PRELIMINARY ECOLOGICAL REPORT PROPOSED ......Conacher Environmental Group PAUL GERARD SHELLEY Grad. Cert. Appl. Sc NPWS Scientific Licence Number: S10618 Fauna Technician Conacher

PRELIMINARY ECOLOGICAL REPORT

PROPOSED REZONING

BOGGY CREEK URBAN RELEASE AREA VALLA

OCTOBER 2008 (REF: 8042/2)

PRELIMINARY ECOLOGICAL REPORT

PROPOSED REZONING

BOGGY CREEK URBAN RELEASE AREA VALLA

OCTOBER 2008

Conacher Environmental Group

Environmental and Land Management Consultants

369 Mann Street, Gosford NSW PO Box 360, Gosford NSW

Phone: 02 4324 7888 Fax: 02 43247899 23 Coleman Street, Lismore NSW

PO Box 92, Lismore NSW Ph: 02 6622 7522 Fax: 02 6622 7533

[email protected]

This document is copyright © Conacher Environmental Group ABN 62 274 841 042

PREFACE

Conacher Environmental Group has been engaged to prepare a Preliminary Ecological Report for the proposed rezoning of lands at Cow Creek Road and Boggy Creek Road, Valla. These lands are proposed as an Urban Release Area, hereafter referred to as the study area. This report will provide details on the potential ecological constraints within the study area. Part of the study area was extensively surveyed in December 2007 and June 2008 by Conacher Environmental Group as part of a flora and fauna survey conducted on Lot 9 DP 755560 Cow Creek Road and Lot 1 DP 253772 Boggy Creek Road Valla, hereafter referred to as the subject site. Results of these previous surveys have been used as an indicative guide for vegetation communities within the wider study area, which have not yet been surveyed. Figure 2.1 depicts the areas which have been subjected to detailed survey and those that have not. The purpose of this preliminary report is to provide an indicative analysis of the environmental constraints across the site. As such, a 7 part test of significance, under Section 5A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment (EP&A) Act (1979), has not been undertaken. A more detailed assessment of threatened species is likely to be required at the later stages of the rezoning application process. PROJECT TEAM PHILLIP ANTHONY CONACHER B.Sc.(Hons), Dip.Urb Reg Planning, M.Nat.Res. NPWS Scientific Licence Number: S10618 Director Conacher Environmental Group PAUL GERARD SHELLEY Grad. Cert. Appl. Sc NPWS Scientific Licence Number: S10618 Fauna Technician Conacher Environmental Group ROBERT CLIFFORD SANSOM B.Sc.(Hons.) NPWS Scientific Licence Number: S10618 Botanist / Ecologist Conacher Environmental Group MARK STABLES B.Sc. (Hons) NPWS Scientific Licence Number: S12466 Sub-consultant Botanist Corymbia Consulting JACOB MANNERS B.Sc. NPWS Scientific Licence Number: S10618 Ecological Consultant Conacher Environmental Group

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

1.1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................... 1 1.2 SITE CHARACTERISTICS ............................................................................................ 1 1.3 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ...................................................................................... 2

SECTION 2

VEGETATION CHARACTERISTICS

2.1 VEGETATION SURVEY METHODOLOGY ................................................................... 3 2.2 VEGETATION DESCRIPTION ....................................................................................... 4 2.3 THREATENED FLORA SPECIES .................................................................................. 9 2.4 ENDANGERED FLORA POPULATIONS & ENDANGERED ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES ............................................................................................................ 10

SECTION 3

FAUNA AND FAUNA HABITATS

3.1 FAUNA SURVEY METHODOLOGY ............................................................................ 12 3.2 FAUNA HABITATS ....................................................................................................... 12 3.3 THREATENED FAUNA SPECIES ............................................................................... 13 3.4 ENDANGERED FAUNA POPULAIONS ....................................................................... 16 3.5 FAUNA OBSERVED ON THE SITE ............................................................................. 17 3.6 CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................. 17

REFERENCES

REFERENCES ............................................................................................................. 18

APPENDIX I INDICATIVE FLORA SPECIES LIST

APPENDIX II

INDICATIVE FAUNA SPECIES LIST

Preliminary Ecological Report – Boggy Creek Urban Release Area, Valla (Ref: 8042/2) © Conacher Environmental Group Ph: 4324 7888 1

SECTION 1

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

1.1 INTRODUCTION Conacher Environmental Group has been engaged to prepare a Preliminary Ecological Report for the proposed rezoning of lands at Cow Creek Road and Boggy Creek Road, Valla. These lands are proposed as an Urban Release Area, hereafter referred to as the study area. This report will provide details on the potential ecological constraints within the study area. Part of the study area was extensively surveyed in December 2007 and June 2008 by Conacher Environmental Group as part of a flora and fauna survey conducted on Lot 9 DP 755560 Cow Creek Road and Lot 1 DP 253772 Boggy Creek Road Valla, hereafter referred to as the subject site. Results of these previous surveys have been used as an indicative guide for vegetation communities within the wider study area, which have not yet been surveyed. Figure 2.1 depicts the areas which have been subjected to detailed survey and those that have not. The purpose of this preliminary report is to provide an indicative analysis of the environmental constraints across the site. As such, a 7 part test of significance, under Section 5A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment (EP&A) Act (1979), has not been undertaken. A more detailed assessment of threatened species is likely to be required at the later stages of the rezoning application process. 1.2 SITE CHARACTERISTICS The planning and cadastral details of the study area are provided in Table 1.1 while Table 1.2 summarises the geographical characteristics of the study area.

TABLE 1.1 SITE DETAILS

Location Cow Creek Road and Boggy Creek Road, Valla

Area Approx 200ha

Topographic Maps Macksville 1:25000

Grid Reference 496439E 6613431N

Local Government Area Nambucca Shire Council

Existing Land Use Rural

Current Zoning 1(d) Rural (future urban)

Proposed Development Rezoning from rural to urban development.

TABLE 1.2

SITE CHARACTERISTICS Elevation Approximately 10 – 170m AHD Topography Undulating hills rising to the West Aspect Mostly easterly Catchment Cow Creek Drainage Overland flow north and east into Cow Creek and Vegetation Open forest, pasture lands and banana plantation.


1.3 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT The study area is under investigation for future rezoning from rural land to residential, business and industrial purposes. A Masterplan is to be prepared for the local area to assess the adequacy of amending the Local Environmental Plan to facilitate the proposed rezoning.


SECTION 2

VEGETATION CHARACTERISTICS 2.1 VEGETATION SURVEY METHODOLOGY To determine the likely and actual occurrence of flora species and plant communities across the study area, field survey work was undertaken to supplement literature reviews and previous site inspections of the area. The methods utilised for the flora survey are outlined below. Literature Review • A review of available literature for the area was undertaken to obtain reference material

and background information for this study. These documents are listed in the references section of this report and include a specific vegetation study previously undertaken on part of the study area (GHD 2001).

• A search of the Atlas of NSW Wildlife (NPWS 2008) was undertaken to identify records

of threatened flora species located within 10km of the study area. This enabled the preparation of a predictive list of threatened flora species that could possibly occur within the habitats found on the study area.

• Previous Flora and Fauna Survey Report for adjoining lands (subject site) prepared by

Conacher Environmental Group June 2008. Due to the similar characteristics of these lands this report has formed the basis for this Preliminary Ecological Report.

Aerial Photograph Interpretation

• Aerial photographs at 1:25,000 scale were utilised to identify the extent of vegetation with respect to the study area and surrounding areas.

Field Survey Previous field surveys within in some areas of the study area were undertaken in June 2008 and consisted of: • A field survey which consisted of foot traverses within vegetated areas was conducted

according to Cropper (1993) to identify the occurrence of flora species and the extent and location of vegetation communities present across the subject site and to determine the positioning of more intensive survey quadrats. The flora survey was undertaken on the 30 February and 1 May 2008.

