Hibbertia - environment.gov.auenvironment.gov.au/system/...ad3e-4e4a-853a-15d65cb92bab/files/...info.pdfSurvey of Hibbertia sp. Bankstown population current condition 2.1. Site description

SUITE 4, 2-4 MERTON ST SUTHERLAND NSW 2232 | PO BOX 12 SUTHERLAND NSW 1499 T | 1300 646 131

ACT | NSW | NT | QLD | WA

ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD

ABN 87 096 512 088

www.ecoaus.com.au

Kelly Thomas

Environment Manager

Bankstown Airport Limited

15HAR-1556

9 July 2015

Dear Kelly,

Inspection and review of the Hibbertia sp. Bankstown population at Bankstown Airport

Eco Logical Australia (ELA) has been asked to assist Bankstown Airport in renewing its Licence Applications to

the Commonwealth Department of the Environment (DoE) and NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH)

to continue its program of maintenance mowing of the Hibbertia sp. Bankstown population in Area 5 of

Bankstown Airport. The existing permit held by Bankstown Airport Limited expired on 30 March 2015. To

support the application ELA has been asked to inspect the population and its habitat, quantify the presence of

weed species compared to previous findings and provide a review / assessment of the current management

regime.

1. Background

A population of Hibbertia sp. Bankstown, also known as Hibbertia glabrescens ms and Hibbertia puberula

subsp. Glabrescens, is located within the northwest precinct of Bankstown Airport (Area 5), in a grassed area

adjacent to Rabaul Road. This population, which comprises four sub-populations is presently only known to

occur at this location. Hibbertia sp. Bankstown is listed as Critically Endangered under the Environment

Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC) 1999 and the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act

(TSC) 1995.

Geoff Cunningham was instrumental in the discovery of this species and he compiled two detailed reports on

the extent and status of this species (E2007-0004 Cunningham Report 1–Hibbertia.pdf; E2007-0007

Cunningham Report 2–Hibbertia.pdf).

The most recent report which directed management actions under the Expired E2010-10110 2010 permit was

‘Management of Hibbertia glabrescens sp. Populations at Bankstown Airport – revised management advice’

(15 March 2010) prepared by B.J. Conn, National Herbarium of New South Wales (Appendix D).

Recommendation 5 of this report advised against Cunningham’s recommendations for translocation of

specimens.

All reports agree that any development at this site would be detrimental to the Hibbertia sp. Bankstown

population.

Greg Steenbeeke, Senior Threatened Species Officer of Threatened Species Unit of the NSW Office of

Environment and Heritage (OEH) advised ELA that Hibbertia sp. Bankstown is part of the Save our Species

(SOS) project run by OEH, with a possible translocation site/s in Bankstown. See online

(http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/savingourspeciesapp/ManagementSite.aspx?SiteID=325)

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/savingourspeciesapp/ManagementSite.aspx?SiteID=325


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Peter Cuneo of the PlantBank facility at Australian Botanic Gardens, Mount Annan which has been established

to collect and store seed for the conservation of Australian native species has confirmed that they hold a

collection of 1280 seeds of Hibbertia sp. Bankstown, collected in 2009 by Richard Johnstone and Graeme

Errington.

Bankstown Airport advises that vegetation maintenance works within the Hibbertia Management Area (HMA)

and the surrounding sections of Area 5 are undertaken in accordance with Bankstown Airport's: ‘Vegetation

Management Procedure 1.1 Vegetation Management – General’ and ‘Procedure 1.2 Vegetation Management -

Listed Species and Ecological Communities’, as well as the conditions of relevant permits.

2. Survey of Hibbertia sp. Bankstown population current condition

2.1. Site description

Area 5 is a roughly trapezium shaped area of grassland approximately 5.5 ha in size (Error! Reference source

not found.). The grassland is bordered by wooded elements alongside of a creek / drainage line to the south

and Rabual Road to the north, a security fence to the east (short point of trapezium) and grassland to the west.

Native shrub and canopy species, particularly Kunzea ambigua were observed emerging along the northern and

southern edges of the area. Lower lying areas or drainage channels were observed across the site. Area 5 is

enclosed by locked cyclone fencing, preventing public access.

For management purposes, Area 5 is divided into two areas. These areas are defined by clearly marked by

metal star pickets. The rectangular area enclosed by the metal star pickets, the Hibbertia Management Area

(HMA) is 1.44 ha and currently contains 4 sub-populations of the Hibbertia sp. Bankstown (see Figure 1&

Figure 2). The boundary marking of the HMA is maintained at 5m distant from the nearest Hibbertia sp.

Bankstown sub-population.

Within the HMA, the Hibbertia sp. Bankstown sub-populations are marked using low set markers (yellow painted

cinder blocks) set at approximately 1m distance from the nearest Hibbertia sp. Bankstown plants as well as star

pickets.

2.2. Survey effort

A site inspection on the 21st of April 2015 was attended by Kelly Thomas of Bankstown Airport and David

Brennan and Andrew Whitford, Restoration Ecologists at Eco Logical Australia to assess the condition and

extent of Hibbertia sp. Bankstown compared to previous reports.

The methods of inspection included visual observation and GPS recording of all observed Hibbertia sp.

Bankstown clumps with an estimate of clump spread. A visual inspection of the area was also conducted to

identify and record weed species present and to estimate abundance (Figure 3).

2.3 Observations

The following observations were made regarding the Hibbertia sp. Bankstown population:

All 4 previously identified locations / sub populations of Hibbertia sp. Bankstown were re-observed.

No Hibbertia sp. Bankstown plants were identified outside of the HMA. However at the time of the site

inspection the Hibbertia sp. Bankstown was not in flower and surrounding vegetation, especially tall

grass species, were between 20 and 30 cm in height as it had not been recently mown. These factors

made visual identification of new plants difficult. It is recommended that in future the area is inspected

following a slashing event or during the annual visual survey when Hibbertia sp. Bankstown is in flower

(October – December).


