Great Lakes Aggregates (formerly Cambell's Quarry) Lot 1

EIS 1512

Great Lakes Aggregates (formerly Cambell's Quarry) Lot 1

DP830075 and Lot 63 DP731468, Parish of Tuncurry S102

Submission for: Great Lakes Council.

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GREAT LAKES AGGREGATES

(FORMERLY CAMPBELL QUARRY)

LOT 1 DP830075 AND LOT 63 DP731468,

PARISH OF TUNCURRY

S102 Submission

June, 1997 37029

ERM Mitchell McCotter Pty Ltd. A.C.N. 002 773 248. A member of the Environmental Resources Management Group.

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17 June, 1997

The General Manager Great Lakes Council P0 Box 450 FORSTER NSW 2428

Our Ref 37029

Attention: Roger Busby

Dear Roger,

RE: GREAT LAKES AGGREGATES (FORMERLY CAMPBELL'S QUARRY) LOT 1 DP 830075 AND LOT 63 DP 731468, PARISH OF TUNCURRY

INTRODUCTION

This letter forms the justification for an amendment to Great Lakes Council Development Consent No 5708 under the provisions of section 102 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

The subject quarry is located 15 kilometres north-west of Forster, off Bullocky Way (see Figure 1) and has been in operation for over 100 years. On 14 October 1992 Council granted development consent for the extension and operation of a crushing plant at the quarry. The quarry and the buffer area to the west and south (Lot 1 DP 830075) is owned by Mr Graham Campbell. Part of the quarry and access road are located in the old Bullocky Way road reserve which is owned by Council. The development consent for the quarry includes land to the immediate east of the quarry (Lot 63 DP 731468 and a public reserve) both of which are owned by Council. Mr Campbell has operated the quarry for the last 14 years. Hurd Haulage Pty Ltd, trading as Great Lakes Aggregates, is in the process of leasing the quarry from Mr Campbell and will take over the management and operation of the quarry.

I Hurd Haulage is an experienced and respected quarry operator with approvals to operate four quarries in the Hastings and Kempsey Local Government Areas. Hurd Haulage is a Quality Assured company under AS3902 and has a proven

I long-term record of successfully operating quarries utilising best management practices in quarry and environmental management.

I 37029 MC Mr Roger Busby 17-Jun-97 Pug. I

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ERM Mc( OTTER

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I Figure 1 LOCALITY PLAN

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I Hurd Haulage recognises the fact that the quarry is located in a sensitive area especially in relation to the location of the rural residential properties to the east.

I Hurd Haulage also recognises that for the quarry to continue operating in an efficient and cost effective manner a number of minor works in regard to environmental management and quarry area layout need to be addressed

Iimmediately. These works are the subject of this s102 amendment and include:

D creation of a slip lane for in only northbound traffic at the intersection of

Ithe quarry access road and Bullocky Way;

0 bitumen sealing of the quarry access road from the intersection at

IBullocky Way to the quarry pit entrance;

construction of bund walls along the eastern boundary of the road

Ireserve at two locations:

- from the quarry access road intersection with Bullocky Way north approximately 110 metres to the commencement of the existing

I vegetation screen; and

I- east of the temporary stockpile area from the intersection of the

quarry access road and the old Bullocky Way track north to above the southern portion of the existing eastern quarry face; and

1 clearing and extending the temporary stockpile area.

I Details of the Eight Point Check and SEPP 44 investigations undertaken over the areas to be disturbed by this proposal are provided in Appendix A. Details of each of the proposed works are described in the following sections.

I INTERSECTION UPGRADE

I It is proposed to provide a sliplane for northbound traffic entering the quarry access road. The lane will be one-way only with the existing intersection to be retained with its current configuration. The aim of the sliplane is to provide

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efficient and safe access to the quarry and to reduce potential conflicts and congestion at the existing intersection. A sketch of the proposed upgrade is shown in Figure 2. Features of the proposed upgrade include:

I the sliplane will have a four metre wide bitumen seal with one metre shoulders;

I I 1 37029 MC

Mr Roger Busby 17-Jun-97 Page 2

MITCHELL :ii McCOTTER

\ c Existing Vegetation Screen

\ " /

Resuaced Access Road

Landscaped Island

Bund Wail Approx 110 Metres Long

' 2 / Culvert Extension

• - VF Giveway Sign

\ \ a No Entry Sign

\ / 0 Speed Limit Sign

Truck Warning and Quarry Location Signs

Truck Entering Sign ISO Metres from Intersection

Truck Entering Sign 150 Metres from Intersection

Slipway Warning Sign 50 Metres from Sliplane Entry

rq White Line Marking

0 50 A me tres I I

Figure 2 INTERSECTION UPGRADE AND BUND WALL LOCATION

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the existing table drain that directs drainage from the western side of the quarry access road to the table drain on Bullocky Way will be used for drainage generated from the slip lane;

the existing pipe culvert that crosses under the intersection from the table drain on the eastern side of quarry access road will be extended under the slip lane;

LI the remaining island at the intersection will be landscaped with grass and low profile shrubs;

line-marking and signage proposed for the sliplane and the existing intersection will ensure traffic flow directions are complied with;

a speed limit sign (30 km/h) will be installed along the sliplane;

trucks entering signs will be installed at both approaches on Bullocky Way approximately 150 metres from the intersection. An additional truck warning sign will be installed at the intersection;

quarry identification signs will be installed at the intersection of the access road and Bullocky Way and at the intersection of Bullocky Way and Failford Road; and

I o a givewaij sign will be installed at the intersection for traffic exiting the

access road onto Bullocky Way.

