approved nsw & national recovery plan randia moorei (spiny

Approved NSW & National

Recovery Plan

Randia moorei(Spiny Gardenia)

December 2004

© Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW), 2004.This work is copyright. However, material presented in this plan may be copied for personal use or published foreducational purposes, providing that any extracts are fully acknowledged. Apart from this and any other use aspermitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced without prior written permission from theDepartment of Environment and Conservation (NSW).

Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW)59-61 Goulbourn Street(PO Box A290)Sydney South NSW 1232

Phone: (02) 9995 5000 (switchboard)Phone: 131 555 (information & publications requests)Fax: (02) 9995 5999Email: [email protected]: www.environment.nsw.gov.au

Requests for information or comments regarding the recovery program for the Spiny Gardenia are best directedto:

The Spiny Gardenia Recovery Co-ordinatorBiodiversity Conservation UnitEPRD, North EastDepartment of Environment and Conservation (NSW)Locked Bag 914Coffs Harbour NSW 2450

Phone: 02 6651 5946

Cover illustrator: Ann Sheppard

This plan should be cited as follows:

Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) 2004, Recovery Plan for Randia moorei (Spiny Gardenia),Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW), Sydney.

ISBN 1 74122 156 0

D e p a r t m e n t o f E n v i r o n m e n t a n d C o n s e r v a t i o n ( N S W ) P a g e i

Approved Recovery Plan The Spiny Gardenia

Recovery Plan for Randia moorei (SpinyGardenia)Foreword

The New South Wales (NSW) Government established a new environment agency on 24 September 2003, theDepartment of Environment and Conservation (NSW) (DEC), which incorporates the NSW National Parksand Wildlife Service. Responsibility for the preparation of Recovery Plans now rests with this new department.

This document constitutes the formal National and NSW State Recovery Plan for Randia moorei (SpinyGardenia) and, as such, considers the conservation requirements of the species across its known range. Itidentifies the actions to be taken to ensure the long-term viability of the Spiny Gardenia in nature and theparties who will undertake these actions.

The Spiny Gardenia is included as Endangered on the Commonwealth Environment Protection and BiodiversityConservation Act 1999, the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and the Queensland NatureConservation (Wildlife) Regulation 1994. The species is known from national parks and nature reserves, roadreserves and freehold land in north-eastern NSW and south-eastern Queensland.

The future recovery actions detailed in this Recovery Plan include: (i) to co-ordinate the recovery of the SpinyGardenia, (ii) to determine the size and extent of the Spiny Gardenia population, (iii) to conduct research intothe biology, ecology and genetics of the Spiny Gardenia relevant to its management, (iv) to manage andprotect known populations of the Spiny Gardenia and associated habitat, (v) to expand the population size ofthe Spiny Gardenia, (vi) to gain an understanding of the cultural importance of the Spiny Gardenia to LocalAboriginal Land Councils, Elders and other groups representing indigenous people and (vii) to develop andimplement a contingency plan to ensure the long-term survival of the Spiny Gardenia.

It is intended that the Recovery Plan will be implemented over a five-year period. Actions will be undertakenby the DEC, with support from the Queensland Environment Protection Agency/Parks and Wildlife Service.

SIMON A Y SMITH

Acting/Director-General

BOB DEBUS MP

Minister for the Environment

D e p a r t m e n t o f E n v i r o n m e n t a n d C o n s e r v a t i o n ( N S W ) P a g e i i


Acknowledgments

Those involved with the preparation of the plan would like to thank Andrew Benwell, Alex Floyd, MichaelHealey, John Hunter, Henry James, Andrew Murray and Peter Parker for providing valuable information onSpiny Gardenia sites. Barry Walker and Sally and Lance Fitzgerald provided information on fruiting andflowering phenology.

Thanks are also due to the landholders who provided access to sites on private lands and to Mike Body of theNew South Wales Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources for gathering information onTony’s Island. Thanks also to Katrina McKay, Shane Ruming and Lynn Baker of the Department ofEnvironment and Conservation (NSW), Maurizio Rossetto of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Karen Cranney ofTweed Shire Council and Bill McDonald of the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.

D e p a r t m e n t o f E n v i r o n m e n t a n d C o n s e r v a t i o n ( N S W ) P a g e i i i


Table of Contents

Foreword .....................................................................................................................................................iAcknowledgments ......................................................................................................................................iiTable of Contents......................................................................................................................................iii1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................12 Legislative Context .............................................................................................................................1

2.1 Legal status .............................................................................................................................................. 12.2 Legislative framework for threatened species, populations and communities in NSW......................... 12.3 Relationship to other NSW legislation ................................................................................................... 22.4 Legislative framework for endangered plants in Queensland................................................................. 22.5 Commonwealth legislative framework.................................................................................................... 2

3 Species Information ............................................................................................................................33.1 Description and taxonomy...................................................................................................................... 33.2 Distribution and abundance.................................................................................................................... 33.3 Land tenure ............................................................................................................................................. 33.4 Habitat..................................................................................................................................................... 43.5 Altitude and topographic preferences..................................................................................................... 43.6 Geology and soil characteristics .............................................................................................................. 43.7 Life history and ecology........................................................................................................................... 53.8 Ability of species to recover .................................................................................................................... 53.9 Threats to the species.............................................................................................................................. 5

4 Previous Recovery Actions .................................................................................................................74.1 Surveys and monitoring........................................................................................................................... 74.2 Habitat protection and management...................................................................................................... 7

5 Proposed Recovery Objectives, Actions and Performance Criteria.....................................................76 Implementation ................................................................................................................................117 Social and Economic Consequences .................................................................................................118 Biodiversity Benefits .........................................................................................................................129 Preparation Details ...........................................................................................................................1210 Review Date .....................................................................................................................................1212 References ........................................................................................................................................1211 Acronyms Used in this Document....................................................................................................12Appendix 1: Summary of Advice from the NSW Scientific Committee...................................................15Appendix 2: Species Commonly Found at Spiny Gardenia Sites ..............................................................16Appendix 3: Threatened Flora Site Assessment .......................................................................................17

Figures

Figure 1. Locations of the Spiny Gardenia......................................................................................................... 3

Tables

Table 1. Zoning of known Spiny Gardenia sites................................................................................................ 4

Table 2. Estimated costs of implementing the actions identified in the Spiny Gardenia Recovery Plan...... 14

D e p a r t m e n t o f E n v i r o n m e n t a n d C o n s e r v a t i o n ( N S W ) P a g e i v


D e p a r t m e n t o f E n v i r o n m e n t a n d C o n s e r v a t i o n ( N S W ) P a g e 1


1 Introduction

Randia moorei F. Muell. ex Benth 1867 (SpinyGardenia) occurs in north-eastern New South Wales(NSW) and south-eastern Queensland. The specieswas first recorded in 1895, and is known from theLismore, Byron and Tweed local government areas(LGAs) in NSW and the Gold Coast City Council(GCCC) area in Queensland.

This document constitutes the formal National andNSW State Recovery Plan for the Spiny Gardenia.It identifies the actions to be taken to ensure thelong-term viability of the Spiny Gardenia in natureand the parties who will undertake these actions.The attainment of the objectives of this RecoveryPlan is subject to budgetary and other constraintsaffecting the parties involved.

This plan has been prepared by the Department ofEnvironment and Conservation (NSW) (DEC) inconsultation with the Queensland EnvironmentProtection Agency (EPA)/Parks and Wildlife Service(QPWS).

