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Flora and Fauna Assessment 2 Jarvisfield Road, Picton i Flora and Fauna Assessment Lot 4 // DP 873571, 2 Jarvisfield Road, Picton, NSW, 2571 Proposed rezoning Prepared for: Michael Brown Planning Strategies Pty Ltd 11 April 2018

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Page 1: Flora and Fauna Assessment · 2020-06-04 · Flora and Fauna Assessment 2 Jarvisfield Road, Picton iii Glossary and abbreviations ABBR./TERM DESCRIPTION BC Act Biodiversity Conservation

Flora and Fauna Assessment

2 Jarvisfield Road, Picton

i

Flora and Fauna Assessment

Lot 4 // DP 873571, 2 Jarvisfield Road, Picton, NSW, 2571

Proposed rezoning

Prepared for: Michael Brown Planning Strategies Pty Ltd

11 April 2018

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Flora and Fauna Assessment

2 Jarvisfield Road, Picton

ii

This report should be cited as: Ecoplanning (2018). Final Flora and Fauna Assessment – Lot 4

// DP 873571; 2 Jarvisfield Road, Picton, NSW. Prepared for Michael Brown Planning Strategies

Pty Ltd.

ECOPLANNING PTY LTD

74 HUTTON AVE BULLI NSW 2516

M: 0421 603 549

www.ecoplanning.com.au

Disclaimer: This report has been prepared by Ecoplanning Pty Ltd for Michael Brown Planning Strategies Pty Ltd

and may only be used for the purpose agreed between these parties, as described in this report. The opinions,

conclusions and recommendations set out in this report are limited to those set out in the scope of works and agreed

between these parties. Ecoplanning P/L accepts no responsibility or obligation for any third party that may use this

information or for conclusions drawn from this report that are not provided in the scope of works or following changes

occurring subsequent to the date that the report was prepared.

PROJECT NUMBER 2018 - 001

PROJECT NAME Flora and Fauna Assessment

PROJECT ADDRESS Lot 4 // DP 873571, 2 Jarvisfield Road, Picton, NSW

PREPARED FOR Michael Brown Planning Strategies Pty Ltd

AUTHOR/S Thomas Hickman

REVIEW Tammy Paartalu

VERSION

Version Draft/Final Date to client

1.0 Draft 23 March 2018

Final 11 April 2018

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Glossary and abbreviations

ABBR./TERM DESCRIPTION

BC Act Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016

DA Development Application

DNG Derived Native Grassland

DoPE Department of Planning and Environment

DotE Commonwealth Department of the Environment (now DoEE)

CEEC Critically Endangered ecological community

EP&A Act NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979

EPBC Act Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

hectares Hectares

HBT Hollow bearing tree

LGA Local Government Area

mm/cm/m/km millimetres/centimetres/metres/kilometres

MNES Matters of National Environmental Significance

OEH Office of Environment and Heritage

TEC Threatened Ecological Community

TSC Act Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995

VMP Vegetation Management Plan

VRZ Vegetated riparian zone

WLEP Wollondilly Local Environment Plan 2011

WoNS Weed of National Significance

* Denotes exotic species

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Contents Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 1

Purpose of report and legislative context .................................................................... 1

Site description ........................................................................................................... 2

Subject site and study area ................................................................................. 2

Locality ................................................................................................................ 2

Description of the planning proposal .......................................................................... 4

Methods ............................................................................................................................ 5

Literature and database review .................................................................................. 5

Field survey ................................................................................................................ 6

Vegetation communities and flora ....................................................................... 6

Fauna and fauna habitat ..................................................................................... 6

Survey limitations ................................................................................................ 7

Ecological constraints ................................................................................................. 7

Results .............................................................................................................................. 8

Literature and database review .................................................................................. 8

Topography, drainage, soils and biodiversity layer .............................................. 8

Threatened species, populations and migratory species ..................................... 8

State Environmental Planning Policy No.44 (SEPP 44) – Koala Habitat Protection

8

Vegetation and threatened ecological communities ........................................... 11

Field survey .............................................................................................................. 13

Vegetation communities and flora species ........................................................ 13

Shale Plains Woodland (MU10) ....................................................................................... 13

Exotic grassland/infrastructure ........................................................................................ 13

Planted ‘non-indigenous/exotic’ vegetation ...................................................................... 13

Condition thresholds under the EPBC Act ......................................................... 14

Flora species ..................................................................................................... 21

Fauna habitat .................................................................................................... 22

Fauna species ................................................................................................... 25

Corridors .................................................................................................................. 25

Summary of Ecological Values ........................................................................................ 26

Opportunities and constraints ................................................................................... 26

Development constraints ................................................................................... 26

Development opportunities ................................................................................ 26

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Considerations at Development Application stage ............................................. 26

Areas for inclusion as ‘sensitive land’ under the Natural Resources – Biodiversity and

Water Map (WLEP 2011) .................................................................................................... 27

Conclusion ...................................................................................................................... 30

Recommendations ................................................................................................... 30

References ...................................................................................................................... 31

Appendix A: Species likelihood of occurrence ........................................................................ 32

Appendix B: Flora and fauna species inventories ................................................................... 36

Figures Figure 1.1: Study area .............................................................................................................. 1

Figure 1.2: Strahler stream order and associated VRZ for the watercourses in the study area. 2

Figure 1.3: Locality (5 km), showing areas of native vegetation in green (Tozer et al. 2006). ... 3

Figure 3.1: Threatened species records (OEH 2018). ............................................................ 10

Figure 3.2: Regional vegetation mapping of the study area (NPWS 2002). ............................ 12

Figure 3.3: Field validated vegetation and hollow-bearing trees (Ecoplanning 2018). ............. 18

Figure 3.4: Shale Plains Woodland ‘underscrubbed’ in the study area. .................................. 19

Figure 3.5: Shale Plains Woodland ‘scattered trees’ in the study area. ................................... 19

Figure 3.6: Cleared land ‘exotic grassland’ in the study area. ................................................. 20

Figure 3.7: Planted ‘non-indigenous/exotic’ vegetation in the study area. ............................... 20

Figure 3.8: A large hollow in an over-mature E. tereticornis in the west of the study area. ...... 23

Figure 3.9: Underscrubbed vegetation providing potential foraging and roosting habitat for native

fauna. ..................................................................................................................................... 23

Figure 3.10: Dam in the west of the study area....................................................................... 24

Figure 3.11: Planted vegetation providing refugia and foraging habitat for native fauna. ........ 24

Figure 4.1: Ecological constraints in the study area. ............................................................... 28

Figure 4.2: Area proposed for inclusion as ‘sensitive land’ under the Natural Resources –

Biodiversity Map (WLEP 2011). .............................................................................................. 29

Tables Table 1.1: Legislative framework addressed in this report. ....................................................... 1

Table 2.1: Daily weather observation at Camden Airport (17.5 km north-east of the study area).

