Ecological Impact Assessment for the Proposed Coots Creek Camping and Caravan Park at 1087 Nanima Road, Springrange, NSW (Lot 3 DP869801) Capital Ecology Project No

4 September 2020

Alex Baird Principal Civil/Structural Engineer FRAISH Consulting Pty Ltd 1/8 Victoria Street, Hall, ACT P: 02 6230 2823 M: 0418 585 774 E: [email protected]

Ecological Impact Assessment for the proposed Coots Creek Camping and Caravan Park at 1087 Nanima Road, Springrange, NSW (Lot 3 DP869801) Capital Ecology project no. 2947

Dear Mr Baird,

This letter provides an Ecological Impact Assessment (EIA) for the ‘proposed development’ of the Coots Creek Camping and Caravan Park in portions of 1087 Nanima Road, Springrange, NSW (Lot 3 DP869801) (Figure 1 and Figure 2). Pursuant to the Yass Valley Local Environmental Plan 2013 (Yass Valley LEP 2013), Lot 3 DP869801 is zoned1 ‘RU1 – Primary Production’ with a minimum lot size2 of ‘AB5 = 40 ha’.

The proposed development is composed of the following components.

• Seven short-term camping sites ranging in size from 716 m2 to 2,213 m2 (total area of 10,461 m2 or 1.05 ha, Figure 2, Sites A to G). Impacts associated with the use of these short-term camping sites will be limited to small realignments of the existing access tracks and the installation of standard stock fencing around four of the sites3. No woody vegetation will be impacted by the use of the short-term camping sites and impacts to the groundstorey due to the installation of fencing are expected to be negligible4. Ongoing impacts are also likely to be negligible as each site will only be used for short-term camping (e.g. impacts from tents, campfires, stationary vehicles, etc.).

• A caravan park that will house 23 caravan sites ranging in size from 215 m2 to 404 m2, amenities (i.e. two onsite effluent disposal systems, showers, laundry, and BBQs), and a ‘community area’ (total area of 13,780 m2 or 1.38 ha, Figure 2). For the purposes of this EIA, is assumed that all of the vegetation in the proposed caravan park area will be cleared.

1 Yass Valley LEP 2013 – Land Zoning Map – Sheet LZN_005. 2 Yass Valley LEP 2013 – Lot Size Map – Sheet LSZ_005. 3 Four of the sites are already fenced with standard stock fencing. 4 This estimation was confirmed at sites that have recently installed stock fencing. The impact from those fences was negligible.

Capital Ecology Pty Ltd

PO Box 854 ACN: 607 364 358 Phone: 0412 474 415 Gungahlin ACT 2912 ABN: 50 607 364 358 Email: [email protected] www.capitalecology.com.au

The ‘subject land’ for this EIA includes a 20 m buffer around the portions of Lot 3 DP869801 that will form part of the proposed Coots Creek Camping and Caravan Park (Figure 2 and Figure 3).

Figure 1 shows the location of Lot 3 DP869801 and the subject land in the Springrange locality, Figure 2 shows the proposed development, Figure 3 show Capital Ecology’s vegetation mapping on aerial imagery, Figure 4 shows the areas in Lot 3 DP869801 identified on the Biodiversity Values Map5, and Figure 5 shows the areas in Lot 3 DP869801 identified on the Koala Development Application Map6.

The primary aim of this EIA is to determine and assess the likely impacts of the proposed development upon habitat for terrestrial flora and fauna species and ecological communities listed pursuant to the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and/or the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (BC Act).

This EIA has been prepared with regard to:

• spatial data and information provided by FRAISH Consulting Pty Ltd regarding the subject land and the proposed development;

• the results of database searches for the subject land, with ecological point data obtained from the NSW Wildlife Atlas (BioNet);

• a review of relevant studies and other background information;

• a four (4) hour field survey on 24 February 2020, completed to record and assess the ecological values of the subject land; and

• the knowledge of the authors regarding the biota of the locality, specifically the threatened ecological communities, flora, and fauna (and associated habitat) with the potential to occur in the lowland woodland/forest ecosystems of the region.

1. Methods

1.1 Database and Literature Review

To inform our survey, Capital Ecology completed a desktop review, involving the following.

• A list of threatened species (flora and fauna), threatened populations, and threatened ecological communities (TECs) listed pursuant to the EPBC Act with the potential to occur in the subject land was obtained using the Department of the Environment and Energy’s online EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool (PMST) on 15 February 2020.

• Ecological point data from the NSW Wildlife Atlas (BioNet) were obtained on 15 February 2020 and updated on 10 March 2020, providing a list of threatened species which have previously been recorded in the locality of the subject land (i.e. up to approximately 5 km).

• previous and current studies undertaken by Capital Ecology and others in the locality.

5 https://www.lmbc.nsw.gov.au/Maps/index.html?viewer=BOSETMap 6 https://webmap.environment.nsw.gov.au/Html5Viewer291/index.html?viewer=KoalaSEPP.htm5

1.2 Vegetation Survey and Mapping

The vegetation throughout the subject land was surveyed and mapped with reference to the NSW Biodiversity Assessment Method (BAM7). The methodology involved the following.

• Mapping of the on-ground boundaries of the Plant Community Types (PCTs).

• Division and delineation of PCTs into Vegetation Zones based on condition.

• The collection of floristic site value data, including the native vs. exotic dominance of the groundstorey.

Plant Community Type (PCT) mapping

The on-ground boundaries of each of the Plant Community Types (PCTs) present in the subject land were accurately mapped by marking boundaries directly onto high resolution orthorectified aerial photograph field maps. The PCTs and their characteristics are provided in the NSW Vegetation Information System (VIS).

The PCT boundaries were defined based on the:

• presence, species, growth form and density of remnant canopy trees and/or stags or stumps of these;

• presence and species of midstorey shrubs and trees;

• floristic composition of the groundstorey; and

• the landscape position and other geographical features (elevation, aspect, soils, apparent hydrology).

Vegetation Zone definition and mapping

The mapped PCTs were further divided into Vegetation Zones based on the structure, floristic composition, and overall condition (‘intactness’) of the vegetation. The Vegetation Zones were mapped using GIS which allows for accurate calculations of the total area of each Vegetation Zone in the subject land. A species list for the subject land is presented in Appendix A.

Native vegetation extent

As per the BC Act, native vegetation is defined according to Part 5A of the Local Land Services Act 2013 (LLS Act), which states:

“(1) For the purposes of this Part, native vegetation means any of the following types of plants native to New South Wales:

(a) trees (including any sapling or shrub or any scrub),

(b) understorey plants,

(d) plants occurring in a wetland.

7 NSW Government (2017). Biodiversity Assessment Method. Office of Environment and Heritage.

(2) A plant is native to New South Wales if it was established in New South Wales before European settlement. The regulations may authorise conclusive presumptions to be made of the species of plants native to New South Wales by adopting any relevant classification in an official database of plants that is publicly accessible.”

As per this definition, planted vegetation which comprises plant species native to NSW, regardless of whether or not the species are indigenous to the specific region and/or PCT of the subject land, is classified as native vegetation.

The Commonwealth Government8,9, ACT Government10, and previous NSW Government11 assessment guidelines for the temperate grassland and woodland PCTs of the NSW/ACT Southern Tablelands region each declare vegetation as native dominant if 50% or more of the perennial groundlayer is comprised of native species. However, no such threshold is defined by the BAM, and the NSW Department of Planning, industry and Environment (DPIE) have advised that the criteria for use in determining native vs. exotic dominance must be more stringent than the previously applied 50/50 rule. It is understood that this is due to the potential for seasonal variation and/or assessor disparity to substantially alter the BAM mapping result. For example, a patch of vegetation that is classified as 55% native in one season may be classified as 45% native in another.

With regard to the above, for the purposes of this EIA:

1. ‘Native vegetation’ is defined as any plant, naturally occurring or planted, which is native to NSW.

2. Exotic vegetation is defined as any plant which is not native to NSW.

3. A polygon of vegetation is ‘native vegetation’ if:

a. 35% (i.e. approximately one-third) or more of the perennial groundlayer comprises species native to NSW; and/or

b. species native to NSW are present in one or more of the other strata.

1.3 Likelihood of Occurrence Assessment

The Likelihood of Occurrence Assessment for threatened flora and fauna species is a categorisation used to determine the likelihood that the subject species occurs within a site. The results are based on the findings of completed desktop studies and field surveys, expert opinion, and consideration of the species’ currently recognised distribution and preferred habitat.

Threatened species and populations identified in the Likelihood of Occurrence Assessment include all of those identified during the database and literature review as potentially occurring within five kilometres of the subject land. Included are threatened species listed pursuant to the EPBC Act and/or the BC Act and considered by Capital Ecology to have some potential to occur within the subject land.

8 Commonwealth of Australia (2006). Policy Statement 3.5: White Box – Yellow Box – Blakely’s Red Gum grassy woodlands and derived native grasslands. Commonwealth Department of Environment and Heritage. 9 Commonwealth of Australia (2016). Approved conservation advice for the Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands (NTG–SEH) ecological community. 10 ACT Government (2010). Survey guidelines for determining lowland vegetation classification and condition in the ACT. Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate – Conservation Planning and Research. 11 NSW Government (2014). BioBanking Assessment Methodology 2014. NSW Government Office of Environment and Heritage.

The likelihood of a species occurring in the subject land is categorised as either negligible, low, moderate, or high. A species that has been identified in the subject land during the surveys for this EIA or by other confirmed records is expressed as confirmed.