The construction of the sliplane will involve minor clearing of roadside vegetation. A description of this vegetation is provided in Appendix A. This vegetation is not considered significant nor does it provide a significant habitat, as concluded in Appendix A.

Traffic entering the quarry via the sliplane will have a minimum sight distance of approximately 130 metres to pedestrians, horse riders etc that may be commuting on the western road verge of Bullocky Way. This sight distance is considered adequate for the safety of these commuters especially considering that the quarry traffic will be slowing to enter the quarry access road.

QUARRY ACCESS ROAD UPGRADE

It is proposed to upgrade the quarry access road by applying a bitumen seal from the intersection with Bullocky Road to the quarry pit. The aim of the upgrade is to provide efficient and safe access to the quarry and to reduce dust and noise impacts on the surrounding environment as well as reducing quarry truck maintenance costs.

37029 MC Mr Roger Busby 7-Jun-97 Pug, 3

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I The access road will have approximately a six metre seal with one metre shoulders. The upgrade of the quarry access road will require the removal of a small number of trees on the inside of the bend located at the intersection of the access road (see Figure 3) and the old Bullocky Road and at the small traffic island near the quarry pit entrance (see Figure 2). A description of this vegetation is provided in Appendix A. This vegetation is not considered significant nor does it provide a significant habitat, as concluded in Appendix A.

BUND CONSTRUCTION

It is proposed to construct bund walls along the eastern boundary of the road reserve at two locations:

from the quarry access road intersection with Bullocky Way north approximately 110 metres to the commencement of the existing vegetation screen; and

o east of the temporary stockpile area from the intersection of the quarry access road and the old Bullocky Way track north to above the southern portion of the existing eastern quarry face.

The aim of the bund walls is to provide additional visual screening and aid in further reducing noise and dust impacts on the residences located to the east of the quarry. A typical cross section of the bund walls is shown in Figure 4 and the locations of the bund walls are shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3. The bund walls will have the following design and construction features:

El constructed from overburden and topsoil sourced from the quarry site;

11 a maximum height of approximately three metres;

side slopes of between 1 V: 1H to 1 V : 2H;

stabilised by covering with bark chips or shredded wood scraps secured with chicken wire or by covering with hessian weed matting;

U planted with endemic native tree seedlings; and

El all runoff from the western sides of the bund walls will be directed to existing drainage systems, runoff from the eastern sides will join surface runoff flowing over the extensive grassland areas east of the quarry.

The stabilisation technique proposed has proved to be successful for similar bund walls constructed at a number of Hurd Haulage's other quarries. The

37029 MC Mr Roger Busby 17-Jun-97 Page 4

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Extent of existing vegetation

® Large Stag (to be retained) .

Area to be cleared by the proposal Umic

Bund Wall . ...-- . ...

ESERVF

\ :.MITCEIELL ERM McCOTTER

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Overburden Mound and Machinery dump

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I construction of the bund walls will not require extensive vegetation clearing. The bund wall near the quarry access road intersection and Bullocky Way will be located on a previously cleared area. The bund wall located east of the

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temporary stockpile area will be constructed on the old Bullocky Way track and other previously cleared areas behind the existing vegetation screen that runs along the eastern boundary of the road reserve. A description of vegetation

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disturbed by the construction of the bund walls is provided in Appendix A. This vegetation is not considered significant nor does it provide a significant habitat, as concluded in Appendix A.

I TEMPORARY STOCKPILE AREA

I A small temporary stockpile area is located between the quarry access road and the southern quarry rim. It is proposed to extend and re-form the stockpile area due to a number of issues:

I Q the layout of the existing quarry floor provides only minimal area for product stockpiles;

the existing temporary stockpile area also provides only limited storage;

I debris from surrounding vegetation that overhangs a significant portion of the temporary stockpile area is causing product quality problems especially in regard to the aggregate stockpiles;

I only a thin band of vegetation separates the temporary stockpile area and a cleared area that was the old Bullocky Way which at present is unusable for stockpiling quarry product; and

an unsightly old overburden stockpile area and old machinery storage

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area covered in vegetation regrowth are located adjacent to the northern boundary of the temporary stockpile area and need to be cleaned up.

