FLORA AND FAUNA IMPACT ASSSESSMENT FOR COOKS COVE

Detailed Design Stage Development Application

For:

ROCKDALE COUNCIL

July 2010

Final Report

Cumberland Ecology PO Box 2474, Carlingford Court 2118

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Report No. 5006RP13

The preparation of this report has been in accordance with the brief provided by the Client and has

relied upon the data and results collected at or under the times and conditions specified in the report.

All findings, conclusions or recommendations contained within the report are based only on the

aforementioned circumstances. The report has been prepared for use by the Client and no

responsibility for its use by other parties is accepted by Cumberland Ecology.

Approved by: David Robertson

Position: Project Director

Signed:

Date: 28 June, 2010

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Table Of Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose 1.1

1.2 Terminology 1.1

1.3 Background 1.2

1.4 Site Description 1.2

1.5 Proposal 1.3

1.6 Approval of the Stage 1 DA 1.3

1.7 Development Consent and Plans of Management 1.4

2. METHODS

2.1 Literature Review 2.1

2.2 Flora Surveys 2.2

2.2.1 Vegetation mapping 2.2

2.2.2 Pre-Clearance Vegetation Surveys 2.2

2.3 Fauna Surveys 2.3

2.3.1 Birds 2.3

2.3.2 Bats 2.4

2.3.3 Other Mammals 2.4

2.3.4 Amphibians 2.5

2.3.5 Fish 2.7

3. RESULTS

3.1 Literature Review 3.1

3.2 Vegetation Surveys and Mapping 3.1

3.2.2 Closed to Open Saltmarsh 3.1

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Table Of Contents

3.2.3 Closed to Open Reedland 3.4

3.2.4 Mangroves 3.5

3.2.5 Disturbed/ Artificial Woodland 3.5

3.2.6 Exotic Grassland 3.7

3.2.7 Conservation Significance 3.7

3.2.8 Threatened Flora 3.8

3.3 Fauna 3.8

3.3.1 Fauna Recorded on the Subject Site 3.8

3.3.2 Potential Fauna Habitat 3.10

3.3.3 Threatened and Significant Species 3.12

4. IMPACT ASSESSMENT

4.1 Impacts on Endangered Ecological Communities 4.1

4.1.1 Saltmarsh and reedland communities 4.1

4.2 Impacts on Other Vegetation 4.3

4.2.1 Mangroves 4.3

4.2.2 Artificial Woodland 4.4

4.3 Impacts on Threatened Fauna 4.4

4.3.1 Migratory Waders 4.4

4.3.2 Green and Golden Bell Frog 4.6

4.3.3 Woodland and Golf Course Habitat 4.7

4.4 Other Impacts 4.8

4.4.1 Spring Street Wetland 4.8

4.4.2 Nutrients and Run-off 4.8

4.4.3 Cooks River and Muddy Creek 4.9

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Table Of Contents

5. MITIGATION MEASURES

5.1 Mitigation Measures 5.1

5.1.1 Endangered Ecological Communities 5.1

5.1.2 Spring Street Wetland 5.3

5.1.3 Long-term Monitoring and Management of the Wetlands 5.3

5.1.4 Cooks River and New Riparian Zone 5.4

5.1.5 Muddy Creek 5.4

5.1.6 Other Vegetation 5.4

5.1.7 Threatened Fauna 5.7

5.1.8 Minimising Impacts on Local Community Groups 5.8

5.2 Variations in areas of compensatory habitat from the previous Flora

and Fauna Impact Assessment

5.8

5.3 Assessments of Significance 5.9

6. CONCLUSION

List of Figures

1.1 THE SUBJECT SITE 1.5

3.1 VEGETATION ON THE SUBJECT SITE 3.3

4.1 WETLAND VEGETATION TO BE IMPACTED BY THE DEVELOPMENT 4.2

5.1 NEW WETLAND AREAS ON THE SITE 5.6

5.2 NO CONSTRUCTION ZONE AROUND LANDING LIGHTS WETLAND 5.10

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List of Photographs

3.1 SALTMARSH AT LANDING LIGHTS WETLAND 3.4

3.2 PLANTED NATIVE VEGETATION COMMUNITY AT SPRING STREET

WETLAND 3.7

Table Of Appendices

A. THREATENED FLORA AND FAUNA AND LIKELIHOOD OF

OCCURRENCE ON THE SUBJECT SITE

B. FAUNA LISTS

C. FLORA IDENTIFIED ON THE SUBJECT SITE

D. ASSESSMENTS OF SIGNIFICANCE

E. ASSUMED CONCURRENCE CONDITIONS OF CONSENT

List of Tables

5.1 CHANGES MADE TO COMPENSATORY HABITAT AREAS 5.9

A.1 THREATENED PLANTS AND THEIR LIKELIHOOD OF OCCURRENCE

ON THE SUBJECT SITE A.2

A.2 THREATENED FAUNA IN ROCKDALE LGA AND LIKELIHOOD OF

OCCURRENCE ON SUBJECT SITE A.4

B.1 FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED DURING VARIOUS STUDIES AND RECORDS

FROM THE DEC ATLAS OF NSW WILDLIFE IN THE LOCALITY B.2

C.1 FLORA IDENTIFIED ON THE SUBJECT SITE 6.1

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Executive Summary

INTRODUCTION

The Cooks Cove site is located in the suburb of Arncliffe in the Local Government Area of

Rockdale City Council. The proposed development is to take place within land that has

been rezoned as part of an approved Sydney Regional Environmental Plan 33 (SREP 33).

The developer is proposing to relocate parts of Kogarah golf course immediately south of

its current location and to reconfigure the site. The site for the proposed golf course

consists of a number of man-made/heavily altered wetland areas. The wetland towards

the southern end of the site known as ‘Landing Lights’ wetland forms a saltmarsh complex,

which is categorised under the TSC Act as an Endangered Ecological Community. This

wetland provides important habitat for migratory waders, including, on occasion, species

such as the Sanderling, Latham’s Snipe and the Terek Sandpiper.

To the west of the Landing Lights wetland a complex of freshwater reeds occurs. This

community is a variation of Sydney Freshwater Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains, which is

also an endangered ecological community (EEC).

Spring Street wetland is a mangrove wetland that has become heavily degraded, suffering

from leachate infiltration and rubbish dumping, as well as sedimentation which has led to

the northern end of the wetland becoming anaerobic. This wetland is not considered to

provide habitat for any threatened species.

To the east of these wetlands isolated complexes of reedland/exotic species occur, which

remain largely dry throughout the year, becoming wetter after periods of heavy or

prolonged rain. These areas are dominated by Phragmites in the damper central areas

and by exotics elsewhere. Whilst they are considered to be a variation of the Sydney

Freshwater Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains EEC, because of the high influence of exotic

species these areas are not considered to be of high ecological value. Due to their

predominant dryness, they do not provide primary habitat for wetland-dependent fauna

species.

The Green and Golden Bell Frog (Litoria aurea), which is listed as Endangered under the

Threatened Species Conservation Act (TSC Act, 1994) and Vulnerable under the

Environment Protection and Biological Conservation Act ( EPBC Act, 1999), is known to

utilise parts of the current golf course.

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PURPOSE

The purpose of this report is to provide an update to the original Flora and Fauna Impact

Assessment that was prepared for the Stage 1 Development Application for the Cooks

Cove site. The Stage 1 Development Application (DA) and associated management plans

(including the Wetlands Environmental Management Plan and a Plan of Management for

the Green and Golden Bell Frog) were approved in December 2006 with conditions of

consent attached.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature review and database search for threatened species that have

been recorded within the study area was conducted (in 2005 and updated in 2010) as well

as a series of comprehensive field surveys for threatened flora and fauna species.

Surveys were conducted by Cumberland Ecology in 2005, with additional survey work

being carried out in wetland areas in 2007. Surveys included targeted searches for

threatened flora and fauna and vegetation mapping. Additional amphibian surveys were

also conducted in 2009. Numerous previous surveys have also been conducted on the

site and the information from these was also utilised to assess potential fauna habitat and

use of the site by fauna over a number of years.

RESULTS

Vegetation Surveys and Mapping

Five plant communities were recorded on the subject site:

Closed to Open Saltmarsh;

Closed to Open Reedland;

Mangroves;

Disturbed/artificial woodland; and

Exotic Grassland.

These are described in the main body of the report.

Conservation Significance

The saltmarsh community identified at a part of the site called “Landing Lights wetlands”

conforms to the Final Determination for the endangered ecological community (EEC)

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“Coastal saltmarsh in the NSW North Coast Sydney Basin & South East Corner

Bioregions” (NSW Scientific Committee 2004a).

The reedland to the west of the Landing Lights forms a variation of the EEC “Freshwater

Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains in the NSW North Coast Sydney Basin & South East

Corner Bioregions” EEC (NSW Scientific Committee 2004b). Patches of reedland to the

north-east of Landing Lights would also conform to this EEC, although it is noted that a

high proportion of exotic species occur in these areas and that they are in poor condition

No threatened plant species listed under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995

or Environmental Protection & Biodiversity Protection Act 1999 were recorded on the

subject site. Nor was any habitat on the subject site deemed suitable to support

threatened flora species.

Threatened and Significant Fauna

Threatened species that exist on the site or have the potential to use the site include:

The Green and Golden Bell Frog (found on the Kogarah Golf Course);

The Eastern Bent-wing Bat (may have been detected during bat surveys,

however, there is minimal suitable habitat in the area for this species and it is

more likely to have been a more common species such as the Southern Forest

Bat);

Grey-headed Flying-fox (not detected, but it is possible that it forages occasionally

on the subject site);

Glossy Black-cockatoo, Swift Parrot, Superb Fruit-dove and Regent Honeyeater

(recorded in the locality although have not been detected on the subject site.

There is no known breeding habitat. The vegetation within the golf course and the

wetlands provides potential secondary foraging habitat for these species);

The Black-faced Monarch has been recorded within 2km of the subject site but not

on the site itself; and

Wading birds: a number of wading birds (many of which are listed as migratory)

have been detected in the study area either by Cumberland Ecology or previous

studies. These include the Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Black-winged Stilt, Latham’s

Snipe, Broad-billed Sandpiper, Terek Sandpiper, Ruddy Turnstone, Common

Sandpiper, Great Knot, Sanderling, Curlew Sandpiper, Lesser Sand Plover,

Greater Sand Plover; and Black-tailed Godwit. Potential habitat occurs on site for

a number of other threatened wetland birds.

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Impacts and Ameliorative Measures

Development of the golf course is not likely to cause a significant impact on either of the

Marsh Street or Eve Street wetlands, which lie outside of the subject site. Spring Street

wetland will be impacted upon, with the temporary removal of artificial woodland along its

eastern edge (to accommodate for the driving range) and the removal of individual

mangroves where required, in order to insert a cut-off wall to seal off the adjacent landfill

site. However, the ecological value of this wetland is low - it is polluted, overgrown and

receives limited tidal flushing from the canal at present. The ameliorative measures that

will be put in place to rehabilitate this wetland (including increasing tidal flushing and

sealing off the adjacent landfill site so that leachate does not seep into the water-course)

will greatly improve the ecological value of this wetland for aquatic fauna. Some artificial

woodland is also being removed from the northern to accommodate the driving range and

south-western ends of the wetland to make way for the 16th hole. These areas do not offer

any significant habitat for fauna and their removal is unlikely to impact on the wetland

itself. Woodland habitat is being planted throughout the golf course and along the Cooks

River.

There will be an impact on the Landing Lights wetland, with the removal of some

saltmarsh and reedland along the southern and western sides. Certainly in the short-term

this will be significant and will reduce the amount of habitat available to wading birds,

particularly until the newly created areas have become established. Construction around

the wetland will be timed so that it does not coincide with the season for migratory waders

in order to minimise disturbance. With the creation of new areas of saltmarsh, in the future

the site will offer a larger area of EEC habitat available to waders. Currently the saltmarsh

is open to the public and not protected in any way. Incorporating these habitats into the

golf course will provide an enhanced level of protection from disturbance, dumping and

trampling.

There will be an impact on the foraging habitat of the Green and Golden Bell Frog during

the construction phase of the development, although now that further mitigation measures

have been implemented, this is unlikely to be significant. Their current breeding ponds will

not be affected. A plan for the management of GGBFs during construction was submitted

to DECCW in August 2008 (and updated in June 2010) and their comments have been

incorporated into the plan where appropriate. The plan includes measures to reduce

impacts on the frogs’ foraging habitat by developing the golf course land in a series of

stages to allow continued access to foraging habitat throughout the construction period,

and by carrying out pre-clearance surveys in each area prior to construction. The new golf

course will provide large areas of new breeding habitat both north and south of the

SWSOOS, as well as providing additional freshwater foraging ponds and shelter sites.

Vegetated corridors throughout the site will improve connectivity between breeding and

foraging areas. Thus the habitat available to this population of Green and Golden Bell

Frogs will be dramatically enhanced and exist over a much wider area. This should allow

the population to expand into these areas in the future.

Assessments of Significance have been undertaken for the relevant threatened species

and communities.

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The ecological value of the Cooks River will be improved, with mangroves and a riparian

habitat corridor being planted along the river bank. Water quality entering the Cooks River

and Muddy Creek will be improved over time through the ameliorative measures put in

place to minimise and treat run-off from the site.

Changes to Impacts/Ameliorative Measures since submission of the previous DA

Since the approval of the previous development application, the assessment of impacts to

threatened species and communities has not altered. Changes that have been made

between submission of the previous flora and fauna impact assessment and this one have

been necessitated by the detailed design and in response to DECCW’s comments. These

are:

The removal of artificial woodland along the eastern side of Spring Street wetland

in order to insert a retaining wall that prevents leachate from entering wetland

areas. This will be re-planted with woodland species once the site remediation

measures have been completed;

The removal of artificial woodland from the northern end of Spring Street wetland

(to accommodate for the Driving Range);

The removal of an additional 90m2 of mangroves, based on canopy cover

(corresponds to mangrove removal for the Open Space DA. An additional 415m2

will be removed on SACL land under a separate DA Application. 9,055m2 of

existing mangroves will be retained on the site).

An adjustment to the public cycle path route, which involves some additional

construction works to the banks of the Cooks River; and

Areas of compensatory habitat have been modified to take into account

engineering requirements, flood modelling etc. and to maximise the amount of

compensatory habitat that is provided. This has resulted in an increase in all

compensatory habitat areas, as follows:

Table 1 Changes made to compensatory habitat areas

Habitat Type Compensatory

Habitat Stage 1

Approved DA (m2)

Compensatory

Habitat Proposed

DA (m2)

Change (m2)

Saltmarsh 13,210 13,210 0

Reedland 5,533 5,883 +350

GGBF Breeding Ponds 5,821 6,367 +546

Primary Foraging Ponds

(freshwater)

6,480 7,516 +1,036

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Table 1 Changes made to compensatory habitat areas

Habitat Type Compensatory

Habitat Stage 1

Approved DA (m2)

Compensatory

Habitat Proposed

DA (m2)

Change (m2)

Secondary Foraging Ponds

(brackish or saline)

3,341 6,956 +3,615

Mangroves 2,640 2,754 +114

Total 37,025 42,686 +5,661

CONCLUSION

Currently the Cooks Cove site consists of a number of man-made/heavily altered wetland

areas that have been constructed, or in the case of the Landing Lights wetland,

incidentally formed next to a waste dumping site. None of these areas are actively

managed at present.

In the short-term, significant impacts have been predicted on some TSC and EPBC listed

species and endangered ecological communities. However, the creation of new saltmarsh

and reedland areas and the creation of a covenant that will conserve Landing Lights

wetland in-perpetuity will conserve and enhance habitat for threatened species and

communities in the long-term.

It is recommended that a formal agreement is signed by the Golf Club and developer to

ensure that they are fully aware of their long-term ecological responsibilities on the site.

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Chapter 11.

Introduction

1.1 Purpose

The purpose of this report is to provide an update to the original Flora and Fauna Impact

Assessment that was prepared for the Stage 1 Development Application for the Cooks

Cove site (CE 2006). The development principles and concepts remain unchanged,

however detailed designs for various aspects of the development have now been

produced, which allow further investigation of the ecological impacts to be made.

The objectives of this report are:

To describe vegetation communities and fauna habitats on site;

To summarise the previous flora and fauna impact assessment findings and

provide further information that has been gathered during subsequent detailed

survey work;

To assess the likelihood of whether threatened flora and fauna would be impacted

by the development; and

To formally assess the impacts of the proposed development on threatened flora,

fauna and ecological communities in terms of Section 5A of the EP&A Act (the

seven part test).

1.2 Terminology

This report uses the following terminology:

Subject site means the area of Cooks Cove within which the development

application (DA) physical works are proposed (i.e. the affected areas);

Study area is the subject site (directly affected areas) and any additional areas

that are likely to be affected by the proposal, either directly or indirectly. This

includes Kogarah Golf Course, Eve Street wetland, Marsh Street wetland, Spring

Street wetland, Landing Lights wetland and adjoining areas of the Cooks River

and Muddy Creek.

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Locality is the area within a 5km radius of the subject site;

Subject species means those threatened species, populations and ecological

communities that are listed in either the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity

Act 1999 (EPBC), the NSW Fisheries Management Act 1994 or the Threatened

Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) and are known to occur, or considered

likely to occur in the study area.

GGBF means Green and Golden Bell Frog

1.3 Background

The Cooks Cove site is located in the suburb of Arncliffe in the Local Government Area of

Rockdale City Council. The proposed development is to take place within land that has

been rezoned as part of an approved Sydney Regional Environmental Plan 33 (SREP 33).

SREP33 delineates the development and conservation areas across the site and also

requires the preparation of a suite of environmental management plans. The

environmental management plans include plans for the management for the wetlands

(Wetlands Environmental Management Plan - WEMP) and a separate plan of

management for the Green and Golden Bell Frog (Green and Golden Bell Frog

Management Plan – GGBFMP) which have been prepared. SREP33 is supplemented by

the Cooks Cove Masterplan which provides design criteria and detailed provisions relating

to both the development zone and the environmental areas.

The Stage 1 Development Application (DA) and associated management plans were

approved on 6th December 2006 with conditions attached. This Flora and Fauna Impact

Assessment has been prepared for the Detailed Design Stage DA.

1.4 Site Description

The subject site is located to the west of Cooks River and Sydney Airport, and is

approximately 100 hectares (ha) in size. It is bounded by Cooks River and Muddy Creek

to the east, Marsh Street to the north, West Botany Street to the west and Bestic Street to

the south.

The Kogarah Golf Course is located within the northern portion of the subject site. The

subject site also contains the South Western Sydney Sewerage Ocean Outflow System

(SWSOOS). The site for the proposed golf course (which mostly lies to the south of its

current location) consists of constructed wetlands, filled land and recreational space.

Figure 1.1 shows a diagram of the subject site and the main features within it.

The Green and Golden Bell Frog (Litoria aurea), which is listed as Endangered under the

Threatened Species Conservation Act (TSC Act, 1994) and Vulnerable under the

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Environment Protection and Biological Conservation Act ( EPBC Act, 1999), is known to

utilise parts of the golf course.

The southern section of the site consists of playing fields and several wetlands of varying

quality and size. The wetland towards the southern end of the site known as ‘Landing

Lights’ wetland forms a saltmarsh complex, which is categorised under the TSC Act as an

Endangered Ecological Community. This wetland provides important habitat for migratory

waders, including, on occasion, species such as the Sanderling, Latham’s Snipe and the

Terek Sandpiper.

To the west of the Landing Lights wetland a complex of freshwater reeds occurs. This

community is a variation of Sydney Freshwater Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains, which is

also an endangered ecological community (EEC).

Spring Street wetland is a mangrove wetland that has become heavily degraded, suffering

from leachate infiltration and rubbish dumping, as well as sedimentation which has led to

the northern end of the wetland becoming anaerobic. This wetland is not considered to

provide habitat for any threatened species.

