FLORA AND FAUNA - City of Ryde · 2017-04-05 · The flora and fauna assessment report draws upon, and incorporates, the findings obtained when preparing the constraints analysis

FLORA AND FAUNA assessment report

137-143 Herring Road, Macquarie Park, NSW February 2017

Cover photographs:

Left: Character of the vegetation present within the south-western portion of the site (adjacent

to Epping Road). Photograph taken looking south through property. Right: Character of vegetation present within adjacent property (left of photograph) and within

site itself. Photograph taken looking south-west through property.

Report produced at the request of:

Touchstone Partners Pty Ltd

for

China Overseas Sydney Pty Ltd

by

Lesryk Environmental Pty Ltd PO Box 3001

Bundeena NSW 2230 Telephone: (02) 9523 2016

Mobile: 0408 25 8129 Email: [email protected]

www.lesryk.com.au

Document Control File location: P:\Projects June 2015 onwards\Touchstone\Assessment Report\Ecological Assessment Report, Herring Road - Lesryk 150217.pdf

Version Authors Reviewers Approved For Issue

1 Deryk Engel (Director), Stephen Bloomfield (Senior Ecologist), Kirsty Bloomfield (research assistant)

Deryk Engel, Stephen Bloomfield, Kirsty Bloomfield

Deryk Engel 19/01/2017

2 Deryk Engel, Stephen Bloomfield, Kirsty Bloomfield

Stephen Bloomfield Stephen Bloomfield 25/01/2017

Final Deryk Engel, Stephen Bloomfield, Kirsty Bloomfield

Deryk Engel, Stephen Bloomfield Deryk Engel 15/02/2017

Disclaimer This document has been prepared in accordance with the information provided by Touchstone Partners Pty Ltd (‘the client’). This investigation has relied upon information collected during the course of limited field investigations, and as available in current known literature and data sources. All findings, conclusions or recommendations contained within this document are based upon the abovementioned circumstances. The study has been prepared for use by the client, and no responsibility for its use by other parties is accepted by Lesryk Environmental Pty Ltd. Given the dynamic nature of the relevant pieces of environmental legislation considered in this report, the authors consider that this report only has a ‘shelf life’ of six months. If a development application, review of environmental factors or statement of environmental effect is not submitted to a determining authority for consideration within this time frame, it is recommended that this report be reviewed and revised where required in light of any relevant legislative listings or changes. This report is prepared in accordance with both the 6th Edition of the Commonwealth of Australia (2002) Style Manual.

http://www.lesryk.com.au/

Lesryk Environmental Pty Ltd 15/02/17 1

CONTENTS 1. Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 3

2. Legislative requirements ................................................................................................................ 5

3. Environmental setting ..................................................................................................................... 5

4. Literature review and field guides ................................................................................................... 7

5. Results of the literature review ....................................................................................................... 8

5.1. Threatened flora species ....................................................................................................... 8

5.2. Vegetation mapping ............................................................................................................... 8

5.3. Fauna ..................................................................................................................................... 8

6. Field survey methods ..................................................................................................................... 9

7. Flora results .................................................................................................................................. 12

7.1. Flora species recorded ........................................................................................................ 12 7.1.1. Threatened species..................................................................................................... 12 7.1.2. Noxious weeds ............................................................................................................ 13

7.2. Vegetation communities present ......................................................................................... 13

8. Fauna results ................................................................................................................................ 15

8.1. Fauna species recorded during the field investigations ...................................................... 15

8.2. Fauna habitats present ........................................................................................................ 16

8.3 Potentially occurring threatened species ............................................................................. 15

9. Wildlife corridors and vegetation links .......................................................................................... 17

10. Legislative considerations ............................................................................................................ 17

10.1. Commonwealth - Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 ........... 17

10.2. State - Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 ................................................ 17

11. Conclusion .................................................................................................................................... 18

12. Recommendations........................................................................................................................ 19

13. Bibliography .................................................................................................................................. 20

List of Figures Page Figure 1. Study area and locality 3 Figure 2. Demolition plan 4 Figure 3. Vegetation mapping of the study area 9 Figure 4. Vegetation mapping of the study area 10 Figure 5: Vegetation mapping of the study area 11 Figure 6. The location of the Turpentine Ironbark Forest within, and close to, the subject site 14 List of Tables Table 1. Summary of legislative and policy requirements 6 Table 2. Noxious weeds recorded on site 13 Table 3. Fauna species recorded 16 List of Appendices Appendix 1. Photographic recorded of the area investigated 22 Appendix 2. Threatened flora and fauna species previously recorded in the study region and

their likelihood of occurrence 24

Appendix 3. Flora species recorded during the field investigation 32 Appendix 4. Ecological assessment 33


Glossary Abbreviation Definition 0C Degrees Celsius DE Commonwealth Department of the Environment DECC NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change (now known as the

NSW Office of Environment and Heritage) DPI Department of Primary Industries EPA Act NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 EPBC Act Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act

1999 LGA Local Government Area m/km Metres, kilometres MNES Matters of National Environmental Significance NPW Act NSW National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 NSW New South Wales NW Act NSW Noxious Weeds Act 1993 OEH NSW Office of Environment and Heritage PMST Protected Matters Search Tool RoTAP Rare of Threatened Australian Plant SIS Species Impact Statement TSC Act NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995

For the purpose of this investigation: Subject site is defined as ‘the area directly affected by the proposed development’ (as per

DECC 2007). Study area is defined as ‘the subject site and any additional areas that are likely to be

affected by the proposed work, either directly or indirectly’ (DECC 2007). Study region is considered to ‘include the lands that surround the subject site for a distance

of 10 km’ (DECC 2007). Proposal is considered to include ‘all activities likely to be undertaken within the subject

site’ (DECC 2007). Local population (in regards to a threatened species)

comprises those individuals known or likely to occur in the study area, as well as any individuals occurring in adjoining areas (contiguous or otherwise) that are known or likely to utilise habitats in the study area (DECC 2007).

Important population

is a population that is necessary for a species’ long-term survival and recovery. This may include populations identified as such in recovery plans, and/or that are: o key source populations either for breeding or dispersal o populations that are necessary for maintaining genetic diversity, and/or o populations that are near the limit of the species range (DE 2013).

Critical habitat As declared and defined under Part 3 of the TSC Act, critical habitat is an area of land that is crucial to the survival of a particular endangered species, population and/or ecological community.


1. Introduction At the request of Touchstone Partners Pty Ltd, on behalf of China Overseas Sydney Pty Ltd, Lesryk Environmental Pty Ltd was engaged to undertake an ecological investigation of, and prepare an assessment report for, 137-143 Herring Road, Macquarie Park, NSW (Figures 1). China Overseas Sydney Pty Ltd wishes to develop the site, this including:

• two residential towers • a four level underground carpark.

Not to scale Source: Touchstone Partners Pty Ltd (2016)

Figure 1. Study area (approximate location denoted by red shading) and locality For reference, a site plan of the proposed development and photographic record of the current character of the property has been provided (Figure 2, Appendix 1, respectively). It is noted that, whilst plants would be retained, to permit this development, several of those mature trees that occur on site would require removal (Figure 2). It is noted that Lesryk conducted an ecological investigation at this site during July 2016 and prepared a constraints analysis report (Lesryk Environmental Pty Ltd 2016 [draft]). The constraints analysis report identified those vegetation communities and threatened species that were present, or could potentially occur within, adjacent to or surrounding the study area. The constraints analysis report identified the presence of Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest within the study area. Whilst this ecological community is listed as critically endangered and endangered under the EPBC and TSC Acts, respectfully, the example of Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest within the study area was not considered to conform to the Commonwealth listing. This community was present along the southern and eastern property boundary. It is acknowledged that the client has adopted the recommendations made in the constraints analysis report, and has designed the development so as to retain a portion of the State listed Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest. No threatened flora or fauna species were identified on site during the July investigation.


