CALGA Monitoring Report 2

CALGA

Monitoring Report 2

For:

Calga Sand Quarry Extension

November 2013

Final

PO Box 2474 Carlingford Court 2118

Report No. 12081RP

The preparation of this report has been in accordance with the brief provided by the Client and has relied upon the data and results collected at or under the times and conditions specified in the report. All findings, conclusions or recommendations contained within the report are based only on the aforementioned circumstances. The report has been prepared for use by the Client and no responsibility for its use by other parties is accepted by Cumberland Ecology.

Revision Date Issued Reviewed by Approved by Date Approved Revision Type

Approved by: David Robertson

Position: Director

Signed:

Date: 29 November, 2013

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Table of Contents

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Summary 1.1 1.1.1 Introduction 1.1 1.1.2 Methods 1.1 1.1.3 Results 1.1 1.1.4 Conclusions and Recommendations 1.2 1.2 Purpose 1.3 1.3 Background 1.3 1.3.1 Performance Criteria 1.3

2 MONITORING

2.1 Literature Review 2.1 2.2 Site Inspection 2.1 2.2.1 Revegetation Monitoring 2.2 2.2.2 Threatened Species Monitoring 2.3

3 RESULTS

3.1 Rehabilitation Monitoring 3.1 3.1.1 Quadrat Surveys 3.1 3.1.2 Rehabilitation Progress 3.7 3.1.3 Noxious Weeds 3.7 3.2 Fauna 3.8 3.2.1 Native Fauna 3.8 3.2.2 Vertebrate Pests 3.10 3.3 Threatened Species Monitoring 3.10 3.3.1 Hibbertia procumbens 3.10 3.3.2 Darwinia glacuophylla 3.11

4 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

4.1 Conclusion 4.1 4.1.1 Rehabilitation Areas 4.1

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Table of Contents (Cont'd)

4.1.2 Threatened Species Surveys 4.1 4.2 Recommendations 4.1

Table of Appendices

A. FLORA SPECIES RECORDED IN MONITORING QUADRATS

B. SPECIES PLANTING LIST

C. THREATENED SPECIES LOCATIONS

D. THREATENED SPECIES PROFILES

D.1 Darwinia glaucophylla D.1

D.2 Hibbertia procumbens D.1

List of Tables

2.1 Coordinates, Orientation and Photo Point Location of Quadrats 2.2

3.1 Revegetation Species Required to be Represented in the Final Landform and their Occurrence in 2013 3.7

3.2 Birds Recorded on the Subject Site 3.9

A.1 Plant Species Recorded within Quadrats 2012 A.1

A.2 Plant Species Recorded Within Quadrats 2013 A.6

B.1 Plant Species List B.1

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List of Tables

C.1 Locations of Darwinia glaucophylla on site C.1

List of Figures

2.1 Location of Monitoring Quadrats in Rehabilitation Areas 2.4

3.1 Darwinia glaucophylla and Hibbertia ssp. detected in and adjacent to the subject site 3.17

List of Photographs

3.1 Quadrat 1 3.2

3.2 Bare, eroded section of north-eastern bund wall north of quadrat 4 3.3

3.3 Quadrat 4 3.4

3.4 Quadrat 5 3.4

3.5 Quadrat 2 3.5

3.6 Quadrat 3 3.6

3.7 Crofton Weed recorded in north-eastern perimeter drain in 2012. 3.8

3.8 Likely Abandoned Wombat Burrow in Quadrat 3 3.10

3.9 Tagged Darwinia glaucophylla individual in good health (Tag is located on a fence above the individual) 3.12

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List of Photographs

3.10 A large sandstone outcrop fringed with Darwinia glaucophylla individuals is located in Monitoring Plot 1 3.13

3.11 Tagged Darwinia glaucphylla individual in 2012 suffering from dieback 3.14

3.12 Deceased tagged individual in 2013 3.14

3.13 Flowering Darwinia glaucophylla individual with juvenile foliage 3.15

3.14 Darwinia glaucophylla individual with mature foliage 3.16

3.15 Deceased individual tagged in 2012 in 2013 3.16

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Chapter 1

Introduction

1.1 Summary

1.1.1 Introduction

The purpose of this report is to detail the second round of results of a biodiversity monitoring programme of the Calga Sand Quarry and provide recommendations following the second round of monitoring. The monitoring programme was established in 2012 by Cumberland Ecology. This report forms part of the Annual Environmental Management Report (AEMR) for the Project.

A Rehabiliation and Landscape Management Plan (RLMP) was prepared for the Project in 2006 by R.W. Corkery & Co. In order to meet a number of the commitments referred to in the RLMP, rehabilitation and noxious weed management is required to be undertaken and monitored, and the results of such monitoring are required to be reported on in the AEMR. Additionally, a threatened flora monitoring programme and report are required to be prepared to assess whether quarry operations are having any affect on populations of threatened species occurring on and adjacent to the site.

1.1.2 Methods

Site inspections were conducted on the 5th and 6th of November 2013. The site inspection on the 5th consisted of surveying five fixed monitoring quadrats in rehabilitation areas established by Cumberland Ecology in 2012 and conducting random meanders of the site to identify noxious weed infestations and signs of vertebrate pests. The site inspection on the 6th of November was to survey populations of the two threatened flora species, D. glaucuphylla and H. procumbens on and adjacent to the site, through random meander surveys and re-assessment of three monitoring plots for D. glaucuphylla, previously set up in 2012.

1.1.3 Results i. Rehabilitation Areas

Of the five quadrats surveyed in the rehabilitation areas, weed cover had reduced in all of them. However, the groundcover in most quadrats was found to be dominated by exotic species, the exception being in Quadrat 3 (where weed cover was estimated at 5% in 2013) which represents the most mature regeneration stand. Quadrats 4 and 5 were particularly

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weed infested with cover estimated at 55-75%). Additionally, some Acacia species are beginning to dominate the shrub and small tree layers in places, suppressing the growth of other native shrubs and groundcovers. Large sections of the north-eastern bund wall have slumped along the top edge, showing signs of erosion and are bare, which makes it difficult for native plants to establish.

The presence of noxious weeds on the site was much improved, with only a few individuals observed within rehabiliation areas.

In general, the rehabilitation areas are not considered mature enough to provide much habitat for fauna at this stage, either native or exotic. ii. Threatened Species Monitoring

Individuals of D. glaucophylla that were mapped previously were present throughout parts of the south-west corner of the site, in areas with exposed rock and skeletal soils. Some of the previously tagged individuals that were noted as being in poor health last year were found to be dead in the 2013 surveys. However, it was considered that the death of these individuals was due to natural processes, as most other individuals within the sub-populations were observed to be healthy and one individual near monitoring plot 3 was observed flowering.

1.1.4 Conclusions and Recommendations

Weed control has generally been carried out with a high degree of success and all quadrats had a lesser abundance score for weeds than recorded in 2012. Despite this, the ground layer of most monitoring quadrats was generally depauperate of a diversity of native species which were being outshaded by thick Acacia thickets in some areas.

