APPENDIX 4 RIPARIAN VEGETATION COMMUNITIES AND FLORA SPECIES RECORDED DURING FIELD INVESTIGATION
Table 8.14 Riparian Vegetation communities located within the study area, description, threats and conservation status (Source: DECCW 2009)
Vegetation Community Description Threats Values
Beach Spinifex This vegetation community is composed of an open cover of - Intense recreational pressures in the Grassland grass and herbs. It fringes the sandy beaches of the coastline Sydney area, including sand removal, and sandy inlets and is often temporary in nature due to growing trampling and rubbish aggregation on mobile sand deposits including beach foredunes and dune - This community is rarely retained on blowouts. Dominant species include the grass, Hairy Spinifex heavily used beaches and or modified (Spinifex sericeus ) and succulent herb such as Pigface dunal landscapes (Carpobrotus glaucescens ). The species in this community are - Found in all coastal national well adapted to disturbance and their stout rhizomes stabilise the parks and reserves sand against wind and storm erosion. Location within study area (see Figures 8.6a – 8.6g) This vegetation community is found in association with Coastal Foredune Wattle Scrub. It is distributed within the study area from Carters Island to near the mouth of the Cooks River. It is located within Towra Point Nature Reserve. - Representative Endangered Castlereagh Ironbark This vegetation community has a varied structure, ranging from a - Clearing in the past, including for Ecological Community (EEC): Forest moderately tall open eucalypt forest or woodland to a low dense urban development Cooks River/Castlereagh thicket of paperbarks with low emergent eucalypts. The most - Weed invasion, rubbish dumping, Ironbark Forest commonly recorded eucalypt is Broad-leaved Ironbark inappropriate mowing and high - Remnants are small isolated (Eucalyptus fibrosa ), with a regular associate with this frequency fires patches surrounded by urban community being Woollybutt ( Eucalyptus longifolia ). However areas sites are often comprised of a diverse canopy due to the subtle grades between substrates. The small tree layer includes Melaleuca decora , with a dense shrub cover below, including Melaleuca nodosa , Blackthorn ( Bursaria spinos a) and Peach Heath ( Lissanthe strigosa ). The ground cover includes a sparse layer of grasses and herbs, which can be minimal where dense shrub layers reduce light penetration. Location within study area (see Figures 8.6a – 8.6g) This vegetation community is distributed upstream of Salt Pan Vegetation Community Description Threats Values Creek.
- On the Cumberland Plain the Castlereagh Scribbly Found on poorly consolidated sand deposits on hinterland plains - Clearing for urban development and Voyager Point and Holsworthy Gum Woodland and valleys of the Sydney Basin region. In the Sydney sand mining, resulting in disjunct and area represent one of two Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority (SMCMA) area it isolated remnants large remnants remaining occurs on old stream deposits including at Holsworthy and - Current threats: - Naturally rare Voyager Point. Frequent fire - In the SMCMA area it is not Illegal trail riding The woodland structure is open, with low growing eucalypts represented in the formal Rubbish dumping dominated by Hard-leaved Scribbly gum ( Eucalyptus reserve system Weed invasion sclerophylla ), Narrow-leaved Apple ( Angophora bakeri ) and - Recreational and associated urban Drooping Red Gum (Eucalyptus parramattensis subsp. pressures currently due to being parramattensis ). Often there is a sparse cover of Tall Paperbark surrounded by urban development (Melaleuca decora). The shrub layer is well developed and composed of banksias, hakeas, wattles, tea trees and paperbarks with a diverse groundcover underneath, typically with good cover provided by grasses and sedges. Location within study area (see Figures 8.6a – 8.6g) Williams Creek and along Georges River downstream of Kelso Creek - Representative EEC: Shale Castlereagh Shale- The low soil fertility and relatively low mean annual rainfall have - Clearing in the past, including for Gravel Transition Forest in the Gravel Transition Forest resulted in a community that is an open eucalypt forest with a urban development Sydney Basin Bioregion variable understorey, ranging from dense shrubs to a low sparse - Weed invasion, rubbish dumping, - Remnants are small isolated shrub cover with an abundant ground layer of grasses. The inappropriate mowing and high patches surrounded by urban dominant eucalypt species is Broad-leaved Ironbark ( Eucalyptus frequency fires areas fibrosa ), accompanied by a variety of other eucalypts influenced by the location of the community. The small tree layer is composed of Melaleuca decora with a shrub layer underneath including Blackthorn ( Bursaria spinosa ) and Gorse Bitter Pea (Daviesia ulicifolia ). The ground layer includes a mix of grasses, sedges and herbs. Location within study area (see Figures 8.6a – 8.6g) This vegetation community is distributed on the southern side of Williams Creek near the confluence with the Georges River and at Voyager Point. - Representative EEC: River Coastal Alluvial - Coastal development This community is found on low-lying alluvial deposits associated Flat Eucalypt Forest on Vegetation Community Description Threats Values Bangalay Forest with stream banks and inlets along the coastal zone, formed by - Predicted sea level r ise arising from Coastal Floodplains sandy loams washed down from eroding sandstone ridges and climate change (long-term) gullies above. It occurs on elevations less than 15 metres above - Water pollution, alterations to drainage sea level and where rainfall exceeds 1200mm per annum. The and water flow patterns and frequent sclerophyll forest is