Report of a Level 1 Flora and Vegetation survey along South Western Highway, Padbury Hill

Prepared for Main Roads Western Australia January 2016

PO Box 1180 Bunbury WA 6231 9721 1377 | [email protected]

Ecoedge Review Version Origin Review release Issue date date approval V1 M. Strang R. Smith 18/12/2015 V2 R. Smith M. Strang 21/12/2015 Final N. McCarthy M. Strang M. Strang 22/12/2015 Draft (MRWA) Final M. Strang M. Strang 23/12/2015 Final_ M. Strang M. Strang M. Strang 08/02/2016 080216

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Executive Summary Ecoedge was engaged by Main Roads Western Australia (MRWA) in September 2015 to undertake a Level 1 Flora and Vegetation Survey of remnant vegetation along two sections of the South Western highway between 216.96 - 221.12 SLK, in the Shires of Donnybrook- Balingup and Bridgetown-Greenbushes. The survey was required as part of an investigation the future upgrade of a south bound climbing lane and north bound descending lane to improve traffic flow through an area of steep grades.

The two road sections to be surveyed, referred to as the western and eastern survey areas, were 1.66 km and 1.92 km in length, respectively. In addition to the road sections, observations of the flora and vegetation within Lot 30 (abutting the road reserve) – made by viewing the site from within the road reserve boundary, without accessing the private property - were to be recorded.

The Project Area totalled approximately 13.1 ha including the existing road formation and cleared areas, of which about 4.77 ha was remnant native vegetation.

The field survey was undertaken on 15th September, 2015, in accordance with Environmental Protection Authority Guidance Statement No. 51 ““Terrestrial Flora and Vegetation Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia”.

One hundred and eleven species of vascular flora were identified within the Project Area, of which just over half (52) were introduced species, either naturalised or as part of amenity plantings.

No Declared Rare Flora, Priority Flora, species of flora listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act or other flora of conservation significance were found within the Project Area.

Four vegetation units were recognised within the Project Area (A, B, C and D). Vegetation units A, B and C were dominated by native species while the unit D was mostly comprised of introduced pasture or annual weed species with scattered trees.

Observations were made of the vegetation of Lot 30 (private property), which lies at the western end of the Project Area, south of the highway. Lot 30 is comprised of pasture with an overstorey of Eucalyptus rudis (Flooded Gum) in places, and, at its eastern extent, planted eucalypts adjacent to the highway. The vegetation was completely degraded

Almost 90% of the 13.1 ha Project Area was classed as “Completely Degraded” or “Degraded”, and another 1.9% was comprised of plantings of amenity species. Only about 4% of the Project Area, mostly in the eastern Project Area, was in “Good” or “Very Good” condition.

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In regards to the conservation significance of the vegetation, Vegetation unit A is part of the Balingup Vegetation Complex which is poorly represented in formal and informal nature reserves, although it meets the target of 30% remaining of pre-European area. Most of the Vegetation unit A was classed as “Completely Degraded” or “Degraded”, and therefore it has low conservation value.

Vegetation unit B is “Completely degraded” or “Degraded”. It occurs within both the Hester and Balingup Vegetation Complexes. The Hester Complex exceeds the 30% target for pre- European area remaining and 15% in formal and informal reserves.

Unit C occurs within the Hester Vegetation Complex which is extensive and well represented in the conservation estate.

None of the vegetation units resembles a Threatened or Priority Ecological Community.

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Contents Executive Summary ...... 3 Statement of limitations ...... 7 Reliance on Data ...... 7 Report for Benefit of Client ...... 7 1 Introduction ...... 8 1.1 Scope and objectives ...... 8 1.2 Biogeographic region ...... 9 1.3 Site location and features ...... 9 1.4 Geology ...... 9 1.5 Vegetation ...... 13 1.6 Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities...... 17 1.7 Threatened and Priority Flora ...... 18 2 Methods ...... 22 2.1 Desktop Study ...... 22 2.2 Field Survey ...... 23 2.3 Survey limitations ...... 23 3 Results ...... 24 3.1 Flora ...... 24 3.1.1 Environmental weeds ...... 24 3.2 Vegetation ...... 27 3.2.1 Vegetation Units ...... 27 3.2.2 Observations of the Vegetation in Lot 30 ...... 27 3.2.3 Vegetation Condition ...... 32 3.2.4 Conservation Status of the Vegetation Units...... 35 4 Discussion ...... 35 5 Conclusion ...... 36 6 References ...... 37 Appendix 1. Protected Matters Search Tool Report ...... … Appendix 2. List of vascular flora found within the Project Area at Padbury Hill...... … Appendix 3. Environmental Weeds found within the Project Area at Padbury Hill...... …

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Table of Tables Table 1. Soil Mapping Units occurring within the Project Area...... 13 Table 2. Description of Vegetation Complexes mapped as occurring within the Project Area (Mattiske and Havel, 1998)...... 14 Table 3. Vegetation Complexes present in the Project Area with regard to the EPA and Commonwealth retention targets (DEC 2007)...... 14 Table 4. Beard Vegetation Associations of the Project Area assessed against the Statewide Vegetation Statistics (Government of Western Australia, 2014)...... 15 Table 5. Categories of Threatened Ecological Communities under the EPBC Act...... 17 Table 6. Definitions of Declared Rare and Priority List flora (DPaW, 2015c)...... 19 Table 7. Categories of Threatened Species under the EPBC Act (DotE, 2014c)...... 20 Table 8. List of Declared Rare and Priority List flora known to occur within 10 km of the Project Area...... 21 Table 9. Vegetation condition ratings according to Keighery (1994)...... 22 Table 10. Limitations with regard to assessment adequacy and accuracy...... 23 Table 11. Area and percentage of vegetation within each condition category...... 32

Table of Figures Figure 1. Aerial Photograph showing the location of the Project Area...... 11 Figure 2. Soil mapping units occurring within the Project Area...... 12 Figure 3. Vegetation complexes mapped as occurring within the Project Area...... 16 Figure 4. Location of environmental weeds within the western survey area of the Project Area...... 25 Figure 5. Location of environmental weeds within the eastern survey area of the Project Area...... 26 Figure 6. Vegetation units mapped within the western survey area at Padbury Hill...... 28 Figure 7. Vegetation units mapped within the eastern survey area at Padbury Hill...... 29 Figure 8. Vegetation Unit A...... 30 Figure 9. Vegetation Unit B...... 30 Figure 10. Vegetation Unit C...... 31 Figure 11. View of Lot 30...... 31 Figure 12. Condition of vegetation within the western survey area at Padbury Hill...... 33 Figure 13. Condition of vegetation within the eastern survey area at Padbury Hill...... 34

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Statement of limitations

Reliance on Data In the preparation of this report, Ecoedge has relied on data, surveys, analyses, designs, plans and other information provided by the Client and other individuals and organisations, most of which are referred to in the report. Unless stated otherwise in the report, Ecoedge has not verified the accuracy or completeness of the data. To the extent that the statements, opinions, facts, information, conclusions and/or recommendations in the report are based in whole or in part on the data, those conclusions are contingent upon the accuracy and completeness of the data. Ecoedge will not be liable in relation to incorrect conclusions should any data, information or condition be incorrect or have been concealed, withheld, unavailable, misrepresented or otherwise not fully disclosed to Ecoedge.