Rehabilitation is generally being implemented in accordance with the performance criteria outlined in the RLMP. There are some shortfalls in regards to erosion and sediment control of some of the bund walls, which need to be addressed.

The recent threatened species surveys found the population of D. glaucophylla on the site to be healthy and unaffected by mining activities. H. procumbens is either not present on site or wasn’t able to be found at the time of the recent survey, nor in the 2012 survey.

A number of recommendations have been made in this report to improve the native species diversity of the rehabiliation areas. This includes addressing the erosion issues near quadrats 4 and 5, and some follow-up weed control is needed here, which may require some additional planting of native shrubs and groundcovers. Some thinning of Acacia species is also required. The few remaining individuals of noxious weeds should be removed and their presence monitored across the site as they are likley to have seed in the soil bank.

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Threatened species monitoring sholud continue and new plants tagged in 2014 to replace those individuals that died.

1.2 Purpose

The purpose of this report is to detail the second round of results of a biodiversity monitoring programme of the Calga Sand Quarry (hereafter known as the Project) and provide recommendations following the second round of monitoring. The monitoring programme was established in 2012 by Cumberland Ecology. This report forms part of the Annual Environmental Management Report (AEMR) for the Project.

1.3 Background

The Calga Sand Quarry is located off Peats Ridge Road, 1.7km north-northwest of the Calga Interchange on the F3 Freeway (the site). Sand extraction during Stages 1 and 2 of the quarry was undertaken between 1991 and 2004. Consent for a development application to extend the quarry onto land immediately north of existing operations (Stage 3) was granted by the Minister for Planning on 28 October 2005 (DA 94-4-2004) with sand extraction commencing in early 2006. Included within the consent were a number of conditions relating to ecological issues, including the preparation of a Rehabilitation and Landscape Management Plan (RLMP) (Condition 3(22) of DR 94-4-2004).

A RLMP was prepared for the Project in 2006 by R.W. Corkery & Co. In order to meet a number of the commitments referred to in the RLMP, rehabilitation and noxious weed management is required to be undertaken and monitored, and the results of such monitoring are required to be reported on in the AEMR. Additionally, a threatened flora monitoring programme and report are required to be prepared to assess whether quarry operations are having any affect on populations of threatened species occurring on and adjacent to the site.

Prior to 2012, monitoring of rehabilitation was undertaken for the Project by T.R.E.E.S. Pty Ltd. In 2012, Cumberland Ecology was asked by R.W. Corkery & Co on behalf of Rocla to develop and implement a new monitoring programme to monitor revegetation works, noxious weeds, vertebrate pests and threatened flora at the site.

1.3.1 Performance Criteria

The following performance criteria have been reproduced from the approved RLMP for the Project and are provided below:

The rehabilitation consultant will inspect the rehabilitation and comment on the relative progress against the relevant completion criteria noted in Section 4.1 of the Rehabilitation and Landscape Management Plan (reproduced below). In addition, the rehabilitation or ecological consultant will monitor the number and distribution of the two threatened flora species identified on or adjacent to the quarry site.

From Section 4.1 of the RLMP:

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i. Species Diversity

Of the 20 species listed below at least 75% will be represented in the final landform.

Revegetation Species

Hardenbergia violaceae Banksia robur Eucalyptus gummifera

Kennedia rubicunda Banksia spinulosa Eucalyptus haemostoma

Acacia suaveolens Xanthorrea australis Kunzea capitata

Acacia terminalis Themeda australis Kunzea ambigua

Acacia ulicifolia Angophora costada Kunzea parvifolia

Banksia serrata Angophora hispida Lomandra longifolia

Banksia ericifolida Eucalyptus eximia

ii. Threatened Species

Populations of the threatened flora species identified on and adjacent to the quarry site, Darwinia glaucuphylla and Hibertia procumbens, will be monitored. iii. Noxious Weeds

The spread of W3 noxious weeds identified within the quarry site, namely, Crofton Weed (Ageratina adenophora) and Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) will be prevented and their distribution restricted. iv. Vertebrate Pests

Sampling for all the nominated vertebrate pests (European Rabbits. European Red Foxes. Feral Cats and House Mice) will be conducted in conjunction with the quarry rehabilitation monitoring program.

Section 5 of the RLMP includes the following commitment to monitoring threatened plants on and adjacent to the site:

Monitoring the number and distribution of the threatened species, Darwinia glaucophylla and Hibbertia procumbens, will be undertaken on an annual basis by a suitably qualified ecologist. The ecologist will inspect each of the individual or sub-population locations previously identified on the quarry site and adjoining land and describe the condition of the individual or sub-population. Reference to salient recent meteorological conditions will be made and commentary on the general status of surrounding vegetation provided. An additional search of the quarry site and adjoining land will then be performed to determine whether any additional individuals or sub-populations of the targeted threatened flora species are present.

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Chapter 2

Monitoring

2.1 Literature Review

Prior to developing the biodiversity monitoring programme, a literature review of relevant literature was conducted. A review of the following documents was completed:

 AEMR of 2010 and 2011, prepared by R.W. Corkery & Co;

 Hand written notes by James Dutton who is conducting rehabilitation works on the revegetation areas (i.e. weed control, seed collection etc.);

 Calga Sand Quarry Rehabilitation Assessment Report July 2011 prepared by T.R.E.E.S. Pty Ltd; and

 Rehabilitation and Landscape Management Plan, prepared by R.W. Corkery & Co 2011;

 Threatened Species Monitoring Report 2012, Cumberland Ecology;

 Monitoring Report 2012, Cumberland Ecology.

Cumberland Ecology prepared a monitoring programme for the two threatened species at the site in 2012, Hibbertia procumbens (Spreading Guinea Flower) and Darwinia glaucophylla.. The baseline data for the establishment of this monitoring programme is provided in the 2012 report (Threatened Species Monitoring Report 8050RP4).

2.2 Site Inspection

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2.2.1 Revegetation Monitoring i. Quadrat Survey

In order to assess the rehabilitation on site, five vegetation quadrats (0.04 ha or 20m x 20m) were established along the acoustic bunds that surround the site, within the north-western fill area and within rehabilitation areas of Stage 1 and 2 in 2012 (refer to Figure 2.1). Quadrat locations were randomly stratified across the site in representative areas. The location of each quadrat was marked by installing four star pickets – one in each corner of the quadrat. Each star picket was labelled and spray painted pink. The location of each quadrat was recorded using a hand held GPS unit and is provided in Figure 2.1.

All vascular plant species were recorded in each quadrat. A cover abundance score was given to each species recorded in each quadrat according to a modified Braun-Blanquet method (Braun-Blanquet, 1927) as shown below:

 1 = rare;

 2 = occasional;

 3 = common but less than 5% cover;

 4 = very common but less than 5% cover;

 5 = 5-25% cover;

 6 = 26-50% cover;

 7 = 51-75% cover; and

 8 = 76%-100% cover.

