biosis - amazon s3...floodplain forest (tsc act), however based on the decc (2007) identification...

Ecology report

Biosis

FAppendix

© Biosis 2012 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 1

12th July 2013

Mr Eric Brodie Project Director Roads and Maritime Services Locked Bag 5100 Camperdown NSW 1450

Dear Eric,

Re: Ecological Impact Assessment for Wentworth Point Our Ref: Job# 16670 Biosis Pty Ltd was engaged by Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) to undertake an ecological impact assessment regarding the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) proposed development at Wentworth Point, NSW (study area).

This ecological impact assessment has been prepared based on the landscape plan and development designs for Wentworth Point provided (16.05.13) by Eric Brodie of Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) and a site investigation undertaken on May 27, 2013 by Jane Murray, Principal Ecologist (botanist) and Ed Cooper, Research Assistant of Biosis.

Site history and context

Wentworth Point is a suburb on the foreshore of the Parramatta River, approximately 16 kilometres (km) west of Sydney Central Business District in the Local Government Area of Auburn Council. Wentworth Point originates from reclaimed land, created in the 1920-30's, when the site was used for a range of industrial purposes. Timber processing was the primary focus of industrial activities immediately prior and post WW2, though Wentworth Point has since been replaced with a mix of warehousing, light industry and 2GB radio's transmission tower located at the end of Wentworth Point. In recent times residential development is presently replacing a large proportion of industrial activities between Homebush Bay and Hill Road, Wentworth Point (Architectus, 2005).

The Draft Public Domain/ Landscape Plan – Wentworth Point (Context, 2013) provided by RMS outlines the plan for the development and future change at Wentworth point which will see and end to the light industrial area and development of high density dwellings and landscaped open space for community living.

Background research Prior to heading out to Wentworth Point for the site investigation, documentation provided by RMS and other key information was reviewed, including;

1. Draft Public Domain/ Landscape Plan – Wentworth Point (Context 10.05.13); 2. RMS – Various design drawings (provided 16.05.13); 3. Flora and Fauna Assessment – Wentworth Point Maritime Precinct Concept Plan (NGH, 2010);


4. OEH Atlas of NSW Wildlife for NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) threatened biota relevant to the study area including a 5 kilomerters (km) buffer zone;

5. SEWPaC Protected Matters Search Tool for Commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) Matters of National Environmental Significance relevant to the study area including a 5km buffer zone;

6. Relevant aerial photography and vegetation mapping information for the area, namely the, South Coast-Illawarra Vegetation Integration (SCIVI) vegetation mapping and Ocean Shores to Desert Dunes; and

7. NSW DECC (2007) identification guidelines for TSC Act listed threatened ecological community (TEC), Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest of the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner bioregions (Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest) and Coastal Saltmarsh in the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner bioregions (Coastal Saltmarsh) as well as other relevant profiles such as Wilsonia backhousei (Vulnerable TSC Act) and their listing advice information (DECC, 2007; OEH, 2011; OEH, 2013).

Site investigation Jane Murray and Ed Cooper with the Biosis Sydney office, visited the study area (Figure 1) at Wentworth Point on Monday May 27th 2013 to determine whether there are any TSC Act and/or EPBC Act ecological constraints, likely to be impacted by the proposed development at Wentworth Point. The study area was traversed on foot and flora and fauna composition and condition was noted and threatened biota habitat searched for.

Findings The study area is in fairly poor condition and currently supports light industry landuses including waste depots, factories, roads, storage sites, 2GB radio headquarters and abandoned properties. There is a high influx of weeds present within existing industrial areas and roadways. There are other passive recreational areas comprising of foreshore and roadside walkways and cycleways that have been landscaped with native species but have also been colonised by a broad array of weeds and degraded by various pollutants, such as littler.

During the survey a range of native and exotic flora and fauna were identified, with a full flora and fauna species composition list available in Appendix 1 and 2. Key survey findings illustrated in Figure 1 included location of two areas identified and mapped as TSC Act TEC (Coastal Saltmarsh), it should be noted that one of these locations falls outside the study area, however it could be potentially indirectly impacted upon. In addition Wilsonia backhousei, listed as vulnerable under the TSC Act was recorded, as well as Mangroves, which are protected under the Fisheries Management Act 1994 (FM Act).

The focus of this letter report, is to assess the impacts of the removal of vegetation to be undertaken as part of the precinct development and any associated impacts to threatened flora and fauna as a result of this localised vegetation removal. Impacts to flora and fauna arising from the broader development including connectivity for migratory species such as the high profile White-bellied Sea-eagle are discussed within the Wentworth Point Redevelopment Flora and Fauna Assessment Report (NGH 2010).

During the desktop and field based survey, all threatened biota protected under the TSC Act and or EPBC Act (excluding migratory species) that have a likelihood of occurring within 5 km were assessed as to their likely presence or usage (foraging or dwelling) of the study area. The results of this assessment can be found in full in Appendix 3. Based on this assessment there are 14 threatened fauna species have a moderate likelihood of utilising the study area, however it should be noted that none are likely to be impacted upon by the proposed works.


An Assessment of Significance has been undertaken for Wilsonia backhousei, Appendix 7, which determined that there will be no significant impact on this species providing recommendations are adhered to (refer to Concluding Advice and Recommendations).

An Assessment of Significance was also completed for Coastal Saltmarsh TEC, Appendix 7, which determined that there will be no significant impact on this community providing the recommendations are adhered to (refer to Concluding Advice and Recommendations).

In order to discuss the findings further in terms of vegetation communities and habitat found during the survey, the study area has been broken up into study area east and study area west.

Study Area East

Study area east includes the following ecological communities and associated habitat (Figure 1).

• Coastal Saltmarsh TEC – This vegetation community is listed as an endangered ecological community under the TSC Act covers the north-eastern point of the 2GB lands and is characterised by diagnostic Coastal Saltmarsh species (DECC, 2007) such as Grey Mangrove (Avicennia marina), Sea Rush (Juncus krausii), Samphire (Sarcocornia quinqeflora) and Austral Seabite (Suaeda australis) and is situated in low lying tidally influenced lands. This community also supported a population of Wilsonia backhousei, which listed asvulnerable under the TSC Act and often associated with Coastal Saltmarsh TEC.

• Mangroves– Along the eastern and northern areas of Wentworth Point scattered Grey Mangroves (Avicennia marina) can be found growing on the rock embankment.

• Planted Swamp Oak canopy over exotic - The planted row of native canopy species including Swamp She-oak (Casuarina glauca), Broad-leaved Paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia) and Swamp Mahogany (Eucalyptus robusta) over an exotic understorey of managed (mown) exotic grasses and weeds on Burroway Road, along the 2GB right of way and along the eastern edge of "Bingo" property.

• Open Exotic Grassland – The area consumes the majority of the 2GB lands and includes grasses and exotic weeds such as, Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum), Paddys lucern (Sida Rhombifolia), Buffalo Grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum), Prarie Grass (Bromus catharticus), Quaking Grass (Briza maxima) and Morning Glory (Ipomoea indica).

• Exotic Vegetation – Comprising three native eucalypts and a broad array of exotic grasses, climbers and shrubs on the northern foreshore of the RMS owned land.

Study Area West

Study area west includes the following ecological communities and associated habitat (Figure 1).

• Mangroves and Coastal Saltmarsh TEC – Along the western study area boundary there is a drainage line that extends into the Parramatta River, for which the northern half of the drainage line is inhabited by Grey Mangroves (Avicennia marina) and an area of adjoining Coastal Saltmarsh TEC these two vegetation communities are highly reliant on existing tidal exchange and drainage patterns.

• Planted Swamp Oak – This community is a landscaped community that has been planted and maintained by Auburn City Council. The vegetation exists along Hill Road and along the foreshore of the "Cleanaway" property and is bisected by a bicycle path with rubbish, general area pollutants and edge impacts, due to the close proximity to roads and light industry. The community is characterised by Swamp Oak (Casuarina glauca) with scattered Swamp Mahogany (Eucalyptus robusta), Broad-leaved Paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia) and Prickly-leaved Tea Tree (Melaleuca styphelioides). The understory is largely populated by a few common native regeneration species such as Matt Rush (Lomandra longifolia), Flax Lily (Dianella caerulea) with exotic grasses and weeds present throughout.


There are similarities between these species and the Endangered Ecological Community Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest (TSC Act), however based on the DECC (2007) identification guidelines for the TSC Act listed community, the vegetation does not support sufficient key indicator or species in the canopy and contains only a handful of the small tree/shrub layer species , rushes/grasses, groundcover and none of the vine category listed key indicator species. As such, this community has not been classified as the Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest EEC. However, this vegetation could be regenerated to meet EEC listing guidelines.