2 Legislative Context

2.1 Legal status

The Spiny Gardenia is listed as Endangered underthe NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995(TSC Act), and the Commonwealth EnvironmentProtection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999(EPBC Act). The Queensland Government haslisted the Spiny Gardenia as Endangered on theQueensland Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation1994, which comes under the Nature ConservationAct 1992 (NC Act).

2.2 Legislative framework for threatenedspecies, populations and communities inNSW

Responsibilities under the NSW ThreatenedSpecies Conservation Act 1995

Recovery plan preparation, exhibition andimplementation

The TSC Act and the NSW Threatened SpeciesConservation Amendment Act 2002 (hereafterreferred to jointly as the TSC Act) provide alegislative framework to protect and encourage therecovery of Endangered and Vulnerable Species,Endangered Populations and Endangered EcologicalCommunities in NSW. Under this legislation theDirector-General of DEC has a responsibility toprepare Recovery Plans for all species, populations

and ecological communities listed as Endangered orVulnerable on the TSC Act schedules. The TSCAct includes specific requirements for both thematters to be addressed by Recovery Plans and theprocess for preparing Recovery Plans. This RecoveryPlan satisfies these provisions.

This Recovery Plan was placed on public exhibitionfrom 7 March 2003 to 11 April 2003.

The TSC Act states that an approved Recovery Planmust include a summary of advice given by the NSWScientific Committee with respect to the plan,details of any amendments made to the plan to takeaccount of that advice and a statement of thereasons for any departure from that advice. Thissummary is provided in Appendix 1. The TSC Actrequires that a government agency must notundertake actions inconsistent with a Recovery Plan.The actions identified in this plan for the recovery ofthe Spiny Gardenia are the responsibility of the DECin NSW, and the GCCC and EPA/QPWS inQueensland. Other public authorities may havestatutory responsibilities relevant to the conservationand protection of the Spiny Gardenia.

Consultation with indigenous people

Local Aboriginal Land Councils, Elders and othergroups representing indigenous people in the areaswhere the Spiny Gardenia occurs have beenidentified and a copy of the Recovery Plan sent tothem. Their comments on the draft of this RecoveryPlan were sought. It is the intention of the DEC toconsider the role and interests of these indigenouscommunities in the implementation of the actionsidentified in this plan.

Critical Habitat

The TSC Act makes provision for the identificationand declaration of Critical Habitat for species,populations and ecological communities listed asEndangered. Once declared, it becomes an offenceto damage Critical Habitat (unless the action isspecifically exempted by the TSC Act) and a SpeciesImpact Statement (SIS) is mandatory for alldevelopments and activities proposed within CriticalHabitat.

Key Threatening Processes

As of December 2004 there are 24 Key ThreateningProcesses listed on the TSC Act. Of these ‘clearingof native vegetation’ (NSW Scientific Committee2001) is relevant to the Spiny Gardenia. In additionto this Key Threatening Process, a range of otherprocesses are recognised as threatening the survivalof the species in NSW.



Licensing

Any activity not requiring development consentunder the NSW Environmental Planning andAssessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) or the NSWNative Vegetation Act 2003 (NV Act), which is likelyto pick the Spiny Gardenia or damage its habitat,requires a licence from the DEC under theprovisions of the TSC Act and the NSW NationalParks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NPW Act) as a defenceagainst prosecution. If the impact is likely to besignificant, a SIS is required.

Other conservation measures

The TSC Act includes provision for other measuresthat may be taken to conserve the Spiny Gardeniaand its habitat, including the making of a Stop WorkOrder or Joint Management Agreement.

2.3 Relationship to other NSW legislation

Additional NSW legislation relevant to theconservation and recovery of the Spiny Gardeniaincludes the following:

• National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974;

• Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979;

• Local Government Act 1993;

• Rural Fires Act 1997;

• Forestry and National Park Estate Act 1998;

• Rural Fires and Environmental AssessmentLegislation Amendment Act 2002; and

• Native Vegetation Act 2003.

2.4 Legislative framework for endangeredplants in Queensland

Queensland legislation relevant to the conservationand recovery of the Spiny Gardenia includes thefollowing:

• Nature Conservation Act 1992;

• Integrated Planning Act 1997; and

• Vegetation Management Act 1999.

2.5 Commonwealth legislative framework

Environment Protection and BiodiversityConservation Act 1999

The EPBC Act provides a legislative framework forthe protection of threatened species across Australia.An important role of the EPBC Act is to facilitatethe preparation and implementation of RecoveryPlans for species listed under the Act in co-operationwith the States and Territories in which populations

of listed species occur. In preparing aCommonwealth Recovery Plan, consideration mustbe given to the role and interests if indigenouspeople in the conservation of Australian biodiversity.The Act also seeks to impose the obligation (arisingfrom the listing) for responsible agencies (particularlyCommonwealth) to adopt protective measures. ThisRecovery Plan will be submitted to theCommonwealth for approval under the EPBC Act.

Under the EPBC Act, Critical Habitat may beregistered for any Nationally listed threatenedspecies or ecological community. When adopting aRecovery Plan, the Commonwealth Minister for theEnvironment and Heritage must consider whether tolist habitat identified in the Recovery Plan as beingcritical to the survival of the species or ecologicalcommunity. It is an offence under the EPBC Act fora person to knowingly take an action that willsignificantly damage Critical Habitat (unless theEPBC Act specifically exempts the action). Thisoffence only applies to Commonwealth areas.However, an action which is likely to have asignificant impact on a listed species is still subject toreferral and approval under the EPBC Act.

This Recovery Plan does not specifically identifyhabitat that is critical to the survival of the SpinyGardenia. However, the distribution, habitat andecological information included in this plan willassist the Commonwealth Minister for theEnvironment and Heritage in identifying habitatthat is critical to the survival of this species.

The DEC does not consider it appropriate that thisRecovery Plan identifies or maps the occurrence ofthis species in the detail that would be required todefine Critical Habitat.

As the Spiny Gardenia is listed Nationally under theEPBC Act, any person proposing to undertakeactions likely to have a significant impact on thisspecies should refer the action to theCommonwealth Minister for the Environment andHeritage for consideration. The Minister will thendecide whether the action requires EPBC Actapproval. This is in addition to any State or LocalGovernment approval required.

Administrative guidelines are available from theDepartment of Environmental Heritage to assistproponents in determining whether their action islikely to have a significant impact.



3 Species Information

3.1 Description and taxonomy

Randia moorei is a member of the Rubiaceae family.It is a tall shrub or small tree to about 8 m in height.The leaves are oval to almost round in shape, mostly2–6 cm long and 1–3 cm wide, with a rounded baseand narrowing to a point at the tip. The leaf surfaceis smooth, with lateral veins faint, and the lowersurface often paler. There are usually axillary spinespresent. Flowers are at the ends or on the side ofstems, usually three together on separate flowerstalks about 3–7 mm long. Floyd (1989) noted astrong, sweet smell from the flowers. The fruit is aglobe-shaped berry, about 6–9 mm long, orange oryellow, drying to black.

The full botanical description of Spiny Gardenia isincluded in Harden (1992).

3.2 Distribution and abundance

The known range of the Spiny Gardenia extendsfrom Lismore on the north coast of NSW,northwards to the Logan River, southernQueensland (Quinn et al. 1995). The currentdistribution and abundance of the species within thisrange is poorly understood. The southern-mosthistorical location was at Broken Head althoughindividuals of the species were not relocated thereduring surveys associated with the preparation of thisRecovery Plan (McKinley & Stewart 1999).Similarly, the persistence of the species at thewestern-most NSW location at Lismore is yet to beconfirmed. Most known records of the SpinyGardenia are in the Tweed and Brunswick LGAs inNSW and the GCCC area in Queensland (Figure 1).

