Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Threatened Species Assessment
ATTACHMENT A
COWAL GOLD MINE AND SURROUNDS FLORA SURVEY (AMBS, 2012)
00541877
Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Prepared by Australian Museum Business Services for Barrick (Cowal) Limited
Final Report
October 2012
110911
Australian Museum Business Services - 6 College Street, Sydney NSW 2010, Ph (02) 9320 6311, Fax (02) 9320 6428 australianmuseum.net.au/AMBS [email protected] Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Document Information 110911
AMBS 2012. Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey. Prepared Citation: for Barrick (Cowal) Limited by Australian Museum Business Services. Versions: Draft Report v5 issued 25 June 2012 Draft Report v6 issued 10 October 2012 Final Version issued 26 October 2012 Recipient: Garry Pearson, Barrick Prepared by: Dr. John T. Hunter, Dr. Dorothy Bell & Belinda Pellow Reviewed by: Uli Kloecher and James Bevan
Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Executive Summary
Australian Museum Business Services (AMBS) was commissioned by Barrick (Cowal) Limited to undertake a flora survey and review the status of vegetation at the Cowal Gold Mine and surrounds. This report collates existing information from previous floristic surveys, provides a map and validation of vegetation communities present, assesses vegetation condition, and reports on the presence of threatened flora and endangered ecological communities.
The study area is located approximately 43 kilometres northwest of West Wyalong on the Western Slopes of New South Wales (NSW) and is approximately 11,714 hectares (ha) in size, including a portion of the Lake Cowal bed. As a result of recent rain the lake bed (4,848 ha) was flooded and was not assessed during this survey.
A total of 130 full floristic survey sites were placed within the study area along with an additional 65 rapid data point sites (the latter recorded dominant species only). Based on classification (Kulczynski association) analysis, nine floristic associations were defined. An additional two mapping units were also defined: cropping and plantings. These nine communities were mapped based on ground truthing, air photo interpretation and landform. Three communities (C1, C3 and portions of C2) variously represent endangered ecological communities (see table below), Myall Woodland in the Darling Riverine Plains, Brigalow Belt South, Cobar Peneplain, Murray-Darling Depression, Riverina and NSW South Western Slopes Bioregions and Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa) Grassy Woodlands and Derived Native Grasslands of South-Eastern Australia.
It is highly likely that in most areas community C2 derived grasslands were originally one of these two EEC’s. This is particularly so in low lying locations of the study area. However, there are some locations where the clearing of other non-EEC’s may have resulted in these grasslands. Only those areas of C2 that were able to be quantitatively confirmed as representing one of these at this point in time have been mapped. Areas of community C2 not delineated as either EEC may in the future develop sufficient features which allow them to be allocated to one of these two EEC’s.
A portion of the bed of Lake Cowal fall within the study area. Lake Cowal is named as an area encompassed by the EEC Aquatic Ecological Community in the natural drainage system of the lowland catchment of the Lachlan River. (Fisheries Scientific Committee 2005).
Floristic Community Total Area Relevant Endangered Ecological Community (ha) Listing • TSC Act: Myall Woodland in the Darling Riverine Plains, Brigalow Belt South, Cobar Peneplain, C1: Weeping Myall – Belah – Poplar 282 ha Murray-Darling Depression, Riverina and NSW Box Shrubland and Woodland South Western Slopes Bioregions • EPBC Act: Weeping Myall Woodlands EEC • TSC Act: Myall Woodland EEC C2: Spear Grass – Windmill Grass • EPBC Act: Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa) Grassland and Low Open Grassy 2872 ha Grassy Woodlands and Derived Native Grasslands Woodland of South-Eastern Australia C3: Inland Grey Box – Belah – Poplar • EPBC Act: Grey Box EEC 214 ha Box Woodland C4: Mugga Ironbark – Dwyer’s Red 83 ha Not threatened Gum – White Cypress Pine Woodland C5: Wallaby Grass – Spear Grass – 11 ha Not threatened Windmill Grass Grassland C6: Coolah Grass – Blue Grass Grassland 6 ha Not threatened C7: Sedgeland/Herbfield 80 ha Not threatened C8: River Red Gum Woodland and 87 ha Not threatened Forest C9: Dwyer’s Red Gum – Black Cypress 160 ha Not threatened Pine –Woodland
ES-1 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
C10: Cropping 1389 ha Not applicable C11: Plantings 110 ha Not applicable TSC Act denotes NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 EPBC Act denotes Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 EEC denotes Endangered Ecological Community
A total of 451 flora species from 80 plant families have been recorded within the Cowal Gold Mine and surrounds during surveys from 1995 to 2012. The current survey recorded a total of 306 vascular plant species from 69 families and 176 genera.
No threatened flora species were found during field surveys carried out as part of the current investigation; however, the Austral Pillwort (Pilularia novae-hollandiae), listed as Endangered under the TSC Act, was recorded in the study area during surveys undertaken in 1998 and 2003. Given that this species has been recorded in five locations in the past it is unlikely that individuals or propogules are no longer present. Periodic surveys of know locations are recommended into the future.
ES-2 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey Contents 1 Introduction ...... 1 1.1 Objectives ...... 1 1.2 Study area ...... 1 1.3 Previous flora survey work ...... 2 2 Methodology ...... 3 2.1 Survey design ...... 3 2.2 Site and species information ...... 5 2.1 Floristics ...... 5 2.2 Data management ...... 5 2.3 Multivariate analysis ...... 6 2.4 Initial mapping and condition assessment site stratification ...... 7 2.5 Final mapping product ...... 9 2.6 Endangered Ecological Communites ...... 9 2.7 Potential threatened species ...... 9 3 Results ...... 12 3.1 Floristics ...... 12 3.2 Community definition ...... 12 3.3 Community and map unit descriptions ...... 14 3.3.1 Community C1: Weeping Myall – Belah – Poplar Box Shrubland and Woodland ...... 14 3.3.2 Community C2: Spear Grass – Windmill Grass Grassland and Low Open Grassy Woodland 19 3.3.3 Community C3: Inland Grey Box – Belah – Poplar Box Woodland ...... 24 3.3.4 Community C4: Mugga Ironbark – Dwyer’s Red Gum – White Cypress Pine Woodland ..... 29 3.3.5 Community C5: Wallaby Grass – Spear Grass – Windmill Grass Grassland ...... 34 3.3.6 Community C6: Coolah Grass – Blue Grass Grassland ...... 37 3.3.7 Community C7: Sedgeland/Herbfield ...... 40 3.3.8 Community C8: River Red Gum Woodland and Forest ...... 52 3.3.9 Community C9: Dwyer’s Red Gum – Black Cypress Pine Woodland ...... 57 3.3.10 Community C10: Cropping ...... 61 3.3.11 Community C11: Plantings ...... 64 3.4 Endangered Ecological Communities ...... 67 3.4.1 Myall Woodland ...... 68 3.4.2 Grey Box Woodland ...... 69 3.4.3 Derived Grasslands ...... 69 3.4.4 Aquatic Ecological Community in the Natural Drainage System of the Lowland Catchment of the Lachlan River ...... 69 3.5 Description of taxa of conservation significance ...... 71 3.5.1 Austral Pillwort (Pilularia novae-hollandiae) Survey 2011 and 2012 ...... 71 3.6 Limitations to survey results ...... 73 4 Conclusions ...... 74 5 Acknowledgements ...... 75 6 References ...... 76 Appendix A: Species recorded and the source of the record...... 80 Appendix B: Summary Dendrogram ...... 102 Appendix C: Locality and site information ...... 103 Appendix D: Data recorded in Rapid Data Point surveys (LC) ...... 108 Appendix E: Data matrix for the full floristic survey sites (LC) and condition assessment sites (LCB) ...... 114
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Appendix F: Descriptive criteria from the NSW Final Determination for Myall Woodland in the Darling Riverine Plains, Brigalow Belt South, Cobar Peneplain, Murray-Darling Depression, Riverina and NSW South western Slopes bioregions ...... 129 Appendix G: Condition classes from the Commonwealth listing advice for Weeping Myall Woodlands ...... 132 Appendix H: Descriptive criteria from the NSW Final Determination for Inland Grey Box Woodland in the Riverina, NSW South Western Slopes, Cobar Peneplain, Nandewar and Brigalow Belt South Bioregions - endangered ecological community listing ...... 133 Appendix I: Condition thresholds from the Commonwealth Listing Advice on Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa) Grassy Woodlands and Derived Native Grasslands of South-eastern Australia ...... 135
Tables Table 1. Modified Braun-Blanquet cover abundance scale...... 5 Table 2 Area for each vegetation type and condition, and number of sites (LCB) required for survey. .... 8 Table 3 Threatened flora species that may occur within the study area...... 10 Table 4. Species used in plantings on Barrick owned land within the study area...... 64 Table 5. Size of each area of Endangered Ecological Community ...... 67 Table 6. Comparison of numbers of characteristic species for Myall Woodland EEC sites in remnant vegetation within the mining lease...... 68
Figures Figure 1. Location of survey sites, mine boundary and offset areas within the study area...... 4 Figure 2. Location of targeted searches for threatened flora and additional targeted searches specifically for Pilularia novae-hollandiae...... 11 Figure 3. Ma pped distribution of all vegetation communities*...... 13 Figure 4. Mapped distribution, condition and location of survey sites for community C1...... 16 Figure 5. Mapped distribution, condition and location of survey sites for community C2...... 21 Figure 6. Mapped distribution and location of survey sites for community C3...... 26 Figure 7. Mapped distribution, condition and location of survey sites for community C4...... 31 Figure 8. Mapped distribution, condition and location of survey sites for community C5...... 35 Figure 9. Mapped distribution, condition and location of survey sites for community C6...... 38 Figure 10. Mapped distribution, condition and location of survey sites for community C7...... 42 Figure 11. Mapped distribution, condition and location of survey sites for community C7...... 43 Figure 12. Mapped distribution, condition and location of survey sites for community C7...... 44 Figure 13. Mapped distribution, condition and location of survey sites for community C7...... 45 Figure 14. Mapped distribution, condition and location of survey sites for community C7...... 46 Figure 15. Mapped distribution, condition and location of survey sites for community C7...... 47 Figure 16. Mapped distribution, condition and location of survey sites for community C7 ...... 48 Figure 17. Mapped distribution, condition and location of survey sites for community C7 ...... 49 Figure 18. Mapped distribution, condition and location of survey sites for community C8...... 54 Figure 19. Mapped distribution, condition and location of survey sites for community C9...... 58 Figure 20. Mapped distribution, condition and location of survey sites for community C10...... 62 Figure 21. Mapped distribution, condition and location of survey sites for community C11...... 65 Figure 22. Distribution of endangered ecological communites listed under the TSC and EPBC Acts within the study area...... 70 Figure 23. Location of populations of Pilularia novae-hollandiae recorded by Bower in 1998 (FloraSearch 2008)...... 72
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Plates Plate 1. Photographs of community C1; above Site LC01, below Site LCR22 ...... 17 Plate 2. Photographs of community C1; above Site LC12, below Site LC13...... 18 Plate 3. Photographs of community C2; above Site LC5, below Site LCR55...... 22 Plate 4. Photographs of community C2; above Site LC33, below Site LCB42...... 23 Plate 5. Photographs of community C3; above Site LC53, below Site LC37...... 27 Plate 6. Photographs of community C3; above Site LC46, below Site LC60...... 28 Plate 7. Photographs of community C4; above Site LC45, below Site LC56...... 32 Plate 8. Photographs of community C4; above Site LC57, below Site LC58...... 33 Plate 9. Photograph of community C5; Site LC10...... 36 Plate 10. Photograph of community C6; Site LC40...... 39 Plate 11. Photographs of community C7; above Site LC4, below Site LC7...... 50 Plate 12. Photographs of community C7; above Site LC52, below Site LC59 ...... 51 Plate 13. Photographs of community C8; above Site LC11, below Site LC41...... 55 Plate 14. Photographs of community c8; above Site LC43, below Site LC48...... 56 Plate 15. Photographs of community C9; above Site LC22, below Site LC28...... 59 Plate 16. Photographs of community C9; above Site LC29, below Site LC30...... 60 Plate 17. Photographs of community C10; above LCR 6, below LCR 17...... 63 Plate 18. Photographs of community C11; above Site LCR35, below Site LCR58...... 66
III Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
1 Introduction Australian Museum Business Services was commissioned by Barrick (Cowal) Limited to undertake a flora survey at the Cowal Gold Mine and surrounds. The study area is located 43 kilometres (km) northwest of West Wyalong in the Western Slopes of New South Wales (NSW) and is approximately 11,714 hectares (ha) in size including a portion of the Lake Cowal bed. As a result of recent rain the lake bed was flooded and this area (4,848 ha) was not assessed as part of the current survey. 1.1 Objectives The aims of this study were to collate existing information from previous floristic surveys, to map and validate vegetation, to assess vegetation conservation status, condition and resilience and to perform searches for threatened flora. This report represents the methods and findings of this study. 1.2 Study area Lake Cowal forms part of a large ephemeral inland wetland system in the Lachlan Catchment. This wetland system consists of Lake Cowal and Nerang Cowal, fed by the water inflows of Bland and Sandy Creeks (and other minor tributaries) and the Lachlan River when flooding occurs. It is listed on the “National Estate Registrar”, Australian Directory of Important Wetlands. It also has the potential to be listed as a “Wetland of International Significance” under the RAMSAR Convention and is considered an environmentally sensitive area under the NSW Soil Conservation Act 1938. Lake Cowal is substantially inundated on average seven years out of ten. The lake bed was inundated during this current survey and could not be accessed.
Landforms found on and near the study area are mainly ephemeral lacustrine (e.g. Lake Cowal), extensive gilgai areas, stagnant alluvial plains with ephemeral drainage lines and low hills (e.g. Cowal West Hill) (FloraSearch, 2008). The terrain of the study area is flat to gently undulating, with a local relief of less than 20 metres (m) Australian Height Datum (AHD) between the alluvial plain and Cowal West Hill (FloraSearch, 2008). Gilgais form in high clay content soils subject to periods of extreme wetness and drought.
The study area is former cleared and semi-cleared farmland that was used for grazing of predominantly native pastures by livestock (FloraSearch, 2008). Grazing and cropping is still undertaken in areas outside of the mining lease boundary. The original native tree cover has largely been removed except for scattered individual trees. Cowal West Hill retains much of its original tree cover; however it has been thinned by logging of White Cypress Pine (Callitris glaucophylla) in the past (FloraSearch, 2008). The main land use within Mining Lease (ML) 1535 is now mining.
There are two Commonwealth Bureau of Meteorology weather stations near the study area at similar altitudes, Wyalong Post Office (Station 073054) (245 m AHD, 36 km southwest) and Quandialla Post Office (Station 073032) (250 m AHD, 54 km southeast) (Commonwealth Bureau of Meteorology [BoM] 2012a, 2012b). The mean annual rainfall at Wyalong Post Office and Quandialla Post Office is 480.9 and 530.6 millimetres (mm), respectively, and on average is distributed fairly evenly through the year (BoM, 2012a, 2012b). The study area experiences a mediterranean seasonal climate of cool to mild winters, hot summers and warm spring and autumn weather (FloraSearch, 2008).
1 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
1.3 Previous flora survey work Sivertson and Metcalfe (1995) described the vegetation on the Forbes 1:250,000 map sheet and Austin et al. (2000) analysed the vegetation of the Central Lachlan Region. The study of Sivertson and Metcalfe (1995) was of a broad scale and accordingly mapped only three vegetation communities in the Lake Cowal area. A number of distinct vegetation associations were identified for the region around Lake Cowal in the more detailed regional investigation of Austin et al. (2000).
Clements and Rodd (1995) conducted the initial vegetation surveys of part of the study area (ML 1535 and surrounds). Vegetation mapping for the Cowal Gold Project Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) (North Limited, 1998) and Cowal Gold Project Species Impact Statement (SIS) (Resource Strategies et al., 1997) was produced from studies by Charles Sturt University (1997). Bower mapped vegetation along the pipeline route to the approved CGM borefield on the eastern side of Lake Cowal (Bower, 2003a) and along the access road from West Wyalong to the approved Cowal Gold Mine (Bower, 2003b).
Targeted threatened species searches were conducted at the approved Cowal Gold Mine and pipeline (Bower, 1997, 1998a, 1998b, 2003a; Barrick (Cowal) Limited, 2003a), along the Temora to Cowal Electricity Transmission Line (Bower, 2003c; Country Energy, 2004) and along the approved Cowal Gold Mine access road upgrade (Bower, 2003b, 2003c; Barrick (Cowal) Limited, 2003b). Targeted searches have also occurred in the Cowal Gold mining lease and surrounds (Bower, 2003d).
Johnston (2005) conducted a project for the Lake Cowal Foundation to identify areas of quality remnant vegetation and to measure the species diversity, abundance and associated structural characteristics of representative vegetation communities within the Lake Cowal area. This project was conducted during spring of 2004 and included the investigation of 13 sites, none of which are within the current study area. FloraSearch (2008) conducted a flora assessment of a proposed modification to the approved Cowal Gold Mine. DnA Environmental (2008, 2010, 2011a, 2011b, 2011c) have annually investigated permanent monitoring sites across the study area in Eucalyptus camaldulensis woodland and Eucalyptus sideroxylon/Callitris endlicheri/ Eucalyptus dwyeri woodlands to assess changes in vegetation cover, species diversity and to determine the extent of regeneration.
Species recorded during previous surveys are listed in Appendix A.
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2 Methodology 2.1 Survey design The study area was stratified and survey sites randomly placed to sample and replicate the major spatial variables across the study area as described by current NSW survey guidelines (Department of Environment and Conservation 2004; Sivertson 2009). Strata used included soil landscapes, aspect, topography and previous disturbance history. Replication of all strata was attempted. Trees in largely cleared areas were considered on ArcGIS using aerial imagery. A total of 50 full floristic sites were allocated using the stratification technique (Figure 1). A further ten full floristic sites were set aside for assignment in the field, for the purpose of capturing unusual species associations that may not have been detected by remote sensing techniques (these were placed opportunistically when deemed necessary, such as within large gilgais). These 60 sites were then used for initial data analysis and mapping (LC labelled sites). A further 14 full floristic sites were subsequently placed to resolve issues regarding the delineation of Acacia pendula communities within the mining lease area. Full floristic sites were also associated with each of 56 condition assessment sites (LCB labelled sites) placed post- mapping. In total, 130 full floristic survey sites (LC and LCB) were placed over three survey periods.
The study comprised the following in accordance with current NSW survey guidelines (Department of Environment and Conservation 2004; Sivertson 2009): flora survey plots (20 x 20 m); vegetation condition analysis; statistical floristic analysis of sites; the determination of statistically derived communities; and the delineation of statistically derived communities on spatial imagery. In addition, rapid data points (RDPs; labelled LCR) recording canopy- and understorey dominants were also placed for the purpose of increasing mapping accuracy. A total of 65 RDP sites were surveyed throughout the study area.
RDPs are designed to assess the accuracy and spatial delineation of community distribution. RDPs were selected at regular locations to fill gaps in the vegetation across the study area not surveyed by full floristic survey sites. At each RDP, the three most dominant species in decreasing order of importance was recorded for the canopy layer, the shrub layer and ground layer. Location was recorded using a Global Positioning System (GPS). Broad condition was also assessed as described below. RDP data is only used to increase the accuracy of the final mapping product and is not incorporated into the statistical analysis.
Field surveys were completed in four stages. An initial survey was performed to map the vegetation communities and to preliminarily assess vegetation condition (28 to 30 October 2011). Following this preliminary vegetation mapping, two follow-up surveys were conducted within areas requiring further sampling effort and condition assessment sites were established and surveyed (13 to 16 December 2011 and 25 to 26 April 2012). A final assessment was undertaken to refine the boundaries of those areas of vegetation considered to represent endangered ecological communities (5 September 2012).
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Figure 1. Location of survey sites, mine boundary and offset areas within the study area.
4 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
2.2 Site and species information Individual taxa data for each quadrat were recorded. Species were scored in accordance with a modified Braun-Blanquet (1982) cover abundance six-ranking scale (Table 1). Vegetation structure was derived using the system developed by Walker and Hopkins (1990). This method uses growth form, height and crown cover of the dominant taxa in each of the strata layers that are identifiable. Altitude, slope, aspect and horizontal elevation were also recorded. Slope and horizontal elevation were measured using a ‘SUUNTO Optical Reading Clinometer’. Horizontal elevation was measured at eight equidistant compass bearings. Aspect was measured using a compass with reference to magnetic north. Site location and altitude were derived from a Garmin GPSMap60CS with reference to topographic maps. The datum used was AMG94. Photographs were taken at all sites using a digital camera capturing images of a minimum of eight megapixels. Taxa names follow PlantNet (Royal Botanic Gardens and DomainTrust 2012).
Table 1. Modified Braun-Blanquet cover abundance scale. Cover Code Projected Canopy Cover 1 <5% few individuals 2 <5% any number of individuals 3 6-25% 4 26-50% 5 51-75% 6 >75%
2.1 Floristics Coleman curves, which represent the mean values of repeated sampling of all pooled samples, can be used to predict expected numbers of species at a location. The smoothed Colman curves thus represent the statistical expectation for the corresponding acumulation curve. Coleman curves are different from accumulation curves, which record the total number of species found with addition sampling (species area curves), as they are produced by repeated resampling of the species pool at random. Sampling is done without replacement within each re-sampling. This repeated randomised sampling produces a smooth rarefaction curve and predicted total number of species. Here the algorithm of Incidence- Based Coverage Estimator (ICE) of species richness was used to generate the data for estimating the potential total species richness (Lee and Chao 1994). During these simulations 1,000 random samplings were used.
2.2 Data management ‘Paradox 12 for Windows’ (Corel 2006), a relational database, was used for data management, validation, storage and retrieval. ‘Parent’ tables were created with verified information that was used for data entry in ‘child’ tables allowing consistency in data entry (for example the spelling of species names) (Campbell 1984; McKenzie 1991; McKenzie et al. 1991). Three ‘parent’ tables were created to store information with six ‘child’ tables used for referential integrity, validation and data entry. The three ‘parent’ tables stored information relating to the taxa found and the quadrats placed. The region number and site number were the relational fields used to link the three main tables. These three record values are unique and duplicate values were not accepted by the database. The system was designed to minimise the number of keystrokes, and allow for subsequent specimen determinations and results of analyses to be incorporated later without disruption. Field data collected during a single field trip were added either at night in the field on a ‘note book’ computer or immediately on the days after returning from the field on the main computer. Thus, discrepancies could be sorted out while the relevant survey sites were fresh in the mind. Sorted data was exported to EXCEL spreadsheets prior to analysis.
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2.3 Multivariate analysis Initial exploratory analysis of sites was conducted using classification and ordination techniques available in PATN: Pattern Analysis Package (Belbin 2004). PATN was developed for manipulation, analysis and display of patterns in multivariate biological data (Belbin 1995a). Both classification and ordination were performed on data as each technique is complimentary and the use of both highlights anomalies produced by the other (Gauch 1982). Ordination will detect natural clusters if they are present and highlight overall trends clarifying relationships that were alluded to with classification (Belbin, 1991 1995a). However, strong discontinuities in survey data can affect the way ordination techniques display continuous variation (Faith 1991). Classification techniques will impose groups on continuous data even if they are not present (Belbin, 1991 1995a; Faith 1991). In such situations ‘chaining’ may occur whereby samples grow by accretion one by one rather than by fusion with other clusters (Goodall 1980). Even in such situations utility can be found in imposed divisions (Gauch 1982). Classification is useful in detecting outliers that may affect ordination procedures (strong discontinuity). This technique also aids in the detection of smaller groupings or trends within the data that may be difficult to see from an ordination where groupings may be less obvious (Faith 1991).
Site classification was achieved using the Kulczynski association measure that has proven to be a superior measure of association with ecological data (Faith et al. 1987; Belbin 1995b). Agglomerative hierarchical clustering using flexible Unweighted Pair Group arithMetic Averaging (UPGMA) was used for group joining, this optimises the hierarchy and not the groups. UPGMA gives equal weight to objects not groups in the fusion process thereby groups are weighted proportionally to the number of objects contained (Belbin 1995b). This method has been widely tested and is the most frequently used classification technique (Gauch 1982; Belbin 1995b) and it provides the best fit between the association measure and the distances implied from the dendrogram (Belbin 1991). Flexible UPGMA enables the value of β, which ranges from –0.1 to 1.0 to be changed; this controls the amount of space dilation during the fusion process (Belbin 1991; Belbin, 1995b). A β value of –0.1 was used to enable slight dilation to occur; this has been shown to better recover known partitions (Belbin 1995b).
Homogeneity analysis was used to assist in the appropriate level of dissimilarity at which circumscription of vegetation entities should occur. Only the results of classification are presented within this document. Ordination technique used the Kulzynski association measure and Semi- Strong-Hybrid Multi-Dimensional Scaling (stress = 0.223).
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2.4 Initial mapping and condition assessment site stratification The results of the multivariate analyses were used to initially delineate vegetation communities. The identity of each defined vegetation assemblage was tagged to the full floristic and RDP survey site within the database. Data from the 65 RDPs (LCR sites) improved the accuracy of initial vegetation community mapping prior to allocation of condition assessment sites.
Locations of the identified communities and their condition score were then re-projected onto aerial images within ArcMap 9.3. Notes taken on traverses, structural characterisitcs seen on aerial images and projected topographical information for these sites were used to delineate vegetation communities for mapping. This methodology follows the guidelines for vegetation mapping provided within the Native Vegetation Interim Type Standard (Sivertson 2009). Vegetation units were divided into two disturbance classes based on the scores obtained at each field site. Disturbance scores of 1 or 2 were combined and deliniated as moderate/good condition vegetation and scores of 3 were delineated as poor condition vegetation. Additional entities not defined by analysis were also mapped including man-made dams. This intial vegetation/condition map was used to assess the number and spatial placement of condition assessment sites across the study area.
Areas of the same vegetation community and condition were mapped. Using Department of Environment and Climate Change (2009) the number of condition assessment plots required was calculated (Table 2) and these were randomly placed within each vegetation zone.
Full floristics were recorded within the 20 x 20 m quadrat at each condition assessment site to improve community description.
The naming of communities is based on those overstorey species which are dominant within the community. Dominance is determined using the the results (fidelity x cover) from the PATN analysis (Belbin, 2004) which is used to assign community groups.
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Table 2. Area for each vegetation type and condition, and number of sites (LCB) required for survey.
Area of condition-category 1 Area of condition Total Map Unit No of Sites No of Sites & 2 category 3 Sites C1: Weeping Myall – Belah – Poplar Box Shrubland and Woodland 282 ha 8 8
C2: Spear Grass – Windmill Grass Grassland and Low Open Grassy 2208 ha 8 664 ha 7 15 Woodland C3: Inland Grey Box – Belah – Poplar Box Woodland 214 ha 5 5
C4: Mugga Ironbark – Dwyer’s Red Gum – White Cypress Pine 83 ha 5 5 Woodland C5: Wallaby Grass – Spear Grass – Windmill Grass Grassland 11 ha 3 3
C6: Coolah Grass – Blue Grass Grassland 6 ha 3 3
C7: Sedgeland/Herbfield 80 ha 6 <1 ha 6
C8: River Red Gum Woodland and Forest 87 ha 5 5
C9: Dwyer’s Red Gum – Black Cypress Pine – Black Cypress Pine 160 ha 6 6 Woodland C10: Cropping Inspection only 1389 ha Inspection only
C11: Plantings 110 ha Inspection only Inspection only
Total 3235 ha 46 2059 ha 10 56
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2.5 Final mapping product To maximise the accuracy of the final vegetation mapping product, the final map presented here incorporates the following data and refinements: RDP sites (coded as LCR) were added to the aerial map to enhance the mapping accuracy by delineating fine-scale details; ground truthing of the draft mapping was conducted during the placement of condition assessment sites across the study area and any amendments were incorporated into the final mapping product. In total, the final mapping product incorporates 130 full floristic site (60 utilised in the analysis; LC coded sites) and 65 rapid data sites. The location of these sites is shown in Figure 1.
2.6 Endangered Ecological Communites Determination of the boundaries of Endangered Ecological Communities within the study area was undertaken utilising the following resources. 1. Data from survey site (full floristic, condition assessment and rapid data points). 2. Vegetation analysis results. 3. Descriptive characteristics/criteria of the community in relevant TSC Act final determinations and EPBC Act listing advice (Appendices F to I). 4. Lists of species considered to be associated with the potential EEC. 5. Aerial imagery. 6. Ground truthing of mapping outcomes. 7. Vegetation condition mapping.
Large portions of the study area consist of native derived grasslands. These grasslands may be included within the boundaries of an EEC if they meet certain criteria as described in relevant NSW TSC Act final determinations and Commonwealth EPBC Act listing advice. Criteria considered include proximity to identified stands of the relevant EEC with an indicative canopy layer, native species composition of the ground layer, soils, topography, degree of past disturbance and indications of past canopy through the presence of isolated canopy trees, dead identifiable canopy trees or regenerating canopy trees.
2.7 Potential threatened species A set of potential threatened species that may occur within the study area has been derived (Table 3) using the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) Wildlife Atlas (Office of Environment and Heritage 2011a), Threatened Species Profile Database (Office of Environment and Heritage 2011b) and the Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (DSEWPaC) Protected Matters Search Tool (Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities 2011).
Targeted searches for these species were conducted throughout the accessable study area. At each of the initial 60 full floristic survey sites a half hour general threatened species search was conducted (i.e. random meanders) (Figure 2). Incidental searches were also undertaken at RDP and condition assessment sites. A specific targeted search was conducted for the Austral Pilwort (Pilularia novae- hollandiae) concentrating on previously know locations (FloraSearch 2008), wetland and gilgai areas and in other places that may contain suitable habitat (Figure 2). However, due to the species sporadic appearance it is likely that searches within one season and year may not detect the species. Searches were not restricted to the species listed in Table 3.
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Table 3 Threatened flora species that may occur within the study area. Conservation Status1 Potential to Occur in Species TSC Act EPBC Act the Study Area Acacia ausfeldii (Ausfeld’s Wattle) V - Unlikely Austrostipa metatoris V V Potential Austrostipa wakoolica E E High Potential Diuris tricolor (Painted Diuris) V - Unlikely Eleocharis obicis (Striate Spike-sedge) V V High Potential Kippistia suaedifolia (Fleshy Minuria) E - High Potential Lepidium aschersonii (Spiny Peppercress) V V High Potential Lepidium monoplocoides (Winged Lepidium) E E High Potential Philotheca ericifolia - V Unlikely Pilularia novae-hollandiae (Austral Pillwort) E - Very High Potential Senecio garlandii (Woolly Ragwort) V V Unlikely Swainsona murrayana (Slender Darling Pea) V V Potential 1 Threatened flora species status under the TSC Act and/or EPBC Act (current at 16 April 2012).
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Figure 2. Location of targeted searches for threatened flora and additional targeted searches specifically for Pilularia novae-hollandiae.
11 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
3 Results 3.1 Floristics A total of 451 flora species from 80 plant families have been recorded within the Cowal Gold Mine and surrounds from 1995 to April 2012.
The number of species predicted to occur within the study area based on ICE analysis is 346.The ICE analysis is based on the current findings from the current season of investigation which excluded the lake bed. The predicted number of species is less than the number of flora species currently known which indicates that there is significant seasonal variation or that there are significant increases in species to be found within the Lake Cowal bed which could not be assessed at this present time. 3.2 Community definition Nine native vegetation communities were recognised based on analysis of the initial 60 full floristic survey sites (LC ) (Figure 3). An additional two mapping units were also defined: cropping (C10) and plantings (C11). The dendrogram showing the results of the analysis can be found in Appendix B and the location coordinates for each site in Appendix C. Floristic Data for all RDP (LCR) sites is recorded in Appendix D and for full floristic sites in Appendix E.
12 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Figure 3. Mapped distribution of all vegetation communities.
13 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
3.3 Community and map unit descriptions Within the community descriptions below, notes are provided on the number of species found. This number is the total number of species found within survey sites and is not a complete list of all potential species but a reflection of survey effort, season of survey and prevailing regional climate within each year. Upper, lower and average species richness scores of taxa per plot are given based on survey effort and the climatic conditions and time of year of survey.
3.3.1 Community C1: Weeping Myall – Belah – Poplar Box Shrubland and Woodland
Keith Formation: Semi-arid woodlands (grassy sub-formation): Riverine Plain Woodlands. Nearest Vegetation Type: Weeping Myall open woodland of the Riverina of NSW South Western Slopes Bioregions [LA212]. NSW Vegetation Classification and Assessment (VCA): 26: CE/5a Weeping Myall open woodland of the Riverina and NSW South Western Slopes Bioregions (Benson et al. 2006).
TSC Act: Myall Woodland in the Darling Riverine Plains, Brigalow Belt South, Cobar Peneplain, Murray-Darling Depression, Riverina and NSW South Western Slopes Bioregions: EEC (NSW Scientific Committee 2011a) . EPBC Act: Weeping Myall Woodlands: EEC (Threatened Species Scientific Committee 2008) .
Sample sites (20): LC1, LC2, LC3, LC8, LC12, LC13, LC66, LC67, LC68, LC69, LC70, LC71, LC72, LC73, LC74, LC75, LC76, LC77, LC78, LC79. Rapid sites (6): LCR3, LCR22, LCR48, LCR50, LCR51, LCR57. Condition Sites (8): LCB14, LCB15, LCB29, LCB30, LCB35, LCB44, LCB45, LCB48.
Number of hectares: 282 Proportion of study area: 2.48% Mapping notes: The current extent of this community is based on the location of sites where Weeping Myall (Acacia pendula) occurs and sites that are floristically aligned to these in the analysis (Figure 4). The close association of the grassland areas of community C2 with community C1 in the analysis (Appendix B) suggests that sections of community C2 maybe derived from the clearing of community C1. Further notes on the mapping of this unit are provided in Section 3.1.
Stands of this community have been identified which conformed to criteria in the final determination (TSC Act) and the listing advice (EPBC Act) for Weeping Myall Woodland (Figure 22). Included within the EEC mapping are portions that are considered to represent a derived grassland (community C2) form of Weeping Myall Woodland. Two categories apply EEC – TSC Weeping Myall and EEC – TSC_EPBC Weeping Myall. Interpretation of the criteria in the TSC final determination (NSW Scientific Committee 2011a) and EPBC listing advice (Threatened Species Scientific Committee 2008) is provided in Appendices F and G.
Environmental relationships: Restricted to clay soils on low lying areas.
No. of taxa: 124 No. of taxa per plot: 16-27-38.
Most common natives: Listed in order of decreasing summed cover scores (fidelity x cover). Trees: Acacia pendula, Eucalyptus populnea, Casuarina cristata, Eucalyptus camaldulensis. Tall shrubs/low trees: Alectryon oleifolius, Geijera parviflora. Shrubs: Sclerolaena muricata, Salsola kali, Sclerolaena birchii, Atriplex semibaccata, Enchylaena tomentosa, Sclerolaena diacantha, Maireana microphylla, Maireana coronata, Eremophila mitchellii, Maireana enchylaenoides, Atriplex stipitata. Climbers & trailers: Convolvulus graminetinus, Desmodium gunnii.
14 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Ground cover: Enteropogon acicularis, Marsilea drummondii, Austrostipa scabra, Sporobolus caroli, Carex inversa, Austrostipa blackii, Austrodanthonia setacea, Vittadinia cuneata, Einadia nutans, Einadia polygonoides, Dichondra repens, Goodenia glabra, Austrodanthonia caespitosa, Solanum esuriale, Paspalidium jubiflorum, Paspalidium constrictum, Cynodon dactylon, Oxalis perennans, Juncus aridicola, Sida fibulifera, Juncus radula, Walwhalleya proluta, Sporobolus mitchellii, Sida trichopoda, Eleocharis plana, Digitaria hystrichoides, Calocephalus citreus, Juncus usitatus, Chamaesyce drummondii, Austrodanthonia fulva, Alternanthera sp. A, Wahlenbergia gracilenta, Schenkia spicata, Rumex brownii, Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum, Austrostipa aristiglumis, Wahlenbergia multicaulis, Sida corrugata, Sida ammophila, Pratia concolor, Lachnagrostis filiformis, Euchiton sphaericus, Elymus rectisetus, Eclipta platyglossa, Calotis lappulacea, Alternanthera denticulata. Introduced taxa: Lolium perenne, Sonchus oleraceus, Conyza bonariensis, Sisymbrium erysimoides, Lepidium africanum, Lycium ferocissimum, Echium plantagineum, Medicago polymorpha, Malva parviflora, Hordeum marinum, Cirsium vulgare, Lepidium bonariense, Lactuca serriola, Bromus diandrus, Trifolium arvense, Oxalis pes-caprae, Hordeum glaucum, Xanthium occidentale, Trifolium tomentosum, Rapistrum rugosum, Phalaris paradoxa, Paspalum dilatatum, Marrubium vulgare, Spergularia rubra, Lamarckia aurea, Gamochaeta coarctata, Avena ludoviciana. Percent of species introduced: 21%
General notes: Beadle (1981) describes an ‘Acacia pendula Alliance’ which forms an open woodland or tree savannah. It is generally restricted to the 350 to 450 mm isohyet range on grey to brown self- mulching deeply cracking clays or more rarely on red brown earths. Weeping Myall (Acacia pendula) sets few fruits and seeds and germination is generally poor with only sporadic recruitment in the field (Beadle 1981). The foliage is palatable and young plants are susceptible to grazing by introduced animals. Pure stands of Weeping Myall (Acacia pendula) usually occur alongside streams or salt tolerant shrublands or in depressions in grasslands. Beadle (1981) describes the southern occurrences as commonly containing an open shrubby understorey of Atriplex spp. and Leaf-less Bluebush (Maireana aphylla) with a grassy intermixture of Plains Grass (Austrostipa aristiglumis) and Never-fail (Eragrostis setifolia) where grazing has been minimal or Windmill Grass (Chloris truncata) and Fairy Grass (Sporobolus caroli) with annuals where grazing has been heavier. FloraSearch (2008) mapped stands of Weeping Myall/Belah Woodland in the mining area (Figure D-3 of FloraSearch, 2008) during an assessment for the Cowal Gold Mine E42 Modification. This is supported by results from the current survey.
Photographs of community C1 are shown on Plates 1 and 2.
15 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Figure 4. Mapped distribution, condition and location of survey sites for community C1.
16 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Plate 1. Photographs of community C1; above Site LC01, below Site LCR22 (regenerating Acacia pendula).
17 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Plate 2. Photographs of community C1; above Site LC12, below Site LC13.
18 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
3.3.2 Community C2: Spear Grass – Windmill Grass Grassland and Low Open Grassy Woodland
Keith Formation: Grasslands: Western Slopes Grasslands. Nearest Vegetation Type: Derived tussock grasslands of the central western plains and lower slopes of NSW [LA138]. NSW VCA: 250: LC/2b Derived tussock grasslands of the central western plains and lower slopes of NSW.
TSC Act: Portions of community C2 are considered to represent a derived grassland form of Myall Woodland in the Darling Riverine Plains, Brigalow Belt South, Cobar Peneplain, Murray-Darling Depression, Riverina and NSW South Western Slopes Bioregions: EEC (NSW Scientific Committee 2011a). EPBC Act: Portions of community C2 are considered to represent a derived grassland form of Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa) Grassy Woodlands and Derived Native Grasslands of South-Eastern Australia EEC (Threatened Species Scientific Committee 2008).
Sample sites (13): LC5, LC19, LC25, LC26, LC33, LC35, LC38, LC39, LC42, LC44, LC49, , LC55. Rapid sites (26): LCR5, LCR7, LCR9, LCR12, LCR13, LCR14, LCR16, LCR19, LCR21, LCR23, LCR24, LCR28, LCR32, LCR33, LCR36, LCR37, LCR40, LCR43, LCR45, LCR47, LCR49, LCR55, LCR60, LCR61, LCR62, LCR65. Condition sites (14): LCB2, LCB6, LCB7, LCB9, LCB13, LCB 18, LCB40, LCB41, LCB42, LCB49, LCB50, LCB53, LCB54, LCB 55.
Number of hectares: 2872 Proportion of study area: 25.22% Mapping notes: A majority of this community is derived grassland which may represent cleared areas of community C1 and community C3 (Figure 5). Some areas are likely to have been more open and may have included original, non-derived grassland intermingled within this matrix. However it was not possible at this stage to determine if or where these original grasslands may have occurred within the landscape. Mapping grassland boundaries can be difficult. Community C7, which is associated with gilgais, is found within many areas of community C2. Community C2 has been mapped under three different conditions. These three condition codes are largely based on weed abundance and cover and site disturbances. Areas that have been classed as poor were dominated by weed species and in most instances the dominance and richness of weed species was related to how recently clearing activities (primarily cropping) have occurred. Some areas were only recently cropped, probably within the last year and had very little native vegetation cover. These could have been mapped as cropped lands but as no crops were currently planted they were placed within community C2. In addition anecdotal evidence suggests that only a few years are required for the fields to be recolonised by native species and for a marked reduction in weed species to occur. This suggests that areas of derived grassland could be increased by the removal of cropping in locations where it is occurring.
Environmental relationships: Primarily a derived assemblage. This community is the most extensive single mapped unit throughout the study area and occurs in all topographic positions.
No. of taxa: 164 No. of taxa per plot: 14-23-35.
Most common natives: Listed in order of decreasing summed cover scores (fidelity x cover). Trees: Eucalyptus populnea, Brachychiton populneus, Callitris glaucophylla, Alectryon oleifolius. Tall shrubs/low trees: Hakea tephrosperma, Geijera parviflora.
