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www.nghenvironmental.com.au

22 June 2015

Brad Findley

Project EngineerRoad Management

Roads and Maritime Services

Level 1, Pod C 99 Phillip Street

Parramatta NSW 2150

Brad.Findley@rms.nsw.gov.au

Dear Brad,

RE – Beverly Grove Plan of Management Addendum

The updated Beverly Grove Vegetation Plan of Management (BGVPOM) was prepared by NGH

Environmental for the continuing management and regeneration of the Beverly Grove

bushland area (NGH Environmental 2014). This document is an addendum to the BGVPOM

which details changes to the plan. These changes are in light of some of the proposed actions

being unsuitable due to the current site conditions. Further clarification on some actions is

also provided.

Yours sincerely,

Cameron Radford

Ecologist

02 8202 8309

NGH Environmental

NGH Environmental Pty Ltd (ACN: 124 444 622. ABN: 31 124 444 622) and NGH Environmental (Heritage) Pty Ltd (ACN: 603 938 549. ABN: 62 603 938549) are part of the NGH Environmental Group of Companies.

. . .

        

                                        

              

   

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Changes to Action 3- Native Plant Revegetation

The Beverly Grove bushland site is classified as remnant Cooks River/Castlereagh Ironbark Forest (CRCIF) and has undergone

extensive revegetation through re-planting of native species endemic to this community. Therefore, further planting of

native species at the site is only required if suggested regeneration methods such as selective thinning and soil disturbance

using smoke water and raking fail to stimulate growth of native plants in the soil seedbank. These methods of regeneration

are expected to promote seedling germination within three to six months of disturbance. If only Melaleuca (monoculture)

and weed species germinate within six months of the selective thinning and soil disturbance treatments, re-planting of

native species of the CRCIF may be necessary. If so, local provenance seeds can be sourced from plants nearby (not

necessarily from within the same EEC).

Changes to Action 5 – Selective Thinning Management

The use of pile burns for regeneration has been deemed unsuitable and unsafe due to air quality concerns, the size, limited

access and location of the site near residents, the M5 East Motorway and Sydney Airport.

An alternative method for clearing monoculture stands of Melaleuca and regenerating the soil native seedbank involves

selective thinning of Melaleucas followed by soil disturbance treatments including soil raking and addition of smoke water

as detailed above. Selective thinning operations should be undertaken using the Guidelines for Thinning Native Vegetation

(OEH 2013).

Selective Thinning Process

An area for selective thinning has been selected within Zone 2b of the Beverly Grove bushland site (Figure 1 and 2).

0 50

_̂

100 200 Metres

M5 East Motorway

Canterbury Golf Course

Section 2

_̂

www nghenvironmental com au

Beverly Grove Park

Section 1

Notes: ­ Field data collected by nghenvironmental field staff (Date: 17.03.2014 and 19.03.2014)

­ Base map sourced from ESRI Online © 2010 Microsoft Corporation and its data suppliers

Vegetation Survey Plot

_̂ Gate

Selective Thinning Site

Beverly Grove Bushland

Zone 1a

Zone 1b

Zone 1c

Zone 1d

Zone 2a

Zone 2b

Zone 2c

Zone 2d

°Name: Beverly Grove PoM Addendum Author: CR

Figure 1 Selective thinning site and vegetation survey sites in the Beverly Grove bushland site.

2

Beverly Grove Addendum, Roads and Maritime.

This site has been strategically selected as it is in an area of monoculture Melaleuca and it is away from potential future

developments to the M5 Motorway

Figure 2 Site map showing area where potential future widening works on the M5 East Motorway may occur.

The site is approximately 20m x 20m and contains a monoculture of Melaleuca trees with a sparse ground cover layer.

Selective thinning should be conducted using the Thinning of Native Vegetation Guide (OEH 2013). It is recommended that it

occurs before a rain event during spring to early summer to give germinating seeds the best chance of survival. The

following steps should be undertaken for the selective thinning procedure:

- Notify the Greater Sydney Local Land Services of the planned thinning activities (1300 795 299).

- Mark the boundary of the selective thinning site using metal stakes and metal tabs.