In addition to the above, the height, cover and weed cover was also collected for each stratum in each quadrat.

Photographic monitoring was also established at one corner of each quadrat. The location, orientation and corner of the quadrat the photo was taken from are provided below:

Table 2.1 Coordinates, Orientation and Photo Point Location of Quadrats

Quadrat Number Easting Northing Orientation of Quadrat Photograph Point

1 334234 6301782 20m x 20m SE corner of quadrat

2 334441 6301558 10m x 40m SE corner of quadrat 3 334062 6301218 20m x 20m SE corner of quadrat

4 333980 6301471 10m x 40m SE corner of quadrat 5 333994 6301525 10m x 40m SW corner of quadrat

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ii. Fauna Habitat Assessment

Fauna habitat assessment was undertaken within each rehabilitation quadrat and during traverses between quadrats in order to assess the progress of the rehabilitation in providing habitat for native fauna. The site was assessed for ground, shrub/understorey and canopy cover, number and size of hollows present, habitat features such as bush rock and fallen trees, and signs of fauna usage such as scats, scratches, diggings, footprints, nests, burrows and runways...

Hollows were used as a general indication of habitat quality for arboreal fauna, and hollow- dependent birds and bats. iii. Random Meander Transect

The site was traversed using a random meander transect to identify areas where noxious weed species occurred.

2.2.2 Threatened Species Monitoring

Monitoring of the threatened flora species D. glaucuphylla and H. procumbens consisted of a random meander transect through the areas of the site, and adjacent to the site, in which the species have been recorded previously. The study area encompassed the boundary of the quarry (refer to Figure 2.1) and intact native vegetation to the immediate south of the this within a potential disturbance area, which ranged from 10m-30m from the site’s fenced boundary.

In addition, three threatened species monitoring plots that were established by Cumberland Ecology in 2012 were re-surveyed in 2013. During the 2012 survey no individuals of H. procumbens were found, so the monitoring plots were established in areas with occurrences of the other threatened species, D. glaucophylla. Within each plot, one individual that had been tagged in 2012 was photographed, re-assessed for new growth and condition, as well as notes and a photograph taken on the general health of the surrounding individuals in the sub-populations. All individuals/sub-populations recorded in this survey were marked by a Global Positioning System (GPS) point and flagged using fluorescent tape.

The survey was carried out by two ecologists over a 5 hour period, with a total survey effort of 10 hours. The weather during the survey was sunny and hot with few clouds.

Despite the survey being carried out in the known flowering period for Hibbertia spp. not all Hibbertia species were flowering at the time of survey and due to their inconspicuous nature, and the dense vegetation occurring in the subject site, this made individuals difficult to find.

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Chapter 3

Results

3.1 Rehabilitation Monitoring

3.1.1 Quadrat Surveys i. Acoustic Bund Walls

Quadrats 1, 4 and 5 are located along the eastern and north-eastern acoustic bund walls of the site (refer to Figure 2.1). The eastern bund wall and entrance area contains a mix of native species that have been planted from tube stocks or naturally grown from seed. a. Quadrat 1

A total of 35 species were recorded in quadrat 1. Approximately 54% (n=19) were native species and predominantly occurred in the shrub layer. Despite no tree layer or small tree layer present, there were scattered planted juvenile Angophora costata (Smooth-barked Apple) present that will emerge in time to fill these strata and provide cover to suppress exotic weeds. The dominant species of the shrub layer was Acacia longifolia and was estimated to cover between 26-50% of the shrub layer and cover 70% of the quadrat (Photograph 3.1). The groundcover contained almost all exotic herbs and grass species. Dominant weed species in the groundcover included Cynodon dactylon (Couch) and Pennisetum clandestinum (Kikuyu). The weed cover was much less than recorded in 2012 and there was evidence of dieback of weeds due to spraying of herbicide during the recent site visit. A full list of species recorded in quadrat 1 is provided in Appendix A.

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Photograph 3.1 Quadrat 1 ii. North-eastern Bund Wall

Quadrats 4 and 5 are positioned along the north-eastern bund wall of the site. Large sections of the north-eastern bund wall have slumped along the top edge, showing signs of erosion and are bare, which makes it difficult for native plants to establish (Photograph 3.2).

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Photograph 3.2 Bare, eroded section of north-eastern bund wall north of quadrat 4 a. Quadrat 4

Quadrat 4 contained dense shrub and groundcovers; Thirty two species were detected in the quadrat, of which 53% (n=17) were native. Quadrat 4 contained dense stands of Acacia binervia, Acacia longifolia and A. Mearnsii, which dominated the shrub and small tree layer and were estimated to cover approximately 60% of the quadrat. The diversity of groundcovers consisted largely of weed species, such as Lolium perenne, Cynodon dactylon and Bidens pilosa (Cobbler’s Peg) with low abundances of scattered exotic herbs such as Sida rhombifolium (Paddy’s Lucerne) and Briza subaristata. Native grasses included Microlaena stipoides and Themeda australis (Kangaroo Grass) The weed cover of the ground layer of quadrat 4 was estimated at 20%, a reduction from 40% in 2012. b. Quadrat 5

Quadrat 5 was generally open and grassy with a few scattered shrubs. Twenty three species were detected in quadrat 5, of which 39% (n=9) were native. The diversity of groundcovers consisted largely of weed species, including Bidens pilosa, Cynondon dactylon and Andropogen virginicus (Whisky Grass). Unlike the northern bund wall there was a noticeable presence of Imperata cylindrica (Bladey Grass) in the groundcover which formed small localised patches. The weed cover of the ground layer was estimated at 55%, a reduction from 95% in 2012.

A full list of species recorded in quadrats 4 and 5 has been provided in Appendix A.

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Photograph 3.3 Quadrat 4

Photograph 3.4 Quadrat 5

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iii. Northern Fill Area

This area varies in structure from densely shrubby to the east and sparsely vegetated to the west. a. Quadrat 2

Quadrat 2 was positioned in a way so it captured a variation in vegetative cover. The northern fill area had a total 22 species recorded within Quadrat 2, of which 64% (n=14) were native. The densely vegetated north and eastern portion of the quadrat contained dense occurrences of the native vine Kennedia rubicunda which were smothering emergent native shrubs such as Acacia longifolia. Within this area a dense covering of the large exotic tussock grass Paspalum dilatatum was present, though this had been recently slashed and sprayed. A longifolia was the dominant species in the shrub layer making up 26-50% of the cover in the shrub layer. Other native species, such as Kunzea ambigua, Acacia ulicifolia and Casaurina glauca occurred in low abundances. Exotic species dominated the ground layer and included: P. clandestinum, C. dactylon and Paspalum dilatatum (Paspalum). Although the vegetation to the west of the fill area is much sparser, it contains fewer weeds and is in better condition in this regard. The weed cover of the ground layer of quadrat 2 was estimated at 75% though many of these weeds had been sprayed with herbicide and were in the process of dying at the time of the survey. Weed coverage in this area was estimated at 95% in 2012.

