Draft NSW & National Recovery Plan

Recovery Plan for the Peach Myrtle ( australis)

Draft for Public Comment November 2003 © NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2003. This work is copyright. However, material presented in this plan may be copied for personal use or published for educational purposes, providing that any extracts are fully acknowledged. Apart from this and any other use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968 (NSW), no part may be reproduced without prior written permission from NPWS.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 43 Bridge Street (PO Box 1967) Hurstville NSW 2220 Tel: 02 9585 6444 www.npws.nsw.gov.au

Requests for information or comments regarding the recovery program for the Peach Myrtle (Uromyrtus australis) are best directed to:

The Uromyrtus australis Recovery Co-ordinator Threatened Species Unit, Northern Directorate NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Locked Bag 914 Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 Tel: 02 6651 5946

Cover illustrator: Adam Gill

This plan should be cited as follows:

NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service 2003, Draft Recovery Plan for the Peach Myrtle (Uromyrtus australis), NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service, Hurstville.

ISBN 0 7313 66727 Draft Recovery Plan Uromyrtus australis

Recovery Plan for the Peach Myrtle (Uromyrtus australis)

Foreword

This document constitutes the formal National and State Recovery Plan for Uromyrtus australis and, as such, considers the conservation requirements of the species across its known range. It identifies the actions to be taken to ensure the long-term viability of Uromyrtus australis in nature and the parties who will undertake these actions. Uromyrtus australis is included as Endangered on the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, and Endangered on the New South Wales Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. Uromyrtus australis (Family ) is a or small of warm temperate rainforest from the in north east NSW, where it occurs in National Parks and State Conservation Areas. The future recovery actions detailed in this Recovery Plan include: (i) monitoring to detect trends in the population, (ii) research into ecology and (iii) surveys of under-sampled habitat. It is intended that this Recovery Plan will be implemented over a five year period. Actions will be undertaken by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

BRIAN GILLIGAN Director-General

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Acknowledgments The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service have prepared this plan in consultation with specialist ecologists. The Plan is largely based on a draft Recovery Plan prepared by consultant botanist Nick Wilson under contract to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. Nigel Cotsell, Nick Sheppard, Maria Matthes, John Hunter and Lynn Baker of the Threatened Species Unit, Conservation Programs and Planning Division, Northern Directorate, NSW NPWS, coordinated the project in turn and Dianne Mackey and Katrina McKay finalised the Plan. The consultant wishes to thank numerous people who provided information about Uromyrtus australis including John Hunter (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service), Robert Kooyman (Earth Process Ecological Services), Gordon Guymer (Queensland Herbarium) and Peter Wilson (National Herbarium of NSW). Barbara Stewart (Landmark Ecological Services) assisted in locating a report authored by her and Annette McKinley on the distribution of Uromyrtus australis. Maurizio Rossetto (Royal Botanic Gardens, ) provided information on the genetic study of threatened . Robert Kooyman (at times with associates) undertook much of the survey work that forms the basis for the current distribution and population knowledge underpinning this Recovery Plan.

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Table of Contents Foreword ...... i Acknowledgments...... ii 1 Introduction ...... 1 2 Legislative Context ...... 1 2.1 Legal Status ...... 1 2.2 Responsibilities under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 ...... 1 2.3 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 ...... 2 2.4 Relationship to other legislation...... 2 3 Species Information...... 4 3.1 Description and taxonomy...... 4 3.2 Distribution...... 6 3.3 Land tenure...... 8 3.4 Habitat ...... 8 3.5 Life history and ecology...... 9 3.6 Ability of species to recover...... 10 4 Threats and Management Issues...... 10 4.1 Current threats ...... 10 4.2 Potential threats ...... 11 5 Previous Recovery Actions...... 11 6 Proposed Recovery Objectives, Actions and Performance Criteria ...... 12 7 Implementation...... 16 8 Social and economic consequences...... Error! Bookmark not defined. 9 Biodiversity Benefits...... Error! Bookmark not defined. 10 Preparation Details...... 18 11 Review Date...... 18 12 References...... 18 13 Acronyms Used in this Document ...... 19 Appendix 1 Submission: Draft Recovery Plan...... 20 Appendix 2 Public Authority responsibilities ...... 22

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Figures Figure 1 The fruit, flowers and foliage of Uromyrtus australis...... 5 Figure 2 The distribution of Uromyrtus australis in north east NSW...... 7

Tables Table 1 Some diagnostic characteristics separating Uromyrtus australis from superficially similar Myrtaceous and small ...... 6 Table 2 General location data for Uromyrtus australis, estimates of population sizes and reservation status of the land concerned...... 8 Table 3 Estimated costs of implementing the actions identified in the recovery plan...... 17

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To make your submission as effective as possible, 1 Introduction please: Uromyrtus australis A.J.Scott is found only in north S refer to the section or action of the plan you wish east New South Wales (NSW) on the Nightcap to address; Range where an estimated 800–1000 plants occur S briefly explain the reasons for your comments, across 45 locations. The species was first recorded providing source information or examples where in 1953 and is typically located in warm temperate possible; and rainforest. S provide your name and address to enable receipt This document constitutes the formal National and of your submission to be acknowledged. State Recovery Plan for Uromyrtus australis and, as such, considers the requirements of the species Submissions may be made as letters or other across its known range. It identifies the actions to be documents or on the NPWS form ‘Submission: taken to ensure the long-term viability of Uromyrtus Draft Recovery Plan’. This is available in Appendix australis in nature and the parties who will 1 of the plan, at the NPWS Northern Directorate, or undertake these actions. Attainment of the on the NPWS website www.npws.nsw.gov.au. objectives of this Recovery Plan is subject to The NPWS will consider all submissions to this budgetary and other constraints affecting the parties Recovery Plan received during the exhibition period involved. The information in this Recovery Plan is and must provide a summary of those submissions to accurate to August 2003. the NSW Minister for the Environment prior to final The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service approval of the plan. Submissions on this draft plan (NPWS) have prepared this plan in consultation with may contain information that is defined as ‘personal specialist plant ecologists. The Plan is largely based information’ under the NSW Privacy and Personal on a draft Recovery Plan prepared by consultant Information Act 1998, which identifies the person botanist Nick Wilson. providing the submission. Following adoption of the Recovery Plan by the Minister copies of all submissions, including personal details, will be 2 Legislative Context available for public inspection. If any person wishing to prepare a submission does not want their personal details to become public, the submission 2.1 Legal Status needs to be clearly marked that personal details are Uromyrtus australis is listed as Endangered on to remain confidential. All submissions are stored in Schedule 1 of the NSW Threatened Species the NPWS records system. Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) and under the The TSC Act requires that a government agency Commonwealth Environment Protection and must not undertake actions inconsistent with a Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). Recovery Plan. The actions identified in this plan for the recovery of Uromyrtus australis in NSW are 2.2 Responsibilities under the Threatened the responsibility of the NPWS. Other public Species Conservation Act 1995 authorities may have statutory responsibilities relevant to the conservation and protection of Recovery plan preparation, exhibition and Uromyrtus australis. Public authorities with core implementation legislative responsibilities relevant to the protection The TSC Act provides a legislative framework to and management of Uromyrtus australis and its protect and encourage the recovery of Endangered habitat are listed in Appendix 2. and Vulnerable Species, Endangered Populations Consultation with indigenous people and Endangered Ecological Communities in NSW. Under this legislation the Director-General of Local Aboriginal Land Councils, Elders and other National Parks and Wildlife has a responsibility to groups representing indigenous people in the areas prepare Recovery Plans for all species, populations where the Uromyrtus australis occurs have been and ecological communities listed as Endangered or identified and copies of the draft Recovery Plan will Vulnerable on the TSC Act schedules. The TSC be sent to them. Their comments on this draft will be Act includes specific requirements for both the sought and will be considered in the preparation of matters to be addressed by Recovery Plans and the the final Recovery Plan. It is also the intention of process for preparing Recovery Plans. This the NPWS to consider the role and interests of these Recovery Plan satisfies these provisions. indigenous communities in the implementation of the actions identified in this plan. This draft Recovery Plan will be placed on public exhibition and submissions invited from the public.

