Calga Sand Quarry
Biodiversity Monitoring Report
Hanson
8 February 2021
Draft
Calga Sand Quarry Draft | Hanson Cumberland Ecology(02) 9868 © 1933 | PO Box 2474 Carlingford Court NSW 2118 | cumberlandecology.com.au Page i
Report No. 12081RP9
The preparation of this report has been in accordance with the brief provided by the Client and has relied upon the data and results collected at or under the times and conditions specified in the report. All findings, conclusions or commendations contained within the report are based only on the aforementioned circumstances. The report has been prepared for use by the Client and no responsibility for its use by other parties is accepted by Cumberland Ecology.
Version Date Issued Amended by Details BF 08 February 2020 BF Draft
Approved by: Bryan Furchert Position: Project Manager/Botanist Signed: DRAFT Date: 31 March, 20218 February, 2021
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Table of Contents
Executive Summary vi 1. Introduction 1 1.1. Purpose 1 1.2. Background 1 1.3. Legislation Changes 3 2. Monitoring Methods 5 2.1. Literature Review 5 2.2. Site Inspections 5 3. Results - Rehabilitation Monitoring, Fauna, and Threatened Flora Species 9 3.1. Quadrat Surveys 9 3.2. Rehabilitation Progress 25 3.3. Priority Weeds 25 3.4. Fauna 26 3.5. Threatened Species Monitoring 27 4. Results - Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems 36 4.1. Sandstone Hanging Swamps 37 4.2. Sandstone Ranges Gully Forest 42 5. Conclusions and Recommendations 46 5.1. Conclusion 46 5.2. Recommendations 47 6. References 50
Table of Tables
Table 1 Required revegetation species ...... 2 Table 2 Coordinates, Orientation and Photo Point Location of Quadrats ...... 6 Table 3 Coordinates, Orientation and Photo Point Locations of Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Quadrats ...... 8 Table 4 Revegetation species required to be represented in the final landform and their presence in quadrats in 2019 ...... 25 Table 5 Priority Weeds recorded in monitoring quadrats ...... 25 Table 6 Monitoring Quadrat Data 2019 and 2020 ...... A.2 Table 7 GDE Monitoring Quadrat Results 2019 and 2020 ...... C.16 Table 8 Recommended Planting Species ...... D.33
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Table of Photographs
Photograph 1 Vegetation within Quadrat 1 ...... 10 Photograph 2 Erosion along the top edge of the NW bund wall ...... 11 Photograph 3 Lantana camara in Rehabilitation Area 5 ...... 12 Photograph 4 Vegetation in Quadrat 4 ...... 13 Photograph 5 Vegetation in Quadrat 5 ...... 15 Photograph 6 Vegetation within Quadrat 2 ...... 16 Photograph 7 Vegetation in Quadrat 3 ...... 18 Photograph 8 Plantings in Rehabilitation Area 4 ...... 19 Photograph 9 Well established plantings in Rehabilitation Area 6 ...... 20 Photograph 10 Eucalyptus haemastoma seedling in Area 4 ...... 20 Photograph 11 Pine seedling in Area 4 ...... 21 Photograph 12 Vegetation in Rehabilitation Area 8 ...... 22 Photograph 13 Plantings in Rehabilitation Area 9 ...... 22 Photograph 14 Exotic grasses establishing in Rehabilitation Area 9 ...... 23 Photograph 15 Extensive plantings in Area 3/2A (December 2019) ...... 24 Photograph 16 Extensive plantings in Area 3/2A (December 2020) ...... 24 Photograph 17 Rock Platform at MP1 surrounded by mats of D. glaucophylla ...... 28 Photograph 18 Tagged D. glaucophylla individual (Dg1) in December 2019 ...... 29 Photograph 19 Tagged D. glaucophylla individual (Dg1) in December 2020 ...... 29 Photograph 20 Tagged D. glaucophylla individual (Dg1) flowering in December 2020 ...... 30 Photograph 21 Dg2 in December 2019 ...... 31 Photograph 22 Dg2 in December 2020 ...... 31 Photograph 23 D. glaucophylla individuals on ridge above MP3 ...... 32 Photograph 24 Tagged individual (Dg3) in December 2019 ...... 33 Photograph 25 Tagged individual (Dg3) in December 2020 ...... 33 Photograph 26 New H. procumbens individual located in west of Quarry Site ...... 34 Photograph 27 Flowering H. procumbens individual ...... 35 Photograph 28 Post-fruiting H. procumbens individual ...... 35 Photograph 29 Euastacus spinifer within GDE 5...... 36 Photograph 30 Quadrat GDE1 in December 2019 ...... 38 Photograph 31 Quadrat GDE1 in December 2020 ...... 38 Photograph 32 Quadrat GDE2 in December 2019 ...... 39 Photograph 33 Quadrat GDE2 in December 2020 ...... 40 Photograph 34 Quadrat GDE3 in December 2019 ...... 41 Photograph 35 Quadrat GDE3 in December 2020 ...... 41 Photograph 36 Quadrat GDE4 in December 2019 ...... 43 Photograph 37 Quadrat GDE4 in December 2020 ...... 43 Photograph 38 Quadrat GDE5 in December 2019 ...... 44
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Photograph 39 Quadrat GDE5 in December 2020 ...... 45
Table of Appendices
APPENDIX A : Flora Species Recorded in Monitoring Quadrats in 2019 and 2020 APPENDIX B : Fauna Species Recorded by Cumberland Ecology APPENDIX C : Flora Species Recorded in GDE Monitoring Quadrats in 2020 APPENDIX D : Recommended Planting Species APPENDIX E : Threatened Species Locations APPENDIX F : Threatened Species Profiles
Table of Figures
Figure 1 Location of Monitoring Quadrats in Rehabilitation Areas Figure 2 Bush Regeneration Activities and Rehabilitation Areas Figure 3 Darwinia glaucophylla recorded within, and adjacent to, the Quarry Site Boundary Figure 4 Hibbertia procumbens recorded within, and adjacent to, the Quarry Site Boundary Figure 5 GDE Monitoring Plot Locations
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Executive Summary
S1 Introduction
The purpose of this report is to detail the ninth round of results of the annual biodiversity monitoring programme of the Calga Sand Quarry (the Quarry), operated by Hanson Construction Materials Pty Ltd (Hanson), and provide recommendations following the monitoring. This report forms part of the Annual Environmental Management Report (AEMR) for the Quarry and has been prepared for the 2020 AEMR. It details the monitoring results in regard to performance criteria specified in a Rehabilitation and Landscape Management Plan (RLMP) for the Quarry Site. Performance criteria specified in the RLMP relate to monitoring of rehabilitation areas and monitoring of two threatened flora species populations located within the Quarry Site.
A Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem (GDE) monitoring program was implemented in January 2016 by Cumberland Ecology, following concerns raised about groundwater and impacts to off-site GDEs during a Land and Environment Court case in 2014. The GDE monitoring is a requirement of Condition 3(15c) of DA 94-4- 2005. This report documents the sixth round of surveying of the GDE monitoring plots.
S2 Methods
Inspections of the Quarry and adjacent vegetated areas were conducted on the 8th and 9th of December 2020. Inspections consisted of surveying five fixed monitoring quadrats established by Cumberland Ecology in 2012 in rehabilitated areas. They also included a survey of populations of two threatened flora species, Darwinia glaucophylla and Hibbertia procumbens (Spreading Guinea Flower), on and adjacent to the Quarry, through random meander surveys and re-assessment of three monitoring plots for D. glaucophylla previously set up in 2012. In addition, five monitoring plots established by Cumberland Ecology in January 2016 within GDEs approximately 500 m south of the Quarry Site were surveyed.
S3 Results
S3.1 Rehabilitation Areas and the Quarry Site
The presence of Priority Weeds declared under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2016 within the Quarry Site is generally much improved since 2012, however the presence of Lantana camara has been increasing since 2013 in Rehabilitation Areas 1 and 5 and is now a significant proportion of the shrub layer in some areas.
Relative to previous years’ monitoring, weed cover within the five quadrats surveyed in the rehabilitation areas was slightly decreased in Quadrat 4, substantially decreased in Quadrat 1, slightly increased in Quadrats 2 and 5, and unchanged in Quadrat 3. The groundcover in most quadrats was found to contain a significant cover of exotic species, with the exception of Quadrat 3. Weed cover within quadrats was generally representative of the rehabilitation areas they occur in.
Newer rehabilitation areas without monitoring quadrats are rich in planted native species, and plants are well established, with significant growth having occurred since the 2017 monitoring. Weeds are starting to invade some of these areas, particularly Rehabilitation Area 4.
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In general, the rehabilitation areas are not considered mature or sufficiently diverse to provide habitat for a diverse array of fauna at this stage. That notwithstanding, a significant number of bird species, predominately smaller species, are regularly observed throughout the year utilising the rehabilitation areas.
S3.2 Threatened Species Monitoring
Individuals of Hibbertia procumbens and Darwinia glaucophylla are abundant in specific areas of the Quarry Site and appear unaffected by extraction activities. As in previous years, additional individuals of both species were located in new areas.
Tagged individuals of D. glaucophylla are healthy and in good condition.
S3.3 Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems Monitoring
At the end of the fifth year of monitoring of Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems (GDE) quadrats, native vegetation in these areas is consistent with the first round of monitoring and there are no observable impacts to GDEs by extraction activities.
S4 Conclusion
The State Priority Weed Lantana camara is common in northern areas of the Quarry Site and requires immediate control, and to a lesser extent other priority weeds including Ageratina adenophora in a drainage line in the north. In general due to weed control efforts by the Bushland Regeneration Contractor problematic occurrences of weeds have been contained to those areas in which weed control works have not been intensively undertaken in recent years. These are rehabilitation Areas 1, 4, and 5 which require additional and consistent weed management.
The ground layer of the older rehabilitation areas does not contain significant cover or richness of native species.
Rehabilitation is generally being implemented in accordance with the performance criteria outlined in the RLMP. There are however, some shortfalls in regards to erosion and sediment control of some of the bund walls, and weed control which need to be addressed.
The recent threatened species surveys found the populations of D. glaucophylla and H. procumbens within the Quarry to be healthy and unaffected by extraction and associated activities. New occurrences of both species continue to be recorded. It is recommended that threatened species monitoring should continue.
A number of recommendations have been made in this report to improve the native species richness of the rehabilitation areas, including erosion stabilisation and planting to increase diversity and native cover in older rehabilitation areas.
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1. Introduction
1.1. Purpose The purpose of this report is to present the results of the ninth round of the biodiversity monitoring programme undertaken at the Calga Sand Quarry (hereafter known as the Quarry) and provide recommendations following the monitoring. The monitoring programme was established in 2012 by Cumberland Ecology. This report forms part of the Annual Environmental Management Report (AEMR) for the Quarry.
1.2. Background The Quarry is located off Peats Ridge Road, 1.7 km north-northwest of the Calga Interchange on the M1 Motorway (the Quarry Site). Sand extraction during Stages 1 and 2 of the Quarry was undertaken between 1991 and 2004. Consent for a development application to extend the Quarry onto land immediately north of existing operations (Stage 3) was granted by the Minister for Planning on 28 October 2005 (DA 94-4-2004) with sand extraction commencing in early 2006. Included within the consent were a number of conditions relating to ecological issues, including the preparation of a Rehabilitation and Landscape Management Plan (RLMP) (Condition 3(22) of DR 94-4-2004).
A RLMP was prepared for the Quarry in 2006 by R.W. Corkery & Co. In order to meet a number of the commitments referred to in the RLMP, rehabilitation and noxious weed management is required to be undertaken and monitored, and the results of such monitoring are required to be reported in each AEMR. Please note that the NSW Noxious Weeds Act 1993 was repealed on the 26 July 2017 and replaced with the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 (Biosecurity Act). Under the Biosecurity Act problematic weeds are referred to as Priority Weeds, and no longer referred to as noxious weeds. Although monitoring reports prior to 2019 referred to the Noxious Weeds Act 1993, this report has been prepared using terminology consistent with the new legislation (See Section 1.4). The RLMP commitments (see Section 1.3.1) referring to noxious weeds are interpreted as commitments regarding Priority Weeds in this report.
Additionally, a threatened flora monitoring programme and report are required to be prepared to assess whether Quarry operations are having any effect on populations of threatened species occurring on and adjacent to the Quarry Site.
Prior to 2012, monitoring of rehabilitation was undertaken for the Quarry by T.R.E.E.S. Pty Ltd. In 2012, Cumberland Ecology was commissioned to develop and implement a new biodiversity monitoring programme to monitor revegetation works, Priority Weeds, vertebrate pests, and threatened flora species within the Quarry Site. This report details the results of the 2020 biodiversity monitoring program.
As a result of Land and Environment Court Proceedings No. 10024 of 2014, it was agreed that a monitoring program would be established to monitor Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems (GDEs) occurring in the property adjacent to the Quarry Site. This was in response to concerns that changes to groundwater as a result of quarrying activities may be impacting off-site GDEs. In early 2016 Cumberland Ecology was commissioned to establish a monitoring programme to assess impacts quarrying activities may be having on adjacent GDEs. This report details the results of the 2020 GDE monitoring program.
1.2.1. Performance Criteria The following performance criteria have been reproduced from the approved RLMP for the Quarry:
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The rehabilitation consultant will inspect the rehabilitation and comment on the relative progress against the relevant completion criteria noted in Section 4.1 of the Rehabilitation and Landscape Management Plan (reproduced below). In addition, the rehabilitation or ecological consultant will monitor the number and distribution of the two threatened flora species identified on or adjacent to the Quarry Site.
1.2.1.1. Species Diversity From Section 4.1 of the RLMP:
Of the 20 species listed below, at least 75% will be represented in the final landform.
Table 1 Required revegetation species
Species to be represented in final landform Hardenbergia violacea Banksia robur Corymbia gummifera Kennedia rubicunda Banksia spinulosa Eucalyptus haemastoma Acacia suaveolens Xanthorrhoea australis Kunzea capitata Acacia terminalis Themeda australis Kunzea ambigua Acacia ulicifolia Angophora costata Kunzea parvifolia Banksia serrata Angophora hispida Lomandra longifolia Banksia ericifolia Corymbia eximia
Although recommended for planting in the RLMP Xanthorrhoea australis is not an appropriate species for planting at the Quarry Site as it does not naturally occur north of Nowra (Botanic Gardens Trust 2020).
1.2.1.2. Threatened Species Populations of the threatened flora species identified on and adjacent to the Quarry Site, Darwinia glaucophylla and Hibbertia procumbens will be monitored.
Section 5 of the RLMP includes the following commitment to monitoring threatened plants on and adjacent to the Quarry Site:
Monitoring the number and distribution of the threatened species, Darwinia glaucophylla and Hibbertia procumbens, will be undertaken on an annual basis by a suitably qualified ecologist. The ecologist will inspect each of the individual or sub-population locations previously identified on the Quarry Site and adjoining land and describe the condition of the individual or sub-population. Reference to salient recent meteorological conditions will be made and commentary on the general status of surrounding vegetation provided. An additional search of the Quarry Site and adjoining land will then be performed to determine whether any additional individuals or sub-populations of the targeted threatened flora species are present.
