, senior project engineer (rcc)

Michael Hallinan Arbor Ecological 334 Pearces Creek Road Alstonville NSW 2477 Ph: 02 6628 0365 Mob: 0424 064 002 e: [email protected] www.arborecological.com.au Date 26/08/21 Richard Crookes Constructions (RCC) Attn. Richie O’Gorman, Senior Project Engineer (RCC) Re: Addendum to the Arboricultural Impact Assessment for Kingscliff High School, Treescience, 2021, Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA), Kingscliff High School, SSDA Issue, May 2021. INTRODUCTION Arbor Ecological, in the role of project arborist, was contracted by Richard Crookes Constructions to undertake a preliminary tree impact assessment and audit of tree health and condition assessments and recommendations outlined in Treescience (2021)1, particularly in relation to tree retention, tree removal and tree protection. METHODS Reviews were made of the Treescience (2021), the demolition plan drawing (Dr. No. A-X-0111, Rev 3, dated 12/08/21)’ Site Plan (Dr. No. A-X-0116, Rev 5, dated 20/08/21) and plans for installation of underground services around trees in and around the construction footprint. Assessments were undertaken by AQF accredited level 5 arborists Michael Hallinan and Annika Hallinan on 03/08/2021, 18/08/21 and 24/08/21. All trees within the SSDA construction areas were assessed as present or absent and an audit was made of tree measurements (including tree height, crown spread and Diameter at Breast Height (DBH)2), health and structure assessments and retain/remove recommendations in Treescience (2021). Measurements and estimates were made of tree dimensions, i.e. tree height, crown spread, DBH. Visual Tree Assessments (VTAs)3 focused on tree health4, condition5, structural defects6, load7 factors and age class8.

1 Treescience, 2021, Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA), Kingscliff High School, SSDA Issue, May 2021.

2 Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) refers to the diameter of the trunk at breast height (1.4m above the ground) measured

with diameter tape (Matheny, NP & Clark, JR 1994, A Photographic Guide to the Evaluation of Hazard Trees in Urban Areas, 2nd edn., International Society of Arboriculture, Illinois, USA). 3 Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) is a standard method for tree inspection from ground level of overall vitality, health,

stability and defect symptoms. Inspection may be undertaken with the aid of binoculars, probes and sounding mallet, and includes inspection of the soil conditions around the tree; root flare and roots (where readily accessible); bark, trunk; scaffold limbs; branches; leaves; and tree form. More detailed tree part inspection may be recommended as a result of VTA (Mattheck, C & Breloer, H 1994, The body language of trees, a handbook for failure analysis, TSO Her Majesty's Stationary Office, London, England). 4 Tree Health – Categorised as:

Arbor Ecological

Professional Ecologist & Consulting Arborist Services

Trees recommended to be retained were flagged with white flagging tape within areas enclosed by construction fencing and the tree number allocated in Treescience (2021) was noted on flagging tape around subject trees. Assessment Findings Substantial tree assessment findings and variations to that in Treescience (2021) are detailed below in Figures 1 and 2, Table 1 and in the body of this report. Otherwise, Treescience (2021) recommendations stand in relation to tree retention, tree removal and tree protection. The main assessment findings are as follows:

All feature Red Cedar (Toona ciliata) near the school front entrance are identified as having substantial retention values and are recommended to be retained.

Several trees identified for retention and removal were not present at the time of assessment by Arbor Ecological.

Numerous trees recommended to be retained and trees recommended to be removed in this report were not documented in Treescience (2021).

Numerous trees recommended to be retained and recommended to be removed in this report have been misidentified in Treescience (2021).

