Vegetation Management Plan – Waterbrook at Wahroonga

bushland. The use of water permeable ‘soft paving’ in the interface or buffers zones (e.g. Netpave-25 or similar) is highly recommended. 3. The list of native species proposed for planting in order to re-instate BGHF Habitat (both in Core and Non-Core Bushland and the Offsets) incorporates those BGHF species which occur naturally in light to medium shade levels. This list should be used as a guide to all revegetation (planting) works carried out under the bushland management programs described elsewhere in this VMP as Assisted Natural Regeneration and Restoration.

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6 BASIS FOR MANAGEMENT OF URBAN BUSHLAND

The following section Basis for Management; is largely generic in nature. It has been included in this VMP in order to provide important background information, and to create a framework for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of BGHF Habitat in the Subject Property at Wahroonga. Protocols for indigenous revegetation (planting) and weed control have also been included.

6.1 GUIDING PRINCIPLES

The management of any natural area should be guided by the following broad principles:  To protect bushland remnants from further loss and the effects of existing and future threatening processes;  To identify all biodiversity and geo-diversity elements;  To conserve significant items/areas by mitigating or removing threatening process and promoting those natural processes required to ensure long-term viability;  To enhance species diversity in highly simplified or degraded remnants not capable of restoration and in non-remnant areas;  To provide corridors and linkages between remnants to facilitate movement and to encourage the flow of genetic material; and  To provide opportunities for passive recreation in a controlled manner consistent with its ecological values.

In preparing the VMP for the BGHF Habitat in the Subject Property, each of the above-listed principles has been considered, and relevant management issues addressed.

6.2 BUSH REGENERATION

The most commonly used approach to the rehabilitation of native plant communities (bushland) is Bush Regeneration, which is defined by the Australian Association of Bush Regenerators as: …..the practice of restoring bushland by focusing on reinstating and reinforcing the system’s on-going natural regeneration processes (AABR, no date).

The Bush Regeneration approach (basically removing weeds and encouraging native plant regeneration from in situ seed sources) is suitable only for those sites the soil seed bank is intact, where mature native plants occur in sufficient numbers to provide source material, and where there is sufficient species diversity to restore the major structural components of the vegetation community (i.e. each stratum).

Representative species of each stratum – i.e. the canopy, shrub and groundcover – must be present or (potentially) be present in the soil seed bank for natural regeneration to function as the primary

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rehabilitation process. Such bushland is described as ‘structurally intact’, and conforms to the definition provided by State Environmental Planning Policy No-19 – Bushland in Urban Areas20.

Regeneration of the native vegetation community from existing seed sources cannot occur where the potential for natural regeneration from in situ sources (i.e. ‘site resilience’) is absent.

The Bush Regeneration approach incorporates a number of or strategies and methodologies; the most commonly used are:

Natural Regeneration – which involves removing weed using a combination of hand weeding and the application of selective herbicides; and then caring for the native seedlings that subsequently colonise the site?

Assisted Natural Regeneration – which combines traditional bush regeneration methods (e.g. weeding) with seed collection, propagation and planting of locally indigenous tubestock to supplement natural (unassisted) regeneration.

Reconstruction or Restoration – which is used where a native vegetation community has been completely lost, but where the biophysical attributes of the site (e.g. soil type, soil nutrient status, hydrological regime) are still within levels which remain tolerable to local native species. Reconstruction techniques centre on the planting of locally indigenous species in the proportions, range and densities similar to those present in the original (pre-disturbance) vegetation community.

Fabrication – which is used where the original native vegetation community is no longer present, and where the site’s biophysical attributes have changed to the point where the original vegetation community cannot be reconstructed or recreated (i.e. where site conditions have changed so dramatically that simply replanting with local native species is impractical). Fabrication of a new vegetation community will necessarily take place over a long period of time (up to 10-years). The timeframe for fabrication will depend on the feasibility of ameliorating site impacts and of course, on the resources available for on-ground works.

20 SEPP-19 definition of "bushland" means land on which there is vegetation that is either a remainder of the natural vegetation of the land or, if altered, is still representative of the structure and floristics of the natural vegetation.

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6.3 POTENTIAL FOR REGENERATION – ECOSYSTEM RESILIENCE

Ecosystem resilience is defined as “the degree, manner and pace of restoration of the structure and function of the original ecosystem after disturbance” (Westman 1978), or put more simply, as the ability of an ecosystem to recover from disturbance.

When assessing site resilience, key indicators are the standing biomass of remaining native plants (particularly naturally regenerating seedlings), and the potential reservoir of propagative material (seeds, spores, rhizomes) in the soil seed bank, although the latter is difficult to assess accurately without extensive trials.

In the Subject Property at Wahroonga: - Resilience in some parts of the Subject Property (e.g. Management Zones 3 and 4) (see Figure 4.6), is expected to be ‘low’ or even possibly ‘absent’ because of the impact of past land uses, including excavation and deposition of fill, enrichment of the parent soils through the incorporation of compost and garden topsoil, replacement of native understorey with horticultural specimens and introduced turf grasses, changes to local drainage patterns, weed invasion and the suppression of the natural fire regime, with a consequent loss of viability in the soil seed bank.

However, for those areas identified as potential BGHF Habitat in Management Zones 1 and 2, and possibly in parts of Zone 5 where some of the proposed offsets are located in close proximity to Core Areas (see Figure 4.6), and where parent soils have not been overly disturbed, site resilience is expected to be ‘moderate’, with some sites of increased resilience in more open areas where native understorey plants have managed to re-establish in the absence of dense weed thickets or planted shrubs.

Where site resilience is ‘low’ or ‘absent’, reconstruction of the native vegetation community through the clearing of weeds and other unwanted vegetation, followed by broad-scale replacement planting will be required.

In areas with more potential for natural regeneration (i.e. where some site resilience is anticipated), if after a period of (say) 12 months, natural regeneration is sparse (or absent), enrichment planting will be necessary to stabilise soils and to provide a native understorey to serve as habitat for native flora and fauna.

Note: It must be stressed that the natural regeneration of a few shrubs or native ground covers in a degraded site does not indicate that the site is capable of regenerating naturally (i.e. without planting) to a floristically and structurally intact bushland habitat.

The presence of such disturbance-tolerant, commonly occurring species is often used to support an oversimplified approach to bushland management which suggests that all degraded sites retain some resilience, and can, if given enough time and resources, be regenerated to a fully functioning ecosystem.

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6.4 CHOOSING THE MOST EFFECTIVE STRATEGY

The Bush Regeneration approach usually applies to the rehabilitation of sites assessed as having ‘high to moderate’ resilience, relying on natural regeneration from in situ sources (existing native plants and seeds/root or rhizome fragments in the soil). Bushland in these categories will likely retain sufficient regenerative potential to re-establish the native vegetation community once weeds and other plantings have been removed.

Even in sites identified as ‘poor quality’ or ‘degraded’, on fill soils, or where the native vegetation has been cleared for many years, there are usually a few native plants remaining. Even so, in such areas, it is likely that the soil seed bank has been severely depleted (or is absent) – thereby greatly reducing the potential for natural regeneration. For such areas, other methods must be used.

In chronically degraded or cleared areas, the vegetation community must be reconstructed (restored), not regenerated. This will involve a broad scale and often expensive, planting program using locally indigenous species – some of which may have been lost to the site and Locality. Therefore, as a matter of economics if nothing else, every attempt should be made to stimulate natural in situ regeneration prior to undertaking a bushland reconstruction program.

In the Subject Property at Wahroonga: -

Management Zones 1 and 2 are proposed for rehabilitation, while Management Zone 3, 4 and 5 are proposed to be reconstructed via a broad-scale indigenous planting program (Figure 6.1).

Bushland rehabilitation Management Zones 1 and 2 will focus first on encouraging Natural Regeneration, (i.e. weed control followed by natural regeneration of native species).

After a period of time (say 12 months), following monitoring and re-assessment, it is possible that Assisted Natural Regeneration will be required (i.e. enrichment planting to increase species diversity, density and abundance). Management Zones identified for Natural and Assisted Natural Regeneration refer to areas of Core BGHF Habitat extant on the Subject Property (see Figure 4.6).

In contrast, sites with less potential to regenerate, i.e. Management Zone 3, and Management Zone 4 and parts of Management Zone 5 (compensatory offsets) will have to be ‘Reconstructed’’ through an indigenous planting program. These areas have been cleared of native understorey vegetation for many years and currently occur as canopy trees over lawns and garden beds (although some grassed areas do retain a few herbaceous native ground covers).

This approach will involve clearing of most existing vegetation, thorough site preparation, soil remediation, possibly including minor earthworks and installation of drains, followed by broad-scale planting using locally indigenous species, with representatives of each of the tree, shrub and ground cover strata being re-instated.

However, at the present time, it is not anticipated that site conditions (soil chemistry, drainage patters and climatic factors) in the proposed Reconstruction Zones will have been changed to such as degree that Fabrication of a new vegetation community will be required

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However this assumption cannot be guaranteed; and new plantings will have to be monitored carefully over a period of time to see if they succeed. If plant failures are high, despite maintenance (say >20%), a further series of soil tests may be warranted (see Section 8.5.1). If this is the case, alterations to the VMP as they relate to soil remediation may be required.

Table 6.1: Summary of Areas of BGHF Habitat to be Rehabilitated / Reconstructed

Management Zone / VMP Area of BGHF Habitat to be Strategy/Method Rehabilitated / Reconstructed MZ 1 – S & SE Core 2,600 sq metres (per UBMC 2006) Bushland Rehabilitation - Assisted MZ 2 – Central Core Natural Regeneration (some planting after 12 months)

MZ 3 – SW Non-core 3,750 sq metres (extra areas per Reconstruction / Recreation via MZ 4 – SW Non-core Smith) broad-scale planting

MZ 5 – Offsets PLUS 2,099 sq metres offsets Reconstruction / Recreation via broad-scale planting All MZs BGHF Total 8,449 sq metres* MINUS 116 sq metres for construction Total BGHF 8,333 sq metres* Treatments as above *rounded

Figure 6.1: Summary of Management Zones

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6.5 WEED ECOLOGY

The information provided in the following section, while again largely generic in nature, has been included in the VMP for the BGHF Habitat areas in the Subject Property at 35 Water Street Wahroonga in order to provide guidelines for the prioritisation of weed control tasks and on-going site maintenance.

6.5.1 Definition A plant is only a weed where it interferes with a man's use of the land for particular purposes, with his well being, or with the quality of his environment (Moore 1975).

Invasion by unwanted plants is a major constraint on the conservation and management of habitat for native flora and fauna. Unwanted plants in a natural or man-made environment are generally called 'weeds’. This generic term includes such diverse groups as:  Plants harmful to agriculture, human health and the community (‘noxious weeds’);  Horticultural escapes from gardens and amenity plantings (‘environmental weeds’);  Plants introduced from other parts of Australia, or local native plants growing out of their normal range (‘alien’ or ‘non-indigenous native plants’);  Plants commonly found in crops and pasture land (‘agricultural weeds’); and  Plants that commonly grow in wasteland, on roadsides and in other disturbed areas (‘ruderal weeds’).

6.5.2 Keystone (Target) Weeds Some introduced species pose serious and immediate threats to the vegetation community they invade, eventually modifying the ecosystem to such a degree that many native plants are unable to survive. These ecosystem modifies are called 'Keystone’ or 'Primary Target Weeds', and they must be given priority in weed control program.

Note: A keystone weed may have a legal designation as a 'Noxious Plant' (Noxious Weeds Act 1993, as Amended 2005), or the species may be recognised as ‘an environmental weed’ in the Region – i.e. a plant which naturalises readily in bushland to the detriment of the native flora.

Typical keystone weeds in Sydney bushland, and represented in the Subject Property, include Privet Ligustrum spp, African Olive Olea europaea ssp cuspidata, Asparagus ‘Fern’ Asparagus aethiopicus, Wandering Jew Tradescantia fluminensis, Morning Glory Ipomoea indica, and Madeira vine Anredera cordifolia.

6.5.3 Secondary Weeds Not all weeds constitute a threat to the plant communities they invade. Some annual weeds or herbaceous perennials may be naturalised in the vegetation community, and many are hardy pioneer species that establish in the early stages of recovery (i.e. ‘succession’). These weeds are

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usually short-lived, and although they produce a copious amount of seed, these pioneering species will not survive once a shading canopy is re-established.

Because they are highly visible, often grow in dense thickets, and present an ‘untidy’ appearance, secondary weeds are often treated first – unfortunately providing little benefit, as they quickly recolonise bare soil sites created by weeding. Unless unlimited resources are available, secondary weeds do not warrant early treatment in the weeding schedule, as there are other, far more environmentally damaging weeds to contend with, especially when resources are limited.

Secondary weeds in the Subject Property include (primarily) herbaceous species such as Plantain Plantago lanceolata) Fleabane Conyza spp, Cobbler’s Pegs Bidens pilosa, and introduced grasses such as Common Couch Cynodon dactylon, and Perennial Veldt Grass Ehrharta erecta.

Non-indigenous natives such as Queensland Brush Box Lophostemon confertus, Lemon-scented Gum Corymbia citriodora and Cootamundra Wattle Acacia baileyana) and exotics such as Jacaranda Jacaranda mimosifolia are also considered to be secondary weeds in bushland unless they proliferate to such an extent that they threatened to suppress or displace native species.

See Table 7.1 for a list of significant introduced or non-indigenous natives within the BGHF Habitat that may be retained as mature plantings, provided that new seedlings/saplings are removed as they occur.

In the Subject Property at Wahroonga – Target weeds for the Subject Property are listed in Table 7.2. Recommended control methods for each species listed are described in Appendix 5. Weeding priorities are listed in Section 6.6.

6.6 WEEDING PRIORITIES

Priority of works is to be determined according to the status of weeds present in each infestation. The following hierarchy is given to target weed infestations:

1. Weeds of National Significance (‘WONS’)21; 2. Noxious Weeds (Ku-ring-gai Local Control Area); then 3. Environmental Weeds – keystone species only.

A list of target weeds present is provided in Table 7.2, while Appendix 5 provides a number of options (hand weeding and herbicide application) for the control for the target species listed.

21 No ‘WONS’ occur within the BGHF Habitat areas at this time. UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd 75 Vegetation Management Plan – Waterbrook at Wahroonga

6.7 INDIGENOUS REVEGETATION

Revegetation in bush regeneration projects usually comprises ‘enrichment’ or supplementary planting in areas of low species diversity; and ‘bush landscaping’ on edge sites and buffers, or in landscaped garden beds to create an extended native habitat.

Enrichment planting is carried out to increase existing species diversity by planting small shrubs, herbs, grasses and occasionally, new canopy trees. Enrichment planting can also be used to increase habitat for native fauna, and/or to re-introduce species which are known to have once been part of the local vegetation community, but for some reason have now been lost.

Bush landscaping refers to the placement of new plants to in-fill clearings or gaps and link remnants, to establish buffer zones at the interface between bushland and developed areas, and to create complementary native gardens on adjoining sites.

Indigenous Revegetation Programs – whether enrichment planting or bush landscaping – should attempt to utilise only plant material grown from local native species (i.e. indigenous species) in order to maintain the genetic integrity of the bushland remnant, to provide habitat for local native fauna, but also to maintain ‘local character’.

Revegetation methods and techniques are discussed in Section 8.5. A list of locally indigenous plants appropriate for planting in the BGHF Habitat areas in the Subject Property at Water Street has been included as Appendix 6.

This list has been prepared with reference to the Final Determination for the BGHF Ecological Community (see Appendix 1), and following inspection of regenerated portions of several nearby reserves (Clive Evatt Reserve, Turiban Reserve North, The Glade Reserve). Existing site conditions and adjacent land uses have been taken into account. Local knowledge has also been used to ‘fine- tune’ the planting list.

It is not anticipated that all of the species listed in Appendix 6 will be used, but a wide range of species has been included to provide some degree of choice (especially as some of the species recommended may not be commercial available, or if grown from local seed, the species may not produce seed regularly and/or they may be difficult to propagate).

Note: commonly occurring species such as Pittosporum undulatum (considered to be over abundant in local bushland) have been excluded from the planting list.

Also note: small or delicate herbaceous species have not been included in the planting list as they would not only difficult to propagate, but would most likely not be hardy under field conditions. Species such as Orchids, Vetches, Glycines, and the smaller Ground Lilies – although desirable in theory - would require a great deal of aftercare, which is unlikely to occur.

Threatened species such as Syzygium paniculatum should not be planted at any time.

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If some of the less commonly occurring species in the local BGHF Ecological Community can be made available over time (propagated from locally collected seed or cuttings), these should be used to increase biodiversity values and further enhance habitat for native fauna.

However, it must be recognised that some locally indigenous flora species may have become locally extinct, so that seed and cuttings may not be available from nearby bushland reserves. If this is the case, plant material will have to be sourced from bushland reserves further afield. Provided that collection sources are within a 10-kilometre radius of the Subject Property, and are located on similar soils and topography, this should not present a problem.

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7 MANAGING BLUE GUM HIGH FOREST REHABILITATION & RECONSTRUCTION

The following strategies and actions are to be implemented as part of the BGHF Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program on the Subject Property at 35 Water Street Wahroonga.

7.1 MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES – THE POTENTIAL FOR NATURAL REGENERATION

Weed control is only one of a number of strategies required to achieve the broader goals of conserving, rehabilitating and managing native vegetation. The identification of keystone (primary target) weeds may vary between vegetation communities and between differing land use areas.

When planning a weed control program, factors that must be considered include:  The degree of weed infestation;  The length of time since weed establishment;  The substrate (fill or natural soils);  Soil stability and the potential for slippage or erosion;  Site and local drainage conditions (hydrology); and  The condition (health) of nearby remnant vegetation, which will provide propagules for the natural regeneration of the site.

Weed control is only the first step to the recovery (or rehabilitation) of a more desirable vegetation community (whether native bushland or a plantation).

Of primary importance is the potential for the ecosystem to recover after major disturbance i.e. ‘site resilience’.

In sites with ‘low to moderate’ weed density and/or those surrounded by good quality native bushland, the potential for recovery is good, with natural regeneration of natives species usually occurring from in situ sources (i.e. the soil seed bank) or volunteering from neighbouring bushland.

However, for those badly degraded sites or those that have suffered long-term or extensive disturbance, site resilience will usually be ‘low to absent’, so that attempts to achieve bush restoration will usually involve a broad-scale planting program.

Weeding to encourage the natural regeneration of native seedlings is the basis of the Bush Regeneration approach to the management of native vegetation communities.

While Bush Regeneration is generally associated with the restoration of bushland remnants in the urban environment, there is some scope for some use of its low-impact methods in the peri-urban

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and rural environments, which historically has relied on grazing, slashing, burning, or the broad-scale application of herbicides to control weeds.

7.2 MANAGING THREATENED SPECIES

7.2.1 Flora Species Only one (1) threatened flora species has been recorded for the Subject Property – Magenta Lilly Pilly (Syzygium paniculatum) - which occurs as two (2) specimens (likely to have been planted) – one along the Water Street boundary, and the other west of the old croquet lawn (see Figure 2.1). Neither of these specimens is located within the area designated for bushland rehabilitation or reconstruction, and no new buildings are proposed for this area.

However, the National Parks & Wildlife Group22 of DECCW has long held that threatened species should not be planted, either in bush regeneration projects or in public parks and private gardens because in doing so, the species’ genetic base may become ‘polluted’, and in natural areas at least, the line between natural occurrences and plantings may become indistinct.

Recommendations:

1. No additional Magenta Lilly Pilly, or any other species listed by the TSC Act as ‘threatened’ are to be included in the Landscape Plan for the Subject Property. 2. Where infrastructure works or refurbishment of the heritage gardens are likely to impact on the Magenta Lilly Pilly, protective measures are to be set in place prior to commencement of works. This also applies to any changes in drainage patterns.

7.2.2 Endangered Ecological Communities The establishment of alien species (weeds and pest animals) is internationally recognised as the second greatest cause of biodiversity decline after habitat destruction. Weeds have become established throughout all Australian landscapes during the past two (2) decades and pose a threat to about half of the flora and fauna species in NSW.

Plants imported for horticultural purposes (primarily domestic gardens) make up about 2/3rds of Australia’s agricultural and environmental weeds, with 18 species identified as being among the worst weeds in Australia.

Some 30% of Australia’s declared noxious weeds are garden escapes. Accordingly, the NSW Scientific Committee established under the NSW TSC Act has made a preliminary determination to list escaped exotic garden plants as a Key Threatening Process23.

A Key Threatening Process (‘KTPs’) is described as a threat to biodiversity. KTPs are listed under Schedule 3 of the NSW TSC Act, as provided for under Part 2 of the Act.

22 Previously National Parks & Wildlife Service 23 www.environment.nsw.gov.au/determinations/gardenplantspd.htm UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd 79 Vegetation Management Plan – Waterbrook at Wahroonga

Three (3) KTPs are directly applicable to the management of the BGHF remnant in the Subject Property at Wahroonga: These are: 1. Establishment of Escaped Exotic Garden Plants – preliminary determination gazetted 29 August 2008; 2. Invasion and Establishment of Exotic Vines and Scramblers – final determination gazetted 21 April 2006; 3. Invasion of Native Plant Communities by Exotic Perennial Grasses - final determination gazetted 12 September 2003.

A number of other KTPs apply to the BGHF remnant on the Subject Property at Wahroonga. These are: Invasion, Establishment and Spread of Lantana (presently not on the site), Infection of Native Plants by Phytophthora cinnamomi (which, as an endemic component of most soils in Eastern NSW) may be activated as the result of soil disturbances, and Loss of Hollow-bearing Trees. The BGHF remnant and adjoining habitats in the Subject Property have been chronically degraded by the invasion and establishment of escaped garden plants; with 13 of these escapes being declared Noxious Plants in Ku-ring-gai LCA (see Section 4.3.4). Where a garden escapes has not been declared as a Noxious Plant, the term ‘Environmental Weed’ has been used (see Section 6.5).

In Core BGHF Habitat areas (Management Zones 1 and 2), weeds and garden escapes have substantially replaced the indigenous shrub and ground cover layers. For Management Zones 3 and 4, community structure has been reduced to individual or small stands of canopy trees which have been retained over exotic gardens or lawns. There is no question that the unchecked spread of garden escapes has seriously compromised the integrity and viability of the BGHF Ecological Community in this site.

Similar recommendations are made for Management Zone 5 – which comprise a number of small ‘compensatory offsets’; some of which adjoin existing BGHF Habitat areas.

Recommendations:

1. For those species declared as ‘Noxious Plants’ there is a legal requirement for the landowner to control these plants and to prevent their spread to adjoining properties. 2. For both noxious and environmental weeds, the preliminary determination to declare garden escapes as KTPs means that in order to conserve and effectively management those areas of BGHF Habitat remaining in situ, a comprehensive weed control program should be undertaken at the earliest possible time. 3. Such a program should be carried out strictly in accordance with the recommendations and guidelines established by a formal Vegetation Management Plan prepared by a suitably qualified restoration ecologist. 4. Monitoring should be carried out as part of the BGHF Habitat Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program, and this should take into account the possibility of the noxious Lantana camara invading the site from nearby bushland reserves (where it currently occurs).

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5. Wherever possible within the constraints of the site, and where it does not compromise public safety, hollow-bearing trees should be retained. 6. In order to prevent the stimulation and/or importation and spread of the soil fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi, protocols for cleaning machinery and other hygiene measures should be established and strictly followed. This particularly important when vehicles or machinery used on site are brought in from weedy or polluted soils, or where the fungus is known to be active.

7.3 RETENTION OF CULTURALLY SIGNIFICANT PLANTINGS

A number of culturally significant trees have been identified in the Arboricultural Impact Assessment Report (Tree Wise Men, March 2009), these forming part of the heritage gardens at Rippon Grange. Some of these trees are located within areas identified for rehabilitation and/or reconstruction as BGHF Habitat.

This VMP proposes to retain culturally significant trees provided that they do not naturalise in the restored bushland and pose a threat to the floristic and structural integrity of the ecological community. Table 7.1 lists the significant existing introduced and non-indigenous plantings proposed for retention.

Recommendations:

1. Significant trees are to be protected during the BGHF Rehabilitation & Reconstruction Program by the erection of individual tree guards/shields and fencing – as per recommendations set out for native trees and described in Appendix 8.

2. See Arboricultural Impact Assessment Report (March 2009 & Appendix C) for additional protective measures for significant plantings to be retained in situ.

The species listed in Table 7.1 have been planted into the BGHF Habitat areas as part of a late 19th and early 20th Century landscaping program, which included the creation of an arboretum. Of the 24 individuals listed in Table 7.1, only nine (9) individuals are to be retained in the BGHF Habitat areas (i.e. areas proposed for retention and rehabilitation and/or restoration). The remainder have been identified for removal as they are either exotic introductions or native species which are non indigenous to the BGHF ecological community.

Note that other, non-culturally signficiant trees and shrubs are also scheduled for removal from the BGHF Habitat area and those areas proposed for reinstatement via an indigenous planting program. See Taylor Brammer Landscape Plan (updated November 2009) for futher details.

