora and Fauna Assessment has been prepared by NGH Environmental for Hayball Architecture, on behalf of the New South Wales (NSW) Department of Education. Its purpose is to consider the potential flora and fauna impacts associated with the proposed construction of a new library at Young High School, NSW. The proposed development is a State Significant Development (SSD), under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP& A Act). The Department of Planning and Environment (DP&E) is the consent Authority for the development.
1.1 THIS REPORT This report assesses the impacts of the proposed development on native flora and fauna values in the study area. The report identifies and describes biodiversity values in terms of vegetation structure, composition, type and condition, and fauna habitats, sightings and signs. The potential for, and significance of, impacts to threatened species and communities listed under the NSW BC Act and Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) have been evaluated. The report addresses the flora and fauna assessment requirements of Clauses 1.7 and 4.15 of the EP&A Act. Where relevant, recommendations are provided to avoid and minimise flora and fauna impacts.
1.2 THE PROPOSAL
Site location and description The proposal site is located at Lot 1 DP 799901 and Lot 701 DP 1021359. This site is bounded by Berthong Street to the south, Caple Street to the west, Rippon Street to the north, and the Olympic Highway to the east, and is located in the township of Young (Figure 1-1). The majority of the property is dominated by planted and exotic flora species in a garden/park setting. There are no drainage lines within the property. The nearest drainage line is Burrangong Creek, located around 65 m west of the proposal site. This creek is a tributary of Bland Creek and flows south-north on the eastern side of the Olympic Highway. The site is 1.32 hectares (ha) and between 440 and 450 m ASL. NSW Geology Plus (2018) maps the whole site as S-type volcanic rocks, dating from the Silurian Period. The Australian Soil Resource Information System lists the soils in Young as primarily dermosols, which are soils with structed B2 horizons and lacking strong texture contrast between A and B horizons, and some chromosols in the surrounding locality, which are soils with strong texture contrast between A and B horizons, the latter not being strongly acid and not sodic. Land surrounding the proposal site is primarily urban residential, with Young TAFE to the west and a public park and church to the north. Remnant vegetation in proximity to the development site remains scattered along Burrangong Creek, and scattered across the urban residential area surround the proposal site.
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Figure 1-1 Location map of proposal area, Young NSW.
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Part of the site is zoned R1 General Residential and the other part RE1 Public Recreation under the Young Local Environmental Plan 2010 (Figure 1-2). The site is not mapped as bushfire prone land (RFS 2018).
Figure 1-2 General residential land zoning of the development site, indicated by the red boundary (LEP 2010).
The existing layout of the proposal area is shown in Figure 1-3.
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Figure 1-3 Existing layout of site (Hayball Architecture).
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Proposal description The proposal involves the construction and operation of a new library at Young High School. The scope of the proposal has not yet been finalised, but includes:
• Demolition of Building BB • Construction of new library building • Upgrades to adjacent community and public space • Conversion of existing library and four new teaching spaces as a result of refurbishment The proposed site plan is provided in Appendix A.
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2 STATUTORY CONSIDERATIONS
2.1 BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 2016 The NSW Government introduced new biodiversity legislation for the consideration and assessment of biodiversity impacts in 2017. The (BC Act and Local Land Services Act 2013 (LLS Act) commenced on 25 August 2017 and has replaced the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. As the transitional arrangements in place have expired, this report has been prepared to meet the requirements of the new legislation.
2.2 STATE ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING POLICY NO. 44 – KOALA HABITAT PROTECTION SEPP 44 encourages the conservation and management of natural vegetation areas that provide habitat for Koalas to ensure that permanent free-living populations will be maintained over their present range. Young is not listed as a Local Government Area (LGA) to which the SEPP applies. l
2.3 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION (EPBC) ACT 1999 (CWTH) The EPBC Act protects nationally and internationally important flora, fauna, ecological communities and heritage places, which are defined in the EPBC Act as matters of national environmental significance. Matters of national environmental significance relevant to biodiversity are:
• Wetlands of international importance • Nationally threatened species and ecological communities • Migratory species • Commonwealth marine areas
Significance of impacts is determined in accordance with the Significant impact guidelines 1.1 – Matters of National Environmental Significance (DoE 2013). Where a proposal is likely to have a significant impact on a matter of national environmental significance, the proposal is referred to the Commonwealth Environment Minister via the Department of the Environment (DoE). The Minister then determines whether the proposal is a ‘controlled action’. If a proposal is declared a controlled action, an assessment of the action is carried out and the Minister makes a decision to approve, approve with conditions, or not approve the proposed action. This assessment considers the potential for the proposal to impact on matters of national environmental significance relevant to biodiversity.
2.4 FISHERIES MANAGEMENT ACT 1994 The Fisheries Management Act 1994 (FM Act) sets out to conserve fish stocks and key fish habitats, threatened species, populations and ecological communities of fish and marine vegetation and biological diversity. Further, it aims to promote viable commercial fishing, aquaculture industries and recreational
18-289 Draft v1.0 9 Biodiversity Assessment Young High School Library fishing opportunities. Threatened species, populations and ecological communities and key threatening process are listed in the Schedules of the FM Act. The proposal would not impact any fish habitat.
2.5 YOUNG LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN (LEP) The particular aims of the Young LEP are as follows: a) To protect the natural resources of Young from development that may reduce horticultural and agricultural productivity, while allowing for the planned urban expansion of Young Township. b) To encourage the proper management, development and conservation of resources through the principles of ecologically sustainable development by protecting, enhancing and conserving the following: i. land of significance to agricultural production, ii. areas of high scenic value, iii. areas of significance for nature conservation, iv. timber, minerals, soil, water and other natural resources, c) To protect, conserve and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of Young, including native biodiversity, threatened species, remnant and riparian vegetation, corridors and links and environmentally sensitive lands, d) To encourage the renewal and upgrade of the older residential precincts in Young Township, e) To encourage a range of housing, employment, recreational activities and services to meet the needs of existing and future residents of Young.
The proposal is not inconsistent with any of these objectives, and would not affect the ability to achieve any of these objectives.
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3 METHODS
3.1 BACKGROUND REVIEW
Database searches and literature review Database searches were undertaken on 12 September 2018 to identify threatened species, populations and ecological communities known to occur, or with potential to occur, within a 10 km radius of the proposal site. The following online search tools were used: • NSW Bionet Atlas database for species, populations and communities listed under the NSW BC Act and Commonwealth EPBC Act. • Commonwealth Protected Matters Search Tool for threatened species and communities listed under the EPBC Act.
• Office of Environment and Heritage Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation (IBRA) search by region for threatened species and communities listed under the BC Act. Information was compiled on threatened species, populations, and communities which have potential to be present in the study area from current scientific publications and environmental survey and assessment reports. Online databases used include the OEH Threatened Biodiversity Data Collection, particularly the Vegetation Information System (VIS) and threatened species profiles, and the Commonwealth EPBC Act Species Profiles and Threats Database (SPRAT).
Threatened species evaluation The results of the database searches and literature review have been used to evaluate the potential for threatened species, ecological communities and endangered populations to be present in the study area, and to be adversely affected by the works. The threatened species evaluation also considers field survey results in relation to habitat type and quality, and on-site records. The approach is consistent with the NSW Threatened Species Assessment Guidelines (DECC 2007). The Threatened Species Evaluation is included as 8Appendix C.
3.2 FIELD SURVEYS The proposal site was surveyed by an NGH ecologist on 1st August 2018 to assess the biodiversity values of the site. The survey was undertaken over a period of 2 hours (flora, ecological communities and fauna), between 3.00 pm and 5.00 pm. The weather was sunny, cool (14°C) with a light breeze.
Flora Random meander (Cropper 1993) were used to survey vegetation at the proposal site. This method provides good coverage in terms of area and microhabitats and maximises opportunities for detecting rare or sparsely distributed species. Species occurrences were recorded progressively. Any priority weeds were recorded opportunistically. Plant Community Types (PCTs) were identified according to the OEH BioNet Vegetation Classification (OEH, 2017). Where relevant, Threatened Ecological Communities (TEC) were confirmed based on the relevant Scientific Committee – final determinations for each TEC. Botanical nomenclature follows Harden (1990-
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2002) and the PlantNet website, updated with recent changes recognised in Angiosperm Phylogeny Group (2016) and the Australian Plant Census.
Field Survey – Fauna and Fauna Habitat The terrestrial fauna survey was undertaken to record and assess the value of habitats at the site to fauna, particularly threatened species with potential to occur at the site. This included a search for fauna sign and key habitat features were recorded, including: • Hollows and fissures in standing trees and stags • Large woody debris and litter • Fauna signs such as nests, scratches, glider sap feed marks, scats and latrine sites • Food tree species (for gliders, possums, Koala) • Microhabitats such as soaks, rock outcrops and dense understorey. All trees were individually inspected for trunk or limb hollows and any signs of occupation or use. Any disturbances and active threats to fauna or habitats were also recorded during the survey. Opportunistic sightings of fauna species during the survey were also recorded (Appendix F).
3.3 ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS The flora assessment is based on single-visit random meander survey. It is unlikely that all plant species were detected that may be present at the site due to the time of year the survey was undertaken. The site is an ornamental garden and not all cultivated species were recorded. Instead, the focus was on searching for native species that could comprise remnant native vegetation. No targeted fauna surveys were undertaken. Opportunistic sightings of fauna are recorded in Appendix F. However, in view of the scale and disturbed context of the development area, and the assessed low potential for direct impacts to threatened species, the approach is considered adequate and appropriate for the identification and assessment of biodiversity impacts.
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4 RESULTS
4.1 BACKGROUND SEARCHES The results of the desktop study identified the threatened flora and fauna species that have the potential to occur in the region. Of the species identified, only two have the potential to occur at the study site, Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus (listed as migratory under the EPBC Act) and Gang-gang Cockatoo Callocephalon fimbriatum (listed as vulnerable under the BC Act). A full list of the threatened species identified through these searches is in Appendix C. Bionet records within the locality (10 km of the proposal area) are shown in Figure 4-1.
4.2 GENERAL
The proposal site is situated in the township of Young. The terrain is relatively flat, sloping down towards the north. Native vegetation has been previously cleared for urban development. The site is an ornamental garden comprised of exotic and cultivated species such as Irish Strawberry Tree (*Arbutus unedo), Liquidambar (*Liquidambar sp.), Olive tree (*Olea europea) and Rosemary (*Rosmarinus officinalis) (Figure 4-5). The groundcover (Figure 4-4) is composed of exotic grasses (including Perennial Ryegrass *Lolium perenne and Kikuyu Grass *Pennisetum clandestinum), and forbs (White Clover *Trifolium repens, Spear Thistle *Cirsium vulgare and Capeweed *Arctotheca calendula). Native vegetation is limited to two mature native tree species, Southern Bluegum (Eucalyptus bicostata), several of which have been planted within the schoolyard along the northern fence. (Figure 4-2), and a planted Yellow Box (Eucalyptus melliodora) in Carrington Park. A juvenile planted Prickly Tea-tree (Melaleuca styphelioides) is present in the school gardens in the east. Cultivated native plants occur in the waterwise garden in Carrington Park. A row of three heritage listed hoop pines (Araucaria cunninghamii) occur along the fence line. This tree is a native species but not local to the area.
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Figure 4-1 Bionet records within Young High School locality.
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Figure 4-2 Planted Southern Blue Gum (Eucalyptus bicostata) in proposal area.
Figure 4-3 Planted hoop pines (Araucaria cunninghamii) in the proposal area.
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Figure 4-4 Exotic groundcover representative of much of the site.
Figure 4-5 Ornamental gardens in school grounds
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4.3 FLORA
Flora Species recorded Table 4-1 Flora species recorded in study area.
Item Detail 30 Flora Species A complete list of all species recorded during the field (8 Native, 22 Exotic) survey is provided in Appendix E.
Threatened Flora Species None recorded. No threatened flora species are identified in Appendix C as having the potential to occur in the vicinity of the site. Weeds No priority weeds were identified in the proposal site. However, the exotic species listed in Appendix E are regulated with a General Biosecurity Duty to prevent, eliminate or minimise any biosecurity risk they may pose.