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Critical Habitat the preparation and implementation of Recovery Plans for species listed under the Act in cooperation The TSC Act makes provision for the identification with the States in which populations of listed species and declaration of Critical Habitat for species, occur. In preparing a Commonwealth Recovery populations and ecological communities listed as Plan, consideration must be given to the role and Endangered. Once declared, it becomes an offence interests of indigenous people in the conservation of to damage Critical Habitat (unless the TSC Act 's biodiversity. The Act also seeks to specifically exempts the action) and a Species impose the obligation (arising from the listing) for Impact Statement (SIS) is mandatory for all responsible agencies (particularly Commonwealth) developments and activities proposed within Critical to adopt protective measures. This Recovery Plan Habitat. will be submitted to the Commonwealth for approval The declaration of Critical Habitat in NSW is not under the EPBC Act. considered to be a priority for this species at this Under the EPBC Act, Critical Habitat may be stage, as other mechanisms provide for its registered for any Nationally listed threatened protection. species or ecological community. When adopting a Key Threatening Processes Recovery Plan the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment must consider whether to list habitat As of 13 August 2003 there are 16 Key Threatening identified in the Recovery Plan as being critical to Processes listed on the TSC Act. Of these the survival of the species or ecological community. anthropogenic climate change, clearing of native It is an offence under the EPBC Act for a person to vegetation and high frequency fire are relevant to knowingly take an action that will significantly Uromyrtus australis. In addition to these Key damage Critical Habitat (unless the EPBC Act Threatening Processes, a range of other processes is specifically exempts the action). This offence only recognised as threatening the survival of the species applies to Commonwealth areas. However, an in NSW. action that is likely to have a significant impact on a Threat Abatement Plans (TAPs) must now be listed species is still subject to referral and approval prepared to address the threats posed by these Key under the EPBC Act. Threatening Processes to a range of animals and As Uromyrtus australis is listed Nationally under plants. As these Plans are developed and the the EPBC Act, any person proposing to undertake Recovery Plan reviewed recommendations of the actions likely to have a significant impact on this TAPs will be incorporated into the Recovery Plan species should refer the action to the Commonwealth where appropriate to this species. Minister for the Environment for consideration. The Licensing Minister will then decide whether the action requires Any activity not requiring development consent EPBC Act approval. This is in addition to any State under the NSW Environmental Planning and or Local Government approval requirement specified for the EP&A Act or NVC Act. Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) or the NSW Native Vegetation Conservation Act 1997 (NVC Administrative guidelines are available from Act), which is likely to result in Uromyrtus australis Environment Australia to assist proponents in being picked, or in damage to its habitat, requires a determining whether their action is likely to have a licence from the NPWS under the provisions of the significant impact. TSC Act or the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NPW Act), as a defence to prosecution. If 2.4 Relationship to other legislation the impact is likely to be significant, a SIS is required. Additional legislation relevant to the conservation and recovery of Uromyrtus australis in NSW Other conservation measures includes the following: The TSC Act includes provision for other measures S National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974; that may be taken to conserve Uromyrtus australis and its habitat, including the making of a Stop Work S Environmental Planning and Assessment Act Order or Joint Management Agreement. 1979; S Local Government Act 1993; 2.3 Environment Protection and Biodiversity S Native Vegetation Conservation Act 1997; Conservation Act 1999 S Forestry and National Park Estate Act 1998; The EPBC Act provides a legislative framework for the protection of threatened species across Australia. S Plantations and Reafforestation Act 1999; An important role of the EPBC Act is to facilitate NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Page 2 Draft Recovery Plan Uromyrtus australis

S Rural Fires Act 1997; and granted without the concurrence of the Director- General of National Parks & Wildlife. S Rural Fires and Environmental Assessment Legislation Amendment Act 2002. Local Government Act 1993 The interaction of the above legislation with the The NSW Local Government Act 1993 (LG Act) TSC Act with respect to Uromyrtus australis is requires councils to have regard for the principles of varied. The most significant implications are ecologically sustainable development (ESD). described below. Included in Section 8(1) of the LG Act is a principle requiring a council to manage, develop, protect, National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 restore, enhance and conserve the environment of Under this Act, administered by the NPWS, it is an the area for which it is responsible, in a manner that offence to ‘harm’, ‘pick’ or knowingly ‘damage the is consistent with and promotes the principles of habitat of’ Uromyrtus australis. Certain sustainable development. This includes the circumstances may provide a defence from integration of biodiversity considerations into the prosecution, including where actions are approved decision-making process. The LG Act also requires under the EP&A Act or NVC Act, or licensed by the that Recovery Plans be taken into account when NPWS under the NPW Act or TSC Act. preparing management plans for community land. The NPW Act allows for the reservation of areas as Native Vegetation Conservation Act 1997 national parks, nature reserves and other categories The clearing of native vegetation in NSW is subject of protected area under the management of the to consent from the Department of Infrastructure, NPWS. A number of national parks in north east Planning and Natural Resources (DIPNR) in NSW provide important habitat for Uromyrtus accordance with the NSW Native Vegetation australis. Conservation Act 1997 (NVC Act). This Act is Uromyrtus australis has yet to be recorded on integrated with the EP&A Act, and requires that private land, however should it be found on private threatened species such as Uromyrtus australis are land with significant habitat values for U. australis, taken into account by the DIPNR when considering the owners may enter into Voluntary Conservation clearing applications under Part 4 of the EP&A Act. Agreements (VCAs) under the NPW Act. Under a Where an activity or development that may impact VCA the NPWS can provide assistance in the upon Uromyrtus australis or its habitat is not subject protection and management of these values on the to approval under the EP&A Act; an approval may property. Properties under VCAs may qualify for nevertheless be required under NVC Act or the TSC rate exemptions. Act. These approvals should also take this Recovery Alternatively, owners of private properties may wish Plan into consideration. to pursue Wildlife Refuge status for their property. Exceptions apply where the proposed activity or This is a voluntary agreement between a landholder development is classed as exempt or is undertaken in and the NPWS whereby the NPWS can provide accordance with previously approved Regional technical advice and information on conserving Vegetation Management Plans or Property habitats for native animals, remnant vegetation, and Management Plans. native plants to assist with management. The NPWS is represented on the Regional Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 Vegetation Committees that are responsible for the This Act provides for the consideration of preparation of these plans and will seek Uromyrtus australis in land use planning issues. identification and protection of relevant Uromyrtus Areas providing important habitat for U. australis australis habitat under them. can be protected under appropriate environmental Landholders may enter into Property Agreements protection zoning in Local Environmental Plans with the DIPNR whereby government assistance can prepared under Part 3 of the EP&A Act. be provided to protect significant native vegetation. Consent and determining authorities are required to Forestry and National Park Estate Act 1998 consider potential impacts on Uromyrtus australis and its habitat when considering a development In NSW, an Integrated Forestry Operations proposal or an activity under Part 4 or Part 5 of the Approval (IFOA) granted under part 4 of the NSW EP&A Act. Forestry and National Park Estate Act 1998 (FNPE Act) regulates the carrying out of certain forestry Where a consent or determining authority considers operations, including logging, in the public forests that a proposed development or activity may result of a region. The terms of the Threatened Species in a significant effect on Uromyrtus australis or its Licence (TSL) of the IFOA outlines the minimum habitat, a SIS is required and approval cannot be