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No evidence of mower damage was observed on any of the Hibbertia sp. Bankstown plants.

No evidence of disease was observed on any of the Hibbertia sp. Bankstown plants.

Some germination was observed, with two young Hibbertia sp. Bankstown specimens observed near

star pickets 17 – 18.

All of the Hibbertia sp. Bankstown plants were located on areas of higher elevation in and amongst

areas of largely clumping grasses Andropogon virginicus and Eragrostis curvula with some areas

intermixed with the re-sprouting native shrub Kunzea ambigua.

No Hibbertia sp. Bankstown was observed in the lower lying areas / drainage channels.

A Rabbit burrow (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was located within a Hibbertia sp. Bankstown patch with no

evidence of damage done to the plant.

Hibbertia sp. Bankstown has a prostrate habit which made it very difficult to identify individual plant numbers,

which was why plant extent was estimated in metres squared rather than a count of individual plants. Location

and the approximate extent of these plants are recorded on Figure 2.

All Hibbertia sp. Bankstown were observed within the star picket boundaries. All specimens shown outside of

the star picket boundaries in Figure 2 are due to inaccuracy of GPS data. For this field survey ELA used a

hand-held GPS unit, although it should be noted that these units can have errors in the accuracy of the locations

taken of between 5 m and 20 m, subject to availability of satellites.

2.4. Assessment of Hibbertia sp. Bankstown current condition

Overall, the Hibbertia sp. Bankstown population is considered to be doing well at this site, as there was no

evidence of damage or disease and as germination was observed. ELA considers that from these observations

the impact on Hibbertia sp. Bankstown of past mowing events is unlikely to have been significantly detrimental.


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3. Maps

Figure 1: Area 5 Bankstown Airport


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Figure 2: Hibbertia sp. Bankstown extent


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Figure 3: ELA Survey effort April 2015


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4. Weed assessments

The only reference to weed presence onsite in previous studies was included in the document ‘E2007 – 004

Cunningham Report 1’ by Geoff Cunningham Natural Resource Consultants in 2007, which contained a list of

weeds and common native species recorded on the site inspection on the 17th of January 2007. This list was not

a complete list and contains no information on cover abundance. Without an accurate baseline of previous weed

extent or abundance it was not possible to compare the current weed extent to previous extent.

ELA has compiled a table of information regarding weeds and natives observed onsite on the 21st of April 2015.

Cover abundance estimates for each species for the within the HMA and the remainder of the site (Area 5 –

outside of HMA) and has been provided. Please note these have been estimated from visual inspection and

have not been calculated or measured.

Weed cover abundance data shows few meaningful differences between within and outside of the HMA. The

differences observed in weed cover abundance was largely found to relate to landscape profile on the site, not

due to previous management techniques or if the weeds were inside or outside the HMA. Note that the area

outside of the HMA was previously slashed to below 15cm. This did not appear to impact significantly on either

the weed abundance or diversity.

These results match observations onsite that weed presence and abundance across the site was largely

determined by growth requirements of weed species, in particular the landscape profile. Lower lying / drainage

lines, the majority of which are located outside of the HMA, were found to contain dense infestations of

sprawling and clumping grass weeds including Paspalum dilatatum (Paspalum), Pennisetum clandestinum

(Kikuyu grass) and Setaria sp. (Pigeon grass). These often formed dense infestations that would likely restrict

germination of other species.

The slightly more elevated areas of the site contained clumping weedy grasses in particular Eragrostis curvula

which is very prevalent across the site. The space between the clumps of E. curvula contained a range of

weedy and native grass and herb species and also allowed for native shrubs / canopy species to germinate, in

particular Kunzea ambigua. It was noted that shrubs and canopy found around the edges of the grassland

closer to surrounding woodland edges.

The weed cover abundance was not captured for within each of the separate Hibbertia sp. Bankstown sub-

population areas within this site visit. It is recommended for future monitoring that this information is recorded

within the ongoing weed program, with a baseline captured prior to works commencing, as this information will

be useful in monitoring the effectiveness of recommended weed control measures and more useful when

making comparisons to the remainder of the site.

5. Assessment of B.J Conn’s management recommendations (2010)

The five management recommendations included in B. J Conn’s 2010 report Management of Hibbertia

glabrescens sp. Populations at Bankstown Airport – revised management advice (Appendix D) are reviewed

below.

5.1. Development Proposals for within Hibbertia sp. Bankstown

It is agreed that any proposed development within the population would be detrimental to the survival of

Hibbertia sp. Bankstown.

5.2. Development Proposals of Site of Hibbertia sp. Bankstown


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It is agreed that any development proposals of this site that required modification of the landscape could

seriously impact on the likely survival of the species.

5.3. Physical markers of Hibbertia sp. Bankstown sub populations and population

The current marking of Hibbertia sp. Bankstown within the HMA using star pickets is considered to meet the

guidelines established by B.J Conn under the Management Recommendation Section 4: Alternative option ii,

whereby the entire population is marked out (Appendix D). Markers need to be maintained to the following

conditions:

Star picket markers should remain placed around the boundaries of the entire population area. If

populations spread from the current area or new specimens are found outside of these areas then these

markers will need to be moved to accommodate new plants.

Star pickets need to be maintained in an upright position standing approximately 1 m above the ground

with a minimum height of 15 cm.

The paint on the star pickets needs to be maintained and reapplied as necessary to ensure pickets are

easily observed.