To the east of these wetlands isolated complexes of reedland/exotic species occur, which

remain largely dry throughout the year, becoming wetter after periods of heavy or

prolonged rain. These areas are dominated by Phragmites in the damper central areas

and by exotics elsewhere. Whilst they are considered to be a variation of the Sydney

Freshwater Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains EEC, because of the high influence of exotic

species these areas are not considered to be of high ecological value. Due to their

predominant dryness, they do not provide primary habitat for wetland-dependent fauna

species.

1.5 Proposal

Bank of Scotland International (BOSI) is proposing to create an advanced technology

precinct in an area of land located immediately to the west of the Cooks River and Sydney

Airport, at the current location of Kogarah Golf Course. This includes relocation of the golf

course and two sports grounds, as well as environmental rehabilitation works.

Stage 1 of the Development Application, which has been approved, provided concept

details for the trade and technology zone, the new golf course, the open space, for

remediation work, and for works along the Cooks River.

The detailed design DA relates to the Open Space aspects of the development only, i.e

everything except works for the Trade and Technology Zone, which will be the subject of a

separate DA.

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1.6 Approval of the Stage 1 DA

In December 2006, the Stage 1 Development Application (which included a Wetlands

Environmental Management Plan, a Green and Golden Bell Frog Management Plan, a

Soil and Water Management Plan and an Open Space Plan of Management) was

approved with Conditions of Consent attached.

The management plans submitted with the development application outlined how the site

would be managed both during construction activities and in the longer term, determining

broad concepts and management regimes for different environmental aspects of the

development, including environmental targets and performance indicators that the

development was committed to achieving.

The detailed designs for the development, which are being submitted as part of this DA,

have been drawn up to correspond to the provisions within those plans. The designs

outline how the concepts in the management plans will be achieved.

1.7 Development Consent and Plans of Management

In circumstances where detailed consideration of the impacts of future development on

threatened flora and fauna and ecological communities has already occurred, such as

through the preparation of an environmental planning instrument, the Director General of

the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW) has the power

under the TSC Act to waive the need for preparation of a SIS, provided that the

Department is satisfied that sufficient conservation outcomes and safeguards have been

provided. This process is known as the issue of “Assumed Concurrence”.

In the case of Cooks Cove, flora and fauna investigations were conducted to support the

gazettal of SREP 33 and the adoption of the Cook Cove Master Plan. Consequently SREP

33 contains provisions to ensure significant conservation outcomes will occur that will

protect wetland flora and fauna and the habitats of threatened species. The SREP 33

requires the preparation of a Wetlands Environmental Management Plan and a Green and

Golden Bell Frog Management Plan to the satisfaction of DECC (Now DECCW). These

were submitted as part of the Stage 1 Development Application. Following a number of

meetings and updates to the plans, DECCW provided Assumed Concurrence for the

development, providing approval for the management plans with two Assumed

Concurrence conditions of consent attached (refer to Appendix E for details). These

included that:

that the wetlands on site are protected in the long-term, either under a Planning

Agreement, 88B Instrument or Deed of Agreement; and

that more detailed surveys were undertaken to inform re-vegetation works, that re-

vegetation commences at the earliest possible stage of development, and that

rehabilitation works are undertaken by a specialist wetland ecologist.

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Figure 1.1 Cooks Cove Project Area

Coordinate System: MGA Zone 56 (GDA 94)

Gri

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ort

h

100 0 100 200 300 400 m

Golf Course Boundary

Cooks Cove Project Area

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Chapter 22.

Methods

2.1 Literature Review

A comprehensive literature review and database search for threatened species that have

been recorded within the study area were conducted for the original flora and fauna impact

assessment in 2005. The information that was reviewed included:

Rockdale City Council commissioned reports (Clouston 2000, Biosphere

Environmental Consultants 2000, Land Systems Pty Ltd 1989),

Consultancy reports including reports on Cooks Cove specifically and the greater

area of Rockdale (Hassell 2001a). (Hassell 2001b, Hassell 2001c, Hill PDA 2001,

Benson et al. 1999, ERM 2001)

NSW National Parks & Wildlife Services database – all threatened flora and fauna records (including ROTAP records) within 5km radius of the subject site;

Cumberland Bird Observers Club – targeting bird searches in the wetlands and

also within a 2km radius of Cooks Cove; and

BioNet search tool – targeting birds recorded in the Kogarah Council area.

This was supplemented by field surveys carried out by Cumberland Ecology (CE 2006),

ERM (ERM 2003) and by several other studies of the area.

In June 2010, updated database searches of both Bionet and the EPBC Protected Matters

search tool were carried out to ascertain whether there had been any new records of

threatened species that were relevant to the study area since the 2005 literature review

had been undertaken.

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2.2 Flora Surveys

2.2.1 Vegetation mapping

In 2005, vegetation surveys were conducted by Cumberland Ecology (CE 2006) to identify

the vegetation communities on the subject site and to verify and update existing mapping

by Biosphere (Biosphere Environmental Consultants 2000), Biosis (Biosis Research 2001)

and ERM (2003; unpublished data). The site was traversed by a botanist and an ecologist,

with special emphasis on the wetland communities. Habitat assessments were also

conducted to assess the likelihood of threatened flora species occurring.

i. Targeted Threatened Species

Seven threatened species were targeted during the flora survey:

o Acacia pubescens (Downy Wattle)

o Acacia terminalis ssp terminalis (Sunshine Wattle)

o Caladenia tessellata (Tessellated Spider Orchid)

o Melaleuca deanei (Deane’s Paperbark)

o Syzygium paniculatum (Magenta Cherry)

o Tetratheca juncea (Black-eyed Susan)

o Thesium australe (Austral Toadflax)

(Source: EPBC Protected Matters Report & DECC Bionet Search – Rockdale)

The threatened plant Wilsonia backhousei was also searched for in the saltmarsh areas.

2.2.2 Pre-Clearance Vegetation Surveys

Pre-clearance vegetation surveys were conducted in all saltmarsh and reedland areas in

the mid-late summer of 2007 in accordance with the conditions of consent for the

development as part of the Assumed Concurrence. This included conducting surveys in

all saltmarsh and reedland areas that are required to be cleared, in order to establish

precisely the species of native vascular plants and vertebrate fauna that make use of

these areas. These are described below, along with other survey work undertaken on the

site.

The pre-clearance surveys were restricted to the areas of saltmarsh and reedland that are

to be cleared for the development, in line with the relevant Assumed Concurrence

conditions of consent. The surveys are intended to provide additional information

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specifically on species composition and utilisation of the areas of saltmarsh and reedland

that are to be cleared for the development.

2.3 Fauna Surveys

2.3.1 Birds

Bird surveys were undertaken by ornithologist Tony Saunders of Merops Services together

with Cumberland Ecology staff across the subject site in early March 2005. Cumberland

Ecology staff conducted a further 4 bird surveys at Eve Street, Spring Street and Landing

Lights wetlands in the following week targeting waders/shorebirds.

Due to the time of year that the surveys were carried out they did not coincide with a high

likelihood of encountering waders as some migratory species may have already have left

the area by March. However, extensive database records already exist for birds that

utilise the wetlands in the area and these records have been collected over a number of

years by Cumberland Bird Observers Club. Therefore the aim of the Cumberland Ecology

surveys was to supplement the existing database records.

Field surveys were conducted at varying times to capture the variation caused by the tidal

nature of the wetlands. Active diurnal searches were undertaken at all sites, concentrating

on potentially suitable habitat for any of the target threatened or rare bird species. Field

personnel undertook meandering transects observing the following areas associated with

water bodies:

Surrounding areas of land, particularly areas of saltmarsh;

Water margin and shallow water areas;

Emergent vegetation, and adjoining reed swamps; and

Open water bodies and tidal channels.

All birds seen or heard were recorded. Behavioural information such as roosting,

breeding, feeding and flight behaviour was recorded. Temperatures ranged between 16.8-

29.6oC and on two survey days it rained lightly.

Bird Data recorded during previous monitoring surveys carried out by Biosphere

(Biosphere Environmental Consultants 2000), Biosis (Biosis Research 2001) and ERM

(2003; unpublished data) were also noted.

2.4

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28 JUNE 2010

i. Additional survey work in 2007

As part of the pre-clearance survey work required by the conditions of consent (refer to

2.2.2 above) further bird surveys were conducted in January and February 2007 in all

saltmarsh and reedland areas to be cleared.

Meandering transects around the wetlands and through the areas to be cleared were

conducted by an ornithologist. Surveys were undertaken at dawn for 2 hours, one day per

week over three weeks (31st January, 6th February and 13th February 2007). These

surveys were repeated at dusk on the same days for between 1.5 and 2 hours per survey.

All bird species detected by sight or call were recorded for each area as a measure of

abundance. Only those species observed in or using the air space over the wetlands for

foraging were recorded.

2.3.2 Bats

Surveys were conducted for threatened microchiropteran bats using Anabat II ZCAIM bat

detector units between the 15th to the 31st of March 2005. The temperatures for the four

nights ranged from a maximum of 29.6ºC to 14.8ºC. The weather was mostly clear with

little wind although there was light rain on one night. Hand-held bat detection was

conducted at night for approximately an hour before dusk and several hours after. This

type of sampling targets bats that may be roosting on the site or nearby and emerge at or

near dusk, or individuals utilising the water bodies for early foraging. Walking transects

were conducted through, or adjacent to, potential habitat at each site

Surveys were conduced at the following locations in the study area:

Eve Street wetland;

Marsh Street;

Spring Street wetland;

Landing Lights wetland; and

Kogarah Golf Course.

Bat calls were identified by Greg Ford, a recognised bat specialist.

2.3.3 Other Mammals

As part of the pre-clearance survey work required by the conditions of consent (refer to

2.2.2 above) surveys for ground-dwelling mammals were conducted in February 2007 in

all saltmarsh and reedland areas to be cleared. Saltmarsh and reedland areas do not

provide ideal habitat for land-dwelling mammals, however mammal surveys were

conducted by ecologists in the areas of the site to be cleared using hair-tube traps to

provide additional information for fauna species lists.

2.5

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Three hair-tube transects, each 100m long, were laid in the areas to be cleared using

Faunatech funnel hair tubes. Hair tubes were laid approximately 10m apart where

possible and placed in areas where small mammals were most likely to frequent (i.e. along

potential runways in vegetation, or where cover was densest). Bait-types were alternated

between standard bait mix (oat, honey and peanut butter) and sardines. Traps were laid

on the 21st February 2007 and left out for seven days. Hair tube analysis was conducted

by Georgeanna Story of ‘Scats About’.

2.3.4 Amphibians

GGBF surveys were carried out by Cumberland Ecology staff on the 15th, 16th, 30th and

31st of March 2005 across the subject site. A total of 46 hours of survey effort was

undertaken surveying for the GGBFs, with 12 hours of survey effort undertaken during

each of the four separate survey periods. Surveys were carried out after rainfall where

possible (30th and 31st March) and conducted in accordance with the Draft Recovery

Plan’s Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines.

The Surveys comprised two minutes of call playback followed by two to three minutes

quiet listening. The AMG coordinates of any frogs caught were recorded with a GPS. The

sex of frogs was noted if individuals were caught. Waterbodies were inspected for

tadpoles and Mosquito Fish (Gambusia holbrooki) using a visual assessment in ponds

with shallow clear water. Visual encounter surveys using spotlighting targeted foraging

individuals.

Night time surveys of waterbodies and emergent vegetation were completed using

spotlights to target foraging individuals. These were conducted for a minimum of 2 hours

per 200m of water as per the Draft Threatened Species Survey and Assessment

Guidelines (DEC (NSW) 2004). Terrestrial areas within 10 metres of the edge of

waterbodies were also surveyed for dispersing and foraging frogs. This survey was

undertaken by Cumberland Ecology staff and by Dr Arthur White. Dr White is a

recognised amphibian expert who is currently managing the RTA GGBF breeding ponds at

the southern end of the Kogarah Golf Course. The surveys carried out by Cumberland

Ecology in 2005 augment data gathered during the 2003 breeding season by ERM

(unpublished report).

i. Additional survey work in 2007

As part of the pre-clearance survey work required by the conditions of consent (refer to

2.2.2 above) further amphibian and reptile surveys were conducted in February 2007 in all

saltmarsh and reedland areas to be cleared, as well as the surrounding grassland and

woodland areas.

Herpetological surveys were largely weather dependent, with frog survey conditions

requiring rain or recent rainfall and reptile surveys requiring warm and sunny conditions.

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Surveys were carried out by Cumberland Ecology in conjunction with herpetologist, Dr.

Arthur White, who has conducted numerous surveys of the site over a number of years.

The scarcity of rain during the summer greatly determined when the frog surveys could be

conducted. Initial frog surveys took place on the nights of the 1st and 2nd of February

2007. These nights were chosen as this was when the first light rain fell in almost five

weeks. Light showers commenced on the afternoon of the 11th of February and these led

to heavier thunderstorms on the 12th of February, with a total of almost 60mm of rain

falling in these two days. The rain began clearing on the 13th of February and by the next

day it was again fine and sunny. Further frog surveys were carried out over three nights of

the 12th, 13th and 14th of February.

Reptile surveys were carried out on sunny, warm mornings on the 8th, 15th and 19th of

February 2007.

Amphibian surveys consisted of walked transects around the edges of each of the

waterbodies and connecting waterways in the survey site and included the wetlands, open

drains and ephemeral ponds. At each site all calling frogs were noted, and the position

and number of calling frogs at each site was recorded on a site sheet. Non-calling frogs

were detected using headlamps. These were caught, identified and immediately released.

A tadpole survey was conducted in the wetland areas on the 19th of February 2007.

Tadpoles that were large enough to be identified were recorded and released. No attempt

was made to quantify the number of tadpoles in each pond.

Reptile surveys concentrated on the areas that contained the most ground shelter cover in

the form of rocks, concrete or brick structures, logs, fallen timber and refuse piles. This

included the boundaries of Spring Creek Canal, Landing Lights Wetland and other bushy

areas around the site. These areas were surveyed from 8.30-9 am until 11am - 12 noon

when it became too hot for reptiles to continue to bask. The site was traversed on foot,

ground cover materials such as timber, large rocks and refuse were overturned and

sheltering reptiles were caught, identified and released. Reptiles that were already active

and moving about were often identified without the need to catch them. Smaller lizards

needed to be caught to ensure correct identification. All captured reptiles were released at

the site of capture. The identification of reptiles is based on Cogger (2000).

ii. Additional survey work 2009

A further eight surveys were conducted, using the same methods as described above, in

the 2008/2009 breeding season. Surveys were conducted between the beginning of

January and mid February and comprised 50.5 hours of survey effort, including pond

dipping for tadpoles and auditory, call playback and spotlight searches at night. Surveys

concentrated on the golf course, SWSOOS, underpass, Marsh Street and the area to the

south of this, to gather further information on GGBF use of the golf course and dispersal

from the RTA ponds south of the SWSOOS.

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2.3.5 Fish

The aquatic habitats in the canal and the wetlands were surveyed in 2004 to determine

whether the wetlands provide nursery habitat for juvenile fish. A seine net was used in

areas of sufficient water depth (e.g. the canal adjacent to the Landing Light wetland) to

sample the biota as a seine net is considered to be the best method of sampling a range

of fish. Two replicate hauls were used at each sampling point on two occasions at high

tide. In areas where water depth and access were limited (e.g. Spring Street, Landing

Lights and Marsh Street wetlands) a combination of fish traps (box traps) and scoop nets

were used, although it is acknowledged that these methods only have the potential to

sample a certain section of the fish population.

All specimens caught were identified where possible to species and the total number

recorded. Large specimens were weighed and measured and then released alive.

Smaller specimens were euthanased and preserved for processing in the laboratory. Very

large samples were sub-sampled.

3.1

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28 JUNE 2010

Chapter 33.

Results

3.1 Literature Review

The results from the literature review and database study can be found in Appendix A.

Seven threatened plants (refer to section 2.2.1) and a number of threatened fauna have

been previously recorded in the locality (either within 5 km or within Rockdale LGA).

Threatened fauna that occur, or are likely to occur on site, include the Green and Golden

Bell Frog (Litoria aurea), Grey-headed Flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus), Southern

Myotis (Myotis macropus) and several migratory waders (refer to Appendix A).

3.2 Vegetation Surveys and Mapping

Five distinct plant communities were recorded on the subject site. A map showing the

location of the different plant communities can be found in 4.1 below. A full list of plant

species identified on site in previous surveys and the detailed wetland surveys carried out

in 2007 can be found in Appendix C. The five plant communities are described below:

a. Closed to Open Saltmarsh;

b. Closed to Open Reedland;

c. Mangroves;

d. Disturbed/artificial woodland; and

e. Exotic Grassland.

3.2.2 Closed to Open Saltmarsh

Sarcocornia quinqueflora – Suaeda australis +/- Atriplex prostrata – Juncus acutus

Distribution

This vegetation type occurs in relatively low-lying sites subject to tidal inundation. Where

this community adjoins areas of reedland, a transitional community occurs.

3.2

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28 JUNE 2010

Structure and floristics

This vegetation type typically consists of a low ground layer composed primarily of

chenopods, with occasional emergent reed, rush and sedge species, to 0.2-0.5m high,

with a range of smaller rush, sedge and herb species in more open and/or disturbed

areas.

Common chenopod species are Samphire Sarcocornia quinqueflora and Austral Seablite

Suaeda australis, with species such as Orache *Atriplex prostrata, Sharp Rush *Juncus

acutus and Prickly Couch Zoysia macrantha occurring on slightly higher ground (*denotes

exotic/introduced species). In general, the larger patches of saltmarsh feature more

structural (if not floristic) diversity, and are less susceptible to disturbance (from tracks,

scalds or placement of fill) and weed invasion. Sharp Rush Juncus acutus occurs in all

saltmarsh patches inspected, while exotic shrub, grass and herb species are common

where fill has been placed around saltmarsh. In less disturbed sites, occasional native

reed, sedge and herb species include Native Reed Phragmites australis, Bare Twig Rush

Baumea juncea, Knobby Club Rush Ficinia nodosa (syn. Isolepis nodosa) and Warrigal

Cabbage Tetragonia tetragonoides.

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Figure 1.3 Vegetation Communities

Coordinate System: MGA Zone 56 (GDA 94)

Gri

d N

ort

h

Vegetation Communities

Mangrove

Saltmarsh

Native Planting

Exotic

Reed Bed

Melaleuca seiberi

Exotic Grasses and sedge mosaic

Golf Course Boundary

Cooks Cove Project Area

100 0 100 200 300 400 m

3.4

FINAL REPORT

28 JUNE 2010

Photograph 3.1 Saltmarsh at Landing Lights wetland

3.2.3 Closed to Open Reedland

Phragmites australis +/- Juncus spp

Distribution

This vegetation type occurs in low-lying swampy areas and as a narrow fringing band

around areas of open water or adjacent to areas of saltmarsh. Where this vegetation type

adjoins areas of saltmarsh, a transitional community occurs. In drier, more disturbed

areas, this vegetation type occurs as a complex of reedland and exotic vegetation.

Structure and floristics

This vegetation type typically consists of a dense layer of emergent reed species, to 0.5-

2m high, often with a patchy distribution of smaller rush, sedge and herb species in more

open and/ or disturbed areas. On hummocks and areas of higher ground are occasional

patches of shrub and tree species. Exotic species are also common, especially along the

edges of reedland areas where fill has been placed and particularly in the reedland areas

north-east of Landing Lights wetland, which contain high proportions of exotic species.

Native Reed Phragmites australis characterises this community, and is typically present in

dense stands in central, damper areas. Other occasional native sedge species are Bare

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28 JUNE 2010

Twig Rush Baumea juncea and Sea Rush Juncus kraussii, with herb and grass species

including Scurvy Weed Commelina cyanea and Prickly Couch Zoysia macrantha. Sharp

Rush Juncus acutus is also common in some locations.