most often dominated by a single species, fire. Bangalay ( Eucalyptus botryoides ). A sparse lower layer of - Invasive weeds including Lantana casuarinas is usually present with Swamp Oak found adjacent to (Lantana camara ) the water and Forest Oak ( Allocasuarina torulosa ) on drier, elevated parts of the flat. The understorey is generally open with conspicuous isolated trees or clumps of Cabbage Tree Palm (Livistona australis ) found alongside a number of other mesic species and paperbarks. The ground layer is characterized by a high cover of ferns amongst a diverse range of grasses, herbs and sedges. Location within study area (see Figures 8.6a – 8.6g) This vegetation community is located in Carina Bay. - Representative EEC: Littoral Coastal Dune Littoral This vegetation community, found on recent sand deposits, - Invasive weeds including Lantana Rainforest Rainforest forms a low closed canopy of rainforest trees dominated by (Lantana camara ) and Bitou Bush - The small isolated remnants Tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis anacardioides ). Occasionally there is an (Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. of this community remaining emergent eucalypt, casuarinas, banksias or paperbark. monilifera ) are prolific in disturbed in the SMCMA occur on the Rainforest tree species also include Lilly Pilly ( Acmena smithii ) areas that adjoin remnants Kurnell Peninsula. This and Cheese Tree ( Glochidion ferdinandi ). The small tree layer in includes areas within the the Sydney region includes the threatened species the Magenta study area at Towra Point Lilly Pilly ( Syzygium paniculatum ). Nature Reserve. These Location within study area (see Figures 8.6a – 8.6g) remnants are threatened by This vegetation community is found with Towra Point Nature encroaching lantana. Reserve.
Coastal Enriched This tall open forest has a distinctive mesic shrub and small tree - Weed infestation, in particular from - In the region the SMCMA Sandstone Moist Forest layer. The dominate species in the canopy varies with different lantana ( Lantana camara ) encompasses the majority of combination of eucalypt species, usually with Smooth-barked - Frequent fire may present localised this communities distribution Apple ( Angophora costata ). Under this canopy layer there is impacts - Found in Lane Cove, Royal often a tall stand of forest oak ( Allocasuarina torulosa ) with taller - Impacts due to clearing are minimal and Sydney Harbour National small trees below composed predominantly of rainforest species due to the unsuitable nature of the Parks such as Coachwood ( Ceratopetalum apetalum ), Blueberry Ash environment, where this community is (Elaeocarpus reticulatus ) and occasionally Cabbage Palms found, for urban development or (Livistona australis ). The ground layer varies from a sparse to agriculture Vegetation Community Description Threats Values dense cover of ferns and twiners. Location within study area (see Figures 8.6a – 8.6g) This vegetation community has a limited distribution throughout the study area, found from Salt Pan Creek downstream to Shipwrights Bay Reserve. This patchy distribution is similar to its distribution within the SMCMA, where it is found in sandstone gullies and sheltered slopes enriched by clay material (DECCW 2009a),
Coastal Enriched This vegetation community is most commonly found along steep - Clearing for urban development (low Sandstone Sheltered sheltered slopes, however it does also occur at a variety of threat where community occurs in Forest topographic locations. This tall open eucalypt forest has an rugged infertile environments) understorey of dry sclerophyll shrubs with ferns and forbs - Localised weed infestation occurs in amongst the ground cover. The common eucalypts are Smooth- proximity to the urban margins barked Apple ( Angophora costata ), Red Bloodwood ( Corymbia - Frequent fire - Large proportion is found in gummifera ) and Sydney Peppermint (Eucalyptus piperita ). The the protected area network small tree layer is sparse, including Allocasuarina littoralis and - Represented in Garrigal, Old-man Banksia ( Banksia serrata ) and occurs above a range of Georges River and Lane wattles, tea-trees, gee bungs and grass trees. Cove National Parks Location within study area (see Figures 8.6a – 8.6g) This vegetation community is extensively distributed throughout the study area from opposite the entrance to Deadman’s Creek, downstream to Shipwrigths Bay. - Representative EEC: Swamp Coastal Flats Swamp This open forest is dominated by Swamp Mahogany ( Eucalyptus - Original extent greatly reduced by Sclerophyll Forest on Coastal Mahogany Forest robusta ). The smaller tree layer includes Swamp Oak ( Casuarina clearing Floodplains glauca ) and Paperbarks ( Melaleuca linariifolia , Melaleuca - Threats associated with remnants - This vegetation community is styphelioides ) and an understorey including Cheese Tree being surrounded by urban and not reserved within the (Glochidion ferdinandi ) and Cabbage Tree Palm ( Livistona industrial development including SMCMA australis ), which are part of a distinct mesic element. Climbers stormwater pollution, altered drainage, are also part of this vegetation community, such as Snake Vine rubbish dumping and weed invasion (Stephania japonica var. discolor ) and Common Silkpod - Common weed species include (Parsonsia Lantana ( Lantana camara ) and Crofton weed ( Ageratina adenophora ) straminea ) and the groundcover composed of sedges, ferns, - All remaining stands show evidence of grasses and herbs. disturbance Location within study area (see Figures 8.6a – 8.6g) This vegetation community is located mainly along the Vegetation Community Description Threats Values tributaries, including Deadmans Creek, Mill Creek and Little Salt Pan Creek, as well as in Kogarah Bay and Sylvania.