The completed Likelihood of Occurrence Assessment is provided as Appendix B. Species assigned a moderate or higher likelihood of occurrence in the subject land, other than if this is limited to transient visitation, are considered in more detail in Section 2.3 (threatened flora) and Section 2.4 (threatened fauna) of this EIA.

2. Results

2.1 Vegetation

Before European settlement, Lot 3 DP869801 is likely to have been characterised by grassy woodland (PCT1330) on the lower, flatter areas, merging with dry sclerophyll forest (PCT351) on the hill slopes and crests (Table 1).

Table 1. PCTs recorded on the subject land.

PCT PCT name PCT description Occurrence TEC status PCT % on subject Commonwealth cleared land / NSW 351 Brittle Gum – This community occurs on shallow, This PCT was Not listed 60% Broad-leaved yellow to red podzolic clay to loam mapped Peppermint – Red soils derived from sedimentary, across hill Stringybark open metamorphic and igneous slopes and forest in the north- substrates on foot-slopes and hill hill crests. western part (Yass slopes. In its climax form this to Orange) of the community would have been South Eastern characterised by a canopy Highlands dominated by Brittle Gum, often Bioregion. with Red Stringybark, Broad-leaved Peppermint, Long-leaved Box, and occasionally Argyle Apple, with a sparse shrubstorey and sparse to moderately dense groundstorey supporting a moderate diversity of native forbs. 1330 Yellow Box – This community occurs on soils of This PCT was Critically 94% Blakely's Red Gum moderate to high fertility and mapped Endangered grassy woodland generally moderate depth, on across the (Commonwealth) on the tablelands, undulating terrain between 500 m lower, and Endangered South Eastern and 900 m on the tablelands. In its flatter areas. (NSW) when Highlands climax form this community would occurring in a have been characterised by an condition open canopy dominated by Yellow consistent with Box and Blakely’s Red Gum, sparse the listing criteria or absent mid and shrubstorey, of the TEC. together with a defined grassy groundcover supporting a high diversity of native forbs.

Lot 3 DP869801 has been utilised for agriculture for an extended period. It has been historically cultivated, sown to pasture, and is maintained by annual superphosphate application. The vegetation across the southern half of Lot 3 DP869801 has been historically cleared and substantial portions of the northern half have been cleared or thinned. As a result, the majority of the vegetation which occurs today is modified. That said, there are patches of more intact vegetation in the northern half of Lot 3 DP869801; these areas will not be disturbed as they do not form part of the proposed development footprint (i.e. the subject land).

As shown in Figure 3, the following vegetation zones for each PCT in the subject land were identified, assessed, and mapped during the field survey.

PCT351 – Brittle Gum – Broad-leaved Peppermint – Red Stringybark open forest in the north-western part (Yass to Orange) of the South Eastern Highlands Bioregion.

• PCT351 Zone 1 – Canopy, mixed native/exotic groundstorey, low diversity (Sites C and D).

PCT1330 – Yellow Box – Blakely's Red Gum grassy woodland on the tablelands, South Eastern Highlands

• PCT1330 Zone 1 – Canopy, mixed native/exotic groundstorey, low diversity (Sites A,B,E,F,G).

• PCT1330 Zone 2 – exotic groundstorey, low diversity (caravan park).

These vegetation zones are described below, in Table 2a to Table 2c, and illustrated in Figure 3. A species list for the subject land is provided in Appendix A.

PCT351 Zone 1 occurs in Sites C and D (Figure 3). The groundstorey has been historically cultivated and is predominantly exotic (i.e. > 65 % exotic), dominated by species including Phalaris Phalaris aquatica, Clover Trifolifum sp., and Brome Bromus sp.. There are small, scattered patches of the groundstorey that support a greater cover of native grasses, particularly Rough Speargrass Austrostipa scabra, Weeping Grass Microlaena stipoides, and Wallaby Grasses Rhytidosperma spp.. The midstorey and shrubstorey are entirely absent, and the canopy cover and dominant overstorey species vary between these sites as follows.

• Site C: low canopy cover (approx. 5% – 10%); the codominant species are Argyle Apple Eucalyptus cinerea and Broad-leaved Peppermint E. dives; the associate species are Brittle Gum E. mannifera, Red Stringybark E. macrorhyncha, and Candlebark E. rubida.

• Site D: high canopy cover (approx. 50% – 75%); the dominant species is Brittle Gum; the associate species are Candlebark and Broad-leaved Peppermint.

PCT1330 Zone 1 occurs in Sites A,B,E,F,G (Figure 3). The groundstorey has been historically cultivated and is predominantly exotic (i.e. > 65 % exotic), dominated by the same species as PCT351 Zone 1. The midstorey and shrubstorey are entirely absent. The codominant overstorey species are Yellow Box E. melliodora and Blakely’s Red Gum E. blakelyi, with a varying canopy cover (approx. 30% – 80%).

PCT1330 Zone 2 occurs in the proposed caravan park (Figure 3). The native canopy, midstorey, and shrubstorey have been entirely cleared. The groundstorey has been historically cultivated and is clearly exotic (i.e. > 85 % exotic), dominated by species including Phalaris, Paspalum Paspalum dilatatum, Couch Cynodon dactylon, Cock’s Foot Dactylis glomerata and Clovers. A small portion of the land surrounding Coots Creek is identified on the Biodiversity Values Map (BVM) and extends into the proposed caravan park (Figure 4); the area identified on the BVM is entirely dominated by exotic species (Plate 1).

Plate 1. The portion of the land in the proposed caravan park identified on the Biodiversity Values Map.

Table 2a. PCT351 Zone 1 results summary

PCT351 Zone 1 Description Dry Sclerophyll Forest The canopy cover varies from low to high. The midstorey and shrubstorey are entirely absent. The groundstorey has been historically cultivated and is predominantly exotic (i.e. > 65 % exotic), dominated by species including Phalaris, Clover, and Brome. Area (subject land) 0.38 ha. Sites (refer to Figure 2) Sites C and D. Overstorey Species Varying dominance of Eucalyptus cinerea, E. dives, E. mannifera, E. macrorhyncha, and E. rubida. Overstorey Cover 5 – 75%. Overstorey Regeneration No. Perennial Groundlayer Exotic. Significant Weeds None. EPBC Act and/or BC Act No. listed TEC BC Act Native Vegetation Yes.

Table 2b. PCT1330 Zone 1 results summary

PCT1330 Zone 1 Description Open Woodland The canopy cover varies from low to high. The midstorey and shrubstorey are entirely absent. The groundstorey has been historically cultivated and is predominantly exotic (i.e. > 65 % exotic), dominated by species including Phalaris, Clover, and Brome. Area (subject land) 0.67 ha. Sites (refer to Figure 2) Sites A,B,E,F,G Overstorey Species E. melliodora and E. blakelyi Overstorey Cover 30 – 80%. Overstorey Regeneration No. Perennial Groundlayer Exotic. Significant Weeds None EPBC Act and/or BC Act Yes (BC Act only). listed TEC BC Act Native Vegetation Yes

Table 2c. PCT1330 Zone 2 results summary

PCT1330 Zone 2 Description Exotic Pasture The native canopy, midstorey, and shrubstorey have been entirely cleared. The groundstorey has been historically cultivated and is clearly exotic (i.e. > 85 % exotic), dominated by species including Phalaris, Paspalum, Couch, Cock’s Foot and Clovers. Area (subject land) 1.38 ha. Sites (refer to Figure 2) Caravan Park Overstorey Species None. Overstorey Cover 0%. Overstorey Regeneration No. Perennial Groundlayer Exotic. Significant Weeds None EPBC Act and/or BC Act No. listed TEC BC Act Native Vegetation No

2.2 Threatened Ecological Communities

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth)

Two EPBC Act listed threatened communities have the potential to occur in the locality, both listed as critically endangered under the EPBC Act: ‘White Box – Yellow Box – Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland’ (Box-Gum Woodland) and ‘Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands’ (Natural Temperate Grassland).

White Box – Yellow Box – Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland

To determine whether a patch meets the criteria for the community, the vegetation must be assessed against the flowchart provided in Policy Statement 3.5: White Box – Yellow Box – Blakely’s Red Gum grassy woodlands and derived native grasslands (Commonwealth of Australia 200612). An assessment of the vegetation in the subject land against this flowchart is provided below.

1. Criterion 1. Is, or was previously, at least one of the most common overstorey species White Box, Yellow Box or Blakely’s Red Gum?

Yes – PCT1330 Zone 1 supports both Yellow Box and Blakely’s Red Gum and PCT1330 Zone 2 is estimated to have historically supported Yellow Box and/or Blakely’s Red Gum.

2. Does the patch have a predominantly native understorey?

No – the understorey is clearly dominated by exotic species (i.e. > 65% perennial exotic).

3. Is the patch 0.1 ha (1000 m2) or greater is size with 12 or more native understorey species present (excluding grasses)? There must be at least one important species.

Is the patch 2 ha or greater in size with an average of 20 or more mature trees per hectare, or is there natural regeneration of the dominant overstorey eucalypts?

N/A – refer to Criterion 2.

Conclusion – the subject land does not support EPBC Act listed Box-Gum Woodland.

Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands

The Approved conservation advice for the Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands (NTG–SEH) ecological community (Commonwealth of Australia 201613) provides the key diagnostic characteristics and condition thresholds for determining whether a patch is the listed community. A patch is the listed community if it meets either of the following scenarios.

Scenario A – The patch is characterised by at least 50% foliage cover of the ground of either Themeda triandra, Poa labillardierei, or Carex bichenoviana.

12 Commonwealth of Australia (2006). Policy Statement 3.5: White Box – Yellow Box – Blakely’s Red Gum grassy woodlands and derived native grasslands. Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Commonwealth Department of Environment and Heritage. 13 Commonwealth of Australia (2016). Approved conservation advice for the Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands (NTG–SEH) ecological community.