Good: A tree with good health exhibits one or more of the following: Crown full and dense; foliage of good colour and with minimal or no insect or disease damage; typical growth indicators slightly abnormal for species, e.g. extension growth, leaf size and crown foliage density; no or minimal crown die-back; good woundwood and/or response growth development. Associated with high tree vigour. Fair: A tree with fair health exhibits one or more of the following: Has less than 30% dead wood; has minor crown dieback; foliage mostly with good colour and/or minor to moderate insect or disease damage, minor pathogen damage present; typical growth indicators slightly abnormal for species, e.g. extension growth, leaf size and crown foliage density. Poor – Very Poor: A tree with poor health exhibits one or more of the following: Has greater than 30% dead wood; significant crown dieback present; foliage discoloured or distorted leaves; excessive epicormic growth; poor woundwood and/or response growth development; substantial wood decay affecting health; signs of strain leading to tree decline. Associated with low tree vigour. Dead: A tree that is still standing but no longer shows signs of being alive. 5 Condition refers to a tree’s structural form or habit and is expresses as:

Good: A tree with good structural form or habit and free from or with only negligible/minor structural defects, e.g. upright or with a slight lean; apparently stable; well tapered stems; full and balanced/symmetrical crown; free from or with only slight signs of pests and structural wood decay; nil or slight crown/branch dieback. Fair: A tree with moderately good structural form or habit typical of the species and/or minor to moderate structural defects, e.g. slight to moderate lean, over-extended branches or signs of pests and structural wood decay; slight crown/branch dieback or stem cracks; semi-full crown; slightly unbalanced/asymmetrical crown; codominant stems Poor: A tree with moderately poor structural form or habit atypical of the species and/or substantial structural defects, e.g. moderate to high lean (uncorrected), crown/branch dieback, stem cracks, wounds, cavities, signs of pests and structural wood decay, epicormic shoot development, over-extended branches or unbalanced/asymmetrical crown; poorly tapered stems; weakly formed codominant stems; deformed stems; roots that are shallow, exposed, twisted or broken. Very Poor: A tree with substantially poor structural form or habit atypical of the species and/or substantial structural defects and signs of failure of the tree or tree parts, refer to poor condition examples above. Dead: A tree that is still standing but no longer shows signs of being alive. 6 Structural defects are internal or external points of weakness that reduce the stability of the tree and increase the risk of

failure. They are either naturally occurring (e.g. from storm damage, pests, pathogens, wind and gravity forces), or from human activities, e.g. poor planting and pruning practices. 7 Loads include dynamic load from wind and static load from gravity acting on a tree. These two loads can interact and are

affected by factors including wind exposure, crown size relative to trunk diameter; crown density, abundance of interior branches, vines or mistletoe; and recent of planned changes affecting load (Dunster, JA, Smiley, ET, Matheny, N & Lilly, S, 2013, Tree Risk Assessment Manual, International Society of Arboriculture, Illinois, USA). 8 Age class categories: (J) Juvenile refers to a young or juvenile, established tree; (SM) Semi-mature refers to a tree

between immaturity and full size; (M) Mature refers to a full size tree with capacity for some further growth; (OM) Over-mature refers to a tree in decline; (D) Dead refers to a tree that is still standing but no longer shows signs of being alive.

The current demolition plan drawing does not entirely reflect updated recommendations for tree removal in this report.

Requirements for reduction pruning and removal of defective limbs was identified for several trees.

Various Yucca and Draceana plants near the school front entrance have low retention values and may be removed as part of landscape plans.

More detailed project arborist assessments of tree impacts are required in relation to installation of underground services following this preliminary impact assessment.

Figure 1: Trees recommended to be retained. Image modified by Michael Hallinan on 26/08/2021 from page 20 of Treescience, 2021, Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA), Kingscliff High School, SSDA Issue, May 2021.

Figure 2: Trees recommended to be removed and trees not present. Image modified by Michael Hallinan on 26/08/2021 from page 19 of Treescience, 2021, Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA), Kingscliff High School, SSDA Issue, May 2021.

RECOMMENDATIONS Tree Retention and Removal

Considering trees already removed and variations from Treescience (2021) to recommendations made in this report for tree retention and removal, the following calculations have been made: Tree Retention: 56 Trees and Palms Tree Removal: 73 Trees and Palms

Tree Reduction Pruning and Branch removal

The southern stem of two codominant stems of T213 Brush Box (Lophostemon confertus) moderately leaning and weighted towards Building D is recommended to be removed from near the base, similar to works done to adjoining T85.

Reduction prune over-extended branches as required between ~3% and 12% of tree mass for construction machinery site access to the carpark area for T152, T133, T73, T139, T137, T130, T119 and T#3

Remove over-extended limb to east with high lean over table and seats of T256

Tree Protection Recommendations

In line with AS4970, the Project Arborist should guide implementation of tree protection measures throughout the tree removal and construction phases.

