Proposed Multi-Residential Development 34-42 …...Proposed Multi-Residential Development 34-42 Tallawong Road Rouse Hill - Ecological Assessment iii CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION 1 1.1

Proposed Multi-Residential

Development 34-42 Tallawong

Road Rouse Hill

Ecological Assessment

Metro Award

MOLINO STEWART PTY LTD ABN 95 571 253 092 ACN 067 774 332

PO BOX 614, PARRAMATTA CBD BC, PARRAMATTA NSW 2124 TEL: (02) 9354 0300 FAX: (02) 9893 9806

www.molinostewart.com.au

Proposed Multi-Residential Development 34-42

Tallawong Road Rouse Hill

ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT

for

Metro Award

by

Molino Stewart Pty Ltd

ACN 067 774 332

AUGUST 2017

ii Metro Aw ard

DOCUMENT CONTROL

Document Reference 0960 Ecological Assessment 34-42 Tallawong Rd Rouse Hill Final v2

Report

Project Proposed Multi-Residential Development 34-42 Tallawong Road Rouse

Hill

Document Type Ecological Assessment

Author Diane Campbell

REVISION HISTORY

Date Version Name Comments

11/09/2017 Ver 1 Diane Campbell First draft for review

18/08/2017 Ver 2 Diane Campbell Update following client review

22/08/2017 Final Diane Campbell Final for submission

29/08/2017 Final v2 Diane Campbell Update for minor revision in layout plan

DOCUMENT APPROVAL

For Molino Stewart

Name Shireen Baguley

Position Principal

For Metro Award

Name Alain Pavelic

Position Development Manager

Proposed Multi-Residential Development 34-42 Tallaw ong Road Rouse Hill - Ecological Assessment iii

CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Introduction 1

1.2 Background 1

1.3 The Site 2

1.4 Statutory Framework 2

1.5 The Proposal 4

1.6 Desktop Assessment 6

1.6.1 Mapping Review 6

1.6.2 Threatened Species 8

1.7 Field Survey 8

2 ASSESSMENT RESULTS 9

2.1 Desktop Assessment Results 9

2.1.1 NSW BioNet Atlas and Protected Matters Search 9

2.1.2 Riverstone East Precinct Planning Reports 9

2.2 Site Assessment Results 9

2.2.1 Site Assessment 9

2.2.2 Vegetation Communities 10

2.2.3 Fauna Survey 13

2.2.4 Fauna Habitats 13

3 DISCUSSION 15

3.1 Direct Impacts 15

3.1.1 EEC Assessment 16

3.2 Indirect Impacts 16

4 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 18

4.1 Conclusions 18

4.2 Recommendations 18

5 REFERENCES 19

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APPENDICES

Appendix A - Likelihood of Occurrence

Appendix B – Flora and Fauna Recorded During the Site Survey

Appendix C – Bat Sonographsi

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 Development Site 2

Figure 2 Indicative site layout showing staged development with linking roads 5

Figure 3 Vegetation mapped in 2002 shows Shale Plains Woodland and Shale Plains Woodland Remnant Trees 6

Figure 4 OEH 2013 Vegetation Mapping 7

Figure 5 The majority of the development site is currently introduced grassland 10

Figure 6 Patch of Cuberland Plain Woodland isolated trees and farm dam. 10

Figure 7 Cumberland Plain Woodland in the north east part of the development site 11

Figure 8 2017 Vegetation mapping of the development site 12

Figure 9 The largest farm dam has little fringing vegetation 14

Proposed Multi-Residential Development 34-42 Tallaw ong Road Rouse Hill - Ecological Assessment 1

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION

This ecological assessment was prepared by

Molino Stewart to support a Concept

Development Application at 34-42 Tallawong

Road, Rouse Hill being prepared by Metro

Award Rouse Hill Pty Ltd for the following:

Site layout including roads and public domain; and

Building envelopes (including basement) to accommodate approximately 630

residential dwellings and 2 x neighbourhood shops.

Physical works do not form part of this

Concept Development Application and will be

subject to future detailed development

applications;

A description of the statutory framework is

outlined in Section 1.4. The land is biocertified

under the Sydney Growth Centres

Biocertification Order. The assessment was

conducted in accordance with the following

legislation:

Part 4 of the NSW Environmental Planning & Assessment (EP&A) Act (1979);

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

NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act (TSC Act) (1995);

Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act (1999);

State Environmental Planning Policy

(Sydney Region Growth Centres) (SEPP Sydney Regional Growth Centres).

A threatened species assessment is not

required due to the biodiversity certification of

the site, however the Threatened Biodiversity

Survey and Assessment Guidelines for

Developments and Activities (DEC, 2004) were

utilised as a guide for the survey. The

Guidelines were used as an industry standard

methodology for flora and fauna survey. An

understanding of native flora and fauna is

required to ensure the development meets the

DCP controls for land. Before Blacktown City

Council can approve a development, it must be

satisfied that the proposed impact on native

vegetation is minimised. The Guidelines

facilitate informed decision making at the local

scale for individual development activities with

particular regard to: preliminary flora and fauna

determination. The Guidelines were applied

with the following objectives:

Determining the threatened flora species recorded from the locality;

Assessing the vascular flora species capable of being identified, searching for

threatened flora species and the description of vegetation associations on site;

Determining the threatened fauna species occurring in the locality;

Searching for threatened fauna species;

Assessing the habitat value of the site for

threatened fauna species; and

Addressing statutory requirements under the EP&A Act (1979) and the

Commonwealth EPBC Act (1999).

In particular 79C of the NSW Environmental

Planning & Assessment Act 1979, has been

considered wirth respect to the likely impacts

of the development on the natural

environment.

1.2 BACKGROUND

The proposal is for nine (9) residential unit

blocks comprising approximately 630

apartments, two (2) neighbourhood shops,

access roads and private open space to be

developed on a parcel of land within

Riverstone East Precinct of the North West

Sydney Growth Centres. The subject land is

under Schedule 7 of the TSC Act as part of the

SEPP Sydney Regional Growth Centres. As

such, detailed ecological assessment is not s a

detailed investigation of the biodiversity has

already been undertaken.

The subject site lies to the east of Tallawong

Road, and immediately to north of construction

works for a proposed station along the North

West Rapid Transit corridor. Existing

residential properties occur to the north, with

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industrial development under construction to

the immediate west of the site, and a

biodiversity corridor along First Ponds Creek to

the north west of the site (Figure 1).

Regionally, the Rouse Hill Regional Park is

located to the northwest and this together with

small areas of public open space along First

Ponds Creek, Cudgegong Road and

throughout the locality, preserve patches of

remnant woodland vegetation.

The subject site contains three existing

residences; a number of sheds; access roads;

three farm dams, paddocks and internal

fences. On the northern property, remnant

scattered trees occur towards the eastern

boundary, along the north and south boundary

fences and near the farm dam. The southern

property is cleared grazing land with no

remnant trees and two small dams. Adjoining

properties to the east and north contain

remnant vegetation.

Figure 1 Development Site

1.3 THE SITE

The subject site comprises Lots 68 and 69 in

Deposited Plan 30186 with an area of

approximately 4.0846 ha and is within the

Blacktown local government area. The subject

site is located to the east of Tallawong Road,

surrounded by existing rural residential

development to the north and east, with

construction associated with the North West

Growth Centre to the south and west. The site

is zoned R3 Medium Density Residential.

The subject land is mostly cleared of over-

storey vegetation, retaining only scattered

regrowth surrounding the existing buildings

and in the southeast portion of the site.

1.4 STATUTORY FRAMEWORK

The site is within the Riverstone East Precinct

which is part of the Sydney Growth Centres

Program (the Program).

The Program is implemented via a statutory

planning and infrastructure contribution

framework.

The Program includes a legislative framework

that provides the legal basis for

implementation, planning tools and processes


for achieving the desired outcomes, a

biodiversity offset program, and management

and mitigation measures to be employed within

the Growth Centres.

The land is subject to the Growth Centres

SEPP 2006, North West Growth Centre Native

Vegetation Protection Map (Sheet NVP_009).

Under the TSC Act, Biodiversity Certification

switches off the need for a threatened species

assessment, streamlining development whilst

achieving an overall improvement or

maintenance in biodiversity. Biodiversity

Certification has been granted through the

Growth Centres SEPP, allowing development

in the Growth Centres to proceed without

further NSW threatened species assessment

on certified land on the basis that agreed

conservation outcomes of land purchased for

conservation within the Growth Centres and

offsets outside the Growth Centres.

The Commonwealth EPBC Act 1999 strategic

assessment of the Growth Centres is

complementary with the Biodiversity

Certification of the Growth Centres SEPP.

This means that there is no further requirement

to undertake a threatened species assessment

or a Species Impact Statement under the TSC

Act 1995 or the EPBC Act, even if a site has

suitable habitat for threatened species, or a

species is found on the site, or any impacts are

considered to be significant.

The Growth Centres SEPP also zoned land for

conservation and public recreation, introduced

vegetation clearing controls and controls for

flood prone land.

The NSW Department of Planning’s

Riverstone East Precinct ILP maps the land as

High Density.

The Blacktown City Council Growth Centre

Precinct Development Control Plan (DCP),

2016 contains other objectives and controls in

relation to the protection and enhancement of

native vegetation, consistent with the

Biodiversity Certification Order:

Native vegetation and ecology

Objectives

To conserve and rehabilitate the remaining native vegetation within the relevant Precinct;

To ensure that native vegetation contributes to the character and amenity of the relevant Precinct;

To preserve and enhance the ecological

values of the Precinct, and ecological links to surrounding areas.

Controls

1. Native trees and other vegetation are to be retained where possible by careful planning of subdivisions to incorporate trees

into areas such as road reserves and private or communal open space.