Scenario B – When the cover of the grassland is not evidently dominated by the species highlighted under Scenario A: 1. The percentage cover of native vascular plants (including annual and perennial species) in the patch is greater than the percentage cover of perennial exotic species. And 2. When assessed during favourable sampling times (i.e. spring-summer), the patch has: • At least 8 non-grass native species OR • At least 2 indicator species OR • A floristic value score (FVS) of at least 5.

As described in Section 2.1, the subject land is unlikely to have ever supported a grassland PCT.

Conclusion – The subject land does not support EPBC Act listed Natural Temperate Grassland.

Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (NSW)

One BC Act listed ecological community have the potential to occur in the subject land:

• ‘White Box – Yellow Box – Blakely's Red Gum Woodland’ (BC Act Box-Gum Woodland).

BC Act Box-Gum Woodland

This community, listed as endangered in NSW, is described below, together with an assessment of its presence and condition within the subject land.

The below description is extracted from the NSW Final Determination for the TSC Act endangered listed ecological community White Box – Yellow Box – Blakely's Red Gum Woodland) (NSW Scientific Committee 2002, gazetted 15 March 200214).

White Box Yellow Box Blakely's Red Gum Woodland is found on relatively fertile soils on the tablelands and western slopes of NSW and generally occurs between the 400 and 800 mm isohyets extending from the western slopes, at an altitude of c. 170m to c. 1200 m, on the northern tablelands (Beadle 1981). The community occurs within the NSW North Coast, New England Tableland, Nandewar, Brigalow Belt South, Sydney Basin, South Eastern Highlands and NSW South Western Slopes Bioregions.

White Box Yellow Box Blakely's Red Gum Woodland includes those woodlands where the characteristic tree species include one or more of the following species in varying proportions and combinations - Eucalyptus albens (White Box), Eucalyptus melliodora (Yellow Box) or Eucalyptus blakelyi (Blakely's Red Gum). Grass and herbaceous species generally characterise the ground layer. In some locations, the tree overstorey may be absent as a result of past clearing or thinning and at these locations only an understorey may be present. Shrubs are generally sparse or absent, though they may be locally common.

14 NSW Scientific Committee (2002). Final Determination for the TSC Act endangered listed ecological community White Box – Yellow Box – Blakely's Red Gum Woodland. Gazetted 15 March 2002.

Although the final determination does not provide specific listing criteria against which to assess a patch of vegetation, a useful key is provided in Identification Guidelines for Endangered Ecological Communities – White Box Yellow Box Blakely's Red Gum Woodland (Box-Gum Woodland) (NPWS 200215), which draws its information from the final determination.

As described in the final determination and the associated key, the definition for the BC Act Box-Gum Woodland TEC is extremely broad. In effect, any land for which the climax community is Box-Gum Woodland that has not been cultivated, become a stock camp, or otherwise been entirely modified, is likely to meet the minimum definition of the BC Act listed TEC.

Presence in the subject land – Confirmed – PCT1330 would have once supported the climax community of this TEC. PCT1330 Zone 1 is characterised by a Yellow Box/Blakely’s Red Gum overstorey with a low diversity exotic understorey. PCT1330 Zone 1 therefore supports vegetation which is consistent with the description for this TEC under the BC Act. PCT1330 Zone 2 lacks a native overstorey, midstorey, and shrubstorey, and has a groundstorey clearly dominated by exotic species. As such, PCT1330 Zone 2 does not support vegetation consistent with the description for this TEC under the BC Act.

Conclusion – the subject land supports BC Act Box-Gum Woodland in the areas defined by PCT1330 Zone 1.

2.3 Threatened Flora Occurrence No EPBC Act and/or BC Act listed threatened flora species were recorded in the subject land during the field survey and, as detailed in the Likelihood of Occurrence Assessment (refer Appendix B), none of the threatened flora species with the potential to occur in the locality are considered to have a moderate or higher likelihood of occurrence in the subject land.

2.4 Fauna Habitat and Threatened Fauna Occurrence As recorded during the survey, the subject land supports the following fauna habitat features (Table 2).

Table 2. Fauna habitat features.

Habitat Feature Description Relevant Native Fauna Species/Assemblages Remnant There are a number of remnant All remnant trees, young and mature, are likely to provide vegetation trees in the subject land. These foraging resources for a variety of birds and marsupials. trees will not be directly Any mature, hollow bearing trees are likely to provide a impacted by the proposed nesting resource for birds, bats and marsupials, development. Ongoing, indirect potentially including threatened species. impacts are likely to be minimal The absence of a midstorey and shrubstorey reduces the (i.e. indirect impacts from habitat complexity and structure. This is likely to limit the short-term camping). value of the subject land for the region’s threatened and The midstorey and shrubstorey rare woodland birds, which generally prefer to inhabit have been cleared in the vegetation where such features are more intact. subject land. Exotic pasture Much of the subject land The exotic dominant pasture would provide a limited supports a highly modified grazing resources for common birds, reptiles and exotic dominant pasture. herbivorous mammals such as the Eastern Grey Kangaroo Macropus giganteus and Common Wombat Vombatus ursinus. Open areas are likely to provide a hunting resource for raptors and other predatory birds.

15 NSW NPWS (2002). Identification Guidelines for Endangered Ecological Communities - White Box Yellow Box Blakely's Red Gum Woodland (Box-Gum Woodland). NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

2.5 Pest Animals

Only the European Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus was observed during field surveys. However, the exotic pest species Red Fox Vulpes vulpes, Common Starling Sturnus tristis, European Brown Hare Lepus europaeus, and Feral Cat Felis catus are likely to occur in the subject land and surrounds. The Red Fox and European Rabbit are species which are the cause of or key contributor toward a Key Threatening Process declared under the EPBC Act. Pest fauna do not currently appear to be having a significant negative impact on the subject land – the level of infestation of these species appears to be consistent with that across much of the land in the locality.

3. Proposed Measures to Mitigate Impacts on Biodiversity

The following measures are recommended to maintain the ecological values of the subject land and adjacent land during the proposed development.

Weed management

The key potential risk to the biodiversity values of the subject land and adjoining areas during construction and operation of the proposed development is the facilitated spread of the high threat weeds currently occurring in the locality and/or the introduction of new weeds. Therefore, the following weed management measures will be implemented during construction. • Appropriate vehicle hygiene will be maintained. Vehicles and machinery entering the subject land will be clean of weed seed or propagules. • Only sterile materials such as hessian/jute or rice straw will be used for soil stabilisation or similar purposes. • High threat weeds will be prevented from establishing on newly created road verges, landscaped areas, and other open space.

Ongoing weed control in the subject land will be the responsibility of the proponent of the proposed development.

Sedimentation and erosion control

Best practice sediment and erosion control, such as the use of sediment traps, sediment interception ponds, silt fences and haybale fences, will be implemented as required during construction to minimise the flow of water and associated material into the surrounding areas and receiving waterways.

4. Summary of Proposed Impacts

As mentioned previously, the proposed development will establish seven short-term camping sites (Figure 2, Sites A to G). Impacts associated with these camping sites will be limited to small realignments of the existing access tracks and the installation of standard stock fencing around sites. No woody vegetation will be impacted and impacts to the groundstorey will be temporary and of negligible consequence. As such, establish and use of the seven short-term camping sites will not directly impact any native vegetation or habitat. However, the seven short-term camping sites are likely to have some limited indirect impacts on native vegetation and habitat during the operational phase (i.e. indirect impacts due to short-term camping). These indirect impacts will be small (e.g. impacts from of tents, campfires, stationary vehicles, etc.) and intermittent (i.e. not every campsite will be occupied every night). As such, the proposed development will have a small and intermittent indirect impact on 1.05 ha of BC Act Native Vegetation (i.e. 0.38 ha of PCT351 Zone 1 and 0.67 ha of PCT1330 Zone 1, Figure 3).

The significance of the proposed impact on 0.67 ha of BC Act listed Box-Gum Woodland is assessed via the BC Act Test of Significance provided as Appendix C. As detailed in that assessment, the proposed development will not significantly impact the conservation of BC Act listed Box-Gum Woodland.

The proposed caravan park will house 23 caravan sites, amenities (i.e. two onsite effluent disposal systems, showers, laundry, and BBQs), and a ‘community area’ (Figure 2). For the purposes of this EIA, it is assumed that all vegetation will be cleared in the caravan park (refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3). This will impact 1.38 ha of exotic vegetation (i.e. 1.38 ha of PCT1330 Zone 2).

The proposed development will not impact any EPBC Act and/or BC Act listed threatened flora species, or habitat features of potential importance to threatened or migratory fauna species.

In light of the above, and with reference to the relevant EPBC Act Significant Impact Guidelines16 and BC Act Test of Significance17 (under Section 7.3 of the BC Act), the proposed development is unlikely to significantly impact any EPBC Act and/or BC Act listed threatened flora or fauna species or ecological community. Furthermore, implementation of the proposed mitigation measures detailed in Section 3 will ensure that impacts on the biodiversity values of Lot 3 DP869801 and the locality are minimised.

5. Legislative Requirements

5.1 Commonwealth

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth)

The Commonwealth EPBC Act requires that proposed ‘actions’ be assessed in terms of their potential to impact upon ‘Matters of National Environmental Significance’ (MNES) as defined under the Act.

Where a potential impact on a MNES may occur as a result of a proposed action, the significance of that impact must be assessed. Guideline criteria for determining whether an impact is significant are provided under the Act. Where a proposed action will, or is likely to, have a significant impact on a MNES, the proposed action must be referred to the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment. The purpose of the referral is to determine whether a proposed action requires approval and/or controls under the EPBC Act.