19 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Shrubs: Atriplex spinibractea, Sclerolaena muricata, Maireana microphylla, Salsola kali, Maireana enchylaenoides, Sclerolaena birchii, Atriplex semibaccata, Maireana coronata. Climbers & trailers: Convolvulus graminetinus, Parsonsia eucalyptophylla. Ground cover: Austrostipa scabra subsp. scabra, Austrostipa blackii, Enteropogon acicularis, Vittadinia cuneata, Dichondra repens, Chloris truncata, Austrodanthonia caespitosa, Solanum esuriale, Austrodanthonia setacea, Walwhalleya proluta, Cynodon dactylon, Oxalis perennans, Digitaria hystrichoides, Schenkia spicata, Juncus aridicola, Cheilanthes sieberi, Sida corrugata, Lachnagrostis filiformis, Chamaesyce drummondii, Wahlenbergia gracilenta, Eriochloa pseudoacrotricha, Carex inversa, Wahlenbergia multicaulis, Juncus radula, Goodenia pinnatifida, Euchiton sphaericus, Boerhavia dominii, Juncus usitatus, Calotis cuneifolia, Austrostipa aristiglumis, Sporobolus caroli, Eragrostis lacunaria, Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum, Einadia nutans, Diplachne fusca, Bothriochloa decipiens, Thysanotus bauera, Pratia concolor, Plantago turrifera, Eragrostis parviflora, Daucus glochidiatus, Calotis lappulacea, Calocephalus citreus, Brachyscome lineariloba, Xerochrysum bracteatum, Paspalidium constrictum, Panicum simile, Erodium crinitum, Elymus rectisetus, Eleocharis pusilla, Eclipta platyglossa, Dysphania pumilio, Calocephalus sonderi, Austrostipa scabra subsp. falcata. Introduced taxa: Lolium perenne, Conyza bonariense, Echium plantagineum, Sonchus oleraceus, Avena ludoviciana, Vulpia bromoides, Medicago polymorpha, Hordeum glaucum, Trifolium angustifolium, Lactuca serriola, Lepidium africanum, Chondrilla juncea, Cirsium vulgare, Trifolium arvense, Hypochaeris glabra, Medicago truncatula, Hordeum marinum, Erodium cicutarium, Centaurea melitensis, Trifolium tomentosum, Sisymbrium erysimoides, Medicago laciniata, Malvastrum americanum, Heliotropium europaeum, Verbascum virgatum, Trifolium repens, Trifolium dubium, Setaria parviflora, Polycarpon tetraphyllum, Phalaris paradoxa, Paronychia brasiliana, Gamochaeta coarctata, Eragrostis cilianensis, Cucumis myriocarpus, Centaurea solstitialis, Bromus hordeaceus, Arctotheca calendula, Solanum nigrum, Polygonum aviculare, Oxalis pes-caprae, Marrubium vulgare, Malva parviflora, Lycium ferocissimum, Bromus diandrus. Percent of species introduced: 27%
General notes: Six weeks separated the initial survey (late October) and the condition assessment survey (mid December). The delay was due to extreme wet weather conditions that made traversing the study area difficult to impossible within the intervening time. Over this six weeks, some marked changes in composition and dominance where noted. In particularly many annual grass weeds (e.g. Lolium) were greatly reduced in abundance and cover and as such areas which had a high percentage cover of weeds (over 50%), had less than 50% weed cover by December. Similarly, the early spring native grasses were being replaced by summer grasses. For instance, Silky Browntop (Eulalia aurea) and Early Spring Grass (Eriochloa pseudoacrotricha) amongst many others were becoming more prominent.
Photographs of community C2 are shown on Plates 3 and 4.
20 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Figure 5. Mapped distribution, condition and location of survey sites for community C2. Location of EEC’s shaded.
21 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Plate 3. Photographs of community C2; above Site LC5, below Site LCR55.
22 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Plate 4. Photographs of community C2; above Site LC33, below Site LCB42.
23 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
3.3.3 Community C3: Inland Grey Box – Belah – Poplar Box Woodland
Keith Formation: Grassy Woodlands: Floodplain Transitional Woodlands. Nearest Vegetation Type: Mixed box Woodland on low sandy-loam rises on alluvial plains in central western NSW [LA161]. NSW VCA: 248: E/5a Mixed box Woodland on low sandy-loam rises on alluvial plains in central western NSW.
TSC Act: Not applicable. EPBC Act: Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa) Grassy Woodlands and Derived Native Grasslands of South- Eastern Australia EEC (Threatened Species Scientific Committee 2010).
Sample sites (11): LC17, LC20, LC21, LC24, LC27, LC34, LC36, LC37, LC46, LC53, LC60. Rapid sites (7): LCR4, LCR10, LCR11, LCR38, LCR59, LCR64. Condition sites (5): LCB8, LCB12, LCB36, LCB51, LCB52.
Number of hectares: 214 Proportion of study area: 1.88% Mapping notes: The current extent of this community is based on the presence and dominance of Inland Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa) and areas that may have once contained this species as indicated by the overall floristic similarity shown in the analysis (Figure 6). Many of the grassland areas (community C2) that are now cleared are likely to be derived from this community and community C1. Community C3 intergrades with community C4 and boundaries between these may not be exact. Community C7, which is associated with gilgais, is interspersed within community C3 and thus there is not always a way to demarcate clearly a separation between these communities (for more on these see notes on community C7). Poplar box (Eucalyptus populnea subsp. bimbil) is a commonly associated-dominant in both community C1 and community C3. Some areas are primarily dominated by Belah (Casuarina cristata) and have little or no Inland Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa) but have aligned within the analysis as they share similar understorey species.
Environmental relationships: Found throughout the study area on clay to clay loam soils and in general on more elevated sites than community C1 but on less elevated sites than community C4 or C9.
No. of taxa: 118 No. of taxa per plot: 15-25-34.
Most common natives: Listed in order of decreasing summed cover scores (fidelity x cover). Trees: Eucalyptus microcarpa, Casuarina cristata, Eucalyptus populnea subsp. bimbil, Eucalyptus sideroxylon, Callitris glaucophylla, Brachychiton populneus. Tall shrubs/low trees: Geijera parviflora, Alectryon oleifolius, Allocasuarina luehmannii, Hakea tephrosperma, Acacia oswaldii, Apophyllum anomalum. Shrubs: Sclerolaena muricata, Atriplex spinibractea, Maireana microphylla, Salsola kali, Sclerolaena birchii, Enchylaena tomentosa, Atriplex semibaccata, Chenopodium desertorum, Maireana enchylaenoides, Maireana aphylla, Eremophila mitchellii. Ground cover: Austrostipa scabra subsp. scabra, Enteropogon acicularis, Einadia nutans, Austrostipa blackii, Austrodanthonia caespitosa, Einadia polygonoides, Carex inversa, Austrodanthonia setacea, Vittadinia cuneata, Dichondra repens, Paspalidium constrictum, Sida corrugata, Calotis cuneifolia, Rumex brownii, Oxalis perennans, Juncus aridicola, Bulbine semibarbata, Walwhalleya proluta, Solanum esuriale, Boerhavia dominii, Austrostipa aristiglumis, Sporobolus mitchellii, Goodenia pinnatifida, Elymus rectisetus, Cheilanthes sieberi, Alternanthera denticulata, Wahlenbergia gracilenta, Thyridolepis mitchelliana, Lepidium pseudohyssopifolium, Gonocarpus elatus, Eleocharis plana, Walwhalleya subxerophila, Vittadinia cervicularis, Triptilodiscus pygmaeus, Sporobolus caroli, Paspalidium jubiflorum, Panicum effusum,
24 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Lachnagrostis filiformis, Juncus usitatus, Eragrostis parviflora, Dichondra sp. A, Crassula sieberiana, Crassula peduncularis, Dysphania pumilio, Chamaesyce drummondii, Austrodanthonia eriantha, Abutilon oxycarpum. Introduced taxa: Lolium perenne, Echium plantagineum, Sisymbrium erysimoides, Lycium ferocissimum, Hordeum glaucum, Lepidium africanum, Conyza bonariensis, Avena ludoviciana, Sonchus oleraceus, Medicago polymorpha, Bromus diandrus, Lactuca serriola, Medicago truncatula, Marrubium vulgare, Chondrilla juncea, Solanum nigrum, Malva parviflora, Hypochaeris glabra, Hordeum marinum, Xanthium spinosum, Xanthium occidentale, Trifolium arvense, Trifolium angustifolium, Spergularia rubra, Sisymbrium irio, Oxalis pes-caprae, Lamarckia aurea, Erodium cicutarium, Cucumis myriocarpus, Cirsium vulgare, Arctotheca calendula. Percent of species introduced: 26%
General notes: Considered endangered by Benson et al. (2006) and listed as 80% cleared within the Lachlan CMA this is a community of significance. Inland Grey Box Woodland in the Riverina, NSW South Western Slopes, Cobar Peneplain, Nandewar and Brigalow Belt South Bioregions is listed as an EEC under the TSC Act however this listing is stated to include the Benson et al. (2006) types ID76, ID81, ID82, ID110 and ID237, whereas it is believed that this community in the study area is closer to ID248. This community was certainly once more extensive within the study area and is a highly cleared assemblage.
There are a number of assemblages listed under the vegetation types that may conform to this broader type as described here and within a less cleared landscape and with a greater level of sampling these may have separated into different Inland Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa) dominated units in the analysis. For example there is a transitional stage between the lower lying E. microcarpa and the ridge communities which may conform to the vegetation types of “Bulloak – White Cypress Pine Woodland mainly in the NSW South Western Slopes Bioregion (Benson 54)” or “Dwyer’s Red Gum – White Cypress Pine – Currawang Shrubby Woodland mainly of the NSW South Western Bioregion (Benson 185)”. Appendices H and I assesses the clauses in the final determination/listing advice for Inland Grey Box Woodland and relates them to community C3.
The Commonwealth listing advice for the EEC Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa) Grassy Woodlands and Derived Native Grasslands of South-Eastern Australia under the EPBC Act list Benson et al. (2006) community ID 248 as a component of this EEC. For this reason community C3 matches the listing criteria for Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa) Grassy Woodlands and Derived Native EEC (Appendix I).
Photographs of community C3 are shown on Plates 5 and 6.
25 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Figure 6. Mapped distribution and location of survey sites for community C3.
26 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Plate 5. Photographs of community C3; above Site LC53, below Site LC37.
27 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Plate 6. Photographs of community C3; above Site LC46, below Site LC60.
28 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
3.3.4 Community C4: Mugga Ironbark – Dwyer’s Red Gum – White Cypress Pine Woodland
Keith Formation: Semi-arid Woodlands (Shrubby sub-formation): Inland Rocky Hill Woodlands. Nearest Vegetation Type: Dwyer’s Red Gum – White Cypress Pine – Currawang Shrubby Woodland mainly of the NSW South Western Slopes Bioregion [LA144]. NSW VCA: 185: LC/4a Dwyer’s Red Gum – White Cypress Pine – Currawang Shrubby Woodland mainly of the NSW South Western Slopes Bioregion.
TSC Act: Not applicable. EPBC Act: Not applicable.
Sample sites (5): LC45, LC47, LC56, LC57, LC58. Rapid sites (5): LCR29, LCR30, LCR31, LCR63. Condition sites (4): LCB20, LCB21, LCB22, LCB43.
Number of hectares: 83 Proportion of study area: 0.78% Mapping notes: Some of this community (Figure 7) has been extensively cleared. These locations would now be included in the grassland of community C2 (Figure 5). Some areas are lacking an overstorey and are largely dominated by shrubs such as Acacia spp. and Senna spp. The community as found within the study area is decidedly less shrubby than that described for this unit but this could be due to clearing and grazing activities and potentially due to this being a more transitional community from shrub- to grass- dominated understorey.
Environmental relationships: Found on upper slopes and hills often on shallow soils.
No. of taxa: 85 No. of taxa per plot: 9-18-33.
Most common natives: Listed in order of decreasing summed cover scores (fidelity x cover). Trees: Eucalyptus sideroxylon, Eucalyptus dwyeri, Callitris glaucophylla, Eucalyptus populnea, Eucalyptus microcarpa, Brachychiton populneus. Tall shrubs/low trees: Geijera parviflora, Allocasuarina luehmannii. Shrubs: Acacia decora, Maireana microphylla, Atriplex spinibractea, Maireana enchylaenoides, Cassinia hewsoniae, Acacia deanei, Sclerolaena birchii, Atriplex semibaccata, Acacia pravissima, Dodonaea viscosa, Acacia implexa, Acacia doratoxylon. Climbers & trailers: Convolvulus graminetinus, Glycine tabacina. Ground cover: Austrostipa scabra, Enteropogon acicularis, Einadia hastata, Einadia nutans, Austrodanthonia setacea, Austrodanthonia eriantha, Dysphania pumilio, Vittadinia cuneata, Cheilanthes sieberi, Austrodanthonia caespitosa, Sida corrugata, Goodenia hederacea, Gonocarpus elatus, Digitaria hystrichoides, Sida cunninghamii, Dichondra repens, Calotis cuneifolia, Bulbine semibarbata, Bulbine bulbosa, Boerhavia dominii, Vittadinia muelleri, Paspalidium constrictum, Panicum effusum, Oxalis perennans, Eragrostis leptostachya, Elymus rectisetus, Einadia polygonoides, Crassula sieberiana, Calandrinia eremaea, Austrostipa densiflora, Zaleya galericulata, Xerochrysum bracteatum, Walwhalleya proluta, Wahlenbergia tumidifructa, Stellaria sp. B, Solanum esuriale, Rumex brownii, Lomandra multiflora subsp. multiflora, Lachnagrostis filiformis, Juncus remotiflorus, Eriochloa pseudoacrotricha, Einadia trigonos, Digitaria parviflora, Chenopodium desertorum, Aristida anthoxanthoides, Alternanthera sp. A. Introduced taxa: Lolium perenne, Sonchus oleraceus, Solanum nigrum, Lycium ferocissimum, Hordeum glaucum, Echium plantagineum, Conyza bonariensis, Bromus diandrus, Arctotheca calendula, Sisymbrium erysimoides, Spergularia rubra, Marrubium vulgare, Lepidium africanum, Hordeum marinum, Cucumis myriocarpus.
29 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Percent of species introduced: 17%
General notes: This assemblage intergrades between community C3 and community C9 and at times could be described as the vegetation type “Bulloak – White Cypress Pine Woodland mainly in the NSW South Western Slopes Bioregion (Benson 54)” on lower slopes as the transition to community C3 occurs.
Photographs of community C4 are shown on Plates 7 and 8.
30 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Figure 7. Mapped distribution, condition and location of survey sites for community C4.
31 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Plate 7. Photographs of community C4; above Site LC45, below Site LC56.
32 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Plate 8. Photographs of community C4; above Site LC57, below Site LC58.
33 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
3.3.5 Community C5: Wallaby Grass – Spear Grass – Windmill Grass Grassland
Keith Formation: Grasslands: Riverine Plain Grasslands. Nearest Vegetation Type: No direct equivalent. NSW VCA: No direct equivalent potentially within 250: LC/2b Derived Tussock Grasslands of the central western plains and lower slopes of NSW.
TSC Act: Not applicable. EPBC Act: Not applicable.
Sample sites (1): LC10. Rapid sites (1): LCR56. Condition sites (2): LCB27, LCB28..
Number of hectares: 11 Proportion of study area: 0.1% Mapping notes: This derived grassland community is interspersed within community C2. The location of these grasslands suggests that it may be a derived version of either community C1 or C3 or both. Its mapping occurrence required on-ground assistance as delineation from satellite imagery alone was insufficient (Figure 8).
Environmental relationships: Found in isolated occurrences in low lying areas.
No. of taxa: 41 No. of taxa per plot: 17-19-19.
Most common natives: Listed in order of decreasing summed cover scores (fidelity x cover). Shrubs: Sclerolaena diacantha, Salsola kali, Maireana coronata, Sclerolaena muricata, Maireana enchylaenoides. Climbers & trailers: Convolvulus graminetinus. Ground cover: Austrodanthonia caespitosa, Enteropogon acicularis, Vittadinia cuneata, Sida fibulifera, Austrostipa scabra subsp. falcata, Solanum esuriale, Ptilotus spathulatus, Chamaesyce drummondii, Calocephalus citreus, Austrodanthonia setacea, Walwhalleya proluta, Wahlenbergia gracilenta, Triptilodiscus pygmaeus, Sporobolus caroli, Schenkia spicata, Rhodanthe corymbiflora, Ptilotus semilanatus, Hyalosperma semisterile, Hyalosperma glutinosum, Digitaria hystrichoides, Wahlenbergia multicaulis, Sida trichopoda, Goodenia glabra, Chrysocephalum apiculatum, Chloris truncata, Calotis lappulacea, Austrostipa scabra subsp. scabra. Introduced taxa: Conyza bonariense, Heliotropium amplexicaule, Sonchus oleraceus, Cucumis myriocarpus. Percent of species introduced: 11%
General Notes: A derived grassland. No direct vegetation type equivalent, though this is not unusual for grassland types which have often been under-sampled historically.
A photograph of community C5 is shown on Plate 9.
34 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Figure 8. Mapped distribution, condition and location of survey sites for community C5.
35 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Plate 9. Photograph of community C5; Site LC10.
36 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
3.3.6 Community C6: Coolah Grass – Blue Grass Grassland
Keith Formation: Grassland: Riverine Plain Grassland. Nearest Vegetation Type: No direct equivalent but potentially similar to Plains Grass Grassland on alluvial dark grey clays of central NSW [LA174]. NSW NCA: No direct equivalent but potentially similar to 45: V/5a Plains Grass Grassland on alluvial dark grey clays of central NSW.
TSC Act: Not applicable. EPBC Act: Not applicable.
Sample sites (1): LC40. Rapid sites (0): none. Condition sites (3): LCB3, LCB4, LCB5.
Number of hectares: 6 Proportion of study area: 0.07%
Mapping notes: This derived grassland community is interspersed within community C2 (Figure 9). The location of these grasslands suggests that it may be a derived version of either community C1 or C3 or both.
Environmental relationships: Found on low lying areas where waterlogging may occur within the soil profile in heavily grazed paddocks.
No. of taxa: 40 No. of taxa per plot: 12-19-28. Most common natives: Listed in order of decreasing summed cover scores (fidelity x cover). Ground cover: Walwhalleya, proluta (Coolah Grass), Boerhavia dominii, Dichanthium sericeum (Queensland Blue Grass), Oxalis perennans, Euchiton sphaericus, Eriochloa pseudoacrotricha, Dichondra sp. A, Chloris truncata, Juncus remotiflorus, Eragrostis lacunaria, Enteropogon acicularis, Digitaria hystrichoides, Chamaesyce drummondii, Alternanthera sp. A. Vittadinia cuneata, Urochloa gilesii, Sporobolus caroli, Sida sp. A, Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum, Pratia concolor, Goodenia glabra, Einadia nutans, Centipeda thespidioides. Introduced taxa: Conyza bonariense, Heliotropium amplexicaule, Sonchus oleraceus, Cucumis myriocarpus, Xanthium occidentale, Phalaris paradoxa, Medicago polymorpha, Hordeum glaucum, Echium plantagineum, Avena ludoviciana, Lepidium africanum, Cirsium vulgare, Oxalis pes-caprae, Malva parviflora, Gamochaeta coarctata, Bromus diandrus. Percent of species introduced: 40%
General notes: No direct vegetation type equivalent, though this is not unusual for grassland types which have often been under-sampled historically. This community had a high number of weedy taxa and was largely in more waterlogged and heavier soils than some of the other grassland types and was also more heavily grazed.
A photograph of community C6 is shown on Plate 10.
37 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Figure 9. Mapped distribution, condition and location of survey sites for community C6.
38 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Plate 10. Photograph of community C6; Site LC40.
39 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
3.3.7 Community C7: Sedgeland/Herbfield
Keith Formation: Freshwater Wetlands: Inland Floodplain Swamps. Nearest Vegetation Type: No direct equivalents but most similar to Semi-permanent Open Freshwater Wetlands of the inland slopes and plains [LA197] or Shallow Freshwater Mixed Marsh Sedgeland of northern-western NSW floodplains [LA198]. NSW NCA: No direct equivalents but most similar to 238: NT/5a Semi-permanent Open Freshwater Wetlands of the inland slopes and plains or Shallow Freshwater Mixed Marsh Sedgeland of northern- western NSW floodplains.
TSC Act: In some locations this community is surrounded by and forms part of the EEC Myall Woodland in the Darling Riverine Plains, Brigalow Belt South, Cobar Peneplain, Murray-Darling Depression, Riverina and NSW South Western Slopes Bioregions (NSW Scientific Committee 2011a) EPBC Act: In some locations this community is surrounded by and forms part of the EEC Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa) Grassy Woodlands and Derived Native Grasslands of South-Eastern Australia EEC (Threatened Species Scientific Committee 2010).
Sample sites (7): LC4, LC6, LC7, LC9, LC15, LC 51, LC52, LC59. Rapid sites (3): LCR42, LCR52, LCR54. Condition sites (6): LCB1, LCB31, LCB32, LCB46, LCB47, LCB56.
Number of hectares: 80 Proportion of study area: 0.71.2% Mapping notes: Both gilgai wetlands and wetlands associated with creek banks within the study area shared a significant number of species. Therefore, they were included within this one unit (Figures 10- 17). The gilgai areas are extensive and gilgai wetlands may only be less than ten metres across at times and hundreds can occur in any one area. In addition, while these gilgai areas have in the past been ploughed and flattened out, they start to reform within a few years. Many gilgais can begin to coalesce and form larger wetland patches but most are of a circular appearance and can be widely scattered or occur in extensive mosaics only metres away from each other. Thus there is also a temporal nature to their shape, size and occurrence. Gilgais were found in patches throughout community C1, C2 and C3 and at times C5. Where woodlands occur often the gilgais did not hold water for long enough periods to sustain a permanent or semi-permanent flush of wetland species and at times these gilgais were obscured by the overstorey canopy. In some locations this wetland assemblage type has formed in human created landscapes.
Environmental relationships: Restricted to permanently or periodically inundated locations. Found largely restricted to gilgai and creekline areas.
No. of taxa: 124 No. of taxa per plot: 17-24-35.
Most common natives: Listed in order of decreasing summed cover scores (fidelity x cover). Trees: Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Acacia pendula. Shrubs: Sclerolaena muricata, Atriplex spinibractea, Atriplex semibaccata, Muehlenbeckia florulenta. Climbers & trailers: Convolvulus graminetinus. Ground cover: Juncus aridicola, Eleocharis plana, Lachnagrostis filiformis, Marsilea drummondii, Carex inversa, Sporobolus mitchellii, Eclipta platyglossa, Pratia concolor, Enteropogon acicularis, Juncus usitatus, Eleocharis pallens, Pseudoraphis spinescens, Schenkia spicata, Dichondra repens, Centipeda thespidioides, Walwhalleya proluta, Paspalum distichum, Juncus flavidus, Centipeda minima, Callitriche sonderi, Amphibromus macrorhinus, Alternanthera denticulata, Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum, Polygonum plebeium, Mimulus prostratus, Marsilea hirsuta, Juncus radula, Diplachne fusca, Alternanthera sp. A, Potamogeton tricarinatus, Euchiton sphaericus, Eriochloa pseudoacrotricha, Damasonium minus,
40 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Paspalidium jubiflorum, Ottelia ovalifolia, Elatine gratioloides, Cynodon dactylon, Sporobolus caroli, Rumex tenax, Persicaria prostrata, Oxalis perennans, Myriophyllum simulans, Hypericum gramineum, Eleocharis acuta, Dichanthium sericeum, Azolla filiculoides, Austrostipa scabra, Austrostipa aristiglumis, Austrodanthonia caespitosa, Vittadinia cuneata, Viola hederacea, Solanum esuriale, Sida fibulifera, Rumex brownii, Myriophyllum crispatum, Marsilea costulifera, Isoetes muelleri, Hyalosperma glutinosum, Goodenia glabra, Glinus lotoides, Eleocharis pusilla, Daucus glochidiatus, Cyperus concinnus, Dysphania pumilio, Centipeda cunninghamii, Aristida leichhardtiana. Introduced taxa: Lolium perenne, Conyza bonariensis, Sonchus oleraceus, Polygonum aviculare, Cirsium vulgare, Soliva anthemifolia, Echium plantagineum, Vulpia bromoides, Setaria parviflora, Phalaris paradoxa, Gamochaeta coarctata, Trifolium angustifolium, Hordeum glaucum, Xanthium occidentale, Phyla canescens, Medicago polymorpha, Marrubium vulgare, Lycium ferocissimum, Lactuca serriola, Bromus hordeaceus, Bromus diandrus, Avena ludoviciana, Alopecurus geniculatus, Trifolium globosum, Oxalis pes-caprae, Hordeum marinum, Heliotropium amplexicaule, Cucumis myriocarpus, Centaurea melitensis, Avena fatua. Percent of species introduced: 25%
General notes: Often where trees formed an overstorey, gilgais, despite their size and/or depth did not hold water. It appeared that tree roots were often causing draining of these gilgais so that they were not able to form adequate habitat for wetland species. Some gilgais were able to hold water almost semi-permanently and within these some aquatic species were found that are normally found in more open water. Areas of this community associated with Sandy Creek provide habitat for species included under the aquatic ecological community in the natural drainage system of the lowland catchment of the Lachlan River.
No classifications systems appear to describe this community directly. Two vegetation types have been aligned to this community as no satisfactory type could be attributed to these wetlands, though vegetation type LA197 best describes the regional occurrence, vegetation type LA198 best describes the physiographic position of this wetland type.
Photographs of community C7 are shown on Plates 11 and 12.
41 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Figure 10. Mapped distribution, condition and location of survey sites for community C7.
42 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Figure 11. Mapped distribution, condition and location of survey sites for community C7.
43 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Figure 12. Mapped distribution, condition and location of survey sites for community C7.
44 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Figure 13. Mapped distribution, condition and location of survey sites for community C7.
45 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Figure 14. Mapped distribution, condition and location of survey sites for community C7.
46 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Figure 15. Mapped distribution, condition and location of survey sites for community C7.
47 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Figure 16. Mapped distribution, condition and location of survey sites for community C7
48 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Figure 17. Mapped distribution, condition and location of survey sites for community C7
49 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Plate 11. Photographs of community C7; above Site LC4, below Site LC7.
50 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Plate 12. Photographs of community C7; above Site LC52, below Site LC59. Note that both sites are Gilgai Wetlands.
51 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
3.3.8 Community C8: River Red Gum Woodland and Forest
Keith Formation: Grassy Woodlands: Floodplain Transitional Woodlands. Nearest Vegetation Type: River Red Gum – herbaceous tall open forest of the Riverina and Murray Darling Depression Bioregions [LA189] NSW VCA: 007: NT3a River Red Gum – herbaceous tall open forest of the Riverina and Murray Darling Depression Bioregions.
TSC Act: Not applicable. EPBC Act: Not applicable.
Sample sites (9): LC11, LC14, LC16, LC18, LC41, LC43, LC48, LC50, LC54. Rapid sites (1): LCR53. Condition sites (5): LCB33, LCB34, LCB37, LCB38, LCB39.
Number of hectares: 87 Proportion of study area: 0.76% Mapping notes: This community type included both forested areas and herbfields without an overstorey of River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) (Figure 18). The current extent of the mapped community is solely based on the current shore line and its extent within areas that are currently inundated is unknown and will require further surveying as the lake dries out. There was a sharp transition in most locations between community C8 and community C2 which was commonly found behind it due to the lunette built up behind the lake edge. Some of the more major creek lines had an overstorey of River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) however the understorey along the lake edge was considerably different from that of these creek lines which were grouped within community C7, this is likely due to the influence of the lunette, in part, around the lake edge while the creeks were generally of heavy clay soils.
Environmental relationships: Found on the lower margin of the lake lunette and water’s edge.
No. of taxa: 102 No. of taxa per plot: 20-26-32.
Most common natives: Listed in order of decreasing summed cover scores (fidelity x cover). Trees: Eucalyptus camaldulensis. Tall shrubs/low trees: Acacia stenophylla, Geijera parviflora Shrubs: Sclerolaena muricata, Atriplex semibaccata, Muehlenbeckia florulenta, Maireana microphylla, Atriplex spinibractea, Rhagodia spinescens, Atriplex angulata, Acacia deanei. Ground cover: Juncus aridicola, Dysphania pumilio, Eragrostis australasica, Azolla filiculoides, Cynodon dactylon, Lachnagrostis filiformis, Sporobolus mitchellii, Cyperus gymnocaulos, Lemna disperma, Enteropogon acicularis, Ranunculus pentandrus, Alternanthera sp. A, Rumex tenax, Alternanthera denticulata, Diplachne fusca, Carex inversa, Austrostipa scabra subsp. scabra, Paspalidium jubiflorum, Dichondra repens, Myriophyllum verrucosum, Marsilea drummondii, Euchiton sphaericus, Elatine gratioloides, Pratia concolor, Diplachne parviflora, Walwhalleya proluta, Wahlenbergia multicaulis, Haloragis odontocarpa, Glinus lotoides, Amphibromus macrorhinus, Juncus usitatus, Juncus radula, Calotis hispidula, Boerhavia dominii, Vittadinia cuneata, Sida cunninghamii, Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum, Panicum simile, Haloragis glauca, Chloris truncata, Centipeda thespidioides, Calocephalus citreus, Austrostipa scabra subsp. falcata, Austrostipa aristiglumis, Austrodanthonia eriantha, Rumex brownii, Oxalis perennans, Lythrum hyssopifolia, Euchiton gymnocephalus, Erodium crinitum, Eriochloa pseudoacrotricha, Eragrostis elongata, Elymus rectisetus, Eleocharis pusilla, Einadia nutans, Cyperus difformis, Crassula decumbens. Introduced taxa: Conyza bonariense, Sonchus oleraceus, Lolium perenne, Polygonum aviculare, Medicago polymorpha, Xanthium spinosum, Solanum nigrum, Hordeum glaucum, Chondrilla juncea, Echium
52 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey plantagineum, Cirsium vulgare, Xanthium occidentale, Soliva anthemifolia, Setaria parviflora, Rorippa palustris, Cucumis myriocarpus, Vulpia muralis, Eragrostis cilianensis, Polycarpon tetraphyllum, Lactuca serriola, Cotula coronopifolia, Avena ludoviciana, Phalaris paradoxa, Lycium ferocissimum, Lepidium africanum, Koeleria micrantha, Aster subulatus, Trifolium tomentosum, Trifolium glomeratum, Medicago truncatula, Malva parviflora, Hypochaeris glabra, Fumaria capreolata, Datura stramonium. Percent of species introduced: 33%
General notes: Wether this community extended further into the lake is unknown as it was full at the time of survey. In addition, large amounts of plant material and flooded Cane Grass (Eragrostis australasica) were built up along the lake margin and in some locations there was some considerable biomass of this debris which excluded any other species from growing in these locations. This community provides habitat for species included under the aquatic ecological community in the natural drainage system of the lowland catchment of the Lachlan River.
Photographs of community C8 are shown on Plates 13 and 14.
53 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Figure 18. Mapped distribution, condition and location of survey sites for community C8.
54 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Plate 13. Photographs of community C8; above Site LC11, below Site LC41.
55 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Plate 14. Photographs of community c8; above Site LC43, below Site LC48.
56 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
3.3.9 Community C9: Dwyer’s Red Gum – Black Cypress Pine Woodland
Keith Formation: Semi-arid Woodlands (Shrubby subformation): Inland Rocky Hill Woodlands. Nearest Vegetation Type: Dwyer’s Mallee – Black Cypress Pine – Currawang Woodland of rocky hills of temperate (hot summer) climate zone [LA141]. NSW VCA: 186: LC/2a Dwyer’s Mallee – Black Cypress Pine – Currawang Woodland of rocky hills of temperate (hot summer) climate zone.
TSC Act: Not applicable. EPBC Act: Not applicable.
Sample sites (7): LC22, LC23, LC28, LC29, LC30, LC31, LC32. Rapid sites (2): LCR25, LCR26. Condition sites (6): LCB10, LCB11, LCB16, LCB17, LCB19, LCB26.
Number of hectares: 160 Proportion of study area: 1.41% Mapping notes: Intergrades between communities C9 and C4 occur on lower slopes. Mapping was less problematic with this assemblage as it was restricted to a single hill (Figure 19).
Environmental relationships: Restricted to a single rocky hill within the study area.
No. of taxa: 50 No. of taxa per plot: 8-12-17. Most common natives: Listed in order of decreasing summed cover scores (fidelity x cover). Trees: Eucalyptus dwyeri, Callitris glaucophylla, Callitris endlicheri, Eucalyptus sideroxylon, Eucalyptus microcarpa, Brachychiton populneus. Tall shrubs/ low trees: Allocasuarina luehmannii. Shrubs: Cassinia hewsoniae, Maireana microphylla. Acacia doratoxylon, Maireana aphylla, Atriplex spinibractea, Acacia pravissima, Acacia implexa, Acacia deanei. Climbers & twiners: Glycine clandestina Ground cover: Austrostipa densiflora, Thyridolepis mitchelliana, Austrostipa scabra, Einadia hastata, Calotis cuneifolia, Tricoryne elatior, Poa sieberiana var. hirtella, Oxalis perennans, Goodenia hederacea, Gonocarpus elatus, Einadia nutans, Dichondra repens, Cheilanthes distans, Austrodanthonia setacea, Xerochrysum bracteatum, Stuartina muelleri, Solanum simile, Pimelea trichostachya, Paspalidium constrictum, Panicum simile, Microlaena stipoides, Lomandra multiflora subsp. multiflora, Galium propinquum, Enteropogon acicularis, Dysphania pumilio, Cheilanthes sieberi, Chamaesyce drummondii, Bulbine semibarbata, Austrostipa verticillata, Austrodanthonia eriantha, Arthropodium minus. Introduced taxa: Solanum nigrum, Conyza bonariense, Chondrilla juncea. Percent of species introduced: 6%
General notes: Despite the overstorey similarities to community C4, the understorey was very distinctive and unlike any other assemblage within the study area and this is attested to by the placement of this community within the dendrogram as the most distinctively separate entity (Appendix B).
Photographs of community C9 are shown on Plates 15 and 16.
57 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Figure 19. Mapped distribution, condition and location of survey sites for community C9.
58 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Plate 15. Photographs of community C9; above Site LC22, below Site LC28.
59 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Plate 16. Photographs of community C9; above Site LC29, below Site LC30.
60 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
3.3.10 Community C10: Cropping
Keith Formation: Not applicable. Nearest Vegetation Type: Not applicable. NSW VCA: Not applicable.
TSC Act: Not applicable. EPBC Act: Not applicable.
Sample sites (0): None applicable. Rapid sites (5): LCR1, LCR2, LCR6, LCR17, LCR20, LCR27. Condition sites (0): LCB23, LCB24, LCB25
Number of hectares: 1389 Proportion of study area: 12.2%
General Notes: Primarily Barley and Canola were sown at the time of the current survey (Figure 20). These areas may return to grasslands if left fallow. An area within the mining lease was classified as cropped as it was used for growing turf which was periodically collected and as such had a continued disturbance regime even though native turf was being collected and regrown.
Photographs of community C10 are shown on Plate 17.
61 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Figure 20. Mapped distribution, condition and location of survey sites for community C10.
62 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Plate 17. Photographs of community C10; above LCR 6, below LCR 17.
63 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
3.3.11 Community C11: Plantings
Keith Formation: Not applicable. Nearest Vegetation Type: Not applicable. NSW VCA: Not applicable.
TSC Act: Not applicable. EPBC Act: Not applicable.
Sample sites (0): Not applicable. Rapid sites (10): LCR8, LCR15, LCR18, LCR34, LCR35, LCR39, LCR41, LCR44, LCR46, LCR58. Condition sites (0): Not applicable.
Number of hectares: 110 Proportion of study area: 0.961.2%
Commonly planted species: Table 4 list the species being used in plantings. Table 4. Species used in plantings on Barrick owned land within the study area.
Scientific Name Common Name Acacia deanei Deanes Wattle Acacia decora Western Golden Wattle Acacia hakeoides Hakea Wattle Acacia melvillei Yarran Acacia oswaldii Miljee Acacia pendula Myall Acacia stenophylla River Cooba Acacia trineura Three Veined Wattle Alectryon oleifolius Rosewood Allocasuarina luehmannii Buloak Brachychiton populneus Kurrajong Callitris glaucophylla White Cypress Pine Casuarina cristata Belah Dodonaea viscosa cuneata Wedgeleaf Hop Bush Eucalyptus camaldulensis River Red Gum Eucalyptus dwyeri Dwyers Red Gum Eucalyptus melliodora Yellow Box Eucalyptus microcarpa Western Grey Box Eucalyptus populnea Bimble Box Eucalyptus sideroxylon Mugga Ironbark Geijera parviflora Wilga Hakea tephrosperma Needlewood Senna artemisioides Punty Bush
General Notes: Plantings were largely of native and local species and planted in traditional rows (Figure 21). Some older row plantings near homesteads contained non-local tree species.
Photographs of community C11 are shown on Plate 18.
64 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Figure 21. Mapped distribution, condition and location of survey sites for community C11.
65 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Plate 18. Photographs of community C11; above Site LCR35, below Site LCR58.
66 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
3.4 Endangered Ecological Communities Two EEC’s listed under the TSC Act and/or the EPBC Act were identified as a result of the current survey (Table 5): • Myall Woodland in the Darling Riverine Plains, Brigalow Belt South, Cobar Peneplain, Murray-Darling Depression, Riverina and NSW South western Slopes bioregions (TSC Act) and Weeping Myall Woodlands (EPBC Act); and • Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa) Grassy Woodlands and Derived Native Grasslands of South-eastern Australia (EPBC Act).
Included in the description of these EEC’s is a form which represents areas of native grassland - derived grasslands. These areas of grassland occur in locations where the tree and shrub layer have been cleared and subsequent agricultural activities have prevented the regeneration of these layers. However the native species associated with the ground layer of these ecological communities have persisted, in particular grass species.
Table 5. Size of each area of Endangered Ecological Community Endangered Ecological Community Community Status Area Myall Woodland in the Darling Riverine Plains, Brigalow Belt South, Cobar Peneplain, Murray-Darling C1 and portions of C2 TSC Act 932 ha Depression, Riverina and NSW South western Slopes bioregions l Weeping Myall Woodland C1 EPBC Act 203 ha Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa) Grassy Woodlands and Derived Native Grasslands of South-eastern C3 and portions of C2 EPBC Act 931 ha Australia TSC Act denotes NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 EPBC Act denotes Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 EEC denotes Endangered Ecological Community
In 2008 vegetation was mapped and described FloraSearch (2008) and Myall Woodland (community 2 of that report) was identified and determined as representing Myall Woodland EEC under the TSC Act. Described in the same report is a derived grassland with scattered Wilga, Rosewood and Belah (community 3 of that report). At the time of their assessment FloraSearch did not recognise these derived grasslands as representing Myall Woodland although they did describe a form of this grassland community 6 (of that report), in proposed offset areas as having Acacia pendula present. No survey plots were undertaken in the areas designated as community 3. FloraSearch (2008) also noted substantial regeneration of native understory species with the removal of grazing across the study area.
In the surrounds of the mining lease FloraSearch (2008) mapped vegetation in which the species Eucalyptus microcarpa (Grey Box) occurred (communities 4 and 5a of that report) (lower slopes of Cowal West Hill) but did not map these communities within the mining lease area. FloraSearch however concluded that Grey Box Woodland EEC did not occur in the study area and that occurrences of Eucalyptus microcarpa were associated with Dwyers Red Gum/White Cypress Pine Woodland.
In locations previously mapped as Belah Woodland, community G (North Limited 1998) or secondary native grassland with scattered Wilga, Rosewood and Belah, community 3 (FloraSearch 2008) regeneration due to the removal/reduction of grazing has resulted in some of these locations being able to be assigned to a more prescriptive community in this report.
67 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
3.4.1 Myall woodland
Myall Woodland listed under the TSC Act and EPBC Act was identified for community C1: (Weeping Myall – Belah – Poplar Box Shrubland and Woodland) and a derived grassland form of this EEC was also identified in parts of community C2 (Spear Grass – Windmill Grass Grassland and Low Open Grassy Woodland). The determination characteristics/criteria for this EEC differ between Acts. Therefore patches of the community which conform to the TSC Act may not conform to the EPBC Act criteria. For this reason two map units are delineated, EEC – TSC Weeping Myall and EEC – TSC_EPBC Weeping Myall. Interpretation of the criteria in the TSC Act final determination (NSW Scientific Committee 2011a) and EPBC listing advice (Threatened Species Scientific Committee 2010) is provided in Appendices F and G.
Some areas described in this report as representing an EEC had not been allocated to these communities in past surveys (North Limited 1998, FloraSearch 2008). Results from surveys undertaken within the mining lease in 1997 (North Limited 1998) were compared with results from this survey. The analysis of data from surveys undertaken in these previous survey locations during the current survey grouped all sites in the one alliance designated as representing Myall Woodland EEC (community C1 Weeping Myall – Belah – Poplar Box Shrubland and Woodland).