Coastal Foredune This vegetation community is a low dense scrub distributed on Wattle Scrub coastal sandmass frontal dunes and beach ridges along the - Urban development: coastal eastern coastline of NSW. The exposed location of this foredunes have been heavily cleared community to the coastal winds prunes the vegetation, which and modified includes Coast Tea-tree ( Leptospermum laevigatum ) and - Exotic species Coastal Wattle ( Acacia longifolia subsp. sophorae ). - Reduced species diversity by profuse This community has been regenerated in some areas by regeneration of Coastal Teatree - Community is represented in plantings as part of dune stabilisation works and bush (Leptospermum laevigatum ) Botany Bay, Sydney Harbour regeneration. This has resulted in poor species diversity in some - High levels of disturbance by and Royal National Parks of these small patches, compared to those that include salt recreational pursuits associated with tolerant succulent herbs and grasses. beach and boating leisure Location within study area (see Figures 8.6a – 8.6g) This vegetation community is found in association with Beach Spinifex Grassland. It is distributed within the study area from Sandringham Bay north to near the mouth of the Cooks River. It is located within Towra Point Nature Reserve. - Representative EEC: Coastal Freshwater Coastal Freshwater Reedland is found on poorly drained alluvial - The community has been extensively Freshwater Wetlands on the Reedland flats and sand depressions across the NSW east coast. cleared and modified from Coastal Floodplains Predominantly freshwater communities although some swamps development may be brackish. The reedlands are tall sometimes reaching - Weed invasion, land infilling, altered over 3 metres in height and are dominated by one or two drainage regimes, water pollution from species, predominantly Common Reed ( Phragmites australis ) urban runoff, trampling from and Cumbungi ( Typha orientalis ). Other tall reeds include recreational pressures and feral Elaeocharis sphacelata. The continuous cover of reedlands may animals are recognized threats include a sparse cover of Swamp Oak ( Casuarina glauca ) or - Most remnant stands are situated Swamp Paperbark ( Melaleuca ericifolia ) on the drier margins of amongst intense urban landuses the swamp. which threaten the long-term survival of these patches Location within study area (see Figures 8.6a – 8.6g) This vegetation community has a limited distribution within the study area. It is found at Floyd Bay, Dhurawal Bay, Georges River National Park and Lime Kiln Bay. - Representative EEC: Sydney Coastal Freshwater Swamp Oak ( Casuarina glauca ) provides an open to dense - Past clearing is likely to have removed Freshwater Wetlands stand of canopy trees on poorly drained substrates that are extensive stands of these swamp Vegetation Community Description Threats Values Swamp Forest inundated periodically by f resh or brackish waters within this forests within the region and the community. Tall paperbarks ( Melaleuca spp .) may also be SMCMA. present in the upper stratum although more frequently they are - Continuing clearing and land found as small trees in the sub canopy layer. The shrub layer is reclamation of these swampy areas very sparse, with a prominent cover of water-loving plants found occurs with urban land use. beside open boggy ground and standing water. A diverse range - Low lying areas are of plant species can occur in response to the prevailing threatened by changing saline conditions. Herbs, ferns, grasses, rushes and sedges may found conditions associated with sea level in various combinations at any given site. Distinctly freshwater rise arising from climate change conditions may feature Slender Knotweed ( Persicaria decipiens ), - Many existing remnants in Sydney are Tall Sedge ( Carex appressa ) and Red-fruit Saw-sedge ( Gahnia isolated or adjoin the urban interface. sieberiana ). Sites that have a brackish influence commonly As a result, weed infestation, pollution include Sea Rush ( Juncus kraussii ) amongst the ground layer. from storm water runoff, recreation pressure and altered drainage all Location within study area (see Figures 8.6a – 8.6g) remain pervasive threats. Located at various locations throughout the study area, predominantly along creeklines. Locations include Kelso, Deadmans, Mill and Salt Pan Creeks as well as along the Georges River near Kelso Creek and Towra Point Nature Reserve. - Representative EEC: Kurnell Coastal Sand Littoral - Widespread and intensive disturbance Dune Forest Forest This forest and woodland vegetation community, found on arising from sand mining, industrial coastal sand deposits, includes a large amount of littoral and urban development has resulted rainforest species throughout the sclerophyllous shrub and small in tree layer. Species found within this community include Tuckeroo extensive loss of this community. (Cupaniopsis anacardioides ), Coast Banksia (Banksia integrifolia - In many instances the original subsp. Integrifolia), Swamp Mahogany (Eucalyptus robusta), topography of the landscape has Bangalay (Eucalyptus botryoides) and Swamp Oak (Casuarina irreversibly changed glauca). Vines are abundant and include Cockspur Thorn with the loss and migration of sand (Maclura cochinchinensis ). The structure and species of this dunes. community are highly influenced by habitat and disturbance. - Extant areas are often in