Broulee Biodiversity Certification Strategy 2013

Broulee Biodiversity Certification Strategy 2013 Eurobodalla Shire Council

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CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 1.1 Biodiversity Certification Process 4 1.2 Assessment Methodology 4 1.3 Background 4 1.4 Study area 6 1.5 Project Implementation 9 1.6 Financial 10 1.7 Technical reference group 10 1.8 Strategic Context 10 1.9 Community Consultation and access 12 1.10 Ecological assessment 14

ASSESSMENT OF VALUES 2.1 Biodiversity Values 15 2.2 Native Vegetation Footprint 15 2.3 Biometric Vegetation types and delineation of vegetation zones 16 2.4 Threatened Species polygons 17

2.5 Areas of State or Regional Conservation significance 19

2.6 EPBC Act considerations 19

2.7 Red flags 19

2.8 Indirect impacts 20

2.9 Credit requirements 20

STRATEGIC PLANNING 3.1 Development Area 21 3.2 Red Flag 21 3.3 Red Flag Variation 21 3.3.1 Feasibility of options to avoid impacts on red flag areas 24 3.3.2 Additional assessment criteria for red flag vegetation types 27 3.3.3 Additional assessment criteria for red flag threatened species 29 3.3.4 Additional assessment criteria – regional or state significance 30 3.4 Conservation Area 31

3.5 Minor Variation to the Methodology 32

3.6 Additionality rules and discounting 35

3.7 Indirect Impact Assessment 37

MATCHING LOSSES AND GAINS IN BIODIVERSITY 4.1 Ecosystem credits 42 4.2 Species credits 42 4.3 Credit profiles 43 4.4 Expert Report Sminthopsis leucopus 43

4.5 Conclusion 45

APPLICATION FOR BIODIVERSITY CERTIFICATION 5.1 Exhibition of the Biodiversity Certification Strategy 46


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APPENDICES Appendix A Chronological background - Broulee planning and development issues 47 Appendix B Broulee Biodiversity Certification Assessment Report 2012 – EcoLogical Australia 48 Appendix C Bengello Conservation Property Vegetation Plan 49 Appendix D Chronological background - PVP development - history and legacy 50 Appendix E Priority actions and directives from relevant Strategies and Plans 51 Appendix F Engagement activities relating to the Broulee Biodiversity Certification process 54 Appendix G Southern Rivers CMA letter of support for the Biodiversity Certification proposal 55 Appendix H Final determination Bangalay Sand Forest NSW Scientific Committee 1995 56 Appendix I White footed dunnart profile: Environment and Heritage website 60 Appendix J Moruya Airport Concept Plan (2006) 62 Appendix K Sminthospsis leucopus Broulee Biocertification Area: Keystone Ecological 63 Appendix L Parcels Proposed for Biodiversity Certification 64 Appendix M Map of the region 68 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1a Location of Assessment area in Eurobodalla LGA 7 Figure 1b The Biodiversity Certification Study and Assessment Area 8 Figure 2 zoning applied Eurobodalla LEP 2012 11 Figure 3 Properties accessed for data collection within the Study area 13 Figure 4 Native vegetation footprint 15 Figure 5 Biometric vegetation zones within the assessment area 16 Figure 6 Threatened Species Polygons (red) within the assessment area 18 Figure 7 Red Flag area – Bangalay Sand Forest 22 Figure 8 Red Flag area – White Footed Dunnart 23 Figure 9 Indirect Impact buffer Broulee Urban Development Area 39 Figure 10 Indirect impact buffer Moruya airport development area 40 Figure 11 Obstacle Limitation Surface over conservation areas 41

LIST OF TABLES Table 1 Project elements by date 9 Table 2 Description of conservation areas 12 Table 3 Vegetation zones within the assessment area 17 Table 4 Area of vegetation within the assessment area 17 Table 5 Credit requirements of the Development areas 20 Table 6 Red Flag areas with reference to s2.3 of the Methodology 21 Table 7 Final ecosystem credit results 42 Table 8 Final species credit results 43


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INTRODUCTION

1.1 Biodiversity Certification Process

Biodiversity Certification is an alternate assessment pathway given effect through an amendment to the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act). Biodiversity Certification allows local government in areas with high development pressure, (urban and coastal areas), to provide for the protection of biodiversity, including threatened species at the strategic planning stage.

By streamlining the current biodiversity assessment process Biocertification provides the opportunity to replace site by site, development by development assessment of threatened species with a landscape-wide strategic assessment.

It's used to help identify areas of high conservation value which need protection, and areas that are less constrained and suitable for development. The process provides for a range of options to offset biodiversity impacts, should this be required, to enable development of an identified area. Biodiversity must be ‘maintained or improved’ for certification to be conferred by the Minister for Environment and Heritage.

Once Biodiversity Certification is provided over a defined area, development may proceed without the usual environmental assessment requirements under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. The Biodiversity Certification process has been identified as an appropriate, equitable and efficient mechanism to address competing biodiversity conservation and development issues in the Broulee residential and airport precincts.

1.2 Assessment Methodology

A central element to Biodiversity Certification is the establishment of the Biodiversity Certification Assessment Methodology 2011 (the Methodology) under section 126S of the TSC Act.

An application for Biodiversity Certification must be consistent with the Methodology, which prescribes the manner in which a planning authority must undertake an assessment and sets out a rule set that ensures biodiversity values are improved or maintained as a result of conferring certification over a development area.

This Project applies the endorsed Methodology to the Broulee Assessment Area (Figure 1) with the aim of achieving certification over a defined development footprint of existing residential zoned land and areas surrounding the Moruya airport.

1.3 Background

The Broulee Biodiversity Certification project has been developed as a strategic solution to ongoing planning, development and biodiversity issues in the Broulee area. The approach proposes to resolve long standing land use conflict and development uncertainty being experienced in the remaining undeveloped urban area and concerning the re-development of Moruya Airport.


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While residential occupations are expected to increase in Broulee, and commercial opportunities associated with a larger airport facility are anticipated, a range of environmental constraints and threatened entities are present and must be considered in the planning process. These include potential presence of some 36 threatened species, significant cover of an endangered ecological community; Bangalay Sand Forest and a high density of high conservation value habitat features.

The conservation and management of these high conservation value features poses significant challenges in light of the present zoning and development pattern. Continuing decline due to incremental clearing for residential subdivision, developments and the ongoing impacts of occupation (or operation) have the potential to further reduce the extent, condition and ecological function of remnant habitat.

However, the existence of urban zoned land at Broulee, predating the gazettal of Bangalay Sand Forest and the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, creates a legitimate expectation within landholders of development opportunity.

Following ongoing concerns communicated by frustrated local landholders and developers, feedback from Councils planning and development assessment units and advice received from the Department of Environment and Climate Change that, ‘continued cumulative clearing of remnant Bangalay Sand Forest in the Broulee area is not acceptable and a more strategic approach to development is required as a matter of urgency’ (September 2009), Council, in 2010, resolved to undertake Biocertification investigations in Broulee. In early 2011, support for the proposal was offered by the Department of Planning and Infrastructure and the Office of Environment and Heritage and the Project commenced.

It is anticipated that certification of urban zoned lands and special use airport lands will permit development to proceed but secure long term and comprehensive protection for the residual occurrence of Bangalay Sand Forest in the locality.

Additional benefits include;

a streamlined development assessment process

greater certainty to landowners regarding potential land uses and future development opportunities

savings in time and money spent on individual flora and fauna studies and negotiating individual conservation outcomes

secure conservation outcomes for high value natural environments and strategically targeted mitigation or offset efforts

a reduction in the cumulative impacts resulting from continued ad-hoc development Whilst Council acknowledges the value and importance of sustainably managing the State’s biodiversity, it also recognises the need to provide for economic growth, community services and facilities, and a supply of affordable residential land via sound strategic planning process. Using the Biocertification pathway it is proposed to deliver better environmental outcomes from anticipated urban development, at lower cost by considering biodiversity issues up-front. This


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approach enables practical decision-making and recognises the importance of opting for a cost-effective approach to delivering offset requirements. A chronological history describing the development of this Project is provided in attachment A.

1.4 Study area

The Study area is located on the NSW South Coast, in the central portion of the Eurobodalla Local Government Area. It is defined by the coast in the east, Moruya River in the south, Tomaga River in the north and by a boundary located by cadastre in the west. The Study area comprises ~2000Ha of mainly vegetated land in both public and private tenure (Figure 1a and 1b). Situated within this broad Study area is the Biodiversity Certification Assessment area together with the village of Broulee and the Moruya Airport facility. The final Biodiversity Certification Assessment area was determined following an initial period of investigation in 2011. The Assessment Area comprises the Development Areas, the Conservation Areas and other Retained Lands (Figure 1b).

The Development Areas were known and well defined at the commencement of the Project being; the existing (undeveloped) residential zoned land in the case of Broulee (36Ha) and the development footprint of the endorsed Moruya Airport Concept Plan 2006 (100Ha, 33Ha of which is vegetated). The total combined clearing of native vegetation within these development areas is 69Ha.

Possible Conservation Areas were identified through a desk top assessment process but were only finalised once field assessments confirmed their suitability and credit generating potential during 2012. There are 8 conservation areas that collectively contribute to offsetting the impacts of certification totalling 406.9Ha and all are public lands owned and managed by Eurobodalla Shire Council.

Retained areas are defined tracts of land adjacent to the Development Areas that do not directly influence the Biodiversity Certification assessment or contribute credit but have been identified as they may be affected by indirect impacts in the event that Biodiversity Certification is conferred.

Study Area: The wider area assessed as part of the biodiversity certification assessment project from which the assessment area was established following evaluation of biodiversity values. Assessment Area: The area encompassing land where certification is proposed to be conferred, land proposed for biodiversity conservation via conservation measures to offset the impact of conferring certification and surrounding or adjacent land nominated as retained area. Development Area: Those areas affected directly by proposed development and proposed for Biodiversity Certification Conservation Area: Lands that may be proposed for biodiversity conservation, via conservation measures, to offset the impact of conferring biodiversity certification Retained Area: Land within the biodiversity certification assessment area that is not proposed for biodiversity certification or subject to a proposed conservation measure


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The Eurobodalla Settlement Strategy describes Broulee as a ‘coastal village’ where, ‘the environment dominates’. Broulee is bounded by Broulee Road, George Bass Drive, Candalagan Creek and the coast and is characterised by a mix of partially developed residential land with minor clusters of commercial development, schools and recreational facilities. Around 50Ha of residential, recreation or medium density zoned land remains undeveloped within the greater urban precinct. Of this land around 36Ha of remnant native vegetation predominantly comprising good condition, undisturbed forest is expected to be impacted if the village is developed to its zoned capacity. It is only this 36Ha that is delineated as a Development Area for the purpose of this application, (figure 1b, appendix L) not the entire village. The Moruya airport is located to the north of the Moruya River and ~4.5km south of Broulee adjacent to the coast (Figure 1b). While the present operational footprint of the airport is ~65Ha, this is expected to expand to ~100Ha in the future subject to the outcomes of re-development investigations. Approximately 33Ha of remnant native vegetation in varying condition, ranging from derived shrub land to relatively undisturbed forest may be impacted as a result of these activities. While the entire footprint is delineated as a development area – credits were only required for the 33Ha of remnant native vegetation within this footprint. The Broulee area supports one of the largest occurrences of the Endangered Ecological Community (EEC), Bangalay Sand Forest in State of NSW (Miles 06), and around 46% of the remaining extent of this community in the Shire. The appropriate protection of this Endangered Community in the Broulee area is therefore critical to the survival and recovery of the Endangered Community in NSW as a whole. The entirety of the land proposed for certification both in Broulee (36Ha) and the airport precinct (33Ha) is Bangalay Sand Forest.

Figure 1a: The location of the assessment area within the Eurobodalla LGA

Narooma

Moruya

Batemans Bay


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Figure 1b: The Biodiversity Certification Study Area (left) and the Biodiversity Certification Assessment Area (below)


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1.5 Project Implementation

Eurobodalla Shire Council as a planning authority has prepared this application for Biodiversity Certification in the interests of achieving development outcomes on residential and special use zoned land in an ecologically sustainable manner. The Office of Environment and Heritage will assess the proposal to ensure that it results in an outcome that ‘improves or maintains’ biodiversity values, with the Minister for the Environment and Heritage determining whether to confer certification on the areas proposed for this purpose. The Broulee Biodiversity Certification Project has been managed by the Strategic Planning Unit of Council, with technical support and advice provided by a Project reference group over the course of 2011-2013. In April 2011, expressions of interest were sought for the provision of professional services to undertake Biodiversity Certification Investigations for two distinct development precincts in the Eurobodalla local government area in Broulee and South Moruya. Following evaluation, Ecological Australia were appointed (September 2011) as specialist consultants to prepare both Biodiversity Certification Assessment Reports. Under S142B of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act), the Director-General may accredit persons to prepare assessments and surveys in connection with the biobanking scheme established under Part 7A of the TSC Act and biodiversity certification of land under Part 7AA of the TSC Act. Both the project Coordinator, Paula Pollock (preparing the Biodiversity Certification Strategy) and EcoLogical’s Senior Ecologist, Ryan Smithers (preparing the Broulee Biodiversity Certification Assessment Report) hold such accreditation.

Further information on the qualifications of staff involved in this assessment are detailed in the Biodiversity Certification Assessment Report appended to this Strategy (Appendix B). While particulars of field assessment, methods, effort and timeframes are provided in the Biodiversity Certification Assessment Report, a brief description of Project sequencing is summarised in Table 1.

Project element Timeline

Consultant(s) selected

Project Inception and literature review

April 2011

May 2011

STAGE 1.

Mapping and Scoring of Native Assessing threatened species and communities Red Flag Areas Other attributes

November 2011 – April 2012 November 2011 – August 2012 September 2012 October 2012 - November 2012

STAGE 2.

Planning Application of conservation measures Credit calculations Biodiversity Certification Assessment Report

September 2012 – November 2012

October 2012

November 2012

December 2012

STAGE 3.


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Preparation of Strategy Reporting Exhibition Review of submissions Adoption and referral to OEH

January 2013

March 2013

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Table 1: Project Elements by date

1.6 Financial

The Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water and the Department of Planning have contributed toward the costs of preparing the Broulee Biodiversity Certification Assessment Report 2012 (Appendix B), with Council allocating $10000 toward the Project from the 2011-2012 Management Plan.

1.7 Technical reference group

The Broulee Biocertification project has been one of the first assessments prepared in accordance with the Biodiversity Certification Assessment Methodology 2011. Consequently, a reference group of accredited officers was convened to assist with the technical aspects of the assessment process and to provide guidance on implementation and approach. The reference group comprised representatives of the funding bodies, Department of Planning and Infrastructure (Louise Wells), Office of Environment and Heritage (Mark Sheahan, accredited biobank assessor) as well as Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (Liz Clark, accredited biobank assessor) in an advisory capacity. Additional advice was provided through this group on an as-needs basis by Althea Kinnane, John Seidel, John Briggs, Tobi Edmonds and staff of the Office of Environment and Heritage. Both EcoLogical Australia, (Ryan Smithers and Darren Jones) and planning staff of Eurobodalla Shire Council reported findings, presented issues and work solutions through the reference group.

1.8 Strategic Context

The Eurobodalla Local Environmental Plan 2012 applies to the development areas, with current zoning and lot size applied presented in Figure 2. A full description of lands comprising the development area is provided in Appendix L. Further information on the planning history of the sites is provided later in the Strategy at 4.2 red flag variation.

The conservation lands are a mix of community and operational land (Table 2, Appendix L) and are presently zoned E2 Environmental Conservation under the Eurobodalla Local Environmental Plan 2012, and 1a Rural (Environmental Constraints and Agriculture) and 7a Environment Protection (Wetlands) under the Rural LEP 1987. Conservation areas 1, 2 and 3 were committed to a Conservation Property Vegetation Plan (cPVP) in 2008 in recognition of their high conservation value and this will be discussed further in 4.3 minor variation. The cPVP is attached (Appendix C).

This Biodiversity Certification Project is consistent with a number of higher order Strategies and Plans that guide and inform land use planning and environmental management decisions, particularly in relation to maintenance of biodiversity assets. A summary of priority actions and objectives is provided in Appendix E


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Figure xxx Zoning as applied in the Eurobodalla LEP 2012

R2 residential RE1 public recreation R3 medium density SP1 special use airport

Figure 2 Zoning of development areas as applied in the Eurobodalla LEP 2012 (above) R2 residential, R3 medium density residential, RE1 public recreation, SP1 special use airport

Minimum lot size of development areas as applied in the Eurobodalla LEP 2012 (below)


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Conservation Area

Description Lot and DP Area (Ha) classification categorisation

1 Bengello north of airport

part Lot 70 DP 831111

187 Community Natural area bushland

Natural area wetland

2 Bengello north of airport

lot 8 DP 258299

61 Reserve Not categorised

3 Bengello Williga Swamp

part Lot 4 DP 1090948

74 Community General community use – open slashed

4 Corner Broulee Road and George

Bass Drive

Lot 12 DP 831878

11 Operational

5 Old Broulee tip part Lot 70 DP 831111

38 Operational

6 Illawong Swamp Lot 10

DP 83187812 Operational

7 Racecourse west Lot 11


8 Racecourse south Lot 41


Table 2 Description of Conservation Areas

1.9 Community Consultation and access

Affected landholders of the Broulee residential area have supported the preparation of this application and have been consulted throughout the Local Environmental Plan process 09-12 and via individual meetings and updates. A tailored Biobanking presentation was delivered for their information in 2010 and followed with a Biocertification workshop in 2011. Council staff have actively maintained regular contact with those landholders in respect of current development proposals, to advise of alternate assessment pathways and of efforts to secure funding assistance to expedite the process. Broader community engagement and advisory notices have been communicated through local media and community newsletters. Targeted mail outs to landholders outside the urban precinct and between Moruya and Tomaga Rivers was undertaken, focusing on properties that may support Bangalay Sand Forest and where more information was sought to augment the existing knowledge base. Following initial introduction of the Project, property entry was requested in key locations and individually organised upon receipt of permission. A summary of engagement activities relating to the Broulee Biodiversity Certification process is described in Appendix F and properties accessed for data collection within the Study Area are shown in Figure 3


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Figure 3 Properties accessed for data collection within the Study Area


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1.10 Ecological assessment

A range of existing datasets, reports, literature and mapping was accessed and reviewed to build an ecological picture of the study area. Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority supplied relevant plot data and previous flora and fauna assessments were referenced with modelled vegetation mapping reconciled where appropriate with property scale verified floristic data. The resultant vegetation map was then used to design a sampling regime consistent with the Methodology with 21 plots being undertaken (18 required). Access constraints and opportunities prompted further refinement of the sampling effort, with good coverage being achieved over the bulk of the Study Area (Figure 3) A full outline of the applied Methodology is provided in the appended Broulee Biodiversity Certification Assessment Report (Appendix B)


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2 ASSESSMENT OF VALUES

2.1 Biodiversity values

The Biodiversity Certification Assessment Report 2012 appended to this Strategy (Appendix B) outlines the process undertaken to define biodiversity values and demonstrates compliance with the Methodology. The maps and tables below are reproduced from this report which details in full the biodiversity values of the assessment area.

2.2 Native Vegetation Footprint (s3.2 of the Methodology)

The Assessment Area supports 509Ha of native vegetation in various condition states as mapped in figure 4. Section 3 and appendix 4 of the Biodiversity Certification Assessment Report 2012 provides further information on vegetation within the Assessment Area.

Assessment area Total Area Area of Native Vegetation

Development area 137.1 Ha 69Ha

Conservation area 406.9Ha 396.8Ha

Retained area 44.84Ha 43.73Ha

Total 588.84Ha 509.53Ha

Figure 4 Native Vegetation Footprint within the Assessment area


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2.3 Biometric Vegetation types and delineation of vegetation zones (3.3-3.5 of the Methodology)

The Assessment Area supports 11 vegetation zones of 6 different vegetation types and an area of cleared land. These are mapped and described in figure 5 and tables 3 and 4 below. Section 3 and appendix 4 of the Biodiversity Certification Assessment Report 2012 provides further information on vegetation within the Assessment Area.

Figure 5 Biometric vegetation zones within the Assessment Area


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2.4 Threatened Species polygons (s4 of the Methodology)

Targeted surveys were undertaken for 7 species credit fauna species, with one of these, the White Footed Dunnart Sminthopsis leucopus being detected in the Development Area. This species is listed as being unable to withstand further loss in the region and as such is a Red Flag (OEH 2012). Further information on species predicted to occur within the Assessment Area and those requiring survey is found in appendix 7 and s4.7 of the Biodiversity Certification Assessment Report 2012.

Table 3 Vegetation zones within the Assessment Area

Table 4 Area of vegetation within the Assessment Area


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Figure 6 Threatened Species Polygons (red) within the Assessment Area


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2.5 Areas of State or Regional Conservation significance (2.4.4 of the Methodology)

Within the Development Area subject of this Biodiversity Certification application, there are no areas of State or regional conservation significance as defined in s2.3 of the Methodology as;

land that is mapped or defined as a state or regional biodiversity link in accordance with section 3.7.2 of the Methodology

a riparian buffer 40 m either side of a major river on the coast and tablelands or 100 m either side of a major river on the western slopes and plains

a riparian buffer 30 m either side of a minor river or major creek on the coast and tablelands or 60 m either side of a minor river or major creek on the western slopes and plains

a riparian buffer 20 m either side of a minor creek on the coast and tablelands or 40 m either side of a minor creek on the western slopes and plains

areas listed as a SEPP 14 wetland

2.6 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC) considerations (s5 of the Methodology)

Consistent with chapter 5 of the Methodology, an evaluation of nationally significant values was undertaken for the development areas. The EPBC Protected matters search tool was consulted and identified;

4 flora species as potentially occurring within the locality In consideration of habitat requirements and following assessment, it is considered highly unlikely that these species would occur within the development areas.

47 threatened fauna and numerous migratory bird species predicted to occur within the locality. While the development area does provide some suitable habitat for a range of EPBC listed species, it does not support any resources that aren’t available in remnant vegetation outside of the development area footprints. The development area provides very limited breeding habitat for these species. Suitable habitat is duplicated in the conservation areas. The development area is considered too small to have any substantial effect on these species.

listed ecological community: Littoral rainforest and coastal vine thickets of eastern Australia, potentially occurs within the locality

Following assessment, this community does not occur within the development areas

There are no world heritage properties, national heritage places or Ramsar wetlands of national importance within the development area.

In light of the outcomes of this appraisal and in accordance with the Methodology, actions associated with the conferral of certification will not have a significant impact on a matter of national environmental significance and as such ‘strategic assessment’ under the EPBC Act is not requested. For full assessment refer to the Biodiversity Certification Assessment Report 2012 appended to this Strategy (Appendix B)


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2.7 Red flags (s2.3 of the Methodology)

A map of Red Flag areas based on the ecological assessment is provided at figures 7 and 8, with a full description of these values to follow in section 3

2.8 Indirect impacts (s6 of the Methodology)

Maps of areas that may be subject to indirect impacts as a result of the conferral of certification are provided at figures 9-11, with a full description of these impacts to follow in section 3.7

2.9 Credit requirements (s7 of the Methodology)

Following the assessment of values within the development area, credit requirements were determined based on section 7 of the Methodology. The results of this exercise are provided in table 5 below.

Development Area Credits

Broulee (ecosystem credits) 1561*

Broulee (species credits) 952

Moruya Airport (ecosystem credits) 795**

Moruya Airport (species credits) 864

Table 5 Credit requirements of the Development Areas

* includes; Bangalay - Old-man Banksia open forest on coastal sands, Sydney Basin and South East Corner (1558), indirect impacts (3)

** includes; Bangalay - Old-man Banksia open forest on coastal sands, Sydney Basin and South East Corner (785), Coast Banksia - Coast Wattle dune scrub, Sydney Basin and South East Corner (7), indirect impacts (3)


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3 STRATEGIC PLANNING

3.1 Development Area (area proposed for certification)

The two Development Areas, defined in figure 1 and Appendix L, comprise 36Ha of residential zoned land in Broulee and 33Ha of native vegetation within the development footprint of the endorsed Moruya Airport Concept Plan 2006. The total combined clearing of native vegetation within these Development Areas is 69Ha. In total, the Development Area is made up of 14 part lots; 9 of these, or ~33Ha being in private tenure and 5 or ~36Ha of these held in public tenure (primarily Moruya Airport and Captain Oldrey Park).

3.2 Red Flag areas within the development area (s2.3 of the Methodology)

With reference to the Biodiversity Assessment Methodology, a conferral of Biodiversity Certification over the proposed development lands will directly impact on biodiversity values of 2 Red Flag entities; Bangalay Sand Forest and the White Footed Dunnart (Table 6, figures 7 & 8).

Red Flag High conservation value

Bangalay Sand Forest in the Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregion (Appendix H)(Figure 7)

Biometric vegetation type: Bangalay – Old-man Banksia Open Forest

An endangered ecological community listed under the Threatened Species Conservation Act (not in low condition)

Area (Ha) within dvp & cons areas

Area (Ha) impacted

Area (%) impacted

385.6 47.1 12.2

Sminthopsis leucopus

White Footed Dunnart (Appendix I)(Figure 8)

Threatened species identified in the Threatened Species Profile Database that cannot withstand further loss in the CMA area because

The species is naturally very rare, has few populations or a restricted distribution

The species or its habitat needs are poorly known

Area (Ha) within dvp & cons areas

Area (Ha) impacted

Area (%) impacted

442.9 69.0 15.6

Table 6 Red Flag areas with reference to s2.3 of the Methodology

3.3 Red Flag variation (2.4 of the Methodology)

The following section constitutes a formal application for a Red Flag variation, provides justification for this claim and through addressing the relevant criteria in s 2.4.1 – 2.4.4 demonstrates that the impacts of certification on the red flag areas can be offset in accordance with the rules and requirements in section 10 of the Methodology.


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Figure 7 Red Flag area – Bangalay Sand Forest


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3.1.2.1 Feasibility of options to avoid impacts on red flag areas (2.4.1 BCAM) This application for variation of the red-flag rules is made after appropriate avoidance, mitigation and on-site measures have been considered to minimise adverse impacts in and adjacent to the certification area. A summary of these considerations and rationale behind the proposal presented is provided below.

Figure 8 Red Flag area – White footed dunnart


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3.3.1 (a) All reasonable measures have been taken to avoid impacts on Red Flag Areas;

Buffers A 40m wide buffer along George Bass Drive will be retained consistent with Councils’ Policy; Conservation of the Yellow-bellied Glider in the Broulee area. This buffer has also been extended north of the Candalagan Drive intersection adjacent to land proposed to be certified. In total around ~7ha of residential zoned red flag vegetation has been excluded from this application for certification and will remain as habitat and a stepping stone for species dispersal and movement in and out of Broulee and simultaneously provide visual amenity. The buffer is presently held in private tenure and Council will strongly support consolidation efforts and the minimisation of boundaries and fence lines that could potentially impact on the remnant patch and connectivity within it. Development Control Plan A Broulee Development Control Plan will be drafted to ensure sensitive design principles are applied in the planning of subdivision layouts and future developments. It is expected that perimeter roads will be required to create separation between retained vegetation (along George Bass Drive and Broulee Road) and residences for fire protection and also to minimise the number of created parcels abutting HCV vegetation. This will discourage private property encroachments and should minimise indirect impacts such as garden waste dumping and ‘tidying up’ activities following occupation. While Certification assumes the total removal of all habitat elements within the Development Area, this may not be the actual outcome once development is effected. The addition of nodes or increasing effective width of the buffer would be supported in principle provided that this does not negatively impact on the broader habitat retained or the purpose of the buffer. However, a number of other concerns pertaining to wholesale retention of patches within the certification area have been considered. These relate to meeting asset protection and bushfire planning requirements together with the cumulative action of indirect impacts operating on a larger edge to area ratio following development and the likely detrimental impacts on structure, function, composition and habitat value. While the management applied to these patches might mitigate against such impacts, experience dictates that within a residential setting, small isolated patches of retained vegetation are generally converted to under-scrubbed parkland (over time) with a resultant reduction in biodiversity values. Similarly, the retention of hollow bearing trees within the Certification Area would also be supported in principle as investigations indicate a range of hollow dependant fauna are known from the locality. Although the Methodology does not require the number of hollow bearing trees (HBT) within the certification area to be quantified, the outcome of certification will mean that HBT become a limited commodity within the Broulee area as development proceeds. However, retention of senescing trees has proven problematic within residential areas, with safety and risk management issues causing concern once occupations progress. Council would be supportive of efforts to design around known habitat features and to reduce impacts of development on vegetation remaining within the Biodiversity Certification Area, (this is


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consistent with the existing Conservation of the Yellow-bellied Glider in the Broulee Area Policy), but appreciates the practicalities of doing so. With only 36Ha of developable land proposed to be certified within the existing urban footprint – which must accommodate all infrastructure, easements and services to support residential developments - it is simply not feasible to further reduce the area available for growth. From a planning and investment perspective, it is logical to make the best use of what is available including pre-installed infrastructure capacity to support an intensification of density, while consolidating high conservation value habitats and communities in more strategic locations. Weed and Pest Management Due to small localised infestations of grassy weeds in roadsides and power line easements (such as serrated tussock at Barlings Beach), the Assessment Area is, and will continue to be regularly monitored with records kept in Councils Weeds Database. Maintenance works are planned following consultation with the database and management applied in a manner that both contains and suppresses existing infestations and prevents further outbreaks adjacent to the high conservation value areas around Broulee and the Airport. Conservation areas The spatial distribution, size of patches and connectedness of the Red Flag areas proposed for conservation measures within the Biodiversity Certification Assessment Area have minimised the overall impacts of conferring Biodiversity Certification on the Red Flag Areas within the Development Area. With over 400Ha of high conservation value (predominantly Red Flag Area) land proposed to be permanently set aside for conservation purposes and actively managed under a conservation measure, the outcome of this certification proposal is positive. The 8 distinct parcels (Table 2, Appendix L) comprising the Conservation Area are each connected to in-tact vegetation and are all located within one of the largest east-west corridors in the region linking the coast with National Parks of the escarpment. The parcels range in size from 7 -187Ha and being principally the same vegetation type as the Development Area, provide a significant habitat resource for the suite of species potentially impacted by conferral of Certification. There is limited development (now or proposed) adjacent to these Conservation Areas, so, unlike the impacts generated from higher intensity, higher density developments within the Certification Areas, there should be minimal indirect erosion of biodiversity features and values over time.

3.3.1 (b) Appropriate conservation management arrangements cannot be established over Red Flag Areas given its current ownership, status under a regional plan, zoning and likely costs of future management

Zoning The ability to apply conservation management to the lands that are both proposed for Certification and that constitute Red Flag Areas is limited and not practical given their history, zoning, status under the South Coast Regional Strategy and issues surrounding future management.


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Broulee was surveyed and gazetted as a settlement around 1840. The Eurobodalla Urban Local Environmental Plan 1999 (consistent with previous Interim Development Orders), zoned urban land in Broulee; east of George Bass Drive, north of Broulee Road and south of Candalagan Creek to 2g residential general, 2t residential tourism, 3a business and 6a1 public open space. Subsequent to this, the Eurobodalla LEP 2012 presently zones the lands subject to this application for certification as Low Density Residential R2, Public Recreation RE1 and Medium Density Residential R3 and a small area of Local Centre B2 (Figure 2) As demonstrated, there is a long history of planning for residential development in Broulee. Roading, stormwater and sewer infrastructure layouts have been designed and in some areas are already installed to support staged development and full residential capacities as per zoning. With numerous development projects ranging from the expansion of an existing aged care facility to residential subdivisions presently held in limbo, Certification of the Broulee Development Area is proposed to enable a collective and strategic solution to ongoing planning, development and biodiversity issues. The Eurobodalla Local Environmental Plan 2012 zones the Moruya Airport SP1 Special Infrastructure (Airport) (Figure 2). The footprint of the certification area at the Airport is consistent with a publicly exhibited and endorsed Concept Plan of 2006 (Appendix J). Built in 1942, the airport is the Shires sole air transport facility (one of only two on the south coast) and a key regional asset critical in meeting the needs of the community and generating substantial economic, environmental and social benefits. Redevelopment is planned to renew ageing infrastructure including terminal facilities, create commercial, airpark and light industrial opportunities with an anticipated runway extension to ~1800m being considered. Certification over the remnant vegetation within the re-development footprint is essential to enable this to progress and a variation to Red Flag rules would support this outcome. The South Coast Regional Strategy (SCRS) specifically recognises the importance of the airport by its direction to ‘protect all regionally significant employment lands including…Moruya Airport’ (p26) and further recommends to ‘add to employment lands in existing economic centres’ and to ‘create infrastructure and service delivery efficiencies’. The Strategy also plans for the provision of sufficient new urban and employment lands to meet expected demands for growth and encourages maximum growth around existing centres while minimising development in sensitive locations. Importantly, the Strategy states that, ‘urban areas which are identified in the final version of…the Eurobodalla Settlement Strategy will be supported’. The proposal to certify the Broulee Development Area is consistent with these objectives and a variation will enable consolidation of planned development within a defined footprint while securely offsetting biodiversity impacts in priority locations. The lands proposed for certification in Broulee (13 parcels, Appendix L) are primarily in private tenure (the exception being an undeveloped area of public, Council managed recreation land – Captain Oldrey Park). Current management applied to the lands by the 5 other individual landowners is minimal with no coordinated effort or secure source of funding available to support such actions. The Moruya Airport precinct is conversely in public tenure with land management focused on maintenance of airport functions. Future plans for expansion and upgrade of the existing regional facility are not compatible with the maintenance of Red Flag Areas within the identified development footprint.


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3.3.2 Additional assessment criteria for vegetation types (2.4.2 of the Methodology)

The Red Flag area identified through the Biodiversity Certification Assessment process for which a variation is sought, is an endangered ecological community as defined in s2.3 or the Methodology.

3.3.2 (i) viability must be low or not viable (2.4.2.1 of the Methodology)

(a) The current or future uses of lands surrounding the red flag area where biodiversity certification is to be conferred reduce its viability or make it unviable

In respect of biodiversity values within the red flag area proposed for certification, long term persistence or viability is considered to be low due to impacts of the current and future uses of adjacent land. Urban and commercial developments and subsequent occupation introduce a range of indirect impacts such as:

Asset protection and fuel reduction activities significantly modifying structure, function and composition by either application of burning regimes or requiring removal of significant mid, understorey and other habitat elements such as fallen logs and litter.

‘Tidying up’ of adjacent bushland reduces available habitat and simplifies structure

Encroachment

Predation by domestic animals and concentration of pest animals

Weed invasions and garden escapes reduce biodiversity values

If unmanaged, as they presently are, these collateral impacts can have detrimental effects on communities, species and habitat over time.

(b) The size and connectedness of the vegetation in the red flag area where biodiversity certification is to be conferred to other vegetation is insufficient to maintain viability

No claim is made against this criteria

(c) The composition of native vegetation in the Red Flag area where biodiversity certification is to be conferred is substantially degraded, resulting in a loss of or reduced viability

It is probable that the condition of pockets of vegetation around the airport may result in reduced long term viability. As demonstrated by the results of the Assessment, (Appendix B), condition in the Red Flag Area has been substantially degraded over time as a result of the operational management activities around the runways and in maintaining obstacle limitation surfaces. In fact, portions of the vegetation (zone 20) in the Red Flag area of the airport where conferral of Biodiversity Certification is proposed was actually found to have a site value score of <34 and subsequently downgraded to ‘low condition’, effectively removing it from the Red Flag Area.

(d) The area of a vegetation type in a Red Flag area on land where Biodiversity Certification is conferred is minor relative to the area containing that vegetation type on land subject to proposed Conservation Measures

The area of red flagged vegetation subject of this variation request is about 12% of the total (moderate to good condition) Bangalay - Old Man Banksia open forest occurrence within the assessment area, with 47Ha proposed for Certification and 338Ha proposed for conservation management.


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3.3.2 (ii) contribution of Red Flag Area to regional biodiversity values is low (2.4.2.2 of the Methodology)

In a regional context, the red flagged Bangalay - Old Man Banksia open forest within the Development Areas makes a relatively low contribution to biodiversity values in consideration of its relative abundance, percentage remaining and high total native vegetation cover in the Bateman subregion.

(a) relative abundance

The vegetation types database indicates that the Bangalay Sand Forest is 50% cleared across its range, which is relatively high for an endangered ecological community, although, it is acknowledged that its association with coastal sand plains limits its occurrence. The Bangalay Sand Forest community is however represented in the formal reserve system (Royal, Seven Mile Beach, Conjola, Meroo, Murramarang, Eurobodalla and Biamanga National Parks) but it is often exposed to degradation by visitor overuse due to proximity to beaches and camping areas.

A significant proportion of Bangalay Sand Forest’s entire extent is contained within the region (defined as the Bateman, Jervis, Ettrema, Bungonia, South East Coastal Ranges (c) and South East

Coastal Plains subregions of the Southern Rivers Catchment Management area) as described in the final determination of the NSW Scientific Committee. The Bangalay coastal forests of Broulee are the larger of two main clusters of the community left, not only within the Shire of Eurobodalla, but in the whole south-east corner bioregion of NSW (Miles 06). From this perspective, the endangered ecological community comprising the Red Flag Area is relatively abundant in the region.

(b) percent remaining is high

See address of criteria above (a)

(c) percent native vegetation (by area) remaining is high

In totality, there is a very high native vegetation cover generally across the region, with a high proportion of land committed to conservation reserve and production forestry. Of the 1,527,058 Ha in the region spanning the Bateman and neighbouring sub-catchments of; Jervis, Ettrema, Bungonia, South east coastal ranges (c) and south east coastal plains, 1,232,129 Ha are covered with native vegetation. This is based on the best available regional mapping (SCIVI) and represents 80.6% native vegetation by area remaining.

In the Eurobodalla alone 41% of the LGA is National Park and 31% is State Forest. Landscape native cover scores calculated during this assessment within a 6000Ha circle around the Development Areas resulted in a 61-70% cover class. From the data provided above and the google map image at Appendix M, the percent native vegetation remaining across the region is argued to be ‘high’.


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3.3.3 Additional assessment criteria for threatened species that cant withstand further loss (2.4.3 of the Methodology)

The Threatened Species Profile Database identifies the White Footed Dunnart as a species that cannot withstand further loss.

3.3.3 (i) viability must be low or not viable (2.4.3.1 of the Methodology)

In consideration of the factors presently operating in the Development Areas and a limited ability to manage available habitat for biodiversity values, the long term viability of the White Footed Dunnart within the Development Areas is low. In reference to the s2.4.3 of the Methodology, key points are addressed below;

(a)current or future uses of land surrounding the red flag area reduce its viability or make it unviable

In both the Airport and Broulee Development Areas, the impacts from current and future uses of adjacent land (residential and commercial developments) would be expected to affect the population in time. Aside from direct removal and/or modification of habitat resulting from clearing associated with; subdivision, service provision and asset protection/fuel management activities, there is typically a cumulative and often significant impact from ‘tidying up’ and encroachment into adjacent land that results in further loss of available resource for the species. Further to this, occupation introduces a range of indirect impacts and pressures on populations, not the least of which is increased predation and presence of domestic and pest animals which is a reasonable outcome of from a higher density of residency. With existing approvals in place on adjacent land, the available habitat within Broulee is cumulatively reducing with edge to area ratios increasing. Cumulatively, these impacts reduce the viability of the red flag area. The lands within the Broulee Development Area, in their present state, are regarded as a liability by some land managers due to ongoing expenditure on rates and land tax, a lack of return on existing investment and major limitations on development potential. There is little chance of voluntary conservation effort or investment and limited means to manage the land for biodiversity values.

(b) the size and connectedness of vegetation in the Red Flag Area to other native vegetation is insufficient to maintain its viability


(c) the condition of native vegetation in the Red Flag Area is substantially degraded resulting in loss of or reduced viability


(d) the area of a Red Flag area containing a threatened species on land where Biodiversity Certification is conferred is minor relative to the area containing that threatened species on land subject to proposed conservation measures

The Red Flag Area (White Footed Dunnart Habitat) subject of this variation request is 69ha and represents about 18% of the total available dunnart habitat within the Conservation


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Area. A significant 373.8Ha of equivalent habitat is proposed for conservation management to offset the impacts of conferring Certification. In terms of available habitat, the 69Ha subject of this application for certification is minor relative to the thousands of hectares available within the region (as defined in the Methodology Appendix M). Habitat features within the conservation area are very similar to that found in the Broulee Development Area where it was detected (appendix K). Moreover, the mosaic of patches and abundance of fallen timber within the conservation areas, coupled with a documented ability of Sminthopsis to travel long distances indicate that the species would be able to exploit suitable areas within the broader forest complex.

3.3.3 (ii) Contribution to regional biodiversity values is low (2.4.3.2 of the Methodology)

An expert report prepared in support of this Strategy documents over 100 records of the species within the region (defined as the Far South Coast, Eurobodalla, Shoalhaven and upper Shoalhaven subregions of the Southern Rivers Catchment Management area) (Appendix K). Although the greatest density of records is in the far south coast this could be a consequence of sampling effort rather than a population cluster. The Broulee area is within the species expected range. The scarcity of species specific data makes quantitative evaluation of relative abundances difficult, however, what is known of its habitat preferences (Appendices I and K) suggests that there is ample suitable habitat to support its existence along the NSW coastal range and plain. Literature indicates that low numbers of Sminthopsis leucopus have been captured in a wide range of habitats from foredune heathland to montane forest. Further, studies have documented the species’ response to episodic events such as logging and fire with reported persistence of breeding and dynamic population responses through vegetation recovery phases with activity dropping markedly as density of regrowth increased. In fact, the ability of the species (and its close relatives) to disperse and opportunistically utilise suitable areas as they develop has been well documented, (Appendix K) With a single male captured through this investigation and a sub-adult through another, as is, the lands proposed for certification (69Ha) clearly provide suitable habitat for White Footed Dunnart. What is not clear is if this is by way of dispersal ground or if the area supports one or more home ranges (~2Ha) and resident population. However, the structural characteristics of the habitat where the record was identified and notable variability or patchiness of microhabitat qualities within the broader forest complex are remarkably similar to areas both within the conservation lands and more broadly within the region, particularly the more coastal sections. Essential structural habitat elements such as decaying fallen logs are also not unique to the Broulee development lands. On the basis that’s the Dunnart is not at the limit of its known range, that the habitat on site in the development area is not unique in the region (in terms of resource availability) and that there is some connectivity between the development sites and broader forest patches (dunnarts being reasonably mobile), it is argued that the contribution of this 69Ha red flag area to regional biodiversity values is low. 3.3.4 Additional assessment criteria for areas with regional or state biodiversity conservation

significance (s2.4.4 of the Methodology) Not relevant


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3.4 Conservation measures

The 8 distinct parcels (Table 2) comprising the Conservation Area are each connected to in-tact vegetation and are all located within one of the largest east-west corridors in the region linking the coast with National Parks of the Escarpment, (OEH 2013). The parcels range in size from 7 -187Ha and being principally the same vegetation type as the Development Area, provide a significant habitat resource for the suite of species potentially impacted by conferral of certification. There is limited development (now or proposed) adjacent to these conservation lands, so, unlike the impacts generated from higher intensity, higher density developments within the Certification Areas, there should be minimal indirect erosion of biodiversity features and values over time. The offset lands (Figure 1, Appendix L) are proposed to be permanently managed for conservation and will be committed to a Property Vegetation Plan, secured on title and applying in perpetuity. The proposed action is consistent with a permanently managed conservation measure outlined in s8.1.2 of the Methodology and as such achieves 90% of possible credit generated.