Typical exotic shrub and groundcover species occurring on higher ground and particularly

within the reedland patches north-east of Landing Lights wetland include Kurnell Curse

Hydrocotyle bonariensis, Golden Wreath Wattle Acacia saligna, Crested Wattle

Paraserianthes lophantha, Black Berry Nightshade Solanum nigrum, Paddys Lucerne Sida

rhombifolia, Castor Oil Plant Ricinus communis, Kikuyu Pennisetum clandestinum,

Asparagus Fern Protosparagus aethiopicus, Fleabanes Conyza spp., and Plantain

Plantago lanceolata.

3.2.4 Mangroves

Avicennia marina +/- Phragmites australis – Juncus spp.

Distribution

This vegetation type occurs in Spring Street wetland and in low-lying sites along the

fringes of reedland and saltmarsh, generally in the southern part of Landing Lights

wetland. Scattered mangroves also occur along the banks of Spring Street canal.

Structure and floristics

This vegetation type typically consists of a continuous canopy layer of mangroves to 4-8m

tall, with patches of reed, rush, saltmarsh and sedge species to 0.5-2m high along its

edges. A range of smaller sedge and herb species occurs in more open and/ or disturbed

areas, often mixed with a range of exotic species.

Grey Mangrove Avicennia marina is dominant throughout: Groundcover species include

rush, reed, herb and sedge species such as Native Reed Phragmites australis, Bare Twig

Rush Baumea juncea, Samphire Sarcocornia quinqueflora, Austral Seablite Suaeda

australis, Prickly Couch Zoysia macrantha and Warrigal Cabbage Tetragonia

tetragonoides.

Typical introduced shrub and groundcover species include Black Berry Nightshade

Solanum nigrum, Paddys Lucerne Sida rhombifolia, Castor Oil Plant Ricinus communis,

Kikuyu Pennisetum clandestinum, Asparagus Fern Protosparagus aethiopicus, Fleabanes

Conyza spp., Plantain Plantago lanceolata and African Boxthorn Lycium ferocissimum.

3.2.5 Disturbed/ Artificial Woodland

Distribution

This vegetation type occurs on the higher banks surrounding Spring Street wetland and as

a stand along the northern side of Spring Street canal.

3.6

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28 JUNE 2010

Structure and floristics

The vegetation in this area consists of a range of introduced native species comprising

upper canopy, mid-canopy, shrub layer and groundcover layer species; these were

planted more than 15 years ago, although there appears to have been some natural

recruitment of a number of tree and shrub species from naturally-occurring species in

adjacent sites. Trees are generally semi-mature or juvenile forms, to a maximum height of

10-12m, with an upper canopy projected foliage cover of up to 25%. The mid-canopy

layer and shrub strata are largely patchy, to 3m tall. The groundcover layer consists of a

mixture of both native and exotic species (the latter more common on more open sites

where disturbance is ongoing), to 0.2-1m high.

Upper species are Tallowwood Eucalyptus micocrorys, Swamp Oak Casuarina glauca,

River Oak Casuarina cunninghamiana, Bangalay Eucalyptus botryoides, Swamp

Mahogany Eucalyptus robusta, Mugga Ironbark Eucalyptus sideroxylon and Sydney Blue

Gum Eucalyptus saligna.

Typical mid-canopy species are Coast Myall Acacia binervia, Cootamundra Wattle Acacia

baileyana, Western Australian Willow Myrtle Agonis flexuosa, Bracelet Honey-myrtle

Melaleuca armillaris, Prickly-leaved Paperbark Melaleuca styphelioides and Broad-leaved

Paperbark Melaleuca quinquenervia.

Typical groundcover species include Mat Rush Lomandra longifolia, with a range of

introduced species such as Paddys Lucerne Sida rhombifolia, Cobblers Pegs Bidens

pilosa, Panic Veldt Grass Ehrharta erecta, Morning Glory Ipomoea indica and Moth Vine

Araujia sericiflora.

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28 JUNE 2010

Photograph 3.2 Planted native vegetation community at Spring Street

wetland

3.2.6 Exotic Grassland

The remainder of the subject site consists of various disturbed/man-made landscapes.

Much of the area has been cleared of native vegetation and re-established with exotic

grassland or allowed to remain bare or colonised by weeds. Pennisetum clandestinum

(Kikuyu) and Cynodon dactylon (Couch Grass) are the main ground covers south of the

SWSOOS, with areas of fill, imported soil and other material being colonised by a range of

exotic shrub species. Parts of the site have been planted out with a limited range of native

tree and shrub species.

3.2.7 Conservation Significance

The saltmarsh community identified at Landing Lights wetlands conforms to the Final

Determination for the endangered ecological community (EEC) “Coastal saltmarsh in the

NSW North Coast Sydney Basin & South East Corner Bioregions” (NSW Scientific

Committee 2004a).

The reedland to the west of the Landing Lights forms a variation of the EEC “Freshwater

Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains in the NSW North Coast Sydney Basin & South East

Corner Bioregions” EEC (NSW Scientific Committee 2004b). Patches of reedland to the

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28 JUNE 2010

north-east of Landing Lights would also conform to this EEC, although it is noted that a

high proportion of exotic species occur in these areas and that they are in poor condition.

3.2.8 Threatened Flora

Despite targeted searches for threatened flora known to occur in the locality, no

threatened plant species listed under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 or

Environmental Protection & Biodiversity Protection Act 1999 were recorded on the subject

site. Nor was any habitat on the subject site deemed suitable to support threatened flora

species.

3.3 Fauna

3.3.1 Fauna Recorded on the Subject Site

i. The Golf Course

The Common Eastern Froglet (Crinia signifera), Striped Marsh Frog (Limnodynastes

peronii), Peron’s Tree Frog (Litoria peronii) and the threatened Green and Golden Bell

Frog have been detected on the Kogarah Golf Course (CE 2005a, CE 2009). The

predatory Mosquito Fish has also been observed in the ponds. Predation by this species

is listed as a Key Threatening Process under the TSC Act. It is known to predate upon the

eggs and tadpoles of the Green and Golden Bell Frog (NSW Scientific Committee 2004c).

The GGBF population has been subject to ongoing monitoring and management by Dr.

Arthur White since the construction of the M5 motorway, which involved building two

GGBF breeding ponds adjacent to the golf course. Recent records suggest that the

population now centres around the artificial RTA ponds, which are used for breeding,

whilst foraging occurs across parts of the golf course and in the Marsh Street wetland (A.

White pers comm.) which lies just south of the SWSOOS outside of the development

zone.

Green and Golden Bell Frogs are generally restricted to the ditches and ponds in the

southern and south-western portion of the golf course. In the 2009 survey, an amplexing

pair were detected in a pond close to the RTA ponds.

The shorebirds recorded on the golf course include the Little Pied Cormorant

(Phalacrocorax melanoleucos) and the Little Black Cormorant (Phalacrocorax sulcirostris).

Water birds included the Wood Duck (Chenonetta jubata), Pacific Black Duck (Anas

superciliosa) and Dusky Moorhen (Gallinula tenebrosa) and woodland birds included

thornbills (Acanthiza spp.), honeyeaters (various genera) and wattlebirds (Anthochaera

spp.) (CE 2006). All birds recorded were common species; amongst them were several

3.9

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28 JUNE 2010

common exotic species such as the Common Myna (Acroridotheres tristis), Common

Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) and Spotted Turtle Dove (Streptopelia chinensis).

Very few bat calls were recorded on the subject site (CE 2006). Partial calls were identified

as either the Southern Forest Bat (Vespadelus regulus) or Eastern Bent-wing Bat

(Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis) on the golf course. There are no DECCW records of

the latter species on the subject site (DEC (NSW) 2005a) and no available roosting sites.

ii. South of the SWSOOS

Only one species of frog was detected south of the SWSOOS in the Cumberland Ecology

(2005) surveys; the Striped Marsh Frog, which was detected in the reedland east of the

Landing Lights wetland and in the detention basins under the M5 adjacent to Eve Street

wetland.

During pre-clearance surveys carried out by Dr. Arthur White and Cumberland Ecology in

2007 (CE 2008) the Striped Marsh Frog and several other common frog species were

detected in reedland and grassy areas adjacent to Landing Lights wetland. Again, no

GGBFs were detected on the subject site south of the SWSOOS during these surveys.

Earlier surveys have indicated that while this species was previously known from the

Spring Street and near Eve Street wetlands, in more recent years it seldom occurs there

(Biosphere Environmental Consultants 2000, Biosis Research 2001). One previous GGBF

record exists for the mangrove wetland at Spring Street, which was recorded in 2001

(Biosis Research 2001).

In the 2009 surveys, one GGBF was recorded outside of the subject site south of the

SWSOOS in reedland occurring between Marsh Street and Eve Street wetlands.

It is likely that the GGBF rarely utilises the area south of the SWSOOS on the subject site,

with foraging largely confined to areas in and around Marsh Street wetland which occurs

outside of the development zone boundary.

Other than at Landing Lights wetland, the birds recorded south of the SWSOOS were

similar to what would be expected from disturbed vegetation in an urban area, including

the Pied Currawong (Strepera graculina), Australian Raven (Corvus coronoides) and

Magpie Lark (Grallina cyanoleuca). Several exotic species were also detected including

the Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus), Common Starling and the Common

Myna (CE 2005, 2007). The bushland patches south of Eve Street and around Spring

Street Wetlands contained a few common bushland birds such as Silvereye (Zosterops

lateralis), finches (various genera), thornbills and wattlebirds (see Appendix B).

Migratory waders were present at Landing Lights Wetland. Species included Black-

winged Stilts (Himantopus himantopus) and Sharp-tailed Sandpipers (Calidris acuminata)

which were foraging on the mudflats in the centre of the wetland. A Latham’s Snipe

Gallinago hardwickii was also seen in the reedland adjacent to Landing Lights wetland

during the 2007 survey. The more abundant species detected in this area included

3.10

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28 JUNE 2010

Chestnut Teal Anas castanea, Superb Fairy-wren Malurus cyaneus and Clamorous Reed-

Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus.

Very few bat species were recorded south of the SWSOOS. Gould’s Wattled Bat

(Chalinolobus gouldii) was the only bat species that was recorded as being definitely

present on the subject site. Partial calls were identified as possibly either the Southern

Forest Bat (Vespadelus. regulus) or Eastern Bent-wing Bat (Miniopterus schreibersii

oceanensis). There are no DECC records of the latter species on the subject site (DEC

(NSW) 2005a).

Six species of fish were caught within the seine netting and box trapping in the canal that

leads off the Cooks River in the 2005 surveys (CE 2005). These were the Common

Toadfish (Tetractenos hamiltoni), Sand Mullet (Myxus elongates), Port Jackson Perchlet

(Ambassis jacksoniensis), Mosquito Fish (Gambusia holbrooki), Southern Blue Eye

(Pseudomugil signifier), and Flat Tail Mullet (Liza argentea). The Port Jackson Perchlet

and the Mosquito Fish were the most abundant. Both species of mullet were represented

by juveniles.

Only Mosquito Fish were caught in the traps in Landing Lights wetland. Mosquito Fish,

Southern Blue Eye, Flat Tail Mullet and Port Jackson Perchlet were caught in the Spring

Street Wetland. Crabs were seen in the canal and caught in box traps in the Landing

Lights and Spring Street Wetlands.

3.3.2 Potential Fauna Habitat

i. Kogarah Golf Course

a. Aquatic habitats

The ponds on the golf course are permanent water bodies that have been artificially

created as part of the golf course design. The water quality of many of these ponds is

relatively low due to nutrient run-off from the golf course greens and little flushing. Salinity

ranges from freshwater to brackish. These ponds support fringing vegetation such as

Cumbungi (Typha spp.), sedges and Phragmites australis. This makes them suitable

habitat for several frog species. The presence of Mosquito Fish and Striped Marsh Frogs

may impinge on the value of the golf course ponds as breeding habitat for the GGBF.

The ponds also provide suitable habitat for common water fowl.

b. Terrestrial and arboreal habitats

The birds found on the golf course were generally typical urban, coastal birds with a few

bushland birds utilising the strips of Melaleuca sp and Acacia trees between the fairways.

The patchy woodland and small ponds on the golf course provide some foraging habitat

for bats, however this is unlikely to represent substantial habitat in the locality. It is

3.11

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28 JUNE 2010

possible that some of the flowering trees such as the Melaleucas could provide some

foraging habitat for flying foxes and the tree canopy and water surfaces could provide

some foraging habitat for microchiropteran bats. There were no flying fox camps observed

on site and the trees were too young to contain hollows that could constitute roosting

habitat for hollow-dwelling microbat species.

The golf course and small patchy woodland areas provide little if any suitable habitat for

native ground-dwelling or arboreal mammals. Exotic species such as rats, foxes and

rabbits may occupy some habitat on and surrounding the golf course.

ii. South of the SWSOOS

a. Aquatic habitats

In general the habitat for frogs south of the SWSOOS is limited. The wetlands on the

subject site (Spring Street and Landing Lights) are saline in nature. Spring Street wetland

is predominantly a mangrove wetland, whilst Landing Lights wetland largely consists of

saltmarsh with some reedland occurring around the outskirts of saltmarsh areas. Outside

of the subject site, another saline wetland known as Eve Street occurs, as well as Marsh

Street wetland, which is the only freshwater wetland south of the SWSOOS. This wetland

lies adjacent to the southern side of the SWSOOS and provides suitable habitat for

GGBFs. Repeated surveys of the site have only found one GGBF record on the subject

site south of the SWSOOS, which was recorded in 2001, near Spring Street wetland.

Coastal wetlands can provide habitat for a number of seabirds, water fowl and wading

birds. Landing Lights wetland offers foraging habitat for some species of migratory

waders. The gentle slope of the edges and the general shallowness of the water allow the

birds to walk and feed in the sediment. It is unlikely, however, that Landing Lights offers

any substantial breeding or roosting habitat for wading birds particularly as it is located in

an urban area that is frequented by dogs, cats and probably foxes.

Spring Street wetland may once also have offered some habitat for wading birds yet the

significant encroachment of mangroves in the wetland has dramatically altered its habitat

characteristics. The Spring Street wetland may be used by the occasional coot or heron

but in general it has low habitat value.

There is very limited habitat for Grey-headed Flying-foxes or microchiropteran bats south

of the SWSOOS. The wetlands may provide some foraging habitat for fishing species and

the patches of forest may provide some foraging habitat for insectivorous species.

Flowering plants occur such as banksias and Swamp Mahogany that would produce food

for the Grey-headed Flying-fox, however there are no Grey-headed Flying-fox camps on

the subject site, nor tree hollows or caves that would provide essential roosting habitat for

microchiropteran bat species. There are, however, structures such as the M5 and the

sports stadiums that may offer some habitat for bats that shelter in buildings and bridges.

Overall, although there may be some minor habitat features for bats, it is of low value and

would not support populations of these species.

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The presence of juvenile fish in the Spring Street wetland indicates that it may act as a

nursery to some estuarine fish. Spring Street wetland vegetation is now dominated by

mangroves and receives tidal flushing through pipes leading into the canal. Its role as a

fish nursery is likely to be minor considering the poor quality of the water, the restricted

tidal influx and the low abundance of fish using the canal.

3.3.3 Threatened and Significant Species

i. Amphibians

The Green and Golden Bell Frog was found on the Kogarah Golf Course and is listed

under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 as endangered and vulnerable

under the Environmental Protection & Biodiversity Protection Act 1999.

ii. Mammals

The Eastern Bent-wing Bat (Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis) that is listed under the

Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 as vulnerable may have been detected during

bat surveys, however, there is minimal suitable habitat in the area for this species and it is

more likely to have been a more common species such as the Southern Forest Bat

(Vespadelus regulus). Although not detected, it is possible that the Grey-headed Flying-

fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) and Southern Myotis (Myotis macropus) forage occasionally

on the subject site.

iii. Birds

a. Woodland birds

Glossy Black-cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami) and Swift Parrot (Lathamus discolor)

have been recorded in the locality although have not been detected on the subject site.

There is no known breeding habitat for the Glossy Black-cockatoo or the Swift Parrot on

the site because there are no known hollows. The vegetation within the golf course and

the wetlands provides potential foraging habitat for these species.

Potential habitat for the Glossy Black-cockatoo includes the planted Swamp Oak

(Casuarina glauca) surrounding the wetlands. However, the primary food-source for this

species is the seeds of Forest Oak (Allocasuarina torulosa), Drooping She-oak (A.

verticillata) and Black She-oak (A. littoralis) in drier forest types on low nutrient soils. The

Swamp Oaks surrounding the wetlands are not likely to provide significant foraging habitat

for this species. While the proposal includes removal of some of these trees, more

individuals will be planted as part of the proposed rehabilitation and landscaping.

The Swift Parrot breeds only in Tasmania. Potential foraging habitat for the Swift Parrot

includes insects and nectar associated with tree and shrub plantings within the golf

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course. While some of this vegetation will be removed, trees and shrubs will be planted

within the new golf course. Consequently, there is not likely to be an overall loss of

foraging habitat for this species.

The Superb Fruit-dove (Ptilinopus superbus) and Regent Honeyeater (Xanthomyza

phrygia) have been recorded in the locality although have not been detected on the

subject site and the site is not likely to represent significant habitat for these species. No

breeding habitat for these species is present on the site. Potential foraging habitat

includes tree and shrub planting within the golf course and mangroves near the wetlands.

The Black-faced Monarch (Monarcha melanopis) is a summer breeding migrant to coastal

New South Wales. It has been recorded within 2km of the subject site.

b. Wading birds

During bird surveys of the subject site by Cumberland Ecology in 2005 one migratory

wader listed in the CAMBA agreement and the EPBC Act; the Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, was

detected in Landing Lights Wetland. This species has also been recorded in the

Cumberland Bird Observers database and other survey work carried out across the site. A

Latham’s Snipe (Gallinago hardwickii) was recorded in the reedland adjacent to Landing

Lights wetland in 2007 surveys (CE 2008).

The Cumberland Bird Observers database is the most reliable source of recent and

accurate information on birds found in the locality as they have study sites at Kogarah,

Rockdale and Towra Point, and also gather data from other sources. Only the Great Egret

(Ardea alba) has been recorded within a 2 km radius of the subject site according to data

collected in 2005.

Extensive data exists on the birds of the Kogarah area, mainly due to the presence of

large wetlands nearby, particularly at Towra Point and Rockdale, which are actively

managed and protected conservation areas, studied by interest and research groups.

Towra Point is an important breeding area for a high diversity of bird species and is of

particular importance to migratory waders. For this reason there are a large number of

birds of conservation significance in the locality.

Records from previous studies that included the subject site also indicate that listed

migratory waders have utilised Spring Street, Landing Lights and Eve Street wetlands in

the past. However these habitats have become less suitable or unsuitable due to weed

invasion, the encroachment of mangroves (in the case of Spring Street wetland), planted

vegetation at the perimeters and the presence of M5 motorway (in the case of Eve Street

wetland).

The following EPBC listed migratory waders have been recorded on the subject site during

past studies, but may no longer occur due to the lack of recent records (Cumberland Bird

Observers Club Database, 2005):

Broad-billed Sandpiper (Limicola falcinellus);

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Terek Sandpiper (Xenus cinereus);

Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres);

Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos);

Great Knot (Calidris tenuirostris);

Sanderling (Calidris alba);

Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea);

Lesser Sand Plover (Charadrius mongulus);

Greater Sand Plover (Charadrius leschenaultii); and

Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa).

The following wading birds listed by the TSC Act but not the EPBC Act were recorded on

the subject site in 1999 (Biosphere Environmental Consultants 2000) but have not been

recorded since:

Australasian Bittern (Botaurus poiciloptilus);

Pied Oystercatcher (Haematopus longirostris); and

Sooty Oystercatcher (Haematopus fulingosis).

Potential habitat may occur for these wading birds in Landing Lights wetlands.

No species listed under the Fisheries Management Act were detected.

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Chapter 44.

Impact Assessment

4.1 Impacts on Endangered Ecological Communities

4.1.1 Saltmarsh and reedland communities

The saltmarsh and reedland communities around Landing Lights wetland form a mosaic of

habitats, with saltmarsh occurring in the central hyper-saline areas of the wetland and a

complex of saltmarsh, reedland and exotic species occurring on the outer edges that are

fed by both fresh and saline water. These have been categorised into 4 main habitat

types, which are saltmarsh, reedland, saltmarsh/reedland complex, and reedland/exotic

complex where a high proportion of exotics occur (refer to vegetation descriptions in

previous chapter).