A full list of species recorded in quadrat 2 has been provided in Appendix A.

Photograph 3.5 Quadrat 2

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iv. Stage 1 and 2 Rehabilitation

This area of revegetation is the oldest and is the most mature on the site and was established following completion of Stage 1 and 2 of the Project. a. Quadrat 3

The vegetation in Quadrat 3 contained native species in all strata (tree, small tree, shrub and ground layer). A total of 25 species were recorded, of which 96% (n=24) were native. The vegetation contains Angophora costata and Eucalyptus sieberi in the tree layer, and Corymbia eximia (Yellow Bloodwood), Eucalytpus haemastoma (Scribbly Gum) and Angophora hispida in the small tree layer. The shrub layer is very dense and contains largely Kunzea ambigua with occurrences of other species, such as A. hispida, Acacia longifolia, Banksia ericifolia and Hakea sericea. The ground cover is sparse due to the dense shrub cover and contains Pteridium esculatum, Lomandra longifolia, Bossiaea heterophylla, and T. australis. Present on site in the time since the previous survey is a single occurrence of the fern Lindsaea microphylla (Lacy Wedge Fern) which may indicate recruitment of species from the adjacent patch of remanant bushland. Weed cover of the ground layer is estimated at 5%, with A. virginicus the most common weed species.

A full list of species recorded in quadrat 3 has been provided in Appendix A.

Photograph 3.6 Quadrat 3

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3.1.2 Rehabilitation Progress

The performance criteria outlined in the RLMP for the site (refer to Section 1.2.1) note twenty species that are recommended for re-planting, of which at least 75% are required to be represented in the final landform. Table 3.1 below shows that of the 20 species listed, the majority were represented within the quadrats surveyed.

Table 3.1 Revegetation Species Required to be Represented in the Final Landform and their Occurrence in 2013

Species Name 2013 Species Name 2013

Acacia suaveolens Y Eucalyptus gummifera N Acacia terminalis Y Eucalyptus haemostoma Y

Acacia ulicifolia Y Hardenbergia violaceae Y

Angophora costada Y Kennedia rubicunda Y Angophora hispida Y Kunzea ambigua Y

Banksia ericifolida Y Kunzea capitata N

Banksia robur Y Kunzea parvifolia N Banksia serrata Y Lomandra longifolia Y

Banksia spinulosa Y Themeda australis Y Eucalyptus eximia Y Xanthorrea australis N

Source: Rehabilitation and Landscape Management Plan prepared by R.W. Corkery & Co, 2006

3.1.3 Noxious Weeds

Three noxious weeds were identified on the subject site during the site inspection. These included the following species:

 Cortaderia selloana (Pampas Grass);

 Rubus fruticosus (Blackberry); and

 Lantana camara (Lantana).

All three species are considered Class 4 weeds in the Gosford LGA. The growth of these plants must be managed in a manner that reduces their numbers, spread and incidence and continuously inhibits its reproduction.

The majority of the rehabilitation areas did not exhibit high proportions of noxious weeds, and they occurred as singular isolated occurrences. The most common and widespread noxious species observed in 2012 was Ageratina adenophora (Crofton Weed). It was not observed during the recent site visit, indicating efforts to control it have been successful. Although not observed, it is a prolific seeder, and is likely present on site as small occurrences that will need to be controlled on an ongoing basis. This species was

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particularly common along the north-eastern perimeter drain and south-eastern corner in 2012.

R. fruticosus was observed on site in a thin strip of vegetation across the road from the site shed, as a single straggling bush which should be removed. L. camara, a weed of national significance, was recorded in quadrat 4 as a single seedling which should be removed during forthcoming bushland regeneration works (see Figure 2.1 for location of quadrat 4). C. selloana was recorded as a single juvenile individual in Quadrat 1 which should be removed before it matures and sets seed. Other exotic species recorded within the rehabilitation areas included: Senecio madagascariensis (Fire Weed), Verbena bonariensis (Verbena), P. dilatatum, B. pilosa, Chloris gayana (Rhodes Grass), Conyza bonariensis, A. virginicus, Plantago lanceolata, Briza maxima, and B. subaristata.

Photograph 3.7 Crofton Weed recorded in north-eastern perimeter drain in 2012.

3.2 Fauna

3.2.1 Native Fauna

Generally, the revegetation areas provide limited habitat for native fauna, particularly areas that are open and structurally simple (e.g. quadrat 5). No shelter or foraging habitat is present in these areas. There were no mature trees with hollows or fallen timber for terrestrial fauna to utilise.

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The leaf litter that is accumulating along the acoustic bunds provides habitat for common reptiles and amphibians. The Broad Palmed Frog (Litoria latopalmata) was recorded during traverses between quadrat 4 and 5 in the perimeter drain, where conditions are moist, in 2012. This area was surveyed during the recent trip but no frogs were heard calling, likely because of a lack of recent rain.

A number of small common birds such as, Superb Fairy Wren (Malurus cyaneus) were recorded within the shrubby Acacia thickets of the acoustic bund walls. A complete list of bird species observed and areas they occurred in are recorded below in Table 3.2.

Table 3.2 Birds Recorded on the Subject Site

Scientific Name Common Name Quadrat Recorded Heard/Seen

Acanthiza pusilla Brown Thornbill 2, 3, 4, 5 H

Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris Eastern Spinebill 2 H Chenonetta jubata Australian Wood Duck 4 H

Colluricincla harmonica Grey - Shrike Thrush 2, 4 H

Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo Shrike 3 H Cracticus tibicen Australian Magpie 4 H

Hirundo neoxena Welcome Swallow 4, 5 S + H

Lichenostomus leucotis White-eared Honeyeater 5 S Malarus cyaneus Superb Fairy-wren 2, 3, 4 H

Pachycephala pectoralis Golden Whistler 4 H Phaps chalcoptera Common Bronzewing 4 S

Phylidronis novaehollandiae New Holland Honeyeater 5 S

Psophodes olivaceus Eastern Whipbird 5 H Rhipidura albiscapa Grey Fantail 2, 4, 5 H

Scythrops novaehollandiae Channel-billed Cuckoo 3 H

Sericornis frontalis White-browed Scrubwren 4, 5 H Zosterops lateralis Silvereye 2, 4, 5 H .

Conical diggings, typical of Bandicoot and macropod scats were also observed within the rehabilitation areas, and burrows consistent with the presence of the Bush Rat (Rattus fuscipes). Some of the planted tube stocks show signs of macropod browsing, and macropod scats and prints were observed in quadrats 4 and 5. A wombat burrow was observed (Photograph 3.8) within Quadrat 3, though does not appear to have been recently utilised.

Until the revegetation areas become more structurally and floristically diverse they will continue to provide limited habitat for a small subset of common native fauna species.