2. Where practical, prior to development

commencing, applicants are to:

provide for the appropriate re-use of native plants and topsoil that contains

known or potential native seed bank; and

relocate native animals from development sites. Applicants should refer to OEH’s Policy on the Translocation of Threatened

Fauna in NSW.

3. Within land that is in a Riparian Protection Area as shown on the figure in

the relevant Precinct Schedule:

all existing native vegetation is to be retained and rehabilitated, except where

clearing is required for essential infrastructure such as roads; and

native vegetation is to be conserved and

managed in accordance with the Riparian Protection Area controls at Appendix B.

4. Development on land that adjoins land

zoned E2 Environmental Conservation is to ensure that there are no significant detrimental impacts to the native vegetation

and ecological values of the E2 zone.

5. All subdivision design and bulk earthworks are to consider the need to minimise weed

dispersion and eradication. If Council believes that a significant weed risk exists, a Weed Eradication and Management Plan

outlining weed control measures during and after construction is to be submitted with the subdivision DA.

6. A landscape plan is to be submitted with all subdivision development applications, identifying:

all existing trees on the development site and those that are proposed to be removed or retained;

the proposed means of protecting trees to

be retained during both construction of

4 Metro Aw ard

subdivision works and construction of buildings;

proposed landscaping including the locations and species of trees, shrubs

and ground cover to be planted as part of subdivision works; and

the relationship of the proposed

landscaping to native vegetation that is to be retained within public land, including factors such as the potential for weed or

exotic species invasion and the contribution of the proposed landscaping to the creation of habitat values and

ecological linkages throughout the Precinct.

7. The selection of trees and other

landscaping plants is to consider:

The prescribed trees in Appendix D;

The use of locally indigenous species where available;

Contribution to the management of soil salinity, groundwater levels and soil erosion.

8. For the purposes of clause 5.9 of the relevant Precinct Plan, prescribed trees include:

Trees taller than the minimum height and greater than the minimum trunk diameter specified in Appendix D, and

Tree species listed in Appendix D.

Schedule 8 (Riverstone East) DCP identifies

key elements of the water cycle and ecology

strategy.

1.5 THE PROPOSAL

It is proposed to develop the site for residential

units in nine blocks (Figure 2), with each

consisting of one residential unit building.

Stages A-F are separated from the later stages

by an 18 metre road reserve. All other stages

will be linked by a proposed ring road that will

provide access and egress for residents.

The development footprint remains within the

indicative precinct plan for Riverstone East.

The road reserves provide opportunity for

linking vegetation to occur throughout the site.


Figure 2 Indicative site layout showing staged development with linking roads

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1.6 DESKTOP ASSESSMENT

1.6.1 Mapping Review

Mapping by National Parks and Wildlife

Service (NPWS) in 2002 and Office of

Environment and Heritage (OEH) in 2013

mapped native vegetation on the north eastern

part of the site as Shale Plains Woodland, a

component of the Cumberland Plain Woodland

(Figures 3 and 4). Vegetation along the west of

the property was mapped as remnant trees of

Shale Plains Woodland.

Cumberland Plain Woodland is a state and

nationally listed critically endangered

ecological community (CEEC). A detailed

assessment of this vegetation is provided in

section 3.1.1.

Figure 3 Vegetation mapped in 2002 shows Shale Plains Woodland and Shale Plains Woodland Remnant Trees


Figure 4 OEH 2013 Vegetation Mapping

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1.6.2 Threatened Species

A number of databases were interrogated to

determine the threatened species known or

likely to occur in the study area (within 10

kilometres of the site) and which need to be

considered under the TSC Act and the EPBC

Act 1999.

The databases interrogated were:

The EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool (DEWHA) online database for matters of National Environmental Significance; and

The OEH BioNet Atlas of NSW Wildlife

The species from each are listed and

considered in more detail in Appendix A.

Some species can be excluded from further

consideration due to specific habitat

requirements or known distribution.

The results of the review indicate that the

study area may provide suitable habitat for a

number of threatened flora and fauna species,

as listed in Appendix A.

1.7 FIELD SURVEY

A detailed site-based flora and fauna survey

was conducted on the 7th

-10th

August, 2017.

The methodology involved a field-based

survey of the subject land comprising random

meander and targeted threatened species

surveys. This method was consistent with the

Threatened Biodiversity Survey and

Assessment guidelines for Developments and

Activities (DEC, 2004).

The fauna survey consisted of spotlighting,

playback of male calls of nocturnal mammals

and bird species likely to occur in the area

based on the desktop assessment,

opportunistic sighting and searches for recent

evidence of fauna activity (scratches, burrows,

tracks, etc.), Anabat detector and motion

detection cameras.

The field work was undertaken by an

experienced ecologist, Diane Campbell.

9 Metro Aw ard

2 ASSESSMENT RESULTS

2.1 DESKTOP ASSESSMENT RESULTS

2.1.1 NSW BioNet Atlas and

Protected Matters Search

The results of the desktop assessment

indicates 14 flora species and 50 fauna

species listed as either threatened or

endangered, on either the schedules of the

TSC Act or the Protected Matters Search Tool,

have been recorded within 10 km of the

development site. These are listed in

Appendix A. Based on an initial assessment of

the available habitat present on the

development site, the number of species likely

to occur is significantly reduced (Appendix A).

A field survey specifically targeted those

species.

2.1.2 Riverstone East Precinct Planning Reports

A review of past vegetation mapping in the

Western Sydney area completed as part of the

Riverstone East Precinct planning 2015

mapped the vegetation in the north east as

Shale Plains Woodland in Good Condition (A-

C). The condition classes A-C encompasses a

broad range of consitions with A indicating a

canopy density of ˃10% with a relatively intact

tree canopy, B indicating canopy class of

˂10% with larger areas of remnant vegetation

with low or discontinuous canopy, often found

on the disturbed edges of larger remnants, and

C indicating canopy density of ˂10% that are

areas of native vegetation that do not have a

Eucalypt canopy cover.

2.2 SITE ASSESSMENT RESULTS

2.2.1 Site Assessment

The subject site was visited on the 7th

-10th

August 2017 to identify the extent, condition

and type of vegetation remaining and the

variety and extent of habitats present that

might be utilised by potential threatened

species predicted to occur in the study area.

Dominant plant species in each vegetation

community present on the site were identified

in a random walk over the development site

and included all available habitats. Each

species was recorded and assessed as

indicators for components of a potential EEC

on the site and for possible threatened plant

species occurrence. A list of flora species

recorded is presented in Appendix B.

Threatened fauna, inferred as potentially

present on the site on the basis of wildlife

database analysis, were considered when

searching the site and the existence of specific

habitat for these species was assessed. A

night survey of the overstorey vegetation in the

patches of retained vegetation and in the

vicinity of the farm dams was undertaken on

two nights and involved spotlighting, play-

backs of male calls (Powerful Owl) and

detailed search of the farm dams for evidence

of the Green and Golden Bell Frog.

It is important to adopt the precautionary

principle in this assessment. If suitable habitat

exists on a development site, then it should be

assumed that particularly species utilising that

habitat are also likely to occur, even if such

species have not been recorded in the area as

part of a targeted survey.


2.2.2 Vegetation Communities

A review of literature was conducted for

overstorey communities in the Sydney Basin

Botanical region. One over-storey

communities occur on the property is

described with reference to the OEH Plant

Community Type and Biometric Vegetation

categories for the Hawkesbury Nepean

Catchment Management Area (CMA) and the

Sydney Metropolitan CMA.

Three vegetation communities were identified

and mapped in the study area as discussed

below (see Figures 5-8).

a) Introduced Grassland

The majority of the western and southern parts

of the site is covered in introduced grassland.

Species include Kikuyu Pennisetum

clandestinum, throughout the grassland with

Dandelion Taraxacum officinale, Spear Thistle

(Cirsium vulgare), Paddy‘s Lucerne (Sida

rhombifolia), and White Clover (Trifolium

repens) and other environmental weeds

present with the property having been

previously utilised for livestock grazing.

Figure 5 The majority of the development site is currently introduced grassland

b) Isolated Trees of Cumberland Plain Woodland

A small patch of isolated trees occur along the

boundary between 34-42 Tallawong Road and

includes Narrow-leaved Ironbark (E crebra)

and Forest Red Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis),

with an under-storey dominated by exotic

grasses and shrubs. A number of the trees

have been ring-barked, in particular the

smooth barked Cabbage Gum and Forest Red

Gum. This vegetation is continuous with the

vegetation at the northeast of the site and with

remnant vegetation on the property to its east.

This vegetation community is described in the

OEH Plant Community Type (PCT) database

as:

Grey Box – Forest Red Gum grassy woodland on flats of the Cumberland

Plain, Sydney Basin Bioregion (HN528)


OEH Biometric Vegetation Type database as:

Grey Box - Forest Red Gum grassy woodland on alluvial flats of the Cumberland Plain, Sydney Basin

This community is representative of

Cumberland Plain Woodland CEEC. Because

it comprises a patch size less than 0.5 ha in

area and perennial native understorey

vegetation of less than 50% it does not meet

the EPBC criteria for the listed community.

Figure 6 Patch of Cuberland Plain Woodland isolated trees and farm dam.

c) Patch of Cumberland Plain Woodland along northern boundary

A patch of native vegetation of 0.68ha

comprising mainly trees occurs along the north

eastern boundary. These trees are dominated

by Narrow-leaved Ironbark, Broad-leaved

Ironbark (E. fibrosa) with an occasional Grey

Box (E. moluccana) (Figure 7). There is an

absence of a shrub layer in the understorey,

which has been previously grazed by horses,

and a number of the smooth-barked trees are

dead and others have been ringbarked. The

adjoining area east of the northern farm dam

has no canopy vegetation but comprises native

grasses and groundcovers of Weeping Grass

(Microlaena stipoides), small patches of

Climbing Saltbush (Einadia hastata) and

Slender Tick-trefoil (Desmodium varians).


