Flora and Fauna Assessment
Proposed Subdivision Lots 118 & 119 Jamieson Road North Nowra City of Shoalhaven
November 2006
Our Reference: 6408 PO Box 106 St Georges Basin NSW 2540
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FLORA AND FAUNA ASSESSMENT
Our Reference: 6408
Proposed Subdivision
Lots 118 & 119 Jamieson Road
North Nowra
City of Shoalhaven
Prepared November 2006
for
Evelution Pty Ltd
PROJECT TEAM:
Dimitri Young Ryan Smithers Steve Edwards Document Tracking
Item Details
Project Flora and Fauna Assessment – Proposed Subdivision Lots 118 & 119 Jamieson Road, North Nowra
Reference Number 6408
Version Number Final
File Location S:\2 Environmental\2006\1 FFAs\6408 North Nowra, Lots 118 & 119 Jamieson Rd\6408 report\FINAL\6408 FINAL FFA Part 3A NORTH NOWRA 30 NOV 06.doc
Date Last Saved 30 November 2006
Author Dimitri Young
Reviewed by Steve Edwards
Approved by
Dimitri Young
Manager
Environmental Services Division
Licences and Other NPWS Scientific Licence Number: S10596, Animal Care and Ethics Approval from NSW Agriculture, Animal Approvals Research Authority from NSW Agriculture
Citation This report should be cited as: Young, D. 2006, Flora and Fauna Assessment – Proposed Subdivision Lots 118 & 119 Jamieson Road, North Nowra, BES (Bushfire and Environmental Services), St Georges Basin.
Commercial in Confidence This report is copyright to Bushfire and Environmental Services Pty Ltd (BES) and use of this report in any form is prohibited without the written consent of BES. The information in this report is confidential to BES and may only be used for the purpose for which it was commissioned by the client, Evelution Pty Ltd. The report must not be provided to any third party without the written consent of BES. BES reserves all legal rights and remedies regarding any infringement of its rights with respect to this report.
Disclaimer This document may only be used by the client for the purposes for which it was commissioned. The scope of work was defined in consultation with the client, by time and budgetary constraints imposed by the client, and the availability of other reports and data. The findings of this report have temporal limitations arising from the dynamic nature of available information, legislation, schedules, flora, fauna and habitats.
BES accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for or in respect of any use of or reliance upon this report and its supporting material in whole or in part by any third party. Information in this report is not intended to be a substitute for site specific assessment or legal advice in relation to any matter. Flora and Fauna Assessment – Proposed Subdivision Lots 118 & 119 Jamieson Road, North Nowra
TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... iii 1. INTRODUCTION ...... 1
1.1 BACKGROUND ...... 1 1.2 STUDY AREA AND LOCALITY ...... 1 1.3 THE PROPOSAL ...... 2 1.3.1 Description ...... 2 1.3.2 Direct and Indirect Impacts...... 2 1.4 AIM AND OBJECTIVES ...... 3 1.5 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS ...... 4 1.6 CERTIFICATION ...... 4 2. METHODOLOGY ...... 5
2.1 REVIEW OF EXISTING DATA ...... 5 2.2 FLORA SURVEY METHODS ...... 5 2.3 FAUNA SURVEY METHODS ...... 7 3. THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT...... 12
3.1 TOPOGRAPHY ,GEOLOGY , AND SOILS ...... 12 3.2 DISTURBANCES ...... 12 3.3 FLORA ...... 12 3.3.1 Grey Gum – Blue-leaved Stringybark Woodland/Open Forest ...... 13 3.3.2 Kunzea Shrubland...... 13 3.3.3 Riparian Forest...... 14 3.3.4 Ecotonal Gully Forest ...... 14 3.3.5 Flora Species ...... 15 3.4. FAUNA ...... 19 3.4.1 Fauna Habitats ...... 19 3.4.2 Fauna Species ...... 20 4. CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE ...... 23
4.1 THREATENED FLORA ...... 23 4.2 THREATENED FAUNA ...... 25 4.3 MIGRATORY SPECIES ...... 30 4.4 ENDANGERED POPULATIONS ...... 31 4.5 THREATENED ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES ...... 31 4.6 RARE OR THREATENED AUSTRALIAN PLANTS (ROTAP)...... 31 5. EVALUATION OF IMPACTS...... 33
5.1 IMPACTS ON FLORA ...... 33 5.1.1 Vegetation Community Impacts...... 33 5.1.2 Threatened Flora Species Impacts...... 33 5.1.3 ROTAP Species Impacts...... 34 5.2 IMPACTS ON FAUNA ...... 36 5.2.1 Fauna Habitat Impacts ...... 36 5.2.2 Threatened Fauna Species Impacts...... 37 5.3 IMPACTS ON ENDANGERED ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES ...... 41 5.4 IMPACTS ON ENDANGERED POPULATIONS ...... 41 5.5 IMPACTS ON THREATENED FISH ...... 42 5.6 IMPACTS ON HABITAT CONNECTIVITY...... 42 5.7 IMPACTS ON KOALA HABITAT (SEPP NO. 44) ...... 42 5.8 IMPACTS ON MATTERS OF NES (C OMMONWEALTH EPBC ACT 1999)...... 43 6. IMPACT MITIGATION ...... 46
6.1 THREATENED SPECIES ,POPULATIONS AND ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES ...... 46 6.2 OTHER COMPONENTS OF BIODIVERSITY ...... 47 7. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 49
7.1 CONCLUSIONS ...... 49 7.2 RECOMMENDATIONS TO MITIGATE IMPACTS ON BIODIVERSITY VALUES ...... 50 8. BIBLIOGRAPHY ...... 54
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List of Tables TABLE 1: FLORA SURVEY EFFORT EMPLOYED OVER THE STUDY AREA AND SURROUNDS ...... 7 TABLE 2: FAUNA SURVEY EFFORT EMPLOYED OVER THE STUDY AREA AND SURROUNDS ...... 9 TABLE 3: FAUNA SURVEY CONDITIONS ...... 10 TABLE 4: FLORA SPECIES RECORDED IN THE STUDY AREA (* DENOTES INTRODUCED SPECIES OR PLANTING )...... 15 TABLE 5: FAUNA SPECIES IDENTIFIED DURING THIS STUDY (* DENOTES INTRODUCED SPECIES ...... 20 TABLE 6: THREATENED FLORA SPECIES RECORDED OR LIKELY TO OCCUR IN THE LOCALITY ...... 24 TABLE 7: THREATENED FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED OR LIKELY TO OCCUR IN THE LOCALITY ...... 26 TABLE 8: MIGRATORY SPECIES RECORDED OR LIKELY TO OCCUR IN THE LOCALITY ...... 30
List of Appendices Appendix A: Figures FIGURE 1: LOCATION OF LOTS 118 &119 JAMIESON ROAD ,NORTH NOWRA FIGURE 2: STUDY AREA AND LOCATIONS OF FLORA AND FAUNA SURVEYS FIGURE 3: PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION FIGURE 4: VEGETATION OF THE STUDY AREA FIGURE 5: LOCATIONS OF TREES INCISED BY THE YELLOW-BELLIED GLIDER AND TREES WITH VISIBLE HOLLOWS IN THE STUDY AREA FIGURE 6: LOCATIONS OF THREATENED SPECIES AND ROTAP SPECIES IN THE STUDY AREA
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report has identified and described the biological environment of Lot 118 and part of Lot 119 Jamieson Road, North Nowra. The report has assessed the potential impacts on flora and fauna, including threatened and migratory species, endangered populations and threatened ecological communities, or their habitats, of the proposal to undertake a residential subdivision on the property.
The development application will be assessed pursuant to Part 3A of the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 ( EP&A Act) and will be determined by the Minister for Planning, so the Director General’s Environmental Assessment Requirements pertaining to flora and fauna were considered in preparing this report.
The existing environment was described in detail from a literature review and from data gathered during fieldwork in October, November and December 2003, September 2004, and March 2005. Flora and fauna surveys resulted in the detection of 144 flora species and 71 fauna species. Four vegetation communities Grey Gum – Blue-leaved Stringybark Woodland/Open Forest, Kunzea Shrubland, Riparian Forest, and Ecotonal Gully Forest were identified
Surveys targeting threatened species resulted in the detection of four threatened species within or in the immediate vicinity of the study area during the survey period, the Grey-headed Flying- fox, Yellow-bellied Glider, Powerful Owl and Sooty Owl, which are listed as Vulnerable on the schedules of the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. No endangered populations or threatened ecological communities were detected in the study area. Populations of the ROTAP species Leptospermum sejunctum and Acacia subtilinervis were also detected in the study area.
The proposal will involve the clearing or disturbance of approximately 6.1 ha of native vegetation and the proposal includes a range of measures to mitigate impacts on flora and fauna.
An assessment pursuant to NSW State Environmental Planning Policy No 44 – Koala Habitat Protection was carried out, which concluded that the study area did not contain potential or core Koala habitat and that a Plan of Management for Koala habitat was not required.
The impacts of the proposal on threatened species, endangered populations, threatened ecological communities, and migratory species listed on the Commonwealth Environment Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 were assessed under the administrative guidelines produced by Environment Australia. This assessment concluded that there would not be a significant impact on matters of national environmental significance resulting from the proposal, and that a referral to the Commonwealth Environment Minister is not required
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The key biodiversity conservation issues associated with the proposal were identified and appropriate impact mitigation and offsets were recommended to be incorporated into the proposal.
The extent, magnitude and significance of the impacts of the proposal on threatened species, populations and ecological communities listed on the TSC Act and FM Act were assessed in accordance with the Draft Guidelines for Threatened Species Assessment (Department of Environment and Conservation, Department of Planning, 2005) in the context of the proposed impact mitigation measures and offsets and it was concluded that the proposal:
will maintain or improve biodiversity values;
is unlikely to reduce the long-term viability of local populations of threatened species, populations or ecological communities;
is unlikely to accelerate the extinction of threatened species, populations or ecological communities; and
will not affect critical habitat.
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
This report has been prepared by Bushfire and Environmental Services (BES) at the request of Watkinson Apperley Pty Ltd on behalf of Evelution Pty Ltd, in support of a Major Project Application for the subdivision of Lots 118 and 119 Jamieson Road, North Nowra, hereafter referred to as Lots 118 and 119, to assess the impacts of the development on flora, fauna and habitats. The application will be determined by the Department of Planning (DOP) pursuant to Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act).
Lots 118 and 119 comprise approximately 11.25 ha of freehold land zoned 2(a1) (Residential ”a1” Zone) and 7(d1) (Environmental Protection (Scenic) Zone) by Shoalhaven Local Environmental Plan 1985 . The location of Lots 118 and 119 is shown in Figure 1 (Appendix A).
This report is the outcome of the flora and fauna survey work and desktop analyses undertaken by BES for this proposal in October, November and December 2003, September 2004 and March 2005.
1.2 Study Area and Locality
The study area for the purposes of this report is those parts of Lots 118 and 119 affected by the proposed allotments and associated access and egress roads and trails, and asset protection zones as shown in Figure 2 (Appendix A).
The study area is located approximately one kilometre west of the Princes Highway and is bounded by Jamieson Road in the south, freehold residential land in the north-west, a Council Reserve in the south-west, a closed waste transfer station to the north, and a mixture of undeveloped freehold land and land owned by Council in the east. The total area of the study area is approximately 6.1 ha.
The locality for the purposes of this report is defined as the land within an area of 10 km x 10 km centred on the study area.
The term Bomaderry Creek Bushland is used to refer to the remnant native vegetation along Bomaderry Creek between North Nowra and Bomaderry that includes land owned by Shoalhaven City Council, private property, and crown lands including the Bomaderry Creek Regional Park.
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1.3 The Proposal
1.3.1 Description
The proposal involves the subdivision of Lots 118 and 119 to create approximately 33 residential lots and two residue lots. The subdivision will gain access from the extension of Sutherland Drive in the north-west, forming a perimeter road along the eastern boundary and linking with Warren Avenue in the south-west as shown in Figure 3 (Appendix A).
The proposal will require the removal of nearly all of the native vegetation on Lot 118, but some trees and clumps of vegetation will be retained in strategic locations. The riparian zone in the south of the study area and residual land in the east of Lot 119 are intended to be dedicated to Shoalhaven City Council, and will be largely retained intact. The northern part of the riparian zone and the land above the escarpment in the west of Lot 119 will require some modification of native vegetation for the provision of asset protection zones.
The western parts of Lot 119 will be used primarily for the provision of asset protection zones. However, part of the proposed perimeter road, and one lot will extend into Lot 119. The vast majority of Lot 119 will not be affected by the proposal.
Construction of the proposal will involve the clearing of native vegetation and the excavation of the land for the construction of roads, drainage and connection of services.
Water sensitive urban design features have been incorporated into the proposal (Storm Consulting 2005). The development will contain rainwater tanks (5 – 10KL) for each lot to reduce runoff volume, particularly for small storm events, retaining water for use and mitigating the impacts of increased runoff volume on downstream ecosystems. Roof water collection and subsequent reuse will also reduce demand on Council’s potable water supply.
A water sensitive road design is proposed comprising a one-way crossfall road, draining to a bio-retention system running alongside the road. The system will both treat and convey stormwater flows removing sediment, phosphorus and nitrogen from runoff. The treatment systems proposed will reduce sediment, nitrogen and phosphorous loads leaving the developed site by approximately 50% based on the modelling undertaken by Storm Consulting (2005).
Stormwater will be conveyed from the site to existing drainage lines in a stable manner. The proposed drainage lines will be inspected and surveyed and, where necessary, armoured using “soft” engineering techniques comprising locally sourced gravel and boulders to armour the watercourse.
1.3.2 Direct and Indirect Impacts
The following direct impacts on flora and fauna are anticipated from the proposal:
a) Removal of native vegetation for roads and lots;
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b) Excavation of earth material associated with the construction of roads, drainage and service connections throughout the subdivision;
c) Compaction and covering of the soil within all areas to be bitumen sealed and in the locations where drainage and services will be buried; and
d) Death or injury to native and introduced flora and fauna inhabiting the areas to be cleared and excavated for the subdivision.
