grantham heritage park flora and fauna …...grantham heritage park flora and fauna assessment for:...

GRANTHAM HERITAGE PARK

Flora and Fauna Assessment

For:

Tract Consultants Pty Ltd

January 2016

Final

PO Box 2474

Carlingford Court 2118

CUMBERLAND ECOLOGY © - GRANTHAM HERITAGE PARK

FINAL TRACT CONSULTANTS PTY LTD

19 JANUARY 2016

Report No. 15064RP1

The preparation of this report has been in accordance with the brief provided by the Client and has

relied upon the data and results collected at or under the times and conditions specified in the report.

All findings, conclusions or recommendations contained within the report are based only on the

aforementioned circumstances. The report has been prepared for use by the Client and no

responsibility for its use by other parties is accepted by Cumberland Ecology.

Version Date Issued Amended by Details

1 19/01/2016 MP, KW

Approved by: Dr David Robertson

Position: Director

Signed:

Date: 19 January, 2016

CUMBERLAND ECOLOGY © - GRANTHAM HERITAGE PARK i


19 JANUARY 2016

Table of Contents

1.1 Purpose iv

1.2 Background iv

1.3 Site Description v

1.4 Proposed Development v

2 METHODOLOGY

2.1 Database Analysis 2.1

2.2 Flora Survey 2.1

2.2.1 Vegetation Mapping 2.1

2.2.2 Targeted Threatened Flora Surveys 2.2

2.3 Fauna Survey 2.2

2.3.1 Habitat Assessments 2.2

2.3.2 Targeted Threatened Fauna Surveys 2.2

2.3.3 Incidental Observations 2.2

2.4 Limitations 2.3

3 RESULTS

3.1 Vegetation Communities 3.1

3.1.1 Cumberland Plain Woodland 3.1

3.1.2 Urban Native and Exotic Cover 3.5

3.1.3 Exotic Grassland with Scattered Trees 3.9

3.2 Flora 3.10

3.2.1 General Species 3.10

3.2.2 Threatened Species 3.11

3.3 Fauna 3.11

3.3.1 Fauna Habitat 3.11

3.3.2 General Species 3.11

3.3.3 Threatened Species 3.12

4 IMPACT ASSESSMENT

4.1 Introduction 4.1

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Table of Contents (Cont'd)

4.2 Ecological Communities 4.1

4.2.1 Cumberland Plain Woodland 4.1

4.2.2 Urban Native and Exotic Cover 4.1

4.2.3 Exotic Grassland with Scattered Trees 4.2

4.3 Flora Species 4.2

4.4 Fauna Species 4.2

4.4.1 Birds 4.2

4.4.2 Microbats 4.3

4.4.3 Grey-headed Flying-fox 4.3

4.4.4 Cumberland Plain Land Snail 4.3

4.4.5 Migratory Species 4.4

5 RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1.1 Vegetation Protection 5.1

5.1.2 Erosion, Sedimentation and Pollution Control 5.1

5.1.3 Pre-clearing and Clearing Surveys 5.1

5.1.4 Weed Control Measures 5.2

5.1.5 Revegetation Works 5.2

6 CONCLUSION

REFERENCES

List of Appendices

A. FLORA SPECIES LIST

B. THREATENED FLORA LIKELIHOOD OF OCCURRENCE

C. THREATENED FAUNA LIKELIHOOD OF OCCURRENCE

D. ASSESSMENTS OF SIGNIFICANCE

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List of Tables

2.1 Zoning of the Subject Site vii

3.1 Conservation status and extent of vegetation communities 3.1

3.2 Noxious weeds and WONS occurring on the subject site 3.10

3.3 Fauna identified during surveys 3.12

3.4 Threatened fauna species with potential to occur on the subject site 3.12

A.1 Flora species recorded within the subject site A.2

B.1 Threatened flora likelihood of occurrence within the subject site B.1

C.1 Threatened fauna likelihood of occurrence within the subject site C.1

List of Figures

1.1 The Subject Site viii

1.2 Surrounding Area ix

1.3 Master Plan x

2.1 Survey Locations 2.4

3.1 Location of Vegetation Communities and Threatened Species 3.14

4.1 Impact of the Proposed Development 4.5

List of Photographs

3.1 Cumberland Plain Woodland on the subject site 3.3

3.2 Planted Corymbia citriodora, Corymbia maculata, and Eucalyptus conica

within the Cumberland Plain Woodland patch 3.4

3.3 Exotic small tree Carya illinoensis and Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata in

the northern extent of the Cumberland Plain Woodland patch 3.4

3.4 South-western extent of Cumberland Plain Woodland with regrowth trees

and predominately exotic vegetation 3.5

3.5 Urban Native with Exotic Cover in the grounds of the former poultry

research facility 3.7

3.6 Planted native trees in the West 3.7

3.7 Garden surrounding existing buildings in the east 3.8

3.8 Community Garden in the East 3.8

3.9 Native plantings in the southern park land 3.9

CUMBERLAND ECOLOGY © - GRANTHAM HERITAGE PARK iv


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List of Photographs

3.10 Exotic Grassland with scattered trees in the west of the subject site 3.10

CUMBERLAND ECOLOGY © - GRANTHAM HERITAGE PARK v


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Glossary of Terms

CEEC Critically Endangered Ecological Community

Council Blacktown City Council

EPBC Act Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

Locality The area within a 10km radius of the subject site

NSW New South Wales

OEH NSW Office of Environment and Heritage

Subject site Lot 2 and 4 DP739331, and Lot 360, 361, and 362 DP 48686 71 Seven Hills Road,

Seven Hills (see Figure 1.1)

TSC Act NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995

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Chapter 1 Introduction

Introduction

1.1 Purpose

The purpose of this report is to evaluate the impacts of a proposed development of a

community park on the ecological values of land at Lot 2 and 4 DP 739331, and Lot 360,

361, and 362 DP 48686 at 71 Seven Hills Road, Seven Hills (hereafter referred to as the

‘subject site’) (see Figure 1.1).

The objectives of this report are to:

Map in detail the extent and describe the condition of the vegetation communities

occurring on the subject site;

Describe fauna habitat characteristics of the subject site;

Identify any threatened species, populations or ecological communities existing on

the subject site (as listed under the schedules of the NSW Threatened Species

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

and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act);

Assess the significance of impacts of the development on threatened species,

populations or ecological communities of the subject site; and

Where relevant, provide recommendations to ameliorate any impacts of the

development on the ecological values of subject site.

1.2 Background

The subject site is within the Blacktown City Council Local Government Area and is

comprised of Lot 2 and 4 DP739331, and Lot 360, 361 and 362 DP 48686, located at 71

Seven Hills Road, Seven Hills. The subject site is approximately 9 ha in area and is currently

zoned as 6(a) Open Space and 5(b) Arterial Road (see Table 1.1) under the Blacktown

Local Environmental Plan 2015. The subject site is bounded by Seven Hills Road South to

the north and residential development to the east, south and west. A number of parks are

located within close proximity of the subject site including Duncan Park which bounds the

south west corner of the subject site, Orana Park 600 m to the northwest and the

International Peace Park 1.5 km to the north (see Figure 1.2).

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Table 2.1 Zoning of the Subject Site

Lot/DP Zoning Size

Lot 360 / DP48686 6(a) Open Space 2.76 ha

Lot 361 / DP48686 6(a) Open Space 4.876 m2

Lot 362 / DP48686 6(a) Open Space 1.73 ha

Lot 4 / DP 739331 5(b) Arterial Road & 6(a) Open Space 3.57 ha

Lot 2 / DP739331 6(a) Open Space 5.127 m2

1.3 Site Description

Currently, the subject site contains the former Grantham Poultry Research Station, cottages,

an administration building, bushland vegetation and remnants of the poultry research facility.

The northern boundary of the subject site (Lot 4) contains areas of native bushland that are

remnants of the critically endangered ecological community (CEEC), Cumberland Plain

Woodland of the Sydney Basin Bioregion (Cumberland Plain Woodland). The remainder of

the subject site is comprised of a matrix of planted native/planted exotic vegetation and

existing infrastructure.

Much of the existing infrastructure is part of the former Grantham Poultry Research Station,

which is listed as a heritage item under Schedule 2 of the Blacktown Local Environmental

Plan 2015 and the NSW State Heritage Register. The area in the north of the subject site

(Lot 4) containing Cumberland Plain Woodland is listed under the NSW Department of

Primary Industries Section 170 Register due to the natural heritage values of the vegetation

within this community.

1.4 Proposed Development

The subject site was purchased by Blacktown City Council in 2004 and has since proposed

to transform the subject site into Grantham Heritage Parkland, which will become a

neighbourhood park that provides a playground and will encourage a wide range of play and

development experiences. A number of supportive infrastructure will be installed which

includes car parking, amenities, paths, areas and structures for socialising and drinking

water. The Master Plan for the proposed development is provided in Figure 1.3.

The proposed development will be confined to areas containing planted native/planted exotic

vegetation and existing infrastructure, and will not impact on any of the Cumberland Plain

Woodland within the northern section of the subject site (Lot 4). The Master Plan for the

proposed development has aimed to retain all historically significant structures from the

former Grantham Poultry Research Station and avoid impacting on the flora and fauna

values of the subject site.

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Figure 1.3. Master PlanImage Source: Grantham Heritage Park: Overall Site Masterplan. 15/06/2015 - Rev2.

CUMBERLAND ECOLOGY © - GRANTHAM HERITAGE PARK 2.1


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Chapter 2

Methodology

2.1 Database Analysis

Database analysis was conducted for the locality using both the NSW Office of Environment

and Heritage (OEH) Atlas of NSW Wildlife (OEH, 2015), the Commonwealth Department of

the Environment Protected Matters Search Tool (DoE, 2015) and the OEH (formerly

DECCW) vegetation mapping for the Cumberland Plain (DECCW, 2007). The locality is

defined as the area within a 10 km radius of the subject site. The Atlas of NSW Wildlife

Database search was used to generate records of threatened flora and fauna species listed

under the TSC Act within the locality. The Protected Matters Search Tool generated a list of

Matters of National Environmental Significance listed under the EPBC Act potentially

occurring within the locality. The lists generated from these databases were reviewed

against available knowledge of the subject site, in conjunction with the abundance,

distribution and age of records, to ascertain the likelihood of occurrence of threatened

species within the subject site. OEH’s vegetation mapping for the Cumberland Plain was

utilised to identify if any threatened ecological communities were present within the subject

site and to assist with vegetation mapping of any such communities during field surveys.

2.2 Flora Survey

Flora surveys were undertaken within the subject site by Cumberland Ecology on 1

September 2015 over an eight hour period. Surveys included vegetation mapping and

targeted threatened flora searches. Further details of each of the survey methods are

provided below. Flora survey locations are shown on Figure 2.1.

All vascular plants recorded or collected were identified using keys and nomenclature

provided in Harden (1990-1993). Where known, taxonomic and nomenclatural changes have

been incorporated into the results, as derived from PlantNET (Botanic Gardens Trust, 2015).

2.2.1 Vegetation Mapping

The vegetation within the subject site was ground-truthed to examine and verify the mapping

of the condition and extent of the different vegetation communities. Based on previous

mapping undertaken by OEH for the Cumberland Plain (DECCW, 2007), a stratified

sampling approach was utilised to ground-truth extant vegetation. The subject site’s

vegetation was stratified based on a walkthrough of all vegetated areas while identifying and

recording all vascular flora species. Due to OEH’s (2007) vegetation mapping identifying the



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presence of Shale Plains Woodland within the subject site, which is a form of Cumberland

Plain Woodland the flora survey focussed on these areas to verify the community’s extent.

The resultant information was synthesised using a Geographic Information System to create

a spatial database that was used to interpret and interpolate the data to produce a

vegetation map of the subject site.