Star pickets and cinder blocks which are used to identify sub-populations of Hibbertia sp. Bankstown are

considered an additional requirement, however they are considered to be an effective method of identification of

sub-population areas for field workers and as such should remain in use. Similarly to star pickets, marking out

the population area, these will need to be maintained and repainted as required to ensure pickets and cinder

blocks are safe and easily observed. Cinder Blocks should also be maintained at ground height to ensure they

do not damage slasher machinery.

5.4. Maintenance of current populations of Hibbertia sp. Bankstown

a. Continue marking the extent of each sub-population

As discussed above.

b. Annual Visual Survey

Under Condition 7 of expired permit 2010 – 10110 under section 201 of the EPBC Act, Bankstown Airport was

tasked with conducting an annual visual survey of the area and population to be undertaken when the species is

in flower in October to December. It is recommended that surveys be continued on an annual basis, when the

species is in flower from October to December as a condition of any new permit applications. Surveys will be

conducted with the purpose of:

Looking for new specimens inside and outside of known sub-population areas.

Assessing the general condition of Hibbertia sp. Bankstown plants and population, looking for recent

germination, presence of flowers and evidence of grazing or disease.

Taking photos of all known Hibbertia sp. Bankstown clumps / plants.

Checking condition of the markers, ensuring they are in good condition and in correct locations (see

recommendation 3).

c. Mowing Regime

It is recommended that the current mowing maintenance program be continued with the following guidelines.

Continue to maintain physical picket markers. To ensure Bankstown Airport Grounds Staff can easily

identify the location of Hibbertia sp. Bankstown population when operating tractors / slashers.


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Induct all mowing staff members onto site. As part of the induction ensure they have been shown

Hibbertia sp. Bankstown and explained how to distinguish it from other Hibbertia species on site and

Kunzea ambigua. All new staff members must sign off to ensure that they have understood these

requirements prior to being allowed to conduct mowing activities.

Ensure all mowing machinery used within the HMA meets / follows the following requirements:

1. Mowing must be undertaken from a tractor with broad, low pressure tyres to minimise damage to plants.

2. Phytophthora Root Rot Disease (Phytophthora cinnamomi) is identified by the NSW Scientific

Committee as a potential threat on this population (see NSW Scientific Determination, Finding 9). A

hygiene protocol should be implemented following examples within established guidelines by the Royal

Botanic Gardens Trust for the Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority (CMA)

(Appendix C) or similar, for prevention of soil diseases, including P. cinnamomi. All equipment,

including tractor and slasher must be thoroughly cleaned of mud and weed seed prior to entering Area 5

including washing down tyres, tractor under-carriage and slashing blades with a detergent solution or

using methylated spirits to ensure no spread of pathogens or weed seed onto site.

3. Ensure all mowing machinery has been regularly maintained / serviced. Improperly serviced or

maintained mowers are more likely to leak hydraulic fluids and may be more likely to slash at the

incorrect height.

Mowing to be undertaken from HMA first then to surrounding Area 5 in order to minimise weed seed

spread into population area.

Mowing within HMA should be undertaken with blade height set at no lower than 15cm. Mowing

outside of these areas can be undertaken to a lower height.

Mowing within known HMA population area should be undertaken no more than 2 occasions every

year. One mowing event should be undertaken after January when Hibbertia sp. Bankstown has set seed to

remove the flowering heads of Andropogon virginicus (Whiskey grass) and Eragrostis curvula (African

Lovegrass), as both species flower and seed in summer. The other event should be timed to mid-year in

June / July to allow species adequate time to recover.

No mowing events should be undertaken in wet conditions. If conditions are too wet in months

indicated then mowing should be postponed.

d. Encouraging connectivity of sub-populations

The recommendations included in the 2010 guidelines regarding the establishment of a connectivity zone

between HG3 and HG4 are considered to still be appropriate (Appendix D).

5.5. Relocation of Hibbertia sp. Bankstown

B. J. Conn 2010 advised the translocation of whole Hibbertia sp. Bankstown plants would likely have a high risk

of failure. No translocation has so far been undertaken. Similarly this report does not recommend translocation

for the same reasons as outlined in B. J Conn, namely the high risk of failure, lack of previous experience with

this species and costs involved.

6. Assessment of Bankstown Airport operating procedures

The current operating procedures within Sydney Metropolitan Airports Environmental Management System

have been reviewed:

Procedure 1.1 Vegetation Management - general

Procure 1.2 Vegetation Management – Listed Species and Ecological communities

These operating procedures were found to be appropriate to management recommendations provided by B.J.

Conn 2010 (Appendix D), however they should be amended to include standards for Hygiene protocol within

HMA as outlined below.


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Recommendations for future management

7.1 Continuing maintenance mowing program

No observable damage was present on the Hibbertia sp. Bankstown population. Whilst mowing is undertaken

for aviation purposes it appears to also be suppressing re-growth of native shrubs and canopy species

preventing these from converting the grassland into a woodland. In general Hibbertia sp. Bankstown appears to

be / have been coping well to the mowing maintenance regime. As such it is recommended that the current

mowing management program be continued on this site, with the above listed recommendations including

annual visual inspections which should continue.

7.2 Implementing a Hygiene Protocol to prevent weed seed spread and spread onsite of Phytophthora

cinnamomi

Phytophthora Root Rot Disease (Phytophthora cinnamomi) is identified by the NSW Scientific Committee as a

potential threat to this population (see NSW Scientific Determination, Finding 9) and is a listed Key Threatening

Process under the TSC Act. Therefore, it is recommended that a hygiene protocol be implemented for all works

undertaken within the HMA following established guidelines such as those developed by the Royal Botanic

Gardens Trust (Appendix C).

