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Appendix G Flora and Fauna Assessment

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Page 1: Flora and Fauna Assessment€¦ · Flora and Fauna Assessment 3 Glossary and abbreviations _____ Flora and fauna of conservation significance Threatened species or populations listed

Appendix G Flora and Fauna Assessment

Page 2: Flora and Fauna Assessment€¦ · Flora and Fauna Assessment 3 Glossary and abbreviations _____ Flora and fauna of conservation significance Threatened species or populations listed

Sydney | Central Coast | Illawarra | Armidale | Newcastle | Mudgee | Port Macquarie | Brisbane | Cairns

Flora and Fauna Assessment

Additional clearing Great Western Highway – Katoomba to Mount Victoria

Prepared for Hills Environmental

09 November 2017

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Additional vegetation clearing Great Western Highway – Katoomba to Mount Victoria

Flora and Fauna Assessment 1

Document control

Project no.: 3573

Project client: Hills Environmental and Mott MacDonald

Project office: Mudgee

Document description: Flora and fauna assessment to assess the impacts

of additional clearing within a power-line

easement and within the road corridor of the

Great Western Highway between Katoomba and

Blackheath.

Project Director: Vivien Howard

Project Manager: Vivien Howard

Authors: Vivien Howard, Amanda Griffith

Internal review: Frank Lemckert

Document status: Draft 1

Local Government Area: Blue Mountains City Council

Document revision status

Author Revision number Internal review Date issued

Vivien Howard,

Chelsea Hankin

Draft 1 Frank Lemckert 22/06/2017

Amanda Griffith Rev1 09/11/2017

© Niche Environment and Heritage, 2017

Copyright protects this publication. Except for purposes permitted by the Australian Copyright Act 1968, reproduction,

adaptation, electronic storage, and communication to the public is prohibited without prior written permission.

Enquiries should be addressed to Niche Environment and Heritage, PO Box 2443, North Parramatta NSW 1750,

Australia, email: [email protected].

Any third party material, including images, contained in this publication remains the property of the specified

copyright owner unless otherwise indicated, and is used subject to their licensing conditions.

Cover photograph: Vegetation mapping unit 11 – Eucalyptus sieberi-Eucalyptus piperita Open Forest (Photo Viv

Howard)

Niche Environment and

Heritage

Excellence in your environment.

ABN: 19 137 111 721

Head Office

Level 1, 19 Sorrell Street

Parramatta NSW 2150

All mail correspondence to:

PO Box 2443

North Parramatta NSW 1750

Phone: 02 9630 5658

Email: [email protected]

Locations

Sydney

Central Coast

Illawarra

Armidale

Newcastle

Mudgee

Port Macquarie

Brisbane

Cairns

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Additional vegetation clearing Great Western Highway – Katoomba to Mount Victoria

Flora and Fauna Assessment 2

Executive summary _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Mott MacDonald, on behalf of the RMS, are undertaking construction works to upgrade the Great Western

Highway between Katoomba and Blackheath. While the substantive works have already been approved, it

has been determined that some minor additional clearing is required for the road construction as well as

additional minor clearing around an electricity easement. Mott MacDonald has engaged Hills

Environmental to prepare a review of environmental factors (REF) as the project is being assessed under

Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP & A Act). This flora and fauna

assessment forms part of that REF.

The study area consists of the existing Great Western Highway, which is a main regional road from Sydney

west across the Blue Mountains. The study area is confined to areas of vegetation located along either side

of the Great Western Highway in the area between Katoomba and Blackheath. The vegetation consists of a

mix of native and exotic understorey and native canopy.

A total of 4.14 ha of vegetation (Blue Mountains Ridgetop Forest in good and modified condition) was

previously approved for clearing within the Submissions Report. An additional 0.66 ha of vegetation is

proposed to be cleared as a result of proposed footprint changes. A total of 4.8 ha of native vegetation will

therefore be removed for the project.

Direct impacts to biodiversity as a result of footprint amendments include the clearing of an additional

0.66 ha of native vegetation, mainly consisting of native and exotic understorey and native canopy. No

additional hollow-bearing trees will be removed as a result of changes to the development footprint.

Potential indirect impacts include sedimentation, erosion and weed invasion. These indirect impacts would

be ameliorated by a series of mitigation measures.

Assessment of impacts to threatened biodiversity

No state or federally listed threatened ecological communities occur within the study area.

No threatened flora or fauna were recorded in the study area and none of the threatened species identified

as being potentially present were considered likely to be impacted by the proposal. The additional clearing

required is considered to produce a negligible impact within the context of the broader extent of

vegetation adjoining the study area.

An assessment of significance was completed for one threatened flora species (Persoonia acerosa), with

this species having been recorded 1 km to the north of the study area. The assessment concluded that due

to the extent of potential habitat surrounding the study area, and the small amount of potential habitat

impacted by the proposal, the project is considered unlikely to have a significant impact on this species or

its habitat.

The slight increase in vegetation to be cleared (0.66 ha) as a result of amendments to the development

footprint are considered unlikely to have a significant impact on threatened biodiversity as listed under the

EPBC Act and TSC Act.

Recommendations to minimise potential impacts to any native flora or fauna and their habitat are

provided.

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Flora and Fauna Assessment 3

Glossary and abbreviations _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Flora and fauna of

conservation significance

Threatened species or populations listed on the schedules of the TSC Act and/or

listed as matters of National Environmental Significance (NES) under the EPBC Act

Local population The population of a particular threatened species that occurs in the locality

Locality The area within 10 km of the study area

Local occurrence Refers to the distribution of an ecological community within the study area and

contiguous with it

Matters of NES Matters of national environmental significance

OEH Office of Environment and Heritage

TEC Threatened ecological community as listed on the TSC Act and or EPBC Act.

Collective term to describe vulnerable, endangered and critically endangered

ecological communities

Threatened biodiversity Threatened species, populations and ecological communities as listed on the TSC

and or EPBC Acts

TSC Act NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995

EPBC Act Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

EP&A Act NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979

OCVT Over Cleared Vegetation Type

RBVT Revised Biometric Vegetation Type

SEPP State Environment Planning Policy

RDP Rapid Data Point – an efficient way of verifying vegetation type and condition

through the collection of a limited number of attributes.

BioBanking Plot A 50 x 20 metre area with a nested 20 x 20 metre area for collection of floristic data

and a central transect to collect percentage cover estimates.

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Flora and Fauna Assessment 4

Table of Contents _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Executive summary ................................................................................................................................ 2

1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 6

2. Methods ......................................................................................................................................... 9

2.1 Database and literature sources.................................................................................................... 9

2.2 Threatened flora and fauna likelihood .......................................................................................... 9

2.3 Field survey methodology ........................................................................................................... 10

2.4 Limitations ................................................................................................................................... 10

3. Results ......................................................................................................................................... 18

3.1 Flora ............................................................................................................................................. 18

3.2 Vegetation community alignment and description. .................................................................... 18

3.3 Threatened Ecological Communities ........................................................................................... 26

3.4 Subject threatened flora .............................................................................................................. 26

3.5 Fauna Habitat types ..................................................................................................................... 26

3.6 Subject threatened fauna ............................................................................................................ 27

4. Impact analysis ............................................................................................................................. 28

4.1 Affected ecological communities ................................................................................................ 28

4.2 Threatened ecological communities (TECs) ................................................................................ 28

4.3 Affected threatened flora ............................................................................................................ 28

4.4 Affected threatened fauna .......................................................................................................... 28

4.5 Migratory species (JAMBA, CAMBA, ROKAMBA) ........................................................................ 29

4.6 Key Threatening Processes .......................................................................................................... 29

5. Recommendations ........................................................................................................................ 30

6. Summary and conclusions ............................................................................................................. 31

References ........................................................................................................................................... 32

Appendix 4. Assessments of Significance .............................................................................................. 45

List of Figures

Figure 1: Location of the study area .................................................................................................................. 7

Figure 2: The study area .................................................................................................................................... 8

Figure 3: Study area and survey effort ............................................................................................................ 11

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Flora and Fauna Assessment 5

Figure 4: Study area and survey effort ............................................................................................................ 12

Figure 5: Study area and survey effort ............................................................................................................ 13

Figure 6: Study area and survey effort ............................................................................................................ 14

Figure 7: Study area and survey effort ............................................................................................................ 15

Figure 8: Study area and survey effort ............................................................................................................ 16

Figure 9: Study area and survey effort ............................................................................................................ 17

Figure 10: Mapped vegetation and HBTs ........................................................................................................ 19

Figure 11: Mapped vegetation and HBTs ........................................................................................................ 20

Figure 12: Mapped vegetation and HBTs ........................................................................................................ 21

Figure 13: Mapped vegetation and HBTs ........................................................................................................ 22

Figure 14: Mapped vegetation and HBTs ........................................................................................................ 23

Figure 15: Mapped vegetation and HBTs ........................................................................................................ 24

Figure 16: Mapped vegetation and HBTs ........................................................................................................ 25

List of Tables

Table 1: Likelihood of occurrence criteria ......................................................................................................... 9

Table 2: Vegetation validation mapping units and areas ................................................................................ 18

Table 3: Key Threatening Processes associated with the project ................................................................... 29

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Flora and Fauna Assessment 6

1. Introduction _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1.1 Background and project description

Roads and Maritime Services and Mott MacDonald propose to undertake road upgrades of a section of the

Great Western Highway between Katoomba and Blackheath. The substantive works have been assessed

and approved as part of the Submissions Report for the Katoomba to Mount Victoria Road Safety upgrade

(the Project), however some minor additional clearing is required for the road upgrade and for the

maintenance of an existing power-line easement by Endeavour Energy..

