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Flora and Fauna Survey Guidelines

Lower Hunter Central Coast Region 2002

Volume 1

Lower Hunter Central Coast Regional Environmental Management Strategy

Volume 1: Flora and fauna survey Guidelines, Lower Hunter & Central Coast Region 2002

Volume 2: Survey Guide to the Threatened Species of the Lower Hunter Central Coast Region 2002

Prepared for the Lower Hunter Central Coast Regional Environmental Management Strategy by:

Forest Fauna Surveys Pty Ltd 35 Sheridan Ave Adamstown 2289 02 4947 8843 Eastcoast Flora Survey PO Box 216 Kotara 2289 02 4956 2952

Fly by Night Bat Surveys Pty Ltd PO Box 271 Belmont 2280 02 4747 7794

Editing and layout by:

Planning Plus [email protected]

Commissioned by:

Lower Hunter & Central Coast Regional Environmental Management Strategy PO Box 189 Hunter Region MC 2310 Tel (02) 4962 0901 Fax (02) 4962 0966 Email [email protected]

© Hunter Region Organisation of Councils as legal agent for the Lower Hunter & Central Coast Regional Environmental Management Strategy 2002

Suggested bibliographic citation:

Murray, M., Bell, S., Hoye, G. (2002). Flora and fauna survey Guidelines: Lower Hunter Central Coast Region 2002. Lower Hunter & Central Coast Regional Environmental Management Strategy, NSW.

Commencement This plan has been prepared in accordance with Section 72 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979, and the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000. This plan came into force on April 9, 2003, in accordance with Clause 21 of Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000. The plan may only be amended in the manner provided for in Clause 22 of the Regulation. Applicants should check with Council that they have the latest version of this plan. Name of the Plan This Plan is called “Development Control Plan No. 56”: Flora and Fauna Survey Guidelines Lower Hunter Central Coast Region 2002. The plan consists of a written statement and maps. The Parent Local Environmental Plan This Development Control Plan generally conforms to the provisions of Cessnock Local Environmental Plan 1989, which contains the legal planning controls for development of land in the Cessnock Local Government Area.

Land to Which This Plan Applies This plan applies to all land within the Cessnock Local Government Area. Status of the Plan The status of a Development Control Plan under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment Act, 1997, is that it is a matter Council is obliged to consider in the determination of a development application [Section 79C (1) (a) (iii)]. Application of the Plan Council will take the provisions of this plan into consideration when undertaking its obligations and responsibilities under relevant legislation. Relationship with other Plans Where there is any inconsistency between this plan and any environmental planning instrument, the provisions of the environmental planning instrument shall prevail. An environmental planning instrument includes a State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP), a Regional Environmental Plan (REP) and a Local Environmental Plan (LEP).

Contents

i

Tables ii Acknowledgements iii Abbreviations iv

1. Introduction 1

1.1 Application 1 1.2 Objectives 1 1.3 Circumstances in which Guidelines apply 1 1.4 Target audience 2 1.5 Relationship to other guidelines 3 1.6 Definitions 3 1.7 Outline 4

2. Assessment scope & issues 5 2.1 What is a flora and fauna survey? 5 2.2 What is the purpose of a flora and fauna survey? 6 2.3 When is a flora and fauna survey required? 6 2.4 Where should surveys be conducted? 10 2.5 Who may undertake a flora and fauna survey? 10 2.6 Matters of national significance 11 2.7 Matters of state significance 12 2.8 Matters of regional significance 15 2.9 Matters of local significance 16

3. Survey methodology 17 3.1 General issues 17 3.2 Flora 19 3.3 Fauna (general) 26 3.4 Terrestrial & arboreal mammals 30 3.5 Bats 33 3.6 Birds 35 3.7 Reptiles 38 3.8 Amphibians 39 3.9 Other life forms 41

4. Assessment reports 42 4.1 Introduction 42 4.2 Describing the report’s background & purpose 42 4.3 Documenting the survey methodology 42 4.4 Presenting survey data 43 4.5 Presenting maps 44 4.6 Making conclusions on the survey results 45 4.7 Documenting compliance with guidelines & codes 46 4.8 Supplying digital data 47

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5. Appendices 5.1 Adoption of Guidelines by councils 48 5.2 Listed threatened species (EPBC Act) known to occur in Lower Hunter Central Coast

Region (October 2001) 48 5.3 Threatened species,endangered ecological communities and endangered populations

(TSC Act) known to occur in Lower Hunter Central Coast Region 52 5.4 Threatened species (Fisheries Management Act) known to occur in Lower Hunter

Central Coast Region (June 2002) 56 5.5 Key threatening processes (TSC Act) known to occur in Lower Hunter Central Coast

Region (June 2002) 56 5.6 Species of regional significance, Lower Hunter Central Coast Region 57 5.7 Heavily cleared vegetation communities in Lower Hunter Central Coast Region 60 5.8 Vegetation communities less than 1000 ha in extent, Lower Hunter Central Coast

Region 61 5.9 Small site & minor development checklist 62 5.10 Australian Koala Foundation Spot Assessment Technique 66 5.11 Standardised vegetation communities for Lower Hunter Central Coast Region 71 5.12 Vegetation community distribution by local government area, Lower Hunter Central

Coast Region 72 5.13 Matters of local significance in the Cessnock Local Government Area 74

6. Glossary

7.1 References 7.2 Useful Websites

Tables 1.1 Other flora and fauna survey guidelines 3 3.1 Minimum survey work land with remnant vegetation 20 3.2 Modified Braun–Blanquet cover–abundance rating 24 3.3 Summary of minimum survey effort for each fauna group 27 3.4 Required fauna survey effort for disturbed and cleared sites 29 3.5 Koala feed & browse trees, Lower Hunter Central Coast region 32 3.6 Suitable bat survey techniques for Lower Hunter Central Coast region 33

Acknowledgements

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The contribution made by the following persons and organisations is gratefully acknowledged by the authors.

• Meredith Laing and Sophie Powrie (LHCCREMS) provided constant input to the scope, direction and content of the document. Sophie was particularly helpful in providing updated material.

• Wyong Council gave permission for components of its flora and fauna guidelines to be incorporated in the document.

• Louisa Mamouney (formerly of Wyong Council) & Garon Staines (Wyong Council) provided valuable material.

• Dr Michael Mahony (Department of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle) provided advice on survey guidelines for frogs.

• Robbie Economos-Shaw, Rebecca Moroney and Sue Effenberger (Lake Macquarie City Council) provided significant input.

• Martin Fallding (Land and Environment Planning) provided helpful advice and literature on the planning requirements for biodiversity surveys.

• Ian Donovan (Planning Plus) provided manuscript editing and layout.

Michael Murray Forest Fauna Surveys Pty Ltd

Stephen Bell Eastcoast Flora Survey

Glenn Hoye Fly by Night Bat Surveys Pty Ltd

Abbreviations

iv

ACEC Animal Care and Ethics Committee

CAMBA China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement

DA Development application

EIS Environmental impact statement

EP&A Act Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979

EPBC Act Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth)

FM Act Fisheries Management Act 1994

ha hectares

JAMBA Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement

LEP Local environmental plan

LES Local Environmental Study

LHCCREMS Lower Hunter Central Coast Regional Environmental Management Strategy

NPWS National Parks and Wildlife Service

NPW Act National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974

NSW New South Wales

PoM Plan of management

SEE Statement of environmental effects

SEPP 14 State Environmental Planning Policy No. 14—Coastal Wetlands

SEPP 19 State Environmental Planning Policy No. 19— Bushland in Urban Areas

SEPP 26 State Environmental Planning Policy No. 26—Littoral Rainforest

SEPP 44 State Environmental Planning Policy No. 44— Koala Habitat Protection

SIS Species impact statement

TSC Act Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995

Part: 1

Introduction

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1.1 Application The Flora and fauna survey Guidelines: Lower Hunter Central Coast Region 2002 (‘the Guidelines’) is adopted as policy by each council listed in Appendix 5.1.

The Guidelines apply to all land within the local government areas listed in Appendix 5.1, including any coastal land or waters that, under section 205 of the Local Government Act 1993, are taken to be included in those areas.

The Guidelines should be used in conjunction with

• Volume 2: Survey Guide to the Threatened Species of the Lower Hunter Central Coast Region 2002

• LH&CC Regional Vegetation Community Map, LHCCREMS 2000

• Local advice from the Development Planner in the LGA.

1.2 Objectives The Guidelines aim to:

• provide a practical guide for the preparation of terrestrial flora and fauna surveys that are undertaken in conjunction with planning and development proposals

• flora and fauna survey

• establish minimum, scientifically-accepted standards for the quality, collection and reporting of biodiversity data

• standardise survey methodologies and data collection techniques for the benefit of database integrity

• standardise references to vegetation types in flora and fauna surveys according to a regional vegetation classification system

• establish standards for the format and content of flora and fauna survey reports

• establish standards for the supply of digital data

• simplify the preparation of consultant briefs for flora and fauna surveys

• promote planning decisions that reflect and incorporate the findings and recommendations of scientifically-based flora and fauna surveys

• facilitate consistency and comparability of data between individual sites and regional assessments, thereby enabling the incremental development of a regional biodiversity information system.

LOW ER HUNTER & CENTRAL COAST REGION Flora and fauna survey guidelines 2002

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1.3 Circumstances in which Guidelines apply The Guidelines apply to the preparation of flora and fauna surveys where these are required to facilitate:

• the determination of development applications

• the assessment of activities that do not require development consent

• the preparation of draft local environmental plans

• the preparation of plans of management for council-owned land.

Local Environmental Studies (LES)

Research & specific flora or fauna studies (results of which are aimed to be used by Council)

In general, a flora and fauna survey is required if any of the following apply:

• there is likely to be a significant impact on matters of national environmental significance under the (Commonwealth) Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

• there is likely to be a significant effect on threatened species, populations or ecological communities listed under the (NSW) Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 or Part 7A of the Fisheries Management Act 1994, or their habitats

• supporting information is required to enable a determination as to whether the impacts referred to above are likely

• it is proposed to carry out or permit clearing of native vegetation

• a proposal will affect certain vegetation or habitat communities subject to special planning controls, including coastal wetlands, urban bushland, littoral rainforest and koala habitat.

The Guidelines may also be employed in any other circumstances where a flora and fauna survey is proposed to be prepared for an individual site. Such an assessment could be motivated by scientific, educational, land management, government grant eligibility or other reasons.

The circumstances in which a flora and fauna survey is required is specified in greater detail at section 2.3.

1.4 Target audience The Guidelines will be of interest to:

• ecological consultants

• planning consultants

• developers

• land owners • council’s strategic planning and development control staff • council staff involved in management of public land • council staff involved in the design and assessment of public works such as roads and

drainage.

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introduction

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Council staff involved in the preparation of State of Environment Reports Researchers Other natural resource managers

1.5 Relationship to other guidelines The Guidelines are to be used in conjunction with any other guidelines listed in Table 1.1 that may be relevant. N.B.: This list is not conclusive.

Table 1.1 Other flora and fauna survey guidelines

Title Summary

Vegetation Mapping Guidelines for Reserve and Conservation Planning (Wilson et al 1997)

NPWS recommended approach to vegetation mapping, field techniques, mapping techniques, data management and analysis.

Guidelines for Assessment of Aquatic Ecology in EIA (Smith L. 1998)

Aims to improve identification, prediction and assessment of impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Also suggests approaches to the management of impacts.

Threatened Species Information and Environmental Assessment Guidelines – Central Directorate (NPWS – ongoing)

Provides a profile and impact assessment guidelines for threatened species in the Sydney area. It is a useful reference in conjunction with these guidelines. Some species that are present in the Lower Hunter Central Coast region are not covered.

Threatened Species Management – Species Information (NPWS – ongoing)

Outlines general threatened species information on a State-wide basis.

Is an EIS Required? Best Practice Guidelines for Part 5 of the EP&A Act 1979 (DUAP, 1995)

Provides a generic guide to when an EIS is required.

Environmental Impact Statement Guidelines series by development type (DUAP, various dates)

Outlines factors to be included in an EIS according to development type.

Biodiversity Planning Guide for NSW Local Government (Fallding et al 2001)

Describes how to manage biodiversity in a local government context. It includes model planning instruments for environmental management.

Threatened Species Survey and Assessment: Guidelines for Developments and Activities (Draft) (NPWS & SMEC 2001)

Includes a nine-step process for setting up a development assessment for threatened species. It includes a description of the legislation and types of data and field surveys. It is a useful State-wide guide in conjunction with these guidelines.

Regional Biodiversity Survey & Assessment Guidelines (Draft) (NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service and SMEC 2001)

Sets out how to design and manage a regional-scale biodiversity survey.

1.6 Definitions Words or expressions with special meanings are defined in the Glossary (Part 6).


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1.7 Outline

Volume 1

Part 1: provides preliminary details about the application and purpose of the Guidelines.

Part 2: describes the general scope and requirements for flora and fauna surveys.

Part 3: describes standardised methodologies for undertaking biodiversity surveys

Part 4: describes standardised formats for flora and fauna survey reports and the provision of digital data.

Part 5: contains appendices referred to in Parts 1-4.

Part 6: defines words and expressions with special meanings.

Part 7: provides a detailed bibliography, as well as useful internet sites.

Volume 2

Part 1: Threatened Species Recorded within the Lower Hunter Central Coast region

Table 1. Endangered Ecological Communities (Schedule 1: TSC Act) Table 2. Vulnerable Species (Schedule 2: TSC Act) Table 3. Threatened Species Records for Lower Hunter Central Coast with associated vegetation communities

Part 2: Survey locations and techniques for Threatened Species present in the Lower Hunter Central Coast region

1 Endangered Flora (Schedule One) 2 Vulnerable Flora (Schedule Two) 3 Endangered Fauna (Schedule One) 4 Vulnerable Fauna (Schedule Two)

Part 3: Distribution Maps of Threatened Species – Lower Hunter Central Coast

Part: 2

Assessment scope & issues

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2.1 What is a flora and fauna survey? A flora and fauna survey is an ecological study of a specific area of land that:

• documents the components of biodiversity confirmed to be present within the study area

• documents the components of biodiversity not confirmed, but likely to be present within the study area

• assesses the extent and nature of likely impacts of planning, land management or development proposals on the components of biodiversity referred to above, and specifically, any likely impacts on:

- matters of national environmental significance (see section 2.5)

- matters of state significance (see section 2.6)

- matters of regional significance (see section 2.7)

- matters of local significance (see section 2.9 and appendix 5.13)

• makes recommendations as to how any planning, land management or development proposals relating to the study area should be dealt with or modified so as to avoid unacceptable impacts on biodiversity.

Components of biodiversity include species, habitats, ecological communities, genes, ecosystems and ecological processes.

The study area for a flora and fauna survey is to include all of the site area subject to the proposal prompting the assessment. It is also to include land beyond the site where this is necessary to assess off-site impacts, the extent of any adjoining habitat or population of threatened species, or the role of the site as a habitat corridor.

The degree of detail required in a flora and fauna survey will depend on the scale and likely impact of the planning, land management or development proposal, as well as the environmental sensitivity of the site. Advice can be obtained from your Local Government planner as to any known environmental sensitivity of the site or area. However, assessments will generally always involve the following tasks:

Research known information and data prior to survey

• undertake survey design

• undertake survey and data collection

• analyse and interpret data

• prepare assessment report

provide any recommendations

• supply digital data.

For the purposes of the Guidelines, a flora and fauna survey need only address the following life forms: plants, mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Other life forms (such as fish,


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aquatic invertebrates, terrestrial invertebrates or fungi) may also need to be addressed if they are of special interest or particular ecological significance within the study area.

Volume 2 of the Guidelines contains distribution maps of all threatened species recorded in the Lower Hunter and Central Coast Region. These maps are accompanied by a description of survey techniques, preferred habitat (if known) and occurrence in reserves. This information will assist in planning survey design and conducting pre survey data audits.

2.2 What is the purpose of a flora and fauna survey? The purpose of a flora and fauna survey is to:

• enable the presence or likely presence of components of biodiversity to be documented prior to the making of planning, land management and development decisions for a specific area of land

• enable planning, land management and development decisions to be based on sound scientific information and advice

• enable compliance with applicable assessment requirements contained within the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, Fisheries Management Act 1994 and (Commonwealth) Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1995

• enable the provision and analysis of ecological data that is comparable with data for other sites within the region, and with data for the region generally.

2.3 When is a flora and fauna survey required? A flora and fauna survey is to be undertaken in the circumstances outlined below.

Development applications A flora and fauna survey is to be undertaken for a development application if any of the following apply:

• the proposed development is likely to have a significant impact on matters of national environmental significance under the (Commonwealth) Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

• the proposed development is likely to have a significant impact on threatened species, populations or ecological communities listed under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 or Part 7A of the Fisheries Management Act 1994, or their habitats

• the council requests the applicant to provide supporting information to enable a determination as to whether the proposed development will have the impacts referred to above

• the proposed development involves clearing of native vegetation, including wetlands and riparian vegetation.

the proposed development involves clearing of native vegetation for bushfire hazard reduction purposes

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assessment scope & issues

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• ecological assessment of the proposed development is required under any of the following environmental planning instruments:

- State Environmental Planning Policy No. 14—Coastal Wetlands

- State Environmental Planning Policy No. 19—Bushland in Urban Areas

- State Environmental Planning Policy No. 26—Littoral Rainforest

- State Environmental Planning Policy No. 44—Koala Habitat Protection.

ecological Study is being undertaken to inform local or regional plans for PlanFirst initiatives.

where research is being carried out to inform natural resource management issues.