The following indirect impacts on flora and fauna are anticipated from the proposal:
a) Changes to the hydrology of downstream vegetation and habitats arising from the concentration and redirection of stormwater flows;
b) Increased potential for discharges of sediments into downstream vegetation and habitats during construction of the subdivision;
c) Increased potential for discharges of nutrients into downstream vegetation and habitats arising from future residential uses in the subdivision;
d) Increased potential for disturbances to the adjoining vegetated lands arising from the intensification of land uses associated with the subdivision, including unauthorised vehicular access and the dumping of waste; and
e) Increased potential for predation of native fauna in the adjoining vegetated lands arising from the keeping of domestic pets by future residents of the subdivision.
1.4 Aim and Objectives
The aim of this investigation was to assess the ecological impacts of the proposal on the flora, fauna and habitats of the study area, with particular attention to species and communities of conservation significance.
The objectives of this investigation were:
a) to identify and describe the flora species and vegetation communities present in the study area and their conservation importance;
b) to identify and describe the fauna habitats present in the study area and their condition;
c) to identify the fauna species which are present or likely to occur in the study area and their conservation importance;
d) to evaluate and assess the magnitude, extent and significance of the impacts associated with the proposal in the context of the conservation importance of the flora, fauna, habitats and other environmental features to be affected;
e) to describe and justify measures to avoid, mitigate and/or offset any adverse effects of the proposal on flora, fauna, habitats and other environmental features of conservation importance;
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f) to demonstrate and justify how the proposal meets the key thresholds identified in the Draft Guidelines For Threatened Species Assessment (Department of Environment and Conservation - Department of Primary Industries, 2005);
g) to address the Environmental Assessment Requirements of the Director-General of the DOP regarding flora and fauna issues; and
h) to make recommendations regarding any environmental management, offset and impact mitigation/amelioration measures, which can be implemented to limit the impacts of the proposal on vegetation, fauna, habitats, and other environmental features as necessary.
1.5 Environmental Assessment Requirements
A Major Project Application has been lodged with the DOP for the subdivision, and various issues pertaining to flora and fauna have been raised in correspondence from the department in the Director General’s Environmental Assessment Requirements pursuant to Section 75F(2) of the EP&A Act.
Consequently, the following flora and fauna issues raised by the DOP will be addressed by this report:
Outline measures for the conservation of flora and fauna and their habitats (including corridors) within the meaning of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and the Fisheries Management Act 1994 , having regard to the Draft Guidelines for Threatened Species Assessment (DEC & DPI 2005). Measures may include, but not be limited to, offset measures, buffers and other long-term protection methods for threatened fauna species.
In particular, address impacts on the Yellow-bellied Glider, Powerful Owl, Sooty Owl, Grey-headed Flying-fox and Bomaderry Zieria.
Address impacts on adjoining DEC managed Bomaderry Creek Regional Park, in particular the erosion and sedimentation or runoff onto DEC land, and management implications and impacts (trail bikes, informal walking trails, increased weed invasion from dumping of garden waste, pest control and domestic animals), boundary encroachments and visual impact.
1.6 Certification
The contents of this report are certified by Dimitri Young, Manager – Environmental Services Division of BES, to comply with the Draft Guidelines for Threatened Species Assessment (Department of Environment and Conservation - Department of Primary Industries 2005) and with the Draft Threatened Biodiversity Survey and Assessment Guidelines for Developments and Activities (Department of Environment and Conservation 2004).
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2. METHODOLOGY
2.1 Review of Existing Data
A review of relevant existing data was undertaken prior to the commencement of field studies, which involved:
a) reviewing available literature including relevant flora and fauna studies, legislation, environmental planning instruments, topographic maps, and aerial photographs of the subject site and study area;
b) searching the Atlas of NSW Wildlife for threatened flora and threatened fauna species recorded in the locality; and
c) using the Commonwealth Environment Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act Protected Matters Search Tool to search for matters of national environmental significance recorded in the locality.
The data gathered during the field inspection and from the review of literature were analysed and interpreted in accordance with the provisions of legislation and planning controls pertaining to flora and fauna.
2.2 Flora Survey Methods
A detailed botanical survey was conducted by BES in the study area on 2, 7, 9, 14 and 30 October 2003, 14 September 2004 and 17 and 24 March 2005 in the locations shown in Figure 2 (Appendix A).
Community Identification and Floristic Audit The Random Meander technique documented by Cropper (1993) was used across the study area in general, to document the flora species present, including those of conservation significance, and the location and extent of vegetation communities.
A vegetation survey sheet was completed for five 20 m x 20 m plots in locations that typified the vegetation communities present in the study area. The vegetation was surveyed at all levels present: the canopy (trees), middle canopy (trees), understorey (shrubs), and groundcover plants (plants less then one metre in height). A general description of the vegetation was then prepared. This technique was used to classify the vegetation communities. The native vegetation was assessed according to the structural classifications in Specht (1970), with characteristic and dominant plant species being identified and recorded. The boundaries of vegetation communities in the study area were marked onto a survey plan.
The vegetation communities identified in the study area were compared with the Final Determinations of the NSW Scientific Committee to ascertain whether the communities comprised listed threatened ecological communities.
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Targeted Searches Specific searches for plant species of conservation significance known from the locality were conducted using grid techniques, the Random Meander method, and by systematically walking along designated transects, targeting areas of potential or suitable habitat. The locations of threatened or ROTAP flora species detected in the study area were recorded with a Garmin Geko 301 Personal Navigator.
Grid techniques involved the use of up to two field workers walking slowly about 5 m apart through all areas of potential habitat. This technique was used to target Eucalyptus langleyi , Zieria baeuerlenii, Acacia subtilinervis and Leptospermum sejunctum.
Targeted Bauer’s Midge Orchid Genoplesium baueri Searches Specific searches for the Bauer’s Midge Orchid Genoplesium baueri were undertaken using grid survey transects. The survey period coincided with Genoplesium baueri flowering at a reference site approximately 1 km to the north-west of Lot 118. All persons that participated in the surveys visited the Genoplesium baueri reference site to familiarise themselves with the species prior to undertaking the surveys.
The targeted surveys comprised surveyors walking designated east-west transects searching for orchids in appropriate habitats. Transects were approximately 10 m apart and a total of twenty-six transects were undertaken. On average it took approximately 45 minutes to complete each transect, which equates to surveyors walking at approximately 300 m per hour.
Transects were limited to the potential habitat for the species within the proposed development footprint.
Limitations The floristic audit undertaken recorded as many species as possible and provides a comprehensive but not definitive species list. More species would probably be recorded during a longer survey over various seasons.
Nevertheless, the techniques used in this investigation are considered adequate to gather the data necessary to assess the impacts of the proposal on the flora species and vegetation communities found within the study area.
Nomenclature Most of the plant species names in this report are the current names published in the Flora of NSW (Harden 1990-2000). The taxonomic names have been supplemented with common names obtained from various sources. The scientific and conservation significance of individual plant species was established with reference to Briggs and Leigh (1996) and the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 in the national context, and to the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 in the state context.
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Flora Survey Effort The flora survey effort employed a total of 43.66 person-hours as documented in Table 1.
Table 1: Flora survey effort employed over the study area and surrounds
DATE METHOD EFFORT TARGET SPECIES
2 October 2003 Random meander search 1 person-hour All flora species
7 October 2003 Random meander search 2.5 person-hours All flora species
9 October 2003 Targeted grid searches 6 person-hours Eucalyptus langleyi, Zieria baeuerlenii, Acacia subtilinervis, Leptospermum sejunctum
14 October 2003 Vegetation quadrats 3 person-hours All flora species
30 October 2003 Targeted grid searches 6 person-hours Eucalyptus langleyi, Zieria baeuerlenii, Acacia subtilinervis, Leptospermum sejunctum
14 September 2004 Vegetation quadrats 1 person-hour All flora species
Targeted grid searches 3 person-hours Eucalyptus langleyi, Zieria baeuerlenii, Acacia subtilinervis, Leptospermum sejunctum
Random meander search 2 person-hours All flora species
17 March 2005 Targeted transect searches 5.5 person-hours Genoplesium baueri
24 March 2005 Targeted transect searches 13.66 person-hours Genoplesium baueri
TOTALFLORASURVEY EFFORT 43.66 personhours
2.3 Fauna Survey Methods
Field investigations for fauna were conducted in the study area by BES on 2, 7, 9, 14 and 30 October 2003, 6 and 18 November 2003, 8 December 2003, and 14 September 2004 in the locations shown in Figure 2 (Appendix A).
Opportunistic Diurnal Surveys Opportunistic fauna surveys involved observations of animal activity, habitat surveys and searches for indirect evidence of fauna.
Diurnal mammal searches were conducted in areas of potential habitat across the study area, with emphasis on searches for scats, tracks, burrows, diggings and scratchings. Scats and bones collected in the study area were sent to Ms. Barbara Triggs for analysis. Specific bird, reptile and amphibian searches were conducted across the study area involving both visual and aural detection of species.
Specific searches were conducted for habitats or resources of relevance for those threatened fauna species known from the general region, or species, which might be anticipated to occur
@ BES Reference: 6408 – November 2006 Page 7 Flora and Fauna Assessment – Proposed Subdivision Lots 118 & 119 Jamieson Road, North Nowra given the vegetation communities and habitats present. Opportunistic records of all fauna species observed were maintained throughout the survey period, and an inventory was compiled of all species recorded during the current investigations.
Hair Funnel Surveys Fifteen (15) Faunatech Hair Funnels were placed on the ground 10 m apart along three transects (five per transect), one transect in open forest adjacent to Sutherland Drive, one in shrubland/woodland adjacent to the eastern boundary of Lot 118, and one in the riparian vegetation adjacent to the permanent creek in the south of Lot 118. A further four (4) Faunatech Hair Funnels were nailed to suitable habitat trees, including trees with visible hollows. The trunks of these trees were sprayed with a honey solution to attract arboreal mammals. All hair funnels were baited with a mixture of peanut butter, honey and rolled oats and left in position from 2 to 14 October 2003. Hair samples from hair funnels were sent to Ms. Barbara Triggs for analysis.
Nocturnal Spotlighting and Call Playback Surveys Spotlighting was undertaken along the perimeter of Lot 118 and along tracks and trails through the property on six nights. A Narva Colt 100 W hand-held spotlight with Faunatech battery pack was used in attempts to illuminate mammals, birds and other nocturnal fauna species.
Call playback techniques were used to survey for arboreal mammals, large forest owls and frogs. The calls of the Squirrel Glider Petaurus norfolcensis, Yellow-bellied Glider Petaurus australis , Powerful Owl Ninox strenua, Sooty Owl Tyto tenebricosa, Masked Owl Tyto novaehollandiae , Barking Owl Ninox connivens and Giant Burrowing Frog Heleioporus australiacus were broadcast through a Toa megaphone from a central location in the study area. Each call was broadcast for a period of five (5) minutes followed by a listening period of fifteen (15) minutes and spotlighting for a further twenty minutes.
Nocturnal ANABAT Surveys ANABAT echolocation recording was used to target microchiropteran bats in the study area. One ANABAT II bat detector linked to a Sony Walkman cassette recorder was used at a central stagwatching location and along walking transects to record microchiropteran bat echolocation calls on three nights. The detector was employed from one half (1/2) hour before dusk to one (1) hour after dusk when microchiropteran bat activity is considered to be high. Any echolocation calls recorded were sent to a specialist, Mr. Adam Fawcett, Regional Ecologist, State Forests of NSW, for analysis.
Habitat Analysis A description of the fauna habitats in the study area was prepared because the type of habitat in an area influences which animals occur there, as well as diversity and abundance. This habitat assessment also has an important role in predicting threatened fauna likely to occur in an area. The information collected usually includes the type of vegetation present, the presence/absence
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The study area was traversed along a number of transects to identify habitat components, which were recorded and described.
Limitations The results of fauna surveys can be optimised by conducting investigations over a long period to compensate for the effect of unfavourable weather, seasonal changes and climatic variation. Longer surveys generally increase the likelihood that more fauna species will be detected.
Results can also be improved by using a wide range of techniques, since some species are more likely to be detected by a particular method. Such techniques include direct observation, spotlighting, call recognition, scat analysis, small-cage trapping, pitfall trapping, hair tubing, harp trapping, echolocation call recording and analysis, and call playback.
However, surveys are subject to constraints that determine the amount of time allocated, the methods used and the timing of the work. Thus, the results should be viewed in the light of these limitations. The fauna recorded in the current survey work are a guide to the native fauna present, but are by no means a definitive list of the species occurring in the study area.
Nevertheless, the techniques used in this investigation are considered adequate to gather the data necessary to assess the impacts of the proposal on the fauna species and habitats found in the study area.
Nomenclature The nomenclature in this report is based on the Mammals of Australia (Strahan 1995), and Australian Bats (Churchill 1998), The Taxonomy and Species of Birds of Australia and its Territories (Christidis & Boles 1994) and Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia (Cogger 1996).
Survey Effort The fauna survey effort employed a total of 30 person-hours as documented in Table 2.
