CLARENCE ENVIRONMENT CENTRE Inc 29-31 Skinner Street South Grafton 2460 Phone/ Fax: 02 6643 1863 Web site: www.cec.org.au E-mail: [email protected]

Submission

to

Department of Primary Industry [email protected]

on

The NSW Travelling Stock Reserves Review

Compiled by John Edwards For the Clarence Environment Centre Date: 20th June, 2017 Submission to “The NSW Travelling Stock Reserves Review”

Introduction The Clarence Environment Centre (CEC) has maintained a shop-front in Grafton for over 28 years, and has a proud history of environmental advocacy. The conservation of Australia's natural environment, both terrestrial and and marine, has always been a priority for our members, and we believe the maintenance of healthy ecosystems and biodiversity is of paramount importance.

To a large extent, modern transport and road infrastructure have rendered travelling stock routes and reserves (TSR) redundant, in that they no longer provide for the movement of livestock across the country as was their historical function. Today we see those corridors as providing a vital connection between now fragmented remnants of native vegetation largely contained within other public lands, mainly national parks or the state forests.

The Clarence Environment Centre (CEC) has recently been involved with Local Land Services in the assessment of environmental values contained within TSRs in the Clarence Valley (see attachments 1 – 3).

Summary As a direct result of our surveys and research for Local Land Services, we have identified that most, if not all TSRs contain high levels of flora diversity including threatened species, populations and communities, which in turn provide habitat for a wide range of fauna, many of which are currently facing extinction if current trends persist.

Collectively, the network of corridors provided by TSRs is providing crucial corridors for the movement of wildlife, both in the short term for use by migratory birds, and long-term migration of species in a warming world as a result of climate change.

TSRs provide social, cultural, benefits to all peoples of NSW and Australia, and opportunities for education and potential economic benefits from carbon trading and Biobank type offsetting.

Therefore, we urge the NSW Government to retain TSRs in public hands, fully assess their ecological assets, then manage those assets to enhance and expand those assets into the future.

The ecological significance of TSRs 1. The CEC's work in assessing the ecological values of TSRs in the Clarence Valley has identified extremely high levels of biodiversity, including threatened species, populations and communities, that have survived in these reserves (see attachments 1 – 3). This is largely because these reserves have, for the most part, been spared the widespread land- clearing that has occurred in NSW over the past 200 years, and the heavy disturbance that has been, and still is being, inflicted by logging and grazing in both state and privately owned forests. As a result, many of these corridors contain abundant old growth, hollow-bearing trees that are fast disappearing from the landscape, but are critical for the survival of the close to 50% of our threatened fauna which are tree-hollow dependent. 2. As already mentioned, the TSR network in NSW, potentially provides a globally unique, country-wide corridor of publicly owned land, which not only contains high conservation value native vegetation, but provides much-needed safe movement corridors for wildlife With the advent of climate change these corridors will be crucial for the migration of both flora and fauna over the long term as conditions in a warming world change, making traditional habitats no longer habitable.

3. TSRs provide cultural, Indigenous heritage and social benefits to the peoples of NSW and Australia. The are already provide widespread opportunities for leisure activities, including bush-walking, picnicking, and bird watching. 4. These reserves also provide opportunities for education of conservation land management, and a range of environmental sciences. 5. The carbon storage capabilities of the TSR network is huge, and the inevitable introduction of carbon trading, should be a source of income to help offset management costs.

Recommendations 1. All TSRs should be fully assessed for their ecological, social, and heritage values, and appropriate management plans drawn up to ensure the protection, and expansion of those values. 2. All TSRs be managed for their ecological, social, and heritage values in the same way as national parks, with the exclusion of mining, timber getting, or similar destructive exploitation. 3. Where TSRs adjoin existing conservation lands, that they be incorporated into those lands where feasible. 4. Government should promote TSRs for passive recreation and even tourism, and develop them accordingly (picnic and camping areas, toilets etc). Nominal charges could apply to help offset costs. 5. We believe that TSRs should be considered for use in biodiversity 'offsetting' schemes such as Biobanking as a form of revenue raising. However, we need to stress that we do not support “like for like” offsetting, as this always results in a net loss of biodiversity. Essentially, we suggest that offsetting should require the recreation of the lost biodiversity by re-vegetating cleared or otherwise degraded land. This would provide an opportunity to in-fill any cleared gaps within the TSR network, to greatly improve habitat connectivity. 6. That State Government lobby the Federal Government to initiate a carbon trading scheme that will allow TSRs to be used for that purpose to generate revenue to offset management costs.

We thank the Minister for this opportunity to comment, and sincerely hope that our suggestions receive serious consideration.

Yours sincerely

John Edwards Honorary Secretary.

Attachment 1. Bostocks Waterholes TSR flora, fauna and weed report Attachment 2. Fortis Creek TSR flora & fauna report Attachment 3. Sandy Crossing TSR flora, fauna and weed report. CLARENCE ENVIRONMENT CENTRE Inc 29-31 Skinner Street South Grafton 2460 Phone/ Fax: 02 6643 1863 Web site: www.cec.org.au E-mail: [email protected]

Grevillea robusta Stellaria angustifolia Kennedia rubicunda Callistemon salignus Report on conservation assets Bostock's Waterholes travelling stock reserve. 15th May 2017 Introduction. The Fosters Hut Road Travelling Stock Route (TSR) is managed by the NSW Local Land Services, (NSWLLS) an agency that was represented by the then Livestock Health and Pest Authority at an introductory meeting organised by the Nature Conservation Council of NSW towards the end of 2013. That induction explained the purpose of the Upper Coldstream Biodiversity Project UCBP), and extended an invitation for all agencies, natural resource and land managers to be involved.

At the time the proposal received enthusiastic support from all quarters, and in recent times the NSWLLS has contracted the UCBP weed team to undertake weed eradication and biodiversity assessments at a number of TSRs in the district.

Part of that contract was to provide this report on the conservation assets of the Bostock's Waterholes TSR.

Assessment of conservation assets Methodology This report has been partly compiled from data collected during 6 hours of survey on 15th September 2014, a further 2 hours on the 21st October, and a final 6 hours on 22nd October, as part of the Federally funded Upper Coldstream Biodiversity Project. Since receiving the current contract, a further 14 hours of flora surveys have been undertaken during April and May Flora meander surveys of the Fosters Hut 2017, to fully assess the biodiversity values of Rd. TSR.22.10.14 the reserve. The earlier surveys were carried out entirely by random meander, and the information gathered to assist in compiling a comprehensive data base of vegetation types and species contained within the Project boundaries. The later surveys, focused on the vegetation communities and determining their extent. 50M x 50m plot sites were selected , and all species recorded in order to

Property description The 39ha reserve extends generally south west from the end of Fosters Hut Road (off Bostock Road), is all forested, and consists mostly of low-lying flood plain, dissected by Bostock Gully, a tributary of Chaffin Creek. Bostock Gully feeds into the extensive wetlands at the centre of the TSR, including one of the Bostock Waterholes, before flowing into Chaffin Swamp, part of the major floodplain wetlands of the Coldstream River near Tucabia, which are recognised as nationally significant and listed in the Directory of Important Wetlands of Australia. Weather conditions Because of the time span covering the UCBP it has enabled flora assessment to be undertaken in all seasons and weather conditions, from severe drought to floods. Dry periods facilitated access to the wetland areas of the site and helped us to compile a comprehensive list of species for the reserve.

Survey results Almost half the reserve consists of Endangered Subtropical Coastal Floodplain Forest Community, with approximately 2 hectares containing vegetation consistent with the Endangered Freshwater Wetland on Coastal Floodplains Community (see map below).

The southern quarter of the reserve, with the exception of some 2ha across the centre which has suffered significant disturbance in the past (see area marked H in the map below) supports high quality dry sclerophyll forest, containing a good mix of hardwood tree species, with large numbers of old-growth trees, suggesting that any logging that has occurred in the past was selective, causing minimal impact.

Of the close to 240 native species identified during the survey, one is listed as Vulnerable, the aquatic species Maundia triglochinoides; and another, a Devil's Twine (Cassytha racemosa) is listed as a RoTAP, and another 24 species are separately protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act. Also, identification of the Narrow Thumbnail Orchid, Vulnerable Maundia (Dockrillia linguiformis var huntianum) and an Asteraceae (Daisy), triglochinoides Acmella grandiflora, represent new southern limits for their species.

Dockrillia linguiformis var huntianum Acmella grandiflora Arthrochilus prolixus Cassytha racemosa Other significant findings include a swamp species, Persicaria dichotoma which, while not listed as threatened, is considered to be rare in NSW (Flora of NSW- Harden 1993). An Elbow Orchid (Arthrochilus prolixus), and Common Sneezweed (Centipeda cunninghamii), have also been recognised as regionally uncommon (“Significant Vascular Plants of Upper North East NSW” - Sherringham and Westaway - 1995)

Vegetation types (Endangered Ecological Communities) Two EECs were mapped, Subtropical Coastal Floodplain Forest (the yellow hatched area F on the map at right), and Freshwater Wetland on Coastal Floodplains (the blue hatched area F on the map at right). The green hatched areas marked E, are various non-threatened Dry Sclerophyll communities. Their vegetation assemblages and classifications are detailed below.

Subtropical Coastal Floodplain Forest. This endangered community grows on floodplain below the 1 in 100 year flood level, and is dominated by Swamp Turpentine (Lophostemon suaveolens) and Forest Red Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis), with Pink Bloodwood Corymbia intermedia, and Broad-leaved Apple (Angophora subvelutina).