Tree protection should comply with Section 4, Tree Protection Measures, of Australian Standard 4970 – 2009 Protection of trees on development sites unless otherwise noted in this report or recommended by the Project Arborist.

The Project Arborist should assist with establishment of project TPZ fences and clear marking/ flagging of trees to be retained/ removed.

TPZ fences are recommended to be installed broadly in line with Treescience (2021) specifications with additional TPZ fences and TPZ variations as recommended by the Project arborist. TPZ fence locations may be varied to suit site conditions and construction and excavation requirements in consultation with the Project Arborist.

TPZ fences should be in place prior to the commencement of all works and before construction machinery and materials are brought onto the site.

Tree protection fences are to be maintained in good condition during construction works and kept in place until after completion of construction works or as otherwise advised by the Project Arborist.

The Project Arborist should be consulted regarding potential tree impacts and tree protection in relation to any design, construction or landscaping plan drawings or modified plan drawings.

More detailed Project Arborist assessments of tree impacts are required in relation to installation of underground services following collection of Diameter immediately Above the Root Buttress (DARB)9 measurements where Major10TPZ encroachments are proposed.

Tree removal should occur following installation of TPZ fences around retained trees. Tree removal should avoid impacts to trees nominated to be retained. In some instances, trees to be removed may need to be pieced down and the final cut made near the tree base with roots remaining in situ to avoid unnecessary root disturbance to retained vegetation. Glyphosate herbicide may need to be applied to cut tree stumps to prevent regrowth where necessary.

During excavation works adjacent to retained tree TPZs, tree roots exposed >5cm diameter and coming from the general direction of retained trees should be cleanly cut by the Project Arborist with a sharp handsaw or chainsaw.

As required for installation of underground services (including new fire hydrant and stormwater systems) or recommended by the project arborist, use non-destructive exploratory excavations including hydraulic excavation with the aid of high-pressure water with an air vacuum (i.e. vacuum excavation) to locate and avoid structural roots. Water pressure is reduced to that required to locate structural roots without ringbarking roots. Underground directional drilling/ boring may also be considered if required.

Where construction machinery are required to work within or pass through TPZs and in liaison with the Project Arborist, lightweight load-sharing/ weight distribution mats, boards, planks or plates generally made from timber, metal or plastic may be required.

The role and importance of tree protection measures should be addressed with all construction staff during site inductions and toolbox talks.

Establishment and maintenance of Project Tree Protection Zones (TPZs) throughout the tree removal and construction process is important to protect tree roots and crowns; and maintain tree health, condition and vitality into the future. Trees proposed to be retained are expected to cope with construction activities, remain viable and maintain health, condition and stability into the future provided tree protection measures are effectively implemented. The following activities should not be carried out within TPZs unless in consultation with the Project Arborist:

9 Diameter immediately Above the Root Buttress (DARB) is used to calculate the Structural Root Zone (SRZ) of a tree,

rounded to the nearest centimetre. 10

A Major TPZ encroachment occurs where an incursion greater than 10% of the TPZ area or within the SRZ is proposed (Standards Australia 2009).

Machinery access including excavators, bobcats, etc.

Disposal of chemicals and liquids including concrete and mortar slurry, solvents, paint, fuel or oil.

Stockpiling, storage or mixing of sand, gravel or other building materials.

Refuelling, parking, storing, washing or repairing tools, equipment, machinery or vehicles.

Soil excavation, trenching, placement of fill, or changes to soil levels.

Installation of underground services.

Tree pruning or tree removal.

Other Recommendations

If tree removal recommendations in this report are adopted, the demolition plan drawing (as a minimum) should be updated to reflect recommendations.

Any other new landscape plantings for the site should be made up of non-invasive species selections and endemic native species should be considered. Tall Eucalyptus and Corymbia species that are prone to branch dieback and shedding are not recommended to be planted in high use areas such as schools.