2.2.2 Targeted Threatened Flora Surveys

Targeted threatened flora searches via random meanders were undertaken within suitable

habitat of threatened flora species known from the locality. The locations of any threatened

flora specimens observed during surveys were recorded using a hand-held Global

Positioning System.

2.3 Fauna Survey

Fauna surveys were undertaken within the subject site by Cumberland Ecology on 31

August 2015 over a five hour period. The survey consisted of a fauna habitat assessment,

incidental observations and targeted threatened fauna searches. Fauna survey locations are

shown on Figure 2.1. Further details of each of the survey methods are provided below.

2.3.1 Habitat Assessments

The fauna habitat assessment included consideration of important indicators of habitat

condition and complexity including the occurrence of microhabitats such as tree hollows,

fallen logs, bush rock and wetland areas such as creeks and soaks. Structural features

considered included the nature and extent of the understorey and ground stratum and extent

of canopy. The survey also included an assessment of the presence of habitat features

suitable for use by threatened fauna species known from the locality.

2.3.2 Targeted Threatened Fauna Surveys

Targeted searches were undertaken for the Cumberland Plain Land Snail (listed as

endangered under the TSC Act) and the Dural Woodland Snail (listed as endangered under

the EPBC Act). Searches for the Cumberland Plain Land Snail were undertaken at the base

of trees within areas previously mapped by OEH as Cumberland Plain Woodland. Searches

consisted of checking within 1 m of the base of all trees within the community that had a

diameter at breast height greater than 10cm and had leaf litter present at the base. Searches

for the Dural Woodland Land Snail were undertaken in any areas with loose bark and rocks.

2.3.3 Incidental Observations

Any incidental fauna species that were observed, heard calling, or otherwise detected on the

basis of tracks or signs, were recorded and listed in the total species list for the subject site.



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2.4 Limitations

Vertebrate fauna and vascular flora of the locality are well known based upon a sizeable

database of past records. The surveys by Cumberland Ecology added to the existing

database and helped to provide a clear indication of the likelihood that various species

occur, or are likely to occur within the subject site. The data obtained from database

assessment and surveys of the subject site furnished an appropriate level of information to

support this assessment.

The weather conditions at the time of the flora surveys were generally favourable for plant

growth and production of features required for identification of most species. Shrubs,

grasses, herbs and creepers were readily identifiable in most instances. It is expected that

not all flora species present would have been recorded during surveys. Despite this, it is

considered that sufficient information has been collected to assess issues including

conservation significance of the flora, condition and viability of vegetation and likely impact

on native vegetation. An assessment of the likelihood of occurrence of threatened flora

species recorded within the locality of the subject site in the database searches was

undertaken to supplement the flora survey.

In general, opportunistic observations of fauna provide a “snapshot” of some of the fauna

present on a site that were active during the time of the survey. The data produced by the

survey is intended to be indicative of the types of species that could occur and not an

absolute census of all vertebrate fauna species occurring within the subject site. Therefore

not all fauna utilising the subject site are likely to have been recorded during surveys. An

assessment of the likelihood of occurrence of threatened and migratory fauna species listed

for the locality in the database searches was undertaken to supplement the fauna surveys.

The combination of these techniques is considered appropriate for assessing the habitat

values of the site for threatened fauna within the subject site.

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Chapter 3

Results

3.1 Vegetation Communities

The subject site was previously mapped by DECCW (2007), which identified the presence of

the following two vegetation communities within the subject site:

Cumberland Plain Woodland in the Sydney Basin Bioregion (CEEC TSC Act); and

Urban Native and Exotic Cover.

Flora surveys by Cumberland Ecology in September 2015 refined OEH’s mapping of the

subject site. Table 3.1 lists the vegetation communities occurring within the subject site, their

conservation status and their extent. The distribution of these vegetation communities within

the subject site is shown in Figure 3.1 and detailed descriptions of each are provided below.

Table 3.1 Conservation status and extent of vegetation communities

Vegetation Community

TSC Act

Status

EPBC Act

Status Area (ha)

Cumberland Plain Woodland CEEC - 1.69

Urban Native and Exotic Cover - - 4.97

Exotic Grassland with Scattered Trees - - 1.88

Total 8.54

3.1.1 Cumberland Plain Woodland

TSC Act Status: CEEC (Cumberland Plain Woodland in the Sydney Basin Bioregion)

EPBC Act Status: Not listed

Approximately 1.69 ha of Cumberland Plain Woodland CEEC is present on the subject site.

The total extent of this community within the subject site is located within Lots 4, 360 and

361, which are in the northern section of the subject site. Although the community is

comprised primarily of highly degraded regrowth with exotic species in all strata, it conforms



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to the TSC Act listing for this community. However, due to the communities degraded

understorey, it does not conform to the EPBC Act listing for the community.

This community occurs as a single, degraded 1.69 ha patch along the north-western

boundary of the subject site. The community is dominated by Cumberland Plain Woodland

trees Eucalyptus tereticornis (Forest red Gum) and Eucalyptus moluccana (Grey Box), with

Eucalyptus crebra (Narrow-leaved Ironbark) and Eucalyptus amplifolia (Cabbage Gum)

making up a lesser proportion of the canopy (see Photograph 3.1). All four of these species

are regenerating naturally on site, with juvenile, shrub sized individuals present in the

understorey. The Eucalyptus amplifolia individuals occur as a small number of trees in the

southern extent of the community, and may have been planted as they are generally

associated with lower lying areas adjacent to watercourses, habitat that is not present on the

subject site.

The northern half of the community on the subject site additionally contains a small number

of planted native trees, in the middle of remnant Cumberland Plain Woodland species. A

single individual of Corymbia maculata (Spotted Gum) is present in the northern half of the

patch. This species occurs naturally in localised areas on the Cumberland Plain, though is

likely to be planted on the subject site, as it occurs adjacent to planted individuals of the non-

endemic native species Eucalyptus conica (Fuzzy Box) and Corymbia citriodora (Lemon-

scented Gum) (see Photograph 3.2).

The sub-canopy of the community on site consists of a small tree layer of regrowth

individuals of the remnant canopy species along with Acacia decurrens (Black Wattle), and

an individual of the non-endemic Corymbia citriodora, likely to have self-seeded from planted

individuals. The area in the far north also has small tree sized planted occurrences of the

exotic Carya illinoensis (Pecan), and the exotic weed species Olea europaea subsp.

cuspidata (African Olive) (see Photograph 3.3).

The shrub layer is generally sparse and is variously dominated by natives and exotics, with

native species including Acacia falcata (Sickle Wattle), Dillwynia sieberi, Kunzea ambigua

(Tick Bush), Cassinia arcuata (Sifton Bush) and Indigofera australis (Australian Indigo). Two

individuals are also present of the threatened Grevillea juniperina subsp. juniperina in the

centre of the Cumberland Plain Woodland patch, close to the fence line of the site along

Seven Hills Road. Exotic species include Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata, Cestrum parqui

(Green Cestrum), and Lantana camara. A small number of non-endemic natives are also

present in the shrub layer and include juvenile Eucalyptus melanophloia (Silver-leaved

Ironbark), Melia azedarach (White Cedar), and Acacia podalyriifolia (Queensland Silver

Wattle).

The ground layer of the community is dominated by exotic herbs and grasses in most areas,

though some patches close to the northern boundary have a high proportion of native

grasses, and some patches elsewhere in the community are dominated by the native grass

Microlaena stipoides (Weeping Grass). Dominant exotic grasses include Ehrharta erecta

(Panic Veldtgrass), Pennisetum clandestinum (Kikuyu) and Cynodon dactylon (Couch).

Exotic grasses occurring less commonly include Paspalum dilatatum, Bromus catharticus

(Prairie Grass) and Setaria parviflora (Pigeon Grass). Common exotic herbs in the ground



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layer include Sida rhombifolia (Paddy’s Lucerne), Bidens pilosa (Cobbler’s Pegs), Cirsium

vulgare (Spear Thistle) and Solanum pseudocapsicum (Jerusalem Cherry).

The native grass Microlaena stipoides (Weeping Grass) is common throughout the

Cumberland Plain Woodland patch on the subject site. Grasses more typical of intact

occurrences of Cumberland Plain Woodland are mostly located along the northern boundary

of the patch, and consist of Chloris ventricosa (Plump Windmill Grass), Rytidosperma

bipartitum (Wallaby Grass), Aristida ramosa (Purple Wiregrass), and Cymbopogon refractus

(Barbwire Grass). Native herbs had scattered occurrences throughout the patch and species

recorded include Einadia trigonos (Fishweed), Vittadinia cuneata (Fuzzweed), Brunoniella

australis (Blue Trumpet), Bulbine bulbosa (Native Leek), and Dianella longifolia (Blueberry

Lily).

The south-western extent of the community as mapped in Figure 3.1 is a highly degraded

area and consists of very little native vegetation with the exception of regrowth occurrences

of Eucalyptus moluccana and Eucalyptus tereticornis individuals, and Ficus rubiginosa (Port

Jackson Fig), which is unlikely to be endemic to the patch on site. The native trees occur

predominately around the outside of the area. There are occurrences of Acacia decurrens in

the understorey, and Glycine tabacina (Love Twiner), Dichondra repens (Kidney Weed), and

Microlaena stipoides in the ground layer. All other vegetation in the sub-canopy, shrub layer,

and ground layer is exotic, and native endemic species are only present as scattered

individuals (see Photograph 3.4). Overgrown concrete in the middle of this area indicates a

building or other structure was formerly present in this area.

Photograph 3.1 Cumberland Plain Woodland on the subject site



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Photograph 3.2 Planted Corymbia citriodora, Corymbia maculata, and Eucalyptus conica within the Cumberland Plain Woodland patch

Photograph 3.3 Exotic small tree Carya illinoensis and Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata in the northern extent of the Cumberland Plain Woodland patch



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Photograph 3.4 South-western extent of Cumberland Plain Woodland with regrowth trees and predominately exotic vegetation

3.1.2 Urban Native and Exotic Cover

TSC Act Status: not listed

EPBC Act Status: not listed

This community contains some Eucalyptus tereticornis, and Eucalyptus moluccana

individuals likely to be remnant of Cumberland Plain Woodland formerly occurring on the site

prior to its use as a poultry research station, and previously as a farm employing returned

veterans of World War 1. The community consists predominately of planted non-endemic

native and exotic vegetation occurring over exotic grassland, and planted gardens

surrounding structures on the site (see Photograph 3.5). Trees planted throughout the area

include some species endemic to the Sydney Region such as Eucalyptus sideroxylon

(Mugga Ironbark), Casuarina glauca (Swamp Oak), Casuarina cunninghamiana (River Oak),

Eucalyptus amplifolia, Melaleuca quinquenervia (Broad-leaved Paperbark), Melaleuca

styphelioides (Prickly Paperbark), and Corymbia maculata (see Photograph 3.6). Non-

endemic native species include Corymbia citriodora, Lophostemon confertus (Queensland

Brush Box), Eucalyptus microcorys (Tallowwood), Eucalyptus nicholii (Narrow-leaved Black

Peppermint), Eucalyptus melanophloia (Silver-leaved Ironbark), and Grevillea robusta (Silky

Oak). Exotic trees include Cinnamomum camphora (Camphor Laurel), Schinus areira

(Pepper Tree), and Jacaranda mimosifolia.



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All shrubs within this community are either planted or exotic weeds, occurring either in

gardens or growing underneath trees (see Photograph 3.7). Native and non-endemic native

species include Acacia floribunda (White Sally Wattle), Callistemon citrinus (Crimson

Bottlebrush), Corymbia ficifolia (Red Flowering Gum), and Callistemon viminalis (Willow

Bottlebrush). Exotic species include Lagerstroemia indica (Crepe Myrtle), Morus alba

(Mulberry), Pyracantha crenulata (Firethorn), Ligustrum lucidum (Broad-leaved Privet) and

Osteospermum ecklonii (African Daisy). Herbaceous garden plants include Lomandra

longifolia (Spiny Mat-rush), Doryanthes excelsa (Gymea Lily), Agapanthus praecox subsp.

orientalis, and Dietes bicolor (Fortnight Lily).