102 species are identified in the NSW Scientific Committee's EEC determination as indicative of the community, 76 of which were recorded on the Bostock's Waterholes reserve (highlighted below). List of indicative species for Subtropical Coastal Floodplain Forest Acacia concurrens Acacia disparrima subsp. Allocasuarina torulosa Alphitonia excelsa Angophora paludosa Angophora subvelutina Angophora woodsiana Aristida vagans Brachychiton populneus subsp. populneus Breynia oblongifolia Brunoniella australis Callistemon salignus Callistemon viminalis Callitris columellaris Casuarina cunninghamiana Casuarina glauca Centella asiatica Cheilanthes sieberi subsp. sieberi Cissus hypoglauca Commelina cyanea Commersonia bartramia Commersonia fraseri Cordyline congesta Corymbia intermedia Cupaniopsis anacardioides Cupaniopsis parviflora Cymbidium suave Cymbopogon refractus Cyperus enervis Desmodium rhytidophyllum Desmodium varians Dianella caerulea Dianella longifolia Dichelachne micrantha Dichondra repens Digitaria parviflora Drypetes australasica Echinopogon caespitosus Elaeocarpus reticulatus Entolasia marginata Entolasia stricta Eragrostis leptostachya Eucalyptus acmeniodes Eucalyptus amplifolia Eucalyptus moluccana Eucalyptus propinqua Eucalyptus resinifera subsp. hemilampra Eucalyptus robusta Eucalyptus seeana Eucalyptus siderophloia Eucalyptus tereticornis Eustrephus latifolius Ficus macrophylla subsp. macrophylla Ficus obliqua Ficus superba var. henneana Gahnia aspera Gahnia clarkei Geitonoplesium cymosum Glochidion ferdinandii Glycine clandestina Hardenbergia violacea Hibbertia scandens Hibiscus diversifolius Hibiscus tiliaceus Hovea acutifolia Imperata cylindrica var. major Kennedia rubicunda Lagenifera stipitata Laxmannia gracilis Lomandra filiformis Lomandra longifolia Lomandra multiflora subsp. multiflora Lophostemon suaveolens Maclura cochinchinensis Mallotus philippensis Melaleuca alternifolia Melaleuca decora Melaleuca nodosa Melaleuca quinquenervia Melaleuca styphelioides Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides Morinda jasminoides Notelaea longifolia Oplismenus aemulus Oplismenus imbecillis Panicum simile Parsonsia straminea Persoonia stradbrokensis Phyllanthus virgatus Pimelea linifolia Pittosporum revolutum Pratia purpurascens Pteridium esculentum Sigesbeckia orientalis Smilax australis Smilax glyciphylla Stephania japonica var. discolor Themeda australis Tricoryne elatior Vernonia cinerea Viola hederacea Wikstroemia indica

The NSW Scientific Committee identifies threats to Subtropical Coastal Floodplain Forest as including, “weed invasion (something that cattle grazing is renowned for spreading, the latest being Tropical Soda Apple), inappropriate grazing, trampling and other soil disturbance by domestic livestock”. Livestock have long been excluded from the reserve, and all vegetation communities are recovering well as a result. Freshwater Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains of the NSW North Coast. The Scientific Committee's determination nominates 66 species as indicative plants for this community, 24 of which were identified during the surveys (highlighted in yellow below).

Given the wetland is relatively small, the occurrence of 30% of the indicative species is not insignificant, and it is important to note that the Scientific Committee stresses that the list of species is indicative only and that many more species could Bostock Waterholes, an important all weather be expected to occur. Also to be representative of water supply, and part of an endangered Coastal the community across the entire North Coast Freshwater Wetland. botanical range of this EEC (from the Queensland border to the Hunter River), the list contains some species that do not occur on the far north coast.

Likewise the Committee has named only some of the species of large families of plants that can be expected to occur in these wetland communities. An example is only a single Cyperus species is on the list of indicative species, and that was not recorded on the reserve, while 4 other Cyperus species were recorded. Alisma plantago-aquatica Azolla filiculoides var. rubra Azolla pinnata Baumea articulata Baumea rubiginosa Bolboschoenus caldwellii Bolboschoenus fluviatilis Brasenia schreiberi Carex appressa Centipeda minima Ceratophyllum demersum Cyperus lucidus Eclipta platyglossa Eclipta prostrata Eleocharis acuta Eleocharis equisetina Eleocharis minuta Eleocharis sphacelata Fimbristylis dichotoma Gratiola pedunculata Hemarthria uncinata Hydrilla verticillata Hydrocharis dubia Juncus polyanthemus Juncus usitatus Leersia hexandra Lemna spp. Lepironia articulata Ludwigia peploides subsp. montevidensis Marsilea mutica Maundia triglochinoides Myriophyllum crispatum Myriophyllum latifolium Myriophyllum propinquum Myriophyllum variifolium Najas marina Najas tenuifolia Nymphaea gigantea Nymphoides geminata Nymphoides indica Ottelia ovalifolia Panicum obseptum Panicum vaginatum Paspalum distichum Persicaria attenuata Persicaria decipiens Persicaria hydropiper Persicaria lapathifolia Persicaria strigosa Philydrum lanuginosum Phragmites australis Potamogeton crispus Potamogeton ochreatus Potamogeton perfoliatus Potamogeton tricarinatus Pseudoraphis spinescens Ranunculus inundatus Schoenoplectus litoralis Schoenoplectus mucronatus Schoenoplectus validus Spirodella spp. Triglochin procera sensu lato Typha orientalis Utricularia australis Vallisneria spp. Wolffia spp. As with the Subtropical Coastal Floodplain Forest, the Committee identifies threats to Freshwater Wetlands, and identifies the fact that: “The remaining wetlands are severely fragmented by past clearing and are further threatened by continuing fragmentation and degradation,.. weed invasion, overgrazing, and trampling by livestock”. - - - - - Plot survey results Note: I have attempted to fit the following veg communities into the CMA classifications. However, I found it virtually impossible in most instances to find satisfactory matches.

Plot 1. Dry sclerophyll closed forest community - most closely aligns with the CMA's classification – NR161, “Forest Red Gum - Swamp Box of the Clarence Valley lowlands of the North Coast”. Note: With Forest Red Gum absent, this community also contains elements of CMA's NR101 and NR197 communities. Canopy: Eucalyptus acmenoides (White Mahogany), Lophostemon suaveolens (Swamp Turpentine); Syncarpia glomulifera (Turpentine), Corymbia intermedia (Pink Bloodwood). Sub-canopy: Trochocarpa laurina (Tree Heath), Alphitonia excelsa (Red Ash), Persoonia stradbrokensis (Geebung). Shrubs: Leucopogon lanceolatus, Sanantha similis, Bursaria spinosa. Ground cover – forbs/subshrubs: Chiloglottis Bostock's Waterholes TSR. Plot 1 diphylla (Small Wasp Orchid); Desmodium rhytidophyllum, Pratia purpurascens (White Root), Acianthus fornicatus (Pixie Caps). Ground cover – grasses and sedges: Imperata cylindrica (Blady Grass), Oplismenus imbicilis (A Basket Grass) Echinopogon caespitosa (A Hedgehog Grass). Ferns: Pteridium esculentum (Bracken Fern). Climbing plants: Hibbertia scandens. Pandorea pandorama (Wonga Vine). ------Plot 2. Subtropical Coastal Floodplain Forest - most closely aligns with the CMA's classification – NR161, “Forest Red Gum - Swamp Box of the Clarence Valley lowlands of the North Coast”. Note: Forest Red Gum is common across this community on the reserve, but was not recorded within the chosen plot. Canopy: Eucalyptus acmenoides (White Mahogany), Lophostemon suaveolens (Swamp Turpentine); Eucalyptus siderophloia (Grey Ironbark). Sub-canopy: Alphitonia excelsa (Red Ash), Acronychia wilcoxiana (Silver Aspen), Glochidion ferdinandi (Cheese Tree). Shrubs: Notolaea longifolia (Mock Olive), Psychotria loniceroides (Hairy Psychotria). Bostock's Waterholes TSR. Plot 2 Ground cover – forbs/subshrubs: Chiloglottis diphylla (Small Wasp Orchid); Pratia purpurascens (White Root). Desmodium rhytidophyllum. Ground cover – grasses and sedges: Oplismenus imbicilis (A Basket Grass) Lomandra longifolia (Mat Rush), Ottochloa gracillima. Ferns: Hypolepis muelleri (Harsh Ground Fern). Climbing plants: Parsonsia straminea (Silk Pod), Stephania japonica var discolor (Snake Vine). Eupomatia laurina (Native Yam). Morinda jasminoides (Sweet Morinda), Clematis glycinoides (Headache Vine), Geitonoplesium cymosum (Scrambling Lily).

------Plot 3. Freshwater Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains of the NSW North Coast - most closely aligns with the CMA's classification - NR150, “Coastal freshwater meadows and forblands of lagoons and wetlands” Canopy: Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree). Ground cover – forbs/subshrubs: Persicaria strigosa (A Knotweed), Persicaria hydropiper (Water Pepper), Philidrum lanuginosum (Frogmouth) Ground cover – grasses and sedges: Lomandra histrix (Mat Rush), Cyperus exaltatus, Carex appressa, Carex maculata, Baumea articulata (A Twig Rush), Eleocharis equisitina (A Spike Rush), Eleocharis gracilis, Juncus subsecundus, Juncus usitatus. Leersia hexandra (Swamp Ricegrass). Ferns: Blechnum indicum (A Grissle Fern), Hypolepis muelleri (Harsh Ground Fern). Bostock's Waterholes TSR. Plot 3 Climbing plants: Personsia straminea (Silk Pod),

------Plot 4. Dry Sclerophyll closed forest - most closely aligns with the CMA's classification – NR174, “Grey Gum - Spotted Gum open forest of the southern Clarence lowlands of the North Coast” Note: Grey Gum nearby but no Spotted Gum Canopy: Eucalyptus carnea (Thick-leaved White Mahogany), Syncarpia glomulifera (Turpentine), Corymbia intermedia (Pink Bloodwood), Angophora costata (Smooth-barked Apple). Sub-canopy: Glochidion ferdinandi (Cheese Tree). Acacia disparima (Southern Salwood), Acacia floraibunda (White Sally). Shrubs: Leptospermum polygalyfolium, Leucopogon pimiloides (Lance Beard Heath), Persoonia stradbrokensis (Geebung).