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Photograph 3.8 Likely Abandoned Wombat Burrow in Quadrat 3

3.2.2 Vertebrate Pests

It is unlikely that the site provides important habitat for invertebrate pests due to the denuded nature of the site. No vertebrate pests were observed during the site inspection; and no evidence of their occurrence was found during the recent survey. A fox print was observed in 2012 within the site along the southern perimeter. There is potential for other vertebrate pests to occur including rabbits and house mice, although evidence such as scats and herbivory of foliage was not observed.

3.3 Threatened Species Monitoring

3.3.1 Hibbertia procumbens i. 2012 survey

Surveys by Cumberland Ecology in 2012 did not find any occurrences of H. procumbens on the site or in the bushland area adjacent to the site. During the survey two non-threatened species of Hibbertia were found on the subject site and in the surrounds and these species were GPS, tagged and mapped in relation to previous mapped locations of occurrences of H. procumbens. Potential reasons for the seeming absence of H. procumbens were provided, as follows:

 Although the survey was conducted in the flowering season for Hibbertia species (summer) not all Hibbertia individuals were flowering at the time of the survey.

CUMBERLAND ECOLOGY © - CALGA FINAL CALGA SAND QUARRY EXTENSION 3.10 29 NOVEMBER 2013

Non-flowering individuals are inconspicuous when located in a dense shrubby understorey and therefore there is the potential that a number of these individuals were missed;

 Previous surveys were conducted a number of years ago (2006/2007). There is no evidence of a recent wildlfire in the area and parts of the study area now support dense stands of Banksia ericifolia and Leptospermum spp. where H. procumbens was previously detected. Heavily shaded habitats are not favourable for the growth of H. procumbens and it is likely that some individuals have been out- competed in these habitats; and

 H. acicularis and H. empetrifolia (the former in particular) are similar in appearance to H. procumbens. Both H. acicularis and H. procumbens have narrow leaves to 2mm wide. Other than the usually pungent nature of the leaves of H. acicularis, the main features that distinguish these two species are the arrangement of stamens around the carpels and the location of the flower head (H acicularis has 6- 8 stamens arranged to one side of the carpels and an axillary flower on a peduncle of 2-10mm, whilst H. procumbens has about 20 stamens surrounding the carpels and a sessile terminal flower). Without the help of reproductive features and the use of a hand lens or microscope therefore, these species are difficult to differentiate between, especially when not in flower. A number of flowering H. acicularis were detected in the study area in the general vicinity of previously mapped H. procumbens records and there is the potential that some individuals could have been mistaken for H. procumbens if not in flower during the previous survey period. ii. 2013 Survey

Although a thorough search of areas with occurrence records for H. procumbens was undertaken, the species was again not located during the recent survey. The non-threatened H. empetrifolia was located in the same area as the 2012 survey and was flowering. A number of individuals of an additional non-threatened species, H. obtusifolia were located in the south-western edge of the subject site during the recent survey.(refer to Figure 4.1). Weather conditions in the period leading up to the recent survey generally lacked rain which could have resulted in the death of H. procumbens individuals on site, which may have prevented their location, though all other shrub species in the area were in good health at the time of the survey.

3.3.2 Darwinia glacuophylla

Individuals of D. glaucophylla that were mapped previously (refer to Figure 4.1) were present throughout sections of their required habitat in the SW corner of the subject site, in areas with exposed rock and skeletal soils. Although rainfall had been lacking in the period leading up to the survey, most individuals were healthy and one individual near monitoring plot 3 was observed flowering.

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i. Monitoring Plot 1

Monitoring Plot 1 consists of a large, flat sandstone outcrop fringed with mats of abundant D. glaucophylla individuals. Individuals in the area were overall in a healthy condition. Monitoring plot 1 is at the lowest elevation of the three plots, with the other two plots more exposed along a ridge top. The individual that had been tagged in 2012 was in good health displaying new foliage.

Photograph 3.9 Tagged Darwinia glaucophylla individual in good health (Tag is located on a fence above the individual)

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Photograph 3.10 A large sandstone outcrop fringed with Darwinia glaucophylla individuals is located in Monitoring Plot 1 ii. Monitoring Plot 2

Monitoring Plot 2 is located on a slope just below the ridge top. The population of D. glacuophylla in this area was small (less than 10 individuals) and consisted of a combination of healthy individuals and some with dieback. It was noted in the 2012 report that dieback may be associated with sand from the ridgetop due to natural run-off accumulating around plants and changing the microclimate for the individual plants. D. glaucophylla is associated with extremely shallow, skeletal soils in area fringing rock outcrops. The tagged sample individual was noted in 2012 as suffering from dieback (Photograph 4.3). In 2013 the plant was deceased (Photograph 4.4) although individuals within a few square metres were healthy.

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Photograph 3.11 Tagged Darwinia glaucphylla individual in 2012 suffering from dieback

Photograph 3.12 Deceased tagged individual in 2013

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iii. Monitoring Plot 3

Monitoring plot 3 is located along the same ridge top as Monitoring Plot 2, on a steep, rocky, downhill slope directly below the ridge top. On the ridge top is a large population with many D. glaucophylla individuals. As noted in the survey by Cumberland Ecology in 2012 individuals were in various stages of growth, with some individuals suffering from dieback, some with juvenile foliage (Photograph 4.1), and others with mature foliage (Photograph 4.2). It is likely that plants suffering from dieback were senescing or drought affected, and not suffering from as the population taken as a whole was healthy.

The individual plant that was tagged in 2012 (Photograph 4.3) within the monitoring plot was deceased, though it appears to be from senescence rather than from impact of the sand mine as individuals within the surrounding few square metres were healthy. It was noted in 2012 that this individual was suffering from dieback.

Photograph 3.13 Flowering Darwinia glaucophylla individual with juvenile foliage

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Photograph 3.14 Darwinia glaucophylla individual with mature foliage

Photograph 3.15 Deceased individual tagged in 2012 in 2013

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Figure 3.1. Darwinia glaucophylla and Hibbertia sp. in Detected andAdjacent totheSubject Site 50 Coordinate System: Zone MGA 94) 56(GDA 0 Image ©2012Sinclair Knight Merz 50 Image Source:Image 100 150 200 m

I:\...\12081\Figures\RP2_20131114\Figure 3.1. Threatened Species Records Grid North

Chapter 4

Conclusion and Recommendations

4.1 Conclusion

4.1.1 Rehabilitation Areas

A number of the the recommendations from the 2012 report have not been implemented as yet and are again recommended below. However, weed control has generally been carried out with a high degree of success and all quadrats had a lesser ground layer abundance score for weeds than recorded in 2012. Despite quadrats having reduced weed densities in comparison to 2012, they still had high abundances of weeds however, and weed eradication will need to continue.

The ground layer of all monitoring quadrats was generally depauperate of native species which were being outshaded by thick Acacia thickets in some areas.

Rehabilitation is generally being implemented in accordance with the performance criteria set out in Section 1.2.1 and the species required to be represented in the final landform are well represented at present. There are some shortfalls in regards to erosion and sediment control of some of the bund walls, which need to be addressed. Recommended measures to address these are outlined below.

