EIS 1848 Vol 2
AB020151
Environmental impact statement: Brushy Ridge limestone
deposit I: SW DEPT PRIMARY 1MUSTR1ES
ABO2O15 I IL I I'1FJN 'F AlL I I
M-F,N r7 STA-11E
Vol-ATIME "I"W"O
Brushy Ridge Limestone Deposit
I B r r n gt o L fli & P y . I U H I I BRUSHY RIDGE LIMESTONE DEPOSIT
APPENDIX 1 Flora and Fauna rIi rA
Pi-epared for: Barrington Lime Pty Ltd 2 Manning Street, Gloucester, NSW February 2003
NATURAL IMPACT Ecological Solution4 P0 Box 181, GLOUCESTER NSW 2422 PH: 026558 1831 Barrington Lime - proposed limestone quarry and crushing operation - Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment
NA TURAL IMPA CT Ecological Solutions P0 Box 181 Gloucester NSW 2422 Phone: (02) 6558 1831 Email: gervilmidcoast.com.au
AUTHOR INFORMATION - Garry Germon B. Sc.
The author held the following licenses at the time of undertaking research for this document:
Scientific Investigation License No A2972 under Section 120 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act for General Fauna Surveys.
Animal Welfare Research Authority and Animal Care and Ethics Committee Approval to conduct research for the purposes of Environmental Impact Assessment (Fauna Surveys) throughout NSW. Issued by NSW Agriculture, reference number AW200I/018.
Section 95(2) Certificate No NZ122 under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 which allows the collection of Schedule 1 and 2 plant material for identification and research from private property, National Parks and Wildlife estate, and State Forests within NSW.
Note to reader: This report was completed in June 2002, but was not submitted due to delays in finalizing the access route to the proposed limestone quarry. The assessment section, in particular, Sections 7 and 9 required the inclusion of additions to the TSC Act and the EPBC Act since that timne.As such the subject sections were updated before finalisation of the report.
Disclaimer: The following report was completed in February 2003 and is explicitly the opinion of the consultant, and is based upon the data available and assessments conducted according to the methods described. The author has had to rely on information from other sources in preparing this report (including the party for whom it was prepared) and is not in a position to, and has not, ver fled the accuracy or completeness of the information so provided. Accordingly, the author takes no responsibility for and assumes no liability in respect of any information provided by others for this report nor the consequences of using such information.
NATURAL IMPACT ecological solutions
Barrington Lime - proposed limestone quarry and crushing operation - Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVESUMMARY...... 6
1.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 7
1.1LOCATION OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT...... 7 1.2 PROPOSAL OUTLINE...... 7 1.3 STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS ...... 8
2.0 ECOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS - METHODOLOGY ...... 12
2.1 DESKTOP SEARCHES...... 12 1 2.2 FLORA SURVEY...... 13 2.3 FAUNA SURVEY...... 17 I 3.0 RESULTS - FLORA SURVEY...... 26
I 3.1 PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATIONS (FLORA)...... 26 3.2 DESCRIPTION OF VEGETATION COMMUNITIES...... 29 3.3 FLORA SPECIES IDENTIFIED ON SITE...... 31 I 3.4 NOXIOUS WEED SPECIES ...... 33
4.0 DISCUSSION - FLORA SURVEY ......
4.1 DISCUSSION - SIGNIF!'ANT PLANT SPECIES, POPULATIONS AND I ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES...... 34 4.2 CONSERVATION STATUS OF VEGETATION COMMUNITIES ...... 37 4.3 IMPACT OF PROPOSAL ON VEGETATION...... 39 I 4.4 CONCLUDING STATEMENT ...... 40 I SM RESULTS - FAUNA SURVEY ...... 41 5.1 HABITAT IDENTIFIED WITHIN THE STUDY SITE...... 41 GRAZINGLAND...... 41 5.2 PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATIONS (FAUNA)...... 42 5.3 FAUNA FIELD SURVEY RESULTS ...... 47
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6.0 DISCUSSION - FAUNA SURVEY ...... 52
6.1 CRITICAL HABITAT ASSESSMENT OF SELECTED THREATENED FAUNA KNOWN OR LIKELY TO OCCUR WITHIN THE GLOUCESTER REGION AND LISTED IN TABLE 11...... 52 6.2 DISCUSSION ON RESULTS OF ON SITE FAUNA SURVEY ...... 54
7.0 EIGHT PART TEST OF SIGNIFICANCE...... 57
7.1 BACKGROUND TO EIGHT PART TEST...... 57 7.2 ENDANGERED POPULATIONS...... 59 7.3 ENDANGERED ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES...... 59 7.4 CRITICAL HABITAT ...... 60 7.5 KEY THREATENING PROCESS...... 61 7.6 EIGHT PART TEST OF SIGNIFICANCE...... 67 7.7 CONCLUSION - EIGHT PART TEST...... 140
8.0 KOALA HABITAT ASSESSMENT...... 141
9.0 ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT ASSESSMENT...... 144
10M PROPERTY MANAGEMENT PLAN...... 148
11.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY...... 152
APPENDIX 1- FLORA SPECIES IDENTIFIED AT STUDY AREA...... 157
APPENDIX 2 - LIVE TRAPPING RESULTS...... 167
APPENDIX 3- REGIONAL FAUNA ...... 168
APPENDIX 4- DESCRIPTION OF CYNANCHUMELEGANS POPULATION ON THESTUDY SITE...... 177
APPENDIX 5- CHECKLIST FOR BUSH REGENERATION ACTIVITIES IN I THE HABITAT OF THREATENED SPECIES, ENDANGERED POPULATIONS AND ENDANGERED ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES - NPWS...... 186 I
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LIST OF FIGURES 1 FIGURE 1 - LOCATION OF PROJE CT ...... 10 FIGURE 2 - LAYOUT PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT...... 11 I FIGURE 3 - FLORA SURVEY SITES...... 16 I FIGURE 4 - FAUNA SURVEY SITES...... 23 FIGURE 5 - FAUNA SURVEY SITES (BATS)...... 24 I FIGURE 6 - VEGETATION MAP OF PROJECT SITE...... 32 I FIGURE 7 - CYNANCHUMELEGANS RECORD LOCATION ...... 179 I I I I I I I I 1 1
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LIST OF TABLES
Table I - Australian Map Grid reference co-ordinates for location of plant survey quadrats...... 14 Table 2 - Weather conditions recorded during survey period...... 1 7 Table 3 - Details of nocturnal bird survey effort...... 1 8 Table 4 - Hairtube, spotlighting and Elliott trapping survey effort ...... 20 Table 5 - Threatened flora previously recorded within a 20 kilometre radius of the study site...... 27 Table 6 - ROTAP (Rare or Threatened Australian Plants) previously recorded within the study locality...... 28 Table 7 - Modified vegetation - Grazing land ...... 29 Table 8 —Closed Forest - Dry Rainforest ...... 30 Table 9 - List of noxious weeds found within project area...... 33 Table 10— Area of vegetation to be modified by proposed development...... 39 Table 11 - Threatened fauna species previously recorded or thought to occur within the region ..... 43 Table 12 - Fauna located within or near the project site...... 47 Table 13 - Key Threatening Processes currently listed on Schedule 3 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act (1995)...... 61 Table 14— Threatened flora and fauna known to occur within the region, considered to have potential habitat on the study site and therefore may be affected by the proposed development...... 71 Table 15 - Details of sub —populations of Cyizanchum elegans known to occur on the Barrington LimeStudy site. ...... 180 Table 16 - Range of plant population sizes for 30 Cyizwzc/zunz elegans sites investigated by NPWS 1993...... 182
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
'This Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment presents an appraisal of the proposal to develop a limestone quarry by Barrington Lime Pty Ltd on the surrounding flora and fauna. The I development area is located within the Gloucester Shire Local Government Area approximately 8.75 kilometres east of Gloucester, at a location known locally as Brushy I Mountain. Road access to the site will be via Merewethers Lane. The insitu limestone will be extracted by means of drill and blast. Approximately 7000 tonnes every four months will be quarried (21,000 tonnes per year). Processing will be by I primary jaw crushing, with final processing by fully enclosed windswept ball milling. The product will then be transported to the holding shed and will be removed from site by road truck four (4) times a day. The expected life of the mine will be 40 to 50 years at'the I predicted rate of extraction.
I The study area is characterised by extensive areas of land that has been cleared of vegetation for agriculture. Two vegetation units were identified within the study site ' including cleared grazing land with isolated remnant patches of trees and shrubs, and dry rainforest. To facilitate the construction of the access road, infrastructure area and part of the quarry, up to 20 trees will have to be removed within the cleared grazing land. Less than 1.0 hectare of the diy rainforest vegetation will have to be removed to enable access I to the insitu limestone deposit. Two threatened species listed on the Threatened Species Conservation Act, 1995 were I found to occur on the study site during fieldwork. The subject species were Miniopleris shreibersii (Common Bent-wing Bat), listed as vulnerable and Cynanchum e/egans (White-flowered Wax Plant), listed as endangered. Cynanchum elegans is also listed as I endangered on the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act, 1999.
In accordance with the provisons of Section 5A of the EP&A Act, 8 part tests of I significance were completed for twenty three (23) species including: two (2) plants, two (2) reptiles, six (6) birds, five (5) marni'nals and eight (8) non-flying mammals. The information presented in the eight part tests, including a number of design features and I proposed mitigation measures, indicate that no threatened flora or fauna species will be significantly affected by the proposed development to the extent that local population viability would be undermined. I The proposed mitigation measures include: translocation and propagation from cuttings of existing C. elegans plants from the proposed area of disturbance; fencing to exclude I cattle; development of a fire hazard reduction plan to protect the habitat of Cynanchum elegans from inappropriate fire regime and implementation of a weed removal and bush regeneration program. I
NATURAL IMPACT ecological solutions Barrington Lime - proposed limestone quarry and crushing operation - Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 LOCATION OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT.
Barrington Lime Pty Ltd propose to develop a limestone quarry in the Gloucester region of NSW. The project is described in detail in the Environmental Impact Statement accompanying this document. I The proposed limestone quarry is to be located in Lot 29 DP1039045, County of Gloucester, Parish of Gloucester (refer to Figure 1). The quarry location is approximately 8.75 kilometres directly east of Gloucester and is situated on a ridge-top in a low range of I hills up to 400 metres high called Brushy Mountains. The property where the proposed quarry will be located is on the southern side of a ridge, sloping steeply from 15 to 40 I degrees and is eighteen (18.6) hectares in area, of which approximately thirteen (13) hectares is covered by rainforest at various stages of succession. The quarry is to be located on the northern margin of the rainforest at the top of the ridge and it will require I the removal of less than one (1) hectare of rainforest vegetation. A fifteen (1 5) metre wide road easement located on the western side of Lot 2, DP 802607 will allow construction of a six (6) metre wide by 1 .3 kilometre long access road from I Mereweathers Lane. In addition, infrastructure such as amenities blocks and product holding facility are to be located on Lot 2 directly adjacent and to the north of the proposed quarry as shown in Figure 2. The land where both the proposed road and I infrastructure will be located is generally cleared agricultural land.
Lot 29, where the quarry is to be located, has a long history of use as a grazing property. I It was cleared approximately sixty (60) years ago and further clearing was undertaken forty (40) to fifty (50) years ago. Since that time forest vegetation has regenerated on the property. However, as it is unfenced, cattle move hrough it to the ridgetop and use the I rainforest for shelter. Fire has been periodically used to facilitate weed removal, particularly along the bottom south-western edge. Consequently, fires have burn't up the steeply sloping ridges creating firepaths into the rainforest vegetation, which have been I colonised by several environmental weeds. There is connectivity, albeit fragmented, to a further fifteen (15) hectares of similar vegetation on adjoining properties along the same ridgeline, but mostly the subject area of vegetation is surrounded by cleared grazing land.
1.2 PROPOSAL OUTLINE
I The insitu limestone will be extracted by means of drill and blast. Approximately 7000 tonnes every four months will be quarried (21,000 tonnes per year). Processing will be by primaty jaw crushing and secondary crush to less than 12.0 millimetres, with final I processing by fully enclosed windswept ball milling to less than 250 microns (0.25 I millimetres). The product will then be transported to the holding shed and will be
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removed from site by road truck four (4) times a day. The expected life of the mine will be 40 to 50 years at the predicted rate of extraction. The following is a list of plant that is to be used at the site.
. A 20 tonne excavator. I Separation fan . 180 horse power (75kW) ball and mill grinder. Mobile 350 horse power jaw crusher (4 times per year). I . Mobile 250 horse power drill (4 times per year). . 25 kVA generator set. I 27 tonne payload road truck (4 times per day). Infrastructure includes demountable office, amenities block, toilets and showers, product I holding shed and 6000 litre water tank.
I 1.3 STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS
Threatened Species Conservation Act, 1995 (TSC Act) - commenced on-the 1st of I January 1996. The TSC Act made substantial amendments to the National Parks and Wildlife Act, 1974 (NPWS Act) and the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 (EP&A Act). One of the major features of the TSC Act is the integration of the I conservation of threatened species into the development control processes under the EP&A Act. In administration of sections 78A, 79C(1) and 112 of the EP&A Act 1979, the new Section 5A sets out eight factors which must be taken into account in deciding I whether there is likely to be a significant effect on threatened species, populations or ecological communities, or their habitats. Section 7 of this report addresses Section 5A of the EP&A Act. In October 2002 the Threatened Species Conservation Ammendment I Act was assented which makes a number of changes to the TSC Act. The new Act will be proclaimed in stages and many of the new provisions commenced on the 31st of January I 2003. SEPP - 44 - Koala Habitat Protection - In response to the statewide decline of Koala populations, the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning has enacted SEPP 44. The I policy 'aims to encourage the proper conservation and management of areas of natural vegetation that provide habitat for koalas to ensure apermanentfree living population over their present range and reverse the current trend of koala population decline'' SEPP I - 44 was gazetted in January 1995 and commenced operation on the 13 February 1995. Section 8 of this report addresses the requirements of this State Environmental Planning I Policy. Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBCAct) came I into force on the 161h of July 2000. Under the EPBC Act a development would require Commonwealth approval if it is likely to have a significant impact on a matter of national environmental signicance (MNES). Six matters of national environmental significance I are currently listed under the act. These are: nationally listed threatened species and
NATURAL IMPACT ecological solutions Barrington Lune - proposed limestone quarry and crushing operation - Flora and launa Impact Assessment
endangered ecological communities, Ramsar wetlands, World Heritage properties, listed migratory species, the Commonwealth marine environment and nuclear actions I (including uranium mining). If the proposal is likely to have a significant impact on a listed MNES then it triggers the EPBC Act. In this case the proponent must refer the proposal to the Federal Minister for the Environment to decide whether a particular I action is a 'controlled action' that triggers the EIA provisions. This act covers actions on Commonwealth land, State land, Council land, private land and water. The six MNES are addressed in the assessment section of the report. I Gloucester Local Environmental Plan 2000 - The study site is zoned Rural 1(a) and under the guidelines for that particular zoning, the proposed development would not be considered a prohibited development and is allowed in this zoning with the consent of Council.
Natve Vegetation Act 1997 - The NVC Act, 1997 allows for rural zone landholders to clearan area of up to two (2) hectares of native vegetation per annum on any contiguous landholding, without a permit. A proposal to clear more than two (2) hectares in any twelve month period would require lodgement of an 'application for native vegetation clearing' with the Department of Land and Water Conservation under the Act.
Soil Conservation Act 1938 - The owner, or occupiers of land must apply for authority to clear 'protected land' unless the action is classified under exemptions in Section 2 1 C of the Soil Conservation Act. Protected land means land mapped by the Department of Land and Water Conservation as having slopes generally in excess of eighteen (1 8) degrees from the horizontal or land within twenty (20) metres of the bed or bank of any river, stream, lake, lagoon or swamp mapped by the DLWC as being environmentally sensitive, or affected or liable to erosion, siltation or degradation.
NATU RAL IMPACT ecological solutions
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FIGURE 1 - REGIONAL LOCATION OF STUDY SITE Fe6 2003 LOT 29, DP1039045 BRUSHY MOUNTAIN, GLOUCESTER, NSW NATURAL IMPACT age 10 Representational only Ecological Solutions - ------
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BRUSHY MOUNTAIN TUIL IMPACT Plan supplied by Calver deWitt & Taylor CONSULTING SURVEYORS Ecological Solutions Page 11 Barrington Lime - proposed limestone quarry and crushing operation - Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment
2.0 ECOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS - METHODOLOGY
2.1 DESKTOP SEA RCHES
For the purpose of this report:
The study site is defined as the land boundary subject to the proposal (therefore Lot 29, DP 1039045 and part of Lot 2, DP802607, County of Gloucester, Parish of Gloucester.
The study area consists of the study site plus the immediately surrounding land potentially affected by the proposed development during construction and operation phase including adjacent parcels of land.
The study locality is the area of land within a ten (10) kilometre radius of the study site.
Desktop Survey
A review of the following databases and information was undertaken to assess potential significant species, ecological communities or populations occurring within the study locality
The New South Wales (NSW) National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Wildlife Atlas database was referenced for sightings of Schedule 1 & 2 species within a twenty kilometre radius of the study site and ROTAP (Rare or Threatened Australian Plants) within the study locality.
The NPWS Wildlife Atlas database was referenced for sightings of Schedule 1 & 2 fauna species within the study locality.
The ROTAP list by Briggs and Leigh (1996) was referenced for other ROTAP plant species which could potentially occur at the site.
Schedule 3 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act (1 995) was referenced to identify relevant 'Key Threatening Processes'
• In addition, Section 37, Part 3, Division I of the TSC Act, provides for the identificationand declaration of critical habitat. To date no relevant critical habitat has been declared.
. A search of listings by the Scientific Committee was undertaken for any recent or I preliminary additions to the above schedules, which may be applicable to this study.
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I Barrington Lime - proposed limestone quarry and crushing operation - Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment
. Six matters of national environmental significance (MNES) are currently listed in the I Environment Protecdon and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999) and have to be considered in administration of that Act. These are: nationally listed threatened species and endangered ecological communities, Ramsar wetlands, World Heritage I properties, listed migratory species, the Commonwealth marine environment and nuclear actions (including uranium mining). A co-ordinate point search using a 25 I kilometre buffer was carried out using Environment Australia's online database to determine listed species or areas which may occur at the site or be affected by the I development proposal.
I 2.2 FLORA SURVEY I OBJECTIVES The primary objectives of the flora survey were:
I . To describe and assess the vegetation communities on the study site. I . To compile a list of the flora occurring on the study site. . To identify if any significant plant species, or threatened plant species, threatened plant populations or ecological communities as identified by both the Threatened I Species Conservation Act (1995) and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1 999) occurred on the site and if so, assess the potential impact of I the proposed development on the identified populations and communities. FIELD METHODOLOGY
I Extensive flora surveys were carried out within the study area over two days in April 2002. Additional targeted surveys for Cynanchum elegans, as outlined in Appendix 4, I were undertaken in June 2002, January and Februaty 2003. . A combination of random walking transects and plot based surveys were used as I this sampling methodology is considered most suitable for the following reasons: to provide the most amount of information for a given input, provide a means to ' sample vegetation boundaries, provide means for assessing floristic diversity and possible presence of threatened species (Forest Fauna Surveys et al, 1997).
. ROTAP species referenced from the above sources and their habitats were I targeted during all surveys at the site.
. The vegetation communities were described and assessed by using qualitative I analysis in accordance with Forestry Commission ofNSW, 1989b; Walker &
I NATURAL IMPACT ecological solutions 13 I Barrington Lime - proposed limestone quarry and crushing operation - Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment
Hopkins, 1984; Hager and Benson, 1994. The determination of the conservation significance of the vegetation communities on the study site was also dependent on condition and continuity with surrounding vegetation. Plant species were identified to species or subspecies level by using the Flora of New South Wales (Harden, 1990, 91, 92, 93) and nomenclature conforms to that currently recognized by the Royal Botanic Gardens and follows Harden and P1antNET (2000) for changes since Harden.
Walkinc transects - Random walking traverses were used to target areas of potential habitat for rare plant species found in the region and a range of environmental gradients found within the study area. All plants observed within five metres either side of the traverse were recorded. The routes traversed are illustrated in Figure 3 and described below.
Transect 1 - Traverse of part of proposed road route over 170 metres through open grazing land. Australian Map Grid References (AMG ref: start 410630E, 6459350N; finish 410640E, 6459350N.
Transect 2 - Traverse of proposed road route over 200 metres through remnant clump of vegetationin grazing land. Australian Map Grid References (AMG ref: start 41 071 OF, 6459 190N; finish 410520E, 6459200N.
Transect 3 Traverse of approximately 160 metres through rainforest vegetation below ridge where quarry is to be located. Australian Map Grid References (AMG ref: start 410800E, 6458300N; finish 410610E, 6458250N.
Transect 4 - Traverse east west across a ridge of 110 metres through rainforest vegetation. Australian Map Grid References (AMG ref: start 410980E, 6458220N; finish 41 lO6OE, 6458 130N.
Plot based surveys - Two 20 X 20 metre plots were used to sample the rainforest community at the site. These were located as denoted by Table I and illustrated in Figure 3.
Table I - Australian Map Grid reference co-ordinates for location of plant survey quadrats.
Quadrat Number Vegetation Formation Easting Northing _____ Dry Rainforest 410980 6458220 2 Dry Rainforest 410860 6458320
Random plot based surveys are more likely to detect inconspicuous or the more cryptic threatened species as a smaller area is sampled in a concentrated search, however they are
NATURAL TM PACT ecological solutions 14 I Barrington Lime - proposed limestone quarry and crushing operation Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment inherently biased toward the domianat species rather than the rare ones (Cropper, 1993). I They also provide no assurance that the study site has been thoroughly searched. During this survey type the information recorded included: the physical attributes of the site, Australian Map Grid reference points, the vegetation community type, vegetation I structure, past disturbance (e.g. burning, logging), condition of site vegetation, weed ' invasion and all plant species observed.
Opportunistic records - Any plant species that had not been recorded during the above surveys and was found on the study site while undertaking other parts of the fieldwork I was recorded.
LIMITATIONS
The fieldwork was undertaken in April 2002 and the following limitations of the methodology are listed below:
Ephemeral species and spring flowering geophytes, including members of the families, Orchidaceae and Liliaceae, may have been overlooked due to the survey timing and cryptic nature of these plants.
Some species, especially monocotyledons, may have been overlooked due to absence of active growth or vegetative similarity to common species.
Species, which at the time of the survey did not have reproductive material present, may have been misidentified.
Although the study site was widely traversed by foot, no attempt was made to record every species and therefore the survey was not exhaustive.
If accurate taxonomic identification could not be made, a specimen was sent to the National Herbarium for confirmation, however accurate identification of some taxa is not always possible due to the absence of specific features, such as flowers or fruits, at the time of the survey.
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FIGURE 3- LOCATION OF FLORA SURVEY SITES Feb 2003 NATURAL IMPACT I Page 16 PHOTO DATE - APRIL 2001 Scale approximateiy 1:7250 Ecological Solutions Barrington Lime - proposed limestone quarry and crushing operation - Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment
2.3 FAUNA SURVEY
OBJECTIVES
. To identify and record the bird, mammal, amphibian and reptile species using the I study area. Threatened fauna species identified as having potential habitat at the study site were specifically targeted.
I 0 To ascertain the degree of impact the proposed development would have on the surrounding fauna. I
FIELD SURVEY
Fieldwork was conducted over five (5) days during the period from the 3 of April 2002 to 17° of April 2002. The time, air temperature, wind speed, cloud cover and phase of the moon were recorded at the start of each component of the fieldwork. During the fieldwork the weather was generally fine and warm as shown in Table 2. During the nights there was no moonlight, sunrise was approximately 6.10 EST (Eastern Standard Time) and sunset was around 1730 EST.
T,ihlp I - Wp,sthpr cnni1itinnc rinrtid diirinc cli rviv nrid. Day / Date recorded Maximum Minimum temperature Rainfall to 9.00am in temperature in degrees in degrees Celsius millimetres Celsius. April 13 29 II 0 April 14 28 12 0 April 15 27 14 0 April. 16 26 ---14 April 17 27 - 15 0 May 22 21 5 0 Figures provided by (loucester Rural Fire Service
BIRDS
(1) Diurnal Bird Survey
This involved a traverse of over 200 metres. At every 50 metres a minimum 10 minute sampling period was undertaken, recording all bird species observed or heard calling within a 50 metre radius of each survey site. This survey methodology was undertaken for a minimum of 40 minutes of a morning or afternoon.
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Diurnal Bird Opportunistic Sampling
During other duties opportunistic sitings or calls of birds were recorded. Diurnal investigations also included searches for whitewash or regurgitation pellets of owls, particularly in close proximity to any mature trees with large hollows.
Stag watching
This involves sitting beneath mature trees with large hollows at dusk to observe any owls departing from a hollow.
Nocturnal Bird Formal Census
The recommended methodology follows that described by York et al, (1991) and Debus (1995).
A listening period of 15 minutes was undertaken first, followed by broadcast of tape recorded calls of Masked, Sooty, Powerful and Barking Owls. These were broadcast through an 18 watt amplifier into adjacent bush land. Each species call was broadcast for five minutes, followed by five minutes of listening. Following the final broadcast, there was a listening period of 15 minutes for any audible vocal responses and then a foot spotlight search of the study area for a further 30 minutes.
No surveys were undertaken on windy or rainy periods.
Survey Effort
T,ihle I - Dptciik nf ,rnitiirniI hircl iirvv cffnrL & time - Site Birds surveyed Weather conditions -- L Date 13/04/2002, 1940h 1 Barking, Powerful Temp. 18.0 deg C., Wind light, very dark Masked and Sooty no moon) Owls 14/04/2002, 1900h 2 Barking, Powerful Temp. 18.5 deg C., Wind - calm, very dark Masked and Sooty ( no moon) Owls 16/04/2002, 1915h I Barking, Powerful Temp. 18.8 deg C., Wind - light, very dark Masked and Sooty (no moon) Owls I Three targeted nocturnal bird surveys were undertaken at two sites over three nights 13thi 16th between the April to April as detailed in Table 3. The location of the sites for the I subject surveys is illustrated in Figure 4.
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Three (3) diurnal bird surveys were undertaken during the period April 13t1 to April 17th Opportunistic sampling of birds was undertaken during all aspects of fieldwork. Stag I watching was undertaken for a one (1) hour period during one night on dusk.
I AMPHIBIANS
Diurnal Opportunistic Searches
This involved systematic searching of specific amphibian habitats such as ephemeral soaks, creeks, dense low vegetation and ground litter. Any appropriate cover (ground boulders, logs, tufts of vegetation) were randomly turned over or searched for resting individuals.
Nocturnal Searches
I These involved spotlight searches in appropriate habitat and listening for the characteristic call of male frogs. At each site calling species were identified both by call type and observation. In addition, the region was also extensively searched for the I presence of any species that might be present but not calling.
Provision was made for unknown calls from cryptic specimens, by carrying a small cassette recorder. This allowed recording of the calls for later identification and confirmation of identification.
- Survey Effort
Two (2) thirty (30) minute surveys over two different nights were undertaken at the dams I that occurred on the study site. This involved listening and identifying frogs calling from the dams and searching trees and appropriate cover proximate to the dams.
I Opportunistic records of frogs were made during other nocturnal and diurnal fieldwork.
MAMMALS - NON FLYING
Live Mammal Trapping I ' Tree traps - arboreal mammals were targeted with Elliott Type A and Type B traps mounted on platforms on the main trunk of large trees approximately two metres above the ground and inclined at an angle to facilitate drainage and positioned on the southwest side of the bole to shade from morning sun. The bole of the tree was sprayed with a I mixture of water and honey to act as an attractant.
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Ground traps - Ground dwelling mammals were targeted with Elliott Type A traps I located under logs, under herbage and other protected positions. Traps were also placed along potential animal pathways.
I Each trap was covered with a plastic bag to maintain dry conditions inside the trap in the event of rain. Traps were baited with a mixture of peanut butter, rolled oats and honey.
I Cage traps - Larger fauna was targeted by using two trap sizes: Bandicoot/ Rat type - 20cm* 20cm * 56cm platform trap and Possum/cat type - 30cm*3Ocm*60cm hook trap. The smaller traps were baited with the same mixture as the Elliott traps. The larger traps I were baited with a mixture of chicken, peanut butter, rolled oats and honey.
Spotlighting Spotlight searches were undertaken on foot throughout the project area. This was done using a 55 watt spotlight and involved periods of spotlighting followed by quiet listening in darkness to detect any animal movements or vocalizations.
Opportunistic Surveys Involved searching for indirect evidence to suggest the presence of species. These include collection of seats, examination of scratch marks on tree trunks and searches for characteristic diggings, burrows, tracks etc.
Survey Effort
The location of Elliott traps lines and cage traps is illustrated on Figure 4. The amount of I survey effort for each vegetation community is detailed in Table 4.
TihI a - t-Iriirtiihp Qnntficyhfina rind [Oliott trrinnin ctirvev effort. I Vegetation Corumuy_ Survey Technique Date of survey Time Grazing land Tree trapping -. 10 13/04/2002 to 3 nights Elliott B traps over 3 15/04/2002 nights (30 trap nights) Ground trapping 10 13/04/2002 to 3 nights Elliott A traps over 3 15/04/2002 nights (30 trap nights) I Cage Trapping - 1 - 13/04/2002 to 3 nights Bandicoot trap, I - 15/04/2002 Possum trap. (6 trap nights) Closed Forest - Dry Ground trapping: 50 13/04/2002 to 3 nights Rainforest Elliott A traps over 3 15/04/2002 nights_(150_ trap _nights) Cage Trapping: 2 - 13/04/2002 to 3 nights Bandicoot traps, 2 -- 15/04/2002 Possum traps. (12 trap nights)
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Spotlighting - was performed over the four (4) nights for a period of 5.5 hours. This was divided into 2.5 hours of spotlighting from a vehicle and 3.0 hours of spotlighting I traverses by foot. The location of spotlighting traverses is illustrated in Figure 4
I Opportunistic surveys - were carried out while undertaking all aspects of fieldwork.
I MAMMALS - FLYING
Opportunistic Surveys I An examination of potential roost sites and search for bat droppings was undertaken in order to assess the presence or absence of bats. Typical areas searched were: under bark I and suitable hollows in trees. In addition bridges or other human - made structures with potential to support bats were also searched. Searches were also undertaken for the presence of caves or disused mines within the study site. These searches were undertaken I during the daytime traverses of the site.
Flying Foxes were surveyed by spotlighting of potential food trees and by identification I of their characteristic social calls.
Ultrasonic call recording I Remote detection An Anabat 2 bat detector in combination with an Anabat 2 delay switch (supplied by I Titley electronics) and portable tape recorder were used to automatically record ultrasonic bat calls throughout the night.
I Walking detection The bat detector is hand-held and connected to a portable tape recorder for later processing. The operator walks around the sample area. Because the detector can be I oriented towards the bats, longer, better quality calls be obtained for species identification. This methodology is best undertaken at dawn or dusk to coincide with peak bat activity. I Survey Effort I Opportunistic Surveys- were undertaken during all other aspects of the fieldwork.
Ultrasonic call recording- An insectivorous Bat survey was undertaken using an I ultrasonic Bat call detector and time delay switch over a full night and the location of the detector for this survey is illustrated in Figure 5 as BAT 1. It was located to sample the I Dry Rainforest edge and several remnant hollow bearing eucalypts. Further to the above, two (2) walking traverses with the Anabat detector were undertaken along the edge of the Dry Rainforest community and in remnant vegetation in the grazing land. These traverses I are illustrated as BAT 2 and BAT 3 respectively in FigureS. Glen Hoye of Fly by Night
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I Barrington Lime - proposed limestone quarry and crushing operation - Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment
Bat Surveys Pty Ltd undertook the analysis of bat calls recorded during surveys at the site.
REPTILES
Opportunistic Surveys
Diurnal investigations for reptiles involved searching beneath rocks, logs, fallen timber and decorticated bark. Incidental sightings were also noted,
Survey Effort
Opportunistic Surveys were undertaken in the period from the 13/04/2002 to 17/04/2002 whist undertaking other activities. No pit traps were installed in either of the two broad vegetation communities on the site due to the presence of cattle.
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NATUL IMPACT ecological solutions 22
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Feb 2003 I FIGURE 5- BAT FAUNA SURVEY SITES NATURAL IMPACT PHOTO DATE - APRIL 2001 Approximate scale 1:7250 Ecological Solutions I Page 24
I Barrington Lime - proposed limestone quarry and crushing operation - Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment
LIMITATIONS
Despite undertaking a thorough investigation of the property with the abo\'e mentioned survey techniques, the results are restricted by factors which include limited survey time, I the weather prevailing at the time of survey and seasonality. This is particularly relevant to migratory fauna such as bats and birds. The weather conditions at the time of the survey were mild dark nights, warm days and generally dry with only 1.0mm of rain I being recorded during the survey period. Spotlighting and call playback for targeted owls and nocturnal mammals was carried out in good conditions. I The conditions for Elliott trapping were good, but again limited survey time and seasonality limit the results of these techniques. In addition, the cryptic nature and limited remaining populations of many of the target species makes it difficult to trap I individuals for identification.
The use of ultrasonic bat call detectors has greatly enhanced the detection of insectivorous bat species during fauna surveys. However, owing to the variations in call strength and frequency within and between bat species, the difficulty in identifying short or poor quality calls, the correct identification of bat species recorded by anahat recorder is not always guaranteed. Several species of bats are difficult to detect due to their quiet calls (eg. Nyclophilus sp.).
Survey techniques for fauna represent a snapshot in time' and therefore are limited in their ability to give a complete assessment of every potential rare and threatened species utilising the site.
Additionally, the occurrence of particular fauna in an area may be influenced by weather cycles such as: floods, droughts and irregular foraging resources such as flowering trees and shrubs.
Due to the above listed limitations, it is therefore considered advantageous to identify the habitat attributes occurring within an area and assign those species dependent upon those habitat types, based on knowledge of each species ecological requirements. Reference to previous studies in an area will also assist in identification of species not recorded during one survey alone.
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3.0 RESULTS - FLORA SURVEY
3.1 PRELIMINARY INVESTIGA TONS (FLORA)
A review of the available literature outlined in Section 2.1 was undertaken before the field survey to establish a list of significant flora species, endangered ecological communities and endangered populations, which have previously been recorded within the study locality and may potentially, occur at the study site. This enabled the targeting of those species, populations and ecological communities during the field survey.
SIGNIFICANT PLANT SPECIES
The Threatened Species listed in Table 5 were records accessed from the NPWS Wildlife I Atlas for the Dungog, Upper Manning, Wingham and Bulahdelah, 1: 100,000 map sheet (updated April 2002). Two (2) Endangered species - Cynachurn elegans, Pomaderris queensland/ca and two (2) Vulnerable species; Eucalyptus glaucina and, Asperula I athenes have previously been recorded within a 20-kilometre radius of the study site.
ROTAP species (Rare or Threatened Australian Plants) listed in Table 6 were records accessed from the NPWS Wildlife Atlas for the Dungog, Upper Manning, Wingham and Bulahdelah 1:100,000 map sheet (updated April 2002). Six (6) ROTAP species have previously been recorded within the study locality.
ENDANGERED POPULATIONS AND ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIE
Lowland Rainforest on Floodplain in the NSW North Coast IBRA (Interim Bioregional Area) is listed as an Endangered Ecological Community on Schedule 1 - Part 3 of the TSC Act (1995). There were no reievant endangered populations listed in the ubjec Schedules of either the EPBC Act (1999) or TSC Act.
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ThIo - T1rt,'rwrI £Irri nreviiuidv rtnrih'd within i 211 kilometre radins of the study site. FAMILY EPBC AC! TSC ROTAP No. of Distance and locality to Scieizt?fic Nu,,ie STATUS ACT STATUS records nearest record within 20 STATUS kilometre radius
ASCLEPIADACEAE F Sch / 3EC1 6 16.75 kilometres north in Cgnunchuin elegiois an area east of Camels 1-lu111p Nature Reserve.
RHAMNACEAE * Sch / (, 1 19.0 kilometres northeast of Po,nac/erris queenslandica study site near Mt George,
MYRTACEAE V Sch 2 3VCa 1 11.6 kilometres west on Eucalyptus gfaucina northern end oftheBucketts Mountain Range.
RUBIACEAE V Sch ? 3VC- 1 10.0 kilometres southwest on -Isperufa asilienes Waukivory Creek
* Not listed in Schedules of the TSC ACT 1995. II Recommended conservation status -I- Not listed in Comnionwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999) : End - Endangered; Vul - Vulnerable. No ROTAP status available.
AVoIe. These records are h .ed on inJirinalion supplied by the NSW National Parks and Wilillije Service and Environment A ustralia and ma y contain errors and Oissions.m Locations given are oiilc accurate to within/ Ailo,netre in any direction.
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Table 6 - ROTAP (Rare or Threatened Australian Plants) previously recorded within the study I; FAMILY EPBC Act TSC ROTAP No. of Distance and locality Scieiitijlc Name STATUS ACT STATUS records to nearest record within 10 STATUS kilometre radius
+ * FABACEAE - 2RC- 12 12.8 kilometres west of Mimosoideae study site on Gloucester Acaciafulva Bucketts Mountain Range MYRTACEAE + * 3R 2 19.1 kilometres west near Eucalyptus largeana Copeland
MYRTACEAE + * 3RC- 1 Gloucester township. This is Eucalyptus rudderi an anomaly or data entiy error. Nearest record is over 45 kilometres east of study site. PLANTAGINACEAE + * 2RC-. I Gloucester Bucketts This is Plantago cladarophylla an anomaly or data entry error. Nearest record is on Barrington Tops National Park. PROTEACEAE + * I Gloucester township. This is Grevillea granul(fera an anomaly or data entry erior. Closest record is 16.3 kilometres northeast of Gloucester near Bundook SAPINDACEAE + 3RCa 5 12.0 kilometres west of study Dodonaea rhomb(folia site on Gloucester Bucketts Mountain Range * Not listed in Schedules of the TSC ACT 1995. 4 Recommended conservation status + Not listed in Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999) : End - Endangered; Vul - Vulnerable. No ROTAP status available.
Note: These records are based on information supplied by the NSW National Park.c and Wildlife Sen'ice and Environment Australia and may contain errors and omission.r. Locations given are only accurate to within 1 kilometre in any direction.
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3.2 DESCRIPTION OF VEGETATION COMMUNITIES
Two broad vegetation communities were found to occupy the study site. The overstorey communities and associated understorey community for the study area are briefly described below. The extent and location of these vegetation communities is illustrated in Figure 6.
Table 7 - Modified veretation - Grazing land IRATU\1 SE PA RATtO Tree stratum 12 - 30 metres Scattered trees or Eucalyptus acmenoides clumps of trees Eucalyptus tereticornis Eucalyptus inoluccana Eucalyptus grandis Eucalyptus saligna Eucalyptus canaliculata Callistemon saligna Ivielia azedarach Melaleuca stypheloides Brachychiton populneus
Shrub stratum Up to 8.0 metres Dense to scattered Acacia maidenii Latana camaro Pittosporum ausiralis Croton vereauxii Notelea venosa Rapanea var/oh//is
Herb Stratum Up to 2.0 metres Dense Ageratina adenophora Chloris gavana Axonopus afjinis Imperata cylindrical Pasp alum dilatatu,n Pennisetum clandesiinum Aristida vagans Cymbopogen refracius Poa labillardieri Pratia purpurascens
Comments - The most common species found within this community are listed above in Table 7. This vegetation was typical of grazing land throughout the study locality generally and was largely dominated by pasture grasses and a high percentage of introduced species. There were scattered individual trees and clumps of trees of mixed age throughout, with several of the larger clumps of trees containing dense thickets of Lantana camara in the understorey.