1.2.1.3. Noxious Weeds The spread of W3 noxious weeds identified within the Quarry Site, namely, Crofton Weed (Ageratina adenophora) and Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) will be prevented and their distribution restricted.
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1.2.1.4. Vertebrate Pests Sampling for all the nominated vertebrate pests (European Rabbits, European Red Foxes, Feral Cats and House Mice) will be conducted in conjunction with the Quarry rehabilitation monitoring program.
1.3. Legislation Changes As discussed previously, the NSW Noxious Weeds Act 1993 was repealed and replaced on the 1st July 2017 by the Biosecurity Act. Accordingly, the RLMP commitments referring to Noxious Weeds have been taken for the purposes of this report as referring to Priority Weeds.
Under the Biosecurity Act, weed control in New South Wales has been divided into eleven regions with each directed by a regional weed committee. The study area is located within the Greater Sydney region and as such weeds are required to be managed by the Greater Sydney Regional Strategic Weed Management Plan 2017 – 2022 (LLS: Greater Sydney 2017). The plan articulates how the Greater Sydney region communities and stakeholders are to identify, minimise, respond to and manage high-risk weeds, supporting the principle of general biosecurity duty, that is, of shared responsibility under the Biosecurity Act. A key part of developing the plan was the review and prioritisation of weeds in the region. This resulted in the priority weed list and other regional weed lists, using a risk-based approach that is internationally recognised.
The Greater Sydney Regional Strategic Weed Management Plan, outlines two categories of Priority Weeds;
State Priority Weeds; and
Regional Priority Weeds
It also lists;
Other Weeds of Regional Concern
For certain plants known to have a high biosecurity risk, the Biosecurity Act prescribes actions that are deemed reasonably practical to prevent, eliminate or contain the risk. Both State Priority Weeds and Regional Priority Weeds have specific measures for the control of individual weed species. State Priority Weeds have legislated management requirements under controls and regulations of the NSW Biosecurity Act. All 32 Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) are now listed as State Priority Weeds. WoNS are species that have been identified by Australian governments based on their invasiveness, potential for spread, and environmental, social and economic impacts and are priorities for control.
Regional Priority Weeds are required to be managed as per the proposed objectives in the Greater Sydney Regional Strategic Weed Management Plan to fulfil the General Biosecurity Duty which applies to all land owners and managers under the Act.
Other Weeds of Regional Concern recognises that the classification of plant as a weed is dependent on the location, use and level of establishment in the region. The Act provides powers to Local Control Authorities to take action in relation to these weeds in particular circumstances where they may impact upon an asset such as the environment or human health.
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State and Regional Priority Weeds recorded within the Quarry Site, and their categories, are detailed in Table 5. Appendix 1 of the Greater Sydney Regional Strategic Weed Management Plan details the specific legal requirements and objectives to fulfil the General Biosecurity Duty with regards to these weed species.
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2. Monitoring Methods
2.1. Literature Review Prior to preparing this report, a review of relevant literature was conducted. A review of the following documents was completed:
AEMR, for the years 2010 - 2015 prepared by R.W. Corkery & Co;
Calga Sand Quarry Rehabilitation Assessment Report July 2011 prepared by T.R.E.E.S. Pty Ltd;
Greater Sydney Regional Strategic Weed Management Plan 2017 – 2022, Greater Sydney Local Land Services 2017;
Rehabilitation and Landscape Management Plan, prepared by R.W. Corkery & Co 2006;
Threatened Species Monitoring Report 2012, Cumberland Ecology;
Monitoring Report 2012, Cumberland Ecology;
Biodiversity Monitoring Report – February 2020, Cumberland Ecology;
Calga Annual Weed Control Report – December 2019, Toolijooa; and
Individual Expert Report of Dr. David Robertson (Land and Environment Court Proceedings No.10024 of 2014) 2014, Cumberland Ecology.
Cumberland Ecology prepared a monitoring programme for the two threatened species at the Quarry Site in 2012, Hibbertia procumbens and Darwinia glaucophylla. The baseline data for the establishment of this monitoring programme is provided in the 2012 report (Threatened Species Monitoring Report 8050RP4).
2.2. Site Inspections A site inspection was undertaken on 8 December 2020 by a botanist from Cumberland Ecology. The site inspection consisted of surveying five fixed monitoring quadrats in rehabilitation areas established by Cumberland Ecology in 2012. In addition, the site inspection included a survey of populations of the two threatened flora species, D. glaucophylla and H. procumbens within and adjacent to the Quarry Site. A brief inspection was also undertaken of additional revegetation areas established since the inception of the monitoring programme in 2012.
A second site inspection was conducted by a botanist and graduate botanist on 9 December 2020 to survey GDE monitoring quadrats.
Further details of the site inspections are provided below.
2.2.1. Revegetation Monitoring In order to assess the progress of progressive rehabilitation activities, five vegetation quadrats (0.04 ha) have been established along the acoustic bunds that surround the Quarry Site, within the north-western fill area, and within rehabilitation areas of Stage 1 and 2 in 2012 (refer to Figure 2). Quadrat locations are randomly stratified across the Quarry Site in representative areas. The location of each quadrat has been marked by
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installing four star pickets – one in each corner of the quadrat. Each star picket is labelled and spray painted pink. The location of each quadrat has been recorded using a hand held GPS unit and is provided in Figure 1. The rehabilitation areas have been categorised and numbered for the purposes of bushland regeneration works and these areas are provided in Figure 2.
All vascular plant species were recorded in each quadrat during the site inspection. A cover abundance score was given to each species recorded in each quadrat according to a modified Braun-Blanquet method (Braun- Blanquet, 1927) as shown below:
1 = rare;
2 = occasional;
3 = common but less than 5% cover;
4 = very common but less than 5% cover;
5 = 5-25% cover;
6 = 26-50% cover;
7 = 51-75% cover; and
8 = 76%-100% cover.
In addition to the above, the height, percentage cover and percentage weed cover were also collected for each stratum in each quadrat.
Photographic monitoring has also been established at one corner of each quadrat, and photographs were taken during the site inspection. The location, orientation, and corner of the quadrat that each photograph was taken from, are provided in Table 2 below:
Table 2 Coordinates, Orientation and Photo Point Location of Quadrats
Quadrat Number Easting Northing Orientation of Quadrat Photograph Point 1 334234 6301782 20 m x 20 m SE corner of quadrat 2 334441 6301558 10 m x 40 m SE corner of quadrat 3 334062 6301218 20 m x 20 m SE corner of quadrat 4 333980 6301471 10 m x 40 m SE corner of quadrat 5 333994 6301525 10 m x 40 m SW corner of quadrat
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2.2.2. Threatened Species Monitoring The December 20 survey of threatened species was carried out by a botanist over a three hour period on the 12th of December. Monitoring of the threatened flora species D. glaucophylla and H. procumbens for the 2020 AEMR consisted of a random meander survey through the areas of the Quarry Site where they are known to occur, and adjacent to the Quarry Site in areas where the species have been recorded previously. The area surveyed encompassed all areas within the boundary of the Quarry Site (refer to Figure 1).
The location of individuals of both H. procumbens and D. glaucophylla in the area which had not been previously recorded were recorded with a handheld Global Positioning Service (GPS) device. During the survey a number of previously recorded H. procumbens individuals were inspected and photographed in each cluster of the species to determine condition of the Quarry Site population.
In addition, three threatened species monitoring plots that were established by Cumberland Ecology in 2012 were re-surveyed in December 2019 for the 2019 AEMR. During the 2012 survey, no individuals of H. procumbens individuals were located, so the monitoring plots were established in areas with occurrences of the other threatened species, D. glaucophylla.
Within each plot, one D. glaucophylla individual was tagged at the commencement of monitoring in 2012. As two of the tagged individuals have been deceased since 2013, new individuals were tagged in 2017 at Monitoring Plot 3 and Monitoring Plot 2. Each tagged individual was photographed and re-assessed for new growth and condition. Additionally, the horizontal dimensions (spread) of each individual was measured with a tape measure. Notes were also taken on the general health of the surrounding individuals in the sub- populations, and photographs of each were taken. All individuals/sub-populations recorded in this survey were marked by a GPS way point.
The weather during the survey was mostly clear with few clouds, without rainfall. The maximum temperature on this day was 22ºC. The December 2020 survey period followed an easing of a drought occurring in much of eastern Australia since early 2017 (Bureau of Meteorology 2020) and adequate rainfall had occurred in the months prior to the survey for all vegetation to be healthy with no evidence of drought stress.
2.2.3. Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems The survey of the GDEs was carried out by a botanist and graduate botanist over a six hour period on the 13th of December. Five vegetation quadrats (0.04 ha) within GDEs were surveyed as per Section 2.2.1 above, with the exception that floristic data within the plots was collected using the NSW BioBanking Survey Methodology for floristics rather than a modified Braun-Blanquet method. These plots are located south of the Quarry Site (see Figure 5). The weather during the survey was mostly clear, with no rainfall, and a maximum temperature of 23.5ºC.
The location, orientation, and corner of the quadrat that each photograph was taken from, are provided in Table 3 below.
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Table 3 Coordinates, Orientation and Photo Point Locations of Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Quadrats
Quadrat Number Easting Northing Orientation of Quadrat Photograph Point GDE1 334269 6300593 20 m x 20 m SW corner of quadrat GDE2 334246 6300643 20 m x 20 m NE corner of quadrat GDE3 334081 6300706 20 m x 20 m SW corner of quadrat GDE4 333910 6300739 20 m x 20 m NE corner of quadrat GDE5 333816 6300742 20 m x 20 m SE corner of quadrat
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3. Results - Rehabilitation Monitoring, Fauna, and Threatened Flora Species
3.1. Quadrat Surveys
3.1.1. Rehabilitation Areas 2 and 3 (Eastern Acoustic Bund Wall) Quadrat 1 is located along the eastern acoustic bund wall of the Quarry Site (Figure 1) and occurs in Rehabilitation Areas 2 and 3 (Figure 2). The eastern bund wall and entrance area contain a mix of native species that have been planted from tube stock or have naturally grown from seed.
3.1.1.1. Quadrat 1 Quadrat 1 occurs on a south-west facing slope (Photograph 1). This area lacks plantings of canopy species, with the exception of a very small number of juvenile Angophora costata individuals. Shrub species are present in low abundances. Native shrubs have been sporadically planted in the lower areas of the slope, while the upper areas contain sparse, growth from seed from old plantings of Acacia longifolia subsp. longifolia (Sydney Golden Wattle) which have since died.
A total of 38 species were recorded in Quadrat 1 during the December 2020 survey. Approximately 45% (n=17) are native species, seven of which occur in the shrub layer, with the remaining species in the ground layer. In December 2019, only fourteen native species were recorded. The additional species are likely due to germination of herb species, following a period of rainfall in the months preceding the survey, which followed a long drought period in NSW.
The dominant species of the shrub layer is Acacia longifolia subsp. longifolia which is estimated to cover approximately 5% of the shrub layer. In 2015 this species made up around 75% of the vegetation coverage of the quadrat, which was preventing other species from establishing, and was recommended to be thinned. The occurrence of this species has been drastically reduced in coverage due to die back through senescence of the short-lived shrub species. Few new individuals of the species are growing from seed, and adequate plantings have not been undertaken to replace the shrub layer. With the exception of Acacia longifolia subsp. longifolia individuals, the shrub layer consists of isolated native shrubs of species including Banksia serrata (Old Man Banksia), Grevillea sericea (Pink Spider Flower), Banksia ericifolia (Heath-leaved Banksia), and Acacia ulicifolia (Prickly Moses).
The groundcover is dominated by the native annual grass Lachnagrostis filiformis (Blown Grass). Other native species present include the herbs Dianella caerulea var. producta (Blue Flax-lily), Lomandra longifolia (Spiny Mat-rush), and Commelina cyanea (Scurvy Weed), and the grass Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides (Weeping Grass).
Exotic species consist of a mix of herb and grass species, and make up approximately 45% of the ground layer vegetation (estimated as having a total projected foliage cover of 60%). The weed coverage was estimated at 85% in December 2019 so it has decreased substantially. The decrease in percentage of weeds is likely due to use of herbicide in this area by the Bushland Regeneration Contractor (BRC).
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The most prevalent weed species in the ground layer is the forb Conyza bonariensis (Flaxleaf Fleabane), and Verbena bonariensis (Purpletop) is common. Other exotic species include the grass Ehrharta erecta (Panic Veldtgrass) and the sedge Cyperus eragrostis (Umbrella Sedge).
A full list of species recorded in Quadrat 1 is provided in Appendix A.
Photograph 1 Vegetation within Quadrat 1
3.1.2. Rehabilitation Area 5 (North-western Acoustic Bund Wall) Quadrats 4 and 5 are positioned along the north-western bund wall (Figure 1) of the Quarry Site in Rehabilitation Area 5 (Figure 2). Large sections of the north-western bund wall have slumped along the top edge (Photograph 2), showing signs of erosion, which was first noted in 2012. Although still present, erosion levels have more or less remained consistent since this time, likely due to established, dense native plantings stabilising the slope above and below the slump. It was noted in 2017 that woody and herbaceous vegetation had been removed from the top of the bund wall, likely to facilitate access for removal of large Acacia spp. individuals which were growing into and buckling the fence. In the time since self-seeded individuals of Kunzea ambigua (Tick Bush) and Acacia longifolia subsp. longifolia (Sydney Golden Wattle) have replaced the removed vegetation and the shrub layer comprising these species is dense in this area.
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The State Priority Weed, Lantana camara (Lantana), also a WoNS, is profuse through Rehabilitation Area 5 due to a long term lack of weed management in this area. In December 2020 it was observed to form dense clumps of mature shrubs in some locations, comprises a significant portion of the vegetation coverage in the area, and is flowering, seeding, and fruiting throughout the area (Photograph 3).
Photograph 2 Erosion along the top edge of the NW bund wall
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Photograph 3 Lantana camara in Rehabilitation Area 5
3.1.2.1. Quadrat 4 Thirty species were detected within Quadrat 4 in December 2020, of which 57% (n=17) are native. In December 2019 an additional three species were recorded, all of which were small, juvenile individuals of shrub species, which were sparsely distributed. The reduction in native species present is likely due to drought conditions prior to mid-2020, and the death of these young individuals of uncommon shrub species in the plot.
The Quadrat contains dense stands of Acacia binervia (Coast Myall), and A. mearnsii (Black Wattle), which dominate the shrub and small tree layer along with Kunzea ambigua (Tick Bush) and Leptospermum petersonii (Lemon-scented Tea-tree). Combined they are estimated to cover approximately 70% of the quadrat (Photograph 4). There are individuals of Acacia mearnsii and Acacia binervia which are now growing higher than the other layers and form a sparse tree layer. The exotic species Lantana camara is present in the shrub layer and accounts for approximately 20% of the coverage of the shrub layer, an increase on 5% estimated in December 2019.