Threatened flora No threatened plant species were identified as having the potential to occur within the study area in Appendix C.
Plant community types The proposal site is dominated by planted and landscaped ornamental gardens and does not comprise a native plant community. No native Plant Community Type (PCT) was identified within the proposal site.
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Figure 4-6 Vegetation in the proposal area.
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4.4 FAUNA Table 4-2 Fauna species recorded, identified habitats and fauna resources of the study area.
Item Detail 4 bird species were A complete list is provided in Appendix F. recorded during the field survey. Threatened fauna species None were identified.
Fauna habitat Urban environments Fauna habitat is restricted to species that can tolerate highly disturbed environments and high human interaction.
Threatened fauna
Birds No threatened bird species were observed during the survey. Based on the threatened species evaluation (Appendix C), one threatened bird has the potential to occur in the study area. This is the
• Gang-Gang Cockatoo (Callocephalon fimbriatum) The Gang-Gang Cockatoo is often found in urban areas (OEH, 2017). It is a highly mobile species and potential foraging habitat for this species occurs within the development site. No breeding habitat occurs within the proposal site as there are no hollow bearing trees. The proposal site does not support habitat critical to the survival of these species.
Koala Habitat
EPBC Act Koala Habitat Assessment Tool The development site has been assessed using the Koala Habitat Assessment Tool from the Commonwealth EPBC Act Referral Guidelines for the Vulnerable Koala (DOE 2014); refer Table 4-3. Two secondary food tree species (Southern Blue Gum Eucalyptus bicostata and Argyle Apple Eucalyptus cinerea) listed for the Central and Southern Tablelands Koala Management Area (DECC 2008a) were identified in the study area. The trees are within the areas proposed for development. The abundance of these trees in the proposal area is low (< 5 % cover). The site does not qualify as ‘Koala habitat’ under the Guidelines and is not considered habitat critical to the survival of the Koala, having scored zero using the Habitat Assessment Tool (Table 4-3). The referral guidelines indicate that proposals involving less than 2 hectares of habitat clearing and a score of 5 are not recommended for referral to the Commonwealth.
Table 4-3 Koala Habitat Assessment Tool for Young High School, Young NSW.
Attribute Score Description for habitat Koala 0 (low) No evidence of koalas at the site within the last 10 years, based on ALA and BioNet occurrence records. The nearest sightings are over 50 km east of the site, more than 10 years ago.
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Attribute Score Description for habitat Vegetation 0 (low) No woodland occurs on-site. There are four paddock trees, which are two known koala composition secondary food tree species. Habitat 0 (low) Area is not part of a contiguous landscape and does not meet the criteria for < 500 ha to connectivity > 300 ha or > 500 ha. Key existing 0 (low) Areas which score 0 for occurrence and are likely to have some degree of dog or vehicle threats threat present as a result of the adjacent residential area and highway. Recovery 0 (low) Habitat is unlikely to be important for achieving the interim recovery objectives outlines value in the Table 1 of the Guidelines.
Total score 0
4.5 AQUATIC HABITAT No aquatic habitat is present in the study area.
4.6 EPBC MATTERS OF NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE The only matters of national significance relevant to biodiversity considered to apply to the proposal are migratory species. Eleven species listed as Migratory under the EPBC Act are considered to have potential to occur within the study area. Based on a habitat assessment (Appendix C), habitat was present only for Fork-tailed Swift (Apus pacificus). However, it is unlikely this species would be impacted as it is likely to only use the aerial habitat above the proposal site on occasion.
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5 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS
5.1 CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS
Up to four mature trees would be removed in the Young School grounds as a result of the proposal, comprising two mature Southern Blue Gums (Eucalyptus bicostata), a Lemon-scented Gum (Corymbia citriodora) and Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia) (Figure 5-1). Lemon-scented Gum and Chinese Elm are not local to NSW and are not considered native vegetation. Therefore, the impact to native vegetation will be only up to 0.02ha.
Landscaping plans are still to be designed in Carrington Park and some trees may be removed as part of the landscaping upgrade. The proposal would impact a highly cultivated ornamental garden. Therefore, impacts to threatened flora and fauna are considered to be low.
5.2 OPERATIONAL IMPACTS Activity associated with operation of the proposal includes noise, light spill, and foot traffic. As the vegetation in the development site is largely exotic and already highly disturbed by a similar level of activity, it is unlikely that these activities would further reduce the value of the site for fauna sensitive to such activities. These impacts are expected to be very limited geographically to the area surrounding the development footprint. Given the existing urban development in the area, impacts from the proposal on fauna are expected to be very minor and limited.
5.3 THREATENED SPECIES IMPACT ASSESSMENT There is a potential for the proposal to impact upon two threatened/migratory fauna species, the Gang- Gang Cockatoo and the Fork-tailed Swift. Assessments of significance have been undertaken under Section 7.3 of the BC Act and under the EPBC Act (Appendix D). The removal of potential habitat as a result of the proposal is considered unlikely to have a significant adverse effect on either of these species.
5.4 BIODIVERSITY VALUES A summary of the potential impacts from the proposal against biodiversity values is provided in Table 5-1.
Table 5-1 Impact assessment of biodiversity values.
Threshold Application to the Proposal Impact?
Areas of Outstanding Biodiversity Value None occur in the development No site.
Activity on land identified as being of high The development site does not No biodiversity value on the Biodiversity Values impact on any land classed as land Map of high biodiversity value (Figure 5-2). However, Burrangong Creek, about 110m east of the eastern
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Threshold Application to the Proposal Impact? boundary, is considered as land of high biodiversity value.
Impacts to biodiversity values (Clause 1.5 of The vegetation within the No the Biodiversity Conservation Act): proposal is a landscaped garden in • Vegetation Integrity – being the degree a highly modified state. to which the composition, structure and function of vegetation at a particular site and the surrounding landscape has been altered from a near natural state.
• Habitat suitability – being the degree to There is unlikely to be any impact No which the habitat needs of threatened on threatened species (refer to species are present at a particular site. Appendix C & D).
Impacts to additional biodiversity values (Clause 1.4 of the Regulations): No records of threatened species No • Threatened species abundance. or TECs are known to occur on site. (figure 4-1).
• Vegetation abundance. The vegetation within the Up to 0.02ha of proposal is a landscaped garden in planted native a highly modified state. 0.02ha vegetation would be occurs as planted native removed. This is vegetation. comprised of two planted E. bicostata over an exotic groundcover.
• Habitat connectivity. The vegetation within the No impacts to proposal is an urban landscaped connectivity of habitat garden and does not provide any for threatened species major connectivity within the would occur. locality.
• Movement of threatened species that The vegetation within the No impact to the maintains their lifecycle. proposal is an urban landscaped movement of species garden. Only two would occur. threatened/migratory species are considered to occur in the proposal site and are assessed in Appendix D.
• Flight path integrity. No known flight paths of No impacts to flight protected animals occur over the path integrity would site. occur.
• Water quality, water bodies and No water bodies occur on site. No impacts to hydrological processes that sustain waterbodies would threatened species and threatened occur. ecological communities (including from subsidence or upsidence resulting from underground mining or other development).
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Figure 5-1 Impacts to vegetation
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Figure 5-2 The Biodiversity Value Map. The proposal area, marked by the red boundary, lies outside of areas mapped of high biodiversity value in dark orange to the north, identified as Burrangong Creek (NSW Government 2018)
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6 MITIGATION MEASURES These safeguards are a tool to assist with minimising the impacts on biodiversity during vegetation removal work (Table 6-1).
Table 6-1 Safeguards for Protection of Flora and Fauna.
Impact Environmental safeguards Responsibility Timing
Unexpected The site induction should include measures to make Contractor Construction threatened employees aware of potential threatened flora and fauna
species finds. during works and understand the procedures if threatened fauna are detected, this will be recorded as a part of the
induction procedure and toolbox talks:
o Stop work, o Alert an Ecologist for assessment and possible re-location during works.
7 CONCLUSION The proposal site is a landscaped garden and highly modified from its natural state. Consequently, no significant impacts to biodiversity values are considered likely to occur as a result of the development. It is considered that a Biodiversity Development Assessment Report (BDAR) Waiver, granted by the Department of Planning and Environment, is appropriate for this development.
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8 REFERENCES Angiosperm Phylogeny Group (2016) An update of the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group classification for the orders and families of flowering plants: APG IV. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2016, 181, 1– 20. Australian Plant Census (2017) https://www.anbg.gov.au/chah/apc/ Commonwealth of Australia (2013) Matters of National Environmental Significance. Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1. Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
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Rural Fire Service (RFS) (2018) Check if you're in bush fire prone land. https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan- and-prepare/building-in-a-bush-fire-area/planning-for-bush-fire-protection/bush-fire-prone-land/check- bfpl [accessed Jun 2018] Young Local Environmental Plan (2010). https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/#/view/EPI/2010/404/full [accessed September 2018).
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APPENDIX A CONCEPT DESIGN
18-289 Draft v1.0 A-I Masterplanning Preferred Option: 1A / I1 / Currawong
RIPON STREET Summary • Heritage & civic response • Reinforce the historic frontage to former Courthouse (Hall) and Gaol along Currawong Walk • Proposed 2 storey joint use library • Demolish existing Arts Block B SHARED PUBLIC H HIGHWAY OLYMPIC ZONE • Re-purpose existing library block • New Toilet Block with waste facility • Primary entry from Currawong Walk • Secondary entry maintained from campbell street
HISTORIC CURRAWONG WALK • Relocated Staff Toilets and Sickbay in Block A to facilitate DDA access into Admin • Relocated Staff Music Room in Block A to facilitate H relocated music room from Block BB COMMUNITY ENTRY PRIMARY ENTRY HERITAGE SETBACK H H H
H H JOINT USE EARLY CHILDHOOD CAFE PROPOSED 3 LEVEL COMMUNITY HUB
FOOD TECH H SECONDARY ENTRY Shared Public
CAPLE STREET BLOCK A Joint use zone Existing Building Private Courtyards TAFE Re-purposed Building
Secure Line - School Hours Demolished Building BLOCK GFS Secure Line - After Hours New Building WC / Permeable Boundary Waste Tree (outside school hours) BLOCK EE TECH CAMPBELL STREET Heritage Tree(Hoop Pine) Formal Admin Entry H Heritage Item Student Entry Internal/external Community Entry connection 1:1000 @ A3 Site boundary
Hilltops Library and Community Centre Schematic Design Project No Hayball 1 September 2018 2277 Building Footprint Development 2.5 Level Option
Summary: • Retains both Chinese Elm trees and Large Lemon Fence Scented Gum. • Removes smaller Lemon Scented Gum. • Footprint respects heritage setbacks and TPZ setbacks • No pruning required for building, potential small amount of pruning for construction activities. • No impact on Hoop pine • Setbacks for terrace on upper floor. Early RL 439.80 Childhood • Mezzanines to provide areas of double height space RL 440.00 on lower and upper ground floors. • Preliminary review undertaken by GML Heritage.
RL 440.25
Food Tech
Proposed New Building RL 442.30
RL 442.10 RL 442.30 Hall
Existing Building RL 442.30 New Building
Tree
Site boundary
Hilltops Library and Community Centre Schematic Design Project No Hayball 2 September 2018 2277 Building Footprint Development 2.5 Level Option
Summary: • Portion of floor plate with double height space • Lower ground 300mm below the height of the lower hoop pine. Level access from Currawong Walk • Upper ground 300mm above the floor level of Courthouse / Food Tech Building / Courtyard Trees.
RL 450.00 • Opportunity to provide decking around the GML Recommended Courtyard tree’s TPZ. Alignment Roof: 449.80 • Roof aligns with the datum on the Courthouse. • Balcony / Terrace on upper floor Level 01: 446.20
Upper Ground: 442.60
Lower Ground: 439.00 Proposed Library Hall/Court House
Section N-S
RL 450.00 GML Recommended Alignment Roof: 449.80
6m 6m Lower Ground: 439.00
Proposed Library Early Childhood TAFE Hall/Court House Elevation E-W Existing Building
New Building
Tree
Hilltops Library and Community Centre Schematic Design Project No Hayball 3 September 2018 2277 Biodiversity Assessment Young High School Library
APPENDIX B DATABASE SEARCH RESULTS
18-289 Draft v1.0 B-I
EPBC Act Protected Matters Report
This report provides general guidance on matters of national environmental significance and other matters protected by the EPBC Act in the area you have selected.