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Table 7.1: Significant Introduced Plantings in BGHF Habitat Areas

Note: plants marked with an * are to be retained

MANAGEMENT ZONE SIG. BOTANIC NAME COMMON NAME TREE NO. ZONE ZONE ZONE RANK ZONE 2 1 3 4

Acacia elata Cedar Wattle 4 178 √ Acmena smithii * Lily Pilly 3 334 √ Araucaria 3 cunninghamiana * Hoop Pine 148 √ Callistemon salignus Willow Bottlebrush 4 346 √ Callistemon salignus Willow Bottlebrush 4 347 √ Casuarina glauca Swamp Oak 4 317 Ceratopetalum New South Wales 4 gummiferum Christmas Bush 119 √ Corymbia maculata Spotted Gum 3 103/104 √ Crypotmeria 4 japonica Japanese Cedar 301 √ Cypressus 3 semperviriens Italian Cypress 124/192 √ √ Elaeocarpus 4 reticulatus * Blueberry Ash 111 √ Ficus rubiginosa * Port Jackson Fig 4 122 √ Jacaranda 4 √ mimosifolia Jacaranda 120 Jacaranda 3 √ mimosifolia Jacaranda 117 Juniper sp Juniper 3 145/146 √ Liquidambar 3 √ styraciflua Liquidambar 87 Livistona australis Cabbage Tree Palm 3 341 √ Palmae sp * Palm 3 340 √ Pinus radiata Monterey Pine 3 396 √ Strelitzia nicholi * Giant Strelitzia 4 186 √ Syncarpia ? glomulifera* Turpentine 181 √

Note: Recommend retention of mature plants, but the removal of new seedlings as they occur. * Significance Ranking (Sig. Rank) from Arboricultural Impact Assessment Report, Tree Wise Men (March 2009). 1 = Most Significant, 4 = Least significant.

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7.4 REMOVING WEEDS & INVASIVE GARDEN PLANTS

The location of weed polygons have been illustrated in Figure 4.4, and target weed species contained in each polygon are listed in Appendix 4. After a targeted weed program has been undertaken to remove these aggressive and free-seeding species (via a primary targeted weed sweep), comprehensive bush regeneration works may commence.

The Bush Regeneration approach will focus initially on weeding in sites which retain some native plants (i.e. those expected to retain at least some site resilience).

In Management Zones 1 and 2, these areas have been illustrated as ‘remnant trees over lawn/native plant beds (see Figure 4.6). This approach – often described as ‘weeding from good areas to bad’ – will encourage the natural regeneration of native species, while weeding around the perimeters of such areas will provide germination sites and micro-niche sites for the expansion of the native vegetation.

Weeds and other unwanted garden plants will be removed using a combination of low impact hand weeding techniques and selective herbicide application – the latter being confined primarily to ‘cut stump and poison’, tree injection and (for vines) ‘stem scrape and poison’. In some very weedy areas, targeted low-volume foliar spraying will be used.

It is recommended that because of the danger of accidental damage to non-target species, foliar spraying be kept to an absolute minimum, although the eradication of turf grasses and dense stands of weeds such as Fishbone Fern and Asparagus ‘Fern’ would be more thoroughly and economically controlled through the application of one of the selective herbicides registered for use on the species.

For those areas where few or no native plants remain in situ (illustrated as ‘remnant trees over weedy understorey - Management Zones 3, 4 and possibly some parts of Management Zone 5 – see Figure 4.6), unwanted vegetation may be ‘’scalped’ or ‘stripped’ from the understorey using a range of methods and techniques, including the use of a small bobcat with low pressure tyres –this approach being applicable only if machinery can be manoeuvred without damaging native trees and shrubs.

Considering the size of the area to be treated and the large volume of weed debris to be disposed of, primary and secondary weeding over all Management Zones is expected to take 2-3 years (at least).

A high level of follow-up and maintenance weeding will be required for all regenerating sites as a matter of routine, and no enrichment planting is to take place until such time as weed regrowth is under control. To plant without effective weed control is to invite unacceptably high maintenance costs, and possibly the loss of many new plants.

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Recommendations:

1. Adopt a strategic approach to weed control, targeting first those species with the most potential to naturalise in bushland, to persist and displace native understorey species, and to alter ecosystem function (see Table 7.2).

2. Prepare a weeding calendar, which allows for treatment of weed species before they flower/fruit, thereby maximising resources and weeding effort. This weeding calendar should form part of the Action Plan for on-ground works.

3. Utilise weed control techniques appropriate to the species to be controlled and the site in which they occurs: consider the economics of hand weeding vs. other techniques and the potential benefits of alternative methods.

4. Plant for the prompt and careful disposal of weed debris, and avoid stockpiling debris in areas with high public visibility.

5. Weed timbers are not to be chipped for re-use as mulch unless they can be guaranteed to be free of seed and other propagules. Debris should be removed to a landfill site.

6. Weed-free topsoil and native timbers may be stockpiled for reuse at a later date provided they are windrowed at a height of not more than 0.5 metres and stored for less than three (3) months. After this time, composting will dramatically reduce the viability of any stored native seed, rhizomes or root fragments.

Table 7.2: List of Target Weeds Identified in BGHF Habitat Areas

(Note: all plants listed are to be removed from BGHF Habitat areas) BOTANIC NAME COMMON NAME STATUS * COMMENTS WOODY WEEDS Acacia baileyana Cootamundra Wattle Environmental weed Non-indigenous native: spreads rapidly by seed Acer negundo Box Elder Environmental weed Remove seedlings from BGHF Habitat areas Brachychiton acerifolius Illawarra Flame Tree Environmental weed Remove seedlings from BGHF Habitat areas Cinnamomum Camphor Laurel Noxious weed Noxious in LGA. If retained, mature camphora trees will continue to contribute a large number of seedlings Cotoneaster Cotoneaster Environmental weed Planted widely within the Subject glaucophyllus Property: monitor for seedlings in BGHF Habitat areas. Ficus pumila Creeping Fig Environmental weed Roots will damage stonework Genista monspessulana Montpellier Broom Environmental weed Noxious in LGA: widespread shrub of no floristic value: remove all specimens.

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BOTANIC NAME COMMON NAME STATUS * COMMENTS Jacaranda mimosifolia Jacaranda Environmental weed Remove all seedlings/saplings in (depending on location) BGHF areas if mature trees are to be retained elsewhere. Ligustrum lucidum Large-leaved Privet Noxious weed Noxious weed in LGA: remove all specimens within the property. Ligustrum sinense Small-leaved Privet Noxious weed Noxious weed in LGA: remove all specimens within the property. Morus alba White Mulberry Environmental weed Remove all seedlings/saplings in BGHF areas if mature trees are to be retained elsewhere. Ochna serrulata Mickey Mouse Plant Noxious weed Noxious weed: if retained, mature shrubs in gardens will continue to contribute a large number of seedlings. Olea europaea var African Olive Environmental weed Mature plants in gardens will cuspidata continue to contribute a large number of seedlings: remove all seedlings from BGHF Habitat areas Solanum mauritanum Wild Tobacco Tree Ruderal weed Remove plants from entire property

Rubus fruticosus Blackberry Noxious weed Beginning to establish in various locations HERBACEOUS WEEDS Agapanthus praecox = Agapanthus Environmental weed Maintain in garden beds: monitor africanus for seedlings in BGHF areas Ageratina adenophora Crofton Weed Agricultural / Ruderal Remove where it occurs: indicative weed of drainage problems, so investigate source of water Ageratina riparia Mistflower Agricultural / Ruderal Small numbers near grotto, MZ 2 weed Chlorophytum comosum Spider Plant Environmental weed Circium vulgare Scotch Thistle Agricultural/Ruderal weed Ehrharta erecta Perennial Veldt Grass Environmental weed Difficult to eradicate: mulch or over sow with native ground covers after herbicide application Hedychium Ginger lily Environmental weed Maintain in gardens but remove gardnerianum from BGHF Habitat areas Environmental weed Few individuals in gardens but will spread rapidly by seed unless all Lilium formosanum Formosa Lily plants are removed

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BOTANIC NAME COMMON NAME STATUS * COMMENTS Nephrolepis cordifolia Fishbone Fern Environmental weed Maintain in gardens: eradicate from BGHF Habitat areas. Parietaria judaica Pellitory / Asthma Weed Noxious weed Noxious weed: allergenic: mainly in rockeries Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum Agricultural weed Part of grassy sward, mainly in MZ 3 Pennisetum Kikuyu Grass Agricultural weed Keep out of BGHF areas clandestinum completely. Spreads by rhizomes (not seed) so keep away from interface sites with bushland Phyllostachys aurea Golden Cane / Bamboo Noxious weed Noxious weed in LGA: remove entirely Setaria spp Pigeon Grasses Agricultural weed Secondary weed: control as resources allow: mainly in grassland (MZ 3) Solanum nigrum Blackberry Nightshade Ruderal weed Secondary weed: poisonous berries Sporobolus virginicus Parramatta Grass Agricultural weed Secondary weed: control as resources allow: mainly in grassland (MZ 3 and 4, Polygon E) Stenotaphrum Buffalo Grass Environmental weed Used as turf in part of MZ 2 – secundatum remove (strip?) from BGHF Habitat areas completely Strelitzia nicolai, S. Bird of Paradise Environmental weed Remove seedlings/saplings from regina (depending on location) BGHF Habitat areas: leave mature plants & monitor Tradescantia Wandering Jew Noxious weed Noxious weed in LGA: eradiate fluminensis throughout entire property: spot spray or rake and monitor regrowth. Tropaeolum majus Nasturtium Environmental weed Secondary weed: control as resources allow: VINES & SCRAMBLERS Asparagus aethiopicus Asparagus Fern Noxious weed Noxious in LGA: Widespread: berries distributed by birds/foxes: ideally should be removed from entire property, but essential to remove from all bushland areas Asparagus plumosus Climbing Asparagus Noxious weed As above: but less invasive Anredera cordifolia Madeira Vine Noxious weed Noxious in LGA: small infestation MZ 3: critical to eradicate as quickly as possible

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BOTANIC NAME COMMON NAME STATUS * COMMENTS Araujia sericifera White Moth Vine Environmental weed Secondary weed: control as resources allow Hedera helix English Ivy Environmental weed Remove all plants from BGHF Habitat areas Jasminum polyanthum Jasmine Environmental weed Remove all plants from BGHF Habitat areas Hedera helix English Ivy Environmental weed Remove all plants from BGHF Habitat areas Ipomoea indica Morning Glory Noxious weed Noxious in LGA: mainly in MZ 3 / 4 Polygon F near old stables: rampant growth so must be eradicated Lonicera japonica Japanese Honeysuckle Environmental weed Remove all plants from BGHF Habitat areas Passiflora edulis Passionfruit Environmental weed Secondary weed: mainly in MZ 3 / 4 Polygon F: near old stables: eradicate where it occurs Thunbergia alata Black-eyed Susan Environmental weed Mainly in MZ 3 and 4, near old stables: eradicate Wisteria floribunda Wisteria Environmental weed Contain in landscaped gardens: (depending on location) monitor spread into BGHF Habitat areas and control * see Section 4.3.4 for explanation of weed status

Note: not all introduced species or minor weeds have been including in the table above. Minor weeds (usually herbaceous species) such as chickweed, fleabanes, clovers and vetch have not been identified for weed control.

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7.5 POTENTIAL IMPACT OF INTRODUCED PLANTS IN HERITAGE GARDENS

The following Table provides a list of garden plants occurring in the heritage gardens which are known to be invasive in native bushland (i.e. as environmental weeds). Many of these have also been listed as ‘keystone’ or ‘target’ weeds in the BGHF Habitat (see Table 7.2).

As the current Proposal includes the retention and refurbishment of the heritage gardens, these plants may impact on the bushland restoration project in the BGHF Habitat Areas unless they are strictly controlled. This list is by no means exhaustive.

Table 7.3: Introduced Plants in Gardens which are known to be Invasive in Bushland & Recommended for Removal

BOTANIC NAME COMMON NAME

Agapanthus praecox Agapanthus Asparagus aethiopicus (Noxious) Fern or Ground Asparagus Brachychiton acerifolius Illawarra Flame Tree Cinnamomum camphora (Noxious) Camphor laurel Celtis orientalis Hackberry Chlorophytum comosum Spider Lily Corymbia citriodora Lemon Scented Gum Cotoneaster glaucophyllus Cotoneaster Dietes vegeta Peacock Iris Hedera helix English Ivy Hedychium gardnerianum Yellow Ginger Jacaranda mimosifolia Jacaranda Jasminum polyanthum Chinese Jasmine Melia azedarach White Cedar Morus alba White Mulberry Nephrolepis cordifolia Fishbone Fern Ochna serrulata (Noxious) Ochna/Mickey Mouse Bush Olea europaea var. cuspidata African Olive Phoenix canariensis Phoenix / Canary Island Palm Phyllostachys aurea (Noxious) Golden Cane / Bamboo Ulmus parviflora Chinese Elm

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7.6 RECREATING APPROPRIATE SITE CONDITIONS

7.6.1 Soil Issues / Depth of Weed Cover, Compost and Litter Comment has been made about the deep layer of composed garden waste, litter and other rubbish which occurs across the Subject Property, particularly in Management Zones 3 and 4 where only a few canopy trees remain in situ over a lawn overgrown with exotic vines and scramblers (see Plate 10). In these areas (Non-Core BGHF Habitat) the ground cover in is composed almost entirely of weed species, including dense infestations of the succulent Wandering Jew, Morning Glory Vine, Honeysuckle and other garden escapes.

A range of aggressive weeds have thoroughly colonized the rich moist substrate provided by the site’s former land use (vegetable garden, chicken coop and compost area). It will be difficult, if not impossible, to remove these weeds by hand as the many of the species present readily fragment on contact and are capable of regenerating from even tiny pieces of stem or rhizome.

Plate 9: Former garden beds under BGHF canopy trees, but now a dense thicket of woody weeds, exotic vines and scramblers (Management Zones 2-3)

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The only practical way to ensure total control of these ground cover weeds is to scalp the weed biomass and the underlying soil and to remove this polluted material from the site. A systemic herbicide such as glyphosate should be applied prior to scalping (to ensure that any weed residue is poisoned) and used again (as required) to treat weed regrowth as it occurs. Several applications may be necessary, although the cleared area is to be carefully monitored to identify any native species that may germinate, and if any such seedlings do occur, to make sure they are protected during follow-up weeding activities.

However, in the Core BGHF Habitat Areas – Management Zones 1 and 2 - where canopy trees (and some sub-canopy species) occur in close proximity to one another this approach may not be practical as there is always the possibility of damaging native vegetation. In such areas, progressive hand weeding, including the use of power tools such as chain saws, and the careful use of herbicide (see Appendix 5) should be used to remove woody weeds, introduced vines and scramblers and control unwanted ground covers.

If the overlying composed litter layer is removed; and light and air is returned to the forest floor, it is quite possible that some natural regeneration may occur as the underlying (weed free) soil may still contain some native seed, and given the opportunity, may regenerate. However, given the site’s long history of disturbance it is unlikely that the native soil seed bank remains wholly intact.

If native species do regenerate naturally from the soil seed bank, or if they ‘volunteer’ into the site from elsewhere, these new plants will be incorporated into the bushland rehabilitation program proposed for the Core BGHF Habitat Areas (Management Zones Z 1 and 2), where they will contribute to species diversity. Given existing light levels and competition by existing canopy trees, it is however, unlikely that new canopy trees will be able to establish, with the possible exception of sites on the perimeters or in small clearings where there is less competition and where high light levels occur.

Given the site’s long history of disturbance and alternative land uses, the natural regeneration of native BGHF species from either in-situ or ex-situ sources in those area designated as Non-Core BGHF Habitat Areas is unlikely to occur in sufficient abundance or with adequate floristic diversity, to recreate the BGHF Habitat (Management Zones 3 and 4). In such areas, it will be necessary to substantially reconstruct this Habitat via an intensive and on-going weed control program followed by a staged indigenous planting program.

Recommendations:

1. For Management Zones 1 and 2 (Core BGHF Habitat Areas) low impact bush regeneration methods and techniques should be used to remove weeds and other unwanted vegetation. 2. Where machine access is available, a small machine (with. low pressure tyres) may be used to scalp weed biomass and underlying weedy topsoil. 3. All scalped material should be removed off-site and deposited at a designated landfill site. At no time should weed debris and weedy topsoil (or compost) be retained for reuse elsewhere on the site – even in garden beds. 4. For Management Zones 3 and 4 and parts of 5 (Non-Core BGHF Habitat Areas), following the removal of all introduced trees and native trees in poor condition (primarily small to

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medium-sized Sweet Pittosporum), a small low impact machine should be used to scalp the weed biomass and the underlying soil to a depth of at least 10 cm. In some areas, the compost and litter will be up to one (1) metre in depth: all of this material should be removed and taken off site. 5. Where the proximity of significant native trees precludes the use of machinery, removal of the overlying weed burden will have to be removed by hand (thereby raising costs). It will be important to ensure that all weedy material and polluted soils are removed from the site before any replacement planting is undertaken. 6. Ideally, some time should be allowed to elapse after the site has been scaped and cleared of weeds. A period of at least two (2) months in warmer weather is recommended. This will allow any weed regrowth to be treated before planting is undertaken, thereby reducing maintenance weeding. 7. Carefully applied, the use of herbicide to control ground cover weeds is recommended. It is anticipated that follow up weeding will be required for several years at least after the weedy overburden is removed. 8. When applying herbicide as a foliar spray, care should be taken to avoid spray drift. Prior to spraying, the ground surface should be inspected to see if any native plants have regenerated. If any native seedlings are observed, they should be marked (tagged) and protected during weed control operations.

7.6.2 Recreating the Appropriate Community Structure The general description given for the structure of BGHF (Tozer et al. 2006) is that it is “a tall eucalypt forest characterized by an open, mesic small tree/shrub layer and an open moist ground layer”.

For a variety of reasons, including early clearing, the absence or overuse of fire, impact of local land uses, changes to local drainage patterns and fragmentation, densities in local BGHF bushland reserves have been dramatically altered, with a general lack of natives in the shrub and groundcover layers. It is therefore difficult to determine what planting densities are required to restore pre- disturbance conditions. See Section 8.5.3 for a discussion of appropriate planting densities and spatial arrangements for BGHF.

The table below compares the conditions in nearby BGHF reserves surveyed by UBM during the preparation of the VMP. The averages given are for native plant species only, and are based on the recorded structure for each stratum in a number of local bushland reserves. Similar % data is not available for Water Street, because apart from the tree canopy and a few scattered large shrubs, the native understorey is missing. This exercise has been undertaken in order to provide a guide to the % cover of native plants in each stratum; this being required to provide planting densities.

The Subject Property at Water Street Wahroonga has a much higher percentage cover in the small tree/shrub strata than nearby BGHF reserves – this being attributed to dense stands of woody weeds and (naturalized) exotic trees occurring. Site survey (see Table 7.4) indicates that the percentage cover listed for the groundcover stratum at Water Street is very high because this site has never been weeded, while the bushland reserves surveyed have all undergone (or are currently undergoing) bush regeneration and weeding works.

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Table 7.4: Table comparing the estimated % cover of each layer of vegetation at a range of sites in BGHF Reserves in Ku-ring-gai, compared to description by Tozer et al. 2006. GROUND TREE SMALL TREE SHRUB SITE COVER CANOPY % % % % The Glade Reserve 70 30 <10 90

William Lewis Reserve 50 - <10 90

Nanowie Reserve 70 <10 20 90

Laura Osborne Houison Reserve 40 - <10 70

Retaval School Reserve 40 - <10 70

Average for sites surveyed by UBM 54 8

Average for sites surveyed by Tozer et al. 25.7 34.3 44 41.4

Limitations: The % cover for shrubs in BGHF in the sites surveyed is somewhat higher than for the description provided by the Tozer Report, but it is important to remember that only seven (7) reserves were surveyed, and of these, only 29% had a shrub layer (Tozer et al. 2006). It is also important to remember that all vegetation communities surveyed (being urban remnants) are in various stages of regrowth/recovery and will vary in structure. BGHF in Sydney has been highly disturbed, and this will have impacted on the structural integrity seen in such remnants today.

Recommendations:

1. The objective of the BGHF Habitat Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program is to recreate an open tree canopy of locally indigenous species, including Eucalyptus saligna, E. pilularis, Angophora floribunda and Syncarpia glomulifera. Tree canopy projective foliage cover in the mature forest should be approximately 30-50%. Final canopy height would be expected to be 30-40 metres. 2. A sub-canopy of small trees/tall shrubs, approximately 10-20 metres in final height, should be established. As the sub-canopy stratum generally creates dense shade below, planting in groups will leave gaps for the establishment of ground cover species. It is expected that the initial density of this layer will be higher than 20 – 35% expected when plants are approaching maturity, reflecting the natural thinning which occurs in forest ecosystems. 3. The small tree species Allocasuarina torulosa should be planted with some discretion as they cast fairly dense shade and drop “needles” that may have an allopathic effect, suppressing groundcovers. However, these features could be used to help control weedy grasses and other unwanted groundcovers. 4. A small shrub stratum of approx 1-3 metres in final height should be established; with no more than 20% cover overall. Shrubs should be planted in groups to provide protective cover and food resources for native fauna, while allowing some gaps for the establishment of light-demanding ground cover species. 5. In areas with existing native groundcovers, or in locations where groundcovers are proposed to be established, planting densities of small tree and shrub species should be sparse; <10% cover to prevent over shading of the groundcover species.

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6. A native groundcover of 0.1-1.2 metres in final height should be established; with a cover of 60% to 80%. 7. The aim should be to eventually establish a mosaic of groundcovers and plant litter which most closely reflects the patterns found in BGHF remnants of relatively good condition and structure. Note: There is considerable variation within and between remnant stands of BGHF in species diversity, composition and vegetation structure. To reflect this natural variation, strata should be made up of ‘naturalistic’ species combinations and structural patterns devised to mimic the natural ecosystem of BGHF. It can be difficult to come up with a simple formula to achieve this when there are many local variations on most sites. To provide a ‘loose’ planting framework, species should be selected for different structural layers based on observations of species composition from nearby remnant stands of BGHF.

7.6.3 Recreating Appropriate Light Levels Community structure and light levels are obviously strongly linked. In attempting to determine ‘near natural’ light levels for the reconstruction of a typical BGHF habitat, conditions in three (3) BGHF reserves in Wahroonga (within an ~5 kilometre radius) were inspected to provide some comparison with site conditions in the Subject Property. These reserves were chosen for comparative survey because in each one, a long-term bush regeneration program has been underway, and it is assumed that such works have gone some way to restoring a typical BGHF structure and floristic composition.

The BGHF tree canopy layer cover in five (5) local bushland reserves was assessed at a number of locations in each reserve, but overall averaged about 54% (see Table 7.4). The small tree stratum in some reserves was missing altogether or was very sparse. The light reaching the forest floor has promoted the dense growth of ferns, flowering forbs, native grasses and sedges (in moist conditions) Where light windows occur in canopy gaps, shrubs and young trees were noted.

In order to determine appropriate light levels for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of BGHF Habitat at Water Street, a Lux Meter was used to measure illumination (intensity of light level) at a number of different locations within the Subject Property. To provide a comparison of illumination in other ‘recovering’ BGHF Habitats, the Lux Meter was used at a number of locations within three (3) council-managed reserves. The results using the Lux Meter are presented in Table 7.3.

Table 7.3: Comparison of Illumination (in Lux) between the Subject Property and Other Local Bushland Reserves

Water Street Water Street The Glade Clive Evatt Hay-Dalrymple Core Non-Core No of 6 4 4 3 6 Readings Lux 2,916 8,725 2,263 1,467 2,550 (average)

Note: all readings taken between 3.30 and 4.50 pm on a sunny day. Time of day will influence Lux levels

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It is clear that light levels in most parts of the Water Street site are at this time unsuitable for the establishment of many of the characteristic BGHF species, and in order to rehabilitate and/or reconstruct suitable BGHF Habitat, appropriate structure and light levels will have to be remediated or restored. The following recommendations are made based on observation and the authors’ knowledge of typical BGHF habitat conditions.

Some concern has been expressed by Ku-ring-Council about the potentially negative impacts of overshadowing on existing BGHF canopy trees, as would be created by some of the proposed new buildings. Investigation of numerous other sites in the locality where buildings are located close or adjacent to mature canopy trees, thus providing partial or even total shading, was undertaken. Despite the long-term establishment of many such sites (i.e. age of buildings vs. age of canopy tree), no evidence of any such negative impacts were observed.

It must be recognised that the height of the mature trees (usually >30 metres) generally elevates the canopy above the building line, while indirect light is almost always available from other directions. It should also be noted that the naturally-occurring BGHF understorey is a shade-tolerant one, as would be expected in a tall forest ecosystem. Consequently the issue raised about overshadowing by the proposed new buildings has not been considered further.