• 20 X 20 metre quadrats were undertaken identifying flora species. Those areas within the study area not subjected to detail survey (Figure 2.1) were subject to an inspection on the 29 August 2008. Vegetation Community Nomenclature

• The vegetation communities identified within the site by Conacher Environmental Group were classified according to a modified Walker and Hopkins (1990)


methodology. Within the descriptions, the dominant canopy species are listed after the structural description.

• Corresponding Endangered Ecological Communities listed on both the TSC Act (1995) and EPBC Act (1999) are also provided.

2.2 VEGETATION COMMUNITY DESCRIPTIONS Vegetation communities identified within the subject site and indicative of the wider study area are:

• Tall Open Forest (Tallowwood / Turpentine / Flooded Gum) • Open Forest (Spotted Gum) • Open Forest (Blackbutt) • Open Forest (Pink Bloodwood / Turpentine / Smooth-barked Apple / Blackbutt) • Closed Low Grassland (Pasture) • Banana Plantation.

Formal ground truthing of unsurveyed communities will need to be undertaken to confirm the distribution of these communities across the study area. Figure 2.1 shows the distribution of the vegetation communities within the subject site and the suggested locations within the parts of the study area not yet surveyed.

Flora species recorded within the subject site are listed in Appendix I, which also provides and indicative record of flora species likely to occur throughout the wider study area. A general description of the vegetation communities is provided below (Note: a description of Banana Plantation is not provided as this is a mono culture of Musa sp.* (Banana). TALL OPEN FOREST (Tallowwood / Turpentine / Flooded Gum) with mesic mid-stratum

Structure: Canopy: To 25 - 35 metres high with 40% -55% PFC. Mid Canopy: To 10 - 18 metres high with 35% -45% PFC. Shrubs: To 4 metres high with a 25 - 35% PFC.

Ground-layer: To 0.2-1-5 metres high with 10% - 25% PFC. (Main Species Present)

Canopy: Eucalyptus microcorys (Tallowwood), Syncarpia glomulifera (Turpentine), Eucalyptus grandis (Flooded Gum), Eucalyptus propinqua (Small-fruited Grey Gum), Allocasuarina torulosa (Forest Oak), Eucalyptus pilularis (Blackbutt) and Eucalyptus carnea (Thick-leaved Mahogany).

Mid Statum: Guioa semiglauca, Choricarpia leptopetala (Brush Turpentine),

Lophostemon confertus (Brush Box), Rhodamnia rubescens (Scrub Turpentine), Neolitsea australiensis (Green Bolly Gum), Mallotus philippensis (Red Kamala), Guioa semiglauca, Syzygium oleosum (Blue Lilly Pilly) and a large variety of sub-dominant mesic rainforest species.


Shrubs: Archirhodomyrtus beckleri (Rose Myrtle), Eupomatia laurina (Bolwarra), Myrsine variabilis (Mutton Wood), Ficus coronate (Creek Sandpaper Fig), Lepidozamia peroffskyana (Shining Burrawang), Duboisia myoporoides (Corkwood), Lantana camara* (Lantana), Breynia oblongifolia (Coffee Bush) and Linospadix monostachya (Walking-stick Palm).

Groundlayer: Oplismenus imbecillis, (Geitonoplesium cymosum (Scrambling Lily),

Dioscorea transversa (Native Yam), Carex longebrachiata (Bergalia Tussock), Doodia aspera (Prickly Rasp Fern), Viola hederacea (Ivy-leaved Violet), Smilax australis (Lawyer Vine), Entolasia marginata (Bordered Panic) and Ripogonum fawcettianum (Small Supplejack).

Location and Distribution: Refer Figure 2.1 Variation: Variation occurs within this vegetation type with Eucalyptus grandis (Flooded Gum) being more dominant within patches on lower slopes especially in lower areas associated with Cow Creek. Variation also exists within the mid stratum with low species diversity in patches in the southwest along Cow Creek due to a denser upper canopy and extensive grazing in the understorey. A small patch of this community in the east, on the northern bank of Cows Creek, appeared to contain the highest levels of species diversity in the mid stratum. This area however still exhibited a predominantly sclerophyll overstorey and technically would be stratified as tall open forest as opposed to closed forest or rainforest. Disturbance: This community has been disturbed through historic clearing, grazing of bovine livestock, edge effects and exotic weed invasion. Weed Invasion: This community exhibits low to moderate levels of weed infestation with many patches exhibiting a high edge area ratio. OPEN FOREST (Spotted Gum) Structure: Trees: To 18 - 24 metres high with a Projected Foliage Cover (PFC) of 40-

55%. Shrubs: To 2.5 metres high with a variable 5 - 45% PFC. Groundlayer: To 1 metre in height with variable 35 - 75% PFC. Floristics: (Main Species Present)

Trees: Corymbia maculata (Spotted Gum), Eucalyptus propinqua (Small-fruited Grey Gum), Eucalyptus siderophloia (Northern Grey Ironbark), Eucalyptus pilularis (Blackbutt), Eucalyptus microcorys (Tallowwood) and & Eucalyptus carnea (Thick-leaved Mahogany).

Shrubs: Lantana camara* (Lantana), Dodonaea triquetra (Common hop Bush),

Polyscias sambucifolia subsp. sambucifolia, Leptospermum polygalifolium subsp. transmontanum, Choricarpia leptopetala (Brush


Turpentine), Glochidion ferdinandi var. ferdinandi (Cheese Tree), and Pittosporum undulatum (Sweet Pittosporum).

Groundlayer: Imperata cylindrica var. major (Blady Grass), Entolasia stricta (Wiry

Panic),, Cymbopogon refractus (Barbed Wire Grass), Oplismenus imbecillis, Themeda australis (Kangaroo Grass), Lomandra longifolia (Spiny-headed Mat-rush), Hibbertia scandens (Climbing Guinea Flower), Hardenbergia violacea (False Sarsaparilla), Panicum simile (Two-colour Panic), Aristida vagans (Threeawn Speargrass) and Poa labillardieri var. labillardieri (Tussock).

Location and Distribution: Refer to figure 2.1. Variation: On the lower slopes Eucalyptus microcorys (Tallowwood) replaces Corymbia maculata (Spotted Gum) with a mesic mid / understorey replacing the grassy understorey on the upper slopes. Disturbance: This community has been disturbed by grazing, edge effects and exotic weed invasion. Weed Invasion: Weed species observed were generally restricted to juvenile seedlings in areas that are regularly grazed. Steeper sloped un-grazed areas exhibited higher levels of Lantana camara (Lantana) in the mid stratum. OPEN FOREST (Blackbutt) Structure: Canopy: To 20 - 30 metres high with 40% -55% PFC. Shrubs: To 2 metres high with a 10 - 25% PFC.

Ground-layer: To 1.2 metres high with 65% - 80% PFC. Floristics: (Main Species Present)

Canopy: Eucalyptus pilularis (Blackbutt), Corymbia intermedia (Pink Bloodwood), Eucalyptus microcorys (Tallowwood), Allocasuarina torulosa (Forest Oak), Syncarpia glomulifera (Turpentine), Eucalyptus resinifera subsp.hemilampra (Red Mahogany), Eucalyptus saligna (Blue Gum) and Alphitonia excelsa (Red Ash).

Shrubs: Archirhodomyrtus beckleri (Rose Myrtle), Lomatia silaifolia (Crinkle

Bush), Breynia oblongifolia (Coffee Bush), Acacia floribunda (White Sally), Lophostemon confertus (Brush Box), Pultenaea paleacea var. paleacea and Polyscias sambucifolia subsp. sambucifolia.