- Using the BioBanking Assessment Methodology (OEH 2014), undertake a flora survey of the selective thinning plot

to determine plant species diversity pre-thinning. Only the 20m x 20m plot area needs to be surveyed. This method

of surveying for flora allows for standardised replication so changes in species diversity can be accurately obtained.

- Confirm whether the plot has a stem density greater than the nominated stem density for the vegetation type.

CRCIF is classified as a dry schlerophyll forest with a nominated stem density of approximately 200 per hectare

(stems less than 25cm Diameter Base Height Over Bark DBHOB) (OEH 2013). This equates to eight trees within the

plot. Therefore, all trees can be cleared in the plot except for eight.

- Using a qualified ecologist, mark eight Melaleuca trees to be retained. Trees greater than 25cm DBHOB and trees

with habitat features such as hollows, nests or dreys should be given priority for retainment. No trees with

hollows, nests or dreys should be cleared.

- Using a qualified arborist, selectively thin all Melaleuca trees within the plot that have not been marked. Felled

trees can be cut into smaller sections and left in situ on site for fauna habitat. The placement of felled trees should

be undertaken in accordance with the Roads and Maritime Biodiversity Guidelines (RMS, 2011). In these

guidelines, it is recommended that:

3

Beverly Grove Addendum, Roads and Maritime.

• An ecologist is engaged to provide advice on positioning of woody debris and bushrock in designated

relocation areas;

• Removal, stockpiling, transportation and relocation of woody debris and/or bushrock is carried out in a

manner that minimises disturbance to native vegetation (including the canopy, shrubs, dead trees, fallen

timber and groundcover species) or bushrock.

• The spread of any weeds or pathogens that may be in the soil is avoided when relocating woody debris and

bushrock from stockpiles.

• Topsoil disturbance is kept to a minimum and is not heaped up against woody debris or bushrock because of

the potential to provide habitat for rabbits.

• Woody debris is placed evenly across the site.

The Guidelines also suggests possible uses for different sized woody debri:

• Logs > 500mL in diameter - Habitat improvement.

• Logs between 100–500mL in diameter - Erosion and sediment control, replacement of habitat features, habitat

improvement (eg perching sites for woodland birds, timber piles for reptiles and frogs) or fauna furniture for

use in underpasses.

• Debris < 100mL in diameter - Mulched/chipped and re-used on site eg. revegetation, erosion and sediment

control.

- Be careful to retain all other native vegetation within the plot. Clear all weed species.

Following the selective thinning procedure, the soil within the plot should be disturbed using a raking treatment to loosen the

soil and release the soil-stored seed bank. This should involve gently raking the entire plot, (including leaf litter and soil), to a

depth of approximately 10-15cm so that the soil is turned over. Native plants not selectively thinned should be left

undisturbed. A smoke water product should then be applied over the entire plot. This can be done in one of two ways. Liquid

smoke water can be applied over the entire plot or Vermiculite granules which carry the smoke water can be applied to the

entire plot, followed by watering. Two recommended products for this smoke water application are:

- Regen Smokemaster: Liquid smoke sprayed – 100mL per 1m2

application.

- Regen Vermiculite: Granulated smoke water sprinkled – 15g per 1m2

application.

Following the application of smoke water, the plot should be watered regularly.

Disturbance to native plants should be avoided, however any weeds present should be removed. It is noted that by selectively

thinning the plot, weeds are likely to establish. However, weeds are already present within the monocultures of Melaleuca

and would need to be controlled.

The thinned site should be monitored every three to six months by repeating the flora survey using the BioBanking

Assessment Methodology (OEH 2014). Due to the difficulty in identifying saplings, it is recommended a qualified botanist

undertake this survey. Weed control should also be undertaken during these surveys and as required.

In reference to Section 8.3 of the BGVPOM stating ‘It is recommended that the National Trust Australia continue with the

regeneration/revegetation works in BGB’ and ‘it is recommended that the National Trust Australia continue with the current

bush regeneration works they are undertaking…’ (pg. 43, NGH 2014), it is now recommended that BGVPOM be implemented

by an experienced bush regeneration company with appropriately qualified staff. This bush regeneration company are to be

members of the Australian Association of Bush Regenerators.