In NSW, there are currently 33 verified sites knownto support 121 mature plants and 98 juvenile plants.In Queensland there are 11 recorded sites supporting15 individuals. The sites are clustered on variousscales but are generally not separable into divisionsthat may be recognisable as sub-populations1. Such adivision will require either the presence ofgeographical barriers between groups, or sufficientecological and genetic understanding to allowprediction of separation distances required toprevent exchange. In addition, further surveys mayestablish connectivity between groups that currentlyappear to be isolated.

1 The usage of “population”, “sub-population”, and“mature individuals” throughout this document areconsistent with IUCN (Hilton-Taylor 2000).

3.3 Land tenure

The Spiny Gardenia has been found in ten nationalparks and reserves. In NSW, it is known fromBrunswick Heads Nature Reserve, and historicrecords exist from Broken Head Nature Reserve,Stotts Island Nature Reserve and Wilson’s ParkNature Reserve, however these sites are yet to bereconfirmed. The species also occurs within BirdsBay Council Reserve. In Queensland, it is recordedfrom Burleigh Heads National Park, Darlington

Reserve, Wongawallen Conservation Area, Nicoll’sScrub National Park and Upper MudgeerabaConservation Area.

The Spiny Gardenia also occurs on private land, on aschool property, and on a roadside reserve (OldLismore Road) managed by the Tweed ShireCouncil.

Figure 1. Locations of the Spiny Gardenia



Table 1 shows the zoning of land from which SpinyGardenia has been recorded.

3.4 Habitat

The Spiny Gardenia occurs in subtropical,riverine, littoral and dry rainforest and sometimesalong moist scrubby watercourses. In NSW thespecies is often found in Hoop Pine (Araucariacunninghamii) - Brush Box (Lophostemonconfertus) forest with other rainforest elementspresent in the understorey. Although plants aretypically found within rainforest or in Hoop Pine- Brush Box forest, at Terranora in Tweed Shireand on the southern slopes of Mount Chincoganin Byron Shire, the Spiny Gardenia occurs as ascattered remnant shrub in open grazing landthat was formerly rainforest. At a site on theBrunswick River near Mullumbimby, a plant waslocated in an open situation on the river bank.Species commonly found with the SpinyGardenia during recent surveys are listed inAppendix 2.

3.5 Altitude and topographic preferences

The Spiny Gardenia has been recorded ataltitudes up to 360 m, with most records madefrom below 100 m (McKinley & Stewart 1999).Quin et al. (1995) suggested that the altitudinalrange extends to 500 m, however this is notsupported by NSW records. Slope and aspect ofknown sites vary, however, the majority ofrecords are from creek or river flats or on southand east facing slopes.

3.6 Geology and soil characteristics

The Spiny Gardenia is found on basalt-derived soils(e.g. Wilsons Park Nature Reserve, MountChincogan, Terranora, Barneys Point, BurleighHeads), metasediments of the Fernvale-Neranleighcomplex (e.g. Broken Head Nature Reserve,Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve, Birds Bay, OldLismore Rd), and on alluvium (e.g. Brunswick HeadsNature Reserve, Old Ferry Rd, Brunswick River,Tony’s Island).

Table 1. Zoning of known Spiny Gardenia sites

Council Zoning Description No. of Sites

Tweed 1(a) General rural 12

1(b2) Agricultural protection 22(a) Low density residential 12(c) Urban expansion 16(b) Recreation 17(a) Environmental protection 27(d) Environmental protection 17(l) Environmental protection 38(a) National parks and nature reserve 3

Byron 1(a) General rural 11c2 Small holdings 12(a) Residential zone 18 (a) National parks and nature reserve zone 29(a) Proposed road 1

Lismore 8 (a) National parks and nature reserve zone 1

Gold Coast City Rural Rural (1:20 ha subdivision ratio) 2Extractive industry Extractive industry with open space buffer 1

Rural Public open space 5Special purpose Public open space (national park) 2Uncertain Uncertain 1



3.7 Life history and ecology

Growth and development

No in-situ studies of growth and development of theSpiny Gardenia have been carried out. However,moderately slow growth rates have been observed inhorticultural specimens of this species. A plantgrown from seed attained a height of 4.5 m within 18years and a diameter at breast height over bark(dbhob) of 10 cm (B. Walker pers. comm.).

Population size and structure

The site at Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve is thelargest known, with more than 60 individualsrecorded. All size classes are represented at this site,occurring over a 0.4 ha area. Seedlings and/or smallsuckers are also present around several mature trees.

The Tony’s Island site also has a variety of sizeclasses present, with large to medium trees andsmaller plants present. Large trees are also recordedfrom Stotts Island Nature Reserve (J. Hunter pers.comm.), however no detailed census data is availablefor this site.

Reproduction

Vegetative reproduction

The Spiny Gardenia coppices and produces rootsuckers readily, with suckers evident on many plants(A. McKinley & B. Stewart pers. obs.). Inparticular, a large tree at Brunswick Heads hasapparently responded to disturbance (soil erosion) byproducing numerous root suckers. Clumps of shrubsand small trees occurring at many sites mayrepresent single genetic individuals.

Flowering and fruiting

The age at which the Spiny Gardenia isreproductively mature, and the time it takes thespecies to produce viable seed, are importantbiological variables. The Spiny Gardenia has beennoted to fruit at 6 years old. Small shrubs (<1 mhigh) have been observed fruiting at Cudgera Creekand flower buds were present on a plant with dbhob<1 cm at Tony’s Island (McKinley & Stewart 1999).

Barry & Thomas (1994) recorded the floweringperiod of the Spiny Gardenia as July to October.Flower buds were recorded in May at Tony’s Island(A. McKinley & B. Stewart pers. obs.).

Fruiting times appear to be irregular in the SpinyGardenia. Ripe fruit has been recorded from July toAugust and December (Barry & Thomas 1994), aswell as March from May to July and August. Treesat Burringbar are known to produce some fruit eachyear, but production is variable from year to year (L.Fitzgerald pers. comm.).

Seed dispersal

Fruit of the Rubiaceae family is readily dispersed bybirds (Floyd 1989), although there are no knownrecords of birds feeding on the fruit of the SpinyGardenia. A proportion of the seeds are probablydispersed a distance from the parents and accountfor the scattered, isolated occurrences of plantswhich, seem to be typical of the Spiny Gardenia’sdistribution.

Seed dormancy, viability and germination

Soil storage of seeds is likely to be transient in theSpiny Gardenia which is typical for species of latersuccessional stages in rainforest environments(Hopkins & Graham 1987). Specific trials arerequired to confirm this.

Seeds germinate readily after about 3 months (S.Fitzgerald pers. comm.) and have a high rate ofviability. However, seeds may lose viability quicklyin the wild (L. Fitzgerald pers. comm.).

3.8 Ability of species to recover

Habitat clearing and fragmentation are believed tobe the primary causes of decline in the SpinyGardenia population.

Until the current trend of habitat loss to urban andindustrial development and agricultural expansion inthe Northern Rivers region is controlled, the declineof this species will continue.

Whilst a substantial reforestation effort is underwaythrough government, community and privateinitiatives, current efforts are unlikely to replace theamount of habitat that has been previously lost.

Prevention of loss of individuals and habitat,rehabilitation of sites with remnant vegetation andappropriate population enhancement is importantfor the long-term recovery of the species. Shouldthese activities occur in a timely fashion, utilisingbest management practice, it is possible for thisspecies to recover, however this recovery will take alonger time frame than the five year life span of thisRecovery Plan.