Any tree pruning should be done in accordance with relevant sections (e.g. Section 5.4, Final Cut) of the Australian Standard AS4373 Pruning of amenity trees, and by a minimum AQF level 3 qualified arborist with appropriate experience.

A pre-clearing ecologist fauna inspection targeting bird nests is recommended immediately prior to any tree clearing.

School students, staff and other site users should stay clear of medium to large sized trees during and in the days following wet and windy weather when wood may become saturated, loads increase and tree failure is most likely to occur.

A rapid Visual Tree Assessment of retained trees by a minimum AQF Level 5 qualified arborist is recommended biannually and following severe thunderstorms11.

Any removed hollow branches should be relocated and retained in environmental protection zones as potential fauna habitat.

GENERAL ASSUMPTIONS and LIMITATIONS

Information in this report relates only to the trees examined and reflects their condition at the time of inspection.

Information presented in this report relies on information supplied by the client.

No risk assessments were conducted as part of this assessment and this report does not incorporate any risk assessments.

This assessment was limited to visual examination of accessible items without climbing, coring, dissecting or excavating. No responsibility is assumed for any tree defects that could only have been discovered by performing climbing, coring, dissecting or excavating.

Michael Hallinan and Arbor Ecological bear no responsibility for the means and methods used by any party that implements recommendations outlined within this report.

11

Severe thunderstorms produce any of the following: Large hail (2cm in diameter or larger); damaging wind gusts (generally wind gusts exceeding 90 km/h); heavy rainfall which may cause flash flooding; and/or Tornadoes (Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, No Date, Severe Thunderstorm Warning Services, accessed 06/04/13 http://www.bom.gov.au/catalogue/warnings/).

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to clarify or discuss this report. Yours sincerely, Michael Hallinan

Diploma in Arboriculture (AQF level 5) Associate Diploma in Horticulture – Arboriculture

Bachelor of Applied Science - Environmental Resource Management

Table 1. Arbor Ecological tree assessment findings and recommendations as variations from those in Treescience (2021), refer to Figures 1 and 2. Tree number

12

Identification Location

DBH (cm) Height (m) & Spread (m)

Age Class Health Condition

Recommendations Observations & Comments Plates

T150, T250, T202, T58 Various Carpark area

Various Various Various


NA. Trees not present Trees documented in Treescience (2021) were not present at the time of inspection by Arbor Ecological and appear to have been removed since preparation of the Treescience (2021) AIA report. T58, T202 and T250 were recommended for removal in Treescience (2021). No retain or remove recommendation was made in relation to T150 although It has since been assessed that T150 would have been required to be removed for construction.

T#1 Tuckeroo Cupianopsis anacardioides North of DS building, carpark area

25 8 5

Semi-mature Good Good

REMOVE tree for construction Remove regrowth exotic Umbrella Tree Tree not documented in Treescience (2021)

T#2 Beach Alectryon Alectryon coriaceus North of DS building, carpark area

20 7 4


REMOVE tree for construction Tree not documented in Treescience (2021)

12

Numbering from Treescience (2021) is used where practicable. Otherwise numbering follows from #1 onward.

Tree number12





T173 7x Curracabah/ Black Wattle Acacia concurrens Carpark area



REMOVE trees for construction Seven trees documented in Treescience (2021) as one tree occur on carpark island with Swamp Mahogany, all to be removed for construction. Naturally occurring native rainforest species endemic to the local area. Short lived pioneer species, prone to failure and not suitable for carpark areas.

T152 Cheese Tree Glochidion ferdinandi Carpark area

25 7 7

Semi-mature Good Fair

RETAIN tree Reduction prune over-extended branches as required by up to ~5% of tree mass for construction machinery site access Native rainforest species endemic to the local area. Misidentified in Treescience (2021) as exotic Fiddlewood (Citharexylum spinosum)

T133 Broad-leaved Paperbark Melaleuca viridiflora Carpark area

30 4 3


RETAIN Tree Reduction pruned for site office installation Considered likely to retain vitality. Recommended to be removed in Treescience (2021). Planted Misidentified in Treescience (2021) as Silky Oak (Grevillea robusta)

T73 Broad-leaved Paperbark Melaleuca viridiflora Vehicle access road to carpark

35 5 4


RETAIN Tree Reduction prune over-extended branches as required by up to ~5% of tree mass for construction machinery site access Recommended to be removed in Treescience (2021). Planted