• Exotic Vegetation – This community is comprised of scattered Swamp Oak (Casuarina glauca) and a broad array of exotic grasses, climbers and shrubs such as, Golden wreath wattle (Acacia saligna) , Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana), Lantana (Lantana camara), Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) and Moth Vine (Araujia sericifera) within the large block to the west side of the "Cleanaway" property.

• Landscaped Natives – This area of landscaped natives adjoins the Louise Savage walk/cycle way and has been planted with fairly generic, Sydney local native species such as, Turpentine (Syncarpia glomulifera), Tick Bush (Kunzea ambigua), Paramatta Wattle (Acacia parramattensis), Blackthorn (Bursaria spinosa), Flax Lily (Dianella caerulea) and Matt Rush (Lomandra longifolia).

Concluding Advice and Recommendations Based on the Landscape plan, design information and discussions with RMS and Context advice, recommendations have been provided below regarding the identified areas of ecological significance.

• Coastal Saltmarsh TEC – Coastal Saltmarsh on the eastern point should be protected and enhanced (regenerated) by a qualified bush regenerator to increase the diversity and density of Coastal Saltmarsh indicator species (DECC, 2007) and eradicate weeds from this community. The proposed raised boardwalk planned for this area, should not encroach into the Coastal Saltmarsh and instead should follow the natural mapped boundary for the community. The boardwalk will provide a barrier to weed infestations and has the potential to provide opportunity to educate and increase the community's appreciation of the values and functions of Coastal Saltmarsh.

• Wilsonia backhousei – signage could be placed on the above mentioned boardwalk in order to educate people regarding this threatened species. Bush regeneration efforts in the Coastal Saltmarsh should look to enhance and protect this species.

• Mangroves and Coastal Saltmarsh TEC – Mangroves along the northern and eastern foreshore areas of the Parramatta River should be protected where possible and enhanced (i.e. vegetated) as part of landscape design and subsequent regeneration of the foreshore. Mangroves along the western drainage line and adjoining Coastal Saltmarsh TEC should be protected by ensuring that there is a vegetated buffer of approximately 10 m between the Mangroves and any development. In addition the development should ensure that there are no additional drainage or stormwater impacts on that area, nor any restrictions tidal flow that may affect the Mangroves. NSW Department of Primary Industries should be consulted with regard to direct or indirect harm to Mangroves, such as changes to drainage affecting mangrove health, pollutants, barriers to tidal influence or mangrove clearance would be subject to approval or permits from NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI, 2008).

• Planted Swamp Oak – where possible areas currently landscaped with Swamp Oak Flood Plain Forest TEC (foreshore walk/cycle way, Burroway Road and Hill Road) species should be retained as part of the landscape design. Any bush regeneration programs should aim to further enhance the integrity of this community with the aim of restoring an ecosystem that was once more prevalent in this area and across the wider Sydney basin.


• General construction – Development works should apply best practice to ensure that there are no sedimentation and stormwater impacts that may cause harm to the Parramatta River or its immediate surrounds. Given the large amount of fill being placed on site and the potential for runoff, stormwater protection measures will need to be rigorous. Development should also ensure that all vegetation to be protected, i.e. not the subject of clearance is adequately protected from the construction site via 'cyclone' style fencing to restrict access by workers and equipment.

• White-bellied Sea-eagle is resident at the Newington Armory with regular foraging undertaken along the Parramatta River in proximity to the proposed Wentworth Point precinct development. The current landscaping and development plans for Wentworth Point include the removal and construction of buildings and infrastructure along the Parramatta River foreshore within what is currently an industrial area. Wentworth Point occurs at a central location between known breeding, roosting and foraging sites for the White-bellied Sea-eagles resident along the Parramatta River. The proposed development at Wentworth Point involves the transition of light industry areas into landscaped open space for community living. This development is unlikely to interfere with the movements of the White-bellied Sea-eagles, however seasonal timing of construction activities to avoid the breeding season or through consultation with local government and Birdlife Australia should be undertaken.

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

Please contact me on 0421 013 061 if you would like to discuss further.

Yours sincerely

Jane Murray Principal Ecologist


References • Australian National Botanic Gardens, 2013, Plantnet: Wilsonia backhousei. • Architectus Sydney Pty Ltd, 2005, Homebush Bay West – Wentworth Point Master Plan, Prepared for

NSW Maritime Authority & Sydney Olympic Park Authority. • Native Vegetation Act, 2003, No 103 - Current version for 2 July 2010 to date (accessed 5 November 2012

at 16:11), Part 2, Section 6: Meaning of Native Vegetation. • DPI, 2008, Prime Facts: Prime Fact 746, Mangroves. • Context 2013, Draft Public Domain/ Landscape Plan – Wentowrth Point. • DECC, 2007, Identification guidelines for TSC Act listed endangered ecological community, Swamp Oak

Floodplain Forest, Department of Environment and Climate Change. • DECC, 2007, Identification guidelines for TSC Act listed endangered ecological community, Coastal

Saltmarsh, Department of Environment and Climate Change. • DECC, 2007, Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest, Department of Environment and Climate Change. • OEH, 2011, Swamp Oak floodplain forest of NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner

bioregions – endangered ecological community listing. • OEH, 2013, Swamp Oak floodplain forest of NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner

bioregions – Profile (accessed May 2013). • OEH, 2013, Coastal Saltmarsh in the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner bioregions

– Profile (accessed May 2013). • OEH, 2013, Wilsonia backhousei – Profile (accessed May 2013). • NGH, 2010, Flora and Fauna Assessment – Wentworth Point Maritime Precinct Concept Plan. NGH

Environmental. • DECC, 2008, Vegetation Condition Benchmarks for the Sydney Metro Catchment Management Area,

Department of Environment and Climate Change. • Tozer et. al., 2006, South Coast-Illawarra Vegetation Integration (SCIVI), vegetation mapping.


Appendix 1: Flora

A1.1 Flora species recorded within the study area Table 1: Flora species recorded by Biosis, 29.05.2013

Status Scientific Name

Common Name

Landscaped natives

Coastal Saltmarsh (TEC)