3.9 Threats to the species

Habitat loss

Historically land clearing has been responsible forremoval of large areas of the habitat of the SpinyGardenia. At historical locations aroundMurwillumbah and Mullumbimby, the originalfloodplain rainforest on the alluvial soils has beencleared and the species now only occurs at a smallsubset of sites.



Since the majority of Spiny Gardenia habitat occursoutside public lands, and/or secure zoning, habitatloss poses a major threat to the future conservationof this species in nature. Habitat is also under threatfrom expansion of urban development andagriculture (e.g. banana plantations).

Up to 21 ha of Spiny Gardenia habitat was removedduring the Pacific Highway upgrade from Yelgun toChinderah. Ten individuals were translocated fromthree locations as an ameliorative measure butsurvival rate of translocated individuals has been low(Benwell 2001).

Habitat fragmentation

Much of the original habitat of the Spiny Gardeniahas been fragmented by vegetation clearing. Thishas resulted in isolation of many Spiny Gardeniasites. This has the potential to cause the cessation ofgene flow between these areas.

Habitat degradation

Several Spiny Gardenia sites are threatened byexotic weed invasion. Exotic species compete with,and interrupt the recruitment of, seedling and adultplants, preventing them from reaching reproductivematurity.

Weed removal

As the Spiny Gardenia occurs in habitats that areprone to infestation with exotic weeds, inappropriateuse of herbicides may present a potential threat.

In addition, the Spiny Gardenia bears a superficialresemblance to Cockspur Vine (Macluracochinchinensis) and Small-leaved Privet (Ligustrumsinense), and may be inadvertently destroyed duringweed removal activities.

Fire

There is no information on the response of the SpinyGardenia to fire. As the species occurs in rainforestit is presumed that it is sensitive to fire. Fire ispresumed to be a threat to those individuals thatoccur in areas where the forest structure has beenaltered, or in areas where natural fire regimes havebeen altered.

Mechanical disturbance

Mature plants that are known to occur in exposedsituations often appear sun-bleached. It is likely thatsmall plants would be adversely affected by suddensun exposure and opening the canopy may providesuitable conditions for the establishment orproliferation of the exotic weed species.Alternatively, small canopy gaps, or removal ofweeds from the understorey, result in small increasesin light intensity and will be likely to promotegrowth.

Road maintenance

In the Northern Rivers region, roadside vegetationforms a network across the landscape and, in someplaces, represents the only original vegetationremaining. Roadside vegetation may containthreatened species, uncommon vegetationcommunities and important genetic material.

Where the Spiny Gardenia occurs on road reservesthe trees are subject to root compaction and physicaldamage from roadways and road maintenanceactivities. Several sites may also be impacted byroadside slashing, flail mowers or by inappropriateherbicide application.

To date, there have been no comprehensive surveysof roadside vegetation within the known range of theSpiny Gardenia. In the absence of such surveys,individuals of this species, and other ThreatenedSpecies, may be inadvertently damaged or cleared byroadside maintenance activities.

Urban development

Plants in Queensland and at Cobaki in NSW arepotentially threatened by urban development.Although individuals may not actually be removedthrough site development, long-term prospects arenot favourable due to predicted dumping of rubbishand exotic weed invasion. Unless remnant areas arelarge enough to allow regeneration and are carefullymanaged for conservation, the Spiny Gardenia islikely to disappear from urban areas.

Loss of genetic diversity

The evolutionary potential of the Spiny Gardeniamay be threatened as a consequence of reducedgenetic variation because of small population size,genetic drift, and increased pollination amongstclose relatives leading to inbreeding depression.

Planting of large amounts of genetic material from asingle plant or plants that have genes from outsidethe local area may swamp the local gene pool. Theconsequence of these plantings can result in eitherinbreeding or outbreeding depression affecting thespecies ability to adapt to environmental change.

Where cultivated specimens of the Spiny Gardeniaare planted in close proximity to naturally occurringindividuals there is a threat to the evolutionarypotential and genetic integrity of the species throughgenetic pollution.

Where naturally occurring plants are isolated and indanger of losing variability, the introduction of newgenetic material may be considered, however such aconsideration would only be acted upon afterinvestigation has been undertaken.



4 Previous Recovery Actions

4.1 Surveys and monitoring

Field surveys to establish the extent and health ofpopulations of the Spiny Gardenia in NSW wereundertaken prior to the writing of this RecoveryPlan. During these surveys, priority was given tosites on public lands but, where possible, sites oneasily accessible private lands were also surveyed.During these surveys the numbers of individuals ateach location were counted, age structure wasassessed, opportunistic observations of floweringand/or fruiting were recorded, and habitat andthreatening process details were recorded (McKinley& Stewart 1999).

4.2 Habitat protection and management

No specific management of Spiny Gardenia habitathas been undertaken at any of the known sites.General habitat management (restoration andrehabilitation) has been undertaken at Broken HeadNature Reserve (including work carried out byGreencorps teams, Broken Head Protection Societyvolunteers and DEC teams) and at Wilson NatureReserve (Greencorps and DEC teams).

5 Proposed Recovery Objectives, Actionsand Performance Criteria

The overall objective of this Recovery Plan is toprotect the known populations of Spiny Gardenia toensure that the species remains viable in the wild inthe long-term. This Recovery Plan has identifiedboth the long and short-term habitat managementrequirements affecting Spiny Gardenia.

Specific objectives of the Recovery Plan for thespecies are listed below. For each of these objectivesa number of recovery actions have been developed,each with a performance criterion.

Objective 1: To co-ordinate the recovery of theSpiny Gardenia

Action 1.1:

The DEC will co-ordinate the implementation of actionsoutlined in this Recovery Plan.

A co-ordinated approach is essential to oversee andassist in implementing actions outlined in thisRecovery Plan in a timely, cost-effective andefficient manner.

Performance criterion: The DEC has co-ordinatedthe recovery actions included in this Recovery Planfor the life of the plan.

Action 1.2:

The DEC will co-ordinate establishing a Spiny Gardeniaworking group

The membership of this group will be dynamic, but islikely to include the DEC, GCCC and EPA/QPWSrepresentatives, as well as members of thecommunity.

The Spiny Gardenia is recorded from two States on avariety of tenures. Effective implementation of therecovery actions for this plan will require the co-operation of all relevant stakeholders. The SpinyGardenia working group will enable all stakeholdersto contribute to implementation of recovery actions.

Performance criterion: A working group has beenestablished and is operating within six months of thecommencement of this Recovery Plan and continuesto operate for the life of the plan.

Action 1.3:

The DEC will integrate the recovery program for thisspecies with relevant Recovery Plans, strategies andmanagement plans developed and implemented by theDEC and other public authorities.

By integrating the Spiny Gardenia Recovery Planactions with those proposed in other Recovery Plans,strategies and management plans, limited resourcescan obtain a greater conservation benefit.

Performance criterion: Over the life of this RecoveryPlan, related recovery actions identified in thisRecovery Plan and other Recovery Plans, strategiesand management plans have been integrated.

Objective 2: To determine the size and extent ofthe Spiny Gardenia population

Action 2.1:

The current known distribution of the SpinyGardenia is detailed in Section 3.2 of this RecoveryPlan. Surveys for the species during the preparationof this Recovery Plan concentrated on confirmingand investigating existing records in NSW andQueensland, with limited survey in identifiedpotential habitat.