The flora and fauna survey may be incorporated in the statement of environmental effects, species impact statement or environmental impact statement accompanying the development application.

Assessment of activities under Part 5, EP&A Act A flora and fauna survey is to be undertaken as part of the assessment of an activity under Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 if any of the following apply:

• the proposed activity is likely to have a significant impact on matters of national environmental significance under the (Commonwealth) Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

• the proposed activity is likely to have a significant impact on threatened species, populations or ecological communities listed under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 or Part 7A of the Fisheries Management Act 1994, or their habitats

• supporting information is required to enable a determination as to whether the proposed activity will have the impacts referred to above

• the proposed activity involves clearing of native vegetation, including wetlands and riparian vegetation

• the proposed activity will be carried out on land to which any of the following environmental planning instruments apply:




- State Environmental Planning Policy No. 44—Koala Habitat Protection (in respect of land that is potential koala habitat or core koala habitat).

The flora and fauna survey may be incorporated in the review of environmental factors, species impact statement or environmental impact statement for the proposed activity.

Draft local environmental plans A flora and fauna survey is to be undertaken in association with a proposal or request to prepare a draft local environmental plan if any of the following apply:


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• the draft local environmental plan will enable the carrying out of development that is likely to have a significant impact on matters of national environmental significance under the (Commonwealth) Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

• the draft local environmental plan will enable the carrying out of development that is likely to have a significant impact on threatened species, populations or ecological communities listed under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 or Part 7A of the Fisheries Management Act 1994, or their habitats

• supporting information is required to enable a determination as to whether development that will be permitted by the draft local environmental plan will have the impacts referred to above

• the draft local environmental plan will enable development involving the clearing of native vegetation, including wetlands and riparian vegetation

the draft local environmental plan will enable development involving the clearing of native vegetation for bushfire hazard reduction purposes

• the draft local environmental plan will apply to land to which any of the following environmental planning instruments apply:





The flora and fauna survey may be incorporated in the environmental study for the draft local environmental plan if such a study is directed to be prepared by the Director-General of Planning NSW.

Plans of management for council-owned land A flora and fauna survey should be undertaken to establish base line information on biodiversity values to inform the appropriate use of community land and to inform the preparation of a Plan of Management for that land. A flora and fauna survey is required in association with the preparation of a plan of management for community land or operational land if any of the following apply:

the plan of management will enable the carrying out of development or land management practices that are likely to have a significant impact on matters of national environmental significance under the (Commonwealth) Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

• the plan of management will enable the carrying out of development or land management practices that are likely to have a significant impact on threatened species, populations or ecological communities listed under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 or Part 7A of the Fisheries Management Act 1994, or their habitats

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• supporting information is required to enable a determination as to whether the development or land management practices that will be permitted by the plan of management will have the impacts referred to above

• the plan of management will enable development involving the clearing of native vegetation, including wetlands and riparian vegetation.

• the plan of management applies to land to which any of the following environmental planning instruments apply:





Other circumstances

A flora and fauna survey may also be considered for the following activities

• State of the Environment Report

• Environmental Investment Strategy

• Environmental Management Plans

• Property Management Plans

• Baseline for Biodiversity Monitoring Projects


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2.4 Where should surveys be conducted? The survey design must clearly delineate the area studied and location of survey points (refer to Part 4). Flora and fauna surveys undertaken for development application purposes must include surveys of the whole property and not just the potential development envelope.

It is highly recommended surveys also be located in immediately adjoining natural areas (where there is contiguous native vegetation coverage). The aim of surveys in adjoining areas is to ascertain the off-site linkages for potential habitat.

For flora and fauna surveys undertaken for other purposes, it is recommended the surveys cover the entire study area in question and a buffer of surrounding habitat. A common shortfall of flora and fauna surveys is to focus survey effort on the immediate envelop potentially effected by the activity in question. This fails to collect information on where else any habitat present may occur and may unduly emphasise the immediate study area.

2.5 Who may undertake a flora and fauna survey? Qualifications & experience Flora and fauna surveys are to be undertaken by ecological scientists having appropriate qualifications, experience and competence in their respective discipline or specialisation. This includes qualified consultants, researchers and specialist government staff.

Consultants are to be experienced in preparing reports and assessments that have been peer reviewed by independent experts. Where possible, consultants should have experience within the Lower Hunter Central Coast region.

A number of specialists may be required to address the range of biodiversity issues present within a site. For example, depending on the circumstances, separate experts may be required to address specialist aspects of botany (such as orchids) and each of the major fauna groups (terrestrial mammals, bats, birds, reptiles and amphibians). In many cases it will be necessary for a consultant to liaise with other ecological consultants due to different fields of expertise, local knowledge or previous experience.

Details of qualifications and experience are to be provided in assessment reports, as specified in section 4.6.

Licensing & ethical requirements Flora and fauna surveyors usually require a licence from NPWS (under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974) and a licence from NSW Agriculture (under the NSW Animal Research Act 1985.)

A licence is required from NPWS to

• undertake scientific investigations,

• collect specimens of protected fauna and protected flora anywhere within New South Wales

• to conduct research on, or the collection of, any animal, including invertebrates, plants, fungus, geological, hydrological, or other specimen or sample from areas managed by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

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• fauna and flora surveys or collection of wildlife under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974.

Survey results collected under a licence from NPWS are to be reported to NPWS for inclusion in the NSW Wildlife Atlas.

A licence is required from NSW Agriculture for all personnel undertaking animal research are to hold an Animal Research Authority obtained in accordance with the Animal Research Act 1995. Research or surveys performed by authority holders must be approved and supervised by a recognised Animal Care and Ethics Committee (ACEC), either with an accredited research establishment that has agreed to supervise the work, or an ACEC appointed by the Director-General of NSW Agriculture.

Guidelines for the handling of and experimentation with native fauna, and for fauna survey practices, are outlined in the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (NHMRC 1997). Further details on the care and handling of Australian native animals can be found in Hand (1990).

Details of compliance with licensing and ethical requirements are to be provided in assessment reports, as specified in section 4.7.

2.6 Matters of national significance Under the (Commonwealth) Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), actions that have, may have or are likely to have, a significant impact on a matter of national environmental significance may be undertaken only with the approval of the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment. Approval is also required for actions that have a significant effect on the environment of Commonwealth land. These actions may be on Commonwealth land or other land.

This approval is in addition to any approvals under the (NSW) Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 or other NSW legislation.

Matters of national environmental significance include:

• declared World Heritage areas

• declared Ramsar wetlands (see

• listed threatened species and ecological communities

• listed migratory species.

The applicability of each of these matters to the Lower Hunter Central Coast region is outlined below. An important implication of the EPBC Act for flora and fauna surveys is that impacts on threatened species must be assessed separately under both Commonwealth and State legislation using different criteria.

Declared world heritage areas Yengo National Park forms part of the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. Where a study area is located in proximity to, or within the hydrological catchment of Yengo National Park, the flora and fauna survey is to determine whether there is likely to be a significant impact on world heritage values.


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Declared Ramsar wetlands Kooragang Nature Reserve, located in the estuary of the Hunter River, is a declared Ramsar wetland. Where a study area is located in proximity to, or within the hydrological catchment of Kooragang Nature Reserve, the flora and fauna survey is to determine whether there is likely to be a significant impact on the ecological character of a declared Ramsar wetland.

Listed threatened species & ecological communities Numerous listed threatened species are known to occur within the Lower Hunter Central Coast region (refer to Appendix 5.2). Endangered ecological communities and populations known to be within the region are listed Appendix 5.3.

Flora and fauna surveys are to determine whether there is likely to be a significant impact on listed threatened species and ecological communities.

Care is required to distinguish listed threatened species and ecological communities under the EPBC Act from threatened species, populations and ecological communities under the (NSW) Threatened Species Act 1995 and the (NSW) Fisheries Management Act 1994. When assessing the significance of impact, criteria specified in the EPBC Act is to be applied.

Listed migratory species. Listed migratory species include species covered by the Bonn Convention, the JAMBA and CAMBA treaties and other international agreements that may be entered into from time to time. Many listed migratory species are known to frequent wetland and other areas within the Lower Hunter Central Coast region. (Refer to Appendix 5.2.1).

Where a study area is located in the vicinity of wetlands or other areas likely to provide habitat for listed migratory species, the flora and fauna survey is to determine whether there is likely to be a significant impact on a listed migratory species.

2.7 Matters of state significance Threatened species etc. Section 5A of the (NSW) Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) specifies eight matters that are to be considered when deciding whether a proposal is likely to have a significant effect on threatened species, populations or ecological communities listed under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) or Part 7A of the Fisheries Management Act 1994 (FM Act), or their habitats. These matters must be taken into account by councils when determining any development application or assessing any activity under Part 5 of the EP&A Act.

Matters required to be considered under the section 5A are:

• in the case of a threatened species, whether the life cycle of the species is likely to be disrupted such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction

• in the case of an endangered population, whether the life cycle of the species that constitutes the endangered population is likely to be disrupted such that the viability of the population is likely to be significantly compromised

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• in relation to the regional distribution of the habitat of a threatened species, population or ecological community, whether a significant area of known habitat is to be modified or removed

• whether an area of known habitat is likely to become isolated from currently interconnecting or proximate areas of habitat for a threatened species, population or ecological community

• whether critical habitat will be affected

• whether a threatened species, population or ecological community, or their habitats, are adequately represented in conservation reserves (or other similar protected areas) in the region

• whether the development or activity proposed is of a class of development or activity that is recognised as a threatening process

• whether any threatened species, population or ecological community is at the limit of its known distribution.

A species impact statement (SIS) is required where a development proposal relates to critical habitat or is likely to have a significant effect on threatened species, populations or ecological communities or their habitats. Councils have a responsibility to undertake a section 5A assessment in order to determine whether a development application that is unaccompanied by a species impact statement is able to be lawfully determined.

Flora and fauna surveys should therefore address each of the matters referred to in section 5A. In addition, they are to contain a statement indicating whether, in the opinion of the consultant, there is likely to be a significant effect on threatened species, populations or ecological communities or their habitats.

There are no legal requirements as to the format and content of a section 5A assessment. However, the National Parks and Wildlife Service has prepared draft guidelines for threatened species survey and assessment (NPWS and SMEC, 2001).

Simplified guide to section 5A assessment The following is a simplified guide to undertaking a section 5A assessment.

1. Undertake a preliminary assessment of the study area for native vegetation and fauna habitat. Fauna habitat may include areas of native and introduced vegetation, caves, culverts, hollow-bearing trees (including dead stags), bush rock, wetlands, streams, lakes, ponds, dams, bridges, old mine entrances and derelict buildings.

If native vegetation and fauna habitat are both absent, there is no requirement for a flora and fauna survey. However, a statement to this effect is required in the statement of environmental effects, review of environmental factors, study report or other relevant documentation. If native vegetation or fauna habitat is present, proceed to steps 2, 3 and 4.

2. Consult with the local council, National Parks and Wildlife Service, National Herbarium of NSW, Australian Museum, Planning NSW and other information sources for data regarding the presence or likely presence of threatened species within a 5 km radius of the study area.

Where native vegetation and fauna habitat is present, but it is considered unlikely that threatened species are using the area, or will be affected by proposal, a section5A


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assessment should still be undertaken. Justification for the perceived absence of threatened species must be documented.

3. Design and undertake surveys that target threatened species, particularly those that have suitable habitat present within or in the vicinity of the study area (see Part 3).

4. For each threatened species recorded, or considered likely to occur, within the study area, a section 5A assessment must be applied. Each of the eight factors are to be considered for each species. A conclusion must then be drawn as to whether there is likely to be a significant effect on threatened species, populations, ecological communities, or their habitats. The report should document those species that could potentially occur on site, and discuss why those species have been excluded from the section 5A assessment.

Coastal wetlands (SEPP 14) Under State Environmental Planning Policy No. 14—Coastal Wetlands (SEPP 14), a proposal to carry out clearing, drainage, filling or construction of levees within identified coastal wetlands is ‘designated development’. Consequently, a flora and fauna survey for any such proposal will need to be incorporated in an environmental impact statement.

The boundaries of SEPP 14 wetlands should be accurately defined. This will require detailed field work by an ecologist working in conjunction with a registered surveyor. Consultation should be undertaken with the relevant council and Planning NSW regarding boundary definition criteria. An accurately scaled plan showing the location of the wetland boundary in relation to the proposed development is to be included in the assessment report.

If the study area is located in proximity to, or within the hydrological catchment of a coastal wetland, the flora and fauna survey is to identify likely impacts of development on wetland ecology. This includes changes in hydrological regime, water quality, nutrients levels, fire regime, spread of weeds, rubbish dumping and other factors.

Urban bushland (SEPP 19) If the study area comprises or adjoins bushland zoned or reserved for public open space purposes, the flora and fauna survey is to address issues referred to State Environmental Planning Policy No. 19—Bushland in Urban Areas (SEPP 19). In particular, reference is to be made to:

• the likely effect of the proposal on bushland due to changes in hydrological regime, water quality, nutrients levels, fire regime, spread of weeds, rubbish dumping and other factors.

• recommendations for mitigating the impact on the bushland

• whether the proposal supports the general and specific aims of SEPP 19

• the stated priority of SEPP 19 that bushland should be retained unless there are significant environmental, economic or social benefits that would outweigh the value of the bushland.

• the need for a plan of management to be prepared and implemented.

Littoral rainforest (SEPP 26) If the study area is located in proximity to, or within the hydrological catchment of an area of littoral rainforest identified by State Environmental Planning Policy No. 26—Littoral Rainforests (SEPP 26), the flora and fauna survey is to identify likely impacts of development on rainforest ecology. This includes changes in hydrological regime, water quality, nutrients levels, fire

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regime, spread of weeds, rubbish dumping and other factors. Impacts are to be considered in respect to both the identified area of littoral rainforest and an outer 100 metre wide buffer area.

Under SEPP 26, a proposal to carry out most forms of development within an identified area of littoral rainforest is ‘designated development’. Consequently, a flora and fauna survey for any such proposal will need to be incorporated in an environmental impact statement.

Where development is being considered out either within an identified area of littoral or other form of rainforest or the surrounding 100 metre wide buffer area, the flora and fauna survey should address the issue of whether there is any alternative location for the proposal.

Koala habitat (SEPP 44) If the study area exceeds 1 hectare, the flora and fauna survey is to identify whether ‘potential koala habitat’ or ‘core koala habitat’ is present, as outlined in State Environmental Planning Policy No. 44—Koala Habitat Protection (SEPP 44).

The proportion of koala food trees in relation to the total number of trees in the vegetation community, and the presence of a population of koalas on the site will need to be established. Guidelines within SEPP 44 specify how these factors are determined (see also section 3.4).

Where core Koala habitat is present, SEPP 44 requires that a plan of management is to be prepared and approved prior to the issue of any development consent. The flora and fauna survey should contain detailed recommendations as to the content of any such plan of management.

Where a draft local environmental plan is proposed to be prepared in relation to core koala habitat, the flora and fauna survey may be incorporated in an environmental study if such a study is directed to be prepared by the Director-General of Planning NSW.

2.8 Matters of regional significance Regionally significant ecosystems have been defined from the extent and status of vegetation in the Lower Hunter Central Coast, as mapped by the Lower Hunter Central Coast Regional Biodiversity Conservation Strategy. Significance is determined by the overall extent of each vegetation type; the amount present in formal reserves; the degree of clearing from original distribution and those vegetation types most susceptible to historical clearing trends.

This definition is based on recommended criteria in the TSC Act, the EPBC Act and the National Objectives and Targets for Biodiversity Conservation 2001 – 2005 (Environment Australia, June 2001).

Flora and fauna surveys are to address each of the following:

• likely impacts on species of regional significance identified in Appendix 5.6

• likely impacts on vegetation communities within the Lower Hunter Central Coast Region that have been heavily cleared, as identified in Appendix 5.7

• likely impacts on vegetation communities within the Lower Hunter Central Coast Region that are less than 1000 ha in extent, as identified in Appendix 5.8

• likely impacts on habitat corridors identified in local environmental plans, development control plans or other policies or plans that have been adopted by the relevant local council

• Likely impact on rainforest vegetation, riparian vegetation, and coastal wetlands if present


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• the contents of any policies or plans that have been adopted by the relevant local council relating to specific species or areas.

Significance of impacts should be assessed in a manner analogous to that required for a section 5A assessment.

2.9 Matters of Local Significance

Each Council area contains matters of local significance. Proponents should liase with the development planner in the local government area prior to commencement of assessment. Matters of local significance may be identified in development control plans that apply to the land in question.

Where a proposed development or land management activity may have an impact on a matter of local significance, a flora and fauna survey should be undertaken and specifically address potential impact on these.