The proposed extension of the temporary stockpile area will provide a workable area of 1.5 hectares compared to the existing 0.6 hectare site. The extension will result in more efficient quarry material handling and dispatching operations and improved product quality.

The work will be undertaken behind the existing vegetation screen located along theeastern boundary of the site. This vegetation plus the proposed vegetated bund wall will provide a visual screen between the temporary stockpile area and the residences to the east.

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Mr Roger Busby 17-Jun-97 Poge 5

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I Dust control measures including water spraying of exposed areas and not disturbing soils during high winds will be undertaken prior to final hardstanding of the stockpile area.

I The temporary stockpile area and the proposed extension are within the catchment of an existing quarry sedimentation basin. The proposal will not

Irequire additional erosion and sedimentation controls.

The proposed extension will require the clearing of approximately 0.7 hectares of

I vegetation. A description of this vegetation is provided in Appendix A. The hollow-bearing tree identified as significant in Appendix A will be retained to provide a resource for bats and birds, provided that it does not pose a safety risk

I to quarry workers. The remaining vegetation is not considered significant nor does it provide a significant habitat, as concluded in Appendix A.

ICONCLUSION

The work proposed in this application consists of minor upgrades to the existing

I quarry facilities. The work does not alter the purpose of the existing development and does not significantly impact on the environment. Implementation of the proposed work will result in a more efficient and safe

U quarry operation and will provide some improvements to the visual, acoustic and air quality amenity of the local residents.

I If you require any additional information or wish to discuss this application further please do not hesitate to contact me.

I L McCOTTER PTY LTD

I iiris Power

Project Director

I I I I 37029 MC

Mr Roger Busby 17-Jun-97 6

ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT AND EIGHT

PART TEST OF SIGNIFICANCE

Great Lakes Aggregate

For: HURD HAULAGE PTY LTD

June, 97 37029

I I S

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This report has been prepared in accordance with the scope of services described in the contract or agreement between ERM Mitchell McCotter Pty Ltd (ERMMM) and Hurd Haulage Pty Ltd. The report relies upon data, surveys, measurements and results taken at or under the particular times and conditions specified herein. Any findings, conclusions or recommendations only apply to the aforementioned circumstances and no greater reliance should be assumed or drawn by Hurd Haulage Pty Ltd. Furthermore, the report has been prepared solely for use by Hurd Haulage Pty Ltd and ERMMM accepts no responsibility for its use by other parties.

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/7 Approved by: Chris Power

PosiUon: Project Director

Si ed: 47 Date: y

/ ERM Mitchell McCotter Qualiti, Sijste,,,

37029 JUNE, 97

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page No.

INTRODUCTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION 1.1

ECOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS

2.1 ECOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS 2.1 2.1.1 Methodology 2.1 2.1.2 Vegetation Communities 2.1 2.1.3 Fauna Habitats 2.4

2.2 KOALA HABITAT ASSESSMENT 2.5

EIGHT PART TEST OF SIGNIFICANCE

3.1 INTRODUCTION 3.1 3.2 SPECIES CONSIDERED 3.2 3.3 RESULTS 3.4

3.3.1 Square-tailed Kite 3.5 3.3.2 Glossy Black Cockatoo 3.6 3.3.3 Powerful Owl 3.6 3.3.4 Masked Owl 3.6 3.3.5 Little Bent-wing Bat 3.7 3.3.6 Eastern Little Mastiff Bat 3.7 3.3.7 Greater Broad-nosed Bat 3.7 3.3.8 Large Bent-wing Bat 3.7 3.3.9 Brush-tailed Phascogale 3.8 3.3.10 Common Planigale 3.8 3.3.11 Squirrel Glider 3.8 3.3.12 Grevillea obtusiflora 3.9 3.3.13 Tetratheca juncea 3.9 3.3.14 Thesium australe 3.9

CONCLUSION

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LIST OF TABLES

Table 2.1 PLANT SPECIES RECORDED

Table 3.1 LIKELIHOOD OF THREATENED FAUNA AND FLORA SPECIES

37029 JUNE, 97

Page No.

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3.3

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IChapter 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION

I Hurd Haulage Pty, tradirtg as Great Lakes Aggregate operates a quarry at Failford (formerlly Campbell's Quarry), Lot 1 DP830075 and Lot 63 DP731468 Parish of Tuncurry. The subject quarry is located 15 kiometres north-west of Forster, off

I Bullocky Way.

It is proposed that a number of minor quarry works be undertaken which will involve the disturbance of vegetation at the site. These works include:

I 0 creation of a sliplane for in only northbound traffic at the intersection of the

quarry access road and Bullocky Way;

ID bitumen sealing of the quarry access road from the intersection at Bullocky

Way to the quarry pit entrance;

ID construction of bund walls along the eastern boundary of the road reserve at

two locations:

I- from the quarry access road intersection with Bullocky Way north

approximately 110 metres to the commencement of the existing vegetation screen; and

I - east of the temporary stockpile area from the intersection of the quarry access road and the old Bullocky Way track north to above the

Isouthern portion of the existing eastern quarry face; and

Ll clearing and extending the temporary stockpile area.

