Monaro - Hume Upgrade Lanyon Drive Intersection Biodiversity Assessment Report

IA224400-RP-EN-074_Lanyon Drive_Biodiversity Assessment Report_Draft | Rev03 12 August 2020

Transport Canberra and City Services

Biodiv ersity Assessment Rep ort Trans por t C anbe rra an d City Serv ices

Biodiversity Assessment Report

Monaro - Hume Upgrade Lanyon Drive Intersection

Project No: IA224400 Document Title: Biodiversity Assessment Report Document No.: IA224400-RP-EN-074_Lanyon Drive_Biodiversity Assessment Report_Draft Revision: Rev03 Date: 12 August 2020 Client Name: Transport Canberra and City Services Project Manager: Randy Akroush Author: Brenton Hays File Name: IA224400-RP-EN-074_Lanyon Drive_Biodiversity Assessment Report_Draft.docx

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© Copyright 2019 Jacobs Group (Australia) Pty Limited. The concepts and information contained in this document are the property of Jacobs. Use or copying of this document in whole or in part without the written permission of Jacobs constitutes an infringement of copyright.

Limitation: This document has been prepared on behalf of, and for the exclusive use of Jacobs’ client, and is subject to, and issued in accordance with, the provisions of the contract between Jacobs and the client. Jacobs accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for, or in respect of, any use of, or reliance upon, this document by any third party.

Document history and status

Revision Date Description Author Reviewed Approved

01 18/03/2020 Draft Biodiversity Assessment Report B. Hays C. Thomson R. Thomson

02 6/04/2020 Draft Biodiversity Assessment Report – Amendments B. Hays C. Thomson R. Thomson

03 12/08/2020 Draft Biodiversity Assessment Report – Amendments B. Hays C. Thomson R. Akroush requested by Conservator of Flora and Fauna

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Contents Executive Summary ...... iii 1. Introduction ...... 2 1.1 Project background and options assessment ...... 2 1.2 Legislation ...... 2 1.3 Assessment objectives ...... 2 2. Methods ...... 3 2.1 Literature review and database search ...... 3 2.2 Site inspection ...... 3 2.3 Potential occurrence of threatened biodiversity ...... 4 2.4 Literature review ...... 4 3. Existing environment ...... 8 3.1 Vegetation ...... 8 3.2 Threatened Ecological Communities ...... 10 3.2.1 Yellow Box – Red Gum Grassy Woodland ...... 10 3.2.2 Natural Temperate Grassland ...... 10 3.3 Threatened plants ...... 11 3.4 Threatened animals ...... 12 4. Matters of National Environmental Significance ...... 17 4.1 Threatened ecological communities (EPBC Act)...... 17 4.2 Threatened plant species (EPBC Act) ...... 17 4.3 Threatened fauna species (EPBC Act) ...... 17 4.4 Migratory species (EPBC Act) ...... 18 5. Assessment of impact significance...... 19 6. Conclusions ...... 30 7. References ...... 31

Appendix A. Likelihood of occurrence assessment Appendix B. Assessment of Significance (EPBC Act)

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Biodiversity Assessment Report

Executive Summary

Biodiversity constraints assessments were prepared as part of Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Monaro Highway Upgrade Program project in 2019, which involved an assessment of different intersection options at Isabella Drive and Lanyon Drive. The purpose of this report is to assess potential impacts of the proposed Lanyon Drive intersection (Option 3) on biodiversity listed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) or ACT Nature Conservation Act 2014 (NC Act).

The assessment process has included a review of existing literature and searches of all relevant databases. Desktop assessment informed a series of site inspections undertaken along the length of the proposal to ground-truth and record ecological values. These field investigations were confined to public land within the existing Monaro Highway, David Warren Road, Lanyon Drive corridors and Defence land between Lanyon Drive and the helicopter base (refer Figure 2-1).

The project study area is located predominantly within the designated land boundaries of the existing Monaro Highway. The landscape has been historically modified for the highway and rural activities and as a result is disturbed and predominately cleared of native remnant vegetation. Existing vegetation within the study area is made up of planted native and exotic trees and large areas of exotic grassland, dominated by the exotic species Eragrostis curvula (African Lovegrass) and Phalaris aquatica (Phalaris). Exotic grassland occurs almost continuously across the study area along the road verges and as groundcover under the planted vegetation. Riparian and wetland vegetation is present along Dog Trap Creek and artificial drainage lines. Dog Trap Creek is a third-order stream (Strahler) that runs through the study area near the existing Lanyon Drive intersection.

The following vegetation types are located within the proposal study area and may be impacted up to their occurrence within Designated Land in the road reserve: ▪ Substantially Modified Lowland Woodland (Eucalyptus melliodora – E. blakelyi Tableland Grassy Woodland) – no direct impact ▪ Mixed Native Tree Plantings – 10. 95 ha removal ▪ Natural Temperate Grassland – no direct impact ▪ Native Grassland – no direct impact ▪ Wetland habitat – 0.19 ha removal ▪ River Oak tree (Native) plantings – 0.46 ha removal ▪ Exotic plantings – 4.64 ha removal ▪ Exotic grassland – 17.1 ha removal

No threatened ecological communities will be directly impacted by the proposal. Natural Temperate Grassland is known to occur in the West Jerrabomberra Nature Reserve to the west of the study area. Three floristic plots were undertaken in grassland within the study area. These plots contained a dominance of exotic species and did not meet the condition criteria for Natural Temperate Grassland listed under the NC Act or EPBC Act. Similarly, none of the vegetation meets the criteria for listing as Box-Gum Woodland under either the EPBC Act or NC Act.

Planted native vegetation, particularly where there are also native groundcover species present, may provide low-quality potential habitat for threatened flora species. Searches of relevant databases identified several species that may occur in suitable habitat in the study area including Leucochrysum albicans var. tricolor (Hoary Sunray) (listed as Vulnerable only under the EPBC Act), Swainsona recta (Small Purple Pea) (listed as Endangered under both the NC Act and EPBC Act) and Rutidosis leptorrhynchoides (Button Wrinklewort) (listed as Endangered under both the NC Act and EPBC Act). Meanders of potential habitat in the study area were undertaken to survey for threatened flora species. No threatened or regionally significant/protected species were identified within the study area. These species are more likely to occur in higher quality grassland habitat to the west of the study area and may only occur in the study area by chance dispersal of seed. The grassland and

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Biodiversity Assessment Report

woodland in the study area is mown and highly disturbed from road traffic (i.e. contaminated run-off) and only represents low-quality habitat potential for these species.

Native trees in the study area may provide foraging resources during flowering times for nectarivorous species such as the Superb Parrot (Polytelis swainsonii), Regent Honeyeater (Anthochaera phrygia) and Swift Parrot (Lathamus discolor). Flowering trees may also represent critical foraging habitat for the Grey-headed Flying Fox (Pteropus poliocephalus), due to the presence of two roosting colonies in the region (Commonwealth Park and Lake Ginninderra).

High-quality grassland to the west of the study area provides potential habitat for a number of restricted threatened grassland specialists. These species are considered to have a low likelihood of occurring in the study area due to an absence of important habitat features, and include the Striped Legless Lizard (Delma impar). The Golden Sun Moth (Synemon plana) may occur in the study area on occasion during breeding/flying season (mid- October to early January) however no important habitat features are present and presence would likely be temporary.

No targeted surveys have been undertaken for this assessment and the Striped Legless Lizard has not been recorded in the study area. Surveys conducted in 2014 as part of the Eastern Broadacre Striped Legless lizard Survey Program (SMEC 2015) recorded one Striped Legless Lizard individual from a tile array in grassland dominated by Phalaris aquatica and Avena sp. about 200 metres east of the proposed David Warren Drive extension, near the northern bank of Dog Trap Creek. One of four known Striped Legless Lizard populations occurs in the Jerrabomberra East Grassland Nature Reserve, and meets the definition of an important population as described in the EPBC Act - Referral guidelines for the vulnerable striped legless lizard, Delma impar (Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities 2011). Habitat value across the whole study area is considered to be very low for this species. Despite this, a Striped Legless Lizard population is assumed to be currently present to the east of the study area and low-condition habitat in the study area may be used by this species for foraging and shelter.

An assessment of significance has been conducted for threatened biodiversity that have a moderate or high likelihood of occurring and potentially impacted by the proposal. For threatened biodiversity listed under the EPBC Act, significance assessments have been completed in accordance with the EPBC Act Policy Statement 1.1 Significant Impact Guidelines (Department of the Environment, 2013) and are provided in Appendix B. The proposal is unlikely to result in a significant impact to any of these species.

Management measures would be implemented during the construction and operational phases to mitigate the potential ecological impacts of the proposal. This assessment has identified a range of mitigation techniques to be implemented during construction and operation. This includes the use of high fencing to exclude native fauna from the roadway and minimise impacts from vehicle collision and clearing protocols to avoid any individual native fauna if found to be present.

Conclusion

Overall, the project area is located within a highly disturbed and modified environment with no remnant vegetation. It is recommended that the mitigation measures listed in this report be developed into the Construction Environment Management Plan or similar environmental management plan to minimise and avoid the potential for any inadvertent and indirect impacts to biodiversity. Considering this, the proposal is unlikely to result in a significant impact to any threatened biodiversity listed under the NC Act or EPBC Act.

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Important note about your report

The sole purpose of this report and the associated services performed by Jacobs was to undertake a biodiversity assessment in accordance with the scope of services set out in the contract between Jacobs and Transport Canberra and City Services.

Any survey of flora and fauna will be unavoidably constrained in a number of respects. In an effort to mitigate those constraints, we applied the precautionary principle described in the methodology section of this report to develop our conclusions. Our conclusions are not therefore based solely upon conditions encountered at the site at the time of the survey.

The passage of time, manifestation of latent conditions or impacts of future events may require further examination of the proposal and subsequent data analysis, and re-evaluation of the data, findings, observations and conclusions expressed in this report. Jacobs has prepared this report in accordance with the usual care and thoroughness of the consulting profession, for the sole purpose described above and by reference to applicable standards, guidelines, procedures and practices at the date of issue of this report. For the reasons outlined above, however, no other warranty or guarantee, whether expressed or implied, is made as to the data, observations and findings expressed in this report, to the extent permitted by law.

This report should be read in full and no excerpts are to be taken as representative of the findings. No responsibility is accepted by Jacobs for use of any part of this report in any other context.

The review of legislation undertaken by Jacobs for this proposal does not constitute an interpretation of the law or provision of legal advice. This report has not been developed by a legal professional and the relevant legislation should be consulted, and/or legal advice sought, where appropriate, before applying the information in particular circumstances.

This report has been prepared on behalf of, and for the exclusive use of, Transport Canberra and City Services, and is subject to and issued in accordance with the provisions of the contract between Jacobs and Transport Canberra and City Services. Jacobs accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for, or in respect of, any use of, or reliance upon, this report by any third party.

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1. Introduction

1.1 Project background and options assessment

The Phase 1 report assessed a study area comprising two options: Option 1 – the existing Monaro Highway alignment, and Option 2 – an alternative alignment north of the existing Monaro Highway. Following the assessment of these options, Option 1 was selected as the preferred option, and a refined study area has been identified for further assessment.

The refined study area involved an assessment of three options, with the primary differences being the absence or presence of exit/entry lanes at Isabella Drive and Lanyon Drive intersection. This process resulted in the selection of Option 3, the impacts of which are assessed in this biodiversity assessment report.

1.2 Legislation

This proposal is wholly within the ACT and is being assessed in accordance with the ACT Planning and Development Act 2007. Section 123 of the Act requires the preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIS) to detail the anticipated impacts of the development on the environment, including addressing ACT protected matters. Additionally, a proposal for construction of a major road on land other than within a Future Urban Area triggers an EIS under the PD Act.

The assessment will also address the requirements of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), with respect to the potential for significant impacts to nationally listed threatened species and ecological communities (i.e. Matters of National Environmental Significance – MNES).

1.3 Assessment objectives

The purpose of this report is to assess potential impacts of the proposed Lanyon Drive intersection (Option 3) on biodiversity listed under the EPBC Act or ACT Nature Conservation Act 2014 (NC Act). Triggers for ‘impact track assessment’ include those listed in Schedule 4, Part 4.3 of the ACT Planning & Development Act 2007.

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2. Methods

2.1 Literature review and database search

A background literature and database review of existing information was undertaken to identify the existing environment within a search area of up to 10km (PMST) and the broader locality. The review focussed on database searches, relevant ecological reports pertaining to the survey area and relevant GIS layers. The review was used to prepare a list of ecological communities, and assess the likelihood of occurrence of threatened species, populations and communities as well as important habitat for migratory species in the survey area and locality.

The following databases searches and spatial information were reviewed: • EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool (PMST): Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES). • ACTmapi: Significant Species, Vegetation Communities and Registered Trees. • ACT Wildlife Atlas and NSW Wildlife Atlas records. • NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) freshwater threatened species distribution maps • The federal Bureau of Meteorology’s Atlas of Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems (GDE) • Department of Environment’s directory of important wetlands. • Various land use and environmental data from ACT Government Geospatial Data Catalogue.

Literature was also reviewed from existing environmental studies which encompass the area within and surrounding the proposed Monaro Highway Upgrade. The results from the literature review are shown in Section 3.1.

2.2 Site inspection

Inspections have been undertaken for various stages of this project. An initial site visit was conducted by an ecologist on 6 September 2019. This rapid survey was restricted to public land along the Monaro Highway, Mugga Lane, Isabella Drive intersection, Lanyon Drive and West Jerrabomberra Nature Reserve. The site visit consisted of random meanders and mapping of vegetation using rapid data points. Key biodiversity values were mapped with a Global Positioning System (GPS).

A second site visit within the refined Phase 2 study area was completed by two ecologists on 7 November 2019. The survey included detailed floristic assessments at two locations identified as potentially environmentally sensitive Box-Gum Woodlands during the Phase 1 investigations. The floristic assessments were undertaken within a 50x20m quadrat, consistent with EPBC Act survey guidelines. The survey also included additional random meanders and mapping of vegetation and key habitat features.

Further surveys were conducted for this assessment in the eastern portion of the project (i.e. east of Sheppard Street – refer Figure 2-1) by two ecologists on 11 and 12 February 2020. This survey was restricted to public land within the existing Monaro Highway, David Warren Road, Lanyon Drive corridors and Defence land between Lanyon Drive and the helicopter base (refer Figure 2-1). No land to the west of the Monaro Highway corridor (i.e. West Jerrabomberra Nature Reserve) was accessed. The site visit consisted of both random meanders and mapping of vegetation using rapid data points, as well as detailed floristic assessments at three locations identified as areas which would be subject to high levels of disturbance. The floristic assessments were undertaken within a 20x20m quadrat measuring percentage cover of each identified plant species. Rapid survey of vegetation mapping and key biodiversity values was recorded with a GPS.

The desktop review and results from the site inspections provide context into the expected biodiversity values of the study area. It is not intended to be a comprehensive assessment of the biodiversity in the study area. The distribution and type of biodiversity values outlined in this report have been determined from desktop research and limited field survey. The conclusions of this report are therefore based upon available data and limited field 3 IA224400-RP-EN-074_Lanyon Drive_Biodiversity Assessment Report_Draft Biodiversity Assessment Report

survey and are indicative of the environmental condition of the study area at the time of the site visits. To address this limitation, the assessment has aimed to identify the presence and suitability of the habitat for threatened species as discussed in the following section.

2.3 Potential occurrence of threatened biodiversity

All threatened species listed under the NC Act or EPBC Act identified from ACTmapi, ACT Wildlife Atlas, NSW Wildlife Atlas and from reviewed literature during the desktop assessment were considered for their likelihood of occurrence within the study area. Species’ preferred habitats were compared to the actual habitats identified within the study area (based on review of existing studies and the limited site inspection) to assess the likelihood of the species being present. Likelihood of occurrence scores were based on the criteria in Table 2-1.

Table 2-1 Likelihood of Occurrence Criteria

Likelihood Criteria

Low Species not recorded during field surveys and fit one or more of the following criteria: • Have not been recorded previously in the proposal area/locality and for which the proposal area is beyond the current distribution range. • Use specific habitats or resources not present in the proposal area. • Are a non-cryptic perennial flora species that were specifically targeted by surveys and not recorded.

Moderate Species not recorded during the field surveys that fit one or more of the following criteria: • Have infrequently been recorded previously in the proposal area/surrounds. • Use specific habitats or resources present in the proposal area but they are in a poor or modified condition. • Are unlikely to maintain sedentary populations, however may seasonally use resources within the proposal area opportunistically or during migration. • Are cryptic flowering flora species that were not seasonally targeted by surveys and that have not been recorded.

High Species recorded during the field surveys or species not recorded that fit one or more of the following criteria: • Have frequently been recorded previously in the proposal area/locality. • Use habitat types or resources that are present in the proposal area that are in abundance and/or are in good condition within the proposal area. • Are known to or are likely to maintain resident populations surrounding the proposal area. • Are known to or are likely to visit the site during regular seasonal movements or migration.

Present Any threatened species recorded in the proposal area during the field surveys.

2.4 Literature review

The key findings of the literature review are discussed with context to the Monaro Highway Upgrade study area in Table 2-2.

Table 2-2 Key findings of the literature review

Report details Key findings

Proposed Solar Farm Part Block A preliminary ecological assessment of a proposed solar farm site adjacent to the Monaro Highway 1677 Tuggeranong – Preliminary (Block 1677 Tuggeranong). The proposed alignment for Monaro Highway Upgrade runs through this Ecological Assessment Update site. The report found that land on the site comprised mainly of horse paddocks dominated by exotic Robert Jessop Pty Ltd pasture grasses. Some scattered remnant woodland trees of variable health were present, including Blakely’s Red Gum, Yellow Box, Red Box, Apple Box, and Mealy Bundy. Tree hollows were observed, October 2013 some occupied by Crimson Rosellas and Common Starlings.

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Report details Key findings

Patches of degraded regenerating woodland were observed, however no part of the site met criteria for inclusion as an endangered ecological community under the EPBC Act or the NC Act. The report determined that threatened species or ecological communities were unlikely to be present on the site.

Mugga Landfill Expansion – Stage An assessment of the EIS for the Mugga Landfill Expansion – Stage 5 project. The site for this project is 5 located adjacent (north) to the proposed alignment for the Monaro Highway Upgrade. Environmental Impact Statement Vegetation on the site was described as modified and consistent with one of two types: Assessment Report • woodland with a native ground-storey • pasture which consists of exotic pasture species and weeds with low density of tree cover and low ACT Government diversity of native ground storey species. November 2013 Many trees on the site were found to contain tree hollows, many of which were being utilised by common bird species and honey bees. No threatened fauna species were identified during site investigations. It was determined unlikely that threatened fauna species would occur on the site. This report notes the historical reporting of Golden Sun Moth in the Jerrabomberra Grasslands Nature Reserve, just north of the proposed Monaro Highway Upgrade alignment. The key flora and fauna values of the site were determined to be: • The presence of Box-Gum Woodland consistent with EPBC Act and NC Act definitions • The presence of hollow-bearing trees An offset package was developed to compensate for impacts on Box-Gum Woodland.

Hume West Industrial Estate – A report prepared to identify the ecological characteristics of an area described as Hume West and Ecological Investigation assess potential ecological impacts of development. The study area was located adjacent and to the south of the current Monaro Highway alignment. David Hogg The site was found to be in a substantially modified state, dominated by exotic pasture. November 2007 A large area of remnant woodland was identified in the area. Despite not meeting groundcover characteristic requirements, this woodland area was assessed as being either Yellow Box – Red Gum Grassy Woodland or White Box – Yellow Box – Blakely’s Red Gum grassy woodlands and derived native grasslands. This woodland area was identified as an important strategic location for facilitating the movement of woodland birds, including some threatened species such as hooded robin, brown treecreeper, and white-winged triller. It was determined unlikely that threatened plant species occur in the study area, including the Tarengo leek orchid and the small purple pea.

Eastern Broadacre Striped A survey for the presence of Striped Legless Lizard in five locations across the Eastern Broadacre area Legless Lizard Survey – Final in eastern Canberra. Two survey sites, Hume North and Hume South are located near the proposed Report Monaro Highway Upgrade. Vegetation at the Hume North site was identified as a mix of native pasture and exotic pasture. This SMEC area was classified as medium value habitat to low value habitat. A total of 12 Striped Legless Lizards were captured in the area, Mark recapture records indicated that these comprised of nine separate March 2015 individuals. Vegetation at the Hume South site was identified as exotic pasture and degraded native pasture. This area was classified as having no value for Striped Legless Lizard habitat. No Striped Legless Lizards were captured in this area.

Eastern broadacre Golden Sun A survey for the presence of Golden Sun Moth in eight locations across the Eastern Broadacre area in Moth Survey – Final Report eastern Canberra. Two survey sites, Hume North and Hume South are located near the proposed Monaro Highway Upgrade. SMEC Vegetation at the Hume North site was identified as a mix of native pasture and exotic pasture, with low-to-no suitability for Golden Sun Moth habitat. No Golden Sun Moths were identified at this site. March 2015 This site was identified as a potential future Golden Sun Moth relocation site.

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Report details Key findings

Vegetation at the Hume North site was identified as mostly exotic with small patches of native grassland, with low-to-no suitability for Golden Sun Moth habitat. No Golden Sun Moths were identified at this site.

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591000.000000 214000.000000 592000.000000 215000.000000 593000.000000 216000.000000 # Legend «! 0 250 500 m N Study area Roads 1:9,500 at A3 Option 3 alignment Highways ry rrito Data sources tal Te " Floristic plots Arterial pi BELCONNEN Ca ! ralian Jacobs 2020 Survey tracks Distributor Aust NSW Spatial Services 2019 ACT Government Mapi 2019 Residential s ! CANBERRA ACT Government - Designated Areas Wale PSMA Australia 2019 Special purpose South Hydrology New ACT (Stromlo) Standard Grid AGD 66 State and Territory boundary WODEN VALLEY ! The information and concepts contained in this document are the intellectual ! Local features property of Jacobs and are subject to site survey and detailed design. Not to be used for construction. Use or copying of the document in whole or in part Reserves without written permission of Jacobs constitutes an infringement of copyright. N S W Jacobs does not warrant that this document is definitive nor free of error and does not accept liability for any loss caused or arising from reliance upon TUGGERANONG ! Figure 2.1 Site setting and survey effort information provided herein. Date: 6/04/2020 Path: J:\IE\Projects\04_Eastern\IA224400\22 Spatial\GIS\Directory\Templates\_empty structure\Figures\LanyonDrive\IA224400_GIS_F001_EcologySiteSettingSurveyEffortLanyon_r1v1.mxd Created by : SW | QA by : LW Biodiversity Assessment Report

3. Existing environment

3.1 Vegetation

Most woody vegetation within the study area has been planted as part of the highway landscape architecture. This includes rows and large stands of non-native species such as Populus nigra (Cottonwood Polar), Populus alba (White Poplar) and Quercus robur (English Oak). Native trees have also been planted (approximately 30 years ago), both in rows/clumps of the same species and mixed in with exotic species. The dominant native tree species include, Eucalyptus polyanthemos (Red Box), E. bridgesiana (Apple Box), E. rubida (Candlebark), E. mannifera (Brittle Gum), E. melliodora (Yellow Box), E. bicostata (Southern Blue Gum), and E. cinerea (Argyle Apple). Other vegetation includes Casuarina cunninghamiana (River Oak) plantings around the existing Lanyon Drive intersection.