Report for Benefit of Client The report has been prepared for the benefit of the Client and for no other party. Ecoedge assumes no responsibility and will not be liable to any other person or organisation for or in relation to any matter dealt with or conclusions expressed in the report, or for any loss or damage suffered by any other person or organisation arising from matters dealt with or conclusions expressed in the report (including, without limitation, matters arising from any negligent act or omission of Ecoedge or for any loss or damage suffered by any other party relying on the matters dealt with or conclusions expressed in the report). Other parties should not rely upon the report or the accuracy or completeness of any conclusions, and should make their own enquiries and obtain independent advice in relation to such matters.

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1 Introduction Ecoedge was engaged by Main Roads Western Australia (MRWA) in September 2015 to undertake a Level 1 Flora and Vegetation Survey of remnant vegetation along two sections of the South Western highway between 216.96 - 221.12 SLK, in the Shires of Donnybrook- Balingup and Bridgetown-Greenbushes (henceforth referred to as the ‘Project Area’). MRWA is investigation the future upgrade of a south bound climbing lane and north bound descending lane to improve traffic flow through an area of steep grades. A truck bay and rest area would also be installed to help prevent driver fatigue, and road safety barriers installed to separate errant vehicles from high embankments with steep grades.

The western and eastern road sections were 1.66 km and 1.92 km in length, respectively. In addition to the road sections, observations of the flora and vegetation within Lot 30 (abutting the road reserve) - from viewing the site from within the road reserve boundary, without accessing the private property - were to be recorded.

The Project Area totalled approximately 13.1 ha including the existing road formation and cleared areas, of which about 4.77 ha was remnant native vegetation. A GIS shapefile of the Project Area was provided to Ecoedge by MRWA.

GHD undertook an assessment of the Project Area in 2009 (GHD, 2009). While a flora survey of the site was undertaken by GHD as part of this work, this was done out of the main flowering season (May). The purpose of the current survey was to provide an updated and more seasonally appropriate assessment of the flora and vegetation within the Project Area in order to obtain a better understanding of the conservation status of the vegetation. Information from the current survey and resulting report will be used to progress environmental approvals for the proposed road upgrade project.

The vegetation survey were undertaken in accordance with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Guidance Statement 51, “Terrestrial Flora and Vegetation Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia” (EPA, 2004).

This report compiles findings of the field survey.

1.1 Scope and objectives

The scope and objectives of the flora survey were to carry out a Level 1 flora and vegetation assessment to determine whether there are any significant flora values within the Project Area, and provide a report detailing findings of the survey. The survey scope specified the following requirements:

• Provide an inventory of the vascular plant species in the Project Area; • A review of, and search for, native plant species considered to be rare or potentially endangered;

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• Other species of interest, including those of limited distribution or outliers from their known range, should be discussed; • Locations of Declared Rare or Priority flora shall be accurately mapped at a suitable scale; • An inventory of dominant exotic plants and also including declared noxious plants and environmental weed species; • A description and location, including mapping, of plant communities; • A rating of vegetation condition (Keighery,1994); • A description and the location of threatened and priority ecological communities; • A review of the local and regional significance of the plant communities in terms of their intrinsic value, extent, rarity and condition against Government of Western Australia. (2013); and • Determine whether the project area is within an Environmentally Sensitive Area.

1.2 Biogeographic region The Project Area is located within the Southern Jarrah Forest (JF2) sub-region of the Jarrah Forest Bioregion as defined in the Interim Biogeographical Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA) (Australian Government, 2009).

1.3 Site location and features The Project Area begins (start of the western survey area) approximately 485 m southeast of the town of Balingup and extends to 4.27 km southeast of the town (end of the eastern survey area) (Figure 1). Elevation onsite rises from 128 m above sea level at the beginning (northwest) of the Project Area to 286 m in the south east.

The Project Area is located within road reserve and freehold land.

1.4 Geology The Project Area is situated within the Western Darling Range Zone (255) soil-landscape zone as defined by Tille (1996). The Western Darling Range Zone is a deeply dissected undulating lateritic plateau overlying crystalline rocks (e.g. granite and gneiss). Major river systems have cut into the plateau to form deep, steep sided valleys and expose fresh rock.

Three soil-landscape systems (containing 24 subsystems) have been identified and mapped within the Western Darling Range Zone; the Coalfields (Cf), the Darling Plateau (Dp) and the Lowden Valleys (Lv) (Schoknecht, et al. 2004; Tille, 1996). The western survey area is situated on soils of the Lowden Valleys System while the eastern survey area is situated on both the Lowden Valleys and Darling Plateau Systems (Figure 2). These are described below:

The Darling Plateau System (255Dp) consists of an undulating plateau surface dominated by broad lateritic divides formed over a crystalline basement. These divides have gravels and

9 | Page sands. In some locations they have formed over deposits of Kirup Conglomerate. Some of the divides are almost level and have extensive areas of poor drainage. Most have formed over old sedimentary deposits. Ridges with gravels and loams run off the western and southern edges of the plateau. Some low hills rise above the plateau surface, which become more common to the east. Shallow, minor valleys with gravels, sands and loams are common. These are often U-shaped with swampy floors. There are also some shallowly incised, broad swampy flats of major rivers in the Wellington Catchment (Tille, 1996).

The Lowden Valleys System (255Lv) consists of dissected terrain where major river systems have eaten into the Darling Plateau, exposing fresh rock. The most common valleys are deeply incised, and have moderate to steep slopes and loamy earths. Moderately incised valleys, such as the Grimwade Valleys, with loams and gravels occur in the upper reaches (Tille, 1996). Most of the Lowden Valleys system has been cleared for agriculture and is good quality grazing land.

Soil-landscape systems have been further divided into subsystems by Tille (1996), and within these into soil phases or mapping units. Soils in the Project Area have been mapped as the Balingup (BL) subsystem of the Lowden Valleys System (western survey area) and the Hester (HR) subsystem of the Darling Plateau and Lowden Valleys Systems (eastern survey area).

Within the Balingup subsystem, the western survey area is situated on the Balingup Moderate Slopes soil mapping unit (BL4). Soil mapping units occurring within the Project Area are described in Table 1.

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Western survey area

Eastern survey area

Figure 1. Aerial Photograph showing the location of the Project Area.

Figure 2. Soil mapping units occurring within the Project Area.

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Table 1. Soil Mapping Units occurring within the Project Area. Soil Mapping Unit Description Found on the edges of the Darling Plateau System, being most 255DpHR common to the west and south. Consists of undulating ridges and hill crests formed on laterite and gneiss which typically slope downwards 255LvHR off the main plateau into the surrounding Lowden Valleys System. Balingup moderate slopes with gradients of 15 – 35% and relief of 60 – 255LvBL4 120 m

1.5 Vegetation A systematic survey of native vegetation in Western Australia was undertaken by J. S. Beard (along with others) during the 1970s, which described vegetation systems in the south-west of Western Australia at a scale of 1:250,000. Beard’s vegetation maps attempted to depict the vegetation as it might have been prior to European settlement in terms of type and extent (Beeston et al., 2001). The Beard Vegetation Association dataset, also referred to as the pre- European native vegetation extent dataset, was digitised by Shepherd et al. (2002).

Beard vegetation associations have been described to a minimum standard of Level 3 ‘Broad Floristic Formation’ for the National Vegetation Inventory System (NVIS) (state-wide to regional scale). One Beard vegetation association is mapped as occurring within the Project Area, viz. Association code 3, which is described as ‘Medium forest; jarrah-marri’.