Table 6 shows the number of species found in AMBS (2012) sites allocated to community C1 that are considered to be characteristic of the Myall Woodland EEC (NSW Scientific Committee 2011a; Threatened Species Scientific Committee 2008). Acacia pendula not previously recorded at one location in 1997 (sites 32, 34, 35) was recorded in this remnant vegetation in 2012 (sites 72, 73, 74). AMBS sites (76, 77, 78, 79) surveyed in area previously mapped as community 3 (predominately cleared agricultural land with scattered Bimble Box Woodland) had between 8 and 10 species considered to be characteristic of Myall Woodland EEC and grouped in the analysis with other sites allocated to this community. No survey sites were undertaken in areas mapped as community 3 in the 1997 surveys.
Table 6. Comparison of numbers of characteristic species for Myall Woodland EEC sites in remnant vegetation within the mining lease. Number of characteristic species at each site in bracts. North Community North Acacia AMBS Myall Woodland Acacia pendula Limited Limited (1997) pendula Sites present (1997) Sites present 8 (19) Community 7 - Mixed Yes no sites Yes 9 (17) Woodland Acacia 47 (13) pendula -Casuarina cristata 42 (11) Community 7 - Mixed No cleared n/a Woodland Acacia pendula -Casuarina cristata 10 (19) Community 9 (Belah Yes 66 (12) Yes 11(14) Woodland Casuarina 67 (7) cristata) 68 (8) 69 (10) 32 (7) Community 8 (Wilga No 72 (12) Yes 34 (4) Woodland Geijera 73 (10) 35 (7) parviflora – Casuarina 74 (9) cristata) 75 (6) no sites Community 3 n/a 76 (10) No (predominately cleared 77 (9) agricultural land with 78 (8) scattered Bimble Box 79 (8) Woodland)
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3.4.2 Grey box woodland
‘Grey Box Grassy Woodland and derived native grasslands’ as listed under the EPBC Act was identified for community C3 (Inland Grey Box – Belah – Poplar Box Woodland) and a derived grassland form was identified in parts of community C2 (Spear Grass – Windmill Grass Grassland and Low Open Grassy Woodland). Although a form of this community is listed as an EEC under the TSC Act the stands present in the study area were determined not to represent the forms of this EEC as described in the relevant final determination (Appendices H and I). The EPBC Act listing advice for Inland Grey Box assemblages however includes these intermediate assemblages within the EEC.
3.4.3 Derived grasslands
Delineation of derived grassland areas for both EEC’s was difficult. Myall Woodland and Grey Box Woodland occur in similar locations and it is likely that in the past where site characteristics were suitable they formed a mosaic of vegetation across the landscape. A large portion of the study area has been cleared of the original canopy and shrub layers resulting in a derived grassland represented by communities C2, C5 and C6. The Myall Woodland (community C1) and Grey Box Woodland (community C3) EEC’s have a number of species in common which is demonstrated in the analysis were communities C1, C2 (grassland) and C3 group more closely together than other communities (Appendix B). As a result distinguishing between the C1 and C3 communities as derived grasslands can be problematic. For example many of the trees present or regenerating are characteristic of both EEC’s. Casuarina cristata (Belah), Eucalyptus populnea ssp. bimbil (Bimbil Box) and Alectryon oleifolius (Rosewood) are three such species and these were very common as remnant trees in grassland or in locations where a canopy had been able to regenerate.
Areas classified as being in poor condition (dominated by weed species and highly disturbed) were excluded from the EEC mapping in all but one instance. Areas of moderate condition were excluded if insufficient evidence was available to allocate them to either of the potential EEC’s. However seasonality can impact on the cover of weed species and the reduction of disturbance factors (e.g. grazing) will allow native trees and shrubs to regenerate. It is highly likely that in most areas community C2 derived grasslands were originally one of these two EEC’s. This is particularly so in low lying locations of the study area. However, there are some locations where the clearing of other non-EEC’s may have resulted in these grasslands. Therefore, only those areas of C2 that were able to be quantitatively confirmed as representing one of these at this point in time have been mapped. Areas of community C2 not delineated as either EEC may in the future develop sufficient features which allow them to be allocated to one of these two EEC’s.
3.4.4 Aquatic Ecological Community in the Natural Drainage System of the Lowland Catchment of the Lachlan River
The Fisheries Scientific Committee has listed the EEC ‘Aquatic Ecological Community in the Natural Drainage System of the Lowland Catchment of the Lachlan River'. This final recommendation includes all natural rivers, creeks, streams and associated lagoons, billabongs, lakes, wetlands, paleochannels, floodrunners, effluent streams and the floodplains of the Lachlan River. The final recommendation names Lake Cowal as being part of this EEC (Fisheries Scientific Committee 2005. Vegetation associated with the Lake edge and Sandy Creek provide habitat for species listed under this EEC.
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Figure 22. Distribution of endangered ecological communites listed under the TSC and EPBC Acts within the study area.
70 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
3.5 Description of taxa of conservation significance No species of state or national conservation significance were found during this investigation.
3.5.1 Austral Pillwort (Pilularia novae-hollandiae) Survey 2011 and 2012
The Austral Pillwort (Pilularia novae-hollandiae) is in the family Marsileaceae and is a small rhizomatous fern with fronds up to eight centimetres (cm) long. If in favourable locations, mats of fronds may be formed. The species has been recorded at Lake Cowal and surrounds (Clements and Rodd 1995; Bower 1998a, 2003d), and a population has been recorded at Oolambeyan National Park (DnA 2011d). The species has been previously recorded from shallow water and has been found most readily from drying mud possibly because of its size and the reduction in the biomass of other species (DnA 2011d).
Clements and Rodd (1995) recorded this species from two locations within the Lake Cowal district, while Bower (1998a) discovered extensive populations of this species within the Lake Cowal area (Figure 23). This species was most recently recorded within the study area by Bower (2003d). Further searches by DnA (2011d) did not locate any populations.
Clements and Rodd (1995) found Pilularia novae-hollandiae within gilgais with water or with receding water and near the outlet of Sandy Creek to the south of the study area.
Bower (1998a) found Pilularia novae-hollandiae within gilgai depressions of all sizes, but not where other vegetation was most dense, presumably because of a lack of light penetration. Bower (1998a) described populations as growing predominantly around the outer margins of gilgai depressions in sticky grey mud and more commonly in gilgais closest to the lake shore. It was presumed that further away from the lake margin the greater concentration of introduced grasses excluded Pilularia novae- hollandiae and potential grazing may have been more intense closer to the travelling stock routes (Bower 1998a).
DnA (2011d) reports that targeted searches were conducted for this species between 2006 and 2009 within the study area without success. DnA (2011d) carried out extensive surveys over eight days within the study area in October of 2010 again without success.
Pilularia novae-hollandiae is believed to be commonly overlooked due to its inconspicuousness but also because of seasonal constraints as surveys are required to be done when soils are moist but not inundated (Office of Environment and Heritage 2012). DnA (2011d) believed that the lack of positive results were due to the study area being too wet with most gilgais being full of water and/or full of vegetative biomass with only small areas available with bare soil and mud.
Familiarisation of Pilularia novae-hollandiae was undertaken by the current botanists via herbarium material and photographs and the perusal of existing information. During the current survey period October 2011 the species was opportunistically surveyed during the placement of 60 full floristic sites across the study area (Figure 2). Where these sites were placed in and around gilgais, water ways or along the lake margin extra effort was placed in the search for this species.
71 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Figure 23. Location of populations of Pilularia novae-hollandiae recorded by Bower in 1998 (FloraSearch 2008).
72 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Further targeted searches were conducted by the botanists in December 2011 and April 2012 over all major areas of gilgais and some waterways within the study area with an emphasis on gilgais nearer the lake shore (Figure 2). No populations of Pilularia novae-hollandiae were found.
Given that Pilularia novae-hollandiae appears to be associated with areas of inundation (e.g. gilgai and lake margins) the following vegetation communities mapped in this report have the potential to support this species based on either the potential for gilgais to occur within their range or their association with lake and stream margins:
• Community C1: Weeping Myall – Belah – Poplar Box Shrubland and Woodland; • Community C2: Spear Grass – Windmill Grass Grassland and Low Open Grassy Woodland; • Community C3: Inland Grey Box – Belah – Poplar Box Woodland; • Community C7: Sedgeland/Herbfield; and • Community C8: River Red Gum Woodland and Forest.
Pilularia novae-hollandiae was last observed in the study area in 2003 (Bower 2003d). Given the life history characteristics of the species there is potential for it to be found again when suitable environmental conditions occur, however it is not clear what these conditions may be. For this reason surveys should be undertaken periodically in known locations for the species. Once the species has been found within these locations further surveys across the study area could be undertaken in suitable habitat to find other populations.
3.6 Limitations to survey results The current survey was restricted to areas above the lake shore as the lake was inundated and could not be accessed. Surveys of this area are likely to record more flora species and extend the area of some communities.
Success of surveys for threatened flora is influenced by the timing of such surveys. Opportunistic surveys for other threatened species with the potential to occur would be beneficial during different seasons and climatic conditions.
All areas of the study area were not accessed and the mapping of vegetation communities and EEC’s is based on survey data, field data analysis, interpretation of imagery and field validation. It is possible that inaccuracies in the boundaries of the mapping will occur.
73 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
4 Conclusions Field surveys and data analysis have defined 9 vegetation communities as occurring within the study area. Three of these communities C1, C3 and parts of C2, represent the endangered ecological communities Myall Woodland in the Darling Riverine Plains, Brigalow Belt South, Cobar Peneplain, Murray-Darling Depression, Riverina and NSW South western Slopes bioregions (TSC Act) and Weeping Myall Woodlands (EPBC Act) and Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa) Grassy Woodlands and Derived Native Grasslands of South-eastern Australia (EPBC Act).
While previous mapping has only delineated two areas within the study area as representing an EEC – Myall Woodland (Norths Limited 1998; FloraSearch 2008) regeneration of shrubs and trees has allowed the delineation of other areas to be included within this community. Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa) Grassy Woodlands and Derived Native Grasslands has not previously been mapping within the study area.
All but a few small remnants of communities C1 and C3 conform to the descriptions of the EEC’s found in the study area. Areas of derived grassland community C2 assigned to either of these EEC’s in this report were considered to contain sufficient characteristics to identify them as such. It is highly likely that in most areas community C2 derived grasslands were originally one of these two EEC’s. This is particularly so in low lying locations of the study area. However, there are some locations where the clearing of other non-EEC’s may have resulted in these grasslands. Only those areas of C2 that were able to be quantitatively confirmed as representing one of these at this point in time have been mapped. Areas of community C2 not delineated as either EEC may in the future develop sufficient features which allow them to be allocated to one of these two EEC’s.
A portion of the bed of Lake Cowal fall within the study area. Lake Cowal is named in the final determination for the EEC Aquatic Ecological Community in the natural drainage system of the lowland catchment of the Lachlan River. (Fisheries Scientific Committee 2005).
Pilularia novae-hollandiae was not found during this survey. The species was last observed in the study area in 2003. Given the life history characteristics of the species there is potential for it to be found again when suitable environmental conditions occur. For this reason surveys should be undertaken periodically in known locations for the species. If the species is found within these locations surveys could be extended across the study area in suitable habitat to find other as yet unrecorded populations.
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5 Acknowledgements A number of people have contributed to the production of this report. Dr John Hunter interpreted existing data, designed and implemented field surveys, undertook data analysis and interpretation of results, described and mapped vegetation communities and provided comments and advice on draft reports. Dr Dorothy Bell assisted with field survey work, plant identification and contributed to the report. Belinda Pellow reviewed and edited the report, prepared maps, verified and described endangered ecological communities and finalised their boundaries. James Bevan prepared maps and reviewed the final report. Glenn Muir and Uli Kloecker reviewed previous drafts of the report..
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6 References Austin, M.P., Cawsey, E.M., Baker, B.L., Ylaleloglou, M.M., Grice, D.J. & Briggs, S.J. (2000) Predicted Vegetation Cover in the Central Lachlan Region. Final Report of Project AA1368.97. Natural Heritage Trust. Barrick (Cowal) Limited (2003a) Cowal Gold Project Implementation of the Threatened Species Management Protocol. Barrick (Cowal) Limited (2003b) Cowal Gold Project Access Road Implementation of the Threatened Species Management Protocol. Beadle, N. C. W. (1948) The vegetation and pastures of western New South Wales with special reference to soil erosion. Government Printer, Sydney. Beadle, N.C.W. (1981) Vegetation of Australia. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Belbin, L. (1991) The analysis of pattern in bio-survey data. Pp. 176-190. In: C.R. Margules & M.P. Austin (eds). Nature Conservation: Cost Effective Surveys and Data Analysis. (CSIRO: Canberra). Belbin, L. (1995a) Users Guide: PATN Pattern Analysis Package. (Division of Wildlife & Ecology CSIRO: Canberra). Belbin, L. (1995b) Technical Reference: PATN Pattern Analysis Package. (Division of Wildlife & Ecology CSIRO: Canberra). Belbin, L. (2004) PATN Pattern analysis package. (CSIRO Division of Wildlife Ecology: Canberra). Benson, J.S., Allen, C.B., Togher, C. & Lemmon, J. (2006) New South Wales Classification and Assessment: Part 1 Plant communities of the NSW Western Plains. Cunninghamia 9: 383-450. Bower, C.C. (1997) Cowal Gold Project: Flora – Threatened Species Assessment. Report prepared for North Limited. Benson, J. S., Ashby, E. M. and Porteners, M. F. (1997) The native grasslands of the Riverine Plain, New South Wales. Cunninghamia, 5, 1- 48. Biddiscombe, E. F. (1963) A vegetation survey in the Macquarie region, New South Wales. Division of Plant Industry Technical paper No. 18. CSIRO, Melbourne. Bower, C.C. (1998a) Survey of the Cowal Gold Project area and surrounds for the Austral Pillwort (Pilularia novae-hollandiae). Orchid Research, Orange NSW. Bower, C.C. (1998b) Survey for the Endangered Peppercress Lepidium hyssopifolium (Desv.) (Brassicaceae), on the proposed Cowal Gold Project Site and the Route of the Borefield Pipeline. Orchid Research. Bower, C.C. (2003a) Vegetation community mapping along the Pipeline/Borefield Route. Bower, C.C. (2003b) Vegetation community mapping along the Access Road. Bower, C.C. (2003c) Occurrence of the Spiny Peppercress (Lepidium aschersonii) on the Temora-Cowal Electricity Transmission Line. Bower, C.C. (2003d) Survey of the Cowal Gold Project Area and Surrounds for the Austral Pillwort (Pilularia novae-hollandiae). Braun-Blanquet, J. (1982) Plant Sociology: the Study of Plant Communities. (McGraw Hill: New York). Bureau of Meteorology (2012a) Climate Statistics for Australian Locations – Wyalong Post Office. Website: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_073054.shtml Bureau of Meteorology (2012b) Climate Statistics for Australian Locations – Quandialla Post Office. Website: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_073032.shtml
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Campbell, P. (1984) Why the computer should precede the survey; computer assistance in data management. Pp. 1-11. In: K. Myers, C.R. Margules & I. Musto (eds). Survey Methods for Nature Conservation. Vol. 2. (CSIRO Division of Water & Land Resources: Canberra). Charles Sturt University (1997) Cowal Gold Project Area Botanical Survey. Report prepared for North Limited. Clements, A.M. & Rodd, A.N. (1995) Terrestrial Flora Report: Lake Cowal District. Appendix F of NSR Environmental Consultants Lake Cowal Gold Project Environmental Impact Statement. Corel (2006) Paradox for Windows 12. (Corel. Washington). Country Energy (2004) Temora to Cowal Electricity Transmission Line – Implementation of the Threatened Species Management Protocol. Department of Environment and Climate Change (2009) BioBanking Assessment Methodology and Credit Calculator Operational Manual. Department of Environment and Conservation (2004) Threatened Species Survey Guidelines Working Draft. DnA Environmental (2008) Remnant Vegetation Enhancement Program: 2008 monitoring results. Report prepared for Barrick Australia Limited Cowal Gold Mine. DnA Environmental (2010) Remnant Vegetation Enhancement Program: 2009 monitoring results. Report prepared for Barrick Australia Limited Cowal Gold Mine. DnA Environmental (2011a) 2010 Compensatory Wetland Regeneration Monitoring Results. Report prepared for Barrick Australia Limited Cowal Gold Mine. DnA Environmental (2011b) Remnant Vegetation Enhancement Program: 2010 monitoring results. Report prepared for Barrick Australia Limited Cowal Gold Mine. DnA Environmental (2011c) 2010 Rehabilitation Monitoring Report. Report prepared for Barrick Australia Limited Cowal Gold Mine. DnA Environmental (2011d) 2010 Austral Pillwort Survey. Report prepared for Barrick Australia Limited Cowal Gold Mine. Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (2011). EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool. Website: http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/pmst/index.html. DLWC. (2002a) Native Vegetation map report: Abridged version. No: 3. Bellata, Gravesend, Horton and Boggabri 1:100 00 Map Sheets New South Wales Department of Land and Water Conservation, Parramatta. DLWC. (2002b) Native Vegetation map report: abridged version. No. 1 Bogan Gate, Boona Mount, Condobolin, Dandaloo, Tottenhan and Tullamore 1:100 000 map sheet New South Wales Department of Land and Water Conservation, Parramatta. Faith, D.P. (1991) Effective pattern analysis methods for nature conservation. Pp. 47-53. In: C.R. Margules & M.P. Austin (eds). Nature Conservation: Cost Effective Surveys and Data Analysis. (CSIRO Division of Wildlife and Ecology: Canberra). Faith, D.P., Minchin, P.R. & Belbin, L. (1987) Compositional dissimilarity as a robust measure of ecological distance: A theoretical model and computer simulations. Vegetatio 69: 57-68. Fisheries Scientific Committee (2005). Final Recommendation for Aquatic Ecological Community in the Natural Drainage System of the Lowland Catchment of the Lachlan River' http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/208291/FR25-Lachlan-River-EEC.pdf FloraSearch (2008) Appendix D Cowal Gold Mine E42 Modification Flora Assessment. Gauch, H.G. (1982) Multivariate Analysis in Community Ecology. (Cambridge University Press: Cambridge).
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Goodall, D.W. (1980) Numerical classification. Pp. 247-286. In: R.H. Whittaker (ed). Classification of Plant Communities. (Dr W. Junk: The Hague). Johnston, D. (2005) A botanical assessment of remnant vegetation in the Lake Cowal area. Lake Cowal Foundation. Keith, D. A. (2004) Ocean Shores to Desert Dunes, NSW Department of Environment and Conservation. Kerr M., Jowett M. & Robson D. (2003) Reconstructed Distribution and Extent of Native Vegetation within the Lower Macquarie-Castlereagh Region. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Dubbo. Lee, S.M. & Chao, A. (1994) Estimating population size via sample coverage for closed capture-recapture models. Biometrics 50: 88-97. McKenzie, N.L. (1991) An ecological survey of tropical rainforests in Western Australia: background and methods. Pp. 1-26. In: N.L. McKenzie, R.B. Johnston & P.G. Kendrick (eds). Kimberley Rainforests of Australia. (Surrey Beatty & Sons: Chipping Norton). McKenzie, N.L., Robinson, A.C. & Belbin, L. (1991) Biogeographic survey of the Nullarbor district, Australia. Pp. 109-126. In: C.R. Margules & M.P. Austin (eds). Nature Conservation: Cost Effective Biological Surveys and Data Analysis. (CSIRO Division of Wildlife and Ecology: Canberra). Metcalfe L., Sivertsen D. P., Tindale D. R. & Ryan K. M. (2003) Metcalfe L, Sivertsen DP, Tindale DR, Ryan KM (2003) Natural Vegetation of the New South Wales Wheat Belt: Cobar, Nyngan, Gilgandra, Nymagee, Narromine and Dubbo 1:250 000 vegetation sheets. Cunninghamia 8, 253-284. Cunninghamia 8, 253-84. Miles C. (2001) NSW Murray Catchment: biodiversity action plan. Nature Conservation Working Group Inc., Albury. Moore, C. W. E. (1953) The vegetation of the south-eastern Riverina, New South Wales 1: the disclimax communities. Australian Journal of Botany 1, 548-67. New South Wales Scientific Committee (2011a) Final Determination - Myall Woodland in the Darling Riverine Plains, Brigalow Belt South, Cobar Peneplain, Murray-Darling Depression, Riverina and NSW South Western Slopes Bioregions. Website: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/determinations/myallwoodland36a.htm New South Wales Scientific Committee (2011b) Final Determination - Inland Grey Box Woodland in the Riverina, NSW South Western Slopes, Cobar Peneplain, Nandewar and Brigalow Belt South Bioregions. Website: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/determinations/inlandgreybox36a.htm North Limited (1998) Coal Gold Project Environmental Impact Statement. Volumes 1-5. Report prepared by Resource Strategies Pty Ltd. Office of Environment and Heritage (2011a). NSW Wildlife Atlas. Office of Environment and Heritage (2011b). BioBanking Threatened Species Profile Database. Website: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/biobanking/Thsppchara CMA .xls. Office of Environment and Heritage (2012) Austral Pillwort – profile. Threatened species, populations and ecological communities of NSW. Website http://www.threatenedspecies.environment.nsw.gov.au/tsprofile/profile. aspx?id=10628 Porteners, M. F. (1993) Natural vegetation of the Hay Plain: Booligal-Hay and Deniliquin-Bendigo 1:250 000 maps. Cunninghamia 3, 1-122. Prober S. M. & Thiele K. R. (2004) Floristic patterns along an east-west gradient in grassy box woodland of Central New South Wales. Cunninghamia 8, 306-25.
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Roberts I. & Roberts J. (2001) Plains-wanderer (Pedionomus torquatus) ‘ Habitat Mapping including Woody Vegetation and other Landscape Features. Riverina Plains, NSW. Report to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Griffith. Resource Strategies, CSIRO Wildlife and Ecology, Goldney, D. and Greg Richards and Associates Pty Ltd (1997) Cowal Gold Project Species Impact Statement. Appendix A of North Limited (1998) Cowal Gold Project Environmental Impact Statement Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust (2012) PlantNET - The Plant Information Network System of The Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust, Sydney, Australia version 2.0 http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au Accessed 12 February 2012. Seddon J., Briggs S. & Doyle S. (2002) Little River Catchment Biodiversity Assessment NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Canberra. Sivertson, D. (2009) Native Vegetation Interim Type Standard. Published by the NSW Environment, Climate Change and Water. Sivertson, D. & Metcalf, L. (1995) Natural vegetation of the southern wheat-belt (Forbes and Cargelligo 1:250 000 map sheets). Cunninghamia 4: 103-128. Specht R. L., Specht A., Whelan M. B. & Hegarty E. E. (1995) Conservation atlas of plant communities in Australia Southern Cross University Press, Lismore. Thackway R. & Cresswell I. D. (1995) An interim biogeographic regionalisation for Australia: a framework for setting priorities in the National Reserves System Cooperative Program, Version 4.0. Australian Nature Conservation Agency, Canberra. Threatened Species Scientific Committee (2008) Commonwealth Listing Advice on Weeping Myall Woodlands. Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Threatened Species Scientific Committee (2010) Commonwealth Listing Advice on Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa) Grassy Woodlands and Derived Native Grasslands of South-eastern Australia. Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities. Todd, M. (2003) Acceleration of the outcomes of bioregional assessment projects – Riverina and Cobar Peneplain Bioregions, Draft NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Griffith. Walker, J. & Hopkins, M.S. (1990) Vegetation. Pp. 58-86. In: R.C. McDonald, R.F. Isbell, J.G. Speight, J. Walker, & M.S. Hopkins (eds). Soil Field and Survey Handbook. (Inkata Press: Melbourne). White, M. (2001) Pre-clearing vegetation mapping of the Moree Shire. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Dubbo. White, M. D., Muir, A. M. and Webster, R. (2002) The reconstructed distribution of indigenous vegetation types across the NSW Riverina. Unpublished report to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. Williams, O. B. (1962) The Riverina and its Pastoral Industry, 1860-1869. In: The Simple Fleece. Studies in the Australian Wool Industry. (ed A.Barnard). Melbourne University Press, Melbourne.
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Appendix A: Species recorded and the source of the record.
Current Anne Clements Charles Sturt Scientific Name Common Name Survey DnA1 FloraSearch2 and Associates3 University4 (AMBS) MALVACEAE
Abutilon oxycarpum Straggly Lantern-bush X
Malva parviflora* Small-flowered Mallow X C, E X X
Malvastrum americanum* Spiked Malvastrum X
Sida ammophila Sand Sida X E X
Sida corrugata Corrugated Sida X E X X X Sida cunninghamii Ridged Sida X A, C, E X
Sida fibulifera Pin Sida X A, B, C X
Sida sp. A X
Sida trichopoda Hairy Sida X A, B, C, E X X
FABACEAE - MIMOSOIDEAE
Acacia deanei Green Wattle X A
Acacia decora Western Silver Wattle X
Acacia doratoxylon Currawang X A, D, E
Acacia hakeoides A
Acacia implexa Hickory Wattle X
Acacia oswaldii Umbrella Wattle X X
Acacia pendula Weeping Myall X E X X
Acacia pravissima Wedge-leaved Wattle X X
Acacia stenophylla River Cooba X C, E
ASTERACEAE
Actinobole uliginosum X
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Current Anne Clements Charles Sturt Scientific Name Common Name Survey DnA1 FloraSearch2 and Associates3 University4 (AMBS) Arctotheca calendula* Capeweed X A, C, D, E X X X Aster subulatus* Wild Aster X X
Brachyscome curvicarpa X
Brachyscome gracilis D, E
Brachyscome lineariloba Hard-headed Daisy X X X
Brachyscome perpusilla D, E
Calocephalus citreus Lemon Beauty-heads X
Calocephalus sonderi Pale Beauty-heads X A, B, C, E X X
Calotis cuneifolia Purple Burr-daisy X A, D, E X X
Calotis hispidula Bogan Flea X C, D, E X X
Calotis lappulacea Yellow Burr-daisy X E X X
Carthamus lanatus* E X X
Cassinia hewsoniae X
Cassinia laevis A, D, E
Centaurea melitensis* Maltese Cockspur X X X
Centaurea solstitialis* St Barnabys Thistle X
Centipeda cunninghamii Common Sneezeweed X
Centipeda minima Spreading Sneezeweed X
Centipeda thespidioides Desert Sneezeweed X
Chondrilla juncea* Skeleton Weed X A, C, E
Chrysocephalum apiculatum Common Everlasting X X X
Cichorium intybus* C
Cirsium vulgare* Spear Thistle X B, C, D, E X X
Conyza bonariensis* Flaxleaf Fleabane X C, D, E
Conyza primulifolia X
Cotula australis C, D, E X X
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Current Anne Clements Charles Sturt Scientific Name Common Name Survey DnA1 FloraSearch2 and Associates3 University4 (AMBS) Cotula bipinnata* C
Cotula coronopifolia* Water Buttons X
Eclipta platyglossa X D, E X
Euchiton gymnocephalus X
Euchiton involucratus C, D, E
Euchiton sphaericus X E X
Gamochaeta coarctata* X
Gazania linearis* C
Gnaphalium sp. J (aff. sphaericum) X
Hedypnois rhagadioloides* Cretan Weed X X
Hedypnois rhagadioloides subsp. Cretan Weed D, E cretica* Hyalosperma demissum Moss Sunray X X
Hyalosperma glutinosum X
Hyalosperma semisterile X E X X
Hypochaeris glabra* Smooth Catsear X C, D, E X X
Hypochaeris radicata* Catsear D, E
Isoetopsis graminifolia Grass Cushions C, E X X
Lactuca saligna* Willow-leaved Lettuce A, C, D, E
Lactuca serriola* Prickly Lettuce X A, C, D, E X X
Lactuca serriola f. integrifolia* X
Lactuca serriola f. serriola* X
Leiocarpa leptolepis Pale Plover-daisy C, E X
Leiocarpa panaetioides Wolly Buttons E
Leptorhynchos squamatus X
Minuria integerrima Smooth Minurina X
Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum Jersey Cudweed X C, E X
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Current Anne Clements Charles Sturt Scientific Name Common Name Survey DnA1 FloraSearch2 and Associates3 University4 (AMBS) Rhodanthe corymbiflora Small White Sunray X C, D, E X X
Rhodanthe floribunda Common White Sunray X X
Rhodanthe pygmaea Pigmy Sunray C, D, E X X
Scorzonera laciniata C X X
Senecio quadridentatus Cotton Fireweed C, E X
Soliva anthemifolia* Dwarf Jo-jo X C
A, B, C, D, Sonchus asper* Prickly Sowthistle X X X E Sonchus oleraceus* Common Sowthistle X A, C, D, E X X
Stuartina muelleri Spoon Cudweed X D, E X X
Triptilodiscus pygmaeus Common Sunray X A, D, E X X
Vittadinia cervicularis X
Vittadinia cuneata Fuzzweed X A, C, D, E X
Vittadinia cuneata var. cuneata X C, E
Vittadinia cuneata var. hirsuta X B, C, E
Wolly New Holland Vittadinia gracilis C, D, E X Daisy Vittadinia muelleri X
Winged New Holland Vittadinia pterochaeta A, C, E Daisy Xanthium occidentale* Noogoora Burr X
Xanthium spinosum* Bathurst Burr X C X
Xerochrysum bracteatum Golden Everlasting X A, D, E X X X Xerochrysum viscosum Sticky Everlasting X X
POACEAE
Aira caryophyllea* E
Alopecurus geniculatus* Marsh Foxtail X
Long-nosed Swamp Amphibromus macrorhinus X X Wallaby Grass
83 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Current Anne Clements Charles Sturt Scientific Name Common Name Survey DnA1 FloraSearch2 and Associates3 University4 (AMBS) Aristida behriana Bunch Wiregrass X A X X X Aristida jerichoensis X X X
Aristida leichhardtiana X
Austrodanthonia bipartita C
Austrodanthonia caespitosa X A, D, E X
Austrodanthonia duttoniana X
Austrodanthonia eriantha X A, E X X Austrodanthonia fulva X
Austrodanthonia linkii var. linkii A
Austrodanthonia racemosa A, B, C
Smallflower Wallaby Austrodanthonia setacea X A, C, E X Grass Austrostipa aristiglumis Plains Grass X
Austrostipa blackii X B, E
Austrostipa densiflora X A, D, E X
Austrostipa nitida X
Austrostipa nodosa A, C, D, E
Austrostipa scabra Speargrass X A X
Austrostipa scabra subsp. scabra Speargrass X B, C, D, E X
Austrostipa scabra subsp. falcata X C, E
Austrostipa verticillata Slender Bamboo Grass X
Avena fatua* Wild Oats X A, C, D, E
Avena ludoviciana* Ludo Wild Oats X
Bothriochloa decipiens Red Grass X
Bromus diandrus* Great Brome X X
Bromus hordeaceus* X E X X
Bromus molliformis* C, E X X
84 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Current Anne Clements Charles Sturt Scientific Name Common Name Survey DnA1 FloraSearch2 and Associates3 University4 (AMBS) Chloris truncata Windmill Grass X A, C, D, E X X
Cynodon dactylon Couch X A, B, C, D X
Dactyloctenium radulans X
Dichanthium sericeum Queensland Bluegrass X
Digitaria coenicola C
Digitaria divaricatissima Umbrella Grass X E
Diplachne fusca Brown Beetle Grass X E X
Small-flowered Beetle Diplachne parviflora X Grass Echinochloa colona X
Echinochloa esculenta* Japanese Millet X
Ehrharta longiflora* A, D, E
Elymus rectisetus X X
Elymus scaber X A, D, E X X
Elymus scaber var. scaber Common Wheatgrass X
Enneapogon nigricans Niggerheads X
A, B, C, D, Enteropogon acicularis X X X E Eragrostis australasica Cane Grass X A, C, D, E X
Eragrostis cilianensis* Stinkgrass X X
Eragrostis elongata Clustered Lovegrass X
Eragrostis lacunaria Purple Love-grass X X
Eragrostis leptostachya Paddock Lovegrass X
Eragrostis parviflora Weeping Lovegrass X C, E X X Eriochloa crebra C, E
Eriochloa pseudoacrotricha Early Spring Grass X X
Eulalia aurea X
85 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Current Anne Clements Charles Sturt Scientific Name Common Name Survey DnA1 FloraSearch2 and Associates3 University4 (AMBS) Hordeum glaucum* Northern Barley Grass X X X
A, B, C, D, Hordeum leporinum* X X E Hordeum marinum* Sea Barley Grass X X X
Koeleria macrantha* Crested Hair Grass X
Lachnagrostis filiformis X C, D, E X X
Lamarckia aurea* Goldentop X C X X
Lolium perenne* Perennial Ryegrass X B, C X
Lolium rigidum* Wimmera Ryegrass C, D, E
Microlaena stipoides Weeping Grass X A
Panicum effusum Hairy Panic X C
Panicum laevinode Pepper Grass X
Panicum queenslandicum Yadbila Grass X
Panicum simile Two-colour Panic X X
Parapholis incurva* Coast Barb Grass C, E X X
Paspalidium constrictum Knottybutt Grass X E X X
Paspalidium gracile Slender Panic X
Paspalidium jubiflorum Warrego Grass X X X
Paspalum dilatatum* Paspalum X X
Paspalum distichum Water Couch X X
Phalaris minor* Lesser Canary Grass C, D, E
Phalaris paradoxa* Paradoxa Grass X
Poa sieberiana D, E
Poa sieberiana var. hirtulla X
Pseudoraphis spinescens Mud Grass X X
A, B, C, D, Rostraria cristata* Annual Cat’s Tail X X E
86 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Current Anne Clements Charles Sturt Scientific Name Common Name Survey DnA1 FloraSearch2 and Associates3 University4 (AMBS) Setaria parviflora* X
Sporobolus caroli Fairy Grass X A, B, C, E X
A, B, C, D, Sporobolus mitchellii Rat's Tail Couch X X X E Themeda triandra X
Thyridolepis mitchelliana Mulga Mitchell Grass X A, D, E
Triticum aestivum* Common Wheat X C
Urochloa gilesii X
Vulpia bromoides* Squirrel Tail Fescue X X
Vulpia muralis* X A, B X
Walwhalleya proluta X C, E
Walwhalleya subxerophyllum Gilgai Grass X A
SAPINDACEAE
Alectryon oleifolius Western Rosewood X A, C, E X
Dodonaea viscosa Sticky Hop-bush X
CASUARINACEAE
Allocasuarina luehmannii Bulloak X D, E
Allocasuarina verticillata A, D, E
Casuarina cristata Belah X E X
AMARANTHACEAE
Alternanthera denticulata Lesser Joyweed X E X X
Alternanthera nana X
Alternanthera nodiflora Common Joyweed E
Alternanthera pungens* Khaki Weed X
Alternanthera sp. A X X
Amaranthus macrocarpus var. X macrocarpus
87 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Current Anne Clements Charles Sturt Scientific Name Common Name Survey DnA1 FloraSearch2 and Associates3 University4 (AMBS) Amaranthus viridis* X
Ptilotus exaltatus Tall Mulla Mulla X E X X
Ptilotus semilanatus X X X
Ptilotus spathulatus Pussytails X E X
LORANTHACEAE
Amyema cambagei X
Amyema linophyllum X
Amyema maidenii X
Amyema quandang X
Lysiana exocarpi subsp. exocarpi X
ROSACEAE X
Aphanes australiana E X
CENTROLEPIDACEAE
Aphelia gracilis D, E
CAPPARACEAE
Apophyllum anomalum Warrior Bush X
ANTHERICACEAE X
Arthropodium minus X A X
Arthropodium milleflorum Pale Vanilla-Lily X D, E
Dichopogon fimbriatus A
Dichopogon strictus X
Thysanotus baueri Mallee Fringe Lily X X
Thysanotus patersonii Twining Fringe Lily X
Tricoryne elatior Yellow Autumn-Lily X A, D, E X
RUBIACEAE X
Asperula conferta X
88 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Current Anne Clements Charles Sturt Scientific Name Common Name Survey DnA1 FloraSearch2 and Associates3 University4 (AMBS) Galium gaudichaudii Rough Bedstraw X D, E
Galium murale X
CHENOPODIACEAE
Atriplex eardleyae X X
Atriplex semibaccata Creeping Saltbush X A, B, C, E X X
A, B, C, D, Atriplex spinibractea Spiny-fruit Saltbush X X X E Atriplex stipitata Mallee Saltbush X X
Chenopodium cristatum Crested Goosefoot X
Chenopodium desertorum X A, C X X Chenopodium desertorum subsp. E anidiophyllum Chenopodium nitrariaceum Nitre Goosefoot E
Dysphania pumilio X A X
Einadia hastata Berry Saltbush X A, C, D, E X
Einadia nutans Climbing Saltbush X A, B, C X X Einadia nutans subsp. nutans Climbing Saltbush X C, E
Einadia polygonoides X X
Einadia trigonos Fishweed X A X X
A, B, C, D, Enchylaena tomentosa Ruby Saltbush X X X E Maireana brevifolia Small-leaf Bluebush X
Maireana coronata Crown Fissure-weed X
Maireana decalvans Black Cotton Bush X
Maireana enchylaenoides Wingless Bluebush X A, B, C, E X X X Maireana humillima E X X
Maireana microphylla Small-leaf Bluebush X A, C, D, E X X Rhagodia spinescens Spiny Saltbush X X X
89 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Current Anne Clements Charles Sturt Scientific Name Common Name Survey DnA1 FloraSearch2 and Associates3 University4 (AMBS) Salsola kali X A, B, C, E X X Scleroblitum atriplicinum Purple Goosefoot C, E X
Sclerolaena birchii Galvanized Burr X A, D, E X
Sclerolaena diacantha Grey Copperburr X X
A, B, C, D, Sclerolaena muricata Black Rolypoly X X E Sclerolaena muricata var. Black Rolypoly X semiglabra Sclerolaena stelligera A, E X
Sclerolaena tricuspis Giant Redburr B
AZOLLACEAE
Azolla filiculoides X
NYCTAGINACEAE X
Boerhavia dominii Tarvine X A, C, D, E X X STERCULIACEAE
Brachychiton populneus Kurrajong X X
ASPHODELACEAE
Bulbine bulbosa Native Leek X X
Bulbine semibarbata Native Leek X A, B, D, E
PORTULACACEAE
Calandrinia eremaea X D, E
Neopaxia australasica E
Portulaca oleracea D, E X
CALLITRICHACEAE
Callitriche sonderi X
CUPRESSACEAE
Callitris endlicheri Black Cypress Pine X A, D, E
90 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Current Anne Clements Charles Sturt Scientific Name Common Name Survey DnA1 FloraSearch2 and Associates3 University4 (AMBS) Callitris glaucophylla White Cypress Pine X A, D, E X X X AMARYLLIDACEAE
Calostemma purpureum X
BRASSICACEAE X
Capsella bursa-pastoris* C, E
Cuphonotus humistratus X X
Geococcus pusillus C, E
Lepidium africanum* X C, D, E X
Lepidium bonariense* X X
Lepidium papillosum X
Lepidium pseudohyssopifolium Peppercress X C X
Rapistrum rugosum* Turnip Weed X
Rorippa palustris* Yellow Cress X X
Sisymbrium erysimoides* Smooth Mustard X
Sisymbrium irio* London Rocket X C, D, E X
Sisymbrium officinale* Hedge Mustard C, E
Sisymbrium orientale* Indian Hedge Mustard X
Turritis glabra* Tower Mustard X
CYPERACEAE X
Carex appressa C X
Carex inversa X A, D, E X
Cyperus concinnus Trim Flat-sedge X X X
Cyperus difformis X
Cyperus gracilis Slender Flat-sedge X
Cyperus gunnii X
Cyperus gymnocaulos X A, C, D X X
91 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Current Anne Clements Charles Sturt Scientific Name Common Name Survey DnA1 FloraSearch2 and Associates3 University4 (AMBS) Eleocharis acuta X A
Eleocharis pallens Pale Spike-sedge X E X X Eleocharis plana Flat Spike-sedge X C X X Eleocharis pusilla X X
Fimbristylis dichotoma Common Fringe-sedge X
Isolepis congrua Slender Club-sedge E
Schoenus apogon Common Bog-rush X X
GENTIANACEAE
Centaurium erythraea* A, E
Schenkia spicata Spike Centaury X X
EUPHORBIACEAE
Chamaesyce drummondii Caustic Weed X A, B, C, E X X ADIANTACEAE X
Cheilanthes distans Bristly Cloak Fern X X
Cheilanthes sieberi X X
Cheilanthes sieberi subsp. sieberi A, D, E
CUCURBITACEAE
Citrullus lanatus* X X
Cucumis myriocarpus* X C, D X X
CONVOLVULACEAE
A, B, C, D, Convolvulus erubescens X E Convolvulus graminetinus X
A, B, C, D, Dichondra repens Kidney Weed X X E Dichondra sp. A X
Wilsonia rotundifolia A, B
92 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Current Anne Clements Charles Sturt Scientific Name Common Name Survey DnA1 FloraSearch2 and Associates3 University4 (AMBS) CRASSULACEAE X
Crassula colorata C, D, E
Crassula decumbens X X X
Crassula peduncularis X X
Crassula sieberiana Australian Stonecrop X A, D, E X
AMARYLLIDACEAE
Crinum flaccidum Darling Lily X
ALISMATACEAE
Damasonium minus Starfruit X X
SOLANACEAE
Datura stramonium* Common Thornapple X X
Lycium ferocissimum* African Boxthorn X A, B, C, D X
Solanum esuriale Quena X A, C, E X X Solanum nigrum* Black-berry Nightshade X D, E X
Solanum simile Oondoroo X D, E X
APIACEAE
Daucus glochidiatus Native Carrot X C, D, E
Trachymene cyanopetala Purple Parsnip D, E
FABACEAE - FABOIDEAE
Desmodium gunnii Slender Tick Trefoil X
Glycine clandestina X
Glycine pacifica X
Glycine tabacina X E
Glycyrrhiza acanthocarpa Native Liquorice C, E X X
Medicago laciniata* Cut-leaved Medic X X
Medicago minima Wolly Burr Medic C, E X X
93 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Current Anne Clements Charles Sturt Scientific Name Common Name Survey DnA1 FloraSearch2 and Associates3 University4 (AMBS) Medicago polymorpha* Burr Medic X B, C, E X
Medicago truncatula* Barrel Medic X C, D, E X X
Swainsona procumbens Broughton Pea X X
Trifolium angustifolium* Narrow-leaved Clover X A, E X X
Trifolium arvense* Haresfoot Clover X A, D, E X
Trifolium campestre* Hop Clover A, E X
Trifolium dubium* Yellow Suckling Clover X X
Trifolium globosum* Globe Clover X
Trifolium glomeratum* Clustered Clover X A, C, D, E X
Trifolium hirtum* Rose Clover A, E X
Trifolium repens* White Clover X X
Trifolium subterraneum* Subterranean Clover E X
Trifolium tomentosum* Woolly Clover X C, D, E X
Trigonella suavissima Coopers Clover X
ORCHIDACEAE
Diuris maculata X X
BORAGINACEAE
Echium plantagineum* Paterson's Curse X A, C, D, E X
Heliotropium amplexicaule* Blue Heliotrope X X
Heliotropium europaeum* Potato Weed X X
Plagiobothrys plurisepaleus X
ELATINACEAE
Elatine gratioloides Waterwort X X
ONAGRACEAE
Epilobium billardierianum X E
Ludwigia peploides Water Primrose X
94 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Current Anne Clements Charles Sturt Scientific Name Common Name Survey DnA1 FloraSearch2 and Associates3 University4 (AMBS) MYOPORACEAE
Eremophila debilis X
Eremophila mitchellii Budda X X
Myoporum montanum Western Boobialla X X
GERANIACEAE X
Erodium botrys* A X
Erodium cicutarium* Common Storksbill X E X X
Erodium crinitum Blue Storksbill X C, D, E X
Erodium moschatum* X
MYRTACEAE
Eucalyptus blakelyi Blakely's Red Gum X
A, B, C, D, Eucalyptus camaldulensis River Gum X X E Eucalyptus dwyeri Dwyer's Red Gum X A, D, E X X Eucalyptus microcarpa Grey Box X A X
Eucalyptus populnea Bimble Box X X X
Eucalyptus sideroxylon Mugga Ironbark X A, D, E
SANTALACEAE
Exocarpos cupressiformis X
FUMARIACEAE
Fumaria capreolata* Climbing Fumitory X X
RUTACEAE
Geijera parviflora Wilga X A, C, D X
AIZOACEAE
Glinus lotoides X
Trianthema triquetra Red Spinach C, E
Zaleya galericulata Hogweed X A
95 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Current Anne Clements Charles Sturt Scientific Name Common Name Survey DnA1 FloraSearch2 and Associates3 University4 (AMBS) SCROPHULARIACEAE
Glossostigma diandrum X
Gratiola pumilo X
Limosella curdieana Large Mudwort X
Mimulus prostratus Small Monkey-flower X
Verbascum virgatum* Twiggy Mullein X
HALORAGACEAE
Gonocarpus elatus X A, D, E
Haloragis glauca X C X
Haloragis odontocarpa X
Myriophyllum crispatum X X
Myriophyllum simulans X
Myriophyllum variifolium X
Myriophyllum verrucosum Red Water-milfoil X
GOODENIACEAE
Goodenia glabra X X
Goodenia hederacea Forest Goodenia X A, D, E X X
Goodenia hederacea subsp. X X hederacea Goodenia pinnatifida X E X
Goodenia pusilliflora E X
PROTEACEAE
Hakea tephrosperma Hooked Needlewood X
VIOLACEAE
Hybanthus monopetalus Slender Violet-bush D, E
Viola hederacea Ivy-leaved Violet X
CLUSIACEAE
96 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Current Anne Clements Charles Sturt Scientific Name Common Name Survey DnA1 FloraSearch2 and Associates3 University4 (AMBS) Hypericum gramineum Small St. John's Wort X
ISOETACEAE
Isoetes muelleri Quillwort x
JUNCACEAE
Juncus aridicola X X
Juncus bufonius Toad Rush X E
Juncus flavidus X X
Juncus radula X
Juncus remotiflorus X
Juncus usitatus X X
LEMNACEAE
Lemna disperma X
LOMANDRACEAE X
Lomandra bracteata X
Lomandra filiformis A
Lomandra multiflora subsp. Many-flowered Mat- X X multiflora rush LYTHRACEAE
Lythrum hyssopifolia Hyssop Loosestrife X
LAMIACEAE
Marrubium vulgare* White Horehound X C, E
Mentha satureioides Creeping Mint X
Salvia verbenaca* Vervain X
Teucrium racemosum Forest Germander X X
MARSILEACEAE
Marsilea costulifera X X
Marsilea drummondii Common Nardoo X C, E X
97 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Current Anne Clements Charles Sturt Scientific Name Common Name Survey DnA1 FloraSearch2 and Associates3 University4 (AMBS) Marsilea hirsuta Nardoo X X X
Pilularia novae-hollandiae Austral Pilwort X
POLYGONACEAE
Muehlenbeckia florulenta Lignum X C, E X X X Persicaria lapathifolia Pale Knotweed X X
Persicaria prostrata Creeping Knotweed X X
Polygonum aviculare* Wireweed X C, D, E X
Polygonum plebeium Small Knotweed X X X
Rumex brownii Swamp Dock X A, D, E X X Rumex crispus* Curled Dock X
Rumex tenax Shiny Dock X C, D, E X X OPHIOGLOSSACEAE
Ophioglossum lusitanicum Adders Tongue D, E
HYDROCHARITACEAE
Ottelia ovalifolia Swamp Lily X X
Vallisneria gigantea Ribbonweed X
OXALIDACEAE
A, B, C, D, Oxalis perennans X X X E Oxalis pes-caprae* X
BIGNONIACEAE
Pandorea pandorana Wonga Wonga Vine X
URTICACEAE
Parietaria debilis Native Pellitory X D, E X
Urtica incisa Stinging Nettle X
CARYOPHYLLACEAE
Paronychia brasiliana* Chilean Whitlow Wort X X
98 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Current Anne Clements Charles Sturt Scientific Name Common Name Survey DnA1 FloraSearch2 and Associates3 University4 (AMBS) Petrorhagia velutina* X
Polycarpon tetraphyllum* Four-leaved Allseed X D
Spergularia diandra Lesser Sand-spurry E
Spergularia rubra* Sandspurry X E X
Stellaria angustifolia Swamp Starwort X
Stellaria media* Common Chickweed D, E
Stellaria sp. B X
APOCYNACEAE
Parsonsia eucalyptophylla Gargaloo X X
VERBENAXEAE
Phyla canescens* Lippia X X
Phyla nodiflora* Lippia
THYMELAEACEAE
Pimelea micrantha Silky Rice-flower X
Pimelea trichostachya X
PITTOSPORACEAE
Pittosporum angustifolium Weeping Pittosporum A X
PLANTAGINACEAE X
Plantago cunninghamii X C X
Plantago debilis C, E
Plantago turrifera X X
POTAMOGETONACEAE
Potamogeton tricarinatus X E
LOBELIACEAE
Pratia concolor Poison Pratia X X X
RANUNCULACEAE
99 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Current Anne Clements Charles Sturt Scientific Name Common Name Survey DnA1 FloraSearch2 and Associates3 University4 (AMBS) Ranunculus pentandrus var. X platycarpus Ranunculus pumilio Ferny Buttercup C, D, E
FABACEAE -
CAESALPINIOIDEAE Senna sp. 'zygophylla' X X
ZYGOPHYLLACEAE X
Tribulus micrococcus Yellow Vine X X X
Tribulus terrestris* Caltrop A, C X
URTICACEAE
Urtica urens* Small Nettle X
LENTIBULARIACEAE
Utricularia dichotoma X X
VERBENACEAE
Verbena macrostachya X
CAMPANULACEAE
Wahlenbergia communis Tufted Bluebell X E
Wahlenbergia gracilenta Annual Bluebell X C, D, E X
Wahlenbergia gracilis Sprawling Bluebell E
Wahlenbergia luteola E
Wahlenbergia multicaulis Tadgell's Bluebell X X
Wahlenbergia stricta Australian Bluebell C, D, E
Wahlenbergia tumidifructa X
Wurmbea dioica Early Nancy E X
1 A = DnA Environmental (2008) Remnant Vegetation Enhancement Program: 2008 Monitoring Results. B = DnA Environmental (2010) Remnant Vegetation Enhancement Program: 2009 Monitoring Results. C = DnA Environmental (2011a) 2010 Compensatory Wetland Regeneration Monitoring Results. D = DnA Environmental (2011b) Remnant Vegetation Enhancement Program: 2010 Monitoring Results.