The Saltmarsh and Freshwater Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains EECs in and surrounding

Landing Lights Wetland will be impacted by the proposal, with the removal of the southern

and western edges of the wetland, which will become part of the golf course under the

proposed development. The southern section of Landing Lights wetland is currently being

encroached by mangroves, which would otherwise have required selective removal under

a saltmarsh management plan to prevent the mangroves from becoming dominant. The

reedland to the west of Landing Lights wetland is considered to be of high conservation

significance, despite the large number of exotics occurring on higher patches of ground.

This area also provides habitat for migratory waders during the summer months. The

central area of the wetland, which is the main foraging area for waders, will not be affected

by the development and will be extended to the east where compensatory saltmarsh

habitat is being planted.

There will be an impact on saltmarsh and reedland communities during the construction

and re-planting period. However, currently the wetlands are unmanaged and suffer from

weed invasion, rubbish dumping and unrestricted access. The re-planting of wetland

areas across the site and their long-term management and protection will mitigate these

impacts in the long term. Additional environmental mitigation measures are also being

undertaken, such as site remediation and the improvement of water quality. These are

discussed in the following chapter.

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The reedland/exotic complexes to the east of Landing Lights wetland will be removed.

These are not considered to be of high conservation value in their current form because of

their predominant dryness and the extensive exotic and woody species that occur in all but

the slightly damper areas. These patches of reedland and exotics have been found to be

utilised by common wetland and bushland birds and other common fauna species. A

mosaic of habitats is being created across the site including reedland, saltmarsh,

grassland, shrubland and woodland, which will provide an array of habitat for common

fauna. As noted above, extensive environmental improvements are taking place across

the site. As well as compensatory habitat, reeds and sedges will be planted throughout

the site in swales and golf course ponds.

The approved Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment that was submitted as part of the

concept plan in 2006 noted that 266m2 of saltmarsh, 2,171m2 of saltmarsh/reedland

complex and 14,476m2 of reedland/exotic complex would be removed as part of the

development, totalling 16,913m2 of total wetland habitat. This was to be replaced by

18,743m2 of managed saltmarsh and reedland habitats. The total area of compensatory

saltmarsh and reedland habitat now being created on site has increased to 19,093m2, of

which 13,210m2 will be saltmarsh and 5,883m2 will be reedland. Table 6.1 in the following

chapter shows the new size of compensatory habitat areas compared to the original ones

submitted in the previous flora and fauna impact assessment for comparison.

Detailed survey work has been carried out on the hydrology of Landing Lights wetland and

modelling undertaken to ensure that the hydrological patterns that occur within the wetland

will be similar before and after the development.

The Saltmarsh EEC at Eve Street Wetland lies outside of the development proposal and

will not be affected by the proposed development. The ‘rough’ areas of grass surrounding

the fairways on the new golf course will lie adjacent to the fringing vegetation around Eve

Street Wetland and will be planted with the same native species that already occur around

the wetland. Strict guidelines on the use of fertilisers and herbicides across the golf

course will ensure that nutrient run-off from the golf course is kept to a minimum.

4.2 Impacts on Other Vegetation

4.2.1 Mangroves

Mangroves are being removed along the southern section of Landing Lights wetland as

noted above and continued mangrove removal will form part of the ongoing management

plan for Landing Lights wetland. As noted in the previous Flora and Fauna Impact

Assessment, 2,258m2 of mangroves (measured by canopy cover) will be removed from

the southern end of Landing Lights wetland.

Patches of mangroves are also being removed in other parts of the site (they have

naturally grown around existing golf course ponds and other ditches), including an

additional 505m2 on and adjacent to SACL land, of which 90m2 (based on canopy cover)

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forms part of this DA Application (the remaining 415m2 to be removed will be subject to a

separate application).

New areas for mangrove colonisation are being built along the Cooks River as part of the

riparian corridor that is being created. This includes setting aside an area of 2,754m2

(previously 2,640m2) for mangrove colonisation, which represents an estimated canopy

cover of 3,672m2 (based on the assumption that canopy width would cover approximately

1/3 more ground space than the actual area of land that has been set aside for

colonisation). Some pruning of mangroves will be required in Spring Street wetland. A

licence will be applied for at the appropriate time for this action.

The installation of a cut-off wall adjacent to Spring Street wetland to prevent contamination

from entering the wetland (see below) is likely to necessitate the removal of individual

mangroves. Again, a licence will be applied for at the appropriate time.

4.2.2 Artificial Woodland

Detailed land contamination tests have found that extensive contamination occurs

throughout the southern portion of the site. As part of the development, prior to

construction, extensive remediation works will be carried out across the site. This includes

capping the central portion of the site and running a retaining wall along the eastern side

of Spring Street wetland in order to contain leachate which is currently entering the

waterways through the groundwater. Contamination extends right up to the boundary of

the wetland. Therefore, a strip of artificial woodland approximately 100m long by 12m wide

needs to be removed in order to drop the retaining wall in and contain the contamination.

After the work has been carried out (which is estimated to take a couple of months)

woodland will be re-planted in this area. Therefore there are not considered to be any

long term impacts on the artificial woodland resulting from this. During construction, best

practice measures to prevent siltation and run-off will be employed.

Some artificial woodland is also being removed from the northern (to accommodate for the

Driving Range) and south-western ends (to accommodate for the 16th hole) of the wetland

as well as planted trees adjacent to this at the entrance of the current driving range.

These areas do not offer any significant habitat for fauna and their removal is unlikely to

impact on the wetland or any threatened fauna species. Woodland habitat is being planted

throughout the golf course and along the Cooks River.

Small, isolated patches of planted and regenerating trees will also be removed under this

DA. These are not considered to have any significant value for flora and fauna and would

only serve as occasional foraging habitat for urban-adapted birds and reptiles. Extensive

areas of woodland are being planted across the golf course and Open Space land and the

removal of any current plantings is not likely to cause any impact on threatened or native

flora and fauna.

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4.3 Impacts on Threatened Fauna

4.3.1 Migratory Waders

Migratory waders are likely to be impacted by the proposal, due to the modification of

Landing Lights wetland. This wetland currently provides foraging areas for migratory

waders, and limited breeding habitat for non-migratory species, but is subject to urban run-

off and disturbance from dogs and does not offer any primary roosting/nesting habitat.

The main foraging areas around the mud flats will not be affected by the development.

The removal of mangroves and establishment of low ground cover (i.e. golf course and

‘rough’ areas) is likely to increase the use of saltmarsh by wading birds in the longer term.

To minimise impacts to waders, construction in the vicinity of Landing Lights wetland will

only occur outside of the main migratory wader season (i.e. from April to mid August).

It is not envisaged that use of the fairway by golfers would increase disturbance levels at

the wetland, which is currently impacted by constant intermittent noise from overhead

aircraft and members of the public walking their dogs. The fairway and surrounding rough

areas will form a vegetated buffer around the wetland.

i. SACL submission

A submission from SACL (Sydney Airport Corporation Limited) in response to the Stage 1

Development Application noted that the following measures should be taken on the site to

discourage birds from inhabiting it:

The entire development area should only be planted with non-bird attracting plant

species;

Bird habitats should be actively discouraged and all ponds and detention basins

netted;

All rubbish bin receptacles should be designed to discourage vermin and birds.

The first two points are directly opposed to DECCW’s conditions of consent and the intent

of SREP 33 to ensure the long term management of the environmental values of the site.

Neither the wetlands on site nor the current golf course ponds are netted at present.

Moving the golf course slightly south of its current location is unlikely to have any effect

either way on the types and numbers of birds that forage across it, as all are common

species (such as Australian Ibis, Indian Myna) and forage widely across urban areas.

The creation of new saltmarsh and reedland areas on the site may cause a slight change

in the composition or number of wetland birds on site but this is unlikely to alter any

current threats of bird strike to planes. The site does not function as breeding habitat for

wetland birds at present and it is unlikely to do so in the future whilst nearby areas such as

Towra Point offer extensive protected breeding grounds. Therefore bird traffic is not likely

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to change significantly from the current situation. Netting of the wetlands would have a

significant impact on the birds that currently use it as foraging habitat.

Rubbish receptacles on site are being designed to discourage vermin and birds.

4.3.2 Green and Golden Bell Frog

The RTA ponds which are used by the Green and Golden Bell Frog for breeding lie

outside the development zone and will not be directly affected by the development. Some

indirect impacts will occur during construction when a part of the golf course will be fenced

off for construction purposes. The Section below describes the management of GGBFs

during construction in more detail. No long-term impact is expected to occur on GGBFs

and the population is expected to expand into the additional breeding and foraging areas

that will be created for the frogs as part of the environmental outcomes of the development

(refer to section 5.17 ii).

i. Construction activities

With regard to GGBF management during actual construction, the approved GGBF Plan of

Management notes (in Section 6.1.1) that it provides general plans for the management of

GGBFs but that a detailed management protocol and contingency plan (referred to here as

the GGBF Construction Plan) will be produced at the detailed design phase of the project

to deal with the detailed management of GGBFs prior to and during construction.

The GGBF Construction Plan adheres to the same general principles that are outlined in

the approved GGBF Management Plan with regard to construction, including the erection

of frog exclusion fencing, conducting pre-construction clearance surveys and ongoing

surveys during construction. Some details have been altered to reflect updated staging

plans, incorporate stage 1 conditions of consent or as a result of ongoing discussions with

DECCW. These do not alter any assessment of impacts on GGBFs and the objectives of

the approved Stage 1 GGBF Management Plan remain unchanged. The broad changes

are noted below. Specific information concerning updated staging plans and timings for

frog clearance are outlined in the GGBF Construction Plan:

The approved GGBF Management Plan stated that tadpoles and spawn from

Taronga Zoo (the zoo holds some captive frogs from the Arncliffe population)

and/or the RTA ponds would be transferred to the new breeding ponds on the

south of the site to ‘seed’ the ponds and that a captive breeding programme would

also take place as a contingency plan. However, discussions with DECCW

indicated that the transfer of spawn or tadpoles from the north of the site to the

south, or from a captive population would not be a desired option as it may have

unknown genetic consequences and the Dept. would prefer a “hands off”

approach. Following DECCW’s comments, construction staging was altered to

minimise impacts on GGBFs by using an approach that disturbed the frogs as little

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as possible. This made the need to create a contingency captive population

redundant. Therefore this has been omitted from the Stage 2 plans. Seeding of

the new ponds may be revisited with DECCW at a later date, depending on the

results of ongoing monitoring.

Similarly, the Stage 1 GGBF Plan of Management stated that the RTA ponds

would be fenced in during construction and that any GGBFs found foraging on the

golf course during pre-clearance surveys would be transferred back to the fenced

RTA ponds. Following discussions with DECCW, the staging of construction was

updated to incorporate the following mitigation measures to negate the need to

fence the RTA ponds themselves:

each construction area on the golf course would be fenced in rather than the

RTA frog ponds, so that GGBFs had access to golf course foraging areas at

all times. Any GGBFs found during pre-clearance surveys will now be placed

outside the fenced construction area in similar habitat within the DA

boundaries

a small area adjacent to the RTA ponds has been brought forward to Stage 1

construction, so that when Stage 2 takes place, this area will have already

been completed, allowing GGBF’s to have a wider access route to the rest of

the golf course from the RTA ponds.

The Stage 2 DA does not include construction of the Trade and Technology Zone,

therefore a maximum of one third of the current golf course will be fenced off to

GGBFs during construction (between April 2012 and October 2012, with pre-

clearance frog surveys starting beginning of March) providing them with access to

the rest of the site for foraging during this time.

The measures outlined above are considered to greatly reduce the potential impacts on

GGBFs during construction.

4.3.3 Woodland and Golf Course Habitat

A small area of foraging habitat for threatened bat species; Eastern Bent-wing Bat, Grey-

headed Flying-fox and Southern Myotis, will be removed by the Proposal. Foraging

habitat for these bats does, however, occur throughout the locality, as they are highly

mobile and opportunistic feeders. Foraging habitat will remain on the subject site and

additional areas of habitat will be created through mitigation measures.

Roosting/maternity habitat is not present on the subject site and these species are not

likely to depend on the subject site for anything other than occasional foraging habitat.

No other threatened species associated with woodland/golf course habitats have been

located on the subject site and any marginal potential habitat that may occur for woodland

birds such as the Glossy Black-cockatoo will be replanted throughout the new golf course

and the new riparian woodland.

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4.4 Other Impacts

4.4.1 Spring Street Wetland

As noted in Section 5.2.2, extensive contamination issues on site require the placement of

a cut-off wall adjacent to Spring Street wetland to stop leachate in the groundwater from

entering into waterways. Contaminants occur right up to the edge of the wetland and

therefore, in order to carry out this process, the artificial woodland that has been planted

on the eastern side will need to be removed and some excavation required in order to get

the right machinery in place to drop in the cut-off wall.

No excavation will be carried out within the tidal extent of the wetland and the appropriate

measures will be employed to prevent siltation and run-off into the wetland during

construction activities.

Submerged groundwater-flows from the central section of the site generally run to the

south and east and therefore the placement of the cut-off wall will have minimum impact

on groundwater-flows into the wetland, particularly as groundwater tends to flow into

Spring Street wetland from the north currently. After construction activities, a bio-retention

swale will be constructed around the wetland (as with all significant water bodies) at the

top of the slope to strip nutrients and chemicals from run-off before it enters wetland areas.

This forms part of the pollution mitigation process across the site to improve the quality of

water entering the waterways.

The construction process is likely to take a couple of months, after which the area will be

re-planted with woodland species. Other than the temporary removal of habitat for

common terrestrial fauna adjacent to the wetland, the impacts on the wetland itself and

aquatic fauna within it are likely to be negligible. Freshwater inputs into the wetland are

likely to increase marginally due to the swale draining into them, which will help to

maintain aerobic activity in the wetland (the northern section is currently anaerobic).

However, essentially Spring Street is a saline wetland and any marginal changes to

groundwater inputs will be negligible, particularly with the measures proposed to increase

tidal flushing into the wetland.

4.4.2 Nutrients and Run-off

The use of fertiliser and herbicide on the golf course will be restricted and used only in

accordance with guidelines drawn up in the golf course maintenance manual (Appendix E

of the Wetland Environmental Management Plan). These include limiting fertiliser use

around wetlands and only using organic fertiliser products within 15m of wetland areas.

No herbicides will be used within 5m of all wetland areas. Additional measures to reduce

run-off across the site will mean that the current pollutant loads entering wetland areas will

be substantially reduced.

The risk of tidal flows inundating the wetlands will remain the same as it currently stands

(a 1 in 200 hundred year risk according to Rockdale City Council Flood Planning Levels).

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Tidal flows into and out of wetlands will not be altered with the exception of Spring Street

wetland which will benefit from increased tidal flushing as discussed in the previous

section.

4.4.3 Cooks River and Muddy Creek

i. Foreshore Cycle Path Link

A new bridge is required for the Bay-to-Bay cycle path along the Cooks River foreshore at

the location of the SWSOOS and M5 tunnel. This connection will require the use of RTA

and SACL land. This DA does not include for any works on SACL land. This DA does

include the approach paths on RTA/foreshore land and up to the boundary with SACL

land.

There are two options for the SWSOOS crossing. These are nominated as Bridge 13 and

Bridge 14.

Bridge 14 would be fully located within SACL land, and therefore fully subject to a

separate application and approval. Impacts are likely to be minimal for Bridge 14 and

involve the removal of exotic grass and some mangroves.

Bridge 13 would require the reconstruction of the existing sea wall structure to create an

improved footing/embankment at the foreshore. The works associated with this option are

primarily located in SACL land, and do not form part of this proposal. However a portion of

the embankment would involve works below the high water line, in the Cooks River, and

therefore subject to approval by the Department of Lands. As such, this portion of work is

included in this Open Space DA, as it is a critical component of the project in terms of

completing the overall bridge to bridge cycle path.

The proposed works within the river are expected to include the laying of a new rock and

rip rap embankment. Options would include excavation and replacement, cement

stabilisation, and placement of paralink over the silt. Further design and investigations

(including embankment stability assessment as required) would be undertaken at the

detailed design stage.

Potential impacts include sedimentation and erosion and exposure of acid sulphate soils.

Specific control measures during construction will be undertaken in accordance with an

erosion and sediment control plan. Issues such as acid sulphate soils are well

documented for the site and all works will be undertaken in accordance with an acid

sulphate soils management plan.

In terms of vegetation removal, the area of construction primarily consists of exotic grass

and occasional mangroves and is not considered to be of ecological significance,

particularly as other parts of the Cooks River will be designed to encourage mangrove

colonisation and provide potential nursery habitat for fish.

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Therefore the main potential impacts are likely to be to aquatic ecology during the

construction phase. However, as long as sediment and erosion control and acid sulphate

soils plans are adhered to, impacts to aquatic ecology are likely to be minimal.

The ecological significance of the Cooks River will be improved due to the construction of

inlets along its banks to allow mangroves to colonise. There will also be a planted riparian

corridor running along the bank of the Cooks River behind the mangrove plantings, which

will include native species such as Swamp Oak and Swamp Mahogany. This will vary

between 15m-22m in width. Mangroves have naturally established along the banks of

Muddy Creek and these will be retained under the proposed development. Therefore it is

not envisaged that there will be a detrimental ecological impact on either of these water

bodies. The quality of water draining into the Cooks River will improve due to the

extensive remediation that is taking place across the site.

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Chapter 55.

Mitigation Measures

5.1 Mitigation Measures

The approved Wetland Environmental Management Plan (CE 2006b) and Green and

Golden Bell Frog Management Plan (CE 2006c) outline measures that will be taken to

improve all wetland areas within Cooks Cove and habitat for the Green and Golden Bell

Frog. For full details of management issues and long-term plans for monitoring and

management of the site, please refer to the approved plans. The mitigation measures

outlined in these plans are summarised below.

5.1.1 Endangered Ecological Communities

As noted in the previous section, some areas of Saltmarsh and Freshwater wetland EECs

will be removed as part of the development. The saltmarsh and saltmarsh/reedland

complex to be removed largely occurs along the southern end of the wetland, which is

being encroached by mangroves and on higher ground by exotic species such as Ipomoea

indica (Morning Glory). Reedland largely occurs to the west of Landing Lights between

the central saline area and the adjacent market gardens. Patches of reedland/exotic

species also occur to the east. The central, hyper-saline saltmarsh habitat that forms the

main migratory wader foraging area is being preserved and extended to the east. Even in

this central area, upper saltmarsh is dominated by the exotic Juncus acutus (Spiny Rush)

which will be removed as part of an on-going weed removal and restoration programme.

Landing Lights wetland is also being conserved in-perpetuity under a positive covenant.

i. Minimising Impacts on EECs

Prior to works around wetland areas, suitable construction fencing will be erected to

ensure that areas of wetland to be preserved are not encroached upon by construction

activities. Standard measures will also be implemented to protect waterways from siltation

and run-off, as outlined in the Soil and Water Management Plan.

Detailed hydrological studies have been carried out at Landing Lights wetland to model the

way in which the wetland currently functions to ensure that a similar hydrological system

can be replicated within the new development. Additionally, detailed mapping of the

saltmarsh habitat has taken place and the information from the survey and modelling has

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been used to design the new areas of saltmarsh habitat that are being created. Based on

this information, a trial saltmarsh area was created in September 2008 on the current golf

course to pilot the design of new saltmarsh areas and to test different management and

planting regimes. This has now been running for almost 2 years (with no maintenance for

the past 18 months) and has been approved as being successful by the saltmarsh expert,

Geoff Sainty, who will also supervise and advise on all reconstruction works on site.

Further research will also be carried out on the trial to determine the exact preferential tidal

levels for the different saltmarsh species. This information will provide further detail to

inform the construction and planting of new saltmarsh areas across the site.