Figure 2. Demolition plan


The flora and fauna assessment report draws upon, and incorporates, the findings obtained when preparing the constraints analysis report. The assessment of possible impacts associated with the proposed development is based on a field investigation of the subject site, a literature review of previous studies undertaken in both the region and this portion of the Ryde LGA, the consultation of standard databases and a consideration of the objectives of the EPBC Act, EPA Act, NPW Act, TSC Act, and any relevant SEPP. 2. Legislative requirements A number of Commonwealth, State and local Acts, policies and documents are relevant to the proposed development of the study area and its possible impact on both the site and locality’s ecology. The most relevant items of these are listed in Table 1. 3. Environmental setting The subject site is located within the Ryde City LGA at the eastern corner of the Herring Road and Epping Road intersection. Ivanhoe Residential Estate adjoins the site to the east. The site currently supports four buildings that were previously used for residential purposes, but have now since been abandoned; also present is driveways, pathways and landscaped gardens and grassed areas. Any native trees present occur predominantly around the perimeter of the property, some of which have been planted. For reference, a photograph of the area investigated has been provided (Appendix 1). The subject site is zoned B4 Mixed Use on the Ryde LEP 2014. The objectives of this zone are to:

• provide a mixture of compatible land uses • integrate suitable business, office, residential, retail and other development in accessible

locations so as to maximise public transport patronage and encourage walking and cycling • ensure employment and educational activities within the Macquarie University campus are

integrated with other businesses and activities • promote strong links between Macquarie University and research institutions and

businesses within the Macquarie Park corridor. The subject site is dominated by almost flat ground and has an elevation of around 70 m ASL. The land slopes down toward the site’s north-east corner, falling about 8 m. No water bodies are present within, or in close proximity to, the area investigated. The annual average rainfall in the region is 1161.5 mm with the greatest falls being experienced between January and March. Average temperatures range from a July minimum of 4.9 oC to a January high of 27.7 oC (Bureau of Meteorology 2016). The site is mapped as occurring on the Glenorie soil landscape, which on crests such as the site, is generally a shallow to moderately deep red podzolic soil derived from the underlying Wianamatta Shale (Chapman and Murphy 1989). Through reference to the listings provided under both the EPBC and TSC Acts, it is noted that no gazetted areas of critical habitat for any flora or fauna species, populations or communities occur within, or in the vicinity of, the study area.


Table 1. Summary of legislative and policy requirements Level Relevant Legislation / Policy Relevance to study area

Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

Under this Act an action will require approval from the Minister if the action has, will have, or is likely to have, a significant impact on a MNES. MNES include listed threatened species and ecological communities, migratory species and wetlands of international importance protected under international agreements. Where applicable, the assessment criteria relevant to this Act must be drawn upon to determine whether there would be a significant effect on these species and hence whether referral to the Federal Environment Minister is required.

State

NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979

Part 1, Section 5A of this Act requires that a determination be made as to whether a proposed action is likely to have a significant effect on species, populations and ecological communities listed on Schedules 1, 1A and 2 of the TSC Act. Where found, the assessment criteria relevant to this Act (these commonly referred to as the ‘seven-part test’) are to be drawn upon to determine whether there would be a significant effect on these species and hence whether a SIS is required.

NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995/Amendment 2002 This Act makes further provision with respect to the conservation of threatened species, populations and ecological communities of animals and plants.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 This Act defines those species listed as protected in NSW. No assessment is required under this Act, however, potential impacts of the proposed work on these species will be considered.

NSW Noxious Weeds Act 1993 Part 3, Division 1, Section 13 of this Act requires land owners to control noxious weeds on their own land. Where applicable, the proponent must comply with the control class of noxious weeds.

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

Clause 8 of this SEPP requires consideration of whether a proposal will affect core koala habitat as defined in the SEPP. If so, a plan of management for the Koala must be prepared in accordance with Part 3 of the SEPP.

Local Ryde Local Environmental Plan 2014

This plan aims to make local environmental planning provisions for land in Ryde in accordance with the relevant standard environmental planning instrument under Section 33A of the EPA Act. The property is zoned B4 (Mixed Use). Applicable local clauses are: • 5.9: Preservation of trees and vegetation • 6.6:Environmental sustainability.


4. Literature review and field guides Prior to undertaking any fieldwork, previous studies conducted in the region and known databases were consulted to identify the diversity of ecological communities, flora and fauna species known for, or potentially occurring in, the study region. The identification of those known or potentially occurring native species and communities within this portion of Ryde LGA, particularly those listed under the Schedules to the EPBC and TSC Acts, thereby permits the tailoring of the field survey strategies to the detection of these plants, animals and vegetation associations, or their necessary habitats. The undertaking of a literature search also ensures that the results from surveys conducted during different climatic, seasonal and date periods are considered and drawn upon as required. This approach therefore increases the probability of considering the presence of, and possible impacts on, all known and likely native species, particularly any plants and animals that are of regional, State and/or national conservation concern. This approach also avoids issues inherent with a one off ‘snap shot’ study. The studies, reports and databases referred to include:

• the DE Protected Matters Search Tool (DE 2016a) • the OEH BioNet database [Atlas of NSW Wildlife] (OEH 2016a) • the OEH Threatened Species website (OEH 2016b) • DPI Noxious Weeds Database (DPI 2016) • an ecological report prepared for the adjacent Ivanhoe Estate redevelopment (Ecological

Australia 2016). Other reports and documents referred to are provided within the bibliography section of this report. When accessing the DE and OEH databases, the search area specified was a 10 km buffer around the study area. The database searches were carried out on 8 July and 21 December 2016. All these databases and reports were reviewed and drawn upon where relevant. Whilst reviewing these documents, particular attention was paid to identifying relevant ecological matters listed under the Schedules of the EPBC and/or TSC Acts, plants, animals and ecological communities that have been recorded in the region and which may occur within, or in the vicinity of, the study area. Field guides and standard texts used include:

• Harden (1992, 1993, 2000 and 2002), Fairley and Moore (2010) and Robinson (2003) (used for the identification of plants)

• Cogger (2000) (reptiles and frogs) • Simpson and Day (2008) (birds) • Van Dyck and Strahan (2008) (mammals) • Triggs (1996) (identification of scats, tracks and markings).

The naming of those species recorded or known for the region follows the nomenclature presented in these texts, or within the EPBC and TSC Acts. It is noted that the current accepted scientific names for some of the threatened fauna species previously recorded in this locality are not consistent with the names used/provided under either the EPBC or TSC Acts. In these instances, nomenclature used within this report follows the current approved scientific conventions. Where applicable, any endangered ecological communities were classified and named according to the NSW Scientific Committee’s Final and Preliminary Determinations (various dates).


The conservation significance of those ecological communities, plants and animals recorded is made with reference to:

• the RoTAP publication (Briggs and Leigh 1996) • the EPBC and TSC Acts • vegetation mapping of the Ryde LGA (Oculus Environmental Planning 2001) • The native vegetation of the Sydney Metropolitan Area (OEH 2013).