Systematic and comprehensive surveys of all areas ofhabitat where the Spiny Gardenia may potentiallyoccur are required to ensure that all extantindividuals are identified and recorded. Siteassessment utilising the ‘Threatened Flora SiteAssessment’ form (Appendix 3) will occur for eachnew site recorded.

Performance criteria: Comprehensive and systematicsurveys have been completed within one year of thecommencement of this Recovery Plan. Siteassessment has occurred for each new site recorded.



Action 2.2:

The DEC will co-ordinate a systematic andcomprehensive survey of potential Spiny Gardeniahabitat.

Systematic and comprehensive surveys of areas ofpotential Spiny Gardenia habitat are required toensure that all extant individuals are identified andrecorded. Site assessment utilising the ‘ThreatenedFlora Site Assessment’ form (Appendix 3) will occurfor each new site recorded.

This Action may be undertaken in conjunction withAction 4.4.

Performance criteria: Comprehensive and systematicsurveys have been completed within one year of thecommencement of this Recovery Plan. Siteassessment has occurred for each new site recorded.Sites are managed in accordance with this RecoveryPlan for the life of this Recovery Plan.

Objective 3: To conduct monitoring and researchinto the biology, ecology and genetics of the SpinyGardenia relevant to the management of thespecies

Action 3.1:

The DEC will co-ordinate the development andimplementation of an in-situ monitoring program for aselection of Spiny Gardenia sites.

The monitoring program will aim to investigate andrecord the following attributes:

• population stability, increase or decline;

• flower and fruit production;

• seedling/juvenile survivorship;

• rate of growth;

• age to reproductive maturity and peakflowering/fruit production;

• health of individuals; and

• impacts of disturbances and results ofamelioration and control of threats.

Population monitoring is essential to understandpopulation stability, and to assist in earlyidentification, amelioration, or control of anyprocesses that may be threatening the species.Monitoring of biological aspects and reproductivesuccess at a selection of sites will assist indetermining the overall viability of the individualspresent at that site and the broader population, andwill assist in guiding population enhancementactivities.

Performance criterion: A monitoring program hasbeen developed within one year of the

commencement of this Recovery Plan and isimplemented over the life of the plan.

Action 3.2:

The DEC will initiate and support research into aspectsof the Spiny Gardenia’s biology, ecology and genetics thatwill result in improved management of the species.

Areas of research will include but not be restrictedto:

• identification of genetically distinct sub-populations;

• research into gene flow within and betweenidentified sub-populations of Spiny Gardeniawith the long-term aims of guiding appropriatesub-population enhancement and preventinggenetic pollution of naturally occurring sub-populations;

• assessing natural recruitment at each sub-population to determine whether recruitment isoccurring from a limited gene pool; and

• research into the breeding system of the SpinyGardenia to determine pollination ecology andseed biology.

Performance criteria: A program of research hasbeen developed within one year of thecommencement of this Recovery Plan. The researchprogram is underway within two years of thecommencement of this Recovery Plan.

Objective 4: To manage and protect the SpinyGardenia population and associated habitat

Action 4.1:

The DEC will develop a record management system tofacilitate co-ordination of species management. Publicauthorities and relevant community groups will be madeaware of this information base and encouraged to providedetails of any new records made of the species.

A site index, available census data, habitatdescription, threat assessments, recovery actions andopportunistic observations will be compiled for thissystem.

Poor data management has numerous consequencesfor the management of natural resources.Consequences include duplicating existing work,making inappropriate decisions about a course ofaction and overlooking threats that require action tobe taken. Species record management increases theeffectiveness and efficiency of recovery programs.

Performance Criterion: A species recordmanagement system has been developed and recordmanagement is underway within one year of thecommencement of this Recovery Plan.



Action 4.2:

The DEC will notify all relevant landholders/managersof the presence and location of the Spiny Gardenia ontheir land.

Alerting landholders/managers to the presence ofthreatened species may prevent inadvertent damageto the species or its habitat, and may encourageinvolvement in the recovery program for the species.

Performance criterion: All relevantlandholders/managers are provided with informationon the locality of the Spiny Gardenia within twoyears of the commencement of this Recovery Plan.

Action 4.3:

The DEC will ensure that public authorities, relevantlandholders or land managers are aware of the long-termprotection measures required to assist in the conservationof the Spiny Gardenia.

Options available for facilitating long-termprotection in NSW include:

• appropriate zoning under Local EnvironmentalPlans (LEPs);

• the development of Voluntary ConservationAgreements (VCAs) under the NPW Act;

• Joint Management Agreements under the TSCAct; and

• acquisition of key sites.

Options available for facilitating long-termprotection in Queensland include:

• appropriate designations under LocalGovernment Planning Schemes;

• the development of Nature Refuges under theNC Act 1992;

• the development of Local Government VCAson private properties, including the designationof habitat areas in Statutory Covenants underthe Land Act 1993, development of property-based management plans, and associatedfinancial incentives under these agreements; and

• the declaration of Vegetation Protection Ordersfor identified habitat areas (potentially includingsuitable buffer areas) under GCCC Local LawNo. 6 – Vegetation Management.

All protective measures applied to sites will bedeveloped in conjunction with, and require theconsent of, appropriate landholders/managers.

Performance criterion: Consultation withlandholders/managers with regard to conservationmeasures and incentives programs has commencedwithin the life of this Recovery Plan.

Action 4.4:

The DEC will liaise with all Councils within the range ofthe Spiny Gardenia to assist in the identification andmapping of this species along roadsides.

Roadsides often contain remnant vegetation that hasan important role in threatened speciesconservation, as well as providing more general landand water conservation benefits. In order forroadside vegetation to be managed appropriately,roadside managers must have adequate data on thespecies present.

This Action can be undertaken in conjunction withAction 2.2.

Performance criteria: Liaison concerning theidentification and mapping of Spiny Gardeniahabitat on roadsides with all relevant Councils hasbegun within six months of the commencement ofthis Recovery Plan. Identification and mapping iscompleted within two years of the commencement ofthis Recovery Plan.

Action 4.5

The DEC will liaise with relevant councils and the NSWRoads and Traffic Authority to ensure that roadsides aremanaged in a way that ensures that the both the SpinyGardenia and its habitat are not damaged or clearedduring the development or widening of roads, or roadsidemaintenance activities.

Road development and widening activities androadside maintenance in areas identified as havingthe Spiny Gardenia present will be restricted toactions that avoid damage to the species or itshabitat.

Performance criteria: The DEC has ongoing liaisonwith relevant councils and the NSW Roads andTraffic Authority to ensure that roadside sub-populations of the Spiny Gardenia are appropriatelymanaged in perpetuity.

Action 4.6:

The DEC will assess the need for detailed site-specificmanagement planning and supply guidelines andassistance as required.

Planning for habitat management is highly desirableto ensure that objectives are understood,management is effective and efficient, and thatprogress towards objectives is monitored. Objectivesshould include the removal or amelioration ofspecific local threats, and may include habitatexpansion and rehabilitation, fire management,erosion control, and protection from livestock.Works should not have adverse impacts on thetarget species, its habitat or other threatened species

D e p a r t m e n t o f E n v i r o n m e n t a n d C o n s e r v a t i o n ( N S W ) P a g e 1 0


or ecological communities present or theenvironment generally.

Management planning may be expensive and divertresources away from on-ground works. The extentof need for formal and detailed planning varies, andin some circumstances, adherence to habitatmanagement guidelines may suffice.

Guidelines to determine the level of managementplanning required, recommendations for habitatmanagement and project evaluation and support forproject implementation will be supplied by the DEC.