dynamic Location within study area (see Figures 8.6a – 8.6g) stages of succession and heavily cloaked in Large areas of this vegetation community are located at the invasive weeds such as Lantana eastern extent of the study area at Towra Point Nature Reserve (Lantana camara ) and Bitou Bush and Woolooware Bay. (Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata ). - Representative EEC: Swamp Coastal Sand Swamp Coastal Sand Swamp Mahogany Forest is a low open eucalypt - Clearing has depleted a large Sclerophyll Forest on Coastal forest with a sparse dry shrub layer and a very distinctive ground proportion of the original extent of this Vegetation Community Description Threats Values Mahogany Forest cover of s edges, rushes and ferns. Swamp M ahogany community in the SMCMA and across Floodplains (Eucalyptus robusta ) dominates the canopy layer above a low its range. - Important remnant at Kurnell cover of paperbarks, tea-trees, banksias and wattles. It occurs - Threats are considered to be high as Peninsula on low-lying coastal sandy substrates found in or adjoining dune all remnants are enclosed by urban swales, lagoons and other alluvial infill, underlain by an elevated and industrial development. This water table that saturates presents significant issues associated the peaty sand year round. This encourages a diverse and with stormwater pollution, altered abundant layer of sedges and rushes. These include Bare Twig- drainage, rubbish dumping and weed rush ( Baumea juncea ) Jointed Twig-rush ( Baumea articulata ), invasion. Tall Saw-sedge ( Gahnia clarkei ) and Zig-zag Bog-rush - Evidence of disturbance is present in (Schoenus brevifolius ). all remaining stands. Some sites are regenerating following past clearing. Location within study area (see Figures 8.6a – 8.6g) Small area of this vegetation in two areas within the study area, including along Mill Creek and at Towra Point Nature Reserve. An open forest with a moist shrub layer and ground cover of - Conservation status unknown, Coastal Sandstone - Clearing for urban development has ferns, rushes and grasses. The flora of this community has a though occurs within a Foreshores Forest occurred across the range of the maritime influence given its exposure to prevailing sea breezes. number of National Parks and community. The canopy can be dominated by pure stands of Smooth-barked Reserves - Weed infestation is widespread in Apple ( Angophora costata ) though more regularly is found in stands close to urban margins. combination with other tree species. Localised patches of - Fire is likely to have been excluded for Bangalay ( Eucalyptus botryoides ) and Coast Banksias (Banksia long periods of time and many stands integrifolia subsp. integrifolia ) occur closest to the coast, are isolated within dense urban land whereas Sydney Peppermint ( Eucalyptus piperita ) and Blackbutt uses. The absence of fire may be (Eucalyptus pilularis ) prefer more protected locations and in the preferentially encouraging some mesic case of the latter, some minor shale enrichment in the soil. A woody species over pyrophytic prominent layer of hardy mesic small trees and shrubs is species. present. These include Sweet Pittosporum (Pittosporum - Many stands given their proximity to undulatum ), cheese tree ( Glochidion ferdinandi ) and Blueberry water views experience very high Ash ( Elaeocarpus reticulatus ). recreational pressures. Found on sheltered sandstone slopes found along the - Dieback arising from Phytophora is foreshores of Sydney’s major waterways and coastal severely affecting stands in the escarpments. The distribution is coastal and requires a Sydney Harbour area. combination of low elevation between 2-45 metres above sea level and mean annual rainfall that exceeds 1100 mm per annum. Location within study area (see Figures 8.6a – 8.6g) Small amounts of this vegetation community is located along Salt Pan Creek, Coronation Bay, Oatley Bay, Oyster Bay and Vegetation Community Description Threats Values Kogarah Bay.
Often only narrow in width, this forest is dominated by smooth - Coastal Sandstone - Clearing is likely to have had limited barked apple (Angophora costata) and Sydney peppermint Riparian Forest affect on the distribution of the (Eucalyptus piperita). The small tree layer tends to feature a mix community because of the infertile of species common to riparian scrubs and hardy rainforest soils and precipitous nature of the communities. This includes low growing Coachwood habitat. (Ceratopetalum apetalum ), Water Gum ( Tristaniopsis laurina ) - Current threats are likely to arise from - A large area of this and Tea Tree ( Leptospermum spp .). Also present is River local weed invasion from up stream community occurs within Lomatia ( Lomatia myricoides ). The ground is invariably rocky developments and frequent fire informal reserves associated and covered in small leaved ferns such as Umbrella Fern with the Woronora River (Sticherus flabellatus ) and Coral Fern ( Gleichenia spp .). - Less than 10% estimated to Occurs within narrow sandstone gorges and minor creek lines of have been cleared within the the sandstone plateaus carry a sandstone gully forest, influenced Sydney Basin by a suite of riparian and rainforest species. It is widespread across the SMCMA area although very restricted in extent. Location within study area (see Figures 8.6a – 8.6g) A small patch of this vegetation community is located at Lime Kiln Bay.