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TihIe 9 - CIoed Forest - Dry Rainfoi-esf (ROW 1)WdlA\ I Ii( SEPARA1'R) Ernergents Up to 30 metres Scattered Eucalyptus saligna Eucalyptus grand/s Mel/a azedarach Toona cilia/a Ficus watkinsiana Dendrocnide excelsa Ficus macrophylla
Tree stratum 15.0 - 20.0 metres Dense Acacia maiden/i Backhousia sciadophora L'ysoxylum fraserianum Melia azedarach Melaleuca styphelioldes Cupaniopsis pai-vflora Dendrocnide excelsa Streblus brunonianus Mallotus philippensis Eleaocarpus obovata Guioa semiglauca
Vines Derris involuta Cissus A n/arc! ica Macluru coch chinch /nensis Pandorea pandorana Lagenophora moorei ,Jasm in/urn voluble Sm/lax australis Celastrus subspicatus
Tall shrub 8.0 metres Dense lvfallotusphilippens/s Dryp c/es australasica Croton vereauxi/ Claoxylon rnts ira/c Hybiscus heterophyllus Diospyros australis
Small Shrub Up to 3.0 metres Isolated clumps Lantana camara Pittosporum australis Breynia oblongfb/ia Croton vereauxii Alchornea ilicfolia Ma/lot/s philippensis Solanum maur/tianurn
Herb Stratum Up to 1.2 metres Sparse Adiantumjbrmosurn Lomandra spicata Gym nostachys anceps Cayratia cleinatidea Peilaeafalcata Pellaea paradoxa
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Barrington Lime - proposed limestone quarry and cruslung operation - ilora and launa Impact Assessment
I Comments - The most common species in each stratum of the Dry Rainforest community are listed in Table 8. This community is located on the top half of a ridgeline, which runs from the southeast to the northwest and therefore the vegetation is I facing a southwestern aspect. However, it is protected from the dry hot westerlies of summer by a range of hills that run parallel directly to the west. Typical of Dry kainforest communities generally, it is located on very shallow soils with an abundance I of exposed rock. This plant community covers approximately seventy (70) percent of the eighteen (18.6) hectares of the allotment DP1039045. Generally, the rainforest appears to I be in various successional stages with the vegetation on the more exposed spurs predominated by dense thickets of Lantana camara with scattered trees and shrubs. In the more protected drainage lines, the species composition and structure of the r±nforest I community is more normally developed with a range of species and vegetation strata. There are a number of factors that indicate it is not a very old stand of vegetation. Firstly, the predominance of early successional species such as Melia azedarach, Melaleuca I styphelfo ides, Eucalyptus saligna, Ficus watkins/aria, Ficus inacrophylla, Cupaniopsis parvE/bra, Dendrocnide excelsa, Streblus brunonianus, Ma/lotus philippensis, Eleciocarpus ohovcita and Guioa serniglauca. Secondly, the relative small stem size I (diameter at breast height) and finally the complete paucity of epiphytes. These factors support the anecdotal evidence that this community has probably only regenerated in the last forty (40) years.
As the vegetation was not fenced there were a number of cattle from the adjoining property sheltering in the rainforest during the day and nights and there was evidence of U impacts such as damaged shrubs and cattle tracks in various locations throughout the community. The dense thickets of Lantana camara, hibiscus heteroph yb/us, iviaclura cochchinchinensjs, Solanuin maurilianurn and Agercilinci adenophorci on the spurs I running down to the lower grazing country were most likely a result of repression of rainforest regeneration due to increased fire frequency in these locations; as the fires would generally create fire paths up the spurs from any burning in the grazing country in I the valley below.
3.3 FLORA SPECIES IDENTIFIED ON SITE
A total one hundred and fifty nine (159) vascular plant species were recorded within the study site; seven (7) fern species, thirty (30) species of monocotyledons, one hundred and twenty two (122) species of dicotyledons. Of the total species recorded, twenty six (26) introduced species (16 percent of all species) were identified, however this may have been nmch higher if the more disturbed areas on the site had been surveyed. A list of the flora species recorded and identified from within the subject site has been included as Appendix 1.
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FIGURE 6- VEGETATION MAP OF STUDY SITE Feb2003 NATURAL IMPACT PHOTO DATE - APRIL 2001 Approximate scale 1:7250 Ecological Solutions Page 32 Barrington Lime - proposed limestone quarry and crushing operation - Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment
3.4 NOXIOUS WEED SPECIES
Table 9 lists the noxious weed species found during the field survey in the project area. All weed species listed have been classified according to the list of declared noxious weeds within the Gloucester Local Government Area.
Tnhlc' Q - I ,ict nf ninhic weed- found within nroiect area. Plant Species Common Name - Occurrence in Study Classification Code site Ageratina adenophora Crofton Weed Grazing Land and Dry W3 Rainforest
Weed classflcaton codes: WI Presence of weed must be notifiedto the Local Control Authority and weed must befit/k' and continuously suppressed and destroyed.
tV2 These weeds must bejiilly and continuously suppressed and destroyed.
W3 These weeds must be preventedfrom spreading and its numbers and distribution reduced.
W4 The action specfIed in the declaration is specflc to each weed
Apart from the above listed noxious weed, another exotic species Lantana catnara occurs at the study site in significant abundance and should be controlled.
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I 4.0 DISCUSSION - FLORA SURVEY I 4.1 DISCUSSION - SIGNIFICANT PLANT SPECIES, POPULATIONS AND ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES.
Table 5 and Table 6 list significant plant species previously recorded within twenty (20) kilometres of the center of study site. This is located at Australian Grid Reference I AGD66 - Zone 56, Easting 410720, Northing 6458350.
During targeted surveys of the site, a number of sub-populations of Cynanchum elegans, I which is listed as a Schedule 1 species on the TSC Act and Endangered on the EPBC Act were found to be present on the study site.
I Due to the relative large area of vegetation, not all of it could be searched during the surveys on the site. Therefore, following is an assessment of the likelihood of any of the other subject species listed in Tables 5 and 6 occurring on the study site based on; the I suitability of habitat occurring at the study site, the probability of missing the species during targeted surveys and the intensity of survey in relation to the area of the study site.
SPECIES ONSCJ-IEDULES 1 OR 2 OF THE TSC ACT (1995) OR IDENTIFIED AS I ENDANGERED OR VULNERABLE IN THE COMMONWEAL Tif EPBCA (1999).
1 Cnachum elegans White - flowered Wax Plant Conservation assessment - Is listed on Schedule 1 of the TSC Act and is listed as I Endangered on the EPBC Act. Conservation assessment is 3ECi - meaning the species has a geographic range greater than 100 kilometres, it is assessed as endangered, and it occurs in a conservation reserve. However it is not adequately conserved within I conservation reserves (NPWS, 1993). Habit - C. elegans is a climber or twiner.
Habitat - This species occurs predominately in Diy Rainforest, Littoral Rainforest and the ecotone between Dry Rainforest and Open Forest, however it has been found in the I Manning Valley in Open Forest types. It occurs on a variety of lithologies and soil types. All the Manning Valley sites occur on the Permian to Carboniferous Giro beds which are a sedimentary group consisting of mudstone, conglomerate, siltstone, shale and sandstone I (NPWS, 1993). It has been found between the altitudinal range sea level to 600 metres a.s.1., and rainfall between 760 and 1250 mm annually. Common associated species include Gel/era parviflora, Notelea microcarpa, Banksia integrifolia, Ficus ssp., Guioa I setniglauca, Melia azederach, Streblus brunonianus and Pittosporum revolutum. The
NATURAL IMPACT ecological solutions 34 Barrington Lime - proposed limestone quarry and crushing operation - Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment
presence of Dry Rainforest is often used as an indicator for suitable habitat. Within the State Forests of the Taree district, the presence of the small tree, Backhousia sciadophora I is used as an indicator species for suitable thy rainforest habitat.
Likelihood of occurrence: A population of this species, consisting of a relative large number of subpopulations, was found in the Dry Rain/b rest community occurring within the study site and as this species is listed on Schedule 1 of the TSC Act, ajbrmal assessment of the impact of the project on the subject species under Section 5A of the EP&A Act (8 part test) is presented in the assessment sec/ion of this report.
Pomaderris queenslandica
Conservation assessment - This species is listed as endangered (Schedule 1) on the TSC Act (1995).
Habit P. queenslandica is a shrub to 3.0 metres high.
Habitat - This species occurs as far west as Narrabri and east to the Moreton district in Queensland and south to around Denman in NSW. In lower north-eastern NSW it has been recorded from the Upper Hunter, Mt Dangar, Gloucester, Wingham and Kempsey districts. Commonly occurs in moist eucalypt forests with a shrubby understorey, and occasionally along creeks. It is found in IronbarklCypress pine forest in sandy soil, west of Warwick on the Darling Downs to very tall open forest with Eucalyptus major, E. henryi, E. sideroxylon and shrubby understorey in quartzite and shale on the D'Aguilar Range in the Morton District also in Queensland (NPWS, 2000b).
Likelihood of Occurrence —There are two previous records of this species within the Lower North Coast area, both within the Mt George area. Closest record is 19 kilometres northeast of the study site. This species has not been recorded in the Gloucester Local Government Area and no Pomaderris spp. were recorded at the study site during a targeted search. This species has been recorded only in Open Forest (Harden and Murray, 2000; NPWS, 2000b). Considered unlikely to occur at the study site and therefore will not be considered any further in this report.
Eucalyptus glaucina Slaty Red Gum
Conservation assessment - This species is listed on Schedule 2 of the TSC Act and is listed as Vulnerable on the EPBC Act. Conservation assessment is 3VCa, meaning that the species has a geographic range in excess of 100 kilometres, it is assessed as vulnerable and there are adequate reserves of the species in a conservation reserve near casino in northern NSW.
Habit - E. glaucina is a tree up to 30 metres high with a smooth white, olive green and grey bark
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Barrington Lime - proposed limestone quarry and crushing operation - bra and Fauna Impact Assessment
Habitat - It is known to occur in grassy woodland on deep, moderately fertile and well watered soil ; near Casino and from Taree to Broke (Hill, 1991). Also in dry scierophyll I forests on coastal sediments and has been recorded in Myrtle State Forest, Braemar State Forest, Bungalwalbin State Forest, Rappville Railway Station, Paterson River and Gloucester District (Chapman and Richards, 1997). In the Dungog area this species is I usually found growing as a woodland species in soils which appear to be intermediate between the badly drained soils in the valley where Eucalyptus amplUàlia (Cabbage Gum) is frequent and the better drained soils on the foothills where Eucalyptus I lereticornis (Forest Red Gum) is dominant. Because it occurs in the valleys it is commonly found on previously cleared land (Bill Dowling, pers. comm.). The only I records in the Gloucester and Booral areas are found in similar habitat and with similar species to that described in Dungog.
I Likelihood of occurrence: This species was not found during targeted surveys of all areas ofproposed disturbance. It is considered that suitable habitat does occur at the study site and using the precautionary approach aformal assessment under Section 5A of I the EP&A Act ('8 part test) is presented in the assessment section of this report.
Asperula asthenes
Conservation assessment -. Is on Schedule 2 of the TSC Act and is classified as I vulnerable on the EPBC Act. Conservation assessment is 3VC-, meaning that the species has a geographic range of less than 100 km. It is assessed as being vulnerable - meaning that while not presently endangered it is at risk over a period of 20 - 50 years of I disappearing from the wild through continued depletion, or changes in land use which may threaten its survival.
I Habit - Decumbent perennial herb to 30 cm long.
1-labitat - Its habitat is recorded as damp sites often along riverbanks (James and Aiien, I 1992). Herbarium records indicate that this species prefers growing in soils with regular high moisture levels as it is commonly recorded along creek banks or regularly inundated swampy areas. It has been recorded growing on banks of Manning River, Granite Creek I NW of Kempsey, 1995; Wilson River, Mt Boss State Forest; Waukivory Creek, Gloucester, 1897; of a tributary to Brushy Creek at Coolongolook, 1997; Kellys Creek at Girvan, 1997; in swampy areas at Wallis Island, 1947; and 2km SW of Forster, 1997. The I record 2km south west of Forster is in lightly disturbed moist forest dominated by the tree species Melaleuca quinquenervia, Eucalyptus rob usta and Livistonia australis. Understorey species included Glochidion fernandi, Gahnia sp., Eleocharis sp., Cyperus I sp. and various ferns (Royal Botanic Gardens herbarium database, 1999).
I Likelihood of occurrence: This species was not found during survey and it is unlikely to occur due to the absence of suitable habitat. This species usually occurs along river ' banks or other wet sites. As such, the subject species is unlikely to occur within the study site, therefore no further assessment is required.
NATURAL IMPACT ecological solutions 36 I Barrington Lime - proposed limestone quarry and crushing operation - Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment
ROTAP (Rare or Threatened P/ants) SPECIES RECORDED WITHIN THE STUDY I LOCALITY Table 6 lists three (3) ROTAP (Rare or Threatened Australian Plants) species, Acacia fulva, Eucalyptus largeana and Dodonaea rhombifolia, which have been recorded in the I study locality and potentially may occur at the study site. Three other species listed do I not occur within the study locality and are erroneous records. Eucalyptus largeana a tree, Acaciafulva and Dodonaea rhombifolia, both shrubs, are distinct and obvious species, which were not found during targeted surveys. Acacia lu/va I appears to be restricted to the area of the Gloucester Bucketts Mountain Range. Dodoneaa rhombUolia is known only from the Gloucester Bucketts and Morgrani Ranges, which have similar geology and vegetation communities. The only box barked I eucalypt growing on the study site was Euca/)ptus nioluccanna. Eucalyptus largeana is very obviously different and was not present within the study site. I ENDANGERED ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES
I Lowland Floodplain Rainforest was not found within the study siLe (Refer to assessment section). I 4.2 CONSER VA TION STA TUS OF VEGETA TION COMMUNITIES
Assessment of the conservation significance of vegetation communities on the study area I are based on the following criteria: . The overstorey communities for the development site are compared to existing relevant phytosociological classifications (Forestry Commission of NSW, 1989; I Hager and Benson, 1994 and Floyd, 1990). Hager et. al. and Floyd provide a basis ' for conservation assessment of overstorey vegetation on a regional and statewide basis and are used here to identify communities of potential conservation significance.
. Condition of vegetation community including overstorey, understorey and 1 continuity of vegetation with surrounding vegetation communities. I Limitations of the conservation assessment due to recent additions to the reserve system, which were not included when the original conservation assessments by I Hager and Benson (1994) and Floyd (1990) were determined.
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MODIFIED VEGETATION - Grazing Land
This plant community has been heavily modified for agriculture and as such does not haveconservation significance. However, two noteworthy species were found to occur within this community:
Eucalyptus grandis - This must be one of the western most populations of this species in I the Lower North Coast. It commonly occurs much closer to the coast because seedlings are frost sensitive.
I Eucalyptus canaliculatá - Is a common species occurring on the ridges of the Gloucester area, however it has a very restricted distribution from north of the Hunter River to Gloucester. I The remaining remnant trees do have conservation significance for the following reasons:
I . The fauna habitat attributes they provide, such as nesting hollows and food for arboreal, flying, scansorial mammals and birds. • Law, Chidel and Turner (2000) in studies of paddock trees on farmland found I they provided habitat for a number of threatened species including Brush-tailed Phascogale (Phascogale tapoatafa), Yellow Bellied Glider (Petaurus australis), Yellow-bellied Sheathtale Bat (Saccolaimusjlaviventris) Greater broadnosed Bat l (Scoteanax rueppellii) and several other species. . They are indicators of the former natural vegetation within the study site. I . They are a source of local provenance seed for any future replanting projects.
I CLOSED FOREST - Dry Rainforest. The rainforest on the study site would be representative of Floyd's (1990) Backhousia I sciadophora, Dendroenide -- Drypetes Suballiance No 28. Floyd suggested that this Suballiance was inadequately conserved at its southern limit, in the Dungog area. However, Hagar and Benson (1994) record it as adequately conserved on the Lower I North Coast. This small area of rainforest is all that remains of Maidens (1 895) 'paradise for I botanists". Maiden describes a large area of intact, mature rainforest at Brushy Mountain as he travelled the road to Krambach. He describes many 'brush trees of large size" and adds that, " to prepare a flora of Brushy Mountain would necessitate camping on it for a I fortnight".
The Dry Rainforest on the study site has little resemblance to the rainforest described by Maiden. It is a relative small area, of early successional rainforest, which in places is
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fragmented by impenetrable thickets of Lantana camara, Maci ura cochchinchinensis and other early pioneer species. However, it does have high conservation significance: I firstly, due to the presence of a population of Cynanchurn elegans, an endangered vine. The future viability of the population of C. elegans is dependent on the maintenance of its habitat. Secondly, the dry rainforest on the study type is representative of an over- cleared vegetation type. I 4.3 IMPACT OF PROPOSAL ON VEGETATION
Table 10— Area of vegetation to be modified by proposed development. VEGETATION FORMATION AREA IN HECTARES - AREA TO BE CLEARED OR - (Approximately) MODIFIED (Ha.) Grazing Land 231 Up tol5 remnant trees of which 8 could be classed as significant habitat trees? Dry Rainforest 13.0 <1.0
Table 10 lists the area of vegetation to be modified by the proposed development. It is considered that the removal of up to 15 remnant trees on the Grazing Land for the location of the access road and quarry infrastructure is not significant based on the abundance of similar vegetation locally and regionally.
It is proposed that less than one (1) hectare of Dry Rainforest be removed for access to the limestone deposit. Locally, based on figures provided by NPWS there is approximately 4016 hectares of Dry Rainforest reserved in Bretti Nature Reserve, Camels Hump Nature Reserve and Woko National Park. In local State Forests there is approximately 2,523 hectares of Dry Rainforest present in Copeland Tops Flora Reserve, Bowman State Forest, Coneac State Forest and Mernot State Forest (State Forests NSW). Added to this is an unknown area of small rainforest remnants on freehold land similar to the small area on the study site.
Floyd (1990) lists 76,100 hectares of condition Class 1 and 2 Dry Rainforest within NSW. At the time 20500 hectares was present in National Parks, Nature Reserves, Flora Reserves or other conservation reserve types. State Forests and other Crown timber lands contained 46,500 hectares and the majority of this is unlikely to be logged.
Based on the above information, the amount of Dry Rainforest to be removed for the proposed development is not considered significant either locally or regionally
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I 4.4 CONCLUDING STA TEMENT A relative large number of sub-populations of Cynanachum elegans, a plant listed as endangered in both the TSC Act and the EPBC Act, was found to occur in the Dry Rainforest community at the study site. Furthermore, based on the occurrence of records within the study locality and the availability of suitable habitat within the study site, Eucalyptus glaucina a species listed as vulnerable on both the above Acts was also considered a subject species. Therefore, the impact of the proposed development on both C. elegans and E. glaucina will be assessed under Section 5A of the EP&A Act and this is undertaken in the Assessment Section of this report.
Ageratina adenophora and Lantana camara were two (2) serious environmental weeds which were recorded at the study site. Ageratina adenophora is a W3 noxious weed in the Gloucester Local Government Area, meaning the weed must be prevented from spreading and its numbers and distribution reduced.
It is considered that the impact of the proposed development on the broad vegetation types present on the study site will not be significant, based on the amount of similar vegetation types both locally and regionally.
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5.0 RESULTS - FAUNA SURVEY U S. / HA RITA T IDENTIFIED WITHIN THE STUD Y SITE U In assessing the faunal habitat on the study site a number of attributes were investigated for and used as a mechanism to determine qualitatively the types of habitat, which I occurred on the study site. This would assist in analysis of which threatened and non- threatened species may use the area. The following is a list of those attributes:
Number of habitats on study site. Type and structural complexity of vegetation. . Presence and frequency of large hollow bearing living and dead trees. I Density of shrub and herb strata. . Floristic diversity of vegetation. Presence of fallen logs and/or rock outcrops. I Presence of soaks or water bodies. . Extent of connectivity to surrounding vegetation in the study area and study I locality. Signs of fauna use. . Extent of weed invasion U Disturbance regime past and ongoing Two distinct faunal habitats occur on the study site. Comprehensive floristic and I structural descriptions are discussed in Section 3 of this report. Below is a report of the fauna attributes of both plant communities, taking into account the above list:
U GRAZING LAND
The habitat structure was typical of this vegetation type, generally a sparse tree cover with a dense ground cover mostly dominated by a number of introduced grass species. In the more sheltered areas Agerauina adenophora (Croon Weed) formed dense stands. There were several isolated clumps of trees that contained a number of large hollow bearing trees and stags and a shrubby understorey, predominately consisting of the environmental weed species, Lantana camara (Lantana). There were also scattered, large old hollow bearing paddock trees throughout this habitat, which although restricted in their value to native fauna, are able to provide features of importance to a diversity of species (Law et al, 2000). There were also a number of patches where regeneration of tress and shrubs, such as, Acacia ;naidenii, Solanun2 mauritianunt, Hibiscus heterophyl/is and Me/ia azderach was occurring. There were no rock outcrops and little in the way of fallen timber within this habitat type.
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There were two small dams, which were shallow and very turbid due to disturbance from cattle, as cattle pugging was evident throughout the dam. Grass grew to the edge and there was very little in the way of suitable cover for reptiles or frogs in close proximity. The drainage lines throughout this habitat were dry during the time of the heLl survey
DRY RAINFOREST
This habitat type covered approximately thirteen (13) hectares of the study site and was located on the side of a southwest facing ridge with a slope ranging from fifteen (15) up to forty (40) degrees. It consisted of a dense low canopy up to twenty (20) metres high, but in places becoming a thicket of vines such Mac/nra cochchinchinensis, Luntuiici carnara and Cissus an/act/ca. The most common emergents were eucalypts and very hew contained hollows due to the relative young age of the stand. Where it was present, the tall shrub stratum was dense, however the small shrub and ground strata were generally very sparse and easy to traverse through. At the top of the ridge there was a large amount of surface rock and boulders up to a metre diameter, which provided good habitat for terrestrial fauna. Leaf litter was dense where it was flat enough to collect and there was scattered fallen timber throughout. The drainage lines were very steep and any runoff would drain away very quickly. This stand is currently unfenced and cattle ti-averse through it and use the forest edge for shelter. There is evidence of fire burning from the adjoining farm into the lower edge of the forest and extending up the spurs as this has caused changes in the floristic and structural diversity of the forest in these areas.
This forest is generally isolated from other large areas of proximal forest habitat because the surrounding land has been largely cleared for agriculture. This would provide a significant barrier to fauna movement particularly for the less mobile species such as small terrestrial mammals and reptiles.
No special habitat features common on limestone, such as caves, were located during the field survey.
5.2 PRELIiI'IINA R Y IN VESTIGA TIONS ('FA UNA)
Fifty-seven (57) Threatened Species have been previously recorded, or are thought to occur within the region, including two (2) reptile species, five (5) frog species, twenty six (26) bird species, twelve (12) non-flying mammals and twelve (12) flying mammal species. These records were derived from State Forests, 1995 and records held on the NPWS Wildlife Atlas (updated April 2001). An inventory of the species, including conservation status under both the TSC Act and EPBC Act, whether they have been recorded within a ten (10) kilometres arid/or twenty (20) kilornetres radius of the study site and the suggested potential to occur at the study site are listed in Table 11.
The suggested potential to occur at the study site was based on the following criteria: tii-stly, whether suitable habitat was present on the study site and was large enough to sustain a viable population. Secondly, whether the study site was within the normal range of the species. If it was likely to be visited by \agrant or sporadic individuals, these species were ruled out as subject species.
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Table 11 - Threatened fauna snecies nreviouslv recorded or thought to occur within the region. Scientific Name Common Name TSC EPBC Record Record Potential to occur Act Act within within at the study site 10km 20km
REPTILES Hoplocephalus bitorquatus Pale-headed Snake 2 - Possible Hoplocephalus stephensii Stephens Banded Snake 2 - * Possible AMPHIBIANS Litoria aurea Green and Golden Bell 1 V See Section 6.1 Frog Discussion. Litoria booroolongensis Booroolong Frog 1 - * * Erroneus record on Wildlife atlas. May ocdur west of Great Dividing Range. Litoria brevipalmata Green Thighed Frog 2 - Unlikely, lack of habitat Mixophyes balbus Stuttering Frog 2 V See Section 6.1 Discussion. Mixophyes iteratus Giant Barred Frog 1 E Unlikely lack of habitat BIRDS Botaiirus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern 2 - Unlikely, lack of habitat Burhinus grallarius Bush Stone-curlew 2 - Unlikely, Wildlife atlas shows no records in region. Records on Coast or Hunter Valley. Calyptorhynchus lathami Glossy Black-Cockatoo 2 - * See Section 6.1 Discussion
Calyptorhynchus Red-ta;'ed Black Cockatoo 2 - Unlikely, outside magnificus? normal range Climacteris picumnus Brown Treecreeper 2 - Unlikely, at edge of range Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus Black-necked Stork 2 - * * Unlikely, lack of habitat Grantiella picta Painted Honeyeater 2 - Unlikely, at edge of range. Preferred food not present (mistletoe). Irediparra gallinacea Comb-crested Jacana 2 - Unlikely, lack of habitat Ixobrychus flavicollis Black Bittern 2 - Unlikely, lack of habitat
1 - Schedule I TSC Act (1995), 2 - Schedule 2 TSC Act; E - Endangered EPBC Act, V - Vulnerable EPBC Act, Mi - Migratory species EPBC Act. Bold - denotes species found on site.
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Table 11 - Threatened fauna previously recorded or thought to occur within the region (continued
10km 20km
BIRDS (continued)
Lathamus discolor Swift Parrot 2 E Sporadic, no critical habitat at study site. Lophoictinia isura Square-tailed Kite 2 - Unlikely, lack of habitat Melanodryas cucullata Hooded Robin 2 - Unlikely, at edge of range Ninnox connivens Barking Owl 2 - Possib Ninox strenua Powerful Owl 2 - * * See Section 6.1 Discussion Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck 2 - Unlikely, lack of habitat
Pachycephala olivacea Olive Whistler 2 - Unlikely, lack of habitat. Found at higher altitudes. Pandion haliaetus Osprey 2 - Unlikely, lack of habitat Pomatostomus temporalis Grey-crowned Babbler 2 - * Possible Ptilinopus magnificus Wompoo Fruit-dove 2 - * * Possible Ptilinopus regina Rose-crowned Fruit Dove 2 - Possible Ptilinopus superbus Superb Fruit Dove 2 - Unlikely, outside normal range Pyrrholaemus sagittata Speckled Warbler 2 - Unlikely, outside normal range. Sporadic vagrants.
Rostratula benghalensis Painted snipe 2 - Unlikely, lack of habitat Tyto novaehollandiae Masked Owl 2 - * Possible Tyto tenebricosa Sooty Owl 2 - * Possible
Xanthomyza phrygia Regent Honeyeater 2 E Unlikely, lack of habitat. Favoured eucalypts not present at study site.
. I - Schedule 1 TSC Act (1995), 2 —Schedule 2 TSC Act; E - Endangered EPBC Act, V - Vulnerable EPBC Act, Mi - Migratory species EPBC Act. Bold denotes species Found on site.
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Table 11 - Threatened fauna previously recorded or thought to occur within the region (contin ned).
Aepyprymnus rufescens Rufous bettong 2 - Unlikely, lack of habitat Cercartetus nanus Eastern Pygmy Possum 2 - Possible Dasyurus maculatus Spotted-tailed Quoll 2 V * * Possible Macropus parma Parma Wallaby 2 - See Section 6.1 Discussion. Petaurus australis Yellow-bellied Glider 2 - * Unlikely, lack of suitable habitat. Petaurus norfolcensis Squirrel Glider 2 - * * Possible Petrogale penicillata Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby 2 V Unlikely, lack of habitat Phascogale tapoatafa Brush-tailed Phascogale 2 - * * Possible Phascolarctos cinereus Koala 2 - * * Possible Potorous tridactylus Long-nosed Potoroo 2 V Unlikely, lack of habitat.
Pseudomys oralis Hastings River Mouse 2 E Outside range. Found on Tableland and ranges. Thylogale stigmatica Red-legged Pademelon 2 - * * Unlikely, lack of habitat.
. I - Schedule 1 TSC Act (1995), 2 —Schedule 2 TSC Act; E - Endangered EPBC Act, V - Vulnerable EPBC Act, Mi - Migratory species EPBC Act. Bold - denotes species found on site
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Table 11 - Threatened fauna previously recorded or thought to occur within the region (continued). Scientific Name Common Nahie TSC EPBC Rcórd :Rco ôtèntial to occur Act Act within within at the study site 10km 28km
MAMMALS - FLYING
Chalinolobus dwyeri Large-eared pied bat 2 - Possible Falsistrellis tasmaniensis Great falsistrelle 2 - Unlikely, due to lack of habitat. Kerivoula papuensis Golden-tipped bat 2 - * Possible Miniopteris australis Little Bent-wing Bat 2 - * Possible Miniopterus schreibersii Common Bent-wing Bat 2 - * * Possible Mormopteris norfolkensis East-coast freetai! bat 2 - * Possible Myotis macropus Large - footed myotis 2 - * Unlikely, lack of critical habitat attributes. Pteropus poliocephalus Grey headed flying fox 2 Possible Saccolaimus flaiventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail 2 Possible Scoteanax rueppellii Greater Broadnosed Bat 2 Possible Syconycteris australis Common blossum bat 2 Unlikely, lack of habitat Vespadelus troughtoni Eastern cave bat 2 - * Unlikely, lack of critical habitat attributes. Roosts in caves and no caves were found on study site. Considered to occur within wet and dry sclerophyll forest and woodland.
I - Schedule 1 TSC Act (1995), 2 - Schedule 2 TSC Act; E - Endangered EPBC Act, V - Vulnerable EPBC Act, Mi - Migratory species EPBC Act. Bold denotes species found on site
The information provided above determines the potential for locally recorded threatened fauna species to occur within the habitats of the proposed development area and immediately surrounding lands. This information is used to guide fauna field surveys on the study site, such that techniques adopted are adequately designed to target species, which have potential to occur.
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5.3 FA UNA FIELD SUR VEY RESULTS
Seven (7) frog species, nil (0) reptile species, twenty five (25) bird species, twelve (1 2) ' mammal (non flying) species (of which four are introduced species) and seven (7) mammals (flying) species were recorded during field surveys throughout the study site. Table 12 lists a complete inventory of all species recorded and Appendix 2 lists a complete inventory of the live mammal trapping results. One Threatened species, I !vliniopleris schreibersii, classified as vulnerable under the TSC Act (1995) was recorded at the study site. I Table 12— Fauna located within or near the nroiect site.
Scientific Name Common Name Survey Method Habitat Conservation k Status TSC Act or EPBC Act AMPHIBIANS
Litoria verreauxii Verreauxs Tree Frog Call I
Litoria tyleri Tylers Tree Frog Call 1
Litoria /esueuri Lesueur's Frog Caught I
Li Litoriafallax Eastern Dwarf Tree Call 1,2 Frog I Limnodynastes Spotted Grass Frog Call tasmaniensis
Limnodynastes Striped Marsh Frog Call peronii
Crinia sigmfcca Common Eastern Call Toadlet
. 1 - Schedule I TSC Act (1995), 2 - Schedule 2 TSC Act; End - Endangered EPBC Act, Vul - Vulnerable EPBC Act, Mi - Migratory species EPBC Act. I Survey technique: Trap - Trapped, Obs. - sighting, Scat - scat analysis (Barbara Triggs), Spot- spotlighting, Call - call analysis, Anabat -. Anabat 2 detector, signs -- diggings etc. I Habitat: I - ( Grazing land); 2 - (Dry Rainforest). * - Introduced species, ? - Tentative identification I
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Table 12— Fauna located within Study area (continued.
Scientific Name Common Name Survey Habitat Conservation Method Status TSC Act or EPBC Act
BIRDS Zoslerops latera/is Silvereye Obs. 1,2
Vane//us mi/es Masked Call Lapwing
Strepera graculina Pied Currawong Obs. I Rhipidurafuliginosa Grey Fantail Obs. - Pli/onorhynchus Satin Bowerbird Obs. 1,2 violaceus
Platycercus eximius Eastern Rosella Obs.
Platycercus elegans Crimson Rosella Obs 1,2
Pachycephalapectora/is Golden Whistler Obs 1,2
Ivie/iphaga /ewinii Lewins Obs. 1,2 Honeyeater
M1a/urus cyaneus Superb-blue Obs. Fairy-wren tvlacropygia amboinensis Brown Cuckoo- Obs. 2 Dove
Gymnorhina tibicen Australian Obs. Magpie
Eopsaltria au.stralis Easter'i Yellow Obs. 2 Robin
Enib/ema temporal/s Red-browed Obs. Firetail Finch
Dacelo novaeguineae Laughing Obs. 1 Kookaburra
Corvus coronoides Australian Obs. 1,2 Raven
I - Schedule 1 TSC Act (1995), 2 - Schedule 2 TSC Act; End - Endangered EPBC Act, Vul - Vulnerable EPBC Act, Mi - Migratory species EPBC Act. Survey technique: Trap - Trapped, Obs. - sighting, Scat - scat analysis (Barbara Triggs), Spot- spotlighting, Call - call analysis, Anabat - Anabat 2 detector, signs -- diggings etc. Habitat: 1 .- ( Grazing land); 2 - (Dry Rainforest). * - Introduced species, ? - Tentative identification
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Tahli 12— Friiini Inetd within Study irea (continued
Scientific Name Common Name Survey Habitat Conservation Method Status TSC Act or EPBC Act
BIRDS (Contiued)
Coracina Black-faced Obs. novaehollandiae Cukoo-shrike
Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike- Obs. thrush
Climacteris leucophaea White-throated Obs. Treecreeper Calyptorhynchus Yellow-tailed Obs. 1,2 funereus Black Cockatoo
Aquila audax Wedge-tailed Obs. Eagle
Aiias superciliosa Pacific Black Obs. Duck
Ailuroedus crassirostris Green Catbird_ — Call 2
Acanthizapusilla Brown Thornbill Obs.
Psophodes olivaceus Eastern Call. 1, 2 Whipbird
1 - Schedule I TSC Act (1995), 2 - Schedule 2 TSC Act; End - Endangered EPBC Act, Vul Vulnerable EPBC Act, Mi - Migratory species EPBC Act. Survey technique: Trap Trapped, Obs. sighting, Scat - scat analysis (Barbara Triggs), Spot- spotlighting, Call - call analysis, Anabat - Anabat 2 detector, signs - diggings etc. Habitat I - ( Crazing land); 2 - (Dry Rainforest). * - Introduced species, ? - Tentative identification
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TohI. 1 - tnn Itd within Qti,ilv irpn (gintiniipcfl
Scientific Name Common Name Survey Method Habitat Conservation Status TSC Act or EPBC Act
MAMMALS Vulpes vulpes* Red Fox Scat Trichosurus vulpecula Common Spot. Brushtail
Tachyglossus aculeatus Short-beaked Obs. 1 Echidna
Rattusfuscipes Bush Rat Trap 2 -
Pseudocheirus Common Spot. peregrinus Ringtail Possum
Oryctolagus cunicullus* European Rabbit Signs I
Ivfacropus giganteus Eastern Grey Scat I Kangaroo
Isoodon macrourus Northern Brown Signs Bandicoot
Fells catlus* Cat Obs. 1
Bos Taurus* Cattle Obs
Antechinus stuartii Brown Trap 2 Antechinus
Antechinusfiavipes Yellow-footed Trap 1,2 Antechinus
1 - Schedule I TSC Act (1995), 2 - Schedule 2 TSC Act; End - Endangered EPBC Act, Vul - Vulnerable EPBC Act, Mi - Migratory species EPBC Act. Survey technique: Trap -- Trapped, Obs. - sighting, Scat - scat analysis (Barbara Triggs), Spot- spotlighting, Call - call analysis, Anabat - Anabat 2 detector, signs - diggings etc. Habitat: I - ( Grazing land); 2 - (Dry Rainfo rest). * - Introduced species, ? - Tentative identification
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I Tihlp 12— Fnnnn In'tpr1 within Study frnntinuidL Scientific Name Common Name Survey Method 1-labitat Conservation Status I TSC Act or EPBC Act I MAMMALS (Flying) Vespadelus vulturnus Little Forest Bat Anabat 1
Vespadelus pumilus? Eastern Forest Anabat 1,2 I Bat
Tadarida australis White-striped Anabat 1,2 I Mastiff Bat Rhinolophus Eastern Anabat 1,2 megaphyl/us Horseshoe Bat
I [/ioteris sp.2? Freetail Bat Anabat 1,2
Miniopteris sclzreibersii Large Bent- Anabat 1,2 2 I wing Bat Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Anabat 1,2 Bat I - Schedule I TSC Act (1995), 2 - Schedule 2 TSC Act; End - Endangered EPBC Act, Vul - Vulnerable EPBC Act, Mi -- Migratory species EPBC Act. Survey technique: Trap - Trapped, Obs. - sighting, Scat - scat analysis (Barbara Triggs), Spot- spotlighting, Call - call analysis, Anabat - Anabat 2 detector, signs - diggings etc. Habitat: I - ( Grazing land); 2 - (Dry Rainforest). * - Introduced species, ? - Tentative identification
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I 6.0 DISCUSSION - FAUNA SURVEY
6.1 CRITICAL HABITA TASSESSMENT OF SELECTED TIIREA TENED PA UNA 1 KNOWN OR LIKELY TO OCCUR WITHIN THE GLOUCESTER REGION AND LISTED IN TABLE 11.
Of the Threatened Species listed in Table 11, thirty six (36) have been ruled as not being suitable subject species, however it is considered that several require further discussion as I to why they were ruled out. I Litorea aurea Green and Golden Bell Frog This species preferred habitat is in large permanent swamps or ponds with plenty of emergent vegetation, especially bulrushes. It will occasionally inhabit ornamental ponds I and farm dams where these occur close to preferred habitat.
The dams at the study site are highly turbid due to cattle activity, have no bulrushes, I sedges or other suitable fringing vegetation. The nearest recorded population is at Myall Lakes National Park over sixty (60) kliometres southeast of the study site. This species I does not occur within the study site. Mixoph yes balbus Stuttering Frog
These species are restricted to wet sclerophyll forest and rainforest and are usually found fairly close to permanent running water.
I The perennial Tugrabakh Creek is located in the valley below the Dry Rainforest vegetation. However, the valley has been cleared for agriculture and the creek, which in btween rain events is a string of small waterholes, is badly degraded due tc the impacts I of cattle. This species has never been found in still water localities or in areas where streamside vegetation has been removed (White, 1994). Due to the severe habitat I alteration it is unlikely that M. balbus would be present at the site.
I Calyptorhynchus latharni Glossy Black-Cockatoo This species is usually associated with wet or dry sclerophyll forests where suitable feed I tree species (Allocasuarina torulosa, A. littoral/s and A. sir/eta) occur. C. lathami is also reliant on roomy cavities in mature eucalypts for nesting. I
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Allocasuarina sp., which this species relies on were not found at the study site and there were few suitable nesting sites. As such, the study site is considered too marginal br C. laihaini.
Ninox slrenua Powerful Owl
This highly mobile species is a forest species with exacting requirements for suitable nest and roost sites. It is highly dependent on arboreal prey such as Greater Gliders (Petauroides volans), Ringtail Possums (Pseudocheirus peregrinus) and other moderate to large size mammals.
There study site is isolated by large tracts of surrounding farmland ftom any larger forest areas which may contain suitable habitat for N. strenua. There are no suitable nesting sites within the study site and it is considered that prey density is too low. As such, it is considered unlikely that the study site provides suitable habitat for N. slrenua.
Macropus parma Parma Wallaby
This species is primarily a nocturnal macropod that feeds on grasses and herbs. During daylight hours it seeks shelter amongst shrubs. Habitat is wet sclerophyll forest with nearby grassy areas, rainforest margins and occasionally drier eucalypt forests.
It is considered that the Dry Rainforest on the study site does not represent suitable habitat for M. parma because of the open understorey, large edge to area ratio and relative small size and isolation of the remnant from larger areas of suitable habitat. Predators such as cats, local dogs and foxes would use this small remnant for foraging and it is considered that M. parma is highly susceptible to such predation pressure (AMBS, 1995). I Those species that do not have habitat, or the habitat is considered too marginal within the study area will not require any further assessment and will not be considered further I in this report. Twenty one (21) species are considered to have potential habitat within the study site and as the subject species or their habitat may be affected by the proposed development, they will be further addressed via Section 5A (eight - part test) of the I Environmental Planning and Assessment Act (1979), as amended by the Threatened Species Conservation Act, 1995. The results of this assessment are presented in Section 7 I of this report.