................................................................................................................................................. 6

Table 2.2: Ranking ecological constraints................................................................................ 7

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Table 3.1: Vegetation community nomenclature ..................................................................... 11

Table 3.2: Condition categories, rationale and thresholds for Cumberland Plain Shale Woodland

and Shale-Gravel Transition Forest. ....................................................................................... 15

Table 3.3: Vegetation types found in the study area showing the condition and area ............. 16

Table 3.4: Priority weeds and Weeds of National Significance (WoNS). ................................. 21

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Introduction

P u r p o s e o f r e p o r t a n d l e g i s l a t i v e c o n t e x t

This flora and fauna assessment has been undertaken for the proposed rezoning of Lot 4 // DP

873571 (2 Jarvisfield Road, Picton, NSW). The purpose of this report is to identify and assess

the flora and fauna within the study area and to identify ecological values and constraints that

may affect rezoning and the future use of the study area for seniors living. This report addresses

the legislative context provided in (Table 1.1).

Table 1.1: Legislative framework addressed in this report.

Instrument Considerations Context

Commonwealth

Environment

Protection and

Biodiversity

Conservation (EPBC)

Act 1999

Matters of National

Environmental

Significance

An action will require approval from the Minister if

the action has, will have, or is likely to have, a

significant impact on a matter of national

environmental significance.

State (New South Wales)

Biodiversity

Conservation Act 2016

Part 4, Divisions 2 and

5

Lists threatened species, populations, ecological

communities and key threatening processes to be

considered under Section 5A EP&A Act.

Biosecurity Act 2015 Priority weeds Describes the state and regional priorities for

weeds in New South Wales.

Environmental

Planning and

Assessment (EP&A)

Act 1979

Section 5A

Assessment of the potential for an action or

activity to have a significant effect on threatened

species, populations or ecological communities,

or their habitats.

Local

Wollondilly

Development Control

Plan (WDCP) 2016

Chapter 9.1 –

Environmental

Protection

To improve and maintain environmental

outcomes for the areas mapped as natural

resources biodiversity and natural resources

water under WLEP 2011, as well as unmapped

areas of biodiversity and/or riparian value.

Maintain habitat and riparian corridors to area

identified as environmentally sensitive land.

This report does not include impact assessment pursuant to section 5A of the NSW

Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) (i.e. Assessment of Significance)

and the associated guidelines (DECC 2007) or the Environment Protection and Biodiversity

Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1 Commonwealth

Department of the Environment (DotE) (2013). However, from data collected, a list of species

likely to require assessment for a Development Application (DA) have been nominated.

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S i t e d e s c r i p t i o n

Subject site and study area

The Threatened species assessment guidelines: the assessment of significance (DECC 2007)

defines the subject site as the area ‘directly impacted upon by the proposal’, and includes all

vegetation proposed to be removed following approval of the subdivision. The study area is

defined as the subject site and all areas that are indirectly impacted upon by the proposal. For

the remainder of this report the subject site is considered synonymous with the study area and

will be referred to as such. The study area is Lot 4 // DP 873571 (2 Jarvisfield Road, Picton,

NSW) (Figure 1.1) and is situated in the Wollondilly Local Government Area (LGA).

The study area comprises approximately 5.5 hectares (ha) of land that is predominantly cleared.

The cleared land has a high proportion of exotic species, due to a history of pasture

improvement, soil disturbance and grazing. The study area contains several stands of remnant

native vegetation in a modified condition, which is dispersed amongst non-indigenous, endemic

and exotic plantings. Where native canopy species are present the midstorey has been

underscrubbed (vegetation in which the midstorey has been cleared, leaving native canopy and

groundcover vegetation) and the groundlayer is heavily modified and mostly consists of exotic

grasses and herbaceous weeds.

The study area contains two farm dams, which are associated with a 1st order watercourses in

the east and west of the site (Figure 1.2). The Vegetated Riparian Zone (VRZ) of the two

watercourses are substantially degraded and have a low cover and abundance of native

vegetation, particularly the watercourse in the east of the study area.

Locality

Unless otherwise stated, the locality is described as the area within 5 kilometres (km) of the

study area (Figure 1.3). The locality predominantly consists of cleared agricultural land, most

of which is zoned RU2 – Rural Landscape under the Wollondilly Local Environmental Plan 2011

(WLEP). Native vegetation in the locality is patchy and is mostly associated with riparian land

along the Nepean River and its tributaries. Fragmented vegetation is found directly to the south

and north of the study area on undulating terrain, which is likely to have impeded cattle access

and, therefore, grazing pressures. The township of Picton is located approximately 2 km to the

south west of the study area.

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Figure 1.1: Study area

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Figure 1.2: Strahler stream order and associated VRZ for the watercourses in the study area.

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Figure 1.3: Locality (5 km), showing areas of native vegetation in green (Tozer et al. 2006).

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D e s c r i p t i o n o f t h e p l a n n i n g p r o p o s a l

The study area is currently zoned RU2 – Rural Landscape (WLEP 2011). The planning

proposal would require the rezoning of the study area to support a proposal for a seniors living

complex. Wollondilly Council has advised that they will consider an application to investigate

the potential for rezoning the study area to support the proposed seniors living. However,

have advised that the Department of Planning and Environment (DoPE) will require studies to

be prepared and submitted with the Planning Proposal before being considered through the

Gateway Process.

The flora and fauna reports will be used as the basis for determining the ecological constraints

(ecological values) in the study area. The ecological constraints will be mapped across the

study area and will highlight areas that are suitable for inclusion under the Natural Resources

– Biodiversity Map and the Natural Resources – Water Map (WLEP 2011). Recommendations

will be made on how to conserve and enhance the biodiversity values in the subject site.

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Methods

L i t e r a t u r e a n d d a t a b a s e r e v i e w

A site specific literature and database review was undertaken prior to undertaking field survey

and the preparation of this report. This included desktop analysis of aerial photography and

regional scale resources from the following sources:

• NSW Planning Viewer (NSW Dept. of Planning and Environment 2018)

• BioNet Atlas of NSW Wildlife (NSW Office of Environment and Heritage 2018)

• Protected Matters Search Tool (Commonwealth Department of Environment and

Energy 2018)

• Native vegetation of the Cumberland Plain (NPWS 2002)

• SIX Maps (LPI 2018)

• Native Vegetation of South East NSW (Tozer et al.2010)

Policies and guidelines relating to the proposal:

• Threatened Species Assessment Guidelines – the Assessment of Significance

(DECC 2007)

• Controlled activities on waterfront land – Guidelines for riparian corridors on

waterfront land (NSW Department of Primary Industries 2012)

Threatened species, populations and migratory species recorded within 5 km of the study area

in a search of the Atlas of NSW Wildlife (OEH 2018) were consolidated and their likelihood of

occurrence was assessed by:

• review of location and date of recent (<5 years) and historical (>5-20 years)

records

• review of available habitat within the study area and surrounding areas

• review of the scientific literature pertaining to each species and population

• applying expert knowledge of each species

The potential for threatened species, populations and/or migratory species to occur was then

considered and the necessity for targeted field surveys was determined. Following field

surveys and review of available habitat within the study area, the potential for species to utilise

the site and to be affected directly or indirectly by the proposal were considered as either:

• “Recent record” = species has been recorded in the study area within the past 5

years

• “High” = species has previously been recorded in the study area (>5 years ago) or

in proximity to (for mobile species), and/or habitat is present that is likely to be

used by a local population

• “Moderate” = suitable habitat for a species is present onsite but no evidence of a

species detected and relatively high number of recent records (5-20 years) in the

locality or species is highly mobile

• “Low” = suitable habitat for a species is present onsite but limited or highly

degraded, no evidence of a species detected and relatively low number of recent

records in the locality

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• “Not present” – suitable habitat for the species is not present onsite or adequate

survey has determined species does not occur in the study area

F i e l d s u r v e y

A field survey was undertaken on 7 March 2018 by Thomas Hickman (Ecologist). The field

survey included a general flora and fauna habitat and vegetation community assessment over

a total of 2.5 person hours. The ecological resilience and recovery potential of the native

vegetation in the study area was considered during the field assessment Weather conditions

on the day were warm, with approximately 2.4 mm of rain recorded on the day of field survey

(Table 2.1).