100 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
E = DnA Environmental (2011c) 2010 Rehabilitation Monitoring Report. 2 FloraSearch (2008) Cowal Gold Mine E42 Modification Flora Assessment. Appendix D of Barrick Australia Limited (2008) Cowal Gold Mine E42 Modification Environmental Assessment. 3 Anne Clements and Associates (1995) Terrestrial Flora Report: Lake Cowal District. Appendix F in NSR Environmental Consultants Lake Cowal Gold Project Environmental Impact Statement. 4 Charles Sturt University (1995) Cowal Gold Project Area Botanical Survey. Attachment A3 of Appendix A of North Limited (1997) Cowal Gold Project Environmental Impact Statement. Please note that the records shown in this appendix are those of Burrows.
Notes: - FloraSearch (2008) also recorded Cyperus sp. and Juncus sp. These species are not listed in the above table as they are most likely represented by one of the other species identified. - DnA Environmental (2008) also recorded Austrodanthonia sp. 1, Brachysome sp., Vittadinia sp., Lepidium sp., Lolium sp. and Wahlenbergia sp. These species are not listed in the above table as they are most likely represented by one of the other species identified. - DnA Environmental (2010) also recorded Lepidium sp., Maireana sp., an unidentified seedling, Goodenia sp. and Paspalidium sp.? These species are not listed in the above table as they are most likely represented by one of the other species identified. - DnA Environmental (2011) also recorded Vittadinia sp., Brassica sp., Lepidium sp., Atriplex sp., Austrodanthonia species 1, Lolium sp., Panicum sp., Unidentified sp. (a grass), Digiteria sp. and Vulpia sp. These species are not listed in the above table as they are most likely represented by one of the other species identified. - Taxa that do not have a species (i.e. they only have a genus followed by sp.) were assumed to be one of the species from that genus already recorded and were therefore not included in the above table or the total number of species recorded.
101 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Appendix B: Summary Dendrogram Communities are defined at a dissociation of c. 0.85.
C1: Weeping Myall – Belah - Poplar Box Shrubland & Woodland C2: Spear Grass - Windmill Grass Grassland and Low Open Grassy Woodland C3: Inland Grey Box – Belah - Poplar Box Woodland
C4: Mugga Ironbark - Dwyer’s Red Gum - White Cyperss Pine Woodland C5: Wallaby Grass – Spear Grass Windmill Grass Grassland
C6: Coolah Grass - Blue Grass Grassland
C7: Sedgeland/Herbfield
C8: River Red Gum Woodland & Forest
C9: Dwyer’s Red Gum - Black Cypress Pine Woodland
0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4
102 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Appendix C: Locality and site information LC = Full floristic survey sites; LCR = Rapid data point sites; LCB = Full floristic and condition assessment sites. NB: plotless denotes RDP sites that have no distinct boundary and thus are not based on a defined plot. All other sites (i.e. 20 x 20) are full floristic. Co-ordinates are in AGD 94.
Vegetation Site Survey Plot Type Date MGA Zone Easting Northing Community 1 LC 20x20 28/10/2011 55 541,589 6,270,361 C1 2 LC 20x20 28/10/2011 55 542,190 6,270,229 C1 3 LC 20x20 28/10/2011 55 540,797 6,270,026 C1 8 LC 20x20 28/10/2011 55 542,356 6,272,491 C1 12 LC 20x20 28/10/2011 55 541,394 6,272,842 C1 13 LC 20x20 28/10/2011 55 540,691 6,272,834 C1 66 LC 20x20 26/04/2012 55 536,478 6,275,865 C1 67 LC 20x20 26/04/2012 55 536,512 6,276,021 C1 68 LC 20x20 26/04/2012 55 536,426 6,276,167 C1 69 LC 20x20 26/04/2012 55 536,307 6,276,086 C1 70 LC 20x20 26/04/2012 55 535,408 6,279,550 C1 71 LC 20x20 25/04/2012 55 535,605 6,279,504 C1 72 LC 20x20 25/04/2012 55 533,185 6,278,410 C1 73 LC 20x20 25/04/2012 55 533,090 6,278,469 C1 74 LC 20x20 25/04/2012 55 532,967 6,278,282 C1 75 LC 20x20 25/04/2012 55 533,057 6,278,271 C1 76 LC 20x20 25/04/2012 55 535,033 6,276,604 C1 77 LC 20x20 25/04/2012 55 535,131 6,276,452 C1 78 LC 20x20 25/04/2012 55 535,222 6,276,430 C1 79 LC 20x20 25/04/2012 55 535,250 6,276,425 C1 14 LCB 20x20 13/12/2011 55 536,765 6,273,676 C1 15 LCB 20x20 13/12/2011 55 536,900 6,274,190 C1 29 LCB 20x20 14/12/2011 55 540,734 6,272,446 C1 30 LCB 20x20 14/12/2011 55 540,501 6,272,643 C1 35 LCB 20x20 14/12/2011 55 540,928 6,272,902 C1 44 LCB 20x20 15/12/2011 55 536,082 6,282,881 C1 45 LCB 20x20 15/12/2011 55 536,140 6,282,406 C1 48 LCB 20x20 15/12/2011 55 536,472 6,279,870 C1 3 LCR Plotless 28/10/2011 55 541,231 6,270,017 C1 22 LCR Plotless 29/10/2011 55 536,945 6,273,129 C1 48 LCR Plotless 30/10/2011 55 536,226 6,282,492 C1 50 LCR Plotless 30/10/2011 55 536,037 6,282,572 C1 51 LCR Plotless 30/10/2011 55 536,014 6,282,174 C1 57 LCR Plotless 30/10/2011 55 536,157 6,280,553 C1 23 LCB 20x20 14/12/2011 55 535,571 6,273,975 C10 24 LCB 20x20 14/12/2011 55 535,836 6,274,081 C10 25 LCB 20x20 14/12/2011 55 535,756 6,273,690 C10 1 LCR Plotless 28/10/2011 55 541,255 6,270,711 C10 2 LCR Plotless 28/10/2011 55 541,462 6,270,573 C10
103 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Vegetation Site Survey Plot Type Date MGA Zone Easting Northing Community 6 LCR Plotless 28/10/2011 55 541,758 6,271,059 C10 17 LCR Plotless 28/10/2011 55 538,626 6,274,130 C10 20 LCR Plotless 28/10/2011 55 539,234 6,272,758 C10 27 LCR Plotless 29/10/2011 55 535,802 6,273,867 C10 8 LCR Plotless 28/10/2011 55 542,097 6,272,016 C11 15 LCR Plotless 28/10/2011 55 541,015 6,271,829 C11 18 LCR Plotless 28/10/2011 55 538,712 6,273,904 C11 34 LCR Plotless 29/10/2011 55 533,244 6,274,455 C11 35 LCR Plotless 29/10/2011 55 532,749 6,274,898 C11 39 LCR Plotless 29/10/2011 55 534,020 6,272,431 C11 41 LCR Plotless 30/10/2011 55 536,928 6,284,454 C11 44 LCR Plotless 30/10/2011 55 536,184 6,284,340 C11 46 LCR Plotless 30/10/2011 55 536,649 6,283,293 C11 58 LCR Plotless 30/10/2011 55 536,614 6,279,799 C11 5 LC 20x20 28/10/2011 55 541,375 6,271,062 C2 19 LC 20x20 28/10/2011 55 538,318 6,275,003 C2 25 LC 20x20 29/10/2011 55 536,412 6,273,270 C2 26 LC 20x20 29/10/2011 55 535,900 6,272,366 C2 33 LC 20x20 29/10/2011 55 534,180 6,273,882 C2 35 LC 20x20 29/10/2011 55 534,035 6,274,487 C2 38 LC 20x20 29/10/2011 55 533,158 6,273,890 C2 39 LC 20x20 29/10/2011 55 532,999 6,272,898 C2 42 LC 20x20 30/10/2011 55 536,920 6,284,187 C2 44 LC 20x20 30/10/2011 55 536,922 6,283,908 C2 49 LC 20x20 30/10/2011 55 536,854 6,282,884 C2 55 LC 20x20 30/10/2011 55 532,769 6,279,292 C2 2 LCB 20x20 13/12/2011 55 533,928 6,272,771 C2 6 LCB 20x20 13/12/2011 55 534,785 6,271,560 C2 7 LCB 20x20 13/12/2011 55 535,810 6,271,653 C2 9 LCB 20x20 13/12/2011 55 535,859 6,272,031 C2 13 LCB 20x20 13/12/2011 55 536,460 6,271,721 C2 18 LCB 20x20 14/12/2011 55 535,218 6,279,292 C2 40 LCB 20x20 15/12/2011 55 536,928 6,284,090 C2 41 LCB 20x20 15/12/2011 55 536,833 6,284,468 C2 42 LCB 20x20 15/12/2011 55 536,555 6,284,381 C2 49 LCB 20x20 15/12/2011 55 534,750 6,279,725 C2 50 LCB 20x20 15/12/2011 55 534,499 6,279,795 C2 53 LCB 20x20 15/12/2011 55 533,112 6,272,639 C2 54 LCB 20x20 15/12/2011 55 532,869 6,271,962 C2 55 LCB 20x20 16/12/2011 55 539,035 6,272,239 C2 5 LCR Plotless 28/10/2011 55 541,158 6,271,312 C2 7 LCR Plotless 28/10/2011 55 541,746 6,271,226 C2 9 LCR Plotless 28/10/2011 55 538,743 6,273,952 C2 12 LCR Plotless 28/10/2011 55 541,394 6,272,884 C2
104 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Vegetation Site Survey Plot Type Date MGA Zone Easting Northing Community 13 LCR Plotless 28/10/2011 55 539,940 6,272,864 C2 14 LCR Plotless 28/10/2011 55 539,984 6,273,047 C2 16 LCR Plotless 28/10/2011 55 539,038 6,272,315 C2 19 LCR Plotless 28/10/2011 55 538,814 6,273,990 C2 21 LCR Plotless 29/10/2011 55 536,816 6,272,651 C2 23 LCR Plotless 29/10/2011 55 536,708 6,272,949 C2 24 LCR Plotless 29/10/2011 55 536,205 6,272,456 C2 28 LCR Plotless 29/10/2011 55 535,737 6,275,296 C2 32 LCR Plotless 29/10/2011 55 534,610 6,273,755 C2 33 LCR Plotless 29/10/2011 55 534,350 6,274,405 C2 36 LCR Plotless 29/10/2011 55 532,881 6,272,137 C2 37 LCR Plotless 29/10/2011 55 533,370 6,272,960 C2 40 LCR Plotless 29/10/2011 55 534,608 6,272,112 C2 43 LCR Plotless 30/10/2011 55 536,665 6,284,332 C2 45 LCR Plotless 30/10/2011 55 536,163 6,283,834 C2 47 LCR Plotless 30/10/2011 55 536,504 6,283,029 C2 49 LCR Plotless 30/10/2011 55 536,499 6,282,289 C2 55 LCR Plotless 30/10/2011 55 536,787 6,280,414 C2 60 LCR Plotless 30/10/2011 55 531,781 6,279,653 C2 61 LCR Plotless 30/10/2011 55 531,781 6,279,653 C2 62 LCR Plotless 30/10/2011 55 531,187 6,280,288 C2 65 LCR Plotless 30/10/2011 55 634,177 6,279,777 C2 17 LC 20x20 28/10/2011 55 539,945 6,272,775 C3 20 LC 20x20 28/10/2011 55 538,861 6,273,041 C3 21 LC 20x20 29/10/2011 55 535,727 6,271,636 C3 24 LC 20x20 29/10/2011 55 536,631 6,272,806 C3 27 LC 20x20 29/10/2011 55 535,648 6,272,666 C3 34 LC 20x20 29/10/2011 55 533,928 6,274,106 C3 36 LC 20x20 29/10/2011 55 532,802 6,274,626 C3 37 LC 20x20 29/10/2011 55 532,849 6,275,171 C3 46 LC 20x20 30/10/2011 55 536,118 6,284,211 C3 53 LC 20x20 30/10/2011 55 536,022 6,281,793 C3 60 LC 20x20 30/10/2011 55 532,841 6,280,687 C3 8 LCB 20x20 13/12/2011 55 535,680 6,272,018 C3 12 LCB 20x20 13/12/2011 55 535,704 6,271,633 C3 36 LCB 20x20 15/12/2011 55 536,023 6,284,545 C3 51 LCB 20x20 15/12/2011 55 532,849 6,276,094 C3 52 LCB 20x20 15/12/2011 55 532,839 6,274,513 C3 4 LCR Plotless 28/10/2011 55 541,492 6,271,065 C3 10 LCR Plotless 28/10/2011 55 542,939 6,270,904 C3 11 LCR Plotless 28/10/2011 55 540,510 6,271,762 C3 38 LCR Plotless 29/10/2011 55 534,078 6,272,938 C3 59 LCR Plotless 30/10/2011 55 535,339 6,279,765 C3 64 LCR Plotless 30/10/2011 55 533,404 6,280,715 C3
105 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Vegetation Site Survey Plot Type Date MGA Zone Easting Northing Community 45 LC 20x20 30/10/2011 55 536,402 6,284,216 C4 47 LC 20x20 30/10/2011 55 536,536 6,283,566 C4 56 LC 20x20 30/10/2011 55 532,042 6,279,342 C4 57 LC 20x20 30/10/2011 55 531,821 6,280,378 C4 58 LC 20x20 30/10/2011 55 531,619 6,281,056 C4 20 LCB 20x20 14/12/2011 55 535,453 6,273,523 C4 21 LCB 20x20 14/12/2011 55 535,466 6,273,746 C4 22 LCB 20x20 14/12/2011 55 535,487 6,273,961 C4 43 LCB 20x20 15/12/2011 55 536,470 6,284,288 C4 29 LCR Plotless 29/10/2011 55 535,530 6,275,186 C4 30 LCR Plotless 29/10/2011 55 534,998 6,274,323 C4 31 LCR Plotless 29/10/2011 55 534,862 6,273,752 C4 63 LCR Plotless 30/10/2011 55 532,111 6,280,748 C4 10 LC 20x20 28/10/2011 55 540,711 6,271,352 C5 27 LCB 20x20 14/12/2011 55 540,714 6,271,327 C5 28 LCB 20x20 14/12/2011 55 540,501 6,271,455 C5 56 LCR Plotless 30/10/2011 55 536,315 6,281,107 C5 40 LC 20x20 29/10/2011 55 534,076 6,272,076 C6 3 LCB 20x20 13/12/2011 55 534,042 6,272,395 C6 4 LCB 20x20 13/12/2011 55 534,015 6,272,210 C6 5 LCB 20x20 13/12/2011 55 534,165 6,272,109 C6 4 LC 20x20 28/10/2011 55 541,285 6,271,129 C7 6 LC 20x20 28/10/2011 55 541,144 6,271,377 C7 7 LC 20x20 28/10/2011 55 542,416 6,272,590 C7 9 LC 20x20 28/10/2011 55 542,974 6,271,644 C7 15 LC 20x20 28/10/2011 55 540,471 6,272,985 C7 51 LC 20x20 30/10/2011 55 536,678 6,282,238 C7 52 LC 20x20 30/10/2011 55 536,275 6,282,283 C7 59 LC 20x20 30/10/2011 55 532,817 6,280,843 C7 1 LCB 20x20 13/12/2011 55 533,786 6,272,778 C7 31 LCB 20x20 14/12/2011 55 540,452 6,272,829 C7 32 LCB 20x20 14/12/2011 55 540,591 6,272,913 C7 46 LCB 20x20 15/12/2011 55 536,080 6,281,814 C7 47 LCB 20x20 15/12/2011 55 536,251 6,281,779 C7 56 LCB 20x20 16/12/2011 55 541,207 6,271,001 C7 42 LCR Plotless 30/10/2011 55 536,922 6,283,602 C7 52 LCR Plotless 30/10/2011 55 536,100 6,281,398 C7 54 LCR Plotless 30/10/2011 55 536,689 6,280,920 C7 11 LC 20x20 28/10/2011 55 541,528 62,729,07 C8 14 LC 20x20 28/10/2011 55 540,495 6,273,023 C8 16 LC 20x20 28/10/2011 55 539,987 6,273,202 C8 18 LC 20x20 28/10/2011 55 53,488 6,274,787 C8 41 LC 20x20 29/10/2011 55 536,984 6,284,594 C8 43 LC 20x20 30/10/2011 55 636,989 6,284,337 C8
106 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Vegetation Site Survey Plot Type Date MGA Zone Easting Northing Community 48 LC 20x20 30/10/2011 55 537,000 6,283,028 C8 50 LC 20x20 30/10/2011 55 536,781 6,282,240 C8 54 LC 20x20 30/10/2011 55 537,055 6,281,179 C8 33 LCB 20x20 14/12/2011 55 540,642 6,272,999 C8 34 LCB 20x20 14/12/2011 55 540,928 6,272,950 C8 37 LCB 20x20 15/12/2011 55 536,988 6,284,527 C8 38 LCB 20x20 15/12/2011 55 536,988 6,284,285 C8 39 LCB 20x20 15/12/2011 55 537,000 6,284,042 C8 53 LCR Plotless 30/10/2011 55 536,912 6,281,242 C8 22 LC 20x20 29/10/2011 55 535,554 6,271,784 C9 23 LC 20x20 29/10/2011 55 535,475 6,271,986 C9 28 LC 20x20 29/10/2011 55 535,425 6,272,905 C9 29 LC 20x20 29/10/2011 55 535,289 6,272,999 C9 30 LC 20x20 29/10/2011 55 535,320 6,273,317 C9 31 LC 20x20 29/10/2011 55 535,439 6,274,211 C9 32 LC 20x20 29/10/2011 55 534,960 6,273,608 C9 10 LCB 20x20 13/12/2011 55 535,587 6,272,275 C9 11 LCB 20x20 13/12/2011 55 535,445 6,272,057 C9 16 LCB 20x20 14/12/2011 55 535,540 6,272,501 C9 17 LCB 20x20 14/12/2011 55 535,411 6,272,931 C9 19 LCB 20x20 14/12/2011 55 535,458 6,273,131 C9 26 LCB 20x20 14/12/2011 55 535,626 6,273,523 C9 25 LCR Plotless 29/10/2011 55 535,153 6,272,647 C9 26 LCR Plotless 29/10/2011 55 535,626 6,273,544 C9
107 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Appendix D: Data recorded in Rapid Data Point surveys (LC) Scoring represents ranking in order of dominance. Stratum for each species not specified.
Site No: Species Ranking Site No: Species Ranking 1 Austrostipa scabra 1 48 Austrostipa scabra 1 1 Avena ludoviciana* 3 48 Cirsium vulgare* 1 1 Lolium perenne* 2 48 Hordeum glaucum* 1 2 Avena ludoviciana* 1 48 Lolium perenne* 2 2 Sonchus oleraceus* 2 34 Enteropogon acicularis 3 2 Triticum aestivum* 3 34 Eucalyptus dwyeri 3 3 Acacia pendula 3 34 Hakea tephrosperma 2 3 Centipeda minima 1 34 Sclerolaena muricata 1 3 Lolium perenne* 2 34 Walwhalleya proluta 1 3 Marsilea drummondii 3 35 Avena ludoviciana* 2 3 Mimulus prostratus 1 35 Dodonaea viscosa 3 4 Alectryon oleifolius 2 35 Echium plantagineum* 3 4 Austrodanthonia caespitosa 1 35 Eucalyptus dwyeri 1 4 Austrostipa blackii 3 35 Eucalyptus microcarpa 2 4 Enteropogon acicularis 2 35 Eucalyptus populnea 3 4 Eucalyptus populnea 3 36 Austrostipa blackii 3 4 Juncus flavidus 1 36 Avena ludoviciana* 2 5 Austrodanthonia setacea 1 36 Convolvulus graminetinus 2 5 Austrostipa blackii 3 36 Eucalyptus populnea 3 5 Echium plantagineum* 1 36 Vittadinia cuneata 1 5 Enteropogon acicularis 2 37 Austrostipa blackii 1 6 Triticum aestivum* 3 37 Avena ludoviciana* 2 7 Austrostipa blackii 3 37 Digitaria hystrichoides 1 7 Echium plantagineum* 1 37 Lolium perenne* 3 7 Enteropogon acicularis 2 37 Vittadinia cuneata 1 8 Acacia deanei 3 37 Walwhalleya proluta 1 8 Atriplex spinibractea 1 38 Atriplex semibaccata 1 8 Austrodanthonia caespitosa 3 38 Austrostipa blackii 3 8 Casuarina cristata 2 38 Austrostipa scabra 2 8 Enteropogon acicularis 3 38 Eucalyptus microcarpa 3 8 Eucalyptus camaldulensis 3 38 Lolium perenne* 1 8 Lolium perenne* 2 38 Sclerolaena muricata 1 8 Lolium perenne* 3 39 Acacia deanei 3 9 Casuarina cristata 3 39 Acacia pendula 1 9 Chondrilla juncea* 3 39 Avena ludoviciana* 2 9 Hordeum glaucum* 2 39 Casuarina cristata 2 9 Lycium ferocissimum* 3 39 Dodonaea viscosa 2 9 Sisymbrium erysimoides* 1 39 Eucalyptus dwyeri 3 10 Atriplex spinibractea 2 39 Lolium perenne* 1
108 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Site No: Species Ranking Site No: Species Ranking 10 Austrodanthonia caespitosa 1 39 Walwhalleya proluta 3 10 Casuarina cristata 3 40 Austrostipa scabra 1 10 Enteropogon acicularis 1 40 Chloris truncata 3 10 Lycium ferocissimum* 3 40 Lolium perenne* 2 10 Sclerolaena muricata 3 40 Walwhalleya proluta 1 11 Austrodanthonia duttoniana 1 41 Acacia deanei 3 11 Austrodanthonia setacea 3 41 Austrostipa scabra 3 11 Austrostipa blackii 1 41 Conyza bonariensis* 1 11 Casuarina cristata 3 41 Echium plantagineum* 1 11 Enteropogon acicularis 1 41 Enteropogon acicularis 1 11 Maireana microphylla 1 41 Eucalyptus camaldulensis 3 12 Austrostipa scabra 3 41 Eucalyptus populnea 2 12 Echium plantagineum* 1 41 Lolium perenne* 2 12 Eragrostis lacunaria 2 41 Maireana microphylla 1 12 Vittadinia cuneata 1 41 Sclerolaena muricata 1 12 Wahlenbergia gracilenta 2 41 Sonchus oleraceus* 1 21 Austrostipa blackii 1 41 Vittadinia cuneata 1 21 Echium plantagineum* 1 42 Cynodon dactylon 1 21 Lolium perenne* 3 42 Dichondra repens 1 21 Medicago polymorpha* 1 42 Echium plantagineum* 2 21 Sclerolaena muricata 3 42 Juncus aridicola 3 21 Vittadinia cuneata 2 42 Sida cunninghamii 1 21 Walwhalleya proluta 1 43 Chloris truncata 1 22 Acacia pendula 3 43 Echium plantagineum* 1 22 Austrostipa blackii 3 43 Enteropogon acicularis 1 22 Enteropogon acicularis 1 43 Eragrostis parviflora 1 22 Lolium perenne* 2 43 Hordeum glaucum* 3 22 Sclerolaena muricata 3 43 Lolium perenne* 2 22 Trifolium tomentosum* 1 43 Sonchus oleraceus* 1 23 Austrostipa blackii 1 44 Atriplex spinibractea 1 23 Einadia hastata 2 44 Austrostipa scabra 2 23 Hakea tephrosperma 3 44 Enteropogon acicularis 1 23 Lolium perenne* 2 44 Eucalyptus camaldulensis 3 23 Salsola kali 3 44 Sclerolaena muricata 3 24 Austrostipa blackii 3 45 Austrodanthonia setacea 2 24 Dichondra repens 1 45 Avena ludoviciana* 1 24 Digitaria hystrichoides 1 45 Enteropogon acicularis 3 24 Geijera parviflora 3 45 Lolium perenne* 1 24 Lolium perenne* 2 45 Sclerolaena birchii 1 25 Allocasuarina luehmannii 1 45 Vittadinia cuneata 1 25 Austrostipa scabra 3 46 Atriplex spinibractea 1 25 Cassinia hewsoniae 3 46 Austrostipa scabra 3 25 Einadia hastata 1 46 Enteropogon acicularis 1 25 Eucalyptus dwyeri 2 46 Eucalyptus blakelyi 3 25 Eucalyptus sideroxylon 3 46 Lolium perenne* 2
109 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Site No: Species Ranking Site No: Species Ranking 26 Atriplex spinibractea 1 47 Austrodanthonia setacea 1 26 Austrostipa scabra 3 47 Austrostipa scabra 1 26 Einadia nutans 2 47 Conyza bonariensis* 1 26 Enteropogon acicularis 1 47 Enteropogon acicularis 1 26 Eucalyptus dwyeri 3 47 Juncus aridicola 1 27 Cirsium vulgare* 1 47 Lachnagrostis filiformis 2 27 Conyza bonariensis* 2 47 Lolium perenne* 3 27 Echium plantagineum* 3 48 Acacia pendula 3 27 Juncus aridicola 1 48 Austrostipa scabra 1 27 Lolium perenne* 1 48 Cirsium vulgare* 1 27 Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum 1 48 Hordeum glaucum* 1 27 Trifolium angustifolium* 1 48 Lolium perenne* 2 27 Verbascum virgatum* 1 48 Sclerolaena muricata 3 28 Austrostipa scabra 3 48 Sporobolus mitchellii 1 28 Chondrilla juncea* 1 49 Austrostipa scabra 3 28 Digitaria hystrichoides 1 49 Enteropogon acicularis 2 28 Lolium perenne* 2 49 Eucalyptus populnea 1 28 Vittadinia cuneata 1 49 Medicago polymorpha* 1 29 Austrostipa scabra 3 49 Sonchus oleraceus* 1 29 Digitaria hystrichoides 2 49 Vittadinia cuneata 1 29 Eucalyptus dwyeri 3 50 Acacia pendula 3 29 Lolium perenne* 1 50 Austrodanthonia setacea 1 29 Maireana microphylla 1 50 Austrostipa blackii 2 29 Vittadinia cuneata 1 50 Austrostipa scabra 3 29 Walwhalleya proluta 1 50 Casuarina cristata 3 30 Allocasuarina luehmannii 1 50 Diplachne fusca 1 30 Austrostipa scabra 3 50 Echium plantagineum* 1 30 Einadia hastata 2 50 Eremophila mitchellii 2 30 Eucalyptus dwyeri 2 51 Acacia pendula 3 30 Eucalyptus microcarpa 1 51 Atriplex spinibractea 1 30 Eucalyptus sideroxylon 3 51 Austrostipa scabra 3 31 Austrostipa scabra 3 51 Casuarina cristata 2 31 Einadia hastata 2 51 Eremophila mitchellii 2 31 Eucalyptus sideroxylon 3 51 Eucalyptus populnea 3 32 Austrostipa scabra 3 51 Sclerolaena birchii 1 32 Avena ludoviciana* 1 51 Sclerolaena muricata 2 32 Conyza bonariensis* 1 52 Atriplex spinibractea 1 32 Echium plantagineum* 1 52 Austrostipa aristiglumis 3 32 Erodium cicutarium* 1 52 Juncus aridicola 1 32 Lolium perenne* 2 52 Lolium perenne* 2 32 Vittadinia cuneata 1 52 Sonchus oleraceus* 1 33 Austrodanthonia setacea 1 52 Walwhalleya proluta 1 33 Austrostipa scabra 2 53 Austrostipa aristiglumis 2 33 Chloris truncata 1 53 Eucalyptus camaldulensis 3 33 Enteropogon acicularis 1 53 Juncus aridicola 3
110 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Site No: Species Ranking Site No: Species Ranking 33 Lolium perenne* 3 53 Paspalidium jubiflorum 1 34 Acacia deanei 3 54 Avena fatua* 1 34 Casuarina cristata 2 54 Carex inversa 1 34 Enteropogon acicularis 3 54 Juncus aridicola 3 34 Eucalyptus dwyeri 3 54 Juncus flavidus 2 34 Hakea tephrosperma 2 54 Lolium perenne* 1 34 Sclerolaena muricata 1 55 Chloris truncata 1 34 Walwhalleya proluta 1 55 Daucus glochidiatus 1 35 Avena ludoviciana* 2 55 Enteropogon acicularis 3 35 Dodonaea viscosa 3 55 Lachnagrostis filiformis 2 35 Echium plantagineum* 3 55 Salsola kali 1 35 Eucalyptus dwyeri 1 55 Sclerolaena muricata 1 35 Eucalyptus microcarpa 2 55 Sonchus oleraceus* 1 35 Eucalyptus populnea 3 55 Trifolium angustifolium* 1 36 Austrostipa blackii 3 55 Vulpia bromoides* 1 36 Avena ludoviciana* 2 56 Austrodanthonia setacea 3 36 Convolvulus graminetinus 2 56 Austrostipa scabra 1 36 Eucalyptus populnea 3 56 Enteropogon acicularis 1 36 Vittadinia cuneata 1 56 Salsola kali 1 37 Austrostipa blackii 1 56 Sclerolaena muricata 2 37 Avena ludoviciana* 2 56 Sonchus oleraceus* 1 37 Digitaria hystrichoides 1 56 Vittadinia cuneata 1 37 Lolium perenne* 3 56 Vulpia bromoides* 1 37 Vittadinia cuneata 1 57 Acacia pendula 3 37 Walwhalleya proluta 1 57 Digitaria hystrichoides 1 38 Atriplex semibaccata 1 57 Juncus flavidus 1 38 Austrostipa blackii 3 57 Lolium perenne* 3 38 Austrostipa scabra 2 57 Marsilea drummondii 2 38 Eucalyptus microcarpa 3 58 Acacia pendula 3 38 Lolium perenne* 1 58 Austrodanthonia setacea 1 38 Sclerolaena muricata 1 58 Casuarina cristata 3 39 Acacia deanei 3 58 Chloris truncata 2 39 Acacia pendula 1 58 Chloris truncata 3 39 Avena ludoviciana* 2 58 Enteropogon acicularis 1 39 Casuarina cristata 2 58 Lolium perenne* 3 39 Dodonaea viscosa 2 58 Sclerolaena muricata 1 39 Eucalyptus dwyeri 3 59 Alectryon oleifolius 1 39 Lolium perenne* 1 59 Austrodanthonia setacea 1 39 Walwhalleya proluta 3 59 Austrostipa scabra 1 40 Austrostipa scabra 1 59 Casuarina cristata 3 40 Chloris truncata 3 59 Geijera parviflora 3 40 Lolium perenne* 2 59 Lolium perenne* 3 40 Walwhalleya proluta 1 59 Medicago polymorpha* 1 41 Acacia deanei 3 59 Paspalidium jubiflorum 1 41 Austrostipa scabra 3 59 Walwhalleya proluta 3
111 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Site No: Species Ranking Site No: Species Ranking 41 Conyza bonariensis* 1 41 Echium plantagineum* 1 60 Austrostipa scabra 3 41 Enteropogon acicularis 1 60 Centaurea melitensis* 1 41 Eucalyptus camaldulensis 3 60 Sonchus oleraceus* 1 41 Eucalyptus populnea 2 60 Vittadinia cuneata 1 41 Lolium perenne* 2 61 Austrodanthonia caespitosa 2 41 Maireana microphylla 1 61 Austrostipa scabra 3 41 Sclerolaena muricata 1 61 Centaurea solstitialis* 1 41 Sonchus oleraceus* 1 61 Chondrilla juncea* 1 41 Vittadinia cuneata 1 61 Echium plantagineum* 1 42 Cynodon dactylon 1 61 Elymus scaber 1 42 Dichondra repens 1 61 Trifolium arvense* 1 42 Echium plantagineum* 2 62 Atriplex spinibractea 1 42 Juncus aridicola 3 62 Austrostipa blackii 1 42 Sida cunninghamii 1 62 Austrostipa scabra 3 43 Chloris truncata 1 62 Brachychiton populneus 3 43 Echium plantagineum* 1 62 Lolium perenne* 1 43 Enteropogon acicularis 1 62 Maireana microphylla 2 43 Eragrostis parviflora 1 62 Vittadinia cuneata 1 43 Hordeum glaucum* 3 63 Austrodanthonia caespitosa 2 43 Lolium perenne* 2 63 Austrostipa scabra 3 43 Sonchus oleraceus* 1 63 Eucalyptus populnea 3 44 Atriplex spinibractea 1 63 Eucalyptus sideroxylon 2 44 Austrostipa scabra 2 63 Maireana microphylla 1 44 Enteropogon acicularis 1 64 Austrodanthonia setacea 2 44 Eucalyptus camaldulensis 3 64 Austrostipa scabra 3 44 Sclerolaena muricata 3 64 Carex inversa 1 45 Austrodanthonia setacea 2 64 Casuarina cristata 3 45 Avena ludoviciana* 1 64 Enteropogon acicularis 1 45 Enteropogon acicularis 3 64 Ptilotus exaltatus 1 45 Lolium perenne* 1 65 Austrodanthonia setacea 2 45 Sclerolaena birchii 1 65 Austrostipa scabra 1 45 Vittadinia cuneata 1 65 Chloris truncata 3 46 Atriplex spinibractea 1 65 Lolium perenne* 1 46 Austrostipa scabra 3 46 Enteropogon acicularis 1 46 Eucalyptus blakelyi 3 46 Lolium perenne* 2 47 Austrodanthonia setacea 1 47 Austrostipa scabra 1 47 Conyza bonariensis* 1 47 Enteropogon acicularis 1 47 Juncus aridicola 1 47 Lachnagrostis filiformis 2 47 Lolium perenne* 3
112 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Site No: Species Ranking Site No: Species Ranking 48 Acacia pendula 3
113 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Appendix E: Data matrix for the full floristic survey sites (LC) and condition assessment sites (LCB) Scoring follows a Modified Braun-Blanquet cover abundance scale see Table 1 of this report. Only LC sites used in data analysis.