Figure 7 Cumberland Plain Woodland in the north east part of the development site


OEH PCT database as:

Grey Box – Forest Red Gum grassy woodland on flats of the Cumberland Plain, Sydney Basin Bioregion (HN528);

and

Derived grasslands on shale plains of the Cumberland Plain (50-300m ASL)

(HN628 and ME053)


OEH Biometric Vegetation Type database as:

Grey Box - Forest Red Gum grassy woodland on alluvial flats of the Cumberland Plain, Sydney Basin

This community is representative of

Cumberland Plain Woodland CEEC under the

TSC Act. It also meets the EPBC condition

and size criteria for the Cumberland Plain

Shale Woodlands and Shale Gravel Transition

Forest ecological community (Commonwealth).

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Figure 8 2017 Vegetation mapping of the development site


2.2.3 Fauna Survey

The fauna survey identified a number of bird

species frequenting the development site,

including Galah, Eastern Rosella, Rainbow

Lorikeet, Noisy Miner, Magpie, Kookaburra,

Yellow Thornbill, Grey Fantail, Willie Wagtail

and introduced species including Indian Mynah

and Spotted Turtle Dove. Australian Wood

Duck, Pacific Black Duck and White-faced

Heron occurred near the northern farm dam.

The limited diversity reflects the absence of

flowering tree or shrub species; no detailed

survey was conducted along the adjoining

properties as these areas are outside the

development.

A detailed survey of the area surrounding the

farm dams recorded Common Eastern Froglet.

Searches for snails in the soil around the base

of trees with leaf litter revealed the presence of

Garden Snails.

The Anabat detector recorded five bat species.

Positive identifications were made of two

species, Southern Forest Bat (Vespedulus

regulus) and Eastern Freetail Bat

(Mormopterus norfolkensis), a Vulnerable

Species. Possible identifiactions were made of

three species due to limited signals, including

Eastern Broad-nosed Bat (Scotorepens orion),

and an undifferentiated Freetail bat

(Mormopterus sp. 2) , likely to be Eastern

Freetail Bat (M. ridei) and Gould’s Wattled bat

(Chalinolobus gouldii).

Motion detection cameras recorded foxes,

rabbits, dogs, magpies, magpie larks and

crested pigeons.

A spotlight survey did not record any fauna

species. Play callback did not elicit any

responses.

The presence of domestic and introduced

animals, particularly foxes, rabbits and dogs in

the immediate vicinity, the lack of a shrub layer

and the large edge effects from the

surrounding rural, industrial and civil works

development significantly degrade the habitat

value of the remnant vegetation on this site.

The current construction works for the rapid

transit pose a substantial noise deterrent.

Moreover, the site has limited connectivity to

the north and east, with the large scale

clearing to the west and south due to the

existing road network and the current

development provides a significant barrier to

movement through the area. The remnant

vegetation is degraded and other patches of

retained ‘green space’ parklands in the area

are small, providing only transition habitat

opportunities.

2.2.4 Fauna Habitats

a) Cumberland Plain Woodland and Isolated Trees

The majority of birds recorded occurred in a

patch of vegetation in the northeast portion of

the property. The isolated trees also provide

occasional habitat for bird species.

Although some larger trees had small hollows

in broken branches and branch stubs, no large

tree hollows were observed during the habitat

assessment. This is a function of the regrowth

nature and species composition of the existing

vegetation; although there are a number of

trees on the property that are 25m in height,

the majority of trees are under 15m , hence no

trees have reached sufficient age to develop

hollows suitable as habitat for arboreal

mammals or owls, whilst microbats may utilise

bark fissures..

b) Farm Dams

The three farm dams on the property are

located on development site. The small two of

these dams are located on the southern

property within the totally cleared land. These

two farm dams are very small and provide

limited habitat for waterbirds or amphibians

and are impacted by the surrounding

excavation works associated with the North

West Rapid Transit infrastructure.

The largest of the three dams occurs in the

northern property within an area of remnant

trees. Although there is no fringing reeds the

dam provides habitat for water birds (Figure 9)

and amphibians. However, the steep banks to

14 Metro Aw ard

the dam restrict the establishment of a fringing

vegetation community. A well-developed

fringing vegetation community is essential for

breeding and safety for many bird species and

hence this dam does not provide such cover.

Furthermore, the absence of reeds such as

Bullrushes (Typha sp.) limits the potential for

these dams to provide breeding habitat for the

Green and Golden Bell Frog.

On some of the nearby properties the remnant

vegetation and dams provide an aquatic

habitat that is more continuous and connected

with larger water storages associated with the

tributary of First Ponds Creek. The available

habitat for frog species within the development

site is limited and supports a low diversity of

frog species.

Figure 9 The largest farm dam has little fringing vegetation

c) Human structures

The existence of built structures on the

development site has the potential to provide

habitat for micro-bats, particularly those

species known to roost in abandoned

buildings, caves and mine shafts. However,

there was little evidence for suitable habitat

associated with any of the structures observed.


3 DISCUSSION

3.1 DIRECT IMPACTS

The proposal will remove the existing built

structures, access track, grassland, native

vegetation and farm dams within the

development site, and undertake earthworks

required for the multi-unit development and

construction of the road. This will have the

following impacts:

The clearing of native vegetation and

isolated trees will result in a loss of canopy trees, grasses and ground covers of Cumberland Plain Woodland, habitat

for common species of arboreal fauna and vegetated connectivity to remnant vegetation on surrounding properties.

The infilling of the three farm within the development site will result in a loss of potential habitat for waterbirds, aquatic fauna (mainly common amphibian

species) and micro-bats.

The removal of existing built structures will not result in the loss of potential

habitat for any micro-bats in the area as the existing structures do not provide suitable habitat for these species.

The impacts of this clearance have already

been considered as part of the biodiversity

assessment for the Riverstone East Precinct.

Clearing and in-filling will be undertaken for the

development and the construction of the

proposed road. This will have the following

impacts:

Removal of the majority of the site’s trees, grasses and ground covers, will

result in the removal of 0.8 ha of native vegetation and isolated trees as part of the development. None of the canopy

trees have reached the age where large hollows have developed in the trunk and larger branches. The trees provide limited

habitat for arboreal fauna. Any remnant trees that are worthy of retention will be retained where the development allows.

In addition the landscaping on the development site will used native flora as outlined in the Riverstone East Precinct

Development Control Plan using locally indigenous species.

Removal of the farm dams to prepare the site as necessary for the construction of the units, road infrastructure and open space will result in the loss of open water

habitat for birds, mammals including micro-bats, frogs and aquatic invertebrates.

Removal of ground cover vegetation will have little impact on native flora and fauna, with the majority of the site

comprised of exotic grasses and pasture weeds, that had been regularly slashing and grazed. Following removal of the

livestock, exotic species have established on the majority of the site. Little regeneration of native vegetation has

occurred due to rabbit and stock grazing.

There are almost no shrubs present on the

development site except for several large

areas of weed including PaddysLucerne . The

isolated trees provide for occasional use by

avifauna, however it provides only low

condition habitat and does not enhance the

potential for fauna to move through the area.

The introduced grassland and few isolated

trees provide limited foraging and shelter

habitats for avifauna, but do not provide habitat

for ground-dwelling fauna.

Exotic grassland covers 3.2ha of the site and

does not enhance the potential for fauna to

move through the area as it does not provide a

range of foraging and shelter habitats from

which ground-dwelling fauna can seek refuge.

The Cumberland Plain Woodland and isolated

trees are heavily disturbed in the understorey,

with native grasses only occurring in the north

of the site, an absence of shrub layer and a

number of dead and ringbarked trees. The

vegetation is partly disconnected from other

areas of vegetation by surrounding landuses.

Previous clearing, slashing and grazing of the

site over many years has prevented any

natural regeneration. Surrounding residential

developments, construction for the North West

Rapid Transit corridor infrastructure and the

existing road network pose significant barriers

to fauna movement through the development

site.

The small patch size of the remnant vegetation

at the north eastern part of the development

site has a large edge effect to external land

uses increasing noise and light impacts. The

absence of a shrub layer limits the foraging

16 Metro Aw ard

and shelter habitats from which ground-

dwelling fauna can seek refuge. This

vegetation provide a limited pathway for

movement of fauna from remnant vegetation in

the area connecting to First Ponds Creek. It

provides limited ‘stepping stone’ habitat for

arboreal fauna, and does not provide ar refuge

area to link with more established areas of

vegetation in the locality.

A review of the threatened species potentially

occurring in the area based on available

habitat supports the importance of the riparian

corridor along First and Second Ponds Creeks

as regionally important biodiversity corridors.

3.1.1 EEC Assessment

Previous mapping of the site as part of the

Cumberland Plain mapping project in 2002 and

2013 indicated the site to be comprised of

Shale Plains Woodland, a component of the

Cumberland Plain Woodland. The vegetation

along the west of the property that includes the

houses was mapped as remnant trees of

Shale Plains Woodland. Cumberland Plain

Woodland is a state and nationally listed

CEEC.

a) Northern Vegetation Patch

After a detailed survey, the vegetation in the

north eastern part of the development site is

described as Shale Plains Woodland, a

component of the Cumberland Plain

Woodland. This includes a small area of

Derived Grassland on Shale Plains of the

Cumberland Plain that is located to the south

east of the large farm dam.

The community is dominated by Narrow-

leaved Ironbark (Eucalyptus crebra) and

Forest Red Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis). The

isolated trees are remapped to acknowledge

the presence of houses and other built

structures and are consitent with remnant trees

of Shale Plains Woodland.

The extent and habitat value of the trees

present on the development site is limited; with

little evidence for natural regeneration due to

frequent grazing of the understorey. Most trees

are located at the rear of the site, with many

being affected by dieback due to grazing and

ringbarking.