Ground cover – forbs/subshrubs: Chiloglottis Bostock's Waterholes TSR. Plot 4 diphylla (Small Wasp Orchid); Pratia purpurascens (White Root). Hibbertia vestita (Guinea Flower), Pomax umbellata, Desmodium rhytidophyllum. Ground cover – grasses and sedges: Oplismenus imbicilis (A Basket Grass) Lomandra longifolia (Mat Rush), Imperata cylindrica (Blady Grass), Echinopogon caespitosa (A Hedgehog Grass). Lomandra multiflora (Many-flowered Mat Rush). Ferns: Pteridium esculentum (Bracken Fern). Climbing plants: Geitonoplesium cymosum (Scrambling Lily), Billardiera scandens var sericata, (Appleberry), Eustrephus latifolius, (Wombat Berry). ------Plot 5. Dry Sclerophyll open grassy forest - most closely aligns with the CMA's classification – NR246, “Spotted Gum - Grey Ironbark - Pink Bloodwood open forest of the Clarence Valley lowlands of the North Coast”. Canopy: Corymbia henryi (Spotted Gum), Eucalyptus siderophloia (Grey Ironbark), Eucalyptus propinqua (Narrow-leaved Grey Gum). Sub-canopy: Acacia floraibunda (White Sally). Shrubs: Daviesia ulicifolia. Ground cover – forbs/subshrubs: Brachycome microcarpa, Pratia purpurascens (White Root). Dianella caerulea (Pale Flax Lily), Vernonia cineria, Lagenifera stipitata (Bottle Daisy), Desmodium rhytidophyllum, Arthropodium Species B, (Small Vanilla Lily). Bostock's Waterholes TSR. Plot 5 Ground cover – grasses and sedges: Lomandra filiformis (A Mat Rush), Imperata cylindrica (Blady Grass), Cymbopogon refractus (Barbed Wire Grass). Lomandra confertifolia (A Mat Rush) Lepidosperma laterale. Aristida vagans (A Three-awned Spear Grass) Ferns: Pteridium esculentum (Bracken Fern). Climbing plants: Hardenbergia violacea (Happy Wanderer), Parsonsia straminea (Silk Pod), Eustrephus latifolius, (Wombat Berry).

Weeds Remaining weed problems are now confined to heavily infested areas across the south west of the reserve, consisting mainly of Lantana, Corky Passionfruit, Passiflora suberosa, and Moth Vine, Araugia sericifolia. Fauna habitat There is excellent habitat in the reserve for a range of fauna species, and a motion detection camera set up on the neighbouring property, within 50m of the reserve boundary detected a range of fauna including threatened Rufous Bettong and Black Bittern. The total fauna species list for that neighbouring property, undertaken for the Upper Coldstream Biodiversity Project, is attached to this report as an indication of likely occurrences on the Vulnerable Rufous Bettong reserve. Recommendations. 1. Completion of weed eradication work in the south east of the reserve is a priority. 2. Annual follow-up weed control must be undertaken if any of the benefits of the current works are to be realised. The regeneration from seed of Corky Passionfruit in particular, will occur within weeks, and again must be dealt with to stop the seeding cycle. 3. A re-vegetation proposal is attached.

Compiled by John Edwards, Clarence Environment Centre for Local Land Services – May 2017 CLARENCE ENVIRONMENT CENTRE Inc 29-31 Skinner Street South Grafton 2460 Phone/ Fax: 02 6643 1863 Web site: www.cec.org.au E-mail: [email protected]

May 2017 Flora survey report Fortis Creek Travelling Stock Reserve (TSR)

Introduction. The Clarence Environment Centre (CEC) has been contracted by NSW Local Land Services to undertake weed control and a flora survey of the Fortis Creek Travelling Stock Reserve (TSR). Specifically we are asked to: “Identify and map approximate boundaries of veg types - particularly EECs TS and High Habitat Value areas eg hollows and nests, evidence of gliders etc”.

Recommendations 1. The Fortis Creek TSR lies within an area identified in the Northern Rivers Regional Biodiversity Plan as a Centre of Endemism, and recommended for priority conservation, (A0_18_nrrbmp_endemism_&_priority). With a significant number of threatened endemic species identified on the reserve, it is recommended it be set aside and managed for conservation.

2. Given more than half the reserve contains forest comprising greater than 15% Koala feed tree species which, in relation to SEPP44, defines it as “Core Koala Habitat”, a fire management plan should be developed as a matter of priority to ensure no crown fires occur.

3. Fire is the greatest threat to hollow-bearing trees. Therefore the fire management plan should also consider the preservation of hollow-bearing trees across the reserve.

4. To protect the high conservation values identified in the eastern section of the reserve, priority be given to fencing the eastern and south-eastern boundaries to exclude cattle. That fencing to be undertaken with the absolute minimum of disturbance to native vegetation. Best practice machinery cleaning should be employed to reduce the introduction of weeds.

5. Weed infestations be dealt with, and regular weed inspections be undertaken to identify problem weed species. Timely weed eradication is recommended, targeting Lantana, Catsclaw Creeper and Camphor Laurel, to avoid future costly consequences of inaction

6. Natural regeneration is occurring across much of the reserve. The recommendation is that this process be allowed to continue. This should be a consideration when formulating the fire management plan.

7. To obtain a complete picture of the fauna species that occur on the Fortis Creek TSR, we recommend the a comprehensive fauna survey be undertaken that incorporates trapping. General comment The Fortis Creek TSR lies at the edge of an area of Kangaroo Creek Sandstone, identified in the Northern Rivers Regional Biodiversity Plan as a Centre of Endemism for both flora and fauna, and recommended for priority conservation (see map at right), (A0_18_nrrbmp_endemism_&_priority).

Site description The Fortis Creek Travelling Stock Reserve is approximately 97ha bordering the Coaldale road to the east, and Fortis Creek to the south (see map right). An unnamed ephemeral creek, a tributary of Fortis Creek, runs parallel to, and some 250m east of Coaldale Road.

The land rises steadily on either side of the unnamed creek to a high point midway between the creek and the eastern internal fence, dropping gently to another gully line just to the east of that fence.

All boundaries with the exception of the eastern boundary are fenced, and there are two internal fences indicated by dotted red lines on the map at right. These fences and a small dam in the north eastern section are the only man built structures on the reserve.

Description of vegetation Most of the reserve generally supports a variety of dry sclerophyll forest types, with the Fortis Creek floodplain, which is regularly inundated by flood waters, supporting the only Threatened Ecological Community, Subtropical Coastal Floodplain Forest. More on that community below.

To describe the vegetation on the balance of the reserve, I'll use the internal fence lines (see map at left), to delineate the western, central and eastern sections. The western section is regrowth sclerophyll forest mostly with a dense under- storey of pioneer species, but with sandstone heath species forming the under- storey in others.

Much of the land in the central section between the unnamed creek and Coaldale Road resembles regrowth forest, with mostly small trees and widely scattered older growth trees (see yellow hatching in the west on above map). However, old-time residents (80 years) say the reserve was never cleared, and that past logging is the reason. The remainder of the central section, east of the unnamed creek, contains more mature tall open forest with a grassy under-storey. The higher ground dominated by Spotted Gum, and the balance dominated by Red Gum species and Broad-leaved Sandstone Apple.

Most of the eastern section is dominated by dense Banksia, Leptospermum and Melaleuca heath beneath a sparse canopy of Orange Gum and Broad-leaved Sandstone Apple, tending to more closed forest on higher ground to the south.

A band of land across the centre of the reserve, again shown as yellow hatching in the eastern section, has seen considerable disturbance in recent years, with heavy logging, ring-barking, and “thinning” of Coastal Banksias and Black Sheoaks.

Heavy logging of high ground to the south west of the eastern section has seen areas of dense Acacia regrowth

Ring-barking older trees, cutting down stags, and “thinning” of mature Banksias and Black Sheeoaks in an apparent attempt to “enhance” grazing, has had a detrimental impact on the biodiversity values in some areas. The past management actions detailed above are unfortunate, as I believe the heath vegetation type, dominated by Banksia, Melaleuca and Leptospermum, beneath Broad-leaved Sandstone Apple (Angophora robur, a listed Vulnerable species) and Orange Gum, is of high conservation value, providing high quality fauna habitat to a wide variety of bush birds, small gliders and large Forest Owls, many of which are threatened species, and all currently in decline through loss of habitat.

Having said that the community, which also contains Endangered Acacia ruppii, and Vulnerable Prostanthera sejuncta, is in a recovery stage, the dense heath discouraging access to the cattle that are currently grazing that eastern section.

Further information on significant species, and a summary of the Reserve's biodiversity values are included below.

Flora survey Methodology The vegetation survey was undertaken over 5 days in April 2017 and incorporated extensive meanders and a series of quarter hectare plot surveys. The choice of plot sites aimed to achieve a representative sample of as many veg types as possible, and were determined during the preliminary meanders and examination of aerial images of the reserve.

All species sighted were recorded. Specimens were taken of any species where identification was not able to be made in the field, and these were either identified by myself, or referred to the Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens Herbarium for identification.

The fauna survey was undertaken by local ecologist, Russell Jago, over two separate days in April and May 2017. The survey included: • A series of herpetological searches at selected sites. • Dusk micro-bat searches using 'Anabat' ultrasonc detector • 2 hourly night-time call playback for threatened species, Koalas, gliders and large forest owls. • Meander bird searches across the property to compile a comprehensive bird list. • Opportunistic observations of habitat features, tree hollows, nests, feed trees, scats, scratches on tree bark, tracks, and other signs of fauna. • Opportunistic visual and auditory searches along creek lines, and around swamps and dams for frogs and other aquatic species.

Survey limitations There were time constraints for delivery of this report, which meant only single season surveys (April-May) could be undertaken for both flora and fauna. Ideally, to provide comprehensive species lists, a number of surveys should be undertaken throughout the year across at least three seasons. For flora this would capture those species that may not be present at other times, or simply too cryptic in nature to be seen if not in flower. Multiple fauna surveys are also recommended in order to pick up migratory species. Plot survey results Explanatory note: I have found the task of matching the vegetation communities identified in the following plot surveys, with the Northern Rivers CMA classifications, far from simple. Plot 1 is a prime example where I have chosen NR244 - “Spotted Gum - Grey Box - Grey Ironbark dry open forest of the Clarence Valley lowlands of the North Coast”, despite the absence of Grey Ironbark at the site, and Grey Box which occurs nowhere on the reserve. My decision in this instance was supported by the fact that it was the only classification that included Forest Red Gum and Swamp Turpentine as associated canopy species. Note also that a popular component of a large number of CMA classifications is Grey Ironbark, which appears to be rare on the Fortis Creek TSR, with the threatened Square-fruited Ironbark the more commonly found species, but which receives no mention in the CMA lists. Therefore it seemed convenient to consider the latter as a surrogate species for Grey Ironbark. Other surrogates include Acacia leiocalyx for Acacia concurrens; and Allocasuarina litoralis for Allocasuarina torulosa.