Tree number12





T139, T137, T130, T119 Broad-leaved Paperbark Melaleuca viridiflora & Weeping Bottlebrush Callistemon viminalis Vehicle access road to carpark



RETAIN trees Reduction prune over-extended branches as required between ~3% and 12% of tree mass for construction machinery site access Planted

T#3 9x Broad-leaved Paperbark Melaleuca viridiflora & Melaleuca quinquenervia

3x Tuckeroo Cupianopsis anacardioides

3x Three-veined Laurel Cryptocarya triplinervis

Bangalow Palm Archontophoenix cunninghamiana Vehicle access road to carpark



RETAIN trees Reduction prune over-extended branches as required between ~3% and 12% of tree mass for construction machinery site access. Remove regrowth exotic Umbrella Tree Trees not impacted following relocation of the proposed construction substation. Broad-leaved Paperbark planted others naturally occurring regrowth native rainforest species endemic to the local area. Trees not documented in Treescience (2021)

Tree number12





T193 Native Frangipani Hymenosporum flavum School entrance north of A Building

25 6 5

Over-mature Poor Fair

REMOVE tree due to poor health and over-maturity Recommended to be retained in Treescience (2021). Native rainforest species endemic to the local area. Short lived pioneer species

T#4 Yucca Yucca sp. School entrance north of A Building



REMOVE plants and replace as part of site landscaping Numerous plants, not considered in retain/ remove calculations. Exotic species. Low conservation values

T#5 Draceana Draceana sp. School entrance north of A Building



REMOVE plants and replace as part of site landscaping Numerous plants, not considered in retain/ remove calculations. Exotic species. Low conservation values

T190 3x Tuckeroo Cupianopsis anacardioides

Guioa Guioa semiglauca

Three-veined Laurel Cryptocarya triplinervis



RETAIN 6 trees 6 trees recorded in Treescience (2021) as one tree and not correctly mapped/located. Native rainforest species endemic to the local area. Likely naturally occurring

Tree number12





White Aspen Acronychia oblongifolia North of D Building

T213 Brush Box Lophostemon confertus North of D Building

55 13 8

Semi-mature Good Poor

RETAIN tree as per Treescience (2021) Remove southern stem of two codominant stems from near the base (similar to works done to adjoining T85) Codominant

13 stems exist with signs of included bark

14 and response/ adaptive

growth in the form of reaction wood15

between codominant stems near tree base. The southern stem moderately leaning

16 and weighted towards Building

D (within the fall zone) Native rainforest species endemic to the local area. Likely naturally occurring. Not correctly mapped/located in Treescience (2021)

T#6 Red Cedar Toona ciliata (& dead Tree Fern with Silkpod Vine (Parsonsia straminea) Northeast of A Building

10 5 3


REMOVE tree due to unsuitable space for tree growth and development. Also remove adjoining dead Tree Fern with native Silkpod Vine climbing on it Not documented in Treescience (2021). Native rainforest species endemic to the local area. Likely natural regrowth or transplants

13

Codominant stems are stems that originate at about the same position on a stem and are approximately the same diameter. The structure is defective in various circumstances because the only way trunk xylem can grow around a branch, and form a strong attachment, is for the trunk to be larger in diameter than the branch attachment. Co-dominant stems typically lack overlapping tissue present in a collar, which can lead to possible failure at the point of attachment. Additionally, the weight and leverage of the co-dominant stems increases with age, intensifying the stress on the attachment (Harris RW, Clark JR & Matheny NP, 1999 Arboriculture: Integrated Management of Landscape Trees, Shrubs, and Vines, Prentice Hall, NJ USA). 14

Included bark refers to bark that has become embedded between branches or stems growing closely together causing a weak attachment (Dunster et al 2013). 15

Reaction wood is wood formed in leaning or crooked stems to counteract the effects of gravity and consists of compression wood and tension wood (Dunster et al 2013). 16

Lean refers to the deviation in the vertical angle of the main stem/s categorised in this instance as: Slight: up to 70; Moderate: 8

0 to 15

0; High: between 15

0 and 25

0; and Severe: >25

0.

