Ashfield Commuter Car Park Flora and Fauna Assessment...Ashfield Commuter Car Park Flora and Fauna Assessment. Report for Transport for NSW. Authors: N Trulock & L Stone, Biosis Pty

© Biosis September 2012 – Leading ecology and heritage consultants 1

Ashfield Commuter Car Park

Flora and Fauna Assessment FINAL REPORT

Prepared for Transport for NSW

11 May 2016

© Biosis 2016 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting www.biosis.com.au i

Biosis offices

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

Canberra

Floor 1, Unit 3, 38 Essington Street

Mitchell ACT 2911

Phone: (02) 6241 2333

Fax: (03) 9646 9242

Email: [email protected]

NEW SOUTH WALES

Sydney

Unit 14, 17-27 Power Avenue

Alexandria NSW 2015

Phone: (02) 9690 2777

Fax: (02) 9690 2577


Wollongong

8 Tate Street

Wollongong NSW 2500

Phone: (02) 4229 5222

Fax: (02) 4229 5500


QUEENSLAND

Brisbane

Suite 4 First Floor, 72 Wickham Street

Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

Phone: (07) 3831 7400

Fax: (07) 3831 7411


VICTORIA

Ballarat

506 Macarthur Street

Ballarat VIC 3350

Phone: (03) 5331 7000

Fax: (03) 5331 7033


Melbourne (Head Office)

38 Bertie Street

Port Melbourne VIC 3207

Phone: (03) 9646 9499

Fax: (03) 9646 9242


Wangaratta

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Wangaratta VIC 3677

Phone: (03) 5721 9453

Fax: (03) 5721 9454


Document information

Report to: Transport for NSW

Prepared by: Nicola Trulock

Luke Stone

Biosis project no.: 20551

File name:

20551.TfNSW.Ashfield.Station.Upgrade.FFA.FIN01.20160502.docx

Citation: Biosis (2016). Ashfield Commuter Car Park Flora and Fauna

Assessment. Report for Transport for NSW. Authors: N Trulock & L Stone,

Biosis Pty Ltd, Sydney Office. Project no. 20551

Document control

Version Internal reviewer Date issued

Draft version 01 Jane Raithby-Veall 18/03/2016

Final version 01 Jane Raithby-Veall 11/05/2016

Acknowledgements

Biosis acknowledges the contribution of the following people and

organisations in undertaking this study:

Catherine Barlow (Transport for NSW)

Office of Environment and Heritage for access to the Atlas

of NSW Wildlife

The following Biosis staff were involved in this project:

James Shepherd and Lauren Harley for mapping

Jane Raithby-Veall for quality assurance

Biosis Pty Ltd

This report (Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment Report) has been prepared by Biosis Pty Ltd

(Biosis) for Transport for NSW (TfNSW) and may be used and relied on by TfNSW. Preparation of

this Report is a requirement of the Professional Services Contract (PSC) between TfNSW and Biosis

in relation to Ashfield Accessibility Upgrade (Project). In accordance with the PSC, this Report may

be used in whole or in part and relied on by TfNSW and subcontractors or sub-consultants of

TfNSW (Third Parties). With the exception of Third Parties, the contents of this Report are not to be

used in whole or in part, by or for the benefit of others without the express written permission of

Biosis

Disclaimer:

Biosis Pty Ltd has completed this assessment in accordance with the relevant federal, state and

local legislation and current industry best practice. The company accepts no liability for any

damages or loss incurred as a result of reliance placed upon the report content or for any purpose

other than that for which it was intended.

http://www.biosis.com.au/

mailto:[email protected]







© Biosis 2016 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting II

Contents

Summary ................................................................................................................................................................ vi

Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................ 1

1.1 Project background ...................................................................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Scope of assessment ................................................................................................................................................... 1

1.3 Location of the study area .......................................................................................................................................... 2

2. Methods ........................................................................................................................................................ 4

2.1 Nomenclature ............................................................................................................................................................... 4

2.2 Literature and database review ................................................................................................................................ 4

2.3 Site investigation ........................................................................................................................................................... 5

2.3.1 Flora assessment .............................................................................................................................................. 5

2.3.2 Fauna assessment ............................................................................................................................................ 5

2.3.3 Permits and Licences ....................................................................................................................................... 5

2.4 Limitations...................................................................................................................................................................... 5

2.5 Legislation and policy .................................................................................................................................................. 6

2.6 Mapping .......................................................................................................................................................................... 6

3. Results ........................................................................................................................................................... 7

3.1 Ecological Results ......................................................................................................................................................... 7

3.2 Site context and connectivity ..................................................................................................................................... 7

3.3 Vegetation and fauna habitat .................................................................................................................................... 8

3.4 Threatened flora, fauna and ecological communities ...................................................................................... 10

3.4.1 Threatened species ....................................................................................................................................... 10

3.4.2 Threatened ecological communities ......................................................................................................... 12

3.5 Tree Assessment ....................................................................................................................................................... 12

3.6 Noxious weeds ........................................................................................................................................................... 35

4. Potential impacts and recommended mitigation measures ............................................................ 40

4.1 Potential Impacts ....................................................................................................................................................... 40

4.1.1 Direct impacts ................................................................................................................................................. 40

4.1.2 Indirect impacts.............................................................................................................................................. 40

4.2 Recommended mitigation measures ................................................................................................................... 42

5. Biodiversity Legislation and Government Policy ................................................................................. 44

5.1 Commonwealth ......................................................................................................................................................... 44

5.1.1 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, 1999 .................................................... 44

5.2 State .............................................................................................................................................................................. 44

5.2.1 Threatened Species Conservation Act, 1995 ........................................................................................... 44

5.2.2 Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 ............................................................................. 46

5.2.3 Native Vegetation Act, 2003 ........................................................................................................................ 46

© Biosis 2016 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting III

5.2.4 Noxious Weeds Act 1993 ............................................................................................................................. 46

6. Conclusion .................................................................................................................................................. 47

References ............................................................................................................................................................. 48

Appendices ............................................................................................................................................................ 49

Appendix 1: Flora .................................................................................................................................................. 50

Appendix 2: Fauna ................................................................................................................................................ 60

List of Figures

Figure 1: Location of the study area, Ashfield, NSW........................................................................................... 3

Figure 2: Ecological values of the study area..................................................................................................... 36

Figure 3: Threatened flora within 5kilometers of the study area ................................................................... 38

Figure 4: Threatened fauna within 5kilometres of the study area ................................................................. 39

List of Tables

Table 1: Database searches completed for the report ...................................................................................... 4

Table 2: Vegetation Community Description – Urban natives and exotics ..................................................... 9

Table 3: Physical characteristics of the study area ............................................................................................. 9

Table 4: Summary of threatened species likely to occur in proximity to the study area ............................ 11

Table 5: Tree Assessment: trees to be removed ............................................................................................... 12

Table 6: Tree assessment: trees to be retained ................................................................................................ 18

Table 7: Noxious weeds recorded within the study area ................................................................................ 35

Table 8: Assessment of the Project against the EPBC Act ............................................................................... 44

Table 9: KTPs listed under the TSC Act with potential to be exacerbated by the Project ........................... 45

Table 10: Flora species recorded from the study area .................................................................................... 51

Table 11: Threatened flora species recorded / predicted to occur within 5 km of the study area ............ 54

Table 12: Vertebrate fauna recorded from the study area ............................................................................. 61

Table 13: Threatened fauna species recorded, or predicted to occur, within 5 km of the study area ..... 62

Table 14: Migratory avifauna species recorded or predicted to occur within 5 km of the study area ..... 77

List of Plates

Plate 1: Dense understorey providing potential refuge for gregarious avifauna ........................................ 41

© Biosis 2016 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting IV

Glossary

Acronym Terminology

AoS Assessment of Significance – formerly the seven part test

Biota Flora, fauna. populations or ecological communities

CBD Central Business District

CCP Commuter Car Park

CMA Catchment Management Authority

DBH Diameter at Breast Height

DPI Department of Primary Industries

DoE Department of the Environment

EEC Endangered Ecological Community

EP&A Act Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979

EPBC Act Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

FM Act Fisheries Management Act 1994

GIS Geographic Information System

GPS Global Positioning System

km kilometres

KTP Key Threatening Process

LEP Local Environment Plan

LGA Local Government Area

Locality The area within a 5 kilometre radius of the Ashfield Station commuter car park study area

NES Matters of National Environmental Significance

NSW New South Wales

NV Act Native Vegetation Act 2003

© Biosis 2016 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting V

Acronym Terminology

NW Act Noxious Weeds Act, 1993

OEH Office of Environment and Heritage

Proposal/Project Ashfield Station commuter car park accessibility upgrade.

REF Review of Environmental Factors

RoTAP Rare or Threatened Australian Plant

SEPP State Environmental Planning Policy

SIC assessment Significant Impact Criteria assessment

SIS Species Impact Statement

study area The area of direct impact for the proposed works

TEC Threatened Ecological Community

TfNSW Transport for New South Wales

TPZ Tree Protection Zone

TSC Act Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995

© Biosis 2016 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting vi

Summary

Biosis Pty Ltd was commissioned by Transport for NSW (TfNSW) to undertake a terrestrial flora and fauna

assessment of the Ashfield Commuter Car Park (CCP), Ashfield. TfNSW is currently implementing the

Transport Access Program which aims to improve the accessibility of existing stations across the network. A

Review of Environmental Factors (REF) is to be submitted to assess potential impacts on the environment, as

part of the approval process under Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act).

This report forms the terrestrial flora and fauna component of the REF.

Ecological values

Key ecological values identified within the study area include:

0.74 hectares of Urban Natives and Exotics vegetation community of which 0.05 hectares lies within

the proposed works footprint.

Three unsound trees, all of which are dead and will require removal before they become a hazard to

the public.

Habitat trees that may provide marginal quality foraging habitat for the threatened Grey-headed

flying-fox.

Three flora species listed as noxious within the Ashfield Local Government Area (LGA).

Government legislation and policy

An assessment of the Project against key biodiversity legislation and policy is provided and summarised

below.

Legislation / Policy Relevant ecological

feature on site

Permit / Approval

required

Notes

Environmental

Protection and

Biodiversity

Conservation Act

1999 (EPBC Act)

The study area is

considered unlikely to

provide potential habitat

for any matters listed

under the EPBC Act.

An EPBC referral is not

required.

Rationale for the likely

occurrence of threatened

flora, fauna and ecological

communities is addressed

in Appendix 1: Table 11

and Appendix 2: Table 13.

NSW Threatened

Species

Conservation Act

1995

(TSC Act)

The study area is

considered unlikely to

provide potential habitat

for any flora, fauna or

ecological communities

listed under the TSC Act.

The completion of a

Species Impact Statement

is not required.



flora, fauna and ecological




Fisheries

Management Act

1994 (FM Act)

No watercourses were

located within or adjacent

to the study area.

NA NA

Environmental

Planning &

No threatened flora

species or Ecological

The completion of a

Species Impact Statement



© Biosis 2016 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting vii

Legislation / Policy Relevant ecological

feature on site

Permit / Approval

required

Notes

Assessment Act 1979

(EP&A Act)

Communities were

recorded or considered

likely to occur within the

study area.

is not required. flora, fauna and ecological




Noxious Weeds Act

1993 (NW Act)

Noxious weeds recorded

include:

Asparagus – Asparagus

aethiopicus

Broad-leaved Privet

Ligustrum lucidum.

Trailing Lantana

Lantana montevidensis

Noxious weeds should be

controlled according to

their control class. The

requirements for each

species are outlined in

Section 3.5.

N/A

Note: Guidance provided in this report does not constitute legal advice.

Recommendations

The principal means to reduce impacts on biodiversity values within the study area will be to avoid and

minimise removal of native vegetation, street trees and habitat.

The current reference design is relatively sympathetic to the ecological constraints within the study area.

Recommendations to minimise impacts on biodiversity include the replanting of 56 trees as per TfNSW

Vegetation Offset Guide (TfNSW 2014), installation of Tree Protection Zones according to Australian Standard

(2009), implementing hygiene protocols and appropriately managing noxious weeds. These, along with other

recommendations, are further outlined in Section 4.2.

Conclusions

The overall impact of the proposed upgrade of the Ashfield Station CCP to native flora and fauna is

considered to be low. It is unlikely that the proposed works will result in a significant impact to threatened

species, populations or communities and therefore additional approvals such as a Species Impact Statement

or EPBC Referral are not required.

© Biosis 2016 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 1

Introduction

1.1 Project background

Biosis Pty Ltd was commissioned by Transport for NSW (TfNSW) to undertake a terrestrial flora and

fauna assessment of Ashfield Commuter Car Park (CCP), Ashfield. TfNSW is proposing a number of

upgrades to the existing infrastructure of Ashfield CCP conducted as a part of the Transport Access

Program, currently being rolled out across the network (the Proposal). Proposed upgrades to the

existing infrastructure of Ashfield CCP include the construction of a ground plus two level CCP,

installation of access ramps and two lifts and an upgrade to the car park entrance off Brown

Street. Proposed works also include the construction of High Voltage (HV) power lines across the

car park and along Brown Street as well as the construction of temporary ancillary facilities and a

construction compound area (proposed works footprint). Two options are being considered for

the construction of the HV power lines, Option 1a which involves trenching/GST troughing and

Option 1b which involves under boring, with Option 1b the preferred option.