Coastal Sandstone The vegetation community is a moderately tall open forest - Localised impacts along boundaries Sheltered Peppermint- composed of Sydney Peppermint ( Eucalyptus piperita ) and with urban development including Apple Forest Smooth-barked Apple ( Angophora costata ). The community weeds and frequent fire inhabits rocky environments and the understorey is a diverse mix - Clearing has not been extensive due of heath and shrub species including banksias, tea-trees and to the unsuitability for agriculture and - A large part of the extant area wattles. A common species that is conspicuous in summer when urban development of the infertile of this forest is protected in it is in flower is the NSW Christmas bush ( Ceratopetalum sandy soils and steep rocky slopes Garrigal, Royal, Heathcote gummiferum ). and Dharawal reserves Location within study area (see Figures 8.6a – 8.6g) This vegetation community has a limited distribution within the study area. It is located on the east and west bank of Mill Creek. - The legal status of this Coastal Shale- - Clearing, first for agriculture and then This vegetation community is predominantly a tall open eucalypt community is unclear with Sandstone Forest for urbanisation forest with a sparse dry sclerophyllous shrub layer and a grassy some remnants of the forest - Remnants commonly small and ground cover. Eucalypt species characteristic of this community described as a variant of the surrounded by high density urban land include Tall Red Bloodwood ( Corymbia gummifera ) and Smooth- Duffys Forest Ecological use, with current threats including: barked Apple ( Angophora costata ). However this community is Community in the Sydney Frequent fire made distinctive from the surrounding sandstone woodlands due Basin Bioregion an Vegetation Community Description Threats Values to the local abundance of Blackbutt ( Eucalyptus pilularis ), Weeds Endangered Ecological Turpentine ( Syncarpia glomulifera ) and Mahogany ( Eucalyptus Rubbish dumping Community under the resinifera, E. umbra ). A sparse cover of Casuarinas Threatened Species (Allocasuarina littoralis ) occurs with an open layer of dry shrubs Conservation Act 1995, including banksias, wattles, hakeas and geebungs. The ground however the characteristic cover is diverse and includes grasses, rushes and herbs. species do not match those defined in Coastal Shale- Location within study area (see Figures 8.6a – 8.6g) Sandstone Forest. Along Georges River downstream of Kelso Creek, Jewfish Bay, - Represented in Royal, Oatley Bay and Connells Bay Garrigal and Lane Cove National Parks.
Coastal Tea-tree- This vegetation community is characterised by littoral heath and - Headland development and Banksia Scrub scrub, found along headlands, coastal foredunes and beach sandmining ridges near the open ocean. It is usually comprised of a dense - Infestations of the invasive weeds cover of Coast Tea-tree ( Leptospermum laevigatum ) and Coast Lantana ( Lantana camara ) and bitou Banksia ( Banksia integrifolia subsp. integrifolia ), with the height bush ( Chrysanthemoides monilifera - Represented in Towra Point of the scrub varying considerably in response to exposure to subsp.rotundata ) Nature Reserve, Botany Bay prevailing winds. - High level of disturbance due to and Royal National Parks recreational pursuits, clearing and tree Location within study area (see Figures 8.6a – 8.6g) pruning for views, weeds and rubbish This vegetation community is limited in its distribution within the dumping due to the closeness of most study area, only occurring within Towra Point Nature Reserve. remnants in or close proximity to built environments Coastal Upland Wet This vegetation community, part of the sandstone upland swamp - Moderate level of threat Heath Swamp complex found across the Sydney Basin Bioregion, is a wet - Urban development heath-open sedgeland community with a sparse to dense heath - Illegal trail riding, frequent fire and layer. One or several species of banksia, hakea or tea-tree are disruption of water flow due to - Represented in Royal, usually found within the upper layer. underground mining are threats on the Garrigal, Dharawal and Woronora Plateau The ground layer is composed of a diverse and abundant cover Sydney Harbour and Botany of sedges and ferns. Bay reserves Location within study area (see Figures 8.6a – 8.6g) This vegetation community is limited in its distribution within the study area, only occurring within Towra Point Nature Reserve. - Representative EEC: River Cumberland Riverflat - Threats are severe, historically being This vegetation community is an open eucalypt forest with a Flat Eucalypt Forest Forest cleared for agriculture and remaining canopy typically including either Rough-barked Apple - Represented in Georges remnants usually adjoined by (Angophora floribunda ) or Broad-leaved Apple ( Angophora River National Park Vegetation Community Description Threats Values subvelutina ), as well as Forest Red Gum ( Eucalyptus urbanization - Of the 786ha of this tereticornis ) and/or Cabbage Gum ( Eucalyptus amplifolia ). Blue - Diverse and abundant cover of weeds community within the SMCMA Box ( Eucalyptus baueriana ) is commonly found within the study species including Small-leaved Privet only 2% is within formal area along the Georges River near Bankstown as well as on (Ligustrum sinense ) and Bridal conservation reserves. 