Mangroves Open exotic grassland

Planted Swamp Oak

Planted Swamp Oak canopy over exotic

Exotic vegetation

Native

Acacia falcata X

Acacia floribunda

White Sally X

Acacia longifolia X

Acacia longifolia subsp. longifolia

Sydney Golden Wattle

X

Acacia parramattensis

Parramatta Wattle

X X X

# Acmena smithii Lilly Pilly X

Angophora costata

Sydney Red Gum

X

* Avicennia marina subsp. australasica

Grey Mangrove X X

Banksia integrifolia

Coastal Banksia X



Common Name

Landscaped natives



Planted Swamp Oak


Exotic vegetation

Bursaria spinosa Blackthorn X

Callistemon citrinus

Crimson Bottlebrush

X

~ Carex appressa Tall Sedge X X

Carpobrotus glaucescens

Pigface X

~ Casuarina glauca

Swamp Oak X X X X

~ Commelina cyanea

Native Wandering Jew

X X

Cymbopogon refractus

Barbed Wire Grass

X

~ Cynodon dactylon

Common Couch X X

# Dianella caerulea

Flax Lily X X

Dietes robinsoniana

Lord Howe Wedding Lily

X

Doryanthes excelsa

Gymea Lily X

Eucalyptus botryoides

Bangalay X

Eucalyptus punctata

Grey Gum X X



Common Name

Landscaped natives



Planted Swamp Oak


Exotic vegetation

Eucalyptus robusta

Swamp Mahogany

X X X

Eucalyptus saligna

Sydney Blue Gum

X

Ficinia nodosa Knobby Club Rush

X

Ficus macrophylla subsp. macrophylla

Moreton Bay Fig X X

* Gahnia filum X X

# Imperata cylindrica

Blady Grass X X

^ ~ Juncus kraussii subsp. australiensis

Sea Rush X

# Juncus usitatus X X

# Lobelia alata Angled Lobelia X

# Lomandra longifolia

Spiny-headed Mat-rush

X X X X

Lophostemon confertus

Brush Box X

* ~ Melaleuca ericifolia

Swamp Paperbark

X



Common Name

Landscaped natives



Planted Swamp Oak


Exotic vegetation

# Melaleuca quinquenervia

Broad-leaved Paperbark

X X

# Melaleuca styphelioides

Prickly-leaved Tea Tree

X X

Microlaena sp Weeping Grass X

Omalanthus populifolius

Bleeding Heart, Native Poplar

X X X X

Pennisetum alopecuroides

Swamp Foxtail X X

Pittosporum undulatum

Sweet Pittosporum

X X X

Poa labillardierei Tussock grass X X

Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum

Cud Weed X

^ Sarcocornia quinqueflora

X

Setaria australiensis

Scrub Pigeon Grass

X X

^ Suaeda australis X

Swainsona galegifolia

Smooth Darling Pea

X X X

Syncarpia glomulifera

Turpentine X



Common Name

Landscaped natives



Planted Swamp Oak


Exotic vegetation

* Tetragonia tetragonioides

New Zealand Spinach

X X

Themeda australis

Kangaroo Grass X X

Tristaniopsis laurina

Kanooka X

* Typha orientalis Broad-leaved Cumbungi

X X

Viola hederacea Ivy-leaved Violet X

Wahlenbergia stricta

Tall Bluebell X X X

Wilsonia backhousei

Narrow-leafed Wilsonia

X

^ Zoysia macrantha

Prickly Couch X

Exotic

Acacia saligna Golden Wreath Wattle

X X X

Ageratina adenophora

Crofton Weed X X X X

Alopecurus pratensis

Meadow Foxtail

X

Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel

X X



Common Name

Landscaped natives



Planted Swamp Oak


Exotic vegetation

Anredera cordifolia

Madeira Vine X X

Araujia sericifera Moth Vine X X X X

Arrhenatherum elatius

Oat Grass X

Arundo donax Giant Reed X

Atropa belladonna Deadly Nightshade

X X

Bidens pilosa Cobbler's Pegs X X X X X X

Brassica tournefortii

Wild Turnip X X

Briza maxima Quaking Grass X X

Briza subaristata Perennial Quaking Grass

X X

Bromus catharticus

Prairie Grass X

Cardiospermum grandiflorum

Balloon Vine X X X

Chloris gayana Rhodes Grass X X

Cinnamomum camphora

Camphor Laurel

X

Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle X

Conyza Fleabane X X X X X



Common Name

Landscaped natives



Planted Swamp Oak


Exotic vegetation

bonariensis

* Cortaderia selloana

Pampas Grass X X

Cyperus sp X X X X

Cytisus scoparius Scotch Broom X X

Ehrharta erecta Panic Veldt Grass

X

Eragrostis curvula African Lovegrass

X X X X

Erythrina crista-galli

Cockspur Coral Tree

X

Foeniculum vulgare

Fennel X X X

Gamochaeta americana

American everlasting

X

Hirschfeldia incana

Buchan weed X X

Hordeum leporinum

Barley Grass X

Hypochaeris radicata

Catsear X X X

Ipomoea indica Morning Glory X X

Lantana camara Lantana X X X



Common Name

Landscaped natives



Planted Swamp Oak


Exotic vegetation

Ligustrum lucidum Large-leaved Privet

X X X

Lilium formosanum

Formosan Lily X X

Modiola caroliniana

Red-flowered Mallow

X

Morus alba White Mulberry

X

Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata

African Olive X X

Onopordum acanthium subsp. acanthium

Scotch Thistle X

Parietaria judaica Pellitory X

Paspalum dilatatum

Paspalum X X X

Pennisetum clandestinum

Kikuyu Grass X X X X

Phytolacca octandra

Inkweed X X X X

Plantago coronopus subsp. coronopus

X

Plantago Lamb's X X X



Common Name

Landscaped natives



Planted Swamp Oak


Exotic vegetation

lanceolata Tongues

Populus alba White Poplar X

Ricinus communis Castor Oil Plant

X

Rumex crispus Curled Dock X X

Senecio madagascariensis

Fireweed X X X X

Senecio pterophorus

African Daisy X

Senna pendula var. glabrata

Easter Cassia X

Sida Rhombifolia Paddys Lucerne

X X X

Solanum nigrum Black-berry Nightshade

X X X

Sonchus oleraceus Common Sowthistle

X X X

Sporobolus africanus

Parramatta Grass

X

Stenotaphrum secundatum

Buffalo Grass X X X X

Taraxacum officinale

Dandelion X X X X X



Common Name

Landscaped natives



Planted Swamp Oak


Exotic vegetation

Tradescantia albiflora

Wandering Jew

X

Trifolium sp Berseem Clover

X X

Vaccaria hispanica Bladder Soapwort

X

Verbena bonariensis

Purpletop X X X

Vicia sativa Common vetch

X X

Vulipia sp. Tuffted Grass X

~ Key indicator species for: Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest, DECC 2007.

# Characteristic species for: Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest, DECC 2007.

^ Key indicator species for: Coastal Saltmarsh, DECC 2007.

* Characteristic species for: Coastal Saltmarsh, DECC 2007.

Biosis Pty Ltd Sydney Resource Group

18–20 Mandible Street Phone: 02 9690 2777 ACN 006 175 097 Alexandria NSW 2015 Fax: 02 9690 2577 ABN 65 006 175 097 Email: [email protected] biosis.com.au

Appendix 2: Fauna

Family Name Latin Name Common Name Observation type

Birds

Accipitridae Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite Observed

Ardeidae Egretta novaehollandiae White-faced Heron Observed

Hirundinidae Hirundo neoxena Welcome Swallow Observed

Laridae Larus novaehollandiae Silver Gull Observed

Meliphagidae Manorina melanocephala Noisy Miner Observed and heard

Phalacrocoracidae Phalacrocorax varius Pied Cormorant Observed

Threskiornithidae Threskiornis molucca Australian White Ibis Observed

Mammals

Felidae Felis catus Feral Cat Observed



Appendix 3: Likelihood of Occurrence - Threatened Biota Flora

Scientific name Common name EPBC Act

TSCAct

Most recent record

Likelihood of occurrence

Rationale for likelihood

Habitat description

Acacia prominens Gosford Wattle E2 1961 Low Not recorded within foreshore/saline areas with the study area locality.

Occurs at a few sites along the railway line at Penshurst, at Carss Bush Park, Carss Park and there is an unconfirmed siting at Oatley Park, Oatley. Grows in open situations on clayey or sandy soils.

Acacia pubescens Downy Wattle VU V 2008/# Low Not recorded within the study area locality. Soil type also unsuitable.

Acacia pubescens is found in Sydney Metropolitan, and Hawkesbury/Nepean Catchment Management Region, with concentrated populations around the Bankstown-Fairfield-Rookwood area and the Pitt Town area, with outliers occurring at Barden Ridge, Oakdale and Mountain Lagoon. It occurs on alluviums, shales and at the intergrade between shales and sandstones. The soils are characteristically gravelly soils, often with ironstone. The species occurs in open woodland and forest.

Allocasuarina glareicola

EN E1 # Low Not recorded within the study area locality. Soil type also unsuitable.

Found in the Hawkesbury/Nepean and Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Authority Regions. Primarily restricted to the Richmond (NW Cumberland Plain) district, but with an outlier population found at Voyager Point, Liverpool. Grows in Castlereagh woodland on lateritic soil. Also found in Dry Sclerophyll forest/Woodland.

19

Asterolasia elegans

EN E1 # Low Not recorded within the study area locality. Soil type also unsuitable.

Occurs north of Sydney, in the Baulkham Hills, Hawkesbury and Hornsby local government areas. Also likely to occur in the western part of Gosford LGA. Known from only six populations in the catchments of the Colo and Hawkesbury Rivers, only one of which is wholly within a conservation reserve. Found in sheltered forests on mid- to lower slopes and valleys which support sheltered forest on Hawkesbury Sandstone.

Bothriochloa biloba

Lobed Bluegrass VU 1935/# Low Not recorded within foreshore/saline areas. Soil type also unsuitable.

Found in woodland on nutrient poor soils. This species has a strong preference for heavier textured soils and has previously been recorded on volcanic soils. Restricted levels of grazing and growth of Aristida ramosa have been found to cause reduction and exclusion of this species.

Caladenia tessellata

Thick Lip Spider Orchid

VU E1 # Low Associated soils not present, no known records in the study area locality.

Caladenia tessellata is found in the following Catchment Management Regions Sydney Metropolitan, Southern Rivers, Hawkesbury/Nepean, and Hunter/Central Rivers. It is found in grassy, dry sclerophyll forests/woodland, particularly those associated with clay loam, or sandy soils. This species only grows in very dense shrubbery in coastal areas.

Callistemon linearifolius

Netted Bottle Brush

V 2008 Low Associated landscape position and vegetation community type not present.

Occurs chiefly from Georges River to the Hawkesbury River where it grows in dry sclerophyll forest, open forest, scrubland or woodland on sandstone. Found in damp places, usually in gullies {Robinson, 1994

20

Chorizema parviflorum

Eastern Flame Pea

E2 1914 Low Associated soils and vegetation community type not present.