I An ecological assessment, including a SEPP 44 assessment, and an Eight Part Test of Significance are required to accompany the application to modify consent for the

Iproposed work.

The subject site for the assessment includes all land between the quarry access road

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and the quarry to the eastern boundary of Lot 63 DP731468. The site includes the roadside vegetation at the intersection of the quarry access road and Bullocky Way.

I 1 ERM MITCHELL McCOTTER

37029 / JUNE 1997 1.1

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I Chapter 2

I ECOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS

2.1 ECOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS

Investigations involved a review of relevant literature including reports, topographic maps and interpretation of 1:25,000 aerial photographs. A National Parks and Wildlife data search was conducted for the Camden Haven, Forster, Bulahdelah and Wingham 1:100 000 map sheets. A survey was undertaken on 28 May to produce a list of flora species on site and to determine vegetation communities and fauna habitats. A SEPP 44 Koala habitat assessment was also undertaken.

2.1.1 Methodology

The primary objectives of the flora survey were:

to map and describe the vegetation communities and fauna habitats on site;

and

to identify the likelthood of any threatened species;. and consequently to assess the likely impacts of the proposed development on identified species.

Vegetation analysis involved a general description of the plant communities using qualitative field observations and interpretation from aerial photographs. The random meander technique was used to identify communities and habitats and involvedwalking in a random manner through the study site, visiting the full range of potential habitats and identifying plant species.

2.1.2 Vegetation Communities

I Based on structural characteristics, one plant community has been identified on the subject site. This is Open Forest. A large component of the study site is an existing quarry stockpile area in which there are no plant species present.

I The structural characteristics and dominant species for each stratum within the Open Forest are discussed in the following section. A full list of plant species recorded is given at Table 2.1. The flora survey was as comprehensive as possible, but due to

I 37029 JUNE, 97 2.1

ERM MITCHELL McCOTTER

P seasonality, a difficulty in identifying plants not in flower or fruit occurred, therefore the species list is unlikely to be exhaustive.

i. Open Forest

Description: The canopy layer is sparse, and often is around 40% open. The tree stratum reaches to around a maximum height of 30 metres, although the majority of trees are relatively young and reach only to around 15 metres. The shrub layer is sparse, while the ground cover varies from sparse to moderate. Throughout this community there are open patches which have been cleared by quarry machinery.

Dominant Canopy Species: The canopy layer is dominated by various Eucalypts, including Blackbutt (Eucalyptus pilularis), Grey Ironbark (Eucalyptus paniculata) and Grey Gum (Eucalyptus propin qua - unconfirmed).

Dominant Understorey Species: The dominant species occurring in the shrub layer include Forest Oak (Allocasuarina torulosa) and various other woody shrubs.

Dominant Groundcover: Blady Grass (Imperata cylindrica) is most common throughout.

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Table 2.1 PLANT SPECIES RECORDED Common Name - Scientific Name

Lomandra Lomandra longifolia

Blady Grass Imperata cylindrica

Rice Flower Pimelea linfolia

Poa Poa sp.

Forest Oak AllocasucLrina torulosa

Grey Ironbark Eucalyptus paniculata

False Sarsparilla Harden bergia violuceae

Love Creeper Glycine clandestina

Love Creeper Glycine tabacina

Postman Vine Kennedia rubicunda

White Root Pratia purperescens

Wallaby Grass Danthonia sp.

Pink Bloodwood Corymbia intermedia

Red Bloodwood Corymbia gumnufera

Tallowwood Eucalyptus microcorys

Stringybark Eucalyptus sp.

Blackbutt Eucalyptus pilularis

Grey Gum Eucalyptus pro pin qua - unconfirmed. Wild Tobacco Solanum mauritianum

Bracken Pteridium esculentuni

Phyllanthus Phyllanthus gunnii

Scotch Thistle Onopordum acanthium

White Mahogany Eucalyptus acmenioides

Whisky Grass Andropogan virginicus

Rhodes Grass Chloris gayana

Paspalum Paspalum dilatatum

Purple Top Verbena bonariensis

Pink Lantana Lan tuna camura

Amaranthus Amaran thus sp.

Blackberry - Rubus hillii

ERM MITCHELL McCOTTER 37029 JUNE, 97

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I 2.1.3 Fauna Habitats

I Fauna habitats were assessed primarily using information from the vegetation survey. Field checking for evidence of fauna during the flora survey included:

I mammals: scats, diggings, burrows, footprints, tree scratchings and feeding incisions. Habitat features were also considered including amount of ground cover, extent of shrub and tree layers and the presence of mature habitat trees

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with hollows suitable for nesting. Native mammals directly sighted were recorded;

I D birds: bird species present were recorded. Vegetation structure was also taken into account, especially the extent and nature of the understorey,

Iground cover and canopy; and

El reptiles and amphibians: the availability of cover, shelter, basking sites and breeding sites.