4.1.2 Threatened Species Surveys

4.2 Recommendations

Key recommendations include:

 Eradicate the few remaining juvenile noxious weeds in quadrats and surrounding areas, including the R. fruticosus occurring in a thin strip of vegetation across the road from the site shed, the L. camara recorded in quadrat 4 as a single seedling and the C. selloana recorded as a single juvenile individual in Quadrat 1. Continue to monitor for the presence of A. adenophora;

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 Continue weed control of other exotic groundcovers (especially A. virginicus) within rehabilitation areas, particularly the acoustic bund walls and northern fill area;

 After weed control of the acoustic bund walls and northern fill area has been undertaken, suppress weed growth with mulch. This will slowly reduce weed management efforts and aid in developing the topsoil.

 Weed control requires more of a focus on the area containing quadrats 4 and 5. As it is difficult to carry out weed control works using herbicide with native groundcover species present, it is recommended that weed control continue for another 6-12 months until the weed seed bank of annual weeds has been reduced further. Following this time, or in localised patches where it is needed for erosion control of surface soil, a range of native herbs and grasses need to be planted to prevent the weeds from re-appearing and increase native species diversity. A planting list is provided in Appendix B.

 Review the species list provided in the RLMP. Include a wider range of local native plant species that inhabit varying habitats i.e. a range of species from moist to exposed habitats. If Acacia spp. are used in seed mix, implement measures to thin accordingly and plant out with secondary species to avoid dominance of one species (refer to Appendix B);

 Continue seed collection and spreading of local native seed; and

 Continue to monitor vertebrate pest activity.

 Lengthen sections of the eastern bund wall north-east of quadrat 2 to create a gentler slope.

 Step 1: stabilise the bund wall using a series of staked logs or small benches along the contours and add topsoil;

 Step 2: once bund wall is stabilised and topsoil is spread, mulch and plant with tube stocks or spread seed and mulch afterwards. Incorporate species that prefer exposed habitats as this wall faces west. Use moister species along the toe and next to the drain.

 Remediate sections of the north-eastern bund wall that resemble quadrat 5 (bare and eroded areas). Follow Steps 1 and Step 2 above.

 Thin Acacia thickets in areas where other native species are being out shaded or smothered and supplement with other native species, such as A. costata, Eucalyptus haemostoma and ground covers of Lomandra longifolia, Entolasia stricta and Imperata cylindrical (refer to Appendix B).

 Continue to monitor the presence and condition of threatened species populations on the site on an annual basis. Identify and tag new D. glaucophylla plants next year to monitor, to replace the ones that have died.

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Appendix A

Flora Species Recorded in Monitoring Quadrats

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29 NOVEMBER 2013

Table A.1 Plant Species Recorded within Quadrats 2012

Family Scientific Name Common Name Quadrat

Trees 1 2 3 4 5

Myrtaceae Angophora costata Smooth -barked Apple 5

Eucalyptus sieberi Silvertop Ash 1

Small Trees

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus haemostoma a Scribbly Gum 1

E. sieberi Silvertop Ash 1 Fabaceae Acacia longifolia 5

A. mearnsii 5

Shrubs Casuarinaceae Casuarina glauca Swamp Oak 2

Cunoniaceae Callicoma serratifolia Callicoma 1

Fabaceae Acacia mearnsii 1 1 A. myrtifolia 1

A. oxycedrus 1 A. stricta 1

A. suaveolens Sweet -scented Wattle 1 2 1 1

A. terminalis Sunshine Wattle 3 A. ulicifolia Prickly Moses 3

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Table A.1 Plant Species Recorded within Quadrats 2012

Family Scientific Name Common Name Quadrat

A. longifolia 6 6 3 5 5

Pultenaea rosmarinifolia 1 1

Myrtaceae Angophora costata 2 3 Angophora hispida Dwarf Apple 3

Kunzea ambigua 2 6 3 3 Leptospermum petersonii Yellow Tea Tree 1 4 3

Leptospermum sp. 3

Proteaceae Banksia ericifolia Heath Banksia 2 2 B. robur Swamp Banksia 2

B. serrata 1 3

B. spinulosa Hairpin Banksia 1 Grevillea buxifolia Grey Spiderflower 1

G. diffusa ssp. filipendula 1 Hakea sericea 3

H. teretifolia Dagger Hakea 2

Persoonia levis Broad-leaved Geebung 1

Herbs - Ferns Dennstaedtiaceae Pteridium esculentum Bracken Fern 2

Herbs - Dicots

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Table A.1 Plant Species Recorded within Quadrats 2012

Family Scientific Name Common Name Quadrat

Apiaceae Centella asiatica 3

Xanthosia pilosa 2

Asteraceae * Bidens pilosa 3 2 3 2 * Cirsium vulgare 1

* Conyza bonariensis 3 2 2 * Coreopsis lanceolata 4 2 3 3

* Gnaphalium sp. 2

* Hypochaeris radicata 4 3 3 * Senecio madagascariensis 1

* Tagetes minuta 2

Fabaceae * Triofolium repens 2 3 * Vicia sp. 1

Gentianaceae * Centaurium tenuiflorum 3 Malvaceae * Sida rhombifolia 1 2

Plantaginaceae * Plantago lanceiolata 2

Verbenacaea * Lantana camara Lantana 1 Verbena bonariensis 2

Herbs - Monocots

Cyperaceae Caustis flexuosa Curly Sedge 1 * Cyperus eragrostis 2

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Table A.1 Plant Species Recorded within Quadrats 2012

Family Scientific Name Common Name Quadrat

Gahnia clarkei 1

Juncunaceae Juncus sp. 3

* Juncus effusus 2 Lomandraceae Lomandra longifolia Spiny -headed Mat-rush 1 1 4 4 4

Poaceae * Andropogon virginicus Whisky Grass 3 1 3 2 4 * Argrostis sp. 1

* Axonopus affins Narrow -leaved Carpet Grass 2

* Briza maxima 1 * Chloris gayana Rhodes Grass 3

* Cynodon dactylon Couch 5 5 5 6

* Echinochloa sp. 2 Entolasia stricta Wiry Panic

* Eragrostis curvula African Love Grass 2 3 2 Imperata cylindrica Blady Grass 5 3

* Lolium sp. 4

* Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum 6 1 2 * Pennisetum clandestinum Kikuyu 3 5 2

Themeda australis Kangaroo Grass 1 1 2 1

Vines Fabaceae Hardenbergia violcea Purple Coral Pea 2

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Table A.1 Plant Species Recorded within Quadrats 2012

Family Scientific Name Common Name Quadrat

Kennedia rubicunda Dusky Coral Pea 4 1 2

Menispermaceae Stephania japonica var. discolor 1 1

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Table A.2 Plant Species Recorded Within Quadrats 2013