Table 2: Fauna survey effort employed over the study area and surrounds
DATE METHOD EFFORT TARGET SPECIES
2 October 2003 Diurnal habitat search 1person-hour Allspecies
Nocturnal spotlighting 1 person-hour Mammals and owls
Nocturnal call playback 1 person-hour Mammals,owlsand amphibians
7 October 2003 Diurnal habitat search 2person-hours Allspecies
Nocturnal spotlighting 1.5 person-hours Mammals and owls
Nocturnal call playback 1 person-hour Mammals and owls
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DATE METHOD EFFORT TARGET SPECIES
9 October 2003 Diurnal habitat search 2 person-hours All species
14 November 2003 Nocturnal spotlighting 1 person-hour Mammals and owls
Nocturnal call playback 1 person-hour Mammals and owls
2-14 October 2003 Terrestrial hair funnels 195 hair-funnel Terrestrial mammals nights
Arboreal hair funnels 52 hair-funnel Arboreal mammals nights
30 October 2003 Diurnal habitat search 4 person-hours All species
6 November 2003 Nocturnal spotlighting 1 person-hour Mammals, frogs and owls
Nocturnal call playback 1 person-hour Mammals, frogs and owls
Nocturnal ANABAT 1.5 person-hours Microchiropteranbats
18 November 2003 Nocturnal spotlighting 1 person-hour Mammals, frogs and owls
Nocturnal call playback 1 person-hour Mammals, frogs and owls
Nocturnal ANABAT 1.5 person-hours Microchiropteranbats
8 December 2003 Nocturnal spotlighting 1 person-hour Mammals, frogs and owls
Nocturnal call playback 1 person-hour Mammals, frogs and owls
Nocturnal ANABAT 1.5 person-hours Microchiropteranbats
14 September Diurnalhabitatsearch 2 person-hours All species 2004 Diurnal fauna survey 2 person-hours All species
TOTALFAUNASURVEY EFFORT 30 PERSONHOURS (13 person-hours diurnal habitat search and fauna survey, 6.5 person- hours spotlighting, 6 person-hours call playback, 4.5 person-hours ANABAT)
247 HAIR FUNNEL NIGHTS
Survey Weather Conditions Weather conditions throughout the survey period are detailed in Table 3.
Table 3: Fauna survey conditions
DATE TEMPERATURE WIND CLOUD MOON RAIN
2 October 2003 9 0C – 21 0C Gusty 8/8 Full Showers
7 October 2003 10 0C – 22 0C Light 1/8 Large None
9 October 2003 10 0C – 22 0C Light 0/8 Medium None
14 October 2003 8 0C – 16 0C Light 8/8 None Heavy
30 October 2003 10 0C – 22 0C Light 0/8 None None
6 November 2003 20 0C – 22 0C Light 2/8 None None
18 November 2003 20 0C – 22 0C Light 0/8 None None
@ BES Reference: 6408 – November 2006 Page 10 Flora and Fauna Assessment – Proposed Subdivision Lots 118 & 119 Jamieson Road, North Nowra
DATE TEMPERATURE WIND CLOUD MOON RAIN
8 December 2003 22 0C – 26 0C Light 0/8 None None
14 September 2004 16 0C – 18 0C GustyWNW 4/8 - Previous Day
@ BES Reference: 6408 – November 2006 Page 11 Flora and Fauna Assessment – Proposed Subdivision Lots 118 & 119 Jamieson Road, North Nowra
3. THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT
3.1 Topography, Geology, and Soils
The study area lies at an altitude of between 20 m and 50 m Australian Height Datum. It occurs near the clay/sandstone interface and appears to be underlain by Nowra Sandstone of Late Permian age, comprising quartzose sandstone. The resulting soils are very shallow and sandy.
The topography of the study area is gently sloping in the north, generally flat in the centre, and more steeply sloping in the south adjacent to the creek and in the east where a drainage line has incised a small gully into the Bomaderry Creek Gorge. Sandstone benches outcrop in the centre of the study area, with sandstone ledges occurring on the steeper land in the south and in the east on the edge of the Bomaderry Creek Gorge. The aspect is generally to the south- east.
The study area contains an ephemeral drainage depression that flows to the east into Bomaderry Creek, and a permanent creek, located in the southern part of the study area, which also flows into Bomaderry Creek.
3.2 Disturbances
The disturbances observed within the study area during the survey period included:
clearing along the western boundary for asset protection of adjoining properties;
a rough vehicle track passing from north to south through the study area;
areas of erosion arising from the vehicle track and the clearing;
under-scrubbing in some sections of the study area mainly along boundaries;
rubbish and pollution from urban runoff in the waters of the permanent creek in the south;
weed infestation and weed encroachment along the permanent creek, the perimeter of the vehicular track and the cleared areas in the west; and
rubbish and garden refuse adjacent to the residential area along the western boundary.
3.3 Flora
The study area supports four vegetation communities Grey Gum – Blue-leaved Stringybark Woodland/Open Forest, Kunzea Shrubland, Riparian Forest, and Ecotonal Gully Forest as shown in Figure 4 (Appendix A).
@ BES Reference: 6408 – November 2006 Page 12 Flora and Fauna Assessment – Proposed Subdivision Lots 118 & 119 Jamieson Road, North Nowra
3.3.1 Grey Gum – Blue-leaved Stringybark Woodland/Open Forest
This vegetation community occurs in the north of Lot 118 and on the gently-sloping land in the south. It covers approximately 3 ha and a substantial portion lies within the part of the land proposed for intensive subdivision.
The community is dominated by Grey Gum Eucalyptus punctata and Blue-leaved Stringybark Eucalyptus agglomerata with occurrences of Red Bloodwood Corymbia gummifera and Blackbutt Eucalyptus pilularis to a height of 10-15 m with foliage projective cover of 20-40 %. There is a well-developed understorey characterised by Bushy Needlebush Hakea sericea , White Kunzea Kunzea ambigua , Paperbark Tea-tree Leptospermum trinervium and Spiny Bossiaea Bossiaea obcordata to a height of 2 m with foliage projective cover of 40 %. Characteristic groundcover species include Kangaroo Grass Themeda australis , Mat-rush Lomandra cylindrica, Paroo Lily Dianella caerula var. producta , Blady Grass Imperata cylindrica , Wiry Panic Entolasia stricta, Bearded Heath Leucopogon juniperinus and Holly Lomatia Lomatia ilicifolia to a height of 0.5 m with foliage projective cover of 80 %.
The community has been impacted by weeds, clearing and the dumping of garden refuse in the west where it adjoins the existing urban development. Areas of the community further to the east appear to be in good condition.
3.3.2 Kunzea Shrubland
This vegetation community occurs in the centre of Lot 118 and covers approximately 2.42 ha. Nearly all of this community lies within the part of the land proposed for intensive subdivision or asset protection zones.
The community is dominated by White Kunzea K. ambigua , Calytrix Calytrix tetragona , Nowra Tea-tree L. sejunctum , Paperbark Tea-tree L. trinervium , and Prickly Moses Acacia ulicifolia to a height of 2.5 m with foliage projective cover of up to 90 %. Where sandstone benches outcrop the projective cover can be significantly less. Other species in the understorey include the wattle A. subtilinervis, Velvet Mint-bush Prostanthera incana , Bushy Parrot-pea Dillwynia ramosissima, and Sweet Wattle Acacia suaveolens. The groundcover is dominated by Mat-rush Lomandra confertifolia and Wiry Panic E. stricta, and also includes Mat-rush L. cylindrica, Cockspur Flower Plectranthus parviflorus, Pomax Pomax umbellata, Flannel Flower Actinotus helianthi , Paroo Lily Dianella caerula var. caerula, Variable Sword-sedge Lepidosperma laterale, Thyme Spurge Phyllanthus hirtellus, and Mitre Weed Mitrasacme polymorpha to a height of 0.5 m and a foliage projective cover of approximately 20 % . A very sparse overstorey of Grey Gum E. punctata and Spotted Gum Corymbia maculata is occasionally present to a height of 15 m.
The community has been impacted by a vehicle track and by some minor clearing in the west. Other parts of the community are intact.
@ BES Reference: 6408 – November 2006 Page 13 Flora and Fauna Assessment – Proposed Subdivision Lots 118 & 119 Jamieson Road, North Nowra
3.3.3 Riparian Forest
This vegetation community occurs in the south of the study area adjacent to the permanent watercourse. It covers approximately 0.42 ha and all of the community lies beyond the part of the land proposed for intensive subdivision.
The community is dominated by Spotted Gum C. maculata with occasional dominants of the woodland/open forest further to the north. Species associated with damp areas occur here such as Cheese Tree Glochidion ferdinandi , Christmas Bush Ceratopetalum gummiferum , Austral Sarsaparilla Smilax glyciphylla and Monkey Rope Parsonsia straminea .
The community has been impacted by weeds and the dumping of garden refuse. There is also an informal walking track and creek crossing. There are many dense clumps of Wild Watsonia Watsonia meriana present near the creek banks.
3.3.4 Ecotonal Gully Forest
This community occurs in the eastern margins of the study area in the drainage line that has incised a small gully into the Bomaderry Creek Gorge and covers approximately 0.24 ha of the study area.
The community has a diverse overstorey that includes Red Bloodwood C. gummifera, Grey Gum E. punctata, Blue Gum Eucalyptus saligna complex, and occasional White Stringybark Eucalyptus globoidea to a height of 25-30 m and a foliage projective cover of 50%. A sub- canopy to 15 m with a foliage projective cover of approximately 30% includes Two-veined Hickory Acacia binervata , NSW Christmas Bush C. gummiferum, Turpentine Syncarpia glomulifera , and occasional Cabbage Palm Livistona australis.
The understorey is a relatively even mix of Sweet Pittosporum Pittosporum undulatum , Mock Olive Notelaea longifolia , Cherry Ballart Exocarpos cupressiformis , Cheese Tree G. ferdinandi , Lillypilly Acmena smithii , and Blueberry Ash Elaeocarpus reticulatus to 5 m with a foliage projective cover of approximately 40%.
The groundcover includes a diverse range of forbs, grasses, ferns and shrubs including Soft Bracken Calochlaena dubia , Spiny-headed Mat-rush Lomandra longifolia, Necklace Fern Asplenium flabellifolium, Basket Grass Oplismenus aemulus, Rough-fruit Pittosporum Pittosporum revolutum, Lance-leaf Beard-heath Leucopogon lanceolatus, Gristle Fern Blechnum cartilagineum, Scentless Rosewood Synoum glandulosum subsp. glandulosum, Cockspur Flower P. parviflorus, and Lilac Lily Schelhammera undulata to a height of 1.5 m and a foliage projective cover of approximately 60% . A diverse range of climbers and creepers is present including Wonga-wonga Vine Pandorea pandorana, Jasmine Morinda Morinda jasminoides, Bearded Tylophora Tylophora barbata, Snake Vine Stephania japonica, Wombat Berry Eustrephus latifolius, and Twining Guinea-flower Hibbertia dentata .
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3.3.5 Flora Species
A total of 144 flora species were identified during the flora surveys comprising 133 native species and 11 introduced species, and these are listed in Table 4.
Table 4: Flora species recorded in the study area (* denotes introduced species or planting)
SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME
Acacia binervata Two-veined Hickory
Acacia implexa Green Wattle
Acacia longifolia Sydney Golden Wattle
Acacia mearnsii Black Wattle
Acacia suaveolens Sweet Wattle
Acacia subtilinervis A wattle
Acacia terminalis Sunshine Wattle
Acacia ulicifolia Prickly Moses
Acmena smithii Lillypilly
Actinotus helianthi Flannel Flower
Allocasuarina littoralis Black She-oak
Alphitonia excelsa Red Ash
Anisopogon avenaceus Oat Speargrass
Aristida vagans Three-awned Speargrass
Asplenium flabellifolium Necklace Fern
Austrodanthonia sp . Wallaby Grass
Banksia spinulosa Hairpin Banksia
Bidens pilosa* Cobblers Pegs*
Billardiera scandens Apple Berry
Blechnum cartilagineum Gristle Fern
Bossiaea obcordata Spiny Bossiaea
Breynia oblongifolia Coffee Bush
Briza maxima* Quaking Grass*
Burchardia umbellata Milkmaids
Callistemon linearis Narrow-leaved Bottlebrush
Calochlaena dubia Soft Bracken
Calytrix tetragona Fringe-myrtle
Cassytha pubescens Devil’s Twine
Ceratopetalum gummiferum Christmas Bush
Cheilanthes sieberi Mulga Fern
Chloanthes stoechadis -
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SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME
Cinnamomum camphora* Camphor Laurel*
Clematis aristata Old Man’s Beard
Corymbia gummifera Red Bloodwood
Corymbia maculata Spotted Gum
Davallia pyxidata Hares Foot Fern
Daviesia ulicifolia Gorse Bitter-pea
Dianella caerula var . caerula Paroo Lily
Dianella caerula var . producta Paroo Lily
Dichondra repens Kidney Weed
Dillwynia ramosissima Bushy Parrot-pea
Dillwynia retorta subsp . retorta Eggs and Bacon
Diuris sulphurea Donkey Orchid
Dodonaea triquetra Common Hop-bush
Elaeocarpus reticulatus Blueberry Ash
Entolasia marginata Bordered Panic
Entolasia stricta Wiry Panic
Eragrostis brownii Brown’s Love Grass
Eragrostis sp .* Love Grass*
Eucalyptus agglomerata Blue-leaved Stringybark
Eucalyptus globoidea White Stringybark
Eucalyptus pilularis Blackbutt
Eucalyptus punctata Grey Gum
Eucalyptus saligna complex Blue Gum
Eustrephus latifolius Wombat Berry
Exocarpos cupressiformis Native Cherry
Exocarpos strictus Pale Ballart
Ficus rubiginosa Port Jackson Fig
Geitonoplesium cymosum Scrambling Lily
Glochidion ferdinandi Cheese Tree
Glycine clandestina Love Creeper
Grevillea arenaria A grevillea
Haemodorum corymbosum Bloodroot
Hakea dactyloides Finger Hakea
Hakea sericea Bushy Needlebush
Helichrysum elatum White Paper-daisy
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SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME
Hibbertia aspera Rough Guinea-flower
Hibbertia dentata Twining Guinea-flower
Hibbertia empetrifolia A guinea-flower
Hibbertia sp. aff . riparia A guinea-flower
Hypericum gramineum Small St John’s Wort
Imperata cylindrica Blady Grass
Kunzea ambigua White Kunzea
Kunzea capitata Heath Kunzea
Lambertia formosa Mountain Devil
Lantana camara* Pink Lantana*
Laxmannia gracilis Slender Wire-lily
Lepidosperma laterale Variable Sword-sedge
Leptospermum morrisonii A tea-tree
Leptospermum polygalifolium Yellow Tea-tree
Leptospermum sejunctum Nowra Tea-tree
Leptospermum trinervium Paperbark Tea-tree
Lepyrodia scariosa Scale-rush
Leucopogon ericoides Bearded Heath
Leucopogon juniperinus Juniper Beard-heath
Leucopogon lanceolatus Lance-leaf Beard-heath
Lindsaea microphylla Lacy Wedge Fern
Livistona australis Cabbage Palm
Lomandra confertifolia A mat-rush
Lomandra cylindrica A mat-rush
Lomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rush
Lomandra multiflora A mat-rush
Lomandra obliqua Twisted Mat-rush
Lomatia ilicifolia Holly Lomatia
Macrozamia communis Burrawang
Melaleuca linariifolia Snow-in-Summer
Melaleuca thymifolia A paperbark
Mirbelia rubiifolia Heath Mirbelia
Mitrasacme polymorpha Mitre Weed
Morinda jasminoides Jasmine Morinda
Notelaea longifolia Mock Olive
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SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME
Omalanthus populifolius Bleeding Heart
Opercularia aspera Stinkweed
Oplismenus aemulus Basket Grass
Ozothamnus diosmifolium Everlasting
Pandorea pandorana Wonga-wonga Vine
Parsonsia straminea Monkey Rope
Patersonia sericea Silky Purple Flag
Pennisetum clandestinum* Kikuyu*
Persoonia levis Broad-leaved Geebung
Persoonia linearis Narrow-leaved Geebung
Persoonia mollis Soft Geebung
Petrophile pedunculata Conesticks
Phyllanthus hirtellus Thyme Spurge
Pimelea linifolia Slender Rice-flower
Pittosporum revolutum Rough-fruit Pittosporum
Pittosporum undulatum Sweet Pittosporum
Plantago lanceolata* Lamb’s Tongue*
Platylobium formosum Handsome Flat-pea
Platysace linearifolius Carrot Tops
Plectranthus parviflorus Cockspur Flower
Poa sp . A tussock grass
Pomax umbellata Pomax
Prostanthera incana Velvet Mint-bush
Protasparagus asparagoides* Asparagus Fern*
Pteridium esculentum Common Bracken
Pterostylis sp. A tongue orchid
Pultenaea daphnoides Large-leaf Bush-pea
Schelhammera undulata Lilac Lilly
Senna pendula* Senna*
Sida rhombifolia* Paddy’s Lucerne*
Smilax glyciphylla Austral Sarsaparilla
Stellaria flaccida Forest Starwort
Stephania japonica Snake Vine
Stylidium graminifolium Grass-leaved Trigger-plant
Stylidium laricifolium Larch-leaved Trigger-plant
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SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME
Syncarpia glomulifera Turpentine
Synoum glandulosum subsp . glandulosum Scentless Rose wood
Taraxacum officinale* Dandelion*
Tetratheca thymifolia Black-eyed Susan
Themeda australis Kangaroo Grass
Tylophora barbata Bearded Tylophora
Watsonia meriana* Wild Watsonia*
Xanthorrhoea resinifera A grass tree
3.4. Fauna
3.4.1 Fauna Habitats
The fauna habitats present in the study area are those generally associated with woodland/open forest, shrubland and riparian forest along a permanent creek.