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One fauna habitat has been identified on site. This is Forest. The quarry stockpile area may also provide a foraging habitat for birds and bats, and possibly a basking area for reptiles, however it is a modified environment created through human disturbance, therefore it has not been considered in this assessment.

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Forest

Vegetation Community: Open Forest.

Habitat Elements: A small number (approximately two to four) of old trees with hollows exist in this habitat type. Only one tree on site contains hollows with the capacity to support large hollow-dependant fauna. The small variety of flowering Eucalypts provides a nectar source for birds and insects. The insects in turn may attract insectivorous mammals. The fallen logs and branches in this habitat may provide a resource for reptiles and amphibians. The groundcover is generally moderate and may provide some cover for small terrestrial mammals.

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The majority of animals choose habitat based primarily on structural differences of vegetation communities, rather than detecting specific plant species differences. Structural characteristics include the height of the dominant layer, the number of distinctive layers and the density of vegetation. Many specialised faunal groups may depend upon specific micro-climatic characteristics to survive. Any activity which changes the structure or cover of vegetation will, in turn, change the faunal habitat characteristics and may result in modifications to the composition of fauna within an area.

I 37029 JUNE, 97 2.4 ERM MITCHELL McCOTTER

I I Degree of Naturalness: This habitat is urmatural and generally of reduced value to

native fauna. Weed species are prevalent and evidence of disturbance by quarry machinery is predominant throughout the site. Vehicle dumping has also occurred

I on site. The site appears to have been burned approximately three to five years previously.

I Native fauna species observed on site include the Laughing Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae), Grey Fantail (Rhipidurafuliginosa), Willy Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys), Magpie Lark (Grallina cyanoleuca) and Pied Butcherbird (Cracticus nigrogularis).

I Wallaby and rabbit scats were noted on site.

2.2 KOALA HABITAT ASSESSMENT

I In the investigation of Koala habitat in accordance with SEPP 44, potential Koala habitat is the trigger for an investigation into whether the site contains core Koala

I habitat.

Potential Koala habitat is defined as:

I areas of native vegetation where trees of the types listed in Schedule 2 of the Policy constitute at least 15 per cent of the total number of trees in the upper or

Ilower strata of the tree component.

From this perspective if the study site contains potential Koala habitat then further investigations are necessary to determine if the study site contains core Koala

I habitat.

I Core Koala habitat is defined as:

an area of land with a resident population of Koalas, evidenced by attributes such as breeding females (that is, females with young) and recent sightings of,

I and historical records, of a population.

After a site investigation, it was determined that the majority of the site did not

1 contain trees listed on Schedule 2 of SEPP 44, however the species of Grey Gum on site could not be confirmed due to an absence of fruiting material. Eucalyptus

I punctata, which is a species of Grey Gum, is listed on Schedule 2 of SEPP 44. It is possible that the Grey Gum on site is Eucalyptus punctata, however it is more likely that it is Eucalyptus pro pin qua, which is not a Schedule 2 tree species. Therefore in

I order to confirm that the site did not contain Koala habitat, a scat search was undertaken. No scats could be found. Quarry staff were approached to find out whether they had seen Koalas on the site. None of the quarry staff have ever sighted

I Li 37029 JUNE, 97

2.5 ERM MITCHELL McCOTTER

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a Koala in the study site. The study site does not contain Koala habitat in accordance with SEPP 44.

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2.6 ERM MITCHELL Mcc0TTER

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Chapter 3

I

EIGHT PART TEST OF SIGNIFICANCE

I 3.1 INTRODUCTION

1 The Threatened Species Conservation Act, 1995 (TSC Act) commenced on the 1st January 1996, and replaced the legislative scheme introduced by the Endangered Fauna (Interim Protection) Act, 1991. The TSC Act made substantial amendments to

I the National Parks and Wildlife Act, 1974 (NPW Act) and the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 (EP&A Act). The new Section 5A of the EP&A Act, 1979 sets out eight factors to be considered in deciding whether there is likely to

I be a significant effect on threatened species, populations or ecological communities, or their habitats. This assessment will determine whether a Species Impact Statement is required. The issues to be considered are:

a in the case of a threatened species whether the life cycle of the species is likely to be disrupted such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk

Iof extinction;

b in the case of an endangered population, whether the life cycle of the species that

I constitutes the endangered population is likely to be disrupted such that the viability of the population is likely to be significantly compromised;

I c in relation to the regional distribution of the habitat of a threatened species, population or ecological community, whether a significant area of known habitat is to be modified or removed;

I d whether an area of known habitat is likely to become isolated from currently interconnecting or proximate areas of habitat for a threatened species, population or

I ecological community;

e whether critical habitat will be affected;

f whether a threatened species, population or ecological community, or their habitats, are adequately represented in conservation reserves (or other similar protected areas) in the region;


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g whether the development or activity proposed is of a class of development or activity that is recognised as a threatening process; and

It whether any threatened species, population or ecological communiiij is at the limit of its known distribution.