The specific management actions that will be applied to all of the Conservation Areas through inclusion in the Property Vegetation Plan are:

• Management of grazing for conservation • Weed control • Management of fire for conservation • Management of human disturbance • Retention of regrowth • Replanting or supplementary planting where natural regeneration will not be sufficient • Retention of dead timber • Erosion control • Retention of rocks

Additional management actions as specified in the Threatened Species Profile Database for Sminthopsis leucopus will also be included in the Property Vegetation Plan or where relevant used to enhance the base actions specified for creation of ecosystem credits:

• Control feral predators and rabbits • Apply mosaic pattern hazard reduction techniques to ensure the same areas are not burned

continuously • Retain standing and fallen timber and other nest sites in areas of habitat • Avoid overgrazing by stock in areas of habitat • Apply forestry regimes that maintain floristic and structural diversity • Prevent domestic cats and dogs from roaming in habitat areas • Protect habitat and retain linkages across the broader landscape

The Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority has indicated support for the proposal (Appendix G) and will draft the PVP to support the intent outlined above. The Plan, if endorsed by Council, will formalise Council’s commitment to ongoing management of the offset lands. A copy of


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the existing cPVP voluntarily applied to a number of conservation areas is appended at (Appendix C) to demonstrate the specific and binding nature of the management actions proposed.

3.5 Minor Variation to the Methodology

Eurobodalla Shire Council formally requests the Ministers’ consideration for a minor variation to the Biodiversity Certification Methodology (2011) provided for under section 126Q of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. The variation requested relates to certain lands (Lot 70 DP831111 and part Lot 4 DP 1090948) at Broulee voluntarily conserved via a Property Vegetation Plan (PVP) in March 2008 (Appendix C). These lands, known as ‘Bengello Forest’ are categorised as community land and are presently zoned E2 (Environmental Conservation) in the Eurobodalla Local Environmental Plan 2012 (ELEP). This request is made to allow for full biodiversity credit generating potential to be realised from the lands which would otherwise be subject to credit discounting or additionality, on account of existing conservation obligations. The request is essentially for the existing PVP to be treated as a new Conservation Measure, and refers specifically to s8.4 and s8.1.2 of the Methodology. Section 126Q of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 permits minor variation to the Biodiversity Certification Methodology (2011) in certain circumstances being;

a) the variation to the Methodology is minor b) the variation would result in a determination that the overall effect of Biodiversity

Certification is to improve or maintain biodiversity values c) strict adherence to the Methodology is in the particular case unreasonable and unnecessary In response to this: a) the variation to the Methodology is minor The variation proposed is not inconsistent with the classification of any plant species as a threatened species and does not propose a change in the status of any endangered ecological community. All threatened entities predicted and detected and all biodiversity values established through the application of the Assessment Methodology have been accounted for in credit calculations. The variation requested simply enables a greater capacity to generate the required number of credits from available offset lands (subject of a cPVP) to support an application for Biodiversity Certification over existing urban zoned land at Broulee. Further, Eurobodalla Shire Council was the first local government authority in the State to voluntarily enter into an in-perpetuity, on-title cPVP in March 2008. There are so few cPVPs voluntarily entered on public lands that a variation on this occasion will not result in a flood of similar requests or set a precedent of Policy challenge. (b) the variation would result in a determination that the overall effect of Biodiversity Certification is to improve or maintain biodiversity values


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If granted, a variation will enable the statutory ‘maintain or improve’ test to be met as described in this Strategy. As per credit calculations undertaken for the certification and conservation areas, the available offset (inclusive of Bengello Forest) cannot provide the required number of credits to compensate for losses at the development site simply due to the discounting applied via additionality. Council has been advised in recent correspondence from the Office of Environment and Heritage that, as a result of existing obligations created by the cPVP, a 55% discount would apply to the subject parcels under additionality rules, significantly affecting the ability of these voluntarily conserved lands to generate credit.

The minor variation requested, would, by treating the Bengello cPVP as a new conservation measure, allow for the existing obligations of the cPVP to be waived, in this case due to;

the circumstances leading to its voluntary application; and

that it was in place well before gazettal of the Methodology; and

that it currently does not meet the standards required by the Methodology for a conservation measure (s8.1.2) as it is not presently registered on title

Discounting would then be limited to that which would apply to general community land categorised as ‘natural area’ and subject to Councils Plan of Management: Natural Areas and Undeveloped Reserves. Under these discounting conditions, available credits would enable biodiversity values to be improved or maintained through this Biodiversity Certification proposal. c) strict adherence to the Methodology is in the particular case unreasonable and unnecessary The Bengello lands were voluntarily conserved via a cPVP in March 2008. Before establishing this agreement over the land at Bengello, Council sought advice from the then Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) on future eligibility of the lands as a Biobanking offset site, (refer to COUNCIL MINUTE 06/483, 20 December 2006). Advice confirming that the subject area would be eligible as a Biobanking site was received, the initiative was supported by the DECC, and in consideration of this response, Council proceeded with placing the area under the formal conservation management agreement. Council submits that under these circumstances, strict adherence to the Methodology is unfair and unreasonable, and requests support for a variation in the application of the Methodology on this occasion.

In this instance, strict adherence to the gazetted Methodology may result in unacceptable impacts on a commendable community driven, cross-agency conservation initiative. Attached to this application is a summary of the development of the Bengello cPVP, including community consultation and engagement (Appendix D). The OEH have suggested that a way forward in obtaining credits may be the revocation of the existing cPVP and the simultaneous application of a Biobanking Agreement or new PVP over the Bengello lands. Given the history and investment described, this is considered to be an unreasonable and impractical approach. Moreover, this alternative option delivers exactly the same biodiversity outcome as would approving a minor variation of the Methodology as proposed.

The failure to realise the required number of credits from the Bengello offset land in the Broulee locality because of the discounting applied as a consequence of taking decisive and positive action to conserve high conservation value lands is politically insupportable. Such an outcome would be a


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disincentive for Council’s to support similar initiatives on other high conservation value public lands in the future. This perverse outcome may be avoided by permitting the requested minor variation. In summary, Council submits that the variation to the Methodology requested is ‘minor’, the variation would result in a determination that the overall effect of Biodiversity Certification is to improve or maintain biodiversity values, and, for the reasons outlined above, in this instance, strict adherence to the Methodology is unreasonable and unnecessary. In order to achieve an outcome in Broulee through this Project, Council must secure the required amount of credit to offset future impacts in a manner that’s reasonable. Without this variation, the credit yield from nominated offset lands (Bengello) cannot meet requirements.

The Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (SRCMA) have been involved in the development of the Broulee Biocertification Project and have an advisory role on the Project’s technical reference group. As a co-signatory of the cPVP over the proposed Bengello Forest offset lands, the Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority have indicated in-principle support for this variation request, and the claim to utilise the full credit yield from the subject land to balance credit requirements resulting from certification of the residential zoned Broulee Development Area, (Appendix G)

While this Strategy relates to Biodiversity Certification and not Biobanking; the issue of existing obligations and additionality also has relevance to the Biobanking Assessment Methodology 2008. In further considering the potential for Biobanking credit generation from the proposed Bengello offset lands subject of a cPVP, and in relation to s7.2 of the Biobanking Assessment Methodology and clause 4 of the Threatened Species Conservation (Biodiversity Banking) Regulation 2008; biodiversity credits can only be created on land where the management actions are additional to any biodiversity conservation measures, or other actions that are already being carried out on the land, or, are required to be carried out under the following kinds of existing obligations:

a restriction on use or public positive covenant under Part 4A of the Crown Lands Act 1989

a conservation agreement entered into under the National Parks &Wildlife Act 1974

a trust agreement entered into under the Nature Conservation Trust Act 2001

any agreement entered into with a public authority under which the owner of the land receives funding for biodiversity conservation purposes (other than a biobanking agreement)

in the case of publicly owned land, any legislative requirements to manage the land for biodiversity conservation purposes.

Clause 4(2) of the Regulation effectively sets a sunset provision that land management actions specified in the types of agreement nominated above, if signed before 10 March 2009, do not constitute existing conservation management obligations.


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3.6 Additionality rules and discounting as applied (s8.4 of the Methodology) Section 8.4 of the Biodiversity Certification Assessment Methodology 2011, limits the generation of biodiversity credits to instances where management actions are additional to any biodiversity conservation measures required to be carried out under existing obligations. In the case of publicly owned land, any legislative requirement to manage land for biodiversity conservation purposes is considered to constitute an ‘existing obligation’. The OEH has advised that the core objectives for natural areas outlined in the Local Government Act 1993 and associated objectives and means of achievement contained within the Natural Areas and Undeveloped Reserves Plan of Management http://www.esc.nsw.gov.au/site/Publications/Strategies/Management/undevelopedreserves.pdf, create such an obligation. Biodiversity credits therefore created in respect of such lands are to be subject to discounting. Council understands that the allocation of credits for a site will be discounted according to the number and type of conservation measures or actions required to be carried out in relation to the existing obligation. In consideration of the effect of additionality on community lands in the Eurobodalla proposed as conservation areas in this Strategy Council submits that;

1. The core objectives for the management of land categorised as natural area bushland, wetland, escarpment, watercourse and foreshore, in essence, do not provide specific

Although the cPVP applied to this land does not meet the specifications above, it is equivalent in all respects to a Voluntary Conservation Agreement (VCA), being voluntary in nature, applied in perpetuity through a public authority, made under the authority of State legislation and requiring Ministerial approval to vary. The cPVP was signed before the 10th March 2009. Despite this, the exclusion of cPVP’s from clause 4(2), means that additionality applies to the subject lands whereas, conversely, a VCA would exempt the same conservation actions from discounting for the purposes of Biobanking credit generation. In 2008, a cPVP was the most practical and readily accessible on-title conservation mechanism available to Council - VCAs were not being offered or serviced by DECCW in the Eurobodalla Shire at the time. This is still the case today. Further, it is considered unreasonable that Council should be effectively penalised on the basis of the form of agreement applied to the proposed offset lands when other conservation mechanisms, being equivalent in intent and function, are not regarded as existing conservation obligations. It is submitted that this would be an inequitable impediment to full credit generation if Biobanking were being considered at Bengello.

http://www.esc.nsw.gov.au/site/Publications/Strategies/Management/undevelopedreserves.pdf


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conservation measures and actions on which to base a discounting valuation. It is suggested that, in fact, these objectives form an ‘intent’ rather than an ‘action’ and an additionality assessment is not practical on these grounds or in respect of examples and guidance issued by the OEH.

2. With regard to the Natural Area PoM, the OEH and Council have undertaken a discounting analysis, taking into account the specific performance targets therein, and have determined a 10% discount to credit yield would apply. This figure was arrived at as follows:

Conservation measure

% discount in credit allocation

Relevant objective in Natural Area PoM (means of achievement)

Weed control 0 Maintain the community land free of noxious weeds and feral animals in accordance with Council guideline (manage the eradication of any declared noxious weeds) (encourage community involvement in Landcare activities)

RESPONSE: The only weed control activities referred to in the Natural Area PoM relate specifically to Noxious weeds, not environmental weeds. The Noxious Weeds Act 1993 requires all land managers to implement control actions specific to the species and class of weed listed for each LGA. It is therefore not appropriate that discounting be applied for lawfully required measures.

Management of human disturbance

5 Preserve and restore the natural and cultural values on the land

Allow activities and structures which aid the preservation and enjoyment of the natural landscape and are in keeping with natural landforms and vegetation

Developments and improvements limited to those that ensure the preservation and enhancement of the natural area

Compliance with appropriate zoning, development and building regulations

In harmony with natural landscape character

Align with any Council adopted Plans for local and regional recreational uses (provide appropriate training to volunteers to ensure all work is undertaken safely and does not negatively impact on the environment) (continue to provide support and resources to Bushcare & other care groups undertaking restoration and regeneration work in natural areas) (limit access to natural areas which have been assessed as vulnerable and/or support threatened species)

Control of feral &/or overabundant

5 Maintain the community land free of noxious weeds and feral animals in accordance with Council guidelines (Take effective steps to keep the community land free od


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herbivores Vertebrate pest control (pigs & foxes)

foxes, rabbits and other feral animals)

TOTAL 10%

A precautionary approach was taken in the additionality analysis, and a maximum rate of discounting applied despite the reality that the actual extent to which any of the nominated conservation measures are carried out on each community land parcel varies across the Assessment Area, but on the whole, investment in public land management is limited. This approach is applied in the interests of determining a reasonable approach to and establishing opportunities for Biodiversity credit generation from public lands categorised as community land within the Eurobodalla Shire Local Government Area.

3.7 Indirect impact assessment (s6 of the Methodology)

In order to meet this obligation, an indirect impact assessment was undertaken on lands adjacent to the Development Areas to examine possible effects associated with Certification and how these might be mitigated. These adjacent lands are either Retained Areas or land subject to conservation measures (Figure 1, Table 2) Despite the fact that s8.6 of the Methodology states that no ecosystem credits or species credits for Biodiversity Certification are calculated for retained areas, s6 of the Methodology requires that relevant negative indirect impacts on biodiversity values resultant from certification must be identified and assessed. The indirect impact assessment carried out is described in 4.10 of the Biodiversity Certification Assessment Report with proposed mitigative measures further outlined in this Strategy at 4.2 (red flag variation). The following paragraphs summarise the approach taken.

A range of impacts are already operating on high conservation value vegetation within and adjacent to the Development Areas. These impacts would encompass (but are not limited to) increased weediness, predation, microclimatic changes, dumping, removal of woody debris and cumulative erosion of cover through encroachment and ‘tidying up’ activities. Notwithstanding the application of active management and planning, there will be unavoidable impacts resultant from Certification. As such a 10 m buffer was applied to both the Broulee and Moruya Airport development footprints where the Development Area abuts remnant forest (Figure 9 and 10). Within this buffer exotic plant site attribute scores for each vegetation zone were reduced in response to anticipated increases in weediness (3.46ha). With regard to adjusting other attributes, the floristic and structural benchmarks for the Bangalay – Old-man Banksia open forest are so broad it is unlikely that any floristic or structural changes attributable to indirect impacts would have meaningful impacts on the site value of the affected areas. This reduction in site value was then used to calculate ecosystem credits required to offset indirect impact – amounting to a total of 7 credits.


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Consistent with the Methodology, where a conservation measure is proposed to protect land that is a Red Flag area, a buffer has been applied to moderate the influences of edge effects. In the context of this assessment, the only margin where a conservation measure directly abuts a Development Area is to the north of the airport where impacts associated with the development and operation of the airport land following certification may occur and affect a Red Flag. In this instance, the buffer applied is proposed to be secured via a conservation measure and used to offset impacts of Certification rather than being designated as a Retained Area. In consideration of the specific and more general impacts anticipated, the size of the buffer has been determined based on Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) zones and attendant management (Figure 11). Consequently, the site value scores have been adjusted according to the degree of impact on the various condition attributes. Further detail on treatment applied to OLS zones can be found at s4.2.1 of the Biodiversity Certification Assessment Report and relevant appendices. A fuel management zone (FMZ) of 2.5 Ha will be established at the northern periphery of conservation area 1 adjacent to Broulee Road and Mcnee Street Broulee. This 30m wide buffer will essentially be maintained in a fuel reduced state for added fire protection, increasing separation and defendable space between Broulee and the Conservation Area, (average distance between assets and conservation area proper will be 70m), while simultaneously providing a buffer in which to manage weed incursion and other indirect impacts on the Red Flag Area. In regard to indirect impacts on species credit species, (white footed dunnart) it is assumed that within Retained and Conservation Areas adjoining the Development Area, Certification will not introduce any new indirect impacts above those which are currently acting on these lands. The fact that the species persists within the Broulee Development Area despite the operation of a range of indirect impacts (not least of which would be predation by feral and domestic animals) and appears to have a tolerance to episodic events (refer to expert report Appendix K) the indirect impacts of the proposal on the White-footed Dunnart are considered to be minor. In any case, the Methodology has limited flexibility with respect to trying to assess indirect impacts on species credit species. As such, any methods to quantify potential indirect impacts of the proposal on the White Footed Dunnart are likely to be subjective and not based on any robust or empirical evidence.


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Figure 9 - Indirect Impact buffer Broulee Development Area


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Figure 10 - Indirect impact buffer Moruya airport Development Area


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.

Figure 11 Obstacle Limitation Surface over conservation areas


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4 MATCHING LOSSES AND GAINS IN BIODIVERSITY

4.1 Ecosystem credits (s7.2 & 8 of the Methodology)

Ecosystem credits have been calculated for the impact produced by the proposed development and the improvements to biodiversity values through the management of the Conservation Areas identified. As described earlier, the ongoing management of the conservation lands will be secured using a ‘managed conservation measure‘ (PVP). The credit entitlement for the Conservation Areas within the Assessment Area will therefore be 90%. In total, 2,350 credits are required for the land proposed to be developed (Table 7), the majority of credits being required for the ‘Bangalay – Old-man Banksia open forest‘ community (2,343 credits). Seven (7) credits are required for Coast Banksia - Coast Wattle dune scrub. An additional 7 credits are required for indirect impacts. Due to existing obligations over conservation area 1, an additional discount of 10% has been applied to the credits generated by this conservation area. Further detail on the number of credits generated on the lands proposed for conservation is presented in s4.11 of the Broulee Biodiversity

Certification Assessment Report 2012 (Appendix B). The results of the assessment demonstrate that the Conservation Areas identified are sufficient to offset the impacts of the proposal, with a surplus of 1,329 credits. Therefore, excluding the impacts on Red Flag areas, the proposal meets the improve or maintain test required under the Methodology

VEGETATION TYPE NAME CREDITS REQUIRED

CREDITS REQUIRED (INDIRECT)

CREDITS GENERATED*

(90%)

CREDIT STATUS (90%)

Bangalay - Old-man Banksia open forest

2343 7 3402 1052

Coast Banksia - Coast Wattle dune scrub

7 0 284 277

Total 2350 7 3686 1329

*credits generated also reduced by an additional 10% for conservation area 1

Table 7 Final ecosystem credit results

4.2 Species credits (s7.4 & 8 of the Methodology)

Species credits were calculated for the White Footed Dunnart, which was confirmed within the development footprint, and for which an expert report was prepared confirming habitat is present within the Conservation lands identified within the Assessment Area (Appendix K). The ongoing management of the Conservation Area will be secured using a ‘managed conservation measure‘ (PVP). The credit entitlement for the Conservation lands within the Assessment Area will therefore be 90%.


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A total of 1,816 credits are required to offset the impacts to 69 ha of White Footed Dunnart habitat (Table 8). The 372.4 ha of Conservation Area generates 1,924 credits, subject to the expert report being accepted, resulting in a 108 credit surplus.

The results of the Assessment demonstrate that the Conservation Areas identified are sufficient to offset the impacts of Certification to the White Footed Dunnart. Therefore, excluding the impacts on Red Flag Areas, the proposal meets the ‘improve or maintain’ test required under the Methodology.

SPECIES NAME CREDITS REQUIRED CREDITS GENERATED* (90%)

CREDIT STATUS (90%)

White-footed Dunnart 1816 1924 108

*credits generated also reduced by an additional 10% for conservation area 1

Table 8 Final species credit results

4.3 Credit profiles (s10 of the Methodology)

The direct impacts on the biodiversity values of land on which conferral of Biodiversity Certification is proposed are offset in accordance with the rules and requirements of section 10 of the Methodology. No variation is requested or required. Credit profile attributes (ecosystem) of credits both required and generated are from the Bateman subregion of the Southern Rivers CMA, and vegetation types (Bangalay - Old-man Banksia open forest and Coast Banksia - Coast Wattle dune scrub) are matched with a surplus of each ecosystem credit generated for the conservation measure. Credit profile attributes for species credits both required for land proposed for Biodiversity Certification and generated by proposed conservation measures are matched (white footed dunnart) with a surplus in the number of species credits generated.

4.4 Expert Report – white footed dunnart (s4.5 Methodology) Expert opinion may be used in a Biodiversity Certification Assessment to provide a professional judgement or opinion on a particular matter. An expert for the purpose of preparing a report is a person who is accredited by the Director General under s. 142B(1)(b) of the Threatened Species Conservation Act, or (if arrangements for accreditation under s. 142B(1)(b) are not in place), a person who has the relevant experience and/or qualifications to provide expert opinion about the specific biodiversity values to which an expert report relates.

Section 4.3 (Step 5) of the Methodology states that:

An expert report is a report prepared by a suitably qualified expert in accordance with section 4.5 of the Methodology to determine whether the species is likely or unlikely to


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use the potential habitat on the land proposed for Biodiversity Certification or on land subject to proposed conservation measures.

The White Footed Dunnart has been identified in the Threatened Species Profile database as a Species that cannot withstand further loss of any individuals in this region. Consistent with the Biodiversity Certification Assessment Methodology 2011, targeted surveys for White Footed Dunnart were conducted in the Broulee Development Area. Pitfall lines, remote cameras and Elliot A traps were deployed during March 2012 and a single individual was captured in a pitfall trap. (Subsequently, another individual was captured and confirmed within 500m of the original record by another Consultancy) As the species has been positively associated with the Development Area, efforts to identify suitable habitat and confirm the occurrence of the species in the offset areas has been a Project priority. Targeted White Footed Dunnart survey has been undertaken in the offset parcels with the aim of detecting the species and allowing creation of required species credits. Survey was undertaken at an appropriate time of year for the species (July and August), and was designed and undertaken by an appropriately qualified officer, but, given the size of the offset areas, the reliability of recording a species through survey is particularly low. While the Dunnart surveys in the Development Area were designed to meet the guidelines for Threatened Species surveys under s4.4 of the Methodology, survey in the offset areas was designed simply to detect the presence of absence of the species. Use of an expert report follows a failure to detect the species in the offset area through survey and hence directly relate the species to the offset site. An expert report has been prepared that is consistent with the Biodiversity Certification Assessment Methodology 2011 and that;

1. Provides an opinion as to whether or not White Footed Dunnart Sminthopsis leucopus is likely to be present in the identified Biodiversity Certification offset areas and capacity of the habitat to support a population, and

2. Provides an estimate of the number of individuals based on area of habitat to be impacted by development in the Certified area and available habitat in the offset area (based on density of individuals in known populations) and

3. Demonstrates what information was considered and/or rejected or discounted in relation to the determination made in the expert report. The report must state facts relevant to the species (referring to local data where known), discuss details, explain reasoning and justify the experts' conclusions and opinions

To this end, Elizabeth Ashby of Keystone Ecological was identified by the Office of Environment and Heritage as an expert on the White footed Dunnart, having studied the species extensively within the south east corner bioregion and published literature on these findings. Ms Ashby is accredited under s142B(1)(a) of the Threatened Species Conservation Act. Ms Ashby’s findings are appended to this Strategy (Appendix K) but supports initial observations that ‘the offset areas are overwhelmingly similar to the sites where Sminthopsis leucopus had been


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captured’ and that ‘… (it is my opinion) that they should occur in all of the habitats other than the riparian, wetland and estuarine areas and those patches dominated by weeds’. In accordance with the Methodology (s 4.3):

Where the survey or expert report confirms that the threatened species is likely to use the potential habitat on land in the biodiversity certification assessment area, no further assessment is required and the species or its habitat is assumed to be present.

And on the weight of evidence presented, the White Footed Dunnart has been assumed to be present in the Conservation Areas and credit calculations performed on this basis.

4.5 Conclusion

The Biodiversity Certification Assessment Methodology (BCAM) has been used to conduct a Biodiversity Certification Assessment of proposed urban development in the Broulee area and proposed development at Moruya Airport. The ecosystem credits required and generated by the proposal were calculated based on the Methodology. The results of the assessment demonstrate that the Conservation Area identified is sufficient to offset the impacts of the proposal, with a surplus of 1,329 credits. Parts of the Conservation Area are affected by existing and proposed land management activities associated with the safe operation of Moruya Airport and the provision of bushfire hazard management adjoining the Broulee Development Area. The impact of these land management activities was acknowledged as far as is possible within the Methodology. However, the Methodology does not allow the future site value to be reduced from its current level in conservation lands. This resulted in a slight over estimation of the ecosystem credits generated in those parts of the Conservation area affected by the OSL and FMZ zones. The species credits required and generated by the proposal were calculated based on the Methodology. A total of 1,816 credits are required to offset the impacts to 69 Ha of White Footed Dunnart habitat. The 372.4 ha Conservation Area generates 1,924 credits, resulting in a 108 credit surplus. Therefore, the proposal meets the improve or maintain test required under the Methodology.

Under the Methodology a Red Flag variation is required and consideration by the Director General is requested in order to confer Biodiversity Certification over the Development Area. Details of the variations and justification of claims in support of the same are detailed in s3.1.2 and s3.2.1.


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5 APPLICATION FOR BIODIVERSITY CERTIFICATION (to be completed) a) Details of the exhibition of the Biodiversity Certification Strategy and Application

b) Submissions Report (following exhibition)

c) Details of how/if the Biodiversity Certification Strategy has been amended after the exhibition in response to submissions


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References

ACOR Consultants (2006) Moruya Airport Concept Plan. Eurobodalla Shire Council, Moruya NSW Ashby, E (2013). Sminthopsis leucopus White Footed Dunnart, Broulee Biocertification Area. Unpublished Report, Keystone Ecological Department of Environment and Climate Change and Water NSW (2011) Biodiversity Certification Assessment Methodology 2011. State of NSW Department of Environment and Conservation (2006) South East NSW Native Vegetation Classification and Mapping SCIVI. State of NSW Department of Planning (2007) South Coast Regional Strategy. State of NSW Department of Sustainbility Environment Water Population and Communities (2010) Protected matters search tool. Department of Sustainbility Environment Water Population and Communities, Canberra ACT Eurobodalla Shire Council (2012) Conservation of the Yellow Bellied Glider in the Broulee Area. Eurobodalla Shire Council, Moruya NSW Eurobodalla Shire Council (1997) Natural Areas and Undeveloped Reserves Plan of Management. Eurobodalla Shire Council, Moruya NSW Eurobodalla Shire Council (2012) Eurobodalla Local Environmental Plan 2012. Eurobodalla Shire Council, Moruya NSW Eurobodalla Shire Council (1987) Rural Local Environmental Plan 1987. Eurobodalla Shire Council, Moruya NSW Eurobodalla Shire Council (1999) Urban Local Environmental Plan 1999. Eurobodalla Shire Council, Moruya NSW Eurobodalla Shire Council (2006) Eurobodalla Settlement Strategy. Eurobodalla Shire Council, Moruya NSW Miles, J (2006) Endangered Ecological Communities of the South East Corner; Bangalay Sand Forest. Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority, Bega NSW

NGH Environmental banksia report/??

Office of Environment and Heritage (2012) Threatened Species Profile Database

Office of Environment and Heritage (2013) South Coast Corridors Mapping Project. Unpublished.

Office of Environment and Heritage (2012) Threatened Species Profile Database. State of NSW

Office of Environment and Heritage (2007) Priority Action Statement. State of NSW

Office of Environment and Heritage (2010) South Coast Regional Conservation Plan. State of NSW

Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (2008) Bengello Property Vegetation Plan. Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority, Bega NSW Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (2012) Southern Rivers Catchment Management Plan 2023: plants and animals discussion paper. Unpublished, Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority Nowra NSW Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (2013) Southern Rivers Catchment Action Plan 2013 – 2023. Unpublished, Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority Nowra NSW State of NSW (1995) Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.


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Appendix A Chronological background - Broulee planning and development issues

DATE ACTION

1837-1840 Broulee village surveyed by Larmer and gazetted shortly after

1999 Eurobodalla Urban Local Environmental Plan 1999 (consistent with previous Interim Development Orders), zones urban land in the village; east of George Bass Drive, north of Broulee Road and south of Candalagan Creek to 2g residential general, 2t residential tourism, 3a business and 6a1 public open space

1995 The Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 comes into force

2005 Bangalay Sand Forest is gazetted as an endangered ecological community in the schedules of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. This gazettal was both pre and post-dated by the listing of numerous other threatened entities occurring in the immediate locality of Broulee, many of which demonstrate an association with the Bangalay Sand Forest vegetation community

2007 - present Ongoing requests from landholders for Council to intervene and resolve the existing land use planning conflicts in Broulee, where long planned developments are in limbo due to consistently triggering significant impacts on threatened species and the ecological community.

Sept 2009 The Department of Environment and Climate Change advise Council that continued cumulative clearing of remnant Bangalay Sand Forest in the Broulee area is not acceptable and a more strategic approach to development is required as a matter of urgency.

2010 Council resolves to undertake a biocertification process in Broulee with the aim of gaining certification over urban zoned lands; permitting development to proceed but securing long term protection for the residual occurrence of Bangalay Sand Forest

2011 Support for the proposal is offered by the Department of Planning and Infrastructure and the Office of Environment and Heritage. Both Departments respond to Councils request for financial assistance to undertake the Project.

April 2011 A Project Brief is developed and expressions of interest sought for the provision of professional services to undertake Biodiversity Certification investigations in south Moruya and Broulee

Sept 2011 A Consultant is appointed, Ecological Australia, and the assessment process is underway

Nov 2011 Council drafts a letter to the Office of Environment and Heritage requesting formal advice on issues encountered while applying the Biodiversity Certification Methodology and Additionality rules

Mar 2012 A response from the Office of Environment and Heritage to these enquiries is received, but Council continues to have concern regarding discounting applied to community lands and specific lands adjacent to Broulee available as a biodiversity offset (Bengello Forest)

June 2012 A request for a minor variation to the biodiversity certification methodology is made by Council to Minister Parker

Aug 2012 Response received from the Office of Environment and Heritage on additionality and community land discounting

Nov 2012 Response received from the Office of Environment and Heritage on minor variation request

March 2012 Broulee Biodiversity Certification Strategy is reported to Council


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Appendix B Broulee Biodiversity Certification Assessment Report 2012 – EcoLogical Australia


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Appendix C Bengello Conservation Property Vegetation Plan


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Appendix D Chronological background - PVP development - history and legacy

DATE ACTION

80’s/90’s Adjacent developments raise community concerns about ongoing impacts and environmental values of the Bengello area (communicated through formal submission processes)

2004 Council proposes to rezone part of the Bengello lands to 7f1 Coastal Lands Protection through an amendment to the Eurobodalla Rural LEP 1987. This application was not supported by the Department of Planning, who instructed Council to address the issue through a full Rural Local Environmental Plan review (commenced 2009)

July 2005 Broulee Community Association, Coastwatchers and Broulee/Mossy Point Dunecare request that Council take action (again) to address key threatening processes impacting on the ecological integrity of the Bengello Forest area

2005 Bangalay Sand Forest is gazetted as an Endangered Ecological Community

2006-2007 The Eurobodalla Aboriginal Heritage Project, Airport Re-development Concept Plan and Broulee Beaches Masterplan are prepared and formally exhibited prompting strong community feedback for action in protecting the high conservation value Bengello parcels

Nov 2006 Report put to Council on the ecological values of the Bengello area with accompanying recommendation to investigate the application of a formal conservation covenant over the area

Dec 2006 Field based workshop for Councillors at Bengello. Follow-up report to Council recommending protection, Councillors vote in support of the concept of an ‘in perpetuity’ agreement over the Bengello lands. Staff are instructed (MINUTE 06/483) to investigate the application of a Voluntary Conservation Agreement or a Property Vegetation Plan, and to ‘investigate the opportunities for the site as a biodiversity offset or for biobanking…’

2006-2007 Consistent with Council’s instruction, advice is sought from the Department of Environment and Climate Change on the eligibility of the site as a biobanking offset. A response in the affirmative is received and subsequently communicated to Council.

2007 Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority commit to assisting Council in preparing a Conservation Property Vegetation Plan; field work and research commence

2007 Agency, stakeholder and community consultations are undertaken

June 2007 Funding to undertake works is secured, a Council renewal and maintenance budget commitment is secured

Nov 2007 Final round of specific community consultation conducted, 86% of respondents support the application of a secure conservation agreement over the Bengello Forest Lands

Dec 2007 Council votes to formalise the Property Vegetation Plan

Mar 2008 Property Vegetation Plan signed by Council and the Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority.

2008 - present Ongoing community support and cooperation in management and education initiatives at Bengello


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Appendix E Priority actions and directives from relevant Strategies and Plans

Planning document Priority action

NSW Biodiversity Strategy 2011

greater focus on biodiversity in urban settlement planning processes to minimise impacts on biodiversity and to offset unavoidable impacts using secure, well-targeted offsetting mechanisms

South Coast Regional Strategy 2007

Protect high value environments

Important natural assets will be identified and protected through the land use planning process

Urban areas which are identified in the final version of…Eurobodalla Settlement Strategy will be supported

LEPs will protect and add to employment lands in existing economic centres…and protect all regionally significant employment lands including…Moruya Airport

South Coast Regional Conservation Plan 2010

1.2 Objectives of the Plan

Seek an overall improvement or maintenance of biodiversity values across the South Coast

3.1 Conservation objectives for the south coast

Maintain and enhance the regions biodiversity

2.3 Biodiversity Planning Principles and Priorities

The first priority is to avoid losses to biodiversity and promote protection of biodiversity values in situ.

The second priority, where the first priority is unachievable, is to mitigate against adverse impacts to biodiversity.

The last resort is to compensate for unavoidable losses to biodiversity by applying offsets in the priority locations

8.3 Biodiversity certification

Identify areas that are appropriate for biodiversity certification

Eurobodalla Settlement Strategy 2006

Balance urban growth within ecological, natural resource and servicing constraints

Consolidate growth in existing urban and rural residential areas to prevent new unsustainable settlement patterns developing

Conserve, manage and enhance the Eurobodalla Nature Coast values in perpetuity by ensuring that development does not harm or compromise significant environmental values

Support the use of offsets to protect and/or restore land of high conservation value and habitat linkages

Adequately conserve threatened species and their habitats

Ensure subdivision and building design incorporates adequate environmental protection requirements

Reduce the cumulative negative impacts on water quality, biodiversity and ecological processes of individual planning and development decisions


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Identify opportunities generated by the forthcoming Regional Conservation Plan to obtain biodiversity certification, or implement conservation agreements or offsets for ongoing environmental protection

Southern Rivers Catchment Action Plan 2013

From 2015 information will be available to support adaptive and evidence-based decision making by land and water managers

From 2015 frameworks and protocols will be implemented for devolved, adaptive and evidence-based decision making

By 2023 land and water managers are supported to increase their capacity to manage natural resources

By 2023, land and water Managers will be supported to increase the adoption of practices that maintain or improve the 1. extent and condition of priority habitats and 2. connectivity of habitat

NSW Statewide Targets By 2015 there is an increase in native vegetation extent and an improvement in condition

By 2015 there is an increase in the recovery of threatened species, populations and ecological communities

By 2015 there is a reduction in the impact of invasive species

Priority Action Statement

(White Footed Dunnart)

Conduct population surveys and identify key habitats and populations (high priority)

Protect key habitat and populations on private and public land

Control and monitor abundance of feral predators (cats, foxes and dogs) and rabbits around key populations.

Control weeds where they are present near key habitats

Promote community awareness to prevent collection of firewood (standing dead timber and logs on the ground) from areas of habitat and to prevent domestic dogs and cats roaming in habitats near urban areas.

Develop and distribute EIA guidelines for decision makers

Assess fire and logging impacts on populations and habitat

Monitor known populations at selected sites

Collect hair samples to enable identification of genetic structure of populations across the species range

Conduct ecological research on population ecology, habitat use and relationships with seral stages of vegetation communities

Control feral predators and rabbits.

Apply mosaic pattern hazard reduction techniques to ensure the same areas are not burned continuously.

Retain standing and fallen timber and other nest sites in areas of habitat.

Avoid overgrazing by stock in areas of habitat.


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(Bangalay Sand Forest)

Apply forestry regimes that maintain floristic and structural diversity.

Prevent domestic cats and dogs from roaming in habitat areas.

Protect habitat and retain linkages across the broader landscape.

Use pitfall traps when surveying for the species, in addition to "Elliot" traps.

Research into the relationship between this species and the seral stages of vegetation communities is required before its habitat needs can be fully understood

Collate existing information on vegetation mapping and associated data for this Endangered Ecological Community and identify gaps in knowledge. Conduct targeted field surveys and ground truthing to fill data gaps and clarify condition of remnants

Use mechanisms such as Voluntary Conservation Agreements to promote the protection of this Endangered Ecological Community on private land.

Liaise with landholders and undertake and promote programs that ameliorate threats such as grazing and human disturbance

Undertake weed control for Bitou Bush and Boneseed at priority sites in accordance with the approved Threat Abatement Plan and associated PAS actions

Identify and prioritise other specific threats and inform or undertake appropriate on-ground site management strategies where required.


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Appendix F Engagement activities relating to the Broulee Biodiversity Certification process

Activity Date Reach Report to Council December 2009 Full Council meeting, public documents

Councillor briefing December 2010 Elected representative plus executive and staff

Website information February 2011 Promoted through correspondence & workshops

Councillor briefing February 2011 Elected representative plus executive and staff

Report to Council April 2011 Full Council meeting, public documents

Councillor Workshop April 2011 Elected representative plus executive and staff

Respond to enquiries Ongoing Various; written, over counter, email, phone

Broulee Landholders Workshop April 2011 5 landholders

Project Inception Meeting September 2011 Technical reference group

Correspondence: Methodology & Additionality

September 2011 Minister/OEH

Broulee Landholders Workshop October 2011 10 landholders

Media release November 2011 Shire wide

Direct Mail out to landholders November 2011 44 landholders

Broulee Community Workshop November 2011 30 landholders/community

Progress meeting November 2011 Technical reference group

Property Access request December 2011 24 properties

Broulee Key landholders update 5 properties

Report to funding bodies December 2011 Funding bodies

Property Access request February 2012 16 properties

Progress meeting March 2012 Technical reference group

OEH/CMA April 2012 8 officers – methodology and approach

Broulee Key landholders update April 2012 Project update

Correspondence: additionality May 2012 Minister/OEH

Broulee Key landholders update May 2012 Project update

Report to funding bodies June 2012 Funding bodies

Correspondence: Minor variation to Methodology

June 2012 Minister/OEH

Executive Leadership Team August 2012 Project update

Broulee Key landholders update August 2012 Project update

Progress meeting September 2012 Technical reference group

Presentation September 2012 Goulburn secondary students

Broulee Key landholders update September 2012 Project update

Airport redevelopment group September 2012 Project update

Information/discussion November 2012 Broulee secondary students

Progress meeting December 2012 Technical reference group

Council briefing December 2012 Project overview

Council briefing February 2013 Project update

Internal workshops February 2013 Offset management

Councillor site inspection March 2013 Meet landholders, inspect certification and offset sites

Executive Leadership Team March 2013 Project update

Report to Council March 2013 Permission to Exhibit Strategy

Progress meeting Technical reference group

Public exhibition Draft Strategy

Executive Leadership Team Submissions report and Strategy amendments

Council briefing Results of exhibition

Report to Council Submissions report and Strategy amendments

Refer to OEH Application for certification


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Appendix G

Copy of the Southern Rivers CMA letter of support for the Biodiversity Certification proposal


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Appendix H

Final determination Bangalay Sand Forest NSW Scientific Committee 1995

Bangalay Sand Forest of the Sydney Basin and South East Corner bioregions - Determination to make a minor amendment to Part 3 of Schedule 1 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act

NSW Scientific Committee

The Scientific Committee, established by the Threatened Species Conservation Act, has made a Determination to make a minor amendment to Part 3 of Schedule 1 (Endangered ecological communities) of the Act by inserting the Bangalay Sand Forest of the Sydney Basin and South East Corner bioregions (as described in the determination of the Scientific Committee under Division 5 Part 2) and as a consequence to omit reference to the Bangalay Sand Forest of the Sydney Basin and South East Corner bioregions (as described in the final determination to list the ecological community) which was published in the NSW Government Gazette No. 129 dated 21 October 2005 (pages 8866 and 8920 to 8923) and in the NSW Government Gazette No. 137 dated 4 November 2005 (pages 9314 to 9317). Minor amendments to the Schedules are provided for by Division 5 of Part 2 of the Act.

The Scientific Committee is of the opinion that the amendment is necessary or desirable to correct minor errors or omissions in the Determination in relation to the Thackway and Cresswell (1995) reference and species names.

The Scientific Committee has found that:

1. Bangalay Sand Forest of the Sydney Basin and South East Corner bioregions is the name given to the ecological community associated with coastal sand plains of marine or aeolian origin. It occurs on deep, freely draining to damp sandy soils on flat to moderate slopes within a few kilometres of the sea and at altitudes below 100 m. Bangalay Sand Forest is characterised by the assemblage of species listed in paragraph 2 and typically comprises a relatively dense or open tree canopy, an understorey of mesophyllous or sclerophyllous small trees and shrubs, and a variable groundcover dominated by sedges, grasses or ferns.

2. Bangalay Sand Forest of the Sydney Basin and South East Corner bioregions is characterised by the following assemblage of species:

Acacia longifolia Acacia sophorae Acmena smithii Allocasuarina littoralis Astroloma pinifolium Banksia integrifolia subsp. integrifolia Banksia serrata Billardiera scandens Breynia oblongifolia Cassytha pubescens Carex longebrachiata Casuarina glauca Commelina cyanea Desmodium gunnii Dianella caerulea var. caerulea Dianella crinoides Dichondra repens Echinopogon ovatus Entolasia marginata Eucalyptus botryoides Eucalyptus pilularis Geranium potentilloides Glycine clandestina Gonocarpus teucrioides Hardenbergia violacea Hibbertia scandens Imperata cylindrica var. major Isolepis nodosa Kennedia rubicunda Lagenifera stipitata Lepidosperma concavum Leptospermum laevigatum Lomandra longifolia Marsdenia rostrata Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides Monotoca elliptica Notelaea longifolia Oplismenus imbecillus


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Parsonsia straminea Pittosporum revolutum Pittosporum undulatum Pratia purpurascens Pteridium esculentum Ricinocarpus pinifolius Rubus parvifolius Solanum pungetium Stephania japonica var. discolor Stellaria flaccida Themeda australis Viola hederacea

3. The total species list of the community is larger than that given above, with many species present only in one or two sites, or in low abundance. The species composition of a site will be influenced by the size of the site, recent rainfall or drought conditions and by its disturbance (including grazing, land clearing and fire) history. The number and relative abundance of species will change with time since fire, and may also change in response to changes in fire frequency or grazing regime. At any one time, above-ground individuals of some species may be absent, but the species may be represented below ground in the soil seed banks or as dormant structures such as bulbs, corms, rhizomes, rootstocks or lignotubers. The list of species given above is mainly of vascular plant species, however the community also includes micro-organisms, fungi, cryptogamic plants and a diverse fauna, both vertebrate and invertebrate. These components of the community are poorly documented.