This vegetation community meets the condition

and size criteria for both Cumberland Plain

Woodland under the TSC Act and Cumberland

Plain Shale Woodlands and Shale-Gravel

Transition Forest CEEC under the EPBC Act.

b) Centre Vegetation Patch

Isolated trees along the centre of the

development site are within the characteristic

species for the Cumberland Plain Woodland

CEEC. However, this vegetation is highly

degraded by rural residential development,

with grazing and weed invasion limiting the

potential for natural regeneration given the

long period of this land management regime.

This vegetation has been considered

previously as part of the biodiversity

assessment for the Riverstone East Precinct

as providing limited habitat value and whilst it

meets the criteria for the state listed

Cumberland Plain Woodland CEEC it does not

meet the condition and size criteria under the

EPBC Act.

Additionally, native vegetation consistent with

that present on the development site should

be considered in designing any tree planting

along the proposed internal roads.

3.2 INDIRECT IMPACTS

Indirect impacts of proposed development

have been identified by DECC (2007) and can

include:

loss of individuals through starvation, exposure, predation by domestic and or

feral animals,

loss of breeding opportunities,

loss of shade/shelter,

deleterious hydrological changes,

increased soils salinity,

erosion,

inhibition of nitrogen fixation,

weed invasion,

fertiliser drift, or

increased human activity within or directly adjacent to sensitive habitat areas.


The proposal will result in the loss of native

vegetation on the subject site. The vegetation

present does not provide important habitat for

fauna as the site is within an existing rural

residential area under active redevelopment as

a Growth Centre, having limited connectivity to

other patches of native vegetation. This is

supported by the development site occurring

within certified land under Schedule 7 of the

TSC Act as part of the Riverstone East

Precinct Plan assessment.

The clearing of the site and development will

remove the existing farm dams and several

regrowth canopy trees within the certified land

near the existing dwelling. This will reduce the

amount of available habitat for avifauna, micro-

bats and amphibian species. However,

important vegetation throughout the precincts

willl be retained within the public open space

network along First and Second Ponds Creeks

and throughout the locality. This will be

enhanced through ongoing weed

management.

Some individual trees may be able to be

retained around the perimeter of the

development as part of a Landscape Plan for

the proposal. Additionally, native vegetation

consistent with that present on the

development site should be considered in

designing any tree planting along the proposed

internal roads.

The development proposal will have an

erosion and sediment control plan

implemented to undertake soil and water

management across the site.

18 Metro Aw ard

4 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

4.1 CONCLUSIONS

Following the detailed desktop studies and

field investigations the following conclusions

can be drawn:

No threatened flora was recorded during the field survey. The recorded flora

diversity is dominated by exotic species with only remnant vegetation occurring near the north eastern boundary of the

development site.

The vegetation in the northern part of the site is consistent with the NSW Scientific Committee’s determination for

Cumberland Plain Woodland CEEC and the Commonwealth Government’s Policy Statement for Cumberland Plain Shale

Woodlands and Shale-Gravel Transition Forest. The majority of this community will be affected by the development

proposal. Some of the trees may be able to be retained in the development.

The isolated trees in the central part of

the site are consistent with Cumberland Plain Woodland CEEC, but do not meet the criteria for Cumberland Plain Shale

Woodlands and Shale-Gravel Transition Forest under the EPBC Act. Whilst the majority of the isolated trees will be

afftected by the development, some may be able to be retained.

The existing vegetation across much of

the development site is introduced grassland degraded with weeds that provide little habitat value to fauna in the

area.

The fauna survey recorded one threatened species, the Eastern Freetail Bat (Mormopterus norfolkensis). The

available treed habitat on the development site is affected by ringbarking and rabbit grazing; there is

likely to be suitable habitat retained in the Riverstone East Precinct.

Removal of the farm dams will have an

impact on the available aquatic habitat, however this is limited due to their low condition due to their lack of aquatic and

fringing vegetation.

The removal of the vegetation and fauna habitats from the ‘certified lands’ has been considered in the assessment of the Riverstone East Precinct Plan.

Removal of vegetation from the development site will contribute to fragmentation of vegetation within the

area, however the Precinct Plan conserves vegetation to the east of the site and to the north west along the

tributary of First Ponds Creek providing for fauna habitat.

4.2 RECOMMENDATIONS

The following recommendations are provided

to help guide the clearing process and reduce

the immediate short and longer term impacts

on more mobile species presently utilising the

subject site.

Prior to any clearing of the existing

vegetation, a pre-clearance survey should be undertaken by a qualified and experienced ecologist to ensure that

fauna is not present within the existing vegetation that is to be cleared. This pre-clearance survey should be undertaken

immediately prior to the commencement of any clearing activities.

A Translocation Protocol for any native

fauna located on the site should be prepared prior to clearing; and implemented should any native fauna be

located on the site during the clearing.

A Landscape Plan is to include retention of remnant trees where possible and native canopy species within the street

planting, particularly to provide a connection of retained vegetation on adjoining properties to the east of the

property with retained vegetation along the tributary of First Ponds Creek.


5 REFERENCES Barrett G, Silcocks A, Barry S, Cunningham R,

Poulter R (2003) 'The new atlas of

Australian birds.' (RAOU: Melbourne)

Benson DH, von Richter (2008) Ecology of

Cumberland Plain Woodland.

Department of Environment and Conservation,

(NSW (2004) Darwinia biflora Recovery

Plan.

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resourc

es/nature/recoveryplanDarwiniaBiflora.pdf

DECCW, 2008a Remnant Vegetation Mapping

of the Cumberland Plain, Crown Cover

greater than 10%, Urban VIS_ID 2221

DECCW, 2008b Remnant Vegetation Mapping

of the Cumberland Plain, Crown Cover less

than 10%, Urban VIS_ID 2223

DECCW (2009b) Draft Recovery Plan for the

Cumberland Plain DECCW NSW Sydney

Department of Environment and Heritage

(DEH) (2006) EPBC Act Policy Statement

1.1 Significant Impact Guidelines Matters of

National Environmental Significance

Commonwealth of Australia 2006

http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/public

ations/pubs/nes-guidelines.pdf

Department of the Environment, Water,

Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) (2010

Cumberland Plain Shale Woodlands and

Shale-Gravel Transition Forest. Policy

Statement 3.31.

Department of Planning and Environment

(2016) Blacktown City Council Growth

Centre Precincts Development Control

Plan, Schedule 8 Riverstone East.

Department of Planning and Environment

(2016) Riverstone East Precinct Stages 1

and 2 Precinct Rezoning.

Eco Logical (2015) Riverstone East Precinct

Biodiversity and Riparian Corridors

Assessment. Prepared for the Department

of Planning and Environment.

Higgins PJ, Peter JM, (Eds) (2002) 'Handbook

of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic

birds (vol. 6).' (Oxford University Press:

Melbourne)

James T (2009) Rare and Threatened Plants

of the Baulkham Hills Shire.

Minister Assisting the Minister for Climate

Change Environment and Water

(Environment) (December 2007) Order to

Confer Biodiversity Certification on the

State Environmental Planning Policy

(Sydney Region Growth Centres) (2006)


es/nature/biocertordwsgcentres.pdf

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

(2003) Downy Wattle (Acacia pubescens)

Recovery Plan. NSW NPWS, Hurstville,

NSW. ISBN: 0 7313 6504 6

NPWS (2003a) Environmental impact

Assessment Guidelines Acacia pubescens


es/nature/ApubescensEia0103.pdf

NPWS (2002) Vegetation Classification

mapping in the Blacktown LGA


es/nature/vegmapCumberlandPlain12Black

town.pdf 5

http://www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/content.aspx

?PageID=576

Office of Environment and Heritage (2017)

Threatened species information

http://www.threatenedspecies.environment.

nsw.gov.au/tsprofile/profile.aspx?id=10534

Olsen P, Weston M, Tzaros C, Silcocks A

(2005) The state of Australia's birds 2005:

Woodlands and birds. Supplement to

Wingspan 15(4), 32pp

Ridgeway P (2010) Silent Night Community

Bat Survey prepared for The Hills Shire

Council, the Department of Primary

Industries and The Norman Wettenhall

Foundation

http://www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/IgnitionSuite/

uploads/docs/Microbat%20Project%20Final

%20Report%202009d.pdf

Tozer MG, Turner K, Simpson CC, Keith DA,

Beukers P, MacKenzie B, Tindall D,

Pennay C (2006). Native vegetation of

southeast NSW: a revised classification and

map for the coast and eastern tablelands.

Version 1.0. NSW Department of

Environment and Conservation, NSW

Department of Natural Resources, Sydney.

http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/publications/pubs/nes-guidelines.pdf

http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/publications/pubs/nes-guidelines.pdf

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/nature/biocertordwsgcentres.pdf

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/nature/biocertordwsgcentres.pdf

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/nature/ApubescensEia0103.pdf

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/nature/ApubescensEia0103.pdf

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/nature/vegmapCumberlandPlain12Blacktown.pdf



http://www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/content.aspx?PageID=576

http://www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/content.aspx?PageID=576

http://www.threatenedspecies.environment.nsw.gov.au/tsprofile/profile.aspx?id=10534

http://www.threatenedspecies.environment.nsw.gov.au/tsprofile/profile.aspx?id=10534

20 Metro Aw ard

Seddon JA, Briggs SV, Doyle SJ (2003)

Relationships between bird species and

characteristics of woodland remnants in

central New South Wales. Pacific

Conservation Biology 9, 95-119.

Sydney West Blue Mountains Regional Weeds

Committee (2005) Weeds of the Sydney

West Region

http://www.sydneyweeds.org.au/docs/Syd-

West-brochure.pdf

Watson J, Freudenberger D, Paull D (2001) An

assessment of the focal-species approach

for conserving birds in variegated

landscapes in south eastern Australia.