Groundlayer: Imperata cylindrica var. major (Blady Grass), Pteridium esculentum

(False Bracken Fern), Themeda australis (Kangaroo Grass), Desmodium rhytidophyllum, Lomandra longifolia (Spiny-headed Mat-rush), Entolasia stricta (Wiry Panic), Cymbopogon refractus (Barbed Wire Grass), Hibbertia vestita, Viola hederacea (Ivy-leaved Violet),


Aristida vagans (Threeawn Speargrass) and Pomax umbellata (Pomax).

Location and Distribution: Refer to figure 2.1. Variation: There is little variation within this community. Disturbance: This community has been disturbed by historic native vegetation clearing, grazing, edge effects and exotic weed invasion. Weed Invasion: This community exhibits low to moderate weed infestation however grazing currently restricts weed infestations. OPEN FOREST (Pink Bloodwood / Turpentine / Smooth-barked Apple / Blackbutt)

Structure: Canopy: To 18 - 25 metres high with 45% -60% PFC. Shrubs: To 4 metres high with a 25 - 40% PFC.

Ground-layer: To 0.2-1-2 metres high with 35% - 55% PFC. Floristics: (Main Species Present)

Canopy: Corymbia intermedia (Pink Bloodwood), Syncarpia glomulifera (Turpentine), Angophora costata (Smooth-barked Apple), Eucalyptus pilularis (Blackbutt), Eucalyptus siderophloia (Northern Grey Ironbark), Allocasuarina torulosa (Forest Oak) and Lophostemon confertus (Brush Box).

Shrubs: Dodonaea triquetra (Large-leaf Hop-bush), Breynia oblongifolia

(Coffee Bush) Logania albiflora, Polyscias sambucifolia subsp. sambucifolia, Lomatia silaifolia (Crinkle Bush), Archirhodomyrtus beckleri (Rose Myrtle), Glochidion ferdinandi var. ferdinandi (Cheese Tree), and Pittosporum undulatum (Sweet Pittosporum).

Groundlayer: Imperata cylindrica var. major (Blady Grass), Pteridium esculentum

(False Bracken Fern), Themeda australis (Kangaroo Grass), Hibbertia scandens (Climbing Guinea Flower), Blechnum cartilagineum (Gristle Fern), Panicum simile (Two-colour Panic), Dioscorea transversa (Native Yam), Lomandra glauca subsp. glauca (Pale Mat-rush), Desmodium rhytidophyllum, Doodia aspera (Prickly Rasp Fern), Viola hederacea (Ivy-leaved Violet) and Pratia purpurascens (Whiteroot).

Location and Distribution: Refer to figure 2.1. Variation: Slight variation occurs within this community with lower slopes exhibiting a slightly higher occurrence of mesic shrub species.


Disturbance: This community exhibits low disturbance and is generally restricted to the lower slopes. Weed Invasion: This community exhibits low levels of weed infestation with most species observed as juvenile seedlings. LOW CLOSED GRASSLAND (Pasture)

Structure: Canopy: Scattered trees to 18 - 22 metres high with <5% PFC. Shrubs: Generally absent.

Ground-layer: To 0.4-1-5 metres high with 70% - 85% PFC. Floristics: (Main Species Present)

Canopy: Eucalyptus microcorys (Tallowwood), Syncarpia glomulifera (Turpentine), Eucalyptus grandis (Flooded Gum).

Shrubs: Absent Groundlayer: Setaria sphacelata* (South African Pigeon Grass), Sporobolus indicus

var. major* (Giant Parramatta Grass), Pennisetum clandestinum* (Kikuyu Grass), Axonopus fissifolius* (Narrow-leaved Carpet Grass), Paspalum wettsteinii* (Broad-leaved Paspalum), Trifolium repens* (White Clover), Dichanthium sericeum subsp. sericeum (Queensland Bluegrass), Cynodon dactylon (Common Couch), Sida rhombifolia* (Paddy's Lucerne), Verbena bonariensis* (Purpletop) and Bidens pilosa* (Cobbler's Pegs).

Location and Distribution: This community occurs over the majority of the study area. Variation: There is minor variation in species composition in the vicinity of dams and creek edges with moisture species such as Persicaria hydropiper (Water Pepper), Persicaria strigosa (A Smartweed), Paspalum urvillei* (Vasey Grass), Eleocharis equisetina (A Spikerush), Cyperus polystachyos (A Sedge) and Schoenoplectus mucronatus. Disturbance: This community is the result of historic native vegetation clearing for agricultural grazing. This vegetation unit is still currently grazed by bovine livestock. Weed Invasion: This vegetation unit primarily consists of exotic grass and herb species.


2.3 THREATENED FLORA SPECIES A search of the Atlas of NSW Wildlife (NPWS 2008) was undertaken to identify records of threatened flora species located within 10km of the site. This allowed for a specific search for threatened flora and their habitats to be undertaken to determine if any threatened flora species were present within the study area. Details on threatened flora species, as listed in Schedules 1 (Endangered) and 2 (Vulnerable) of the Threatened Species Conservation Act (1995), with a known or likely occurrence within the local area, are provided in Table 2.1.

TABLE 2.1 THREATENED FLORA SPECIES OF THE AREA

SPECIES TSC ACT

EPBC ACT

GROWTH FORM AND HABITAT REQUIREMENTS COMMENTS

Acronychia littoralis

E E

A small tree to 6 m high growing in littoral rainforest on sand. Distributed between Fraser Island in Queensland and Port Macquarie on the north coast of NSW

No habitat present. Not observed during flora survey.

Amorphospermum whitei

V -

Small to medium-sized tree to 20 m high. Rainforest and the adjacent understorey of moist eucalypt forest. Distributed along northern NSW from the Macleay River into southern Queensland.


Arthraxon hispidus V V

Creeping grass with branching, erect stems. Found in or on the edges of rainforest and in wet eucalypt forest. Occurs in south-east Queensland, and on the northern tablelands and north coast of NSW

Sub-optimal habitat present. Not observed during flora survey.

Chamaesyce psammogeton E -

Prostrate herb. Coastal dunes. Distribution limits N- Tweed Heads S- Jervis Bay


Crytostylis hunteriana V V

Saprophytic orchid. Grows in swamp heath on sandy soils or Scribbly Gum Woodland. Distribution limits N-Gibraltar Range S- south of Eden.


Cynanchum elegans E E

Climber or twiner to 1 m. Grows in rainforest gullies, scrub & scree slopes. Distribution limits N - Gloucester S - Wollongong.


Hicksbeachia pinnatifolia

V V

A small tree to 10m growing in subtropical rainforest, moist eucalypt forest and Brush Box forest. Distributed along coastal areas of north-east NSW from the Nambucca Valley north to south-east Queensland.


Marsdenia longiloba

E V

Slender climber of the milk vine group but does not have milky sap. Found in subtropical and warm temperate forests, adjoining lowland moist eucalypt and rock outcrops. Scattered sites on the north coast of NSW north from Barrington Tops. Also occurs in SE Qld

Suitable habitat present. Not observed during flora survey.


TABLE 2.1 (Cont.) THREATENED FLORA SPECIES OF THE AREA

SPECIES TSC ACT

EPBC ACT

GROWTH FORM AND HABITAT REQUIREMENTS COMMENTS

Melaleuca groveana V -

Shrub or small tree 2-5m tall and rarely 10m tall with fibrous paperbark. Grows in heath often in exposed areas within higher areas and the coastal districts north of Port Stephens.


Parsonsia dorrigoensis

V V

Slender, trailing climber that grows to 5 m long. Subtropical and warm-temperature rainforest, on rainforest margins, and in moist eucalypt forest up to 800 m, on brown clay soils. Found only within NSW between Kendall and Woolgoolga.