The main vegetation type is exotic grassland, dominated by Eragrostis curvula (African Lovegrass) and Phalaris aquatica (Phalaris) on drier flats and slopes and Festuca arundinacea (Tall Fescue) more abundant on moist flats and drainage lines. Exotic grassland occurs almost continuously across the study area along the road verges and as groundcover under the planted vegetation. Three floristics plots were undertaken in open grassland to assess the potential for threatened Natural Temperate Grassland. These plots contained one hundred percent exotic groundcover and therefore do not meet the condition criteria for this threatened ecological community. Native species occurred at low abundance and more commonly on the west side and centre strip of the highway in the north of the study area near the West Jerrabomberra Nature Reserve. The most common natives across the study area were Eragrostis trachycarpa and Panicum effusum.

Lycium ferocissimum (African Boxthorn) and Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) are common and abundant in some parts of the study area, particularly under thick stands of exotic plantings. There is also scattered patches of Rubus fruticosus agg. (Blackberry), which is listed as a Weed of National Significance (WoNS).

Riparian and wetland vegetation is present along Dog Trap Creek and artificial drainage lines. Dog Trap Creek is a third-order stream (Strahler) that runs through the study area near the existing Lanyon Drive intersection. The creek is dominated by Crataegus monogyna and Salix species (Willows). Drainage lines in the middle of the highway and south side of the Lanyon Drive intersection have resulted in pooling water and the growth of wetland species such as Eleocharis acuta (Common Spike-rush) and Carex appressa (Tall Sedge).

The vegetation communities with associated legal status and threatened species habitat are summarised in Table 3-1. These biodiversity values are illustrated in Figure 3-1 and Figure 3-2. The areas listed in Table 3-1 were calculated using a combination of the ‘Study area’ and ‘Designated Land’ shown in Figure 3-1. Considering the general coverage of the Study area compared to the location of the Option 3 alignment (as shown by Figure 2-1), these calculations are likely an overestimate of the actual impacts associated with the proposal. Impacts all the existing Monaro Highway will be confined to the Designated Land boundary.

Table 3-1 Vegetation communities and potential threatened species habitats within the study area

Vegetation Status Associated potential habitat for Potential impact (ha)* community NC Act EPBC Act threatened plant species

Substantially Modified Moderate quality flora habitat for threatened species 0 Lowland Woodland including: (Eucalyptus melliodora • Tarengo Leek Orchid N/A N/A – E. blakelyi Tableland • Hoary Sunray Grassy Woodland) • Small Purple Pea • Button Wrinklewort. 8 IA224400-RP-EN-074_Lanyon Drive_Biodiversity Assessment Report_Draft Biodiversity Assessment Report

Vegetation Status Associated potential habitat for Potential impact (ha)* community NC Act EPBC Act threatened plant species Moderate quality fauna habitat for threatened species including: • Superb Parrot • Swift Parrot • Regent Honeyeater • Golden Sun Moth

Mixed Native Tree Low quality flora habitat for threatened species 10.81 Plantings including: • Tarengo Leek Orchid • Hoary Sunray • Small Purple Pea • Button Wrinklewort. N/A N/A Low quality fauna habitat for threatened species including: • Superb Parrot • Swift Parrot • Regent Honeyeater • Golden Sun Moth

Natural Temperate Moderate quality flora habitat for threatened species 0 Grassland including: Critically • Button Wrinklewort Endangered Endangered Natural Natural • Hoary Sunray Temperate Temperate Moderate quality fauna habitat for threatened species Grassland (NC Grassland of the including: Act) South Eastern • Golden Sun Moth Highlands • Grassland Earless Dragon (EPBC Act) • Stiped Legless Lizard • Pink-tailed Worm-lizard

Native Grassland Moderate to low quality habitat for: 0 • Button Wrinklewort • Hoary Sunray N/A N/A Moderate quality fauna habitat for threatened species including: • Golden Sun Moth

Wetland habitat 0.19

River Oak tree (Native) 0.46 plantings N/A N/A Marginal habitat Exotic plantings 4.64

Exotic grassland 17.1 *Calculated using a combination of the Study area and Designated Land boundary shown in the report figures (i.e. does not include land to the west of the existing Monaro Highway corridor).

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3.2 Threatened Ecological Communities

3.2.1 Yellow Box – Red Gum Grassy Woodland

The ACTmapi shows areas of mapped Yellow Box – Red Gum Grassy Woodland (listed under NC Act) along the Monaro Highway and in the broader landscape. Small patches of this vegetation were ground-truthed around the Isabella Drive intersection as part of Phase 2 investigations. One small patch is located on the north side of the Monaro Highway, east of Sheppard Street. These patches were characterised by scattered E. bridgesiana (Apple Box) and E. blakelyi (Blakely’s Red Gum) with a substantially degraded groundcover, dominated by exotic species. Plot-based assessments conducted as part of Phase 2 investigations demonstrated that the woodland patches failed to meet the criteria for listing as Yellow Box – Red Gum Grassy Woodland under both the EPBC Act and NC Act.

3.2.2 Natural Temperate Grassland

The northern end of the study area has very high conservation significance with the presence of Critically Endangered Natural Temperate Grassland of the Southern Highlands listed under EPBC Act, this community is also listed under the NC Act as Endangered, referred to as Natural Temperate Grassland (NTG). These patches are located directly west of the Monaro Highway within West Jerrabomberra Nature Reserve. The listing status of these patches were confirmed in consultation with ACT Government ecologists as part of Phase 2 investigations.

Areas of grassland within the study area were surveyed for potential as NTG listed under the EPBC Act and NC Act. Three floristic plots were undertaken within grassland that will be impacted by the new Lanyon Drive intersection to confirm the species composition and vegetation condition and assess key diagnostic features to suitable classify the vegetation as listed NTG (refer Figure 2-1 for plot locations).

The key defining characteristics to identify Natural Temperate Grassland listed under the NC Act: ▪ Occurrence within the ACT’s temperate zone where tree growth is climatically limited (elevation up to approximately 1200 m). ▪ Treeless or contains up to 10% projective cover of trees, shrubs or sedges. ▪ Dominated by native grasses and/or native forbs (more than 50% total vegetative cover, excluding introduced annuals). ▪ A diversity of native forbs present, or if disturbed, having components of the indigenous native species (including both existing plants and reproductive propagules in the soil e.g. soil seed banks) sufficient to re- establish the characteristic native groundcover (Environment ACT 2005).

Key diagnostic characteristics and condition thresholds for EPBC Act listed NTG was assessed using the Approved Conservation Advice for the Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands (TSSC 2016). Listed NTG is considered if it meets the description and key diagnostic characteristics shown below: • Site is generally confined to the South Eastern Highlands, • Site typically occurs at elevations between 350-1200 m above sea level, • Native grasses are usually dominant and include one or more of the following: Themeda triandra, Poa sieberiana, P. labillardieri, Austrostipa bigeniculata, A. scabra, Bothriochloa macra, various Rytidosperma species and Lachnagrostis spp., • Native sedges may be dominant or co-dominant, typically Carex appressa or C. bichenoviana, • Typically, a range of native forb species are present, • A tree, shrub or sub-shrub layer may be present, with no more than 10% projective foliage cover for each layer, • The area is not derived or secondary grassland, unless they otherwise meet the description and key diagnostic characteristics, 10 IA224400-RP-EN-074_Lanyon Drive_Biodiversity Assessment Report_Draft Biodiversity Assessment Report

• The minimum patch size for consideration as part of the listed ecological community is 0.1 ha (e.g. 50 m x 20 m).

Patches must also meet the minimum condition threshold categories (Moderate to High, High to Very High for listing under the EPBC Act, as detailed in Table 3-2 under category ‘B’. Grassland in the study area is not applicable to category ‘A’ as grasslands are not dominated by Themeda triandra, Poa labillardierei, Carex bichenoviana.

Table 3-2 Condition thresholds for Commonwealth listed NTG assessed under ‘B’

Category and rationale Threshold

Moderate to High condition threshold The percentage cover of native vascular plants (including annual and perennial category species) in the patch is greater than the percentage cover of perennial exotic species. AND At favourable sampling times (usually when most species are evident): • At least 8 non-grass native species OR • At least 2 indicator species OR • A floristic value score (FVS) of at least 5. High to Very High condition threshold The percentage cover of native vascular plants (including annual and perennial category (Patches with good native species) in the patch is greater than the percentage cover of perennial exotic cover and high native plant diversity) species. AND At any time of the year: • At least 12 non-grass native species OR • At least 3 indicator species OR • A floristic value score (FVS) of at least 6.5. Excellent condition threshold category Patches that exceed the High to Very High condition threshold category may show these characteristics: • be considered ‘benchmark’ or ‘reference’ sites, which approximate the condition and state of patches of the ecological community prior to European settlement, • have a low cover of weeds, • contain exceptional native plant diversity or rare species, which may be indicated by a relatively high floristic values score for that region.

Data from the three plots sampled showed a dominance (>50 %) of exotic groundcover species indicating that the grassland does not meet the condition criteria for either the NC Act or the EPBC Act listings for NTG. While some native groundcover species do occur within the grassland areas, all grassland within the study area is considered exotic. This does not include parts of the West Jerrabomberra Nature Reserve that are just within the study area on the west side of the road, however will not be impacted by the proposed works.

3.3 Threatened plants

Planted native vegetation, particularly where there are also native groundcover species present, may provide low-quality potential habitat for threatened flora species. Searches of relevant databases identified several species that may occur in suitable habitat in the study area including Leucochrysum albicans var. tricolor (Hoary Sunray) (listed as Vulnerable only under the EPBC Act), Swainsona recta (Small Purple Pea) (listed as Endangered under both the NC Act and EPBC Act) and Rutidosis leptorrhynchoides (Button Wrinklewort) (listed as Endangered under both the NC Act and EPBC Act). There is also potential for regionally significant or protected flora species listed under the Nature Conservation Protected Native Species List 2015 (NC Act) to occur including Diuris dendrobates (a Donkey Orchid) and Swainsona sericea (Silky Swainson-pea).

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Meanders of potential habitat in the study area were undertaken to survey for threatened flora species. Surveys were conducted in the summer season (February), which is within the recommended survey period for Leucochrysum albicans var. tricolor and Rutidosis leptorrhynchoides, however outside the survey period for Swainsona recta, Swainsona sericea and Diuris dendrobates. No threatened or regionally significant/protected species were identified within the study area. These species are more likely to occur in higher quality grassland habitat to the west of the study area and may only occur in the study area by chance dispersal of seed. The grassland and woodland in the study area is mown and highly disturbed from road traffic (i.e. contaminated run- off) and only represents low-quality habitat potential for these species.

A full list of species identified during desktop searches and their likelihood of occurrence assessment is provided in Appendix A.

3.4 Threatened animals

Planted native vegetation within the study area may offer occasional foraging resources for a low diversity of native fauna species. Although mostly dominated by exotic groundcover plant species, the habitat provides shelter for small birds and foraging habitat for nectar feeding birds. No important habitat features such as dense leaf litter, large logs and woody debris on the ground, or hollow-bearing trees were identified. These features are critical for many threatened species and provide food resources (i.e. insects) and shelter for ground dwelling reptiles.

There were no hollow-bearing trees and dead standing trees (stags) identified in the study area. These provide important roosting and nesting opportunities for native fauna, including threatened species such as the Brown Treecreeper (Climacteris picumnus victoriae) and Superb Parrot (Polytelis swainsonii) which has recently begun to breed in the Canberra region (Rayner et al., 2016). Native trees in the study area may provide foraging resources during flowering times for nectarivorous species such as the Superb Parrot, Regent Honeyeater (Anthochaera phrygia) and Swift Parrot (Lathamus discolor). Scattered records of these three bird species exist across the Canberra region and they may occur at any time, except for the Swift Parrot which only occurs in winter during seasonal migration to the Australian mainland. Flowering trees may also represent critical foraging habitat for the Grey-headed Flying Fox, due to the presence of two colonies in the region (Commonwealth Park and Lake Ginninderra).

High-quality grassland to the west of the study area provides potential habitat for a number of restricted threatened grassland specialists such as Golden Sun Moth (Synemon plana), Grassland Earless Dragon (Tympanocryptis pinguicolla), Striped Legless Lizard (Delma impar) and Perunga Grasshopper (Perunga ochracea). The Pink-tailed Worm-lizard (Aprasia parapulchella) may also occur if any rocky habitats are present in areas dominated by the grass Themeda triandra (Kangaroo Grass). Most of these species are considered to have a low likelihood of occurring in the study area due to the general dominance of exotic groundcover plants and lack of habitat features. The Golden Sun Moth may occur in the study area on occasion during breeding/flying season (mid-October to early January) however no important habitat features are present and presence would likely be temporary.

Six threatened fauna species were identified in the desktop assessment with a moderate to high potential to occur in the study area based on the presence of suitable habitat within or in proximity to the study area. This includes three bird species, one mammal, one reptile and one invertebrate. The likelihood of occurrence assessments for all species identified in desktop searches are listed in Appendix A.

There is also potential for regionally significant or protected fauna species listed under the Nature Conservation Protected Native Species List 2015 (NC Act). Those with potential to occur in the study locality include, Gang-

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Gang Cockatoo (Callocephalon fimbriatum) and Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus funereus), as well as a range of local invertebrates (i.e. Canberra Raspy Cricket, native bees, moths, butterflies, spiders, beetles, and grasshoppers).

Other observations noted during the site visit included: • Wombat burrows identified around Dog Trap Creek. • Abundant Eastern Grey Kangaroos. • The open culvert structures over Dog Trap Creek were inspected (where accessible) for cave-roosting microbats. None were identified though there may be potential habitat present for common microbat species. • Pest fauna was present, as indicated by Rabbit dung.

The vegetation communities and associated potential fauna habitats in the study area, with are summarised in Table 3-1. These biodiversity values are also illustrated in Figure 3-1 and Figure 3-2. A full list of species identified during desktop searches and their likelihood of occurrence assessment is provided in Appendix A.

3.4.1 Striped Legless Lizard

The Striped Legless Lizard is known as a native grassland specialist, however is also known to occasionally inhabit areas dominated by introduced species that were once native grasslands. Surveys conducted in 2014 as part of the Eastern Broadacre Striped Legless lizard Survey Program (SMEC 2015) recorded one Striped Legless Lizard individual from a tile array in grassland dominated by Phalaris aquatica and Avena sp. about 200 metres east of the proposed David Warren Drive extension, near the northern bank of Dog Trap Creek. No targeted surveys have been undertaken for this assessment and the Striped Legless Lizard has not been recorded in the project study area. Initial habitat assessment of the site concluded that the grassland did not provide suitable habitat for this species due to a lack of documented refuge features such as cracking soil, grass tussocks and rocky outcrops. During the survey, the grassland was dominated by exotic grass species Phalaris aquatica and Avena sp., however these were rarely forming tussocks and bare ground was common. The grassland is heavily grazed as evidenced by herbivore scats and rabbit burrows, and there is no connectivity to the north, west or south due to existing infrastructure. Additionally, part of site has been previously modified by construction of the gas pressure reduction station (PRS Hume) and access road in 2014, which now dissects the western side of the grassland.

The SMEC (2015) study was not able to access some parts of this proposal study area (mostly in the north west), however grassland where the single individual was caught was classified as “low-value” (refer Plate 1). Little explanation is given to support this classification, though SMEC (2015) also classified the grassland south of Dog Trap Creek as “recoverable”, stating that while it did not provide suitable habitat at the time of the study, it represented potential habitat with appropriate rehabilitation. Native grassland further to the north was classified as “medium-value”, where up to five different individuals were caught. The number of lizards caught in the surveys decreased further to the south, with the lowest capture of just one individual on one occasion near Dog Trap Creek.

Field surveys for this assessment found that the grassland in the study area classified as “low-value” (Photograph 1) was very similar in condition to grassland classified as “recoverable” (Photograph 2) by SMEC (2015). The decrease in capture rates with distance from the native grassland by SMEC (2015) suggests a continued decline in habitat quality with increased distance from the Jerrabomberra East Grassland Reserve. Given this data and the habitat condition noted during surveys for this assessment, habitat value across the whole study area is considered to be very low. Despite this, a Striped Legless Lizard population is assumed to be currently present to the east of the study area and low-condition habitat in the study area may be used by this species for foraging and shelter.

13 IA224400-RP-EN-074_Lanyon Drive_Biodiversity Assessment Report_Draft Biodiversity Assessment Report

Photograph 1: Exotic grassland in the study area. Photograph is looking north along the PRS Hume access road. This area was considered low-value habitat by SMEC (2015).

Photograph 2: Exotic grassland in the study area. Photograph is looking east along the Plate 1: Figure 5 taken from SMEC (2015) which shows south side of Dog Trap Creek. This area was habitat quality for Striped Legless Lizard. Also shown are considered unsuitable habitat by SMEC the locations of Photograph 1 and Photograph 2. (2015).

14 IA224400-RP-EN-074_Lanyon Drive_Biodiversity Assessment Report_Draft 593000.000000 213000.000000 214000.000000 0 0 0 0 0 0 . 0 0 0 5 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 . 0 0 0 2 9 5

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591000.000000 214000.000000 592000.000000 215000.000000 593000.000000 216000.000000 Le ge nd «!# Stud y are a Road s Threatened ecological Vegetation communities Mod e rate ly Mod ifie d Native Grassland 0 250 500 m N communities Lowland Wood land 1:9,500 at A3 Option 3 alignm e nt Highways Exotic Grassland ry Natural Te m pe rate Box-Gum Wood land (NC rrito(Euc alyptus m e lliod ora – Grassland Data sources ACT Gove rnm e nt - Arte rial Exotic Plantings tal Te Ac t and EPBC Ac t) api E. blake lyi Table land BELCONNEN De signate d Are as n C Rive r Oak Tre e (Native ) Jac obs 2020 ! Distributor Mixtre ad lNiaative Tre e Grassy Wood land - Hyd rology End ange re d Natural AuPslantings Plantings NSW Spatial Se rvic e s 2019 Re sid e ntial se c ond ary Grassland ) ACT Gove rnm e nt Mapi 2019 Te m pe rate Grassland ! es Substantially Mod ifie d PSMA Australia 2019 CANBERRA State and Te rritory Spe c ial purpose Wal Mod e rate ly Mod ifie d End ange re d Ye llow Box outh Lowland Wood land bound ary w S Lowland Wood land ACT (Strom lo) Stand ard Grid AGD 66 – Re d Gum Grassy Ne (Euc alyptus m e lliod ora – (Euc alyptus m e lliod ora – Wood land E. blake lyi Table land WODEN VALLEY The information and concepts contained in this document are the intellectual ! E. blake lyi Table land ! Grassy Wood land ) property of Jacobs and are subject to site survey and detailed design. Not to be Grassy Wood land ) used for construction. Use or copying of the document in whole or in part We tland (Carex/Typha) without written permission of Jacobs constitutes an infringement of copyright. N S W Jacobs does not warrant that this document is definitive nor free of error and We tland (Eleocharis) does not accept liability for any loss caused or arising from reliance upon TUGGERANONG ! Figure 3.1 Ve ge tation and thre ate ne d e c ologic al c om m unitie s information provided herein. Date : 6/04/2020 Path: J:\IE\Proje c ts\04_ Easte rn\IA224400\22 Spatial\GIS\Dire c tory\Te m plate s\_ e m pty struc ture \Figure s\LanyonDrive \IA224400_ GIS_ F002_ Ec ologyVe ge tationThre ate ne d Ec oCom m Lanyon_ r1v1.m xd Cre ate d by : SW | Q A by : LW 593000.000000 213000.000000 214000.000000 0 0 0 0 0 0 . 0 0 0 5 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 . 0 0 0 2 9 5

D A O R N E R R A CREEK W A RR ID BE V M A BO D A RR JERRABOMBERRA JE 0 0 0 0 0 0 . 0 0 0 4 9 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 . 0 0 0 3 1 2

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591000.000000 214000.000000 592000.000000 215000.000000 593000.000000 216000.000000 Legend «!# Study area Roads Threatened species habitat Threatened Protected and rare Threatened Fauna Habitat - Threatened Plants - 0 250 500 m N Option 3 alignment Highways Golden Sun Moth, nectarivorous birds and plants - ACT ACT Government 2020 ACT Government 2020 1:9,500 at A3 mammals, Golden Sun Goverrnyment 2020 ACT Government - Arterial threatened plants rrito Canberra Raspy Cricket Button Wrinklewort Data sources Moth, threatened ptlanltsTe Designated Areas Golden Sun Moth, pi Rare Plant Golden Sun Moth BELCONNEN Distributor Ca ! Threratleinaend woodland Jacobs 2020 Hydrology Residential Grassland Earless Aust Grassland Earless NSW Spatial Services 2019 Dragon, Striped Legless birds & potential Dragon ACT Government Mapi 2019 State and Territory s ! CANBERRA Special purpose Lizard, threatened plants threatened flora Wale PSMA Australia 2019 boundary outh Perunga Grasshopper Waterbiredsw anSd Frogs ACT (Stromlo) Standard Grid AGD 66 N Pink-tailed Worm-lizard Marginal WODEN VALLEY ! Striped Legless Lizard The information and concepts contained in this document are the intellectual ! property of Jacobs and are subject to site survey and detailed design. Not to be used for construction. Use or copying of the document in whole or in part without written permission of Jacobs constitutes an infringement of copyright. N S W Jacobs does not warrant that this document is definitive nor free of error and does not accept liability for any loss caused or arising from reliance upon TUGGERANONG ! Figure 3.2 Threatened species and habitat information provided herein. Date: 6/04/2020 Path: J:\IE\Projects\04_Eastern\IA224400\22 Spatial\GIS\Directory\Templates\_empty structure\Figures\LanyonDrive\IA224400_GIS_F003_EcologyThreatSpeciesAndHabitatLanyon_r1v1.mxd Created by : SW | QA by : LW Biodiversity Assessment Report

4. Matters of National Environmental Significance

The EPBC Act provides a legal framework to protect and manage nationally and internationally important flora, fauna, ecological communities and heritage places – defined as matters of national environmental significance as follows (as applicable to the project): 1) World heritage properties 2) National heritage places 3) Wetlands of international importance (often called 'Ramsar' wetlands after the international treaty under which such wetlands are listed) 4) Nationally threatened species and ecological communities 5) Migratory species.