Recommendations:

1. In order to restore near-natural light levels, remove all introduced (non-indigenous) canopy trees from the area proposed for the rehabilitation of the BGHF Habitat (Management Zones 1 and 2), while retaining any of the significant plantings listed in Table 7.1. 2. A similar approach should be adopted in those areas proposed for the reconstruction of BGHF Habitat (Management Zones 3 and 4, and parts of 5). 3. Attempt to achieve a tree canopy/small tree stratum cover of no more than 40%, thus allowing filtered light to reach the forest floor. 4. Creating appropriate light levels may involve removing some of the medium to large-sized native Pittosporum undulatum, which tend to become weedy in areas which have not been burnt for many years. As a starting point, remove every third Pittosporum tree, targeting those which are growing with the canopy line of the mature BGHF trees. 5. All Pittosporum seedlings and young sapling should be removed during routine maintenance activities. 6. In undertaking enrichment and indigenous planting, it is important to be cognisant of the need to retain appropriate light levels, and when choosing species for indigenous planting programs, to consider the final height and width of the plantings at maturity.

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7.7 NEED FOR ENRICHMENT PLANTING & ENHANCEMENT OF BIODIVERSITY

Removal of competitive garden plants and dense weed thickets will allow sunlight to reach the forest floor, hopefully stimulating natural regeneration of native seed in the soil seed bank. However, considering the site’s long-term use as a managed landscape it is unlikely that natural regeneration will restore A full complement of BGHF species, or that floral recruitment into the site will occur in relative isolation from other floristically diverse areas of bushland.

In relying on recruitment from external sources, it must be recognised that dispersal of seed and other propagative material would have to take place across a highly developed suburban landscape, and while this is not impossible, such occurrences are unlikely to contribute substantially to natural regeneration within the Subject Property. Hence, it is anticipated that there will be a requirement to initiate an indigenous planting program to enhance local biodiversity and speed the recreation of fauna habitat within the Subject Property.

Section 8.3 Work Priorities, proposes to allow a minimum period of 12 months after initial weed removal to establish trends in natural regeneration for core BGHF Habitat in Management Zones 1 and 2 (considered to have a ‘low to moderate’ site resilience). After this time, a decision will be made about the need for, and the extent of, an enrichment planting program.

Note: the decision to trial the regenerative potential (i.e. resilience) of the Core BGHF Habitat Areas for a minimum period of 12 months (thus delaying any planting) has been made because expert opinions as to the residual nature of the soil seed bank has varied so widely, and because the recent decision of the Land & Environment Court (April 2007) was at least in part, based on expert witness opinion that site resilience was likely to be high. It was therefore considered prudent to trial site resilience before adopting other measures to recreate the plant community.

For those Non-Core Areas where site resilience is considered to be ‘low’ or absent’ due to long-term land uses and other disturbances (Management Zones 3, 4 and parts of Zone 5), reconstruction of the BGHF Habitat will be achieved by removing existing non-indigenous vegetation (horticultural plantings and lawns) and replanting the native understorey (mainly sub-canopy, shrubs and ground covers).

Recommendations:

1. Regular monitoring will be required to determine the extent and diversity of native species regenerating naturally (particularly in Management Zones 1 and 2). Monitoring and assessment should commence at the beginning of the program and be undertaken every six (6) months using the guidelines set out in Appendix 8. Results should be quantified, data analysed, trends established, and a short report prepared.

2. Following weed removal, monitoring over a period of 12 months should be adequate to establish regeneration trends. At this time, the need for, and extent of enrichment planting to increase local biodiversity and enhance habitat values should be determined.

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3. Whether an indigenous planting program is undertaken as ‘enrichment’ planting to increase local biodiversity values (Management Zones 1 and 2) or to facilitate reconstruction of the BGHF Habitat (Management Zones 3, 4 and parts of Zone 5), the guidelines and protocols set out in Section 8.5 of the VMP should be followed.

4. A Concept Staged Planting Plan should be prepared early in the Program in order to identify likely future planting needs for all BGHF Habitat Management Zones. This Plan should prescribe plant species and plant numbers, planting densities and appropriate naturalistic placement.

5. An indigenous seed collection program should be commenced at the earliest possible time to allow adequate time for collection of a diverse range of BGHF species, and in order to anticipate planting requirements commencing in Year 2+ of the Program.

7.8 MANAGING EDGE SITES & INTERFACE ZONES

A discussion of the impacts of extended ‘edge to core’ ratios for small bushland remnants has been provided in Section 5.6.3 of the VMP. Such edge sites are said to provide an interface zone between bushland and another type of land use.

An interface between different land uses (sometimes described as a ‘buffer zone’) is usually a narrow strip of land between native vegetation and development or other adjoining land use. This interface may be topsoiled and turfed and include edged and mulched garden beds, lawns, roads and/or footpaths. Interface zones will vary in width, depending on land use types, and may contain non-porous surfaces. Any paved area in the interface zone should be graded so that water drains back into the development area.

It is this interface zone that is most vulnerable to the impacts of urban development. Such impacts include weed invasion and colonization by introduced garden plants and turf grasses; overland runoff (often containing fertilisers and other pollutants), tracking and damage to vegetation by walkers, incursion or ‘mower creep’ during routine maintenance activities; and activities such as rubbish dumping and disposal of lawn clippings.

Note: interface zones are often by default considered to be de facto bushland, and the land manager goes to lengths to exclude access, but it is important to acknowledge that management regimes for interface or buffer zones should be different to those applied to conservation areas (i.e. core bushland).

For example, in some situations it may be appropriate to under-scrub or mow this area as a bushfire protection measure; to maintain it as open parkland by removing shrubs or small trees; or it may be landscaped with non-invasive ‘fire retardant’ species (rather, those known to be marginally less flammable). Where bushland directly adjoins some form of development, it is essential that a managed buffer zone be established and managed appropriately.

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Whatever landscape treatment is adopted, it must be recognised that the interface zone will usually have a high edge to core ratio, thus presenting an extended front (or edge) to the impacts of urbanisation. A higher level of site maintenance will therefore be required.

In the Subject Property at Water Street Wahroonga: Some buffer zone plantings have been undertaken on the southern and south-western boundaries. These plantings were made in 2006 in order to provide a visual screen between the proposed (previous) development and neighbouring properties in Billyard Avenue and Plymouth Close. Most of these buffer plantings were made outside the designated (Non-Core) BGHF Habitat Area, but a small number were planted inside Management Zone 4.

The species used in the Buffer Planting were generally those found in the BGHF community, with two (2) exceptions – Lilly Pilly (Acmena smithii) and Black Wattle (Callicoma serratifolia). The composition of the Buffer Plantings will be adjusted if required, and incorporated into the Staged Planting Plan for BGHF Habitat.

Recommendations:

1. Interface zones along property boundaries should be maintained so that unwanted garden debris (prunings, lawn clippings) and dumped rubbish (dog droppings, timbers etc) are removed quickly, as a matter of priority. 2. Following on from the above, interface zones adjacent to property boundaries and in public view should be maintained for local landscape and amenity values, thus ensuring that the bushland is valued and cared for by local residents. 3. Where extended interface zones (edges) occur between bushland and open grassland (firebreaks, tracks, recreational areas), mowing/slashing should be carried out more frequently than that applied to grasslands which do not adjoin bushland reserves. 4. To provide a buffer in order to lessen edge impacts, consider planting the first 2-3 metres of the interface zone with a dense cover of small shrubs (< one [1] metre in height) and/or clumps of hardy native grasses or sedges. For those areas within or adjacent to the BGHF rehabilitation and/or reconstruction zones, the species used as buffer plantings should ideally be those occurring in the BGHF community (see Appendix 6). 5. Plant edge sites more densely (where more light is available) than core sites, using fast- growing shrubs and hardy native grasses or sedges to create an attractive visual buffer between the bushland restoration and public recreational areas. 6. The erection of permanent barriers (e.g. a pathway, treated logs or bollards) to provide a ‘spray’ or ‘mowing edge’ is strongly recommended at the interface. Where practical, introduced turf grasses (e.g. Kikuyu Pennisetum clandestinum, Buffalo Stenotaphrum secundatum) on edge sites and in canopy gaps should be eradicated (foliar spray), and replaced with hardy native grasses and ground covers, or (in the short term) by chipped eucalyptus mulch. 7. The proposed ‘buffer zone’ around the East Hospital Wing (see Figure 1.2), is to be gravelled, and is not to be planted out as ‘bushland’ or landscaped, except on outer edges.

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This will provide pedestrian access for maintenance purposes and it will also serve to protect the adjoining BGHF vegetation from incursion by introduced plantings. 8. Where edge sites are paved or gravelled, they are to be graded so that water drains away from the bushland, and ideally runoff from hard surfaces should be directed into a spoon (or catch) drain. Path edges are best managed by a dense planting of low-growing native grasses or sedges (e.g. Kangaroo Grass Themeda australis or Spiny Matt-rush Lomandra longifolia), which will serve to intercept water flowing from the paved surface.

7.9 MANAGING TO MAINTAIN & ENHANCE FAUNA HABITAT

The value of the remnant and introduced vegetation within the Subject Property and in the Locality generally as habitat for native fauna has been discussed in Section 4.5.2 of the VMP. The real or potential impacts of the Proposal on those native fauna known to occur, or potentially to occur within the Locality, have been assessed. The issue of fragmentation (existing and potential) between stands of BGHF Habitat has also been addressed.

With the possible exception of a widespread interest in birds, restoring and managing native vegetation to provide habitat for locally occurring fauna is often overlooked. At the suburban: bushland interface, issues such as bushfire protection, access and the recreational needs of the community usually take precedence over the restoration of a structurally intact bushland understorey, which is critical for the habitat needs of all but the most disturbance tolerant fauna.

For example, the clearing of shrubs and dense understorey vegetation is recognised as an important factor in the loss of small birds from urban gardens and bushland reserves, and while the restoration of a native understorey is important, it is also important to recognise that opportunities to recreate such habitats in the urban environment are severely limited, not only by bushfire or related constraints, but by the loss (perhaps permanently) of local small bird populations.

The following mitigation measures have been provided to ensure that the redevelopment of the site does not have an adverse affect on those species recorded or potentially occurring within the Subject Property at Wahroonga. The following recommendations have been tailored to the life cycle needs of those native species recorded: these animals considered to act as ‘umbrella’ species24.

The fauna species/groups recorded occupying the former John Williams Respite Centre site (as recorded 2005/2006), are as follows:  Common Brushtail and Common Ringtail Possums;  Grey-headed Flying Fox;  Microchiropterans;  Ground occupying reptiles;  Urban tolerant birds; and  One (1) nocturnal raptor.

24 An umbrella species is an animal that has a specific habitat requirement, i.e. one that provides resources for a number of other species (NPWS 1997). UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd 98 Vegetation Management Plan – Waterbrook at Wahroonga

Recommendations:

To meet the needs of the listed species, recommendations to restore and enhance exiting fauna habitat are provided in Table 7.5, below.

Table 7.5: Fauna Habitat Needs & Recommendations for Enhancement

FAUNA SPECIES/GROUP RECORDED REHABILITATION MEASURE RECOMMENDED Common Brushtail Possum Provide suitable nesting boxes (see below). Maintain suitable foraging resources through the planting of locally occurring native plants. Fencing around the property to restrict the influence of domestic predators (dogs and cats). Common Ringtail Possum Provide areas that support a medium to high density understorey layer. Dense plantings of native shrubs are required to meet the breeding/sheltering needs of this animal. Fencing around the property to restrict the influence of domestic predators (dogs and cats). Grey-headed Flying Fox Planting of locally occurring native plants that produce nectar, pollen and fruits. Microchiropterans Provision of suitably designed nesting boxes. Retention and promotion of a tree canopy. Planting of locally occurring native plants that produce nectar, pollen and fruits, thereby attracting a range of invertebrates upon which the microbats can feast. Ground occupying reptiles Provision of logs, natural debris and leaf litter accumulations. Provision of a moderately wide, (between 1 and 2 metres) shrub and ground cover layer that offer protection from “Increasers”. Provision of “natural” rubble (e.g. rocks). Fencing around the property to restrict the influence of domestic predators (dogs and cats). Urban tolerant birds Provision of a range of locally occurring native plants (including tree, shrub and ground cover species). Fencing around the property to restrict the influence of domestic predators (dogs and cats). One (1) nocturnal raptor. Retention and promotion of a tree canopy. Provision of a range of locally occurring native plants (including tree, shrub and ground cover species) that attract insects upon which this species can forage.

In addition to the recommendations presented above, to compensate for the loss of a percentage of the habitats present (through removal of weed thickets and introduced horticultural specimens), and to provide resources for any individuals displaced due to the redevelopment of the site, it is recommended that 15 suitably designed nesting boxes be erected.

These nesting boxes should be:

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 Erected prior to the development of the Subject Property; and  Designed to meet the sheltering and breeding needs of a variety of hollow dependant native species including birds, insectivorous bats and arboreal mammals.

The nesting boxes should be located within the eucalypt woodland, an environment where hollows are limited, but foraging resources are available. These nesting boxes should be erected by a suitably qualified ecologist; thereby ensuring their correct orientation and placement. The locations of the nesting boxes should be mapped to ensure their positions are known when considering the sighting of any ancillary structures or work compounds.

The nesting boxes should be monitored for a minimum period of two (2) years. The monitoring program should be undertaken at quarterly intervals and results included in the Annual Progress Reports (see Section 8.8).

Monitoring should be conducted to: 1. Identify the level of occupation and the diversity of species present; and 2. Negate and manage the occupation of the nesting boxes by exotic species (e.g. European Honey Bees).

If nesting boxes are identified as being damaged or removed, these should be replaced.

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Table 7.6: Summery of Management Issues, Recommended Strategies, Actions, Roles & Responsibilities

*Timeframe Key ST – 0-2 years MT – 2 – 5 years LT – 5 – 10 years MANAGEMENT ISSUES RECOMMENDED STRATEGIES & ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TIMEFRAME FOR ACTION *

Threatened Species Legislation Protect all areas identified as BGHF Habitat (Figure 2.1) Landowner - W@W ST Implement recommendations of VMP for bushland As advised by Murlan Project ST rehabilitation. Managers and/or Consulting Protect threatened specimens of Magenta Lilly Pilly from Restoration Ecologist impacts of construction and garden refurbishment On-going Refrain from planting any species listed as ‘threatened’ under State and/or Federal government legislation Potential Impacts of Development & Identify and fence off all areas of BGHF Habitat Murlan Project Managers, ST (prior to Damage to Bushland During Construction Site induction for all personnel Construction / Site Manager commencement of works) Runoff & Drainage Appoint a Project Manager and qualified ecological On-going, as required restoration consultant to oversee implementation of ST VMP Prepare and implement a soil and water management On-going plan prior to commencement of works Ensure local drainage patters are not changed where they impact on areas of BGHF Habitat Fragmentation Retain canopy and sub-canopy native trees wherever Murlan Project Managers with ST to MT possible. Landscape Architect Replant and/or reconstruction BGHF Habitat through an MT to LT indigenous planting program, incorporating some shrubs

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MANAGEMENT ISSUES RECOMMENDED STRATEGIES & ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TIMEFRAME FOR ACTION *

and a high number of native ground covers. Where impacts of development remove such trees, MT to LT replant with same species in order to retain linkages through the site and to adjacent stands of trees Weed Invasion Target WONS & declared noxious weeds in first instance Bush Regeneration Contractor, ST – remove throughout property monitored by Restoration Ecologist MT Remove weeds listed in Table 5.1 from all BGHF Habitat areas Restoring/Rehabilitation of BGHF Habitat Weed Control followed by monitoring of native plant Bush Regeneration Contractor, MT to LT regeneration landscapers Assessment of progress at 12 & 18 months Murlan Project Managers, advised Decision to plant to increase biodiversity and fauna by Consulting Restoration Ecologist habitat to be undertaken at this time, depending on results of monitoring program Weed Control As above Protection of Culturally Significant Trees Identify significant trees / plantings to be retained Landscape Architect, ST GPS locations and identify on site map: induct all Consulting Restoration Ecologist personnel Erect trees shields and exclusion fencing Enrichment Planting Use only locally occurring native species (i.e. Landscape Architect MT - LT characteristic of BGHF) when replanting (see Appendix 6). Ensure density conforms to near-natural BGHF structure (Table 6.2) Fauna Habitat - Management & Retain linkages thorough the canopy and sub-canopy Landscape Architect ST to MT

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MANAGEMENT ISSUES RECOMMENDED STRATEGIES & ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TIMEFRAME FOR ACTION *

Enhancement Remove weeds in mosaic fashion to ensure protection of exiting habitat provided by weed thickets Reinstate some areas of dense shrubbery: some areas of Bush Regeneration Contractor open grassland to provide diverse habitat niches Bush Regeneration Contractor Ensure weeding techniques do no impact unnecessarily on fauna habitat and fauna needs. Monitoring & Assessment Determine extent and duration of monitoring program Consulting Restoration Ecologist, Establish at Install transects/quadrats & photo-points for monitoring with assistance from Bush commencement of works program Regeneration Contractor to MT Monitoring and reporting to be an integral part of the On going BGHF Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program

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8 IMPLEMENTATION & REVIEW

8.1 POLICY & PERFORMANCE

The policies established in this VMP provide a management framework consistent with the site’s potential for natural regeneration (as determined by ecological constraints), seasonal or climatic conditions prevailing, the availability of resources for on-ground works, and after consultation with DECCW and the Bushland Management Officer Ku-ring-gai Council.

The priority tasks to be carried out are outlined in Section 8.3, below. However, unless adequate resources are available over the lifetime of the VMP, some of the objectives listed for the Blue Gum High Forest Habitat Rehabilitation and Restoration Program may not be realised.

8.2 REVIEW

This VMP for is designed to cover a period of 10 years. At the halfway point (i.e. five [5] years) the Plan should be reviewed; outcomes of the BGHF Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program assessed using the Performance Indicators outlined in Section 8.9; and changes or adjustments made as necessary.

After Year 5, an updated flora survey should be commissioned, with species densities, frequency of occurrence and abundance (% cover) evaluated in all Management Zones. Wherever possible, shifts in the floristic composition and/or structural integrity of the vegetation community should be quantified, and any obvious trends identified.

A comprehensive fauna survey and evaluation of existing fauna habitats should also be undertaken at the end of Year 10. Analysis of survey results should be used to confirm or adjust the bushland management strategies set in place by the VMP.

Notwithstanding the 10-year timeframe proposed by the VMP, it is anticipated that the BGHF Habitat will continue to be managed in perpetuity by the landowners, in accordance with the principles and guidelines set out in this VMP.

8.3 WORK PRIORITIES

Key actions and tasks to be undertaken to implement the BGHF Habitat Rehabilitation & Reconstruction Program are listed in order of priority, and are illustrated in a Gantt chart format in Table 8.3.

In identifying a sequence of works for the BGHF Rehabilitation & Reconstruction Program for the Subject Property at 35 Water Street, the VMP gives first priority to protecting and regenerating those areas of highest species diversity (parts of Management Zones 1 and 2) where some degree of site resilience is anticipated. This will be achieved using a ‘traditional’ Bush Regeneration approach

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(see Section 6.2). This approach will be trialled for a period of 12 months, after which time a quantitative analysis of site response will be undertaken.

If site analysis indicates that ‘low-key’ non interventionist methods (i.e. Natural Regeneration) are successful in encouraging the establishment of a wide range of indigenous species, in appropriate numbers, this approach should be continued. However, if natural regeneration is slow to occur or otherwise disappointing (i.e. low diversity and abundance), other approaches to bushland rehabilitation, including an indigenous planting program should be considered (i.e. Assisted Natural Regeneration)

As second priority, the Program will then address areas of ‘low’ species diversity, where site resilience is correspondingly ‘low’ or even ‘absent’. Weed control and removal of all unwanted vegetation will be followed by thorough site preparation and a broad-scale indigenous planting program.

In summary, indigenous planting is proposed for areas of ‘moderate to low’ diversity (Management Zone 1 and 2) on a ‘needs only’ basis. After these areas have been successfully established, this strategy will be extended into areas where there are few or no native plant species (Management Zones 3, 4 and 5). In effect, the BGHF Habitat in the latter areas will be reconstructed, not regenerated.

Planting needs for Management Zones 1 and 2 will be assessed at the end of Year 1 (@ 12 months), but planting needs for Management Zones 3 and 4 (where reconstruction strategies will be required from the outset), should be addressed early in the Program.

It is recommended that a Staged Concept Planting Plan for areas of Reconstructed BGHF Habitat (Management Zones 3, 4 and 5) should be prepared so that planting needs are identified and resourced at the outset.

This VMP has been designed to cover an initial 10-year period. A comprehensive review of outcomes, assessed against identified project goals and objectives is recommended at the end of Year 5 of the Program.

8.4 PROTOCOLS FOR WEED CONTROL

All plants declared as Weeds of National Significance (‘WONS’) and plants declared as Noxious Plants in the Local Control Area to be controlled as a matter of priority – this is described as ‘targeted weed control’.

Targeted weed control is required to control and eventually eradicate WONS and declared noxious weeds. The weeding program should then address the control of the keystone environmental weeds recorded for the Subject Property (see Table 7.2). A list of priority target weeds has also been set out in Appendix 5, along with recommended control methods.

Maintenance weeding will necessarily be on-going in all Management Zones after the conclusion of initial primary and follow-up weeding. All regenerating sites are to be monitored and weed

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regrowth treated as necessary. High levels of maintenance weeding can be anticipated in the growing season; late spring to mid-autumn.

Note: that most of the berry-fruited weed varieties bear ripe fruit from late summer to late autumn (e.g. Privet, Ochna, Cotoneaster, African Olive). Adherence to a species-specific, seasonal weeding calendar will ensure that such weeds are controlled prior to fruiting and seeding.

The long-term nature of a bush regeneration program is cannot be over-emphasized. Following completion of initial works (which is expected to take up to and possibly more than 10 years); maintenance weeding will be required – realistically in perpetuity - to keep the area acceptably free of priority target weeds.

The number of sessions required for effective maintenance of the BGHF Habitat Areas will depend very much on site conditions, the response of the vegetation community to the methods employed, and the input of weed propagules and other impacts from adjoining or nearby land. The possible impacts of climate change cannot be overlooked, particularly if these changes involve warmer and/or wetter seasons, which will favour weed growth.

Management for species diversity (e.g. culling of dense native vegetation, selective replanting) and management of the bush fire hazard (if such exists) should be carried out yearly, and these tasks will require a further level of resources.

8.5 PROTOCOLS FOR REVEGETATION

The following guidelines are basically generic in nature, but they have been included in this VMP as an aid to implementing an indigenous BGHF planting program in the Subject Property at 35 Water Street Wahroonga.

8.5.1 Site Preparation Soil Conditions

The success of any planting program is largely dictated by site conditions, and particularly the structure and chemical composition of the site soils. Prior to planting, a series of basic soil tests should be carried out using one of the proprietary soil testing kits available commercially. Despite the costs involved in carrying out basic soil tests, the whole program could fail if the soil proves to be unsuitable for planting with native species25.

If the soil pH or salinity levels are outside the ‘normal’ range (read product label), advice on soil remediation should be sought from a qualified horticulturalist or landscape gardener. The local office of the NSW Department of Primary Industries (located at Richmond NSW) may also be able to offer practical advice.

If imported (or fill) soils already in situ on the property are suspected of being contaminated in some way, soil samples should be sent to a professional laboratory for analysis. Similarly, if site soils are

25 That is, soil may be too high in plant nutrients, particularly Phosphorus (P) or Nitrogen (N); too high in clay content, or it may contain micro or macro pollutants. UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd 106 Vegetation Management Plan – Waterbrook at Wahroonga

thought to contain asbestos or a similar macro-pollutant, the contractor should contact Ku-ring-gai Council’s Environment Unit or the Health Department without delay.

In the Subject Site at Water Street Wahroonga Altered soil profiles were noted to occur adjacent to Young Street (piles of clay fill) and over a large area behind the Stables and extending to the southern property boundary (former vegetable garden/compost and service areas). The Croquet Lawn, which has been subject to cut and fill, would have been regularly regraded, and top-dressed with imported soil.

Of the three (3) areas mentioned above, the most problematic for restoration purposes will be the area behind the Stables where soils have been cultivated and enriched over many years. Part of this area has been identified by Smith & Smith (2006) as ‘potential’ BGHF, and is designated in the VMP as Management Zone 4.

8.5.2 Selection of Appropriate Flora Species In selecting species for planting in bush regeneration sites, a number of issues must be considered. The species proposed for planting should NOT simply be chosen from a broad selection of native plants known to occur in the locality, but should be:  Representative of the locally occurring native vegetation community (here, BGHF);  Readily obtainable from a reputable plant nursery; or easily propagated by seed collected from existing local material;  Niche-specific, i.e. suitable for planting in existing habitats and micro-habitats;  Hardy and tolerant of variable soil conditions, and easy to establish under open or difficult field conditions;  Be of appropriate size (height/breadth) to achieve an appropriate balance in the proportion of trees and shrubs and groundcovers in the replicated vegetation community;  Provide a range of habitat, foraging and shelter sites for native fauna (especially around high-usage sites such as ponds and open grasslands);  On edges and interface sites between bushland and development, be carefully selected so as to create an effective ‘buffer planting’ between designated BGHF Habitat areas, development and private property boundaries; and when  Planting in buffers and interface sites, should attempt to utilise fire-retardant species (or those with reduced flammability), with planting made at reduced densities and with a simplified structural form26.