A Review of Environmental Factors (REF) is to be submitted as part of the approval process under

Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act). This report forms the

terrestrial flora and fauna component of the REF.

1.2 Scope of assessment

The objectives of this flora and fauna assessment are to:

Undertake database searches to determine the potential for NSW or Commonwealth

threatened flora, fauna, populations or ecological communities (biota) to occur within the

study area.

Describe the vascular flora (ferns, conifers, flowering plants) and vertebrate fauna (birds,

mammals, reptiles, frogs, fish).

Map ecological values and constraints (e.g. threatened flora/fauna presence, large

infestations of noxious weeds, hollow-bearing trees, rock outcrops etc.).

Identify and map fauna habitat present within the study area.

Determine the potential for the study area to provide habitat for threatened species.

Confirm the presence/absence of any Threatened Ecological Communities (TEC).

Confirmation of tree species within the CCP that are proposed for removal.

Undertake searches for evidence of occupation by threatened fauna, particularly the

Powerful Owl and Grey-headed Flying-fox.

Determine potential impacts to ecological values present, or likely to be present, within the

study areas, and identify potential mitigation measures

Assess the Project against relevant biodiversity legislation, including:

– Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)

– NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act)

– Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979


– Fisheries Management Act 1994 (FM Act)

– National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NPW Act)

Review the implications of relevant biodiversity legislation and policy.

Identify potential implications of the proposed development and provide recommendations

to assist with development design.

Provide recommendations for the Project, including justification for further assessment (if

required) and mitigation measures (if any) required for the works to proceed, developed in

accordance with best practice and project requirements, e.g. consideration of the TfNSW

Vegetation Offset Guide (TfNSW 2014).

1.3 Location of the study area

The study area is located in Ashfield, approximately 7.5 kilometres east-south-east of the Sydney

Central Business District (CBD) and part of the Ashfield Local Government Area (LGA), (Figure 1). The

study area is defined as the area of potential direct and indirect impact of the proposed works, and

includes a 50 metre buffer of the entire area of the proposed works footprint consisting of the

Ashfield CCP including the entrance off Brown Street and the footprint of the proposed HV power

under boring/troughing. The study area encompasses 5.04 hectares of public and private land and

adjacent road reserves and is currently zoned B4 Mixed Use according to the Ashfield Local

Environmental Plan (LEP) (2013).

The study area is within the:

Sydney Basin Bioregion

Port Jackson/Georges River catchment

Sydney Metro Catchment Management Area (CMA)

Ashfield LGA

BURWOODBURWOOD

CANTERBURYCANTERBURY

UNINCORPORATEDUNINCORPORATED

MARRICKVILLEMARRICKVILLE

ASHFIELDASHFIELD

LEICHHARDTLEICHHARDT

CANADACANADABAYBAY

Illawarra

Road

Hawth

orne P

arade

Hens

on St

reet

Burw

ood R

oad

Que e

n St re

e t

Alt

Street

Hardy

Street

Flood

Stree

t

Keir

Aven

ue

Seaview Street

Queen Street

Chelt

enha

m Ro

ad

Kingst

on St

reet

Lyons Road

Luca

s Roa

d

Willia

mStre

etCro

ydon R

oad

Parramatta Road

Fore Street

South Parade

Gould Street

Princess Street

Duke Street

Croyd

on Av

enue

Permanent Avenue

Evaline Street

Brigh

tonStr

eet

St Davi

dsRoad

Nowra Lane

Kensington Road

EwartStreet

North Parade

Moore Street

Crief

f Stre

et

Clissold Parade

Old Canterbury Road

Crinan Street

Byron Street

Garnet Street

Arthur Street

Acton

Stree

t

Canterbury Road

Henley Marin

e Drive

Parramatta Road Elswick Street

Queens Road

Alt Street

O'connor Street

Liverpool Road

Brent Street

Dalmar Street

Victoria Street

NortonStreet

Pine Street

Crane StreetHunter Street

Elm Street

West Street

Bay Street

Lyons Road

Oak StreetPro

spec

tRoa

d

Robert Lane

Webb

Stree

t

Marrickville Road

Queens Road

Beau

fort S

treet

Kings RoadLoftus Street

Clements S treet

Frede

rick St

reet

Gree

nhills

Stree

t

Clissold StreetBoyle

Stree

t

Harri

s Roa

dFifth Street

Gipps Street

Luke

Aven

ue

Culdees Road

Frederick Street

Murray Street

Moon

bie St

reet

First Street

Park Lane

Bland

Stree

t

Foste

r Stre

etThe Boulevarde

East

Stree

t

Beach Road

Starke

y Stre

et

Barre Street

West

Stree

t

Scott S

treet

Cobar Street

Nield Avenue

Rega

tta Ro

ad

City-westLink RoadEsher

Stree

t

Ash Lane

Pigott Street

Heath Street

Clunes Lane

Ettr ic

kStr e

et

Orpington Street

Kintore Street

Empir

e Stre

et

Alt St

reet

Pine A

venu

e

Stanton Road

Tahlee

Stree

tFitzroy StreetTin

tern R

oad

Yule Street

Ormond Street

Holbo

row St

reet

Bur nell Street

Curt Street

Hamp

tonStr

eet

Edith

Stree

t

Dobroyd Parade

Park Street

Forbe

s Stre

et

Bland Street

Palace Lane

Rawson

Stree

t

Stanley Street

Paisley Road

Cecil Street

Pile StreetGeorge Street

Cana

l Roa

d

King S

treet

Ingha

m Av

enue

Brigh

tonAv

e nue

Dalho

usie S

treet

Beamish StreetFlo

od St

reet

Holde

n Stre

et

K ingStreet

Shaft

esbu

ry Ro

adWe

ldon S

treet

Darley Road

Rose

Stree

t

WindsorRoad

Milton Street

Melford

Street

Youn

g Stre

et

Grea

tNort

h Roa

d

Bayvi

ew R

oad

Church Stree

t

Hay S

treet

Marce

au

Drive

Grosvenor Crescent

Park

Road

Foord

Aven

ue

Cooks River

Hawt

horne

Cana

l

Iron Cove Creek Dobroyd Point

Johnstones Corner

MoreeBourke

Parkes

CanberraSydney

WollongongAlbury

Ballina

BrokenHill

Newcastle

Acknowledgement: Topo (c) NSW Land and Planning Information (2011); Overivew (c) State of NSW (c.2003)

Matter: 20551Date: 15 March 2016,Checked by: NRT, Drawn by: LH, Last edited by: lharleyLocation:P:\20500s\20551\Mapping\

LegendStudy area

Scale 1:25,000 @ A4, GDA 1994 MGA Zone 56

0 250 500 750 1,000

Metres ±Biosis Pty LtdBallarat, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Newcastle, Sydney, Wangaratta & Wollongong

Figure 1: Location of the study area


2. Methods

2.1 Nomenclature

The flora taxonomy (classification) used in this report follows the most recent Flora of NSW (Harden,

2002). Where nomenclature was uncertain, species names were verified with the on-line Australian

Plant Name Index (Australian National Botanic Gardens, 2007). In the text of this report, flora species

are referred to by both their common and scientific names when first mentioned and common

names only thereafter. Flora common names, where available, have been included in threatened

species tables and the complete flora list in Appendix 1: Table 10.

Names of vertebrates follow the Census of Australian Vertebrates maintained by the Commonwealth

Department of Environment (DEWHA 2009). In the body of this report vertebrates are referred to by

both their common and scientific names when first mentioned. Subsequent references to these

species cite the common name only. Common and scientific names are included in the fauna list in

Appendix 2: Table 12.

2.2 Literature and database review

In order to provide a context for the study area, information about flora and fauna from within 5

kilometres of the study area (the ‘locality') was obtained from relevant public databases. Records

from the databases outlined in Table 1 were collated and reviewed.

Table 1: Database searches completed for the report

Database Records Accessed Search

radius

Date of

access

Department of Environment Protected

Matters Search Tool Database

Records of Matters of National

Environmental Significance

(NES) listed under the

provisions of the EPBC Act.

5 km March

2016

Office of Environment and Heritage

(OEH) Atlas of NSW Wildlife

Records of threatened flora and

fauna species listed on the

schedules of the TSC and EPBC

Acts.

5 km March

2016

Birds Australia, New Atlas of

Australian Birds

Records of threatened and

migratory bird species.

5 km March

2016

PlantNet, Rare or Threatened

Australian Plants listing

Rare or Threatened Australian

Plants.

Ashfield

LGA

March

2016

Department of Primary Industries

(DPI), Noxious Weeds Database

Noxious weeds. Ashfield

LGA

March

2016


Other sources of biodiversity information reviewed for this report include:

Relevant vegetation mapping, consisting of :

– The Native Vegetation of the Sydney Metropolitan Area (OEH, 2013)

The following was also reviewed:

Ashfield Station TAP-Commuter Car Park. Drawing TAP-0299-AR-212001 (ARUP 2015).

2.3 Site investigation

2.3.1 Flora assessment

The flora assessment was undertaken on 8 March 2016 by Nicola Trulock (Ecologist) of Biosis, who

assessed the vegetation communities of the study area using the random meander survey method

(Cropper, 1993) to determine the vegetation assemblage and the relevant classification, present

within the study area. An additional assessment was undertaken on 11 May 2016 by Nicola Trulock

to assess the vegetation existing to the east of the Brown Street tunnel.

A list of flora species was compiled (Appendix 1: Table 10). The general condition, structure and

connectivity of native vegetation were recorded, as well as the effects of current seasonal conditions.

Notes were made on specific issues such as noxious weeds, evidence of management works and

general impacts.

Flora records will be submitted to OEH for incorporation into the Atlas of NSW Wildlife.

2.3.2 Fauna assessment

The fauna assessment was undertaken on 8 March 2016 by Nicola Trulock (Ecologist) of Biosis, to

determine fauna habitat values present within the study area. This was determined primarily on the

basis of the types and qualities of habitat(s) present. All species of fauna observed or heard during

the assessment were recorded (Appendix 2: Table 12) and active searches for direct and indirect

traces of fauna were undertaken. This included direct observation, active searches under rocks and

logs, examination of tracks and scats, searches for nests and feeding scars and identifying calls.

Particular attention was given to searching for evidence of microbat roosts, raptor nests significant

species and their habitats, particularly those outlined in Section 1.2. Fauna species were recorded

with a view to characterising the values of the site and the investigation was not intended to provide

a comprehensive survey of all fauna that has potential to utilise the study area over time.

Fauna records will be submitted to OEH for incorporation into the Atlas of NSW Wildlife.

2.3.3 Permits and Licences

The flora and fauna assessment was conducted under the terms of Biosis's Scientific Licence issued

by OEH under the NP&W Act (SL100758). Fauna survey was conducted under approval TRIM 14/271

from the NSW Animal Care and Ethics Committee.

2.4 Limitations

Ecological surveys provide a sampling of flora and fauna at a given time and season. There are a

number of reasons why not all species will be detected in a study area during survey, such as species

dormancy, seasonal conditions, ephemeral status of waterbodies and migration and breeding

behaviours of some fauna. In many cases these factors do not present a significant limitation to

assessing the overall biodiversity values of the study area.


The current flora and fauna assessment was conducted near the end of summer, which is an optimal

time for survey as the majority of flora species were in flower and readily identifiable and

herpetofauna, avifauna and vertebrate mammals were not in torpor and were more likely to be

active. The field investigation was conducted on a warm day during clement weather at a time when

resident species were more likely to be active. The survey effort of 4 hours expended on the study

area is determined to be more than adequate to determine the presence of flora and fauna species

including threatened species as the area surveyed comprised predominantly of 5.04 hectares

including 0.74 hectares of street trees and various landscape plantings.

Limitations to this assessment primarily consist of the inability to assess the presence of nocturnal

fauna species which may utilise the study area as survey was conducted during diurnal hours.

Database searches, and associated conclusions on the likelihood of species to occur within the study

area, are reliant upon external data sources and information managed by third parties.

2.5 Legislation and policy

The implications for the Project were assessed in relation to key biodiversity legislation and policy

including:

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, 1999 (EPBC Act).

Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 (EP&A Act), including

– State Environmental Planning Policy No. 19 – Bushland in Urban Areas.

Threatened Species Conservation Act, 1995 (TSC Act).

Native Vegetation Act, 2003 (NV Act).

Noxious Weeds Act, 1993 (NW Act).

National Parks and Wildlife Act, 1974 (NP&W Act).

Ashfield LEP 2013.

2.6 Mapping

Mapping was conducted using a Samsung Tablet uploaded with ArcGIS Collector (uncorrected)

(GDA94) and incorporating an aerial photo of the study area produced by NearMap (NearMap 2016).

The study area was digitised from the PDF map displaying the Ashfield Site Plan provided by TfNSW

on 7 March 2016 as part of the brief and uploaded onto the tablet. The accuracy of this mapping is

therefore subject to the accuracy of the GPS units (generally ± 7 metres) and dependent on the

limitations of aerial photo rectification and registration.