Heath and sclerophyll woodland and forest on heavy soils. The endangered population has been recorded from between Austinmer and Albion Park in the local government areas of Wollongong and Shellharbour. All known sites (excluding the site at Austinmer) occupy woodland communities.

Cryptostylis hunteriana

Leafless Tongue Orchid

VU V # Low Associated vegetation community type not present, not recorded within the study area

This species typically grows in swamp-heath on sandy soils chiefly in coastal districts but has also been recorded on steep bare hillsides. This species does not appear to have well defined habitat preferences and is known from a range of communities, including swamp-heath and woodland.

Darwinia biflora VU V 2000/# Low Associated soils and vegetation community type not present.

Occurs in the following Catchment Management Authority Regions - Hawkesbury/Nepean and Sydney Metropolitan. Is found on the edges of weathered shale-capped ridges, where these intergrade with Hawkesbury Sandstone. Vegetation communities include: Sydney Coastal Dry Sclerophyll Forest and Sydney Coastal Heaths.

Dillwynia tenuifolia

V/E2 2005 Low Associated soils and vegetation community type not present.

The endangered population is that which occurs in the area bounded by Western Road, Elizabeth Drive, Devonshire Road and Cross Street, Kemps Creek in the Liverpool Local Government Area. The population occurs on a small outlier of the Berkshire Park Soil Landscape. The site supports a transition from Castlereagh Ironbark Forest to Castlereagh Scribbly Gum Woodland. Portions of the site contain a form of Shale Gravel Transition Forest.

21

Epacris purpurascens var. purpurascens

V 2010 Low Associated vegetation community type not present.

Located in the Hawkesbury/Nepean, Hunter/Central Rivers/and Sydney Metropolitan catchment authority region - from Gosford in the north, to Narrabeen in the east, Silverdale in the west and Avon Dam vicinity in the South. Occurs in Health on sandstone.

Eucalyptus nicholii

Narrow-leaved Black Peppermint

VU V # Low Associated soils and regional distribution area type not present.

This species is widely planted as an urban street tree and in gardens but is quite rare in the wild. It is confined to the New England Tablelands of NSW. Grows in dry grassy woodland, on shallow and infertile soils, mainly on granite.

Genoplesium baueri

Bauer's Midge Orchid

V 1887 Low Associated soils and regional distribution area type not present.

This terrestrial orchid species grows in open sclerophyll forest or moss gardens on sandstone. Typically the habitat is a drier heathy forest. The species has been recorded from locations between Nowra and Pit

Hypsela sessiliflora

E E1 1951 Low Associated landscape position and know locations not near study area.

Grows in damp areas on the Cumberland Plain. Currently known from only two adjacent sites on a single private property at Erskine Park in the Penrith LGA. Previous sightings are all from western Sydney. May be an early successional species that benefits from some disturbance. Possibly out competed when overgrown by some species such as Cyndon dactylon.

Leptospermum deanei

VU V 1883 Low Associated saline landscape position not present, no records on the southern side of Parramatta River.

The species grows on sandy alluvial soils and sand over sandstone on lower hill slopes and riparian zones. Associated vegetation communities include riparian shrubland, woodland and open forest. Associated species in riparian scrub are Tristaniopsis laurina and Baeckea myrtifolia; woodland species include Eucalyptus haemastoma; and open forest species are Angophora costata, Leptospermum trinervium, and Banksia ericifolia. Main occurrences around Hornsby, Warringah, Ku-ring-gai and Ryde LGAs.

22

Melaleuca biconvexa

Biconvex Paperbark

VU V # Low Associated soils, landscape position not present no known records in the study area locality.

Biconvex Paperbark is only found in NSW, with scattered and dispersed populations found in the Jervis Bay area in the south and the Gosford-Wyong area in the north. Biconvex Paperbark generally grows in damp places, often near streams or low-lying areas on alluvial soils of low slopes or sheltered aspects.

Melaleuca deanei Deane's Paperbark

VU V 1914/# Low Associated vegetation community not present, no known records in the study area locality.

Melaleuca deanei occurs in Catchment Management Regions Hawkesbury/Nepean, Southern Rivers, and Sydney Metropolitan. Distinctly it occurs in the Ku-ring-gai/Berowra and Holsworthy/Wedderburn areas. The species grows in wet heath on sandstone and Dry Sclerophyll Forests.

Pelargonium sp. Striatellum (G.W.Carr 10345)

Omeo Stork's Bill EN # Low Associated waterway type not present, no known records in the study area locality.

Pelargonium sp. Striatellum (G.W.Carr 10345) is a tufted perennial herb. It has a basal leaf rosette and leafy flowering stems which grow to 15 cm tall, with fleshy and often extensively branched rhizomes giving rise to individual plants (ramets) in clonal colonies. The species is known to occur in habitat usually located just above the high water level of irregularly inundated/ephemeral lakes.

Persoonia hirsuta Hairy Geebung EN E1 1923 Low Associated soils and vegetation community type not present.

Occurs from Gosford to Royal NP and in the Putty district from Hill Top to Glen Davis where it grows in woodland to dry sclerophyll forest on sandstone or rarely on shale. Two subspecies are recognised, P. hirsuta ssp. hirsuta (Gosford to Berowra and Manly to Royal NP) and P. hirsuta ssp. evoluta (Blue Mountains, Woronora Plateau and Southern Highlands). Found in sandy soils in dry sclerophyll open forest, woodland and heath on sandstone and shale-sandstone transition areas.

23

Pimelea curviflora var. curviflora

VU V 2007/# Low Associated soils and vegetation community type not present.

Occurring in Hawkesbury/Nepean and Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Authority Areas. Confined to the coastal area of Sydney between northern Sydney in the south and Maroota in the north-west. Occurs on lateritic soils and shale-sandstone transition soils on ridge tops in woodland.

Pimelea spicata Spiked Rice-flower

EN E1 # Low Associated soils and vegetation community type not present.

Once widespread on the Cumberland Plain, Pimelea spicata occurs in two disjunct areas, the Cumberland Plain and the Illawarra. Catchment areas are Hawkesbury/Nepean, Southern Rivers, and Sydney Metropolitan Catchment. In western Sydney, P. spicata occurs on an undulating topography of substrates derived from Wianamatta Shale in areas supporting, or that previously supported, the Cumberland Plain Woodland Vegetation Community.

Pomaderris prunifolia

Plum-leaf Pomaderris

E2 2007 Low Associated soils and vegetation community type not present. Not recorded within the study area locality.

Known from only three sites within the listed local government areas, at Rydalmere, within Rookwood Cemetery and at The Crest of Bankstown. At Rydalmere it occurs along a road reserve near a creek, among grass species on sandstone. At Rookwood Cemetery it occurs in a small gully of degraded Cooks River / Castlereagh Ironbark Forest on shale soil.

Prostanthera marifolia

Seaforth Mintbush

E E4A 1906 Low Associated soils and vegetation community type not present. Not recorded within the study area locality.

Grows in sclerophyll forest and woodland, usually near the coast, in sandy loamy soils, overlying sandstone; confined to the Sydney district. This species was previously recorded from the Sydney Harbour region and was presumed extinct. All attempts to recollect this species were unsuccessful until 2001. Woodland dominated by Eucalyptus sieberi and Corymbia gummifera. In deeply weathered clay soil with ironstone nodules.

24

Pterostylis saxicola

Sydney Plains Greenhood

EN E1 # Low Associated soils and landscape position not present. Not recorded within the study area locality.

Restricted to western Sydney between Freemans Reach in the north and Picton in the south (Hawkesbury/Nepean and Sydney Metropolitan Catchment). Most commonly found growing in small pockets of shallow soil in depressions on sandstone rock shelves above cliff lines.

Streblus pendulinus

Whalebone Tree EN # Low Landscape position and vegetation community type not present. Not recorded within the study area locality.

The species is found in warmer rainforests, chiefly along watercourses. The altitudinal range is from near sea level to 800 m above sea level. The species grows in well developed rainforest, gallery forest and drier, more seasonal rainforest).

Syzygium paniculatum

Magenta Lilly Pilly VU E1 # Low Associated vegetation community not present. Not recorded within the study area locality.

Subtropical and littoral rainforest on sandy soils or stabilised dunes near the sea. Found only in NSW, in a narrow, linear coastal strip from Bulahdelah to Conjola State Forest. Magenta Lilly Pilly occurs on gravels, sands, silts and clays in riverside gallery rainforests and remnant littoral rainforest communities. The species occurs in the following Catchment Authority Regions - Hunter/Central Rivers, Hawkesbury/Nepean, Sydney Metropolitan, and Southern Rivers.