The choice of species for BGHF areas as set out in the Landscape Plan (Taylor Brammer January 2009) has been made with reference to the requirements of the VMP.

26 See publications from the Rural Fire Service or view their website (rfs.nsw.gov.au). UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd 107 Vegetation Management Plan – Waterbrook at Wahroonga

8.5.3 Planting Densities and Spatial Arrangement When reconstruction (revegetation) programs are planned, this altered ratio is often taken as ‘the norm’, with the result that planting densities are skewed towards high numbers of shrubs and trees.

The objective of the BGHF Habitat rehabilitation and reconstruction program at Water Street Wahroonga is to restore (as far as possible and practicable) a semblance of the original vegetation community. Therefore the BGHF restoration program should consider that under ‘natural’ conditions, the mid-storey or shrub layer of the BGHF is naturally moderate to sparse, and the tree canopy/small tree layer generally does not 60% foliage cover.

Planting densities should be based on the final size of the relevant species used. For example, larger species may also be planted in groups of three (3), five (5) or seven (7), but should be placed sufficiently close together to enable a moderately dense cover to form (where this is appropriate, and will not suppress light-demanding groundcovers).

Small-sized plants (generally less than 500 millimetres in height) should be planted in groups at a density of approximately three (3) to five (5) units per sq metre.

The approximate planting densities recommended for each Management Zone set out in Table 8.3, below. However, in making these recommendations it must be understood that rigid prescriptions can become too complicated without achieving any significant benefit. The suggestions presented below for establishing a ‘near-natural’ plant community structure have been prepared to provide some guidance for reconstruction planting.

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Table 8.1: Indicative Planting Densities

RECONSTRUCTI RECONSTRUCTIO EXISTING EXISTING RECONSTRUCTION BGHF BGHF ON BGHF AREA N BGHF AREA BGHF AREA HABITAT HABITAT M ZONE 4 M ZONE 5 M ZONE 3 M ZONE 1 M ZONE 2 STRATA

1770 sq metres 2,600 sq metres 3,750 sq metres (per Taylor (per UBMC 2006) (extra areas per Smith) Brammer 2009)

1 unit/20m2 - 1 unit/20m2 Tree Canopy 1 unit/20m2 1 unit/20m2 1 unit/20m2 gaps only - gaps only

Sub-canopy / Small Trees & Large 1 unit/10m2 1 unit/10m2 1 unit/10m2 1 unit/10m2 1 unit/10m2 Shrubs

1 unit/5 m2 1 unit/5m2 - 1 unit/5m2 - Small/Medium Sized - plant in 1 unit/5m2 - plant 1 unit/5m2 - plant plant in plant in clumps Shrubs < 3m clumps of 3- in clumps of 3-5 in clumps of 3-5 clumps of 3-5 of 3-5 5

4 units /1 Ground Covers 4 units /1 m2 4 units/1 m2 4 unit/1 m2 4 unit/1 m2 m2

Note: the importance of allowing for the presence of existing (in-situ) native vegetation when determining number of plants required in a planting program. This is often overlooked, with the result that the planting site is crowded out, and as a result, tubestock is often placed in inappropriate locations, such as in the shade of other, larger plants.

8.5.4 Seed Collection Collection Sites It should be possible to obtain appropriate plant material from specialist native plant nurseries or from a nursery recommended by the Bushcare Officer at Ku-ring-gai Council. Otherwise, it will be necessary to collect indigenous seed and other propagative material from other parts of the Subject Property and from local bushland, preferably within a 10-kilometre radius and exclusively from the BGHF Ecological Community.

Seed collected should represent a range of plant types, and include canopy trees, sub-canopy trees, shrubs and ground covers. When collecting seed, donor sites must be matched to recipient sites: i.e. soil type, moisture levels, aspect and vegetation community types must correspond as closely as possible.

Local seed collection and planting with locally-occurring native species will help to preserve genetic integrity and retain local landscape character. If collecting seed from public reserves, permission must first be obtained from the relevant council or land management authority.

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Local reserves where appropriate species may be found are those indicated in Tables 7.3 and 7.4.

Note that written permission from Ku-ring-gai Council must be obtained before any seed collection or taking of cuttings from native plants is carried out.

Seed Collection Guidelines Seed collection, processing and storage should follow the Flora Bank Seed Collection Guidelines (National Heritage Trust / Bushcare /Greening Australia 2002), which are found at www.florabank.org.au.

8.5.5 Planting Aids Plant Fertilisers A specially formulated native plant fertiliser (low in phosphorus) such as ‘Osmocote Purple’ should be used when planting native tubestock. Regular applications of dilute fertiliser should be used twice yearly (spring and early autumn), or when plants show signs of yellowing or spindly growth (at least until the plants become established and drought hardy).

The use of a plant fertiliser is recommended to assist plant establishment in the first 6-12 months of the planting program. As the vegetation cover is re-established, and organic matter is re-cycled into the topsoil, there will be less need for supplementary nutrient input.

Complete native plant fertilisers are available in granular form or as tree tablets. Soluble fertilisers are preferable to granular forms, although tree tablets (or pellets) may also be useful when planting advanced specimens.

Water Retaining Granules/Soil Wetters Products such as Debco, Saturaid, Terracottem (or similar) should always be used in harsh conditions and/or where post-planting watering may be a problem, and they are particularly useful in free- draining sandy soils. In dry season or drought conditions, no planting should be undertaken without the use of water retaining granules or soil wetters.

These products are inert, and do not react with fertilisers or herbicides. If used at planting time, watering times can be reduced by up to 50%. Experience using such granules in bush regeneration sites in the Sydney Region has allowed a greater survival rate than previously achieved.

In the Subject Property at Wahroonga: All plantings undertaken in the BGHF Habitat Areas should be made using the planting aids listed above.

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Mulching and Weed Matting Mulch is crucial to the success of most planting projects as it keeps the soil cool and moist and suppresses weed growth. Mulching around planted tubestock can utilise chipped eucalypt mulch or if costs allow, commercial 'leaf mulch' may be used.

Chipped or mulch from woody weed sources are never acceptable. All imported mulch must be of known provenance and certified weed-free. Alternatively, it is possible to foliar spray dense weed grasses with a selective herbicide (e.g. Fusilade) and to leave the dead thatch in place as mulch27.

Mulch must be applied at the time of planting, after thorough soil wetting. When planting in large open areas, plants should be grouped to allow mulch to be applied around each 'planting island' or cluster. This reduces edge effects (e.g. weed invasion, drying), and makes plant maintenance easier.

Weed Matting (such as Jutemaster, Enviromat, coconut fibre) is useful for retaining soil moisture and suppressing weed growth. Individual weed mats may be used around each plant at planting time, or broad-scale weed matting can be installed over a large area. If the latter approach is used, the matting must be firmly anchored with long metal pins.

Note: mulch should never be used in bushland where natural regeneration from the soil seed bank is anticipated – i.e. where site resilience is judged to be moderate to high. Thick mulch will suppress the germination of many locally indigenous plants, which in the main are sclerophyllous (hard- leaved) species, while favouring only those species with largest seed – these generally being native gully or mesic species such as Sweet Pittosporum Pittosporum undulatum and Bleeding Heart Tree Omalanthus popufolius – and resulting in a ‘mesic shift’ in site floristics.

If used inappropriately over a long period of time, the placement of thick mulch can impact on site floristics and encourage a shift to a mesic vegetation type, and inadvertently create optimal conditions for the growth of shade tolerant weeds such as Ligustrum spp (Privets), Wandering Jew Tradescantia fluminensis, and Asparagus ‘Fern’ Asparagus aethiopicus.

Note also: weeds will grow in most types of mulch and on the surface of weed matting, but seeds beneath are prevented from germinating. Most grasses and bulb species have sharp leading shoots (new growth) that can pierce loosely spun weed mats and grow through them.

In the Subject Property at Wahroonga: Mulch mats or chipped leaf litter should be used only around individual plantings in those areas with some potential for natural regeneration (MZ 1 and 2). In the BGHF reconstruction areas where there is very little potential for in situ regeneration (MZ 3, 4 and 5), it will be necessary to apply mulch over a larger area to suppress weed growth and retain soil moisture. Mulch will deteriorate over time, and must be topped up or replaced on a regular basis.

8.5.6 Irrigation It may not be practical to water the planting sites over a long period, and given current water restrictions, the planting program should be planned to coincide with the period of maximum (and

27 A systemic herbicide such as glyphosate is not recommended as a foliar spray to control grasses where other native plants are growing as this product is non-specific. UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd 111 Vegetation Management Plan – Waterbrook at Wahroonga

regular) rainfall. In the Sydney Region, optimal planting time is mid to late autumn. Spring planting is feasible provided that adequate irrigation is available over the hot summer months.

It is also important to ensure adequate watering at planting, applying 1-1.5 litres of water to each new plant. Additionally, the use of a water-retaining compound and some form of surface mulch are strongly recommended to retain soil moisture and decrease the need for on-going watering.

Plants should be soaked for at least 30 minutes prior to planting (before being removed from their pots), watered thoroughly at planting and thereafter, watered once each week for a period of four (4) weeks (weather conditions dictating frequency). After this period, watering comprising one (1) litre of water / plant each month will be required until the plants have established.

If current drought conditions prevail, a permanent watering period may have to be extended to ensure plant survival. A drip irrigation system is best and (unless guidelines change) complies with Sydney Water restrictions on watering gardens. Watering is best carried out in the early morning as watering at dusk encourages fungal attack in some species.

Alternatively, as plant establishment is dependent on good follow-up rains, it may be prudent to delay planting until such time as climatic conditions improve, and/or a permanent irrigation system can be set in place.

In the Subject Property at Wahroonga The installation of a fixed irrigation system in the BGHF reconstruction areas (MZ 3, 4 and 5) is recommended to provide regular irrigation in the initial stages of the reconstruction (planting) program. After plantings have become established, the irrigation system can be dismantled, removed and used elsewhere.

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8.5.7 Revegetation Methods Tubestock Planting Planting 'forestry tubes', hykos (small tubes) and/or advanced tubestock is the most reliable method of establishing woody native plants (trees, shrubs), and is also useful in establishing most of the native tussock grasses (e.g. Themeda australis, Echinopogon spp, Poa spp.).

Bushland restoration in degraded areas, in bare sites or in large clearings (>10 sq metres) will generally rely on the placement of tubestock, wherever possible supplemented by other methods of revegetation. Other methods that can be used include hand broadcasting of seed, brush layering and transplanting seedlings and or leaf litter from nearby bushland areas. Such supplementary methods may also be used to 'fill in the gaps' between planted tubestock.

In the Subject Property at Wahroonga The planting of forestry tubes or advanced tubestock is strongly recommended, as these will establish rapidly with minimal care. The use of tubestock is also more economical, especially if large numbers of plants are required.

Larger or advanced stock (8” or 12” pots) may be used for specimen trees or shrubs in order to create an ‘instant effect’. However, this approach is best reserved for landscaped areas or highly visible edge sites or buffers, and should not used where natural bush is being encouraged to regenerate naturally.

Hand Sowing Seed of hardy pioneer species such as Wattles Acacia spp. and Sarsaparilla Hardenbergia violacea may be collected from local bushland and scattered on bare (prepared) soil between tubestock plantings28. As hand sowing (or direct seeding) is wasteful of seed, seed collected from most other species should be propagated as tubestock.

However, if a good source of native grass seed is available, hand sowing between tubestock planting may also be used. Grasses such as Hedgehog Grass Echinopogon ovatus, Bordered Panic Entolasia marginate and Weeping Meadow Grass Microlaena stipoides, and in wetter sites some of the local Juncaceae and Cyperaceae may also be suitable for hand sowing.

Grasses with more precise germination requirements such as Kangaroo Grass Themeda australis are best established via tubestock or transplanting divots from existing local stands.

Brush Layering (Brush Matting) The use of mulched timber as a soil cover and to provide microhabitat is a cheap and effective way of re-establishing vegetation. If a source of local brush is available, it is strongly recommended that brush layering be used (possibly in addition to tubestock planting) as it provides a large amount of seed very cheaply and the brush itself provides extra protection for the new seedlings.

28 Acacia seed must be treated prior to sowing. ~50% of the seed should be treated by pouring boiling water over it. Seeds should be soaked for 1-2 minutes, drained and allowed to dry. UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd 113 Vegetation Management Plan – Waterbrook at Wahroonga

If brush layering is used, then plants must bear ripe fruit/cones, and the branches must be cut and spread over bare (prepared) soil before the seed drops. The stress of cutting will release seed, so that cut brush cannot be stored for long periods of time. Brush is best used on the day it is cut. Alternatively, brush may be placed on a large canvas or plastic sheet so that any seed dropped is caught on the fabric.

However, the potential to use brush layering in the BGHF community is strictly limited because few appropriate species occur naturally (other than the Forest Oak Allocasuarina torulosa or possibly Muttonwood Rapanea variabilis).

In the Subject Property at Wahroonga Tubestock planting will the primary strategy used to enhance species diversity in MZ 1 and 2 and reconstruct BGHF Habitat in MZs 3, 4 and 5.

Scattering native seed (primarily grasses and other ground covers) may also be used if seed with known provenance is commercially available or if seed can be sourced locally. Brush matting will not be applicable to this project as there are few species with the appropriate fruit / seed capsules in this type of vegetation community.

8.6 WORKS PROGRAM

8.6.1 Licences and Permits Required The undertaking of on-ground works within an endangered ecological community (weed control, seed collection, planting or other works) requires the issuing of a Section 91 licence from the Licensing Unit of the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change (‘DECCW’). Section 91 licenses are site-specific, so that such a license must be obtained prior to commencing work in any of the BGHF Habitat areas identified in this VMP.

Research or related studies which may impact in some way on a threatened species, population or ecological community (TSC Act), or on any protected species listed under the National Parks & Wildlife Act (1974) may only be carried out by a suitably qualified person holding a current Section 132C Scientific Licence from DECCW. The obtaining of a Scientific Licence is the responsibility of responsibility of the individual worker/contractor.

Workers seeking to trap, capture or collect native fauna are also required to obtain an Ethics Licence from the NSW Department of Primary Industries.

8.6.2 Implementation and Timing of Works The long-term nature of a bush regeneration project is strongly emphasised. Priority actions set out in the Plan have been limited to a 10-year timeframe, with a recommendation for review (and adjustment) after five (5) years. However, after this period of time the bushland should continue to be managed in accordance with the principles and guidelines set out in this VMP – that is, in perpetuity.

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd 114 Vegetation Management Plan – Waterbrook at Wahroonga

Timing of on-ground works are summarised in Figure 8.2. This provides an indication of both the duration and the chronology of each item listed within the initial 10 year program.

Note: Figure 8.2 provides no firm commencement or completion date for the Proposal.

8.6.3 Site Maintenance A regular maintenance program will be required for all planted areas after the completion of initial works (site preparation and planting).

Actions embedded within the maintenance program are:  Regular weeding to remove competitive exotic plant species and control invasive natives;  Care of planted areas (including watering, disease control, application of native plant fertilisers and replacement of lost or failed plants);  Maintenance of plant bags and stakes (with removal once plants overtop the bags); and  Rubbish removal and care of edges and buffer zones.

Monitoring, evaluation and reporting are integral parts of the site maintenance program (see Section 8.8 and Appendix 7.

8.7 LABOUR AND RESOURCES

8.7.1 Contractors Only trained bush regenerators should be used to work in environmentally sensitive areas where threatened species or remnant native vegetation could be harmed29. A trained bush regenerator is one who has successfully completed the accredited Bushland Weed Control Certificate course offered by NSW TAFE (or interstate equivalent) and who has completed at least 350 hours under supervision in the field30. Long-term bush regeneration programs are usually carried out on a yearly contract basis. There are several dozen professional contractors operating in the Sydney area alone

However, community volunteers are playing an increasingly important role in bushland management, and many councils and government agencies successfully use a combined contractor/volunteer approach to bush regeneration. The joint effort undertaken by these groups have frequently achieved dramatic results within a relatively short time. There is some potential in the future to involve some long-term patients and staff at Waterbrook @ Wahroonga in the bushland management program. Assistance in training and supervision are understood to be available free of charge through Council’s Bushcare Unit.

If a Bushcare group is eventually recruited, or if permanent contract gardeners are employed by Waterbrook, using a professional bush regeneration supervisor to train and co-ordinate the work of volunteers and employed grounds staff improves the quality of work, and allows the job to move forward far more quickly than would be the case if only untrained or unskilled workers are used.

29 Note licensing requirements require suitable qualifications, as detailed in Section 6.6.1 30 Note that membership of a particular special interest group or organisation does not necessarily mean that its members are appropriately qualified. UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd 115 Vegetation Management Plan – Waterbrook at Wahroonga

8.7.2 On-Site Supervision The appointment of a qualified supervising Project Manager with experience in rehabilitating native landscapes (i.e. a Restoration Ecologist) is strongly recommended. The Project Manager will be the first point of contact for all stakeholders with respect to bushland issues.

The Project Manager will be responsible for implementation of each element of the VMP, for the review and assessment of methods and techniques employed, and will be responsible for ‘sign off’ at each stage (milestone) of the project. Note that it will be especially important that initial weed clearance is carefully supervised by the Project Manager (especially if and when machinery is used).

8.8 MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT

A simple monitoring program is recommended to assess the success of the bushland restoration program. The Project Manager and/or the bush regeneration contractor employed to carry out on- ground works should undertake monitoring.

Monitoring should continue for a period at least equal to the current bush regeneration program (i.e. 10 years). However, if usable, reliable quantitative data is to be gained from the monitoring program, it should continue indefinitely. Possibly, after set-up and trialling, the monitoring program can be taken up as an on-going project for environmental management students at a local university or TAFE college.

Monitoring procedures should be simple and straightforward, as well as inexpensive to implement. Monitoring should provide both qualitative (visual/photographs) and quantitative (statistical/quadrats) assessment. Reports should provide findings in a manner that is readily interpreted by all stakeholders.

Monitoring procedures, frequency and duration of survey, and reporting format should be agreed between the contractor and the client at the outset of the restoration project. Should the rehabilitation project itself extend beyond the 10-year lifetime of the VMP, procedures should be reviewed and updated as required.

Assessments should preferably be quantitative in nature (although photo-points will also form part of the monitoring process) and these must be measured against the Performance Indicators set out in Section 8.9.

Should monitoring and review indicate that the performance measures are not being met in a timely fashion, the strategies set out in the VMP should be reviewed, and the strategies set out in the Plan amended as necessary.

A generic guide to monitoring progress in bushland restoration projects has been included as Appendix 7.

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd 116 Vegetation Management Plan – Waterbrook at Wahroonga

8.9 PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Performance Indicators are used to demonstrate that the program of implementation for the strategies outlined has been achieved.

The VMP has as its primary goals, the enhancement of species diversity, retention of canopy trees, and the creation of areas of BGHF Habitat for native flora and fauna.

Site-specific (or Zone focused) indicators should be set out in a detailed ‘works plan’ or ‘action plan, prepared at tender contracting stage. The site works plan will set out individual tasks/area or site, provide a timetable of works over a designated period, and identify final costs.

The bush regeneration contractor, in consultation with the client, will prepare the works plan, which will include a basic monitoring program. In the meantime, the following Performance Indicators have been developed to serve as a general guide to monitoring the progress of the bushland rehabilitation program. 1. An increase in the cover/abundance of indigenous vegetation in each Management Zone (quantified via quadrat sampling –see Appendix 7). 2. An increase in floristic diversity in the BGHF Habitat areas overall, measured by quadrat sampling. 3. No net loss of indigenous plant species recorded in each Management Zone, measured by quadrat sampling (particularly of ground cover species). 4. Natural regeneration of seedlings of each indigenous plant species recorded in each Management Zone. 5. No net loss of threatened, vulnerable or other significant flora species recorded in the Subject Property (overall) and specifically in the BGHF Habitat areas. 6. Flowering and fruiting of each indigenous plant species recorded in each Management Zone and quadrat. 7. Increase in the diversity of habitat types and niches available for native fauna (qualitative assessment suitable). 8. Floristic and structural diversity maintained in each habitat type. 9. Increase in the number of native fauna species recorded or observed within BGHF Habitat areas and in the Subject Property overall (optimum levels to be determined). 10.Increase in the number of small passerine birds utilising the restored native shrub stratum (measured via consecutive biennial fauna surveys). 11.A decrease in the number of contractor/maintenance staff hours performing follow-up weed control and maintenance activities in each Management Zone (minimum level to be determined) over time. 12.A decrease in the effect of each negative impact or threatening process (e.g. weed invasion and unwanted growth of vegetation, soil erosion etc) recorded within the Subject Property overall (optimum levels to be determined).

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd 117 Vegetation Management Plan – Waterbrook at Wahroonga

Figure 8.1: Indicative Timetable of Works

ITEM / TASK YEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 3 YEAR 4 YEAR 5 YEAR 6 YEAR 7 YEAR 8 YEAR 9 YEAR 10

PLANNING & ADMINISTRATION

VMP Approved by the NSW Department of Planning & Adopted by Waterbrook

Resources Allocated for 10-year Program

Liaison with Neighbours and (potential) Steering Committee established

Co-ordinate BGHF Rehabilitation, Construction & Landscaping a/r Programs

Appoint a Project Manager to Oversee On-ground Works Programs

Call for tenders: Appoint Bush Regeneration Contractor

Determine Planting Needs & Organise for Indigenous Seed Collection & Propagation of Tubestock (12-18 months lead time –staggered delivery as required)

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd 118 Vegetation Management Plan – Waterbrook at Wahroonga

ITEM / TASK YEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 3 YEAR 4 YEAR 5 YEAR 6 YEAR 7 YEAR 8 YEAR 9 YEAR 10

BLUE GUM HIGH FOREST HABITAT REHABILITATION PROGRAM (M ZONE 1 & 2)

Identify Significant Plantings to be Retained, Tag and Protect (as required)

Primary Weeding

Secondary/Follow-up Weeding (progressive) * dependent on site response

Maintenance Weeding

Enrichment Planting a/r a/r *dependent on natural regeneration

Plant Maintenance Program (weeding/watering etc)

BLUE GUM HIGH FOREST HABITAT RECONSTRUCTION PROGRAM (M ZONES 3 & 4 & 5)

Identify Significant Plantings to be Retained, Tag and Protect (as required)

Clearing of Existing Vegetation/Primary Weeding

Follow-up & Secondary Weeding * dependent on site response

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd 119 Vegetation Management Plan – Waterbrook at Wahroonga

ITEM / TASK YEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 3 YEAR 4 YEAR 5 YEAR 6 YEAR 7 YEAR 8 YEAR 9 YEAR 10

Maintenance Weeding

Indigenous Planting Program

Preparing Concept Planting Plan (species, densities & placement to be predetermined)

Site Preparation (earthworks/levels/drainage, soil remediation i/r, ripping)

Planting Tubestock with Planting a/r Aids (a/r)

Plant Maintenance (care of plants, watering, weeding, replacement planting)

OTHER

Monitoring Program & Annual Reporting

Review of POM & Revision/Extension of Program (a/r) Note: each year is divided into 6-monthly increments.

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd 120 Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

9 REFERENCES

BBC Consulting Planners (February 2009). Proposed Hospital 35 Water Street Wahroonga. Preliminary Assessment Report. Unpublished report prepared for Murlan Consulting.

Benson D. and Howell J. (1994). Taken for Granted: the bushland of Sydney and its Suburbs. Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney, Kangaroo Press, Kenthurst, NSW.

Briggs, J. and Leigh, J. (1996). Rare or Threatened Australian Plants. CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood.

Bureau of Meteorology Online (2008). Climate Averages for Australian Sites: Prospect Dam #067019. http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_067019.shtml. [Accessed October 2008].

Chapman, G.A. and Murphy, C.L. (1989). Soil Landscapes of the Sydney 1:100 000 Sheet. Soil Conservation Service of NSW, Sydney.

Cook, Kerrin (1991). The Railway Comes to Ku-ring-gai: a pictorial history of Ku-ring-gai Municipality 1890-1991. Genlin Investments, Pymble NSW

Cropper, S. (1993). Management of Endangered Plants. CSIRO, Melbourne.

Cumberland Ecology (November 2007). Species Impact Statement for 35 Water Street, Wahroonga. Unpublished report prepared for Murlan Consulting. Unpublished report prepared for Murlan Consulting Pty Ltd.

Cumberland Ecology (March 2009). Species Impact Statement for the development of a private hospital at 35 Water Street, Wahroonga. Unpublished report prepared for Murlan Consulting Pty Ltd.

Department of the Environment and Heritage (2005). Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act Online Databases. http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/db/index.html [Accessed October 2008].

Dickson D.F. & Associates (February 2008). Hydrogeology Investigation Report. Unpublished report prepared for Murlan Consulting.

Dickson D.F. & Associates (June 2009). Supplementary Hydrogeology and Infiltration Report V1. Unpublished report prepared for Murlan Consulting.

Dickson D.F. & Associates (October 2009). Supplementary Hydrogeology and Infiltration Report V2. Unpublished report prepared for Murlan Consulting.