The trial saltmarsh area and the monitoring of it, was created in consultation with the Dept.

of Primary Industries (Fisheries) and is currently (as at June 2010) waiting final approval

from the Dept.

ii. Ameliorative Measures

16,913m2 of saltmarsh, reedland and reedland/exotic complexes are being removed by

the development, which will be replaced by 19,093m2 of compensatory saltmarsh and

reedland habitat. Seeds from wetland plants have been collected from the site and are

being propagated in a nursery ready to re-plant in the areas of compensatory habitat.

The existing wetland areas and the newly created ones will be subject to an ongoing

monitoring, weed removal and management programme. The monitoring programme has

been drawn-up in consultation with an independent wetland specialist and the Department

of Primary Industries (Fisheries). Baseline wetland surveys began in 2008 and will

continue in 2010 prior to construction taking place The monitoring plan includes Key

Performance Indicators that need to be achieved (such as a minimum cover of native

species and maximum cover of exotic species).

Some of the management issues that are currently impacting Landing Lights wetland

include encroachment by mangroves and weeds, rubbish dumping (including asbestos at

the southern end of the site) and unlimited access by members of the public and dogs.

Ameliorative measures that will take place to improve the wetland are summarised below:

Removal of mobile rubbish from the wetland;

Improving the quality of water entering wetland areas through site remediation and

pollution control activities;

On-going removal of mangroves under a management licence;

Limiting public access to the area and banning dogs from the golf course;

Implementing a weed control programme;

Erecting a low fence around the wetland and declaring it an out-of-play area to

deter golfers from entering it;

5.3

FINAL REPORT

28 JUNE 2010

Erecting environmental interpretation boards explaining the importance of the

wetland area;

Creating additional saltmarsh to the east of the Landing Lights wetland and in

other areas around the subject site; and

Implementing monitoring and maintenance of the wetland to ensure that the

integrity of the saltmarsh is maintained.

5.1.2 Spring Street Wetland

Spring Street wetland is a mangrove wetland surrounded by artificial/planted woodland. In

its current form it is polluted and has become anaerobic at its northern end. As such it is

of little value in terms of conservation significance or as habitat for aquatic fauna. The

vegetation communities and habitat value of the wetland have been discussed in previous

sections of this report. Ameliorative measures for the site include rehabilitating this

wetland by implementing actions to stop pollution. In summary, the ameliorative measures

for Spring Street wetland include:

The wetland and surrounding area will be cleared of mobile rubbish;

A cut-off wall will be inserted along the eastern edge of the wetland to prevent

leachate from the adjacent landfill site from entering the waterways;

Woodland will be re-planted along the areas that are required to be cleared for

insertion of the cut-off wall;

A bio-retention swale will be constructed around the wetland at the top of the

slope to strip excess nutrients from run-off before it enters the wetland;

The concrete pipes feeding the wetland will be cleaned out to increase tidal

flushing between the Cooks River and Spring Street wetland. This will aerate the

wetland and improve the ability of the wetland to act as a nursery for juvenile fish;

and

The wetland will be subject to monitoring and management.

5.1.3 Long-term Monitoring and Management of the Wetlands

The rough areas around the wetlands and within the golf course will be managed by

Kogarah Golf Club personnel on an on-going basis in accordance with the stipulations

outlined in the maintenance manual. This includes provisions that stipulate the avoidance

of herbicide/fertiliser near wetlands areas, mowing regulations, weed control and regular

water quality testing.

5.4

FINAL REPORT

28 JUNE 2010

Management of wetland areas will be conducted by bush regeneration consultants for the

first three years during the initial intensive monitoring and habitat establishment phase. In

the longer-term, the golf club will be obliged to employ a suitably qualified and licensed

member of staff to oversee the management of wetland areas on an ongoing basis.

5.1.4 Cooks River and New Riparian Zone

Currently, exotic grassland adjoins the western bank of the Cooks River in the majority of

places within the site, with the bank itself consisting of a rock wall. This will be replaced by

a riparian corridor, varying in width from 15-22m and the creation of mangrove inlets along

parts of the river bank to provide additional fish nursery habitat and increase habitat

diversity for a range of aquatic invertebrates. The native-woodland and shrubland planting

along the corridor will provide additional fauna habitat for common species that are known

to utilise the site and potentially for threatened, wide ranging bat species such as the

Grey-headed Flying-fox as well as insectivorous species. The riparian corridor will also

function as a pedestrian walk-way/cycle-way to allow members of the public to enjoy the

recreational space.

5.1.5 Muddy Creek

Mangroves have naturally established along the banks of Muddy Creek and these will be

retained under the proposed development. The quality of water draining into the Cooks

River will improve over time due to the pollution control and water filtering mechanisms

that will be constructed as part of the development.

5.1.6 Other Vegetation

The habitat corridors running throughout the golf course will be planted with local native

vegetation. This will include incorporating species characteristic of Swamp Oak Forest,

Dune Forest and native shrub and heath species across the new golf course. The design

of the new golf course has incorporated ecological requirements wherever possible and

out-of-play areas have been designed in conjunction with ecologists. This includes

incorporating ecological principles within the design such as:

Maximising the structural diversity of vegetation so it is suitable for a range of

fauna species;

Incorporating flowering trees and shrubs that provide food for species such as the

Grey-headed Flying-fox;

Planting lower-growing species in proximity to Landing Lights wetland to improve

habitat conditions for migratory waders;

Incorporating central, shallow pooled areas within the new saltmarsh zones, to

increase foraging habitat for wading birds;

5.5

FINAL REPORT

28 JUNE 2010

Constructing vegetated swales across the site to improve water quality entering

wetlands and damp vegetated corridors to provide additional movement corridors

for GGBFs; and

Creating GGBF breeding and foraging ponds.

The Open Space Plan of Management provides detailed landscape plans for the entire

site. Figure 5.1 below shows where the newly created wetland areas and GGBF breeding

ponds will be located on the site.

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Figure 5.1. Golf Course Proposed Bodies Water Plan

Gri

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5.7

FINAL REPORT

28 JUNE 2010

5.1.7 Threatened Fauna

i. Migratory Waders

a. Minimising impacts on migratory waders

Works in the vicinity of Landing Lights wetland will only be carried out during the winter

months when migratory waders are not present at the site. A no-construction zone will be

implemented around Landing Lights at other times, with light construction only allowed in

the area immediately surrounding the no-construction zone (refer to 5.2).

b. Ameliorative measures

Section 5.1.1 outlines the mitigation measures that will be implemented for saltmarsh and

freshwater wetland EECs on site. The newly created areas of saltmarsh and reedland will

provide new habitat areas for migratory waders.

ii. Green and Golden Bell Frogs

a. Minimising impacts on GGBFs

A large area of 6,367m2 has been set aside for GGBF breeding habitat on site, including

breeding ponds both north and south of the SWSOOS, various foraging ponds, shelter

habitat and movement corridors. It is expected that the GGBF will thrive in these

conditions, and expand into these new areas, particularly as the breeding ponds will be

managed specifically for the GGBF and herbicide and fertiliser application will be

minimised near pond areas.

A plan for the management of GGBFs during construction (CE 2008) was prepared and

submitted to DECCW for comments in August 2008. The plan has been updated to reflect

current construction staging and timings. The aims of the plan are to minimise impacts to

the frogs during the construction process by carrying out construction in a series of stages

to allow GGBFs constant access to breeding, foraging and shelter habitat. Construction

areas are to be fenced and pre-clearance surveys carried out to ensure that all frogs have

been removed from construction areas before work begins. Cumberland Ecology has

received comments from DECCW and incorporated them into the plan where feasible.

b. Ameliorative measures

Newly created golf course ponds will be planted with reeds and emergent vegetation to

make them attractive to wildlife. 6,367m2 of new breeding ponds will be created as habitat

for the GGBF. These ponds have been designed in line with specific guidelines provided

by herpetologist Dr. Arthur White. Emergent and fringing vegetation will also be planted in

5.8

FINAL REPORT

28 JUNE 2010

other ponds around the golf course to provide extensive foraging habitat for the frogs.

Additionally, the creation of vegetated swales across the site and damp habitat corridors

will provide movement corridors for frogs and other wildlife. A maintenance manual has

been drawn up that outlines environmental management practices for the golf course.

This includes standards for minimising herbicide and fertiliser use close to pond areas

(refer to the Golf Course Maintenance Manual prepared by Golf by Design). Long term

monitoring of the GGBF on site, and management of GGBF ponds, will ensure that Key

Threatening Processes such as the presence of Mosquito Fish, will be eliminated. The

GGBF Management Plan (CE 2006c) provides further details on the long-term monitoring

and management of GGBFs on the site.

5.1.8 Minimising Impacts on Local Community Groups

It is recognised that Landing Lights wetland is an important bird watching area for

members of the public and the public will be allowed to continue to visit the wetland by

arrangement with the golf club. Cumberland Bird Observers Club have been monitoring

and recording bird activity in the area for some time and it is important to allow them

access to continue to do so, whilst ensuring that safety considerations are paramount. To

this end, a bird hide is being constructed at the northern end of Landing Lights wetland to

allow bird watchers to safely observe the birds.

5.2 Variations in areas of compensatory habitat from the previous Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment

Since the approval of the previous development application, the impacts to threatened

species and communities have not altered, other than mitigation measures introduced to

further minimise impacts to GGBFs during construction (refer to Section 4.3.2.i). Changes

that have been made between submission of the previous flora and fauna impact

assessment and this one have been necessitated by detailed design investigations and as

a result of feedback from DECCW. These are:

The removal of artificial woodland along the northern section to accommodate the

Driving Range and eastern side of Spring Street wetland and in order to insert a

retaining wall that prevents leachate from entering wetland areas and waterways

This will be re-planted with woodland species once the site remediation measures

have been completed;

The removal of an additional 90m2 of mangroves, based on canopy cover

(corresponds to mangrove removal for the Open Space DA. An additional 415m2

will be removed on SACL land under a separate DA Application. 9,055m2 of

existing mangroves will be retained on the site).

An adjustment to the public cycle path route, which involves some additional

construction works to the banks of the Cooks River;

5.9

FINAL REPORT

28 JUNE 2010

Areas of compensatory habitat have been modified to take into account

engineering requirements, flood modelling etc. and to maximise the amount of

compensatory habitat that is provided. This has resulted in an increase to all

compensatory habitat areas, as follows:

Table 5.1 Changes made to compensatory habitat areas

Habitat Type Compensatory

Habitat Stage 1

Approved DA (m2)

Compensatory

Habitat Proposed

DA (m2)

Change (m2)

Saltmarsh 13,210 13,210 0

Reedland 5,533 5,883 +350

GGBF Breeding Ponds 5,821 6,367 +546

Primary Foraging Ponds

(freshwater)

6,480 7,516 +1,036

Secondary Foraging Ponds

(brackish or saline)

3,341 6,956 +3,615

Mangroves 2,640 2,754 +114

Total 37,025 42,686 +5,661

5.3 Assessments of Significance

Assessments of Significance have been carried out for Saltmarsh and Freshwater Wetland

EECs and a range of threatened fauna species (refer to Appendix D). The Assessments

of Significance conclude that in the short-term, significant impacts have been predicted on

some TSC and EPBC listed species and endangered ecological communities. However,

the ameliorative measures and long term monitoring and management that will be carried

out across the site will conserve and enhance habitat for such species and communities in

the long-term.

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Figure 5.2. Works during the migratory wader season

Coordinate System: MGA Zone 56 (GDA 94)

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No Works

Light working only

25 0 25 50 75 100 m

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Figure 5.2. Works during the migratory wader season

Coordinate System: MGA Zone 56 (GDA 94)

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No Works

Light working only

25 0 25 50 75 100 m

6.1

FINAL REPORT

28 JUNE 2010

Chapter 66.

Conclusion

Currently the Cooks Cove site consists of a number of man-made/heavily altered wetland

areas that have been constructed, or in the case of the Landing Lights wetland,

incidentally formed next to a waste dumping site. None of these areas are actively

managed at present.

Development of the golf course is not likely to cause a significant impact on either of the

Marsh Street or Eve Street wetlands, which lie outside of the subject site. Spring Street

wetland will be impacted upon, with the temporary removal of artificial woodland along its

eastern edge and the removal of individual mangroves where required. However, the

ecological value of this wetland is low - it is polluted, overgrown and receives limited tidal

flushing from the canal at present. The ameliorative measures that will be put in place to

rehabilitate this wetland (including increasing tidal flushing and sealing off the adjacent

landfill site so that leachate does not seep into the water-course) will greatly improve the

ecological value of this wetland for aquatic fauna. Some artificial woodland is also being

removed from the northern and south-western ends of the wetland. These areas do not

offer any significant habitat for fauna and their removal is unlikely to impact on the wetland

itself. Woodland habitat is being planted throughout the golf course and along the Cooks

River.

There will be an impact on the Landing Lights wetland, with the removal of some

saltmarsh and reedland along the southern and western sides. Certainly in the short-term

this will be significant and will reduce the amount of habitat available to wading birds,

particularly until the newly created areas have grown in. Construction around the wetland

will be timed so that it does not coincide with the season for migratory waders in order to

minimise disturbance. With the creation of new areas of saltmarsh, in the future the site

will offer a larger area of habitat available to waders. Currently the saltmarsh is open to

the public and not protected in any way. Incorporating these habitats into the golf course

will provide an enhanced level of protection from disturbance, dumping and trampling.

There will be an impact on the foraging habitat of the Green and Golden Bell Frog during

the construction phase of the development, although their current breeding ponds will not

be affected. A plan for the management of GGBFs during construction has been

prepared. This includes measures to reduce impacts on the frogs’ foraging habitat by

developing the golf course land in a series of stages to allow continued access to foraging

habitat throughout the construction period, and by carrying out pre-clearance surveys in

each area prior to construction. Additionally, this Stage 2 DA does not include

construction of the Trade and Technology Zone and therefore the frogs will have access to

6.2

FINAL REPORT

28 JUNE 2010

the majority of the golf course at all times. The new golf course will provide large areas of

new breeding habitat both north and south of the SWSOOS, as well as providing

additional freshwater foraging ponds and shelter sites. Vegetated corridors throughout the

site will improve connectivity between breeding and foraging areas. Thus the habitat

available to this population of Green and Golden Bell Frogs will be dramatically enhanced

and exist over a much wider area. This should allow the population to expand into these

areas in the future.

The ecological value of the Cooks River will be improved, with mangroves and a riparian

habitat corridor being planted along the river bank. Water quality entering the Cooks River

and Muddy Creek will be improved through preventing leachate from seeping into the

waterways and other ameliorative measures put in place to minimise and treat run-off from

the site.

In the short-term, significant impacts have been predicted on TSC and EPBC listed

species and endangered ecological communities (as demonstrated in Appendix D).

However, the long term monitoring of GGBFs, the on-going management of GGBF

breeding ponds and EEC wetlands, the creation of new saltmarsh and reedland areas and

the creation of a covenant that will conserve Landing Lights wetland in-perpetuity, will

conserve and enhance habitat for threatened species and communities in the long-term.

It is recommended that a formal agreement is signed by the Golf Club and developer to

ensure that they are fully aware of their long-term ecological responsibilities.

FINAL REPORT

28 JUNE 2010

References

Benson, D., Ondinea, D., and Bear, V. (1999) Missing Jigsaw Pieces: The Bushplants

of the Cooks Cove Valley. Royal Botanical Gardens, Sydney.

Biosis Research (2001) Natural and Cultural Heritage Issues and Constraints for the

Cooks Cove Master Plan Prepared for Hassel Pty. Ltd. Biosis Research, Sydney.

Biosphere Environmental Consultants (2000) Rockdale Flora and Fauna Study

Biosphere Environmental Consultants, Sydney.

CE (2006a) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment. Prepared for Boyd Cook Cove.

Cumberland Ecology.

CE (2006b) Wetlands Environmental Management Plan. Prepared for Boyd Cook

Cove. Cumberland Ecology.

CE (2006c) Green and Golden Bell Frog Management Plan Prepared for Boyd Cook

Cove. Cumberland Ecology.

CE (2008) Pre-clearance Survey Report. Prepared for Boyd Cook Cove. Cumberland

Ecology.

CE (2009) Green and Golden Bell Frog Monitoring Programme Prepared for Boyd

Cook Cove. Cumberland Ecology.

Clouston (2000) Rockdale Wetlands and Recreation Corridor Management Strategy:

Review of Draft Rockdale Wetlands and Recreation Corridor, Plan of Management

1989 Prepared for Rockdale City Council. Clouston, Sydney.

DEC (NSW) (2004) Threatened Biodiversity Survey and Assessment: Guidelines for

Development and Activities. Working Draft. Department of Environment and

Conservation (NSW), Sydney.

DEC (NSW) (2005a) Atlas of NSW Wildlife

http://wildlifeatlas.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/wildlifeatlas/watlas.jsp

DEC (NSW) (2005b) Draft Green and Golden Bell Frog Litoria aurea (Lesson 1829)

Recovery Plan Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW), Hurstville.

ERM (2001) Cooks Cove: Eight Part Tests Prepared for Sydney Harbour Foreshore .

ERM.

Hassell (2001a) Cooks Cove Master Plan: Volume 4 - Appendices Prepared for

Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority. Hassell, Sydney.

6.4

FINAL REPORT

28 JUNE 2010

Hassell (2001b) Cooks Cove Master Plan: Volume 2 - Background Report Prepared for

Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority. Hassell, Sydney.

Hassell (2001c) Cooks Cove Master Plan: Volume 3 - Traffic Management Plan

Prepared for Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority. Hassell, Sydney.

Hill PDA (2001) Cooks Cover Master Plan "Airport City - Gateway Enterprise Zone'

Prepared for Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority. Hill PDA, Sydney.

Land Systems Pty Ltd (1989) Rockdale Wetlands and Recreational Corridor: Draft

Plan of Management Prepared for Rockdale Municipal Council and the Department of

Planning . Land Systems Pty Ltd, Woollahra, Sydney.

Lissimore, D., Lemon, M., Lank, D. B., Butler, R. W., and Ydenberg, R. C. (1999) Large

and consistent body mass differences of migrant calidris sandpipers at adjacent

stopover sites: phenomenon and possible explanations Wader Study Group Bulletin

88: 55-58.

NSW Scientific Committee (2004a) Coastal saltmarsh in the NSW North Coast, Sydney

Basin and South East Corner bioregions - endangered ecological community listing

Department of Environment and Conservation, Hurstvile.

NSW Scientific Committee (2004b) Freshwater Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains of the

NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner bioregions - endangered

ecological community listing Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW),

Hurstville.

NSW Scientific Committee (2004c) Predation by the plague minnow (Gambusia

holbrooki) - key threatening process declaration Department of Environment &

Conservation (NSW), Hurstville.

Pyke, G. H. and White, A. W. (1999) Dynamics of co-occurring frog species in three

ponds utilised by the endangered green and golden bell frog Litoria aurea Australian

Zoologist 31: 12-31.

6.1

FINAL REPORT

28 JUNE 2010

Appendix A

A.

Threatened Flora and Fauna and Likelihood of Occurrence on the Subject Site

Table A.1 THREATENED PLANTS AND THEIR LIKELIHOOD OF OCCURRENCE ON THE SUBJECT SITE

Scientific Name Common Name EPBC Act Legal Status

TSC Act Legal Status

Count (Rockdale LGA)

Habitat Requirements Likelihood of occurrence

Acacia pubescens Downy Wattle V V 1 Occurs on alluviums, shales and at the intergrade between shales and sandstones. Occur in open woodland and forest, including Cooks River/Castlereagh Ironbark Forest, Shale/Gravel Transition Forest and Cumberland Plain Woodland.

No suitable habitat within the subject land. Not recorded during flora survey.

Acacia terminalis subsp. terminalis

Sunshine Wattle E E1 1 Coastal scrub and dry sclerophyll woodland on sandy soils . Habitat is generally sparse and scattered. Very limited distribution between Botany Bay to the northern foreshore of Port Jackson.

No suitable habitat within the subject land. Not recorded during flora survey.