Mapping has been produced using a Geographic Information System (GIS). Electronic GIS files which

contain our flora and fauna spatial data are available to incorporate into design concept plans.

However this mapping may not be sufficiently precise for detailed design purposes.


3. Results

3.1 Ecological Results

The ecological values of the study area are described below and mapped in Figure 2.

A total of 52 flora species (17 native and 35 exotic) as well as three fauna species were recorded

within the study area during the current assessment. Species recorded during the flora and fauna

assessment are listed in Appendix 1 (flora) and Appendix 2 (fauna). Unless of particular note, these

species are not discussed further.

A list of threatened species recorded or predicted to occur in the local area is also provided in those

appendices, along with an assessment of the likelihood of the species occurring within the study

area.

3.2 Site context and connectivity

The study area comprises of a 50 metre buffer of the Ashfield CCP proposed works footprint and HV

power under boring/troughing across the car park and along the Brown Street frontage, from the

CCP to Bland Street located in the suburb of Ashfield, NSW (Figure 2). The study area is bounded by

Station Street and the backyards of properties along Elizabeth Street to the north, Ashfield Public

School to the east, the buildings along the southern side of Brown Street and the buildings along the

western side of Brown/Bland Street. Ashfield is predominately a residential suburb, containing

remnant trees in gardens and along streets along with a number of small reserves consisting of

natural bushland areas.

The study area was aligned exactly with the proposed works footprint which is bound by rail

infrastructure to the north, rail outbuildings and track access to the east, Brown Street and Orchard

Crescent to the south and Brown Street/Bland Street to the west. Vegetation within the study area

has undergone removal in the past during construction of the at-grade CCP and surrounding

residential and commercial development, as well as rail infrastructure. Existing vegetation is highly

fragmented and consists of a mixture of planted native and exotic ornamental species and street

plantings as well as self-seeded weed species. Surrounding land use includes road and rail

infrastructure, and commercial/retail.

Regional soil landscape mapping indicates that the study area occurs on the Blacktown residual soil

landscape (Chapman and Murphy 1989). The Blacktown soil landscape is characterised by gently

undulating rises on Wianamatta Group shales with red and brown podzolic soils on crests and yellow

podzolic soils in valleys (Chapman and Murphy 1989). Limitations of the Blacktown soil landscape

include poor drainage, low soil fertility and moderate erodibility. The soils within the study area bear

a marginal resemblance to the original mapped soil profile, being disturbed and containing fill

resulting from past CCP construction and the long term history of urban development. The

composition of the soil is highly influential on the vegetation within the communities observed.

Nearest remnant vegetation occurs in the riparian corridors of the Cooks River 2.2 kilometres to the

south-west and the Hawthorne Canal located 1.7 kilometres to the east. Both riparian corridors

provide limited connectivity to native vegetation facilitating the movement of fauna throughout the

landscape. However, most of the study area occurs in cleared areas with no connectivity to native

bushland in the landscape.


3.3 Vegetation and fauna habitat

The vegetation and fauna habitat throughout the majority of the study area has been modified by

changes in land use throughout the local area. Remnant vegetation has predominantly been cleared

to make way for residential and commercial development. Such development includes the at-grade

CCP, Ashfield Mall, Ashfield Station including the rail corridor and the Ashfield Public School.

No avifauna nests were visible in trees within the proposed works footprint. No scats or tracks were

visible and no scratches or feeding scars were present within any of the trees within the proposed

works footprint. Feathers originating from Noisy Miner Manorina melanocephala were present under

Crimson Bottlebrush shrubs recorded within the proposed works footprint.

No hollow-bearing trees or microbat habitat was recorded within the proposed works footprint.

Crimson Bottlebrush shrubs within the study area potentially form marginal foraging habitat for non-

threatened avifauna and the threatened Grey-Headed Flying-fox, although the loss of some of these

shrubs is not considered important as the species are transient and forage over great distances and

there are numerous shrubs and trees from the Myrtaceae family growing throughout the region.

No rocky outcrops or waterways were present within the proposed works footprint. A list of all fauna

species recorded within the study area is outlined in Appendix 2: Table 12.

The study area supports one vegetation community based on condition and floristic composition,

being Urban Natives and Exotics which is consistent with the vegetation community classification

defined in previous mapping undertaken within the study area and immediate surrounds (OEH

2013). The floristic composition, associated soil type and location for this community is detailed in

Tables 2 and 3 and outlined in Figure 2.


Table 2: Vegetation Community Description – Urban natives and exotics

Stratum Height

Class

% Cover

Dominant Species

Canopy 10-30 meters 5 %-10 %

Native species include Narrow-leaved Scribbly Gum

Eucalyptus racemosa and Prickly-leaved Tea Tree

Melaleuca styphelioides. Exotic species include;

Camphor Laurel Cinnamomum camphora, Jacaranda

Jacaranda mimosifolia and London Plane Tree Platanus

hispanica Acerifolia.

Upper Midstorey 5-10 meters 10 % Native species include Black She-Oak Allocasuarina

littoralis, Broad-leaved Paperbark Melaleuca

quinquenervia, Crimson Bottlebrush Callistemon citrinus,

Hickory Wattle Acacia implexa, Sweet Pittosporum

Pittosporum undulatum and Brush Box Lophostemon

confertus.

Lower Midstorey 2-5 meters 10 %

Native species include Fringed Wattle Acacia fimbriata

and White Wattle Acacia linifolia. Exotic species include

African Olive Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata and

Japanese Sacred Bamboo Nandina domestica.

Groundstorey <1 meter 25 % Native species include Pigweed Portulaca oleracea,

Spiny-headed Mat-rush Lomandra longifolia and

Windmill Grass Chloris truncata. Exotic species include

Asparagus Fern Asparagus aethiopicus, Cobblers Pegs

Bidens pilosa, Common Sowthistle Sonchus oleraceus,

Fat Hen Chenopodium album, Fleabane Conyza sp.,

Madiera Vine Anredera cordifolia, Panic Veldt Grass

Ehrharta erecta, Prairie Grass Bromus catharticus,

Redroot Amaranth Amaranthus retroflexus and Summer

Grass Digitaria sanguinalis.

Table 3: Physical characteristics of the study area

Physical

Characteristic

Description

Topography,

geology and soils

The highly modified community, Urban Natives and Exotics is distributed around the

margins of the existing CCP, in between areas of hardstand and the rail corridor,

Orchard Crescent and Brown Street. These underlying soils of the Blacktown Landscape

bear a marginal resemblance to the undisturbed soil profile given the level of previous

disturbance.

Condition and

weed presence

The Urban Native and Exotics vegetation community is comprised of a highly disjunct

canopy containing secondary regrowth Narrow-leaved Scribbly Gum along with Prickly-

leaved Paperbark and a planted London Plane Tree. The upper midstorey lined the

northern and southern margins of the car park and was dominated by tall shrubs such

as Hickory Wattle Crimson Bottlebrush and Sweet Pittosporum. The lower midstorey

and groundstorey are composed almost entirely of exotic ornamental and weed species


Physical

Characteristic

Description

such as Panic Veldtgrass, Cobblers Pegs, Prairie Grass and the noxious Asparagus Fern.

Native species are limited to Spiny-headed Mat-rush planted along the northern

interface with the rail corridor and a small patch of Windmill Grass located along the

southern margin of the study area.

Occurrence

within the study

area

Approximately 0.74 hectares of Urban Natives and Exotics vegetation community was

recorded within the study area, 0.05 hectares of which is in the proposed works footprint

(Figure 2).

Fauna habitat

features

The Urban Natives and Exotics vegetation community is severely modified, consisting of

one Narrow-leaved Scribbly Gum and secondary growth Hickory Wattle set amidst

plantings of Crimson Bottlebrush, Sacred Japanese Bamboo and a London Plane Tree.

This area does not provide permanent habitat for threatened species although it does

form marginal quality foraging habitat for transient threatened avifauna and the Grey-

headed Flying-fox.

Conservation

status

Commonwealth EPBC Act: Not listed

NSW TSC Act: Not listed

Image

3.4 Threatened flora, fauna and ecological communities

3.4.1 Threatened species

No EPBC Act or TSC Act listed threatened flora or fauna species were identified during the study area

assessment conducted by Biosis on 8 March 2016.

Threatened species recorded or predicted to occur within 5 kilometres of the study area are listed in

Appendix 1: Table 11 (flora) and Appendix 2: Table 13 (fauna) and mapped in Figure 3 (flora) and

Figure 4 (fauna). An assessment of the likelihood of these species occurring in the study area, and an

indication of which habitats or habitat features are likely to support the species is included in

Appendix 1: Table 11 (flora) and Appendix 2: Table 13 (fauna).


Listed migratory species are not considered in this report given the complete absence of suitable

habitat in the study area for these species. A summary of those species is provided in Appendix 2.3:

Table 14 and Table 4.

Table 4: Summary of threatened species likely to occur in proximity to the study area

Name Area of value within the study area

Threatened ecological communities No threatened ecological communities were recorded or

considered likely to occur within the study area.

Threatened flora No threatened flora was recorded or considered likely to

occur within the study area.

Threatened fauna No threatened fauna species were considered to have a

medium potential of being impacted by the proposed works


3.4.2 Threatened ecological communities

Background research prior to the site investigation did not identify any threatened ecological

communities previously mapped in or adjacent to the study area (OEH 2013). The results of the

current flora and fauna assessment have confirmed the absence of any threatened ecological

communities within the study area.

3.5 Tree Assessment

The table below outlines an assessment of the 92 planted native and exotic trees within the

proposed works footprint which are to be removed or retained (Figure 2). Trees were identified and

the following parameters recorded: species, endemism, diameter at breast height (DBH), significance

rating, condition and Tree Protection Zone (to include, primary and critical root zone) (Tables 5 and 6).