Footprint Green (2006). Review of Ecological Issues & Proposed Development at 35 Water Street, Wahroonga, 20/07/06 Footprint Green Pty Ltd, Avalon beach NSW

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd 121 Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

Harden, G.J. (2007). PlantNET - The Plant Information Network System of Botanic Gardens Trust, Sydney, Australia (Version 2.0). Available at http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/

Herbert, C. (ed.) (1983). Geology of the Sydney 1:100 000 Sheet. NSW Department of Mineral Resources.

Howard, R. & Associates (October 2007). Conservation Management Plan for Rippon Grange (revised October 2008). Unpublished report prepared for Murlan Consulting Pty Ltd.

Ku-ring-gai Council (2003). State of the Environment Report. Ku-ring-gai Council, Gordon NSW.

Ku-ring-gai Council (2006). Ku-ring-gai Planning Scheme. http://www.kmc.nsw.gov.au/index.cfm?objectid=5BD07925-C829-0BA3-B3D3E24401AE9224 [Accessed March 2006 & October 2008].

LHO Group (February 2009). Hydraulic Services Report for Hospital Development 35 Water Street, Wahroonga. Unpublished report prepared for Murlan Consulting Pty Ltd.

LHO Group (February 2009). Stormwater Drainage Concept Plans 0608-0008, Issue D, C00-A - C07-A. Unpublished report prepared for Murlan Consulting Pty Ltd.

Lembit, R. (August 2006). Ecological Assessment of John Williams Hospital Site, Water Street, Wahroonga. Unpublished report prepared for the John Williams Neighbourhood Group.

NSW Government (2008). BioNet.http://www.bionet.nsw.gov.au/[Accessed June 2008].

NSW Heritage Office Website. Listing Heritage Items – State Heritage Register @ www.heritage.nsw.gov.au/07_subnav_02_2.cfm?itemid=50-54842. Accessed October 2008.

National Parks and Wildlife Service (1997) Western Sydney Urban Bushland Biodiversity Study. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Hurstville, NSW.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2005). Atlas of NSW Wildlife Database. http://wildlifeatlas.npws.gov.au [Accessed October 2006 and October 2008].

NSW Scientific Committee (various dates). Final Determinations @ www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf

NSW Scientific Committee (5 September 1997). Final Determination Blue Gum High Forest on north shore and northern suburbs of Sydney as an endangered ecological community. @ www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf.

NSW Scientific Committee (21 July 2006). Preliminary Determination Blue Gum High Forest in the Sydney Bioregion – proposed critically endangered ecological community listing. @ www.natinalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf

Payne, R. (1991). New findings of the rare tree Syzygium paniculatum (Myrtaceae) in the Wyong area, New South Wales, in Cunninghamia 2(3): 495-498.

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd 122 Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

Reid, J. (1999). Threatened and declining birds in the New South Wales sheep–wheat belt: Diagnosis, characteristics and management. Report prepared for CSIRO Wildlife and Ecology, Canberra.

Robinson, L. (1991). A Field Guide to the Native Plants of Sydney. Kangaroo Press, Sydney.

Smith, P. & Smith, J. (December 2006). Identity and Condition of Native Vegetation at 35 Water Street, Wahroonga. Unpublished report prepared for the Commonwealth Department of Environment & Heritage (now DEWHA), Canberra.

Smith, P & Smith, J (April 2007). Supplementary Ecological Report NSW Land & Environment Court Proceedings No 11193 of 2006, Ku-ring-gai Council ats. Murlan Consulting Pty Ltd, 35 Water Street & 64 Billyard Avenue.

Tanner Architects (February 2009). Site & Roof Plan: Job No 05 0832, AR.DA.002, Rev A. Elevation & Sections Rev C (November 2009). Prepared for Murlan Consulting Pty Ltd

Taylor Brammer (January 2009). Site Strategy Plan: Job No. 05-167S, LS.DA.05, Rev D. Taylor Brammer Landscape Architects, Sydney, NSW.

Taylor Brammer (November 2009). Native Vegetation Balance Sheet: Job No. 05-167S, LV01, Rev D. Taylor Brammer Landscape Architects, Sydney, NSW.

Tozer, M. G., Turner, K., Simpson, C., Keith, D.A., Beukers, P., MacKenzie, B., Tindall, D. & Pennay, C. (2006). SCIVI. Native vegetation of southeast NSW: a revised classification and map for the coast and eastern tablelands. Version 1.0. NSW Department of Environment and Conservation, NSW Department of Natural Resources, Sydney

Tree Wise Men (March 2009). Arboricultural Impact Assessment Report for Proposed Hospital Development, 35 Water Street, Wahroonga. Unpublished report prepared for Murlan Consulting, Pty Ltd.

Urban Bushland Management Consultants (2005). Flora & Fauna Assessment, Opportunities and Constraints for Lot 1 DP 375262 (John Williams Respite Care Centre) and Lot 1 DP 726091 (64 Billyard Avenue, Wahroonga). Unpublished report prepared for State Property - Department of Commerce and Department of Ageing, Disability & Home Care.

Urban Bushland Management Consultants (2006). Flora & Fauna Assessment for the former John Williams Respite Care Centre. Unpublished report prepared for Murlan Consulting Pty Ltd.

UBM Ecological Consultants (December 2007). Vegetation Management Plan for Blue Gum High Forest Habitat – a guide to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of a native vegetation community at Waterbrook @ Wahroonga. Unpublished report prepared for Murlan Consulting.

Westman, W. E. (1978). Measuring the inertia and resilience of ecosystems, in Bioscience 28: 705- 710

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd 123 Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

10APPENDICES

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

Appendix 1: Final Determination – Blue Gum High Forest

Blue Gum High Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion - critically endangered ecological community listing

NSW Scientific Committee - final determination

The Scientific Committee, established by the Threatened Species Conservation Act, has made a Final Determination to list the Blue Gum High Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion, as a critically endangered ecological community in Part 2 of Schedule 1A of the Act, and as a consequence omit reference to the Blue Gum High Forest in Part 3 of Schedule 1 of the Act. Listing of critically endangered ecological communities is provided for by Part 2 of the Act.

The Scientific Committee has found that:

1. Blue Gum High Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion is the name given to the ecological community characterised by the species assemblage listed in paragraph 2. All sites are within the Sydney Basin Bioregion.

2. Blue Gum High Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion is characterised by the following assemblage of species:

Acmena smithii Adiantum aethiopicum Allocasuarina torulosa Alphitonia excelsa Angophora costata Angophora floribunda Asplenium flabellifolium Backhousia myrtifolia Blechnum cartilagineum Breynia oblongifolia Calochlaena dubia Carex maculata Cissus hypoglauca Clematis aristata Clerodendrum tomentosum Dianella caerulea Doodia aspera Elaeocarpus reticulatus Entolasia marginata Entolasia stricta Eucalyptus globoidea Eucalyptus paniculata Eucalyptus pilularis Eucalyptus saligna Eustrephus latifolius Ficus coronata Glochidion ferdinandi var. ferdinandi Glycine clandestina Hydrocotyle laxiflora Leucopogon juniperinus Lomandra longifolia Marsdenia rostrata Maytenus silvestris Morinda jasminoides Notelaea longifolia forma longifolia Oplismenus aemulus Oplismenus imbecillis Oxalis perennans Pandorea pandorana Persoonia linearis Pittosporum revolutum Pittosporum undulatum

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

Platylobium formosum Poa affinis Polyscias sambucifolia subsp. A Pratia purpurascens Pseuderanthemum variabile Pteridium esculentum Rapanea variabilis Smilax australis Smilax glyciphylla Tylophora barbata Viola hederacea 3. The total species list of the community is considerably larger than that given above, with many species present in only one or two sites or in low abundance. The species composition of a site will be influenced by the size of the site, recent rainfall or drought condition and by its disturbance (including fire) history. The number of species, and the above ground relative abundance of species will change with time since fire, and may also change in response to changes in fire regime (including changes in fire frequency). At any one time, above ground individuals of some species may be absent, but the species may be represented below ground in the soil seed banks or as dormant structures such as bulbs, corms, rhizomes, rootstocks or lignotubers. The list of species given above is of vascular plant species; the community also includes micro-organisms, fungi, cryptogamic plants and a diverse fauna, both vertebrate and invertebrate. These components of the community are poorly documented.

4. Blue Gum High Forest is dominated by a tall canopy of eucalypts that may exceed 30 m in height. Its understorey is typically multi-layered with a midstorey of mesophyllous shrubs and small trees and a diverse ground layer of herbs, ferns and some grasses. Most stands of the community are in a state of regrowth after past clearing or logging activities, and consequently trees may be shorter, less dense or more dense than less disturbed stands. Blue Gum High Forest is dominated by either Eucalyptus pilularis (Blackbutt) or E. saligna (Sydney Blue Gum). Angophora costata (Smooth-barked Apple) is frequently observed in remnants close to the shale/sandstone boundary, but also occurs infrequently on deep shale soils, as does A. floribunda (Rough-barked Apple). Eucalyptus paniculata (Grey Ironbark) is typically found on upper slopes. A relatively diverse stratum of small trees is usually present, and includes Pittosporum undulatum (Sweet Pittosporum), Elaeocarpus reticulatus (Blueberry Ash) and Allocasuarina torulosa (Forest Oak). Shrub species are typically mesophyllous, such as Breynia oblongifolia (Coffee Bush), Pittosporum revolutum, (Yellow Pittosporum), Clerodendrum tomentosum, Notelaea longifolia forma longifolia (Large Mock-olive), Maytenus sylvestris (Narrow-leaved Orange Bark), Polyscias sambucifolia subsp. A (Elderberry Panax) and Rapanea variabilis (Muttonwood).

Mesophyllous species are generally more common in gullies associated with both shale and volcanic soils than slopes and ridgetops. Sclerophyllous species such as Persoonia linearis (Narrow-leaved Geebung) and Leucopogon juniperinum (Prickly Bearded-heath) occur more frequently closer to the shale/sandstone boundary. The ground stratum is often dense and contains a mixture of herb, grass and fern species including Adiantum aethiopicum, Entolasia marginata (Bordered Panic), Lomandra longifolia (Spiny-headed Matrush), Calochlaena dubia (Common Groundfern), Dianella caerulea (Blue Flax Lily), Pseuderanthemum variabile (Pastel Flower) and Oplismenus imbecillis. Vine species are also frequently present, in particular Tylophora barbata (Bearded Tylophora), Eustrephus latifolia, (Wombat Berry), Clematis aristata (Old Man's Beard) and Pandorea pandorana (Wonga

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

Wonga Vine).

5. While no systematic fauna surveys have been carried out across the range of Blue Gum High Forest a number of mammal and bird species listed as threatened in NSW have been recorded as resident or transient in the community. These include the Grey-headed Flying Fox (Pteropus poliocephalus), Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat (Saccolaimus flaviventris), Glossy Black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami) and the Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua).

6. Blue Gum High Forest is typically associated with soils derived from Wianamatta Shale (Tozer 2003), though may occur in adjacent areas underlain by Hawkesbury Sandstone. The community also occurs on soils associated with localised volcanic intrusions, 'diatremes' (Benson and Howell 1994). Typically, Blue Gum High Forest occurs more than 100m above sea level, where rainfall exceeds 1050 mm per annum, although it may be present in sheltered locations with lower rainfall (Tozer 2003). In drier areas and approaching the shale/sandstone boundary, it intergrades with Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest, which is currently listed as an Endangered Ecological Community under the TSC Act. Stands that exhibit intermediate characteristics are collectively covered by the Determinations of these communities and may be diagnosed by detailed consideration of the assemblage of species present at the site.

7. Vegetation surveys carried out across the range of Blue Gum High Forest include those of Benson and Howell (1990, 1994) and Tozer (2003). All of these studies describe and map this community as 'Blue Gum High Forest', including map unit 6b 'Tall open-forest: Eucalyptus pilularis – Eucalyptus saligna' of Benson and Howell (1994) and map unit 153 of Tozer (2003). In addition, Benson and Howell (1994) map separately that part of this community which occurs on soils associated with diatremes as 'Glen Forest, map unit 6c, i. Tall open-forest: Eucalyptus saligna', noting that this vegetation was 'very similar to the Blue Gum High Forest of the north shore [i. e. map unit 6b]'. Blue Gum High Forest belongs to the North Coast Wet Sclerophyll Forests vegetation class of Keith (2004).

8. Blue Gum High Forest is found on the north shore and northern suburbs of Sydney and has been recorded from the local government areas of Lane Cove, Willoughby, Ku-ring-gai, Hornsby, Baulkham Hills, Ryde and Parramatta within the Sydney Basin Bioregion and may occur elsewhere in the Bioregion.

9. Blue Gum High Forest has a very highly restricted geographic distribution, and is currently estimated to cover an extant area of less than 200 ha (Tozer 2003). The distribution comprises a series of small remnant patches, the largest of which is less than 20ha. Highly modified relics of the community also persist as small clumps of trees without a native understorey. All remnants of the community are now surrounded by urban development. Consequently, the distribution of Blue Gum High Forest is severely fragmented. Fragmentation of habitat contributes to a very large reduction in the ecological function of the community.

10. Prior to European settlement, about 200 years ago, Blue Gum High Forest is estimated to have covered an area of approximately 3700 ha (Tozer 2003). Its current extent amounts to less than 5% of this original distribution. The dominant eucalypts of the community live for several hundred years.

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

Blue Gum High Forest has therefore undergone a very large reduction in its geographic distribution within a time span appropriate to the life cycle and habitat characteristics of its component species. Small-scale clearing associated with residential subdivision, road upgrading, extension and maintenance of service easements, etc. pose a threat of ongoing decline in the extent of the community. Clearing of native vegetation is listed as a Key Threatening Process under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.

11. Changes in structure of Blue Gum High Forest have occurred as a consequence of the extensive removal of large old trees. A number of stands of Blue Gum Forests have highly modified understories, in which the native woody component has been largely replaced by woody exotic species or by increased abundance of native and exotic grasses. Continued underscrubbing, frequent burning and mowing may maintain the understorey in an artificially open state and prevent recruitment of species with the community. The loss of large trees removes essential habitat for a range of tree-dependent fauna (Gibbons and Lindenmeyer 1996). The reduction of understorey complexity, through the reduction of native shrub cover, degrades habitat for a range of bird and mammal species (Catling 1991). These processes contribute to a very large reduction in the ecological function of the community.

12. The influx of stormwater, which brings excessive moisture, pollutants and nutrients to the remnant forests from surrounding urban areas, is a significant ongoing threat to the ecological integrity of Blue Gum High Forest. This, together with the legacy of past disturbances and the abundance and dispersal of weed propagules from nearby urban areas, results in the invasion, establishment and spread of weeds (Thomson and Leishman 2005). Problematic weed species in Blue Gum High Forest include the following:

Asparagus asparagoides Bridal Creeper Cinnamomum camphora Camphor laurel Lantana camara Lantana Ligustrum lucidum Large-leaved Privet Ligustrum sinense Small-leaved Privet Ochna serrulata Passiflora edulis Passionfruit Passiflora subpeltata Passionfruit Pennisetum clandestunum Kikuyu Rubus ulmifolius Blackberry Senna colutioides (=Cassia) Tradescantia fluminensis

'Invasion and establishment of exotic vines and scramblers', 'Invasion of native plant communities by exotic perennial grasses' and 'Invasion, establishment and spread of Lantana (Lantana camara L. sens. lat)' are listed as Key Threatening Processes under the Threatened Species Conservation Act. The influx of stormwater, pollutants and nutrients, and the invasion of weeds contribute to a very large reduction in the ecological function of the community.

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13. Blue Gum High Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion is eligible to be listed as a critically endangered ecological community as, in the opinion of the Scientific Committee, it is facing an extremely high risk of extinction in New South Wales in the immediate future, as determined in accordance with the following criteria as prescribed by the Threatened Species Conservation Regulation 2002:

Clause 25

The ecological community has undergone, is observed, estimated, inferred or reasonably suspected to have undergone, or is likely to undergo within a time span appropriate to the life cycle and habitat characteristics of its component species:

(a) a very large reduction in geographic distribution.

Clause 26 The ecological community's geographic distribution is estimated or inferred to be: (b) very highly restricted, and the nature of its distribution makes it likely that the action of a threatening process could cause it to decline or degrade in extent or ecological function over a time span appropriate to the life cycle and habitat characteristics of the ecological community's component species.

Clause 27 The ecological community has undergone, is observed, estimated, inferred or reasonably suspected to have undergone, or is likely to undergo within a time span appropriate to the life cycle and habitat characteristics of its component species: (a) a very large reduction in ecological function, as indicated by any of the following: (b) change in community structure (c) change in species composition (f) disruption of ecological processes (g) invasion and establishment of exotic species (h) degradation of habitat (i) fragmentation of habitat

Associate Professor Lesley Hughes Chairperson Scientific Committee Proposed Gazettal date: 20/04/07 Exhibition period: 20/04/07 – 15/06/07

References Benson DH, Howell J (1990) The natural vegetation of the Penrith 1:100 000 map sheet. Cunninghamia 2, 541-596.

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Benson DH, Howell J (1990) Taken for granted: the bushland of Sydney and its suburbs. (Kangaroo Press: Sydney) Catling PC (1991) Ecological effects of prescribed burning practices on the mammals of south- eastern Australia. In: 'Conservation of Australia's forest fauna' (Ed. D Lunney), pp 353-363. (Surrey Beatty and Sons: Sydney). Gibbons P, Lindenmeyer DB (1996) A review of issues associated with the retention of trees with hollows in wood production forests. Forest Ecology and Management 83, 245-279. Keith DA (2004) Ocean shores to desert dunes: the native vegetation of New South Wales and the ACT. NSW Department of Environment and Conservation, Sydney. Thomson VP, Leishman MR (2005) Post-fire vegetation dynamics in nutrient-enriched and non- enriched sclerophyll woodland. Austral Ecology 30, 250-260 Tozer MG (2003) The native vegetation of the Cumberland Plain, western Sydney: systematic classification and field identification of communities. Cunninghamia 8, 1-75.

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Appendix 2: List of Flora Species Recorded at the Former John Williams Childrens Convalesent, Wahroonga31

KEY J - Species of National or State conservation significance. * - Introduced or non-indigenous native species. ?* – Species suspected of being planted Note that due to the large amount of generally ‘native’ planting undertaken in the Subject Property, it is often difficult to distinguish what is naturally occurring and what has been planted. Many species not marked with a * may be naturally occurring and/or they may have been planted.

Species Frequency of Occurrence within the Site V - Very common (species covers 51-100% of the site). C - Common (species covers 26-50% of the site). O - Occasional (species covers 5-25% of the site). R - Rare (species covers <5% of the site; scattered distribution). L - Localised distribution only (species covers <5% of the site; clumped distribution).

FAMILY SPECIES COMMON NAME FREQUENCY FILICOPSIDA Adiantaceae Adiantum aethiopicum Maidenhair Fern R Aspleniaceae Asplenium australasicum* Birds Nest Fern R Blechnaceae Blechnum ambiguum Gristle Fern L Cyatheaceae Cyathea australis* Rough Tree Fern R Cyatheaceae Cyathea cooperi* Scaly Tree Fern R Davalliaceae Nephrolepis cordifolia* Fishbone Fern O Dicksoniaceae Calochlaena dubia False Bracken Fern R CONIFEROPSIDA Araucariaceae Araucaria bidwillii* Bunya Bunya Pine R Araucariaceae Araucaria cunninghamii* Hoop Pine R Araucariaceae Araucaria heterophylla* Norfolk Island Palm R Cupressaceae Cupressus sp.* Cypress R Pinaceae Callistris ? rhomboidea* Port Jackson Pine R Pinaceae Cedrus deodora* Deodar R Pinaceae Pinus radiata* Monterey Pine R DICOTYLEDONS Acanthaceae Drejerella guttata* Shrimp Plant R Acanthaceae Pseuderanthemum variabile Pastel Flower R Acanthaceae Strobilanthes isophyllus* Golfussia R

31 Recorded by UBMC July 2006, but occurrence of species updated October 2008 but frequency not recorded

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FAMILY SPECIES COMMON NAME FREQUENCY Acanthaceae Thunbergia alata* Black-eyed Susan L Aceraceae Acer negundo* Box Elder Maple R Aceraceae Acer palmatum* Japanese Maple R Amaranthaceae Alternanthera denticulata Lesser Joyweed R Anacardiaceae Harpephylum caffrum* Kaffir Plum R Apiaceae Centella asiatica Kidney Weed R Apiaceae Ciclospermum leptophyllum* Slender Celery R Apocynaceae Nerium oleander* Oleander R Apocynaceae Parsonsia straminea Common Silkpod R Araceae Monstera deliciosa* Monstera R Araceae Philodendron sp.* Philodendron R Araliaceae Hedera helix* English Ivy R Araliaceae Polyscias elegans Celery Wood R Araliaceae Schefflera sp.* Umbrella Tree R Asclepiadaceae Araujia sericifera* White Moth Vine R Asteraceae Ageratina adenophora* Crofton Weed L Asteraceae Ageratina riparia* Mistflower L Asteraceae Bidens pilosa* Cobbler’s Pegs R Asteraceae Cirsium vulgare* Spear Thistle R Asteraceae Conyza sp.* Fleabane R Asteraceae Dimorphotheca ecklonis* Star of the Veldt R Asteraceae Erigeron karvinskianus* Fleabane L Asteraceae Hypochaeris radicata* Catsear R Asteraceae Osteospermum ecklonis* Daisy R Senecio hispidulus var. Asteraceae hispidulus Hill Fireweed R Asteraceae Senecio madagascariensis* Fireweed R Asteraceae Senecio sp.* R Asteraceae Sonchus oleraceus* Common Sow Thistle R Asteraceae Taraxacum officinale* Dandelion R Balsaminaceae Impatiens sp.* Impatiens L Bassellacea Anredera cordifolia* Madeira Vine R Begoniaceae Begonia sp.* Begonia R Berberidaceae Nandina domestica* Sacred Bamboo L

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FAMILY SPECIES COMMON NAME FREQUENCY Bignoniaceae Jacaranda mimosifolia* Jacaranda R Caprifoliaceae Abelia ? grandiflora.* Abelia R Caprifoliaceae Lonicera japonica* Japanese Honeysuckle O Casuarinaceae Allocasuarina distyla ?* Forest Oak R Casuarinaceae Allocasuarina glauca* Swamp Oak R Convolvulaceae Dichondra repens Kidney Weed O Convolvulaceae Ipomea indica* Morning Glory O Crassulaceae Sedum sp.* Sedum L Crassulaceae Saxifraga umbrosa* Pride of London R Cucurbitaceae Cucurbita maxima* Pumpkin L Cunoniaceae Ceratopetalum apetalum Coachwood R Cunoniaceae Ceratopetalum gummiferum* Christmas Bush R Elaeocarpaceae Elaeocarpus reticulatus* Blueberry Ash R Elaeaganaceae Elaeagans pungens ‘maculata’* Oleaster R Epacridaceae Leucopogon juniperinus Bearded Heath R Ericaceae Arbutus unedo* Strawberry Tree R Ericaceae Azalea spp.* Azalea R Ericaceae Rhododendron spp.* Rhododendron R Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia peplus* Petty Spurge R Euphorbiaceae Omalanthus populifolius Bleeding Heart R Fabaceae: Caesalpiniaceae Bauhinia sp.* Bauhinia R Fabaceae: Caesalpiniaceae Senna pendula* Senna R Fabaceae: Faboideae Erythrina sykesii* Coral Tree R Fabaceae: Faboideae Genista monspessulana* Montpellier Broom O Fabaceae: Faboideae Glycine clandestina Love Creeper R Fabaceae: Faboideae Kennedia rubicunda Dusky Coral Pea R Fabaceae: Faboideae Wisteria floribunda * Wisteria R Fabaceae: Mimosoideae Acacia baileyana* Cootamundra Wattle R Fabaceae: Mimosoideae Acacia decurrens* Green Wattle R Fabaceae: Mimosoideae Acacia elata* Cedar Wattle R Fabaceae: Mimosoideae Acacia fimbriata Fringed Wattle R Fabaceae: Mimosoideae Acacia longifolia var. longifolia Sydney Golden Wattle R Gentianaceae Centaurium erythraea* Common Centaury R Geraniaceae Geranium homeanum Cranesbill R