Information on the coverage of this report and qualifications on data supporting this report are contained in the caveat at the end of the report.
Information is available about Environment Assessments and the EPBC Act including significance guidelines, forms and application process details.
Report created: 12/09/18 12:08:27
Summary Details Matters of NES Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act Extra Information Caveat Acknowledgements
This map may contain data which are ©Commonwealth of Australia (Geoscience Australia), ©PSMA 2010
Coordinates Buffer: 10.0Km
Summary
Matters of National Environmental Significance
This part of the report summarises the matters of national environmental significance that may occur in, or may relate to, the area you nominated. Further information is available in the detail part of the report, which can be accessed by scrolling or following the links below. If you are proposing to undertake an activity that may have a significant impact on one or more matters of national environmental significance then you should consider the Administrative Guidelines on Significance.
World Heritage Properties: None National Heritage Places: None Wetlands of International Importance: 4 Great Barrier Reef Marine Park: None Commonwealth Marine Area: None Listed Threatened Ecological Communities: 2 Listed Threatened Species: 21 Listed Migratory Species: 11
Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act
This part of the report summarises other matters protected under the Act that may relate to the area you nominated. Approval may be required for a proposed activity that significantly affects the environment on Commonwealth land, when the action is outside the Commonwealth land, or the environment anywhere when the action is taken on Commonwealth land. Approval may also be required for the Commonwealth or Commonwealth agencies proposing to take an action that is likely to have a significant impact on the environment anywhere.
The EPBC Act protects the environment on Commonwealth land, the environment from the actions taken on Commonwealth land, and the environment from actions taken by Commonwealth agencies. As heritage values of a place are part of the 'environment', these aspects of the EPBC Act protect the Commonwealth Heritage values of a Commonwealth Heritage place. Information on the new heritage laws can be found at http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage
A permit may be required for activities in or on a Commonwealth area that may affect a member of a listed threatened species or ecological community, a member of a listed migratory species, whales and other cetaceans, or a member of a listed marine species.
Commonwealth Land: 1 Commonwealth Heritage Places: None Listed Marine Species: 18 Whales and Other Cetaceans: None Critical Habitats: None Commonwealth Reserves Terrestrial: None Australian Marine Parks: None
Extra Information
This part of the report provides information that may also be relevant to the area you have nominated.
State and Territory Reserves: None Regional Forest Agreements: None Invasive Species: 19 Nationally Important Wetlands: None Key Ecological Features (Marine) None
Details
Matters of National Environmental Significance Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar) [ Resource Information ] Name Proximity Banrock station wetland complex 700 - 800km upstream Hattah-kulkyne lakes 500 - 600km upstream Riverland 600 - 700km upstream The coorong, and lakes alexandrina and albert wetland 700 - 800km upstream
Listed Threatened Ecological Communities [ Resource Information ] For threatened ecological communities where the distribution is well known, maps are derived from recovery plans, State vegetation maps, remote sensing imagery and other sources. Where threatened ecological community distributions are less well known, existing vegetation maps and point location data are used to produce indicative distribution maps. Name Status Type of Presence Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa) Grassy Woodlands Endangered Community likely to occur and Derived Native Grasslands of South-eastern within area Australia White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Critically Endangered Community likely to occur Woodland and Derived Native Grassland within area Listed Threatened Species [ Resource Information ] Name Status Type of Presence Birds Anthochaera phrygia Regent Honeyeater [82338] Critically Endangered Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern [1001] Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area
Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper [856] Critically Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area
Grantiella picta Painted Honeyeater [470] Vulnerable Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Lathamus discolor Swift Parrot [744] Critically Endangered Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Leipoa ocellata Malleefowl [934] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area
Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew, Far Eastern Curlew [847] Critically Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area
Polytelis swainsonii Superb Parrot [738] Vulnerable Breeding known to occur within area Rostratula australis Australian Painted-snipe, Australian Painted Snipe Endangered Species or species habitat [77037] may occur within
Name Status Type of Presence area Fish Maccullochella peelii Murray Cod [66633] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area
Macquaria australasica Macquarie Perch [66632] Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area
Frogs Litoria booroolongensis Booroolong Frog [1844] Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area
Litoria raniformis Growling Grass Frog, Southern Bell Frog, Green and Vulnerable Species or species habitat Golden Frog, Warty Swamp Frog [1828] may occur within area
Mammals Chalinolobus dwyeri Large-eared Pied Bat, Large Pied Bat [183] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area
Dasyurus maculatus maculatus (SE mainland population) Spot-tailed Quoll, Spotted-tail Quoll, Tiger Quoll Endangered Species or species habitat (southeastern mainland population) [75184] may occur within area
Nyctophilus corbeni Corben's Long-eared Bat, South-eastern Long-eared Vulnerable Species or species habitat Bat [83395] may occur within area
Phascolarctos cinereus (combined populations of Qld, NSW and the ACT) Koala (combined populations of Queensland, New Vulnerable Species or species habitat South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory) may occur within area [85104] Pteropus poliocephalus Grey-headed Flying-fox [186] Vulnerable Foraging, feeding or related behaviour may occur within area Plants Ammobium craspedioides Yass Daisy [20758] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area
Prasophyllum petilum Tarengo Leek Orchid [55144] Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area
Reptiles Delma impar Striped Legless Lizard [1649] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area
Listed Migratory Species [ Resource Information ] * Species is listed under a different scientific name on the EPBC Act - Threatened Species list. Name Threatened Type of Presence Migratory Marine Birds Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift [678] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Migratory Terrestrial Species Hirundapus caudacutus White-throated Needletail [682] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Motacilla flava Yellow Wagtail [644] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Name Threatened Type of Presence Myiagra cyanoleuca Satin Flycatcher [612] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Rhipidura rufifrons Rufous Fantail [592] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Migratory Wetlands Species Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper [59309] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper [874] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper [856] Critically Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area
Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper [858] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Gallinago hardwickii Latham's Snipe, Japanese Snipe [863] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew, Far Eastern Curlew [847] Critically Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area
Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act Commonwealth Land [ Resource Information ] The Commonwealth area listed below may indicate the presence of Commonwealth land in this vicinity. Due to the unreliability of the data source, all proposals should be checked as to whether it impacts on a Commonwealth area, before making a definitive decision. Contact the State or Territory government land department for further information. Name Commonwealth Land - Australian Telecommunications Commission
Listed Marine Species [ Resource Information ] * Species is listed under a different scientific name on the EPBC Act - Threatened Species list. Name Threatened Type of Presence Birds Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper [59309] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift [678] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Ardea alba Great Egret, White Egret [59541] Species or species habitat known to occur within area
Ardea ibis Cattle Egret [59542] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper [874] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Name Threatened Type of Presence Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper [856] Critically Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area
Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper [858] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Chrysococcyx osculans Black-eared Cuckoo [705] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Gallinago hardwickii Latham's Snipe, Japanese Snipe [863] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-Eagle [943] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Hirundapus caudacutus White-throated Needletail [682] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Lathamus discolor Swift Parrot [744] Critically Endangered Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater [670] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Motacilla flava Yellow Wagtail [644] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Myiagra cyanoleuca Satin Flycatcher [612] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew, Far Eastern Curlew [847] Critically Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area
Rhipidura rufifrons Rufous Fantail [592] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Rostratula benghalensis (sensu lato) Painted Snipe [889] Endangered* Species or species habitat may occur within area
Extra Information
Invasive Species [ Resource Information ] Weeds reported here are the 20 species of national significance (WoNS), along with other introduced plants that are considered by the States and Territories to pose a particularly significant threat to biodiversity. The following feral animals are reported: Goat, Red Fox, Cat, Rabbit, Pig, Water Buffalo and Cane Toad. Maps from Landscape Health Project, National Land and Water Resouces Audit, 2001.
Name Status Type of Presence Birds Carduelis carduelis European Goldfinch [403] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Columba livia Rock Pigeon, Rock Dove, Domestic Pigeon [803] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Passer domesticus House Sparrow [405] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Sturnus vulgaris Common Starling [389] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Turdus merula Common Blackbird, Eurasian Blackbird [596] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Mammals Canis lupus familiaris Domestic Dog [82654] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Felis catus Cat, House Cat, Domestic Cat [19] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Feral deer Feral deer species in Australia [85733] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Lepus capensis Brown Hare [127] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Vulpes vulpes Red Fox, Fox [18] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Plants Asparagus asparagoides Bridal Creeper, Bridal Veil Creeper, Smilax, Florist's Species or species habitat Smilax, Smilax Asparagus [22473] likely to occur within area
Cytisus scoparius Broom, English Broom, Scotch Broom, Common Species or species habitat Broom, Scottish Broom, Spanish Broom [5934] likely to occur within area
Nassella neesiana Chilean Needle grass [67699] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Nassella trichotoma Serrated Tussock, Yass River Tussock, Yass Tussock, Species or species habitat Nassella Tussock (NZ) [18884] likely to occur within area
Opuntia spp. Prickly Pears [82753] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Pinus radiata Radiata Pine Monterey Pine, Insignis Pine, Wilding Species or species habitat Pine [20780] may occur within
Name Status Type of Presence area Rubus fruticosus aggregate Blackberry, European Blackberry [68406] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Salix spp. except S.babylonica, S.x calodendron & S.x reichardtii Willows except Weeping Willow, Pussy Willow and Species or species habitat Sterile Pussy Willow [68497] likely to occur within area
Solanum elaeagnifolium Silver Nightshade, Silver-leaved Nightshade, White Species or species habitat Horse Nettle, Silver-leaf Nightshade, Tomato Weed, likely to occur within area White Nightshade, Bull-nettle, Prairie-berry, Satansbos, Silver-leaf Bitter-apple, Silverleaf-nettle, Trompillo [12323]
Caveat The information presented in this report has been provided by a range of data sources as acknowledged at the end of the report.
This report is designed to assist in identifying the locations of places which may be relevant in determining obligations under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. It holds mapped locations of World and National Heritage properties, Wetlands of International and National Importance, Commonwealth and State/Territory reserves, listed threatened, migratory and marine species and listed threatened ecological communities. Mapping of Commonwealth land is not complete at this stage. Maps have been collated from a range of sources at various resolutions.
Not all species listed under the EPBC Act have been mapped (see below) and therefore a report is a general guide only. Where available data supports mapping, the type of presence that can be determined from the data is indicated in general terms. People using this information in making a referral may need to consider the qualifications below and may need to seek and consider other information sources.
For threatened ecological communities where the distribution is well known, maps are derived from recovery plans, State vegetation maps, remote sensing imagery and other sources. Where threatened ecological community distributions are less well known, existing vegetation maps and point location data are used to produce indicative distribution maps.
Threatened, migratory and marine species distributions have been derived through a variety of methods. Where distributions are well known and if time permits, maps are derived using either thematic spatial data (i.e. vegetation, soils, geology, elevation, aspect, terrain, etc) together with point locations and described habitat; or environmental modelling (MAXENT or BIOCLIM habitat modelling) using point locations and environmental data layers.
Where very little information is available for species or large number of maps are required in a short time-frame, maps are derived either from 0.04 or 0.02 decimal degree cells; by an automated process using polygon capture techniques (static two kilometre grid cells, alpha-hull and convex hull); or captured manually or by using topographic features (national park boundaries, islands, etc). In the early stages of the distribution mapping process (1999-early 2000s) distributions were defined by degree blocks, 100K or 250K map sheets to rapidly create distribution maps. More reliable distribution mapping methods are used to update these distributions as time permits.
Only selected species covered by the following provisions of the EPBC Act have been mapped: - migratory and - marine The following species and ecological communities have not been mapped and do not appear in reports produced from this database:
- threatened species listed as extinct or considered as vagrants - some species and ecological communities that have only recently been listed - some terrestrial species that overfly the Commonwealth marine area - migratory species that are very widespread, vagrant, or only occur in small numbers The following groups have been mapped, but may not cover the complete distribution of the species: - non-threatened seabirds which have only been mapped for recorded breeding sites - seals which have only been mapped for breeding sites near the Australian continent Such breeding sites may be important for the protection of the Commonwealth Marine environment.