Matters of local significance include

• unique vegetation associations or species eg Kurri Kurri Sand Swamp Woodland or Somersby Mint Bush

• significant habitat areas eg Squirrel Glider centres

• Isolated paddock trees in highly cleared areas

• specific local population centres eg Koala habitat in the Port Stephens Council

• Unique geological areas eg Bow Wow Creek Gorge in the Cessnock LGA

• Local corridor areas

• Significant wetlands eg Porters Creek Wetland in Wyong LGA and Hexham Swamp in Newcastle LGA

• Local icon species or areas eg Blackbutt Reserve in the Newcastle LGA

• Cultural, indigenous or heritage features eg. Glebe and Oakhampton Cemeteries in the Maitland LGA.

Appendix 5.13 details matters of local significance that must be addressed in any flora and fauna survey carried out in the Cessnock LGA.

Part: 3

Survey methodology

17

3.1 General issues Surveys carried out to support local flora and fauna surveys are to utilise accepted and recognised methodologies. They must be capable of detecting cryptic and seasonal species as well locally common species.

The components of biodiversity actually detected by a survey is influenced by many factors, including:

• survey design

• seasonal species and local climatic conditions

• condition of vegetation communities and associated habitats

• knowledge of local species distribution and microhabitat requirements

• other specialist knowledge and expertise

• existing and historical land use.

These factors need to be addressed when initiating and designing flora and fauna surveys . Their effect on survey results should be documented in the flora and fauna survey report.

Survey design The intensity of survey work is dependent upon the objective of the investigation. Traditionally, most flora and fauna investigations for planning and development proposals have directed the sampling methodology towards a description of the vegetation communities and fauna habitats, and the production of a ‘one off’ species inventory. The most significant constraint to this style of survey is time. The results merely document the presence of species recorded during the survey period. Surveys have rarely been replicated over a number of seasons to account for seasonal or vagrant species, or undertaken at appropriate times for sampling of target species, including species that are:

• cryptic and difficult to survey (such as orchids)

• occur seasonally, or are active during particular periods of the year (such as reptiles, frogs and some plants)

• migratory, being present at certain times of the year or sporadically present when suitable resources are available (such as flying foxes)

• rare, or occur in low abundance (such as large snakes).

Survey design principles relating to flora and fauna are outlined below in sections 3.2 and 3.3 (respectively).

Seasonal & local climatic conditions Species that are active or present during specific periods of the year (such as reptiles, amphibians, and orchids) and migratory fauna (such as fruit eating rainforest pigeons) are usually not recorded when surveys are conducted outside optimal periods for their detection. In addition, local and regional climatic conditions can influence the detectability of a species.


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Extended dry periods, or low temperatures can influence the activity, and hence the detectability of many species.

When surveys are undertaken outside optimal survey periods, reports usually include predictive lists to account for those species of flora and fauna not recorded. However, the content of these lists is dependent upon the number of species records in databases and published material. In addition, the accuracy of predictive lists is dependent on expertise and local knowledge held by the consultants preparing the species inventory.

A number of surveys may need to be undertaken over several seasons if this is necessary in order to adequately assess a study area. If surveys are undertaken outside optimal survey periods, additional species-specific surveys may need to be undertaken at optimal times.

Condition of vegetation community & associated habitats The condition of a vegetation community or fauna habitat will influence the occurrence and viability of individuals and populations. Impacts such as fire history, logging, grazing, and weed infestation may modify the vegetation and habitat to the detriment of some species. For example, a frequent fire regime may reduce the density of ground litter essential for small terrestrial vertebrates. Small isolated patches of remnant vegetation are likely to support lower diversity of species than larger continuous stands.

Knowledge of local species distribution Consultants should be familiar with relevant journals and reports (both published and unpublished) associated with the region. Examples include:

• annual reports published by the Hunter Bird Observers Club

• NPWS Wildlife Atlas

• NPWS ROTAP Atlas

• records of the Australian Museum and the National Herbarium of NSW

• environmental impact statements and species impact statements.

These sources are not comprehensive, do not necessarily provide reliable locations, and contain inaccuracies in species identifications.

Existing & historic land uses Existing and past land use will often influence the occurrence of particular species. For example, many areas on private land have been subjected to intensive clearing or logging in the past. Subsequent forest regrowth may result in areas that support a very low abundance of mature trees with cavities (hollows) for arboreal species. The clearing of vegetation for urban activities such as residential estates and major and minor roads has fragmented and isolated many stands of remnant forest. In combination with other compounding impacts, these reduce the viability of the populations of some species, particularly in smaller forest remnants.

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3.2 Flora Minimum survey requirements The minimum level of flora survey work for sites that support remnant vegetation is as indicated in Table 3.1. The Table shows how the level of survey work varies according to the size of the site being surveyed.

In general, surveys are to comprise a combination of walking transects and plot-based surveys as this provides the most information for a given input, and enable effective sampling of vegetation boundaries, floristic diversity and the possible presence of threatened species. The principal steps required for any vegetation survey are outlined below. Some steps may be undertaken simultaneously.

Mapping vegetation communities Mapping of basic environmental units and vegetation community boundaries is to be undertaken prior to undertaking detailed ground surveys. Possible information sources for preliminary mapping include aerial photos, cadastral maps, topographic maps, geological maps and soil landscape maps. The LHCCREMS regional vegetation mapping is also a useful information source (NPWS on behalf of LHCCREMS, 2000) (see discussion below).

Cadastral and topographic maps are to be used to accurately plot property boundaries and topographic features on base maps. Maps and photos referred to are to be the largest scale available, and also the most recently published. Where appropriate, historical maps and photos may also be referred to.

Mapping should illustrate each of the following:

• topographic features

• habitats

• regional vegetation communities

• locations of significant communities and species

• any critical elements of the study area (for example, habitat trees).

• the relationship between the proposed development or activity and the vegetation communities and habitat types in the study area.

The boundaries and definitions of environmental units may be modified on the basis of information subsequently gathered in the field (NPWS, 1998).

With large sites, time constraints generally limit the amount of fieldwork that can be undertaken, thereby resulting in greater reliance on aerial photo and cadastral map interpretation. Conversely, a small area will enable the majority of the site to be traversed on foot, enabling less reliance on aerial photos. In either case, aerial photo interpretation will enable coarse-grained vegetation community mapping, identification of disturbed areas and plotting the initial locations of walking transects and plot-based surveys. However, aerial photo interpretation can only provide information on the spatial distribution of discrete vegetation patches based on gross visual differences. It cannot be used to describe the structural or floristic details, or how communities may be related (Wilson et al., 1997).


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Table 3.1 Minimum survey work - land with remnant vegetation

Refer to Table 3.4 for fauna surveys on highly disturbed or cleared sites

Area of study area (ha)

Activity - LEP amendment, development application

Minimum required survey work

Flora Survey 1 - 2 walking transects + 1 quadrat / community

0 - 1 ha

Fauna Survey 1 survey site per vegetation community

Flora Survey 3 walking transects + 1 quadrat per community +

Simple Floristic Structure 1 replicate quadrat per community ≥ 5 ha.

Flora Survey 3 walking transects + 2 quadrats per community

Complex Floristic Structure + 1 quadrat per community ≥ 5 ha.

1 - 10 ha

Fauna Survey 1 survey site per vegetation community + 1

replicate site per community ≥ 5 ha. in area.

Flora Survey 4 - 6 walking transects + 1 quadrat per community

Simple Floristic Structure + 1 replicate quadrat per community ≥ 5 ha.

Flora Survey 6 walking transects + 2 quadrats per community

Complex Floristic Structure

11 – 50 ha

Fauna Survey 1 survey site per vegetation community + 1

replicate site per community ≥ 5 ha. in area.

Flora Survey 7 - 10 walking transects + 2 quadrats per

Community + 1 quadrat per community ≥ 10 ha.

> 50 ha

Fauna Survey 2 survey sites per vegetation community

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Using the LHCCREMS regional vegetation mapping This mapping was undertaken in 1999 in order to identify the variety, extent and distribution of vegetation communities occurring in the Lower Hunter Central Coast region.

Survey sites were used to model the predicted vegetation distribution across the Lower Hunter Central coast region at a scale of 1:25,000. 1772 native vascular plant species were recorded from all plot data, and 56 vegetation communities were identified.

A modelling approach to mapping was undertaken due to the size of the study area (6 000 km2). Consequently, the maps depict predicted occurrence. Extensive validation was undertaken of the model and final maps. However, as the maps flag the presence and distribution of vegetation communities at a regional scale, they cannot be used to make confident site-specific conclusions without supplementary field surveys. As a general rule, patches under 6 ha have not been mapped.

In addition to providing a regional overview, the LHCCREMS regional vegetation mapping has two main applications for undertaking site-based flora and fauna surveys:

• to identify the type of vegetation community that is present in terms of the standardised regional vegetation classification

• to identify the regional status of the vegetation type in question.

Descriptions of all identified regional vegetation communities are included in the technical report accompanying the maps (NPWS on behalf of LHCCREMS, 2000). Each profile includes a list of species present and their cover abundance level. The profile uses FIDEL software that is able to indicate whether a species at a given cover abundance level is a positive indicator of that community. Some species are fairly ubiquitous and therefore are not good indicators of vegetation types.

The limitations of the LHCCREMS regional vegetation mapping must be acknowledged. The mapping does not show the relative condition of vegetation areas nor map the distribution of non-native species or weeds. Site survey is therefore required before the conservation importance of a particular site can be assessed. In addition, since the mapping depicts regional predictions of vegetation community distribution, site surveys should include site validations, particularly near the boundaries of communities.

Sampling units Flora surveys are to divide the study area into a number of sampling units (including transects and quadrats) that sample the full range of environmental variation within the site. The aim is to identify spatial units that are relatively homogenous in terms of environmental characteristics such as:

• vegetation structure

• floristic composition

• topography

• soils type

• geology

• slope

• aspect


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• disturbance history

• successional stage

• connectivity to other bushland areas

• distance from water sources.

The design of transects should observe the following principles:

• transects should cross a river or stream rather than be located parallel to it

• transects should cross contours rather than run parallel to them

• transects should be orientated in such a direction that each transect samples as much as possible of the total variability of the area.

Where several transects are replicated within a vegetation community, they should be located so to minimise sampling variation between transects and maximise precision (Caughley and Sinclair, 1994).

Sampling of vegetation by quadrats is likely to sample patches of high-density or low -density plants, whereas a transect is more likely to cut through areas of both (Caughley and Sinclair, 1994). Therefore, in order to maximise precision of sampling, quadrats should be established along transects.

Walking transects Walking transects are to be undertaken for any study area requiring a vegetation survey. They are to be undertaken in order to:

• obtain an understanding of the vegetation communities in the area

• identify community boundaries

• record species present

• identify locations for plot-based surveys (where required)

• determine the potential distribution of threatened species.

The number of transects required for a study area will vary depending upon the size, topographic diversity and variety of vegetation communities mapped from aerial photos. The minimum requirement for any study area is two transects, perpendicular to each other. As referred to above, transects are to be located so as to adequately sample the variability of environmental units located within the site.

The following information is to be recorded during walking transects:

• all plant species observed

• factors influencing the location of vegetation communities within the survey area, such as aspect, topographic position and elevation.

This information is to be used to assist in identifying the presence of vegetation communities, determining vegetation boundaries, assessing the homogeneity of the study area and determining the required number of plots.

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Quadrat surveys A quadrat (or plot-based) survey is a quantitative examination of species distribution and abundance. Quadrats are more likely to detect inconspicuous or threatened species because a smaller area is sampled in a concentrated search. This survey technique also provides a basis for subsequent monitoring.

Quadrats are to be 400m2 (20 x 20 metres or 10 x 40 metres for linear communities) in conformity with the survey data standards of the National Herbarium of NSW and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Quadrat locations are to be determined on a map or aerial photograph prior to field survey to ensure objectivity. A minimum of one quadrat is to be placed within each vegetation community present.

Replicates quadrats may be necessary within a community in order to sample responses to variations in microclimatic conditions due to topographic position, elevation and aspect. They may also be necessary to sample the species composition of areas having different management histories, such as high or low fire frequencies, logging or grazing. When determining the number of required replicates, consideration is to be given to:

• the size of the community

• the homogeneity of the vegetation unit

• the management history of the unit.

A replicate quadrat is to be undertaken for any vegetation community exceeding 5 ha. Additional replicate quadrats are to be undertaken if the vegetation community is very complex in floristic composition or structure. If a community is fragmented or occupies several patches, the following must also be considered:

• the total area of the vegetation community

• the distance between intra and inter patches within the site and adjacent areas

• the size of patches and the presence of potential movement barriers between patches.

The physical, structural and floristic attributes of each quadrat location are to be recorded, as outlined below. This information is to be included in the flora and fauna survey report in such a way that data collection locations can be readily and reliably ascertained. For example, plant species lists are to be labelled and cross-referenced to the map of the quadrat location(s).

Physical attributes of quadrats The following physical attributes of each quadrat location are to be recorded:

• topographic position

• elevation

• slope

• aspect

• general soil type (for example, clay, sand, loam, skeletal)

• any other physical attributes that are likely to influence the occurrence or distribution of vegetation types.


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Structural components of quadrats The following structural attributes of each quadrat location are to be recorded:

• primary structural layers present (for example tree/canopy layer, subcanopy layer, emergents, tall shrub/ small tree layer, shrub layer, and ground cover)

• height of structural layers

• relative cover abundance of each layer

• foliage (or canopy) cover for each layer (the percentage occupied by a vertical projection of the foliage and branches—to the nearest 10%)

• the three most dominant species in each layer (recorded in order of dominance).

Floristic data • All distinguishable taxon are to be recorded and identified as far as practicable to a species

or subspecies level.

• Species descriptions and other information are to be sourced from the Flora of New South Wales (Harden, 1990 - 93) or more recent botanical literature, particularly the Australian Journal of Botany, Telopea and Cunninghamia (Wilson et al., 1997).

• A voucher specimen of any species unable to be identified in the field is to be collected and kept in a plastic bag in a cool area. Such specimens may be sent to the National Herbarium of NSW (Royal Botanical Gardens) for identification.

• A voucher specimen is to be collected for any threatened or ROTAP species recorded. Such specimens must be sent to the National Herbarium of NSW (Royal Botanical Gardens) for confirmation.

• The Herbarium’s confirmation of species is to be documented in the flora and fauna survey report.

Cover–abundance data A modified form of the Braun–Blanquet system of cover–abundance rating is to be used for estimating the crown coverage (for woody plants) or projected foliage cover (for understorey and ground layer plants) of each species in each separate vegetation stratum (see Table 3.2).

Estimates are to be made using the visual calibration chart developed by Walker and Hopkins (1990). (See Appendix 5 in Wilson et al. (1997).

Table 3.2 Modified Braun–Blanquet cover–abundance rating

Rating Cover-abundance

1 < 5% cover, few individuals or sparse occurrence

2 < 5% cover, many individuals

3 5 - 25% cover

4 25 - 50% cover

5 50 - 75% cover

6 75 – 100% cover

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Threatened, rare or significant species The following information is to be recorded in the event that threatened, rare, regionally-significant or locally-significant species are identified within the study area:

• location (including accurate mapping showing location in relation to proposed development or zone boundaries

• population size

• population age structure

• population age structure.

Additional information Photographs of survey plots and vegetation communities are to be taken where this will provide a useful record of the vegetation appearance to supplement the data record.

GPS units The use of a hand-held Global Positioning System (GPS) units is an optional technique that may be used to locate positions with a relative accuracy of 50–200 metres. GPS units linked to differential corrections (DGPS) enable positioning accuracy to approximately 5 metres, but require user knowledge in order to minimise positioning error. GPS accuracy has been enhanced with the removal of Selective Availability, limiting error range to 20–50 metres. However, this accuracy is reduced in proximity to large buildings, within deep gullies and under tree cover. Some GPS models appear to function more effectively under tree cover than others.

An accuracy of at least 1–5 metres is required for mapping vegetation communities, survey plot sites, significant species or habitat attributes. This may require detailed surveying to precisely locate a threatened species clump or significant habitat tree. Accurate vegetation community boundaries are also required where it is necessary to assess the impact of a proposed development on threatened species.

Areas of special interest Areas of special interest such as rock outcrops, water bodies and wetlands are to be targeted with a plot-based survey. This is because they are likely to support flora and possibly fauna species that are not found elsewhere within the site.

Full estuarine, marine or aquatic flora and fauna surveys are to be undertaken where estuarine, marine or aquatic habitat (respectively) is affected by proposed development.

Habitat corridors A habitat corridor is an area of habitat that enables migration, colonisation and interbreeding of plants and animals between two or more larger areas of habitat. Habitat corridors may consist of a continuous linear segments of native vegetation, or a sequence of discontinuous areas of habitat, such as feeding trees, caves, wetlands and roadside vegetation.

Any corridors present within the study area are to be surveyed for their condition, width and ecological function. They are to be identified on vegetation or habitat maps.