Table 2.1: Daily weather observation at Camden Airport (17.5 km north-east of the study area).

Date Temp (oC) Rainfall (mm) Max wind

Min Max Direction Speed (km/h)

7/03/18 16.3 25.3 2.4 SE 39

Vegetation communities and flora

The field survey involved traversing the study area, whilst recording native and exotic flora

species, with a focus on identifying viable habitat for threatened flora species. Areas of intact,

resilient vegetation were surveyed more extensively than degraded areas of the site.

Nomenclature follows the Flora of NSW (Harden 1990-2002) and updates provided in

PlantNET (RBGDT 2018).

Field survey was undertaken to validate regional vegetation mapping of NPWS (2002) and

Tozer (et. al 2010) within the study area. Vegetation communities were checked against

described Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs) listed under either the Environment

Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) or the Biodiversity

Conservation Act 2016 (BC Act). Targeted survey for threatened flora species, including

Grevillea parviflora subsp. parviflora (Small-flower Grevillea), Persoonia bargoensis (Bargo

Geebung) and Persicaria elatior (Tall Knotweed).

Fauna and fauna habitat

Opportunistic fauna survey was undertaken for birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals,

which included opportunistic observations along with signs of direct and indirect occupancy

(i.e. scats, owl pellets, fur, bones, tracks, bark scratches, foliage chew marks and chewed

cones of Allocasuarina spp. or Pinus spp. as well as some of the other cultivars known to be

used by native fauna).

Fauna habitat searches were conducted for potential foraging, roosting, breeding or nesting

habitat of nocturnal and diurnal species. This includes inspection for the presence of tree

hollows, stags, bird nests, possum dreys, decorticating bark, rock shelters, rock

outcrops/crevices, mature / old growth trees, food trees (Banksia spp., Allocasuarina spp., and

winter-flowering eucalypts), culverts, dens, dams, riparian areas and refuge habitats of man-

made structures.

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Primary sources of literature accessed for species nomenclature were:

• Birds - Christidis and Boles (2008)

• Mammals - Van Dyck and Strahan (2008)

• Reptiles and amphibians - Cogger (2014)

• Terrestrial invertebrates - Australian Faunal Directory (AG 2015)

Survey limitations

The flora survey aimed to record as many species as possible. However, a definitive list of

the flora within the study area cannot be gathered without systematic traverses and survey

across a number of seasons. Given the poor condition of the vegetation on the site and site

history, this level of survey effort was not deemed necessary for this assessment. Additional

species would be recorded during a longer survey over various seasons. However, the

techniques used in this investigation are considered adequate to gather the data necessary to

validate the vegetation communities and vegetation condition in the study area and assess

the likelihood of occurrence of any threatened flora species.

A full fauna survey following Threatened Species Survey and Assessment Guidelines (OEH

2013) was not undertaken as sufficient detail to determine the likelihood of occurrence of

threatened and migratory species for the purpose of this report was achieved through habitat

assessment during the field survey.

E c o l o g i c a l c o n s t r a i n t s

Ecological values identified through literature review and field survey were ranked according

their likely ecological constraints. Ecological constraints were scored from “no constraints” to

“high constraint” based on their ecological values (refer to Table 2.2).

Table 2.2: Ranking ecological constraints

Level of Ecological

Constraint Description

High • Hollow bearing trees (including a 10 m buffer)

Moderate

• Shale Plains Woodland in an ‘undersrubbed’ and ‘scattered

trees’ condition

• Watercourses and associated buffers for 1st order streams (10 m

VRZ from hydroline)

Low • Planted ‘non-indigenous/exotic’ vegetation

No constraint • Cleared land ‘exotic grassland’

• Infrastructure

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Results

L i t e r a t u r e a n d d a t a b a s e r e v i e w

Topography, drainage, soils and biodiversity layer

The study contains two un-named 1st order tributaries of Racecourse Creek. The

watercourses flow in a north easterly direction through the study area into Antill Park Country

Golf Course. The 1st order tributaries incorporate several large dams, which have been

constructed for agricultural purposes within the study area and the Golf Course. Two large

dams are located in the study area, in the west and east of the site. The study area is mostly

flat, although generally slopes in a north easterly direction.

Regional scale mapping of soil landscape (DECCW 2009) maps the entirety of the study area

within the Monkey Creek (mk) soil landscape group. Soils of the Monkey Creek landscape

consist of alluvial soils comprised of Yellow Sodsols and Solodic Soils. The soil hyrodology is

slowly permeable and poorly drained, as a result of the soils typically consisting of clay loams,

with light clays and medium clays present in the lower soil horizons (B1 and B2).

The study area is not mapped as ‘sensitive land’ on the Natural Resources – Biodiversity Map

or the Natural Resources – Water Map under the WLEP (2011).

Threatened species, populations and migratory species

A search of relevant databases and literature identified a potential 28 threatened or migratory

species in the locality including five threatened flora species and 23 threatened or migratory

fauna species (13 birds, five microbats, one flying-fox, one gastropod and three arboreal

mammals) in the locality (Figure 3.1).

The likelihood of occurrence analysis undertaken prior to field survey reduced the primary list

to eight threatened species which have a ‘moderate’ likelihood to use the study area, and thus

may be impacted by the proposed works. Field survey further reduced this list to the following

six species (see Appendix A):

• Threatened birds

o Artamus cyanopterus cyanopterus (Dusky Woodswallow)

o Hieraaetus morphnoides (Little Eagle)

• Threatened mammals

o Mormopterus norfolkensis (Eastern Freetail-bat)

o Myotis macropus (Southern Myotis)

o Pteropus poliocephalus (Grey-headed Flying-fox)

State Environmental Planning Policy No.44 (SEPP 44) – Koala Habitat Protection

State Environmental Planning Policy applies to land that is listed in Schedule 1 of SEPP 44,

and that has:

(i) Has an area of more than 1 ha, or

(ii) Has, together with any adjoining land in the same ownership, an area of more than

1 ha, whether or not the development application applies to the whole, or only part,

of the land.

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The study area is in Wollondilly LGA which is listed in Schedule 1 of SEPP 44 and is >1 ha,

hence the SEPP 44 applies to the study area.

To determine if a development consent can be granted using SEPP 44, a two-step

assessment is required:

• Step 1: Is the land potential koala habitat (where potential koala habitat means areas of

native vegetation where the trees of the types listed in Schedule 2 constitute at least

15% of the total number of trees in the upper or lower strata of the tree component)?