Caladenia tessellata Thick-lipped Spider Orchid

V E Generally found in grassy sclerophyll woodland on clay loam or sandy soils, though the population near Braidwood is in low woodland with stony soil.

No suitable habitat within the subject land. Not recorded during flora survey.

Melaleuca deanei Deane's Paperbark

V V 1 The species grows in heath on sandstone. Occurs in two distinct areas, in the Ku-ring-gai/Berowra and Holsworthy/Wedderburn areas respectively. There are also more isolated occurrences at Springwood (in the Blue Mountains), Wollemi National Park, Yalwal (

No suitable habitat within the subject land. Not recorded during flora survey.

Syzygium paniculatum

Magenta Lilly Pilly

V V 1 On the south coast the Magenta Lilly Pilly occurs on grey soils over sandstone, restricted mainly to remnant stands of littoral (coastal) rainforest.

No suitable habitat within the subject land. Not recorded during flora survey.

Tetratheca juncea Black-eyed Susan

V V 2 Low open forest/woodland with a mixed shrub understorey

No suitable habitat within the subject land. Not recorded during flora survey.

Thesium australe Austral Toadflax V V Occurs in grassland or grassy woodland. Often found in damp sites in association with Kangaroo Grass (Themeda australis).A root parasite that takes water and some nutrient from other plants, especially Kangaroo Grass.

No suitable habitat within the subject land. Not recorded during flora survey.

Note: 1. None of the above threatened species were identified during the flora survey on the subject site

FINAL REPORT

28 JUNE 2010

Table A.2 THREATENED FAUNA IN ROCKDALE LGA AND LIKELIHOOD OF

OCCURRENCE ON SUBJECT SITE

Scientific Name Common Name Status Habitat requirements

Likelihood

of

Occurrence

Litoria aurea

Green and Golden

Bell Frog

Endangered

TSC Act;

Vulnerable

EPBC Act

Freshwater marshes, dams

or streams with Typha

(bullrushes) or Eliocharis

(spikerushes)

Occurs on

site

Crinia tinnula Wallum Froglet

Vulnerable

TSC Act

Acid paperbark swamps

and sedge swamps of the

coastal ‘wallum’ country Low

Heleioporus

australiacus

Giant Burrowing

Frog

Vulnerable

TSC and

EPBC Acts

Heath, woodland and open

forest with sandy soils Low

Charadrius

leschenaultii

Greater Sand

Plover

Vulnerable

TSC Act

Sheltered sandy or muddy

beaches or estuaries with

large intertidal mudflats or

sandbanks Possible

Charadrius

mongolus

Lesser Sand

Plover

Vulnerable

TSC Act

Beaches of sheltered bays,

harbours and estuaries with

large intertidal sand/mudflats Possible

Calidris

tenuirostris Great Knot

Vulnerable

TSC Act

Intertidal mudflats or

sandflats Possible

Xenus cinereus Terek Sandpiper

Vulnerable

TSC Act

Coastal mudflats, lagoons,

creeks. Favours

mud/sandbanks located near

mangroves Possible

Limicola

falcinellus

Broad-billed

sandpiper

Vulnerable

TSC Act

Estuarine sandflats and

mudflats, harbours, lagoons,

saltmarshes Low

Limosa limosa

Black-tailed

Godwit

Vulnerable

TSC Act

Sheltered bays, estuaries and

lagoons with large intertidal

mudflats Low

Rostratula

australis

Australian Painted

Snipe

Endangered

TSC Act;

Vulnerable

EPBC Act

Prefers fringes of swamps,

dams and nearby marshy

areas where there is a cover

of grasses, lignum, low scrub

or open timber Low

Botaurus

poiciloptilus

Australasian

Bittern

Vulnerable

TSC Act

Permanent freshwater

wetlands with tall, dense Possible

A.5

FINAL REPORT

28 JUNE 2010

Table A.2 THREATENED FAUNA IN ROCKDALE LGA AND LIKELIHOOD OF

OCCURRENCE ON SUBJECT SITE

Scientific Name Common Name Status Habitat requirements

Likelihood

of

Occurrence

vegetation, particularly

bulrushes and spikerushes

Haematopus

fuliginosus

Sooty

Oystercatcher

Vulnerable

TSC Act

Rocky headlands, rocky

shelves, exposed reefs with

rock pools, beaches and

muddy estuaries Low

Haematopus

longirostris

Pied

Oystercatcher

Vulnerable

TSC Act

Intertidal flats of inlets and

bays, open beaches and

sandbanks Low

Sterna albifrons Little Tern

Endangered

TSC Act

Coastal, prefers sheltered

environments; nests in

colonies in low dunes Low

Calidris alba Sanderling

Vulnerable

TSC Act

Coastal, near reefs and

inlets, along tidal mudflats Low

Lathamus

discolor Swift Parrot

Endangered

TSC Act

and EPBC

Act

Areas where eucalypts are

flowering profusely or where

there are abundant lerp.

Favoured feed trees include

winter flowering species Low

Neophema

chrysogaster

Orange-bellied

Parrot

Endangered

TSC Act;

Critically

Endangered

EPBC Act

Generally found south of

NSW in saltmarshes

dominated by Beaded

Glasswort, Southern

Seaheath and Shrubby

Glasswort. Breeds in

Tasmania. Low

Xanthomyza

phrygia

Regent

Honeyeater

Endangered

TSC and

EPBC Acts

Dry open forest and

woodland, particularly Box-

Ironbark woodland, and

riparian forests of River

Sheoak Low

Pteropus

poliocephalus

Grey-headed

Flying-fox

Vulnerable

TSC and

EPBC Acts

Feed on nectar and pollen of

native trees and also fruit Possible

Chalinolobus

dwyeri

Large-eared Pied

Bat

Vulnerable

TSC and

EPBC Acts

Roosts in caves and crevices

in cliffs frequenting low to

mid-elevation dry open forest

and woodland close to these

features Low

Myotis adversus Southern Myotis Vulnerable Roost in groups of 10 - 15 Low

A.6

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Table A.2 THREATENED FAUNA IN ROCKDALE LGA AND LIKELIHOOD OF

OCCURRENCE ON SUBJECT SITE

Scientific Name Common Name Status Habitat requirements

Likelihood

of

Occurrence

TSC Act close to water in caves,

hollow-bearing trees, dense

foliage

Scoteanax

rueppellii

Greater Broad-

nosed Bat

Vulnerable

TSC Act

Range of habitats, roosts in

hollows and buildings,

forages along creek and river

corridors Possible

Hoplocephalus

bungaroides

Broad-headed

Snake

Endangered

TSC Act;

Vulnerable

EPBC Act

Shelters in rock crevices and

under flat sandstone rocks on

exposed cliff edges Low

B.1

FINAL REPORT

28 JUNE 2010

Appendix B

B.

Fauna Lists

FINAL REPORT

28 JUNE 2010

Table B.1 FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED DURING VARIOUS STUDIES AND RECORDS FROM THE DEC ATLAS OF NSW WILDLIFE IN THE LOCALITY

Common Name Scientific Name Conservation Status CE 2007 CE 2005 CBOC BR 2001 DECC

BEC 1999-

2000 RWPS

BIRDS

Chestnut Teal Anas castanea P(NPW) LLW KGC,EvW,LLW

EvW,

2km

EvW, LLW,

SpW, KGC RCC

EvW, LLW,

SpW SpW

Grey Teal Anas gracilis P(NPW) LLW EW

EvW,

2km

EvW, LLW,

SpW, KGC RCC

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos I KGC RCC

Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa P(NPW) LLW KGC

EvW,

2km

EvW, LLW,

SpW, KGC RCC

EvW, LLW,

SpW SpW

Australian Wood Duck Chenonetta jubata P (NPW) KGC

Pink-eared Duck

Malacorhynchus

membranaceus P(NPW) RCC

Great Egret Ardea alba

P(NPW), CA, JA,

LOM (EPBC)

EvW,

2km EvW, LLW

Cattle Egret Ardea ibis

P(NPW), M, LOM

(EPBC) CA, JA RCC

White-faced Heron

Ardea

novaehollandiae P(NPW)

KGC, LLW,

EW, SpW EvW RCC LLW

Intermediate Egret Ardea novahollandiae P(NPW)

EvW,

2km RCC EvW, SpW SpW

White-necked Heron Ardea pacifica P(NPW) RCC

Table B.1 FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED DURING VARIOUS STUDIES AND RECORDS FROM THE DEC ATLAS OF NSW WILDLIFE IN THE LOCALITY

Common Name Scientific Name Conservation Status CE 2007 CE 2005 CBOC BR 2001 DECC

BEC 1999-

2000 RWPS

Australasian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus V(TSC) EvW, MS

Striated Heron Butorides striatus P(NPW) LLW

EvW,

2km RCC

White-faced Heron

Egretta

novaehollandiae P(NPW) KGC

EvW,

2km EvW, SpW SpW

Nankeen Night Heron

Nycticorax

caledonicus P(NPW)

EvW,

2km

Yellow-billed

Spoonbill Platalea flavipes P(NPW) RCC LLW

Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia P(NPW)

EvW,

2km EvW, LLW RCC EvW, LLW

Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca P(NPW) LLW, SpW SpW, LLW

EvW,

2km RCC

Straw necked Ibis

Threskiornis

spinicollis P(NPW)

EvW,

2km

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos P(NPW), CA, JA EvW, LLW

5km,

RCC

Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres

P(NPW), CA, JA, M

(EPBC), L (EPBC) EvW, LLW RCC

Sharp-tailed

Sandpiper Calidris acuminata

P(NPW), M (EPBC),

CA LLW LLW

EvW,

2km

EvW, SpW,

MSW, KGC RCC EvW, LLW

Sanderling Calidris alba V (TSC), M (EPBC), EvW, LLW EvW,MS,LLW

Table B.1 FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED DURING VARIOUS STUDIES AND RECORDS FROM THE DEC ATLAS OF NSW WILDLIFE IN THE LOCALITY

Common Name Scientific Name Conservation Status CE 2007 CE 2005 CBOC BR 2001 DECC

BEC 1999-

2000 RWPS

CA, JA

Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea

P(NPW), M (EPBC),

CA, JA EvW, LLW RCC

Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollois

P(NPW), M (EPBC),

CA, JA RCC

Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris

V (TSC), M(EPBC),

CA, JA EvW, LLW RCC EvW,MS

Greater Sand Plover

Charadrius

leschenaultii V (TSC), M (EPBC)

5km,

RCC EvW, MS

Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongulus

V (TSC), M (EPBC), L

(EPBC)

EvW, SpW,

LLW EvW,MS

Red-capped Plover Charadrius ruficapillus P(NPW) RCC

Black-fronted Dotterel Elseyornis melanops P(NPW) LLW

EvW,

2km RCC

Red-kneed Dotterel Erythrogonys conctus P(NPW) EvW RCC EvW, LLW

Buff-banded Rail Gallirallus

philippensis LLW

Spotless Crake Porzana tabuensis LLW

Lewin’s Rail Rallus pectoralis LLW

Sooty Oystercatcher

Haematopus

fulingosis V(TSC) EvW, MS

Pied Oystercatcher Haematopus V(TSC) EvW, MS

Table B.1 FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED DURING VARIOUS STUDIES AND RECORDS FROM THE DEC ATLAS OF NSW WILDLIFE IN THE LOCALITY

Common Name Scientific Name Conservation Status CE 2007 CE 2005 CBOC BR 2001 DECC

BEC 1999-

2000 RWPS

longirostris

Wandering Tattler Heteroscelus incanus P(NPW), CA, JA RCC

Black-winged Stilt

Himantopus

himantopus P(NPW), M(EPBC) LLW EvW, LLW

EvW,

2km

EvW, SpW,

LLW RCC

EvW, LLW,

SpW SpW

Silver Gull

Larus

novaehollandiae P(NPW) LLW

EvW,

2km RCC

EvW, LLW,

SpW SpW

Pacific Gull Larus pacificus P(NPW) RCC

Franklin's Gull Larus pipixcan P(NPW) RCC

Broad-billed

Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus

V (TSC), M (EPBC),

CA, JA LLW,EvW,MS

Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica P(NPW), CA, JA RCC

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

V (TSC), M (EPBC),

CA, JA 5km EvW,MS,LLW

Latham’s Snipe Gallinago hardwickii M (EPBC), CA, JA LLW

Australian Painted

Snipe Rostratula australis

E (TSC); V (EPBC); M

(EPBC) RCC

Little Tern Sterna albifrons

E (TSC), M, L

(EPBC), CA, JA 5km EvW, MS

Crested Tern Sterna bergii P(NPW) RCC

EvW, LLW,

SpW SpW

White Ibis

Threskiornis

aethiopica P(NPW)

EvW, LLW,

SpW SpW

Table B.1 FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED DURING VARIOUS STUDIES AND RECORDS FROM THE DEC ATLAS OF NSW WILDLIFE IN THE LOCALITY

Common Name Scientific Name Conservation Status CE 2007 CE 2005 CBOC BR 2001 DECC

BEC 1999-

2000 RWPS

Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia P(NPW), M (EPBC) LLW EvW, LLW

Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis P(NPW), M (EPBC) RCC

Banded Lapwing Vanella tricolor P(NPW) RCC LLW

Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles P(NPW)

EvW,

2km RCC

EvW, LLW,

SpW SpW

Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus

V (TSC), M (EPBC),

CA, JA EvW

5km,

RCC EvW, LLW,MS

Darter

Anhinga

melanogaster P(NPW) RCC

Australian Pelican

Pelicanus

conspicullatus P(NPW) RCC EvW

Little Pied Cormorant

Phalacrocorax

melanoleucos P(NPW) KGC

EvW,

2km RCC

EvW, LLW,

SpW SpW

Little Black Cormorant

Phalacrocorax

sulcirostris P(NPW) KGC RCC

EvW, LLW,

SpW SpW

Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo P(NPW) RCC

Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius P(NPW) RCC

Australasian Grebe

Tachybaptus

novaehollandiae P(NPW)

EvW,

2km RCC

Eurasian Coot Fulica atra P(NPW) RCC

Dusky Moorhen Gallinula tenebrosa P(NPW) KGC EvW, RCC EvW, LLW, SpW

Table B.1 FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED DURING VARIOUS STUDIES AND RECORDS FROM THE DEC ATLAS OF NSW WILDLIFE IN THE LOCALITY

Common Name Scientific Name Conservation Status CE 2007 CE 2005 CBOC BR 2001 DECC

BEC 1999-

2000 RWPS

2km SpW

Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio P(NPW)

EvW,

2km RCC EvW, SpW SpW

Tawny Frogmouth Podargus strigoides P(NPW) RCC

European Pigeon Columba livia I LLW

EvW,

2km RCC EvW

Peaceful Dove Geopelia placida P(NPW) RCC

Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes P(NPW) KGC, EW KGC

EvW,

2km RCC EvW, SpW SpW

Superb Fruit Dove Ptilinopus superbus V (TSC) 5km

Spotted Turtle-Dove Streptopelia chinensis I

KGC, LLW,

EW, SpW

KGC, EvW,

SpW

EvW,

2km RCC EvW, SpW SpW

Collared

Sparrowhawk

Accipiter

cirrhocephalus

EW, LLW,

SpW

Brown Goshwak Accipiter fasciatus P(NPW)

EvW,

2km RCC EvW

Grey Goshawk

Accipter

novaehollandiae P(NPW) RCC

Black-shouldered Kite Elanus notatus P(NPW) KGC

EvW,

2km RCC EvW, SpW SpW

Nankeen Kestrel Falco cenchroides P(NPW) RCC EvW

Australian Hobby Falco longipennis P(NPW) RCC

Table B.1 FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED DURING VARIOUS STUDIES AND RECORDS FROM THE DEC ATLAS OF NSW WILDLIFE IN THE LOCALITY

Common Name Scientific Name Conservation Status CE 2007 CE 2005 CBOC BR 2001 DECC

BEC 1999-

2000 RWPS

Whistling Kite Haliastus sphenurus P(NPW) RCC

Azure Kingfisher Alcedo azurea P(NPW) RCC

Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo novaeguineae P(NPW) SpW LLW

EvW,

2km RCC

Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus P(NPW) RCC

Fan-tailed Cuckoo

Cacomantis

flabelliformis P(NPW)

EvW,

2km RCC

Horsfield's Bronze-

Cuckoo Chrysococcyx basalis P(NPW)

EvW,

2km

Pacific Koel Eudynamis orientalis P(NPW) RCC

Common Koel

Eudynamis

scolopacea

EvW,

2km

Channel-billed

Cuckoo

Scythrops

novaehollandiae P(NPW) RCC

Yellow-rumped

Thornbill

Acanthiza

chrysorrhoa P(NPW) KGC, LLW SpW

EvW,

2km RCC

Yellow Thornbill Acanthiza nana P(NPW)

KGC, LLW,

EW, SpW KGC, SpW

EvW,

2km

Brown Thornbill Acanthiza pusilla P(NPW) RCC

Eastern Spinebill

Acanthorhynchus

tenuirostris P(NPW) RCC

Table B.1 FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED DURING VARIOUS STUDIES AND RECORDS FROM THE DEC ATLAS OF NSW WILDLIFE IN THE LOCALITY

Common Name Scientific Name Conservation Status CE 2007 CE 2005 CBOC BR 2001 DECC

BEC 1999-

2000 RWPS

Common Myna Acridotheres tristis I

KGC, LLW,

EW, SpW

KGC, EvW,

SpW

EvW,

2km RCC EvW, SpW SpW

Australian Reed-

Warbler

Acrocephalus

australis P(NPW) RCC

Clamorous Reed

Warbler

Acrocephalus

stentoreus P(NPW) KGC, LLW

EvW,

2km SpW SpW

Red Wattlebird

Anthochaera

carunculata P(NPW)

KGC, LLW,

EW, SpW KGC, SpW

EvW,

2km RCC

Little Wattlebird

Anthochaera

chrysoptera P(NPW) KGC

EvW,

2km RCC

Dusky Woodswallow Artamus cyanopterus P(NPW) KGC

EvW,

2km

European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis I

EvW,

2km

Golden-headed

Cisticola Cisticola exilis P(NPW) KGC, LLW LLW

EvW,

2km RCC LLW, SpW SpW

Black-faced Cuckoo-

shrike

Coracina

novaehollandiae P(NPW)

KGC, LLW,

EW, SpW

KGC, SpW,

LLW

EvW,

2km RCC EvW, SpW SpW

Australian Raven Corvus coronoides P(NPW)

KGC, EW,

SpW LLW

EvW,

2km RCC

EvW, LLW,

SpW SpW

Grey Butcherbird Cracticuc torquatus P(NPW) EW, SpW RCC

Eastern Yellow Robin Eopsaltria australis P(NPW) RCC

Table B.1 FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED DURING VARIOUS STUDIES AND RECORDS FROM THE DEC ATLAS OF NSW WILDLIFE IN THE LOCALITY

Common Name Scientific Name Conservation Status CE 2007 CE 2005 CBOC BR 2001 DECC

BEC 1999-

2000 RWPS

Eastern Shrike-tit Falcunculus frontatus P(NPW) RCC

Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca P(NPW) LLW KGC, LLW

EvW,

2km RCC

EvW, LLW,

SpW SpW

Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen P(NPW)

KGC, LLW,

EW, SpW KGC

EvW,

2km RCC

EvW, LLW,

SpW SpW

Fairy Martin Hirundo ariel P(NPW)

EvW,

2km RCC

Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena P(NPW) KGC, LLW KGC,EW

EvW,

2km RCC

EvW, LLW,

SpW SpW

Tree Martin Hirundo nigricans P(NPW)

EvW,

2km

Yellow-faced

Honeyeater

Lichenostomus

chrysops P(NPW) RCC

White-plumed

Honeyeater

Lichenostomus

penicillatus P(NPW) KGC, SpW

EvW,

2km RCC

Nutmeg Mannikin Lonchura punctulata I LLW KGC RCC

Superb Fairy-wren Malurus cyaneus P(NPW)