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3.3 Fauna (general) In designing and implementing fauna surveys in the region, reference should be made to volume 2 of these guidelines; • Volume 2 Survey Guide to Threatened Species of the LH&CC region 2002

This documents the known occurrences in the LH&CC of each species listed under the Threatened Species Conservation Act, the survey techniques required for each species and additional information about habitat and reservation where known.

Minimum survey requirements The minimum level of fauna survey work for sites that support remnant vegetation is as indicated in Table 3.1. The Table shows how the level of survey work varies according to the size of the site being surveyed.

In addition Table 3.3 summarises the minimum survey requirements for various fauna groups. It identifies for each fauna group the required survey technique, survey seasonality and survey intensity. Survey methodologies for specific fauna groups is presented in sections 3.4 - 3.8.

The number of fauna survey sites is to closely reflect the number of vegetation communities present within the study area. The location of fauna survey sites is to be determined from vegetation community maps and aerial photographs prior to the commencement of detailed surveys (see section 3.2).

The minimum level of required fauna survey work may be varied where this is appropriate having regard to the characteristics of the vegetation communities or fauna habitats present. For example, sites consisting of open grassland or cleared pasture may not support abundant habitat attributes for many threatened species. Strict adherence to specified transect lengths (NPWS 1998) is not required if the study area has smaller dimensions than these.

Survey design The recommended strategy for ‘one-off’ inventory surveys incorporates both plot-based and targeted methodologies. Plot-based surveys aim to sample the study area, describe the vegetation communities and fauna habitats, and derive an inventory of fauna species recorded within the study area. Such surveys will not detect all of the species within the study area, but will enable:

• collection of specific habitat data

• quantitative analysis of species distribution and abundance at the time of the survey

• study of species/ environment relationships and predictions based on habitat data

• less chance that rare species are overlooked due to concentrated search effort

• subsequent monitoring or more detailed work (York et al., 1991).

Methodologies for target species (particularly threatened species) should be designed to provide specific information on distribution, abundance and habitat requirements in relation to the entire study area. A minimum survey intensity is required for each target species. This must be justified in the survey design (NPWS and State Forests, 1994).

The size of the study area and diversity of vegetation communities and fauna habitats will influence the number of fauna survey sites. Possible sampling strategies include transects and ‘point stations’ (York et al., 1991). The length of transects must be variable to account for

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varying sizes and shapes of each study area, particularly for small sites less than 10 ha. ‘Point stations’ or survey sites is probably more applicable in such cases. Where point stations are adopted, these should be clearly marked on a map of the site. The boundaries of each vegetation community and the location of survey sites are to be illustrated on a map of the study area (see section 4.4).

Table 3.3 Summary of minimum survey effort for each fauna group

Fauna group Survey technique Survey period Survey effort per vegetation community

Mammals

Small terrestrial Small mammal traps All year 10 trap nights over 3-4 consecutive nights

Optional Hair tubes All year 5-10 consecutive nights per site

Optional Pitfall trapping All year 5-10 consecutive nights per site

Medium terrestrial Cage / B Elliott traps All year 10 trap nights over 3-4 consecutive nights per habitat type

Optional Hair tubes All year 5-10 consecutive nights per site

B Elliott traps All year Trapping grid of 1.0 ha sampling each major habitat, with 10 traps per grid opened for 3-4 consecutive nights.

Faecal pellet counts All year Minimum of one plot per 1,000 m2

Arboreal mammals

Spotlighting All year Walking rate of 1.0 kilometre hour per person

Optional Hair tubes All year 5 - 10 consecutive nights per site

Harp traps All year, limited captures in winter

2 harp trap nights per broad habitat type Microchiropteran bats

Echolocation call All year, limited results in winter

45 minute continuous recording plus call activated all night

Optional Triplining All year 3 hours commencing from dusk

Optional Mistnetting All year 3 hours commencing from dusk

Megachiropteran bats Spotlighting and listening All year Refer to spotlighting for arboreal mammals

Optional Mistnetting All year 3 hours commencing from dusk

Birds

Diurnal birds Formal census Summer & winter 1 ha. Sample plot per 20 mins / habitat

Nocturnal birds Formal census Summer & winter One point census per km2

Reptiles

Diurnal searches Habitat searches Sep-Mar 1 ha search for one person hour on 2 separate days per habitat

Nocturnal searches Spotlight searches Sep-Mar Walking rate of 1.0 kilometre per hour per person on 2 separate nights

Specific habitats Diurnal + nocturnal searches

Sep-Mar One person hour diurnal +

One person hour per ha. Nocturnal

Optional Pitfall trapping Sep-Mar


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Amphibians

Diurnal searches Systematic searches Sep-Mar 1 ha search for one person hour per habitat

Nocturnal searches Spotlight searches Sep-Mar 30 mins on two separate nights

Playback of recorded calls Sep-Mar Once on each of 2 separate nights

Specific habitat searches Sep-Mar 2 hrs per 200 metre of waterbody edge

Optional Pitfall trapping Sep-Mar

Additional survey sites that may or may not be directly impacted by a proposed activity (such as an adjoining bushland gully) should also be sampled, as it may support species that frequent both sites (for example, Powerful Owl).

Survey information should be provided in such a way as to enable replication of surveys and ongoing monitoring of changes to community or species structure over time. If spurious results are obtained from a survey, the information must be presented to enable re-sampling of those sites, particularly if undertaken by an independent worker.

‘One-off’ surveys have many inadequacies when compared to replicated systematic surveys. The latter may detect a significantly higher number of species than the former.

Repeated sampling over time may be required to determine the presence of cryptic species, or species that occupy large home ranges (such as owls and quolls). For example, the recommended number of visits required to determine the presence or absence of threatened large forest owls, with 90% confidence, is seven for Powerful Owl, eight for Sooty Owl and nine for Masked Owl (Debus, 1995).

Altered & disturbed habitats The potential for threatened species presence must be considered even if the study area has been extensively cleared. This has been legally confirmed by the Land and Environment Court (see Cameron v Nambucca Shire Council and Anor unreported, Talbot, J. 8 August 1997).

If the study area is cleared, but lies adjacent to remnant vegetation, survey work must be capable assessing the site’s potential role as a habitat corridor.

A transect or quadrat flora census is not required if the study area is dominated by pastoral weeds and the occurrence of native species is sparse. In such cases weed occurrence and remaining native species must be documented. Disturbed areas are to be mapped on the vegetation community/ habitat map. Caution is necessary as weeds such as lantana can often mask the presence of a wide variety of native species.

Fauna sampling is to specifically target habitats that will be affected (either directly or indirectly) by proposed development. Aquatic habitat is to be surveyed where the site is isolated by large cleared areas and consists of introduced pasture with a dam.

Appropriate sampling methodologies are to be employed where habitat attributes are present that may provide microhabitats for cavity-dependent fauna (such as bats, arboreal mammals, reptiles and amphibians). An example is dead stags in open grassland. Such methodologies are to be employed even where such habitats are considered marginal.

Required fauna survey work for disturbed and cleared sites is summarised in Table 3.4.

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Small sites & minor development The term ‘small sites and minor development’ refers sites where the area of land affected by the proposal (either directly or indirectly) is less than 1000m2, and the land does not comprise any of the following: • wetland vegetation communities

• rainforest

• coastal dunes or headlands with native vegetation

• dams, ponds or watercourses

• riparian vegetation

• a vegetation community listed in section 5.7 or section 5.8

• vegetation communities as listed in Appendix 5.13.

Table 3.4 Required fauna survey effort for disturbed and cleared sites

Highly disturbed site Cleared site (limited habitat)

Two to three nights spotlighting No spotlighting if totally cleared

Pond or stream present - three separate searches on rainy nights in summer for amphibians

Pond or stream present, three separate searches on rainy nights in summer for amphibians

If the site is potential habitat for Crinia tinnula then a further diurnal census (middle of the day with calm to light wind).

If the site is potential habitat for Crinia tinnula then a further census in the middle of the day with warm to hot temperatures, but an absence of wind.

Reptile searches and bird surveys over two to three mornings

No searches if totally cleared and no reptile habitat.

Mapping of any mature trees with hollows plus stagwatch and spotlight search for arboreal mammals.

No searches if totally cleared.

Anabat detector(s) for microchiropteran bats No survey if totally cleared.

Source: Robert Payne.

Strict adherence to the requirements in Tables 3.1 and 3.3 is not required for small sites and minor development. Minimum survey requirements will depend on the environmental attributes of the site, its location and proximity to other vegetated areas and the direct and indirect impacts of the proposal. Matters that must be addressed are:

• description of native vegetation present, including a species list

• description of fauna habitat present

• indication of the fauna likely to use the site

• investigation of fauna habitat present, such as stagwatching hollow-bearing trees

• plan of the area showing important features, such as threatened or significant flora species or vegetation communities, isolated paddock trees, trees to be retained, trees to be removed, elements of fauna habitat

• indication of threatened species likely to be present

• a simple eight-part test.


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Appendix 5.9 contains a checklist for small sites and minor development.

3.4 Terrestrial & arboreal mammals Small terrestrial mammals Survey techniques for small terrestrial mammals may include live trapping with folding aluminium traps, dry pitfall trapping, hair sampling with hair tubes, and collection of predator scats for prey hair and bone. Trapping for small terrestrial mammals is essential for determining habitat characteristics for birds of prey. Sites that support populations of introduced rodents such as Rattus and Mus species should not be overlooked as ‘insignificant’ as they provide foraging requirements for larger predators such as the threatened Masked Owl (Kavanagh and Murray, 1996).

Small mammal species recorded in the Lower Hunter and Central Coast region by trapping with ‘Elliott’ style folding aluminium traps (8 x 9 x 33 cm) include Sminthopsis, Antechinus, Pseudomys, Rattus, Mus and Melomys species. Traps (or trap lines) are to be established in a systematic manner in appropriate habitat(s) with individual spacing appropriate to the type of ground layer vegetation. Sampling should either be intensive (for a small area of specific habitat) or widespread (for sparse populations). Standard baits are recommended (peanut butter and rolled oats), or other baits when deemed necessary (NPWS and State Forests of NSW, 1994).

An optional survey technique (often employed in larger surveys) is the use of hair tubes for small mammals. These hair tubes are typically baited with standard vegetable (peanut butter, rolled oats) or meat-based baits. The sampling is usually extended over 5–10 consecutive nights. This has the added benefit of indirectly sampling a location over a longer time frame than live trapping, and is less labour intensive.

Searches for predator scats along tracks are an effective technique to sample for the presence of small terrestrial mammals. Analysis of the hair and bone within the predator scats may result in identification of species not recorded by other survey techniques.

Medium to large terrestrial mammals Target species within this group include bandicoots, Phascogale and Dasyurus maculatus. Trapping with larger Elliott traps (15 x 16 x 45 cm) and wire cage traps baited with meat-based baits is effective for these species.

Smaller hair tubes attached to trees at a height of 1.5 metres have been successful in surveying for Phascogale tapoatafa. Large hair tubes baited with meat-based baits will effectively sample larger terrestrial mammals. Sampling by this technique is often conducted over ten nights before removing for analysis.

The collection of predator scats may also result in recording the presence of this fauna group. This is often undertaken by walking transects along tracks searching for characteristic droppings. Walking transects are to be standardised to a designated length (such as 500 - 1,000 metres) on larger sites, or searching along all tracks on a smaller site.

Arboreal mammals Successful techniques for this fauna group include spotlighting, stag watching of den trees, arboreal trapping and hair tubes.

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Spotlight searches are to target flowering trees as these provide a source of blossom and nectar for Petaurus gliders. The smaller Petaurus gliders are often difficult to detect by spotlight as their eyes do not reflect brightly, and often remain stationary when in the spotlight beam (Menkhorst et al., 1988). Larger gliders such as Yellow-bellied Glider and Greater Glider, and possums such as Common Brushtail Possum and Common Ringtail Possum are more easily detected by spotlight. Vocalisations by the Sugar Glider, Yellow-bellied Glider, Common Ringtail Possum, Common Brushtail Possum, Koala, and very rarely the Squirrel Glider, will also indicate their presence.

Stagwatching involves direct counts of nocturnal animals emerging from tree hollows at dusk. The technique involves observers stationed beneath hollow-bearing dead or living trees in a defined area and recording the identity and number of emergent animals following dusk for a period of about 40 minutes. This technique is useful as it provides an accurate measure of absolute abundance, provided that all individuals emerge following dusk, and all individuals in a population or group den in tree hollows (Smith et al., 1989). Stagwatching is best done with more than one observer if possible, each placed on different sides of the stag (NPWS 1998).

Arboreal trapping for Petaurus (P. breviceps, P. norfolcensis) is a useful adjunct to spotlighting and stag watching. Trapping techniques have been described by York et al., (1991), Meggs et al. (1991) and Quin, (1993, 1995). Trapping for Petaurus gliders should be undertaken with larger Elliott type-B (15 x 16 x 45 cm) folding aluminium traps mounted on platforms.

Smaller Elliott type-A traps should not be used as they are more likely to injure the larger Squirrel Glider (particularly the tail). The Squirrel Glider is widespread within the region, from small bushland remnants less than 10 hectares in size to large tracts of forest. Traps should be mounted on the main trunk at a height of two to four metres and inclined at an angle of about 10° above horizontal to facilitate drainage in the event of rain.

Traps should also be positioned on the south-western side of the trunk to shade the trap from the morning sun. Traps should be covered with a plastic bag to maintain dry internal conditions in the event of rain, and filled with a handful of leaf litter to keep the gliders warm. Each trap should be baited with a mixture of peanut butter, rolled oats and honey and the trunk of the tree adjacent to the trap sprayed with a 50:50 mixture of water and honey to act as an attractant.

The recommended minimum trap density is six to ten traps per trapping grid. One trapping grid measuring a minimum of 0.5 ha should be established in each vegetation type. Trapping over three nights is more effective than sampling over one or two nights (Menkhorst et al., 1988; Smith, 1996).

Where Squirrel Glider, Yellow-bellied Glider and Brush-tailed Phascogale are detected, the location of den trees is to be recorded.

Arboreal hair tubes can be used to detect the presence of arboreal mammals (Suckling, 1978). However, a constraint to this technique is the difficulty in distinguishing the hair of P. breviceps and P. norfolcensis (Brunner and Coman, 1974). This is particularly problematic in areas where they occur in sympatry. Whilst this may not be reliable for accurate identification, it is still useful to determine the occurrence of gliders in a particular area.


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Koala habitat assessment State Environmental Planning Policy No. 44—Koala Habitat Protection does not specify any methodologies for determining koala habitat other than the ‘15 per cent Schedule 2 tree species’ method. Alternative guidelines for koala habitat assessment are contained in Appendix 6 of the Port Stephens Council Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management (Port Stephens Council and AKF, 2001), as summarised below.

Preliminary assessment: A survey of the site is undertaken to determine the presence or absence of feed and browse trees listed in Table 3.5. This will determine if the site supports Preferred or Supplementary Koala Habitat. If the site contains greater than 15% Schedule Two tree species, it will be necessary to undertake Vegetation Mapping.

Vegetation Mapping: The vegetation of the site is mapped (refer to section 4.4).

Koala habitat identification and activity levels: The ‘spot assessment technique’ (see Appendix 5.10) is used to determine the significance of Koala habitat. This involves sampling a minimum of 20 trees within a circle radiating from a central point. Searches for Koala scats or faecal pellets are conducted at the base of each tree for a maximum of two to three person-minutes. Minimum sampling density is one plot per 1,000 m2 of potential development areas that contain native trees (Phillips and Callaghan, 1995).

The validation of this technique is based on the occurrence of high quality habitat on medium- to high-fertility soils, and is indicated as under evaluation on low fertility soils (Phillips and Callaghan, 1995). Significant areas of the Lower Hunter and Central Coast region comprise medium- to low-fertility soils.

Table 3.5 Koala feed & browse trees, Lower Hunter Central Coast region

Tree species Reference SEPP 44

(Schedule 2) Port Stephens Council (2001)

Other

Swamp Mahogany (Eucalyptus robusta) + + Payne (1996) Forest Red Gum (E. tereticornis) + + Drooping Red Gum (E. parramattensis) + Phillips et al. (2000) Large-fruited Grey Gum (E. punctata) + + Scribbly Gum (E. haemastoma or E. signata) + + Brown Stringybark (E. capitellata) + Northern Grey Ironbark (E. paniculata) + Payne (1996) Narrow-leaved Ironbark (E. crebra) + Tallowood (E. microcorys) + Sydney Blue Gum (E. saligna) + Payne (1996) Flooded Gum (E. grandis) + Sydney Peppermint (E. piperita) + Red Mahogany (E. resinifera) + White Mahogany (E. acmenoides) + Broad-leaved White Mahogany (E. umbra) + Spotted Gum (E. maculata) + Blackbutt (E. pilularis) + Red Bloodwood (Corymbia gummifera) + Smooth-barked Apple (Angophora costata) + Broad-leaved Paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia) + Swamp Oak (Casuarina glauca) +

Source: Adopted from Port Stephens Council and AKF (2001).

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3.5 Bats Both flying-foxes and many insectivorous bats are thought to be highly seasonal in their behaviour. Whilst seasonal movements and migrations are known to be undertaken by flying-foxes and some microchiropteran bats, many other species have not been investigated. Longer term monitoring has indicated seasonal fluctuations in the presence and activity of the various bat species (Fly By Night Bat Surveys and TUNRA, 1996).