The study area contains foraging resources in the form of abundant Grey Gum, Red Bloodwood and to a lesser extent Spotted Gum sap trees, a few winter-flowering Spotted Gum trees, some Black She-oaks with cones, some plants with blossoms, some fleshy fruit-bearing plants, and some flowering tree and shrub acacias and banksias. Some of the Grey Gum trees have incisions consistent with those made by the Yellow-bellied Glider. The locations of these incised trees are shown in Figure 5 (see Appendix A). None of the incised trees within the development footprint showed evidence of recent sap feeding by the Yellow-bellied Glider.
The flora species diversity in the vegetated areas suggests that foraging resources are likely to be varied in type and seasonality. Thus, many different fauna species are likely to be supported by these resources.
As there are thirteen trees with trunk hollows and branch hollows within the study area, there are denning, roosting, or nesting sites for hollow-dependent arboreal mammals, birds and microchiropteran bats. The locations of hollow-bearing trees in the study area are shown in Figure 5 (see Appendix A). Shelter for terrestrial fauna species occurs mainly in those parts of study area that have not been under-scrubbed, where the understorey and groundcover strata are intact. The dominant growth forms comprise heathy shrubs in the understorey and grasses, rushes and forbs in the groundcover. These areas contain fallen logs, some with hollows that provide limited shelter for terrestrial fauna.
Rock habitats occur as outcrops, sandstone benches, overhangs and crevices. These provide resources for reptiles and some amphibians. These habitats generally occur in the southern and eastern parts of the study area. Water habitats occur in the permanent creek adjacent to the
@ BES Reference: 6408 – November 2006 Page 19 Flora and Fauna Assessment – Proposed Subdivision Lots 118 & 119 Jamieson Road, North Nowra southern boundary of the study area. Water was flowing freely during the survey period and the creek exhibits sandstone along its bed. Habitat interconnections occur to the east where contiguous areas of vegetation adjoin the crown land along Bomaderry Creek.
The patches of dense sub-canopy below the escarpment in the gorge of Bomaderry Creek provide roosting habitat for Large Forest Owls and a Powerful Owl was detected roosting there during the survey period. A Sooty Owl was also heard calling on one occasion during the survey period.
3.4.2 Fauna Species
Targeted fauna surveys and opportunistic observations during the survey period resulted in the detection of 71 faunal species inhabiting the study area.
A total of 18 mammals, 45 birds, two reptiles and six amphibians were detected and these are listed in Table 5.
Table 5: Fauna species identified during this study (*denotes introduced species
CATEGORY COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME DETECTION METHOD
Mammals Cat* Felis cattus* Call recognition
Chocolate Wattled Bat Chalinolobus morio Echolocation call (definite)
Common Brushtail Possum Trichosurus vulpecula Direct observation
Common Ringtail Possum Pseudocheirus peregrinus Direct observation
Dog* Canis familiaris* Call recognition
Eastern Grey Kangaroo Macropus giganteus Scat identification
Eastern Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus megaphyllus Echolocation call (definite)
European Fox Vulpes vulpes Direct observation
Gould’s Wattled Bat Chalinolobus gouldii Echolocation call (definite)
Greater Broad-nosed Bat Scoteanax rueppellii Echolocation call (possible)
Grey-headed Flying-fox Pteropus poliocephalus Direct observation
Red-necked Wallaby Macropus rufogriseus Scat identification
Sugar Glider Petaurus breviceps Call recognition
Swamp Wallaby Wallabia bicolor Scat identification
Undescribed Freetail Bat Mormopterus sp . 1 Echolocation call (definite)
Unidentified Forest Bat Vespadelus sp . Echolocation call (probable)
White-striped Freetail Bat Nyctinomus australis Echolocation call (definite)
Yellow-bellied Glider Petaurus australis Call recognition
Birds Australian King Parrot Alisterus scapularis Call recognition
Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen Direct observation
Australian Raven Corvus coronoides Call recognition
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CATEGORY COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME DETECTION METHOD
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae Direct observation
Brown Thornbill Acanthiza pusilla Direct observation
Chestnut Teal Anas castanea Direct observation
Common Bronzewing Phaps chalcoptera Direct observation
Common Koel Eudynamys scolopacea Call recognition
Common Mynah* Acridotheres tristis* Direct observation
Crimson Rosella Platycercus elegans Direct observation
Dollarbird Eurystomas orientalis Direct observation
Eastern Spinebill Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris Call recognition
Eastern Whipbird Psophodes olivaceus Call recognition
Eastern Yellow Robin Eopsaltria australis Call recognition
Fan-tailed Cuckoo Cacomantis flabelliformis Call recognition
Grey Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus Call recognition
Grey Fantail Rhipidura fuliginosa Call recognition
Grey Shrike-thrush Colluricincla harmonica Call recognition
Jacky Winter Microeca fascinans Call recognition
Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo novaeguineae Call recognition
Lewin’s Honeyeater Meliphaga lewinii Call recognition
Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca Call recognition
Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles Call recognition
Noisy Friarbird Philemon corniculatus Call recognition
Pallid Cuckoo Cuculus pallidus Call recognition
Pied Currawong Strepera graculina Call recognition
Powerful Owl Ninox strenua Direct observation
Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus Direct observation
Red Wattlebird Anthochaera lunulata Call recognition
Rufous Fantail Rhipidura rufifrons Call recognition
Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris Call recognition
Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus Direct observation
Satin Bowerbird Ptilonorhynchus violaceus Direct observation
Sooty Owl Tyto tenebricosa Call recognition
Southern Boobook Owl Ninox novaeseelandiae Call recognition
Spotted Pardalote Pardalotus punctatus Call recognition
Spotted Turtle-Dove Streptopelia chinensis Call recognition
Striated Thornbill Acanthiza lineata Direct observation
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CATEGORY COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME DETECTION METHOD
Superb Fairy-wren Malurus cyaneus Call recognition
Superb Lyrebird Menura novaehollandiae Call recognition
White-browed Scrub-wren Sericornis frontalis Call recognition
Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys Call recognition
Wonga Pigeon Leucosarcia melanoleuca Call recognition
Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus funereus Call recognition
Yellow-tufted Honeyeater Lichenostomus melanops Direct observation
Reptiles Eastern Blue-tongued Lizard Tiliqua scincoides Direct observation
Jacky Lizard Amphibolurus muricatus Direct observation
Amphibians Bleating Tree Frog Litoria dentata Call recognition
Common Eastern Froglet Crinia signifiera Call recognition
Haswell’s Froglet Paracrinia haswellii Call recognition
Peron’s Tree Frog Litoria peronii Call recognition
Striped Marsh Frog Limnodynastes peronii Call recognition
Whistling Tree Frog Litoria verreauxii Call recognition
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4. CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE
The NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 ( TSC Act ) and the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 ( EPBC Act) provide for the listing of threatened flora and fauna species, endangered populations and threatened ecological communities.
The EPBC Act also provides for the listing of migratory species. The NSW Fisheries Management Act 1994 (FM Act) provides for the listing of threatened fish species and marine vegetation, endangered populations and threatened ecological communities.
The TSC Act classifies threatened flora and fauna species as Endangered (Schedule 1, Part 1), Vulnerable (Schedule 2), or Presumed Extinct (Schedule 1, Part 4). Records of these species may be obtained by searching the Atlas of NSW Wildlife.
The EPBC Act classifies threatened flora and fauna species as Extinct, Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable. An indication of the threatened and migratory species likely to be encountered in a locality may be obtained by using the EBPC Act Protected Matters Search Tool.
Both of these databases were searched on 8 November 2006 for records of threatened flora, threatened fauna and migratory species within an area of 10 km x 10 km centred on the study area.
The FM Act classifies threatened fish and marine vegetation as Endangered, Vulnerable, or Presumed Extinct. An indication of the species likely to be encountered in a locality may be obtained by reviewing the recommendations for threatened species listed on the schedules of the FM Act .
An indication of the endangered populations and threatened ecological communities likely to be encountered in the locality can be obtained by reviewing the Final Determinations of the NSW Scientific Committee, NSW Fisheries Scientific Committee and the schedules of the TSC Act, FM Act and EPBC Act.
4.1 Threatened Flora
The outcomes of database searches for threatened flora were reviewed to yield the list of species shown in Table 6 below, with the status of each species listed as endangered (E) or vulnerable (V).
The potential for each of these species to occur in the study area and the importance of the habitats are discussed in Table 6 and a decision made regarding the need for further assessment in this report.
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Table 6: Threatened flora species recorded or likely to occur in the locality
THREATENED STATUS POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE STUDY AREA FURTHER FLORA AND SIGNIFICANCE OF POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF ASSESSMENT TSC EP SPECIES PROPOSAL REQUIRED IN THIS Act BC REPORT Act
Cryptostylis V V This terrestrial orchid grows in swamp-heath and No hunteriana open forest on sandy soils in coastal districts. Analysis using the indicator species model prepared Leafless Tongue by Clark et. Al. (2003), suggests that three flora Orchid species usually associated with the orchid and three flora species usually not associated with the orchid occur within the study area which suggests that the study area does not provide habitat for the species. The study area does not include vegetation communities that are associated with the species in the Shoalhaven. The species would not have been detectable during the flora surveys as it is known to flower between November and February. It is considered unlikely that the species would occur within the study area.
Cynanchum E E This climber occurs mainly at the ecotone between No elegans dry subtropical rainforest and sclerophyll forest/woodland communities. The species’ known White-flowered southern limit is at Gerroa and the species was not Wax Plant detected during the site survey despite excellent coverage. It is considered extremely unlikely that the species occurs within the study area.
Eucalyptus V V This smooth-barked mallee is restricted to mallee No langleyi shrubland on poorly drained shallow sand on sandstone in the Nowra area. The species is known Albatross Mallee from the Bomaderry Creek Regional Park. The species was not observed within the study area during the survey period nor were any other mallees, despite excellent coverage. The species is not expected to occur within the study area.
Genoplesium V - This terrestrial orchid has been recorded from Yes baueri locations between Port Stephens and Nowra and occurs in sparse sclerophyll forest and moss gardens Bauer’s Midge over sandstone. The species flowers in late summer Orchid and autumn approximately six weeks after good late summer rains. Suitable habitat occurs in the study area.
Pterostylis E E In the Shoalhaven the species is found in woodlands No gibbosa and open forest dominated by Spotted Gum and Grey Ironbark on poorly drained soils with a grassy very Illawarra sparse understorey and groundcover. There is no Greenhood suitable habitat for the species in the study area.
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THREATENED STATUS POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE STUDY AREA FURTHER FLORA AND SIGNIFICANCE OF POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF ASSESSMENT TSC EP SPECIES PROPOSAL REQUIRED IN THIS Act BC REPORT Act
Triplarina E E This shrub is usually found in heathland along stream No nowraensis channels or on swampy slopes within surrounding eucalypt woodland. It is usually associated with Nowra Heath- clayey soils which do not occur in the study area. myrtle There is no suitable habitat in the study area and the species was not observed during surveys. It is not expected to occur there.