Map of reserve showing the 10 plot locations and approximate boundaries of veg communities as per Northern Rivers CMA classification

Plot 1. Description: Dry Sclerophyll woodland. Spotted Gum with grassy under-storey Vegetation classification (As per Northern Rivers CMA) NR244 - Spotted Gum - Grey Box - Grey Ironbark dry open forest of the Clarence Valley lowlands of the North Coast Canopy: Corymbia henryii (Spotted Gum), Eucalyptus tereticornis (Forest Red Gum), Lophostemon suaveolens (Swamp Turpentine). Sub-canopy: Acacia leiocalyx (Curracabah); Persoonia stradbrokensis (Geebung); Alphitonia excelsa (Red Ash). Shrubs: Acacia falcata; Ground cover – forbs/subshrubs: Commelina cyanea Native Wandering Jew; Laxmannia gracilis (Grass Lily); Desmodium rhytidophyllum; Phyllanthus virgatus; Vernonia cineria; Pimelia linifolia (Rice Flower) Ground cover – grasses and sedges: Cymbopogon refractus (Barbed Wire Grass); Imperata cylindrica Blady Grass; Aristida species (Three-awned Spear Grasses); Eragrostis species (Love Grasses). Ferns: Cheilanthes seiberi (Rock Fern) Climbing plants: Eustrephus latifolius (Wombat Berry)

Plot 2. Description: Riverine floodplain forest: Vegetation classification (As per Northern Rivers CMA) NR101 - Angophora paludosa shrubby forest and woodland on sandstone or sands of the North Coast Canopy: Angophora paludosa (Narrow-leaved Apple), Lophostemon suaveolens (Swamp Turpentine); Angophora robur (Broad-leaved Sandstone Apple). Sub-canopy: Acacia florabunda; Persoonia stradbrokensis (Geebung); Alphitonia excelsa (Red Ash). Banksia integrifolia (Coast Banksia); Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree); Leptospermum brachyandrum; Leptospermum polygalyfolium; . Shrubs: Dodonaea triquetra (Large-leaved Hop Bush); Xanthorrhoea johnsonii (A Grass Tree); Leucopogon lanceolatus; Zieria minutiflora; Hovea acutifolia; Hakea florulenta; Boronia rosmarinifolia; Banksia oblongifolia; Trococarpa laurina (Tree Heath); Styphelia triflora, Petalostigma pubescens (Bitter Bark), Alstonia constricta; (Quinine Bush); Lomatia silaifolia (Crinkle Bush). Ground cover – forbs/subshrubs: Viola hederacea (Native Violet); Chiloglottis diphylla (Small Wasp Orchid); Phyllanthus hirtellus; Desmodium varians. Ground cover – grasses and sedges: Lomandra hystrix (Mat Rush); Oplismenus aemulus (Basket Grass); Austrostipa pubescens (A Spear Grass); Echinopogon caespitosus (A Hedgehog Grass; Paspalidium distans. Lepidosperma laterale; Lepironia articulata (Giant Rush); Balloskion tetraphyllum; Cyperus laevis. Ferns: Hypolepis muelleri (Harsh Ground Fern); Botrychium australe (Parsley Fern); Gleichenia dicarpa (Coral Fern). Climbing plants: Parsonsia straminea (Silk Pod); Cassytha sp. (Devil's Twine); Clematis glycinoides (Traveller's Joy);

Plot 3. Description: Dry Sclerophyll open forest with heathy understorey Vegetation classification (As per Northern Rivers CMA) NR103 - Bailey's Stringybark - Needlebark Stringybark heathy woodland on sandstones of the lower Clarence Valley of the North Coast. Note: Under this classification, Bailey's Stringybark is only mentioned in association with Eucalyptus planchoniana, which is not present. However, other components align with this classification. Canopy: Eucalyptus baileyana (Bailey's Stringybark); Angophora robur (Broad-leaved Sandstone Apple); Eucalyptus umbra (Broad-leaved White Mahogany. Sub-canopy: Allocasuarina litoralis (Black Sheeoak); Banksia aemula (Wallum Banksia); Acacia leiocalyx (Curracabah); Leptospermum trinervium (Stringy-barked Leptospermum; Shrubs: Bossiaea rhombifolia; Xanthorrhoea johnsonii (A Grass Tree); Xanthorrhoea latifolia (A Grass Tree); Banksia oblongifolia; Pultenaea villosa (A Bush Pea); Dillwynia trichopoda (An Egg and Bacon Pea); Acacia quadrilateralis; Gompholobium virgatum var aspalathoides (Leafy Wedge Pea); Boronia rosmarinifolia; Hovea heterophylla. Ground cover – forbs/subshrubs: Patersonia sericea; Hibbertia riparia (A Guinea Flower); Hybanthus monopetalus (A Fairy's Apron); Pteracaulon sp. Ground cover – grasses and sedges: Imperata cylindrica Blady Grass; Lomandra multiflora; Austrostipa pubescens (A Spear Grass). Ferns: Schizea bifida (Forked Comb Fern); Pteridium esculentum (Bracken Fern).

Climbing plants: Glycine cyrtoloba; Glycine clandestina; Billardiera scandens (Apple Berry). Epiphytes: Cymbidium caniculatum (Tiger Orchid).

Plot 4. Description: Spotted Gum Dry Sclerophyll woodland with grassy understorey Vegetation classification (As per Northern Rivers CMA) NR118 - Blackbutt - Spotted Gum shrubby open forest on sandstones of the lower Clarence Valley of the North Coast. Note: Again this classification was chosen despite the absence of Blackbutt Canopy: Corymbia henryii (Spotted Gum)(dominant to the point of monoculture), Eucalyptus tereticornis (Forest Red Gum), Lophostemon suaveolens (Swamp Turpentine); Eucalyptus tetrapleura (Square-fruited Ironbark). Sub-canopy: Acacia leiocalyx (Curracabah); Persoonia stradbrokensis (Geebung); Alphitonia excelsa (Red Ash). Shrubs: Acacia falcata; Indigophora australis, Melichrus urceolatus; Jacksonia scoparia (Dogwood). Ground cover – forbs/subshrubs: Desmodium rhytidophyllum; Zornia dyctiocarpa; Ajuga australis (Austral Bugle); Pratia purpurascens (White Root). Ground cover – grasses and sedges: Cymbopogon refractus (Barbed Wire Grass); Imperata cylindrica (Blady Grass); Panicum effusum; Lomandra longifolia (Mat Rush - Short form) Aristida warburgii (Three-awned Spear Grasses); Cyperus laevis. Ferns: Cheilanthes seiberi (Rock Fern) Climbing plants: Eustrephus latifolius (Wombat Berry) Glycine cyrtoloba; Hardenbergia violacea (Happy Wanderer).

Plot 5. Description: Dry Sclerophyll regrowth forest Vegetation classification (As per Northern Rivers CMA) NR104 - Bailey's Stringybark - Needlebark Stringybark heathy woodland on sandstones of the lower Clarence Valley of the North Coast. Note: Needlebark Stringybark is not present, nor is the associated Smudgy Apple. However, the understorey vegetation fits this category perfectly. Canopy: Corymbia gummifera (Red Bloodwood), Eucalyptus Baileyana (Bailey's Stringybark), Eucalyptus bancroftii (Bancroft's Red Gum); Angophora robur (Broad-leaved Sandstone Apple); Eucalyptus tindaliae Tindale's Stringybark). Sub-canopy: Leptospermum trinervium (Stringy-barked Leptospermum; Acacia leiocalyx (Curracabah); Banksia integrifolia (Coastal Banksia); Persoonia stradbrokensis (Geebung); Alphitonia excelsa (Red Ash). Shrubs: Banksia oblongifolia; Hakea florulenta; Bossiaea rhombifolia; Gompholobium virgatum var aspalathoides (Leafy Wedge Pea); Styphelia triflora; Hovea heterophylla; Leucapogon lanceolatus; Acacia complanata (Flat-stemmed Wattle); Monotoca scoparia ; (Prickly Heath); Lomatia silaifolia (Crinkle Bush); Boronia rosmarinifolia. Ground cover – forbs/subshrubs: Platysace ericoides; Dillwynia trichopoda; Phyllanthus hirtellus; Gompholobium pinnatum; Hibbertia riparia (A Guinea Flower); Lobelia gracilis; Hibbertia sp. (A Guinea Flower); Chloanthes parviflora. Ground cover – grasses and sedges: Cymbopogon refractus (Barbed Wire Grass); Aristida queenslandica (Three-awned Spear Grasses); Aristida benthamii (Three-awned Spear Grasses); Entolasia whiteana; Sorghum leiocladum (Wild Sorghum); Themeda australis (Kangaroo Grass); Austrostipa pubescens (A Spear Grass); Cyperus laevis. Ferns: Pteridium esculentum (Bracken Fern); Climbing plants: Pandorea pandorana (Wonga Vine); Cassytha sp (Devil's Twine).

Plot 6. Description: Open Dry Sclerophyll forest with dense heath under-storey. Vegetation classification (As per Northern Rivers CMA) NR102 - Angophora robur shrubby forest and woodland on sandstones of the North Coast. Canopy: Eucalyptus bancroftii (Bancroft's Red Gum); Angophora robur (Broad-leaved Sandstone Apple); Eucalyptus umbra (Broad-leaved White Mahogany. Sub-canopy: Melaleuca sieberi; Leptospermum trinervium (Stringy-barked Leptospermum; Persoonia stradbrokensis (Geebung). Shrubs: Acacia ruppii (Rupps Wattle); Xanthorrhoea johnsonii (A Grass Tree); Banksia oblongifolia; Acacia quadrilateralis; Hakea laevipes. Ground cover – forbs/subshrubs: Baeckea diosmifolia; Hibbertia diffusa (A Guinea Flower). Ground cover – grasses and sedges: Eragrostis leptostachya (A Love Grass); Lepyrodia scariosa.. Ferns: Nil Climbing plants: Nil Epiphytes: Nil

Plot 7. Description: Creek bank Dry Sclerophyll Forest Vegetation classification (As per Northern Rivers CMA) NR161 - Forest Red Gum - Swamp Box of the Clarence Valley lowlands of the North Coast Canopy: Eucalyptus tereticornis (Forest Red Gum), Lophostemon suaveolens (Swamp Turpentine); Eucalyptus seeana Narrow-leaved Red Gum); Angophora robur (Broad-leaved Sandstone Apple). Sub-canopy: Acacia leiocalyx (Curracabah); Persoonia stradbrokensis (Geebung); Alphitonia excelsa (Red Ash); Banksia integrifolia (Coast Banksia); Acacia floribunda; Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree); Shrubs: Breynia oblongifolia (Coffee Bush); Acacia falcata; Trema tomentosa var viridis (Native Peach); Leptospermum brachyandrum; Acacia granitica; Ground cover – forbs/subshrubs: Oxalis chnoodes; Commelina cyanea Native Wandering Jew; Dichondra repens (Kidney Weed); Centella asiatica (Pennywort); Vernonia cineria; Ground cover – grasses and sedges: Gahnia aspera (A Sword Grass); Cymbopogon refractus (Barbed Wire Grass); Imperata cylindrica (Blady Grass); Entolasia marginata; Oplismenus aemulus (Basket Grass); Ferns: Doodia caudata (A Rasp Fern); Christella dentata; (Freshwater Binung); Hypolepis muelleri (Harsh Ground Fern); Cheilanthes seiberi (Rock Fern) Climbing plants: Parsonsia straminea (Silk Pod); Eustrephus latifolius (Wombat Berry); Stephania japonica var discolor (Snake Vine);