The desktop review, including the EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool (PMST), and suitable habitats identified in the site inspection was used to identify matters of national environmental significance within one kilometre of the study area.

There are no world or national heritage places identified within one kilometre of the study area. There are no wetlands of international importance (RAMSAR) identified within one kilometre of the study area.

4.1 Threatened ecological communities (EPBC Act)

As discussed above in Section 3.2, the EPBC Act-listed Threatened Ecological Community (TEC) Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands (listed as Critically Endangered) is present to the west of the study area, within the Jerrabomberra West Nature Reserve. The assessed patches of grassland within the study area do not meet the listing criteria for Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands. Patches of woodland previously assessed in Phase 2 of this project also did not meet the listing criteria for White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland. No TECs listed under the EPBC Act will be directly impacted by the proposal.

4.2 Threatened plant species (EPBC Act)

Fourteen EPBC Act-listed threatened plant species were identified by the desktop review as having the potential to occur in the study area. The EPBC Act listed threatened plant species that are considered to have potential to occur include Leucochrysum albicans subsp. Tricolor (Hoary Sunray), Prasophyllum petilum (Tarengo Leek Orchid), Rutidosis leptorhynchoides (Button Wrinklewort), and Swainsona recta (Small Purple-pea). A full list of species identified during desktop searches and their likelihood of occurrence assessment is provided in Appendix A.

4.3 Threatened fauna species (EPBC Act)

As the study area has been highly modified and disturbed, the habitat for threatened fauna species is generally considered to be moderate to low quality. A total of 29 threatened fauna species listed under the EPBC Act were identified by the desktop review as having potential to occur in the study area.

Planted trees may provide foraging habitat for several bird species and the Grey-headed Flying Fox during flowering periods. Some areas of planted woodland may also provide low-quality habitat for the Golden Sun Moth, though it is not expected to support a population due to the high level of disturbance. The EPBC Act listed threatened animal species that have potential to occur in the study area include Superb Parrot, Swift Parrot, Regent Honeyeater, Grey-headed Flying Fox and Golden Sun Moth. A full list of species identified during desktop searches and their likelihood of occurrence assessment is provided in Appendix A.

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4.3.1 Striped Legless Lizard

Habitat value across the whole study area is considered to be very low for this species. Despite this, a Striped Legless Lizard population is assumed to be currently present to the east of the study area and low-condition habitat in the study area may be used by this species for foraging and shelter. Refer to Section 3.4.1 for more information. An assessment of significance has been conducted for the Striped Legless Lizard in accordance with the EPBC Act Policy Statement 1.1 Significant Impact Guidelines (Department of the Environment, 2013). The assessment is provided in Appendix B which concludes that there is a low likelihood of a significant impact on the Jerrabomberra important population as a result the project However, on the basis that an important population is confirmed in habitat nearby to the project, a precautionary referral has been submitted to the Commonwealth in accordance with the EPBC Act. The referral has been split based on two different packages of work.

4.4 Migratory species (EPBC Act)

Based on the results of the desktop review, 13 listed migratory species may occur in the study area. However, as the study area has been highly modified and disturbed, the habitat for listed Migratory species is generally considered to be low quality. Latham’s Snipe has been recorded nearby in Jerrabomberra Creek and may forage in wetland habitat along Dog Trap Creek and the small area of Carex – Eleocharis wetland in the middle of the highway and south side of the Lanyon Drive intersection. Some species may fly over the study area during regular seasonal movements, but the habitat is not considered likely to form an important habitat for any listed Migratory species. The listed Migratory species identified from the desktop review are listed in Appendix A.

While some migratory species of bird have potential to use the study area and locality on occasion, the study area would not be classed as an ‘important habitat’ as defined under the EPBC Act Policy Statement 1.1 Significant Impact Guidelines (Department of the Environment, 2013), in that the study area does not contain: ▪ Habitat utilised by a migratory species occasionally or periodically within a region that supports an ecologically significant proportion of the population of the species ▪ Habitat that is of critical importance to the species at particular life-cycle stages ▪ Habitat utilised by a migratory species which is at the limit of the species range ▪ Habitat within an area where the species is declining.

The proposal would not substantially modify, destroy or isolate an area of ‘important habitat’ for a migratory species, would not result in an invasive species that is harmful to the migratory species becoming established in an area of ‘important habitat’ and it would not seriously disrupt the lifecycle of an ecologically significant proportion of a population of migratory birds. As such, there is a low risk of a significant impact to a migratory species from the proposal and impacts to migratory species are not considered any further in this report.

The proposal may consider retaining wetland habitat areas through design. Any disturbance to Dog Trap Creek could be used to improve the functionality and connectivity of the creek and associated riparian area by linking creek health on both sides of the Monaro Hwy.

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5. Impact assessment

5.1 Removal of vegetation and threatened species habitat The proposal would have direct and indirect impacts on a range of biodiversity values during construction and operation. Under the current design, the estimated disturbance footprint is about 33.2 hectares including:

▪ Mixed Native Tree Plantings – 10.81 hectares ▪ Wetland habitat – 0.19 hectares ▪ River Oak tree (Native) plantings – 0.46 hectares ▪ Exotic plantings – 4.64 hectares ▪ Exotic grassland – 17.1 hectares A summary of approximate impact on vegetation and threatened species habitat is provided in Table 3-1.

The proposal will result in the removal of 10.8 hectares of planted native vegetation, that may provide low-quality potential habitat for threatened flora species including Leucochrysum albicans var. tricolor (Hoary Sunray), Swainsona recta (Small Purple Pea) and Rutidosis leptorrhynchoides (Button Wrinklewort). Planted native vegetation may also provide foraging and connectivity habitat for threatened woodland birds. This area of habitat loss is mostly confined to the existing Monaro Highway corridor and would be remediated with landscape plantings were possible to retain connectivity. The quality of habitat and degree of removal is not likely to significantly impact these species. Assessments of impact significance have been undertaken for species listed under the EPBC Act considered to have at least a moderate likelihood of occurring in the study area (refer Appendix B).

The proposal will result in direct impact to around 5.1 hectares of exotic grassland that is contiguous with native grasslands known to be occupied by the Jerrabomberra Delma impar important population. Based on the existing barriers to movement (Dog Trap Creek and the gas pressure reduction station and access road) and disturbance, around 3.2 hectares of this exotic grassland may provide low-quality habitat for the Striped Legless Lizard. The habitat has no connectivity to the north, west or south and during surveys it was noted that documented refuge features such as cracking soil, grass tussocks and rocky outcrops were mostly absent.

5.2 Aquatic impacts The aquatic habitat to be affected by the proposal is in poor condition due to previous development for the Monaro Highway and existing Lanyon Drive intersection, and agricultural activity within the catchment which has resulted in changes to hydrological conditions, increased input of nutrients, sedimentation and weed invasion.

The proposal is likely to result in some impacts to Dog Trap Creek, particularly around the David Warren Drive extension. The creek is currently in poor condition and any impacts would be negligible. Construction works should aim to reduce any barriers to fish passage along Dog Trap Creek and remediation of impacted areas should involve improving the connectivity of the riparian zone. Impacts to aquatic habitat would be of low magnitude and standard mitigation measures would be implemented to limit impacts to surrounding habitats (see Section 6).

5.3 Injury and mortality Fauna injury or death has the greatest potential to occur during construction when vegetation clearing would occur. The extent of this impact is generally proportionate to the extent of vegetation that is cleared. However, considering the proposal is located in a predominately cleared landscape, impacts to native arboreal and less mobile species (e.g. ground dwelling reptiles) is likely to be low. The study area is only likely to contain a limited number of arboreal species (e.g. possums) and nesting birds that may be injured or killed during vegetation removal. Reptiles, frogs and invertebrates may also be injured or killed during construction as habitat is cleared.

Entrapment of wildlife in any trenches or pits that are dug is a possibility if the trenches are deep and steep sided. Wildlife may also become trapped in or may choose to shelter in machinery that is stored in the study area overnight. If these animals were to remain inside the machinery, or under the wheels or tracks, they may be injured or may die once the machinery is in use.

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There is also a chance of fauna mortality occurring during the operational phase of the proposal through vehicle collision (i.e. roadkill). Vehicle collision is a direct impact that reduces local population numbers. Mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds are all at risk of vehicle strike. As there are no definitive data on current rates of roadkill or fauna population densities in the study area, the consequences of vehicle strike on local populations is unknown. The project is expected to result in an increase in traffic and therefore may increase the potential for vehicle strike on common species such as the Eastern Grey Kangaroo and Common Wombat, both observed in exotic grassland beside the existing highway. The impact on threatened species however is expected to be minimal.

The significance of such an impact cannot be predicted, however it the potential for impact can be minimised through design opportunities. The ACT Kangaroo Management Plan (Department of Territory and Municipal Services 2010) lists design measures which can be incorporated to reduce the potential for vehicle collision, including fencing, underpasses, overpasses (fauna bridges), escape routes, table drain management, traffic slowing devices, odour repellents, roadside lighting and light-coloured road surfaces. Fencing to exclude animals from roads is being used increasingly along major highways and motorways in Australia and overseas. The ACT Kangaroo Management Plan (Department of Territory and Municipal Services 2010) states that fences need to be high (1.8 m) and of chain-wire construction. Fencing against kangaroos needs to be strategically placed, as it is not feasible to attempt to fence off all roads.

Mitigation measures designed to reduce an injury and mortality of fauna are provided in Section 6.

5.4 Indirect impacts

5.4.1 Wildlife connectivity and habitat fragmentation Habitat fragmentation per se relates to the physical dividing up of once continuous habitats into separate smaller ‘fragments’ (Fahrig, 2002). The habitats within the study area are fragments that have formed since initial habitat clearing that has occurred for the existing road infrastructure and agricultural activities. The current alignment of the Monaro Highway fragments east-west connectivity, with the remaining connection existing along Dog Trap Creek.

The barriers posed by the Monaro Highway and Lanyon Drive serve to restrict most wildlife movements between the habitat patches. However, functional habitat connectivity for more mobile species (e.g. birds, flying-foxes, insectivorous bats, insects, plants) is still present via scattered vegetation along Dog Trap Creek and planted roadside vegetation. The current roadways do not totally prevent fauna movement between habitat fragments (fauna can and likely do cross the road) but the roads do create a considerable barrier.

The proposal would not break apart continuous habitats into separate smaller ‘fragments’. The proposal would however result in an increase in isolation of habitats as all the vegetation on the site would be removed, which would increase the physical distance between habitat fragments.

The study area may provide some landscape connectivity for woodland birds moving between large woodland to the west (the Callum Brae Complex) and large woodlands/open forests to the east (south of Googong and Mt Jerrabomberra). The study area is located in a low-connectivity area and planted roadside vegetation and patches of riparian vegetation along Dog Trap Creek may provide some level of east-west connectivity for travelling birds. The isolation that may be caused by the proposal is not likely to have an appreciable impact on nomadic or migratory species such as birds and bats. The proposal may impact the dispersal of arboreal mammals and other species including frogs and reptiles, but the effects would only be marginally greater than that which is already experienced due to the current cleared nature of the study area.

The predicted level of isolation from the proposal is not likely to be enough to prevent the breeding and dispersal of plant pollinators or the dispersal of plant propagules (i.e. seed or other vegetative reproductive material) between habitat patches. Functional connectivity for many species would remain in the study area. However, local division of some wildlife populations, isolation of key habitat resources, loss of genetic interchange, and loss of population viability for some species may result.

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Mitigation measures designed to maintain east-west fauna connectivity for woodland birds are provided in Section 6. However, this impact would be of low magnitude.

5.4.2 Edge effects on adjacent native vegetation and habitat The proposal would be built in an area that is currently subject to a high level of edge effects from the existing roadways, agricultural land use practices and urban development. The vegetation patches are suffering from intense weed invasion and the habitats that would be impacted by the proposal are edge habitats without any undisturbed core. The highest quality vegetation in the study area is on the very edge of a large contiguous riparian corridor around Ropes Creek, which is affected by weed invasion and rubbish throughout. Illegal public access to the site has resulted in recreational motorbike and four-wheel-drive activity and significant rubbish dumping in this vegetation. There is unlikely to be any further impacts from edge effects resulting from the proposal as all vegetation is suffering from edge effects in the form of weed invasion, increased light levels, increased wind speeds, and greater temperature fluctuations. No new edge habitats would be created as the study area does not possess large core areas of undisturbed habitat.

This impact would be of low magnitude and mitigation measures are not deemed necessary.

5.4.3 Invasion and spread of weeds Native vegetation in the study area is currently subject to invasion by exotic perennial grasses (notably Eragrostis curvula). Proliferation of weed and pest species is an indirect impact (i.e. not a direct result of proposal activities). Proliferation of weeds is likely to occur during construction and operation, although impacts would be greatest because of vegetation clearing during the construction phase.

The most likely causes of weed dispersal and importation associated with the proposal include earthworks, movement of soil, and attachment of seed (and other propagules) to vehicles and machinery during all phases. The study area contains significant weed growth and no undisturbed weed free habitat exists. However, east and west of the study area is Natural Temperate Grasslands in Jerrabomberra Nature Reserve, which is threatened by the invasion of exotic grasses. As such, weeds must be managed during construction. Additionally, the spread of species such as Eragrostis curvula can be inhibited by creating barriers of native trees, shrubs and groundcover. This would involve incorporating strategic placement of native trees landscape plantings to act as a barrier, with a dense groundcover of shade tolerant native indigenous species.

Mitigation measures designed to limit the spread and germination of weeds are provided in Section 6.

5.4.4 Invasion and spread of pests The study area and locality are likely occupied by a range of pest species including the European Red Fox, Rabbit and Eastern Gambusia. Proposal activities have the potential to disperse pest species out of the proposal footprint across the surrounding landscape but the magnitude of this impact would be low and mitigation measures are not deemed necessary.

5.4.5 Invasion and spread of pathogens and disease Several pathogens known from the ACT have potential to impact on biodiversity as a result their movement and infection during construction. Of these, two are listed as a key threatening process (KTP) under either the EPBC Act including:

▪ Dieback caused by the root-rot fungus (Phytophthora cinnamomi) – KTP ▪ Dieback caused by Myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) ▪ Chytridiomycosis due to the amphibian chytrid fungus – KTP While these pathogens were not observed or tested for in the study area the potential for pathogens to occur should be treated as a risk during construction. The most likely causes of pathogen dispersal and importation associated with the proposal include earthworks, movement of soil, and attachment of plant matter to vehicles and machinery during all proposal phases (construction and operation). Pathogens would be managed within the proposal site in accordance with industry guidelines and practices.

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5.4.6 Noise and vibration, light and contaminated pollution Noise, vibration, light and contaminant pollution are impacts that are likely to result from project activities. These impacts are likely to have cumulative effects. Noise, vibration, dust, light and contaminant pollution are likely to occur during all phases of the project from all project activities, although will be greatest where activities take place near vegetated areas.

Noise and vibration pollution

Anthropogenic noise can alter the behaviour of animals or interfere with their normal functioning (Bowles 1997). During all phases of the project there will be increased noise and vibration levels in the study area and immediate surrounds due to vegetation clearing, ground disturbance, machinery and vehicle movements, and general human presence.

Construction of the project would be scheduled to standard working hours, though some night work may be required. No other out-of-hours works are anticipated as part of the proposal. The noise and vibration from activities associated with the project will potentially disturb fauna and may disrupt foraging, reproductive, or movement behaviours in proximity to the site. The impacts from noise emissions are likely to be localised to the construction areas and are not considered likely to have a significant, long-term, impact on wildlife populations outside the area of impact. Within the area of impact, some sensitive species (e.g. woodland birds) may avoid the noise and some more tolerant species, including small mammals, will habituate over the longer-term (Byrnes et al. 2012).

Light pollution

Ecological light pollution is the descriptive term for light pollution that includes direct glare, chronic or periodic increased illumination, and temporary unexpected fluctuations in lighting (including lights from a passing vehicles), that can have potentially adverse effects on wildlife (Longcore & Rich 2004).

Construction of the project would be scheduled to standard working hours, though some night work may be required. No other out-of-hours works are anticipated as part of the proposal. The proposal will involve the installation of additional street lighting, which would be active at night following the completion of the proposal. As such, the immediate area surrounding the project activities, and the roadside during operation, will be subject to artificial lighting. Ecological light pollution may potentially affect nocturnal fauna by interrupting their life cycle. Some species (i.e. light tolerant microchiropteran bats) may benefit from the lighting due to increased food availability (insects attracted to lights) around these areas. Due to the frequency and sustained nature of the lighting, it is possible that animals may be deterred by the additional street lighting, however considering the existing level of light pollution this impact is considered to be minor. Street lighting should take into consideration areas of higher fauna habitat value, such as Dog Trap Creek. It is likely that resident animals will habituate to the light disturbance and a long-term impact in the area of lighting is unlikely.

Contaminant pollution

During the construction phase localised release of contaminants (i.e. hydraulic fluids, oils, drilling fluids, etc.) into the surrounding environment (including drainage lines) may accidentally occur. The most likely result of contaminant discharge will be the localised contamination of soil and potential direct physical trauma to flora and fauna that come into contact with contaminants. Accidental release of contaminants is likely to be localised.

5.5 Assessment of impact significance An assessment of significance has been conducted for threatened biodiversity that have a moderate or high likelihood of occurring and being impacted by the proposal. For threatened biodiversity listed under the EPBC Act, significance assessments have been completed in accordance with the EPBC Act Policy Statement 1.1 Significant Impact Guidelines (Department of the Environment, 2013). Whether or not an action is likely to have a significant impact depends upon the sensitivity, value, and quality of the environment that is affected, and upon the intensity, duration, magnitude and geographic extent of the impacts (Department of the Environment 2013). Importantly, for a ‘significant impact’ to be ‘likely’, it is not necessary for a significant impact to have a greater than 50 percent chance of happening; it 22 IA224400-RP-EN-074_Lanyon Drive_Biodiversity Assessment Report_Draft Biodiversity Assessment Report

is sufficient if a significant impact on the environment is a real or not remote chance or possibility (Department of the Environment, 2013). The detailed assessments of significance are provided in Appendix B. The conclusions of the assessment are provided in Table 5-1, which indicates that a significant impact is generally unlikely. Striped Legless Lizard There is potential for the exotic grassland within the impact footprint around the David Warren Drive extension to be low-quality habitat for the Striped Legless Lizard, as a population is known from the Jerrabomberra East Grassland Nature Reserve east of the project boundary. A summary of the assessment of significance for this species includes: ▪ The proposal will directly impact a small area of unconfirmed Delma impar habitat, however is unlikely to lead to a long-term decrease in the Jerrabomberra important population because the habitat that will be impacted low quality compared to the adjacent native grasslands where this population will persist. ▪ Assuming that the area of occupancy of the important population at Jerrabomberra is somewhere between 600 to 1,200 hectares, the proposal would reduce this area by around 3.2 hectares which is somewhere in the range of 0.3 – 0.5 percent. ▪ The proposal (Plate B-1) is located in the very south-western corner of the known occurrence of the Jerrabomberra important population and would not fragment the population. ▪ The proposal would directly impact 3.2 hectares of exotic grassland that is contiguous habitat known to be occupied by the Jerrabomberra important population. This habitat is considered to be low-quality and only used for foraging and refuge, which may not meet to definition of critical habitat. The main occurrence of high-quality habitat is east of the proposal. ▪ The breeding cycle may be disrupted by habitat removal and construction activities, however the habitat in the study area is unlikely to support breeding. ▪ The remaining grassland habitats east of the proposal are similar in quality and highly degraded, therefore would unlikely experience a decrease in condition from edge effects associated with the construction of the proposal. ▪ The proposal is unlikely to result in invasive species that are harmful, considering the grasslands are already dominated by exotic species and high-quality habitat is further to the east. ▪ The proposal would not introduce disease to Delma impar ▪ Overall, the removal of habitat and potential mortality/injury of individuals in the construction area would not be consistent with the recovery of Delma impar, however most of the recovery strategies around increasing the understanding of this species and protecting known populations. Based on the information available, this assessment finds this proposal is at low risk of causing a significant impact, as defined under the EPBC Act, on the Delma impar important population at Jerrabomberra. However, on the basis that a Striped Legless Lizard important population is confirmed in habitat nearby to the project, a precautionary referral has been submitted to the Commonwealth in accordance with the EPBC Act. The referral has been split based on two different packages of work.

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Table 5-1 Threatened species with moderate to high likelihood of occurring in the study area and outcome of the assessments of significance Species NC EPBC Potential habitat in the Potential likelihood to occur in Significant Act* Act* study area the study area impact?

Threatened plants Leucochrysum Planted native vegetation, Moderate - These species have Unlikely albicans subsp. particularly where there not been identified within the Tricolor (Hoary - E are also native study area. These species are Sunray) groundcover species more likely to occur in higher present, may provide low- quality grassland habitat to the Prasophyllum quality potential habitat west and may only occur in the petilum (Tarengo E E for threatened flora study area by chance dispersal Leek Orchid) species of seed. The grassland and woodland in the study area is mown and highly disturbed Rutidosis from road traffic (i.e. leptorhynchoides E E contaminated run-off) and only (Button represents low-quality habitat Wrinklewort) potential for these species. Swainsona recta (Small Purple E E Pea)

Invertebrates Golden Sun Moth E CE Planted native vegetation, Moderate - The Golden Sun Unlikely (Synemon plana) particularly where there Moth may occur in the study are also native area on occasion during groundcover species breeding season (mid-October present, may provide low- to early January) however no quality potential habitat. important habitat features are present and presence would likely be temporary. Nectarivorous birds Superb Parrot Native trees in the study Moderate - Scattered records of Unlikely (Polytelis V V area may provide foraging these three species exist across swainsonii) resources during the Canberra region and they flowering times for may occur at any time, except Swift Parrot dispersing animals. The for the Swift Parrot which only (Lathamus CE CE study area may also be occurs in winter during seasonal discolour) part of a narrow east-west migration to the Australian Regent connectivity link between mainland. Honeyeater large areas of woodland. CE CE (Anthochaera No breeding habitat is phrygia) present. Mammals Grey-headed V V Native trees in the study Moderate – no known camps Unlikely Flying Fox area may provide foraging near the study area though resources during scattered records exist in the flowering times. locality.