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protection measures required to limit the impact of forestry activities on threatened species and their 3 Species Information habitats, and forms the basis for NPWS regulation of those activities. The TSL for the Upper and Lower North East Regions (1999) include measures for the 3.1 Description and taxonomy protection of Uromyrtus australis in north east Uromyrtus australis is a tall shrub or small tree to a NSW. height of about 20 metres, with brown, scaly bark At present, no known specimens of Uromyrtus and glossy green oppositely arranged leaves. The australis occur on State Forests of New South Wales leaves are many and crowded, giving a particular (SFNSW) lands. dense appearance to the crown of the species. Plantations and Reafforestation Act 1999 Uromyrtus australis has characteristic pendant flowers that are initially white, then turning pink to The NSW Plantations and Reafforestation Act 1999 magenta. Flowers are present in November and supports plantation development and reafforestation December and are followed by small black berries in that provides for improved environmental, social and April to July. Fuller description of the species can economic outcomes. Under this Act the owner or be found in Floyd (1989) and Wilson (1991). manager of an authorised plantation must carry out operations in accordance with the Plantations and A number of species in other genera of the Reafforestation (Code) Regulation 2001. Myrtaceae can be confused with Uromyrtus australis, especially in the absence of flowers, as Rural Fires Act 1997 their habit and leaves are superficially similar. The NSW Rural Fires Act 1997 (RF Act) requires These include Archirhodomyrtus beckleri, that all parties involved in fire suppression and and species of Austromyrtus prevention must have regard to the principles of (sens. lat.) and Syzygium. Some of these species can ESD when exercising their functions and when be found in the same localities as Uromyrtus preparing Plans of Operations and Bush Fire Risk australis. Management Plans. Consideration of the principles Table 1 details some of the features that are useful of ESD must include the conservation of biological for identifying Uromyrtus australis. Figure 1 diversity and ecological integrity. Within this, illustrates flowers and fruit. consideration must be given to the impact on threatened species and their habitats, including Uromyrtus is a member of the subfamily Myrtoideae Uromyrtus australis. of the family Myrtaceae, which is characterised by fleshy fruits. The other subfamily Rural Fires and Environmental Assessment (Leptospermoideae) has dry fruits (capsular or nut- Legislation Amendment Act 2002 like) and consists of the larger number of Australian The NSW Rural Fires and Environmental Myrtaceae, including Eucalyptus, Melaleuca, Assessment Legislation Amendment Act 2002 Leptospermum and others. amends the RF Act and several environmental Uromyrtus is a small genus in the family Myrtaceae, assessment-related Acts. This Act provides for consisting of around 15 species, four of which are mapping bush fire prone lands and the development recognised in Australia (Wilson 1991; Guymer, pers. of a Bush Fire Environmental Assessment Code. comm.). The genus appears to be of Gondwanan This code is aimed at streamlining the assessment origin, based on the distribution of extant species process for hazard reduction works. To this end, the (Australia and New Guinea to New Caledonia). The Code will include general ameliorative prescriptions centre for diversity in Uromyrtus is New Caledonia and, in some cases, species-specific prescriptions. (Adam 1987). Threatened species and their habitats are one of the items considered in the code. The Australian species of Uromyrtus are widely scattered and include U. metrosideros from far north Queensland and two unnamed species U. sp. ‘Tinaroo Range’ and U. sp. ‘McPherson Range’. The latter has been included in U. australis but, although its range comes close to that of U. australis, it is clearly a separate species and is to be described as such (Guymer, pers. comm.).

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Figure 1. The fruit, flowers and foliage of Uromyrtus australis. Illustrated by Adam Gill, © Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney.

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Table 1. Some diagnostic characteristics separating Uromyrtus australis from superficially similar Myrtaceous shrubs and small trees.

Part of the plant Characteristics of Uromyrtus australis Leaves and New growth and branchlets with fine, silky, silvery hairs branches Branchlets brown turning grey (red or red/brown in Pilidiostigma and Archirhodomyrtus) Intramarginal vein absent (present in other species) Oil dots obscure with no distinctive smell when crushed (strong smell in Archirhodomyrtus, Syzygium and Austromyrtus; smell also faint in Pilidiostigma) Flowers Initially white, turning pink to magenta (other species tending to remain white or paler pink) Held singly on slender pendant pedicels (no other species has pendant flowers) Distinctive and unique ‘tail-like’ appendage present on the apex of the anthers (not readily visible to the naked eye and illustrated in Wilson [1991]) Fruit Black berry with few seeds (black in some species such as Pilidostigma, but generally more seeds, yellow/orange in Archirhodomyrtus beckleri, reddish in Syzygium)

whether the peripheral populations are relicts or the 3.2 Distribution result of recent dispersal is unclear. Answering such questions is important to understanding the ecology Uromyrtus australis occurs in a very specialised of U. australis and to refining its management. The habitat, being restricted to high rainfall, high altitude NPWS will encourage research into this and other areas on Nimbin Rhyolite geology in the Nightcap related ecological questions. Range and nearby areas in north east NSW (particularly Jerusalem Mountain to Koonyum General locality information with estimates of Range). Figure 2 shows the distribution of U. population sizes is shown in Table 2. Some older australis in north east NSW. This is a very limited recorded locations have not been re-located and range for a plant species, of approximately 13 by 11 some have been corrected (Stewart & McKinley kms, and is an important risk factor for the species. 1998; Kooyman 2000a). Indeed, the range is smaller than this figure indicates There are no records of Uromyrtus australis from as a significant part of this nominal area, particularly other rhyolite areas associated with the Tweed in the south-west, is on basalt geology or is in other Shield Volcano, such as those to the north and north ways unsuitable for U. australis. west of Mt Warning (the Chillingham Volcanics) or Uromyrtus australis is patchy within its range, for the outliers of Nimbin Rhyolite to the west of the obscure reasons. U. australis does not occur in all Nightcap Range. Any further discoveries of areas of seemingly suitable habitat or does so in low Uromyrtus spp. from the high rainfall rhyolite on the numbers, such as the western Nightcap Range Lamington and Springbrook Plateaux (Queensland) (Stewart & McKinley 1998; Kooyman, pers. are unlikely to be U. australis, given the presence of comm.). U. sp. ‘McPherson Range’ near those areas. There are only a few areas with significant Details of the geology and geomorphology of the concentrations of Uromyrtus australis, such as the remnants of the Tweed Shield Volcano, including headwaters of Rocky Creek and the southeastern the habitat of Uromyrtus australis, are available slopes of Mt Jerusalem. Some additional scattered from numerous sources (e.g. Adam 1987; RACAC and peripheral populations occur such as around 1996). Rainfall is amongst the highest recorded in Rocky Creek between Tungun and Rummery Roads, NSW, with a 53-year average for Rummery Park in along the upper Gibbergunyah Range and on Whian Whian State Forest (SF) (now part of Whian Koonyum Range and Blackbutt Plateau. Discrete Whian State Conservation Area) being 2368.3 mm, populations are separated by areas where no U. with rainfall certainly greater at higher altitudes. australis occurs, with greatest continuity on the Nightcap Range to Mt Jerusalem and the headwaters of Wilsons Creek (Kooyman pers. comm.). The connection between any of the occurrences and

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$T

$T $T $T$T$T $T $T $T LEGEND Mount Jerusalem NP $T Uromyrtus australis $T records $T $T NPWS Estate N $T $T$T $T$T Nightcap NP $T Major rivers $T$T$T $T $T $T $T $T $T $T$T Tweed $T$T # Heads $T $T Qld $T $T $T Goonengerry $T NP Whian Whian $T $T $T SCA $T$T $T $T $T # $T $T $T NSW Nightcap NP $T$T

Byron Bay Uromyrtus australis #

0123456Kilometres # Lismore

Figure 2. The distribution of Uromyrtus australis in north east NSW. Draft Recovery Plan Uromyrtus australis

Table 2. General location data for Uromyrtus australis, estimates of population sizes and reservation status of the land concerned.