Site Numbers Full Floristic Survey (LC) Species 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 Acacia deanei 1 1 1 Acacia decora Acacia doratoxylon 1 3 1 3 3 Acacia implexa 1 Acacia oswaldii 4 Acacia pendula 4 3 Acacia pravissima 3 Acacia stenophylla Alectryon oleifolius 3 1 3 Allocasuarina luehmannii 1 Alopecurus geniculatus* 2 Alternanthera denticulata 1 Alternanthera sp. A 2 1 1 Amphibromus macrorhinus 2 Amyema cambagei 1 Amyema maidenii 1 Apophyllum anomalum Arctotheca calendula* 1 1 Aristida behriana 1 Arthropodium milleflorum 1 Arthropodium minus 1 1 Aster subulatus* Atriplex spinibractea 2 2 1 3 2 1 4 2 2 2 2 1 3 Austrodanthonia caespitosa 6 3 2 1 Austrodanthonia duttoniana 1 Austrodanthonia eriantha 2 2 2 2 2 2 Austrodanthonia fulva 2 1 2 Austrodanthonia setacea 2 3 2 1 2 2 1 2 Austrostipa aristiglumis 1 2 2 Austrostipa blackii 2 6 1 4 5 5 3 Austrostipa densiflora 6 6 3 1 3 5
Austrostipa scabra subsp. falcata 4 2
Austrostipa scabra subsp. scabra 2 2 1 1 3 3 4 2 3 3 4 2 1 4 3 4 3 2
Austrostipa verticillata 1 Avena fatua* Avena ludoviciana* 1 2 2 1 2 Azolla filiculoides 3 3 2 Boerhavia dominii 1 1 1 Brachychiton populneus 1 1 1 Brachyscome lineariloba 2 2 Bromus diandrus* 2 1 1 Bromus hordeaceus* Bulbine bulbosa 1 Bulbine semibarbata 1 2 1 2 1 2 Calandrinia eremaea Callitriche sonderi 3 2 2 Callitris endlicheri 3 1 4 Callitris glaucophylla 1 5 Calocephalus citreus 1 2
114 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Site Numbers Full Floristic Survey (LC) Species 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 Calocephalus sonderi Calotis cuneifolia 3 3 2 2 2 Calotis hispidula 1 1 Calotis lappulacea 1 Carex inversa 1 2 5 1 2 2 1 2 1 2 Cassinia hewsoniae 2 Casuarina cristata 3 1 4 4 1 Centaurea melitensis* Centaurea solstitialis* Centipeda cunninghamii 2 Centipeda minima 3 2 2 Centipeda thespidioides 3 1 1 Chamaesyce drummondii 1 1 1 1 Cheilanthes sieberi 2 2 1 2 2 2 Chenopodium cristatum Chenopodium desertorum 1 1 1 2 Chloris truncata 2 5 5 Chondrilla juncea* 2 1 2 2 Chrysocephalum apiculatum 1 Cirsium vulgare* 1 1 1 1 1 1 Convolvulus graminetinus 1 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 Conyza bonariensis* 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 3 2 2 2 1 1 3 2 1 3 2 2 1 1 Crassula decumbens 1 2 Crassula peduncularis 2 Crassula sieberiana 2 2 Crinum flaccidum 1 Cucumis myriocarpus* 1 1 2 1 1 1 Cynodon dactylon 2 2 6 2 3 1 Cyperus concinnus 2 Cyperus difformis 1 Cyperus gunnii 1 Cyperus gymnocaulos 4 4 4 4 Damasonium minus 1 1 Daucus glochidiatus 1 1 1 Desmodium gunnii 1 Dichanthium sericeum Dichondra repens 1 3 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 1 3 3 Digitaria divaricatissima 2 Digitaria parviflora Diplachne fusca Diplachne parviflora 2 Dodonaea viscosa Dysphania pumilio 2 2 2 3 2 Echinochloa esculenta* Echium plantagineum* 1 1 1 3 2 3 1 3 2 2 1 1 Eclipta platyglossa Einadia hastata 2 3 3 3 2
Einadia nutans subsp. nutans 1 2 2 1 3 2 1 2 2
Einadia polygonoides 2 2 2 1 3 2 Einadia trigonos Elatine gratioloides 2 2 Eleocharis pallens Eleocharis plana 3 3 4 4 3 Eleocharis pusilla
115 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Site Numbers Full Floristic Survey (LC) Species 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 Elymus rectisetus Elymus scaber var. scaber Enchylaena tomentosa 1 2 1 1 Enteropogon acicularis 5 4 4 4 3 3 2 2 2 1 1 4 3 2 2 2 2 Epilobium billardierianum Eragrostis australasica 2 3 2 Eragrostis elongata Eragrostis lacunaria 1 5 Eragrostis parviflora 1 2 Eremophila mitchellii Eriochloa pseudoacrotricha 1 Erodium cicutarium* 1 1 Erodium crinitum Eucalyptus camaldulensis 4 1 4 4 3 4 4 Eucalyptus dwyeri 3 3 3 4 3 4 Eucalyptus microcarpa 3 3 4 3 Eucalyptus populnea 3 3 Eucalyptus sideroxylon 3 1 1 3 3 3 Euchiton sphaericus 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Fimbristylis dichotoma Fumaria capreolata* 1 Gamochaeta coarctata* 1 2 1 Geijera parviflora 1 3 3 1 Glinus lotoides 1 1 Glycine tabacina Gonocarpus elatus 2 2 1 3 3 2 3 Goodenia glabra 2 2
Goodenia hederacea subsp. hederacea 2 2 2
Goodenia pinnatifida 1 2 2 1 Gratiola pumilo Hakea tephrosperma Haloragis glauca Hordeum glaucum* 2 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 2 3 Hordeum marinum* 1 4 Hyalosperma glutinosum 1 2 2 Hypericum gramineum Hypochaeris glabra* 3 2 2 Juncus aridicola 2 1 2 3 3 1 5 4 3 2 1 Juncus bufonius 1 Juncus flavidus 1 Juncus radula 2 2 2 1 Juncus remotiflorus 1 1 Juncus usitatus 4 1 2 2 Koeleria macrantha* 1 Lachnagrostis filiformis 4 4 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2
Lactuca serriola f. integrifolia* 1
Lactuca serriola f. serriola* 1 2 1 1 1 Lamarckia aurea* 1 1 Lemna disperma 3 Lepidium africanum* 2 1 1 Lepidium bonariense*
Lepidium pseudohyssopifolium 1 2
Leptorhynchos squamatus 116 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Site Numbers Full Floristic Survey (LC) Species 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 Lolium perenne* 2 2 3 4 3 2 3 4 1 5 2 2 1 2 3 3 1 2 3 4 2 3 2
Lomandra multiflora subsp. multiflora
Lycium ferocissimum* 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Lysiana exocarpi subsp. exocarpi 1
Lythrum hyssopifolia 1 1 Maireana brevifolia Maireana coronata 1 Maireana enchylaenoides 1 2 2 1 1 1 2 Maireana microphylla 1 1 1 4 2 3 4 1 1 3 1 Malva parviflora* 1 2 1 1 1 Marrubium vulgare* 1 1 Marsilea drummondii 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 Marsilea hirsuta 2 Medicago laciniata* 1 Medicago polymorpha* 1 2 1 2 1 1 2 2 3 2 Medicago truncatula* 1 2 Mimulus prostratus Muehlenbeckia florulenta 1 1 Myriophyllum crispatum 2 Myriophyllum simulans Myriophyllum verrucosum 1 Ottelia ovalifolia Oxalis perennans Oxalis pes-caprae* 2 1 1 Panicum effusum 1 2 1 Panicum simile Parietaria debilis Parsonsia eucalyptophylla 1 Paspalidium constrictum 1 1 1 1 Paspalidium jubiflorum 3 3 2 1 Paspalum dilatatum* Paspalum distichum 4 Persicaria prostrata 2 1 Phalaris paradoxa* 1 1 2 Phyla canescens* 2 Plantago cunninghamii 1 Plantago turrifera Poa sieberiana var. hirtella 2 3 Polycarpon tetraphyllum* 2 Polygonum aviculare* 4 2 1 2 Polygonum plebeium 2 4 Potamogeton tricarinatus Pratia concolor 2 2 1
Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 2
Pseudoraphis spinescens 3 2 Ptilotus semilanatus 1 2
Ranunculus pentandrus var. platycarpus 1 1 1 1 2
Rapistrum rugosum* 1 Rhagodia spinescens 1 1 Rhodanthe corymbiflora 2 Rorippa palustris* 1 2 2 Rumex brownii 2 1 1 1 2 117 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Site Numbers Full Floristic Survey (LC) Species 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 Rumex tenax 2 3 1 3 Salsola kali 2 4 2 1 2 2 1 2 Schenkia spicata 1 1 1 1 1 Sclerolaena birchii 1 2 1 Sclerolaena diacantha 3
Sclerolaena muricata var. semiglabra 3 2 1 1 1 1 2 3 1 2 4 3 2 3 2 2 3 4
Senna sp. 'zygophylla' Setaria parviflora* Sida ammophila 2 Sida corrugata 1 1 1 Sida cunninghamii Sida fibulifera Sida trichopoda 2 2 1 1 1 Sisymbrium erysimoides* 1 1 2 3 2 2 2 1 Sisymbrium irio* 1 Solanum esuriale 1 1 1 Solanum nigrum* 1 2 Solanum simile 1 1 Soliva anthemifolia* 2 2 2 1 1 Sonchus oleraceus* 2 2 2 1 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 2 1 2 Spergularia rubra* 2 2 2 Sporobolus caroli 3 3 3 2 Sporobolus mitchellii 3 2 2 Stuartina muelleri 2 Thyridolepis mitchelliana 3 1 3 2 Tricoryne elatior 1 Trifolium angustifolium* 1 2 2 Trifolium arvense* 2 3 1 1 1 Trifolium dubium* 2 Trifolium glomeratum* 1 Trifolium tomentosum* 1 1 2 Triptilodiscus pygmaeus 1 2 2
Urtica incisa
Vittadinia cuneata var. cuneata 1 2 2 2
Vittadinia cuneata var. morrisii 2 2 2 2 1 1 3 2 2 1 1 4
Vittadinia muelleri 1
Vulpia bromoides* 2 2
Vulpia muralis* 2 2
Wahlenbergia communis
Wahlenbergia gracilenta 1 2 2 2 2
Wahlenbergia multicaulis 1
Walwhalleya proluta 1 2 1 2 2
Walwhalleya subxerophyllum 1
Xanthium occidentale* 1
Xanthium spinosum* 1 1 2 2 1
Xerochrysum bracteatum 1
118 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Species Site Numbers Full Floristic Survey (LC) 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 Acacia deanei 1 Acacia decora 3 3 5 Acacia doratoxylon Acacia implexa Acacia oswaldii Acacia pendula 1 3 1 1 1 2 Acacia pravissima Acacia stenophylla 1 4 Alectryon oleifolius 1 3 3 1 1 Allocasuarina luehmannii 1 Alopecurus geniculatus* Alternanthera denticulata 3 2 1 Alternanthera sp. A 2 2 1 3 2 Amphibromus macrorhinus 1 1 2 2 2 3 Amyema cambagei Amyema maidenii Apophyllum anomalum 1 Arctotheca calendula* 1 1 1 Aristida behriana Arthropodium milleflorum Arthropodium minus Aster subulatus* 2 Atriplex spinibractea 2 1 1 3 1 1 2 3 2 3 2 2 3 Atriplex semibaccata 2 Austrodanthonia caespitosa 2 3 3 1 2 1 2 1 Austrodanthonia duttoniana 2 Austrodanthonia eriantha 2 3 Austrodanthonia fulva Austrodanthonia setacea 6 3 4 2 1 1 1 1 Austrostipa aristiglumis 3 Austrostipa blackii 2 3 2 3 3 1 1 Austrostipa densiflora
Austrostipa scabra subsp. falcata 2
Austrostipa scabra subsp. scabra 2 5 4 3 1 3 4 4 3 5 5 4 4 1 1
Austrostipa verticillata Avena fatua* 2 Avena ludoviciana* 2 2 3 2 1 2 2 4 2 Azolla filiculoides 3 3 1 3 3 Boerhavia dominii 2 1 1 Brachychiton populneus 1 Brachyscome lineariloba Bromus diandrus* 1 2 2 2 Bromus hordeaceus* 2 2 Bulbine bulbosa 3 Bulbine semibarbata 2 1 Calandrinia eremaea 2 Callitriche sonderi Callitris endlicheri Callitris glaucophylla 3 3 4 3 Calocephalus citreus 2 Calocephalus sonderi 2 Calotis cuneifolia Calotis hispidula 2
119 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Species Site Numbers Full Floristic Survey (LC) 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 Calotis lappulacea 2 1 Carex inversa 1 2 1 3 1 4 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Cassinia hewsoniae Casuarina cristata 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Centaurea melitensis* 1 Centaurea solstitialis* 1 Centipeda cunninghamii Centipeda minima Centipeda thespidioides 1 Chamaesyce drummondii 1 1 1 Cheilanthes sieberi 2 2 2 Chenopodium cristatum Chenopodium desertorum 1 1 1 1 1 1 Chloris truncata 2 Chondrilla juncea* 2 Chrysocephalum apiculatum Cirsium vulgare* 1 1 1 1 1 1 Convolvulus graminetinus 2 1 1 2 2 Conyza bonariensis* 2 1 2 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Crassula decumbens 1 Crassula peduncularis Crassula sieberiana 2 Crinum flaccidum 1 Cucumis myriocarpus* 1 1 Cynodon dactylon 2 4 5 4 Cyperus concinnus Cyperus difformis Cyperus gunnii Cyperus gymnocaulos Damasonium minus 3 1 Daucus glochidiatus 2 Desmodium gunnii Dichanthium sericeum 2 1 1 Dichondra repens 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 Digitaria divaricatissima 1 1 1 1 Digitaria parviflora 1 Diplachne fusca 4 2 Diplachne parviflora 3 Dodonaea viscosa 1 Dysphania pumilio 2 2 2 2 3 1 1 Echinochloa esculenta* 1 Echium plantagineum* 3 2 3 1 3 2 3 1 1 1 2 Eclipta platyglossa 3 3 Einadia hastata 1 1 4 Einadia nutans subsp. nutans 1 2 2 1 4 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1
Einadia polygonoides 2 2 4 1 Einadia trigonos 1 Elatine gratioloides 3 3 Eleocharis pallens 3 4 Eleocharis plana 4 5 Eleocharis pusilla 3 1 Elymus rectisetus 2 Elymus scaber var. scaber 2 1 1 2 Enchylaena tomentosa 1 2 1 1 Enteropogon acicularis 2 2 2 1 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 5 3 2 3 2 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1
120 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Species Site Numbers Full Floristic Survey (LC) 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 Epilobium billardierianum Eragrostis australasica 3 2 3 5 Eragrostis elongata 1 Eragrostis lacunaria Eragrostis parviflora 2 Eremophila mitchellii 1 Eriochloa pseudoacrotricha 1 3 1 1 1 1 Erodium cicutarium* 1 1 Erodium crinitum 2 1 Eucalyptus camaldulensis 4 1 1 3 3 Eucalyptus dwyeri 3 3 1 Eucalyptus microcarpa 3 3 1 Eucalyptus populnea 4 3 Eucalyptus sideroxylon 4 4 Euchiton sphaericus 1 1 1 Fimbristylis dichotoma 1 Fumaria capreolata* Gamochaeta coarctata* 1 Geijera parviflora 1 3 1 1 3 Glinus lotoides 2 Glycine tabacina 1 1 Gonocarpus elatus 1 2 Goodenia glabra 1
Goodenia hederacea subsp. hederacea
Goodenia pinnatifida 2 2 2 2 Gratiola pumilo 1 Hakea tephrosperma 4 Haloragis glauca 2 2 Hordeum glaucum* 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 Hordeum marinum* 2 2 1 2 Hyalosperma glutinosum Hypericum gramineum 1 Hypochaeris glabra* 1 Isoetes drummondii 1 Juncus aridicola 1 1 5 2 4 1 3 3 3 1 2 1 1 Juncus bufonius Juncus flavidus 2 1 2 Juncus radula 1 2 3 1 1 Juncus remotiflorus 1 Juncus usitatus Koeleria macrantha* 1 Lachnagrostis filiformis 2 1 3 3 2 2 3 3 2 4
Lactuca serriola f. integrifolia*
Lactuca serriola f. serriola* 1 2 2 1 2 Lamarckia aurea* Lemna disperma 2 3 3 3 Lepidium africanum* 1 1 1 1 1 Lepidium bonariense* 1
Lepidium pseudohyssopifolium 1
Leptorhynchos squamatus 1 Lolium perenne* 5 2 2 3 2 3 3 3 2 2 4 3 3 4 1 2 3 2
Lomandra multiflora subsp. multiflora 1
121 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Species Site Numbers Full Floristic Survey (LC) 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 Lycium ferocissimum* 1 1 1 1 1
Lysiana exocarpi subsp. exocarpi
Lythrum hyssopifolia 1 Maireana brevifolia 1 Maireana coronata 1 1 1 Maireana enchylaenoides 1 2 1 2 1 2 2 1 Maireana microphylla 4 1 1 2 2 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 Malva parviflora* 1 Marrubium vulgare* 1 1 Marsilea drummondii 3 1 2 2 2 1 1 Marsilea hirsuta Medicago laciniata* 2 Medicago polymorpha* 2 3 2 1 1 3 1 Medicago truncatula* 1 2 2 Mimulus prostratus 2 2 Muehlenbeckia florulenta 1 2 2 Myriophyllum crispatum Myriophyllum simulans 3 Myriophyllum verrucosum 2 1 2 2 Ottelia ovalifolia 4 Oxalis perennans 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 Oxalis pes-caprae* Panicum effusum Panicum simile 1 1 Parietaria debilis Parsonsia eucalyptophylla Paspalidium constrictum 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 Paspalidium jubiflorum 1 Paspalum dilatatum* 1 Paspalum distichum 3 Persicaria prostrata Phalaris paradoxa* 3 2 2 2 Phyla canescens* Plantago cunninghamii Plantago turrifera 2 2 Poa sieberiana var. hirtella Polycarpon tetraphyllum* Polygonum aviculare* 1 1 2 Polygonum plebeium 1 Potamogeton tricarinatus 4 Pratia concolor 1 3 3 3 1 1
Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum
Pseudoraphis spinescens 1 Ptilotus semilanatus 2
Ranunculus pentandrus var. platycarpus 1 2 2 3 1
Rapistrum rugosum* Rhagodia spinescens Rhodanthe corymbiflora Rorippa palustris* Rumex brownii 1 1 Rumex tenax 2 1 1 2 Salsola kali 1 2 2 1 1 1 Schenkia spicata
122 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Species Site Numbers Full Floristic Survey (LC) 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 Sclerolaena birchii 1 1 1 Sclerolaena diacantha 2 2 Sclerolaena muricata var. semiglabra 2 3 1 2 2 3 1 3 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1
Senna sp. 'zygophylla' 1 Setaria parviflora* 2 Sida ammophila Sida corrugata 1 Sida cunninghamii 2 2 1 Sida fibulifera 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 Sida trichopoda 1 Sisymbrium erysimoides* 1 1 Sisymbrium irio* Solanum esuriale 2 1 1 1 1 1 Solanum nigrum* 1 2 1 1 Solanum simile Soliva anthemifolia* 2 1 Sonchus oleraceus* 1 1 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 Spergularia rubra* 2 Sporobolus caroli 2 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 Sporobolus mitchellii 2 5 5 1 3 Stuartina muelleri Thyridolepis mitchelliana Tricoryne elatior Trifolium angustifolium* 2 1 2 Trifolium arvense* Trifolium dubium* Trifolium glomeratum* Trifolium tomentosum* Triptilodiscus pygmaeus Urtica incisa 2 Vittadinia cuneata var. cuneata 4 3 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 1
Vittadinia cuneata var. morrisii 2 1 2 1 1 2 2
Vittadinia muelleri Vulpia bromoides* 2 2 2 2 Vulpia muralis* Wahlenbergia communis 1 1 Wahlenbergia gracilenta 2 2 1 1 2 Wahlenbergia multicaulis 2 2 2 Walwhalleya proluta 6 1 1 1 1
Walwhalleya subxerophyllum 2
Xanthium occidentale* 2 1 1 Xanthium spinosum* 1 1 1 Xerochrysum bracteatum 2 1 1
123 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Site Number Condition Assessment Surveys (LCB)
Species 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 33 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Abutilon oxycarpum 1 1
Acacia deanei 1 1
Acacia doratoxylon 1 1 1 1 1
Acacia implexa 1
Acacia pendula 4 4 3 3 1 1 3 3 4
Acacia pravissima 1 1
Acacia stenophylla 1 1 1 1
Alectryon oleifolius 1 3 1 3 1
Allocasuarina luehmannii 3 3
Alternanthera denticulata 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 1
Alternanthera pungens* 1
Alternanthera sp. A 1 2 2 1 2 2 2 2
Amyema maidenii 1 1 1
Apophyllum anomalum 1
Aristida leichhardtiana 2
Arthropodium minus 1 1
Atriplex semibaccata 2 2 2 2 3 3 2 2 3 2 3 4 1 2
Atriplex spinibractea 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 1 2 2 2 1 2
Atriplex stipitata 3 1
Austrodanthonia caespitosa 2 6 5 2 1 3 2 2 2 3 3 3 2 2 3 1 5
Austrodanthonia eriantha 2 2 2 2 2
Austrodanthonia setacea 3 1 3 3 3 3 3 2
Austrostipa aristiglumis 2 6
Austrostipa blackii 4 4 5 5 5 3 4 2 2 4 2 6 1
Austrostipa densiflora 4 5 5 4 4 2
Austrostipa scabra 2 5 3 4 2 1 5 3 3 4 4 4 7 1 2 3 1 4 6 2 1 4 7 3 3 3 3 2 4 2
Avena ludoviciana* 2 1 2 2 1 2 3
Azolla filiculoides 3 3 2
Boerhavia dominii 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 2 2 2 2
Bothriochloa decipiens 3 2
Brachyscome lineariloba 1
Bromus diandrus* 1 1 1 1
Bulbine semibarbata 1
Callitris endlicheri 3 4
Callitris glaucophylla 3 3 4 5 3
Calocephalus citreus 1 2 1 2 1 2 1
Calocephalus sonderi 1
Calotis cuneifolia 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 3 1 1 2
Calotis hispidula 1
Calotis lappulacea 2 1
Carex inversa 3 2 2 2 2 3 3 1 2 2 3 2 2 3 4 2 2 1
Cassinia hewsoniae 1 3 124 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Site Number Condition Assessment Surveys (LCB)
Species 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 33 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Casuarina cristata 3 1 4
Centaurea melitensis* 1 1 1
Centipeda thespidioides 1 2 1 2
Chamaesyce drummondii 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Cheilanthes distans 2 3
Cheilanthes sieberi 2 1 1 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 3 2
Chenopodium desertorum 1
Dysphania pumilio 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 2 2 1
Chloris truncata 3 1 4 4
Chondrilla juncea* 1 1 2 1 1 1 1
Cirsium vulgare* 2 1 2 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1
Convolvulus graminetinus 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 1 2
Conyza bonariensis* 1 2 3 3 4 2 2 1 2 1 2 1 1 6 5 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 3 1 3 2 4 5 1 1 1 4 1 2 2 2 2
Cotula coronopifolia* 1 2
Cucumis myriocarpus* 2 1 2
Cynodon dactylon 1 2 2 2 5 2 3 3 3
Cyperus gracilis 1
Cyperus gymnocaulos 3 2
Datura stramonium* 1
Daucus glochidiatus 1
Dichanthium sericeum 3 2 2
Dichondra repens 2 2 1 3 4 2 2 1 3 2 1 2 2 1 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2
Dichondra sp. A 3 2
Diplachne fusca 2 3 4 2 3 2
Echium plantagineum* 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 3 2 2 2 4 1 1 2 3 2
Eclipta platyglossa 4 2 2 2 2 3
Einadia hastata 1 1 2 3 3 4 2
Einadia nutans 1 3 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 1 2 3 2 1 2 2
Einadia polygonoides 2 4 4 3
Eleocharis acuta 3
Eleocharis pallens 2 3
Eleocharis plana 2 4 5 3 4 3
Eleocharis pusilla 2
Elymus rectisetus 2 1 1 1
Enchylaena tomentosa 1 1 1 3 2 1 1 1
Enneapogon nigricans 2
Enteropogon acicularis 2 3 2 1 1 3 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 3 2 3 6 4 2 2 3 3 2 4 2 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 1
Epilobium billardierianum 1
Eragrostis australasica 3 3
Eragrostis cilianensis* 2 2 2
Eragrostis elongata 1
Eragrostis lacunaria 2
Eragrostis leptostachya 2
125 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Site Number Condition Assessment Surveys (LCB)
Species 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 33 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Eremophila mitchellii 1
Eriochloa pseudoacrotricha 2 3 1 2 2 2 1 3 2 3
Erodium crinitum 1
Eucalyptus camaldulensis 4 4 1 1 1
Eucalyptus dwyeri 1 3 3 4 3 3 3 4 3 1 4 3
Eucalyptus microcarpa 3 3 3 3 3
Eucalyptus populnea 1
Eucalyptus sideroxylon 3 4 4
Euchiton gymnocephalus 1
Euchiton sphaericus 1 2 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1
Gamochaeta coarctata* 1 2 1
Geijera parviflora 1 1 3 1 1 1
Glinus lotoides 2
Glycine clandestina 1
Gonocarpus elatus 3 3 2 3 3 2 2 1 1
Goodenia glabra 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 2 2 2
Goodenia hederacea 2 1 2 1 2 2
Haloragis odontocarpa 1 1 3 1
Heliotropium amplexicaule* 3 1 2
Heliotropium europaeum* 2 1
Hyalosperma semisterile 2
Hypericum gramineum 2 1
Hypochaeris glabra* 1
Isoetes muelleri 1 1
Juncus aridicola 4 1 1 2 6 4 3 1 5 5 4 2 2 4 2
Juncus flavidus 1
Juncus radula 1 2 1 2 2 2
Juncus remotiflorus 1 2 1
Juncus usitatus 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 2 2 2 2
Lachnagrostis filiformis 1 1 2 2 2 1 2 1 2
Lactuca serriola* 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 3 1
Lemna disperma 2 2
Lepidium africanum* 1 1 1 2 3 2 1 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2
Lepidium bonariense* 3
Lolium perenne* 3 1 2 2 2 3 2 2 3 2 Lomandra multiflora subsp. multiflora 1
Lycium ferocissimum* 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Maireana coronata 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 1
Maireana microphylla 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 3 3 1 2 1
Malva parviflora* 1 2
Malvastrum americanum* 2 1
Marrubium vulgare* 2 1 1
Marsilea costulifera 2 126 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Site Number Condition Assessment Surveys (LCB)
Species 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 33 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Marsilea drummondii 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 1
Marsilea hirsuta 4
Medicago polymorpha* 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 2 2 2
Microlaena stipoides 1
Mimulus prostratus 2 2
Muehlenbeckia florulenta 1
Oxalis perennans 1 2 3 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 2 2 1 2 1 2 2 2
Oxalis pes-caprae* 1 1
Panicum effusum 2
Panicum simile 2 2 1 1 1 1 1
Paronychia brasiliana* 2
Paspalidium constrictum 2 2 1 1 2 3 3 4 2
Paspalidium jubiflorum 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 1
Paspalum dilatatum* 1
Pimelea trichostachya 1
Polycarpon tetraphyllum* 2
Polygonum aviculare* 2 1 2 1 1
Polygonum plebeium 1
Potamogeton tricarinatus 1
Pratia concolor 2 1 1 1 2 2 2 1
Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum 1 2 1 1 1
Pseudoraphis spinescens 5
Ptilotus spathulatus 1 1 1 2 1
Rumex brownii 2 1 1 1 1 1 2
Rumex tenax 1 1 1
Salsola kali 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 2 2 1 2 2 2
Schenkia spicata 2 2 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1
Sclerolaena birchii 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 3 1
Sclerolaena diacantha 2 3 4 2
Sclerolaena muricata 2 2 2 1 3 4 3 3 2 1 4 4 1 1 1 1 3 4 1 3 2 2 4 3
Setaria parviflora* 2 1 1 2 2 2
Sida corrugata 2 2 2 1 2 2 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 1
Sida fibulifera 2 1 1 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1
Sida sp. A 1
Sida trichopoda 1
Sisymbrium erysimoides* 1 1 1 2 2 1 2 1
Solanum esuriale 2 2 2 1 3 2 1 2 2 2 1 2 1 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2
Solanum nigrum* 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1
Sonchus oleraceus* 1 1 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Sporobolus caroli 1 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 3 2 2 2
Sporobolus mitchellii 3 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 3 2 4 3
Stellaria angustifolia 1
Stellaria sp. B. 1
127 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey
Site Number Condition Assessment Surveys (LCB)
Species 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 33 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Thyridolepis mitchelliana 4 1
Thysanotus baueri 2 2
Tribulus micrococcus 1
Tricoryne elatior 2 2 1
Trifolium angustifolium* 2 1 2 2 2
Trifolium globosum* 1
Trifolium repens* 2
Urochloa gilesii 1 1 1
Verbascum virgatum* 2
Viola hederacea 2
Vittadinia cervicularis 2
Vittadinia cuneata 1 2 1 1 2 3 1 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 1 3 2 2 2 2 2 2
Vittadinia muelleri 2
Vulpia bromoides* 2 3 2 2 1 2 3
Wahlenbergia gracilenta 1
Wahlenbergia multicaulis 2 1 1 1 2 2 2
Wahlenbergia tumidifructa 2 1 1 1
Walwhalleya proluta 1 1 4 5 4 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 2
Walwhalleya subxerophyllum 2
Xanthium occidentale* 1 1 2 1 1 2 1
Xerochrysum bracteatum 1 1
Xerochrysum viscosum 1
Zaleya galericulata 2 1
128 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey Appendix F: Descriptive criteria from the NSW Final Determination for Myall Woodland in the Darling Riverine Plains, Brigalow Belt South, Cobar Peneplain, Murray- Darling Depression, Riverina and NSW South western Slopes bioregions Listed below are those criteria of the 11 contained within the Final Determination for this EEC which are descriptive of the characteristics of the ecological community and its location (NSW Scientific Committee 2011a). The criteria have been applied to community C1 and community C2.
CRITERIA COMMENT 1. Myall Woodland in the Darling Riverine Plains, Brigalow Belt The mean annual rainfall at West Wyalong Post Office is 480.9 South, Cobar Peneplain, Murray-Darling Depression, Riverina mm and the location is within the NSW South Western Slopes and NSW South western Slopes bioregions typically, occurs on Bioregion. The community was found on red brown earths red-brown earths and heavy textured grey and brown alluvial and heavy textured grey and brown alluvial soils. soils within a climatic belt receiving between 375 and 500 mm mean annual rainfall. The structure of the community varies from low woodland and The structure of the community as it occurs within the site is low open woodland to low sparse woodland or open of Low Woodland and Low Open Woodland to Low Sparse shrubland, depending on site quality and disturbance history. Woodland and Open Shrubland to Grassland. The tree layer is The tree layer grows up to a height of about 10 metres and up to 10 m and at times includes Acacia pendula, as one of invariably includes Acacia pendula (Weeping Myall or Boree) as the main canopy species and/or as a regenerating shrub layer one of the dominant species or the only tree species present. that has yet to reach the canopy. The structure and The understorey includes an open layer of chenopod shrubs dominance of Acacia pendula depends on past disturbance and other woody plant species and an open to continuous history. The understorey includes both chenopod shrubs and groundcover of grasses and herbs. an open to continuous groundcover of grasses and herbs. The structure and composition of the community varies, The understorey is generally dominated by grasses but other particularly with latitude, as chenopod shrubs are more areas have a higher prominence of Chenopod shrubs prominent south of the Lachlan River district, while other woody species and summer grasses are more common further north. In some areas the shrub stratum may have been reduced or eliminated by clearing or heavy grazing. The plant community characterised by a specific assemblage of 26 characteristic species were recorded within those survey species. See final determination for full list. sites allocated to this EEC. 3. Myall Woodland in the Darling Riverine Plains, Brigalow Belt The study area is located within the Lachlan LGA. South, Cobar Peneplain, Murray-Darling Depression, Riverina and NSW South western Slopes bioregions is known from parts of the Local Government Areas of Berrigan, Bland, Bogan, Carrathool, Conargo, Coolamon, Coonamble, Corowa, Forbes, Gilgandra, Griffith, Gwydir, Inverell, Jerilderee, Lachlan, Leeton, Lockhart, Moree Plains, Murray, Murrumbidgee, Narrabri, Narrandera, Narromine, Parkes, Urana, Wagga Wagga and Warren, and but may occur elsewhere in these bioregions. Bioregions are defined in Thackway and Cresswell (1995). 4. Characteristic tree species include: Acacia pendula (Myall or Acacia pendula and Alectryon oleifolius are present within a Boree), which may occur in pure stands, particularly south of number of the sites. Casuarina cristata, A. oswaldii and the mid-Lachlan River district, or in combination with other Apophyllum anomalum are present in many areas allocated to trees such as Casuarina cristata, Acacia homalophylla (Yarran), this EEC. A. oswaldii (Miljee), Alectryon oleifolius (Rosewood), Apophyllum anomalum (Warrior bush) and Capparis spp. The mistletoe, Amyema quandang, is common on the branches of Acacia pendula throughout. The shrub layer varies substantially with latitude and grazing Atriplex nummularia was not recorded in any sites. It is most history (Beadle 1948), and may be virtually absent in some likely that it did occur in the locality before grazing was stands. Atriplex nummularia (Old Man Saltbush) was introduced. historically one of the dominant understorey shrubs in the Atriplex semibaccata, Enchylaena tomentosa (Ruby Saltbush), south, but is now uncommon in the community (Moore 1953). Rhagodia spinescens and Sclerolaena muricata were found Other chenopod shrubs, such as Atriplex semibaccata within many of the sites allocated to this EEC. (Creeping Saltbush), Enchylaena tomentosa (Ruby Saltbush),
129 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey Maireana aphylla (Cotton Bush), M. decalvens (Black Cotton Bush), M. excavata, M. pentagona (Hairy bluebush), Rhagodia spinescens (Thorny Saltbush) and Sclerolaena muricata (Black Rolypoly), are among the most frequent shrubs in the understorey of Myall Woodland south of the mid Lachlan district. The ground layer includes a diversity of grasses and forbs, and Einadia nutans, Enteropogon acicularis, Solanum esuriale, varies in cover depending on grazing regime and occurrence of Sporobolus caroli, Austrostipa aristiglumis, Austrodanthonia recent rain. Chloris truncata (Windmill Grass), Einadia nutans spp. and Austrostipa scabra were found within many of the (Climbing saltbush), Enteropogon acicularis (Curly Windmill sites allocated to this EEC. Grass), Rhodanthe corymbiflora (Small White Sunray), Solanum esuriale (Quena) and Sporobolus caroli (Fairy Grass), are frequent throughout the range of the community. Astrebla spp. (Mitchell grasses), Austrostipa aristiglumis (Plains Grass), Dichanthium sericeum (Queensland Bluegrass) and Panicum decompositum (Native Millet) frequently occur in Myall Woodland north from the mid-Lachlan River district, while Austrodanthonia spp. (White-top or Wallaby Grasses), Austrostipa scabra (Rough Speargrass), and herbs such as Chrysocephalum apiculatum (Common Everlasting), Goodenia pusilliflora, Myriocephalus rhizocephalus (Woolly-heads) and Swainsona spp. (Bladder Peas), are more prominent in the south. 5. A number of vegetation surveys and mapping studies have The characteristics of the sites allocated to this EEC conform to been conducted across the range of Myall Woodland in the those described by Benson et al (2006) for community number Darling Riverine Plains, Brigalow Belt South, Cobar Peneplain, 26: CE/5a Weeping Myall open woodland of the Riverina and Murray-Darling Depression, Riverina and NSW South western NSW South Western Slopes Bioregions (Benson et al. 2006). Slopes bioregions the community includes the ‘Acacia pendula Associes’ of Beadle (1948). On the Moree In the detailed notes for this community Benson et al (2006) floodplain, the community includes Map unit 7 lists a number of equivalent vegetation types listed in the final ‘Myall/Rosewood Woodlands on Elevated Floodplain’ of White determination. These include Acacia pendula Associates of (2000) and Map unit 4(b) ‘Myall woodlands’ of DLWC (2002a). Beadle (1948); Map unit 25 ‘Acacia pendula woodland’ of In the Lachlan-Macquarie district of central NSW, the Porteners (1993); Acacia pendula-Atriplex nummularia community includes the ‘Acacia pendula-Atriplex nummularia alliance’ of Moore (1953); Broad Vegetation Type 6 ‘Boree Alliance’ of Biddiscombe (1963), Map unit R5 ‘Myall Woodland’ of Miles (2001); Floristic Groups ‘65 Eremophila Woodlands’ of Sivertsen and Metcalfe (1995) and Metcalfe mitchellii/Acacia oswaldii/A. pendula’, ‘66 Outlier Acacia et al. (2003), Floristic Groups ‘65 Eremophila homalophylla’, ‘67 Sclerolaena muricata/Acacia pendula’ and mitchellii/Acacia oswaldii/A. pendula’, ‘66 Outlier Acacia ‘68 Acacia pendula’ of Austin et al. (2000); map unit R5 ‘Myall homalophylla’, ‘67 Sclerolaena muricata/Acacia pendula’ Woodlands’ of Sivertsen and Metcalfe (1995). Benson (2006) and ‘68 Acacia pendula’ of Austin et al. (2000), Map units is not included within the determination however Benson ALP3 ‘Acacia woodlands of the stagnant alluvial plains: Acacia (2006) discusses equivalent units. pendula’ and ALP4 ‘Acacia woodlands of the stagnant alluvial plains: Acacia homalophylla’ of DLWC (2002b), and Broad Vegetation Type 5 ‘Myall open-woodland on loamy-clay plains’ of Kerr et al. (2003). In the Riverina district, the community includes the ‘Acacia pendula-Atriplex nummularia alliance’ of Moore (1953), Map unit 25 ‘Acacia pendula woodland’ of Porteners (1993), Map Unit 4a ‘Open Boree Woodland/Grassland’ of Roberts and Roberts (2001), Broad Vegetation Type 6 ‘Boree woodland’ of Miles (2001), Map unit 12 ‘Acacia pendula with an herbaceous understorey’ of DLWC (2002c) and ‘Parna Plains Grassland and Woodland’ of White et al. (2002). Myall Woodland belongs to the ‘Riverine Plain Woodlands’ vegetation class of Keith (2004) 7. In many areas of the Riverina, Myall Woodland has been Grasslands of Chloris, Austrodanthonia and Austrostipa occur eliminated and replaced by a grassland of Chloris, within the study area. Austrodanthonia and Austrostipa, that lacks the woody Acacia pendula occurs at some locations as scattered components of the original woodland vegetation (Beadle individuals. Within the mining lease area where grazing has 1948, Moore 1953, Porteners 1993, Benson et al. 1997, Keith ceased Acacia pendula juveniles are common in grasslands 2004). In some areas, Acacia pendula persists as small, that may have once contained this woodland. scattered individuals suppressed by grazing. Moore (1953) had considerable difficulty in finding any stands that had not been considerably modified by grazing or clearing, but established Derived communities with natural resilience where some the formerly extensive distribution of Myall Woodland in the species including Myall may only be represented in the soil Riverina from accounts in historical journals and land surveys. seed bank fall within the determination of the EEC. Areas of Beadle (1948) and Moore (1953) both interviewed local derived grassland which had features that where considered farmers who described a major decline in dominant woody to represent this EEC and that were determined as being in species, particularly Acacia pendula and Atriplex nummularia, good or moderate condition were included within this EEC.