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Species NC EPBC Potential habitat in the Potential likelihood to occur in Significant Act* Act* study area the study area impact? Reptiles Striped Legless V V Exotic grasslands east of Moderate – known records Low Lizard the Monaro Highway and nearby the study area at north of Lanyon Drive Duntroon horse paddocks, may provide suitable low- Hume North and Majura North. quality habitat and seasonal foraging habitat.

*Key: CE = Critically Endangered; E = endangered; V = vulnerable

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6. Avoidance and mitigation measures

The proposed measures to mitigate and minimise ecological impacts are outlined in Table 6-1 and should be considered in the development of the Construction Environmental Management Plan or similar environmental management strategy for the proposed project.

The proposal has a moderate to high potential of directly impact the Striped Legless Lizard during construction by injury and/or mortality from earthworks. The application of appropriate mitigation measures can reduce the potential of this impact through ongoing communication and education to project staff (i.e. site inductions/tool- box meetings), direct preventative measures (i.e. pre-clearance capture and relocation / No-Go Fencing of important habitats) and ongoing site checks and auditing/reporting by the relevant contractor during construction. Specific measures for the Striped Legless Lizard are outlined below in

Table 6-1. The capture and release protocol is adapted from SMEC (2019).

Table 6-1 Recommended mitigation measures during pre-construction and construction

Potential impacts Mitigation measure

Impact to surrounding Materials, plant, equipment, work vehicles and stockpiles will be placed to avoid vegetation damage to surrounding vegetation and will be outside tree drip-lines. Trees will be protected in accordance with the requirements of the Australian Standard 4970-2009 for the Protection of Trees on Development Sites. If any damage occurs to vegetation outside of the nominated work area, the Environmental Representative will be notified so that appropriate remediation strategies can be developed. Erosion and sediment controls will remain in place until all restoration has been completed. Accurately and clearly mark out the limits of the work zone, areas for parking and turning of vehicles and plant equipment prior to commencement of works. These areas shall be located so that vegetation disturbance is minimised and the drip-line of trees avoided. Impact to native plants Construction crews will be made aware that any native fauna species encountered and animals including must be allowed to leave site without being harassed and a local wildlife rescue threatened species organisation must be called for assistance where necessary. In the unlikely event that any threatened species (plants or animals) are discovered during the works, all work will stop immediately, and the Environmental Representative will be notified. Work will only recommence once the impact on the species has been assessed and appropriate control measures provided. A Construction Site Plan will be prepared to show the: ▪ No go areas and boundaries of the work area/disturbance corridor. ▪ Locations of parking, lay-down and storage areas for materials, plant and stockpiles. ▪ Location and full extent of any lopping, trimming, clearing or other vegetation disturbance required for the works.

Impacts to the Striped Reptile specific No-Go / exclusion fencing should be established along the eastern Legless Lizard boundary of the David Warren Drive extension works, to block passage of any ground-dwelling fauna (specifically the Striped Legless Lizard) from entering the construction site. Exclusion fencing requirements include:

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Potential impacts Mitigation measure ▪ Fencing should be designed specifically for the Striped Legless Lizard. Fencing is to be made from a hard and smooth material. Mesh is not to be used as it creates a potential trapping hazard. Fencing should be dug into the ground to limit potential for burrowing. ▪ All exclusion fencing will also include signage at reasonable intervals ▪ Fencing is to remain in place for the whole period of construction and will not be removed until all works are completed ▪ No machinery or construction equipment, waste, storage materials are permitted with No-Go Zones ▪ Exclusion fencing is to be inspected prior to the commencement of works. Weekly inspections of the fencing should also be undertaken.

If possible, the removal of suitable habitat identified for Striped Legless Lizard will be undertaken between September – May to coincide with the species’ active period. The higher temperatures experienced during this time may allow individuals to disperse out of the construction without risk of injury or the direct handling of individuals. A qualified ecologist will conduct a pre-clearance surveys to identify areas of suitable habitat for Striped Legless Lizard that will require supervision by an ecologist during initial earth works. Capture and release protocol of Striped Legless Lizard will be implemented throughout the construction period of this project. This includes the following method adapted from SMEC (2019): ▪ An ecologist must be on site during the disturbance or removal of Striped Legless Lizard habitat (as identified in the pre-clearance survey); ▪ Stripping of topsoil will be undertaken in the following manner to maximise the probability of safely locating and capturing Striped Legless Lizard; - A grader with ripping tynes at the rear of the plant will be used to strip the grass and topsoil in areas that are identified as potential Striped Legless Lizard habitat - Moving slowly, scraping will occur at a depth of approximately up to 20-30 cm - The ecologist will follow the grader on foot, carefully watching the scraped material and inspecting the newly scraped area for Striped Legless Lizard individuals. ▪ Any found must be captured and individuals assessed for injuries and then released immediately (if uninjured) into suitable adjoining habitat within the road reserve outside the project area (preferably within 10 m of capture and within a marked No-Go Zone); ▪ Any injured Striped Legless Lizard will be taken to a local vet. Animals will be transported in calico bags to avoid further stress; ▪ Any severely injured animals are to be assessed by the ecologist and humanely dispatched immediately on site by the ecologist; ▪ All construction must cease immediately within 10 m of the discovery of a Striped Legless Lizard within the construction zone if an ecologist/wildlife handler is not present;

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Potential impacts Mitigation measure ▪ Works can only recommence after the Striped Legless Lizard has been relocated by an ecologist/wildlife handler; and ▪ All capture and release locations (latitude / longitude) must be documented and reported to the relevant ACT Government Biodiversity Officer at the end of the project.

Death and mortality of Appropriate height (1.8 metre) wire fencing is to be installed around the proposal to native animals by reduce the potential of vehicle strike on native animals, particularly the Eastern Grey vehicle strike Kangaroo and Common Wombat. Design and placement of fencing should consider large grassland areas, with an attempt to redirect animals from the highway. Fencing would be particularly effective along the proposed David Warren Drive extension. The ACT Kangaroo Management Plan (Department of Territory and Municipal Services 2010) should be consulted for more details. Impacts to Dog Trap Where possible, design should consider retaining wetland habitat. Any wetland Creek, wetland habitat habitat that is impacted by the proposal should be remediated. and wildlife Where creek widening or modification is required for flood protection or hydrological connectivity reasons, then remediation of the riparian zone will be required. Remediation should focus on establishing the connective functionality of Dog Trap Creek as a corridor between wither side of the Monaro Highway. Temporary creek protection measures should be established during construction to reduce the potential for inadvertent impacts to Dog Trap Creek. Permanent measures are to be built as part of the design. Where possible, clearing of native trees should be limited. Post construction landscaping should consider the strategic use of native trees and shrubs to aid the east-west connection around Dog Trap Creek. Impacts from Weed control will be undertaken by suitably qualified and/or experienced personnel. introduction and This may include: spread of weeds ▪ Manual weed removal in preference to herbicides. ▪ Replacing non-target species removed/killed as a result of weed control activities. ▪ Protecting Non-target species from spray drift. ▪ Using only herbicides registered for use within or near waterways for the specific target weed. ▪ Applying herbicides during drier times when the waterway level is below the high-water mark. ▪ Not applying herbicide if it is raining or if rain is expected. ▪ Mixing and loading herbicides, and cleaning equipment away from waterways and drains.

Manage weeds in accordance with the requirements of the Pest Plants and Animals Act 2005, to ensure they are not spread to the surrounding environment; including during transport disposal off-site to a licenced waste disposal facility. All weeds, propagules, other plant parts and/or excavated topsoil material that is likely to be infested with weed propagules that are likely to regenerate will be treated on site or bagged, removed from site and disposed of at a licensed waste disposal facility.

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Potential impacts Mitigation measure

Landscape planting following the completion of construction should consider the use of trees, shrubs and dense groundcover as a barrier to the spread of African Lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula) into Jerrabomberra Nature Reserve. Impacts from All vehicles driving to and from site should follow a protocol to prevent the spread or introduction and introduction of phytophthora, namely vehicles should be clean, including the tyres spread of plant and any equipment. pathogens

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7. Conclusions and recommendations

The proposal is located within a historically modified and disturbed environment. Most vegetation within the study area was planted after the construction of the highway approximately 30 years ago and consists of both indigenous native tree species and exotic trees and shrubs. Large areas of exotic grassland are also present within the highway corridor and to the east around Lanyon Drive. The highest quality biodiversity values are located to the west of the study area in the West Jerrabomberra Nature Reserve, which contains threatened ecological communities (Natural Temperate Grasslands) and potential habitat for threatened plant and animal species. This area is outside of the impact zone.

The planted native vegetation in the study area provides low to moderate quality habitat for threatened species. This habitat provides potential foraging and refuge opportunities for numerous fauna species, including threatened nectarivorous birds and bats, and habitat for threatened plants. Riparian and aquatic habitats in the study area also provide resources for common species.

The proposal will result in the direct removal of native tree species that provide foraging opportunities for the Superb Parrot, Swift Parrot, Regent Honeyeater and Grey-headed Flying Fox. The habitat is not considered important to these species, though may provide foraging resources during flowering periods for animals travelling through the study area. This vegetation may also provide low-quality habitat for the Golden Sun Moth and threatened plants including Leucochrysum albicans subsp. Tricolor (Hoary Sunray), Rutidosis leptorhynchoides (Button Wrinklewort) and Swainsona recta (Small Purple-pea). These species are known from the West Jerrabomberra Nature Reserve and may occur in the study area by dispersal, however no populations are likely to persist due to a high level of disturbance from mowing and vehicle traffic. High-quality habitat for these species will remain to the west of the study area.

Assessments of impact significance have been undertaken for all threatened species considered to have a moderate to high likelihood of occurring in the study area in accordance with the EPBC Act Policy Statement 1.1 Significant Impact Guidelines (Department of the Environment, 2013) and are provided in Appendix B. The proposal is unlikely to result in a significant impact to these species. However, on the basis that a Striped Legless Lizard important population is confirmed in habitat nearby to the project, a precautionary referral has been submitted to the Commonwealth in accordance with the EPBC Act. The referral has been split based on two different packages of work.

The proposal contains some areas of suitable foraging habitat along Dog Trap Creek and the artificial drain near the Lanyon Drive intersection for migratory species Latham’s Snipe. Project design should consider retaining or improving wetland habitat where possible.

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8. References

ACT Government (2004). Woodlands for Wildlife: ACT Lowland Woodland Conservation Strategy (Action Plan No. 27). Environment ACT, ACT Urban Services, Canberra.

ACT Government (2005). A Vision Splendid of the Grassy Plains Extended: ACT Lowland Native Grassland Conservation Strategy (Action Plan No. 28). Arts, Heritage and Environment, Canberra.

ACT Government (2013), Mugga Landfill Expansion – Stage 5, Environmental Impact Statement Assessment Report

ACT Government (2017). Button Wrinklewort (Rutidosis leptorrhynchoides) Action Plan. Australasian Regional Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria (ARAZPA) (1996). Population and Habitat Viability assessment (PHVA) for the striped legless lizard Delma impar. Workshop held in Canberra, Australia. 30 July - 2 August 1996. Australasian Regional Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria, ACT Parks and Conservation Service, Striped Legless Lizard Working Group, and Conservation Breeding Specialist Group (SSC/IUCN).

Bowles, AE 1997. Responses of wildlife to noise, in RL Knight & KJ Gutzwiller (eds), Wildlife and Recreationists: Coexistence through Management and Research, Island Press, Washington DC.

Byrnes, P, Goosem, M & Turton, SM 2012. Are less vocal rainforest mammals susceptible to impacts from traffic noise?, Wildlife Research, vol. 39, no. 4, pp. 355-65. Carter, O., Murphy, A.M. and Cheal, D. (2003) Natural Temperate Grassland. Report to Environment Australia (Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Dept of Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria).

Cogger, H.G., E.E. Cameron, R.A. Sadlier & P. Eggler (1993). The Action Plan for Australian Reptiles. Canberra, ACT: Australian Nature Conservation Agency. Available: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/action/reptiles/index.html.

Coulson, G. (1995). Management directions for the Striped Legless Lizard (Delma impar) in the Australian Capital Territory. ACT Parks & Conservation Service. Canberra: ACT Parks & Conservation Service.

Department of Environment Water Heritage and the Arts (2009). Significant Impact Guidelines for the Critically Endangered Golden Sun Moth (Synemon plana) Background paper to the EPBC Act policy statement 3.12 - Nationally threatened species and ecological communities. Canberra, Department of Environment Water Heritage and the Arts.

Department of the Environment (2013). Matters of National Environmental Significance, Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Canberra, ACT, Commonwealth of Australia.

Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (NSW) (2010). National Recovery Plan for Prasophyllum petilum, Department of Environment and Climate Change and Water (NSW), Hurstville. Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities. (2011). Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 referral guidelines for the vulnerable striped legless lizard, Delma Impar. Canberra ACT. Available https://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/e046c502- c7f1-485a-841d-0b4601fa01ff/files/striped-legless-lizard-referral-guidelines.pdf

Department of Territory and Municipal Services (2010) ACT Kangaroo Management Plan. Published by Territory and Municipal Services (10/0022).

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Dorrough, J. & J.E. Ash (1999). Using past and present habitat to predict the current distribution and abundance of a rare cryptic lizard, Delma impar (Pygopodidae). Australian Journal of Ecology. 24:614-624.Hogg, D (2007), Hume West Industrial Estate – Ecological Investigation.

Longcore, T & Rich, C 2004. Ecological Light Pollution, Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, vol. 2, no. 4, pp. 191-8.

NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (NSW DECCW) (2010). Draft National Recovery Plan for the Grey-headed Flying-fox Pteropus poliocephalus. Prepared by Woodhead, A. & P. Eby. Sydney: NSW DECCW. Available from: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/threatenedspecies/08214dnrpflyingfox.pdf.

NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (2012a). National Recovery Plan for Button Wrinklewort Rutidosis leptorrhynchoides. NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, Hurstville.

NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (2012b). National Recovery Plan for Small Purple-pea (Swainsona recta). Hurstville, NSW.

Rayner, L., Stojanovic, D., Heinsohn, R. and Manning, A (2016) Breeding ecology of the superb parrot Polytelis swainsonii in northern Canberra - Nest Monitoring Report 2016. Prepared for Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate Australian Capital Territory Government.

Jessop, R (2013), Proposed Solar Farm Part Block 1677 Tuggeranong – preliminary Ecological Assessment Update Kutt, A. (1992). Microhabitat selection and mobility of the Striped Legless Lizard, Delma impar. Hons. Thesis. University of Melbourne. Parkville, Victoria: Department of Zoology, University of Melbourne.

O'Shea, M. (2005). Methods for assessment and techniques for management of striped legless lizard Delma impar populations in south-eastern Australia. Ph.D. Thesis. Victoria: Victoria University.

Sinclair, S.J. (2010), National Recovery Plan for the Hoary Sunray Leucochrysum albicans var. tricolor. Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne

SMEC (2015a), Eastern Broadacre Striped Legless Lizard Survey – Final Report

SMEC (2015b), Eastern Broadacre Golden Sun Moth Survey – Final Report SMEC (2019) Preliminary Documentation Request - Geelong-Bacchus Marsh Road Upgrade Project, Victoria [EPBC 2017/8018]

Smith, W.J.S. & P. Robertson (1999). National Recovery Plan for the Striped Legless Lizard (Delma impar): 1999- 2003. Unpublished report to Environment Australia, Canberra.

Threatened Species Scientific Committee (2016a). Approved Conservation Advice (including listing advice) for Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands (EC 152). Canberra, Department of the Environment. Available: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/communities/pubs/152- conservation-advice.pdf Threatened Species Scientific Committee (2016b). Conservation Advice Lathamus discolor Swift Parrot Canberra, Department of the Environment. Available: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/species/pubs/744-conservation-advice- 05052016.pdfWebster, A., R. Fallu & K. Preece (2003). Flora & Fauna Guarantee Action Statement no. 17: Striped Legless Lizard Delma impar. Melbourne: Department of Sustainability and Environment. Available from: http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/environment-and-wildlife/threatened-species-and-communities/flora-and-fauna- guarantee-act-1988/action-statements.

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Whitby, M. (1995). The ecology of the Striped Legless Lizard (Delma impar) on a grazing property in western Victoria. University of Ballarat, Victoria. Unpublished report.

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Biodiversity Assessment Report

Appendix A. Likelihood of occurrence assessment

Species or ecological NC Act or References in previous studies Habitat preferences Likelihood of community EPBC Act occurrence

Threatened ecological communities

Yellow Box–Red Gum Grassy EPBC Act Proposed Solar Farm Part Block 1677 Tuggeranong – Preliminary Box Gum Woodlands are characterised by Eucalyptus Not present – Patches of this Woodland (BGW) (CE) Ecological Assessment Update (Robert Jessop 2013) melliodora (Yellow Box) and E. blakelyi (Blakely’s Red Gum) ecological community are NC Act (E) Mugga Landfill Expansion – Stage 5 Environmental Impact trees, with a predominantly native understorey of grass and present to the south-west of Statement Assessment Report (ACT Gov 2013) forbs. the project a and are unlikely to be impacted. Hume West Industrial Estate – Ecological Investigation (Hogg The community can still occur as a derived grassland where 2007) the trees have been removed.

Natural Temperate Grassland EPBC Act Eastern Broadacre Golden Sun Moth Survey – Final Report (SMEC The community is generally dominated by native tussock Not present – Three plots (NTG) (CE) 2015) grasses, particularly Themeda triandra (Kangaroo Grass), undertaken in grassland within NC Act (E) Eastern Broadacre Striped Legless Lizard Survey – Final Report with a high diversity of wildflowers and other grassland plant the study area were (SMEC 2015) species. dominated by exotic species Proposed Solar Farm Part Block 1677 Tuggeranong – Preliminary and did not meet the Ecological Assessment Update (Robert Jessop 2013) condition criteria for this Mugga Landfill Expansion – Stage 5 Environmental Impact ecological community. Statement Assessment Report (ACT Gov 2013) Patches of this ecological community are present to the Hume West Industrial Estate – Ecological Investigation (Hogg west of the project in West 2007) Jerrabomberra Nature Reserve and are unlikely to be impacted.

Threatened plants

Amphibromus fluitans EPBC Act (V) - River Swamp Wallaby-grass occurs in southern NSW, Victoria, Unlikely – This species is not River Swamp Wallaby-grass South Australia and Tasmania. Amphibromus fluitans grows known to occur in the ACT. mostly in permanent swamps. The species needs wetlands which are at least moderately fertile and which have some bare ground, conditions which are produced by seasonally- fluctuating water levels. Flowering time is from spring to autumn or November to March. Disturbance regimes are not known, although the species requires periodic flooding of its habitat to maintain wet conditions.

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Biodiversity Assessment Report

Species or ecological NC Act or References in previous studies Habitat preferences Likelihood of community EPBC Act occurrence

Caladenia actensis EPBC Act Proposed Solar Farm Part Block 1677 Tuggeranong – Preliminary The Canberra Spider-orchid is endemic to the Australian Unlikely – There is no suitable Canberra Spider Orchid (CE) Ecological Assessment Update (Robert Jessop 2013) Capital Territory. It grows on shallow gravelly brown clay habitat in the study area for NC Act (CE) loam soils of volcanic origin. Plants occur amongst a ground this species. cover of grasses, forbs and low shrubs, often among rocks. The Canberra Spider-orchid grows in transitional vegetation zones between open grassy woodland (dominated by Eucalyptus blakelyi, E. melliodora, and E. pauciflora) and dry sclerophyll forest.

Calotis glandulosa EPBC Act (V) - The distribution of the Mauve Burr-daisy is centred on the Low – Vegetation in the study Mauve Burr-daisy Monaro and Kosciuszko regions. There are three known sites area is too disturbed for this in the upper Shoalhaven catchment. There are old and species. possibly dubious records from near Oberon, the Dubbo area and Mt Imlay. Found in montane and subalpine grasslands in the Australian Alps. Found in subalpine grassland (dominated by Poa spp.), and montane or natural temperate grassland dominated by Kangaroo Grass (Themeda australis) and Snow Gum (Eucalyptus pauciflora) Woodlands on the Monaro and Shoalhaven area. Appears to be a coloniser of bare patches, which explains why it often occurs on roadsides. Apparently common on roadsides in parts of the Monaro, though it does not persist for long in such sites. Does not persist in heavily-grazed pastures of the Monaro or the Shoalhaven area.

Dodonaea procumbens EPBC Act (V) - Creeping Hop-bush is found in the dry areas of the Monaro, Low – Vegetation in the study Trailing Hop-bush between Michelago and Dalgety. Here it occurs mostly in area is too disturbed for this Natural Temperate Grassland or Snow Gum Eucalyptus species. pauciflora Woodland. Grows in open bare patches where there is little competition from other species. Found on sandy-clay soils, usually on or near vertically-tilted shale outcrops. Produces roots along the stems that enable the plants to recover from minor disturbances. Often occurs on roadside batters.

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Biodiversity Assessment Report

Species or ecological NC Act or References in previous studies Habitat preferences Likelihood of community EPBC Act occurrence

Eucalyptus aggregata EPBC Act (V) - Black gum is endemic to south-eastern Australia and is found Unlikely – This species was not Black Gum NC Act (V) in the ACT, NSW and in a small isolated sub-population in identified during surveys. Victoria. In the ACT the species occurs to a very minor extent, with only 16 known mature trees in the wild in 2014. The species occurs mainly in the wetter, cooler and higher parts of the tablelands and is found at altitudes of 600–1200 m and generally in areas with annual rainfall of 600–900 (up to1800) mm. It occurs on alluvial soils in, poorly-drained flats and hollows adjacent to swamps, creeks and small rivers and up adjoining slopes (up to eight metres above waterline) onto Ordovician Sandstones and shales. It is usually found in open woodland with a grassy understory dominated by river tussock (Poa labillardierei) or kangaroo grass (Themeda triandra) and with few shrubs present. Black gum is often found with other eucalypts including snow gum (Eucalyptus. pauciflora), manna or ribbon gum (E. viminalis), candlebark (E. rubida), black sallee (E. stellulata) and swamp gum (E. ovata).

Lepidium ginninderrense EPBC Act (V) Proposed Solar Farm Part Block 1677 Tuggeranong – Preliminary The only known population of Lepidium ginninderrense Low – Only one known Ginninderra Peppercress NC Act (E) Ecological Assessment Update (Robert Jessop 2013) occurs in the north-west corner of Belconnen Naval population. No suitable Transmission Station in the suburb of Lawson in the habitat in the study area. Australian Capital Territory. At the type locality Lepidium ginninderrense grows on the flood plain of Ginninderra Creek, in Natural Temperate Grassland dominated by Austrodanthonia spp. and Bothriochloa macra.