Exotic grassland areas beneath trees consist of common exotic lawn grasses including

Pennisetum clandestinum and Cynodon dactylon, and weedy grasses such as Briza minor

(Shivery Grass), Poa annua (Winter Grass). Some common native grasses such as

Oplismenus aemulus (Basket Grass) occur in scattered locations such as at the base of

trees, along with some common native herbs such as Carex inversa, Cyperus gracilis

(Slender Flat-sedge), and Commelina cyanea (Scurvy Weed). Exotic herbaceous species,

occurring as lawn weeds, are extremely common and include Sonchus oleraceus (Milk

thistle), Medicago polymorpha (Medic Burr), Galinsoga parviflora (Potato Weed), Capsella

bursa-pastoris (Shepherd’s Purse), and Conyza sumatrensis (Tall Fleabane).

In the southeast of this community is a community garden with a range of planted exotic and

native species (see Photograph 3.8).

In the southern park a small corner of the park has predominately been planted with native

species. Species in this area include the tree Corymbia maculata (Spotted Gum), and the

exotic Schinus areira (Pepper Tree), and shrubs such as Acacia longifolia var. longifolia

(Sydney Golden Wattle), Indigofera australis, Acacia floribunda, and Syzygium australe. This

area has not been maintained in some time and the understorey and ground layer are

dominated by exotic species such as Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm), Cestrum parqui (Green

Cestrum), Tropaeolum majus (Nasturtium), and the grass Pennisetum clandestinum (see

Photograph 3.9). The ground layer of the community has been planted out with the native

herb Lomandra longifolia (Spiny Mat-rush).



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Photograph 3.5 Urban Native with Exotic Cover in the grounds of the former poultry research facility

Photograph 3.6 Planted native trees in the West



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Photograph 3.7 Garden surrounding existing buildings in the east

Photograph 3.8 Community Garden in the East



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Photograph 3.9 Native plantings in the southern park land

3.1.3 Exotic Grassland with Scattered Trees

TSC Act Status: not listed

EPBC Act Status: not listed

This community is as described above for the Urban Native and Exotic Cover community,

though with a sparser distribution of trees. The composition of tree species throughout

grassland areas is the same as the aforementioned community, with some scattered

Cumberland Plain Woodland species, and planted non-endemic natives and exotic species.

Grassland in most areas is dominated by the exotic grass Pennisetum clandestinum. The

southern and western patches of this community are open parkland areas comprised

predominately of exotic lawn grasses (see Photograph 3.10).



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Photograph 3.10 Exotic Grassland with scattered trees in the west of the subject site

3.2 Flora

3.2.1 General Species

Approximately 157 flora species were recorded within the subject site. Of these species 99

were exotic species. Nine of these species are listed as noxious weeds under the NSW

Noxious Weeds Act 1993, and four are also listed as a Weed of National Significance

(WONS) (see Table 3.2). A list of plant species that were detected on subject site is

provided in Appendix A.

Table 3.2 Noxious weeds and WONS occurring on the subject site

Scientific Name Common Name Noxious Class WONS

Asparagus aethiopicus Ground Asparagus Class 4 Yes

Asparagus asparagoides Bridal Creeper Class 4 Yes

Cestrum parqui Green Cestrum Class 3

Cestrum parqui Green Cestrum Class 3

Lantana camara Lantana Class 4 Yes

Ligustrum lucidum Large-leaved Privet Class 4



19 JANUARY 2016

Table 3.2 Noxious weeds and WONS occurring on the subject site

Scientific Name Common Name Noxious Class WONS

Ligustrum sinense Small-leaved Privet Class 4

Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata African Olive Class 4

Senecio madagascariensis Fireweed Class 4 Yes

3.2.2 Threatened Species

Two Grevillea juniperina subsp. juniperina (Juniper-leaved Grevillea) were recorded within

the Cumberland Plain Woodland in the northern section of the subject site (see Figure 3.1).

This species is listed as vulnerable under the TSC Act. No other threatened flora species

were recorded during surveys.

An analysis of the likelihood of occurrence on the subject site for each threatened flora

species recorded within the locality is provided in Appendix C. This assessment concluded

that in addition to the known occurrence of Grevillea juniperina subsp. juniperina, there is

potential for Pimelea spicata (Spiked Rice-flower) to occur within the subject site. Pimelea

spicata is listed as endangered under the TSC Act and EPBC Act.

3.3 Fauna

3.3.1 Fauna Habitat

The vegetation of the subject site provides some potential habitat for native fauna known to

occur in the locality, including threatened species. Microhabitats present within the subject

site included tree hollows, decorticating bark and ground litter. Tree hollows occur

occasionally throughout the subject site with the majority of the hollows being small (1-

10cm). Decorticating bark and ground litter also occur occasionally throughout the entire

subject site. In addition to the microhabitats, the subject site contains numerous flowering

plants and trees which can provide potential foraging resources for a range of birds that may

use the subject site on occasion as part of a larger foraging range. During surveys, it was

evident that the northern and southern sections of the site contained the highest number of

foraging birds.

3.3.2 General Species

Eight vertebrate fauna species were recorded within the subject site through incidental

observations during the habitat assessment. Seven of these species were common bird

species of the area, including high abundances of the Australasian Figbird (Sphecotheres

vieilloti) and Little Wattle Bird (Anthochaera chrysoptera) within the northern and southern

sections of the subject site. A Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) was also observed running through

the northwest corner of the subject site. A full list of fauna species observed is provided in

Table 3.3.



19 JANUARY 2016

Table 3.3 Fauna identified during surveys

Common Name Scientific Name

Aves

Australasian Figbird Sphecotheres vieilloti

Little Wattle Bird Anthochaera chrysoptera

Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus

Noisy Miner Manorina melanocephala

Indian Myna* Acridotheres tristis

Australian Raven Corvus coronoides

Australian Magpie Cracticus tibicen

Mammals

Red Fox* Vulpes vulpes

* denotes exotic species

3.3.3 Threatened Species

No threatened fauna species were recorded within the subject site during surveys. An

analysis of the likelihood of occurrence on the subject site for each threatened fauna species

recorded within the locality is provided in Appendix C. This assessment concluded that ten

threatened vertebrate fauna species and three migratory species have the potential to occur

within the subject site. Table 3.4 lists the threatened fauna species considered to have the

potential to occur within the subject site.

Table 3.4 Threatened fauna species with potential to occur on the subject site

Family Common Name Scientific Name TSC Act

Status

EPBC Act

Status

Aves

Accipitridae Little Eagle Hieraaetus morphnoides V

Apodidae Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus

Mig.

Apodidae White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus

Mig.

Falconidae Black Falcon Falco subniger V

Meropidae Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus

Mig.

Neosittidae Varied Sittella Daphoenositta chrysoptera V

Psittacidae Swift Parrot Lathamus discolor E E

Strigidae Powerful Owl Ninox strenua V

Tytonidae Masked Owl Tyto novaehollandiae V

Gastropoda



19 JANUARY 2016

Table 3.4 Threatened fauna species with potential to occur on the subject site

Family Common Name Scientific Name TSC Act

Status

EPBC Act

Status

Camaenidae Cumberland Plain Land

Snail

Meridolum corneovirens E

Mammalia

Molossidae Eastern Freetail-bat Mormopterus norfolkensis V

Pteropodidae Grey-headed Flying-fox Pteropus poliocephalus V V

Vespertilionidae Eastern Bentwing-bat Miniopterus schreibersii

oceanensis

V

Note: E=endangered, V=vulnerable, Mig.=Migratory



19 JANUARY 2016

Chapter 4

Impact Assessment

4.1 Introduction

The impact of the proposed development as shown in Figure 4.1 will be negligible in terms

of biodiversity loss. The majority of the proposed development will be restricted to previously

developed or cleared areas. These areas are inhabited primarily by planted native and exotic

tree species with a predominately exotic understorey, and offers little natural habitat to

endemic fauna species.

4.2 Ecological Communities

4.2.1 Cumberland Plain Woodland

The proposed development will not clear any of the Cumberland Plain Woodland within the

subject site as the vegetation community is outside of the development footprint (see Figure

4.1). Although no Cumberland Plain Woodland will be cleared as a result of the proposed

development, an Assessment of Significance was undertaken for the community (Appendix

C) to assess the significance of any potential indirect impacts as a result of future

development. It was determined that the proposed development is unlikely to have a

significant impact on the community as the entire community present will be retained and not

directly impacted. Indirect impacts may occur to the community as a result of people

disturbing vegetation within the community as the subject will be a park and visited by park

goers. However, these indirect impacts are not seen as likely to cause a significant impact to

the community, especially if the community is fenced off and/or signage is posted to educate

park visitors of its importance (see Section 5.1). Therefore, a Species Impact Statement is

not required as the proposed development will not result in a significant impact on the

community.

4.2.2 Urban Native and Exotic Cover

Approximately 4.97 ha of this community is present, primarily within the central to western

section of the subject site. The proposed development will result in the clearing or

modification of 0.1 ha of this community within the southern section of the subject site. The

vegetation within this community is not listed under the TSC Act or EPBC Act.



19 JANUARY 2016

4.2.3 Exotic Grassland with Scattered Trees

Approximately 1.88 ha of this community is present, primarily within the western section of

the subject site. The proposed development will not require the clearing or modification of

this community as it is located outside of the development footprint. The vegetation within

this community is not listed under the TSC Act or EPBC Act.

4.3 Flora Species

Two individuals of Grevillea juniperina subsp. juniperina were found during the flora survey.

Both individuals were located within the patch of Cumberland Plain Woodland in the northern

end of the subject site and will not be impacted by the proposed development. Pimelea

spicata was also determined to have the potential to occur within the patch of Cumberland

Plain Woodland as it provides suitable habitat for this species.

An Assessment of Significance was undertaken for both Grevillea juniperina subsp.

juniperina and Pimelea spicata. Most of the subject site to be impacted by the proposed

development has been highly modified since European colonisation and is not suitable

habitat for the persistence of these threatened species due to competition from exotic weed

species. The most suitable habitat for both of these threatened species is within the patch of

Cumberland Plain Woodland to the north of the subject site which will be entirely retained.

Therefore, the proposed development is not considered likely to have a significant impact on

either of these threatened flora species and a Species Impact Statement is not required.

4.4 Fauna Species

No threatened fauna species were recorded as occurring in the study area during the time of

the field survey. A total of ten threatened fauna species listed under the TSC Act and three

migratory species listed under the EPBC Act were considered to have the potential to occur

within the subject site.

Threatened fauna species listed under the TSC Act include six bird species, three bat

species and the Cumberland Plain Land Snail. A total of approximately 0.1 ha of suitable

habitat for these species will be removed as a result of the proposed development. An

Assessment of Significance was undertaken for each group of species due to their similar

habitat requirements. None of the assessed species are considered to be significantly

impacted by the proposed development and therefore no Species Impact Statement is

required.

4.4.1 Birds

Little Eagle (Hieraaetus morphnoides)

Black Falcon (Falco subniger)

Varied Sittella (Daphoenositta chrysoptera)



19 JANUARY 2016

Swift Parrot (Lathamus discolor)

Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua)

Masked Owl (Tyto novaehollandiae)

Six bird species considered to have the potential to occur are highly mobile species that may

utilise the subject site on occasion as part of a much broader foraging range. If these species

were to utilise the subject site for foraging purposes, it would likely be in the northern section

containing the Cumberland Plain Woodland. Due to the fact that none of these species

would be reliant on the subject site for survival and that the most suitable habitat present will

be retained, the proposed development is unlikely to have a significant impact on any of

these bird species.