3.2 SPECIES CONSIDERED

In undertaking the eight part test, a number of flora and fauna species have been considered. Table 3.1 lists these species and documents their habitat and likelihood of occurrence based upon habitat preference and known occurrence on the site and within the region. Only those species given a moderate to high chance of occurrence on the study site have been considered for the eight part test.

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- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Table 3.1 LIKELIHOOD OF THREATENED FAUNA AND FLORA SPECIES

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME HABITAT LIKELIHOOD OF OCCURRENCE Square-tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura Open forests, riverine woodlands, scrubs and Moderate due to suitable habitat in the locality

heathlands. and recorded occasionally in the region. Glossy Black Cockatoo Cal yptorhyn cus lathamz Forest and woodland. Moderate due to suitable habitat in the locality

and recorded occasionally in the region. Powerful Owl Ninox strenua Wet and Dry Sclerophyll forest, with optimum Moderate due to sub-optimum habitat on site

habitat being tall, dense mountainous eucalypt and recorded occasionally in the region. forest.

Masked Owl Tyto novaehollandtae Forests, woodlands and caves. Moderate due to suitable habitat in the locality and recorded occasionally in the region.

Little Bent-wing Bat Miniopteris australis Wet and dry sclerophyll forests and rainforests. Moderate due to suitable habitat in the locality and recorded occasionally in the region.

Eastern Little Mastiff Bat Morniopterus australis Sclerophyll forest and woodland. Forages in Moderate due to suitable habitat in the locality clearings, and recorded occasionally in the region.

Greater Broad-nosed Bat Scoteanax repeal Wet and dry sclerophyll forests and rainforests. Moderate due to suitable habitat in the locality and recorded occasionally in the region.

Large Bent-wing Bat Mznzopterus schreibersii Wet and dry sclerophyll forests and rainforests. Moderate due to suitable habitat in the locality and recorded occasionally in the region.

Brush-tailed Phascogale Phasco gale tapoatafa Dry and wet sclerophyll forests, usually in areas Moderate due to a small amount of sub- with sparse groundcover. optimum habitat on site.

Common Planigale Plani gale maculatus Rainforest, sclerophyll forests and grasslands, Moderate due to some amount of suitable marshlands and rocky areas. habitat on site and known occurrence in the

region. Squirrel Glider Petaurus norfolcensis Dry sclerophyll forest and woodland. Moderate due to some amount of suitable

habitat on site and known occurrence in the region.

Grevillea Grevillea obtusiflora Dry sclerophyll forest and woodland, mostly on Moderate due to poor quality habitat on site, but acidic substrates, not recorded during the survey.

Tetratheca Tetrathecajuncea Sandy and swampy heath, dry sclerophyll Moderate due to poor quality habitat on site, but forests with a xeromorphic understorey. not recorded during the survey.

Austral Toad Flax Thesium australe Grasslands, grassy heaths and eucalypt Moderate due to poor quality habitat on site, but woodlands in which Kangaroo Grass (Themeda not recorded during the survey. australis) occurs.


37029 JUNE, 1997 3.3

I

I3.3 RESULTS

I Each of the eight matters for consideration under the eight part test is addressed below.

I (a) Refer to individual species discussed below for further details.

I TSC No relevant endangered populations have been listed on the Schedules to the

Act, 1995, hence they were not considered in this report.

I There is no known habitat on the study site for threatened species, however a

comprehensive sampling regime has not been undertaken. No relevant threatened populations or ecological communities have been listed on the Schedules to the TSC Act, hence they could not be considered in this

I assessment.

I(d) As above.

(e) There is no critical habitat listed on the Schedules to the TSC Act, hence it

Icould not be considered in this assessment.

(/9 No threatened species, populations or ecological communities were

I identified on the study site, or even given a high likelihood of occurrence, however a general discussion of the status of conservation reserves in the region has been provided below, in order to illustrate the regional

I significance of threatened species habitat on site.

The Australian Nature Conservation Agency (ANCA) has developed a

I system of interim biogeographical regionalisation for Australia (IBRA). This system was developed for the purpose of establishing a national comprehensive system of parks and reserves. A biogeographic region can be

I defined as "a complex land area composed of a cluster of interacting ecosystems that are repeated in similar form throughout." (Thackway and Cresswell, 1995). A

I biogeographic region describes the dominant landscape, scale of climate, lithology, geology, landforms and vegetation. IBRA has been derived by a combination of expert field ecological knowledge and interpretation of existing State and Territory regionalisations. In May 1996 the Director

I General of NPWS gave notice that pursuant to section 4 (1) of the TSC Act 1995, and section 4 (6A) of the EPzA Act 1979, the national system of

I biogeographic regionalisation, identified in Thackway and Cresswell (1995), is appropriate for the purposes of the provisions in which the term 'region' is used.