More recently, Vegetation Complexes on the Darling Scarp and Plateau were mapped for the purposes of the Regional Forest Agreement by Mattiske and Havel (1998). This classification system emphasises the relationships between underlying geology and plant communities. A GIS dataset of this information was produced in 2000 (Havel and Mattiske, 2000).

As shown in Figure 3, the Project Area was mapped by Havel and Mattiske (2000) as the Balingup (BL) (western survey area) and Hester (HR) (eastern survey area) Vegetation Complexes (Table 2).

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Table 2. Description of Vegetation Complexes mapped as occurring within the Project Area (Mattiske and Havel, 1998). Vegetation Description Complex Open forest of Eucalyptus marginata subsp. marginata-Corymbia Balingup calophylla on slopes and woodland of Eucalyptus rudis on the valley (BL) floor in the humid zone. Tall open forest to open forest of Eucalyptus marginata subsp. Hester (HR) marginata-Corymbia calophylla on lateritic uplands in perhumid and humid zones.

In 2001, the Commonwealth of Australia stated National Targets and Objectives for Biodiversity Conservation, which recognised that the retention of 30%, or more, of the pre-clearing extent of each ecological community was necessary if Australia's biological diversity was to be protected (Environment Australia, 2001). This level of recognition is in keeping with the targets set in the EPA’s Position Statement on the 'Environmental protection of native vegetation in Western Australia: clearing of native vegetation, with particular reference to the agricultural area' (EPA, 2000). With regard to conservation status, the EPA has set a target of 15% of pre- European extent for each ecological community to be protected in a comprehensive, adequate and representative reserve system (EPA, 2006).

Table 3 lists the percentage remaining of each vegetation complex and the percentage of each vegetation complex in formal and formal plus informal reserves. It also lists whether each vegetation complex meets the Commonwealth’s 30% target (Environment Australia, 2001) and the EPA’s 15% target (EPA, 2006). As is evident in Table 3, the Balingup Complex meets the Commonwealth target but not the EPA target, while the Hester Complex meets both targets.

Table 3. Vegetation Complexes present in the Project Area with regard to the EPA and Commonwealth retention targets (DEC 2007). % in Formal % Remaining Vegetation Is the 30% % in Formal + All Is the 15% of pre- Complex Target Met? Reserves Informal Target Met? European Reserves Balingup (BL) 34.51% Yes 4% 6% No Hester (HR) 77.2% Yes 23% 25% Yes

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In addition to the EPA and Commonwealth targets above, the Government of Western Australia, in its report on the Statewide Vegetation Statistics incorporating the CAR Reserve Analysis, provides information on the pre-European and current extent of the ecological communities of Western Australia and reports on the status of the CAR reserve system for WA (Government of Western Australia, 2014). Only reserves managed by DPaW under the Conservation and Land Management Act 1984 are considered for inclusion in the “CAR Reserve Analysis”. For this analysis, the Beard vegetation associations are used, as this is the only mapping dataset that covers the entire state. An assessment of the vegetation associations in the Project Area against the Statewide Vegetation Statistics is presented in Table 4.

Table 4. Beard Vegetation Associations of the Project Area assessed against the Statewide Vegetation Statistics (Government of Western Australia, 2014). % Remaining of pre- % of pre-European extent Beard Vegetation Association European extent in all DPaW managed land Medium forest; jarrah-marri (3) 30.94% 0%

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Figure 3. Vegetation complexes mapped as occurring within the Project Area.

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1.6 Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities Ecological communities are defined by Western Australia’s Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW, previously the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC)) as “...naturally occurring biological assemblages that occur in a particular type of habitat. They are the sum of species within an ecosystem and, as a whole, they provide many of the processes which support specific ecosystems and provide ecological services.” (DEC, 2010).

A threatened ecological community (TEC) is one which is found to fit into one of the following categories; ‘presumed totally destroyed’, Critically Endangered (CE), Endangered (E) or Vulnerable (Vu) (DEC, 2010). Possible threatened ecological communities that do not meet survey criteria are added to DPaW’s Priority Ecological Community (PEC) Lists under Priorities 1, 2 and 3 (referred to as P1, P2, P3). Ecological Communities that are adequately known, are rare but not threatened, or meet criteria for Near Threatened, or that have been recently removed from the threatened list, are placed in Priority 4 (P4). These ecological communities require regular monitoring. Conservation Dependent ecological communities are placed in Priority 5 (P5) (DEC, 2010). The current listing of Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities is specified in DPaW, 2015a and 2015b. Threatened Ecological Communities can also be listed under the EPBC Act (Department of the Environment (DotE), 2015a; Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA, 1999)).

Threatened Ecological Communities can also be listed under the Commonwealth EPBC Act (Department of the Environment (DotE), 2015a; Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA), 1999). There are three categories of TEC under the EPBC Act: Critically Endangered (CE), Endangered (E) and Vulnerable (V). These are defined in Table 5.

Table 5. Categories of Threatened Ecological Communities under the EPBC Act. Category Definition If, at that time, an ecological community is facing an extremely high risk of Critically extinction in the wild in the immediate future (indicative timeframe being the endangered next 10 years). If, at that time, an ecological community is not critically endangered but is Endangered facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future (indicative timeframe being the next 20 years). If, at that time, an ecological, community is not critically endangered or Vulnerable endangered but is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium– term future (indicative timeframe being the next 50 years).

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A Protected Matters Search Tool query for communities listed under the EPBC Act occurring within a 7.5 km radius of the Project Area was undertaken (DotE, 2015b, Appendix 1), and the current DPaW TEC and PEC listings were consulted (DPaW 2015a; 2015b).

No threatened or priority ecological communities are known to occur within or in the vicinity of the Project Area.

1.7 Threatened and Priority Flora Species of flora and fauna are defined as having Declared Rare (Threatened) or Priority conservation status where their populations are restricted geographically or threatened by local processes. The Department of Environment Regulation recognises these threats of extinction and consequently applies regulations towards population and species protection.

Declared Rare (Threatened) Flora species are gazetted under Subsection 2 of Section 23F of the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WC Act) and therefore it is an offence to ‘take’ or damage rare flora without Ministerial approval. Section 6 of the WC Act 1950-1980 defines ‘to take’ as “… to gather, pick, cut, pull up, destroy, dig up, remove or injure the flora or to cause or permit the same to be done by any means.”

Priority Flora are under consideration for declaration as ‘rare flora’, but are in need of further survey (Priority One to Three) or require monitoring every 5-10 years (Priority Four). Table 6 presents the categories of Declared Rare and Priority Flora as defined by the WC Act (DPaW 2015c).

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Table 6. Definitions of Declared Rare and Priority List flora (DPaW, 2015c). Conservation Category code

Threatened flora is flora that has been declared to be ‘likely to become extinct or is rare, or otherwise in need of special protection’, pursuant to section 23F(2) of the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950. The assessment of T the conservation status of these species is based on their national extent and ranked according to their level of threat using IUCN Red List categories and criteria (CR, EN, VU, EX)

Taxa which are known from one or a few (generally <5) populations which are under threat, either due to small population size, or being on P1 lands under immediate threat. Such taxa are under consideration for declaration as ‘rare flora’, but are in urgent need of further survey.

Taxa which are known from one or a few (generally <5) populations, at least some of which are not believed to be under immediate threat. P2 Such taxa are under consideration for declaration as ‘rare flora’, but are in urgent need of further survey.