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I 6.2 DISCUSSION ON RESULTS OF ON SITE FA UNA SUE VEY Amphibians and Reptiles I Conditions for the herpetological study were reasonable with good rains several weeks before the survey and a small amount of rain falling during the survey. The nights were I mild and daytime temperatures were warm. Frog species diversity recorded during the survey was considered fairly typical of the I habitats present on the study site. All of the listed frog species were recorded from the Grazing Land area on the study site with Litoriafallax also recorded calling from Lantana thickets in the Dry Rainforest vegetation. The species recorded from ihe darns I are very disturbance tolerant species and included: Limnodynastes peronii, Limnodynastes tasmaniensis and Crinia sign ifera, The remaining species were either recorded calling from vegetation on the Grazing Land or in the case of Litoria lesueuri I were caught in the grass on the ridgetop obviously moving between preferred habitats.
During six days of field surveys including targeted surveys of log and rock rolling, lifting I loose bark on trees and scratching through leaf litter to find reptiles, none were recorded. This was surprising and difficult to explain considering the warm conditions. These results may merely reflect the cumulative effect of habitat modification over a number of I years at the study site.
The Grazing Land contained few suitable refugia such as hollow logs, rock crevices, and I associated with this lack of cover would be increased predation potential. Other causes may be an artefact of previous disturbance such as fire, weed removal and clearing. There I were also no riparian areas, which are key reptile habitat. The Dry Rainforest contained an abundance of rock crevices and it is difficult to understand why reptile species were not found in this habitat. Unfortunately due to the I presence of cattle and shallow soils it was impossible to use pit traps during the survey and this may have given much better results, particularly for this habitat type.
I Species which occur in the area and would potentially occur at the study site include: Eastern Long-necked Turtle (Chelodina longicollis), Eastern Blue-tongued Lizard (Tiligua scincoides), Grass Skink (Lampropholis delicata), Garden Skink (Lampropholis I guichenoti) Eastern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja textiles), Blind Snake (Rompholylops nigrescens), Carpet Python (More/ia spilota), Red-bellied Black Snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus), Bandy Bandy ( Vermicella annulata) and Red napped Snake (Furina I diadenia) I Birds The number of bird species recorded on the site was considered low and is again I probably a reflection of the disturbed nature of the habitats on the site. Only one water bird, the Pacific Black Duck, was recorded on the site and this was due to the small
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amount of suitable waterbird habitat. Furthermore, the two dams present were very small and severely degraded by impacts from cattle. The majority of the birds recorded were representative of open country birds, with only the Green Catbird and Brown Cuckoo- Dove considered rainforest specialists.
No nocturnal birds were recorded during spotlighting or whilst listening for characteristic calls.
In a regional context the habitat value of the site for birds is considered low, given the relative abundance of open habitats such as grazing land and the relative small area and isolation of the remnant rainforest habitat. However, the Dry Rainforest may offer a degree of foraging habitat or may act as a stepping stone habitat for itinerant species such as the fruit doves when certain rainforest species are fruiting or when these fruigivorous species are moving between larger habitat areas in the region.
Mammals (non-flying) I No arboreal fauna were trapped in the tree traps despite thirty trap nights. Several Brush- tailed Possums and one Ring-tailed Possum were recorded in groups of remnant trees in I the Grazing Land during spotlighting surveys, but overall arboreal mammal density was low. There was evidence of Bandicoot diggings at the study site and a number of cage traps were set over three (3) nights with no result. Macropod species were not observed, I however fresh scats were found in the Grazing Land which indicated periodic use.
Six (6) Yellow—footed Antechinus (Antechinus flavipes), were trapped in a remnant group of trees with a dense shrubby understorey occurring on the Grazing Land. However, the majority of terrestrial mammals were trapped in the Dry Rainforest area with; three (3) Brown Antechinus (A. stuartii), twelve (12) (Ajlavipes) and eight (8) Bush Rats (Rat/us fuscipes) being trapped over the three days. Some of the above may have been recaptures as individuals were not marked. The high number of species caught in the rainforest is indicative of the suitable habitat with an abundance of rock crevices and some fallen timber on the forest floor.
One third of the non-flying mammal species were introduced species including predators such as the Red Fox and Feral Cat, the former identified from a scat and the latter was observed on a road near the study site. As the majority of remnant vegetation on the study site has a large edge to area ratio it is expected that the above predators would be having a significant impact on native fauna, especially in the grazing land where there is little cover.
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MAMMALS (Flying)
The bat surveys were undertaken during mild nights and concentrated on edges of the fragmented vegetation on the study site including the edge of the Dry Rainforest and I remnant groups of trees. Bat species diversity for the study site was typical for the range of habitats present. One threatened species, the Large Bent-wing Bat (Miniopteris schreibersii) was recorded as occurring on the study site during surveys. Two of the bat I species recorded are obligate cave dwellers, M.schreibersii and the Eastern Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus megaphyllus), the remaining five (5) are tree roosting species. The presence of the seven bats indicates that a range of bat species are using the site for I foraging and potentially using some of the scattered hollow bearing trees on the site for roosting.
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7.0 EIGHT PART TEST OF SIGNIFICANCE
7.1 BACKGROUND TO EIGHT PART TEST The EP&A Act 1979 was amended by the TSC Act 1 995. As a result, Section 5A (the eight part test) was created which aims to improve the standard of consideration and protection afforded to threatened species, populations and communities, and there habitats in the planning process.
The objects of the TSC Act are as follows:
to conserve biological diversity and promote ecological sustainable development
to prevent the extinction and promote the recovery of threatened species, populations and ecological communities.
to protect critical habitat of those threatened species, populations and ecological communities that are endangered.
to eliminate or manage processes that threaten the survival or evolutionary development of those threatened species, populations and ecological communities that are endangered.
to ensure the impact of any threatening actions is properly assesscd and
to encourage the conservation of threatened species, populations and ecological communities by the adoption of measures involving co-operative management.
The outcome of any threatened species assessment should be that developments and activities are undertaken in an environmentally sensitive manner and that appropriate measures are designed into the development to minimize adverse impacts on all flora and fauna; in particular threatened species populations or ecological communities and their habitats.
Determining authorities have an obligation under the EP&A Act to consider whether a proposal is likely to significantly affect threatened species, populations or ecolngical communities, or their habitats. To make a determination in this regard, the determining authority uses Section 5A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 (EP&A Act). This section sets out eight factors to be considered in deciding whether there is likely to be a significant effect on threatened species, populations or ecological communities, or their habitats and hence if a Species Impact Statement is required. The issues in Section 5A to be considered are: a) In the case of a threatened species whether the life cycle of the species is likely to be disrupted such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction;
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b) In the case qf an endangered population, whether the life cycle of the species that I constitutes the endangered population is likely to be disrupted such that the viability of the population is likely to be significantly compromised.;
I In relation to the regional distribution of the habitat of a threatened species, population, or ecological community, whether a significant area of known habitat is to be modfIed or I removed; Whether an area of known habitat is likely to become isolated from currently inter connecting or proximate areas of habitat for a threatened species, population or ecological I community; I e) Whether critical habitat will be affected; f) Whether a threatened species, population or ecological community, or their habitats, are adequately represented in conservation reserves (or other similar protected areas) in the I regional environment of the species, population or community;
g) Whether the development or activity proposed is of a class of development or activity I that is recognised as a threatening process.
h) Whether any threatened species, population or ecological community is at the limit of its I known distribution.
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I 7.2 ENDANGERED POPULATIONS Parts (b), (c), (d), (f) and (h) of the Eight Part Test are used to assess the impact of the proposed development on an Endangered Population. Part (b) of the Eight Part Test is specifically for the assessment of the impact of the development on the lifecycle of the species that constitutes the endangered population and whether the lifecycle of that particular species is likely to be disrupted such that the viability of the population is likely to be significantly compromised.
There are no relevant endangered populations effected by this development.
7.3 ENDANGERED ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES
Parts cc), (d), (f) and (h) of the Eight Part Test are used to assess the impact of the proposed development on an Endangered Ecological Community.
Hunter Lowland Redgum Forest in the Sydney Basin and North Coast IBRA was listed as an Endangered Ecological Community in December 2002. This vegetation community, as defined in the NSW Scientific Committee Determination, is generally an open forest with the most common canopy tree species being Eucalyptus tereticornis and Eucalyptus punctata although other frequently occurring canopy species are Angophora costata, Corymbia maculata, Eucalyptus crebra and Eucalyptus moluccana. The mid stratum is characterized as open with sparse shrubs and the lowest stratum is consistently grasses and herbs.
Even though both Eucalyptus tereticornis and Eucalyptus moluccana were present at the study site on the grazing land, they occurred as isolated paddock trees. The only remnant group of trees on the study site, which retained an open forest structure were completely dominated by Eucalyptus acmenoides with an occasional Eucalyptus moluccana. As such, Hunter Lowland Redgum Forest did not occur within the study site.
Lowland Rainforest on Floodplains in the North Coast IBRA This vegetation occurs on fertile soils in lowland river valleys on the NSW north coast. It supports a rich diversity of plants and animals. Typical tree species in the community include Figs (Ficus macrophylla, Ficus watkinsiana, Ficus watkinsiana), Palms (Archontophoenix cunningham iana and L ivistonia australis), Silky Oak (Grevillia rob usIa), Brush Cherry (Syzygium australe) and Black Bean (Castanospernum australe) (NPWS, 2000).
The rainforest remnant at the study site was not in a lowland river valley or on a floodplain and was described in this report as Floyd's Suballiarice 28, which is not one of the rainforest Suballiances listed by the NSW Scientific Committee as a category of the subject rainforest. As such, Lowland Rainforest on Floodplain does not occur at the study site
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Given the above, Lowland Rainforest on Floodplains and Hunter Lowland Redgum Forest, listed as Endangered Ecological Communities in the North Coast IBRA, will not be affected by this proposed development.
7.4 CRITICAL HABITAT
Part (e) of the Eight Part Test considers whether a proposed development or activity is likely to affect land that is, or is part of, critical habitat.
There is no relevant critical habitat within the vicinity of the project area.
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7.5 KEY THREA TENING PROCESS
Part (g) of the Eight Part Test considers whether the development or activity proposed is of a class of development or activity that is recognised as a Key Threatening Process. It is also required that any Key Threatening Process which may be introduced by the development or activity proposed be considered. Table 13 lists the Key Threatening Processes currently listed on Schedule 3 of the TSC Act.
Table 13- Key Threatening Processes currently listed on Schedule 3 of the Threatened Species ti Ari (1OQ) Key Threatening Process Listing Anthropomorphic Climate Change Det. Alteration to the natural flow regimes of rivers and streams and their floodplains and wetlands Det. - Bushrock removal Det. Clearing of native vegetation. Det. Competition and grazing by the feral European Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus - Det. Competition from feral honeybees Apis inellhfera Det. High frequency fire resulting in the disruption of life cycle processes in plants and animal and Det. vegetation structure and composition. Importation of Red Imported Fire Ants So/enopsis invicta Det. Infection by Psittacine Circoviral (beak and feather) Disease affecting endangered psittacine species and populations. Det. Invasion of native plant communities by Chiysanthemoidcs monilifera - Det. Loss and/or degradation of sites used for hill topping by butterflies Det. Infection of native plants by Phytop/ithora cinnamomi Det. Predation by Gain busia holbrooki (Plague Minnow or Mosquito Fish) Det. Predation by the European Red Fox Vulpes vu/pes - Det. Predation by the Feral Cat, Fells calus -Det. Predation from the Ship Rat, Ratios rat! us on Lord Howe Island Det. Infection of frogs by amphibian chytrid causing the disease Chytridioniycosis Prelini. Invasion of native plant communities by exotic perennial grasses Prelim. Removal of dead wood, dead trees and logs -. - Prelim. L)ct: F INAL !)LII5I(i'.1INA IIUfN, I'rcilnl: I'I(I,l,u%IIfNAI( Y 1,1) I I\
Anthropomorphic climate change.
I Climate change is a process that is assessed at the global scale. A Greenhouse Gases study is to be undertaken for the proposed development to assess the developments contribution to the total Australian annual greenhouse gas production. It is expected that the main contribution of gases I such as carbon dioxide will come from fossil fuel use in machinery.
Carbon dioxide is produced from the clearing of vegetation and is absorbed by regeneration of I forest vegetation. As part of the development proposal a small amount of rainforest vegetation will be removed for access to the limestone deposit, however this is a small percentage of a much larger area of vegetation. which will be retained and protected on the study site. I Furthermore, the impacts are temporary, as the site will be revegctated at end of quarry life.
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Alteration to the natural f'ow regimes of rivers and streams and their floodplains and wetlands
As part of the development proposal it is intended to build a small sediment darn on the drainage line which drains the quarry site. This will have a small impact on the flow pattern of the dammed drainage line. However, the dam will prevent increases in sedimentation to downstream environments and therefore is necessary to prevent degradation of downstream aquatic environments and subsequent decline in biodiversity.
Bushrock removal
This Key Threatening Process does not include removal of rock for approved quarrying activities and it is not intended to remove rock for any other purposes.
Clearing of native vegetation
Clearing of any area of native vegetation, including areas less than two (2) hectares in extent, may have significant impacts on biological diversity. The majority of listed threatened species, I populations and ecological communities and many that are presently not listed as such are adversely affected by this threatening process. Examples of the impacts of clearing of native vegetation are: fragmentation, loss of local populations of individual native species, increased I greenhouse emissions, increased habitat for invasive species, loss or disruption of ecological processes and changes to soil biota.
U With the proposed development, it is intended to locate the quarry access road and infrastructure on land that has largely been cleared for agriculture. However, several remnant trees and a small amount of shrub regeneration will have to be removed. Additionally, to access the limestone I deposit, it will require the clearing of less than one (I) hectare of Dry Rainforest vegetation.
fle impacts of the above clearing on the lifecycle of each of the subject speies listed in Table I 14 will be addressed in part (g) of the eight part test on each species. I Competition and grazing by the feral European Rabbit Oryciolaus cuniculus There is evidence that feral rabbits impact negatively on indigenous species via competition for I resources, alteration of the structure and composition of the vegetation, and land degradation.
Rabbits are utilising the study area at present. The proposed development will not lead to any I increase in area of habitat suitable for the feral rabbit and as such will not give cause to any increase in impacts from the feral rabbit. I
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Competition from feral honeybees Apis mellifera
It is not intended to introduce the feral honeybee Apis melhjra as part of this development proposal.
High frequency fire resulting in the disruption of life cycle processes in plants and animal and loss of vegetation structure and composition.
The proposed development will not cause an increase in the incidence of fire events. The proponent proposes to prevent fires occurring or suppress any that may accidentally occur due to the need to protect assets such as, the quarry infrastructure and rainforest habitat of the threatened species Cynanchum elegans.
Importation of Red Imported Fire Ants Solenopsis invicta
Red Imported Fire Ants have recently been discovered around the Port of Brisbane and on the south-western suburban margins, although some have been intercepted in Victoria having been transported in pot plants and soil (Wilson, 2002). The principal means of transport for the queens of the Red Imported Fire Ants is in soil and landscaping products such as mulch, old timber rails and pot plants.
The proposed development will not require the use of landscaping products or soil from areas infested with the Red Imported Fire Ant Solenopsis invicta.
Infection by Psittacine Circoviral (beak and feather) Disease affecting endangered psittacine species and populations.
This disease affects parrots and their allies and is often fatal. A simple virus infects and kills the feather and beak cells, as well as cells of the immune system, leaving birds vulnerable to bacterial and other infections.
PCD does not necessarily represent a major threat to species unless there are few populations or limited numbers of birds that are susceptible to catastrophic events. The virus can potentially be transferred into wild populations of susceptible parrots by release of birds that have been infected by a captive breeding program.
It is unlikely that actions involved in this development would lead to an increased risk of spread of infection of PCD
Invasion of plant communities by Chrysanthem o ides monilifera
C. monilfera (Bitou Bush) was not found within the study area and will not be introduced to the site by this development.
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Loss and/or degradation of sites used for hill topping by butterflies.
It is not known if the study site is used for hill topping by butterflies. However, there is no documented evidence, nor was there any evidence observed during the survey of the site to suggest that the hilltop where the development is to be located is an important location for the lifecycle of local butterfly populations.
Infection of native plants by Phylophihora cinnarnorni.
P. cinnarnonii is a soil borne pathogen belonging to the water mould group (Oomycetes). The spread of P. cinnamorni occurs through the movement of spores. Propagules may be dispersed over large distances from a site in flowing water such as storm run-off, dispersed by vehicles, animals, walkers and movement of soil used in the horticultural industry. In all these cases, movement of P. cinnamomi involved infected soil and/or root material.
There is no documented evidence, nor was there any evidence of symptoms of P. cinnarnorni, such as dieback or localized areas of tree mortality, observed during the survey of the study site. This is indicative that the disease is not present at the study site. It is therefore considered unlikely that that the proposed development will lead to an increased risk of infection of native plants by P. cinnamomi.
Predation by Gambusia hoibrooki (plague Minow or Mosquito Fish).
G. hoibrooki has been identified as a significant predator of some native fish and more predominately the eggs and tadpoles of native frog species.
The study site has a number of drainage lines, which would only contain water during heavy rain events. These are not suitable habitat for G. hoibrooki as this species requires permanent water. There are several small farm dams, however these are severely degraded by the impacts of cattle and G. hoibrooki was not observed to be present. Planning for this proposal does in'olve [he installation of a small sediment dam on the study site, however it will not be on a permanent watercourse and G. hoibrooki will not intentionally be stocked in the dam. Therefore, it is considered that the proposed development is unlikely to contribute to the increased abundance and distribution of G. hoibrooki
Predation by the Feral Cat (Fe/is catus) and The European Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) During fieldwork, a feral cat was recorded in close proximity to the study site and fox seats were identified on the study site. As such it is likely that both feral species are utilizing the study site to prey on native fauna. As the majority of the study area and surrounding land has been cleared for agriculture, the patterns of movement of the fox and feral cat in the study area would be well established.
With the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures outlined in Sections 7.6 and 10, it is unlikely that the proposed development will lead to increased predation pressure on native I fauna from foxes and feral cats.
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Predation from the Ship Rat Raitus raius on Lord I-lowe Island.
Not relevant to this study.
Infection of frogs by amphibian chytrid causing the disease Chytridiomycosis.
Chytridiomycosis is a fatal disease of amphibians and is caused by the chitrid Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. The chytrid is virulent only to adult amphibians, however it has been found in the keratinised mouthparts of tadpoles. This disease has become a global epidemic in amphibian populations. The first known occurrence of the disease in Australia was in south-east Queensland. On the east coast of Australia it has spread from the Big Tableland (near Cooktown) south to Melbourne. The main dispersal agents of the pathogen are: the international and domestic trade in amphibians as pets, frogs accidentally transported in agricultural produce, handling of frogs for scientific purposes and interaction with frog habitats.
Populations of frogs living in high altitude areas above 400 metres are more severely affected by the disease and frogs associated with streams are more likely to be infected because the pathogen is waterborne. Further, the appearance of chytriomycosis in a frog population may make it less able to withstand other threatening processes.
The area where the proposed quarry and infrastructure is to be located has no critical or permanent frog breeding habitats such as perennial streams or ponds. It is considered that I there is no suitable habitat within the study site for any of the frogs listed on Schedule 1 or 2 of the TSC Act. Litoria lesueuri (Lesueur's Frog), which was listed on the preliminary determination by the NSW Scientific Committee as. potentially under threat I by the subject disease, is a common species in this region and was recorded at the study site. However, it is considered that the proposed development does not contain any actions that would lead to an increased risk of infection and spread of the subject I pathogen.
Invasion of native plant communities by exotic perennial grasses.
The access road and infrastructure of the proposed development will be located on existing cleared land that is currently being used for cattle grazing. The dominant grass I species growing in this area are listed in Table 7 and include several species listed as having adverse impacts on native plant communities (Chioris gayana and Pennisetuni I c/andes/mum). As these grasses are unable to tolerate the low light levels under a rainforest canopy, it is considered that the proposed development will not lead to the invasion of the remnant Dry Rainforest community by exotic grass species. As such, this I process is not considered a threat to the populations of the Schedule 1 plant Cynanchum elegans present within the Dry Rainforest community on the study site..
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Removal of dead wood, dead trees and loas.
It is not intended to allow removal of dead wood, dead trees and logs for the purposes of firewood collection or "general tidying up", as part of this development. The access road and infrastructure will be located on existing cleared land and it is planned to remove mature trees only where it is unavoidable. However, trees and shrubs removed for the purposes of location of infrastructure and quarry will be pushed into windrows and burn't when conditions are suitable.
In conclusion, the proposed development is not expected to increase the incidence of any of the above listed Key Threatening Processes.
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7.6 EIGHT PART TEST OF SIGA/IFICAiVCE
The following section gives consideration to those factors contained within Section 5A of the EP&A Act (1979), with regards to the flora and fauna species listed in Table 14. These are the threatened species known or considered likely to occur on the study site and surrounds and potentially could be affected by the proposed development.
The proponent has advised that the following measures will be implemented as part of the development:
Property Management Plan as detailed in Section 10
There will be no damage to Cynanchum elegan plants outside the immediate area of the quarry. Any C. elegans seedlings found within the proposed area of disturbance will be translocated to an appropriate position within the dry rainforest on the study site. Vegetative propagation material will be collected from every sub-population to be removed from the proposed area of disturbance for propagating ex-situ. When the C. elegans plants have grown to a suitable stage, they will be replanted in appropriate positions within the dry rainforest on the study site. There will be no removal of wood on the ground or dead hollow bearing trees for the purposes of firewood collection or general tidying up. Implementation of an ongoing weed removal and rainforest regeneration strategy. Ecological research and collection of plant material off C. eI.'?gans plants will be permitted for approved persons or organizations. Development and implementation of a hazard reduction and contingency plan to provide protection for the remnant rainforest area. There will be no hazard reduction burning without prior consultation of NPWS officers (with knowledge and requirements of C. elegans) Erect boundary fencing to exclude cattle. No dumping of rubbish or other waste material in rainforest remnant. No roads or tracks will be constructed into rainforest remnant
Quarry Construction and Operation
The proposed quarry operation has the potential to have a number of direct impacts on the remnant rainforest area and the Cynanchum elegans population. It is intended to avoid adverse impacts to the rainforest by the following actions related to quarry operation:
Placement of timber stockpiles to avoid damage to rainforest when they are burnt. Placement of topsoil and non-saleable product to avoid sedimentation in rainforest area. Implement erosion and sediment controls to avoid any proximate impacts to rainforest associated with road and quarry construction and operation.
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. Implement surface water controls to mitigate any potential hydrological changes, I which may cause adverse impacts to rainforest. Management of blasting operations to avoid throw rock causing damage to rainforest area. I . Rehabilitation of the site at end of quarry life. The mine operation plan (MOP) will contain a detailed plan of operation including the I following: Timber Removal
Because of the small scale of the proposed quarry there is only a small amount of timber to be removed. Any timber of commercial value, in particular rai1forest timbers, will be I removed before stripping. The remainder will be pushed to a cleared area and used for separation bunding on the northern side of the infrastructure area. At a suitable time, stockpiles will be burnt. The stockpiles will be placed at a suitable distance where heat I radiation from a burning stockpile will not adversely affect the rainforest edge.
Placement of stockpiles
Topsoil Management
Suitable topsoil material will be stripped from areas to be disturbed. Most topsoil materials will be derived from the infrastructure area and the area in front of the advancing quarry. The recovery of all suitable topsoil will be a pre-requisite to any soil disturbance.
Topsoil will be stockpiled on the western side of the infrastructure area in accordance with Soil Conservation Service specifications. Stockpiles will be seeded with sterile grass seed and used for future rehabilitation purposes.
Non - saleable waste product
This will be used for road base and it will be spread on the access road when required.
Erosion and Sediment Controls (Refer to erosion and sediment control plan in main report).
All water runoff from stockpiles and areas of disturbance, such as the quarry, road and infrastructure areas will be directed to and intercepted by the sediment dam. This will avoid any sedment being taken into rainforest area. A sediment and erosion control plan will be submitted with the D.A.
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Blasting Operations
It is intended that blasting of quarry face will be undertaken in such a manner as to eliminate throw rock, which may adversely impact on the rainforest remnant by causing damage to plants.
Changes to site hydrology (Refer to Erosion and sediment control plan in the main report).
Groundwater - No groundwater was found during exploratory drilling to thirty (30) metres and it is therefore anticipated, that the groundwater flow patterns will not be significantly changed by the proposed quarry.
Surface water and subsurface water - The quany, which will cover an area of approximately one (1) hectare at end of life is located at the very top of the ridge. It is intended to maintain the current surface drainage patterns on the study site. The maintenance of surface and subsurface flows within the quarry area will ensure that the rainforest vegetation downslope does not suffer from any significant modifications to water flow caused by the proposed development.
Surface runoff generated by the quarry area located on the southern side of the ridge will be drained into a contour swale located downslope on the southern boundary of the I quarry. Any water pooling in the contour swale is expected to seep downslope and if surface water exceeds the capacity of the contour swale it will overflow and be discharged downslope into the rainforest. A sediment fence located on the swale mound I will mitigate elevated sediment levels from an overflow event.
Surface runoff generated in the crushing plant area located on the northern side of the ridge will be drained north into an ephemeral drainage line and then into a sediment dam. Elevated sediment levels will be ameliorated by appropriate location of sediment fences and sediment retension dam. In between tunoff events, excess water in the dam will be drained or a pumpout system will be used to transfer runoff water to the 6000 litre tank dedicated to fire emergencies.
All sediment and erosion controls will be checked and maintained following each storm event.
NATURAL IMPACT ecological solutions 69 I Barrington Lime - proposed limestone quarry and crushing operation - Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment Revegetation of quarry site after quarrying has ceased.
Regeneration and revegetation of quarry site will be addressed in the quarry closure plan lodged with the Department of Mineral Resources within 14 years of quarry closure. The I main objective of the revegetation programme is to stabilize all disturbed areas through the establishment of pasture, trees and shrubs. I The following guidelines will be used in the revegetation programme: . The revegetation program will be undertaken in consultation with relevant government bodies (DLWC, Depatment of Agriculture and Department of I Mineral Resources). It is intended to revegetate the quarry site to its original pre-disturbance vegetation. The area to be feturned to pasture will be tosoiled and utilise suitable pasture species listed in Appendix 1. The quarry area will utilise suitable endemic rainforest tree and shrub species for revegetation, preferably using local provenance seed or seedlings. The species selected should consist of hardy pioneer species such as Acacia maiden/i, Breynia o blongifolia, Eucalyptus saligna, Eucalyptus moluccana, Ma/lotus phillippensis, Hibiscus heterophyllus, Mel/a azedarach, Cal/isle mon sal/gnus, Me/ale uca styphelo ides, Rhodamnia rubescens, Pittosporum m ulti/lorum, S'olanum mauitianum and Clerodendrum tomentosum. Revegetati on will be undertaken using best pracdce guidelines where practical. Tree and shrub species should be planted at high densities to reduce invasion by light tolerant weed species. To ensure rehabilitation is successful it will be necessary to manage and maintain revegetation works, erosion controls, weed control and tire hazard reduction controls.
The following Eight Part Tests have been carried out on the basis that the above measures are included in the Development Application.
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Table 14 - Threatened flora and fauna known to occur within the region, considered to have I potential habitat on the study site and therefore may be affected by the proposed development.
Scientific Name Common Name
FLORA
Cynanchurn elegans White-flowered Wax Plant Eucalyptus glaucina Slatey Red Gum
FAUNA - Reptiles Hoplocephalus stephensii Stephens Banded Snake
Hoplocephalus bilorquatus Pale-headed Snake
FAUNA - Birds Ninnox connivens Barking Owl
Pon'iatostomus temporalis Grey-crowned Babbler
Ptilinopus magnJIcus Wompoo Fruit-dove
Ptilinopus regina Rose-crowned Fruit Dove Tyto novaehollandiae - Masked Owl Tyto tenebriscosa Sooty Owl
FAUNA - Mammals Cercarteus nanus Eastern Pygmy Possum
Dasyurus maculatus Spotted-tailed Quoll
Petaurus norfolcensis Squirrel Glider
Phascogale tapoatafa Brush-tailed Phascogale
Phascolarctos cinereus Koala
FAUNA - Mammals (flying) Chalinolobus dwyeri Large-eared pied bat -
Kerivoula papuensis Golden-tipped bat
Miniopteris australis Little Bent-wing Bat
Miniopterus schreibersii Common Bent-wing Bat
Mormopteris East-coast freetail bat
Pleropus poliocephalus Grey headed flying fox
Saccolaimusflaiventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat
Scoteanax rueppellii Greater Broadnosed Bat Bold - indicates denotes species found on project site
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THREA TENED SPECIES RECORDED AT THE STUDY SITE
Cynanchum elegans WHITE-FLOWERED WAX PLANT
a) In the case of a threatened species whether the life cycle of the species is likely to be disrupted such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction;
C. elegans In order to assess the impact of the proposed development on the life cycle of a plant I species, it is necessary to address the primary components of the ecology of the species. These components are seedbanks, recruitment (germination and establishment of plants) I and reproduction (including pollination and fecundity). Seedbanks: Seed is produced in a pointed follicle 4 - 6 cm long with up to 25 seeds and is wind dispersed (Benson and McDougall, (2000). Seed production is variable and unreliable (NPWS, 2002) and there is high pre-dispersal seed predation by an unidentified moth lava (Lepidoptera) (NPWS, 1993, NPWS, 2002). Eighty five (85) to ninety eight (98) percent of C. elegans seeds were found to be viable and non dormant on I release, and hence are unlikely to persist in the soil seed hank for any extended period (NPWS, 1994).
I Recruitment (germination and establishment of seedlzngs): C elegans has a low seedling survivorship rate even though it appears that populations are moderately fecund under I suitable conditions. As populations of C. elegans which occur within mature closed rainforest appear not to be actively growing or reproducing, C. elegans is considered an early to mid-successional species (NPWS, 1994) which appears to require some degree of I disturbance to remain viable in the long term. Two suggested causes of low seedling recruitment rate are: one, lack of suitable microhabitat in areas occupied by adult plants (NPWS, 1994) and two, pre-dispersal seed predation by an unidentified moth lava I (Lepidoptera) (NPWS, 1993, NPWS, 2002). Recruitment (vegetative): C. elegans is a clonal species and is capable of suckering in U response to disturbance including slashing and grazing (NPWS, 1993). Because it suckers from underground stems, rarely stoloniferous, it is difficult to determine how many genetic individuals are present in a population. Local populations may comprise only one U genetic individual (NPWS, 1994).
Reproduction (including pollination and fecundity): C. elegans is capable of producing flowers and fruit within two years of germination (NPWS, 1993). Flower production varied widely from sparse to prolific and tended to be higher where no physical disturbance had occurred since the last flowering season. Fruit production is variable and unreliable and can be very low in comparison to the number of flowers produced. Reasons for lack of fruit production may be the lack of a suitable pollinator, drought stress or herbivory stress. Flowering occured between November to June and fruiting
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period is from March to August (NPWS, 1994). NPWS and Wollongong University are I undertaking research into pollination mechanisms (NPWS, 2002).
Summary. cynanchuni elegans was found to be present at the study site in the Dry I Rainforest community. The known population within the subject site consists of forty four (44) sub-populations consisting of 294 stems (at breast height - ABI-I) located during a targeted search of approximately seven (6.9) hectares of the site. These were evenly I spaced throughout the search area with little evidence of clumping as shown in Figure 7. The known population on the study site is large and is likely to be larger than ninety percent of all other populations of C. elegans (Refer to Table 16). However, as only fifty I percent of the thirteen (13) hectares of suitable habitat on the site was searched, it is likey that the insitu sub - population size is much higher (Refer to Appendix 4). I The present landuse on the study site is cattle grazing. The impacts of this landuse either directly through grazing and trampling of plants or indirectly through weed invasion and inappropriate fire regime, all detailed in Appendix 4, has been demonstrated to be having I a detrimental affect on the habitat of C. elegans. Cattle grazing, weed invasion and inappropriate fire regimes have all been listed as having a detrimental impact on C. I elegans populations (NPWS, 1993; NPWS, 1994; NPWS, 2002). It is proposed that less than one (1) hectare or approximately seven percent of the dry I rainforest community will be removed for the purposes of the proposed quarry. By year six, three subpopulations Gi, Vi and V5 (refer Figure 7) consisting of one (1) seedling, one (1)juvenile sucker and thirteen (13) mature stems will have been removed. By end of I quarry life it will have required the removal of, including the above, seven (7) sub- populations consisting of two (2) seedlings, one (l)juvenile sucker and thirteen (22) mature stems. It is intended translocate the seedlings and collect vegetative propagation I material for exsitu cultivation from all C. elegans sub-populations to be removed from the proposed area of disturbance as detailed in Section 10. All seedlings and propagated plants will be replanted in safe, appropriate positions in the rainforest vegetation at the I study site.
The proposed quarry will remove seven sub-populations C. elegans. With the removal of I these plants this local population is still, likely to be one of the largest recorded. C. elegans is tolerant of some degree of disturbance and has been found growing at the edge of an old quarry at Cringila (NPWS, 1993). It is unlikely that removal of the above sub- I populations and small amount of habitat for quarrying limestone will significantly effect either seedling or vegetative recruitment and reproduction within the remaining population. With the proposed amelioration measures outlined in Section 10 and which I are part of this development proposal, it is likely that several threatening processes to the ongoing survival of C. elegans will be removed or improved. Furthermore, with weed removal and bush regeneration to be implemented as part of the project, potentially up to I five (5.6) hectares may be reclaimed as suitable habitat for C. elegans. I
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Given the above, it is considered that the proposed quarry is unlikely to disrupt the I lifecycle of this species such that a viable local population will be placed at risk of extinction.
I In the case of an endangered population, whether the life cycle of the species that constitutes the endangered population is likely to be disrupted such that the viability of the I population is likely to be significantly compromised; Refer to Part 7 Section 7.2. I In relation to the regional distribution of the habitat of a threatened species, population, or ecological community, whether a signIcant area of known habitat is to be I modified or removed;
Locally, there is approximately 4016 hectares of Dry Rainforest reserved in Bretti Nature I Reserve, Camels Hump Nature Reserve and Woko National Park. In local State Forests there is approximately 2,523 hectares of Dry Rainforest present in Copeland Tops Flora Reserve, Bowman State Forest, Coneac State Forest and Mernot State Forest (Australian I Museum Business Service (AMBS), 1995). In addition to this is an unknown area of small rainforest remnants on freehold land similar to the small area on the study site. I Floyd (1990) lists 76,100 hectares of condition Class 1 and 2 Dry Rainforest within NSW. At the time 20500 hectares was present in National Parks, Nature Reserves, Flora I Reserves or other conservation reserve types. State Forests and other Crown timber lands contained 46,500 hectares and the majority of this is unlikely to be logged. The development proposal will require the clearing of less than one (1) hectare of Dry I Rainforest and in light of the above, it is not considered that a significant area of habitat for this species is to be modified or removed by this proposal either locally or regionally. I Whether an area of known habitat is likely to become isolated from currently inter connecting or proximate areas of habitat for a threatened species, population or ecological I community;
The closest known records of other populations of C. elegans to the study site occur at I Copeland Tops State Forest twenty (20) kilornetres west and another eight populations in the area of Camels Hump Nature Reserve, up to seventeen (17) kilometres north of the study site (NPWS Atlas, updated April 2002). The vegetation matrix between the 1 populations at Copeland Tops and Camels Hump N.R. and the subject population consists of large areas of cleared grazing land, but also many areas of remnant patches of suitable habitat for C. elegans. Given, C. elegans seeds are wind dispersed and may be capable of I dispersal over quite large distances, it may be possible that these 'metapopulations" (NPWS, 1994) are within dispersal and colonization range.
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The proposed development will not cause isolation of any of the populations present on I the study site as the majority of the suitable habitat for C elegans will remain intact. A ' small area will be excised from the northern perimeter.
As such, no areas of known or potential habitat will become isolated by this development.
e) Whether critical habitat will be affected, 1 Refer to Part 7, Section 7.4
0 Whether a threatened species, population or ecological community, or their habitats, I are adequately represented in conservation reserves (or other similar protected areas) in the regional environment of the species, population or community;
I C. elegans conservation status is as follows:
Nationally: C. elegans is listed as endangered on the EPBC Act and has a ROTAP (Rare I or Threatened Australian Plants) risk code of 3EC1. It was recommended that until populations within the Illawarra and Cumberlain Plain regions have some form of protection and the threats excluded, the risk code should remain as is (NPWS, 1993). I However, Copeland and Hunter (1999) believe on the basis of a large number of newly I recorded populations a ROTAP code of 3VCi is considered more appropriate. Statewide: C. elegans is restricted to eastern NSW where it is recorded from 86 locations I and is presently listed as endangered on the NSW TSC Act. Regional: Populations of Cynanchum elegans are reserved in the following Conservation Reserves in the North Coast Interim Bio-Regional Area (hereafter referred to as the North I Coast [BRA):
Torrington State Recreation Area* I Camels Hump Nature Reserve* Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve* Hat Head National Park* I Booti Booti National Park* Woko National Park* Sea Acres Nature Reserve± I Oxley Wild Rivers National Park+ New England National Park+ I Hollidays Point Rainforest Reserve+ (* - NPWS, 2002; -1- - Copeland and Hunter, 1999)
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Local: NPWS Wildlife Atlas (updated April 2002) and NPWS (1993) show that C. elegans has been recorded at nineteen (19) sites within the Gloucester region. In local conservation reserves up to seven (7) populations occur in Camels Hump Nature Reserve and Woko National Park.
NPWS (1993) record a number of population sizes for the populations surveyed within the local area.
Site 15 Woko N.P. 27 mature and resprouting plants. Site 16 Woko N.P. 100 individuals (estimate). Site 17 Woko N.P. 37 mature plants. Site 18 Adjacent Camels Hump Nature Reserve (Freehold land) 24 mature plants
It is unlikely that C. elegans is adequately reserved due to the small size of its scattered populations.
g) Whether the development or activity proposed is of a class of development or activity that is recognised as a threatening process.
Refer to Part 7, Section 7.5
Clearing of Native Vegetation for the proposed quarry and access road.
C. elegans was recorded in the Dry Rainforest community and to access the limestone deposit, it will require the clearing of less than one (1) hectare of Dry Rainforest vegetation. It was concluded in (a) above that the clearing for the proposed development would not represent a Key Threatening Process to the viable local population of C. elegans to the point where it would place it at risk of extinction, neither would it remove a significant amount of suitable habitat.
Degradation of habitat resulting from weed invasion, grazing and inappropriate fire management.
It is proposed as part of the proposed development to implement the following changes in land management at the study site:
Erect appropriate fencing to exclude livestock. Implement a weed removal and bush regeneration strategy. Implement a suitable hazard reduction plan and liase with NPWS to guide future management. Given the above mitigating actions, it is considered that the proposed development is likely to provide improved conditions for the ongoing survival of Cynanchum elegans at the study site.
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A small number of individuals present in each sub-population.
If the proposed development proceeds, the population of C. elegans at the study site will still be one of the largest recorded populations.
yrologLcal changes resulting from earthworks.
As groundwater was not found during exploratoty drilling to thirty metres, it is considered that surface and subsurface flows are important to the ongoing viability of the C. elegans population at the study site particularly on the upper ridge. Due to the location of the quarry at the ridge top it was determined to retain the present suface and subsurface flow patterns to mitigate any development induced water shortage to the downslope rainforest. With the implementation of mitigation measures detailed in Section 7.6, it is not expected that the proposed development will significantly affect the natural hydrology of the study site to the extent that it will threaten the local population of C. elegans.
Erosion, rubbish dumping, road and track creation and widening.