All vehicles must be thoroughly cleaned of mud and weed seed prior to entering the site. All boots and tools will

need to be sprayed with solution of detergent solution or using methylated spirits to ensure no spread of

pathogens onto site. All clothing should have weed seed removed prior to entering site

7.3 Implementing a more targeted control of sprawling grass weeds

Whilst the current mowing regime has suppressed weed growth in the area, mowing is considered to be an

inaccurate weed control mechanism and the concern for the long term survival of the species is that certain

weed species in particular sprawling weed grass species, especially Axonopus fissifolius (Narrow Leaved

Carpet Grass) and Pennisetum clandestinum (Kikuyu grass) may act to smother or outcompete the population

of Hibbertia sp. Bankstown.

Whilst clumping grasses such as Andropogon virginicus (Whiskey grass) and Eragrostis curvula (African

Lovegrass) and other herbaceous weeds should still be suppressed from setting seed, Hibbertia sp. Bankstown

is growing within and between these clumps with no obvious adverse effects. See Appendix B: Plate 1 - 3 for a

visual representation.

The control of Invasive Weeds is listed as a Priority Action under the Listing for Hibbertia Sp. Bankstown as

Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act 1999.

Therefore, it is recommended that targeted weed control actions be implemented to specifically target sprawling

grass weed species within the HMA, with particular attention paid to sub-population areas. These should either

be undertaken by:

Applying neat Glyphosate to leaves or stolons of sprawling grass species. When applying herbicide

extreme caution will need to be applied to ensure no herbicide is inadvertently applied to Hibbertia sp.

Bankstown plants. This method should not be applied in wet conditions. Glyphosate should be mixed

with a water based die to indicate where herbicide has been applied, or

By ‘crowning’ out the growing point / rhizome with a knife. When crowning, extreme caution will be

needed to ensure that the roots of Hibbertia sp. Bankstown are not disturbed or exposed.


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Works should be undertaken by a contractor experienced in working with Threatened and Endangered Species

and Communities, preferably a bush regeneration company. The selected contractor should have the following

as a requirement:

Appropriate staff training. All staff on site should be trained to Certificate III level in Conservation and

Land Management – Natural Area Restoration. Copies of TAFE Certificates or Transcripts should be

sent to Bankstown Airport Manager for confirmation prior to site inspections. Team size is expected to

be small, with no more than four staff onsite. Visits should be conducted at a minimum of once every six

months.

Be able to demonstrate experience on a similar project. This may include works with other

Threatened or Endangered Species or works of a similar nature.

Show a high level of understanding of the requirements of the site. Proposed contractor will need

to include in a proposal document how they will undertake the weed control works without causing

damage to the Hibbertia sp. Bankstown. This includes explaining process, timing and pricing.

Environmental and WHS controls / procedures. Proposed contractor will need to provide a site

specific WHS/EMS document such as a Safe Work Method Statement of Site Management Plan prior to

entering the site.

Undertake appropriate hygiene controls prior to undertaking works. All boots and tools will need to

be sprayed with solution of detergent solution or using methylated spirits to ensure no spread of

pathogens onto site. All clothing should have weed seed removed prior to entering site. It is not

expected that vehicles or machinery will be needed for these works, however if any vehicles are driven

onto site they will also need to be subjected to hygiene protocols similar to tractors / slashers with a full

wash down of tyres, undercarriage and ute tray prior to entering site. See Guidelines in Appendix C for

examples.

7. Conclusion

Whilst maintenance mowing should be continued to suppress weed and native shrub re-growth onsite, it is

recommended that more needs to be done to ensure the long term survival of this listed critically endangered

species. These actions include:

Continued collection of weed and native cover abundance data building on from data included in

Appendix A, as well as the establishment of baseline data and ongoing collection of weed and native

cover abundance from within the each of the Hibbertia sp. Bankstown sub-population areas prior to and

within the ongoing weed control program.

Implement a targeted weed control program to remove sprawling grass weed species from within the

HMA.

Establish a hygiene protocol for all vehicles and workers accessing the site, based upon guidelines

included in Appendix C or similar.

If you have questions about any aspect of this letter, please do not hesitate to call me on 02 8536 8632 or email

me at [email protected]

Yours sincerely,

David Brennan,

Restoration Ecologist

mailto:[email protected]


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References

B.J. Conn. 2010, Management of Hibbertia glabrescens sp. Populations at Bankstown Airport – revised

management advice. National Herbarium of New South Wales.

Cunningham, G. 2007. Bankstown Airport – Hibbertia Investigations – Part 1. Natural Resource Consultants Pty

Ltd.

Cunningham, G. 2007. Bankstown Airport – Hibbertia Investigations – Part 2. Natural Resource Consultants Pty

Ltd.

Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. 24.05.2010. Permit E2010 – 10110. Permit to

undertake maintenance mowing of a population of Hibbertia glabrescens ms at Bankstown Airport, NSW

(E2010/0037).

Grinsell and Johns Pty Ltd. 2007. Survey of H. glabrescens locations.

Thomas, Kelly. 2014. Annual Monitoring Report – Hibbertia December 2014.

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee. 2008. Advice under the Environmental Protection and

Biodiversity Act 1999: Hibbertia sp. Bankstown (R. T. Miller & C. P. Gibson 18/10/06 (a shrub).

NSW Scientific Committee. NSW Listing.

Suddaby, T. Liew, E. 2008. Best Practice Management Guidelines for Phytophthora cinnamomi with the Sydney

Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority. Botanic Gardens Trust.

Sydney Metropolitan Airports Environment Management System 2013. Procedure 1.1 Vegetation Management

– general.

Sydney Metropolitan Airports Environment Management System 2013. Procedure 1.2 Vegetation Management

– Listed Species and Ecological communities.