Exotic groundcovers occurring commonly include forbs Coreopsis lanceolata and Conyza sumatrensis (Tall Fleabane), and the grass Eragrostis curvula, and other grasses with lower abundances are present including Andropogon virginicus (Whiskey Grass) and Axonopus fissifolius (Carpet Grass). Native species, however,
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dominate the ground layer with the grass Imperata cylindrica (Blady Grass) the most prevalent, along with the graminoid Lomandra longifolia. The weed cover of the ground layer of Quadrat 4 was estimated at 5%, a reduction in the 10% estimated in December 2019. A number of native climbers are present and include Gynochthodes jasminoides (Sweet Morinda), Stephania japonica var. discolor (Snake Vine), and Cissus hypoglauca (Water Vine).
Ground layer vegetation was estimated at 60% total coverage of the quadrat, with the remainder of the ground comprised of either bare earth, or covered by leaf litter. Coverage was estimated at 40% in December 2019, with the increase in vegetation cover likely attributable to increased germination of herbs due to recent rainfall and the breaking of drought conditions in NSW.
Photograph 4 Vegetation in Quadrat 4
3.1.2.2. Quadrat 5 Thirty-four species were recorded in Quadrat 5 in December 2020, of which 47% (n=16) are native. This is an increase in four native species to those recorded in December 2020, likely due to increased rainfall since the last survey period and the preceding drought.
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Quadrat 5 contains a dense shrub layer (75% coverage) comprised predominately of the species Acacia longifolia subsp. longifolia, Leptospermum petersonii, and Kunzea ambigua (Photograph 5). A sparse tree layer is present, consisting of taller individuals of Acacia binervia and Acacia mearnsii than the scattered individuals that occur in the shrub layer. The exotic species Lantana camara occurs in the shrub layer and accounts for approximately 10% of the layer, an increase on estimated cover in December 2019.
Native species are common and dominant in the ground layer. The dominant species is Lomandra longifolia, and other species present include the grasses Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides (Weeping Grass) and Themeda triandra (Kangaroo Grass), and the climber Stephania japonica var. discolor (Snake Vine).
The weed cover of the ground layer was estimated at 10%, a slight increase from the 5% estimated in December 2019. There is no apparent evidence of recent weed control works, and variations in weed abundances are likely due to seasonal variance of annual weeds, and increases since 2019 are due to increased rainfall. Common exotic species include the forbs Ageratina adenophora (Crofton Weed), Coreopsis lanceolata, and Conyza sumatrensis, and the grasses Eragrostis curvula (African Lovegrass), Axonopus fissifolius, and Ehrharta erecta (Panic Veldtgrass).
The coverage of all ground layer vegetation was estimated at 50% of the quadrat, with the remainder of the ground surface comprised predominately of bare earth, and to a lesser extent, leaf litter.
A full list of species recorded in Quadrats 4 and 5 is provided in Appendix A.
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Photograph 5 Vegetation in Quadrat 5
3.1.3. Rehabilitation Area 1 (Northern Fill Area) This area is relatively densely vegetated, with the shrub layer the dominant structural layer. It is located in the north-eastern corner of the Quarry Site (Figure 1).
3.1.3.1. Quadrat 2 Thirty-seven species were recorded within Quadrat 2, of which 49% (n=18) are native.
Quadrat 2 (Photograph 6, Figure 1) was initially positioned in a way so it captured a variation in vegetative cover. In 2020 however, the vegetation is relatively evenly distributed, with a layer of planted native shrubs dominating (estimated at 60% coverage). A small number of tree sized individuals of Casuarina glauca (Swamp Oak) are present, and a layer of small trees of the same species with a cover of 10% is present within the quadrat. Acacia longifolia subsp. longifolia dominated the small tree and shrub layers in years prior to 2019. In December 2020 and in 2019 it was absent from the small tree layer due to dieback of old plantings due to natural senescence, and comprised less than 5% of the shrub layer.
Kunzea ambigua is the dominant species in the shrub layer making up over 25% of the cover in the shrub layer. Several other native species are present in this layer, including Leptospermum petersonii and Acacia longifolia
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subsp. longifolia, and less commonly Persoonia lanceolata (Lance Leaf Geebung). The exotic species Lantana camara is present and accounts for approximately 5% of the shrub layer, and increase from estimates in 2019.
The dominant native species in the ground layer is the grass Imperata cylindrica (Blady Grass). Richness of native species is low in this layer within the quadrat. Other natives present include the forbs Centella asiatica (Indian Pennywort), and the grasses Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides, Entolasia stricta (Wiry Panic), and Eragrostis brownii (Brown’s Lovegrass).
Exotic species make up approximately 15% of the ground layer, a slight increase from December 2019 when they accounted for 10%. The increase is likely due to increased rainfall since the last survey period. The most abundant exotic species in the quadrat is the exotic grass Andropogon virginicus (Whiskey Grass), and other species such as Coreopsis lanceolata, Paspalum dilatatum, Sida rhombifolia (Paddys Lucerne), and Axonopus fissifolius (Carpet Grass), are also common.
Vegetation throughout the larger fill area contains large infestations of exotics such as Coreopsis lanceolata.
A full list of species recorded in Quadrat 2 is provided in Appendix A.
Photograph 6 Vegetation within Quadrat 2
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3.1.4. Rehabilitation Area 7 (Stage 1 and 2 Revegetation) This area of revegetation is the oldest and most mature within the Quarry Site, and was established following completion of Stage 1 and 2 of the Quarry. Rehabilitation Area 7 is located along the southern boundary of the Quarry Site (Figure 2).
3.1.4.1. Quadrat 3 Forty-seven species were recorded within Quadrat 3 in December 2020, of which 91% (n=43) were native.
The vegetation in Quadrat 3 (Figure 1) contains native species in all strata (tree, small tree, shrub, and ground layer). Species in the tree layer are Angophora costata (Smooth-barked Apple), Eucalyptus haemastoma (Scribbly Gum), Corymbia eximia (Yellow Bloodwood), and Eucalyptus sieberi (Silver Top Ash). Species in the small tree layer include Eucalyptus haemastoma, Angophora costata, Corymbia eximia,, Leptospermum petersonii (Lemon-scented Tea-tree), and Banksia ericifolia (Heath-leaved Banksia). A small number of Eucalyptus sieberi juveniles are present, which represent the second generation of planted canopy trees.
A dense shrub layer is present (Photograph 7), consisting largely of Kunzea ambigua, Leptospermum petersonii, and Acacia longifolia subsp. longifolia, with a rich array of other species, including Angophora hispida (Dwarf Apple), Acacia fimbriata (Fringed Wattle), and Callicoma serratifolia (Black Wattle) occurring less frequently.
The ground cover is sparse due to the dense shrub cover, and contains Pteridium esculentum (Bracken Fern), Lomandra longifolia, Xanthosia pilosa (Woolly Xanthosia), and Entolasia stricta (Wiry Panic). Weed cover of the ground layer was estimated at <1%, the same as in December 2019, and is comprised of scattered individuals of four species, the forbs Coreopsis lanceolata and Hypochaeris radicata (Catsear), and grasses Andropogon virginicus and Paspalum dilatatum.
A full list of species recorded in Quadrat 3 is provided in Appendix A.
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Photograph 7 Vegetation in Quadrat 3
3.1.5. Rehabilitation Areas 4 and 6 Rehabilitation Areas 4 (Photograph 8) and 6 (Photograph 9) are revegetation sites that were created in the intervening period between the 2013 survey and the 2015 survey (Figure 2). Area 4 is situated along the north- eastern wall of the quarry adjacent to Area 2 and Area 3. Area 6 is located adjacent to Area 4 and Area 7, and is situated on the south-eastern wall of the quarry. These areas have been successfully established with a rich array of plants that are indigenous to the locality, and suitable for planting at the Quarry Site. Many plants during the December 2020 survey area reaching tall shrub to small tree size in height and coverage of plants is relatively uniform. Allocasuarina littoralis (Black She-oak) plantings are growing quickly with many individuals up to 10 m tall, and similarly some Angophora costata plantings in Area 4 were 5 m tall. Planted native grasses are well-established particularly Themeda triandra which was abundant in Area 6 and seeding.
A small number of Eucalyptus haemastoma seedlings were observed to be growing in Area 4 in December 2020 (Photograph 10), which are present due to seed fall of several remnant trees along the eastern edge of Area 4, indicating natural recruitment.
Shrub species planted in these areas include Petrophile pulchella (Conesticks), Acacia oxycedrus (Spike Wattle), and Acacia myrtifolia (Myrtle Wattle). Groundcovers include grasses such as Rytidosperma tenuius (Wallaby
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Grass), Microlaena stipoides (Weeping Grass), and Dichelachne micrantha (Short-haired Plume Grass), along with other native groundcovers such as Hardenbergia violacea (False Sarsparilla).
Some erosion is present in these areas, due to the location of the revegetation areas on the upper slopes of the quarry walls. Established plants in revegetation areas are stabilising the soil surface, as litter cover increases and ground covers spread. Area 4 had a sparser ground layer than Area 6 and more erosion was evident. This was particularly evident in lower areas at the edge of drops where successful plantings are sparse and soils are likely to shallow to support species larger than those in the ground layer.
Weeds are well established in Area 4 where it joins the older Rehabilitation Area 3, and in the upper areas along the ridgeline. Species include Andropogon virginicus, Cenchrus clandestinus, and Coreopsis lanceolata. Andropogon virginicus and Coreopsis lanceolata are spreading into other areas of Area 4, are abundant in some areas, and are likely to outcompete native plantings in the ground layer if not controlled. Additionally a number of seedlings of exotic Pine trees planted along the eastern boundary of the Quarry Site were observed in Area 4 in December 2020 (Photograph 11).
Area 6 is mostly weed free, however weeds are establishing at some points along the ridgeline, predominately of the species Coreopsis lanceolata and Andropogon virginicus.
Photograph 8 Plantings in Rehabilitation Area 4
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Photograph 9 Well established plantings in Rehabilitation Area 6
Photograph 10 Eucalyptus haemastoma seedling in Area 4
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Photograph 11 Pine seedling in Area 4
3.1.6. Rehabilitation Areas 8 and 9 Rehabilitation Areas 8 and 9 Areas consist of established plantings, with some additional plantings undertaken in the time between the April and December 2019 surveys in Area 8. Notes supplied in 2017 by onsite bushland regenerators indicate a rich array of native species were utilised to revegetate these areas.
Rehabilitation Area 8 is an Envirocycle (Photograph 12) area near the quarry office in the centre of the site. Revegetation species in this area include Syncarpia glomulifera (Turpentine), the shrubs Ozothamnus diosmifolius (Dogwood) and Leptospermum polygalifolium (Tantoon), the grasses Themeda triandra and Rytidosperma tenuis, the rush Juncus usitatus (Common Rush) and the sedge Carex appressa (Tall Sedge). Plantings are well established in this area.
Rehabilitation Area 9 is located below Area 6. Species which have been planted/had seed spread in this area include the shrubs Leptospermum polygalifolium (Tantoon), Petrophile pulchella (Conesticks), Hakea sericea (Needlebush), Indigofera australis (Austral Indigo), Banksia ericifolia, and Acacia terminalis (Sunshine Wattle), and the grasses Aristida ramosa (Purple Wiregrass) and Dichelachne micrantha. Plantings are well established and healthy (Photograph 13). The area was weed free in December 2019, however in December 2020 a number of weed species were common between plantings, with species present including Cenchrus clandestinus (Kikuyu), Setaria parviflora (Pigeon Grass), Hypochaeris radicata, Paspalum dilatatum, and Sida rhombifolia (Photograph 14).
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Photograph 12 Vegetation in Rehabilitation Area 8
Photograph 13 Plantings in Rehabilitation Area 9
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Photograph 14 Exotic grasses establishing in Rehabilitation Area 9
3.1.7. New Revegetation Areas – 3/1, 3/2A, 3/2B, Extensive new revegetation was undertaken by the BRC within Areas 3/1, 3/2A, 3/2B (Figure 2, Photograph 15) in 2019. The plantings are species rich and appropriate for the Quarry Site and the locality. Species planted include Acacia myrtifolia (Myrtle Wattle), Allocasuarina littoralis, Banksia oblongifolia (Fern-leaved Banksia), Dodonaea viscosa (Sticky Hop Bush), Hakea teretifolia (Dagger Hakea), and Eucalyptus sieberi (Silver-topped Ash).
In December 2020 plantings were well established and had undergone extensive growth in the preceding year, likely in part to substantial rainfall in mid to late 2020, following preceding drought conditions (Photograph 16).
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Photograph 15 Extensive plantings in Area 3/2A (December 2019)
Photograph 16 Extensive plantings in Area 3/2A (December 2020)
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3.2. Rehabilitation Progress The performance criteria outlined in the RLMP for the Quarry Site (refer to Section 1.2.1) note twenty species that are recommended for re-planting, of which at least 75% are required to be represented in the final landform. Table 4 below shows that of the 20 species listed, 85% (n=15) were represented within the quadrats surveyed. Information regarding the presence of the particular species recommended for re-planting within each quadrat is provided in Appendix A.
Table 4 Revegetation species required to be represented in the final landform and their presence in quadrats in 2019
Species Name Presence in 2020 Species Name Presence in 2020 Acacia suaveolens Yes Corymbia gummifera No Acacia terminalis Yes Eucalyptus haemastoma Yes Acacia ulicifolia Yes Hardenbergia violacea Yes Angophora costata Yes Kennedia rubicunda Yes Angophora hispida Yes Kunzea ambigua Yes Banksia ericifolia Yes Kunzea capitata No Banksia robur No Kunzea parvifolia No Banksia serrata Yes Lomandra longifolia Yes Banksia spinulosa Yes Themeda australis Yes Corymbia eximia Yes Xanthorrhoea australis No Source: Rehabilitation and Landscape Management Plan prepared by R.W. Corkery & Co, 2006
3.3. Priority Weeds In December 2020, a targeted Priority Weed survey was not undertaken, though weed species were recorded where they occurred within monitoring quadrats.
Two exotic species listed in Appendix 1 of the Greater Sydney Regional Strategic Weed Management Plan 2017 – 2022 (LLS: Greater Sydney 2017) as State Priority Weeds were recorded within monitoring quadrats. No Regional Priority weeds were recorded. A further six species listed in Appendix 2 of the plan, as Other Weeds of Regional Concern were also located within monitoring quadrats. Table 5 below details the Priority Weeds and Other Weeds of Regional Concern recorded within monitoring quadrats and the specific quadrats they were recorded in.