Survey techniques for bats include harp trapping, mist netting, trip lining, echolocation call survey, listening for audible calls, spotlighting and examination of potential diurnal roosts. Surveys that rely solely on one methodology will not adequately sample the species likely to occur in many areas. Table 3.6 summarises the suitability of particular survey techniques for the detection of megachiropteran and microchiropteran bat species. The Table incorporates recommendations by NPWS and SMEC (2001).

Table 3.6 Suitable bat survey techniques for Lower Hunter Central Coast region

Common Name Scientific Name Suitable survey methodology

HT ECS M T S ACS

Grey-headed Flying Fox* Pteropus poliocephalus + + + Little Red Flying Fox Pteropus scapulatus + + +

Eastern Blossom Bat* Syconycteris australis + Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat* Saccolaimus flaviventris + + +

Eastern Freetail Bat* Mormopterus norfolkensis + + + White-striped Mastiff-bat Nyctinomus australis + + Little Freetail Bat Mormopterus sp + + +

Southern Freetail Bat Mormopterus planiceps + + + Eastern Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus megaphyllus + + +

Large-eared Pied Bat* Chalinolobus dwyeri + + + Gould’s Wattled Bat Chalinolobus gouldii + + + +

Chocolate Wattled Bat Chalinolobus morio + + + Eastern Falsistrelle* Falsistrellus tasmaniensis + + + Golden-tipped Bat* Kerivoula papuensis +

Fishing Bat* Myotis adversus + + + Eastern Bent-wing Bat* Miniopterus schriebersii + + + +

Little Bent-wing Bat* Miniopterus australis + + + + Eastern Broad-nosed Bat Scotorepens orion + + +

Inland Broad-nosed Bat Scotorepens balstoni + + + Undescribed Broad-nosed Bat Scotorepens sp. + + +

Greater Broad-nosed Bat* Scotoneax rueppellii + + + Lesser Long-eared Bat Nyctophilus geoffroyi + + Gould’s Long-eared Bat Nyctophilus gouldii + +

Large Forest Bat Vespadelus darlingtoni + + + + Eastern Forest Bat Vespadelus pumilus + + + +

Southern Forest Bat Vespadelus regulus + + + + Eastern Cave Bat* Vespadelus troughtoni + + + +

Little Forest Bat Vespadelus vulturnus + + + +

Note: Species marked by (*) are listed as Threatened by the) Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.


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Key to Table 3.6

HT Harp Trap ECS Echolocation call survey M Mistnet T Tripline S Spotlighting ACS Audible call survey

Microchiropteran bats Harp traps are useful for the capture of slower flying bat species that commonly fly below the canopy (Tidemann and Woodside, 1978). These species include the long-eared bats (Nyctophilus sp.), Golden-tipped Bat (Kerivoula papuensis), Fishing Bat (Myotis adversus) and Eastern Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus megaphyllus). Some of these species have weak echolocation calls and are not readily detected by echolocation call survey. Others have calls that are readily confused with those of other bat species, limiting the accuracy of echolocation call survey for these species.

Harp trapping is currently the only effective means of surveying many of these species simultaneously at a range of sites. Traps should be placed in bat ‘flyways’ such as across tracks, trails, creeks, or in natural forest openings to maximise the likelihood of captures. Harp traps should be placed to sample all the vegetation communities within the study area and should be left in place for a minimum of two nights.

Echolocation call surveys are particularly effective for recording those bat species that have strong calls. These species generally correspond with those that feed at or above the forest canopy, and which are not readily captured in harp traps, including the Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat (Saccolaimus flaviventris), Eastern Freetail Bat (Mormopterus norfolkensis), Large Bent-wing Bat (Miniopterus schreibersii) and Greater Broad-nosed Bat (Scoteanax rueppellii). While these species can be captured sporadically in harp traps or at suitable sites through use of mist nets or trip lines (see below), echolocation call survey is currently the only effective means of surveying for these species at a variety of sites.

Bat detectors may be placed at set points or may be hand-held during walking transects. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages. Hand-held samples often produce superior call sequences and may allow calls to be assigned to particular species with greater certainty. Detectors placed at set points give samples with less bias and allow voice-activated recording throughout the night. Recent evidence suggests that it takes at least 3 hours recording from dusk to record 90% of the species present during a night (Richards, 2000). Detector sites should encompass the range of habitats and vegetation communities present within the study area.

Mist-netting & trip lines can be useful for the capture of bat species not normally captured in harp traps (Helman and Churchill, 1986). When installed over dams and small water bodies in warm weather, they can assist in capturing high flying species such as freetail bats (Mormopterus sp.). Both methods are labour intensive, require constant supervision and are suitable at relatively limited sites and in suitable weather periods. They should be utilised, however, when conditions are suitable as they assist in obtaining individuals of species not readily captured by other methods.

Diurnal roost searches should also be undertaken in the study area. For general surveying to determine which species are present in an area, this may be restricted to a visual examination of potential roost sites including caves, tunnels, drains, bridges and accessible

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tree hollows. Radiotelemetry can be undertaken to provide information on diurnal roosting that may not be available from visual searches. This method is particularly useful for ascertaining the diurnal roosting preferences for species that roost predominantly in trees.

Megachiropteran bats (flying foxes) These large bats are nomadic and are usually only present in an area when favoured tree species are in blossom or fruit (Eby, 1991). Whilst eucalypts are favoured for blossom, rainforest trees may be utilised for blossom or fruit depending on their availability and suitability (Parry-Jones and Augee, 1991). Moreton Bay figs (Ficus macrophylla) are commonly utilised by Grey-headed Flying-foxes in urban situations, whilst cultivated fruits may also be eaten.

The presence of flying-foxes in an area is usually detected through spotlighting of individuals while feeding on blossom or fruit. Territorial disputes between flying-foxes while feeding at food trees can be readily heard, and provide ready evidence of the presence of these large bats. Mist netting of food trees can be used to confirm identification of particular species utilising the site, but this is not normally necessary. Mist nets require constant surveillance and this method is labour intensive. Camps of flying-foxes are usually located in rainforest, riparian areas or mangroves and usually occupied on a seasonal or sporadic basis.

The threatened Eastern Blossom Bat (Syconycteris australis) has been recorded to the immediate north of the Lower Hunter and Central Coast region (Fly By Night, 1997), and may extend into the region. Mistnetting at food plants is currently the only effective means of detecting this species.

3.6 Birds Diurnal birds–formal census The location of census plots for bird counts are to correspond to the same habitat or vegetation community types where other vertebrate sampling is undertaken.

Surveys should be undertaken over at least two seasons (summer and winter) to account for seasonal species. York et al. (1991) indicates that many winter populations are usually a subset of summer populations, with summer breeding season counts being the best option. However, many nomadic species such as Regent Honeyeater and Swift Parrot often irrupt during the winter months to coastal and near-coastal areas. Conducting a bird census in summer will thus overlook many winter species that either irrupt or are regular migrants.

A reliable method for a diurnal bird census is ‘sample plot counts’ (see NPWS 1997). Sample plot counts are to employ a minimum 20 minute search within a 1.0 ha area (100m x 100m, 50m x 200m, etc.). The sample plot is to be configured according to the nature and configuration of the habitat being sampled (NPWS, 1997). Counts are to be conducted only during periods of relatively high bird activity (such as early morning or late afternoon) and reasonable detectability. All bird species and individuals seen or heard are to be recorded, either as ‘on-site’ if detected within plot, or ‘off-site’ if recorded in adjacent vegetation types or flying overhead (NPWS, 1997).

Diurnal birds– opportunistic observation Opportunistic sightings of birds not recorded during systematic surveys are to be recorded whilst undertaking other duties within the study area.


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Nocturnal birds Nocturnal birds are often detected only when they vocalise for territory proclamation or social contact (NPWS, 1997). Masked, Powerful and Sooty Owls breed chiefly during the months of late April to mid July. The optimal period for identifying these three species is from late February through to mid May. Surveys undertaken at other times are unlikely to identify the owls even when they are present.

This period corresponds with the onset of breeding season. At this time of year pairs are usually found within close proximity to the nest site, especially during the first half hour after dark and last half hour before dawn. During this period the owls spend a great deal of time preparing the floor of the nest hollow to lay eggs, and will frequently perch less than 50 metres from the nest tree, so that the site can be defended from would-be intruders of the same species.

Three techniques are described below for surveying the occurrence of nocturnal birds: formal census, opportunistic recordings and a third method for detecting owls developed by John Young, a recognised Australian owl expert. Whilst John Young does not advocate broadcast of playback recordings, it is a useful survey technique to rapidly assess presence of nocturnal birds.

Nocturnal birds –formal census The recommended methodology follows that described by York et al. (1991), Kavanagh and Peake (1993), NPWS and State Forests of NSW (1994) and Debus (1995).

Where fauna surveys are undertaken on land exceeding 50 ha in area, nocturnal bird formal census plots are to be separated by a minimum distance of 1 km. This minimises the potential for re-sampling of the same birds.

Following dusk, or when arriving at a new survey plot, a quiet listening period of 15 minutes is undertaken, followed by broadcast of tape-recorded calls of threatened species that are likely to be present. Such species should include the large forest owls, Masked Owl, Sooty Owl, Powerful Owl and Barking Owl, and also other bird species that vocalise at night, including Bush Stone-curlew, Australasian Bittern and Black Bittern in areas of suitable habitat. Each species call is broadcast for five minutes, followed by 1-2 minutes of stationary spotlighting after each species broadcast. A quiet listening period of 5 minutes for audible response follows the final broadcast, after which a foot spotlight search is to be undertaken of the area for a further 10 minutes. Specific details are described in Kavanagh and Peake, (1993); NPWS and State Forests, (1994) and Debus (1995).

The recommended minimum power rating of broadcasting equipment is 8-10 watts, allowing calls to be audible for a distance of 600-1000 metres. York et al., (1991) describe ‘boom box’ style tape recorders are not as effective for owl calling as directional loud hailers. A census should not be undertaken under very windy or rainy conditions (York et al., 1991; Kavanagh and Peake, 1993). Consideration should also be given to undertaking playback calls in proximity to residential areas, or during nesting periods of owls.

Nocturnal birds –opportunistic observation Calls of nocturnal birds are often heard whilst undertaking other nocturnal activities, such as spotlight searches. Consultants should be familiar with the range of vocalisations of all nocturnal species occurring within the region. Broadcasting of nocturnal bird calls can also

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elicit vocalism from arboreal mammals. These should be identified and recorded (NPWS 1998). Where owls are detected, the location of roost and nest trees is also to be recorded.

Owls Play Back (Recommended for surveys except during Breeding Season)

Step 1: Assess habitat for the area in which a pair of owls may be present. Locate position on highest vantage point possible in order to hear and survey a large area, such as a tree or elevated ridge. Attempting to locate these birds by their call from the bed of a gully is extremely difficult as sound does not travel as far, noises are deflected off tree trunks and it is difficult to accurately determine the direction of an owl's call.

Step 2: Take up vantage position no later than 20 minutes before dusk and for at least 30 minutes into total darkness. Between late February and mid May is the optimal time of the year as all three owl species will be close to their breeding territories. The first calls of the evening, especially just on dusk, will usually indicate a breeding territory because the owls have had no time to move. If a call is recorded, repeat this method a further 1-2 evenings for cross reference. The researcher should remain quiet during this period, since excessive noise can affect the success of the survey.

Step 3: If no call is detected, use the playback method of Kavanagh and Peake (1993), NPWS and State Forests (1994) or Debus (1995). In some instances a pair of owls will not respond to broadcast of pre-recorded calls. All three species of owls are more than capable of approaching quietly and not indicating their presence.

Step 4: One of the most successful techniques for identifying the presence of large forest owls is to squeak by mouth, like a distressed bird or rat. This will frequently lure the owls out into the open as they rapidly approach seeking the invisible meal. A piece of polystyrene rubbed on glass will give a similar effect.

Step 5: At day break or just before dawn is generally the best time of all for sitting quietly in the owl’s territory. As the light increases, all three species will often farewell the night by calling as they go to their day time roosts. This frequently gives away a home site, or in the case of the Powerful Owl, the day-time roost location.

Pellet analysis (Breeding Season)

The call play back survey method may disrupt owls during their breeding session.

An alternative owl survey technique may be undertaken by observing and recording type and location of roost trees. Roost trees are delineated by evidence of white wash around the base of the tree or on the tree trunk. This observation should be accompanied by scat searches around roost trees and pellet analysis conducted to ascertain the species present.


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3.7 Reptiles Many reptiles become inactive during the colder months of the year, making it difficult to locate individuals as they hibernate in secluded locations. This period of inactivity usually extends from May to September in moist temperate regions, but may extend during periods of drought or extended cold weather. The optimal period for sampling most groups of reptiles is late spring to early summer, although weather patterns during this period may both enhance or reduce ‘detectability’ (York et al., 1991).

Several survey techniques are appropriate for the detection of reptiles, including plot-based surveys using pitfall traps, diurnal hand searching (opportunistic and systematic) and nocturnal spotlight searches.

Any surveyors or individuals who regularly deal with frogs or are likely to encounter frogs should be aware of the hygiene protocol for the control of disease in frogs (NPWS August 2001).

Pitfall trapping Dry pitfall trapping is a labour intensive methodology, but is a successful technique for sampling small active species difficult to capture by hand collecting, and also those species difficult to identify. However, there are also limitations on the establishment and use of pitfall traps, particularly in rocky habitats and steep terrain (York et al., 1991). The use of wet pitfall traps is considered unacceptable in the draft Guidelines for the Use of Pitfall Traps (NSW Agriculture, 1995). The disadvantages of this type of trapping include killing of non-target species.

NPWS and SMEC (2001) indicate minimum pitfall trap dimensions of 15 cm diameter and 60 cm depth (PVC stormwater pipe), or 28 cm diameter and 40 cm depth (20 litre plastic bucket). Drift fences of at least 5 m each side of the pit are recommended by NPWS and SMEC (2001), although unfenced pitfall traps produce comparable capture rates (M. Murray, unpublished data).

Diurnal opportunistic & systematic searches Whilst pitfall trapping is effective for sampling several reptile species, other species may utilise micro-habitats not sampled by this technique. Opportunistic sightings is a useful adjunct to systematic search, particularly in early morning when diurnal reptiles (skinks, dragons, goannas and snakes) emerge from burrows and bask in direct sunlight (York et al., 1991).

Systematic and opportunistic hand searches should be undertaken from mid-morning to late afternoon, when temperature and insolation are sufficient to ensure maximum reptile activity. A recommended plot size of 0.5 ha (100m x 50m) should be actively searched for 1 person-hour in potential reptile habitat. Sheltering or cryptic species should be detected by destructive searches of fallen logs, litter, decorticating bark, rock outcrops and dumped domestic refuse. Care should be employed to minimise the extent of physical disturbance to reptile habitat, as some species may abandon the area following destructive systematic searches. It may take several years to re-establish suitable habitat following disturbance. Censuses should not be undertaken on overcast or rainy days (NPWS, 1997).

Systematic and opportunistic searches should also target specific microhabitats such as exfoliating rock shelves and decorticating bark at the base of standing trees for geckos and skinks, and dense leaf litter for legless lizards (York et al., 1991).

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Nocturnal searches Several reptile species are active at night, including geckos and nocturnal snakes. Several species of diurnal snakes are also active at night, particularly following warm to hot days. Nocturnal spotlight searches should also incorporate periods of 10-20 minutes of terrestrial searches for active reptiles, rather than concentrating solely on arboreal mammals and nocturnal birds. Suitable locations include rock outcrops and roads and tracks, particularly after rainfall on warm nights.

3.8 Amphibians The majority of amphibians are inactive during the colder months of the year, and as a consequence, are difficult to locate during this period. Surveys should therefore be undertaken between mid-September and February. Forward planning is therefore required when initiating flora and fauna surveys for development applications so as to ensure that amphibian surveys can be undertaken during or close to this period.

Specific habitat searches Surveys are to target specific amphibian habitats and breeding sites, including headwaters of catchments, ephemeral and permanent streams, soaks, ponds, swamps, underground burrows, rock outcrops and arboreal habitats. Specific searches for each habitat type are required, as well as for target species. Searches are to incorporate both diurnal and nocturnal searches.

Diurnal searches Searches are to concentrate on suitable habitat such as creek beds, dense low vegetation and ground litter. Systematic or opportunistic techniques may be applied. Systematic searches are to involve intensive searches within appropriate habitat (reed beds, water soaks, ground litter along creek beds, etc.) for one person-hour per site, searching for basking or sheltering individuals. Any appropriate cover (such as ground boulders, logs, tufts of vegetation) should be turned over or searched for resting individuals.

Nocturnal searches Nocturnal surveys involve listening for the characteristic call of male frogs, as well as spotlight searches in appropriate habitat. Surveys need to be performed at the correct time of year and under optimum conditions to ensure that species present will be detected (State Forests and NPWS, 1994). Many of the more common frog species enter breeding phases in late spring and early summer, and their activity peaks accordingly (NPWS, 1997). Other species, such as the Green-thighed Frog (Litoria brevipalmata) appear to breed only after very specific rainfall events, and call rarely at other times.