Lepidium hyssopifolium EPBC Act (E) - The Basalt Pepper-cress is found in an extensive, but patchy Low – this species has not Basalt Pepper-cress distribution from south-eastern NSW, through Victoria to been recorded in the ACT. eastern parts of Tasmania. Generally, the Basalt Pepper-cress is known to establish on open, bare ground with limited competition from other plants. The Basalt Pepper-cress was previously recorded from Eucalypt woodland with a grassy ground cover, low open Casuarina woodland with a grassy ground cover and tussock grassland. Recently recorded localities have predominantly been in weed-infested areas of

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Biodiversity Assessment Report

Species or ecological NC Act or References in previous studies Habitat preferences Likelihood of community EPBC Act occurrence heavy modification, high degradation and high soil disturbance such as road and rail verges, on the fringes of developed agricultural land or within small reserves in agricultural land.

Leucochrysum albicans var. EPBC Act (E) Proposed Solar Farm Part Block 1677 Tuggeranong – Preliminary Occurs in a variety of grassland and woodland, dependant on Moderate – this species is tricolor Ecological Assessment Update (Robert Jessop 2013) areas of bare ground for germination. likely to occur in the West Hoary Sunray Mugga Landfill Expansion – Stage 5 Environmental Impact Jerrabomberra Nature Reserve Statement Assessment Report (ACT Gov 2013) and may occur in the study area by dispersal of seed. The study area is mown and likely contaminated by road run-off and presents very low habitat quality for these species.

Muehlenbeckia tuggeranong EPBC Act (E) Proposed Solar Farm Part Block 1677 Tuggeranong – Preliminary The species is found on flood terraces, at an altitude of about Unlikely – no suitable habitat Tuggeranong Lignum NC Act (E) Ecological Assessment Update (Robert Jessop 2013) 550 metres, in areas of rocky outcrops with pockets of silty in the study area for this sandy soil. It grows on nearly bare rock, or tangled amongst species. other vegetation.

Pomaderris pallida EPBC Act Proposed Solar Farm Part Block 1677 Tuggeranong – Preliminary Pale Pomaderris has been recorded from near Kydra Trig Low – the vegetation in the Pale Pomaderris NC Act (V) Ecological Assessment Update (Robert Jessop 2013) (north-west of Nimmitabel), Tinderry Nature Reserve, the study area is not consistent Queanbeyan River (near Queanbeyan), the Shoalhaven River with the habitat requirements (between Bungonia and Warri), the Murrumbidgee River west of this species. of the ACT and the Byadbo area in Kosciuszko National Park. It is also found along the Murrumbidgee River in the ACT and has been recently recorded in eastern Victoria. This species usually grows in shrub communities surrounded by Brittle Gum (Eucalyptus mannifera) and Red Stringybark (E. macrorhyncha) or Callitris spp. woodland.

Prasophyllum petilum EPBC Act (E) Hume West Industrial Estate – Ecological Investigation (David Hogg Grows in Natural Temperate Grassland, particularly alongside Low – this species may occur Tarengo Leek Orchid NC Act 2007) wallaby grasses. Also grows in grassy woodland in association in the West Jerrabomberra Proposed Solar Farm Part Block 1677 Tuggeranong – Preliminary with River Tussock Poa labillardieri, Black Gum Eucalyptus Nature Reserve. The study Ecological Assessment Update (Robert Jessop 2013) aggregata and tea-trees Leptospermum spp. near area is mown and likely Queanbeyan and within the grassy groundlayer dominated by contaminated by road run-off

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Biodiversity Assessment Report

Species or ecological NC Act or References in previous studies Habitat preferences Likelihood of community EPBC Act occurrence Kanagroo Grass under Box-Gum Woodland at Ilford. Highly and presents very low habitat susceptible to grazing. quality for this species.

Rutidosis leptorrhynchoides EPBC Act (E) Proposed Solar Farm Part Block 1677 Tuggeranong – Preliminary The species is an erect perennial forb belonging to the daisy Moderate – this species is Button Wrinklewort NC Act Ecological Assessment Update (Robert Jessop 2013) family (Asteraceae). It produces multiple flowering stems in likely to occur in the West the spring and summer, which die back towards the rootstock Jerrabomberra Nature Reserve in the autumn. It grows in Natural Temperate Grassland, Box- and may occur in the study Gum Woodland, and derived grasslands; often in the ecotone area by dispersal of seed. The between the woodland and grassland communities. It study area is mown and likely appears that the species was once widespread across south- contaminated by road run-off eastern Australia, but it is now limited to approximately 29 and presents very low habitat populations. quality for these species.

Swainsona recta EPBC Act (E) Proposed Solar Farm Part Block 1677 Tuggeranong – Preliminary Historically occurs in the grassy understorey of woodlands Moderate – this species is Small Purple Pea NC Act Ecological Assessment Update (Robert Jessop 2013) and open forests, particularly Red Gum – Yellow Box. likely to occur in the West Hume West Industrial Estate – Ecological Investigation (David Hogg Jerrabomberra Nature Reserve 2007) and may occur in the study area by dispersal of seed. The study area is mown and likely contaminated by road run-off and presents very low habitat quality for these species.

Thesium australe EPBC Act Proposed Solar Farm Part Block 1677 Tuggeranong – Preliminary Found in very small populations scattered across eastern Unlikely – this species is Austral Toadflax NC Act (V) Ecological Assessment Update (Robert Jessop 2013) NSW, along the coast, and from the Northern to Southern locally extinct in the ACT. Tablelands. It is also found in Tasmania and Queensland and in eastern Asia. Occurs in grassland on coastal headlands or grassland and grassy woodland away from the coast. Often found in association with Kangaroo Grass (Themeda australis). Threatened birds

Australian Painted Snipe EPBC Act Proposed Solar Farm Part Block 1677 Tuggeranong – Preliminary Shallow terrestrial freshwater (occasionally brackish) Low – wetland/drain Rostratula australis NC Act (E) Ecological Assessment Update (Robert Jessop 2013) wetlands, including temporary and permanent lakes, swamps vegetation in the study area is and claypans. They also use inundated or waterlogged low quality and does not grassland or saltmarsh, dams, rice crops, sewage farms and present suitable habitat for bore drains. this species.

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Biodiversity Assessment Report

Species or ecological NC Act or References in previous studies Habitat preferences Likelihood of community EPBC Act occurrence

Brown Treecreeper NC Act (V) Proposed Solar Farm Part Block 1677 Tuggeranong – Preliminary Lives in eucalypt forests and woodlands, including Box-Gum Low – Vegetation in the study Climacteris picumnus Ecological Assessment Update (Robert Jessop 2013) Woodlands. Forage on trunks and branches of trees, as well area is highly disturbed and Hume West Industrial Estate – Ecological Investigation (David Hogg as in fallen timber. Nest in hollows does not present suitable 2007) habitat for this species.

Curlew Sandpiper EPBC Act - The breeding range of the Curlew Sandpiper is mainly Low – wetland/drain Calidris ferruginea (CE) restricted to the Arctic of northern Siberia, including Yamal vegetation in the study area is Peninsula east to Kolyuchiskaya Gulf, Chokotka Peninsula, low quality and does not and New Siberian Island. Curlew Sandpipers mainly occur on present suitable habitat for intertidal mudflats in sheltered coastal areas, such as this species. estuaries, bays, inlets and lagoons, and around non-tidal swamps, lakes and lagoons near the coast, and ponds in salt works and sewage farms.

Eastern Curlew EPBC Act - Within Australia, the Eastern Curlew has a primarily coastal Low – wetland/drain Numenius madagascariensis (CE) distribution. The species is found in all states, particularly the vegetation in the study area is north, east, and south-east regions including Tasmania. The low quality and does not Eastern Curlew is most commonly associated with sheltered present suitable habitat for coasts, especially estuaries, bays, harbours, inlets and coastal this species. lagoons, with large intertidal mudflats or sand flats, often with beds of seagrass.

Hooded Robin NC Act (V) Proposed Solar Farm Part Block 1677 Tuggeranong – Preliminary Prefers lightly wooded areas or open woodland near to Low – Vegetation in the study Melanodryas cucullate Ecological Assessment Update (Robert Jessop 2013) clearings and open areas. Prefers structurally diverse habitats area is highly disturbed and Hume West Industrial Estate – Ecological Investigation (David Hogg with a mix of mature eucalypts and saplings with shrubs and does not present suitable 2007) tall native grasses. habitat for this species.

Little Eagle NC Act (V) Proposed Solar Farm Part Block 1677 Tuggeranong – Preliminary Little Eagles forage above open eucalypt forest or woodland, Low – No tall trees present for Hieraaetus morphnoides Ecological Assessment Update (Robert Jessop 2013) with nests built in tall living trees. Also forage above riparian nesting. Exotic grassland may woodlands. provide low-quality foraging habitat.

Scarlet Robin NC Act (V) - The Scarlet Robin lives in dry eucalypt forests and Low – Vegetation in the study Petroica boodang woodlands. The understorey is usually open and grassy with area is highly disturbed and few scattered shrubs. This species lives in both mature and does not present suitable re-growth vegetation. It occasionally occurs in mallee or wet habitat for this species. forest communities, or in wetlands and tea-tree swamps.

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Biodiversity Assessment Report

Species or ecological NC Act or References in previous studies Habitat preferences Likelihood of community EPBC Act occurrence

Painted Honeyeater NC Act (V) Proposed Solar Farm Part Block 1677 Tuggeranong – Preliminary Lives in box-gum woodlands, feeds mainly on mistletoe, Low – Vegetation in the study Grantiella picta EPBC Act (V) Ecological Assessment Update (Robert Jessop 2013) particularly Amyema sp.. area is highly disturbed and does not present suitable habitat for this species. No mistletoes were observed.

Regent Honeyeater NC Act (CE) Proposed Solar Farm Part Block 1677 Tuggeranong – Preliminary Inhabits dry open forests and woodlands, as well as riparian Moderate – this species occurs Anthochaera phrygia EPBC Act Ecological Assessment Update (Robert Jessop 2013) forests of River Sheoak. Prefer woodlands with large numbers around the Canberra region (CE) Mugga Landfill Expansion – Stage 5 Environmental Impact of mature trees, high canopy cover, and abundance of and may forage in the study Statement Assessment Report (ACT Gov 2013) mistletoes. area when planted native trees are flowering. No breeding habitat is present.

Superb Parrot NC Act (V) Proposed Solar Farm Part Block 1677 Tuggeranong – Preliminary Inhabits Box-Gum, Box-Cypress-Pine and Boree Woodlands Moderate – this species occurs Polytelis swainsonii EPBC Act (V) Ecological Assessment Update (Robert Jessop 2013) and River Red Gum Forest. Nest in the hollows of large trees. around the Canberra region Mugga Landfill Expansion – Stage 5 Environmental Impact Forage primarily in grassy box woodland. and may forage in the study Statement Assessment Report (ACT Gov 2013) area when planted native trees are flowering. No breeding habitat is present.

Swift Parrot NC Act (CE) Proposed Solar Farm Part Block 1677 Tuggeranong – Preliminary Breed in Tasmania and migrate to mainland Australia Moderate – this species occurs Lathamus discolor EPBC Act Ecological Assessment Update (Robert Jessop 2013) between February and October. Favour winter-flowering trees around the Canberra region in (CE) Mugga Landfill Expansion – Stage 5 Environmental Impact and lerp infested trees. winter and may forage in the Statement Assessment Report (ACT Gov 2013) study area when planted native trees are flowering.

White-winged Triller NC Act (V) Proposed Solar Farm Part Block 1677 Tuggeranong – Preliminary Rely on foraging areas of grass and fallen timber. In Canberra Low – Vegetation in the study Lalage tricolor Ecological Assessment Update (Robert Jessop 2013) it is an uncommon breeding migrant. area is highly disturbed and Hume West Industrial Estate – Ecological Investigation (David Hogg does not present suitable 2007) habitat for this species.

Varied Sittella NC Act (V) Proposed Solar Farm Part Block 1677 Tuggeranong – Preliminary Found in eucalypt forests and woodlands, prefer rough- Low – Vegetation in the study Daphoenositta chrysoptera Ecological Assessment Update (Robert Jessop 2013) barked species and mature smooth-barked gums with dead area is highly disturbed and Hume West Industrial Estate – Ecological Investigation (David Hogg branches, mallee and acacia woodland. does not present suitable 2007) habitat for this species.

White-throated Needletail EPBC Act (V, - Widespread in eastern and south-eastern Australia. Almost Low - May pass over the study Hirundapus caudacutus M) exclusively aerial, from heights of less than 1 m up to more area during migration

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Biodiversity Assessment Report

Species or ecological NC Act or References in previous studies Habitat preferences Likelihood of community EPBC Act occurrence than 1000 m above the ground. They also commonly occur over heathland but less often over treeless areas, such as grassland or swamps. Threatened mammals

Large-eared Pied Bat EPBC Act - Forages over a broad range of open forest and woodland Low – this species may occur Chalinolobus dwyeri (V) habitats, this species is a cave roosting bat which favours over the study area on sandstone escarpment habitats for roosting, in the form of occasion as it moves from shallow overhangs, crevices and caves. roost locations to foraging locations however the vegetation in the study area is unlikely to be important.

Spotted-Tailed Quoll EPBC Act Mugga Landfill Expansion – Stage 5 Environmental Impact Prefers mature, wet forest habitat and unlogged forest. Low – no suitable habitat Dasyurus maculatus maculatus (E) Statement Assessment Report (ACT Gov 2013) Requires suitable den sites, an abundance of food, and large features for this species. NC Act (V) areas of relatively intact vegetation.

Greater Glider EPBC Act - The Greater Glider occurs in eucalypt forests and woodlands Unlikely – the planted Petauroides volans (V) along the east coast of Australia from north east Queensland vegetation along the Monaro NC Act (V) to the Central Highlands of Victoria from sea level to 1200 Highway is not suitable for m altitude. It feeds exclusively on eucalypt leaves, buds, the Greater Glider. flowers and mistletoe and favours forests with a diversity of eucalypt species, due to seasonal variation in its preferred tree species. It roosts in tree hollows, with a particular selection for large hollows in large, old trees. Individuals use multiple hollows and a relatively high abundance of tree hollows (at least 4-8 suitable hollows per hectare) seems to be needed for the species to persist. Individuals occupy relatively small home ranges with an average size of 1 to 3 ha but the species has relatively low persistence in small forest fragments, and disperses poorly across vegetation that is not native forest. Forest patches of at least 160 km2 may be required to maintain viable populations.

Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby EPBC Act - Range extends from south-east Queensland to the Unlikely – the vegetation in Petrogale penicillata (V) Grampians in western Victoria, roughly following the line of the study area is not NC Act (E) the Great Dividing Range. Occupy rocky escarpments,

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Biodiversity Assessment Report

Species or ecological NC Act or References in previous studies Habitat preferences Likelihood of community EPBC Act occurrence outcrops and cliffs with a preference for complex structures consistent with this species with fissures, caves and ledges, often facing north. Browse on habitat requirements. vegetation in and adjacent to rocky areas eating grasses and forbs as well as the foliage and fruits of shrubs and trees.

Koala EPBC Act - In NSW it mainly occurs on the central and north coasts with Low – Koala is known from Phascolarctos cinereus (V) some populations in the west of the Great Dividing Range. east of Queanbeyan. There NC Act (V) Inhabit eucalypt woodlands and forests. Feed on the foliage are no records nearby the site. of more than 70 eucalypt species and 30 non-eucalypt Koalas are unlikely to traverse species, but in any one area will select preferred browse the highway corridor between species. grassland paddocks.

Grey-headed Flying Fox EPBC Act - Generally found within 200 km of the eastern coast of Moderate – potential foraging Pteropus poliocephalus (V) Australia, from Rockhampton in Queensland to Adelaide in habitat in the study area may NC Act (V) South Australia. In times of natural resource shortages, they be part of the foraging range may be found in unusual locations. Occur in subtropical and for local individuals. temperate rainforests, tall sclerophyll forests and woodlands, heaths and swamps as well as urban gardens and cultivated fruit crops. Roosting camps are generally located within 20 km of a regular food source and are commonly found in gullies, close to water, in vegetation with a dense canopy. Individual camps may have tens of thousands of animals and are used for mating, and for giving birth and rearing young. Threatened reptiles

Grassland Earless Dragon EPBC Act Proposed Solar Farm Part Block 1677 Tuggeranong – Preliminary Natural Temperate Grasslands with actual or potential Low – no suitable grassland Ecological Assessment Update (Robert Jessop 2013) Tympanocryptis pinguicolla (E) connectivity value. Also requires the presence of wolf spider habitat is present in the study NC Act (E) Hume West Industrial Estate – Ecological Investigation (David (Lycosa spp.) and wood cricket (Cooraboorama canberrae) area. This species is likely Hogg 2007) burrows restricted to higher-quality habitat in the West Jerrabomberra Nature Reserve.

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Biodiversity Assessment Report

Species or ecological NC Act or References in previous studies Habitat preferences Likelihood of community EPBC Act occurrence

Pink-tailed Worm Lizard NC Act (V) Proposed Solar Farm Part Block 1677 Tuggeranong – Preliminary Live in well-drained sites with a cover of partially embedded Low – no suitable grassland Aprasia parapulchella EPBC Act Ecological Assessment Update (Robert Jessop 2013) rocks of igneous or metamorphic origin. Numerous scattered and rocky habitat is present in (V) Mugga Landfill Expansion – Stage 5 Environmental Impact surface rocks which are well weathered and partially the study area. This species is Statement Assessment Report (ACT Gov 2013) embedded in soil or grass. Grass species preferred is likely restricted to higher- Hume West Industrial Estate – Ecological Investigation (David Themeda triandra, Bothriochloa macra, Aristida ramosa and quality habitat in the West Hogg 2007) Lomandra filiformis. The species does not like areas of Jerrabomberra Nature Austrostipa species or Poa labillardieri. Single rocks, deeply Reserve. embedded boulders, and solid rock outcroppings are not considered to provide potential habitat. The habitat is not found under tree canopies or in overgrown areas – likely because the excess shade results in unfavourable temperatures for the lizard (Osborne and Wong 2013)

Striped Legless Lizard EPBC Act Eastern Broadacre Golden Sun Moth Survey – Final Report (SMEC All areas which have, or once had, native grasslands or Moderate – this species has Delma impar (V) 2015) grassy woodlands provided that area retains suitable tussock been recorded approx. 200m NC Act (V) Eastern Broadacre Striped Legless Lizard Survey – Final Report structure, the soil is of appropriate type and structure, and east of the proposed David (SMEC 2015) the site has not had major disturbance such as ploughing. Warren Drive extension. Proposed Solar Farm Part Block 1677 Tuggeranong – Preliminary Exotic grassland may provide Ecological Assessment Update (Robert Jessop 2013) low-quality habitat. Mugga Landfill Expansion – Stage 5 Environmental Impact Statement Assessment Report (ACT Gov 2013) Hume West Industrial Estate – Ecological Investigation (David Hogg 2007) Threatened frogs

Booroolong Frog EPBC Act - Restricted to tablelands and slopes in NSW and north-east Low – Dog Trap Creek is very Litoria booroolongensis (E) Victoria at 200–1300 m above sea level. Occurs along degraded and likely permanent streams with some fringing vegetation cover unsuitable habitat for the such as ferns, sedges or grasses. Booroolong Frog.

Green and Golden Bell Frog EPBC Act - Since 1990 there have been approximately 50 recorded Unlikely – The Green and Litoria aurea (V) locations in NSW, most of which are small, coastal, or near Golden Bell Frog is not NC Act (V) coastal populations. These locations occur over the species’ currently known from the former range, however they are widely separated and ACT, except in Booderee isolated. Large populations in NSW are located around the National Park on the coast. metropolitan areas of Sydney, Shoalhaven and mid north 43 IA224400-RP-EN-074_Lanyon Drive_Biodiversity Assessment Report_Draft

Biodiversity Assessment Report

Species or ecological NC Act or References in previous studies Habitat preferences Likelihood of community EPBC Act occurrence coast (one an island population). There is only one known population on the NSW Southern Tablelands. Ephemeral and permanent freshwater wetlands, ponds, dams with an open aspect and fringed by Typha and other aquatics, free from predatory fish.

Growling Grass Frog EPBC Act - The species is currently widespread throughout the Murray Low – Dog Trap Creek is very Litoria raniformis (V) River valley and has been recorded from six Catchment degraded with very little NC Act (V) Management Areas in NSW: Lower Murray Darling, emergent vegetation and Murrumbidgee, Murray, Lachlan, Central West and South likely unsuitable habitat for East. Found mostly amongst emergent vegetation, including the Growling Grass Frog. Typha sp. (bullrush), Phragmites sp. (reeds) and Eleocharis sp.(sedges), in or at the edges of still or slow-flowing water bodies such as lagoons, swamps, lakes, ponds and farm dams.

Yellow-Spotted Tree EPBC Act Proposed Solar Farm Part Block 1677 Tuggeranong – Preliminary Permanent ponds, swamps, lagoons, farm dams and the still Unlikely – this species is Frog/Yellow Spotted Bell Frog (CE) Ecological Assessment Update (Robert Jessop 2013) backwaters of rivers usually with tall reeds present. Also considered locally extinct in Litoria castanea NC Act (CE) found in ponds or slow-moving streams with overhanging the ACT. grassy banks in the absence of reed beds. Threatened invertebrates

Golden Sun Moth EPBC Act Eastern Broadacre Golden Sun Moth Survey – Final Report (SMEC Native temperate grassland and open grassy woodlands Moderate – this species may 2015) Synemon plana (CE) dominated by wallaby grass. Generally, prefer sites which occur in the study area on NC Act (E) Proposed Solar Farm Part Block 1677 Tuggeranong – Preliminary have been subject to light grazing. occasion due to the close Ecological Assessment Update (Robert Jessop 2013) proximity of West Mugga Landfill Expansion – Stage 5 Environmental Impact Jerrabomberra Nature Statement Assessment Report (ACT Gov 2013) Reserve, though no important Hume West Industrial Estate – Ecological Investigation (David habitat is present. Hogg 2007)

Perunga Grasshopper NC Act (E) Eastern Broadacre Golden Sun Moth Survey – Final Report (SMEC A flightless species which lives in native grasslands / natural Low – no suitable grassland Perunga ochracea 2015) temperate grasslands. Sometimes occurs in open woodlands habitat is present in the study Hume West Industrial Estate – Ecological Investigation (David Hogg with a grassy understorey. Particularly common in areas with area. This species is likely 2007) Chrysocephalum apiculatum. restricted to higher-quality habitat in the West

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Biodiversity Assessment Report

Species or ecological NC Act or References in previous studies Habitat preferences Likelihood of community EPBC Act occurrence Jerrabomberra Nature Reserve. Threatened fish

Murray Cod EPBC Act (V) - The Murray Cod occurs naturally in the waterways of the Low – Dog Trap Creek is very Maccullochella peelii Murray-Darling Basin (ACT, SA, NSW and Vic) and is known to degraded and likely unsuitable live in a wide range of warm water habitats that range from habitat for the Murray Cod. clear, rocky streams to slow flowing turbid rivers and There are no records of this billabongs. The upper reaches of the Murray and species in adjoining Murrumbidgee Rivers are considered too cold to contain waterways. suitable habitat. Some translocated populations exist outside the species' natural distribution in impoundments and waterways in NSW and Vic which are maintained by the release of hatchery bred fish.