Locality1 Tenure Population estimate2

Headwaters of Rocky Creek Nightcap National Park (NP) > 500

Lower down Rocky Creek Mostly Whian Whian State Conservation Area > 100 (Tungun to Rummery Roads) (SCA) with a minor area in Nightcap NP

Southern slopes of Mt Jerusalem Mt Jerusalem NP > 100

Headwaters of Wilsons River Mt Jerusalem NP > 50

Headwaters of Boomerang Whian Whian SCA > 40 Creek

Koonyum Range (Palmwoods Mt Jerusalem NP > 30 Spur)

Koonyum Range (former Mt Jerusalem NP > 30 Compartment 61)

Vicinity Of Peates Mountain Whian Whian SCA and Nightcap NP > 10 Road

Upper Gibbergunyah Range Nightcap NP and Whian Whian SCA > 10

Blackbutt Plateau Mt Jerusalem NP > 5

1 This general locality information summarises the main known localities of Uromyrtus australis and is based on Kooyman (pers. comm.) and Stewart & McKinley (1998). 2 Estimates are based on Stewart & McKinley (1998), Kooyman (2000a) and Kooyman (pers. comm.) and are indicative only. Determining genetically distinct individuals in the field can be difficult due to the multi-stemmed habit of the species. There may also be some overlap of populations. Habitat

As discussed in Section 4, there are strong Uromyrtus australis is a species of ‘warm temperate indications that Uromyrtus australis was restricted rainforest’ (Floyd 1989; Wilson 1991; Quinn et al. in its range prior to European land use. Although 1995). Such vegetation is typified by a closed there are indications of European impact on canopy, usually dominated by Coachwood populations (Section 3.5) the degree to which the (), along with other present patchy distribution reflects European land members of the family Cunoniaceae, such as Black use practices is unknown. Wattle (Callicoma serratifolia), Crabapple (Schizomeria ovata) and Corkwood (Caldcluvia 3.3 Land tenure paniculosa). Numerous other tree species may be present. A discussion of the nature and distribution Uromyrtus australis is known only from Whian of warm temperate rainforest can be found in Adam Whian SF (now Whian Whian State Conservation (1994) and elsewhere. Area), Nightcap and Mt Jerusalem National Parks. This plan is written on the assumption that this is the The vegetation corresponds to Floyd’s (1990) complete range for the species. ‘Suballiance 35. Ceratopetalum/Schizomeria – Caldcluvia’ and is predominantly Simple Notophyll Evergreen Vine Forest in Webb’s (1959) physical character system. Although principally notophyll forest, the vegetation where the species occurs is reduced to tall microphyll thicket in some areas of shallow soil.

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It is probable that the combination of high rainfall, self-compatibility versus outcrossing), nor on moderate temperatures and the relatively nutrient- effective pollination distances. The latter, however, poor podsolic soils derived from rhyolite accounts may be surmised from likely pollinators, and if large for the occurrence of warm temperate rainforest in bees are pollinating U. australis, then it may be the Nightcap area. Basaltic soils in the vicinity speculated that relatively long distances are involved support subtropical rainforest. (Williams & Adam 1994). Sites supporting Uromyrtus australis have the The fruit is a small, fleshy, black berry and would following in common: probably be attractive to birds (possibly smaller, generalist frugivores). It is likely that these would S predominantly above 600 metres in altitude; be dispersing agents. Based on what is known of the S Nimbin Rhyolite geology; species’ biology it is unlikely that a persistent seedbank is present. S wet and often subject to cloud cover; Little is known of the conditions required by S close proximity to Coachwood, although it may Uromyrtus australis to regenerate from seed. No be scarce in some cases (Kooyman pers. comm.; seedlings were seen during an inspection of one of Kooyman 2000a; Stewart & McKinley 1998). the larger populations or in extensive surveys However, Uromyrtus australis is patchy even on the (Benwell, quoted in Stewart & McKinley 1998; Nimbin Rhyolite. Reasons for this patchiness have Kooyman 2000a). Observations of flowering and not been determined. fruiting suggest generally low numbers of flowers and resulting fruit with annual variations including Uromyrtus australis can occur in ‘mixed forest’ some years with little or no flowering (Kooyman vegetation, where an overstorey of one or more pers. comm.). The flowering season is in November Eucalyptus species, including Blackbutt (E. and December and fruit is ripe in April and May pilularis), Flooded Gum (E. grandis) and New (Floyd 1989). During December 1998, a small England Blackbutt (E. campanulata), or Brush Box number of trees in several sites produced only a few (Lophostemon confertus) overtops a warm temperate flowers. While this sparse flowering may have rainforest stratum of varying degrees of resulted from a variable factor such as poor seasonal development. The status of such vegetation has long conditions, it does raise questions about the been controversial (Adam 1994), but it has reproductive ability of the species. traditionally been available for timber harvesting in State Forests, despite its close relationship to Given that areas where Uromyrtus australis occurs rainforest. remain well vegetated, pollinating and dispersing agents are probably still present. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether U. australis can readily recolonise 3.4 Life history and ecology former habitat. Life cycle In cultivation Uromyrtus australis always has far Uromyrtus australis is a perennial, probably with a fewer fruit than flowers (Nicholson and Nicholson relatively long life span. Very slow growth rates are 1991) but this does not necessarily mean that evident from analysis of initial growth rate data fecundity is low. Floyd (1989) recorded a (Kooyman 2000b). Most stems observable in the reasonable germination rate (75%) in a horticultural field are small, but Stewart & McKinley (1998) sample of unstated size. record stems up to 30 cm diameter at breast height (dbh). These larger stems may be four hundred to Population structure one thousand years old (Kooyman 2000b). Data on the height of Uromyrtus australis stems at There is no information on pollinating agents of twenty sites shows that two-thirds of stems are two Uromyrtus australis. However, given the open metres or less, however plants have been recorded structure of the flower, and the general patterns in up to 20 metres (Kooyman 2000a). Most stems of rainforest taxa, insects such as bees, and possibly trees five metres and over are five centimeters to ten beetles, are most likely to be pollinating agents centimeters dbh, however stems have been recorded (Williams, pers. comm.). The flowers of up to 30 cm dbh (Stewart & McKinley 1998). Stem U. australis are generally shaded; suggesting that densities of up to 1625/ha (for stems greater than six visitation by insects may be infrequent (Williams, centimeters dbh) and 500/ha (for stems greater than pers. comm.). ten centimeters diameter dbh) have been recorded (Stewart & McKinley 1998). Uromyrtus australis is monoecious (hermaphroditic), but there is little further The large number of small plants and large numbers information on its breeding system (e.g. questions of of stems with a low dbh reflect the suckering habit

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(Wilson pers. obs.; Floyd pers. comm. quoted in The dynamics of Uromyrtus australis in response to Quinn et al. 1995; Stewart & McKinley 1998) of the gap phase disturbance or to the more drastic species and make population numbers harder to exogenous disturbance events are poorly known and assess. It can also be difficult to separate seedlings require further study. The species has been recorded from suckers. growing with Nightcap Wattle (Acacia orites) which probably means that the area has experienced a Predators and parasites relatively recent past disturbance event (Stewart & McKinley 1998). There is no information recorded on predators and parasites of wild populations of Uromyrtus australis. Past silvicultural practices to promote the regrowth of commercial tree species and to establish Uromyrtus australis is a shrub or small tree that plantations in the former Whian Whian SF and typically occupies the mid–stratum in warm adjacent State Forests may have adversely affected temperate rainforest or in closed forest under taller Uromyrtus australis. The degree of impact is emergent Eucalyptus spp. and Brush Box. It shares unknown given that the distribution of Uromyrtus this space with a significant number of other species australis in the Nightcap and Kooynum Range area of similar life form, and might be expected to be in prior to European occupation is unknown. competition with them for resources. Nevertheless, large areas of the predicted habitat of Disturbance U. australis, based on a NPWS model, is unoccupied by the species. Uromyrtus australis suckers from the roots and this almost certainly gives greater persistence to individual plants, at least following disturbance. 3.5 Ability of species to recover Uromyrtus australis has been observed to produce The relative security of Uromyrtus australis habitat suckers in response to mechanical disturbance, such suggests that the species has the ability to recover as the slashing of roadsides in the former Whian and persist in the long term, given sympathetic Whian SF (Kooyman 2000a). management. One proviso is whether the species The closed forest habitat of Uromyrtus australis is has the biological and demographic capacity to relatively protected against serious external persist in the long term even in areas of protected (exogenous) disturbance events. Storms will occur habitat, given its restricted, possibly refugial, from time to time but, while the mid storey species distribution and the possible influence of past land would mostly be unharmed, some damage to use. individual plants would be likely if taller trees were It is important that such naturally ‘rare’ species, uprooted or branches fell. particularly those with relatively small numbers, be Drought occurs infrequently in the high rainfall protected from additional human-induced pressure. habitat of Uromyrtus australis. U. australis is They may be susceptible to such pressure because intolerant of dry and exposed conditions in they have limited options for dispersal, along with a cultivation (Nicholson and Nicholson 1991) which is susceptibility to ecological or genetic catastrophic understandable given the moist and protected habitat events. Because questions remain about the of the species. performance of Uromyrtus australis even in intact habitat, research is a central recovery action under The species’ mesic habitat is naturally fire resistant this Recovery Plan. and naturally occurring fires would be rare. Very infrequent high intensity fires are possible, Indications that past intensive forestry, including the particularly following severe drought, and would be use of fire, may have been detrimental raises the likely to have a major impact on vegetation that had possibility of potential for re-establishment of developed during a long inter–fire period. However, populations in some of these areas, assuming that the direct information on the response of Uromyrtus activity has now ceased. australis is lacking, although the species may be fire sensitive. 4 Threats and Management Issues The predominant disturbance regime in natural habitat is likely to be gap phase disturbance as 4.1 Current threats individual canopy trees die. This internal (endogenous) disturbance regime does not produce There is no direct evidence of decline of Uromyrtus gross changes in the vegetation, but may allow australis within historical time. U. australis has individual sub-canopy plants to regenerate and grow probably always been ‘rare’ during the time of better in the relatively brighter conditions of a tree- European occupation, with specific habitat needs. fall gap.