4.4.2 Microbats

Eastern Freetail-bat (Mormopterus norfolkensis)

Eastern Bentwing-bat (Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis)

Two microchiropteran bat species considered to have the potential to occur may utilise the

subject site for both roosting and foraging purposes. These species are both highly mobile

and if the subject site is utilised as foraging habitat, it is likely part of a much broader

foraging range. Suitable roosting habitat for these species is primarily present within the

northern section of the site within the tree hollows contained in the patch of Cumberland

Plain Woodland. As this patch of the most suitable roosting habitat present will be retained

and potential foraging habitat will remain within the subject site and the locality, it is unlikely

that proposed development will have a significant impact on any of these species.

4.4.3 Grey-headed Flying-fox

The Grey-headed Flying-fox is considered to have the potential to utilise the subject site for

foraging purposes as part of a much broader foraging range. As a camp is not present and

only a small amount of foraging habitat is available, this species is unlikely to be reliant on

the subject site for survival and the removal of vegetation as a result of the proposed

development is unlikely to adversely impact this species.

4.4.4 Cumberland Plain Land Snail

The Cumberland Plain Land Snail is considered to have the potential to occur within the

subject site; however, targeted searches for the species were performed in all areas of

suitable habitat and the species was not encountered. If the species is present within the

subject site, it’s only suitable habitat is within the northern section of the site containing

Cumberland Plain Woodland trees. The proposed development will not require the removal

of any of the trees within the Cumberland Plain Woodland and therefore a significant impact

on this species is not likely to occur.



19 JANUARY 2016

4.4.5 Migratory Species

Fork-tailed Swift (Apus pacificus)

White-throated Needletail (Hirundapus caudacutus)

Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus)

The three migratory bird species listed under the EPBC Act are highly mobile species that

may utilise the site on occasion as part of much broader foraging range. Furthermore, the

Fork-tailed Swift and White-throated Needletail are almost exclusively aerial species and

would not be reliant on the habitat within the subject site. Therefore, the proposed

development is unlikely to impact on these species.



19 JANUARY 2016

Chapter 5

Recommendations

A number of mitigation measures are recommended for the proposed development. These

measures should be implemented to minimise impacts to the ecological values of the subject

site and adjoining properties.

5.1.1 Vegetation Protection

To avoid unnecessary removal or damage to Cumberland Plain Woodland vegetation along

the northern side of the subject site, the clearing area should be clearly demarcated and

signed, where appropriate, to ensure no vegetation beyond these boundaries is removed.

Clearing works and equipment should be excluded from areas outside the clearing area. Site

inductions are to be given by the civil contractor to ensure all site workers and visitors are

aware of any no-access areas.

After the completion of the proposed development, it is recommended that the area of

Cumberland Plain Woodland in the northern section of the subject site be fenced off and/or

sign posted to reduce impacts to the community by decreasing the amount of foot traffic in

the area. Signage should indicate what the community is and advise park visitors to stay on

walking paths and out of the community.

5.1.2 Erosion, Sedimentation and Pollution Control

Potential impacts to flora and fauna occurring in the construction phase that can be

managed include: run-off, sedimentation, erosion and pollution. To reduce sedimentation on

the construction site, erosion control measures should be implemented. This includes

minimising the amount of exposed soils on the site at any given time. All soil stockpiles

should be adequately covered when not in use to prevent erosion from heavy rainfall.

Sediment fences should be established around the perimeter of the development area to

prevent the impacts of sedimentation on the adjoining vegetation. During development,

precautions should be taken to ensure that no pollution, such as petrochemical substances

or water containing suspended solids, escapes the construction site. Pollution traps and

efficient removal of pollution to an off-site location would help to minimise pollution impacts.

5.1.3 Pre-clearing and Clearing Surveys

Pre-clearing surveys are to be undertaken by a suitably qualified ecologist within one week

of any clearing activities. Pre-clearing surveys will include:



19 JANUARY 2016

Demarcation of key habitat features as hollow-bearing trees, fallen logs and

bushrock; and

Provision of a report following the completion of a pre-clearing survey, detailing the

location and type of each habitat feature.

To minimise impacts to native fauna species, clearing should be undertaken in the following

two-stage process under the supervision of a suitably qualified ecologist:

The initial phase of clearing will involve clearing around identified habitat features

and leaving the features overnight; and

The second stage will involve clearing of the habitat features left overnight as

gently as possible, followed by an inspection.

If possible, trees marked as containing hollows will be shaken by machinery prior to clearing

to encourage any animals remaining to leave the hollows and move on. An ecologist should

investigate all hollows for the presence of fauna following felling of the tree.

An ecologist should be present while clearing to rescue animals injured during the clearance

operation. Provisions will be made to protect any native fauna during clearing activities by

the following means:

All persons working on the vegetation clearing will be briefed about the possible

fauna present and should avoid injuring any present;

Animals disturbed or dislodged during the clearance but not injured should be

assisted to move to the adjacent bushland; and

If animals are injured during the vegetation clearance, appropriate steps will be

taken to humanely treat the animal (either taken to the nearest veterinary clinic for

treatment, or if the animal is unlikely to survive, it will be humanely euthanized).

5.1.4 Weed Control Measures

Noxious weed species occurring within the subject site should be managed in order to

prevent further spread. Prior to any vegetation clearance, noxious weeds should be

demarcated during the pre-clearance survey in order for these to be disposed of separately

from native material.

5.1.5 Revegetation Works

It is recommended that any revegetation works be carried out in accordance with an

approved landscape plan that is to be developed for the proposed development. All works

should be carried out by a qualified bush regenerator. Any areas planned to be revegetated

as Cumberland Plain Woodland should be planted with Cumberland Plain Woodland

characteristic species that are sourced from local nurseries or come from seed sourced from

the property.



19 JANUARY 2016

Chapter 6

Conclusion

The proposed development will result in the clearing of approximately 0.1 ha of Urban Native

and Exotic vegetation, and all Cumberland Plain Woodland present within the subject site

will be retained. The clearing of the 0.1 ha of Native and Exotic vegetation is suitable habitat

for a number of threatened species known to occur in the locality. An impact assessment

was undertaken to examine the impacts of the proposed development on the biodiversity

values of the subject site.

The impact assessment conducted has determined that the proposed development is

unlikely to have a significant impact on any of the threatened species or ecological

communities occurring or that have the potential to occur within the subject site. Therefore a

Species Impact Statement or further ecological assessments are not required.

The Blacktown City Council has made a concerted effort to ensure that the biodiversity

values of the site will remain intact and minimal impacts to the flora and fauna of the subject

site will occur. This is evidenced in the Master Plan for the subject site where all areas of

Cumberland Plain Woodland have been avoided.

CUMBERLAND ECOLOGY © - GRANTHAM HERITAGE PARK i


19 JANUARY 2016

References

Botanic Gardens Trust (2015). "PlantNET." Retrieved 2015, from

http://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/search_plant_net.

DECCW (2007). Cumberland Plain Vegetation Mapping. DECCW.

DECCW (2011). Approved Cumberland Plain Recovery Plan. DECCW, Hurstville.

DoE (2015). "EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool." Retrieved 2015, from

http://www.environment.gov.au/arcgis-framework/apps/pmst/pmst-coordinate.jsf.

Harden, G. J. (1990-1993). Flora of NSW Volumes 1-4. New South Wales University Press,

Kensington.

OEH (2011). Cumberland Plain Woodland in the Sydney Basin Bioregion - critically

endangered ecological community listing: NSW Scientific Committee - final

determination

OEH (2015). "Atlas of NSW Wildlife." 2015, from http://www.bionet.nsw.gov.au/.

http://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/search_plant_net

http://www.environment.gov.au/arcgis-framework/apps/pmst/pmst-coordinate.jsf

http://www.bionet.nsw.gov.au/

CUMBERLAND ECOLOGY © - GRANTHAM HERITAGE PARK A.1


19 JANUARY 2016

Appendix A

Flora Species List



19 JANUARY 2016

Table A.1 Flora species recorded within the subject site

Family

Scientific Name Common Name

CPW

Species

Trees

Araucariaceae * Araucaria bidwillii Bunya Pine

Araucariaceae * Araucaria cunninghamii Hoop Pine

Bignoniaceae * Jacaranda mimosifolia Jacaranda

Casuarinaceae Casuarina glauca Swamp Oak

Cupressaceae * Cupressus sp. Flame Tree

Malvaceae * Brachychiton acerifolius

Moraceae Ficus microcarpa hillii

Myrtaceae * Corymbia citriodora Lemon-scented Gum X

Myrtaceae * Corymbia maculata Spotted Gum X

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus amplifolia Cabbage Gum X

Myrtaceae * Eucalyptus cladocalyx

Myrtaceae * Eucalyptus conica Fuzzy Box X

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus crebra Narrow-leaved Ironbark X

Myrtaceae * Eucalyptus melanophloia Silver-leaved Ironbark

Myrtaceae * Eucalyptus microcorys Tallowwood

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus moluccana Grey Box X

Myrtaceae * Eucalyptus nicholii Narrow-leaved Black

Peppermint

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus sideroxylon Mugga Ironbark

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus tereticornis Forest Red Gum X

Myrtaceae * Lophostemon confertus Brush Box

Myrtaceae Syncarpia glomulifera Turpentine

Sub-canopy

Anacardiaceae * Schinus areira Pepper Tree

Bignoniaceae * Jacaranda mimosifolia Jacaranda

Casuarinaceae Casuarina glauca Swamp Oak

Cupressaceae * Cupressus sp.

Fabaceae (Faboideae) * Castanospermum australe Black Bean X

Fabaceae (Faboideae) * Erythrina sp.

Fabaceae (Mimosoideae) Acacia decurrens Black Wattle X



19 JANUARY 2016

Family


CPW

Species

Lauraceae * Cinnamomum camphora Camphor Laurel

Malvaceae * Brachychiton acerifolius

Meliaceae * Melia azedarach White Cedar

Moraceae Ficus rubiginosa Port Jackson Fig

Myrtaceae * Corymbia citriodora Lemon-scented Gum X

Myrtaceae * Corymbia maculata Spotted Gum


Myrtaceae Eucalyptus crebra Narrow-leaved Ironbark X

Myrtaceae * Eucalyptus microcorys Tallowwood



Myrtaceae * Lophostemon confertus Brush Box

Myrtaceae Melaleuca quinquenervia Broad-leaved Paperbark

Myrtaceae Melaleuca styphelioides Prickly-leaved Tea Tree

Oleaceae * Ligustrum lucidum Large-leaved Privet

Oleaceae * Olea europaea subsp.

cuspidata

African Olive X

Proteaceae * Grevillea robusta Silky Oak

Proteaceae * Macadamia integrifolia Queensland Nut

Climbers/Vines

Apocynaceae * Araujia sericifera Moth Vine X

Araliaceae * Hedera helix English Ivy

Asparagaceae * Asparagus asparagoides Bridal Creeper X

Fabaceae (Faboideae) Desmodium varians Slender Tick-trefoil X

Fabaceae (Faboideae) Glycine clandestina X

Fabaceae (Faboideae) Glycine microphylla Small-leaf Glycine X

Fabaceae (Faboideae) Glycine tabacina X

Oleaceae * Jasminum polyanthum White Jasmine X

Solanaceae Solanum seaforthianum Climbing Nightshade X

Shrubs

Asteraceae Cassinia arcuata Sifton Bush X

Asteraceae * Osteospermum ecklonis Cape Daisy

Buxaceae * Buxus microphylla Japanese Box



19 JANUARY 2016

Family


CPW

Species

Casuarinaceae * Casuarina glauca Swamp Oak X

Chenopodiaceae Einadia trigonos Fishweed

Fabaceae

(Caesalpinioideae)