130 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey during droughts of the late nineteenth century when trees were cut for emergency fodder and there was sustained overgrazing by sheep and rabbits. There was also a substantial trade in Myall as firewood (Williams 1962). High levels of grazing also led to the replacement of tall perennial tussock grasses with short perennial grasses and unpalatable annual herbs (Beadle 1948), as well as introduction of exotic herbs and grasses such as Bromus spp., Erodium spp., Lepidium africanum, Medicago spp., Sisymbrium spp. and Trifolium spp. Introduced shrubs, notably Lycium ferocissimum (African boxthorn) have also invaded some areas occupied by the community. Extant remnants of Myall Woodland are therefore in various states of modification that reflect their history of tree removal and grazing.
131 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey Appendix G: Condition classes from the Commonwealth listing advice for Weeping Myall Woodlands Listed below are condition classes described within the Listing Advice for this EEC which are descriptive of the characteristics of the ecological community and its location (Threatened Species Scientific Committee 2008). The classes have been applied to community C1. Community C2 did not qualify for assessment due to a lack of tree canopy and a in most parts a history of cultivation.
The tree canopy is dominated (at least 50% of trees present) Areas included in this EEC were dominated by weeping Myall by living, dead or defoliated Weeping Myall trees; and trees as trees or regenerating shrubs
The overstorey must have at least 5% tree canopy cover or at Areas included in this EEC had 5% cover of Weeping Myall least 25 dead or defoliated mature Weeping Myall trees/ha; trees. and
The area is at least 0.5 ha in size; and Areas included in this EEC at least 0.5 ha in size
The patch has either: Some areas included in this EEC had two layers of more than two layers of regeneration of Weeping revegetation Weeping Myall present. Myall present; or
the tallest layer of living, dead or defoliated Weeping Some areas included in this EEC had Weeping Myall trees at Myall trees is at least 4 m tall and of the vegetative least 4 m tall. cover present, 50% is comprised of native species. Areas included in this EEC had a native species cover of 50% or more. Assessment of a patch must be done when 10% or more of During assessment 10% or more of the area was covered with the area is covered with either native or exotic vegetation, native vegetation. whether dead or alive, (this accounts for situations such as drought). The patch extends over the area up to ten metres beyond the The Boundaries of patches delineated as EEC under this Act dripline of the outermost trees where the understorey criteria extended to at least ten metres beyond the drip line of the are satisfied. Areas where the understorey is not native, or outermost trees. areas that have been cultivated more than once in the last 30 Areas where the understorey is not native, or areas that have years are considered to be so highly degraded that they cannot been cultivated more than once in the last 30 years have not be returned to a state in which they could be considered part been included in this EEC. of the listed ecological community. Such areas would include single paddock trees.
132 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey Appendix H: Descriptive criteria from the NSW Final Determination for Inland Grey Box Woodland in the Riverina, NSW South Western Slopes, Cobar Peneplain, Nandewar and Brigalow Belt South Bioregions - endangered ecological community listing Listed below are those criteria of the 14 contained within the Final Determination for this EEC which are descriptive of the characteristics of the ecological community and its location (NSW Scientific Committee 2011b). The criteria have been applied to community C3 and community C2.
CRITERIA COMMENT 1. Inland Grey Box Woodland in the Riverina, NSW South Western The study area is within the NSW South Western Slopes Bioregion Slopes, Cobar Peneplain, Nandewar and Brigalow Belt South with an annual rainfall of 480.9 mm. Bioregions is the name given to the ecological community found on relatively fertile soils of the western slopes and plains of NSW in which Eucalyptus microcarpa (Inland Grey Box) is the most characteristic species. The community generally occurs where average rainfall is 375- 800 mm pa (Moore 1953, Beadle 1981, Botanic Gardens Trust 2005) and the mean maximum annual temperature is 22-26°C (Botanic Gardens Trust 2005). In NSW the community principally occurs within the Riverina and South West Slopes Bioregions and is also found in portions of the Cobar Peneplain, Nandewar and Brigalow Belt South Bioregions.
2. Inland Grey Box Woodland includes those woodlands in which the 2. Eucalyptus microcarpa occurs as a dominant species on its own or most characteristic tree species - Eucalyptus microcarpa - is often in association with Eucalyptus populnea, Callitris glaucophylla and found in association with Eucalyptus populnea subsp. bimbil (Bimbil Brachychiton populneus. The understorey is largely herbaceous Box), Callitris glaucophylla (White Cypress-pine), Brachychiton though scattered shrubs can occur. The community occurs as a populneus (Kurrajong), Allocasuarina luehmannii (Buloke) or (Yellow woodland to open woodland with a height of between 10-20 m tall. Box), and sometimes with Eucalyptus albens (White Box). Shrubs are typically sparse or absent, although this component can be diverse and may be locally common, especially in drier western portions of the community (Prober and Thiele 2004). A variable ground layer of grass and herbaceous species is present at most sites. At severely disturbed sites the ground layer may be absent. The community generally occurs as an open woodland 15-25 m tall but in some locations the overstorey may be absent as a result of past clearing or thinning, leaving only an understorey. Beadle (1948) commented that in its pristine state the overstorey density of this community was sometimes high, approaching a forest structure in southern portions of its range.
3. Inland Grey Box Woodland is characterised by the following 35 of the species listed as occurring within the EEC where also found assemblage of species: See final determination for full list to occur within community C3 as described here.
5. Inland Grey Box Woodland may be found in the local government 5. The study area is within the Lachlan local government area. areas of Albury, Berrigan, Bland, Blayney, Boorowa, Cabonne, Carrathool, Conargo, Coolamon, Cootamundra, Corowa, Cowra, Deniliquin, Dubbo, Forbes, Gilgandra, Greater Hume, Griffith, Gundagai, Gunnedah, Gwyder, Inverell, Jerilderie, Junee, Lachlan, Leeton, Liverpool Plains, Lockhart, Mid-western Regional, Murray, Murrumbidgee, Narrabri, Narrandera, Narromine, Parkes, Temora, Upper Lachlan, Urana, Wagga Wagga, Wakool, Warrumbungle, Weddin, Wellington and Young. Inland Grey Box Woodland may occur elsewhere in the nominated bioregions. Bioregions are defined in Thackway and Creswell (1995). 6. In their detailed assessment of grassy box woodlands in central 6. The community occurs on red brown earths and grey clays. NSW, Prober and Thiele (2004) identified a correlation between Eucalyptus microcarpa communities and "soils of Tertiary and Quaternary alluvial (or occasionally colluvial or eluvial) origin, largely corresponding with the Red Brown Earths as described in Beadle (1948) and Moore (1953)." This ecological attribute helps distinguish between Inland Grey Box Woodlands and the White Box Yellow Box Blakely's Red Gum Woodland which is listed as an Endangered Ecological Community. The latter community generally occurs further east and typically occupies a wide variety of alluvial and non-alluvial
133 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey CRITERIA COMMENT soils (Prober and Thiele 2004). 7. Gradients in floristic diversity found across Inland Grey Box 7. Austrostipa scabra, Austrodanthonia and Enteropogon Woodland are also related to climatic differences as rainfall declines to characterised the understorey herbaceous layer. the west and temperature increases to the west and north. Inland Grey Box Woodland can, in some regions, be differentiated from Eucalyptus albens-E. melliodora communities by grass species. Themeda australis and Poa sieberiana characterise the latter community whereas Austrostipa scabra, Austrodanthonia spp. and Enteropogon spp. are more typically associated with Eucalyptus microcarpa, although disturbance weakens this correlation (Prober and Thiele 2004). Chenopods and other shrubs are more common in the western than eastern portions of Inland Grey Box Woodland, and diversity of canopy species decreases with latitude (Keith 2004)
8. Inland Grey Box Woodland includes several closely related 8. While the above characteristics would generally place community associations. Both Beadle (1948) and Moore (1953) included the C3 within the listed EEC, the community is best described within the Eucalyptus microcarpa community within their 'Tall Woodland Benson et al. (2006) ID 248 which is not listed as included within the Eucalyptus woollsiana' associations. Specht et al. (1995) identified current EEC. 'T362: Eucalyptus microcarpa' on western slopes of southern NSW which represents part of the nominated community. In the Riverina the community was identified by Porteners (1993) as 'Map Unit 24: Grey Box Woodland', and this name was continued in Todd (2003). White et al. (2002) identified a somewhat broader vegetation unit in the Riverina, typically dominated by Eucalyptus microcarpa, as 'Temperate Plains Grassy Woodland'. Seddon et al. (2002) described 'Community B: Grey Box-White Cypress-pine Woodland' in the Little River Catchment. In the Forbes-Lake Cargelligo area, Sivertsen and Metcalfe (1995) described three 'Box Woodlands' (P3, P4 and F3) in which Eucalyptus microcarpa was a characteristic species along with E. populnea and Callitris glaucophylla. They later distinguished 'P13 Grey Box Woodlands' from two 'Poplar Box Woodlands' (P4 and P16) in their assessments north of the Lachlan River (Metcalfe et al. 2003). In the vicinity of Dubbo, Kerr et al. (2003) described the broad vegetation class of 'Grey Box/Pilliga Box/Poplar Box woodland on undulating rises and flats,' with Eucalyptus microcarpa becoming less prevalent to the north. On a statewide scale, Benson et al. (2006) described six communities as fitting within the definition of Inland Grey Box Woodland (ID76, ID80, ID81, ID82, ID110 and ID237). The nominated community belongs to 'Floodplain Transition Woodlands' vegetation class of Keith (2004) which also includes the Eucalyptus conica (Fuzzy Box) and E. pilligaensis (Pilliga Box) woodland communities where E. microcarpa rarely occurs.
9. Two woodland communities that are listed as Endangered Ecological 9. Neither occur within the study area. Communities under the Threatened Species Conservation Act adjoin and intergrade with Inland Grey Box Woodland: Fuzzy Box on alluvials of the NSW South Western Slopes, Darling Riverine Plains and Brigalow Belt South Bioregions White Box Yellow Box Blakely's Red Gum Woodland Woodlands of Eucalyptus pilligaensis and E. populnea, and those of E. moluccana (Coastal Grey Box) in the Sydney Basin Bioregion are also related. Inland Grey Box Woodland can grade into inland riverine forests of Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River Red Gum) and E. largiflorens (Black Box) along inland rivers and floodplains. These later communities are not covered by this Determination.
134 Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey Appendix I: Condition thresholds from the Commonwealth Listing Advice on Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa) Grassy Woodlands and Derived Native Grasslands of South-eastern Australia
Condition thresholds are intended to function as a set of criteria that assist in identifying when the EPBC Act is likely to apply to an ecological community. They provide guidance for when a patch of a threatened ecological community retains sufficient conservation values to be considered as a Matter of National Environmental Significance, as defined under the EPBC Act. Most of the Grey Box (E. microcarpa) Grassy Woodlands and Derived Native Grasslands of South-Eastern Australia has been cleared and what remains is largely in a degraded and fragmented state (Threatened Species Scientific Committee 2010). The criteria have been applied to community C3 and community C2. Category and rationale Thresholds Relevance to Map unit in Report Criteria that are broadly applicable 1a. The minimum patch size is 0.5 hectare; Applicable to community C3 AND Not applicable to community 1b. The canopy layer contains Grey Box (E. microcarpa) as the dominant or co-dominant tree species; AND 1c. The vegetative cover of non-grass weed species in the ground layer is less than 30% at any time of the year. Additional criteria that apply to smaller 2a. At least 50% of the vegetative cover in Applicable to community C3 woodland patches the ground layer comprises perennial native Applicable to portions of community (0.5 to <2 ha in area) with tree crown cover species at any time of the year; C2 included in this EEC >10% AND 2b. Eight or more perennial native species (6 or more in the Flinders Lofty Block Bioregion of South Australia) are present in the mid and ground layers at any time of the year. Additional criteria that apply to larger 3a. At least eight trees/ha are hollow Applicable to community C3 woodland patches with a well-developed bearing or have a diameter at breast height Not applicable to community C2 canopy (2 ha or more in area) of 60 cm or more; AND 3b. at least 10% of the vegetative ground cover comprises perennial native grasses at any time of the year; OR 4a. At least 20 trees/ha have a diameter at Not applicable to community C3 breast height of 12 cm or more; Not applicable to Applicable to AND portions of community C2 included 4b. at least 50% of the vegetative cover in in this EEC the ground layer comprises perennial native species. Additional criteria that apply to patches 5a. Woodland density does not meet criteria Not applicable to community C3 where the canopy is less developed or 3a or 4a, or is a derived grassland with clear Applicable to portions of community absent (derived grassland) evidence that the site formerly was a C2 included in this EEC (≥0.5 ha in area) woodland with a tree canopy dominated or co-dominated by E. microcarpa; AND 5b. At least 50% of the vegetative cover in the ground layer is made up of perennial native species at any time of the year; AND 5c. 12 or more native species are present in the ground layer at any time of the year.
135 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Threatened Species Assessment
ATTACHMENT B
COWAL GOLD MINE EXTENSION MODIFICATION – PROPOSED PUMP STATION: IMPACT ON FLORA (FLORASEARCH, 2013)
00541877 2/23 Sale Street, Orange, NSW 2800 PO Box 300, Orange, NSW 2800 Australia Phone: 02 6369 0252 Mobile: 0428 263 274 E-mail: [email protected] ABN: 43 060 913 622
17 June 2013
Cowal Gold Mine Modification - Proposed Pump Station: Impact on Flora
The Cowal Gold Mine Modification proposed pump station is to be located in a cleared paddock used for cropping and grazing. The site was inspected on 14 May 2013.
The original vegetation of the pump station site is considered most likely to have been Poplar Box Woodland, of which there are remnant paddock trees nearby. However, no trees remain on the pump station site and none would be harmed by the proposed works.
At the time of the inspection, the pump station site had been heavily grazed and no green plant material was present. Much of the paddock had the remains of a Brassica fodder crop, probably Kale (Brassica oleracea), which had been grazed off. The only identifiable plants were dead Caltrop (Tribulus terrestris) and Flaxleaf Fleabane (Conyza bonariensis), both introduced species. No native species were detectable.
Given the long history of grazing and cropping on the site, it is considered highly unlikely that any threatened flora species persist in the paddock. Similarly, no threatened ecological communities are present.
It is concluded that construction and operation of the pump station would have no adverse impacts on threatened flora species, populations, ecological communities or critical habitat.
Yours Sincerely,
Colin C Bower PhD Principal
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Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Threatened Species Assessment
ATTACHMENT C
COWAL GOLD MINE AND SURROUNDS FAUNA REPORT (KERLE, 2013A)
00541877
COWAL GOLD MINE & SURROUNDS
THREATENED FAUNA SURVEY
This report has been prepared for:
BARRICK (COWAL) LIMITED
by
Dr Anne Kerle
Dr Anne Kerle Consulting Ecologist 5 Fitzroy Street Peel NSW 2795 ph/fax: 02 63376648 mobile: 0428 846 509 email: [email protected]
July 2013
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Contents Contents ...... 2 Executive Summary ...... 4 1. Introduction ...... 5 2. Background ...... 8 2.1. Sloane’s Froglet Crinia sloanei...... 8 2.2. Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) Pomatostomus temporalis temporalis 9 2.3. Superb Parrot Polytelis swainsonii ...... 10 2.4. Habitat Assessment ...... 11 3. Methods ...... 13 3.1. Site Selection ...... 13 3.1.1. Sloane’s Froglet ...... 13 3.1.2. Habitat Assessment for Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) and Superb Parrot ...... 13 3.2. Survey Timing and Weather Conditions ...... 13 3.2.1. Survey Timing ...... 13 3.2.2. Weather Conditions ...... 13 3.3. Habitat Assessment ...... 14 3.4. Fauna Survey ...... 14 3.4.1. Targeted survey for Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) and Superb Parrot…...... 14 3.4.2. Targeted survey for Sloane’s Froglet ...... 14 3.5. Data Analysis ...... 15 4. Results ...... 16 4.1. Survey Sites...... 16 4.1.1. Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) and Superb Parrot...... 16 4.1.2. Sloane’s Froglet ...... 16 4.2. Habitat characterisation ...... 16 4.2.1. Habitat Description...... 16 4.2.1.1. Broad Habitat Type (BHT) and Species Composition...... 16 4.2.1.2. Groundcover ...... 19 4.2.1.3. Logs ...... 19 4.2.1.4. Vegetation Profile ...... 20 4.2.1.5. Tree Size, Density, Regeneration and Condition ...... 20 4.2.1.6. Hollow Availability ...... 21 4.2.2. Distribution of BHTs ...... 22 4.3. Fauna ...... 22 4.3.1. Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) ...... 22 4.3.2. Superb Parrot ...... 22 4.3.3. Sloane’s Froglet ...... 22
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5. Discussion ...... 23 5.1. Faunal Habitat Availability in Barrick-owned Lands ...... 23 5.2. Distribution and Abundance of Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) and Superb Parrot ...... 23 5.3. Sloane’s Froglet ...... 24 6. Conclusions ...... 25 7. References ...... 26 8. Appendices ...... 28 8.1. Habitat Assessment Pro-forma ...... 28 8.2. Habitat Assessment: Site Descriptions ...... 33 8.3. Habitat Data: Summary table...... 48 8.4. Incidental Records of Avian and Mammal Fauna from Habitat Assessment Sites . 50 8.5. Amphibian Records from the Targeted Crinia sloanei survey...... 52
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Executive Summary
Barrick (Cowal) Limited commissioned this study to undertake targeted fauna surveys and habitat assessments for threatened fauna species at the Cowal Gold Mine (CGM) and surrounds. The CGM is located on the western shore of Lake Cowal, some 38 kilometres north-east of West Wyalong in western New South Wales (NSW). Targeted fauna surveys within the study area were undertaken for threatened fauna species listed under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act, 1995 and Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, 1999. Specifically, the surveys targeted the Sloane’s Froglet (Crinia sloanei), Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) (Pomatostomus temporalis temporalis) and Superb Parrot (Polytelis swainsonii). Fauna habitat types within the study area were also characterised and mapped. Field surveys were undertaken in August 2012.
The Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) was the only threatened species recorded during the field assessment. This species and its nests were recorded throughout the study area. The Superb Parrot has previously been recorded from the study area and was sighted soon after the survey by Barrick staff while Sloane’s Froglet has not been recorded in any Barrick-owned or managed lands in the Lake Cowal area. Neither species was recorded during this survey.
The four key habitat types within the study area were Floodplain Transition Woodlands, Riverine Plain Woodlands, Inland Rocky Hill Woodlands and Cultivated land (predominantly cleared grazing land with some remnant paddock trees). Plantings and dams were also present within the study area.
The study area is predominantly a cleared agricultural landscape with relatively small remnants of native vegetation and faunal habitats in areas unsuitable for agriculture. These are mostly located on rocky rises and ridges and along the edge of Lake Cowal. The Semi-arid Woodlands and some Grassy Woodlands are remnants on land previously used for grazing. In general, remnant habitat that has been used for grazing in the past is degraded with structural modification, mostly resulting from the loss of tree regeneration and changes to groundcover (bare ground, litter, cryptogams). Groundcover vegetation is also altered with the introduction of weed species and changes to species composition. This was apparent at most of the survey sites.
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1. Introduction
The study area at the Cowal Gold Mine (CGM) is located on the western shore of Lake Cowal, some 38 kilometres (km) north-east of West Wyalong in western New South Wales (NSW) (Figure 1).
The objectives of the surveys were to:
• Characterise the habitat use of threatened species within the study area, particularly the Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) (Pomatostomus temporalis temporalis), listed as vulnerable under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act, 1995 (TSC Act) and the Superb Parrot (Polytelis swainsonii) listed as vulnerable under the TSC Act and Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, 1999 (EPBC Act); • Undertake targeted searches for Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) and Superb Parrot; • Undertake targeted searches for Sloane’s Froglet (Crinia sloanei) in appropriate times (June to August) as required by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) under the TSC Act. This species is listed as vulnerable under the TSC Act; • Describe the broad fauna habitat types and their condition; and • Assess habitat composition using standard data collection methods, (e.g. hollow availability, tree density).
The targeted species searches and habitat assessments and were to be carried out within Mining Lease 1535 (the ML) and on Barrick-owned land north and south of the ML (Figure 2).
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LEGEND Mining Lease Boundary (ML 1535) Study Area 0 2000 COWAL GOLD MINE AND SURROUNDS FAUNA REPORT FIGURE 2 Metres GRID DATUM MGA94 ZONE 55 Study Area Source: Barrick (2010, 2013) Date of Orthophoto: April 2013 535000 540000 HAL-12-40_CGM Ext Mod_TSA_Fauna_201F 2. Background
The three targeted listed threatened species have been recorded in the Lake Cowal area historically and during fauna surveys associated with impact assessments for the CGM. The status, past records from the Lake Cowal area and habitat requirements for these species are outlined below. Assessment of habitat availability and condition is an integral element of managing the co-occurrence of threatened species and the operations of the CGM.
2.1. Sloane’s Froglet Crinia sloanei
Sloane’s Froglet is listed as Vulnerable in NSW under the TSC Act but is not listed under the EPBC Act. The species has only been recorded 45 times in NSW since it was described in 1958 and uncertainty exists around some of these records (OEH 2012a). The species has been recorded by Vestjens (1977) in the north-east of Lake Cowal and Gunninah Consultants (1995) in an open forest remnant north of the ML (Cenwest Environmental Services 2011). It has not been recorded within the ML. An intensive amphibian survey conducted in January 2011 with nine sites within the ML and six sites in Barrick-owned land north and south of CGM did not record this froglet. Lake Cowal had filled and many ephemeral creeks and pools were present at the time of this survey (Cenwest Environmental Services 2011).
The habitat of Sloane’s froglet is described as Floodplain Transition Woodlands (Keith 2004) and water bodies, rivers, lakes and streams (OEH 2012b). It is typically associated with periodically inundated areas of grassland, woodland, floodplains and open disturbed areas (OEH 2012a).
While the adults of this species can be confused with other sympatric species of Crinia it has a less varied back colour pattern and a distinctive call. The tadpoles are not readily distinguished from those of other species of Crinia (NSW Department of Environment and Conservation [DEC] 2004). Autumn, winter and spring are considered to be suitable for survey of this species but the most suitable time is during breeding while the males are actively calling. Breeding has been observed from late winter to spring with calling from mid- winter to early spring (NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change [DECC] 2009).
The primary threats to Sloane’s Froglet are from:
• degradation of habitat and water quality through clearing and grazing; • drought and longer term climate change impacts on the presence, persistence and seasonality of water at breeding sites; and • changes in water availability, flow and flooding regimes in creeks, rivers and floodplains.
It is unknown whether this species is susceptible to chytrid fungus (OEH 2012a).
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2.2. Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) Pomatostomus temporalis temporalis
The eastern subspecies of the Grey-crowned Babbler has been listed in NSW as Vulnerable under the TSC Act but is not listed under the Commonwealth EPBC Act. The determination for this listing under the TSC Act states that there is strong survey evidence demonstrating that this subspecies has declined in numbers and disappeared from a substantial proportion of its range. Evidence also suggests that family group size is also smaller where species abundance has declined. In the West Wyalong area average size of 15 groups was four individuals, compared with 8-13 a little further north-east near Peak Hill, NSW. The impact of this reduction in size of family group on breeding success is unknown (OEH 2012c). The Western Research Institute (WRI) (2008) records family group size within the ML ranging from 6 to 12.
The Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) has been frequently recorded in surveys in and around the CGM and Barrick-owned lands as well as during surveys associated with the assessment of the easement for the Electricity Transmission Line (ETL) between Temora and CGM (WRI 2008). WRI (2008) also concludes that the abundance of the Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) appears to have progressively diminished within the ML with the removal of habitat and nest sites, although recent breeding events may have occurred.
Preferred habitat of this subspecies is described as open forests and woodlands, particularly on inland plains with key habitat requirements including an open shrub layer with a sparse groundcover, fallen timber and leaf litter (Higgins and Peter 2002). In eastern Australia habitat includes ironbark species, box-gum woodlands, open box woodlands on alluvial plains, mixed associations such as Bimble Box (Eucalyptus populnea) – Cypress Pine (Callitris glaucophylla) – Belah (Casuarina cristata), riverine woodland dominated by River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) with an understorey of acacias, paperbarks and coarse grasses (Higgins and Peter 2002; OEH 2012c). Higgins and Peter (2002) also note that most suitable habitat in south-eastern Australia is in remnant patches along roadside verges.
Clearing and fragmentation of habitat, including the removal of dead timber, is the greatest threat to the survival of the Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies). Preferred habitat for this species is mostly found on the fertile soils of plains and undulating terrain which has been disproportionately cleared for agriculture. Populations and/or individual groups may become isolated in remnants with the birds being thought to be reluctant to traverse tracts of cleared land (OEH 2012d). This may also be the result of strong site fidelity of the family group as indicated by a group of 30 individuals returning to the one remaining nest in an area being cleared for CGM (personal observation). Isolated family groups become more susceptible to extinction through stochastic events and potential inbreeding (OEH 2012d). Foraging area covered by these family groups varies from 1 to 50 hectares (ha) (OEH 2012d).
Other threats to the survival of this subspecies include heavy grazing habitat degradation by the removal of coarse woody debris, weed invasion and competition and predation by other species such as Noisy Miner (Manorina melanocephala), Pied Currawong (Stepera graculina) and Australian Raven (Corus coronoides), which have been advantaged by habitat alteration (OEH 2012d).
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2.3. Superb Parrot Polytelis swainsonii
The Superb Parrot has been listed in NSW as Vulnerable under both the TSC Act and the Commonwealth EPBC Act. Populations of this species declined early in the twentieth century, most likely in response to human induced factors. In the 1920s poisoned grain was spread to reduce the impact of galahs and rabbits on grain crops but non-target species such as the Superb Parrot were severely impacted. Since then the population has fluctuated with declines and increases both being recorded across its range. These fluctuations may have been in response to natural phenomena (Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities [DSEWPaC] 2012).
The Superb Parrot occurs west of the Great Dividing Range, generally in the Riverina, South-west Slopes and Southern Tablelands of NSW. Breeding occurs in a more restricted area along the Murray and Edward Rivers, along the Murrumbidgee River and within an area bounded by Cowra and Yass in the east and Grenfell, Cootamundra and Colac in the west (OEH 2012e).
Superb Parrots have been recorded in the Lake Cowal area. A group was observed flying overhead during pre-clearance surveys in 2005 and then in 2008 foraging in mistletoe within the ML (Barrick Australia Ltd 2005 and 2008). They have also been observed flying overhead while travelling between West Wyalong and the ML (personal observation) and are known to regularly frequent a remnant ironbark woodland in the Lake Cowal area (M. Carnegie pers. comm. 2012).
The Superb Parrot can be found in box-gum, box-cypress pine and Myall (Boree) woodlands and River Red Gum Forest, using different habitats for feeding and breeding. They feed in trees, shrubs and on the ground and nest in hollows of large trees, usually a eucalypt. River Red Gums near a watercourse are the preferred breeding sites in the Murray and Murrumbidgee parts of their distribution. In the south-west slopes they forage in box-gum woodlands dominated by White Box, Yellow Box, and Blakeley’s Red Gum as well as in wheat or oat crops. Breeding and foraging habitats can coincide with nests having been found mostly in Blakeley’s Red Gums as well as Yellow Box, Apple Box and Red Box. Trees used for breednig can be alive or dead and may be in woodland or isolated paddock trees (DSEWPaC 2012; OEH 2012e). Movements can be regular seasonal movements but they may be more frequently found in the central west in the non-breeding season, January to August. Wooded corridors appear to be important for both feeding and seasonal movements (Higgins 1999).
Key threats to Superb Parrots in NSW are listed as (OEH 2012e):
• Removal of hollow bearing trees. • Clearing of woodland remnants. • Poor regeneration of nesting trees and food resources • Feeding on grain spills and subsequently being struck by vehicles. • Competition for hollows with feral bees and native and exotic hollow nesting birds. • Illegal trapping which can also result in hollow destruction.
The most significant threat is considered to be the clearing, degradation and fragmentation of habitat including breeding and foraging habitat and corridors for movements. Grazing can also be a significant factor in habitat degradation through loss of food resources (DSEWPaC 2012).
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2.4. Habitat Assessment
The habitat types mapped by the Australian Museum Business Services (AMBS 2012) for the CGM and surrounds (Figure 3) are:
• Western slopes grassland; • Riverine Plain Grasslands; • Floodplain Transition Woodlands; • Inland Rocky Hill Woodlands; • Riverine Plain Woodlands; and • Inland Floodplain Swamps.
Other mapped units are:
• Cultivated Land; • Planting; and • Dam.
Vegetation mapping focuses on the description of vegetation communities and their component plant species. They do not always adequately describe faunal habitats which need to incorporate their full life history strategies, including periods, either opportunistic or annual, when they may be migrating, dispersing or demonstrating nomadic behaviours.
As such, faunal species are not necessarily responding to plant species per se but rather to a complex set of attributes including life form, successional stage, vegetation structure, landform attributes, extent and variability of habitat, water availability, landscape connectivity values and the availability of the key resources of food, nest site and shelter. The Superb Parrot exemplifies this with its wide ranging movements, separation of breeding and feeding habitat and a need for corridors for movement across the landscape. The structure of vegetation and its location within the landscape are consequently more significant descriptors of vertebrate habitats than the floristic composition that is the basis of the description of vegetation communities (Goldney et al. 2007).
The object of the habitat assessment for this survey is to describe the broad threatened species habitat types and their condition within Barrick-owned land. This includes evaluating a range of structural attributes of the vegetation in addition to providing a broad description of the vegetation communities and their geomorphic attributes. This will include:
• Categorisation of mapped vegetation types present within the study area using Keith vegetation classes and known habitat preferences of the target species (Sloane’s Froglet, Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) and Superb Parrot) as defined by the threatened species profiles on the OEH website. • Ground truthing of habitat suitability and use by the target threatened species (Sloane’s Froglet, Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) and Superb Parrot) through survey results of the presence of the species or sign of their use (e.g. Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) nests). • Stratified sampling of the target habitats to determine condition. • Assessment of extent of inundated areas within the study area away from the currently flooded Lake and the likelihood of suitability for Sloane’s Froglet.
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LEGEND 535000 540000 Mining Lease Boundary (ML 1535) HABITAT TYPES Western Slopes Grasslands Riverine Plain Grasslands Floodplain Transition Woodlands Inland Rocky Hill Woodlands Riverine Plain Woodlands Inland Floodplain Swamps Other Map Units 6285000 Cultivated Land 6285000 Planting Dam WAMBOYNE MOUNTAIN Source: AMBS (2012)
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COWAL GOLD MINE AND SURROUNDS FAUNA REPORT 0 2000 FIGURE 3 Fauna Habitat Types Metres GRID DATUM MGA94 ZONE 55 Source: Barrick (2010, 2013); Date of Orthophoto: April 2013 535000 540000 HAL-12-40_CGM Ext Mod_TSA_Fauna_206F 3. Methods
3.1. Site Selection
3.1.1. Sloane’s Froglet Survey sites for Sloane’s Froglet were a subset of the sites selected for the January 2011 Amphibian survey (Cenwest Environmental Services March 2011). Lake Cowal, while receding, was still filled and as there had been rains within the weeks preceding the targeted survey, dams and low lying areas in the study area were filled.
3.1.2. Habitat Assessment for Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) and Superb Parrot Habitat assessment sites were selected to:
1. Describe the range of habitats within remnant vegetation patches found in the ML and Barrick-owned lands. 2. Assess habitats where either of the target species was recorded.
3.2. Survey Timing and Weather Conditions
3.2.1. Survey Timing Sloane’s Froglet is considered to be best detected in winter after 60 millimetres (mm) rainfall (OEH 2012b). The survey was conducted from 28-31 August 2012. This timing is also suitable for the two targeted threatened bird species. At the end of winter Grey-crowned Babblers (eastern subspecies) are actively beginning the breeding season which is June/July to January/February (Higgins and Peter 2002) and are most likely to be closely associated with their breeding habitat. Superb Parrots, which breed from September to January, are likely to be moving from their non-breeding distribution to their preferred breeding habitat of box-gum woodlands with Bakeley’s Red Gum or River Red Gum forests of the South-west Slopes and Riverina regions of NSW (Higgins 1999).
3.2.2. Weather Conditions Maximum and minimum temperatures for Wyalong are provided in Table 1. While no rain was recorded during the survey period the afternoon of 29/8/12 and 30/8/12 were overcast with windy conditions.
Table 1: Temperature and rainfall records for Wyalong during the period of the survey (Weather Zone 2012).
Date Min to 9am Max from Rain to (0C) 9am (0C) 9am (mm) Tuesday 28/08/2012 1.9 19 0 Wednesday 29/08/2012 5.6 22.2 0 Thursday 30/08/2012 7.4 15.3 0 Friday 31/08/2012 0.9 14.2 0 0C = degrees Celsius.
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3.3. Habitat Assessment
Habitat assessment of the ML and Barrick-owned land to the north and south of the ML comprised two key components:
1. Characterisation of mapped vegetation types present within the study area as Broad Fauna Habitat Types (BHTs) using vegetation classes defined by Keith (2004). 2. Detailed plot description of targeted habitats to assess condition and suitability for targeted species.
Habitat type (BHT) and suitability for the target species was assessed with an initial ground inspection. This was then described using the mapped vegetation communities and their equivalence as a BHT using the Keith (2004) vegetation formations and classes. These have been defined for the Lachlan Catchment by Goldney et al. (2007).
A 0.1 ha (50 metre [m] x 20m) plot was used for the more detailed habitat type and condition sampling. The data collected included general descriptive information about the locality and conservation status, dominant plant species in the upper, mid and ground strata, measurement of ground cover along a 50m transect, tree size, density and condition, tree attributes including hollow number and size and the presence of mistletoe, log volume and regeneration within the plot and vegetative growth forms. The full list of attributes recorded is provided in Appendix 8.1. This pro-forma is equivalent to that used by OEH, Catchment Management Authority (CMAs) and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS for Biobanking, clearing assessments and National Park management surveys.
3.4. Fauna Survey
3.4.1. Targeted survey for Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) and Superb Parrot Targeted surveys for the Superb Parrot and Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) were carried out in accordance with the guidelines specified by DEC (2004) and the Commonwealth Department of Environment Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) (2010):
• Surveys were carried out at all locations visited as part of the habitat assessment with all species observed being noted, including the target species if recorded. These were carried out throughout the four days of the study and records included both sight and call identification. Observations were made over half an hour. • Global Positioning System (GPS) of the location and number of individuals observed were recorded as well as the location of nests or any other sign of habitat use by each species. • Habitat assessments were carried out at all targeted bird survey sites.
3.4.2. Targeted survey for Sloane’s Froglet Survey for Crinia sloanei was carried out in accordance with the guidelines specified by DEC (2004) and DEC (2009) and was predominantly a call playback survey in addition to spotlighting and listening for calls. The call of this froglet was played through a speaker at each of the selected sites using the following protocol:
1. Call played close to water’s edge. 2. Listening for five minutes for response calls if the species was present. 3. Call playback repeated. 4. Listening repeated.
14
This was carried out on two nights at each survey site.
While listening at each site, headlamps were used to scan the adjacent waterbody. It is important to note that the OEH guidelines (DECC 2009) indicate that tadpole surveys are not suitable for this species as they are indistinguishable from other sympatric Crinia species.
3.5. Data Analysis All data has been recorded on Excel spreadsheets and habitat data presented to provide a graphic representation of the habitat structure.
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4. Results
4.1. Survey Sites
4.1.1. Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) and Superb Parrot Fifteen sites (Figure 4) were selected for detailed habitat assessment to characterise faunal habitat, particularly habitat used by the Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) in the study area (Appendix 8.2 and 8.3).
Habitat survey sites were spread across the remnant vegetation and included the variation in topography within the Barrick-owned land (including the ML). Two sites were within River Red Gum fringing Lake Cowal, two on alluvial plains within and adjacent to the ML, two on rocky hills north of the ML, two on rises north-west of the ML, one in a cleared paddock south of the ML and the remaining six were located around the rocky hill of Hillgrove south of the ML.
4.1.2. Sloane’s Froglet Location of the Sloane’s Froglet survey sites in the ML and Barrick-owned land are shown on Figure 5. The 17 sites included seven dams (farm dams and water impoundments within CGM), woodland near an ephemeral creekline, inundated grassland/woodland, ephemeral waterway and seven sites adjacent to the edge of the inundated Lake Cowal below the mine bund.
Locations, Australian Map Grid (AMG) references, timing and species recorded for each site are provided in Appendix 8.5.
4.2. Habitat characterisation
4.2.1. Habitat Description Descriptions and photographs of the 15 sites assessed during this survey are provided in Appendix 8.2. Of these 15, a rapid habitat assessment only was completed for Hillgrove Paddock (site HGP) and Hillgrove Ridge (site HGR) and these descriptions are included in Appendix 8.2. The detailed measurements from the remaining 13 plots are summarised in Appendix 8.3.
4.2.1.1. Broad Habitat Type (BHT) and Species Composition The available habitats in the Barrick-owned lands and the ML can be categorised into four broad habitat (BHT) types. Three can be classified using the Keith (2004) vegetation formations and classes – Floodplain Transition Woodland, Riverine Plain Woodland and Inland Rocky Hill Woodland. The fourth is cleared agricultural land with scattered trees and low chenopod shrubs. This fourth BHT is the dominant habitat in the study area with the majority of remnant habitat being found on the rocky hills and rises scattered across this landscape. All are structurally mature.
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6285000 6285000
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LEGEND 6270000 Mining Lease Boundary (ML 1535) 6270000 Study Area GF Habitat Survey Site Location
Please note that avifauna surveys were undertaken at each habitat survey site. 0 2000 COWAL GOLD MINE AND SURROUNDS FAUNA REPORT FIGURE 4 Metres GRID DATUM MGA94 ZONE 55 Habitat Survey Sites Source: Barrick (2010, 2013) Date of Orthophoto: April 2013 535000 540000 HAL-12-40_CGM Ext Mod_TSA_Fauna_202D 535000 540000
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R FS1 o 5 GF a 153 d ML 6280000 6280000
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FS7 W GF Y FS8 A FS6 LO FS9 N GF G GF GF GF GFFS10
FS5
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GFFS17 Uncle Blow Clear Road
6270000 6270000 LEGEND Mining Lease Boundary (ML 1535) Study Area GF Frog Survey Site Location 0 2000 COWAL GOLD MINE AND SURROUNDS FAUNA REPORT
Metres FIGURE 5 GRID DATUM MGA94 ZONE 55 Frog Survey Sites Source: Barrick (2010, 2013) Date of Orthophoto: April 2013 535000 540000 HAL-12-40_CGM Ext Mod_TSA_Fauna_203D The BHT and dominant plant species of each of the habitat assessment sites are provided in the site descriptions in Appendix 8.2. In summary the dominant species of each BHT and sites where it occurs are:
• Floodplain Transition Woodland – River Red Gum and River Cooba (Sites LE1, LE2); • Riverine Plain Woodland – Belah, Myall, Rosewood (Sites CSB, CSM); • Inland Rocky Hill Woodland – Dwyer’s Red Gum, White Cypress Pine, Inland Grey Box, Mugga Ironbark with a patchy understorey dominated by Deane’s Wattle, Western Golden Wattle and Currawang (Sites HG1, HG2, HG3, HG4, HG5, HGR, LS1, LS2, T1, T2); and • Cultivated Land (Cleared agricultural land with scattered trees) - Kurrajong, Wilga, White Cypress Pine, Grey Box over disturbed grassland (Site HGP).
See Appendix 8.2 for the site abbreviations.
4.2.1.2. Groundcover The composition of the groundcover at the plot sites is highly variable (Figure 6; Appendix 8.3). This variability is both within the classified BHTs and between BHTs.
Ground Cover 1000 800 Foliage Cover 600 Rock 400 Log 200 0 Litter T1 T2 LS1 LS2 LE1 LE2 Cryptogam CSB HG1 HG2 HG3 HG4 HG5 CSM Cover (cms of transect) (cms Cover SITE Bare Ground
Figure 6: Relative proportions of five types of groundcover along a 50m transect through the centre axis of the 0.1 ha habitat assessment plot.
Bare ground ranges from 0 percent (%) at four sites to 52% in Fringing Woodland (site LE1), projected foliage cover to 5 centimetres (cm) and litter provide almost 100% groundcover at four sites (CSB, HG2, LS1, LS2) and cryptogams are present at only three sites and at a low percentage cover.
4.2.1.3. Logs Logs were present at all sites except the two Alluvial Plain Woodlands (sites CSB, CSM) and almost absent from Site T1. The highest volumes were at four of the five Hillgrove Inland Rocky Hill Woodland sites (Figure 7, Appendix 8.3). The volume was highest at HG4 where large trees had been felled, potentially as part of the construction of the ETL which was nearby. The majority of logs were decay class 2, solid when kicked and with cracks, cavities or hollow pipe. Decay class 1 is solid when kicked but lacking cracks, cavities or hollow pipe while decay class 3 gives or sloughs when kicked (i.e. advanced decay) and only a few logs were assessed as being in these classes.
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Logs on ground 6.0 4.0 2.0 0.0 CSB CSM HG1 HG2 HG3 HG4 HG5 LE1 LE2 LS1 LS2 T1 T2 SITE Log VolumeLog (m3/0.1 ha)
Figure 7: Volumes of logs cubic metres (m3) greater than 10cm diameter within the full 0.1ha survey plot.
4.2.1.4. Vegetation Profile The projected foliage cover (pfc) profile from the 50m transect is, like the groundcover, highly variable between the four height levels (<2m, 2-4m, 4-6m and >6m), between all sites and between the assigned BHTs (Appendix 8.3).
Below 2m the pfc was predominantly provided by low growing chenopods (site CSB), lignum (site LE2) or shrubs, mostly Acacia species. Western Golden Wattle (Acacia decora) occurred in moderate to dense patches at sites LS1, LS2 and T1. Overall, low shrub cover varied from being absent to 90% cover.