As part of the development it is proposed to undertake the following:
To implement required erosion and sediment controls to prevent any adverse impacts on the rainforest community. An appointed contractor will remove all rubbish from the site by on an as required basis. The only proposed road is the main access road and it is not expected that this road will adversely affect the rainforest community.
h) Whether any threatened species, population or ecological community is at the limit ?t its known distribution.
The known distributional range of c'ynanchum elegans is from Yabbra State Forest (north-east of Tenterfield) in the north to Gerroa in the Illawarra region in the south and west to Merriwa in the Upper Hunter (NPWS, 2002). Given the known distribution, the study site is not located at a known distributional limit of this species.
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Miniopteris schreibersii COMMON BENT - WING BAT
a) In the case of a threatened species whether the lfe cycle o/the species is likely 10 be disrupted such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at I risk of extinction; In order to assess the impact of the proposed development on the life cycle of a species, it is necessary to address the primary components of the ecology of the species. These 1 components are breeding, foraging, roosting / nesting and movement / migration.
Breeding: In temperate regions mating takes place during May to June and conception I occurs, but implantation is delayed to late August. Up to 100,000 adult females from the surrounding area congregate in October in maternity colonies and give birth to their single young in December to mid-January. During this time males are resident elsewhere. I By April both mothers and juveniles have gone separate ways to their winter roosts (Churchill, 1998; Richards, 2001).
I Foraging: Moths are the main item of diet. In forest areas this species flies from just above the canopy to many times canopy height. In more open areas such as grasslands, I flight may be within six (6) metres of the ground (Churchill, 1998). Roosting and nesting: M. schreibersii is a cave bat but will also use man made diurnal roosting sites such as mine adits, road culverts and occasionally buildings. Females I congregate annually at suitable maternity sites, usually limestone cave systems, to give birth (AMBS, 1995; Churchill, 1998).
I Migration /movement: Can travel up to 300 kilometres between roost sites and one bat is recorded as having moved 1300 kilometres (Churchill, 1998).
Summary: This species may use the site for foraging purposes, however the largely cleared and fragmented nature of the study area suggest that this would not be critical I foraging habitat for this species. In addition, the potential foraging habitat affected by the proposed development is negligible in comparison to the large amount of suitable I foraging habitat in the area. This species has strict roosting requirements and in particular its choice of maternity roost sites (Strahan, 1983; Churchill, 1998; Menkhorst & Knight, 2001). Given the lack I of caves or similar roosting and breeding sites on the study site, local populations of this species would not be reliant on habitat within the study site for roosting or breeding I purposes. This species is a wide-ranging species, traveling large distances between roosting sites according to seasonal and local needs (AMBS, 1995). The territorial range of this species I may be up to 300 kilornetres with one bat recorded as having moved 1 300kn (Churchill.
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1998). Given the mobility of this species, the proposed development will not have 1 significant adverse impacts on the movement/ migratory patterns of any local viable populations
I Given the above, it is considered unlikely that the proposed dcvelopment will have a significant impact on the lifecycle of a local population of M. schreibersii, that it would I likely be placed at risk of extinction. b) In the case of an endangered population, ti'hether the life cycle of the species that constitutes the endangered population is likely to be disrupted such that the viability of I the population is likely to be significantly compromised: I Refer to Part 7, Section 7.2. c) In relation to the regional distribution of the habitat of a threatened species, population, or ecological community, whether a significant area of known habitat is to be modified or I removed; I Habitat: This species uses a broad range of habitats including rainforest, wet and dry sclerophyll forest, monsoon forest, open woodland, paperbark forests and open grasslands (Churchill, 1998).
I Given, the extensive areas of suitable foraging habitat in surrounding private lands and conservation reserves such as: The Glen Nature Reserve, Woko National Park, Camels Hump Nature Reserve, Bretti Nature Reserve, Running Creek Nature Reserve and I Barrington Tops National Park, it is not considered that a significant area of known habitat is to be modified or removed by this proposal.
d) Whether an area of known habitat is likely to become isolated from currently inter connecting or proximate areas of habitat for a threatened species, population or ecological I community; Given, the relative small area of remnant forest, its existing fragmentation and lack of I cormectivity with proximate more extensive areas of forest, the proposed development will not cause known habitat to become isolated from interconnected or proximate areas I of habitat and will not form an isolating barrier to the above species. e) Whether critical habitat will be q/jcted;
l Refer to Part 7, Section 7.4
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f) Whether a threatened species, population or ecological community, or their habitats, I are adequately represented in conservation reserves (or other similar protected areas) in the ' regional environment of the species, population or community;
In NSW there are records of this species from 90 conservation reserves. It has been recorded in twenty seven (27) conservation reserves within the North Coast IBRA and five (5) on the Lower North Coast including the following (NPWS Wildlife Atlas, I 2000a):
Myall Lakes National Park Talawahl Nature Reserve I Ghin-Doo-Ee National Park Wallaroo Nature Reserve Barrington Tops National Park
I Local Distribution: This species is known to roost in abandoned mines in Copeland Tbps Flora Reserve (AMBS, 1995) and an overwintering roost of this species occurs at Pilchers Hill Nature Reserve near Dungog (G. Hoye pers. comm. in Woodward-Clyde, I 1996).
This species habitat is likely to be adequately conserved both locally and in the North I Coast IBRA. However, maternal roost sites are likely to be inadequately protected.
g) Whether the development or activity proposed is of a class of development or activity I that is recognised as a threatening process. I Refer to Part 7, Section 7.5. Clearing of Native Vegetation has been listed as a Key Threatening Process
In Part (a) it was considered unlikely that the small area of clearing required for the ' development would represent a Key Threatening Process to a viable local population of Al schreibersii to the point where it would place it at risk of extinction.
h) Whether any threatened species, population or ecological community is at the limit of I its known distribution. Regional Distribution: Miniopterus schreibersii occurs in eastern Australia from Cape I York Peninsula south into Victoria and the southeast side of South Australia. They do not occur in arid areas. Another disjunct population occurs from the Kimberley area in ' Western Australia to through the Top End to the western Gulf of Carpentaria. In NSW they are found from coastal areas to the western slopes of the Great Dividing Range (AMBS, 1995; Churchill, 1998; NPWS, 2000b).
I The study site does not represent any known distribution limit of this species.
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THREA TENED SPECIES POTENTIALLY USING THE STUDY SITE.
' The following species have been recorded as occurring within the region and through assessment of their critical habitat requirements, are considered to have potential habitat within the study site. However, none of the following species were recorded during the I field component of this study. I THREATENED FLORA SPECIES Eucalyptus glaucina SLATEY RED GUM
I In the case of a threatened species whether the lfe cycle of the species is likelj.' to be disrupted such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction; I The redgums, Eucalyptus glaucina and E. tereticornis have similar morphological features, with E. glaucina being distinguished from E. tereticornis by its glaucous new I growth, buds and fruits. A targeted survey of both juvenile and mature redgums within the study site was undertaken and in particular all trees to be removed were thoroughly checked for correct identification. It was found that all redgums inspected were E. I tereticornis. Eucalyptus glaucina was not located during the targeted survey.
If a population of E. glaucina was present it is unlikely it would have been missed due to the conspicuous nature of the species, however a population or remnant individuals may occur in areas away from the search area. Given the targeted search concentrated around I the areas of proposed disturbance and it was not found to occur in these areas, it is considered that the impacts from this proposed development will not disrupt the lifecycle of this species such that a viable local population will be placed at risk of extinction. I In the case of an endangered population, whether the life cycle of the species that constitutes the endangered population is likely to be disrupted such that the viability of the I population is likely to be signijIcantly compromised;
Refer to Part 7, Section 7.2.
c) In relation to the regional distribution of the habitat of a threatened species, I population, or ecological community, whether a sign ijicant area of known habitat is to be modijied or removed;
This species occurs in grassy woodland on deep, moderately fertile and well watered soils (Hill, 1991). The majority of this habitat type has been cleared for agriculture both locally and within the North Coast IBRA. Therefore it is common for remnant trees of this I species to be present in roadside reserves or as remnant individuals on agricultural land.
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As less than twenty (20) remnant eucalypts are to be cleared for development proposal, it I is not considered that a significant area of habitat is to be modified or removed by this proposal.
d) Whether an area of known habitat is likely to become isolated fiom currently inter connecting or proximate areas of habitat jbr a threatened species, population or ecological I community:
The only record of this species in the Gloucester region is on the northeastern area of the I Gloucester Bucketts Range. The area between the study site and the recorded location is largely cleared agricultural land. Therefore, no areas of known or potential habitat will I become isolated by this development. I e) Whether critical habitat will be affected; Refer to Part 7, Section 7.4
f) Whether a threatened species, population or ecological community, or their habitats, I are adequately represented in conservation reserves (or other similar protected areas) in the regional environment of the species, population or community;
Eucalyptus glaucina (Slatey Red Gum) is considered to be adequately reserved in a 1 conservation reserve near Casino in the IBRA (Briggs and Leigh, 1996).
I g) Whether the development or activity proposed is of a class of development or act ivily that is recognised as a threatening process.
Refer to Part 7, Section 7.5.
Clearing of Native Vegetation has been listed asa Key Threatening Process
Given, Eucalyptus glaucina does not occur in the areas to be cleared for the proposed development,it is considered that the subject development does not represent a Key Threatening Process to any viable local population of E glaucina.
h) Whether any threatened species, population or ecological community is at the limit of its known distribution.
The known distributional range of E. glaucina is from Casino in northern New South Wales to Broke in the Hunter Valley. Therefore, the study site is not located at the known distributional limit of this species.
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I Hoplocephalus bilorguatus PALE-HEADED SNAKE I a) In the case of a ihreatened species whether the life cycle of the species is likely to be disrupted such that a viable local populatEon of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction;
In order to assess the impact of the proposed development on the life cycle of a species, it I is necessary to address the primary components of the ecology of the species. These components are breeding, foraging, roosting / nesting and movement / migration.
I Breeding: Live bearing with 2 - 11 young, average 5 in a clutch, born from February to March. It appears that females breed only every second year (Shine 1983).
I Foraging: It is nocturnal, partly arboreal snake that forages in trees, particularly near watercourses. Main prey are frogs, lizards and small mammals (Cogger, 2000; NPWS, I 2000b). Roosting and Nesting: This species utilizes tree hollows, hollow limbs and loose bark as I sheltering sites (Cogger, 2000) Movement/ Migration: No information
Summary - This species is considered rare at local, state and national level due to the paucityof records. However, this may be more due to its' cryptic nature and an artefact of reptile sampling methods.
The study site contains potential habitat for this species in the Dry Rainforest, with ample I foraging opportunities provided by small mammals recorded at the site. There are ample sheltering opportunities among the rock crevices, rock slabs and loose bark on trees. The dense canopy and tall shrub strata would allow this species to move through the tree I strata, as it is an arboreal species. There are approximately thirteen (13) hectares of Dry Rainforest on the study site plus an additional fifteen (15) on adjoining land. Less than one (1) hectare is to be cleared for the proposed development and approximately ninety percent (90%) of the rainforest vegetation will remain intact on the study site itself. In addition, a number of mitigation measures are to be implemented as part of the proposed development to protect and manage the remaining rainforest vegetation on the study site. As over ninety percent of this species habitat is to be protected, it is considered unlikely that the development will
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disrupt the lifecycle of this species such that a viable local population will be placed at of extinction (if it were to occur). I risk b) In the case ojan endangered population, whether the lije cycle of the species that constitutes the endangered population is likely to be disrupted such that the viability of the I population is likely to be signijIcantly compromised;
I Refer to Part 7, Section 7.2. c) In relation to the regional distribution of the habitat of a threatened species, I population, or ecological community, whether ci sign ijIcant area of known habitat is to be modified or removed;
I Habitat: The Pale-headed Snake occupies a wide range of habitats including rainfores and wet scierophyll forest. However dry sclerophyll forests and woodland is its principle habitat (AMBS, 1995; Cogger, 2000; NPWS, 2000b).
When viewed in the terms of the extensive areas of similar foraging and nesting habitat both proximal to the study site and regionally, a significant area of known habitat will not I be removed.
d) Whether an area of known habitat is likely to become isolated from currently inter I connecting or proximate areas of habitat for a threatened species, population or ecological community;
I No areas of known habitat will become isolated by the proposed development.
Whether critical habitat will be affected;
Refer to Part 7, Section 7.4
I Whether a threatened species, population or ecological community, or their habitats, are adequately represented in conservation reserves (or other similar protected areas) in the regional environment of the species, population or community;
The Pale-headed Snake has been recorded in only three (3) conservation reserves in the North Coast IBRA (NPWS, 2000a) including:
Bungawalbin National Park I Ramornie National Park Tooloorn National Park
I The NPWS Wildlife Atlas (updated April 2002) shows two (2) records for the Lower North Coast: Myall River State Forest and Hungry Hill, Paterson.
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Given the paucity of records, it is unlikely the Pale-headed Snake is adequately represented in conservation reserves within the North Coast IBRA.
Whether the development or activity prO/x)Sed is o/a class 0/ ile\'elO/)/fleflt or Cictivily thai is recognised as a threatening process.
Refer to Part 7, Section 7.5.
Clearing of Native Vegetation has been listed as a Key Threatening Process
In Part (a) it was considered that the proposed development will retain over ninety percent of habitat and implement a number of proposed mitigation measures to protect the remaining Dry Rainforest vegetation. Given this, the proposed development is unlikely to disrupt the lifecycle of a viable local population of Hoplocephalus bitor qua/us (if it were to occur) to the point where it may put it at risk of extinction. As such the proposed clearing for development does not represent a Key Threatening Process to Hoplocephalus bitor qua/us.
Whether any threatened species, population or ecological community is at the limit of its kilo ti'?? distribution.
Regional Distribution: The national distribution of the Pale-headed Snake includes the coast, ranges, and western slopes of eastern Australia, from 80 kilometres north of I Sydney NSW to Cape York Peninsula, QLD. Its distribution in New South Wales includes the central and north coast and ranges from Wyong and the liunter Valley in the south to the coast, ranges, and western slopes of the north east of the state to the New I South Wales and Queensland border (Cogger, 2000). I The study site is not located at a limit of this species distribution.
Hu,loceohalus steuhensii STEPHEN'S BANDED SNAKE
a) In the case of a threatened species whether the li,fL' cycle of/he species is like/v to be disrupted such that a viable local population of the species is likely to he placed at I risk of extinction:
In order to assess the impact of the proposed development on the life cycle of a species, it I is necessary to address the primary components of the ecology of the species. These components are breeding, foraging, roosting / nesting and movement / migration.
I Breeding: Live bearing with an average litter, size of six born between February and March. It is possible that it breeds only every second year (AMBS, 1995; Ecotone Ecological Consultants, 1995; Cogger, 2000).
Foraging: Hunts nocturnally for frogs, lizards, birds and small mammals including bats I (AMBS, 1995; Cogger, 2000; NPWS, 2000b).
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Roosting and Nesting: Stephen's Banded Snake is partly tree dwelling and shelters between loose bark and tree trunks, amongst vines, or in hollow trunks, limbs, rock crevices or under slabs during the day (NPWS, 2000b).
I Movement/Migration: Home range of this species is unknown, however in the Border Ranges this animal was recorded at densities of one animal per 1.4 hectares (Ecopro, I 1995). Summary: The study site contains habitat for this species in the Dry Rainforest, with ample foraging opportunities provided by small mammals recorded at the site. There are I ample sheltering opportunities among the rock crevices, rock slabs and vines. The dense canopy and tall shrub strata would allow this species to move t.brough the tree strata, as it I is a partly arboreal species. This species was not recorded during targeted surveys. The NPWS Atlas shows the I closest record is approximately twenty (20) kilometres to the south at The Glen Nature Reserve. It has also been recorded at the Barrington Tops National Park and Terreel Station. This is a small isolated and highly disturbed remnant of forest, however this I species cannot be ruled out. There are approximately thirteen (13) hectares of Dry Rainforest on the study site plus an I additional fifteen (15) on adjoining land. Approximately one (I) hectare is to be cleared for the proposed development and approximately ninety percent (90%) of the vegetation will remain intact on the study site itself. In addition, a number of mitigation measures I are to be implemented as part of the proposed development to protect and manage the remaining rainforest vegetation on the study site. As over ninety percent of this species habitat is to be protected, it is considered unlikely that the development will disrupt the I lifecycle of this species such that a viable local population will be placed at risk of extinction (if it were to occur).
I In the case of an endangered population, whether the life cycle o/ the species that constitutes the endangered population is likely to be disrupted such that the viability of the I population is likely to be significantly compromised; Refer to Part 7, Section 7.2.
I In relation to the regional distribution of the habitat of a threatened species, population, or ecological community, whether a significant area of known habitat is to be I modified or removed; Habitat: This species usually inhabits rainforest and moist hardwood forest up to 950 metres where the key habitat features are dense undeistorey and canopy for foraging and I movement. Hollows, tree scars, and loose bark are required for shelter. This species is known to also use Dry Hardwood Forests and rock outcrops for sheltering and foraging I requirements (AMBS, 1995; NPWS, 2000b).
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Given that in the Gloucester - Chichester State Forest Management areas there is I approximately 45,820 hectares of rainforest and moist hardwood forests (AMBS, 1995) and extensive areas of suitable habitat in close proximity in surrounding conservation reserves such as The Glen Nature Reserve, Woko National Park, Camels Hump Nature I Reserve, Bretti Nature Reserve, Running Creek Nature Reserve and Barrington Tops National Park, it is not considered that a significant area of known habitat is to be I modified or removed by this proposal either locally or regionally. d) Whether an area of known habitat is likely to become isolated from currently inter connecting or proximate areas of habitat for a threatened species, population or ecological I community;
I As the area of Dry Rainforest vegetation that occurs on the study site is presently surrounded by cleared agricultural land, no areas of known habitat will become isolated I by the proposed development.
e) Whether critical habitat will be affected,
Refer to Part 7, Section 7.4
d) Whether a threatened species, population or ecological community, or their habitats, I are adequately represented in conservation reserves (or other similar protecied areas) in the regional environment of the species, population or community;
I Regional Distribution: The national distribution of Stephen's Banded Snake includes the coast and ranges from the Gosford district on the central coast of New South Wales to Kroornbit Tops in southern Queensland (Cogger, 2000). In the North Coast IBRA region I this species has been recorded in 15 conservation reserves including:
Border Ranges National Park Dorrigo National Park Gibralter Range National Park Nymboidia National Park
Including four on the Lower North Coast:
Wallingat National Park Myall Lakes National Park Barrington Tops National Park The Glen Nature Reserve
Because of the paucity of recordings it is unlikely that [I. slephensii is adequately represented in conservation reserves both locally and in the North Coast IBRA.
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Whether the development or activity proposed is of a class of development or activity that is recognised as a threatening process.
Refer to Part 7, Section 7.5.
Clearing of Native Vegetation has been listed as a Key Threatening Process
In Part (a) it was considered unlikely that the small area of clearing required for the development in conjunction with amelioration prescriptions in Section 10 to protect the remaining Dry Rainforest vegetation would impact on the lifecycle of a viable local population of H. stephensii (if it were to occur) to the point where it may put it at risk of extinction. As such the clearing of native vegetation for the proposed development does not represent a Key Threatening Process to H. stephensii.
Whether any threatened species, population or ecological community is (it the limit of its known distribution.
The project area does not represent a known distribution limit for H. stephensii.
BIRDS
Ninox connivens BARKING OWL a) In the case of a threatened species whether the lift cycle of the species is likely to be disrupted such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction;
In order to assess the impact of the proposed development on the life cycle of a species, it is necessary to address the primary components of the ecology of the species. These components are breeding, foraging, roosting / nesting and movement / migration.
Breeding: Typically breeds from July to November with one brood per season (Schodde and Tidernan, 1997 in Mount King Ecological Surveys (MKES, 2001).
Foraging: Hunts nocturnally for a variety of mammals, birds, insects and sometimes fish within woodland and forest habitats (Cayley, 1984; Pizzey and Knight, 2001).
Roosting and Nesting: Roosts by day in dense streamside galleries and thickets of acacia, casuarinas and eucalypts and forages in adjacent woodland. Nests are built in large hollows in old hollow bearing eucalypts and may be used year after year. Nest entrances
NATURAL IMPACT ecological solutions 88 Barrington Lime - proposed limestone quarry and crushing operation - Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment are typically 2 to 35 metres above the ground on debris. Also known to nest in rabbit burrows. The Barking Owl is assumed to be sedentary, living singly, in pairs or in family groups of 3 to 5 in permanent territories containing several roost sites (Pizzey and Knight, 2001; Resource Strategies Pty Ltd, 2001).
!vfovement/ Migration. Considered highly mobile.
Summary: The NPWS Wildlife Atlas (April 2002) shows the closest record of N. connivens is thirty seven (37) kilornetres southwest of the study site. No records of this species have been recorded in the Gloucester area and it was not recorded during the fieldwork at the study site.
Opportunistic searches were carried out during field surveys for suitable roosting and nesting tree hollows for this species and these were found to be notably absent from the study site.
The foraging needs of this species are met by occupying large territories of from thirty (30) to two hundred (200) hectares (NPWS, 2000b) and any expected use of the site would only be on occasion due to the small area of remaining forest. It is unlikely that the proposed development would significantly alter the potential forage value of the study area and surrounds enough to significantly affect any local population of this species.
Given, a dearth of suitable roosting or nesting sites and marginal foraging habitat, it is considered the proposed development would not disrupt the lifecycle of a viable population or individual (if it were to occur).
In the case of an endangered population, whether the life cycle of the species that constitutes the endangered population is likely to be disrupted such that the viability of the population is likely to be significantly compromised;
Refer to Part 7, Section 7.2.
In relation to the regional distribution of the habitat of a threatened species, population, or ecological community, whether a significant area of known habitat is to be modified or removed;
Habitat: Occurs in eucalypt woodland, swamp woodlands, open forests, dense scrubs, foothills and large trees along watercourses, often penetrating open country (NPWS, 2000b; Pizzey and Knight, 2001).
There are extensive areas of suitable habitat in Conservation Reserves, State Forests and private land in the Gloucester area and regionally. It is not considered that a significant area of known habitat is to be modified or removed by this proposal.
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d) Whether an area of known habitat is likely to become isolated from currently inter connecting or proximate areas of habitat for a threatened species, population or ecological I community;
The NPWS Wildlife Atlas (updated in April 2002) show up to eleven (11) records for the I Lower North Coast area. The records are isolated and sporadic ranging from four (4) records near the coast, two records from the Dungog area, one in Barrington Tops I National Park and one on the Telegherry Creek, and five (5) south in the Hunter area. No areas of known habitat will become isolated by the proposed development.
e) Whether critical habitat will be affected;
Refer to Part 7, Section 7,4
f) Whether a threatened species, population or ecological community, or their habitats, I are adequately represented in conservation reserves (or other similar protected areas) in the regional environment of the species, population or community, I There is a paucity of information on this species in regards to sightings. The NPWS Atlas (2000a) has records of it occurring in six (6) conservation reserves within the North Coast
I Barrington Tops National Park New England National Park Banyabba Nature Reserve Ulidorra National Park Bungawalbin Nature Reserve Bungawalbin National Park
It is unlikely that N. connivens is adequately represented in conservation reserves both locally and in the North Coast IBRA.
g) Whether the development or activity proposed is of a class of development or activity that is recognised as a threatening process.
Refer to Part 7, Section 7.5.
Clearing of Native Vgetation has been listed as a Key Threatening Process
In Part (a) it was considered that the study site provided no suitable roosting opportunities and marginal foraging habitat. Given this, it is unlikely that the small area of clearing required for the proposed development would impact on the lifecycle of a viable local population of N. connivens if one were to occur. As such, the clearing for the development is not a Key Threatening Process to N. connivens.
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h) Whether any threatened species, population or ecological community is at the limit of its known distribution.
The project area does not represent any known distribution limit of N. conniven.r. Occurs from the Top End south to Victoria (Pizzey and Doyle, 1986).
Pomatostomus temporal/s GREY—CROWNED BABBLER
a) In the case of a threatened species whether the life cycle of the species is likely to be disrupted such that a viable local population of the species is like!)) to be placed cit I risk of extinction;
In order to assess the impact of the proposed development on the life cycle of a species, it is necessary to address the primary components of the ecology of the species. These components are breeding, foraging, roosting / nesting and movement / migration.
Breeding: This species breeds co-operatively in family groups of 2 to 13 birds. Fertile females produce 2 to 3 eggs. Probably more than one female contributes to the clutch. I Certainly more than a single pair contribute to rearing of the young (Pizzey and Doyle, 1986).
I Foraging. P. temporalis feeds a good deal on the ground, moving briskly in bouncing hops; they also search crevices in bark on trunks and limbs. They are mostly insectivorous, however are known to eat small crustaceans, amphibians, reptiles, fruits U and seeds (Pizzey and Doyle, 1986).
Roosting and Nesting: They co-operate to build a large iuimber of nests of which usually U only one is used for nesting, the others for roosting. The nests are domed with a spout like entrance, lined with grass, bark fibres, feathers or wool; 3 to 6 metres high in a shrub I or sapling (Pizzy and Doyle, 1986). Movement/ Migration: P. temporalis forms sedentary family groups (Pizzey and Doyle, 1986).
Summary: This species was not found at the project site and as it is a sedentary and gregarious species it was unlikely to be missed. Local populations of this species, if they I occur, may use groups of remnant trees in the cleared grazing land intermittently for foraging and nesting. This potential foraging and nesting habitat is unlikely to be significantly affected as less than twenty (20) trees and small area of shrub regeneration I will be removed for construction of the access road and amenities/plant area. Furthermore, the area to be affected is considered marginal and the subject habitat is I widely represented in the surrounding area.
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This species is highly mobile and is able to move between areas of suitable habitat over disturbed land and cleared areas, which are not considered to be a barrier to established movement patterns.
Given, the above, it is considered the proposed development would not disrupt the lifecycle of a viable local population (if it were to occur) so that it would be placed at risk of extinction.
b) In the case of an endangered population, whether the life cycle of the species that constitutes the endangered population is likely to be disrupted such that the viability of the I population is likely to be significantly compromised;
I Refer to Part 7, Section 7.2.
I c) In relation to the regional distribution qf the habitat of a threatened species, population, or ecological community, whether a signIcant area of known habitat is to be I modUled or Habitat: P. temporalis occupies Open Forest, scrublands and open woodlands dominated by mature eucalypts, with regenerating trees, tall shrubs, and an intact ground cover of I grass and forbs (Pizzey and Doyle, 1986; NSW Scientific Committee, 2001b).
Within the study area the cleared agricultural land with its remnant mature individual I trees and clumps of trees with shrub understorey are considered the potential habitat of P. temporalis. As less than twenty (20) remnant trees are to be removed on the agricultural land for the proposed development, it is not considered that a significant area I of known habitat is to be modified or removed by this proposal.
Whether an area of known habitat is likely to become isolated from currently inter connecting or proximate areas of habitat for a threatened species, population or ecological community;
The closest known populations of P. temporalis to the study site occur nine (9) kilometres to the west in the Gloucester valley. Large areas of cleared agricultural land separate the recorded populations and the study site. As such, no areas of known habitat will become isolated by the proposed development.
Whether critical habitat will be affected;
Refer to Part 7, Section 7.4
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f)Whether a threatened species, population or ecological community, or their habitats, are adequately represented in conservation reserves (or other similar protected areas) in the regional environment of the species, population or community;
The NPWS Wildlife Atlas (updated April 2002) has approximately thirty-three (33) I records of this species in the Lower North Coast area. There are no records of P. temporalis in Conservation Reserves within the Gloucester region. Based on the lack of recordings of this species in conservation reserves it must be considered unlikely to be I adequately represented in conservation reserves both locally and in the North Coast I g) Whether the development or activity proposed is of a class of development or activity I that is recognised as a threatening process. I Refer to Part 7, Section 7.5. Clearing of Native Vegetation has been listed as a Key Threatening Process I In Part (a) it was considered that the relative small amount of clearing required in the potential habitat of P. temporalis for the proposed development would not disrupt the lifecycle of a viable local population (if it were to occur) so that it would be placed at risk I of extinction. As such, the clearing for the development is not a Key Threatening Process to P. temporalis.
I h) Whether any threatened species, population or ecological community is at the limit of its known distribution. I This species occurs in Victoria (except the coast and north-west mallee areas), through NSW (except the ACT, co3stal south east and far west), and central QLD up into southern New Guinea (NSW Scientific Committee, 2001b). The study site does not represent any known distribution limit of P. temporalis.
Ptilinopus magnifIcus WOMPOO FRUIT DOVE
I a) In the case of a threatened species whether the life cycle of the species is likely to be disrupted such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at I risk of extinction; In order to assess the impact of the proposed development on the life cycle of a species, it is necessary to address the primary components of the ecology of the species. These I components are breeding, foraging, roosting / nesting and movement / migration.
I
NATURAL IMPACT ecological solutions 93 I Barrington l,imc - proposed limestone quarry and crushing operation - Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment
Breeding: P. magni/lcus breeds from June through to January but mostly from August to October. Reproductive rate is low with an average clutch containing only one to two eggs (Pizzey and Doyle, 1986; Woodward-Cyde, 1996).
Foraging.' In studies of this species in north-eastern Queensland, birds spent 33% and 29% of their foraging time in species of the families Elaeocarpaceae and Lauraceae respectively, and Elaeocarpus grandis at times accounted for eighty percent of the diet. They also feed on fruits of wild figs, white cedars, rose maple, lilly pilly, native ivy and wild lime (Woodward-Clyde, 1996; Resource Strategies Pty Ltd, 2001).
Roosting and nesting: The Wompoo Fruit Dove is a mainly solitary and strongly arboreal bird. The nest of this species is usually a very flimsy platform about 150 millimetres in diameter; usually on.a dump of leaves, twigs or fork at the end of a horizontal branch or Palm frond, two to ten metres high and often over a stream (Pizzey and Doyle, 1986, Resource Strategies Pty Ltd, 2001).
Migration / movement: P. magnijlcus is generally sedentary, however at times it may be nomadic due to the vagaries of the rainforest fruiting cycles. Rainforest patches in cleared I land may act as stepping stones between areas of contiguous forests (AMBS, 1995; Woodward-Clyde, 1996). Studies by Innis (1989) in AMBS (1995) have concluded that at least six hectares of rainforest habitat is required to sustain viable numbers of Wompoo Fruit-doves.
Summary: The NPWS Atlas has a record of this species approximately nine (9) I kilometres east of the study site. Foraging habitat for P. magnIcus is present on the study site in the Dry Rainforest area, however it is unlikely that this species would nest in this small patch of forest. These small areas of remnant rainforest such as the one on the I study site are used intermittently by nomadic birds for foraging as they move to larger areas of suitable forest.
There are approximately thirteen (13) hectares of Dry Rainforest on the study site pius an additional fifteen (15) on adjoining land. Less than one (1) hectare is to be cleared for the proposed development and approximately ninety percent (90%) of the vegetation will remain intact on the study site itself. Given, that in the Gloucester Chichester Forest Management areas there is approximately 45,820 hectares of rainforest and extensive areas in surrounding conservation reserves and private land, the local and regional foraging, roosting and nesting resources are unlikely to be affected by the proposed development.
This species is highly mobile and is able to move between areas of suitable habitat over disturbed land and cleared areas, which are not considered to be a barrier to established movement patterns.
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Given the above, it is considered unlikely that the development will disrupt the lifecycle of this species such that a viable local population will be placed at risk of extinction (if it I were to occur). I b) In the case of an endangered population, whether the life cycle of the species that constitutes the endangered population is likely to be disrupted such that the viability of the
I population is likely to be significantly compromised;
Refer to Part 7, Section 7.2.
c) In relation to the regional distribution of the habitat of ci threatened species, I population, or ecological community, whether a significant area of known habitat is to' be modUled or removed;
I Habitat. Tropical and subtropical rainforest, littoral rainforest particularly lowland rainforest with fruit bearing trees, vines and palms, riparian vegetation, low elevation moist eucalypt and brushbox forests. Occasionally birds can be found in remnant patches I of alienated rainforest, and vagrants may appear in atypical habitats. They are dependent on fruits of native and introduced rainforest trees and bushes eating a wide variety of I species (AMBS, 1995; NPWS, 2000). Given that in the Gloucester - Chichester State Forest Management areas there is approximately 45,820 hectares of rainforest and moist hardwood forests (AMBS, 1995) I and extensive areas of suitable habitat in close proximity in surrounding conservation reserves such as The Glen Nature Reserve, Woko National Park, Camels Hump Nature Reserve, Brtti Nature Reserve, Running Creek Nature Reserve and Barrington Tops I National Park, it is not considered that a significant area of known habitat is to be modified or removed by this proposal either locally or regionally.
d) Whether an area of known habitat is likely to become isolated from currently inter connecting or proximate areas of habitat for a threatened species, population or ecological I community;
As the existing rainforest on the study site is surrounded by agricultural land, no areas of 1 known habitat will become isolated by the proposed development. I e) Whether critical habitat will be affected; I Refer to Part 7, Section 7.4
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f)Whether a threatened species, population or ecological community, or their habitats, are adequately represented in conservation reserves (or other similar protected areas) in the regional environment of the species, population or community;
This species has been recorded in 57 conservation reserves within the North Coast IBRA (NPWS, 2000a). The following is a list of conservation reserves on the Lower North Coast that the species has been recorded.
Barrington Tops National Park Woko National Park Myall Lakes National Park Tapin Tops National Park Crowdy Bay National Park Booti Booti National Park
Whether the development or activity proposed is of a class of development or activity that is recognised as a threatening process.
Refer to Part 7, Section 7.5.
Clearing of Native Vegetation has been listed as a Key Threatening Process
In Part (a) it was considered that the Dry Rainforest area on the study site contained suitable foraging habitat for P. magnijIcus. It was also determined that the proposed development would not disrupt the lifecycle of a viable local population of this species (if it were to occur) so that it would be placed at risk of extinction. As such, the clearing for the development is not a Key Threatening Process to P. magnitIcus.
Whether any threatened species, population or ecological community is at the limit of its known distribution. I Regional Distribution: While this species occurred in coastal rainforest from Indonesia to southern New South Wales, the NSW subspecies now occurs from Rockhampton southward to the Hunter River in central NSW. In NSW it occurs in the Northern Rivers and Tableland, Mid north Coast and Hunter Regions, south to Newcastle and west to the Timbarra River, Salisbury Waters and Upper Manning River (AMBS, 1995).
The study site does not represent any known distribution limit of P. magnIcus.
NATURAL IMPACT ecological solutions OTO Barrington Lime - proposed limestone quarry and crushing operation - Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment
Ptilinopus regina ROSE-CROWNED FRUIT DOVE
a) In the case of a threatened species whether the life cycle of the species is likely 10 be disrupted such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction;
In order to assess the impact of the proposed development on the life cycle of a species, it I is necessary to address the primary components of the ecology of the species. These components are breeding, foraging, roosting / nesting and movement / migration.
I Breeding: This species usually breeds from November to April. Reproductive rate is low with clutch size consisting of one egg (Pizzey and Doyle, 1986; AMBS, 1995; k Woodward-Clyde, 1996). Foraging: This species feeds mostly on fruit from rainforest trees, shrubs, palms and I vines. These birds possibly have a substantial role in rainforest species seed dispersal (Pizzey and Doyle, 1986; AMBS, 1995; Woodward-Clyde, 1996).
I Roosting and nesting: Nest is a frail platform of twigs, usually in low growth or vines in rainforest (Pizzey and Doyle, 1986).
I Movement/migration: This species is highly mobile and is thought to be locally nomadic as they move to follow the ripening of fruits. Eastern populations appear to conduct large scale north-south seasonal migrations as in NSW this species is markedly I more numerous between September to April than at other times (AMBS, 1995; NPWS, 2000).
I Summary: The NPWS Wildlife Atlas has only five (5) records of this species in the Lower North Coast area from 1994. The closest record to the study site is seventy (70) kilometres northeast in the Crowd' Bay area. The Gloucester area is on the southern edge 1 of this species range and it is likely that only vagrant individuals would use the study site. The small area of remnant rainforest is likely to be used as a "stepping stone" to larger I proximate areas of rainforest for foraging purposes. There are approximately thirteen (13) hectares of Diy Rainforest on the study site plus an additional fifteen (15) on adjoining land. Less than one (I) hectare is to be cleared for the I proposed development and approximately ninety percent (9 0%) of the vegetation will remain intact on the study site itself. Given, that in the Gloucester Chichester Forest Management areas there is approximately 45820 hectares of rainforest and extensive I areas in surrounding conservation reserves and private land, the local and regional foraging, roosting and nesting resources are unlikely to be affected by the proposed I development.
NATURAL IMPACT ecological solutions 97 I I I3arrington Lirnc - proposd linicstoric quarry and crinhing operation - Flora and launa lriipact Assncn1 I This species is highly mobile and is able to move between areas of' suitable habitat over disturbed land and cleared areas, which are not considered to be a barrier to established I movement patterns.
Given the above, it is considered unlikely that the development will disrupt the !if'ecycle I of this species such that a viable local population will be placed at ri';k of extinction (if it were to occur).
I b) In the case of an endangered population, whether the life cycle of/he .species that constitutes the endangerea' population is likely to be disrupted such that the s'iabili!y u/the population is likely to be significantly compromised; I Refer to Part 7, Section 7.2.
I In relation to the regional distri iution of the habitat of a threatened species, population, or ecological community, whether a sign//leant area of known habitat is to be modffled or removed; I Habitat.' P. regina occurs mainly in Subtropical, Dry and Littoral Rainforest, occasionally in moist eucalypt and swamp forest with a well developed rainforest understorey where fruit is plentiful. Can also be found in remnant patches of alienated rainforest (Pizzey and Doyle, 1986; NPWS, 2000b).
Given that in the Gloucester - Chichester State Forest Management areas there is approximately 45,820 hectares of rainforest and moist hardwood forests (AMBS, 1995) and extensive areas of suitable habitat in close proximity in surrounding conservation reserves such as The Glen Nature Reserve, Woko National Park, Camels Hump Nature Reserve, Bretti Nature Reserve, Running Creek Nature Reserve and Barrington Tops National Park, it is not considered that a significant area of known habitat is to be modified or removed by this proposal either locally or regionally.
Whether an area o/ known hcthiiai is likely io become isolated from cw*rcni1v inter connecting or proximate areas u/habitat/or a threatened species, population or ecological corn in unity:
As the rainforest on the study site is surrounded by agricultural land, no areas of known habitat will become isolated by the proposed development.
Whether critical habitat will be afft'cled;
Refer to Part 7, Section 7.4
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Whether a threatened species, population or ecological community, or (heir habitats, are adequately represented in conservation reserves (or other similar pro 1cc/ed areas) in the I regional environment of the species, population or corn munity; P. regina has been recorded in thirty seven (37) conservation reserves in the North Coast I IBRA including: Andrew Johnson Nature Reserve Bellenger River National Park I Boat Harbour Nature Reserve Border Ranges National Park Broken Head Nature Reserve Dorrigo National Park Iluka Nature Reserve I Mount Warning National Park There are no recordsfhis species in Conservation Reserves in the Lower North Coast I region (NPWS Wildlife Atlas, 2001 a). I It is not known whether this species is adequately reserved in the North Coast IBRA.
Whether the development or activity proposed is of a class of development or activity I that is recognised as a threatening process. I Refer to Part 7, Section 7.5. Clearing of Native Vegetation has been listed as a Key Threatening Process
I In Part (a) it was considered that the Dry Rainforest area on the study site contained suitable foraging habitat for P. regina. However, it is considered that the proposed development would not disrupt the lifecycle of a viable local population of this species (if it were to occur) so that it I would be placed at risk of extinction. As such, the clearing for the development is not a Key Threatening Process to P. regina.
I Whether any threatened species, population or ecological comm unity is at the 1/ni/i of its known distribution,
I Regional Distribution: This species occurs in New Guinea, adjacent islands and in the coastal lowlands of northern and eastern Australia. From northern Kimberleys in Western Australia to Amhem Land in Northern Territory and from Cape York in Queensland I south to mid .- NSW. In NSW they occur in coastal northeast in decreasing numbers southwards to about Port Stephens (Pizzey and Doyle, 1986; AMBS, 1995).