4. Bangalay Sand Forest of the Sydney Basin and South East Corner bioregions typically has a dense to open tree canopy, approximately 5 – 20 m tall, depending on exposure and disturbance history. The most common tree species include Eucalyptus botryoides (Bangalay) and Banksia integrifolia subsp. integrifolia (Coast Banksia), while Eucalyptus pilularis (Blackbutt) and Acmena smithii (Lilly Pilly) may occur in more sheltered situations, and Casuarina glauca (Swamp Oak) may occur on dunes exposed to salt-bearing sea breezes or where Bangalay Sand Forest adjoins Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest of the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner bioregions, as listed under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. The open shrub stratum may be dominated by sclerophyllous species, such as Banksia serrata (Old Man Banksia), Leptospermum laevigatum (Coast Teatree) and Monotoca elliptica, or mesophyllous, species, such as Breynia oblongifolia (Coffee Bush) and Pittosporum undulatum (Sweet Pittosporum), or a combination of both. Shrubs may vary in height from one to ten metres tall. The groundcover varies from open to dense, and may be sparse where the tree canopy is dense or where there is a thick litter of leaves and branches. Dominant species include Dianella spp. (Blue Flax Lilies), Lepidosperma concavum, Lomandra longifolia (Spiny-headed Matrush), Pteridium esculentum (Bracken), and the grasses Imperata cylindrica var. major (Blady Grass), Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides (Weeping Grass) and Themeda australis (Kangaroo Grass), while herbs, such as Desmodium gunnii, Dichondra repens (Kidney Weed), Pratia purpurascens (Whiteroot) and Viola hederacea (Ivy-leaved Violet), are scattered amongst the larger plants. Vines of Glycine clandestina, Hardenbergia violacea (False Sarsparilla), Kennedia rubicunda (Running Postman), Marsdenia rostrata (Common Milk Vine) and Stephania japonica var. discolor (Snake Vine) scramble through the groundcover and occasionally over shrubs or tree trunks.

5. Bangalay Sand Forest of the Sydney Basin and South East Corner bioregions is currently known from parts of the Local Government Areas of Sutherland, Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla and Bega Valley but may occur elsewhere in these bioregions. Bioregions are defined in Thackway and Cresswell (1995).

6. A number of vegetation surveys and mapping studies have been carried out across the range of Bangalay Sand Forest of the Sydney Basin and South East Corner bioregions. In the Sydney-South Coast region, this community includes ‘Ecotonal Coastal Hind Dune Swamp Oak-Bangalay Shrub Forest’ (ecosystem 27) excluding those stands that are dominated by Casuarina glauca and ‘Coastal Sands Shrub/Fern Forest’ (ecosystem 28) of Thomas et al. (2000); ‘Littoral Thicket’ (map unit 63) and part of ‘Coastal Sand Forest’ (map unit 64) of Tindall et al. (2004); ‘Coastal Sand Bangalay-Blackbutt Forest’ (map unit 25) of NPWS (2002); and ‘Dry Dune Shrub Forest’ of Keith and Bedward (1999). Bangalay Sand Forest of the Sydney Basin and South East Corner bioregions is included within the ‘South Coast Sands Dry Sclerophyll Forests’ vegetation class of Keith (2002, 2004). There may be additional or unmapped occurrences of Bangalay Sand Forest within and beyond these surveyed areas.

7. Near its northern limit in the Bundeena area, Bangalay Sand Forest co-occurs with Kurnell Dune Forest in the Sutherland Shire and City of Rockdale, which is listed as an Endangered Ecological Community in Part 3 of Schedule 1 of the Act. In this area, Bangalay Sand Forest is generally restricted to foredunes and hind dunes of beaches, while Kurnell Dune Forest generally occurs on sheltered sand flats further from the immediate influence of the sea. Characteristic species of Kurnell Dune Forest, such as Angophora costata, Banksia ericifolia, Cupaniopsis anacardioides, Endiandra sieberi, Eucalyptus robusta and Maclura cochinchinensis, are not common components of Bangalay Sand Forest. However, the two communities may intergrade where they co-occur. This Determination and the Determination of Kurnell Dune Forest collectively encompass all intermediate stands of vegetation between the two communities.

8. Another Endangered Ecological Community, Umina Coastal Sandplain Woodland in the Sydney Basin bioregion, occupies a similar sandplain habitat to the north of Sydney. However, this community occupies podsolised sands that are rich in iron (Burges & Drover 1952), as distinct from the humic podsols that characterise Bangalay Sand Forest, and is


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dominated by Angophora floribunda with E.paniculata, while E.botryoides predominates only in the vicinity of the beach. In addition, Umina Coastal Sandplain Woodland includes a greater diversity of mesic understorey species and Acacia species than Bangalay Sand Forest.

9. Bangalay Sand Forest of the Sydney Basin and South East Corner bioregions is threatened by land clearing; degradation and disturbance associated with heavy recreational use; frequent burning; rubbish dumping; and weed invasion. These threats are generally associated with existing and proposed urban development along the coast. However, areas of Bangalay Sand Forest within conservation reserves, including Royal, Seven Mile Beach, Conjola, Meroo, Murramarang, Eurobodalla and Biamanga National Parks, are exposed to degradation by visitor overuse due to their proximity to popular beaches and camping areas.

10. Available vegetation mapping indicates that Bangalay Sand Forest has suffered substantial levels of clearing. The coastline between Gerroa and Bermagui includes an estimated area of about 3450 ha, representing one-quarter of the estimated pre-1750 distribution of the community (ecosystems 27 and 28 of Thomas et al. 2000). Similarly, Tindall et al. (2004) map about 2200 ha of Littoral Thicket, representing about one-third of the its estimated pre-European distribution between Sydney and Moruya. South of Bermagui, Keith & Bedward (1999) mapped a further 650 ha, representing less than two-fifths of the estimated pre-1750 distribution. However, recent reconnaissance suggests that these studies may have over-estimated the remaining area of Bangalay Sand Forest (J. Miles, pers. comm.). North of Gerroa, only small fragments of the community persist, for example, on Minnamurra Spit (Mills 2000), around Primbee and Windang (NPWS 2002), Bundeena and Taren Point. Overall, these estimates indicate large reductions in the geographic distribution of the community. Clearing of native vegetation is listed as a Key Threatening Process under the Threatened Species Conservation Act (1995.

11. Some areas of Bangalay Sand Forest are exposed to frequent burning, particularly around camping areas, towns and other sources of ignition. High frequency fire alters species composition by favouring fire-tolerant rhizomatous grasses, sedges and ferns at the expense of woody plants that are slow to regenerate after fire (Keith 1996). Elimination of woody species by frequent burning is likely to be accelerated by grazing. These processes of degradation represent large reductions in the ecological function of the community. High frequency fire resulting in disruption of life cycle processes in plants and animals and loss of vegetation structure and composition is listed as a Key Threatening Process under the Threatened Species Conservation Act (1995).

12. Weed invasion occurs where Bangalay Sand Forest is exposed to disturbance and degradation. Common weed species include Asparagus spp., Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata (Bitou Bush), introduced forms of Cynodon dactylon (Couch), Cirsium vulgare (Spear Thistle), Conyza bonariensis (Fleabane), Hypochaeris radicata (Cats Ear), Ipomoea spp. (Morning Glory spp.), Lantana camara, Pennisetum clandestinum (Kikuyu). These and other weed species may achieve considerable abundance within stands of Bangalay Sand Forest, indicating a large reduction in ecological function of the community. Invasion of native plant communities by exotic perennial grasses is listed as a Key Threatening Process under the Threatened Species Conservation Act (1995).

13. Additions to the coastal reserve system and land use zoning have protected some stands of Bangalay Sand Forest from clearing. However, pressures associated with increasing human populations and recreational activity on the coast continue to intensify, especially where stands of the community occur in the vicinity of coastal villages and urban centres, and where new reserves involve the establishment of camping areas and other visitor infrastructure. Disturbance associated with increased human access contributes particularly to habitat degradation, increased frequencies of bushfire ignitions, and weed invasion, posing major threats even on land managed for conservation. In addition to the processes outlined above, activities such as illegal fire wood collection by campers and coastal residents may threaten habitat for vertebrate and invertebrate fauna and disrupt nutrient and carbon cycling. Removal of dead wood and dead trees is listed as a Key Threatening Process under the Threatened Species Conservation Act (1995). These processes may result in a large reduction in ecological function of the community.

14. In view of the above, the Scientific Committee is of the opinion that Bangalay Sand Forest of the Sydney Basin and South East Corner bioregions it is likely to become extinct in nature in New South Wales unless the circumstances and factors threatening its survival cease to operate.

Dr Richard Major

Chairperson

Scientific Committee

Proposed Gazettal date: 08/07/11

Exhibition period: 08/07/11 - 02/09/11


60

References

Burges A, Drover, DP (1952) The rate of podzol development in sands of the Woy Woy district, N. S. W. Australian Journal of Botany 1, 83-95.

Keith DA (1996) Fire-driven mechanisms of extinction in vascular plants: a review of empirical and theoretical evidence in Australian vegetation. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 116, 37-78.

Keith DA, Bedward M (1999). Vegetation of the South East Forest region, Eden, New South Wales. Cunninghamia 6, 1-218.

Mills K (2000) Rural lands study City of Shellharbour. Nature conservation study. Shellharbour City Council.

Tindall D, Pennay C, Tozer MG, Turner K, Keith DA (2004) ‘Native vegetation map report series. No. 4. Araluen, Batemans Bay, Braidwood, Burragorang, Goulburn, Jervis Bay, Katoomba, Kiama, Moss Vale, Penrith, Port Hacking, Sydney, Taralga, Ulladulla, Wollongong.’ NSW Department of Environment and Conservation and NSW Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources, Sydney.

Thackway R, Cresswell ID (1995) (eds) ‘An interim biogeographic regionalisation of Australia: a framework for establishing the national system of reserves.’ (Version 4.0 Australian Nature Conservation Agency: Canberra).

Thomas V, Gellie N, Harrison T (2000) 'Forest ecosystem classification and mapping for the southern Comprehensive Regional Assessment.' NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Queanbeyan.


61

Appendix I

White Footed Dunnart profile from Environment and Heritage website: threatened species

Scientific name: Sminthopsis leucopus Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable Commonwealth status: Not listed

Indicative distribution

The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas. ( click here to see geographic restrictions). The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.

Description

The dunnarts are a group of mouse-like marsupial carnivores, found throughout the continent and in every habitat. Needle-shaped incisors, five toes on the forefoot and a furred, brown tail help distinguish them from the House Mouse, which has rodent-teeth, four front toes and a naked, pinkish tail. The fur on the back and face of the White-footed Dunnart is grey-brown, and the belly is off-white. It has a fox-like face with large, dark, protruding eyes and large deeply-notched, thin ears that can be laid back against the head. The feet are pink and are covered with fine white hair. Adults have a head and body length less than 10 cm. Males are

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedspecies/whatists.htm

http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/species.html#categories


62

usually larger and heavier, averaging around 26 grams, while females average 19 grams. It can easily be confused with the Common Dunnart S. murina; the characteristics used to tell them apart require expert knowledge (White-footed Dunnart has striated inter-digital footpads on the hindfeet, compared to the those of the Common Dunnart which are unfused and granular in appearance). Show section details

Threats

Loss and fragmentation of habitat resulting from land clearing for residential and agricultural developments.

Modification and disturbance of habitat in coastal forest and foredune complex vegetation by camping and other recreational activities.

Predation by foxes, cats and dogs.

Collection of firewood from areas of habitat, including standing dead timber and logs on the ground.

Fire regimes that result in continual absence of cover or thick regeneration may be deleterious.

Studies conducted to date suggest that the species copes well in the short-term following events such as intensive logging, but populations may disappear within three years post-disturbance as the density of regrowth increases.

Recovery strategies

Priority actions are the specific, practical things that must be done to recover a threatened species, population or ecological community. The Office of Environment and Heritage has identified 10 priority actions to help recover the White-footed Dunnart in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Control feral predators and rabbits.

Apply mosaic pattern hazard reduction techniques to ensure the same areas are not burned continuously.

Retain standing and fallen timber and other nest sites in areas of habitat.

Avoid overgrazing by stock in areas of habitat.

Apply forestry regimes that maintain floristic and structural diversity.

Prevent domestic cats and dogs from roaming in habitat areas.

Protect habitat and retain linkages across the broader landscape.

Use pitfall traps when surveying for the species, in addition to "Elliot" traps.

Research into the relationship between this species and the seral stages of vegetation communities is required before its habitat needs can be fully understood.

Information sources

Lunney, D. (1995) White-footed Dunnart Sminthopsis leucopus. Pp. 143-5 in Strahan, R. (ed.) The Mammals ofAustralia. Reed Books, Sydney.

Menkhorst, P. (1995) White-footed Dunnart Pp. 63-4 in Menkhorst, P.W. (ed.) The Mammals of Victoria: distribution, ecology and conservation. Oxford University Press, Melbourne.

Menkhorst, P. and Knight, F. (2001) A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia. Oxford Uni Press, Melbourne.

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedspeciesapp/PasSearchSpecies.aspx?speciesName=White-footed+Dunnart&generalType=Marsupials

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedspeciesapp/PasSearchSpecies.aspx?speciesName=White-footed+Dunnart&generalType=Marsupials


63

Appendix J Moruya Airport Concept Plan (2006)


64

Appendix K

Sminthospsis leucopus White Footed Dunnart Broulee Biocertification Area: Keystone Ecological


65

Appendix L

Parcels Proposed for Biodiversity Certification

Lot Deposited Plan

Lot Area (Ha)

Certification Area (Ha)

Description

4 1090948 232.8 100 Part lot. Airport Concept Plan (2006) footprint. Bruce Cameron Drive, Moruya.

3 633700 15.3 11.2 Part lot. Broulee Road.


28 1172003 12.1 8.0 Part lot. Heath Street.

9 1068530 9.4 9.0 Part lot. Adams way.


58 245167 7.4 2.7 Part lot. Captain Oldrey Park.

2 718667 2.9 0.2 Part lot. Broulee Primary School.

20 1174639 2.7 1.7 Part lot. Train Street.

1 825610 2.3 0.7 Part lot. George Bass Drive.

0.8 0.8 Unformed crown road off Train Street


89 1093710 0.09 0.09 Corner Lot. Clarke Street.

0.3 0.3 Unformed road segment Clarke Street

Total 137

Parcels proposed for Conservation Measures

Lot Deposited Plan

Lot Area (Ha)

Description

70 831111 188.5 Part Lot. George Bass Drive north of airport ‘Bengello’

70 831111 36.5 Part Lot. Corner George Bass Drive and Broulee Road


4 1090948 74 Part Lot. George Bass Drive, Williga (Y) Swamp

12 831878 10.6 Corner George Bass Drive and Broulee Road


66

10 831878 12 George Bass Drive, Illawong Swamp

11 771575 7.1 Part Lot. Donnelly Drive west of racecourse

41 1036166 17.3 Part Lot. Donnelly Drive south of racecourse

Total 407

11

12

70

10

70

8

4

11

41 8

9

20

3

13

58

50 89

28

1


67

Left: The Broulee Development Area

Left: The Moruya Airport Development Area


68

Above: The Biodiversity Certification Conservation Area


69

Appendix M

Map of the region - defined as the CMA subregion in which the Red Flag is located (Bateman) and any adjoining subregions (Jervis, Ettrema, Bungonia, South east coastal ranges (c) and south east coastal plains), together with a google maps image approximating the ‘region’.

Broulee – Biodiversity Certification Assessment Report FINAL

Prepared for Eurobodalla Shire Council

22 February 2013

Br o u l e e – B i o d i ver s i t y C er t i f i c a t i o n As se s sm e n t R ep or t

© E C O L O G I C AL AU S T R AL I A P T Y L T D i

DOCUMENT TRACKING

ITEM DETAIL

Project Name Broulee – Biodiversity Certification Proposal

Project Number 11NARECO-0011

Prepared by Ryan Smithers, Naomi De Ville, Joanne Daly, Darren James, Deidre Ellis

Reviewed by Rob Humphries

Approved by Darren James

Status FINAL

Version Number 5

Last saved on 22 February 2013

Cover photos (clockwise from top left)

Typical Bangalay Sand Forest, Bangalay Sand Forest Zone 2, White-footed Dunnart, Bangalay Sand Forest Zone 9

This report should be cited as ‘ELA 2013. Broulee – Biodiversity Certification Assessment Report. Prepared for Eurobodalla Shire Council, by Eco Logical Australia, Narooma.’

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This document has been prepared by Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd with support from Paula Pollock from Eurobodalla Shire Council (ESC) and the project steering committee.

Disclaimer This document may only be used for the purpose for which it was commissioned and in accordance with the contract between Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd and ESC. The scope of services was defined in consultation with ESC, by time and budgetary constraints imposed by the client, and the availability of reports and other data on the subject area. Changes to available information, legislation and schedules are made on an ongoing basis and readers should obtain up to date information. Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for or in respect of any use of or reliance upon this report and its supporting material by any third party. Information provided is not intended to be a substitute for site specific assessment or legal advice in relation to any matter. Unauthorised use of this report in any form is prohibited.


© E C O L O G I C AL AU S T R AL I A P T Y L T D ii

Contents Contents ..................................................................................................................................................... ii

List of Tables ............................................................................................................................................. v

List of Figures ............................................................................................................................................ vi

Abbreviations ............................................................................................................................................ vii

Executive Summary .................................................................................................................................. 1

1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 3

1.1 Project Background ................................................................................................................. 3

1.2 Broulee Biodiversity Certification Study Area .......................................................................... 3

1.2.1 Development Area ............................................................................................................. 4

1.2.2 Conservation Area ............................................................................................................. 4

1.2.3 Retained Lands ................................................................................................................. 4

1.2.4 Assessment Area .............................................................................................................. 4

2 Methods ................................................................................................................................... 6

2.1 Literature and Database Review ............................................................................................. 6

2.2 Determination of Species Credit Species Requiring Targeted Survey .................................... 6

2.2.1 Waterbirds ......................................................................................................................... 7

2.2.2 Cave Roosting Microbats .................................................................................................. 7

2.2.3 Endangered Greater Glider Population ............................................................................. 7

2.2.4 Grey-headed Flying-fox ..................................................................................................... 7

2.2.5 Green and Golden Bell Frog ............................................................................................. 8

2.2.6 Tessellated Spider Orchid ................................................................................................. 8

2.2.7 Waterwheel Plant .............................................................................................................. 8

2.3 Field Assessment Overview .................................................................................................... 8

2.4 Vegetation Zone Mapping ....................................................................................................... 9

2.4.1 Vegetation Plots .............................................................................................................. 14

2.5 Targeted Surveys for Fauna Species Credit Species ........................................................... 14

2.5.1 Avifauna ........................................................................................................................... 14

2.5.2 Giant Burrowing Frog ...................................................................................................... 16

2.5.3 Mammals ......................................................................................................................... 16

3 Results ................................................................................................................................... 24

3.1 Vegetation Type and Condition Mapping within the Certification Area ................................. 24

3.1.1 Limitations and Assumptions of Final Vegetation Map ................................................... 24

3.2 Vegetation Zones Descriptions .............................................................................................. 24


© E C O L O G I C AL AU S T R AL I A P T Y L T D iii

3.2.1 Zone 1.............................................................................................................................. 26

3.2.2 Zone 8.............................................................................................................................. 27

3.2.3 Zone 9.............................................................................................................................. 28

3.2.4 Zone 10 ........................................................................................................................... 29

3.2.5 Zone 20 ........................................................................................................................... 30

3.2.6 Zone 22 ........................................................................................................................... 31

3.3 Threatened Ecological Community Mapping ......................................................................... 32

3.4 Threatened Flora ................................................................................................................... 32

3.5 Species Credit Fauna Species .............................................................................................. 32

3.5.1 Avifauna ........................................................................................................................... 32

3.5.2 Giant Burrowing Frog ...................................................................................................... 32

3.5.3 Mammals ......................................................................................................................... 35

4 Biocertification Assessment Results...................................................................................... 36

4.1 Assumptions and Limitations in Applying the BCAM ............................................................. 36

4.2 Biodiversity Certification Assessment Area ........................................................................... 37

4.2.1 Management of Conservation Lands .............................................................................. 40

4.3 Vegetation Mapping and Zones............................................................................................. 46

4.4 Landscape Tg Values ............................................................................................................ 50

4.5 Transect/Plot Data and Site Value Scores ............................................................................ 50

4.6 Landscape Score ................................................................................................................... 53

4.6.1 Native Cover in Landscape ............................................................................................. 53

4.6.2 Connectivity Value ........................................................................................................... 53

4.6.3 Adjacent Remnant Area .................................................................................................. 54

4.7 Threatened Species Assessment .......................................................................................... 54

4.7.1 Development Area ........................................................................................................... 54

4.7.2 Conservation Area ........................................................................................................... 54

4.8 Red Flags .............................................................................................................................. 54

4.8.1 Vegetation ....................................................................................................................... 57

4.8.2 Species ............................................................................................................................ 57

4.9 Matters of National Environmental Significance .................................................................... 58

4.9.1 Listed Threatened Species .............................................................................................. 58

4.9.2 Listed Threatened Ecological Communities .................................................................... 58

4.9.3 World Heritage Properties or National Heritage Places .................................................. 58

4.9.4 Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance ................................................................ 58

4.9.5 Migratory Bird Species .................................................................................................... 59

4.10 Indirect Impacts ..................................................................................................................... 59

4.10.1 Indirect Impacts on Ecosystem Credits ....................................................................... 60

4.10.2 Indirect Impacts on Species Credit Species ................................................................ 61

4.11 Credit Calculations................................................................................................................. 64


© E C O L O G I C AL AU S T R AL I A P T Y L T D iv

4.11.1 Ecosystem Credits ....................................................................................................... 64

4.11.2 Species Credits ........................................................................................................... 64

5 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................. 66

References .............................................................................................................................................. 67

Appendix 1: Curriculum Vitae of field staff .............................................................................................. 68

Appendix 2: Site Value Scores for each Vegetation Zone ...................................................................... 74

Appendix 3: Area of each Vegetation Zone within Development and Conservation Footprints ............. 77

Appendix 4: Landscape Tg Calculations ................................................................................................. 79

Appendix 5: Transect/Plot Data ............................................................................................................... 82

Appendix 6: Species Predicted and Requiring Survey............................................................................ 84

Appendix 7: Credits Generated by Conservation Lands ......................................................................... 87

Appendix 8: Likelihood of Occurrence for MNES .................................................................................... 89

Appendix 9: Results of Mammal Trapping Surveys ................................................................................ 95


© E C O L O G I C AL AU S T R AL I A P T Y L T D v

List of Tables Table 1: Threatened and migratory species, known, likely or with the potential to occur in the Development Area ...................................................................................................................................... 7

Table 2: Attributes of vegetation zones within the study area .................................................................. 12

Table 3: Targeted survey methods and effort for species credit species during the survey period ......... 20

Table 4: Vegetation zones within the Assessment Area .......................................................................... 25

Table 5: Land use breakdown .................................................................................................................. 37

Table 6: Area of conservation lands ......................................................................................................... 40

Table 7: OLS zone management requirements ....................................................................................... 43

Table 8: Area of vegetation within the Development Area and Conservation Area ................................. 46

Table 9: Area of vegetation zones assessed within the Development Area and Conservation Area ...... 49

Table 10: Landscape Tg assigned to each vegetation type ..................................................................... 50

Table 11: Vegetation zones and transect/plot data .................................................................................. 50

Table 12: Site value scores allocated to each vegetation zone ............................................................... 52

Table 13: Native vegetation in assessment circle .................................................................................... 53

Table 14: Connectivity scores allocated for the assessment ................................................................... 53

Table 15: Impacts to red flagged vegetation ............................................................................................ 57

Table 16: Impacts to White-footed Dunnart habitat.................................................................................. 57

Table 17: Indirect Impact Calculations ..................................................................................................... 61

Table 18: Final ecosystem credit results .................................................................................................. 64

Table 19: Final species credit results ....................................................................................................... 65


© E C O L O G I C AL AU S T R AL I A P T Y L T D vi

List of Figures Figure 1: Broulee Biodiversity Certification Study Area ............................................................................. 5

Figure 2: Properties where Access was Available within the Study Area ................................................ 10

Figure 3: Vegetation Zones within the Study Area ................................................................................... 11

Figure 4: Vegetation Plots within the Development Area and Identified Conservation Area ................... 15

Figure 5: Targeted Surveys for Species Credit Species in the Broulee Urban Precinct Development Area .......................................................................................................................................................... 21

Figure 6: Targeted Surveys for the White-footed Dunnart in the Conservation Area (July 2012) ........... 22

Figure 7: Targeted Surveys for the White-footed Dunnart in the Conservation Area (August 2012) ...... 23

Figure 8: Distribution of Threatened Ecological Communities within the Assessment Area ................... 34

Figure 9: Land Proposed for Biodiversity Certification ............................................................................. 38

Figure 10: Land Proposed for Conservation ............................................................................................ 39

Figure 11: Biodiversity Certification Assessment Area ............................................................................ 41

Figure 12: Area subject to Additional Reduction as a Result of Existing Conservation Obligations ........ 42

Figure 13: Fuel Management Zone (FMZ) ............................................................................................... 44

Figure 14: Obstacle Limitation Surfaces (OLS) Zones............................................................................. 45

Figure 15: Biometric Vegetation Types within the Development Area and Conservation Area ............... 47

Figure 16: Vegetation Zones Assessed within the Development Area and Conservation Area .............. 48

Figure 17: Vegetation Red Flags.............................................................................................................. 55

Figure 18: White-footed Dunnart Red Flags ............................................................................................ 56

Figure 19: Indirect Impact Buffer- Broulee ............................................................................................... 62

Figure 20: Indirect Impact Buffer- Moruya Airport .................................................................................... 63


© E C O L O G I C AL AU S T R AL I A P T Y L T D vii

Abbreviations ABBREVIATION DESCRIPTION

* Denotes introduced species

ARA Adjacent Remnant Area

APZ Asset Protection Zone

BCAM Biodiversity Certification Assessment Methodology

DECCW NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (now OEH)

DoP NSW Department of Planning (now Department of Planning and Infrastructure)

DPC NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet

DP&I NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure

DSEWPaC Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities

EEC Endangered Ecological Community

ELA Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd

ESC Eurobodalla Shire Council

FMZ Fuel Management Zone

ELEP 2012 Eurobodalla Local Environment Plan 2012

NPWS NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (part of OEH)

OEH NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (formerly DECCW)

OLS Obstacle Limitation Surface

PVP Property Vegetation Plan

SCIVI South Coast – Illawarra Vegetation Integration

SRCMA Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority

RBVT Revised Biometric Vegetation Types

TEC Threatened Ecological Community

Tg Threatened Species Response to Management Score

TSC Act NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act (1995)

TSPD Threatened Species Profile Database


© E C O L O G I C AL AU S T R AL I A P T Y L T D viii

Definitions DEFINITION DESCRIPTION

Affected Species Those threatened species that are considered likely to be affected by the proposal and were subjected to further assessment in accordance with Section 110(2) of the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act)

Assessment Area Those areas proposed for Biodiversity Certification, comprising the Development Area, Conservation Area and Retained Land

Conservation Lands

Individual parcels of land which make up the Conservation Area

Conservation Area

Lands that may be proposed for biodiversity conservation, via ‘conservation measures’, to offset the impact of conferring biodiversity certification

Development Has the same meaning as in the EP&A Act

Development Area

Those areas affected directly by the proposed development and proposed for Biodiversity Certification

Locality The area within a 5 km radius of the subject site

Proposal The development, activity or action proposed

Retained Lands Land within the biodiversity certification assessment area that is not proposed for biodiversity certification or subject to a proposed conservation measure

Study Area The wider area assessed as part of the biodiversity certification assessment project. The study area is a larger area the Assessment Area


© E C O L O G I C AL AU S T R AL I A P T Y L T D 1

Executive Summary The Biodiversity Certification Assessment Methodology (BCAM) has been used to conduct a Biodiversity Certification Assessment of proposed urban expansion in the Broulee area and planned development at Moruya Airport. The BCAM was used to facilitate an equitable, transparent and scientifically rigorous outcome in addressing competing urban development and biodiversity conservation issues within the Broulee area. This has been achieved through an ecological assessment of the current biodiversity values within Broulee Biodiversity Certification Assessment Area, an assessment of the biodiversity values to be lost or decreased as a result of future urban and airport development, and an assessment of the increase of biodiversity values within an identified Conservation Area.

The surveys undertaken for this assessment included vegetation zone mapping throughout the study area and targeted fauna surveys within the Assessment Area. The surveys undertaken for the assessment were consistent with the requirements of the BCAM.

The Assessment Area, which includes the identified Development Area, Conservation Area and Retained Lands, included a total of eleven vegetation zones. Of these, only six vegetation zones comprised vegetation within the same vegetation type or vegetation formation as the vegetation types within the Development Area, and thus, In accordance with the BCAM, only these six vegetation zones could be used to offset the impacts of ecosystem values of the Development Area.

The Development Area was found to support two vegetation types (Bangalay – Old-man Banksia open forest and Coast Banksia – Coast Wattle dune scrub), although the vast majority of the Development Area supports Bangalay – Old-man Banksia open forest in various condition states, with less than a hectare of Coast Banksia – Coast Wattle dune scrub within the Development Area. Bangalay – Old-man Banksia open forest comprises the endangered ecological community Bangalay Sand Forest, and the vast majority of the community within the Development Area is in moderate to good condition and thus comprises a red flag under the BCAM.

There are no records on the Atlas of NSW Wildlife of threatened flora species within the Development Area. It was not considered necessary to undertake targeted surveys for any of the predicted threatened flora species on the basis of the absence of suitable habitat. There were no incidental records of threatened flora species within the Development Area during the vegetation and fauna surveys undertaken during survey period.

Seven species credit fauna species, the Little Eagle, Square-tailed Kite, Osprey, Gang-gang Cockatoo, Giant Burrowing Frog, Brush-tailed Phascogale and White-footed Dunnart, were known or considered to have the potential to occur within the Development Area. Targeted surveys were undertaken for these species during the survey period. As a result the White-footed Dunnart was recorded within the Development Area, and the entirety of the Development Area is considered to provide potential habitat for the species. Under the BCAM the White-footed Dunnart is unable to withstand loss. Habitat for this species is therefore considered a red flag.



The Gang-gang Cockatoo was recorded within the Development Area during the survey period. However the Gang-gang Cockatoo was incorrectly classed as a species credit species in the draft BCAM, and was subsequently not assessed further after the incorrect classification was confirmed with OEH. None of the other target species credit fauna species were recorded within the Development Area during the survey period.

Eight properties within the Assessment Area were assessed for their potential to contribute to the Conservation Area. All eight of these properties were selected as the Conservation Area.

The ecosystem credits required and generated by the proposal were calculated based on the BCAM.

The results of the assessment demonstrate that the Conservation Area identified is sufficient to offset the impacts of the proposal, with a surplus of 1,329 credits.

Parts of the Conservation Area are affected by existing and proposed land management activities associated with the safe operation of Moruya Airport and the provision of bushfire hazard management adjoining the Broulee urban area. The impact of these land management activities was acknowledged as far as is possible within the BCAM. However, the BCAM does not allow the future site value to be reduced from its current level in conservation lands. This resulted in a slight over estimation of the ecosystem credits generated in those parts of the Conservation affected by the OSL and FMZ zones.

The species credits required and generated by the proposal were calculated based on the BCAM.

A total of 1,816 credits are required to offset the impacts to 69 ha of White-footed Dunnart habitat. The 372.4 ha Conservation Area generates 1,924 credits, resulting in a 108 credit surplus.

The proposal will meet the maintain or improve test required under the BCAM if the Director General of the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC) decides that the impacts on red flag areas may be offset and grants consent for a minor variation to the BCAM. This would allow the full credit generating potential from the proposed offset lands to be realised.



1 Introduction 1.1 PROJECT BACKGROUND

Eurobodalla Shire Council (ESC) is seeking to apply for Biodiversity Certification (Biocertification) of proposed urban expansion in the Broulee area and proposed development at Moruya Airport.

The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH - formerly the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water) has recently developed the Biodiversity Certification Assessment Methodology (BCAM) which is to be applied to Biodiversity Certification applications throughout NSW (DECCW 2011). The Minister for the Environment may confer Biocertification on land if satisfied that the package of conservation measures set out in an application for Biocertification will lead to the overall improvement or maintenance of biodiversity values.

ELA have used the BCAM to assess the proposed Broulee urban expansion and Moruya Airport development, and identified conservation areas, against the ‘improve or maintain’ standard as defined by the BCAM.

This methodology and process has been pursued so as to facilitate an equitable, transparent and scientifically rigorous outcome in addressing competing urban development and biodiversity conservation issues within the Broulee area. This has been achieved through an ecological assessment of the current biodiversity values within the Broulee Biodiversity Certification Assessment Area, an assessment of the biodiversity values to be lost or decreased as a result of future urban and airport development, and an assessment of the increase of biodiversity values within conservation areas.

1.2 BROULEE BIODIVERSITY CERTIFICATION STUDY AREA

The Broulee Biodiversity Certification study area (hereafter referred to as the study area) extends south from Candalagan Creek to the Moruya River and west to the Princes Highway at Bimbimbie, as shown in Figure 1. It comprises approximately 2,000 ha of land and includes approximately 60 individual properties (beyond the residential areas).

The Broulee Urban Precinct and Moruya Airport lie within the study area. The Broulee Urban Precinct, which is bounded by Broulee Road, George Bass Drive, Candalagan Creek and the coast is characterised by a mix of partially developed residential land, some limited commercial development, schools and recreational facilities. The Broulee Urban Precinct includes more than 43 ha of residential zoned land which supports the endangered ecological community (EEC) Bangalay Sand Forest and a range of other high conservation values. This area of Bangalay Sand Forest and is part of one of the largest remaining occurrences of the Bangalay Sand Forest in NSW, which extends from the Tomaga River to the Moruya River, and is approximately 770 ha in extent. Approximately 36 ha of the Bangalay Sand Forest within the Broulee Urban Precinct is proposed for biodiversity certification.

This area comprises the Broulee Urban Precinct Development Area, as shown in Figure 1. The Moruya Airport is located at the southern end of the study area, as shown in Figure 1. Approximately 33 ha of remnant native vegetation in varying condition, ranging from derived shrubland to relatively undisturbed forest, is the subject of future airport development investigations. This area comprises the Moruya Airport Development Area, as shown in Figure 1.



1.2.1 Development Area The 36 ha of high conservation value remnant vegetation within the Broulee Urban Precinct Development Area and the 33 ha of remnant native vegetation in Moruya Airport Development Area comprise the Broulee Biodiversity Certification Assessment Area - Development Area. Consistent with the BCAM, the biodiversity values of the Development Area have been assessed to determine the impacts associated with the proposed development.

1.2.2 Conservation Area The biodiversity values of the study area were assessed in order to define a potential Conservation Area in order to meet the ‘improve or maintain’ standard as defined by the BCAM. The BCAM defines a conservation area as lands that may be proposed for biodiversity conservation, via ‘conservation measures’, to offset the impact of conferring biodiversity certification. In the context of the Broulee Biodiversity Certification Assessment, the Conservation Area comprises those lands proposed for biodiversity conservation to offset the impacts of the biodiversity certified lands of the Broulee Urban Precinct Development Area and Moruya Airport Development Area. The Conservation Area is made up of a number of parcels of land or conservation lands.

1.2.3 Retained Lands Lands immediately adjacent to the Development Area, which are not proposed to be part of the Conservation Area, but which may be subject to indirect impacts associated with the proposal, and/or the subject of measures to mitigate the indirect impacts of the proposal, are referred to as Retained Lands. The Retained Lands include the Yellow-bellied Glider corridor immediately adjacent to the Broulee Urban Precinct Development Area.

1.2.4 Assessment Area The Broulee Biodiversity Certification Assessment Area (hereafter referred to as the Assessment Area) comprises the Development Area, Conservation Area and the Retained Lands as shown in Figure 1.



Figure 1: Broulee Biodiversity Certification Study Area



2 Methods 2.1 LITERATURE AND DATABASE REVIEW

A review of relevant information was undertaken prior to the commencement of field studies. Relevant biodiversity datasets and associated literature for the region were reviewed including:

Existing vegetation mapping, as well as other available GIS data Atlas of NSW Wildlife (Accessed September 2011) EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool (DSEWPAC Accessed September 2011) Threatened Species Profiles Database, Biobanking Assessment Tool v2.0 (OEH Accessed

September 2011) Vegetation across the study area has been mapped as part of the South Coast – Illawarra Vegetation Integration (SCIVI) (Tozer et al. 2006). This mapping was reviewed and converted into the equivalent Revised Biometric Vegetation Types (RVBT) (DECC 2008) for later validation when undertaking the vegetation zone mapping, and for preliminary assessment of the habitat for “species credit” species potentially requiring targeted survey.

2.2 DETERMINATION OF SPECIES CREDIT SPECIES REQUIRING TARGETED SURVEY

Utilising the above information, an assessment of the ‘likelihood of occurrence‘ was made for species identified as ‘species credit‘ species under the BCAM. Species credits are the class of biodiversity credit created (where conservation measures are applied) or required (where biodiversity certification is conferred) for threatened species that cannot be reliably predicted based on habitat surrogates. The BCAM requires targeted survey within the BCAA for those species considered to be ‘species credit‘ species which may be impacted by the proposed development. Where species are confirmed as being impacted by the development, surveys have also been conducted within the proposed Conservation Area to establish whether the species to be impacted are also present within the Conservation Area.

The results of this search identified 17 threatened entities that were either known, or considered ‘likely,’ or to have the ‘potential’ to, occur in the Development Area (Table 1). The requirement for targeted site survey for the threatened entities was then assessed in more detail against the suitability of the potential habitat within the Development Area, on the basis of surveys of the habitat resources within the Development Area, and expert knowledge of the status of the specific entity within the study area and region (see Sections 2.2.1 -2.2.7 below).

As a result, seven species credit fauna species, the Little Eagle (Hieraaetus morphnoides), Square-tailed Kite (Lophoictinia isura), Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), Gang-gang Cockatoo (Callocephalon fimbriatum), Giant Burrowing Frog (Heleioporus australiacus), Brush-tailed Phascogale (Phascogale tapoatafa), and White-footed Dunnart (Sminthopsis leucopus), were assessed as potentially occurring within the Development Area and thus requiring targeted survey.

Where targeted survey was required, survey methods and effort were based on the Draft Threatened Biodiversity Survey and Assessment Guidelines (DEC 2004) and updated “Threatened species survey and assessment guidelines: field survey methods for fauna - Amphibians (DECC 2009).



Table 1: Threatened and migratory species, known, likely or with the potential to occur in the Development Area

SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME POTENTIAL HABITAT WITHIN THE DEVELOPMENT AREA

Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern No

Ixobrychus flavicollis Black Bittern No

Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit No

Phascogale tapoatafa Brush-tailed Phascogale Yes

Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis Eastern Bentwing-bat (Breeding Habitat) No

Callocephalon fimbriatum Gang-gang Cockatoo Yes*

Heleioporus australiacus Giant Burrowing Frog Yes

Petauroides volans - endangered population

Greater Glider population in the Bingi-Congo area of the Eurobodalla LGA No

Litoria aurea Green and Golden Bell Frog No

Pteropus poliocephalus (Breeding Habitat)

Grey-headed Flying-fox (Breeding Habitat) No

Myotis macropus (Breeding Habitat) Large-footed Myotis (Breeding Habitat) No

Hieraaetus morphnoides Little Eagle Yes

Pandion haliaetus Osprey Yes

Lophoictinia isura Square-tailed Kite Yes

Caladenia tessellata Tessellated Spider Orchid No

Aldrovanda vesiculosa Waterwheel Plant No

Sminthopsis leucopus White-footed Dunnart Yes

*The Gang-gang Cockatoo was subsequently determined by OEH to have been incorrectly defined as a species credit species in the draft BCAM. The justification for the conclusions in Table 1 are discussed below.

2.2.1 Waterbirds The Australasian Bittern, Black Bittern and Black-tailed Godwit are waterbirds associated with wetlands, riparian areas and estuarine habitats. These habitats do not occur within the Development Area and, as such, these species would not occur there.

2.2.2 Cave Roosting Microbats Breeding habitats for the Eastern Bentwing-bat and Large-footed Myotis are associated with caves, mines, bridges, stormwater tunnels or similar structures. These habitats do not occur within the Development Area and, as such, the Development Area would not support breeding habitat for these species.

2.2.3 Endangered Greater Glider Population Whilst Greater Gliders do occur within the Development Area, the Development Area is north of the Moruya Area and thus beyond the extent of the endangered population of the Greater Glider in the Bingi-Congo area of the Eurobodalla LGA.

2.2.4 Grey-headed Flying-fox There are no historical records of the Grey-headed Flying-fox roosting within the Development Area. No evidence of the species roosting within the Development Area was observed during the survey period.



2.2.5 Green and Golden Bell Frog Preferable habitat for the Green and Golden Bell Frog includes attributes such as shallow, still or slow flowing, permanent and/or widely fluctuating water bodies that are unpolluted and without heavy shading. Large permanent swamps and ponds exhibiting well-established fringing vegetation adjacent to open grassland areas are preferable for foraging. The Development Area does not support any suitable habitat for the species and there are no records of the species within the Development Area. The nearest records of the species are from Pedro Swamp, to the south of the Moruya River. The species was not detected within the Development Area during the targeted surveys for the Giant Burrowing Frog.

2.2.6 Tessellated Spider Orchid The Tessellated Spider Orchid is associated with open woodlands and heath, typically occurring in treeless areas or very open areas, which are often rocky and where there are only skeletal soils. It does not occur in forested habitats, and there are no records from forested sites of the type within the Development Area.

Tessellated Spider Orchid plants may lay dormant for 10-20 years, only flowering for one to two years following a mid-late summer fire. Outside this period it is highly unlikely that any plants will flower and thus that there will be any above ground biomass of the species.

The nearest record of the species is approximately 70 km to the north of the study area at Ulladulla where it occurs in low heathy woodland on a clay substrate. The Ulladulla population of the species is now thought to be extinct (Copeland, L. pers. comm. 2012).

Given the absence of suitable habitat within the Development Area, the absence of recent fire within the bulk of the Development Area, and the absence of any known records of the species from the locality, it is considered highly unlikely that the species would occur there. In any case, given the typically dense nature of the understorey within the Development Area and the absence of recent mid-late summer fire, there would be a very low probability of detecting any plants within the Development Area, even if the habitats were suitable and if the species was present.

2.2.7 Waterwheel Plant The Waterwheel Plant grows in shallow freshwater and is widespread but rare in NSW. It traps and digests aquatic insects and generally floats below the water’s surface but flowers emerge from the water. The species is known from the Malabar Creek wetlands and from Waldrons Swamp. There is no habitat for the species in the Development Area and it would not occur there.

2.3 FIELD ASSESSMENT OVERVIEW

The following sections outline the survey and assessment methodologies undertaken for this report, which were designed to meet the requirements of the BCAM.

Curriculum vitae for all ELA project staff involved in field assessment are provided in Appendix 1.

To identify habitat features to inform the targeted fauna surveys, a preliminary assessment of the Broulee Urban Precinct Development Area was conducted by two ELA ecologists, Ryan Smithers and Naomi De Ville, in September 2011. Subsequently, targeted surveys for species credit species commenced on 10 November 2011 and continued until 24 August 2012.