Changes to the approved project/footprint as detailed in the Submissions Report will be assessed under

Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) and Mott MacDonald has

engaged Hills Environmental to prepare a review of environmental factors (REF) under Part 5 of the EP&A

Act. This flora and fauna assessment will form part of this REF.

The regional location of the study area and the study area can be seen in Figure 1 and Figure 2 respectively.

The study area and clearing extents are shown in Figures 3-9.

Proposed footprint changes will involve the removal of an additional 0.66 ha of native and exotic vegetation

and the removal of at least 23 of the 31 hollow-bearing trees that were located within and adjacent to the

development footprint.

The area surrounding the study area includes native bushland within the Sydney Catchment Area and small-

lot rural, and residential housing.

1.3 Purpose and objectives

The primary objective of this report is to describe and assess ecological values within the study area and to

determine whether the proposal is likely to have a significant impact on threatened biodiversity. A

description of likely impacts from the proposal and consideration of mitigation measures have also been

provided.

The following was undertaken as part of this assessment:

1. A background review of relevant literature, mapping and databases.

2. A field survey using recognised methods to assess the ecological values of the study area and

address identified data gaps.

3. Reporting on:

the ecological values of the study area in regards to flora, fauna and vegetation communities.

the potential ecological impacts of the proposal.

4. Assessment of impacts on threatened biodiversity as listed on the NSW Threatened Species

Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) and the Commonwealth Environment Protection Biodiversity

Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

5. Provision of advice on measures to ameliorate impacts, including strategies to avoid or mitigate

impacts.

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Flora and Fauna Assessment 9

2. Methods _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2.1 Database and literature sources

Literature and data sources reviewed included:

DECC (2008) Threatened Species Profiles Database, NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change (now OEH)

OEH Atlas of NSW Wildlife (accessed September 2017)

EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool (accessed September 2017)

Hyder Consulting (2015) NSW Roads and Maritime Services Great Western Highway Safety Upgrade – Katoomba to Mount Victoria Biodiversity Assessment.

2.2 Threatened flora and fauna likelihood

A list of subject threatened flora and fauna within the locality (10 km radius) was determined from

database searches (OEH Atlas of NSW Wildlife and EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool) as well as local

knowledge. The list of potentially impacted (affected) species is determined from consideration of this list

and an analysis of the likelihood of those species occurring within the study area was completed.

Five categories for ‘likelihood of occurrence’ (Table 1) were attributed to the subject species after

consideration of criteria such as known records, presence or absence of important habitat features on the

subject site, results of the field surveys and professional judgement. This process was completed on an

individual species basis (Appendix 1).

Species considered further in formal assessments of significance pursuant to relevant legislation were those

in the ‘Known’, ‘High’ or ‘Moderate’ categories and where impacts for the species could reasonably be

expected to occur from the development.

Table 1: Likelihood of occurrence criteria

Likelihood rating Threatened flora criteria Threatened and migratory fauna criteria

Known The species was observed within the study area The species was observed within the study area

High It is likely that a species inhabits or utilises habitat

within the study area

It is likely that a species inhabits or utilises habitat

within the study area

Moderate

Potential habitat for a species occurs on the site.

Adequate field survey would determine if there is

a ‘high’ or ‘low’ likelihood of occurrence for the

species within the study area

Potential habitat for a species occurs on the site and

the species may occasionally utilise that habitat.

Species unlikely to be wholly dependent on the

habitat present within the study area

Low It is unlikely that the species inhabits the study

area

It is unlikely that the species inhabits the study area.

If present at the site the species would likely be a

transient visitor. The site contains only very common

habitat for this species which the species would not

rely on for its on-going local existence.

None The habitat within the study area is unsuitable for

the species.

The habitat within the study area is unsuitable for the

species

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Flora and Fauna Assessment 10

2.3 Field survey methodology

The study area was investigated by Vivien Howard (Botanist) and Chelsea Hankin (Ecologist) on 2 June 2017.

2.3.1 Flora survey

Given the narrow width of the study area, rapid data points (RDPs) were used to provide identification of

vegetation communities. RDPs involved the collection of information on dominant species, vegetation

structure and general vegetation cover within the surrounding area. Targeted threatened plant searches

were conducted in areas of potential habitat within the study area. The extent of survey effort is shown in

Figures 3-8.

2.3.2 Fauna survey

A habitat assessment was conducted to determine the presence of important threatened fauna habitats.

Habitat characteristics and parameters that were assessed included:

Presence of hollow-bearing trees within the study area - the location of all hollow-bearing trees was recorded using a hand-held GPS

Floristic composition, structure and age

Presence and relative abundance of other key habitat features (e.g. large logs, outcrops, water bodies).

Targeted fauna survey, including trapping and ultrasonic bat detection surveys were not considered

necessary given the site’s condition, limited habitat quality and small size. The timing of the surveys was

also outside of the accepted preferred survey season for most threatened species. Thus these were not

undertaken.

2.4 Limitations

This study was designed as a habitat-based level of assessment, with the methodology developed for the

purposes of conducting an assessment in accordance with Section 5A of the Environment Planning and

Assessment Act 1997 (EP&A Act) and significant impact assessments under the Environment Protection and

Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 . No surveys for terrestrial fauna such as trapping, spotlighting or call

playback were employed. Habitat assessments are considered to be a more conservative method of

assessment as species are assumed to be present if suitable habitat is present within the site and

surrounding locality.

Rapid Data Point (RDPs) were used instead of BioBanking plots. This was not seen as a limitation as the data

collected was sufficient to enable accurate validation and alignment to native vegetation communities.

The GPS utilised in this assessment has some accuracy limitations depending on satellite coverage at the

time of the record. As such, there may be some slight differences in the true location of records compared

to that generated by the GPS.

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Flora and Fauna Assessment 18

3. Results _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3.1 Flora

A total of 59 plant species were recorded across the study area. The full list of species recorded is provided

in Appendix 2. Of these 59 species, 10 were exotic species, with two declared as noxious (class 4) weeds:

Rubus fruiticosus sp. (Blackberry) and Eragrostis curvula (African Love Grass).

3.2 Vegetation community alignment and description.

The study area has been previously mapped by Ecological Surveys and Planning for Blue Mountains City

Council (ESP 2002). This mapping was used as the basis for consideration of the impacts on vegetation

communities by the proposed works and was validated as part of the process.

A total of three vegetation communities have been previously mapped in the study area:

11A – Eucalyptus siberi – Eucalyptus piperita

2G – Eucalyptus oreades open-forest/tall open-forest

12 - Modified Bushland.

The total area of each mapped vegetation unit to be cleared within the study area is contained in Table 2

below.

Table 2: Vegetation validation mapping units and areas

Tindall et. al. (2004)

Native vegetation map

report series. No. 4

Katoomba

Blue Mountains City

Council Vegetation

Mapping (EPS 2002)

Corresponding

Threatened

Ecological

Community

(TEC)

Clearing area -

previously

approved in

Submissions

Report (ha)

Updated,

current

clearing area

(ha)

Difference in

clearing area

(ha)

Blue Mountains Ridgetop

Forest

11A Eucalyptus sieberi

– Eucalyptus piperita

2G Eucalyptus oreades

open-forest/tall open-

forest

Not listed

3.66 4.28 +0.62

Modified Blue Mountains

Ridgetop Forest

12 Modified vegetation Not listed 0.48 0.52 +0.04

Total 4.14 4.8 +0.66

The vegetation observed on site corresponded with the three different communities described above, with

core differences in each being primarily restricted to differences in canopy species. Dominant canopy

species included, Eucalyptus sieberi, Eucalyptus piperita, Eucalyptus radiata and Eucalyptus oreades. Of

these species, Eucalypus siberi and Eucalyptus piperita were the most abundant. Vegetation communities

present were generally forest but contained a dense, tall, shrubby understorey consisting of Acacia

longifolia, Pultenaea scabra, Leptospermum polygalifolium, Polyscias sambucifolia, Hakea dactyloides and

Banksia spinulosa. The age and condition of vegetation varied markedly throughout the study area,

however an obvious edge effect was found along the length of the study area, associated with the road and

due to the long, narrow shape of the study area. The impact of the edge effect was generally observed to

be presence of exotic plants and grasses, and reduced canopy cover.

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Vegetation clearing footprintBlue Mountains Ridgetop ForestModified Blue Mountains Ridgetop Forest

Hollow-bearing trees!. Inside boundary

Page index

Additional Clearing - Great Western Highway - Katoomba to Mt VictoriaFIGURE 10

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Vegetation clearing footprintBlue Mountains Ridgetop ForestModified Blue Mountains Ridgetop Forest

Hollow-bearing trees!. Inside boundary

Page index

Additional Clearing - Great Western Highway - Katoomba to Mt VictoriaFIGURE 11

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Vegetation clearing footprintBlue Mountains Ridgetop ForestModified Blue Mountains Ridgetop Forest

Hollow-bearing trees!. Inside boundary!. Outside boundary

Page index

Additional Clearing - Great Western Highway - Katoomba to Mt VictoriaFIGURE 12

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Imagery: (c) LPI 2014

IFT boundarySubmission report boundaryEndeavour Energy tree trimming

Vegetation clearing footprintBlue Mountains Ridgetop ForestModified Blue Mountains Ridgetop ForestPage index

Additional Clearing - Great Western Highway - Katoomba to Mt VictoriaFIGURE 13

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Vegetation clearing footprintBlue Mountains Ridgetop ForestModified Blue Mountains Ridgetop ForestPage index

Additional Clearing - Great Western Highway - Katoomba to Mt VictoriaFIGURE 14

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Imagery: (c) LPI 2014

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Vegetation clearing footprintBlue Mountains Ridgetop ForestModified Blue Mountains Ridgetop ForestPage index

Additional Clearing - Great Western Highway - Katoomba to Mt VictoriaFIGURE 15

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Vegetation clearing footprintBlue Mountains Ridgetop ForestModified Blue Mountains Ridgetop ForestPage index

Additional Clearing - Great Western Highway - Katoomba to Mt VictoriaFIGURE 16

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Flora and Fauna Assessment 26

3.3 Threatened Ecological Communities

A list of Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs) occurring or potentially occurring within the locality was

determined from database searches (NSW Bionet Database Search tool and EPBC Act Protected Matters

Search Tool). Based on these database searches, 16 TECs were identified as potentially occurring within the

locality. These included:

State listed threatened ecological communities:

Blue Mountains Basalt Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion

Blue Mountains Shale Cap Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion

Blue Mountains Swamps in the Sydney Basin Bioregion

Montane Peatlands and Swamps of the New England Tableland, NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin, South East Corner, South Eastern Highlands and Australian Alps bioregions

Newnes Plateau Shrub Swamp in the Sydney Basin Bioregion

River-Flat Eucalypt Forest on Coastal Floodplains of the New South Wales North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions

Shale Sandstone Transition Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion

Southern Sydney sheltered forest on transitional sandstone soils in the Sydney Basin Bioregion

Sun Valley Cabbage Gum Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion

Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest of the New South Wales North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions

Western Sydney Dry Rainforest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion

White Box Yellow Box Blakely's Red Gum Woodland.