* Senna pendula X

Fabaceae (Faboideae) * Castanospermum australe Black Bean X

Fabaceae (Faboideae) Dillwynia sieberi X

Fabaceae (Faboideae) Indigofera australis Australian Indigo X

Fabaceae (Mimosoideae) Acacia decurrens Black Wattle X

Fabaceae (Mimosoideae) Acacia falcata Hickory Wattle X

Fabaceae (Mimosoideae) Acacia floribunda White Sally Wattle

Fabaceae (Mimosoideae) Acacia longifolia subsp.

longifolia

Sydney Golden Wattle

Fabaceae (Mimosoideae) Acacia parramattensis Parramatta Wattle X

Fabaceae (Mimosoideae) * Acacia podalyriifolia Queensland Silver Wattle X

Lythraceae * Lagerstroemia indica Crepe Myrtle

Malaceae * Cotoneaster glaucophyllus

Malaceae * Pyracantha crenulata

Meliaceae * Melia azedarach White Cedar X

Moraceae * Morus alba White Mulberry

Myrtaceae Callistemon citrinus Crimson Bottlebrush

Myrtaceae * Callistemon viminalis Weeping Bottlebrush

Myrtaceae * Corymbia ficifolia Albany Red Flowering Gum


Myrtaceae * Eucalyptus melanophloia Silver-leaved Ironbark X



Myrtaceae Kunzea ambigua Tick Bush X

Myrtaceae Syzygium australe Brush Cherry

Oleaceae * Ligustrum lucidum Large-leaved Privet

Oleaceae * Ligustrum sinense Small-leaved Privet

Oleaceae * Olea europaea subsp.

cuspidata

African Olive X

Pittosporaceae Bursaria spinosa Blackthorn X

Pittosporaceae Pittosporum undulatum Native Daphne X

Proteaceae Grevillea juniperina X

http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=fm&name=Casuarinaceae



19 JANUARY 2016

Family


CPW

Species

Proteaceae * Grevillea robusta Silky Oak

Sapindaceae Alectryon subcinereus Native Quince X

Sapindaceae Dodonaea viscosa subsp.

cuneata

Wedge-leaf Hop-bush

Solanaceae * Cestrum parqui Green Cestrum X

Ulmaceae * Ulmus glabra

Ulmaceae * Ulmus parvifolia Chinese Elm X

Verbenaceae * Lantana camara Lantana X

Dicots

Acanthaceae Brunoniella australis Blue Trumpet X

Aizoaceae Carpobrotus glaucescens Pigface

Apiaceae * Cyclospermum leptophyllum Slender Celery

Asteraceae * Arctotheca calendula Capeweed

Asteraceae * Bidens pilosa Cobblers Pegs X

Asteraceae * Bidens subalternans Greater Beggar's Ticks X

Asteraceae Calotis lappulacea Yellow Burr-daisy X

Asteraceae * Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle X

Asteraceae * Conyza sumatrensis Tall Fleabane

Asteraceae Cotula australis Common Cotula X

Asteraceae * Galinsoga parviflora Potato Weed

Asteraceae * Hypochaeris microcephala White Flatweed X

Asteraceae * Hypochaeris radicata Catsear

Asteraceae * Senecio madagascariensis Fireweed

Asteraceae * Soliva sessilis Bindyi

Asteraceae * Sonchus asper Prickly Sowthistle

Asteraceae * Sonchus oleraceus Common Sowthistle X

Asteraceae * Taraxacum officinale Dandelion X

Asteraceae Vittadinia cuneata Fuzzweed X

Brassicaceae * Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd's Purse

Brassicaceae * Cardamine hirsuta Common Bittercress

Caryophyllaceae * Cerastium glomeratum Mouse-ear Chickweed

Caryophyllaceae * Stellaria media Common Chickweed

Chenopodiaceae Einadia polygonoides X

Chenopodiaceae Einadia nutans subsp. nutans Climbing Saltbush X



19 JANUARY 2016

Family


CPW

Species

Chenopodiaceae Einadia trigonos X

Clusiaceae Hypericum gramineum Small St. John's Wort X

Convolvulaceae Dichondra repens Kidney Weed X

Fabaceae (Faboideae) * Lotus uliginosus Birds-foot Trefoil X

Fabaceae (Faboideae) * Medicago polymorpha Burr Medic

Fabaceae (Faboideae) * Trifolium repens White Clover X

Fabaceae (Faboideae) * Vicia sativa

Fumariaceae * Fumaria muralis Wall Fumitory

Lamiaceae * Stachys arvensis Stagger Weed X

Malvaceae * Malva parviflora Small-flowered Mallow X

Malvaceae * Modiola caroliniana Red-flowered Mallow X

Malvaceae * Sida rhombifolia Paddy's Lucerne X

Myrsinaceae * Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel

Oxalidaceae Oxalis perennans X

Plantaginaceae * Plantago lanceolata Lamb's Tongues X

Polygonaceae Rumex brownii Swamp Dock X

Polygonaceae * Rumex crispus Curled Dock

Rubiaceae * Galium aparine Goosegrass X

Scrophulariaceae Eremophila debilis Winter Apple X

Solanaceae * Solanum americanum Glossy Nightshade X

Solanaceae * Solanum nigrum Black-berry Nightshade X

Solanaceae * Solanum pseudocapsicum Madeira Winter X

Tropaeolaceae * Tropaeolum majus Nasturtium

Verbenaceae * Verbena bonariensis Purpletop X

Monocots (Grasses)

Poaceae Aristida ramosa Purple Wiregrass X

Poaceae * Bromus catharticus Prairie Grass X

Poaceae * Bromus sp.

Poaceae Chloris ventricosa Plump Windmill Grass X

Poaceae Cymbopogon refractus Barbed Wire Grass X

Poaceae * Cynodon dactylon Couch X

Poaceae * Ehrharta erecta Panic Veldtgrass X

Poaceae * Eragrostis curvula African Lovegrass X

Poaceae * Lolium perenne Perennial Ryegrass X



19 JANUARY 2016

Family


CPW

Species

Poaceae Microlaena stipoides Weeping Grass X

Poaceae Oplismenus aemulus Australian Basket Grass

Poaceae * Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum X

Poaceae * Poa annua Winter Grass

Poaceae * Pennisetum clandestinum Kikuyu Grass X

Poaceae * Pennisetum sp.

Poaceae Rytidosperma bipartitum Wallaby Grass X

Poaceae * Setaria parviflora X

Monocots (Others)

Alliaceae * Agapanthus

praecox subsp. orientalis

African Lily

Alliaceae * Nothoscordum borbonicum X

Araceae * Monstera deliciosa Fruit Salad Plant

Asparagaceae * Asparagus aethiopicus Ground Asparagus

Asphodelaceae Bulbine bulbosa Native Leek X

Commelinaceae Commelina cyanea Native Wandering Jew

Commelinaceae * Commelina sp.

Commelinaceae * Tradescantia fluminensis Wandering Jew X

Cyperaceae Carex inversa X

Cyperaceae Cyperus gracilis Slender Flat-sedge X

Doryanthaceae * Doryanthes excelsa Giant Lily

Iridaceae * Dietes bicolor X

Juncaceae Juncus usitatus X

Lomandraceae Lomandra filiformis subsp.

filiformis

Wattle Mat-rush X

Lomandraceae * Lomandra 'tanika' cultivar

Lomandraceae Lomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rush

Phormiaceae Dianella longifolia Blueberry Lily X

* denotes exotic species

CPW species are listed in Cumberland Plain Woodland’s Final Determination (OEH, 2011)



19 JANUARY 2016

Appendix B

Threatened Flora Likelihood of Occurrence

CUMBERLAND ECOLOGY © - GRANTHAM HERITAGE PARK B.1


19 JANUARY 2016

Table B.1 Threatened flora likelihood of occurrence within the subject site

Family Scientific Name Common Name TSC Act

Status

EPBC Act

Status

Records Habitat Requirements Likelihood of

Occurrence

Ecological

Community

Castlereagh Scribbly

Gum and Agnes Banks

Woodlands of the

Sydney Basin Bioregion

V E Suitable

habitat within

the locality

Occurs primarily in the Castlereagh area in

the north-west of the Cumberland Plain

Unlikely, not found

on site.

Ecological

Community

Cooks

River/Castlereagh

Ironbark Forest of the

Sydney Basin Bioregion

E CE Suitable

habitat within

the locality

Occurs predominantly in the Cumberland

Subregion between Castlereagh and Holsworthy,

as well as around the headwaters of the Cooks

River.

Unlikely, not found

on site.

Ecological

Community

Cumberland Plain

Shale Woodlands and

Shale-Gravel

Transition Forest

CE CE Suitable

habitat within

the locality

Occurs primarily in,

but not limited to, the Cumberland Sub-region.

Present.

Ecological

Community

Shale Sandstone

Transition Forest of the

Sydney

Basin Bioregion

CE CE Suitable

habitat within

the locality

Occurs on the edges of Cumberland Plain where

clay soils integrade with earthy and sandy soils

from sandstone.

Unlikely, not found

on site.

Ecological

Community

Turpentine-Ironbark

Forest in the Sydney

Basin

Bioregion

E CE Suitable

habitat within

the locality

Occurs on the higher altitude margins of the

Cumberland Plain on shale ridge caps of

sandstone plateaus.

Unlikely, not found

on site.

Ecological

Community

Western Sydney Dry

Rainforest and Moist

CE Suitable

habitat within

Occurs on shale soil in the Cumberland Plain

Sub-region of the Sydney Basin Bioregion.

Unlikely, not found

on site.



19 JANUARY 2016



Status

EPBC Act

Status


Occurrence

Woodland

on Shale

the locality

Apocynaceae Cynanchum elegans White-flowered Wax

Plant

E E Suitable

habitat within

the locality

Usually associated with dry rainforest vegetation

and in coastal communities. Can occur in clay

influenced woodland associated with Eucalyptus

tereticornis and Corymbia maculata.

Unlikely, although

Eucalyptus

tereticornis are

present, no

records from the

locality and not

recorded during

surveys.

Apocynaceae Marsdenia viridiflora

subsp. viridiflora

Marsdenia viridiflora R.

Br. subsp. viridiflora

population in the

Bankstown, Blacktown,

Camden,

Campbelltown,

Fairfield, Holroyd,

Liverpool and Penrith

local government

areas

E 1 Found in open shale woodland in vine thickets. Unlikely as only

one record from

the locality and no

suitable habitat is

present.

Casuarinaceae Allocasuarina glareicola E E Suitable

habitat within

the locality

Grows in Castlereagh woodland on lateritic soil

with Eucalyptus parramattensis, Eucalyptus

fibrosa, Angophora bakeri, Eucalyptus

Unlikely as no

records from the

locality and



19 JANUARY 2016



Status

EPBC Act

Status


Occurrence

sclerophylla and Melaleuca decora. Primarily

restricted to the Richmond (NW Cumberland

Plain) district, but with an outlier population found

at Voyager Point, Liverpool.

suitable habitat is

not present.

Fabaceae

(Mimosoideae)

Acacia bynoeana Bynoe's Wattle E V Suitable

habitat within

the locality

Found in heath and woodland on sandy soils.

Prefer open, sometimes slightly disturbed sites

such as trail margins, edges of roadside spoil

mounds and in recently burnt patches.

Associated overstorey species include Corymbia

maculata (Red Bloodwood), Eucalyptus

haemastoma (Scribbly Gum), Eucalyptus

parramattensis (Parramatta Red Gum), Banksia

serrata (Saw Banksia) and Angophora bakeri

(Narrow-leaved Apple).

Unlikely as no

records from the

locality and

suitable habitat is

not present.

Fabaceae

(Mimosoideae)

Acacia gordonii E E Suitable

habitat within

the locality

The species occurs on the lower eastern slopes

of the Blue Mountains, and within the Glenorie-

Maroota Area. It grows in dry sclerophyll forest

and heathlands amongst or within sandstone

outcrops.