Information on the methods and effort employed for surveying vegetation communities and species credit species are outlined in detail in Sections 2.4 to 2.6, but generally, the following methods were implemented:

Vegetation communities: quadrat surveys and random meander surveys Diurnal birds: habitat assessments, nesting assessments and opportunistic observations Amphibians: habitat assessments, call playback, listening and spotlighting surveys Mammals: Type A and Type B Elliot traps, Pitfall trapping, Hair funnels, Passive Infrared Motion

Detector Camera Surveys, habitat assessments and opportunistic observations

Targeted surveys were initially conducted only within the Broulee Urban Precinct Development Area. However, after the White-footed Dunnart was detected within the Development Area, targeted surveys were then undertaken within lands which were under consideration as Conservation Areas. Vegetation mapping and vegetation plots were undertaken within the study area between November 2011 and October 2012.

2.4 VEGETATION ZONE M APPING

The BCAM requires the mapping of vegetation zones within the study area. The BCAM defines a vegetation zone as a relatively homogenous area that is of the same vegetation type and broad condition state. Vegetation types were determined using the Revised Biometric Vegetation Types (RVBT) (DECC 2008).

Between November 2011 and April 2012, the study area was assessed and vegetation zones mapped. The assessment was aided by existing regional vegetation mapping i.e. SCIVI (Tozer et al. 2006), which was converted to the RVBTs. The mapping was also informed by ELAs existing understanding of the distribution and condition of vegetation within much of the study area as a result of numerous other projects within the study area over the last ten years.

Those properties where access was granted were traversed on foot and in vehicles and the existing vegetation mapping validated and modified where necessary to develop the vegetation zone mapping. Where access was not granted properties were assessed from public vantage points, adjoining properties, or from aerial photo interpretation. Figure 2 indicates those properties where access was available.

The vegetation zone mapping identified a total of 22 vegetation zones within the study area, which included eight separate vegetation types in a range of condition states, as identified in Table 2. The vegetation zones within the study area are identified in Figure 3.

As access to private properties within the study area was generally only available for a limited time period i.e. one or two days, vegetation plots were conducted during the period that access was available rather than waiting until the final requirement for vegetation plots was confirmed, and thus requiring a return visit. As a result some redundant and /or surplus vegetation plots were collected during the vegetation zone mapping.

The vegetation zone mapping identified that the Development Area supported five zones in two vegetation types. However, apart from 0.24 ha of ‘Coast Banksia - Coast Wattle dune scrub’, the remainder of the approximately 69 ha of native vegetation within the Development Area supports a single vegetation type, ‘Bangalay - Old-man Banksia open forest on coastal sands’.

As the BCAM only allows vegetation impacts (ecosystem credits) to be offset if the offset vegetation type meets a series of requirements to ensure a ‘like for like’ outcome, subsequent vegetation mapping and condition plots for proposed conservation lands was targeted towards those communities that are allowable as offsets. Initially, the type of threatened species predicted on site, and the percent cleared status of the vegetation type impacted, are used to determine where offsets can be located. Vegetation within the same vegetation class, or vegetation formation, can then be used to offset impacts where other options are not available. In applying the offset rules to the study area, it was determined that the only vegetation types and zones able to provide an offset for the proposed Development Area, are vegetation zones 1, 5, 8, 9, 10, 16, 18, 20 and 22, as shown in Figure 3.



Figure 2: Properties where Access was Available within the Study Area



Figure 3: Vegetation Zones within the Study Area



Table 2: Attributes of vegetation zones within the study area

ZONE REVISED BIOMETRIC VEGETATION TYPES ANCILLARY CODE FORMATION CLASS CONDITION

1 Bangalay - Old-man Banksia open forest on coastal sands, Sydney Basin and South East Corner

Good condition with lots of hollows and negligible weeds

Dry Sclerophyll Forests (Shrubby subformation)

South Coast Sands Dry Sclerophyll Forests

moderate to good

2

Spotted Gum - White Stringybark - Burrawang shrubby open forest on hinterland foothills, northern South East Corner

Logged forest with mostly regrowth and only occasional old growth trees

Wet Sclerophyll Forests (Grassy subformation)

Southern Lowland Wet Sclerophyll Forests

moderate to good

3 Coastal freshwater lagoons of the Sydney Basin and South East Corner Cladium procerum dominated swamp Freshwater Wetlands

Coastal Freshwater Lagoons

moderate to good

4

Spotted Gum - Grey Ironbark - Woollybutt grassy open forest on coastal flats, southern Sydney Basin and South East Corner

Appears to have been logged but generally in good condition relatively recently burnt with lots of Hop bush



moderate to good

5

Red Bloodwood - Silvertop Ash - White Stringybark heathy open forest on coastal foothills, southern South East Corner

Good condition forest with lots of HBTs and negligible weeds


South East Dry Sclerophyll Forests

moderate to good

6


Heavily logged/cleared. Dense regrowth with few mature or old growth trees. Sparse understorey and groundcover



moderate to good

7 Swamp Paperbark - Swamp Oak tall shrubland on estuarine flats, Sydney Basin and South East Corner

Excellent condition, mainly inundated during the survey period Forested Wetlands

Coastal Floodplain Wetlands

moderate to good


Relatively young regrowth post clearing. No or very few hollows or other old growth elements



moderate to good


Under-scrubbed or slashed, but with a reasonable abundance of old growth trees



moderate to good

10 Coast Banksia - Coast Wattle dune scrub, Sydney Basin and South East Corner

Good condition with some cosmopolitan weeds such as Bitou Bush



moderate to good


Generally in good condition, mix of Swamp Oak dominated communities Forested Wetlands


moderate to good

12 Saltmarsh in estuaries of the Sydney Basin and South East Corner

Good condition. The zone also includes Mangroves. No need to split given unsuitable class and formation Saline Wetlands Saltmarshes

moderate to good



13 Swamp Paperbark - Swamp Oak tall shrubland on estuarine flats, Sydney Basin and South East Corner Regularly slashed Forested Wetlands


moderate to good

14 Coastal freshwater lagoons of the Sydney Basin and South East Corner

Large lagoons/swamps generally inundated during the survey period Freshwater Wetlands


moderate to good

15 Swamp Mahogany swamp sclerophyll forest on coastal lowlands, Sydney Basin and South East Corner Good condition with relatively few weeds Forested Wetlands

Coastal Swamp Forests

moderate to good

16


Logged with general paucity of hollows, but not clear-felled as in Zone 6



moderate to good

17

Spotted Gum - Blackbutt shrubby open forest on the coastal foothills, southern Sydney Basin and northern South East Corner

Logged but otherwise in good condition, not as moist as Zone 19



moderate to good

18


Partially cleared and regularly slashed so that there is very little understorey and a regrowth groundcover



moderate to good

19

Spotted Gum - Blackbutt shrubby open forest on the coastal foothills, southern Sydney Basin and northern South East Corner Very moist and in excellent condition



moderate to good

20 Bangalay - Old-man Banksia open forest on coastal sands, Sydney Basin and South East Corner Derived grassland/shrubland



moderate to good


Dominated by Schoenus brevifolius historic draining/clearing/grazing. Freshwater Wetlands


moderate to good


Bangalay dominated typically low forest of the hind dune



moderate to good



2.4.1 Vegetation Plots The BCAM requires a minimum number of vegetation plots/transects be completed for each vegetation zone to satisfy the methodology. The minimum number of vegetation plots/transects required is determined by the number and size of the zones within the Assessment Area.

The assessment required a minimum of 18 transects/plots to be completed based on the final Assessment Area. The transects/plots included five plots which were supplied by the Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (SRCMA) and which had previously been undertaken within the Assessment Area.

Consistent with the BCAM, vegetation plots were undertaken within each zone within the Development Area and identified potential Conservation Area. The vegetation plots comprised a 0.1 ha quadrat (50 m x 20 m) within which a range of vegetation structure and abundance attributes and habitat features were assessed. Habitat features assessed included the number of hollow bearing trees and length of fallen dead timber greater than 10 cm diameter. The projected foliage cover of each vegetation stratum and the abundance of exotic flora was assessed along a 50 m transect through the centre of the quadrat. A 0.04 ha (20 m x 20 m) quadrat, where all vascular flora species were recorded, was nested within the 0.1 ha quadrat.

The location of the vegetation plots and transects undertaken within the Development Area and identified potential Conservation Areas, is identified in Figure 4.

2.5 TARGETED SURVEYS FOR FAUNA SPECIES CREDIT SPECIES

Seven species credit fauna species, the Little Eagle, Square-tailed Kite, Osprey, Gang-gang Cockatoo, Giant Burrowing Frog, Brush-tailed Phascogale and White-footed Dunnart were assessed as having the potential to occur within the Development Area and thus requiring targeted survey.

Targeted surveys for these species were undertaken between November 2011 and August 2012. All targeted surveys were limited to the Development Area, with exception of targeted surveys for the White-footed Dunnart, which were also undertaken in lands which were being considered as potential Conservation Areas.

Requirements were met for all threatened fauna expected to occur in the study area and compliance with the TBSA Guidelines (DEC 2004) are summarised in Table 3.

The location of the targeted surveys undertaken during the survey period are identified in Figure 5, Figure 6 and Figure 7.

2.5.1 Avifauna

Nesting assessments were undertaken across the Broulee Urban Precinct Development Area in the spring – early summer of 2011 for nests of the Little Eagle, Osprey, and Square-tailed Kite, and for any evidence of nesting or roosting of the Gang-gang Cockatoo. The surveys involved random meander surveys by two ecologists through potentially suitable habitat searching for raptor nests or any evidence of the target species. Nesting assessments for the Gang-gang Cockatoo involved late afternoon observations from vantage points by two ecologists on four occasions, each separated by approximately one week.

Opportunistic observations were undertaken for raptors and nests during the vegetation surveys and at all other times i.e. during the setting up, removing and checking of traps.

The survey effort for targeted raptor and Gang-gang Cockatoo nesting assessments involved a total of 14 person hours, as identified in Table 3.



Figure 4: Vegetation Plots within the Development Area and Identified Conservation Area



2.5.2 Giant Burrowing Frog

Despite the absence of any recent records of the Giant Burrowing Frog from the locality, nor the presence of any potential breeding habitat, targeted surveys were undertaken for the species, given the presence of a sandy substrate within the Development Area.

Nocturnal call playback, listening and spotlighting surveys where undertaken within the Development Area on three occasions during summer when conditions were suitable i.e. warm weather during or immediately after sufficient rainfall associated with storms.

The survey effort for targeted Giant Burrowing Frog surveys involved 11.5 person hours, as identified in Table 3.

2.5.3 Mammals

January – February 2012 Surveys Targeted surveys for the Brush-tailed Phascogale and White-footed Dunnart were undertaken within the Development Area between 16 January and 18 February 2012 using a range of survey methods as described below.

Elliot Traps Fifty type-A Elliott traps were set along five trapping transects within the Development Area for four consecutive nights from 17 to 20 January 2012. The type-A Elliott traps targeted the White-footed Dunnart. The spacing of trap stations approximately was approximately 25-40 m.

Thirty type-B Elliott traps mounted on platforms on tree trunks approximately 2-3 m above the ground were also set along three of the trapping transects, targeting the Brush-tailed Phascogale. Each trap was baited with a mixture of peanut butter, honey and rolled oats. The tree trunk around the tree mounted type-B Elliott traps was sprayed with a mixture of honey and water as an attractant. The spacing of trap stations was approximately 25-40 m.

Hair Funnels Thirty Faunatech hair funnels set on tree trunks approximately 2-5 m above the ground were also set along three of the trapping transects for consecutive nights between 20 January 2012 and 15 February 2012, yielding a total effort of 720 hair funnel trap-nights. The hair funnels were targeting the Brush-tailed Phascogale. Hair funnels were baited with a mixture of peanut butter, honey and rolled oats and honey water sprayed around the entrance of the funnels. Honey water spray was reapplied approximately half way through the survey period. Any hair-funnel wafers with obvious hairs attached were sent to Ms. Barbara Triggs for analysis.

Pitfall Trapping Pitfall trapping was also conducted within the Development Area during the January 2012 trapping period, targeting the White-footed Dunnart. Three sites, containing two pitfall traps each, were set for four consecutive nights to yield a trapping effort of 24 pitfall trap-nights. Each pitfall trap site contained two pits approximately 20 m apart, connected by 30 m of drift netting in a rough line that extending a further approximately 5 m out beyond the pit at each end. Buckets approximately 50 cm deep and 30 cm wide were used for pit traps and were installed so the lip was flush to the ground. Each bucket contained holes in the bottom to facilitate draining and floating material (usually bark) in case of heavy rainfall. Other material such as leaves provided shelter from sunlight and predators. Builder’s damp course (30 cm high) was used for the drift fencing.

All traps were checked each morning soon after sunrise. Captured animals were identified and then released at the trap site.



Photo 1: Tree mounted type-B Elliott trap targeting the Brush-tailed Phascogale

Photo 2: Tree mounted hair funnel targeting the Brush-tailed Phascogale



Passive Infrared Motion Detector Camera Surveys Between 18 January 2012 and 15 February 2012, three RECONYX™ HC600 HyperFire™ cameras and bait stations were set within the Development Area to target the Brush-tailed Phascogale. The cameras were attached to tree trunks approximately 5 m from the ground, and provided night and day surveillance of fauna visiting the bait stations with the temperature sensitive passive infrared motion detector in the cameras. The camera and bait stations were fixed to trees with hollows and evidence of bark wear from fauna traffic. As described for the trapping surveys, baits were a mixture of peanut butter, honey and oats with honey water sprayed above and below the bait station. The bait was replaced approximately half way through the survey period. The cameras surveys yielded a survey effort of 78 days/nights.

July 2012 Surveys As the White-footed Dunnart was recorded within the Development Area during the January February surveys, targeted surveys were undertaken for the White-footed Dunnart in the proposed Conservation Areas in July 2012.

The July 2012 targeted White-footed Dunnart surveys involved:

Pitfall Trapping – Seven sites, containing four pitfall traps each, were set for five consecutive nights from 17 to 20 January 2012 to yield a trapping effort of 168 pitfall trap-nights. Each pitfall trap site contained four pits approximately 10 m apart, connected by 30 m of drift netting in a rough line with a pit at each end. Buckets approximately 50 cm deep and 30 cm wide were used for pit traps and were installed so the lip was flush to the ground. Each bucket contained holes in the bottom to facilitate draining and floating material (usually bark) in case of heavy rainfall. Other material such as leaves provided shelter from sunlight and predators. Builder’s damp course (30 cm high) was used for the drift fencing.

Elliot Traps – 50 type-A Elliott traps set along five trapping transects, near the pitfall traps, within the Development Area for five consecutive nights from 17 to 20 January 2012, yielding a total effort of 210 trap-nights. Each trap was baited with a mixture of peanut butter, honey and rolled oats.

August 2012 Surveys

The targeted White-footed Dunnart surveys in the proposed Conservation Areas were repeated in August 2012.

The August 2012 targeted White-footed Dunnart surveys involved:

Pitfall Trapping – Ten sites, containing four pitfall traps each, were set for four consecutive nights to yield a trapping effort of 160 pitfall trap-nights. Each pitfall trap site contained four pits approximately 10 m apart, connected by 30 m of drift netting in a rough line with a pit at each end. Buckets approximately 50 cm deep and 30 cm wide were used for pit traps and were installed so the lip was flush to the ground. Each bucket contained holes in the bottom to facilitate draining and floating material (usually bark) in case of heavy rainfall. Other material such as leaves provided shelter from sunlight and predators. Builder’s damp course (30 cm high) was used for the drift fencing.



Photo 3: Passive Infrared Motion Detector Camera and bait station

Photo 4: Typical Pitfall trap site



Table 3: Targeted survey methods and effort for species credit species during the survey period

METHOD DATE EFFORT TBSA GUIDELINES (APPROPRIATE SURVEY OPTIONS)

Nesting assessments for Raptors and Gang-gang Cockatoos

10 November 2011 3.0 person-hours Opportunistic sightings - time unspecified

21 November 2011 4.0 person-hours

28 November 2011 3.0 person-hours

5 December 2011 4.0 person-hours

Total 14.person-hours

Targeted Giant Burrowing Frog surveys (Spotlighting and call playback at 3 locations)

11 February 2012 4.0 person-hours 30 minutes of nocturnal habitat searches on two separate nights At least one call playback on two separate night

17 February 2012 3.5 person-hours

28 February 2012 3.0 person-hours

Total 10.5 person-hours

TARGETED SURVEYS FOR THE WHITE-FOOTED DUNNART AND BRUSH-TAILED PHASCOGALE

DATE EFFORT TBSA GUIDELINES (APPROPRIATE SURVEY OPTIONS)

DEVELOPMENT AREA

A Elliott traps (49) 16 to 20 January 2012 176 trap nights 100 trap nights over 3-4 consecutive nights

B Elliott traps (29, arboreal) 16 to 20 January 2012 116 trap nights 24 trap nights over 3-4 consecutive nights

Pitfall traps (6) 16 to 20 January 2012 24 trap nights 24 trap nights over 3-4 consecutive nights

Hair funnels (30, arboreal) 20 January to 15 February 2012

720 trap nights 3 in minimum 10 trees for at least 4 days and 4 nights

RECONYX™ cameras (3, arboreal)

18 January to 15 February 2012

78 day/nights Not specified

Total 1,036 trap nights and 78 camera day/nights

CONSERVATION AREA DATE EFFORT TBSA GUIDELINES (APPROPRIATE SURVEY OPTIONS)

JULY 2012 SURVEYS

Pitfall traps (7) from 17 to 20 January 2012

164 trap-nights NA

A Elliott traps (50) from 17 to 20 January 2012

210 trap-nights NA

AUGUST 2012 SURVEYS DATE EFFORT TBSA GUIDELINES (APPROPRIATE SURVEY OPTIONS)

Pitfall traps (10) 21 and 24 August 2012 160 trap-nights NA



Figure 5: Targeted Surveys for Species Credit Species in the Broulee Urban Precinct Development Area



Figure 6: Targeted Surveys for the White-footed Dunnart in the Conservation Area (July 2012)



Figure 7: Targeted Surveys for the White-footed Dunnart in the Conservation Area (August 2012)



3 Results 3.1 VEGETATION TYPE AND CONDITION MAPPING WITHIN THE CERTIFICATION

AREA

The Assessment Area, which includes the identified Development Area and Conservation Area, included a total of 11 vegetation zones, as identified in Table 4. Of these eleven vegetation zones, only six zones comprised vegetation within the same vegetation type or vegetation formation as the vegetation types within the Development Area. In accordance with the BCAM, only these six vegetation zones could be used to offset the impacts of the Development Area.

A description of the vegetation zones within the Assessment Area and the constituent vegetation type and condition is presented in subsequent sections.

The vegetation within each zone within the Assessment Area was assigned to the ‘moderate to good’ condition category as defined by the BCAM. Due to the varying quality of the ‘moderate to good’ condition vegetation within Assessment Area, several ancillary codes were required to stratify the Assessment Area into the final vegetation zones. The ancillary codes describe the key characteristics of the zone which differentiate it from other zones which have the same vegetation type.

3.1.1 Limitations and Assumptions of Final Vegetation Map Vegetation boundaries are dynamic and vary stochastically via fluctuations in biotic and abiotic factors, as well as anthropogenic land management practices (e.g. mechanical disturbance and under-scrubbing, grazing, selective logging, pasture improvement). As such, boundaries in vegetation types and vegetation zones are only indicative of what is actually found in situ (i.e. on the ground), with each community gradually changing through an ecotone. The vegetation mapping within the Assessment Area was also limited by the level of access available, as described in Section 2.4.

3.2 VEGETATION ZONES DESCRIPTIONS

Vegetation descriptions are provided below for:

Bangalay - Old-man Banksia open forest on coastal sands, Sydney Basin and South East Corner (SR512)

Coast Banksia - Coast Wattle dune scrub, Sydney Basin and South East Corner (SR531

These two vegetation types characterise Vegetation Zones 1, 8, 9, 10, 20 and 22.

Vegetation Zones 2, 3, 7, 14 and 19 comprise the following vegetation types:

Coastal freshwater lagoons of the Sydney Basin and South East Corner (SR536) Swamp Paperbark - Swamp Oak tall shrubland on estuarine flats, Sydney Basin and South

East Corner (SR651) Coastal freshwater lagoons of the Sydney Basin and South East Corner (SR536) Spotted Gum - Blackbutt shrubby open forest on the coastal foothills, southern Sydney Basin

and northern South East Corner (SR641)

These vegetation types do not meet the first trading rule under the BCAM, and in addition are not in the same vegetation type or vegetation formation as the vegetation types within the Development Area. As such, they cannot be used to offset the impacts of the proposed development and subsequently are not described further in this assessment.



Table 4: Vegetation zones within the Assessment Area

ZONE REVISED BIOMETRIC VEGETATION TYPES ANCILLARY CODE FORMATION CLASS CONDITION




South Coast Sands Dry Sclerophyll Forests moderate to good

2

Spotted Gum - White Stringybark - Burrawang shrubby open forest on hinterland foothills, northern South East Corner

Logged forest with mostly regrowth and only occasional old growth trees


Southern Lowland Wet Sclerophyll Forests moderate to good

3 Coastal freshwater lagoons of the Sydney Basin and South East Corner Cladium procerum dominated swamp Freshwater Wetlands

Coastal Freshwater Lagoons moderate to good


Excellent condition, mainly inundated during the survey period Forested Wetlands

Coastal Floodplain Wetlands moderate to good









10 Coast Banksia - Coast Wattle dune scrub, Sydney Basin and South East Corner





Large lagoons/swamps generally inundated during the survey period Freshwater Wetlands

Coastal Freshwater Lagoons moderate to good

19

Spotted Gum - Blackbutt shrubby open forest on the coastal foothills, southern Sydney Basin and northern South East Corner Very moist and in excellent condition


Southern Lowland Wet Sclerophyll Forests moderate to good

20 Bangalay - Old-man Banksia open forest on coastal sands, Sydney Basin and South East Corner Derived grassland/shrubland









3.2.1 Zone 1

Vegetation Type Bangalay - Old-man Banksia open forest on coastal sands, Sydney Basin and South East Corner

Ancillary Code Good condition with lots of hollows and negligible weeds

Description

This zone is the largest zone within the Assessment Area, comprising the vast majority of the Broulee Urban Precinct Development Area and the majority of the proposed Conservation Area. It is characterised by excellent condition forest, with Blackbutt in the canopy, good structural and floristic diversity in all strata and an abundance of hollow-bearing trees

Overstorey

Dominant canopy species include Bangalay (Eucalyptus botryoides), Blackbutt (Eucalyptus pilularis), and to a lesser extent Rough-barked Apple (Angophora floribunda). Forest Red Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis), Spotted Gum (Corymbia maculata) and Red Bloodwood (Corymbia gummifera) are occasionally present

Midstorey Dominant mid-storey species include Black Wattle (Acacia mearnsii), Sydney Golden Wattle (Acacia longifolia subsp. longifolia), Burrawang (Macrozamia communis), Saw Banksia (Banksia serrata) and Common Bracken Fern (Pteridium esculentum)

Groundcovers Common groundcover species include Kidney Weed (Dichondra repens), Schelhammera undulata, Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides, Commelina cyanea, Pratia purpurascens, Kangaroo Grass (Themeda australis)

EEC Bangalay Sand Forest

Photo 5: Typical excellent condition Bangalay Sand Forest within Vegetation Zone 1



3.2.2 Zone 8


Ancillary Code Relatively young regrowth post clearing. No or very few hollows or other old growth elements

Description

This zone is the second largest zone within the Assessment Area. It occurs primarily in those parts of the Conservation Area that are affected by the vegetation treatments required to maintain Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) to Moruya Airport. It is characterised by regrowth Bangalay Sand Forest with good floristic diversity however a general paucity of large eucalypts or hollow-bearing trees as a result of historic and ongoing vegetation management activities

Overstorey Dominant canopy species include Bangalay (Eucalyptus botryoides), Blackbutt (Eucalyptus pilularis), and to a lesser extent Rough-barked Apple (Angophora floribunda).

Midstorey Dominant mid-storey species include Black Wattle (Acacia mearnsii), Sydney Golden Wattle (Acacia longifolia subsp. longifolia), Burrawang (Macrozamia communis), Saw Banksia (Banksia serrata), Common Bracken Fern (Pteridium esculentum)

Groundcovers Common groundcover species include Kidney Weed (Dichondra repens), Schelhammera undulata, Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides, Commelina cyanea, Pratia purpurascens, Kangaroo Grass (Themeda australis)


Photo 6: Typical Bangalay Sand Forest within Vegetation Zone 2 showing the absence of large eucalypts which characterise Zone 1



3.2.3 Zone 9


Ancillary Code Under-scrubbed or slashed, but with a reasonable abundance of old growth trees

Description This zone occurs at the southern end of the Broulee Urban Precinct Development Area. It is characterised by under-scrubbed and slashed Bangalay Sand Forest below a relatively undisturbed remnant canopy

Overstorey Dominant canopy species include Bangalay (Eucalyptus botryoides) and to a lesser extent Blackbutt (Eucalyptus pilularis), Rough-barked Apple (Angophora floribunda) and Forest Red Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis)

Midstorey The mid-canopy is characteristically sparse or absent as a result of under-scrubbing

Groundcovers Common groundcover species include Kidney Weed (Dichondra repens), Schelhammera undulata, Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides, Commelina cyanea, Pratia purpurascens, Kangaroo Grass (Themeda australis), Common Bracken Fern (Pteridium esculentum)


Photo 7: Typical regularly under-scrubbed and slashed Bangalay Sand Forest within Vegetation Zone 9



3.2.4 Zone 10

Vegetation Type Coast Banksia - Coast Wattle dune scrub, Sydney Basin and South East Corner

Ancillary Code Good condition with some cosmopolitan weeds such as Bitou Bush

Description

This zone occurs primarily in the Conservation Area in a narrow zone between the Bangalay Sand Forest and the Beach Strand Grasslands on the hind dune of Bengello Beach. It is characterised by a patchy canopy of Coast Banksia (Banksia integrifolia) and characteristic shrubs and groundcovers.

Overstorey Dominant canopy species include Coast Banksia and very occasionally Bangalay

Midstorey The mid-canopy is patchy and dominated by species such as Coastal Wattle (Acacia longifolia subsp. sophorae), Coast Beard Heath (Leucopogon parviflorus), White Correa (Correa alba) and Tree Broom-heath (Monotoca elliptica)

Groundcovers

Common groundcover species include Spiny-headed Matt-rush (Lomandra longifolia), Blady Grass (Imperata cylindrica), Kidney Weed (Dichondra repens), Coast Tussock-grass (Poa poiformis), Pig Face (Carpobrotus glauscens), knobby club-rush (Ficinia nodosa) and Common Bracken Fern

EEC No

Photo 8: Coast Banksia - Coast Wattle dune scrub within Vegetation Zone 10



3.2.5 Zone 20


Ancillary Code Derived grassland/shrubland

Description This zone occurs primarily in Moruya Airport Development Area. It is characterised by a derived open shrubland or grassland as a result of historic and ongoing vegetation management activities

Overstorey There is no canopy as a result of historic and ongoing vegetation management activities

Midstorey The mid-canopy is characteristically sparse but where present is dominated by Coastal Wattle, Coast Banksia, Burrawang and Tree Broom-heath

Groundcovers Common groundcover species include Spiny-headed Matt-rush, Blady Grass, Kidney Weed, Coast Tussock-grass, knobby club-rush and Common Bracken Fern


Photo 9: Typical derived grassland/shrubland within Vegetation Zone 20



3.2.6 Zone 22


Ancillary Code Bangalay dominated typically low forest of the hind dune

Description This zone occurs entirely in the Conservation Area. It is characterised by good condition Bangalay Sand Forest, a lower overstorey height than Vegetation Zone 1, and an absence of Blackbutt. The zone occurs between Zones 1 and 10 in the hind dune of Bengello Beach.

Overstorey The dominant canopy species are Bangalay and Saw Banksia

Midstorey Dominant mid-storey species include Sydney Golden Wattle, Coast Banksia, Burrawang and Tree Broom-heath

Groundcovers Common groundcover species include Kidney Weed, Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides, Spiny-headed Matt-rush, Blady Grass, Kangaroo Grass, knobby club-rush, Hoary guinea flower (Hibbertia obtusifolia) and Common Bracken Fern


Photo 10: Typical Bangalay dominated low Bangalay Sand Forest within Vegetation Zone 22



3.3 THREATENED ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITY MAPPING

The following Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs) occur within the Assessment Area:

Bangalay Sand Forest Freshwater Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest

These ecological communities are listed as ‘endangered’ under the TSC Act, i.e. Endangered Ecological Communities or EECs. Only Bangalay Sand Forest occurs within the Development Area.

The location of Threatened Ecological Communities within the Assessment Area is shown in Figure 8.

3.4 THREATENED FLORA

There are no records on the Atlas of NSW Wildlife of threatened flora species within the Development Area. Whilst no targeted threatened flora surveys were undertaken during the survey period (see Section 2.2) there were no incidental records of threatened flora within the Development Area during survey period as a result of the vegetation and targeted fauna species which were undertaken there.

3.5 SPECIES CREDIT FAUNA SPECIES

As described in Section 2, targeted surveys were undertaken during the survey period for seven species credit fauna species, the Little Eagle, Square-tailed Kite, Osprey, Gang-gang Cockatoo, Giant Burrowing Frog, Brush-tailed Phascogale and White-footed Dunnart. The results of these surveys are described below.

3.5.1 Avifauna

Raptors

Nesting Assessments within the Development Area did not detect any raptor nests nor any other evidence of the target raptor species, Little Eagle, Osprey, and Square-tailed Kite. Whilst it is possible that these species may roost or forage within the Assessment Area from time to time, it is considered unlikely that the Development Area comprises an important area of habitat for these species.

Gang-gang Cockatoo The Gang-gang Cockatoo is well known from the locality and was recorded within the Development Area on a number of occasions within the survey period. The classification of the Gang-gang Cockatoo as a species credit species was questioned from the outset of the project as it was inconsistent with the classification of other threatened cockatoos i.e. the Glossy Black Cockatoo, which are classified as ecosystem credit species. Targeted surveys for the species were undertaken in November and December 2011 until such time as it was confirmed by OEH, that the Gang-gang Cockatoo had been incorrectly classified in the draft BCAM as a species credit species and was in fact an ecosystem credit species.

3.5.2 Giant Burrowing Frog Targeted surveys for the Giant Burrowing Frog during the survey period failed to detect any presence of the species within the Development Area or immediate surrounds. The targeted surveys were undertaken during suitable conditions, however, amphibian activity was generally low within the Development Area, despite it being higher elsewhere in the locality during the survey period. This is not unexpected given the absence of significant water habitats within the Development Area. Several species of common amphibian were observed or heard calling within the Development Area including the Brown Tree Frog (Litoria ewingii), Common Eastern Froglet (Crinia signifera), Striped Marsh Frog (Lymnodynastes peronii), and the Verreaux’s Tree Frog (Litoria verreauxii).



Photo 11: Antechinus photographed at bait station by a tree mounted Passive Infrared Motion Detector Camera

Photo 12: White-footed Dunnart within pitfall trap



Figure 8: Distribution of Threatened Ecological Communities within the Assessment Area

Br o u l e e – B i o d i ver s i t y C er t i f i c a t i o n P r o p o sa l t


3.5.3 Mammals

January – February 2012 Surveys

The targeted surveys for the Brush-tailed Phascogale and White-footed Dunnart resulted in the capture of one male White-footed Dunnart in the southern parts of the Broulee Urban Precinct Development Area. The Brush-tailed Phascogale was not detected within the Development Area.

Four other ground dwelling and arboreal mammals were recorded during the January – February 2012 trapping surveys including, the Common Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), Agile Antechinus (Antechinus agilis), Bush Rat (Rattus fuscipes) and Feathertail Glider (Acrobatus pygmaeus). Several Jacky Lizards (Amphibolurus muricatus) were also caught in the pitfall traps.

The White-footed Dunnart was caught on one occasion in the southern most pitfall trap within the Broulee Urban Precinct Development Area, just to the north of Broulee Road. Subsequently, the White-footed Dunnart was trapped at another site within the Development Area, approximately 500 m to the northeast, during surveys for a separate project (Paula Pollock pers. comm., 2012). These captures suggest that the entirety of the forest within the Broulee Urban Precinct Development Area is likely to provide habitat for the White-footed Dunnart.

July 2012 Surveys Given the White-footed Dunnart was detected within the Broulee Urban Precinct Development Area, targeted surveys were undertaken in July 2012 for the species in similar habitats within the study area. The lands surveyed were under consideration as Conservation Areas to offset the impacts of the proposed development.

Despite 164 pitfall trap-nights and 210 A-Elliott trap-nights the White-footed Dunnart was not detected. There were numerous captures of other ground dwelling mammals, particularly the Agile Antechinus and Bush Rat, and also the Dusky Antechinus (Antechinus swainsonii.)

August 2012 Surveys

Targeted surveys for the White-footed Dunnart in lands under consideration as Conservation Areas were repeated in August 2012. Three additional pitfall trap sites were added. No Elliott trapping was undertaken.

Again, despite 160 pitfall trap-nights the White-footed Dunnart was not detected. The Agile Antechinus was captured on three occasions and there were four captures of Verreaux’s Tree Frog.

Further information regarding the number and location of the animals captured during the trapping surveys is presented in Appendix 9.

Br o u l e e – B i o d i ver s i t y C er t i f i c a t i o n P r o p o sa l


4 Biocertification Assessment Results Section 4 provides the results of the biodiversity certification assessment conducted to the requirements of the BCAM. The information below is technical in nature, and relies on a broad understanding of the BCAM to understand the methods applied. Readers should make themselves familiar with the BCAM before reviewing this section of the document.

4.1 ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS IN APPLYING THE BCAM

The BCAM provides a repeatable and scientifically robust methodology to determine whether a proposal meets an ‘improve or maintain’ biodiversity outcome. In applying the BCAM to the Assessment Area, however, several assumptions have been made, and are provided below.

In performing the calculations each property included in the proposed biodiversity certification was allocated a biodiversity certification outcome of either:

Land proposed for biodiversity certification (Development Area); Land proposed for conservation (Conservation Area); or Retained lands i.e. lands not to be developed or used for conservation purposes.

Land proposed for biodiversity certification (Development Area) includes the remnant vegetation within the Broulee Urban Precinct and clearing associated with proposed future development within Moruya Airport (Figure 9). Total clearing of native vegetation is calculated at 69 ha. For these areas total clearing has been assumed within the boundaries identified, and assumes that all infrastructure associated with the development (i.e. roads, asset protection zones, services etc) are contained within the footprint defined).

Eight individual lots (or part lots) were assessed as land proposed for conservation. These lands generally occur to the north, west and south of the proposed development areas (Figure 10). The eight lots total 406.9 ha and contain 396.6 ha of vegetation.

Several factors influence the number of credits generated within the conservation lands, including:

1. A lot which is community land and currently subject to a generic Plan of Management (POM). The number of credits generated by this lot have been reduced consistent with the BCAM and discussions with OEH. See Section 4.2.1 for more details

2. A Fuel Management Zone (FMZ) occurring at the northern edge of two conservation lands. Vegetation within the FMZ is proposed to be managed to reduce bushfire risk on neighbouring properties. The number of credits generated by the affected conservation lands have been reduced to account for the FMZ. See Section 4.2.1 for more details

3. A requirement for some of the conservation lands to be managed to allow the safe operation of an extended Moruya Airport runway. A proposed extension of the Moruya Airport runway will require extensions to the Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) zones, which limit the height of objects within aircraft flight paths. As the specifications of the OLS zones will require ongoing vegetation management, the number of credits generated by affected conservation lands has been reduced to account for affects of the required management actions. See Section 4.2.1 for more details

The credit calculations associated with 2 and 3 above, while limiting the credits generated due to the future management of the conservation lands, may not adequately reflect the final condition of the vegetation within these areas once the management is applied. The BCAM only allows the current site



value score recorded within vegetation zones to be maintained, and does not allow the site value scores to be decreased. Therefore, while the future site value has been adjusted in these areas to allow no increase in site value with management (and therefore a smaller credit generating potential), in some instances, it may be more appropriate to reduce the score below the current condition within the conservation lands subject to such management. This, however, is not permissible under the BCAM.

Cleared land within the conservation lands totals 10.3 ha, or approximately 2 % of the total area of conservation lands proposed. Due to the difficulty in assessing and rehabilitating these areas, and the fact that Biometric plots have not been conducted at these locations, cleared lands within the conservation lands have been excluded from the assessment. However it is noted that some cleared areas, such as powerline easements, may provide suitable habitat for the White-footed Dunnart and, if assessed, could have contributed to the species credit calculations. In addition, vegetation types that cannot be used to offset the impacts of the Development Area (due to the restrictions on trading credits under the BCAM) have been excluded from the assessment. Therefore several zones mapped within the conservation lands do not generate credits to offset the impacts of the proposed development.

Finally, the White-footed Dunnart was recorded in the Development Area during the targeted surveys undertaken for this assessment. The species has not been recorded within the Moruya Airport Development Area, however due to the similar nature of the habitat available, it has been assumed that the species habitat is also present at this location. In addition, an expert report has been prepared which concludes that, although not recorded within the conservation lands, suitable habitat exists for the White-footed Dunnart within the conservation lands and the species is highly likely to be present there (Keystone Ecological 2013).

4.2 BIODIVERSITY CERTIFICATION ASSESSMENT AREA

An assessment consistent with the BCAM was conducted to determine if the proposed Development Area (Broulee Urban Development Precinct and Moruya Airport Development Area), meets the ‘improve or maintain’ outcome required by the methodology. In conducting the assessment two proposed land uses have been assessed:

Land proposed for biodiversity certification (development)- requires biodiversity credits

Land proposed for conservation- generates biodiversity credits

The land proposed for biodiversity certification (Development Area) is 137.1 ha (69 ha of which is currently vegetated) (see Table 5 and Figure 11). The land proposed for conservation totals 406.9 ha (396.6 ha of which is vegetated and 363.4 ha which contains vegetation that matches the ecosystem credit offset requirements of the Development Area and 373.8 ha suitable for White-footed Dunnart). All the lands proposed for conservation (Conservation Area) are owned and managed by ESC and thus available to meet the proposed conservation outcomes.

Table 5: Land use breakdown

ASSESSMENT AREA AREA (HA)

Land Proposed for Biodiversity Certification (Development Area) 137.1

Land Proposed for Conservation (Conservation Area) 406.9

Land within the Assessment Area that is not proposed for biodiversity certification or subject to a proposed conservation measure (Retained Lands)

44.8

Total 588.8



Figure 9: Land Proposed for Biodiversity Certification



Figure 10: Land Proposed for Conservation



As defined in the BCAM, different levels of conservation security and ongoing management results in the generation of a different number of credits. Under the BCAM, the credit entitlement for conservation lands are broken into three broad categories, being:

Areas that are managed and funded in perpetuity (e.g. registration as Biobank sites or gazettal as national parks) - 100% credit entitlement

Areas that are managed in perpetuity (e.g. Property Vegetation Plan or Voluntary Conservation Agreements etc) - 90% credit entitlement

Areas that are secured through a planning instrument (e.g. environmental zoning) - 25% credit entitlement

ESC propose to utilise PVPs (or other means specified in Section 8.1.2 of the BCAM) to secure all conservation lands for the project. Therefore the number of credits generated will be reduced consistent with the 90% credit entitlement scenario outlined above.

4.2.1 Management of Conservation Lands Eight conservation areas have been identified to offset the impacts of the proposed development (Figure 10). The conservation lands total 406.9 ha, and as described previously contain a significant amount of vegetation that will offset the impacts associated with ecosystem and species credits required for Development Area. 363.3 ha can be used to offset the impacts to ecosystem credits, 373.8 ha for credits required for the White-footed Dunnart, and a further 32.9 ha do not match the offset requirements for ecosystem or species credits or contain cleared land. See Table 6 for details.

Table 6: Area of conservation lands

CONSERVATION LAND ID

VEGETATION WHICH MEETS OFFSET

REQUIREMENTS OF IMPACTS- ECOSYSTEM

CREDITS (HA)

VEGETATION WHICH MEETS OFFSET

REQUIREMENTS OF IMPACTS- SPECIES

CREDITS (HA)

EXCLUDED AREAS (CLEARED LANDS AND

VEGETATION THAT DOES NOT MEET OFFSET

REQUIREMENTS) (HA)

1 174.7 174.7 12.5

2 59.3 59.3 2.0

3 69.7 69.7 3.9

4 9.6 10.1 0.4

5 25.0 34.5 3.2

6 0.7 1.1 10.8

7 7.1 7.1 0.0

8 17.2 17.2 0.1

Total 363.3 373.8 32.9

The credits generated by several portions of proposed conservation zones are subject of discounting attributable to existing obligations, fuel management activities, or vegetation management to maintain the OLS zones surrounding the airport. The details associated with each are provide below.

Community Land and the Natural Areas and Undeveloped Reserves Plan of Management (1997). One conservation area (ID 1, Figure 12) is currently subject to existing conservation obligations created through objectives and targets set in the ESC Plan of Management: natural areas and undeveloped reserves. Following analysis and in reference to additionality rules (Appendix 9 DECC 2009), ESC and OEH have applied discounting at 10%. Consequently, the credits generated by this conservation area have been proportionately reduced. This 10% reduction is in addition to the existing reduction required due to the conservation area being a managed offset (i.e. 90% credit entitlement scenario).



Figure 11: Biodiversity Certification Assessment Area



Figure 12: Area subject to Additional Reduction as a Result of Existing Conservation Obligations



Fuel Management Zone (FMZ)

FMZs are proposed at the northern edge of two of the conservation lands, as shown in Figure 13. The area of vegetation affected by the FMZ totals 2.5 ha. The FMZ, although part of the conservation lands, will be managed to reduce bushfire risk on neighbouring properties. Some impacts on biodiversity are anticipated, in particular the thinning of some vegetation and reductions in the abundance of coarse woody debris.

In order to calculate credits for conservation lands affected by the FMZ the guidance provided in Appendix 4 of the Biobanking Assessment Methodology and Credit Calculator Operational Manual (DECC 2009) for Outer Protection Areas was used to adjust the future site value score and thus limit the number of credits generated. Where possible, the future site value scores for each attribute were limited to the current score to reflect the change in management for these areas. As identified in the Section 4.1, site value attributes could not be reduced below the current score recorded, therefore the calculations only allowed for the site value to remain at its current level, rather than to be reduced by the proposed management actions. Appendix 2 contains detailed information on the application of the site value reduction for each vegetation zone.

Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) Zones Some conservation lands may be affected by vegetation management actions associated with the OLS zones of an extended Moruya Airport runway. The area of conservation lands potentially affected by the management of the OLS zones totals 138.7 ha.

The OLS zones radiate from the runway, and are identified as OLS zones A, B, C, D and E, as shown in Figure 14. The management of OLS zone A will effectively lead to the clearing of this area, therefore this area was included in the Development Area and requires credits before being certified. OLS zones B, C, D and E all require differing levels of management, essentially related to the height of over-storey cover within each OLS zone. As the OLS zones move further from the runway, the height of vegetation is permitted to increase. Thus the management of OLS zone B will be more intense than OLS zone C, and so on. Table 7 provides details related to the management of each OLS zone.

Table 7: OLS zone management requirements

OLS ZONE MAX VEGETATION HEIGHTS (M)

Zone A 0 – 5

Zone B 0 – 9

Zone C 9 – 15

Zone D 19 – 29

Zone E 29 - 34

In consultation with ESC, the future site value scores of OLS zones B-E were adjusted based on the management required, thus reducing the number of credits generated for some of these areas. Due to the broad benchmarks for the vegetation types being assessed, and the nature of the management actions required in each OLS zone, OLS zone B was the only zone where credits were reduced. All other zones will be managed consistent with the improvement predicted under the BCAM.

As with the FMZs, the BCAM does not allow the reduction of current site value for conservation lands affected by the OLS. As such, the method used to limit the credits generated within the OLS zones may not accurately reflect the full reduction in site value resulting from the associated management actions. Appendix 2 contains detailed information on the application of the site value reduction for each vegetation zone.



Figure 13: Fuel Management Zone (FMZ)



Figure 14: Obstacle Limitation Surfaces (OLS) Zones



4.3 VEGETATION MAPPING AND ZONES

Six vegetation types were identified within the Development Area and Conservation Area (Table 8 and Figure 15). In total 465.5 ha of vegetation was mapped across the Development Area and Conservation Area, with the dominant vegetation type being ‘Bangalay - Old-man Banksia open forest on coastal sands, Sydney Basin and South East Corner’ (407.1 ha). Cleared land makes up 78.4 ha of the Development Area and Conservation Area.

Table 8: Area of vegetation within the Development Area and Conservation Area

BIOMETRIC VEGETATION TYPE AREA (HA)

Bangalay - Old-man Banksia open forest 407.1

Coast Banksia - Coast Wattle dune scrub 25.3

Coastal freshwater lagoons* 12.9

Spotted Gum - Blackbutt shrubby open forest** 5.0

Spotted Gum - White Stringybark - Burrawang shrubby open forest** 5.5

Swamp Paperbark - Swamp Oak tall shrubland on estuarine flats, Sydney Basin and South East Corner* 9.8

Cleared Land* 78.4

Total 544.0

* Excluded from assessment of conservation lands as credits do not match the requirements of the impact sites

** Excluded from ecosystem credits but included in species credit calculations

Of the six vegetation types listed above, two are impacted by development (Bangalay – Old-man Banksia open forest and Coast Banksia – Coast Wattle dune scrub). The other four vegetation types occur only within the Conservation Area, and are not of the same vegetation class or formation as the vegetation being impacted. As such, they cannot be used to offset the impacts of development on ecosystem credits, and as such their credit potential was not calculated for ecosystem credits.

The Spotted Gum communities (Spotted Gum - Blackbutt shrubby open forest and Spotted Gum - White Stringybark - Burrawang shrubby open forest) do provide habitat for the White-footed Dunnart (Ashby 2013) and have therefore been included in the calculations of species credits.

The two vegetation types assessed for ecosystem credits have been separated into six vegetation zones as shown in Figure 16. All vegetation mapped is in moderate to good condition, however ancillary codes have been used to further separate vegetation zones

The proposed conservation lands consist of 363.3 ha of vegetation to be conserved which matches the offset requirements of the Development Area for ecosystem credits. 373.8 ha matches the requirements of the White-footed Dunnart. An additional 32.9 ha of cleared land and vegetation which does not match the offset requirements of the impacts occur within the Conservation Area, however will not generate credits in this assessment.

Sixty-nine hectares of vegetation is within the Development Area, and will require credits to offset the impacts of the proposal. Cleared lands within the Development Area (68.1 ha) are excluded from the assessment (Table 9). The figures presented in Table 9 provide the total area of development and conservation for each vegetation zone. Further information on what development the clearing is related to (Broulee Urban Precinct or Moruya Airport Expansion) or which conservation area the vegetation occurs in (and what management is to be applied) is contained in Appendix 3.



Figure 15: Biometric Vegetation Types within the Development Area and Conservation Area



Figure 16: Vegetation Zones Assessed within the Development Area and Conservation Area



Table 9: Area of vegetation zones assessed within the Development Area and Conservation Area

VEG ZONE ID BIOMETRIC VEGETATION TYPE CONDITION ANCILLARY CONDITION

CODE

AREA (HA)

LAND PROPOSED FOR CONSERVATION

LAND PROPOSED FOR BIODIVERSITY

CERTIFICATION TOTAL

1 Bangalay - Old-man Banksia open forest M/G


268.5 35.1 303.6



35.5 11.0 46.5



0.0 1.0 1



34.4 0.0 34.4

20 Bangalay - Old-man Banksia open forest M/G Derived

grassland/shrubland 0.0 21.5 21.5

10 Coast Banksia - Coast Wattle dune scrub M/G


25.0 0.2 25.2

2*

Spotted Gum - White Stringybark - Burrawang shrubby open forest on hinterland foothills

M/G

Logged forest with mostly regrowth and only occassional old growth trees

5.5 0.0 5.5

19* Spotted Gum - Blackbutt shrubby open forest on the coastal foothills

M/G Very moist and in excellent condition 5.0 0.0 5

Total N/A 373.9 68.8 442.7

* Only generates credits for the White-footed Dunnart



4.4 LANDSCAPE TG VALUES

Tg (or threatened species gain) values represent the ability of a species to respond to improvement in Site Value or other habitat improvement at a biobank site with management actions. Tg is based on the lowest value of the following: effectiveness of management actions, life history characteristics, naturally very rare species and very poorly known species (DECC 2009). Landscape Tg values are required to calculate ecosystem credits using the BCAM. The Landscape Tg values are generated for each vegetation type by averaging the Tg values of all species predicted to occur in each vegetation type within the Assessment Area (Table 10). The Landscape Tg is effectively the offset multiplier for each vegetation type.

ELA calculated the Landscape Tg value for each vegetation type within the Assessment Area using the Biobanking Credit Calculator to determine which species were predicted in each vegetation type (Appendix 4). The Tg values for these species were then averaged to calculate the Landscape Tg. The table below provides details of the landscape Tg score used for each vegetation type assessed.

Table 10: Landscape Tg assigned to each vegetation type

VEGETATION TYPE LANDSCAPE

TG

Bangalay - Old-man Banksia open forest on coastal sands, Sydney Basin and South East Corner 0.538

Coast Banksia - Coast Wattle dune scrub, Sydney Basin and South East Corner 0.555

4.5 TRANSECT/PLOT DATA AND SITE VALUE SCORES

Appendix 4 of the BCAM defines the minimum number of transects/plots required per vegetation zone area (DECCW 2011). A total of 21 Biometric vegetation transects/plots were captured across the Assessment Area, with a transect/plot requirement of 18 transects/plots calculated from the combined area of Development Area and Conservation Area (Table 11 and Figure 4).

The transect/plot data captured is provided in Appendix 5.

Table 11: Vegetation zones and transect/plot data

VEG ZONE

ID

BIOMETRIC VEGETATION TYPE ANCILLARY CODE

AREA TO BE ASSESSED

(HA)

TRANSECTS/ PLOTS

REQUIRED

TRANSECTS/ PLOTS

COLLECTED

1 Bangalay - Old-man Banksia open forest

Good condition with lots of hollows and negligible weeds 303.6 6 9



46.5 3 3



1.0 1 1


Bangalay dominated typically low forest of the hind dune 34.4 3 3

20 Bangalay - Old-man Banksia open forest Derived grassland/shrubland 21.5 2 2

10 Coast Banksia - Coast Wattle dune scrub


25.2 3 3

Total N/A N/A 432.2 18 21



Current site value and future site value scores were calculated for each vegetation zone using the transect/plot data collected. The Biobanking Credit Calculator was used to produce the current and future site value scores for both the Development Area and the Conservation Area (Table 12).

Although most of the vegetation within the Assessment Area was identified as being in ‘moderate to good’ condition, on completion of the required Biometric plots one zone (Zone 20) was identified as ‘low’ under the BCAM due to its site value score being less than 34/100.

Plots were not completed on cleared land within the Conservation Area. Cleared land has therefore been excluded from this assessment.



Table 12: Site value scores allocated to each vegetation zone

VEG ZONE

ID

BIOMETRIC VEGETATION

TYPE

ANCILLARY CONDITION CODE

CURRENT SITE VALUE

SCORE

FUTURE SITE VALUE SCORE

(DEVELOPMENT)

FUTURE SITE VALUE SCORE (CONSERVATION) CONSERVATION LAND ONLY (NO

OLS OR FMZ)

WITH OLS

ZONE B

WITH OLS

ZONE C

WITH OLS

ZONE D

WITH OLS

ZONE E

WITH FMZ



84.9 0 98.4 93.2 98.4 98.4 98.44 93.2



64.8 0 75.0 75.0 75.0 75.0 75.0 N/A



56.8 0 68.4 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A



87 N/A 95.3 N/A 95.3 95.3 95.3 90.1


Derived grassland/shrubland 32.3* 0 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

10 Coast Banksia - Coast Wattle dune scrub


54.69 0 73.4 68.2 73.4 73.4 73.4 N/A

* Site value score <34, therefore in Low condition as defined by the BCAM.



4.6 LANDSCAPE SCORE

4.6.1 Native Cover in Landscape Native vegetation cover within an assessment circle was calculated for the project. The landscape score calculations were completed within a 6000 ha circle, thus a scaling factor of 6 was used in the assessment.

The results of the circle assessment are contained in Table 13: A pre-certification score of 19 was allocated. With the relatively small amount of clearing within the Development Area (69 ha) a post certification score of 19 was also calculated.

Table 13: Native vegetation in assessment circle

BEFORE CERTIFICATION AFTER CERTIFICATION

CIRCLE

AREA OF VEGETATION

WITHIN ASSESSMENT CIRCLE (HA)

NATIVE VEGETATION

COVER CLASS (%)

SCORE

AREA OF VEGETATION

WITHIN ASSESSMENT CIRCLE (HA)

NATIVE VEGETATION

COVER CLASS (%)

SCORE

1 (6000 ha) 3,736 (62%) 61-70% 19 3,667(61-70%) 61-70% 19

The land subject to conservation measures (post biodiversity certification) is 406.9 ha, consisting of 10.3 ha of cleared land and 396.6 ha of vegetated land. This represents 6.5% of the 6,000 ha circle used to assess the Assessment Area. Therefore (using Table 3 of the BCAM) a gain of 2.2 is recorded for the percent native vegetation score after conferral of biodiversity certification.

4.6.2 Connectivity Value The current connectivity value of the site was assessed according to Section 3.7.2 of the BCAM. The BCAM identifies three components of connectivity, being the status of the area as a ‘state’ or ‘regional’ biodiversity link, the importance of each of the drainage lines within the Assessment Area and an assessment of the connectivity of vegetation.

Under the BCAM the highest score is awarded of all connectivity assessments completed for the site. The final results of the assessment are provided in Table 14. A description of the scores obtained for each component of the connectivity assessment is provided below.

Table 14: Connectivity scores allocated for the assessment

CONNECTIVITY SCORE PRE DEVELOPMENT POST DEVELOPMENT

Development 6 0

Conservation 6

The Assessment Area does not contain any state biodiversity links, being a state biodiversity corridor identified in a plan approved by the Director General or a riparian buffer 40 m either side of a major river. Similarly, the site does not contain a regional biodiversity link, being a regional biodiversity corridor identified in a plan approved by the Director General or a riparian buffer 30 m either side of a minor river or major creek.



The land proposed for biodiversity certification was, however, assessed as containing local biodiversity links, due mainly to the presence of moderate to good condition vegetation with a width greater than 30 m, and areas of moderate to good condition vegetation being greater than 30 ha. Therefore, a score of 6 was allocated pre-certification, reducing to 0 after certification.

Lands proposed for conservation were also assessed. Several contain minor watercourses as defined by the BCAM, and therefore conserve areas which constitute a local biodiversity link. In addition, the proposed Conservation Area also contains moderate to good condition vegetation with a width greater than 30 m, and areas of moderate to good condition vegetation being greater than 30 ha, which both also meet the definition of a local biodiversity link. A score of 6 was therefore allocated for connectivity related to the proposed conservation measures.

4.6.3 Adjacent Remnant Area The maximum adjacent remnant area (ARA) was calculated for the proposal in order to determine the score to be allocated for this measure. The site predominantly occurs on the Moruya Barrier Mitchell Landscape, which is 31% cleared. The vegetation on site is well connected, and as such has an ARA of 501 ha. The pre certification score allocated, therefore, is ten (10) points. The conservation lands occur within the same Moruya Barrier Mitchell Landscape, and are also well connected, with an ARA of 501 ha. Therefore the score allocated for the conservation lands is also ten (10) points.

4.7 THREATENED SPECIES ASSESSMENT

An assessment was completed for species requiring survey under the BCAM. See Appendix 6 for details on the species requiring survey for this assessment, and those predicted. Also see Section 2 for more details regarding the survey methods and effort within the Assessment Area.

4.7.1 Development Area Targeted survey within the Broulee Urban Precinct Development Area identified the presence of the White-Footed Dunnart. The species was not surveyed for within the Moruya Airport Development Area, however due to the presence of very similar habitats, and the proximity of the Moruya Airport Development Area, the species has been assumed to be present within both development locations. In total 69 ha of White-Footed Dunnart habitat is mapped as present within the Development Area.

4.7.2 Conservation Area Targeted surveys for the White-Footed Dunnart were also conducted within the Conservation Area. The White-Footed Dunnart was not recorded during these surveys, however due to the similarities between the habitats present within Development Area and Conservation Area and the contiguous vegetation between the two, an expert report has been prepared (Ashby 2013) which concludes that the White-Footed Dunnart is likely to occur within the Conservation Area. A total of 373.8 ha of White-Footed Dunnart habitat has been identified within the Conservation Area. Cleared lands and those vegetation types not impacted by the Development Area, have been excluded from the White-Footed Dunnart habitat credit calculation.

4.8 RED FLAGS

Red flags are defined under the BCAM, and biodiversity certification cannot be conferred where an impact to a red flag occurs (unless a variation is approved for such impacts to occur). Impacts to two red flags have been identified within this proposal, including:

The listed Endangered Ecological Community (EEC) Bangalay Sand Forest in the Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions (Figure 17)

The red flagged species White-Footed Dunnart (Figure 18)



Figure 17: Vegetation Red Flags



Figure 18: White-footed Dunnart Red Flags



4.8.1 Vegetation The vegetation type ‘Bangalay – Old-man Banksia open forest on coastal sands, Sydney Basin and South East Corner’ is part of the Endangered Ecological Community (EEC) Bangalay Sand Forest in the Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions. This vegetation type is therefore ‘red-flagged’.

Although most of the vegetation within the Assessment Area was identified as being in ‘moderate to good’ condition, on completion of the required Biometric plots one zone (Zone 20) was identified as ‘low’ condition due to its site value score being less than 34/100. This vegetation zone is therefore not red flagged (Figure 17) and is not included in the statistics provided below.

A total of 385.6 ha of red flagged vegetation is present within the Development Area and Conservation Area, of which 47.1 ha is impacted by the proposal (Table 15). This represents an impact of 12.2% on red flagged vegetation within the Assessment Area.

It is understood that ESC will prepare a red flag variation request for submission to OEH.

Table 15: Impacts to red flagged vegetation

BIOMETRIC VEGETATION

TYPE EEC NAME

CLEARED (%)

AREA WITHIN THE DEVELOPMENT

AREA AND CONSERVATION

AREA (HA)

AREA IMPACTED

(HA)

AREA IMPACTED

(%)

Bangalay - Old-man Banksia open forest *

Bangalay Sand Forest 50% 385.6 47.1 12.2

* Excludes Zone 20 which is in low condition and therefore does not trigger a red flag

4.8.2 Species Under the BCAM the White-footed Dunnart is unable to withstand loss. Habitat for this species is therefore considered a red flag.

Impacts of 69 ha to White-footed Dunnart habitat has been identified, with habitat confirmed within the Broulee Urban Precinct Development Area (through the capture of an individual while trapping) and assumed within the Moruya Airport Development Area. The expert report prepared for the species has identified 373.8 ha of habitat available within the Conservation Area (Ashby 2013).

The impact of 69 ha represents 15.6% of the total habitat available within the Development Area and Conservation Area (Table 16). It is understood that ESC will prepare a red flag variation request for submission to OEH.

Table 16: Impacts to White-footed Dunnart habitat

SPECIES NAME AREA WITHIN THE DEVELOPMENT AREA AND CONSERVATION AREA

(HA)

AREA IMPACTED (HA)

AREA IMPACTED (%)

White-footed Dunnart 442.9 69.0 15.6



4.9 MATTERS OF NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIF ICANCE

A search of the EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool identified one threatened ecological community, 51 threatened species, and 44 migratory species that may occur in, or may relate to, the Development Area. The bulk of the matters of national environmental significance (MNES) identified in the EPBC Protected Matters Search were marine mammals, birds, reptiles or fish that would not occur within the Development Area given the absence of beach, estuarine, marine or freshwater habitats. The remaining MNES are either known from the locality or from habitats similar to those within the Development Area and the potential for these MNES to occur within the Development area was assessed further. The outcomes of this assessment are detailed in Appendix 8.

4.9.1 Listed Threatened Species The EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool identified four EPBC listed threatened flora species which may occur within the locality, Thick-lipped Spider Orchid, Leafless Tongue Orchid (Cryptostylis hunteriana), East Lynne Midge-orchid (Genoplesium vernale) and the Austral Toadflax (Thesium australe). The Development Area does not provide suitable habitat for these species and it is considered highly unlikely that they would occur there.

Of the 47 threatened fauna species identified by the EPBC Protected Matters Search as potentially occurring within the locality, only one species, the Grey-headed Flying-Fox was known to occur within the Development Area. However, the Grey-headed Flying-Fox would only forage within the Development Area, as there are no camps in the Development Area. The amount of foraging habitat within the Development Area is very small compared to that available in the locality for this highly mobile and wide ranging species.

The Regent Honeyeater (Anthochaera phrygia) and the Swift Parrot (Lathamus discolor) were considered to have the potential to occur within the Development Area, given that there is a recent record (winter 2011) of the Regent Honeyeater from Illawong Nature Reserve (M. Berry pers. comm., 2011) and a substantial proportion of the Swift Parrot population has spent the winter on the south coast feeding in Spotted Gum dominated forests in recent years. Whilst there are occasional records of the Regent Honeyeater and Swift Parrot in the Eurobodalla, neither species would regularly breed in the Eurobodalla, and neither would be dependent upon the habitats within the Development Area. This is particularly the case for the Swift Parrot given the paucity of winter flowering eucalypts or banksias within the Development Area.

The Development Area provides potential habitat for number of other EPBC listed threatened fauna species such as the Spotted-tailed Quoll (Dasyurus maculatus), Southern Brown Bandicoot (Isoodon obesulus), Long-nosed Potoroo (Potorous tridactylus) and the New Holland Mouse (Pseudomys novaehollandiae). However given rarity of these species as a result of threatening processes, particularly the Southern Brown Bandicoot and the Long-nosed Potoroo, and the absence of any recent records in the locality, it is considered unlikely that these species would occur within the Development Area.

4.9.2 Listed Threatened Ecological Communities The EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool identified one threatened ecological community listed on the EPBC Act which may occur within the locality, Littoral Rainforest and Coastal Vine Thickets of Eastern Australia. This community does not occur within the Development Area or immediate surrounds.

4.9.3 World Heritage Properties or National Heritage Places The Development Area does not include any world heritage properties or national heritage places.

4.9.4 Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance The Development Area does not include any Ramsar wetlands of international importance.



4.9.5 Migratory Bird Species The Development Area does provide some potential habitat for some terrestrial migratory birds, namely, the White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster, Black-faced Monarch Monarcha melanopsis, Satin Flycatcher Myiagra cyanoleuca, and Rufous Fantail Rhipidura rufifrons. None of these species were observed in the Development Area during the survey period. There is no evidence of the White-bellied Sea-Eagle nesting within the Development Area. A nest occurs in Illawong Nature Reserve to the west of the Development Area. Whilst it is possible that the White-bellied Sea-Eagle may roost there on occasion, the Development Area would not support any resources which aren’t widely available elsewhere in remnant vegetation within the locality. Similarly, whilst the Black-faced Monarch, Satin Flycatcher or Rufous Fantail could forage or potentially breed within the Development Area on occasion, the Development Area is too small for the proposal to have any substantial affects on these migratory species.

4.10 INDIRECT IMPACTS

The BCAM requires that any application for formal biodiversity certification must demonstrate how the “proposed ownership, management, zoning and development controls of the land proposed for biodiversity certification is intended to mitigate any indirect impacts on biodiversity values” (DECCW 2011).

It is acknowledged that indirect impacts may result from the edge effects associated with the Development Area. The type and degree of indirect impacts will vary depending on a number of factors, and may include:

Microclimatic changes Increased weed invasion Increased feral animal predation Removal of woody debris and associated habitat Pollution or rubbish dumping

The planning associated with the Development Area has not yet progressed enough to contain specific details on how future developments will mitigate indirect impacts. However, it is assumed that the Development Area will include all asset protection zones (APZs), roads and other infrastructure associated with the proposed developments. To this end, ESC have indicated their intention to develop a Development Control Plan (DCP), which will incorporate measures to mitigate against indirect impacts on remnant vegetation adjoining the Broulee Development Area.

The measures incorporated into the DCP are likely to include:

Sensitive urban design principles Ensuring that development is designed such that APZs and perimeter roads provide a buffer

which mitigates the impact of edge effects on adjoining vegetation

There are also a range of mechanisms whereby indirect impacts may be mitigated by active management i.e. weed and pest control, which are likely to be incorporated into the Biodiversity Certification Strategy.



4.10.1 Indirect Impacts on Ecosystem Credits Notwithstanding measures to limit the affects of indirect impacts, it is likely that some indirect impacts associated with the Development Area will affect vegetation adjoining the Development Area. However, given the range of mitigation measures incorporated into best practice urban developments, the indirect impacts affecting adjoining areas are likely to be relatively minor. Furthermore, many of the edge effects that will result from the proposal are already acting on the vegetation adjoining the Development Area i.e. weed invasion, feral animal predation, microclimatic changes, and rubbish dumping, particularly those lands within the Broulee Urban Development Precinct.

Assessment of the Broulee Development Area identifies, that apart from the first 1-2 m at the bushland/cleared area interface, where there is increased weediness, the condition of the vegetation throughout the Development Area appears relatively unaffected by edge effects. Bird dispersed weeds such as Asparagus Fern and Bitou Bush, are scattered throughout the Broulee Development Area (and elsewhere in the locality) and are not any more prevalent at the bushland/cleared area interface. Only a few weed species, such as some weedy grasses, are more prevalent at the bushland /cleared area interface than elsewhere within the Development Area.

Edge effects, such as microclimatic changes, do not appear to adversely affect the native vegetation within the Development Area, with only occasional scattered weeds away from the bushland/cleared area interface. Similarly, the mosaic of floristic and structural heterogeneity throughout the Bangalay – Old-man Banksia open forest within the Development Area does not appear to be affected by the microclimate of the bushland/cleared area interface. In any case, the floristic and structural benchmarks for the Bangalay – Old-man Banksia open forest are so broad as to render it highly unlikely that any floristic or structural changes would have meaningful impacts on the site value of the affected areas.

The sandy substrates within the Development Area associated with the Holocene sand sheet which characterises the Bengello - Broulee area, limit the potential for overland water flows to act as a vector for indirect impacts such as water quality deterioration and weed invasion. The lack of relief and the rates of infiltration are such that there is negligible surface runoff, even during heavy rainfall events, as demonstrated by the complete absence of watercourses within the Development Area.

Indirect impacts such as dumping, and in association with recreational pursuits such as dog walking and the building of bike tracks and cubby houses, are already occurring within the Development Area, although the impacts of these activities is relatively minor. Indirect impacts associated with these activities are probably more likely to reduce after certification is conferred given the reduced amount of vegetation and thus the reduced opportunities to undertake these activities.

Timber-getting does not appear to be a substantial indirect impact affecting the Development Area, and again, is likely to reduce after certification is conferred given the reduced amount of vegetation and thus the increased exposure of those who would engage in unauthorised timber collection.

Predation by domestic and feral animals is already occurring within the Development Area.

Under these circumstances, it is considered that the indirect impacts on vegetation adjoining the Development Area as a result of the proposal, are likely to be limited primarily to increased weediness of the 10 m immediately adjoining otherwise relatively undisturbed parts of the Development Area. As such, indirect impacts have been accounted for by calculating the credits required from reducing the exotic plant site attribute score by 1, for those zones affected by indirect impacts as described above.



A 10 m buffer was applied to both the Broulee and Moruya Airport development footprints where the Development Area will affect remnant forest, thus exposing affected areas to additional indirect impacts as described above (Figure 19 and Figure 20). The area of each vegetation zone was then calculated within the buffer. Three vegetation zones were identified, including Zone 1 (1.8 ha), Zone 8 (1.6 ha) and Zone 20 (0.06 ha). In total 3.46 ha of vegetation was identified as potentially being affected by indirect impacts.

The site value scores were then adjusted for each zone, with the current site value for exotic cover reduced by 1. All other attributes remained as per the current score. The results are provided in Table 17.

Table 17: Indirect Impact Calculations

ZONE ID AREA (HA) CURRENT

SITE VALUE

FUTURE SITE VALUE

(REDUCING EXOTIC COVER BY

1)

REDUCTION IN SITE VALUE USED

TO CALCULATE CREDITS

CREDITS REQUIRED

Zone 1 1.8 84.9 80.73 4.17 3

Zone 8 1.6 64.8 60.59 4.17 3

Zone 20 0.06 32.3 29.18 3.12 1*

* rounded up from 0 to 1 credit

The site values were reduced by 4.17 for Zone 1, 4.17 for Zone 8 and 3.12 for Zone 20. This reduction in site value was used to calculate the ecosystem credits required to offset indirect impacts (see Section 4.11).

4.10.2 Indirect Impacts on Species Credit Species The expert report prepared for the White-footed Dunnart indicates that it is likely that the species will continue to utilise vegetation adjoining the Development Area as long as it supports suitable habitats for the species. As discussed in Section 4.10.1, the indirect impacts that may result from certification, and which may affect adjoining vegetation, are already acting on the Development Area. Despite this, the White-footed Dunnart continues to occur within the Development Area. Under these circumstances, it would appear reasonable to assume that the indirect impacts of the proposal on the White–footed Dunnart within lands adjoining the Development Area will not be any greater than the indirect impacts that are currently acting on these lands.

As such, the indirect impacts of the proposal on the White-footed Dunnart are considered to be minor. In any case, the BCAM has limited flexibility with respect to the assessment of indirect impacts on species credit species. As such, any methods to quantify potential indirect impacts of the proposal on the White–footed Dunnart are likely to be subjective and not based on any robust or empirical evidence.



Figure 19: Indirect Impact Buffer- Broulee



Figure 20: Indirect Impact Buffer- Moruya Airport



4.11 CREDIT CALCULATIONS

The ecosystem and species credit calculations identified below are based on the assumption that a Ministerial variation to the BCAM will be granted as described in Section 3.5 of the Broulee Biodiversity Certification Strategy (ESC 2013).

4.11.1 Ecosystem Credits Ecosystem credits have been calculated for the impact caused by the proposed development and the improvements to biodiversity values through the management of the conservation lands identified. As described earlier, the conservation security and management of the conservation lands will be secured using a ‘managed conservation measure’ (PVP, VCA etc). The credit entitlement for the conservation lands within the Assessment Area will therefore be 90%.

In total, 2,350 credits are required for the land proposed to be developed (Table 18), the majority of credits being required for the ‘Bangalay – Old-man Banksia open forest’ community (2,343 credits). Seven (7) credits are required for Coast Banksia - Coast Wattle dune scrub. An additional 7 credits are required for indirect impacts.

Due to the existing conservation obligations over conservation area ID 1, an additional discount of 10% has been applied to the credits generated by this conservation area. Further detail on the number of credits generated on the lands proposed for conservation is presented in Appendix 7.

Table 18: Final ecosystem credit results

VEGETATION TYPE NAME CREDITS REQUIRED

CREDITS REQUIRED (INDIRECT)

CREDITS GENERATED*

(90%)

CREDIT STATUS

(90%)

Bangalay - Old-man Banksia open forest 2,343 7 3,402 1,052

Coast Banksia - Coast Wattle dune scrub 7 0 284 277

Total 2,350 7 3,686 1,329

* Credits generated also reduced by an additional 10% for conservation area 1

The results of the assessment demonstrate that the conservation lands identified are sufficient to offset the impacts of the proposal, with a surplus of 1,329 credits. Therefore, excluding the impacts on red flag areas, the proposal meets the improve or maintain test required under the BCAM.

4.11.2 Species Credits Species credits were calculated for the White-footed Dunnart, which was confirmed within the development footprint, and for which an expert report was prepared confirming habitat is present within the conservation lands identified within the Assessment Area (Ashby 2013). As described earlier, the conservation security and management of the conservation lands will be secured using a ‘managed conservation measure’ (PVP, VCA etc). The credit entitlement for the conservation lands within the Assessment Area will therefore be 90%.

A total of 1,816 credits are required to offset the impacts to 69 ha of White-footed Dunnart habitat (Table 19). The 373.8 ha of conservation lands generate 1,924 credits, subject to the expert report being accepted, resulting in a 108 credit surplus.



Table 19: Final species credit results

SPECIES NAME CREDITS REQUIRED

CREDITS GENERATED*

(90%)

CREDIT STATUS

(90%)

White-footed Dunnart 1,816 1,924 108

* Credits generated also reduced by an additional 10% for conservation area 1

The results of the assessment demonstrate that the conservation lands identified are sufficient to offset the impacts of the certification to the White-footed Dunnart.



5 Conclusion The Biodiversity Certification Assessment Methodology (BCAM) has been used to conduct a Biodiversity Certification Assessment of proposed urban expansion in the Broulee area and proposed development at Moruya Airport.

The ecosystem credits required and generated by the proposal were calculated based on the BCAM as proposed to be varied.

The results of the assessment demonstrate that the Conservation Area identified is sufficient to offset the impacts of the proposal, with a surplus of 1,329 credits.

Parts of the Conservation Area are affected by existing and proposed land management activities associated with the safe operation of Moruya Airport and the provision of bushfire hazard management adjoining the Broulee urban area. The impact of these land management activities was acknowledged as far as is possible within the BCAM. However, the BCAM does not allow the future site value to be reduced from its current level in conservation lands. This resulted in a slight over estimation of the ecosystem credits generated in those parts of the Conservation affected by the OSL and FMZ zones.

The species credits required and generated by the proposal were calculated based on the BCAM as proposed to be varied.

A total of 1,816 credits are required to offset the impacts to 69 ha of White-footed Dunnart habitat. The 373.8 ha Conservation Area generates 1,924 credits, resulting in a 108 credit surplus.

The proposal will meet the maintain or improve test required under the BCAM if the Director General of the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC) decides that the impacts on red flag areas may be offset and grants consent for a minor variation to the BCAM.



References Ashby, E. (2013). Sminthopsis leucopus White-footed Dunnart, Broulee Biocertification Area. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological.

Copeland, L. (2008). Conservation status of Caladenia tessellata Fitzg. (Orchidaceae) in NSW. Report to the NSW Scientific Committee.

DEC (2004). Threatened Biodiversity Survey and Assessment: Guidelines for Developments and Activities Working Draft November 2004. DEC, Sydney.

DECCW (2009). Threatened species survey and assessment guidelines: field survey methods for fauna- Amphibians. DECCW, Sydney.

DEC (2005). Zieria granulata (Illawarra Zieria) Recovery Plan. DEC, Hurstville NSW.

DEC (2005). Threatened species, populations and ecological communities of NSW (http://threatenedspecies.environment.nsw.gov.au) (Accessed in September 2011)

Department of Environment and Climate Change (2008). Vegetation Types Database. Website: (http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/biobanking/VegTypeDatabase.htm)

DECC (2009). BioBanking Assessment Methodology and Credit Calculator Operational Manual. Department of Environment and Climate Change, Sydney.

DECCW (2011). Biodiversity Certification Assessment Methodology. DECCW, Sydney.

Eurobodalla Shire Council (2013). Broulee Biodiversity Certification Strategy.

Keith, D & Simpson, C. (2006) NSW Extant Native Vegetation- Version 002. Prepared for NSW Department of Environment and Conservation.

Tozer, MG, Turner, K, Simpson, C, Keith, DA, Beukers, P, MacKenzie, B, Tindall, D & Pennay, C. (2006). Native vegetation of southeast NSW: a revised classification and map for the coast and eastern tablelands. Version 1.0. NSW Department of Environment and Conservation and NSW Department of Natural Resources.

Personal Communications

Lachlan Copeland. (2012). ELA Senior Botanist and Orchid Expert.

Mark Berry. (2011). Owner of the “Bower” adjoining Illawong Nature Reserve.

Paula Pollock (2012). Natural Environment Planning Coordinator, Eurobodalla Shire Council.

http://threatenedspecies.environment.nsw.gov.au/

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/biobanking/VegTypeDatabase.htm



Appendix 1: Curriculum Vitae of field staff

CU RRI CUL UM V I TAE

Ryan Smithers SENIOR ECOLOGIST – N AROOM A OFFICE M AN AG ER

QU ALIFIC ATIONS

BEnvSc (Land Resources Management), University of Wollongong with1st Class Honours. Accredited Biobanking Assessor Bush Fire Fighting Training (Advanced Fire fighter, Village Fire fighter) AIIMS -Australian Inter-Service Incident Management Systems training Senior First Aid, St. Johns Ambulance 2005.

Ryan brings to ELA 14 years experience in natural resource management (11 yrs as a consultant, and 3 yrs with Sydney Catchment Authority as a Catchment Protection Officer). He has extensive practical experience in flora and fauna surveying, fire fighting, planning and land management throughout southern NSW and has undertaken numerous flora and fauna surveys and has been responsible for the preparation of numerous biodiversity plans, environmental impact assessments, vegetation management plans, fire management plans and weed management plans.

Ryan is an accredited Biobanking Assessor and has undertaken numerous surveys using DECCW Vegetation Survey Standard or very similar methodologies. Ryan project managed ELAs contributions to the Full-floristic Vegetation Survey and Condition Assessment for the South-east Highlands and Australian Alps of the Upper Murrumbidgee Catchment and South-east Corner Biometric Benchmark projects which involved the collection of more than 250 plots. Other relevant projects include the Eurobodalla Biodiversity Study for future Urban Expansion Lands and Biobanking assessment for the Cobowra LALC (in Eurobodalla Shire). Ryan has particularly expertise with the biodiversity of the south coast, southern tablelands, Australian Alps, south-western and central western slopes and Sydney Basin.

RELEVANT PROJECT EXP ERIENCE

Eurobodalla Biodiversity Study for future Urban Expansion Lands South-east Corner Biometric Benchmark Project Biobanking assessment for the Cobowra LALC South-east Highlands and Australian Alps of the Upper Murrumbidgee Catchment Full Floristic Survey and

Condition Assessment Guthega Quad Chair Flora and Fauna Assessment Queanbeyan Biodiversity Study for LEP review

Upper Lachlan Biodiversity Planning FrameworkParkes, Upper Lachlan and Temora Shire Natural Resource Management Projects



Queanbeyan Biodiversity Study for LEP review Mount Jerrabomberra Ecological Assessment Old Comma Road deviation Species Impact Statement Flora and Fauna Assessment Edwin Lane Parkway Extension Lake Wallace Flora and Fauna Assessment for Cooma Monaro Shire Boco Rock Wind Farm Ecological Assessment and Offsets Analysis Numerous flora and fauna assessments within the Sydney Basin, South-eastern Highlands and South-east

Corner bioregions.


Naomi de Ville ECOLOGIST

QU ALIFIC ATIONS

MSc (Natural Resource Planning and Forest Ecology) School of Resource and Environmental Management, Simon Fraser University 2011 Certificate II in Bush Regeneration, Ryde/Belrose TAFE 2000 BSc (Applied Zoology) Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University 1997 Senior and Wilderness First Aid, St. Johns Ambulance 2009

Naomi has recently joined Eco Logical Australia bringing with her 13 years experience in the environmental and natural resource management field. She is an ecologist currently completing the thesis component of a Masters of Resource Management in the Planning Program within the School of Resource & Environmental Management at Simon Fraser University in Canada (researching the response of understorey plant communities to natural disturbances and forest management in British Columbia).

For 6 years prior to graduate studies Naomi directed an environmental consulting and bush regeneration contracting business based in the Southern Highlands/Illawarra/South Coast areas of NSW. She has also worked in landscape ecology, taxonomy, conservation biology, and conservation management in Canada, USA and Australia, including holding ranger and project officer positions with the NSW Parks and Wildlife Service (Office of Environment and Heritage – OEH).

Naomi is based in our Narooma office and has extensive experience in general and threatened flora and fauna surveys, in establishing and conducting various types of environmental monitoring programs for government (ie Local Government, OEH, NSW Marine Parks, Dept of Defence, Sydney Catchment Authority) and in the preparation of vegetation assessments particularly for weed and bushfire management, environmental impact assessments, and a diversity of plans of management. She brings with her skills in plant identification, biodiversity surveys, project management, planning and facilitation, community consultation, experimental design and statistical analysis.



RELEVANT PROJECT EXP ERIENCE (W ITH EL A)

Flora and Fauna assessment and Review of Environmental Factors for new sewer carrier in Camden South-east Highlands and Australian Alps of the Upper Murrumbidgee Catchment Full Floristic Survey and

Condition Assessment Guthega Quad Chair Flora and Fauna Assessment and development of the Rehabilitation and Offsets

Management Plan in conjunction with Perisher and OEH Several Flora and Fauna assessments for property development proposals in both the Shoalhaven and

Eurobodalla Shires Vegetation and Ecotourism Management Plan, Bermagui Terrestrial Ecological Assessment at Nimmitabel (Cooma-Monaro Shire Council) A number of Impact Assessments in the alpine and sub-alpine environments for Perisher Ski Resort Wanatta Lane Review of Environmental Factors (Bega Valley Shire Council) Nocturnal fauna assessments and targeted orchid surveys in various locations in South-east NSW


Darren James SUTHERL AND M AN AGER

QU ALIFIC ATIONS

Bachelor of Science Degree- Macquarie University (Majored in Resource and Environmental Management & Physical Geography)

Accredited Biobanking Assessor

Darren has worked in the natural resources sector for over 11 years. This time has been spent between Local and State Government and private organisations within Australia and overseas. During this time he has developed extensive knowledge and experience with natural resource management techniques and policies. He has high level analytical skills and has used a number of GIS and other tools to manage and assess spatial information.

He has an excellent knowledge of landscapes and processes throughout NSW and has expertise in assessing and presenting complex environmental datasets. He has intimate knowledge of the processes behind Biobanking having been heavily involved in the development of both the Biobanking Assessment Methodology and draft Biobanking credit calculator. Darren now delivers the Biobanking Credit Calculator Accreditation Course through TAFE NSW and is an accredited Biobanking Assessor.

He has worked on a number of local, regional and state projects and his understanding of policy and process, combined with his knowledge of natural resource management issues and his experience in high level technical analysis, provides him with a unique blend of skills that can be applied to a diverse range of projects.


Warnervale Town Centre and Wyong Employment Zone Biodiversity Certification Assessment South West Rail Link Biodiversity Offset Strategy and Package Ingleside Desktop Biodiversity Certification Assessment



Hume Highway Biodiversity Banking Offset Assessments Glenning Valley Desktop Biodiversity Certification Assessment Biobanking Credit Calculator Accreditation Course Delivery Ingleside Biodiversity Assessment SMCMA Data Compilation and Mapping Kalaroo Road Biobanking Feasibility Assessment RTA Biobanking Seminar Delivery NRC River Red Gum Assessment GIS Support Whitehaven Coal Regional Offset Biobanking Assessment NRC State-wide Native Vegetation Target Reporting Landcom Whitebridge Constraints Assessment Marden Park and Area 20 Top of Bank Survey Cultural Countries Aboriginal NSW Map and Poster Production Strathfield LEP Mapping Sydney Water Sensitivity Mapping Oxley Highway Biobanking Assessment Boco Rock Preliminary Biobanking Assessment


Deidre Ellis GIS OFFICER - NSW SOUTH CO AST

QU ALIFIC ATIONS

Bachelor of Applied Science (Parks Recreation and Heritage), Charles Sturt University Majors in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Ecology. Landcare and Environmental Studies, Riverina Institute of Tafe

Deidre is a GIS Officer with experience in Natural Resource Management mapping and analysis, including high quality map production, spatial data collection, analysis and modelling.

Deidre has recently joined the team at Eco Logical Australia as a GIS Officer at the St Georges Basin Office. Previously she was working with the Department of Sustainability and Environment in Victoria within the Land and Fire Business providing GIS support for fire planning and emergency response. This included preparing Fire Operations Plans and running Radio Coverage Models.

In addition she has experience in threatened species mapping and habitat modelling, including Regent Honeyeater, Mountain Pygmy Possum, and several species of orchid, which co-exist in a rare native grassland.

Deidre has operational fire experience with the Department of Sustainability and Environment which has provided her with first hand knowledge of fire behaviour.


Invasive species mapping Fire Operations Plan Mapping




Dr David Bain ECOLOGIST

QU ALIFIC ATIONS

PhD in ecology and conservation. Translocation of the endangered Eastern Bristlebird. – 2006 Bachelor of Science (Honours). Biology, Geography Double Major.– 2001

David is an ecologist who joined Eco Logical Australia after completing his Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Wollongong. David brings particular expertise in faunal ecology, survey and assessment of habitat characteristics and vegetation associations and survey design.

Whilst preparing his PhD David has completed a number of consultancies for the Department of Environment and Conservation and has published a number of papers within scientific journals. He has considerable experience with the application of Geographic Information Systems and has well developed skills in time, budget management and general project management.

David has been involved with a wide range of projects, from undertaking environmental assessments, reviewing environmental literature for decision making to the development of policy documents and broad landscape planning. During his experience with Eco Logical Australia he has developed liaison skills and has experience consulting with both state agencies and private clients. David has also recently become an accredited biobanking assessor with the Department of Environment and Climate Change.


Development Incentives and Land Offsets Policy, Coastal Catchment Initiatives Program, Great lakes Council Hunter Councils Roadside Management Guidelines Flora and Fauna Assessment of The Lakes Estate, Coffs Harbour Liverpool Plains Rezoning Ecological Constraints Assessment Heritage Estates Public Environment Report, Shoalhaven Council Species Impact Statement, Rouse Hill Reservoir, Sydney Water Species Impact Statement, North Warnervale Rail Station, RailCorp NSW Hawkesbury Council Vegetation Validation Hume Highway Realignment, RTA Vegetation Management Plan, Springwood, Blue Mountains Flora and fauna assessment at Pipers Creek, Forster Habitat assessment for the endangered Eastern Bristlebird around Jervis Bay, NSW




Joanne Daly GIS OFFICER AND ENVI RONMENTAL SCIENTIST

QU ALIFIC ATIONS

Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) Attended the BioBanking Assessor Accreditation training Course, TAFE NSW and DECCW

Joanne joined the Eco Logical Australia team full-time in September 2008 after completing a Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) at the University of Wollongong. Jo has worked on mapping wetlands in the Namoi catchment, refining the Mitchell Landscapes data layer and other projects that have required GIS for analysis and mapping. Jo has a multidisciplinary background with focuses in GIS and geomorphology. She has a range of GIS skills including: map production; vectorisation; and digitizing. She is also able to utilize GIS to determine the inputs for the BioBanking Credit Calculator for a BioBanking Assessment.

RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE

GIS Editing and Analysis: Natural Asset Management for Urban Waterways Baulkham Hills Shire Council Namoi CMA Wetland mapping Namoi Catchment Management Authority Liverpool Plains Biodiversity Strategy Mainland Islands Conservation Status Prioritisation Hunter Councils API Vectorisation Regionally Significant Riparian Corridors Assessment Species Habitat Modelling for Gold Coast City Council Strathfield Local Environmental Plan and Zoning Update Sydney Metro CMA Land Use Mapping Whitehaven Regional Biodiversity Offset

BioBanking Assessments and Biodiversity Offset Calculations: Strategic Biodiversity Offsets Overview for Cockatoo Coal Ltd Brownlow Hill Biobank Site Darkinjung Land Council Biobank Agreement Assessment Liddell Colliery Expansion

Plans of Management and Masterplans: Queanbeyan River Corridor Plan of Management Wongawallan Management Plan Bonogin Conservation Reserves Management Plan Bidjigal Reserve Plan of Management Middle Creek Management Plan Dunbar Park Plan of Management Warriewood and Nareen Wetlands Plans of Management Crest to Lansdowne Final Masterplan Yeramba Lagoon Catchment Masterplan



Appendix 2: Site Value Scores for each Vegetation Zone Vegetation Zone 1: Bangalay - Old-man Banksia open forest on coastal sands, Sydney Basin and South East Corner (SR512)- MG (Good)

Offset Zone Current

Site Value

Future Site

Value

Development Offset Areas

Airport Zone N/A None B C D E None

Fuel Zone N/A None None None None None Yes

Native plant species richness 3 3 0 3 3 3 3 3 3

Native over-storey 2 3 0 3 2 3 3 3 3

Native mid-storey 3 3 0 3 3 3 3 3 3

Native ground cover (grass) 2 3 0 3 3 3 3 3 3

Native ground cover (shrubs) 1 2 0 2 2 2 2 2 2

Native ground cover (other) 3 3 0 3 3 3 3 3 3

Exotic plant cover 3 3 0 3 3 3 3 3 3

Number of trees with hollows 3 3 0 3 3 3 3 3 3

Regeneration 3 3 0 3 3 3 3 3 3

Fallen Logs 2 3 0 3 3 3 3 3 2

Site Value Score 84.90 98.44 0.00 98.44 93.23 98.44 98.44 98.44 93.23

Vegetation Zone 8: Bangalay - Old-man Banksia open forest on coastal sands, Sydney Basin and South East Corner (SR512)- MG (Regrowth)

Offset Zone Current

Site Value

Future Site

Value


Airport Zone N/A B C D E

Fuel Zone N/A None None None None

Native plant species richness 3 3 0 3 3 3 3

Native over-storey 3 3 0 3 3 3 3

Native mid-storey 2 3 0 3 3 3 3

Native ground cover (grass) 1 2 0 2 2 2 2

Native ground cover (shrubs) 1 2 0 2 2 2 2

Native ground cover (other) 2 3 0 3 3 3 3

Exotic plant cover 3 3 0 3 3 3 3

Number of trees with hollows 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Regeneration 3 3 0 3 3 3 3

Fallen Logs 2 3 0 3 3 3 3

Site Value Score 64.76 75.00 0.00 75.00 75.00 75.00 75.00



Vegetation Zone 9: Bangalay - Old-man Banksia open forest on coastal sands, Sydney Basin and South East Corner (SR512)- MG (Underscrubbed)

Offset Zone Current

Site Value

Future Site

Value


Airport Zone N/A None

Fuel Zone N/A None

Native plant species richness 3 3 0 3

Native over-storey 3 3 0 3

Native mid-storey 0 1 0 1

Native ground cover (grass) 0 1 0 1

Native ground cover (shrubs) 0 1 0 1

Native ground cover (other) 2 3 0 3

Exotic plant cover 2 3 0 3

Number of trees with hollows 2 2.5 0 2.5

Regeneration 3 3 0 3

Fallen Logs 0 0 0 0

Site Value Score 56.77 68.40 0.00 68.40

Vegetation Zone 20: Bangalay - Old-man Banksia open forest on coastal sands, Sydney Basin and South East Corner (SR512)- MG (Grassland)

Offset Zone Current

Site Value

Future Site

Value

Development

Airport Zone N/A

Fuel Zone N/A

Native plant species richness 2 3 0

Native over-storey 0 1 0

Native mid-storey 3 3 0

Native ground cover (grass) 0 1 0

Native ground cover (shrubs) 3 3 0

Native ground cover (other) 3 3 0

Exotic plant cover 2 3 0

Number of trees with hollows 0 0 0

Regeneration 0 0.5 0

Fallen Logs 0 0 0

Site Value Score 32.29 49.22 0.00



Vegetation Zone 22: Bangalay - Old-man Banksia open forest on coastal sands, Sydney Basin and South East Corner (SR512)- MG (Hind dune)

Offset Zone Current

Site Value

Future Site

Value

Offset Areas

Airport Zone None C D E None

Fuel Zone None None None None Yes

Native plant species richness 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Native over-storey 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Native mid-storey 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Native ground cover (grass) 0 1 1 1 1 1 1

Native ground cover (shrubs) 1 2 2 2 2 2 2

Native ground cover (other) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Exotic plant cover 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Number of trees with hollows 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Regeneration 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Fallen Logs 2 3 3 3 3 3 2

Site Value Score 86.98 95.31 95.31 95.31 95.31 95.31 90.10

Vegetation Zone 10: Coast Banksia - Coast Wattle dune scrub, Sydney Basin and South East Corner (SR531)- MG (Good)

Offset Zone Current

Site Value

Future Site

Value


Airport Zone N/A None B C D E

Fuel Zone N/A None None None None None

Native plant species richness 2 3 0 3 3 3 3 3

Native over-storey 2 3 0 3 2 3 3 3

Native mid-storey 3 3 0 3 3 3 3 3

Native ground cover (grass) 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 1

Native ground cover (shrubs) 1 2 0 2 2 2 2 2

Native ground cover (other) 3 3 0 3 3 3 3 3

Exotic plant cover 3 3 0 3 3 3 3 3

Number of trees with hollows 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Regeneration 3 3 0 3 3 3 3 3

Fallen Logs 2 3 0 3 3 3 3 3

Site Value Score 54.69 73.44 0.00 73.44 68.23 73.44 73.44 73.44



Appendix 3: Area of each Vegetation Zone within Development and Conservation Footprints DEVELOPMENT

VEGETATION ZONE AREA (HA)

IMPACT LOCATION 1 8 9 10 20 CLEARED TOTAL

Airport Clearing 11.0 0.2 21.5 67.3 100.1

Broulee Clearing 35.1 1.0 0.9 37.0

Total 35.1 11.0 1.0 0.2 21.5 68.1 137.1

CONSERVATION



AIRPORT MANAGEMENT

ZONE (OLS)

FIRE MANAGEMENT

ZONE (FMZ) 1 2 3 7 8 9 10 14 19 20 22 CLEARED TOTAL

1 None None 66.1 3.0 2.2 5.7 77.0

1 B None 0.0 18.7 18.7

1 C None 19.3 1.8 3.8 24.9

1 D None 26.4 3.7 30.1

1 E None 27.6 2.5 2.7 1.0 33.8

1 None Yes 1.8 0.6 0.2 2.6

2 None None 10.0

2.0

20.9

17.1

50.0





AIRPORT MANAGEMENT

ZONE (OLS)

FIRE MANAGEMENT

ZONE (FMZ) 1 2 3 7 8 9 10 14 19 20 22 CLEARED TOTAL

2 B None

1.4

0.1

1.5

2 C None

1.4

1.5

0.5

3.4

2 D None

1.4

1.7

3.1

2 E None

1.1

2.2

3.3

2 None Yes

0.1

0.1

3 None None 57.8

1.3

0.2 59.4

3 C None 2.3

0.0

0.2

0.6 3.1

3 D None 4.5

0.0

1.1

5.6

3 E None 5.0

0.4

0.0 5.5

4 None None 9.6 0.5

0.4 10.5

5 None None 23.6 4.5 1.3

1.4

5.0

1.9 37.7

6 None None 0.7 0.5

9.8

0.0

1.0

0.0 12.0

7 None None 7.1

7.1

8 None None 6.1

5.5

0.0 11.7

8 C None

0.3

0.3

8 D None

2.1

0.0 2.1

8 E None 0.5

2.7

0.1 3.2



Appendix 4: Landscape Tg Calculations VEG TYPE NAME COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME TG VALUE

Bangalay - Old-man Banksia open forest on coastal sands, Sydney Basin and South East Corner (SR512) Barking Owl Ninox connivens 0.33


Eastern Bentwing-bat Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis 0.75


Eastern Freetail-bat Mormopterus norfolkensis 0.45


Eastern Pygmy-possum Cercartetus nanus 0.5


Glossy Black-cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami 0.55


Greater Broad-nosed Bat Scoteanax rueppellii 0.45


Grey-headed Flying-fox Pteropus poliocephalus 0.93


Large-footed Myotis Myotis macropus (formally Myotis adversus) 0.4


Little Lorikeet Glossopsitta pusilla 0.58


Long-nosed Potoroo Potorous tridactylus 0.75


Masked Owl Tyto novaehollandiae 0.33



VEG TYPE NAME COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME TG VALUE


Regent Honeyeater Xanthomyza phrygia 0.75


Southern Brown Bandicoot (eastern)

Isoodon obesulus obesulus 0.4


Spotted-tailed Quoll Dasyurus maculatus 0.35


Swift Parrot Lathamus discolor 0.75


Yellow-bellied Glider Petaurus australis 0.43


Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat Saccolaimus flaviventris 0.45

0.538

Coast Banksia - Coast Wattle dune scrub, Sydney Basin and South East Corner (SR531)

Barking Owl Ninox connivens 0.33

Coast Banksia - Coast Wattle dune scrub, Sydney Basin and South East Corner (SR531) Eastern Bentwing-bat Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis 0.75

Coast Banksia - Coast Wattle dune scrub, Sydney Basin and South East Corner (SR531) Eastern Pygmy-possum Cercartetus nanus 0.5

Coast Banksia - Coast Wattle dune scrub, Sydney Basin and South East Corner (SR531) Glossy Black-cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami 0.55

Coast Banksia - Coast Wattle dune scrub, Sydney Basin and South East Corner (SR531) Greater Broad-nosed Bat Scoteanax rueppellii 0.45

Coast Banksia - Coast Wattle dune scrub, Sydney Basin and South East Corner (SR531) Large-footed Myotis Myotis macropus (formally Myotis adversus) 0.4

Coast Banksia - Coast Wattle dune scrub, Sydney Basin and South East Corner (SR531) Little Lorikeet Glossopsitta pusilla 0.58



VEG TYPE NAME COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME TG VALUE

Coast Banksia - Coast Wattle dune scrub, Sydney Basin and South East Corner (SR531) Long-nosed Potoroo Potorous tridactylus 0.75

Coast Banksia - Coast Wattle dune scrub, Sydney Basin and South East Corner (SR531) Regent Honeyeater Xanthomyza phrygia 0.75

Coast Banksia - Coast Wattle dune scrub, Sydney Basin and South East Corner (SR531)

Southern Brown Bandicoot (eastern)

Isoodon obesulus obesulus 0.4

Coast Banksia - Coast Wattle dune scrub, Sydney Basin and South East Corner (SR531) Swift Parrot Lathamus discolor 0.75

Coast Banksia - Coast Wattle dune scrub, Sydney Basin and South East Corner (SR531) Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat Saccolaimus flaviventris 0.45

0.555



Appendix 5: Transect/Plot Data Vegetation Zone 1: Bangalay - Old-man Banksia open forest on coastal sands, Sydney Basin and South East Corner (SR512)- MG (Good)

PLOT NAME NPS NOS NMS NGCG NGCS NGCO EPC NTH OR FL EASTING NORTHING ZONE

Plot 1 35 28 40 22 2 46 0 5 1 48 244233 6029270 56

CMACouncil plot 1 35 20 20 5 1 0.5 0 3 0 194 243420 6027502 56

CMACouncil plot 2 20 20 15 0.5 0.5 65 1 3 2 52 243153 6027565 56

CMACouncil plot 3 18 15 5 0.5 0.5 70 0 3 1 42 242087 6025168 56

CMACouncil plot 4 29 10 15 0.5 0.5 55 0 1 1 25 243017 6026801 56

CMACouncil plot 5 27 10 20 7 0.5 12 0.5 2 1 74 243017 6026801 56

CMACouncil plot A 17 18 60 1 1 12 0 4 0 42 241969 6024707 56

CMACouncil plot B 18 5 1 80 0 20 1 1 1 25 241876 6024631 56

Vegetation Zone 8: Bangalay - Old-man Banksia open forest on coastal sands, Sydney Basin and South East Corner (SR512)- MG (Regrowth)


Plot 1 30 23 47 30 2 24 0 0 1 37 242582 60254552 56

Plot 2 30 28 58 6 0 12 4 0 1 52 241876 6023342 56

Plot 3 28 31 58 10 0 12 2 0 1 22 241941 6022708 56



Vegetation Zone 9: Bangalay - Old-man Banksia open forest on coastal sands, Sydney Basin and South East Corner (SR512)- MG (Underscrubbed)


Plot 1 32 37.5 0 66 0 12 16 1 1 0 244145 6028331 56

Vegetation Zone 20: Bangalay - Old-man Banksia open forest on coastal sands, Sydney Basin and South East Corner (SR512)- MG (Grassland)


Plot 1 21 0 3 92 6 58 2 0 0 0 242035 6023203 56

Plot 2 17 0 9 90 10 80 18 0 0 0 242458 6024688 56

Vegetation Zone 22: Bangalay - Old-man Banksia open forest on coastal sands, Sydney Basin and South East Corner (SR512)- MG (Hind dune)


Plot 1 21 31.5 20.5 66 2 16 0 2 1 68 243196 6026356 56

Plot 2 19 29 18 82 0 20 0 4 1 86 244052 6027641 56

Plot 3 24 22.5 15 56 0 24 0 1 1 22 242898 6025798 56

Vegetation Zone 10: Coast Banksia - Coast Wattle dune scrub, Sydney Basin and South East Corner (SR531)- MG (Good)


Plot 1 15 1.5 21.5 64 0 56 0 0 1 24 243391 6026441 56

Plot 2 15 0.5 22 56 2 30 0 0 1 93 244119 6027493 56

Plot 3 19 32 40.5 58 2 60 4 0 1 3 242881 6025204 56



Appendix 6: Species Predicted and Requiring Survey SPECIES PREDICTED

COMMON NAME SPECIES NAME

Barking Owl Ninox connivens

Eastern Bentwing-bat Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis

Eastern Freetail-bat Mormopterus norfolkensis

Eastern Pygmy-possum Cercartetus nanus

Freckled Duck Stictonetta naevosa

Glossy Black-cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami

Greater Broad-nosed Bat Scoteanax rueppellii

Grey-headed Flying-fox Pteropus poliocephalus

Large-footed Myotis Myotis macropus (formally Myotis adversus)

Little Lorikeet Glossopsitta pusilla

Long-nosed Potoroo Potorous tridactylus

Masked Owl Tyto novaehollandiae

Orange-bellied Parrot Neophema chrysogaster

Regent Honeyeater Xanthomyza phrygia

Southern Brown Bandicoot (eastern) Isoodon obesulus obesulus

Spotted-tailed Quoll Dasyurus maculatus

Swift Parrot Lathamus discolor

Yellow-bellied Glider Petaurus australis

Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat Saccolaimus flaviventris



SPECIES REQUIRING SURVEY

COMMON NAME SPECIES NAME JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Australasian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Black Bittern Ixobrychus flavicollis Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Brush-tailed Phascogale Phascogale tapoatafa Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Eastern Bentwing-bat (Breeding) Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes

Gang-gang Cockatoo Callocephalon fimbriatum Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Giant Burrowing Frog Heleioporus australiacus Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes

Greater Glider population in the Bingi-Congo area of the Eurobodalla LGA

Petauroides volans - endangered population

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Green and Golden Bell Frog Litoria aurea Yes Yes Yes No No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Grey-headed Flying-fox (Breeding)

Pteropus poliocephalus Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes

Large-footed Myotis (Breeding) Myotis macropus (formally Myotis adversus)

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Little Eagle Hieraaetus morphnoides Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Osprey Pandion haliaetus Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Square-tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura Yes Yes Yes No No No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes

Tessellated Spider Orchid Caladenia tessellata No No No No No No No No Yes Yes No No

Waterwheel Plant Aldrovanda vesiculosa Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes



COMMON NAME SPECIES NAME JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

White-footed Dunnart Sminthopsis leucopus Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes



Appendix 7: Credits Generated by Conservation Lands ECOSYSTEM CREDITS

CONSERVATION LAND ID VEGETATION TYPE

CREDITS CREATED FOR

MANAGED OFFSET

DISCOUNT TOTAL CREDITS CREATED FOR

MANAGED OFFSET

1 Bangalay - Old-man Banksia open forest on coastal sands, Sydney Basin and South East Corner 1,854 10% 1669

2 Bangalay - Old-man Banksia open forest on coastal sands, Sydney Basin and South East Corner 345 0% 345

2 Coast Banksia - Coast Wattle dune scrub, Sydney Basin and South East Corner 284 0% 284







Total 3,871 N/A 3,686



SPECIES CREDITS – WHITE-FOOTED DUNNART

CONSERVATION LAND ID CREDITS CREATED FOR MANAGED OFFSET DISCOUNT TOTAL CREDITS CREATED FOR MANAGED OFFSET

1 944 10% 849

2 320 0% 320

3 376 0% 376

4 55 0% 55

5 186 0% 186

6 6 0% 6

7 38 0% 38

8 93 0% 93

Total 2,018 N/A 1,924



Appendix 8: Likelihood of Occurrence for MNES Scientific Name Common Name TSC

Act EPBC

Act Habitat Associations Likelihood of Occurrence

FLORA

Caladenia tessallata Thick-lipped Spider Orchid E V This terrestrial orchid is associated with treeless areas or low open forests with a heathy or sometimes grassy understorey on skeletal clay-loam or sandy soils. On the coast flowering is thought to occur between August and November depending on the season. In coastal areas it can occur in dense shrubbery and is usually detected only after fire. The species only typically flowers for 1-2 years following fire and then remains dormant for up to 20-30 years until the next fire. There are no recent records of the species in the Eurobodalla LGA with the nearest record being 70 km to the north at Ulladulla. The Development Area does not support suitable habitat for the species which is not known from any tall forests such as those which occur within the Development Area. Apart from a small approximately 1 ha area, the Development Area has not been recently burnt. Under these circumstances it is considered highly unlikely that he species would occur within the Development Area.

No

Cryptostylis hunteriana Leafless Tongue Orchid V V This terrestrial orchid grows in swamp-heath and open forest on clays and sandy soils in coastal districts. Larger populations of the species are typically associated with woodlands dominated by Scribbly Gum. Silvertop Ash, Red Bloodwood and Black Sheoak. The Development Area does not provide suitable habitat for the species with none of the numerous known locations of the species occurring within coastal sand forests. Under these circumstances it is considered highly unlikely that he species would occur within the Development Area.

No

Genoplesium vernale East Lynne Midge-orchid V V This terrestrial orchid grows in poorer dry woodland and sclerophyll forest between Wamban and Ulladulla. It is associated with Yertchuck, Silvertop Ash, and White Stringybark. The Development Area does not provide suitable habitat for the species and it would not occur there.

No

Thesium australe Austral Toadflax V V This species is associated with native grasslands and is a hemi-parasite of Kangaroo Grass and is known from Mullimburra Point and Jemisons Point. The species is usually detected in areas where Kangaroo Grass is abundant. Kangaroo Grass is not abundant anywhere within the Development Area and it is considered highly unlikely that it would occur there.

No

ENDANGERED ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES

Littoral Rainforest and Coastal Vine Thickets of Eastern Australia

— EEC The Development Area does not include any vegetation that would comprise this EEC.

No

Disclaimer: Data extracted from the Atlas of NSW Wildlife and EPBC Act Protected Matters Report are only indicative and cannot be considered a comprehensive inventory.



Scientific Name Common Name TSC Act

EPBC Act Habitat Associations Likelihood of

Occurrence

CE = Critically Endangered; E = Endangered; E2 = Endangered Population; V = Vulnerable

FROGS Heleioporus australiacus Giant Burrowing Frog V V Forages in woodlands, wet heath, dry and wet sclerophyll forest (Ehmann

1997). Associated with semi-permanent to ephemeral sand or rock based streams (Ehmann 1997), where the soil is soft and sandy so that burrows can be constructed (Environment Australia 2000). The Development Area does not support any potential breeding habitat for the species but does support potential foraging habitat. Targeted surveys for the species were undertaken during the survey period, however the species was not detected. It is considered highly unlikely that it occurs in the Development Area.

Unlikely

Litoria aurea Green and Golden Bell Frog E V This species has been observed utilising a variety of natural and man-made waterbodies (Pyke & White 1996) such as coastal swamps, marshes, dune swales, lagoons, lakes, other estuary wetlands, riverine floodplain wetlands and billabongs, stormwater detention basins, farm dams, bunded areas, drains, ditches and any other structure capable of storing water (DECC 2007). Preferable habitat for this species includes attributes such as shallow, still or slow flowing, permanent and/or widely fluctuating water bodies that are unpolluted and without heavy shading (DECC 2007). Large permanent swamps and ponds exhibiting well-established fringing vegetation (especially bulrushes–Typha sp. and spikerushes–Eleocharis sp.) adjacent to open grassland areas for foraging are preferable (Ehmann 1997; Robinson 1993). The habitats within the subject land are not suitable for the species and there are no recent records of the species in the Eurobodalla Shire. The species was not recorded within the Development Area during the survey period and it is considered highly unlikely to occur there.

Unlikely

Litoria littlejohni Heath Frog V V It appears to be restricted to sandstone woodland and heath communities at mid to high altitude. It forages both in the tree canopy and on the ground, and it has been observed sheltering under rocks on high exposed ridges during summer (NSW Scientific Committee 2000). It has not been recorded in southern NSW within the last decade. The habitats within the Development Area are not suitable for the species, and it is considered highly unlikely that it occurs there.

No

DIURNAL BIRDS





Occurrence

Rostratula australis Australian Painted Snipe E E Prefers fringes of swamps, dams and nearby marshy areas where there is a cover of grasses, lignum, low scrub or open timber (DECC 2007). Nests on the ground amongst tall vegetation, such as grasses, tussocks or reeds (ibid.). Breeding is often in response to local conditions; generally occurs from September to December (DECC 2007). Roosts during the day in dense vegetation (NSW Scientific Committee 2004). Forages nocturnally on mud-flats and in shallow water (DECC 2007). Feeds on worms, molluscs, insects and some plant-matter (ibid.).

No

Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern E E This species favours permanent freshwater wetlands with tall, dense vegetation, particularly bulrushes and spikerushes. It hides during the day amongst dense reeds and feeds at night. It breeds during summer with nest built in secluded places in densely vegetated wetlands on a platform of reeds.

No

Dasyornis brachypterus Eastern Bristlebird

E E This species is associated with coastal heaths and woodlands with a particularly heathy understorey. The nearest population of the species is at Jervis Bay. There are no recent records from the Eurobodalla and it would not occur within the Development Area.

No

Neophema chrysogaster Orange-bellied Parrot E E, M Breeds only in coastal south-west Tasmania and spends the winter in coastal Victoria and South Australia. It nests in hollows in eucalypt trees which grow adjacent to its feeding plains. In early October the birds arrive in the south west and depart after the breeding season usually in March and April. It feeds on the seeds of several sedges and heath plants, including buttongrass. Its main food preferences are found in sedgelands which have not been burned for between 3-15 years. Also included in the diet are seeds of three Boronia species and the everlasting daisy (Helichrysum pumilum). After breeding, migrating birds move gradually northwards up the west coast, through the Hunter Group and King Island in Bass Strait and on to the mainland. On the journey the birds usually feed on beach-front vegetation including salt tolerant species such as sea rocket (Cakile maritima). They also eat various coastal native and introduced grasses.

No

Anthochaera phrygia Formerly Xanthomyza phrygia

Regent Honeyeater

E E, M Associated with temperate eucalypt woodland and open forest including forest edges, wooded farmland and urban areas with mature eucalypts, and riparian forests of River Oak (Casuarina cunninghamiana) (Garnett 1993). Areas containing Swamp Mahogany (Eucalyptus robusta) in coastal areas have been observed to be utilised (NPWS 1997). The Regent Honeyeater primarily feeds on nectar from box and ironbark eucalypts and occasionally from banksias and mistletoes (NPWS 1995). As such it is reliant on locally abundant nectar sources with different flowering times to provide reliable supply of nectar (Environment Australia 2000). There is a recent record of the species just to the west of the Development Area in Illawong Nature Reserve. The species may forage in the Development Area but would not breed there.

Potential





Occurrence

Lathamus discolor Swift Parrot E E Breeds in Tasmania between September and January. Migrates to mainland in autumn, where it forages on profuse flowering Eucalypts (Blakers et al. 1984; Schodde and Tidemann 1986; Forshaw and Cooper 1981). Hence, in this region, autumn and winter flowering eucalypts are important for this species. Favoured feed trees include winter flowering species such as Swamp Mahogany (Eucalyptus robusta), Spotted Gum (Corymbia maculata), Red Bloodwood (C. gummifera), Mugga Ironbark (E. sideroxylon), and White Box (E. albens) (DECC 2007). In recent years a substantial proportion of the population has spent the winter on the south coast feeding in Spotted Gum dominated forests. The species may forage or roost in the Development Area although it is unlikely given the absence of winter flowering eucalypts.

Potential

MAMMALS (EXCLUDING BATS) Dasyurus maculatus maculatus

Spotted-tailed Quoll (SE Mainland Population)

V

E The Spotted-tailed Quoll inhabits a range of forest communities including wet and dry sclerophyll forests, coastal heathlands and rainforests, more frequently recorded near the ecotones of closed and open forest. This species requires habitat features such as maternal den sites, an abundance of food (birds and small mammals) and large areas of relatively intact vegetation to forage in (DECC 2007). It is possible although unlikely that the species would occur within the Development Area, given the absence of recent records despite numerous targeted surveys within the Broulee area, and the large home range of the species.

Unlikely

Petrogale penicillata Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby E V Rocky areas in a variety of habitats, typically north facing sites with numerous ledges, caves and crevices. There is no suitable habitat within the Development Area and the species would not occur there.

No

Dasyurus viverrinus Eastern Quoll E V Associated with a variety of habitats, including dry sclerophyll forest, shrub, heath land, riparian forests and agricultural areas. Requires features such as hollow logs and rock piles for shelter.

No

Phascolarctos cinereus Koala (Combined populations of QLD, NSW and the ACT)

V V The Koala has a sparse and disjunct occurrence on the south coast with most records within the Bega Valley Shire. Whilst there are historic records of a population in the Narira Creek, Dignam’s Creek areas and in Wallaga Lake National Park, there have been very few records in recent times suggesting that the population is in decline and Koalas are in low numbers in the Eurobodalla. The last records of the species anywhere near the Development Area are from the 1950’s and 1960’s with closest relatively recent records near Batemans Bay and Bodalla. Whilst there are a few potential feed trees within the Development Area there is no evidence of a local population and it is highly unlikely that the species would occur there.

Unlikely





Occurrence

Isoodon obesulus Southern Brown Bandicoot E E This species requires thick contiguous undergrowth where the soil is light and sandy. There are no recent records of the species within the Eurobodalla Shire and within NSW it possibly only remains in the northern suburbs of Sydney and around the Eden area. Despite potentially suitable habitat, it is considered extremely unlikely that the species occurs within the Development Area.

Unlikely

Potorous tridactylus tridactylus

Long-nosed Potoroo (SE Mainland Population)

V

V Associated with dry coastal heath and dry and wet sclerophyll forests

(Strahan 1998) with dense cover for shelter and adjacent more open areas

for foraging (Menkhorst & Knight 2004). The species requires dense

contiguous undergrowth and sandy substrate. Despite potentially suitable

habitat, it is considered extremely unlikely that the species occurs within

the Development Area given the absence of any recent records.

Unlikely

Pseudomys novaehollandiae

New Holland Mouse — V This species has a fragmented distribution across its range and is known to inhabit open heathlands, open woodlands with heathland understorey, and vegetated sand dunes. The sites where the species is known from typically have very sandy soils. The species typically peaks in abundance in the 2-3 years post a suitable disturbance such as fire, however it is also known from some long undisturbed sites. The Development Area provides some potential habitat for the species, however it is considered unlikely to occur within the Development Area given the absence of recent records in the locality or any records during the survey period despite targeted small mammal surveys.

Unlikely

Pteropus poliocephalus Grey-headed Flying-Fox

V V Inhabits a wide range of habitats including rainforest, mangroves, paperbark forests, wet and dry sclerophyll forests and cultivated areas (Churchill 1998, Eby 1998). Camps are often located in gullies, typically close to water, in vegetation with a dense canopy (Churchill 1998). There are no camps in the Development Area and the amount of available foraging habitat to be disturbed by the proposal is very small compared to the vast home range of the species.

Yes Foraging only

MIGRATORY TERRESTRIAL SPECIES LISTED UNDER EPBC ACT

Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-Eagle

— M Forages over large open fresh or saline waterbodies, coastal seas and open terrestrial areas (Marchant & Higgins 1993, Simpson & Day 1999). Breeding habitat consists of tall trees, mangroves, cliffs, rocky outcrops, silts, caves and crevices and is located along the coast or major rivers. Breeding habitat is usually in or close to water, but may occur up to a kilometre away (Marchant & Higgins 1993). A known nest site for the species occurs to the west of the Development Area in Illawong Nature reserve. No nests occur within the Development Area.

Potential Foraging only





Occurrence

Hirundapus caudacutus

White-throated Needletail

— M Forages aerially over a variety of habitats usually over coastal and mountain areas, most likely with a preference for wooded areas (Marchant & Higgins 1993; Simpson & Day 1999). Has been observed roosting in dense foliage of canopy trees, and may seek refuge in tree hollows in inclement weather (Marchant & Higgins 1993).

Unlikely

Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater — M Resident in coastal and subcoastal northern Australia; regular breeding migrant in southern Australia, arriving September to October, departing February to March, some occasionally present April to May. Occurs in open country, chiefly at suitable breeding places in areas of sandy or loamy soil: sand-ridges, riverbanks, road-cuttings, sand-pits, occasionally coastal cliffs (ibid). Nest is a chamber at the end of a burrow, up to 1.6 m long, tunnelled in flat or sloping ground, sandy back or cutting (ibid).

Unlikely

Monarcha melanopsis Black-faced Monarch — M This migratory species is known to breed in damp forest types and forage in rainforest and eucalypt forest. The Development Area provides a small amount of marginal potential habitat for this species.

Potential

Myiagra cyanoleuca Satin Flycatcher — M This species inhabits lowland eucalypt forests. It is known to nest in dense gully vegetation. The Development Area provides a small amount of marginal potential habitat for this species.

Potential

Neophema chrysogaster Orange-bellied Parrot E E, M SEE DIURNAL BIRDS ABOVE No

Rhipidura rufifrons Rufous Fantail — M This migratory species forages by catching flying insects and is known to utilise the aerial foraging space above the dense understorey in damp forests or beside rivers. The Development Area provides a small amount of marginal potential habitat for this species.

Potential

Xanthomyza phrygia (Anthochaera phrygia)

Regent Honeyeater

E E, M SEE DIURNAL BIRDS ABOVE Unlikely

Disclaimer: Data extracted from the EPBC Protected Matters Search are only indicative and cannot be considered a comprehensive inventory. ‘Migratory marine species’, ‘Migratory wetland species’, shorebirds and ‘listed marine species’ listed on the EPBC Act have not been included in this table, since they are considered unlikely to occur within the study area due to the absence of marine and wetland habitats. CE = Critically Endangered; E = Endangered; E2 = Endangered Population; V = Vulnerable; M = Migratory.



Appendix 9: Results of Mammal Trapping Surveys Targeted White-footed Dunnart and Brush-tailed Phascogale Surveys – Broulee Development Area - January – February 2012 Five trapping methods were used to target the White-footed Dunnart and Brush-tailed Phascogale in the Broulee Development Area in January and February 2012:

Three sites, containing two pitfall traps each, were set for four consecutive nights between 16 and 20 January to yield a trapping effort of 24 pitfall trap-nights. The locations of the pitfall stations are shown in Figure 5.

50 type-A Elliott traps were set along five trapping transects within the Development Area for four consecutive nights from 17 to 20 January 2012. The locations of the A-Elliott trap lines are also shown in Figure 5.

30 type-B Elliott traps mounted on platforms on tree trunks approximately 2-3 m above the ground were also set along three of the trapping transects, targeting the Brush-tailed Phascogale within the Development Area for four consecutive nights from 17 to 20 January 2012. The locations of the A-Elliott trap lines are also shown in Figure 5.

Thirty Faunatech hair funnels set on tree trunks approximately 2-5 m above the ground were also set along three of the trapping transects for consecutive nights between 20 January 2012 and 15 February 2012, yielding a total effort of 720 hair funnel trap-nights. The hair funnels were targeting the Brush-tailed Phascogale.

Three RECONYX™ HC600 HyperFire™ Passive Infrared Motion Detector Cameras and bait stations were set within the Development Area to target the Brush-tailed Phascogale. The cameras were installed between 18 January 2012 and 15 February 2012 yielding a total of 78 camera day/nights.

A total of five mammal species were captured during the survey period. The results are presented in the table below.

Trapping Method Species detected No. of captures Comment

Pitfall Trap and Driftnet White-footed Dunnart 1 Trap 1

Jacky Lizard 2 Trap 2

A-Elliott Agile Antechinus 12 All 5 Trap lines

Bush Rat 24 Trap lines 1, 2, 3 and 5

B-Elliott Agile Antechinus 2 Trap lines 2 and 3

Eastern Whipbird 1 Trap line 3

Hair FunnelCommon Brushtail Possum

9 Trap lines 1, 2 and 3

Agile Antechinus 2 Trap lines 1 and 3



Passive Infrared Motion Detector Camera

Common Brushtail Possum

Camera 1 only

Feathertail Glider Camera 2 only

Agile Antechinus Camera 2 and 3

The White-footed Dunnart was captured during the survey period. The Brush-tailed Phascogale was not detected during the survey period. Targeted White-footed Dunnart Surveys - Proposed Offset Lands – July 2012 Two trapping methods were used to target the White-footed Dunnart in the study area in July 2012:

Seven pitfall traps and driftnet stations were installed between 2 and 4 July. Each station comprised four buckets spaced along and at each end of approximately 30 m of driftnet (28 traps in total). The locations of the pitfall stations are shown in Figures A and B. All pitfall traps were checked early in the morning from 3 to 9 July resulting in a total effort of 164 pitfall trap-nights.

Five A-Elliott trap lines of 10 traps each (50 in total) were installed near the pitfall traps and driftnet, with one trap line installed on 3 July and the remaining four on 4 July. The locations of the A-Elliott trap lines are also shown in Figures A and B. All A-Elliott traps were checked early in the morning and re-set and re-baited as necessary from 4 to 8 July resulting in an effort of A-Elliott 210 trap-nights.

A total of three mammal species were captured from a total of 58 captures during the survey period. The results are presented in the table below.


Pitfall Trap and Driftnet Agile Antechinus 2 In Trap C only

A-Elliott Agile Antechinus 39 All 5 Trap lines

Bush Rat 16 Trap line A and E only

Dusky Antechinus 1 Trap line A only

The White-footed Dunnart was not captured during the survey period. Targeted White-footed Dunnart Surveys - Proposed Offset Lands – August 2012 Ten pitfall traps and driftnet stations were used to target the White-footed Dunnart between 21 and 24 August 2012. Each station comprised four buckets spaced along and at each end of approximately 30 m of driftnet (40 traps in total). The locations of the pitfall stations are shown in Figure A. All pitfall traps were checked early in the morning from 21 to 24 August resulting in a total effort of 160 pitfall trap-nights.

One mammal species and one amphibian species were captured from a total of six captures during the survey period. The results are presented in the table below.




Pitfall Trap and Driftnet Agile Antechinus 3 In Trap D and Trap J

Verreaux’s Tree Frog 4 In Trap G and Trap B

The White-footed Dunnart was not captured during the survey period.



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Southern Rivers

Catchment Management Authority

Incentive

PROPERTY VEGETATION PLANNative Vegetation Act 2003

‘BENGELLO FOREST’

GEORGE BASS DRIVEThis Property Vegetation Plan applies to the land described as 70//831111, 8//258299, 1//832943,

Parish of TOMAGA, County of ST VINCENT, Eurobodalla Council, as shown on Map 1 in Schedule 1

of this agreement.

The landholder is authorised to undertake the activities set out in Schedule 2 and agrees to carry out

the management actions and management action details set out in Schedule 2. The landholder agrees

to comply with the requirements of Schedule 3.

Notes:

1. This PVP will commence from the date at which it is signed by the delegate of the Minister for

Climate Change, Environment and Water

2. Activities authorised by this Plan do not require any further approval under the Threatened

Species Conservation Act 1995 and the Native Vegetation Act 2003.

3. This Property Vegetation Plan is binding on all current and future landholders.

4. This Plan does not exempt the landholder from any Council clearing consent requirements.

Name of the Landholder Signature Date

Name of the Landholder Signature Date

Delegate of the Southern Rivers Catchment

Management Authority

Delegate of the Minister for Climate Change,

Environment and Water

Signature Date

CMA File Ref: PVP3412 Case No: 3412

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SCHEDULE ONE — MAPS

Map 2 Incentives

Map 3 Land and soil capability (LSC) zones associated with activities authorised by this PVP.

Map 4 Vegetation zones associated with activities authorised by this PVP.

Map 6 Infrastructure

All maps must be printed for each PVP, unless it is not applicable to this PVP

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SCHEDULE TWO — AUTHORISED ACTIVITIES AND MANAGEMENT ACTIONS

AUTHORISED INCENTIVES

MapNumber

(as perSchedule 1)

MapUnit

Incentive Type Authorised on Map Unit Details of Authorised Incentive type

2 6c Biodiversity

2 6d Biodiversity

2 6a Biodiversity

MANAGEMENT ACTIONS FOR INCENTIVES

1. The management actions and management action details set out below must be undertaken in the specified map unit as identified in Schedule 1.

2. The management actions and management action details are to be continued for, or completed within, the duration specified in the column “Duration of Management

Action”.

MapNumber

(as perSchedule 1)

MapUnit

ManagementAction

Duration ofManagement

Action

Management Action Details IncentiveScore

3 12a NV2—Native

vegetation growth

or conservation

area

In perpetuity The landholder is permitted to construct bollards to restrict vehicle access to the dunes in zone

12a. The management of beach access will be undertaken in accordance with the Bengello

Master Plan attached to this Property Vegetation Plan.

LSC Score: 7

3 12b NV2—Native

vegetation growth

or conservation

area

In perpetuity The landholder is permitted to maintain roads in zone 12b as marked on Map 6 for emergency,

public utility maintenance staff and Eurobodalla Council representatives access. Public vehicles

are not permitted beyond the northern beach access point marked on Map 6. The landholder is

permitted to construct bollards to restrict vehicle access to roads and powerline easements in

zone 12b. Road and easement management will be undertaken in accordance with the Bengello

Master Plan attached to this Property Vegetation Plan.

LSC Score: 6

3 12c NV2—Native

vegetation growth

or conservation

area

In perpetuity The landholder is permitted to maintain roads in zone 12c as marked on Map 6 for emergency

and Eurobodalla Council representative access only, no public vehicular access is permitted at

any time. Road management will be undertaken in accordance with the Bengello Master Plan

attached to this Property Vegetation Plan.

LSC Score: 5

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MapNumber

(as perSchedule 1)

MapUnit

ManagementAction


Action


4 10a Weed control In perpetuity The landholder is not to use herbicides within zone 10A except to spray non-native weed species

including Bitou Bush and Boneseed.

The landholder will undertake yearly inspections for emergent seedlings and will maintain Bitou

Bush burden at less than 0.5% foliage cover.

Bio score:

12733

TS score: 80

Control of feral

pigs, foxes, goats

and rabbits

In perpetuity The landholder is to prevent damage from feral pigs affecting greater than 2% of the groundcover in

zone 10a at all times after the commencement of this plan.

The landholder will implement an active control program for foxes, goats and rabbits when their

presence is detected.

Domestic stock

grazing exclusion

In perpetuity The landholder is not to graze livestock in zone 10a at any time.

Retention of all

dead (and alive)

timber

In perpetuity The landholder is to ensure that no standing or fallen dead timber is removed from zone 10a. The

landholder is to ensure that no live native vegetation, whether remnant or regrowth, is cleared from

zone 10a, except when undertaking Routine Agricultural Management Activities (RAMAs).

The landholder is to ensure that only the following RAMAs are undertaken within zone 10a of Map 4:

� maintenance and upgrade of existing tracks as marked on Map 6 to a maximum width of 6

metres;

� maintenance of beach access control fencing to a maximum width of 1 metre;

� construction of erosion control beach access as marked on Map 6 to a maximum width of 4

metres;

� control of noxious & feral weeds and noxious & pest animals;

� removal (after inspection) of imminent risk of personal injury or damage to property;

� traditional Aboriginal cultural activities.

The landholder is to ensure that any trimming of vegetation for aviation safety purposes in zone 10a

is to no more than height(s) specified in the Bengello Masterplan. Pruning actions must employ best

environmental practice and have regard for key threatening processes and threatened species and

their habitats as listed under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.

It is the intent of the landholder to extend the runway of Moruya Airport. The landholder is to ensure

that written approval is obtained from relevant authorities (Southern Rivers CMA and the

Department of Environment and Climate Change) prior to any extension of the trimming area (as at

February 2008) or changes to the pruning heights for aviation safety purposes.

The landholder is to ensure that all RAMAs undertaken in zone 10a are undertaken in accordance

with the management strategies provided for in the Bengello Master Plan 2007 and within the

restrictions applied in this Property Vegetation Plan.

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MapNumber

(as perSchedule 1)

MapUnit

ManagementAction


Action


4 10a Retention of rocks In perpetuity The landowner is not to remove or disturb any rocks or rock features in zone 10a.

Supplementary

planting

In perpetuity The landholder is permitted to plant local species of native plants in zone 10a to maintain community

within benchmark conditions.

4 10c Weed control In perpetuity The landholder is not to use herbicides within zone 10c except to spray non-native weed species

including Salvinia.

When Salvinia is evident the landholder will implement an active control program to suppress and

contain its spread.

The landholder must ensure that damage to the endangered species Aldrovandra vesiculosa is

avoided whilst undertaking weed control in zone 10c.

Bio score:

12733

TS score: 80

Control of feral

pigs, foxes, goats

and rabbits


zone 10c at all times after the commencement of this plan.



Domestic stock

grazing exclusion

In perpetuity The landholder is not to graze livestock in zone 10c at any time.

Maintain or re-

introduce natural

flow regimes to

wetlands

In perpetuity The landholder is not to remove any water from waterbodies in zone 10c. The landholder is not to

build any barriers in the waterbody in zone 10c. The removal of native flora and fauna from the

waterbodies in zone 10c is not permitted at any time.

Retention of all

dead (and alive)

timber

In perpetuity The landholder is to ensure that no standing or fallen dead timber is removed from zone 10c. The


zone 10c except when undertaking a Routine Agricultural Management Activities (RAMAs).

The landholder is to ensure that only the following RAMAs are undertaken within zone 10c of Map 4:


metres;


� removal (after inspection) of imminent risk of personal injury or damage to property; and


The landholder is to ensure that all RAMAs undertaken in zone 10c are undertaken in accordance



Retention of rocks In perpetuity The landowner is not to remove or disturb any rocks or rock features in zone 10c.

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MapNumber

(as perSchedule 1)

MapUnit

ManagementAction


Action


4 10d Weed control In perpetuity The landholder is not to use herbicides within zone 10d except to spot-spray non-native weed

species including Bitou Bush and Boneseed.



Bio score:

12733

TS score: 80

Control of feral

pigs, foxes, goats

and rabbits


zone 10d at all times after the commencement of this plan.



Domestic stock

grazing exclusion

In perpetuity The landholder is not to graze livestock in zone 10d at any time.

Retention of all

dead (and alive)

timber

In perpetuity The landholder is to ensure that no standing or fallen dead timber is removed from zone 10d. The


zone 10d except when undertaking Routine Agricultural Management Activities (RAMAs).

The landholder is to ensure that only the following RAMAs are undertaken within zone 10d of Map 4:


metres;

� maintenance of boundary fencing to a maximum width of 2 metres;




The landholder is to ensure that any trimming of vegetation for aviation safety purposes in zone 10d








The landholder is to ensure that all RAMAs undertaken in zone 10d are undertaken in accordance



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MapNumber

(as perSchedule 1)

MapUnit

ManagementAction


Action


4 10d Application of

ecological fire

management

In perpetuity The landholder is permitted to burn in zone 10d. Ensure fire frequency is never greater than one

time per area per fifteen (15) to twenty (20) year period and no more than 25% of total area may be

burnt in any one year. Burning may occur during times May to August. The landholder is to burn in

zone 10d a different patch from previous until all zone is burnt.

Retention of rocks In perpetuity The landowner is not to remove or disturb any rocks or rock features in zone 10d.

4 10e Weed control In perpetuity The landholder is not to use herbicides within zone 10e except to spray non-native weed species

including Bitou Bush and Blackberry.



Control of feral

pigs, foxes, goats

and rabbits


zone 10e at all times after the commencement of this plan.

The landholder will undertake an active control program for foxes, goats and rabbits when their


Bio score:

12733

TS score: 80

Domestic stock

grazing exclusion

In perpetuity The landholder is not to graze livestock in zone 10e at any time.

Retention of all

dead (and alive)

timber

In perpetuity The landholder is to ensure that no standing or fallen dead timber is removed from zone 10e. The


zone 10e except when undertaking Routine Agricultural Management Activities (RAMAs).

The landholder is to ensure that only the following RAMAs are undertaken within zone 10e of Map 4:


metres;



� traditional Aboriginal cultural activities; and

� maintenance of powerline easements as marked on Map 6 to a maximum width of 12.5 metres

on either side from the centre line for 11KV up to and including 33 kV and a maximum width of 5

metres on either side from the centre line for up to 11kV.

The landholder is to ensure that all RAMAs undertaken in zone 10e are undertaken in accordance



Retention of rocks In perpetuity The landowner is not to remove or disturb any rocks or rock features in zone 10e.

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MapNumber

(as perSchedule 1)

MapUnit

ManagementAction


Action


4 10e Maintain or re-

introduce natural

flow regimes to

wetlands

In perpetuity The landholder is not to remove any water from waterbodies in zone 10e. The landholder is not to

build any barriers in the waterbody in zone 10e. The removal of native flora and fauna from the

waterbodies in zone 10e is not permitted at any time.

Supplementary

planting

In perpetuity The landholder is permitted to plant local species of native plants in zone 10e to maintain community


4 10f Domestic stock

grazing exclusion

In perpetuity The landholder is not to graze livestock in zone 10f at any time. Bio score:

12733

Retention of all

dead (and alive)

timber

In perpetuity The landholder is to ensure that no standing or fallen dead timber is removed from zone 10f. The


zone 10f except when undertaking Routine Agricultural Management Activities (RAMAs).

The landholder is to ensure that only the following RAMAs are undertaken within zone 10f of Map 4:


metres;


� construction of erosion control beach access as marked on Map 6 to a maximum width of 4

metres;



� traditional Aboriginal cultural activities; and

� maintenance of powerline easements as marked on Map 6 to a maximum width of 12.5 metres

on either side from the centre line for 11KV up to and including 33 kV and a maximum width of 5

metres on either side from the centre line for up to 11kV.

The landholder is to ensure that any trimming of vegetation for aviation safety purposes in zone 10f








The landholder is to ensure that all RAMAs undertaken in zone 10f are undertaken in accordance



TS score: 80

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MapNumber

(as perSchedule 1)

MapUnit

ManagementAction


Action


4 10f Weed control In perpetuity The landholder is not to use herbicides within zone 10f except to spray non-native weed species




Control of feral

pigs, foxes, goats

and rabbits


zone 10f at all times after the commencement of this plan.



Application of

ecological fire

management

In perpetuity The landholder is permitted to burn in zone 10f. Ensure fire frequency is never greater than one



zone 10f a different patch from previous until all zone is burnt.

Retention of rocks In perpetuity The landowner is not to remove or disturb any rocks or rock features in zone 10f.

Supplementary

planting

In perpetuity The landholder is permitted to plant local species of native plants in zone 10f to maintain community


4 10b Weed control In perpetuity The landholder is not to use herbicides within zone 10d except to spray non-native weed species




Bio score:

12733

TS score: 80

Control of feral

pigs, foxes, goats

and rabbits


zone 10b at all times after the commencement of this plan.



Domestic stock

grazing exclusion

In perpetuity The landholder is not to graze livestock in zone 10b at any time.

Application of

ecological fire

management

In perpetuity The landholder is permitted to burn in zone 10b. Ensure fire frequency is never greater than one



zone 10b a different patch from previous until all zone is burnt.

Retention of rocks In perpetuity The landowner is not to remove or disturb any rocks or rock features in zone 10b.

Supplementary

planting

In perpetuity The landholder is permitted to plant local species of native plants in zone 10b to maintain community


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MapNumber

(as perSchedule 1)

MapUnit

ManagementAction


Action


4 10b Retention of all

dead (and alive)

timber

In perpetuity The landholder is to ensure that no standing or fallen dead timber is removed from zone 10b. The


zone 10b except when undertaking Routine Agricultural Management Activities (RAMAs).

The landholder is to ensure that only the following RAMAs are undertaken within zone 10b of Map 4:

� maintenance and upgrade of existing tracks as marked on Map 6, to a maximum width of 6

metres;





The extent of trimming for aviation safety purposes is contained within Zone 10b at the

commencement of this PVP. The landholder is to ensure that any trimming of vegetation for aviation

safety purposes in zone 10b is to no more than height(s) specified in the Bengello Masterplan.

Pruning actions must employ best environmental practice and have regard for key threatening

processes and threatened species and their habitats as listed under the Threatened Species

Conservation Act 1995.





The landholder is to ensure that RAMAs undertaken in zone 10b are undertaken in accordance with

the management strategies provided for in the Bengello Master Plan 2007 and within the restrictions

applied in this Property Vegetation Plan.

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SCHEDULE THREE - STANDARD CONDITIONS

Privacy

1. The information contained in this property vegetation plan will be treated in accordance with the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act1998, under which you have rights of access and correction. The information may be disclosed to the Department of Environment and ClimateChange for compliance and statistical purposes and to bona fide prospective purchasers of the land to which this property vegetation plan applies.

Public register

2. In the case of a PVP that allows broadscale clearing or that specifies a date for the definition of “regrowth”, certain information from the PVP will beincluded on the register of PVPs and development consents, which will be publicly available on the Internet. Certain information from such PVPs willalso be available for inspection at the office of the CMA.

Words and phrases used

3. In this Schedule:

“CMA” means the Catchment Management Authority that is a party to this property vegetation plan (“PVP”)

“Landholder” means the landholder who is a party to this PVP

“the works under this PVP” means the clearing, the management actions, the mitigating actions and all other works that the Landholder is authorisedor required to take under this PVP

“the Land” means the land to which this PVP applies

“incentive payments” means incentive payments to be made under this PVP by the CMA to the Landholder, in accordance with Schedule 2 of thisPVP

“DECC” means the Department of Environment and Climate Change and includes its successor departments or agencies

Monitoring and auditing

4. The carrying out of any works under this PVP may be subject to auditing by officers of the CMA or DECC who are authorised officers under the NativeVegetation Act 2003, as set out in clauses 3 and 4.

5. Subject to reasonable notice, the Landholder will allow authorised officers of the CMA or DECC access to the Land and allow those officers to do allthings reasonably necessary for the purpose of monitoring or auditing compliance with this PVP.

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6. The Landholder agrees to retain receipts and records of all expenditure associated with incentive payments for a period of three years from the dateof final expenditure. The Landholder agrees to provide such receipts and records to authorised officers of the CMA or DECC, if requested as part ofany monitoring or audit carried out by the CMA or DECC.

7. Clauses 4, 5 and 6 do not affect the powers of authorised officers of the CMA, DECC or other government agencies to carry out investigations underthe Native Vegetation Act 2003.

Other funding arrangements

8. The Landholder warrants that prior to the approval of this PVP, the Landholder has notified the CMA of any other funding arrangements entered intofor the purpose of carrying out works under this PVP.

Registration of PVP on Title

9. If the Landholder registers this PVP on the title of the Land, the Landholder agrees to notify the CMA of such registration.

Incentive payments

10. When the Landholder has completed the works required under this PVP for which incentive payments were made, the Landholder is to submit to theCatchment Management Authority:

(a) a statutory declaration, stating that those works have been completed; and

(b) copies of all receipts and records associated with expenditure in respect of those works.

Dispute resolution

11. The parties agree to attempt to resolve any dispute in relation to this PVP by the Landholder by negotiation in the first instance. Such negotiation mayinvolve agreeing on a variation to the PVP. However, this clause does not apply to a dispute relating to a possible breach of the Native Vegetation Act2003.

12. Where appropriate, if negotiations are not successful, the CMA agrees to provide a written notice to the Landholder setting out the nature of anycontravention and requesting the Landholder to take the steps specified in that notice to rectify that contravention. This clause does not apply to apossible breach of the Native Vegetation Act 2003.

13. If the Landholder does not comply with that notice, the CMA may consider terminating this plan, in accordance with the procedure set out in the NativeVegetation Act 2003. The CMA or DECC may also take other action under that Act.

14. If this property vegetation plan is terminated by the CMA, the Landholder agrees to pay back to the CMA all incentive payments received under thisplan for works under this PVP that are not completed. The Landholder also agrees to provide access to the property to officers of the CMA andDECC and also to provide access for those officers to receipts and records of expenditure related to such works.

Note: The procedure for varying or terminating a PVP is set out in section 30 of the Native Vegetation Act 2003 and clause 12 of the Native VegetationRegulation 2005.

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Subdivision

15. The Landholder agrees to notify the CMA of any proposal to subdivide the Land.

16. The Landholder agrees to submit to the CMA separate draft PVPs relating to the Land as subdivided, in the same or similar terms to this PVP, if sorequested by the CMA.

Apportionment of risk/indemnity

17. The parties agree to apportion risk as follows:

(c) The CMA accepts the risk for the actions of CMA staff in entering the Land and carrying out functions associated with this PVP and for theactions of other visitors to the Land as organised by the CMA.

(d) All other risks associated with this PVP and the works under this PVP rest with the Landholder.

Goods and services tax

18. Unless otherwise stated, any incentive payments made by the CMA are exclusive of goods and services tax.

19. Prior to receiving any payment, the Landholder agrees to provide to the CMA a valid Australian Business Number or clear evidence as to why noAustralian Business Number is required.

Other approvals

20. In order to carry out the works under this PVP, the Landholder may be required to obtain other approvals from other government agencies.

Map 2: Incentives

Date prepared:5 March 2008Contact name:Liz ClarkContact number:02 6491 8221

1 Boundary6 Incentives

1:16000 Imagery Date: 1997Imagery Source: Department of LandsCadastral Source: Department of Lands, July 2004

Case No: 3412

Includes material © CNES 2004/2005, reproduced under license from Spot Image, all rights reserved.

Bengello ForestGeorge Bass DriveBroulee NSW


Zone 6a

Zone 6c

Zone 6d

Case No: 3412

Imagery Date: 1997Imagery Source: Department of LandsCadastral Source: Department of Lands, July 2004

1:16000

1 Boundary12 LSC zones


Map 3: Land & Soil Capability Zones


#

#


Zone 12a

Zone 12b

Zone 12c

Case No: 3412

Imagery Date: 1997Imagery Source: Department of LandsCadastral Source: Department of Lands, July 20041:16000

1 Boundary10 Vegetation zones


Map 4: Vegetation Zones



Zone 10a Dune Scrub

Zone 10a Dune Scrub

Zone 10f Bangalay Sand ForestBroulee area

Zone 10b Bangalay Sand ForestTrimming control

Zone 10e Estuarine Scrub

Zone 10d Bangalay Sand Forest

Zone 10c Coastal Freshwater LagoonZone 10d Bangalay

Sand Forest

%a

%a

Case No: 3412

Imagery Date: 1997Imagery Source: Department of LandsCadastral Source: Department of Lands, July 2004

1:16000


Map 6: Infrastructure


Erosion Control beach access%a

Road - existing

Powerline easement

1 Boundary

6 Incentives

LegendBengello ForestGeorge Bass DriveBroulee NSW

Keystone Ecological Pty Ltd

abn 13 099 456 149

PO Box 5095 Empire Bay NSW 2257 telephone 1300 651 021

email [email protected]

Sminthopsis leucopus White-footed Dunnart

Broulee Biocertification Area

For: Eurobodalla Shire Council

REF: ESC 12-571

January 2013

Sminthopsis leucopus White-footed Dunnart Broulee Biocertification Area

REF: ESC 12-571 January 2013

Author: Elizabeth Ashby

This document may be cited as: Ashby, E. (2013) Sminthopsis leucopus White-footed Dunnart, Broulee Biocertification Area. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Keystone Ecological

Cover: Photo showing part of the offset lands. Note the patchy nature of the vegetation and the fallen timber. Photo: E. Ashby, 21st November 2012

Flora and Fauna Specialists

mail:

PO Box 5095 Empire Bay NSW 2257

telephone: (02) 4368 1106 email: [email protected] abn: 13 099 456 149


Keystone Ecological REF: ESC 12-571 – January 2013

3

1. Introduction It is proposed to develop areas of bushland near Broulee and Moruya Airport and offset the resulting ecological impact by setting aside lands for conservation management under the Biocertification process. During the survey and assessment of those lands for Biocertification, the threatened small mammal Sminthopsis leucopus White-footed Dunnart was captured in the proposed development area. However, it was not captured in the proposed offset areas and in the absence of other evidence, the offset lands may not be used to offset for the loss of habitat for this species. Expert opinion may be sought in such matters and to that end I have been engaged by Eurobodalla Shore Council to provide opinion regarding the following:

1. Whether or not Sminthopsis leucopus White-footed Dunnart is likely to be present in the identified biodiversity certification offset areas and the capacity of the habitat to support a population; and

2. Estimate the number of individuals based on area of habitat to be impacted by development in the certified area and available habitat in the offset area.

My expert status is supported by my resume provided at Appendix A. I have considerable experience in this area of study, having published on the population dynamics of Sminthopsis leucopus in Mumbulla State Forest near Bega on the south coast of New South Wales (see Lunney and Ashby 1987), its diet (Lunney, Ashby, Grigg and O’Connell 1986) and as a prey item for introduced predators (Lunney, Triggs, Eby and Ashby 1990). This population was also the subject of studies regarding survey techniques (Lunney and Barker 1986, 1987), habitat preferences (Lunney, Cullis and Eby 1987, Lunney, O’Connell, Sanders and Forbes 1989) and movements (Lunney and Leary 1989). I was also part of a NSW State Forests research team in the then Coolangubra State Forest where Sminthopsis leucopus White-footed Dunnart was captured and latterly have conducted targeted survey for this species at Dolphin Point (Ashby 2008). This report draws heavily from that body of work.



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2. The study area The study area is located on the NSW South Coast, in the central portion of the Eurobodalla Local Government Area. It is defined by the coast in the east, Moruya River in the south, Tomaga River in the north and by a boundary located by cadastre in the west. The study area comprises the entire area under investigation, being made up of the development area and the offset area. The development area is made up of 2 disjunct areas in the northern and southern ends of the study area, being the patch to the west of Broulee village and the area around the airstrip, respectively. The offset area is divided into 7 patches, defined by tenure, location, ownership and vegetation. The remaining undeveloped residential zoned land at Broulee is bounded by Broulee Road, George Bass Drive, Candalagan Creek and the coast, is characterised by a mix of partially developed residential land with minor clusters of commercial development, schools and recreational facilities. Around 46.5 hectares of high conservation value residential zoned land remains within this greater urban precinct. The second part of the development area is approximately 30 hectares in extent around the Moruya Airport, which is anticipated to be re-developed in the near future. The specific focus of the Project is on the in the village of Broulee. While residential occupations are expected to increase, a range of environmental constraints are present and must be considered in the planning process. These include a 100% cover of Endangered Ecological Community (Bangalay Sand Forest) and a range of threatened species and other high conservation value habitat features. The location of the study area and its components is shown in Figure 1.



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Figure 1: Location of the study area. Note there is no patch number 6 within the offset area.

1

2

7

3

8

4

5



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3. Method This investigation was underpinned by a literature review, site inspection, habitat analysis and results from previous surveys. Available literature for this species includes published papers in scientific journals and some unpublished reports and theses (see Bibliography). The Bionet web site was also interrogated for records of this species held in the NSW Wildlife Atlas (http://www.bionet.nsw.gov.au/). The development and offset areas were inspected on the 21st and 22nd November 2012 and note made of their available habitat features. Survey results and vegetation mapping of the study area conducted and prepared by EcoLogical Australia were also examined.



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4. Results

4.1 Past survey In line with the requirements of the Biodiversity Certification Assessment Methodology 2011, targeted surveys for Sminthopsis leucopus White-footed Dunnart were conducted in the development area. Pitfall lines, remote cameras and Elliot size A traps were deployed during March 2012 and a single individual was captured in a pitfall trap. Subsequently, another individual was captured within 500 metres of the original record by another consultancy during investigations for another development project. As a result, this species was targeted in subsequent survey in the offset areas. Survey was undertaken at an appropriate time of year for the species (July and August 2012), and was designed and undertaken by an appropriately qualified officer. The targeted survey in the offset areas comprised 28 pitfall traps (164 trap nights) and 50 Elliott size A traps (210 trap nights) in July 2012 and 40 pitfall traps (160 trap nights) in August 2012. The area of offset lands is approximately 407 hectares, therefore the survey effort may be expressed as 0.19 traps per hectare for the July survey and 0.10 traps per hectare for the August survey. The vegetation types recorded and mapped by EcoLogical Australia as part of the Biocertification process revealed the presence of 10 vegetation types. Their condition, extent and descriptions are detailed in Table 2 and Figure 3 of the Broulee – Biodiversity Certification Assessment Report and are not repeated here. The study area is overwhelmingly dominated by Bangalay – Old Man Banksia open forest on coastal sands with large areas of Red Bloodwood – Silvertop Ash – White Stringybark heathy open forest on coastal foothills as well as Spotted Gum forests (Spotted Gum – White Stringybark – Burrawang shrubby open forest and Spotted Gum – Blackbutt shrubby open forest). The coastal dunes support a typical coastal scrub (Coast Banksia – Coast Wattle dune scrub) and the lowland swampy areas support swamp forests (Swamp Paperbark – Swamp Oak tall shrubland on estuarine flats, Swamp Mahogany swamp sclerophyll forest), freshwater lagoons and saltmarsh flats.

4.2 Atlas records

There are 111 records of this species in the Atlas of NSW Wildlife. The distribution of these records is shown in Figure 2. Records since 1980 for the area from Kioloa in the north to Dalmeny in the south are shown in Figure 3. These records are principally within the coastal range and coastal plain, although there are some records from the higher altitude forests near Bombala and Braidwood. The Broulee study area is within the expected range.



8

Figure 2: Location of all NSW Wildlife Atlas records of Sminthopsis leucopus White-footed Dunnart across NSW.

Figure 3: Location of NSW Wildlife Atlas records of Sminthopsis leucopus White-footed Dunnart since 1980 in the region.



9

4.3 Site inspection - Sminthopsis sites The development area where the single Sminthopsis leucopus White-footed Dunnart was captured is illustrated in Photograph 1.

Photograph 1: Development area on the western side of Broulee village where Sminthopsis

leucopus White-footed Dunnart was captured. This is an example of the Bangalay – Old Man Banksia open forest type. Its structure was well developed although the understory and fire scars indicate frequent burning. Photograph 2 illustrates the nature of some of the terrestrial log habitat available.

Photograph 2: Fallen timber in the development area near where Sminthopsis leucopus White-footed Dunnart was captured.



10

The site where Sminthopsis leucopus White-footed Dunnart was captured nearby by another consultancy is illustrated in Photograph 3.

Photograph 3: Bangalay – Old Man Banksia open forest where Sminthopsis leucopus White-footed Dunnart was captured.

A number of features are common to these area: the vegetation type (Bangalay – Old Man Banksia open forest), a patchy native understory of ferns, grasses, graminoids and regenerating shrubs, fallen timber and dense leaf litter.

4.4 Site inspection – offset areas The offset areas were overwhelmingly similar to the sites where Sminthopsis leucopus White-footed Dunnart had been captured. The vegetation across most of the offset areas was dominated by Bangalay – Old Man Banksia open forest. The understory was patchy with open areas and native understory of a similar suite of species. The structure of the vegetation was also largely similar, being a relatively low open forest with some regenerating shrubs and small trees over ferns, grasses, graminoids. The ground layer was largely dominated by a well-developed layer of leaf litter along with significant fallen timber. Tracks of various grades criss-cross the offset areas - walking tracks, vehicular tracks and electricity easements – and they all provide openings and edges. Fire scars and burnt fallen timber are a testament to a relatively frequent fire history. Some of the offset areas are illustrated in Photographs 4 - 10.



11

Photograph 4: Area 3 ground layer with dense leaf litter and fallen timber.

Photograph 5: Area 3 structure.



12

Photograph 6: Area 4 trap line through dense Lomandra understorey.

Photograph 7: Area 5 contains potential habitat such as in this photograph as well as poor habitat within the old tip area that is dominated by weeds.



13

Photograph 8: Area 6 contains potential habitat up out of the lower areas of swamp forest.

Photograph 9: Area 7is very shrubby with a lot of fallen timber.



14

Photograph 10: Area 8 contains a diverse structure of open forest with open patches, wind throw and tracks.



15

5. Ecological profile of Sminthopsis leucopus White-footed Dunnart Sminthopsis leucopus White-footed Dunnart is listed as Vulnerable under Schedule 2 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act (1995). This species is not listed under the Schedules of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999). It is a small marsupial carnivore, with a head and body length of approximately 10 centimetres and a body weight of approximately 19-26 grams (OEH 2012). It has notched ears, protruding eyes and a pointed muzzle. Its feet are covered in fine white hairs - thus the common name. It has a remarkable distribution, known from coastal environments in Tasmania, Victoria, and southern New South Wales with a disjunct population in North Queensland rainforests (Van Dyck 1985). The Shoalhaven area is believed to be the northern limit for Sminthopsis leucopus in New South Wales (DECC 2008). Van Dyck (1985) explains the enormous disjuncture as due to the difficulty in capturing the species, the difficulty in identifying them in the hand, lack of survey and lack of taxonomic investigation. Sminthopsis leucopus can be easily confused with the closely-related Sminthopsis murina Common Dunnart, there being no set of reliable distinguishing field characteristics assigned to the species (Lunney 1995). Although not a field character, it is reported that the guard hairs of Sminthopsis leucopus and Sminthopsis murina are consistently different by a width of 5 microns (Barbara Triggs pers comm). Published taxonomic treatments to date have relied on microscopic characteristics of the teeth and patterns on the foot pads, but these are not consistent characters with different combinations of both striated and granular pads observed, for example, on the same animal and in the same populations (Daniel Lunney, unpublished data, Jonathan Sanders pers comm). Workers have largely depended on published distribution maps to determine which of these Dunnart species they have observed (pers ob). This is poor science and may further obscure other species within this complex (Lunney 1995). Recent molecular work (Blackett et al. 1999, 2006) and investigation of penis morphology (Woolley et al 2007) have further muddied the water, suggesting Sminthopsis leucopus White-footed Dunnart is a unique outlier in the murina group and not supporting the divisions previously recognised. Confusion surrounding this species is not confined to its taxonomy however: its ecology is also somewhat difficult to understand with many contradictions published in the literature. For example, these animals are reportedly difficult to trap, with studies in Victoria and North Queensland indicating that they are only caught in pitfall traps (Lunney 1995). By contrast, another study near Melbourne caught this species in “Sherman” box aluminium traps (Lunney 1995), and a population of this species in Mumbulla State Forest on the south coast of New South Wales was also readily trapped in “Elliott” box aluminium traps (Lunney and Barker 1986). One of the most elusive features of this species is a reliable description of habitat. The literature indicates that low numbers of Sminthopsis leucopus have been captured in a wide range of habitats from foredune heathland to Nothofagus forest (Lunney and Ashby 1987). Habitat preferences were further clouded by an attempt by Morton et al. (1980) to clarify the different habitats exploited by Sminthopsis leucopus and Sminthopsis murina by sampling and describing the vegetation of collection sites of museum specimens many years (in some cases decades) after their capture. As vegetation structure and plant species composition are dynamic features



16

of habitat, this study perpetuated many spurious beliefs about habitat preferences of this species. A comprehensive long-term study of the Mumbulla State Forest population has helped to explain many of these seemingly anomalous results. This population was studied from 1981 to 1983 in a forest that had been logged in 1979, burnt in 1980, and was drought-affected throughout the study. Sminthopsis leucopus bred in this disturbed habitat but did not persist when the vegetation regrew and became dense (Lunney and Ashby 1987). This seemingly peculiar habitat preference was further investigated and it was found that this species selects treeless ridges and midslopes with less than 50% cover in the logged areas of burnt forest (Lunney et al. 1989). It was not found in gullies or where ferns were abundant in the ground cover. However, the reason for its choice of logged, burnt ridges was not related to food, as a study of their diet demonstrated (Lunney et al. 1986): the prey items consumed were available in similar numbers as those taken in all habitats in the forest. The inhospitable environment of the logged, burnt ridges with little ground cover provided breeding habitat for this species, with pouch young present in August, September and October (Lunney and Ashby 1987). A study of the movements of this species revealed that the breeding population (of approximately 99 individuals) in Mumbulla occupied a discrete area of approximately 500 hectares within the centre of the forest (Lunney and Leary 1989). Adult females occupied small home ranges that did not overlap with other females. Males, however, had larger and overlapping home ranges (Lunney and Leary 1989). Mark recapture data revealed that the males were of two kinds: “resident” or “explorer” (Lunney and Leary 1989). Explorer males were measured as moving at least 1 kilometre straight line distance in a single night; although the actual route probably taken (following the ridges) makes the distance travelled much greater. A similar movement pattern – large scale movements along the ridges - was also recognised in juvenile females. The ability to travel long distances enables this species to find suitable habitat and to use suddenly abundant and transient resources, such as disturbed forest, which may occur naturally only as disjunct and temporary patches (Lunney 1995). This feature of its biology alone accounts for the vast array of habitat and vegetation types within which it has been recorded. Many records are probably not of residents but of travelling individuals looking for suitable habitat. The ecology of other species of Sminthopsis has revealed a similarity in all respects, namely high rates of mobility and transience (Haythornthwaite and Dickman 2006), an extended seasonal pattern of reproduction, relatively rapid development of the young and the probable existence of polyoestry (Friend et al. 1997). All of these attributes enable a high degree of reproductive flexibility and permit these species to opportunistically invade new habitats and ephemeral post-fire seral stages (Friend et al. 1997). Recognised threats to the survival of this species include (OEH 2012):

Loss and fragmentation of habitat resulting from land clearing for residential and agricultural developments;

Modification and disturbance of habitat in coastal forest and foredune complex vegetation by camping and other recreational activities;

Predation by foxes, cats and dogs;



17

Collection of firewood from areas of habitat, including standing dead timber and logs on the ground; and

Fire regimes that result in continual absence of cover or thick regeneration may be deleterious.

A number of recovery strategies have been listed for this species, including feral predator control, rabbit control, application of mosaic hazard reduction burning, avoidance of overgrazing of habitat, application of forestry regimes that create suitable floristic and structural diversity and protection of habitat and retention of linkages at the landscape scale (OEH 2012).



18

6. Discussion This species is a small carnivorous marsupial that feeds on the ground, shelters in log habitat and is vulnerable to predation. It has been recorded in a number of different vegetation types and is known to travel long distances. It is likely to prefer and have a population spike in post-disturbance habitats – particularly post-fire habitats – and probably occurs in low numbers across the landscape during inter-fire periods. Vegetation has experienced a diversity of disturbances with burning history largely dependent on location (particularly proximity to assets). Resulted in a mosaic of ages and structures across the study area. Thus the habitat features likely to be important for this species across the landscape are the following:

Native vegetation Leaf litter Terrestrial shelter sites Open patchy ground cover Connectivity of habitat

All of these features are provided by the offset areas and it is my opinion that they should occur in all of the habitats other than the riparian, wetland and estuarine areas and those patches dominated by weeds. The absence of Sminthopsis leucopus White-footed Dunnart in the trap lines in the offset areas is likely to be a result of a combination of survey effort and a sparse population. The individuals captured in and near the development areas are likely to represent a very sparse inter-fire population and may have been “explorers”. While the survey activities underpinning the Biocertification application were carried out in accordance with the guidelines, the guidelines are probably insufficient to find this elusive small mammal in what is likely to be sub-optimal habitat. As individuals are probably spread thinly across the landscape at most times, presence / absence studies over large areas using standard trapping methodology are unlikely to capture many individuals. For example, the Mumbulla State Forest population was uncovered and studied only with considerable survey effort of 76,000 trap nights. It is also possible that the standard method of survey is not the optimal method for this species. For example, another notoriously difficult species to capture – Cercartetus nanus Eastern Pygmy Possum – is also reputedly best captured in pit traps but even then not often or in large numbers. I have undertaken a recent study of this species using a passive tube trap specifically designed for this species with great success (Ashby 2012). These tubes provide a thermally stable shelter site and because they are light to carry and inexpensive to make, the habitat was able to be saturated with 20 traps per hectare. The trapping density achieved for the Broulee biocertification survey was only 0.19 and 0.10 traps per hectare and it is therefore unsurprising that a sparsely distributed species such as Sminthopsis leucopus White-footed Dunnart was not captured. The size of the population of this species likely to occur in the development and offset areas is difficult to determine as their population patterns are dynamic. At the peak of the Mumbulla population, there were 31 individuals known to be alive in a discrete area of approximately 500 hectares of suitable forest, giving a density of 0.06 individuals per hectare when they were at their most numerous. The numbers likely to occur in the Broulee study area will therefore be small.



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It is important that the conservation management of the offset areas maintain the important habitat features listed above and also include a mosaic of disturbance. This is most effectively achieved through the use of fire through time and space as is judged to be appropriate for the vegetation type.



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and near-coastal landscapes in south-eastern Australia. Australian Mammalogy, 32(2), 117-126. Clarke, D. J., Pearce, K. A., and White, J. G. (2007) Powerline corridors: degraded ecosystems or wildlife havens?

Wildlife Research, 33(8), 615-626. Crowther, M. S., and Blacket, M. J. (2003) Biogeography and speciation in the Dasyuridae: why are there so many

kinds of dasyurids. Predators with pouches: the biology of carnivorous marsupials, 124-32. Friend, G. R. (1978) A comparison of predator scat analysis with conventional techniques in a mammal survey of

contrasting habitats in Gippsland, Victoria. Wildlife Research 5(1), 75-83. Friend, G.R., Johnson, B.W., Mitchell, D.S. and Smith, G.T. (1997) Breeding, Population Dynamics and Habitat

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Gibson, L. A., Wilson, B. A., and Aberton, J. G. (2004) Landscape characteristics associated with species richness and occurrence of small native mammals inhabiting a coastal heathland: a spatial modelling approach. Biological conservation, 120(1), 75-89.

Goldingay, R., and Daly, G. (1997) Surveys of arboreal and terrestrial mammals in the montane forests of Queanbeyan, New South Wales. Australian Mammalogy, 20, 9-20.

Haythornthwaite, A.S. and Dickman, C.R. (2006) Long-distance movements by a small carnivorous marsupial: how Sminthopsis youngsoni (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae) uses habitat in an Australian sandridge desert Journal of Zoology 270(3):543–549

Hutchings, S. (2003) The diet of feral house cats (Felis catus) at a regional rubbish tip, Victoria. Wildlife Research, 30(1), 103-110.

Hutchings, S.D. (1996 Observations of white-footed dunnart Sminthopsis leucopus: behaviour and nest-site locations on the Anglesea heathlands, Victoria. Victorian Naturalist 113:311-312

King, D.H., (1980) Extension of the New South Wales range of the White-footed Dunnart (Sminthopsis leucopus Gray). Vic. Nat. 97:263-65

Kitchener, D.J., Stoddart, J. and Henry, J. (1984) A taxonomic revision of the Sminthopsis murina complex (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae) in Australia, including descriptions of four new species. Records of the West Australian Museum 11:201-248



21

Korn, Robyn (1999) Aspects of the ecology of the White–footed Dunnart Sminthopsis leucopus and other small terrestrial mammals in southern coastal new South Wales. Supervisor: Dr N Klomp

Laidlaw, W. S. Hutchings, and S. Newell, GR (1996) Home range and movement patterns of Sminthopsis leucopus (Marsupalia: Dasyuridae) in coastal dry heathland, Anglesea, Victoria. Australian Mammalogy, 19, 1-9.

Laidlaw, W. S., and Wilson, B. A. (2007) Habitat utilisation by small mammals in a coastal heathland exhibiting symptoms of Phytophthora cinnamomi infestation. Wildlife Research, 33(8), 639-649.

Laidlaw, W. S., Hutchings, S., and Newell, G. R. (1996) Australian Mammalogy Volume 19 Number. Australian mammalogy, 19(1), 102.

Laidlaw, W. S., Hutchings, S., and Newell, G. R. (1996) Home range and movement patterns of Sminthopsis leucopus (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae) in coastal dry heathland, Anglesea, Victoria. Australian Mammalogy, 19, 1-10.

Laurance, W. F. (1990) Effects of weather on marsupial folivore activity in a north Queensland upland tropical rainforest. Australian Mammalogy, 13(1), 41-47.

Laurance, W. F. (1992) Abundance estimates of small mammals in Austalian tropical rainforest: a comparison of four trapping methods. Wildlife Research, 19(6), 651-655.

Lindenmayer, D. B., MacGregor, C., Welsh, A., Donnelly, C., Crane, M., Michael, D., R. Montague-Drake A, R. B. Cunningham A, D. Brown A, M. Fortescue C, N. Dexter C, M. Hudson and Gill, A. M. (2008) Contrasting mammal responses to vegetation type and fire. Wildlife Research, 35(5), 395-408.

Lunney, D, and Ashby, E. (1987) Population changes in Sminthopsis leucopus (Gray) (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae), and other small mammal species, in forest regenerating from logging and fire near Bega, New South Wales. Australian Wildlife Research 14:275-284.

Lunney, D. and Barker, J. (1986) Mammals of the Coastal Forests near Bega, New South Wales I. Survey. Australian Zoologist 23(2):19

Lunney, D., and Barker, J. (1987) II. Annotated Checklist. Australian Zoologist 23(3):41 Lunney, D., and Leary, T. (1989) Movement Patterns of the White-Footed Dunnart, Sminthopsis leucopus (Marsupialia:

Dasyuridae), in a Logged, Burnt Forest on the South Coast of New South Wales. Wildlife Research 16(2), 207-215

Lunney, D., Ashby, E., Grigg, J. and O'Connell, M. (1986) Food availability and habitat selection of Sminthopsis leucopus (Gray) (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae) in logged forest on the south coast of New South Wales. Australian Mammalogy 9:105-110

Lunney, D., Cullis, B., and Eby, P. (1987) Effects of logging and fire on small mammals in Mumbulla State Forest, near Bega, New South Wales. Wildlife Research 14(2), 163-181

Lunney, D., Matthews, A., and Grigg, J. (2001) The diet of Antechinus agilis and A. swainsonii in unlogged and regenerating sites in Mumbulla State Forest, south-eastern New South Wales. Wildlife Research 28(5):459-464

Lunney, D., Matthews, A., and Grigg, J. (2001) The diet of Antechinus agilis and A. swainsonii in unlogged and regenerating sites in Mumbulla State Forest, south-eastern New South Wales. Wildlife Research, 28(5), 459-464.

Lunney, D., Matthews, A., and Triggs, B. (2002) Long-term changes in the mammal fauna of logged, coastal forests near Bega, New South Wales, detected by analysis of dog and fox scats. Australian Mammalogy 23(2):101-114

Lunney, D., Matthews, A., and Triggs, B. (2002) Long-term changes in the mammal fauna of logged, coastal forests near Bega, New South Wales, detected by analysis of dog and fox scats. Australian Mammalogy, 23(2), 101-114.

Lunney, D., Matthews, A., Eby, P., and Penn, A. M. (2010) The long-term effects of logging for woodchips on small mammal populations. Wildlife Research 36(8):691-701

Lunney, D., Matthews, A., Eby, P., and Penn, A. M. (2010) The long-term effects of logging for woodchips on small mammal populations. Wildlife Research, 36(8), 691-701.

Lunney, D., O'Connell, M., Sanders, J., and Forbes, S. (1989) Habitat of the white‐footed dunnart Sminthopsis leucopus (Gray)(Dasyuridae: Marsupialia) in a logged, burnt forest near Bega, New South Wales. Australian Journal of Ecology 14(3): 335-344

Lunney, D., Triggs, B., Eby, P., and Ashby, E. (1990) Analysis of Scats of Dogs Canis familiaris and Foxes Vulpes vulpes (Canidae, Carnivora) in Coastal Forests Near Bega, New-South-Wales. Wildlife Research 17(1):61-68

Menkhorst, P. (1995) White-footed Dunnart Pp. 63-4 in Menkhorst, P.W. (ed.) The Mammals of Victoria: distribution, ecology and conservation. Oxford University Press, Melbourne.

Monamy, V., and Fox, B. J. (2005) Differential habitat use by a local population of subadult common dunnarts, Sminthopsis murina, following wildfire in coastal wet heath, New South Wales, Australia. Wildlife Research, 32(7), 617-624.

Monamy, V., and Fox, B.J. (2005) Differential habitat use by a local population of subadult common dunnarts, Sminthopsis murina, following wildfire in coastal wet heath, New South Wales, Australia. Wildlife Research 32:617–624

Morton, S. R., Wainer, J. W., and Thwaites, T. P. (1980) Distributions and habitats of Sminthopsis leucopus and S. murina (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae) in southeastern Australia. Australian Mammalogy, 3, 19-30.

Offic of Environment and Heritage (2012) Threatened species profiles. http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedspecies/



22

Read, D.G., Fox, B.J. and Whitford, D. (1983) Notes on breeding in Sminthopsis (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae). Australian Mammalogy 6:89-92

Recher, H. F., Lunney, D., and Matthews, A. (2009) Small mammal populations in a eucalypt forest affected by fire and drought. I. Long-term patterns in an era of climate change. Wildlife Research, 36(2), 143-158

Smith, A. M. A. (1983) The subspecific biochemical taxonomy of Antechinus minimus, A. swainsonii and Sminthopsis leucopus (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae). Australian journal of zoology, 31(5), 753-762.

Spratt, D. M. (1987) Helminth communities in small mammals in southeastern New South Wales. International Journal for Parasitology, 17(1), 197-202.

Tasker, E. M., and Dickman, C. R. (2002) A review of Elliott trapping methods for small mammals in Australia. Australian Mammalogy, 23(2), 77-87.

Thompson, K., and Pomery, D. (2008). New South Wales south coast bitou bush and boneseed control program. Plant Protection Quarterly, 23(1), 55.

Twyford, K. L. (1997) Habitat relationships of small mammals at Port Campbell National Park, Victoria. Australian Mammalogy, 20, 89-98.

Van Bergen, T. (2007) Assessment of the impact of the Kioloa beach holiday park on threatened species of fauna and flora.

Van Dyck, S. (1985) Sminthopsis leucopus (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae) in north Queensland rainforest. Australian Mammalogy 8:53-60

Wilson, B. A. (1991) The Ecology of Pseudomys novaehollandiae (Waterhouse, 1843) Wildlife Research, 18(2), 233-247.

Wilson, B. A., Bourne, A. R., and Jessop, R. E. (1986) Ecology of small mammals in coastal heathland at Anglesea, Victoria. Wildlife Research, 13(3), 397-406.

Wilson, B.A. and Aberton, J.G. (2006) Effects of landscape, habitat and fire and the distribution of the white-footed dunnart Sminthopsis leucopus (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae) in the Eastern Otways, Victoria Australian Mammalogy 28(1):27-38

Woolley, P. A., and Ahern, L. D. (1983) Observations on the ecology and reproduction of Sminthopsis leucopus (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae) Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria 95(4):169-180

Woolley, P. A., and Gilfillan, S. L. (1991) Confirmation of polyoestry in captive white-footed dunnarts, Sminthopsis leucopus (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae). Australian Mammalogy, 14, 137-138

Woolley, P.A., Westerman, M. and Krajewski, C. (2007) Interspecific affinities within the genus Sminthopsis (Dasyuromorphia:Dasyuridae) based on morphology of the penis: congruence with other anatomical and molecular data. Journal of Mammalogy 88(6):1381-1392

APPENDIX A Resume


23

Elizabeth Ashby – Principal Consultant Keystone Ecological Pty Ltd

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor of Science

University of Sydney, 1983, Double major in Zoology and Botany

Master of Science (Preliminary),

University of Sydney, 1984, Distinction by coursework

Cert IV Workplace Assessment and Training,

North Sydney TAFE, 2002

BioBanking Assessor (Accreditation Number 0001)

Northern Sydney Institute of TAFE / Department of Environment and Climate Change, 2009

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Executive Council Member and past President, Ecological Consultants Association of NSW

Scientific Member, Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales

Member, Australian Mammal Society

SPECIALISED COMPETENCE

Ecological impact assessment and research

Forest, woodland, heath and grassland flora

Forest fauna

Flora and fauna survey methodology

Geographic information systems

BioBanking Assessment

Data management

Project management

Advocacy and expert evidence

I am a recognised authority on forest conservation issues and have refereed many papers for Australian scientific

journals.

This year I presented an invited lecture and workshop at the University of Canberra for students regarding

implementing the ecological components of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.

I have served recently on a scientific panel of invited experts regarding the conservation status of Cumberland Plain

Woodland and associated vegetation communities for the (then) Commonwealth Department of Environment, Water,

Heritage and the Arts.