5. Results of the literature review 5.1. Threatened flora species A review of the DE and OEH databases (DE 2016a, OEH 2016a) identified 36 threatened plants listed under the EPBC Act and/or the Schedules of the TSC Act that have been previously recorded, or are considered to have habitat, in the study region (Appendix 2). During the field survey, consideration was given to identifying the presence of these species, or occurrences of their necessary vegetation associations/habitats, within the subject site. 5.2. Vegetation mapping Vegetation mapping of the Sydney Metropolitan Area undertaken by OEH (2013) encompasses the study area (Figure 3). The subject site has been mapped as containing Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest (S_WSF09). Vegetation mapping of the urban bushland in the Ryde LGA by Oculus Environmental Planning (2001) also encompasses the study area (Figure 4). The mapping indicates that the subject site contains Turpentine-Ironbark Forest (9o). Vegetation mapping has been prepared for the adjacent Ivanhoe Estate by Ecological Australia (Figure 5). This mapping indicates that the vegetation that occurs within the north-western corner of, and adjacent to, the subject site contains Turpentine-Ironbark Forest. Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest and Turpentine-Ironbark Forest are considered to be the same community and will hereafter be referred to as Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest. The Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest ecological community is listed as critically endangered under the EPBC Act1 and endangered under the TSC Act. 5.3. Fauna A review of the DEE and OEH databases (DEE 2016, OEH 2016a) identified 52 fauna species listed under the EPBC and/or TSC Acts that have been previously recorded, or are considered to have habitat, in the study region (Appendix 2). Based on a consideration of the habitat needs of these threatened species (as provided in standard texts – refer to the Bibliography section for those used), combined with the identification of those habitats present within the study area, there is the potential for some of these animals to occur within, or in the vicinity of, the subject site. As such, during the course of the field investigation, targeted surveys for these species, or their necessary habitats, were undertaken. It is acknowledged that some of the species listed in Appendix 2 may fly over or use the study area on occasion (e.g. Grey-headed Flying Fox [Pteropus poliocephalus]). Whilst this is the case, none of these animals would be considered to rely solely upon the resources provided by the subject site such that the proposed development would have a significant impact on the local populations of these species, or their habitats.

1 Referred to as Turpentine-Ironbark Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion under the EPBCAct.


Not to scale Source: OEH (2013)

Key Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest (S_WSF09) Urban_E/N: Urban Exotic/Native

Figure 3. Vegetation mapping of the study area (outlined in red) 6. Field survey methods An investigation of the subject site was carried out by Deryk Engel (B.Env.Sc.HONS) [zoologist] and Stephen Bloomfield (B.App.Sc.) [botanist] on 11 July 2016. The investigation commenced at 11.30 am and lasted for approximately three person hours. For reference, the weather conditions experienced at the time of the investigation were mild temperatures (16 0C), overcast skies (100% cloud cover) and no winds. The purpose of the field investigation was to identify any plants, animals, fauna habitats or vegetation communities that are of regional, State and/or national conservation significance as listed under the Schedules to the EPBC and/or TSC Acts.


Not to scale Source: Oculus Environmental Planning (2001)

Key Turpentine-Ironbark Forest (9o) Other vegetation

Figure 4. Vegetation mapping of the study area (outlined in red) To achieve the objectives of the study, the survey methods employed during the site investigation were:

• the identification of those plants present within and adjacent to (for a distance of 5 m) the subject site

• the identification of the structure of those vegetation communities and fauna habitats present within and adjacent to (for a distance of 5 m) the subject site

• the direct observation of those fauna species present within, or adjacent to, the subject site • diurnal call identifications of fauna species, with all calls being identified in the field • the identification of any indirect evidence such as scats, carcasses and scratchings that would

suggest the presence of any fauna species • leaf litter and ground debris searches for any sheltering reptiles and amphibians.


Not to scale Source: Ecological Australia (2016)

Figure 5. Vegetation mapping of the study area (outlined in yellow) The site was traversed on foot, generally following the survey technique known as the 'Random Meander Method' (Cropper 1993). This method is consistent with the stratified random sampling design as specified in section 5.1 (Stratification, sampling and replication) of the publication titled Threatened biodiversity survey and assessment: Guidelines for development and activities (DEC 2004). This method is also mentioned under sections 5.2.1 (Sampling techniques) and 5.2.7 (Targeting threatened plants) of that publication. The 'Random Meander Method' is employed until no new species have been recorded for at least 30 minutes. Whilst conducting the site investigation, efforts were made to document the diversity, structure and value of those communities and habitats present within, and adjacent to, the study area. This involved assessing the structure of the vegetation communities and fauna habitats present, and determining their significance for native species, particularly any that are of State and/or national conservation concern. Whilst conducting the site assessments, efforts were made to identify features such as known vegetation associations, mature trees with hollows and other habitat features important to the

Subject site


lifecycle needs of those threatened species previously recorded in the study region (as listed in Appendix 2). The survey methods employed and level of effort required were generally based on the descriptions provided in the following:

• The OEH survey guidelines for: a. Threatened plants (2016d) b. Amphibians (DECC 2009) c. Bats (draft).

• DECC’s 2007 publication titled ‘Threatened species assessment guidelines: The assessment of significance’

• DE survey guidelines for Australia’s threatened animals (DE various dates). Considering the objectives of the site investigation, the open and generally maintained nature of the gardens and lawns within the property, no limitations to the outcomes of the field survey were encountered. Access to all portions of the subject site was possible, with all areas likely to be disturbed (either directly or indirectly) being surveyed. No hollow bearing trees are present. All of the mature plants exhibit regular pruning and maintenance. As such no resource for hollow-dependant species are present. Considering the findings of the diurnal investigation, the conducting of a nocturnal study was not considered necessary. 7. Flora results 7.1. Flora species recorded during the field investigation By the completion of the flora survey, 48 native and exotic plants had been recorded (Appendix 3). It is noted that this is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all of the species present and only represents those plants that were recorded whilst:

• targeting the presence of threatened species, or their habitats, that are known, or expected to occur, in the locality

• determining the vegetation community(ies) present • determining those noxious weeds present that would require treatment.

7.1.1. Threatened species Of those plants recorded, it is noted that one, Magenta Lilly Pilly (Syzygium paniculatum), is listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act and endangered under the TSC Act. This species would have been planted as it does not occur naturally within the area and its habitat requirements do not occur within the subject site. The Magenta Lilly Pilly grows in subtropical and littoral rainforest on sandy soils or stabilised dunes near the sea. No assessments referring to the criteria provided under the EPBC Act’s Significant Impact Guidelines or Part 1, Section 5A of the EPA Act have been undertaken. None of the plants recorded are of regional conservation significance or listed as a RoTAP species. Whilst their presence was considered, none of the remaining plants listed in Appendix 2 were recorded within, or close to, the study area. Similarly, no suitable habitat for any of these species is present.


7.1.2. Noxious weeds Of those introduced species recorded, six have been identified as noxious in the Ryde LGA (as per the NW Act). For reference, these species, their threat class and relevant legal requirement are provided in Table 2. Table 2. Noxious weeds recorded on site Species Threat Class Legal Requirements Moth Plant Araujia hortorum

4 The growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread and the plant must not be sold, propagated or knowingly distributed.

Large-leaved Privett Ligustrum lucidum

4 The growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread.

Small-leaved Privett Ligustrum sinense

4 The growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread.

African Olive Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata

4 The growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread and the plant must not be sold, propagated or knowingly distributed.

Lantana Lantana camara

4 The growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread. WONS

Asparagus Fern Asparagus aethiopicus

4 The growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread and the plant must not be sold, propagated or knowingly distributed. WONS

In addition, two of those weeds listed in Table 2 are also included on the list of WONS, which is part of a combined State and Commonwealth initiative to combat invasive species. Where any of the weeds listed in Table 2 occur on site, any biological control or other control program directed by the Local Control Authority must be implemented to result in the suppression of these species. This should be done prior to construction to avoid the further spread of these species. 7.2. Vegetation communities present The study area is highly disturbed and modified. Apart from isolated remnant native trees, the entire site has been cleared for its development. The native trees present generally occur as linear stands along the boundaries of the property and include Sydney Blue Gum (Eucalyptus saligna), Blackbutt (Eucalyptus pilularis), Swamp She-Oak (Casuarina glauca) and Forest Red Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis) that reach a height of 25 m. Blueberry Ash (Elaeocarpus reticulatus) has also been planted in association with the Blackbutts that occur in the south of the property. No intact understorey or groundcover layers are present. The groundcover consists predominantly of introduced grasses, herbs and forbs, such as Panic Veldt Grass (Ehrharta erecta), Carpet Grass (Axonopus fissifolius), Parramatta Grass (Sporobolus africanus), Cudweed (Gamochaeta sp.) and Cyperus sp. The vegetation present within, and away from the edges of, the property consists mainly of isolated horticulturally selected landscaping plants (Evergreen Ash [Fraxinus griffithii], Snow in Summer


[Melaleuca linarifolia] and Agapanthus [Agapanthus praecox subsp. orientalis]) and weeds (Privett [Ligustrum spp.]). Large non-endemic Tallowwoods (Eucalyptus microcorys) are also present. Conservation Significance Indicative species of the Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest endangered ecological community, this being listed under both the EPBC and TSC Acts, were recorded on, and adjacent to, the subject site. Figure 6 indicates the location of the Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest within the subject site, this considered to be within the south of the property and along the northern and eastern fence lines. A more typical example of this community is present in the adjacent block to the south-east of the property where Turpentine (Syncarpia glomulifera) occurs.