Unlikely as no

records from the

locality and

suitable habitat is

not present.

Fabaceae

(Faboideae)

Pultenaea parviflora E V Suitable

habitat within

the locality

Endemic to the Cumberland Plain. Core

distribution is from Windsor to Penrith and east to

Dean Park. Found in scrubby/dry heath areas

within Castlereagh Ironbark Forest and Shale

Unlikely as no

records from the

locality and no

suitable habitat is



19 JANUARY 2016



Status

EPBC Act

Status


Occurrence

Gravel Transition Forest on tertiary alluvium or

laterised clays and in transitional areas where

these communities adjoin Castlereagh Scribbly

Gum Woodland.

present.

Fabaceae

(Mimosoideae)

Acacia pubescens Downy Wattle V V 6 Found in open woodland and forest, including

Cumberland Plain Woodland. Prefers gravely

soils often with ironstone.

Unlikely, although

suitable habitat is

present species is

easily identified

and was not

recorded on-site.

Geraniaceae Pelargonium sp.

Striatellum (G.W. Carr

10345)

Omeo Stork's-bill E E Suitable

habitat within

the locality

The species occurs in habitat located just above

the high water level of irregularly inundated or

ephemeral lakes. The habitat is the transitional

zone between grasslands and the wetland or

aquatic vegetation. During dry periods the

species spreads to colonise exposed lake beds. It

is only currently known from 4 locations, three of

which are on lake-beds within the basalt plains of

the Monaro, and the fourth at Lake Basalt.

Unlikely as no

records from the

locality and no

suitable habitat is

present.

Myrtaceae Darwinia biflora V V Suitable

habitat within

the locality

Occurs on the edges of weathered shale-capped

ridges, where these integrade with Hawkesbury

Sandstone.

Unlikely as no

records from the

locality and

suitable habitat is



19 JANUARY 2016



Status

EPBC Act

Status


Occurrence

not present.

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus nicholii Narrow-leaved Black

Peppermint

V V 1 Occurs in dry grassy woodland on shallow soils

of slopes and ridges. Prefers infertile soils

derived from granite or metasedimentary rock on

the lower slopes of the landscape.

Unlikely as only

one record from

the locality and no

suitable habitat is

present.

Myrtaceae Melaleuca deanei Deane's Melaleuca V V Suitable

habitat within

the locality

Grows in wet heath on sandstone, sandy soils

and woodlands.

Unlikely, although

suitable habitat is

present, species

was not identified

during surveys.

Myrtaceae Micromyrtus minutiflora E V Suitable

habitat within

the locality

Found in Castlereagh Scribbly Gum Woodland,

Ironbark Forest, Shale/Gravel Transition Forest,

open forest on tertiary alluvium and consolidated

river sediments.

Unlikely as no

records from the

locality and no

suitable habitat is

present.

Myrtaceae Syzygium paniculatum Magenta Lilly Pilly E V 1 Occurs on grey soils over sandstone and is

mainly restricted to remnant stands of littoral

rainforest along the coast.

Unlikely as only

one record from

the locality and no

suitable habitat is

present.

Orchidaceae Cryptostylis hunteriana Leafless Tongue- V V Suitable Occur in a wide variety of habitats including Unlikely as no



19 JANUARY 2016



Status

EPBC Act

Status


Occurrence

orchid habitat within

the locality

heathlands, heathy woodlands, sedgelands,

Xanthorrhoea spp. plains, dry sclerophyll forests

(shrub/grass sub-formation and shrubby sub-

formation), forested wetlands, freshwater

wetlands, grasslands, grassy woodlands,

rainforests and wet sclerophyll forests. Soils are

generally considered to be moist and sandy,

however, this species is also known to grow in

dry or peaty soils. Is associated with the

community Bloodwood / Scribbly Gum / Silver-top

Ash Forest on the South Coast. Species is known

to have occurrence associated with other

Cryptostylis species. Flowering occurs generally

from November to February.

records from the

locality and

associated

communities are

not present.

Orchidaceae Genoplesium baueri Yellow Gnat-orchid E E Suitable

habitat within

the locality

Grows in dry sclerophyll forest and moss gardens

over sandstone.

Unlikely as no

records from the

locality and

suitable habitat is

not present.

Orchidaceae Pterostylis gibbosa Illawarra Greenhood E E Suitable

habitat within

the locality

All known populations grow in open forest or

woodland, on flat or gently sloping land with poor

drainage. In the Illawarra region, the species

grows in woodland dominated by Eucalyptus

Unlikely as no

records from the

locality and no

suitable habitat is



19 JANUARY 2016



Status

EPBC Act

Status


Occurrence

tereticornis (Forest Red Gum), E. longifolia

(Woollybutt), and Melaleuca decora (White

Feather Honey-myrtle). Near Nowra, the species

grows in open forest of Corymbia maculata

(Spotted Gum), E. tereticornis, and E. paniculata

(Grey Ironbark). It is only visible above the

ground between late summer and spring, and

only when soil moisture levels can sustain its

growth. The species is currently only known to

occur at five sites three in the Illawarra, one near

Nowra, and one at Milbrodale in the Hunter

Valley.

present.

Orchidaceae Pterostylis saxicola Sydney Plains

Greenhood

E E Suitable

habitat within

the locality

The species occurs in small pockets of shallow

soil in flat areas on top of sandstone rock shelves

above cliff lines, or on mossy rocks in gullies.

Sclerophyll forest/woodland often occurs growing

above where the species occurs, on shale or

shale/sandstone transition soils. Flowering time is

from October to December. It is currently only

known to occur at five locations within western

Sydney: Georges River National Park, close to

Yeramba Lagoon, Peter Meadows Creek, and St

Marys Towers.

Unlikely as no

records from the

locality and no

suitable habitat is

present.



19 JANUARY 2016



Status

EPBC Act

Status


Occurrence

Proteaceae Grevillea juniperina

subsp. juniperina

Juniper-leaved

Grevillea

V 12 Found in Cumberland Plain Woodland and

Castlereagh Woodland often in small populations

on road verges. Grows on reddish clay to sandy

soils typically containing lateritic gravels.

Present.

Proteaceae Persoonia hirsuta Hairy Persoonia E E Suitable

habitat within

the locality

Found in dry sclerophyll forest, in open forest,

woodland, and heath on sandstone.

Unlikely as no

records from the

locality and site is

too degraded.

Proteaceae Persoonia nutans Nodding Geebung E E Suitable

habitat within

the locality

Occurs on aeolian and alluvial sediments in

woodland to dry sclerophyll forest, below 60 m

above sea level.

Unlikely as no

records from the

locality and no

suitable habitat is

present.

Rhamnaceae Pomaderris brunnea Rufous Pomaderris E V Suitable

habitat within

the locality

In the region, the species is only found in a very

limited area around the Colo, Nepean and

Hawkesbury Rivers, including the Bargo area and

near Camden. It grows in moist woodland or

forest on clay and alluvial soils of flood plains and

creek lines.

Unlikely as no

records from the

locality and no

suitable habitat is

present.

Rutaceae Asterolasia elegans E E Suitable

habitat within

the locality

Occurs on Hawkesbury sandstone growing

between sandstone boulders and rocky outcrops

found in sheltered forests on mid- to lower slopes

Unlikely as no

records from the

locality and



19 JANUARY 2016



Status

EPBC Act

Status


Occurrence

and valleys, e.g. in or adjacent to gullies which

support sheltered forest. It is currently only known

from 7 populations occurring in the hills north of

Maroota within a 22 km2 extent of occurrence.

suitable habitat is

not present.

Santalaceae Thesium australe Austral Toadflax V V Suitable

habitat within

the locality

Found in very small populations scattered across

eastern NSW. Occurs in grassland on coastal

headlands or grassland and grassy woodland

away from the coast. Often found in association

with Kangaroo Grass (Themeda australis).

Unlikely as no

records from the

locality and no

Kangaroo grass

recorded on-site

Thymelaeaceae Pimelea curviflora var.

curviflora

V V Suitable

habitat within

the locality

Occurs on ridge tops and upper slopes in open

forest and woodland on sandy soils derived from

sandstone, on shale/lateritic soils, and on

shale/sandstone transition soils.

Unlikely as no

records from the

locality and no

suitable habitat is

present.

Thymelaeaceae Pimelea spicata Spiked Rice-flower E E 122 Found on well-structured clay soils in

Cumberland Plain and Illawarra environments. In

the inland Cumberland Plain sites it is associated

with Grey Box and Ironbark. In the coastal

Illawarra it occurs commonly in Coast Banksia

open woodland with a better developed shrub

and grass understorey.

Potential as

suitable habitat

present and high

number of records

from the locality.

Note: V=vulnerable, E=endangered, CE=critically endangered



19 JANUARY 2016



19 JANUARY 2016

Appendix C

Threatened Fauna Likelihood of Occurrence

CUMBERLAND ECOLOGY © - GRANTHAM HERITAGE PARK C.1


19 JANUARY 2016

Table C.1 Threatened fauna likelihood of occurrence within the subject site

Class Family Scientific Name Common Name TSC Act

Status

EPBC Act

Status

Locality

Records

Habitat Requirements Likelihood of

Occurrence

Amphibians Hylidae Litoria aurea Green and Golden

Bell Frog

E V Suitable

habitat

within the

locality

The species is found in a wide range of

water bodies except fast moving streams.

It commonly inhabits disturbed sites such

abandoned quarries and mines, though

generally breeds in habitats that include

still, shallow, unpolluted water bodies, that

are unshaded, contain aquatic plants are

free of Mosquito fish and other predators,

with a range of diurnal shelter sites

(emergent aquatic vegetation).

Unlikely as not

recorded in the locality

and no suitable habitat

is present.

Amphibians Hylidae Litoria littlejohni Littlejohn's Tree

Frog

V V Suitable

habitat

within the

locality

Inhabits forest, coastal woodland and

heath, from 100 to 950 m above sea level.

It breed in rocky streams, still water in

dams, ditches, isolated pools, and

temporary pools where sufficient run-off

water is available.

Unlikely as not



is present.

Amphibians Hylidae Litoria raniformis Growling Grass

Frog

E V Suitable

habitat

within the

locality

Occurs amongst emergent vegetation in or

at the edges of still or slow flowing water

bodies.

Unlikely as not



is present.

Amphibians Myobatrachidae Mixophyes balbus Stuttering Frog E V Suitable

habitat

Typically found in association with

permanent streams through temperate

Unlikely as not




19 JANUARY 2016



Status

EPBC Act

Status

Locality

Records


Occurrence

within the

locality

and sub-tropical rainforest, and wet

sclerophyll forest. It is rarely found in dry,

open, tableland, riparian vegetation, and

moist gullies in dry forest.


is present.

Aves Accipitridae Hieraaetus

morphnoides

Little Eagle V 5 Occurs in open eucalypt forest, woodland

or open woodland. It nests in tall living

trees within a remnant woodlands.

Potential as recorded

in the locality. Site

lacks optimal habitat

but species could

utilise the site

periodically for

foraging purposes.

Aves Apodidae Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift Mig. Suitable

habitat

within the

locality

Almost an exclusively aerial species. Potential, but would

only forage aerially

overhead.

Aves Apodidae Hirundapus

caudacutus

White-throated

Needletail

Mig. Suitable

habitat

within the

locality

Almost an exclusively aerial species. Potential, but would

only forage aerially

overhead.

Aves Ardeidae Ardea alba Great Egret Mig. Suitable

habitat

within the

Usually inhabit open, freshwater wetlands

with low, dense vegetation. Will utilise

artificial habitats including pasture and

Unlikely as not


and site lacks suitable



19 JANUARY 2016



Status

EPBC Act

Status

Locality

Records


Occurrence

locality ploughed paddocks. habitat.