With regard to the above, it is unlikely that the proposed development will have a significant impact on a MNES given the subject land does not:

• support any EPBC Act listed ecological communities;

• support any EPBC Act listed flora species; or

• contain habitat of potential importance to EPBC Act listed threatened or migratory fauna species.

In light the above, EPBC Act referral is unwarranted and is not recommended.

16 Commonwealth of Australia (2013). Matters of National Environmental Significance - Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1. Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Commonwealth Department of the Environment. 17 NSW Government (2018). Threatened Species Test of Significance Guidelines. Office of Environment & Heritage.

5.2 NSW

Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016

Under the BC Act, the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme (BOS) is triggered, and a Biodiversity Development Assessment Report (BDAR) prepared applying the NSW Biodiversity Assessment Method (BAM) by an accredited BAM Assessor must accompany a development application, for a proposed development which:

1. will involve clearance of native vegetation (including trees, understorey plants, groundcover plants, and wetland plants) or a prescribed impact (as set out in clause 6.1 of the Biodiversity Conservation Regulation 2017 [BC Regulation]) on land identified on the Biodiversity Values Map; and/or

2. will exceed the native vegetation clearance threshold for the smallest minimum lot size associated with the subject land; and/or

3. may significantly impact one or more BC Act listed entities (i.e. threatened species or ecological communities).

Biodiversity Values Map

As shown in Figure 4, a small portion of the land surrounding Coots Creek is identified on the Biodiversity Values Map (BVM); this includes a small portion of the land included in the proposed caravan park area. https://www.lmbc.nsw.gov.au/Maps/index.html?viewer=BVMap

However, as shown on Figures 3 and 4, the vegetation in the subject land identified on the BVM is clearly dominated by exotic grasses and forbs (i.e. PCT1330 Zone 2). In addition, with reference to clause 6.1 of the Biodiversity Conservation Regulation 2017 (BC Regulation), the proposed development is unlikely to have a prescribed impact on the land identified on the BVM as PCT1330 Zone 2 has been degraded to the extent that it is unlikely to support habitat for any threatened flora, fauna, or ecological community.

Accordingly, the proposed development will not clear any native vegetation or have a prescribed impact on land identified on the BVM.

Native vegetation clearance

An assessment of the proposed native vegetation clearance against the relevant triggers is provided as follows.

The minimum lot size for the subject land is ‘AB5 = 40 ha’ (Yass Valley LEP Lot Size Map - Sheet LSZ_005). In this regard, as stated in Part 7, Clause 7.2 of the BC Regulation, if native vegetation clearance exceeds 1 ha, then a BDAR would be required for the proposed development.

As detailed herein, the proposed development will not involve the clearance of BC Act Native Vegetation. The proposed development will therefore not exceed the native vegetation clearance threshold for the minimum lot size associated with the zoning of the subject land.

Potential to impact one or more BC Act listed entities

As detailed in Section 2, the proposed development will involve a very small and intermittent indirect impact on the BC Act listed ecological community Box-Gum Woodland. Accordingly, with reference to

© Capital Ecology Pty Ltd 2020 16 the BC Act Test of Significance Guidelines (NSW Government 201818), a Test of Significance (Appendix C) has been prepared to determine whether the proposed development is likely to significantly impact BC Act listed Box-Gum Woodland. As detailed in this Test of Significance, the proposed development will not significantly impact BC Act listed Box-Gum Woodland.

No other BC Act listed entities are likely to be impacted by the proposed development.

As demonstrated above, the BOS is not triggered for the proposed development and the preparation of a BDAR is not required.

State Environmental Planning Policies

The State Environmental Planning Policy (Koala Habitat Protection) 2019 (‘Koala Habitat Protection SEPP’) replaced the SEPP 44 – Koala Habitat Protection (SEPP 44) on 1 March 2020. The associated Koala Habitat Protection Guidelines19 (the ‘Guidelines’) aim to guide consent authorities, professionals, and the community to understand and implement the requirements of the Koala Habitat Protection SEPP. As detailed in the Guidelines:

The development control provisions of the SEPP apply to development applications relating to land within a council area listed below and:

1. Where there is an approved Koala Plan of Management for the land

a. the development application must be consistent with the approved koala plan of management that applies to the land.

2. Where there is no approved Koala Plan of Management for the land, if the land

a. is identified on the Koala Development Application Map, and

b. has an area of more than 1 hectare, or

c. has, together with any adjoining land in the same ownership, an area of more than 1 hectare, whether or not the development application applies to the whole, or only part, of the land.

With regard to the current application of the Koala Habitat Protection SEPP for the proposed development of the subject land, the following points are noted.

1. The subject land is located within the Yass Valley Council Local Government Area (LGA), an LGA which is listed in Schedule 1 of the Koala Habitat Protection SEPP.

2. There is no approved Koala Plan of Management which includes the subject land, and:

a. A very small patch of vegetation in Lot 3 DP869801 is identified on the Koala Development Application Map (Figure 5). This patch of vegetation will not be impacted by the proposed development.

b. The canopy across the property to the north of the proposed caravan park area in Lot 3 DP869801 is identified on the Koala Development Application Map (Figure 4); this

18 NSW Government (2018). Threatened Species Test of Significance Guidelines. Office of Environment and Heritage. 19 NSW Government (2020). Koala Habitat Protection Guideline. Implementing State Environment Planning Policy (Koala Habitat Protection) 2019. First published March 2020.

mapping extends a small distance into Lot 3 immediately adjacent to the proposed caravan park (Figure 5). However, as the caravan park land (and the 20 m buffer) lacks a canopy, midstorey, shrubstorey, and is dominated by exotic pasture species, this is clearly a resolution/mapping error on the Koala Development Application Map which has arisen due to the mapping of the canopy across the property to the north of Lot 3.

As demonstrated by the above assessment, the development control provisions of the Koala Habitat Protection SEPP do not apply to the proposed development.

In light of the above, Council can be satisfied that the subject land is unlikely to support Koala habitat.

Biosecurity Act 2015 on 1 July 2017, the Biosecurity Act 2015 came into force, replacing ten whole existing Acts (including the Noxious Weeds Act 1993) and parts of four other Acts. Supported by the Biosecurity Regulation 2016, the Biosecurity Act provides greater flexibility and improved capacity in the response, management and control of biosecurity risks, and supports the vision of the Biosecurity Strategy 2013-2021 that biosecurity is a shared responsibility between government, industry and the community. It provides for a range of tools and powers that can be used to support risk-based decision making and allow for increased efficiency and decreased regulation. Further detail is available at: http://southeast.lls.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity

One of the key tools prepared under the Biosecurity Act is the new South East Region Strategic Weed Management Plan 2017-2022 (RSWMP), available at: http://southeast.lls.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/722706/South-East-Regional-Weed- Mgmt-Plan.pdf

Under the Biosecurity Act, the previous ‘noxious weed’ status has been replaced by ‘state priority weeds’ and ‘regional priority weeds’, species within each category being subject to particular management/control requirements depending upon the region. The appendices of the RSWMP set out the requirements for the regional priority weeds occurring in the subject land. As described in Section 3, the proposed control measures are consistent with the requirements of the RSWMP.

Conclusion

As detailed herein and illustrated in Figure 3:

• establishment and use of the seven camp sites will have a small and intermittent indirect impact on 1.05 ha of BC Act Native Vegetation (i.e. 0.38 ha of PCT351 Zone 1 and 0.67 ha of PCT1330 Zone 1);

• establishment and use of camping Sites A,B,E,F,G will have a small and intermittent indirect impact on 0.67 ha of BC Act Box-Gum Woodland (i.e. PCT1330 Zone 1), this indirect impact will not be significant;

• establishment and use of the caravan park will impact 1.38 ha of exotic vegetation (i.e. 1.38 ha of PCT1330 Zone 2);

• the proposed development is unlikely to impact any EPBC Act and/or BC Act listed threatened flora species;

• the proposed development is unlikely to impact any EPBC Act and/or BC Act listed threatened or migratory fauna species; and

• the proposed development is unlikely to significantly impact any EPBC Act and/or BC Act listed threatened ecological community.

In light of the above, based on our assessment:

• EPBC Act referral is unwarranted and is not recommended; and

• the BOS is not triggered for the proposed development and the preparation of a BDAR is not required.