Plot 8. Description: Riverine floodplain forest: Vegetation classification (As per Northern Rivers CMA) NR101 - Angophora paludosa shrubby forest and woodland on sandstone or sands of the North Coast. Note: While Angophora paludosa was not present at this site, it is commonly found in most other areas along the Fortis Creek floodplain, including nearby. Canopy: Eucalyptus tereticornis (Forest Red Gum), Eucalyptus bancroftii (Bancroft's Red Gum); Angophora robur (Broad-leaved Sandstone Apple); Lophostemon suaveolens (Swamp Turpentine). Sub-canopy: Acacia leiocalyx (Curracabah); Persoonia stradbrokensis (Geebung); Alphitonia excelsa (Red Ash). Banksia integrifolia (Coast Banksia); Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree); Banksia aemula; Allocasuarina litoralis (Black Sheoak);

Shrubs: Ricinocarpos pinifolius (Wedding Bush; Breynia oblongifolia (Coffee Bush); Dodonaea triquetra (Large-leaved Hop Bush); Xanthorrhoea latifolia (A Grass Tree); Bursaria spinosa (Blackthorn); Jacksonia scoparia (Dogwood); Styphelia triflora, Monotoca scoparia (Prickly Heath). Ground cover – forbs/subshrubs: Prostanthera sejuncta (Spiny Mint Bush); Pratia purpurascens (White Root). Ground cover – grasses and sedges: Themeda australis (Kangaroo Grass); Lomandra longifolia Mat Rush); Imperata cylindrica (Blady Grass); Entolasia marginata; Entolasia stricta (Wiry Panic); Ottochloa gracilis. Tetraria capillaris; Lepironia articulata (Giant Rush); Baumea juncea (A Twigrush); Ferns: Doodia caudata (A Rasp Fern); Christella dentata; (Freshwater Binung); Hypolepis muelleri (Harsh Ground Fern); Cheilanthes seiberi (Rock Fern) Climbing plants: Parsonsia straminea (Silk Pod); Glycine tomentella (Woolly Glycine)

Plot 9. Description: Sandstone outwash swamp forest. Vegetation classification (As per Northern Rivers CMA) NR? Note: I have been unable to satisfactorily match this community with any of the CMA classifications. Canopy: Eucalyptus tereticornis (Forest Red Gum), Eucalyptus bancroftii; Lophostemon suaveolens (Swamp Turpentine); Eucalyptus sp (A White Mahogany) Sub-canopy: Melaleuca seiberi; Acacia floribunda; Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree); Acacia leiocalyx (Curracabah); Persoonia stradbrokensis (Geebung); Alphitonia excelsa (Red Ash). Banksia integrifolia (Coast Banksia); Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree); Banksia aemula; Allocasuarina litoralis (Black Sheoak);

Shrubs: Leptospermum polygalyfolium; Pultenaea retusa (Blunt Bush Pea); Banksia spinulosa (Hairpin Banksia); Melaleuca thymifolia (Thyme Honey-myrtle); Xanthorrhoea latifolia (A Grass Tree); Banksia oblongifolia. Ground cover – forbs/subshrubs: Cryptostylis subulata (Cow Orchid); Isotoma armstrongii; Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides (A Pennywort); Hydrocotyle tripartita (A Pennywort); Selaginella uliginosa; Viola betonicifolia; Gonocarpus micranthus ssp ramosissimus; Pratia purpurascens (White Root); Goodenia hederacea ssp hederacea; Caesia parviflora var parviflora (Pale Grass Lily); Ground cover – grasses and sedges: Ischaemum australe; Sacciolepis indica (Indian Cupscale Grass); Imperata cylindrica (Blady Grass); Baumea rubiginosa (A Twig Rush); Lepyrodia scariosa; Lepyrodia sp; Balloskion tetraphyllum; Ferns: Hypolepis muelleri (Harsh Ground Fern); Gleichenia dicarpa (Coral Fern). Climbing plants: Cassytha glabella (A Devil's Twine).

Plot 10. Description: Open Sclerophyll forest with grassy understorey. Vegetation classification (As per Northern Rivers CMA) NR161 - Forest Red Gum - Swamp Box of the Clarence Valley lowlands of the North Coast. Note: While the classification of this plot aligns with NR161, it only bears superficial resemblance to Plot 7 which also aligns with community NR161. Canopy: Eucalyptus tereticornis (Forest Red Gum), Eucalyptus bancroftii; Lophostemon suaveolens (Swamp Turpentine); Angophora robur Sub-canopy: Acacia leiocalyx (Curracabah); Persoonia stradbrokensis (Geebung); Alphitonia excelsa (Red Ash); Petalostigma pubescens (Bitter Bark).

Shrubs: Styphelia triflora Ground cover – forbs/subshrubs: Pratia purpurascens (White Root), Vernonia cinerea, Ground cover – grasses and sedges: Imperata cylindrica (Blady Grass); Cymbopogon refractus (Barbed Wire Grass), Themeda australis (Kangaroo Grass), Entolasia stricta (Wiry Panic), Echinopogon caespitosus (Hedgehog Grass). * * * Endangered Ecological Community (EEC) The Scientific Committee's determination of Subtropical Coastal Floodplain Forest explains that it “generally occurs below 50m, but may occur on localised river flats up to 250m elevation in the NSW North Coast bioregion”. The Fortis Creek lies below 50m, but does fit the description of “localised river flat”. Fortis Creek at this location has minimal drop in altitude resulting in slow flow, and its floodplain area, which can be up to 100m wide in places, is subject to frequent inundation. Therefore, while not a classic floodplain, the fact that more than 50% of the indicative species identified by the NSW Scientific Committee are present along the 2km stretch of creek, I'm comfortable in identifying it as the EEC.

The fact that the creek bank's extensive colonies appear to present a range extension of the threatened Prostanthera sejuncta, a species that has an extremely limited range, having only been recorded from the Fortis Creek - Coaldale area, makes the community doubly important from a conservation viewpoint. Vulnerable Prostanthera sejuncta Threatened flora. Five threatened plant species were identified during the survey: Rupps Wattle (Acacia ruppii) – Endangered Prostanthera sejuncta – Vulnerable. Previously recognised as Prostanthera spinosa (Spiny Mint-bush), a Victorian species. Square-fruited Ironbark (Eucalyptus tetrapleura) – Vulnerable (State and Federal). Broad-leaved Sandstone Apple (Angophora robur) -Vulnerable (State and Federal), and Ancistrachne maidenii – Vulnerable. A member of the Poaceae family (a grass species).

Rupps Wattle (Acacia ruppii). Endangered A number of specimens of the threatened Acacia ruppii were noted during the survey, all growing in the eastern section of the reserve (see map below showing locations of all plants encountered). They are growing in dense heath vegetation, which makes counting impossible. However, there could be hundreds. No specimens were identified in the western section of the reserve.

Checking the Australian Virtual Herbarium records shows the southernmost record as being 27 km NW of Grafton, suggesting this find, at Acacia ruppii, spectacular in flower 17km NNW of Grafton, likely represents a new southern extension for the species.

GPS readings (at right of picture) and locations of the endangered Acacia ruppii as shown on the map. The species is confined to the north-eastern corner of the Reserve. It is far from numerous, occurring mainly as single plants in dense heath where locating them is difficult. Prostanthera sejuncta – Vulnerable. Previously recognised as Prostanthera spinosa (Spiny Mint-bush), a Victorian species. Determined to be a distinctly different species and renamed Prostanthera sejuncta about a decade ago. When first encountering this species on the banks of Fortis Creek, I was unsure of its identification because, while appearing to be P. sejuncta at first glance, a closer inspection revealed there were no spines (see image at right, compared to that below).

Prostanthera sejuncta with spines from King William Hill, Copmanhurst. However, on closer inspection spines were found on other plants in the same population, leaving little doubt that they are in fact P. sejuncta, but indicating that there is significant variation from plant to plant within the population. A specimen of both spineless an spined plants have been sent to the NSW Royal Spineless Prostanthera sejuncta from Fortis Creek TSR Botanic Gardens Herbarium for confirmation. Large numbers of P. sejuncta were observed growing along the southern bank of Fortis Creek, in parts forming a dense carpet beneath a closed canopy (see description of vegetation community #8 above). Our survey has not extended along Fortis Creek beyond the eartern boundary of the reserve, so the full extent of the population is currently unknown.

In separating the above species from Prostanthera spinosa, it appears botanists Mark Williams (School of Botany, University of Melbourne), Andrew Drinnan (University of Melbourne, and Author) and Neville Walshe (Royal Botanic Gardens, Birdwood Ave, Sth Dense 'carpets' of Prostanthera sejuncta were found in Yarra), published their findings in a paper titled some shaded areas along Fortis Creek. Variation within Prostanthera spinosa F. Muell. (Lamiaceae): evidence from morphological and molecular studies Their study of a very small sample from the Fortis Creek National Park identified significant differences in specimens collected from two sites, which resulted in the following comment. “Both the morphometrics and AFLPs (see explanation below) identified the New South Wales plants as being distinct from the plants from Victoria and South Australia. The morphometrics were able to distinguish between plants from the Rocky Creek and Fortis Creek fire trail populations because of differences in the leaf margins and leaf length at the two sites, and these two groups appeared to be as discrete as the other two. The AFLPs similarly showed differences between plants from the two sites but not nearly to the same extent as the morphometrics suggest. Of the three specimens analysed, the two from Rocky Creek were more similar to each other than either was to the fire trail specimen, but the spread on the ordination is equivalent to that of the Kangaroo Island plants. Morphometric results suggest that there are two forms growing in the Fortis Creek National Park, but they do not appear to be as genetically different as the morphometrics would suggest. However, these conclusions are based on a very limited sample size and conclusions regarding the Fortis Creek National Park require further detailed collection and examination”.