Not to scale

Key Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest Remainder of site is cleared/disturbed and consists of native and exotic plantings

Figure 6. The location of the Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest within, and close to, the subject site


Ground truthing of the subject site identified less Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest than what is indicated on previous vegetation mapping undertaken within the locality and region (see Section 5.2. Vegetation mapping). With reference to the conservation advice provided for the Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest under the EPBC Act (DE 2014a), it is unlikely that the presence of this community at the subject site would conform to the Commonwealth listing given that:

• it is not a high quality remnant patch with native plant species characteristic of Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest present in all structural layers

• the patch size is less than 1 ha in size • the native midstorey/understorey trees are absent.

Whilst the Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest does not meet the above criteria to class it as endangered under the EPBC Act, the community still has conservation value as biodiversity reservoirs, faunal corridors and so forth. The Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest would meet the relevant criteria as provided in its determination for listing under the TSC Act. To consider the impact the proposed development may have on this endangered ecological community an assessment referring to the criteria provided under Part 1, Section 5A of the EPA Act (these commonly referred to as the ‘seven part test’) has been undertaken (Appendix 4). 8. Fauna results 8.1. Fauna species recorded during the field investigation As would be expected for a highly disturbed and modified site that is located with a well-developed and built up urban area, few native species were recorded. Those that were recorded by the completion of the site investigation, along with their detection method, are presented in Table 3. All of the native species recorded are protected, as defined by the NPW Act, but considered urban tolerant and common to abundant species throughout their distribution ranges (author’s field notes). None are considered to be of regional conservation significance. Due to their tolerance of urban environments, and as both retention of habitat and landscaping works are to be undertaken, post-development, these species would be recorded within, and in the vicinity of, the subject site. The species recorded would be widely distributed throughout the surrounding region and would not be reliant upon the plants present within the Herring Road property for any major component of their life cycle requirements. The removal, further disturbance or modification of this property would not threaten the local or regional occurrence of these animals. 8.2. Threatened species Of those animals recorded, it is noted that none are listed, or currently being considered for listing, on the Schedules to the EPBC or TSC Acts. Similarly, none are of regional conservation significance. Consulting known databases that cover the Herring Road property, the only threatened species that could utilise the project site on occasion would be the Grey-headed Flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus). This megachiropteran may on occasion feed on the eucalypts and other mature trees present when they are in flower. This species is listed as vulnerable under both the TSC and EPBC Acts. Whilst the development of the Herring Road site would require the removal of several mature trees, the impact of this on this species or its necessary habitat would not be significant. Whilst other State and federally listed flying species listed in Appendix 2 may traverse the subject site on occasion, the impact of the proposed development of these species or their necessary habitat would not be significant.


Table 3. Fauna species recorded

COMMON NAME FAMILY AND SCIENTIFIC NAME

DETECTION METHOD

Mammals Pseudocheiridae Common Ringtail Possum Pseudocheirus peregrinus Dead animal observed on site Phalangeridae

Common Brushtail Possum Trichosurus vulpecula Characteristic scratching’s observed on smooth barked tree on site

Birds Columbidae Rock Dove (introduced) Columba livia Observed flying over site Psittacidae Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus Observed flying over site Eastern Rosella Platycercus eximius Observed flying over site Threskiornidae Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca Observed flying over site Accipitridae Black-shouldered Kite Elanus axillaris Observed flying over site Charadriidae Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles Heard calling beyond limits of site Meliphagidae Red Wattlebird Anthochaera carunculata Observed on site Noisy Miner Manorina melanocephala Observed on site Artamidae Australian Magpie Cracticus tibicen Observed on site Pied Currawong Strepera graculina Observed on site Corvidae Australian Raven Corvus coronoides Observed flying over site

No Federally or State listed species would be reliant upon, or affected by the development of the subject site. No resources important to the local occurrence of these animals were recorded within, or close to, the subject site. No assessments referring to the criteria provided under the EPBC Act’s Significant Impact Guidelines or Part 1, Section 5A of the EPA Act have been undertaken in regard to threatened fauna. 8.3. Fauna habitats present The Herring Road property is highly disturbed and modified. Landscaped gardens are present, these supporting a suite of horticulturally produced exotic plants. Maintained lawns are interspersed throughout the property, as are occurrences of planted native and exotic trees. Within the lawns, isolated trees and tall shrubs are present. The trees are to 25 m in height, none being hollow-bearing. The trees occur either as a single row of plants along the property line (under which shrubs have been planted), or scattered throughout the south-western limits of the property. A number of the trees present along the south-eastern and north-eastern property lines are dead or exhibit die-back due to termite attack. Garden beds have been mulched and the yards appear to have been regularly tidied and maintained. Shrubs are to 3 m in height with ground cover plants varying from 0.3 to 0.5 m in height. The understorey and ground cover vegetation is generally open. Some wind-blown urban refuse is present. Within the Herring Road property, no unique habitat types were observed that would be important to the occurrence or presence of any species of native fauna. During the site inspection, no nests or Common Ringtail Possum dreys were observed in any of the plants present.


The subject site would provide foraging opportunities for a number of the species present, a number of these animals also potentially roosting over-night in those trees present. With reference to those plans provided, it is acknowledged that foraging and roosting opportunities would be retained within the subject site. The plans indicate that a number of the mature trees that occur near Herring and Epping Roads are to be retained. Retention of these would provide resources for those species that were observed, or could potentially utilise, the subject site. 9. Wildlife corridors and vegetation links The study area is part of a small linear, and highly modified, local corridor that extends south-east to Shrimptons Creek. Along Shrimptons Creek the corridor extends north for approximately 600 m where it stops at Waterloo Road. To the south, the corridor follows the creek line to Quarry Road for approximately 1.8 km, and encompasses a number of council managed parkes and reserves (i.e. Booth and Tindarra Reserves). Given the lack of its structural diversity, its urban locality and the presence of barriers, such as roads and development, the only animals considered to utilise this corridor are the highly urban toerant species (i.e. Common Brushtail Possum [Trichosurus vulpecula]) and flying animals [i.e. birds and bats]). The trees that are proposed to be removed as a result of the proposed development are not considered to have an adverse impact on the animals that may utilise this corridor. Trees are proposed to be retained along the eastern and southern property boundaries that will assist with the dispersal of these animal. As such, given their tolerance to urban environments, the animals that would be utilising this corridor will continue to do so post-development. 10. Legislative considerations 10.1. Commonwealth - Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 By the completion of the field investigation, one plant, Magenta Lilly Pilly, listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act was recorded. Given that this species is considered to have been planted and no natural habitat for the Magenta Lilly Pilly is present within, or close to, the subject site, no assessment referring to the EPBC Act’s Significant Impact Guidelines to determine if there is likely to be a significant impact on a vulnerable species has been carried out. By the completion of the field investigation no ecological communities, fauna species or populations listed under the EPBC Act had been recorded within the subject site. Similarly none were considered likely to occur within, or be reliant upon, the habitats present. The proposed work would not have a detrimental impact on any ecological communities, flora or fauna species of national conservation significance. Therefore it is considered that the matter does not require referral to the Federal Minister for the Environment and Energy for further consideration or approval. 10.2. State - Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 By the completion of the field investigation the following matters of State conservation significance had been recorded within the subject site:

• Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest ecological community, listed as endangered under the Act • Magenta Lilly Pilly, listed as endangered under the Act.