We trust that this EIA provides the assessment and advice required. If, however, you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Yours sincerely,

Robert Speirs Dr Sam Reid

Director / Principal Ecologist Senior Ecologist

Accredited BAM Assessor No: BAAS17089 Accredited BAM Assessor No: BAAS20006

Attachments:

Figure 1. Locality Plan

Figure 2. The Proposed Coots Creek Camping and Caravan Park

Figure 3. Vegetation Mapping on Aerial Imagery

Figure 4. Biodiversity Values Map and Proposed Development Impacts

Figure 5. Koala Development Application Map and Proposed Development Impacts

Appendix A. Recorded Flora Species

Appendix B. Likelihood of Occurrence Assessment

Appendix C. BC Act Test of Significance

Capital Ecology Project No: 2947 Drawn by: S. Reid Date: 16 March 2020 Scale 1:5,000 @ A3, GDA 1994, MGA Zone 55 Acknowledgement: Image (c) NSW Government LPI 2020

Figure 2. The Proposed Coots Creek Legend Camping and Caravan Park Lot 3 DP869801 Subject Land Capital Ecology Project No: 2947 Camp Sites Drawn by: S. Reid Date: 4 September 2020 Caravan Park Legend Lot 3 DP869801 Subject Land Camp Sites Camp Sites + 20m Buﬀer Caravan Park Caravan Park + 20m Buﬀer Vegetaon Mapping (Capital Ecology 2020) BC Act Nave Vegetaon. Brile Gum - Broad-leaved Peppermint - Red Stringybark open forest PCT351 Zone 1 - canopy - mixed nave-exoc groundstorey - low diversity Yellow Box - Blakely's Red Gum grassy woodland on the tablelands PCT1330 Zone 1 - canopy - mixed nave-exoc groundstorey - low diversity PCT1330 Zone 2 - exoc groundstorey - low diversity

Scale 1:3,500 @ A3, GDA 1994, MGA Zone 55 Acknowledgement: Image (c) NSW Government LPI 2020

Figure 3. Vegetaon Mapping on Aerial Imagery

Capital Ecology Project No: 2947 Drawn by: R. Speirs Date: 4 September 2020 Legend Lot 3 DP869801 Biodiversity Values Map Subject Land Caravan Park + 20m Buﬀer Caravan Park Vegetaon Mapping (Capital Ecology 2020) Yellow Box - Blakely's Red Gum grassy woodland on the tablelands PCT1330 Zone 2 - exoc groundstorey - low diversity Scale 1:4,000 @ A3, GDA 1994, MGA Zone 55 Acknowledgement: Image (c) NSW Government LPI 2020

Figure 4. Biodiversity Values Map and Proposed Development Impacts

Capital Ecology Project No: 2947 Drawn by: R. Speirs Date: 30 June 2020 Legend Lot 3 DP869801 Koala Development Applicaon Map Subject Land Camp Sites Caravan Park Scale 1:4,000 @ A3, GDA 1994, MGA Zone 55 Acknowledgement: Image (c) NSW Government LPI 2020

Figure 5. Koala Development Applicaon Map and Proposed Development Impacts

Capital Ecology Project No: 2947 Drawn by: R. Speirs Date: 4 September 2020

Appendix A. Recorded Flora Species

Species Name Common Name Status Native Austrostipa bigeniculata Tall Speargrass Protected Austrostipa scabra Rough Speargrass Protected Bothriochloa macra Red-leg Grass Protected Carex appressa Tall Sedge Protected Einadia nutans Climbing Saltbush Protected Elymus scaber Wheatgrass Protected Eucalyptus blakelyi Blakely’s Red Gum Protected Eucalyptus cinerea Argyle Apple Protected Eucalyptus dives Broad-leaved Peppermint Protected Eucalyptus macrorhyncha Red Stringybark Protected Eucalypts mannifera Brittle Gum Protected Eucalyptus melliodora Yellow Box Protected Eucalypts rubida Candlebark Protected Juncus australis Austral Rush Protected Lomandra coriacea Mat-rush Protected Microlaena stipoides Weeping Grass Protected Oxalis perennans Native Oxalis Protected Rumex brownie Swamp Dock Protected Rhytidosperma sp. Wallaby Grass Protected Exotic Acetosella vulgaris Sheep’s Sorrel - Bromus sp. Brome - Chondrilla juncea Skeltonweed - Cynodon dactylon Couch Grass - Dactylis glomerata Cock’s Foot - Erodium sp. Stork’s Bill - Hypochaeris radicata Cat’s Ear - Malva sp. Mallow - Nassella neesiana Chilean Needle Grass Asset Protection, Local Management Program Panicum capillare Witchgrass - Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum - Phalaris aquatica Phalaris - Portulaca oleracea Pigweed - Trifolium sp. Clover -

Appendix B. Likelihood of Occurrence Assessment

Key for below table

EPBC Act: BC Act: CE - critically endangered CE1 - critically endangered (Part 1, Schedule 1A) E - endangered E1 - endangered species (Schedule 1, Part 1) V - vulnerable E2 - endangered population (Schedule 1, Part 2) CD - conservation dependent E4 - presumed extinct (Schedule 1, Part 4) V1 - vulnerable species (Schedule 2, Part 1)

Note: The brief species distribution and habitat descriptions provided in the above table are sourced from the threatened species online profiles, listing determinations and/or recovery plans prepared for the species by the Commonwealth Government and NSW Government. These resources and associated references are provided on the relevant government websites.

Species Name EPBC Act BC Act Description (Distribution and Habitat) Likelihood of Occurrence Status Status Birds Anthochaera phrygia CE CE1 A semi-nomadic species occurring in temperate eucalypt woodlands Low Regent Honeyeater and open forests. Most records are from box-ironbark eucalypt forest It is possible that the species may visit the subject associations and wet lowland coastal forests. Key eucalypt species land to forage. The subject land does not contain include Mugga Ironbark, Yellow Box, Blakely's Red Gum, White Box nesting resources or foraging resources of potential and Swamp Mahogany. Also utilises a number of other eucalypt significance to the species. species. Nectar and fruit from the mistletoes Amyema miquelii, A. pendula, and A. cambagei are also eaten during the breeding season. Regent Honeyeaters usually nest in horizontal branches or forks in tall mature eucalypts and sheoaks as well as within mistletoe haustoria (section of the root which connects with the host tree). An open cup- shaped nest is constructed by the female of bark, grass, twigs and wool.

Species Name EPBC Act BC Act Description (Distribution and Habitat) Likelihood of Occurrence Status Status Artamus cyanopterus - V1 The Dusky Woodswallow has two separate populations. The eastern Moderate cyanopterus population is found from Atherton Tableland, Queensland south to It is possible that the species may visit the subject Dusky Woodswallow Tasmania and west to Eyre Peninsula, South Australia. The other land to forage and/or nest, however the subject land population is found in south-west Western Australia. The Dusky does not contain nesting resources or foraging Woodswallow is found in open forests and woodlands and may be resources of potential significance to the species. seen along roadsides and on golf courses. The south-eastern population migrates north in autumn. Botaurus poiciloptilus E E1 Australasian Bitterns are widespread but uncommon over south- Negligible Australasian Bittern eastern Australia. In NSW they may be found over most of the state The subject land does not contain potential habitat except for the far north-west. Favours permanent freshwater wetlands for the species. with tall, dense vegetation, particularly bullrushes Typha spp. and spikerushes Eleocharis spp.. Hides during the day amongst dense reeds or rushes and feed mainly at night on frogs, fish, yabbies, spiders, insects and snails. Calidris ferruginea CE E The Curlew Sandpiper is distributed around most of the Australian Negligible Curlew Sandpiper coastline. Inland records are probably mainly of birds pausing for a few The subject land does not contain potential habitat days during migration. The Curlew Sandpiper breeds in Siberia and for the species. migrates to Australia (as well as Africa and Asia) for the non-breeding period, arriving in Australia between August and November, and departing between March and mid-April. It generally occupies littoral and estuarine habitats, and in New South Wales is mainly found in intertidal mudflats of sheltered coasts. It also occurs in non-tidal swamps, lakes and lagoons on the coast and sometimes inland.

Species Name EPBC Act BC Act Description (Distribution and Habitat) Likelihood of Occurrence Status Status Callocephalon - V1 In summer the Gang-gang Cockatoo occupies tall montane forests and Low fimbriatum woodlands, particularly in heavily timbered and mature wet It is possible that the species may visit the subject Gang-gang Cockatoo sclerophyll forests. Also occur in subalpine Snow Gum woodland and land to forage, however the subject land does not occasionally in temperate or regenerating forest. In winter, the species contain potential nesting resources or foraging occurs at lower altitudes in drier, more open eucalypt forests and resources of potential significance to the species. woodlands, particularly in box-ironbark assemblages, or in dry forest in coastal areas. The Gang-gang Cockatoo usually breeds in tall forests in the Southern Tablelands region, however they have been observed on occasion to breed in Box-Gum Woodland and other similar lowland habitat around Canberra (R. Speirs pers. obs., M. Mulvaney pers. comm.). Chthonicola sagittata - V1 The Speckled Warbler lives in a wide range of Eucalyptus dominated Low Speckled Warbler communities that have a grassy understorey, often on rocky ridges or It is possible that the species may visit the subject in gullies. Typical habitat includes scattered native tussock grasses, a land to forage, however the subject land does not sparse shrub layer, some eucalypt regrowth and an open canopy. contain nesting resources or foraging resources of Large, relatively undisturbed remnants are required for the species to potential significance to the species. persist in an area. The diet consists of seeds and insects, with most foraging taking place on the ground around tussocks and under bushes and trees. Pairs are sedentary and occupy a breeding territory of about ten hectares, with a slightly larger home-range when not breeding. The rounded, domed, roughly built nest of dry grass and strips of bark is located in a slight hollow in the ground or the base of a low dense plant. Climacteris picumnus - V1 In the region, Brown Treecreepers occur in dry woodlands and open Low victoriae forest below 1,000 metres. Brown Treecreepers also frequent It is possible that the species may visit the subject Brown Treecreeper paddocks and grasslands where there are sufficient logs, stumps and land to forage, however the subject land does not (eastern subspecies) dead trees nearby. The species prefers relatively undisturbed contain nesting resources or foraging resources of woodland and dry open forest where the native understorey, potential significance to the species. especially grasses, has been preserved. The species usually prefers predominantly rough-barked trees such as Stringybarks and rough barked Boxes.