Federally listed threatened ecological communities:

Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands Critically Endangered

Temperate Highland Peat Swamps on Sandstone Endangered Community

Upland Basalt Eucalypt Forests of the Sydney Basin Bioregion Endangered Community

White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland.

Based on the field assessment and a review of the relevant determinations for these listed ecological

communities, it is considered that none of the vegetation present within the study area correlates with any

of the above potentially occurring endangered ecological communities.

3.4 Subject threatened flora

A total of 41 subject threatened flora, as listed on the TSC and/or EPBC Acts, were considered in this

assessment (Appendix 1). This list was derived from the database searches outlined in Section 2.2.

Based on the results of the field survey and likelihood of occurrence, one of these threatened flora

(Persoonia acerosa) was determined to have a moderate likelihood of occurrence in the study area. The

species is known to occur within the locality and records of this species are found 1km to the north of the

study area. None of the other subject threatened flora species were considered likely to occur.

3.5 Fauna Habitat types

The habitat within the study area consisted predominately of shrubby open-forest.

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Flora and Fauna Assessment 27

The shrubby forest areas contained trees from the family Myrtaceae (mostly Eucalyptus spp.). These areas

supply direct food (foliage, nectar, exudates) and indirect food (arthropods) for a range of vertebrates,

particularly birds and arboreal mammals.

Thirty one hollow-bearing trees were recorded within or immediately adjacent to the study area during the

field assessment. The location of these trees is shown in Figure 10-16, and the geographical co-ordinates of

these are provided in Appendix 3.

Hollow-bearing trees may provide nesting and roosting habitat for hollow-dwelling fauna. No other areas of

significant habitat (e.g. outcropping rock) were found to be present within the study area.

3.6 Subject threatened fauna

No threatened fauna species were recorded during the current survey.

A total of 49 subject threatened fauna have previously been recorded (Atlas of NSW Wildlife) or are

predicted to have habitat (EPBC Act) within 10 km of the study area (Appendix 1). The list is comprised of

25 birds, 16 mammals, two reptiles, five amphibians, and one invertebrate. After considering the habitat

present on the subject site and the results of the field survey, 11 threatened fauna species were

determined to have a moderate likelihood of occurrence within the study area. This was primarily based on

the presence of hollow-bearing trees representing potential roosting/nesting habitat for arboreal birds and

mammals.

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Flora and Fauna Assessment 28

4. Impact analysis _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4.1 Affected ecological communities

The proposal will result in the removal/modification of approximately 0.66 ha of native vegetation.

Table 2 details the breakdown of native vegetation disturbance that is expected to occur as a result of the

proposal.

Indirect impacts will be mitigated through the recommendations provided in Section 5. This will ensure that

the disturbance does not exceed that of the disturbance areas.

4.2 Threatened ecological communities (TECs)

As discussed in Section 3.3, it has been determined that the vegetation within the study area does not align

with any state or commonwealth listed TECs. The proposal will not have an impact on a TEC. No

assessments of significance have been prepared for any state or commonwealth listed TECs.

4.3 Affected threatened flora

As discussed in section 3.4, only one species of threatened flora was identified as having a moderate or

higher likelihood of occurring in the study area. There is suitable habitat for Persoonia acerosa and this

species has been recorded one kilometre to the north of the study area and several records exist within the

locality. As such, an assessment of significance was conducted to assess the significance of potential

impacts on this species. The assessment determined that the project is unlikely to have a significant impact

on the potential habitat present for this species within the study area, and so would not have a significant

impact on this species, should it be present. This was due primarily to the large areas of extant habitat

available for this species adjoining the study area and the relatively small amount of disturbed habitat

being removed as a result of the works.

4.4 Affected threatened fauna

The analysis of subject threatened species (Appendix 1) resulted in 11 threatened fauna species having a

moderate likelihood of occurrence within the study area. This was primarily based on the presence of

hollow-bearing trees representing potential roosting/nesting habitat for arboreal birds, mammals and

microbats.

Based on the updated road footprint, at least 23 of the 31hollow-bearing trees identified within and

adjacent to the development footprint will be removed for the project. This is a reduction from the 51 that

were previously mapped and assessed as impacted in the Submissions Report (Hyder Consulting 2015).

Assessments of significance of potential impacts to hollow-dependant fauna were undertaken for the

previous report. The assessments determined that there would be no significant impact to hollow-

dependant threatened fauna that have the potential to utilise resources in the study area, due to the fact

that these tree hollows occur in disturbed and modified habitats adjacent to the heavily trafficked Great

Western Highway which makes them less likely to be preferred breeding/roosting sites. The study area also

adjoins large tracts of high quality habitat (Blue Mountains National Park) that would likely support

extensive potential foraging and breeding resources for these species. As such, the proposal will result in

the removal of marginal habitat only.

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Flora and Fauna Assessment 29

Given the new proposal footprint represents a reduction in the number of hollow-bearing trees to be

removed, it is considered that the conclusions of the previous impact assessment are still relevant such that

significant impacts to threatened fauna as a result of the proposal are unlikely.

4.5 Migratory species (JAMBA, CAMBA, ROKAMBA)

Migratory species listed under the Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA), the China-Australia

Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA), and the Republic of Korea-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement

(ROKAMBA), which have been previously recorded, or have predicted habitat within the study area are

detailed in Appendix 1. No migratory species are likely to be significantly impacted due to the absence of

suitable habitat resources (ponds and wetlands) within the study area.

4.6 Key Threatening Processes

In NSW the assessment of significance requires that consideration be given as to whether the action

proposed constitutes, or is part of, a key threatening process (KTP) or is likely to result in the operation of,

or increase the impact of, a KTP on threatened biodiversity as listed on the TSC Act. Key threatening

processes are also listed on the EPBC Act. An assessment of KTPs listed under the TSC Act and EPBC Act that

are relevant to the proposal are provided in Table 3.

Table 3: Key Threatening Processes associated with the project

Key Threatening Process (TSC Act) EPBC Act

Equivalent (x)

Operating

presently or

historically

Increased by

proposal

Alteration of habitat following subsidence due to longwall mining x No No

Alteration to the natural flow regimes of rivers, streams, floodplains

& wetlands x No No

Bushrock removal x No No

Clearing of native vegetation Yes Yes

Ecological consequences of high frequency fires x No No

Human-caused climate change No No

Infection of frogs by amphibian chytrid fungus causing the disease

chytridiomycosis No No

Infection of native plants by Phytophthora cinnamomi Unlikely Unlikely

Introduction and Establishment of Exotic Rust Fungi of the order

Pucciniales pathogenic on plants of the family Myrtaceae x Unlikely Unlikely

Invasion and establishment of exotic vines and scramblers x No No

Invasion of native plant communities by exotic perennial grasses (only N. Aust) Yes Unlikely

Loss of hollow-bearing trees x Yes Yes

Removal of dead wood and dead trees x Yes Yes

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Flora and Fauna Assessment 30

5. Recommendations _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

To minimise any impacts to flora, fauna and their habitat, the following are recommended:

Minimise impact to large trees, hollow-bearing trees and patches of native vegetation, where possible.

Implement a two-stage clearing process following best practise guidelines (RMS Guidelines) when felling hollow-bearing trees.

The Environment Officer will inform contractors of the location of the hollow-bearing trees identified.

Silt fencing should be used at all locations where erosion and sediment runoff may occur.

Any vegetation removal other than that detailed in this report would require further assessment.

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Flora and Fauna Assessment 31

6. Summary and conclusions _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

This report assesses the terrestrial ecology impacts associated with the proposed road upgrade works, in

accordance with the requirements of the EP&A Act, TSC Act and EPBC Act.

The proposal will result in the removal of approximately 0.66 ha of native vegetation and at least 23 hollow-

bearing trees.

Based on field validation of previous mapping, three native vegetation communities were identified in the

study area. None of these communities align with any state or federally listed threatened ecological

communities.

No threatened flora were recorded within the study area. One threatened flora species (Persoonia acerosa)

was considered a potentially affected species due to the presence of potential habitat in the study area and

the proximity of records within the locality. An assessment of significance was conducted and determined

that the proposal was unlikely to have a significant impact on the local population of this species due to the

availability of known extant habitat adjoining the study area, and the relatively small area of potential habitat

to be removed within the study area.

Threatened and hollow-dependant threatened fauna with the potential to occur are considered unlikely to

be impacted by the proposal due to the modified and disturbed state of the habitat present, and presence

of extensive tracts of better quality habitat adjoining the study area which would represent more suitable

and likely preferred habitat.