NOTE: “AFLP (Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism) technique is a relatively new DNA fingerprinting technique based on the selective PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) amplification of restriction fragments from a total digest of genomic DNA (Vos et al. 1995). DNA fingerprints can be produced without any prior sequence knowledge by using arbitrary oligonucleotide primers (Vos et al. 1995), and the banding patterns are considered dominant because fragments are scored as present or absent. The AFLP procedure involves four main steps: 1. DNA isolation, 2. Restriction endonuclease digestion of genomic DNA and ligation of adapters, 3. Selective amplification of sets of restriction fragments, and 4. Gel analysis of these amplified fragments.”

Checking the Australian Virtual Herbarium records, and disregarding two very dubious records in Grafton City, the southernmost record of Prostnthera sejuncta is at Rocky Creek, well north of the Fortis Creek TSR, suggesting that this population also represents a new southern limit for the species.

GPS readings (at right of picture) and locations of the vulnerable Prostanthera sejuncta as shown on the map. However, those are just some of the numerous sites where they occur along the southern bank of Fortis Creek, the northern bank supports an equal profusion of this species. Ancistrachne maidenii Listed as a Vulnerable species in NSW, Ancistrachne maidenii has a widespread occurrence on Kangaroo Creek sandstone communities across a restricted range between Glenreagh and Coaldale in the Clarence Valley.

There are significant patches of Ancistrachne in the Reserve, mostly in the northern half of the central zone and in the western zone

Angophora robur (Broad-leaved Sandstone Apple) The Broad-leaved Sandstone Apple is another species endemic to the NSW North Coast, and is listed as Vulnerable under both NSW and Federal legislation.

The species occurs across all but the highest parts of the reserve. However, the species is very similar to the Broad-leaved Apple (Angophora subvelutina), the most discernible difference between them being the fruit size.

However not all trees were fruiting, so to determine whether A. subvelutina does also occur on the Reserve, further surveys need to be undertaken when that species might be fruiting

Eucalyptus tetrapleura Square-fruited Ironbark

Yet another Clarence Valley endemic, the Vulnerable Square-fruited Ironbark has a restricted range along a 40km wide strip from Halfway Creek, midway between Grafton and Woolgoolga, in the south, and Coaldale to the north.

The species occurs in scattered locations across the central and western zones of the reserve.

Cassytha racemosa, (A Devils Twine) A RoTAP species in NSW, this plant is essentially a Western Australian species, with the Atlas of Living Australia showing scattered occurrences across NSW. Flora of NSW shows the species only occurring in the Clarence Valley at Coaldale. However I have recorded it through the area from Fortis Creek to the Coast Range east of Ulmarra. Other significant flora: Of the more than 310 species identified growing on the TSR, and the Fortis Creek riparian crown land, five are listed as threatened, another, 18 are separately protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act. Two others are deemed regionally rare, Zornia floribunda and Cryptandra longistaminea.

According to Flora of NSW (Harden), Zornia floribunda only occurs in NSW in the Bingara, and Grafton areas, and it is deemed regionally uncommon (reference “Significant Vascular Plants of Upper North East NSW” - (Sherringham and Westaway).

Cryptandra longistaminea has been recorded in very limited numbers at a few sites in the Clarence Valley, and deemed to be a disjunct population from its main range on the Central Coast of NSW. Only two small 'clumps' (number of plants unknown, possibly only a single plant each) of this species have been found on the reserve. Some years ago, in recognition of its regional rarity, a small population at Elandgrove south of Grafton was listed as endangered. Unfortunately it was on a residential subdivision and impossible to protect on the front footpaths and private backyards, and the listing was ultimately reversed. That population is now extinct.

Map showing meander survey tracks, flora and fauna surveys Weed report Given the past history of the TSR it, and the Fortis Creek crown land, have no major weed problems. As can be expected there are a significant number of annual weeds in the area between the unnamed creek and Coaldale Road, particularly Cobblers Peg (Bidens pilosa), Annual Ragweed (Ambrosia artenisiifolia), various Verbena species, and other common annuals along with some introduced grasses, including Whiskey Grass (Andropogon virginicus); Parramatta Grass (Sporobolus indicus) and Broad-leaved Carpet Grass (Axonopus compressus). However, these will diminish over time if the forest canopy is allowed to develop.

The northern half of the unnamed creek, where it passes through the reserve, does have some Lantana (Lantana camara), which needs addressing before it gets out of control, and at least one clump of Camphor Laurel (Cinnamomum camphora). The survey also found a single patch of Cat's Claw Creeper (Macfadyena unguis-cati), another species that requires immediate attention.

Finally, an Asteraceae was collected and sent to the Sydney Herbarium for identification. They announced that it was an introduced species, Conyza primulifolia, expressing interest because the Herbarium only has 4 records from northern NSW, 3 from Kyogle and the fourth from Woodenbong. Flora of NSW (1992) stat s it “grows as a roadside weed north from Kyogle”. How it has arrived at Fortis Creek, where it doesn't even occur along the roadside, is a mystery.

The species is a herb with probably less than 100 plants growing in an area of less than a hectare, and shows no sign of becoming a pest species at fortis Creek. However, to be on the An introduced weed species, Conyz safe side perhaps it should be monitored, and aprimulifolia, only previously recorded in NSW next year any plants that grow be pulled out north from Kyogle prior to seeding in an attempt to eliminate it.

* * * Fauna surveys Introduction The Northern Rivers Regional Biodiversity Management Plan (2010) (NRRBMP) provided detailed mapping of all aspects of biodiversity values, including fauna habitat corridors.

That mapping places the forested Fortis Creek TSR at a critical junction of a regional habitat corridor (see image at right), providing an vital link between national parks and world heritage forests that surround the Clarence River Floodplain.

The NRRBMP also maps a fauna nectar index, areas of habitat critical to a large variety of nectar dependent native birds possums and gliders. Again, the Fortis Creek area, including the TSR and immediate surrounds is mapped as 'extremely high', the highest level on the index (see map below) Fauna habitat corridors mapping. Northern Rivers Regional Biodiversity Management Plan (2010)

Note: The colour coding of the legend is a little confusing, where the buff colouring used on the reserve might be confused as indicating a low nectar index. The colouring is in fact the code used to delineate crown land. Therefore, given the on-ground observation of the widespread occurrence of Myrtaceae and Proteaceae, on the reserve, all high nectar producing species, the reserve will undoubtedly rank at the top of the nectar index.

In the case of the Fortis Creek reserve, the diversity of Eucalyptus, and associated Myrtaceae tree species, guarantee the probability that there will be at least on species flowering at any one time. The Banksia – Melaleucca – Leptospermum heath community that dominates much of the eastern section of the reserve, is likewise well known for its nectar producing qualities. NSW Wildlife Atlas Records within 10km of the reserve A search of the NSW Wildlife Atlas reveals that a total of 30 threatened fauna species have been recorded within 10km radius of the Fortis Creek TSR, including 13 birds, 15 mammals (including 8 microbat species), and 2 reptiles. Given the variety of habitat features identified on the reserve, we believe all, with the exception of the Black-necked Stork, are highly likely to utilise the area. 155 species of fauna have been recorded in the nearby Fortis Creek National Park. Habitat Features of the TSR As already mentioned, past management practices has seen the removal of some stags and old growth trees. However, other areas, particularly along the lower levels comprising the northern half of the central zone, contain large numbers of hollow-bearing trees, another crucial habitat feature the is fast disappearing from the landscape. This has been to the detriment of hollow-dependent species like parrots, cockatoos, possums, Phascogales, gliders, microbats, forest owls and more. It is a sad indictment on past and current practices that have resulted in hollow-dependent fauna making up half of Australia's threatened land based species. Crown reserves, such as TSRs, have in the main been spared the worst of these damaging practices, and remain an important fauna refuge.

Some of the bird and fauna habitat meanders, showing herp survey, and call playback sites, as well as the Yellow-bellied Glider roost site.

Important feed trees such as Allocasuarina, the sole feed source of the hreatened Glossy-black Cockatoo are plentiful on the reserve despite their targeted removal in some areas in relatively recent times. Red Gums, three species of which have been recorded on the reserve, are the most favoured food species for Koalas, are plentiful on the reserve. In fact more than half the reserve contains forest comprising greater than 15% Koala feed tree species which, in relation to SEPP44, defines it as “Core Koala Habitat”,

Hollow logs and dead standing trees (stags) were also observed, but not in large numbers, probably

Fauna Survey Results the result of frequent burning.

Two separate day/night fauna surveys were undertaken by local ecologist, Russell Jago, assisted by Ms Sue Harris, in April and May 2017. Scarlet Honeyeater. Photo S. Harris Those surveys included: • A series of herpetological searches at selected sites. • Dusk micro-bat searches using 'Anabat' ultrasonc detector • 2 hourly night-time call playback for threatened species, Koalas, gliders and large forest owls. • Meander bird searches across the property. • Opportunistic observations of habitat features, tree hollows, nests, feed trees, scats, scratches on tree bark, tracks, and other signs of fauna. • Opportunistic visual and auditory searches along creek lines, and around swamps and dams for frogs and other aquatic species.

Fauna survey findings In all, 20 mammal species, 50 birds, 11 reptiles and 7 amphibian species were recorded during the surveys, 12 which are listed as vulnerable under the TSC Act. As well 18 invertebrate species were recorded (see attached species Robber Fly (Ommatius coeraebus) list).

John Edwards Honorary Secretary CLARENCE ENVIRONMENT CENTRE Inc 29-31 Skinner Street South Grafton 2460 Phone/ Fax: 02 6643 1863 Web site: www.cec.org.au E-mail: [email protected]

Flora survey report Sandy Crossing Travelling Stock Route. 25th March 2017

Introduction. The Clarence Environment Centre (CEC) has been contracted by NSW Local Land Services to undertake a flora survey of the approximately 80ha Sandy Crossing (Wants Lane) Travelling Stock Route (TSR). Specifically we are asked to: “Complete Report including: Map of conservation assets and EECs, List of Flora, areas of works undertaken, a prioritised list of recommendations for future management and maintenance”.

Site Description The Sandy Crossing (Want's Lane) TSR, is some 12km south-east of Grafton, lying north of 8 Mile Lane, at the junction the Coldstream River, which forms the eastern and northern boundaries. The reserve is now forested throughout, and divided into two sections by Wants Lane, north and south.