Species Name EPBC Act BC Act Description (Distribution and Habitat) Likelihood of Occurrence Status Status Daphoenositta - V1 The Varied Sittella occurs in a wide variety of woodland and forest Moderate chrysoptera habitats, particularly in lowland areas. The species prefers areas with a It is possible that the species may visit the subject Varied Sittella dominance of rough barked trees, notably Red Stringybark at relatively land to forage, however the subject land does not high density. The species is rarely recorded in sparsely treed areas. contain nesting resources or foraging resources of potential significance to the species. Grantiella picta - V1 The Painted Honeyeater is found in Queensland and New South Wales Low Painted Honeyeater west of the Great Dividing Range, through to northern Victoria. The It is possible that the species may visit the subject species displays some migratory movement and is occasionally found land, however the subject land does not contain in the Northern Territory and is a vagrant to South Australia and the nesting resources or foraging resources of potential ACT. The species frequents eucalypt forests and woodlands, significance to the species. particularly those that are infested heavily with mistletoes. Hieraaetus morphnoides - V1 The Little Eagle is distributed throughout the Australian mainland Low Little Eagle excepting the most densely forested parts of the Dividing Range The subject land is likely to be part of the large escarpment, and occupies habitats rich in prey within open eucalypt hunting range of a pair of Little Eagles, however no forest, woodland or open woodland. The species is sensitive to human indications of breeding activity (i.e. large stick nests) disturbance. were observed in the subject land or site during the survey. Lathamus discolor CE E1 The Swift Parrot occurs in woodlands and forests of NSW from May to Low Swift Parrot August, where it feeds on eucalypt nectar, pollen and associated It is possible that the species may visit the subject insects. The Swift Parrot is dependent on flowering resources across a land, however the subject land does not contain wide range of habitats in its wintering grounds in NSW. This species is nesting resources or foraging resources of potential migratory, breeding in Tasmania and also nomadic, moving about in significance to the species. response to changing food availability. Melanodryas cucullata - V1 The Hooded Robin occupies drier eucalypt forest, woodland and scrub, Low cucullata grasses and low shrubs, as well as cleared paddocks with regrowth or It is possible that the species may visit the subject Hooded Robin stumps. The species uses stumps, posts or fallen timber from which to land, however the subject land does not contain (southeastern form) locate prey on the ground. The species is found in woodland, often nesting resources or foraging resources of potential with scattered Yellow Box and/or Blakely’s Red Gum, with long grass significance to the species. and low shrubs, or fallen logs.

Species Name EPBC Act BC Act Description (Distribution and Habitat) Likelihood of Occurrence Status Status Numenius CE - The eastern curlew is Australia’s largest shorebird and a long-haul Negligible madagascariensis flyer. The eastern curlew takes an annual migratory flight to Russia There is no potential habitat in the subject land for Eastern Curlew and north-eastern China to breed, arriving back home to Australia in the species. August to feed on crabs and molluscs in intertidal mudflats. It is extremely shy and will take flight at the first sign of danger. Petroica boodang - V1 The Scarlet Robin is found in south-eastern Australia (extreme south- Moderate Scarlet Robin east Queensland to Tasmania, western Victoria and south-east South It is possible that the species may visit the subject Australia) and south-west Western Australia. In NSW it occupies open land to forage, however the subject land does not forests and woodlands from the coast to the inland slopes, breeding in contain nesting resources or foraging resources of drier eucalypt forests and temperate woodlands. potential significance to the species Petroica phoenica - V1 The Flame Robin is found in south-eastern Australia, from the Moderate Flame Robin Queensland border to Tasmania, western Victoria and south-east It is possible that the species may visit the subject South Australia. In NSW it breeds in upland moist eucalypt forests and land to forage, however the subject land does not woodlands, often on ridges and slopes, in areas of open understorey. contain nesting resources or foraging resources of The species migrates in winter to more open lowland habitats such as potential significance to the species grassland with scattered trees and open woodland on the inland slopes and plains. Polytelis swainsonii V V1 Found mainly in open, tall riparian River Red Gum forest or woodland. Moderate Superb Parrot Often found in farmland including grazing land with patches of It is possible that the species may visit the subject remnant vegetation. Breeds in hollow branches of tall eucalypt trees land, however the subject land does not contain within nine kilometres of feeding areas. nesting resources or foraging resources of potential significance to the species. Rostratula australis V E1 Usually found in shallow inland wetlands including farm dams, lakes, Negligible Australian Painted Snipe rice crops, swamps and waterlogged grassland. The species prefers There is no potential habitat in the subject land for freshwater wetlands, ephemeral or permanent, although it has been the species. recorded in brackish waters. Stagonopleura guttata - V1 The Diamond Firetail is found in eastern Australia, from Eyre Moderate Diamond Firetail Peninsula, South Australia, to south-eastern Queensland. There has It is possible that the species may visit the subject been a decline in density throughout the range, and many remaining land to forage, however the subject land does not populations may now be isolated. The species inhabits a wide range of contain nesting resources or foraging resources of eucalypt-dominated vegetation communities that have a grassy potential significance to the species. understorey, including woodland and mallee.

Species Name EPBC Act BC Act Description (Distribution and Habitat) Likelihood of Occurrence Status Status Fish and Crustacea Maccullochella peelii V - The Murray Cod's natural distribution extends throughout the Murray- Negligible Murray Cod Darling basin ranging west of the divide from south east Queensland, There is no potential habitat in the subject land for through NSW into Victoria and South Australia. The species is found in the species. the waterways of the Murray– Darling Basin in a wide range of warm water habitats that range from clear, rocky streams to slow flowing turbid rivers, billabongs and large deep holes. Murray Cod is entirely a freshwater species and will not tolerate high salinity levels. Macquaria australasica E E1 Macquarie Perch are found in the Murray-Darling Basin (particularly Negligible Macquarie Perch upstream reaches) of the Lachlan, Murrumbidgee and Murray rivers, There is no potential habitat in the subject land for and parts of south-eastern coastal NSW, including the Hawkesbury the species. and Shoalhaven catchments. Macquarie perch are found in both river and lake habitats, especially the upper reaches of rivers and their substantial tributaries.

Species Name EPBC Act BC Act Description (Distribution and Habitat) Likelihood of Occurrence Status Status Frogs Litoria aurea V E1 The Green and Golden Bell Frog occurs mainly along coastal lowland Negligible Green and Golden Bell areas of eastern NSW and Victoria. The furthest inland record of the There is no potential habitat in the subject land for Frog species is at a recently discovered population near Hoskinstown in the the species. Southern Tablelands (referred to as the Molonglo population). The species was previously known from elsewhere in the Southern Tablelands, but is now considered to have disappeared from the ACT and central slopes around Bathurst. In NSW, the species commonly occupies disturbed habitats, and breeds largely in ephemeral ponds. However, in Victoria, the Green and Golden Bell Frog occupies habitats with little human disturbance and commonly breeds in permanent ponds, as well as ephemeral ponds. Litoria booroolongensis E - The Booroolong Frog is restricted to tablelands and slopes in NSW and Negligible Booroolong Frog north-east Victoria at 200–1300 m above sea level. The species is There is no potential habitat in the subject land for predominantly found along the western-flowing streams and their the species. headwaters of the Great Dividing Range, and a small number of eastern-flowing streams in the north end of its range. The Booroolong Frog occurs along permanent streams with some fringing vegetation cover such as ferns, sedges or grasses. Adults occur on or near cobble banks and other rock structures within stream margins, or near slow-flowing connected or isolated pools that contain suitable rock habitats. Streams range from small slow-flowing creeks to large rivers in dissected mountainous country, tablelands, foothills and lowland plains. Primary habitat requirements for the Booroolong Frog are extensive rock bank structures along permanent rivers. The species can occur in cleared grazing land and pasture.

Species Name EPBC Act BC Act Description (Distribution and Habitat) Likelihood of Occurrence Status Status Litoria castanea E - The Yellow-spotted Tree Frog previously had a disjunct distribution, Negligible Yellow-spotted Tree being recorded on the New England Tablelands and on the Southern There is no potential habitat in the subject land for Frog Tablelands from Lake George to Bombala. The species has only the species. recently (2010) been rediscovered on the Southern Tablelands. Prior to this the species had not been recorded on the Southern Tablelands since the 1970s. Found in large permanent ponds, lakes and dams with an abundance of bulrushes and other emergent vegetation, it shelters during autumn and winter under fallen timber, rocks, other debris or thick vegetation. Litoria raniformis V E1 In NSW, the species is known to exist only in isolated populations in Negligible Growling Grass Frog the Coleambally Irrigation Area, the Lowbidgee floodplain and around There is no potential habitat in the subject land for Lake Victoria. Usually found in or around permanent or ephemeral the species. swamps or billabongs with an abundance of bulrushes and other emergent vegetation along floodplains and river valleys. The species has also been found in irrigated rice crops. Outside the breeding season animals disperse away from water and take shelter beneath ground debris such as fallen timber and bark, rocks, grass clumps and in deep soil cracks. The species previously occurred on the Southern Tablelands at a number of sites within the Murrumbidgee River corridor, however it is now widely considered to have become extinct on the Southern Tablelands.