Above two metres the foliage cover is provided by tall shrubs and trees. The mid-storey (2-4m) is absent (four sites) or low cover (five sites below 25% median pfc). The highest mid-storey cover was the Fringing Wetland Woodland site LE2 where River Cooba provided an understorey to the mature, old River Red Gums, particularly site LE2. Above four metres pfc is provided by the tree canopy, including Eucalypt, Acacia and Casuarina species.
4.2.1.5. Tree Size, Density, Regeneration and Condition Overall tree densities are low and tree size relatively small for most of the habitat plots in the study area. Regeneration is almost absent for all tree species at all sites. Tree data are summarised in Tables 2 and 3 and Appendix 8.3.
Tree density is highest overall in the Hillgrove Rocky Hill Woodland plots with the highest density of 460/ha at HG4 which has a higher density of trees in both the 10-20cm diameter at breast height (dbh) and >20cm dbh size classes. The smaller trees are mostly coppicing of stumps from felled trees many of which have been left on site. The largest trees are River Red Gums with one 144cm dbh at site LE2. The other larger trees are Belah (site CSB), Rosewood (site CSM), River Red Gum (site LE1, LE2), and Mugga Ironbark and Inland Grey Box in the Rocky Hill Woodland sites. Dwyer’s Red Gum and Cypress Pine were almost all smaller then 40cm dbh and mostly less than 30cm dbh.
Regeneration of tree species is almost entirely absent except for some eucalypt regeneration at sites HG3, HG4 and HG5. At site LE1 there are 38 small River Cooba but no River Red Gum regrowth. The flooding of Lake Cowal is likely to induce mass River Red Gum regeneration but this had not occurred at the time of this survey.
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Table 2: Number of trees (alive and dead) in three size classes (<10cm dbh, 10-20 cm dbh, >20cm dbh) at each of the 0.1ha habitat plots.
Site CSB CSM HG1 HG2 HG3 HG4 HG5 LE1 LE2 LS1 LS2 T1 T2 <10cm dbh 0 2 1 0 14 6 7 38 0 1 1 2 1 10-20cm 0 1 1 0 15 27 17 8 0 10 16 0 17 dbh >20cm dbh 5 11 17 5 7 19 8 10 6 5 13 2 13 Density/ha 50 120 180 50 220 460 250 180 60 150 290 20 300
Table 3: Tree condition and habitat availability. Dieback is indicated if tree canopy was more than 70% dead; hollow size: S 2-5cm, M 6-10cm, L >10cm, C = cracks; species abbreviations in which hollows recorded: DRG = Dwyer’s Red Gum, RRG = River Red Gum, dead euc = large trees long dead and not identifiable easily; loose bark represents decorticating bark from some live trees as well as flaking bark from dead trees.
Site CSB CSM HG1 HG2 HG3 HG4 HG5 LE1 LE2 LS1 LS2 T1 T2 No. dead Nil Nil 6 2 1 10 10 Nil Nil 10 3 Nil 6 trees
Dieback Y Y Fire scar Y N N Y N Y Y N N Y Y N N Mistletoe Nil Y Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Hollows Nil Nil S/M S, M C S, M L S,M L S Nil Nil Nil M/L DRG dead dead dead RRG RRG grey DRG euc euc euc box Loose N N Y Y Y Y N N N Y N N N bark
Condition of the trees in the habitat plots, as represented by the number of dead trees, level of dieback and presence of mistletoe is provided in Table 3. Overall the majority of trees in the plots are in good condition but there are relatively high proportions of dead Dwyer’s Red Gum in sites HG1, HG2, HG4, HG5, LS2 and T2 and dieback in HG1 and HG2. This may be the result of fire through these sites. Similarly fire may have caused the death of the 10 Cypress at site LS1 and the two large Mugga Ironbark in sites HG3 and HG4. Mistletoe was only recorded at the Myall alluvial plain woodland.
4.2.1.6. Hollow Availability Hollow availability as observed in the habitat plots is provided in Table 3. While there are some hollows present they are predominantly small to medium in size in the Inland Rocky Hill Woodland. Dwyer’s Red Gum is generally a small tree and the more abundant larger tree in this habitat, Mugga Ironbark, does not form hollows as readily as species such as Inland Grey Box. River Red Gums are well known for their hollow forming character and large hollows were present in the River Red Gums along the shore of Lake Cowal.
Decorticating bark also provides important habitat for smaller species such as microchiropteran bat species. Dwyer’s Red Gum does have some decorticating bark, mostly at the base of the trees but few of the other species provide under-bark habitat while alive. The sheathing bark and cracks of dead trees, including cypress pines, in the habitat plots indicates that this resource is available in the study area.
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4.2.2. Distribution of BHTs The distribution of the habitat types of importance for this assessment within the Lake Cowal Barrick-owned land and the ML can be described as follows:
• Floodplain transition woodlands: Discontinuous strip restricted to the upper shore of Lake Cowal. • Riverine Plain Woodland: Isolated remnants mostly restricted to areas within the ML and along road reserves. • Inland Rocky Hill Woodland: Isolated remnants restricted to rocky rises and rocky ridges within Barrick-owned land outside the ML. The largest remnant is the Hillgrove ridge. • Cultivated land: The remainder of the Barrick-owned land. The habitat value of this degraded landscape varies depending on the number of remnant trees present within the paddocks.
See Figure 3 for mapped distribution of these habitats.
4.3. Fauna
All vertebrate species recorded during this survey are listed in Appendices 8.4 and 8.5. These results are limited as this was a targeted survey of three species rather than a detailed fauna survey.
4.3.1. Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) Grey-crowned Babblers (eastern subspecies) and their nests were recorded at nine sites, four had Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) nests only (Sites LE1, HGP, HG3, HG5) and two (Sites HGR & LS1) had no recorded sign of Grey-crowned Babblers (eastern subspecies) (Appendix 8.4). Where observed, Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) group size varied from 2 to 12 with the smallest number being observed at the most altered habitat of site T1. Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) calls were heard at two additional sites.
Where nests only were observed, some appeared to be disused, particularly the nest in the Hillgrove Paddock (HGP) site and Site LE1. Of the three nests in the Myall site (CSM) one was in active use with feeding of young observed.
4.3.2. Superb Parrot No Superb Parrots were observed during the survey but a flock of 12-15 were sighted by Garry Pearson on 10/9/12. They were observed coming from the planted vegetation corridor around the ML and flew south along Boneham’s Lane.
4.3.3. Sloane’s Froglet No Sloane’s Froglet calls were heard in response to the call playback at the 17 survey sites. None were observed.
Conditions for survey were suitable given that other frog species were actively (deafeningly) calling at all survey sites. Dams, ephemeral watercourses and inundated grassland had been recharged just prior to the survey.
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5. Discussion
5.1. Faunal Habitat Availability in Barrick-owned Lands
The cleared agricultural land with scattered trees is the most extensive of the four terrestrial BHTs identified within the Barrick-owned land. While the value of this habitat type is limited, the value of the remnant trees cannot be underestimated, as exemplified by the use of a large Kurrajong in Hillgrove Paddock (HGP) for nesting by Wedge-tailed Eagles. There were two downy young in the nest at the time of this survey. Personal observations of breeding birds and other species during clearance activities on the ML also strongly demonstrate the importance of these trees. The general maturity and absence of recruitment of tree species across this habitat, probably as a result of grazing pressure, indicates that this ecological resource is currently in terminal decline. Enhancement of tree recruitment across this land, rather than only in corridors, would be advantageous.
While the remaining three terrestrial habitats represent only a very small area in this landscape they are highly important. DEC (2006) have determined that 60% of the Lachlan Catchment has been cleared, thinned or substantially altered but this is even more so for the Wyalong 1:100,000 mapsheet which covers the Lake Cowal area. This mapsheet is estimated to have only 5% remnant habitat (Goldney et al. 2007).
In the study area the Inland Rocky Hill Woodlands are small pin pricks in the landscape on the rocky rises and more substantial ridges such as the Hillgrove ridge. They undoubtedly act as important faunal refuges, as demonstrated by the use of the significantly degraded site T1 by Grey-crowned Babblers (eastern subspecies). The Red Gum Floodplain Transition Woodland and Riverine Plain woodlands have a similar significant value in the context of the wider landscape, despite having a small extent. Incorporation of these habitats into offset areas associated with the Lake Cowal gold mine and the implementation of a management strategy that will reverse the decline of these habitats would be extremely valuable.
Ephemeral creeks and wetlands in this generally low lying landscape have not been included in this assessment of faunal habitat. These also provide significant habitat in this semi-arid landscape and enhancement of small drainage lines is a valuable action.
5.2. Distribution and Abundance of Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) and Superb Parrot
Grey-crowned Babblers (eastern subspecies) were found to be moderately common in the remnant habitat of the study area. Previous surveys in association with the establishment of the CGM have found that Grey-crowned Babblers (eastern subspecies) were generally common within the fragmented available habitat of the area, including along roads and gazetted road reserves. From this survey it is clear that the family groups that were found within the ML have been significantly reduced, as also reported by WRI (2008) but that the species has survived to still be moderately common in the surrounding Barrick-owned land. The observed family group size of 2 to 12 birds is similar to that reported by WRI (2008) and larger than the average size of four birds recorded previously for the West Wyalong area. It is closer to the group size of 8-12 birds known from Peak Hill (OEH 2012c).
As outlined in Section 2.2 important characteristics of Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) habitat include an open shrub layer with a sparse groundcover, fallen timber and leaf litter (Higgins and Peter 2002).
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Higgins and Peter also indicated that clearing and fragmentation of habitat, including the removal of dead timber, is the greatest threat to the survival of the Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies). Conversely remnant patches along roads and travelling stock routes are considered important for the survival of this species.
The habitat assessment of the sites with evidence of Grey-crowned Babblers (eastern subspecies) in this survey demonstrates that they can establish foraging territories and breed successfully in habitats with a variety of groundcover attributes, litter cover and volume of fallen logs in this area. It would appear, however that there is a preference for edge habitats. They did not appear to inhabit the habitat further up the Hillgrove ridge but were frequently found in the habitat closer to the cleared paddocks. They also utilise paddock trees relatively close to the more substantial patches of remnant habitat, as evidenced by the presence of nests in the paddock site (HGP).
Behavioural attributes and habitat requirements of Superb Parrots are quite different from those of the Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies). They are comparatively much more mobile, moving between breeding and foraging habitats as well as travelling greater distances when foraging. They require specific types of tree hollows for breeding, a more limited resource than materials used to build Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) nests, and can move more widely when feeding. Despite there being a patch of remnant ironbark forest regularly frequented by Superb Parrots (M. Carnegie, pers. comm. 2012) there are few records of Superb Parrots in and around this study area of Barrack-owned lands and the ML. This suggests that critical habitat is not present within this area but the remnant patches of native vegetation may be utilised by this species when available.
The suggested preference by Superb Parrots to move along vegetated corridors rather than across cleared land indicates that enhancement of corridors in this landscape is critical for the survival of this species. The recent observation of a flock of these parrots from a planted vegetation corridor around the ML may be indicative of the importance of this.
5.3. Sloane’s Froglet
The primary threats to Sloane’s Froglet are from:
• Degradation of habitat and water quality through clearing and grazing. • Drought and longer term climate change impacts on the presence, persistence and seasonality of water at breeding sites. • Changes in water availability, flow and flooding regimes in creeks, rivers and floodplains.
It is unknown whether this species is susceptible to chytrid fungus although other Crinia species appear to be tolerant to this fungus (D. Hunter pers. comm. June 2013).
Within the Lake Cowal area this species was likely to have already been adversely impacted by the first of these threats given the long history of clearing and grazing within the region. The recent drought may also have impacted on the survival of any remnant populations.
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6. Conclusions
This survey, conducted on the Barrick-owned lands and the ML in the Lake Cowal area has:
• described the broad fauna habitat types and their condition; • provided a detailed habitat assessment using appropriate data collection methods; and • conducted targeted surveys for Sloane’s Froglet, Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) and Superb Parrot and any other potential threatened fauna species. Locations of observations have been recorded and mapped.
Four broad habitat types have been defined for this study area:
1. Floodplain Transition Woodland. 2. Riverine Plain Woodland. 3. Inland Rocky Hill Woodlands. 4. Cultivated Land (Cleared Agricultural Land with Scattered Trees).
In essence this landscape is predominantly a cleared agricultural landscape with relatively tiny remnants of native vegetation and faunal habitat in areas unsuitable for agriculture. This is mostly on rocky rises and ridges and along the edge of Lake Cowal. The Alluvial Plain Woodlands and some Inland Rocky Hill Woodlands are remnants on land previously used for grazing. In general, remnant habitat that has been used for grazing in the past is degraded with structural modification, mostly resulting from the loss of tree regeneration and changes to groundcover (bare ground, litter, cryptogams etc). Groundcover vegetation is also altered. This is apparent at most of the sites. Despite this, these habitat remnants are critical in an over-cleared landscape.
The only threatened species observed during the survey was the Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies). This species was found to be moderately common with birds or nests being recorded at 13 of 15 habitat sites. No other observations of threatened species were recorded within the study area. Enhancing the remnant habitat, including ensuring regeneration of tree species, weed control and enhancement of native groundcover species are likely to prevent further decline of this species in this area. Grazing exclusion is an important factor in maintaining habitat quality as demonstrated by Site LS2 which has been fenced for many years. This site was in good condition compared with almost all other sites sampled.
Superb Parrots were not observed during the survey but a flock was recorded two weeks later. While there is some evidence that this species occurs in the study area it is most likely to represent a non-breeding distribution of this species, there being no evidence of breeding. Control of grazing pressure and further corridor planting also has the potential to enhance feeding habitat for this species.
Sloane’s Froglet has not been recorded from Barrick-owned land, since 1995, nor in the ML despite intensive searching in January 2011 after extensive rains filled the lake and ephemeral watercourses and inundated grasslands. Neither has it been recorded in this call playback survey during the late winter period when the males are most likely to be calling while breeding. This suggests that this species is either extremely uncommon or absent in the study area.
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7. References
Australian Museum Business Services (2012) Cowal Giold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey. Report prepared for Barrick (Cowal) Ltd. Barrick Australia Ltd (2005) Cowal Gold Project – Vegetation Clearance Protocol Report – Soil Stockpile 2 VCP-R007-B Barrick Australia Ltd (2008) Cowal Gold Project – Vegetation Clearance Protocol Report – Southern Waste Emplacement (Campaign 2) VCP-SWE(C2)-B Cenwest Environmental Services (2011) Cowal Gold Mine Augmentation Project Amphibian Survey. Report to Barrick (Cowal) Ltd. Department of Environment and Conservation DEC (2004) Threatened Biodiversity Survey and Assessment: Guidelines for Developments and Activities http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/biobanking/biobankingtspd.htm Department of Environment and Conservation DEC (2006) Reconstructed and Extant Distribution of Native Vegetation in the Lachlan Catchment. NSW Department of Environment and Conservation, Dubbo. Department of Environment and Climate Change DECC (2009) Threatened Species Survey and Assessment Guidelines: Field survey methods for fauna. Amphibians. http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedspecies/surveymethodsfauna.htm Accessed 23 Aug 2012. Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) (2010) Survey Guidelines for Australia’s Threatened Birds http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/publications/pubs/survey-guidelines-birds.pdf Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (DSEWPaC 2012) Polytelis swainsonii Superb Parrot – Profile http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=738 Accessed 10 Sept 2012. Goldney, D., Kerle, A. and Fleming, M. (2007) Status of Vertebrate Fauna and their Habitat in the Lachlan Catchment. Report to the Lachlan Catchment management Authority, Forbes NSW. Gunninah Consultants 1995 Fauna Species List for Lake Cowal Appendix 6 in NSR Environmental Consultants (1995) Lake Cowal Gold Projects Environmental impact Statement – Volume 2 Fauna Impact Statement and Flora and Fauna Studies. Higgins, P. J. (1999) Polytelis swainsonii Superb Parrot pp287-295 In Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds Volume 4: Parrots to Dollarbird. Oxford University Press, Melbourne, Australia. Higgins, P. J. and Peter, J. M. (2002) Pomatostomus temporalis Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) pp861-881 In Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds Volume 6: Pardalotes to shrike-thrushes. Oxford University Press, Melbourne, Australia. Keith, D. (2004) Ocean Shores to Desert Dunes. The Native Vegetation of New South Wales and the ACT. Department of Environment and Conservation NSW. Office of Environment & Heritage NSW (2009) Threatened species survey and Assessment Guidelines: Field Survey methods for Fauna: Introduction and Amphibians http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedspecies/surveymethodsfauna.htm Accessed 23 Aug 2012. Office of Environment & Heritage NSW (OEH 2012a) Sloane's Froglet Crinia sloanei - vulnerable species listing http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/determinations/SloanesFrogletCriniaSloaneiLittle john1958VSL.htm Accessed 23 Aug 2012.
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Office of Environment & Heritage NSW (OEH 2012b) Sloane's Froglet - Lachlan: Distribution and vegetation associations http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedSpeciesApp/profileData.aspx?id=200 88&cmaName=Lachlan Accessed 23 Aug 2012. Office of Environment & Heritage NSW (OEH 2012c) Grey-crowned babbler (eastern subspecies) - vulnerable species listing http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/determinations/GreycrownedbabblerVulSpListing .htm Accessed 20 Aug 2012. Office of Environment & Heritage NSW (OEH 2012d) Grey-crowned babbler (eastern subspecies) - vulnerable species listing; NSW Scientific Committee - final determination http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/determinations/GreycrownedGrey- crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies)VulSpListing.htm Accessed 20 Aug 2012. Office of Environment & Heritage NSW (OEH 2012e) Superb Parrot – profile http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedSpeciesApp/profile.aspx?id=10645 Accessed 10 Sept 2012. Vestjens, W. J. M. (1977) Status, Habitats and Food of Vertebrates at Lake Cowal, NSW. Division of Wildlife Research Technical Memorandum No 12. CSIRO, Canberra Weather Zone (2012) http://www.weatherzone.com.au/ Accessed 18 September 2012. WRI Western Research Institute (2008) Appendix E Cowal Gold Mine E42 Modifications Fauna Assessment. Report for Barrick (Cowal) Gold.
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8. Appendices
8.1. Habitat Assessment Pro-forma
VEGETATION & HABITAT ASSESSMENT
Site Code: ______Observer: ______Date: __/__/__ Site Photo: yes / no GPS: AMG Zone: __ __ Easting:______Northing:______Altitude: m Bearing of transect: ______0 Topography: (circle) Flat; Slope Upper / Mid / Lower; Ridge
Locality description: ______
(Diagram on back: y/n)
Broad Habitat Type: ______
Evidence of Disturbance: Logging: none past / present light / heavy Stumps (number): Firewood cutting: y /n Stock: y /n Vertebrate pests: Grazing: Evidence of fire: Recent Not recent No evidence Weeds: Herbaceous Woody Other:
Plants flowering or fruiting: Eucalypts Mistletoe Grasses (seed) Acacia Casuarina Other
Soil: Cracking y / n
Evidence of fauna: Tracks Scratchings – ground / tree Bones Hair/feathers/skin Scats Feeding sign Shelters (burrows, nests etc)
Conservation Rating: 1. High quality/self regenerating/high resilience 2. Some disturbance/some resilience lost 3. Some conservation value but with significance levels of disturbance 4. Degraded/significant resilience lost/no regen 5.Highly degraded/restoration needed
Conservation trends: 1. Self sustaining/currently undisturbed 2. Self sustaining with regeneration strategies 3. Potential to regenerate OR degrade depending on management 4. Trending to localized extinction 5. Requires high cost restoration strategies
Disturbance rating: Undisturbed little moderate considerable removed
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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50 M LINE TRANSECT
Plot_ID Distance 0m 5m 10m 15m 20m 25m 30m 35m 40m 45m Litter (<10cm diameter) Bare ground Cryptogram Rock ( 10cm diameter) Log ( 10cm diameter) 0-05m pfc 05-2m pfc 2-4m pfc 4-6m pfc Canopy (>6m) pfc
VEGETATION GROWTH FORMS (20 x 20m plot) Tree t, t-understorey tu, t-mallee tm, shrub tall st, shrub low sl, shrub mallee sm, shrub chenopod sc, grass hummock gh, grass tussock gt, grass non-tussock gnt, sedge/rush sr, forb fb, fern fn, vine v, cycad c, palm p, xanthorroea x, tree regeneration <2m tr1, tree regen 2-4m tr2.
Growthform_ID Native_spp Native_cover (% cover Exotic_cover No in growth for native spp in growth (% cover for exotic form form) spp in growth form)
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TREE SIZE, DENSITY AND CONDITION (50 x 20m plot)
Species_ID DBH Dead Fire Mistletoe Hollows Decorticating Dieback: Count class Scar bark <30%, 30- (for multiple 5-20, 21- 70%, >70%, occurrences) 30, 31-40 mature cm dbh trees only
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LOGS (50 x 20m plot) Decay class 1: solid when kicked, no cracks, cavities, or hollow pipe; Decay class 2: solid when kicked but with cracks, cavities, or hollow pipe; Decay class 3: advanced decay
Site No:
Length Diameter Decay class Length Diameter Decay class (1, 2, 3) (1, 2, 3)
REGENERATION (50 X 20M plot) 1= 1-10 stems; 2 = 11-30 stems; 3 = >30 stems
Species_ID Count_ID_benchmarking (1, 2, 3)
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FLORISTICS – 3 dominant species per stratum (20 x 20m plot)
Stratum_ID Species_ID Native_cover (% PFC) Upper Upper Upper Mid Mid Mid Ground Ground Ground
Other species
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8.2. Habitat Assessment: Site Descriptions
Site: Lake Edge #1 (LE1) Location: Edge of flooded Lake Cowal on the south eastern edge of the ML. AMG: 55 537991 6276128; Alt: 217m asl
Broad Habitat Type: Floodplain Transition Woodland.
Dominant plant species: River Red Gum, River Cooba, annual grasses.
Fauna: Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) nest in River Red Gum; kangaroo, Brushtail Possum and Emu scats.
Evidence of disturbance: Grazing: previously grazed but excluded since the establishment of CGM Firewood: yes, not recent Fire: no recent evidence Weeds: dead boxthorn, herbaceous groundcover dominated by introduced species
Conservation value and trend: Some conservation value but with significant levels of disturbance; potential to regenerate or degrade depending on management.
33
Site: Lake Edge #2 (LE2) Location: Edge of flooded Lake Cowal, just outside the south-eastern boundary of the ML. AMG: 55 538057 6275898; Alt: 217m asl
Broad Habitat Type: Floodplain Transition Woodland.
Dominant plant species: River Red Gum with scattered lignum and herbaceous groundcover.
Fauna: Nest of Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies); Kangaroo, Common Brushtail Possum and Emu scats.
Evidence of disturbance: Grazing: currently grazed Firewood: yes, not recent Fire: no recent evidence Weeds: herbaceous groundcover dominated by introduced species
Conservation value and trend: Some conservation value but with significant levels of disturbance; potential to regenerate or degrade depending on management.
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Site: Cowal South Belah (CSB) Location: South of the mining area within the ML. AMG: 55 536306 6276045; Alt: 230m asl
Broad Habitat Type: Riverine Plain Woodland.
Dominant plant species: Belah with scattered Myall, Rosewood and Wilga. Chenopods and Boxthorn in the understorey over grasses and climbing saltbush.
Fauna: Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) x 12, Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) nests in Belah; Red and Grey Kangaroos, Emu scats and egg shells (recent nest site).
Evidence of disturbance: Grazing: routinely grazed prior to CGM Firewood: no Fire: no recent evidence Weeds: boxthorn and introduced species in herbaceous groundcover (eg fleabane) Vertebrate pests: Red Fox
Conservation value and trend: Degraded with significant resilience lost, no regeneration, potential to regenerate or degrade depending on management.
35
Site: Cowal South Myall (CSM) Location: On south-eastern boundary of the ML, boundary fence runs through the vegetation community. Site located outside the ML. AMG: 55 537012 6275506; Alt: 213m asl.
Broad Habitat Type: Riverine Plain Woodland.
Dominant plant species: Mature Myall and Rosewood with some scattered very old Budda over grasses and low chenopods. Canopy height 6-8m.
Fauna: Family group of 8 Grey-crowned Babblers (eastern subspecies) with active nest in Rosewood, adults observed carrying droppings from the nest and food into the nest, young audible; other Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) nests in the remnant Myall vegetation community.
Nests of Raven, Apostle Bird and White-winged Chough.
Evidence of disturbance: Grazing: currently grazed Firewood: yes, not recent – probably during protests Fire: no recent evidence Weeds: herbaceous groundcover dominated by introduced species Vertebrate pests: Red Fox, European Rabbit
Conservation value and trend: Some conservation value but with significant levels of disturbance; potential to regenerate or degrade depending on management.
36
Site: Hillgrove Paddock (HGP) Location: East of Hillside Ridge and remnant vegetation. AMG: 55 535834 6272418; Alt: 238m asl
Broad Habitat Type: Cultivated Land (Cleared Agricultural Land with Scattered Trees).
Dominant plant species: Kurrajong, Wilga, White Cypress Pine, Grey Box over disturbed grassland.
Fauna: Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) nest in large Kurrajong; Wedgetail Eagle nest with two downy young in very tall Kurrajong; kangaroo scats.
Evidence of disturbance: Grazing: occasionally as part of management by Barrick (Cowal) Firewood: no evidence Fire: no recent evidence Weeds: herbaceous groundcover dominated by introduced species Vertebrate pests: Red Fox, European Rabbit, Brown Hare
Conservation value and trend: Highly degraded but the remnant paddock trees have high value as habitat in the wider landscape.
37
Site: Hillgrove #1 (HG1) Location: Southeastern edge of Hillgrove ridge. AMG: 55 535564 6271704; Alt: 250m. asl
Broad Habitat Type: Inland Rocky Hill Woodland.
Dominant plant species: Dwyer’s Red Gum, Black Cypress Pine, Currawang over low groundcover with sedges, grasses and Cheilanthes sp.
Fauna: Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) (family group and nests present in this area), Eastern Grey Kangaroo, Emu scats.
Evidence of disturbance: Grazing: occasionally as part of management by Barrick (Cowal) Firewood/logging: past – Currawang stump (32cm diameter) and fallen tree Fire: no recent evidence but dead higher branches and one third dead trees may reflect past fire event Weeds: few groundcover species Vertebrate pests: European Rabbit, Red Fox
Conservation value and trend: Hollows present in dead higher branches. Some disturbance, some resilience lost; potential to regenerate or degrade depending on management.
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Site: Hillgrove #2 (HG2) Location: Low slopes, eastern side of Hillgrove ridge. AMG: 55 535601 6272441; Alt: 250m. asl
Broad Habitat Type: Inland Rocky Hill Woodland.
Dominant plant species: Dwyer’s Red Gum, White Cypress Pine over grasses, Cheilanthes sp, Calotis sp.
Fauna: Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) family group (10 individuals) and nests; large mob (40+) Eastern Grey Kangaroos.
Evidence of disturbance: Grazing: occasionally possible as part of management by Barrick (Cowal) Firewood/logging: yes, not recent. Cypress cut over (24 stumps) and ringbarked Fire: no recent evidence Weeds: introduced species herbaceous groundcover Other: contour banks constructed, some trees disturbed
Conservation value and trend: Some disturbance, some resilience lost; potential to regenerate or degrade depending on management.
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Site: Hillgrove #3 (HG3) Location: Mid-slopes, south-eastern edge of Hillgrove ridge. AMG: 55 535244 6272816; Alt 270m. asl
Broad Habitat Type: Inland Rocky Hill Woodland.
Dominant plant species: Grey Box, Mugga Ironbark, Black Cypress Pine, Dwyer’s Red Gum, Cough Bush, Deane’s Wattle.
Fauna: Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) nests; Eastern Grey Kangaroo scats and many in general area.
Evidence of disturbance: Grazing: occasionally possible as part of management by Barrick (Cowal) Firewood/logging: yes, not recent, coppiced ironbark and ringbarking evident; 26 stumps Fire: no recent evidence Weeds: no
Conservation value and trend: Some disturbance/some resilience lost; self sustaining with regeneration strategies.
40
Site: Hillgrove #4 (HG4) Location: Western slopes of Hillgrove Ridge, adjacent to the Electricity Transmission Line (ETL) and to cleared agricultural land. AMG: 55 534960 6273883; Alt: 259m. asl
Broad Habitat Type: Inland Rocky Hill Woodland.
Dominant plant species: Mugga Ironbark, Dwyer’s Red Gum, Currawang, Cough Bush.
Fauna: Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) 6 individuals plus nests, Grey Kangaroo and Euro scats.
Evidence of disturbance: Grazing: possible occasionally as part of management by Barrick (Cowal) Firewood/logging: stumps (6) and logs present and cut, heavy in places Fire: no recent evidence Weeds: not evident Vertebrate pests: Red Fox
Conservation value and trend: Conservation value but with significant levels of disturbance; potential to regenerate or degrade depending on management.
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Site: Hillgrove #5 (HG5) Location: Western slopes of Hillgrove Ridge, adjacent to the Electricity Transmission Line (ETL) and to cleared agricultural land. AMG: 55 534948 6274254; Alt: 252m. asl
Broad Habitat Type: Inland Rocky Hill Woodland.
Dominant plant species: Dwyer’s Red Gum, Grey Box, Mugga ironbark, Deane’s Wattle, Hop Bush, Kangaroo Apple over tussock grasses and low shrub.
Fauna: Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) family party and nests; Kangaroo scats.
Evidence of disturbance: Grazing: possible occasionally as part of management by Barrick (Cowal) Firewood/logging: stumps (14) and logs present and cut, heavy in places – cleared at northern end of plot Fire: no recent evidence but scars indicate an intense fire in the past Weeds: some agricultural grasses and other herbaceous species Vertebrate pests: Red Fox
Conservation value and trend: Conservation value but with significant levels of disturbance; potential to regenerate or degrade depending on management.
42
Site: Hillgrove Ridge (HGR) Location: Top of Hillgrove ridge. AMG: 55 535086 6273754; Alt: 277m. asl
Broad Habitat Type: Inland Rocky Hill Woodland.
Dominant plant species & structure: Dwyer’s Red gum, Black Cypress Pine, Currawang. Western aspect higher Currawang projected foliage cover; eastern aspect higher Black Cypress projected foliage cover. Vegetation density greater on the eastern aspect of the ridge; patchy distribution of shrub understorey and sparse grassy groundcover which is higher on the crest of the ridge, high density of log litter.
Fauna: No evidence of Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies); Euro and Grey Kangaroo scats; chewed cypress cones.
Evidence of disturbance: Grazing: no Firewood/logging: some evidence Fire: no recent evidence Weeds: no Vertebrate pests: Red Fox.
Conservation value and trend: Some disturbance and resilience lost; self sustaining with regeneration strategies.
Eastern aspect
Western aspect
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Site: Lakeside #1 (LS1) Location: Isolated rocky hill west of the Lake Cowal edge north of the ML within the northern offset area. AMG: 55 536532 6283543; Alt: 228m. asl
Broad Habitat Type: Inland Rocky Hill Woodland.
Dominant plant species: White Cypress Pine, Inland Grey Box, Western Golden Wattle over low chenopods.
Fauna: No evidence of Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) – some nests not far away.
Evidence of disturbance: Grazing: intermittently as part of management by Barrick (Cowal). Currently light sheep grazing Firewood/logging: yes, not recent, stumps (1) Fire: no recent evidence Weeds: Lippia, Boxthorn (dead due to spraying), other ground cover species
Conservation value and trend: Conservation value but with significant levels of disturbance; potential to regenerate or degrade depending on management.
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Site: Lakeside #2 (LS2) Location: Isolated rocky hill west of the Lake Cowal edge north of the ML within the northern offset area. AMG: 55 536455 6284329; Alt: 248m. asl
Broad Habitat Type: Inland Rocky Hill Woodland.
Dominant plant species: Dwyer’s Red Gum, White Cypress Pine, Western Golden Wattle, Buloke, chenopods and grass groundcover.
Fauna: Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies): more than 10 nests within the fenced area, family group returned from foraging in cleared land adjacent.
Evidence of disturbance: Grazing: fenced from grazing, historical family memorial place overlooking lake Cowal. Firewood: none evident Fire: evidence of previous hot fire – burnt logs and dead cypress Weeds: grasses and herb species (e.g. Storksbill (Erodium sp), Fleabane), African Boxthorn.
Conservation value and trend: Some disturbance/some resilience lost; self sustaining with regeneration management strategies (e.g. weed control).
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Site: Thornton #1 (T1) Location: Thornton property NW of the CGML, owned by Barrick (Cowal). Partially vegetated rocky rise above alluvial plain. AMG: 55 532018 6279354; Alt: 236m. asl
Broad Habitat Type: Inland Rocky Hill Woodland.
Dominant plant species: Inland Grey Box, White Box, Kurrajong, Western Golden Wattle, grasses
Fauna: Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) – nest in Inland Grey Box and a pair observed briefly.
Evidence of disturbance: Grazing: currently grazed as part of management by Barrick (Cowal) Clearing/Firewood: cleared except for a few remnant trees, some farming structures present Fire: no recent evidence Weeds: herbaceous groundcover dominated by introduced species Vertebrate pests: Red Fox, European Rabbit
Conservation value and trend: Highly degraded, restoration needed; trending to localised extinction.
46
Site: Thornton #2 (T2) Location: Thornton property NW of the CGML, owned by Barrick (Cowal). Remnant woodland on rocky rise above agricultural alluvial plain. AMG: 55 531636 6280527; Alt 255m. asl
Broad Habitat Type: Inland Rocky Hill Woodland.
Dominant plant species: Dwyer’s Red Gum, Mugga ironbark, Currawang, tussock grasses.
Fauna: Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) – nests and party of birds flew into the study area on dusk; Eastern Grey Kangaroo; large bird of prey nest
Evidence of disturbance: Grazing: occasionally crash grazed as part of management by Barrick (Cowal) Firewood/Logging: timber felling and firewood collection in remnant woodland; surrounding land cleared Fire: no recent evidence Weeds: introduced species in groundcover Vertebrate pests: European Rabbit
Conservation value and trend: Some conservation value but with significant levels of disturbance; potential to regenerate or trend to degrade depending on management.
47
8.3. Habitat Data: Summary table. Site abbreviations are indicated in Appendix 8.2 habitat descriptions and the measurements for each characteristic are as shown in the pro-forma Appendix 8.1. Groundcover and vegetation profile are 10x1m measurements evenly spaced along the 50m transect.
Site CSB CSM HG1 HG2 HG3 HG4 HG5 LE1 LE2 LS1 LS2 T1 T2 Groundcover (cm of substrate) Bare Ground 0 135 105 0 15 440 355 520 250 0 0 230 125 Cryptogam 0 135 135 0 90 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Litter 320 385 160 475 600 405 430 220 235 365 395 50 210 Log 0 0 40 45 0 30 35 0 5 0 0 0 10 Rock 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 30 0 pfc 0-0.5 680 345 555 480 295 125 180 260 510 630 605 690 655
Logs (per 0.1ha) Log Length (m/0.1 ha) 19 6 110 75.5 152 175 126 33.5 37 24 45 7 54 Log Volume (m3/0.1 ha) 0.1 0.0 3.5 3.8 3.9 4.4 1.1 2.0 1.2 0.3 1.0 0.1 1.4 Median Log Decay Class 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Mean Log Decay Class 2.00 2.00 2.33 2.40 2.35 2.39 2.52 2.00 2.18 2.14 2.00 2.00 2.30
Vegetation Profile (median pfc) pfc 0.5-2m 50.0 12.5 10.0 5.0 10.0 0.0 45.0 90.0 42.5 50.0 pfc 2-4m 17.5 15.0 35.0 35.0 15.0 0.0 55.0 37.5 25.0 20.0 pfc 4-6m 40.0 37.5 40.0 20.0 40.0 42.5 45.0 40.0 45.0 60.0 45.0 50.0 45.0 pfc Canopy (>6m) 15.0 45.0 32.5 50.0 40.0 45.0 32.5 25.0 45.0 15.0 25.0 50.0 40.0
Tree Density (All species) DBH Classes (stems/0.1 ha) 020< 1 1 15 27 17 8 10 16 17 48
Site CSB CSM HG1 HG2 HG3 HG4 HG5 LE1 LE2 LS1 LS2 T1 T2 021-030 8 8 3 5 10 3 1 4 6 11 031-040 1 1 5 1 4 4 4 5 2 5 2 041-050 1 1 4 1 1 4 1 2 1 2 2 1 051-060 1 1 1 1 061-070 3 1 071-080 1 2 1 081-090 1 2 091-100 101-110 111-120 121-130 131-140 141-150 1 150 >
49
8.4. Incidental Records of Avian and Mammal Fauna from Habitat Assessment Sites Species of mammal and avian fauna observed during the targeted surveys on the Cowal Gold Mine ML and the additional Barrick-owned Lands. s: represents observed as sign (scats or other sign); N = nests; numbers are either the number of Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies)s or their nests observed at the habitat site.
Species LE1 LE2 CSB CSM HGP HG1 HG2 HG3 HG4 HG5 HGR LS1 LS2 T1 T2 Common x x Brushtail Possum Eastern s s s s s x x x x x s x Grey Kangaroo Euro x Apostlebird x x x x Australian x x Magpie Australian x x x Raven Black-faced x Cuckoo- shrike Black- x shouldered Kite Blue Bonnet x x Blue-faced x x Honeyeater Crested x x x Pigeon Eastern x x x x Rosella Eurasian x x Coot Emu s s s s Galah x x x x x x x Grey x x x Butcherbird Grey- N X(H) X 12 X 8 N X(H), X 10 N X 6, X4 X 6 X2 X8 Crowned N Nx3 Nx3 N N N N Nx10 N N Babbler (eastern subspecies) Grey Teal x Little Pied x Cormorant Little Black x Cormorant Little Pied x Cormorant Hoary x Headed Grebe Little Grebe x Little Corella x Magpie Lark x x x x
50
Species LE1 LE2 CSB CSM HGP HG1 HG2 HG3 HG4 HG5 HGR LS1 LS2 T1 T2 Mallee x Ringneck Nankeen x Kestrel Noisy Miner x x x x x x x x x Yellow x x Throated Miner Pacific Black x Duck Red-rumped x Parrot Striated x x Pardalote Variegated x Fairy-wren Welcome x x Swallow Wedge- x, N tailed Eagle (2Y) Western x Warbler Whistling x x x Kite White- x x x x winged Chough Willie x x Wagtail
51
8.5. Amphibian Records from the Targeted Crinia sloanei survey. AMG references are for Zone 55.
Site Location Dates and Times Easting Northing Frog Species Number Surveyed FS 1 Farm dam, north of 28/8/2012 (5.20 pm) 533286 6280455 Limnodynastes the ML 29/8/2012 (6.45 pm) tasmaniensis FS 2 Farm dam, north of 28/8/2012 (5.35 pm) 533716 6279831 Limnodynastes the ML 29/8/2012 (6.30 pm) tasmaniensis FS 3 Farm dam, near 28/8/2012 (7.30 pm) 533401 6277828 Limnodynastes Northern Tailings 29/8/2012 (7.40 pm) tasmaniensis Storage Facility FS 4 Waterbody, near 28/8/2012 (8.50 pm) 533380 6277478 Limnodynastes Northern Tailings 29/8/2012 (7.50 pm) tasmaniensis Storage Facility Litoria peronii FS 5 Waterbody 28/8/2012 (9.05 pm) 534781 6278694 Limnodynastes tasmaniensis FS 6 Woodland near an 28/8/2012 (9.15 pm) 535147 6278792 Limnodynastes ephemeral 29/8/2012 (8.00 pm) tasmaniensis creekline FS 7 Inundated 28/8/2012 (9.30 pm) 537355 6279203 Limnodynastes grassland/woodland 29/8/2012 (8.10 pm) tasmaniensis Limnodynastes dumerilii FS 8 Lake Cowal 28/8/2012 (9.45 pm) 537688 6278839 Limnodynastes 29/8/2012 (8.20 pm) tasmaniensis Limnodynastes dumerilii FS 9 Lake Cowal 28/8/2012 (9.50 pm) 537617 6278865 Limnodynastes 29/8/2012 (8.15 pm) tasmaniensis Limnodynastes dumerilii FS 10 Lake Cowal 28/8/2012 (9.55 pm) 537997 6278670 Limnodynastes 29/8/2012 (8.25 pm) tasmaniensis Limnodynastes dumerilii FS 11 Lake Cowal 28/8/2012 (10.00 pm) 537823 6277088 Limnodynastes 29/8/2012 (8.35 pm) tasmaniensis Limnodynastes dumerilii FS 12 Dam near Lake 28/8/2012 (10.15 pm) 537831 6276758 Limnodynastes Cowal 29/8/2012 (8.45 pm) tasmaniensis Limnodynastes dumerilii FS 13 Waterway 28/8/2012 (10.30 pm) 537006 6275941 Limnodynastes (ephemeral) 29/8/2012 (8.50 pm) tasmaniensis FS 14 Near inundated 29/8/2012 (7.05 pm) 536766 6281543 Limnodynastes Lake Cowal edge, 30/8/2012 (5.40 pm) tasmaniensis north of the ML Limnodynastes dumerilii
52
Site Location Dates and Times Easting Northing Frog Species Number Surveyed 15 Lake Cowal 29/8/2012 (9.10 pm) 539019 6274327 Limnodynastes 30/8/2012 (5.50 pm) tasmaniensis Limnodynastes dumerilii 16 Edge of Lake 29/8/2012 (9.15 pm) 539164 6274344 Limnodynastes Cowal bund 30/8/2012 (5.55 pm) tasmaniensis Limnodynastes dumerilii 17 Quarry 29/8/2012 (9.35 pm) 535831 6271882 Limnodynastes 30/8/2012 (5.30 pm) tasmaniensis
53
Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Threatened Species Assessment
ATTACHMENT D
PROPOSED PUMP STATION – COWAL GOLD MINE EXTENSION MODIFICATION POTENTIAL FAUNA HABITAT (KERLE, 2013B)
00541877 5 Fitzroy Street
Peel 2795 New South Wales
Phone/Fax: (02) 6337 6648 Dr Anne Kerle Mobile: 0428 846509 Ecologist Email: [email protected] ABN: 22 270 046 461
Knowledge, Assessment, Evaluation, Training, Communication
Proposed Pump Station – Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification
Potential Fauna Habitat
The proposed pump station for the Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification is to be located within a farmed paddock adjacent to the remnant habitat surrounding Lake Cowal (Australian Map Grid: Zone 55, Easting 5456415; Northing 6281316).