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Forestry was the principal extractive land use in the Road maintenance habitat of Uromyrtus australis. However, In the past, roadside slashing has affected Uromyrtus conclusions about the impact of forestry activities on australis in Whian Whian SF when it was managed U. australis are sketchy due to a lack of information. by SFNSW. Plants have now been marked in situ Forestry activities since 1999 in the vicinity of U. and NPWS will ensure plants are not damaged now australis were regulated by conditions of the TSL the area is part of NPWS estate. The proportion of under the IFOA but the area has now been individuals on roadsides that have been marked is transferred to the NPWS. unknown. U. australis is able to sucker from the Low numbers roots so individuals may survive incidental mechanical damage however this does not mean that Total numbers of Uromyrtus australis are low, the species is tolerant of roadside slashing. possibly as few as 800 individuals confirmed in the wild based on Stewart & McKinley (1998), Mining Kooyman (2000a) and Kooyman (pers. comm.). The Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) has Important population information is lacking, notably issued an exploration licence to Diamond Rose NL the degree of interconnection through pollination for the purpose of conducting exploration activities and dispersal, as is insight into effective population for the presence and extent of Group 6 minerals size (the average number of individuals in a (Corundrum, Diamond, Ruby and Sapphire) within population that are actually contributing genes to an area exceeding 200 km2, including the recently successive generations [N ]) (Nunney and Elam e gazetted Whian Whian SCA. The NPW Act permits 1994). certain prospecting and mining activities within state Fire conservation areas with the concurrence of the Minister responsible for the administration of the It is not known if Uromyrtus australis can sucker NPW Act. Prospecting and mining in national parks following fire, but it is expected that it may sucker and nature reserves is prohibited. following low intensity fires. No population or specimen of the species is known to have been Potential threats to Uromyrtus australis from affected by fire over the past twenty years. prospecting and mining include damage to However, given the current state of knowledge, it is individual specimens and their habitat. precautionary to class the species as fire sensitive, Grazing, Disease and Weeds particularly with respect to intense fires. Therefore, fires, whether wildfire or on a smaller scale The threat posed by grazing, disease and weeds has associated with silviculture or fuel reduction been assessed as low. burning, may be a significant threat to U. australis. Fuel hazard reduction burns in State Forests will be 4.2 Potential threats a lesser threat to Uromyrtus australis than wildfire Climate change as they are not permitted within exclusions zones which protect the species under the TSL for Upper A longer-term threat to Uromyrtus australis may be and Lower North East Regions. Exclusion zones of climate change brought about by anthropogenic at least 50 metres protect individuals or groups of activities, either directly or through other agents, individuals of U. australis if this species is found on such as increased fire frequency. While this might State Forest lands. be said for many species, it can be speculated that U. australis may be susceptible as a species with Fire Management Plans (FMPs) are the principal relatively low numbers occupying a specialised planning documents for fire management on the highland habitat, with few options for lateral or National Park Estate, including fuel hazard altitudinal migration. Recovery actions cannot reduction burns. Draft FMPs are being prepared for remove this threat per se., however maintaining the Nightcap and Mt Jerusalem NPs. Information on the maximum numbers of individuals and the quality of likely fire response of Uromyrtus australis and the the habitat may provide greater resilience to climate community in which it occurs, generally warm change, thereby increasing the imperative to protect temperate rainforest, will be considered in all populations. development of the plan. Bush Fire Risk Management plans prepared for each Local Government Area and corresponding Plans of 5 Previous Recovery Actions Operations address general fire protection and Surveys and monitoring control measures until FMPs are adopted. These plans are also required to consider the requirements Stewart & McKinley (1998) surveyed a of threatened species. representative range of Uromyrtus australis sites and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Page 11 Draft Recovery Plan Uromyrtus australis documented abundance, distribution, site 6 Proposed Recovery Objectives, Actions characteristics and threats at these sites. Kooyman and Performance Criteria (2000a) sampled additional sites and surveyed potential habitat to assist understanding of U. The overall objective of this Recovery Plan is to australis distribution, population numbers and protect populations of Uromyrtus australis from habitat. decline by human-induced impacts, and to ensure that wild populations of U. australis remain viable in Kooyman (2000b) designed a monitoring program to the long term. determine whether wild populations of Uromyrtus australis are declining spatially and/or numerically Specific objectives of this Recovery Plan are listed and implemented the initial stages of the program. below. Recovery actions, each with a performance criterion, have been developed for the thirteen Management plans objectives. The draft Plan of Management (NPWS 2001) for Objective 1: Improving the consideration of Nightcap and Mt Jerusalem NPs is currently with the Uromyrtus australis in environmental impact NPWS Advisory Council for consideration assessment for developments and activities. following a public exhibition period. The draft plan: Action 1.1: S states that once the plan is finalised it will be reviewed following adoption of relevant The NPWS will develop and distribute standard Recovery Plans, survey and environmental assessment guidelines for Uromyrtus australis to all relevant NPWS staff and S includes as a desired biodiversity outcome to consent authorities. conserve populations of threatened species and their habitat, and A standard, minimum survey effort should be undertaken when determining if Uromyrtus australis S includes a biodiversity conservation guideline to is present in or near the area of a potential exclude fire from rainforest and wet sclerophyll development or activity. Presence of the species communities. should require implementation of effective mitigation measures to reduce or eliminate the A plan will have to be prepared for Whian Whian impact of proposed development or activity. Within State Conservation Area . the Whian Whian SCA, these guidelines should be Habitat protection and management considered in accordance with the ‘Guidelines for Measures for the conservation of Uromyrtus completing a review of environmental factors australis in wood production areas of State Forests covering exploration in state conservation areas’ are detailed in the TSL of the IFOA for the Upper attached to the Memorandum of Understanding and Lower North East Regions. SFNSW is required between the Director-General of National Parks and to implement the conditions of each IFOA, whilst Wildlife and the Director-General of NSW the NPWS is required to monitor and enforce Department of Mineral Resources with respect to the compliance with conditions. management of exploration and mining within state conservation areas (8 November 2002) (MOU). As stated previously, no specimens of Uromyrtus australis are currently known from State Forest land. Performance Criterion: Standard survey and environmental assessment guidelines are developed Ex-situ Cultivation and distributed within the life of the plan. Four Uromyrtus australis individuals are in Action 1.2: cultivation at the North Coast Regional Botanic The NPWS will implement the Memorandum of Garden in parts of the Gardens devoted to rare and Understanding (MOU) between the NPWS and the endangered plants and to rainforest. The plants are DMR and the associated guidelines for a review of being cultivated primarily for public education environmental factors in relation to any prospecting purposes (Alex Floyd, pers. comm.). U. australis is or mining proposed in Whian Whian SCA. The also cultivated at the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide, NPWS will oppose prospecting and mining the Agricultural Research Institute, Wagga Wagga, proposals that may cause adverse impacts to the Royal Botanical Gardens Mt Annan Annex and specimens of Uromyrtus australis and their habitat. the Australian National Botanical Gardens, Canberra (Australian Network for Plant Conservation, quoted Prospecting and mining activities have the potential in Quinn et al. 1995). to damage or destroy specimens of Uromytrus australis and to damage its habitat. Implementation of the MOU’s ‘Guidelines for completing a review of environmental factors covering exploration in