36% is Cabramatta and Prospect Creek. Creeper ( Asparagus asparagoides ). A located within informal good example of weed invasion is reserves Paperbark ( Melaleuca spp. ) and wattles ( Acacia spp. ) are part of shown in Figure 8.10a. this community’s understorey. They form an occastiona sparse - The remnants within the study area to open small tree layer with a sparse shrub layer underneath, within flood zones have a minimized usually including Blackthorn ( Bursaria spinosa ). The most threat of being cleared, however they abundant cover is found along the ground where there are many are still threatened by the change of small herbs and ferns. drainage patterns, water pollutions Location within study area (see Figures 8.6a – 8.6g) and increased sedimentation This vegetation community dominates the riparian zone from - Within the study area this community Liverpool Weir downstream to Salt Pan Creek. The largest was often found to be disturbed by remaining areas of this vegetation community within the SMCMA weed species including Balloon Vine are along the George River (DECCW 2009a). (Cardiospermum grandiflorum ), Lantana ( Lantana camara ), Morning Glory ( Ipomoea indica ) and Small- leaved Privet ( Ligustrum sinense ). The disturbance within this community along Prospect Creek has been previously reported. - Representative EEC: Cumberland Shale - Past clearing for agriculture has Cumberland Plain Woodland Plains Woodland removed extensive stands of this - Anticipated that this An open grassy woodland dominated by Grey Box ( Eucalyptus woodland resulting in permanent loss community is 75-90% cleared moluccana ), Forest Red Gum ( Eucalyptus tereticornis ) and and fragmentation. in the Sydney Basin Ironbark ( Eucalyptus crebra/ Eucalyptus fibrosa ). Localised - Remnants are threatened by patches of Spotted Gum ( Corymbia maculata ) may occur in the continued urban and industrial Fairfield LGA. expansion. - Invasion by African olive ( Olea Occurs on the gentle topography associated with the shale europaea subsp. africana ) is a plains of Western Sydney. It is typified by a sparse to moderate significant threat. Dense stands of this cover of shrubs and a high cover of grasses and forbs. weed occupy large areas formerly Location within study area (see Figures 8.6a – 8.6g) occupied by the community (Cuneo 2008 in SMCMA). A small patch of this vegetation community is located at Pelican - NSW Scientific Committee (1997) also Point at Towra Point Nature Reserve. considers grazing, inappropriate fire regimes, and artificial enrichment from water runoff (including point and Vegetation Community Description Threats Values diffuse sources) as significant threats on the community. - Representative EEC: Swamp Cumberland Swamp Distinguishing feature of this community is the prominent stands - The community has been extensively Oak Floodplain Forest Oak Riparian Forest of Swamp Oak ( Casuarina glauca ) found along or near streams. cleared in the past for agriculture with - Anticipated that this Often these are relatively young trees, swarming amongst a mix subsequent urban consolidation now community is 75-90% cleared of old and young eucalypts such as Rough-barked Apple adjoining most remnants in the in the Sydney Basin (Angophora floribunda ), Forest Red Gum (Eucalyptus SMCMA. tereticornis ) and Grey Box ( Eucalyptus molucanna ). The - Most stands are threatened by a understorey is typical of the open grassy and herbaceous diverse and abundant cover of characteristics of other riverflat forests. invasive weeds of which Small-leaved Privet (Ligustrum sinense ) and Bridal It may be that this is a pioneering community and is Creeper ( Asparagus asparagoides ) reestablishing following clearing. It is known that many are very common. creeklines in western Sydney are slightly saline, particularly - While threats from urban clearing are during drought (Benson and Howell 1990 in SMCMA). Water minimised by the occurrence of tables are likely to rise following clearing, bringing salt water remnants within flood zones, alteration closer to the surface. This may explain why the salt tolerant of drainage patterns, water pollutions swamp oak is so prolific in these environments and in many and increased sedimentation remain instances appears to outcompete the eucalypt species. threats. Location within study area (see Figures 8.6a – 8.6g) The vegetation community is located along Prospect Creek and on the Georges River at Milperra. - Representative EEC: River Hinterland Flats Tall open eucalypt forest with a scattered mesic shrub layer and - Threats are high. Flat Eucalypt Forest Eucalypt Forest a grassy and herbaceous ground cover dominated by both - Clearing is unlikely to have depleted - Anticipated that this Bangalay ( Eucalyptus botryoides ) and its hybrid with Sydney this forest as extensively as other community is 80-95% cleared Blue Gum ( Eucalyptus saligna x botryoides ) where at its tallest it riverflat forests given the narrow areas in the Sydney Basin may reach over 35 metres in height. Outside of the SMCMA it of habitat and less fertile soils. includes a higher number of tree species such as River - Urban and industrial land use Peppermint ( Eucalyptus elata ). An open layer of small trees surrounds most stands and a large features a number of wattles of which Coast Myall (Acacia proportion of remnants are now binervia ) is most common. The hardy rainforest trees Grey characterised by a diverse and Myrtle ( Backhousia myrtifolia ) and Sweet Pittosporum occur. On abundant cover of invasive weeds. the banks of the Georges River the small tree layer may include - Altered drainage patterns, water dense stands of the exotic Small-leaved Privet ( Ligustrum pollutions, increased sedimentation sinense ). Smaller shrubs may have a reduced cover and and frequent fire remain pervasive diversity as a result. Invariably however the taller Bracken Fern threats. (Pteridium esculentum ) occurs above an abundant cover of grasses. Vegetation Community Description Threats Values It occurs predominantly along the sandy riverbanks of the Georges River and its tributaries. It also occurs on gentle narrowly incised valleys that