Table 5 Priority Weeds recorded in monitoring quadrats
Species Common Name Status WoNS Location (Quadrat) Ageratina adenophora Crofton Weed OWRC No 5 Andropogon virginicus Whisky Grass OWRC No 2, 3, 4, 5 Araujia sericifera Moth Vine OWRC No 5
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Cenchrus clandestinus Kikuyu OWRC No 2, 4, 5 Eragrostis curvula African Love Grass OWRC No 2,4,5 Lantana camara Lantana SP Yes 2, 4, 5 Senecio madagascariensis Fireweed SP Yes 5 Solanum mauritianum Wild Tobacco Bush OWRC No 2, 4 Key: SP = State Priority Weed, RP = Regional Priority Weed, OWRC = Other Weed of Regional Concern
The two State Priority Weeds recorded, Lantana camara (Lantana) and Senecio madagascariensis (Fireweed), have been assigned to the Asset Protection management stream within NSW under the Biosecurity Act 2015. The legal requirement regarding the management of these species is to prevent the spread of weeds to key sites / assets of high economic, environmental and social value, or to reduce their impact on these sites if spread has already occurred.
The rehabilitation area quadrats do not contain a large number of Priority Weed with the exception of Lantana camara which is common throughout Rehabilitation Area 5. Lantana camara, a Weed of National Significance, was recorded in December 2020 in Quadrats 2, 4, and 5. The cover of this species has increased significantly since 2015 when the species was first noted as scattered seedlings, and individuals in quadrats are reproductively mature, and occur densely in some areas. Individuals should be controlled immediately in the forthcoming bushland regeneration works (see Figure 1 for location of Quadrats 2, 4 and 5). This species has bird spread fruit and all mature individuals within the Quarry Site should be prevented from seeding (destroyed) immediately to fulfil the legal requirement of the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015.
Senecio madagascariensis, another Weed of National Significance, was recorded in Quadrat 5 in December 2020. As the species is a small, herbaceous forb, individuals should regularly be sprayed with herbicide during routine regeneration works while still seedlings and prevented from reaching maturity.
3.4. Fauna
3.4.1. Native Fauna The onsite Bushland Regeneration Contractor (BRC) Toolijooa did not report observations of native species recorded onsite during 2020 due to reduced time onsite due to the COVID-19 19 pandemic and associated Hanson safety protocols.
Generally, the new revegetation areas provide limited habitat for native fauna, particularly areas that are structurally simple (e.g. Quadrat 1). Limited shelter and foraging habitat is present in these areas. There are no mature trees with hollows or fallen timber for terrestrial fauna to utilise, except in Rehabilitation Area 7 (Quadrat 3). Trees in this area are still too immature to have developed hollows. However several logs were present in December 2020 providing potential habitat for reptile species. Dense shrubs in the older revegetation areas offer shelter and foraging habitat for small insectivorous and nectivorous bird species, and the richness of shrub species in the new revegetation areas should increase the diversity of small bird species utilising the Quarry Site as vegetation matures.
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The leaf litter present in the older rehabilitation areas provides habitat for common reptiles and amphibians, and aquatic habitats such as dams provide habitat suitable for amphibians. Native fauna recorded by Cumberland Ecology during 2020 GDE surveys is provided in Appendix B.
3.4.2. Vertebrate Pests No vertebrate pests were directly observed during the December 2020 survey.
The onsite Bushland Regeneration Contractor (BRC) Toolijooa did not report observations of exotic fauna species recorded onsite during 2020 due to reduced time onsite due to the COVID-19 19 pandemic and associated Hanson safety protocols.
Habitats present within the Quarry Site could support other feral pests such as the Domestic Cat (Felis catus), and the House Mouse (Mus musculus), and also the Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) and European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), both of which have been recorded in previous years.
3.5. Threatened Species Monitoring
3.5.1. Darwinia glaucophylla Individuals of Darwinia glaucophylla were recorded in December 2020 in all areas where they were recorded and mapped previously (Figure 3), and were present throughout areas with exposed rock and skeletal soils in the south-western corner of the Quarry Site. As noted in previous surveys individuals of the species were present which are now well established in new, suitable areas of habitat created by quarrying activities, on the quarry wall, below individuals which have been recorded on the ridgetop since the start of the monitoring programme. Individuals of the species also continue to be present in a sandy drainage line running along the base of the quarry wall in the south-west. It is likely that seed fall from the ridge top has resulted in the spread of the species downhill.
As in previous surveys, the species was noted during the GDE surveys as profuse in sandy soils within a disturbed powerline easement in the property to the south of the Quarry Site. The species forms extensive mats in this area.
In December 2019 Darwinia glaucophylla individuals were observed to be in good health despite the dieback of surrounding shrubs of different species due to drought. In the time since that survey and the breaking of the drought in mid to late 2020, it is not apparent that the species was negatively affected at the site as the species is still present in all areas it has previously been recorded and individuals are in good health – no tagged individuals have declined in spread for instance. As the species is naturally found in shallow, infertile soils, surrounding rock platforms exposed to full sunlight, it is expected it is adapted to tolerate periods of time with little water. Booyens et al. (2014) found that conditions associated with slashing, which exclude overstorey species, allowing greater light penetration to Darwinia glaucophylla individuals and the soil surface, and in turn lower soil moisture levels due to higher exposure of soils to sunlight, benefited the species - there is a higher abundance of and greater cover of individuals in slashed areas versus un-slashed areas. The likely cause of the benefit is greater access to light through removal of overstorey competition, however the lower soil moisture levels measured in slashed areas indicates the species is able to tolerate and survive periods of drought.
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3.5.1.1. Monitoring Plot 1 Monitoring Plot 1 (MP1) consists of a large, flat sandstone outcrop, to the west of the Quarry Site on an adjoining property, fringed with mats of abundant D. glaucophylla individuals (Photograph 17). It is at the lowest elevation of the three plots, with the other two plots more exposed along a ridge top along the southern boundary of the Quarry Site. Individuals in the area were overall in a healthy condition, displaying new growth and mature foliage, and individuals were flowering at the time of the survey.
The tagged plant of D. glaucophylla (Dg1) was healthy in December 2019 (Photograph 17) and was also healthy a year later in December 2020 during the recent survey (Photograph 19). The individual was flowering during the December 2020 survey (Photograph 20) and has a spread of approximately 19 x 37 cm. Individuals within the surrounding MP1 area were also flowering during the December 2020 survey.
Photograph 17 Rock Platform at MP1 surrounded by mats of D. glaucophylla
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Photograph 18 Tagged D. glaucophylla individual (Dg1) in December 2019
Photograph 19 Tagged D. glaucophylla individual (Dg1) in December 2020
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Photograph 20 Tagged D. glaucophylla individual (Dg1) flowering in December 2020
3.5.1.2. Monitoring Plot 2 Monitoring Plot 2 is located within the south-western corner of the Quarry Site, on a slope just below the ridge top, above the quarry wall (Figure 1). The population of D. glaucophylla in this area is small (less than 10 individuals) with all individuals observed to be in good health in December 2020. As first noted in 2016 the species was observed growing from the quarry wall in skeletal soils below the plot, and in a drainage line below, where it has evidently spread over time into new habitat created by quarrying activities.
The sample individual tagged in 2012 was noted initially as suffering from dieback. In 2013, the plant was deceased although individuals within a few square metres were healthy, and healthy plants have been observed at this location during all subsequent surveys.
In 2017 a new individual (Dg2) was tagged for monitoring in future surveys. At the time of tagging the plant was healthy exhibiting older leaves and new growth. The plant was noted to have thinner foliage in December 2019 (Photograph 21) than in April 2019 with the change attributed as being likely due to drought stress during the 2019 monitoring report. Foliage is significantly denser in December 2020 since breaking of the drought. The individual had a spread of 57 – 78 cm during the recent survey.
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Photograph 21 Dg2 in December 2019
Photograph 22 Dg2 in December 2020
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3.5.1.3. Monitoring Plot 3 Monitoring Plot 3 (MP3) is located higher along the same ridge line as Monitoring Plot 2, on a steep, rocky, downhill slope, directly below the ridge top in the south-western corner of the Quarry Site (Figure 1). On the ridge top there is a large population with many D. glaucophylla individuals (Photograph 23). As noted in previous monitoring surveys by Cumberland Ecology individuals were in various stages of growth in the ridgetop habitat, with some individuals suffering from dieback, some new individuals with juvenile foliage, and some with mature foliage. It is likely that plants suffering from dieback were senescing and not suffering as a result of extraction operations of the Quarry, as the whole population overall had many healthy individuals.
The individual plant that was tagged in 2012 within the monitoring plot was noted as suffering from dieback at that time, and was deceased in 2013. Individuals within the surrounding metre were healthy in 2015, 2016, and 2017. Individuals were observed growing from the Quarry wall in December 2020 below the monitoring plot as in previous years.
In 2017 a new individual was tagged (Dg3) at MP3. The individual is located within half a metre of the deceased individual tagged in 2012. In December 2019 (Photograph 24) the individual was noted as being healthy with abundant fresh growth, along with mature foliage. In December 2020 the individual was in a similar condition and is healthy (Photograph 25). The plant has a spread of approximately 110 x 128 cm, and is the largest of the three tagged individuals.
Photograph 23 D. glaucophylla individuals on ridge above MP3
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Photograph 24 Tagged individual (Dg3) in December 2019
Photograph 25 Tagged individual (Dg3) in December 2020
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3.5.2. Hibbertia procumbens A healthy population of approximately 50 individuals of Hibbertia procumbens was located in bushland in the western portion of the quarry site in 2016 after not being located within the site since the start of monitoring in 2012 (Figure 4). A thorough transect survey was undertaken in this area in the west of the quarry site in April 2019 resulting in the recording of an additional 10 individuals that had not previously been recorded, and an additional six were located in December 2019. In 2017 the species was also located in the south of the Quarry Site close to pre-2012 records. These individuals were not able to be located again in December 2019 or December 2020.
In December 2020 the population in the west of the Quarry Site was in good health, and all individuals of varying ages had healthy, green foliage. One new individual which had not been recorded previously was located in the west of the Quarry Site (Photograph 26). Individuals of various ages were present within the Quarry Site population. Several individuals in the population were flowering (Photograph 27) at the time of the December 2020 survey, some were post-flowering, and one individual was post-fruiting and had set seed (Photograph 28).
As with previous surveys a number of opportunistic sightings were made of this species during the GDE surveys to the south of the quarry site. The species is present in open, managed areas within a powerline easement and in bushland traversed to access GDE quadrat locations. The species is likely to be abundant in this property to the south.
Photograph 26 New H. procumbens individual located in west of Quarry Site
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Photograph 27 Flowering H. procumbens individual
Photograph 28 Post-fruiting H. procumbens individual
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4. Results - Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems
All GDE quadrats (Figure 5) surveyed in December 2020 had similar species compositions and coverages as the December and April 2019, and 2017 surveys.
Only one individual of an exotic plant species was observed in the December 2020 survey, which occurred in GDE1. No die back of native vegetation was evident, and no impacts to vegetation as a result of upstream quarrying activities were evident during the site survey. It is likely that access to ground water makes the groundwater dependent ecosystems resilient to drought as no vegetation was observed to have died back as a result of the long drought period leading up to mid-2020.
Due to rainfall leading up to the December 2020 survey the tributary of Cabbage Tree Creek that the GDE plots are located along, had the most water of all the survey periods since the commencement of surveys in 2016. Due to the high water levels and dampness in the creek individuals of Euastacus spinifer (Sydney Giant Spiny Crayfish) were observed to be active and foraging during the survey. A large individual was observed at the base of the waterfall immediately above GDE 4, which retreated into a crevice when disturbed, and a smaller individual was observed in a rock pool within GDE 5 (Photograph 29).
Photograph 29 Euastacus spinifer within GDE 5
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4.1. Sandstone Hanging Swamps
4.1.1. Quadrat GDE1 Quadrat GDE1 contains dense groundcover and scattered shrubs, as well as scattered trees (Photographs 30 and 31). The southern edge of the quadrat is bordered by Exposed Hawkesbury Woodland. The majority of the quadrat consists of a sandstone hanging swamp, located in a flat area along the floodplain of an unnamed creek, which is an upper tributary of Cabbage Tree Creek. A total of 55 native species were recorded in this quadrat in December 2020, two less species than in December 2019.
Four tree species are scattered within the quadrat, around the southern and eastern edges: Eucalyptus haemastoma, Eucalyptus punctata (Grey Gum), Corymbia gummifera (Red Bloodwood), and Allocasuarina littoralis. The species Leptospermum juniperinum (Prickly Tea-tree) is dominant both in the sub-canopy and shrub layer.
Numerous individuals of other shrub species including Banksia oblongifolia (Fern-leaved Banksia), Banksia robur (Swamp Banksia), Bauera rubioides (River Rose) and Persoonia levis (Broad-leaved Geebung) are present.
The dominant groundcover species are ferns and sedges with the dominant species including Gleichenia microphylla (Scrambling Coral Fern), Gahnia sieberiana (Red-fruit Saw-sedge), and Pteridium esculentum (Bracken Fern).
A single exotic species was recorded within the ground layer of GDE1, comprising a single individual of Ageratina adenophora (Crofton Weed). This species was present as two individuals in 2017 as well, but has not been recorded since until the recent survey.
A full list of species recorded in Quadrat GDE1 is provided in Appendix C.
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Photograph 30 Quadrat GDE1 in December 2019
Photograph 31 Quadrat GDE1 in December 2020
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4.1.2. Quadrat GDE2 Quadrat GDE2 does not contain any canopy species, only scattered shrubs and a dense groundcover (Photograph 32 and 33). It is located in the centre of the swamp community, downstream of Quadrat GDE1, and contains species tolerant of periodically waterlogged soils only. A total of 15 species were recorded in December 2020, three additional species than recorded in December 2019.
A tall shrub to small tree layer is present consisting of scattered individuals of Leptospermum juniperinum (Prickly Tea-tree). A lower stature shrub layer is also present consisting of younger Leptospermum juniperinum individuals along with species such as Banksia robur and Aotus ericoides. In the ground layer, Gleichenia microphylla, Gahnia sieberiana, and Machaerina rubiginosa are the dominant species, with other species present with low cover including Drosera binata (Forked Sundew), Eurychorda complanata, and Empodisma minus (Spreading Rope-rush).
A full list of species recorded in Quadrat GDE2 in 2019 is provided in Appendix C.
Photograph 32 Quadrat GDE2 in December 2019
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Photograph 33 Quadrat GDE2 in December 2020
4.1.3. Quadrat GDE3 Vegetation within Quadrat GDE3 consists of Hawkesbury Banksia Scrub-Woodland (Scrub) (Photographs 34 and 35). A total of 51 species were recorded within this quadrat in December 2020, one additional species than recorded in December 2019. The upper reach of a tributary of Cabbage Tree Creek runs through the centre of the quadrat.
Canopy and sub-canopy species present include Eucalyptus piperita (Sydney Peppermint), Allocasuarina littoralis, and Banksia serrata (Old-man Banksia). The shrub layer is species rich with 23 shrub species recorded in December 2020. Shrub species present include Hakea teretifolia (Needlebush), Banksia spinulosa (Hairpin Banksia), Leptospermum trinervium (Flaky-barked Tea-tree), and Acacia oxycedrus.