Taxa which are known from several populations, and the taxa are not believed to be under immediate threat (i.e. not currently endangered), either due to the number of known populations (generally >5), or known P3 populations being large, and either widespread or protected. Such taxa are under consideration for declaration as ‘rare flora’, but are in need of further survey.

Taxa which are considered to have been adequately surveyed and which, P4 whilst being rare (in Australia), are not currently threatened by any identifiable factors. These taxa require monitoring every 5-10 years.

Under the EPBC Act, a species may be listed in one of six categories; the definitions of these categories are summarised in Table 7 (DotE, 2015c).

Threatened or Priority flora occurring within 10 km of the Project Area generated from a Naturemap data search (DPaW, 2014d) are listed in Table 8. Taxa listed under the EPBC Act (based on results of the Protected Matters Search Tool query (DotE, 2014b)) are listed in Appendix 1.

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Table 7. Categories of Threatened Species under the EPBC Act (DotE, 2014c). Category Definition A native species is eligible to be included in the extinct category at a Extinct (Ex) particular time if, at that time, there is no reasonable doubt that the last member of the species has died. A native species is eligible to be included in the extinct in the wild category at a particular time if, at that time (a) it is known only to survive in Extinct in the cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalised population well outside its past Wild (ExW) range; or (b) it has not been recorded in its known and/or expected habitat, at appropriate seasons, anywhere in its past range, despite exhaustive surveys over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form. A native species is eligible to be included in the critically endangered Critically category at a particular time if, at that time, it is facing an extremely high risk Endangered (CE) of extinction in the wild in the immediate future, as determined in accordance with the prescribed criteria. A native species is eligible to be included in the endangered category at a particular time if, at that time (a) it is not critically endangered; and (b) it is Endangered (E) facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future, as determined in accordance with the prescribed criteria. A native species is eligible to be included in the vulnerable category at a particular time if, at that time (a) it is not critically endangered or Vulnerable (V) endangered; and (b) it is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium term future, as determined in accordance with the prescribed criteria. A native species is eligible to be included in the conservation dependent category at a particular time if, at that time, the species is the focus of a Conservation specific conservation program, the cessation of which would result in the Dependent (CD) species becoming vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered within a period of 5 years.

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Table 8. List of Declared Rare and Priority List flora known to occur within 10 km of the Project Area. Cons Likelihood of Species Flowering Habitat Status Occurrence Sandy loam. Winter-wet flats, margins of lakes, Caladenia harringtoniae T (Vu) Oct-Nov Low creeklines, granite outcrops. Red-grey sandy clay over quartzite. Steep westerly Low Gastrolobium whicherense P2 Oct slopes. Melaleuca viminalis P2 Sep-Dec Along creeklines Low White/grey sand, gravelly sandy clay, sandy loam. Low Opercularia rubioides P3 Sep-Nov Floodplains, stony hills, flat plains. Tetraria sp. Blackwood River Low P3 Sep-Dec Not confirmed (A.R. Annels 3043) Acacia flagelliformis P4 May-Sep Sandy soils. Winter-wet areas. Low Jan-Apr/Nov- Sandy clay, clay or gravelly loam. Swampy flats, Low Grevillea ripicola P4 Dec granite outcrops, along watercourses. Note: The WC Act Conservation Status is shown and where applicable the EPBC Act status is in brackets.

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Many of the species listed in Table 8 could potentially occur within the Project Area, based on an assessment of their preferred habitats. All species listed would have either been flowering at the time of survey or could be identified in the field without flowers.

2 Methods

2.1 Desktop Study Prior to the field survey, a ‘desktop survey’ was carried out by downloading from NatureMap (DPaW, 2015d) a list of all flora (including rare flora) occurring within 5 km of the Project Area. A Protected Matters Search Tool report was also generated, detailing all species listed under the EPBC Act known to occur, potentially occur or potentially have habitat occurring within 7.5 km of the Project Area (DotE, 2015b) (Appendix 1).

Vegetation condition was assessed against the method of Keighery (1994) (Table 9).

Table 9. Vegetation condition ratings according to Keighery (1994). Score Description

Pristine (1) Pristine or nearly so, no obvious signs of disturbance. Vegetation structure intact, disturbance affecting individual species and Excellent (2) weeds are non-aggressive species. Vegetation structure altered, obvious signs of disturbance. For example, Very Good (3) disturbance to vegetation structure caused by repeated fires, the presence of some more aggressive weeds, dieback, logging and grazing. Vegetation structure significantly altered by very obvious signs of multiple disturbances. Retains basic vegetation structure or ability to regenerate it. Good (4) For example, disturbance to vegetation structure caused by very frequent fires, the presence of some very aggressive weeds at high density, partial clearing, dieback and grazing. Basic vegetation structure severely impacted by disturbance. Scope for regeneration but not to a state approaching good condition without Degraded (5) intensive management. For example, disturbance to vegetation structure caused by frequent fires, the presence of very aggressive weeds, partial clearing, dieback and grazing. The structure of the vegetation is no longer intact and the area is Completely completely or almost completely without native species. These areas are Degraded (6) often described as ‘parkland cleared’ with the flora comprising weed or crop species with isolated native trees or shrubs.

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2.2 Field Survey The survey was carried out on 15th September 2015. A comprehensive list of native and introduced species was compiled. Photographs were taken and notes on species composition, vegetation structure and vegetation condition were compiled at twenty-five unmarked relevés within the Project Area to be used, along with aerial photography, in mapping vegetation type and condition.

Flora species that were not identified in the field were collected or photographed for later identification. Taxonomy and conservation status of flora species was checked against Department of Parks and Wildlife databases (DPaW, 2015e and 2015f).

2.3 Survey limitations Potential limitations with regard to the assessment are addressed in Table 10.

Table 10. Limitations with regard to assessment adequacy and accuracy. Aspect Constraint Comment The survey scope was prepared in consultation with the Scope No client and was designed to comply with EPA requirements. The survey of Area B was carried out in mid-September which experience has shown to be within the prime Proportion of flora Negligible flowering period for flora in the southern Jarrah Forest. It is identified estimated that 95-98% of native species in the remnant vegetation were identified. Availability of Comprehensive regional surveys of remnant vegetation, as contextual Negligible well as more localised surveys, have not been carried out in information the southern Jarrah Forest bioregion. Vegetation within the Project Area was thoroughly search on foot. Further assessments outside the spring season Completeness of the Negligible would add to the completeness of the species list but survey probably only marginally affect the conclusions presented.

The field botanist who conducted the survey has had Skill and knowledge Negligible extensive experience in botanical survey in south west of the botanists Australia over a period of 25 years.

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3 Results

3.1 Flora One hundred and eleven species of vascular flora were identified within the Project Area, of which just under half (52) were introduced species, either naturalised or as part of amenity plantings (Appendix 2). A further three locally native taxa had been planted as amenity species. Thirty of the 59 native species were only found within the eastern section of the Project Area.

No Declared Rare Flora, Priority Flora, species of flora listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act or other flora of conservation significance were found within the Project Area.

3.1.1 Environmental weeds Seven potentially significant environmental weeds were found during the survey. The distribution of individual plants and clumps of plants is shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5, and their locations are provided in Appendix 3. One of these weeds, Asparagus asparagoides (Bridal Creeper), is a pest plant listed under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007, with the category of C3 (Management) for the whole of the State.