drain the north western Woronora Plateau west from the Woronora River. Location within study area (see Figures 8.6a – 8.6g) This vegetation community has a limited distribution within the study area. It is found in Little Moon Bay, Mill Creek and Deadmans Creek. The largest proportion of its extent within the study area occurs in the upstream areas of these creeks. This is most likely where more elevated alluvial systems occur which have a greater proportion of sandy material in comparison to the broader floodplains of the Georges Rivers. - Representative EEC: Swamp Hinterland Riverflat An open to closed forest of tall paperbarks ( Melaleuca - Clearing has depleted much of the Sclerophyll Forest on Coastal Paperbark Swamp linariifolia/Melaleuca styphelioides ). These are joined by a range original extent of this community in the Floodplains Forest of hardy mesic small trees such as Black Wattle ( Callicoma SMCMA and across its range. - Anticipated that this serratifolia ), Cheese Tree ( Glochidion ferdinandi ) and Grey - Remnants occur in the SMCMA in a community is 15-30% cleared Myrtle (Backhousia myrtifolia ). A sparse cover of emergent highly urbanised environment. This in the Sydney Basin eucalypts is common with samples identifying Bangalay presents significant issues associated (Eucalyptus botryoides ) near Holsworthy though more commonly with stormwater pollution, altered it is the closely related Swamp Mahogany ( Eucalyptus robusta ) drainage, rubbish dumping and weed that occurs sometimes with Cabbage Gum ( Eucalyptus invasion. amplifolia ). At times the eucalypt canopy may be absent. Light is - Evidence of disturbance is present in mostly excluded from the forest floor and as result there is only a all remaining stands. sparse cover of sedges, ferns and grasses. Local swampy depressions may favour sedge species over grasses and ferns. This community is found on low lying alluvial flats of the Hawkesbury–Nepean, Parramatta and Georges River systems. Only small stands remain in the SMCMA area, with more extensive areas situated near the Hawkesbury River. Most frequently found near backswamps in the narrow headwaters and inlets of alluvial flats not far from major waterways. Most remnants are situated at the interface with sandstone escarpments and as a result species typical of the surrounding community may be included. Location within study area (see Figures 8.6a – 8.6g) This vegetation community is located at various locations within the study area including along the low lying area at the entrance Vegetation Community Description Threats Values of Mill Creek, Little Salt Pan Creek, Salt Pan Creek. Georges River National Park at Alfords Point, Great Moon Bay, Edith Bay, Gungah Bay and Towra Point Nature Reserve.
Hinterland Sandstone This vegetation community is found in the enriched sandstone - The majority of this community is not Gully Blackbutt-Apple gullies of the western Woronora Plateau and the tributaries of the threatened by urban development Forest Georges River between Wilton and Sandy Point. This - Clearing has occurred on the moderately tall eucalypt forest is typically dominated by Smooth- foreshores of the Georges River and barked Apple (Angophora costata ) and Blackbutt ( Eucalyptus upper slopes and crests in the pilularis ) with Red Bloodwood ( Corymbia gummifera ) as common Wedderburn area - Well represented in Georges though less abundant. Grey Gum ( Eucalyptus punctata ) may - Military activity in the Holsworthy River National Park and also be locally common. Just under the canopy cover there is Defence Area may present localised Dharawal State Recreation often a sparse layer of tall casuarinas with an understorey of dry impacts Area shrubs, ferns and forbs. The shrub layer is sparse and - Frequent fire arising from arson is also sclerophyllous and includes tea-trees, banksias, wattles, present along the western perimeter of geebungs, grevilleas and peas. the distribution - Weed invasion - Fireweed ( Senecio Location within study area (see Figures 8.6a – 8.6g) madagascariensis ) was commonly This vegetation community is distributed along the middle region recorded of the study area, extending from Deadman’s Creek, downstream to Lime Kiln Bay. - Representative EEC: Shale Hinterland Sandstone Found on the broad ridges associated with Mittagong Formation - Threats are moderate. Past clearing Gravel Transition Forest in the Transition Grey Gum sandstone in the western stretches of the Woronora Plateau has depleted about one third of its Sydney Basin Bioregion Forest between Appin and Holsworthy. These bedrocks form original extent. - Anticipated that this interbanding layers of shale and sandstone material that erode to - Remaining areas are contiguous along community is 20-40% cleared a sandy soil with a gentle shale influence. Often the presence of the ridges on either side of the in the Sydney Basin shale soil is not obvious as sites often include sandstone Georges and Nepean Rivers in benching or outcropping. Campbelltown where there are increasing urban pressures. Forms a moderately tall open eucalypt forest dominated by Grey - Existing stands are under continuous Gum ( Eucalyptus punctata ) and Red Bloodwood ( Corymbia pressure from physical damage gummifera ) with one of a number of stringybarks (commonly arising from recreational activities, Eucalyptus oblonga ) as a regular associate. A sparse small tree rubbish dumping, grazing, mowing layer of casuarina ( Allocasuarina littoralis/ Allocasuarina and weed invasion (NSW Scientific torulosa ) is common. Local stands of Blackbutt ( Eucalyptus Committee 1998a). pilularis ) are found close to residual shale caps or near sheltered - Frequent fire is also likely to represent slopes and gullies or at the narrowing end of broad