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Appendix A: Species List

Scientific Name Common Name Growth Habit

Presence onsite (Yes / No)

Estimated cover abundance

ELA

21.03.15

Cunningham

17.01.07

ELA

21.03.15

Area 5 –

outside of HMA HMA

Weed Species

Andropogon virginicus Whiskey Grass Clumping grass Y Y 10 - 15 5 - 10

Avena sp. Wild Oats Clumping grass Y N - -

Axonopus fissifolius Narrow leaved carpet grass Sprawling grass N Y 5 - 10 5 - 10

Chloris gayana Rhodes Grass Clumping grass Y Y 5 - 10 <5

Coreopsis lanceolata Coreopsis Clumping herb Y Y <5 <5

Conyza bonariensis Flax leaf Fleabane Annual herb Y Y <5 <5

Cynodon dactylon Couch Sprawling grass Y Y 5 - 10 5 - 10

Eragrostis curvula African Lovegrass Clumping grass Y Y 40-50 50-60

Foeniculum vulgare Fennel Clumping herb Y N - -

Gnaphalium sp. Cudweed Clumping herb Y Y <5 <5

Hypochaeris glabra Smooth Cats ear Clumping herb Y Y <5 <5

Lactuca serriola Prickly Lettuce Annual herb Y N - -

Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum Clumping grass Y Y 10 - 15 5 - 10

Pennisetum clandestinum Kikuyu grass Sprawling grass Y Y 15-20 <5

Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Annual herbaceous Y Y <5 <5

Rumex crispus Curled Dock Annual herbaceous Y N - -

Senecio madagascariensis Fireweed Annual herbaceous Y Y <5 <5


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Setaria sp. Pigeon grass Clumping grass N Y 5 -10 5 -10

Trifolium repens White Clover Sprawling herb Y Y <5 <5

Verbena sp. Purpletop / Verbena Annual herbaceous Y Y <1 <1

Vulpia sp. Silver grass Clumping grass Y N - -

Native Species

Acacia falcata Hickory Wattle Shrub N Y <1 <1

Acacia parramattensis Sydney Green Wattle Shrub N Y <1 -

Aristata sp. Wiregrass Clumping grass Y N - -

Banksia integrifolia Coastal Banksia Shrub / Tree Y Y <1 <1

Centaurium sp. Centaury Herb Y N - -

Dianella sp. Flax Lilly Herb N Y <1 -

Dichelachne sp. Plume grass Clumping grass Y N - -

Dichopogon / Arthropodium

sp. Lily Herb Y Y? <1 <1

Eragrostis brownii Browns Lovegrass Clumping grass N Y <1 <1

Hibbertia diffusa Wedge Guinea Flower Low shrub Y Y - 20-30

Lomandra longifolia Spiny headed mat rush Perennial herb Y Y <1 <1

Microtis sp. Onion Orchid Annual herb Y N - -

Kunzea ambigua Tick bush Shrub Y Y 5 - 10 10 - 15

Poa labillardierei Common tussock grass Clumping grass N Y <5 <5

Themeda australis Kangaroo Grass Clumping grass Y Y 10 - 15 <5

Tricoryne sp. Tricoryne Herb Y N <1 <1


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Appendix B: Photos

Plate 1. Showing Axonopus fissilifolius (Narrow leaved carpet grass) growing next to a Hibbertia sp. Bankstown

plant.

Plate 2. Showing lower lying / drainage areas with dense sprawling grass weed infestations, mainly Pennisetum

clandestinum (Kikuyu grass) Trifolium repens (White Clover) note lack of shrub growth.


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Plate 3. Showing new Hibbertia sp. Bankstown plant growing amongst Eragrostis curvula (African Love Grass).


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Appendix C: Hygiene Protocol developed by the Botanic Gardens Trust

Excerpt taken directly from ‘Best Practice Management Guidelines for Phytophthora cinnamomi with the Sydney

Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority’ p.p 21 – 22.

2.3 Hygiene protocols for the management of P. cinnamomi

Although thought to be widespread, P. cinnamomi is not ubiquitous and the potential to introduce infection into

new sites and into new hosts remains significant. Soil or mud on footwear, clothing, vehicles, tyres, equipment

and tools, provides the ideal medium to spread P. cinnamomi. Hygiene protocols seek to limit the human

assisted spread of P. cinnamomi. Use of protocols will vary according to the degree of current infestation and/or

the risk posed by the introduction of the pathogen into new areas containing threatened or susceptible species

and ecological communities.

2.3.1 Recommended disinfectant products and hygiene equipment

Recommended disinfectant products include:

Non corrosive disinfectants include Coolacide®, Phytoclean® or Biogram® for cleaning footwear, tools,

tyres, machinery and other items in contact with soil

70% Methylated spirits in spray bottle for personal use

Sodium Hypochlorite 1% is very effective but can damage clothing and degrades rapidly in light

Recommended hygiene equipment includes:

Spray bottles

Measuring cylinder

Portable wash-down unit

Large tubs for dipping footwear and tools

Scraper or course brush to remove mud

Consider construction of footwear washing stations in ‘at risk’ ecological areas

Consider construction of vehicle wash down stations just inside infested areas to protect nearby

uninfested ‘at risk’ ecological areas.