The study area contains Eucalyptus tereticornis (Forest Red Gum), which is a

listed feed tree under Schedule 2 of SEPP 44. The site also contains Eucalyptus

moluccana (Grey Box) which is not currently listed under the SEPP 44, although

it is one of several Eucalyptus spp. proposed for addition under amendments to

the SEPP. The proportion of E. tereticornis to E. moluccana was not calculated

based on the comparative abundance of the two species onsite. E. moluccana is

the dominant canopy species in the study area. Nevertheless, it is likely that E.

tereticornis constitutes >15% of the canopy trees onsite and therefore the site

constitutes potential Koala habitat.

• Step 2: Is the land core koala habitat (where core koala habitat means an area of land

with a resident population of koalas, evidenced by attributes such as breeding females

(that is, females with young) and recent sightings of and historical records of a

population)?

The most recent record of the Koala was recorded on 31/12/2015, approximately

4.41 km from the study area (OEH 2018). The closest record of the Koala was

made approximately 1.02 km from the study area on 23/08/2015. Ten Koala

observations have been made in the region since the mid 1990’s (OEH 2018).

However, no signs of Koalas were recorded within the study area, such as scratch

marks or scats during field assessment. The study area is unlikely to constitute

core koala habitat, as no evidence of Koalas were recorded during field

assessment and the vegetation in the study area is poorly connected to larger

expanses of bushland.

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Figure 3.1: Threatened species records (OEH 2018).

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Vegetation and threatened ecological communities

Desktop assessment identified one native vegetation community in the study area (NPWS

2002), as provided in Table 3.1 and Figure 3.2. This community is Shale Plains Woodland

(MU10) (NPWS 2002). Shale Plains Woodland is a sub-community of Cumberland Plain

Woodland, which is listed under the BC Act and the EPBC Act as a Critically Endangered

Ecological Community (CEEC).

Table 3.1: Vegetation community nomenclature

Vegetation

communities

(NPWS 2002)

Threatened Ecological Communities

BC

Act

EPBC

Act

Shale Plain Woodland

(MU10)

Cumberland Plain Woodland in the Sydney Basin

Bioregion CE CE

CE = critically endangered

Shale Plains Woodland has been mapped in the western portion of the study area in a low

(TX; TXR) condition. The eastern portion of the study area consists of scattered vegetation

and has not been mapped (NPWS 2002). To the south of the study area are patches of

vegetation that have been mapped as Shale Hills Woodland (MU9) and Moist Shale Woodland

(MU14) (NPWS 2002). Alluvial Woodland (MU11) has been mapped to the north east of the

study area in close proximity to Racecourse Creek. Additional regional vegetation mapping

(Tozer et al. 2006) has not classified the native vegetation communities in the study area.

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Figure 3.2: Regional vegetation mapping of the study area (NPWS 2002).

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F i e l d s u r v e y

Vegetation communities and flora species

Field survey confirmed the regional vegetation mapping of NPWS (2002) to be consistent with

remnant native vegetation in the study area (Figure 3.3 and Table 3.3).

Shale Plains Woodland (MU10)

Several distinct patches of native canopy are present in the study area and are consistent with

Shale Plains Woodland (MU10) (NPWS 2002). The vegetation is dominated by E. moluccana.

E. tereticornis occurs sporadically through the site, most of which are in an early mature –

mature growth form. The Shale Plains Woodland has been mapped under the condition class

‘underscrubbed’ (Figure 3.4) and ‘scattered trees’ (Figure 3.5). The patches of Shale Plains

Woodland are confined to the western and central portions of the study area where E.

moluccana and E. tereticornis are present.

The Shale Plains Woodland has a heavily modified groundlayer, which mostly consists of

exotic grasses and herbaceous weeds, including Cynodon dactylon* (Couch), Cenchrus

clandestinus* (Kikuyu Grass), Chloris gayana* (Rhodes Grass) and Senecio

madagascariensis* (Fireweed). As the vegetation has been subject to underscrubbing,

pasture improvement and ongoing management (i.e. grazing and/or mowing), few native

midstorey species were present onsite.

The cleared areas of the site were assessed for their potential to constitute Derived Native

Grassland (DNG). Field assessment determined that the cleared areas of the site generally

had a low cover and abundance of native grasses and forbs. The grasses and groundcovers

in the study area were heavily grazed making assessments of cover difficult. However, where

present, native groundayer species occurred homogenously throughout the site and were not

concentrated in any defined areas that could be categorised as DNG.

Exotic grassland/infrastructure

The cleared areas of the study area are highly modified and predominantly consist of exotic

grasses and herbaceous weeds, including Bromus sp.*, Cenchrus clandestinus*, Cynodon

dactylon*, Hypochaeris radicata* (Flatweed), Plantago lanceolata* (Plantain) and Sida

rhombifolia* (Paddy’s Lucerne) (Figure 3.6). Native grasses and forbs, such as Aristida

ramosa, Bothriochloa macra (Red-legged Grass), Dichondra repens, Rytidosperma sp. and

Themeda triandra (Kangaroo Grass) occur sporadically through the exotic grassland.

Planted ‘non-indigenous/exotic’ vegetation

This vegetation zone consists of planted non-indigenous and exotic vegetation along the

southern perimeter of the study area and around the residential premises and tennis courts

(Figure 3.7). Planted species that occur commonly in the study area are listed in (Table 3.3).

However, this study did not aim to identify all the horticultural species planted onsite. As such,

the horticultural species listed in Appendix B represents only a portion of the species found

in the study area.

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Condition thresholds under the EPBC Act

Cumberland Plain Shale Woodland and Shale Gravel Transition Forest (Shale Plains Woodland)

The Conservation Advice (including listing advice) for Cumberland Plain Shale Woodlands

and Shale-Gravel Transition Forest (TSSC 2014) provides condition thresholds for when a

patch of the community retains sufficient conservation value to be considered as a Matter of

National Environmental Significance (MNES). This rationale is provided in Table 3.2. Two

condition classes of Cumberland Plain Woodland have been mapped in the study area;

‘underscrubbed’ and ‘scattered trees’. The total area of vegetation in the study area has been

calculated based on the dripline of the Eucalyptus sp. canopy in the study area, which equates

to 0.5 ha of Cumberland Plain Woodland in an ‘underscrubbed’ condition and 0.07 ha in a

‘scattered trees’ condition.

The vegetation surrounding the study area mostly consists of cleared land within the Antill

Park Country Golf Course and surrounding residential lots. As the groundlayer is heavily

disturbed and the cleared land mostly consists of exotic grassland, the spaces between the

scattered trees in surrounding lots and the adjoining golf course significantly alters the overall

functionality of the ecological community. Therefore, impeding the easy movement of wildlife

or dispersal of spores, seeds and other plant propagules (TSSC 2014). Furthermore, the

vegetation in the golf course and lots immediately to the west and south of the study area

appears to be planted vegetation and is unlikely to constitute Cumberland Plain Woodland.

The precautionary principal has been applied to include all Cumberland Plain Woodland in the

study area as the patch, which equates to 0.57 ha, of which 0.5 ha is in an ‘underscrubbed’

condition and 0.07 ha is in a ‘scattered trees’ condition, It is likely that the vegetation to the

north of the dam in the west of the study area also forms part of the patch and therefore, the

overall patch size is larger than the 0.57 ha within the study area.

The groundlayer is marginally comprised of >30% native species, as the vegetation has been

subject to ongoing disturbances. The patch is not contiguous with a native vegetation remnant

>5 ha in area. However, the patch does have at least one tree with hollows per hectare and

therefore meets the requirements of Category D: As such the Cumberland Plain Woodland in

the study area is a MNES and will require impact assessment under the EPBC Act Significant

Impact Guidelines.

