Witchcliffe Reserves Management Plan Draft for comment September 2015 Prepared for the Shire of Augusta Margaret River Ecosystem Solutions Pty Ltd PO Box 685 Dunsborough WA 6281 Ph: 08 9759 1960 Fax: 08 9759 1920 Email: [email protected] www.ecosystemsolutions.com.au Limitations Statement This report has been solely prepared for the Shire of Augusta Margaret River. No express or implied warranties are made by Ecosystem Solutions Pty Ltd regarding the findings and data contained in this report. No new research or field studies were conducted other than those specifically outlined in this report. All of the information details included in this report are based upon the research provided and obtained at the time Ecosystem Solutions Pty Ltd conducted its analysis. In undertaking this work the authors have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information used. Any conclusions drawn or recommendations made in the report are done in good faith and the consultants take no responsibility for how this information and the report are used subsequently by others. Please note that the contents in this report may not be directly applicable towards another organisation’s needs. Ecosystem Solutions Pty Ltd accepts no liability whatsoever for a third party’s use of, or reliance upon, this specific report. Witchcliffe Reserves Management Plan P a g e 2 Contents 1 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 4 2 Purpose and Scope of this Management Plan .......................................................... 4 3 Legislative and Policy Framework .............................................................................. 4 4 Site Description ............................................................................................................ 5 5 Social Values ............................................................................................................... 6 5.1 Aboriginal Values ................................................................................................. 6 5.2 Recreation ............................................................................................................. 6 6 Biological Environment ................................................................................................ 6 6.1 Soil Landscapes .................................................................................................... 6 6.2 Flora ....................................................................................................................... 7 6.3 Vegetation ............................................................................................................ 8 6.4 Fauna ................................................................................................................... 13 6.5 Summary ............................................................................................................. 15 7 Threats ........................................................................................................................ 16 7.1 Wildfire ................................................................................................................. 16 7.2 Introduced Plants ................................................................................................ 23 7.3 Feral & Pest Animals ........................................................................................... 27 7.4 Dieback Disease ................................................................................................. 28 7.5 Inappropriate Access/Rubbish Dumping. ........................................................ 29 8 Management Actions ............................................................................................... 31 8.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................... 31 8.2 Guiding Principles ............................................................................................... 31 8.3 Management Actions ........................................................................................ 32 9 Maps ........................................................................................................................... 35 10 References .............................................................................................................. 46 Appendices ....................................................................................................................... 48 Witchcliffe Reserves Management Plan P a g e 3 1 Introduction Witchcliffe is a small rural settlement approximately eight kilometres south of Margaret River. It is located within an agricultural region characterised by vineyard and rural properties. Its proximity to Margaret River and the growth in the region has resulted in growth in rural-residential development in and near the town centre. To the west of the town, is a significant area of native vegetation, which is comprised of a number of reserves. These reserve provide residents with recreational and social activities while supporting key ecological and biological values. The reserves are also adjacent to proposed future development and it is vital that they are managed to minimise any potential bushfire risk to nearby residents. This Management Plan incorporates elements of recreational and social uses, the native flora and fauna, and potential bushfire hazards to maintain and enhance these biological and cultural values while minimising the risk from bushfire for adjoining landowners. 2 Purpose and Scope of this Management Plan The objective of this Management Plan is to protect and enhance the environmental, social and heritage values of the reserve whilst ensuring the safety of the adjoining landholders. This plan outlines the values of the Reserve and the threats to those values. Management strategies are outlined to achieve this, based on the principle that the safety concerns of landowners and users of the reserve are considered without negatively impacting on the conservation values. Fire management guidance and recommendations are proposed within this plan that follow this principle. 3 Legislative and Policy Framework There are a broad range of legislation, policy, consultations and guidelines that apply to the reserves and the proposed management actions. The following have been considered in the preparation of this plan. Aboriginal Heritage Regulations 1974; Bushfires Act (1954) WA; Witchcliffe Reserves Management Plan P a g e 4 Shire of Augusta Margaret River Local Planning Strategy (2011); Shire of Augusta Margaret River Local Planning Scheme No.1 (2011); Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1990); State Planning Policy 3.4: Natural Hazards and Disasters; State Planning Policy 6.1: Leeuwin-Naturalise Ridge; Western Australian Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972; Wildlife Conservation Act (1950) WA. 4 Site Description The total area covered by this management plan encompasses approximately 47 ha directly west of the town site itself. The area consists of: Reserve 35113 (3.68 ha) – Vested with the Shire of Augusta Margaret River for recreation; Reserve 47049 (4.55 ha)– Vested with the Shire of Augusta Margaret River for recreation; Reserve 22815 (4.5ha) – Vested with the Shire of Augusta Margaret River for recreation; Reserve 22471 (0.8 ha)– Vested with the Shire of Augusta Margaret River for recreation; Reserve 29166 (22.8 ha) – Unvested Crown Land; and An area of Unallocated Crown Land (2.84 ha) between Reserves 22815 and 22471. The area also includes a section of the Busselton to Flinders Bay Rail Trail (Wardandi Track). The section north of Redgate Road within the reserves boundary has been completed. The section to the south is still to be constructed. A remnant of the Chapman Brook also flows through the south west section of Reserve 29166. These reserves are shown in Map 1. The combined areas shown in Map 1 is referred to as the Study Area within the rest of this plan. Witchcliffe Reserves Management Plan P a g e 5 5 Social Values 5.1 Aboriginal Values A review of the registered sites with the Department of Indigenous Affairs show that no known sites exist within the Study Area. The closest registered site is that of the Boodjidup Brook (No. 24131) which is 700 m to the north west of the Study Area. While no known sites exist within the reserves and no formal indigenous consultation process was conducted as part of this plan, the management actions outlined within this plan are aimed at restoring or maintaining the ecological values of the area which would be considered consistent with maintaining indigenous values and culture in the area. The Shire will need to further address indigenous values if changing of vesting or purpose of the Study Area is progressed. 5.2 Recreation The Study Area and its surrounds are a popular site, valued and used by the community for a variety of recreational pursuits. There are numerous tracks through the Study Area which provide easy walk trail for bushwalking or similar pursuits. There is a proposed trail head for the Wardandi Track within the Study Area as well as an old railway siding in the northern section of the Study Area, providing historical as well as recreational activities. There was evidence of trail bike riding, which would not be compatible with the objectives of this plan and is discussed in more detail below. 6 Biological Environment 6.1