I Given the paucity of records in the local region, it is considered that the Gloucester area is close to the southern limit of?. I regina. I
NATURAL IMPACT ecological solutions I I
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Tyto novaehollandiae MASKED OWL
(1) In the case of a threatened species whether the li/è cycle u/the species is likely to be disrupted such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction;
In order to assess the impact of the proposed development on the life cycle of a species, it is necessary to address the primary components of the ecology of the species. These I components are breeding, foraging, roosting / nesting and movement / migration.
Breeding. The breeding season is flexible and there may be two broods per year, at least I occasionally. Two or three eggs are laid in a large cavity in a large tree, or ledge in a cave (AMBS, 1995). I Foraging: Hunts nocturnally for a variety of small to medium arboreal and terrestrtal mammals, especially rats and rabbits. It hunts close to the ground and over open country I far more intensively than other forest owls ( Pizzey and Doyle, 1986; AMBS, 1995; NPWS, 2000b).
I Roosting and Nesting: Roosts by day in big hollows (40 - 500 cm deep) in trees, crevices in cliffs and even caves, sometimes will roost on a branch among the dense foliage of a dense understorey tree. It does not appear to have the same strong I relationship with drainage lines as a roost location as the Sooty or Powerful Owls. Nests also seem different from the other two large owls as they tend to be inside vertical facing tree hollows, usually in tree trunks, and they sometimes have the appearance of being I exposed to the weather. Hollows are approximately 30 to 50 cm. internal diameter and one to five metres plus deep. Nests are built in large hollows on decayed debris and discarded remains of prey, in old hollow bearing eucalypts and may be used for several I years in succession. Nest trees may be located near drainage lines or well upslope. (Pizzey and Doyle, 1986; AMBS; 1995).
U Movement/ Migration: Considered highly mobile. The Masked Owl uses a large home range requiring 500 to 1 000 hectares per pair, covering forest and partly open country
Summary: The NPWS Wildlife Atlas shows the closest record to the study site is approximately twenty (20) kilometres south of the study site in the Glen Nature Reserve. Other close records are at Copeland Tops State Forest to the east and at Bretti Nature Reserve to the north.
I The study site contains foraging opportunities for this species in the open agricultural land as there are suitable prey species such as rats and rabbits. However, there are few large hollow hearing trees with hollows the size required for this species to use for I nesting and/or roosting opportunities within the study site. I
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This is a highly mobile species, which ranges over a very large area. The proposed development will not present a barrier to established migrationlmovement patterns.
Tyto novaehollandiae was not recorded at the study site during field surveys. However, given the above, if it were to occur, it is considered the proposed development would not disrupt the lifecycle of a viable local population so that it would be placed at risk of extinction.
In the case of an endangered population, whether the life cycle of the species that constitutes the endangered population is likely to be disrupted such that the viability of the population is likely to be signIcantly compromised,
Refer to Part 7, Section 7.2.
In relation to the regional distribution of the habitat of a threatened species, population, or ecological community, whether a signifIcant area of known habitat is to be I modified or removed; Habitat. Occurs in dry eucalypt forest, woodlands and timber along watercourses. The I Masked Owl is a forest owl, but often forages along forest edges and adjacent fragmented or cleared country (Pizzey and Doyle, 1986; NPWS, 2000b). I The Gloucester - Chichester State Forest management areas contain approximately 17,077 hectares of dry hardwood forest (Ecotone Ecological Consultants, 1995). When viewed in the terms of the extensive areas of similar foraging habitat both proximal to the I study site and regionally, a significant area of known habitat will not be removed.
d) Whether an area of known habitat is likely to become isolated from currently inter I connecting or proximate areas of habitat for a threatened species, population or ecological community;
I The lifecycle requirements of this species are met by occupying large territories, which contain a range of vegetation types. As the majority of the development will be placed on cleared land and the existing remnant of rainforest is surrounded by cleared land, no areas I of known habitat will become isolated by the proposed development.
e) Whether critical habitat will be affected;
Refer to Part 7, Section 7.4
NATURAL IMPACT ecological solutions 101 I Barrington Lime - proposed limestone quarry and crushing operation - Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment I f) Whether a threatened species, population or ecological community, or their habitats, are adequately represented in conservation reserves (or other similar protected areas) in the I regional environment of the species, population or community; The Masked Owl has been recorded from fifty one (5 1) conservation reserves in the U North Coast IBRA region (approximately twenty five percent of all reserves) including Nymboidia, Yuragir, Bundjalung, Dorrigo, Oxley Wild Rivers, Gibraltar Range and Werrikimbe National Parks and ten (10) in the Lower North Coast region including: I Wallingat National Park Ghin-Doo-Ee National Park l Booti Booti National Park Myall Lakes National Park Mt Royal National Park I The Glen Nature Reserve
This species is highly mobile and has a large home range and therefore a single I individual or pair may be recorded in a number of reserves in a particular locality. Therefore it is unknown if this species is likely to be adequately represented in conservation reserves both locally and in the North Coast IBRA.
Whether the development or activity proposed is of a class of development or activity I that is recognised as a threatening process. I Refer to Part 7, Section 7.5. Clearing of Native Vegetation has been listed as a Kçyjhreatening_Process
In Part (a) it was considered that the small amount of foraging habitat displaced by the location of quarry infrastructure will not place any local viable population of T novaehollandiae at risk of extinction. Therefore, the clearing of vegetation to accommodate the proposed development is not considered a threatening process.
Whether any threatened species, population or ecological community is at the limit of its known distribution.
Regional Distribution: The Masked Owl occurs over a wide range of area from southern New Guinea, Indonesia and across the Australian continent. Most records on the Australian continent are from eastern Victoria and coastal and sub-coastal New South Wales. In NSW it is most numerous in coastal and near coastal regions (AMBS, 1995, NPWS 2000b).
The study site does not represent any known distribution limit of T. novaehollandiae. This species distribution extends the full extent of the coast and tablelands of NSW.
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7ylo tenebricosa SOOTY OWL
a,) in the case of a threatened species whet her the 1fe cycle ojthe species is likely to I be disrupted such that a viable local population of the species is likely to he placed a! risk of extinction;
I In order to assess the impact of the proposed development on the life cycle of a species, it is necessary to address the primary components of the ecology of the species. These components are breeding, foraging, roosting / nesting and movement / migration.
Breeding: Mating is apparently for life, pairs roost apart and jointly occupy permanent ' territories, Breeds April to June, but also spring, producing one brood per year. Two dggs are usually laid in a large cavity in a towering eucalypt; incubation takes about 6 weeks and fledging about 12 weeks. The male feeds the female while she incubates the eggs (AMBS, 1995; I Woodward-Clyde, 1996). Foraging: The Sooty Owl hunts through the forest and along its edge for prey items such as I possums, gliders, rats, bandicoots, reptiles and birds (Pizzey and Doyle, 1986). Milledge (1996) in Woodward-Clyde (1996) found that even though F tenebricosa is an opportunistic forager, its apparent requirement for areas of high prey species diversity and abundance suggests it is likely I to perform well as an indicator of sensitive veebrates and high biodiversity. Roosting and nesting: This species has special requirements for both nest and roost requirements. Both sets of requirements are for roomy cavities in tall trees. Nests are typically a 40 to 50 centimetre deep by 40 to 60 cm diameter hollow with entrances 16 to 31 metres high in a tall eucalyp'. in or on the edge of rainforest. It is also known to roost in dense gully rainforest, crevice under a bank or cliff and in caves (AMBS, 1995; Woodward-Clyde 1996; NPWS, 2000).
IigraIion/movement: Kavanagh and Jackson (1996) found from results of studies in the Royal National Park in Sydney that the home range of those tracked is approximately 3000 hectares, although only about one third of that area was actually used (Woodward-Clyde, 1996). Milledge (1996) found that in the Victorian central highlands densities of this species were in the vicinity of one pair per 1600 hectares.
Summary: Tyto tenebriscosa dependence on specific I ifecyc Ic requirements, particularly the breeding habitat requirements restricts their local distribution and highlights their vulnerability to increased clearing and fragmentation. As the potential foraging habitat of this species can occur over a wide area, the remnant rainforest on the study site represents marginal foraging habitat for this species. However, roosting and nesting habitat was not present.
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- This is a highly mobile species, which ranges over a very large area. The proposed development will not present a barrier to established migrationlmovement patterns. I As the study site would only be used for foraging periodically as part of a much larger territory, it is considered unlikely that the small amount of rainforest to be cleared would I disrupt the lifec.ycle of a viable local population (if it were to occur) so that it would he placed at risk of extinction. I In the case ofan endangered population, whet/icr the I/fl' cycle of/he species i/tat constitutes the endangered population is likely to be disrupted such that the t'i(1hilitt ft/ie I population is likely to be sign ijicantly compromisecI Refer to part 7, Section 7.2.
In relation to the regional distribution of the habitat of a threatened species, population, or ecological coniniunity, whether asignificant area of known habitat is to bc inodijIed or removed;
Habitat: Found in rainforest, including dry rainforest, subtropical and warm temperate, I and tall wet forests in sheltered east and southeast facing mountain gullies, with dense understorey layer and old growth emergent eucalypts (AMBS, 1995; NPWS, 2000h Pizzey and Knight, 2001). I In the Gloucester - Chichester State Forest Management areas there is approximately 45,820 hectares of rainforest and moist hardwood forests (AMBS, 1995) and extensive I areas of potential suitable habitat in close proximity in surrounding conservation reserv('s such as The Glen, Camels Hump, Bretti and Running Creek Nature Reserves and Woko and Barrington Tops National Parks. Given this large amount of potential habitat locally, I it is not considered that a significant area of known habitat is to be modified or removed by this proposal either locally or regionally. I Whether an area of known habitat is likely to become isolated from currently ia/c, I connecting or proximate areas of habit at for a threatened species, population or ecological The development proposal is to be located on land that has been cleared for farming and less than one (1) hectare of remnant rainforest will be cleared to accommodate the quari I The movement patterns of Sooty Owl would not be compromised by this small amount of, clearing and therefore it is not considered that areas of known habitat For this SpeCieS will I become isolated by the proposed development. Whether critical habitat will be affected,
Refer to Part 7, Section 7.4
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f) Whether a threatened species, population or ecological community, or their habitats, I are adequately represented in conservation reserves 'or other similar protected areas) in the regional environment of the species, population or community;
I This species has been recorded in fifty one (5 1) conservation reserves within the North Coast IBRA (NPWS Wildlife Atlas, 2001a). On the lower North Coast it has been I recorded in ten (10) conservation reserves including: Barrington Tops National Park Wallingat National Park Woko National Park Myall Lakes National Park The Glen Nature Reserve Monkeycot Nature Reserve Ghin Doo Ee National Park Mount Royal National Park I Wailingat National Park Tapin Tops National Park This species requires a large range and is not likely to be adequately reserved either locally or within the North Coast IBRA.
Whether the development or activity proposed is of a class of development or activity I that is recognised as a threatening process. Refer to Part 7, Section 7.5. I Clearing of Native Vegetation has been listed as a Key Threatening Process
In Part (a) it was determined that the clearing for the proposed development would not place any local viable population at risk of extinction. Therefore, the clearing for the d\'eloprnent is not a threatening process to Tyto tenebriscosa
Whether any threatened species, population or ecological comm unity is at the limit of its known distrib it/ion. I Regional Distribution: Coastal southeastern Australia from southern Queensland, south to Dandenong Ranges ,Central Victoria. In New South Wales Tyto tenebricosa occurs along the I coast and northern, central and southern tablelands; west to Upper Cataract River (near Tenterfield), Upper Maiming, Berrima and Upper Murray River. Over three quarters of all records analysed were from coastal regions ( AMBS, 1995; NPWS, 2000b; Pizzey and Knight, U 2001).
The study site does not represent any known distribution limit of T. tenebricosa. I I
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MAMMALS (NON FLYING)
I Cercartetus nanus EASTERN PYGMY POSSUM
a,) In the case of a threatened species whether the lfe cycle of the .species is likely to I be disrupted such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction;
I In order to assess the impact of the proposed development on the life cycle of a species, it is necessary to address the primary components of the ecology of the species. These components are breeding, foraging, roosting / nesting and movement / migration. I Breeding: On the mainland breeding takes place from August to April. Four rarely five young may be fouttd in the pouch. A juvenile becomes independent when about half the I adult weight. Sexual maturity may be attained within the season of birth and each female may have two litters each season. Longevity in captivity has been up to eight years (Turner, 1984; Menkhorst and Knight, 2001). I Foraging: Feeds on nectar and pollen that it gathers from banksias, eucalypts and bottlebrushes. When flowers are unavailable, soft fruits may be eaten. Insects are eaten I throughout the year and may be more important in the diet of possums inhabiting wet forests where fruit and blossoms are less abundant (Turner, 1984). I Roasting and Nesting: Shelters in spherical nest of bark and leaves in tree hollows or other cranny. Can nest in very small tree hollows and spherical nests of about six
I centimetres diameter have been found between the wood and bark of eucalypts. Abandoned birds nests and shredded bark in the fork of tea - trees are other nest sites (Turner, 1984; Menkhorst and Knight, 2001). I /vlovement/ Migration: This species appears to be mainly solitary, each individual using several nests. Males tend to move further than females and one individual was observed I to move at least 125 n'ictres in one night (Turner, 1984). Females have a home range virtually half the size of male home ranges with mean home ranges being 0. 14 hectares and 0.35 hectares respectively (Bladon, Dickman and Hume, 2002). I Summary. This species was not recorded at the site during the survey. The NPWS Wildlife Atlas (updated April 2002) shows the closest record to the study site at the I Terreel Station area in 1992, south of the Glen Nature Reserve and approximately twenty three (23) kilometres from the study site.
I The study site provides potential foraging in the Dry Rainforest in the form of insects, nectar and pollen from the flowers on the Eucalyptus spp and Melaleuca slyphelio ides, and soft fruits from rainforest trees and shrubs that would be periodically available. I However, the more favoured food species such as the banksias do not occur on the study site. Small hollows, large enough for this species to nest in are present in the larger trees.
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Bladon, Dickman and 1-lume (2002) reported from a three year study on the northern tablelands that fifteen (15) to twenty (20) pigmy possums were occupying a 4.0 hectare study site. During the last year 1.4 hectares was cleared. Post clearing the estimated population size fell to 5 8 animals, and there was an almost total lack ofjuvenile sub- adult recruitment into the population that year. Bladon et. at. noted a definite negative influence of edges on this species as there was a definite movement away from previously interior nest boxes after the boxes ended up close to the new habitat boundary.
There are approximately thirteen (13) hectares of Dry Rainforest on the study site plus an additional fifteen (15) on adjoining land. Less than one (1) hectare of the northern edge of the rainforest is to be cleared for the proposed development and approximately ninety percent (90%) of the vegetation will remain intact on the study site itself. Given, the absence of banksia species which this species is often associated with and the definite negative influence of edges noted by B-ladon et. al,, it is not considered that the proposed area to be cleared would be critical habitat for the Eastern Pygmy Possum. Even if it were to occur, any individuals are likely to be more dependent on habitat away from the edge for nutritional and nesting requirements. As such, it is considered unlikely that the I proposed development will disrupt the lifecycle of this species such that a viable local population will be placed at risk of extinction (if it were to occur).
I In the case of an endangered population, whether the 1ife cycle of the species that constitutes the endangered population is likely to be disrupted such that the viability of the I population is likely to be signifIcantly comprom iseci; Refer to Part 7, Section 7.2.
[ In relation to the regional distribution of the habitat of a threatened species, population, or ecological community, whether a significant area of known habitat is to be L modified or removed; Habitat: Found in rainforest, wet and dry eucalypt forest, subalpine woodland, coastal I banksias woodland and wet heath (Turner, 1984; Menkhorst and Knight, 2001). There are extensive areas of suitable habitat in Conservation Reserves, State Forests and I private land in the Gloucester area and regionally. As less than one (1) hectare of Dry Rainforest is to be removed, it is not considered that a significant area of known habitat is to be modified or removed by this proposal. I Whether an area of known habitat is likely to become isolated Jrom currently inter connecting or proximate areas of habitat for a threatened species, population or ecological 1 community;
The remnant Dry Rainforest is surrounded by cleared agricultural land. No areas of I known habitat will become isolated by the proposed development. Li
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Whether critical habitat will be affected;
Refer to Part 7, Section 7.4 I
Whether a threatened species, population or ecological community, or their habitats, are adequately represented in conservation reserves (or other similar protected areas) in the regional environment of the species, population or community;
On the NPWS Wildlife Atlas (updated April 2002) there are nine records of this species within the Lower North Coast region and for the same region it has been recorded in three (3) conservation reserves:
Booti Booti National Park Barrington Tops National Park I Crowdy Bay National Park
There is very little information on this cryptic species to determine its true conservation I status. 1 g) Whether the development or activity proposed is of a class of development or activity that is recognised as a threatening process.
Refer to Part 7, Section 7.5.
Clearina of Native Vegetation has been listed as a Key Threatening Process
- In Part (a) it was considered that the Dry Rainforest area on the study site contained suitable foraging habitat for C. nanus. It was also determined that the proposed development would not I disrupt the lifecycle of a viable local population of this species (if it were to occur) so that it would be placed at risk of extinction. As such, the clearing for the development is not a Key Threatening Process to C. nanus. I h) Whether any threatened species, population or ecological community is at the limit of its known distribution. I Regional Distribution: Occurs in the south-eastern corner of mainland Australia and in Tasmania. Sparse to locally common, in wide range of vegetation on the tableland, I western slopes and coastal plains from south - eastern Queensland to south east South Australia. In NSW the species is found in coastal areas and higher elevation in the south, but north of Newcastle at higher elevation only (Scientific Committee, 2001; Menkhorst I and Knight, 2001).
The study site does not represent any known distribution limit of C. nanus
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1 Dasyurus maculatus SPOTTED - TAILED QUOLL
I a,) In the case of a threatened species whether the life cycle of the species is likely to be disrupted such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction; I In order to assess the impact of the proposed development on the life cycle of a species, it is necessary to address the primary components of the ecology of the species. These I components are breeding, foraging, roosting / nesting and movement / migration.
Breeding: The Spotted-tailed Quoll isa solitary animal. Both sexes mature at about one I year of age and mating occurs from April to July. After a gestation period of2l days, the female gives birth to a litter averaging 5 young (Strahan, 1983). I Foraging: Opportunistic carnivore which preys on birds, reptiles, small mammals (including gliders, possums, rats and small macropods) and invertebrates. They are usually nocturnal, but are known to hunt and bask during the day. They are good climbers I and will take gliders and possums from their dens. Individuals usually require large areas of relatively intact vegetation through which to forage and tend to move along drainage I lines (NPWS, 1999; NPWS, 2000b). Roosting and Nesting: requires tree hollows, fallen hollow logs, piles of rocks, rock I outcrops or caves for suitable den sites (AMBS, 1995). Movement/Migration: The home range of this species is unknown, but estimates are I between 800ha and 2000 ha. It is a highly mobile species and there are numerous records of overnight movements of several kilometres (NPWS, 1999)
Summary: The study site contains suitable foraging habitat with prey species such as rabbits, bush rats and antechinus found to be present. Remnant hollow bearing trees on the agricultural land and piles of surface rock outcropping along the top of the ridge may I provide potential den sites. The closest record of D. maculatus on the NPWS Wildlife Atlas is approximately eight (8) kilometres west of the study site near the Gloucester township in 1992. I As there is suitable habitat within the study site D. maculatus must be considered to potentially use the study site. However, due to relative small area of the remnant I vegetation and its isolation from other larger, proximate areas of suitable habitat, it is considered that the study site provides only marginal foraging and sheltering habitat for D. maculatus. As such, the study site may be used occasionally as the species moves 1 around its home range. I
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D. maculatus is a highly mobile species with large home range and it is considered I unlikely that the proposed development will disrupt the lifecycle of this species such that a viable local population will be placed at risk of exiinction (if it were to occur). I In the case of an endangered population, whether the life cycle of the species that constitutes the endangered population is likely to be disrupted such that the viability u/the I population is likely to be sign /Icantly compromised; Refer to Part 7, Section 7.2.
I In relation to the regional distribution of the habitat of a threatened species, population, or ecological community, whether a signIcant area of known habitat is to be modUled or removed;
Habitat: This species utilizes a variety of habitats including sclerophyll forest, woodlands, coastal heathiands and rainforests. It has frequently been recorded near ecotones of closed and open forest. Occasional sightings have been made in open country, grazing lands, rocky outcrops and other treeless areas (AMBS, 1995; NPWS, 1999; NPWS, 2000b).
There are extensive areas of suitable habitat in Conservation Reserves, State Forests and private land in the Gloucester area and regionally. It is not considered that a significant I area of known habitat is to be modified or removed by this proposal.
d) Whether an area of known habitat is likely to become isolated from currently inter I connecting or proximate areas of habitat for a threatened species, population or ecological community;
Given the majority of the study area is cleared agricultural land, no areas of known habitat will become isolated by the proposed development.
e) Whether critical habitat will be affected,
Refer to Part 7, Section 7.4
t) Whether a threatened species, population or ecological community, or their habitats, I are adequately represented in conservation reserves (or other similar protected areas) in the regional environment of the species, population or community; I It has been recorded in fifty-four (54) conservation reserves in the North Coast IBRA. On the Lower North Coast this species has been recorded in eleven (11) conservation I reserves including the following: Barrington Tops National Park The Glen Nature Reserve Mt Royal National Park Bretti Nature Reserve I Myall Lakes National Park Talawahl Nature Reserve
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Tapin Tops National Park Boorganna Nature Reserve I Wallamba Nature Reserve Coorabakh National Park Wallaroo Nature Reserve I Whether the development or activity proposed is of a class of development or activity that is recognised as a threaiening process.
I Refer to Part 7, Section 7.5.
Clearing of Native Vegetation has been listed as a Key Threatening Process
In Part (a) it was considered that the study site contained suitable foraging and shelter habitat which may periodically be used by D. maculatus. However, it was considered that the proposed I development would not disrupt the lifecycle of a viable local population of this species (if it were to occur) so that it would be placed at risk of extinction. As such, the clearing for the development is not a Key Threatening Process to D. maculatus. I Whether any threatened species, population or ecological community is at the limit of its known distribution. I Regional Distribution: Occurs from southeast QLD to Tasmania. In NSW the Spotted- tailed Quoll occurs on both sides of the Great Dividing Range. The north east of the state I represents a stronghold for the species as numbers in the southeast of the state have dramatically declined (NPWS, 1999).
I The study site does not represent any known distribution limit of D. maculatus
Petaurus nor folcensis SQUIRREL GLIDER
the species is likely, to I a) In the case of a threatened species whether the lfe cycle of be disrupted such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction; I In order to assess the impact of the proposed development on the life cycle of a species, it is necessary to address the primary components of the ecology of the species. These I components are breeding, foraging, roosting / nesting and movement / migration.
Breeding: The Squirrel Glider is a social animal and lives in family groups of between 2 I and 10. Births occur throughout the year and are likely to reflect the availability of thod particularly pollen and nectar. Females are capable of raising 2 litters in a year and young are thought to leave the nest at around 6 months but may stay in their natal range up to I 12months (AMBS, 1995; NPWS, 1999).
NATURAL IMPACT ecological solutions Barrington L,inie - proposed limestone quarry and crushing Operation - Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment
Foraging: Nocturnal feeder, this species is an ecological specialist, feeding on nectar, I pollen, flowers, acacia gum and insects particularly caterpillars. This species forages in the upper and lower forest canopies and in the shrub understory (NPWS, 1999).
I Roosling and Nesting: The Squirrel Glider requires many tree hollows for shelter and breeding as they live in family groups (NPWS, 2000b).
Movement/Migration: This species is an agile climber and can glide for more than 50 metres in one movement. Nightly movements are estimated as between 300 and 500 metres. Home ranges have been estimated as between 0.65 and 8.55 hectares and I movement also tend to be greater for males than females. The home range of a family group is likely to vaty according to habitat quality and availability of resources (NPWS, 1999). U Summary: Petaurus norfolcensis has been recorded using remnant patches of paddock trees (Law, Chidel & Turner, 2000). As such, the study site is considered to have I marginal habitat for this species. There are remnant clumps of eucalypts, some containing hollows of suitable size for P. nolfocensis, and with a shrubby understorey. However, during extensive spotlighting and trapping within the study site this species I was not recorded. Given the lack of records, dearth of suitable hollow bearing trees and the highly disturbed, fragmented nature of the potential habitat of this species on the study site, it is considered unlikely that this species was using the study site. Given that I less than twenty (20) trees and small area of shrub regeneration will be removed from the grazing land, it is considered unlikely that the proposed project would put at risk a local U viable population if one were to occur nearby. b) In the case qf an endangered population, whether the life cycle of the species that constitutes the endangered population is like/v to be disrupted such that the viability o the I population is likely to be significantly compromised:
Refer to Part 7, Section 7.2.
c) In relation to the regional distribution o/'the habitat of a threatened species, population, or ecological cn2n2unity, whether a significant area of known habitat is to be I inodijIed or removed; I Habitat: Generally inhabits Dry Sclerophyll Forest and Woodland and is usually absent from Rainforest (NPWS, 1999). P. norfolcensis has been recorded in fragmented remnant vegetation on grazing land (Law, Chidel and Turner, 2000). Key habitat for this species is I likely to be defined by areas with abundant hollow bearing trees and a mix of eucalypts, acacias, grass trees and banksias where at least one winter flowering species of banksia, eucalypt or gum producing acacia are common. One or more of the species should be I smooth barked as these form hollows more readily than rough harked eucalypts (NPWS, 2000b). I I NATURAL IMPACT ecological solutions 112 I Barrington Lime - proposed limestone quarry and crushing operation - Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment
As the grazing land was considered marginal habitat for this species and less than twenty (20) trees will be removed, it is not considered that a significant area of known habitat is to be modified or removed by this proposal.
I d) Whether an area of known habitat is likely to become iso/a/ed from currently inter connecting (Jr proximate areas of habitat for a threatened species, population or ecological community; I The study site is surrounded by cleared agricultural land that contains remnant clumps of eucalypts with suitable hollows and foraging areas for this species. While portions of the I study area may accomodate suitable attributes for this species, albeit highly modified and fragmented, it is considered that it does not constitute an area of optimum habitat or link to such habitat. Therefore, no currently inter-connecting or proximate areas of known I habitat for P. norfolcensis will become isolated by the proposed development.
e) Whether critical habitat will be affected; I Refer to Part 7, Section 7.4
I Whether u threatened species, population or ecological conimuni!g, or their habitats, are adequately represented in conservation reserves (or other similar protected areas) in the regional environment of the species, population or community; I Within the North Coast IBRA Petaurus nolJblcensis has been recorded in twenty three (23) conservation reserves including: I Border Ranges National Park Ben Halls Gap National Park Mount Warning National Park Guy Fawkes National Park New England National Park Oxley Wild Rivers National Park I Bungawalbin Nature Reserve
On the Lower North Coast P. norfoIcnsis has been rec;;rded in three (3) conservation reserves including:
Booti Booti National Park Mount Royal National Park I Karuah Nature Reserve
Based on the lack of recordings of this species in conservation reserves it must be I considered unlikely to be adequately represented in conservation reserves both locally and in the North Coast IBRA. I
Whether the development or activity proposed is oja class 0,1 development or activity that is, recognised as a threatening process.
Refer to Part 7, Section 7.5.
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çjjigfNative Vegetation has been listed as a Key Threatening Process
In Part (a) it was considered that the study site contained marginal foraging and nesting habitat for P. nor/olcensis. However, it is considered that the proposed development would not disrupt the lifecycle of a viable local population of this species (if it were to occur) so that it would be placed at risk of extinction. As such, the clearing for the devclopment is not a Key Threatening Process to P. nor/olcensis
h) Whether ant' threatened species, population or ecological communi : is at the limit 0/ its known distribution.
Regional Distribution: The Squirrel Glider has a broad distribution extending along the drier western slopes c,'the Great Dividing Range from central Victoria, through NSW up I to northern Queensland (Strahan 1983). This species is found inland as far as the Pillaga and Coonabarabran areas of NSW. Suitable habitat also exists in the River Red Gum Forests and Yellow Box Woodlands of the Murray Darling Basin (Strahan, 1983; NPWS, I 1999; NPWS Wildlife Atlas, 2001a). I The study site does not represent any known distribution limit of P. nor/lcensLs.
Phasco gale tavoata/h BRUSH-TAILEI) IHASCOGALE
a) In the case of a threatened species whether the lijè cycle of the species is likely to be disrupted such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed (ii risk of extinction;
In order to assess the impact of the proposed development on the life cycle of a species, it I is necessary to address the primary components of the ecology of the species. These components are breeding, foraging, roosting / nesting and movement / migration. I Breeding: Mating occurs once a year, in winter. The entire Population breeds in synchrony and the males die soon after (AMBS, 1995).Juveniles are weaned after 20 I weeks. Females live up to 3 years and generally produce only one litter (NPWS, 1999). Foraging: Hunts nocturnally for a variety of invertebrates and arthropods, nectar and occasionally small vertebrates. Foraging habitats include the bark surface and shallow I bark crevices of trunks and major limbs of trees. Individuals forage preferentially in rough barked trees of 25 centimetres diameter at breast height (DBH) or greater because I such trees have a larger surface area that will provide a greater abundance of food resources (NPWS, 1999).
I Roostluug and Nesting: The Brush-tailed Phascogale requires tree hollows for shelter and nesting, utilizing many hollows over a short time span. Suitable hollows are 25 40 mm wide, lined with leaves and shredded bark and covered with pungent faeces which serves I as a territorial marker (NPWS, 1999). I NATURAL IMPACT ecological solutions 114 I Barrington Lime - proposed limestone quarry and crushing operation - flora and Fauna Impact Assessment
Movement/ Migration. This species is solitary and has large home ranges with females inhabiting territories of approximately 20 - 60 ha, wiist the males maintain territories of up to 100 ha. During breeding males can travel long distances well beyond their territories (NPWS, 1999).
Summary. This species was not recorded during surveys at the study site. Suitable foraging habitat for this species occurs in the Dry Rainforest remnant vegetation and on the cleared agricultural land. Suitable nest hollows occur in the remnant groups of eucalypts on the cleared agricultural land.
This is a wide ranging species and Nicholas Graham-Higgs (1994) records breeding males traveling up to several kilometres and up to 300 metres across open areas, although research indicates that forest links provide more suitable corridors. Soderquist and Ealey (1994) notes that an individual may use more than 20 nests in a single year and studies by Traill and Coates (1993) found no two P. tapoatafti sharing den sites and adults of the same sex were never recorded within 500 metres of each other. This would suggest that they occur in very low densities, even in preferred habitat.
The proposed development will disturb a relative small area of the available habitat on the study site for P. tapoatafas and it is unlikely that a Phascogale population is dependent on this same area as a sole breeding or foraging site. In addition, such a small area of disturbance will not affect the established movement patterns of this species. As such, it is considered the development will not affect a viable local population (if it were to occur), such that it will be placed at risk olextinction.
b) In the case of an endangered population, whether the tUe cycle of the species that constitutes the endangered population is likely to be disrupted such that the viability of I the population is likely to be significantly compromised; I Defer to Part 7, Section 7.2. c) In relation to the regional distribution of the habitat of a threatened species, population, I or ecological community, whether a signficant area of known habitat is to be modified or removed;
Habitat: The preferred habitat of this species is reported to be dry open forest to woodland with a sparse ground cover of herbs, grasses and scleromorphic shrubs or leaf litter. It has also been captured in coastal forest ( containing Blackbutt and Red Bloodwood ) in northern NSW and may inhabit heathland, swamps, rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest (AMBS, 1995; NPWS, 1999).
State Forests and National Parks within the Gloucester -- Chichester region contain approximately 48,848 ha of Dry Hardwood Forest, l-lighland Forest with grassy understorey, forest dominated by Snow Gum and Highland Hardwood Forest, all potential habitat for this species (AMBS, 1995). As such. it is considered that the area
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removed or modified by the proposed development will be negligible in comparison to the amount of suitable habitat available for P. tapoatafa within the local area and North Coast IBRA generally.
I d) Whether an area of known habitat is likely to become iso/a/ed/root currently !nter connecting or proximate areas of habitat for a threatened species. population or ecological community; I The study site is surrounded by cleared agricultural land that contains remnant clumps of eucalypts with suitable hollows and foraging areas for this species. While portions of the I study area may accomodate suitable attributes for this species, albeit highly modified and fragmented, it is considered that it does not constitute an area of optimum habitat or link to such habitat. Therefore, no currently inter-connecting or proximate areas of known I habitat for P. tapoatafa will become isolated by the proposed development. I e) Whether critical habitat will be affected; Refer to Part 7, Section 7.4 I Whether a threatened species, population or ecological comm unity, or their habitats, are adequately represented in conservation reserves or other similar protected areas) in the I region; P. tapoatafa has been recorded in over thirty (30) conservation reserves within the North Coast IBRA and four (4) on the Lower North Coast including (NPWS Wildlife Database, I 2001a).
Barrington Tops National Park Bundjalun(y National Park I Mt Royal National Park Chaelundi National Park Talowahl Nature Reserve Hat Head Nationol Park Gonook Nature Reserve Mt Warning National Park I Broadwater National Park
There have been a number of records of this species along roadsides. It is not known whether this is a consequence of sampling methodology or that roadside vegetation provides fragmented and relictual remnants of this species preferred habitat.
The Brush-tailed Phascogale is a solitary animal and occurs in low population densities. It is therefore difficult to assess whether the representation of this species is adequate in conservation reserves.
Whether the development or activity proposed is of a class o/ development or activity that is recognised as a threatening process.
Refer to Part 7, Section 7.5.
NATURAL IMPACT ecological solutions 116 I Barrington Lime - proposed limestone quarry and crushing operation - Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment Clearing of Native Vegetation has been listed as a Key Threatening Process
In Part (a) it was considered that the study site contained suitable foraging and oesting habitat for P. tapoatafa. 1-lowever, it was also determined that the proposed development I would not disrupt the lifecycle of a viable local population of this species (if it were to occur) so that it would be placed at risk of extinction. As such, the clearing for the P. tapoatafa I development is not a Key Threatening Process to h Whether any threatened species, population or ecological community is at limit of I its known distribution. Regional Distribution: The Brush-tailed Phascogale has a patchy distribution around the ' coast of Australia, from near sea level up to 1500m. Within NSW, the species appears to be most abundant in the northeast and southeast of the State, particularly within foresf habitats on the Great Dividing Range.
I The study site does not represent any known distributional limit of this species.
I Phascolarctos cinereus KOALA
a In the case oja threatened species whether the life cycle of the species is likely to I be disrupted such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction;
I In order to assess the impact of the proposed development on the life cycle of a species, it is necessary to address the primary components of the ecology of the species. These I components are breeding, foraging, roosting / nesting and movement / migration. Breeding: Breeding occurs from about September to April and most mature females produce one young, rarely twins, each year. The young remains in the pouch for 7 I months, suckling on one of two nipples. After leaving the pouch the young koala feeds on a mixed diet of milk and leaves, grows rapidly and travels clinging to its mother's back. At the age of twelve months it is fully weaned and independent of its mother and by I eighteen months it has usually dispersed away from the area where it was born (Martin, 1991; AMBS, 1995).
Foraging: Koalas move about and feed at night with the peak of activity just after sunset
(Martin, 1 98 3)). They have been recorded feeding on over sixty nine eucalypt species and almost I thirty T1011 eucalypt species, its distribution is strongly influenced by particular tree species that are restricted to more productive soil types. The primary feed trees vary for different areas, however the predominate species are: Small Fruited Grey Gum ( Eucalyptus propinqua ), Grey Gum (Eucalyptus biturbinata), Forest Red Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis), Sydney Blue Gum (F. saligna ), Tallowwood ( E. microcorys ), Blackbutt ( E. pilularis ), White Mahogany (Eucalyptus acmenoides), Swamp Mahogany (Eucalyptus rob usta) and Flooded Gum ( F. grandis) (AMBS, 1995; Ecotone Ecological Consultants, 1995; NPWS, 20001b).
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Roosting and nesting : The Koala sleeps in the fbrk of a tree during the greater part of the day. It is not known whether the abundance of rest sites has an influence on koala presence (AM 135. 1995).
A'figration / movemeni : Koalas are considered to be solitary animals and have a home range of about 3 hectares throughout the year except during the breeding season when long distances may be traveled to find a mate (AMBS, 1995). Koalas are known to travel across open areas to move from one feeding tree to another (pers. obs.).
Summary. The NPWS Wildlife Atlas shows three (3) records of Koalas within ten (10) kilometres of the study site between 1949 to 1999. The cleared agricultural land on the study site contains several tree species, which are suitable Koala food trees, nc1uding: Eucalyptus grandis, E. saligna, E. acmeno ides and E. tereticornis. However, they occur on the study site in small clumps or as isolated individuals. Because of the relative small amount of remaining suitable Koala foraging habitat and its fragmented nature of the remaining vegetation, the study site is not considered critical habitat for this species.
During fieldwork at the study site, Koalas or signs of koala use such as faecal pellets and scratch marks on trees were not found. Given, the paucity of records in close proximity to the study site, the absence of signs of koala use and the dearth of suitable foraging habitat, it is likely that the site may only be used occasionally or not at all. As such, it is considered the proposed development will not disrupt the lifecycle of this species such that a viable local population will be placed at risk of extinction (if it were to occur).
h) In the case of an endangered population, whether the life cycle of the species that constitutes the endangered population is likely to be disrupted such that the viability of the population is likely to he significantly compromised:
Refer to Part 7, Section 7.2.
c) In relation to the regional distribution ott/ic habitat of "a threatened species. population, or ecological community, whether a signifIcant area of known habitat is to be ,'nodifìed or removed;
Habitat: The Koala occurs in Moist and Dry Hardwood Forest and woodlands. Kavanagh et al (1995) found that the Koala was most closely associated with wetter forest types in northern I NSW.
There are extensive areas of suitable habitat in Conservation Reserves, State Forests and private land in the Gloucester area and regionally. It is not considered that a significant area of known habitat is to be modified or removed by this proposal.
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Whether an area of known habitat is likely to become isolatecifroni currently inter connecting or proximate areas of habitat Jbr a threatened species, population or ecological community:
As the study area is generally cleared agricultural land with occasional remnant isolated feed trees. It is considered that no areas of known habitat for the koala will become isolated by the proposed development.
Whether critical habitat will be affected;
Refer to Part 7, Section 7.4
Whether a threatened species, population or ecological community, or their habitats, are adequately represented in conservation reserves (or other similar protected areas) in the regional environment of the species, population or community,
The Koala has been recorded in eighty five (85) conservation reserves within the North Coast IBRA. On the Lower North Coast it been recorded in 17 conservation reserves including the following:
Barrington Tops National Park Killarney Nature Reserve Mount Royal National Park Monkerai Nature Reserve Ghin-Doo-Ee National Park The Glen Nature Reserve Woko National Park Myall Lakes National Park lapin Tops National Park Crowdy Bay National Park Booti Booti National Park
Based on the numerous recordings of Koalas in conservation reserves, this species is considered adequately represented in conservation reserves both locally and in the North Coast IBRA.
Whether the development or activity proposed is of a class of development or activity that is recognised as a threatening process.
Refer to Part 7, Section 7.5.
Clearing of Native Vegetation has been listed as a Key ThrenProces
In Part (a) it was determined that the proposed development is unlikely to disrupt the lifecycle of a viable local population of this species (if it were to occur) so that it would be placed at risk of extinction. As such, the clearing for the development is not a Key Threatening Process to P. cinereus.
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h) Whether any threatened species, population or ecologiccil community is cii the Jim ii o/ its known distribution.
Regional Distribution: The Koala has a fragmented distribution throughout eastern Australia, extending from the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia through to North Queensland. The distribution of the species also extends west of the Great Dividing Range, where it mostly occurs along inland rivers. In NSW, the Koala mainly occurs on the central and north coasts (Reed and Lunney, 1990), although some populations occur in the western region, such as the Pilliga region and to the west of Gunnedah (NPWS, 1999).
The study site does not represent any known distribution limit of P. cinereus.