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Figure 4. Location of environmental weeds within the western survey area of the Project Area.

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Figure 5. Location of environmental weeds within the eastern survey area of the Project Area.

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3.2 Vegetation

3.2.1 Vegetation Units Four vegetation units were recognised within the Project Area, three of them, Vegetation units A, B and C, dominated by native species are described below and mapped in Figure 6 and Figure 7.

The fourth unit, comprised of mainly introduced pasture or annual weed species with scattered trees, is not described in detail.

Vegetation Unit A Tall woodland/open forest of Corymbia calophylla and Eucalyptus rudis over scattered shrubs of Acacia pulchella, *Acacia spp., *Asparagus asparagoides, *Rubus anglocandicans and Xanthorrhoea preissii over grassland including *Arctotheca calendula, *Avena fatua, *Briza maxima *Holcus lanatus, and *Phalaris minor and herbland including *Fumaria capreolata, *Oxalis pes-caprae, *Rumex conglomeratus, *Sonchus oleraceus and *Sparaxis bulbifera on grey-brown loam or clay-loam (Figure 8).

Vegetation Unit B Open forest of Eucalyptus marginata and Corymbia calophylla over scattered shrubs of Acacia pulchella, *Asparagus asparagoides, *Acacia spp., Kennedia prostrata, *Olea europaea, *Pinus pinaster and Xanthorrhoea preissii over grassland including *Arctotheca calendula, *Avena fatua, *Briza maxima and *Phalaris minor and herbland including Pteridium esculentum, *Trifolium campestre, *T. subterraneum and *Watsonia meriana on gravelly sandy loam (Figure 9)

Vegetation Unit C Open forest of Eucalyptus marginata and Corymbia calophylla over low open woodland of Banksia grandis, Persoonia longifolia and *Pinus pinaster over open heath/low open heath of Bossiaea linophylla, Clematis pubescens, Hardenbergia comptoniana, Hibbertia amplexicaulis, Leucopogon capitellatus, Macrozamia riedlei and Xanthorrhoea gracilis over open herbland including Burchardia congesta, Patersonia umbrosa var. xanthina, Opercularia hispidula and Pteridium esculentum on gravelly sandy loam (Figure 10).

3.2.2 Observations of the Vegetation in Lot 30 Observations were made of the vegetation of Lot 30 (private property), which lies at the western end of the Project Area, south of the highway. The land was not accessed but could be clearly seen from the road reserve. Lot 30 is comprised of pasture with an overstorey of Eucalyptus rudis (Flooded Gum) in places, and, at its eastern extent, planted eucalypts adjacent to the highway. The vegetation was completely degraded (Figure 11).

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Figure 6. Vegetation units mapped within the western survey area at Padbury Hill.

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Figure 7. Vegetation units mapped within the eastern survey area at Padbury Hill.

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Figure 8. Vegetation Unit A.

Figure 9. Vegetation Unit B.

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Figure 10. Vegetation Unit C.

Figure 11. View of Lot 30.

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3.2.3 Vegetation Condition Almost 90% of the 13.1 ha Project Area was classed as Completely Degraded or Degraded, and another 1.9% was comprised of plantings of amenity species (Table 11). Only about 4% of the Project Area, mostly in the eastern Project Area, was in Good or Very Good condition.

The distribution of the various vegetation classes is mapped in Figure 12 and Figure 13 below.

Table 11. Area and percentage of vegetation within each condition category. Area Condition % (Ha) Planted 0.2 1.9 Cleared/Completely Degraded 8.3 63.1 Degraded 3.5 26.8 Degraded/Good 0.6 4.4 Good 0.1 1.1 Very Good 0.4 2.8 Total 13.1 100.0

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Figure 12. Condition of vegetation within the western survey area at Padbury Hill.

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Figure 13. Condition of vegetation within the eastern survey area at Padbury Hill.

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3.2.4 Conservation Status of the Vegetation Units No regional floristic survey which assesses the conservation status of floristic community types has been conducted of the vegetation of the southern Jarrah Forest, as has been done for the Swan Coastal Plain (Gibson et al., 1994) or Whicher Scarp (Keighery et al., 2008). However, Strelein (1988) carried out a floristic survey in State forest between Nannup and Walpole which identified vegetation-landscape “site types”, which are comparable to “floristic community types”. Although the area surveyed by Strelein is located just south of the Project Area, the vegetation and landscape is similar.

Vegetation unit A is similar to the vegetation of site type “A” (Flats and broad drainage lines with Eucalyptus rudis) of Strelein (1988), however, it is situated within a major drainage line, whereas Strelein’s unit was in the upper valleys. Unit A is part of the Balingup vegetation complex, which as noted in section 1.5, above, is poorly represented in formal and informal nature reserves, although it meets the target of 30% remaining of pre-European area.

As can be seen from Figure 6 and Figure 12, most of the vegetation mapped as Unit A was classed as “Completely Degraded”, with the remainder scored as “Degraded”. As such, it has low conservation value.

Vegetation unit B is too degraded to match it with any of the vegetation site types described by Strelein (1988) but unit C is similar to his Type Q. Type Q is described as occurring on well dissected landforms in moderate to high rainfall zones on steeper slopes and gullies, on brownish loamy soils, sometimes with a small amount of gravel. It covered a “limited area” within the southern Jarrah Forest, but was widespread where suitable soils occurred.

Vegetation unit B is “Completely degraded” or “Degraded”. It occurs within both the Hester and Balingup Vegetation Complexes (Section 1.5, above). The Hester Complex exceeds the 30% target for pre-European area remaining and 15% in formal and informal reserves.

Unit C occurs within the Hester Vegetation Complex which is extensive and well represented in the conservation estate.

None of the vegetation units resembles a threatened or priority ecological community.

4 Discussion The survey of approximately 13 ha of road verge adjacent to the South West Highway at Padbury Hill determined that the remnant vegetation is generally quite degraded and poor in native species, with a high proportion of introduced species. Seven potential environmental weed species were recorded and their locations mapped.

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No Declared Rare Flora, Priority Flora, species of flora listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act or other flora of conservation significance were found within the Project Area. Three vegetation units dominated by native species were recognised, none of which is an occurrence of a Threatened or Priority Ecological Community.

Only about 4% of the Project Area, mostly in the eastern Project Area, was in Good or Very Good condition.

5 Conclusion With regard to floristic values, none of the remnant vegetation in the Project Area has a high conservation value and the proposed works will not impact on vegetation of conservation significance. There are no Declared Rare Flora, Priority Flora, species of flora listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act or other flora of conservation significance within the Project Area. Nor does any of the vegetation belong to a threatened or priority ecological community. Most the remnant vegetation within the Project Area is “Completely Degraded” or “Degraded”, with only a small amount on the south side of the highway in the eastern Project Area in “Very Good” condition.

Lot 30 is mainly comprised of pasture (“Completely Degraded”) with some remnant native bush (E. rudis) along the creek running through it, which was mapped as “Degraded”.

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6 References (Not necessarily cited)

Aplin, T.E.H. (1979). The flora. In: Environment and Science. Ed: B.J. O’Brien. University of WA Press, Perth.

Australian Government (2009), Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation of Australia (IBRA) Version 6.1, Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. Retrieved January 2011 from http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/nrs/science/bioregion- framework/ibra/index.html

Beard, J.S. (1981). Vegetation survey of Western Australia, Swan 1:1,000,000. Vegetation series, explanatory notes to Sheet 7. University of Western Australia Press, Perth.