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Table 3.2: Condition categories, rationale and thresholds for Cumberland Plain Shale Woodland and Shale-Gravel Transition Forest.

Category and Rationale Thresholds

A. Core thresholds that

apply under most

circumstances: patches with

an understorey dominated

by natives and a minimum

size that is functional and

consistent with the minimum

unit size applied in NSW.

Patch size >0.5ha

And

>50% of the perennial understorey vegetation cover is made up of

native species.

B. Larger patch sizes that

are inherently valuable due

to their rarity.

Patch size >5ha And

>30% of the perennial understorey vegetation cover is made up of

native species.

C. Patches with connectivity

to other large native

vegetation remnants in the

landscape.

Patch size >0.5ha And

>30% of the perennial understorey vegetation cover is made up of

native species. And

The patch is contiguous with a native vegetation remnant (any

native vegetation where cover in each layer present is dominated

by native species) >5ha in area.

D. Patches that have large

mature trees or trees with

hollows (habitat) that are

very scarce on the

Cumberland Plain.

Patch size >0.5ha And

>30% of the perennial understorey vegetation cover is made up of

native species. And

The patch has at least one tree with hollows per hectare or at least

one large locally indigenous tree (>80 cm dbh) per hectare.

A patch is defined as a discrete and continuous area that comprises the ecological community, outlined in the

Description. Patches should be assessed at a scale of 0.04 ha or equivalent (e.g. 20m x 20m plot). The

number of plots (or quadrats or survey transects) per patch must take into consideration the size, shape and

condition across the site. Permanent man-made structures, such as roads and buildings, are typically

excluded from a patch but a patch may include small-scale disturbances, such as tracks or breaks or other

small-scale variations in native vegetation that do not significantly alter the overall functionality of the

ecological community, for instance the easy movement of wildlife or dispersal of spores, seeds and other plant

propagules.

Perennial understorey vegetation cover includes vascular plant species of both the ground layer and

mid/shrub layer (where present) with a lifecycle of more than two growing seasons. Measurements of

perennial understorey vegetation cover exclude annuals, cryptogams, leaf litter or exposed soil.

Contiguous means the patch of the ecological community is continuous with, or in proximity (within 100 m) to

another area of vegetation that is dominated by native species in each vegetation layer present.

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Table 3.3: Vegetation types found in the study area showing the condition and area

Vegetation type Vegetation zone

(condition class)

BC

Act

EPBC Act

(Condition

category)

Description Area (ha)

Shale Plains Woodland

Underscrubbed

Y Y

Underscrubbed vegetation consisting of E. moluccana and

E. tereticornis. The zone contains no native midstorey

species. The groundlayer has a low cover of native grasses

and forbs, and mostly consisted of exotic grasses and

herbaceous weeds, including Cynodon dactylon*, Cenchrus

clandestinus*, Chloris gayana* and Senecio

madagascariensis*.

0.5

Scattered trees

Scattered E. moluccana and E. tereticornis in a similar

condition to the ‘underscrubbed’ Shale Plains Woodland,

although defined by scattered trees surrounded by large

expanses of exotic grassland. Vegetation in this condition

class is mostly situated along the southern perimeter of the

study area.

0.07

Total Shale Plains Woodland 0.57

Other vegetation Exotic grassland/infrastructure - -

Exotic grassland dominated by herbaceous weeds and

exotic grasses including, Cenchrus clandestinus*, Solanum

pseudocapsicum*, Taraxacum officinale*, Sida rhombifolia*

and Cynodon dactylon*. The residential dwelling and

associated infrastructure, including a tennis court, driveway

and pathways are also include under this vegetation zone.

4.3

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Vegetation type Vegetation zone

(condition class)

BC

Act

EPBC Act

(Condition

category)

Description Area (ha)

Planted ‘non-indigenous/exotic’

Planted non-indigenous and exotic vegetation along the

southern perimeter of the study area and around the

residential premises and tennis courts. Planted species in

the study area included Eucalyptus microcorys

(Tallowwood), Callistemon viminalis (Weeping Bottlebrush),

Callistemon citrinus and Westringia fruticosa (Coastal

Rosemary).

0.29

Dams Two large farm dams situated in the east and west of the

study area. 0.39

Total other vegetation 4.98

Total vegetation 5.55

Total area of vegetation subject to rounding

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Figure 3.3: Field validated vegetation and hollow-bearing trees (Ecoplanning 2018).

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Figure 3.4: Shale Plains Woodland ‘underscrubbed’ in the study area.

Figure 3.5: Shale Plains Woodland ‘scattered trees’ in the study area.

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Figure 3.6: Cleared land ‘exotic grassland’ in the study area.

Figure 3.7: Planted ‘non-indigenous/exotic’ vegetation in the study area.

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Flora species

A total of 66 flora species were identified in the study area during the field survey, of which 27

were native and 39 were exotic (Appendix B). The native species also included several

planted non-indigenous species to the Wollondilly LGA, such as E. microcorys. Four weeds

listed under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 in accordance with the Wollondilly LGA were

recorded in the study area, three of which are recognised as Weeds of National Significance

(WoNS) (Table 3.4)

Table 3.4: Priority weeds and Weeds of National Significance (WoNS).

Common

name Scientific name WoNS Duty

Bridal

Creeper

Asparagus asparagoides Y Prohibition on dealings

Must not be imported into the

State or sold

*this requirement also applies to

the Western Cape form of bridal

creeper

African

Olive

Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata N Regional Recommended

Measure

An exclusion zone is established

for all lands in Blue Mountains City

Council and Central Coast local

government areas. The remainder

of the region is classified as the

core infestation area.

Whole region: The plant or parts of

the plant are not traded, carried,

grown or released into the

environment. Exclusion zone: The

plant is eradicated from the land

and the land kept free of the plant.

Core infestation area: Land

managers prevent spread from

their land where feasible.

Willows Salix sp. Y Prohibition on dealings

Must not be imported into the

State or sold Fireweed Senecio madagascariensis Y

No threatened flora species listed under the BC or EPBC Acts were recorded in the study

area. All six of the threatened flora species recorded in the locality (5 km) were assessed as

‘not present’ in the study area based on the degraded condition of the vegetation and sufficient

survey that was conducted for these species.

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Fauna habitat

The study area contains habitat components that may provide refuge for a small range of

native fauna:

• Hollow bearing trees (Figure 3.8)

• Underscrubbed woodland (Figure 3.9)

• Scattered trees

• Dams (Figure 3.10)

• Planted vegetation (Figure 3.11)

• Open pasture

The study area was found to contain six hollow bearing trees (HBTs), which were located in

the overmature E. moluccana and E. tereticornis in the western portion of the study area

(Figure 3.3). Shale Plains Woodland was mapped over approximately 0.57 ha in the condition

classes ‘underscrubbed’ (0.5 ha) and ‘scattered trees’ (0.07 ha). The Shale Plains Woodland

may provide potential foraging, roosting, breeding and nesting resources for species that rely

on large areas for food resources, particularly microbats and the Grey-headed Flying-fox. The

remaining 4.98 ha (approximately 90%) of the study area consists of exotic

grassland/infrastructure (4.3 ha), planted ‘non-indigenous/exotic’ vegetation (0.29 ha) and

dams (0.39 ha).