Zieria baeuerlenii E E This species occurs in the Bomaderry Creek Regional No J.A Armstrong Park approximately a few hundred metres to the north ms. and east of the study area on skeletal sandy loam overlying sandstone, on a rocky plateau amongst Bomaderry Zieria sandstone boulders, in shrubby open forest, woodland or closed scrub. The species was not detected during the site survey despite excellent coverage. It is unlikely that the species occurs within the study area.
Note: Habitat requirements for flora species in Table 6 have been sourced from: Fairley (2004), Harden (2000), NPWS (2000)), PlantNET accessed 2006 and the NPWS Atlas of NSW Wildlife accessed 2006.
No threatened flora species were recorded in the study area during the survey period, but the study area may provide potential habitat for Genoplesium baueri . The effects of the proposal on Genoplesium baueri will be assessed further in subsequent sections of this report.
4.2 Threatened Fauna
The outcomes of database searches for threatened fauna and the recommendations for threatened species listed on the schedules of the FM Act were reviewed to yield the list of species shown in Table 7 below, with the status of each species listed as endangered (E) or vulnerable (V).
The potential for each of these fauna species to occur in the subject site, the importance of the habitats to be affected by the proposal, and a decision made regarding the need for further assessment in this report are discussed in Table 7.
Marine species, wetland species and shorebirds have been omitted as they would not occur in the study area.
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Table 7: Threatened fauna species recorded or likely to occur in the locality
THREATENED STATUS POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE STUDY AREA AND FURTHER FAUNA SIGNIFICANCE OF POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF ASSESSMENT TSC/ EPBC SPECIES PROPOSAL REQUIRED IN FM Act THIS REPORT Act
Mammals
Brush-tailed E V This species occurs on sandstone cliffs at mid-high No Rock-wallaby altitudes. Suitable habitat is not present in the study area, which is too low in altitude for this species. No evidence of Petrogale the species was found within the study area and it is penicillata considered unlikely that it occurs there.
Greater Broad- V - This bat roosts in tree hollows and forages in forests. Yes nosed Bat There are some tree hollows in the study area but the amount of available foraging habitat is very small Scoteanax compared to the vast home range of the species. One rueppellii tentative echolocation call of the species was recorded. It may occur in the study area from time to time.
Grey-headed V V The species roosts in permanent camps and forages for Yes Flying-fox nectar in flowering trees and shrubs over vast areas. There are no camps in the study area and the amount of Pteropus available foraging habitat in the study area is very small poliocephalus compared to the vast home range of the species. It was detected during surveys foraging in the canopy.
Koala V - The preferred feed tree Eucalyptus punctata occurs at No moderate densities in the north of the study area, which is Phascolarctos contiguous with other vegetation to the east. The species cinereus was not observed during the survey period nor any evidence of its presence recorded (scats, scratchings). The species has not been recorded in North Nowra since 1884 and is unlikely to occur in the study area.
Large-eared V V This bat uses caves as roosting sites and forests for No Pied Bat foraging. Caves are not present in the study area and the amount of available foraging habitat is very small Chalinolobus compared to the vast home range of the species. The dwyeri species may forage in the study area from time to time but is unlikely to roost there.
Long-nosed V V This species requires thick contiguous undergrowth where No Potoroo the soil is light and sandy. The undergrowth in the study area is thick in places and the substrate is sandy. The Potorous species has not been recorded in the locality in recent tridactylus years. No digging signs were observed and it was not detected in targeted surveys using hair funnels. It is considered unlikely that the species occurs within the study area.
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THREATENED STATUS POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE STUDY AREA AND FURTHER FAUNA SIGNIFICANCE OF POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF ASSESSMENT TSC/ EPBC SPECIES PROPOSAL REQUIRED IN FM Act THIS REPORT Act
Parma Wallaby V - The Parma Wallaby lives in wet and dry forests but the No optimal habitat appears to be wet sclerophyll forest with a Macropus parma thick shrubby understorey. There is no suitable habitat within the study area and the species is highly unlikely to occur there.
Southern Brown E V This species requires thick contiguous undergrowth where No Bandicoot the soil is light and sandy. The undergrowth in the study area is thick in places and the substrate is sandy. The Isoodon species has not been recorded in the locality in recent obesulus years. No digging signs were observed and it was not detected in targeted surveys using hair funnels. It is considered unlikely that the species occurs within the study area.
Spotted-tailed V V The species prefers moist forest types and is associated No Quoll with escarpments. These habitats occur on the eastern margins of the study area. It is unlikely but possible that Dasyurus the species occurs in the Bomaderry Creek Gorge. maculatus However, the habitats there will not be affected by the proposal.
Yellow-bellied V - The species dens in tree hollows and forages in open Yes Glider forests where its preferred feed trees are found. Some of the preferred feed trees are present in the study area and Petaurus some of these have old incisions characteristic of the australis species. There are hollow-bearing trees present that may provide dens and the species was heard calling from the south of Lot 119. Freshly incised trees occur to the north- east of the study area.
Birds
Bush Stone- E E The species is a large, long-legged ground-dwelling bird. It No curlew occupies woodlands of short, sparse grass and no, or few, shrubs. Abundant leaf litter, grass and fallen debris, such Burhinus as dead branches, is required for foraging and roosting grallarius sites, whilst nest sites are more likely to occur in cleared areas with very little groundcover. The forest vegetation within the study area is dense and unsuitable for this species and it was not recorded during the survey period.
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THREATENED STATUS POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE STUDY AREA AND FURTHER FAUNA SIGNIFICANCE OF POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF ASSESSMENT TSC/ EPBC SPECIES PROPOSAL REQUIRED IN FM Act THIS REPORT Act
Gang-gang V - Gang-gang cockatoos live as pairs inhabiting woodlands No Cockatoo of south-eastern Australia. The species feed on the seeds of eucalypts, acacias and occasionally fruits of plant Callocephalon species such as Persoonia sp. Nest sites are usually fimbriatum within medium sized hollows in living eucalypts. Egg- laying occurs from late spring to early summer with one or two young being raised per clutch. Roosting and foraging resources are available within the study area but the species was not recorded during the survey period, which coincided with the breeding season. It is unlikely to breed in the study area or rely on the foraging resources found there.
Glossy Black V - The species was not detected in the study area although No Cockatoo some of its preferred feed trees occur there. None of these trees showed evidence of foraging by the species. The Calyptorhynchus tree hollows present are too small to be utilised by this lathami bird. The species may use the study area from time to time but would not rely on the resources there.
Powerful Owl V - This species may hunt for prey in the study area from time Yes to time but the vegetation would form a very small amount Ninox strenua of the species’ vast home range. There are no large hollows suitable for the species within the study area and thus no potential breeding sites. The species was observed during the survey period roosting in the Bomaderry Creek Gorge.
Masked Owl V - This species may hunt for prey in the study area from time No to time but the vegetation would form a very small amount Tyto of the species’ home range. There are no large hollows novaehollandiae suitable for the species within the study area and thus no potential breeding sites.
Regent E E This winter migrant to the coast forages in winter-flowering No Honeyeater trees that do occur in limited numbers in the study area. However, the extent of the foraging resources within the Xanthomyza study area is extremely small relative to that available phrygia elsewhere in the region.
Sooty Owl V - The species was detected calling in the south of Lot 119 Yes on one occasion during the survey period. It may hunt for Tyto prey in the study area from time to time but its preferred novaehollandiae rainforest habitats are not present. Tree hollows in the study area are too small to be used by this species.
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THREATENED STATUS POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE STUDY AREA AND FURTHER FAUNA SIGNIFICANCE OF POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF ASSESSMENT TSC/ EPBC SPECIES PROPOSAL REQUIRED IN FM Act THIS REPORT Act
Square-tailed V - This summer migrant to the Shoalhaven hunts for No Kite passerines in coastal open forests and breeds in mature trees near waterways. This species may hunt for prey in Lophoictinia the study area from time to time but the vegetation would isura form a very small amount of the species’ home range. Nests were not observed in the study area.
Swift Parrot E E This winter migrant to the coast forages in winter-flowering No trees that do occur in limited numbers in the study area. Lathamus The amount of foraging resource within the study area is discolor extremely small relative to that available elsewhere.
Amphibians
Giant Burrowing V V The study area does contain a limited amount of habitat Yes Frog suitable for this species as the permanent creek in the south of the study area has a sandstone substrate. The Heleioporus drainage line is disturbed and there is evidence of oil films, australiacus sediments, and rubbish flowing from the urbanised catchment of this stream. However, there are areas for frogs to burrow and viable remnant vegetation on parts of the bank. The species may occur in the study area.
Green and E V The study area does not contain water habitats suitable for No Golden Bell Frog this species. There are no unshaded dams or wetlands.
Litoria aurea
Littlejohn’s Tree V V The study area does not contain water habitats suitable for No Frog this species. There are no creeks within rainforest.
Litoria littlejohni
Stuttering Frog V V The study area does not support rainforest or sufficiently No wet open forest. The species is more commonly Mixophyes associated with higher altitudes than those within the balbus study area.
Reptiles
Broad-headed E V This species occurs on north-facing sandstone cliffs. No Snake There are some low cliffs in the south and east of the study area, but these face east, south-east and south. The Hoplocephalus species is usually located in more remote areas of the bungaroides Shoalhaven. The species is unlikely to occur in the study area.
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THREATENED STATUS POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE STUDY AREA AND FURTHER FAUNA SIGNIFICANCE OF POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF ASSESSMENT TSC/ EPBC SPECIES PROPOSAL REQUIRED IN FM Act THIS REPORT Act
Fish
Macquarie Perch - E There is one permanent watercourse in the study area but No it does not appear suitable for this species. Macquaria australasica
Australian V V There is one permanent watercourse in the study area but No Grayling it does not appear suitable for this species.
Prototroctes maraena
Note: Habitat requirements for fauna species in Table 7 have been sourced from Commonwealth DEH (1999), Commonwealth DEH (2001), NSW NPWS (2001), NSW NPWS (2002b), www.threatenedspecies.environment.nsw.gov.au (accessed 2006) and Schodde & Tidemann (1997).
Suitable or sub-optimal habitat is present in the study area for the Greater Broad-nosed Bat, and Giant Burrowing Frog. Four threatened fauna species, the Grey-headed Flying-fox, Yellow- bellied Glider, Powerful Owl, and Sooty Owl were detected during the survey period.
The effects of the proposal on these threatened fauna species will be assessed in subsequent sections of this report.
4.3 Migratory Species
The outcome of the database search for migratory species is shown in Table 8 below. The potential for each of these species to occur in the study area is discussed in Table 8 and a decision made regarding the need or otherwise for further assessment in this report. None of these species were detected during the survey period.
Species encountered in marine environments and wetlands have been omitted as these habitats do not occur in the study area.
Table 8: Migratory species recorded or likely to occur in the locality
SPECIES POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE STUDY AREA AND FURTHER SIGNIFICANCE OF POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF PROPOSAL ASSESSMENT REQUIRED IN THIS REPORT
Black-faced Monarch This migratory species is known to breed in damp forest types and No forages in rainforest and eucalypt forest. The species may forage or Monarcha melanopsis breed to the east of the study area in the rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest along Bomaderry Creek from time to time, but is unlikely to utilise the study area.
Regent Honeyeater This non-breeding migrant to south-eastern NSW prefers forests and No
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SPECIES POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE STUDY AREA AND FURTHER SIGNIFICANCE OF POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF PROPOSAL ASSESSMENT REQUIRED IN THIS REPORT woodlands dominated by winter-flowering species. Although Spotted Xanthomyza phrygia Gum flowers in winter there is only a very limited number of these trees in the study area. The species was not detected during surveys and is unlikely to occur there.
Rufous Fantail This migratory species is known to utilise dense understorey in damp Yes forests or beside rivers. The species may forage or breed to the east Rhipidura rufifrons of the study area in the rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest along Bomaderry Creek from time to time, and may potentially utilise habitat in the south of the study area.
Satin Flycatcher This migratory species inhabits lowland eucalypt forests. It is known Yes to nest in dense gully vegetation. The species may forage in the study Myiagra cyanoleuca area from time to time.
White-bellied Sea-eagle This migratory species inhabits coastal environments such as islands, No reefs, headlands, beaches, bays, estuaries, mangroves, inland Haliaeetus leucogaster swamps, lagoons, rivers and floodplains. These habitats do not occur in the study area.
White-throated Needletail This migratory species is associated with hillsides and is thought to No spend all of its time in the air whilst in Australia. The study area is not Hirundapus caudacutus on a prominent hillside so the species is unlikely to occur there. It was not detected during surveys.
Note: Habitat requirements for migratory species in Table 8 have been sourced from Schodde & Tidemann (1997).
The effects of the proposal on the Rufous Fantail and Satin Flycatcher will be assessed in a subsequent section of this report.
4.4 Endangered Populations
The TSC Act provides for the listing of endangered populations on Schedule 1, Part 2. There are no endangered populations listed on the schedules of the TSC Act found in the Shoalhaven local government area. No further consideration is given to endangered populations in this report.
4.5 Threatened Ecological Communities
The TSC Act and EPBC Act provide for the listing of threatened ecological communities. The vegetation communities observed in the study area are not endangered ecological communities listed on either Act.
4.6 Rare or Threatened Australian Plants (ROTAP)
A population of the Nowra Tea-tree Leptospermum sejunctum , a ROTAP species, was detected in the central, eastern and southern parts of the study area. Approximately 749 individuals were
@ BES Reference: 6408 – November 2006 Page 31 Flora and Fauna Assessment – Proposed Subdivision Lots 118 & 119 Jamieson Road, North Nowra detected on Lots 118 and 119 although this is likely to be an underestimation of the actual number of plants. The locations of most of the L. sejunctum individuals in the study area are shown in Figure 6.