A number of recommendations have been made to minimise the potential impacts of the proposal on native

vegetation, flora and fauna occurring in the study area.

It is determined that preparation of a species impact statement or referral to the commonwealth are

required.

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Flora and Fauna Assessment 32

References _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

DEC (2005). Threatened Species Profiles Database, OEH. Also provides access to threatened species final

determinations by the NSW Scientific Committee.

DECC (2007). Threatened Species Assessment Guidelines: The Assessment of Significance. Department of

Environment and Climate Change.

ESP (2002). Native vegetation mapping in the Blue Mountains 1999-2002. Ecological Survey and Planning

Pty Ltd. Prepared for Blue Mountains City Council.

Hyder Consulting (2015). NSW Roads and Maritime Services Great Western Highway Safety Upgrade –

Katoomba to Mount Victoria Biodiversity Assessment.

OEH (2012). Atlas of NSW Wildlife (accessed June 2017), NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH),

Goulburn Street, Sydney.

SEWPaC (2012). SPRAT Database and Protected Matters Search Tool (accessed June 2017),

http://www.environment.gov.au/, Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water,

Population and Communities. Provides access to threatened species profiles, recovery plans and final

determinations by the Commonwealth Scientific Committee.

Somerville, M. (2009). Hunter, HCCREEMS/Hunter Councils Environment Division for Hunter – Central

Rivers Catchment Management Authority Tocal NSW.

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Flora and Fauna Assessment 33

Appendix 1. Threatened species likelihood of occurrence ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Scientific Name Common

Name

TSC

Act

EPBC

Act

Habitat Likelihood of occurrence

Flora

Acacia baueri subsp.

aspera

V - Occurs in low, damp heathlands, often on exposed rocky outcrops over a wide range of climatic and topographical conditions.

Appears to prefer open conditions; rarely observed where there is any shrub or tree canopy development; and many of the

observations of this species have been made following fire, suggesting the species prefers early successional habitats. Restricted to

the Sydney region, occurring on the Kings Tableland in the central Blue Mountains and with sporadic occurrences on the Woronora

Plateau in the Royal National Park, Mt. Keira district and at Wedderburn. May also occur on the escarpment-Woronora Plateau in

the Flat Rock Junction and Stanwell Tops area of the Illawarra.

None

Acacia bynoeana Bynoe's

Wattle

E V Grows mainly in heath and dry sclerophyll forest in sandy soils. Mainly south of Dora Creek-Morisset area to Berrima and the

Illawarra region, west to the Blue Mountains, also recorded from near Kurri Kurri in the Hunter Valley and from Morton National

Park.

None

Acacia clunies-rossiae Kanangra

Wattle

V - Grows in the Kowmung and Coxs River areas entirely within Kanangra-Boyd and Blue Mountains National Parks. Grows in dry

sclerophyll forest on skeletal soils on rocky slopes, or on alluvium along creeks.

None

Acacia flocktoniae Flockton

Wattle

V V Grows in dry sclerophyll forest on sandstone. The Flockton Wattle is found only in the Southern Blue Mountains (at Mt Victoria,

Megalong Valley and Yerranderie).

None

Acrophyllum australe V V Restricted distribution, occurring from Faulconbridge to Lawson, South of Bilpin and near Kings Tableland, in the Blue Mountains

area. Grows in sheltered gullies beneath waterfalls and drip zones of rock overhangs and cliff faces, usually with a south-east to

south-west aspect. Typically found in areas where there is a more or less constant supply of water. Usually grows in shale interbeds

at the base of small cliffs, in crevices on the sandstone rock face or on talus slopes. The rock overhangs are of Hawkesbury or

Narrabeen Sandstone. Found adjacent to open forest of Eucalyptus piperita and Angophora costata and closed forest of Doryphora

sassafras and Ceratopetalum apetalum. Frequently growing on very thick layers of moss.

None

Asterolasia elegans E E Occurs north of Sydney, in the Baulkham Hills, Hawkesbury and Hornsby local government areas. Also likely to occur in the western

part of Gosford local government area. Known from only seven populations, only one of which is wholly within a conservation

reserve. Occurs on Hawkesbury sandstone in sheltered forests on mid- to lower slopes and valleys, e.g. in or adjacent to gullies which

support sheltered forest.

None

Caladenia tessellata Thick-lip

Spider Orchid

E V The Tessellated Spider Orchid is found in grassy sclerophyll woodland on clay loam or sandy soils, though the population near

Braidwood is in low woodland with stony soil. Known from the Sydney area (old records), Wyong, Ulladulla and Braidwood in NSW.

Populations in Kiama and Queanbeyan are presumed extinct.

None

Callistemon

megalongensis

Megalong

Valley

Bottlebrush

CE CE Known only from 8 sites within a small section of the eastern Megalong Valley in the western Blue Mountains. This species is

primarily restricted to shrub swamps in the immediate vicinity of Nellies Glen Road, with populations extending along the associated

downstream watercourses and into the fringing vegetation of Megalong Creek.

None

Callistemon

purpurascens

CE - The only known population of Callistemon purpurascens is located in the Megalong Valley in the Sydney Basin Bioregion. It is known

to occur on the swampy floodplain and riparian zone of two unnamed tributaries of Megalong Creek below the Blue Mountains

Plateau, on privately owned rural land.

None

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Flora and Fauna Assessment 34

Scientific Name Common

Name

TSC

Act

EPBC

Act

Habitat Likelihood of occurrence

Carex klaphakei Klaphake's

Sedge

E - Found in only three locations, from the Blue Mountains (at Blackheath and Mt Werong) to the Southern Highlands (at Penrose).

Grows with other native sedges and rushes in swamps on sandstone at altitudes of greater than 600 metres.

None

Cryptostylis

hunteriana

Leafless

Tongue-orchid

V V Does not appear to have well defined habitat preferences and is known from a range of communities, including swamp-heath and

woodland. The larger populations typically occur in woodland dominated by Scribbly Gum, Silvertop Ash, Red Bloodwood and Black

Sheoak and appears to prefer open areas in the understorey of this community.

None

Diuris aequalis Buttercup

Doubletail

E V Recorded in Kanangra-Boyd National Park, Gurnang State forest, towards Wombeyan Caves, the Taralga - Goulburn area, and the

ranges between Braidwood, Tarago and Bungendore. Grows in forest, low open woodland with grassy understorey and secondary

grassland on the higher parts of the Southern and Central Tablelands.

None

Epacris hamiltonii E E Occurs in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney. Found at 72 sites within three creek catchments. The creeks occur in an altitude range

of 810-940 m a.s.l. and are all located on the northern side of the escarpment and flow into the Grose Valley. All known sites occur

within a radius of approximately 5 km. Has a very specific habitat, being found on or adjacent to Narrabeen sandstone cliffs

alongside perennial creeks, often below plateau hanging swamps. The soil generally has a spongy-peat-like consistency, with a very

high moisture content. Sites are found at the sheltered base of cliffs adjacent to wet gully or swamp vegetation, usually where a

perennial or virtually perennial source of water, such as cliff seepages, is present.

None

Eucalyptus aggregata Black Gum V - Found in the NSW Central and Southern Tablelands, with small isolated populations in Victoria and the ACT. Has a moderately

narrow distribution, occurring mainly in the wetter, cooler and higher parts of the tablelands in the lowest parts of the landscape, on

alluvial soils, on cold, poorly-drained flats and hollows adjacent to creeks and small rivers. Also occurs as isolated paddock trees in

modified native or exotic pastures.

None

Eucalyptus copulans E E Only one individual tree is currently known, on Council Reserve along Jamison Creek at Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains, NSW.

A second tree nearby may also be Eucalyptus copulans although it has not been formally identified as such. A larger population is

thought to have occurred historically in the locality.

None

Eucalyptus

macarthurii

V - A moderately restricted distribution, recorded from the Moss Vale District to Kanangra Boyd National Park. In the Southern

Highlands it occurs mainly on private land, often as isolated individuals in, or on the edges, of paddocks. Isolated stands occur in the

north west part of the range on the Boyd Plateau. The only known record in the conservation estate is within Kanangra Boyd

National Park. Occurs on grassy woodland on relatively fertile soils on broad cold flats.

None

Eucalyptus

pulverulenta

Silver-leaved

Mountain

Gum

V V Found in two quite separate areas, the Lithgow to Bathurst area and the Monaro (Bredbo to Bombala).Grows in shallow soils as an

understorey plant in open forest, typically dominated by Brittle Gum, red stringybark, broad-leaved peppermint, silvertop ash and

apple box.

None

Euphrasia arguta CE CE Occur in eucalypt forest with a mixed grass and shrub understorey within Nundle State forest. Sites have either been logged in the

last few decades, or appear to have regrown from past clearing.

None

Euphrasia bowdeniae V V This species in known to occur at 750 m asl but is likely to occur up to 1000-1100 m asl. It is found on vertical sandstone cliffs, in very

shallow soil on rocky ledges, or trailing over steep exposed rocks.

None

Grammitis

stenophylla

Narrow-leaf

Finger Fern

E - Moist places, usually near streams, on rocks or in trees, in rainforest and moist eucalypt forest. None

Haloragis exalata

subsp. exalata

Square

Raspwort

V V Occurs in 4 widely scattered localities in eastern NSW. It is disjunctly distributed in the central coast, south coast and north-western

slopes botanical subdivisions of NSW. The species appears to require protected and shaded damp situations in riparian habitats.

None

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Flora and Fauna Assessment 35

Scientific Name Common

Name

TSC

Act

EPBC

Act

Habitat Likelihood of occurrence

Haloragodendron

lucasii

E E Occurs on Hawkesbury Sandstone in moist sandy loam soil. The species prefers sheltered aspects and inhabits gentle slopes below

cliff lines near creeks in low open woodland or open forest. Its distribution is correlated with high soil moisture and phosphorus

levels.

