Metromix Pty Ltd ABN: 39 002 886 839 Teralb a Quarry Extension s Flora Assessment Prepared by Idyll Spaces Environmental Consultants October 2011 Specialist Consultant Studies Compendium Volume 1, Part 4 Metromix Pty Ltd ABN: 39 002 886 839 Flora Assessment Prepared for: R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty Limited 1st Floor, 12 Dangar Road PO Box 239 BROOKLYN NSW 2083 Tel: (02) 9985 8511 Fax: (02) 9985 8208 Email: [email protected] On behalf of: Metromix Pty Ltd Level 4, 107 Phillip Street PARRAMATTA NSW 2150 Tel: (02) 9849 7400 Fax: (02) 9635 4816 Email: [email protected] Prepared by: Idyll Space Environmental Consultant 21 Titans Close BONVILLE NSW 2441 Tel: (02) 6653 4190 Mobile: 0428 534190 Email: [email protected] October 2011 Idyll Spaces Environmental Consultants METROMIX PTY LTD SPECIALIST CONSULTANT STUDIES Teralba Quarry Extensions Part 4: Flora Assessment Report No. 559/13 The information presented in this report is, in the opinion of the author, a true and accurate record based on an objective study undertaken in response to a brief provided by the client. While every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy and objectivity of the report, the variability of the natural environment and the paucity of comparative research data may require that professional judgement be applied in reaching conclusions. Any opinions expressed in the report are the professional opinions of the author. They are not intended to advocate any specific proposal or position. Except where noted in ‘Limitations’ this report meets DECCW survey guidelines. Survey data will be forwarded to Wildlife Atlas of NSW. G.N. Elks B.Sc (Botany), M.Litt (Ecology), MECA October 2011 COPYRIGHT © Idyll Spaces Environmental Consultants, 2011 and © Metromix Pty Ltd, 2011 All intellectual property and copyright reserved. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act, 1968, no part of this report may be reproduced, transmitted, stored in a retrieval system or adapted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without written permission. Enquiries should be addressed to Idyll Spaces Environmental Consultants. 4 - 2 Idyll Spaces Environmental Consultants SPECIALIST CONSULTANT STUDIES METROMIX PTY LTD Part 4: Flora Assessment Teralba Quarry Extensions Report No. 559/13 CONTENTS Page EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ......................................................................................................................................... 4-7 1. INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................................... 4-11 1.1 DEFINITIONS .................................................................................................................................. 4-11 1.2 BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................................... 4-11 1.3 THE PROJECT ................................................................................................................................ 4-11 1.4 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................ 4-11 1.5 LOCATION ...................................................................................................................................... 4-11 1.6 LANDFORM ..................................................................................................................................... 4-13 1.7 CLIMATE ......................................................................................................................................... 4-13 1.8 GEOLOGY ....................................................................................................................................... 4-13 1.9 SOIL LANDSCAPES........................................................................................................................ 4-13 1.10 VEGETATION COMMUNITIES ....................................................................................................... 4-17 1.11 LAND USE AND DISTURBANCE HISTORY ................................................................................... 4-19 2. PROJECT OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................................... 4-19 2.1 PROJECT LOCALITY ...................................................................................................................... 4-19 2.2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................................... 4-20 2.2.1 Existing Southern Extraction Area ........................................................................................ 4-20 2.2.2 Existing Mid Pit Extraction Area............................................................................................ 4-20 2.2.3 Proposed Southern Extension .............................................................................................. 4-21 2.2.4 Proposed Northern Extension............................................................................................... 4-21 2.2.5 Non-Project related Commercial Operations ........................................................................ 4-21 3. METHODS .................................................................................................................................................. 4-22 3.1 OVERVIEW ..................................................................................................................................... 4-22 3.2 REVIEW OF EXISTING FLORA DATA............................................................................................ 4-23 3.2.1 Species Listed in Director-General’s Requirements (DGRs) ................................................ 4-23 3.2.2 DECCW Wildlife Atlas of NSW ............................................................................................. 4-23 3.2.3 EPBC Act Protected Matters Report ..................................................................................... 4-24 3.2.4 Anne Clements & Associates ............................................................................................... 4-24 3.3 STRATIFICATION ........................................................................................................................... 4-24 3.3.1 Previous Stratification ........................................................................................................... 4-24 3.3.2 Stratification Utilised for this Study ....................................................................................... 4-25 3.4 FLORA SURVEY ............................................................................................................................. 4-25 3.4.1 Anne Clements & Associates ............................................................................................... 4-26 3.4.2 Idyll Spaces .......................................................................................................................... 4-27 3.5 VEGETATION MAPPING ................................................................................................................ 4-28 3.6 SURVEY LIMITATIONS & WEATHER ............................................................................................ 4-28 4. RESULTS ................................................................................................................................................... 4-28 4.1 THREATENED SPECIES, POPULATIONS AND ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES KNOWN OR PREDICTED TO OCCUR IN THE LOCALITY ................................................................................. 4-28 4.1.1 National 28 4.1.2 New South Wales ................................................................................................................. 4-30 Idyll Spaces Environmental Consultants 4 - 3 METROMIX PTY LTD SPECIALIST CONSULTANT STUDIES Teralba Quarry Extensions Part 4: Flora Assessment Report No. 559/13 CONTENTS Page 4.2 PREVIOUS FLORA STUDIES ......................................................................................................... 4-33 4.2.1 NPWS (2003) ....................................................................................................................... 4-33 4.2.2 City of Lake Macquarie (2010) ............................................................................................. 4-34 4.2.3 City of Lake Macquarie 2008 ................................................................................................ 4-35 4.2.4 Anne Clements & Associates ............................................................................................... 4-36 4.3 2011 FLORA SURVEYS .................................................................................................................. 4-36 4.4 DESCRIPTION OF VEGETATION COMMUNITIES ........................................................................ 4-37 4.4.1 Spotted Gum - White Mahogany - Grey Ironbark Open Forest & Woodland ........................ 4-38 4.4.2 Blue Gum - White Stringybark Shrubby Open Forest ........................................................... 4-39 4.4.3 Cleared 41 5. FLORA CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE ............................................................................................... 4-42 5.1 LIKELIHOOD OF OCCURRENCE OF THREATENED