2.3.2 Hygiene protocol for working in bushland

Provide hygiene protocols and induction to all new workers, contractors and volunteers

Assume the area you are entering in is free of P. cinnamomi unless otherwise tested and understand

that your activities have the potential to introduce P. cinnamomi

To avoid introducing infection, before entering uninfested sites remove excess soil and mud and then

spray boots, tools, gloves and small equipment with recommended disinfectant until runoff is clear

To avoid spreading P. cinnamomi, when leaving infested sites remove excess soil and mud and then

spray boots, tools, gloves and small equipment with methylated spirits or disinfectant until runoff is clear

Plan works so they begin in non- infested sites and then move on to infested areas

Use coloured tape to label tools when working in infested sites. Remove tape once tools have been

cleaned

Do not work on a site if the soil is saturated and mud is likely to adhere to footwear and tools

Avoid unnecessary soil disturbance

Do not import plants unless they are from nurseries accredited with Nursery Industry Accreditation

Scheme (NIASA)

On infested revegetation sites, plant species known to be resistant to P. cinnamomi

Use mulch sourced from disease free native trees and taken from at least one meter above ground level


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Never import soil or gravel unless it is certified to be free of P. cinnamomi by plant disease diagnostic

laboratory

All materials removed from a site must be bagged and taken to landfill

Do not drive or park vehicles or trailers off established tracks

Use vehicle wash down stations when available

Ensure effluent from wash down stations does not drain into bushland

Restrict access in high value areas, particularly if autonomous spread is unlikely to occur.


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Appendix D: B.J. Conn Management Advice

Management of Hibbertia glabrescens ms. populations at Bankstown Airport –

revised management advice

Barry J Conn1 15 March 2010

Objective:

To provide advice of a suitable maintenance regime for protecting the population of Hibbertia glabrescens ms.

that occurs at Bankstown Airport, near Rabaul Road.

Introduction:

This is a revision of ‘Management of Hibbertia glabrescens ms. populations at Bankstown Airport’ (10 June

2009) document submitted by B.J. Conn, National Herbarium of New South Wales. This document aims to

provide a clarification of what is meant by the ‘site’ where Hibbertia glabrescens ms. occurs at Bankstown

Airport, defines the population and subpopulations of Hibbertia glabrescens ms. and recommends nomenclature

to be used for referring to this population and subpopulations.

Background:

Hibbertia sp. Bankstown (R.T.Miller & C.P.Gibson s.n. 18/10/06) has been listed under the Environment

Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) as being critically endangered. This species is

here referred to by its manuscript name H. glabrescens ms. (as proposed by Hellmut Toelken, State Herbarium

of South Australia).

In accordance with the purpose of listing this species under the EPBC Act, the population was visited so that

appropriate conservation advice could be provided to Bankstown Airport Management so that they could

prevent decline of this species and to ensure its long-term survival.

Geoff Cunningham provided two detailed reports on the extent and status of this species (E2007-0004

Cunningham Report 1–Hibbertia.pdf; E2007-0007 Cunningham Report 2–Hibbertia.pdf) and the suggestions

made in these reports are mostly accepted. In particular, the presence of Themeda australis is probably

artificially maintained by the current practice of mowing the area. However, the cessation of mowing would not

necessarily have a negative impact on the H. glabrescens ms. population, even though it is likely that a

shrubland and/or woodland would replace the current grassy area. It is the composition of the resulting

community that would be an issue, particularly if it was to be dominated by exotic species that could result in

increased shading and changes to the nutrient balance.

Definitions

Site: Hibbertia glabrescens ms. occurs at a site that is approximately 425 metres to the NW of the main runway

of the Bankstown Airport. The site is bounded on the north by Rabaul Road, to the west by a shared boundary

with Tennis Coleman Park (corner of Henry Lawson Drive and Rabaul Road) and the Georges River Golf Range

(255 Henry Lawson Drive), and to the south by an open drainage line that flows in a SW direction to the

Georges River (beginning as an opening drain near the junction of Rabaul and Perimeter Roads). This

triangular block of land is herein referred to as the ‘Site’ (refer Figure 1).

1 Principal Research Scientist, National Herbarium of New South Wales, Mrs Macquarie’s Road, Sydney NSW

2000


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Population: Within the Site, there is a single population which is the only known population of Hibbertia

glabrescens ms. This population consists of four subpopulations, here referred to as HG1 – HG4 (refer Figure 2)

and collectively, these four subpopulations are regarded as a single population. In Figure 2, the approximate

extent of the population is represented by a black ellipse. A more precise estimation of the population limits will

need to be mapped onto the site.

General parameters for custodianship of H. glabrescens ms.

Management options for the species at the site should be formulated and assessed so as to consider the entire

triangular area as a management land-unit for the species; within this scope, different management options can

be considered for the subpopulations, and for the areas between them if establishing connectivity is identified as

a goal. The persistence of the species is likely to be favoured by a general management regime for the site that

maintains habitat factors that are inferred to be suitable for the species. These factors include current drainage,

current lack of major soil disturbance in the vicinity of the sub-populations and a mowing regime that impose

some control over exotic grasses while supporting the persistence of the small range of native species that co-

occur with Hibbertia glabrescens ms sub-populations. Persistence (and perhaps limited expansion) of the

species within the site may be additionally favoured by supplementary actions, i.e. species recovery actions –

these might, subject to resources, airport use, and access considerations, include selective weed control,

supplementary planting of Hibbertia glabrescens ms., and ongoing monitoring of the subpopulations (HG1 – 4).

Persistence of the species is likely to be adversely affected by high impact, irreversible processes affecting

drainage, soil surface, and the density and number of competing weed species within the vicinity of the sub-

populations.

Management Recommendations:

1. Development Proposals for within Population of Hibbertia glabrescens ms.

Any proposed development within the population would be detrimental to the survival of Hibbertia

glabrescens ms. If any developments are proposed for the area within the population, then a full ecological

impact assessment is essential before proceeding with the development.

2. Development Proposals of Site of Hibbertia glabrescens ms.

Any development proposals of this site that required modification of the landscape could seriously impact on

the likely survival this species. Therefore, any development proposals of the site must undergo an

ecological impact assessment before proceeding.