KGC, LLW,

EW

KGC, EvW,

LLW, SpW

EvW,

2km RCC

EvW, LLW,

SpW SpW

Noisy Miner

Manorina

melanocephala P(NPW) KGC

EvW,

2km RCC EvW, SpW SpW

Little Grassbird Megalurus gramineus P(NPW) LLW LLW

EvW,

2km RCC LLW

Table B.1 FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED DURING VARIOUS STUDIES AND RECORDS FROM THE DEC ATLAS OF NSW WILDLIFE IN THE LOCALITY

Common Name Scientific Name Conservation Status CE 2007 CE 2005 CBOC BR 2001 DECC

BEC 1999-

2000 RWPS

Lewin's Honeyeater Melinphaga lewinii P(NPW) RCC

Black-faced Monarch Monarcha melanopsis

P(NPW), M (EPBC),

LOM (EPBC) EvW RCC

Restless Flycatcher Myiagra inquuieta P(NPW) RCC LLW

Red-browed Finch Neochmia temporalis P(NPW)

KGC, LLW,

EW SpW

EvW,

2km RCC LLW

Olive-backed Oriole Oriolus sagittatus P(NPW) SpW RCC

Golden Whistler

Pachycephala

pectoralis P(NPW) RCC

Rufous Whistler

Pachycephala

rufiventris P(NPW) EvW

Spotted Pardalote Pardalotus punctatus P(NPW) SpW

EvW,

2km RCC

House Sparrow Passer domesticus I KGC, EW

EvW,

2km RCC EvW, SpW

Noisy Friarbird Philemon corniculatus P(NPW) RCC

White-cheeked

Honeyeater Phylidonyris nigra P(NPW) RCC

New Holland

Honeyeater

Phylidonyris

novaehollandiae P(NPW)

KGC, LLW,

EW, SpW KGC,EW

EvW,

2km RCC

EvW, LLW,

SpW SpW

Red-whiskered Bulbul Pynonotus jocosus I

KGC, LLW,

EW, SpW EW

EvW,

2km RCC EvW, SpW SpW

Table B.1 FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED DURING VARIOUS STUDIES AND RECORDS FROM THE DEC ATLAS OF NSW WILDLIFE IN THE LOCALITY

Common Name Scientific Name Conservation Status CE 2007 CE 2005 CBOC BR 2001 DECC

BEC 1999-

2000 RWPS

Grey Fantail Rhipidura fuliginosa P(NPW)

EvW,

2km RCC

Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys P(NPW)

KGC, LLW,

EW KGC

EvW,

2km RCC

EvW, LLW,

SpW SpW

White-browed

Scrubwren Sericornis frontalis P(NPW)

EvW,

2km RCC

Australasian Figbird Sphecotheres vieilloti P(NPW) RCC

Figbird Sphecotheres viridis P(NPW) SpW KGC

Pied Currawong Strepera graculina P(NPW) SpW

EvW, LLW,

SpW

EvW,

2km RCC EvW, SpW SpW

Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris I

KGC, LLW,

EW KGC,EvW,LLW

EvW,

2km RCC EvW, SpW SpW

Double-barred Finch

Taeniopygia

bichenovii P(NPW)

EvW,

2km

Common Blackbird Turdus merula I EW

EvW,

2km RCC

Regent Honeyeater Xanthmyza phrygia

E (TSC),E (EPBC), M

(EPBC) 5km

Silvereye Zosterops lateralis P(NPW)

KGC, LLW,

EW, SpW

KGC, EvW,

SpW

EvW,

2km RCC

EvW, LLW,

SpW SpW

Sulphur-crested

Cockatoo Cacatua galerita P(NPW) EW

EvW,

2km RCC

Table B.1 FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED DURING VARIOUS STUDIES AND RECORDS FROM THE DEC ATLAS OF NSW WILDLIFE IN THE LOCALITY

Common Name Scientific Name Conservation Status CE 2007 CE 2005 CBOC BR 2001 DECC

BEC 1999-

2000 RWPS

Galah Cacatua rosiecapilla P(NPW) RCC SpW SpW

Little Corella Cacatua sanguinea P(NPW)

EvW,

2km RCC

Long-billed Corella Cacatua tenuirostris P(NPW) RCC

Yellow-tailed Black-

Cockatoo

Calyptorhynchus

funereus P(NPW) RCC

Glossy Black-

Cockatoo

Calyptorhynchus

lathami V (TSC) 5km

Swift Parrot Lathamus discolor E (TSC & EPBC) RCC

Orange-bellied Parrot

Neophema

chrysogaster E (TSC); CE(EPBC) RCC

Blue Bonnet

Northiella

haematogaster P(NPW)

EvW,

2km

Eastern Rosella

Platycercus adscitus

eximius P(NPW) RCC

Crimson Rosella Platycercus elegans P(NPW) RCC

Red-rumped Parrot

Psephotus

haematonotus P(NPW) LLW KGC

EvW,

2km

Rainbow Lorikeet

Trichoglossus

haematodus P(NPW) KGC KGC

EvW,

2km RCC

Southern Boobook Ninox boobook P(NPW) RCC

Table B.1 FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED DURING VARIOUS STUDIES AND RECORDS FROM THE DEC ATLAS OF NSW WILDLIFE IN THE LOCALITY

Common Name Scientific Name Conservation Status CE 2007 CE 2005 CBOC BR 2001 DECC

BEC 1999-

2000 RWPS

Masked Owl Tyto novaehollaniae V (TSC) 5km

MAMMALS

Gould's Wattle Bat Chalinolobus P(NPW) Z2 RCC SpW

Large-eared Pied Bat Chalinolobus dwyeri V(TSC); V(EPBC) RCC

Eastern Bent Wing

Miniopteris

schreibersii V(TSC) Z1, Z2

Southern Myotis Myotis macropus V(TSC)

5km,

RCC

White-striped Freetail-

bat Nyctinnomus australis P(NPW) RCC

Lesser Long-eared

Bat Nyctinnomus geoffroyi P(NPW) RCC

Grey-headed Flying-

fox

Pteropus

poliocephalus V(TSC), V(EPBC) EvW, SpW

5km,

RCC

LLW,SpW,

EvW

Southern Forest Bat Vespadelus regulus P(NPW) Z1, Z2

Australian Fur seal

Arctocephalus pussilis

doriferous V(TSC), L (EPBC)

5km,

RCC

Dingo, Domestic Dog Canis lupus I EW RCC

Cat Felis catus I RCC EvW, SpW

Leopard Seal Hydrrga leptonyx P(NPW)

Unidentified Seal Seal sp. P(NPW) RCC

Table B.1 FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED DURING VARIOUS STUDIES AND RECORDS FROM THE DEC ATLAS OF NSW WILDLIFE IN THE LOCALITY

Common Name Scientific Name Conservation Status CE 2007 CE 2005 CBOC BR 2001 DECC

BEC 1999-

2000 RWPS

Fox Vulpes vulpes I RCC EvW, SpW

Common Brushtail

Possum Trichosurus vulpecula P (NPW) RCC

House Mouse Mus musculus I LLW RCC EvW, SpW

Black Rat Rattus rattus I RCC EvW, SpW

Dugong Dugong dugon E(TSC) 5km

Southern Right Whale Eubalaena australis

V (TSC), E(EPBC), M

(EPBC) 5km

REPTILES

Eastern Water Dragon

Physignathus

lesueurii P(NPW) RCC LLW

Eastern Stone Gecko Diplodactylus vittatus P(NPW) RCC

Broad-tailed Gecko Phyllurus platurus P(NPW) RCC

Thick-tailed Gecko

Underwoodisaurus

milii P(NPW) RCC

Lace Monitor Varanus varius P(NPW) RCC

Snake-eyed Skink

Cryptoblepharus

virgata P(NPW)

EvW, SpW,

LLW

Cream-striped

Shinning-skink

Cryptoblepharus

virgatus P(NPW) RCC

Robust Ctenotus Ctenotus robustus P(NPW) RCC

Table B.1 FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED DURING VARIOUS STUDIES AND RECORDS FROM THE DEC ATLAS OF NSW WILDLIFE IN THE LOCALITY

Common Name Scientific Name Conservation Status CE 2007 CE 2005 CBOC BR 2001 DECC

BEC 1999-

2000 RWPS

Eastern Water Skink Eulamprus quoyii P(NPW) RCC

EvW, SpW,

LLW

KGC, LLW, EW,

SpW

Delicate Skink Lampropholis delicata P(NPW) KGC, SSW

Garden Skink

Lampropholis

guichenoti P(NPW) RCC

EvW, SpW,

LLW EW

Southern Scaly-foot Pygopus lepidopodus P(NPW) RCC

Eastern Blue-tongue

Lizard Tiliqua scinoides P(NPW) RCC EvW

Yellow-faced Whip

Snake

Demansia

psammophila P(NPW) RCC EvW, LLW

Broad-headed Snake

Hoplocephalus

bungaroides E(TSC), V(EPBC) RCC

Proximus Blind Snake

Ramphotyphlops

proximus P(NPW) RCC

Eastern Bandy-bandy Vermicella annulata P(NPW) RCC

Eastern Snake-

necked Turtle Chelodina longicollis P(NPW) RCC

AMPHIBIANS

Common Eastern

Froglet Crinia signifera P(NPW) KGC, Z2 RCC

EvW, SpW,

LLW KGC, LLW, EW

Wallum Froglet Crinia tinnula V(TSC) RCC

Table B.1 FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED DURING VARIOUS STUDIES AND RECORDS FROM THE DEC ATLAS OF NSW WILDLIFE IN THE LOCALITY

Common Name Scientific Name Conservation Status CE 2007 CE 2005 CBOC BR 2001 DECC

BEC 1999-

2000 RWPS

Giant Burrowing Frog

Heleioporus

australiacus V(TSC); V(EPBC) RCC

Pobblebonk

Limnodynastes

dumerilii P(NPW) RCC

Striped Marsh Frog

Limnodynastes

peronii P(NPW)

KGC, EvW'*,

Z2 RCC

EvW, SpW,

LLW

KGC, LLW, EW,

SpW

Green and Golden

Bell Frog Litoria aurea E(TSC), V(EPBC) KGC

MS, KGC,

SpWa

5km,

RCC EvW

Green Tree Frog Litoria caerulea P(NPW) RCC

Bleating Tree Frog Litoria dentata P(NPW) RCC EvW

Eastern Dwarf Tree

Frog

Litoria fallax

P(NPW) Ew, LLW

Peron’s Tree Frog Litoria peronii P(NPW) EW, LLW, SpW

FISH

Port Jackson Perchlet

Ambassis

jacksoniensis C, SpW

Mosquito Fish Gambusia holbrooki C3 (FMA)

C, LLW, EvW,

SpW

Flat Tail Mullet Liza argentia C,SpW

Sand Mullet Myxus elongates C

Southern Blue Eye Pseudomugil signifier C, SpW

Table B.1 FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED DURING VARIOUS STUDIES AND RECORDS FROM THE DEC ATLAS OF NSW WILDLIFE IN THE LOCALITY

Common Name Scientific Name Conservation Status CE 2007 CE 2005 CBOC BR 2001 DECC

BEC 1999-

2000 RWPS

Common toadfish Tetractenos hamiltoni C

Crab Carncridae sp. LLW, SpW

C.1

FINAL REPORT

28 JUNE 2010

Appendix C

C.

Flora Identified on the Subject Site

6.1

FINAL REPORT

28 JUNE 2010

Table C.1 FLORA IDENTIFIED ON THE SUBJECT SITE

Familly Scientific Name Common Name

Aizoaceae Tetragonia tetragonoides Warrigal Cabbage

Anacardiaceae *Rhodosphaera rhodanthema Deep Yellowwood

Apiaceae Centella asiatica Swamp Pennywort

*Foeniculum vulgare Fennel

*Hydrocotyle bonariensis Kurnell Curse

Asclepiadaceae

*Araujia sericiflora Moth Vine

*Gomphocarpus fruticosus Eastern Cottonbush

Arecaceae *Phoenix canariensis Canary Island Date Palm

Asparagaceae *Asparagus officinalis Asparagus

*Myrsiphyllum asparagoides Bridal Veil Creeper

*Protosparagus aethiopicus Asparagus Fern

Asteraceae *Ambrosia artemisiifolia Annual Ragweed

*Aster subulatus Bushy Starwort

*Bidens pilosa Cobblers Pegs

*Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle

*Conyza bonariensis Flax-leaved Fleabane

*Conyza canadensis subsp.

canadensis Canadian Fleabane

*Hypochaeris radicata Cats Ears

*Senecio madagascariensis Fireweed

*Sonchus oleraceus Sow Thistle

*Tagetes minuta Stinking Roger

*Taraxacum officinale Dandelion

Avicenniaceae Avicennia marina Grey Mangrove

Basellaceae *Anredera cordifolia Madeira Vine

Brassicaceae *Brassica tournefortii Mediterranean Turnip

*Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd’s Purse

*Raphanus raphanistrum Wild Radish

Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia gracilis Native Bluebell

Caprifoliaceae *Lonicera japonica Japanese Honeysuckle

Caryophyllaceae *Cerastium glomeratum Mouse-ear Chickweed

*Stellaria media Common Chickweed

Casuarinaceae Allocasuaria littoralis Black She-oak

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Table C.1 FLORA IDENTIFIED ON THE SUBJECT SITE

Familly Scientific Name Common Name

Aizoaceae Tetragonia tetragonoides Warrigal Cabbage

Casuarina cunninghamiana River Oak

Casuarina glauca Swamp Oak

Chenopodiaceae *Atriplex prostrata Orache

*Chenopodium album Fat Hen

Sarcocornia quinqueflora Samphire

Suaeda australis Austral Seablite

Commelinaceae Commelina cyanea Scurvy Weed

*Tradescantia fluminense Wandering Jew

Convolvulaceae Dichondra repens Kidney Weed

*Ipomoea cairica Mile-a-minute

*Ipomoea indica Morning Glory

*Ipomoea purpurea Morning Glory

Cyperaceae Baumea juncea -

*Cyperus eragrostis Umbrella Sedge

Ficinia nodosa Knobby Club Rush

Dennstaedtiaceae Pteridium esculentum Bracken Fern

Euphorbiaceae *Euphorbia peplus Petty Spurge

*Ricinus communis Castor Oil Plant

Fabaceae subf. Caesalpinioideae *Senna pendula var. glabrate Winter Senna

Fabaceae subf. Faboideae *Erythrina crista-galli Cockspur Coral Tree

*Erythrina sykesii Coral Tree

*Medicago polymorpha Burr Medic

*Trifolium pratense Red Clover

*Trifolium repens White Clover

Viminaria juncea Golden Spray

Fabaceae subf. Mimosoideae Acacia baileyana Cootamundra Wattle

Acacia binervia Coast Myall

Acacia floribunda

Acacia longifolia subsp. Longifolia Sydney Golden Wattle

Acacia longifolia subsp. sophorae Sydney Coastal Wattle

*Acacia saligna Golden Wreath Wattle

*Paraserianthes lophantha Crested Wattle

Juncaceae *Juncus acutus Sharp Rush

Juncus kraussii Sea Rush

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Table C.1 FLORA IDENTIFIED ON THE SUBJECT SITE

Familly Scientific Name Common Name

Aizoaceae Tetragonia tetragonoides Warrigal Cabbage

Juncus usitatus Common Rush

Lauraceae Cassytha pubescens Devil’s Twine

*Cinnamomum camphor Camphor Laurel

Lomandraceae Lomandra longifolia Mat Rush

Malvaceae *Malva neglecta Dwarf Mallow

*Modiola caroliniana Red-flowered Mallow

*Lagunaria patersonia Norfolk Island Hibiscus

*Sida rhombifolia Paddys Lucerne

Meliaceae Melia azedarach var. australasica White Cedar

Moraceae *Ficus macrophylla Moreton Bay Fig

Ficus rubiginosa Port Jackson Fig

*Morus alba Mulberry

Myrtaceae Agonis flexuosa Western Australian Willow Myrtle

Austromyrtus dulcis Midgen Berry

Callistemon citrinus Lemon-scented Bottlebrush

Callistemon cvs Bottlebrush

*Corymbia citriodora Lemon-scented Gum

Eucalyptus botryoides Bangalay

Eucalyptus micocrorys Tallowwood

Eucalyptus robusta Swamp Mahogany

Eucalyptus saligna Sydney Blue Gum

Eucalyptus sideroxylon Mugga Ironbark

Melaleuca armillaris Bracelet Honey-myrtle

Melaleuca ericifolia Swamp Paperbark

Melaleuca linariifolia Snow-in-Summer

Melaleuca quinquenervia Broad-leaved Paperbark

Melaleuca styphelioides Prickly-leaved Paperbark

Oleaceae *Olea europaea subsp. africana African Olive

Oxalidaceae *Oxalis corniculata Creeping Oxalis

*Oxalis purpurea Pink Oxalis

Pinaceae *Pinus radiata Monterey Pine

Plantaginaceae Plantago hispida -

*Plantago lanceolata Plantain

Poaceae *Arundo donax Giant Reed

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Table C.1 FLORA IDENTIFIED ON THE SUBJECT SITE

Familly Scientific Name Common Name

Aizoaceae Tetragonia tetragonoides Warrigal Cabbage

*Avena fatua Wild Oats

*Bromus catharticus Prairie Grass

*Chloris gayana Rhodes Grass

Cynodon dactylon Common Couch

*Ehrharta erecta Panic Veldt Grass

*Eragrostis curvula African Love Grass

*Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum

*Pennisetum clandestinum Kikuyu

Phragmites australis Native Reed

*Setaria pumila Pale Pigeon Grass

*Sporobolus indicus var. capensis Slender Rats-tail Grass

Sporobolus virginicus Sand Couch

*Stenotaphrum secundatum Buffalo Grass

Zoysia macrantha Prickly Couch

Polygonaceae *Rumex crispus Curled Dock

Portulaceae *Portulaca oleracea Purslane

Primulaceae *Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel

Ranunculaceae *Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup

Rosaceae (s. str.) *Rubus fruticosus sp. agg. Blackberry

Sapindaceae Dodonaea triquetra Hop Bush

Solanaceae *Cestrum parqui Green Cestrum

*Lycium ferocissimum African Boxthorn

*Solanum nigrum Black Berry Nightshade

*Solanum pseudocapsicum Madeira Winter Cherry

Typhaceae Typha orientalis Cumbungi

Verbenaceae *Lantana camara Lantana

*Verbena bonariensis Veined Verbena

*Verbena Rigida Purple Top

Notes: * = Exotic Species

6.5

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Appendix D

D.

Assessments of Significance

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The following assessment of significance has been prepared collectively for threatened

species and endangered ecological communities that occur or have suitable habitat and

have the potential to be impacted by the proposal on the subject site.

a) In the case of a threatened species, whether the action proposed is likely to

have an adverse effect on the life cycle of the species such that a viable

local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction,

Green and Golden Bell Frog

The Green and Golden Bell Frog (GGBF) has been recorded on the existing Kogarah Golf

Course and within the RTA breeding ponds. This local viable population could be

potentially threatened by removal or modification of habitat on the subject site. However,

the mitigation measures that will be implemented during construction (as outlined in the

GGBF Construction Plan) will significantly reduce impacts to GGBFs during construction.

Extensive mitigation measures have been developed specifically to protect the local

population of GGBFs in the long-term and enhance habitat on parts on the subject site.

Recent surveys and database records indicate that south of the SWSOOS the subject site

has not contained suitable habitat for GGBFs for some time although they may move

through the area occasionally. The development of the new golf course will create a

substantial area of GGBF habitat through the creation of additional GGBF breeding ponds

and the construction of other ponds within the golf course that will provide foraging habitat

(refer to the GGBF Management Plan for details).

Therefore, the proposal is not expected to have an adverse effect on the life-cycle of the

Green and Golden Bell Frog such that the viable local population would be placed at risk

of extinction.

Flying Mammals

Grey-headed Flying Fox, Southern Myotis, Eastern Bentwing Bat, Greater Broad-

nosed Bat.

Only the Grey-headed Flying-fox has been recorded on the subject site in recent years.