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state conservation areas’ will ensure that adequate Objective 3: To familiarise public authority staff environmental impact assessment processes are with Uromyrtus australis. undertaken, appropriate mitigation measures are Action 3.1: applied, the necessary approvals are obtained and the management of exploration and mining is Staff from NPWS, Rous County Council (RCC) and monitored and reviewed. Lismore City Council (LCC) directly responsible for the management of Uromyrtus australis populations Objective 2: Restricting the licensing of picking and habitat will be made familiar with the species in of Uromyrtus australis under the TSC or the NPW the field. Acts. Currently, Uromyrtus australis is only known from Action 2.1: NPWS estate. However, LCC and RCC have The NPWS will not grant a licence under the TSC or management responsibilities for adjacent land where the NPW Acts to collect propagation material from U. australis may be present but is yet to be recorded. Uromyrtus australis unless collection is part of the Agency staff familiar with U. australis are unlikely Recovery Program. to inadvertently damage the plant in the course of their duties and are more likely to note and report Actions that do not require a consent or approval new records and any damage that may occur by under the EP&A Act may require a licence under the other means, for example, storms. TSC or the NPW Acts, for example, collection of threatened plants for identification purposes. Performance Criterion: Appropriate agency staff Uromyrtus australis seedlings have not been participate in the Uromyrtus australis familiarisation observed in recent extensive surveys (Kooyman field sessions. Familiarisation sessions are offered 2000a) and information on reproduction biology is within the life of the plan and relevant agencies are lacking. In view of this, licences will not be issued invited to participate. for the collection of propagation material, beyond Objective 4: To protect roadside populations of the requirements of any recovery actions in this plan, Uromyrtus australis. until further information is known. Action 4.1: Performance Criterion: No licences are granted under the TSC, NVC or the NPW Acts for The NPWS will develop and implement a marking collection of propagation material from Uromyrtus system for roadside occurrences of Uromyrtus australis unless collection is part of the Recovery australis in areas under its management. Program. The development and implementation of a marking system will assist NPWS staff to identify Uromyrtus australis populations on roadsides and will help to protect it from inadvertent damage by roadside maintenance practices. Performance criteria: A marking system for Uromyrtus australis populations on roadsides is developed and implemented by the NPWS in areas under its management within the life of the plan. Action 4.2: The NPWS will review roadside maintenance practices in marked areas and, if necessary, modify practices to ensure the protection of Uromyrtus australis populations and their habitat. Some roadside maintenance practices e.g. mechanised slashing, can pose a threat to Uromyrtus australis populations. Practices used in marked areas need to ensure the protection of roadside populations. Performance criteria: No Uromyrtus australis populations are damaged by NPWS roadside maintenance practices within the life of the plan.

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Objective 5: To protect Uromyrtus australis on Action 7.2: private land. The NPWS will ensure that all Uromyrtus australis Action 5.1: records generated by research commissioned by the NPWS are entered on the Atlas of NSW Wildlife. Should Uromyrtus australis be found on private land, the NPWS will liaise with the landowner It is important that the Atlas of NSW Wildlife regarding the protection of the population. database contains accurate records of Uromyrtus australis as it is a primary resource for researchers, The range of Uromyrtus australis is currently developers, environmental consultants and land restricted to lands managed by the NPWS, however managers. should it be located on private land NPWS liaison with landholders will assist the protection of new Performance criteria: Consultants and staff locations of U. australis. undertaking research commissioned by NPWS within the life of the plan will provide details of new Performance criterion: The NPWS liaises with Uromyrtus australis records in a form suitable for landholders of private land where Uromyrtus entry on the database to the NPWS Wildlife Data australis has been located regarding its protection. Team on completion of the research. Objective 6: Fire planning. Objective 8: To monitor population dynamics. Action 6.1: Action 8.1: The NPWS will provide information on the The NPWS will ensure that the collection of ecological requirements of Uromyrtus australis to population dynamics data from monitoring sites the appropriate Bushfire Management Committees continues and will opportunistically monitor the and NPWS bushfire management planners. impact of disturbance events. The RF Act requires that the ecological requirements It is expected that the outcomes of the current of threatened species be considered by Bushfire monitoring program will determine if wild Management Committees (BMCs) in preparing populations of the species are declining spatially or Bushfire Management Plans (BMPs) for local numerically or both. government areas. The NPWS prepares Fire Management Plans that complement the local This information is crucial to determining the level BMPs, for areas under its control. of threat assigned to the species and the management actions required. Performance criterion: The NPWS has provided information on the ecological requirements of Opportunities may arise to document the response of Uromyrtus australis to the appropriate BMCs and the species to fire and other disturbances (e.g. storm NPWS bushfire management planners within the life damage). The response of Uromyrtus australis to of the plan. roadside slashing is being monitored (Kooyman 2000b), however, little is known of the response of Objective 7: Uromyrtus australis records in the U. australis to other disturbance events. Atlas of NSW Wildlife are accurate and current. Performance criterion: Monitoring data is collected Action 7.1: according to the methodology and timeframes The NPWS will review existing records on the Atlas described in Kooyman (2000b), including the of NSW Wildlife and, where possible, will remove opportunistic monitoring of representative sites of records for which there is evidence that they are Uromyrtus australis to sample response to incorrect. disturbance. It is important that the Atlas of NSW Wildlife Objective 9: Encourage research into genetics database contains accurate records of Uromyrtus and reproductive biology. australis as it is a primary resource for researchers, developers, environmental consultants and land Action 9.1: managers. There is evidence that some records may The NPWS will encourage research into genetics be incorrect. and the reproductive biology of Uromyrtus australis. Performance criterion: Existing records are reviewed Information on genetics and the reproductive and, where possible, incorrect records are removed biology of Uromyrtus australis will assist the NPWS within the life of the plan. to refine management actions for individual U. australis sites in the long term. This will assist in understanding whether the population acts as one continuous population or as discrete populations,

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possibly representing different refugia (Rossetto Objective 11: Collate data on ex-situ pers. comm.). conservation plantings. Research into genetics may provide important Action 11.1: information on the extent of clonality, inbreeding The NPWS will collate information on the origin depression and differentiation across the population, and population dynamics of ex-situ conservation among other issues. Research into reproductive plantings of Uromyrtus australis in public biology may provide information on fertility, collections. pollination and dispersal vectors, germination rates and environmental constraints on germination and Uromyrtus australis is cultivated in a number of seedling recruitment and persistence, among other public collections, however, the NPWS has only issues. basic information on the success and origin of these plantings. In the event of a catastrophic event Performance criterion: The NPWS will liaise with affecting one or a number of wild U. australis researchers and research organisations to discuss and populations the genetic composition of these plants encourage research into genetics and reproductive may be valuable. Additionally, information on the biology within the life of the plan. population dynamics of ex-situ plants may Objective 10: Complete surveys of Uromyrtus contribute to understanding the habitat requirements australis populations and suitable habitat. of U. australis. Action 10.1: Performance criterion: Information is collated by the NPWS on plantings at the North Coast Regional The NPWS will coordinate the marking and Botanic Garden, Coffs Harbour, the Botanic recording of the boundaries of the larger Uromyrtus Gardens of Adelaide, the Agricultural Research australis populations. Institute, Wagga Wagga, the Royal Botanical Work begun on delineating population boundaries Gardens Mt Annan Annex and the Australian during previous survey and monitoring (Kooyman National Botanical Gardens, Canberra within the life 2000a & 2000b) needs to be completed to assist with of the plan. managing and monitoring these populations. Objective 12: To co-ordinate Recovery. Performance criterion: Boundaries of the larger Action 12.1: Uromyrtus australis populations are marked and recorded within the life of the plan. The NPWS will be responsible for the coordination and implementation of the recovery plan. Action 10.2: The NPWS is the authority responsible for The NPWS will coordinate the opportunistic survey coordination of the plan and the implementation of of those areas of suitable habitat in the western the recovery actions Nightcap and Mt Jerusalem areas that have yet to be surveyed, and the recording of new occurrences of Performance criterion: The recovery plan is Uromyrtus australis. coordinated and implemented by the NPWS. Surveys of suitable habitat should be completed to Objective 13: To integrate the recovery of establish whether any further individuals or Uromyrtus australis with the recovery of other populations exist (Kooyman 2000a). Additional biota. survey is to be done opportunistically during any Action 13.1: resource inventory work that is undertaken as extensive targeted surveys have been undertaken of Where practical, the NPWS will integrate recovery Uromyrtus australis habitat (Kooyman 2000a). actions for the Uromyrtus australis with those of other threatened species, populations or ecological Performance criterion: Suitable habitat in the communities occurring in similar habitats. western Nightcap and Mt Jerusalem areas is opportunistically surveyed and new occurrences A number of other threatened species, populations or recorded within the life of the plan. ecological communities are known or likely to occur in similar habitats to the Uromyrtus australis. By integrating the recovery actions of other threatened biota with those of U. australis, limited resources can be used more effectively. Performance Criterion: Where practical, recovery actions have been integrated with those of other threatened species, populations or ecological communities.