Where creeks (either permanent or ephemeral) occur within the study area, or will be impacted by a proposed activity (for example, downstream siltation), nocturnal searches are to be conducted along each creek. A standard census is to be undertaken involving one person-hour of searching for active, basking or calling individuals for 200 metres along the drainage line. Time, temperature, identity and number of frogs and other fauna are to be recorded during the census (NPWS, 1997).


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Nocturnal frog searches are also to be conducted along roads and tracks, especially during or immediately following rainfall. Many individuals can be found crossing or sitting on roads and tracks, and can be collected by hand for identification.

For frogs that inhabit permanent waterbodies with emergent sedges and rushes, surveys are to be conducted in identified habitats for a minimum of two separate nights. Any areas from which target frog species have previously been recorded are to be searched at appropriate times of the year.

Surveys undertaken during sub-optimal conditions, such as during extended periods of dry weather or out of season, may not result in recording the presence of particular species. Calling activity may be reduced or cease completely, but some individuals may be induced to call by the use of playback of pre-recorded calls.

Playback of pre-recorded frog calls Good quality (digital) sound tapes are available of the advertisement calls of all species within the region (Stewart, 1995). Playing the male advertisement call at a suitable volume is known to elicit response from males in an area. This is a useful method in areas where the habitat is appropriate for a species but there is no record of the species presence. This method must not be used as a replacement for surveys during appropriate weather conditions (such as warm rainy nights in spring or summer).

The major limitation of the playback technique is that whilst it can confirm the presence of a species, it cannot be used to confirm that a species is not present. For example, playback can be used at sites where a species is known to occur, yet not elicit any response. Playback is often necessary to detect rare species, and may be used as an adjunct method to confirm their presence.

Care must be taken when undertaking audible identification. There are a number of common and widely distributed species that have calls very similar to threatened species. Furthermore, many species make a range of calls depending on behaviour, and also on temperature. Audible identification can be useful for many studies. With inventory surveys it provides proof that a species is present. It can also be used to estimate abundance, and aids in constructing community composition.

Tape recording of frog species for later identification or confirmation is often undertaken by many non-herpetologists. Ideally calls should be taped to provide sound of an individual calling over a period of time (at least 5 minutes) and of a chorus if possible. It is useful to record on the tape (following the recording) the date, time, location, air temperature, and any other relevant field conditions or comments.

The equipment influences the quality of the recording. Commonly, tape recorded calls of frog choruses are undertaken with inferior recording equipment and poor quality cassettes. This can confound the ability of a recognised authority on frog calls to correctly identify a species from a tape recorded call alone. The minimum equipment necessary is a cassette player with a quality internal, or external microphone.

Pitfall trapping Dry pitfall trapping is a labour intensive methodology, but is a successful technique for sampling small active species difficult to capture by hand collecting, and also those species difficult to identify. However, there are also limitations on the establishment and use of pitfall traps, particularly in rocky habitats and steep terrain (York et al., 1991). The use of wet pitfall

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traps is considered unacceptable in the draft Guidelines for the Use of Pitfall Traps (NSW Agriculture, 1995). The disadvantages of this type of trapping include killing of non-target species.

NPWS and SMEC (2001) indicate minimum pitfall trap dimensions of 15 cm diameter and 60 cm depth (PVC stormwater pipe), or 28 cm diameter and 40 cm depth (20 litre plastic bucket). Drift fences of at least 5 m each side of the pit are recommended by NPWS and SMEC (2001), although unfenced pitfall traps produce comparable capture rates (M. Murray, unpublished data).

3.9 Other life forms This edition of the Guidelines only addresses the more commonly surveyed groups, that is, plants, mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Other life forms within the study area may need to be surveyed if they are of special interest or particular ecological significance.

Future editions of the Guidelines may include details on survey methodologies for the following groups: • fish • fungi • terrestrial invertebrates • aquatic invertebrates • marine and estuarine invertebrates

Part: 4

Assessment Reports

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4.1 Introduction This Part outlines the required format and content for flora and fauna survey reports and associated digital data. It describes how to:

• describe the report’s background & purpose

• document the survey methodology

• present the survey data

• present maps

• make conclusions on the survey results

• document compliance with guidelines & codes

• supply digital data.

4.2 Describing the report’s background & purpose The assessment report is to clearly describe or identify:

• the planning, land management or development proposal that has prompted the flora and fauna survey, including details of:

- the type of proposed development, such as residential, industrial, agricultural, etc.

- its location in relation to existing or surrounding development

- the spatial size or area that will be affected by the proposal (both directly and indirectly)

- other details relating to the intensity or likely impacts of the development

• the general and specific objectives of the flora and fauna survey

• the location of the study area, including latitude, longitude, grid coordinates, topographic mapsheet, cadastral descriptors, street address and local government area• the biogeographical context of the study area, including hydrological catchment, bioregion

• the general physical properties of the site, including climate, geology, soils, hydrology and vegetation cover

• the current occupation and use of the study area, including details of buildings, works, land use, land management practices, ownership, tenure and leases

• the general nature of planning controls that currently apply to the study area

• the name of the person who has commissioned the flora and fauna survey.

4.3 Documenting the survey methodology The assessment report is to clearly describe and document all survey methodologies employed by the flora and fauna survey. The information provided is to be sufficient to enable an independent consultant to replicate the survey and achieve similar results. It is also

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required to enable the adequacy of the survey to target specific species or species groups to be appraised.

Consequently, the following details are to be fully documented:

• specific objectives of the survey

• criteria used to design the sampling system

• the time(s) and date(s) on which surveys were conducted

• details of weather conditions at the time of survey

• the locations of survey transects and plots (given by coordinates and shown on accurate maps)

• details of all technical equipment used, including details of the type, model, size, number, power rating, etc.

• details of how the technical equipment was used (for example, if aluminium folding traps were used, the type, size, number, bait, location and duration of trapping for each plot)

• the commencement time and duration of each sampling period for each methodology (for example, Anabat echolocation call surveys

• the size(s), type, bait and number of any hair tubes used

• the size, depth, number and locations of pitfall traps

• whether spotlight searches were undertaken on foot or from a moving vehicle

• a discussion of any problems or limitations associated with the survey.

4.4 Presenting survey data Species lists The assessment report is to clearly identify all species recorded within the study area. Species not recorded within the study area, but which are considered likely to be present based on the occurrence of suitable habitat, are also to be listed. Generally, this information should be presented as a brief discussion in the body of the report, supported by detailed species lists in the appendices. Published and unpublished sources used to predict likely occurrence are to be clearly identified and referenced.

Classification of vegetation communities Classification of vegetation communities is to follow that adopted for the Regional Extant Vegetation Community Map 1:25,000 (NPWS for the LHCCREMS, 2000). This is a uniform classification system for the Lower Hunter Central Coast region that allows the significance of vegetation communities to be assessed in a regional context. It incorporates 56 vegetation communities and 3 habitats, as listed in Appendix 5.11. The distribution of these vegetation communities by local government area is listed in Appendix 5.12.

In the unavoidable event that a vegetation community is classified other than by reference to this system, reference must be made to the vegetation community of greatest compositional similarity to that used in the Regional Extant Vegetation Community Map.


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Habitat descriptions Details are to be provided of habitat present within the study area, including:

• date and time of survey

• weather conditions

• location (grid coordinates)

• major and minor vegetation types (based on description consistent with CRA Unit, Sydney Zone, April 2000 for LHCCREMS)

• topography (hill slope, crest, ridgeline, midslope, gully) and aspect

• canopy, understorey, shrub layer and groundcover vegetation

• microhabitat features of each vegetation layer, such as dominant species, density of mature trees with hollows, percentage cover and introduced species

• density of significant foraging or sheltering resources for threatened species

• ground litter (logs, leaf litter, rocks), rock outcrops, standing or flowing water

• level of disturbance and land use history (where possible)

• area of each habitat type present, and the area of each habitat type to be disturbed.

Generally, this information should be presented as a brief discussion in the body of the report, supported by detailed appendices.

4.5 Presenting maps General mapping requirements All maps are to be drawn to scale.

Apart from the locality map, all maps are to be at a comparable scale. This will enable different maps to be overlaid, and will facilitate the assessment of impacts on species, vegetation communities and habitats can be assessed. Maps can be combined provided that the information remains readily legible.

The preferable scale for large sites is 1:4,000. More detailed scales may be used for small sites or where more detail is required. The services of a registered surveyor is recommended to ensure accuracy of mapping work.

Full grid coordinates of the study area, survey plots and species locations are to be provided in the assessment report. Coordinates should reference the middle of the site and the middle of the survey plots.

Refer to 4.8 for appropriate digital file formats for maps.

Locality map The assessment report is to include a locality map. This map is to show the location of the study area in relation to the locality or local government area. Areas of native vegetation, habitat corridors or conservation reserves in proximity to the study area are to be indicated.

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Layout map The assessment report is to include a layout map. This map is to show the layout or footprint of the development proposal prompting the flora and fauna survey in relation to the study area boundary as well as other identifiable features such as nearby streets and buildings, fire trails, fences, large trees or topographic features.

Vegetation community map The assessment report is to include a vegetation community map. This map is to show:

• all vegetation communities (including any aquatic or marine vegetation)

• the location of significant vegetation communities

• the location of populations of significant or threatened flora.

Fauna habitat map The assessment report is to include a fauna habitat map. This map is to show:

• the location of significant or critical habitat features such as hollow bearing trees, aquatic or marine habitat and rock outcrops

• the location of fauna records.

Sampling map The assessment report is to include a fauna habitat map. This map is to show the location of flora transects and quadrats, fauna trap lines and sample sites. Cross-references are to be provided between sites marked on the map to species lists or other tabular data for plots, quadrats and transects.

4.6 Making conclusions on the survey results Target audience In addition to providing ecological data, the purpose of a flora and fauna survey is to present scientifically-based conclusions that will aid in the determination of planning, land management and development proposals. Consequently, assessment reports need to present conclusions in a manner that can be readily comprehended by persons who are not professionally-trained ecologists, botanists, zoologists or similar. In particular, report conclusions need to be targeted to:

• local councillors

• planners, engineers, landscape architects or other professionals involved with the built environment

• developers, land owners and land managers

• local community groups

• members of the public.

Report conclusions & recommendations Based on the qualifications, experience and special expertise of the consultants, the assessment report is to draw conclusions or make recommendations as to each of the following:


46

• the extent, nature and significance of likely impacts on:

- matters of national significance referred to in section 2.5

- matters of state significance referred to in section 2.6

- matters of regional significance referred to in section 2.7

- matters of local significance referred to in section 2.9 and detailed in appendix 5.13

• the manner in which the planning, land management or development proposal should be determined, dealt with or modified so as to avoid unacceptable impacts on biodiversity, such as by:

- identifying those areas that should be developed and those areas that should not be developed

- recommending appropriate measures to prevent or mitigate impacts

- recommending suitable land management regimes

- recommending appropriate compensatory measures.

4.7 Documenting compliance with guidelines & codes Qualifications & experience The academic qualifications and professional experience and of all consultants involved in the flora and fauna survey is to be documented in an appendix to the report. This should not exceed two pages. Only significant peer-reviewed studies should listed as evidence of experience.

Licence details Reports are to disclose in an appendix the following information (where applicable) for all field workers associated with the flora and fauna survey:

• National Parks and Wildlife Service Scientific Investigation Licence number

• Animal Research Licence number (NSW Agriculture)

• Animal Care and Ethics Committee Approval.

Certification All consultants and sub-consultants who contributed to the flora and fauna survey are to be acknowledged in the assessment report. Their contribution is to be certified by the principal author. This will help to ensure the integrity of assessment reports.

The certification is to state that:

• the results presented in the report are, in the opinion of the certifier, a true and accurate account of the species recorded, or considered likely to occur, within the study area

• the survey work has been undertaken in accordance with the Guidelines, or that the survey work has been undertaken with specified departures from the Guidelines, details of which are discussed and justified elsewhere in the assessment report

• all research workers have complied with relevant laws and codes relating to the conduct of flora and fauna research, including the Animal Research Act 1995, National Parks and

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Wildlife Act 1974 and the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes.

4.8 Supplying digital data The storing of reports and survey data in electronic form enables more efficient maintenance and distribution. With the established practice of delivering reports electronically, it has become paramount to adopt standard file formats. All reports should be supplied to council in digital form by the consultant. Where possible, maps should also be supplied to Council in a digital format that is compatible with Council’s system. Where digital supply is not possible, a brief explanation should be provided to council at the time of commission (for council initiated assessments) or submission (for all other reports). Records of all threatened species should be supplied in digital format to NPWS for inclusion in the NSW Wildlife Atlas.

The following standards have been adapted from the “Standards for the Submission of Digital Mineral Exploration Reports and Data (Groups 1 to 7)” NSW Department of Mineral Resources, 1999.

Text reports should be provided in either a Microsoft Word compatible format or in Adobe Acrobat Portable Document Format (PDF). Figures and tables should be included the same file, size permitting. Appendices may be stored as separate files. As a general rule excessively large files of more than 5 megabytes should be split into smaller files. The file title should reflect the subject (or study area), date (eg YYYYMM) and data type (eg chapter, appendix, figure).

Larger figures and maps should be stored in JPEG format for reporting purposes only.

Digital Map Formats

Digital maps should use AMG 66 Zone 56 projection, unless otherwise indicated by Council. Geographical Information System (GIS) software have developed to support multiple import and export file formats. The most commonly used formats for the Councils of the LH&CC are

ESRI Shape File format (.shp)

MapInfo Export format (.mid/.mif)

MapInfo Native format (.tab)

Authors should establish the preferred GIS exchange format and medium (eg CD, 3.5” disk) prior to commencing work.

A Note on Copyright

Supply of digital data does not alter agreed copyright for report materials. Data custodianship and any related issues must be clearly in the metadata statements.


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5.1 Adoption of Guidelines by councils

Local government area Date adopted by resolution of the Council

Newcastle (C)

Lake Macquarie (C)

Port Stephens

Maitland (C)

Cessnock (C) April 9, 2003

Gosford (C)

Wyong

5.2 Listed threatened species (EPBC Act) known to occur in Lower Hunter Central Coast Region (October 2001)

The data presented in appendix 5.2 is only current to October 2001. Up to date information should be sought from NPWS at the time of carrying out a flora and fauna assessment.

Group Common name Scientific name

Critically Endangered

Fish Grey Nurse Shark Carcharias taurus

Endangered Amphibians Southern Barred Frog Mixophyes iteratus

Reptiles Loggerhead Turtle Caretta caretta

Swift Parrot Lathamus discolor

Gould’s Petrel Pterodroma leucoptera

Birds

Regent Honeyeater Xanthomyza phrygia

White-flowered Flax Plant Cynacum elegans

Tranquillity Mintbush Prostanthera askania

Somersby Mintbush Prostanthera junonis

Plants

Dwarf Kerrawang Rulingia prostata Vulnerable Fish Great White Shark Carcharodon carcharias

Giant Burrowing Frog Heleioporous australicus

Green and Golden Bell Frog Litoria aurea

Littlejohn’s Tree Frog Litoria littlejohni

Amphibians

Stuttering Frog Mixophyes balbus

Green Turtle Chelonia mydas Reptiles Broad-headed Snake Hoplocephalus bungaroides

Birds Red Goshawk Erythrotriorchis radiatus

Spotted-tail Quoll Dasyurus maculatus

Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby Petrogale penicillata

Mammals

Large-eared Pied Bat Chalinolobus dwyeri

Acacia bynoeana

Angophora inopina

Thick-lipped Spider-orchid Caladenia tesselata

Plants

Leafless Tongue-orchid Cryptostylis hunteriana

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Diurus praecox

Camfields Gum Eucalyptus camfieldii

Earp’s Gum Eucalytptus parramattensis ssp. decadens

Pokolbin Mallee Eucalyptus pumila

Grevillea parviflora ssp. parviflora

Grevillea shiressii

Olearia cordata

Villous Mint-bush Prostanthera densa

Magenta Lilly Pilly Syzygium paniculatum

Black-eyed Susan Tetratheca glandulosa

Black-eyed Susan Tetratheca juncea

Austral Toadflax Thesium australe

Velleia perfoliata

5.2.1 Migratory Species List of Migratory Species Under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 At the commencement of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC ACT) on July 16 2000 the national List of Migratory Species consists of those species listed under the following International Conventions: Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA) China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA) Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals - (Bonn Convention) These comprise: BIRDS Australia is listed as a Range State for the following species (grouped by family) ACCIPITRIDAE Pandion haliaetus Osprey Aviceda subcristata Pacific Baza Elanus axillaris Black-shouldered Kite Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite Haliastur indus Brahminy Kite Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-eagle Circus assimilis Spotted Harrier Circus approximans Swamp Harrier Accipiter fasciatus Brown Goshawk Accipiter novaehollandiae Grey Goshawk Accipiter cirrhocephalus Collared Sparrowhawk Aquila audax Wedge-tailed Eagle Hieraaetus morphnoides Little Eagle ANATIDAE Dendrocygna eytoni Plumed Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna arcuata Wandering Whistling-Duck Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck Biziura lobata Musk Duck Strictonetta naevosa Freckled Duck Cyngus atratus Black Swan Chenonetta jubata Australian Wood Duck Anas superciliosa Pacific Black Duck Anas rhynchotis Australasian Shoveller Anas gracilis Grey Teal