None

Isopogon fletcheri V V Grows in dry sclerophyll forest and heath on sandstone; confined to sheltered moist positions on the escarpment in the Blackheath

district of the Blue Mtns, rare.

None

Kunzea cambagei V V Occurs in wet heath and woodland on coarse sandy soil on sandstone and quartzite. None

Leionema

lachnaeoides

E E Populations occur on exposed sandstone cliff tops and terraces, at 960 – 1000 m altitude and with aspects from south-east to south-

west.

None

Lepidosperma

evansianum

V - The species is currently known from 3 locations (at Blackheath and Wentworth Falls), where it occurs in a very restricted habitat. It is

recorded to be rare to occasional to common at these locations. It is difficult to assess the number of individuals at each location

because of the rhizomatous habit of the species

None

Leucopogon exolasius Woronora

Beard-heath

V V Grows in woodland on sandstone. Restricted to the Woronora and Grose Rivers and Stokes Creek, Royal National Park. None

Pelargonium sp.

Striatellum

Omeo's

Stork's-bill

E E Flowering occurs from October to March. Occurs in habitat usually located just above the high water level of irregularly inundated or

ephemeral lakes. During dry periods, the species is known to colonise exposed lake beds. The species is known to form clonal

colonies by rhizomatous propagation.

None

Persoonia acerosa V V Occurs in dry sclerophyll forest, scrubby low-woodland and heath on low fertility soils. Recorded only on the central coast and in the

Blue Mountains, from Mt Tomah in the north to as far south as Hill Top where it is now believed to be extinct. Mainly in the

Katoomba, Wentworth Falls, Springwood area.

High. Previous records in

locality.

Pherosphaera

fitzgeraldii

Dwarf

Mountain Pine

E E Found within the spray zone or associated drip lines and seepage areas of waterfalls on steep, sandstone cliffs and ledges, at

altitudes between 680 and 1000 m above sea level.

None

Prasophyllum fuscum Tawny Leek-

orchid

CE V Tawny Leek-orchid is confined to the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury sandstone, and the Burrawang district, NSW. This species grows

on the margins of swamps at moderate altitudes, about 500–700 m above sea level. Tawny Leek-orchid grows in wet low heathland

on gentle slopes, in brown silty loam or in moist heath, often along seepage lines. The species can also be found in grasslands with

scattered low Leptospermum and rushes, in silty peat loam, or in boggy soils in open heath, sometimes in running water or at the

ecotone between grassy woodland-forest and swamps.

None

Prasophyllum petilum Tarengo Leek

Orchid

E E Natural populations are known from a total of five sites in NSW. These area at Boorowa, Captains Flat, Ilford, Delegate and a newly

recognised population c.10 km SE of Muswellbrook. Grows in open sites within Natural Temperate Grassland at the Boorowa and

Delegate sites.

None

Prasophyllum sp.

Wybong

A leek orchid - CE Endemic to NSW. It is known from seven populations in eastern NSW near Ilford, Premer, Muswellbrook, Wybong, Yeoval, Inverell

and Tenterfield.

None

Pultenaea glabra V V Grows in swamp margins, hillslopes, gullies and creekbanks and occurs within dry sclerophyll forest and tall damp heath on

sandstone. Restricted to the higher Blue Mountains.

None

Rhizanthella slateri V E Habitat requirements are poorly understood and no particular vegetation type has been associated with the species, although it is

known to occur in sclerophyll forest.

None

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Flora and Fauna Assessment 36

Scientific Name Common

Name

TSC

Act

EPBC

Act

Habitat Likelihood of occurrence

Thesium australe Austral

Toadflax

V V Grows in very small populations scattered across eastern NSW, along the coast, and from the Northern to Southern Tablelands. It is

also found in Tasmania and Queensland and in eastern Asia. Occurs in grassland or grassy woodland. Grows on Kangaroo Grass

tussocks but has also been recorded within the exotic Coolatai grass.

None

Velleia perfoliata V V The species is only known from the Hawkesbury District and Upper Hunter Valley in the Central Coast botanical subdivision of NSW.

Velleia perfoliata grows in heath on shallow sandy soil over Sandstone. It is currently known to exist in 9 populations. Five of these

populations are reserved whilst a further population is partly reserved. Four of the reserved sites are situated adjacent to fire trails.

None

Veronica blakelyi V - Occurs in eucalypt forest, often in moist and sheltered areas. Associated canopy species include Eucalyptus dives, E. dalrympleana, E.

rossii and E. pauciflora. Restricted to the western Blue Mountains, near Clarence, near Mt Horrible, on Nullo Mountain and in the

Coricudgy Range.

None

Xanthosia scopulicola V - Known only from scattered locations between Kings Tableland (Wentworth Falls) and Boars Head rock (west of Katoomba) in the

Blue Mountains. Grows in cracks and crevices of sandstone cliff faces or on rocky outcrops above the cliffs.

None

Zieria covenyi E E Occurs in open sclerophyll forest dominated by Eucalyptus sieberi. The species occurs on gentle east and south-facing slopes and on

ridges in shallow sandy soil.

Low

Zieria involucrata E V Has a disjunct distribution in the Baulkham Hills, Hawkesbury, Hornsby and Blue Mountains LGAs. Recent records for the species

come from 22 populations in the catchments of the Macdonald, Colo and Hawkesbury Rivers. Occurs on Hawkesbury sandstone,

Narrabeen Group sandstone and on Quaternary alluvium. Found in sheltered forests on mid- to lower slopes and valleys, in or

adjacent to gullies which support sheltered forest, although some populations extend up-slope into drier vegetation.

None

Amphibians

Heleioporus

australiacus

Giant

Burrowing

Frog

V V The Giant Burrowing Frog has been recorded breeding in a range of water bodies associated with sandy environments of the coast

and adjacent ranges from the Sydney Basin south the eastern Victoria. It breeds in hanging swamps, perennial non-flooding creeks

and occasionally permanent pools, but permanent water must be present to allow its large tadpoles time to reach metamorphosis.

None

Litoria

booroolongensis

Booroolong

Frog

E E The Booroolong Frog is found along permanent western flowing streams of the Great Dividing Range through most of NSW and

down into northern Victoria. Streams range from small slow-flowing creeks to large rivers and the adults are found on or near

cobble banks and other rock structures within stream margins and shelter under rocks or amongst vegetation near the ground on

the stream edge. The species occurs along streams in both forested areas and open pasture, but has been affected by the presence

of the introduced willow tree. Booroolong Frogs sometimes basks in the sun on exposed rocks near flowing water during summer.

None

Litoria littlejohni Littlejohn's

Tree Frog

V V Occurs in wet and dry sclerophyll forests and heathland associated with sandstone outcrops between 280 and 1000 m on the

eastern slopes of the Great Dividing Range from the Central Coast down into Victoria. Individuals have been collected from a wide

range of water bodies that includes semi-permanent dams, permanent ponds, temporary pools and permanent streams, with calling

occurring from fringing vegetation or on the banks. Individuals have been observed sheltering under rocks on high exposed ridges

during summer and within deep leaf litter adjacent to the breeding site. Calling occurs in all months of the year, often in association

with heavy rains. The tadpoles are distinctive, being large and very dark in colouration.

None

Mixophyes balbus Stuttering Frog E V Associated with streams in dry sclerophyll and wet sclerophyll forests and rainforests of more upland areas of the Great Dividing

Range of NSW and down into Victoria. Breeding occurs along forest streams with permanent water where eggs are deposited within

nests excavated in riffle zones by the females and the tadpoles swim free into the stream when large enough to do so. Outside of

breeding, individuals range widely across the forest floor and can be found hundreds of metres from water.

None

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Flora and Fauna Assessment 37

Scientific Name Common

Name

TSC

Act

EPBC

Act

Habitat Likelihood of occurrence

Pseudophryne

australis

Red-crowned

Toadlet

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

heaths. This species typically breeds within small ephemeral creeks that feed into larger semi-perennial streams. After rain these

creeks are characterised by a series of shallow pools lined by dense grasses, ferns and low shrubs and usually contain leaf litter for

shelter. Eggs are terrestrial and laid under litter, vegetation or rocks where the tadpoles inside will reach a relatively late stage of

development before waiting for flooding waters before hatching will occur.

None

Birds

Anthochaera phrygia Regent

Honeyeater

CE CE The Regent Honeyeater mainly inhabits temperate woodlands and open forests of the inland slopes of south-east Australia. Birds are

also found in drier coastal woodlands and forests in some years. There are only three known key breeding regions remaining: north-

east Victoria (Chiltern-Albury), and in NSW at Capertee Valley and the Bundarra-Barraba region. In NSW the distribution is very

patchy and mainly confined to the two main breeding areas and surrounding fragmented woodlands. In some years flocks converge

on flowering coastal woodlands and forests.

None

Calidris ferruginea Curlew

Sandpiper

E CE, M It occurs along the entire coast of NSW, particularly in the Hunter Estuary, and sometimes in freshwater wetlands in the Murray-

Darling Basin. It generally occupies littoral and estuarine habitats, and in New South Wales is mainly found in intertidal mudflats of

sheltered coasts. It also occurs in non-tidal swamps, lakes and lagoons on the coast and sometimes the inland. Northern hemisphere

breeding.

None

Callocephalon

fimbriatum

Gang-gang

Cockatoo

V - In summer, the species occupies tall montane forests and woodlands, particularly in heavily timbered and mature wet sclerophyll

forests. Also occur in subalpine snow gum woodland and occasionally in temperate or regenerating forest. In winter, occurs at lower

altitudes in drier, more open eucalypt forests and woodlands, particularly in box-ironbark assemblages, or in dry forest in coastal

areas. It requires tree hollows in which to breed.