Coordinates
-34.31581 148.29218
Acknowledgements This database has been compiled from a range of data sources. The department acknowledges the following custodians who have contributed valuable data and advice: -Office of Environment and Heritage, New South Wales -Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Victoria -Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Tasmania -Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, South Australia -Department of Land and Resource Management, Northern Territory -Department of Environmental and Heritage Protection, Queensland -Department of Parks and Wildlife, Western Australia -Environment and Planning Directorate, ACT -Birdlife Australia -Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme -Australian National Wildlife Collection -Natural history museums of Australia -Museum Victoria -Australian Museum -South Australian Museum -Queensland Museum -Online Zoological Collections of Australian Museums -Queensland Herbarium -National Herbarium of NSW -Royal Botanic Gardens and National Herbarium of Victoria -Tasmanian Herbarium -State Herbarium of South Australia -Northern Territory Herbarium -Western Australian Herbarium -Australian National Herbarium, Canberra -University of New England -Ocean Biogeographic Information System -Australian Government, Department of Defence Forestry Corporation, NSW -Geoscience Australia -CSIRO -Australian Tropical Herbarium, Cairns -eBird Australia -Australian Government – Australian Antarctic Data Centre -Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory -Australian Government National Environmental Science Program -Australian Institute of Marine Science -Reef Life Survey Australia -American Museum of Natural History -Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Inveresk, Tasmania -Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, Hobart, Tasmania -Other groups and individuals
The Department is extremely grateful to the many organisations and individuals who provided expert advice and information on numerous draft distributions.
Please feel free to provide feedback via the Contact Us page.
© Commonwealth of Australia Department of the Environment GPO Box 787 Canberra ACT 2601 Australia +61 2 6274 1111 Data from the BioNet BioNet Atlas website, which holds records from a number of custodians. The data are only indicative and cannot be considered a comprehensive inventory, and may contain errors and omissions. Species listed under the Sensitive Species Data Policy may have their locations denatured (^ rounded to 0.1°; ^^ rounded to 0.01°). Copyright the State of NSW through the Office of Environment and Heritage. Search criteria : Licensed Report of all Valid Records of Threatened (listed on TSC Act 1995) or Commonwealth listed Entities in selected area [North: -34.27 West: 148.24 East: 148.34 South: -34.37] returned a total of 8 records of 3 species. Report generated on 25/07/2018 6:11 PM
Com NSW Kingdo Specie m. Reco In Class Family Scientific Name Exotic Common Name stat m s Code stat rds fo us us
Animal Aves Anatidae 0216 Oxyura Blue-billed Duck V,P 2 ia australis Animal Aves Psittacida 0277 Polytelis Superb Parrot V,P, V 5 ia e swainsonii 3 Animal Aves Meliphagi 0603 Anthochaera Regent E4A, CE 1 ia dae phrygia Honeyeater P Biodiversity Assessment Young High School Library
APPENDIX C THREATENED SPECIES EVALUATIONS The tables in this appendix present the habitat evaluation for threatened species, ecological communities and endangered populations listed for the locality of Young in NSW BioNet 1, those identified as potentially occurring in the locality according to the Commonwealth EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool2 and those identified in the NSW South Western Slopes – Inland Slopes IBRA Sub-region3 . The likelihood of occurrence is based on presence of habitat, proximity of nearest records and mobility of the species (where relevant). The assessment of potential impact is based on the nature of the proposal, the ecology of the species and its likelihood of occurrence. The following classifications are used:
Presence of habitat: Present: Potential or known habitat is present within the study area Absent: No potential or known habitat is present within the study area
Likelihood of occurrence Unlikely: Species known or predicted within the locality but unlikely to occur in the study area Possible: Species could occur in the study area Present: Species was recorded during the field investigations
Possible to be impacted No: The proposal would not impact this species or its habitats. No Assessment of Significance (AoS) is necessary for this species. Yes: The proposal could impact this species or its habitats. An AOS has been applied to these entities.
1 The NSW BioNet is administered by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) and is an online database of fauna and flora records that contains over four million recorded sightings.
2 This online tool is designed for the public to search for matters protected under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). It is managed by the Commonwealth Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.
3 This online tool is administered by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) and is designed for the public to search the data base of threated flora and fauna in NSW by geographic region and habitat.
18-289 Draft v1.0 C-I Biodiversity Assessment Young High School Library
C.1 EVALUATION OF THE LIKELIHOOD AND EXTENT OF IMPACT ON THREATENED FLORA SPECIES
Species Description of habitat4 Presence of habitat Likelihood of occurrence Possible impact?
Phantom Wattle Shrubby woodland on sandy, granitic soil near creeks or in Absent Unlikely No Acacia phasmoides rocky crevices. No woodland Conspicuous shrub not Not likely to occur in study V BC present. detected during field area. V EPBC surveys
Ausfeld’s Wattle Associated species include Eucalyptus albens, E. blakelyi and Absent Unlikely No Acacia ausfeldii Callitris spp., with understorey dominated by Cassinia spp. and No woodland grasses. Established plants likely to be killed by fire, as mature Conspicuous shrub not Not likely to occur in study V BC present. and juvenile plants have a single-stemmed growth form. detected during field area. Eucalypt woodland in sandy soil, often in remnant roadside surveys patches of woodland.
Acacia meiantha Three disjunct populations in the Central Tablelands and Absent Unlikely No E BC within 100 km of each other. Dry sclerophyll forest or No forest or woodland, in sandy to clayey soil. Conspicuous shrub not Not likely to occur in study E EPBC woodland present. detected during field area. surveys
Crimson Spider-orchid Regrowth woodland on granite ridge country that has retained Absent Unlikely No Caladenia concolor high diversity of plant species, including other orchids. No woodland Dominant trees Blakely’s Red Gum, Red Stringybark, Red Box, Known in subregion but no Not likely to occur in study E BC present. and White Box. habitat in study area. area. V EPBC
4 Information sourced from species profiles on NSW OEH’s threatened species database or the Australian Government’s Species Profiles and Threats database (SPRAT) unless otherwise stated.
OEH threatened species database: http://www.threatenedspecies.environment.nsw.gov.au/index.aspx SPRAT: http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/sprat.pl
18-289 Draft v1.0 C-I Biodiversity Assessment Young High School Library
Species Description of habitat4 Presence of habitat Likelihood of occurrence Possible impact?
Rosella Spider-orchid In Victoria, woodlands and low forests of Red Box Eucalyptus Absent Unlikely No Caladenia rosella polyanthemos, Long-leafed Box E. goniocalyx and Red No forest or Stringybark E. macrorhyncha in well-drained, skeletal soils. Predicted in subregion but Not likely to occur in study PE BC woodland present. no habitat in study area. area. E EPBC
Sand-hill Spider-orchid Woodlands with sandy soil, especially that dominated by Absent Unlikely No Caladenia arenaria White Cypress Pine. No woodland Known in subregion but no Not likely to occur in study E BC present. habitat in study area. area. E EPBC
Thick Lip Spider-orchid Generally grassy sclerophyll woodland on clay loam or sandy Absent Unlikely No Caladenia tessellata soils, also low woodland with stony soil. No woodland Known in subregion but no Not likely to occur in study E BC present. habitat in study area. area. V EPBC
Robertson’s Peppermint Grassy or dry sclerophyll woodland or forest, on lighter soils Absent Unlikely No Eucalyptus robertsonii subsp. and often on granite. Usually closed grassy woodlands in No forest or hemisphaerica locally sheltered sites. Habitats include quartzite ridges, upper woodland present. Conspicuous tree not Not likely to occur in study slopes and a slight rise of shallow clay over volcanics. detected during field area. V BC surveys V EPBC
Black Gum Grows in lowest part of landscape. Alluvial soils, on cold, Absent Unlikely No Eucalyptus aggregata poorly-drained flats and hollows adjacent to creeks and small No forest or rivers. Often grows with other cold-adapted eucalypts, such as Conspicuous tree not Not likely to occur in study V BC woodland present. Snow Gum or White Sallee, Manna or Ribbon Gum, detected during field area. V EPBC Candlebark, Black Sallee and Swamp Gum. Usually open surveys woodland formation with grassy groundlayer dominated either by River Tussock or Kangaroo Grass, but with few shrubs.
18-289 Draft v1.0 C-II Biodiversity Assessment Young High School Library
Species Description of habitat4 Presence of habitat Likelihood of occurrence Possible impact?
Eucalyptus alligatrix subsp. Dry sclerophyll woodland on shallow, relatively infertile soils Absent Unlikely No alligatrix (grey-brown loam with ironstone). Only known from single No woodland V BC location south-west of Rylstone. present. Conspicuous tree not Not likely to occur in study detected during field area. surveys
Capertee Stringybark Broad altitudinal range from around 450 m to 1050 m, in which Absent Unlikely No Eucalyptus cannonii it tolerates most situations except the valley floors. Sclerophyll No woodland woodland on shallow soil on rises. Conspicuous tree not Not likely to occur in study V BC present. detected during field area. surveys
Homoranthus darwinioides Various woodland habitats with shrubby understoreys, usually Absent Unlikely No V BC in gravely sandy soils. Landforms include flat sunny ridge tops No woodland with shrubby woodland, sloping ridges, gentle south-facing Predicted in subregion but Not likely to occur in study V EPBC present. slopes, and slight depression on roadside with loamy sand. no habitat in study area. area.
Leafless Indigo Recorded in dry sclerophyll forest and tall woodland, and on Absent Unlikely No Indigofera efoliata slight rises among ironstone formation in stony red-brown No forest or sandy loam. Known in subregion but no Not likely to occur in study E BC woodland present. habitat in study area. area. E EPBC
Silky Swainson-pea Box-gum woodland in the southern tablelands and South West Absent Unlikely No Swainsona sericea Slopes. Sometimes in association with cypress pines. No woodland Known in subregion but no Not likely to occur in study V BC present. habitat in study area. area.
Keith’s Zieria Dry sclerophyll forest on light sandy soils. All known Absent Unlikely No Zieria ingramii populations recorded in Eucalyptus-Callitris woodland or open No forest or forest with a shrubby to heathy understorey. Gentle slopes in Known in subregion but no Not likely to occur in study E BC woodland present. red-brown and yellow-brown sandy loams, often with a rocky habitat in study area. area. E EPBC surface.
18-289 Draft v1.0 C-III Biodiversity Assessment Young High School Library
Species Description of habitat4 Presence of habitat Likelihood of occurrence Possible impact?
Granite Zieria Eucalypt woodland or shrubland dominated by species of Absent Unlikely No Zieria obcordata Acacia on rocky hillsides. Also Eucalyptus and Callitris No woodland or dominated woodland with an open, low shrub understorey, on Known in subregion but no Not likely to occur in study E BC shrubland present. moderately steep, mainly west to north-facing slopes in sandy habitat in study area. area. E EPBC loam amongst granite boulders. Altitude range 500 to 830 m.
Euphrasia arguta Grassy areas near rivers. Historically, open forest country Absent Unlikely No CE BC around Bathurst in sub-humid places, on the grassy country No suitable grassland near Bathurst, and in meadows near rivers. In Nundle area, Known in subregion but no Not likely to occur in study CE EPBC near a river present. eucalypt forest with a mixed grass and shrub understorey. habitat in study area. area.
Yass Daisy Moist or dry forest communities, Box-Gum woodland and Absent Unlikely No Ammobium craspedioides secondary grassland derived from clearing of these No forest, woodland communities. Known in subregion but no Not likely to occur in study V BC or derived grassland present. habitat in study area. area. V EPBC
Floating Swamp Wallaby-grass Mostly permanent swamps. Needs wetlands which are at least Absent Unlikely No Amphibromus fluitans moderately fertile and have some bare ground, conditions No aquatic habitat produced by seasonally-fluctuating water levels. Habitats in Known in subregion but no Not likely to occur in study V BC present. south-western NSW include swamp margins in mud, dam, and habitat in study area. area. V EPBC tank beds in hard clay and in semi-dry mud of lagoons.