Family Scientific Name Common Name Quadrat

Trees 1 2 3 4 5

Myrtaceae Angophora costata Smooth -barked Apple 5

Eucalyptus sieberi Silvertop Ash 5

Small Trees

Myrtaceae Angophora hispida 3

Corymbia eximia Yellow Bloodwood 3 Eucalyptus haemostoma a Scribbly Gum 1

E. sieberi Silvertop Ash

Fabaceae Acacia longifolia 5 A. mearnsii 5 2

Shrubs

Araliaceae Polyscias sambucifolia Elderberry Ash 1 Casuarinaceae Casuarina glauca Swamp Oak 2

Cunoniaceae Callicoma serratifolia Callicoma Euphorbiaceae Glochidion ferdinandi Cheese Tree 2

Fabaceae A. binervia 5 A. linifolia A. longifolia 7 6 4 6 5

A. mearnsii 1

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Table A.2 Plant Species Recorded Within Quadrats 2013

Family Scientific Name Common Name Quadrat

A. myrtifolia 1

A. suaveolens Sweet -scented Wattle 2 4

A. terminalis Sunshine Wattle 1 2 A. ulicifolia Prickly Moses 4 1

Pultenaea rosmarinifolia 2 1 2 Myrtaceae Angophora costata 2 2

Angophora hispida Dwarf Apple 2 3

Kunzea ambigua 4 6 5 4 Leptospermum petersonii Yellow Tea Tree 1 6 6 3

Proteaceae Banksia ericifolia Heath Banksia 2

B. robur Swamp Banksia B. serrata 2 3

B. spinulosa Hairpin Banksia 2 3 Grevillea buxifolia Grey Spiderflower 1

G. diffusa ssp. filipendula 1 3

Hakea sericea 5 H. teretifolia Dagger Hakea 3

Persoonia levis Broad-leaved Geebung 2

Herbs - Ferns Dennstaedtiaceae Pteridium esculentum Bracken Fern 2

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Table A.2 Plant Species Recorded Within Quadrats 2013

Family Scientific Name Common Name Quadrat

Lindsaeaceae Lindsaea microphylla Lacy Wedge Fern

Herbs - Dicots

Apiaceae Centella asiatica 3 Xanthosia pilosa

Asteraceae * Bidens pilosa 3 4 4 4

* Cirsium vulgare 4 * Conyza bonariensis 2 3

* Coreopsis lanceolata 4 3 4 * Gnaphalium sp. 2

* Hypochaeris radicata 3 3 1

* Senecio madagascariensis 2 2 Commelinaceae Commelina cyanea 1

Fabaceae Bossiaea heterophylla 3

Bossiaea scolopendria 1 * Triofolium repens 2

Gentianaceae * Centaurium tenuiflorum Malvaceae * Sida rhombifolia 2 1 2

Oxalidaceae Oxalis perennans 1

Verbenacaeae * Lantana camara Lantana 1 Verbena bonariensis 1 1 1

Table A.2 Plant Species Recorded Within Quadrats 2013

Family Scientific Name Common Name Quadrat

Herbs - Monocots

Cyperaceae Caustis flexuosa Curly Sedge 2

* Cyperus eragrostis 2 Gahnia clarkei 1 2

Juncunaceae Juncus sp. 3

Juncus cognatus 2 Iridaceae * Gladiolus sp. 3

* Juncus continuus 4 Lomandraceae Lomandra longifolia Spiny -headed Mat-rush 3 4 4 3

Poaceae * Andropogon virginicus Whisky Grass 4 3 5

* Axonopus affins Narrow-leaved Carpet Grass 3 4 * Briza subaristata 2 2

* Briza maxima 2

* Cortaderia selloana Pampas 1 * Cynodon dactylon Couch 5 6 4 5

Entolasia stricta Wiry Panic 2 Eragrostis brownii Brown's Lovegrass 1

* Eragrostis curvula African Love Grass 3 4

Imperata cylindrica Blady Grass 5 * Lolium perenne 4 5

Table A.2 Plant Species Recorded Within Quadrats 2013

Family Scientific Name Common Name Quadrat

Microlaena stipoides 3

* Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum 3 5 2 2 3

* Panicum maximum 1 * Pennisetum clandestinum Kikuyu 4 6 3 3 5

Themeda australis Kangaroo Grass 3 3 3 4

Vin es Apocynaceae * Araujia sericifera 1

Fabaceae Hardenbergia violacea Purple Coral Pea 4 Kennedia rubicunda Dusky Coral Pea 5 3

Menispermaceae Stephania japonica var. discolor Snake Vine 4

Passifloraceae * Passiflora edulis Common Passionfruit 4 Pittosporaceae Billardiera scandens Hairy Apple Berry 1

Vitaceae Cissus hypoglauca Five-leaved water vine 1 2

Appendix B

Species Planting List

29 NOVEMBER 2013

Table B.1 Plant Species List

Family Scientific Name Common Name

Trees

Casuarinaceae Allocasuarina littoralis Black She-oak A. torulosa Forest Oak

Cunoniaceae Callicoma serratifolia Callicoma

Ceratopetalum gummiferum Christmas Bush Epacrida ceae Trochocarpa laurina Tree Heath

Myrtaceae Angophora costata Smooth-barked Apple

Corymbia gummifera Red Bloodwood Eucalyptus haemastoma Scribbly Gum

E. piperita Sydney Peppermint E. punctata Grey Gum

E. sparsifolia a stringybark

Syncarpia glomulifera Turpentine Proteaceae Banksia serrata Old Man Banksia

Shrubs

Apiaceae Platysace lanceolata P. linearis

Araliaceae Polyscias sambucifolius Elderberry Panax

Dilleniaceae Hibbertia bracteata H. empetrifolia

H. linearis H. procumbens

Elaeocarpaceae Elaeocarpus reticulatus Blueberry Ash

Epacridaceae Brachyloma daphnoides Drachophyllum secundum

Epacris longiflora

E. obtusa E. pulchella

Leucopogon esquamatus L. microphyllus

Woollsia pungens

Euphorbiaceae Amperea xiphoclada Glochidion ferdinandi Cheese Tree

Table B.1 Plant Species List

Family Scientific Name Common Name

Phyllanthus hirtellus

Micrantheum ericoides Ricinocarpus pinifolius Wedding Bush

Fabaceae Bossiaea heterophylla B. scolopendria Dillwynia floribunda

Gompholobium latifolia G. virgata

Hovea linearis

Phyllota philicoides Pultenaea daphnoides

P. elliptica

P. rosmarinifolius Aotus ericoides

Acacia linifolia Flax Wattle A. myrtifolia Myrtle-leaved Wattle

A. oxycedrus

A. suaveolens Sweet -scented Wattle A. terminalis Sunshine Wattle

A. ulicifolia Prickly Moses

Lamiaceae Prostanthera linearis Myrtaceae Angophora hispida Dwarf Apple Baeckea brevifolia Callistemon pinifolius