Conservation Biology 15, 1364-1373

APPENDIX A - LIKELIHOOD OF OCCURRENCE

Species Listed on the TSC Act or EPBC Act and Recorded Within 10km of the Subject Site

Scientific Name Common Name Status Comment

Fauna

Pseudophryne australis Red-crowned Toadlet NSW:

Vulnerable

Occurs in open forests, mostly on Hawkesbury and Narrabeen Sandstones. No suitable habitat on site.

Litoria aurea Green and Golden Bell

Frog

NSW:

Endangered

National:

Vulnerable

Inhabits marshes, dams and stream-sides, particularly those containing bullrushes (Typha spp.) or spikerushes (Eleocharis spp.). Optimum habitat includes water-bodies that are unshaded, free of predatory fish such as Plague Minnow (Gambusia

holbrook i), have a grassy area nearby and diurnal sheltering sites available. Some sites, particularly in the Greater Sydney region occur in highly disturbed areas. Potential to occur based on available habitat and further assessment is required

Hirundapus caudacutus White-throated Needletail

National

Marine

National

Migratory

Occur over most types of habitat, they are probably recorded most often above wooded areas, including open forest and rainforest, and may also fly between trees

or in clearings, below the canopy, but they are less commonly recorded flying above woodland. Less commonly occur over treeless areas, such as grassland or swamps. When flying above farmland, they are more often recorded above partly

cleared pasture, plantations or remnant vegetation at the edge of paddocks and further assessment is required

Ardea ibis Cattle Egret National

Marine

Occurs in tropical and temperate grasslands, wooded lands and terrestrial wetlands. It has occasionally been seen in arid and semi-arid regions however this is extremely rare. High numbers have been observed in moist, low-lying poorly

drained pastures with an abundance of high grass; it avoids low grass pastures. It has been recorded on earthen dam walls and ploughed fields. It is commonly associated with the habitats of farm animals, particularly cattle, but also pigs,

sheep, horses and deer. The Cattle Egret is known to follow earth-moving machinery and has been located at rubbish tips. It uses predominately shallow, open and fresh wetlands including meadows and swamps with low emergent

vegetation and abundant aquatic flora. They have sometimes been observed in swamps with tall emergent vegetation and further assessment is required


Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis National

Marine

National

Migratory

Preferred habitat for foraging and breeding are fresh water marshes at the edges of

lakes and rivers, lagoons, flood-plains, wet meadows, swamps, reservoirs, sewage

ponds, rice-fields and cultivated areas under irrigation. The species is occasionally

found in coastal locations such as estuaries, deltas, saltmarshes and coastal

lagoons. Within Australia, the largest contiguous areas of prime habitat is inland

and northern floodplains. The Glossy Ibis is commonly in largest numbers in drying

Top End grass/sedge swamps and Channel Country grass/forb meadows. The

species is sometimes recorded in wooded swamps, artificial wetlands (such as

irrigated fields), and in mangroves for breeding. The species may retreat to

permanent wetlands and/or coastal areas (including tidal wetlands) during drought.

Glossy Ibis roost in trees or shrubs usually near, but sometimes far,

from water bodies. Unlikely to occur.

Rostratula australis Australian Painted Snipe NSW:

Endangered

National:

Endangered

Prefers fringes of swamps, dams and nearby marshy areas where there is a cover of grasses, lignum, low scrub or open timber. Nests on the ground amongst tall

vegetation, such as grasses, tussocks or reeds. Unlikely to occur due to current land management and limited fringing vegetation to dams

Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern NSW:

Endangered

National:

Endangered

Favours permanent freshwater wetlands with tall, dense vegetation, particularly

bullrushes (Typha spp.) and spikerushes (Eleocharis spp.). Hides during the day amongst dense reeds or rushes and feed mainly at night on frogs, fish, yabbies, spiders, insects and snails. Unlikely to occur due to limited reed / rushes near dams

Calyptorhynchus lathami Glossy Black Cockatoo NSW:

Vulnerable

Recorded from Blue Gum Creek to the north west of the site. No Casuarina sp. or

Allocasuarina sp. were recorded on site that may provide foraging habitat for this

species. No suitable habitat will be removed.

Callocephalon fimbriatum Gang-gang Cockatoo NSW:

Vulnerable

Prefers riparian vegetation along waterways dominated by River Oak. The riparian

community along Second Ponds Creek is highly disturbed and does not provide

suitable habitat for this species

Circus assimilis Spotted Harrier NSW:

Vulnerable

Occurs in grassy open woodland including Acacia and mallee remnants, inland

riparian woodland, grassland, and shrub steppe. It is found most commonly in

native grassland, but also occurs in agricultural land, foraging over open habitats


including edges of inland wetlands. Unlikely to occur on the development site.

Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-eagle NSW:

Vulnerable

National

Marine

Found in coastal habitats (especially those close to the sea-shore) and around

terrestrial wetlands in tropical and temperate regions of mainland Australia and its offshore islands. The habitats occupied by the sea-eagle are characterised by the presence of large areas of open water (larger rivers, swamps, lakes, the sea). Birds

have been recorded in (or flying over) a variety of terrestrial habitats. Unlikely to occur on the development site.

Hieraaetus morphnoides Little Eagle NSW:

Vulnerable

Occupies open eucalypt forest, woodland or open woodland. She-oak or Acacia

woodlands and riparian woodlands of interior NSW are also used. Nests in tall living trees within a remnant patch, where pairs build a large stick nest in winter. Tall trees are absent from the development site.

Lophoictinia isura Square-tailed Kite NSW:

Vulnerable

Found in a variety of timbered habitats including dry woodlands and open forests. Shows a particular preference for timbered watercourses. specialist hunter of

passerines, especially honeyeaters, and most particularly nestlings, and insects in the tree canopy, picking most prey items from the outer foliage Unlkely to occur on development site due to limited prey nesting habitat.

Falco subniger Black Falcon NSW:

Vulnerable

The Black Falcon is widely, but sparsely, distributed in New South Wales, mostly occurring in inland regions. Some reports of ‘Black Falcons’ on the tablelands and

coast of New South Wales are likely to be referrable to the Brown Falcon. Unlikely to provide important habitat for this species

Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover National

Marine

National

Migratory

In non-breeding grounds in Australia this species usually inhabits coastal habitats,

though it occasionally occurs around inland wetlands. Pacific Golden Plovers

usually occur on beaches, mudflats and sandflats (sometimes in vegetation such as

mangroves, low saltmarsh such as Sarcocornia, or beds of seagrass) in sheltered

areas including harbours, estuaries and lagoons, and also in evaporation ponds in

saltworks. The species is also sometimes recorded on islands, sand and coral cays

and exposed reefs and rocks. They are less often recorded in terrestrial habitats,

usually wetlands such as fresh, brackish or saline lakes, billabongs, pools, swamps

and wet claypans, especially those with muddy margins and often with submerged

vegetation or short emergent grass. Other terrestrial habitats inhabited include short

(or, occasionally, long) grass in paddocks, crops or airstrips, or ploughed or recently


burnt areas, and they are very occasionally recorded well away from water. On its

breeding grounds it occurs in tundra. Unlikely

Calidris acuminata

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper

National

Marine

National

Migratory

Prefers muddy edges of shallow fresh or brackish wetlands, with inundated or

emergent sedges, grass, saltmarsh or other low vegetation. This includes lagoons,

swamps, lakes and pools near the coast, and dams, waterholes, soaks, bore drains

and bore swamps, saltpans and hypersaline saltlakes inland. They also occur in

saltworks and sewage farms. They use flooded paddocks, sedgelands and other

ephemeral wetlands, but leave when they dry. They use intertidal mudflats in

sheltered bays, inlets, estuaries or seashores, and also swamps and creeks lined

with mangroves. They tend to occupy coastal mudflats mainly after ephemeral

terrestrial wetlands have dried out, moving back during the wet season. They may

be attracted to mats of algae and water weed either floating or washed up around

terrestrial wetlands, and coastal areas with much beachcast seaweed. Sometimes

they occur on rocky shores and rarely on exposed reefs. Unlikely

Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper National

Marine

National

Migratory

Prefers shallow fresh to saline wetlands. The species is found at coastal lagoons,

estuaries, bays, swamps, lakes, inundated grasslands, saltmarshes, river pools,

creeks, floodplains and artificial wetlands. The species is usually found in coastal

or near coastal habitat but occasionally found further inland. It prefers wetlands that

have open fringing mudflats and low, emergent or fringing vegetation, such as

grass or samphire. The species has also been recorded in swamp overgrown with

lignum. They forage in shallow water or soft mud at the edge of wetlands. Unlikely

Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint National

Marine

National

Migratory

Found in coastal areas, including in sheltered inlets, bays, lagoons and estuaries

with intertidal mudflats, often near spits, islets and banks and, sometimes, on

protected sandy or coralline shores. Occasionally they have been recorded on

exposed or ocean beaches, and sometimes on stony or rocky shores, reefs or

shoals. They also occur in saltworks and sewage farms; saltmarsh; ephemeral or

permanent shallow wetlands near the coast or inland, including lagoons, lakes,

swamps, riverbanks, waterholes, bore drains, dams, soaks and pools in saltflats.