Quassia sp. Mooney Creek E E

Shrub to 2 metres high. Occurs in wet sclerophyll forest. Currently only known from 18 locations between Moonee Beach (near Coffs Harbour) in the south to McCraes Knob (12 km east of Ulmarra) in the north.


Taeniophyllum muelleri V -

Epiphyte with photosynthetic roots. Grows on outer branches and branchlets of rainforest trees. coast and coastal ranges north from the Bellinger R.


Thesium australe V V

Erect herb to 0.4 m high. Root parasite. Grassland or woodland often damp. Distribution limits N - Tweed Heads S - south of Eden.


E = Endangered Species V = Vulnerable Species

Following detailed consideration of the site and species listed in Table 2.1 it is considered that there is suitable and / or sub-optimal habitat within the study area for the following four flora species:

• Arthraxon hispidus; • Cynanchum elegans; • Marsdenia longiloba; • Quassia sp. Moonee Creek.

No threatened flora species were observed within the subject site during flora surveys or wider study area during site inspections. 2.4 ENDANGERED FLORA POPULATIONS AND ENDANGERED ECOLOGICAL

COMMUNITIES There are no Endangered Flora Populations known within the Valla local area. Several Endangered Ecological Communities are known in the local area. These communities are:


i. Coastal Saltmarsh in the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions;

ii. Freshwater Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains of the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner bioregions;

iii. Littoral Rainforest in the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner bioregions;

iv. Lowland Rainforest on Floodplains in the NSW North Coast bioregion; v. Lowland Rainforest in the NSW North Coast and Sydney bioregions; vi. Subtropical Coastal Floodplain Forest of the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin

and South East Corner bioregions; vii. Swamp Sclerophyll Forest on coastal floodplains of the NSW North Coast,

Sydney Basin and South East Corner bioregions.

None of the vegetation communities recorded within the study area form part of any listed endangered ecological community. Whilst the floristic assemblage of the Tall Open Forest (Tallowwood / Turpentine / Flooded Gum) with mesic mid-stratum community contains a number of rainforest species, this community does not form part of the Lowland Rainforest in the NSW North Coast and Sydney bioregions community. This has been determined based on the vegetation structure being of open forest <70% and that the community does not fall within the following alliances and suballiances of Floyd (1990):

Argyrodendron trifoliatum alliance • 1. Argyrodendron trifoliatum suballiance • 5. Castanospermum australe – Dysoxylum muelleri suballiance • 6. Archontophoenix – Livistonia suballiance

Dendrocnide excelsa – Ficus spp. alliance • 14. Doryphora sassafras – Daphnandra micranthus – Dendrocnide excelsa – Ficus

spp. – Toona suballiance • 15. Ficus spp. – Dysoxylum fraserianum – Toona – Dendricnide suballiance

Drypetes australasica – Araucaria cunninghamii alliance • 21. Araucaria cunninghamii suballiance • 22. Flindersia spp. – Araucaria suballiance.

Given this, the study area is not considered to contain vegetation associated with the endangered ecological community known as Lowland Rainforest in the NSW North Coast and Sydney bioregions.


SECTION 3

FAUNA AND FAUNA HABITATS 3.1 FAUNA SURVEY METHODOLOGY In order to detect the possible occurrence of threatened fauna species, specific methods targeting these species were employed in addition to the standard fauna survey methods of nocturnal spotlighting and habitat searches. Literature Review:

• Review of local resource documents; • A search of the Atlas of NSW Wildlife (NPWS 2008) was undertaken to identify

records of threatened fauna species located within 10km of the site. This enabled the preparation of a predictive list of threatened fauna species that could possibly occur within the habitats found on the site.

Fauna Survey: A detailed fauna survey of the site incorporating mammal trapping and nocturnal and diurnal surveys were conducted within the subject site in December 2007. A site inspection of those areas within the study area not subjected to detail survey was undertaken on the 29 August 2008. Figure 3.1 depicts those areas of the study area which have been subjected to detailed fauna survey. 3.2 FAUNA HABITATS A range of fauna habitats are present throughout the study area. These consist of:

• Flower, nectar and seed producing trees and shrubs; • Dense. moderately dense to sparse understorey; • Cleared areas of exotic and native grasses; • Banana plantations; • Tree hollows; • Fallen timber and hollow logs; and • Farm dams and drainage lines.

The study area is mostly cleared and consist predominantly of pasture. These pasture areas generally contain low habitat values for fauna species however they do provide foraging habitat for seed eating birds and are used by raptors to hunt small mammals. Traversing the pastures are cleared ephemeral gully lines with farm dams. These aquatic areas provide habitat for fish, reptile and amphibian species using these areas for foraging. The study area also contains areas of banana cultivation. These cultivated areas generally contain low levels of fauna habitat however, they do contain foraging and shelter habitat for fruit eating birds and mammal species, also tree frog species may use banana plants for shelter and foraging habitat. Areas of remnant Open Forest are scattered throughout the study area. Areas of Open Forest which are within the fence line have suffered understorey loss through grazing and


provide limited habitat for most terrestrial mammals except macropod species. The canopy trees within these areas are dominated by eucalypt species with very few hollows identified. The un-grazed open forest areas of the study area consist generally of moist forests of mixed eucalypts with a dense understorey of mostly native shrubs with exotic weed species such as lantana interspersed. It is considered that these areas contain suitable habitat for small terrestrial and arboreal fauna, amphibians, reptiles and most locally occurring forest and rainforest bird species. 3.3 THREATENED FAUNA SPECIES A search of the Atlas of NSW Wildlife (NPWS 2008) was conducted for threatened fauna recorded within 10km of the study area. This revealed a number of threatened species that may be present in the area. Details on threatened fauna species (Schedule 1 or 2, TSC Act (1995)) which are known to occur within the area are provided in Table 3.1.

TABLE 3.1 RECORDED THREATENED FAUNA OF THE AREA

COMMON NAME Scientific Name

TSC Act

EPBC Act

PREFERRED HABITAT COMMENTS

Green and Golden Bell Frog Litoria aurea

E V Prefers the edges of permanent water, streams, swamps, creeks, lagoons, farm dams and ornamental ponds. Often found under debris. Distribution Limit - N-Byron Bay. S-South of Eden

Suitable foraging, breeding and refuge present on site. Not observed during surveys

Green Thighed Frog Litoria brevipalmata

V - Found in rainforests and open forests within or at the edge of streams, swamps, lagoons, dams and ponds. Distribution Limit - N-Border Ranges National Park. S-Near Gosford


Giant Barred Frog Mixophyes iteratus

E E Terrestrial inhabitant of rainforest and open forests. Distribution Limit- N-Border Ranges National Park. S-Narooma.


Square-tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura

V - Utilises mostly coastal and sub-coastal open forest, woodland or lightly timbered habitats and inland habitats along watercourses and mallee that are rich in passerine birds. Distribution Limit - N-Goondiwindi. S-South of Eden.


Osprey Pandion haliaetus

V - Inhabits waterbodies including coastal waters, inlets, lakes, estuaries and offshore islands with a dead tree for perching and feeding. Distribution Limit - N-Tweed Heads. S-South of Eden.

No suitable habitat present on site.

Brolga Grus rubicundus

V - Inhabits waterbodies including well-vegetated freshwater wetlands, small isolated swamps in eucalypt forests, floodplains, grasslands; paddocks, desert claypans and bore drains; Distribution Limit – N-Tweed Heads. S-South of Eden.

No suitable habitat present on site.


TABLE 3.1 (Cont.) RECORDED THREATENED FAUNA OF THE AREA


TSC Act

EPBC Act


Black Bittern Ixobrychus flavicollis

V - Freshwater & brackish streams & ponds. Distribution Limit - N-Tweed Heads. S-South of Eden.