Macquarie Perch EPBC Act (E) - The Macquarie Perch is a riverine species that prefers clear Low – Dog Trap Creek is very Macquaria australasica NC Act (E) water and deep, rocky holes with abundant cover such as degraded and likely unsuitable aquatic vegetation, large boulders, debris and overhanging habitat for the Macquarie banks. In Victorian parts of the Murray-Darling, only small Perch. There are no records of natural populations remain in the upper reaches of the Mitta this species in adjoining Mitta, Ovens, Broken, Campaspe and Goulburn Rivers; waterways. translocated populations occur in the Yarra River and Lake Eildon. In NSW, natural inland populations are isolated to the upper reaches of the Lachlan and Murrumbidgee Rivers. Populations of the eastern form are confined to the Hawkesbury-Nepean and Shoalhaven river systems. Translocated populations in NSW are found in the Mongarlowe River, Queanbeyan River upstream of the Googong Reservoir and in Cataract Dam. In the ACT, it is restricted to the Murrumbidgee, Paddys and Cotter Rivers Migratory species

Common Sandpiper EPBC Act - Found along all coastlines of Australia and in many areas Low – wetland/drain Actitis hypoleucos (M) inland, the Common Sandpiper is widespread in small vegetation in the study area is numbers. The species utilises a wide range of coastal low quality and does not wetlands and some inland wetlands, with varying levels of

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Species or ecological NC Act or References in previous studies Habitat preferences Likelihood of community EPBC Act occurrence salinity, and is mostly found around muddy margins or rocky present suitable habitat for shores and rarely on mudflats. this species.

Fork-Tailed Swift EPBC Act - Recorded in all regions of NSW. The Fork-tailed Swift is Low – may occur in the air Apus pacificus (M) almost exclusively aerial, flying from less than 1 m to at least space above the study area on 300 m above ground and probably much higher. occasion.

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper EPBC Act - The Sharp-tailed Sandpiper spends the non-breeding season Low – wetland/drain Calidris acuminata (M) in Australia with small numbers occurring regularly in New vegetation in the study area is Zealand. Most of the population migrates to Australia, mostly low quality and does not to the south-east and are widespread in both inland and present suitable habitat for coastal locations and in both freshwater and saline habitats. this species. Many inland records are of birds on passage. Prefers muddy edges of shallow fresh or brackish wetlands, with inundated or emergent sedges, grass, saltmarsh or other low vegetation; this includes lagoons, swamps, lakes and pools near the coast, and dams, waterholes, soaks, bore drains and bore swamps, saltpans and hypersaline saltlakes inland. They also occur in saltworks and sewage farms. They use flooded paddocks, sedgelands and other ephemeral wetlands, but leave when they dry. They use intertidal mudflats in sheltered bays, inlets, estuaries or seashores, and also swamps and creeks lined with mangroves. They tend to occupy coastal mudflats mainly after ephemeral terrestrial wetlands have dried out, moving back during the wet season. Sometimes they occur on rocky shores and rarely on exposed reefs.

Pectoral Sandpiper EPBC Act - In New South Wales (NSW), the Pectoral Sandpiper is Low – wetland/drain Calidris melanotos (M) widespread, but scattered. Records exist east of the Great vegetation in the study area is Divide, from Casino and Ballina, south to Ulladulla. West of low quality and does not the Great Divide, the species is widespread in the Riverina present suitable habitat for and Lower Western regions. Prefers shallow fresh to saline this species. wetlands. The species is found at coastal lagoons, estuaries, bays, swamps, lakes, inundated grasslands, saltmarshes, river pools, creeks, floodplains and artificial wetlands.

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Species or ecological NC Act or References in previous studies Habitat preferences Likelihood of community EPBC Act occurrence

Latham’s Snipe EPBC Act - Recorded along the east coast of Australia from Cape York Moderate – wetland/drain Gallinago hardwickii (M) Peninsula through to south-eastern South Australia. Occurs vegetation in the study area in permanent and ephemeral wetlands up to 2000 m above may provide suitable foraging sea-level. habitat.

Black-faced Monarch EPBC Act - Widespread in eastern Australia. Mainly occurs in rainforest Low – no suitable habitat for Monarcha melanopsis (M) ecosystems, including semi-deciduous vine-thickets, complex this species in the study area. notophyll vine-forest, tropical (mesophyll) rainforest, subtropical (notophyll) rainforest, mesophyll (broadleaf) thicket/shrubland, warm temperate rainforest, dry (monsoon) rainforest and (occasionally) cool temperate rainforest.

Yellow Wagtail EPBC Act - Rare but regular visitor around Australian coast, especially in Low – no suitable habitat for Motacilla flava (M) the NW coast Broome to Darwin. Found in open country near this species in the study area. swamps, salt marshes, sewage ponds, grassed surrounds to airfields, bare ground; occasionally on drier inland plains.

Satin Flycatcher EPBC Act - Widespread in eastern Australia and vagrant to New Zealand. Low – no suitable habitat for Myiagra cyanoleuca (M) Inhabit heavily vegetated gullies in eucalypt-dominated this species in the study area. forests and taller woodlands, and on migration, occur in coastal forests, woodlands, mangroves and drier woodlands and open forests.

Osprey EPBC Act - The Osprey has a global distribution with four subspecies Low – no suitable habitat for Pandion haliaetus (M) previously recognised throughout its range. Favour coastal this species in the study area. areas, especially the mouths of large rivers, lagoons and lakes. Feed on fish over clear, open water.

Rufous Fantail EPBC Act - Occurs in coastal and near coastal districts of northern and Low – no suitable habitat for Rhipidura rufifrons (M) eastern Australia. In east and south-east Australia, the Rufous this species in the study area. Fantail mainly inhabits wet sclerophyll forests, often in gullies dominated by eucalypts such as Tallow-wood (Eucalyptus microcorys), Mountain Grey Gum (E. cypellocarpa), Narrow-leaved Peppermint (E. radiata), Mountain Ash (E. regnans), Alpine Ash (E. delegatensis), Blackbutt (E. pilularis) or Red Mahogany (E. resinifera);

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Species or ecological NC Act or References in previous studies Habitat preferences Likelihood of community EPBC Act occurrence usually with a dense shrubby understorey often including ferns.

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Appendix B. Assessment of Significance (EPBC Act) For threatened biodiversity listed under the EPBC Act, significance assessments have been completed in accordance with the EPBC Act Policy Statement 1.1 Significant Impact Guidelines (Department of the Environment, 2013). Whether or not an action is likely to have a significant impact depends upon the sensitivity, value, and quality of the environment that is affected, and upon the intensity, duration, magnitude and geographic extent of the impacts (Department of the Environment, 2013). Importantly, for a ‘significant impact’ to be ‘likely’, it is not necessary for a significant impact to have a greater than 50 per cent chance of happening; it is sufficient if a significant impact on the environment is a real or not remote chance or possibility (Department of the Environment, 2013). Endangered plants

Including: Leucochrysum albicans subsp. Tricolor (Hoary Sunray), Rutidosis leptorhynchoides (Button Wrinklewort) and Swainsona recta (Small Purple-pea).

None of the above listed species were identified during targeted surveys of the study area. Some parts of the study area offer suitable low-quality habitat potential, however these areas are highly disturbed and the presence of these species is highly restricted by management (mowing) activities. There is moderate potential that these species may disperse seed into the study area, particularly areas near the West Jerrabomberra Nature Reserve where these species are highly likely to occur.

An action is likely to have a significant impact on an endangered or critically endangered species if there is a real chance or possibility that it will:

1. lead to a long-term decrease in the size of a population

No population of either species was identified within the study area. There is likely to be a population of these species in the Natural Temperate Grasslands of West Jerrabomberra Nature Reserve. The proposal would remove a small area of potential low-quality dispersal habitat for the Hoary Sunray, Button Wrinklewort and Small Purple-pea. Removal of vegetation will be avoided where possible. None of these species were identified during the survey and no direct impact to individuals is expected. Any direct impacts will be to a very small number of individuals growing in highly disturbed and managed road reserve.

Removal or modification of habitat for these plant species may be detrimental to their survival in the study area. However, due to the predicted removal of a small amount of low-quality habitat within the proposal area and the extent of higher-quality habitats that will remain in the vicinity, it is unlikely that the project will lead to a long- term decrease in the size of a population of these species. 2. reduce the area of occupancy of the species

The proposal will not significantly reduce the area of occupancy of these species as they will still exist throughout their range after the proposal has been implemented. 3. fragment an existing population into two or more populations

The Hoary Sunray occurs as many small, isolated populations that are subject to the effects of fragmentation and at risk of localised extinction. Additionally, the Button Wrinklewort has been observed to colonise areas of minor soil disturbance around existing populations, but direct disturbance of plants can also destroy established plants.

Populations of these species are likely to exist in West Jerrabomberra Nature Reserve to the west of the study area. The proposed works are already located within the highly fragmented and disturbed highway corridor. The proposal will not result in the fragmentation of large blocks of high-quality habitat or populations of the Hoary Sunray, Button Wrinklewort and Small Purple-pea. No further habitat fragmentation on a landscape scale will occur as a result of the proposal. Isolation of habitats is also unlikely to increase substantially as existing low- quality habitat fragments are already isolated within the highway corridor. Dispersal of plant propagules will still occur to remaining low-quality habitat within the study area and pollinators will still be able to access plants

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within high-quality habitat outside the study area. Therefore, habitat fragmentation is considered to be unlikely as a result of the proposal. 4. adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of a species

In NSW and ACT, Hoary Sunray occurs in grasslands, grassy areas in woodlands and dry open forests, and modified habitats, on a variety of soil types including clays, clay loams, stony and gravely soil. In Canberra, it occurs in semi-urban areas, on roadsides and in Mt Ainslie Nature Reserve, being highly dependent on the presence of bare ground for germination and establishment.

In the ACT region, the Button Wrinklewort occurs at 11 sites in the suburbs just south of Lake Burley Griffin, the Majura Valley, the Jerrabomberra Valley and at Crace Nature Reserve. The largest population, at Stirling Park, is about 49,000 plants, but most sites are less than 5,000 and some less than 100. Given the small area of occupancy (approx. 13.4 ha), the reliance on in-situ protection of the 84% of the population that is not in formal conservation reserves, and the ongoing threat of weed invasion to most sites, all populations of more than 10 plants and the habitat they occupy are critical to the survival of Button Wrinklewort.

The Small Purple-pea occurs predominantly in grassy woodlands, but sometimes extends into grassy open- forest. The species occurs on both red-brown loams (Wellington - Mudgee – Mandurama locations) and grey gritty or stony loams (Canberra – Williamsdale locations), generally on undulating terrain.

The habitat within the study area that will be impacted by the proposal is low-quality roadside vegetation and does not represent critical habitat for any of these species. The proposal is unlikely to adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of these four species. 5. disrupt the breeding cycle of a population

The proposal is unlikely to disrupt the breeding cycle of these species. The proposal will remove some areas of low-quality dispersal habitat within the road corridor. Dispersal of plant propagules from plants within high- quality habitat to the west will still occur, and pollinators will still be able to access these plants. 6. modify, destroy, remove, isolate or decrease the availability or quality of habitat to the extent that the species is likely to decline

Although bare ground exposure is important for Hoary Sunray regeneration, heavy soil disturbance can destroy adult plants. Disturbance has caused the decline (and possible local extinction) of many populations. The restriction of many populations, especially to roadside remnants, places the taxon at high risk from road and utilities construction and maintenance.

The habitat quality for Button Wrinklewort and Small Purple-pea could potentially decline due to various threats such as physical disturbance of sites, weeds, competition from native grasses, heavy grazing, unsuitable fire regimes, demographics of small populations, reproductive limitations resulting from the self-incompatibility system, genetic incompatibility between chromosomal races, and climate change.

The proposal will result in a small decrease in the availability of low-quality habitat for these species. Though, the vegetation within the road corridor is mown and is highly susceptible to contaminated run-off from the road, therefore decreasing the habitat quality. High-quality habitats for these species outside of the study area will remain in the locality. 7. result in invasive species that are harmful to a critically endangered or endangered species becoming established in the endangered or critically endangered species’ habitat

The Hoary Sunray is restricted to small, usually narrow and linear remnants, which are often susceptible to weed invasion. It does not tolerate heavy competition. Weeds currently threatening the taxon include Cat's Ear (Hypochaeris radicata), clover (Trifolium spp.), Toowoomba Canary-grass (Phalaris aquatica), Brown-top Bent (Agrostis capillaris), Paspalum (Paspalum dilatatum), Cocksfoot (Dactylus glomerata) and Onion-grass

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(Romulea rosea). Competition from both native and exotic species is also a risk for the Button Wrinklewort and Small Purple-pea.

The habitat within the study area is already dominated by exotic species. The potential for weed invasion and spread is considered possible with a project of this nature and appropriate controls are required during construction and operation to reduce this threat. 8. introduce disease that may cause the species to decline, or

It is possible that machinery associated with vegetation clearance and subsequent construction for the project has the potential to transmit a fungus known as Phytophthora cinnamomic, to remaining native vegetation remnants of the species. This is a potential indirect impact to the species through the transmission of pathogens into retained habitat near the proposed area. This can be mitigated through the development and implementation of suitable control measures for vehicle and plant hygiene and is unlikely to have a significant impact. 9. interfere with the recovery of the species.

The National Recovery Plan for the Hoary Sunray Leucochrysum albicans var. tricolor (Sinclair 2011) identifies the overall objective of recovery is to minimise the probability of extinction of Hoary Sunray in the wild and to increase the probability of populations becoming self-sustaining in the long term. The Recovery Plan outlines seven specific objectives for recovery:

1. Determine distribution, abundance and population structure

2. Determine habitat requirements

3. Ensure that key populations and their habitat are protected, monitored and managed appropriately

4. Manage threats to populations

5. Identify key biological characteristics

6. Determine growth rates and viability of populations

7. Build community support for conservation

The National Recovery Plan for Button Wrinklewort (Rutidosis leptorrhynchoides) (NSW Office of Environment and Heritage 2012a) identifies eight recovery actions:

1. Remove threatening weeds

2. Monitor populations

3. Undertake ecological burning as needed

4. Prompt recording of new sites

5. Complete a survey of the genetic composition of all populations

6. Genetic enhancement of small populations

7. Formal reservation or negotiation of management agreements for populations on non-reserve tenure

8. Undertake various site-specific actions

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The National Recovery Plan for Purple-pea (Swainsona recta) (NSW Office of Environment and Heritage 2012b) identifies nine recovery actions:

1. Undertake additional survey in vicinity of recently recorded sites.

2. Monitor all known sites.

3. Weed control.

4. Undertake ecological burns.

5. Negotiate improved management and/or formal protection of sites.

6. Continue research into the biological / ecological effects of fire (burning frequency and season of burning) on Small Purple-pea and its habitat.

7. Investigate potential sites suitable for enrichment planting or re-establishment of Small Purple-pea populations and undertake translocation projects.

8. Investigate genetic variation within and between surviving populations to identify source and target populations for translocation and restoration. Measure the effects of habitat fragmentation and reduced population size on the long-term viability of Small Purple-pea.

9. Increase community awareness and involvement in the Small Purple-pea recovery effort

The above listed actions are focussed on known populations and largely objectives for the government to complete. The proposal is unlikely to interfere with any of these recovery actions. Conclusion

The potential for these species to occur within the study area is increased due to the proximity of the West Jerrabomberra Nature Reserve where they are likely to occur. However, the vegetation in the study area generally represents low-quality habitat as it is managed (i.e. regularly mown) and highly disturbed. No plants were identified within the study area during surveys, therefore no direct impact is likely to occur. The proposal will result in the loss of a small area of low-quality dispersal habitat. The proposal will not directly impact a population of these species and will not result in the fragmentation or isolation of a population or high-quality habitat. The proposal is unlikely to impact the life-cycle of these species that they are likely to decline. In consideration of the above information, the proposal is unlikely to result in a significant impact to the Hoary Sunray, Button Wrinklewort and Small Purple-pea.

Golden Sun Moth (Critically Endangered)

The Golden Sun Moth was not identified in the study area during surveys, though the site inspection was not conducted during this species breeding season. Vegetation in the study area is largely dominated by exotic groundcover species, however this species is known from the West Jerrabomberra Nature Reserve and therefore may occur in the study area on occasion during its breeding season. The study area likely represents low-quality habitat for this species.

The EPBC Act policy statement 3.12 Significant impact guidelines for the critically endangered golden sun moth (Synemon plana) (Department of Environment Water Heritage and the Arts 2009) states that the significant impact thresholds are:

• Large or contiguous habitat area (>10 ha): Habitat loss, degradation or fragmentation >0.5 ha

• Small or fragmented habitat area (<10 ha): Any habitat loss, degradation or fragmentation

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• Habitat connectivity: Fragmentation of a population through the introduction of a barrier to dispersal

These thresholds are not considered likely to apply to this proposal, as the habitat in the study area does not support a Golden Sun Moth population, rather it may on occasion contain individuals from nearby habitat. An action is likely to have a significant impact on an endangered or critically endangered species if there is a real chance or possibility that it will:

1. lead to a long-term decrease in the size of a population

The golden sun moth is known from 125 sites (post-1990) across its range. Forty-five sites are known to occur in Victoria, 48 sites occur in NSW and 32 sites occur in the ACT. No extant populations are known to exist in South Australia and the species is thought to be locally extinct.

The majority of known sites are smaller than five hectares in area, and most of the NSW/ACT sites lie within a narrow band 100 km long x 30 km wide. While increased survey effort has uncovered new sites, most of these are not secure and are under threat from rapidly expanding urban and industrial areas. For example, a series of surveys for the golden sun moth in the Melbourne area during the 2006/2007 flying season noted that the largest populations occurred on private land (7/12 sites). Due to their highly fragmented distribution and limited dispersal ability, all populations of this critically endangered moth are considered to be important for the long-term survival and recovery of the species.

Jerrabomberra contains a known Golden Sun Moth population (ACT Government 1998). The quality of habitat within the West Jerrabomberra Nature Reserve is very high and only a low number of individuals are likely to occur in the study area during breeding season as adult Golden Sun Moths do not fly more than 100 m away from suitable habitat. The habitat that will be removed by the proposal is of low-quality and this is unlikely to impact the Jerrabomberra population. The proposal is unlikely to introduce or increase any current threats imposed on the Jerrabomberra population. Therefore, it is unlikely that the proposal will lead to a long-term decrease in the size of any Golden Sun Moth population. 2. reduce the area of occupancy of this species

Genetic studies suggest that the Victorian populations have been isolated from the NSW and ACT populations since ancient times, and that the northern (NSW/ACT) and southern (Victoria) populations represent discrete evolutionary units. Samples taken from four Victorian sites (only six were known at the time of study) suggest that the southern populations cluster into a single genetic group. In contrast, four discrete genetic groups were identified within the northern populations: ▪ Group 1: Two NSW populations at Grace’s Flat and Washpen Creek. ▪ Group 2: 15 populations in the general area between Yass and Boorowa. ▪ Group 3: Six populations in the zone centred on the Murrumbateman. ▪ Group 4: 16 populations primarily occurring in the ACT and immediate environs.

The area of occupancy of the Golden Sun Moth within the ACT is unknown. This species is not known to occupy or utilise habitat within the study area though due to the proximity of high-quality habitat in the West Jerrabomberra Nature Reserve it may occur on occasion during the breeding season. Considering this, the proposal will not reduce the area of high-quality habitat occupied by this species. Therefore, it is unlikely that the proposal will reduce the area of occupancy of the Golden Sun Moth. 3. fragment an existing population into two or more populations

Whilst the Golden Sun Moth is locally abundant at many small patches, most of these sites are in public areas such as cemeteries, along railway lines, roadside verges and on private property where weed invasion and further disturbance threaten the integrity of the habitat. These small remnants are also vulnerable to fire and other stochastic events. The isolation and fragmentation of populations also impedes the ability of the relatively immobile females to recolonise areas, thereby reducing the likelihood of genetic exchange, and increasing the

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rate of inbreeding. Inbreeding may lead to the accumulation and expression of deleterious genes and eventually lead to population collapse. Females rarely fly and tend to walk from tussock to tussock to lay eggs. Even the relatively mobile males will not fly more than 100 m away from suitable habitat. Populations separated by distances greater than 200 m can therefore be considered effectively isolated, and sites from which the species has gone extinct are unlikely to be naturally recolonised.

The Jerrabomberra population inhabits high-quality habitat within the Nature Reserve to the west of the study area. Grasslands to the east of the study area are highly exotic dominant and very low-quality habitat. Habitat within the study area is low-quality and already exists as fragmented and isolated patches. Therefore, the proposed intersection upgrade at Lanyon Drive is unlikely to fragment an existing population into two or more populations. 4. adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of a species

Potential habitat for the golden sun moth includes all areas which have, or once had, native grasslands or grassy woodlands (including derived grasslands) across the historical range of the species. The golden sun moth is also known to inhabit degraded grasslands, including those dominated by the exotic Chilean needlegrass (Nassella neesiana), a weed of national significance. The golden sun moth occurs in two threatened ecological communities listed under the EPBC Act - the ‘Natural Temperate Grassland of the Victorian Volcanic Plain’ (see EPBC Act Policy Statement 3.8) and the ‘Natural Temperate Grassland of the Southern Tablelands of NSW and the Australian Capital Territory’.