Table 5: Tree Assessment: trees to be removed

Figure 1

reference

number

Native

tree

yes/no

Species Assessment Criteria Photo

13 No African Olive

Olea europaea

subsp. cuspidata

DBH: 6cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter

Significance rating: none

Condition: good

Fauna features: foraging

Offset Requirement: 2 trees

14 Yes Prickly-leaved Tea

Tree

Melaleuca

styphelioides

DBH: 14 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good



15 Yes White Wattle

Acacia linifolia

DBH: 4 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good




Figure 1

reference

number

Native

tree

yes/no


16 Yes Crimson

Bottlebrush

Callistemon citrinus

DBH: 6 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good



17 Yes Fringed Wattle

Acacia fimbriata

DBH: 8 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good



18 Yes Crimson

Bottlebrush


DBH: 6 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good




Acacia fimbriata

DBH: 10 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good




Figure 1

reference

number

Native

tree

yes/no


20 Yes Crimson

Bottlebrush


DBH: 4 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good



21 No Large-leaved Privet

Ligustrum lucidum

DBH: 6 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good



22 Yes Crimson

Bottlebrush


DBH: 8 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good



24 No Camphor Laurel

Cinnamomum

camphora

DBH: 18 cm

TPZ: 2.16 m diameter


Condition: good

Fauna features: Perching



Figure 1

reference

number

Native

tree

yes/no


26 No Jacaranda

Jacaranda

mimosifolia

DBH: 21 cm



Condition: good




Tree

Melaleuca

styphelioides

DBH: 35 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good




Tree

Melaleuca

styphelioides

DBH: 23 cm



Condition: good



71 Yes Kanooka

Tristianopsis laurina

DBH: 12 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good




Figure 1

reference

number

Native

tree

yes/no


72 Yes Kanooka


DBH: 14 cm



Condition: good



73 Yes Kanooka


DBH: 4 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good



74 Yes Kanooka


DBH: 1cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good



75 Yes Kanooka


DBH: 14 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good




Figure 1

reference

number

Native

tree

yes/no


76 Yes Kanooka

Tristaniopsis laurina

DBH: 12 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good



77 No London Plane Tree

Platanus hispanica

Acerifolia

DBH: 43 cm



Condition: good



78 Yes Crimson

Bottlebrush


DBH: 0 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good



79 Yes Crimson

Bottlebrush


DBH: 0cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good




Table 6: Tree assessment: trees to be retained

Figure 1

reference

number

Native

tree

yes/no


1 Yes Canary Island Date

Palm

Phoenix canariensis

DBH: 135 cm

TPZ: 15 m diameter


Condition: good

Fauna features: perching


2 Yes Sweet Wattle

Acacia suaveolens

DBH: 8.5 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good



3 Yes Crimson

Bottlebrush


DBH: 43 cm

TPZ: 5.2 m diameter


Condition: good



4 Yes Brush Box

Lophostemon

confertus

DBH: 25 cm

TPZ: 3 m diameter


Condition: good




Figure 1

reference

number

Native

tree

yes/no


5 Yes Brush Box

Lophostemon

confertus

DBH: 28 cm



Condition: good



6 Yes Brush Box

Lophostemon

confertus

DBH: 30 cm



Condition: good



7 Yes Brush Box

Lophostemon

confertus

DBH: 23 cm



Condition: good


O Yes ffset Requirement: 4

trees

8 No Pepper Tree

Schinus molle

DBH: 50 cm



Condition: good




Figure 1

reference

number

Native

tree

yes/no


9 Yes Crimson

Bottlebrush


DBH: 5.8 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good



10 No African Olive

Olea europaea

subsp. cuspidata

DBH: 4.6 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good



11 Yes White Wattle

Acacia linifolia

DBH: 2.5 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good



12 Yes White Wattle

Acacia linifolia

DBH: 7.6 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good




Figure 1

reference

number

Native

tree

yes/no



Acacia fimbriata

DBH: 15.3 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good



25 Yes Needlebush

Hakea sericea

DBH: 6 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good



29 Yes Crimson

Bottlebrush


DBH: 16 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good



30 Yes Narrow-leaved

Scribbly Gum

Eucalyptus racemosa

DBH: 40 cm



Condition: good




Figure 1

reference

number

Native

tree

yes/no


31 Yes Crimson

Bottlebrush


DBH: 2 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good



32 N/A Stag

DBH: 26 cm



Condition: good



33 Yes Crimson

Bottlebrush


DBH: 22 cm



Condition: good



34 Yes Crimson

Bottlebrush


DBH: 20 cm



Condition: good




Figure 1

reference

number

Native

tree

yes/no


35 N/A Stag

DBH: 35 cm



Condition: good



36 Yes Crimson

Bottlebrush


DBH: 28 cm



Condition: good



37 Yes Hickory wattle

Acacia implexa

DBH: 19cm



Condition: good




Acacia implexa

DBH: 9 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good




Figure 1

reference

number

Native

tree

yes/no



Tree

Melaleuca

styphelioides

DBH: 24 cm



Condition: good




Acacia implexa

DBH: 45 cm



Condition: good




Acacia implexa

DBH: 19 cm



Condition: good




Acacia implexa

DBH: 27 cm



Condition: good




Figure 1

reference

number

Native

tree

yes/no



Acacia implexa

DBH: 50 cm



Condition: dead

Fauna features: N/A



Acacia implexa

DBH: 5 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good




Acacia implexa

DBH: 3 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good




Acacia implexa

DBH: 3 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good




Figure 1

reference

number

Native

tree

yes/no


47 Yes Black She-Oak

Allocasuarina

littoralis

DBH: 2 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good




Acacia implexa

DBH: 4 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good




Acacia implexa

DBH: 4 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good




Acacia implexa

DBH: 4 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good




Figure 1

reference

number

Native

tree

yes/no



Acacia implexa

DBH: 6 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good




Acacia implexa

DBH: 5 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good




Acacia implexa

DBH: 5 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good




Acacia implexa

DBH: 6 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good




Figure 1

reference

number

Native

tree

yes/no


55 Yes African Olive

Olea europaea

subsp. cuspidata

DBH: 1.5 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good




Ironbark

Eucalyptus crebra

DBH: 45 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good




Acacia implexa

DBH: 9 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good



58 Yes Sweet Pittosporum

Pittosporum

undulatum

DBH: 5 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good




Figure 1

reference

number

Native

tree

yes/no


59 No Hickory wattle

Acacia implexa

DBH: 7 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good




Pittosporum

undulatum

DBH: 4 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good




Acacia implexa

(Dead)

DBH: 6 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good




Acacia implexa

DBH: 6 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good




Figure 1

reference

number

Native

tree

yes/no



Acacia implexa

DBH: 11 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good




Tree

Melaleuca

styphelioides

DBH: 12 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good




Acacia implexa

DBH: 18 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: dead

Fauna features: N/A


66 Yes Black Wattle

Acacia decurrens

DBH: 16 cm



Condition: good




Figure 1

reference

number

Native

tree

yes/no


67 Yes Black Wattle

Acacia decurrens

DBH: 9 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good




Ironbark

Eucalyptus crebra

DBH: 15 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good



69 Yes Black She-Oak

Allocasuarina

littoralis

DBH: 14 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good




Pittosporum

undulatum

DBH: 8 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good




Figure 1

reference

number

Native

tree

yes/no


80 Yes Crimson

Bottlebrush


DBH: 10 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good



81 Yes Kanooka

Tristaniopsis laurina

DBH: 3 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good



82 Yes Crimson

Bottlebrush


DBH: 11 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good



83 Yes Crimson

Bottlebrush


DBH: 10 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good




Figure 1

reference

number

Native

tree

yes/no


84 Yes Crimson

Bottlebrush


DBH: 1 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good



85 Yes Crimson

Bottlebrush


DBH: 9 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good



86 Yes Crimson

Bottlebrush


DBH: 12 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good



87 Yes Crimson

Bottlebrush


DBH: 1 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good




Figure 1

reference

number

Native

tree

yes/no


88 Yes Crimson

Bottlebrush


DBH: 1 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good



89 Yes Crimson

Bottlebrush


DBH: 7 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good



90 Yes Crimson

Bottlebrush


DBH: 2 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good



91 Yes Crimson

Bottlebrush


DBH: 2 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good




Figure 1

reference

number

Native

tree

yes/no


92 Yes Crimson

Bottlebrush


DBH: 2 cm

TPZ: 2 m diameter


Condition: good


Offset Requirement: 2trees

As outlined in Tables 5 and 6 a large proportion of the trees were found to be in moderate health

with no sign of insect invasion or plant pathogens present.

In addition, with reference to the TfNSW Vegetation Offset Guide (TfNSW 2014) and Vegetation Offset

Calculator, the five trees potentially being removed with DBH between15cm and 60cm would require

20 trees to be planted and the 18 small trees being removed with DBH less than 15 cm would require

36 trees to be planted. This amounts to a total of 56 trees which may be required to be replanted,

depending on the extent of the proposed works, as offsets will be triggered by the removal of

vegetation.

3.6 Noxious weeds

Three species listed as noxious within the Ashfield LGA were recorded within the study area (DPI,

2016). The details of these species, along with the legal requirements, are outlined in Table 7 below.

Table 7: Noxious weeds recorded within the study area

Common

Name

Scientific Name Class Legal Requirement

Asparagus

Fern

Asparagus

aethiopicus

4 The plant must not be sold, propagated or knowingly

distributed.

Broad-leaved

Privet

Ligustrum

lucidum

4 The growth of the plant must be managed in a manner

that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to

spread.

Trailing

Lantana

Lantana

motevidensis

4 The growth of this plant must be managed in a manner

that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to

spread.

A full list of exotic species, including declared noxious weeds identified in the study area, is listed in

Appendix A1: Table 10.

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LegendStudy areaProposed works footprintWorks zoneAerial feeder

") UGOH polesGF Tree to be retainedGF Tree to be removedD Unsound tree") Stag

Noxious weeds - individualAsparagus FernBroad-leaved Privet

Noxious weeds - patchAsparagus Fern

Vegetation communityUrban natives and exotics

±Matter: 20551Date: 12 May 2016, Checked by: NRT, Drawn by: LH, Last edited by: lharleyLocation:P:\20500s\20551\Mapping\20551_F2_EcoValues

Biosis Pty LtdBallarat, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Newcastle, Sydney, Wangaratta & Wollongong

Scale: 1:700 @ A3

Figure 2.1: Ecological valuesof the study area

Coordinate System: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 56

Acknowledgements: Imagery (c) Nearmap 2016; Basemap © Land and Property Information 2015

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LegendStudy areaProposed works footprintWorks zoneAerial feeder

") UGOH polesGF Tree to be retainedGF Tree to be removedD Unsound tree") Stag

Noxious weeds - individualAsparagus FernBroad-leaved Privet

Noxious weeds - patchAsparagus Fern

Vegetation communityUrban natives and exotics

±Matter: 20551Date: 12 May 2016, Checked by: NRT, Drawn by: LH, Last edited by: lharleyLocation:P:\20500s\20551\Mapping\20551_F2_EcoValues

Biosis Pty LtdBallarat, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Newcastle, Sydney, Wangaratta & Wollongong

Scale: 1:700 @ A3

Figure 2.2: Ecological valuesof the study area


Acknowledgements: Imagery (c) Nearmap 2016; Basemap © Land and Property Information 2015

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LegendStudy areaSearch area

Threatened FloraGF 1937 - Wahlenbergia multicaulisGF 2234 - Wilsonia backhouseiGF 3728 - Acacia bynoeanaGF 3857 - Acacia prominensGF 3860 - Acacia pubescensGF 4134 - Eucalyptus nicholiiGF 4248 - Melaleuca deaneiGF 4293 - Syzygium paniculatumGF 6206 - Tetratheca junceaGF

6965 - Pimelea curviflora var. curviflora

4386 - Caladenia tessellata*5458 - Persoonia hirsuta*

±Ma tter: Da te : 10 M a rch 2016, Ch ecked by: 08 /03/20 16, D raw n b y: LH , Las t edited by: lha rleyLocation :P:\20500s\20551\M a pp in g\20551_F3 _ThrFlora

Biosis Pty LtdBallarat, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne,

Sydney,Wangaratta & Wollongong

Scale: 1:40,000 @ A3

Figure 3: Threatened Florawithin 5km of the studyarea


Acknowledgements: © Land and Property Information (a division of the Department of Finance and Services) 2012;NSW Office of Environment and Heritage's Atlas of NSW Wildlife, which holds data frmo a number of custodians. Data obtained 08/03/2016

* Record is listed as sensitive under OEH's SensitiveSpecies Data Policy and cannot be shown at this scale

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0 380 760 1,140 1,520 1,900

MetresLegendThreatened Fauna!( Amphibians_̂ BirdsXW Mammals

Search areaStudy area

±Ma tter: 20551Da te : 10 M a rch 2016, Ch ecked by: 08 /03/20 16, D raw n b y: LH , Las t edited by: lha rleyLocation :P:\20500s\20551\M a pp in g\20551_F4 _ThrFa un a

Biosis Pty LtdBallarat, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne,

Sydney,Wangaratta & Wollongong

Scale: 1:38,000 @ A3

Figure 4: Threatened Faunawithin 5km of the studyarea


Acknowledgements: © Land and Property Information (a division of the Department of Finance and Services) 2012;NSW Office of Environment and Heritage's Atlas of NSW Wildlife, which holds data frmo a number of custodians. Data obtained 08/03/2016

Species listAmphibians3166 - Green and Golden Bell Frog

Birds0005 - Little Penguin0023 - Superb Fruit-Dove0117 - Little Tern0130 - Pied Oystercatcher0149 - Eastern Curlew0152 - Black-tailed Godwit0160 - Terek Sandpiper0161 - Curlew Sandpiper0174 - Bush Stone-curlew0225 - Little Eagle0241 - Osprey0248 - Powerful Owl*0250 - Masked Owl*0270 - Major Mitchell's Cockatoo0279 - Princess Parrot0302 - Turquoise Parrot*0380 - Scarlet Robin0382 - Flame Robin0603 - Regent Honeyeater

Mammals1009 - Eastern Quoll1097 - Long-nosed Bandicoot1280 - Grey-headed Flying-fox1346 - Little Bentwing-bat1834 - Eastern Bentwing-bat

* Record is listed as sensitive under OEH's SensitiveSpecies Data Policy and cannot be shown at thisscale


4. Potential impacts and recommended mitigation measures

This section identifies the potential impacts of the proposed Ashfield CCP upgrade on the ecological values of

the study area (Section 4.1) and includes recommendations to assist TfNSW to avoid and minimise the

impacts on ecological values (Section 4.2).

4.1 Potential Impacts

4.1.1 Direct impacts

The direct impact zone is defined as the proposed works footprint, essentially the entire CCP which is bound

by Brown Street to the west, the rail corridor to the north, a fenced off rail corridor entrance to the east and

Orchard Crescent to the south, in addition to the HV power under boring /troughing between the CCP and the

corner of Brown Street/Bland Street (Figure 2).

The proposed construction of the ground plus two storey CCP upgrade, inclusive of ramps, two lifts,

ancillary facilities and construction compound areas and upgrade to the Brown Street car park entry would

require the removal of up to 0.05 hectares of Urban Natives and Exotics vegetation community, inclusive of

23 trees and shrubs, assuming that all trees within 1.5 metres of the fence-line demarcating the railway

corridor and within the existing carpark boundary, specifically along the Orchard Crescent interface.

The proposed installation of the HV easement along Brown Street frontage will not directly impact overhead

trees if under boring (Option 1b) remains the preferred construction option.

The current scope of the Project does not include the removal of trees or shrubs which are rooted outside of

the proposed works footprint. Recommendations regarding the protection of vegetation to be retained

adjacent to the study area are listed in Section 4.2.

4.1.2 Indirect impacts

The indirect impact zones are the areas where impacts are likely to be temporary and restricted to the

construction phase of the upgrade.

Indirect impacts are likely to be greatest in close proximity to the study area, however the Proposal has the

potential to have indirect impacts at greater distance particularly where stockpiling or equipment storage is

required. Potential indirect impacts to vegetation include the following:

Damage to remnant native trees by construction machinery and plant.

Damage to native vegetation resulting from machinery and soil compaction.

Introduction of noxious weed species or spread of those currently occurring within the study area

construction plant and equipment.

The introduction of soil pathogens.

Soil contamination resulting from fuel spills or other contamination.

According to the site plans provided by the Client on 7 March 2016 as part of the brief, the indirect impact

zone is considered to include the entirety of the study area (less the proposed works footprint), totaling

approximately 4.30 hectares of largely landscaped exotic vegetation, including 0.69 hectares of Urban Natives

and Exotics vegetation community.