Beeston, G.R., Hopkins, A.J.M. and Shepherd, D.P. (eds) (2001). Land-use and Vegetation, Western Australia. Agriculture Western Australia, South Perth and National Land and Water Resources Audit, Canberra, from http://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/aclump/Documents/WA%20Luse%2019 97%20Report.pdf

Commonwealth of Australia (2001) National Objectives and Targets for Biodiversity Conservation 2001-2005. Environment Australia, Department of Environment and Heritage, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory.

Cropper, S.C. (1993). Management of endangered plants. CSIRO, Melbourne.

DAFWA (2005), Pre-European Vegetation – Western Australia (NVIS Compliant version), Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia, Perth.

DAFWA (2006), Vegetation Extent dataset, Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia, Perth.

Department of Agriculture and Food (DAF) (2007). Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007. Perth Western Australia

Department of Agriculture and Food (DAF) 2014. Declared plants. https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/pests-weeds-diseases/weeds/declared-plants

Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) (2007). Reservation levels of vegetation complexes and systems with reserve status as at June 2007. Excel spreadsheet.

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Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) (2010) Definitions, categories and criteria for threatened and priority ecological communities. Department of Environment and Conservation, Perth, Western Australia.

Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) (1999) Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. Canberra, Australian Capital Territory.

Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) (2014). Conservation Codes for Western Australian Flora and fauna. http://www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/images/documents/plants-animals/threatened- species/Listings/Conservation_code_definitions.pdf

Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) (2015a). Threatened ecological communities endorsed by the Minister for the Environment (June 2015). http://www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/images/plants-animals/threatened- species/threatened_ecological_communities_endorsed_by_the_minister_for_the_e nvironment_june_2015.pdf

Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) (2015b). Priority ecological communities list (June 2015). Department of Parks and Wildlife. http://www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/images/plants-animals/threatened- species/threatened_ecological_communities_endorsed_by_the_minister_for_the_e nvironment_june_2015.pdf

Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) (2015c). NatureMap, Western Australian Herbarium. http://naturemap.dec.wa.gov.au/default.aspx. Accessed 15 September 2015

Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) (2015d). The WA Herbarium Census of WA Plants Database (WACENSUS: ‘Max’ update 13/07/2015).

Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) (2015e). Florabase. Western Australian Herbarium.

Department of the Environment. (DotE) (2015a). Threatened ecological communities under the EPBC Act. http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi- bin/sprat/public/publiclookupcommunities.pl Accessed 28 August 2015

Department of the Environment. (DotE) (2015b). Protected Matters Search Tool Report. Generated 9 September 2015

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Department of the Environment. (DotE) (2015c). Categories of Threatened species under the EPBC Act. http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/species.html Accessed 24 September 2015

Department of the Environment. (DotE) (2014d). Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. Species Profile and Threats Database. http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/sprat.pl

Environment Australia (2001). National objectives and targets for biodiversity conservation 2001–2005. http://www.environment.gov.au/resource/national-objectives-and- targets-biodiversity-conservation-2001%E2%80%932005

Environmental Protection Authority (2000). Environmental Protection of Native Vegetation in Western Australia. EPA Position Statement No. 2. EPA, Perth

Environmental Protection Authority of WA (2004). Guidance for the Assessment of Environmental Factors: Terrestrial Flora and Vegetation Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia, Guidance Statement No. 51.

GHD (2009). South Western Highway Safety Improvements Balingup to Greenbushes (Padbury Hill Section: 217.20 220.00 SLK) and (Greenbushes Section: 220.00 223.89 SLK) Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan. Unpublished report to Main Roads Western Australia.

Government of Western Australia (1950). Wildlife Conservation Act 1950. Perth, Western Australia

Government of Western Australia (2005). Environmental Protection (Environmentally Sensitive Areas) Notice 2005 (Environmental Protection Act 1986). Government Gazette, No.55

Government of Western Australia. (2013a). 2012 Statewide Vegetation Statistics incorporating the CAR Reserve Analysis (Full Report). Current as of October 2012. WA Department of Environment and Conservation. Perth, Western Australia. https://www2.landgate.wa.gov.au/web/guest/downloader

Government of Western Australia (2013b). Wildlife Conservation Act 1950, Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice 2013. Government Gazette, 17 September 2013.

Havel, J.J. and Mattiske, E.M. (2000). Vegetation mapping of south west forest regions of Western Australia. Parts 6 and 7 (Maps). CALMScience Division, Australia. Environment Australia

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Keighery, B. J. (1994). Bushland Plant Survey: A guide to plant community survey for the community. Wildflower Society of Western Australia (Inc.), Nedlands.

Mattiske, E.M. and Havel, J.J., 1998. Vegetation Complexes of the South-west Forest Region of Western Australia. Maps and report prepared as part of the Regional Forest Agreement. Western Australia for the Department of Conservation and Land Management and Environment Australia. Western Australia.

Muir, B.G. (1977). Biological Survey of the Western Australian Wheatbelt. Part II. Vegetation and habitat of Bendering Reserve. Records of the West Australian Museum, Supplement No. 3.

Schoknecht, N., Tille, P., Purdie, B. (2004). Soil Landscape Mapping in South-Western Australia –Overview of Methodology and Outputs – Resource Management Technical Report 280. Department of Agriculture, Government of Western Australia.

Strelein G.J. (1988) Site classification in the southern jarrah forest of Western Australia. Department of Conservation and Land Management Western Australia, Research Bulletin No. 2, Como.

Tille, P.J. (1996). Wellington – Blackwood Land Resources Survey, Land Resources Series No. 14. Department of Agriculture, Western Australia

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Appendix 1. Protected Matters Search Tool Report

Appendix 2. List of vascular flora found within the Project Area at Padbury Hill.

Appendix 3. Environmental Weeds found within the Project Area at Padbury Hill.

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Appendix 1. Protected Matters Search Tool Report

EPBC Act Protected Matters Report

This report provides general guidance on matters of national environmental significance and other matters protected by the EPBC Act in the area you have selected.

Information on the coverage of this report and qualifications on data supporting this report are contained in the caveat at the end of the report.

Information is available about Environment Assessments and the EPBC Act including significance guidelines, forms and application process details.

Report created: 09/09/15 19:47:20

Summary Details Matters of NES Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act Extra Information Caveat Acknowledgements

This map may contain data which are ©Commonwealth of Australia (Geoscience Australia), ©PSMA 2010

Coordinates Buffer: 7.5Km Summary

Matters of National Environmental Significance

This part of the report summarises the matters of national environmental significance that may occur in, or may relate to, the area you nominated. Further information is available in the detail part of the report, which can be accessed by scrolling or following the links below. If you are proposing to undertake an activity that may have a significant impact on one or more matters of national environmental significance then you should consider the Administrative Guidelines on Significance.

World Heritage Properties: None National Heritage Places: None Wetlands of International Importance: None Great Barrier Reef Marine Park: None Commonwealth Marine Area: None Listed Threatened Ecological Communities: None Listed Threatened Species: 9 Listed Migratory Species: 5

Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act

This part of the report summarises other matters protected under the Act that may relate to the area you nominated. Approval may be required for a proposed activity that significantly affects the environment on Commonwealth land, when the action is outside the Commonwealth land, or the environment anywhere when the action is taken on Commonwealth land. Approval may also be required for the Commonwealth or Commonwealth agencies proposing to take an action that is likely to have a significant impact on the environment anywhere.