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FAMILY SPECIES COMMON NAME FREQUENCY Hamamelidaceae Liquidambar sp.* Liquidambar R Labiateae Westringia x Hybrid* Blue Westringia R Labiateae Salvia sp.* Salvia R Lamiaceae Lavandula sp.* Lavender R Lauraceae Cinnamomum camphora* Camphor Laurel R Lobeliaceae Pratia purpurascens White Root R Loganiaceae Gelsemium sempervirens* Gelsemium L Loganiaceae Buddleia ? davidii* Butterfly Bush R Lythraceae Lagerstroemia indica* Crepe Myrtle L Magnoliaceae Magnolia grandiflora * Bull Magnolia R Malaceae Photinia sp.* Photinia R Malvaceae Hibiscus sp.* Hibiscus R Malvaceae Malvaviscus arboreus* Turks Cap R Malvaceae Modiola caroliniana* Red-flowered Mallow R Malvaceae Sida rhombifolia* Paddy’s Lucerne R Melastomataceae Tibouchina sp.* Tibouchina R Meliaceae Melia azedarach White Cedar R Meliaceae Toona australis* Red Cedar R Moraceae Ficus carica* Fig R Moraceae Ficus pumila* Creeping Fig R Moraceae Ficus rubiginosa ?* Port Jackson Fig R Moraceae Morus alba* White Mulberry R Myrsinaceae Ardisia crenata* Coral Berry R Myrtaceae Acmena smithii* Lilly Pilly R Myrtaceae Angophora floribunda Rough-barked Apple R Myrtaceae Callistemon salignus Willow Bottlebrush R Myrtaceae Callistemon sp.* Bottlebrush R Myrtaceae Corymbia citriodora* Lemon Scented Gum R Myrtaceae Corymbia maculata* Spotted Gum R Myrtaceae Eucalyptus paniculata Grey Ironbark R Myrtaceae Eucalyptus pilularis Blackbutt R Myrtaceae Eucalyptus saligna Sydney Blue Gum O Myrtaceae Kunzea ambigua* White Tick Bush R Myrtaceae Lophostemon confertus* Brush Box R

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FAMILY SPECIES COMMON NAME FREQUENCY Myrtaceae Syncarpia glomulifera Turpentine R Myrtaceae J Syzygium paniculatum ?* Magenta Lilly Pilly R Myrtaceae Tristaniopsis laurina* Water Gum R Myrtaceae Waterhousea floribunda* Weeping Myrtle R Nyctaginaceae Mirabilis jalapa* Marvel of Peru R Ochnaceae Ochna serrulata* Ochna R Oleaceae Fraxinus sp.* Ash R Oleaceae Jasminum polyanthum* Jasmine R Oleaceae Ligustrum lucidum* Large-leaved Privet O Oleaceae Ligustrum sinense* Small-leaved Privet O Oleaceae Olea europaea ssp. cuspidata* Olive R Oxalidaceae Oxalis pes-caprae* Soursob R Oxalicaceae Oxalis sp.* Oxalis R Passifloraceae Passiflora edulis* Passionfruit R Pittosporaceae Pittosporum undulatum Sweet Pittosporum O Plantaginaceae Plantago lanceolata* Plantain R Plumbaginaceae Plumbago auriculata* Plumbago R Polygonaceae Persicaria capitata* Japanese Knotweed L Polygonaceae Rumex sp.* Dock R Proteaceae Grevillea linearifolia ?* White Spider Flower R Proteaceae Grevillea robusta* Silky Oak R Proteaceae Grevillea sp.* Grevillea R Proteaceae Macadamia integrifolia* Macadamia Nut R Ranunculaceae Clematis aristata Old Man’s Beard R Ranunculaceae Ranunculus repens* Creeping Buttercup R Rhamnaceae Pomaderris lanigera Woolly Pomaderris R Rosaceae Chaenomeles x cultivar* Flowering Quince R Rosaceae Cotoneaster glaucophyllus* Cotoneaster R Rosaceae Duchesnea indica* Indian Strawberry L Rosaceae Malus domesticus* Apple Tree R Rosaceae Prunus persica var. persica* Peach R Rosaceae Prunus sp.* Flowering Cherry R Rosaceae Pyracantha angustifolia* Firethorn R Rosaceae Rhaphiolepis indica* Indian Hawthorn R

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FAMILY SPECIES COMMON NAME FREQUENCY Rosaceae Rosa sp.* Rose R Rosaceae Rubus fruticosus* Blackberry R Rubiaceae Gardenia angusta* Gardenia R Rubiaceae Luculia sp.* Luculia R Rubiaceae Choisya ternata* Mexican Orange Blossom R Rutaceae Acronychia oblongifolia Yellow Wood R Rutaceae Citrus sp.* Lemon Tree R Rutaceae Murraya paniculata* Orange Jessamine R Saxifragaceae Escallonia x hybrid* Escallonia R Saxifragaceae Hydrangea macrophylla* Hydrangea R Scrophulariaceae Hebe sp.* Veronica R Scrophulariaceae Russelia equisetiformis* Fountain Flower R Scrophulariaceae Veronica persica* Speedwell R Solanaceae Solanum mauritianum* Wild Tobacco R Solanaceae Solanum nigrum* Black Nightshade R Sterculiaceae Brachychiton acerifolius* Flame Tree R Theaceae Camellia japonica* Camellia R Theaceae Camellia sasanqua* Camellia R Tropaeolaceae Tropaeolum majus* Nasturtium R Ulmaceae Ulmus parviflora* Chinese Elm R Urticaceae Parietaria judaica* Sticky Weed R Valerianaceae Centranthus ruber* Red Valerian R Verbenaceae Duranta repens* Pigeonberry R Verbenaceae Verbena bonariensis* Purple Top R Violaceae Viola odorata* Sweet Violet L Vitaceae Vitis vinifera* Grape R MONOCOTYLEDONS Agavaceae Cordyline ? terminalis* Cordyline R Agavaceae Doryanthes excelsa* Gymea Lily R Alliaceae Agapanthus africanus* Agapanthus O Amaryllidaceae Clivia minuata* Kaffir Lily L Amaryllidaceae Crinum pedunculatum* Crinum Lily R Anthericaceae Chlorophytum comosum* Spider Plant R Arecaceae Arecastrum romanzoffianum* Queen Palm L

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FAMILY SPECIES COMMON NAME FREQUENCY Arecaceae Livistona australis ?* Cabbage-tree Palm R Arecaceae Phoenix canariensis* Canary Island Date Palm R Arecaceae Trachycarpus sp.* Windmill Palm R Arecaceae Washingtonia sp.* Fan Palm R Asparagaceae Asparagus aethiopicus* Asparagus Fern O Asparagaceae Asparagus plumosus* Climbing Asparagus L Asphodelaceae Aloe vera* Aloe L Cannaceae Canna indica* Canna / Yellow Shot L Commelinaceae Tradescantia fluminensis* Wandering Jew R Cyperaceae Cyperus eragrostis* Umbrella Sedge R Cyperaceae Cyperus gracilis Sedge R Cyperaceae Cyperus imbecillis Sedge R Iridaceae Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora* Montbretia L Iridaceae Dietes vegeta* Fortnight Lily L Iridaceae Freesia refracta* Freesia L Iridaceae Iris sp.* Iris L Iridaceae Orthrosanthus multiflorus* R Liliaceae Begonia sp * Begonia R Liliaceae Lilium formosanum* Tiger Lily R Liliaceae Ophiopogon japonicus* Mondo Grass L Musaceae Musa paradisiaca* Banana L Orchidaceae Epidendrum radicans* Crucifix Orchard L Philesiaceae Eustrephus latifolius Wombat Berry R Phormiaceae Dianella longifolia Blue Flax Lily R Poaceae Axonopus affinis* Carpet Grass R Poaceae Briza maxima* Quaking Grass R Poaceae Bromus catharticus* Prairie Grass R Poaceae Cynodon dactylon* Couch O Poaceae Dactylis glomerata* Cocksfoot R Poaceae Echinopogon ovatus Forest Hedgehog Grass R Poaceae Ehrharta erecta* Panic Veldt Grass O Poaceae Imperata cylindrica Blady Grass L Microlaena stipoides var. Poaceae stipoides Weeping Meadow Grass O

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FAMILY SPECIES COMMON NAME FREQUENCY Poaceae Oplismenus imbecillis Basket Grass O Poaceae Paspalum dilatatum* Paspalum O Poaceae Paspalum urvillei* Vasey Grass R Poaceae Pennisetum clandestinum* Kikuyu Grass R Poaceae Phyllostachys aurea* Fishpole Bamboo L Poaceae Setaria gracilis* Pigeon Grass R Poaceae Stenotaphrum secundatum* Buffalo Grass O Strelitziaceae Strelitzia nicolai* Bird of Paradise R Strelitziaceae Strelitzia reginae* Bird of Paradise R Zingiberaceae Hedychium gardnerianum* Yellow Ginger L

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Appendix 3: Native Fauna Species Recorded Within the Subject Property

Source: UBMC 2006.

COMMON NAME FAMILY AND SCIENTIFIC NAME

MAMMALS

Pseudocheiridae

Common Ringtail Possum Pseudocheirus peregrinus

Phalangeridae

Common Brushtail Possum Trichosurus vulpecula

Pteropodidae

Grey-headed Flying Fox Pteropus poliocephalus

Vespertilioidae

Gould’s Wattled Bat Chalinolobus gouldii

BIRDS

Cacatuidae

Gang-Gang Cockatoo Callocephalon fimbriatum

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita

Psittacidae

Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus

Australian King Parrot Alisterus scapularis

Eastern Rosella Platycercus eximius

Podargidae

Tawny Frogmouth Podargus strigoides

Alcedinidae

Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo naxaeguineae

Pardalotidae

Spotted Pardalote Pardalotus punctatus

Meliphagidae

Noisy Miner Manorina melanocephala

Campephagidae

Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae

Artamidae

Grey Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus

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COMMON NAME FAMILY AND SCIENTIFIC NAME

Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen

Pied Currawong Strepera graculina

Corvidae

Australian Raven Corvus coronoides

Hirundinidae

Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena

REPTILES

Scincidae

Grass Skink Lampropholis delicata

Weasel Skink Saproscincus mustelinus

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Appendix 4: Results of the Weed Mapping Project (UBM October 2008)

The Results of the Weed Mapping (UBM October 2008) as carried out in each of the six (6) weed polygons surveyed are presented below.

Polygon A

Polygon A covers an area which still retains large BGHF canopy tree species. The understorey contains unmaintained garden beds and some lawn area, which is now heavily infested with weeds.

Table A shows the comparative results of the 2007 and 2008 weed surveys. Fourteen (14) new weed species were detected during the 2008 survey. Of these, one (a new occurrence) is listed as a Noxious Weed (Blackberry Rubus fruticosus), and four (4) are listed as Keystone Weeds (UBM 2007). The Keystone Weeds Morning Glory Vine Ipomoea indica and Montpellier Broom Genista monspessulana have increased in abundance.

Table A: Weed Species and Abundance for Polygon A (UBM October 2008)

KEY

New Keystone Weeds

POLYGON NUMBER AND TYPE OF WEEDS YEAR SURVEYED COMMON FAMILY SPECIES NAME KEYSTONE A NOXIOUS ENVIRON- A (UBM (2007) & CLASS MENTAL 2007)

Cootamundra Fabaceae Acacia baileyana* <25 x Wattle Aceraceae Acer negundo* Box Elder Maple <25 x x

Alliaceae Agapanthus praecox* Agapanthus 50 - 75 x

Ageratina Asteraceae Crofton Weed 0 <25 x adenophora* Asparagus Asparagaceae Asparagus Fern 75-100 4 x aethiopicus* Asparagus Climbing Asparagaceae <25 4 x plumosus* Asparagus Ericaceae Azalea spp.* Azalea 0 <25 Begoniaceae Begonia sp.* Begonia 0 <25 Brachychiton Sterculiaceae Flame Tree <25 x acerifolius* Poaceae Bromus catharticus* Prairie Grass <25 x Pinaceae Cedrus deodora* Deodar 0 <25

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POLYGON NUMBER AND TYPE OF WEEDS YEAR SURVEYED COMMON FAMILY SPECIES NAME KEYSTONE A NOXIOUS ENVIRON- A (UBM (2007) & CLASS MENTAL 2007)

Ulmaceae Celtis occidentalis* Hackberry <25 x x Cinnamomum Lauraceae Camphor Laurel 25-50 4 x camphora* Asteraceae Conyza sp.* Fleabane 0 <25 x Cotoneaster Rosaceae Cotoneaster <25 z x glaucophyllus* Crocosmia x Iridaceae Montbretia 25-50 x crocosmiiflora* Fortnight Lily / Iridaceae Dietes vegeta* <25 x Peacock Iris Panic Veldt Poaceae Ehrharta erecta* 0 <25 x Grass Elaeocarpus Elaeocarpaceae Blueberry Ash 0 <25 reticulatus* Erigeron Asteraceae Fleabane 0 <25 karvinskianus* Euryops Asteraceae Winter Euryops <25 x abrotanifolius* Genista Montpellier Fabaceae <25 25-50 3 x monspessulana* Broom Araliaceae Hedera helix* English Ivy <25 x x Hedychium Zingiberaceae Yellow Ginger <25 x gardnerianum* Balsaminaceae Impatiens sp.* Impatiens 0 <25 Convolvulaceae Ipomoea indica* Morning Glory <25 25-50 4 x Jacaranda Bignoniaceae Jacaranda 25-50 <25 x mimosifolia* Large-leaved Oleaceae Ligustrum lucidum* 75-100 x Privet Small-leaved Oleaceae Ligustrum sinense* <25 4 x Privet Liliaceae Lilium formosanum* Tiger Lily <25 x Japanese Caprifoliaceae Lonicera japonica* 25-50 x Honeysuckle

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POLYGON NUMBER AND TYPE OF WEEDS YEAR SURVEYED COMMON FAMILY SPECIES NAME KEYSTONE A NOXIOUS ENVIRON- A (UBM (2007) & CLASS MENTAL 2007)

Araceae Monstera deliciosa* Monstera <25 x Boraginaceae Myosotis discolor Forget-me-not 0 <25 Apocynaceae Nerium oleander* Oleander <25 x Ochnaceae Ochna serrulata* Ochna <25 4 x Olea europaea ssp. Oleaceae African Olive <25 x cuspidata* Sinopteridaceae Pellaea falcata Sickle Fern <25 x Malaceae Photinia sp.* Photinia 0 <25 Flowering not Rosaceae Prunus sp.* <25 x Cherry seen

Ericaceae Rhododendron spp.* Rhododendron 0 <25

Rosaceae Rubus fruticosus* Blackberry 0 <25 4 x Fabaceae Senna pendula* Senna <25 x x Stenotaphrum Poaceae Buffalo Grass 0 <25 x secundatum* Strelitziaceae Strelitzia nicolai* Bird of Paradise <25 x Tradescantia Commelinaceae Wandering Jew <25 4 x fluminensis* Ulmaceae Ulmus parviflora* Chinese Elm 0 <25

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Polygon B

Polygon B covers an area which still retains many large SBHF canopy tree species. The understorey contains (unmaintained) garden beds and some few native plantings. It is now heavily infested with weeds.

Table B shows the comparative results of the 2007 and 2008 weed surveys. Twenty three (23) new weed species were detected during the 2008 survey. Of these, one (1) is listed as an Environmental Weed by Ku-ring-gai Council (English Ivy Hedera helix), and ten (10) are listed as Keystone Weeds (UBM 2007). The Keystone Weeds African Olive Olea europaea ssp. cuspidata. Japanese Honeysuckle Lonicera japonica, Cassia Senna pendula, and Genista monspessulana have increased in abundance

Table B: Weed Species and Abundance for Polygon B (UBM October 2008) KEY

New Keystone Weeds

POLYGON NUMBER AND TYPE OF WEEDS COMMON YEAR SURVEYED FAMILY SPECIES NAME NOXIOUS KEYSTONE B ENVIRON- B AND (UBM (2007) MENTAL CLASS 2007) Agapanthus Alliaceae Agapanthus 0 <25 praecox*

Asteraceae Ageratina riparia* Mistflower 0 <25 x

White Moth Asclepiadaceae Araujia sericifera* <25 x Vine Asparagus Asparagaceae Asparagus Fern 75-100 4 x aethiopicus* Asparagus Climbing Asparagaceae <25 4 x plumosus* Asparagus Brachychiton Sterculiaceae Flame Tree 0 <25 acerifolius*

Poaceae Briza subaristata* 0 <25

Canna / Yellow not Cannaceae Canna indica* <25 x Shot seen

Ulmaceae Celtis occidentalis* Hackberry <25 x x

Cinnamomum Lauraceae Camphor Laurel <25 4 x camphora* Asteraceae Conyza sp.* Fleabane 0 <25 x

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POLYGON NUMBER AND TYPE OF WEEDS COMMON YEAR SURVEYED FAMILY SPECIES NAME NOXIOUS KEYSTONE B ENVIRON- B AND (UBM (2007) MENTAL CLASS 2007) Cotoneaster Rosaceae Cotoneaster <25 x x glaucophyllus* Crocosmia x Iridaceae Montbretia <25 x crocosmiiflora*

Poaceae Cynodon dactylon* Couch 0 <25

Doryanthaceae Doryanthes excelsa Gymea Lily 0 <25

Panic Veldt Poaceae Ehrharta erecta* 0 <25 x Grass

Genista Montpellier Fabaceae <25 25-50 3 x monspessulana* Broom

Araliaceae Hedera helix* English Ivy 0 <25 x x Hedychium Zingiberaceae Yellow Ginger <25 x gardnerianum* Hypochaeris Asteraceae Catsear 0 <25 radicata* Jacaranda Bignoniaceae Jacaranda 0 <25 x mimosifolia* Small-leaved Oleaceae Ligustrum sinense* <25 4 x Privet

Liliaceae Lilium formosanum* Tiger Lily <25 x

Japanese Caprifoliaceae Lonicera japonica* <25 25-50 x Honeysuckle Moraceae Morus alba* White Mulberry 0 <25 x

Berberidaceae Nandina domestica* Sacred Bamboo <25 x

Nephrolepis Davalliaceae Fishbone Fern <25 25-50 x cordifolia*

Ochnaceae Ochna serrulata* Ochna <25 4 x

Olea europaea ssp. Oleaceae Olive <25 25-50 x x cuspidata*

Oxalidaceae Oxalis pes-caprae* Soursob 0 <25 5

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POLYGON NUMBER AND TYPE OF WEEDS COMMON YEAR SURVEYED FAMILY SPECIES NAME NOXIOUS KEYSTONE B ENVIRON- B AND (UBM (2007) MENTAL CLASS 2007)

Passifloraceae Passiflora edulis* Passionfruit 0 <25 x

Pinaceae Pinus radiata* Monterey Pine 0 <25

Plantaginaceae Plantago lanceolata* Plantain 0 <25

Flowering Rosaceae Prunus sp.* <25 x Cherry

Ericaceae Rhododendron spp.* Rhododendron 0 <25

Rosaceae Rubus fruticosus* Blackberry <25 4 x

Crassulaceae Sedum sp.* Sedum 0 <25

Senecio Asteraceae Fireweed 0 <25 madagascariensis*

Fabaceae Senna pendula* Senna <25 25-50 x x

Malvaceae Sida rhombifolia* Paddy’s Lucerne 0 <25 x

Solanum Solanaceae Wild Tobacco 0 <25 x mauritianum* Stenotaphrum Poaceae Buffalo Grass <25 x secundatum*

Strelitziaceae Strelitzia nicolai* Bird of Paradise <25 x

Black-eyed Acanthaceae Thunbergia alata* 0 <25 x Susan

Arecaceae Washingtonia sp.* Fan Palm <25 x

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

Polygon C

Polygon C covers an area which still retains some large BGHF canopy trees. The understorey contains exotic and native plantings. It is now heavily infested with weeds.

Table C shows the comparative results of the 2007 and 2008 weed surveys. Five (5) new weed species were detected during the 2008 survey. Of these, two (2) are listed as Noxious Weeds (Bridal Creeper Asparagus asparagoides and Camphor laurel Cinnamomum camphora), and five (5) are listed as Keystone Weeds (UBM 2007). The Keystone Weeds Large-leaved Privet Ligustrum sinense, Lonicera japonica, and Fishbone Fern Nephrolepis cordifolia have increased in abundance.

Table C: Weed Species and Abundance for Polygon C (UBM October 2008)

KEY

New Keystone Weeds

POLYGON NUMBER AND TYPE OF WEEDS COMMON YEAR SURVEYED FAMILY SPECIES NAME NOXIOUS KEYSTONE C ENVIRON- C AND (UBM (2007) MENTAL CLASS 2007)

Alliaceae Agapanthus praecox* Agapanthus 25-50 <25 x

Asparagus Asparagaceae Asparagus Fern 75-100 4 x aethiopicus* Asparagus Climbing Asparagaceae 0 25-50 4 x plumosus* Asparagus Cinnamomum Lauraceae Camphor Laurel 0 <25 4 x camphora*

Genista Montpellier Fabaceae 75-100 3 x monspessulana* Broom

Large-leaved Oleaceae Ligustrum lucidum* <25 25-50 4 x Privet Small-leaved Oleaceae Ligustrum sinense* <25 4 x Privet

Liliaceae Lilium formosanum* Tiger Lily 0 <25 x

Japanese Caprifoliaceae Lonicera japonica* <25 50-75 x Honeysuckle Nephrolepis Davalliaceae Fishbone Fern <25 75-100 x cordifolia* Olea europaea ssp. Oleaceae Olive <25 x x cuspidata*

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

Passifloraceae Passiflora edulis* Passionfruit 0 <25 x

Strelitziaceae Strelitzia nicolai* Bird of Paradise 0 <25 x

Polygon D

Polygon D covers an area which still retains large BGHF canopy trees. The understorey contains garden beds and some lawn which is now heavily infested with weeds.

Table D shows the comparative results of the 2007 and 2008 weed surveys. Four (4) new weed species were detected during the 2008 survey. Of these, two (2) is listed as Noxious Weeds (Climbing Asparagus Asparagus plumosus, Ligustrum lucidum), and two (2) are listed as Keystone Weeds (UBM 2007). The Keystone Weed Asparagus asparagoides has increased in abundance, and a new weed Bindweed Calystegia silvatica has become rampant.

Table D: Weed Species and Abundance for Polygon D (UBM October 2008) KEY

New Keystone Weeds

POLYGON NUMBER AND TYPE OF WEEDS COMMON YEAR SURVEYED FAMILY SPECIES NAME NOXIOUS KEYSTONE D ENVIRON- D AND (UBM (2007) MENTAL CLASS 2007) Asparagus Asparagaceae Asparagus Fern <25 75-100 4 x aethiopicus* Climbing Asparagaceae Asparagus plumosus* 0 <25 4 x Asparagus Convolvulaceae Calystegia silvatica Bindweed 0 <25

Poaceae Cynodon dactylon* Couch 75-100 25-50 x

Large-leaved Oleaceae Ligustrum lucidum* 0 <25 4 x Privet Olea europaea ssp. Oleaceae Olive 0 <25 x cuspidata* Stenotaphrum Poaceae Buffalo Grass 75-100 25-50 x secundatum*

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

Polygon E

Polygon E covers an area which still retains a few large BGHF canopy tree species. The understorey contains exotic and native plantings as well as and area formerly used as a service area, comprising vegetable garden, a compost area, a chicken coop and other uses. It is now very heavily infested with weeds, particularly exotic climbers and scramblers.

Table D shows the comparative results of the 2007 and 2008 weed surveys. Fourteen (14) new weed species were detected during the 2008 survey. Of these, one (1) is listed as a Noxious Weed (Wandering Jew Tradescantia fluminensis), and seven (7) are listed as Keystone Weeds (UBM 2007). The Keystone Weeds Ipomoea indica and Nasturtium Tropaeolum majus have increased in abundance.

Table E - Weed Species and Abundance for Polygon E (UBM October 2008) KEY

New Keystone Weeds

POLYGON NUMBER AND TYPE OF WEEDS COMMON YEAR SURVEYED FAMILY SPECIES NAME NOXIOUS KEYSTONE E ENVIRON- E AND (UBM (2007) MENTAL CLASS 2007)

Acanthaceae Acanthus mollis* Oyster Plant 0 <25

Ageratina Asteraceae Crofton Weed <25 x adenophora* not Bassellaceae Anredera cordifolia* Madeira Vine <25 4 x seen Asteraceae Bidens pilosa* Cobbler’s Pegs <25 x

Poaceae Bromus catharticus* Prairie Grass <25 x

Cinnamomum not Lauraceae Camphor Laurel <25 4 x camphora* seen

Asteraceae Cirsium vulgare* Spear Thistle 0 <25 x

Asteraceae Conyza sp.* Fleabane <25 x Crocosmia x Iridaceae Montbretia 0 <25 crocosmiiflora*

Fabaceae Dipogon lignosus* Dolichos Pea 0 <25

Indian Rosaceae Duchesnea indica* 0 <25 Strawberry

Poaceae Ehrharta erecta* Panic Veldt 0 <25 x

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

POLYGON NUMBER AND TYPE OF WEEDS COMMON YEAR SURVEYED FAMILY SPECIES NAME NOXIOUS KEYSTONE E ENVIRON- E AND (UBM (2007) MENTAL CLASS 2007) Grass

Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia peplus* Petty Spurge 0 <25

Genista Montpellier Fabaceae 0 <25 3 x monspessulana* Broom

Convolvulaceae Ipomoea indica* Morning Glory <25 25-50 4 x

Jasminum Oleaceae Jasmine <25 x polyanthum* not Liliaceae Lilium formosanum* Tiger Lily <25 x seen Red-flowered Malvaceae Modiola caroliniana* <25 x Mallow

Oxalidaceae Oxalis pes-caprae* Soursob <25 5 x

not Urticaceae Parietaria judaica* Sticky Weed <25 4 x seen not Poaceae Paspalum dilatatum* Paspalum 50-75 x seen

Phytolaccaceae Phytolacca octandra Inkweed <25 x

Plantaginaceae Plantago lanceolata* Plantain <25 x

Creeping Ranunculaceae Ranunculus repens* 0 <25 Buttercup

Asteraceae Senecio vulgaris* Grondsel 0 <25

Fabaceae Senna pendula* Senna 0 <25 x Solanum Solanaceae Wild Tobacco <25 x mauritianum* Common Sow Asteraceae Sonchus oleraceus* <25 x Thistle Taraxacum Asteraceae Dandelion 0 <25 x officinale* Black-eyed Acanthaceae Thunbergia alata* 0 25-50 x Susan

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

POLYGON NUMBER AND TYPE OF WEEDS COMMON YEAR SURVEYED FAMILY SPECIES NAME NOXIOUS KEYSTONE E ENVIRON- E AND (UBM (2007) MENTAL CLASS 2007) Tradescantia Commelinaceae Wandering Jew 0 <25 4 x fluminensis*

Tropaeolaceae Tropaeolum majus* Nasturtium <25 25-50 x

Fabaceae Vicia hirsuta Hairy Vetch <25 x

Polygon G

Polygon G is a new addition since the 2007 survey. It also covers an area which retains a few large BGHF canopy trees. The previous land use is as described for Polygon F. The area is now very heavily infested with weeds.