Aves Dasyornithidae Dasyornis

brachypterus

Eastern Bristlebird E E Suitable

habitat

within the

locality

Occurs in a variety of habitats including

sedgeland, heathland, swampland,

shrubland, sclerophyll forest and

woodland, and rainforest.

Unlikely as not

recorded in the

locality.

Aves Falconidae Falco subniger Black Falcon V 1 Species is widely distributed in NSW,

occurring in most inland regions.


in the locality. Species

could utilise the site

periodically for

foraging purposes.

Aves Meliphagidae Anthochaera

phrygia

Regent Honeyeater E E 1 Inhabits dry open forest and woodland,

particularly Box-Ironbark woodland, and

riparian forests of River Sheoak. These

woodlands have significantly large

numbers of mature trees, high canopy

cover and abundance of mistletoes. The

Regent Honeyeater is a generalist forager,

which mainly feeds on the nectar from a

wide range of eucalypts and mistletoes.

Unlikely as only one

record from the locality

and the site lacks

preferred habitat.

Aves Meliphagidae Grantiella picta Painted Honeyeater V V Suitable

habitat

within the

Occurs in Boree, Brigalow and Box-Gum

Woodlands and Box-Ironbarks. Feeds

primarily on mistletoe fruit and insects.

Unlikely as not


and preferred habitat



19 JANUARY 2016



Status

EPBC Act

Status

Locality

Records


Occurrence

locality is not present.

Aves Meropidae Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater Mig. Suitable

habitat

within the

locality

In Australia it is widespread, except in

desert areas, and breeds throughout most

of its range, although southern birds

move north to breed. The Rainbow Bee-

eater is most often found in open forests,

woodlands and shrublands, and cleared

areas, usually near water. It will be found

on farmland with remnant vegetation and

in orchards and vineyards. It will use

disturbed sites such as quarries, cuttings

and mines to build its nesting tunnels.

Potential as suitable

habitat is present.

Aves Monarchidae Myiagra cyanoleuca Satin Flycatcher Mig. Suitable

habitat

within the

locality

Found along the east coast of Australia in

tall forests, preferring wetter habitats such

as heavily forested gullies, but not

rainforests.

Unlikely as not



habitat.

Aves Muscicapidae Monarcha

melanopsis

Black-faced

Monarch

Mig. Suitable

habitat

within the

locality

Found along the coast of eastern

Australia, becoming less common further

south. The Black-faced Monarch is found

in rainforests, eucalypt woodlands,

coastal scrub and damp gullies. It may be

found in more open woodland when

migrating.

Unlikely as not



habitat.



19 JANUARY 2016



Status

EPBC Act

Status

Locality

Records


Occurrence

Aves Muscicapidae Monarcha

trivirgatus

Spectacled Monarch Mig. Suitable

habitat

within the

locality

Found along the entire eastern seaboard

of Australia. More often found where there

is thick understorey in rainforests, wet

gullies, waterside vegetation and also in

mangroves.

Unlikely as not



habitat.

Aves Muscicapidae Rhipidura rufifrons Rufous Fantail Mig. Suitable

habitat

within the

locality

Found in rainforest, dense wet forests,

swamp woodlands and mangroves,

preferring deep shade, and is often seen

close to the ground.

Unlikely as not



habitat.

Aves Neosittidae Daphoenositta

chrysoptera

Varied Sittella V 2 Eucalypt forest and woodlands, especially

with rough barked species, smooth-barks

with dead branches, mallee and acacia.

Nests in living trees and feeds off insects

in dead trees.




but species could

utilise the site

periodically for

foraging purposes.

Aves Psittacidae Lathamus discolor Swift Parrot E E 13 Migrates to the Australian south-east

mainland between March and October

where it inhabits areas with abundant

flowering eucalypts and lerps. Forests,

woodlands, plantations, banksias, street

trees and gardens.




but species could

utilise the site

periodically for



19 JANUARY 2016



Status

EPBC Act

Status

Locality

Records


Occurrence

foraging purposes.

Aves Strigidae Ninox connivens Barking Owl V 1 Occurs in woodlands, open forest,

including fragmented remnants and partly

cleared farmlands. It roosts in shaded

portion of tree canopies prefers areas

containing arboreal mammals for prey.



and the site lacks

preferred habitat.

Aves Strigidae Ninox strenua Powerful Owl V 3 Habitat for this species is widespread and

is primarily tall moist eucalypt forest of the

eastern tableland edge and the mosaic of

wet and dry sclerophyll forests occurring

on undulating gentle terrain nearer the

coast. Optimal habitat includes a tall shrub

layer and abundant hollows supporting

high densities of arboreal marsupials.

Pairs occupy large, probably permanent

home and nest in large hollows.




but species could

utilise the site

periodically for

foraging purposes.

Aves Tytonidae Tyto

novaehollandiae

Masked Owl V 2 Found in dry eucalypt forests and

woodlands. Often hunts along the edges

of forests such as roadsides.




but species could

utilise the site

periodically for

foraging purposes.



19 JANUARY 2016



Status

EPBC Act

Status

Locality

Records


Occurrence

Gastropoda Camaenidae Meridolum

corneovirens

Cumberland Plain

Land Snail

E 32 Primarily inhabits Cumberland Plain

Woodland (an endangered ecological

community). This community is a grassy,

open woodland with occasional dense

patches of shrubs. Lives under litter of

bark, leaves and logs, or shelters in loose

soil around grass clumps. Occasionally

shelters under rubbish.

Potential as high

number of records in

the locality and

suitable habitat is

present.

Gastropoda Camaenidae Pommerhelix

duralensis

Dural Woodland

Snail

E Suitable

habitat

within the

locality

Species occurs under rocks or inside

curled-up bark within communities in the

interface region between sandstone-

derived and shale-derived soils.

Unlikely as not



is present.

Mammalia Dasyuridae Dasyurus

maculatus

Spotted-tailed Quoll V E 6 Occurs in wide variety of habitats from

open woodland to rainforests in large

remnants. Dens in tree hollows, hollow

logs or rock crevices.

Unlikely as low


the locality and site

lacks suitable denning

habitat

Mammalia M Isoodon obesulus

obesulus

Southern Brown

Bandicoot (eastern)

E E Suitable

habitat

within the

locality

Occurs south of the Hawkesbury River in

heath or open forest with a heathy

understorey on sandy or friable soils.

Unlikely as not


and site lacks a heathy

understorey.

Mammalia Macropodidae Petrogale Brush-tailed Rock- E V Suitable Prefers rocky habitats, including loose Unlikely as not



19 JANUARY 2016



Status

EPBC Act

Status

Locality

Records


Occurrence

penicillata wallaby habitat

within the

locality

boulder-piles, rocky outcrops, steep rocky

slopes, cliffs, gorges, and isolated rock

stacks. Vegetation types associated with

the species include dense forest, wet

sclerophyll forest, vine thicket, dry

sclerophyll forest, and open forest.



is present.

Mammalia Molossidae Mormopterus

norfolkensis

Eastern Freetail-bat V 17 Inhabits dry and wet sclerophyll forests,

coastal woodland. Roosts in tree hollows

and buildings. Have been found roosting

under the bark of trees.


in the locality and

suitable habitat is

present.

Mammalia Muridae Pseudomys

novaehollandiae

New Holland Mouse V Suitable

habitat

within the

locality

Species inhabits heathlands, open

woodlands with a heath understorey, and

vegetated sand dunes, and lives

predominately in burrows, nocturnally

feeding on insects.

Unlikely as not



is present.

Mammalia Phascolarctidae Phascolarctos

cinereus

Koala V V Suitable

habitat

within the

locality

Found in eucalypt woodlands and forests. Unlikely as not



is present.

Mammalia Pteropodidae Pteropus

poliocephalus

Grey-headed Flying-

fox

V V 36 Occur in subtropical and temperate

rainforests, tall sclerophyll forests and

woodlands, heaths and swamps as well as

Likely. High number of

occurrences and

species likely uses the



19 JANUARY 2016



Status

EPBC Act

Status

Locality

Records


Occurrence

urban gardens and cultivated fruit crops. site for foraging

purposes as part of a

larger foraging range.

Mammalia Vespertilionidae Chalinolobus dwyeri Large-eared Pied

Bat

V V 1 The species is associated with areas

dominated by sandstone escarpments;

sandstone cliffs and fertile woodland

valley habitat occurring in close proximity

to each other is important for the species.

It roosts in cliff/escarpment areas and

forages in fertile forest. Roosting is

predominately in arch caves with dome

roofs, but has been observed in disused

mines shafts, overhangs, and disused

Fairy Martin nests.



and the site lacks

preferred habitat.

Mammalia Vespertilionidae Falsistrellus

tasmaniensis

Eastern False

Pipistrelle

V 6 Prefers moist habitats with trees taller than

20 m. Typically roosts in eucalypt hollows

but is also known to utilise loose bark and

buildings.

Unlikely as low



lacks preferred habitat.

Mammalia Vespertilionidae Miniopterus

schreibersii

oceanensis

Eastern Bentwing-

bat

V 28 Forages above the canopy and eats

mostly moths. Roosts in caves, old mines,

road culverts.

Potential as high


the locality and

suitable habitat is

present.



19 JANUARY 2016



Status

EPBC Act

Status

Locality

Records


Occurrence

Mammalia Vespertilionidae Myotis macropus Southern Myotis V 6 Roosts close to water in caves, mines,

tree hollows, storm water channels,

bridges, buildings or in dense foliage.

Forages over streams and pools catching

insects and fish.

Unlikely as low



lacks water.

Mammalia Vespertilionidae Scoteanax

rueppellii

Greater Broad-

nosed Bat

V 6 More commonly found in tall wet forest but

also occurs in dry eucalypt forest. Roosts

in tree hollows and buildings. Forages

along creek and river corridors.

Unlikely as low



lacks preferred habitat.

Reptilia Elapidae Hoplocephalus

bungaroides

Broad-headed

Snake

E V Suitable

habitat

within the

locality

Species occurs on exposed cliff edges

during autumn- spring and moves to

crevices or tree hollows within 500 m of

escarpments in summer.

Unlikely as not



is present.

Note: V=vulnerable, E=endangered, Mig.=migratory



19 JANUARY 2016

Appendix D

Assessments of Significance

CUMBERLAND ECOLOGY © - GRANTHAM HERITAGE PARK D.1


19 JANUARY 2016

D.1.1 Cumberland Plain Woodland

(a) In the case of a threatened species, whether the action proposed is likely to have an

adverse effect on the life cycle of the species such that a viable local population of

the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction.

Not applicable.

(b) In the case of an endangered population, whether the action proposed is likely to

have an adverse effect on the life cycle of the species that constitutes the

endangered population such that a viable local population of the species is likely to

be placed at risk of extinction.

Not applicable.

(c) In the case of an endangered ecological community or critically endangered

ecological community, whether the action proposed:

(i) is likely to have an adverse effect on the extent of the ecological community such

that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction, or

(ii) is likely to substantially and adversely modify the composition of the ecological

community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction.

The proposed development is unlikely to have an adverse effect on the extent of the

ecological community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction.

The proposed developments will not remove any of the community present and its local

occurrence within the subject site will persist.

As none of the community will be removed as a result of the proposed development, the

community will not be modified and will not be placed at risk of extinction. Additionally, the

community should not experience any significant indirect impacts of the proposed

development due to foot traffic within the community if the mitigation measures

recommended are implemented. Mitigation measures recommended include the installation

of fencing to demarcate the community and/or signage to educate park visitors on the

importance of the community.

(d) In relation to the habitat of a threatened species, population or ecological

community:

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

action proposed, and

(ii) whether an area of habitat is likely to become fragmented or isolated from other

areas of habitat as a result of the proposed action, and

(iii) the importance of the habitat to be removed, modified, fragmented or isolated to

the long-term survival of the species, population or ecological community in the

locality.