4

Beverly Grove Addendum, Roads and Maritime.

References

DEC (2005). Recovering Bushland on the Cumberland Plain: Best practice guidelines for the management and restoration of

bushland. DEC, Sydney. http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/nature/RecoveringCumberlandPlain.pdf

OEH (2014) BioBanking Assessment Methodology 2014. OEH, Sydney.

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/biobanking/140661BBAM.pdf

OEH (2013). Landholder Guide: Guidelines for Thinning of Native Vegetation under the NSW Native Vegetation Regulation

2013 – Draft for Discussion. OEH, Sydney.

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/vegetation/140273DraftThinningGde.pdf

Regen Smokemaster: https://www.tecnica.com.au/products/product_single/regen-smokemaster

Regen Vermiculite: https://www.tecnica.com.au/products/product_single/regen-smoked-vermiculite

5

Beverly Grove Addendum, Roads and Maritime.

ADDENDUM ACTION MATRIX­Grey shaded Actions indicate amended Actions.

No: Action Priority Responsibility Cost Estimates

1 - Site Disturbance and Waste Management

Barbed Wire

$10/m - 3 lines =

Roads and $3000 Installation

1.1 Erect barbed wire fencing on top of exclusion fencing around the perimeter of the site to deter trespassing. High Maritime = $2000

Silt mesh $1/m =

Erect silt mesh fence to one metre high along inside of exclusion fence in both sections. This will prevent seed Roads and $650 Installation =

1.2 dispersal of neighbouring exotic grasses into BGB. High Maritime $500

Included in Bush

regenerator

1.3 Fence monitoring - check for need of fence repair and signs of incursions. Report to Roads and Maritime. Medium Bush regenerators contract

Fence repairs - Repair holes and damage to exclusion fence and silt mesh fence to prevent incursions, weed seeds Roads and

1.4 and feral animals entering BGB. High Maritime $20/repair

Roads and Signage = $50

1.5 Erect legislative warning signs for trespassing. Low Maritime Installation = $50

Trial installation of a rubbish bin in Section 2 of the site in the vicinity of the retaining wall where disused spray Roads and $64/bin +

1.6 cans are left. Medium Maritime installation

2 - Disease and Pest Control

1.7 Inspect and remove rubbish from the site every month. High

Pathogen/plant disease education, site risk assessment, prevention of pathogen entry and spread by following

2.1 hygiene protocols. Medium

Roads and

Maritime

Bush regeneration

management

Included in Bush

regenerator

contract

Included in Bush

regenerator

contract

Included in Bush

regenerator

Check for signs of Myrtle Rust or Root-rot outbreaks. Medium Bush regenerators contract

3 - Native Plant Revegetation

6

Beverly Grove Addendum, Roads and Maritime.

2.2

3.2

Roads and Approximately

3.1 Commission qualified bush regeneration team for continuation of bush regeneration works. High Maritime $20K/year

3.4

Use locally sourced plants and seeds from BGB, local bushland areas and local nurseries for bush revegetation.

Planting required only if selective thinning regeneration fails. Medium Bush regenerators Local nursery costs

3.4 Use Biobanking methodology for vegetation condition plot surveys to monitor condition of BGB vegetation. High

Bush

regenerators/Ecolo

gist

Included in Bush

regenerator

contract

4 - Weed Management

No: Action Priority Responsibility Cost Estimates

Approximately

Develop a new five year bush regeneration plan inclusive of weed management works. High Bush regenerators $20K/year

3.3 Acquire licences for native seed collection.

Some primary, mainly secondary and maintenance weed removal. Target edge, drainage and primary removal

4.1 areas as well as noxious and nationally significant weeds.

Ensure grass clippings are disposed of correctly and grass edges close to the BGB are clipped regularly to prevent4.2 exotic grass seeds developing and entering BGB via wind and water run-off from the golf course and parklands.

High

High

High

Bush regenerators $75/1-2 sites

Included in bush

regenerator

Bush regenerators contract

Ground

maintenance staff

from CCG and Included in regular

Beverly Park wages

7

Beverly Grove Addendum, Roads and Maritime.