Moderate. Previous

records in locality; limited

habitat available.

Calyptorhynchus

lathami

Glossy Black-

Cockatoo

V - Inhabits forest with low nutrients, characteristically with key Allocasuarina spp. Tends to prefer drier forest types with a middle

stratum of Allocasuarina below Eucalyptus or Angophora. Often confined to remnant patches in hills and gullies. Breed in hollows

stumps or limbs, either living or dead. Endangered population in the Riverina.

Moderate. Previous

records in locality; limited

habitat available.

Climacteris picumnus

victoriae

Brown

Treecreeper

(eastern

subspecies)

V - Found in eucalypt woodlands (including box-gum woodland) and dry open forest of the inland slopes and plains inland of the Great

Dividing Range; mainly inhabits woodlands dominated by stringybarks or other rough-barked eucalypts, usually with an open grassy

understorey, sometimes with one or more shrub species; also found in mallee and river red gum forest bordering wetlands with an

open understorey of acacias, saltbush, lignum, cumbungi and grasses; usually not found in woodlands with a dense shrub layer;

fallen timber is an important habitat component for foraging; also recorded, though less commonly, in similar woodland habitats on

the coastal ranges and plains.

Low

Daphoenositta

chrysoptera

Varied Sittella V - Inhabits wide variety of dry eucalypt forests and woodlands, usually with either shrubby under storey or grassy ground cover or

both, in all climatic zones of Australia. Usually in areas with rough-barked trees, such as stringybarks or ironbarks, but also in

paperbarks or mature eucalypts with hollows.

Low

Dasyornis

brachypterus

Eastern

Bristlebird

E E Found in coastal woodlands, dense scrub and heathlands, particularly where it borders taller woodlands. None

Glossopsitta pusilla Little Lorikeet V - Distributed in forests and woodlands from the coast to the western slopes of the Great Dividing Range in NSW, extending westwards

to the vicinity of Albury, Parkes, Dubbo and Narrabri. Mostly occur in dry, open eucalypt forests and woodlands. They feed primarily

on nectar and pollen in the tree canopy. Nest hollows are located at heights of between 2 m and 15 m, mostly in living, smooth-

barked eucalypts. Most breeding records come from the western slopes.

Moderate. Previous

records in locality; limited

habitat available.

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Flora and Fauna Assessment 38

Scientific Name Common

Name

TSC

Act

EPBC

Act

Habitat Likelihood of occurrence

Grantiella picta Painted

Honeyeater

V V The Painted Honeyeater is nomadic and occurs at low densities throughout its range. The greatest concentrations of the bird and

almost all breeding occurs on the inland slopes of the Great Dividing Range in NSW, Victoria and southern Queensland. During the

winter it is more likely to be found in the north of its distribution. Inhabits Boree, Brigalow and box-gum woodlands and box-ironbark

forests.

Low

Hirundapus

caudacutus

White-

throated

Needletail

- M, MA An aerial species found in feeding concentrations over cities, hilltops and timbered ranges. Low

Lathamus discolor Swift Parrot E CE 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. This species is migratory, breeding in Tasmania and also nomadic, moving about in response to changing food availability.

Low

Melithreptus gularis

gularis

Black-chinned

Honeyeater

(eastern

subspecies)

V - Eucalypt woodlands within an approximate annual rainfall range of 400-700 mm None

Monarcha

melanopsis

Black-faced

Monarch

- M Found along the coast of eastern Australia, becoming less common further south. Inhabits rainforests, eucalypt woodlands, coastal

scrub and damp gullies. It may be found in more open woodland when migrating.

None

Motacilla flava Yellow Wagtail - M Breeds in temperate Europe and Asia. The Yellow Wagtail is a regular wet season visitor to northern Australia. Increasing records in

NSW suggest this species is an occasional but regular summer visitor to the Hunter River region. The species is considered a vagrant

to Victoria, South Australia and southern Western Australia. Habitat requirements for the Yellow Wagtail are highly variable, but

typically include open grassy flats near water. Habitats include open areas with low vegetation such as grasslands, airstrips, pastures,

sports fields; damp open areas such as muddy or grassy edges of wetlands, rivers, irrigated farmland, dams, waterholes; sewage

farms, sometimes utilise tidal mudflats and edges of mangroves.

None

Myiagra cyanoleuca Satin

Flycatcher

- M The Satin Flycatcher is found along the east coast of Australia from far northern Queensland to Tasmania, including south-eastern

South Australia. Found in tall forests, preferring wetter habitats such as heavily forested gullies, but not rainforests.

None

Ninox connivens Barking Owl V - 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.

None

Ninox strenua Powerful Owl V - Occupies wet and dry eucalypt forests and rainforests. Can occupy 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. It is most commonly recorded within turpentine tall open

forests and black she-oak within open forests. Large mature trees with hollows at least 0.5 m deep are required for nesting. Tree

hollows are particularly important for the Powerful Owl because a large proportion of the diet is made up of hollow-dependent

arboreal marsupials. Nest trees for this species are usually emergent with a diameter at breast height of at least 100 cm.

Moderate. Previous

records in locality; limited

habitat available.

Numenius

madagascariensis

Eastern

Curlew

- CE, M A primarily coastal distribution. Found in all states, particularly the north, east, and south-east regions including Tasmania. Rarely

recorded inland. Mainly forages on soft sheltered intertidal sand flats or mudflats, open and without vegetation or cover.

None

Petroica boodang Scarlet Robin V - The Scarlet Robin is found from SE Queensland to SE South Australia and also in Tasmania and SW Western Australia. In NSW, it

occurs from the coast to the inland slopes. The Scarlet Robin lives in dry eucalypt forests and woodlands. The understorey is usually

open and grassy with few scattered shrubs.

Low. Previous records in

locality; limited habitat

available.

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Flora and Fauna Assessment 39

Scientific Name Common

Name

TSC

Act

EPBC

Act

Habitat Likelihood of occurrence

Petroica phoenicea Flame Robin V - Flame Robins are found in a broad coastal band from southern Queensland to just west of the South Australian border. The species is

also found in Tasmania. The preferred habitat in summer includes eucalypt forest and woodland, whilst in winter prefers open

woodlands and farmlands. It is considered migratory. The Flame Robin breeds from about August to January.

Low. Previous records in

locality; limited habitat

available.

Rhipidura rufifrons Rufous Fantail - M Found along the east coast of Australia from far northern Queensland to Tasmania, including south-eastern South Australia. Inhabits

tall forests, preferring wetter habitats such as heavily forested gullies, but not rainforests.

None

Rostratula australis Australian

Painted Snipe

E E, MA In NSW, this species has been recorded at the Paroo wetlands, Lake Cowell, Macquarie Marshes and Hexham Swamp. Most common

in the Murray-Darling Basin. 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.

None

Stagonopleura

guttata

Diamond

Firetail

V - Feeds exclusively on the ground, on ripe and partly-ripe grass and herb seeds and green leaves, and on insects (especially in the

breeding season). Found in grassy eucalypt woodlands, including box-gum woodlands and snow gum woodlands. Also occurs in open

forest, mallee, natural temperate grassland, and in secondary grassland derived from other communities.

None

Tyto novaehollandiae Masked Owl V - Inhabits a diverse range of wooded habitat that provide tall or dense mature trees with hollows suitable for nesting and roosting.

Mostly recorded in open forest and woodlands adjacent to cleared lands. Nest in hollows, in trunks and in near vertical spouts or

large trees, usually living but sometimes dead. Nest hollows are usually located within dense forests or woodlands. Masked Owls

prey upon hollow-dependent arboreal marsupials, but terrestrial mammals make up the largest proportion of the diet.

Moderate. Previous

records in locality; limited

habitat available.

Tyto tenebricosa Sooty Owl V - Often found in tall old-growth forests, including temperate and subtropical rainforests. In NSW mostly found on escarpments with a

mean altitude less than 500 metres. Nests and roosts in hollows of tall emergent trees, mainly eucalypts often located in gullies.

Nests have been located in trees 125 to 161 cm in diameter.

Low. Previous records in

locality; limited habitat

available.

Invertebrates

Petalura gigantea Giant

Dragonfly

E - The Giant Dragonfly is found along the east coast of NSW from the Victorian border to northern NSW. It is not found west of the

Great Dividing Range. There are known occurrences in the Blue Mountains and Southern Highlands, in the Clarence River catchment,

and on a few coastal swamps from north of Coffs Harbour to Nadgee in the south. Live in permanent swamps and bogs with some

free water and open vegetation. Adults emerge from late October and are short-lived, surviving for one summer after emergence.

None. Records in locality

but no habitat within

project area.

Mammals

Bettongia gaimardi Tasmanian

Bettong

Extin

ct

- Grassland areas, heathlands and sclerophyll woodland. The Eastern Bettong (mainland) may have built densely woven nests of dry

grass and bark

None

Cercartetus nanus Eastern

Pygmy-

possum

V - Inhabits rainforest through to sclerophyll forest and tree heath. Banksias and myrtaceous shrubs and trees are a favoured food

source. Will often nest in tree hollows, but can also construct its own nest. Because of its small size it is able to utilise a range of

hollow sizes including very small hollows. Individuals will use a number of different hollows and an individual has been recorded

using up to 9 nest sites within a 0.5 ha area over a 5 month period.

Moderate. Previous

records in locality; limited

habitat available.

Chalinolobus dwyeri Large-eared

Pied Bat

V V Located in a variety of drier habitats, including the dry sclerophyll forests and woodlands to the east and west of the Great Dividing

Range. Can also be found on the edges of rainforests and in wet sclerophyll forests. This species roosts in caves and mines in groups

of between 3 and 37 individuals.