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7 Implementation Other threatened plant species listed on Schedule 1 or 2 of the TSC Act, whose range and habitat is Table 3 outlines the implementation of recovery encompassed by that of Uromyrtus australis include actions specified in this Recovery Plan by relevant Corokia whiteana, Tinopspora tinosporoides, government agencies and/or parties for the period of Symplocos baeuerlenii, Amorphospermum whitei, five years from publication. The NPWS is the party Hicksbeachia pinnatifolia, Hibbertia hexandra, responsible for the implementation of the plan. Elaeocarpus sp. ‘Rocky Creek’ and possibly others, Estimated costs of implementing the actions such as Grammitis stenophylla. Protection of identified in the recovery plan are provided in Table Uromyrtus australis habitat will also afford 3. significant protection to these plants. There are numerous plant species listed as ‘rare’ on 8 Social and economic consequences the Rare or Threatened Australian Plants (ROTAP) data base of Briggs & Leigh (1995) that are also The total cost of implementing the recovery actions coincident with Uromyrtus australis, along with will be $95725 over the five-year period covered by numerous others that are biogeographically this plan (Table 3). significant (e.g. Sheringham and Westaway 1995). Implementation of this Recovery Plan will not affect ROTAP species include Gahnia insignis, current SFNSW harvesting operations. Under Helmholtzia glaberrima, Acacia orites, Argophyllum current forestry practice, the IFOA for the Upper nullumense and Pararistolochia laheyana. Species North East Region applies prescriptions to with biogeographical significance include a number harvesting operations where individuals of with significant disjunctions in their distributions, Uromyrtus australis occur. No specimens of U. such as Dorrigo Plum (Endiandra introrsa), a australis are currently known from State Forest land. species found only on the Nightcap Range and in the Dorrigo region. It is anticipated that there will be no significant adverse social or economic costs associated with the The warm temperate rainforest vegetation that implementation of this Recovery Plan and that the characterises Uromyrtus australis habitat has overall benefits to society of implementation of the significant conservation values as a regionally Recovery Plan will outweigh any specific costs. restricted vegetation assemblage and as a reflection of the particular nature and diversity of plant species 9 Biodiversity Benefits that comprise it. Certain localities, such as areas of low forest comprising Coachwood and Hill Water Uromyrtus australis is the most southerly species of Gum (Tristaniopis collina) with a significant the genus Uromyrtus, and the sole representative in presence of U. australis on shallow soils in Nightcap NSW with the exception of U. sp. ‘McPherson NP are particularly interesting. Range’ that occurs on the border with Queensland. Fauna There are considerable ancillary benefits in It is not known if there is fauna specifically protecting Uromyrtus australis habitat as it dependent on Uromyrtus australis, notwithstanding represents a highly significant repository of the indications that insects (as pollinators) and birds biodiversity for both fauna and flora. Some of these (as dispersers) may feed on floral products and fruit other species are discussed in following sections. respectively. However, conservation action that Another wider benefit of the research program retains habitat quality (or allows habitat recovery for recommended under this Plan will be the gaining of U. australis) will benefit a wide range of fauna, information about a geographically restricted and including threatened species, particularly those threatened plant species that should, assuming the preferring dense, mesic forest habitats. studies will be well designed, be relevant to other Threatened animal species either recorded or likely species in similar situations. within the range of Uromyrtus australis include the Flora Long-nosed Potoroo (Potorus tridactylus), Pouched Frog (Assa darlingtoni), Loveridge’s Frog (Philoria The entire remnant Tweed Shield Volcano is highly loveridgei), Stephen’s Banded Snake (Holocephalus significant for its biodiversity (Hunter 1991). It is a stephensii), Sooty Owl (Tyto tenebricosa) and centre of both rarity and endemism in flora, and is an Albert’s Lyrebird (Menura alberti). important refugial area. A significant proportion of this diversity is threatened: Duthy (1997) lists 60 threatened species within the former Whian Whian State Forest, albeit including areas that are not habitat for Uromyrtus australis.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Page 16 NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Page 17 Page Service and Wildlife Parks National NSW Draft Recovery Plan Table 3. Estimated costs of implementing the actions identified in the recovery plan.

Action Action Title *Priority Cost Estimate ($’s/year) Total Responsible #In- ^ no. Cost ($) Party/Funding kind Cash sources Y 1 Y 2 Y 3 Y 4 Y 5 1.1 Survey and assessment guidelines 1 $2500 $2500 NPWS $1750 $750 2.1 Licensing the picking of Uromyrtus australis under the 1 $350 $350 $350 $350 $350 $1750 NPWS $1750 TSC Act 3.1 Familiarising agency staff 1 $1600 $1075 $2675 NPWS $2275 $400 4.1 NPWS roadside marking system 1 $1200 $500 $1700 NPWS $1050 $650 4.2 NPWS review of roadside maintenance practices 1 $350 $350 $700 $700 5.1 Protection on private land 3 $10001 $10001 $10001 $10001 $10001 $50001 NPWS $35001 $15001 6.1 Fire planning 2 $1000 $1000 NPWS $700 $300 7.1 Review Atlas records 1 $1050 $1050 NPWS $1050 7.2 Ensure new records from research are recorded in Atlas 1 $350 $350 $350 $350 $350 $1750 NPWS $1750 8.1 Monitoring 1 $49002 $26252 $45502 $26252 $39502 $186502 NPWS $143502 $43002 9.1 Genetics and reproductive biology 2 $700 $25350 $15350 $350 $41750 NPWS $1750 $40000 10.1 Survey boundaries of larger populations 3 $800 $800 NPWS $350 $450 10.2 Opportunistically survey suitable habitat in unsurveyed 3 $25503 $2550 NPWS $1400 $1150 areas 11.1 Collating data on ex-situ conservation plantings 3 $700 $350 $1050 NPWS $1050 12.1 Recovery co-ordination 1 $1925 $1925 $1925 $1925 $3350 $11050 NPWS $10150 $900 13.1 Recovery integration 3 $700 $700 $350 $1750 NPWS $1750 Total Annual cost of Uromyrtus australis Recovery Program $21675 $32650 $25800 $6600 $9000 $95725 $45325 $50400 * Priority ratings are: 1 - action critical to meeting plan objectives; 2 - action contributing to meeting plan objectives; 3 - desirable but not essential action

#‘In-Kind’ Funds represent salary component of permanent staff and current resources. Uromyrtus australis ^‘Cash’ Funds represent the salary component for temporary staff and other costs such as the purchasing of survey and laboratory equipment. 1 Expenditure is contingent on Uromyrtus australis being recorded on private land. 2 Expenditure of some of these funds is contingent on the occurrence of disturbance events. 3 Expenditure may occur from Yr 1 – 5 to allow integration with other survey work. Draft Recovery Plan Uromyrtus australis

Service by Earth Process Ecological Services, 10 Preparation Details Myocum. This Recovery Plan is largely based on a draft Kooyman, R. 2000b, Report on the development of a Recovery Plan prepared by Nick Wilson in monitoring program for the endangered plant consultation with Nigel Cotsell, Nick Sheppard, Uromyrtus australis, report prepared for New Maria Matthes, John Hunter, Lynn Baker, NPWS South Wales National Parks and Wildlife and finalised by Dianne Mackey and Katrina Service by Earth Process Ecological Services, McKay, NPWS. Myocum.