Performance criteria: The site-specific managementplanning needs of all Spiny Gardenia sites areassessed and, where appropriate, site-specificmanagement plans/guidelines are prepared withinone year of the commencement of this RecoveryPlan. Site-specific management plans/guidelines areimplemented for the life of this Recovery Plan, oruntil management objectives are met.

Action 4.7:

The DEC will develop a survey and environmentalimpact assessment guidelines package that will bedistributed to relevant councils, public authorities,landholders/managers and consultant groups.

The survey and environmental impact assessmentguidelines should be used by determining authoritiesto ensure that the Spiny Gardenia is appropriatelyconsidered in assessment of developments oractivities. The presence of the Spiny Gardenia andits associated habitat requires the implementation ofmeasures to protect or reduce the impact of proposeddevelopments or activities.

Land managers should also use these survey andenvironmental impact assessment guidelines whenpreparing and implementing strategic land-useplanning documents such as LEPs, DevelopmentControl Plans and Bush Fire Risk ManagementPlans. The standard survey and assessmentguidelines will also include recommendations formonitoring programs.

Performance criterion: A survey and assessmentguidelines package has been developed anddistributed within one year of the commencement ofthis Recovery Plan.

Action 4.8:

The DEC will develop and implement an education andawareness program that will provide information on thespecies and its conservation, processes threatening thespecies, and mechanisms and incentives available toameliorate or eliminate these threats.

This strategy will aim to identify a variety of targetgroups and provide relevant information at a level

appropriate for each group. This strategy willcomplement the survey and environmental impactassessment guidelines developed in Action 4.5.

Target groups should include but not be restricted topublic authorities, local councils, Bush FireManagement Committees, GCCC Bushfire AdvisoryCommittee, local industry, Landcare groups,Catchment Management Authorities, fundingbodies, local community groups, schools, andlandholders/managers.

Performance Criterion: An education and awarenessstrategy has been developed and implemented withintwo years of the commencement of this RecoveryPlan.

Objective 5: To expand the population size of theSpiny Gardenia

Action 5.1:

The DEC will support research to determine the viabilityof enhancing and expanding the Spiny Gardeniapopulation.

Given the low number and isolated nature of SpinyGardenia sites, the appropriateness of populationenhancement and expansion as a means of speciesconservation will be investigated.

Performance criterion: Research to establish thesuitability of population enhancement and expansionwill be underway within three years of thecommencement of this Recovery Plan. Results ofresearch are contributing to the commencement ofAction 5.2.

Action 5.2:

Dependent on the results of Action 5.1, the DEC willidentify suitable sites for enhancement and sites toconduct population expansion, and liaise with relevantlandholders/managers. Where possible, the DEC willundertake population enhancement and expansion.

Population enhancement and expansion must beconducted utilising appropriate genetic principles,including the maintenance of diversity and managinginbreeding (see Action 3.2). Identifying the mostsuitable sites for enhancement is critical to projectsuccess. Sites for population expansion must consistof appropriate habitat and be available for plantingof individuals sourced from the most suitableparentage.

As the Spiny Gardenia occurs on a variety oftenures, it will be essential to conductlandholders/managers consultation as an integralpart of site selection.

Performance criteria: The DEC has conductedliaison with relevant landholders/managers and hascommenced of sites for suitable for sub-population



enhancement and sites for population expansionwithin three years of the commencement of thisRecovery Plan. Where possible, populationenhancement and expansion is undertaken, and sitesare maintained for the life of this Recovery Plan.

Objective 6: Gain an understanding of thecultural importance of the Spiny Gardenia toLocal Aboriginal Land Councils, Elders and othergroups representing indigenous people

Action 6.1

The DEC will support community consultation toidentify the cultural importance of the Spiny Gardenia toLocal Aboriginal Land Councils, Elders and othergroups representing indigenous people from the areawithin which the Spiny Gardenia has been recorded.This knowledge will be incorporated into themanagement of the species subject to consultation withand approval by the Aboriginal communities.

A number of Local Aboriginal Land Councils, Eldersand other groups representing indigenous peopleoccur in the area from which the Spiny Gardenia hasbeen recorded. These groups will be offered theopportunity to undertake internal research regardingthe views and interests of the Aboriginal people theyrepresent in relation to the Spiny Gardenia.

Performance criterion: Research programs to identifythe cultural importance of Spiny Gardenia have beeninitiated by the DEC within two years of thecommencement of this Recovery Plan. Theinformation gained through these programs has beenincorporated into the management of this species forthe life of this Recovery Plan.

Objective 7: To develop and implement acontingency plan to assist the long-term survivalof the Spiny Gardenia

Action 7.1

The DEC will establish and ex-situ collectionsrepresenting an adequate proportion of the geneticdiversity found within this species.

The establishment of ex-situ populations and thestorage of genetic material will protect against thetotal extinction of each genetically distinct unit ofthe Spiny Gardenia should catastrophic eventsoccur.

Genetic studies (Action 3.2) will determine suitablematerial for ex-situ collections. The establishmentof ex-situ representatives from each geneticallydistinct unit will assist in preserving the completegenetic diversity currently present within the SpinyGardenia population.

Performance criterion: Plant material representativeof each genetically distinct unit of the Spiny

Gardenia will be held, in perpetuity, withinappropriate institution/s within four years of thecommencement of this Recovery Plan.

Action 7.2:

Where the threat of extinction of the Spiny Gardeniafrom a site is high, the DEC will investigate whetherestablishing a translocation program is necessary. Shouldtranslocation be deemed necessary, a translocationprogram will be developed.

Translocation is not considered a mitigatingmeasure. Translocation as a means of populationconservation should only be considered when allother in-situ available options have been exhausted.Any translocation program will conform to the“Guidelines for the Translocation of ThreatenedPlants in Australia” (Vallee et al. 2004) and willrequire endorsement by the DEC.

Performance criterion: The DEC has carried out afull assessment of any translocation proposals for thelife of this plan. The DEC has a supervisory role inthe translocation process for the life of this RecoveryPlan.

6 Implementation

Table 2 outlines the implementation of recoveryactions specified in this Recovery Plan to relevantgovernment agencies and/or parties for the period offive years from publication. Responsible parties forimplementing this Recovery Plan in NSW will be theDEC.

7 Social and Economic Consequences

Implementation of this Recovery Plan should havesocial benefits for local communities, by increasinggeneral public awareness of natural heritage valuesin NSW.

This Recovery Plan promotes the conservation ofthreatened species on both public and private lands.Successful management of the species on privateland will set a positive precedent of privatelandholders significantly assisting in the conservationeffort.



8 Biodiversity Benefits

The preparation and long term implementation ofRecovery Plans for threatened species, populationsand ecological communities contributes to, andhighlights the importance of conserving biodiversity.

The appropriate ecological management of SpinyGardenia habitat will contribute to the conservationof other threatened species and rare or threatenedAustralian plants flora which have been recorded in,and adjacent to, known populations. At least 26threatened flora species have been recorded as co-occurring with Spiny Gardenia. These include HairyQuandong (Elaeocarpus williamsianus); Davidson’sPlum (Davidsonia jerseyana), Thorny Pea (Desmodiumacanthocladum) and Red Lilly Pilly (Syzygiumhodgkinsoniae) at Old Lismore Rd; Davidson’s Plumat Mooball, Crystal Creek Walnut (Endiandra floydii)and Green-leaved Rose Walnut (Endiandra muellerisubsp. bracteata) near Pottsville, Small-leaved Myrtle(Austromyrtus fragrantissima), Rough-leaved BushNut (Macadamia tetraphylla) and Small-leavedTamarind (Diploglottis campbellii) at Terranora andSmall-leaved Myrtle and Giant Ironwood(Choricarpia subargentea) at Mt Chincogan(McKinley & Stewart 1999).