Sub optimal foraging and refuge habitat present on site. Not observed during surveys.

Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus

E - Occurs in tropical to warm temperate terrestrial wetlands, estuarine and littoral habitats. Distribution Limit - N-Tweed Heads. S-Nowra.

Suitable foraging habitat present on site. Not observed during surveys.

Bush Stone-curlew Burhinus grallarius

E - Utilises open forests and savanna woodlands, sometimes dune scrub, savannah and mangrove fringes. Distribution Limit- N-Border Ranges National Park S-Near Nowra

Suitable foraging and refuge habitat present on site. Not observed during surveys.

Wompoo Fruit-dove Ptilinopus magnificus

V - Inhabits large undisturbed patches of lowland and adjacent highland rainforest and moist eucalypt forests where it feeds on fruit. Distribution Limit - N-Tweed Heads. S-Sydney.


Superb Fruit-dove Ptilinopus superbus

V - Rainforests, adjacent mangroves, eucalypt forests, scrubland with native fruits. Distribution Limit - N-Border Ranges National Park. S-Bateman’s Bay.


Glossy Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami

V - Open forests with Allocasuarina species and hollows for nesting. Distribution Limit - N-Tweed Heads. S-South of Eden.


Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus banksii

V - Inhabits open woodland, riparian forests, mallee, rainforests and savannah feeding on seeds, fruits and insects. Distribution Limit - N-Tenterfield. S-Wentworth

Suitable foraging and roosting habitat present on site. Not observed during surveys.

Powerful Owl Ninox strenua

V - Forests containing mature trees for shelter or breeding & densely vegetated gullies for roosting. Distribution Limits - N-Border Ranges National Park. S-Eden


Masked Owl Tyto novaehollandiae

V - Open forest & woodlands with cleared areas for hunting and hollow trees or dense vegetation for roosting. Distribution Limit - N-Border Ranges National Park. S-Eden



TABLE 3.1 (Cont.) RECORDED THREATENED FAUNA OF THE AREA


TSC Act

EPBC Act


Sooty Owl Tyto tenebricosa

V - Tall, dense, wet forests containing trees with very large hollows. Distribution Limit - N-Border Ranges National Park. S-South of Eden


Regent Honeyeater Xanthomyza phrygia

E E Found in temperate eucalypt woodland and open forest including forest edges, wooded farmland and urban areas with mature eucalypts. Distribution Limit - N-Urbanville. S-Eden


Barred Cuckoo-shrike Coracina lineata

V - Inhabits warm temperate to tropical rainforest and their margins, feeding mainly on fruit. Distribution Limit - N-Tweed Heads. S-Manning River.

Suitable foraging and breeding habitat present on site. Not observed during surveys.

Brush-tailed Phascogale Phascogale tapoatafa

V E A largely arboreal mammal of open forests and woodlands using hollows as nesting in hollow bearing trees. Distribution Limit - N-Border Ranges National Park. S-Eden.

Suitable foraging and den habitat present on site. Not observed during surveys.

Spotted-tailed Quoll Dasyurus maculatus

V V Dry and moist open forests containing rock caves, hollow logs or trees. Distribution Limit- N-Mt Warning National Park S-South of Eden.


Koala Phascolarctos cinereus

V - Inhabits both wet & dry eucalypt forest on high nutrient soils containing preferred feed trees. Distribution Limit - N-Tweed Heads. S-South of Eden


Squirrel Glider Petaurus norfolcensis

V - Mixed aged stands of eucalypt forest & woodlands including gum barked & high nectar producing species & hollow bearing trees. Distribution Limit - N- Tweed Heads S-Albury

Suitable foraging and den habitat present on site. Not observed during surveys.

Yellow-bellied Glider Petaurus australis

V - Tall mature eucalypt forests with high nectar producing species and hollow bearing trees. Distribution Limit- N-Border Ranges National Park. S-South of Eden.


Grey-headed Flying-fox Pteropus poliocephalus

V V Found in a variety of habitats including rainforest, mangroves, paperbark swamp, wet and dry open forest and cultivated areas. Forms camps commonly found in gullies and in vegetation with a dense canopy. Distribution Limit – N – Tweed Heads S - Eden



TABLE 3.1 (Cont.)

RECORDED THREATENED FAUNA OF THE AREA


TSC Act

EPBC Act


Common Blossom-bat Syconycteris australis

V - Roosts in dense foliage in rainforest and moist hardwood forests and forages for nectar and pollen in coastal forests and heaths. Distribution Limit - N-Tweed Heads. S-Foster


Large-footed Myotis Myotis adversus

V - Roosts in caves, mines, tunnels, buildings, tree hollows and under bridges. Forages over open water. Distribution limits - N - Border Ranges National Park, S - South of Eden.


Little Bentwing-bat Miniopterus australis

V - Roosts in caves, old buildings and tree hollows in the higher rainfall forests along the south coast of Australia. Distribution Limit - N-Border Ranges National Park. S-Sydney.


Eastern Bentwing-bat Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis

V - Prefers areas where there are caves, old mines, old buildings, stormwater drains & well timbered areas. Distribution Limit - N-Border Ranges National Park. S-South of Eden.


Greater Broad-nosed Bat Scoteanax rueppellii

V - Inhabits areas containing moist river & creek systems especially tree lined creeks. Distribution Limit - N-Border Ranges National Park. S-Pambula.


Eastern Freetail-bat Mormopterus norfolkensis

V - Inhabits open forests and woodlands foraging above the canopy and along the edge of forests. Roosts in tree hollows, under bark and buildings. Distribution Limit - N-Woodenbong. S-Pambula.


Twenty eight threatened fauna species are considered to have suitable habitat within the study area. 3.4 ENDANGERED FAUNA POPULATIONS One endangered fauna population as listed on Part 2, Schedule 1 of the TSC Act (1995) is known to occur within the Nambucca Local Government Area. Details of this population is provided in Table 3.2.


TABLE 3.2

ENDANGERED FAUNA POPULATIONS OF THE AREA

NAME HABITAT REQUIREMENTS COMMENTS

Dromaius novaehollandiae (Emu population in the NSW North Coast Bioregion and Port Stephens local government areas)

On the NSW north coast Emus occur in open forest, woodland, coastal heath, coastal dunes, wetland areas, tea tree plantations and open farmland, and occasionally in littoral rainforest. Largely restricted to coastal and near coastal areas between Evans Head and Red Rock and west to the Bungawalbin area.

No suitable habitat present within the study area. Not recorded within the study area..

3.5 FAUNA OBSERVED ON THE SITE The fauna species observed within the subject site during previous detailed surveys are provided in Appendix II. This record provides an indicative list of species likely to occur throughout the wider study area. No threatened fauna species listed on Schedule 1 (Endangered) or Schedule 2 (Vulnerable) of the Threatened Species Conservation Act (1995) were observed within the subject site during surveys. All fauna species observed were considered to be common within the local area. 3.6 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS Based on the results of flora and fauna surveys and local area investigation it is concluded that: i. The study area contains a number of vegetation communities and habitat types that

range in quality dependant upon the degree of disturbances; ii. The study area is dominated by Closed Low Grassland (Pasture) which is of minimal

habitat quality for locally occurring flora and fauna species; iii. Areas of the study area not yet subjected to detailed surveys should be subjected to

detailed survey; iv. No threatened flora or fauna species, endangered populations or endangered

ecological communities were observed within the subject site during surveys; v. Due to the large size of the study area seasonal field surveys may be required. In order to complete a full ecological assessment of the study area detailed seasonal flora and fauna surveys are recommended.