The EPBC Act protects the environment on Commonwealth land, the environment from the actions taken on Commonwealth land, and the environment from actions taken by Commonwealth agencies. As heritage values of a place are part of the 'environment', these aspects of the EPBC Act protect the Commonwealth Heritage values of a Commonwealth Heritage place. Information on the new heritage laws can be found at http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/index.html

A permit may be required for activities in or on a Commonwealth area that may affect a member of a listed threatened species or ecological community, a member of a listed migratory species, whales and other cetaceans, or a member of a listed marine species.

Commonwealth Land: 1 Commonwealth Heritage Places: None Listed Marine Species: 6 Whales and Other Cetaceans: None Critical Habitats: None Commonwealth Reserves Terrestrial: None Commonwealth Reserves Marine: None

Extra Information

This part of the report provides information that may also be relevant to the area you have nominated.

State and Territory Reserves: 2 Regional Forest Agreements: 1 Invasive Species: 19 Nationally Important Wetlands: None Key Ecological Features (Marine) None Details

Matters of National Environmental Significance

Listed Threatened Species [ Resource Information ] Name Status Type of Presence Birds Calyptorhynchus banksii naso Forest Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo, Karrak [67034] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area

Calyptorhynchus baudinii Baudin's Black-Cockatoo, Long-billed Black-Cockatoo Vulnerable Breeding likely to occur [769] within area Calyptorhynchus latirostris Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo, Short-billed Black- Endangered Breeding likely to occur Cockatoo [59523] within area Mammals Dasyurus geoffroii Chuditch, Western Quoll [330] Vulnerable Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Myrmecobius fasciatus Numbat [294] Vulnerable Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Pseudocheirus occidentalis Western Ringtail Possum, Ngwayir [25911] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area

Setonix brachyurus Quokka [229] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area

Plants Caladenia hoffmanii Hoffman's Spider-orchid [56719] Endangered Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Diuris micrantha Dwarf Bee-orchid [55082] Vulnerable Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Listed Migratory Species [ Resource Information ] * Species is listed under a different scientific name on the EPBC Act - Threatened Species list. Name Threatened Type of Presence Migratory Marine Birds Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift [678] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Migratory Terrestrial Species Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater [670] Species or species habitat may occur within Name Threatened Type of Presence area Migratory Wetlands Species Ardea alba Great Egret, White Egret [59541] Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Ardea ibis Cattle Egret [59542] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Pandion haliaetus Osprey [952] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act Commonwealth Land [ Resource Information ] The Commonwealth area listed below may indicate the presence of Commonwealth land in this vicinity. Due to the unreliability of the data source, all proposals should be checked as to whether it impacts on a Commonwealth area, before making a definitive decision. Contact the State or Territory government land department for further information. Name Commonwealth Land -

Listed Marine Species [ Resource Information ] * Species is listed under a different scientific name on the EPBC Act - Threatened Species list. Name Threatened Type of Presence Birds Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift [678] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Ardea alba Great Egret, White Egret [59541] Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Ardea ibis Cattle Egret [59542] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-Eagle [943] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater [670] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Pandion haliaetus Osprey [952] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area Extra Information State and Territory Reserves [ Resource Information ] Name State Greenbushes WA Kerr WA

Regional Forest Agreements [ Resource Information ] Note that all areas with completed RFAs have been included. Name State South West WA RFA Western Australia

Invasive Species [ Resource Information ] Weeds reported here are the 20 species of national significance (WoNS), along with other introduced plants that are considered by the States and Territories to pose a particularly significant threat to biodiversity. The following feral animals are reported: Goat, Red Fox, Cat, Rabbit, Pig, Water Buffalo and Cane Toad. Maps from Landscape Health Project, National Land and Water Resouces Audit, 2001.

Name Status Type of Presence Birds Anas platyrhynchos Mallard [974] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Columba livia Rock Pigeon, Rock Dove, Domestic Pigeon [803] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Streptopelia senegalensis Laughing Turtle-dove, Laughing Dove [781] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Sturnus vulgaris Common Starling [389] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Mammals Bos taurus Domestic Cattle [16] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Canis lupus familiaris Domestic Dog [82654] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Felis catus Cat, House Cat, Domestic Cat [19] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Mus musculus House Mouse [120] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Oryctolagus cuniculus Rabbit, European Rabbit [128] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Rattus rattus Black Rat, Ship Rat [84] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Sus scrofa Pig [6] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Vulpes vulpes Red Fox, Fox [18] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Plants Name Status Type of Presence Asparagus asparagoides Bridal Creeper, Bridal Veil Creeper, Smilax, Florist's Species or species habitat Smilax, Smilax Asparagus [22473] likely to occur within area

Genista monspessulana Montpellier Broom, Cape Broom, Canary Broom, Species or species habitat Common Broom, French Broom, Soft Broom [20126] likely to occur within area

Genista sp. X Genista monspessulana Broom [67538] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Lycium ferocissimum African Boxthorn, Boxthorn [19235] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Pinus radiata Radiata Pine Monterey Pine, Insignis Pine, Wilding Species or species habitat Pine [20780] may occur within area

Rubus fruticosus aggregate Blackberry, European Blackberry [68406] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Salix spp. except S.babylonica, S.x calodendron & S.x reichardtii Willows except Weeping Willow, Pussy Willow and Species or species habitat Sterile Pussy Willow [68497] likely to occur within area Caveat The information presented in this report has been provided by a range of data sources as acknowledged at the end of the report. This report is designed to assist in identifying the locations of places which may be relevant in determining obligations under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. It holds mapped locations of World and National Heritage properties, Wetlands of International and National Importance, Commonwealth and State/Territory reserves, listed threatened, migratory and marine species and listed threatened ecological communities. Mapping of Commonwealth land is not complete at this stage. Maps have been collated from a range of sources at various resolutions.

Not all species listed under the EPBC Act have been mapped (see below) and therefore a report is a general guide only. Where available data supports mapping, the type of presence that can be determined from the data is indicated in general terms. People using this information in making a referral may need to consider the qualifications below and may need to seek and consider other information sources.

For threatened ecological communities where the distribution is well known, maps are derived from recovery plans, State vegetation maps, remote sensing imagery and other sources. Where threatened ecological community distributions are less well known, existing vegetation maps and point location data are used to produce indicative distribution maps.

For species where the distributions are well known, maps are digitised from sources such as recovery plans and detailed habitat studies. Where appropriate, core breeding, foraging and roosting areas are indicated under 'type of presence'. For species whose distributions are less well known, point locations are collated from government wildlife authorities, museums, and non-government organisations; bioclimatic distribution models are generated and these validated by experts. In some cases, the distribution maps are based solely on expert knowledge.

Only selected species covered by the following provisions of the EPBC Act have been mapped: - migratory and - marine The following species and ecological communities have not been mapped and do not appear in reports produced from this database: - threatened species listed as extinct or considered as vagrants - some species and ecological communities that have only recently been listed - some terrestrial species that overfly the Commonwealth marine area - migratory species that are very widespread, vagrant, or only occur in small numbers The following groups have been mapped, but may not cover the complete distribution of the species: - non-threatened seabirds which have only been mapped for recorded breeding sites - seals which have only been mapped for breeding sites near the Australian continent Such breeding sites may be important for the protection of the Commonwealth Marine environment.