Through increased community awareness of theSpiny Gardenia, the profile of all threatened specieswill be raised in the general community. This inturn leads to greater opportunities for theconservation of threatened species and increasedprotection of biodiversity.

9 Preparation Details

This Recovery Plan was prepared Pamela Gray. Apreliminary draft of this Recovery Plan was preparedby Barbara Stewart and Annette McKinley,Landmark Ecological Services Pty Ltd.

10 Review Date

This Recovery Plan will be reviewed within five yearsof the date of its publication.

12 References

Barry, S. & Thomas, G. 1994, ThreatenedVascular Rainforest Plants of South-eastQueensland, Report submitted to theAustralian Nature Conservation AgencyEndangered Species Program, QueenslandDept of Environment and Heritage, Brisbane.

Benwell, A. 2001, Threatened and RareRainforest Plants Translocation Project:Interim Report (unpub.), Report to AbigroupContractors Pty Ltd, Pymble.

Floyd, A.G. 1989, Rainforest Trees of MainlandSouth-eastern Australia, Inkata, Melbourne.

Harden, G.J. 1992, (ed.) Flora of NSW, vol. III,New South Wales University Press, Sydney.

Hopkins, M.S. & Graham, A.W. 1987, ‘Theviability of seeds after experimental soilburials under tropical wet lowland forest innorth eastern Australia’, Australian Journalof Ecology, vol. 12, 97–108.

McKinley, A.L. & Stewart, B.C. 1999, Fieldsurveys to determine locations anddistribution of Spiny Gardenia Randia moorei(unpub.), Report prepared for the NSWNational Parks and Wildlife Service byLandmark Ecological Services Pty Ltd.

NSW Scientific Committee 2001, Finaldetermination to list ‘Clearing of nativevegetation’ as a Key Threatening Process inSchedule 3 of the Threatened SpeciesConservation Act 1995 (gazetted 21/09/01).

Quinn, F.C., Williams, J.B., Gross, C.L. & Bruhl,J.J. 1995, Report on Rare and ThreatenedPlants of North-eastern NSW, NPWS andNature Conservation Agency.

Vallee, L., Hogbin, T., Monks, L., Makinson, B.,Matthes, M., and Rossetto, M. 2004Guidelines for the Translocation ofThreatened Plants in Australia, AustralianNetwork for Plant Conservation, Canberra.

11 Acronyms Used in this Document

DEC Department of Environment andConservation (NSW)

dbhob Diameter at breast height over bark

EPA Queensland Environment ProtectionAgency

EP&A Act NSW Environmental Planning andAssessment Act 1979

EPBC Act Commonwealth Environment Protectionand Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

LEP Local Environmental Plan

LGA Local Government Area



NC Act Queensland Nature Conservation Act1992

NPW Act NSW National Parks and Wildlife Act1974

NSW New South Wales

NV Act NSW Native Vegetation Act 2003

QPWS Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service

SIS Species Impact Statement

TSC Act NSW Threatened Species ConservationAct 1995

VCA Voluntary Conservation Agreement

Table 2. Estimated costs of implementing the actions identified in the Spiny Gardenia Recovery Plan

Cost Estimate ($’s/year)Action no Action Title *Priority

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5

Total Cost($)

ResponsibleParty/Funding

sources

#In-kind ^Cash

Action 1.1 Co-ordinate Recovery Plan 1 1 750 1 750 1 750 1 750 1 750 8 750 DEC 8 750 -

Action 1.2 Establish working group 1 1 750 1 750 1 750 1 750 1 750 8 750 DEC 8 750 -

Action 1.3 Integrate with strategies and management plans 2 700 700 700 700 700 3 500 DEC 3 500 -

Action 2.1 Survey to verify existing records 1 13 000 - - - - 13 000 DEC 13 000

Action 2.2 Survey for new records 1 30 000 - - - - 30 000 DEC - 30 000

Action 3.1 Monitoring program 1 20 000 10 000 10 000 10 000 10 000 60 000 DEC - 60 000

Action 3.2 Research into biology, ecology and genetics 1 20 000 20 000 20 000 20 000 20 000 100 000 DEC - 100 000

Action 4.1 Record management system 1 5 000 1 050 1 050 1 050 1 050 9 200 DEC 4 200 5 000

Action 4.2 Landholders/manager notification 1 1 750 350 350 350 350 3 150 DEC 3 150 -

Action 4.3 Awareness of the long-term protection measures 2 1 750 350 350 350 350 3 150 DEC 3 150

Action 4.4 Roadside survey and mapping 1 10 000 10 000 10 000 - - 30 000 DEC 5 000 25 000

Action 4.5 Roadside management 1 3 500 3 500 3 500 3 500 3 500 17 500 DEC 17 500

Action 4.6 Site-specific management plans 1 7 000 7 000 7 000 7 000 7 000 35 000 DEC 17 500 17 500

Action 4.7 Survey and environmental assessment guidelines 1 4 700 - - - - 4 700 DEC 700 4 000

Action 4.8 Develop and implement an education andawareness strategy

1 6 750 2 000 - - - 8 750 DEC 4 550 4 200

Action 4.9 roadside survey and mapping 1 10 000 10 000 10 000 30 000 DEC 30 000

Action 5.1 Research to determine the viability of populationenhancement

1 - - 5 000 - 5 000 DEC - 5 000

Action 5.2 Population enhancement and expansion 1 350 350 10 000 11 750 10 000 32 450 DEC 2 450 30 000

Action 6.1 Cultural importance of the species 1 9 000 9 000 DEC 2450 6550

Action 7.1 Ex-situ populations and storage of geneticmaterial

1 20 000 5 000 5 000 5 000 5 000 40 000 DEC 40 000

Action 7.2 Translocation program ◊ 2 - - - - - - DEC - -

Total 158 000 82 800 86 450 63 200 61 450 451 900 81 650 370 250

* Priority ratings are: 1 - action critical to meeting plan objectives; 2 - action contributing to meeting plan objectives; 3 - desirable but not essential action#‘In-Kind’ Funds represent salary component of permanent staff and current resources^‘Cash’ Funds represent the salary component for temporary staff and other costs such as the purchasing of survey and laboratory equipment◊ To be only implemented in exceptional circumstances. Funding to be determined as required

Approved R

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Appendix 1: Summary of Advice from the NSW Scientific Committee

Under Section 66A of the TSC Act, Recovery Plans must include a summary of any advice given by the NSWScientific Committee, details of any amendments made to the plan to take account of that advice and astatement of reasons for any departure from that advice. The Scientific Committee’s comments on the draftRandia moorei Recovery Plan and details of amendments made are tabled below.

Section Advice Response

A number of species also occur inQueensland, and the idea is that the planbecomes the national plan. However, allidentified expenditure is from DEC – nocontribution from Queensland is indicated(ie yet research in particular would benefitboth states).

Noted. No amendment to text required.

The Scientific Committee is not able tocomment on issues in Queensland.


The plan involves considerableexpenditure (even though in the case ofsome of the research actions the suggestedamounts seem unrealistically low). Whatis the likely-hood of DEC being able tosupport this level of expenditure?

Noted. Costings table amended asrecommended.

An issue for these, and other rainforestspecies, is that they are in cultivation.This raises issues of continuing collection,genetic “pollution” and well meaning ‘doit yourself’ ‘recovery’ actions.