Low

Dasyurus maculatus

maculatus

Spotted-tailed

Quoll

V E Spotted-tailed Quoll are found on the east coast of NSW, Tasmania, eastern Victoria and north-eastern Queensland. Only in

Tasmania is it still considered common. Recorded across a range of habitat types, including rainforest, open forest, woodland,

coastal heath and inland riparian forest, from the sub-alpine zone to the coastline.

Low. Previous records in

locality but limited habitat

in project area.

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Flora and Fauna Assessment 40

Scientific Name Common

Name

TSC

Act

EPBC

Act

Habitat Likelihood of occurrence

Falsistrellus

tasmaniensis

Eastern False

Pipistrelle

V - Inhabit sclerophyll forests, preferring wet habitats where trees are more than 20 m high. Two observations have been made of

roosts in stem holes of living eucalypts. There is debate about whether or not this species moves to lower altitudes during winter, or

whether they remain sedentary but enter torpor. This species also appears to be highly mobile and records showing movements of

up to 12 km between roosting and foraging sites.

Moderate. Previous

records in locality; limited

habitat available.

Isoodon obesulus

obesulus

Southern

Brown

Bandicoot

(eastern)

E E Prefers sandy soils with scrubby vegetation and-or areas with low ground cover that are burn from time to time. A mosaic of post

fire vegetation is important for this species.

None

Miniopterus

schreibersii

oceanensis

Eastern

Bentwing-bat

V - Eastern Bentwing-bats occur along the east and north-west coasts of Australia. Caves are the primary roosting habitat, but also use

derelict mines, storm-water tunnels, buildings and other man-made structures. Form discrete populations centred on a maternity

cave that is used annually in spring and summer for the birth and rearing of young.

Low

Mormopterus

norfolkensis

Eastern

Freetail-bat

V - Most records are from dry eucalypt forests and woodlands to the east of the Great Dividing Range. Appears to roost in trees, but

little is known of this species' habits.

Moderate. Previous

records in locality; limited

habitat available.

Petauroides volans Greater Glider - V Restricted to eastern Australia, occurring from the Windsor Tableland in north Queensland through to central Victoria. It is typically

found in highest abundance in taller, montane, moist eucalypt forests with relatively old trees and abundant hollows.

Moderate. Previous

records in locality; limited

habitat available..

Petaurus australis Yellow-bellied

Glider

V - Occur in tall mature eucalypt forest generally in areas with high rainfall and nutrient rich soils. Forest type preferences vary with

latitude and elevation; mixed coastal forests to dry escarpment forests in the north; moist coastal gullies and creek flats to tall

montane forests in the south. Found along the eastern coast to the western slopes of the Great Dividing Range, from southern

Queensland to Victoria.

Moderate. Previous

records in locality; limited

habitat available.

Petaurus norfolcensis Squirrel Glider V - Generally occurs in dry sclerophyll forests and woodlands but is absent from dense coastal ranges in the southern part of its range.

Requires abundant hollow bearing trees and a mix of eucalypts, banksias and acacias. There is only limited information available on

den tree use by Squirrel gliders, but it has been observed using both living and dead trees as well as hollow stumps. Within a suitable

vegetation community at least one species should flower heavily in winter and one species of eucalypt should be smooth barked.

Endangered population in the Wagga Wagga LGA.

Moderate. Previous

records in locality; limited

habitat available.

Petrogale penicillata Brush-tailed

Rock-wallaby

E V Found in rocky areas in a wide variety of habitats including rainforest gullies, wet and dry sclerophyll forest, open woodland and

rocky outcrops in semi-arid country. Commonly sites have a northerly aspect with numerous ledges, caves and crevices.

None

Phascolarctos

cinereus

Koala V V Inhabits eucalypt forests and woodlands. The suitability of these forests for habitation depends on the size and species of trees

present, soil nutrients, climate and rainfall.

Low. Previous records in

locality; limited habitat

available.

Pseudomys

novaehollandiae

New Holland

Mouse

- V The New Holland Mouse currently has a disjunct, fragmented distribution across Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales and

Queensland. Across the species' range the New Holland Mouse is known to inhabit open heathlands, open woodlands with a

heathland understorey, and vegetated sand dunes.

None

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Flora and Fauna Assessment 41

Scientific Name Common

Name

TSC

Act

EPBC

Act

Habitat Likelihood of occurrence

Pteropus

poliocephalus

Grey-headed

Flying-fox

V V This species is a canopy-feeding frugivore and nectarivore of rainforests, open forests, woodlands, melaleuca swamps and banksia

woodlands. Bats commute daily to foraging areas, usually within 15 km of the day roost although some individuals may travel up to

70 km.

Low

Scoteanax rueppellii Greater Broad-

nosed Bat

V - Prefer moist gullies in mature coastal forests and rainforests, between the Great Dividing Range and the coast. They are only found

at low altitudes below 500 m. In dense environments they utilise natural and human-made opening in the forest for flight paths.

Creeks and small rivers are favoured foraging habitat. This species roosts in hollow tree trunks and branches.

Low

Reptiles

Eulamprus leuraensis Water skink E E The species is restricted to isolated and naturally fragmented habitats of permanent sedge and hanging swamps (these develop at

moderate to high altitudes on sloping rock faces composed of Narrabeen sandstone which are subject to a constant supply of water),

in open forest and open scrub or heath.

None. No habitat in study

area.

Hoplocephalus

bungaroides

Broad-headed

Snake

E V Occurs almost exclusively 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. Within these habitats they spend most

of the year sheltering in and under rock crevices and exfoliating rock. However, some individuals will migrate to tree hollows to find

shelter during hotter parts of summer.

None

Key: CE = Critically Endangered; E, E1 = Endangered; EP = Endangered Population; V = Vulnerable; M = Migratory.

Note: Fauna that are exclusively dependant on marine environments, including near shore environments, were not included in the assessment due to lack of suitable habitat. Habitat descriptions taken from the relevant

profiles on the OEH Threatened Species website unless otherwise stated.

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Sydney | Central Coast | Illawarra | Armidale | Newcastle | Mudgee | Port Macquarie | Brisbane | Cairns

Appendix 2. Flora species recorded during field survey _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Family Species Common Name Exotic species

Alliaceae Agapanthus spp. X

Apiaceae Centella asiatica Indian Pennywort

Apiaceae Hydrocotyle peduncularis A Pennywort

Araliaceae Polyscias sambucifolia Elderberry Panax

Asteraceae Coreopsis lanceolata Coreopsis X

Asteraceae Coronidium scorpioides Button Everlasting

Asteraceae Hypochaeris radicata Catsear X

Caprifoliaceae Lonicera japonica Japanese Honeysuckle X

Cyperaceae Gahnia sieberiana Red-fruit Saw-sedge

Dennstaedtiaceae Pteridium esculentum Bracken

Dilleniaceae Hibbertia spp.

Ericaceae Epacris longiflora Fuchsia Heath

Ericaceae Leucopogon lanceolatus

Fabaceae (Faboideae) Daviesia ulicifolia Gorse Bitter Pea

Fabaceae (Faboideae) Dillwynia retorta

Fabaceae (Faboideae) Platylobium formosum

Fabaceae (Faboideae) Pultenaea scabra

Fabaceae (Mimosoideae) Acacia longifolia

Fabaceae (Mimosoideae) Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood

Fabaceae (Mimosoideae) Acacia terminalis Sunshine Wattle

Geraniaceae Geranium solanderi Native Geranium

Haloragaceae Gonocarpus spp. Raspwort

Haloragaceae Gonocarpus teucrioides Germander Raspwort

Iridaceae Patersonia spp.

Lamiaceae Clerodendrum tomentosum Hairy Clerodendrum

Lauraceae Cassytha pubescens Downy Dodder-laurel

Lobeliaceae Pratia purpurascens Whiteroot

Lomandraceae Lomandra filiformis Wattle Matt-rush

Lomandraceae Lomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rush

Malaceae Cotoneaster spp. X

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus oreades Blue Mountains Ash

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus piperita Sydney Peppermint

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus radiata Narrow-leaved pappermint

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Flora and Fauna Assessment 43

Family Species Common Name Exotic species

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus sieberi Silvertop Ash

Myrtaceae Leptospermum polygalifolium Tantoon

Myrtaceae Leptospermum squarrosum

Phormiaceae Dianella caerulea Blue Flax-lily

Phormiaceae Dianella prunina

Pittosporaceae Billardiera scandens Hairy Apple Berry

Plantaginaceae Plantago spp. Plantain

Plantaginaceae Veronica plebeia Trailing Speedwell

Poaceae Echinopogon caespitosus Bushy Hedgehog-grass

Poaceae Cynodon dactylon Couch X

Poaceae Eragrostis curvula African Lovegrass X

Poaceae Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog X

Poaceae Microlaena stipoides Weeping Grass

Poaceae Pennisetum clandestinum Kikuyu Grass X

Poaceae Poa affinis

Poaceae Poa labillardierei Tussock grass

Proteaceae Banksia ericifolia Heath-leaved Banksia

Proteaceae Banksia serrata Old-man Banksia

Proteaceae Banksia spinulosa Hairpin Banksia

Proteaceae Hakea dactyloides Finger Hakea

Proteaceae Persoonia lanceolata Lance Leaf Geebung

Proteaceae Persoonia levis Broad-leaved Geebung

Proteaceae Petrophile pulchella Conesticks

Ranunculaceae Clematis glycinoides Headache Vine

Rosaceae Acaena novae-zelandiae Acaena

Rosaceae Rubus fruticosus Blackberry complex X

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Flora and Fauna Assessment 44

Appendix 3. Location of hollow-bearing trees _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Latitude Longitude