One potential recording of an Eastern Bentwing Bat was detected during survey by

Cumberland Ecology in 2005. The Grey-headed Flying-fox has been recorded during a

number of surveys since 1999 (Biosis Research 2001, Biosphere Environmental

Consultants 2000, DEC (NSW) 2005a).

Although the Southern Myotis and Greater Broad-nosed Bat have not been recorded, they

are known from the locality and have the potential to use the study area for foraging.

There are no tree hollows, caves, mines or tunnels on the site and so the Southern Myotis,

Eastern Bentwing Bat, and Greater Broad-nosed Bat would not roost on the subject site.

There are no known roosting sites or ‘camps’ for the Grey-headed Flying Fox on the site,

however there is potential for this species to camp within dense vegetation on the site.

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Foraging habitat is present on the site for all species, including Melaleuca stands,

mangroves, open water, swamps and grasslands.

It is likely that the study area would form a relatively small proportion of the total foraging

habitat for these mammals. They may also benefit from the proposed vegetation corridors

that will be planted as part of the new development. The proposal is not likely to disrupt

the life cycle of a viable local population of these species such that they would be placed

at risk of extinction.

Wetland Birds

Great Egret (Ardea alba), Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (Calidris acuminata), Broad-

billed Sandpiper (Limicola falcinellus), Terek Sandpiper (Xenus cinereus), Ruddy

Turnstone (Arenaria interpres), Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos), Great

Knot (Calidris tenuirostris), Sanderling (Calidris alba), Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris

ferruginea), Lesser Sand Plover (Charadrius mongulus), Greater Sand Plover

(Charadrius leschenaultii), Black-winged (Himantopus himantopus); Black-tailed

Godwit (Limosa limosa), Little Tern (Sterna albifrons), Australasian Bittern

(Botaurus poiciloptilus), Pied Oystercatcher (Haematopus longirostris) and Sooty

Oystercatcher (Haematopus fulingosis)

During bird surveys of the subject site by Cumberland Ecology in 2005 only one migratory

wader listed in the CAMBA agreement and under the EPBC Act; the Sharp-tailed

Sandpiper, was detected in the Landing Lights wetland. The Latham’s Sbipe was detected

in the 2007 surveys.

The Cumberland Bird Observers database is the most reliable source of recent and

accurate information on birds found in the locality as they have study sites at Kogarah,

Rockdale and Towra Point, and also gather data from other sources. Only the Great Egret

has been recorded within a 2 km radius of the subject site from data collected in 2005.

Extensive data exists on the birds of the Kogarah area, mainly due to the presence of

large wetlands nearby, particularly at Towra Point and Rockdale, which are actively

managed and protected conservation areas, studied by interest and research groups.

Towra Point is an important breeding area for a high diversity of bird species and is of

particular importance to migratory waders. For this reason there are a large number of

birds of conservation significance in the locality as shown in Appendix B.

Records from previous studies which included the subject site also indicate that listed

migratory waders have utilised Spring Street, Landing Lights and Eve Street wetlands.

However these habitats have become less suitable or unsuitable due to weed invasion,

the encroachment of mangroves (in the case of Spring Street wetland), planted vegetation

at the perimeters and the presence of M5 motorway (in the case of Eve Street wetland).

Landing Lights wetland offers the most suitable foraging habitat on the subject site for

some species of migratory waders. The gentle slope of the edges and the general

shallowness of the water allow the birds to walk and feed in the sediment.

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The main foraging areas around the mud flats will not be affected by the development.

The removal of mangroves and establishment of low ground cover (i.e. golf course and

‘rough’ areas) is likely to increase the use of saltmarsh by wading birds in the longer term.

The majority of the listed migratory waders breed in the northern hemisphere. The Little

Tern breeds mainly in northern Australia, but breeding does occur in the south, and a

known breeding colony has been established at Botany Bay. Breeding occurs in spring

and summer. This species makes small sand-scrape nests in dunes and above the high

tide mark on beaches. The Great Egret breeds in south-eastern Australia (October to

December). Nests are a platform of sticks in a tree over water. The Sooty Oystercatcher

breeds in spring and summer, almost exclusively on offshore islands, and occasionally on

isolated promontories. The Pied Oystercatcher will nest occasionally in saltmarsh or

grassy areas. Breeding occurs between August and January. The Australasian Bittern

breeds from October to January, using nests built in secluded places in densely-vegetated

wetlands on a platform of reeds. The Black-winged Stilt breeds from August to December.

Nests are made in depressions in mud at the waters edge, on an island or in swamp in

damp vegetation.

The Pied Oystercatcher, Black-winged Stilt, Great Egret and the Australasian Bittern may

have breeding habitat present in the reedlands, saltmarsh and mangroves. These areas

will be impacted to some extent by the proposal, however additional areas of saltmarsh

and reedland are being established under the proposal.

In summary, the proposal is not likely to disrupt the life cycle of a viable local population of

these species such that they would be placed at risk of extinction because:

local populations of these species are likely to be centred on the Towra Point

wetland;

no known breeding habitats are likely to be removed; and

an increase in foraging and potential breeding habitat will be created.

There may be some short term impact on breeding, but in the long-term, breeding habitat

will be extended in the subject site.

Hollow-dependant Forest/Woodland Birds

Glossy Black-cockatoo and Swift Parrot

These species have not been detected on the site. There is no known breeding habitat for

the Glossy Black-cockatoo or the Swift Parrot on the site because there are no known

hollows. The vegetation within the golf course and the wetlands provides potential

foraging habitat for these species.

Potential habitat for the Glossy Black-cockatoo includes Swamp Oak (Casuarina glauca)

surrounding the wetlands. However, the primary food-source for this species is the seeds

of Allocasuarina torulosa, A. verticillata and A. littoralis in drier forests types on low nutrient

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soils. The Swamp Oaks surrounding the wetlands are not likely to provide significant

foraging habitat for this species. While the proposal includes removal of some of these

trees, more individuals will be planted as part of the proposed rehabilitation and

landscaping.

The Swift Parrot breeds only in Tasmania. Potential foraging habitat for the Swift Parrot

includes insects and nectar associated with tree and shrub plantings within the golf

course. While some of this vegetation will be removed, trees and shrubs will be planted

within the new golf course. Consequently, there is not likely to be an overall loss of

foraging habitat for this species.

Therefore the proposal is not likely to disrupt the life cycle of a viable local population of

these species such that they would be placed at risk of extinction because:

no known breeding habitat is likely to be removed; and

potential foraging habitat will be created through rehabilitation of the

foreshore and wetlands edges and planting of trees and shrubs in the

golf course.

Other Forest/Woodland Birds

Black-faced Monarch (Monarcha melanopsis), Superb Fruit-dove (Ptilinopus

superbus) and Regent Honeyeater (Xanthomyza phrygia)

The Black-faced Monarch has been detected within 2km of the subject, but the other

species have not been detected on or near the site. The site is not likely to represent

significant habitat for these species. Potential foraging habitat includes tree and shrub

planting within the golf course and mangroves near the wetlands. While some of this

vegetation will be removed, trees and shrubs will be planted within the new golf course.

Consequently, there is not likely to be an overall loss of foraging habitat for this species.

The Black-faced Monarch is a summer breeding migrant to coastal southeastern NSW. It

builds a nest in the fork of branches. The Supurb Fruit-dove breeds in rainforests. The

Regent Honeyeater breeds in Box-Ironbark and other temperate woodlands and riparian

gully forest dominated by River She-oak. There are two known breeding areas in NSW,

neither of which are in Sydney. There is a possibility that the Black-faced Monarch may

breed at the subject site, however it has not been detected on the site during repeated

surveys.

The proposal is not likely to disrupt the life cycle of a viable local population of these

species such that they would be placed at risk of extinction because:

no local viable populations of these species are present on the site;

no known breeding habitat is likely to be removed; and

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potential foraging habitat will be created through rehabilitation of the foreshore and

wetlands edges and planting of trees and shrubs in the golf course.

b) In the case of an endangered population, whether the action proposed is

likely to have an adverse effect on the life cycle of the species that

constitutes the endangered population such that a viable local population of

the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction,

No endangered populations of flora or fauna are recorded for the site or environs and no

risk to the viability of any such populations is likely.

c) In the case of an endangered ecological community or critically endangered

ecological community, whether the action proposed:

(i) is likely to have an adverse effect on the extent of the ecological

community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of

extinction, or

(ii) is likely to substantially and adversely modify the composition of the

ecological community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at

risk of extinction.

Coastal Saltmarsh in the NSW North Coast Sydney Basin & South East Corner Bioregions

(i) Part of the saltmarsh community at Landing Lights wetland will be removed in the

southern and western sections, however the southern section currently suffers from

mangrove encroachment. New saltmarsh will be established on the eastern side of

Landing Lights wetland and across other parts of the site, and the pristine central area will

not be disturbed. Overall, therefore, this community should benefit from the proposal and

thus the proposal will not place the community at risk of extinction within the locality.

(ii) The saltmarsh community at Landing Lights wetland is currently being degraded by the

encroachment of mangroves. This area will be removed as part of the proposal, and

mangroves are to be managed in other areas to prevent encroachment. Additionally,

some saltmarsh will be established on the eastern side in areas currently grassed. The

saltmarsh will be managed on an ongoing basis to protect the integrity of the saltmarsh

community in the long term. The stormwater management plan will also minimise impacts

on vegetation from runoff and sedimentation. These processes will act to improve the

species composition so that the occurrence of the community on the subject land better

represents this community as it would have occurred prior to disturbance.

Freshwater Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains in the NSW North Coast Sydney Basin &

South East Corner Bioregions

(i) The proposed new golf course layout would entail removing the majority of these

reedlands totalling 14,476 m2. Where possible, however, the reedland community is being

retained within the golf course and some additional planting of reed beds is also planned

for this area.

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(ii) The reeds have managed to grow in highly disturbed conditions and would not be

remnants of the original communities. Rather, the reeds have grown on land-fill and waste

deposits where altered water flows and drainage patterns have led to an ephemeral

retention of fresh water in these areas. During construction of the golf course, the

reedbeds that would be retained would be weeded and exotic vegetation removed, to

increase the ecological value of the remaining reedland community. 19,093m2 of

compensatory wetland habitat will be established on site, of which 5,883m2 will be

reedland. The proposed development and future management of this community is not

considered likely to adversely modify the composition of this community such that its local

occurrence would be placed at risk of extinction.

d) In relation to the habitat of a threatened species, population or ecological

community:

(i) the extent to which habitat is likely to be removed or modified as a result

of the action proposed, and

(ii) whether an area of habitat is likely to become fragmented or isolated

from other areas of habitat as a result of the proposed action, and

(iii) the importance of the habitat to be removed, modified, fragmented or

isolated to the long-term survival of the species, population or ecological

community in the locality.

Green and Golden Bell Frog

(i) The RTA ponds which are used by the GGBF for breeding will remain in place in the

new development and the golf course will be managed according to a GGBF protocol

agreed between professional ecologists and Kogarah Golf Club. The GGBFMP outlines

proposals to maintain current breeding habitat for the frogs and to create additional

breeding, foraging and shelter areas. No net loss of habitat for this species will occur.

Some foraging habitat will be removed during construction of the golf course. However,

this equates to approximately one third of the foraging habitat available to the frogs on the

golf course. It will be closed for a number of months during construction and then re-

opened again. It is not considered to be an extensive area of foraging habitat and the rest

of the golf course will remain open to the frogs to forage across at all times.

Breeding ponds totalling 6,367m2 will be created (the RTA ponds currently provide 420m2)

and these will be designed specifically as breeding habitat for GGBFs. A further 7,516m2

of freshwater ponds will be constructed on the golf course and planted with reeds, sedges

and fringing vegetation to provide primary foraging habitat for GGBFs. Vegetated

corridors will be created across the golf course to encourage dispersal between sites. The

provision of additional foraging ponds throughout the golf course will also help to facilitate

dispersal throughout the site.

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(ii) The existing or potential habitat for this species will be consolidated and expanded by

the creation of vegetated corridors between the wetlands, vegetated buffers surrounding

the waterbodies and additional habitat between the fairways of the new golf course. It is

likely that the expansion of this habitat will result in an expansion of the local population.

Due to the consolidation and expansion of the existing or potential habitat, the proposal is

unlikely to fragment the population.

(iii) Foraging habitat to be temporarily removed on the subject site is likely to constitute

important habitat for the GGBF, however, sufficient foraging habitat occurs throughout the

rest of the golf course to provide ample continued foraging opportunities for the frogs.

Stage 1 of the construction plan includes building an additional breeding pond adjacent to

the RTA ponds which will provide significant additional breeding and shelter habitat for the

species as well as the new breeding ponds located south of the SWSOOS. Therefore the

local population is expected to remain viable on the subject site in the long-term and is

likely to expand into at least some of the new breeding ponds..

Flying Mammals

Grey-headed Flying Fox, Southern Myotis, Eastern Bentwing Bat, Greater Broad-

nosed Bat.

No roosting habitat for these species occurs, however, potential foraging habitat will be

removed by the clearance of some areas of woodland and small areas of wetlands.

However most of the potential habitat on the site would be retained. The proposed

rehabilitation of the wetland edges and planting of trees and shrubs within the golf course

and around the foreshore will provide potential additional foraging habitat on the site. This

would actually increase the amount of potential habitat for these species on the site. This

habitat is not likely to be of significance to these species as they are highly mobile and

forage widely, and therefore no area of habitat will be isolated or fragmented by the

proposal.

Wetland Birds

Great Egret (Ardea alba), Black-faced Monarch (Monarcha melanopsis), Sharp-

tailed Sandpiper (Calidris acuminata), Broad-billed Sandpiper (Limicola

falcinellus), Terek Sandpiper (Xenus cinereus), Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria

interpres), Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos), Great Knot (Calidris

tenuirostris), Sanderling (Calidris alba), Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea),

Lesser Sand Plover (Charadrius mongulus), Greater Sand Plover (Charadrius

leschenaultii), Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa), Little Tern (Sterna albifrons),

Australasian Bittern (Botaurus poiciloptilus), Pied Oystercatcher (Haematopus

longirostris) and Sooty Oystercatcher (Haematopus fulingosis)

Potential habitat for these species will removed; 266 m2 of saltmarsh and 2,171 m2 of

saltmarsh/reedland complex around the edges of the Landing Lights wetland will become

part of the golf course under the proposed development. No known breeding habitat is

provided on the subject site and the available habitat within the site is small relative to that

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provided within the locality (eg Towra Point Nature Reserve). Therefore, it is not likely that

the wetlands on the subject site constitute important habitat for these birds.

The majority of the potential habitat for these species will be retained and integrated within

wetlands in the golf course, although the boundaries of the Landing Lights wetland would

be modified to accommodate the golf course, other areas are being re-planted to

compensate for this.

The existing or potential habitat for all species will be consolidated and expanded by the

creation of vegetated corridors between the wetlands, vegetated buffers surrounding the

waterbodies on and adjacent to the subject site, and additional habitat between the

fairways of the new golf course. Therefore no area of potential habitat will become

isolated or fragmented by the proposal.

Woodland Birds

Glossy Black-cockatoo, Swift Parrot, Superb Fruit-dove and Regent Honeyeater

Small areas of potential foraging habitat for these species will be removed surrounding

Spring Street wetland and the planted trees around the current golf course, however, this

is unlikely to constitute important habitat for these species.

The existing or potential habitat for all species will be consolidated and expanded by the

creation of vegetated corridors between the wetlands, vegetated buffers surrounding the

waterbodies on and adjacent to the subject site, and additional habitat between the

fairways of the new golf course. Therefore no area of potential habitat will become

isolated or fragmented by the proposal.

The proposed planting of trees and shrubs within the golf course and rehabilitation of the

foreshore will provide potential foraging habitat for these species on the site. This will

actually increase the amount of potential habitat for these species on the site.

Ecological Communities

Saltmarsh

(i) A small portion of saltmarsh will be removed as part of this proposal. It is planned that

a large area (similar in size to what is to be retained) of saltmarsh will be established. As

such, a large net gain of saltmarsh is envisaged.

(ii) The bridge crossing will fragment an area of the community, however, the sections

either side of the crossing will remain in close proximity and so this is not likely to have an

effect on the community. No other sections of this community will be fragmented or

become isolated as a result of the proposal. In addition, by creating a large area of

additional saltmarsh, the overall size of fragments will be enhanced.

(iii) The area of saltmarsh to be removed is currently degraded by the encroachment of

mangroves. Pristine areas of saltmarsh are being retained, and additional areas

D.14

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established. As such, the long-term survival of this community in the locality will be

enhanced.

Freshwater wetlands

(i) The proposed new golf course layout would entail removing the majority of the

reedlands which form part of the freshwater wetland community, however this community

is currently infested with a high percentage of weeds. A small portion will be retained, and

additional habitat created as part of the proposal.

(ii) These communities are currently concentrated around the wetlands. The communities

will be incorporated into a continuous habitat corridor from the Marsh Street wetland into

the proposed golf course. It is, therefore, unlikely that an area of known habitat is likely to

become isolated as a result of the proposal. Rehabilitation as part of the development

would increase the connectivity for this community.

(iii) The reedland community (much of which is to be removed) is currently infested by

Phragmites australis and other weeds. Little remains of the original native diversity.

Reedbeds to be retained would be weeded and exotic vegetation removed, to increase the

ecological value of the remaining habitat. As part of the proposal, additional areas will be

created. These will be planted with a greater structural and floristic diversity, which will

increase the conservation value of the community.

e) Whether the action proposed is likely to have an adverse effect on critical

habitat (either directly or indirectly).

No critical habitat for this species has currently been identified by the Director-General of

the National Parks & Wildlife Service.

f) Whether the action proposed is consistent with the objectives or actions of

a recovery plan or threat abatement plan,

A Green and Golden Bell Frog Recovery Plan has been drafted by DECCW (DEC (NSW)

2005b). Whilst foraging habitat for this species will be removed temporarily during

construction, the addition of breeding habitat and management initiatives on the new site

are consistent with the objectives of the Recovery Plan, which include increasing GGBF

habitat at key populations; implementing monitoring programmes and carrying out habitat

management.

There are no such plans that are applicable to the other species or communities.

g) Whether the action proposed constitutes or is part of a key threatening

process or is likely to result in the operation of, or increase the impact of, a

key threatening process.

The clearing of native vegetation is listed as a key threatening process under the TSC Act.

However, the clearance of the degraded habitat on the site would not result in significant

habitat loss and would not significantly affect any threatened species populations or

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communities. This is because important habitat for communities and species would be

retained and additional habitat would be created on the site.

Predation by the European Fox (Vulpes vulpes) is another key threatening process which

could be exacerbated by the development. This species (and the domestic cat) are

promoted by fragmentation and modification of native bushland and are probably already

present on the site. The proposal would consolidate and improve habitats within the study

area for native species and is unlikely to promote further spread of these species.

The proposal is unlikely to exacerbate these key threatening processes on threatened

species.

Amphibians

Green and Golden Bell Frog

Key Threatening Processes listed for the Green and Golden Bell Frog are:

Habitat loss, modification and disturbance;

Fragmentation and isolation of habitat;

Predation by the introduced Plague Minnow or Mosquito Fish (Gambusia

holbrooki);

Reduction in the quality of water bodies through pollution;

Amphibian chytridiomycosis (a fungal disease).

The Management Plan for Green and Golden Bell Frogs on Cooks Cove deals with these

issues in detail. Whilst loss of foraging habitat will be a temporary measure, the creation

of breeding ponds and additional habitat for the frogs across the site will improve and

extend available habitat for GGBFs in the future. Monitoring and habitat management will

also minimise other potential key threatening processes.

Conclusion

The assessments of significance indicate that there would be a significant impact on some

threatened species (migratory waders and Green and Golden Bell Frogs) and EEC

communities in the short-term but that in the long term, these species and communities

will benefit from the development and the long-term environmental management of the

site.

FINAL REPORT

28 JUNE 2010

Appendix E

E.

Assumed Concurrence Conditions of Consent