REFERENCES Conacher Environmental Group (2008). Flora and Fauna Survey report for Lot 19 DP 755560

Cow Creek Road and Pt 1 DP 253772 Boggy Creek Road Valla. June 2008. Cropper, S.C. (1993). Management of Endangered Plants. CSIRO Publications, East

Melbourne. Environmental Planning and Assessment Act (1979) New South Wales Government. Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999) Commonwealth

Government. Floyd, A.G. (1990) Australian Rainforests in New South Wales Volume ll. Surrey Beatty

Sons Pty Limited, Chipping Norton. GHD (2001) Amended Town Planning Justification Report: Proposed Six (6) Lot Rural

Subdivision of Part Lot 19 DP 755560 and Lot 1 DP823624, Cow Creek, Valla. Unpublished report, October 2001.

Harden, G.J. (1994) Flora of New South Wales Vols 1-4. Royal Botanic Gardens. New South

Wales University Press, Kensington NSW. Harden, G.J. (2002) Flora of New South Wales Vol 2 - Revised Edition. Royal Botanic

Gardens. New South Wales University Press, Kensington NSW. National Parks and Wildlife Service (2008), Atlas of NSW Wildlife website:

http://wildlifeatlas.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/wildlifeatlas/watlas.jsp Poore, M.E.D. (1977) The use of phytosociological methods in ecological investigations. The Baun-Blanquet System. Botany School, University of Cambridge, UK. Specht, R.L.; Specht, A.; Whelan, M.B. and Hegarty, E.E. (1995) Conservation Atlas of Plant

Communities in Australia. Southern Cross University Press, Lismore. Threatened Species Conservation Act (1995), New South Wales Government Walker, J. and Hopkins, M.S. (1990) Vegetation. In ‘Australian soil and land survey

handbook- field handbook. 2nd Edition. Editoris: McDonald, R.C., Isbell, R.F., Speight, J.G., Walker, J. and Hopkins, M.S. Inkata Press, Melbourne

APPENDIX I

INDICATIVE FLORA SPECIES LIST

Appendix 1–Indicative Flora Species (Ref: 8042/2) © Conacher Environmental Group Ph: 4324 7888 1

APPENDIX I INDICATIVE FLORA SPECIES LIST

Family Scientific Name Common Name TREES Casuarinaceae Allocasuarina littoralis Black Sheoak Casuarinaceae Allocasuarina torulosa Forest Oak Cyatheaceae Cyathea leichhardtiana Prickly Treefern Escalloniaceae Quintinia verdonii Grey Possumwood Euphorbiaceae Claoxylon australe Brittlewood Euphorbiaceae Glochidion ferdinandi var. ferdinandi Cheese Tree Euphorbiaceae Homalanthus populifolius Bleeding Heart Euphorbiaceae Mallotus philippensis Red Kamala Fabaceae (Faboideae) Desmodium gunnii Slender tick trefoil Fabaceae (Faboideae) Desmodium rhytidophyllum - Fabaceae (Faboideae) Glycine clandestina - Fabaceae (Faboideae) Glycine microphylla - Fabaceae (Faboideae) Glycine tabacina - Fabaceae (Faboideae) Hardenbergia violacea False Sarsaparilla Fabaceae (Mimosoideae) Acacia implexa Hickory Wattle Fabaceae (Mimosoideae) Acacia maidenii Maiden’s Wattle Fabaceae (Mimosoideae) Archidendron grandiflorum Pink Lace Flower Lauraceae Litsea australis Brown Bolly Gum Lauraceae Neolitsea australiensis Green Bolly Gum Lauraceae Neolitsea dealbata White Bolly Gum Luzuriagaceae Eustrephus latifolius Wombat Berry Luzuriagaceae Geitonoplesium cymosum Scrambling Lily Meliaceae Melia azedarach Meliaceae

Meliaceae Synoum glandulosum subsp. glandulosum Scentless Rosewood

Meliaceae Syzygium australe Brush Cherry Menispermaceae Stephania japonica var. discolor Snake Vine Monimiaceae Wilkiea huegeliana Veiny Wilkiea Moraceae Ficus coronata Creek Sandpaper Fig Moraceae Ficus rubiginosa Port Jackson Fig Moraceae Trophis scandens subsp. scandens Burny Vine Musaceae Musa sp.* Banana Myrsinaceae Myrsine howittiana Brush Muttonwood Myrtaceae Angophora costata Smooth-barked Apple Myrtaceae Corymbia intermedia Pink Bloodwood Myrtaceae Corymbia maculata Spotted Gum Myrtaceae Eucalyptus carnea Thick-leaved Mahogany


APPENDIX I (Cont) INDICATIVE FLORA SPECIES LIST

Family Scientific Name Common Name TREES (Cont.) Myrtaceae Eucalyptus grandis Flooded Gum Myrtaceae Eucalyptus microcorys Tallowwood Myrtaceae Eucalyptus pilularis Blackbutt Myrtaceae Eucalyptus propinqua Small-fruited Grey Gum Myrtaceae Eucalyptus resinifera subsp.hemilampra Red Mahogany Myrtaceae Eucalyptus saligna Blue Gum Myrtaceae Eucalyptus siderophloia Northern Grey Ironbark Myrtaceae Gossia bidwillii Python Tree Myrtaceae Lophostemon confertus Brush Box Myrtaceae Syncarpia glomulifera Turpentine Myrtaceae Syzygium oleosum Blue Lilly Pilly Myrtaceae Syzygium smithii Lilly Pilly Passifloraceae Passiflora subpeltata* White Passionflower

Pittosporaceae Billardiera scandens Appleberry Pittosporaceae Pittosporum undulatum Sweet Pittosporum Proteaceae Stenocarpus salignus Scrub Beefwood Ranunculaceae Clematis aristata Old Man's Beard Rhamnaceae Alphitonia excelsa Red Ash Ripogonaceae Ripogonum discolor Prickly Supplejack Ripogonaceae Ripogonum fawcettianum Small Supplejack Rubiaceae Ixora beckleri Native Ixora Rubiaceae Morinda jasminoides Sweet Morinda Sapindaceae Diploglottis australis Native Tamarind Sapindaceae Guioa semiglauca - Sapindaceae Jagera pseudorhus var. pseudorhus Foambark Tree Sapindaceae Mischocarpus australis -

Sapindaceae Mischocarpus pyriformis subsp. pyriformis Yellow Pear-fruit

Smilacaceae Smilax australis Lawyer Vine Smilacaceae Smilax glyciphylla Sweet Sarsparilla Ulmaceae Trema tomentosa var. viridis Native Peach SHRUBS Apocynaceae Gomphocarpus fruticosus* Narrow-leaved Cotton Bush Araliaceae Astrotricha latifolia Broad-leaved Starhair

Araliaceae Polyscias sambucifolia subsp. sambucifolia -

Arecaceae Linospadix monostachya Walking-stick Palm Asteliaceae Cordyline stricta Narrow-leaved Palm Lily Asteraceae Baccharis halimifolia* Groundsel Bush Berberidaceae Nandina domestica* Sacred Bamboo Dilleniaceae Hibbertia obtusifolia - Epacridaceae Leucopogon juniperinus Prickly Beard-heath Epacridaceae Trochocarpa laurina Tree Heath Euphorbiaceae Alchornea ilicifolia Native Holly



Family Scientific Name Common Name Euphorbiaceae Breynia oblongifolia Coffee Bush