Amelioration measures to minimise the potential for indirect impacts on the vegetation to be retained are

discussed in Section 4.2.

4.1.3 Impacts to threatened flora and ecological communities

No TSC act or EPBC Act listed TECs were recorded within the study area.

No threatened flora species were identified during the site assessment or are considered likely to occur

within the study area, and therefore no direct or indirect impacts are anticipated.

There is potential for removal of a number of small trees and tall shrubs within the proposed works footprint

including numerous Crimson Bottlebrush trees which do not form habitat for any threatened species but

may form potential foraging resources of marginal quality for the transient Grey-headed Flying-fox.

4.1.4 Impacts to fauna habitat

The proposed Ashfield CCP upgrade will cause some localised disturbance to potential fauna habitat

associated with the railway corridor, including:

Foraging resources, such as the Crimson Bottlebrush and Hickory Wattle, which may support a variety

of nectivorous birds.

There is a very low potential for Injury or death of resident or transient fauna resulting from the clearing of

vegetation. The majority of the species utilising the study area are readily able to evade injury via flight. Less

mobile species such as the small skinks present within the study area are less likely to move quickly enough

to avoid being injured.

.

Plate 1: Dense understorey providing potential

refuge for gregarious avifauna


4.1.5 Habitat fragmentation and increased edge effects

Habitat fragmentation is the division of a single large patch of habitat with a low perimeter to area ratio into

two or more smaller patches both with high perimeter to area ratios. The vegetation communities within the

study area are currently highly fragmented and edge affected, showing a high proportion of exotic species.

The Project is unlikely to further increase fragmentation or edge effects on these communities since the patch

sizes are small and have evidence of disturbance throughout.

As the site is highly urbanised it is unlikely that the Proposal would create or extend any barriers to

movement for flora and fauna.

4.2 Recommended mitigation measures

The principal mechanism to reduce impacts on ecological values within the study area would be to minimise

removal of native vegetation and fauna habitat by restricting the encroachment of the works on adjacent

native vegetation.

The principal means to reduce impacts on ecological values within the study area will be to avoid and

minimise removal of native vegetation and habitat.

The majority of the study area was determined to be of relatively low ecological value because of historic

disturbance which has led to broad scale clearing of native vegetation and subsequent planting of

ornamental natives and recruitment of exotic species.

The following mitigation measures would be implemented to avoid and minimise potential impacts to

ecological values during and after the construction phase of the proposed upgrade:

Existing native vegetation to be retained where possible

The three trees identified as unsound trees are to be removed to ensure the continued safety of the

public

If at all possible, ensure under boring associated with the construction of any HV power lines is deep

enough to avoid impacts to the root systems of overhead trees.

Tree felling is to be undertaken by an appropriately trained and qualified arborist

Any branch trimming within the study area is to be undertaken by accredited and experienced

arborists using cleaned and sterilised equipment to prevent the transmission of plant pathogens

All green waste resulting from vegetation removal is to be mulched and disposed of accordingly

Tree Protection Zones (TPZs), including root protection zones and canopy protection zones, should be

established around remnant trees in accordance with Australian Standard (AS4970-2009) Protection

of Trees on Development Sites (Australian Standard 2009). These protection zones should be fenced

off with signage installed designating them as environmental exclusion zones.

Offset the removal of trees and shrubs by replanting as per TfNSW Vegetation Offset Guide (TfNSW

2014)

Construction staff would be inducted to an appropriate level and made aware of the location and

extent of vegetation designated as to be retained.

Any construction compounds associated with the Proposal should be located in areas where impacts

to retained native vegetation are minimised. The removal of native or mature canopy species for

compound purposes should be avoided.


Prevent the dispersal of weed seed or soil-born pathogens into native vegetation through the

implementation of vegetation hygiene protocols for footwear, vehicles, heavy plant and machinery.

Appropriately designed sediment and erosion controls should be installed and maintained during

excavation works to prevent any potential sediment runoff entering nearby stormwater drains.

Three noxious weeds listed within the Ashfield LGA were recorded within the study area. These

noxious weed species will require management as per control class recommendations stipulated by

NSW DPI (DPI 2016) and within the Noxious and Environmental Weed Control Handbook (DPI 2014).

In line with vegetation to be removed, the TfNSW Vegetation Offset Guide (TfNSW 2014) stipulates an offset

ratio for the replanting of vegetation. Plants species used in revegetation for the Proposal should be chosen

based on suitable native and endemic species for the LGA.


5. Biodiversity Legislation and Government Policy

This section provides an assessment of the Project against key biodiversity legislation and government policy.

Where available, links to further information are provided. This section does not describe the legislation and

policy in detail and guidance provided here does not constitute legal advice.

5.1 Commonwealth

5.1.1 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, 1999

The EPBC Act applies to developments and associated activities that have the potential to significantly impact

on Matters of National Environmental Significance (NES) protected under the Act.

Link for further information including a guide to the referral process is available at:

http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/index.html

Matters of NES relevant to the Project are summarised in Table 8. It includes an assessment against the EPBC

Act policy statements published by the Australian Government which provide guidance on the practical

application of EPBC Act including.

Table 8: Assessment of the Project against the EPBC Act

Matter of NES Project specifics Assessment against Guidelines

Threatened

species and

ecological

communities

17 fauna and 2 flora species have been

recorded or predicted to occur in the study

area. The likelihood of these species

occurring in the study area based on lack

of suitable habitat is assessed in Appendix

1 (flora) and Appendix 2 (fauna).

None of these species are likely to occur

and the proposed works are unlikely to

constitute a significant impact to any

transient threatened biota.

Migratory

species

13 migratory species have been recorded

or predicted to occur in the locality.

While some of these species would be

expected to use the study area on

occasions, their presence is transient only

and the habitat is not considered

ecologically significant for these species.

No threatened biota listed in Table 8 or in the likelihood of occurrence tables located in Appendix 1: Table 11

and Appendix 2: Table 13 has a moderate or higher likelihood of occurrence within the study area or

immediate surrounds therefore a SIC assessment under the EPBC Act will not be required.

5.2 State

5.2.1 Threatened Species Conservation Act, 1995

The TSC Act provides for the protection and conservation of biodiversity in NSW through the listing of

threatened biota; key threatening processes; and critical habitat for threatened biota.

Native vegetation within the study area is not a listed community; however it does contain marginal quality

foraging habitat for the transient Grey-headed Flying-fox. Impacts associated with removal of this marginal

http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/index.html


quality foraging habitat are low and is unlikely to cause any significant impacts to the Grey-headed Flying-fox

as flowering trees and shrubs from the Myrtaceae family are used as street plantings throughout the region.

Therefore it is not necessary to assess this species through the Assessment of Significance (AoS) (formerly

known as the “7-part test”) process under Section 5A of the EP&A Act (refer to Section 5.2.2 below).

Habitat critical to the survival of an endangered or critically endangered biota can be identified under the TSC

Act and listed on the Register of Critical Habitat kept by the OEH. The study area does not contain any

declared ‘critical habitat’.

A licence to harm/pick/damage habitat of a threatened species, population or community or damage critical

habitat is not required.

Key Threatening Processes (KTP), defined as a process that threatens, or could threaten, the survival or

evolutionary development of species, populations or ecological communities, are identified under the TSC Act

and considered during the AoS. The proposed upgrade has the potential to constitute or exacerbate KTPs

outlined in Table 9.

Table 9: KTPs listed under the TSC Act with potential to be exacerbated by the Project

Key threatening process Activity like to constitute or exacerbate the KTP

Clearing of native vegetation The proposal will result in the clearing of native trees

and shrubs in the Urban Native and Exotics

vegetation community.

Infection of native plants by Phytophthora

Phytophthora cinnamomi or Pythium Pythium sp.

No Phytophthora or Pythium was identified during

the site assessment however the introduction of

personnel and construction equipment to the study

area has the potential to establish it amongst

adjacent areas containing vegetation to be retained.

Introduction and Establishment of Exotic Rust

Fungi of the order Pucciniales pathogenic on

plants of the family Myrtaceae

No exotic rust fungi was identified during the site

survey, however the introduction of personnel and

construction equipment to the study area has the

potential to establish it.

Invasion and establishment of exotic vines and

scramblers

Exotic vines and scramblers including Moth Vine,

Morning Glory and Asparagus Fern are present on

site and the construction work has the potential to

further spread these.

Invasion of native plant communities by African

Olive Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata

Numerous African Olive plants were recorded within

the study area however the proposed upgrade has

the potential to introduce it.

Invasion of native plant communities by exotic

perennial grasses

Various exotic grasses were identified during the site

assessment, particularly along the northern and

southern boundaries of the study area.

Aggressive exclusion of birds by Noisy Miners

Manorina melanocephala

Noisy Miners were recorded within the study area,

which in turn was devoid of small insectivorous birds.

The Project proposes to remove a portion of the

dense shrub layer which may potentially form refuge

for small insectivorous birds.


The proposed upgrade does have the potential to trigger a number of KTP's; however based on the

historically disturbed nature of the study area and the restricted nature of vegetation removal, it is unlikely

that any potential increase will be significant.

5.2.2 Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979

The EP&A Act was enacted to encourage the proper consideration and management of impacts of proposed

development or land-use changes on the environment (both natural and built) and the community. The Act is

administered by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment.

Sections of the EP&A Act of primary relevance to the natural environment are considered further below in

relation to the current proposal.

5.2.2.1 State Environmental Planning Policies

State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs) outline policy objectives relevant to state wide issues. The

following SEPPs are relevant to the current development:

State Environmental Planning Policy No 19 - Bushland in Urban Areas: This policy regulates the removal of

bushland in urban areas within LGAs which are listed in Schedule 1. This policy is not relevant to the study

area as whilst Ashfield LGA is listed in Schedule 1, there is no remnant native vegetation representative of the

original vegetation communities within the study area.

5.2.3 Native Vegetation Act, 2003

The NV Act provides for, encourages and promotes the management of native vegetation on a regional basis.

Under the NV Act no clearing of native vegetation is allowed except in accordance with prior development

consent from the relevant Council or under a Property Vegetation Plan.

Under Part 3 of Schedule 1 of the NV Act, the Ashfield LGA is classified as an urban area and exempt from the

provisions of the Act.

5.2.4 Noxious Weeds Act 1993

The NW Act was enacted to provide for the identification, classification and control of noxious weeds. Plants

declared as noxious weeds are currently listed under Weed Control Order No. 30 Declaring Certain Plants to

be Noxious Weeds published in the New South Wales Government Gazette No. 23 (Department of Premier

and Cabinet, 2014). Link for further information: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/aboutus/about/legislation-

acts/noxious-weeds

Three species listed as noxious within the Ashfield LGA were recorded within the study area (DPI, 2016). The

details of these along with the legal requirements are outlined in Section 3.5. A full list of exotic species,

including declared noxious weeds identified in the study area are listed in Appendix 1: Table 10.

http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/aboutus/about/legislation-acts/noxious-weeds

http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/aboutus/about/legislation-acts/noxious-weeds


6. Conclusion

The study area supports one vegetation community, Urban Natives and Exotics. This vegetation community is

considered to be in poor condition due to past disturbance and of limited ecological value.

The study area is of limited ecological value for threatened species, with no TECs or flora species recorded or

considered likely to occur. The study area does not support permanent habitat for threatened fauna species

but may provide potential marginal foraging habitat for the transient Grey-headed Flying-fox in the form of

flowering shrubs of the Myrtaceae family. The Grey-headed flying-fox was considered to be unlikely to occur

within the study area and removal of these shrubs was not considered to be of concern due to the transient

nature of the species.

Three species listed as noxious within the Ashfield LGA were recorded within the study area.

The proposed upgrade of the Ashfield CCP will result in the removal of up to 0.05 hectares of vegetation

containing planted native species (Urban Natives and Exotics) including the clearing of up to 23 trees, within

and immediately adjacent to the proposed CCP construction footprint. Any trees removed would be subject

to offset vegetation clearance as per the TfNSW Vegetation Offset Guide (TfNSW 2014).

The overall impact of the proposed upgrade of the Ashfield CCP to native flora and fauna is considered to be

low. Measures to avoid and mitigate impacts are outlined in Section 4.

It is unlikely that the proposed works will result in a significant impact to threatened biota and therefore any

further approvals are not required.


References

ARUP 2015. Ashfield Station TAP-Commuter Carpark. Drawing TAP-0299-AR-212001.

Ashfield Council 2013. Ashfield Local Environmental Plan 2013. Accessed on 14/03/2016 from URL:

http://www.ashfield.nsw.gov.au/page/planning_controls.html

Ashfield Council. 2013, Draft Local Environmental Plan - Land Zoning Map - Sheet

0150_COM_LZN_001_010_20151210

Australian Standard 2009. Protection of Trees on Development Sites (AS4970-2009). Standards Australia.

Chapman G & Murphy C. 1989. Soil Landscapes of the Sydney 1:100 000 Sheet. Soil Conservation Service of

NSW: Sydney, NSW.

Cropper S. 1993. Management of Endangered Plants. East Melbourne, Victoria: CSIRO.

Department of Premier and Cabinet, 2014. Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales Number 23.