Coordinates

-33.79514 116.00278 Acknowledgements This database has been compiled from a range of data sources. The department acknowledges the following custodians who have contributed valuable data and advice: -Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water, New South Wales -Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victoria -Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Tasmania -Department of Environment and Natural Resources, South Australia -Parks and Wildlife Service NT, NT Dept of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts -Environmental and Resource Management, Queensland -Department of Environment and Conservation, Western Australia -Department of the Environment, Climate Change, Energy and Water -Birds Australia -Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme -Australian National Wildlife Collection -Natural history museums of Australia -Museum Victoria -Australian Museum -SA Museum -Queensland Museum -Online Zoological Collections of Australian Museums -Queensland Herbarium -National Herbarium of NSW -Royal Botanic Gardens and National Herbarium of Victoria -Tasmanian Herbarium -State Herbarium of South Australia -Northern Territory Herbarium -Western Australian Herbarium -Australian National Herbarium, Atherton and Canberra -University of New England -Ocean Biogeographic Information System -Australian Government, Department of Defence -State Forests of NSW -Geoscience Australia -CSIRO -Other groups and individuals

The Department is extremely grateful to the many organisations and individuals who provided expert advice and information on numerous draft distributions.

Please feel free to provide feedback via the Contact Us page.

© Commonwealth of Australia Department of the Environment GPO Box 787 Canberra ACT 2601 Australia +61 2 6274 1111 Appendix 2. List of vascular flora found within the Project Area at Padbury Hill.

SOUTHERN FAMILY LATIN NAME NATURALISED COMMENT SECTION ONLY Apocynaceae Vinca major * Asparagaceae Asparagus asparagoides * Lomandra nigricans Yes Lomandra sericea Yes Asteraceae Arctotheca calendula * Carduus tenuiflorus * Cirsium vulgare * Conyza sumatrensis * Cotula turbinata * Crepis capillaris * Dittrichia graveolens * Hypochaeris glabra * Senecio jacobaea * Senecio quadridentatus Yes Sonchus asper * Sonchus oleraceus * Brassicaceae Raphanus raphanistrum * Casuarinaceae Allocasuarina humilis Planted Celastraceae Stackhousia monogyna Colchicaceae Burchardia congesta Yes Crassulaceae Crassula colorata Cyperaceae Cyperus eragrostis * Tetraria sp. Jarrah Forest (R. Davis 7391) Dennstaedtiaceae Pteridium esculentum Dilleniaceae Hibbertia amplexicaulis Yes Hibbertia perfoliata Yes Droseraceae Drosera nitidula Drosera stolonifera Yes Ericaceae Leucopogon capitellatus Yes Leucopogon conostephioides Yes Fabaceae Acacia blakleyi * Planted Acacia dealbata * Planted Acacia dentifera Planted Acacia extensa Planted Acacia iteaphylla * Planted Acacia longifolia * Planted Acacia pulchella Acacia pycnantha * Planted Acacia saligna Bossiaea linophylla Yes Bossiaea ornata Yes Chamaecytisus palmensis * Hardenbergia comptoniana Yes SOUTHERN FAMILY LATIN NAME NATURALISED COMMENT SECTION ONLY Fabaceae Hovea chorizemifolia Yes Kennedia coccinea Yes Kennedia prostrata Trifolium subterraneum * Vicia sativa * Geraniaceae Erodium botrys * Erodium cicutarium * Geranium dissectum * Goodeniaceae Scaevola calliptera Haemodoraceae Haemodorum laxum Yes Haemodorum spicatum Yes Hemerocallidaceae Caesia micrantha Yes Stypandra glauca Iridaceae Freesia alba x leichtlinii * Patersonia juncea Yes Patersonia umbrosa var. xanthina Yes Watsonia meriana * Juncaceae Juncus microcephalus * Juncus pallidus Myrtaceae Callistemon citrinus * Planted Callistemon viminalis * Planted Calothamnus quadrifidus * Planted Corymbia calophylla Eucalyptus citriodora * Planted Eucalyptus globulus * Eucalyptus marginata Eucalyptus rudis Hypocalymma angustifolium Leptospermum laevigatum * Oleaceae Olea europaea * Orchidaceae Thelymitra cornicina Yes Orobanchaceae Orobanche minor * Parentucellia latifolia * Oxalidaceae Oxalis corniculata * Oxalis pes-caprae * Papaveraceae Fumaria capreolata * Phyllanthaceae Phyllanthus calycinus Pinaceae Pinus radiata * Pittosporaceae Billardiera heterophylla Yes Billardiera variifolia Yes Plantaginaceae Plantago lanceolata * Poaceae Austrostipa campylachne Poaceae Avena fatua * Briza maxima * Bromus catharticus * SOUTHERN FAMILY LATIN NAME NATURALISED COMMENT SECTION ONLY Poaceae Cenchrus clandestinus * Cynosurus echinatus * Ehrharta longiflora * Eragrostis curvula * Holcus lanatus * Phalaris minor * Poa annua * Tetrarrhena laevis Yes Polygonaceae Acetosella vulgaris * Polygonaceae Rumex pulcher * Primulaceae Lysimachia arvensis * Proteaceae Banksia dallanneyi Yes Banksia grandis Yes Hakea lissocarpha Planted Hakea trifurcata Persoonia longifolia Yes Ranunculaceae Clematis pubescens Yes Rosaceae Rubus anglocandicans * Rubiaceae Opercularia hispidula Yes Solanaceae Solanum nigrum * Xanthorrhoeaceae Xanthorrhoea gracilis Yes Xanthorrhoea preissii Zamiaceae Macrozamia riedlei Yes

Appendix 3. Environmental Weeds found within the Project Area at Padbury Hill.

Number Species Northing Easting of plants Acacia dealbata 10 6260648.4 406557.7 Acacia dealbata 18 6260643.4 406390.0 Acacia dealbata 21 6260627.5 406623.1 Acacia iteaphylla 15 6260678.6 406349.6 Acacia longifolia 13 6260660.5 406416.5 Asparagus asparagoides 1 6260684.7 406912.3 Asparagus asparagoides 3 6260721.8 406848.2 Asparagus asparagoides 7 6260651.6 406606.6 Asparagus asparagoides 8 6260644.1 406561.5 Asparagus asparagoides 9 6260647.3 406555.6 Asparagus asparagoides 11 6260654.2 406531.2 Asparagus asparagoides 12 6260652.0 406508.3 Asparagus asparagoides 16 6260680.5 406331.4 Asparagus asparagoides 17 6260672.4 406270.1 Asparagus asparagoides 22 6260654.8 406868.8 Asparagus asparagoides 25 6260651.5 406989.2 Asparagus asparagoides 26 6260586.6 407066.2 Asparagus asparagoides 27 6260511.9 407215.9 Asparagus asparagoides 28 6260486.8 407333.7 Asparagus asparagoides 29 6260467.3 407414.8 Leptospermum laevigatum 14 6260670.5 406372.5 Rubus anglocandicans 2 6260716.5 406857.8 Rubus anglocandicans 4 6260716.1 406816.7 Rubus anglocandicans 5 6260657.1 406651.6 Rubus anglocandicans 6 6260656.0 406630.1 Rubus anglocandicans 19 6260640.6 406419.6 Rubus anglocandicans 24 6260558.8 407039.1 Watsonia meriana 20 6260644.0 406426.8 Watsonia meriana 23 6260607.0 406978.4 Watsonia meriana 30 6258598.6 409062.4