I I ERM MITCHELL McCOTTER

37029 JUNE97 3.4

I

I Biogeographic regions provide a framework for summarising patterns in nature conservation. They are an 'ecologically meaningful' approach to defining a region, as they are based upon a conceptual model which seeks to

I describe and explain regional patterns of biological diversity and productivity. For the purposes of this report, the NSW North Coast Region (as defined by Thackway and Cresswell, (1995)), is the biogeographic region

I used to determine the broader regional significance of the study site.

This region has been given the IBRA code NNC and the IBRA name NSW

I North Coast. The boundaries of this region are illustrated on the map "Boundaries of IBRA Regions", ANCA, 23 March 1995, Map Version 4.0.

I Thackway and Cresswell (1995) have determined the reservation status within each interim biogeographic region by calculating the relative area of

I each region conserved in protected areas. The NSW North Coast (NNC) biogeographic region covers 60,794 square kilometres. In the NNC region, reserved areas account for 5-10% of the total area.

I The NSW component of the NNC region is documented as having indigenous ecosystems present but co-existing with pastoral/timber

I industries. Thackway and Cresswell's assessment indicates that there is an inadequate representation of reserves in the NNC region, hence if it was determined that a threatened species or population was known to utilise the

I study site, or given a high likelihood of occurrence, and it was to be significantly affected by the proposed development, Council should consider that when determining the proposal. However, no threatened species have

I been given a high likelihood of occurrence on site and it is unlikely that the proposed development will significantly affect any threatened species or

' population (details in Section 3.2).

(g) There are no recognised threatening processes listed on the Schedules to the TSC Act, hence they could not be considered for this assessment.

(Ii) Refer to individual species discussed below.

3.3.1 Square-tailed Kite

a.If the site is utiuised by this species, it is likely to be for hunting purposes as part of a larger home range. No nest was observed on the study site. Given the mobility of the species, it is unlikely that the proposal will disrupt the lifecycle of this species to the extent that a viable local population may be placed at risk of extinction.

I


37029 JUNE, 97 3.5

I

j I h. This species is found from Victoria through to northern Queensland,

therefore it is not at the limit of its known distribution.

I 3.3.2 Glossy Black Cockatoo

I a. The study site may provide a relatively insignificant pocket of a larger home range for this species due to the presence of a small number of suitable feed tree species on site. This species may utilise the large tree hollow on site for roosting,

I although no evidence of this was observed during the field survey. Because of the poor quality of habitat on site and the mobility of this species, it is unlikely that the proposal will disrupt the life cycle of the Glossy Black Cockatoo to the extent that it

1 contributes to the extinction of a localised population of the species.

h. This species range extends from southern Queensland to southern Victoria,

I hence it is not at the limit of its known distribution.

I 3.3.3 Powerful Owl

a. This species may use the large tree hollow on the study site for roosting,

I although no evidence of owl roosts was observed on site during the field survey. Because of the poor condition of the habitat on site and the mobility of this species, it is unlikely that the proposal will disrupt this species' lifecycle to the extent that a

I local population may be placed at risk of extinction.

h. The Powerful Owl is found from southern Queensland through to southern

I Victoria, hence it is not at the limit of its known range.

1 3.3.4 Masked Owl

a. This species may use the large tree hollow on the study site for roosting,

I although no evidence of owl roosts was observed on site during the field survey. Because of the poor condition of the habitat on site and the mobility of this species, it is unlikely that the proposal will disrupt this species' lifecycle to the extent that a

I local population may be placed at risk of extinction.

h. The Masked Owl is found from southern Queensland to southern Victoria, hence it is not at the known limit of its distribution.

I I I

37029 JUNE, 97


I

I3.3.5 Little Bent-wing Bat

a. This species roosts in caves and forages over wet and dry sclerophyll forests.

I There are no caves on the study site. It is also highly mobile, therefore it is unlikely that the proposal will disrupt the life cycle of this species to the extent that a viable population may become extinct.

I h. This species ranges from far north Queensland to the mid north coast of NSW, hence it is at the approximate southern limit of its known range.

I 3.3.6 Eastern Little Mastiff Bat

a. This species may rely upon the tree hollows on the study site for roosting. Eastern Little Mastiff Bats are known to occupy sclerophyll forests and woodland with small colonies being found on occasion within tree hollows and under loose bark. Because of the poor quality of the habitat on site, as well as the mobility of this species, the proposal is unlikely to disrupt the life cycle of this species to the extent that a viable local population may be placed at risk of extinction.

h. This species ranges from southern Queensland to the southern coast of NSW hence it is not at the limit of its known distribution.

3.3.7 Greater Broad-nosed Bat

a. This species roosts in tree hollows. The small number of hollow-bearing trees may contain suitable roosting hollows. Because of the poor quality of the habitat on site and the mobility of this species, the proposal is unlikely to disrupt the lifecycle of the species to the extent that a local viable population may be placed at risk of extinction.

h. This species is found from northern Queensland, south to Victoria, hence it is not at the known limit of its distribution.