The two dams in the study area were found to contain a reasonable diversity of waterfowl

species, including Anas gracilis (Grey Teale), Anas superciliosa (Pacific Black Duck),

Chenonetta jubata (Australian Wood Duck), Elseyornis melanops (Black-fronted Dotterel)

and Poliocephalus poliocephalus (Hoary-headed Grebe). The dams are mostly devoid of

fringing macrophyte vegetation. No frog activity was recorded in the study area, or in close

proximity to the dams during field survey. Nevertheless, it is possible that common frog

species utilise the aquatic habitat found onsite. Furthermore, the dams may be utilised by

microbats as watering habitat.

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Figure 3.8: A large hollow in an over-mature E. tereticornis in the west of the study area.

Figure 3.9: Underscrubbed vegetation providing potential foraging and roosting habitat for native fauna.

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Figure 3.10: Dam in the west of the study area.

Figure 3.11: Planted vegetation providing refugia and foraging habitat for native fauna.

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Fauna species

The field survey undertaken for this report recorded a total of 19 fauna species, all of which

were birds. Eighteen of the 19 species recorded onsite were native, with exception for

Sturnus tristis* (Common Myna*) (Appendix B). No threatened fauna was recorded during

the field survey.

C o r r i d o r s

The vegetation in the study area is highly fragmented and poorly connected with native

vegetation in the locality (Figure 1.3). The vegetation in the surrounding lots and Antill Park

Country Golf Course to the north of the study area contains minimal native vegetation and

mostly consists of cleared land or planted vegetation. Improvements to the vegetation in the

study area will not result in a viable increase in fauna habitat corridors, unless substantial

efforts were made to improve the cover and density of native vegetation in the Golf Course

to the north and R5 – Large Lot Residential land to the north east of the study area. At best,

this may result in a habitat corridor between the vegetation along Racecourse Creek and the

study area. However, the location of the Old Hume Highway prevents the establishment of a

viable habitat corridor any further south of the study area.

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Summary of Ecological Values

O p p o r t u n i t i e s a n d c o n s t r a i n t s

Development constraints

Ecological constraints were identified in the study area (Figure 4.1) and ranked in accordance

with Table 2.2. Areas of high ecological constraints were limited to HBTs and a 10 m radius

surrounding each tree. The Shale Plains Woodland in an ‘underscrubbed’ and ‘scattered

trees’ condition had no established native midstorey species and a heavily modified

groundlayer. As such, the Shale Plains Woodland was assessed as a moderate ecological

constraint. However, the Shale Plains Woodland in an ‘underscrubbed’ and ‘scattered trees’

condition in the east of the study area is of lesser conservation importance, as it is fragmented,

contains trees of a younger growth and is otherwise surrounded by exotic grassland. As such,

these areas have been excluded from the areas proposed for inclusion as ‘sensitive land’

under the Natural Resources – Biodiversity Map (WLEP 2011) (Figure 4.2).

The two 1st order watercourse and a 10 m VRZ was also assessed as a moderate ecological

constraint, which incorporates a portion of the each of the dams situated along the drainage

lines. It is requirement that VRZ width is measured from the top of the highest bank for both

sides of the watercourse (DPI 2012). However, as this data was not available, VRZ was

determined from the hydroline for both sides of the watercourse.

Development opportunities

A substantial portion of the study area contains potential opportunities for development,

specifically areas identified as ‘low’ and ‘no’ ecological constraints, which consists of exotic

grassland/infrastructure and planted ‘non-indigenous/exotic’ vegetation (Figure 4.1); covering

approximately 82.7% of the study area. The remainder of the study area consists of Shale

Plains Woodland in an ‘underscrubbed’ and ‘scattered trees’ condition and the two farm dams.

The native vegetation has been assessed a ‘moderate’ constraint and is less suitable for

development.

Considerations at Development Application stage

As this is a rezoning proposal a layout has not been generated for the study area. Should

impacts to the Shale Plains Woodland (Cumberland Plain Woodland) be likely at the DA stage,

then offsets to account for vegetation loss may be necessary. The provision of offsets would

need to be consistent with the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) ‘Principles for the

use of biodiversity offsets’ and any other relevant offset methodologies such as the

Biodiversity Assessment Methodology (BAM 2017).

A list of threatened species that have been assessed to have a ‘moderate’ likelihood of

occurring in the study area has been determined (see Section 3.1.2 and Section 4.2). Once

a development footprint has been finalised, these species should be subject to impact

assessment in accordance with the Significant Impact Guidelines (DotE 2013) and s5A of the

EP&A Act. One species listed under the Commonwealth EPBC Act has been assessed as

having a ‘moderate’ likelihood of occurring in the study area. This species is Pteropus

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poliocephalus (Grey-headed Flying-fox). An assessment against the relevant components of

the Significant Impact Guidelines (DotE 2013) criteria should be undertaken if the proposed

development is likely to impact on the aforementioned species.

Three threatened species listed under the BC Act have been assessed as having a ‘moderate’

likelihood of occurring in the study area, including:

• Artamus cyanopterus cyanopterus (Dusky Woodswallow)

• Hieraaetus morphnoides (Little Eagle)

• Pteropus poliocephalus (Grey-headed Flying-fox)

An impact assessment in accordance with s5A EP&A Act (i.e. 7-part test) and the associated

guidelines (DECC 2007) should be undertaken if the proposed development is likely to impact

on these species or their habitat.

A r e a s f o r i n c l u s i o n a s ‘ s e n s i t i v e l a n d ’ u n d e r t h e N a t u r a l R e s o u r c e s – B i o d i v e r s i t y a n d W a t e r M a p ( W L E P 2 0 1 1 )

The patch of Shale Plains Woodland in an ‘underscrubbed’ condition in the west of the study

area should be rezoned as E3 – Environmental Management and included as ‘sensitive land’

under the Natural Resources – Biodiversity Map (WLEP 2011) (Figure 4.1). This area would

incorporate five of the six HBTs in the study area, the dam and a reasonable portion of the 1st

order watercourse and its VRZ. The remainder of the Shale Plains Woodland in the study

area consists of scattered vegetation, otherwise surrounded by exotic grassland. There was

little benefit seen in incorporating these areas as ‘sensitive land’ under the Natural Resources

– Biodiversity Map (WLEP 2011). Similarly, the 1st order watercourse in the east of the study

has not been recommended for inclusion as ‘sensitive land’ under the Natural Resources –

Water Map (WLEP 2011).

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Figure 4.1: Ecological constraints in the study area.

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Figure 4.2: Area proposed for inclusion as ‘sensitive land’ under the Natural Resources – Biodiversity Map (WLEP 2011).

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Conclusion

R e c o m m e n d a t i o n s

It is recommended that impacts are avoided in areas of high constraint and moderate

constraint, where possible. HBTs (including a 10 m radius around each tree) were mapped

as areas of high ecological constraint. Areas of moderate ecological constraint were confined

to Shale Plains Woodland in an ‘underscrubbed’ and ‘scattered trees’ condition, as well as the

two 1st order watercourses and their associated VRZs. The VRZ for the two 1st order

watercourse was calculated from hydroline, as top of bank mapping was not available for this

assessment.