Darwinia glaucophylla

Kunzea capitata Leptospermum juniperinum Prickl y-leaved Tea Tree

Leptospermum polygalifolium Yellow Tea Tree

L. trinervium Paperbark Tea Tree Proteaceae Banksia ericifolia Heath Banksia B. oblonga B. robur Swamp Banksia B. spinulosa Hairpin Banksia

Table B.1 Plant Species List

Family Scientific Name Common Name

Conospermum longifolium

Grevillea buxifolia Grey Spiderflower G. diffusa

G. mucronulata

G. sericea Pink Spiderflower Hakea dactyloides

Hakea laurina H. teretifolia Dagger Hakea

Isopogon anemonifolius Drumsticks

Lambertia formosa Mountain Devil Persoonia levis Broad-leaved Geebung

P. linearis Narrow-leaved Geebung

Petrophile pulchella Conesticks P. ?sessilis

Xylomelum pyriforme Woody Pear Rhamnaceae Pomaderris intermedia

Rutaceae Eriostemon australasius E. buxifolia ssp obovatus Boronia floribunda

B. ledifolia

Santalaceae Leptomeria acida Sapindaceae Dodonaea multijuga

Thymeliaceae Pimelea linifolia Common Riceflower Tremandraceae Tetratheca ericifolia T. thymifolia

Xanthorrhoeaceae Xanthorrhoea sp. a grass tree

Herbs - Ferns

Adiantaceae Adiantum aethiopicum Common Maidenhair Fern

Blechnaceae Blechnum nudum Dennstaedtiaceae Hypolepis muelleri Harsh Ground Fern

Pteridium esculentum Bracken Fern

Gleicheniaceae Gleichenia dicarpa Pouched Coral Fern G. microphylla

Table B.1 Plant Species List

Family Scientific Name Common Name

Sticherus flabellatus Umbrella Fern

Linsaeaceae Lindsaea linearis Screw Fern Osmundaceae Todea barbara King Fern

Selaginellaceae Sellaginella uliginosa

Herbs - Dicots Apiaceae Actinotus minor Lesser Flannel Flower Xanthosia pilosa

X. tridentata Goode niaceae Dampieria stricta Goodenia bellidifolius Scaevola ramosissima

Loganiaceae Mitrasacme polymorpha

Rutaceae Pomax umbellata Stackhousiaceae Stackhousia viminea

Stylidiaceae Stylidium gramineum a Trigger Plant

S. lineare a Trigger Plant

Herbs - Monocots

Agavaceae Doryanthes excelsa Gymea Lily

Anthericaceae Caesia parviflora Cyperaceae Caustis flexuosa Curly Sedge

C. recurvata Cyathochaeta diandra

Gahnia clarkei

G. sieberiana Lepidosperma concavum

L. laterale B road Sword-sedge Ptilothrix deusta Schoenus imberbis

Iridaceae Patersonia glabrata a Purple Flag P. sericea a Purple Flag

Lomandraceae Lomandra glauca

L. longifolia Spiny -headed Mat-rush L. obliqua Fishbone Mat-rush

Table B.1 Plant Species List

Family Scientific Name Common Name

Phormiaceae Dianella prunina

Poaceae Anisopogon avenaceous Entolasia stricta Wiry Panic

Imperata cylindrica var major Blady Grass

Themeda australis Kangaroo Grass Restionaceae Empodisma minor

Lepyrodia scariosa Scale Rush Xyridaceae Xyris gracilis ssp gracilis

Vines

Asclepiadaceae Marsdenia suaveolens Fabaceae Hardenbergia violcea Purple Coral Pea

Lauraceae Cassytha pubescens Devils Twine

Pittosporaceae Billardiera scandens Common Appleberry Vitaceae Cissus hypoglauca Five-leaved Water Vine

Smilaceae Smilax glyciphylla Sarsaparilla

Appendix C

Threatened Species Locations

29 NOVEMBER 2013

Table C.1 Locations of Darwinia glaucophylla on site

Zone Easting Northing Notes

56 333692 6301325 Monitoring plot 1, approx. 50x 20m

56 333770 6301177 Monitoring plot 2, small patch 56 333839 6301190 Monitoring plot 3, approx 1m2

56 333700 6301280 1 plant

56 333699 6301285 1 plant 56 333688 6301136 small population

56 333698 6301142 small population

56 333857 6301188 scattered individuals on ridge top, good condition, 50+

Appendix D

Threatened Species Profiles

29 NOVEMBER 2013

D.1 Darwinia glaucophylla

Conservation status: Vulnerable (NSW TSC Act 1995)

Description: D. glaucophylla is a spreading, prostrate shrub with branchlets ascending up to 15 cm high. The leaves are glaucous, often with a red-purple tinge, lack hairs or scales, are laterally compressed and reach lengths of 8-17 mm. The plant flowers in winter and spring. Flowers are borne on 1.5mm long stalks at the end of small branchlets, are tubular (7-8 mm long) occurring in clusters of 2-4, are yellow -green when young and turn red in upper parts as they mature. Flowers are surrounded by red-brown bracteoles (4-6 mm long) which fall as the flower ages. The fruit is tiny (1.5 mm diameter) with a single seed.

Distribution and habitat: This species is endemic to the Gosford area of the Sydney Basin Bioregion in NSW and is currently known from 15 sites, several which are located within or near to Brisbane Waters NP and one within Popran NP. It is known or predicted to occur in heathy woodlands/open forests and shrubby woodlands, associated with coastal or hinterland sandstone rock platforms or near hanging swamps and friable sandstone shallow soils within the Hawkesbury/Nepean and Hunter/Central Rivers Catchment Management Regions.

Threats: This species is threatened by habitat loss/fragmentation from development and habitat degradation due to weed invasions, increased sedimentation, trail and track maintenance and recreational vehicle damage. Infrequent and overly frequent fire regimes also pose a threat to this species.

D.2 Hibbertia procumbens

Conservation status: Endangered (NSW TSC Act 1995)

Description: H. procumbens is a spreading, prostrate shrub, with smooth, hairless stems. Leaves are linear to narrowly lance-shaped with a pointed tip, 15 -20 mm long, about 2 mm wide and similar on both surfaces with no obvious midrib. Flowers are stalkless, occur near the ends of branches, are up to 2 cm in diameter with five, yellow petals 8 - 10 mm long.

Distribution and habitat: Within NSW is it known to occur only on the Central Coast in the Gosford and Wyong areas. These populations are at Peats Ridge in the Gosford LGA; Bumble Hill near Yarramalong in Wyong LGA; Kulnura, Strickland State Forest, Somersby, Calga/Mt White Mangrove Mountain and; and near Mogo Creek to the west of Mangrove Creek Dam. It has been recorded in four conservation reserves: Yengo, Popran and Brisbane Water National Parks and the non-production Strickland State Forest. It is known or predicted to occur in heathy woodlands/open forests and shrubby woodlands associated with coastal or hinterland sandstone plateaux or near hanging swamp communities on sandy deposits within the Hawkesbury/Nepean and Hunter/Central Rivers Catchment Management Regions.