They sometimes use flooded paddocks or damp grasslands. They have

occasionally been recorded on dry gibber plains, with little or no perennial


vegetation. Unlikely

Gallinago hardwick ii Latham's Snipe National

Marine

National

Migratory

Occurs in permanent and ephemeral wetlands up to 2000 m above sea-level

(Chapman 1969; Naarding 1981). They usually inhabit open, freshwater wetlands

with low, dense vegetation (e.g. swamps, flooded grasslands or heathlands, around

bogs and other water bodies) (Frith et. al. 1977; Naarding 1983; Weston 2006,

pers. comm.). However, they can also occur in habitats with saline or brackish

water, in modified or artificial habitats, and in habitats located close to humans or

human activity. Unlikely

Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper National

Marine

National

Migratory

Uses well-vegetated, shallow, freshwater wetlands, such as swamps, billabongs,

lakes, pools and waterholes. They are typically associated with emergent, aquatic

plants or grass, and dominated by taller fringing vegetation, such as dense stands

of rushes or reeds, shrubs, or dead or live trees, especially Melaleuca and River

Red Gums Eucalyptus camaldulensis and often with fallen timber. They also

frequent inundated grasslands, short herbage or wooded floodplains, where

floodwaters are temporary or receding, and irrigated crops. They are also found at

some small wetlands only when they are drying. They are rarely found using

brackish wetlands, or dry stunted saltmarsh. Typically they do not use coastal flats,

but are occasionally recorded in stony wetlands. This species uses artificial

wetlands, including open sewage ponds, reservoirs, large farm dams, and bore

drains. Unlikely

Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank National

Marine

National

Migratory

Found in a wide variety of inland wetlands and sheltered coastal habitats of varying

salinity. It occurs in sheltered coastal habitats, typically with large mudflats and

saltmarsh, mangroves or seagrass. Habitats include embayments, harbours, river

estuaries, deltas and lagoons and are recorded less often in round tidal pools, rock-

flats and rock platforms. The species uses both permanent and ephemeral

terrestrial wetlands, including swamps, lakes, dams, rivers, creeks, billabongs,

waterholes and inundated floodplains, claypans and saltflats. It will also use artificial

wetlands, including sewage farms and saltworks dams, inundated rice crops and

bores. The edges of the wetlands used are generally of mud or clay, occasionally of


sand, and may be bare or with emergent or fringing vegetation, including short

sedges and saltmarsh, mangroves, thickets of rushes, and dead or live trees.

Unlikely

^^Ninox strenua Powerful Owl NSW:

Vulnerable

Inhabits a range of vegetation types, from woodland and open sclerophyll forest to tall open wet forest and rainforest. Requires large tracts of forest or woodland

habitat but can occur in fragmented landscapes as well. The species breeds and hunts in open or closed sclerophyll forest or woodlands and occasionally hunts in open habitats. Main prey items are medium-sized arboreal marsupials, particularly

the Greater Glider, Common Ringtail Possum and Sugar Glider. There may be marked regional differences in the prey taken by Powerful Owls. As most prey species require hollows and a shrub layer, these are important habitat components

for the owl. Pairs of Powerful Owls demonstrate high fidelity to a large territory, the size of which varies with habitat quality and thus prey densities. In good habitats a mere 400 can support a pair; where hollow trees and prey have been depleted the

owls need up to 4000 ha. They nest in large tree hollows (at least 0.5 m deep), in large eucalypts (diameter at breast height of 80-240 cm) that are at least 150 years old. No suitable habitat on site.

Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater National

marine

Occurs mainly in open forests and woodlands, shrublands, and in various cleared

or semi-cleared habitats, including farmland and areas of human habitation (Higgins

1999). It usually occurs in open, cleared or lightly-timbered areas that are often, but

not always, located in close proximity to permanent water. It also occurs in inland

and coastal sand dune systems, and in mangroves in northern Australia, and has

been recorded in various other habitat types including heathland, sedgeland, vine

forest and vine thicket, and on beaches. It occurs in open woodlands and

shrublands, including mallee, and in open forests that are usually dominated by

eucalypts. It also occurs in grasslands and, especially in arid or semi-arid areas, in

riparian, floodplain or wetland vegetation assemblages. Is also common in cleared

and semi-cleared habitats. It occurs in farmland . Its widespread distribution of the

bee-eater, and the variety of habitats that it has been recorded in, indicate that it

could potentially occur.

Daphoenositta chrysoptera Varied Sittella NSW: Inhabits eucalypt forests and woodlands, especially those containing rough-barked


Vulnerable species and mature smooth-barked gums with dead branches, Mallee and Acacia

woodland. Suitable habitat exists on adjoining land along Second Ponds Creek but

species was not observed. Any clearing of vegetation for the development is

unlikely to impact this species; further assessment is not required.

Petroica boodang Scarlet Robin NSW:

Vulnerable

The Scarlet Robin lives in dry eucalypt forests and woodlands with an understorey

that is usually open and grassy with few scattered shrubs. This species lives in both mature and regrowth vegetation; occasionally occurs in Mallee or wet forest communities, or in wetlands and tea-tree swamps. Scarlet Robin habitat usually

contains abundant logs and fallen timber as these are important components of its habitat. The development site does not provide habitat for this species due to the absence of fallen timber and logs in the regularly slashed grassland area within the

Non-certified part of the site.

Glossopsitta pusilla

Little Lorikeet

NSW:

Vulnerable

This species forages primarily in the canopy of open Eucalyptus forest and

woodland; it also finds food in Angophoras, Melaleucas and other tree species.

Riparian habitats are particularly used, due to higher soil fertility and hence greater

productivity. Isolated flowering trees in open country, e.g. paddocks, roadside

remnants and urban trees also help sustain viable populations of the species.

This species may use the study area for foraging as part of a much larger range;

however absence of hollow bearing trees within the development site limit the

availability of nesting habitat for this species (DECCW 2005a).

Lathamus discolor Swift Parrot

NSW:

Endangered

National:

Endangered

This species migrates to the Australian south-east mainland between March and

October. On the mainland they occur in areas where eucalypts are flowering

profusely or where there are abundant lerp (from sap-sucking bugs) infestations.

Favoured feed trees include winter flowering species such as Swamp Mahogany

Eucalyptus robusta, Spotted Gum Corymbia maculata, Red Bloodwood C.

gummifera, Mugga Ironbark E. sideroxylon, and White Box E. albens.

Commonly used lerp infested trees include Inland Grey Box E. microcarpa, Grey

Box E. moluccana and Blackbutt E. pilularis.

This species is known to return to some foraging sites on a cyclic basis depending


on food availability.

Following winter they return to Tasmania where they breed from September to

January, nesting in old trees with hollows and feeding in forests dominated by

Tasmanian Blue Gum Eucalyptus globulus.

None observed. Seasonal migratory visitor to the general area but canopy species

present on the development site do not provide suitable habitat. The Swift Parrot

has not been recorded in the area since 2003.

Neophema pulchella Turquoise Parrot NSW:

Vulnerable

Lives on the edges of eucalypt woodland adjoining clearings, timbered ridges and

creeks in farmland. Unlikely in open degraded vegetation on the development site

Melithreptus gularis gularis

Black-chinned

Honeyeater (eastern

subspecies)

NSW:

Vulnerable

Small area of degraded habitat present on site. Feeding territories are large making

the species locally nomadic. Recent studies have found that the Black-chinned

Honeyeater tends to occur in the largest woodland patches in the landscape as

birds forage over large home ranges of at least 5 hectares (DECCW 2005). The

area of canopy vegetation on the development site is not likely to provide suitable

habitat for this species

Artamus cyanopterus cyanopterus

Dusky Woodswallow NSW:

Vulnerable

Primarily inhabit dry, open eucalypt forests and woodlands, including mallee

associations, with an open or sparse understorey of eucalypt saplings, acacias and other shrubs, and ground-cover of grasses or sedges and fallen woody debris. It has also been recorded in shrublands, heathlands and very occasionally in moist

forest or rainforest. Also found in farmland, usually at the edges of forest or woodland. Primarily eats invertebrates, mainly insects, which are captured whilst hovering or sallying above the canopy or over water. Also frequently hovers, sallies

and pounces under the canopy, primarily over leaf litter and dead timber. Also occasionally take nectar, fruit and seed. Depending on location and local climatic conditions (primarily temperature and rainfall), the dusky woodswallow can be

resident year round or migratory. In NSW, after breeding, birds migrate to the north of the state and to southeastern Queensland, while Tasmanian birds migrate to southeastern NSW after breeding. Migrants generally depart between March and

May, heading south to breed again in spring. Possible.


Petroica boodang Scarlet Robin NSW:

Vulnerable

Lves in dry eucalypt forests and woodlands. The understorey is usually open and grassy with few scattered shrubs. This species lives in both mature and regrowth vegetation. It occasionally occurs in mallee or wet forest communities, or in

wetlands and tea-tree swamps. Scarlet Robin habitat usually contains abundant logs and fallen timber: these are important components of its habitat. The Scarlet Robin breeds on ridges, hills and foothills of the western slopes, the Great Dividing

Range and eastern coastal regions; this species is occasionally found up to 1000 metres in altitude. Primarily a resident in forests and woodlands, but some adults and young birds disperse to more open habitats after breeding. In autumn and

winter many Scarlet Robins live in open grassy woodlands, and grasslands or grazed paddocks with scattered trees. Some potential to occur.

Petaurus australis Yellow-bellied Glider NSW:

Vulnerable

Occur in tall mature eucalypt forest generally in areas with high rainfall and nutrient

rich soils. Suitable habitat does not exist on the development site, and the Yellow-

bellied Glider is unlikely to be present.

Pteropus poliocephalus Grey-headed Flying-fox NSW:

Vulnerable

National

Vulnerable

Occurs in subtropical and temperate rainforests, tall sclerophyll forests and woodlands, heaths and swamps as well as urban gardens and cultivated fruit crops. Roosting camps are generally located within 20 km of a regular food source and are

commonly found in gullies, close to water, in vegetation with a dense canopy. Individual camps may have tens of thousands of animals and are used for mating, and for giving birth and rearing young. Annual mating commences in January and

conception occurs in April or May; a single young is born in October or November. Site fidelity to camps is high; some camps have been used for over a century. Can travel up to 50 km from the camp to forage; commuting distances are more often

<20 km. Feed on the nectar and pollen of native trees, in particular Eucalyptus, Melaleuca and Banksia, and fruits of rainforest trees and vines. Also forage in cultivated gardens and fruit crops. Potential to flyover or forage seasonally.