A Spear-grass Floodplains of Murray River tributaries, in open woodland on Absent Unlikely No Austrostipa wakoolica grey, silty clay or sandy loam soils. Habitats include edges of No floodplain lignum swamp with box and mallee, creek banks in grey, silty Predicted in subregion but Not likely to occur in study E BC woodland present. clay, mallee and lignum sandy-loam flat, open cypress forest no habitat in study area. area. E EPBC on low sandy range, and low, rocky rise.
Woolly Ragwort Sheltered slopes of rocky outcrops. Absent Unlikely No Senecio garlandii No rocky outcrops Known in subregion but no Not likely to occur in study V BC present. habitat in study area. area.
18-289 Draft v1.0 C-IV Biodiversity Assessment Young High School Library
Species Description of habitat4 Presence of habitat Likelihood of occurrence Possible impact?
Small Purple-pea Grassy woodlands, but sometimes extends into grassy open Absent Unlikely No Swainsona recta forest, usually with tree cover including Blakely’s Red Gum, No forest or Yellow Box, and White Box. Known in subregion but no Not likely to occur in study E BC woodland present. habitat in study area. area. E EPBC
Small Scurf-pea Grassland, River Red Gum Woodland or Box-Gum Woodland, Absent Unlikely No Cullen parvum sometimes on grazed land and usually on table drains or No grassland, adjacent to drainage lines or watercourses, in areas with Known in subregion but no Not likely to occur in study E BC woodland, or rainfall of between 450 and 700 mm. drainage lines habitat in study area. area. present.
Dwarf Bush-pea Isolated remnants of native woodland and forest communities Absent Unlikely No Pultenaea humilis that occur in extensively cleared agricultural landscapes. No forest or Variety of soils ranging from sandy loams to clays. Known in subregion but no Not likely to occur in study V BC woodland present. habitat in study area. area.
Raleigh Sedge Sphagnum bogs and high mountain wetlands, as well as damp Absent Unlikely No Carex raleighii grasslands and stream-edges of sub-alpine plains. No wetlands or damp Known in subregion but no Not likely to occur in study E BC grasslands present. habitat in study area. area.
Bluegrass Grows in woodland. Heavy basaltic soils and red-brown loams Absent Unlikely No Dichanthium setosum with clay subsoil. Moderately disturbed areas such as cleared No woodland woodland, grassy roadside remnants and highly disturbed Known in subregion but no Not likely to occur in study V BC present. pasture. habitat in study area. area. V EPBC
Pine Donkey Orchid Usually disturbed habitats. Understorey often grassy with Absent Unlikely No Diuris tricolor herbaceous plants such as Bulbine species. Grows in No forest or sclerophyll forest among grass, often with Cypress pine. Found Known in subregion but no Not likely to occur in study V BC woodland present. in sandy soils, either on flats or small rises. Also recorded from habitat in study area. area. red earth soil in Bimble Box community in western NSW.
18-289 Draft v1.0 C-V Biodiversity Assessment Young High School Library
Species Description of habitat4 Presence of habitat Likelihood of occurrence Possible impact?
Tarengo Leek Orchid Relatively fertile soils in grassy woodland or natural grassland. Absent Unlikely No Prasophyllum petilum Also flat or gently sloping sites on plains and rolling hills. Soils No wetlands or usually loams, clay loams, or sandy clays. Often in relatively Known in subregion but no Not likely to occur in study E BC natural grasslands moist areas. present. habitat in study area. area. E EPBC
Scant Pomaderris Moist eucalypt forest or sheltered woodlands with a shrubby Absent Unlikely No Pomaderris queenslandica understorey, and occasionally along creeks. No forest or Known in subregion but no Not likely to occur in study E BC woodland present. habitat in study area. area.
Cotoneaster Pomaderris Range of habitats in predominantly forested country, including Absent Unlikely No Pomaderris cotoneaster forest with deep, friable soil, amongst rock beside a creek, on No forest present. rocky forested slopes and in steep gullies between sandstone Predicted in subregion but Not likely to occur in study E BC cliffs. no habitat in study area. area. E EPBC
Small Pale Grass-lily Damp places in open forest on sandstone. Absent Unlikely No Caesia parviflora var. minor No forest present. Known in subregion but no Not likely to occur in study E BC habitat in study area. area.
Mueller’s Eyebright Damp places and heathy woodland. Absent Unlikely No Euphrasia collina subsp. No woodland muelleri present. Predicted in subregion but Not likely to occur in study no habitat in study area. area. E BC E EPBC
Clandulla Geebung Dry sclerophyll forest and woodland communities on Absent Unlikely No Persoonia marginata sandstone. No forest or Predicted in subregion but Not likely to occur in study V BC woodland present. no habitat in study area. area. V EPBC
18-289 Draft v1.0 C-VI Biodiversity Assessment Young High School Library
Species Description of habitat4 Presence of habitat Likelihood of occurrence Possible impact?
Austral Pillwort Shallow swamps and waterways, often among grasses and Absent Unlikely No Pilularia novae-hollandiae sedges. Most often recorded in drying mud when most No swamps or conspicuous. Most records in Albury-Urana area from table Known in subregion but no Not likely to occur in study E BC aquatic habitat drains on roadsides. present. habitat in study area. area.
Tylophora linearis Dry scrub and open forest. Recorded from low altitude Absent Unlikely No V BC sedimentary flats in dry woodlands. No scrub, forest or woodland present. Known in subregion but no Not likely to occur in study E EPBC habitat in study area. area.
Tumut Grevillea At Goobarragandra River, In close proximity to water, at Absent Unlikely No Grevillea wilkinsonii altitudes between 310 and 340 m. Most healthy plants in open No aquatic habitat or sunny areas. At Gundagai, upper slopes of steep hill on Known in subregion but no Not likely to occur in study E BC woodland present. serpentinite rocks. Grassy White Box woodland with scattered habitat in study area. area. E EPBC shrubs of Pink Wedding Bush and Hop Bush. Groundcover dominated by Kangaroo Grass and Snow Grass.
Bossiaea fragrans Spilite, rhyolite or slate and volcanic substrates and often Absent Unlikely No CE BC associated with Red Stringybark – Red Box woodland. No woodland Known in subregion but no Not likely to occur in study CE EPBC present. habitat in study area. area.
EECs
Grey Box (Eucalyptus Low-relief landscapes, often on productive soils derived from Absent Unlikely No microcarpa) Grassy Woodlands alluvial or colluvial materials. Drier sites within belt of grassy Characteristic species and Derived Native Grasslands woodlands in south-eastern Australia, in rainfall range of 375 not present in study Known in subregion but no No EEC in study area. of South-eastern Australia – 700 mm per year. area. habitat in study area. E EPBC
White Box-Yellow Box- Blakely’s Occurs in tablelands and western slopes of NSW, usually on Absent Unlikely No Red Gum Grassy Woodland and lower fertile parts of the landscape where resources such as Characteristic species Derived Native Grassland water and nutrients are abundant. not present in study Known in subregion but no No EEC in study area. CE EPBC area. habitat in study area. EEC BC
18-289 Draft v1.0 C-VII Biodiversity Assessment Young High School Library
Species Description of habitat4 Presence of habitat Likelihood of occurrence Possible impact?
E BC = listed as Endangered under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. EEC BC = listed as Endangered Ecological Community under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. E EPBC = listed as Endangered under the Commonwealth Environment Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. CE EPBC = listed as Critically Endangered under the Commonwealth Environment Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. V BC = listed as Vulnerable under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.
V EPBC = listed as Vulnerable under the Commonwealth Environment Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
18-289 Draft v1.0 C-VIII Biodiversity Assessment Young High School Library
C.2 EVALUATION OF THE LIKELIHOOD AND EXTENT OF IMPACT ON THREATENED FAUNA SPECIES
Species and Status Description of habitat5 Presence of habitat Likelihood of occurrence Potential for impact?
Birds
Fork-tailed Swift Mostly over inland plains but sometimes above foothills or coastal Present Possible Yes areas. Also over settled areas, including towns, urban areas and cities. Apus pacificus Towns and urban areas, Considered likely to Assessment of Mostly over dry or open habitats, including treeless grassland and occur in locality. significance M EPBC open farmland. completed.
Gang-gang Cockatoo In spring and summer, tall mountain forests and woodlands, Present Possible Yes particularly heavily timbered and mature wet sclerophyll forests. In Callocephalon Urban areas present. Known to occur in Assessment of autumn and winter, lower altitudes in drier, more open eucalypt fimbriatum subregion. significance forests and woodlands, particularly box-gum and box-ironbark V BC completed. assemblages, or in dry forest in coastal areas and often found in urban areas.
Australasian Bittern Permanent freshwater wetlands with tall, dense vegetation, Absent Unlikely No particularly bulrushes (Typha spp.) and spike-rushes (Eleoacharis Botaurus poiciloptilus No wetlands present. Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in spp.). E BC no habitat in study area. study area. E EPBC
5 Information sourced from species profiles on NSW OEH’s threatened species database or the Australian Government’s Species Profiles and Threats database (SPRAT) unless otherwise stated.
OEH threatened species database: http://www.threatenedspecies.environment.nsw.gov.au/index.aspx SPRAT: http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/sprat.pl
18-289 Draft v1.0 C-IX Biodiversity Assessment Young High School Library
Species and Status Description of habitat5 Presence of habitat Likelihood of occurrence Potential for impact?
Australian Bustard Tussock and hummock grasslands, though prefer tussocks. Also low Absent Unlikely No shrublands and low open grassy woodlands. Occasionally pastoral and Ardeotis australis No tussock or hummock Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in cropping country, golf courses and near dams. E BC grasslands present. no habitat in study area. study area.
Australian Painted Fringes of swamps, dams and nearby marshy areas with cover of Absent Unlikely No Snipe Rostratula grasses, low scrub or open timber. Permanent and ephemeral shallow No aquatic habitat Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in australis (<50 cm) wetlands and waterbodies or inundated grassland and present. no habitat in study area. study area. paddocks. E EPBC
E BC
Barking Owl Woodland and open forest, including fragmented remnants and partly Absent Unlikely No cleared farmland. Ninox connivens No woodland or forest Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in V BC present. no habitat in study area. study area.
Black Bittern Terrestrial and estuarine wetlands, generally areas of permanent Absent Unlikely No water and dense vegetation. Where permanent water present, may Ixobrychus flavicollis No wetlands present. Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in occur in flooded grassland, forest, woodland, rainforest and V BC no habitat in study area. study area. mangroves.
Black Falcon Tree-lined watercourses and in isolated woodlands, mainly in arid and Absent Unlikely No semi-arid areas. Falco subniger No woodland or Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in V BC watercourses present. no habitat in study area. study area.
18-289 Draft v1.0 C-X Biodiversity Assessment Young High School Library
Species and Status Description of habitat5 Presence of habitat Likelihood of occurrence Potential for impact?
Black-breasted Buzzard Timbered watercourses, grasslands, and sparsely timbered Absent Unlikely No woodlands. Hamirostra No woodland, grassland Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in melanosternon or watercourses present. no habitat in study area. study area. V BC
Black-chinned Drier open forests or woodlands dominated by box and ironbark Absent Unlikely No Honeyeater (eastern eucalypts, smooth-barked gums, Stringybarks, tea trees, and She- No woodland or forest Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in subspecies) oaks. present. no habitat in study area. study area. Melithreptus gularis gularis V BC
Black-necked Stork Floodplain wetlands (swamps, billabongs, watercourses and dams) of Absent Unlikely No major coastal rivers. Ephippiorhynchus No wetland habitat Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in asiaticus present. no habitat in study area. study area. E BC
Black-tailed Godwit Bays, estuaries and lagoons with large mud/sand flats in coastal areas. Absent Unlikely No Mudflats and shallow water around muddy lakes and swamps, wet Limosa limosa No wetland habitat Predicted in subregion Not likely to occur in fields, and sewage treatment works inland. present. but no habitat in study study area. V BC area. M EPBC
Blue-billed Duck Deep water in large permanent wetlands and swamps with dense Absent Unlikely No aquatic vegetation. Oxyura australis No wetland habitat Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in V BC present. no habitat in study area. study area.
18-289 Draft v1.0 C-XI Biodiversity Assessment Young High School Library
Species and Status Description of habitat5 Presence of habitat Likelihood of occurrence Potential for impact?