3. Physical markers of Hibbertia glabrescens ms. subpopulations and population

The area of each subpopulation is currently defined by the placement of metal pickets to ensure that all

plants of H. glabrescens ms. are included inside these pickets. The following represent two alternative

methods for physically defining the subpopulations or the population:

Alternatively:

i. The area of current subpopulations (as defined by November 2009) be increased by an agreed

amount, it is here suggested that the current markers of each subpopulation be extended 5m

beyond their current positions, to reduce the annual need to modify the boundary of each

subpopulation as new plants are found beyond the boundary defined during the previous year,

Or:


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ii. The entire population be physically ‘marked-out’ as a separate management unit, with the

markers no less than 5 m from the nearest plant of H. glabrescens ms. This would be expected to

assist Bankstown Airport Limited to manage the site beyond the limits of the population. As

mentioned under point 2 (above), an environmental (ecological) impact assessment would be

required before any development proposal could proceed.

4. Maintenance of current populations of H. glabrescens ms.

a. Continue marking the extent of each sub-population – Currently each subpopulation is marked by

metal pickets. This practice is acceptable, as long as markers are durable and at heights of at least 15

cm. and current mowing frequencies are maintained. However, this presupposes that mowing is not

found to adversely impact on the subpopulations (refer Mowing Regime below). If the management

authority intends to mow the areas surrounding the subpopulations at a lower level than recommended

(refer below), then tall (readily visible) markers are essential since they act as a more emphatic

reminder to the mower operators to avoid or reset mowing height within the subpopulations of Hibbertia

glabrescens ms.

b. It is recommended that an annual visual survey be made when the species is in flower (Oct – Dec) to

determine whether plants of Hibbertia glabrescens ms. are growing outside the marked areas

containing the subpopulations (i.e. check for expansion of colonies by seedlings or suckers). If new

plants are found outside the marked areas it is recommended that:

i. these plants are added to monitoring records for the species, and

ii. the marked areas be expanded to accommodate the new plants, and maintenance staff be

advised. It is not recommended that marked areas be reduced in size to compensate for dead

plants or absence of plants. Current markers of subpopulations should be regarded as marking

minimum areas.

c. Mowing Regime

The following recommendations are made for maintenance of the current subpopulations:

i. Maintain subpopulation markers by one of the means described above.

ii. Within marked areas, maintain a strict minimum mowing blade height of 15 cm above ground

level. Try to mow not more than twice per year, and try to time mowing to remove flowering

‘heads’ of the two taller aggressively weedy grasses at the site (African Lovegrass – Eragrostis

curvula, and Whisky Grass – Andropogon virginicus), before their seed matures. It is important to

minimise crushing of plants, and disturbance of soil surface, during the mowing operation –

experienced grounds staff should advise on whether least disturbance would be generated by

fewer passes with a tractor/slasher, or more passes with a ride-on mower. Any mowing in wet

weather is not advisable.

iii. Mowing of areas outside the marked subpopulations should also seek to minimise soil

disturbance to avoid changes to drainage and the establishment of conditions that would

encourage invasive weeds. Mowing of these areas may be conducted as necessary to meet

airport safety and operational requirements i.e. at a higher frequency than within the

subpopulations. However, it is recommended that blade height be set at a minimum of 15 cm

across the entire site initially and vegetation response monitored over a period of two years (re-

assessment during flowering period of 2011). A review of the current management regime(s)

should be evaluated by November 2011. The possibility exists, subject to airport resources and


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access considerations, of selective weeding of the aggressive grass weeds in the immediate

vicinity of the subpopulations, whether by contractor or volunteers.

iv. Encourage connectivity between the subpopulations of Hibbertia glabrescens ms. Initially it is

recommended that the area between subpopulations 3 and 4 (HG3 and HG4) be identified as a

trial connectivity zone, and marked in the same way as the areas of the subpopulations and

maintained according to the regime recommended above for within subpopulations. The response

of Hibbertia glabrescens ms. within the combined HG3 and HG4 to be monitored annually.

The possibility exists, subject to airport resources, access considerations, and recovery action

approvals from Commonwealth and State authorities, of propagation and planting of additional

ramets of Hibbertia glabrescens ms. in this connectivity zone (between the current limits of HG3

and HG4), whether by contractor or volunteers. If this option was implemented, then the

introduced ramets should be clearly labelled to distinguish them from the naturally occurring

plants.

5. Relocation of Hibbertia glabrescens ms.

Cunningham (E2007-0004 Cunningham Report 1 – Hibbertia.pdf) suggested that Hibbertia glabrescens ms.

could possibly be translocated. However, this is regarded as a very risky strategy that would be expensive

without the long-term assistance of experienced volunteers. Furthermore, it is felt that translocation is

unlikely to succeed in this instance. Therefore, the primary drawback to translocation is the high risk of

failure. Whole-plant transplants (particularly from sandy soil) have a very high failure risk and permanently

deplete the parent population, and is definitely not recommended for a plant as limited in occurrence and

numbers as Hibbertia glabrescens ms., except in an emergency salvage situation. Translocation using seed

or cutting-propagated material has less impact on the parent population, but suitable propagation

techniques are required, as are recipient sites with high biophysical suitability and minimised threat levels.

Before this option could be implemented a suitable translocation site(s) would need to be thoroughly

assessed by another party to ascertain the suitability of the recipient locations for Hibbertia glabrescens ms.

Seed biology of Hibbertia has only been studied for a few species (recent publications for some Western

Australian and Queensland species have been included for management of Bankstown Airport Limited).