The Nowra Tea-tree is characteristic of dry rock surfaces near gullies and cliff lines and is confined to the Nowra area. It has a ROTAP risk code of 2K indicating that its geographic range in Australia is less than 100 km and that it is a poorly known taxon with inadequate field distribution information. However, surveying elsewhere in the locality by BES has located sub- populations on private freehold land immediately to the south-west of the study area, in remnant bushland on Bunberra Street Bomaderry, and on crown land in the Mundamia area (BES 2004). The sub-population in the Mundamia area is thought to contain many hundreds and possibly thousands of individuals. The species is also known from the Bomaderry Creek Regional Park.
Acacia subtilinervis occurs within the study area in shallow soils on sandstone outcrops in the eastern and southern margins of the study area. Approximately 39 individuals occur within the study area and their locations are shown in Figure 6. Acacia subtilinervis has a ROTAP risk code of 3RCa indicating it has a geographic range of more than 100 km, is classed as ‘rare’ with at least one population of more than 1000 individuals within a conservation reserve. The species is known to occur in the Mundamia area (BES 2004), west of Hyams Beach, in the Currambene area (Mills 1993), and at Wolgan River, Bundanoon and Cambewarra (Benson & McDougall 1996).
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5. EVALUATION OF IMPACTS
5.1 Impacts on Flora
5.1.1 Vegetation Community Impacts
The proposal will result in the clearing of most of the native vegetation on Lot 118. Disturbances associated with the provision of asset protection zones are also likely to affect much of the vegetation within the study area on Lot 119 above the escarpment. Vegetated areas in the south and east of Lots 118 and 119 (Lot 35) will be dedicated to Shoalhaven City Council to secure the preservation of native vegetation communities. Vegetation in these areas will be retained intact, apart from asset protection zone works generally above the escarpment edge.
There will also be some patches of vegetation retained within the urban blocks to be developed, and in parts of the proposed asset protection zones. In particular, native vegetation east of the asset protection zone on proposed Lot 33 will be retained intact and managed via an approved Vegetation Management Plan. The implementation of this VMP will be secured by a Restriction on the Use of Land on this part of proposed Lot 33 pursuant to the Conveyancing Act 1919, requiring management of the vegetation there in accordance with the VMP.
Vegetation communities in the City of Shoalhaven have been mapped and their extent determined (KMA 1999). These data indicate that woodlands/forests dominated by associations between Grey Gum and Blue-leaved Scribbly Gum are common and well-reserved vegetation communities in the Shoalhaven with about 33,000 ha extant and over 94% of occurrences protected. The removal or modification of approximately 6.1 ha of partially disturbed open forest vegetation dominated by associations between Grey Gum and Blue-leaved Stringybark is a negligible impact in this context.
The Council vegetation data (KMA 1999) indicates that Kunzea Shrubland is an uncommon vegetation community in the Shoalhaven with an estimated 116 ha extant. This figure is likely to be an underestimation as known occurrences of this community identified by BES in the Nowra area are not included in the Council mapping. Approximately 35 % of the mapped Kunzea Shrubland is protected either by reservation or by strict zonings. The proposal will result in the loss or modification of approximately 2.42 ha of partially disturbed Kunzea Shrubland, which represents about 2.1 % of the mapped extant area. This is an acceptable impact in this context.
In summary, the proposal will not impose significant impacts on vegetation communities.
5.1.2 Threatened Flora Species Impacts
The proposal will not impact on threatened flora species. No threatened flora species were recorded in the study area during the survey period and none are expected to occur there. However, the study area lies near a population of Bauer’s Midge Orchid Genoplesium baueri.
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Bauer’s Midge Orchid Genoplesium baueri With respect to Genoplesium baueri , the study area includes approximately 5.5 ha of sclerophyll forest and moss gardens over sandstone that may provide potential habitat for the species. No individuals of Genoplesium baueri were detected within the study area despite targeted surveys over 19.16 person-hours following confirmation of flowering at the reference site in North Nowra. Other orchid species detected during the survey period included the Red Midge Orchid Genoplesium rufum , Parson’s bands Eriochilus autumnalis , Hooded Orchid Cryptostylis erecta, an Acianthus sp. and a midge orchid that was still in bud but had too many flowers to be Genoplesium baueri.
The failure to detect the species during the survey period despite intensive targeted surveys suggests that the species does not occur within the study area. Notwithstanding the species cryptic nature, all persons involved in the survey were familiar with the species and detected other orchids of a similarly cryptic nature. In addition, the species was in flower during the survey period at one site only 1 km away.
The species occurs in quite different habitat at the nearby reference site. At the reference site the substrate is clayey and the tree canopy is dominated by Hard-leaved Scribbly Gum Eucalyptus sclerophylla. The vegetation at the reference site is mapped as Scribbly Gum – Casuarina Forest in the Natural Vegetation of the Nowra Area, City of Shoalhaven NSW (Kevin Mills and Associates 1996). Scribbly Gum – Casuarina Forest does not occur within the study area and the substrate is generally skeletal sands and not clays. More suitable habitats for the species are likely to be available in the more than 310 hectares of Scribbly Gum – Casuarina Forest that occur to the west and north-west of the study area.
Given the failure to detect the species despite intensive targeted surveys during the flowering period, it is considered unlikely that the species occurs within the study area. More suitable habitat is likely to be available in habitats similar to those at the reference site that occur elsewhere in the locality.
In summary, the proposal will not impose significant impacts on threatened flora species.
5.1.3 ROTAP Species Impacts
The proposal will result in the removal of some individuals of the ROTAP species Nowra Tea- tree Leptospermum sejunctum and Acacia subtilinervis from the study area.
Approximately 749 individuals of L. sejunctum and 39 individuals of A. subtilinervis were identified in the central, southern and eastern parts of Lots 118 and 119. These plants were between 0.5 m and 3 m in height and were growing in very shallow soil, almost on solid rock. The locations of most of the individuals of these species within or immediately adjacent to the study area are shown in Figure 6 (Appendix A). Not all of the plants within the study area had their locations recorded for the purposes of Figure 6.
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Botanical surveys undertaken by BES elsewhere in the locality have located sub-populations of L. sejunctum on private freehold land immediately to the south-west of the study area, in remnant bushland on Bunberra Street Bomaderry, and on crown land in the Mundamia area (BES 2004). The sub-population in the Mundamia area is thought to contain many hundreds and possibly thousands of individuals. The species is also known from the Bomaderry Creek Regional Park.
Acacia subtilinervis is known to occur in the Mundamia area (BES 2004), west of Hyams Beach, in the Currambene area (Mills 1993), and at Wolgan River, Bundanoon and Cambewarra (Benson & McDougall 1996).
Approximately 506 L. sejunctum individuals occur within the development footprint and most of these individuals are likely to be lost as a result of the proposal. About 297 plants occur within the proposed asset protection zone where it will be possible to retain a significant proportion (estimated at approximately 50%) of the L. sejunctum in clumps strategically located in accordance with the proposed asset protection zone specifications. Many L. sejunctum individuals occur in isolated patches of soil on the extensive rock outcrops in the east of the study area. It is expected that all of these plants can be retained. At least a further 46 plants occur outside the study area on parts of Lot 119 that will not be effected by the proposal. This part of the APZ lies within proposed Lot 35, which will be dedicated to Shoalhaven City Council.
Of the 39 A. subtilinervis individuals within the study area approximately 23 occur within the proposed perimeter road. These individuals are unlikely to be retained. The remaining 16 individuals occur within the proposed asset protection zone, and it is expected that all of these individuals can be retained.
Clumps or individuals of L. sejunctum and A. subtilinervis to be retained would need to be identified and protected during the construction phase of the proposal. It may also be possible to propagate these species and utilise propagated individuals in landscaping for the proposal.
BES recently completed the successful propagation and translocation of L. sejunctum on another site in North Nowra, following the preparation of a Translocation Plan approved by Shoalhaven City Council.
The retention of some plants within the study area where possible, and the use of propagated plants of L. sejunctum and A. subtilinervis in landscaping for the proposal, would result in acceptable impacts on these species given the context of the plants on the site relative to the known populations within the locality and the Sydney Basin Bioregion.
Stormwater runoff may reach some of these ROTAP plants but propagation work undertaken by Wirrin Wirra Nursery in conjunction with BES for a nearby site in North Nowra indicates that they are tolerant of increased nutrient levels.
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5.2 Impacts on Fauna
5.2.1 Fauna Habitat Impacts
The fauna habitat to be removed or modified for the proposal comprises shelter or blossom associated with the understorey and groundcover within the open forest, sap trees in the canopy, and trees with visible hollows.
The extent of foraging resources to be affected, approximately 6.1 ha, represents 9.5% of the approximately 64.15 ha of high quality habitat (Grey Gum – Blue-leaved Stringybark Woodland / Forest) available to the Yellow-bellied Glider in the Bomaderry Creek Bushland (as mapped by KMA 1999). Another 71.82 ha of Scribbly Gum – Red Bloodwood forest, 23.1 ha of Scribbly Gum – Casuarina Forest, and 29.16 ha of Spotted Gum – Blackbutt Forest occurs in the Bomaderry Creek Bushland. These communities are also likely to provide habitat, if somewhat lower quality, for the Yellow-bellied Glider. Home ranges for the species are thought to be between 20 and 85 ha (Lindenmayer 2002).
Whilst three trees bearing very old grown-over incisions made by the Yellow-bellied Glider will be removed, there are more trees incised by this species in and adjacent to the study area further to the east and north on Lot 119. These other trees are heavily incised, unlike those in the study area which show no recent incisions by the Yellow-bellied Glider. The three trees incised by the Yellow-bellied Glider in the southern part of Lot 118 will be retained, and this is near the area where Yellow-bellied Gliders were heard during the survey period. None of the trees incised by the Yellow-bellied Glider in the study area was utilised by arboreal mammals during the survey period, which involved observations over many months.
The seven trees with visible hollows to be removed appear to be either unoccupied, or occupied by common hollow-dependent fauna species. Targeted surveys failed to detect any threatened hollow-dependent fauna species utilising these trees. Random meander surveys of Lot 119 revealed the presence of at least eight other trees with visible hollows in the surrounding vegetation. Many of these trees will be located on proposed Lot 33 and their retention will need to be secured via a Restriction on the Use of Land on the title of this property pursuant to Section 88B of the Conveyancing Act 1919 .
Many other trees with visible hollows are expected to occur in the Bomaderry Creek crown lands and Bomaderry Creek Regional Park. The loss of seven trees with visible hollows is an acceptable impact in this context.
The study area lies on the interface between the urban area and proximate areas of bushland. The loss of the vegetation in the development area will not affect habitat connectivity. The vegetation to be retained in the south will provide for continued habitat interconnections along the permanent creek.
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Stormwater runoff will be treated in bio-retention swales before discharging overland to Bomaderry Creek reducing nutrient loads by up to 50% (Storm Consulting 2005). The creek is already subject to runoff from the North Nowra urban area so impacts are likely to have already occurred and the contribution of the proposal to the creek system would be minor in this context.
In summary, the proposal will not impose significant impacts on fauna habitats, given the context of the study area, the conservation value of the habitats found there and the presence of similar habitats of superior quality on adjacent and nearby lands with high conservation value.
5.2.2 Threatened Fauna Species Impacts
Greater Broad-nosed Bat Scoteanax rueppellii The study area provides potential habitat for the Greater Broad-nosed Bat as there are foraging resources, particularly within the vegetated corridor along the drainage line, and roosting resources in the trees with visible hollows. Targeted surveys for this species involving stagwatching and echolocation call recording and analysis were undertaken over three nights in November and December 2003. No bats were observed exiting tree hollows in the study area, although one tentative echolocation call of this species was recorded in the study area on 8 December 2003.
The proposal involves the modification of a small amount of already partially disturbed foraging habitat, which is a tiny proportion of the expected home range of this species. Other areas of foraging habitat to the north, south and east of the study area will not be disturbed. The removal of vegetation from the study area will not sever habitat connections for this species as it is capable of flying. None of the trees with visible hollows to be removed contained roosting bats during the survey period.
Vegetated areas in the south and east of Lots 118 and 119 (Lot 35) will be dedicated to Shoalhaven City Council to secure the preservation of suitable foraging and roosting habitat for the species. The retention of trees with visible hollows located on proposed Lot 33 will be secured via a Restriction on the Use of Land on the title of this property pursuant to Section 88B of the Conveyancing Act 1919.
The proposal will also incorporate the retention of some trees with visible hollows on Lot 118 via a Restriction on the Use of Land on the titles of affected lots, which will be appropriately protected during the construction phase of the proposal. The locations of trees with visible hollows are shown in Figure 5 (Appendix A).
In this context, the loss of potential foraging and roosting resources for the Greater Broad-nosed Bat in the study area is unlikely to reduce the long-term viability of the local population or accelerate the extinction of the species. The impacts of the proposal on this species are not considered significant.
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Grey-headed Flying-fox Pteropus poliocephalus The Grey-headed Flying-fox was observed flying over the study area on three occasions, and one individual was detected foraging in the north-west of Lot 118. There are two permanent camps in the vicinity of the study area at Comerong Island and Bugong.
The study area provides a very small area of foraging habitat for the species. The loss of this habitat would not affect the ability of the species to forage in the locality given the vast areas of vegetated lands available to this highly-mobile animal. There are no camps in the study area.
Vegetated areas in the south and east of Lots 118 and 119 (Lot 35) will be dedicated to Shoalhaven City Council to secure the preservation of suitable foraging habitat for the species.
In this context, the loss of potential foraging resources for the Grey-headed Flying-fox in the study area is unlikely to reduce the long-term viability of the local population or accelerate the extinction of the species. The impacts of the proposal on this species are not considered significant.
Yellow-bellied Glider Petaurus australis The study area contains foraging resources for the Yellow-bellied Glider in the form of Grey Gum, Red Bloodwood and Spotted Gum trees, as well as several trees with visible hollows suitable for the species. Some of the Grey Gum and Red Bloodwood trees in the study area showed evidence of feeding by this species.