Groundcover species include ferns and graminoids such as Pteridium esculentum, Todea barbara (King Fern), Empodisma minus, and Lomandra longifolia. A small number of forbs including Dampiera stricta, Monotaxis linifolia, and Xanthosia pilosa (Rock Xanthosia) are also present.
A full list of species recorded in Quadrat GDE3 is provided in Appendix C.
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Photograph 34 Quadrat GDE3 in December 2019
Photograph 35 Quadrat GDE3 in December 2020
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4.2. Sandstone Ranges Gully Forest
4.2.1. Quadrat GDE4 Quadrat GDE4 is located in a rocky gallery below a waterfall, further downstream along the tributary that runs through GDE3. The quadrat is dominated by rainforest species and the ground layer is sparse due to the rocky nature of the terrain, water movement through the quadrat along the sandstone creek bed, and dense canopy shading (Photographs 36 and 37). A total of 25 species were recorded in December 2020, the same number as in December 2019.
The dominant canopy species is Ceratopetalum apetalum (Coachwood) species occurring to a lesser extent include Syncarpia glomulifera, Tristaniopsis laurina (Water Gum) and Allocasuarina torulosa (Forest Sheoak). Allocasuarina torulosa in the gully is unusually tall for the species, with some individuals reaching approximately 30 m in height. A sub-canopy is present within the quadrat dominated by smaller Ceratopetalum apetalum individuals than the canopy, and Acacia elata (Mountain Cedar Wattle) and Syzygium oleosum (Blue Lilly Pilly) are also present in the layer.
Scattered shrubs are present, including Lomatia myricoides (River Lomatia), juvenile Ceratopetalum apetalum individuals, and the low-growing Austromyrtus tenuifolia. Groundcover is generally sparse, with only a few species present such as the ferns Sticherus flabellatus var. flabellatus (Shiny Fan Fern), Todea barbara (King Fern), and Pellaea paradoxa, the twiner Smilax glyciphylla (Sweet Sarsaparilla), and sedge Gahnia clarkei (Tall Saw-sedge). The epiphytic orchid species Cymbidium suave (Snake Orchid) is present, along with the lithophytic orchid Dendrobium speciosum (Sydney Rock Orchid) and the small lithophytic fern Hymenophyllum cupressiforme (Common Filmy Fern).
A full list of species recorded in Quadrat GDE4 is provided in Appendix C.
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Photograph 36 Quadrat GDE4 in December 2019
Photograph 37 Quadrat GDE4 in December 2020
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4.2.2. Quadrat GDE5 Quadrat GDE5 is located in a rocky gallery, west of GDE4, downstream along the same tributary, and includes the creek line running through the centre (Photographs 38 and 39).
A total number of 30 species were recorded within the quadrat in December 2020, the same number as in December 2019. The canopy is comprised of Ceratopetalum apetalum, Tristaniopsis laurina, Syncarpia glomulifera, and Allocasuarina torulosa. Vegetation within Quadrat GDE5 contains a relatively dense sub- canopy (45% coverage) of younger Ceratopetalum apetalum individuals than those in the canopy. The shrub layer consists predominately of juvenile Ceratopetalum apetalum, along with Lomatia myricoides, and several scattered individuals of other species such as Zieria smithii (Sandfly Zieria), and Austromyrtus tenuifolia.
The ground layer is sparse, with the dominant species being fern species Sticherus flabellatus var. flabellatus and Todea barbara. Other fern species including epiphytes/lithophytes occur within the quadrat such as Pyrrosia rupestris (Rock Felt Fern) and Grammitis billardierei (Finger Fern), and the fork fern Tmesipteris truncata. Three lithophytic orchids, Cestichis reflexa, Dendrobium speciosum, and Bulbophyllum shepherdii (Wheat-leaved Orchid) are present within the quadrat growing on sandstone boulders.
A full list of species recorded in Quadrat GDE5 is provided in Appendix C.
Photograph 38 Quadrat GDE5 in December 2019
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Photograph 39 Quadrat GDE5 in December 2020
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5. Conclusions and Recommendations
5.1. Conclusion
5.1.1. Rehabilitation Areas Some recommendations from the previous monitoring reports have not been implemented to date and are recommended again in Section 5.2 below.
The rehabilitation areas with quadrats have seen a general increase in both weed and native species richness (total number of species) in the year since the December 2019 surveys. As no planting has been undertaken in these older rehabilitation areas, the increase in species is likely attributable to a shift into a La Nina weather pattern in mid to late 2020 resulting in significant rainfall which ended drought conditions in NSW which had persisted since 2017. Increased rainfall has led to increased germination of native and exotic seed in the soil seed bank, generally of annual species not present in 2020, and therefore likely to be dependent on relatively high levels of soil moisture. There was an increase in richness of native and weed species in all quadrats with the exception of Quadrat 4, which had three fewer natives in December 2020 than in December 2019. Despite an increase in total number of species vegetative cover was generally only slightly increased.
Slight increases in weed coverage were noted in Quadrats 2 and 5 when compared to December 2019 survey results, and a slight decrease was noted in Quadrat 4. Both the increases and decreases in these quadrats is likely due to natural fluctuations in cover as no weed control works have evidently been undertaken in Rehabilitation Area 5. A substantial decrease in weeds was noted in Quadrat2 (from 85% of total vegetation coverage to 40%), due to works undertaken by the BRC. No change was noted in Quadrat 3, which has always had very little weed coverage.
Reproductively mature individuals of the State Priority Weed and Weed of National Significance Lantana camara are still present in Quadrats 2, 4, and 5, where it covers 5%, 20%, and 10% of the quadrats respectively. As such it does not appear that weed control works have been undertaken in Rehabilitation Areas 1and 5 in the year since the December 2019 survey. This species comprises a substantial proportion of the shrub layer in Rehabilitation Area 5 now. It was first noted as seedlings in these areas in 2013, and was specified in the monitoring report that year it should be controlled. Instead over seven years the species has matured, set seed and spread throughout the northern areas of the Quarry Site. Additionally Ageratina adenophora is present in in a drainage line below Quadrats 4 and 5. This species is specifically mentioned in the RLMP as requiring control. There is still significant coverage of some weed species such as Coreopsis lanceolata in Rehabilitation Areas 1, 2, 3, and 5. Further weed control is required in these areas, and an effort is required in particular to control Coreopsis lanceolata before individuals are able to set seed between site visits by the BRC.
The ground layer of most monitoring quadrats is depauperate of native species. It was noted in previous years that this was likely due to shading by dense Acacia longifolia subsp. longifolia thickets in some areas, particularly in Rehabilitation Area 5. Acacia longifolia subsp. longifolia individuals have died back across all rehabilitation areas and in many areas this has resulted in gaps in the native shrub layer which need to be addressed. Increased light penetration has allowed exotic weed species to flourish. As noted above, weeds are still abundant in Rehabilitation Areas 1, 2, 3 and 5. Weed control, such as regular monthly herbicide application is required. The gaps in shrub coverage should be planted out with a diverse array of local provenance native
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shrubs to improve the species richness in these areas and their utility to native fauna, along with mass planting of ground layer species as weeds are controlled.
The Rehabilitation Areas 4, 6, 7, and 9 have a high richness of planted native species, and should serve as examples for improving other areas.
Weeds are present in the Rehabilitation Areas 4 and 6 which were planted in 2017. In particular the ridgeline in Area 4 is now infested with weeds, and occurrences of Andropogon virginicus, Cenchrus clandestinus, and Coreopsis lanceolata are widespread and should be controlled immediately. This was noted in monitoring reports prior to 2019 and weed species are becoming more abundant in this area.
With the exception of weed control in the older rehabilitation areas, rehabilitation is generally being implemented in accordance with the performance criteria set out in Section 1.2.1 and the species required to be represented in the final landform are well represented at present in the newer rehabilitation areas. There are some shortfalls in regards to erosion and sediment control of some of the bund walls in Rehabilitation Area 5, which need to be addressed. Recommended measures to address these are outlined in Section 5.2 below.
5.1.2. Threatened Species Survey The recent threatened species survey found the population of Darwinia glaucophylla within the Quarry Site to be healthy and unaffected by sand extraction and related activities, and as noted in previous years it is now present in habitats on the southern Quarry wall and below created by quarrying. All tagged individuals are healthy and have benefited from recent rainfall.
A healthy population of Hibbertia procumbens was located in the west of the Quarry Site in 2016. Individuals of the species that were recorded previously and rechecked in December 2020 are still present and healthy, and one new individual was recorded in 2020 in the west.
These species have been surveyed since 2013 and no declines in populations have been noted for either species. It is unlikely either species is deleteriously affected by adjacent sand extraction activities.
5.1.3. Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems Vegetation within GDE quadrats appears to be healthy, remnant native vegetation, and there is little observable evidence after two years of monitoring that areas to the south of the Quarry Site have been impacted by sand mining activities. Only one individual of an exotic species was recorded in one GDE quadrat in December 2020. Plant density and species composition was similar within the GDE quadrats in December 2019 as during the recent 2020 survey.
5.2. Recommendations Key recommendations include:
Eradicate all extant occurrences of Priority Weeds and other weeds of regional concern in quadrats and surrounding rehabilitation areas. Lantana camara individuals of a shrub-size were recorded in Quadrats 4 and 5. These have been present since the 2013 survey, have been reproductively mature for several years, and due to seed dispersal the species is spreading throughout the north of the Quarry Site and should be
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controlled immediately. The species is scattered throughout Rehabilitation Area 1 and Rehabilitation Area 5, occurring in dense clumps in some areas. Additionally occurrences of Ageratina adenophora in the drainage line within Rehabilitation Area 5 should be prioritised for immediate control;
Continue weed control of other exotic groundcovers within rehabilitation areas, particularly the acoustic bund walls and northern fill area. Some weed species at the time of the survey were seeding, and this needs to be prevented during future regeneration works to break the cycle of weeds maturing and depositing new seed into the soil seed bank. Large infestations require regular monthly herbicide application for at least six months to a year, and potentially longer until eradicated;
Weed control efforts require more of a focus on Rehabilitation Areas 1, 4 and 5 in which it appears weed control is not being undertaken. Following a further 6 months of weed control in which weeds are not allowed to set seed, a larger range of native herbs and grasses need to be planted to inhibit weed growth in the future and to increase native species richness in Rehabilitation Areas 1 and 5. A planting list is provided in Appendix D;
Rehabilitation Areas 1, 2, 3 and 5 are generally species poor and require infill planting in all strata;
It is recommended that Acacia longifolia subsp. longifolia is only used as a small percentage of future plantings as it was over-utilised in early rehabilitation at the Quarry Site, and has since died back leaving significant gaps in the shrub layer;
Older rehabilitation areas with the exception of Rehabilitation Area 7 lack canopy species, which should be planted throughout these areas (Appendix D);
Continue seed collection, spreading of local native seed, and planting of propagated tubestock;
Continue to monitor vertebrate pest activity and implement control measures if these are observed in high numbers;
During regular bushland regeneration activities the slump in Rehabilitation Area 5 should be monitored for further erosion. Where further erosion is observed the following should be implemented:
◌ Step 1: stabilise the bund wall using a series of staked logs or small benches along the contours and add topsoil;
◌ Step 2: once bund wall is stabilised and topsoil is spread, plant with tube stocks or spread native seed. Incorporate species that prefer exposed habitats as this wall faces west. Use species tolerant of moisture along the toe and next to the drain;
Future rehabilitation areas on steep slopes should have soil stabilised prior to planting by using materials such as jute matting to prevent erosion; and
Continue to monitor the presence and condition of threatened species populations within the Quarry Site on an annual basis.
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No actions are recommended concerning GDEs, as recorded vegetation appears to remain unchanged in the years since establishment of the monitoring quadrats, and there is no observable impact of Quarry activities. Vegetation communities in these areas are intact.
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6. References
Booyens, C., A. Chalmers, and D. Beckers. 2014. The Effect of Disturbance Regime on Darwinia glaucophylla (Myrtaceae) and its Habitat. Proceedings of the Linnean Society:231-244. Botanic Gardens Trust. 2020. PlantNET - Xanthorrhoea australis. Bureau of Meteorology. 2020. Drought Report - 6 February 2020. Bureau of Meteorology. LLS: Greater Sydney, editor. 2017. Greater Sydney Regional Strategic Weed Management Plan 2017 - 2022. Local Land Services NSW. R.W. Corkery & Co. 2006. Rehabilitation and Landscape Management Plan for Stage 3 of the Calga Sand Quarry. Orange, NSW.