A targeted fauna survey of this site was carried out on 14th and 15th May 2013.
The paddock had been ploughed, planted and harvested before survey and under current management sheep were moving between the paddock including the pump station site and the fringing lake vegetation.
Very few faunal species were observed in the paddock and those that were, were all common protected open habitat species. These were Australian Raven (Corvus coronoides), Australian Magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen), Magpie Lark (Grallina cyanoleuca), Noisy Miner (Manorina melanocephala), Crested Pigeon (Ochyphaps lophotes), Cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) and Red-rumped Parrot (Psephotus heamatonotus). While some of these species, such as the Australian Magpie, feed on the ploughed ground, most of the others will be moving across the site between the important lakeside habitat, the remnant paddock trees and the roadside vegetation of Lake Road.
The only listed threatened species (Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995) observed was not present on the site and is unlikely to be impacted by the building or operation of the pump station. A large party of Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) (Pomatostomus temporalis temporalis) was observed actively foraging in the adjacent lakeside vegetation. This subspecies was also frequently observed in the road reserves of this area including Websters Road and Lows Road.
The construction and operation of the proposed pump station will not adversely affect any listed threatened fauna species.
Anne Kerle 11/06/2013 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Threatened Species Assessment
ATTACHMENT E
THREATENED FAUNA SPECIES DATABASE RESULTS
00541877 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Threatened Species Assessment
Table E-1 Threatened Fauna Species Database Results
Conservation Status1 Database Records Recorded During Recorded During Surveys at Surveys at the Australian BirdLife AMBS CGM or Scientific Name Common Name TSC EPBC FM SEWPaC OEH 6 the CGM or 2 Museum 4 Australia (2013) Surrounds from Act Act Act (2013) 3 (2013) 5 Surrounds (2013) (2013) Jan 2007 to Prior to March 20138 20077 Fish PERCICHTHYIDAE Maccullochella peelii Murray Cod - V - - - - - - peelii Macquaria australasica Macquarie Perch - E E - - - - - Bidyanus bidyanus Silver Perch - - V - - - - - - Amphibians MYOBATRACHIDAE Crinia sloanei Sloane's Froglet V - - - - - - A, B - Neobatrachus pictus Painted Burrowing Frog E ------A - Reptiles PYGOPODIDAE Aprasia parapulchella Pink-tailed Worm-lizard V V - ------Birds MEGAPODIIDAE Leipoa ocellata Malleefowl E V - ------ANSERANATIDAE Anseranas semipalmata Magpie Goose V - - - - A, C, D, G, H ANATIDAE Stictonetta naevosa Freckled Duck V - - - - A, C, D, I - Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck V - - - A, C, D B ARDEIDAE Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern E E - - - A -
00541877 E-1 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Threatened Species Assessment
Table E-1 (Continued) Threatened Fauna Species Database Results
Conservation Status1 Database Records Recorded During Recorded During Surveys at AMBS Surveys at the Scientific Name Common Name Australian BirdLife the CGM or CGM or Surrounds TSC EPBC FM SEWPaC OEH (2013)6 2 Museum 4 Australia Surrounds from Jan 2007 to Act Act Act (2013) 3 (2013) 5 8 (2013) (2013) Prior to March 2013 20077 Birds (Continued) FALCONIDAE Falco hypoleucos Grey Falcon E - - - - - - - - Falco subniger Black Falcon V - - - - - - A - ACCIPITRIDAE Pandion cristatus Eastern Osprey V - - - - - - - - Lophoictinia isura Square-tailed Kite V - - - - - - - C, D Hamirostra Black-breasted Buzzard V - - - - - - - - melanosternon Circus assimilis Spotted Harrier V - - - - - A E Hieraaetus morphnoides Little Eagle V - - - - - A, I, K#, L, G, H M#, N, O#, P OTIDIDAE Ardeotis australis Australian Bustard E - - - - - - - - GRUIDAE Grus rubicunda Brolga V - - - - A, C - BURHINIDAE Burhinus grallarius Bush Stone-curlew E - - - - - - - I ROSTRATULIDAE Rostratula australis Australian Painted Snipe E V - - - A - PEDIONOMIDAE Pedionomus torquatus Plains-wanderer E V - - - - - - -
00541877 E-2 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Threatened Species Assessment
Table E-1 (Continued) Threatened Fauna Species Database Results
Conservation Status1 Database Records Recorded During Recorded During Surveys at AMBS Surveys at the Scientific Name Common Name Australian BirdLife the CGM or CGM or Surrounds TSC EPBC FM SEWPaC OEH (2013)6 2 Museum 4 Australia Surrounds from Jan 2007 to Act Act Act (2013) 3 (2013) 5 8 (2013) (2013) Prior to March 2013 20077 Birds (Continued) SCOLOPACIDAE Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit V - - - - - A - Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper E - - - -
PSITTACIDAE Calyptorhynchus lathami Glossy Black-Cockatoo V - - - - - - I - Lophochroa leadbeateri Major Mitchell's Cockatoo V - - - - - - - Neophema pulchella Turquoise Parrot V ------I, Q - Lathamus discolor Swift Parrot E E - ------Polytelis swainsonii Superb Parrot V V - - - I, R K STRIGIDAE Ninox connivens Barking Owl V - - - - - A, S - CLIMACTERIDAE Climacteris picumnus Brown Treecreeper V - - - - - A, B+, I - victoriae (eastern subspecies) ACANTHIZIDAE Chthonicola sagittata Speckled Warbler V - - - - - - MELIPHAGIDAE Anthochaera phrygia Regent Honeyeater CE E - ------Grantiella picta Painted Honeyeater V - - - - - A, I - Epthianura albifrons White-fronted Chat V - - - - - A, I -
00541877 E-3 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Threatened Species Assessment
Table E-1 (Continued) Threatened Fauna Species Database Results
Conservation Status1 Database Records Recorded During Recorded During Surveys at AMBS Surveys at the Scientific Name Common Name Australian BirdLife the CGM or CGM or Surrounds TSC EPBC FM SEWPaC OEH (2013)6 2 Museum 4 Australia Surrounds from Jan 2007 to Act Act Act (2013) 3 (2013) 5 8 (2013) (2013) Prior to March 2013 20077 Birds (Continued) PETROICIDAE Melanodryas cucullata Hooded Robin (south- V - - - - - Q, T - cucullata eastern form) POMATOSTOMIDAE Pomatostomus Grey-crowned Babbler V - - - - - A, B, G, H, I, C, D, E, G, H, K, L temporalis temporalis (eastern subspecies) L, M, N, P, T, U, V, W NEOSITTIDAE Daphoenositta Varied Sittella V - - - - - B+ - chrysoptera Birds (Continued) PACHYCEPHALIDAE Pachycephala inornata Gilbert's Whistler V - - - - - - B+ - DICRURIDAE Stagonopleura guttata Diamond Firetail V - - - - I - Mammals PHASCOLARCTIDAE Phascolarctos cinereus Koala V V - ------MACROPODIDAE Petrogale penicillata Brush-tailed E V - ------Rock-wallably EMBALLONURIDAE Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow-bellied V - - - - - - W, X M, N, O Sheathtail-bat
00541877 E-4 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Threatened Species Assessment
Table E-1 (Continued) Threatened Fauna Species Database Results
Conservation Status1 Database Records Recorded During Recorded During Surveys at AMBS Surveys at the Scientific Name Common Name Australian BirdLife the CGM or CGM or Surrounds TSC EPBC FM SEWPaC OEH (2013)6 2 Museum 4 Australia Surrounds from Jan 2007 to Act Act Act (2013) 3 (2013) 5 8 (2013) (2013) Prior to March 2013 20077 Mammals (Continued) VESPERTILIONIDAE Nyctophilus corbeni Corben’s Long-eared Bat V V - - - - - - Chalinolobus picatus Little Pied Bat V - - - - - - B+ M, N, P, Q, R Vespadelus baverstocki Inland Forest Bat V ------Y H, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V Vespadelus troughtoni Eastern Cave Bat V ------B+ - Notes: - Nomenclature consistent with CSIRO (2006) CSIRO List of Australian Vertebrates A Reference with Conservation Status. + Species with restricted distributions in the Wamboyne Mountain/’Coniston’ area. # Nests located. 1 Threatened species status under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act, 1995, Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, 1999 and/or NSW Fisheries Management Act, 1994 (current as of August 2013). CE = Critically Endangered, E = Endangered, V = Vulnerable. 2 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (2013) EPBC Act Protected Matters Search for the following Search Area: -33.45972, 147.1774; -33.45833, 147.608; -33.81916, 147.6105, -33.82055, 147.1783. Data received: 21 January 2013. 3 Australian Museum (2013) Database Records for the Following Search Area: AMG Zone 55 -33.4584, 147.1777; -33.8206, 147.6107. Date Received: 1 February 2013. 4 Office of Environment and Heritage (2013) Atlas of NSW Wildlife Database Records for the Following Search Area: -33.4584, 147.1777; -33.8206, 147.6107. Data Received: 7 February 2013. 5 BirdLife Australia (2013) Database Records within the Following Search Area: -33.4584, 147.1777; -33.8206, 147.6107. Data Received: 22 January 2013. 6 AMBS (2013) Lake Cowal Waterbird Monitoring (1989 to 2012) Compilation Report. 7 Previous survey results recorded from the CGM and surrounds prior to 2007 have been sourced from the following: A = Vestjens, W.J.M (1977) Status, Habitats and Food of Vertebrates at Lake Cowal, NSW. Division of Wildlife Research Technical Memorandum No. 12. CSIRO, Canberra. B = Gunninah Consultants (1995) Fauna Species List for Lake Cowal. Appendix 6 in NSR Environmental Consultants (1995) Lake Cowal Gold Project Environmental Impact Statement – Volume 2 Fauna Impact Statement & Flora and Fauna Studies. C = Lane, B.R. (1990) West Wyalong Prospect: Waterbird Investigation Data Report. In Gunninah Consultants (1995) Fauna Species List for Lake Cowal. Appendix 6 in NSR Environmental Consultants (1995) Lake Cowal Gold Project Environmental Impact Statement – Volume 2 Fauna Impact Statement & Flora and Fauna Studies. D = Lawler, W. (1989) Waterbird breeding at Lake Cowal, New South Wales. Australian Birds 23(2): 32-35. In Gunninah Consultants (1995) Fauna Species List for Lake Cowal. Appendix 6 in NSR Environmental Consultants (1995) Lake Cowal Gold Project Environmental Impact Statement – Volume 2 Fauna Impact Statement & Flora and Fauna Studies. G = Barrick (2005c) Cowal Gold Project – Vegetation Clearance Protocol Report – Perimeter Waste Emplacement. September 2005. VCP-R018-B.
00541877 E-5 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Threatened Species Assessment
H = Barrick (2006a) Cowal Gold Project – Vegetation Clearance Protocol Report – Magazine Laydown Area, Low Grade Ore Stockpile and Northern and Southern Tailings Storage Facilities Perimeter Fence Easement. September 2006. VCP-R028-C. I = Mount King Ecological Surveys (1997) Temora to Cowal Gold Project Electricity Transmission Line Fauna Assessment. Attachment D5-A of Appendix D Resource Strategies (1997) Environmental Impact Statement Proposed 132kV Electricity Transmission Line from Temora to the Cowal Gold Project. In North Limited (1998) Cowal Gold Project Environmental Impact Statement. K = Barrick (2005d) Cowal Gold Project – Vegetation Clearance Protocol Report – Soil Stockpile 1. September 2005. VCP-R006-C. L = Barrick (2005e) Cowal Gold Project – Vegetation Clearance Protocol Report – Internal Mine Access Road. September 2005. VCP-R012-B. M = Barrick (2005f) Cowal Gold Project – Vegetation Clearance Protocol Report – Processing Plant. September 2005. VCP-R013-C. N = Barrick (2005g) Cowal Gold Project – Vegetation Clearance Protocol Report – Cowal West Borrow Pit (Northern Waste Emplacement). September 2005. VCP-R020-B. O = Barrick (2005h) Cowal Gold Project – Vegetation Clearance Protocol Report – Contained Water Storage D2. September 2005. VCP-R022-B. P = Barrick (2006c) Cowal Gold Project – Vegetation Clearance Protocol Report – Northern Waste Emplacement. September 2006. VCP-NWE-C. Q = Barrick (2005i) Vegetation Clearing Protocol: Summary of Species located on the ETL and MLA, 31st October –2nd November 2005. R = Barrick (2005j) Cowal Gold Project – Vegetation Clearance Protocol Report – Soil Stockpile 2. September 2005. VCP-R007-B. S = Barrick (2005k) Vegetation Clearing Protocol: Summary of Species located on the MLA and Access Road, V Jan 10th – 14th 2005. T = Barrick (2005l) Cowal Gold Project – Vegetation Clearance Protocol Report – Access Road (Blow Clear Road). September 2005. VCP-AR-Blow-A Clear Road. U = Barrick (2003) Cowal Gold Project Implementation of the Threatened Species Management Protocol. V = Barrick (2005m) Vegetation Clearing Protocol: Summary of Species located on the ETL and MLA, July 6th – 7th 2005; Barrick (2005n) Vegetation Clearing Protocol: Summary of Species located on the MLA, July 6th – 7th 2005; Barrick (2005o) Vegetation Clearing Protocol: Summary of Species located on the MLA, June 14th – June 17th 2005; Barrick (2005p) Vegetation Clearing Protocol: Summary of Species located on the MLA, Lake Cowal Gold July 22nd – 23rd 2005; Barrick (2005q) Vegetation Clearing Protocol: Summary of Species located on the Mine Site September 28th – 30th 2005; Barrick (2005r) Vegetation Clearing Protocol: Summary of Species located on the ETL, MLA and Access Road, Jan 17th – 21st 2005; Barrick (2005s) Vegetation Clearing Protocol: Summary of Species located on the ETL and MLA, Jan 31st – 4th Feb 2005; Barrick (2006d) Vegetation Clearing Protocol: Summary of Species located on the MLA, 9-10th January 2006; Barrick Australia Limited (2005t) Cowal Gold Project – Vegetation Clearance Protocol Report – Cowal West Borrow Pit (Extension); Barrick Australia Limited (2005u) Cowal Gold Project – Vegetation Clearance Protocol Reports – Low Grade Ore Stockpile; Barrick Australia Limited (2005v) Cowal Gold Project – Vegetation Clearance Protocol Report – Borefield Pipeline; Barrick Australia Limited (2005w) Cowal Gold Project – Vegetation Clearance Protocol Report – Northern Tailings Storage Facility; Barrick Australia Limited (2005x) Cowal Gold Project – Vegetation Clearance Protocol Report – Up-Catchment Diversion System; Barrick Australia Limited (2005y) Cowal Gold Project – Vegetation Clearance Protocol Report – Permanent Catchment Divide; Barrick Australia Limited (2005z) Cowal Gold Project – Vegetation Clearance Protocol Report – Soil Stockpile 3; Barrick Australia Limited (2005zi) Cowal Gold Project – Vegetation Clearance Protocol Report – Soil Stockpile 4; Barrick Australia Limited (2005zii) Cowal Gold Project – Vegetation Clearance Protocol Report – Open Pit; Barrick Australia Limited (2005ziii) Cowal Gold Project – Vegetation Clearance Protocol Report – Haul Road (Processing Plant to Tailings Storage Facilities); Barrick Australia Limited (2005ziv) Cowal Gold Project – Vegetation Clearance Protocol Report – Southern Tailings Storage Facility; Barrick Australia Limited (2005zv) Cowal Gold Project 2003-2004 Annual Environmental Management Report. W = Barrick (2005zvi) Cowal Gold Project – Vegetation Clearance Protocol Report – Access Road (Wamboyne Road). September 2005. VCP-AR-Wamboyne Road-A. X = Greg Richards and Associates (1997) Results of a Bat Fauna Survey to Target Threatened Species. Attachment A7 of Resource Strategies Pty Ltd, CSIRO Wildlife and Ecology, Goldney, D. and Greg Richards and Associates (1997) Cowal Gold Project Species Impact Statement. In North Limited (1998) Cowal Gold Project Environmental Impact Statement. Y = Donato Environmental Services (2006) Seasonal Wildlife Use Patterns of the Cowal Gold Mine Tailings Facility. 8 Fauna species recorded within ML 1535 from January 2007 to April 2013 sourced from the following: B = Barrick pers. comm. (2011). C = Barrick (2007a) Cowal Gold Project 2005-2006 Annual Environmental Management Report. D = Barrick (2010) Cowal Gold Project 2008-2009 Annual Environmental Management Report. E = Kerle, A. (2013) Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Fauna Report. G = Barrick (2007c) Cowal Gold Project – Vegetation Clearance Protocol Report – Soil Stockpile 6. August 2007. VCP-SS6-C. H = Barrick (2009a) Cowal Gold Project – Vegetation Clearance Protocol Report – Northern Waste Emplacement Area. November 2009. VCP-NSE-A. I = Barrick, pers. comm. (2010). K = Barrick (2008c) Cowal Gold Project – Vegetation Clearance Protocol Report – Southern Waste Emplacement (Campaign 2). August 2008. VCP-SWE(C2)-B.
00541877 E-6 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Threatened Species Assessment
L = Barrick (2008d) Fauna Observations within ML 1535 from 28 April 2005 to 27 February 2008; Barrick (2007d) Lake Cowal Observation Data Sheet 5-8 February 2007; Barrick (2008e) Implementing Tree Clearance Protocol, Southern Waste Dump Barrick Gold Lake Cowal, 18th - 21st February 2008; Western Research Institute (2008) Cowal Gold Mine E42 Modification Fauna Assessment; Barrick Australia Limited (2007e) Cowal Gold Project – Vegetation Clearance Protocol Report – Magazine Area; Barrick Australia Limited (2007cf) Cowal Gold Project – Vegetation Clearance Protocol Report – Northern Waste Emplacement – Southern Section; Barrick Australia Limited (2009b) Cowal Gold Project 2007-2008 Annual Environmental Management Report. M = Donato Environmental Services (2010a) Seasonal Wildlife Use Patterns of the Cowal Gold Project Tailings Storage Facility: 1 October 2009 to 31 March 2010. N = Donato Environmental Services (2011a) Seasonal Wildlife Use Patterns of the Cowal Gold Mine tailings storage facility: 1 April to 30 September 2010. O = Donato Environmental Services (2011b) Seasonal Wildlife Use Patterns of the Cowal Gold Mine tailings storage facility: 1 October 2010 to 31 March 2011. P = Donato Environmental Services (2010b) Seasonal Wildlife Use Patterns of the Cowal Gold Mine Tailings Storage Facility: 1 April 2009 to 30 September 2009. Q = Donato Environmental Services (2012a) Seasonal Wildlife Use Patterns of the Cowal Gold Mine tailings storage facility: 1 April 2011 to 30 September 2011. R = Donato Environmental Services (2012b) Seasonal Wildlife Use Patterns of the Cowal Gold Mine tailings storage facility: 1 October 2011 to 31 March 2012. S = Donato Environmental Services (2013) Seasonal Wildlife Use Patterns of the Cowal Gold Mine tailings storage facility: 1 April to 30 September 2012. T = Donato Environmental Services (2008a) Seasonal Wildlife Use Patterns of the Cowal Gold Mine Tailings Facility: April to September 2008. U = Donato Environmental Services (2008b) Seasonal Wildlife Use Patterns of the Cowal Gold Mine Tailings Facility: October 2007 to March 2008. V = Donato Environmental Services (2009) Seasonal Wildlife Use Patterns of the Cowal Gold Project Tailings Storage Facility: 1 October 2008 to 30 March 2009.
00541877 E-7 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Threatened Species Assessment
ATTACHMENT F
THREATENED FLORA AND FAUNA SPECIES PREDICTED IN THE LOWER SLOPES CMA SUB-REGION
00541877 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Threatened Species Assessment
Table F1 Threatened Flora Species Known or Predicted by OEH in the Lower Slopes CMA Sub-region
Conservation Status1 Could the Species or its Habitat be Scientific Name Common Name Reason TSC EPBC Impacted by the Act Act Modification?
Acacia ausfeldii Ausfeld’s Wattle V - Very unlikely No potential habitat occurs within Modification area or immediate surrounds. Austrostipa metatoris - V V Very unlikely The Western Slopes Grasslands Habitat which occurs in Modification area is highly modified and not considered potential habitat for this species. There are no nearby records of the species. Austrostipa wakoolica - E E Very unlikely The Western Slopes Grasslands Habitat which occurs in Modification area is highly modified and not considered potential habitat for this species. There are no nearby records of the species. Diuris tricolor Pine Donkey Orchid V - Very unlikely No potential habitat occurs within Modification area. The Floodplains Transition Woodlands (outside Modification area , and fringing Lake Cowal) may provide potential habitat (after Office of Environment and Heritage [OEH], 2013b). There are no nearby records of this species (the closest records are on elevated land 5 km south-west of ML 1535 [Figure 10]). Eleocharis obicis Spike-Rush V V Very unlikely No potential habitat occurs within Modification area. The Floodplains Transition Woodlands (outside Modification area, and fringing Lake Cowal) may provide potential habitat (after OEH, 2013b). There are no nearby records of this species. Kippistia suaedifolia Fleshy Minuria E - Very unlikely No potential habitat occurs within Modification area or immediate surrounds. Leionema sympetalum Rylstone Bell V V Very unlikely No potential habitat occurs within Modification area or immediate surrounds. Lepidium aschersonii Spiny Peppercress V V Unlikely Not known to occur within Modification area or immediate surrounds (despite targeted surveys). Refer to Section 6 of the Threatened Species Assessment. Lepidium monoplocoides Winged Peppercress E E Very unlikely The Inland Floodplain Swamps Habitat which occurs in Modification area is marginal, highly modified and not considered potential habitat for this species. There are no nearby records of the species. Philotheca angustifolia - Ex - Very unlikely No potential habitat occurs within Modification area or immediate surrounds. subsp. angustifolia Pilularia novae-hollandiae Austral Pillwort E - Unlikely Not known to occur within Modification area or immediate surrounds (despite targeted surveys [Figure 10]). Previous records were made within ML 1535. Refer to Section 6 of the Threatened Species Assessment. Senecio garlandii Wooly Ragwort V V Very unlikely No potential habitat occurs within Modification area or immediate surrounds. Swainsona murrayana Slender Darling-pea V V Unlikely Not known to occur within Modification area or immediate surrounds (despite targeted surveys). Refer to Section 6 of the Threatened Species Assessment. Swainsona sericea Silky Swainson-pea V - Very unlikely No potential habitat occurs within Modification area or immediate surrounds. This species has been recorded on elevated land 5 km south-west of ML 1535 (Figure 10). 1 Threatened species status under the Threatened Species Conservation Act, 1995 (TSC Act) and Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, 1999 (EPBC Act) (current as of 6 June 2013). V = Vulnerable; E = Endangered. Note: Shading represents threatened species assessed in Section 6 of the Threatened Species Assessement.
00541877 F-1 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Threatened Species Assessment
Table F2 Threatened Fauna Species Known or Predicted by OEH in the Lower Slopes CMA Sub-region
Conservation Status1 Could the Species or its Common Scientific Name Habitat be Impacted by Reason Name TSC EPBC FM Act Act Act the Modification?
Amphibians Crinia sloanei Sloane's V - - Possible This species is known to occur in the general locality (Figure 14). Refer to Section 6 of the Froglet Threatened Species Assessment. Reptiles Aprasia Pink-tailed V V - Very unlikely No potential habitat occurs within Modification area (after OEH, 2013b). The Floodplains Transition parapulchella Worm-lizard Woodlands (outside Modification area, and fringing Lake Cowal) may provide potential habitat (after OEH, 2013b). There are no nearby records of this species (Attachment E). Birds Leipoa ocellata Malleefowl E V - Very unlikely No potential habitat occurs within Modification area (after OEH, 2013b) and this species is not known to occur in Modification area or locality (Attachment E). Anseranas Magpie Goose V - - Possible This species is known to occur in the general locality (Figures 12 and 13). Refer to Section 6 of the semipalmata Threatened Species Assessment. Oxyura australis Blue-billed V - - Possible This species is known to occur in the general locality (i.e. at Lake Cowal when the lake is inundated Duck [Figure 13]). Refer to Section 6 of the Threatened Species Assessment. Botaurus Australasian E E - Possible There is a record of this species in the general locality (i.e. at Lake Cowal) (Figure 13). Refer to poiciloptilus Bittern Section 6 of the Threatened Species Assessment. Falco hypoleucos Grey Falcon E - - Unlikely This species is not known to occur in Modification area or locality (Attachment E). Falco subniger Black Falcon V - Very unlikely No potential habitat occurs within Modification area (after OEH, 2013b) and this species is not known to occur in Modification area or locality (Attachment E). Pandion haliaetus Eastern Osprey V - - Unlikely This species is not known to occur in Modification area and there are no recent records in the locality (Attachment E). Lophoictinia isura Square-tailed V - - Possible There is a record of this species in the general locality (i.e. at Lake Cowal) (Figure 13). Refer to Kite Section 6 of the Threatened Species Assessment. Hamirostra Black-breasted V - - Unlikely This species is not known to occur in Modification area and there are no recent records in the melanosternon Buzzard locality (Attachment E). Circus assimilis Spotted Harrier V - - Possible This species is known to occur in the general locality (Figure 13]). Refer to Section 6 of the Threatened Species Assessment. Hieraaetus Little Eagle V - - Possible This species is known to occur in the general locality (Figures 12 and 13). Refer to Section 6 of the morphnoides Threatened Species Assessment.
00541877 F-2 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Threatened Species Assessment
Table F2 (Continued) Threatened Fauna Species Known or Predicted by OEH in the Lower Slopes CMA Sub-region
Conservation Status1 Could the Species or its Scientific Name Common Name TSC EPBC FM Habitat be Impacted by Reason Act Act Act the Modification?
Birds (Continued) Ardeotis australis Australian E - - Unlikely This species is not known to occur in Modification area or locality (Attachment E). Bustard Grus rubicunda Brolga V - - Possible This species is known to occur in the general locality (i.e. at Lake Cowal when the lake is inundated [Figure 13]). Refer to Section 6 of the Threatened Species Assessment. Burhinus Bush Stone- E - - Possible This species has been recorded from within ML 1535. Refer to Section 6 of the Threatened Species grallarius curlew Assessment. Rostratula Australian E V - Possible There is a record of this species in the general locality (i.e. at Lake Cowal) (Figure 13). Refer to benghalensis Painted Snipe Section 6 of the Threatened Species Assessment. australis Limosa limosa Black-tailed V - - Possible There is a record of this species in the general locality (i.e. at Lake Cowal) (Figure 13). Refer to Godwit Section 6 of the Threatened Species Assessment. Calyptorhynchus Glossy Black- V - - Very unlikely No potential habitat occurs within Modification area (after OEH, 2013b). The Floodplains Transition lathami cockatoo Woodlands (outside Modification area, and fringing Lake Cowal) may provide potential habitat (after OEH, 2013b). Callocephalon Gang-gang V - Very unlikely No potential habitat occurs within Modification area (after OEH, 2013b). The Floodplains Transition fimbriatum Cockatoo Woodlands (outside Modification area, and fringing Lake Cowal) may provide potential habitat (after OEH, 2013b). There are no nearby records of this species (Attachment E). Cacatua Major Mitchell's V - - Unlikely There is a record of this species in the general locality (Figure 13). Refer to Section 6 of the leadbeateri Cockatoo Threatened Species Assessment. Glossopsitta Little Lorikeet V - Very unlikely No potential habitat occurs within Modification area or immediate surrounds. pusilla Neophema Turquoise Parrot V - - Very unlikely No potential habitat occurs within Modification area (after OEH, 2013b). The Floodplains Transition pulchella Woodlands (outside Modification area, and fringing Lake Cowal) may provide potential habitat (after OEH, 2013b). There are no nearby records of this species (Attachment E). Lathamus discolor Swift Parrot E E - Very unlikely No potential habitat occurs within Modification area (after OEH, 2013b). The Floodplains Transition Woodlands (outside Modification area, and fringing Lake Cowal) may provide potential habitat (after OEH, 2013b). There are no nearby records of this species (Attachment E). Polytelis Superb Parrot V V - Possible This species is known to occur in the general locality (Figures 12 and 13). Refer to Section 6 of the swainsonii Threatened Species Assessment.
00541877 F-3 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Threatened Species Assessment
Table F2 (Continued) Threatened Fauna Species Known or Predicted by OEH in the Lower Slopes CMA Sub-region
Conservation Status1 Could the Species or its Scientific Name Common Name TSC EPBC FM Habitat be Impacted by Reason Act Act Act the Modification?
Birds (Continued) Tyto Masked Owl V - Very unlikely No potential habitat occurs within Modification area or immediate surrounds. novaehollandiae Ninox connivens Barking Owl V - - Unlikely No potential habitat occurs within Modification area (after OEH, 2013b). The Floodplains Transition Woodlands (outside Modification area, and fringing Lake Cowal) may provide potential habitat (after OEH, 2013b). Refer to Section 6 of the Threatened Species Assessment. Climacteris Brown V - - Very unlikely There are database records of this species in the general locality (e.g. at Lake Cowal [Figure 13]), picumnus Treecreeper however there are not sufficient habitat resources for this species in Modification area. victoriae (eastern subspecies) Hylacola cautus Shy Heathwren V - Very unlikely No potential habitat occurs within Modification area or immediate surrounds. Pyrrholaemus Speckled V - - Very unlikely No potential habitat occurs within Modification area (after OEH, 2013b). The Floodplains Transition saggitatus Warbler Woodlands (outside Modification area, and fringing Lake Cowal) may provide potential habitat (after OEH, 2013b). Melithreptus Black-chinned V - Very unlikely No potential habitat occurs within Modification area (after OEH, 2013b). The Floodplains Transition gularis gularis Honeyeater Woodlands (outside Modification area, and fringing Lake Cowal) may provide potential habitat (after (eastern OEH, 2013b). There are no nearby records of this species (Attachment E). subspecies) Anthochaera Regent CE E - Very unlikely No potential habitat occurs within Modification area (after OEH, 2013b). The Floodplains Transition phrygia Honeyeater Woodlands (outside Modification area, and fringing Lake Cowal) may provide potential habitat (after OEH, 2013b). There are no nearby records of this species (Attachment E). Grantiella picta Painted V - - Unlikely This species is known to occur in the general locality (i.e. at Lake Cowal when the lake is inundated Honeyeater [Figure 13]), however this species is not known to use potential habitat within ML 1535. Refer to Section 6 of the Threatened Species Assessment. Certhionyx Pied Honeyeater V - Very unlikely This species is not known to occur in Modification area or locality (Attachment E). variegatus Epthianura White-fronted V - - Unlikely This species is known to occur in the general locality (i.e. at Lake Cowal [Figure 13]), however this albifrons Chat species is not known to use potential habitat at the CGM. Refer to Section 6 of the Threatened Species Assessment.
00541877 F-4 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Threatened Species Assessment
Table F2 (Continued) Threatened Fauna Species Known or Predicted by OEH in the Lower Slopes CMA Sub-region
Conservation Status1 Could the Species or its Scientific Name Common Name TSC EPBC FM Habitat be Impacted by Reason Act Act Act the Modification?
Birds (Continued) Melanodryas Hooded Robin V - - Very unlikely This species is not known to occur in Modification area or locality (Attachment E). cucullata cucullata (south-eastern form) Petroica Flame Robin V - Very unlikely This species is not known to occur in Modification area or locality (Attachment E). phoenicea Petroica boodang Scarlet Robin V - Very unlikely This species is not known to occur in Modification area or locality (Attachment E). Drymodes Southern Scrub- V - Very unlikely No potential habitat occurs within Modification area or immediate surrounds. brunneopygia robin Pomatostomus Grey-crowned V - - Likely This species is known to occur in Modification area and surrounds (Figures 12 and 13), Refer to temporalis Babbler (eastern Section 6 of the Threatened Species Assessment. temporalis subspecies) Cinclosoma Chestnut Quail- V - Very unlikely No potential habitat occurs within Modification area or immediate surrounds. castanotum thrush Daphoenositta Varied Sittella V - - Unlikely There is a record of this species in the general locality (i.e. at Lake Cowal) (Figure 13), however this chrysoptera species is not known to use potential habitat within ML 1535. Refer to Section 6 of the Threatened Species Assessment. Pachycephala Gilbert's V - - Very unlikely No potential habitat occurs within Modification area (after OEH, 2013b). The Floodplains Transition inornata Whistler Woodlands (outside Modification area, and fringing Lake Cowal) may provide potential habitat (after OEH, 2013b). This species is known to occur in the general locality (i.e. at Lake Cowal [Figure 13]). Stagonopleura Diamond Firetail V - - Unlikely There are database records of this species in the general locality (e.g. at Lake Cowal [Figure 13]). guttata Refer to Section 6 of the Threatened Species Assessment. Mammals Dasyurus Spotted-tailed V E Very unlikely No potential habitat occurs within Modification area (after OEH, 2013b). The Floodplains Transition maculatus Quoll Woodlands (outside Modification area, and fringing Lake Cowal) may provide potential habitat (after OEH, 2013b). There are no nearby records of this species (Attachment E). Phascogale Brush-tailed V - Very unlikely No potential habitat occurs within Modification area (after OEH, 2013b). The Floodplains Transition tapoatafa Phascogale Woodlands (outside Modification area, and fringing Lake Cowal) may provide potential habitat (after OEH, 2013b). There are no nearby records of this species (Attachment E).
00541877 F-5 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Threatened Species Assessment
Table F2 (Continued) Threatened Fauna Species Known or Predicted by OEH in the Lower Slopes CMA Sub-region
Conservation Status1 Could the Species or its Scientific Name Common Name TSC EPBC FM Habitat be Impacted by Reason Act Act Act the Modification?
Mammals (Continued) Macrotis lagotis Bilby Ex V Very unlikely No potential habitat occurs within Modification area or immediate surrounds (after OEH, 2013b). This species is believed to be extinct in NSW. Phascolarctos Koala V V - Very unlikely No potential habitat occurs within Modification area (after OEH, 2013b). The Floodplains Transition cinereus Woodlands (outside Modification area, and fringing Lake Cowal) may provide potential habitat (after OEH, 2013b). There are no nearby records of this species (Attachment E). Cercartetus nanus Eastern Pygmy- V - Very unlikely No potential habitat occurs within Modification area or immediate surrounds (after OEH, 2013b). possum Petaurus Squirrel Glider Very unlikely No potential habitat occurs within Modification area (after OEH, 2013b). The Floodplains Transition norfolcensis Woodlands (outside Modification area, and fringing Lake Cowal) may provide potential habitat (after OEH, 2013b). There are no nearby records of this species (Attachment E). Petrogale Brush-tailed E V - Very unlikely No potential habitat occurs within Modification area or immediate surrounds (after OEH, 2013b). penicillata Rock-wallably Saccolaimus Yellow-bellied V - - Possible This species is known to occur in the general locality (Figures 12 and 14). Refer to Section 6 of the flaviventris Sheathtail-bat Threatened Species Assessment. Nyctophilus Corben’s Long- V V - Possible This species is known to occur in the general locality (Figure 14). Refer to Section 6 of the corbeni eared Bat Threatened Species Assessment. Chalinolobus Little Pied Bat V - - Possible This species is known to occur in the general locality (Figure 14). Refer to Section 6 of the picatus Threatened Species Assessment. Myotis macropus Southern Myotis V - Very unlikely This species is not known to occur in Modification area or locality (Attachment E). Notes: 1 Threatened species status under the TSC Act, EPBC Act and/or FM Act (current as of 6 June 2013). CE = Critically Endangered, E = Endangered, V = Vulnerable. 2 SEWPaC (2013a). 3 Database records comprised from the following databases: Australian Museum (2013), BirdLife Australia (2013) and OEH (2013a). 4 Based on the following reports: AMBS (2013); Vestjens (1977); Gunninah Consultants (1995); Lane (1990); Lawler (1989); Barrick (2005a-ziii, 2006a-d); Greg Richards and Associates (1997a); Donato Environmental Services (2006); Mount King Ecological Surveys (1997); Donato Environmental Services (2007, 2008a-c, 2009, 2010a-b, 2011a-b, 2012a-b, 2013); Barrick (2007a-g, 2008a-c, 2009a-d, 2010a-b, 2011, 2012a-b); Barrick pers. comm. (2010, 2011); Western Research Institute (2008); and Kerle (2013a) (Attachment C). Note: Shading represents threatened species assessed in Section 6 of the Threatened Species Assessement.
00541877 F-6 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Threatened Species Assessment
Table F3 Additional Threatened Flora and Fauna Species Not Known or Predicted by OEH in the Lower Slopes CMA Sub-region
1 Conservation Status Could the Species Common or its Habitat be Scientific Name Reason Name TSC EPBC FM Impacted by the Act Act Act Modification? Flora Amphibromus Floating V V - Very unlikely Not predicted to occur in the sub-region (OEH, 2013b). The potential Inland Floodplain Swamps Habitat fluitans Swamp is highly modified and there are no nearby records of the species. Wallaby Grass Brachyscome Claypan Daisy V V - Very unlikely Not predicted to occur in the sub-region (OEH, 2013b). The potential Inland Floodplain Swamps Habitat poiciloptilus is highly modified and there are no nearby records of the species. Tylophora - V E - Very unlikely No potential habitat occurs within Modification area or immediate surrounds. linearis Wilsonia Round-leafed E - - Very unlikely No potential habitat occurs within Modification area. The Floodplains Transition Woodlands (outside rotundifolia Wilsonia Modification area, and fringing Lake Cowal) may provide potential habitat (OEH, 2013b) given the recent record of the species (Figure 10). Fish Maccullochella Murray Cod - V - Very unlikely The Murray Cod has been caught within the Lake Cowal during commercial fishing in 1992/93 (Scribner peelii peelii and Kathuria, 1996). The Silver Perch and Macquarie Perch were recorded within the Lachlan River Macquaria Macquarie - E E Very unlikely Catchment area between 1947 and 1992 (Pease and Grinberg, 1995). No threatened fish species were australasica Perch recorded within Lake Cowal during targeted surveys in February 2011 or July 2012 surveys (undertaken Bidyanus Silver Perch - - V Very unlikely in conditions when Lake Cowal was nearly full) by frc Environmental (2011, 2012). bidyanus Amphibians Litoria raniformis Southern Bell E V - Very unlikely While Lake Cowal (when inundated) provides potential habitat for the Southern Bell Frog, this species is Frog regarded as extinct in the South Western Slopes Bioregion. Neobatrachus Painted E - - Very unlikely Based on the current understanding of the distribution of this species (over 400 km west of Modification pictus Burrowing Frog area) (OEH, 2013b), it is very unlikely that this species occurs in Modification area or immediate surrounds. Birds Stictonetta Freckled Duck V - - Possible This species is known to occur in the general locality (i.e. at Lake Cowal when the lake is inundated naevosa [Figure 13]). Refer to Section 6 of the Threatened Species Assessment. Pedionomus Plains- E V - Very unlikely This species is not known to occur in Modification area or locality (Attachment E). torquatus wanderer Calidris Curlew E - - Possible This species is known to occur in the general locality (i.e. at Lake Cowal when the lake is inundated ferruginea Sandpiper [Figure 13]). Refer to Section 6 of the Threatened Species Assessment.
00541877 F-7 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Threatened Species Assessment
Table F3 (Continued) Additional Threatened Flora and Fauna Species Not Known or Predicted by OEH in the Lower Slopes CMA Sub-region
1 Conservation Status Could the Species Common or its Habitat be Scientific Name Reason Name TSC EPBC FM Impacted by the Act Act Act Modification? Mammals Nyctophilus bifax Eastern V - - Very unlikely This species is not known to occur in Modification area or locality (Attachment E). Long-eared Bat Vespadelus Inland Forest V - - Possible This species is known to occur in the general locality (Figures 12 and 14). Refer to Section 6 of the baverstocki Bat Threatened Species Assessment. Vespadelus Eastern Cave V - - Very unlikely This species is not known to occur in Modification area or locality (Attachment E). The tentative troughtoni Bat identification of this species by Gunninah Consultants (1995) is considered to be a misidentification (Greg Richards, pers. comm., August 2003). 1 Threatened species status under the TSC Act and/or EPBC Act (current as of 6 June 2013). V = Vulnerable; E = Endangered. Note: Shading represents threatened species assessed in Section 6 of the Threatened Species Assessement.
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