Accessed on 16/03/2016 from URL:

http://www.gazette.legislation.nsw.gov.au/so/download.w3p?id=Gazette_2014_2014-23.pdf

DoE 2013. Significant Impact Criteria Guidelines. Accessed on 18/03/2016 from URL:

http://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/42f84df4-720b-4dcf-b262-48679a3aba58/files/nes-

guidelines_1.pdf

DPI 2016. Noxious Weed Declarations: The Council of the Municipality of Ashfield LGA. NSW Department of

Primary Industries.

DPI 2014. Noxious and Environmental Weed Control Handbook. NSW Department of Primary Industries, Sydney.

ISSC 2005. ISSC 3 Guidelines for Managing Vegetation Near Power Lines. Industry Safety Steering Committee,

Sydney.

NearMap 2016. Accessed 07/03/2016 from URL: http://au.nearmap.com/

OEH (2013) The Native Vegetation of the Sydney Metropolitan Area. Volume 1: Technical Report. Version 2.0.

Office of Environment and Heritage, Department of Premier and Cabinet, Sydney.

TfNSW 2014. Vegetation Offset Guide. Transport for New South Wales, Sydney.

http://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/42f84df4-720b-4dcf-b262-48679a3aba58/files/nes-guidelines_1.pdf

http://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/42f84df4-720b-4dcf-b262-48679a3aba58/files/nes-guidelines_1.pdf


Appendices


Appendix 1: Flora

Notes to tables:

EPBC Act:

CR - Critically Endangered

EN - Endangered

VU - Vulnerable

TSC Act:

C1 – critically endangered

E1 – endangered (Part 1, Schedule 1)


E4 – presumed extinct (Part 4, Schedule 1)

V1 – vulnerable (Part 1, Schedule 2)

# - Native species outside natural range

** - noxious weed species declared under the

Noxious Weeds Act

Noxious weed status:

SP State prohibited species (Class 1)

RP Regionally prohibited species (Class 2)

RC Regionally controlled species (Class 3)

RR Regionally restricted species (Class 4)

R Restricted plant (Class 5)


A1.1 Flora species recorded from the study area

Table 10: Flora species recorded from the study area

Status Scientific name Common name

Native

species

Acacia implexa Hickory Wattle

Acacia linifolia White Wattle

Acacia suaveolens Sweet Wattle

Allocasuarina littoralis Black She-Oak

Callistemon citrinus Crimson Bottlebrush

Chloris truncata Windmill Grass

Eucalyptus racemosa Narrow-leaved Scribbly Gum

Hakea sericea Needlebush

Kunzea ambigua Tickbush

Lomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rush

Melaleuca quinquenervia Broad-leaved Paperbark

Melaleuca styphelioides Prickly-leaved Tea Tree

Pittosporum undulatum Sweet Pittosporum

Portulaca oleracea Pigweed

Tristaniopsis laurina Kanooka

Cupaniopsis anacardioides Tuckeroo

Westringia fruticosa Coastal Rosemary

Exotic

species

Acetosa sagittata

Agave americana Century Plant

Ageratina adenophora Crofton Weed

Amaranthus retroflexus Redroot Amaranth

Anredera cordifolia Madeira Vine

N4 Asparagus aethiopicus Asparagus Fern

Araujia sericifera Moth Plant

Bidens pilosa Cobbler's Pegs

Bromus catharticus Prairie Grass

Buxus sp



Chenopodium album Fat Hen

Cinnamomum camphora Camphor Laurel

Conyza bonariensis Fleabane

Digitaria sanguinalis Crab Grass

Ehrharta erecta Panic Veldtgrass

Jacaranda mimosifolia Jacaranda

N4 Lantana montevidensis Trailing Lantana

N4 Ligustrum lucidum Large-leaved Privet

Malva sp. Native Hollyhock

Melilotus indicus Hexham Scent

Melinus repens Red Natal Grass

Monstera deliciosa Fruit Salad Plant

Nandina domestica Japanese Sacred Bamboo

Nothoscordum gracile

Ochna serrulata Mickey Mouse Plant

Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata African Olive

Parietaria judaica Asthma Weed

Phoenix canariensis Canary Island Date Palm

Platanus hispanica acerifolia London Plane Tree

Plumeria sp. Frangipani

Schefflera actinophylla Umbrella Tree

Schinus molle Pepper Tree

Solanum nigrum Black-berry Nightshade

Sonchus oleraceus Common Sowthistle

Strelitzia reginae Bird of Paradise


A1.2 Threatened flora species

The following table includes a list of the threatened flora species that have potential to occur within the study area. The list of species is sourced from the Atlas of

NSW Wildlife and the Protected Matters Search Tool (DoE; accessed on 08/03/2016).

Likelihood of

occurrence

Potential criteria

High Species recorded on site during current or previous assessment/s.

Aquatic species recorded from connected waterbodies in close proximity to the site during current or previous assessment/s.

Sufficient good quality habitat is present on site or in connected waterbodies in close proximity to the site (aquatic species).

Site is within species natural distributional range (if known).

Species has been recorded within 5 km or from the relevant catchment/basin.

Medium Records of terrestrial species within 5 km of the site or of aquatic species in the relevant basin/neighbouring basin.

Habitat limited in its capacity to support the species due to extent, quality, or isolation.

Low No records within 5 km of the site or for aquatic species, the relevant basin/neighbouring basin.

Marginal habitat present (low quality & extent).

Substantial loss of habitat since any previous record(s).

Negligible Habitat not present on site

Habitat for aquatic species not present in connected waterbodies in close proximity to the site.

Habitat present but sufficient targeted survey has been conducted at an optimal time of year and species wasn’t recorded.


Table 11: Threatened flora species recorded / predicted to occur within 5 km of the study area

Scientific name Common name EPBC TSC

Most

recent

record

Other

sources

Likely

occurrence

in study area

Rationale for

likelihood

ranking

Habitat description*

Acacia bynoeana Bynoe's Wattle VU E1 1913 Negligible Over a century

has elapsed

since most

recent record.

No habitat

present within

study area.

Semi prostrate shrub growing in central eastern NSW

spanning from the Hunter District, west to the Blue

Mountains and south to the Southern Highlands. Grows in a

variety of communities including; Southern Tableland Dry

Sclerophyll Forests, Sydney Hinterland Dry Sclerophyll

Forests, Coastal Valley Grassy Woodlands and Sydney

Coastal Heaths. Prefers open, slightly disturbed sites on

sandy soils.

Acacia prominens Gosford Wattle E2 2010 Low No habitat

present within

study area.

Erect or spreading tree growing in a few sites at Carss Park

and along the railway line at Penshurst. Grows in a variety of

communities including Cumberland Dry Sclerophyll Forests,

Sydney Coastal Dry Sclerophyll Forests, Eastern Riverine

Forests and Northern Hinterland Wet Sclerophyll Forests.

Grows in moist, protected areas in loamy and clay soils.

Acacia pubescens Downy Wattle VU V 1999 Low No habitat

present within

study area.

A spreading shrub primarily confined to the Bankstown-

Fairfield-Rookwood area and the Pitt Town area, with

outliers at Barden Ridge, Oakdale and Mountain Lagoon.

Grows in Cooks/River Castlereagh Ironbark Forest,

Shale/Gravel Transition Forest and Cumberland Plain

Woodland, usually within roadside and bushland remnants.

Grows on shale, sandstone, alluvium and gravely soils, often

including ironstone.

Allocasuarina

glareicola

EN E1 # Negligible No habitat

present within

study area. No

Small, depauperate shrub restricted to a few populations in

the Richmond district with an outlier population at Voyager

Point in Liverpool. Grows in Castlereagh Woodlands,



Most

recent

record

Other

sources

Likely

occurrence

in study area

Rationale for

likelihood

ranking


recent records

of this species.

Cumberland Dry Sclerophyll Forest, Sydney Hinterland Dry

Sclerophyll Forest, Sydney Sand Flats Dry Sclerophyll

Forests. Grows in lateritic soil.

Caladenia

tessellata

Thick Lip Spider

Orchid

VU E1 2008# Negligible No habitat

within study

area. Regular

disturbance

present. No

evidence of a

functional

mycorrhizal

network.

Small orchid recorded from the Wyong, Ulladulla and

Braidwood regions with the Kiama and Queanbeyan

populations believed to be extinct. Found in a wide variety

of communities including Central Gorge Dry Sclerophyll

Forests, Cumberland Dry Sclerophyll Forests, Coastal

Floodplain Woodlands and Subalpine Woodlands. Grows on

clay loam or sandy soils.

Cryptostylis

hunteriana

Leafless Tongue

Orchid

VU V # Negligible No habitat

within study

area. Regular

disturbance

present. No

evidence of a

functional

mycorrhizal

network.

Orchid with a distribution spanning from Gibraltar Range

National Park southwards to the coastal area near Orbost in

Victoria. Grows in a variety of communities including Sydney

Coastal Dry Sclerophyll Forests, Coastal Heath Swamps,

New England Dry Sclerophyll Forests and Sydney Coastal

Heaths. Grows in sandy soils.

Eucalyptus nicholii Narrow-leaved

Black Peppermint

VU V 2006 Low No plantings

of Narrow-

leaved Black

Peppermint

within the

study area or

Medium sized tree, sparsely distributed from Nundle

through to the north of Tenterfield, also in urban tree

plantings. Grows on slopes and ridges in a variety of

communities including New England Dry Sclerophyll Forests,

Western Slopes Dry Sclerophyll Forests, New England

Grassy Woodlands and Tableland Clay Grassy Woodlands.



Most

recent

record

Other

sources

Likely

occurrence

in study area

Rationale for

likelihood

ranking


surrounds. Grows on shallow, infertile soils on shale substrates.

Genoplesium

baueri

Bauer's Midge

Orchid

EN E1 # Negligible No habitat

within study

area. Regular

disturbance

present. No

evidence of a

functional

mycorrhizal

network.

Terrestrial orchid with 13 populations totalling 200 plants

distributed between Ulladulla and Port Stephens. Grows on

moss gardens in a variety of communities including Sydney

Coastal Dry sclerophyll Forests, Sydney Coastal Heaths,

Sydney Montane Heaths, Southern Lowland Wet Sclerophyll

Forests and Sydney Hinterland Dry Sclerophyll Forests.

Grows on sandstone substrates

Melaleuca deanei Deane's

Paperbark

VU V 1912 Negligible No habitat

within the

study area.

Over a century

has elapsed

since most

recent record.

Medium sized shrub found growing in two distinct

populations in the Ku-ring-gai/Berowra and

Holsworthy/Wedderburn areas along with a few outliers at

Springwood and in the Wollemi National Park, Yalwal and

the Central Coast regions. Grows in ridgetop woodland in a

variety of communities including Sydney Coastal Dry

Sclerophyll Forests, South East Dry Sclerophyll Forests,

Sydney Hinterland Dry Sclerophyll Forests, Coastal Valley

Grassy Woodlands, Sydney Coastal Heaths. Grows on

sandstone substrates in alluvial soils.

Persoonia hirsuta Hairy Geebung EN E1 1898 Negligible No habitat

within the

study area.

Over a century

has elapsed

since most

Spreading, hairy shrub with a scattered distribution

throughout Sydney from Singleton to the north, the east

coast of Bargo to the south and the Blue Mountains to the

west. Grows at elevations between 350 - 600 metres in a

variety of communities including Southern Tableland Dry

Sclerophyll Forests, Sydney Hinterland Dry Sclerophyll

Forests, Western Slopes Dry Sclerophyll Forests, Coastal



Most

recent

record

Other

sources

Likely

occurrence

in study area

Rationale for

likelihood

ranking


recent record. Valley Grassy Woodlands, Sydney Coastal Heaths and

Southern Escarpment Wet Sclerophyll Forests. Grows in

sandy soils on sandstone substrates.

Pimelea curviflora

var. curviflora

VU V 1907 Negligible No habitat

within the

study area.

Over a century

has elapsed

since most

recent record.

Small to medium sized shrub restricted to the coastal areas

of Sydney between northern Sydney and Maroota with an

outlying population at Croom Reserve near Albion Park in

the Illawarra region. Grows on ridgetops and upper slopes

amongst grasses and sedges in a variety of communities

including Cumberland Dry Sclerophyll Forests, Sydney

Hinterland Dry Sclerophyll Forests, Coastal Valley Grassy

Woodlands, Sydney Coastal Heaths and Northern

Hinterland Wet Sclerophyll Forests. Can be inconspicuous

amongst grasses and sedges although easier to find in

October to May when flowering. Grows on sandstone

substrates in shale/lateritic soils and shale/sandstone

transition soils.

Pimelea spicata Spiked Rice-flower EN E1 # Negligible No habitat

within the

study area.

Regular

disturbance.

Small erect or spreading shrub with populations occurring

in two disjunct areas, one occurring on the Cumberland

Plain from Marayong and Prospect Reservoir south to

Narellan and Douglas Park, and the other occurring in the

Illawarra from Landsdowne to Shellharbour and north

Kiama. Grows in Maritime Grasslands and Coastal Valley

Grassy Woodlands including Cumberland Plain Woodlands

and Moist Shale Woodlands within the Cumberland Basin

and in Coast Banksia Open Woodland Coastal Grasslands in

the Illawarra region. Grows on well structured clay soils.