A seven-part test referring to the criteria provided under Part 1, Section 5A of the EPA Act was conducted on the Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest (Appendix 4). This assessment concluded that the proposed development is unlikely to have a significant impact on Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest.


Given that the Magenta Lilly Pilly is considered to have been planted and no natural habitat for the species is present within, or close to, the subject site, no seven-part test has been carried out. No other ecological communities, flora or fauna species, or their population, listed under the TSC Act had been recorded within, or in close proximity to, the subject site. Similarly none were considered likely to occur within, or be reliant upon, the habitats present. The proposal would not have a detrimental impact on any ecological communities, flora or fauna species or populations of State conservation significance. Therefore, it is considered that a SIS need not be prepared. 11. Conclusion A flora and fauna assessment has been carried out at 137-143 Herring Road, Macquarie Park, NSW. By the completion of the field investigation, one ecological community, Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest, listed under the EPBC and TSC Acts and one plant, Magenta Lilly Pilly, was recorded within the site surveyed. Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest is listed as critically endangered under the EPBC Act and endangered under the TSC Act, whilst the Magenta Lilly Pilly is listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act and endangered under the TSC Act. Whilst listed under the EPBC Act, the occurrence of Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest on the Herring Road site does not conform to the definitions provided under this piece of legislation. As such, referral of the matter to the Federal Minister for the Environment and Energy for further consideration and approval is not be required. The Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest present, within, and adjacent to, the Herring Road property would conform to the listing provided for this endangered ecological community under the TSC Act. As such, to consider the impact the proposed development may have on this ecological community an assessment referring to the criteria provided under Part 1, Section 5A of the EPA Act was undertaken. This concluded that the proposal would not have a significant impact on this endangered ecological community. Therefore, the preparation of a SIS is not required. Given that the Magenta Lilly Pilly is considered to have been planted and no natural habitat for the species is present within, or close to, the subject site, no legislative assessments were carried out in regard to this plant. No threatened fauna species were identified on site. Similarly, no threatened flora species would be present in the soil seed bank, nor would any threatened animals occur within the site as a resident population. No ecological constraints to the proposed development of 137-143 Herring Road, Macquarie Park, NSW, proceeding as planned were identified, or considered likely to occur. From an ecological perspective, the proposal can proceed as planned.


12. Recommendations Based on the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development, as identified in Schedule 2 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation, the following recommendations are provided:

• In accordance with the regulations set out under the NW Act, those weeds identified as noxious on site, should be subject to any biological control or other control program directed by the Local Control Authority to result in the suppression of these species.

• Newly exposed surfaces should be stabilised as soon as possible in order to reduce the

potential for soil erosion. This should be done through the planting of native species endemic to the study area.

• The trees to be retained should be protected through the erection of temporary fencing or

other suitable methods detailed in the Aboricultural Impact Assessment (Tree IQ 2017).


13. Bibliography Briggs, J and Leigh, J 1996, Rare or Threatened Australian Plants, CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood, Victoria Churchill, S 2008, Australian bats - 2nd Edition, Allen and Unwin, Crows Nest, NSW Cogger, H. 2000, Reptiles and amphibians of Australia. Reed Books, Chatswood, NSW Commonwealth of Australia 2002, Style Manual 6th Edition, John Wiley and Sons Australia Ltd, Richmond, Victoria Cropper, S 1993, Management of Endangered Plants, CSIRO, Melbourne, Victoria Department of the Environment 2013, Matters of National Environmental Significance: Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, viewed December 2016 <http://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/42f84df4-720b-4dcf-b262-48679a3aba58/files/nes-guidelines_1.pdf> Department of the Environment and Energy 2016a, Protected Matters Search Tool, viewed December 2016, <http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/db/index.html> - 2016b, Species profile and threats database, viewed December 2016, <http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/sprat.pl> - 2014a, Approved Conservation Advice for Turpentine-Ironbark Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion, viewed December 2016, <http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/communities/pubs/38-conservation-advice.pdf> Department of Environment and Conservation 2004, Threatened Species Survey and Assessment: Guidelines for developments and activities (working draft), New South Wales Department of Environment and Conservation, Hurstville, NSW. Department of Environment and Climate Change 2007, Threatened species assessment guidelines: The assessment of significance, Department of Environment and Climate Change, Hurstville, NSW – 2009, Threatened species survey and assessment guidelines - field survey methods for fauna: amphibians, viewed December 2016, <http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/threatenedspecies/09213amphibians.pdf> Department of Primary Industries 2016, Agriculture - Weeds declared in the Local Control Authority area of Ryde City Council, viewed December 2016, <http://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/WeedDeclarations?RegionId=97> Ecological Australia 2016, Ivanhoe Estate Re-development – Macquarie Park: Biodiversity assessment report. Report prepared for Land and Housing Corporation, Department of Family and Community Services by Ecological Australia, Sydney, NSW Fairley, A and Moore, P 2010, Native Plants of the Sydney Region, Jacana Books, Allen & Unwin, Crows Nest, NSW Frith, HJ (Ed) 2007, Complete book of Australian birds, Readers Digest, Surry Hills, NSW Google Earth 2016, Google Earth, viewed July 2016 Harden, G (Ed) 1992-2002, Flora of New South Wales Vol 1,2,3 and 4, NSW University Press, Kensington, NSW


Oculus Environmental Planning 2001, Urban Bushland in the Ryde LGA, prepared for Ryde City Council by Oculus Environmental Planning, Rozelle, NSW OEH 2013, The native vegetation of the Sydney Metropolitan Area, Volume 1: Technical Report, Version 2.0., Office of Environment and Heritage, Department of Premier and Cabinet, Sydney, NSW – 2016a, BioNet (Atlas of NSW Wildlife) Database, data downloaded December 2016 <http://wildlifeatlas.npws.gov.au> – 2016b, Threatened species, populations and ecological communities of NSW – profiles, viewed December 2016 <http://www.threatenedspecies.environment.nsw.gov.au/tsprofile/index.aspx> – 2016c, Saving Our Species, viewed December 2016, <http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/savingourspeciesapp/default.aspx> Robinson, L 2003, Field guide to the native plants of Sydney, Second edition, Kangaroo Press, Sydney, NSW Simpson, K and Day, N 2008, Field guide to the birds of Australia, 8th Edition, Penguin Books Australia, Victoria Six Maps 2016, Vegetation Mapping, viewed December 2016, <SixMaps http://maps.six.nsw.gov.au/apps/channels_3.5/?config=vegetation> Tree IQ 2016, Aboricultural impact Assessment, tree protection specification, 137-143 Herring Road, Macquarie Park, report prepared for Touchstone Partners by Tree IQ, Summer Hill, NSW Van Dyck and Strahan, R (Ed) 2008, The Mammals of Australia, 3rd Edition, Reed Books, Chatswood Triggs, B 1996, Tracks, scats and other traces: a field guide to Australian mammals, Oxford University Press, Melbourne, Victoria Van Dyck, S and Strahan, R 2008, The mammals of Australia (3rd edition), Reed New Holland, Sydney, NSW


Appendix 1. Photographic record of the area investigated

Plate 1. The Blackbutts that occur in the south-western portion of the site.

Plate 2. The Blackbutts that occur in the southern portion of the site


Plate 3. The linear plantings that occur along the western (Herring Road) boundary of the property.

Plate 4. The modified nature of the subject site. All the trees along the eastern boundary occur on the adjacent property (left of photograph).