Species Name EPBC Act BC Act Description (Distribution and Habitat) Likelihood of Occurrence Status Status Insects Synemon plana CE E1 The Golden Sun Moth's NSW populations are found in the area Low Golden Sun Moth between Queanbeyan, Gunning, Young and Tumut. The species occurs The subject land does not contain habitat in Natural Temperate Grasslands and Box-Gum Grassy Woodland in characteristic of the species. which the groundcover is dominated by Wallaby Grasses (Rytidosperma spp.). It is believed that the females lay up to 200 eggs at the base of the Wallaby Grass tussocks. After hatching, the larvae tunnel underground where they remain feeding on the roots of Wallaby Grass tussocks. The species is also known to feed on the introduced species (and Weed of National Significance), Chilean Needle Grass Nassella neesiana. Mammals Chalinolobus dwyeri V V1 The Large-eared Pied Bat appears to exist in a number of small Negligible Large-eared Pied Bat populations throughout its range. Very few maternity sites are known. There is no potential habitat in the subject land for The species requires a combination of sandstone cliff/escarpment to the species. provide roosting habitat that is adjacent to higher fertility sites, particularly box gum woodlands or river/rainforest corridors which are used for foraging. Dasyurus maculatus E V1 The Spot-tailed Quoll occurs along the east coast of Australia and the Low maculatus Great Dividing Range. The species uses a range of habitats including It is possible that the species may pass through the Spot-tailed Quoll (SE sclerophyll forests and woodlands, coastal heathlands and rainforests. subject land during movements through the broader mainland population) Occasional sightings have been made in open country, grazing lands, locality, however the subject land does not contain rocky outcrops and other treeless areas. Habitat requirements include habitat of potential significance to the species. suitable den sites, including hollow logs, rock crevices and caves, an abundance of food and an area of intact vegetation in which to forage. Seventy per cent of the diet is medium-sized mammals, and also feeds on invertebrates, reptiles and birds. Individuals require large areas of relatively intact vegetation through which to forage. The home range of a female is between 180 and 1000ha, while males have larger home ranges of between 2000 and 5000ha. Breeding occurs from May to August.

Species Name EPBC Act BC Act Description (Distribution and Habitat) Likelihood of Occurrence Status Status Falsistrellus - V1 The Eastern False Pipistrelle is found on the south-east coast and Moderate tasmaniensis ranges of Australia, from southern Queensland to Victoria and The species may fly over the subject land to forage, Eastern False Pipistrelle Tasmania. The species generally roosts in eucalypt hollows, but has but the subject land does not contain potential also been found under loose bark on trees or in buildings. The species breeding habitat for the species. prefers moist, tall forest environments. The species is not known to forage or roost in urban or highly modified rural areas. Miniopterus orianae - V1 The Eastern Bent-wing Bat is a subspecies of the Common Bent-wing Moderate oceanensis Bat, with a range thought to be from central Victoria to Cape York The species may fly over the subject land to forage, Large Bent-winged Bat Peninsula, Queensland. It is a fast flyer, able to travel many kilometres but the subject land does not contain potential in a night. Caves are the primary roosting habitat for this species breeding habitat for the species. however similar man-made structures are also used (culverts, eaves etc.). The species forages above the forest canopy. Petauroides Volans V - The greater glider is restricted to eastern Australia, occurring from the Negligible Greater Glider Windsor Tableland in north Queensland through to central Victoria, There is no potential habitat in the subject land for with an elevational range from sea level to 1200 m above sea level. the species. The greater glider is an arboreal nocturnal marsupial, largely restricted to eucalypt forests and woodlands. It is primarily folivorous, and is typically found in highest abundance in taller, montane, moist eucalypt forests with relatively old trees and abundant hollows. The greater glider favours forests with a diversity of eucalypt species, due to seasonal variation in its preferred tree species Phascolarctos cinereus V V1 In NSW, the Koala mainly occurs on the central and north coasts with Low Koala (combined some populations in the western region. Koalas feed almost The species is not known to occur in the lowland populations of Qld, NSW exclusively on eucalypt foliage, and their preferences vary regionally. agricultural land in the locality. and the ACT) They are solitary with varying home ranges. In high quality habitat home ranges may be 1-2 hectare and overlap, while in semi-arid country they are usually discrete and around 100 ha.

Species Name EPBC Act BC Act Description (Distribution and Habitat) Likelihood of Occurrence Status Status Pteropus poliocephalus V - The Grey-headed Flying Fox occurs in the coastal belt from Low Grey-headed Flying Fox Rockhampton in central Queensland to Melbourne in Victoria. Whilst It is possible that the species may visit the subject Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney and Melbourne are occupied land to forage, however the subject land does not continuously, the species is widespread throughout their range during contain potential roosting resources or foraging summer. In autumn the species occupies coastal lowlands and is resources of potential significance to the species. uncommon inland. In winter the species congregates in coastal lowlands north of the Hunter Valley and is occasionally found on the south coast of NSW and on the northwest slopes (associated with flowering eucalypts of these areas). The Grey-headed Flying-fox requires foraging resources and roosting sites. It is a canopy-feeding frugivore and nectarivore, which utilises vegetation communities including rainforests, open forests, closed and open woodlands, Melaleuca swamps and Banksia woodlands. The Grey-headed Flying-fox roosts in aggregations of various sizes on exposed branches. Roost sites are typically located near water, such as lakes, rivers or the coast. The roost at Commonwealth Park in Canberra is the only known roost in the ACT region. Reptiles Aprasia parapulchella V V1 The Pink-tailed Worm-lizard is a fossorial species which lives beneath Low Pink-tailed Worm-lizard surface rocks and occupies ant burrows. It feed on ants, particularly Whilst there are two small patches containing their eggs and larvae. Thought to lay eggs within the ant nests under scattered surface rock in the subject land, these rocks that it uses as a source of food and shelter and for rocks and the surrounding habitat are not thermoregulation. Key habitat features are a cover of native grasses, characteristically suitable habitat for the species. particularly Kangaroo Grass, sparse or no tree cover, little or no leaf litter, and scattered small rock with shallow embedment in the soil surface.

Species Name EPBC Act BC Act Description (Distribution and Habitat) Likelihood of Occurrence Status Status Delma impar V V1 The Striped Legless Lizard is patchily distributed in grasslands of south- Low Striped Legless Lizard eastern NSW, the ACT, north-eastern, central and south-western The species has not been recorded within 10 km of Victoria, and south-eastern South Australia. Most areas where the the subject land, and there is no potential habitat for species persists are thought to have had low to moderate levels of the species in the subject land. agricultural disturbance in the past and it has been suggested that ploughing in particular may be incompatible with the survival of the species. Until recently, the species was thought to inhabit only native grasslands dominated by species such as Tall Speargrass and Kangaroo Grass. In recent years, surveys have revealed the Striped Legless Lizard in many sites dominated by exotic grasses such as Phalaris, Serrated Tussock and Flatweed. They have also been found in several secondary grassland sites, generally within two kilometres of primary grassland. Plants Ammobium V - The Yass Daisy is a perennial herb that bears large yellow flowerheads, Low craspedioides with each flowerhead supported by a 30-60 cm stem. It is found from The species is not known to occur near the subject Yass Daisy Crookwell (north of Goulburn) to near Wagga Wagga, with most land, and there is no potential habitat for the species populations occurring in the Yass District. The Yass Daisy occurs in dry in the subject land. forest, Box-Gum Woodland and secondary derived grassland of these communities. It tolerates light grazing and areas that are irregularly mown or slashed. Flowering occurs from October to November. Amphibromus fluitans V - River Swamp Wallaby-grass has been recorded along the Lachlan River Negligible River Swamp Wallaby- at sites at Laggan near Crookwell and the headwaters of the There is no potential habitat in the subject land for grass Wollondilly River. The species grows mostly in permanent swamps, as the species. well as lagoons, billabongs, dams and roadside ditches. The species requires moderately fertile soils with some bare ground, such conditions being caused by seasonally-fluctuating water levels.

Species Name EPBC Act BC Act Description (Distribution and Habitat) Likelihood of Occurrence Status Status Eucalyptus aggregata V V1 Black Gum occurs on the central and southern tablelands of NSW, and Negligible Black Gum in a small disjunct population in Victoria. In NSW, it occurs This species is not present in the subject land. predominantly in the South Eastern Highlands Bioregion. The species is a small to medium-sized woodland tree which grows in grassy woodlands on alluvial soils in moist sites along creeks on broad, cold and poorly-drained flats and hollows. It commonly occurs with Candlebark Eucalyptus rubida, Ribbon Gum E. viminalis, and Snow Gum E. pauciflora, with a grassy understorey of River Tussock Poa labillardieri. Most populations are located on private land or road verges and travelling stock routes. Lepidium hyssopifolium E E This species is known from a few populations in NSW, Victoria and Low Basalt Peppercress Tasmania. The Basalt Pepper-cress is known to establish on open, bare The species is not known to occur in the locality and ground with limited competition from other plants. It was previously was not recorded during surveys. recorded from Eucalypt woodland with a grassy ground cover, low open Casuarina woodland with a grassy ground cover and tussock grassland. Recently recorded localities have predominantly been in weed-infested areas of heavy modification, high degradation and high soil disturbance such as road and rail verges, on the fringes of developed agricultural land or within small reserves in agricultural land. Many populations are now generally found amongst exotic pasture grasses and beneath exotic trees. Leucochrysum albicans E - The Hoary Sunray occurs from Queensland to Victoria and in Low var.tricolor Tasmania. In the ACT the species can be seen in spring in abundance While likely to be present in the surrounding area, Hoary Sunray on the roadside along Fairbairn Avenue and into Mt Ainslie Nature the species is quite conspicuous when present and Reserve, on the western slopes of Mt Majura and adjacent to the was not recorded in the subject land during field Federal Highway road easement. In NSW it is distributed on the inland surveys. slopes and plains including grasslands and woodlands on the Monaro and is quite a common species along in less modified areas. The species is usually found in ungrazed and lightly grazed areas, along roadsides in particular. It appears to be very sensitive to grazing, but responds to disturbance as a coloniser and appears to tolerate mowing. Flowers spring to summer.