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I MAMMALS (FLYING) CA VE DEPENDENT BA TS
Chalinobolus dwyeri LARGE-EARED PIED BAT I In the case of a threatened species whether the lfè cycle of the species is likely to be disrupted such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at I risk of extinclion, In order to assess the impact of the proposed development on the life cycle of a species, it is necessary to address the primary compinents of the ecology of the species. These I components are breeding, foraging, roosting / nesting and movement / migration.
Breeding. It is uncertain whether mating occurs early in spring or winter, however I females give birth to either 1 or 2 young during late November, early December and the young are independent by late February. They leave the cave soon after and the females remain another month before abandoning the roost in late March for the winter. Females I can give birth when 12 months old (Strahan, 1983; Churchill, 1998).
Foraging: These bats are insectivorous and it probably forages for small flying insects I below the forest canopy, but few details are known (Strahn, 1983).
Roosting and nesting: These bats roost in caves and mines, in colonies of 3 to 37. They I tend to roost most commonly in the twilight areas of caves, not far from the entrance. Has also been recorded using abandoned bottle shaped nests of Fairy Martins. Males have been found during winter in deep torpor roosting alone in abandoned mines (Strahn, I 1983; Churchill, 1998).
iLigraiion/movement: No information available on this part of lifecycle.
Summary - This species was not recorded during the survey. Due to the disturbed and fragmented nature of the vegetation on the study site, the abundancc of more suitable I foraging habitat on the surrounding ranges and the lack of suitable roosting / nesting sites, it is unlikely the study site represents critical habitat for this species. As such, it is I considered unlikely that the proposed development will disrupt the lifecycle of this species to such an extent that a local viable population will be placed at risk of extinction 1 (if it were to occur). In the case of an endangered population, whether the life cycle of the species that constitutes the endangered population is likely to be disrupted such that the viability of I the population is likely to be significantly compromised:
Refer to Part 7, Section 7,2. I NATURAL IMPACT ecological solutions 121 I Barrington Lime - proposed limestone quarry and crushing operation - Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment
I c) In relation to the regional distribution of the habitat of a threatened species, population, or ecological community, whether ci significant area u/known hahitt is to he modified or removed;
Habitat: This species has been most commonly recorded from Dry Sclerophyll forests and Woodlands, but they also occur in subalpine woodland, the edge of rainforest and I wet sclerophyll forest (Churchill, 1998). Given that approximately 48,848 hectares of Dry Sclerophyll forest and Woodland I occurred within State Forests and National Parks of the Gloucester - Chichester region at 1995 (AMBS, 1995) in addition to relatively large areas of suitable habitat remaining on freehold land, it is not considered that a significant area of known habitat is to be I modified or removed by this proposal.
d) Whether an area of known habitat is likely to become isolated from currently inter I connecting or proximate areas of habitat for a threatened species, population or ecological community;
I Given the likely ability of this species to move across large areas of unsuitable habitat, no areas of known habitat will become isolated by the proposed development.
I e) Whether critical habitat will be affected; I Refer to Part 7, Section 7.4 f) Whether a threatened species, population or ecological community, or their habitats, are adequately represented in conservation reserves (or other similar protected areas) in the I regional environment of the species, population or community;
This species has been recorded in four (4) conservation reserves in the North Coast IBRA I including:
Mt Jerusalem National Park I Mummel Gulf National Park Nightcap National Park I Nowendoc National Park The NPWS Wildlife Atlas (updated 2002) has only one (1) record of this species on the I Lower North Coast and it is in the area of the Wallarobba Range near Dungog. Given the above paucity of records it is unlikely that this species is adequately reserved either 1 locally or regionally.
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' g) Whether the development or activity proposed is of a class of development or activity that is recognised as a threatening process.
Refer to Part 7, Section 7.5. I In Part (a) it was considered that the study site was unlikely to represent critical habitat ' for Chalinobus dwyeri because of lack of roosting and nesting sites and fragmented nature of remnant vegetation. As such, the proposed clearing is unlikely to disrupt the lifecycle of a viable local population of this species (if it were to occur) so that it would be placed at risk of extinction. The clearing for the development is not a Key Threatening I Process to C. dwyeri
h) Whether any threatened species, population or ecological community is at the limit of its known distribution.
I Distribution: This species has been recorded from Blackdown Tableland in central eastern Queensland, south to Wollongong New South Wales, from the coast to the western slopes of the Divide. This species is endemic to Australia (Churchill, 1998; I Menkorst and Knight, 2001). 1 The study site does not represent any known distribution limit of this species.
Minioplerus australis LITTLE BENT - WING BAT
a) In the case of a threatened species whether the lije cycle of the species is likely to I be disrupted such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction;
I In order to assess the impact of the proposed development on the life cycle of a species, it is necessary to address the primary components of the ecology of the species. These I components are breeding, foraging, roosting / nesting and movement / migration. Breeding: Mating occurs in July to August, with fertilization taking place at the time of mating. Retarded embryonic development follows until mid-September. Births occur in I December, when single young are born (AMBS, 1995; Churchill, 1998).
This species is reliant on a limited number of caves for maternity and hibernation roosts. I With the onset of spring, adult females move from widely scattered roosts to specific nursery caves, which are oen shared with the Common Bent-wing Bat, more so in I NSW. This species relies on large numbers of Common Bent-wing Bats to help elevate cave temperatures necessary to raise its young (AMBS, 1995; Churchill, 1998; NPWS, I
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Foraging: This species forages on small insects below the tree canopy of well timbered habitat. They eat a variety of insects including crane flies, ants, moths and wasps I (Churchill, 1998).
old mines, tunnels, tree I Roosting and nesting: The Little Bent-wing Bat utilises caves, hollows, disused bird nests or a variety of structures such as buildings, stormwater drains or under bridges as diurnal roosts (AMBS, 1995; Churchill, 1998, NPWS, 2000b).
Migration / movement: Movement patterns in relation to breeding and dispersal may constitute several hundred kilometres (Richards, 2001). I Summary: This species may use the study site for foraging purposes and is also known to occasionally roost in tree hollows, however given the lack of caves or similar roost sites it I is unlikely that local populations of this species would be critically reliant on the habitat on the subject site for roosting purposes.
I M. australis usually roosts in cave or mines, which none have been recorded within the study site. The potential foraging and roosting habitat affected by the proposed development will be negligible in comparison to the amount of similar remnants or more I extensive areas of suitable habitat in the wider area. It is considered unlikely that the development will disrupt the lifecycle of this species such that a viable local population I will be placed at risk of extinction (if it were to occur).
b) In the case of an endangered population, whether the life cycle of the species that I constitutes the endangered population is likely to be disrupted such that the viability of the population is likely to be signIcantly compromised:
I Refer to Part 7, Section 7.2.
c) In relation to the regional ditribution of the habitat of a threatened species, population, I or ecological community, whether ci signJlccint area of known habitat is to be modifIed or removed;
I Habitat: Includes rainforest, moist hardwood forest, swamp scierophyll forest and to a lesser extent dry hardwood forest and heath (AMBS, 1995; Churchill, 1998).
I There are extensive areas of suitable habitat in Conservation Reserves, State Forests and private land in the Gloucester area and regionally. It is not considered that a significant I area of known habitat is to be modified or removed by this proposal.
I
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d) Whether an area of known habitat is likely to become isolated from currently inter connecting or proximate areas of habitat for a threatened species, population or ecological I community;
I No areas of known habitat will become isolated by the proposed development. Whether critical habitat will be affected,
Refer to Part 7, Section 7.4
Whether a threatened species, population or ecological community, or their habitats, are adequately represented in conservation reserves (or other similar protected areas) in the regional environment of the specier population or community;
This species has been recorded in fifty-six (56) conservation reserves in the North Coast IBRA. In the Lower North Coast this species has been recorded in ten (10) conservation I reserves including (NPWS Wildlife Atlas, 2000a) Wallingat National Park Talawahl Nature Reserve I Myall Lakes National Park The Glen Nature Reserve Woko National Park Wallaroo Nature Reserve Tapin Tops National Park Karuah Nature Reserve I Coorabakh National Park
This species habitat is likely to be adequately conserved both locally and in the North I Coast IBRA. However, maternal roost sites are likely to be inadequately protected.
Whether the development or activity proposed is of a class of development or activity 1 that is recognised as a threatening process.
Refer to Part 7, Section 7.5. I Clearing of Native Vegetation has been listed as a Key Threatening Process
I In Part (a) it was considered that the study site contained potential foraging and roosting habitat for M australis. However, it was determined that the proposed development is unlikely to disrupt the lifecycle of a viable local population of this species (if it were to I occur) so that it would be placed at risk of extinction. As such, the clearing for the development is not a Key Threatening Process to M australis.
I Whether any threatened species, population or ecological community is at the limit of its known distribution.
Regional Distribution: Eastern Queensland from Cape York, south to northern New I South Wales as far south as Newcastle area. In NSW, mainly restricted to subtropical
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coastal lowlands where it is widely distributed and relatively common (AMBS, 1995; I Churchill, 1998). The study site does not represent any known distribution limit of this species.
I TREE HOLLOW DEPENDENT BATS
I Kerivoula papuensis GOLDEN-TIPPED BAT
I a) In the case of a threatened species whether the lfe cycle of the species is likel5' to be disrupted such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction; I In order to assess the impact of the proposed development on the life cycle of a species, it is necessary to address the primary components of the ecology of the species. These I components are breeding, foraging, roosting / nesting and movement / migration.
Breeding: Little is known of the reproductive biology of this species. I Foraging: This species is thought to prey on insects and spiders, particularly orb weaving spiders, taken from the web. The fact that this species can hover allows them to I pluck spiders directly from the web (Stralm, 1983; Churchill, 1998).
Roosting: Kerivoulapapuensis have been found regularly roosting in abandoned nests of I gerygones and scrubwrens, and has been recorded roosting at the base of palms. It is also known to roost in tree hollows, but this has rarely been observed. They are not known to rooGt in caves in Australia, however in Irian Jaya, a colony was recently found in a cave I (Strahn, 1983; Churchill, 1998; NPWS, 2000).
Migration / Movement : No information. I Summary: The rainforest area on the study site represents suitable habitat for this I species. However, given no nests of gerygones and scrubwrens were found at the study site and palms do not occur, it is unlikely that this species nests within the study site. It was not recorded during surveys at the study site and is unlikely that the amount of I foraging habitat within the study site is critical to any local viable population. Therefore, it is considered unlikely that the development will disrupt the lifecycle of this species such that a viable local population will be placed at risk of extinction (if it were to occur). I
I
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b) In the case of an endangered population, whether the life cycle of/he species that constitutes the endangered population is likely to be disrupted such that the viability of I the population is likely to be significantly compromised
I Refer to Part 7, Section 7.2.
c) In relation to the regional distribution of the habitat 0/a threatened species, population, or ecological community, whether a significant area of known habitat is to be modified or I removed;
I Habitat: This species has been mainly recorded in rainforest or along rainforest gullies in wet scierophyll forest. They are usually captured in dense vegetation often close to creeklines, from sea level to 1000 metres above sea level. They hive recently been I recorded from recently logged dry sclerophyll forest in southern NSW (Churchill, 1998; Menkorst and Knight, 2001).
I In the Gloucester - Chichester region there is approximately 23064 hectares of subtropical and dry rainforest (AMBS, 1995) and in addition to this there are the small pockets of rainforest remaining on freehold land. Given that less than one (1) hectare of rainforest is to be cleared, it I is not considered a significant area of known habitat is to be removed or modified.
d) Whether (in area of known habitat is likely to become isolated from currently inter I connecting or proximate areas of habit at for a threatened species, population or ecological community;
I The rainforest vegetation on the study site is surrounded by cleared agricultural land. It is considered that the relative small area to be cleared for the proposed devclopnient will not create a barrier to the movement patterns of this species (if were to occur). This species is likely to be highly mobile and it is considered that no areas of currently interconnecting or proximate areas of known habitat will become isolated by the propos'd development.
e) Whether critical habitat will be q,ffected;
I Refer to Part 7, Section 7.4
0 Whether a threatened species, population or ecological community, or their habitats, I are adequately represented in conservation reserves or other similar protected areas) in the region; i This species has been recorded in approximately fourteen (14) reserves in the North Coast IBRA including (NPWS, 2000a):
Guy Fawkes National Park Tooloom National Park Killabahk Nature Reserve Nightcap National Park I Maria National Park Richmond Range National Park
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Kerivoula papuensis has been recorded in the following local conservation reserves:
Barrington Tops National Park Myall Lakes National Park I Woko National Park The Glen Nature Reserve The NPWS Wildlife Atlas (updated April 2002) shows twenty two (22) records for the Lower North Coast between 1990 to 1998. It is unlikely that this species is adequately reserved either locally or within the North Coast IBRA.
Whether the development or activity proposed is of a class of development or activity that is recognised as a threatening process.
Refer to Part 7, Section 7.5,
Clearing of Native Vegetation has been listed as a Key Threatening Process
In Part (a) it was considered that the study site contained potential foraging habitat for K. papuensis. However, it was determined that the clearing required for the proposed development is unlikely to disrupt the lifecycle of a viable local population of this species (if it were to occur) so that it would be placed at risk of extinction. As such, the clearing for the development is not a Key Threatening Process to K. papuensis.
Whether any threatened species, population or ecological community is at limit of its known distribution.
Distribution: Localised occurrences from eastern Queensland from Cape York, to eastern NSW as far south as Bega region. The only inland record for this species is from the I Blackdown Tableland west of Rockhampton in Queensland (Churchill, 1998).
The study site does not represeni the known distributional limit of this species. I
Mormopteris nor folkensis EAST COAST FREETAIL BAT
a) In the case of a threatened species whether the lfe cycle of the species is likely to be disrupted such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction;
In order to assess the impact of the proposed development on the life cycle of a species, it is necessary to address the primary components of the ecology of the species. These components are breeding, foraging, roosting / nesting and movement / migration.
Breeding: Nothing is known, Richards (2001) assumes that it would follow the typical microchiropteran pattern of having young in summer.
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Foraging: Foraging habitat largely remains unknown, however Richards (2001) suggests that this species may have a preference for foraging over the forest canopy because most recordings have been by electronic detection and this style of foraging matches its wing design and flight style. This must be treated with caution as M. norfolkensis has also been recorded foraging in paddocks (Law, Chidel and Turner, 2000).
Roosting: Hollows in mature eucalypts are likely to represent critical habitat components, however they have also been found roosting in the roof ofa house, under the weather protection cap on a telegraph pole and under the bark of trees (Churchill, 1998).
Iviovement /Migration : No information.
Summary : The NPWS Wildlife Atlas (updated April 2002) shows two (2) 1997 records ofthis species occurring approximately twenty (20) kilornetres south near the Glen Nature Reserve.
M nor/bike tisis was not recorded during surveys at the study site, however it potentially I may use the study site for foraging and the small hollows that occur in several of the larger trees for roosting. Given that within the study site there is a dearth of tree hollows in comparison to surrounding forested tracts and the fact that this species forages over an U extensive area, it is considered the potential foraging and roosting habitat affected by the proposed development will be negligible in comparison to the amount of suitable habitat I in the wider area. In most instances the conservation of a selection of large, mature and dead trees is considered to be appropriate in retaining roosting habitat for this species (if it were to I occur). It is intended that the design of the road and infrastructure will result in the minimal removal of hollow bearing trees and it is unlikely that a significant amount of roosting habitat for this species will be removed from the study site. Given the abundance I of potential forage habitat in the region, the subject site is unlikely to represent a key foraging resource for local populations of this species.
I Given the above, it is considered unlikely that the development will disrupt the lifecycle of this species such that a viable local population will be placed at risk of extinction (if it I were to occur). b) In the case of an endangered population, whether the li/c cycle of the species that constitutes the endangered population is likely to be disrupted such that the viability of I the population is likely to be significantly compromised.' I Refer to Part 7, Section 7.2.
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c)In relation 10 the regional distribution of the habitat of a threatened species, population, or ecological community, whether a significant area of known habitat is to be modifIed or removed; I Habitat: Most records for this species are from Dry Hardwood Forest and Woodland, however it has been recorded flying over Wet Scierophyll Forest and Rainforest (AMBS, 1995; Churchill, 1998). Richards (1992) considers this species a habitat specialist.
I In 1995 it was estimated that 49,000 hectares of Dry Hardwood forest and Woodland occurred in State Forests and National Parks of the Gloucester - Chichester region I (AMBS, 1995), in addition to extensive tracts on freehold land. It is not considered that a significant area of known habitat is to be modified or removed by this proposal. I Whether an area of known habitat is likely to become isolated from currentl)f inter connecting or proximate areas of habitat for a threatened species, population or ecological I community; The development proposal is to be located on land that has largely been cleared for agriculture and the reinaining vegetation is highly fragmented. As this species is likely to I forage over extensive areas and therefore able to move through areas of unsuitable habitat, it is considered that no areas of known interconnecting or proximate habitat will I become isolated by the proposed development. Whether critical habitat will be affected;
I Refer to Part 7, Section 7.4
Whether a threatened species, population or ecological community, or their habitats, I are adequately represented in conservation reserves or other similar protected areas) in the regional environment of the species, population or community;
Ij M. norfolkensis has been recorded in six (6) conservation reserves on the North Coast IBRA (NPWS Wildlife Atlas, 2000a) including: I Goonengerry National Park Border Ranges National Park Mt Jerusalum National Park Barrington Tops National Park I Tapin Tops National Park Mummel Gulf National Park It is not known whether this species is adequately conserved locally or regionally. However it is considered that the loss of any potential habitat components at the site will I be negligible in terms of populations, (local, viable or otherwise) of the Eastern Freetail I Bat.
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Whether the development or activity proposed is of a class of development or aclivily that is recognised as ci threatening process.
Refer to Part 7, Section 7.5.
Clearing of Native Vcgetation has been listed as a Key Threatening Process
In Part (a) it was considered that the study site contained potential foraging and roosting habitat for Mormopteris nor,Iblkensis. However, it was determined that the clearing required for the proposed development is unlikely to disrupt the lifecycle of a viable local population of this species (if it were to occur) so that it would be placed at risk of extinction. As such, the clearing for the development is not a Key Threatening Process to Iv1 norfolkensis. Whether any threatened species, population or ecological community is at the limit of I its known distribution. Regional Distribution: Restricted to eastern NSW, east of the Dividing Range from south I of Sydney extending north into southeastern Queensland near Brisbane (Churchill, 1998). The study site does not represent any known distribution limit of M. norjblkensis. I
Saccolaimusfiaviventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat I a) In the case ala threatened species whether the lfe cycle of the species is likely to be disrupted such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction;
In order to assess the impact of the proposed development on the life cycle of a species, it is necessary to address the primary components of the ecology of the species. These components are breeding, foraging, roosting / nesting and movement / migration.
Breeding: Single young are born in summer, with a single young being weaned in the following early autumn (Churchill, 1998; Richards, 2001).
Foraging : This species is insectivorous and forages above the tree canopy. They eat a variety of prey, mainly beetles (up to 90%) but also long horned grass hoppers, shield bugs and flying insects. They fly high and fast over the forest canopy but come lower in more open country (Churchill, 1998; NPWS, 2000b). This species forages over a very extensive area (Richards, 2001).
Roasting : This species roosts in tree hollows which are large and located high in a tree. They tend to be solitary for most of the year but may form small groups of 2 to 6 in late winter and spring. They have been found in abandoned nests of Sugar Gliders (Petaurus
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breviceps) and occasionally hanging from the outside of walls and buildings in broad daylight. Several solitary animals have been found roosting in animal burrows, in cracks in dry clay and under slabs of rock in northern Australia (Churchill, 1998; Richards, I 2001). Migration / Movement : There has been suggestions that this species migrates to southern Australia in late summer to autumn, however this hypothesis requires further testing (Churchill, 1998; NPWS, 2000b; Richards, 2001).
Summary: This species potentially may use the study site for foraging and the small I hollows that occur in several of the larger trees for roosting. Given that within the study site there is a dearth of tree hollows in comparison to surrounding forested tracts and the fact that this species forages over an extensive area, it is considered the potential foraging Li and roosting habitat affected by the proposed development will be negligible in comparison to the amount of suitable habitat in the wider area.
I In most instances, the conservation of a selection of large, mature and dead trees is considered to be appropriate in retaining roosting habitat for this species (if it were to occur). It is intended that the design of the road and infrastructure will result in the I minimal removal of hollow bearing trees and it is unlikely that a significant amount of roosting habitat for this species will be removed from the study site. Given the abundance of potential forage habitat in the region, the subject site is unlikely to represent a key I foraging resource for local populations of this species.
Consequently, it is considered unlikely that the development will disrupt the lifecycle of I this species such that a viable local population will be placed at risk of extinction (if it were to occur). 1 b' In the case of an endangered population, whether the IJ cycle of the species that constitutes the endangered population is likely to be disrupted such that the viabiliiy of I the population is likely to be signIcantly compromised:
Refer to Part 7, Section 7.2.
c) In relation to the regional distribution of the habitat of a threatened species, population, I or ecological community, whether a signficant area of known habitat is to be modified or removed;
I Habitat: Occurs in almost all habitats, from wet and dry selerophyll forest, open woodland, Acacia shrubland, mallee, grasslands and desert (Churchill, 1998). Has been I recorded roosting in remnant vegetation on grazing land (Law, Chidel and Turner, 2000). The habitat requirements of this species are very broad and therefore it is considered that the proportion of habitat affected by the proposed development is negligible in relation to I the amount of suitable foraging and roosting habitat in the region. The loss of any critical
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habitat components at the site will be negligible in terms of a local populations of the Yellow—bellied Sheathtail Bat (if one were to occur).
Whether an area of known habitat is likely to become iso/cited /rom currently inter connecting or proximate areas of habitat for a threatened species, population or ecological comm unity;
The development proposal is to be located on land that has largely been cleared for agriculLire and the remaining vegetation is highly fragmented. As this species is likely to forage over extensive areas and therefore able to move through areas of unsuitable I habitat, it is considered that no areas of known interconnecting or proximate habitat will become isolated by the proposed development.
Whether critical habitat will be affected; I Refer to Part 7, Section 7.4 IT) Whether a threatened species, population or ecological community, or their habitats, are adequately represented in conservation reserves (or other similar protected areas) in the region;
This species has been recorded within fifteen (15) conservation reserves within the North Coast IBRA including (NPWS, 2000a):
Bundjalung National Park Yuragir National Park I Goonengerry National Park Tapin Tops National Park Nowendoc National Park Nightcap National Park
Locally this species has been recorded in a recent survey northeast of Stratford (AMBS, 1995; Woodward Clyde, 1996; Hoye, 1996; Mount King Ecological Surveys, 2001) and The Glen Natuit Reserve (NPWS, 2000a).
However, this species is difficult to detect and because of its cryptic nature may be represented in many more locations within the reserve network than stated above I (Richards, 2001).
It is unknown if this species is adequately represented in conservation reserves, however because of the broad range of suitable habitats, the habitat of this species would be adequately conserved.
g) Whether the development or activity proposed is of a class of development or activity that is recognised as a threatening process.
Refer to Part 7, Section 7.5.
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Clearinc of Native Vegetation has been listed as a Key Threatening Process
In Part (a) it was considered that the study site contained potential foraging and roosting habitat for Saccolainiusflaiventris. However, it was determined that the clearing required for the proposed development is unlikely to disrupt the lifecycle of a viable local I population of this species (if it were to occur) so that it would be placed at risk of extinction. As such, the clearing for the development is not a Key Threatening Process to I S. Jlaiventris. h) Whether any threatened species, population or ecological community is at limit I of known distribution. Regional Distribution : This species is widespread throughout northern and eastern I Australia through to South Australia. However in NSW there are relatively few records and the records are widely distributed from coastal districts to western districts (AMBS, 1 1995; Churchill, 1998). The study site does not represent the known distributional limit of this species. I Scoteanax rueppellii GREATER BROAD - NOSED BAT
I q) In the case of a threatened species whether the lfe cycle of the species is likely to be disrupted such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction; I In order to assess the impact of the proposed development on the life cycle of a species, it is necessary to address the primary components of the ecology of the species. These I components are breeding, foraging, roosting / nesting and movement / migration.
Breeding: Single young is born in January, slightly later than the typical vespertilionid I breeding pattern. Females congregate in maternity colonies from which they exclude males (Churchill, 1998). I Foraging: Flight is noticeably slow and direct with poor maneuverability (Richards, 2001). They feed on slow flying prey such as large moths and a variety of beetles. Foraging habitat is varied and includes tree lined creeks and rainforest or the edges of I patches of woodland, moist and dry eucalypt forests. Corridors such as vehicle tracks or rivers in dense forest, are also used for foraging (Churchill, 1998; Richards, 2001). I Roosting: Roosts in hollow tree trunks and branches as well as the roof of old buildings (Churchill, 1998). I Pvligration / Ivlovement : Nothing is known about migrations or movements for this particular species. I
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Summary: This species potentially may use the study site for foraging and the small hollows that occur in several of the larger trees for roosting. Given that within the study I site there is a dearth of tree hollows in comparison to surrounding forested tracts and the fact that this species forages over an extensive area, it is considered the potential foraging and roosting habitat affected by the proposed development will be negligible in I coniparison to the amount of suitable habitat in the wider area.
In most instances, the conservation of a selection of large, mature and dead trees is considered to be appropriate in retaining roosting habitat for this species (if it were to occur). It is intended that the design of the road and infrastructure will result in the minimal removal of hollow bearing trees and it is unlikely that a significant amount of roosting habitat for this species will be removed from the study site. Given the abundance of potential forage habitat in the region, the subject site is unlikely to represent a key I foraging resource for local populations of this species. Given the above, it is considered unlikely that the development will disrupt the lifecycle of this species such that a viable local population will be placed at risk of extinction (if it were to occur).
In the case of an endangered population, whether the li/L cycle of the species that constitutes the endangered population is likely to be disrupted such that the viability of I the population is likely to be significantly compromised: Refer to Part 7, Section 7.2. I In relation to the regional distribution of the habitat u/a threatened species, population, or ecological commumly, ivhether a signIcant area of known habitat is to be modifIed or I removed; Habitat: Preferred habitat for this species is the moist gullies in mature coastal forest, or rainforest, lying between the coast and Great Diiding Range. This species has also been [1 caught in gullies associated with open woodland, wet and dry scierophyll forests. They favour lower altitudes, below 500 metres in the south, but have been caught at 780 metres in the Atherton Tablelands where the climate is milder (Churchill, 1998). S. rueppellii is I known to favour tall forest habitat with high levels of nutrients (Richards, 2001), though in the far northern part ofNSW it also utilizes large trees in open paddocks (Law, Chidel and Turner, 2000).
Given that within the Gloucester - Chichester region there is approximately 23,064 hectares of lowland rainforest in State Forests and National Parks and additional areas of suitable habitat in private lands, it is not considered that a significant area of known habitat is to be modified or removed by this proposal.
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Whether an area of known habitat is likely to become isolated from currently inter connecting or proximate areas of habitat for a threatened species, population or ecological d) community,
The development proposal is to be located on land that has largely been cleared for agriculture and the remaining vegetation is highly fragmented. As this species is likely to forage over extensive areas and therefore able to move through areas of unsuitable habitat, it is considered that no areas of known interconnecting or proximate habitat will become isolated by the proposed development.
Whether critical habitat will be affected;
Refer to Part 7, Section 7.4
Whether a threatened species, population or ecological community, or their habitats, are adequately represented in conservation reserves (or other similar protected areas) in the region;
Richards (2001) suggests that in NSW there are records of this species from fifty-three (53) conservation reserves and considering this species primary restriction to the coast and Great Dividing Range, this may be considered adequate representation. In the North Coast IBRA it has been recorded in twenty-six (26) conservation reserves (NPWS, 2000a) including: Mount Jerusalem National Park Banyabba Nature Reserve Nowendoc National Park Boonoo Boonoo National Park Guy Fawkes National Park Namboidia National Park
and in the Lower North Coast it has been recorded in the following:
Barrington Tops National Park Wallingat National Pirk I The Glen Nature Reserve Karuah Nature Reserve Wallaroo Nature Reserve
The species was recorded during the recent bat fauna survey in just south of the village of Stratford (AMBS, 1995; Richards, 2001).
Whether the development or activity proposed is of a class of development or activity that is recognised as a threatening process.
Refer to Part 7, Section 7.5.
Clearing of Native Vegetation has been listed as a Key Threatening Process
In Part (a) it was considered that the study site contined potential foraging and roosting habitat for Scoteanax rueppelli. However, it was determined that the clearing required
NATURAL IMPACT ecological solutions 136 Barrington Lime - proposed limestone quarry and crushing operation - Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment for the proposed development is unlikely to disrupt the lifecycle of a viable local population of this species (if it were to occur) so that it would be placed at risk of extinction. As such, the clearing for the development is not a Key Threatening Process to S. rueppelli h) Whether any threatened species, population or ecological community is at limit of its known distribution.
Regional Distribution: This species is sparse and localised throughout its range from southeastern Queensland to southern NSW, with an isolated occurrence in the Atherton region, in north Queensland. The species is widely distributed but apparently localised in northeastern New South Wales at a wide range of altitudes (AMBS, 1995; Churchill, 1998).
The study site does not represent the known distributional limit of this species.
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VEGETA TION ROOST DEPENDENT BA TS
I Ptero pus poliocephalus GREY - HEAD ED FLY! NC FOX-
61) In the case of a threatened species whether the lUe cycle of the species is likely, to be disrupted such that a viable local population o/the species is likely to be placed a! I risk q! extinction; In order to assess the impact of the proposed development on the life cycle of a species, it is necessary to address the primary components of the ecology of the species. These I components are breeding, foraging, roosting / nesting and movement / migration.
Breeding: Mating occurs in March or April and pregnant females congregate in I maternity camps to give birth to a single young in the following September or October. The young are weaned and lactation ceases 5 to 6 months after birth. Sexual maturity is I reached after 3 years (Churchill, 1998; NSW Scientific Committee, 2000a). Foraging: This species is a canopy feeding frugivore and nectarivore of the rainforests, open forests, woodlands, melaleuca swamps and banksia woodlands. Their main food I sources are eucalypt and angophora blossom and native fruits from a variety of tree species, fig being the most common. These bats have a nightly feeding range of 20 to 70 I kilometres (Hoye, 1996; Churchill, 1998; NSW Scientific Committee, 2000a). Roosting : This species can congregate in huge numbers in early summer to late summer k The size of the camps depending on the availability of food in the surrounding area. The adults normally disperse in winter while the young fornt winter camps. Camps are typically formed in gullies, typically close to water and in vegetation with a dense canopy I such as rainforest, melaleuca swamps, mangroves, riparian woodland or modified vegetation in urban areas (Churchill, 1998; NSW Scientific Committee, 2000a)
Migration / Movement : In May - June the adults migrate up to 750 kilometres from their summer camps to northern NSW and Queensland where animals exploit winter flowering trees. They move as individuals or small groups (Churchill, 1998; NSW Scientific I Committee, 2000).
Summary : The NPWS Wildlife Atlas (updated April 2002) shows only one record of this species within twenty (20) kilometres of the study site. However, as the study site contains suitable foraging habitat for P. poliocephalis, it is likely that this wide ranging species may periodically utilize the study site.
The relative small amount of foraging habitat to be affected by the proposed development will be negligible in comparison to the availability of such habitat within the study area and study locality generally. Given this and the absence of communal roost sites, it is considered unlikely the proposed development will disrupt the lifecycle of this species such that a viable local population will be placed at risk of extinction (it- it were to occur).
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b) In the case of an endangered population, whether the life cycle of the species that constitutes the endangered population is likely to be disrupted such that the viability of I the population is likely to be signi/lcdlntly compromised: I Refer to Part 7, Section 7.2.
In relation to the regional distribution of the habitat of a threatened species, population, or ecological community, whether a signIcan1 area of known habitat is to be modified or removed,
I Habitat : They are found in a variety of habitats, including rainforest, mangroves, paperbark swamps, wet and dry scierophyll forests and cultivated areas.
I There are extensive areas of suitable foraging habitat in Conservation Reserves, State Forests and private land in the Gloucester area and regionally. It is not considered that a significant area of known habitat is to be modified or removed by this proposal.
Whether an area of known habitat is likely to become isolated from currently inter connecting or proximate areas of habitat for a threatened species, population or ecological I community; The development proposal is to be located on land that has largely been cleared for agriculture and the remaining vegetation is highly fragmented. As this species is known I to forage over extensive areas and therefore able to move through large areas of unsuitable habitat, it is considered that no areas of known interconnecting or proximate I habitat will become isolated by the proposed development. Whether critical habitat will be affected;
I Refer to Part 7, Section 7.4
Whether a threatened species, population or ecological community, or their habitats, I are adequately represented in conservation reserves (or other similar protected areas) in the region;
P. poliocephalus has been recorded in numerous conservation reserves in the North Coast IBRA (NPWS, 2001a). However, it is unlikely that the communal roost sites and critical winter feeding habitat of this species are adequately conserved in NSW conservation I reserves (NSW Scientific Committee, 2000).
Local Distribution There is a breeding camp in the Wingham Brush Reserve in I Wingham. El
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Whether the development or aclivily proposed is 0/ a class o development or act it'll)' that is recognised as a threatening process.
Refer to Part 7, Section 7.5.
There are extensive areas of suitable foraging habitat in the wider area and the study site does not contain any communal roost sites of this species. Cosequently, the proposed clearing is unlikely to disrupt the lifecycle of a viable local population of this species (if it were to occur) so that it would be placed at risk of extinction. As such, the clearing for the development is not a Key Threatening Process to P. poliocephalus.
Whether any threatened species, population or ecological community is at linit of its known distribution.
Regional Distribution : This species occurs along the east coast of Australia from Rock,hampton in Queensland to western Victoria. Regular movements are made over the Great Dividing Range to the western slopes of NSW and Queensland (Churchill, 1998; NSW Scientific Committee, 2000a). I The project site does not represent any known distributional limit of this species. I 7.7 CONCLUSION - EIGHT PART TEST
C'ynanchum elegans and Miniopteris schreibersii, both listed on the i'SC Act, were recorded at the study site. Another twenty one (2 1) species were thought to have potential habitat at the site based on predictive habitat assessment and field work. The impact of the proposed development on all twenty three (23) species has been addressed in the report using the 'eight part test'.
It has been concluded that no significant adverse impacts are expected to be imposed on local populations of threatened species, endangered ecological communities, endangered populations and their habitat or overall biodiversity of the study site as a result of the proposed quarry development. This conclusion is based on a number of design features I of the proposed development including: the nature of the land that the development will occur on, the proposed location of the development and the proposal to implement a number mitigation measures to ameliorate adverse impacts including the retention of a I significant area of the rainforest vegetation on the study site. U Given the above, it is concluded that a Species Impact Statement is not required for the proposed development of a limestone quarry by Barrington Lime Pty Ltd at the subject site.
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8.0 KOALA HABITAT ASSESSMENT
Introduction
I Under Part 4 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act (EP&A Act), there is a legislative requirement for a specific assessment under State Environmental Planning I Policy No 44 - Koala Habitat Protection (SEPP - 44). The policy aims to encourage the proper conservation and management of areas of natural vegetation that provide habitat for Koalas to ensure permanent free living I populations remain over their present range and to reverse the current trend of population I decline. Step - 1 (Potential Koala Habitat) I An assessment as to whether the habitat to be effected by the proposed development constitutes 'potential Koala habitat' forms the first part of the Koala Habitat Assessment. Potential Koala habitat is defined as - 'areas of native vegetation where the trees of types I listed in Schedule 2 of SEPP 44 constitute at least 15% of the total number of trees in the upper and/or lower strata of the tree component'.
I The following ten (10) eucalypt species are listed in Schedule 2 of SEPP —44:
Scientific Name Common Name I Eucalyptus tereticornis Forest Red Gum Eucalyptus microcorys Tallowood Eucalyptus punclata Grey Gum F' Eucalyptus vim inalis Ribbon or Manna Gum Eucalyptus camaldulensis River Red Gum Eucalyptus haemastoma Broad - leaved Scribbly Gum I Eucalyptus signata Scribbly Gum Eucalyptus albens White Box Eucalyptus populnea Biinble Box or Poplar Box I Eucalyptus robusta - Swamp Mahogany I Step - 2 (Core Koala Habitat)
I Should potcntial Koala habitat be present, further investigation for the existence qf core Koala habitat' is required. Surveys and investigations to determine the presence of core Koala Habitat should include:
Surveys for the presence of Koalas on the subject site, providing details on the extent and nature of identified populations, including an estimate of or evidence I of the following -
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Population size;
Extent of tree use on the site and species utilised (this is established by observing I Koalas and their signs); Presence of breeding females (females with young);
I Presence of sub-adults and juveniles.
V. Provide a vegetation map of the site identifying the components of the tree layer L and a description of the shrub layer.
vi. Make use of other published or publicly available data relating to the fauna of the I site.
I Step —3 (Detailed Plan of Management)
Should an area be identified as core Koala habitat then a detailed 'individual' Plan of I Management will have to be prepared for the Koala colony in the area. No individual plan of management is required to accompany DAs applying to areas of core habitat I where a Comprehensive Koala Management Plan has been approved for the entire Local Government Area. I POTENTIAL KOALA HABITAT ASSESSMENT I Eucalyptus tereticornis, a Schedule 2 species, was found at the study site. However, a tree census as required by Step 1 'Potential Koala Habitat' was not undertaken for the I following reasons: Thoughout the study site, the number of Eucalyptus tereticornis in both the understorey and overstorey would be less than ten percent of the total tree species in the overstorey I and understorey components of the vegetation. This is less than the fifteen (15) percent of a schedule 2 species required to trigger SEPP - 44 Potential koala habitat.
I During field surveys at the study site, over five (5) hours spotlighting was undertaken and searches were made for characteristic scratches and faecal pellets at the base of feed trees on the site. Despite these targeted searches, there was no evidence of koalas using I the study site.
The NPWS wildlife atlas has only three records of koalas within the study locality from 1949.
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In conclusion, because of the lack of evidence of Koala activity and the isolated and disturbed extent of the remaining natural vegetation, the project site is not considered significant koala habitat and is considered unsuitable of sustaining a breeding aggregation of Koalas. As such, there is no necessity to undertake a 'core koala habitat study' or 'detailed plan of management' for this species on the project site. No further provisions of SEPP 44 apply to the Development Application.
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1 9.0 ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT ASSESSMENT. I
GUIDELINES I The Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) commenced on the 16 of July 2000. The Act introduces a new assessment 1 and approvals system for:
1. Actions that have a significant impact on matters of national environmental I signIcance (MNES). Actions that have a significant impact on the environment of Commonwealth land, and I Actions carried out by the Commonwealth Government or a Commonwealth agency.
I The above three actions are called controlled actions and they require approval by the Commonwealth Government. I An action is defined in the EPBC Act as: a project, a development, an undertaking, an activity or series of activities, or an alteration of any of the above. I Actions (2) and (3) are not applicable to the current development, however action (1) does apply: I Six matters of national environmental sign ficance (MNES) are currently listed under the Act. These are:
Ramsar wetlands Listed threatened species and ecological communities I World Heritage properties Listed migratory species The Commonwealth marine environment Nuclear actions (including uranium mining)
Actions that may have or will have a 'significant impact' on any of the six MNES will I trigger the EPBC Act's environmental impact assessment process wherever they occur in Australia. These developments must be then referred to the Commonwealth Minister of the Environment for approval. I
I
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Following is an assessment of this developments potential impact on the six matters of national environmental significance
WORLD HERITAGE AREAS
The proposed development is not in a World Heritage area nor will it have an impact on world heritage values of a declared world heritage property.