There have also been some as-yet unpublished trials at Mount Annan Botanic Garden on some New South

Wales species. However, results cannot be generalised to all species, particularly where the evolutionary

history of a species may have led to atypical breeding systems and seed features. Studies in Western

Australia by Cochrane (Seed Notes for Western Australia No 17) suggests that some, perhaps all, Hibbertia

taxa are prone to have a fairly high percentage of malformed or abortive seeds, implying likely low yields of

viable seed. Cochrane also suggests that ‘growing Hibbertia from seed tends to be difficult’ and requires

skilled removal of the seed coat and subsequent flask growth. Schatral et al. (1997) suggest a complex set

of dormancy mechanisms in some Hibbertia species, and Allan et al. (2004) suggest smoke-chemical

triggers for germination in others. Seed production levels and dormancy mechanisms of Hibbertia

glabrescens ms. are as yet unknown, and seed from very small populations of any species often have

reduced viability and/or fitness. Experimental determination of best techniques for very threatened species

should be divorced as much as possible from recovery actions – the stakes are too high to link conservation

goals to untried methods except in extreme emergencies.

Finally, translocation has some associated costs – although these need not always be great, especially

where propagation techniques are known and volunteer growers are available. In this case however, given

the rarity of the species and the ‘unknowns’ as to seed behaviour, a research-oriented process would be

advisable if translocation were to be identified as a goal. Furthermore, translocation efforts would need to be

funded. Irrespective of this, even successful translocation to a new site does not absolve the manager of the


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original wild site from responsibility for managing it to favour the species’ survival. Translocation of Hibbertia

glabrescens ms. as an experimental process to create a second population as ‘insurance’ of survival, would

be a goal worth pursuing as levels of interest and resources allow, but translocation should not be either

envisaged or undertaken as an ameliorative measure to compensate for development.

SITE of Hibbertia glabrescens ms.

Figure 1. Site of Hibbertia glabrescens ms. – triangular area (polygon highlighted by an orange boundary line)

to the north-west of the main Bankstown Airport.


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Figure 2. Subpopulations within the single population of Hibbertia glabrescens ms. The subpopulations are

referred to as HG1, HG2, HG3, HG4; population = area enclosed by a ellipse surrounding HG1, HG2 and HG4

(with HG3 within this ‘line’) (note: this line is only a graphical representation of the extent of the population of

Hibbertia glabrescens ms.; site = triangular area (polygon highlighted by an orange boundary line) to the north-

west of the main Bankstown Airport.


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Appendix E: Threatened species list from NSW Wildlife Atlas (22.06.15) 5km radius of point - 33.916500S, 150.979851E

Kingdom Name Class Name Scientific Common Name NSW Status Comm Status 1km Onsite

Fauna Amphibia Litoria aurea Green and Golden Bell Frog E1,P V

Fauna Aves Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern E1,P E

Fauna Aves Melithreptus gularis gularis Black-chinned Honeyeater (eastern

subspecies) V,P

Fauna Aves Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus Black-necked Stork E1,P

Fauna Aves Burhinus grallarius Bush Stone-curlew E1,P

Fauna Aves Pandion cristatus Eastern Osprey V,P,3

Fauna Aves Petroica phoenicea Flame Robin V,P

Fauna Aves Hieraaetus morphnoides Little Eagle V,P

Fauna Aves Glossopsitta pusilla Little Lorikeet V,P Yes

Fauna Aves Ninox strenua Powerful Owl V,P,3

Fauna Aves Anthochaera phrygia Regent Honeyeater E4A,P E

Fauna Aves Petroica boodang Scarlet Robin V,P

Fauna Aves Circus assimilis Spotted Harrier V,P

Fauna Aves Lophoictinia isura Square-tailed Kite V,P,3

Fauna Aves Lathamus discolor Swift Parrot E1,P,3 E

Fauna Aves Daphoenositta chrysoptera Varied Sittella V,P

Fauna Gastropoda Meridolum corneovirens Cumberland Plain Land Snail E1

Fauna Mammalia Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis Eastern Bentwing-bat V,P

Fauna Mammalia Mormopterus norfolkensis Eastern Freetail-bat V,P


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Fauna Mammalia Pteropus poliocephalus Grey-headed Flying-fox V,P V Yes

Fauna Mammalia Phascolarctos cinereus Koala V,P V

Fauna Mammalia Dasyurus maculatus Spotted-tailed Quoll V,P E

Fauna Mammalia Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat V,P

Flora Flora Acacia pubescens Downy Wattle V,P V

Flora Flora Callistemon linearifolius Netted Bottle Brush V,P,3

Flora Flora Grevillea parviflora subsp. parviflora Small-flower Grevillea V,P V

Flora Flora Hibbertia sp. Bankstown E4A,P CE Yes Yes

Flora Flora Leucopogon exolasius Woronora Beard-heath V,P V

Flora Flora Acacia pubescens Downy Wattle V,P V

Flora Flora Callistemon linearifolius Netted Bottle Brush V,P,3

Flora Flora Epacris purpurascens var. purpurascens V,P

Flora Flora 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

E2

Flora Flora Persoonia hirsuta Hairy Geebung E1,P,3 E

Flora Flora Persoonia nutans Nodding Geebung E1,P E

Flora Flora Pimelea spicata Spiked Rice-flower E1,P E

Flora Flora Pomaderris prunifolia

P. prunifolia in the Parramatta, Auburn,

Strathfield and Bankstown Local

Government Areas

E2

Flora Flora Pultenaea parviflora E1,P V


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Flora Flora Pultenaea pedunculata Matted Bush-pea E1,P

Flora Flora Wahlenbergia multicaulis

Tadgell's Bluebell in the local government

areas of Auburn, Bankstown, Baulkham Hills,

Canterbury, Hornsby, Parramatta and

Strathfield

E2

Flora Flora Wilsonia backhousei Narrow-leafed Wilsonia V,P

Documents

Hibbertia - environment.gov.auenvironment.gov.au/system/...ad3e-4e4a-853a-15d65cb92bab/files/...info.pdfSurvey of Hibbertia sp. Bankstown population current condition 2.1. Site description