19 JANUARY 2016

The community’s extent will not be removed as a result of the proposed development and

any indirect impacts due to foot traffic are not likely to be significant if the recommended

mitigation measures are implemented.

The entire extent of the community will be retained as a result of the proposed development

and will not be fragmented or isolated from other areas of habitat further than current

conditions.

As none of the community will be removed, and indirect impacts in the form of ground

disturbance caused by park visitors are unlikely to be significant if fencing and/or signage is

posted, the proposed works are unlikely to impact on the long-term survival of the

community.

(e) Whether the action proposed is likely to have an adverse effect on critical habitat

(either directly or indirectly).

No critical habitat for this community has been identified by the Director-General of OEH.

(f) Whether the action proposed is consistent with the objectives or actions of a

recovery plan or threat abatement plan.

No recovery plan or threat abatement plans have been prepared for this community

specifically, however the Cumberland Plain Recovery Plan (DECCW, 2011) contains

objectives that are relevant to this community. The relevant objectives include:

To build a protected area network, comprising public and private lands, focused on

the priority conservation lands; and

To deliver best practice management for threatened species, populations and

ecological communities across the Cumberland Plain, with a specific focus on the

priority conservation lands and public lands where the primary management

objectives are compatible with conservation.

The proposed development supports both of these objectives as no Cumberland Plain

Woodland will be cleared and the community will be preserved within the subject site as a

park.

(g) Whether the action proposed constitutes or is part of a key threatening process or is

likely to result in the operation of, or increase the impact of, a key threatening

process.

The following key threatening processes (KTPs) are relevant to the proposed project:

Clearing of native vegetation.

The KTP of ‘Clearing of native vegetation’ is unlikely to further impact on habitat for this

community further than current conditions as the current extent of the community will be

retained. Native vegetation to be cleared is not within areas of Cumberland Plain Woodland.



19 JANUARY 2016

Conclusion

The proposed development is unlikely to negatively impact on this community as its current

extent will be entirely retained. Furthermore, the community should not experience any

indirect impacts as a result of the proposed development if the mitigation measures within

this report are adopted.

D.1.2 Threatened Flora

The following threatened flora species have been assessed collectively in the following

assessment of significance:

Grevillea juniperina subsp. juniperina – listed as vulnerable under the TSC Act;

Pimelea spicata – listed as vulnerable under the TSC Act;

Grevillea juniperina subsp. juniperina has been recorded within the northern section of the

subject site and Pimelea spicata is considered to have the potential to occur, primarily within

the best quality Cumberland Plain Woodland located within the northern section of the

subject site.




The proposed development is unlikely to have an adverse effect on the life cycle of either of

these species. The Grevillea juniperina subsp. juniperina individuals are located in the

northern section of the subject site, which also provides the only suitable habitat for Pimelea

spicata. The proposed development will not impact on either of these species as their

suitable habitat within the subject site is outside of the development footprint.





Not applicable.







Not applicable.



19 JANUARY 2016


community:







locality.

The proposed development will not remove potential or known habitat for either of these

species.

The proposed development is not likely to fragment or isolate any areas of habitat for these

species as no suitable habitat is being removed. Furthermore, Grevillea juniperina subsp.

juniperina already occurs within a fragmented landscape within the subject site.

The habitat to be removed is not considered to be important for these species’ long-term

survival as it is not seen as suitable for either species.



No critical habitat for these species has currently been identified by the Director-General of

OEH.



No national recovery plan or threat abatement plan has been developed for either of these

species.



process.



The KTP of ‘Clearing of native vegetation’ is unlikely to further impact on habitat for either of

these species further than current conditions as suitable habitat will not be cleared. Native

vegetation to be cleared is not within areas of Cumberland Plain Woodland, which is the

area most likely to provide suitable habitat for these species, and contains the two Grevillea

juniperina subsp. juniperina individuals.



19 JANUARY 2016

Conclusion

The proposed development is unlikely to negatively impact either of these two species as the

habitat most suitable for both will be entirely retained.

D.1.3 Birds

The following bird species have been assessed collectively in the following assessment of

significance:

Little Eagle (Hieraaetus morphnoides) – listed as vulnerable under the TSC Act;

Black Falcon (Falco subniger) – listed as vulnerable under the TSC Act;

Varied Sittella (Daphoenositta chrysoptera) – listed as vulnerable under the TSC

Act;

Swift Parrot (Lathamus discolor) – listed as endangered under the TSC Act and

EPBC Act;

Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua) – listed as vulnerable under the TSC Act; and

Masked Owl (Tyto novaehollandiae) - listed as vulnerable under the TSC Act.

All of these species have the potential to utilise the subject site on occasion for foraging

purposes only.




The subject site represents a small area of foraging habitat available to these potentially

occurring species in the locality. The proposed works will remove some suitable foraging

habitat for these species; however suitable habitat will be retained within the subject site and

the proposed development is not likely to have an adverse effect on the life cycle of these

species such that a viable local population would be placed at risk of extinction.





Not applicable.







19 JANUARY 2016



Not applicable.


community:







locality.

The proposed development will remove approximately 0.1 ha of potential foraging habitat for

these species.

The proposed project is not likely to fragment or isolate any areas of habitat for these

species, but will further encroach into available habitat. All of these bird species are highly

mobile and connectivity to suitable habitat on and off-site will remain.

The habitat to be removed is not considered to be important for these species’ long-term

survival. Suitable habitat will remain within the subject site and in the locality. Additionally,

connectivity to offsite habitat will remain intact for the duration of the proposed works.




OEH.



A recovery plan has been developed for Large Forest Owls which applies to the Powerful

Owl and Masked Owl. The relevant objectives of this recovery plan are outlined below:

Ensure the impacts on large forest owls and their habitats are adequately

assessed during planning and environmental assessment processes; and

Minimise further loss and fragmentation of habitat by protection and more informed

management of significant owl habitat (including protection of individual nest sites).



19 JANUARY 2016

The proposed development is in accordance with the recovery plan for these species as their

potential habitat is being adequately assessed and no significant owl habitat or individual

nests will be impacted.

No other recovery plans have been developed for any of the other species listed and no

threat abatement plans have been prepared for any of these species.



process.



The KTP of ‘Clearing of native vegetation’ may potentially impact habitat for this species

further than current conditions. However, the vegetation on the subject site is not considered

to constitute significant habitat for these species. As potential habitat within the subject site

and connectivity to offsite habitat will be retained, the clearing of native vegetation is not

likely to significantly impact habitat for these potentially occurring threatened species.

Conclusion

The proposed development will impact on potential foraging habitat for these species;

however none of the habitat to be removed is considered important for their long-term

survival. These species would likely only utilise the subject site for foraging purposes as part

of a broader foraging range and suitable habitat will be retained on-site and within the

locality. Therefore, the proposed development is unlikely to adversely impact the long-term

survival of a local population for any of these species.

D.1.4 Microbats

The following two microbat species area assessed collectively in the following assessment of

significance:

Eastern Freetail-bat (Mormopterus norfolkensis) – listed as vulnerable under the

TSC Act; and

Eastern Bentwing-bat (Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis) - listed as vulnerable

under the TSC Act.




The subject site represents a small area of habitat available to these potentially occurring

species in the locality. Although potential roosting and foraging habitat will be removed as a

result of the proposed development, better and more suitable habitat will be retained for

these species within the subject site, within the Cumberland Plain Woodland to the north.



19 JANUARY 2016

Additionally, no breeding habitat is present within on the subject site for the Eastern

Bentwing-bat. Therefore, the proposed development is unlikely to place a local population of

these species at risk of extinction.





Not applicable.







Not applicable.


community:







locality.

The proposed development will require the removal of approximately 0.1 ha of potential

habitat for these species.

The proposed development is not likely to fragment or isolate any areas of habitat for this

species, but will further encroach into available habitat. Both species are highly mobile and

connectivity to on-site and off-site vegetation will be retained.

The habitat to be removed as a result of the proposed development is not considered to be

important for these species’ long-term survival. Suitable habitat will remain within the subject

site and in the locality. Additionally, connectivity to offsite habitat will remain intact for the

duration of the development.





19 JANUARY 2016


OEH.



No recovery plan or threat abatement plans have been prepared for any of these species.



process.





to constitute significant habitat. As potential habitat within the subject site and connectivity to

offsite habitat will be retained, the clearing of native vegetation is not likely to significantly

impact habitat for this potentially occurring threatened species.

Conclusion

Although approximately 0.1 ha of potential habitat will be removed as a result of the

proposed development, the majority of this habitat is likely only utilised for foraging as part of

broader foraging range. Large areas of suitable foraging and roosting habitat will be retained

within the subject site, specifically within areas of Cumberland Plain Woodland in the north,

which provides the most optimal habitat for these species. Therefore, the proposed

development is unlikely to adversely impact the long-term survival of a local population of

either of these species.

D.1.5 Grey-headed Flying-fox




The subject site represents a small area of foraging habitat available for this potentially

occurring species in the locality. This species would likely only utilise the subject site

periodically as part of a much broader foraging range. As no camps are present and suitable

foraging habitat will be retained within the subject site and in the locality, the proposed

development is not likely to have an adverse effect on the life cycle of this species such that

a viable local population would be placed at risk of extinction.







19 JANUARY 2016

Not applicable.







Not applicable.


community:







locality.

The proposed development will result in the removal of approximately 0.1 ha of potential

foraging habitat for this species.

This species is highly mobile and capable of accessing habitat over long distances, therefore

the proposed development is not likely to fragment or isolate any areas of habitat for this

species, but will further encroach into available foraging habitat.

The habitat to be removed as a result of the proposed works is not considered to be

important for this species long-term survival as it only represents a small portion of foraging

habitat. Suitable foraging habitat will remain within the subject site and in the locality.

Additionally, no flying fox camps will be impacted on.




OEH.






19 JANUARY 2016



process.





to constitute significant habitat for this species as it only represent a small portion of foraging

habitat. As potential habitat within the subject site will be retained, the clearing of native

vegetation is not likely to significantly impact this potentially occurring threatened species.

Conclusion

The vegetation to be removed as a result of the proposed works would likely only be used by

this species periodically as part of a much broader foraging range. As no flying fox camp will

be impacted and suitable habitat will be retained within the subject site and the locality, the

proposed works are unlikely to adversely impact the long-term survival of a local population.

D.1.6 Cumberland Plain Land Snail

Surveys were conducted for the Cumberland Plain Land Snail and no individuals were

recorded. As such, a population is likely absent from the subject site and no individuals are

likely to be impacted. Nevertheless, the following Assessment of Significance assesses the

potential impacts of the project on this species as some suitable habitat is present.




The subject site represents a small area of habitat available to this potentially occurring

species in the locality. No trees that provide suitable habitat for the species will be removed

and the proposed development is unlikely to place a viable population at risk of extinction.





Not applicable.







19 JANUARY 2016



Not applicable.


community:







locality.

The proposed development will not remove any suitable habitat for this species.

The proposed project is not likely to fragment or isolate any areas of habitat for this species,

but may further encroach into available habitat. Connectivity to suitable habitat on and off-

site will remain.

No suitable habitat will be removed as a result of the proposed development. As only non-

suitable habitat will be cleared, this habitat is not important to the species long term survival

in the locality. Furthermore, all suitable habitat will be retained and additional suitable habitat

will be replanted as part of the Landscape Plan.



No critical habitat for this species has currently been identified by the Director-General of

OEH.






process.





19 JANUARY 2016

The KTP of ‘Clearing of native vegetation’ is unlikely to impact habitat for this species further

than current conditions. All suitable habitat within the subject site will be retained and the

clearing of non-suitable habitat is unlikely to have an impact on the species.

Conclusion

As no Cumberland Plain Land Snails were identified during surveys and all suitable habitat

will be retained, the proposed development is unlikely to have an adverse impact on this

species such that the long-term survival of a local population would be placed at risk of

extinction.

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