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APPENDIX A : Flora Species Recorded in Monitoring Quadrats in 2019 and 2020
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Table 6 Monitoring Quadrat Data 2019 and 2020
Family Exotic Scientific Name Common Name Quadrats December 2019 Quadrats December 2020 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 Trees Casuarinaceae Casuarina glauca Swamp Oak 2 Fabaceae Acacia binervia Coastal Myall 5 1 5 5 (Mimosoideae) Fabaceae Acacia mearnsii Black Wattle 6 1 1 1 (Mimosoideae) Myrtaceae Angophora costata Smooth-barked 2 5 5 Apple Myrtaceae Corymbia eximia Yellow Bloodwood 1 1 Myrtaceae Eucalyptus haemastoma Scribbly Gum 5 4 Myrtaceae Eucalyptus sieberi Silvertop Ash 4 5
Small Trees Casuarinaceae Allocasuarina littoralis Forest Oak 1 2 1 Casuarinaceae Casuarina glauca Swamp Oak 7 5 Fabaceae Acacia irrorata subsp. irrorata Blueskin 1 (Mimosoideae) Fabaceae Acacia mearnsii Black Wattle 1 5 (Mimosoideae)
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Family Exotic Scientific Name Common Name Quadrats December 2019 Quadrats December 2020 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 Myrtaceae Angophora costata Smooth-barked 2 Apple Myrtaceae Angophora hispida Dwarf Apple 1 1 Myrtaceae Corymbia eximia Yellow Bloodwood 1 Myrtaceae Eucalyptus haemastoma Scribbly Gum 5 5 Myrtaceae Leptospermum petersonii Lemon-scented Tea 3 4 Tree Proteaceae Banksia ericifolia Heath Banksia 5 5
Shrubs Apocynaceae * Gomphocarpus fruticosus Narrow Lead Cotton 1 Bush Araliaceae Polyscias sambucifolia Elderberry Ash 2 Casuarinaceae Allocasuarina littoralis Forest Oak 1 2 Cunoniaceae Callicoma serratifolia Black Wattle 2 2 Dilleniaceae Hibbertia acicularis 1 Dilleniaceae Hibbertia empetrifolia subsp. 1 empetrifolia Ericaceae Woollsia pungens 1 Euphorbiaceae Glochidion ferdinandi Cheese Tree 2 1
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Family Exotic Scientific Name Common Name Quadrats December 2019 Quadrats December 2020 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 Fabaceae Bossiaea heterophylla Variable Bossiaea 1 3 (Faboideae) Fabaceae Bossiaea prostrata 1 (Faboideae) Fabaceae Dillwynia sericea Showy Parrot-Pea 1 (Faboideae) Fabaceae Daviesia acicularis 1 (Faboideae) Fabaceae Pultenaea rosmarinifolia 2 1 (Faboideae) Fabaceae Pultenaea tuberculata Wreath Bush-pea 2 (Faboideae) Fabaceae Acacia fimbriata Fringed Wattle 1 (Mimosoideae) Fabaceae Acacia longifolia subsp. Sydney Golden 3 4 5 5 5 4 5 4 5 (Mimosoideae) longifolia Wattle Fabaceae Acacia longifolia subsp. Coastal Wattle 1 1 1 1 (Mimosoideae) sophorae Fabaceae Acacia mearnsii Black Wattle 4 1 (Mimosoideae) Fabaceae Acacia oxycedrus Spike Wattle 1 (Mimosoideae)
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Family Exotic Scientific Name Common Name Quadrats December 2019 Quadrats December 2020 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 Fabaceae Acacia suaveolens Sweet-scented 1 1 2 (Mimosoideae) Wattle Fabaceae Acacia terminalis subsp. 2 (Mimosoideae) Glabrous form Fabaceae Acacia terminalis Sunshine Wattle 2 1 (Mimosoideae) Fabaceae Acacia ulicifolia Prickly Moses 1 1 1 2 (Mimosoideae) Myrtaceae Angophora costata Smooth-barked 2 Apple Myrtaceae Angophora hispida Dwarf Apple 1 2 Myrtaceae Eucalyptus sieberi Silvertop Ash 2 2 Myrtaceae Kunzea ambigua Tick Bush 6 6 5 6 6 6 5 6 Myrtaceae Leptospermum petersonii Yellow Tea Tree 5 6 5 6 5 5 5 5 Pinaceae Pinus radiata Radiata Pine 1 Pittosporaceae Pittosporum undulatum Sweet Pittosporum 4 1 2 2 2 Proteaceae Banksia ericifolia Heath Banksia 2 4 2 Proteaceae Banksia serrata Old Man Banksia 1 2 1 2 Proteaceae Banksia spinulosa Hairpin Banksia 1 1 Proteaceae Grevillea diffusa subsp. 1 1 filipendula
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Family Exotic Scientific Name Common Name Quadrats December 2019 Quadrats December 2020 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 Proteaceae Grevillea sericea Pink Spider-flower 1 Proteaceae Hakea sericea Needlebush 4 4 Proteaceae Persoonia lanceolata Lance-leaf Geebung 2 Proteaceae Persoonia linearis Narrow-leaved 2 2 Geebung Proteaceae Persoonia pinifolia Pine-Leaved 3 Geebung Santalaceae Leptomeria acida Native Currant 1 1 Sapindaceae Dodonaea triquetra Hopbush 1 2 Solanaceae * Solanum mauritianum Wild Tobacco Bush 1 1 1 Verbenaceae * Lantana camara Lantana 2 5 3 5 5 5
Herbs - Ferns Dennstaedtiaceae Hypolepis muelleri Harsh Ground Fern 2 1 2 3 Dennstaedtiaceae Pteridium esculentum Bracken Fern 2 2 2 2 2 Lindsaeaceae Lindsaea microphylla Lacy Wedge Fern 2 1 Pteridaceae Adiantum aethiopicum Common 2 Maidenhair
Herbs - Dicots Apiaceae Centella asiatica Indian Pennywort 2 2 2
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Family Exotic Scientific Name Common Name Quadrats December 2019 Quadrats December 2020 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 Apiaceae Cyclospermum leptophyllum Slender Celery 2 Apiaceae Xanthosia pilosa Woolly Xanthosia 2 2 Asteraceae * Ageratina adenophora Crofton Weed 2 3 Asteraceae * Bidens pilosa Cobbler's Pegs 3 2 3 3 2 Asteraceae * Carthamus lanatus Saffron Thistle 2 Asteraceae * Conyza bonariensis Flaxleaf Fleabane 5 2 4 3 Asteraceae * Conyza sumatrensis Tall Fleabane 2 2 2 5 3 4 3 Asteraceae * Coreopsis lanceolata 4 5 4 3 2 4 3 Asteraceae * Gamochaeta americana Cudweed 2 Asteraceae * Hypochaeris radicata Catsear 2 2 2 2 Asteraceae Lagenophora stipitata Blue Bottle-daisy 1 Asteraceae Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum Jersey Cudweed 4 Asteraceae * Senecio madagascariensis Fireweed 2 2 Asteraceae * Sonchus oleraceus Common Sowthistle 2 Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia gracilis Sprawling Bluebell 2 2 Caryophyllaceae * Polycarpon tetraphyllum Four-leaved Allseed 2 Fabaceae * Vicia sativa Common Vetch 2 (Faboideae) Gentianaceae * Centaurium tenuiflorum 4
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Family Exotic Scientific Name Common Name Quadrats December 2019 Quadrats December 2020 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 Malvaceae * Modiola caroliniana Red-flowered 3 Mallow Malvaceae * Sida rhombifolia Paddys Lucerne 2 4 3 Onagraceae * Oenothera indecora subsp. 1 2 bonariensis Oxalidaceae * Oxalis corniculata 3 Phytolaccaceae * Phytolacca octandra Inkweed 2 Polygonaceae Persicaria decipiens Slender Knotweed 2 Primulaceae * Lysimachia arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel 3 Rubiaceae * Richardia brasiliensis White Eye 2 Solanaceae * Solanum nigrum Black-berry 2 3 2 2 Nightshade Verbenaceae * Verbena bonariensis Purpletop 1 4
Herbs - Monocots Commelinaceae Commelina cyanea Scurvy Weed 2 2 Cyperaceae Caustis flexuosa Curly Sedge 1 Cyperaceae * Cyperus congestus 4 Cyperaceae * Cyperus eragrostis Umbrella Sedge 2 4 1 Cyperaceae Gahnia clarkei 2 2 2 1 2
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Family Exotic Scientific Name Common Name Quadrats December 2019 Quadrats December 2020 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 Cyperaceae Fimbristylis dichotoma Common Fringe- sedge Cyperaceae Fimbristylis velata 3 Cyperaceae Lepidosperma laterale 2 Juncaceae Juncus bufonius Toad Rush 4 Juncaceae * Juncus microcephalus 3 1 Iridaceae * Aristea ecklonii 2 Iridaceae * Sisyrinchium rosulatum Blue Pigroot 2 Lomandraceae Lomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat- 2 5 6 6 2 3 5 6 6 rush Phormiaceae Dianella caerulea var. producta Blue Flax-lily 2 2 2 Poaceae * Andropogon virginicus Whisky Grass 4 2 2 2 4 2 2 2 Poaceae * Axonopus fissifolius Narrow-leaved 1 3 2 2 Carpet Grass Poaceae * Cenchrus clandestinus Kikuyu 1 3 2 2 2 Poaceae * Cynodon dactylon Couch 3 2 3 5 3 Poaceae Dichelachne micrantha Shorthair 2 Plumegrass Poaceae * Echinochloa crus-galii Barnyard Grass 5 Poaceae * Ehrharta erecta Panic Veldtgrass 5 4 3 Poaceae Entolasia stricta Wiry Panic 1 2 2
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Family Exotic Scientific Name Common Name Quadrats December 2019 Quadrats December 2020 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 Poaceae Eragrostis brownii Brown's Lovegrass 4 2 3 Poaceae * Eragrostis curvula African Love Grass 3 3 4 3 3 3 Poaceae Imperata cylindrica Blady Grass 6 5 5 5 2 Poaceae Lachnagrostis filiformis Blown Grass 5 6 2 Poaceae * Megathyrsus maximus Guinea Grass 2 3 2 Poaceae * Melinis repens Red Natal Grass 2 2 Poaceae Microlaena stipoides var. Weeping Grass 2 4 4 2 3 3 4 3 stipoides Poaceae Oplismenus aemulus Basket Grass 2 Poaceae * Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum 3 2 2 2 3 2 2 Poaceae * Setaria parviflora Pigeon Grass 4 2 Poaceae Themeda triandra Kangaroo Grass 1 4 2 4 3 Poaceae * Vulpia bromoides Squirrel Tail Fescue 4 Restionaceae Lepyrodia scariosa 2 2
Vines Apocynaceae * Araujia sericifera Moth Vine 2 Fabaceae Hardenbergia violacea Purple Coral Pea 2 (Faboideae) Fabaceae Kennedia rubicunda Dusky Coral Pea 4 1 3 2 (Faboideae)
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Family Exotic Scientific Name Common Name Quadrats December 2019 Quadrats December 2020 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 Menispermaceae Stephania japonica var. discolor Snake Vine 2 1 3 2 2 2 3 3 Passifloraceae * Passiflora edulis Common 1 Passionfruit Pittosporaceae Billardiera scandens Hairy Apple Berry 2 1 1 Rubiaceae Gynochthodes jasminoides Sweet Morinda 2 Vitaceae Cissus hypoglauca Five-leaved water 2 1 2 vine
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APPENDIX B : Fauna Species Recorded by Cumberland Ecology
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Scientific Name Common Name Quadrat 2013 2016 2017 2019 2020 Recorded Acanthiza pusilla Brown Thornbill 2, 3, 4, 5 X Acanthorhynchus Eastern Spinebill 2, GDE X X tenuirostris Quadrats Anthochaera carunculata Red Wattlebird GDE X X X Quadrats Cacatua galerita Sulphur-crested GDE X X Cockatoo Quadrats Caligavis chrysops Yellow-faced GDE X Honeyeater Quadrats Calyptorhynchus funereus Yellow-tailed Black GDE X Cockatoo Quadrats Chenonetta jubata Australian Wood Duck 4 X Colluricincla harmonica Grey - Shrike Thrush 2, 4 X Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo 3 X Shrike Cracticus tibicen Australian Magpie 4 X X Dacelo novaeguineae Laughing Kookaburra GDE X Quadrats Eopsaltria australis Eastern Yellow Robin GDE X Quadrats Geopelia humeralis Bar-shouldered Dove GDE X Quadrats Hirundo neoxena Welcome Swallow 4, 5 X Lichenostomus leucotis White-eared 5 X Honeyeater Macropygia amboinensis Brown Cuckoo-dove GDE X Quadrats Malurus cyaneus Superb Fairy-wren 2, 3, 4 X X X Malurus lamberti Variegated Fairy-wren GDE X Quadrats Manorina melanocephala Noisy Miner GDE X Quadrats Meliphaga lewinii Lewin's Honeyeater GDE X X Quadrats Pachycephala pectoralis Golden Whistler 4 X
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Scientific Name Common Name Quadrat 2013 2016 2017 2019 2020 Recorded Pachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler GDE X Quadrats Pardalotus striatus Striated Pardalote GDE X Quadrats Phaps chalcoptera Common Bronzewing 4, GDE X X Quadrats Philemon corniculatus Noisy Friarbird GDE X Quadrats Phylidonyris niger White-cheeked GDE X Honeyeater Quadrats Phylidonyris New Holland 5, GDE X X novaehollandiae Honeyeater Quadrats Platycercus elegans Crimson Rosella GDE X Quadrats Psophodes olivaceus Eastern Whipbird GDE X X X Quadrats Rhipidura albiscapa Grey Fantail 2, 4, 5, GDE X X X Quadrats Scythrops novaehollandiae Channel-billed 3 X Cuckoo Sericornis frontalis White-browed 4, 5 X Scrubwren Strepera graculina Pied Currawong GDE X Quadrats Trichoglossus moluccanus Rainbow Lorikeet GDE X Quadrats Zosterops lateralis Silvereye 2, 4, 5 X
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APPENDIX C : Flora Species Recorded in GDE Monitoring Quadrats in 2020
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Table 7 GDE Monitoring Quadrat Results 2019 and 2020
Family Ex Species Name Common Quadrats - December 2019 Quadrats - December 2020 ot. Name GDE1 GDE2 GDE3 GDE4 GDE5 GDE1 GDE2 GDE3 GDE4 GDE5
C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A
Tree Casuarinaceae Allocasuarina Black Sheoak 1 1 2 1 littoralis Casuarinaceae Allocasuarina Forest 5 1 5 1 1 1 5 1 torulosa Sheoak 0 Cunoniaceae Ceratopetalum Coachwood 4 20 2 10 4 20 2 10 apetalum 0 0 0 0 Myrtaceae Corymbia Red 1 1 1 1 gummifera Bloodwood Myrtaceae Eucalyptus Scribbly Gum 5 2 1 3 haemastoma 0 Myrtaceae Eucalyptus Sydney 3 14 3 14 piperita Peppermint 0 0 Myrtaceae Eucalyptus Grey Gum 1 1 1 1 punctata 0 0 Myrtaceae Syncarpia Turpentine 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 glomulifera 0 0 0 0 Myrtaceae Tristaniopsis Water Gum 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 laurina 0 5 0 5
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Family Ex Species Name Common Quadrats - December 2019 Quadrats - December 2020 ot. Name GDE1 GDE2 GDE3 GDE4 GDE5 GDE1 GDE2 GDE3 GDE4 GDE5