25

Tetratheca glandulosa

VU V # Low Associated soils and vegetation community not present.

Occurs in Hawkesbury/Nepean, Hunter/Central Rivers, and Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Authority Regions. Restricted to the following Local Government Areas: Baulkham Hills, Gosford, Hawkesbury, Hornsby, Ku-ring-gai, Pittwater, Ryde, Warringah, and Wyong. 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.

Wahlenbergia multicaulis

Tadgell's Bluebell E2 2010 Low No records within the study area locality, general landscape position not present.

Grows in forest, woodland and grassland, chiefly in coastal and tablelands districts south from Sydney and the Blue Mountains, west along the Murray River to Mathoura. This listing covers 13 known sites, two of which are in northern Sydney on the Hawkesbury soil landscape with the remainder in inner-western Sydney. Found in damp, disturbed sites and grows in a variety of habitats including forest, woodland, scrub, grassland and the edges of watercourses and wetlands.

Wilsonia backhousei

Narrow-leafed Wilsonia

V 2010 Present on site

Present on site In NSW Wilsonia backhousei is found in the Southern Rivers and Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Area, specifically on the coast between Mimosa Rocks National Park and Wamberal north of Sydney (Nelson's Lake, Potato Point, Sussex Inlet, Wowly Gully and Parramatta River.

Zieria smithii Sandfly Zieria E2 - Diggers Head

2010 Low No records within the study area locality, general landscape position not present.

Known only from Diggers Head at Coffs Harbour. Closely related forms occur on eight to ten headlands north to Byron Bay.

26

Fauna


TSC Act

Most recent record



Habitat description

Birds

Anthochaera phrygia

Regent Honeyeater

EN E4A 1987/# Low No recent records within a 5km radius

A semi-nomadic species occurring in temperate eucalypt woodlands and open forests. Most records are from box-ironbark eucalypt forest associations and wet lowland coastal forests.

Botaurus poiciloptilus

Australasian Bittern

EN E1 2006/# Low No recent records occur adjacent to the study area (closest record dates from 1981)

The Australasian Bittern is distributed across south-eastern Australia. Often found in terrestrial and estuarine wetlands, generally where there is permanent water with tall, dense vegetation including Typha spp. and Eleoacharis spp..

Calidris ferruginea

Curlew Sandpiper E1 2011 Moderate Potential habitat occurs along the foreshore of the study area,

Inhabits sheltered intertidal mudflats. Also non-tidal swamps, lagoons and lakes near the coast. Infrequently recorded inland.

Calidris tenuirostris

Great Knot V 1965 Low No preferred habitat within study area

Mainly found on intertidal mudflats, sandflats and sandy beaches.

Callocephalon fimbriatum

Gang-gang Cockatoo

V 2009 Low No preferred habitat within study area

In summer, occupies tall montane forests and woodlands, particularly in heavily timbered and mature wet sclerophyll forests. In winter, occurs at lower altitudes in drier, more open eucalypt forests.

Calyptorhynchus lathami

Glossy Black-Cockatoo

V 2000 Low No preferred habitat within study area

Inhabits forest with low nutrients, characteristically with key Allocasuarina species. Tends to prefer drier forest types. Often confined to remnant patches in hills and gullies.

Charadrius Greater Sand- V 1991 Moderate Potential habitat occurs Entirely coastal in NSW, foraging on intertidal sand and

27


TSC Act

Most recent record



Habitat description

leschenaultii plover along the foreshore of the study area.

mudflats in estuaries and roosting during high tide on sandy beaches or rocky shores. Occasional sightings have also occurred on near-coast saltlakes, brackish swamps, shallow freshwater wetlands and grassed paddocks.

Daphoenositta chrysoptera

Varied Sittella V 1997 Low No preferred habitat within study area.

The Varied Sittella is a sedentary species which inhabits a wide variety of dry eucalypt forests and woodlands, usually with either shrubby understorey or grassy ground cover or both, in all climatic zones of Australia.

Dasyornis brachypterus

Eastern Bristlebird

EN E1 # Low No historical records within a 5km radius.

Found in coastal woodlands, dense scrub and heathlands, particularly where it borders taller woodlands.

Diomedea exulans (sensu lato)

Wandering Albatross

VU E1 # Low No historical records. within a 5km radius.

A marine, pelagic and aerial species. Versatile feeders in pelagic and shelf waters. Breed on subantarctic and antarctic islands.

Diomedea exulans antipodensis

Antipodean Albatross

VU V # Low No historical records within a 5km radius.

A marine pelagic species rarely visiting Australia.

Diomedea exulans exulans

Tristan albatross EN # Low No historical records within a 5km radius.

Diomedea exulans exulans is a newly defined species and its 'at sea' range is yet to be defined. Currently, only one definitive record of this species exists; on Gough Island and was recaptured 4 years later off Wollongong.

Diomedea exulans gibsoni

Gibson's Albatross


A marine pelagic species which breeds on the Auckland islands, New Zealand.

Epthianura albifrons

White-fronted Chat

V, E2 2010 Moderate Given the proximity of a resident population at

The White-fronted Chat occupies foothills and lowlands below 1000 m above sea level. An Endangered Population

28


TSC Act

Most recent record



Habitat description

Newington this species may occupy the study area on occasion.

occurs in the Sydney Metropolitan CMA area, at Newington Nature Reserve near Homebush and at Towra Point Nature Reserve.

Erythrotriorchis radiatus

Red Goshawk VU E4A # Low No historical records within a 5km radius.

Occur in forest and woodland habitat near permanent water. In NSW prefer Melaleuca swamp forest and open eucalypt woodland. Require greater than 20 m tall trees for nesting.

Falco subniger Black Falcon V 1990 Low No preferred habitat within study area.

Mainly occur in woodlands and open country where can hunt. Often associated with swamps, rivers and wetlands. Nest in tall trees along watercourses.

Glossopsitta pusilla

Little Lorikeet V 2010 Moderate Little Lorikeet may move through study area on occasion however no breeding resources are present on site.

Distributed in forests and woodlands from the coast to the western slopes of the Great Dividing Range in NSW, extending westwards. Mostly occur in dry, open eucalypt forests and woodlands. They feed primarily on nectar and pollen in the tree canopy.

Hieraaetus morphnoides

Little Eagle V 2006 Moderate Little Eagle may fly over study area on occasion however no limiting habitat resources are present on site.

The Little Eagle is most abundant in lightly timbered areas with open areas nearby providing an abundance of prey species. It has often been recorded foraging in grasslands, crops, treeless dune fields, and recently logged areas.

Ixobrychus flavicollis

Black Bittern V 1997 Low No recent records occur adjacent to the study area.

The Black Bittern is found along the coastal plains within NSW, although individuals have rarely being recorded south of Sydney or inland. It inhabits terrestrial and estuarine wetlands such as flooded grasslands, forests, woodlands, rainforests and mangroves with permanent water and dense waterside vegetation.

29


TSC Act

Most recent record



Habitat description

Lathamus discolor

Swift Parrot EN E1 2010/# Low No preferred foraging resources were recorded within the study area. A single Swift Parrot record occurs adjacent to the study area dating from 1991, other records occur approximately 5 km from the study area.

The Swift Parrot occurs in woodlands and forests of NSW from May to August, where it feeds on eucalypt nectar, pollen and associated insects. The Swift Parrot is dependent on flowering resources across a wide range of habitats in its wintering grounds in NSW. Favoured feed trees include winter flowering species such as Swamp Mahogany Eucalyptus robusta, Spotted Gum Corymbia maculata, Red Bloodwood C. gummifera, Mugga Ironbark E. sideroxylon, and White Box E. albens.

Limicola falcinellus

Broad-billed Sandpiper

V 1978 Low No recent records of this species occur within 5 km of the study area.

Occurs in sheltered parts of coasts, such as estuaries, harbours, embayments and lagoons, which have shell or sandbanks nearby.

Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit

V 1997 Moderate Individuals may move through the study area on occasion.

Mainly coastal, usually in sheltered bays, estuaries and lagoons with large intertidal mudflats or sandflats.

Lophochroa leadbeateri

Major Mitchell's Cockatoo

V 2012 Low An inland species which rarely occurs along the coast. Possible domestic escapee recorded on Wildlife Atlas.

Found mainly in semi-arid and arid regions, in dry woodlands, particularly mallee - casuarina assemblages. They breed in the hollows of large trees, often near watercourse.

Ninox connivens Barking Owl V 2000 Low Marginal foraging habitat present only.

Generally found in open forests, woodlands, swamp woodlands and dense scrub. Can also be found in the foothills and timber along watercourses in otherwise open country.