Meridolum corneovirens

Cumberland Plain Land

Snail

NSW:

Endangered

This species primarily inhabits Cumberland Plain Woodland (an EEC). This

community is grassy, open woodland with occasional dense patches of shrubs. It

lives under litter of bark, leaves and logs, or shelters in loose soil around grass

clumps. Occasionally shelters under rubbish. It can dig several centimetres into soil

to escape drought. It is a fungus specialist. Unlike the Garden Snail, it does not eat

green plants. Nothing more is known of its biology, including breeding biology.


(DECCW 2005b).

A targeted search for this species was conducted over the development site but did

not record any specimens. Extensive excavation works associated with the

adjoining Rapid Transit Station including stockpiles preclude the potential for this

species; potential habitat exists along the vegetated land to the north and east of

the site..

Pommerhelix duralensis Dural Land Snail NSW:

Endangered

National

Endangered

Strong affinity for communities in the interface region between shale-derived and sandstone-derived soils, with forested habitats that have good native cover and

woody debris. It favours sheltering under rocks or inside curled-up bark. It does not burrow nor climb. The species has also been observed resting in exposed areas, such as on exposed rock or leaf litter, however it will also shelter beneath leaves,

rocks and light woody debris. Migration and dispersal is limited, with overnight straight-line distances of under 1 metre identified in the literature and studies. The species is active from approximately one hour after dusk until dawn and no

confirmed diurnal activity is reported. It exhibits no roost-site behaviour. Unlikely.

Mormopterus norfolkensis Eastern Freetail-bat NSW:

Vulnerable

A fast-flying species with poor manoeuvrability, it feeds above the canopy. This

species’ habitat occurs on shale soils in open woodland, largely restricted near

Sydney to the Cumberland Plain.

‘Small remnants should not be discounted as habitat on the basis of size or

disturbance to the ground layer or understorey. This is a very wide-ranging species

that will travel and forage in open country or along creek lines and may utilise

remnants too isolated or disturbed for many other species’ (N. Williams pers.comm.

cited in Ridgeway, 2010)

The species roost In tall, often emergent trees accessible above the canopy

(Ridgeway 2010). Suitable canopy trees occur within the site and the species was

recorded on site.

Miniopterus schreibersii

oceanensis

Eastern bent wing Bat NSW:

Vulnerable

No preferred roosting or maternity sites in the form of caves, derelict mines or

stormwater tunnels occur in the study area (DECCW 2005c). This species is

known to forage in forested areas catching moths and insects above the tree tops


(DECCW 2005) and this species has been recorded from the Lane Cove National

Park (DEC 2004). Suitable foraging habitat is present along First Ponds Creek but

and within the development site. The dominate canopy species occurring in the site

with shedding or decorticating bark that would provide substitute habitat are being

affected by ringbarking. The impact of lighting and noise from adjoining lands and

roads will exclude the potential for this species to occur. No further assessment is

required.

Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-

bat

NSW:

Vulnerable

Roosts singly or in groups of up to six, in tree hollows and buildings; in treeless

areas they are known to utilise mammal burrows. When foraging for insects, flies high and fast over the forest canopy, but lower in more open country. Forages in most habitats across its very wide range, with and without trees; appears to defend

an aerial territory.

This species was not observed within the derelict buildings and sheds and sutiable tree hollows are not present within the canopy trees in the southeast part of the site.

Suitable habitat does not occur and this species will not be impacted by the development.

Falsistrellus tasmaniensis Eastern False Pipstrelle NSW:

Vulnerable

Prefers moist habitats, with trees taller than 20 m. Generally roosts in eucalypt

hollows, but has also been found under loose bark on trees or in buildings. Hunts beetles, moths, weevils and other flying insects above or just below the tree canopy.

The canopy species may contain small tree hollows. Dominant trees with decorticating bark that may provide habitat for this speciesare being affected by ringbarking and dieback. The Eastern False Pipstrelle is unlikely to occur.

Miniopterus schreibersii Little Bentwing-bat NSW:

Vulnerable

Moist eucalypt forest, rainforest, vine thicket, wet and dry sclerophyll forest, Melaleuca swamps, dense coastal forests and banksia scrub. Generally found in

well-timbered areas. Little Bentwing-bats roost in caves, tunnels, tree hollows, abandoned mines, stormwater drains, culverts, bridges and sometimes buildings during the day, and at night forage for small insects beneath the canopy of densely vegetated habitats.

Habitat for this species occurs along the riparian community to First and Second


Ponds Creeks. The limited potential habitat present within the development site is not densely vegetation with the trees occurring as open woodland habitat with understorey of grazed grassland. This area may provide suitable foraging habitat

with suitable roosting sites in the mature canopy trees.

Myotis macropus Southern Myotis NSW:

Vulnerable

Generally roost in groups of 10 - 15 close to water in caves, mine shafts, hollow-

bearing trees, stormwater channels, buildings, under bridges and in dense foliage. Forages over streams and pools catching insects and small fish by raking their feet across the water surface.

This species was not observed during the night survey. However, the chain of ponds along First and Second Ponds Creeks provides potential foraging habitat. A more extensive dam occurs on the adjoining property to the north and this area is

better connected with the riparian community along First Ponds Creek. The development is unlikely to significantly impact on this micro-bat species and further assessment is not warranted.

Chalinolobus dwyeri Large-eared Pied Bat NSW:

Vulnerable

National:

Vulnerable

Roosts in crevices in cliffs, old mine workings and in the disused, bottle-shaped mud nests of the Fairy Martin (Petrochelidon ariel), frequenting low to mid-elevation dry open forest and woodland close to these features. Females have been recorded

raising young in maternity roosts (c. 20-40 females) from November through to January in roof domes in sandstone caves and overhangs. They remain loyal to the same cave over many years.

No caves or rock overhangs are present and this species is unlikely to occur on the development site.

Scoteanax rueppellii Greater Broad-nosed Bat NSW:

Vulnerable

A large brown bat with broad square jaw – much larger than other broad-nosed

bats. This species is suspected to be carnivorous on other bat species. A slow,

direct flying species it favors ecotones, such as creeks and the edges of forest

clearings for hunting beneath the canopy. It will travel across clearings to reach

suitable patches of habitat, but does not feed in such areas. This species often flies

low (<5m) above creeks.It prefers flatter areas in the Shale-Sandstone transition.

Similarly found to favor the shale-sandstone ecotone by other studies. It roosts in

tree hollows that are absence from the development site.


Vespadelus troughtoni Eastern Cave Bat NSW:

Vulnerable

A cave-roosting species that is usually found in dry open forest and woodland, near cliffs or rocky overhangs; has been recorded roosting in disused mine workings, occasionally in colonies of up to 500 individuals. Occasionally found along cliff-lines

in wet eucalypt forest and rainforest. No caves – unlikely on site.

Flora

Acacia pubescens Downy Wattle NSW:

Vulnerable

National:

vulnerable

This species has been recorded to the north east of the site near Annangrove

Road. On the Cumberland Plain this species occurs predominantly on shales and

at the inter grade between shales and sandstone. The soils are often gravelly or

with ironstone. In open woodland or forest in a variety of communities including

Cumberland Plain Woodlands, Castlereagh Woodlands and Shale Sandstone

transition communities (James 2009). This species is clonal with recruitment from

more common from vegetative reproduction (resprouts from root not suckers) than

from seedlings (James 2009). Known threats to this species include habitat loss

from development, habitat degradation (from inappropriate fire regimes, mechanical

damage, rubbish dumping, track creation, weed invasion) disease and hybridization

with other Acacia species (James 2009).

The distribution is concentrated around the Bankstown-Fairfield-Rookwood area

and the Pitt Town area, with outliers occurring at Barden Ridge, Oakdale and

Mountain Lagoon (NPWS 2003a) (see map in recovery plan, NPWS 2003).

No individuals of Acacia pubescens were identified during the field survey and it is

considered highly unlikely that this species would occur on the subject site.

Darwinia biflora NSW:

Vulnerable

National:

vulnerable

This species occurs on the edges of weathered shale-capped ridges, where they

intergrade with Hawkesbury Sandstone. Associated over-storey species include

Eucalyptus haemastoma, Corymbia gummifera and/or E. squamosa. The

vegetation structure is usually woodland, open forest or scrub-heath (DEC,

2005).

The subject site is dominated by Cumberland Plain woodland on mid slopes with

Eucalyptus tereticornis dominating the over-storey. This species has not been


recorded from the Cumberland Plain woodland vegetation formation in the

Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment (DEC 2005).

Kellyville is recognised as the western limit of this species (DEC 2004). As part of

the recovery plan implementation DECCW is to have liaised with Department of

Lands to prepare and implement a threat and habitat management program at

Crown land at Heath Road in Kellyville (DEC 2004). It is unknown to what extent

this process has been progressed.

This species is considered unlikely to occur in the study area due to the dominant

shale geology and resultant vegetation type and no further assessment of this

species required.

Epacris purpurascens var.

purpurascens

NSW:

Vulnerable

The species is commonly found on ridge tops with a shale influence and associated

with open eucalypt forest to 20 m tall, with an open sub-canopy of She-oaks and

Acacias. The understorey includes a usually sparse mixed layer of sclerophyllous

and mesophyllous shrubs stratum and continuous grassy groundcover (DEC,

2005).

This species is considered unlikely to occur in the study area.

Eucalyptus sp. Cattai NSW:

Endangered

This species has a highly localised distribution occurring between Colo Heights and

Castle Hill (James 2009).

It is a rare emergent tree that occurs on ridges in scrub, heath and low woodland on

sandstone, usually with a clay influence. It is commonly found with E. squamosa

and E. sclerophylla (James 2009). It has not been recorded from the Cumberland

plain woodland vegetation formation in the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment

(DECCW 2005).