C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A
Sub-canopy Casuarinaceae Allocasuarina Black Sheoak 5 10 5 10 3 1 littoralis Casuarinaceae Allocasuarina Forest 3 1 3 1 torulosa Sheoak Cunoniaceae Ceratopetalum Coachwood 1 5 4 50 1 5 4 50 apetalum 0 5 0 5 Fabaceae Acacia elata Mountain 1 1 1 1 (Mimosoideae) Cedar Wattle Myrtaceae Corymbia Red 1 1 1 1 gummifera Bloodwood Myrtaceae Eucalyptus Scribbly Gum 1 1 haemastoma Myrtaceae Eucalyptus Sydney 5 3 5 3 piperita Peppermint Myrtaceae Leptospermum Prickly Tea- 5 10 5 2 5 7 5 10 juniperinum tree 0 Myrtaceae Syzygium Blue Lilly Pilly 1 1 2 1 oleosum
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Family Ex Species Name Common Quadrats - December 2019 Quadrats - December 2020 ot. Name GDE1 GDE2 GDE3 GDE4 GDE5 GDE1 GDE2 GDE3 GDE4 GDE5
C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A
Proteaceae Banksia ericifolia Heath-leaved 1 1 2 1 Banksia Proteaceae Banksia serrata Old-man 5 1 5 5 1 1 Banksia Proteaceae Persoonia levis Broad-leaved 2 1 2 1 0. 1 3 1 Geebung 5 Fabaceae Acacia longifolia Sydney 2 1 5 1 (Mimosoideae) subsp. longifolia Golden Wattle
Ferns and Allies Aspleniaceae Asplenium Bird's Nest 0. 1 0. 1 0. 1 0. 1 australasicum Fern 2 2 2 2 5 5 Blechnaceae Blechnum nudum Fishbone 0. 10 0. 10 Water Fern 2 2 Blechnaceae Doodia aspera Prickly Rasp 0. 10 0. 30 Fern 1 5 Davalliaceae Davallia solida Hare's-foot 0. 5 0. 10 var. pyxidata Fern 4 2
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Family Ex Species Name Common Quadrats - December 2019 Quadrats - December 2020 ot. Name GDE1 GDE2 GDE3 GDE4 GDE5 GDE1 GDE2 GDE3 GDE4 GDE5
C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A
Dennstaedtiacea Hypolepis Harsh 1 30 0. 30 0. 3 e muelleri Ground Fern 7 1 5 Dennstaedtiacea Pteridium Common 1 100 4 100 1 100 3 100 e esculentum Bracken 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Dicksoniaceae Calochlaena Rainbow Fern 0. 5 1 5 0. 3 dubia 5 5 Gleicheniaceae Gleichenia Pouched 5 500 4 4 0. 20 5 500 5 500 1 100 microphylla Coral Fern 0 0 0 0 3 5 0 0 0 0 Gleicheniaceae Gleichenia 1 500 1 1 0. 1 5 300 1 100 rupestris 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 Gleicheniaceae Sticherus Shiny Fan 1 200 3 100 1 200 flabellatus var. Fern 0 0 flabellatus Hymenophyllace Hymenophyllum Common 0. 5 0. 20 0. 100 1 10 ae cupressiforme Filmy Fern 1 1 1 00 Osmundaceae Todea barbara King Fern 1 20 1 3 3 10 1 30 1 3 3 10 0 0
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Family Ex Species Name Common Quadrats - December 2019 Quadrats - December 2020 ot. Name GDE1 GDE2 GDE3 GDE4 GDE5 GDE1 GDE2 GDE3 GDE4 GDE5
C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A
Polypodiaceae Grammitis Finger Fern 0. 12 0. 20 0. 3 billardierei 1 2 1 Polypodiaceae Pyrrosia rupestris Rock Felt 0. 10 Fern 1 Psilotaceae Tmesipteris 0. 2 0. 1 truncata 1 1 Pteridaceae Pellaea paradoxa 0. 5 0. 10 0. 1 0. 2 1 2 1 1 Schizaeaceae Schizaea Branched 0. 1 0. 1 0. 1 0. 1 dichotoma Comb Fern 1 1 1 1 Selaginellaceae Selaginella Swamp 1 200 0. 10 1 300 0. 30 uliginosa Selaginella 1 1
Climbers/Vines Apocynaceae Parsonsia Common 0. 1 straminea Silkpod 1 Lauraceae Cassytha glabella 0. 1 0. 30 1 0 1 Pittosporaceae Billardiera Hairy Apple 0. 20 0. 20 scandens Berry 1 1
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Family Ex Species Name Common Quadrats - December 2019 Quadrats - December 2020 ot. Name GDE1 GDE2 GDE3 GDE4 GDE5 GDE1 GDE2 GDE3 GDE4 GDE5
C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A
Rubiaceae Gynochthodes Sweet 0. 5 0. 2 0. 5 0. 10 jasminoides Morinda 5 2 5 5 Smilacaceae Smilax Sweet 0. 2 0. 50 0. 10 0. 10 0. 2 0. 30 0. 10 0. 10 glyciphylla Sarsaparilla 2 3 2 3 2 2 2 2
Shrubs Apiaceae Platysace 0. 1 5 50 0. 2 5 50 linearifolia 1 1 Araliaceae Polyscias Elderberry 0. 1 0. 1 sambucifolia Panax 2 1 subsp. Long leaflets Casuarinaceae Allocasuarina 0. 1 0. 1 torulosa 1 2 Cunoniaceae Bauera rubioides River Rose 0. 10 0. 5 2 2 Cunoniaceae Callicoma Black Wattle 0. 2 0. 1 0. 3 0. 2 0. 1 serratifolia 5 2 1 5 2 Cunoniaceae Ceratopetalum Coachwood 1 20 0. 2 0. 20 1 40 apetalum 5 5 2 5
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Family Ex Species Name Common Quadrats - December 2019 Quadrats - December 2020 ot. Name GDE1 GDE2 GDE3 GDE4 GDE5 GDE1 GDE2 GDE3 GDE4 GDE5
C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A
Cunoniaceae Ceratopetalum New South 0. 2 0. 1 0. 1 gummiferum Wales 5 2 2 Christmas- bush Dilleniaceae Hibbertia 0. 2 0. 2 bracteata 1 1 Dilleniaceae Hibbertia 0. 2 0. 1 cistiflora 1 1 Elaeocarpaceae Elaeocarpus Blueberry 0. 1 0. 1 0. 2 0. 1 reticulatus Ash 5 2 5 1 Elaeocarpaceae Tetratheca 0. 10 0. 10 thymifolia 1 1 Ericaceae Leucopogon Pink Beard- 0. 1 (Epacridoideae) ericoides heath 1 Ericaceae Sprengelia Pink Swamp 0. 1 0. 1 (Epacridoideae) incarnata Heath 1 1 Euphorbiaceae Ricinocarpos Wedding 0. 3 0. 1 pinifolius Bush 2 2 Euphorbiaceae Amperea Broom 0. 2 0. 2 xiphoclada Spurge 2 1
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Family Ex Species Name Common Quadrats - December 2019 Quadrats - December 2020 ot. Name GDE1 GDE2 GDE3 GDE4 GDE5 GDE1 GDE2 GDE3 GDE4 GDE5
C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A
Fabaceae Aotus ericoides 2 20 5 1 0. 5 5 100 (Faboideae) 0 2 0 5 Fabaceae Bossiaea Variable 0. 2 0. 2 0. 2 (Faboideae) heterophylla Bossiaea 1 1 1 Fabaceae Hovea linearis 0. 1 0. 1 (Faboideae) 1 1 Fabaceae Acacia elata Mountain 0. 1 0. 1 0. 2 0. 1 (Mimosoideae) Cedar Wattle 5 3 7 3 5 Fabaceae Acacia linifolia White Wattle 0. 2 3 20 0. 2 2 20 (Mimosoideae) 2 2 Fabaceae Acacia oxycedrus Spike Wattle 0. 3 0. 3 0. 4 0. 3 0. 3 (Mimosoideae) 4 5 3 5 5 Fabaceae Acacia Sweet Wattle 0. 1 0. 5 0. 1 1 5 (Mimosoideae) suaveolens 2 7 2 5 5 Fabaceae Acacia ulicifolia Prickly Moses 0. 1 0. 5 0. 1 0. 1 (Mimosoideae) 1 5 1 2 Myrtaceae Acmena smithii Lilly Pilly 0. 1 0. 2 0. 1 0. 2 2 3 2 3 5 5
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Family Ex Species Name Common Quadrats - December 2019 Quadrats - December 2020 ot. Name GDE1 GDE2 GDE3 GDE4 GDE5 GDE1 GDE2 GDE3 GDE4 GDE5
C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A
Myrtaceae Angophora Smooth- 0. 1 costata barked Apple 5 Myrtaceae Austromyrtus 1 10 1 10 1 10 1 10 tenuifolia Myrtaceae Callistemon Crimson 0. 2 0. 2 citrinus Bottlebrush 5 5 Myrtaceae Corymbia Red 0. 2 gummifera Bloodwood 2 Myrtaceae Eucalyptus Sydney 0. 3 0. 1 piperita Peppermint 5 5 Myrtaceae Leptospermum Prickly Tea- 1 10 1 10 1 10 juniperinum tree Myrtaceae Leptospermum 0. 1 5 10 0. 1 0. 3 polygalifolium 1 2 2 subsp. 5 polygalifolium Myrtaceae Leptospermum Flaky-barked 0. 2 0. 2 trinervium Tea-tree 5 7 5 Myrtaceae Syzygium Blue Lilly Pilly 0. 1 0. 1 oleosum 5 5
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Family Ex Species Name Common Quadrats - December 2019 Quadrats - December 2020 ot. Name GDE1 GDE2 GDE3 GDE4 GDE5 GDE1 GDE2 GDE3 GDE4 GDE5
C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A
Myrtaceae Tristaniopsis Water Gum 0. 2 0. 20 laurina 3 4 Oleaceae Notelaea Large Mock- 0. 2 0. 3 longifolia olive 5 7 5 Phyllanthaceae Phyllanthus 0. 10 0. 20 hirtellus 1 2 Picrodendraceae Micrantheum 0. 20 0. 20 ericoides 2 2 Pittosporaceae Pittosporum 0. 1 revolutum 1 Proteaceae Banksia ericifolia Heath-leaved 0. 1 0. 1 Banksia 2 1 5 Proteaceae Banksia Fern-leaved 0. 1 0. 1 oblongifolia Banksia 2 3 5 Proteaceae Banksia paludosa Swamp Banksia Proteaceae Banksia robur Swamp 2 10 2 10 2 10 2 10 Banksia
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Family Ex Species Name Common Quadrats - December 2019 Quadrats - December 2020 ot. Name GDE1 GDE2 GDE3 GDE4 GDE5 GDE1 GDE2 GDE3 GDE4 GDE5
C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A
Proteaceae Banksia serrata Old-man 2 1 2 1 Banksia Proteaceae Banksia spinulosa Hairpin 0. 1 0. 2 0. 1 0. 2 Banksia 2 5 1 2 5 5 Proteaceae Grevillea Grey Spider- 0. 1 0. 1 buxifolia subsp. flower 2 1 buxifolia Proteaceae Hakea sericea Needlebush 0. 1 0. 3 2 5 5 Proteaceae Hakea teretifolia Needlebush 0. 2 1 5 0. 2 0. 1 1 5 5 5 2 5 Proteaceae Isopogon Broad-leaf 0. 1 0. 2 anemonifolius Drumsticks 2 5 Proteaceae Lambertia Mountain formosa Devil Proteaceae Lomatia River Lomatia 1 20 5 20 1 20 5 20 myricoides 0 0
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Family Ex Species Name Common Quadrats - December 2019 Quadrats - December 2020 ot. Name GDE1 GDE2 GDE3 GDE4 GDE5 GDE1 GDE2 GDE3 GDE4 GDE5
C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A
Proteaceae Persoonia levis Broad-leaved 0. 1 0. 1 0. 1 Geebung 5 5 2 5 Proteaceae Persoonia linearis Narrow- 0. 1 0. 1 leaved 2 1 Geebung 5 Rutaceae Asterolasia 0. 1 0. 1 correifolia 2 2 5 5 Rutaceae Boronia pinnata 0. 1 0. 1 1 1 Rutaceae Leionema Toothed 0. 1 dentatum Phebalium 2 Rutaceae Zieria smithii Sandfly Zieria 0. 1 0. 1 2 2 5
Herbs - Dicots Apiaceae Xanthosia pilosa Wooly 0. 10 0. 20 0. 10 0. 20 Xanthosia 1 1 1 1
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Family Ex Species Name Common Quadrats - December 2019 Quadrats - December 2020 ot. Name GDE1 GDE2 GDE3 GDE4 GDE5 GDE1 GDE2 GDE3 GDE4 GDE5
C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A
Asteraceae * Ageratina Crofton 0. 1 adenophora Weed 1 Droseraceae Drosera binata Forked 0. 10 0. 3 0. 10 0. 10 Sundew 1 2 0 2 2 Droseraceae Drosera 0. 10 burmanni 1 Euphorbiaceae Monotaxis 0. 3 linifolia 1 Goodeniaceae Dampiera stricta 0. 2 0. 10 1 1 Haloragaceae Gonocarpus Raspwort 1. 10 0. 20 teucrioides 2 2
Monocots (Grasses) Poaceae Anisopogon Oat 1 100 0. 5 0. 100 0. 10 avenaceus Speargrass 1 5 2 Poaceae Entolasia stricta Wiry Panic 0. 10 0. 20 0. 20 0. 25 1 1 2 2 Poaceae Imperata Blady Grass 0. 20 0. 30 cylindrica 1 3
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Family Ex Species Name Common Quadrats - December 2019 Quadrats - December 2020 ot. Name GDE1 GDE2 GDE3 GDE4 GDE5 GDE1 GDE2 GDE3 GDE4 GDE5
C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A
Poaceae Plinthanthesis Wiry 0. 10 0. 10 0. 30 0. 5 paradoxa Wallaby- 1 1 2 1 grass Poaceae Themeda Kangaroo 0. 1 0. 2 triandra Grass 1 1
Monocots (Other) Cyperaceae Caustis flexuosa Curly Wig 0. 1 2 Cyperaceae Gahnia clarkei Tall Saw- 0. 4 1 5 0. 3 0. 1 0. 4 1 5 0. 3 sedge 5 5 5 7 5 5 Cyperaceae Gahnia Red-fruit 2 250 2 3 1 10 2 100 1 500 1 10 sieberiana Saw-sedge 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 Cyperaceae Gymnoschoenus Button Grass 3 30 1 3 2 200 1 30 sphaerocephalus 0 Cyperaceae Lepidosperma 0. 20 1 1 3 300 2 200 filiforme 1 0 0
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Family Ex Species Name Common Quadrats - December 2019 Quadrats - December 2020 ot. Name GDE1 GDE2 GDE3 GDE4 GDE5 GDE1 GDE2 GDE3 GDE4 GDE5
C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A
Cyperaceae Lepidosperma 0. 10 0. 3 0. 2 0. 3 laterale 1 2 1 2 Cyperaceae Machaerina 2 200 2 2 1 100 2 200 rubiginosa 0 0 0 0 0 0 Cyperaceae Schoenus Zig-zag Bog- 1 50 1 50 brevifolius rush Cyperaceae Schoenus Black Bog- 0. 15 0. 2 0. 5 0. 2 melanostachys rush 4 2 2 3 Lomandraceae Lomandra Spiny- 0. 2 1 4 0. 2 0. 2 0. 4 longifolia headed Mat- 2 2 2 7 rush 5 5 5 Lomandraceae Lomandra 0. 20 0. 10 obliqua 1 2 Orchidaceae Bulbophyllum Wheat- 0. 1 0. 10 shepherdii leaved 1 2 0 Orchid 5 Orchidaceae Cestichis reflexa 1 20 1 20 Orchidaceae Cryptostylis Bonnet 0. 5 0. 1 erecta Orchid 1 1
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Family Ex Species Name Common Quadrats - December 2019 Quadrats - December 2020 ot. Name GDE1 GDE2 GDE3 GDE4 GDE5 GDE1 GDE2 GDE3 GDE4 GDE5
C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A C A
Orchidaceae Cryptostylis Large Tongue 0. 5 0. 2 subulata Orchid 1 1 Orchidaceae Cymbidium suave Snake Orchid 0. 1 0. 1 1 1 Orchidaceae Dendrobium Tongue 0. 1 linguiforme Orchid 1 Orchidaceae Dendrobium Sydney Rock 0. 3 0. 1 0. 3 speciosum Orchid 5 2 5 Phormiaceae Dianella caerulea Blue Flax-lily 0. 2 0. 1 0. 3 var. producta 1 1 2 Restionaceae Empodisma Spreading 1 100 1 1 0. 50 1 500 1 200 0. 50 minus Rope-rush 0 0 3 3 0 Restionaceae Eurychorda 0. 2 0. 5 complanata 2 0 5 Restionaceae Leptocarpus 2 200 3 300 tenax Xyridaceae Xyris gracilis 0. 10 0. 5 1 1
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APPENDIX D : Recommended Planting Species
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Table 8 Recommended Planting Species
Family Scientific Name Common Name Trees Casuarinaceae Allocasuarina littoralis Black She-oak Casuarinaceae Allocasuarina torulosa Forest Oak Cunoniaceae Callicoma serratifolia Callicoma Cunoniaceae Ceratopetalum gummiferum Christmas Bush Ericaceae Trochocarpa laurina Tree Heath Myrtaceae Angophora costata Smooth-barked Apple Myrtaceae Corymbia gummifera Red Bloodwood Myrtaceae Eucalyptus haemastoma Scribbly Gum Myrtaceae Eucalyptus piperita Sydney Peppermint Myrtaceae Eucalyptus punctata Grey Gum Myrtaceae Eucalyptus sparsifolia Narrow-leaved Stringybark Myrtaceae Syncarpia glomulifera Turpentine Proteaceae Banksia serrata Old Man Banksia