Euphorbiaceae Phyllanthus gunnii - Eupomatiaceae Eupomatia laurina Bolwarra Fabaceae (Faboideae) Hovea linearis Narrow-leaved Hovea Fabaceae (Faboideae) Platylobium formosum Handsome Flat-pea Fabaceae (Faboideae) Pultenaea paleacea var. paleacea - Fabaceae (Mimosoideae) Acacia falcata - Fabaceae (Mimosoideae) Acacia fimbriata Fringed Wattle Fabaceae (Mimosoideae) Acacia floribunda White Sally Fabaceae (Mimosoideae) Acacia longifolia subsp. longifolia Sydney Golden Wattle Fabaceae (Mimosoideae) Acacia myrtifolia Red-stemmed Wattle Fabaceae (Mimosoideae) Acacia ulicifolia Prickly Moses Lamiaceae Clerodendrum tomentosum Hairy Clerodendrum Loganiaceae Logania albiflora - Myrsinaceae Myrsine variabilis Mutton Wood Myrtaceae Archirhodomyrtus beckleri Rose Myrtle Myrtaceae Callistemon salignus Willow Bottlebrush Myrtaceae Choricarpia leptopetala Brush Turpentine

Myrtaceae Leptospermum polygalifolium subsp. transmontanum -

Myrtaceae Tristaniopsis collina Hill Kanuka Oleaceae Notelaea longifolia Large Mock-olive Oleaceae Notelaea ovata - Pittosporaceae Bursaria spinosa var. spinosa Native Blackthorn Pittosporaceae Pittosporum multiflorum Orange Thorn Pittosporaceae Pittosporum revolutum Rough Fruit Pittosporum Proteaceae Persoonia levis Broad-leaved Geebung Rutaceae Acronychia oblongifolia Common Acronychia Rutaceae Zieria smithii Sandfly Zieria Santalaceae Exocarpos strictus Dwarf Cherry Sapindaceae Dodonaea triquetra Large-leaf Hop-bush Solanaceae Duboisia myoporoides Corkwood Solanaceae Physalis peruviana* Cape Gooseberry Vitaceae Cayratia clematidea Slender Grape Vitaceae Cissus antarctica Water Vine Vitaceae Cissus hypoglauca Giant Water Vine Solanaceae Solanum mauritianum* Wild Tobacco Bush Thymelaeaceae Wikstroemia indica -



Family Scientific Name Common Name SHRUBS (Cont.) Verbenaceae Lantana camara* Lantana Zamiaceae Lepidozamia peroffskyana Shining Burrawang GROUNDCOVERS Acanthaceae Brunoniella pumilio Dwarf Blue Trumpet Acanthaceae Pseuderanthemum variabile Pastel Flower Amaranthaceae Alternanthera denticulata Lesser Joyweed Amaranthaceae Amaranthus viridis* Green Amaranth Apiaceae Centella asiatica Pennywort Apiaceae Daucus carota* Wild Carrot Apiaceae Trachymene incisa subsp. incisa - Araceae Gymnostachys anceps Settler's Flax Asteraceae Ageratina riparia* Mistflower Asteraceae Ambrosia artemisiifolia* Annual Ragweed Asteraceae Aster subulatus* Wild Aster Asteraceae Bidens pilosa* Cobbler's Pegs Asteraceae Cirsium vulgare* Spear Thistle Asteraceae Conyza bonariensis* Flaxleaf Fleabane Asteraceae Conyza sumatrensis* Tall fleabane Asteraceae Crassocephalum crepidioides* Thickhead Asteraceae Hypochaeris radicata* Catsear Asteraceae Ozothamnus diosmifolius Everlasting Asteraceae Senecio madagascariensis* Fireweed Asteraceae Sigesbeckia orientalis subsp. orientalis Indian Weed Asteraceae Sonchus oleraceus* Common Sowthistle Asteraceae Tagetes minuta* Stinking Roger

Asteraceae Taraxacum officinale* Dandelion Asteraceae Vernonia cinerea var. cinerea - Bignoniaceae Pandorea pandorana Wonga Wonga Vine Capparaceae Capparis arborea - Caryophyllaceae Stellaria media* Common Chickweed Commelinaceae Aneilema acuminatum - Commelinaceae Commelina cyanea Native Wandering Jew Commelinaceae Pollia crispata - Cyperaceae Baumea articulata Jointed Twig-rush Cyperaceae Carex longebrachiata Bergalia Tussock Cyperaceae Cyperus brevifolius* - Cyperaceae Cyperus disjunctus - Cyperaceae Cyperus eragrostis* Umbrella Sedge Cyperaceae Cyperus polystachyos A Sedge Cyperaceae Eleocharis equisetina A Spikerush Cyperaceae Eleocharis sphacelata Tall Spike Rush Cyperaceae Fimbristylis dichotoma Common Fringe-sedge Cyperaceae Gahnia aspera Rough Saw-sedge Cyperaceae Gahnia melanocarpa Black Fruit Saw-sedge



Family Scientific Name Common Name GROUNDCOVERS (Cont.) Cyperaceae Lepidosperma laterale Variable Sword-sedge Cyperaceae Schoenoplectus mucronatus - Cyperaceae Schoenus apogon Fluke Bogrush Dilleniaceae Hibbertia aspera Rough Guinea Flower Dilleniaceae Hibbertia vestita - Fabaceae (Faboideae) Kennedia rubicunda Dusky Coral-pea Fabaceae (Faboideae) Trifolium pratense* Red Clover Fabaceae (Faboideae) Trifolium repens* White Clover Geraniaceae Geranium homeanum - Goodeniaceae Goodenia hederacea subsp. hederacea Ivy Goodenia Haloragaceae Gonocarpus teucrioides Raspwort Juncaceae Juncus prismatocarpus Branching Rush Lamiaceae Stachys arvensis* Stagger Weed Lobeliaceae Pratia purpurascens Whiteroot Lomandraceae Lomandra glauca subsp. glauca Pale Mat-rush Lomandraceae Lomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rush Lomandraceae Lomandra multiflora subsp. multiflora Many-flowered Mat-rush Malvaceae Sida rhombifolia* Paddy's Lucerne Myrtaceae Rhodamnia rubescens Scrub Turpentine Nymphaeaceae Nymphaea caerulea* Cape Waterlily Orchidaceae Acianthus fornicatus Pixie Caps Orchidaceae Cryptostylis Sp. (Leaf only) A Tongue Orchid Orchidaceae Cymbidium suave Snake Orchid Oxalidaceae Oxalis chnoodes - Oxalidaceae Oxalis exilis Slender xalis Phormiaceae Dianella caerulea var. producta Blue Flax lily Phormiaceae Dianella prunina - Phytolaccaceae Phytolacca octandra* Inkweed Plantaginaceae Plantago lanceolata* Lamb's Tongues Poaceae Andropogon virginicus* Whisky Grass Poaceae Anthoxanthum odoratum* Sweet Vernal Grass Poaceae Aristida vagans Threeawn Speargrass Poaceae Austrodanthonia tenuior - Poaceae Axonopus fissifolius* Narrow-leaved Carpet Grass Poaceae Chloris gayana* Rhodes Grass Poaceae Cymbopogon refractus Barbed Wire Grass Poaceae Cynodon dactylon Common Couch

Poaceae Dichanthium sericeum subsp. sericeum Queensland Bluegrass Poaceae Digitaria didactyla Queensland Blue Couch Poaceae Digitaria parviflora Small-flowered Finger Grass



Family Scientific Name Common Name Groundcover (Cont.)