The proposal will result in the modification of approximately 6.1 ha of Yellow-bellied Glider habitat. The extent of foraging resources to be removed, represents 9.5% of the approximately 64.15 ha of high quality habitat (Grey Gum – Blue-leaved Stringybark Woodland / Forest) available to the species in the Bomaderry Creek Bushland, as mapped by Kevin Mills and Associates (1999). Another 71.82 ha of Scribbly Gum – Red Bloodwood forest, 23.1 ha of Scribbly Gum – Casuarina Forest, and 29.16 ha of Spotted Gum – Blackbutt Forest occurs in the Bomaderry Creek Bushland. These communities are also likely to provide habitat, if of somewhat lower quality, for the species.
Approximately three trees with very old grown-over Yellow-bellied Glider incisions may need to be removed for the proposal, whilst the other trees with incisions within the study area are likely to be retained. The incised trees that may be retained are located in parts of the study area proximate to contiguous areas of native vegetation and so habitat interconnections to these trees will still be viable. The species was not detected foraging within the study area despite six targeted nocturnal surveys over a period of nearly three months. Whilst there was evidence that the Yellow-bellied Glider had previously foraged in the areas to be directly affected by the proposal, the incisions on these trees had completely grown over, indicating that the species had ceased foraging for sap from these trees some time ago.
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The reasons for this discontinued usage are not known but it is unlikely to be attributable to the proximity of existing development. BES staff members have undertaken extensive surveys for Yellow-bellied Glider in the Shoalhaven and there are numerous locations where the species continues to use sap trees and nectar resources in very close proximity to existing development, including the backyards of dwellings. Furthermore, BES has also recorded numerous sap trees with incisions that have grown over in isolated locations many kilometres from existing development. It is possible that the abandonment of sap trees may be in response to a range of factors including changes to Yellow-bellied Glider population dynamics and possibly changes to the physiology of individual trees that affect sap quality and/or quantity.
One Yellow-bellied Glider individual was heard calling from the vegetation to the south-east of Lot 118 on one occasion. This suggests that the study area does not provide core foraging habitat for the species.
Surveys of Lot 119 to the east and north resulted in the detection of at least thirteen trees recently incised by the Yellow-bellied Glider, with some of these being heavily incised. This suggests that the core area of foraging for the species is to the north-east of the study area.
Of the thirteen trees with visible hollows within the study area, seven are likely to be retained as they occur within the proposed asset protection zone, on the edges of the proposed road reserves, or outside of likely building envelopes. Connectivity will be retained to all trees with visible hollows to be retained.
The Yellow-bellied Glider was not detected utilising any of the trees with visible hollows within the study area during the survey period. Three hollows were occupied by the Common Brushtail Possum and Common Ringtail Possum, with the remaining hollows apparently unoccupied. Surveys of Lot 119 to the east and north resulted in the detection of at least seven other trees with visible hollows, with some of these being large trunk hollows suitable for the species. These trees were located in close proximity to heavily incised trees. This also suggests that the core area of habitat for the species is to the north-east of the study area.
The retention of trees incised by the Yellow-bellied Glider and trees with visible hollows will also require the retention of other trees within 30 m of incised trees and within 30 m of trees with visible hollows to provide connectivity between these retained trees and adjacent habitat. The trees incised by the Yellow-bellied Glider and the trees with visible hollows to be retained will need to be appropriately protected during the construction phase of the proposal and their locations are shown in Figure 5 (Appendix A).
Vegetated areas in the south and east of Lots 118 and 119 (Lot 35) will be dedicated to Shoalhaven City Council to secure the preservation of suitable foraging and denning habitat for the species, including incised trees and trees with visible hollows.
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The retention of incised trees and trees with visible hollows located on proposed Lot 33 will be secured via a Restriction on the Use of Land on the title of this property pursuant to Section 88B of the Conveyancing Act 1919.
The proposal will also incorporate the retention of some incised trees and trees with visible hollows on Lot 118 via a Restriction on the Use of Land on the titles of affected lots, which will be appropriately protected during the construction phase of the proposal. The locations of trees with visible hollows are shown in Figure 5 (Appendix A).
In this context, the loss of a small area of potential habitat resources for the Yellow-bellied Glider in the study area is unlikely to reduce the long-term viability of the local population or accelerate the extinction of the species. The impacts of the proposal on this species are not considered significant.
Large Forest Owls: Powerful Owl Ninox strenua, Sooty Owl Tyto tenebricosa The study area provides some prey habitat for the Powerful Owl and Sooty Owl, but no trees with visible hollows that could be used for breeding by these species as the hollows are too small.
One Powerful Owl was observed roosting to the east of the study area in the Bomaderry Creek Gorge during the survey period. The species did not respond to call playback survey techniques.
One Sooty Owl was heard calling from vegetation to the south-east of Lot 118 on one occasion during the survey period. The species did not respond to call playback survey techniques.
The proposal involves the modification of about 6.1 ha of already partially disturbed prey habitat, which is a tiny proportion of the home ranges of these species. Trees with visible hollows of sufficient size for breeding for these owls will not be affected by the proposal nor will potential roosting habitat in the Bomaderry Creek Gorge. The removal of vegetation from the study area will not sever habitat connections for these species as they are capable of flying.
Some trees with visible hollows will be retained in the study area to facilitate the continuation of some prey habitat for these species. Significant areas of prey habitat will continue to be available in other parts of the Bomaderry Creek Bushland, including within the Bomaderry Creek Regional Park.
Vegetated areas in the south and east of Lots 118 and 119 (Lot 35) will be dedicated to Shoalhaven City Council to secure the preservation of suitable foraging habitat for these species. The retention of trees with visible hollows located on proposed Lot 33 will be secured via a Restriction on the Use of Land on the title of this property pursuant to Section 88B of the Conveyancing Act 1919.
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The proposal will also incorporate the retention of some trees with visible hollows on Lot 118 via a Restriction on the Use of Land on the titles of affected lots, which will be appropriately protected during the construction phase of the proposal. The locations of trees with visible hollows are shown in Figure 5 (Appendix A).
In this context, the loss of a small area of prey resources for the Powerful Owl and Sooty Owl in the study area is unlikely to reduce the long-term viability of their local populations or accelerate the extinction of these species. The impacts of the proposal on these species are not considered significant.
Giant Burrowing Frog Heleioporus australiacus The study area contains a limited amount of marginal habitat suitable for the Giant Burrowing Frog. There is an ephemeral drainage line in the north-east of the study area, but it does not appear to have habitat characteristics suitable for this species. The permanent creek in the south of the study area appears to provide suitable habitat for the Giant Burrowing Frog, but the quality of the water appears low as the creek drains the urban area of North Nowra. The species is known to prefer creeks with very high water quality. Surveys for the species were undertaken in November and December, but no frogs were detected. Some of these surveys occurred after heavy rains.
The proposal will not directly affect the part of the study area most suitable for the species. This area, adjacent to the permanent creek, will be dedicated to Shoalhaven City Council, and consequently the vegetation in this area will be retained intact. Soil and water management strategies will be implemented during the construction phase of the proposal to protect water quality. Stormwater runoff will be treated in bio-retention swales before discharging overland to Bomaderry Creek reducing nutrient loads by up to 50% (Storm Consulting 2005). The creek is already subject to runoff from the North Nowra urban area so impacts are likely to have already reduced the habitat value of this creek for the species.
Other vegetated areas in the south and east of Lots 118 and 119 (Lot 35) will be dedicated to Shoalhaven City Council to secure the preservation of suitable riparian habitat for the species.
In summary, the proposal will not impose significant impacts on any threatened fauna species.
5.3 Impacts on Endangered Ecological Communities
The study area does not support any endangered ecological communities so the proposal will not have any impacts on such communities.
5.4 Impacts on Endangered Populations
The proposal will not impact any endangered populations as none are listed in the Shoalhaven local government area.
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5.5 Impacts on Threatened Fish
The proposal will not impact any threatened fish or marine vegetation listed by the NSW Fisheries Management Act 1994, as none were recorded in the study area and none are expected to occur there.
5.6 Impacts on Habitat Connectivity
The study area adjoins the North Nowra urban area in the west and a disused landfill site in the north. It lies at the interface between disturbed areas in the west and north and proximate areas of bushland to the east and south. In this context, the loss of the vegetation in the development area will not affect habitat connectivity.
The corridor of the creek in the south is already fragmented and narrows further to the west where it passes through North Nowra and this has reduced its habitat connectivity values. Nevertheless, the vegetation to be retained in the south will provide for continued habitat interconnections along this permanent creek.
Vegetated areas in the south and east of Lots 118 and 119 (Lot 35) will be dedicated to Shoalhaven City Council to secure the preservation of the habitats found there and the habitat interconnections that they provide. The retention of vegetation located beyond the asset protection zone on proposed Lot 33 will be secured via a Restriction on the Use of Land on the title of this property pursuant to Section 88B of the Conveyancing Act 1919.
5.7 Impacts on Koala Habitat (SEPP No. 44)
State Environmental Planning Policy No 44 – Koala Habitat Protection (SEPP No. 44) was gazetted by the NSW Government in 1995. The aims of SEPP No. 44 are:
“to encourage the proper conservation and management of areas of natural vegetation that provide habitat for koalas to ensure a permanent free-living population over their present range and reverse the current trend of koala population decline.”
It requires a judgement to be made about whether the land in a study area is potential and/or core koala habitat based on the proportion of trees present that are listed as Koala Feed Tree Species in Schedule 2 of the policy and/or the presence of koalas. These listed feed trees must constitute at least 15 % of the total number of trees in the upper or lower strata of the tree component for the vegetation to be classified as potential koala habitat . Core koala habitat is land where there is a resident population of koalas including breeding females.
The policy requires the preparation of plans of management before development consent can be granted in relation to areas of core koala habitat , encourages the identification of areas of core koala habitat , and encourages the inclusion of areas of core koala habitat in environment protection zones.
The policy applies to this proposal because:
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the land is within the Shoalhaven local government area;
the land has an area of more than 1 ha; and
a development application has been made for the proposal.
The study area contains Grey Gum, a Koala feed tree listed on Schedule 2 of SEPP No. 44. Grey Gum makes up more than 15 % of the canopy in the Grey Gum – Blue-leaved Stringybark Open Forest/Woodland in the study area so there is potential koala habitat present as defined under SEPP 44.
The study area does not contain any core koala habitat as defined by SEPP 44 as there were no resident koalas detected there and no evidence to infer their presence such as scats or scratchings. The proposal will not affect areas of vegetation that provide habitat for the Koala. A Plan of Management for Koala habitat is not required for the proposal.
5.8 Impacts on Matters of NES (Commonwealth EPBC Act 1999)
The Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 ( EPBC Act) contains provisions to protect Commonwealth Land and matters of national environmental significance (NES) listed by the Act, including World Heritage properties, Ramsar wetlands, threatened species, migratory species, nuclear actions and the Commonwealth marine environment.
Under this Act a person may require assessment and/or approval from the Commonwealth Environment Minister if they are undertaking an action that has, will have, or is likely to have, a significant impact on a matter of national environmental significance.
Administrative guidelines have been produced to assist proponents in determining whether an action should be referred to the Commonwealth Environment Minister for a decision on whether approval is required.
The proposal involves the clearing and/or modification of indigenous vegetation, and construction works, which may constitute an action defined by the EPBC Act.
The study area provides suitable habitat for the following matters of National Environmental Significance listed on the schedules of the EPBC Act:
the Vulnerable Species Grey-headed Flying-fox and Giant Burrowing Frog; and
the Migratory Species Satin Flycatcher.
There are no Commonwealth Endangered Species, World Heritage Properties, Wetlands of National Importance, Commonwealth Marine Areas, or Commonwealth Land to be affected by the proposal.
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Commonwealth Vulnerable Species The study area is unlikely to contain any important populations of the Grey-headed Flying-fox or the Giant Burrowing Frog necessary for the species’ long-term survival and recovery.
The 6.1 ha of vegetation to be affected by the proposal would not contain key source populations of these species. Nor would it be likely to contain any potential populations likely to be necessary for maintaining genetic diversity, or near the limit of the species’ range. The Grey- headed Flying-fox would be an occasional visitor to the study area for foraging. The Giant Burrowing Frog could utilise habitats in the south of the study area, which will not be directly affected by the proposal. Soil and water management strategies will be implemented during the construction phase of the proposal to protect water quality. Stormwater runoff will be treated in bio-retention swales before discharging overland to Bomaderry Creek reducing nutrient loads by up to 50% (Storm Consulting 2005). The creek is already subject to runoff from the North Nowra urban area so impacts are likely to have already reduced the habitat value of this creek for the species.
Thus, with respect to Commonwealth Vulnerable Species, the proposal is very unlikely to:
lead to a long-term decrease in the size of an important population of a species; or,
reduce the area of occupancy of an important population; or,
fragment an existing important population into two or more populations; or,
adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of the species; or,
disrupt the breeding cycle of an important population; or,
modify, destroy, remove, isolate or decrease the availability or quality of habitat to the extent that the species is likely to decline; or,
result in invasive species that are harmful to a vulnerable species becoming established in the vulnerable species’ habitat; or,
interfere substantially with the recovery of the species.
The proposal is unlikely to have a significant impact on Commonwealth Vulnerable Species listed by the EPBC Act that may occur in the study area.
Commonwealth Migratory Species The Rufous Fantail and Satin Flycatcher may utilise parts of the study area for foraging and breeding from time to time, but they were not detected there during the survey period.
The proposal is too small to substantially modify, destroy or isolate an area of important habitat, result in invasive species becoming established in such habitat, or seriously disrupt the life cycle of an ecologically significant proportion of these species’ populations. In addition, there are vast areas in the locality and region that could still be utilised by these species.
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Vegetated areas in the south and east of Lots 118 and 119 (Lot 35) will be dedicated to Shoalhaven City Council to secure the preservation of the habitats suitable for these migratory species.
The proposal is unlikely to have a significant impact on Commonwealth Migratory Species listed by the EPBC Act that may occur in the study area.