1 2 RAMSAR WETLANDS
The nearest Ramsar wetland is Myall Lakes. The study site is not located in the I catchment of this wetland and will not have an impact on the ecological character of the I subject wetland. 3 THREATENED SPECIES AND ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES I Table 14 in Section 7 lists the Threatened Species that may potentially occur within the ' study area. Three (3) threatened fauna species (Chalinolobus dw))eri, Pteropus poliocephalus and Dasyurus maculatus) and two (2) plant species (Eucalyptus glaucina and Cynanchum elegans) are listed as Threatened Species on the EPBC Act. C. elegans is listed as endangered and the remaining four (4) species are listed as vulnerable on the I Schedules of the subject Act. A full discussion on the potential impacts of the proposed development on the above five I (5) species is found in Section 7, the Eight Part Test. C. elegans was the only one recorded at the study site during field surveys and this species is likely to be affected by the proposed development. It is considered that viable local populations of C. dwyeri, P. I-poliocephalus, D. maculatus and F. glaucina would not be significantly affected by the proposed development, if they were to occur at the study site.
4 TERRESTRIAL, MARINE OR WETLAND SPECIES LISTED UNDER THE MIGRATORY PROVISIONS OF THE ACT.
The following species are listed under the migratory provisions of the EPBC Act and even though they were not recorded at the study site during the field survey, they may periodically occur because of the presence of suitable habitat.
White-throated Needletail (Hirundapus caudacutus) is essentially an aerial species that breeds in the forests of northern Asia, south of the tundra. They are essentially non- breeding summer migrants to Australia. On arrival they slowly disperse along the whole length and on each side of the eastern highlands mountain chain including Tasmania.
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They feed in companies frequently patrolling backward and forward over favoured hilltops and timbered ranges (Simpson and Day, 1984; Pizzey and Knight, 2001). I l'otential impacts u/the proposed development -The proposed development is to be located on a mostly cleared hilltop on the Brushy Mountain Range and given the majority I of vegetation is to be retained, is unlikely to significantly impact on important habitat or the lifecycle of this species. H. caudacutas is more likely to utilize better forested ranges in close proximity to the study site including Lawlers Range. Morgrani Range, Kyles I Range and Copeland Tops areas. I The Rufous Fantail (Rhipidura rufifrons) Black- faced Monarch (Monarcha melanopsis) and Spectacled Monarch (Monarcha trivirgalus) are found in the undergrowth of rainforests or wet scierophyll forests of the region. All three bird species I undertake seasonal migration. This is presumably dictated by the a combination of factors that include dependence upon insects, and their moderately large size. These birds are mostly or entirely absent from coastal southeastern Australia during winter as they move I further north to Queensland or New Guinea during this period. All three breed during early spring to summer (Simpson and Day, 1984; Pizzey and Knight, 2001).
I Potential impactsof the proposed development - There was up to 23,434 hectares of rainforest in the region within State Forests (AMBS, 1 995) and an unknown amount remaining on conservation reserves and private property. As part of the proposed I development, it is intended to clear less than one (I) hectare of the approximate thirteen (13) hectares of rainforest vegetation on the study site. Given, that it is intended to retain the majority of the natural vegetation at present on the site and the amount of suitable I habitat in the region, it is considered that this development will not have a significant impact on the breeding habitat, migration or dispersal routes, or lifecycle of any of the I three species above. Satin Flycatcher (!vfyiagra cyanoleuca) migrates to northern Queensland and Papua New Guinea during winter. Arrives in sautheastern Austilia in between August to I October, regularly returning to the same locality, breeds October to February and departs February to April. The habitat of this species includes heavily vegetated gullies in forests, tall and medium Open Forests and Woodlands (Simpson and Day, 1984; Pizzey and 1 Knight, 2001).
Potential impacts of the proposed development There was approximately 59,024 I hectares of Open Forest and Woodland in local State Forests (AMBS, 1995) and an unknown amount remaining on conservation reserves and private property. The proposed development will clear less than one (1) hectare of the thirteen (13) hectares of rainforest I vegetation on the study site. Given, that it is intended to retain the majority of the natural vegetation at present on the site and the amount of suitable habitat in the region, it is considered that this development will not have a significant impact on the breeding I habitat, migration or dispersal routes, or lifecycle of the Satin Flycatcher. I
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5 NUCLEAR ACTIONS
The proposed development is not a nuclear action.
6 COMMONWEALTH MARINE ENVIRONMENT
The proposed development is not within a Commonwealth marine environment.
7 COMMONWEALTH ACTION
The proposed development is not on Commonwealth land, or likely to have a significant impact on Commonwealth land and it is not an action being undertaken by a Commonwealth agency.
CONCLUSION
Cynanchun elegans, a species listed as endangered on the EPBC Act, was found to occur on the study site and is likely to be affected by the proposed development. As this is a National Environmental Significance (NES) matter, it is necessary that the project be referred to Environment Australia for consideration.
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10.0 PROPERTY MANAGEMENT PLAN
After careful review of results of the flora and fauna study at the study site and the I potential impacts of the proposed development, it is considered that the following amelioration measures will be included as part of the Development Application. The following proposed measures may form a framework of a property management plan or I can remain simply as a schedule of recommendations to be included as part of the Development Application. It is considered that the actions listed below will enable the proposed limestone quarry to proceed with a minimum level of impact on Cynanachuin U elegans population that occurs on the study site and the overall biodiversity of the study area generally.
I 1. There will be no damage to G. elegans plants, other than those sub-populations to be removed from the proposed area of disturbance, identified in Figure 7 and I Table 15 on pages 179 - 181 of this report.
2. Translocation of seedlings and propagation from vegetative material collected I from C'. elegans sub-populations located in the proposed area of disturbance, identified in Figure 7 and Table 15 on pages 179 -181 of this report.
In Cynanchum elegans populations flowering and particularly fruiting can be very variable and unreliable with certain populations or sub-populations more fecund than others. Seedling recruitment and survivorship rate for the subject species is also very low and variable. It has been postulated that differences in reproductive outputs among a population may be attributable to a combination of genetic and environmental factors (NPWS, 1994).
Without genetic testing or the knowledge of which sub-populations are the most feund or have a high seedling survivorship rate, it is impossible to determiii; the sub-populations that are most important to the ongoing viability of a population. As such, the proponent has agreed to undertake a translocation program for all Cynanchum elegans populations in the proposed area of disturbance.
Before any commencement of works, all seedlings located in the area of disturbance will be translocated to an appropriate similar microhabitat and topographic position in another part of the rainforest away from any proposed disturbance.
A minimum of one cutting and preferably replicate cuttings are to be taken from each stem of all sub-populations located in the area of disturbance. Vegetative material is to be propagated exsitu and at a suitable stage of seedling growth are to be re-introduced back to the study site. The seedlings are to be planted in similar microhabitat and topographic locations to the parent material and away from any proposed disturbance area.
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Translocation of seedlings, vegetative material and keeping of records is to be done in accordance with the Australian Network for Plant Conservation translocation guidelines and information regarding methods of translocation can be obtained from Wollongong Botanic Gardens.
There will be no removal of dead wood on the kround or dead ho/low bearin' trees for the purposes of firewood collection or ken era! tidyink up.
Hollow bearing trees and logs on the ground provide important habitat features for numerous arboreal and terrestrial vertebrate and invertebrate fauna, as such, it is important to conserve these resources.
To undertake a weed removal and bush rekeneration proran, over the life of the quarry.
Before commencement of weed removal and bush regeneration at the study site, a weed removal and bush regeneration strategy should be prepared for Lot 29. Such a strategy would target weed removal and bush regeneration on a priority basis and ensure that any expenditure in this area is used efficiently. The bush regeneration and weed removal program will be ongoing over the life of the quarry and the priorities of a strategy need to outline the following: Provide a detailed description of the extent of the weed problem and the strategy recommended for the site, including timeframes and cost. I Removal of weeds, which are providing a threat to any sub--populations of C. etc gans and its habitat. . Removal of weeds and rainforest regeneration in areas to provide new I habitat for C. elegans. . Detail areas that are priority areas for bush regeneration.
This work should be undertaken by a person or organization accredited and with proven experience in bush regeneration techniques. The supervisor should be familiar with local rainforest species, which can be used in early regeneration phases of rainforest and all persons working on bush regeneration at the site would be required to undertake training to be able to recognise C dcgans.
Species local to the site should be used for revegetation purposes and preferably of local provenance. As this project extends over a long period, seed and vegetative material should be able to be collected from within the study locality. All bush regeneration works at the study site will be carried out in accordance with the NPWS 'Checklist For Bush Regeneration Activities in the Habitat of Threatened Species, Endangered Populations and Endangered Ecological Communities.' A copy of the subject checklist is attached to this report as Appendix 5.
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Lot 29 has approximately thirteen (13) hectares of rainforest, three (3) hectares of weeds and two (2.6) hectares of pasture. Removal of weeds has the potential to I create up to three (3) hectares of new habitat for C. elegans within the siudy site and extend the area of remnant rainforest. This will provide a buffer to protect the edges from external influences particularly on the southern, western and eastern I edges.
5. Ecological research and collection of plant material for the propagation of 1 population of C. elegans will be permitted for organizations and individuals approved by NPWS. I The proponent will permit ecological research projects or the collection of plant material on the insitu population of Cynanchum elegans. An S 132 licence application form should be obtained from NPWS for proposed research projec-ts I and any propagation and collection of plant material required for such research will be covered under the development consent. I 6. Fire Manageniejit (Refer to the Fire Management Plan in the main report). I The proponent will consult with the Gloucester Rural Fire Service in development of a hazard reduction plan to facilitate protection of the rainforest remnant from further degradation caused by fire. This is presented in the main report. I Any hazard reduction burning will be done in consultation with neighboring landholders and the Gloucester Rural Fire Service. There will be no fire without I prior consultation of NPWS officers (with knowledge of the requirements of C. elegans). I Contingency Plan In the case of a fire, the first response will be to call Gangat Rural Fire Service.
It is proposed to install the following fire fighting measures as part of the development. I To install a 6000 litre water tank to be filled and periodically topped up when required from the sediment dam. • The tank will have a dedicated diesel firefighting pump. I It is proposed to run a steel main from the tank, 300 metres to the east, with fire hydrants located at 100 metre intervals. The fire water main will be located on the northern edge of the rainforest remnant. I It is proposed to locate firebreaks of an appropriate width on the southern and western boundaries of the Lot 29 in existing cleared land. These will be maintained by periodic slashing. Because of the presence of the Cynanclium I elegans population it is necessary to avoid the use of machinery within the rainforest remnant. I
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Access for fire tankers to the rainforest remnant is available on the lower southern boundary and the northern boundary.
Fencing the boundary of property to protect the C. elegans population from damage by cattle.
A five (5) strand wire fence using a combination of wooden and steel posts will be erected to exclude cattle from the rainforest remnant. The bottom wire should be a plain wire and positioned high enough to still enable native biota, in particular kangaroo and wallaby species, to move freely.
As the majority of the boundary is located on cleared land, it should be possible to erect a barrier to cattle without the need to clear any further vegetation. If any clearing is required for erection of the boundary fence, it should first be investigated for the presence of C. elegans plants. The fence should then be located to avoid any C. elegans plants.
No dumping of rubbish or other waste material in rain forest remnant.
All rubbish will be collected in industrial bins provided by J.R. Richards Pty Ltd and the rubbish will be collected and removed from the study site on an as required basis. Maintaining a clean and rubbish free environment around the quarry and amenities site will discourage feral animals such as fox.ts and reduce the potential for non-native rodent population increases.
No road or tracks will be constructed into rainforest remnant.
Before commencement of any works, a rope fence containing highly visible I flagging will be installed to delineate the end of quarry areal extent and boundary. This will prevent machinery operators accidentally moving outside the designated ' quarry area, particularly during vegetation removal. It will also assist with the identification of the area from which C. elegans plants are to be translocated.
No roads or track will be constructed into the rainforest remnant. Any roads or tracks constructed into the rainforest remnant would lead to introduction of weeds and fragmentation of the existing forest remnant.
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APPENDIX I - Flora species identified at study area
Species are listed alphabetically by family within classes and nomenclature follows the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney.
Although the species list is considered comprehensive, further fieldwork is likely to produce additional records for cryptic taxa such as terrestrial orchids. It is also probable that closer examination of disturbed sites (eg. roadsides) will yield additional records for exotics.
Habit: T = Tree, S = Shrub, H = Herb, G = Grass, F = Fern, V = Vine, E = Epiphyte, nP = Hemiparasite.
CLASS - F ILICOPSIDA
SPECIFIC NAME COMMON NAME HABIT
ADIANTACEAE Adiantum aethiopicum Common Maiden Hair F Adiantum formosurn Giant Maidenhair F
BLECHNACEAE Doodia caudata var. caudata F
DRYOPTERIDACEA Lastreopsis decomposita Trim Shield Fern F
POLYPODIACEAE Pyrrosia rupestris Rock Felt Fern F
SINOPTERIDACEAE Pellaea falcata Rasp Fern F Pellaea paradoxa F
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I ARACEAE I Gymnostachys anceps Settlers Flax H COMMELINACEAE Commelina cyanea H
CYPERACEAE Carex appressa H Carex longebrachiata Bergalia Tussock G Cyperus gracilus H 1 Cyperus sesqulorus* H Cyperus tetraphyllus H I Gahnia melanocarpa Black - fruited Sawsedge H 1 JUNCACEAE Juncus usitatus H
I LOMANDRACEAE I Lomandra spicata H LUZURIAGACEAE I Eustrephus latfolius Wombat Berry H Geitonoplesium cytnosum Scrambling Lilly H
1 ORCHIDACEAE Dendrobium speciosum I Rock Lily F I
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SPECIFIC NAME COMMON NAME HABIT
POACEAE Arisuida vagans Threeawn Speargrass G A ustrostipa rainosissima Stout Bamboo Grass G Axonopus afJInis Narrow leaved carpet grass G Bothriochloa macra Redleg Grass G Chioris gayana * Rhodes Grass G Cymbopogen refractus Barbed Wire Grass G Echinopogen caespitosus var. Tufted Hedgehog Grass H Eleusine indica * Crowsfoot Grass G Imperata cylindrica var. major Blady Grass G Oplismenus aemulus G Panicum simile Two Colour Panic G Paspalum dilatatum * Paspaluin G Pennisetum clandestinum * Kikuyu G Poa lab illardieri Tussock G Sporobolus crebra Slender Rat's Tail Grass G
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CLASS - MAGNOLIOPSIDA - MAGNOLHDAE
SPECIFIC NAME COMMON NAME HABIT
AMARANTHACEAE Deeringia amarantho ides S Nyssanthes dffusa H
APOCYNACEAE Pasonsia velutina Hairy Silkpod V
ASCLEPIADACEAE * Araujia hortorum Moth Plant v Cynanchum elegans (TSC) White-flowered Wax Plant V Gymnema pie jadenium Corky Marsdenia V Marsdeniaflavescens V Tylophorapaniculata Thin Leaved Tylophora V
ASTERACEAE Ageratina adenophora # Crofton Weed H Bidens pilosa * Cobbler's Peg H Cirsiurn vulgare* Spear Thistle H Conyzaalbjda* Tall Fleabane H Cymbonotus lawson/anus Bears - ear H * Delairea odorata Cape Ivy v Gnapthalium sphaericum H J-Iypochoeris radicata* Flatweed H Senecio madagascar/ens/s * Fireweed H Sigesbeckia oriental/s subsp. oriental/s * Indian Weed H Taraxacum oJjlc/rza/e * Dandelion H Targetes minuta* Stinking Roger H
BIGNONIACEAE Pandoreapandorana Wonga Vine V
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SPECIFIC NAME COMMON NAME HABIT
BORAGLNACEAE Ehretia acuminai'a Koda T
CAPPARIDACEAE Capparis arborea Brush Caper Berry T
CARYOPHYLLACEA Ste/lana media Common Chickweed H
CELASTRACEAE Cassine australjs var. auslraljs T Celastrus subspicatus Large Leaf Staff Vine V Maytenus silvesiris Narrow Leaved Orange Bark S
CLUSIACEAE Hypericum gramineurn Small St John's Wort H
CONVOLVULACEA Dichondra repens Kidney Weed H
DIOSCOREACEAE Dioscorea /ransversa Native Yarn H
EBENACEAE Diospyros australis Black Plum T
ELAEOCARPACEAE Elaeocarpus obovatus Blueberry Ash T
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SPECIFIC NAME COMMON NAME HABIT
EUPHORBIACEAE Actepila lindleyi S Aichornea ilicifolia Native Holly S Breynia oblongifolia Coffee Bush S Claoxylon australe Brittlewood T Claoxylon australe Brittlewood T Cleistanthus cunninghamii Cleistanthus I Croton insularis Silver Croton T Croton vereauxii Native Cascarilla S Drypetes deplanchei subsp. deplanchei Yellow Tullip T Mallotus philippensis Red Karnala T
FABACEAE-CAS * Senna Xfloribunda 5 I FABACEAE-FAB Derris involuta Native Derris V I Desmodium brachypodium Large Tick Trefoil H Desmodium varians Slender Tick Trefoil H Glycine microphylla H I Indigofera australis Australian indigo S Trifolium repens* I White Clover H FABACEAE-MIM I Acacia maiden ii Maiden's Wattle T
GERANIACEAE I Geranium homeanum H
I LAMIACEAE Plectranthus parvflorus H Stachys arvensis* I Stagger Weed H LAURACEAE I Cryptocarya microneura Morogun T I
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SPECIFIC NAME COMMON NAME HABIT
LOBELIACEAE Pratia puipurascens White root H
MALVACEAE Abutilon oxycarpum var. oxycarpum Flannel Weed S Hibiscus heterophyllus Native Hibiscus S Sida rhombifolia* Paddys Lucerne S
MELIACEAE Dysoxylumfraserianum Rosewood T Me/ia azedarach White Cedar T Toona ciliata Red Cedar T
MENISPERMACEA Legnephora moorei Round-leaf Vine V Sarcopetalum harveyanum Pearl Vine V
MONLMOSCEAE Daphnandra sp. A Socketwood T
MORACEAE Ficus macrophylla Morton Bay Fig T Ficus walkinsiana Strangling Fig T Mac/ura cochinchinensis Cockspur Thorn V Streblus brunonianus Whalebone Tree T
MYOPORACEAE Myoporum acuminatum S
MYRSINACEAE Embelia australiana V Rapanea variabilis Variable Muttonwood T
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SPECIFIC NAME COMMON NAME HABIT
MYRTACEAE Backhousia sciadophora Shatterwood T Callistemon salignus Willow Bottlebrush T Eucalyptus acmeno ides White Mahogany I Eucalyptus canaliculata Large Fruited Grey Gum I Eucalyptus grandis Flooded Gum T Eucalyptus moluccana Coastal Grey Box T Eucalyptus saligna Sydney Blue Gum T Eucalyptus tereticornis Forest Red Gum T Melaleuca styphelioides Prickly Leaved Tea Tree T Rhodamnia rubescens Scrub Turpentine T
OLEACEAE Jasminum voluble Stiff Jasmine V Notelea venosa Smooth Mock Olive S
OXALIDACEAE Oxalis sp. H
PASSIFLORACEAE Passflora subpeltata White Passionflower V
PEPEROMIACEAE Peperomia blanda (P. leptoslachys) H Peperomia tel rap hylla H
PITTOSPORACEAE Hymenosporum fiavum Native frangipani T Pittosporum multflorum Orange Thorn S
PLANTAGINACEAE Plantago lanceolata Plaintain H
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I RANUNCULACEAE Clematis aristata Toothed Clematis V
I RHAMNACEAE I Emmenosperma alphitonioides Yellow Ash T ROSACEAE I Rubusparvfolius Small- leaf Bramble S
RUBIACEAE I Galiurn prop incjuum Maori Bedstraw H
I RUTACEAE GeUera salicfolia var. latfolia T I Melicope micrococca Hairy-leaved Doughwood S
SAPINDACEAE I Alectryon subdentatus Hard Alectryon T Alectyon subcinereus Wild Quince S Cupaniopsis parvJlora T I Diplo glottis australis Native Tamarind T Elattostachys nervosa Green Tamarind T I Guioa semiglauca Guioa T Mischocarpus australis (M sundaicus) Red Pear Fruit T I Rhysotoechia bfoliolata Twin-leaf Tuckeroo T S CROPHULARIACE I Veronica plebeia Trailing Speedwell H
I SMILA CACEAE Smilax australis Sarsaparilla Vine V 1 I
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SPECIFIC NAME COMMON NAME HABIT
SOLANACEAE Solanum mauritianuin * Wild Tobacco Bush S Solanum nigrum * Black-berry Nightshade S Solanum pseudocapsicum * Jerusalem Cherry S Solanum stelligerum Devils Needles S
STERCULIACEAE Brachychiton discolor Lacebark Tree T Brachychitonpopulneus Kurrajong T
THYMELACEAE Pimelea neo-anglica Poison Pimelea S
URTICACEAE Dendrocnide excelsa Giant Stinging Tree T Dendrocnide photinophylla Shiny Leaved Stinging Tree T Urtica incisa Stinging Nettle H
VERBENACEAE Clerodendrum tomentosum Hairy Clerodendrum I Lantana camara * Lantana S Verbena bonariensis* H Verbena rigida * Veined Verbena H
VITACEAE Cayratia clematidea Slender Grape V Cissus antartica Water Vine V Cissus opaca V NOTE * indicates introduced or non-endemic species # indicates species listed as noxious within LGA indicates species identification not confirmed Bold + denotes species of conservation significance Nc indicates that the species is not common within NSW (based on Harden 1991 - 1994) TSC indicates species on TSC Act Schedules I or 2. SL indicates species at or near the southern limit of their geographic distribution NL indicates species at or near the northern limit of their geographic distribmion
NATURAL IMPACT ecological solutions 166 Barn ngton I i me - proposed Ii inestone quarry and crushing operation - Flora and I au ia Impict Assessiuen t
APPENDIX 2 - Live trapping results
RESULTS OF LIVE MAMMAL TRAPPING AT STUDY SITE OVER 3 NIGHTS FROM THE 14TH - 17th OF APRIL 2002.
Date Trap No & Type Species Weight 1-lead - Tail - Body 14/04/02 14 ground Antechinus stuart/i 22gm 80mm 85mm 11 21 - ,ground Antechinus stuart/i 35gm 100mm 901-rm 15/04/02 10 - ground Antech/nus/lavipes 28gm IOOmm 85mm 56 - ground Rattusfuscipes 150gm 170mm 80111111 58 - ground Antech/nus stuart/i 23gm - 85mm 80mm - 12— ground Antechinus/lavipes 23gm 100mm 85mm 18 - ground Antechinusfiavipes 20gm - 100111111 78mm - 21 - ground AntechinusJlavipes 32gm 105mm - 85mm 27 - ground Rail us fuse/p es 132gm - 160mm 1 50mm 33 - ground Antechinusjlavipes 22gm - 95mm 751nm 35 - ground Antechinusjlavipes 26gm J- 105mm 80mm 17/04/02 01 - ground Antechinusjlavipes * 1 00mm 80111111 02 - ground Anlechinus/lavipes * --_100111111 75mm 09— ground -- Antechinus/lavipes * - 105mm - 80111111 cc 10 - ground Antechinusflavipes * 105mm 85mm cc 61 - ground Antechinusfiavipes * 105mm 78mm cc * 56 - ground -- AntechinusJlavipes 95mm 70mm cc 54—ground Rattusfuscipes * 1651nm 140mm cc si -.ground Antechinusflavipe.c * 100mm 801nm cc - 47 - ground Antechinus/lavipes * I 10mm 95mm cc 44 - ground Anrechinusfiavipes * 100mm 78mm cc 43 - ground RatIos fuscipes * I 70mm I 70mm cc 34— ground Ratlus/iiscipes * 155mm 150mm -- cc 24 - ground Rattusfuscipes * 170mm - 145mm - cc 21 - ground Antechinus/lavipes * - 110111111 85c111 cc i - ground 4n1echi7usflavipes * 90111111 8011,m 14 - ground Rail us fuscipes * 180mm 160mm cc - 13 - ground * Rartusfescipes J 175mm 153mm cc 01 - ground Antechinusfiavipes * - 100mm 75mm - Scales damaged and unable to weigh trapped fauna
NATURAL IMPACT ecological solutions 167 Barrington Lime - proposed limestone quarry and crushing operation - Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment
APPENDIX 3 - Regional Fauna
The regional list of species was derived from a review of several major flora and fauna studies conducted within the region, including: State Forests NSW, 1995; Hoye, 1996 and Richards, 2001.
GROUP AMPHIBIANS
Common Name Scientific Name Occurred at study site Blue Mountains Tree Frog Litoria citropa Tylers Toadlet Uperoleia tyleri Leaf Green Tree Frog Litoria phyllochroa Dainty Green Tree Frog Litoria gracilenta Broad-palmed Frog Litoria latopalmata Freycinetis Frog Litoria freycineti Tylers Tree Frog Litoria tyleri Bleating Tree Frog Litoria dentata Lesueurs Frog Litoria lesueuri Red-eyed Tree Frog Litoria chloris Green Tree Frog Litoria caerulea Green-thighed Tree Frog Litoria brevipalmata Booroolongensis Frog Litoria booroolongensis Green & Golden Bell-frog Litoria aurea Striped Marsh Frog Limnodynastes peronii Eastern Dwarf Tree Frog Litoria fallax Spotted Grass Frog Limnodynastes tasmanierisis Dusky Toadlet liperoleia fusca Smooth Toadlet LJperoleia laevigata Sphagnum Frog Philoria sphagnicolus Giant Barred Frog Mixophyes iteratus Great Barred Frog Mixophyes fasciolatus Perons Tree Frog Litoria peronii Ornate Burro'ving Frog Limnodynastes omatus Verreauxs Tree Frog Litoria verreauxii x Eastern Banjo Frog Limnodynastes dumerilii Red-backed Toadlet Pseudophryne coriacea Brown Toadlet Pseudophryne bibroni Fletchers Frog Lechroides fletcheri Common Eastern Toadlet Crinia signifera x Tusked Frog Adelotus brevis Glandular Frog Litoria subglandulosa Barred Frog Mixophyes balbus
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GROUP REPTILES Common Name Scientific Name Occurred at study site Eastern Brown Snake Pseudonaja textiles Rough-scaled Snake Tropidechis carinatus Spotted Black Snake Pseudechis guttatus Pink-tongued Skink Hemisphaerioon gerradii Red-bellied Black Snake Pseudechis porphyriacus Three-toed Skink Saiphos equalis Weasel Skink Saproscincus mustelina Challengers Skink Saproscincus challengeri Tree-base Litter-Skink Lygisaurus foliorum Garden Skink Lampropholis guichenoti Jacky Lizard Amphibolorus muricatus Grass Skink Lampropholis delicata Eastern Bearded Dragon Pogona barbata Three-toed Earless Skink Hemiegis decresiensis I Tussock Skink Eulepis entrecasteauxii Red-throated Skink Eulepis platynota Eastern Water Skink Eulamprus quoyii Murrays Skink Eulamprus murrayi Alpine Water Skink Eulamprus kosciusko Southern Water Skink Eulamprus heatwolei Montane Sunskink Lampropholis caligula Copperhead Austrelaps superbus Stephens Banded Snake [-loplocephalus spephensii Eastern Tiger Snake Notechis scutatus Pale-headed Snake Hoplocephalus bitorquatus Red-napped Snake Furina diadema White-lipped Snake Drysdalia coronoides I Yellow-faced Whipsnake Demansia psammophis Nobbi Amphibolorus nobbi Dwarf Crowned Snake Cacophis kreffli I Bandy-bandy Vermicella annulata Death Adder Acanthophis antarcticus Brown Tree Snake Boiga irregularis Common Tree Snake Dendrelaphis punctulata II Carpet Python Morelia spilota Southern Angle-headed Dragon Hypsilurus spinipes Mountain Dragon Tympanocryptis diemensis L Eastern Water Dragon Physignathus lesueuri Golden Crowned Snake Cacophis squamulosus Common Scaly-foot Pygopus lepidopodus Whites Skink Egemia whitii McPhees Skink Egemia mcpheei Cunninghams Skink Egemia cunninghami She-oak Skink Cyclodomorphus casuarinae 1 Striped Skink Ctenotus robustus Red-tailed Calyptotis Calyptotis ruficauda Bar-sided Skink Eulamprus tenuis Lace Monitor Varanus varius Rock Skink Egemia modesta Burtons Snake-lizard Liasis burtonis Thick-tailed Gecko tinderwoodisaurus milii
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Common Name Scientific Name Occurred at study site
Northern Leaf-tailed Gecko Phyllurus comutus Robust Velvet Gecko Ocdura robusta Stone Gecko Diplodactylus vittatus Eastern Long-necked Turtle Chelodina longicollis Marsh Snake Hemiaspsis signata Eastern Blue-tongued Lizard Tiligua scincoides Land Mullet Egemia major
GROUP I 1-lorseuields Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx basalis Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus Scaly-breasted Lorikeet Trichoglossus chioroepidotus I Musk Lorikeet Glossopsitta concinna Oriental Cuckoo Cuculus saturatus Pallid Cuckoo Cuculus pallidus Fan-tailed Cuckoo Cuculus pyrrhophanus Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica Channel-billed Cuckoo Scythrops novaehollandiae Crimson Rosella Platycercus elegans x Shining Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx lucidus Black-eared Cuckoo Chrysococcyx osculans Common Koel Eudynamys scolopacea I White-bellied Sea-eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster Pheasant Coucal Centropus phasianinus Tawny Frogmouth Podargus strigoides Brush Cuckoo Cuculus variolosus I Gang-gang Cockatoo Callocephalon fimbriatum Peacefull Dove Geopelia placida Silver Gull Larus novaehollandiae I Red-chested Button-quail Turnix pyrrhothorax Painted Button-quail Turnix varia Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax 'K I Glossy Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami Red-rumped Parrot Psephotus haematonotus Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus funereus x Pale-headed Rosella Platycercus adscitus I Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita Galah Cacatua roseicapilla Australian King Parrot Alisterus scapularis Swill Parrot Lathamus discolor Eastern Rosella Platycercus eximius x Sooty Owl Tyto tenebricosa Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus magnificus Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike Coracina novaehollandiae C Barn Owl Tyto alba Skylark Alauda arvensis White-backed Swallow Chaeramoeca leucosternum Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena Square-tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura Fairy Martin Cecropis ariel
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Common Name Scientftic Name Occurred at study site Superb Lyrebird Menura novaeholandiae Richards Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae I Noisy Pitta Pitta versicolor White-bellied Cuckoo-Shrike Coracina papuensis Cicadabird Coracina tenuirostris I Varied Triller Lalage leucomela White-winged Triller Lalage sucurii - Whites Thrush Zoothera dauma King Quail Coturnix chinensis I Jacky Winter Microeca leucophaea Tree Martin Cecropis nigricans Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus I Topknot Pigeon Lopholaimus antarcticus Powerful Owl Ninox strenua Barking Owl Ninox connivens I Southern Boobook Ninox novaeseelandiae Australian Owlet-Nightjar Aegotheies cristatus White-throated Nightjar Eurostopodus mystacalis Singing Bushlark Mirafra javanica I White-throated Needletai I I-I irundapus caudacutus Masked Owl Tyto novaehollandiae Azure Kingfisher Ceyx azurea I Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo novaeguineae x Red-backed Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus Sacred Kingfisher Halcyon sancta I Forest Kingfisher Halcyon ruacleayii Rainbow Bee-eater Merops omatus Dollarbird Eurystornus orientalis Spotted Nightjar Caprirnulgus guttatus I Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis Little Egret Egretta garzetta Nankeen Night Heron Nyctocorax caladonicus Australian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus Black Bittern Dupetor flavicollis Black-necked Stork Xenorhynchus asiaticus Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia Diamond Dove Geopelia cuneata Australian White Ibis Threskiornis aethiopica Pacific Heron Egretta pacifica Glossy This Plegadis falcinellus Black Swan Cygnus atratus Wood Duck Chenoncttajubata Hardhead Aythya australis Grey Teal Anas gracilis Chestnut Teal Anas castanea Yellow-billed Spoonbill Platalea flavipes Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus Red-kneed Dotteral Erythogonys cinctus Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles x Banded Lapwing Vanellus tricolor Comb-crested Jacana Irediparra gallinacea Bush Thick-knee Burhinus magnirostris
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Common Name Scientific Name Occurred at study site Painted Snipe Rostratula benghalcnsis Great Egret Egretta alba I Hoary-Haired Grebe Podiceps poliocephalus Cattle Egret Ardeola ibis Darter Anhinga melanogaster I Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris Little Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax melanoleucos Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius I Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae Blue-billed Duck Oxyura australis Australian Grebe Podiceps novaehollandiae I Brown Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia amboinensis x Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa x Black-fronted Plover Charadrius melanops I Black-winged Stilt Flimantopus himantopus Lathams Snipe Gallinago hardwickii Rufous Songlark Cinclorhamphus mathewsi I Common Bronzewing Phaps chalcoptera Purple Swamphen Porphyrio prophyrio Crested Shrike-tit Falcunculus frontatus Dusky Moorhen Gallinulla tenebrosa I White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorhynchus Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus regina Wompoo Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus magnificus I Spotted Turtle-Dove Streptopelia chinensis Wonga Pigeon Leucosarcia melanoleuca Feral Rock Dove Columba livia 1 White-headed Pigeon Columba leucornela Brush Bronzewing Phaps elegans Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes I Wandering Whistling Duck Dendrocygna arcuata Musk Duck Biziura lobata Osprey Pandion haliaetus I Black-shouldered Kite Elanus notatus Letter-winged Kite Elanus scriptus Eurasian Coot Fulica atra Nankeen Kestrel Falco cenchroides Pink-eared Duck Malacorhynchus Black Falcon Falco subniger Australian Hobby Falco longipennis I Black Kite Milvus migrans Lewins Rail Rallus pectoralis Buff-banded Rail Rallus philippensis I Baillons Crake Porzana pusilla Spotless Crake Porzana tabuensis Brown Falcon Falco berigora L Bush Wattlebird Anthochaera chrysoptera Striated Thornbill Acanthiza lineata Brown Thornbill Acanthiza pusilla x Yellow Thornbill Acanthiza nana
I NATURAL IMPACT ecological solutions 172 Barrington Lime - proposed limestone quarry and crushing operation - Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment
Common Name Scientific Name Occurred at study site
Buff-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza reguloides I Varied Sittella Neositta chrysoptera White-throated Treecreeper Climacteris leucophaea Red-browed Treecreeper Cormobatcs leucophaea I Yellow-faced Honeyeater Lichenostomus chrysops Red Wattlebird Anthochaera carunculata White-throated Gerygone Gerygone olivacea Striped Honeyeater Plectorhyncha Ianceolata Little Friarbird Philemon citreogularis Noisy Friarbird Philemon corniculatus Blue-faced Honeyeater Entomyzon cyanotis I Noisy Miner Manorina melanocephala Lewins Honeyeater Meliphaga lewinli Singing Honeyeater Meliphaga virescens I Spotted Harrier Circus assimilis Brown Treecreeper Climacteris picumnus Sothern Emu-wren Stipiturus malachurus I Blackbird Turdus merula Australian Brush-turkey Alectura lathami Stubble Quail Coturnix pectoralis Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis Clamorous Reed-Wahier Acrocephalus stentoreus Little Grassbird Megalurus gramineus Golden-headed Cisticola Cisticola exilis I Superb Fairy-wren Malurus cyaneus x Chestnut-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza uropygialis Red-backed Fairy-wren Malurus melanocephalus I Yellow-romped Thornbill Acanthiza chrysoptera White-browed Scrubwren Sericomis frontatis Large-billed Scrubwren Sericomis niagnirostris Yellow-throated Scrubwren Sericomis citreogularis I Chestnut-rumped l-leathwren Hylacola pyrrhopygia Speckled Warbler Chthonicola sagittata Weebill Smicrornis brevirostris I Brown Gerygone Gerygone mouki White-eared Honeyeater Lichenostomus leucotis Variegated Fairy-wren Malurus lamberti Green Catbird Ailuroedus crassirostris x Plum-headead Finch Aidemosyne modesta Chestnut-breasted Mannikin Lonchura castaneothorax Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris I Common Myna Acridotheres tristis Olive-backed Oriole Oriolus sagittatus Figbird Sphecotheres viridis Spangled Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus Regent Honeyeater Xanthomyza phrygia Regent Bowerbird Sericulus chrysocephalus Diamond Firetail Emblema guttata I Paradise Riflebird Ptilorus paradiseus White-winged Chough Corcorax melanorhamphos Apostlebird Struthidea cinerea
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Common Name Scientific Name Occurred at study site
Australian Magpie-lark Grallina cyanolcuca White-browcd Woodswallow Artamus superciliosus Dusky Woodswallow Artamus cyanopterus Masked Woodswallow Artamus personatus Black-faced Woodswallow Artanius cinereus Satin Bowerbird Ptilonorhynchus violaceus x Eastern Spinebill Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris Yellow-tufted l-Ioneyeatcr Lichenostomus melanops White-plumed Honeyeater Lichenostomus penicillatus Fuscous Honeyeater Lichenostomus fuscus Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta Brown-headed Honeyeater Melithreptus brevirostris White-naped Honeyeater Melithreptus lunatus Painted Honeyeater Grantiella picta White-checked Honeyeater Phylidonyris nigra Zebra Finch Peophila guttata Crescent Honeyeater Phylidonyris pyrrhoptera Double-barred Finch Peophila bichenovii Scarlet Honeyeater Myzomela sanguinolenta Mistletobird Dicaeum hirundinaceum Spotted Pardalote Pardalotus punctatus Striated Pardalote Pardalotus striatus Silvereye Zosterops lateralis x House Sparrow Passer domesticus Red-browed Firetail Emblema temporalis Little Eagle Hieraaetus niorphoides New Holland Honeyeater Phylidonyris novaehollandiae Logrunner Orthonyx temminckii Eastern Yellow Robin Eopsaltria australis x Hooded Robin Melanodryas cucullata Black-faced Monarch Monarcha melanopsis Spectacled Monarch Monarcha trivirgatus Restless Flycatcher Myiagra inquieta h Leaden Flycatcher Myiagra rubecula Red-capped Robin Petroica goodenovii Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys Whistling Kite 1-laliastur sphenurus Eastern Whipbird Psophodes olivaceus x Spotted Quail-thrush Cinclosoma punctatum Brown Songlark Cinclorhampus cruralis Grey Shrike-thrush Colluricincla harmonica x Pacific Baza Aviceda subcristata Collared Sparrowhawk Accipiter cirrhocephalus Brown Quail Coturnix australis Grey Fantail Rhipidura fuliginosa x Pied Currawong Strepera graculina x Grey Goshawk Accipiter novaehollandiae Grey Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus Pied Butcherbird Cracticus nigrogularis Crested Belibird Oreoica gutturalis
NATURAL IMPACT ecological solutions 174 Barrington Lime - proposed limestone quarry and crushing operation - Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment
Common Name Scientific Name Occurred at study site
Satin Flycatcher Myiagra cyanoleuca Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibiccn x Pale Yellow Robin Tregellasia capito Little Raven Corvus mellon Forest Raven Corvus tasmanicus Torresian Crow Corvus oru Golden Whistler Pachycephala pectoral is x Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventnis Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus Olive Whistler Pachycephala olivacea Rose Robin Petroica rosea Australian Raven Corvus coronoides x Scarlet Robin Petroica multicolor Flame Robin Petroica phoenicea
GROUP MAMMALS
Common Name Scientific Name Occurred at study site House Mouse Mus musculus Hastings River Mouse Pseudomys oralis New I-Iolland Mouse Pseudomys novaehollandiae Broad-toothed Rat Mastacomys fuscus European Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus x Swamp Rat Rattus lutreolus Cattle Bos taurus x Feral Pig Sus scrofa Yellow-bellied Glider Petaurus australis Fawn-footed Melomys Melomys cervinipes Bush Rat Rattus fuscipes x Brown 1-lare Lepus capensis Northern Brown Bandicoot Isoodon macrourus Long-nosed Bandicoot Perameles nasuta Spotted-tailed Quoll Dasyurus machulatus Brush Tailed Phascogale Phascogale tapoatafa Common Dunnart Sminthopsis murina Dusky Antechinus Antechinus swainsonil Squirrel Glider Petaurus norfolcensis Yellow-footed Antechinus Antechinus flavipes x Long-nosed Potoroo Potorous tridactylus Red Fox Vulpes vulpes x Cat Felis catus x Dog Canis familiaris Platypus Ornithorhynchus anatinus Short-beaked Echidna Tachyglossus aculeatus x Black Rat Rattus rattus Brown Antechinus Antechinus stuartii x Red-legged Pademelon Thylogale stigmatica Eastern Pygmy Possum Cercarbetus nanus Feathertail Glider Acrobates pygmaeus Common Brushtail Possum Tnichosurus vulpecula
NATURAL IMPACT ecological solutions 175 Barrington Lime - proposed limestone quarry and crushing operation - Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment
Common Name Scientific Name Occurred at study site
Sugar Glider Petaurus breviceps Common Ringtail Possum Pseudocheirus peregrinus x Greater Glider Petauroides volans Common Wombat Vombatus ursinus Red-necked Pademelon Thiogale thetis Koala Phascolarctos cinereus Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby Petrogale penici I lata Parma Wallaby Macropus parma Eastern Grey Kangaroo Macropus giganteus x Red-necked Wallaby Macropus rufogriseus Common Wal laroo Macropus robustus Rufous Bettong Aepyprymnus rufescens Water Rat Hydromys chrysogaster S xamp Wallaby Wallabia bicolor
GROUP MAMMALS - FLYING
Common Name Scientific Name Occurred at study site
Eastern Broad-nosed Bat Scotorepens orion Eastern Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus megaphyllus x Eastern Forest Bat Vespadelus pumilus x Greater Long-eared Bat Nyctophilus timoriensis Greater Broad-nosed Bat Scoteanax rueppellii Little Broad-nosed Bat Scotorepeus greyii White-striped Freetail Bat Tardarida australis x Freetail Bat Mormopterus sp.2 x Inland Mastiff-bat Mormopteris planiceps Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat Saccolaimus flaviventris Queensland Blossom Bat Syconycteris australis Little Red Flying Fox Pteropus scapulatus Grey-headed Flying Fox Pteropus poliocephalus Lesser Long-eared Bat Nyctophilus geoffroyi Southern Forest Bat Vespadelus rLgulus Little Mastiff-bat Mormopterus loriae Large Forest Bat Vespadelus darlingtonii Large-eared Pied Bat Chalinolobus dyeri Gould's Long-eared Bat Nyctophilus gouldii Common Bentwing Bat Miniopteris schreibersii x Little Bentwing Bat Miniopteris australis Large-footed myotis Myotis adversis Golden-tipped Bat Kerivoula papuensis Tasmanian Pipistrelle Falsistrellus tasmaniensis Chocolate Wattled-bat Chalinolobus mono Gould's Wattled-bat Chalinolobus gouldii x Eastern Mastiff-bat Mormopterus norfolkensis Little Forest Bat Vespadelus vulturnus x
NATURAL IMPACT ecological solutions 176 I Barrington Lime - proposed limestone quarry and crushing operation - Flora and Fauna Impact Asscssmeni
Appendix 4 - Description of Cynanchum elegans population on I the study site.