Appendix 2. Threatened flora and fauna species previously recorded in the study region and their ‘likelihood of occurrence’ Key V - vulnerable E - endangered CE - critically endangered M - migratory Ma - Marine X - Extinct A State or nationally listed threatened species is considered to have a:

• High likelihood of occurrence if it has been recorded within 10 km of the study area and there is either suitable habitat present or the potential for the species to fly over the site (whilst species may fly over, it is acknowledged that for some species no suitable habitat will be present within the study area).

• Moderate likelihood of occurrence if they have a predicted occurrence (via the EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool or OEH geographic search) and there is either suitable habitat present or the potential for the species to fly over the site (whilst species may fly over, it is acknowledged that for some species no suitable habitat will be present within the study area).

• Low likelihood of occurrence if suitable habitat for an animal is not present regardless of whether they have been recorded within 10 km, or have a predicted occurrence.

Note: Species underlined are those which only the EPBC PMST predicted as having habitat in the search area. All other species have been recorded within 10 km of the study area. Note: As these habitats are not present, no pelagic or estuarine species have been included in the following table. * - habitat requirements were generally extracted from Harden (1992-2002), Frith (2007), Churchill (2008), Cogger (2014), Van Dyck and Strahan (2008) and OEH (2016b), with other references used being identified in the bibliography. Common and Scientific Name Legislation

Primary habitat requirements Likelihood of Occurrence2 EPBC Act

TSC Act

PLANTS Bynoe’s Wattle Acacia bynoeana

V E Occurs in heath or dry sclerophyll forest on sandy soils. Low. No suitable habitat present.

Kanangra Wattle Acacia clunies-rossiae

V Grows in dry sclerophyll forest on skeletal soils on rocky slopes, or on alluvium along creeks.

Low. No suitable habitat present.

Downy Wattle Acacia pubescens

V V Open sclerophyll forest and woodland on clay soils. Low. No suitable habitat present.

Allocasuarina glareicola E E Grows in Castlereagh woodland on lateritic soil. Low. No suitable habitat present.

Asterolasia elegans E E Occurs on Hawkesbury sandstone. Found in sheltered forests on mid- to lower slopes and valleys.


2 For the site to support, and be important for the lifecycle requirements of, a locally viable population of this species.


Common and Scientific Name Legislation Primary habitat requirements Likelihood of Occurrence2 EPBC

Act TSC Act

Thick-lipped Spider-orchid Caladenia tessellata

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.


Leafless Tongue Orchid Cryptostylis hunteriana

V V Occurs in a range of communities, including swamp-heath and woodland.


Bauer’s Midge Orchid Genoplesium baueri

E E Grows in dry sclerophyll forest and moss gardens over sandstone. Low. No suitable habitat present.

Netted Bottle Brush Callistemon linearifolius

V Grows in dry sclerophyll forest on the coast and adjacent ranges. Low. No suitable habitat present.

Darwinia biflora V V Occurs on the edges of weathered shale-capped ridges, where these intergrade with Hawkesbury Sandstone.


Darwinia peduncularis V Usually grows on or near rocky outcrops on sandy, well drained, low nutrient soil over sandstone.


Epacris purpurascens var. purpurascens

V Found in a range of habitat types, most of which have a strong shale soil influence.


Deyeuxia appressa E E Given that D. appressa hasn’t been seen in over 60 years, almost nothing is known of the species' habitat and ecology.


Dillwynia tenuifolia V Castlereagh woodlands on Tertiary alluvial sediment. Low. No suitable habitat present.

Camfield’s Stringybark Eucalyptus camfieldii

V V Poor coastal country in shallow sandy soils overlying Hawkesbury sandstone. Coastal heath mostly on exposed sandy ridges.


Narrow-leaved Black Peppermint Eucalyptus nicholii

V V Grows in dry grassy woodland, on shallow and infertile soils, mainly on granite.


Narrow-leaf Finger Fern Grammitis stenophylla

E Moist places, usually near streams, on rocks or in trees, in rainforest and moist eucalypt forest.


Small-flower Grevillea Grevillea parviflora subsp. parviflora

V V Occurs in a range of vegetation types from heath and shrubby woodland to open forest. Grows in sandy or light clay soils usually over thin shales.


Haloragodendron lucasii E E Associated with dry sclerophyll forest. Reported to grow in moist sandy loam soils in sheltered aspects, and on gentle slopes below cliff-lines near creeks in low open woodland.


Julian’s Hibbertia Hibbertia sp. Turramurra

CE Grows in forest with canopy species including Eucalyptus pilularis, E. resinifera, Corymbia gummifera and Angophora costata. The understorey is open with species of Poaceae, Orchidaceae, Fabaceae and Liliaceae.


Hypsela sessiliflora X E Known to grow in damp places, on the Cumberland Plain, including freshwater wetland, grassland/alluvial woodland and an alluvial woodland/shale plains woodland (Cumberland Plain Woodland)




Act TSC Act

ecotone. Deane’s Tee-tree Leptospermum deanei

V V Woodland on lower hill slopes or near creeks. Sandy alluvial soil or sand over sandstone.


Biconvex Paperbark Melaleuca biconvexa

V V Biconvex Paperbark generally grows in damp places, often near streams or low-lying areas on alluvial soils of low slopes or sheltered aspects.


Deane’s Paperbark Melaleuca deanei

V V The species occurs mostly in ridgetop woodland, with only 5% of sites in heath on sandstone.


Omeo’s Storksbill Pelargonium sp. Striatellum (G.W.Carr 10345)

E E Known from only 4 locations in NSW, with three on lake-beds on the basalt plains of the Monaro and one at Lake Bathurst. It has a narrow habitat that is usually just above the high-water level of irregularly inundated or ephemeral lakes, in the transition zone between surrounding grasslands or pasture and the wetland or aquatic communities.


Hairy Geebung Persoonia hirsuta

E E Found in sandy soils in dry sclerophyll open forest, woodland and heath on sandstone.


Nodding Geebung Persoonia nutans

E E Eucalyptus sclerophylla woodland on sandy soil or low nutrient Tertiary sediments.


Pimelea curviflora var. curviflora V V Undergrowth in woodland on sandstone. Spiked Rice-flower Pimelea spicata

E E Substrates derived from Wianamatta Shale in open woodland of Eucalyptus moluccana, E. crebra, Bursaria spinosa and Themeda australis.


Seaforth Mintbush Prostanthera marifolia

CE CE Occurs in localised patches in or in close proximity to the endangered Duffys Forest ecological community.


Dark Greenhood Pterostylis nigricans

V Coastal heathland with Heath Banksia (Banksia ericifolia), and lower-growing heath with lichen-encrusted and relatively undisturbed soil surfaces, on sandy soils.


Sydney Plains Greehood Pterostylis saxicola

E E Most commonly found growing in small pockets of shallow soil in depressions on sandstone rock shelves above cliff lines. The vegetation communities above the shelves where Pterostylis saxicola occurs are either shale/sandstone transitions or shale communities.


Narrow-leafed Wilsonia Wilsonia backhousei

V This is a species of the margins of salt marshes and lakes. Low. No suitable habitat present.

Magenta Lilly Pilly Syzygium paniculatum

V E Occurs in riverside gallery rainforests and remnant littoral rainforest communities.


Tetratheca glandulosa V Heath and woodland on sandstone. Low. No suitable habitat present.

Austral Toadflax Thesium australe

V V Occurs in grassland on coastal headlands or grassland and grassy woodland away from the coast.




Act TSC Act

MAMMALS Spotted-tailed Quoll Dasyurus maculatus

E V Recorded across a range of habitat types, including rainforest, open forest, woodland, coastal heath and inland riparian forest, from the sub-alpine zone to the coastline.


Southern Brown Bandicoot Isoodon obesulus obesulus

E E Southern Brown Bandicoots are largely crepuscular (active mainly after dusk and/or before dawn). They are generally only found in heath or open forest with a heathy understorey on sandy or friable soils.