50

Anas castanea Chestnut Teal Malacorhychus membranaceus Pink-eared Duck Aythya australis Hardhead CHARADRIIDAE Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover Charadrius ruficapillus Red-capped Plover Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover Elseyornis melanops Black-fronted Dotterel Erythrogonys cinctus Red-kneed Dotterel Vanellus miles Masked Lapwing FALCONIDAE Falco berigora Brown Falcon Falco longipennis Australian Hobby Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon Falco cenchroides Nankeen Kestrel MUSCICAPIDAE Zoothera lunulata Bassian Thrush RECURVIROSTRIDAE Himantopus himantopus Black-winged Stilt Cladorhychus leucocephalus Banded Stilt Recurvirostra novaehollandiae Red-necked Avocet SCOLOPACIDAE Gallinago hardwickii Latham's Snipe Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit

Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel

Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew Tringa stagnatilis Marsh Sandpiper Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank Xenus cinereus Terek Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper Heteroscelus brevipes Grey-tailed Tattler Heteroscelus incana Wandering Tattler Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot Calidris canutus Red Knot Calidris alba Sanderling Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper Anas clypeata Northern Shoveller Ardeola ibis Cattle Egret Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris alba Sanderling Calidris canutus Red Knot Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot Capella hardwickii (Gallinago hardwickii) Lathams Snipe Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover Coracina tenuirostris melvillensis Cicadabird Crocethia alba (Calidris alba) Sanderling Cuculus saturatus Oriental Cuckoo

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Egretta alba Great Egret Egretta sacra Eastern Reef Egret Falcunculus frontatus whitei Crested Shrike-tit (subspecies) Gallinago hardwickii Latham’s Snipe Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-eagle Hirundapus caudacutus White-throated Needletail Lichenostomus melanops cassidix Yellow-tufted Honeyeater ( Subspecies) Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater Motacilla flava Yellow Wagtail Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew Numenius phaeopus Whimberel Pandion haliaetus Osprey Philomachus pugnax Ruff ??? Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis Pterodroma leucoptera leucoptera Gould’s Petrel Puffinus pacificus Wedge-tailed Shearwater Puffinus tenuirostris Short-tailed Shearwater Rallus pectoralis clelandi Lewin’s Rail Rostratula benghalensis Painted Snipe Stercorarius parasiticus Arctic Jaeger Sterna albifrons Little Tern Sterna hirundo Common Tern Stipiturus malachurus intermedius Southern Emu-wren ???? Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank Tringa stagnatilis Marsh Sandpiper Xanthomyza phrygia Regent Honeyeater Xenus cinereus (Tringa terek) Terek Sandpiper REPTILES All native species in the family Cheloniidae, for which Australia is a Range State. All native species in the family Dermochelidae, for which Australia is a Range State. Crocodylus porosus FISH Rhincodon typus INSECTS Danaus plexippus

Refer to http://www.ea.gov.au/biodiversity/migratory/list.html for more information.


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5.3 Threatened species, endangered ecological communities and endangered populations (TSC Act) known to occur in Lower Hunter Central Coast Region

Note: Certain threatened species associated with oceanic habitats have been excluded, such as Black-browed Albatross, Gould’s Petrel, Little Shearwater, Fleshy-footed Shearwater, Loggerhead Turtle, marine mammals. The data presented in appendix 5.3 is not up to date. Up to date information should be sought from NPWS at the time of carrying out a flora and fauna assessment.

Source: NPWS ROTAP database, NPWS Wildlife Atlas database. (July 2001)

Species Local government area Gosford Wyong Lake

Macquarie Newcastle Port

Stephens Maitland Cessnock

Endangered flora

Bynoe's Wattle (Acacia bynoeana) +

Coastal Spurge (Chamaesyce psammogeton) + +

Cynamcum elegans + +

Diurus arenaria

Hibbertia procumbens +

Persoonia hirsuta subsp. Nov. ?Yengo N.P. + +

Persoonia pauciflora +

Prostanthera askania + +

Prostanthera junonis + +

Rulingia prostata +

Zannichellia palustris + +

Species Local government area Gosford Wyong Lake

Macquarie Newcastle Port

Stephens Maitland Cessnock

Vulnerable flora

Ancistrachne maidenii +

Charmhaven Apple (Angophora inopina) + +

Astrotricha crassifolia +

Caladenia tessellata +

Callistemon linearifolius + +

Leafless Tongue Orchid (Cryptostylis hunteriana)

+ +

Diurus praecox + + +

Heart-leaved Stringybark (Eucalyptus camfieldii)

+ + + +

Eucalyptus glaucina + + +

Eucalyptus parramattensis ssp. Decadens + +

Eucalyptus pumila + +

Grevillea parviflora ssp. Parviflora + +

Grevillea shiressii +

Melaleuca biconvexa + + +

Melaleuca groveana +

Olearia cordata +

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Cliff Mintbush (Prostanthera densa) +

Magenta Lilly Pilly (Syzygium paniculatum) + + +

Black-eyed Susan (Tetratheca glandulosa) + +

Black-eyed Susan (T.juncea) + + + + +

Spider Orchid (Dendrobium melaleucaphium) +

Velleia perfoliata +

Endangered fauna

Green and Golden Bell Frog (Litoria aurea) + + + + + +

Giant Barred Frog (Mixophyes iteratus) + + + +

Bush Stone Curlew (Burhinus magnirostris) + + +

Black-necked Stork (Ephippiorhunchus asiaticus)

+ + + + + +

Swift Parrot (Lathamus discolor) + + + + +

Little Tern (Sterna albifrons) + + + + + +

Red Goshawk (Erythrotriorchis radiatus) +

Regent Honeyeater (Xanthomyza phrygia) + + + + + + +

Southern Brown Bandicoot (Isoodon obesulus) + +

Broad-headed Snake (Hoplocephalus bungaroides)

+ +

Vulnerable fauna

Giant Burrowing Frog (Heleioporus australicus) + + + +

Red-crowned Toadlet (Pseudophryne australis) + + + +

Green-thighed Frog (Litoria brevipalmata) + + +

Wallum Froglet (Crinia tinnula) + + +

Stuttering Frog (Mixophyes balbus) + + +

Littlejohns Tree Frog (Litoria littlejohni) + + +

Green Turtle (Chelodina mydas) + + + +

Pale-headed Snake (Hoplocephalus bitorquatus)

+ +

Stephen's Banded Snake (Hoplocephalus stephensii)

+ + + +

Heath Monitor (Varanus rosenbergi) + + +

Grey-headed Flying Fox (Pteropus poliocephalus)

+ + + + + + +

Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat (Saccolaimus flaviventris)

+ + + +

Eastern Freetail Bat (Mormopterus norfolkensis)

+ + + + + + +

Large-eared Pied Bat (Chalinolobus dwyeri) + +

Eastern Falsistrelle (Falsistrellus tasmaniensis) + + + +

Golden-tipped Bat (Kerivoula papuensis) + +

Eastern Bent-wing Bat (Miniopterus schreibersii oceanenis)

+ + + + + + +

Little Bent-wing Bat (Miniopterus australis) + + + + + + +

Fishing Bat (Myotis adversus) + + + + + +

Greater Broad-nosed Bat (Scoteanax rueppellii)

+ + + + + + +

Eastern Cave Bat (Vespadelus troughtoni) +


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Eastern Pygmy Possum (Cercatetus nanus) + +

Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) + + + + + +

Squirrel Glider (Petaurus norfolcensis) + + + + + + +

Yellow-bellied Glider (Petaurus australis) + + + +

Spotted-tail Quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) + + + + +

Brush-tailed Phascogale (Phascogale tapoatafa)

+ + +

Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby (Petrogale penicillata)

+ + +

Parma Wallaby (Macropus parma) + + + +

Long-nosed Potoroo (Potorous tridactylus) +

Eastern Chestnut Mouse (Pseudomys gracilicaudatus)

+ +

Black Bittern (Ixobrychus flavicollis) + + + +

Australasian Bittern (Botaurus poiciloptilus) + + + + +

Magpie Goose (Anseranas semipalmata) + + +

Blue-billed Duck (Oxyura australis) + + +

Freckled Duck (Stictonetta naevosa) + + + +

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) + + + + + +

Square-tailed Kite (Lophoictinia isura) + +

Black-breasted Buzzard (Hamirostra melanostemon)

+ +

Sanderling (Calidris alba) +

Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) + + + +

Terek Sandpiper (Xenus cinereus) + + + +

Broad-billed Sandpiper (Limicola falcinellus) + + +

Great Knot (Calidris tenuirostris) + + + +

Painted Snipe (Rostratula benghalensis) + + + +

Comb-crested Jacana (Irediparra gallinacea) + + + + +

Pied Oystercatcher (Haematopus longirostris) + + + + +

Sooty Oystercatcher (Haematopus fuliginosus) + + + + +

Mongolian Plover (Charadrius mongolus) + +

Large Sand Plover (Charadrius leschenaulti) + + + +

Sooty Tern (Sterna fuscata) + +

White Tern (Gygis alba) + +

Wompoo Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus magnificus) + + + + +

Superb Fruit Dove (P. superbus) + + + + +

Rose-crowned Fruit-dove (Ptilinopus regina) + + + +

Glossy Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami)

+ + + + +

Turquoise Parrot (Neophema pulchella) + + + + + +

Painted Honeyeater (Grantiella picta) + +

Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua) + + + + + + +

Barking Owl (Ninox connivens) + + + + +

Masked Owl (Tyto novaehollandiae) + + + + + + +

Sooty Owl (Tyto tenebricosa) + + + +

Eastern Grass Owl (Tyto capensis) +

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Black-chinned Honeyeater (Melithreptus gularis)

+ + +

Grey-crowned Babbler (Pomatostomus temporalis)

+ + + +

Diamond Firetail (Stagonopleurata guttata) + +

Brown Treecreeper (Climacteris picumnus) + +

Speckled Warbler (Pyrrholaemus sagittatus) + + + + +

5.3.2 FINAL DETERMINATIONS MADE BY THE NSW SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE RELEVANT OR POTENTIALLY RELEVANT TO THE LOWER HUNTER CENTRAL COAST SEPTEMBER 2001 – JUNE 2002

Date of gazettal Title (Species/ Key Threatening Process) 31 MAY 2002 ATRIPLEX RHAGODIOIDES F. MUELL. DE-LIST 31 MAY 2002 ALTERATION TO THE NATURAL FLOW REGIMES OF RIVERS AND STREAMS AND

THEIR FLOODPLAINS AND WETLANDS 10 MAY 2001 HIBBERTIA TENUIFOLIA TOELKEN, THE DECUMBENT SHRUB 10 MAY 2001 COMPETITION AND GRAZING BY THE FERAL EUROPEAN RABBIT ORYCTOLAGUS

CUNICULUS (L.) 19 APRIL 2002 SHALE GRAVEL TRANSITION FOREST IN THE SYDNEY BASIN BIOREGION 19 APRIL 2002 MOIST SHALE WOODLAND IN THE SYDNEY BASIN BIOREGION 15 MARCH 2002 EUCALYPTUS ORESBIA HUNTER AND BRUHL, THE TREE 15 MARCH 2002 WHITE BOX YELLOW BOX BLAKELY’S RED GUM WOODLAND 18 JANUARY 2002 EUPHRASIA CILIOLATA W. R. BARKER, A HERB 18 JANUARY 2002 EMU, DROMAIUS NOVAEHOLLANDIAE, POPULATION IN THE NSW NORTH COAST

BIOREGION 30 NOVEMBER 2001 BELVISIA MUCRONATA (FÉE) COPEL, THE FERN 30 NOVEMBER 2001 SUN VALLEY CABBAGE GUM FOREST IN THE SYDNEY BASIN BIOREGION 26 OCTOBER 2001 MELITHREPTUS GULARIS GULARIS (GOULD 1837), BLACK-CHINNED

HONEYEATER (EASTERN SUBSPECIES) 26 OCTOBER 2001 CLIMACTERIS PICUMNUS VICTORIAE (MATHEWS, 1912), BROWN TREECREEPER

(EASTERN SUBSPECIES) 26 OCTOBER 2001 STAGONOPLEURA GUTTATA (SHAW 1796), DIAMOND FIRETAIL 26 OCTOBER 2001 PYRRHOLAEMUS SAGITTATA (LATHAM 1802), SPECKLED WARBLER 26 OCTOBER 2001 MELANODRYAS CUCULLATA CUCULLATA (LATHAM 1802), HOODED ROBIN

(SOUTH-EASTERN FORM) 26 OCTOBER 2001 POMATOSTOMUS TEMPORALIS TEMPORALIS (VIGORS AND HORSFIELD, 1827),

GREY-CROWNED BABBLER (EASTERN SUBSPECIES) 5 OCTOBER 2001 ASTROTRICHA CORDATA A. BEAN, A SHRUB 5 OCTOBER 2001 GENOPLESIUM INSIGNIS D. L. JONES, THE TERRESTRIAL ORCHID 5 OCTOBER 2001 HIBBERTIA SUPERANS TOELKEN, A LOW SPREADING SHRUB 5 OCTOBER 2001 PTEROSTYLIS METCALFEI, D.L.JONES, A TERRESTRIAL ORCHID 5 OCTOBER 2001 GENOPLESIUM VERNALE D. L. JONES, THE TERRESTRIAL ORCHID 21 SEPTEMBER 2001 CLEARING OF NATIVE VEGETATION

5.3.3 ENDANGERED ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES KNOWN TO OCCUR IN THE LOWER HUNTER CENTRAL COAST REGION The data presented in appendix 5.3.3 is not up to date. Up to date information should be sought from NPWS at the time of carrying out a flora and fauna assessment. Endangered Ecological Community

Kurri Sand Swamp Woodland in the Sydney Basin Bioregion

Low Woodland with heathland on indurated sand at Norah Head

Sydney Coastal Estuary Swamp Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion

Sydney Freshwater Wetlands in the Sydney Basin Bioregion

Hunter Lowlands Redgum Forest


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Quorrobolong Scribbly Gum Woodland

5.3.4 ENDANGERED ECOLOGICAL POPULATIONS KNOWN TO OCCUR IN THE LOWER HUNTER CENTRAL COAST REGION

The data presented in appendix 5.3.4 is not up to date. Up to date information should be sought from NPWS at the time of carrying out a flora and fauna assessment.

Endangered Populations

Phascolarctos cinereus -Koala, Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Population

5.4 Threatened species (Fisheries Management Act) known to

occur in Lower Hunter Central Coast Region (June 2002) NOTE: The data presented in appendix 5.4 is only current to June 2002. Up to date information should be sought at the time of carrying out a flora and fauna assessment.

Group Common name Scientific name Endangered fauna Fish Grey Nurse Shark Carcharias taurus

Green Swordfish Pristis zijsron

Vulnerable fauna Fish Great White Shark Carcharodon carcharias

Black (Rock) Cod Epinephelus daemelii

Adams Emerald Dragonfly Archaeophya adamsi

5.5 Key threatening processes (TSC Act) known to occur in Lower Hunter Central Coast Region (June 2002)

NOTE: The data presented in appendix 5.5 is only current to June 2002. Up to date information should be sought at the time of carrying out a flora and fauna assessment.

Process

Anthropogenic climate change

Invasion of native plant communities by Bitou Bush

Predation by European Red Fox

Predation by the Feral Cat

Predation by Gambusia holbrooki (Mosquito Fish)

Competition and grazing by the feral European Rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus (L.)

Clearing of native vegetation.

Bushrock removal

Loss or degradation (or both) of sites used for hill-topping of butterflies

P A R T : 5

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Alteration to the natural flow regimes of rivers and streams and their floodplains and wetlands

High frequency fire resulting in disruption of life cycle processes in plants and animals and loss of vegetation structure and composition.

5.6 Species of regional significance, Lower Hunter Central Coast Region

A list of "species of special conservation significance" to the Central Coast region ie. Gosford and Wyong Local Government Areas, is provided in Benson (1993) and Payne (1993). Table 8 from the latter report is represented hereunder. The table also comprises additional species prepared at a workshop held at Lake Macquarie City Council which was attended by several ecological specialists from the region.