Ninox strenua Powerful Owl V 2012 Moderate Limited foraging habitat The Powerful Owl occupies wet and dry eucalypt forests

30


TSC Act

Most recent record



Habitat description

present only. and rainforests. It may inhabit both un-logged and lightly logged forests as well as undisturbed forests where it usually roosts on the limbs of dense trees in gully areas.

Pandion cristatus Osprey V 1993 Moderate Osprey may forage adjacent to the study area and move across the site.

Found in coastal waters, inlets, estuaries and offshore islands. Occasionally found 100 km inland along larger rivers.

Ptilinopus superbus

Superb Fruit-Dove

V 1969 Low No recent records of this species occur within 5 km of the study area.

The Superb Fruit Dove’s NSW distribution ranges from northern NSW to as far south as Moruya. It is found in rainforests, closed forests (including mesophyll vine forests) and sometimes in eucalypt and acacia woodlands where there are fruit-bearing trees.

Rostratula australis

Australian Painted Snipe

EN E1 2011/# Low Single record occurs approximately 5km south of the study area.

Usually found in shallow inland wetlands including farm dams, lakes, rice crops, swamps and waterlogged grassland.

Sternula albifrons Little Tern E1 1986 Low No recent records of this species occur within 5 km of the study area.

The Little Tern favours sheltered coasts, harbours, bays, lakes, inlets, estuaries, coastal lagoons and ocean beaches especially with sand-spits and sand islets.

Sternula nereis nereis

Fairy Tern VU # Low No historical records within a 5km radius.

The Fairy Tern nests on sheltered sandy beaches, spits and banks above the high tide line and below vegetation.

Stictonetta naevosa

Freckled Duck V 2005 Low No preferred habitat within study area.

The Freckled Duck breeds in permanent fresh swamps that are heavily vegetated. Found in fresh or salty permanent open lakes, especially during drought.

Thalassarche melanophris

Black-browed Albatross

VU V 1998 Low No preferred habitat within study area.

Inhabits Antarctic, subantarctic and subtropical waters. Although generally pelagic the species also occurs on the

31


TSC Act

Most recent record



Habitat description

continental shelf.

Tyto longimembris

Eastern Grass Owl

V 1982 Low No preferred habitat within study area.

Occurs mainly in open tussock grassland, usually in treeless areas. Can also occur in marshy areas with tall dense tussocks of grass.

Xenus cinereus Terek Sandpiper V 2010 Moderate Individuals may forage and shelter within mangroves and riparian vegetation which would not be removed as part of the proposed works.

Mainly found on saline intertidal mudflats in sheltered estuaries, embayments, harbours and lagoons.

Reptile

Hoplocephalus bungaroides

Broad-headed Snake

VU E1 # Low No habitat occurs within the study area.

Mainly occurs in association with communities occurring on Triassic sandstone within the Sydney Basin. Typically found among exposed sandstone outcrops with vegetation types ranging from woodland to heath.

Amphibian

Heleioporus australiacus

Giant Burrowing Frog

VU V # Low No habitat occurs within the study area.

Prefers hanging swamps on sandstone shelves adjacent to perennial non-flooding creeks.

Litoria aurea Green and Golden Bell Frog

VU E1 2010/# Moderate Given the proximity of a resident population at Olympic Park, individuals may be recorded within the study area on occasion; however there are no

Most existing locations for the species occur as small, coastal, or near coastal populations, with records occurring between south of Grafton and northern VIC. The species is found in marshes, dams and stream sides, particularly those containing bullrushes or spikerushes. Preferred habitat contains water bodies that are unshaded, are free of predatory fish, have a grassy area

32


TSC Act

Most recent record



Habitat description

limiting habitats resources present for this species.

nearby and have diurnal sheltering sites nearby such as vegetation or rocks, although the species has also been recorded from highly disturbed areas including disused industrial sites, brick pits, landfill areas and cleared land.

Mixophyes balbus Stuttering Frog VU E1 # Low No habitat occurs within the study area.

This species is usually associated with mountain streams, wet mountain forests and rainforests.

Mixophyes iteratus

Giant Barred Frog EN E1 # Low No habitat occurs within the study area.

Occurs along coast and ranges from south-eastern Queensland to the Hawkesbury River in NSW.

Pseudophryne australis

Red-crowned Toadlet

V 1995 Low No habitat occurs within the study area.

Occurs on wetter ridge tops and upper slopes of sandstone formations on which the predominant vegetation is dry open forests and heaths.

Mammal

Chalinolobus dwyeri

Large-eared Pied Bat

VU V # Low Non limiting foraging resources occur within the study area however no historical records occur within 5 km of the study area.

Occurs from the Queensland border to Ulladulla, with largest numbers from the sandstone escarpment country in the Sydney Basin and Hunter Valley. Primarily found in dry sclerophyll forests and woodlands, but also found in rainforest fringes and subalpine woodlands. The only known existing maternity roost is in a sandstone cave near Coonabarabran.

Dasyurus maculatus

Spotted-tailed Quoll

EN V 2001/# Low No recent records within a 5km radius.

Occurs along the east coast of Australia and the Great Dividing Range. Uses a range of habitats including sclerophyll forests and woodlands, coastal heathlands and rainforests.

Isoodon obesulus obesulus

Southern Brown Bandicoot

EN E1 # Low No historical records within a 5km radius.

This species prefers sandy soils with scrubby vegetation and/or areas with low ground cover that are burn from

33


TSC Act

Most recent record



Habitat description

(eastern) time to time.

Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis

Eastern Bentwing-bat

V 2008 Moderate Non limiting foraging resources occur within the study area however no culverts suitable for roosting / breeding occur on site.

Occurs from Victoria to Queensland, on both sides of the Great Dividing Range. Forms large maternity roosts (up to 100,000 individuals) in caves and mines in spring and summer. Individuals may fly several hundred kilometres to their wintering sites, where they roost in caves, culverts, buildings, and bridges. They occur in a broad range of habitats.

Mormopterus norfolkensis

Eastern Freetail-bat

V 2008 Moderate Non limiting foraging resources occur within the study area however no tree hollows are present to provide roosting / breeding opportunities.

Distribution extends east of the Great Dividing Range from southern Queensland to south of Sydney. Most records are from dry eucalypt forests and woodland. The species generally roosts in hollow spouts of large mature eucalypts (including paddock trees), although individuals have been recorded roosting in the roof of a hut, in wall cavities, and under metal caps of telegraph poles.

Petrogale penicillata

Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby

VU E1 # Low No historical records within a 5km radius.

Occurs along the Great Dividing Range south to the Shoalhaven, and also occurs in the Warrumbungles and Mt Kaputar.

Phascolarctos cinereus

Koala VU V # Low No historical records within a 5km radius.

Koalas feed almost exclusively on eucalypt foliage, and their preferences vary regionally.

Potorous tridactylus tridactylus

Long-nosed Potoroo


Inhabits coastal heath and wet and dry sclerophyll forests.

Pseudomys novaehollandiae

New Holland Mouse

VU # Low No historical records within a 5km radius.

Across the species’ range the New Holland Mouse is known to inhabit open heathlands, open woodlands with a heathland understorey, and vegetated sand dunes.

34


TSC Act

Most recent record



Habitat description

Pteropus poliocephalus

Grey-headed Flying-fox

VU V 2011/# Moderate This highly mobile species may forage throughout the study area on occasion however no evidence of a resident colony or limiting foraging resources were recorded within the study area.

Occurs along the NSW coast, extending further inland in the north. This species is a canopy-feeding frugivore and nectarivore of rainforests, open forests, woodlands, melaleuca swamps and banksia woodlands. Roosts in large colonies (camps), commonly in dense riparian vegetation. Bats commute daily to foraging areas, usually within 15 km of the day roost although some individuals may travel up to 70 km.

Saccolaimus flaviventris

Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat

V 2008 Moderate Non limiting foraging resources occur within the study area however no tree hollows are present to provide roosting / breeding opportunities.

Found throughout NSW. They have been reported from southern Australia between January and June. Reported from a wide range of habitats throughout eastern and northern Australia, including wet and dry sclerophyll forest, open woodland, acacia shrubland, mallee, grasslands and desert. They roost in tree hollows in colonies of up to 30 (but more usually two to six).