The reserve has been logged in the past and parts of it cleared, but many old-growth, hollow-bearing, trees remain, particularly along the river in the northern section. Past clearing, presumably to provide grazing for stock, is evidenced by the dense regrowth of Melaleuca nodosa along the western boundary, and similar regrowth of Red Ash Sandy Crossing TSR - boundaries shown in red. (Alphitonia excelsa) across some central sections of the southern portion. There is also evidence of quite recent ring- barking activity, a policy that was implemented at a number of TSRs in NSW as recently as 15 years ago. However, recovery is excellent. There is evidence of historical logging - - and ring-barking Despite this earlier disturbance, a diverse canopy regrowth is occurring across that portion, mainly Myrtaceae species (Lophostemon suaveolens and various Eucalyptus and Corymbia species). As explained above, in the west, those pioneers species are predominantly Melaleuca species (M. nodosa and M. decora), while in the east Red Ash (Alphitonia excelsa) often dominates the mid- storey. Unfortunately, closer to the wetland areas in the south east corner, the invasive introduced species, Lantana camara, has filled that pioneer function to the detriment of native species. In General, we can report that the forest across the entire reserve is recovering well.

Other background information The CEC, in partnership with the Nature Conservation Council of NSW, has been working to enhance biodiversity across the Pillar Valley area, by eradicating pest species and initiating revegetation projects across the area. As part of this federal government funded project, the CEC's botanists undertook extensive flora surveys on both public and private land across the Upper Coldstream Project The Sandy Crossing reserve contains pristine wetlands that area, which includes the Sandy support a large number of water birds and aquatic plant species Crossing TSR, proving that it contains a level of diversity rarely equalled in Australia, so far identifying over 1,000 native plant species many of which are considered rare, including 25 that are listed as threatened.

Survey Results Methodology The methodology adopted for the flora survey consists entirely of meander surveys, plotting the various vegetation types and one threatened population using a GPS unit.

Survey limitations There were time constraints for delivery of this report, which meant only single season surveys (late March) could be undertaken. Ideally, to provide a comprehensive species list, a number of surveys should be undertaken throughout the year across at least three seasons. This would capture those species that may not be present at other times, or simply too cryptic in nature to be seen if not in flower. In this instance we were able to combine the results of this survey with an opportunistic visit undertaken in December 2015 as part of the UCBP work. However, both were conducted during, or immediately following, drought conditions when ground cover annual species were severely reduced.

Vegetation types The reserve contains some of the Upper Coldstream's most spectacular and significant wetland areas, and despite some logging and its former function as a travelling stock route camping and water reserve, the forest has remained relatively good condition particularly that in the northern section which remains mostly intact and in good ecological condition with high levels of diversity. Our survey of the Sandy Crossing reserve identified five main flora communities Refer map below: A) Most closely aligned to CMA's North Coast Veg classification as NR150 “Coastal freshwater meadows and forblands of lagoons and wetlands”, this community, (outlined in blue) has been separately described by the NSW Scientific Committee as an Endangered Ecological Community, naming it “Freshwater Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains of the NSW North Coast”. See full description of this community below. Ba) Aligns with the CMA's North Coast Veg classification as NR161, “Forest Red Gum - Swamp Box of the Clarence Valley lowlands of the North Coast” (outlined and hatched in green). It has likewise been separately described by the NSW Scientific Committee as an Endangered Ecological Community, under the name “Subtropical Coastal Floodplain Forest of the NSW North Coast”. See full description of this community below. Bb) A highly modified forest type as a result of former clearing, this Community does not align with any of the CMA's North Coast Veg classifications. The proliferation of 5 Melaleuca 'Paperbark' species, coupled with seasonal swamp conditions fed from an apparent sandstone outflow, provides elements of veg community NR217 “Paperbark swamp forest of the coastal lowlands of the North Coast”. However, the inclusion of Spotted Gum (Corymbia henryii), with Grey Gum (Eucalyptus propinqua) and a scattering of other Myrtaceae species including Grey Ironbark (Eucalyptus siderophloia), Swamp Turpentine (Lophostemon suaveolens), and Pink Bloodwood (Corymbia intermedia), introduces A = Community NR150. Freshwater Wetlands; elements of NR246, “Spotted Gum Ba = Community NR161. Subtropical Coastal Floodplain forest; - Grey Ironbark - Pink Bloodwood Bb = Highly modified, but closest to Community NR246 open forest of the Clarence Valley C = Community NR246. Spotted Gum, Ironbark open forest; lowlands of the North Coast”. D = Community NR173. Grey Gum, Grey Ironbark forest. C) Open grassy dry sclerophyll forest, dominated by Spotted Gum (Corymbia henryii), with occasional Pink Bloodwood Corymbia intermedia, Yellow Stringybark (Eucalyptus globoidea) and Grey Ironbark (Eucalyptus siderophloia). It has a sparse mid-storey of various Acacia, and Leptospermum species, between extensive areas of native grasses, mainly Bladey Grass (Imperata cylindrica), Barbed wire Grass (Cymbopogon refractus), and in more shaded areas, Ottochloa gracillima.

D) Dry Sclerophyll regrowth forest dominated by Grey Gum (Eucalyptus propinqua) with a lesser number of other Eucalypt species including Grey Ironbark (Eucalyptus siderophloia), Swamp Turpentine (Lophostemon suaveolens), Pink Bloodwood (Corymbia intermedia) and Narrow-leaved Red Gum (Eucalyptus seeana). The mid-storey is dominated by pioneer species, Red Ash (Alphitonia excelsa) and Black Sheoak (Allocasuarina litoralis), but sparse enough to allow a rich and diverse grass and herb layer, including Pastel Flower (Pseuderanthemum variabile), various Goodenia species, Basket Grass (Oplismenus aemulus), Bladey Grass (Imperata cylindrica), and Ottochloa gracillima. Endangered Ecological Communities The two Threatened Ecological Communities (TEC) occurring on the reserve, take up all of the northern portion, and a significant area of the southern portion (see map above), Those TECs are Subtropical Coastal Floodplain Forest of the NSW North Coast, and Freshwater Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains of the NSW North Coast. Endangered Subtropical Coastal Floodplain Forest. This endangered community grows on floodplain below the 1 in 100 year flood level, and is dominated by Swamp Turpentine(Lophostemon suaveolens), Forest Red Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis), Pink Bloodwood Corymbia intermedia, and Broad-leaved Apple Angophora subvelutina).

In the northern portion, the mid-storey consists of Black Sheoak (Allocasuarina litoralis), Red Ash (Alphitonia excelsa), Melaleuca alternifolia and Melaleuca nodosa, along with two Sheoak species, Swamp Oak (Casuarina Subtropical Coastal Floodplain Forest glauca) and a few River Oaks “Casuarina cunninghamii). 102 species are identified in the NSW Scientific Committee's EEC determination as indicative of the community, 70 of which were recorded on the Sandy Crossing reserve (highlighted below). List of indicative species for Subtropical Coastal Floodplain Forest Acacia concurrens Acacia disparrima subsp. Allocasuarina torulosa Alphitonia excelsa Angophora paludosa Angophora subvelutina Angophora woodsiana Aristida vagans Brachychiton populneus subsp. populneus Breynia oblongifolia Brunoniella australis Callistemon salignus Callistemon viminalis Callitris columellaris Casuarina cunninghamiana Casuarina glauca Centella asiatica Cheilanthes sieberi subsp. sieberi Cissus hypoglauca Commelina cyanea Commersonia bartramia Commersonia fraseri Cordyline congesta Corymbia intermedia Cupaniopsis anacardioides Cupaniopsis parviflora Cymbidium suave Cymbopogon refractus Cyperus enervis Desmodium rhytidophyllum Desmodium varians Dianella caerulea Dianella longifolia Dichelachne micrantha Dichondra repens Digitaria parviflora Drypetes australasica Echinopogon caespitosus Elaeocarpus reticulatus Entolasia marginata Entolasia stricta Eragrostis leptostachya Eucalyptus acmeniodes Eucalyptus amplifolia Eucalyptus moluccana Eucalyptus propinqua Eucalyptus resinifera subsp. hemilampra Eucalyptus robusta Eucalyptus seeana Eucalyptus siderophloia Eucalyptus tereticornis Eustrephus latifolius Ficus macrophylla subsp. macrophylla Ficus obliqua Ficus superba var. henneana Gahnia aspera Gahnia clarkei Geitonoplesium cymosum Glochidion ferdinandii Glycine clandestina Hardenbergia violacea Hibbertia scandens Hibiscus diversifolius Hibiscus tiliaceus Hovea acutifolia Imperata cylindrica var. major Kennedia rubicunda Lagenifera stipitata Laxmannia gracilis Lomandra filiformis Lomandra longifolia Lomandra multiflora subsp. multiflora Lophostemon suaveolens Maclura cochinchinensis Mallotus philippensis Melaleuca alternifolia Melaleuca decora Melaleuca nodosa Melaleuca quinquenervia Melaleuca styphelioides Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides Morinda jasminoides Notelaea longifolia Oplismenus aemulus Oplismenus imbecillis Panicum simile Parsonsia straminea Persoonia stradbrokensis Phyllanthus virgatus Pimelea linifolia Pittosporum revolutum Pratia purpurascens Pteridium esculentum Sigesbeckia orientalis Smilax australis Smilax glyciphylla Stephania japonica var. discolor Themeda australis Tricoryne elatior Vernonia cinerea Viola hederacea Wikstroemia indica Regrowth Subtropical Coastal Floodplain Forest on the floodplain area of the southern portion The NSW Scientific Committee identifies threats to Subtropical Coastal Floodplain Forest as including, “weed invasion (something that cattle grazing is renowned for spreading, the latest being Tropical Soda Apple), inappropriate grazing, trampling and other soil disturbance by domestic livestock”.

Freshwater Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains of the NSW North Coast.

The Scientific Committee's determination nominates 66 species as indicative plants for this endangered community, 30 of which were identified during the surveys (highlighted in yellow below).