NSW NPWS 2001, Draft Plan of Management for 11 Review Date the Parks and Reserves of the Tweed Caldera This Recovery Plan will be reviewed within five (with Mt Warning National Park, Border years of the date of its publication. Ranges National Park, Mebbin National Park, Nightcap National Park, Mt Jerusalem National Park, Goonengerry National Park, 12 References Limpinwood , Numinbah Nature Reserve, Snows Gully Nature Reserve), Adam, P. 1987, New South Wales Rainforests: the NSW NPWS, Sydney. Nomination for the World Heritage List, New South National Parks and Wildlife Service, Nicholson, N. and Nicholson, H. 1991, Australian Sydney. Rainforest Plants II: in the Forest and in the Garden, Terania Rainforest Nursery, The Adam, P. 1994, Australian Rainforests, Oxford Channon. Biogeography Series No. 6, Oxford University Press, Oxford. Nunney, L. and Elam, D.R. 1994, ‘Estimating the effective population size of conserved Briggs, J.D. & Leigh, J.H. 1995, Rare or Threatened populations’, Conservation Biology, 8(1), p.p. Australian Plants, CSIRO Australia, 175-84. Collingwood, Victoria. Quinn, F.C., Williams, J.B., Gross, C.L. and Bruhl, Duthy, S. 1997, A study of the management options J.J. 1995, Report on Rare and Threatened for Whian Whian State Forest, north-east New Plants of North-eastern New South Wales, South Wales, Integrated Project Report, report prepared for New South Wales National Southern Cross University, Lismore. Parks and Wildlife Service and Australian Nature Conservation Agency, University of Floyd, A.G. 1989, Rainforest Trees of Mainland New England, Armidale. South-eastern Australia, Inkata Press, Melbourne. RACAC (Resource and Conservation Assessment Council) 1996, Regional Report of Upper Floyd, A.G. 1990, Australian Rainforests in New North East NSW, Vol 2: Physical Attributes, South Wales, Volume II. Surrey Beatty and RACAC, Sydney. Sons, Chipping Norton, NSW. Sheringham, P. and Westaway, J. 1995, Significant Hunter, R.J. 1991, ‘The role of remnants in the Vascular Plants of Upper North East New conservation of rare or threatened rainforest South Wales, a report by the New South Wales plants’, in Rainforest Remnants: Proceedings National Parks and Wildlife Service for the of a Workshop in Rainforest Rehabilitation Natural Resources Audit Council, NPWS, held at the North Coast Agricultural Institute, Hurstville. 17-18 November 1988, ed. S. Phillips, New South National Parks and Wildlife Service, Stewart, B. & McKinley, A. 1998, Field surveys to Hurstville. determine the locations and distribution of Peach Myrtle (Uromyrtus australis), Report Kooyman, R. 2000a, Results of field surveys to prepared for the NSW National Parks and determine the status of Peach Myrtle Wildlife Service by Landmark Ecological (Uromyrtus australis) at previously recorded Services, Suffolk Park. site locations: plus additional distribution records from area searches, report prepared for Webb, L.J. 1959, ‘A physiognomic classification of New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Australian rainforests’, Journal of Ecology, 47, p.p. 551-70.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Page 18 Draft Recovery Plan Uromyrtus australis

Williams, G. and Adam, P. 1994, ‘A review of FNPE Act Forestry and National Park Estate Act rainforest pollination and plant-pollinator 1998 (NSW) interactions with particular reference to LG Act Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) Australian subtropical rainforests’, Australian Zoologist, 29(3-4), p.p. 177–212. NP National Park

Wilson, P.G. 1991, ‘Uromyrtus’, in Flora of New NPW Act National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 South Wales, Vol. 2, ed. G.J. Harden, New (NSW) South Wales University Press, Kensington. NPWS NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 13 Acronyms Used in this Document NSW New South Wales BMC Bushfire Management Committee NVC Act Native Vegetation Conservation Act 1997 (NSW) BMP Bushfire Management Plan RF Act Rural Fires Act 1997 (NSW) dbh diameter at breast height ROTAP Rare or threatened Australian plant DLWC Department of Land and Water Conservation SF State Forest EP&A Act Environmental Planning and SFNSW State Forests of NSW Assessment Act 1979 (NSW) SIS Species Impact Statement EPBC Act Commonwealth Environment TAP Threat Abatement Plan Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 TSC Act Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (NSW) ESD Ecologically Sustainable Development TSL Threatened Species Licence IFOA Integrated Forestry Operations Approval VCA Voluntary Conservation Agreement FMP Fire Management Plan

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Page 19 Draft Recovery Plan Uromyrtus australis

Appendix 1 Submission: Draft Recovery Plan

Submission RECOVERY PLAN

Name Individual/ Organisation:

Postal Address:

Postcode: Contact Number(s):

Date:

Draft Recovery Plan: Uromyrtus australis

The NPWS will consider all written submissions received during the period of public exhibition and must provide a summary report of those submissions to the Minister for the Environment prior to final approval of this Recovery Plan. Please note, that for the purposes of the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (NSW) any comments on this draft Recovery Plan, including your personal details, will be a matter of public record and will be stored in the NPWS records system. Following approval of the plan by the Minister, copies of all submissions, unless marked “confidential”, will be available, by arrangement, for inspection at the NPWS Office responsible for the preparation of the Recovery Plan Should you not wish to have your personal details disclosed to members of the public once the Recovery Plan has been adopted, please indicate below whether you wish your personal details to remain confidential to the NPWS and not available for public access. Further information on the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 may be obtained from any office of the NPWS or from the website: www.npws.nsw.gov.au

Yes, please keep my personal details confidential to NPWS

Submissions should be received no later than the advertised date. Submissions should be addressed to:

The Director-General C/- Uromyrtus australis Recovery Plan Co-ordinator NPWS Conservation Programs and Planning Division Northern Directorate Locked Bag 914 Coffs Harbour NSW 2450.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Page 20 Draft Recovery Plan Uromyrtus australis

Submission:

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Page 21 Draft Recovery Plan Uromyrtus australis

Appendix 2 Public Authority responsibilities

Public authority Relevant responsibilities NPWS S Assessment of licence applications under the TSC Act and NPWS Act. S Advice to determining and consent authorities. S Concurrence role under the EP&A Act for certain developments and activities. S Preparation of Recovery Plans and co-ordination of implementation. S Regulation of certain forestry operations under the IFOA. Relevant local governments S Preparation of Local Environmental Plans under Part 3 of the EP&A Act. S Consent authority for developments under Part 4 of the EP&A Act. S Approval authorities for council works under Part 5 of the EP&A Act. S Responsibilities under the RF Act. S Management of council reserves with potential habitat. S Consideration of the content of Recovery Plans when preparing plans of management for community land under the LG Act. Department of S Approval authority for native vegetation clearance applications under the Infrastructure, Planning and NVC Act. Natural Resources S Management of Crown land with potential habitat. S Co-ordination of Regional Vegetation Committees, Catchment Management Boards and Landcare programs. S Development of policy and strategies for land use planning and environmental assessment. S Advice and assistance on environmental planning matters. S Assessment of major development applications. S Concurrence role under the EP&A Act for certain developments and activities. S Making of State Environmental Planning Policies and Regional and Local Environmental Plans under Part 3 of the EP&A Act. S Determining certain development proposals under Part 4 of the EP&A Act. S Approval of certain activities under Part 5 of the EP&A Act.

State Forests of New South S Compliance with conditions detailed in the IFOA and the Terms of Wales Threatened Species Licence granted under Part 4 of the FNPE Act.

Rural Fire Service S Preparation of Bush Fire Risk Management Plans and Plans of Operations. S Fire management. Other State government S Management of public lands with potential habitat. agencies S Approval authorities for activity proposals under Part 5 of the EP&A Act.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Page 22 NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 43 Bridge Street (PO Box 1967) Hurstville NSW 2220 Phone: 02 9585 6444 Website www.npws.nsw.gov.au