Mittagong an emerging threat. sandstone ridges. The understorey is typically shrubby with a diverse mix of plants common on sandstone soils including wattles, tea-trees, banksias and geebungs. Unlike sandstone Vegetation Community Description Threats Values woodlands however, the ground layer supports a relatively number of grass species of which Kangaroo Grass ( Themeda australis ) and Spear Grass ( Austrostipa pubescens ) are indicative of the presence of shale in the soil. Location within study area (see Figures 8.6a – 8.6g) This vegetation community is located along the Georges River just upstream of its confluence with Deadmans Creek and at entrance to Mill Creek. - Representative EEC: Sydney Sydney Foreshores Sydney Foreshores Shale Forest is restricted to the Sydney - Threats are moderate. The extent of Turpentine-Ironbark Forest Shale Forest region where it occurs at elevations between 6 and 20 metres past clearing is difficult to determine above sea level and where mean annual rainfall exceeds 1100 as this forest is associated with shale millimetres. Patches are small and discontinuous, often lenses and caps that are not surrounded by sandstone forests and woodlands. It is found on discernable from available soil or localised patches of shale enriched sandstone which occur on geology mapping. crests and slopes of minor sandstone scarps adjoining the - This naturally rare forest is likely to coastal waterways of Sydney. have been cleared for waterside urban development in the lower reaches of It is a tall open eucalypt forest with a sparse shrub layer and a the Parramatta, Georges and Hacking dense cover of graminoids (grasses, rushes and sedges). The Rivers. canopy generally includes Grey Gum ( Eucalyptus punctata ) and - Remnants are exposed to high smooth-barked apple (Angophora costata) while Forest Red impacts arising from weed infestation Gum ( Eucalyptus tereticornis ) may dominate locally. Often the and recreational pressures given their shrub and small tree layer is only a sparse cover of wattles or proximity to the urban interface. casuarinas. In contrast the ground cover is characterised by dense clumps of Spiny-headed Mat-rush ( Lomandra longifolia ) above a low cover of other grasses and herbs. Location within study area (see Figures 8.6a – 8.6g) A small amount of this vegetation community is located at Gungah Bay. - Representative EEC: Sydney Sydney Turpentine- The forest is characterised by an open layer of mesic and - NSW Scientific Committee (1998b) Turpentine-Ironbark Forest Ironbark Forest sclerophyllous shrubs and small trees with a grassy ground consider that remnants are small and - Anticipated that this cover. The composition of the canopy is variable depending on scattered. community is
Table 8.20 Weed species recorded during field investigation
Family Scientific Name Common Name Location Harris Creek (nth side ) APIACEAE Foeniculum vulgare Fennel Salt Pan Creek (east side – old tip site) APIACEAE Hydrocotyle bonariensis American pennywort Towra Point – Oyster Depot
Salt Pan Creek (east side) ASPARAGACEAE Asparagus aethiopicus Asparagus Fern Towra Point – Oyster Depot
Salt Pan Creek (east side) ASTERACEAE Bidens pilosa Cobblers pegs Towra Point – Oyster Depot
Salt Pan Creek (east side) ASTERACEAE Taraxacum officinale Dandelion Salt Pan Creek (east side – old tip site) Harris Creek (nth side ) BASELLACEAE Anredera cordifolia Madeira Vine Salt Pan Creek (west side) BIGNONIACEAE Jacaranda mimosifolia Jacaranda Near Liverpool Weir (south side)
Near Liverpool Weir (south side)* CACTACEAE Opuntia stricta Common Prickly Pear Bulba Gong Island*
COMMELINACEAE Tradescantia fluminensis Wandering Jew Towra Point – Oyster Depot
McMillian Park CONVOLVULACEAE Ipomoea indica Morning Glory Prospect Creek (Fairfield side)
EUPHORBIACEAE Ricinus communis Castor Oil Plant Salt Pan Creek (east side – old tip site)*
JUNCACEAE Juncus acutus Sharp Rush Beauty Point
Vegetation island between Liverpool LAURACEAE Cinnamomum camphora Camphor Laurel Sewage Treatment Plant and McMillian Park
NYCTAGINACEAE Bougainvillea glabra Bougainvillea Prospect Creek (Fairfield side) Harris Creek (nth side ) OCHNACEAE Ochna serrulata Mickey Mouse Plant Family Scientific Name Common Name Location
Cabramatta Creek (Fairfield side)* OLEACEAE Ligustrum sinense Small-leaved Privet Harris Creek ( bo th side s) OLEACEAE Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata African Olive Towra Point – Oyster Depot*
PLANTAGINACEAE Plantago lanceolata Lamb’s Tongues Salt Pan Creek (east side – old tip site)
POACEAE Briza maxima Quaking Grass Salt Pan Creek (east side) Harris Creek (nth side ) POACEAE Pennisetum clandestinum Kikuyu Grass
Cabramatta Creek (Fairfield side) POLYGONACEAE Acetosa sagittata Rambling Dock Salt Pan Creek (west side)
Harris Creek (nth side) McMillian Park Cherrybrook Park SAPINDACEAE Cardiospermum grandiflorum Balloon Vine Cabramatta Creek (Liverpool side) Prospect Creek (both side) Towra Point – Oyster Depot
SOLANACEAE Cestrum parqui Green cestrum Salt Pan Creek (east side – old tip site)*
SOLANCEAE Solanum mauritianum Wild Tobacco Bush Cabramatta Creek (Liverpool side)
URTICACEAE Parietaria judaica Asthma weed/Pellitory Salt Pan Creek (east side)*
Riparian edge next to Liverpool Sewage Treatment Plant* McMillian Park* VERBENACEAE Lantana camara Lantana – Liverpool, Fairfield Cherrybrook Park (Liverpool side) (and south of Warwick Farm Racecourse)* South Park (Liverpool)* Cabramatta Creek (Fairfield side)* Family Scientific Name Common Name Location Bulba Gong Island (Liverpool)* Prospect Creek (Bankstown side)* Salt Pan Creek (east side)* Beauty Point* Towra Point – Oyster Depot*
VERBENACEAE Verbena sp. Purpletop Salt Pan Creek (west side) * This species has been declared as a noxious weed within LGA.