There may be merit in DEC preparing amore generic position paper about issuesraised by horticultural use of threatenedspecies.




Appendix 2: Species Commonly Found at Spiny Gardenia Sites

Common Name Scientific Name

NSW

Brush Box Lophostemon confertus

Tuckeroo Cupaniopsis anacardioides

Guioa Guioa semiglauca

Black Walnut Endiandra globosa

White Bolly Gum Neolitsea dealbata

Crow’s Ash Pentaceras australe

Whip Vine Flagellaria indica

Queensland

White Booyong Argyrodendron trifoliolatum

White Yiel Yiel Grevillea hilliana

White Mahogany Eucalyptus acmenoides

Small-fruited Grey Gum Eucalyptus propinqua

Tuckeroo Cupaniopsis anacardioides

Rose Tamarind Arytera divaricata

Blush Coondoo Planchonella laurifolia

Yellow Pear-fruit Mischocarpus pyriformus

Rough-leaved Elm Aphananthe phillipensis

Marblewood Acacia bakeri

Giant Water Gum Syzygium francisii

Coolamon Syzygium moorei

Creek Sandpaper Fig Ficus coronata

Brush Kurrajong Commersonia batramia

Cudgerie Flindersia schottiana

White Beech Gmelia leichardtii

Tulip Wood Harpullia pendula



Appendix 3: Threatened Flora Site Assessment

To be utilised to record new sites and sites inadequately recorded previously.

SPECIES

Scientific Name

Common Name

Caps Code

DATE OF RECORDING

RECORDER/S

Name/s

Organisation

Address

Phone

LOCATION

Map Name

Map Number

Grid Reference (from map)

Global Positioning System used? Y/N

− Easting (6 digits) Northing (7 digits)

− Accuracy

Land Tenure local/state/federal government/freehold/National Park/Nature Reserve/Crown Land/FloraReserve/State Forests/SEPP 14 wetland/SEPP 26 rainforest/reserve/environment zoning/conservationagreement/other

Name and address of landowner, if known

Local Government Area

Precise Locality (description to be detailed to allow population to be located)



Location Sketch Map (detailed map to enable site to be relocated)

SITE DESCRIPTION

Topography crest/ridge/upper slope/mid slope/lower slope/gully/flat/ depression/watercourse/escarpment/other

Habitat Condition

• Remnant Size hectares m long m wide

• Large (> 40 ha) area of contiguous native vegetation

• Corridor m long m wide

• Isolated Remnant – size of nearest remnant and distance to next native vegetation

• Isolated Specimen

Vegetation Condition

• Understorey suppressed/developed/overmature/senescing

• Evidence of Dieback

• intact largely indigenous/partially degraded/severely degraded

Current Land Use

Past Land Use

Time Since Last Fire/Fire History

Time Since Logging/Grazing

Evidence of other disturbance eg erosion, slashing

Disturbance History

• Time since disturbance

• Accuracy

• Observation Types

• Overall conditions



HABITAT CHARACTERISTICS

Aspect Slope Altitude

Geology granitic/basalt/conglomerate/sandstone/siltstone-mudstone/alluvium/limestone/metamorphic/gravel/sand/unknown/other

Soil Landscape/Type

Soil Surface Texture sand/loam/clay/organic/gravel/skeletal/unknown/other

Soil Drainage waterlogged - permanently inundated/annually/rarely/never

damp/well drained dry/well drained damp/other

Soil Depth skeletal/shallow/deep

Soil Disturbance intact/topsoil removed/landfill/other

Surface Stone/Rock %

Vegetation Structural Formation (as per Wildlife Atlas)

Closed Forest/Open Forest/Woodland/Open Woodland/Grassland/Heathland/ Shrubland/Rainforest

Species Association (list full floristics within 10 m of perimeter of population)

• Canopy – tallest and upper strata

• Understorey – mid-strata

• Groundcover – low strata (up to 1 m)

• Vines/Climbers

<>Mark weed species with *

<> Mark other threatened flora with #

<> Mark four most dominant species in each layer with (D)



POPULATION DETAILS

Growth form

Local Abundance frequent/occasional/rare

Area covered by sub-population/site metres long metres wide

Spatial Distribution small scattered clumps/large continuous clump/isolated scattered individuals/ other

Distance to nearest known sub-population/site of occurrence

Breeding Status buds flowers fruit

Plant Height (s) (cm) min. max. average (ave.)

Estimated Age of Plants min. max. average

Vegetative Recruitment

Response after Disturbance

Is population natural (N) or planted (P)?

Population Structure

Life Stage no. plants min. no. max. no.

Dead

Senescent, dying

Mature, non senescent

Immature

First year seedlings

THREATENING PROCESSES

1) When is threat expected to operate? a) current b) < 1 year c) 1-5 years d) >5 years e) ongoing f)potential

2) How close is threat to population? a) on it b) 1-10 m c) 10-100 m d) >100 m e) potential

3) Degree of Impact a) low b) medium c) high d) potential e) immediate f) long term

4) Discuss reason for assessment as threatening process.

Threats

• Vegetation clearance

• Earthworks Life Stage

• Mining/Quarrying

• Urban/Industrial Development/Expansion

• Utilities Construction/Maintenance

• Road/Track/Trail/Fence/Utilities construction/maintenance

• Isolation/Fragmentation

• Erosion/Sedimentation/Drainage/Irrigation/Pollution

• Inappropriate fire regimes/flooding regimes

• Rubbish dumping/Garden Refuse dumping



• Weed Invasion - specify species and % cover

• Trampling/Grazing stock/introduced herbivores/native herbivores

• Plant Collection

• Recreational damage walkers/4WD/trailbikes/other

• Herbicide

• Disease/Pathogens

• Pests

• Timber Harvesting/Forestry Activities

• Agriculture

• Poor recruitment

• Small population size

• Hybridisation

• Loss of Pollination Vector

• Inbreeding

• Other

ASSESSMENT METHOD (Delete incorrect statements)

Population Assessment

• All plants in the population were individually counted; population data is very accurate

• Plants were individually counted in small plots, and the entire population is estimated from plot data

• Entire population was inspected and population size is estimated visually

• Small parts of the population were inspected and the entire population is estimated roughly

• Cursory inspection, estimate is a ball park guess or largely based on results from earlier assessments

• How much time was spent assessing the population? hrs mins

Threat Assessment

• All potential threats examined, assessed and recorded thoroughly and comprehensively

• All potential threats examined, assessed and recorded roughly

• Obvious threats examined and recorded thoroughly and comprehensively

• Obvious threats examined assessed and recorded roughly

• Other (provide details)

• How much time was spent assessing threatening processes? hrs mins

• Threats assessed on site only/part site/whole site

• Threats assessment off-site



HISTORIC MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES (relevant to threatened species) (> 2 years old)

For example: fencing, signposting, fire management, grazing management, mowing/slashing, tree/shrubremoval, visitor management, erosion control, weed control, pollination, seed collection, propagation,monitoring, research, translocation, liaison, reservation, enforcement, survey, other

Activity Type Extended Notes Date

RECENT MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES (relevant to threatened species) (within last 2 years)


SUGGESTED MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES (for future)


OTHER RECORDS

Collection Made Yes/No

Collection Type seed/cutting/plant/herbarium specimen/other .....................................

Purpose of Collection ..........................................................................................................

Specimen lodged with National Herbarium/other ............................................................

Photographs Taken Yes/No of what (plant, flowers, fruit, seed, roots, habitat, works)

approved nsw & national recovery plan randia moorei (spiny

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