Appendix 4: Figure 1 – Vegetation Communities, Wentworth Point

0 30 60 90 120 150

Metres

LegendStudy Area

Vegetation communitiesCoastal Saltmarsh (TEC)Landscaped nativesMangrovesOpen exotic grasslandPlanted Swamp OakPlanted Swamp Oak canopy over exoticExotic vegetation

Threatened floraWilsonia backhousei (Biosis 2013)

Ma tter: 15728Da te : 29 M a y 2013, Ch ecked b y: JMM , D ra w n by: jshep herdLocation :P:\16600s\1 6670\M ap p in g\16670_F1_Veg

Biosis Pty LtdBallarat, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne,

Sydney,Wangaratta & Wollongong

Ryde

Elcar Delec

Mascot

MuseumBeralaSydneyAuburn

Rhodes

Dundas

EppingGordonPymble

LakembaYagoona

NewtownCroydon

Concord

Sandown

Killara

SydenhamStanmore

Homebush

WavertonRosehill

ArtarmonEastwood

Beecroft

Drummoyne

Lane Cove

RosevilleLindfieldCheltenham

Hope Street

St Leonards

Carlingford

Scale: 1:3,000 @ A3

Figure 1: Vegetationcommunities, WentworthPoint, NSW

Coordinate System: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 56

Acknowledgements: Imagery (c) Nearmap 2012

H i l l R

o a d

H i l l R

o a d

B u r r o w a y R o a d

B u r r o w a y R o a d

P a r r a m a t t a R i v e rP a r r a m a t t a R i v e r

36

Appendix 5: Figure 2 – Threatened Flora

19114007

47873860

1937 193719373860 3860

4787

55911937

3860 38603860

3860

223422342234

38603860

89598959 2234

6339

633922346339

6339 22342234

2234 22342234

2234

2234 28532234

22342234

584722342234 2234 2234

2234775222342234

58475847

58472234

5847

58472234

22345847

2234

223422342234

22342234

22343860 83143418

2234

22342234

4007

4007

7752

77525847

6965

6965

69655847

7752

584758472234

2797 8959 775258472234

55915591

5591

5591

4024584754584464

44644464 4024

4248223455915591

41255847

5847

3860

3857 58473860

7752

5847 5847

© OpenStreetMap (and) contributors, CC-BY-SA

0 400 800 1,200 1,600 2,000

Metres

LegendStudy Area Search area

Threatened flora1911; Hypsela sessiliflora1937; Wahlenbergia multicaulis2234; Wilsonia backhousei2797; Chorizema parviflorum2853; Dillwynia tenuifolia3418; Prostanthera marifolia3857; Acacia prominens3860; Acacia pubescens4007; Callistemon linearifolius4024; Darwinia biflora4125; Eucalyptus melliodora4248; Melaleuca deanei4464; Genoplesium baueri4787; Bothriochloa biloba5458; Persoonia hirsuta5591; Pomaderris prunifolia5847; Zieria smithii6339; Zannichellia palustris6965; Pimelea curviflora var. curviflora7752; Epacris purpurascens var. purpurascens8314; Leptospermum deanei8959; Eucalyptus parramattensis subsp. parramattensis

Ma tter: 16670Da te : 30 M a y 2013, Ch ecked b y: JMM , D ra w n by: AutoG en , La st ed ited by: jsh ep h erdLocation :P:\16600s\1 6670\M ap p in g\16670_F2_ThrFlora



Scale: 1:40,000 @ A3

Figure 2: Threatened Florawithin 5km of the StudyArea


37

Appendix 6: Figure 3 – Threatened Fauna

060300231834 016106030603

109701610448

01610161

0161 016101610161

024131663166 316631663166

04480448

31663166 01170448

12803166

12803166

3166 072904483166

31660448

0448

128004483166

0260128012803166

31660448 04480448

31663166 02600448

31661280 1280

13211834 1834

128018340448

31663166

316631663166

3166044812803166 31663166 3166 01610152

3166 024602480248

024812803116

3116

128012801280

0196054912801280

12801280

1280 12801280

12801280

18341280

02410265128002250248 1097

1834

026010971097

1280 02480248 0008

10970246

1097 316600081280

0260 31661097

1008

0270

0161

016101610161 0161

01970214 0161 0161

0170

0161

01610170

0161

0161017002480005

0197

04480448

044801610448

02480008

02480268030903090309

00880260

0309

0248

0008

02250268

© OpenStreetMap (and) contributors, CC-BY-SA

0 410 820 1,230 1,640 2,050

Metres

LegendThreatened Fauna

AmphibiaAvesMammaliaSearch AreaStudy Area

Ma tter: 16670Da te : 29 M a y 2013, Ch ecked b y: JMM , D ra w n by: JM S, La st edited by: jshep h erdLocation :P:\16600s\1 6670\M ap p in g\16670_F4_ThrFau n a_a u to G en



Scale: 1:41,000 @ A3

Figure 3: Threatened Faunawithin 5km of the StudyArea


Species listAmphibia

3116; Red-crowned Toadlet3166; Green and Golden Bell Frog

Aves0008; Australian Brush-turkey0023; Superb Fruit-Dove0117; Little Tern0141; Greater Sand-plover0152; Black-tailed Godwit0160; Terek Sandpiper0161; Curlew Sandpiper0165; Great Knot0167; Broad-billed Sandpiper0196; Black Bittern0197; Australasian Bittern0214; Freckled Duck0225; Little Eagle0241; Osprey0246; Barking Owl0248; Powerful Owl0260; Little Lorikeet0265; Glossy Black-Cockatoo0309; Swift Parrot0448; White-fronted Chat0549; Varied Sittella0603; Regent Honeyeater0729; Eastern Grass Owl

Mammalia1008; Spotted-tailed Quoll1097; Long-nosed Bandicoot1280; Grey-headed Flying-fox1321; Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat1329; Eastern Freetail-bat

1834; Eastern Bentwing-bat

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Appendix 7: Assessments of Significance

Coastal Saltmarsh Coastal saltmarsh (CSM) is listed as an Endangered Ecological Community in Part 3 of Schedule 1 of the TSC Act and occurs in the intertidal zone on the shores of estuaries and lagoons that are permanently or intermittently open to the sea. This community is known to occur at coastal NSW locations including Botany Bay, Jervis Bay and the Shoalhaven, Clyde and Deua estuaries. Characteristic plants include Baumea juncea, Juncus krausii, Sarcocornia quinqueflora, Sporobolus virginicus, Triglochin striata, Isolepis nodosa, Samolus repens, Selliera radicans, Suaeda australis and Zoysia macrantha. Occasionally mangroves are scattered through the saltmarsh. Tall reeds may also occur, as well as salt pans.

Within the study area, CSM was identified two areas (Figure 1), one at the north-eastern point, approximately 0.54 ha (5,372 m2) and one on the western boundary of approximately 0.28 ha (2,182 m2) (Figure 2). The western boundary patch of CSM lies adjacent to the study area but will be considered within this assessment given the potential of development to impact groundwater drainage and tidal exchange barriers and therefore habitat for the community.

The proposed development in the eastern portion of the study area will not involve any direct impacts to CSM providing the Concluding Advice and Recommendations herein are adhered to. Along the western boundary, there is no proposed clearance of CSM, and there should not be indirect impacts on CSM as long as the existing drainage conditions and tidal influx remain.

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.

Not applicable

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.

Not applicable

In the case of an endangered ecological community or critically endangered ecological community, whether the action proposed:

(i) is likely to have an adverse effect on the extent of the ecological community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction, or

(ii) is likely to substantially and adversely modify the composition of the ecological community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction.

The eastern point and western boundary patches of CSM comprise approximately 0.54 ha and 0.22 ha of the community respectively. The proposed development includes a boardwalk adjacent to the eastern point

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community, however the concept designs have been adjusted to avoid clearance of the community and as such, no CSM TEC will be removed.

The western boundary community lies outside the study area but has been included in this assessment due to its close proximity to the construction footprint. The proposed impact area for construction would need to include a 10 m vegetated buffer from the edge of the mangroves (Figure 1) into the western lot boundary which is considered sufficient to avoid any impacts to the Mangroves and CSM community, which are currently co-habiting. The drainage design will need to be mindful of the location of CSM communities so minimise alterations to current flow regimes, as outlined in the Concluding Advice and Recommendations.

The eastern point community is considered to be in moderate condition given the influence of exotic species and low community diversity within the community. Additionally, refuse has collected within the area, likely from Parramatta River and there is evidence of vehicle access with tyre track imprints remaining in the area. The proposed development will include a boardwalk to fringe the community, however it will not encroach upon it and is considered likely to educate the public and appeal aesthetically and may aid regeneration.

It is not considered likely that the proposed development will have a significant impact on the extent of the community, nor its species composition to the extent that it will be placed at risk of extinction.

In relation to the habitat of a threatened species, population or ecological community:

(i) the extent to which the habitat is likely to be removed or modified as a result of the action proposed, and

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

(iii) the importance of the habitat to be removed, modified, fragmented or isolated to the long-term survival of the species, population or ecological community in the locality.