It is recommended that the area proposed to be included as ‘sensitive land’ under the Natural

Resources – Biodiversity Map (WLEP 2011) is restored in accordance with a Vegetation

Management Plan (VMP). The VMP should detail the methodology for restoring the riparian

corridor and Shale Plains Woodland. This will be achieved through revegetation, as opposed

to assisted natural regeneration, due to the low resilience, therefore recovery potential of the

vegetation. With exception for the large mature – overmature canopy species, the vegetation

is heavily modified, contains no native midstorey and has a groundlayer dominated by

Cenchrus clandestinus*. The VMP should outline appropriate methods for the eradication of

exotic species in study area and appropriate species to reconstruct the vegetation community

Shale Plains Woodland (MU10).

In summary, field and desktop survey have identified some high and moderate ecological

values in the study area, including Cumberland Plain Woodland CEEC, HBTs and riparian

corridors, which future development should be sympathetic towards. However, it is noted that

the study area mostly consists of other vegetation, including exotic grassland/infrastructure

(4.3 ha), planted ‘non-indigenous/exotic’ vegetation (0.29 ha), which comprise 4.59 ha, or

approximately 82.7% of the study area and have low ecological value. Therefore, rezoning of

areas of low and no ecological constraint for future development could be considered although

mitigation measures would need to be identified at the DA stage to ensure areas of moderate

and high constraint are not indirectly impacted by the proposed development.

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http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedspecies/surveyassessmentgdlns.htm

PlantNET (RBGDT, 2018). NSW Flora Online. Accessed at: http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/

Threatened Species Scientific Committee (TSSC) (2014). Approved Conservation Advice

(including listing advice) for Cumberland Plain Shale Woodlands and Shale-Gravel Transition

Forest.

Tozer, M.G., Turner, K., Keith, D.A., Tindall, D., Pennay, C., Simpson, C., MacKenzie, B.,

Beukers, P. and Cox, S. (2010). Native vegetation of southeast NSW: a revised classification

and map for the coast and eastern tablelands. Cunninghamia 11(3): 359–406 [plus

Appendices]

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Appendix A: Species likelihood of occurrence

The potential for each threatened species, population and/or migratory species to occur was

then considered and the necessity for targeted field surveys was determined. Following field

surveys and review of available habitat within the study area, the potential for species to utilise

the site and be affected directly or indirectly by the proposal were considered as either:

• “Recent record” = species has been recorded in the study area within the past 5

years

• “High” = species has previously been recorded in the study area (>5 years ago) or

in close proximity (for mobile species), and/or habitat is present that is likely to

utilised by a local population

• “Moderate” = suitable habitat for a species is present onsite but no evidence of a

species detected and relatively high number of recent records (5-20 years) in the

locality or species is highly mobile

• “Low” = suitable habitat for a species is present onsite but limited or highly degraded,

no evidence of a species detected and relatively low number of recent records in

the locality

• “Not present” – suitable habitat for the species is not present onsite or adequate

survey has determined species does not occur in the study area

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Scientific Name

Common Name Legal Status

Number of

records

Closest record and

date

Most recent and

proximity

Likelihood of occurrence

Prior to field

assessment

Post field

assessment

KINGDOM: Animalia; CLASS: Aves

Anthochaera phrygia

Regent Honeyeater

BC Act: E4A

EPBC Act: CE 3

2.69km

(29/10/1996)

30/10/1996

(2.75km) Low Low

Artamus cyanopterus cyanopterus

Dusky Woodswallow BC Act: V 1

1.5km

(31/12/1995)

31/12/1995

(1.5km) Moderate Moderate

Callocephalon fimbriatum

Gang-gang Cockatoo BC Act: V 4

1.5km

(31/12/1995)

1/10/2009

(3.15km) Low Low

Calyptorhynchus lathami

Glossy Black-Cockatoo BC Act: V 4

2.96km

(22/12/2008)

22/12/2008

(2.96km) Low Low

Climacteris picumnus victoriae

Brown Treecreeper (eastern subsp.) BC Act: V 1

1.22km

(8/07/2010)

8/07/2010

(1.22km) Low Low

Daphoenositta chrysoptera

Varied Sittella BC Act: V 1

4.02km

(29/06/2006)

29/06/2006

(4.02km) Low Low

Hieraaetus morphnoides

Little Eagle BC Act: V 2

1.5km

(31/12/1995)

30/07/2013

(4.54km) Moderate Moderate

Hirundapus caudacutus

White-throated Needletail EPBC Act: C,J,K 1

2.69km

(1/12/1996)

1/12/1996

(2.69km) Low Low

Lathamus discolor

Swift Parrot

BC Act: E1

EPBC Act: CE 1

4.6km

(1/06/2006)

1/06/2006

(4.6km) Low Low

Lophoictinia isura

Square-tailed Kite BC Act: V 1

4.61km

(20/04/2010)

20/04/2010

(4.61km) Low Low

Melanodryas cucullata cucullata

Hooded Robin (south-eastern form) BC Act: V 2

1.83km

(15/02/1992)

29/11/2012

(4.78km) Low Low

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Scientific Name

Common Name Legal Status

Number of

records

Closest record and

date

Most recent and

proximity

Likelihood of occurrence

Prior to field

assessment

Post field

assessment

Petroica boodang

Scarlet Robin BC Act: V 4

1.5km

(31/12/1995)

14/11/2014

(4.5km) Moderate Low

Stagonopleura guttata

Diamond Firetail BC Act: V 1

1.83km

(22/09/1990)

22/09/1990

(1.83km) Low Low

KINGDOM: Animalia; CLASS: Gastropoda

Meridolum corneovirens

Cumberland Plain Land Snail BC Act: E1 11

1.23km

(19/02/2013)

11/05/2016

(3.9km) Moderate Not present

KINGDOM: Animalia; CLASS: Mammalia

Chalinolobus dwyeri

Large-eared Pied Bat

BC Act: V

EPBC Act: V 3

1.39km

(19/02/2013)

30/07/2013

(4.43km) Low Low

Miniopterus australis

Little Bentwing-bat BC Act: V 1

1.38km

(19/02/2013)

19/02/2013

(1.38km) Low Low

Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis

Eastern Bentwing-bat BC Act: V 1

4km

(1/10/2009)

1/10/2009

(4km) Low Low

Mormopterus norfolkensis

Eastern Freetail-bat BC Act: V 1

1.38km

(19/02/2013)

19/02/2013

(1.38km) Moderate Moderate

Myotis macropus

Southern Myotis BC Act: V 1

1.38km

(19/02/2013)

19/02/2013

(1.38km) Moderate Moderate

Petaurus australis

Yellow-bellied Glider BC Act: V 1

4.72km

(1/10/2009)

1/10/2009

(4.72km) Low Low

Petaurus norfolcensis

Squirrel Glider BC Act: V 1

4.23km

(7/04/2017)

7/04/2017

(4.23km) Low Low

Phascolarctos cinereus

Koala

BC Act: V

EPBC Act: V 10

1.02km

(23/08/1995)

31/12/2015

(4.41km) Moderate Low

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Scientific Name

Common Name Legal Status

Number of

records

Closest record and

date

Most recent and

proximity

Likelihood of occurrence

Prior to field

assessment

Post field

assessment

Pteropus poliocephalus

Grey-headed Flying-fox

BC Act: V

EPBC Act: V 1

3.44km

(14/06/2017)