Table G shows the results of the 2008 weed surveys. Thirty two (32) weed species were detected during the 2008 survey. Of these, five (5) are listed as Noxious Weeds (Asparagus ‘fern’ Asparagus aethiopicus, Genista monspessulana, Ipomoea indica, Oxalis pes-caprae and Tradescantia fluminensis), and one (1) Cassia Senna pendula, is listed as an Environmental Weed by Ku-ring-gai Council. Eighteen (18) Keystone Weeds (UBM 2007) were recorded in Polygon G.

Table F - Weed Species and Abundance for Polygon G (UBM October 2008) KEY

New Keystone Weeds

POLYGON NUMBER AND TYPE OF WEEDS YEAR SURVEYED COMMON FAMILY SPECIES NAME NOXIOUS KEYSTONE ENVIRON- G (NEW IN 2008) AND (UBM MENTAL CLASS 2007)

Acanthaceae Acanthus mollis* Oyster Plant <25

Ageratina Asteraceae Crofton Weed <25 x adenophora*

Asteraceae Ageratina riparia* Mistflower x

White Moth Asclepiadaceae Araujia sericifera* <25 x Vine

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

POLYGON NUMBER AND TYPE OF WEEDS YEAR SURVEYED COMMON FAMILY SPECIES NAME NOXIOUS KEYSTONE ENVIRON- G (NEW IN 2008) AND (UBM MENTAL CLASS 2007)

Asparagus Asparagaceae Asparagus Fern 25-50 4 x aethiopicus* Asteraceae Bidens pilosa* Cobbler’s Pegs <25 x

Poaceae Bromus catharticus* Prairie Grass <25 x

Asteraceae Cirsium vulgare* Spear Thistle <25 x

Asteraceae Conyza sp.* Fleabane <25 x Crocosmia x Iridaceae Montbretia <25 crocosmiiflora* Panic Veldt Poaceae Ehrharta erecta* <25 x Grass Euryops Asteraceae Winter Euryops <25 abrotanifolius* Climbing Papaveraceae Fumaria capreolata * <25 Fumitory

Genista Montpellier Fabaceae 25-50 3 x monspessulana* Broom

Convolvulaceae Ipomoea indica* Morning Glory 25-50 4 x

Jasminum Oleaceae Jasmine <25 x polyanthum* Red-flowered Malvaceae Modiola caroliniana* <25 Mallow

Oxalidaceae Oxalis pes-caprae* Soursob <25 5

Paraserianthes Fabaceae Crested Wattle <25 lophantha*

Poaceae Paspalum dilatatum* Paspalum <25 x

Pennisetum Poaceae Kikuyu Grass <25 x clandestinum* Pinaceae Pinus radiata* Monterey Pine <25

Plantaginaceae Plantago lanceolata* Plantain 25-50

Ranunculaceae Ranunculus repens* Creeping <25

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

POLYGON NUMBER AND TYPE OF WEEDS YEAR SURVEYED COMMON FAMILY SPECIES NAME NOXIOUS KEYSTONE ENVIRON- G (NEW IN 2008) AND (UBM MENTAL CLASS 2007) Buttercup

Fabaceae Senna pendula* Senna x

Malvaceae Sida rhombifolia* Paddy’s Lucerne <25 x

Black-eyed Acanthaceae Thunbergia alata* <25 x Susan Tradescantia Commelinaceae Wandering Jew 25-50 4 x fluminensis*

Tropaeolaceae Tropaeolum majus* Nasturtium <25 x

Verbenaceae Verbena bonariensis* Purple Top <25

Verbenaceae Verbena litotalis* <25

Fabaceae Vicia hirsuta Hairy Vetch <25

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

Former Croquet Lawn

The Croquet Lawn is situated in the north eastern section of the property (adjacent to MZ 1). It has been left unattended for many years and is now dominated by weeds with a number of small native herbs. The soil is heavily compacted and held with a 1.2 metre retaining wall of sandstone blocks. Overall, the area has a % cover of weeds of 75% with native species contribution to 10 % of the vegetation cover.

Table F shows the results of the 2008 survey and contains both weed and native species. A total of thirty (30) species were recorded. Of these twenty (20) weed/garden species were recorded and ten (10) native species were recorded. One (1) Noxious Weed (Genista monspessulana) and three (3) Environmental Weeds (Cotoneaster Cotoneaster glaucophyllus, Box Elder Acer negundo and African Olive Olea europaea ssp. cuspidata) were recorded. Eleven (11) Keystone Weeds (UBM 2007) were also recorded.

Table G - Weed Species and Abundance for the Croquet Lawn (UBM October 2008) * figures in brackets represent a finer scale % cover for 2008, list also includes natives present)

TYPE OF WEEDS COMMON CROQUET NOXIOUS KEYSTONE FAMILY SPECIES ENVIRON- NAME LAWN * AND (UBM MENTAL CLASS 2007) Cootamundra Fabaceae Acacia baileyana* <25 (<15) x Wattle

Fabaceae Acacia decurrens* Green Wattle <25 (<15)

Fabaceae Acacia elata* Cedar Wattle <25 (<5) Aceraceae Acer negundo* Box Elder Maple x x Ageratina Asteraceae Crofton Weed <25 x adenophora* Anthoxanthum Sweet Vernal Poaceae <25 odoratum* Grass

Poaceae Axonopus affinis* Carpet Grass <25

Apiaceae Centella asiatica Kidney Weed <25 (<5) Asteraceae Conyza sp.* Fleabane <25 x Cotoneaster Rosaceae Cotoneaster <25 x x glaucophyllus* Crocosmia x Iridaceae Montbretia <25 crocosmiiflora* Cynodon Poaceae dactylon*(planted as Couch 75-100 lawn)

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

TYPE OF WEEDS COMMON CROQUET NOXIOUS KEYSTONE FAMILY SPECIES ENVIRON- NAME LAWN * AND (UBM MENTAL CLASS 2007)

Fabaceae Desmodium varians <25 (<5)

Convolvulaceae Dichondra repens Kidney Weed <25 (<5)

Panic Veldt Poaceae Ehrharta erecta* 25-50 x Grass Gamochaeta Asteraceae Cudweed <25 (<5) americana*

Genista Montpellier Fabaceae <25 3 x monspessulana* Broom

Fabaceae Glycine clandestina Love Creeper <25 (<5)

Apiaceae Hydrocotyle sp. <25 (<5) Hypochaeris Asteraceae Catsear <25 radicata* Japanese Caprifoliaceae Lonicera japonica* <25 x Honeysuckle

Fabaceae Melilotus indicus * Hexham Scent <25

Nephrolepis Davalliaceae Fishbone Fern 25-50 x cordifolia* Olea europaea ssp. Oleaceae Olive <25 x x cuspidata* Plantago Plantaginaceae Plantain <25 lanceolata* Poranthera Euphorbiaceae <25 (<5) microphylla

Senecio hispidulus Asteraceae Hill Fireweed <25 (<5) var. hispidulus

Black-eyed Acanthaceae Thunbergia alata* <25 x Susan Trailing Scrophulariaceae Veronica plebeia <25(<5) Speedwell Wahlenbergia Campanulaceae <25 (<5) gracilis

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

Appendix 5: Keystone & Secondary (Target) Weeds Recorded & Recommended Control Methods

Note: this list of plants to be removed applies only to the BGHF habitat areas: not to the landscaped gardens

SPECIES COMMON NAME STATUS / RECOMMENDED METHODS OF CONTROL COMMENTS HAND WEEDING HERBICIDE APPLICATION COMMENT / OTHER

Hand Rake & Dig out Cut Drill & Scrape Spot

removal pile stump & poison & spray poison poison

WOODY WEEDS / GARDEN TREES & SHRUBS

Acacia baileyana Cootamundra Garden escape/    Remove all seedlings if any adult Wattle Environmental (saplings < plants are to be retained in the weed 0.5 m) landscaped gardens

Acer negundo Box-leaf Maple Garden     escape/planting (seedlings < (saplings < 5 cm) 0.5 m)

Brachychiton Illawarra Flame Garden planting     As above acerifolius Tree (seedlings < (saplings < 5 cm) 0.5 m)

Cinnamomum Camphor laurel Noxious weed in    And/or As above camphora LGA/ also cultural (seedlings < (saplings <  planting 5 cm) 0.5 m)

Cotoneaster Cotoneaster Garden planting    As above glyciphylla (seedlings < 5 cm)

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

SPECIES COMMON NAME STATUS / RECOMMENDED METHODS OF CONTROL COMMENTS HAND WEEDING HERBICIDE APPLICATION COMMENT / OTHER

Hand Rake & Dig out Cut Drill & Scrape Spot

removal pile stump & poison & spray poison poison

Gelsemium Carolina Jasmine Garden planting   (all sempervirens stems)

Genista Montpellier / Noxious weed in     monspessulana Cape Broom LGA (seedlings < (saplings < 5 cm) 0.5 m)

Jacaranda Jacaranda Garden escape     As above mimosifolia (seedlings < (saplings < 5 cm) 0.5 m)

Ligustrum. lucidum Broad-leaf Privet Noxious weed in       Noxious and highly allergenic LGA (seedlings < (saplings < (mature (saplings (seedlings Do not spray when fruit is ripe (treat 5 cm) 1 m) plants 0.05 - < 5 cm) before late summer) >1m) 1m)

Ligustrum sinense Small-leaf Privet Noxious weed in      Noxious and highly allergenic LGA (seedlings < (saplings (mature (saplings (seedlings 5 cm) <1 m) plants 0.05 - < 5 cm) >1m) 1m)

Olea europaea subsp African Olive Environmental     cuspidata weed, but noxious (seedlings < (saplings (seedlings elsewhere 5 cm) <0.5 m) < 5 cm)

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

SPECIES COMMON NAME STATUS / RECOMMENDED METHODS OF CONTROL COMMENTS HAND WEEDING HERBICIDE APPLICATION COMMENT / OTHER

Hand Rake & Dig out Cut Drill & Scrape Spot

removal pile stump & poison & spray poison poison

Morus alba Mulberry    (seedlings < (saplings 5 cm) <0.5 m)

Ochna serrulata Ochna Environmental  (note    Taproot with ‘kink’: liable to break off weed, but noxious kink) elsewhere (seedlings only)

Schefflera sp Qld. Umbrella Garden escape (<0.5 m) Tree

Sida rhombifolia Paddy’s Lucerne Agricultural weed    Long taproot: dig out

Solanum Wild Tobacco Ruderal weed    mauritianum Bush

HERBACEOUS WEEDS / GARDEN PLANTS

Agapanthus praecox Agapanthus Garden  escape/planting

Ageratina Crofton Weed Environmental    adenophora weed/Ruderal

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

SPECIES COMMON NAME STATUS / RECOMMENDED METHODS OF CONTROL COMMENTS HAND WEEDING HERBICIDE APPLICATION COMMENT / OTHER

Hand Rake & Dig out Cut Drill & Scrape Spot

removal pile stump & poison & spray poison poison

Ageratina riparia Mistflower Environmental    weed/ Ruderal

Asparagus Ground/Fern Environmental   Hand removal – remove corms in toto aethiopicus Asparagus weed, but noxious Brushoff Foliar spray -use Brushoff in early spring elsewhere (preferably)

Asparagus plumosus Climbing Noxious weed in   Asparagus LGA Brushoff

Bidens pilosa Cobbler’s Pegs Ruderal seed  

Bromus catharticus Prairie Grass Pasture grass   

Chlorophytum Spider Lily Garden Escape   comosum (surfacta nt)

Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle Agricultural weed   Sharp spines: wear gloves

Conyza spp. Fleabanes Ruderal weed   

Ehrharta erecta Perennial Veldt Environmental   Over plant or mulch thickly. Persistent Grass weed (seedling weed. s)

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

SPECIES COMMON NAME STATUS / RECOMMENDED METHODS OF CONTROL COMMENTS HAND WEEDING HERBICIDE APPLICATION COMMENT / OTHER

Hand Rake & Dig out Cut Drill & Scrape Spot

removal pile stump & poison & spray poison poison

Hedychium Ginger Lily Garden   gardnerianum escape/planting

Lilium formosanum Formosa/Easter Garden escape   Lily (surfacta nt)

Monstera deliciosa Monstera Garden   escape/planting

Nephrolepis Fishbone Fern Garden   cordifolia escape/planting (surfacta nt)

Osteospermum ? South African Garden   ecklonis Daily escape/planting (surfacta nt)

Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum Ruderal  

Pennisetum Kikuyu Grass Turf grass –   Scalp soil after foliar herbicide or burn clandestinum environmental individual tussocks weed

Parietaria judaica Pellitory Noxious weed in    LGA (seedlings)

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

SPECIES COMMON NAME STATUS / RECOMMENDED METHODS OF CONTROL COMMENTS HAND WEEDING HERBICIDE APPLICATION COMMENT / OTHER

Hand Rake & Dig out Cut Drill & Scrape Spot

removal pile stump & poison & spray poison poison

Solanum nigrum Deadly Ruderal weed (seedlings  Nightshade )

Sonchus oleraceus Sow Thistle Ruderal weed 

Stenotaphrum Buffalo Grass Turf grass   secundatum

Sporobolus virginicus Parramatta Ruderal weed    Grass (seedlings)

Strelitzia nicolai Bird of Paradise Garden   escape/planting

Tropaeolum majus Nasturtium Garden   escape/planting

VINES / SCRAMBLERS

Anredera cordifolia Madeira Vine Noxious weed in     Gather all fallen tubers and dispose off LGA/garden (tuberlin (seedlin site planting gs) gs)

Araujia sericifera White Moth Environmental   Plant weed (surfacta nt)

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

SPECIES COMMON NAME STATUS / RECOMMENDED METHODS OF CONTROL COMMENTS HAND WEEDING HERBICIDE APPLICATION COMMENT / OTHER

Hand Rake & Dig out Cut Drill & Scrape Spot

removal pile stump & poison & spray poison poison

Asparagus plumosus Climbing Garden escape:   Hand removal – remove corms in toto Asparagus environmental Brushoff Foliar spray - use Brushoff in early weed spring (preferably)

Hedera helix English Ivy Garden planting    (surfacta nt)

Ipomoea indica Morning Glory Noxious weed in   LGA: garden Starane escape

Jasminium mesnyi Primrose Garden     Roots at nodes: treat outliers Jasmine escape/planting separately

Jasminium Chinese Jasmine Garden  (treat   polyanthum escape/planting nodes) (Starane )

Lonicera japonica Honeysuckle Garden  (treat  (old  escape/planting nodes) stems) (Starane )

Passiflora edulis Passionfruit Vine Garden   escape/planting

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

SPECIES COMMON NAME STATUS / RECOMMENDED METHODS OF CONTROL COMMENTS HAND WEEDING HERBICIDE APPLICATION COMMENT / OTHER

Hand Rake & Dig out Cut Drill & Scrape Spot

removal pile stump & poison & spray poison poison

Thunbergia alata Black-eyed Susan Garden   escape/planting

Tradescantia Wandering Jew Noxious weed in  (small   Foliar spray – use glyphosate early fluminensis LGA plants) (Starane spring when leaf growth is new and ) soft.. Alternatively, use Starane any season.

Wisteria floribunda Wisteria Garden planting  

Note: not all weeds recorded in the Subject Property are listed above. Some secondary and/or insignificant weeds have not been targeted for control. However, keystone and major secondary weeds are listed for targeted control actions. Note also that it is entirely possible that other weeds will regenerate after clearing provides additional growing sites.

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

Appendix 6: List of Locally Indigenous Species Recommended for Planting in Blue Gum High Forest Habitats - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

HEIGHT DENSITY SPECIES COMMON NAME COMMENTS (M) (UNITS/M2)

CANOPY TREES (> 20 M)

Plant in gaps in canopy – Angophora floribunda Rough-barked Apple 20-30 1/20m2 moist, deep soils

Plant in gaps in canopy – Eucalyptus saligna Sydney Blue Gum 30 1/20m2 moist, deep soils

Plant in moist, well drained Syncarpia glomulifera Turpentine 25 1/20m2 soils: attractive in groves

SUB-CANOPY / SMALL TREES & LARGE SHRUBS (> 6 M)

Acacia implexa Hickory 7 1/8m2 Early pioneer species

Allocasuarina torulosa Forest Oak 8 1/8m2 Plant in groves 3 – 5 units

Ornamental species: attracts Elaeocarpus reticulatus Blueberry Ash 10 1/10m2 birds: sheltered sites only

Glochidion ferdinandi Cheese Tree 6-8 1/10m2

Notelaea longifolia Native Olive Slow growing

Pioneer species useful for re- Omalantbus populifolius Bleeding Heart Tree 2-4 1/8m2 establishment of community: attracts birds: widespread

SHRUBS

Suckers well & will stabilise Breynia oblongifolia Breynia 2 1/1m2 banks or slopes

Clerodendrum Hairy Clerodendrum 2-4 1/1m2 Understorey species: shade tomentosum

Loose open habit: plant in Indigofera australis Indigofera 1.5 1/1m2 filtered sunlight, in groves

Leucopogon juniperinus White Beard-heath To 1 1/1m2 Tolerates very dry soils

Small shrub with colourful Pittosporum revolutum Rough-fruited Pittosporum 2 1/4m2 fruit: landscape candidate

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

HEIGHT DENSITY SPECIES COMMON NAME COMMENTS (M) (UNITS/M2)

Persoonia linearis Narrow-leaf Geebung 3 1/4m2

Platylobium formosum Handsome Flat Pea 1 1/1m2 Full to filtered sun needed

Polyscias sambucifolia Elderberry Panax 2 1/1m2 Shady sites under canopy

Hardy pioneer, although slow Rapanea variabilis Mutton Wood 3 1/4m2 to grow to maturity

Zieria smithii Sandfly Zieria 1.5 1/1m2 Small shrub with open habit

GROUNDCOVERS

Austrodanthonia tenuior Wallaby Grass 0.7 4/1m2 Drier sites

Moist, sheltered locations: Blechnum cartilagineum Gristle Fern 0.5 1/1m2 may be hard to establish

Sprawling herb: moist, Brachycome angustifolia Brachycome To 0.2 1/4m2 sheltered position with no foot traffic

As above: may be hard to Calochlaena dubia False Bracken Fern 1.5 1/1m2 buy commercially (transplant?)

Creeping herb: widespread Centella asiatica Centella N/A 1 divot / 5 m2 Transplant : use divots

Can get rampant: prune to Clematis glycinoides Old Man’s Beard - 1/5m2 contain as required

Commelina cyanea Scurvy Weed N/A 1 divot / 5 m2 Transplant : use divots

Hardy: mass plant in high Dianella caerulea, D. Blue Flax Lily <1 1/5m2 light situations: landscaped revoluta garden beds

High light levels required: Echinopogon caespitosus Hedgehog Grass 0.5 4/1m2 edge sites and gaps only

Einadia hastata Saloop/Saltbush 0.5 1/5m2

Shade tolerant: very Entolasia marginata Bordered Panic Grass < 0.20 < 0.2 common

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

HEIGHT DENSITY SPECIES COMMON NAME COMMENTS (M) (UNITS/M2)

Eustrephus latifolius Wombat Berry N/A Occasional Delicate scrambler

Hardy: mass plant in high Hardenbergia violacea False Sarsaparilla - 1/5m2 light situations: landscaped garden beds: edges & slopes

Helichrysum scorpioides Everlasting 0.3

Hardy scrambling ground Hibbertia scandens Golden Guinea Flower - 1/5m2 cover: bush or garden beds

Widespread sprawling herb: Geranium homaenum Geranium/Cranesbill 0.5 4/1m2 will naturalise by itself

Goodenia heterophylla Variable Goodenia 0.2-0.3 1/5m2

Vigorous: may need cutting Kennedia rubicunda Dusky Coral Pea N/A 1/8-10m2 back: plant small numbers: use on slopes/embankments

Line watercourses: Lomandra longifolia Spiny Mat-rush 1.5 3-4/1m2 landscaped garden beds: edge sites: earthen bund

Microlaena stipoides Weeping Meadow Grass 0.5 4/1m2 Damp shady sites only

Widespread in shady/damp soils: transplant plugs or Oplismenus aemulus Basket Grass < 0.20 4/1m2 allow to volunteer into site naturally

Plant in clumps among other Poa affinis A tussock grass 0.6-1.20 4/1m2 ground covers

Pseuderanthemum Delicate ground cover: will Blue Pastel Flower 0.1-0.3 4/1m2 variabile not withstand foot traffic

High light levels required: plant on edge sites: mass Themeda australis Kangaroo Grass 1 4/1m2 plant along pathways etc: landscaped garden beds

Sprawler/ scrambler: slopes Tylophora barbata Tylophora N/A 4/1m2 or embankments

Note: that while a small number of the species recommended are not listed in the Final Determination, they do occur quite commonly in local BGHF bushland.

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

Appendix 7: A Guide to Monitoring Progress of Works in Bushland Rehabilitation Programs

The setting up of a simple monitoring program at the outset of the restoration project is of high importance. Monitoring will provide an objective measurement of progress and record the slow and often subtle changes. A monitoring program will enable the project manager and bush regeneration contractor to assess the performance indicators listed in this report.

As many changes are not readily visible in the short-term, it is recommended that monitoring events be carried out every six (6) months. However data should be collected over a number of years so that trends can be determined. A simple generic guide to monitoring the progress of bushland rehabilitation projects has been included below.

Note that a site-specific monitoring program should be designed for each bush regeneration and rehabilitation site prior to commencement of work.

Establishing Permanent Transects and Quadrats

This method is the traditional way to measure changes in vegetation community structure and diversity. The simplest way to record changes is to count the numbers and types of seedlings regenerating in a measured plot over a period of time.

Establishing permanent transects and quadrats will be sued to monitor Performance Indicators 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7.

In the absence of more specific guidelines in Recovery Plans, for all Management Units, at least one permanent quadrat will be established (as per Threatened Species Survey & Assessment Guidelines NPWS). Sampling is to occur on at least once a year (but monthly for the first six (6) months after treatment).

In addition to the NPWS guidelines, information recorded will include indigenous plant species including the number of naturally regenerating seedlings and cover (using the Braun- Blanquette method).

Baseline data will be collected in each quadrat before the commencement of any ecological restoration works. Sampling will allow for comparison between areas with different soil seedbank treatments, including areas that have not been treated.

Recording of all ecological restoration works will use standard NPWS/DEC recording sheets, and will include hours of weed control performed per bushland management zone or sub-zones.

Choosing the Plot Size

This is often the hardest decision to make: the area has to be large enough to take in the major life forms and small enough to be manageable. In grassland a plot of one (1) m2 is adequate to gain a representative sample; for shrubs – three (3) m2 is adequate, but in a treed area, plots of 10 m2 or larger may be necessary.

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

Assembling Flora Lists

The assembly of flora lists is basic to all bushland projects. The purpose of the bush regeneration project is not to accumulate an ever-increasing list of new species, but rather to record the diversity and abundance of the existing vegetation community and to monitor any changes that take place as the project proceeds.

Flora lists should be updated regularly and the location(s) of any unusual, rare or threatened species should be marked on the base map and the relevant authorities should be informed (eg. National Herbarium, DECCW/NPWS).

In addition to the information recorded in permanent quadrats, comprehensive lists of plant species will be maintained and updated for each management zone. This will be performed as per Threatened Species Survey & Assessment Guidelines NPWS.

Assembling Fauna Lists

The recording of fauna follows the same guidelines as for flora and is of equal importance. In the first instance a simple list of fauna sighted (or evidence of) can be used.

Ultimately, comprehensive (both exotic and native) fauna lists will be compiled and maintained. Data will be collected as per NPWS Wildlife Atlas Format.

Data collected will be used to monitor Performance Indicators 8 and 9.

Assembling a List of Flowering and Fruiting Times

For the native species, a long-term project will be useful since this project calls for local seed collection and propagation.

Adapting weed-clearing activities to coincide with natural seeding times and germination patterns of desirable natives is advised, as clearing weed growth increases germination sites and increases seedling survival chances.