Brolga Dry grassland, ploughed paddocks, desert claypans, and especially Absent Unlikely No shallow swamps. Grus rubicunda No wetland, grassland or Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in V BC claypans present. no habitat in study area. study area.
Brown Treecreeper Eucalypt woodlands and dry open forest of inland slopes and plains Absent Unlikely No west of Great Dividing Range, dominated by rough-barked eucalypts, Climacteris picumnus No woodland or forest Known in subregion but No habitat in study usually with open grassy understorey and sometimes one or more victoriae present. no habitat in study area. area. shrub species. Also Mallee and River Red Gum forest bordering V BC wetlands. Not usually found in woodlands with dense shrub layer. Fallen timber important habitat component for foraging, hollows in standing dead or live trees and tree stumps essential for nesting.
Bush Stone-curlew Open forests and woodlands with sparse grassy ground layer and Absent Unlikely No fallen timber. Burhinus grallarius No woodland or forest Known in subregion but No habitat in study present. E BC no habitat in study area. area.
Common Sandpiper Wide range of coastal wetlands and some inland wetlands, with Absent Unlikely No varying levels of salinity, and is mostly found around muddy margins Actitis hypoleucos No wetland habitat May occur in locality but No habitat in study or rocky shores and rarely on mudflats. Recorded in estuaries, deltas present. no habitat in study area. area. M EPBC of streams, banks further upstream; around lakes, pools, billabongs, reservoirs, dams, and claypans, and occasionally piers and jetties. Muddy margins often narrow and may be steep.
Curlew Sandpiper Littoral and estuarine habitats and in NSW is known to be found in Absent Unlikely No intertidal mudflats of sheltered coasts. Can be found foraging on the Calidris ferruginea No coastal habitat in Known in subregion but No habitat in study edge of shallow water, on exposed algal mats or on banks of beach study area. no habitat in study area. area. E BC cast seagrass or seaweed. CE EPBC
18-289 Draft v1.0 C-XII Biodiversity Assessment Young High School Library
Species and Status Description of habitat5 Presence of habitat Likelihood of occurrence Potential for impact?
Diamond Firetail Grassy eucalypt woodlands, including box-gum woodlands and Snow Absent Unlikely No Gum woodlands, as well as open forest, Mallee, Natural Temperate Stagonopleura guttata No woodland or Known in subregion but No habitat in study Grassland, in secondary grassland derived from other communities, in V BC grassland present. no habitat in study area. area. riparian areas, and in lightly wooded farmland.
Dusky Woodswallow Dry, open eucalypt forests and woodlands, including mallee Absent Unlikely No associations, with open or sparse understorey of eucalypt saplings, Artamus cyanopterus No woodland, forest, Known in subregion but No habitat in study acacias and other shrubs, and groundcover of grasses or sedges and shrubland, healthland or cyanopterus no habitat in study area. area. fallen woody debris. Also shrublands, heathlands, and farmland at grassland present. V BC edge of forest or woodland.
Eastern Curlew Large intertidal mudflats often with seagrass beds along sheltered Absent Unlikely No coasts including in estuaries, bays, harbours, inlets, lagoons, and Numenius No coastal habitat in May occur in locality but No habitat in study among saltmarshes and mangroves. madagascariensis study area. no habitat in study area. area. CE EPBC
Eastern Osprey Mouths of large rivers, lagoons and lakes. Absent Unlikely No Pandion cristatus No aquatic habitat in Known in subregion but No habitat in study V BC study area. no habitat in study area. area. M EPBC
Flame Robin Breed in upland moist eucalypt forests and woodlands, often on ridges Absent Unlikely No and slopes. Clearings or areas with open understoreys. Groundlayer Petroica phoenicea No forests, woodlands, Known in subregion but No habitat in study dominated by native grasses and shrub layer may be sparse or dense. V BC pastures or grasslands no habitat in study area. area. In winter, drier, more open habitats in the lowlands, including dry present. forests, open woodlands and in pastures and native grasslands, with or without scattered trees.
18-289 Draft v1.0 C-XIII Biodiversity Assessment Young High School Library
Species and Status Description of habitat5 Presence of habitat Likelihood of occurrence Potential for impact?
Freckled Duck Permanent freshwater swamps and creeks with heavy growth of Absent Unlikely No Cumbungi, Lignum, or Tea Tree. During drier times, move from Stictonetta naevosa No wetland habitat Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in ephemeral breeding swamps to more permanent waters such as V BC present. no habitat in study area. study area. lakes, reservoirs, farm dams, and sewage ponds.
Gilbert’s Whistler Range of habitats with dense shrub layer. Widely recorded in Mallee Absent Unlikely No shrublands, but also occurs in box-ironbark woodlands, Cypress Pine Pachycephala inornata No shrublands, Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in and Belah woodlands and River Red Gum forests, though only known V BC woodlands or forests no habitat in study area. study area. to use this habitat along Murray, Edwards, and Wakool Rivers. Within present. Mallee, often found in with understorey of spinifex and low shrubs including wattles, hakeas, sennas, and hop-bushes. In woodland habitats, understorey comprises dense patches of shrubs, particularly regrowth Callitris pine.
Glossy Black Cockatoo Widespread throughout suitable forest and woodland habitats, from Absent Unlikely No the central Queensland coast to East Gippsland in Victoria, and inland Calyptorhynchus No forests or woodlands Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in to the southern tablelands and central western plains of NSW, with a lathami present. no habitat in study area. study area. small population in the Riverina. Dependent on large hollow-bearing V BC eucalypts for nest sites. Feeds almost exclusively on the seeds of several species of she-oak.
Grey Falcon Usually restricted to shrubland, grassland and wooded watercourses Absent Unlikely No of arid and semi-arid regions, although occasionally found in open Falco hypoleucos No shrublands, Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in woodlands near coast. Also occurs near wetlands where surface water E BC woodlands or forests no habitat in study area. study area. attracts prey. present.
18-289 Draft v1.0 C-XIV Biodiversity Assessment Young High School Library
Species and Status Description of habitat5 Presence of habitat Likelihood of occurrence Potential for impact?
Grey-crowned Babbler Open Box-Gum woodlands on the slopes, and Box-Cypress and open Absent Unlikely No (eastern subspecies) Box woodland on alluvial plains. No woodlands present. Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in Pomatostomus no habitat in study area. study area. temporalis temporalis
V BC
Hooded Robin (south- Lightly wooded country, usually open eucalypt woodland, Acacia Absent Unlikely No eastern form) scrub and Mallee, often in or near clearings or open areas. Require No woodlands present. Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in structurally diverse habitats with mature eucalypts, saplings, some Melanodryas cucullata no habitat in study area. study area. cucullata small shrubs, and ground layer of moderately tall native grasses. V BC
Latham’s Snipe Permanent and ephemeral wetlands, usually open freshwater Absent Unlikely No wetlands with low, dense vegetation such as swamps, flooded Gallinago hardwickii No aquatic habitat in May occur in locality but Not likely to occur in grasslands or heathlands, and bogs, but also in saline or brackish water study area. no habitat in study area. study area. M EPBC bodies, and in both modified and artificial habitats.
Little Eagle Open eucalypt forest, woodland or open woodland. Sheoak or Acacia Absent Unlikely No woodlands and riparian woodlands of interior NSW are also used. Nest Hieraaetus No forests or woodlands Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in in tall living trees within a remnant patch. morphnoides present. no habitat in study area. study area. V BC
Little Lorikeet Open eucalyptus forest and woodland, particularly riparian habitats, Absent Unlikely No and isolated flowering trees in open country. Glossopsitta pusilla No forests or woodlands Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in V BC present. no habitat in study area. study area.
18-289 Draft v1.0 C-XV Biodiversity Assessment Young High School Library
Species and Status Description of habitat5 Presence of habitat Likelihood of occurrence Potential for impact?
Magpie Goose Shallow wetlands (less than 1 m deep) with dense growth of rushes or Absent Unlikely No sedges. Anseranas No wetland habitat Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in semipalmata present. no habitat in study area. study area. V BC
Major Mitchell’s Across arid and semi-arid inland, including in NSW as far east as Absent Unlikely No Cockatoo Bourke and Griffith and sporadically further. Treed and treeless inland No arid or semi-arid Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in habitats, always within easy reach of water. Nest in tree hollows. Lophochroa habitat near water no habitat in study area. study area. leadbeateri present. V BC
Malleefowl Semi-arid to arid shrublands and low woodlands, especially those Absent Unlikely No dominated by Mallee and/or Acacia which are tall, dense, and Leipoa ocellata No shrublands or Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in floristically rich. They may use Mallee with a spinifex understorey, but E BC woodlands present. no habitat in study area. study area. usually at lower densities than in areas with a shrub understorey. A V EPBC sandy to sandy-loam substrate and abundance of leaf litter are required for breeding.
Masked Owl Dry eucalypt forests and woodlands from sea level to 1100 m. Absent Unlikely No Tyto novaehollandiae No forests or woodlands Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in V BC present. no habitat in study area. study area.
Painted Honeyeater Boree, Brigalow and Box-Gum Woodlands and Box-Ironbark Forests. Absent Unlikely No Specialist feeder on the fruits of mistletoes growing on woodland Grantiella picta No forests or woodlands Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in eucalypts and acacias. Prefers mistletoes of genus Amyema. Insects present. no habitat in study area. study area. V EPBC and nectar from mistletoe or eucalypts are occasionally eaten. V BC
18-289 Draft v1.0 C-XVI Biodiversity Assessment Young High School Library
Species and Status Description of habitat5 Presence of habitat Likelihood of occurrence Potential for impact?
Pectoral Sandpiper Shallow fresh to saline wetlands. Usually found in coastal or near- Absent Unlikely No coastal habitat but occasionally further inland. Wetlands with open Calidris melanotos No wetland habitat in May occur in locality but Not likely to occur in fringing mudflats and low, emergent or fringing vegetation. study area. no habitat in study area. study area. M EPBC
Pied Honeyeater Acacia, mallee and spinifex scrubs of arid and semi-arid Australia. Absent Unlikely No Inhabits wattle shrub, mallee, spinifex and eucalypt woodlands, Certhionyx variegatus No scrublands or Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in usually when shrubs are flowering. V BC woodlands present. no habitat in study area. study area.
Pink Robin Rainforest and tall, open eucalypt forest, particularly in densely Absent Unlikely No vegetated gullies. Petroica rodinogaster No forests or rainforests Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in V BC present. no habitat in study area. study area.
Powerful Owl Range of vegetation types, from woodland and open sclerophyll forest Absent Unlikely No to tall open wet forest and rainforest. Ninox strenua No forests or woodlands Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in V BC present. no habitat in study area. study area.
Purple-crowned Open forests and woodlands, particularly where there are large Absent Unlikely No Lorikeet flowering eucalypts, and in Mallee habitats. Feed primarily on nectar No forests or woodlands Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in and pollen of flowering eucalypts, including planted trees in urban Glossopsitta present. no habitat in study area. study area. porphyrocephala areas. V BC
Regent Honeyeater Temperate woodlands and open forests of the inland slopes of south Absent Unlikely No eastern Australia. Also drier coastal woodlands and forests in some Anthochaera phrygia No forests or woodlands Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in years. Woodlands with significantly high abundance and species CE BC present. no habitat in study area. study area. richness of bird species, with large numbers of mature trees, high CE EPBC canopy cover and abundance of mistletoes.
18-289 Draft v1.0 C-XVII Biodiversity Assessment Young High School Library
Species and Status Description of habitat5 Presence of habitat Likelihood of occurrence Potential for impact?
Rufous Fantail In east and south-east Australia, wet sclerophyll forests, often in Absent Unlikely No gullies dominated by eucalypts, usually with a dense shrubby Rhipidura rufifrons No forests present. May occur in locality but Not likely to occur in understorey often including ferns. Sometimes recorded in drier no habitat in study area. study area. M EPBC sclerophyll forests on passage.
Satin Flycatcher Eucalypt forest and woodland, especially tall, wet sclerophyll forests Absent Unlikely No along gullies and water courses, and open, grassy areas of woodland. Myiagra cyanoleuca No forests or woodlands Considered likely to Not likely to occur in present. occur in locality but no study area. M EPBC habitat in study area.
Scarlet Robin Dry eucalypt forests and woodlands. Understorey is usually open and Absent Unlikely No grassy with few scattered shrubs. Mature and regrowth vegetation. Petroica boodang No forests or woodlands Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in Abundant logs and fallen timber. V BC present. no habitat in study area. study area.
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Muddy edges of shallow fresh or brackish wetlands, with inundated or Absent Unlikely No emergent sedges, grass, saltmarsh, or other low vegetation. Includes Calidris acuminata No wetland habitat in May occur in locality but No habitat in study dams, waterholes, soaks, bore drains and bore swamps, saltpans, and study area. no habitat in study area. area. M EPBC hypersaline salt lakes, and inundated paddocks, sedgelands, and other ephemeral wetlands inland.
Speckled Warbler Eucalypt dominated communities with grassy understorey, often on Absent Unlikely No rocky ridges or in gullies, and including scattered native tussock Chthonicola sagittata No large, undisturbed, Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in grasses, sparse shrub layer, eucalypt regrowth, and open canopy. V BC eucalypt-dominated no habitat in study area. study area. Large, relatively undisturbed remnants required for species to persist. remnants present.
18-289 Draft v1.0 C-XVIII Biodiversity Assessment Young High School Library
Species and Status Description of habitat5 Presence of habitat Likelihood of occurrence Potential for impact?
Spotted Harrier Grassy open woodland including Acacia and mallee remnants, inland Absent Unlikely No riparian woodland, grassland and shrub steppe. Most common in Circus assimilis No woodland or Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in native grassland, but also agricultural land, foraging over open V BC grassland present. no habitat in study area. study area. habitats including edges of inland wetlands.
Square-tailed Kite Timbered habitats including dry woodlands and open forests, Absent Unlikely No particularly timbered watercourses. In arid north-western NSW, stony Lophoictinia isura No woodland or forest Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in country with ground cover of chenopods and grasses, open acacia V BC present. no habitat in study area. study area. scrub and patches of low open eucalypt woodland.
Superb Parrot Box-Gum, Box-Cypress, and Boree Woodlands and River Red Gum Absent Unlikely No Forests. Nest in hollows of large trees in tall open forest or woodland. Polytelis swainsonii No woodland or forest Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in V EPBC present. no habitat in study area. study area. V BC
Swift Parrot Areas where eucalypts are flowering profusely or where there are Absent Unlikely No abundant lerp (from sap-sucking bugs) infestations. Favoured feed Lathamus discolor No eucalypt woodlands Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in trees include winter flowering species such as Swamp Mahogany, E BC present. no habitat in study area. study area. Spotted Gum, Red Bloodwood, Mugga Ironbark, and White Box. CE EPBC Commonly used lerp infested trees include Grey Box and Blackbutt.
Turquoise Parrot Edges of eucalypt woodland adjoining clearings, timbered ridges and Absent Unlikely No creeks in farmland. Nests in tree hollows, logs or posts. Neophema pulchella No woodland or forest Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in V BC present. no habitat in study area. study area.
18-289 Draft v1.0 C-XIX Biodiversity Assessment Young High School Library
Species and Status Description of habitat5 Presence of habitat Likelihood of occurrence Potential for impact?
Varied Sittella Eucalypt forests and woodlands, especially those containing rough- Absent Unlikely No barked species and mature smooth-barked gums with dead branches, Daphoenositta No woodland or forest Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in Mallee and Acacia woodland. chrysoptera present. no habitat in study area. study area.
V BC
White-bellied Sea- Coastal habitats and around terrestrial wetlands in tropical and Absent Unlikely No eagle temperate regions of Australia. Habitat characterised by large open No coastal or wetland Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in areas of water. Has been recorded in or over a variety of terrestrial Haliaeetus leucogaster habitat present. no habitat in study area. study area. habitats. V BC
White-fronted Chat Bare or grassy ground in wetland areas. Absent Unlikely No Epthianura albifrons No wetland habitat Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in V BC present. no habitat in study area. study area.
White-throated Most commonly recorded above wooded areas including open forest Absent Unlikely No Needletail and rainforest, and less commonly above woodland. No woodland or forest May occur in locality but Not likely to occur in Hirundapus caudacutus present. no habitat in study area. study area. M EPBC
Yellow Wagtail Typically, flat, open, grassy areas near water, which may include Absent Unlikely No grasslands, air strips, pastures, sports fields, and edges of wetlands, Motacilla flava No flat, grassy areas near May occur in locality but Not likely to occur in rivers, and dams. water present. no habitat in study area. study area. M EPBC
Fish
18-289 Draft v1.0 C-XX Biodiversity Assessment Young High School Library
Species and Status Description of habitat5 Presence of habitat Likelihood of occurrence Potential for impact?
Macquarie Perch Rivers, in clear, deep, rocky holes with plenty of cover including Absent Unlikely No aquatic vegetation, large boulders, large woody debris, and Macquaria australasica No aquatic habitat in May occur in locality but Not likely to occur in overhanging banks. study area. no habitat in study area. study area. E EPBC
Murray Cod Slow flowing, turbid water in streams and rivers, favouring deeper Absent Unlikely No water around boulders, undercut banks, overhanging vegetation and Maccullochella peelii No aquatic habitat in May occur in locality but Not likely to occur in logs. study area. no habitat in study area. study area. V EPBC
Invertebrate
Golden Sun Moth Natural temperate grasslands and grassy box-gum woodlands in Absent Unlikely No Synemon plana which groundlayer is dominated by wallaby grasses Austrodanthonia No grasslands or May occur in locality but Not likely to occur in E BC spp. Typically low and open, with bare ground between tussocks is woodlands present. no habitat in study area. study area. CE EPBC thought to be important microhabitat feature.
Mammals
Brush-tailed Dry sclerophyll open forest with sparse groundcover of herbs, grasses, Absent Unlikely No Phascogale shrubs or leaf litter. Also health, swamps, rainforest and wet No forest, swamps, heath Predicted to occur in Not likely to occur in sclerophyll forest. Forages in rough barked trees of 25 cm DBH or Phascogale tapoatafa or rainforest present. locality but no habitat in study area. greater. study area. V BC
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Species and Status Description of habitat5 Presence of habitat Likelihood of occurrence Potential for impact?
Brush-tailed Rock- Rocky escarpments, outcrops and cliffs with preference for complex Absent Unlikely No wallaby structures with fissures, caves and ledges, often facing north. No rocky habitat present. Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in Petrogale penicillata no habitat in study area. study area. E BC
V EPBC
Corben’s Long-eared Variety of vegetation types, most commonly Mallee, Bulloke, and Box- Absent Unlikely No Bat dominated communities, but are most common in vegetation which No wooded habitat Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in has a distinct canopy and dense understorey. They roost in tree Nyctophilus corbeni present. no habitat in study area. study area. hollows, crevices, and under loose bark. V BC
V EPBC
Eastern Bentwing-bat Roosts in caves, mines, stormwater tunnels, buildings, and other man- Absent Unlikely No made structures. Hunts in forested areas. Miniopterus No forests present. Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in schreibersii oceanensis no habitat in study area. study area. V BC
Eastern False Pipistrelle Moist habitats, with trees taller than 20 m. Species generally roosts in Absent Unlikely No eucalypt hollows, but has also been found under loose bark on trees Falsistrellus No forests present. Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in or in buildings. tasmaniensis no habitat in study area. study area. V BC
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Species and Status Description of habitat5 Presence of habitat Likelihood of occurrence Potential for impact?
Eastern Pygmy-possum Broad range from rainforest through sclerophyll (including box- Absent Unlikely No ironbark) forest and woodland to heath, but in most areas woodlands Cercartetus nanus No forests, woodlands or Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in and heath preferred, except in north-eastern NSW where rainforest heath present. no habitat in study area. study area. V BC preferred.
Grey-headed Flying-fox Subtropical and temperate rainforests, tall sclerophyll forests and Absent Unlikely No woodlands. Feed on nectar and pollen of native trees, especially Pteropus poliocephalus No forests or woodlands Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in Eucalyptus, Melaleuca and Banksia. Forage up to 50 km from camp, present. no habitat in study area. study area. V EPBC although typically roosting camps within 20 km of regular food source. V BC
Koala Range of eucalypt forest and woodland communities, including Absent Unlikely No coastal forests, the woodlands of the tablelands and western slopes, Phascolarctos cinereus No forests or woodlands Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in and the riparian communities of the western plains. present. no habitat in study area. study area. V EPBC
V BC
Large-eared Pied Bat Low to mid elevation dry open forest and woodland near roosts. Absent Unlikely No Roosts in caves (near entrance), crevices in cliffs, old mine workings Chalinolobus dwyeri No forests or woodlands Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in and in disused mud nests of Fairy Martins. present. no habitat in study area. study area. V EPBC
V BC
Little Pied Bat Dry open forest, open woodland, mulga woodlands, chenopod Absent Unlikely No shrublands, cypress pine forest, and mallee and Bimble box Chalinolobus picatus No forests or woodlands Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in woodlands. Roosts in caves, rock outcrops, mine shafts, tunnels, tree present. no habitat in study area. study area. V BC hollows, and buildings.
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Species and Status Description of habitat5 Presence of habitat Likelihood of occurrence Potential for impact?
Southern Myotis Roost close to water in caves, mine shafts, hollow-bearing trees, storm Absent Unlikely No water channels, buildings, under bridges, and in dense foliage. Forage Myotis macropus No forests, woodlands, Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in over streams and pools. streams or pools present. no habitat in study area. study area. V BC
Spotted-tailed Quoll Range of habitats, including rainforest, open forest, woodland, coastal Absent Unlikely No heath and inland riparian forest, from subalpine zone to coastline. Den Dasyurus maculatus No forests, woodlands, Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in in hollow-bearing trees, fallen logs, small caves, rock outcrops and or heath present. no habitat in study area. study area. V BC rocky cliff-faces. E EPBC (southeast mainland population)
Squirrel Glider Old growth box, box-ironbark woodlands, and River Red Gum forests Absent Unlikely No west of the Great Dividing Range, and prefer mixed species stands Petaurus norfolcensis No forests or woodlands Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in with a shrubby or Acacia understorey. Abundant tree hollows are present. no habitat in study area. study area. V BC required for refuge and nesting.
Yellow-bellied Glider Tall mature eucalypt forest generally in areas with high rainfall and Absent Unlikely No nutrient-rich soils. Mixed coastal forests to dry escarpment forests in Petaurus australis No forests present. Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in the north, moist coastal gullies and creek flats to tall montane forests no habitat in study area. study area. V BC in the south.
Yellow-bellied Most forested and cleared habitats, roosting in tree hollows and Absent Unlikely No Sheathtail-bat buildings, or in mammal burrows in cleared areas. No forests or clear Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in Saccolaimus habitat present. no habitat in study area. study area. flaviventris
V BC
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Species and Status Description of habitat5 Presence of habitat Likelihood of occurrence Potential for impact?
Reptiles
Pink-tailed Legless- Sloping, open woodland areas with predominantly native grassy Absent Unlikely No lizard groundlayers, particularly dominated by Kangaroo Grass Themeda No woodland present. Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in australis. Well-drained, with rocky outcrops or scattered, partially- Aprasia parapulchella no habitat in study area. study area. buried rocks. Commonly found beneath small, partially-embedded V EPBC rocks, in burrows made and inhabited by small black ants and V BC termites.
Striped Legless-lizard Natural Temperate Grasslands, also grasslands with a high exotic Absent Unlikely No component, in secondary grassland near Temperate Natural Delma impar No native grassland Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in Grassland, and occasionally in open Box-Gum Woodland. Grassland present. no habitat in study area. study area. V BC dominated by perennial, tussock-forming grasses such as Kangaroo V EPBC Grass Themeda australis, spear-grasses Austrostipa spp., poa tussocks Poa spp., and occasionally wallaby grasses Austrodanthonia spp. Sometimes also found in grasslands with significant amounts of surface rocks, which are used for shelter.
Pale-headed Snake Dry eucalypt forests and woodlands, cypress forest and occasionally Absent Unlikely No rainforest or moist eucalypt forest. In drier environments, favours Hoplocephalus No forests or woodlands Predicted in subregion Not likely to occur in habitat close to riparian areas. Shelter under loose bark or in hollow bitorquatus present. but no habitat in study study area. trunks and limbs of dead trees. area. V BC
Rosenberg’s Goanna Heath, open forest and woodland. Termite mounds are critical habitat Absent Unlikely No component. Shelters in hollow logs, rock crevices and in burrows. Varanus rosenbergi No heath, forests or Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in woodlands present. no habitat in study area. study area. V BC
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Species and Status Description of habitat5 Presence of habitat Likelihood of occurrence Potential for impact?
Frogs
Booroolong Frog Permanent streams with some fringing vegetation cover such as ferns, Absent Unlikely No sedges or grasses. On or near cobble banks and other rock structures Litoria booroolongensis No aquatic habitat Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in within stream margins. present. no habitat in study area. study area. E BC
E EPBC
Southern Bell Frog Only known to occur in isolated populations in Coleambally Irrigation Absent Unlikely No Area, Lowbidgee floodplain, and around Lake Victoria. Usually found Litoria raniformis No aquatic habitat Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in in or around permanent or ephemeral Black Box/Lignum/Nitre present. no habitat in study area. study area. E BC Goosefoot swamps or billabongs along floodplains and river valleys, V EPBC and in irrigated rice crops where there is no available natural habitat.
Sloane’s Froglet Periodically inundated areas in grassland, woodland and disturbed Absent Unlikely No habitats. Crinia sloanei No aquatic habitat Known in subregion but Not likely to occur in present. no habitat in study area. study area. V BC
E BC = listed as Endangered under Schedule 1 of the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 CE EPBC = listed as Critically Endangered under the Commonwealth Environment Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. E EPBC = listed as Endangered under the Commonwealth Environment Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. CAMBA = Chinese-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement
V BC = listed as Vulnerable under Schedule 2 of the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. JAMBA = Japan‐Australia Migratory Bird Agreement
V EPBC = listed as Vulnerable under the Commonwealth Environment Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
M EPBC = listed as Migratory under the Commonwealth Environment Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
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APPENDIX D ASSESSMENTS OF SIGNIFICANCE
D.1 BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 5 PART TEST Section 7.3 of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 specifies five factors to be taken into account in deciding whether a development is likely to significantly affect threatened species, populations or ecological communities, or their habitats, listed at the state level under the Act. This Five-part Test characterises the significance of likely impacts associated with the proposal on the following species:
• Gang-gang Gockatoo Callocephalon fimbriatum – V
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a) In the case of a threatened species, whether the proposed development or activity is likely to have an adverse effect on the life cycle of the species such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction. Potential foraging habitat for Gang-gang Cockatoo occurs in the proposal area and would be removed by the proposal. Survey did not detect the species or any signs that they have recently used the study area, so the study area is not considered known habitat. Habitat in the proposal area is only marginal for this species. Vegetation is fragmented, being dominated by planted ornamental trees (native and exotic). Native understorey is minimal, with exotic weeds dominant. The proposal area is also located in an urban environment. Gang-gang Cockatoos would likely occur only occasionally in the proposal area, and would not rely on the habitat for either breeding or foraging. The removal of potential habitat as a result of the proposal is considered unlikely to have an adverse effect on the life cycle of this species such that a viable local population would be likely to be placed at risk of extinction. b) In the case of an endangered ecological community or critically endangered ecological community, whether the proposed development or activity: a. is likely to have an adverse effect on the extent of the ecological community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction. b. Is likely to substantially and adversely modify the composition of the ecological community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction. Not applicable. c) In relation to the habitat of a threatened species or ecological community: i. the extent to which habitat is likely to be removed or modified as a result of the action proposed, and ii. whether an area of habitat is likely to become fragmented or isolated from other areas of habitat as a result of the proposed action, and iii. the importance of the habitat to be removed, modified, fragmented or isolated to the long- term survival of the species or ecological community in the locality. I. The proposal would result in the removal of around 0.02 ha of potential woodland habitat for this species. This would include 2 mature planted trees which provide potential foraging habitat. II. The proposal would result in the clearing of a small area of marginal habitat. Vegetation within the development site is already fragmented. The proposal would not result in further fragmentation of this habitat. However, there remains remnant native vegetation to the west along Sawpit Creek, connecting sparse vegetation to the south of the site, to the Macquarie River. III. The habitat within the study area is a known habitat. The amount of habitat is small in the context of habitat remaining in the study area. The habitat to be removed is not considered to be important to the long-term survival of these species in the locality. d) Whether the action proposed is likely to have an adverse effect on any declared area of outstanding biodiversity value (either directly or indirectly). No areas of outstanding biodiversity value occur within the development site. There would be no adverse direct or indirect effects on any declared areas of outstanding biodiversity value. e) Whether the action proposed constitutes or is part of a key threatening process or is likely to increase the impact of a key threatening process. Key Threatening Processes (KTPs) relevant to the proposal include the following: I. Clearing of native vegetation The clearing of native vegetation is considered a major contributor to the loss of biodiversity. In the Scientific Committee’s determination, it was found that ‘clearing of any area of native vegetation, including areas less than two hectares in extent, may have significant impacts on biological diversity.’ Clearing can lead to direct habitat loss, habitat fragmentation and associated genetic impacts, habitat degradation and off-site impacts such as downstream sedimentation. Around 0.02 ha of planted native vegetation (Southern Blue Gum)
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would be cleared as a result of the proposal. The proposal has the potential to increase the impact of this KTP. However, the contribution of this proposal would be relatively minor given the relatively small amount of highly disturbed habitat to be removed. II. Invasion and establishment of exotic vines and scramblers The proposal has the potential to contribute to the spread of exotic species in the development site through the transfer and introduction of plant material and soil on machinery. Mitigation measures have been recommended to prevent the spread of weeds on site. The proposal would be likely to make only a minor contribution to this KTP. III. Invasion of native plant communities by exotic perennial grasses The proposal has the potential to contribute to the introduction or spread of exotic perennial grasses to the study area through the transfer and introduction of plant material and soil on machinery. Mitigation measures have been recommended to prevent the spread of weeds on site. The proposal would be likely to make only a minor contribution to this KTP.
Conclusion The impacts of the proposal on the assessed threatened species listed under the BC Act are considered to be manageable. A significant threat is considered unlikely based on the following conclusions: 1. The amount of habitat to be removed or disturbed by the proposal is relatively small in an already disturbed urban area. 2. No further fragmentation of the habitat would occur. 3. No substantial contribution to any key threatening process would be expected. 4. Mitigation measures listed in Section 6 would be implemented to prevent disruptions to the life cycle or harm to individual animals of these species.
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D.2 ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT PRINCIPAL SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ASSESSMENT The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 specifies factors to be taken into account in deciding whether a development is likely to significantly affect Endangered Ecological Communities, threatened species and migratory species, listed at the Commonwealth level. These assessments characterises the significance of likely impacts associated with the proposal on the following species:
• Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus
a) Will the action substantially modify (including by fragmenting, alerting fire regimes, altering nutrient cycles or altering hydrological cycles), destroy or isolate an area of important habitat for a migratory species? The proposal would impact around 0.02ha of habitat, including removal of mature planted trees which may form some foraging habitat above the canopy for this species. There would also be some disturbance associated with construction which could decrease the quality of surrounding habitat. The habitat to be impacted is very low quality, as it is highly disturbed, dominated by exotic species, and in an urban environment. The proposal area is not located in a known area of important habitat for these species. With the implementation of the recommended mitigation measures, the likelihood of the action substantially modifying, destroying, or isolating an area of important habitat for this species is minimal. b) Will the action result in an invasive species that is harmful to the migratory species becoming established in an area of important habitat for the migratory species? There is a risk that invasive species could be introduced to the proposal area via machinery, vehicles, and materials during construction and operation. However, with the implementation of the recommended mitigation measures, the likelihood of the action resulting in harmful invasive species becoming established in the habitat of these species is minimal. c) Will the action seriously disrupt the lifecycle (breeding, feeding, migration or resting behaviour) of an ecologically significant proportion of the population of a migratory species? The quality of potential habitat in the proposal area is low, and it is therefore unlikely to support an ecologically significant proportion of the population of this species. The species is wide-ranging and likely to only occasionally occur over the proposal area. With the recommended mitigation measures, the likelihood of the action seriously disrupting the lifecycle of an ecologically significant proportion of the population of this migratory species is minimal.
Conclusion The impacts of the proposal on the assessed threatened and migratory species listed under the EPBC Act are considered to be manageable. A significant impact is considered unlikely based on the following conclusions: 1. The habitat to be impacted by the proposal is relatively small in the local context, and is of poor quality. 2. No further fragmentation of habitat would occur. 3. No substantial contribution to any key threatening process would be expected. 4. Mitigation measures listed in Section 6 would be implemented to prevent disruptions to the life cycle or harm to individual animals of these species.
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APPENDIX E FLORA SPECIES AND VEGETATION COMMUNITIES
Floristic survey results are presented for the vegetation identified in the proposal area. The foliage cover of species is based on visual estimates of foliage cover within a standard 20 metre x 20 metre plot. Incidentals are recorded using the random meander method (Cropper 1993). ‘C’ is common, ‘O’ is occasional and ‘U’ is uncommon.
Where uncertainty exists due to the unavailability of reproductive material, the taxon is preceded by a question mark, or plants are identified to genus level only. Species of conservation significance are bolded. Introduced species are denoted by an asterisk. Priority or significant environmental weeds are indicated with a ‘Δ’ symbol. Scientific nomenclature follows Harden (1990-2002) and the Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens PlantNet website, updated with recent changes accepted by the except where recent changes accepted by the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group (2016) and the Australian Plant Census (2017).
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Scientific name Common name Family Exotic Incidentals TREES
Araucariaceae * Araucaria cunninghamii Hoop Pine Ornamental plantings Ericacera * Arbutus unedo Irish Strawberry Tree Ornamental plantings Myrtaceae * Corymbia citriodora Lemon-scented Gum Ornamental plantings Myrtaceae Eucalyptus bicostata Southern Blue Gum Ornamental plantings Myrtaceae Eucalyptus cinerea Argyle Apple Ornamental plantings Hamamelidaceae * Liquidambar spp. Liquidambar Ornamental plantings Arecaceae * Phoenix canariensis Canary Island Date Palm Ornamental plantings SHRUBS, SUB-SHRUBS
Fabaceae Acacia acinacea Gold-dust Wattle Ornamental plantings (Mimosoideae) Theaceae * Camellia spp. Ornamental plantings Rutaceae Correa spp. Ornamental plantings Proteaceae Grevillea spp. Grevillea (Ornamental) Ornamental plantings Lamiaceae * Lavandula spp. Lavender Ornamental plantings Oleaceae * Ligustrum lucidum Large-leaved Privet Myrtaceae Melaleuca styphelioides Prickly-leaved Tea Tree Ornamental plantings Oleaceae * Olea europaea Common Olive Ornamental plantings Lamiaceae * Rosmarinus officinalis Rosemary Ornamental plantings FORBS
Alliaceae * Agapanthus spp. Ornamental plantings Asteraceae * Arctotheca calendula Capeweed Asteraceae * Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle Rubiaceae * Galium murale Small Bedstraw Asteraceae * Lactuca serriola Prickly Lettuce Lomandraceae Lomandra spp. Mat-rush Ornamental plantings Malvaceae * Modiola caroliniana Red-flowered Mallow Plantaginaceae * Plantago lanceolata Lamb's Tongues Iridaceae * Romulea rosea var. australis Onion Grass Asteraceae * Taraxacum officinale Dandelion Fabaceae (Faboideae) * Trifolium repens White Clover GRASSES Poaceae Cynodon dactylon Common Couch Poaceae * Ehrharta erecta Panic Veldtgrass Poaceae * Lolium perenne Perennial Ryegrass Poaceae * Pennisetum clandestinum Kikuyu Grass
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APPENDIX F FAUNA SPECIES LIST AND HABITAT OBSERVATIONS
The following fauna were observed opportunistically.
Common name Scientific name Observation type Birds White Ibis Threskiornis molucca Seen Pied Currawong Strepera graculina Seen Superb Fairy-wren Malurus cyaneus Seen Red Wattlebird Anthochaera carunculata Seen
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