1 -33.66176341 150.2781015

2 -33.65890183 150.2788955

3 -33.66466749 150.2792903

4 -33.66459633 150.2792201

5 -33.66459633 150.2792201

6 -33.66449269 150.2791379

7 -33.66384992 150.2783847

8 -33.66787776 150.2801718

9 -33.65981353 150.2784765

10 -33.66092816 150.2784116

11 -33.66648037 150.2803343

12 -33.666208 150.280225

13 -33.66575169 150.2802523

14 -33.66575169 150.2802523

15 -33.66573983 150.2801289

16 -33.66485524 150.2793119

17 -33.66337026 150.2780303

18 -33.66787776 150.2801718

19 -33.6684818 150.2798773

20 -33.66902486 150.2799304

21 -33.66916832 150.2799433

22 -33.66943516 150.2798605

23 -33.66144934 150.2781097

24 -33.66124964 150.2782018

25 -33.66124964 150.2782018

26 -33.66124964 150.2782018

27 -33.66124964 150.2782018

28 -33.64367983 150.2840521

29 -33.64377124 150.2840082

30 -33.64377124 150.2840082

31 -33.64402542 150.2839102

32 -33.6445956 150.2836121

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Flora and Fauna Assessment 45

Appendix 4. Assessments of Significance _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Assessments of significance (Seven Part Tests) have been conducted below for the following items of

threatened biodiversity under the TSC Act:

Needle Geebung (Persoonia acerosa)

Note: Unless otherwise stated – the habitat and general ecological information contained in these

assessments of significance has been taken from the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH)

Threatened Species Profiles database (DECC 2005) and/or the Commonwealth Department of the

Environment (DoE) SPRAT database (SEWPAC 2012):

http://www.threatenedspecies.environment.nsw.gov.au/tsprofile/

http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/sprat.pl

Definitions

The following definitions are taken from the OEH Threatened Species Assessment Guidelines: The

Assessment of Significance (DECC 2007) and have been adopted for this assessment.

Subject site: the area to be directly affected by the proposed development.

Project Area: the subject site and any additional areas which may potentially be affected by the proposed

development either directly or indirectly.

Direct impacts: those that directly affect the habitat and/or individual plants and animals and cannot be

avoided or mitigated.

Indirect impacts: those that affect species, populations or ecological communities in a manner other than

through direct loss or disturbance. These can usually be avoided or mitigated.

Local population: the population of a particular species that occurs in the locality.

Locality: the area within 10 km of the study area

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Flora and Fauna Assessment 46

Needle Geebung (Persoonia acerosa)

Description

Needle Geebung is listed as vulnerable under the TSC Act. It occurs in dry sclerophyll forest, scrubby low-woodland and heath on

low fertility soils. Recorded only on the central coast and in the Blue Mountains, from Mt Tomah in the north to as far south as Hill

Top where it is now believed to be extinct. Mainly occurs in the Katoomba, Wentworth Falls and Springwood areas.

1. 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

A number of records of Needle Geebung occur within the locality, with the nearest record situated 1 km north of the project area

(Atlas of NSW Wildlife). This species was not detected during field surveys and the habitat in the project area does not represent

preferred habitat. It is therefore concluded that the proposal is unlikely to result in an adverse effect on the life cycle for this species

such that a viable local population is likely to be placed at risk of extinction.

2. 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

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

1. 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

2. 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

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

1. The extent to which habitat is likely to be removed or modified as a result of the action proposed, and

2. 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

3. 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.

Approximately 0.66 ha of vegetation will be removed for the proposed clearing works, comprising three vegetation communities:

Eucalyptus sieberi-Eucalyptus piperita

Modified bushland

Eucalyptus oreades open-forest/tall open-forest.

The additional clearing required involves the removal or trimming of a narrow strip of vegetation along the road corridor, some of

which provides potential habitat for Needle Geebung. The age and condition of vegetation varied throughout the study area,

however an obvious edge effect was evident along the length of the study area, associated with the road and due to the long,

narrow shape of the project area. The clearing proposed is considered to be negligible within the context of extant vegetation and

potential habitat surrounding the study area, where a number of records exist for this species. It is therefore considered that the

proposed works will not result in habitat fragmentation for this species. The proposal is unlikely to substantially reduce the extent

of local habitat availability, nor would it isolate or fragment populations or individuals of this species such that a decline would

eventuate.

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Flora and Fauna Assessment 47

Needle Geebung (Persoonia acerosa)

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

Critical habitat declarations in NSW include:

1. Gould's Petrel - critical habitat declaration; 2. Little penguin population in Sydney's North Harbour; 3. Mitchell's Rainforest Snail in Stotts Island Nature Reserve; and 4. Wollemi Pine. None of these areas of critical habitat will be affected by the proposal. Under the TSC Act, the Director-General maintains a Register of critical habitat. To date, no critical habitat has been declared for

the Needle Geebung.

5. Whether the action proposed is consistent with the objectives or actions of a Recovery Plan or Threat Abatement Plan

No approved recovery plan exists for the Needle Geebung.

6. Whether the action proposed constitutes or is part of a Key Threatening Process (KTP) or is likely to result in the operation of, or increase the impact of, a KTP

The only KTP relevant to the Needle Geebung that may be exacerbated by the proposal is:

1. Clearing of native vegetation

Conclusion

The local occurrence of the Needle Geebung is unlikely to be significantly affected by the proposal as:

1. The species was not recorded in the project area. 2. The species has not been previously recorded in the project area (nearest record 1 km north). 3. No important habitat will be affected (conclusion from D above). 4. One KTP is of relevance to this species. The vegetation clearing proposed is considered to be negligible within the context

of extant vegetation surrounding the study area providing potential habitat for this species.

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Flora and Fauna Assessment 49

Appendix 5. EPBC Act Significant Impact Criteria (EPBC Act) _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Significant Impact Criteria assessments been conducted below for the following items of threatened

biodiversity under the EPBC Act:

Needle Geebung (Persoonia acerosa)

Note: Unless otherwise stated – the habitat and general ecological information contained in these assessments

has been taken from the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) Threatened Species Profiles database

(DECC 2008) and/or the Commonwealth SPRAT database (SEWPaC 2012):

http://www.threatenedspecies.environment.nsw.gov.au/tsprofile/

http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/sprat.pl

Definitions

‘Habitat critical to the survival of a species or ecological community’ refers to areas that are necessary:

for activities such as foraging, breeding, roosting, or dispersal

for the long-term maintenance of the species or ecological community (including the maintenance of species essential to the survival of the species or ecological community, such as pollinators) to maintain genetic diversity and long term evolutionary development, or

for the reintroduction of populations or recovery of the species or ecological community.

Such habitat may be, but is not limited to: habitat identified in a recovery plan for the species or ecological

community as habitat critical for that species or ecological community; and/or habitat listed on the Register of

Critical Habitat maintained by the minister under the EPBC Act.

An ‘important population’ is a population that is necessary for a species’ long-term survival and recovery. This

may include populations identified as such in recovery plans, and/or that are:

key source populations either for breeding or dispersal

populations that are necessary for maintaining genetic diversity, and/or populations that are near the limit of the species range.

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Flora and Fauna Assessment 50

Needle Geebung (Persoonia acerosa)

Criteria (Vulnerable Species) Address of Criteria Likelihood

An action is likely to have a significant impact on a vulnerable species if there is a real chance or possibility that it will:

Lead to a long-term decrease in the size of an important population of a species

Approximately 0.66 ha of vegetation will be impacted by the proposed clearing works, involving the

removal or trimming of a narrow strip of vegetation along the road corridor, some of which provides

potential habitat for Needle Geebung. The clearing proposed is considered to be negligible within the

context of extant vegetation surrounding the study area, where a number of records exist for this

species. This species was not detected during field surveys, with the closest record situated 1 km north

of the project area. Given the lack of records within the project area and minimal clearing required, it is

considered unlikely that the proposed work would lead to a long-term decrease in the size of an

important population of the species. The proposal is unlikely to substantially reduce the extent of local

habitat availability, nor would it isolate or fragment populations or individuals of this species such that

a decline would eventuate.

None

Reduce the area of occupancy of an important population No impacts are expected to occur on known occurrences of occupied habitat. The project would not

result in a reduced area of occupancy of an important population. There is no population present

within the project area.

None

Fragment an existing important population into two or more populations

The project will not lead to the fragmentation of habitat for this species given the lack of records within

the project area and minimal area of potential habitat to be removed.

None

Adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of a species The areas of potential habitat are limited, and is not considered to be critical to the survival of the

species.

Unlikely

Disrupt the breeding cycle of an important population The project would not remove any known occurrences of this species. It is considered that the proposal

is unlikely to disrupt breeding cycles of an important population.

None

Modify, destroy, remove or isolate or decrease the availability or quality of habitat to the extent that the species is likely to decline

The impacts of the proposal are limited to a narrow strip of vegetation along the road corridor. It is

considered unlikely that the proposal would result in habitat degradation leading the species to

decline. The habitat present in the study area constitutes potential habitat only.

Unlikely

Result in invasive species that are harmful to a vulnerable species becoming established in the vulnerable species’ habitat

The proposal would not lead to the incursion of invasive species into the potential habitat of the

Needle Geebung.

Unlikely

Introduce disease that may cause the species to decline, or The project would not introduce disease that may cause the species to decline. Unlikely

Interfere substantially with the recovery of the species. The project is considered to result in impacts of limited extent which would not interfere substantially

with the recovery of the species.

Unlikely

Conclusion: The proposed action is unlikely to have a significant impact on the Needle Geebung.

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Sydney | Central Coast | Illawarra | Armidale | Newcastle | Mudgee | Port Macquarie | Brisbane | Cairns

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rms.nsw.gov.au

[email protected]

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