Most

recent

record

Other

sources

Likely

occurrence

in study area

Rationale for

likelihood

ranking


Syzygium

paniculatum

Magenta Lilly Pilly VU E1 1987 Low No planted

Magenta Lilly

Pilly's present

within the

study area or

surrounds.

Small to medium sized rainforest tree restricted to a narrow,

linear coastal strip from Upper Lansdowne to Conjola State

Forest. Found growing on stabilized dunes near the sea in

South Coast Sands Dry Sclerophyll Forests, Coastal Swamp

Forests, Coastal Headland Heaths, Littoral Rainforests,

Northern Hinterland Wet Sclerophyll Forests and Southern

Lowland Wet Sclerophyll Forests. Grows on grey sandy,

gravelly, silty or clay soils over sandstone substrates.

Tetratheca juncea Black-eyed Susan VU V 1905 Negligible No habitat

within the

study area.

Over a century

has elapsed

since most

recent record.

Small shrub confined to the northern area of the Sydney

Basin bioregion and the southern area of the North Coast

bioregion in the Wyong, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Port

Stephens, Great Lakes and Cessnock Local Government

Areas. Found growing at well drained sites which experience

annual rainfall levels between 1000 and 1200 mm at

elevations below 200 metres in swampy heath and moist

forests. Usually found growing in soils from the Awaba soil

landscape comprising of low nutrient sandy, skeletal soils,

sandy loam soils and clay soils on sandstone or

conglomerate substrates.

Thesium australe Austral Toadflax VU V # Negligible Habitat is not

present within

the study area.

Small, straggling herb with a distribution comprising of small

populations scattered along the coast of eastern NSW

including the Northern and Southern Tablelands, Tasmania,

Queensland and eastern Asia. A root parasite found

growing on damp sites in grassland, grassy woodlands and

coastal headlands often in association with Kangaroo Grass

Themeda triandra in a variety of communities including

New England Dry Sclerophyll Forests, Western Slopes



Most

recent

record

Other

sources

Likely

occurrence

in study area

Rationale for

likelihood

ranking


Grasslands, Northern Tableland Wet Sclerophyll Forests,

Brigalow Clay Plain Woodlands, Subalpine Woodlands and

Maritime Grasslands.

Wahlenbergia

multicaulis

Tadgell's Bluebell E2 1917 Low Habitat not

present within

the study area.

Medium sized, perennial tufted herb confined to 13 sites

located at Thornleigh, Mount Ku-ring-gai, Rookwood,

Chullora, Bass Hill, Bankstown, Georges Hall, Campsie,

South Granville and Greenacre. Found growing in forests,

woodlands, grasslands, wetlands, adjacent to watercourses

and disturbed sites in a variety of communities including

Sandstone Gully Forest, Cooks River / Castlereagh Ironbark

Forest, Cumberland Dry Sclerophyll Forests, Coastal

Floodplain Wetlands, Coastal Valley Grassy Woodlands and

Southern Lowland Wet Sclerophyll Forests. Grows on poorly

drained, yellow podsolic soils interspersed with

concretionary ironstone such as the Villawood soil series or

Hawkesbury soil landscape.

Wilsonia

backhousei

Narrow-leafed

Wilsonia

V 1965 Negligible Habitat not

present within

the study area.

Small, sprawling, matted shrub confined to the coastal

between Mimosa Rocks National Park and Wamberal north

of Sydney including Nelson's Lake, Potato Point, Sussex

Inlet, Wowly Gully, Parramatta River at Ermington, Clovelly,

Voyager Point, Wollongong and Royal National Park. Found

growing on the margins of coastal saltmarshes and lakes in

Coastal Floodplain Wetlands, Temperate Montane

Grasslands, Mangrove Swamps and Saltmarshes.


Appendix 2: Fauna

Below is a list of fauna species recorded from the study area during the present assessment and a list

of significant fauna species recorded or predicted to occur within 5 kilometers of the study area.

Notes to tables:

EPBC Act: TSC Act:

EX - Extinct

CR - Critically Endangered

EN - Endangered

VU - Vulnerable

CD - Conservation dependent

C1 – critically endangered



E4 – presumed extinct (Part 4, Schedule 1)

V1 – vulnerable (Part 1, Schedule 2)

* - introduced species

Fauna species in these tables are listed in alphabetical order within their taxonomic group.


A2.1 Fauna species recorded from the study area

Table 12: Vertebrate fauna recorded from the study area


Bird

Strepera graculina Pied Currawong

Corvus coronoides Australian Raven

Manorina melanocephala Noisy Miner


A.2.2 Threatened fauna species

The following table includes a list of the threatened fauna species that have potential to occur within the study area. The list of species is sourced from the

OEH Bionet Atlas of NSW Wildlife (NSW OEH, 2014, and the Protected Matters Search Tool (DoE; accessed on 08/03/2016).

The most recent record relates to:

# species predicted to occur by the DoEC database (not recorded on other databases)

## species predicted to occur based on natural distributional range and suitable habitat despite lack of records in the databases searched

Year recorded on databases listed above

Table 13: Threatened fauna species recorded, or predicted to occur, within 5 km of the study area

Scientific name Common name EPBC TSC Most recent

record

Likely

occurrenc

e in study

area

Rationale for

likelihood ranking Habitat description

Mammals

Chalinolobus dwyeri Large-eared Pied Bat VU V # Low Roosting habitat not

present within the study

area.

Occurs from the Queensland border to Ulladulla,

with largest numbers from the sandstone

escarpment country in the Sydney Basin and

Hunter Valley. Primarily found in dry sclerophyll

forests and woodlands, but also found in

rainforest fringes and subalpine woodlands.

Forages on small, flying insects below the forest

canopy. Roosts in colonies of between three and

80 in caves, Fairy Martin nests and mines, and

beneath rock overhangs, but usually less than 10

individuals. Likely that it hibernates during the

cooler months. The only known existing

maternity roost is in a sandstone cave near



record

Likely

occurrenc

e in study

area

Rationale for


Coonabarabran.

Dasyurus maculatus Spotted-tailed Quoll EN V # Negligible Habitat not present

within the study area.

Occurs along the east coast of Australia and the

Great Dividing Range. Uses a range of habitats

including sclerophyll forests and woodlands,

coastal heathlands and rainforests. Occasional

sightings have been made in open country,

grazing lands, rocky outcrops and other treeless

areas. Habitat requirements include 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 1000 ha,

while males have larger home ranges of between

2000 and 5000 ha. Breeding occurs from May to

August.

Dasyurus viverrinus Eastern Quoll EN E1 1863 Negligible Habitat not present

within the study area.

Over a century has

elapsed since most

recent record.

This species occurs in a variety of habitats

including scrub, heathland, cultivated land and

dry sclerophyll forest (Strahan 1995; NPWS 1999).

Den sites can consist of a number of chambers in

range of structure from underground burrows,

hollow logs, rock piles and hay sheds. The Eastern

Quoll is a solitary feeder with males often

travelling over a kilometre in a night to forage



record

Likely

occurrenc

e in study

area

Rationale for


(Strahan 1995). Females restrict their movements

to a few hundred metres around their dens. This

species feeds on agricultural pests, insects and

large animals including ground-nesting birds and

small mammals (NPWS 1999).

Isoodon obesulus

obesulus

Southern Brown

Bandicoot (eastern)

EN E1 # Negligible No habitat present within

the study area.

This species prefers sandy soils with scrubby

vegetation and/or areas with low ground cover

that are burn from time to time. A mosaic of post

fire vegetation is important for this species.

Miniopterus australis Little Bentwing-bat V 1994 Low No roosting habitat


area.

Occurs from Northern Queensland to the

Hawkesbury River near Sydney. Roost sites

encompass a range of structures including caves,

tunnels and stormwater drains. Young are raised

by the females in large maternity colonies in

caves in summer. Shows a preference for well

timbered areas including rainforest, wet and dry

sclerophyll forests, Melaleuca swamps and

coastal forests. The Little Bentwing bat forages

for small insects (such as moths, wasps and ants)

beneath the canopy of densely vegetated

habitats.

Miniopterus schreibersii

oceanensis

Eastern Bentwing-bat V 2014 Low No roosting habitat


area.

Occurs from Victoria to Queensland, on both

sides of the Great Dividing Range. Forms large

maternity roosts (up to 100,000 individuals) in

caves and mines in spring and summer.

Individuals may fly several hundred kilometres to



record

Likely

occurrenc

e in study

area

Rationale for


their wintering sites, where they roost in caves,

culverts, buildings, and bridges. They occur in a

broad range of habitats including rainforest, wet

and dry sclerophyll forest, paperbark forest and

open grasslands. Has a fast, direct flight and

forages for flying insects (particularly moths)

above the tree canopy and along waterways.

Perameles nasuta Long-nosed

Bandicoot

E2 2015 Low No habitat present within

the study area.

The Long-nosed Bandicoot (inner west

population) is found within the LGAs of

Marrickville and Canada Bay and may extend into

the surrounding LGAs of Canterbury, Ashfield

and Leichardt. Individuals mostly shelter under

older houses and buildings, and forage for

invertebrates, plant roots, and hypogeal fungi in

parklands and back-yards. The population is

threatened by collision with vehicles; predation

by dogs, cats and foxes; renovation of old

buildings preventing access to nest sites; removal

of vegetation; and is at risk of extinction due to

local fluctuations in mortality and fecundity.

Pteropus poliocephalus Grey-headed Flying-

fox

VU V 2014# Low Marginal quality foraging

habitat present within

the study area.

Occurs along the NSW coast, extending further

inland in the north. This species is a canopy-

feeding frugivore and nectarivore of rainforests,

open forests, woodlands, melaleuca swamps and

banksia woodlands. Roosts in large colonies

(camps), commonly in dense riparian vegetation.

Bats commute daily to foraging areas, usually



record

Likely

occurrenc

e in study

area

Rationale for


within 15 km of the day roost although some

individuals may travel up to 70 km.

Birds

Anthochaera phrygia Regent Honeyeater CE E4A 1996# Low No preferred Eucalyptus

species present within

the study area.

A semi-nomadic species occurring in temperate

eucalypt woodlands and open forests. Most

records are from box-ironbark eucalypt forest

associations and wet lowland coastal forests. Key

eucalypt species include Mugga Ironbark, Yellow

Box, Blakely's Red Gum, White Box and Swamp

Mahogany. Also utilises: E. microcarpa, E. punctata,

E. polyanthemos, E. mollucana, Corymbia robusta, E.

crebra, E. caleyi, C. maculata, E. mckieana, E.

macrorhyncha, E. laevopinea and Angophora

floribunda. Nectar and fruit from the mistletoes A.

miquelii, A. pendula, A. cambagei are also eaten

during the breeding season. Regent Honeyeaters

usually nest in horizontal branches or forks in tall

mature eucalypts and sheoaks. Also nest in

mistletoe haustoria. An open cup-shaped nest is

constructed of bark, grass, twigs and wool by the

female.

Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern EN E1 # Low No habitat present within

the study area.

The Australasian Bittern is distributed across

south-eastern Australia. Often found in terrestrial

and estuarine wetlands, generally where there is

permanent water with tall, dense vegetation

including Typha spp. and Eleoacharis spp..



record

Likely

occurrenc

e in study

area

Rationale for


Typically this bird forages at night on frogs, fish

and invertebrates, and remains inconspicuous

during the day. The breeding season extends

from October to January with nests being built

amongst dense vegetation on a flattened

platform of reeds.

Burhinus grallarius Bush Stone-curlew E1 2008 Low No habitat present within

the study area.

Lightly timbered open forest and woodland, or

partly cleared farmland with remnants of

woodland, with a ground cover of short sparse

grass and few or no shrubs where fallen

branches and leaf litter are present.

Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper CE E1 2010 Low No habitat present within

the study area.

The Curlew Sandpiper is found on intertidal

mudflats of estuaries, lagoons, mangroves, as

well as beaches, rocky shores and around lakes,

dams and floodwaters. Its breeding habitat is the

lowland tundra of Siberia. Infrequently recorded

inland.

Dasyornis brachypterus Eastern Bristlebird EN E1 # Negligible No habitat present within

the study area.

The Eastern Bristlebird inhabits a broad range of

vegetation communities with a variety of plant

species compositions that are generally defined

by a similar structure of low, dense, ground or

understorey vegetation. Such as coastal

woodlands, dense scrub and heathlands,

particularly where it borders taller woodlands.

Eudyptula minor Little Penguin E2 2009 Negligible No habitat present within

the study area.

The Manly endangered population of Little

Penguin is the only known breeding population



record

Likely

occurrenc

e in study

area

Rationale for


on the mainland in NSW. A range of nest sites are

utilised by the penguins at Manly including under

rocks on the foreshore, under seaside houses

and structures, such as stairs, in wood piles and

under overhanging vegetation including lantana

and under coral tree roots. Male penguins start

returning to the colony in May/June to find or

reconstruct a suitable burrow for nesting and to

attract females. At this time they may spend all

day in their burrows. Time of egg-laying varies

slightly from year to year but has been recorded

at Manly as early as the first week of June. The

peak breeding season however is generally from

July to December.