Construction of the Hume highway was last completed in the late 1980s, around which time much of the vegetation within the study area was likely planted. Native tree plantings are consistent with naturally occurring woodland species and some areas of planting contain a low abundance of native grasses and forbs. However, exotic grasses such as African Lovegrass and Phalaris dominate across the entire study area and particularly in areas around Lanyon Drive that will be impacted by the proposal. These habitats are considered low-quality for the Golden Sun Moth. This species is generally expected to remain within the high-quality grasslands of the Jerrabomberra Nature Reserve. The proposal will not directly impact vegetation to the east of the existing highway corridor and current indirect impacts (e.g. edge effects) to the high-quality habitat are unlikely to be increased. Therefore, the proposal is unlikely to adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of the Golden Sun Moth. 5. disrupt the breeding cycle of a population

Adult moths emerge from underground during the breeding season, between mid-October and early January, depending on climate and location. They are active only during the hottest part of hot, sunny, and relatively still days. Adult emergence occurs continuously across the breeding season, although the distribution and abundance of emerging adults varies with the microclimate and microhabitat features of the site.

No high-quality breeding habitat will be directly impacted by the proposal. The proposal will not impose any restrictions during the breeding season as this species is not expected to utilise the low-quality habitat in the study area. The Golden Sun Moth Jerrabomberra population is expected to continue to undertake breeding during construction and after the completion of the proposal. 6. modify, destroy, remove, isolate or decrease the availability or quality of habitat to the extent that the species is likely to decline

The native grasslands and grassy woodlands habitat of the golden sun moth are the most threatened of all vegetation types in Australia, with more than 99.5% estimated to have been grossly altered or destroyed. The integrity of the remaining native grasslands has been further compromised by vigorous introduced pasture grasses and clovers, which out-compete the native Austrodanthonia and Austrostipa species, as well as changes in vegetation due to ploughing, weed invasion, tree planting, pesticide use, altered fire, grazing and hydrological regimes, and urbanisation. These areas are under further threat from fertiliser application, which increases soil concentrations of phosphorous to the detriment of native grasses.

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As discussed, the vegetation within the study area represents low-quality habitat for the Golden Sun Moth. High quality habitat exists to the west of the study area in Jerrabomberra Nature Reserve. The proposal is unlikely to negatively impact habitat to the extent that the Golden Sun Moth is likely to decline. 7. result in invasive species that are harmful to a critically endangered or endangered species becoming established in the endangered or critically endangered species’ habitat

Many Golden Sun Moth sites in the ACT are small and are therefore particularly vulnerable to invasion by weeds. It is likely that this species requires a high density of larval food plants in its habitat and would therefore be susceptible to the dilution of food plants by weed species that are not food plants. Weeds also fill inter-tussock spaces and alter the low and open grassland structure favoured by Golden Sun Moth. Invasive weeds of concern in the golden sun moth habitat include: ▪ Perennial tussock grasses, such as Phalaris, African Lovegrass, Serrated Tussock (Nassella trichotoma) and Chilean Needlegrass. ▪ Tall annual grasses such as Wild Oats (Avena sp.). ▪ Some broad-leaved weeds such as St Johns Wort (Hypericum perforatum) and Saffron Thistle (Carthamus lanatus). 8. Introduce disease that may cause the species to decline

There are no known local diseases which would infect the Golden Sun Moth and result in species decline. The proposed works are unlikely to introduce diseases which would affect Golden Sun Moth in the area. 9. interfere with the recovery of the species.

A national recovery plan for the Golden Sun Moth is currently in preparation by the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change. Until this plan becomes available, the following research priorities are provided to support the recovery of the Golden Sun Moth. In addition, the NSW Department of Conservation and Climate Change (DECC) threatened species website outlines priority actions to help the Golden Sun Moth recover. The research priorities include the following: ▪ Investigate the effects of Chilean needlegrass on golden sun moth (e.g. breeding, feeding and habitat). ▪ Increase understanding of the basic biology, life history and habitat requirements of the species (e.g. generation time, mating system, minimum patch size, larval diet breadth and food plant preferences etc). ▪ Conduct surveys to increase the knowledge of the distribution of the species, especially in Victoria and on private lands in NSW. ▪ Investigate the impacts of disturbances such as fire, grazing, herbicides, pesticides, and drought on the species. ▪ Investigate the genetic relationships between populations of golden sun moth to assist in determining high priority areas of unique genetic diversity.

These actions are largely for the government to complete and are not applicable to this proposal. The proposal is therefore unlikely to interfere with the recovery of this species. Conclusion

The proposal will result in the removal of a small amount of low-quality habitat around Lanyon Drive that may be utilised on occasion by individuals on the edge of the West Jerrabomberra Nature Reserve during breeding season. Although adult Golden Sun Moths do not fly more than 100 m away from suitable habitat and are likely to mostly remain within the high-quality habitat adjacent to the study area. The proposal will not isolate or

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fragment an existing population or an area of high-quality habitat. The proposal is considered unlikely to result in a significant impact to the Golden Sun Moth.

Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater (Critically Endangered)

Native planted trees in the study area (10. 95 ha) may provide foraging resources during flowering times for nectarivorous species such as the Regent Honeyeater (Anthochaera phrygia) and Swift Parrot (Lathamus discolor). Scattered records of these two species exist across the Canberra region and they may occur at any time, except for the Swift Parrot which only occurs in winter during seasonal migration to the Australian mainland. The study area may also be part of a narrow connectivity link along Dog Trap Creek between large woodland to the west (the Callum Brae Complex) and large woodlands/open forests to the east (south of Googong and Mt Jerrabomberra). These species were not observed within the study area during surveys.

An action is likely to have a significant impact on an endangered or critically endangered species if there is a real chance or possibility that it will:

1. lead to a long-term decrease in the size of a population

The Swift Parrot occurs as a single, migratory population. The study area contains some potential foraging habitat for the Swift Parrot. While the habitat in the study area is not optimal, the loss of potential feed trees would directly affect the species opportunity to feed in the area. However, the study area is not considered a critical area for the Swift Parrot. The Swift Parrot may utilise trees in the study area for foraging intermittently during migration or when no other suitable resources are available.

In 2011, the Regent Honeyeater's population was estimated with medium reliability at 350–400 mature individuals. The majority of these birds exist in the Bundarra-Barraba area and the Capertee Valley in NSW, and north-eastern Victoria.

The action may remove a small area of potential low quality and occasional foraging habitat for these species. Impacts to small areas of planted trees that represent potential foraging habitat are considered unlikely to lead to a long-term decrease in the size of the Regent Honeyeater and Swift Parrot populations. 2. reduce the area of occupancy of the species

Given the temporally and spatially variable long-distance movements of swift parrots, and their specialised breeding and foraging requirements, calculating area of occupancy (AOO) for the species is challenging. Each year swift parrots move long distances to occupy new locations in response to changing food availability at the landscape scale. Swift parrots breed in Tasmania and require rich patches of tree flowering as well as suitable nest cavities for breeding. To meaningfully represent area of occupancy for this specialised species, both habitat features must be considered (Threatened Species Scientific Committee 2016b). As a specialist nectarivore dependent on flowering eucalypts, Swift Parrots are vulnerable to the loss of quantity and quality of key forage tree species. As a large-scale migrant, it has the ability to cover vast areas of its winter range, seeking suitable flowering eucalypt habitat. The species is an occasional visitor to the region and may utilise trees in the study area for foraging intermittently when no other suitable resources are available.

The Regent Honeyeater is endemic to south-east Australia, where it is widespread but with an extremely patchy distribution. It is thought that the regent honeyeater comprises a single population, with some exchange of individuals between regularly used areas. The regent honeyeater was formerly more common and widespread, but its distribution and population size have declined markedly due to the loss and degradation of its preferred woodland habitat. Ongoing declines in population size and habitat availability present significant challenges for the recovery of the regent honeyeater and exert strong pressures on survival of the species in the wild. Given these challenges, all areas where regent honeyeaters are known or are likely to occur require protective measures. The extent of occurrence is estimated at 600 000 km2 and the area of occupancy at 300 km2.

The project would contribute to a minor loss of potential foraging habitat for these species which would contribute to the reduction of habitat available throughout the entire range. However, the impact would be to a

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small area of planted roadside vegetation that is only likely to be used intermittently by travelling birds and therefore not an important area of habitat occupied by either species. 3. fragment an existing population into two or more populations

The study area may provide some landscape connectivity for woodland birds moving between large woodland to the west (the Callum Brae Complex) and large woodlands/open forests to the east (south of Googong and Mt Jerrabomberra). The study area is located in a low-connectivity area and planted roadside vegetation and patches of riparian vegetation along Dog Trap Creek may provide some level of east-west connectivity for travelling birds. However, the scale and location of vegetation clearing associated with the proposal is minor and unlikely to cause a significant degradation of the link. The Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater are highly mobile species and capable of long-distance flight. Regent Honeyeater movements between breeding populations are not frequent and most birds appear to remain in the breeding areas of Bundarra-Barraba area and the Capertee Valley in NSW, and north-eastern Victoria. Post construction remediation and landscaping should consider the strategic use of native trees and shrubs to maintain or improve the level of connectivity through the study area.

Considering this, the action is unlikely to fragment as existing population into two or more populations. The action will not create a barrier to the regional movement of these species. 4. adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of a species

Key habitats for the Swift Parrot are on the coast and coastal plains of New South Wales include large stands of Spotted Gum (Corymbia maculata), Swamp Mahogany (E. robusta), Red Bloodwood (Eucalyptus gummifera) and Forest Red Gum (E. tereticornis) forests.

Habitat critical to the survival of the regent honeyeater includes: ▪ Any breeding or foraging habitat in areas where the species is likely to occur; and ▪ Any newly discovered breeding or foraging locations. Key areas include the Bundarra-Barraba, Pilliga Woodlands, Mudgee-Wollar and the Capertee Valley and Hunter Valley areas in New South Wales, and the Chiltern and Lurg-Benalla regions of north-east Victoria.

Habitat critical to the survival of the regent honeyeater occurs in a wide range of land ownership arrangements, including on private land, travelling stock routes and reserves, state forests and state reserves, and National Parks. It is essential that the highest level of protection is provided to these areas and that enhancement and protection measures target these productive sites.

These species were not recorded in the study area during surveys and there are no recorded observations close by. The vegetation within the study area likely represents occasional foraging habitat only for these species and not critical habitat. Only a small amount of this planted vegetation will be removed as part of the proposal. The proposal is unlikely to adversely impact any habitat critical to the survival of these two species. 5. disrupt the breeding cycle of a population

The Swift Parrot is endemic to south-eastern Australia and breeds only in Tasmania and migrates to mainland Australia in autumn. The key breeding areas for the Regent Honeyeater are the Chiltern section of Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park (NP), north-east Victoria; Capertee Valley, central east NSW; and the Bundarra-Barraba region, northern NSW. Other breeding areas include the Wangaratta-Mansfield region, Victoria; Warrumbungle NP, Pilliga forests and Mudgee-Wollar region, central north NSW; Hunter Valley and Clarence Valley, east NSW; and south-east Queensland. Considering the highly disturbed nature of the study area, the Regent Honeyeater is considered unlikely to utilise vegetation for breeding.

The action is unlikely to impact on breeding habitat for these species or important winter foraging grounds. 6. modify, destroy, remove, isolate or decrease the availability or quality of habitat to the extent that the species is likely to decline

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Potential foraging habitat for the Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater may occur in the study area. These species are an occasional visitor to the region and may utilise trees in the study area for foraging intermittently when no other suitable resources are available. The amount of foraging habitat to be removed is small and a large amount of similar quality planted roadside vegetation will remain. The action is unlikely to modify, destroy, remove, isolate or decrease the availability or quality of habitat to the extent that the species is likely to decline.

7. result in invasive species that are harmful to a critically endangered or endangered species becoming established in the endangered or critically endangered species’ habitat

The main invasive species harmful to habitat for the Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater is weeds. Noisy Miners and Bell Miners are abundant in the habitat which may make the habitat less suitable for the Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater due to competitive exclusion. The action may result in weed invasion and the removal of habitat may concentrate local miner populations increasing competition. The management of invasive species would be managed under the construction environmental management plan and during operation. 8. introduce disease that may cause the species to decline, or

Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD) is a widespread, lethal parrot disease, which is known to occur in Swift Parrots and has been recorded in swift parrot nestlings in the wild population (Threatened Species Scientific Committee 2016b). It can be spread through crop secretions, fresh or dried excrement and feather and skin particles. The proposal is unlikely to introduce this disease to any birds.

Infection of native plants by Phytophthora cinnamomi has been identified as being spread by construction machinery. This water-borne mould infects the roots of plants and has the potential to cause dieback. Machinery associated with vegetation clearance and subsequent construction has the potential to transmit the fungus to remaining native vegetation remnants of the species. This is a potential indirect impact to the species through the transmission of pathogens into retained habitat near the road. This can be mitigated through the development and implementation of suitable control measures for vehicle and plant hygiene and is unlikely to have a significant impact. It is the intention to use current best practice hygiene protocols as part of the CEMP to prevent the introduction or spread of pathogens.

The project mitigation strategy and environmental management procedures would include guidance for preventing the introduction and/or spread of disease-causing agents such as bacteria and fungi. 9. interfere with the recovery of the species.

The National Recovery Plan for the Swift Parrot Lathamus discolor identifies the following actions for recovery of this species: ▪ Identify the extent and quality of habitat. ▪ Manage and protect Swift Parrot habitat at the landscape scale. ▪ Monitor and manage the impact of collisions, competition and disease. ▪ Monitor population and habitat. ▪ Increase community involvement in, and awareness of, the recovery program. ▪ Coordinate, review and report on recovery process.

The National Recovery Plan for the Regent Honeyeater (Anthochaera Phrygia) outlines the following objectives for the recovery of this species: ▪ Reverse the long-term population trend of decline and increase the numbers of regent honeyeaters to a level where there is a viable, wild breeding population, even in poor breeding years; and to ▪ Enhance the condition of habitat across the regent honeyeater range to maximise survival and reproductive success and provide refugia during periods of extreme environmental fluctuation.

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The strategies to achieve the plans’ objectives include: ▪ Improve the extent and quality of regent honeyeater habitat. ▪ Bolster the wild population with captive-bred birds until the wild population becomes self-sustaining. ▪ Increase understanding of the size, structure, trajectory and viability of the wild population. ▪ Maintain and increase community awareness, understanding and involvement in the recovery program.

The recovery actions listed above to help recover the Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater are largely not applicable to the action. The action will not interfere with the recovery of the Swift Parrot (Lathamus discolour) and Regent Honeyeater (Anthochaera phrygia). Conclusion The proposal would result in the removal of a small amount of planted native trees that may represent potential foraging habitat for Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater that are passing through the study area. The vegetation is unlikely to be used as breeding habitat by the Regent Honeyeater. Large continuous areas of similar quality planted native vegetation will remain in the area after the proposal is complete. The proposal is unlikely to significantly impact the Swift Parrot or Regent Honeyeater.

Superb Parrot (Vulnerable species)

Native planted trees in the study area (10. 95 ha) may provide foraging resources during flowering times for nectarivorous species such as the Superb Parrot (Polytelis swainsonii). Scattered records of this species exist across the Canberra region and it may occur at any time. The study area may also be part of a narrow connectivity link along Dog Trap Creek between large woodland to the west (the Callum Brae Complex) and large woodlands/open forests to the east (south of Googong and Mt Jerrabomberra). The Superb Parrot was not observed within the study area during surveys.

The following information regarding ‘important populations’ is taken from the Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1.

An ‘important population’ is a population that is necessary for a species’ long-term survival and recovery. This may include populations identified as such in recovery plans, and/or that are: ▪ key source populations either for breeding or dispersal ▪ populations that are necessary for maintaining genetic diversity, and/or ▪ populations that are near the limit of the species range. An action is likely to have a significant impact on a vulnerable species if there is a real chance or possibility that it will:

1. lead to a long-term decrease in the size of an important population of a species

The Superb Parrot is endemic to inland south-eastern Australia, where it occurs as a single population. The key breeding populations occur in the Riverina and South-west Slope Regions of NSW, and spill over from there into northern Victoria; most breeding records emanate from these areas. Breeding has not been recorded in the ACT since the 1960s. Any Superb Parrots that may occur in the study area are therefore considered to be part of an important population.

The proposal is unlikely to impact the Superb Parrots long-term population on the site, as the planted native trees that will be impacted only represent potential foraging habitat. Large areas of similar quality planted native trees will remain in the area following the completion of the proposal. 2. reduce the area of occupancy of an important population

The area of occupancy of the Superb Parrot is estimated at 1000 km². However, this estimate is considered to be of low reliability. The Superb Parrot is unlikely to be a permanent resident within the study area, however they

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may be present within the region during their breeding season (September to January), with most sightings located in the northern districts of Belconnen and Gungahlin, and increasingly in Tuggeranong over autumn and winter.

The proposal will result in the removal of a small number of planted native trees that represent suitable foraging habitat. No breeding habitat is likely to be impacted by the proposal. The area of occupancy of the Superb Parrot is likely to remain the same following the completion of the proposal. 3. fragment an existing important population into two or more populations

As a specialist nectarivore dependent on flowering eucalypts, Superb Parrots are vulnerable to the loss of quantity and quality of key forage tree species. As a large-scale migrant, it can cover vast areas of its winter range, seeking suitable flowering eucalypt habitat.

When making local foraging movements, Superb Parrots usually move along wooded corridors, seldom crossing extensive open areas. This species may move along the highway corridor utilising the planted native vegetation. The study area may provide some landscape connectivity for woodland birds moving between large woodland to the west (the Callum Brae Complex) and large woodlands/open forests to the east (south of Googong and Mt Jerrabomberra). The study area is located in a low-connectivity area and planted roadside vegetation and patches of riparian vegetation along Dog Trap Creek may provide some level of east-west connectivity for travelling birds. However, the scale and location of vegetation clearing associated with the proposal is minor and unlikely to cause a significant degradation of the link. Post construction remediation and landscaping should consider the strategic use of native trees and shrubs to maintain or improve the level of connectivity through the study area.

Large areas of similar quality vegetation will remain in the study area and locality. The proposal will not fragment an important population. 4. adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of a species

The habitat critical to the survival of the Superb Parrot can be divided into breeding and foraging habitat. Across its range, the Superb Parrot uses two distinct habitat types for breeding: riverine forests in the Riverina, and box- gum woodlands in the tablelands and slopes. The majority of Superb Parrot nests are in large, living trees with many hollow branches. After breeding, Superb Parrots generally move away from their breeding habitat in mid- January into River Red Gum, box-pine, box, pine and Boree woodland.

The planted vegetation in the study area is unlikely to provide breeding habitat and does not entirely fit the description of critical foraging habitat, although it is likely to provide flowering resources to travelling birds. Therefore, the vegetation that will be impacted by the proposal is unlikely to represent habitat critical to the survival of the Superb Parrot. 5. disrupt the breeding cycle of an important population

Due to the migratory habits of Superb Parrots, threats beyond the Territory are likely to be impacting on birds that breed in the ACT. Within the ACT, three key threats to maintaining a viable, stable and breeding population of Superb Parrots are habitat loss, climate change and nest competition.

The vegetation in the study area does not contain any large hollow-bearing trees and is unlikely to represent suitable breeding habitat. The proposal is unlikely to disrupt the Superb Parrot breeding cycle. 6. modify, destroy, remove or isolate or decrease the availability or quality of habitat to the extent that the species is likely to decline

The site may be used as potential foraging habitat for this species with movements being attributed to changes in food supply between the breeding and non-breeding seasons. In central New South Wales, movements are said to occur when eucalypts flower, and when food becomes scarce due to drought and birds seek alternative sources of food. When making local foraging movements, these birds usually move along wooded corridors,

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rarely crossing large areas of open ground. The proposal will remove a small number of planted native trees along the highway corridor, however large areas of planted vegetation will remain. The action is unlikely to modify, destroy, remove or decrease the availability or quality of habitat to the extent that the species is likely to decline. 7. result in invasive species that are harmful to a vulnerable species becoming established in the Vulnerable species’ habitat

The main invasive species harmful to the habitat for the Superb Parrot is weeds. Noisy Miners and Bell Miners are abundant in the habitat which may make the habitat less suitable for the Swift Parrot due to competitive exclusion. The action may result in weed invasion and the removal of habitat may concentrate local miner populations increasing competition. The management of invasive species would be managed under the construction environmental management plan and during operation. 8. introduce disease that may cause the species to decline, or

Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD) is a widespread, lethal parrot disease. Lesions suggesting Beak and Feather Disease virus have been identified in Superb Parrots. It can be introduced to threatened populations of parrots via the movements of common species carrying the disease. The proposal is unlikely to introduce this disease to any birds.

The National Recovery Plan for the Superb Parrot Polytelis swainsonii identifies the following actions for recovery of this species: • Determine population trends in the Superb Parrot. • Increase the level of knowledge of the Superb Parrot's ecological requirements. • Develop and implement threat abatement strategies. • Increase community involvement in and awareness of the Superb Parrot recovery program.

The recovery actions listed above to help recover the Superb Parrot are largely not applicable to the action. The action will not interfere with the recovery of the Superb Parrot. Conclusion

The proposal will result in the removal of a small area of planted native trees that represent potential foraging habitat for the Superb Parrot during migration across the landscape. No breeding habitat will be impacted and the habitat in the study area is not considered critical to the survival of this species. The proposal will not result in the fragmentation of movement corridors for the Superb Parrot. Considering the above information, the proposal is unlikely to result in a significant impact to the Superb Parrot.

Grey-headed Flying Fox (Vulnerable species)

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While the Grey-headed Flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) was not recorded in the study area during the field survey it is considered likely to occur based on the presence of suitable foraging habitat (10. 95 ha of native planted vegetation) and the nearby location of roosting camps at Commonwealth Park and Lake Ginninderra.

An action is likely to have a significant impact on a vulnerable species if there is a real chance or possibility that it will:

1. lead to a long-term decrease in the size of an important population of a species

There is only one single interbreeding population of the Grey-headed Flying Fox in Australia. There have been no roost camps identified in the project boundary to date and at the time of the assessment the proposal would not directly impact on any known breeding / maternity site. Therefore, it is likely that the impacts of the proposal would be confined to loss of feeding habitat caused by direct clearing of planted native vegetation.