Poaceae Echinopogon caespitosus var. caespitosus Tufted Hedgehog Grass

Poaceae Entolasia marginata Bordered Panic Poaceae Entolasia stricta Wiry Panic Poaceae Eragrostis brownii Brown's Lovegrass Poaceae Eragrostis curvula* African Lovegrass Poaceae Eragrostis leptostachya Paddock Lovegrass Poaceae Imperata cylindrica var. major Blady Grass Poaceae Melinis minutiflora* Molasses Grass Poaceae Melinis repens* Red Natal Grass Poaceae Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides - Poaceae Oplismenus aemulus - Poaceae Oplismenus imbecillis - Poaceae Panicum simile Two-colour Panic Poaceae Paspalum dilatatum* Paspalum Poaceae Paspalum urvillei* Vasey Grass Poaceae Paspalum wettsteinii* Broad-leaved Paspalum Poaceae Pennisetum alopecuroides* Swamp Foxtail Poaceae Pennisetum clandestinum* Kikuyu Grass Poaceae Poa labillardieri var. labillardieri Tussock Poaceae Setaria pumila* Pale Pigeon Grass Poaceae Setaria sphacelata* South African Pigeon Grass Poaceae Sporobolus elongatus Slender Rat's Tail Grass Poaceae Sporobolus indicus var. major* Giant Parramatta Grass Poaceae Themeda australis Kangaroo Grass Polygonaceae Persicaria strigosa A Smartweed Proteaceae Lomatia silaifolia Crinkle Bush Rosaceae Rubus bellobatus* Kittatinny Blackberry Rosaceae Rubus moluccanus var. trilobus Molucca Ramble Rubiaceae Pomax umbellata Pomax Scrophulariaceae Veronica plebeia Trailing Speedwell Solanaceae Solanum nigrum* Black-berry Nightshade Solanaceae Solanum pseudocapsicum* Madeira Winter Cherry Thymelaeaceae Pimelea linifolia subsp. linifolia Slender Rice-flower Uvulariaceae Tripladenia cunninghamii - Verbenaceae Verbena bonariensis* Purpletop Violaceae Viola hederacea Ivy-leaved Violet Zingiberaceae Alpinia caerulea Native Ginger VINES

Apocynaceae Marsdenia rostrata Common Milk Vine Apocynaceae Parsonsia straminea Common Silkpod Cunoniaceae Aphanopetalum resinosum Gum Vine Dilleniaceae Hibbertia scandens Climbing Guinea Flower



Family Scientific Name Common Name VINES(Cont.) Dioscoreaceae Dioscorea transversa Native Yam Fabaceae (Faboideae) Derris involuta Native Derris FERNS

Adiantaceae Adiantum aethiopicum Common Maidenhair Adiantaceae Cheilanthes tenuifolia Rock Fern Adiantaceae Pellaea paradoxa - Blechnaceae Blechnum cartilagineum Gristle Fern Blechnaceae Doodia aspera Prickly Rasp Fern Blechnaceae Doodia linearis - Dennstaedtiaceae Pteridium esculentum Bracken Dicksoniaceae Calochlaena dubia Dicksoniaceae Dryopteridaceae Polystichum australiense Harsh Shield Fern Lindsaeaceae Lindsaea linearis Screw Fern Lindsaeaceae Lindsaea microphylla Lacy Wedge Fern AQUATIC

Onagraceae Ludwigia peploides subsp. montevidensis Water Primrose Philydraceae Philydrum lanuginosum Frogsmouth Polygonaceae Persicaria decipiens Slender Knotweed Polygonaceae Persicaria hydropiper Water Pepper Polygonaceae Persicaria orientalis Princes Feathers

Species nameTS = Threatened Species * = Introduced Species

APPENDIX II

INDICATIVE FAUNA LIST

Appendix II–Indicative Fauna Species (Ref: 8042/2) © Conacher Environmental Group Ph: 4324 7888 1

APPENDIX II

INDICATIVE FAUNA LIST Common Name Scientific Name Method

Amphibians Common Eastern Froglet Crinia signifera C Dwarf Tree Frog Litoria fallax Sp C Striped Rocket Frog Litoria nasuta Sp C Tyler’s Tree Frog Litoria tylerii Sp C Whistling Tree Frog Litoria verreauxii C Peron’s Tree Frog Litoria peronii C

Reptiles Eastern-Blue Tongue Tiliqua scincoids scincoides S Eastern-Water Dragon Physignathus lesueurii lesueurii S Birds

Australian Wood Duck Chenonetta jubata OC

Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa OC

Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaehollandiae OC

Little Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax melanoleucos OC

White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae OC

Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus OC

Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio OC

Dusky Moorhen Gallinula tenebrosa OC

Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles OC

Brown Cuckoo- Dove Macropygia amboinensis OC

Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes OC

Australian Wood Duck Chenonetta jubata OC

Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa OC

Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis OC

Wonga Pigeon Leucosarcia melanoleuca OC

Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus funereus OC

Galah Cacatua roseicapilla OC

Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus OC

Scaly-breasted Lorikeet Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus OC

Australian King-Parrot Alisterus scapularis OC

Crimson Rosella Platycerous elegans OC

Eastern Rosella Platycercus eximius OC

Fan-tailed Cuckoo Cacomantis flabelliformis OC

Common Koel Eudynamys scolopacea OC

Channel-billed Cuckoo Scythrops novaehollandiae OC

Pheasant Coucal Centropus phasianinus C

Southern Boobook Ninox novaeseelandiae C

Azure Kingfisher Alcedo azurea O

Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo novaeguineae OC

Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus OC

Appendix II–Indicative Fauna Species (Ref: 8042/2) © Conacher Environmental Group Ph: 4324 7888 2

APPENDIX II (Cont.) INDICATIVE FAUNA LIST

Common Name Scientific Name Method

Birds Cont.

Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis OC

Superb Lyrebird Menura novaehollandiae C

White-throated Treecreeper Cormobates leucophaeus OC

Superb Fairy-wren Malurus cyaneus OC

Variegated Fairy-wren Malurus lamberti OC

Red-backed Fairy-wren Malurus melanocephalus OC

White-browed Scrubwren Sericornis frontalis OC

Little Wattlebird Anthochaera chrysoptera OC

Noisy Miner Manorina melanocephala OC

Lewin's Honeyeater Meliphaga lewinii OC

Eastern Yellow Robin Eopsaltria australis OC

Eastern Whipbird Psophodes olivaceus OC

Golden Whistler Pachycephala pectoralis OC

Grey Shrike-thrush Colluricincla harmonica OC

Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca OC

Grey Fantail Rhipidura fuliginosa OC

Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys OC

Spangled Drongo Dicrurus bracteatus OC

Olive-backed Oriole Oriolus sagittatus OC

Figbird Sphecotheres viridis OC

Grey Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus OC

Pied Butcherbird Cracticus nigrogularis OC

Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen OC

Pied Currawong Strepera graculina OC

Torresian Crow Corvus orru OC

Green Catbird Ailuroedus crassirostris OC

Satin Bowerbird Ptilonorhynchus violaceus OC Mammals Cow* Bos taurua Sc O C Brushtail Possum Trichosurus sp H Brown Antechinus Antechinus stuartii H Bush Rat Rattus fuscipes A Grassland Melomy Melomys burtoni A

Key to Methods of Observation O - Observation S - Search C - Call identification A - Anabat II Sp - Spotlight Sc - Scat, Track or Sign I E - Elliott Trap

* indicates Introduced Species

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By.JM30/09/08Ref.No.8042

Original plan produced in A4 colour. Plan for indicative purposes only not for detailed measurement. Subject site boundary subject to final survey. Survey locations are approximate and have not been fixed by land survey.

Cow Creek Rd & Boggy Creek Rd, Valla

Figure 2.1Vegetation Communities

Source: Aerial © Department of Lands (2008)

ABN: 62 274 841 042PO Box 360

369 Mann StreetGosford NSW 2250Ph: (02) 4324 7888

Fax: (02) 4324 [email protected]

LegendStage 1Stage 2Area Surveyed June 2008Area Not Surveyed

Tall Open ForestOpen Forest (Spotted GumOpen Forest BlackbuttOpen Forest (Pink Bloodwood)

Closed Low GrasslandBanana Plantation

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56

0 250 500 m1:15,000 Approximate at A4

Documents

PRELIMINARY ECOLOGICAL REPORT PROPOSED ......Conacher Environmental Group PAUL GERARD SHELLEY Grad. Cert. Appl. Sc NPWS Scientific Licence Number: S10618 Fauna Technician Conacher