Leans can originate from different points along the stem/s and are caused by factors such as competition for light, slope, prevailing winds and genetics. Leans may be static, progressive or corrected. They may be hazardous, particularly when other defects are present (Smiley TE, Matheny N & Lilly S 2011, Tree Risk Assessment, Best Management Practices, International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), Illinois, USA; and Dunster et al 2013).

Tree number12





T#7 Cheese Tree Glochidion ferdinandi (& Foambark Jagera pseudorhus) Northeast of A Building

15 6 4


REMOVE tree due to unsuitable space for tree growth and development. Also remove adjoining sapling Foambark Not documented in Treescience (2021). Native rainforest species endemic to the local area. Likely natural regrowth or transplants

T#8 Golden Cane Palm clump Dypsis lutescens North of F Building

15 3 2


REMOVE palm for construction Exotic

T#9 Screw Pine Pandanus pedunculatus North of F Building

20 3 3

Over-mature Poor Very Poor

REMOVE tree due to poor health and condition Poor form, only one stem alive and extending laterally Native species endemic to the local area

T#10 Tuckeroo Cupianopsis anacardioides North of F Building

40 7 6

Mature Good Good

RETAIN tree Install Tree Protection Zone Fence Generally stable native rainforest species endemic to the local area

Tree number12





T#11 Kaffir Plum/ South African Plum Harpephyllum caffrum North of F Building

20 4 3

Semi-mature Good Poor

REMOVE tree for construction and due to poor condition Codominant stems near base with signs of included bark Exotic species

T#12 A Fig Ficus sp. North of F Building

NA NA NA Tree has been removed Shown on demolition plan to be removed. Large figs are with highly invasive root systems are not suitable near buildings and underground services. Not documented in Treescience (2021)

T256 Swamp Mahogany Eucalyptus robusta

55 18 12

Mature Good Fair

RETAIN tree Remove over-extended limb to east with high lean over table and seats Remove Tuckeroo growing too close to tree base Install Tree Protection Zone Fence Native species endemic to the local area. Species is prone to branch dieback and periodic branch shedding

T22 & T57 Weeping Bottlebrush Callistemon viminalis South of F Building



NA Tree not present Trees documented in Treescience (2021) were not present at the time of inspection by Arbor Ecological. These trees were recommended to be retained in Treescience (2021)

Tree number12





T#13 Native Frangipani Hymenosporum flavum &

Three-veined Laurel Cryptocarya triplinervis East of C Building



REMOVE trees for construction Native rainforest species endemic to the local area. Trees not documented in Treescience (2021) and noted as ‘not of significance’

T#14 Riberry Syzygium luehmannii

Golden Cane Palm clump Dypsis lutescens East of C Building



REMOVE trees for construction Riberry is a native rainforest species endemic to the local area. Golden Cane Palm is exotic. Trees not documented in Treescience (2021) and noted as ‘not of significance’

T#15 2x Golden Cane Palm clump Dypsis lutescens Frangipani Plumeria sp. West of C Building



REMOVE trees for construction Exotic. Trees not documented in Treescience (2021) and noted as ‘not of significance’

T#16 5x Golden Cane Palm clump Dypsis lutescens West of C Building



REMOVE trees for construction Exotic. Trees not documented in Treescience (2021) and noted as ‘not of significance’

Tree number12





Trees A to N Guioa Guioa semiglauca

2x Three-veined Laurel Cryptocarya triplinervis,

Cheese Tree Glochidion ferdinandi

2x Native Frangipani Hymenosporum flavum

Mango Mangifera indica

Brush Cherry Syzygium australe

Flame Tree Brachychiton acerifolius

Golden Cane Palm clump Dypsis lutescens

Weeping Lilly Pilly Syzygium floribundum North of B Building



REMOVE trees for construction Species misidentified in Treescience (2021) include Tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis anacardioides), Lacebark (Brachychiton discolor) and Brush Box (Lophostemon confertus). Species unidentified in Treescience (2021) include Guioa, Three-veined Laurel, Cheese Tree, Mango and Brush Cherry

, senior project engineer (rcc)

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