Introduction: Cynanchuin elegans is a climber or twiner, which appears to consist of I small isolated populations, often with less than thirty (30) plants. It is restricted to the east coast of NSW with a range from the Illawarra area, north to the QLD border and extending west to Merriwa (Copeland and Hunter, 1 999; NPWS, 2002). This species is I currently listed as an endangered species on the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and as an endangered species under the Commonwealth Environment Protection I and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. A population of C. elegans was located whilst undertaking a flora survey as part of an 'eight part test' required for a proposed quarry on the study site. The objectives of thi I study were to determine the size of the population, its areal extent and to determine the number and geographic location of sub-populations in and proximate the proposed I quarry. Secondly, to describe and compare the subject population with other recorded populations where similar details have been collected. Furthermore, the various threatening processes to the ongoing survival of C. elegans under the present land I management were assessed to assist in developing guidelines for a property management plan. Finally, a number of problems arose during the survey and these are outlined.
I Study Site: The study site is located approximately 8.75 kilometres east of Gloucester on the Lower North Coast ofNSW. The subject population occurs in a diy rainforest remnant on southwestern aspect of a northwest to southeast ridge system, known locally I as Brushy Ridge. The remnant covers approximately thirteen (13) hectares of the eighteen (18.6) hectare property. The study site is located on the side of the ridge with slopes varying from 15 - 40 degrees. The geology of the site is predominately limestone I deposited in the Early Carboniferous Wootton beds (Lishmund, Dawood and Langley, 1986). The upper part of the ridge is composed of massive limestone while downslope rock commonly contains intercalated bands of sandstone. I Method: A flora survey of the study site including the dry rainforest remnant and grazing land was undertaken as part of the requirements of the flora assessment for the 'eight part I test'. The methodology used for this is detailed in the Section 2 of the main report.
To locate sub-populations of C. elegans parallel line searches were used as they are I considered the most reliable survey technique for ensuring all parts of the area to be searched are covered. The accuracy of this type of survey can be improved by moving the transects closer together, but this is offset between overlap and the increased time needed I to undertake the survey (Cropper, 1993). The transects at the study site were along the contour at a distance often (10) metres apart. This was an appropriate distance to facilitate the search for the target species within the time constraints of the current search. I When each subpopulation was found, it was marked with a reference number using 1 brightly coloured plastic tape to avoid double counting.
NATURAL IMPACT I ecological solutions 1 77 I Barrington Lime - proposed limestone quarry and crushing operation - Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment I Information collected for each sub-population found during the survey was as follows: I Number of stems at breast height (ABH). Ground area covered by sub-population of stems. . Surveyors measured the exact location of sub-populations within or close to the I area of proposed disturbance. A Silva XL 1000 GPS was used to obtain the exact locations of subpopulations away from the area of disturbance. Australian Map Grid (AGD66) references were used to measure the exact location of the subject I plants. Any obvious damage to plants and potential threats such as weeds, grazing, etc. . Plant community type. 1 Ground slope was measured by using a Suunto clinometer. . Presence of any flowers or fruits.
I In a proportion of the population, diameter range of stems was measured by using calipers and the number of root stocks for each sub-population were estimated by counting a root stock as the underground system where a number of stems appeared to I converge to the one point.
Surveys were undertaken at the following times: I 1 8/06/2 002 14 person hours 17/01/2003 8 person hours 1 02/02/2003 19 person hours Results and Discussion. I Description of Cynanchum elegans population at the study site. I The entire population of Cynanchum elegans was found to occur within the dry rainforest remnant with the exception of one juvenile delineated as GI in Figure 7. This was located growing on a Melaleuca slyphloides sapling in the cleared grazing land approximately I txenty (20) metres from the northern extremity of the rainforest. The information collected for all sub-populations is detailed in Table 15. An area of 6.9 hectares was covered by the search and the search area is shown in Figure 7. C. elegans occurred on I fiat to the steepest of gradients up to 40 degrees. Forty six (46) sub-populations including two (2) juveniles were located, a density of 6.7 sub-populations per hectare. A total of 297 stems (ABH) were counted for the known population, with the number of stems in I each sub-population ranging from I to 24. Young sucker shoots were not counted. The size range of the measured stems varied from 1.0 to 22.5 millimetres diameter and the number of estimated root stocks for each subpopulation varied from one (1) to seven (7). I Two subpopulations G5 and G6 are on the adjacent property to the east, however H5, H4 and H3 should be included as they are considered to be within the boundary of the study l site. The locations shown are likely to be due to GPS inaccuracy under the rainforest canopy. I
NATURAL IMPACT ecological solutions 178 I
+ / 68800 / ELI \ N / ( 2 Cj N 802607 W4E
29 J( \ \io 9 45 --jf 61 15 / 45 140
± \ \ \ \ 13 \
16 N *H17ISOHI V N LEGEND N. Location derived by \ suey N. \\ \\\ Location derived by GPS I64 8 017 \ Delineated search area / \\ G12 Reference number of \ /\ H3 411 \ iso sub-population \ \ 4\53 160 Area of disturbance in \ \ \ OGS / first 6 years \' Area of disturbance at [6 458 140 I fl end of quarry life. Scale approximatel 1:3600 FIGURE 7- LOCATION OF CYNANCHUM ELEGANS Feb2003 SUB-POPULATIONS WITHIN SEARCH AREA NATURAL IMPACT Page 179 Plan supplied by Calver deWitt & Taylor Pty Ltd CONSULTING SURVEYORS Ecological Solutions I
Barrington Lime - proposed limestone quarry and crushing Operation - Horn and Fauna Impact Assessment
Table 15- Details of sub —populations of Cyizanc/iiiin elegans known to occur on the Barrington Lime Study site.
Sub- Number Size range Area of sub- 1 Number Easting Northing Threats Comments fiope n of stems in stems population in of root degrees populationreference at breast (diameter metres I stocks number height in mm) mate (B.EL)
GI 2.0 - 6458330 Cattle Juvenile- gmazmng seedling? on grazing I Growing on Melaleuca
G4 * 3 7.5 —9.5 2.0 2.0 1 411020 6458200 05* 1 411130 6458050 Weeds- Rf edge - Lantana 06* 2 411120 I 6458040 - Weeds Rf edge - Lantana and Cape Ivy 1 ______14.5 - 1 411050 6458120 Rf 22 08 3 7.5 11.0 - I I 411040 6458120 Rf 22 G9 1 18.0 - 1 411010 6458140 Rf 23 IIGio 15 —1.0— 14.5 9.0*5.0 3 410990 6458140 Rf 2 15 3.5-22.5 8.0*5.5 LjIjIIi 5 410940 6458180 Rf 27 G12 7 410790 6458390 Weeds- Rf— 28 Lantana growing
Cattle - from I root trampling ______5 41 00 6458390 Rf 28 1G14013 11 * 14.0 3.0 2 j 410840 6458430 Rf 28 015 14 6.0*3.0 4 410830 6458340 Rf 28 16 4 * I 1.0 1.0 2 410830 6458300 Rf 28 G17 24 4.0 * 5.0 410790 ___ 6458340 Weeds - RI 23 Lantana G18 5 L0*1.0 r 410770 6458330 Ri 23 I 19 410750 6458330 Rf— 33 uvenile ______stem I - 1 410891 6458320 Rf 10-15
Hdead U-- sterns 2 ____i(i9O7 __ 6458274 Rf - 10-15 V4 5 - 1 410944 6458232 Rf 10-15 13 410946 6458264 Rf 10-15 V6 - U" 3 1 410953 6458216 Rf 10 - 15 V7 2 __ ___ . - 1 410970 6458229 Rf 10-15 V8 1 410973 6458207 Rf I 10-15 31 LIiIi3? I_ 410998 6458211 E~7_~ 20-25 YJ 0 15 9.0 * 5.0 411000 6458193 20 - 2 NATURAL IMPACT ecological solutions 180 Barrington Lime - proposed limestone quarry and crushing operation - Hora and Fauna Impact Assessment
Table 15 - Details of sub -populations of Cpnanc/,u,,z elegaiis known to occur oil the Barrington Lime Study site (continued).
Sub- Number Size range Area of sub- Number Easting Northing Threats Comments Slope in population of stems of stems population in of root degrees reference at breast (diameter metres stocks number height in mm) (estimate) L (B.H.) HO 2 2.5-13.0 - I 411020 6458120 RI 20-25 HI 1 12.0 - I 411020 6458120 Rf 20-25 H2 - 2 1.5 L - I - 411036 6458157 RI 20-25 H3 2 15- 13.3 - I 411020 6458080 Rf 25-30 H4 I 6.0 - 1 411080 6458060 Rf 25-30 H5 2 95- 10.0 - I 411000 6458070 Rf 25-30 H6 9 1.0-195 - 2 410990 6458090 Rf 25-30 H7 I 19.5 - I 410920 6458140 Rf 25-30 H>; 8 2.5-2L5 5.0*2.0 1 410960 6458150 Rf 20-25 H9 6 1.5 -9.5 1.0 * 3.0 3 410930 6458150 Rf 25-30 H10 6 1.0-11.5 - I 410930 6458200 Rf 25-30 HII 22 1.0-20.0 6.0*11.0 7 410930 6458200 Rf 30-35 H12 8 1.0-10M L - 1 410928 6458211 Rf 30-35 H13 2 10,5- - I 410910 6458170 Rf 30-35 - 13.0 H14 I 16.5 - I 410940 6458140 Rf 20-25 H15 3 1.0- 22.5 1.0 * 1.0 2 410920 6458240 Weeds - Rf 35-40 Lantana - r NI 6 15 2.0- 17.5 2.0 * 6.0 2 410850 6458250 Weeds - Rf 35 -40 Lantana H17 Ii 2.0-17.0 2.0* 2.0 4 410860 6458230 Weeds- Rf 30-35 growing oil Lantana - R18 11 2.0 15.0 2.0 * 2,0 2 410900 6458230 Weeds - Rf 30-35 growing in Lantana 1-119 - 2.0 . 1 410900 6458280 Juvenile Ri 20-25
seedling
46 plants 297 including 2 stems juveniles ABH
Bold - Delineates sub-populations found in the proposed area of disturbance as illustrated in Figure 7.
In a description of thirty (30) Cynanchurn elegans sites for a Conservation Research I Statement and Species Recovery plan (NPWS, 1993), the number of mature plants at each site ranged from one (1) to an estimate of one hundred (100), the next highest was forty one (41) mature plants. The average number of mature plants for each site over the I 31 sites was fifteen (15). Ninety three (93.5%) of the 30 sites investigated had under forty (40) mature plants as shown in Table 16. This would make the known population at I the study site of forty iwo (42) mature plants one of the largest known populations of
NATURAL IMPACT I ecological solutions 181 Barrington Lime - proposed limestone quar' and crushing operation - Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment
mature plants for all sites. If the current density were to continue for the remaining 6.0 hectares of the rainforest community not searched, this site potentially may have up to 87 plants. This extrapolated population figure does not include or account for plants, which may be growing within the areas covered by Lantana and those not found during searches. The density per hectare of C. elegans at the site is likely to be higher than the above figure
Stem diameter cannot be used to estimate age of the population, but can be used as an indicator of age of the stem and possibly time since last disturbance with both percentage of small stems and range of stem diameters varying with time since last disturbance of the population NPWS, 1994). There was an observed high percentage of medium to large diameter stems and a 20.0 millimetre range in the stem sizes measured, indicating that degree of past disturbance to this remnant is likely to be in the range of moderate to low.
Table 16 - Range of plant population sizes for 30 cyiuznchzin, elegaiis sites investigated by NPWS 1993.
Percentage of 53.5 30 F6.5 6.5 sites Nvithin population
0 sn,, rrd- •'Sl I-.. .. -. - Juvn.IE i outing suckers alter clearing 2 —3 month, prior to Survey
Potential threats to Cynanchuin elegans at the study site
Damage from cattle: The land adjoining the rainforest remnant was used for cattle grazing and cattle used the rainforest for shelter during the day and at night. They also passed through the rainforest to access the feed on top of the ridge. It is likely that some damage to vines is occurring due to trampling and possibly grazing ofjuveniles, however no conclusive evidence of either was observed. During the survey, several Cynanchutil elegans stems of various diameters were found to be broken, however it was not known whether this was caused by natural mortality or damage by cattle.
Fire: Inappropriate fire regime is a major threat to Cmanchum elegans populations and its habitat. This was demonstrated by degradation of habitat and decrease in the population of C. elegans due to intense and frequent fires at Picnic Island, Windang (NPWS, 1993). However, it has been demonstrated that C. elegans can survive some fire regimes in the short term NPWS, 1994, NPWS, 2002). It has been suggested that fire be excluded from sites containing C. elegans for a minimum of fifty years (NPWS, 2002) although this is likely to relate to wet sclerophyll forest ecotone areas. Fire should be excluded from rainforest as the majority of rainforest species do not tolerate even low intensity burns.
N ATIJ RAL IMPACT ecological solutions 182 Barrington Lime - proposed limestone quarry and crushing operation - Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment
At the study site there was evidence of past burning paiicularly on the spurs that run off the main ridge into the valley below. The neighboring landholder in the valley periodically allows fire to run up the ridges as a method of weed control. This has significantly suppressed rainforest regeneration in these areas. I Weeds: Several environmental weeds are particularly common on the spurs running into the valley and around the perimeter of the rainforest remnant and are contributing to the degradation of Cynanchum elegans habitat. An approximation of the area covered by environmental weeds within the study site is 3.3 hectares. This was calculated from the I aerial photograph and during fieldwork, and is likely to underestimate the real value. The most common environmental weed is Lantana can2ara (Lantana) which is likely to he U competing with C. elegans for resources, however it was observed that in one case Cynanchurn elegans stems were climbing through Lantana, as it was the only means of physical support. U Clearing for agriculture: At present vegetation clearing within the Manning Native Vegetation Region is still controlled under the Native Vegetation Act. This means that U clearing without consent from DLWC can occur under the exemptions within the Act. A Draft Manning Regional Vegetation Management Plan (2002) has been completed and at I present is awaiting gazettal from the Minister for Land and Water Conservation. Under the Draft Manning Regional Vegetation Management Plan (2002) the eastern third of the study site is classified Special Protection Zone and requires consent from I Department of Land. and Water Conservation (DLWC) before clearing can occur. However, the western two thirds including areas which contain C elegans is classified Vegetation and Conservation Management Zone. This zoning allows a number of I clearing actions to occur without consent and therefore clearing for agriculture, whether for weed removal or clearing vegetation regeneration is considered a threat to the population of C. elegans at the study site.
The long term impact of inappropriate burning, presence of cattle, competition for resources and displacement of habitat by Lantana camara and lack of protection from I clearing for agricultural activities must be considered detrimental to the long term viability of the C. elegans population at the subject site. I Limitations of stud
(ynanchuin elegans is a clonal species and suckers from an underground root system and as such, it is often impossible to tell how many individuals are present within a population (NPWS, 1994). Given the above, each new sub-population on the study site I was defined by being a distinctly separate group of plants with separate root stocks, spaced at a reasonable distance from other subpopulations and with no obvious connections to proximate sub-populations. To clarify further, Table 14 shows that sub- U population H 11, with twenty two (22) stems and seven (7) root stocks, covered an area of sixty six square metres (66.0m2). This may have included several individual sub-
NATURAL IMPACT ecological solutions I 183 Barrington Lime - proposed limestone quarry and crushmg operation - Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment
populations. The amount ofjuveniles whether they be suckers or seedlings were probably underestimated due to the fact that the search mainly concentrated on stems and suckers were not counted.
A full population search of the whole of the rainforest remnant could not be undertaken due to time constraints. Aer the first survey in June 2002 a number of the sub- I population markers were removed. Consequently, a re-survey of a large proportion of the search area had to be repeated and several new sub-populations were located. It is I considered that cattle or macropods chewed or clawed the plastic markers from the trees. Even though the survey within the search area was comprehensive, it is known from the above experience, that some populations were missed as not every part of search area could be reached due to vine or weed thickets or steeply sloping ground and a number I would have been passed unseen.
The exact geographical locations of subpopulations within or proximate to the area of the proposed quarry disturbance area were surveyed to accurately depict their locations. All other subpopulations were located by using a GPS, which in some instances gave spurious results. This was corrected when it was known that the position was inaccurate by manually locating the sub-populations relative to accurately located subpopulations and the study site generally.
Conclusion:
A large population of C. elegans was found to occur within the study site. Fortysix sub- populations were located, fortyfour within the study site including fortytwo mature plants and two juveniles. C. elegans stem diameter range indicated the frequency of past disturbance was low to moderate in the population as a whole. However, it is considered the threatening processes under the present land management, such as the presence of cattle, inappropriate fire regime, environmental weeds and the potential for clearing of habitat, must be considered detrimental to the long-term viability of C. elegans at the study site. Greater protection is required to ensure the long-term future of this population.
Bibliogryphy
I Benson, D. and McDougall, L. 1993. Ecology of Sydney Plant Species Part I. Cunninghamia, 3(2), pp 257 -422,
Copeland, M.L. and Hunter, J.T. 1999. Range extensions and conservation statLis of 18 restricted plant species in northeastern NSW. Cunninghamia, 6(2), pp 395 —400.
Cropper, S. C. 1993. I Management of Endangered Plants. CSIRO Publications, Australia, Department of Land and Water Conservation 2002. Draft Manning Regional Vegetation Management Plan. DLWC, Syney, NSW,
Lishmund, SR., Dawood, A.D. and Langley, WV. 1986, The Limestone Deposits of NSW. Geological nd Survey of NSW Mineral Resources 25, 2 edition, pp28 I -. 289.
NATURAL IMPACT ecological solutions I 184 Barrington Lime - proposed limestone quarry and crushing operation - Flora and Fauna Impact Assessmeit
NPWS. 1993. Conservation Research Statement and Species Recovery Plan Cynanclitwi elegans. Unpublished report to the Australian Nature Conservation Agency, NSW NPWS Hurstville.
NPWS. 1994. Cyizaizch,j,n elegans Species Recovery , Plan Annual Report Unpublished report to he Australian Nature Conservation Agency, NSW NPWS Hurstville.
NPWS. 2002. Threatened Species Profile - ynanchu,iz elegans. NPWS, Hurstville, NSW
NATURAL EMPACT ecological solutions 185 Barrington Lime - proposed limestone quarry and crushing operation - Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment
NPWS. 1993. Conservation Research Statement and Species Recovery Plan Cyiumchum elegans. Unpublished report to the Australian Nature Conservation Agency, NSW NPWS Hurstville.
NPWS. 1994. Cyizanchum elegans Species Recovery Plan Annual Report. Unpublished report to the Australian Nature Conservation Agency, NSW NPWS Hurstville.
NPWS. 2002. Threatened Species Profile - Cynanchun, elegans. NPWS, Hurstville, NSW
NATURAL IMPACT ecological solutions 185 Barrington Lime - proposed limestone quarry and crushing operation - Flora and Fauna Inipact Assessment
Appendix 5 - Checklist for Bush Regeneration Activities in the habitat of Threatened Species, Endangered Populations and Endangered Ecological Communities - NPWS.
NATURAL IMPACT ecological solutions 186 I Checklist For Bush Regeneration I Activities In The Habitat Of Threatened Species, Endangered I Populations And Endangered I Ecological Communities
Background Bush regeneration activities Threatened species, endangered populations Areas where bush regeneration is undertaken and endangered ecological communities are are often the habitat of threatened species or protected in NSW under the Threatened may be an endangered ecological community Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act). (e.g. Lowland Rainforest on Floodplain). It is understood that the intention of bush It is an offence to "harm" or "pick" threatened regeneration activities is to have a positive species, populations or ecological communities, impact, however, there is a chance that these or cause "damage" to critical habitat or the activities may adversely impact on threatened habitat of threatened species, populations or species, populations or ecological communities. ecological communities'. This may occur where:
"Harm" refers to native fauna, and is defined as a species (flora or fauna) is not known to to: exist on the site (e.g. cryptic species such as hunt, shoot, poison, net, snare, spear, pursue, orchids); capture, trap, injure, or kill. a species may be accidentally harmed or "Pick" refers to native flora, and is defined as picked (e.g. by spray drift or accidental to: cutting). gather, pluck, cut, pull up, destroy, poison, n species may be misidentified arid is take, dig up, remove or injure the plant or any thought to be either an exotic or common part of the plant. native species and therefore may be "Damage" is not defined but the common removed or damaged; dictionary definition would apply.______the requirements of the species, including habitat structure and components, may be It is a defence to a prosecution if the action temporarily adversely impacted (e.g. was: maintaining microclimatic conditions, connecting or sheltering habitat for fauna); authorised in accordance with a Section 120 licence under the National Parks and Licensing Wildlife Act (fauna) or a licence granted Those undertaking bush regeneration activities under Section 91 of the TSC Act (flora and may consider applying for a Section 91 licence ecological communities); under the TSC Act. authorised in accordance with a development consent under the A Section 91 licence is issued where the NPWS Environmental Planning & Assessment considers that the proposed work is likely to or Act 1979; have a significant effect on threatened species authorised by or under the Rural Fires Act and ecological communities and/or their or the Slate Emergency and Rescue 1997, habitat, and a Species Impact StatemenNS\ Management 'ct 1989. be required before a licence application be considered further. NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Populations and Endangered Ecological Communities and Schedule 2 includes Vulnerable species. The Where the National Parks and Wildlife Service Threatened Species Conservation Act Schedules are (NPWS) considers that the proposed work is maintained by the NSW Scientific Committee. The not likely to result in a significant effect on most recent versions of these schedules may be Site: threatened species, populations and ecological obtained on the NPWS Web \v.n)'\s.i1S11i. communities and/or their habitats, a certificate under Section 95 of the TSC Act is issued. A Species Impact Statement must be prepared where Working within the conditions in the licence a proposed activity is assessed as likely to have a application, the certificate would also provide a significant impact on threatened species, populations or ecological communities. defence for the work on the grounds of picking or harming a threatened species, population or The Wildlife Atlas is the NPWS statewide flora and ecological community, or damaging their fauna database. habitat. Most bush regeneration activities fit into this category.
Licence Conditions Generally, licences are issued on an annual basis; however, shorter or longer term licences are also issued where appropriate.
The NPWS may prohibit, condition, or limit bush regeneration works in some areas where it may affect research plots. Other licence conditions may be applied after consideration of population estimates, age structure, viability and health of the population or individuals.
The Bush Regeneration Checklist The intention of the checklist is to ensure that bush regeneration activities will not have a significant impact on threatened species, populations or ecological communities and their habitats. Applicants should consider attaching this standard checklist to any Section 91 licence application to assist the NPWS in assessing the significance of the proposed activity. The NPWS will assume the applicant is prepared to adhere to the guidelines in the checklist where they form part of the licence application. Detail of any proposed work additional or contrary to that described in the checklist must be provided. The NPWS then assesses the likely significance of the impact of the proposal2 using the information provided in the licence application.
For the purposes of the checklist, bush regeneration is considered as all types of habitat restoration and may include such I activities as manual weed removal, herbicide use, temporary damage to, or removal of native plants, planting, track work or maintenance I and habitat removal or modification.
1. Threatened Species are listed under iwo sihedules on the Threatened Species Conservation Act: Schedule 1 includes Endangered Species, Endangered DRAFT
I NPWS Checklist For Bush Regeneration Activities:
I Please Note: i) The checklist is provided to facilitate licence applications and to draw attention to NPWS issues of concern. 2) There is no requirement to use the checklist when applying for a licence. You may alternatively I choose to provide details of your project and ;in explanation of how you Will ensure there Will not be i significant impact on threatened species, their habitat or on endangered ecological communities. 3) If you provide a negative answer using the checklist this does not necessarily mean your application will be unsuccessful. You will however need to provide a satisfactoiy explanation as to why you do not I wish to comply with the guideline and how you will ensure there is unlikely to be a significant impact on threatened species, their habitat or on endangered ecological communities. 4) You may wish your licence application to cover the colioction of Voucher Herbarium Specimens and I Plant Material for Identification. Guidelines to cover those activities are also attached
Management Planning: ye no more s info attached The proposed activities will be in accordance with a management plan or site plan (map). Please attach the plan or relevant sections oft/me plan or strateqmj to 1/ic licence application. The project has been discussed with the relevant Landcare coordinator. if not, provide details of any other professional advice you have souç]/it, Cd]. !roum a qualiflcd bush regenerator. A NPWS Wildlife Atlas database search of a 5km radius of the site has been undertaken to identify threatened flora/fauna species known or likely to occur on the site. 7/ic Wildlife Atlas is accessible on the NPWS Web Site wwwJipwS.nSw.gau. Prior to commencing any works on site, a terinit or permission will be obtained from the relevant landowner(s) or land manager(s). Training and supeiision: -- All workers carrying out bush regeneration and associated works will be supervised by a trained and experienced co-ordinator who has completed recognised bush regeneration course (e.g. the Certificate of Bushland Regeneration) or a minimum of 2 years bush regeneration experience. If )jcs, please provide below the name and qualifications oJt/ie co-ordi,iator. Name: ...... Qualifications/ experience: ...... Other members of the group that have bush regeneration training or experience. Name. ...... Qualifications/experience. ...... Name. ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... Qualifications/experience...... Name. ...... Qualifications/ experience: ...... Name. ...... Qualifications/experience...... Name. ...... ...... Q ualifications/expggience...... - ------All activities by workers will be regularly checked and approved by the co- ordinator. ______All workers will be informed of any threatened species or endangered ecological communities known from the area or which may occur in the area and the potential impacts of activities on these species/communities. e.g. vines on f/ic edge of a littoral rain forest remnant may protect the remnant from salt -bearimig DRAFT
______All workers have adequate weed and native plant identification skills. i.e. all uoikei.c (OH ideutifij and differentiate l,etwecn weeds iiiid home p/nuts (lint OCCUI On the site.
s info attached Workers will be familiar with the identifying features of threatened flora that are known or likely to occur in the project area. Where threatened species known from the area are similar to weed species, the distinguishing features between these vilI be understood Iior to commencing the work. - -.--- - -.---.. Access to sites -. All vehicular access to sites will be restricted to formed roads. -.... - Unnecessary to sites will be avoided. e.g. avo id workingin wet venthw to lessen soil compaction. - - To reduce the possibility of introducing plant diseases and weeds the following measures will be applied: 1. Secateurs will be sharp and cleaned with methylated spints. 2. Footvear will be cleaned of loose soil and preferably treated with bleach between sites. pactsoii flora: . Prior to any works being undeaken, the presence or absence of threatened flora will be determined by a thorough walking search of the area. - All threatened flora will be tagged with highly visible flagging tape before work commences. If a number of individuals occur in a clump, the area should be marked out with flagging tape. Cutting or damaging of threatened flora will be avoided. - All plants will be positively identified before they are removed (pulled, cut, poned etc). ------Weed removal within 2m of a threatened species will be undertaken by hand. Impacts on fauna: All worken. will be aware of any threatened fauna that are known or likely to occur on site, and the potential impacts of the proposed activities on Species. -- - - The habitat and refuge potential of weeds and rubbish will be considered prior to removal. e.g. Lantana can provide cover for threatened fauna such as the Bush- hen. Dead Lantono and poisoned Camphor Laurels should, where possible, be let in situ. Weeds will be removed gradually in areas where an infestation is extensive. IdealLy, yo% of weeds that wig provide habitat should be let until not ne p/(1ut species have re-established and provide alternative refuge. Disturbance to, and removal of rocks, logs and other potential refuge sites will he avoided. A herbicide registered for use near waterways will be used within m of waterways. 1-lerbicide spraying will be restricted to a distance greater than 5 metres from watercourses where threatened frogs are known or likely to occur and within a iom radius of records of threatened frogs. A buffer of im along other watercourses will be maintained in which no herbicide will be sprayed. Care will be taken to minimise disturbance to shy or cryptic species. e.g. the Marbled f"rogmouth roosts in vine 'curtains'. Care will be taken to minimise disturbance to the leaf litter lyp. Reconstruction through revegetation: This section does not address propagation or planting of threatened species - this activitij would need to be separately addressed. --,. Seed collection or cuttings will be from species, populations or ecological communities other than those listed as threatened (unless licensed by NPWS). - Pri )r to collecting any seed or cuttings permission will be obtained from tle relevant landholder or manager of the site. e.g, a licence is mqtti red to collcct ,-,,-,t,,o n1n77t rn t'sfntjnnnl Parks estate. ------DRAFT
llbl imited to leSs than 10 of the Seed collection m anyone species available cr0) at that site. be, limited to less than 10% of the Seed collection from any individual plant will available cro . no more info attached ce is used by other seed collectois has consideration been given If your seed sour to minimising any cumulative impacts to the source plants? Some individual reliable seed source and their seed is collected extensively- plants are known as a genetic diversity); (ii) an impediment to This may result in - (i) a reduction in the individual's natural abilit!Z to re cnerate. material from a wild population, collection will be W hen collecting propagation as many individuals as possible across the population to ensure a random from representative range of genetic material is collected. Collectors will avoid e.g. tallest, selection of propagation material on the basis of physical attributes. flowers, I iimost attractive, reatest amount of seed or Plantin s will be sourced from stock of local provenance.4 - i.e. excess Will propagated material collected only be used at the subject site9 meets the proyenance criteria. - material will only be used at other sites if it metres will be maintained around all threatened plant specimens. A buffer of 5 This requirement is intended will only be undertaken outside this buffer. Planting damage or introduction of to protect the roots of the threatened plant from disease. Care will be taken to ensure that mulch does not introduce weeds or impede natural re eneration at the site. Ito be taken to ensure that weeds and/ phopthora are not introduc Care will -- a site from pots of cultivated plants. Consderation will be given to the possible of re uirements of threatened species at the site e.g. reduced Ii ht, corn etitio Species will be planted within their natural habitat and range. Plantings will be plantings guided by the plants' local habitat preferences. e.g. the species used for that habitat in your along watercourses should be those that naturally occur in local area. the National Registration Authority for Herbicide use: A permit from Agricultural and Veterinary flhemicals P0 Box E240, Kingston ACT 2604 may conditions spec jfIed on be required for herbicide use that is not consistent with the label. A buffer of 2m wilbe maintained aro'rtd all threatened plant specimens. Herbicide use will only be undertaken outside this buffer. will cease where there are any signs of threatened species being Herbicide use grouith. affected by herbicide. e.g. brownin of f, wiltin , de ornied All herbicide spray operators will be capable of undertaking precise and effective weed control. Spray will be directed away from threatened flora. Herbicide will only be sprayed in suitable weather conditions when the impact of spray drift (wind ) or run-off (wet) on threatened flora is minimised. Marker dyes e.g. white field marker' will be mixed with herbicide before use. . Marker d e enables the worker to see where the spray is landin Reporting and data records: Any new records of threatened species will be provided within three months to NPWS. These records will be in a format appropriate for entry into the Wildlife Atlas, once identification of a threatened species is confirmed by a recognised authorit . Wildli e Atlas cards QVQildll)le oil re nest.
*Local provenance species should be regarded as those species propagated from material that has been collected from a ntural wild population as close as possible to a site. For example, within the local I catchment -- which may be based on a local creek. DRAFT
Please sign below, keep a copy for your records and attach all original pages of checklist, and any additional information, to your application form.
l,the undersigned, agree that the proposed bush regeneration activities are in accordance with all -- - items checked above, additional information attached and the licence application form.
Name (please print) Signature Date
Further red ding
Buchanan, R. (1989) Bush Regeneration: Recovering Australian Landscapes. TAFE Student Learning publication, Sydney. Buchanan, R. (1992) "Site assessment— a vital part of bush regeneration" in Urban Bushland in Western Sydney. Seminar Proceedings, Nature Conservation Council of NSW, 1992. FloraBank, FloraBank (1999) Guidelines : Seed collection from woody plants for local revegetation. ACI'. FloraBank (1999) Guidelines 6: Native seed collection methods. FloraBank, ACT. FloraBank (2000) Guideline 10: Seed Collection ranges for revegetation. FloraBank, ACT Greening Australia NSW (1999) Management principles to guide the restoration and rehabilitation of indigenous vegetition. Greening Australia NSW, Sydney. Harden, G. (1990-1993; 2002) Flora of NSW, Vols 1-4. University of NSW Press, Kensington. Joseph, R. (1999) An integrated, systematic approach to rainforest remnant restoration. In Rainforest I Remnants - A Decade of Growth. Proceedings of a conference on rainforest regeneration., NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Alstonville. McDonald, T. (1993) Strategic plans for bush regeneration. in Bushland in Our Cities and Suburbs I Part i: Making Planning Work. Seminar Proceedings, Nature Conservation Council of NSW, 1993. McDonald, T. (1994) What are we doing with ecosystem resilience and the restoration of damaged plant communities, in Bushland in Our Cities and Suburbs Part : Making Bush Regeneration Work. Seminar Proceedings, Nature Conservation Council of NSW, 1994. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. (2000) Threatened species of the lower north coast of NSW. NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. (2002) Threatened species of the upper north coast of NSW I Vol 1. Fauna. Vol 2. Flora. NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour
I Acknowledgements These guidelines have been developed with the assistance of the following people: Hank Bower (Byron Shire Council), Sue Bower, Dianne Brown (NPWS), Conservation Ecologists Association, Mike Delaney I (Envite), R. John Hunter (NPWS), Bob Jarman (Landcare), Rosemary Joseph (NPWS), Lisa King (Envite), Stephanie Lymburner (Australian Association of Bush Regenerators), Tein McDonald (Australian Association of Bush Regenerators), Kate McKenzie (Landcare) A.nnette McKinley (NPWS), Maria Matthes (NPWS), Julie Mousley (Landcare), John Ross, Maurizio Rossetto (Royal Botanic I Gardens, Sydney), Barbara Stewart, Lisa Weliman (NPWS), Carolyn Woods (Landcare). ATTACHMENT 1 Guidelines for the Collection of Voucher Herbarium Specimens and Plant Material for Identification and Research
unless it is Part of a SPecific program Introduction appi'o''ccl by the NPWS. The following guidelines have been prepared by the NPWS to ensure that survey for and Collecting samples for Voucher collection of threatened flora species will not herbarium specimens and further threaten the survival cIa species or identification and research population of that species. Adhcrnce to these guidelines will ensure that the collection of t. Specimens are to be removed using clean voucher herbarium specimens is unlikely to and sharp secateurs to ensure a clean and have a significant effect on threatened species neat cut scar is left or, sampled plants and or their habitats. hat the possibility oft ransferring plo nt In order to aclueve this, any collection must diseases is reduced. not further threaten the survival of a species or 2. Unless special requirement for the an individual wild population of that species. identification of the species is necessary, Potentially damaging collecting would include when collecting cutting, do not take more the removal of plants from populations of very han 5% of the individ ual and specimens low numbers, taking cuttings from plants that from no more than two individuals in any are unlikely to survive such action or' the (1 iscrete POl)U Ia t ion. collection of reproductive material that might :• Only small branchlets or stern sections or significantly alter reproductive viability or whole plants of annuals sufficient to make a fecundity of individuals. standard size herbarium Specimen are to he removed. Basic guidelines When collecting reproductive material (ie. seeds, Inrits or flowers) do not take more L. Know the threatened species, populations than 5% of reproductive niateria I from a ire and ecological communities likely to be in individual plant the area. When collecting entire lierhaceous plants, 2. Prior to commencing any collecting of no more than % of the total population is threatened plants on lands controlled by the to be cullectn 1, and no specimens are to be NPWS, permission will be obtained from taken if the population to he sampled is less the relevant Area Office. than 20 individuals Prior to commencing any collecting of 0 Avoid collecting from small populations. threatened plants on lands other than those When essential to verify a possi )le new controlled by NPWS permission should be record for an area, or to obtain a scientific obtained from the relevant landowner or voucher, collect only a single specimen. Do land manager. not collect samples So large as to adversely Avoid unnecessary damage to sites or affect the population's reproduction arid plants. Beyond any existing formed roads, survival. access to sites must be by foot. Avoid Do not collect whole plants when plant frequent visits to the same sites. parts are sufficient. Where collections of specimens for a site or Never collect the only plant at a site population lodged with an authorised Where cuttings are required for the purpose herbarium are less than ten years old, of genetic analysis, no more than uo samples will not be taken. Alternative Specimens per iridisclual will be taken, arid recording, Sr ich as ph otogr'apliy and 10 nurorc than 5% of thu indi\'iduiaf plants detailed site documentation should be foliage. undertaken in such eircunistanes No repeat collections from populations sampled within ten years will be conducted, Data Records Once identification has been confirmed, any records of threatened species will be provided to the NPWS in a format appropriate for entry into the NPWS Atlas of NSW Wildlife within three months of collection. Any person who becomes aware of new plant species records for NSW or populations considered likely to extend the known range of any species is to provide such information to the NPWS and Royal Botanical Gardens within three (3) months of becoming aware of the new information. Within three (3) months from the date of collection of a herbarium specimen or specimens, the Licensee must lodge a specimen or specimens with a recognised herbarium.
Notes Where special collections (additional voucher specimens or more than 5% of reproductive material is required) the collector must consult with the relevant NPWS Office prior to collection and must obtain a written variation to the certificate. The NPWS may prohibit, condition, or limit collecting for some species at some sites if the collecting would affect research plots. Other conditions or prohibitions may apply after consideration of population estimates, age structure, viability and health of the population or individuals. Where any doubt exists as to the advisability of permitting the collection or the level of collection to be permitted, a precautionary approach shall be enforced.