Foraging habitat mainly comprises nectar resources from planted native trees. This habitat may be defined as a portion of the potential area of occupancy for feeding life-cycle attributes of the population. The affected area of foraging habitat would represent a small percentage of the total extent of important foraging vegetation types present within a 50-kilometre radius of the proposal boundary. Given the relative widespread nature of similar planted vegetation in the locality and abundance of higher quality foraging habitat within the feeding range of regional populations, the proposal is not expected to lead to a long-term decrease in the size of an important population. 2. reduce the area of occupancy of an important population

The project would remove a small area of foraging habitat however vegetation will be avoided where possible. Foraging habitat mainly comprises nectar resources from planted native trees. This area of habitat may be defined as a portion of the potential area of occupancy for feeding life-cycle attributes of the population. The project will reduce the area of habitat available to the species; however, the area occupied by this species will remain the same. 3. fragment an existing important population into two or more populations

There is currently a high degree of habitat fragmentation across the study area. Highly mobile species such as bats are expected to be less impacted by fragmentation and the Grey-headed Flying Fox is particularly well adapted to accessing widely spaced habitat resources given its mobility and preference for seasonal fruits and blossom. The project would not fragment an important population of the Grey-headed Flying Fox. 4. adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of a species

The proposed area of habitat loss represents a small percentage of the potential foraging habitat for the Grey- headed Flying-fox within a 50-kilometre radius of the project boundary and known roost camps in the region. This species typically exhibits very large home ranges and Grey-headed Flying-fox are known to travel distances of at least 50 kilometres from roost sites to access seasonal foraging resources. No evidence of a camp site has been identified from the study area.

The draft recovery plan for the Grey-headed Flying-fox (DECCW 2010) identifies critical foraging habitat for this species as: ▪ Productive during winter and spring, when food bottlenecks have been identified ▪ Known to support populations of >30,000 individuals, within an area of 50-kilometre radius ▪ Productive during the final weeks of gestation, and during the weeks of birth, lactation and conception (Sept-May) ▪ Productive during the final stages of fruit development and ripening in commercial crops affected by Grey- headed Flying-foxes ▪ Known to be continuously occupied as a camp site.

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The project would remove a small amount of planted roadside vegetation. Considering the proximity of two roost camps and presence of important feed trees the habitats are consistent with the classification for critical foraging habitat (DECCW 2010). The affected area of foraging habitat would represent a small percentage of the total extent of important foraging vegetation types present within a 50-kilometre radius of the project boundary. Given the relative widespread nature of similar planted vegetation in the locality and abundance of higher quality foraging habitat within the feeding range of regional populations, the project is not expected to adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of the species. 5. disrupt the breeding cycle of an important population

As stated above there would be a minor impact on foraging habitat identified as important during the breeding cycle of the species. The upgrade would not directly impact on a known roost camp / breeding or maternity site. 6. modify, destroy, remove or isolate or decrease the availability or quality of habitat to the extent that the species is likely to decline

No evidence of a roost camp has been identified from the study area. Further, there would be a relatively minor impact on critical foraging habitat. This impact is not expected to lead to a decline in the species in this region. 7. result in invasive species that are harmful to a vulnerable species becoming established in the Vulnerable species’ habitat

The Draft National Recovery Plan for the Grey-headed Flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) (Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW 2010) outlines the following actions: ▪ Identify and protect foraging habitat critical to the survival of Grey-headed Flying-foxes across their range ▪ Enhance winter and spring foraging habitat for Grey-headed Flying-foxes ▪ Identify, protect and enhance roosting habitat critical to the survival of Grey-headed Flying-foxes ▪ Significantly reduce levels of deliberate Grey-headed Flying-fox destruction associated with commercial horticulture ▪ Provide information and advice to managers, community groups and members of the public that are involved with controversial flying-fox camps ▪ Produce and circulate educational resources to improve public attitudes toward Grey-headed Flying-foxes, promote the recovery program to the wider community and encourage participation in recovery actions

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▪ Monitor population trends for the Grey-headed Flying-fox ▪ Assess the impacts on Grey-headed Flying-foxes of electrocution on powerlines and entanglement in netting and barbed wire, and implement strategies to reduce these impacts ▪ Oversee a program of research to improve knowledge of the demographics and population structure of the Grey-headed Flying-fox ▪ Maintain a National Recovery Team to oversee the implementation of the Grey-headed Flying-fox National Recovery Plan

The recovery actions listed above are largely not applicable to the proposal as they focus on priority conservation lands which are outside of the study area.

Given the relative widespread nature of similar planted vegetation in the locality and abundance of higher quality foraging habitat within the feeding range of regional populations, the project is not expected to interfere substantially with the recovery of the species. Conclusion

The Grey-headed Flying Fox will suffer a small reduction in extent of suitable foraging habitat from the proposal. No breeding camps or other important habitat will be impacted. The proposal is unlikely to reduce the population size of the Grey-headed Flying Fox or decrease the reproductive success of this species. The proposal will not interfere with the recovery of the Grey-headed Flying Fox and will not contribute to the key threats to this species. After consideration of the factors above, an overall conclusion has been made that the proposal is unlikely to result in a significant impact to the Grey-headed Flying Fox.

Striped Legless Lizard (Vulnerable species)

Exotic grasslands east of the Monaro Highway and north of Lanyon Drive may provide suitable low-quality seasonal foraging habitat for the Striped Legless Lizard (Delma impar). Surveys conducted in 2014 as part of the Eastern Broadacre Striped Legless lizard Survey Program (SMEC 2015) recorded one Striped Legless Lizard individual in grassland dominated by Phalaris aquatica and Avena sp. about 200 metres east of the proposed David Warren Drive extension. More lizards were recorded to the north in the native grasslands associated with Jerrabomberra East Grasslands. No targeted surveys have been undertaken for this assessment and the Striped Legless Lizard has not been recorded, however considering the information provided in SMEC (2015), the exotic grassland east of the Monaro Highway and north of Lanyon Drive may provide suitable low-quality habitat for this species. It is also considered likely that the main occurrence of the Striped Legless Lizard population may occur to the east in Jerrabomberra East Grasslands nearby the study area.

The following information regarding ‘important populations’ is taken from the EPBC Act - Referral guidelines for the vulnerable striped legless lizard, Delma impar (Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities 2011).

An ‘important population’ is one that is necessary for a species’ long-term survival and recovery. This may include populations identified as such in recovery plans, and/or that are: ▪ key source populations either for breeding or dispersal, ▪ populations that are necessary for maintaining genetic diversity, and/or ▪ populations that are near the limit of the species range. An important population of the striped legless lizard is one that meets at least one of the criteria outlined above, and is likely to be viable over the long-term. To be viable, a striped legless lizard population must occur in suitable habitat with the ability for population dynamics (for example breeding, recruitment and dispersal) to occur over time. The habitat for an ‘important population’ of striped legless lizard typically comprises native temperate grassland or grassy woodland, where the species is either known (including similar habitat connected /

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immediately adjacent to the site), or has the potential to occur. The minimum patch size threshold for medium to long-term habitat and population viability is greater than or equal to 0.5 hectares, which supports predominantly tussock-forming grass species (native or non-native). Given the cryptic nature of the species, and the inherent difficulty in determining the species’ population size, habitat proxies may be used to infer whether an important population is likely to occur at a given site. Although the species largely prefers sites supporting key habitat characteristics outlined in the SPRAT profile, it is also known to occupy habitats which superficially appear unsuitable (such as degraded sites dominated by introduced understorey species which are not connected to areas of higher quality habitat). Therefore, the use of habitat characteristics alone in assessing whether a site is likely to support an important population needs to be treated with caution.

A population could also be considered important if it is well-studied, and hence provides opportunity for greater understanding of the species through a long-term dataset.

The following factors need to be considered in determining whether a site is not likely to support an important population under the provisions of the EPBC Act:

▪ Sites less than 0.5 hectares ▪ Small isolated areas of habitat which are currently under pressure, or are likely to experience long- term pressures (for example sites located within urban settings, such as adjacent to factories or in residential subdivisions). ▪ Small sites which support marginal or low-quality habitat (for example dominated by high threat weeds). In the ACT Delma impar are known to occur in four discrete areas: the Gungahlin/Belconnen area, the Majura Valley in the vicinity of the Canberra International Airport, in Central Canberra on land adjacent to Yarrumundi Grassland on Lake Burley Griffin and in the Jerrabomberra Valley (Australian Government 2017). In the Jerrabomberra Valley Delma impar occurs across extensive areas of grassland in the central and eastern parts of the valley, mostly between the Monaro Highway and the ACT–NSW Border (SMEC 2015). The species also occurs in grassland (about 18 ha) on the Amtech East Estate and in several grassland patches to the east of Fyshwick. The density of Delma impar in habitat in the Jerrabomberra Valley is apparently lower than that of Gungahlin and the Majura Valley indicating lower quality habitat for the species in the Jerrabomberra Valley, which might be due to past or current land management practices (ACT Government 2017).

Considering this information, the Jarrabomberra population would classify as an important population as defined by the referral guidelines (Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities 2011).

However, the extent to which the study area is utilised by Delma impar is unknown. Geographically, the study area is located in a ‘dead-end’ corner in the very south western extent of the Jerrabomberra population. Field surveys for this assessment found that the grassland in the study area classified as “low-value” (Photograph 1 in Section 3.4.1) by SMEC (2015) was very similar in condition to grassland classified as “recoverable” (Photograph 2 in Section 3.4.1). The decrease in capture rates with distance from the native grassland by SMEC (2015) suggests a continued decline in habitat quality and use with increased distance from the Jerrabomberra East Grassland Nature Reserve. Given this data and the habitat condition noted during surveys for this assessment, habitat value across the whole study area is considered to be very low and unlikely to support population dynamics (for example breeding, recruitment and dispersal). Despite this, the low-condition habitat in the study area may be used by individuals of the Jerrabomberra population for seasonal foraging and shelter.

The proposal will impact 5.9 hectares of exotic grassland, contiguous with land east of the Monaro Highway and north of Lanyon Drive where the proposed David Warren Drive extension is located. Based on the existing barriers to movement (Dog Trap Creek and the gas pressure reduction station and access road) and disturbance, around 3.2 hectares of this exotic grassland may provide low-quality habitat for the Striped Legless Lizard (see below).

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Plate B-1: Exotic grassland mapped within the impact footprint. The red hatched polygon shows the area that Delma impar may use based on existing barriers to movement and highly degraded areas.

An action is likely to have a significant impact on a vulnerable species if there is a real chance or possibility that it will:

1. lead to a long-term decrease in the size of an important population of a species

It is likely that the habitat that will be impacted by the proposal currently does not support population dynamics (for example breeding, recruitment and dispersal), though it may provide some seasonal foraging and refuge habitat. Any use of the habitat by the important population is likely to be by a small proportion of the population. The decrease in low-quality habitat is unlikely to lead to a long-term decrease in the size of the Jerrabomberra population, however it may result in the mortality of any individuals that are present in the construction footprint. This impact can be minimised through measures such as pre-clearing soil scraping and exclusion fencing. 2. reduce the area of occupancy of an important population

The area of occupancy of the Jerrabomberra population is unknown, however, it is described as occurring mostly between the Monaro Highway and the ACT–NSW Border (SMEC 2015). Mapped habitat within this area is provided by SMEC (2015) and illustrated in Plate B-2 below. The approximate total area of the occurrence of

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these habitat patches is 1,200 hectares (Plate B-3). Not all of this land is likely to be occupied by the population (potentially only half is actually occupied - refer to green polygon in Plate B-2), though SMEC (2015) found lizards outside of these areas, as shown by the orange areas in Plate B-2.

The proposal would reduce the availability of exotic grasslands by around 5.1 hectares, however it is likely that only around 3.2 hectares of this is likely to be used to some extent. Assuming that the area of occupancy of the important population at Jerrabomberra is somewhere between 600 to 1,200 hectares, the proposal would reduce this area by somewhere in the range of 0.3 – 0.5 per cent. This would be a worst-case scenario.

Plate B-2: Jerrabomberra Delma impar habitat Plate B-3: A rough outline of the extent of the (green) as mapped by the ACT government, added Delma impar population at Jerrabomberra. The habitat from monitoring (orange) and low-value approximate area of the red outline is 1,200 habitat (yellow) as shown in SMEC (2015). hectares.

3. fragment an existing important population into two or more populations

The proposal (Plate B-1) is located in the very south-western corner of the known occurrence of the Jerrabomberra important population. The occurrence of Delma impar within exotic grassland that will be directly impacted by the construction of the proposal is unknown, however it assumed that the habitat is used seasonally by a low abundance of lizards. There is no connectivity to the north, west or south due to existing barrier. Since the proposal will remove the very corner of the large contiguous area of grasslands that make up the Jerrabomberra population, there will be no fragmentation of the population. A small area of exotic grassland will remain between the existing Monaro/Lanyon intersection and the new David Warren extension, however this habitat is unlikely able to support any individuals in its current state and would only be used by lizards travelling across the grasslands. 4. adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of a species

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According to the EPBC Act Policy Statement 1.1 Significant Impact Guidelines (Department of the Environment, 2013), habitat critical to the survival of a species refers to areas that are necessary for activities such as: ▪ Foraging, breeding, roosting, or dispersal ▪ For the long-term maintenance of the species including the maintenance of other species essential to the survival of the species, such as pollinators ▪ To maintain genetic diversity and long-term evolutionary development ▪ For the reintroduction of populations or recovery of the species.

The striped legless lizard is known to inhabit lowland native grasslands and grassy woodlands, typically dominated by native tussock-forming grass species such as kangaroo grass (Themeda triandra), spear grasses (Austrostipa sp.), and Poa tussocks (Poa sp.). The species also inhabits a range of temperate grasslands, including areas dominated by introduced grass species and at sites with a history of grazing and pasture improvement (DSEWPC, 2011).

Striped Legless Lizards shelter in grass tussocks, thick ground cover, soil cracks, under rocks, spider burrows, and underground debris such as timber (Smith & Robertson 1999). The majority of sites in Victoria and NSW occur on cracking clay soils with some surface rock which provide shelter for the species (Cogger et al. 1993; Coulson 1995). These features are rare at sites in the ACT, where Striped Legless Lizards commonly use grass tussocks and burrows for shelter (Coulson 1995). Turner (2014) describes the species as "possibly a habitual burrower, but also utilises natural soil cavities and surface stones as refugia".

Initial habitat assessment of the site concluded that the grassland did not provide suitable habitat for this species due to a lack of documented refuge features such as cracking soil, grass tussocks and rocky outcrops. During the survey, the grassland was dominated by exotic grass species Phalaris aquatica and Avena sp., however these were rarely forming tussocks and bare ground was common. The grassland is heavily grazed as evidenced by herbivore scats and rabbit burrows, and there is no connectivity to the north, west or south due to existing infrastructure. Additionally, part of site has been previously modified by construction of the gas pressure reduction station (PRS Hume) and access road in 2014, which now dissects the western side of the grassland.

The SMEC (2015) study was not able to access some parts of this proposal study area (mostly in the north west), however grassland where the single individual was caught was classified as “low-value” (refer Plate 1 in Section 3.4.1). Little explanation is given to support this classification, though SMEC (2015) also classified the grassland south of Dog Trap Creek as “recoverable”, stating that while it did not provide suitable habitat at the time of the study, it represented potential habitat with appropriate rehabilitation. Native grassland further to the north was classified as “medium-value”, where up to five different individuals were caught. The number of lizards caught in the surveys decreased further to the south, with the lowest capture of just one individual on one occasion near Dog Trap Creek.

Field surveys for this assessment found that the grassland in the study area classified as “low-value” (Photograph 1 in Section 3.4.1) was very similar in condition to grassland classified as “recoverable” (Photograph 2 in Section 3.4.1) by SMEC (2015). The decrease in capture rates with distance from the native grassland (SMEC 2015) suggests a continued decline in habitat quality with increased distance from the Jerrabomberra East Grassland Nature Reserve. Given this data and the habitat condition noted during surveys for this assessment, habitat value across the whole study area is considered to be very low. Despite this, a Striped Legless Lizard population is assumed to be currently present to the east of the study area and low-condition habitat in the study area may be seasonally used by this species for foraging and shelter.

Therefore, against the critical habitat guidelines listed above (Department of the Environment, 2013), habitat in the study area would likely qualify only as foraging habitat. The proposal would result in the removal of 3.2 hectares of foraging habitat, which represent somewhere in the range of 0.3-0.5 per cent of the total available habitat to the Jerrabomberra population. 5. disrupt the breeding cycle of an important population

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The life span of the Striped Legless Lizard is estimated to be at least 10 years (Smith & Robertson 1999), with the age at first reproduction thought to be 2–3 years for males and 3–4 years for females (Smith & Robertson 1999). Their mating system is not clear and the Striped Legless Lizard is assumed to be polygynous, where males mate with more than one female in a single breeding season (Coulson 1990).

Typically, females lay two eggs in December and January and hatching occurs in January and February, 35–60 days after laying (Coulson 1995; Smith & Robertson 1999). It is believed most adult females are capable of breeding every year. There has been one recorded case of communal nesting, with six eggs found in a single nest (Coulson 1995). During November and December, adults are more active than at any other time of the year. This activity is thought to be related to mating and egg-laying requiring increased movements of both sexes (Kutt 1992).

The process of habitat removal will reduce areas available for mating, breeding and foraging, however considering the lack of habitat features observed during surveys of the site as part of this survey, the habitat is unlikely to be important to the breeding cycle of the Jerrabomberra important population. There is potential for earthworks associated with the proposal to alter behavioural patterns of this species such that the breeding cycle is disrupted. Without adequate knowledge regarding the breeding biology, the precautionary principle must be applied, and the assumption made that these impacts may disrupt at least one breeding cycle of a local population of the species. Timing of construction works outside of breeding periods would minimise the potential for disruption. 6. modify, destroy, remove or isolate or decrease the availability or quality of habitat to the extent that the species is likely to decline

The remaining grassland habitats east of the proposal are similar in quality and highly degraded, therefore would unlikely experience a decrease in condition from edge effects associated with the construction of the proposal.

Considering the availability of good-quality habitat within the known extent of the population is likely around 600 hectares (Plate B-1 and Plate B-2 above), the proportion of low-quality habitat to be removed is less than 0.5 percent. This is unlikely to cause the species or the important population to decline. 7. result in invasive species that are harmful to a vulnerable species becoming established in the vulnerable species’ habitat

The biggest threat of an invasive species to Delma impar is the “Modification and degradation of native grassland habitat through incompatible and inadequate land management practices, weed invasion” (ACT Government 2017).

The clearing of habitat is recognised as a major factor contributing to the threatened status of the Striped Legless Lizard. The associated indirect impacts of this key threatening process are well documented and include increased potential for the proliferation of invasive species. The grassland where the proposal impact footprint is located was 100 per cent exotic groundcover during the surveys undertaken for this assessment. Therefore, the proposal is unlikely to increase this impact in the immediate area. Native grasslands to the east are already threatened by encroaching exotic grasslands and the proposal would not increase this impact.

Measures to minimise invasion of weeds during construction and operation would be included in the Construction Environment Management Plan. With these measures in place, this proposal is not considered likely to result in a significant increase in the impact of invasive species on the Striped Legless Lizard or its habitat.

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8. introduce disease that may cause the species to decline, or

There are no known diseases affecting Delma impar. The project would be unlikely to increase feral animal abundance or the potential for significant disease vectors to affect local populations. 9. interfere substantially with the recovery of the species.

Ten specific conservation objectives were outlined in the National Recovery Plan for the Striped Legless Lizard (Delma impar) prepared by Smith and Robertson (1999): ▪ Establish and maintain national forums for the discussion and organization of the conservation of the Striped Legless Lizard across its natural distribution. ▪ Determine the distribution of potential Striped Legless Lizard habitat. ▪ Determine the current distribution and abundance of Striped Legless Lizards in Victoria, NSW, the ACT and SA. ▪ Establish a series of reserves and other managed areas such that viable populations are maintained across the known distribution of the species. ▪ Determine the habitat use and ecological requirements of Striped Legless Lizards. ▪ Identify the nature and extent of the threatening processes affecting Striped Legless Lizards. ▪ Undertake a program of research and monitoring to provide a basis for adaptive management of Striped Legless Lizards. ▪ Increase community awareness and involve the community in aspects of the recovery program. ▪ Assess the need for salvage and translocation, determine their feasibilities, develop protocols and undertake a trial translocation if appropriate. ▪ Ensure that captive population(s) are used to support education and research elements of the Recovery Plan.

Locally, and more recently, the Striped Legless Lizard Delma impar Action Plan (ACT Government 2017) identifies five actions to assist in the recovery of this species: ▪ Conserve all large populations in the ACT. Protect other ACT populations from unintended impacts (unintended impacts are those not already considered through an environmental assessment or other statutory process). ▪ Manage the species and its habitat to maintain the potential for evolutionary development in the wild. ▪ Enhance the long-term viability of populations through management of adjacent grassland to increase habitat area and connect populations, or to establish new populations. ▪ Improved understanding of the species’ ecology, habitat and threats. ▪ Promote a greater awareness of, and strengthen stakeholder and community engagement in the conservation of the species.

The ten conservation actions listed in the national recovery plan are largely not applicable to the proposal and actions for the government to complete. The proposal would, however, conflict with the first objective of the Action Plan (ACT Government 2017). Though this objective is likely referring primarily to occurrences of high- quality habitat. Therefore, the proposal is unlikely to interfere substantially with the recovery of the Striped Legless Lizard. Conclusion

In summary,

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▪ The proposal will directly impact a small area of unconfirmed Delma impar habitat, however is unlikely to lead to a long-term decrease in the Jerrabomberra important population because the habitat that will be impacted low quality compared to the adjacent native grasslands where this population will persist. ▪ Assuming that the area of occupancy of the important population at Jerrabomberra is somewhere between 600 to 1,200 hectares, the proposal would reduce this area by around 3.2 hectares which is somewhere in the range of 0.3 – 0.5 per cent. ▪ The proposal (Plate B-1) is located in the very south-western corner of the known occurrence of the Jerrabomberra important population and would not fragment the population. ▪ The proposal would directly impact 3.2 hectares of exotic grassland that is contiguous habitat known to be occupied by the Jerrabomberra important population. This habitat is considered to be low-quality and only used for foraging and refuge, which may not meet to definition of critical habitat. The main occurrence of high-quality habitat is east of the proposal. ▪ The breeding cycle may be disrupted by habitat removal and construction activities, however the habitat in the study area is unlikely to support breeding. ▪ The remaining grassland habitats east of the proposal are similar in quality and highly degraded, therefore would unlikely experience a decrease in condition from edge effects associated with the construction of the proposal. ▪ The proposal is unlikely to result in invasive species that are harmful, considering the grasslands are already dominated by exotic species and high-quality habitat is further to the east. ▪ The proposal would not introduce disease to Delma impar ▪ Overall, the removal of habitat and potential mortality/injury of individuals in the construction area would not be consistent with the recovery of Delma impar, however most of the recovery strategies around increasing the understanding of this species and protecting known populations. Based on the information available, this assessment finds this proposal is at low risk of causing a significant impact, as defined under the EPBC Act, on the Delma impar important population at Jerrabomberra.

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