3.3.8 Large Bent-wing Bat

a. This species roosts in caves and forages over wet and dry sclerophyll forests. There are no caves on the study site and this species is highly mobile, therefore it is unlikely that the proposal will disrupt the life cycle of this species to the extent that a viable local population may become extinct.

I I 37029 JUNE, 97


I I I I I I I I I I I

I

I h. This species ranges from northern Australia (M. s. orianae) and from northern Queensland down to southern Victoria/South Australia (M. s. blepotis) therefore the Large Bent-wing Bat is not at the limit of its known distribution.

I 3.3.9 Brush-tailed Phascogale

I a. This species may utilise the free hollows on site for roosting. This species has a considerably larger home range than that which is proposed to be cleared. In

I addition, there is more robust habitat to the west of the quarry pit, therefore it is unlikely that the proposal will have a significant impact on this species to the extent

I that a viable local population may be placed at risk of extinction.

h. This species occurs in scattered locations along the east coast, from northern Queensland through to southern Victoria, hence it is not at the limit of its known distribution.

3.3.10 Common Planigale

a. Habitat selection by this species is based primarily upon surface cover

I (Andrews and Settle, 1992). The habitat on site is generally of poor quality for this species due to its being heavily disturbed. It is unlikely that any viable population relies upon the study site as a home range. Therefore the proposal is unlikely to

I disrupt the life cycle of the species such that a viable local population may be placed at risk of extinction.

Ii. This species occurs from Cape York south to approximately Sydney, hence it is not at the limit of its known distribution.

3.3.11 Squirrel Glider

a. This species roosts in free hollows in dry sclerophyll forest and woodland. The habitat on site for this species is generally of low quality, particularly when compared to habitat west of the quarry pit. In addition, it is proposed to clear an area which is considerably smaller than this species' home range, therefore it is unlikely that the proposed development will impact upon this species to the extent that a local viable population may be placed at risk of extinction.

Ii. This species occurs from northern Queensland through to southern Victoria; being most common west of the Great Dividing Range. It is therefore not at the limit of its known distribution.

I 37029 JUNE, 97 3.8


I I I I I I I

I

I3.3.12 Grevillea obtusifiora

a. This species was not identified during the field survey. The subject site

U provides sub-optimum habitat which is small in area, therefore if this species occurs on site, it is likely to occur in forest surrounding the site. The proposal therefore would be unlikely to affect the lifecycle of this species to the extent that a viable local

Ipopulation would be placed at risk of extinction.

h. This species has a scattered distribution on the central and northern tablelands of NSW, hence it is not at the limit of its known distribution.

3.3.13 Tetratheca juncea

a. This species was not identified during the field survey. The subject site

I provides sub-optimum habitat which is small in area, therefore if this species occurs on site, it is likely to occur in forest surrounding the site. The proposal therefore would be unlikely to affect the lifecycle of this species to the extent that a viable local

I population would be placed at risk of extinction.

h. This species has been recorded chiefly south of the subject site, therefore it

I may be close to the northern limit of its distribution at the subject site.

3.3.14 Thesium australe

a. This species was not recorded during the field survey. Because of the poor

I quality of the habitat on site, and the availability of more suitable habitat within the region, it is unlikely that the proposed development will cause the extinction of a

I viable local population of this species on the study site, if it occurs.

h. This species is found on the north coast, central coast, northern tablelands, southern tablelands and the north western slopes, hence it is not at the limit of its

I known distribution.

I I I I I

37029 JUNE, 97 3.9


I

I Chapter 4

I CONCLUSION

I The study site is highly modified and does not provide high quality habitat for threatened species. There is a very small number (between two and four) large

Ihollow-bearing frees remaining over the total study site.

The SEPP 44 Koala habitat assessment indicated that the study site did not contain

I core Koala habitat. It is possible that Koalas use the adjacent forest land, however the study site is too highly disturbed to constitute a significant part of any home range of either an individual or population of Koalas.

I The most significant impact is likely to result from pollution of the adjacent bushland by quarry activities. Therefore, mitigation measures should be

I implemented to prevent pollution from degrading the forest adjacent to the study site. Only one significant hollow-bearing free was identified on the site. This is a large dead stag near the entrance to the stockpile area. This stag should be retained

I to provide a resource for bats and birds, provided that it does not pose a safety risk to quarry workers. Any landscaping which occurs as part of the project should use locally endemic plant species so that the integrity of surrounding bushland is not

I compromised by weed invasion. Provided these safeguards are implemented, it is unlikely that the proposed quarry expansion will have a significant impact on any species of threatened flora or fauna.

I n I I I I ERM MITCHELL McCOTTER

37029 JUNE, 97 4.1

V

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Documents

Great Lakes Aggregates (formerly Cambell's Quarry) Lot 1