Species Name EPBC Act BC Act Description (Distribution and Habitat) Likelihood of Occurrence Status Status Pomaderris pallida V V1 Pale Pomaderris has been recorded from near Kydra Trig, north-west Negligible Pale Pomaderris of Nimmitabel, Tinderry Nature Reserve, and the Queanbeyan River. A The species is quite conspicuous when present and record from Byadbo in Kosciuszko National Park has not been was not recorded during the field surveys. relocated. The main distribution is along the Murrumbidgee in the ACT. It was recorded recently in eastern Victoria. This species usually grows in shrub communities surrounded by Brittle Gum Eucalyptus mannifera and Red Stringybark E. macrorhynca or Black Cypress Callitris endlicheri woodland. Prasophyllum petilum E E1 When first described in 1991, the Tarengo Leek Orchid was known Negligible Tarengo Leek Orchid only from the Hall Cemetery in the ACT. It has since been found at four There is no potential habitat in the subject land for sites in New South Wales: Captains Flat Cemetery, Ilford Cemetery, the species. Steves Travelling Stock Route (TSR) at Delegate and the Tarengo TSR near Boorowa. The Tarengo Leek Orchid occurs on relatively fertile soils in grassy woodland or natural grassland. The three cemetery sites originally contained grassy woodland, dominated by Snow Gum Eucalyptus pauciflora and Black Gum E. aggregata at Captains Flat, and Blakely's Red Gum E. blakelyi and Yellow Box E. melliodora at Hall and Ilford. Both Tarengo TSR and Steves TSR are natural grasslands. The species is intolerant of grazing and this is considered to be the key reason it has been found only within cemeteries and TSRs, land from which grazing has been restricted. Rutidosis E E1 In the ACT and NSW, Button Wrinklewort occurs in box-gum Negligible Leptorrhynchoides woodland, secondary grassland derived from box-gum woodland or in The species is not known to occur in the locality and Button Wrinklewort natural temperate grassland. It prefers open spaces where it does not was not recorded during surveys. have to compete for light. It is known from several sites in the ACT, NSW and Victoria, where it is threatened by habitat loss, grazing and weed encroachment.

Species Name EPBC Act BC Act Description (Distribution and Habitat) Likelihood of Occurrence Status Status Senecio macrocarpus V - The Large-fruit Groundsel is a small perennial plant endemic to south- Negligible Large-fruit Groundsel eastern Australia. While most known populations occur within Victoria The subject land is unlikely to provide potential and South Australia, the species has been recorded within the NSW habitat to the species due to land use history and the southern tablelands. degraded nature of the vegetation present. This species occurs in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, shrublands and woodlands. The species is known to grow in association with Teatree and Kangaroo Grass populations, as well as Yellow Box woodlands. The species appears to be intolerant of grazing and agricultural pressures. Main loss of habitat is thought to be due to sheep grazing and pasture improvement of relevant habitat. Swainsona recta E E1 The Small Purple-pea occurs in the grassy understorey of woodlands Negligible Small Purple-pea and open forests dominated by Blakely’s Red Gum, Yellow Box, The subject land is unlikely to provide potential Candlebark and Bundy. The species grows in association with habitat to the species due to land use history and the understorey dominants that include Kangaroo Grass, Poa tussocks and degraded nature of the vegetation within the subject spear-grasses. Plants die back in summer, surviving as rootstocks until land. The species is also not known to occur in the they shoot again in autumn. The species is intolerant of grazing but locality. generally tolerant of fire, which also enhances germination by breaking the seed coat and reducing competition from other species. Thesium australe V V1 Found in very small to large populations scattered across eastern Negligible Austral Toadflax NSW, along the coast, and from the Northern to Southern Tablelands. The subject land is unlikely to provide potential Austral Toadflax is a root parasite that takes water and some nutrients habitat to the species due to land use history and the from other plants, especially Kangaroo Grass. It is often found in damp degraded nature of the vegetation within the subject sites in association with Kangaroo Grass but it is also found on other land. grass species at inland sites. Occurs on clay soils in grassy woodlands or coastal headlands.

Appendix C. BC Act Test of Significance

As described in Section 2.2 of this EIA, a portion of the subject land meets the minimum definition of BC Act Box-Gum Woodland (i.e. PCT1330 Zones 1).

Test of Significance20

a. in the case of a threatened species, whether the proposed development or activity is likely to have an adverse effect on the life cycle of the species such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction.

Not applicable, the matter is not a threatened species.

b. in the case of an endangered ecological community or critically endangered ecological community, whether the proposed development or activity:

i. is likely to have an adverse effect on the extent of the ecological community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction, or

The proposed development will result in a small (0.67 ha) indirect impact to BC Act listed Box-Gum Woodland during the operational phase (i.e. indirect impacts due to short-term camping). These indirect impacts will be small (e.g. impacts from of tents, campfires, stationary vehicles, etc.) and intermittent (i.e. not every campsite will be occupied every night).

This impact is highly unlikely to result in a significant adverse effect on the extent of the ecological community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction.

ii. is likely to substantially and adversely modify the composition of the ecological community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction

Lot 3 DP869801 (which includes the subject land) is characterised by an open grassy woodland (PCT1330) on the lower, flatter areas, merging with dry sclerophyll forest (PCT351) on the hill slopes and crests.

PCT1330 Zone 1 marginally meets the minimum definition for BC Act Box-Gum Woodland. The overstorey component is moderately intact, however the midstorey and shrubstorey are absent, and the groundstorey is highly modified and largely dominated by exotic species.

The proposed development is unlikely to further degrade the condition of the vegetation within Lot 3 DP869801, as no remnant trees will be removed. The proposed development will only have an indirect impact on several small areas of low diversity, exotic dominant BC Act Box-Gum Woodland.

As such the proposed development will not substantially and adversely modify the composition of the ecological community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction.

c. in relation to the habitat of a threatened species or ecological community:

i. the extent to which habitat is likely to be removed or modified as a result of the proposed development or activity, and

20 NSW Government (2018). Threatened Species Test of Significance Guidelines. Office of Environment and Heritage.

ii. whether an area of habitat is likely to become fragmented or isolated from other areas of habitat as a result of the proposed development or activity, and

iii. the importance of the habitat to be removed, modified, fragmented or isolated to the long-term survival of the species or ecological community in the locality.

Extent of habitat removal or modification

The proposed development will indirectly impact 0.67 ha of habitat during the operational phase (i.e. indirect impacts due to short-term camping). These indirect impacts will be small (e.g. impacts from of tents, campfires, stationary vehicles, etc.) and intermittent (i.e. not every campsite will be occupied every night).

The extent of the proposed indirect impact to habitat represents a very small proportion of the habitat present throughout the Lot 3 DP869801 and surrounds, and a very small proportion of the analogous habitat available across much of the broader locality.

Fragmentation and isolation of habitat

The areas indirectly impacted (i.e. Sites A,B,E,F,G, Figure 3) comprise a small portion of the analogous habitat occurring within Lot 3 DP869801 and throughout much of the locality. The small, indirect impact to 0.67 ha required for the proposed development is unlikely to significantly remove or reduce the habitat value of the land. As such, the proposed development is unlikely to fragment or isolate an area of habitat.

Importance of the habitat

As discussed herein, the habitat present within the areas indirectly impacted (i.e. Sites A,B,E,F,G, Figure 3) is analogous with that that which occurs within Lot 3 DP869801 and throughout much of the locality and is not of any greater importance to the conservation of the ecological community. The proposed development is also unlikely to substantially remove, modify, fragment or isolate the habitat present. d. whether the proposed development or activity is likely to have an adverse effect on any declared area of outstanding biodiversity value (either directly or indirectly).

The subject land is not part of, nor is located near, any declared area of outstanding biodiversity value. Therefore, the proposed development is unlikely to have an adverse effect on any declared area of outstanding biodiversity value. e. whether the proposed development or activity is or is part of a key threatening process or is likely to increase the impact of a key threatening process.

The key threatening processes (KTPs) currently listed on Schedule 4 of the BC Act of relevance to the ecological community and the proposed development are listed in Table 2. As described in Table 2, the proposed development does not constitute a key threatening process, nor is it likely to result in the operation of, or increase the impact of, a key threatening process.

Table 2. Key threatening processes relevant to the proposed development

Key Threatening Process Impact from Proposed Development Positive/Neutral/Negative

Aggressive exclusion of birds from Neutral woodland and forest habitat by abundant Lot 3 DP869801 is currently open agricultural land. The Noisy Noisy Miners, Manorina melanocephala Miner was not observed during the field survey; however, it is (Latham, 1802) likely that the Noisy Miner would occur in the subject land. The proposed development of short-term campsites is unlikely to substantially alter the distribution or abundance of the Noisy Miner in the locality. Clearing of native vegetation (as defined Neutral and described in the final determination of The proposed development will not involve the clearance of the Scientific Committee to list the key native vegetation and will only indirectly impact a small area of threatening process) native vegetation The indirect impact to such a small amount of native vegetation is unlikely to have a negative impact. Removal of dead wood and dead trees Neutral There is very little dead wood, and no dead trees, in the proposed short-term campsites. Invasion of native plant communities by Positive exotic perennial grasses As described in this EIA, Lot 3 DP869801 does not currently support a detrimental diversity and/or cover of invasive exotic perennial grasses. However, the proposed development will include effective control of noxious weeds which otherwise may not occur. Loss and degradation of native plant and Neutral animal habitat by invasion of escaped The proposed development only includes limited planting of garden plants, including aquatic plants non-invasive, deciduous trees. The potential for unwanted garden plants to establish in the areas of Box-Gum Woodland in the subject land is low. Predation by the Feral Cat Felis catus Neutral (Linnaeus, 1758) Feral cats are known to occur throughout the locality and would no doubt roam within Lot 3 DP869801. The proposed development (i.e. campsites and a caravan park) is unlikely to substantially impact feral cat numbers in the locality.

Conclusion

As determined via consideration of the above factors, the proposed development is unlikely to significantly impact the extent, or composition of the BC Act endangered Box-Gum Woodland.