The occurrence of CSM within the study area is limited to the eastern point community and western boundary area. Based on the Concluding Advice and Recommendations herein, there should not be any habitat removal, modification or fragmentation and hence no impact to the long term extent and survival of CSM.

Whether the action proposed is likely to have an adverse effect on critical habitat (either directly or indirectly).

Under the TSC Act, the Director-General maintains a Register of critical habitat. To date, no critical habitat has been declared for CSM.

Whether the action proposed is consistent with the objectives or actions of a recovery plan or threat abatement plan.

To date, no recovery plan for CSM has not been prepared. The threatened species profile for CSM refers to eight strategies to assist in recovery of the EEC. Those relevant to the proposed upgrade include(DEC 2005e):

• Install fencing and signage to exclude people and machinery and prevent rubbish dumping.

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• Implement weed control programs.

• Protect remnants from clearing and further fragmentation.

• Restore degraded habitat using bush regeneration techniques.

The proposed development and associated Concluding Advice and Recommendations are largely consistent with the above listed priority actions.

Whether the action proposed constitutes or is part of a key threatening process or is likely to result in the operation of, or increase the impact of, a key threatening process.

The following Key Threatening Processes listed by the TSC Act may threaten coastal saltmarsh (NSW Scientific Committee 2004a):

• Alteration to the natural flow regimes of rivers, streams, floodplains and wetlands – The natural flow regime has already been altered with reclaimed lands. Existing hydrological regimes are subject to tidal influences emanating from Parramatta River. These tidal influences are considered unlikely to be altered by the proposed upgrade.

• Invasion of native plant communities by exotic perennial grasses’ – exotic perennial grasses, such as Pennisetum clandestinum currently occur in the study area. These exotic grasses have the potential to spread further into the disturbed areas resulting from the proposed upgrade.

• High frequency fire – the proposed upgrade is not likely to alter the fire regime of the Locality.

• Invasion and establishment of exotic vines and scramblers – coastal saltmarsh is specifically listed as an ecological community impacted by this KTP (NSW Scientific Committee 2006a). Exotic vines and scramblers are present in vicinity of the study area. These invasive species have the potential to invade disturbed areas resulting from the proposed upgrade.

Conclusion

In determining the nature and magnitude of the impact on this TEC the proposed development is unlikely to have a significant impact as:

• The proposed development will not result in fragmentation, clearance or isolation of the TEC.

• The proposed development is unlikely to adversely affect the extent or composition of the CSM such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction.

However, the proposed development has the potential to increase the operation of key threatening processes and also to have indirect impacts should hydrologiocal regimes be altered (western drainage line). On this basis, the Concluding Advice and Recommendations of this report should be implemented in order to minimise potential indirect impacts resulting from the proposed development at Wentworth Point.

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Wilsonia backhousei Wilsonia Backhousei is listed as Vulnerable on Part 2 of Schedule 2 of the TSC Act. It is a perennial, sprawling, matted shrub, less than 15 cm tall with narrow, dark green, stalkless leaves which are succulent and less than 20 mm long. Flowering time is late spring to summer, producing single stalkless white flowers, tubular and 10 mm long with curled-back tips, from which purple-tipped stamens and style protrude. In NSW Wilsonia Backhousei is found on the coast between Mimosa Rocks National Park and Wamberal north of Sydney (Nelson's Lake, Potato Point, Sussex Inlet, Wowly Gully, and Parramatta River at Ermington, Clovelly, Voyager Point, Wollongong and Royal National Park).

Within the study area, a single patch of W. backhousei was identified in the eastern point Coastal Saltmarsh community. The patch measured approximately 0.005 ha (51.7 m2 ) of which approximately a third was densely covered.

The proposed development includes a boardwalk adjacent to the patch of Coastal saltmarsh (CSM) but will not require the clearing of W. backhousei.

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.

The proposed development includes the construction of a boardwalk adjacent to the eastern point CSM community which contains the 0.005 ha patch of W. backhousei. The construction of this boardwalk will not require the clearance of any W. backhousei and is considered likely to form a barrier which will discourage the public to enter the area. The species recovers slowly from clearing and compaction by vehicles and personnel, and evidence of vehicular access is present within the eastern point community. It is not considered likely that the proposal will adversely impact the lifecycle of the species.

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.

N/A

In the case of an endangered ecological community or critically endangered ecological community, whether the action proposed:

(i) is likely to have an adverse effect on the extent of the ecological community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction, or

(ii) is likely to substantially and adversely modify the composition of the ecological community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction.

N/A

In relation to the habitat of a threatened species, population or ecological community:

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(i) the extent to which the habitat is likely to be removed or modified as a result of the action proposed, and

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

(iii) the importance of the habitat to be removed, modified, fragmented or isolated to the long-term survival of the species, population or ecological community in the locality.

The identified occurrence of W. backhousei within the study area is limited to a 0.005 ha patch within the eastern point CSM community.

The proposed development will not require clearing within the eastern point CSM which provides further habitat for this species. In the eastern portion of the study area, habitat for W. backhousei is limited to the middle eastern point within CSM, predominantly due to previous erosion control measures along the bank of the Parramatta River. Furthermore, colonisation by exotic species throughout the eastern portion of the study area makes natural recruitment of W. backhousei, outside of the CSM, highly unlikely. No potential habitat was identified along the waterfront section of the study area, around the ferry terminal and along the promenade to the west. Although no W. backhousei were identified within the Western Boundary CSM, this area does provide habitat for the species.

Habitat for W. backhousei is limited to the CSM and has been heavily fragmented by urban and residential development along coastal and estuarine waters, both within the study area and the 5 km locality. Given that habitat for the species within the study area is limited to two isolated patches of CSM, and does not involve vegetation clearance within these two areas, the proposed development is not considered likely to further isolate or fragment habitat for the species.

The habitat for W. backhousei has been historically removed and fragmented by residential and industrial development along coastal and estuarine waters. The two patches of potential habitat within the study area are relatively small in size, totalling approximately 0.76 ha, and are in moderate condition given the ingress of exotic species, particularly in the eastern point community. Given the presence of the species, the eastern point area is of moderate to high importance, however it is considered unlikely to be affected by the development.

Whether the action proposed is likely to have an adverse effect on critical habitat (either directly or indirectly).

Under the TSC Act, the Director-General maintains a Register of critical habitat. To date, no critical habitat has been declared for W. backhousei.

Whether the action proposed is consistent with the objectives or actions of a recovery plan or threat abatement plan.

To date, a recovery plan for W. backhousei has not been prepared. The OEH threatened species profile refers to five strategies to assist in recovery. Those relevant to the proposed upgrade include:

• Inform land owners and managers of the identified Sydney metropolitan populations.

• Ensure that this species is considered in proposals affecting saline riparian areas.

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The proposed development and associated recommendations are consistent with the above listed priority actions.

Whether the action proposed constitutes or is part of a key threatening process or is likely to result in the operation of, or increase the impact of, a key threatening process.

The following Key Threatening Processes listed by the TSC Act may threaten Wilsonia backhousei:

• Alteration to the natural flow regimes of rivers, streams, floodplains and wetlands – The natural flow regime has already been altered with reclaimed lands. Existing hydrological regimes are subject to tidal influences emanating from Parramatta River. These tidal influences are considered unlikely to be altered by the proposed upgrade.

• Invasion of native plant communities by African Olive (Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata)- African Olivewas identified within the study area. Construction works have the potential to spread it further.

• Invasion, establishment and spread of Lantana (Lantana camara)was identified within the study area, at high densities in some locations. The proposed development has the potential to further spread this invasive species.

• Invasion of native plant communities by exotic perennial grasses – exotic perennial grasses, such as Pennisetum clandestinum currently occur in the study area. These exotic grasses have the potential to spread further into the disturbed areas resulting from the proposed development.

• Invasion and establishment of exotic vines and scramblers – exotic vines and scramblers are present in vicinity of the study area. These invasive species have the potential to invade disturbed areas resulting from the proposed upgrade.

Conclusion

In determining the nature and magnitude of the impact on W. backhousei the proposed development is unlikely to have a significant impact as:

• The species is not going to be removed, fragmented or further isolated by the proposal.

• Habitat for the species is not going to be directly impacted.

• The proposed upgrade is unlikely to adversely affect the lifecycle of the species.

However, the proposed upgrade has the potential to increase the operation of key threatening processes. On this basis, recommendations outlined in the Concluding Advice and Recommendations should be implemented in order to minimise potential indirect impacts resulting from the proposed development.

biosis - amazon s3...floodplain forest (tsc act), however based on the decc (2007) identification...

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