For each indigenous plant species, the flowering and fruiting period will be recorded each year as a week of year figure (i.e. 1 to 52). This is to monitor for pollination and seed set.

Keeping a record of flowering and fruiting times for local weed species can make weed control easier. For example, if it is known that Pampas Grass flowers and as the seed ripens locally between March and May; plan to treat Pampas Grass well before that time. If berry-fruited weeds like Cotoneaster, Lantana or Privet are present, remove the plants before the berries are ripe and attractive to birds.

It is recommended that quantitative measurement be used within each management zone in order to provide information relating to:

 Type and % cover of weed species before and after bush regeneration work;  Type and % cover of native plant species before and after weed removal; and  Type and % cover of native plants species regenerating after regeneration.

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

Monitoring Soil Seed Bank Trials

These trials will allow the testing of a range of strategies designed to stimulate native plant regeneration.

Quadrats will be monitored every three (3) months for 12 months. Results will be quantified by measuring % cover using Braun-Blanquet (see Moore & Chapman 1986), visual analysis and photographs taken from a series of fixed photo-points.

Threatening Processes

All Threatening Processes operating within the BGHF Habitat areas, including those listed as Key Threatening Processes under the State relevant legislation (TSC Act) must be noted, and relevant data collected.

Monitoring of any Threatening Processes that occur will be consistent with the relevant Threat Abatement Plans.

Monitoring a decrease in each of the key threatening processes identified for the site is a requirement of Performance Indicator 11.

Photographs

Taking photographs is an easy way to record changes in vegetation structure. A photograph captures the subtle changes that are often missed when working closely on a site over time. Photographs are useful in recording sequence shots at various stages in the project to illustrate the techniques used and the results obtained, and are also valuable teaching tools.

Photography in the bushland environment is not particularly easy for amateurs, as plants cast shadows and without the correct lens filters, everything looks ‘green’. Obtain professional advice about ASA ratings and take photographs early in the morning or when conditions are overcast.

A number of permanent photo-points will be selected and marked with a short wooden stake. The location of these photo-points will be recorded on a base map. Photographs will be taken from the same spot every six (6) months.

Other Monitoring Variables

Other useful variables recommended include:

Temperatures - these can be recorded using a wet-dry bulb thermometer. Data may be graphed to show that as the canopy re-forms (regardless of height above the ground) fluctuations of temperature become less extreme. Changes in temperature can be related to the type and numbers of native plants regenerating.

Recording sites (marked and recorded on a base map) can be selected and regular soil temperature readings taken with the bulb just under the soil surface (e.g. 2-4 mm) and air temperature readings taken about two (2) metres above the ground.

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

Light readings - these may be taken using a light meter, first at ground level, and again at a height of two (2) m. Relate the light intensity to the type and number of native plants regenerating and/or to those already growing on the site.

The lowering of the light levels in a rainforest/closed forest (by reforming the canopy) promotes the regeneration of rainforest canopy species, but reducing light levels in dry sclerophyll woodland or heath decreases the diversity and numbers of indigenous species and promotes the growth of wet gully species and frequently of exotic moisture-loving weeds.

Light readings can be taken in correlation with the soil temperature readings set out above. Readings should be taken both in clearings or light gaps and under the tree canopy.

The health of the litter layer - this can be recorded by observing the cyclical build-up and breakdown of the fallen leaves, the appearance of the soil (whether compacted or friable), the presence of small animals in the litter layer and the production of soil fungi, as indicated by fruiting bodies on the surface and thread-like mycelia in the soil. Simple measurements such as the depth of litter or percentage of groundcover are important. This information will provide clues to other processes occurring on the site over time.

Rainfall readings - these can be obtained from the local meteorological station or taken on site. Determine the local rainfall pattern. Avoid weeding in hot weather when the soil is hard or in the wet season when the ground is so boggy that mud is churned up. Very dry periods are reflected in the survival rate of seedlings, so if tubestock planting is planned, defer planting until regular rains are expected.

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

Appendix 8: Guidelines for the Protection of Bushland during Construction

Erosion Control Measures

 Soil erosion, sedimentation, stormwater management and drainage controls must be properly planned and be fully operational in advance of any construction activity. Silt fences must be erected and/or sediment basins constructed on the site prior to any excavation/earthworks commencing. This includes preliminary work such as clearing, or under-scrubbing of existing vegetation.

 Sediment basins, retardation basins and other forms of protection are to be provided by the developer/contractor downslope of the construction site and maintained free of sediment for the duration of the project. A weekly inspection by Council's Health and Building Officer is strongly recommended. Supplementary inspections should be undertaken immediately after each heavy rain event.

 At no time should temporary spoil dumps to be established in bushland during construction. All soil is to be retained on the construction site and stabilised to prevent wash. Temporary soil erosion measures include the use of fixed straw bales, geofabric fences or a cover crop (eg. a hybrid or annual grass).

 Stabilisation of bare soil areas with appropriate hybrid grasses such as Rye Corn (autumn/winter) or Japanese Millet (spring/summer), weed-free mulch, or erosion- control fabrics should be undertaken to a standard determined by Council within a reasonable period of time: the usual time allowed is 7 days from clearing.

 The rehabilitation of road batters, service roads and other exposed soil surfaces remaining after construction work is to be carried out promptly and to Council specifications.

Stormwater Runoff Control

 Stormwater from the development site must not be allowed to flow into bushland outside the construction 'envelope' or into adjacent property. Collected stormwater from the development site must be discharged by piping to a natural watercourse, with as little disturbance to bushland as possible.

 Where distance from a natural watercourse prevents such direct piping, siltation basins and energy dissipaters should be installed at the discharge point. These should be constructed to a stable sub-grade with energy dissipaters and sedimentation collection areas installed to Council specifications. Such areas are to be maintained at the developer's expense.

 No runoff water from the construction site is to be directed downslope into bushland, and particularly no runoff water is to be allowed to impact on existing trees on the site (eg. wash or pooling of water). Water used during the construction phase containing, or potentially containing pollutants, is to be stored in an appropriate manner (as directed by Council) and removed off-site at the developer's expense.

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

Placement of Essential Services through Bushland

 When water pipes, sewers or gas mains are to be laid through bushland the following procedure should apply:

 All existing and potential service corridors through bushland should be identified, marked and thoroughly weeded before any construction work commences.

 Eradication of noxious and/or target environmental weed species should also be carried out for a minimum distance of three (3) metres on either side of the service corridor. A list of target weeds and recommended measures for control are provided in the body of this report.

 All trees to be retained should be identified and protected with appropriate guards. Guards should be erected at the canopy line, not at the trunkline. There must be no parking of vehicles underneath trees (to avoid root compaction,) and no soil is to be stockpiled under these trees.

 All weed-free native leaf litter (leaves, bark, twigs, branches) and any large timbers are to be removed and stockpiled for future use;

 All topsoil from the area is to be excavated, placed into windrows no greater than 1 metre in height, and stored separately from other excavation material;

 Topsoil and leaf litter are not to be stored for periods of more than three months from the date of clearing: topsoil may be covered and stabilised to prevent soil wash and weed infestation during the storage period;

 Backfilling trenches or excavations with clay fill or other imported material will not be permitted without written permission from Council;

 Following construction, the original (stored) topsoil is to be replaced in the excavation in the correct sequence (eg. subsoil first, topsoil last);

 Stored leaf litter and timbers are to be scattered over the exposed surface;

 Where leaf litter is scarce or the site is on steeply sloping land, additional rehabilitation work is recommended. Stabilisation methods include brush matting (layering); hand broadcasting of seed; and planting of indigenous tubestock. It may be necessary to use a combination of methods to achieve sufficient plant density eg. brush matting plus tubestock planting.

 Maintenance weeding on the construction zone corridor (3 metres wide) and the post- construction buffer zone (approximately 2 metres wide) must be carried out by the developer for minimum period of twelve (12) months or until the site is re-vegetated and the surface soil is stabilised.

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

Protection of Nearby Vegetation

 No encroachments into adjacent bushland are permitted for access of machinery, for traffic control, or for the stockpiling of overburden or other construction material.

 The construction site must be secured with fences/gates for the duration of the project, and there should be restricted access for construction vehicles (including parking, turning circles) and minimal entry points. Parking should be provided off-site.

 Any (unavoidable) nominated access roads through bushland should be clearly defined by an exclusion fence along both boundaries.

 Protective tree guards and exclusion fences should be erected prior to construction and maintained to protect existing vegetation and rock formations.

 Measures to avoid and minimise the spread of exotic plants and other weeds into bushland from the development site must be undertaken prior to construction. The control of noxious weeds on the development site is the legal responsibility of the landowner.

 Eucalypts are notoriously sensitive to changes in hydrology. All attempts should be made to retain existing drainage patterns, and where changes are unavoidable, long-term plans should be made to provide replacements for affected trees.

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

Appendix 9: Curricula vitae JUDITH LOUISE RAWLING

BA • DipEd• Dip EnvStud.• MEnvStud • MAIBiol • MEIA •MESA • Vice President ECA (NSW)

PERSONAL DETAILS

Name: Judith Louise Rawling Citizenship: Australian/Canadian Health: Excellent Address: Business: Building P5, Yarramundi Road, University of Western Sydney, RICHMOND NSW 2753 Home: “St Clements”, 1238 Bells Line of Road KURRAJONG HEIGHTS NSW 2758 Telephone: Home: (02) 4567 7979 Business: (02) 4578 5992 Mobile: 0414 886 219 Fax: Home: (02) 4566 7979 Business: (02) 4578 0822 CURRENT POSITION

 1990 – present Managing Director – Urban Bushland Management Consultants Pty Ltd and  Principal – Urban Bushland Management Projects Pty Ltd.  Set up Urban Bushland Management Consultants in 1990 – a company specialising in planning and consultancy in the field of natural resource management along with “hands–on” contractual work rehabilitating degraded bushland remnants in the urban environment.  Management of consultancy and contracting services.  2000 Winner of Hills Excellence in Business Award for Excellence in Environmental Management & Contribution.  Provision of consultancy services on bushland management. This includes survey design and implementation, mapping, report writing, advice on the impact of government policies, etc.  Planning and supervision of the work of 60 field staff, on an average of 30 concurrent projects in Sydney/Wollongong/Central Coast/Blue Mountains.  Liaison and negotiation with municipal and shire councils and other landholders on contracts and continuing work.  Preparation and implementation of project budgets, including salaries, equipment purchase, costing of special tasks, etc.  Course design, field exercise planning and teaching, and other participation in training courses for bush regenerators.  Publicity activities – preparation of newsletter and other publications, displays, speeches to community groups.

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

 Nominee for the Eureka Prizes (Excellence in Scientific Research), an honor which recognises contribution to the field of Restoration Ecology.  Extensive experience teaching biology and environmental studies in Australia, Canada and Britain and part–time lecturing at a number of universities in Australia.  Author of numerous publications and conference papers.  Employed as a specialist associate–consultant for a number of large firms, including Landscan/DEM, EDAW (Australia), Hyder Consulting, Gutteridge Haskins & Davey, AMBS and Pittenridgh, Shinkfield and Bruce, Colin Ging & Partners, Carson Group, Murlan Consulting. COMMITTEE AND OTHER MEMBERSHIPS

Professional Memberships

 Member, Environment Institute of Australia, 1993 – present  Member, Australian Institute of Biology, 1991 – present  Member, Municipal Conservation Association, 1995 – present  Member, Weed Society (NSW) 1986 – present  Member, National Trust of Australia (NSW) 1986 – 1995, 1999 – present  Member, Australian Garden History Society 2000-present  Ecological Consultants Association (NSW), Council Member 1999–present, Member of the Executive 2003 -2008. Current 2008/09 Vice-president Committee Memberships

 Member, Hawkesbury–Nepean Catchment Trust: Revegetation Steering Committee 1994 – 1996  Member, Lane Cove Catchment Management Committee – 1990 – 1996  Member Cattai Catchment Management Committee 1998 – 2000  Discovering Alternatives to Garden Escapes (‘Grow Me Instead’) Steering Committee, for Nursery & Garden Industry Association 2003 - present  Member, Hawkesbury Rainforest Network – Executive Member 2001-2004  Member, NSW Noxious Weeds Advisory Committee to the Minister, Department Primary Industries, 1993 – present EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

1989 – Present Various TAFE colleges Guest Lecturer 1995 University of Western Sydney Part Time Teacher 1993 – 1995 University of Sydney Part–time Teacher, Continuing Education 1986 – 1990 National Trust of Australia (NSW Division) Bush Management Officer

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

 Responsible for the planning and management of the Trust's Bush Management Program B.A., Business Administration and Computer Science.

1989 University of Technology, Sydney Guest Lecturer, School of Biological Sciences

1985–86 and 1988–89 Macquarie University Part–time Tutor Environmental Studies.

1964–1985 Sydney, Canberra, Oxford, London and Montreal Teacher, Senior Biology and Science

 Design and implementation of new courses in the ACT secondary system, including those for tertiary accreditation  Environmental education field trips throughout the ACT and the Sydney region, and to the Barrier Reef, the Snowy Mountains area, and Central Australia  Supervision of graduate teacher trainees. Mentor program.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

1989 Macquarie University Sydney  Master of Environmental Studies  Thesis title: The Ecology and Distribution of Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana) in Sydney Bushland  Concurrently with Masters Degree studies (1984–87) undergraduate courses at Macquarie University: Introductory Statistics, Plant Structure and Function, Introductory Ecology.

1982 – 1983 Macquarie University Sydney  Diploma in Environmental Studies  Courses completed: Principles of Environments, Chemicals in the Environment, Aspects of Urban Ecology, Natural and Managed Ecosystems, Environmental Impact Assessment, Environmental Policy and Law, Social Impact on Environments, Australian Ecosystems

1971–72 Canberra College of Advanced Education Canberra  Graduate Diploma in Education

1969–70 and 1976 Australian National University Canberra  Courses completed: Vertebrate Ecology, Animal Ecology, Theoretical Zoology, Animal Behaviour, Human Ecology.

(NOTE: All the above studies were completed part–time while in full–time employment)

1961 – 1964 University of Ottawa Canada  Bachelor of Arts  Studies in English, French, Philosophy, Biology, Classics, Mathematics

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

LICENSES

 National Parks & Wildlife Scientific License Section 132C, NP Act 1974. Licence No. S10411  Class A Drivers License

ADDITIONAL TRAINING

 Bush Fire Personnel Basic Training Program – ACT Bush Fire Council  Alpine Ecology Course – Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Falls Creek, Victoria  Human Resource Management – University of Sydney, Centre for Continuing Education, 1991  Botany and Ecology of the Sydney Region – University of Sydney, Centre for Continuing Education, 1991  Chainsaw Use and Maintenance  Seed Collection Workshop, Ku–ring–gai Municipal Council  Grasses and Sedges Identification Workshop

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

BELINDA PELLOW

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Name Belinda Pellow Citizenship Australian Health Excellent Address Building P5 Yarramundi Road University of Western Sydney (Hawkesbury) RICHMOND NSW 2753 Telephone (02) 4578 5992 Fax (02) 4578 0822 Email [email protected]

Memberships

Member, Australian Systematic Botany Society Member, Ecological Society of Australia

CURRENT POSITION

March 2007 – Present Sydney

 Senior Botanist – Urban Bushland Management Ecological Consultants  Conducting botanical surveys and assessments throughout the Sydney Region, including community descriptions, compiling inventories, targeted searches for threatened ecological communities and species.  Report preparation including assessment of conservation significance and opportunities and constraints; vegetation management strategies; plans of management; 7–part tests and Species Impact Statements.  Background research, database searches, literature reviews  Preparation of maps and other graphics, and compilation of reports.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

1990 South Australian College of Advanced Education Australia Associate Diploma of Arts (Aboriginal Studies) 1977 Riverina College of Advanced Education Australia Diploma in Applied Science (Agriculture)

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY 2000 – Present Curator - Janet Cosh Herbarium, University of Wollongong (Part-Time) 2007 Contract Botanist - Federal Department of Environment and Water

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

Preparation of weed species profiles for the FDEW webpage. 2005 - 2007 Botanist Conducted a full revision of the ‘Flora of the Sydney Region’ (Carolin and Tindale 1994), and preparation for publication and presentation on the web. 2005 to 2007 Botanist - John Ray Herbarium, University of Sydney Curation of specimen collection 2004 to 2005 University of Western Sydney Initiated and co-organized Symposium on the Cumberland Plain Woodlands held at University of Western Sydney, February 2005 2003 Botanist Nomenclatural proofing, compilation of index for scientific and common plant names, compilation of bibliography for the publication ‘Ocean Shores to Desert Dunes: Vegetation of NSW’ Keith, D. 2004 2003 to 2005 Australian Plants Society, Sutherland Group Contributions to the production of the plant identification CD ‘Coastal Plants of the Royal National Park’ (2006). 2002 Contract Ecologist - University of Melbourne Preparation of species profiles for analysis of extinction risk to test threatened species assessment protocols. 2001 Contract Ecologist Determination of selected plant species range sizes for research into IUCN assessment procedures. 1998 to 1999 Technical Officer - Tasmanian Herbarium Revision of the Cunoniaceae. 1997 Technical Officer - Parks and Wildlife Service, Tasmania Surveys of threatened plant species. 1996 Volunteer - Tasmanian Herbarium. 1992-1995 Herbarium Officer - Janet Cosh Herbarium, University of Wollongong. 1983-1989 Joint Convener - Centre for Continuing Education, Sydney University. Teaching and administration for a course entitled "Botany and Ecology of the Sydney Region." 1980-1990 Technical Officer - John Ray Herbarium, Botany Department, Sydney University. PUBLICATIONS

Pellow, B., Henwood, M. & Brownlee, R. (2007). eFlora of the Sydney Region: ‘Shortening the distance between discovery and delivery’ (GTI 1998). Australian Systematic Botany Society Newsletter. In Press. Henwood, M., Hanfling, S., Brownlee, R., Gutsche, T. & Pellow, B. (2006). Sowing seeds in the digital garden. Proceedings of Sustainable data from digital fieldwork Conference; December 2006. Ed. Barwick, L. & Thieberger, N. Sydney University Press: Sydney. 147 – 156.

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

Pellow, B. (2005). A Woman’s Legacy to Botany. WISNET Journal 69: 16 -17. Pellow, B. &. Porter, J. L. (2005) A new species of Goodenia (Goodeniaceae) from Nocoleche Nature Reserve, Far Western Plains, New South Wales Telopea 11(1): 35–41 Keith, D & Pellow, B. (2005). Effects of Javan Rusa Deer (Cervus timorensis) on Native Plant Species in the Jibbon-Bundeena Area, Royal National Park, New South Wales. Proc. Linn. Soc. NSW. 126: 99 – 110 Keith, D. A., McCarthy, M. A, Regan, H., Regan, T., Bowles, C., Drill, C., Craig, C., Pellow, B., Burgman, M.A., Master, L. L., Ruckelshaus, M., Mackenzie, B., Andelman, S. J. & Wade, P. R. (2004). Protocols for listing threatened species can forecast extinction. Ecology Letters 7: 1101 – 1108 Rozefelds, A. C., Barnes, R. W. & Pellow, B. (2001). A new species and comparative morphology of Vesselowskya (Cunoniaceae). Australian Systematic Botany 14: 175 – 192 French, K. Pellow, B. & Henderson, M. (2000). Vegetation of the Holsworthy Military Area. Cunninghamia 7(3): 983 – 939 Rosefelds, A. C. & Pellow, B. (2000). A new species of Gilbeea (Cunoniaceae) from north-eastern Queensland, Australia. Nordic Journal Of Botany 20(4): 435 – 442. Keith, D. A. & Pellow. B. J. (1990). Temperate moorland vegetation: a comparative study of Tasmania and the Australian mainland. Report on a Wilderness Ecosystems Baseline Study to the Tasmanian Department of Parks Wildlife and Heritage.

INTERESTS

 Plant identification and systematic.  Vegetation surveys of urban bushland.  Botanical education and training.  Curation and management of herbarium specimens and associated historical material.

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

KYLIE REED

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Name Kylie Reed

Citizenship Australian

Health Excellent

Address Building P5 Yarramundi Road

University of Western Sydney (Hawkesbury)

RICHMOND NSW 2753

Telephone (02) 4578 5992

Fax (02) 4578 0822

Email [email protected]

MEMBERSHIPS

Associate Member - Ecological Society of Australia

CURRENT POSITION

April 2008 – Present Sydney

 Field Ecologist (Zoology) – UBM Ecological Consultants  Conducting fauna surveys and assessments throughout the Sydney Region, including community descriptions, compiling inventories, targeted searches for threatened species and populations.  Assisting in botanical surveys and assessments throughout the Sydney Region, including community descriptions, compiling inventories, targeted searches for threatened ecological communities and species.  Report preparation including assessment of conservation significance and opportunities and constraints; vegetation management strategies; plans of management; 7–part tests and Species Impact Statements.  Background research, database searches, literature reviews  Preparation of maps and other graphics, and compilation of reports.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

2007 University of Wollongong

Bachelor of Environmental Science (Advanced) with 1st Class Honours in Life Sciences

Honours Thesis with High Distinction as requested by Shoalhaven City and Kiama Municipality councils with the topic “Impact and habitat of Indian Myna birds in the south coast region”.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

February 2008 – September 2008

Project Support Officer – Omega Environmental (Casual basis)

Compiling data inventories in ICLEI software for councils participating in the Cities for Climate Protection program. Report preparation including data analysis and interpretation.

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

2008

Environmental Project Officer – Kiama Municipal Council

Work Experience Program

Updating Common Myna information on the Council Website. Educating local community groups on the ecology and breeding habits of the Common Myna. Onsite visits to proposed regeneration sites within the municipality. Brainstorming ideas for ‘Sustainable Living in Kiama’ scheme.

2005

NPWS Officer – Booderee National Park

Work Experience Program

Re-vegetation of native species in areas once affected by Bitou Bush. Counting and sorting of insects for mammal research. Daily park inspections and work. Plotting and locating areas of bushfire and endangered species using Excel and GIS.

2005

Bushcare Coordinator - Bushcare Volunteers Program

Work Experience Program

Organising Conjola Bushcare group for the spray of Bitou Bush in foredune and hinddune locations. Meeting up with National parks and locating Bitou sites around Swan Lake by boat.

2001

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

Threatened Species Officer – Shoalhaven City Council

Work Experience Program

Targeted searches for threatened ecological communities, populations and species in the Shoalhaven LGA. Identification of flora species to be placed in a personal herbarium of native vegetation in South-eastern NSW. Preparation of maps and other graphics, and compilation of reports and letters.

SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

Excellent understanding of Environmental sciences, issues and systems.

Excellent collaboration and communication skills with professional and university peers.

High performance in oral presentation and written reporting.

Flexible; able to work well independently and as part of a team in high stress environments..

Practical experience in flora and fauna field surveys.

Excellent time management and organisational skills in problem-solving, incorporating critical thinking and creativity.

Excellent verbal public communication skills.

Proficient in Microsoft word, Excel, PowerPoint and GIS.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

 Senior First Aid Training (2007)  Class C Drivers License  The Queen’s Scout Award  PADI Scuba diving certification  Leadership Course - Scouts Australia  Initiative Course – Scouts Australia

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

GABRIEL WARDENBURG

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Citizenship Australian Health Excellent Address Building P5 Yarramundi Drive University of Western Sydney (Hawkesbury) RICHMOND NSW 2753 Telephone (02) 4578 5992 Fax (02) 4578 0822 Email [email protected]

CURRENT POSITION

2008 - Present GIS Officer – Urban Bushland Management Ecological Consultants  Design and preparation of maps and photos using GIS software (MapInfo);  Field Investigations - GPS mapping of vegetation communities, habitat mapping, management issues, soils, topography and surrounding land uses.  Background research including literature reviews and database searches.  Various office administrative tasks (as required).

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

2005 - 2007 Macquarie University Australia Bachelor of Environmental Management 2004 Kings College London Australia Bachelor of Arts (Geography)

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

2004-2006 Market Research – Colmar Brunton Assistant Field Project Leader (Temporary) Co-ordinating with Project Leader Reporting on Daily Progress Managing Respondent Quotas Distributing Respondent Re-imbursements Working Autonomously Briefing Staff

Interviewer (Casual) Data Entry Group Discussion Moderator In-Depth Interviewer

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Vegetation Management Plan - Waterbrook at Wahroonga

Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewer Recruiting from Panel Product Testing Interviewer

SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

Languages Fluent in German

SOFTWARE LITERACY

ArcGIS 9.1 (ESRI) MapInfo 9.0 (MapInfo) SPSS 15.1 (SPSS Inc.) Office 2007 (Microsoft) Acrobat CS3 (Adobe) Photoshop CS3 (Adobe) Flash CS3 (Adobe)

ACHIEVEMENTS

Vienna Boys Choir Gained entrance in 1993 Toured in America, Taiwan, Germany and England Performed at The White House, Royal Albert Hall, Royal Carnegie Hall, Vienna State Opera House and other high profile venues

MUSICAL ACHIEVEMENTS

Grade 8 Clarinet 1st Clarinet – College Orchestra

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

2007 Voluntary Work - Planet Ark/Ryde Council Bush Regeneration Projects Assisting with tree planting efforts

UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd