Clarence Valley Council Flora and Fauna Report 14 March 2012

Flora and Fauna Report - Appendix 1 - Yamba Motorway, Freeburn Street to Yamba Road at Shores Drive NCEP

Flora and Fauna Report

Proposed Road Construction

Freeburn Street to Yamba Road

February 2012

Prepared by

North Coast Environmental Planning

PO Box 228 Yamba NSW 2464, Email [email protected]

Prepared for Clarence Valley Council by;

Janet Purcell (BSc. Grad. Dip. URP), Alan Cibilic (B.Ag.Sc.) n association with Dr Greg Clancy Ph.D .,M. Sc., M.R.Z.S.

(NSW), M.E.S.A., Russell Jago (Assoc. Dip. App. Sc.)

Disclaimer: This Flora and Fauna Report is based on the methodology and information available at the time of writing.

The information contained within this report has been prepared for the sole use of Clarence Valley Council and is site and

date specific. This report is not to be used for any other purpose.

mailto:[email protected]

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Summary

The flora and fauna assessment for the clearing and construction of Yamba Motorway –

Freeburn Street to Yamba Road located at Yamba revealed a diverse range of flora and

fauna including threatened species (Appendix 1 and 2, flora and fauna species lists).

The vegetation at the subject site consists of Swamp Open Forest with a wet understory

of rainforest and wetland species. Grey Mangroves occur on the edge of flood mitigation

drains and the estuarine channel.

An endangered plant, Acronychia littoralis was identified within the subject site east of

Golding Street. An endangered listing under the Threatened Species Conservation Act

refers to species that are likely to become extinct in nature in NSW unless factors that

threaten its survival cease. To avoid damage to this tree the road will require re-

alignment. A Species Impact Statement for this species will be required if the proposed

design for the road construction is to proceed (Schedule 1 Part 1 Threatened Species

Conservation Act 1995)

The results from the flora survey revealed that there were no other flora species listed as

threatened under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, occurring on or

adjacent to the proposed activity site.

The results from the fauna survey revealed seven threatened species recorded within

and adjacent to the proposed activity site during the on-site fauna survey. Species

recorded within close proximity to the site are recognised as potentially utilising the site

as foraging and nesting habitat.

Assessment of the proposed road site and the Assessment of Significance has

determined that the proposed road construction will have a significant impact on the

Grey-crowned Babblers and their dormitory nests and Squirrel Gliders and their habitat

trapped and observed during the field survey. A Species Impact Statement is

recommended.

The Office of Environment and Heritage should be contacted to seek advice on the

preparation of a species impact statement.

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Other threatened species recorded during the field survey are not expected not be

significantly impacted by the proposed works.

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Contents

Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 5 Site Description ............................................................................................................... 6 Legislative Requirements ................................................................................................ 7 Methodology.................................................................................................................... 7

Desktop ....................................................................................................................... 7 Field Methodology ....................................................................................................... 8 Flora ............................................................................................................................ 8 Flora ............................................................................................................................ 8 Fauna .......................................................................................................................... 8

Bird Census ................................................................................................... 8 Trapping......................................................................................................... 8

Ultrasonic Bat detection ................................................................................. 9 Call Playback ............................................................................................... 10 Spotlighting .................................................................................................. 10 Herpetofauna search ................................................................................... 11

Results .......................................................................................................................... 12 Flora .......................................................................................................................... 12

Table 1. Flora species identified as occurring within a 5 km radius of the site (NSW Department of Environment and Conservation Wildlife Atlas database) 12

Fauna ........................................................................................................................ 13 Table 3. Matters of National Environmental Significance relevant to the site (Department of the Environment and Heritage Search Tool) ....................... 16

Table 4 Threatened Fauna identified as a result of Fauna Field Survey (20th to the 23rd February) .................................................................................... 17

Assessment of Significance (Part 5A, EPA Act 1979) .................................................... 17 Squirrel Glider (Petaurus norfolkensis) ..................................................................... 18 Grey-headed Flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) ..................................................... 20 Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat (Saccolaimus flavivientris) ........................................... 22 Hoary Wattled Bat (Chalinolobus nigrogrogriseus) .................................................... 23 Little Bent-wing Bat (Miniopterus australis) ............................................................... 25 Fishing Bat (Myotis macropus) .................................................................................. 26 Grey-crowned Babbler (Pomatostomus temporalis) ................................................... 28 Clearing of Native Vegetation .................................................................................... 30 Removal of Dead Wood and Dead Trees .................................................................. 30 Loss of Hollow-bearing Trees .................................................................................... 30

Safeguards .................................................................................................................... 31 Discussion and Conclusion ........................................................................................... 32 Recommendations ........................................................................................................ 37 References .................................................................................................................... 40 Appendix 1 Flora List – Deering Street Yamba .............................................................. 41 Appendix 2 Fauna species Deering Street Yamba ....................................................... 45

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Introduction

Clarence Valley Council engaged North Coast Environmental Planning (NCEP) to

conduct a Flora and Fauna survey for the proposed construction of the Yamba Motorway

Freeburn Street to Yamba Road.

The field survey was undertaken over four days and three nights from the 20th through to

the 23rd of February 2012. This report provides information and assessment on the

results of the field survey and threatened species, including populations and ecological

communities, which may occur on the site; as required by the Environmental Planning

and Assessment Act 1979, Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and

Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

The flora and fauna field survey and report format closely follows the requirements of the

Office of Environment and Heritage (formerly NSW Department of Environment and

Conservation) Working Draft Threatened Biodiversity Survey and Assessment:

Guidelines for Developments and Activities, November 2004.

This report includes a search of the area for existing records of threatened species,

ecological communities and migratory species held by the Office of Environment and

Heritage Wildlife Atlas database and a search for matters of environmental significance

and other matters protected by the Commonwealth Environment Protection and

Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

This report includes an ‘Assessment of Significance’ in order to assess the impact of the

proposed works on threatened species, populations and endangered ecological

communities.

The information provided is based on the flora and fauna field survey, threatened

species records obtained from the Department of Environment and Conservation Wildlife

Atlas database and the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity

Conservation website.

The data within the report, as stated, has been compiled from a flora and fauna survey

and does not take into account seasonality. Seasonality, in addition to weather

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conditions, may restrict or enhance the presence of fauna and flora species at the time

of survey.

Site Description The site of the proposed activity and field survey is confined to sections of Deering

Street and Cox Streets (Map 1).

The study area and subject site are located on the southern edge of the town of Yamba.

The site consists of remnant vegetation including Open Swamp Forest with a wet

understory of rainforest and wetland species. Grey Mangroves occur on the edge of

drains. A threatened species, Acronychia littoralis was identified within the proposed

construction area.

Map 1 Site Location - Deering Street Yamba Yamba 9539-2S 1:25 000 Topographic

Map.

Approx. study area

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Legislative Requirements

NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979

Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.

Native Vegetation Act 2004

Fisheries Management Act 1994

Commonwealth Environment Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

Including:

o Japan Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA)

o China Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA)

o The Bonn Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild

Animals

o Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance

Methodology

Desktop

The results of a desktop survey of threatened species, ecological communities and

migratory species records within a five kilometre radius of the proposed activity site was

obtained via the Office of Environment and Heritage Wildlife Atlas database. The results

of this search are presented in Table 1 and Table 2.

A search of the Commonwealth Department of Environment and Heritage database was

conducted to ascertain the occurrence of threatened species, ecological communities

and sites of National and International Significance. The results of this search are

presented in Table 3.

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Field Methodology

Flora

Flora

The vegetation on this site is Open Swamp Forest with a wet understory of rainforest

and wetland species. Grey Mangroves, occur on the edges of the drains.

The flora of the proposed activity site was comprehensively surveyed using a random

meander technique and linear transects during a four day flora survey conducted from

the 20th through to the 23rd of February 2012. A comprehensive flora list has been

compiled as part of this report (Appendix 1).

Fauna

On-site habitat assessment of the proposed activity site was undertaken during a four

day and three night fauna survey conducted from the 20th through to the 23rd February

2012.

Bird Census

Intensive bird watches were conducted during times of high bird activity and a continual

census was kept of bird species during the four day and three night survey.

Trapping

Elliott Traps

Arboreal Elliot traps are mounted on trees in order to sample small arboreal mammals.

The distance of traps is generally determined by the availability of suitable trees.

Twenty arboreal B-sized Elliott traps were set along the site. There were five “A” size

arboreal Elliot traps approximately 20 metres apart, set at the eastern site in the small

remnant patch of Swamp Sclerophyl forest. Five “A” size Elliot traps set in the central

section of the site set approximately 20 metres apart. A further ten “B” size Elliot traps

were set in the western end of the site set approximately 20 to 30 metres apart.

Fifty A-sized Elliott traps, set on the ground approximately 10 metres apart from the east

to the west of the subject site.

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Cage Traps

Three cage traps were set, one at the eastern end of the site and two at the western end

of the site.

Harp Traps

Two harp traps were set during the survey, one at the eastern end of the site 533515E

6743232 and the second at the western end of the site 532887E 6743820.

Pitfall Traps

Ten pitfall traps were set in areas of habitat expected to support small mammals,

amphibians and reptiles.

Hair Tubes

Ten hair tubes were set for a period of ten days in habitat from the eastern end of the

site to the western end of the site.

Ultrasonic Bat detection

Bat detection was conducted from the eastern end to the centre of the site and then to

the western end of the site on the 21st of February 2012. The detection held at the

eastern end of the site began at 1950 hours to 2030 hours, the dry temperature was 24

degrees celsius, wet temperature was 23 degrees celcius and humidity was 92%. The

detection held at the central site began at 2030 hours until 2115 hours dry temperature

was 23 degrees, wet temperature 22 degrees and humidity 92%. The third bat detection

was held at the western end of the site and began at 2115 hours and finished at 2150

hours, dry temperature was 22 degrees, wet temperature was 21 degrees and humidity

92%. The sky was mostly clear with a slight breeze. Cloud cover was 7/8 and was at a

high level.

The bat detection held on the 22nd of February was conducted from the centre at the

intersection of Golding and Deering Street along Cox Street to the western end of the

study area at 1950 hours to 2050 hours for one hour. Dry temperature was 23 degrees

and wet temperature was 21 degrees and humidity was 84% with no wind. There was

no moon and cloud cover was 7/8-8/8.

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The ultrasonic bat detections were conducted during high bat activity in the early hour or

so of dark.

The bat detection was conducted during high bat activity in the early hour of dark.

Recordings were made using a sensitivity setting between 5 and 6. These recordings

have been professionally analysed to determine species present.

Call Playback

On the 21st February, call playback for Buff-banded Rail, Bush Hen and Black Bittern

was conducted from the centre of the site to the eastern end of the site at 1920 hours

until 1940 hours. Later at 2200 hours until 2300 hrs call playback for Powerful Owl,

Barking Owl, Masked Owl, Boobook, Barn and Grass Owl and Bush-stone Curlew was

conducted at the eastern end of the site Cloud was 0/8, moon 0/8 and the wind steady

south easterly.

Call playback was conducted on the 22nd February, at the western end of the study area

at 2150 hours for Powerful Owl, Masked Owl, Barking Owl, Grass Owl, Koala, Yellow-

bellied Glider, Squirrel Glider, Bush-stone Curlew and Black Bittern. Moon, cloud, wind.

7/8 cloud, no moon no wind

Spotlighting

Spotlight walk

Spotlighting was carried out to search for nocturnal amphibians, fish, mammals, birds

and reptiles. Spotlighting was conducted on the 21st February from the eastern end of

the site through to the far western end of the site from 1945 to 2200 hrs. Cloud was 7/8,

moon 0/8 and the wind a steady south-easterly.

On the 22nd of February spotlighting began at 2000 ending at 2150 hours at the Western

end of the study area.

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Herpetofauna search

The first herpetofauna search was conducted on the 21st February at the eastern end of

the site at 1230 to 1330 hours. The dry temperature was 29 degrees and the wet

temperature 24 degrees with humidity at 66%.

The second herpetofauna search was conducted at the central area of the site from

1135 hours until 1300 hours on the 22nd February , the dry temperature was 28 degrees

and the wet temperature was 22 degrees, with humidity at 71%.

The third herpetofauna search was conducted at the western end of the site on the 23rd

February from 1130 hours until 1200 hours. Dry temperature was 22 degrees, wet

temperature 21.5 degrees and humidity 96%.

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Results

One flora species, Acronychia littoralis was identified within the study area and is listed

as Endangered under Schedule 1 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act. This

species is located on or near the centre line of the proposed construction road. The

proposed road construction will destroy this small tree.

Seven threatened fauna species were revealed on and adjacent to the subject site as a

result of the fauna and flora survey conducted on the 20th to 23rd.

Flora

The eastern section of the study site supports Open Swamp Forest with a wet

understory of rainforest and wetland species (Blackwood Wattle is a dominant

understory species in some sections). Grey Mangroves, protected under the Fisheries

Management Act 1994, occur on the edges of the flood mitigation drains.

The results of the Department of Environment and Climate Change database search

identified five endangered and two vulnerable plant species within a five kilometre radius

of the study site.

The field survey revealed a total of 191 flora species, comprising 112 native species and

79 introduced species (Appendix 1). One plant species Acronychia littoralis, listed as

Endangered under Schedule 1 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, and

listed in table 1 above, was identified within the study area as a result of the flora survey.

This plant is located within the subject site near to the centreline of the proposed roadl.

Eight plants of significance were identified during the field survey including Umbrella

Cheese Tree, Willow Primrose, Pink-flowered Doughwood, Scented Achronychia (also

endangered), Queensland Silver Wattle, Zornia, Swamp Lilly and Narrow-leaved

Cumbungi.

Table 1. Flora species identified as occurring within a 5 km radius of the site (NSW Department of Environment and Conservation Wildlife Atlas database)

Common Name Scientific Name Status

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Dwarf Heath Casuarina Allocasuarina defungens E1

Silver Bush Sophora tomentosa E1

Rusty Rose Walnut Endiandra hayesii V

Arrow-head Vine Tinospora tinosporoides V

Byron Bay Diuris Diuris sp. aff. chrysantha E1

Southern Swamp Orchid Phaius australis E1

Sweet Acronychia Acronychia littoralis E1

Fauna

Results of a desktop search of the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage Wildlife

Atlas identified thirty two threatened fauna species as occurring within a five kilometre

radius of the proposed activity site.

Seven of these species were identified on the site and are recognised as regularly

utilising the habitat of the proposed activity area. Six threatened species were identified

on and adjacent to the subject site during the on-site fauna survey, including the Squirrel

Glider, Grey-headed Flying-fox,Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat, Hoary Wattled Bat, Little

Bentwing-bat, Fishing Bat and the Grey-crowned Babbler, all listed as Vulnerable under

the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.

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Table 2. Fauna species identified as occurring within a 5 km radius of the site

(NSW Office of Environment and Heritage Wildlife Atlas database)

Species Comment

1 Crinia tinnula - Wallum Froglet V Possible but not detected

2 Litoria olongburensis - Olongburra Frog V Possible but not detected

3 Dromaius novaehollandiae - Emu E2 Possible but not detected

4 Ixobrychus flavicollis - Black Bittern V Possible but not detected

5 Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus - Black-necked Stork E1 Possible but not detected

6 Lophoictinia isura – Square-tailed Kite V Possible but not detected

7 Pandion haliaetus - Osprey V Possible but not detected

8 Grus rubicunda - Brolga V Possible but not detected

9 Burhinus grallarius- Bush Stone-curlew V Unlikely

10 Ptilinopus magnificus - Wompoo Fruit-Dove V Possible but not detected

11 Ptilinopus regina - Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove V Possible but not detected

12 Ninox connivens – Barking Owl V Possible but not detected

13 Ninox strenua - Powerful Owl V Possible but not detected

14 Tyto capensis – Grass Owl V Possible but not detected

15 Lichenostomus fasciogularis – Mangrove Honeyeater Possible but not detected

16 Glossy Black-Cockatoo V Possible but not detected

17 Pomatostomus temporalis temporalis - Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) V

Recorded during the field survey

18 Glossopsitta pusilla – Little Lorikeet V

19 Monarcha leucotis - White-eared Monarch V Recorded within 2 km of study site in 2000

20 Daphoenositta chrysoptera – Varied Sitella V Possible but not detected

21 Coracina lineata - Barred Cuckoo-shrike V Possible but not detected

22 Dasyurus maculata - Spotted-tailed Quoll V Possible but not detected

23 Phascogale tapoatafa -Brush-tailedPhascogale V V Possible but not detected

24 Planigale maculata - Common Planigale V Possible but not detected

25 Phascolarctos cinereus - Koala V Possible but not detected

27 Petaurus norfolcensis – Squirrel Glider V Recorded during the field survey

28 Pteropus poliocephalus - Grey-headed Flying-fox V Recorded on site

29 Syconycteris australis - Common Blossom bat - V Recorded within 2 km of study site

30 Chalinolobus nigrogriseus - Hoary Wattled Bat - V Recorded on site

31 Miniopterus australis – Little Bentwing – V Recorded within 2 km of study site

32 Myotis adversus - Large footed Myotis V Recorded within 2 km of study site

33 Myotis macropus – Southern Myotis V Possible but not detected

34 Nyctophilus bifax - Eastern Long-eared Bat V Possible but not detected

35 Scoteanax rueppellii - Greater Broad-nosed Bat V Possible but not detected

Note: The Office of Environment and Heritage Wildlife Atlas Database search accounts for a 5 kilometre radius. This area includes open water of the ocean, the estuary and extends across to Iluka. As a result some species that are listed in the search results are not included in Table 2 because their occurrence would not be possible. These

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include; Calidris alba – Sanderling, Calidris tenuirostris – Great Knot, Limosa limosa – Black-tailed Godwit, Xenus cinereus – Terek Sandpiper, Burhinus grallarius – Bush Stone-curlew, Haematopus fuliginosus – Sooty Oystercatcher, Haematopus longirostiris – Pied Oystercatcher, Charadrius leschenaultii – Greater Sand-plover, Sterna albifrons- Little Tern, Pezoporus wallicus wallicusi – Eastern Ground Parrot, Dugong dugon – Dugong, Physeter macrocephalus – Sperm Whale. Source: Office of Environment and Heritage Protected Matters Report – Commonwealth Environment Protection and

Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

A search was conducted on the Commonwealth Government’s Department of

Environment and Heritage web site (www.deh.gov.au). The search results provide

guidance on matters of National Environment Significance and other matters protected

by the EPBC Act in the area selected.

Thirteen threatened fauna species, eleven migratory species, one ecological community

and five threatened plant species were identified as a result of this search (Table 3).

http://www.deh.gov.au/

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Table 3. Matters of National Environmental Significance relevant to the site

(Department of the Environment and Heritage Search Tool)

Threatened Species Status

Birds

Swift Parrot –Lathamus discolour Endangered

Australian Painted Snipe – Rostratula australis Vulnerable

Australasian Bittern – Botourus poiciloptilus Endangered

Regent Honeyeater – Xanthomyza Phrygia Endangered

Frogs

Green and Golden Bell Frog Vulnerable

Wallum Sedge Frog Vulnerable

Mammals

Large-eared Pied Bat, Large Pied Bat – Chalinolobus dwyeri

Vulnerable

Spot-tailed Quoll, Spotted-tail Quoll, Tiger Quoll – Dasyurus maculatus maculatus (SE mainland population)

Endangered

Long-nosed Potoroo – Potorous tridactylus tridactylus Vulnerable

Grey-headed Flying-fox – Pteropus poliocephalus Vulnerable

False Water Rat – Xeromys myoides Vulnerable

Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby – Petrogale penicillata Vulnerable

New Holland Mouse – Pseudomys novaehollandiae Vulnerable

Plants

Leafless Tongue-orchid – Cryptostylis hunteriana Vulnerable

Sweet Myrtle – Cossia fragrantissima Vulnerable

Dwarf Heath Casuarina – Allocasuarina defungens Endangered

Stinking Laurel – Cryptocarya foetida Vulnerable

Minute Orchid – Taeniophyllum muelleri Vulnerable

Threatened Ecological Community

Littoral Rainforest with Coastal Vine Thickets of Eastern Australia

Migratory Birds

White-bellied Sea-Eagle – Haliaeetus leucogaster

Migratory Recorded flying over the site

White-throated Needletail – Hirundapus caudacutus

Migratory Species or species habitat may occur within area

Black-faced Monarch – Monarcha melanopsis

Migratory Occurs at site in season

Spectacled Monarch – Monarcha trivirgatus

Migratory Occurs at site in season

Satin Flycatcher – Myiagra cyanoleuca Migratory Not likely to occur in Clarence lowlands

Rufous Fantail – Rhipidura rufifrons Migratory Recorded on the site

Rainbow Bee-eater - Merops ornatus Migratory Recorded on the site

Regent Honeyeater – Xanthomyza Migratory Unlikely

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Phrygia

Great Egret.-.Ardea alba Migratory Recorded over site

Cattle Egret.-.Ardea ibis Migratory Recorded over site

Fork-tailed Swift – Apus pacificus Migratory Possible flying over site

Register of National Estate Status

Lower Clarence River Area Indicative Place

State and Territory Reserve State

Clarence Estuary NSW

The Clarence River estuary is listed in the Directory of Nationally Important Wetlands (Source: Department of Environment and Heritage search tool www.environment.gov.au/epbc)

Table 4 Threatened Fauna identified as a result of Fauna Field Survey (20th to the

23rd February)

Common Name Scientific Name Status*

Mammals

Squirrel Glider Petaurus norfolkensis Vulnerable

Grey-headed Flying-fox

Pteropus poliocephalus Vulnerable

Yellow-bellied Sheath-tailed Bat

Saccolaimus flaviventris Vulnerable

Hoary Wattled Bat Chalinolobus nigrogriseus Vulnerable

Little Bent-wing Bat

Minioterus australis Vulnerable

Fishing Bat Myotis macropus Vulnerable

Birds

Grey-crowned Babbler

Pomatostomus temporalis Vulnerable

* As listed under Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.

Assessment of Significance (Part 5A, EPA Act 1979)

The presence of threatened species in the locality, as recorded during the survey and

historically, triggers the Assessment of Significance, also referred to as the seven part-

test, and is required in accordance with Part 5A of the Environment and Planning and

Assessment Act 1979 as amended by the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.

http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc

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A seven part test has been completed for the following species, which were recorded

within and adjacent to the proposed activity site during the fauna survey; Squirrel Glider,

Grey-headed Flying-fox, Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat, Hoary Wattled Bat, Little

Bentwing-bat, Fishing Bat, and Grey-crowned Babbler.

Squirrel Glider (Petaurus norfolkensis) Listed as Vulnerable on the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995

(a) in the case of a threatened species, whether the action proposed is likely to have an

adverse effect on the life cycle of the species such that a viable local population of the

species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction,

There is denning and foraging habitat for this species within the subject site. Three

Squirrel Gliders were trapped within the remnant vegetation located within the subject

site and a further two Squirrel Gliders were observed on the site.

The vegetation required to be removed for the construction of this road will destroy

important denning and foraging habitat of the local Squirrel Glider population and it is

expected that there will be a significant impact on the local population.

Sharpe and Goldingay 2007 estimate the mean home-range area for an individual as 6.2

hectares and for a group 6.7 hectares. The area to be removed is swamp open forest

with rainforest emergents and an understory of acacia. The Squirrel Glider prefers

mixed species stands with a shrub or Acacia mid-storey (DEC NSW).

The Squirrel Glider requires abundant tree hollows for nesting and refuge sites (NSW

National Parks and Wildlife Service 2002). Hollow-bearing trees were identified in this

section during the field survey.

(b) in the case of an endangered population, whether the action proposed is likely to have

an adverse effect on the life cycle of the species that constitutes the endangered

population such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of

extinction,

There is no local Squirrel Glider population listed as an endangered population under

Part 2, Schedule 1 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.

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(c) in the case of an endangered ecological community or critically endangered ecological

community, whether the action proposed:

(i) is likely to have an adverse effect on the extent of the ecological community such that

its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction, or

(ii) is likely to substantially and adversely modify the composition of the ecological

community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction,

Not relevant – refers only to ecological communities

(d) in relation to the habitat of a threatened species, population or ecological community:

(i) the extent to which habitat is likely to be removed or modified as a result of the action

proposed, and

Three squirrel gliders were trapped on the site during the survey and a further two were

observed. This local squirrel glider population would very likely use hollow-bearing trees

on and adjacent to the site for nesting and denning and would use the site for foraging.

The proposed activity will remove remnant vegetation that clearly supports a local

population of Squirrel Gliders. An area of approximately 2.45 hectares of remnant native

open swamp vegetation with considerable rainforest elements will be removed for

proposed construction of the road. Squirrel Gliders occupy a home range and live in

family groups. Dissecting this section of vegetation will modify this remnant and create a

further loss of habitat for both den sites and foraging sites.

. The mean home-range area for an individual Squirrel Glider has been estimated to be

6.2 hectares for an individual and for a group 6.7 hectares (Sharpe and Golding 2007).

(ii) whether an area of habitat is likely to become fragmented or isolated from other areas

of habitat as a result of the proposed action, and

Areas of remnant vegetation that supports a local population of Squirrel Gliders will

become further fragmented through the proposed construction of this road. This will

result in increased fragmentation of an important remnant and will represent loss of

vegetation within the remnant of approximately 50%. Furthermore, the remnant

vegetation constitutes a corridor linking to a similar if not the same vegetation community

to the south and across Yamba Road to the Estuary Nature Reserve.

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The importance of the habitat at this site is illustrated by the number of squirrel gliders

found on the site during the survey. This site represents an important corridor and

linkage to the large patch of vegetation to the south and east.

This section of vegetation may represent a significant portion of the Squirrel Gliders

home range given that an estimated 2.45 hectares of vegetation will be removed. If the

Squirrel Gliders home range depends solely on the existing remnant of vegetation, the

removal of vegetation could represent a loss of up to 90% of the groups home range.

The mean home-range area for an individual Squirrel Glider has been estimated to be

6.2 hectares for an individual and for a group 6.7 hectares (Sharpe and Golding 2007).

(iii) the importance of the habitat to be removed, modified, fragmented or isolated to the

long-term survival of the species, population or ecological community in the locality,

The long term survival of the species in the locality may well be at risk because there are

old growth hollow bearing trees on the site and the site supports flowering trees that

provide foraging habitat for the local squirrel glider population.

(e) whether the action proposed is likely to have an adverse effect on critical habitat (either

directly or indirectly),

The proposed activity area does not contain critical habitat.

(f) whether the action proposed is consistent with the objectives or actions of a recovery

plan or threat abatement plan,

Not applicable for this species.

Grey-headed Flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) Listed as Vulnerable in the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995




The proposed activity is unlikely place this species at risk of extinction.

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extinction,

There is no Grey-headed Flying-fox population listed as an endangered population

under Part 2, Schedule 1 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.










proposed, and

There will be removal of flowering trees used by this species for foraging. This species

forages at night feeding on fruit, nectar and pollen of rainforest and eucalypt forests

(NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2002).



The area of foraging habitat is expected to become fragmented as a result of the

proposed action.



This will fragment a remnant of native vegetation. The area of habitat that will be

removed is approximately 2.45 hectares within the proposed activity site. It is expected

that some of the remnant will become isolated habitat as a result of clearing required for

the proposed road construction.

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Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat (Saccolaimus flavivientris) Listed as Vulnerable in the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995








extinction,

There is no Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat population listed as an endangered population











proposed, and

23

There will be removal of approximately 2.45 hectares of vegetation will include hollow-

bearing trees. The Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat depends on tree hollows for roosting.

Loss of mature hollow-bearing trees and changes to the structure of forests....(NSW

National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2002).

It is not considered that this species will be significantly impacted.



The area of foraging habitat is expected to become fragmented as a result of the

proposed action because a section of vegetation which will include mature trees will be

removed.



This will fragment a remnant of native vegetation. The area of habitat that will be

removed is approximately 2.45 hectares within the proposed activity site.







Hoary Wattled Bat (Chalinolobus nigrogrogriseus) Listed as Vulnerable on the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995




This species relies on hollow-bearing trees and there are hollow-bearing trees within this

remnant. The Hoary Wattled Bat prefers dry old growth eucalypt forests, (www.

24

threatenedspecies/environment.nsw.au) this vegetation may occur nearby, this site

supports open swamp forest therefore this species is not at risk of extinction through the

proposed works.




extinction,

There is no local Hoary Wattled Bat population listed as an endangered population











proposed, and

There will be 2.45 hectares of vegetation removed from this site. The western section of

the site includes old-growth hollow-bearing trees. Loss of hollow-bearing trees is a

threat to this species.



The area of habitat will become fragmented. The proposed road will be constructed

through the middle of a remnant containing mature old-growth hollow-bearing trees.



There will be some removal of hollow-bearing trees but this should not affect the long-

term survival of the Hoary Wattled Bat.

25







Little Bentwing-bat (Miniopterus australis) Listed as Vulnerable on the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995




Little Bentwing-bats sometimes use tree-hollows during the day and at night forage

beneath the canopy of densely vegetated habitats (NSW National Parks and Wildlife

Service, 2002) It is not expected that the proposed road will have an adverse effect on

the life cycle of this species because they prefer caves and tunnels for roosting.




extinction,

There is no local Little Bentwing-bat population listed as an endangered population










26


proposed, and

The habitat to be removed represents approximately 50% of the current remnant. This

however is not expected to have a significant effect on this species. There is similar

habitat for foraging in nearby locations and the Little Bentwing-bat prefers to roost in

caves.



An area of foraging habitat will become fragmented as a result of the proposed road

construction. Approximately 2.45 hectares of vegetation will be removed.



The Little Bentwing-bat is found in moist eucalypt forest, rainforest and dense banksia

scrub ((NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2002). The vegetation at the site

includes a large number of rainforest species. This is important habitat to this species

but will not impact on the long terms survival given that there is similar foraging habitat in

the vicinity.







Fishing Bat (Myotis macropus) Listed as Vulnerable in the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995





27




extinction,

There is no Fishing Bat population listed as an endangered population under Part 2,

Schedule 1 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.










proposed, and

There will be modification of the water body along the roadside in the section of Deering

Street east of Golding Street (approximately chainage 1150) which may temporarily

disturb foraging for the Fishing Bat in a small section. There is adequate waterway

adjacent to the site so this species will not be impacted by the proposed road

construction.



The area of foraging habitat is not expected to become fragmented as a result of the

proposed action.



There will not be removal or fragmentation of habitat. There will be some modification of

the waterbody however this is expected to be minor and habitat will be available within

the tidal channel and drains.

28







Grey-crowned Babbler (Pomatostomus temporalis) Listed as Vulnerable on the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995




Grey-crowned Babblers were observed within the proposed construction area during

during the field survey. Two dormitories of nests were identified on the site during the

survey and it is expected that the proposed road construction will have an impact on this

species.

This is the only known local population of Grey-crowned Babbler and the disturbance of

their nests would cause stress to this species that are the only known local population in

this locality. Grey-crowned Babbler populations have declined throughout their range as a

result of land-clearing practices that leave habitats fragmented. When groups become

isolated, numbers decline to a level where they cannot continue to successfully breed.(Birds

in Backyards 2012) It is possible that this species may become locally extinct if the nests

are removed, there is further fragmentation of remnant vegetation and if there are

vehicles travelling at a speed of 80km/hour




extinction,

There is no Grey-crowned Babbler population listed as an endangered population under

Part 2, Schedule 1 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.

29







Not relevant, only refers to endangered ecological communities.



proposed, and

There will be removal of vegetation along the proposed site and this will remove the

existing dormitory nests of the Grey-crowned Babblers detected during the field survey.

The nesting site that this species have been using for many years will be destroyed if the

trees are removed. The Grey-crowned Babbler is threatened by clearance and the fragmentation of

habitat including removal of dead timber (OEH



The area of habitat used by the Grey-crowned Babblers is already fragmented due to

urban development. The proposed works will further fragment the area of nesting and

foraging habitat.



It is unlikely that the long term survival of the species in the locality will be considerably

affected by habitat modification, removal and fragmentation as a result of the proposed

activity.







30

Key Threatening Process

(g) whether the action proposed constitutes or is part of a key threatening process or is

likely to result in the operation of, or increase the impact of, a key threatening process.

Listed under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995

Clearing of Native Vegetation

The proposed road construction will clear an approximate area of 2.45 hectares of native

vegetation and is therefore considered to be a Key Threatening Process. The NSW

Scientific Committee has identified that Clearing of any area of native vegetation,

including areas less than 2 hectares in extent, may have significant impacts on biological

diversity (environment nsw).

Removal of Dead Wood and Dead Trees The proposed road construction will clear dead wood and dead trees within the subject

site. The Squirrel Glider utilises hollows within standing dead trees for denning.

Loss of Hollow-bearing Trees Squirrel Gliders, other arboreal mammals, microbats and birds including owls rely on

tree hollows for nesting and shelter. The removal of hollow-bearing trees is a key

threatening process for these animals and in particular those listed as vulnerable.

Squirrel Gliders rely on hollows, this species was captured and observed during the field

survey.

31

Safeguards

Any works conducted within the proposed activity area are required to address

the Erosion and Sediment Controls in Clarence Valley Council’s Development

Control Plan for Development in Residential, Industrial zones.

Any works conducted within the proposed activity area are to be carried out in

accordance with Clarence Valley Council’s Occupational Health and Safety

requirements.

A species impact statement will ensure that further information will be provided

for threatened species that will be impacted by this development.

To improve the habitat of the site introduced flora species need to be removed,

using best practice, and local native flora of the area re-established.

32

Discussion and Conclusion

The field survey for this flora and fauna assessment revealed seven threatened fauna

species listed as Vulnerable under Schedule 2 of the Threatened Species Conservation

Act 1995, being the Squirrel Glider, Grey-headed Flying-fox, Yellow-bellied Sheath-tailed

Bat, Hoary Wattled Bat, Little Bent-wing Bat, Fishing Bat and Grey-crowned Babbler.

Grey Mangroves, protected under the Fisheries Management Act 1994, were identified

along the edges of water bodies within the study site and the study area. In some

sections Mangroves will be required to be removed and a 7a permit under the Fisheries

Management Act will be required from the Department of Primary Industries (Fisheries).

Spotlighting in the constructed drains and the estuarine channel on the site revealed

juvenile mullet, whiting and mud crabs. The drains and channel are subject to tidal

influences and may be important fish and crustacean nursery areas. These species

would migrate into and from the Clarence estuary and it would be appropriate for council

to consult with fisheries in regard to managing fish passage and habitat.

The proposed works will require removal of remnant vegetation containing old growth

and hollow-bearing trees, important for denning and foraging of the local squirrel glider

population. The footprint of the road including shoulders is estimated to be an area of

2.45 hectares. The existing remnant vegetation is an area of approximately 5.08

hectares, removal of 2.45 hectares is approximately 50% loss. The remnant vegetation

represents a corridor from the south that connects to Yuraygir National Park and across

Yamba Road to the Estuary Nature Reserve to the north.

Three Squirrel Gliders were trapped during the survey within the remnant vegetation and

a further two Squirrel Gliders were observed during spotlighting. It is evident that part of

the home range of the local population of Squirrel Gliders is within the remaining

remnant vegetation. The vegetation at this site is important for denning and foraging and

removal of an area of 2.45 hectares will have a significant impact given that a group of

Squirrel Gliders require an area of 6.7 hectares (Sharpe and Golding 2007). The mean

home range of individual Squirrel Gliders has been identified as 6.2 hectares (Sharpe

and Goldingay 2007). The removal of 2.45 hectares represents a loss of approximately

36% of the mean home range of a group of Squirrel Gliders. Squirrel Gliders have the

33

ability to glide over a distance of 50 metres. The removal of an area of 2.45 hectares will

fragment a significant area of habitat and will reduce landing sites for gliding which may

mean the animals are at risk of predation if they are forced to travel along the ground. In

addition, the removal of hollow-bearing trees used for denning on the site and foraging

habitat will place undue pressure on this local population.

The existing remnants are important in terms of supporting habitat for the Squirrel Glider.

The remnants are link by a corridor of vegetation along the large drain to a large patch of

vegetation to the south of the site and the remnant vegetation running along Deering

Street provides a corridor to the east of Angourie Road and to the north of the site is the

Estuary Nature Reserve. The local Squirrel Glider population may only be viable while

there are corridors linking to larger patches of vegetation. A 2008 study conducted by

Martin Falding for Lake Macquarie City Council found that long term viability of

populations relies on protecting sufficient major habitat fragments which are physically

connected to other minor and small habitat fragments by movement corridors which

facilitate dispersal and breeding.

Loss of Hollow-bearing trees is a Key Threatening Process listed by the NSW Scientific

committee. A range of species rely on tree hollows for nesting and shelter. One of

these species is the Squirrel Glider. It is evident that a local population utilise part or the

whole of the subject site as their home range. The hollow-bearing trees on the subject

site and study area are likely to be used by the Squirrel Glider for nesting and shelter

and to remove these trees would pose a significant impact on this local population. It is

considered that there will be a significant impact on the local Squirrel Glider population

and individuals. The results of the field survey and the Assessment of Significance

triggers a species impact Statement for this species.

A threatened plant species, Acronychia littoralis was identified within the study area and

was confirmed by Alex Floyd of the Coffs Harbour Botanical Garden. The location of this

species is directly within the path of the proposed road construction and at risk of being

destroyed if the proposed works proceed. Acronychia littoralis is an endangered species

and destruction of this plant will cause a significant effect on this species and will

therefore trigger a Species Impact Statement.

34

Clearing of Native Vegetation is a Key Threatening Process listed by the NSW Scientific

Committee. Clearing an area of less than two hectares may present a loss of

biodiversity according to the NSW Scientific Committee’s Final Determination. The

subject site exhibits a high level of biodiversity and the footprint of the area required to

be cleared for road construction including road shoulders is an area of 2.45 hectares,

reducing the current remnant by approximately 50%.

Removal of dead wood and dead trees is listed as a Key Threatening Process by the

NSW Scientific Committee. Any dead wood should be left in situ where possible and

where it is in a situation that might need removal it is recommended that it should be

moved away from the construction area but remain within vegetated areas because it

provides important habitat for vertebrate and invertebrate fauna.

It could be assumed that there is a higher risk of fatalities to native fauna if vehicles

travel at a speed of 80km/hour, this speed should be reduced to 50-60km/hour.

Calculations suggest that there is a maximum saving of 32 seconds in travelling the

approximate 1,225metre section of motorway at 80 km/ compared with 50km/hour. The

need to reduce speed approaching and leaving the Golding Street roundabout would

reduce this savings of 32 second in travel time. This saving may also be further reduced

as a result of the Yamba Road roundabout. Justification for an 80km/hour road design

and speed limit should be further assessed and balanced against the potential impact on

native fauna including threatened species that are known to occur at the site.

If the current proposed road design is constructed, sediment and erosion controls must

be installed and maintained to avoid any erosion and sediment runoff into the adjoining

vegetation and the small waterways that adjoin the construction site. A sediment and

erosion control plan should be included in the design of the road and comply with

Clarence Valley Councils Development Control Plan for Development in Industrial and

Residential Zones.

As previously stated, a Species Impact Statement for the Squirrel Glider, Grey-crowned

Babbler and the Acronychia littoralis has been triggered through the Assessment of

Significance under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act and the Threatened

Species Conservation Act which revealed a significant impact on these species.

35

It is not recommended in this report, however, it may be possible to avoid the

requirement for a Species Impact Statement if alternative options are investigated and

implemented. These options would require avoiding impact on the Achronychia littoralis,

the Squirrel Glider habitat and Grey-crowned Babbler dormitories.

The suggested options are discussed below and relate to impacts on species and

habitat.

Suggested Options include:

Option 1a.

To service subdivisions in the West Yamba Area, upgrade Carrs Drive as a major

access road and require developers to include internal roads as part of their subdivision

plan.

Option 1b.

Upgrade Golding Street to provide access to West Yamba and the Industrial Estate.

Option 1c.

Move the section of the proposed Motorway located to the east of Golding Street to the

south of the drain on the southern side of Deering Street to avoid the Acronychia

littoralis, Grey-crowned Babbler dormitory and the Squirrel Glider corridor of native trees

along the drains. This land is privately owned and Council would be required to

purchase it and relocate the powerline and powerpole(s).

Option 1d

The section of the motorway from Yamba Road to Golding Street should not be

developed.

Option 2.

Includes Options1a to service both West Yamba and the Industrial Estate to south of

Golding Street and Cox Street to avoid areas of native trees including hollow-bearing

trees. In this option the motorway would not connect to Yamba Road at Shores Drive

but rather continue along the planned motorway corridor to Carrs Drive.

36

If the current design is constructed, it is also recommended that offsets should be

negotiated. Any offset area should be adjacent to the locality in order to provide habitat

linkage for the local Squirrel Glider population. Suggested offsets include:

200% (5 ha) of NEW protected-in-perpetuity existing similar habitat within 5 km of the site (eg conservation covenant or reserve acquisition)

600% (15 ha) of NEW protected degraded/cleared similar habitat within 5 km of the site including re-establishment of native vegetation forest and maintenance costs for 5 years

1000% (25 ha) of weed and pest control in existing publicly-owned and protected similar habitat within 5 km of the site for a period of 20 years

37

Recommendations

The following recommendations have been identified in consideration of the results of

the field survey based on the current design for the proposed road construction:

A species impact statement be prepared for the local Squirrel Glider population,

the Grey-crowned Babbler, and the Acronychia littoralis. The application of the

Assessment of Significance has found that the proposed road construction will

have a significant impact on these species;

Council should consult with Office of Environment and Heritage to determine the

requirements of the Director General for a Species Impact Statement for the

Squirrel Glider, Grey-crowned Babbler and the Acronychia littoralis;

If Council, as consent authority, chooses to proceed with construction of the current

design without a Species Impact Statement (SIS), or, if the SIS finds that the work can

proceed, the following recommendations should be implemented in order to minimise the

environmental impact of the proposal

Prepare a vegetation management plan to:

1. Minimise disturbance of vegetation and soil during construction work;

2. Minimise removal of mature trees (some re-alignment of the Motorway at

the western (Yamba Road) end may be required);

3. Identify and propagate from local seed, replacement habitat trees for

Squirrel Glider, (replacement trees should also include Melalueca

quinquenervia);

4. Manage both environmental and noxious weeds along the road reserve

from Angourie Road through to Yamba Road;

5. Rehabilitate the site with local native flora species, seeds to be collected

from plants occurring close to the site.

Prepare and implement a community information package to education residents

on the issues related to dumping garden plants and waste;

Consult with Department of Primary Industries (Fisheries) to apply for a Part 7

Permit to remove Mangroves, and also regarding possible dredging or filling of

the estuarine channel and the provision of a culvert suitable for fish passage at

the location;

Further survey work may be required if the footprint of the proposed works

deviates from the Yamba MotorwayYamba Freeburn Street to Yamba Road

location plan (Figure 2 contained in the Review of Environmental Factors);

Do not remove any on-ground dead wood from the site, if necessary push any

dead wood toward vegetated areas;

Do not remove or damage any standing dead wood (Stags) that may be outside

the proposed road construction site (ie. Subject site) but within the study area;

Wash down construction vehicles before arrival to the site and before leaving the

site in order to avoid weed infestation;

Undertake maintenance and weed control of the site post-construction;

38

Conduct engineering works in a manner that minimises impact to and protects

the native flora species occurring on site;

Manage, construct and monitor sediment and erosion control measures on-site

during proposed works;

Implement 50km/hour speed limit;

Consult with DPI (Fisheries) in regard to fish passage (ie. culvert) and filling of

the estuarine channel.

No significant impact will occur to threatened species and endangered ecological

communities if these measures are adopted. If they are not adopted a species impact

statement under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 would be required.

It is not recommended in this report may be possible to avoid the requirement for a

Species Impact Statement if alternative options are investigated. These options would

require avoiding impact on the Achronychia littoralis, the Squirrel Glider habitat and

Grey-crowned Babbler habitat.

The suggested options are discussed in sections of the road to relate to impacts on

species and habitat.

Suggested Options include:

Option 1a.

To service subdivisions in the West Yamba Area, upgrade Carrs Drive as a major

access road and require developers to include internal roads as part of their subdivision

plan.

Option 1b.

Upgrade Golding Street to provide access to West Yamba and the Industrial Estate.

Option 1c.

Move the section of the proposed Motorway located to the east of Golding Street to the

south of the drain on the southern side of Deering Street to avoid the Acronychia

littoralis, Grey-crowned Babbler dormitory and the Squirrel Glider corridor of native trees

along the drains. This land is privately owned and Council would be required to

purchase it and relocate the powerline and powerpole(s).

Option 2.

Includes Options1b and 1c and suggests purchase of private land to the south of the

vegetation area to the west of Golding Street.

If the current design is constructed, it is also recommended that offsets should be

negotiated. Any offset area should be adjacent to the locality in order to provide habitat

linkage for the local Squirrel Glider population. The following offsets are suggested (or

39

alternative offsets as suggested by Council’s Environment Officers (Biodiversity and

Ecology):

200% (5 ha) of NEW protected-in-perpetuity existing similar habitat within 5 km of

the site (eg conservation covenant or reserve acquisition)

600% (15 ha) of NEW protected degraded/cleared similar habitat within 5 km of

the site including re-establishment of native vegetation forest and maintenance

costs for 5 years

1000% (25 ha) of weed and pest control in existing publicly-owned and protected

similar habitat within 5 km of the site for a period of 20 years

40

References

Australian Museum, Strahan. R. (ed)., (1995). The Mammals of Australia. Reed Books Chatsworth Cogger. H.G., (1994) Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. Reed Books. Chatsworth Department of Environment and Conservation, (2004). Working Draft Threatened Biodiversity Survey and Assessment: Guidelines for Developments and Activities, November 2004. Department of Environment and Conservation. http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/determinations/GreycrownedBabblerVulSpListing.htm Falding, M P & Smith, A P (2008) Squirrel Glider review for Morisset Structure Plan area, Lake Macquarie City Council. NSW Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources. NSW Bug Survey Buglopedia Factsheets. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, (2002). Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW – Fauna. Northern Directorate, Coffs Harbour. Slater. P., P. & R. (2001) The Slater Guide to Australian Birds (Revised Edition) Reed New Holland. Sydney. Sharpe D.J. and Goldingay R.L., (2007) Home Range of the Australian Squirrel Glider, Petaurus Norfolcensis (Diprotodontia) Journal of Mammalogy, 88(6):1515-1522,2007 www.decc.nsw.gov.au. www.deh.gov.au

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

http://birdsinbackyards.net/

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/determinations/GreycrownedBabblerVulSpListing.htm

http://www.decc.nsw.gov.au/

http://www.deh.gov.au/

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

41

Appendix 1 Flora List – Deering Street Yamba 20th to 23rd February 2012

FAMILY COMMON NAME BOTANICAL NAME STATUS

FILICOPSIDA (ferns)

POLYPODIACEAE Elkhorn (Staghorn) Platycerium bifurcatum subs. Bifurcatum P DICKSONIACEAE Common Ground Fern Calochlaena dubia DENNSTAEDTIACEAE Harsh Ground Fern Hypolepis muelleri

Bracken Pteridium esculentum ASPLENIACEAE Bird’s Nest Fern Asplenium australasicum P DAVALLIACEAE Hare’s Foot Fern Davallia pyxidata P

Fishbone Fern Nephrolepis cordifolia BLECHNACEAE Swamp Water Fern Blechnum indicum CONIFEROPSIDA (Conifers)

CUPRESSACEAE Cypress Pine Callitris columellaris MAGNOLIOPSIDA (flowering plants) 1. Dicotyledons LAURACEAE Three-veined Cryptocarya Cryptocarya triplinervis

Camphor Laurel *Cinnamomum camphora Devil’s Twine Cassytha filiformis

MENISPERMACEAE Snake Vine Stephania japonica var. discolor NYCTAGINACEAE Marvel of Peru *Mirabilis jalapa BASELLACEAE Madeira Vine *Anredera cordifolia AMARANTHACEAE Calico Plant *Alternanthera dentata ‘Purple Knight’ CARYOPHYLLACEAE Tropical Chickweed Drymaria cordata POLYGONACEAE Slender Knotweed Persicaria decipiens DILLENIACEAE Climbing Guinea Flower Hibbertia scandens STERCULIACEAE Brown Kurrajong Commersonia bartramia ELAEOCARPACEAE Hard Quandong Elaeocarpus obovatus MALVACEAE Swamp Hibiscus Hibiscus diversifolius Sleeping Hibiscus *Hibiscus sp. (cultivated variety)

Paddy’s Lucerne * Sida rhombifolia MORACEAE Cockspur Thorn Maclura cochinchinensis Creek Sandpaper Fig Ficus coronata Sandpaper Fig Ficus fraseri

Port Jackson Fig Ficus rubiginosa Strangler Fig Ficus watkinsiana

Weeping Fig *Ficus benjamina White Mulberry *Morus alba RHAMNACEAE Red Ash Alphitonia excelsa THYMELAEACEAE Slender Rice Flower Pimelea linifolia subs. linifolia EUPHORBIACEAE Phyllanthus *Phyllanthus tenellus Umbrella Cheese Tree Glochidion sumatranum S

Cheese Tree Glochidion ferdinandi Dwarf's Apple (Coffee Bush) Breynia oblongifolia White Kamala Mallotus discolor Bleeding Heart Omalanthus populifolius Painted Spurge *Euphorbia cyathophora

PASSIFLORACEAE White Passionflower *Passiflora subpeltata Common Passionfruit *Passiflora edulis Cork Passionflower *Passiflora suberosa Native Passionfruit Passiflora herbertiana VIOLACEAE Ivy-leaved Violet Viola hederacea forma B Spade Flower Hybanthus stellarioides

42

FAMILY COMMON NAME BOTANICAL NAME

OCHNACEAE Mickey Mouse Plant *Ochna serrulata MYRSINACEAE Variable Muttonwood Rapanea variabilis

Brush Muttonwood Rapanea howittiana CASUARINACEAE Swamp Oak Casuarina glauca Forest Oak Allocasuarina torulosa

Black Sheoak Allocasuarina littoralis ROSACEAE Molucca Bramble Rubus hillii

Native Raspberry Rubus parvifolius MALACEAE Indian Hawthorn *Rhaphiolepis indica PROTEACEAE Geebung Persoonia stradbrokensis P

Coast Banksia Banksia integrifolia MYRTACEAE Pink Bloodwood Corymbia intermedia Flooded Gum Eucalyptus grandis

Forest Red Gum Eucalyptus tereticornis Swamp Turpentine Lophostemon suaveolens Willow Bottlebrush Callistemon salignus Broad-leaved Paperbark Melaleuca quinquenervia Prickly-leaved Paperbark Melaleuca styphelioides Sannantha Sannantha angusta

Midgen Berry Austromyrtus dulcis Brazilian Cherry *Eugenia uniflora

LYTHRACEAE Chinese Crepe Myrtle *Lagerstroemia indica ONAGRACEAE Willow Primrose Ludwigia octovalvis S RUTACEAE Pink-flowered Doughwood Melicope elleryana S Scented Acronychia Acronychia littoralis T,S Evening Jesamine *Murraya paniculata MELIACEAE White Cedar Melia azedarach ANACARDIACEAE Mango *Mangifera indica SAPINDACEAE Tuckeroo Cupaniopsis anacardioides Large-leaved Hop Bush Dodonaea triquetra Golden Rain Tree *Koelreuteria paniculata

FABACEAE (CAESALPINIOIDEAE) Winter Senna *Senna pendula var. glabrata (MIMOSOIDEAE) Brush Ironbark Wattle Acacia aulacocarpa var. aulacocarpa Coast Wattle Acacia sophorae

Blackwood Acacia melanoxylon Hickory Acacia falcata Queensland Silver Wattle *Acacia podalyriifolia S

(FABOIDEAE) Coral Tree *Erythrina X sykesii Glycine Glycine microphylla Siratro *Macroptilium atropurpureum Zornia Zornia floribunda S

Rattlepod *Crotalaria lanceolata subsp. lanceolata

POLYGALACEAE Polygala *Polygala paniculata VITACEAE Giant Water Vine Cissus hypoglauca PITTOSPORACEAE Naïve Frangipani Hymenosporum flavum

Sweet Pittosporum Pittosporum undulatum ARALIACEAE English Ivy *Hedera helix

Celery Wood Polyscias elegans Elderberry Panax Polyscias sambucifolia subsp. A

Umbrella Tree *Schefflera actinophylla Dwarf Umbrella Tree *Schefflera arboricola CAMPANULACEAE Tufted Bluebell Wahlenbergia communis LOBELIACEAE Whiteroot Pratia purpurascens

43

FAMILY COMMON NAME BOTANICAL NAME

ASTERACEAE Vernonia Vernonia cinerea Wild Aster *Aster subulatus Flaxleaf Fleabane *Conyza bonariensis

Tall Fleabane *Conyza albida Annual Ragweed *Ambrosia artemisiifolia Singapore Daisy (Yellow Dots) *Sphagneticola trilobata

Farmer’s Friend *Bidens pilosa Stinking Roger *Tagetes minuta

Brazilian Fireweed *Erechtites valerianifolia Thickhead *Crassocephalum crepidioides Fireweed *Senecio madagascariensis Bitou Bush *Chrysanthemoides monilifera

subsp. rotundata Smooth Catsear *Hypochaeris glabra

Catsear *Hypochaeris radicata SOLANACEAE Black-berry Nightshade *Solanum nigrum

Brazilian Nightshade *Solanum seaforthianum Wild Tobacco Bush *Solanum mauritianum Cape Gooseberry *Physalis peruviana

CONVOLVULACEAE Purple Morning Glory *Ipomoea cairica Sweet Potato *Ipomoea batatas EPACRIDACEAE Bearded-heath Leucopogon lanceolatus var. gracilis

Tree Heath Trochocarpa laurina OLEACEAE Large Mock-olive Notelaea longifolia RUBIACEAE Pomax Pomax umbellata White Eye *Richardia brasiliensis Morinda Vine Morinda jasminoides Large-leaved Canthium Canthium lamprophyllum

Hairy Psychotria Psychotria loniceroides APOCYNACEAE Common Silkpod Parsonsia straminea ASCLEPIADACEAE Common Milk Vine Marsdenia rostrata BIGNONIACEAE Wonga Wonga Vine Pandorea pandorana SCROPHULARIACEAE Bacopa Bacopa monnieri PLANTAGINACEAE Plantain *Plantago lanceolata ACANTHACEAE Polka Dot Plant *Hypoestes phyllostachya VERBENACEAE Veined Verbena *Verbena rigida

Lantana *Lantana camara Smooth Clerodendrum Clerodendrum floribundum AVICENNIACEAE Grey Mangrove Avicennia marina var. australasica MAGNOLIOPSIDA (flowering plants) 2. Monocotyledons ARACEAE Cunjevoi Alocasia brisbanensis Dumb Cane *Dieffenbachia sp. Purple Elephant-ear *Colocasia sp. SMILACACEAE Sarsaparilla Smilax australis LUZURIAGACEAE Wombat Berry Eustrephus latifolius Scrambling Lily Geitonoplesium cymosum ASPARAGACEAE Asparagus Plant *Protasparagus aethiopicus Climbing Asparagus Plant *Protasparagus plumosus Happy Plant *Dracaena fragrans ASTELIACEAE Narrow-leaved Palm Lily Cordyline stricta P DRACAENACEAE Mother-in-law’s Tongue *Sansevieria trifasciata LOMANDRACEAE Spiny-headed Mat-rush Lomandra longifolia PHORMIACEAE Blue Flax Lily Dianella longifolia ANTHERICACEAE Common Fringe-lily Thysanotus tuberosus

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FAMILY COMMON NAME BOTANICAL NAME STATUS

AMARYLLIDACAE Swamp Lily Crinum pedunculatum S TYPHACEAE Narrow-leaved Cumbungi Typha domingensis S COMMELINACEAE Blue Wandering Jew Commelina cyanea Small Wandering Jew *not known BROMELIACEAE Bromeliad *not known JUNCACEAE rush Juncus kraussii subsp. australiensis CYPERACEAE Twig-rush Baumea juncea

Saw-sedge Gahnia sieberiana P

Umbrella Sedge *Cyperus eragrostis Dirty Dora Cyperus difformis

Schoenoplectus Schoenoplectus subulatus FLAGELLARIACEAE Whip Vine Flagellaria indica POACEAE Ischaemum Ischaemum australe

Blady Grass Imperata cylindrica var. major Barbed Wire Grass Cymbopogon refractus Bordered Panic Entolasia marginata Summer Grass *Digitaria sanguinalis

Paspalum *Paspalum dilatatum Vasey Grass *Paspalum urvillei Broad-leaved Paspalum *Paspalum wettsteinii

POACEAE Bahia Grass *Paspalum notatum Barnyard Grass *Echinochloa crus-galli Swamp Barnyard Grass Echinochloa telmatophila Green Panic *Panicum maximum var.

trichoglume Shade Grass Oplismenus aemulus Shade Grass Oplismenus undulatifolius var.

mollis Red Natal Grass *Melinis repens Palm Grass *Setaria palmifolia South African Pigeon Grass *Setaria sphacelata

Pale Pigeon Grass *Setaria pumila Rhodes Grass *Chloris gayana

Couch Cynodon dactylon Marine Couch Sporobolus virginicus var. minor Parramatta Grass *Sporobolus indicus var. capensis Giant Reed *Arundo donax Common Reed Phragmites australis

Quaking Grass *Briza maxima ARECACEAE Cabbage Palm Livistona australis P Bangalow Palm Archontophoenix cunninghami P Alexander Palm *Archontophoenix alexandrae Queen (Cocos) Palm *Arecastrum romanzoffianum

KEY

* = introduced species T = Threatened species (Threatened Species Conservation Act, 1995)

S = Significant plant listed by Sheringham and Westaway (1997)

P = Protected species (National Parks & Wildlife Act, 1974)

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Appendix 2 Fauna species Deering and Cox Streets Yamba 20th

to 23rd

February 2012

FAMILY COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME

STATUS

MAMMALS DASYURIDAE Yellow-footed Antechinus Antechinus flavipes PERAMELIDAE Northern Brown Bandicoot Isoodon macrourus PETAURIDAE Common Ringtail Possum Pseudocheirus peregrinus drey

Squirrel Glider Petaurus norfolkensis T,C

PHALANGERIDAE Common Brushtail Possum Trichosurus vulpecula MACROPODIDAE Swamp Wallaby Wallabia bicolor

Eastern Grey Kangaroo Macropus giganteus PTEROPODIDAE Grey-headed Flying-fox Pteropus poliocephalus T, EPBC Black Flying-fox Pteropus alecto C VESPERTILIONIDAE Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat Chalinolobus gouldii T possible

Hoary Wattled Bat Chalinolobus nigrogriseus T,C probable Greater Broad-nosed Bat Scoteanax rueppellii T,C probable

Little Bentwing-bat Miniopterus australis T probable

Fishing Bat Myotis macropus T probable

MURIDAE Swamp Rat Rattus lutreolus Black Rat *Rattus rattus LEPORIDAE Brown Hare *Lepus capensis CANIDAE Fox *Vulpes vulpes den BIRDS MEGAPODIIDAE Australian Brush-turkey Alectura lathami PHASIANIDAE Brown Quail Coturnix ypsilophora ANATIDAE Australian Wood Duck Chenonetta jubata Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa COLUMBIDAE Spotted Dove *Streptopelia chinensis Brown Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia amboinensis

Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis PODARGIDAE Tawny Frogmouth Podargus strigoides PHALACROCORACIDAE Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris PELICANIDAE Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus ARDEIDAE White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae THRESKIORNITHIDAE Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia ACCIPITRIDAE Eastern Osprey Pandion cristatus T

Black-shouldered Kite Elanus axillaris

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White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster EPBC Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus

Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus FALCONIDAE Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus RALLIDAE Buff-banded Rail Gallirallus philippensis Spotless Crake Porzana tabuensis

Dusky Moorhen Gallinula tenebrosa CHARADRIIDAE Red-capped Plover Charadrius ruficapillus

Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles SCOLOPACIDAE Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica EPBC Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus EPBC Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus T, EPBC LARIDAE Crested Tern Thalasseus bergii Silver Gull Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae CACATUIDAE Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus funereus

Galah Eolophus roseicapillus PSITTACIDAE Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus Scaly-breasted Lorikeet Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus

Little Lorikeet Glossopsitta pusilla T Australian King-Parrot Alisterus scapularis Eastern Rosella Platycercus eximius

CUCULIDAE Pheasant Coucal Centropus phasianinus Shining Bronze-Cuckoo Chalcites lucidus TYTONIDAE Eastern Barn Owl Tyto javanica ALCEDINIDAE Azure Kingfisher Ceyx azureus HALCYONIDAE Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo novaeguineae Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus MEROPIDAE Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus EPBC MALURIDAE Superb Fairy-wren Malurus cyaneus Variegated Fairy-wren Malurus lamberti Red-backed Fairy-wren Malurus melanocephalus ACANTHIZIDAE Large-billed Scrubwren Sericornis magnirostris

Yellow Thornbill Acanthiza nana Brown Thornbill Acanthiza pusilla

PARDALOTIDAE Spotted Pardalote Pardalotus punctatus Striated Pardalote Pardalotus striatus

MELIPHAGIDAE Lewin’s Honeyeater Meliphaga lewinii Noisy Miner Manorina melanocephala

Little Wattlebird Anthochaera chrysoptera Scarlet Honeyeater Myzomela sanguinolenta Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta

White-cheeked Honeyeater Phylidonyris niger Blue-faced Honeyeater Entomyzon cyanotis

Noisy Friarbird Philemon corniculatus Little Friarbird Philemon citreogularis Striped Honeyeater Plectorhyncha lanceolata

POMATOSTOMIDAE Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis T PSOPHODIDAE Eastern Whipbird Psophodes olivaceus CAMPEPHAGIDAE Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae Cicadabird Coracina tenuirostris PACHYCEPHALIDAE Golden Whistler Pachycephala pectoralis

Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris Little Shrike-thrush Colluricincla megarhyncha C Grey Shrike-thrush Colluricincla harmonica

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ORIOLIDAE Olive-backed Oriole Oriolus sagittatus Australasian Figbird Sphecotheres vieilloti ARTAMIDAE White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus

Grey Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus Pied Butcherbird Cracticus nigrogularis

Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen Pied Currawong Strepera graculina DICRURIDAE Spangled Drongo Dicrurus bracteatus RHIPIDURIDAE Rufous Fantail Rhipidura rufifrons EPBC

Grey Fantail Rhipidura fuliginosa Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys CORVIDAE Torresian Crow Corvus orru MONARCHIDAE Leaden Flycatcher Myiagra rubecula

Magpie Lark Grallina cyanoleuca PETROICIDAE Eastern Yellow Robin Eopsaltria australis TIMALIIDAE Silvereye Zosterops lateralis HIRUNDINIDAE Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena STURNIDAE Common Myna *Sturnus tristis NECTARINIIDAE Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum ESTRILDIDAE Red-browed Finch Neochmia temporalis REPTILES GEKKONIDAE Asian House Gecko *Hemidactylus frenatus AGAMIDAE Eastern Water Dragon Physignathus lesueurii SCINCIDAE Striped Skink Ctenotus robustus

Land Mullet Egernia major Garden Sun-Skink Lampropholis delicata

ELAPIDAE Black-bellied Swamp Snake Hemiaspis signata AMPHIBIANS MYOBATRACHIDAE Plains Toadlet Crinia parinsignifera

Common Eastern Froglet Crinia signifera Ornate Burrowing Frog Opisthodon ornatus Brown-striped Frog Limnodynastes peronii Northern Banjo Frog Limnodynastes terraereginae

Great Barred Frog Mixophyes fasciolatus

Dusky Toadlet Uperoleia fusca HYLIDAE Green Tree Frog Litoria caerulea Red-eyed Tree Frog Litoria chloris #

Bleating Tree Frog Litoria dentata Dainty Green Tree Frog Litoria gracilenta Broad-palmed Frog Litoria latopalmata

Rocket Frog Litoria nasuta

BUFONIDAE Cane Toad *Bufo marinus

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FISH MUGILIDAE Sea Mullet Mugil cephalus SILLAGINIDAE Sand Whiting Sillago ciliata POECILIIDAE Plague Minnow *Gambusia holbrooki INVERTEBRATES

Insects: Butterflies

HESPERIIDAE Flame Skipper Hesperilla idothea clara Common Dart Ocybadistes flavovittatus flavovittatus PAPILIONIDAE Macleay’s Swallowtail Graphium macleayanum macleayanum

Blue Triangle Graphium sarpedon choredon Orchard Butterfly Papilio aegeus aegeus Chequered Swallowtail Papilio demoleus sthenelus PIERIDAE Common Migrant Catopsilia pyranthe crokera

Lemon Migrant Catopsilia pomona pomona Common Grass Yellow Eurema hecabe phoebus Northern Jezebel Delias argenthona argenthona Cabbage White Pieris rapae rapae

NYMPHALIDAE Monarch *Danaus plexippus plexippus Black and White Tiger Danaus affinis affinis

Lesser Wanderer Danaus chrysippus petilia Blue Tiger Tirumala hamatus hamatus

Evening Brown Melanitis leda bankia Sword-grass Brown Tisiphone abeona antoni

Meadow Argus Junonia villida calybe LYCAENIDAE Small Green-banded Blue Danis hymetus taygetus

Moths AMATIDAE Tiger Moth Amata sp. NOT KNOWN Large orange moth not known

Dragonflies and Damselflies LIBELLULIDAE Red-tailed Dragonfly Nannophya dalei occidentalis NOT KNOWN Olive-brown Dragonfly not known NOT KNOWN Golden Dragonfly not known NOT KNOWN Green Dragonfly not known NOT KNOWN Blue Damselfly not known

Beetles

SCARABAEIDAE Rhinoceros Beetle Xylotrupes gideon

Wasps VESPIDAE Paper Wasp Polistes sp.

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Grasshoppers, crickets and locusts

TETTIGONIIDAE Fawn Long-horned Grasshopper not known Green Long-horned Grasshopper not known ACRIDOIDEA Locust not known GRYLLIDAE Black Field Cricket Gryllus servillei

Cockroaches

NOT KNOWN Small round native Cockroach not known NOT KNOWN Small black native cockroach not known

Arachnids SPARASSIDAE Brown Huntsman Spider Heteropoda cervina ARGIOPIDAE Leaf-curling Spider Phonognatha graeffei

Garden Orb-weaving Spider Eriophora transmarina

Crustaceans

PORTUNIDAE Mud Crab Scylla serrata

Molluscs CAMAENIDAE native snail Meridolum sp. HELICIDAE Garden Snail *Helix aspera HELICARIONIDAE Semi-slug Parmavitrina megastoma

Other invertebrates millipedes, centipedes, cicadas, earthworms and slaters. KEY T = Species listed as Threatened in NSW C = Fauna of Conservation Concern EPBC = Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

Clarence Valley Council Flora and Fauna Report 14 March 2012

Documents

Transcript of Clarence Valley Council Flora and Fauna Report 14 March 2012