Eucalyptus nicholii Narrow-leaved Black

Peppermint

NSW:

Vulnerable

National:

Vulnerable

Sparsely distributed but widespread on the New England Tablelands in grassy

woodland on shallow soils derived from granite or metasediments. Likely to have

been misidentified in the Kellyville Ridge area and unlikely to occur in the study

area; no further assessment of this species required


Melaleuca deanei Deane’s Paperbark NSW:

Vulnerable

National:

Vulnerable

The species occurs mostly in ridge top woodland, with only 5% of sites in heath on

sandstone. Unlikely to occur.

Micromyrtus minutiflora NSW:

Endangered

National:

Vulnerable

Grows in Castlereagh Scribbly Gum Woodland, Ironbark Forest, Shale/Gravel

Transition Forest, open forest on tertiary alluvium and consolidated river sediments. Sporadic flowering, June to March. Response to fire and mechanical disturbance is uncertain. Regeneration may be due to resprouting or germination of soil-stored

seed. Potential to occur in seed bank.

Grevillea juniperina subsp.

juniperina

Juniper-leaved Grevillea NSW:

Vulnerable

Broadly-spreading shrub that grows on reddish clay to sandy soils derived from

Wianamatta Shale or Tertiary gravels in Western Sydney. This species is

considered unlikely to occur in the study area and no further assessment of this

species required

Dillwynia tenuifolia NSW:

Vulnerable

In western Sydney, may be locally abundant particularly within scrubby/dry heath areas within Castlereagh Ironbark Forest and Shale Gravel Transition Forest on tertiary alluvium or laterised clays. May also be common in transitional areas where

these communities adjoin Castlereagh Scribbly Gum Woodland. At Yengo, is reported to occur in disturbed escarpment woodland on Narrabeen sandstone.

Eucalyptus fibrosa is usually the dominant canopy species. Eucalyptus globoidea, E. longifolia, E. parramattensis, E. sclerophylla and E. sideroxylon may also be

present or codominant, with Melaleuca decora frequently forming a secondary canopy layer. Associated species may include Allocasuarina littoralis, Angophora bakeri, Aristida spp. Banksia spinulosa, Cryptandra spp. Daviesia ulicifolia,

Entolasia stricta, Hakea sericea, Lissanthe strigosa, Melaleuca nodosa, Ozothamnus diosmifolius and Themeda australis. D. tenuifolia is often found in association with other threatened species such as Dodonaea falcata, Grevillea

juniperina, Micromyrtus minutiflora, Pultenaea parviflora and Styphelia laeta. At Yengo D. tenuifolia is reported to occur in disturbed escarpment woodland on Narrabeen sandstone. Associated tree species include Eucalyptus eximia, E.

punctata, E. sparsifolia and Callitris endlicheri. The shrub layer is dominated by D. tenuifolia, Leucopogon muticus, Leptospermum parvifolium and Pultenaea microphylla (Maryott-Brown & Wilks 1993). The absence of any developed shrub


layer due to current management would may it unlikely for this species to occur

Pimelea curviflora

var. curviflora

NSW:

Vulnerable

National:

Vulnerable

This species is confined to the coastal area of Sydney between northern Sydney in

the south and Maroota in the north-west (DECCW 2005). This species occurs on

shaley/lateritic soils over sandstone and shale/sandstone transition soils on ridge

tops and upper slopes amongst woodlands.

The species has an inconspicuous cryptic habit as it is fine and scraggly and often

grows amongst dense grasses and sedges. It may not always be visible at a site as

it appears to survive for some time without any foliage after fire or grazing, relying

on energy reserves in its tuberous roots. It is likely to be fire tolerant species

capable of resprouting following fire due to the presence of a tap root. Seedlings

have been observed following fire (DECCW 2005).

This species has been recorded previously for Rouse Hill (in the vicinity of new

sewerage treatment works) but now considered locally extinct within this area

(James 2009).

This species was not identified during the current survey and is considered unlikely

to occur on the subject site and no further assessment is required.

Pimelea spicata Spiked rice-flower NSW:

Endangered

National:

Endangered

Erect or spreading shrub growing on well-structured clay soils, often associated

with Grey Box communities in two discrete areas: Cumberland Plain and the in the

Illawarra.

This species is considered unlikely to occur in the study area and no further

assessment of this species required

Pultenaea parviflora NSW:

Endangered

National:

Vulnerable

Endemic to the Cumberland Plain. Core distribution is from Windsor to Penrith and

east to Dean Park. Outlier populations are recorded from Kemps Creek and

Wilberforce. May be locally abundant, particularly within scrubby/dry heath areas

within Castlereagh Ironbark Forest and Shale Gravel Transition Forest on tertiary

alluvium or laterised clays. Unlikely to occur as undersubbed.

Tetratheca glandulosa

NSW:

Vulnerable

This species is associated with areas of shale sandstone transition.

It occurs on shaley/lateritic soils over sandstone and shale/sandstone transition

soils on ridgetops and upper slopes amongst woodlands (DEC, 2005).


It is associated with shale-sandstone transition habitat where shale caps sandstone

lithology, with associated soil landscapes such as Lucas Heights,

Gymea, Lambert and Faulconbridge.

Topographically, the plant occupies ridgetops, upper-slopes and to a lesser extent

mid-slope sandstone benches. Soils are generally shallow, consisting of a yellow,

clayey/sandy loam. Stony lateritic fragments are also common in the soil profile on

many of these ridgetops.

Vegetation structure varies from heaths and scrub to

woodlands/open woodlands, and open forest. Vegetation communities

correspond broadly to Benson & Howell’s Sydney Sandstone Ridgetop

Woodland (Map Unit 10ar). Common woodland tree species include: Corymbia

gummifera, C. eximia, Eucalyptus haemastoma, E. punctata, E. racemosa,

and/or E. sparsifolia, with an understorey dominated by species from the

families Proteaceae, Fabaceae, and Epacridaceae (DEC, 2005).

The study area supports Cumberland Plain woodland in a mid-slope position. This

species is considered unlikely to occur in the study area and no further assessment

of this species required

Source: OEH BioNet Atlas and Protected Matters search tool records as at 31

st July, 2017.

APPENDIX B – FLORA AND FAUNA RECORDED

DURING THE SITE SURVEY

Flora recorded during the site survey

Family Botanical name Common Name

Asteraceae Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle

Conyza bonariensis* Fleabane

Hypochoeris radicata* Flatweed

Leontodon taraxacoides subsp. taraxacoides

Lesser Hawkbit

Senecio madagascariensis* Fireweed

Sonchus oleraceus Common Sowthistle

Taraxacum sp* Dandelion

Cactaceae Opuntia stricta* Prickly Pear

Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia gracilis Sprawling Bluebell

Chenopdiaceae Einadia hastata Saloop

Cyperaceae Cyperus sp Cyperus

Fabaceae Desmodium varians Tick Trefoil

Glycine tabacina Love Creeper

Trifolium repens* White Clover

Geraniaceae Pelargonium sp.* Geranium

Juncaceae Juncus sp. Rush

Lobeliaceae Pratia purpurascens White Root

Moraceae Morus alba* Mulberry

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus crebra Narrow-leaved Ironbark

Eucalyptus fibrosa Broad-leaved Ironbark

Eucalyptus moluccana Grey Box

Eucalyptus tereticornis Forest Red Gum

Melaleuca decora White Feather Honey Myrtle

Onagraceae Ludwigia pepliodes Water Primrose

Phytolaccaceae Phytolacca ocatndra Inkweed

Poaceae Chloris truncata* Windmill Grass

Cynodon dactylon* Couch

Dichelachne micrantha Shorthair Plumegrass

Eragrostis curvula* African Lovegrass

Erharta erecta* Erharta

Lolium rigidum* Ryegrass

Microlaena stipoides Weeping Grass

Paspalum dilatatum* Paspalum

Sporobolus fertilis* Giant Parramatta grass

Primulaceae Lysimachia arvensis* Scarlet Pimpernel

Solanaceae Solanum linnaeanum* Devils Apple

Solanum nigrum* Deadly Nightshade

Verbenaceae Verbena bonariensis* Purpletop

*Introduced species

Fauna recorded during site survey

# Listed threatened species (EPBC and TSC Act)

## Positive identif ication – good signal

### Probable identif ication – a number of passes

#### Possible identif ication – single isolated passes or poor sonograph

* Exotic species

Class Scientific Name Common Name

Aves Acanthiza nana Yellow Thornbill

Corvus coronoides Australian Raven

Cracticus tib icen Magpie

Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark

Dacelo gigas Kookaburra

Rhipidura alb iscapa Grey Fantail

Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail

Chenonetta jubata Australian Wood Duck

Manorina melanocephala Noisy Miner

Anas superciliosa Pacific Black Duck

Egretta novaehollandiae White-faced Heron

Hirundo neoxena Welcome Swallow

Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon

Tricholglossus haematodus Rainbow Lorikeet

Platycercus eximius Eastern Rosella

Acridotheres tristis * Indian Mynah

Spilopelia chinensis * Spotted Turtle Dove

Sturnus vulgaris* Common Starling

Amphib ia Crinea signifera Common Eastern Froglet

Mammalia Oryctolagus cuniculus Rabbit

Lepus europaeus European Hare

Vulpes vulpes Red Fox

Canis familiaris Dog

Chalinobolus gouldi #### Gould’s Wattled Bat

Mormopterus norfolkensis#,

## Eastern Freetail Bat

Scotorepens orion#### Eastern Broad-nosed Bat

Mormopterus sp. 2#### Undifferentiated Freetail bat likely to be M. ridei

Vespadelus regulus## Southern Forest Bat

APPENDIX C – BAT SONOGRAPHS

Mormopteris norfolkensis sonograph

Vespadelus regulus sonograph

Mormopteris sp. 2 sonograph

Documents

Proposed Multi-Residential Development 34-42 …...Proposed Multi-Residential Development 34-42 Tallawong Road Rouse Hill - Ecological Assessment iii CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION 1 1.1