Koala Phascolarctos cinereus

V V Open eucalypt forests and woodlands which support acceptable food trees. Areas of preferred feed trees appear to be restricted to sites that support high nutrient soils, areas that have historically been converted to farmland.


Eastern Pygmy Possum Cercartetus nanus

V Habitats range from rainforest through to woodlands and heath lands in which it is solitary. Feeds mostly on the pollen and nectar from banksias, eucalypts and understorey plants and will also eat insects, seeds and fruit. Nests and breeds in tree hollows.


Yellow-bellied Glider Petaurus australis

V Occur in tall mature eucalypt forest generally in areas with high rainfall and nutrient rich soils.


Greater Glider Petauroides volans

V Largely restricted to eucalypt forests and woodlands, utilising tree hollows.

Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby Petrogale penicillata

V E Occupy rocky escarpments, outcrops and cliffs with a preference for complex structures with fissures, caves and ledges, often facing north. Browse on vegetation in and adjacent to rocky areas eating grasses and forbs as well as the foliage and fruits of shrubs and trees.


Grey-headed Flying-fox Pteropus poliocephalus

V V Occur in subtropical and temperate rainforests, tall sclerophyll forests and woodlands, heaths and swamps as well as urban gardens and cultivated fruit crops.

Moderate. May potentially fly over, or forage within, the study area. However, this species would not be reliant on the subject site for any of its

lifecycle requirements. Yellow-bellied Sheathtailbat Saccolaimus flaviventris

V Roosts in tree hollows and buildings. Low. No suitable habitat present.

Eastern Freetail-Bat Mormopterus norfolkensis

V This species is known to predominantly roost during the day in tree hollows within dry eucalypt forest and woodlands.


Large-eared Pied Bat Chalinolobus dwyeri

V V Cave-roosting bat that forages in well-timbered woodland with gullies. Low. No suitable habitat present.

Eastern False Pipistrelle Falsistrellus tasmaniensis

V Generally roosts in eucalypt hollows, but has also been found under loose bark on trees or in buildings.




Act TSC Act

Little Bentwing Bat Miniopterus australis

V Roosts in caves, tunnels, tree hollows, abandoned mines, stormwater drains, culverts, bridges and sometimes buildings during the day; generally found in well-timbered areas, also moist eucalypt forest, rainforest, vine thicket, wet and dry sclerophyll forest, Melaleuca swamps, dense coastal forests and banksia scrub.


Eastern Bentwing Bat Miniopterus (schreibersii) orianae oceanensis

V Caves are the primary roosting habitat, but also use derelict mines, storm-water tunnels, buildings and other man-made structures.


Large-footed Myotis Myotis macropus

V Generally roost close to water in caves, mine shafts, hollow-bearing trees, storm water channels, buildings, under bridges and in dense foliage.


Greater Broad-nosed Bat Scoteanax rueppellii

V Preferring habitats which range from rainforests through to woodlands, this species usually roosts in tree hollows, though some individuals have been found in the roof spaces of old buildings.


New Holland Mouse Pseudomys novaehollandiae

V Open heathland, open woodland with a heathland understorey and vegetated sand dunes.


BIRDS Superb Fruit-dove Ptilinopus superbus

V Inhabits rainforest and similar closed forests where it forages high in the canopy, eating the fruits of many tree species such as figs and palms. It may also forage in eucalypt or acacia woodland where there are fruit-bearing trees.


Cattle Egret Ardea ibis

Ma Wet pasture with tall grass, shallow open wetland and margins, mudflats.


Great Egret Ardea alba

Ma Wetland, flooded crops, pasture, dams, roadside ditches, estuarine mudflats, mangroves and reefs.


White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster

M V Found in coastal habitats. Low. No suitable habitat present.

Little Eagle Hieraaetus morphnoides

V Inhabits open woodlands, open eucalypt forests, grasslands and arid regions that are rich in prey species, shunning dense forest.


Square-tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura

V Coastal and sub-coastal open forests and woodlands. Found in a variety of timbered habitats including dry woodlands and open forests. Shows a particular preference for timbered watercourses.


Grey Falcon Falco hypoleucos

E Usually restricted to shrubland, grassland and wooded watercourses of arid and semi-arid regions, although it is occasionally found in open woodlands near the coast.


Gang-gang Cockatoo Callocephalon fimbriatum

V Prefers tall montane forests and woodlands, particularly in heavily timbered and mature wet sclerophyll forests during summer, these being at higher altitudes. In winter, occurs at lower altitudes in drier, more open eucalypt forests and woodlands.




Act TSC Act

Glossy Black-cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami

V Inhabits eucalypt woodland and feeds almost exclusively on Casuarina fruits.


Little Lorikeet Glossopsitta pusilla

V Forages primarily in the open Eucalypt forest and woodland canopies, particularly along water courses; occasionally in Angophoras, Melaleucas and other tree species, also riparian habitats are used. Feeds mostly on nectar and pollen, occasionally on native fruits such as mistletoe.


Swift Parrot Lathamus discolor

CE E Migrates to the Australian south-east mainland between March and October. When over-wintering on the mainland, this species is dependent on winter-flowering eucalypt species.


Superb Parrot Polytelis swainsonii

V V Inhabit Box-Gum, Box-Cypress-pine and Boree Woodlands and River Red Gum Forest.


Barking Owl Ninox connivens

V Inhabits woodland and open forest, including fragmented remnants and partly cleared farmland. It is flexible in its habitat use, and hunting can extend in to closed forest and more open areas.


Powerful Owl Ninox strenua

V Large tracts of open or closed sclerophyll forest or woodlands but can occur in fragmented landscapes as well. Gullies consisting of wet to dry sclerophyll forest with a dense understorey.


Masked Owl Tyto novaehollandiae

V Lives in dry eucalypt forests and woodlands from sea level to 1100 m. A forest owl, but often hunts along the edges of forests, including roadsides.

Low. Species targeted but not recorded.

Regent Honeyeater Anthochaera phrygia

CE CE Mainly inhabits temperate woodlands and open forests of the inland slopes of south-east Australia. These woodlands have significantly large numbers of mature trees, high canopy cover and abundance of mistletoes.


Painted Honeyeater Grantiella picta

V V Inhabits Boree, Brigalow and Box-Gum Woodlands and Box-Ironbark Forests. A specialist feeder on the fruits of mistletoes growing on woodland eucalypts and acacias. Prefers mistletoes of the genus Amyema.


Varied Sittella Daphoenositta chrysoptera

V Inhabits eucalypt forests and woodlands, especially those containing rough-barked species and mature smooth-barked gums with dead branches, mallee and Acacia woodland.


Dusky Woodswallow Artamus cyanopterus cyanopterus

V Woodlands and dry open sclerophyll forests, usually dominated by eucalypts, including mallee associations. It has also been recorded in shrublands and heathlands and various modified habitats, including regenerating forests.

Scarlet robin Petroica boodang

V Lives in dry eucalypt forests and woodlands. The understorey is usually open and grassy with few scattered shrubs.




Act TSC Act

White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus

M Almost exclusively aerial. Takes insects on wing over a range of habitat types. Recorded most often above wooded areas, including open forest and rainforest.


Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus

M Almost exclusively aerial. Takes insects on wing over a range of habitat types. Mostly occur over inland plains but sometimes above foothills or in coastal areas.


Oriental Cuckoo Cuculus optatus

M Mainly inhabiting forests; occurs in mixed, deciduous and coniferous forest.


Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus

M Occurs mainly in open forests and woodlands, shrublands, and in various cleared or semi-cleared habitats, including farmland and areas of human habitation. Often, but not always, located in close proximity to permanent water.


Eastern Bristlebird Dasyornis brachypterus

E E Dense, low vegetation including heath and open woodland with a heath understorey.


Rufous Fantail Rhipidura rufifrons

M Mainly inhabits wet sclerophyll forests, often in gullies dominated by eucalypts.