Grantiella picta Painted Honeyeater VU V # Negligible Only one Eucalyptus tree


area.

Found mainly in dry open woodlands and forests,

where it is strongly associated with mistletoe.

Often found on plains with scattered eucalypts

and remnant trees on farmlands.

Haematopus longirostris Pied Oystercatcher E1 2013 Low No habitat present within

the study area.

An intertidal forager found on undisturbed sandy

beaches and spits, tidal mudflats and estuaries.

Its food supply (beach macroinvertebrates) have

been negatively affected by human impacts. The

Pied Oystercatcher is restricted to the littoral

zone of beaches and estuaries, nesting on the

ground above the tideline. A pair will re-nest in

the same spot each year, rarely shifting their

territory. Occasionally the Pied Oystercatcher is



record

Likely

occurrenc

e in study

area

Rationale for


found in paddocks near the coast.

Hieraaetus morphnoides Little Eagle V 1986 Low No habitat present within

the study area.

The Little Eagle is most abundant in lightly

timbered areas with open areas nearby providing

an abundance of prey species. It has often been

recorded foraging in grasslands, crops, treeless

dune fields, and recently logged areas. The Little

Eagle nests in tall living trees within farmland,

woodland and forests.

Lathamus discolor Swift Parrot EN E1 # Negligible Only one Eucalyptus tree


area.

The Swift Parrot occurs in woodlands and forests

of NSW from May to August, where it feeds on

eucalypt nectar, pollen and associated insects.

The Swift Parrot is dependent on flowering

resources across a wide range of habitats in its

wintering grounds in NSW. Favoured feed trees

include winter flowering species such as Swamp

Mahogany Eucalyptus robusta, Spotted Gum

Corymbia maculata, Red Bloodwood C. gummifera,

Mugga Ironbark E. sideroxylon, and White Box E.

albens. Commonly used lerp infested trees

include Grey Box E. microcarpa, Grey Box E.

moluccana and Blackbutt E. pilularis. This species

is migratory, breeding in Tasmania and also

nomadic, moving about in response to changing

food availability.

Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit V 2009 Negligible No habitat present within

the study area.

In Australia the Black-tailed Godwit has a

primarily coastal habitat environment. The



record

Likely

occurrenc

e in study

area

Rationale for


species is commonly found in sheltered bays,

estuaries and lagoons with large intertidal

mudflats or sandflats, or spits and banks of mud,

sand or shell-grit; occasionally recorded on rocky

coasts or coral islets. The use of habitat often

depends on the stage of the tide. It is also found

in shallow and sparsely vegetated, near-coastal,

wetlands; such as saltmarsh, saltflats, river pools,

swamps, lagoons and floodplains. There are a

few inland records, around shallow, freshwater

and saline lakes, swamps, dams and bore-

overflows. They also use lagoons in sewage farms

and saltworks.

Lophochroa leadbeateri Major Mitchell's

Cockatoo

V 2012 Low No roosting habitat


area.

Found mainly in semi-arid and arid regions, in dry

woodlands, particularly mallee - casuarina

assemblages. They breed in the hollows of large

trees, often near watercourse.

Neophema pulchella Turquoise Parrot V 2005 Negligible Only one Eucalyptus

species present within

the study area.

Occurs in open woodlands and eucalypt forests

with a ground cover of grasses and understorey

of low shrubs. Generally found in the foothills of

the Great Divide, including steep rocky ridges and

gullies. Nest in hollow-bearing trees, either dead

or alive; also in hollows in tree stumps. Prefer to

breed in open grassy forests and woodlands, and

gullies that are moist.

Ninox strenua Powerful Owl V 2012 Low No roosting habitat The Powerful Owl occupies wet and dry eucalypt



record

Likely

occurrenc

e in study

area

Rationale for



area.

forests and rainforests. It may inhabit both un-

logged and lightly logged forests as well as

undisturbed forests where it usually roosts on

the limbs of dense trees in gully areas. Large

mature trees with hollows at least 0.5 m deep are

required for nesting. Tree hollows are particularly

important for the Powerful Owl because a large

proportion of the diet is made up of hollow-

dependent arboreal marsupials. Nest trees for

this species are usually emergent with a diameter

at breast height of at least 100 cm. It has a large

home range of between 450 and 1450 ha.

Numenius

madagascariensis

Eastern Curlew CE 1984 Negligible No habitat present within

the study area.

The Eastern Curlew is widespread in coastal

regions in the north-east and south of Australia.

This species occurs in sheltered coasts, especially

estuaries, embayment's, harbours, inlets and

coastal lagoons with large intertidal mudflats or

sandflats often with beds of seagrass.

Pandion cristatus Osprey V 2005# Negligible No habitat present within

the study area.

Found in coastal waters, inlets, estuaries and

offshore islands. Occasionally found 100 km

inland along larger rivers. It is water-dependent,

hunting for fish in clear, open water. The Osprey

occurs in terrestrial wetlands, coastal lands and

offshore islands. It is a predominantly coastal

species, generally using marine cliffs as nesting

and roosting sites. Nests can also be made high

up in dead trees or in dead crowns of live trees,



record

Likely

occurrenc

e in study

area

Rationale for


usually within one kilometre of the sea.

Petroica boodang Scarlet Robin V 2013 Low Marginal quality habitat


area. No large woody

debris within study area.

Regular disturbance.

During the breeding season the Scarlet Robin is

found in eucalypt forests and temperate

woodlands, often on ridges and slopes. During

autumn and winter it moves to more open and

cleared areas. It has dispersive or locally

migratory seasonal movements. The Scarlet

Robin forages amongst logs and woody debris for

insects which make up the majority of its diet.

The nest is an open cup of plant fibres and

cobwebs, sited in the fork of a tree (often a dead

branch in a live tree, or in a dead tree or shrub)

which is usually more than 2 m above the

ground. It is conspicuous in open and suburban

habitats.

Petroica phoenicea Flame Robin V 1969 Negligible No habitat present within

the study area.

Flame Robins are found in a broad coastal band

from southern Queensland to just west of the

South Australian border. The species is also

found in Tasmania. The preferred habitat in

summer includes moist eucalyptus forests and

open woodlands, whilst in winter prefers open

woodlands and farmlands. It is considered

migratory. The Flame Robin breeds from about

August to January.

Polytelis alexandrae Princess Parrot VU 2008 Negligible No habitat present within

the study area.

The Princess Parrot inhabits sand dunes and

sand flats in the arid zone of western and central



record

Likely

occurrenc

e in study

area

Rationale for


Australia. It occurs in open savanna woodlands

and shrublands that usually consist of scattered

stands of Eucalyptus, Casuarina or Allocasuarina

trees; an understorey of shrubs such as Acacia,

Cassia, Eremophila, Grevillea, Hakea and Senna. It

also frequents Eucalyptus or Allocasuarina trees

in riverine or littoral areas.

Ptilinopus superbus Superb Fruit-Dove V 1996 Negligible No habitat present within

the study area.

The Superb Fruit Dove’s NSW distribution ranges

from northern NSW to as far south as Moruya. It

is found in rainforests, closed forests (including

mesophyll vine forests) and sometimes in

eucalypt and acacia woodlands where there are

fruit-bearing trees. It forages in the canopy of

fruiting trees such as figs and palms. Nests are

constructed high in the canopy throughout

September to January.

Rostratula australis Australian Painted

Snipe

EN E1 # Negligible No habitat present within

the study area.

Usually found in shallow inland wetlands

including farm dams, lakes, rice crops, swamps

and waterlogged grassland. They prefer

freshwater wetlands, ephemeral or permanent,

although they have been recorded in brackish

waters.

Sternula albifrons Little Tern E1 1997 Negligible No habitat present within

the study area.

The Little Tern favours sheltered coasts,

harbours, bays, lakes, inlets, estuaries, coastal

lagoons and ocean beaches especially with sand-

spits and sand islets. It forages over shallow



record

Likely

occurrenc

e in study

area

Rationale for


waters close inshore or over sandbars and reefs.

Tyto novaehollandiae Masked Owl V 1985 Negligible No habitat present within

the study area.

The Masked Owl may be found across a diverse

range of wooded habitat that provide tall or

dense mature trees with hollows suitable for

nesting and roosting. It has mostly been recorded

in open forests and woodlands adjacent to

cleared lands. They nest in hollows, in trunks and

in near vertical spouts or large trees, usually living

but sometimes dead. The nest hollows are

usually located within dense forests or

woodlands. Masked Owls prey upon hollow-

dependent arboreal marsupials, but terrestrial

mammals make up the largest proportion of the

diet.

Xenus cinereus Terek Sandpiper V 1999 Negligible No habitat present within

the study area.

The Terek Sandpiper mostly forages in the open,

on soft wet intertidal mudflats or in sheltered

estuaries, embayment's, harbours or lagoons.

The species has also been recorded on islets,

mudbanks, sandbanks and spits, and near

mangroves. Birds are seldom near the edge of

water. Occasionally, on sandy beaches, among

seaweed and other debris and in rocky areas.

Less often seen on sandy or shingle beaches, or

on rock or coral reefs or platforms, Terek

Sandpipers are occasionally sighted around

drying sewage ponds and saltpans if surrounded

by mudflats. The species is also found around



record

Likely

occurrenc

e in study

area

Rationale for


brackish coastal swamps, lagoons and dune-

lakes; and also on gravel or rocky edges of

estuarine pools and freshwater river-pools. Very

occasionally, birds use swampy, grassy or

cultivated paddocks near the coast.

Reptiles

Hoplocephalus

bungaroides

Broad-headed Snake VU E1 # Negligible No habitat present within

the study area.

Mainly occurs in association with communities

occurring on Triassic sandstone within the

Sydney Basin. Typically found among exposed

sandstone outcrops with vegetation types

ranging from woodland to heath. Within these

habitats they generally use rock crevices and

exfoliating rock during the cooler months and

tree hollows during summer.

Frogs

Heleioporus

australiacus

Giant Burrowing

Frog VU V # Negligible No habitat present within

the study area.

Prefers hanging swamps on sandstone shelves

adjacent to perennial non-flooding creeks. Can

also occur within shale outcrops within

sandstone formations. Known from wet and dry

forests and montane woodland in the southern

part range. Individuals can be found around

sandy creek banks or foraging along ridge-tops

during or directly after heavy rain. Males often

call from burrows located in sandy banks next to

water. Spends the majority of its time in non-



record

Likely

occurrenc

e in study

area

Rationale for


breeding habitat 20-250m from breeding sites.

Litoria aurea Green and Golden

Bell Frog VU E1 2013# Negligible No habitat present within

the study area.

Most existing locations for the species occur as

small, coastal, or near coastal populations, with

records occurring between south of Grafton and

northern VIC. The species is found in marshes,

dams and stream sides, particularly those

containing bullrushes or spikerushes. Preferred

habitat contains water bodies that are unshaded,

are free of predatory fish, have a grassy area

nearby and have diurnal sheltering sites nearby

such as vegetation or rocks, although the species

has also been recorded from highly disturbed

areas including disused industrial sites, brick pits,

landfill areas and cleared land. Breeding usually

occurs in summer. Tadpoles, which take

approximately 10-12 weeks to develop, feed on

algae and other vegetative matter. Adults eat

insects as well as other frogs, including juveniles

of their own species.


A2.3 Migratory species (EPBC Act listed)

Includes records from the following sources:

Atlas of NSW Wildlife (refer to Section 2.1)

Department of Environment database (accessed on 08/03/2016)

BirdLife Australia data search

Current survey

Table 14: Migratory avifauna species recorded or predicted to occur within 5 km of the study area

Scientific name Common name Conservation status Most recent

record

Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper Mi 2007

Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift Mi 2010#

Ardea ibis Cattle Egret Mi 1986#

Ardea modesta Eastern Great Egret Mi #

Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone Mi 1994

Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Mi 2007

Calidris canutus Red Knot Mi 2011

Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper CE, Mi E1 2010

Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint Mi 1994

Cuculus optatus Oriental Cuckoo Mi #

Gallinago hardwickii Latham's Snipe Mi #

Hirundapus caudacutus White-throated Needletail Mi 2013#

Hydroprogne caspia Caspian Tern Mi 2007

Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit Mi 2013

Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit Mi V 2009

Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater Mi #

Monarcha melanopsis Black-faced Monarch Mi 2011#

Motacilla flava Yellow Wagtail Mi #

Myiagra cyanoleuca Satin Flycatcher Mi 2012#

Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew CE, Mi 1984

Numenius minutus Little Curlew Mi 1958

Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel Mi 1991

Pandion cristatus Osprey Mi V 2005#


Scientific name Common name Conservation status Most recent

record

Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover Mi 2013

Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover Mi 1989

Rhipidura rufifrons Rufous Fantail Mi 2013#

Sterna hirundo Common Tern Mi 2002

Sternula albifrons Little Tern Mi E1 1997

Tringa brevipes Grey-tailed Tattler Mi 1995

Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank Mi 1986#

Tringa stagnatilis Marsh Sandpiper Mi 2005

Documents

Ashfield Commuter Car Park Flora and Fauna Assessment...Ashfield Commuter Car Park Flora and Fauna Assessment. Report for Transport for NSW. Authors: N Trulock & L Stone, Biosis Pty