Shrubs Apiaceae Platysace lanceolata Apiaceae Platysace linearis Araliaceae Polyscias sambucifolia Elderberry Panax Dilleniaceae Hibbertia bracteata Dilleniaceae Hibbertia empetrifolia Dilleniaceae Hibbertia linearis Dilleniaceae Hibbertia procumbens Elaeocarpaceae Elaeocarpus reticulatus Blueberry Ash Ericaceae Brachyloma daphnoides Ericaceae Dracophyllum secundum Ericaceae Epacris longiflora Ericaceae Epacris obtusifolia Ericaceae Epacris pulchella Ericaceae Leucopogon esquamatus Ericaceae Leucopogon microphyllus Ericaceae Woollsia pungens Euphorbiaceae Amperea xiphoclada Euphorbiaceae Glochidion ferdinandi Cheese Tree
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Family Scientific Name Common Name Euphorbiaceae Phyllanthus hirtellus Euphorbiaceae Micrantheum ericoides Euphorbiaceae Ricinocarpos pinifolius Wedding Bush Fabaceae Bossiaea heterophylla Fabaceae Bossiaea scolopendria Fabaceae Dillwynia floribunda Fabaceae Gompholobium latifolia Fabaceae Gompholobium virgata Fabaceae Hovea linearis Fabaceae Phyllota phylicoides Fabaceae Pultenaea daphnoides Fabaceae Pultenaea elliptica Fabaceae Pultenaea rosmarinifolia Fabaceae Aotus ericoides Fabaceae Acacia linifolia Flax Wattle Fabaceae Acacia myrtifolia Myrtle-leaved Wattle Fabaceae Acacia oxycedrus Fabaceae Acacia suaveolens Sweet-scented Wattle Fabaceae Acacia terminalis Sunshine Wattle Fabaceae Acacia ulicifolia Prickly Moses Lamiaceae Prostanthera linearis Myrtaceae Angophora hispida Dwarf Apple Myrtaceae Baeckea brevifolia Myrtaceae Callistemon pinifolius Myrtaceae Darwinia glaucophylla Myrtaceae Kunzea capitata Myrtaceae Leptospermum juniperinum Prickly-leaved Tea Tree Myrtaceae Leptospermum polygalifolium Yellow Tea Tree Myrtaceae Leptospermum trinervium Paperbark Tea Tree Proteaceae Banksia ericifolia Heath Banksia Proteaceae Banksia oblonga Proteaceae Banksia robur Swamp Banksia Proteaceae Banksia spinulosa Hairpin Banksia Proteaceae Conospermum longifolium Proteaceae Grevillea buxifolia Grey Spider-flower
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Family Scientific Name Common Name Proteaceae Grevillea diffusa Proteaceae Grevillea mucronulata Proteaceae Grevillea sericea Pink Spider-flower Proteaceae Hakea dactyloides Proteaceae Hakea laurina Proteaceae Hakea teretifolia Dagger Hakea Proteaceae Isopogon anemonifolius Drumsticks Proteaceae Lambertia formosa Mountain Devil Proteaceae Persoonia levis Broad-leaved Geebung Proteaceae Persoonia linearis Narrow-leaved Geebung Proteaceae Petrophile pulchella Conesticks Proteaceae Petrophile sessilis Proteaceae Xylomelum pyriforme Woody Pear Rhamnaceae Pomaderris intermedia Rutaceae Eriostemon australasius Rutaceae E. buxifolia subsp. obovata Rutaceae Boronia floribunda Rutaceae Boronia ledifolia Santalaceae Leptomeria acida Sapindaceae Dodonaea multijuga Thymelaeaceae Pimelea linifolia Common Rice-flower Elaeocarpaceae Tetratheca ericifolia Elaeocarpaceae Tetratheca thymifolia Xanthorrhoeaceae Xanthorrhoea australis a grass tree
Herbs - Ferns Adiantaceae Adiantum aethiopicum Common Maidenhair Fern Blechnaceae Blechnum nudum Dennstaedtiaceae Hypolepis muelleri Harsh Ground Fern Dennstaedtiaceae Pteridium esculentum Bracken Fern Gleicheniaceae Gleichenia dicarpa Pouched Coral Fern Gleicheniaceae Gleichenia microphylla Gleicheniaceae Sticherus flabellatus Umbrella Fern Lindsaeaceae Lindsaea linearis Screw Fern Osmundaceae Todea barbara King Fern
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Family Scientific Name Common Name Selaginellaceae Selaginella uliginosa
Herbs - Dicots Apiaceae Actinotus minor Lesser Flannel Flower Apiaceae Xanthosia pilosa Apiaceae Xanthosia tridentata Goodeniaceae Dampiera stricta Goodeniaceae Goodenia bellidifolia Goodeniaceae Scaevola ramosissima Loganiaceae Mitrasacme polymorpha Rutaceae Pomax umbellata Stackhousiaceae Stackhousia viminea Stylidiaceae Stylidium gramineum a Trigger Plant Stylidiaceae Stylidium lineare a Trigger Plant
Herbs - Monocots Agavaceae Doryanthes excelsa Gymea Lily Anthericaceae Caesia parviflora Cyperaceae Caustis flexuosa Curly Sedge Cyperaceae Caustis recurvata Cyperaceae Cyathochaeta diandra Cyperaceae Gahnia clarkei Cyperaceae Gahnia sieberiana Cyperaceae Lepidosperma concavum Cyperaceae Lepidosperma laterale Broad Sword-sedge Cyperaceae Ptilothrix deusta Cyperaceae Schoenus imberbis Iridaceae Patersonia glabrata a Purple Flag Iridaceae Patersonia sericea a Purple Flag Lomandraceae Lomandra glauca Lomandraceae Lomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rush Lomandraceae Lomandra obliqua Fishbone Mat-rush Phormiaceae Dianella prunina Poaceae Anisopogon avenaceus Poaceae Entolasia stricta Wiry Panic
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Family Scientific Name Common Name Poaceae Imperata cylindrica Blady Grass Poaceae Themeda australis Kangaroo Grass Restionaceae Empodisma minor Restionaceae Lepyrodia scariosa Scale Rush Xyridaceae Xyris gracilis subsp. gracilis
Vines Apocynaceae Marsdenia suaveolens Fabaceae Hardenbergia violacea Purple Coral Pea Lauraceae Cassytha pubescens Devils Twine Pittosporaceae Billardiera scandens Common Appleberry Vitaceae Cissus hypoglauca Five-leaved Water Vine Smilacaceae Smilax glyciphylla Sarsaparilla
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APPENDIX E : Threatened Species Locations
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Species Notes Date Easting Northing Darwinia glaucophylla Healthy individuals, large number on ridgetop 8/12/2020 333880 6301190 above MP3 Darwinia glaucophylla Dg3 - healthy, lots of new growth, potentially 8/12/2020 333836 6301194 benefiting from recent rain. Individual has a large spread covering approx. 110 x 128cm.
Darwinia glaucophylla Dg2 - healthy, spreading, new growth present. 8/12/2020 333771 6301181 Approx. 79 x 57 cm.
Darwinia glaucophylla Dg1 - Healthy and flowering. Spread of 8/12/2020 333695 6301330 approximately 37cm x 19 cm.
Darwinia glaucophylla New individual/individual at extremes of rock 8/12/2020 333673 6301327 shelf Dg1 is located at. Darwinia glaucophylla New individual/individual at extremes of rock 8/12/2020 333673 6301327 shelf Dg1 is located at. Darwinia glaucophylla New individual/individual at extremes of rock 8/12/2020 333673 6301327 shelf Dg1 is located at. Darwinia glaucophylla New individual/individual at extremes of rock 8/12/2020 333683 6301316 shelf Dg1 is located at. Darwinia glaucophylla New individual/individual at extremes of rock 8/12/2020 333699 6301337 shelf Dg1 is located at. Hibbertia procumbens Relocated individual. Healthy. 8/12/2020 333764 6301410 Hibbertia procumbens Relocated individual. Healthy. Large individual. 8/12/2020 333771 6301417 Post flowering, and empty fruit present - also post-seeding. Hibbertia procumbens 2 x young individuals relocated. 8/12/2020 333735 6301345 Hibbertia procumbens Relocated individual, healthy, flowering + one 8/12/2020 333718 6301354 bud post-flower Hibbertia procumbens Relocated healthy individual. 8/12/2020 333716 6301356 Hibbertia procumbens Relocated healthy individual. 8/12/2020 333718 6301354 Hibbertia procumbens Relocated health Post-flowering. 8/12/2020 333718 6301344 Hibbertia procumbens Relocated healthy individual. 8/12/2020 333717 6301333 Darwinia glaucophylla 2 x new individuals. 8/12/2020 333699 6301286 Hibbertia procumbens New individual. Healthy. 8/12/2020 333697 6301286 Hibbertia procumbens Relocated healthy individual. 8/12/2020 333702 6301302 Hibbertia procumbens Relocated healthy individuals x 2. 1 post- 8/12/2020 333700 6301309 flowering.
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Species Notes Date Easting Northing Hibbertia procumbens Relocated healthy individual. 8/12/2020 333700 6301303 Hibbertia procumbens Relocated healthy individuals x2. 8/12/2020 333688 6301271 Hibbertia procumbens Relocated healthy individual. 8/12/2020 333685 6301248 Hibbertia procumbens New individual 9/12/2020 334307 6300526 Hibbertia procumbens New individual 9/12/2020 334272 6300584 Hibbertia procumbens New individual 9/12/2020 334264 6300583 Hibbertia procumbens New individual 9/12/2020 334092 6300677 Darwinia glaucophylla New individual 9/12/2020 333919 6300737 Darwinia glaucophylla New individual 9/12/2020 334302 6300794 Darwinia glaucophylla New individual 9/12/2020 334303 6300794 Darwinia glaucophylla New individual 9/12/2020 334307 6300789 Darwinia glaucophylla New individual 9/12/2020 334309 6300788 Darwinia glaucophylla New individual 9/12/2020 334315 6300788 Darwinia glaucophylla New individual 9/12/2020 334323 6300784 Darwinia glaucophylla New individual 9/12/2020 334325 6300781 Darwinia glaucophylla New individual 9/12/2020 334329 6300776 Darwinia glaucophylla New individual 9/12/2020 334334 6300776 Darwinia glaucophylla New individual 9/12/2020 334338 6300775 Darwinia glaucophylla New individual 9/12/2020 334345 6300773 Darwinia glaucophylla New individual 9/12/2020 334355 6300768
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APPENDIX F : Threatened Species Profiles
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F.1. Darwinia glaucophylla Conservation status: Vulnerable (NSW BC Act 2016)
Description: Darwinia glaucophylla is a spreading, prostrate shrub with branchlets ascending up to 15 cm high. The leaves are glaucous, often with a red-purple tinge, lack hairs or scales, are laterally compressed and reach lengths of 8-17 mm. The plant flowers in winter and spring. Flowers are borne on 1.5mm long stalks at the end of small branchlets, are tubular (7-8 mm long) occurring in clusters of 2-4, are yellow -green when young and turn red in upper parts as they mature. Flowers are surrounded by red-brown bracteoles (4-6 mm long) which fall as the flower ages. The fruit is tiny (1.5 mm diameter) with a single seed.
Distribution and habitat: This species is endemic to the Gosford area of the Sydney Basin Bioregion in NSW and is currently known from 15 sites, several which are located within or near to Brisbane Waters NP and one within Popran NP. It is known or predicted to occur in heathy woodlands/open forests and shrubby woodlands, associated with coastal or hinterland sandstone rock platforms or near hanging swamps and friable sandstone shallow soils within the Hawkesbury/Nepean and Hunter/Central Rivers Catchment Management Regions.
Threats: This species is threatened by habitat loss/fragmentation from development and habitat degradation due to weed invasions, increased sedimentation, trail and track maintenance and recreational vehicle damage. Infrequent and overly frequent fire regimes also pose a threat to this species.
F.2. Hibbertia procumbens Conservation status: Endangered (NSW BC Act 2016)
Description: Hibbertia procumbens is a spreading, prostrate shrub, with smooth, hairless stems. Leaves are linear to narrowly lance-shaped with a pointed tip, 15 -20 mm long, about 2 mm wide and similar on both surfaces with no obvious midrib. Flowers are stalkless, occur near the ends of branches, are up to 2 cm in diameter with five, yellow petals 8 - 10 mm long.
Distribution and habitat: Within NSW is it known to occur only on the Central Coast in the Gosford and Wyong areas. These populations are at Peats Ridge in the Gosford LGA; Bumble Hill near Yarramalong in Wyong LGA; Kulnura, Strickland State Forest, Somersby, Calga/Mt White Mangrove Mountain and; and near Mogo Creek to the west of Mangrove Creek Dam. It has been recorded in four conservation reserves: Yengo, Popran and Brisbane Water National Parks and the non-production Strickland State Forest. It is known or predicted to occur in heathy woodlands/open forests and shrubby woodlands associated with coastal or hinterland sandstone plateaux or near hanging swamp communities on sandy deposits within the Hawkesbury/Nepean and Hunter/Central Rivers Catchment Management Regions.
Threats: This species is threatened by habitat loss/fragmentation from development and habitat degradation due to weed invasions, increased sedimentation, trail and track maintenance and recreational vehicle damage. Infrequent and overly frequent fire regimes also pose a threat to this species.
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FIGURES
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Figure 1 Location of Monitoring Quadrats in Rehabilitation Areas
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Figure 2 Bush Regeneration Activities and Rehabilitation Areas
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Figure 3 Darwinia glaucophylla recorded within, and adjacent to, the Quarry Site Boundary
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Figure 4 Hibbertia procumbens recorded within, and adjacent to, the Quarry Site Boundary
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Figure 5 GDE Monitoring Plot Locations
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