I have also served on a small working group, reporting to the Director-General of the (then) NSW Department of

Conservation and Conservation regarding the accreditation of ecological consultants, pursuant to the Threatened

Species Legislation Amendment Act (2004).

I also provide regular training in environmental matters to Environmental Land Contracting Pty Ltd.

I have provided expert evidence in the Land and Environment Court in a number of matters. My opinion has been

sought on diverse questions such as the structure of forest vegetation and its consequence on bushfire protection

requirements, the presence or otherwise of endangered ecological communities, the likely impact of development on

threatened species and rehabilitation management of foreshore wetland.

ADDITIONAL TRAINING

4WD Operator’s Certificate – National Parks and Wildlife Service

Chainsaw Operator’s Certificate - National Parks and Wildlife Service

OHS General Induction Certificate for Construction Work– Master Builders Association

APPENDIX A Resume


24

Introduction to ArcView GIS - ESRI

Working with ArcView Spatial Analyst – ESRI

Return to Work Co-ordinator Training - WorkCover

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Private Consultancy

Keystone Ecological Pty Ltd (2004–present) Principal Consultant responsible for a range of ecological reports

incorporating flora and fauna surveys, assessment of conservation values, assessment of impacts,

recommendation of mitigation measures and formulation of management plans.

Conacher Travers Pty Ltd Environmental Consultants (2002–2004) Senior Ecologist responsible for specialist input

into a number of ecological impact assessments, recommendation of mitigation measures and formulation of

management plans.

Public Authorities

Royal Botanic Gardens (1993–1999) Senior Technical Officer responsible for development of the Geographic

Information System, data management, production of vegetation maps across NSW, preparation of scientific

papers, contribution to research projects on vegetation determinants and conservation matters.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (1983–1993) Technical Officer responsible for flora and fauna survey,

research data collection and data management, preparation of scientific papers for projects across NSW.

PUBLICATIONS

Daniel Lunney, Elizabeth Ashby, Jan Grigg and Michael O’Connell (1986). Food availability and habitat selection of

Sminthopsis leucopus (Gray) (Marsupialia:Dasyuridae) in logged forest on the south coast of New South

Wales. Australian Mammalogy 9:105-110.

Daniel Lunney and Elizabeth Ashby (1987). Population changes in Sminthopsis leucopus (Gray)

(Marsupialia:Dasyuridae), and other small mammal species, in forest regenerating from logging and fire

near Bega, New South Wales. Australian Wildlife Research 14:275-284.

Daniel Lunney, Elizabeth Ashby, Jan Grigg and Michael O’Connell (1989). Diets of Scincid lizards Lampropholis

guichenoti (Dumeril and Bibron) and L. delicata in Mumbulla State Forest on the south coast of New South

Wales. Australian Wildlife Research 16:307-312.

Daniel Lunney, Barbara Triggs, Peggy Eby and Elizabeth Ashby (1990). Analysis of Scats of Dogs Canis familiaris and

Foxes Vulpes vulpes (Canidae:Carnivora) in coastal forests near Bega, New South Wales. Australian Wildlife

Research 17:61-68.

Elizabeth Ashby, Daniel Lunney, John Robertshaw and Robert Harden (1990). Distribution and status of bandicoots

in New South Wales. Pp 43-50 in BANDICOOTS AND BILBIES, ed by J.H. Seebeck, P.R. Brown, R.L. Wallis and

C.M. Kemper. Surrey Beatty and Sons, Sydney.

David Keith and Elizabeth Ashby (1992). Vascular plants of conservation significance in the south east forests of

New South Wales. Occasional Paper No. 11, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Sydney.

Marianne F. Porteners and Elizabeth M. Ashby (1996). Plants of Pooncarie and the Willandra Lakes. Royal Botanic

Gardens, Sydney

Marianne F. Porteners, Elizabeth M. Ashby and John S. Benson (1997). The natural vegetation of the Pooncarie 1:250

000 map. Cunninghamia 5(1):39-231.

John Benson, Elizabeth Ashby and Marianne Porteners (1997). The native grasslands of the Riverine Plain, New

South Wales. Cunninghamia 5(1):1-48.

J. S. Benson and E. M. Ashby (2000). Vegetation of the Guyra 1:100 000 map sheet, New England Bioregion, New

South Wales Cunninghamia 6(3):511-872.

APPENDIX A Resume


25

UNPUBLISHED REPORTS

Elizabeth Ashby and Daniel Lunney (1985). Review of nature conservation programmes: Dasyuridae. Unpublished

report to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Elizabeth Ashby and Daniel Lunney (1985). Review of nature conservation programmes: Bandicoots. Unpublished


Elizabeth Ashby and Daniel Lunney (1985). Review of nature conservation programmes: Rodents. Unpublished


John Benson and Elizabeth Ashby (1998). Vegetation of the Guyra 1:100 000 map sheet. Unpublished report to the

Australian Heritage Commission.

CONFERENCE PAPER

Elizabeth Ashby (2006). Wildlife Corridor Requirements of Flora. Proceedings of Ecological Consultants Association

Annual Conference.

Elizabeth Ashby (in prep). Are botanists lazy or do rare plants preferentially live along roadsides? Ecological

Consultants Association Annual Conference, 2012.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PROJECT HISTORY

I have completed hundreds of impact assessments (including EIS and SIS) for all manner of proposed developments

including large and small subdivisions, single dwellings, rezonings and industrial land development. Although this

work stretches across a large number of council areas from Coffs Harbour to Moruya, it is primarily within the council

areas of the Sydney basin and its fringes, the Central Coast and mid North Coast.

I have prepared scores of management plans for the rehabilitation of disturbed or cleared bushland and have been

called upon by Councils to provide such work.

I have also been contracted to provide expert critique for submission to the Department of Planning regarding the

North West Growth Centres and for a similar growth centre in the Port Macquarie area.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PROJECT HISTORY

The following projects were undertaken for Keystone Ecological Pty Ltd:

IMPACT ASSESSMENTS

Ashby, E. (2004) Preliminary Desktop Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, The Oaks Ranch, Mossy Point, Eurobodalla LGA.

Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2005) Application for Section 91 Licence, Galston Road, Dural, Hornsby LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2005) Assessment of Significance of Impact, View Street, Manly, Manly LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2005) Environmental Assessment of Sewer Pipe Construction, The Sanctuary, Umina Beach, Gosford LGA. Unpublished

report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2005) Environmental Assessment, Tor Close, Umina Beach, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2005) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Baloo Road, West Gosford, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2005) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Erina Valley Road, Erina, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2005) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, George Bass Drive, Mossy Point, Eurobodalla LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2005) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Lyn Parade, Prestons, Liverpool LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2005) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Manns Road, Fountaindale, Wyong LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2005) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, McDonalds Road, Rothbury, Cessnock LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2005) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Pacific Highway, Niagara Park, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2005) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Perry Road, Arcadia, Hornsby LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

APPENDIX A Resume


26

Ashby, E. (2005) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, The Scenic Road, MacMasters Beach, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2005) Guiding Ecological Principles, The Oaks Ranch, Mossy Point, Eurobodalla LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2006) Assessment of Matters of National Environmental Significance, Long Bay Correctional Complex, Malabar,

Randwick LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2006) Ecological Impact Assessment, Power Line Maintenance – Bar Point, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2006) Ecological Impact Assessment, Power Line Maintenance – Mt White, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2006) Ecological Impact Assessment, Power Line Maintenance – Patonga, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2006) Ecological Implications of Rezoning Proposal, Kanwal, Wyong LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2006) Environmental Assessment of Tree Removal, Heath Road, Pretty Beach, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2006) Environmental Impact Statement, Popran Road, Glenworth Valley, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2006) Fauna Impact Assessment, Tumbi Road, Wamberal, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2006) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, 137 Del Monte Place, Copacabana, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2006) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, 201 Del Monte Place, Copacabana, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2006) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Beachview Esplanade, MacMasters Beach, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2006) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Beane Street, Gosford, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2006) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Lauffs Lane, Wyong Creek, Wyong LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2006) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, MacKillop Road, Kincumber South, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2006) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Old Maitland Road, Bishops Bridge, Cessnock LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2006) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Paterson Road, Springwood, Blue Mountains LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2006) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Samuel Marsden Road, Orchard Hills, Penrith LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2006) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Wisemans Ferry Road, Lower Mangrove, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2006) Species Impact Statement, Pomona Road, Empire Bay, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2006) Updated Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, The Scenic Road, MacMasters Beach, Gosford LGA. Unpublished


Ashby, E. (2006) Updated Section 5A Assessment, Popran Road, Glenworth Valley, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2006) Updated Seven part Tests of Significance of Impact, Evans Road, Glenhaven, Baulkham Hills LGA. Unpublished


Ashby, E. (2007) Addendum Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Paterson Road, Springwood, Blue Mountains LGA. Unpublished


Ashby, E. (2007) Assessment of Matters of National Environmental Significance, Lot 2 DP 1076362 and Lot 2 DP 108340 Wilton,

Wollondilly LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2007) Bandicoot Survey, Wianamatta National Park. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2007) Ecological Assessment, Sansom Road, Williamtown, Port Stephens LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2007) Ecological Constraints, Fernbank Creek Road, Thrumster, Port Macquarie-Hastings LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2007) Ecological Constraints, Moruya East Village, Eurobodalla LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2007) Ecological Impact Assessment Update, Power Line Maintenance – Mt White, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2007) Ecological Impact Assessment, Installation of Stormwater Pipes, Coolarn Avenue, Point Clare, Gosford LGA.


Ashby, E. (2007) Environmental Assessment, Hardys Bay Parade, Killcare, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2007) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Annangrove Road, Rouse Hill, Baulkham Hills LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2007) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Avoca Drive, Green Point, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2007) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Bar Point, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

APPENDIX A Resume


27

Ashby, E. (2007) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Bembooka Road, Green Point, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2007) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Birch Road, Wyoming, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2007) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Clyde Road, Holgate, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2007) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Ingleside Road, Ingleside, Pittwater LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2007) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Moruya East Village, Eurobodalla LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2007) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Nicholson Avenue, Thornleigh, Hornsby LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2007) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Penang Street, Point Clare, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2007) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Wisemans Ferry Road, Mangrove Mountain, Gosford LGA. Unpublished


Ashby, E. (2007) Guiding Ecological Principles, Moruya East Village, Eurobodalla LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2007) Impact Assessment Blue Gum High Forest, Robert Road, Cherrybrook, Hornsby LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2007) Updated Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Springfield Road, Springfield, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2008) Ecological Constraints Assessment, Chevron Veld, Laurieton, Port Macquarie Hastings LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2008) Ecological Constraints, Cullens Road, Kincumber, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2008) Ecological Impact Assessment, Levee Bank Construction – Macmasters Beach, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2008) Ecological Impact Assessment, Vehicular Access and Watercourse Works – Narara, Gosford LGA. Unpublished


Ashby, E. (2008) Environmental Assessment, Toukley Treatment Plant, Toukley, Wyong LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2008) Fauna Impact Assessment IV: Tumbi Umbi and Saltwater Creeks, Wyong LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2008) Fauna Impact Assessment, Wrights Road, Kellyville, Baulkham Hills LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2008) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Brush Road Stage 2, Ourimbah, Wyong LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2008) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Glen Road, Ourimbah, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2008) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Kanwal Village, Wyong LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2008) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Sancrox, Port Macquarie LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2008) Habitat Tree Assessment, Burnet Road, Warnervale, Wyong LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2008) Habitat Tree Assessment, Davistown Road, Yattalunga, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2008) Impact Assessment Blue Gum High Forest, 1 and 3 Eulbertie Avenue, Warrawee, Ku-ring-gai LGA. Unpublished


Ashby, E. (2008) Impact Assessment, Litoria aurea Green and Golden Bell Frog, Magnolia Avenue, Davistown, Gosford LGA.


Ashby, E. (2008) Impact Assessment, St Agnes Primary School, Port Macquarie, Port Macquarie Hastings LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2008) Impact Assessment, St Agnes Primary School, Port Macquarie, Port Macquarie Hastings LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2008) Statement of Environmental Effects – Council Works Depot, Charmhaven, Wyong LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2008) Threatened Species Assessment, Picnic Point Boat Ramp, The Entrance, Wyong LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2008) Updated Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, 94 Toomeys Road, Mount Elliot, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2008) White-footed Dunnart Survey, Dolphin Point and Barnunj State Conservation Area. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2009) Ecological Impact Assessment and Ecological Sustainability Plan, Wallumatta Road, Newport Pittwater LGA.


Ashby, E. (2009) Ecological Management Plan, Stage 1, Link Road Warnervale, Wyong LGA, Ver 2 Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2009) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment Addendum, Tylers Road, Bargo, Wollondilly LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2009) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Avoca Drive, Avoca Beach, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2009) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Bunning Creek Road, Yarramalong, Wyong LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

APPENDIX A Resume


28

Ashby, E. (2009) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Karwin Avenue, Springfield, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2009) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Lots 33 and 34, 3-5 James Street, Tingira Heights, Lake Macquarie LGA.


Ashby, E. (2009) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Mariners Centre for Excellence, Church Road Fields, Tuggerah, Wyong LGA.


Ashby, E. (2009) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Ocean Drive, Lakewood, Port Macquarie Hastings LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2009) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Siletta Road, Niagara Park, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2009) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Sparks Road Woongarrah, Wyong LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2009) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, St John Fisher Catholic School, Tumbi Umbi, Wyong LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2009) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, The Round Drive, Avoca Beach, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2009) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Toorak Court, Port Macquarie, Port Macquarie Hastings LGA. Unpublished


Ashby, E. (2009) Preliminary Constraints Assessment, Pacific Highway, Cowan, Hornsby LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2009) Threatened Species Assessment – Aquaculture Facility, Somersby, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2009) Threatened Species Assessment – Sophia Jane Street, Chittaway Bay, Wyong LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2009) Threatened Species Assessment – Wisemans Ferry Road, Mangrove Mountain, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2009) Threatened Species Desktop Assessment – Brush Road, West Ryde, Ryde LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2009) Threatened Species Impact Assessment – Dam Removal, Terrigal, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2009) Tree Loss Assessment, Lowana Avenue, Charmhaven, Wyong LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2009) Tree Loss Assessment, Sals Lane, Tumbi Umbi, Wyong LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2009) Tree Removal Impact Assessment, Ocean Beach Holiday Park, Umina Beach, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2009) Updated Ecological Impact Assessment, Levee Bank Construction – Macmasters Beach, Gosford LGA. Unpublished


Ashby, E. (2009) Vegetation Assessment, Coachwood Road, Matcham, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2010) Addendum to Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Sparks Road Woongarrah, Wyong LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2010) Constraints Assessment, Aldgate Street, Prospect, Blacktown LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2010) Ecological Constraints Assessment, Kingfisher Road, Port Macquarie, Port Macquarie Hastings LGA. Unpublished


Ashby, E. (2010) Ecological Constraints Assessment, Panorama Drive, Bonny Hills, Port Macquarie Hastings LGA. Unpublished


Ashby, E. (2010) Ecological Impact Assessment, 41-43 York Street, Teralba, Lake Macquarie LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2010) Environmental Impact Statement, Baloo Road West Gosford, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2010) Fauna Monitoring Report, Tomago Transmission Line, Lake Macquarie LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2010) Flora and Fauna Assessment, Riverstone Road, Riverstone, Blacktown LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2010) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment and Compensatory Habitat Assessment, Proposed Motorbike Track, Somersby,

Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2010) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Crows Nest Close, Lakewood, Port Macquarie Hastings LGA. Unpublished


Ashby, E. (2010) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Lorikeet Tourist Park, Arrawarra, Coffs Harbour LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2010) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Lot 2 DP 262213, Lot 1 DP 400697, Lot 10 DP 241859 and Lot W DP 419612,

Blacktown LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2010) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Pemberton Boulevard, Lisarow, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2010) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, The Corso, Saratoga, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

APPENDIX A Resume


29

Ashby, E. (2010) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Wollombi Road, Fernances, Hawkesbury LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2010) Guiding Ecological Principles and Constraints, Lot 2 DP 262213, Lot 1 DP 400697, Lot 9 DP 241859 and Lot W DP

419612, Blacktown LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2010) Impact Assessment Blue Gum High Forest, corner of Pacific Highway and Bobbin Head Road, Pymble, Ku-ring-gai

LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2011) Impact Assessment Blue Gum High Forest, Glen Road, Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2010) Impact Assessment Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest, John Purchase Oval, Cherrybrook, Hornsby LGA.


Ashby, E. (2010) Impact Assessment Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest, Galston Road, Galston, Hornsby LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2010) Impact Assessment Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest, Link Road, St IVes, Ku-ring-gai LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2010) Review of Environmental Factors – Berkeley Vale, Wyong LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2010) Review of Environmental Factors – Mannering Park Oval, Mannering Park, Wyong LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2010) Review of Environmental Factors – Mooney Dam, Somersby, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2010) Squirrel Glider Impact Assessment – Sparks Road, Woongarrah, Wyong LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2010) Statement of Environmental Effects – dwelling on Wisemans Ferry Road, Spencer, Gosford LGA. Unpublished


Ashby, E. (2010) Updated Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Baloo Road West Gosford, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2011) Biodiversity Impact Assessment, Campbelltown Hospital Stage 1 Redevelopment, Campbelltown LGA. Unpublished


Ashby, E. (2011) Biodiversity Impact Assessment, Port Botany, Botany Bay LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2011) Constraints and Opportunities, Townson Road, Schofields, Blacktown LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2011) Fauna Monitoring Report, Tomago Transmission Line, Lake Macquarie LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2011) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Braidwood Road, Tarago, Goulburn Mulwaree LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2011) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Burnet Road, Warnervale, Wyong LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2011) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Fernbank Creek Road, Thrumster, Port Macquarie-Hastings LGA. Unpublished


Ashby, E. (2011) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Gordon Crescent, Lane Cove North, Lane Cove LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2011) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Gordon Crescent and Centennial Avenue, Lane Cove North, Lane Cove LGA.


Ashby, E. (2011) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Hastings Road, Terrigal, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2011) Impact Assessment Blue Gum High Forest, Lamond Drive, Turramurra, Ku-ring-gai LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2011) Impact Assessment Blue Gum High Forest, Pennant Hills Road, Pennant Hills, Hornsby LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2011) Impact Assessment, Corner Pacific Highway and Warrangi Street, Turramurra, Ku-ring-gai LGA. Unpublished


Ashby, E. (2011) Impact Assessment, Pacific Highway, Killara, Ku-ring-gai LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2011) Threatened Species Assessment – Anzac Avenue, West Ryde, Ryde LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2011) Threatened Species Assessment – Burnet Road, Warnervale, Wyong LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2012) Ecological Constraints and Impact Assessment, Bowden Brae, Normanhurst, Hornsby LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2012) Ecological Investigation, 168 Somersby Falls Road, Somersby, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2012) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Adna Street, Plumpton and Shaughnessy Street, Oakhurst, Blacktown LGA.


Ashby, E. (2012) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Highs Road, West Pennant Hills, The Hills LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2012) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Rindean Quarry, Somersby, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2012) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Tathra Street, West Gosford, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

APPENDIX A Resume


30

Ashby, E. (2012) Impact Assessment, Lamond Drive, Turramurra, Ku-ring-gai LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2012) Impact Assessment, Toorak Court, Port Macquarie, Port Macquarie Hastings LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2012) Nest Box Replacement Strategy – Wisemans Ferry Road, Mangrove Mountain, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2012) Technical Report: Desktop Biodiversity Certification Assessment, Somersby Industrial Park, Gosford LGA.


Ashby, E. (2012) Threatened Species Impact Assessment – Australian Walkabout Wildlife Park, Darkinjung Road, Calga, Gosford


Ashby, E. (2012) Updated Impact Assessment, Pacific Highway, Turramurra, Ku-ring-gai LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (in prep) Flora Assessment, Glenfield Waste Services, Cambridge Avenue, Glenfield, Campbelltown LGA. Unpublished


Ashby, E. (in prep) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Empire Bay Drive, Bensville, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. and Barth, M. (2008) Survey and Threatened Species Assessment, Berkeley Vale Jetty Foreshore, Berkeley Vale, Wyong


Ashby, E. and Carlin, J. (2007) Ecological Impact Assessment, Power pole maintenance – Umina, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. and Carlin, J. (2007) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Gowings Hill Road, Dondingalong, Kempsey LGA. Unpublished


Ashby, E. and Carlin, J. (2007) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Cathie Road, Port Macquarie, Port Macquarie Hastings LGA.


Ashby, E. and Carlin, J. (2008) Assessment of Ecological Significance, Adna and Flora Streets, Plumpton, Blacktown LGA. Unpublished


Ashby, E. and Evans, C. (2009) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, 1291 Pacific Highway, Cowan, Hornsby LGA. Unpublished


Ashby, E. and Evans, C. (2009) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Mataram Road and Hakone Road, Woongarrah, Wyong LGA.


Ashby, E. and Kingdom, R. (2008) Tree Survey and Assessment I: Reach 6-7 Tumbi Umbi Creek, Wyong LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. and Kingdom, R. (2008) Tree Survey and Assessment II: Reaches 12 and 14 Tumbi Umbi Creek, Wyong LGA. Unpublished


Ashby, E. and Kingdom, R. (2008) Tree Survey and Assessment III: Reaches 1 and 11 Saltwater Creek, Wyong LGA. Unpublished


Ashby, E. and Kingdom, R. (2009) Tree Removal Impact Assessment – Sparks Road, Woongarrah, Wyong LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. and Lambert, T. (2004) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Empire Bay Drive, Empire Bay, Gosford LGA. Unpublished


Ashby, E. and Lambert, T. (2004) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Mangrove Mountain Retreat, Mangrove Mountain, Gosford


Ashby, E. and Lambert, T. (2004) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Fagans Road, Lisarow, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. and Lambert, T. (2004) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Boundary Road, Kincumber, Gosford LGA. Unpublished


Ashby, E. and Lambert, T. (2005) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Ocean Parade, Blue Bay, Wyong LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. and Suesse, R. (2006) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, James Mileham Drive, Kellyville, Baulkham Hills LGA.


Ashby, E. and Suesse, R. (2006) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Albert Street, Wagstaffe, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. and Suesse, R. (2006) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Robert Road, Cherrybrook, Hornsby LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. and Suesse, R. (2006) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Springfield Road, Springfield, Gosford LGA. Unpublished


Ashby, E. and Suesse, R. (2006) Updated Fauna Impact Assessment, The Scenic Road, MacMasters Beach, Gosford LGA. Unpublished


Ashby, E. and Suesse, R. (2007) Fauna Impact Assessment, Yugari Crescent, Daleys Point, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. and Suesse, R. (2007) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Carrington Street, Narara, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. and Suesse, R. (2007) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, The Scenic Road, Killcare Heights, Gosford LGA. Unpublished


APPENDIX A Resume


31

Ashby, E. and Suesse, R. (2007) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Narara Creek Road, Narara, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. and Suesse, R. (2007) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Beaumont Road, Mount Ku-ring-gai, Hornsby LGA. Unpublished


Ashby, E. and Suesse, R. (2007) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Duffys Road, Terrigal, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. and Suesse, R. (2008) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Calool Street, Bensville, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. and Suesse, R. (2008) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Hardys Bay Parade, Killcare, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. and Suesse, R. (2008) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Tylers Road, Bargo, Wollondilly LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. and Suesse, R. (2008) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Remembrance Driveway, Bargo, Wollondilly LGA. Unpublished


Ashby, E. and Suesse, R. (2008) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Araluen Drive, Hardys Bay, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. and Suesse, R. (2008) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Hardys Bay Parade, Killcare, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. and Suesse, R. (2008) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, The Scenic Road, Killcare Heights, Gosford LGA. Unpublished


Ashby, E. and Suesse, R. (2008) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Adna Street, Plumpton, Blacktown LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. and Suesse, R. (2008) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Empire Bay Drive, Bensville, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. and Suesse, R. (2008) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Wisemans Ferry Road, South Maroota, Baulkham Hills LGA.


Ashby, E. and Suesse, R. (2008) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Halcrows Road, Cattai, Baulkham Hills LGA. Unpublished


Ashby, E. and Suesse, R. (2008) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Tylers Road, Bargo, Wollondilly LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. and Suesse, R. (2008) Threatened Species Assessment – Crinia tinnula Wallum Froglet, Blue Haven, Wyong LGA.


Ashby, E. and Suesse, R. (2008) Threatened Species Assessment – Council Works Depot, Charmhaven, Wyong LGA. Unpublished


Ashby, E. and Suesse, R. (2009) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Mariners Centre for Excellence, Tuggerah, Wyong LGA.


Ashby, E. and Suesse, R. (2009) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Seventh Avenue, Llandilo to The Northern Road, Cranebrook,

Penrith LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological.

Ashby, E. and Suesse, R. (2009) Revised Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Empire Bay Drive, Bensville, Gosford LGA. Unpublished


Evans, C. and Ashby, E. (2009) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Dora Street, Lisarow, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Fraser, A. and Ashby, E. (2010) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Ellendale Road, Kenthurst, Baulkham Hills LGA. Unpublished


Lambert, T. and Ashby, E. (2004) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Kincumber Crescent, Davistown, Gosford LGA. Unpublished


Lambert, T. and Ashby, E. (2004) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Decker Place, Huntingwood, Blacktown LGA. Unpublished


Lambert, T. and Ashby, E. (2005) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Tuggerawong Road, Wyongah, Wyong LGA. Unpublished


Lambert, T. and Ashby, E. (2005) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Beachview Esplanade, MacMasters Beach, Gosford LGA.


Lambert, T. and Ashby, E. (2005) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Glen Road, Ourimbah, Wyong LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Suesse, R. and Ashby, E. (2008) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Toomeys Road, Mount Elliot, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Suesse, R. and Ashby, E. (2008) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Avoca Drive, Kincumber, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Suesse, R. and Ashby, E. (2008) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Blythe Street, Killcare, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Suesse, R. and Ashby, E. (2008) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, Lots 33 and 34, 6 Dalley Street, Bonnells Bay, Lake Macquarie


Suesse, R. and Ashby, E. (2008) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment, MacDonalds Road, Lisarow, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

APPENDIX A Resume


32

Suesse, R. and Ashby, E. (2008) Impact Assessment Blue Gum High Forest, Nola Road and Corona Avenue, Roseville, Ku-ring-gai LGA.


EXPERT CRITIQUE

Ashby, E. (2005) Conservation Issues Submission to DIPNR North West Metropolitan Strategy Draft SEPP, Celia and Stringer Roads,

North Kellyville, Baulkham Hills LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2005) Conservation Issues Submission to DIPNR North West Metropolitan Strategy Draft SEPP, Foxall Road, North

Kellyville, Baulkham Hills LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2005) Conservation Issues Submission to DIPNR North West Metropolitan Strategy Draft SEPP, Barry and Withers Roads,

North Kellyville, Baulkham Hills LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2007) Extent of Endangered Ecological Communities, Area 13, Thrumster, Port Macquarie-Hastings LGA. Unpublished


MANAGEMENT PLANS

Ashby, E. (2005) Weed Management Plan, Ingleburn Army Camp, Edmonson Park, Liverpool LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2006) Plan of Management, The Scenic Road, MacMasters Beach, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2006) Rehabilitation Plan, Meriki Road, Mangrove Mountain, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2006) Rehabilitation Plan, The Scenic Road, Killcare Heights, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2007) Construction Environmental Management Plan, Stage 1 Access Road Construction, Wollar. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2007) Environmental Management Plan, First Stage Construction Activities for Mardi Dam. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2007) Environmental Management Plan, Marrangaroo Munitions Depot, Marrangaroo, Lithgow LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2007) Koala Plan of Management, Cathie Road, Port Macquarie, Port Macquarie Hastings LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2007) Plan of Management, Cullens Road, Kincumber, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2008) Rehabilitation Plan, Violet Hill Road, Boolambayte, Great Lakes LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2008) Vegetation and Fauna Management Plan, Residential Subdivision, Skye and Scarborough Streets - Stage 1, Morisset,

Lake Macquarie LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2009) Vegetation and Wildlife Management Plan, Buttonderry Waste Management Facility, Wyong LGA. Unpublished


Ashby, E. (2009) Vegetation Management Plan, Nola Road and Corona Avenue, Ku-ring-gai LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2009) Wildlife Management Strategy, Warnervale Superclinic, Wyong LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2010) Vegetation Management Plan, Bells Resort, Killcare Heights, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2010) Vegetation Management Plan, The Round Drive,, Avoca Beach, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2011) Vegetation Management Plan, Conservation Area, Sydney Desalination Plant, Kurnell, Sutherland LGA. Unpublished


Ashby, E. (2012) Bushland Management Plan, Shaughnessy Street, Oakhurst, Blacktown LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (2012) Updated Vegetation Management Plan, Pacific Highway, Turramurra, Ku-ring-gai LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (2012) Vegetation Management Plan, Lamond Drive, Turramurra, Ku-ring-gai LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Ashby, E. (in prep) Vegetation Management Plan, Quakers Hill, Blacktown LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. (in prep) Vegetation and Habitat Management Plan, Lakewood, Port Macquarie Hastings LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Ashby, E. and Lambert, T. (2005) Vegetation Management Plan, Ocean Parade, Blue Bay, Wyong LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Evans, C. and Ashby, E. (2008) Bushland Management Plan, The Scenic Road, Killcare Heights, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Evans, C. and Ashby, E. (2009) Bushland Management Plan, Karwin Avenue, Springfield, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Fraser, A. and Ashby, E. (2011) Vegetation Management Plan, The Scenic Road , Macmasters Beach, Gosford LGA. Unpublished


Smith, T. and Ashby, E. (2005) Vegetation Management Plan, The Scenic Road, MacMasters Beach, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological and Peak Land Management

Suesse, R. and Ashby, E. (2008) Bushland Management Plan, Empire Bay Drive, Bensville, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

APPENDIX A Resume


33

Suesse, R. and Ashby, E. (2008) Bushland Management Plan, Wattle Tree Road, Holgate, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Suesse, R. and Ashby, E. (2008) Environmental Management Plan, The Duck Pond, Reeves Street, Narara, Gosford LGA. Unpublished


Suesse, R. and Ashby, E. (2008) Vegetation Rehabilitation Plan, Lot 2 DP 808988, 196 Peach Orchard Road, Fountaindale, Wyong


Suesse, R. and Ashby, E. (2008) Vegetation Rehabilitation Plan, Mobbs Road, Terrigal, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

Suesse, R. and Ashby, E. (2008) Vegetation Rehabilitation Plan, Saliena Avenue, Lake Munmorah, Wyong LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Suesse, R. and Ashby, E. (2009) Bushland Management Plan, Bembooka Road, Green Point, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report,

Keystone Ecological

Suesse, R. and Ashby, E. (2009) Bushland Management Plan, Serpentine Road, Terrigal, Gosford LGA. Unpublished report, Keystone

Ecological

EXPERT OPINION FOR NSW LAND AND ENVIRONMENT COURT Proposed SEPP 5 development, East Maitland

Proposed residential subdivision, Cherrybrook

Proposed residential development, The Oaks

Proposed residential development, Hardys Bay

Proposed industrial development, Somersby

Rehabilitation, Colongra Swamp Nature Reserve

I participated in the following projects prior to my affiliation with Keystone Ecological:

IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORTS Barkala Road, Bayview

Camden Valley Way, Prestons

Ash Road, Prestons

Roseberry Road, Kellyville

Leo Road, Tuncurry

Dickson Road, Dooralong

The Scenic Drive, MacMasters Beach

The Lakes Way, Pacific Palms

Beaumont Road, Ku-ring-gai

Orama Road, Hazelbrook

Environmental and Ecological Validation, Lake Sector Wallarah Peninsula

Flora and Fauna, Lake Sector, Wallarah Peninsula

Temperate Grasslands of Bredbo

Lake Sector, Wallarah Peninsula

Roseberry Road, Kellyville

EXPERT OPINION FOR NSW LAND AND ENVIRONMENT COURT Beaumont Road, Ku-ring-gai

Bernera Road, Prestons

Coopernook

Orama Road, Hazelbrook

MANAGEMENT PLANS Orama Road, Hazelbrook

Jenolan Caves Conservation Area

REPORT TO THE ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2013 Page 1

O11/ BROULEE BIODIVERSITY CERTIFICATION STRATEGY 2013

NOTE: CONFIDENTIAL ATTACHMENTS

SYNOPSIS

This report advises of the completion of a Biodiversity Certification investigation in the Broulee and Moruya Airport area and presents the draft Broulee Biodiversity Certification Strategy and associated documents for Council’s consideration.

Additionally, this report seeks Council’s endorsement to publicly exhibit the draft Broulee Biodiversity Certification Strategy and associated documents, enabling an opportunity for community review and feedback on the content and approach defined therein. This Project has developed in an effort to assist the community facilitate, under the current statutory framework, the development of land that has long been identified and zoned for urban development and the airport precinct.

BACKGROUND

Biodiversity Certification is an alternate assessment pathway given effect through an amendment to the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act). Biodiversity Certification allows local government, in areas with high development pressure, (urban and coastal areas), to provide for the protection of biodiversity, including threatened species at the strategic planning stage. By streamlining the current biodiversity assessment process Biocertification provides the opportunity to replace site by site, development by development assessment of threatened species with a landscape-wide strategic assessment. The process provides for a range of options to offset biodiversity impacts, should this be required, to enable development of an identified area. Biodiversity must be ‘maintained or improved’ for Certification to be conferred by the Minister. Once Biodiversity Certification is provided over a defined area, development may proceed without the usual environmental assessment requirements under the Environmental Planning

and Assessment Act 1979.

The Biodiversity Certification process has been identified as an appropriate, equitable and efficient mechanism to address competing biodiversity conservation and development issues in the Broulee urban and Moruya airport precincts. The Broulee Biodiversity Certification Strategy has been developed as a strategic solution to ongoing planning, development and biodiversity issues in the subject area. The approach proposes to resolve long standing land use conflict and development uncertainty being experienced in the remaining undeveloped urban area of Broulee and concerning the re-development of Moruya Airport. It is anticipated that certification of urban zoned lands and special use airport lands will permit development to proceed but secure long term and comprehensive protection for the residual occurrence of Bangalay Sand Forest and threatened species habitat within specified areas.



ISSUES Council must ensure that the land use patterns in a locality support sustainable development and comply with the requirements of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. While residential occupations are expected to increase in the village, and commercial opportunities associated with a larger airport facility are anticipated, a range of environmental constraints and threatened entities are present and must be considered in the planning process. These include potential presence of some 36 threatened species, significant cover of an endangered ecological community; Bangalay Sand Forest and a high density of high conservation value habitat features. The conservation and management of these biodiversity values poses significant challenges in light of present zoning and development patterns of the subject lands, which predate the gazettal of Bangalay Sand Forest and the introduction of the Threatened Species Conservation

Act 1995. Following ongoing concerns communicated by local landholders and developers, feedback from Council’s planning and development assessment unit and advice received from the Department of Environment and Climate Change that, ‘continued cumulative clearing of remnant Bangalay Sand Forest in the Broulee area is not acceptable and a more strategic approach to development is required as a matter of urgency’ (September 2009), Council, in 2010, resolved to undertake Biodiversity Certification investigations in Broulee. In early 2011, financial support for the proposal was offered by the Department of Planning and Infrastructure and the Office of Environment and Heritage and research commenced. The assessment conducted was consistent with the Biodiversity Certification Assessment Methodology 2011 and focused on quantifying the biodiversity values within defined development areas, (Broulee village 36Ha and Moruya Airport 33Ha), and on identifying conservation areas to offset the loss of biodiversity values that would result from certification of these development areas. Through this process, a suite of 8 publicly owned parcels (407Ha) have been identified in the Strategy as conservation lands. The draft Broulee Biodiversity Certification Strategy and associated documents provide details of the assessment and demonstrates compliance with the statutory maintain or improve standard. Whilst Council acknowledges the value and importance of sustainably managing the State’s biodiversity, it also recognises the need to provide for economic growth, community services and facilities, and a supply of affordable residential land via sound strategic planning process. Using the Biocertification pathway it is proposed to deliver better environmental outcomes from anticipated urban development, at lower cost by considering biodiversity issues up-front. This approach enables practical decision-making and recognises the importance of opting for a cost-effective approach to delivering offset requirements. The outcome of this project will be:

a streamlined development assessment process greater certainty to landowners regarding potential land uses and future development

opportunities and costs



savings in time and money spent on individual flora and fauna studies and negotiating individual conservation outcomes

secure conservation outcomes for high value natural environments and strategically targeted mitigation or offset efforts

a reduction in the cumulative impacts resulting from continued ad-hoc development

Legal

Under the Local Government Act, 1993, it is part of a Council’s Charter to properly manage, develop, protect, restore, enhance and conserve the environment of the area for which it is responsible. There are numerous forms of legislation and policies that require Council to consider biodiversity, Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD), threatened species and vegetation management. This international, national, state and regional governance directly influences Council’s operations and the discharge of statutory responsibilities must be consistent with these laws. The Strategy has been prepared in reference to Division 2 part 7AA of the Threatened Species

Conservation Act 1995 and the gazetted Biodiversity Certification Assessment Methodology 2011. Policy

The Strategy is consistent with priority actions of the NSW Biodiversity Strategy 2011, the Priority Action Statement (PAS), South Coast Regional Conservation Plan (1.2 Objectives of

the Plan, 2.3 Biodiversity Planning Principles and Priorities), South Coast Regional Strategy 2007, the Southern Rivers Catchment Action Plan 2013 and the Eurobodalla Settlement Strategy 2006.

Environmental

The Broulee area supports one of the largest occurrences of the Endangered Ecological Community (EEC), Bangalay Sand Forest in State of NSW. The area of Bangalay Sand Forest between Tomakin and the Moruya River is estimated to be 770 Ha, representing approximately 46% of the remaining area of this community in the Shire. The appropriate protection of this EEC in the Broulee area is therefore critical to the survival and recovery of this EEC in NSW as a whole. The native vegetation cover of the land proposed for Biodiversity Certification (Broulee Village 36Ha and the Moruya Airport 33Ha) is entirely Bangalay Sand Forest. Additionally, the assessment area supports high quality habitat for a range of threatened species known from or predicted to occur in the locality. The Biodiversity Certification Assessment Report 2012 appended to the Broulee Biodiversity Certification Strategy defines the biodiversity values of the assessment area. It is anticipated that Certification of specified urban zoned lands and Special Use airport lands will permit development to proceed, but, secure long term and comprehensive protection for a significant area of Bangalay Sand Forest and threatened species habitat in the locality.



Community Consultation

Affected landholders of the Broulee urban area have supported the preparation of this application and have been consulted throughout the preparation of the Strategy via individual meetings and updates. A tailored Biobanking presentation was delivered for their information in 2010 and followed with a Biocertification workshop in 2011. Broader community engagement and advisory notices have been communicated through local media and community newsletters. Targeted mail outs to landholders outside the urban precinct and between Moruya and Tomaga Rivers was undertaken, focusing on properties that may support Bangalay Sand Forest and where more information was sought to augment the existing knowledge base. Following initial introduction of the Project, property entry was requested in key locations and individually organised upon receipt of permission. A summary of engagement activities relating to the Broulee Biodiversity Certification process is described in Appendix F of the Strategy. Further, this report seeks permission to publicly notify and exhibit the Broulee Biodiversity Certification Strategy and associated documents for a 30 day period consistent with public notification requirements of the TSC Act. This period will allow the community to review and forward submissions on the proposal for Council consideration. Proposed engagement actions for the exhibition of the Strategy would again focus on the Broulee community and interest groups with a targeted mailout to landholders within and adjacent to the assessment area. Broader consultation through Council’s webpage, facebook, online news and media releases is proposed together with opportunities for the community to come in and meet with staff by appointment during this period.

Staff

The Biodiversity Certification investigation has been managed by Strategic Services over the course of 2011-2013 with consultants, Ecological Australia, engaged to undertake field assessments and Keystone Ecological providing an expert report.

Financial

Council secured $45,000 from the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water and $60,000 from the Department of Planning and Infrastructure as a contribution to the first stage biodiversity certification investigations and surveys for both Broulee and South Moruya. This has been matched by a $10000 allocation from the 2011-2012 Management Plan budget. Options to fund and service management obligations that may result from conferral of Biodiversity Certification (should Council resolve to proceed with an application for certification at any stage in the future) are presently being explored and will be reported to Council for evaluation. During this process, contributions from property owners who may benefit from the project outcomes are to be explored.



CONCLUSION

The Biodiversity Certification process has been identified as an appropriate, equitable and efficient mechanism to address competing biodiversity conservation and development issues in Broulee. The Broulee Biodiversity Certification proposal is a strategic, landscape-scale approach to ensuring long-term protection and management of high conservation value features whilst resolving long standing land use conflicts and development uncertainty. RECOMMENDED

THAT: 1. Council receive and note the draft Broulee Biocertification Strategy and supporting

documents 2. Council grant the General Manager delegated authority to lodge, and publish notice of,

an application for Biodiversity Certification with the Minister for the Environment seeking permission to exhibit the draft Broulee Biocertification Strategy and supporting documents, noting that the application can be withdrawn or varied at any time.

3. Council endorse the draft Broulee Biocertification Strategy and supporting documents

for a 30 day exhibition consistent with public notification requirements in relation to an application for Biodiversity Certification.

4. Council resolve that, following exhibition, a full submissions report will be drafted

and reported to Council. The report will outline all comments received during the exhibition relating to the Biodiversity Certification application, together with relevant responses.

5. Options to fund and service management obligations that may result from any

conferral of Biodiversity Certification be explored and reported to Council for evaluation.

LINDSAY USHER DIRECTOR STRATEGIC, DEVELOPMENT & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES Clrs

Broulee Biodiversity Certification Application 2013

Parcels Proposed for Biodiversity Certification

Lot Deposited Plan

Lot Area (Ha)

Certification Area (Ha)

Description

4 1090948 232.8 100 Part lot. Airport Concept Plan (2006) footprint. Bruce Cameron Drive, Moruya.




9 1068530 9.4 9.0 Part lot. Adams way.


58 245167 7.4 2.7 Part lot. Captain Oldrey Park.

2 718667 2.9 0.2 Part lot. Broulee Primary School.

20 1174639 2.7 1.7 Part lot. Train Street.


0.8 0.8 Unformed crown road off Train Street


89 1093710 0.09 0.09 Corner Lot. Clarke Street.

0.3 0.3 Unformed road segment Clarke Street

Total 137

Parcels proposed for Conservation Measures

Lot Deposited Plan

Lot Area (Ha)

Description


70 831111 36.5 Part Lot. Corner George Bass Drive and Broulee Road


4 1090948 74 Part Lot. George Bass Drive, Williga (Y) Swamp

12 831878 10.6 Corner George Bass Drive and Broulee Road

10 831878 12 George Bass Drive, Illawong Swamp

11 771575 7.1 Part Lot. Donnelly Drive west of racecourse

41 1036166 17.3 Part Lot. Donnelly Drive south of racecourse

Total 407

11

12

70

10

70

8

4

11

41 8

9

20

3

13

58

50 89

28

1

Left: The Broulee Development Area

Left: The Moruya Airport Development Area

Above: The Biodiversity Certification Conservation Area

Broulee Biodiversity Certification Strategy 2013 · 2.7 Red flags 19 2.8 Indirect impacts 20 2.9...

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