Satin Flycatcher Myiagra cyanoleuca

M Mainly inhabit eucalypt forests, often near wetlands or watercourses. Low. No suitable habitat present.

Black-faced Monarch Monarcha melanopsis

M Rainforest and wet eucalypt forest. Low. No suitable habitat present.

Spectacled Monarch Monacrha trivirgatus

M Rainforest, mangroves and moist gloomy gullies of dense eucalypt forest.


REPTILES Broad-headed Snake Hoplocephalus bungaroides

V E Shelters in rock crevices and under flat sandstone rocks on exposed cliff edges during autumn, winter and spring; moves from the sandstone rocks to shelters in crevices or hollows in large trees within in summer.


AMPHIBIANS Giant Burrowing Frog Heleioporus australiacus

V V Mostly restricted to areas of Hawkesbury Sandstone. This frog has a marked preference for sandstone ridge top habitat and broader upland valleys that run through heathland and woodland. Lives in small semi-permanent to slightly flowing streams.


Red-crowned Toadlet Pseudophryne australis

V Occurs in open forests, mostly on Hawkesbury and Narrabeen Sandstones. Inhabits periodically wet drainage lines below sandstone ridges that often have shale lenses or cappings.


Green and Golden Bell Frog Litoria aurea

V E Inhabits a variety of environments, including disturbed sites, ephemeral ponds, wetlands, marshes, dams and stream-sides, particularly those that contain one or more of the following aquatic plants: bullrush (Typha spp.), spikerush (Eleocharis spp.), Juncus kraussii,




Act TSC Act

Schoenoplectus littoralis and Sporobolus virginicus. Stuttering Tree Frog Mixophyes balbus

V E This species breeds in the upper reaches of permanent streams and in perched swamps. Non-breeding habitat is heath based forests and woodlands where it shelters under leaf litter and low vegetation.


INVERTERBRATES Dural Land Snail Pommerhelix duralensis

E The species is a shale influenced habitat specialist, which occurs in low densities along the northwest fringes of the Cumberland Plain on shale sandstone transitional landscapes.



Appendix 3. Flora species recorded during the field investigation N - species declared in the Ryde City Council Local Control Authority as noxious in accordance with

the NW Act * – introduced species

GENUS Species Common Name PINOPSIDA Cupressaceae Cupressus sp. * Cypress Pine MAGNOLIOPSIDA - DICOTYLEDONS

Asclepiadaceae Araujia hortorum * N Moth Plant Asteraceae Bidens pilosa * Farmers Friend Conyza bonariensis * Fleabane Gamochaeta sp. * Cudweed Hypochaeris radicata * Catsear Taraxacum officinale * Dandelion Caryophyllaceae Cerastium glomeratum * Sticky Mouse-ear Chick-weed Casuarinaceae Casuarina cunninghamiana River She-Oak Casuarina glauca Swamp She-Oak Convolvulaceae Dichondra repens Kidney Weed Elaeocarpaceae Elaeocarpus reticulatus Blueberry Ash Fabaceae: Faboideae Glycine microphylla Lovecreeper Medicago arabica * Spotted Medic Trifolium repens * White Clover Malvaceae Modiola caroliniana * Carolina Mallow Myrtaceae Angophora costata Smooth-barked Apple Eucalyptus botryoides Bangalay Eucalyptus microcorys Tallowwood Eucalyptus pilularis Blackbutt Eucalyptus saligna Sydney Blue Gum Eucalyptus sideroxylon Red Ironbark Eucalyptus tereticornis Forest Red Gum Melaleuca lineariifolia Snow-in-summer Melaleuca quinquenervia Broad-leaved Paperbark Syncarpia glomulifera Turpentine Syzygium paniculatum Magenta Lilly Pilly Nandinaceae Nandina domestica * Sacred Bamboo Oleaceae Fraxinus griffithii * Evergreen Ash Ligustrum lucidum * N Large-leaved Privett Ligustrum sinense * N Small-leaved Privett Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata * N African Olive Oxalidaceae Oxalis sp. * Oxalis Pittosporaceae Pittosporum undulatum Sweet Pittosporum Plumbaginaceae Plumbago sp. * Proteaceae Banksia integrifolia Coastal Banksia Verbenaceae Lantana camara * N Lantana MAGNOLIOPSIDA - MONOCOTYLEDONS

Agapanthaceae Agapanthus praecox subsp. orientalis * Agapanthus Aracaceae Phoenix canariensis * Canary Island Date Palm Asparagaceae Asparagus aethiopicus * N Asparagus Fern Cyperaceae Cyperus sp. Sedge Iridaceae Dietes sp. * Lomandraceae Lomandra longifolia Mat Rush Phormiaceae Dianella carulea var. producta Blue Flax Lily Poaceae Axonopus fissifolius * Carpet Grass Ehrharta erecta * Panic Veldt Grass Paspalum dilatatum * Paspalum Sporobolus africanus * Parramatta Grass


Appendix 4. Ecological assessment The potential impacts associated with the undertaking of the proposal on the Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest endangered ecological community is considered with reference to the assessment criteria provided under Part 1, Section 5A of the EPA Act. These criteria consider factors that trigger the likelihood of a development to have a significant effect on threatened ecological communities, species, populations or their habitats, and consequently whether a SIS is required. Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest Seven-part Test (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, Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest is an endangered ecological community not a threatened species. (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, Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest is an endangered ecological community not an endangered population. (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,

The Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest within the subject site occurs as scattered remnants of canopy trees characteristic of this community, and occurs at the western limit of a local Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest stand. The community within the subject site is heavily disturbed and does not have an intact understorey or groundcover present nor any likelihood of regeneration. The removal of four3 trees from the subject site that are characteristic of the Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest is unlikely to lead to a long-term adverse effect on this community within the locality such that its local occurrence would be placed at risk of extinction.

(ii) or 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,

The composition of the Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest at this location is already substantially modified due to the previous clearing and subsequent development that has resulted in some of the trees present being the only remnants of the community at the subject site. The proposed development would not substantially modify the composition of the site’s Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest any further such that its local occurrence is 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,

The proposed action would result in the removal of four trees that are characteristic of Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark.

3 Trees 6, 16, 18 and 65, these being Blueberry Ash, Blueberry Ash, Blackbutt and Smooth-barked Apple, respectively.


(ii) and whether an area of habitat is likely to become fragmented or isolated from other areas of habitat as a result of the proposed action,

Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest in the locality is already substantially fragmented, the site’s example forming the edge of the community’s local occurrence. It is considered that the loss of some component trees of this community would not substantially contribute to isolation of other areas of habitat.

(iii) and 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,

The amount of vegetation expected to be disturbed by the proposed action is not considered to be important to the long-term survival of the Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest endangered ecological community. (e) whether the action proposed is likely to have an adverse effect on critical habitat (either directly or indirectly), Critical habitat of Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest has not yet been defined. (f) whether the action proposed is consistent with the objectives or actions of a recovery plan or threat abatement plan, A recovery plan or threat abatement plan has not yet been prepared for Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest. Instead OEH is currently developing a targeted approach for managing Ecological Communities (OEH 2016c). In the interim, numerous management actions have been identified for this community, none of which are relevant to the proposed action. The proposed development will not undermine any management actions proposed for the conservation of the Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest endangered ecological community. (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. Currently 35 Key Threatening Processes for mainland NSW are listed under Schedule 3 of the TSC Act, of which the ‘clearing of native vegetation’ none of which are relevant to the proposal. Whilst this is the case, the small amount of modified Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest to be removed from the subject site is not expected to affect the viability of this community in the locality. As such, whilst the proposal may constitute this Key Threatening Process, the impact is considered insignificant. Conclusion The proposed action would require the removal of four trees that are characteristic of Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark. Whilst the works would minimally reduce this endangered ecological community, the impact of this is not considered significant.

Documents

FLORA AND FAUNA - City of Ryde · 2017-04-05 · The flora and fauna assessment report draws upon, and incorporates, the findings obtained when preparing the constraints analysis