Committee stress that the list of species is indicative only and that many more species could be expected to occur. Also to be representative of the community across the entire North Coast botanical range of this EEC Endangered Freshwater Wetlands Community on (from the Queensland border to the Coastal Floodplains of the NSW North Coast Hunter River), the list contains species that do not occur this far north. An example is Utricularia australis which has a northern limit near Kendall, while two other yellow-flowering Utricularia species (Bladderworts), U. aurea, and U. gibba have been recorded on site. The same goes for other genera shown in the list below. Alisma plantago-aquatica Azolla filiculoides var. rubra Azolla pinnata Baumea articulata Baumea rubiginosa Bolboschoenus caldwellii Bolboschoenus fluviatilis Brasenia schreiberi Carex appressa Centipeda minima Ceratophyllum demersum Cyperus lucidus Eclipta platyglossa Eclipta prostrata Eleocharis acuta Eleocharis equisetina Eleocharis minuta Eleocharis sphacelata Fimbristylis dichotoma Gratiola pedunculata Hemarthria uncinata Hydrilla verticillata Hydrocharis dubia Juncus polyanthemus Juncus usitatus Leersia hexandra Lemna spp. Lepironia articulata Ludwigia peploides subsp. montevidensis Marsilea mutica Maundia triglochinoides Myriophyllum crispatum Myriophyllum latifolium Myriophyllum propinquum Myriophyllum variifolium Najas marina Najas tenuifolia Nymphaea gigantea Nymphoides geminata Nymphoides indica Ottelia ovalifolia Panicum obseptum Panicum vaginatum Paspalum distichum Persicaria attenuata Persicaria decipiens Persicaria hydropiper Persicaria lapathifolia Persicaria strigosa Philydrum lanuginosum Phragmites australis Potamogeton crispus Potamogeton ochreatus Potamogeton perfoliatus Potamogeton tricarinatus Pseudoraphis spinescens Ranunculus inundatus Schoenoplectus litoralis Schoenoplectus mucronatus Schoenoplectus validus Spirodella spp. Triglochin procera sensu lato Typha orientalis Utricularia australis Vallisneria spp. Wolffia spp.

Likewise the Committee identifies threats to Freshwater Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains, and identifies that: “The remaining wetlands are severely fragmented by past clearing and are further threatened by continuing fragmentation and degradation,.. weed invasion, overgrazing, and trampling by livestock”. - - - - - Other flora of significance The meander surveys undertaken on the site identified 280 species of native flora, including three threatened species, Melaleuca irbyana (Weeping Paperbark), endangered; Maundia triglochinoides, a vulnerable aquatic plant, and another aquatic, Brasenia schreberi (Water Shield), listed as RoTAP.

Endangered Weeping Paperbark There is a significant population of the Endangered Weeping Paperbark (Melaleuca irbyana) growing among dense stands of Melaleuca nodosa along the western boundary of the southern portion, and extending across the fence onto private propery. The population has been mapped as a part of this survey (see above map where approximate population boundary is shown by yellow hatching). At least one stem has been recorded on the northern portion of the reserve, close to Wants Lane. Endangered Melaleuca irbyana

GPS Locations of Melaleuca irbyana. Yellow hatching depicts approximate boundary of the reserve's population However, because of the species' close visual similarity to 3 other Melaleuca species growing together, it is virtually impossible to get an accurate count, but we estimate the population would number in the hundreds.

Again, threats identified by the NSW Scientific Committee include: “Grazing by domestic stock”. The NPWS booklet's recommendation is: “fence known habitat to exclude stock”.

Grazing is again identified by the Scientific Melaleuca irbyana habitat off Wants Lane Committee as a major threat to the other rare species identified growing on the reserve. These include the vulnerable aquatic plant, Maundia triglochinoides, and Watershield (Brasenia schreberi), as of course is the entire wetland ecosystem.

Maundia triglochinoides Brasenia schreberi The Giant Water Lily (Nymphaea gigantia)

The Giant Water Lily (Nymphaea gigantia) is another species identified in the river along the reserve's boundary, and it too is under threat from grazing. Extremely rare in NSW, we understand the occurrence of this species is restricted to the Coldstream River wetlands, and as none of the known populations occur within conservation reserves, this species desperately needs to be provided protection and listing as endangered in NSW.

As well, the Royal Botanic Gardens Herbarium has confirmed a specimen collected on the site to be Asperula geminifolia. Up until 20 years ago, this species hadn't been recorded in NSW (Queensland sp.) and with only 2 previous records in NSW, one near Whitemen Creek, this is an extremely significant occurrence, and also a range extension for the species which, given is rarity, would qualify for threatened species listing.

Two other range extensions have been determined following our identification of the Narrow Thumbnail Orchid (Dockrillia linguiformis var huntianum), and Hygrophylla angusta.

The Spear Grass (Aristida queenslandica); the Elbow Orchid (Arthrochilus prolixus); Common Sneezweed (Centipeda cunninghamii), and Common Wasp Orchid (Chiloglottis diphylla), have all been identified on the site and all species recognised as uncommon on the Upper North East Coast of NSW (Sherringham and Westaway 1995).

Grazing and trampling by livestock will be highly damaging to all the herb species mentioned above. Ecological values - Fauna The Sandy Crossing TSR supports a range of habitats, ranging from riverine and floodplain freshwater wetland communities, to subtropical floodplain forest to dry Sclerophyll communities. These all combine to provide habitat for a similarly wide range of fauna.

While not specifically requested to undertake a fauna survey, we were asked to assess the reserve for potential habitat which, along with opportunistic sightings of fauna, enabled us to compile a list of animals, birds and reptiles that are likely to be found. Those opportunistic sightings show that the reserve is home to an array of bird species including threatened Brolgas, Sea Eagles and Glossy- black Cockatoos, all of which nest on the site, Magpie Geese, Brown Treecreepers and Speckled Warblers. The last reported Koala sighting in the Pillar Valley area, a decade ago, was also on Eight Mile Lane next to the reserve. The occurrence of numerous Forest Red Gums and Grey Gums, favoured feed tree species for Koalas, could provide core habitat as described under State Environmental Planning Policy #44.

Brolga and one of two chicks photographed in January of this year, showing the Sandy Crossing reserve is used as a Glossy-black Cockatoo, photographed in January this breeding site for these threatened birds. year at Sandy Crossing TSR In relation to Brolgas, the National Parks and Wildlife (NPWS) threatened species booklet quotes the NSW Scientific Committee's determination as finding “Destruction of nests by grazing Stock” as a major threat to the species, recommending - “Protect wetlands from grazing”. That recommendation also applies to Magpie Geese, and though they are not known to breed south of Bowen in Queensland, occurrence of the species across the Clarence Valley in recent years appear to be on the rise, possibly in response to global warming.

The reserve also contains extensive groves of Black Sheoak (Allocasuarina litoralis) one of only two Allocasuarina species that fill the entire diet of the threatened Glossy-black Cockatoo. The Scientific Committee's recommendation to, “retain diverse understorey species and in particular to permit the regeneration of sheoaks”, is focused mainly on the negative effects of too frequent burning, however, understorey destruction and suppression of regeneration through grazing is well documented.

Old Growth, hollow-bearing trees are also present across the reserve, particularly in the northern section, and these almost certainly would provide habitat for a range of threatened fauna including large forest owls, gliders, parrots, and microbat species. The Sandy Crossing Reserve lies within the boundary of the Upper Coldstream Biodiversity Project area, where the Nature Conservation Council has undertaken two fauna surveys over the past 4 years. A full species list is attached to this report, but to date the following threatened species have been recorded and, given the range of habitats contained within the reserve, a high percentage are deemed likely to occur there. Brush-tailed Phascogale Phascogale tapoatafa Dasyuridae Vulnerable Eastern Long-eared Bat Nyctophilus bifax Vespertilionidae Vulnerable Grey-headed Flying Fox Pteropus poliocephalus Pteropodidae Vulnerable Little Bent-wing Bat Miniopterus australis Vespertilionidae Vulnerable New Holland Mouse Pseudomys novaehollandiae Muridae Vulnerable (EPBC Act) Rufous Bettong Aepyprymnus rufescens Potoroidae Vulnerable Spotted-tailed Quoll Dasyurus maculatus Dasyuridae Vulnerable Squirrel Glider Petaurus norfolcensis Petauridae Vulnerable Yellow-bellied Glider Petaurus australis Petauridae Vulnerable

Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaehollandiae Podicipedidae Vulnerable Black Bittern Ixobrychus poiciloptilus Ardeidae Vulnerable Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus Ciconiidae Endangered Brolga Grus rubicundus Gruidae Vulnerable Coastal Emu Dromaius novaehollandiae Dromaiidae Endangered population Glossy-black Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathamii Cacatuinae Vulnerable Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis Timaliidae Vulnerable Little Lorikeet Glossopsitta pusilla Loriinae Vulnerable Magpie Goose Anseranus semipalmata Anatidae Vulnerable Powerful Owl Ninox strenua Strigidae Vulnerable Spotted Harrier Circus assimilis Accipitridae Vulnerable Varied Sittella Daphoenositta chrysoptera Neosittidae Vulnerable White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster Accipitridae Vulnerable (preliminary) Wompoo Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus magnificus Columbidae Vulnerable

Pale-headed Snake Hoplocephalus bitorquatus Elapidae Vulnerable (Notpositive ID) Stephens' Banded Snake Hoplocephalus stephensii Elapidae Vulnerable White-crowned Snake Cacophis harriettae Elapidae Vulnerable

------Weeds species The full list of weed species is provided with the attached species list. The main problem species is Lantana camara, found in most areas of the reserve, but only a problem in the south-eastern quarter of the reserve, and a relatively narrow strip along Wants Lane (see map at left where blue hatching shows the worst infestations.

Another emerging weed problem is Micky Mouse Plant (Ochna serrulata), which occurs alongside the Lantana in that south eastern corner. Passionfruit vine, and Senna are two other commonly found weeds, the former easily addressed, unlike a swamp weed, Cuphea carthagenensis, which, being a woody herb, would be time-consuming to remove; fortunately it is not consided invasive.

Another introduced species, which is appearing along the southern boundary with Eight Mile Lane, is a Maple species?, obviously established from seed dispersed from parent trees planted on private property along the opposite side of the road. These can be easily removed. A large germination of Noogoora Burr (Xanthium occidentale) was growing in dried up wetland areas prior to the extensive March rains. A quantity of these were hand removed prior to the rains, and the rest are currently under water, and likely to die as a result.

Recommendations 1. A fauna survey is recommended to provide those formulating management plans with the full knowledge of what they are supposed to be managing.

2. Primary weed eradication needs to be undertaken to remove a variety of invasive weed species, particularly across the south-eastern section of the reserve, as identified in the report.

3. Annual weed inspections need to be undertaken and follow-up treatment of weeds is crucial to the long-term success of weed eradication programs.

4. A healthy forest, with closed canopy with multi species mid-storey shrubs is a good way to prevent weed invasion. In this respect, it is crucial that all disturbance, mechanical slashing, tree thinning, clearing of fence-lines and tracks, burning off and intrusion by livestock be avoided.

Yours sincerely

John Edwards Honorary Secretary.