5 – Selective Thinning Management

5.2

Initiate interest in research by approaching Universities for possible projects. Can use results to direct future

selective thinning management. Low

Roads and

Maritime NA

5.3 Apply for research grants to fund the selective thinning management. Low

Roads and

Maritime,

Universities NA

5.4 Use Biobanking methodology to mark out plots in selective thinning areas for pre-thinning vegetation surveys. Medium

Researcher,

ecologist or bush

regenerators

Included in Bush

regenerator

contract

5.5 Selective thinning of Melaleuca in selected sites (see recommendations above). Medium

Arborist or bush

regenerators

Arborist

approximately

$100/hr

5.6 Application of soil disturbance treatments using smoke water and raking (see recommendations above). Medium

Researcher,

ecologist or bush

regenerators.

Included in bush

regenerator

contract

5.7 Primary weed control on thinning sites following selective thinning. Medium Bush regenerators.

Included in bush

regenerator

contract

No: Action Priority Responsibility Cost Estimates

5.8

Monitor vegetation regeneration after selective thinning by surveying the same vegetation plot using BioBanking

methodology. Medium

Researcher,

ecologist or bush

regenerators.

Included in Bush

regenerator

contract

6 - Feral Animal Control

6.1

Monitor for signs of feral animal activity during site visits by bush regenerators (include scats, dens, burrows,

tracks, predation of/by rabbits, cats and foxes). Medium Bush regenerators

Included in Bush

regenerator

contract

6.2 Eradicate foxes, cats and rabbits on site after detection and enhance measures to exclude their entry on-site. Medium Pest controller

Pest controller

$100/hr

7 - Drainage Works

7.1

Change water outlet point of stormwater drain to outside of BGB by constructing new outlet drainage system

away from BGB. High

Roads and

Maritime, CCC Approximately $5K

7.2 Inspect waterflow in and out of BGB to monitor for possible weed dispersal points. Medium Bush regenerators

Included in bush

regenerator

contract

8 - Stakeholder and neighbouring land owner liaison/engagement

8.1

Education and awareness about weed control, stormwater run-off issues, cat predation, rubbish and green waste

disposal, BGB conservation to all stakeholders and neighbouring land owners. Achieved through letter box drops

of information and brochures, signage, meetings with stakeholders and neighbouring land owners. High

Roads and

Maritime

Meetings = free or

consulting rate/hr

8.2 Liaison with bush regenerators, ecologists and local plant nurseries for vegetation management. High

Roads and

Maritime

Included in bush

regenerator

contract

8.3 Consult contractors for erection of silt fence, barbed wire, bins, drainage works and signage. High

Roads and

Maritime

Meetings = free or

consulting rate/hr

8.4 Liaise with bush regenerators on hygiene protocols for disease control. Medium

Roads and

Maritime

Included in Bush

regenerator

contract

8.5 Liaise with Rural and Local Fire Brigade, researches, ecologist, arborist, bush regenerators for pile burns. Medium

Roads and

Maritime

Meetings = free or

consulting rate/hr

8.6 If needed, consult with pest controller for feral animal control. Low

Roads and

Maritime

Meetings = free or

consulting rate/hr

9 – Summary of Monitoring Actions Monitoring

Monitor condition of BGB vegetation condition using Biobanking methodology plot surveys. Refer to section 8.6.1

8

Beverly Grove Addendum, Roads and Maritime.

Action Priority Responsibility Cost Estimates No:

Fence monitoring - check for need of fence repair and signs of incursions. Report to Roads and Maritime.

Monitor for signs of feral animal activity during site visits by bush regenerators (include scats, dens, burrows,

tracks, predation of/by rabbits, cats and foxes). Refer to section 8.6.2

Monitor for signs of Myrtle Rust or Root-rot outbreaks. Refer to section 8.6.3

Monitor vegetation regeneration after burns by surveying the same vegetation plots using BioBanking

methodology. Refer to section 8.6.5

Inspect waterflow in and out of BGB to monitor for possible weed dispersal points. Refer to section 8.6.4

9

Beverly Grove Addendum, Roads and Maritime.