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6. IMPACT MITIGATION
6.1 Threatened Species, Populations and Ecological Communities
The extent, magnitude and significance of the impacts of the proposal on threatened species, populations and ecological communities listed on the TSC Act and FM Act have been assessed in sections 4 and 5 of this report in relation to the conservation importance of the habitats, populations and individuals likely to be affected by the proposal.
The affected threatened species, populations and ecological communities were identified as the Bauer’s Midge Orchid, Greater Broad-nosed Bat, Giant Burrowing Frog, Grey-headed Flying- fox, Yellow-bellied Glider, Powerful Owl and Sooty Owl.
The proposal will remove:
Potential habitat for the Bauer’s Midge Orchid.
A small area of foraging habitat for the Greater Broad-nosed Bat, Grey-headed Flying- fox, Powerful Owl and Sooty Owl.
Trees with old grown-over incisions made by the Yellow-bellied Glider.
Trees with visible hollows that could provide future roosting and denning habitats for the Greater Broad-nosed Bat and Yellow-bellied Glider respectively and prey habitat for the Powerful Owl and Sooty Owl.
Vegetation upslope of the creek in the south which may reduce the integrity of Giant Burrowing Frog habitats adjacent to this creek.
To mitigate and offset these impacts, the proposal will provide for the preservation of suitable habitat for Bauer’s Midge Orchid, suitable foraging habitats for the Greater Broad-nosed Bat, Grey-headed Flying-fox, Powerful Owl and Sooty Owl, trees incised by the Yellow-bellied Glider, and trees with visible hollows by.
a) Dedicating proposed Lot 35 in the south and east of Lots 118 and 119 to Shoalhaven City Council.
b) Securing the appropriate management of land east of the asset protection zone on proposed Lot 33 in accordance with an approved Vegetation Management Plan via a Restriction on the Use of Land on the title of this property pursuant to Section 88B of the Conveyancing Act 1919 .
c) Securing the retention of some trees with visible hollows and some trees incised by the Yellow-bellied Glider on Lot 118 via a Restriction on the Use of Land pursuant to Section 88B of the Conveyancing Act 1919 on the titles of affected lots, and appropriately protecting these trees during the construction phase of the proposal.
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d) Ensuring appropriate soil, water and stormwater management strategies are adopted for the proposal.
6.2 Other Components of Biodiversity
The extent, magnitude and significance of the impacts of the proposal on other components of biodiversity have been assessed in sections 4 and 5 of this report as related to the conservation value of the habitats, populations and individuals likely to be affected by the proposal.
In this context, the impacts on vegetation communities, ROTAP flora species, fauna habitats, habitat connectivity and matters of national environmental significance arising from the proposal are not considered significant.
The proposal will result in the removal of:
a) Grey Gum-Blue-leaved Stringybark Woodland/Open Forest and Kunzea Shrubland.
b) Leptospermum sejunctum and Acacia subtilinervis individuals.
c) A range of fauna habitats.
To mitigate and offset these impacts, the proposal will provide for the preservation of similar native vegetation communities and fauna habitats, the preservation of some Leptospermum sejunctum and Acacia subtilinervis individuals, reduced potential for incursions by neighbours and weeds into adjoining vegetation, and the control of domestic pets by:
a) Dedicating proposed Lot 35 in the south and east of Lots 118 and 119 to Shoalhaven City Council.
b) Securing the appropriate management of vegetation and habitats on land east of the asset protection zone on proposed Lot 33 in accordance with an approved Vegetation Management Plan via a Restriction on the Use of Land on the title of this property pursuant to Section 88B of the Conveyancing Act 1919.
c) Ensuring appropriate soil, water and stormwater management strategies are adopted for the proposal.
d) Designing the proposal with a perimeter road wherever possible to limit residential lots adjoining native vegetation areas.
e) Restricting the use of noxious and/or invasive weed species in landscaping for the proposal.
f) Retaining clumps of Leptospermum sejunctum and Acacia subtilinervis within the proposed asset protection zone, strategically located in accordance with the proposed asset protection zone specifications, by identifying them and protecting them during asset protection zone works.
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g) Propagating Leptospermum sejunctum and Acacia subtilinervis and utilising propagated individuals in landscaping for the proposal.
h) Requiring that domestic cats and dogs be restrained within the dwelling curtilage on all new allotments at all times.
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7. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
7.1 Conclusions
This report has identified and described the biological environment of Lot 118 and part of Lot 119 Jamieson Road, North Nowra. The report has assessed the potential impacts on flora and fauna, including threatened and migratory species, endangered populations and threatened ecological communities, or their habitats, of the proposal to undertake a residential subdivision on the property.
The threatened species, populations, and ecological communities given detailed consideration in this report were identified as the Bauer’s Midge Orchid, Greater Broad-nosed Bat, Giant Burrowing Frog, Grey-headed Flying-fox, Yellow-bellied Glider, Powerful Owl, Sooty Owl,.
It is concluded that:
a) The proposal includes actions to avoid, mitigate and offset impacts on the Bauer’s Midge Orchid, Greater Broad-nosed Bat, Giant Burrowing Frog, Grey-headed Flying-fox, Yellow-bellied Glider, Powerful Owl and Sooty Owl that will maintain or improve the biodiversity values of these threatened species.
b) The proposal is unlikely to reduce the long-term viability of a local population of the Bauer’s Midge Orchid, Greater Broad-nosed Bat, Giant Burrowing Frog, Grey-headed Flying-fox, Yellow-bellied Glider, Powerful Owl and Sooty Owl. The hydrologic and vegetation management practices to be implemented for the proposal along with the design of roads and the dedication of land to Shoalhaven City Council will provide appropriate long-term protection for these threatened species.
c) The proposal is unlikely to accelerate the extinction of the Bauer’s Midge Orchid, Greater Broad-nosed Bat, Giant Burrowing Frog, Grey-headed Flying-fox, Yellow-bellied Glider, Powerful Owl and Sooty Owl. No populations of the Bauer’s Midge Orchid or known breeding habitat for the Greater Broad-nosed Bat, Grey-headed Flying-fox, Yellow- bellied Glider, Giant Burrowing Frog, Powerful Owl or Sooty Owl were recorded in the study area. The extent of foraging resources for the Greater Broad-nosed Bat, Grey- headed Flying-fox, Yellow-bellied Glider, Giant Burrowing Frog, Powerful Owl or Sooty Owl to be affected by the proposal is very small relative to the home ranges of these species and the presence of extensive foraging resources in adjoining land that will be dedicated to Shoalhaven City Council.
d) The proposal will not affect critical habitat as none is listed in the Shoalhaven local government area.
e) The study area does not contain any potential or core Koala habitat pursuant to NSW State Environmental Planning Policy No 44 – Koala Habitat Protection .
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f) Following consideration of the administrative guidelines for determining significance under the Commonwealth Environment Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 , the proposal is unlikely to have a significant impact on matters of National Environmental Significance, and a referral to the Commonwealth Environment Minister is not necessary.
7.2 Recommendations to Mitigate Impacts on Biodiversity Values
The proposal will incorporate the following measures to mitigate the impacts on threatened species, populations, ecological communities, migratory species or their habitats, and minimise the impacts of the proposal on the flora and fauna values of the study area in general.
Vegetation and Habitat Management
1. Proposed Lot 35 will be dedicated to Shoalhaven City Council.
2. A Restriction on the Use of Land will be imposed on land east of the asset protection zone on proposed Lot 33 pursuant to Section 88B of the Conveyancing Act 1919 requiring vegetation and habitat management on this part of proposed Lot 33 in accordance with a Vegetation Management Plan approved by the Shoalhaven City Council.
3. A Restriction on the Use of Land will be imposed on proposed lots containing trees with visible hollows and trees incised by the Yellow-bellied Glider identified for retention on Figure 5 (Appendix A) requiring that these trees not be removed without approval from Shoalhaven City Council. Other trees will also be required for retention within 30m of trees with visible hollows and incised trees to sustain canopy connectivity.
4. Clumps of Leptospermum sejunctum and Acacia subtilinervis will be retained within the proposed asset protection zone on Lot 35 and on other affected lots, strategically located in accordance with the proposed asset protection zone specifications. Clumps will be identified by a suitably experienced and qualified ecologist in consultation with a suitably qualified bushfire consultant and protected during construction works and asset protection zone works.
5. The asset protection zone on Lot 35 will be established and maintained with hand tools to limit disturbances to retained Leptospermum sejunctum and Acacia subtilinervis plants.
6. All trees and clumps of vegetation to be retained on proposed residential lots and in the asset protection zone of proposed Lot 35 will be identified by a suitably qualified ecologist, marked on site and located by a registered surveyor. The plan of survey for these ecological features will be legally tied to the titles of affected lots and submitted to the Shoalhaven City Council.
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7. All trees and vegetation to be retained will be appropriately protected from compaction of root systems, damage to trunks, and the build-up of soil around tree bases, by appropriate work practices during the construction phase of the proposal.
8. All vegetation to be retained will be protected from unauthorised access during the construction phase of the proposal. An induction program for workers will be developed and implemented to inform them of the limitations of the construction site. Temporary fencing will be installed along the edges of vegetation to be retained and workers will be instructed to avoid encroaching into such vegetation.
9. A Vegetation Management Plan will be prepared by a suitably qualified person for the part of Lot 35 affected by asset protection zone works and for the part of Lot 33 east of the asset protection zone. The Vegetation Management Plan will address a number of matters including, but not limited to, protection and maintenance of the flora species of conservation significance, trees with visible hollows and incised trees, weed control, vegetation enhancement, control of access, monitoring and fire management.
10. Perimeter roads will be located such that they adjoin retained vegetation on proposed Lot 35 wherever possible in order to provide a line of demarcation between disturbed areas and protected areas and limit unauthorised access and dumping.
11. Trees with visible hollows to be felled during the construction phase, will be felled in accordance with the following procedures:
a) Felling will be supervised by a fauna specialist appropriately licensed under the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 , for the purpose of rescuing displaced fauna.
b) The fauna specialist will be suitably attired with protective clothing and have suitable equipment to undertake the work. A “green card” from an Occupational Health and Safety Induction Training Course for Construction Work will also be held by the fauna specialist, who may also need to be suitably vaccinated (especially if there is potential for handling bats).
c) An appropriately skilled local wildlife carer must be notified at least 24 hours prior to the tree felling, that animals may be captured and that these animals may need care.
d) Any non-hollow-bearing trees around those with tree hollows to be felled will be removed first. At least one day will be left between clearing of the non-hollow-bearing trees and the hollow-bearing trees to allow fauna time to vacate the trees.
e) Prior to felling of the identified and marked hollow-bearing trees, the trees will be shaken or nudged by tree-felling equipment to encourage any fauna to vacate the trees.
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f) If no animals emerge from the hollows after shaking or nudging, then the tree will be felled and lowered to the ground if possible.
g) If an animal emerges from a hollow following shaking or nudging of the tree, then at least 30 minutes will be allowed for the animal to leave the tree. If the animal comes to the ground, or when it is on the lower trunk, attempts will be made to capture the animal using a net. Captured animals will be immediately transferred to a suitably sized cotton bag and checked for obvious injury during the transfer process.
h) Captured animals will be placed in individual bags unless they are a family group where separation would risk the survival of the young (i.e. a lactating female with young).
i) Once the tree has been felled, a search will be made of the branches around the tree for any fleeing fauna and hollows should be inspected with a torch for the presence of any animals. Attempts will be made to capture any fleeing fauna with a net, and animals inside hollows should be extracted by hand. Captured animals will be immediately transferred to a suitably sized cotton bag and checked for obvious injury during the transfer process.
j) Injured, shocked or immature captured animals will be placed in a cotton bag secured at the top. Bags will be wrapped in appropriate insulating material such as blankets and placed in a quiet, warm and preferably dark place until the wildlife carer can collect them. Details on the location of the capture and proposed release areas will be provided to the wildlife carer.
k) Uninjured animals will be released in appropriate habitat as soon as practicable (at night for nocturnal species).
Drainage Management
12. Drainage management will be designed to minimise alterations to the hydrologic regime of the creeks in the study area and protect water quality.
13. Stormwater flows will be returned to the watercourse in the south via a stormwater drainage system designed to improve the water quality for flows leaving the site via the pollutant removal devices, which will reduce the pollutant.
14. The principles of Water Sensitive Urban Design will be incorporated into the proposal.
15. Any proposed armouring of watercourses will only be undertaken with the approval of Shoalhaven City Council following advice from a suitably qualified ecologist.
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Sediment Controls
16. Appropriate sediment control measures will be established before the commencement of work on the proposal and retained in place until all bare areas have been revegetated.
17. A Soil and Water Management Plan will be prepared in accordance with the Blue Book.
Landscaping
18. Exotic perennial grasses will not be sown in any areas that abut native vegetation to be retained or re-established within the proposal or native vegetation on adjoining lands. If grasses are to be used in these areas, for landscaping or soil stabilisation purposes, then indigenous native species or non-invasive exotic species will be used.
19. Native plants from the species list in Table 4 of this report will be included in any landscaping for the proposal.
20. Individuals of Leptospermum sejunctum and Acacia subtilinervis will be propagated by a suitably qualified person and utilised in landscaping for the proposal.
21. No known environmental weeds, noxious weeds or known invasive plant species will be planted within the study area in association with the proposal.
Domestic Pet Management
22. Any domestic pets to be kept within the subdivision will be restrained wholly within the dwelling curtilage at all times, unless secured on a leash.
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8. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Benson, D. & McDougall, L. 1996. Ecology of Sydney Plant Species Part 4: Dicotyledon Family Fabaceae. Cunninghamia , Vol 4 (4), pg 553-752.
Bishop, T. 2000, Field Guide to the Orchids of New South Wales and Victoria . UNSW Press, Sydney.
Bushfire & Environmental Services (BES). 2004. Flora and Fauna Assessment, Nowra Bomaderry Structure Planning Study, Area 5, Mundamia, West Nowra . Unpublished Report to Shoalhaven City Council.
Blakers, M., Davies, S.J.J.F., & Reilly, P.N. 1984, The Atlas of Australian Birds , Melbourne University Press, Melbourne.
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