14/06/2017

(3.44km) Moderate Moderate

KINGDOM: Plantae

Cynanchum elegans

White-flowered Wax Plant

BC Act: E1

EPBC Act: E 7

2.55km

(19/02/1999)

1/05/2017

(4.79km) Low Not present

Eucalyptus macarthurii

Paddys River Box, Camden Woollybutt

BC Act: E1

EPBC Act: E 1

1.5km

(31/12/1995)

31/12/1995

(1.5km) Low Not present

Grevillea parviflora subsp. parviflora

Small-flower Grevillea

BC Act: V

EPBC Act: V 5

3.64km

(18/10/1997)

19/05/2006

(4.23km) Low Not present

Persicaria elatior

Tall Knotweed

BC Act: V

EPBC Act: V 1

1.83km

(23/04/1949)

23/04/1949

(1.83km) Low Not present

Persoonia bargoensis

Bargo Geebung

BC Act: E1

EPBC Act: V 6

1.83km

(10/08/1894)

8/12/2005

(4.61km) Low Not present

Unless other stated, text is taken from the OEH Threatened Species (http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedspecies/); Legal Status codes from the Atlas of NSW Wildlife: V

= Vulnerable, E1 = Endangered, E2 = Endangered Population, E4A = Critically Endangered, C = China and Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA), J = Japan and Australia

Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA); BC Act = Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, EPBC Act = Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

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Appendix B: Flora and fauna species inventories

Flora

Family Scientific Name Common name Native/Exotic Form

Alliaceae Agapanthus praecox African Lily Exotic F

Amaranthaceae Alternanthera denticulata Lesser Joyweed Native F

Anacardiaceae Schinus areira Pepper Tree Exotic T

Apocynaceae Araujia sericifera Moth Vine Exotic L

Apocynaceae Gomphocarpus fruticosus Narrow-leaved Cotton Bush Exotic F

Asparagaceae Asparagus asparagoides Bridal Creeper Exotic L

Asteraceae Aster novi-belgii Michaelmas Daisy Exotic F

Asteraceae Bidens pilosa Cobblers Pegs Exotic F

Asteraceae Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle Exotic F

Asteraceae Conyza sp. Exotic F

Asteraceae Hypochaeris radicata Flatweed Exotic F

Asteraceae Senecio madagascariensis Fireweed Exotic F

Asteraceae Sonchus oleraceus Common Sowthistle Exotic F

Asteraceae Taraxacum officinale Dandelion Exotic F

Caprifoliaceae Lonicera japonica Japanese Honeysuckle Exotic L

Caryophyllaceae Paronychia brasiliana Chilean Whitlow Exotic F

Casuarinaceae Casuarina glauca Swamp Oak Native# S/T

Chenopodiaceae Chenopodium album Fat Hen Exotic F

Chenopodiaceae Einadia trigonos Fishweed Native F

Commelinaceae Commelina cyanea Native F

Convolvulaceae Dichondra repens Kidney Weed Native F

Cyperaceae Carex inversa Native V

Euphorbiaceae Triadica sebifera Chinese Tallowood Exotic S/T

Hypericaceae Hypericum gramineum Small St. John's Wort Native F

Iridaceae Dietes sp. Exotic F

Juncaceae Juncus usitatus Native R

Lamiaceae Westringia fruticosa Coastal Rosemary Native# S

Lomandraceae Lomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rush Native# R

Malvaceae Modiola caroliniana Red-flowered Mallow Exotic F

Malvaceae Sida rhombifolia Paddy's Lucerne Exotic F

Myrtaceae Callistemon citrinus Native# S

Myrtaceae Callistemon viminalis Weeping Bottlebrush Native# S

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus grandis Flooded Gum Native# T

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus microcorys Tallowwood Native# T

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus moluccana Grey Box Native T

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus sideroxylon Mugga Ironbark Native# T

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus tereticornis Forest Red Gum Native T

Oleaceae Ligustrum lucidum Large-leaved Privet Exotic S/T

Oleaceae Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata African Olive Exotic S

Onagraceae Epilobium sp. Native F

Phormiaceae Dianella caerulea subsp. caerulea Blue Flax-lily Native# F

Plantaginaceae Plantago lanceolata Lamb's Tongue Exotic F

Poaceae Aristida ramosa Purple Wiregrass Native G

Poaceae Avena sp. Exotic G

Poaceae Axonopus fissifolius Narrow-leafed Carpet Grass Exotic G

Poaceae Bothriochloa macra Red-leg Grass Native G

Poaceae Bromus sp. Exotic G

Poaceae Cenchrus clandestinus Kikuyu Grass Exotic G

Poaceae Chloris gayana Rhodes Grass Exotic G

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Family Scientific Name Common name Native/Exotic Form

Poaceae Cynodon dactylon Couch Exotic G

Poaceae Eleusine indica Crowsfoot Grass Exotic G

Poaceae Eragrostis curvula African Lovegrass Exotic G

Poaceae Lachnagrostis filiformis Native G

Poaceae Microlaena stipoides Weeping Grass Native G

Poaceae Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum Exotic G

Poaceae Rytidosperma sp. Native G

Poaceae Sporobolus elongatus Slender Rat's Tail Grass Native G

Poaceae Themeda triandra Kangaroo Grass Native G

Polygonaceae Persicaria sp. Native F

Portulacaceae Portulaca oleracea Pigweed Exotic F

Primulaceae Lysimachia arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel Exotic F

Rosaceae Cotoneaster sp. Exotic S

Salicaceae Salix sp. Exotic S/T

Solanaceae Datura sp. Exotic F

Solanaceae Solanum nigrum Black-berry Knightshade Exotic F

Verbenaceae Verbena bonariensis Purpletop Exotic F

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Fauna

Class Family Scientific name Common name Native/ Exotic

Ecoplanning (07/03/18)

Aves Anatidae Anas gracilis Grey Teal Native O

Aves Anatidae Anas superciliosa Pacific Black Duck Native O

Aves Anatidae Chenonetta jubata Australian Wood Duck Native OW

Aves Artamidae Cracticus tibicen Australian Magpie Native OW

Aves Artamidae Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird Native W

Aves Charadriidae Elseyornis melanops Black-fronted Dotterel Native OW

Aves Charadriidae Vanellus miles Masked Lapwing Native OW

Aves Columbidae Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon Native OW

Aves Corvidae Corvus coronoides Australian Raven Native OW

Aves Meliphagidae Manorina melanocephala Noisy Miner Native OW

Aves Meliphagidae Philemon corniculatus Noisy Friarbird Native W

Aves Monarchidae Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark Native OW

Aves Pardalotidae Pardalotus punctatus Spotted Pardalote Native W

Aves Podicipedidae Poliocephalus Hoary-headed Grebe Native O

Aves Psittacidae Platycercus eximius Eastern Rosella Native OW

Aves Psittacidae Psephotus haematonotus Red-rumped Parrot Native W

Aves Rallidae Gallinula tenebrosa Dusky Moorhen Native O

Aves Rhipiduridae Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail Native W

Aves Sturnidae Sturnus tristis* Common Myna* Exotic OW

O = Observed; W = Heard; OW = Observed and heard