Table 5.6 - Conservation Status of Plant Species of Special Conservation Significance to the Region Southern End Species Status Abrophyllum ornans Common in Gosford Rainforests- uncommon in North Acacia baueri subsp. Baueri Very rare Acacia bulgaensis Not conserved , but in Pokolbin State Forest Acacia fulva Very rare Acacia leiocalyx Maybe conserved in Munmorah State Recreation Area Acacia longissima Coastal hills Acacia mathewii Wollembi only Acacia prominens Some representation in Brisbane and Dahrug National Park. Main population not

reserved Acacia quadrilateralis Probably extinct in Munmorah State Recreation Area, but occurs in

Windale/Belmont Area Acronychia wilcoxiana Inadequately reserved. Isolated trees in Wyrrabalong National Park Actites megalocarpa Locality unknown Alyxia ruscifolia Dry rainforests in coastal hills of Port Stephens Shire Allania endlicheri Brisbane Water National Park Almaleela paludosa Redhead Alpinia arundelliana Not reserved Ancistrachne uncinulata Pokolbin State Forest Angophora subvelutina East Maitland and in hinterland of Port Stephens Apium prostratum var. filiforme Moma Point Archontophoenix cunninghamiana Isolated pockets-Gosford, Pinney Beach and Bouddi Rainforests Arthroptria beckleri Not reserved Asplenium aethiopicum No reserved Asplenium attenuatum Dry Rainforests Asplenium difforme Moma Point Asplenium flaccidum Rainforests Astrotricha latifolia Reserved in Wyrrabalong National Park Atriplex australasica Five Islands Atriplex cinerea Common in south, but uncommon in north-Green Point at Lake Macquarie Austrofestuca littoralis Tomaree Peninsula Baeckia diosmifolia Brisbane Water National Park and Killingworth areas Bauera capitata Newcastle Bight Bertya brownii Not reserved Blandfordia grandiflora Status unknown Blechnum ambiguum Well reserved in Brisbane Water National Park Boronia pinnata Tomaree Peninsula Bossiaea stephensonii Uncommon in northern part of region, not reserved Brasenia schreberi Reserve status unknown Burmannia disticha Locality unknown Caldcluvia paniculosa Not reserved Callistemon shiressii Not reserved Callistemon pachyphylla Anna Bay Callistemon pinifolius Rare-Pearl Beach Patonga Callitris macleayana Southern limit Carpobrotus glaucescens Glenrock Lagoon Casuarina capitata?


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Cinnamomum virens Rainforests Cissus terculiifolia Not reserved Codonocarpus attenuatus Rainforests Species cont. Status Comesperma defoliatum Redhead Clematis microphylla var. leptophylla

Dry Rainforests

Clerodendrum floribundum Tomago Sand Beds Conospermum ericifolium Tomaree Peninsula Crinum pedunculatum Very rare- McMasters Beach and Gosford Lagoons Cryptocarya rigida Found in Bouddi Additions Cupaniopsis foveloata Rare Daphnandra sp ÔAÕ Not Reserved, Watagan Mountains Darwinia glaucophylla Brisbane Water National Park Darwinia procera Brisbane Water National Park Decaspermum paniculatum Not reserved. Probably unable to be reserved Dianella prunina Pokolbin State Forest Dillwynia floribunda var.floribunda Common in south, but uncommon in north Anna Bay Dillwynia tenufolia Yengo National Park Dodonaea megazyga Watagan Mountains Doryanthes excelsa Gan Gan Hill and Toronto Dracophyllum secundum Watagan Mountains Dysoxylum fraseranum Not reserved. Jilliby Valley Dysoxylum rufum Southern limit- Jilliby Enydra fluctuans Glen Rock Lagoon

Elaeocarpus kirtonii Very rare

Elaeocarpus obovatus Isolated trees in Wyrrabalong Natioal Park Embelia australiana Not reserved. Probably unable to be reserved Endiandra discolor Small population in Bouddi National Park, but generally inadequately reserved Eucalyptus analiculata Not reserved. Coastal hinterland-Port Stephens Eucalyptus deanei Northern limit Eucalyptus fergusonii subsp. Dorsiventralis

Not reserved. Pokolbin and Yengo State Forests

Eucalyptus fergusonii subsp. Fergusonii

Not reserved. Watagan State Forest

Eucalyptus fracta Broken Back Range Eucalyptus grandis Southern limit- Port Stephens Eucalyptus hyostomatica Not reserved. Morriset Forestry District Eucalyptus luehmanniana Brisbane Water National Park Eucalyptus michaeliana Not reserved Eucalyptus microcorys Southern limit Eucalyptus multicaulis Brisbane Water National Park Eucalyptus oblonga Northern limit Eucalyptus paniculata ssp. Matutina Newcastle to Port Stephens only Eucalytus placita Southern limit-Newcastle Eucalyptus prominula Not reserved. Pokolbin and Olneo State Forests Eucalyptus robusta x E. tereticornis Not reserved. Nords Wharf Eucalyptus signata Southern limit- Munmorah Eucalyptus squamosa Localised-Wollemi and Mulbring Eurochinus falcata Included inWyrrabalong National Park. Adequately reserved Evolvulus alsinides var. decumbens Pokolbin State Forest Ficus fraseri Included in Wyrrabalong National Park. Adequately reserved Ficus watkinsiana Tomaree Peninsula Flagellaria indica Rainforests Goodenia bellidifolia subsp. Bellidifolia

Killingworth and Redhead

Goodenia stelligera Newcastle Bight Gonocarpus chinensis subsp. Verrucosa

Not reserved, occurs at the Hawkesbury River

Gompholobium inconspicuum Pokolbin State Forest Gompholobium pinnatum Popran National Park, Tomaree and Morna Point Helicia glabriflora Rainforests

P A R T : 5

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59

Hybanthus stellarioides Gan Gan Hill Hybanthus veronii subsp. Veronii Watagan Mountains Hymenophyllum australe Not reserved Keraudrenia hillii Very rare Species cont. Status Lepidosperma quadrangulatum Not reserved, although possible inclusion in Cockle Bay Nature Reserve Leptospermum emarginatum Rare Lepidospermum liversidgei Southern limit- Tomaree- Anna Bay Leptospermum suqrrosum Rare-Jewells Swamp Leucopogon amplexicaulis Conserved in Brisbane Water National Park Leucopogon esquamatus Tomaree Peninsula- probably extinct in Brisbane Water National Park Leucopogon margarodes Probably now extinct in Brisbane Water National Park Leucopogon pleiospermus Probably now extinct in Brisbane Water National Park Lindsaea dimorpha Brisbane Water National Park Lobelia gibbosa Belmont and Croudace Bay Lomandra micrantha subsp. Tuberculata

Lomandra montana Lomatiamyricoides Rainforests. Gosford and the Watagan’s Macarthuria neocambria Rserved in Munmorah State Recreation Area Maclura ochinchinensis Not reserved Macroglena caudata Not reserved Maundia triglochinoides Ettymalong Creek and Wyong, not reserved Melaleuca deanei Very rare- Brisbane Water National Park Melaleuca decora Very rare Micraantheum ericoides Tomago Peninsula Mirabelia speciosa subsp. Speciosa Very rare- Pinney Beach Mollugo verticullata Tomago Muehlenbeckia gracillima Locality unknown Neolitsea australiensis Probably extinct in the region Notelea longifolia forma intermedia Green Point Headland Lake Macquarie Olearia nernstii Small population in Wambina Road Nature Reserve Olearia viscidula Very rare Ottelia ovalifolia Wetlands- uncommon Ozothhamnus argophyllus Rare Persicaria elatior Very uncommon Persicaria praetermissa Seaham Swamp, but more common further north Persoonia laurina subsp. Laurina Watagan and Redhead Petrophile pedunculata Glenrock State Recreation Area and Redhead Pisonia umbellifera Myall Lakes only Parsonsia veluntina Not reserved Phebalium dentatum Phebalium lamprophyllum Broken Back Range Platycerium superbum Rainforests Pomaderris incisa (Askania) Not reserved Prostanthera sp. Somersby (junosis)

Not reserved

Pultenaea myrtoides Pultanaea rosmarinifola Heaton State Forest, Brisbane Water National Park and Munmorah State

Recreation Area Restio pallens Tomaree Peninsula Rhodomyrtus psidioides Inadequately reserved. Small population in Wyrrabalong National Park Rhodosphaera rhodanthema Blackbutt Reserve Ripogonum fawcettianum Small population in Bouddi National park. Inadequately reserved Ripogonum discolor Rainforests Rulingia hermanniifolia Very rare- Bouddi National Park. Rupicola apiculata Tomago Sand Beds Sarcopteryx stipata Green Point headland at Lake Macquarie Sesuvium portulacastrum Moma Point, Saratoga and Chittaway Point Sicyos australis Rainforests Sloanea wollsii Southern limit-Port Stephens Spregelia incarnata Common in south-uncommon in north-Redhead Sellaria radicans Common in south, uncommon in north-Green Point Stylidium lineare Tomaree Peninsula Styphelia laeta var. latifolia Conserved in Brisbane Water National Park


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Symplocos stawellii Rainforests-Gosford and Green Point Syzygium francisii Wambina Road Nature Reserve Syzygium paniculatum Wyrrabalong National Park, Fletchers Glen and Ourimbah Creek Valley.

Inadequately reserved Species cont. Status Tetrasigma nitens Not reserved Trigloochin microtuberosum Very rare Typhonium brownii Very rare Typhonium eliosurum Not reserved Velleia spathulata Catherine Hill Bay Vittaria elongata Wambina Road Nature Reserve Wilsonia bakchousei Wamberal Lagoon Nature Reserve Melaleuca biconvexa Not reserved Woollsia pungens Coomin in south-uncommon in north-Anna Bay-Tomaree Peninsula Xanthorrhoea fulva Zieria latifolia Tomago Sandbeds

5.7 Heavily cleared vegetation communities in Lower Hunter

Central Coast Region

Map unit Community name % cleared

11 Coastal Sheltered Apple – Peppermint Forest 91

18 Central Hunter Ironbark – Spotted Gum – Grey Box Forest 90

14 Wollombi Redgum - River Oak Forest 86

5 Alluvial Tall Moist Forest 82

52 Rocky Headland Scrub 79

38 Redgum Rough Barked Apple Swamp Forest 76

19 Hunter Lowland Redgum Forest 73

41 Swamp Oak Sedge Forest 72

37 Swamp Mahogany – Paperbark Forest 69

43 Sub-total Map Unit 43 (Wyong Paperbark Swamp Forest) 59

42 Sub-total Map Unit 42 (Riparian Melaleuca Swamp Woodland)

59

P A R T : 5

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5.8 Vegetation communities less than 1000 ha in extent, Lower Hunter Central Coast Region

Map unit Community name Remnant extant (ha)

52 Rocky Headland Scrub 14

45 Lepironia Swamp 37

18 Central Hunter Ironbark – Spotted Gum – Grey Box Forest 44

49 Wallum Clay Shrub Heath 54

39 Apple – Palm Gully Forest 56

11 Coastal Sheltered Apple – Peppermint Forest 102

51 Coastal Headland Complex 126

4 Littoral Rainforest 185

38 Redgum Rough Barked Apple Swamp Forest 257

54 Sandstone Hanging Swamps 356

Qa13 Closed Heath / Scrub (Ti-tree) (Payne, 1999) 381

48 Sub-total MU 48 (Coastal Clay Heath) 391

2 Sandstone Ranges Warm Temperate Rainforest 404

32 Sub-total MU 32 (Nerong Smooth-barked Apple Forest) 570

41 Swamp Oak Sedge Forest 596

14 Wollombi Redgum - River Oak Forest 622

50 Coastal Sand Scrub 809

28 Sub-total MU 28 (Scribbly Gum – Dwarf Apple Woodland) 896

Note: Some communities may be naturally restricted in their extent and distribution.


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5.9 Small site & minor development checklist (Adapted from Wyong Shire Council Small Site & Minor development checklist)

To assist the use of these Guidelines, a flexible approach is accommodated for flora and fauna survey requirements of small sites, and for minor developments that require a development application by council that meet the following criteria.

The term ‘small sites and minor development’ refers sites where the area of land affected by the proposal (either directly or indirectly) is less than 1000m2, and the land does not comprise any of the following: • wetland vegetation communities

• rainforest

• coastal dunes or headlands with native vegetation

• dams, ponds or watercourses

• riparian vegetation

koala feed trees (See table 3.5)

a vegetation community listed in section 5.7 or section 5.8

• a vegetation community listed in appendix 5.13 as being of local significance to the Cessnock Local Government Area.

NOTE:

For sites not meeting the criteria set out in section 5.9 above, please refer to section 3, Tables 3.1 and 3.3 for flora and fauna survey effort details and section 4 for details on assessment report requirements.

On small sites or for minor developments, Table 3.4 should be followed if applicable, however it is not necessary to conduct the full survey effort recommended in table 3.1 and 3.3. It is highly recommended that all sites be surveyed. For small and minor developments, the following checklist should be used:

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63

Property address:

(Lot/ DP & Street Address)

Property Owner:

Size of the study area (in square metres):

Does the study area contain any of these?

If yes to any of these, this checklist does not apply. Refer to Part 3 of the Flora and Fauna Survey Guidelines.

1. Rainforest 2. Coastal dunes/ headlands 3. Wetlands and swamps 4. Dams/ ponds/ watercourses/

riparian areas 5. Vegetation communities listed

in sections 5.7 or 5.8 6. Vegetation communities listed

in appendix 5.13 7. Koala Feed Trees

Tick to indicate the details listed below have been attached Plan of the study area showing the location of native vegetation and any known threatened species or communities or their habitats; protected; and significant species, if any

Description of the proposed development attached including an explanation of why the small site minor development checklist applies

Description of native vegetation or fauna habitat within the study area, attached. Include number and relative location of any isolated paddock trees present (if applicable).

Description of the steps that are being taken to minimise the impact of the development on the environment, threatened species and their habitats.

8 Part Test (required by s 5A EPAA) Yes No

(a) Will the lifecycle of any threatened species be disrupted?

(b) Will the lifecycle of any endangered population be disrupted?

(c) Will a significant area of habitat for a threatened species, population or community be removed or modified?

(d) Will adjoining or nearby areas of habitat become isolated?

(e) Will critical habitat be affected?

(f) Are threatened species, populations or communities adequately represented in conservation Reserves? [Refer to Volume 2]

(g) Is the development a class of development which is a threatening process?

(h) Are the threatened species, populations or communities present in the study area at the limit of their range (north, south, east or west limit)?

Attach description of any significant effect on threatened species, populations, communities or their habitat?

Yes

N/A


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I declare that to the best of my knowledge that the information I have supplied above is correct.

Signature Name Date

Explanatory Notes MINOR DEVELOPMENT CHECKLIST This checklist is only to be completed for development affecting a study area of less than 1,000m2 and where native vegetation or fauna habitat is present. The checklist is to be attached to the Statement of Environmental Effects. Study area is land which is directly or indirectly affected by the proposed development. Threatened species and communities are those listed under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. Refer to Volume 2 of these Flora and Fauna Guidelines contains individual habitat description and regional record for each threatened species in the shire, from which the likely occurrence of the species can be determined. Habitat includes native vegetation, caves, dead stags, hollow-bearing trees, bush rock and rocky outcrops, wetlands, streams, lakes, ponds and dams. EG: “Scribbly Gum and Smooth-barked Apple, Woodland with grassland understorey. There are five three hollows.” Property Plan must include a scale and direction of north direction of drainage location of streets, watercourses, existing or proposed services, lot boundaries existing or proposed buildings/development.

Native vegetation should be described by listing main species present. Vegetation should also be described in terms of structure, ie. rainforest, forest, woodland, heathland, shrubland, reedland, grassland.

Minimal Impact All reasonable steps must be taken to minimise the impact of the development on the environment, threatened species or their habitats for the development to be classified as minor development.

Example of impact minimising actions Design / location of development to minimise habitat removal/modification Sediment and erosion controls Tree/vegetation replacement planting’s with local species Inspection of tree hollows by qualified person management of wildlife before removing tree Relocating hollows or replacement with nest boxes

8 Part Test Considerations Whether development of the study area may leave other areas of native vegetation isolated. Development which is considered a threatening process includes: bush rock collection invasion of native vegetation by Bitou Bush or other weeds any other development which is threatening such as removal/modification of habitat

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feral animal predation on native fauna eg fox, dog, cat expansion of pest species eg Mosquito Fish.


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5.10 Australian Koala Foundation spot assessment technique

AKF Spot Assessment Technique

The Spot Assessment Technique for Determining the Significance of Habitat Utilisation by Koalas.

By S. Phillips and J. Callaghan

Australian Koala Foundation GPO Box 9899

Brisbane QLD. 4001 Ph (07) 3229 7233 Fax: (07) 3221 0337

August, 1995

Background Long term studies of free ranging Koala populations have established that Koalas in a socially stable breeding population arrange themselves in a matrix of overlapping home range areas. These home range areas will vary in size depending upon the quality of the habitat (usually – but not always - measurable in terms of the density of primary browse trees) and the sex of the animal (males tend to have larger home range areas than females). In a socially stable population of Koalas, long term fidelity to the home range area is generally maintained. An additional feature of the ranging patterns of Koalas in a socially stable population is the repeated use of a small number of trees (home range trees), some of which may also be utilised by other animals in the population. Such trees are not only important in maintaining social cohesion but are also likely to have significant nutritional value. The areas surrounding such home range trees, and the areas where home ranges overlap, are regularly utilised and visited repeatedly throughout the year; these areas can be referred to as

appendices

67

“areas of major activity”. As a consequence of such frequent visitation, such areas can also be characterised by a higher rate of faecal pellet deposition. The “Spot Assessment Technique” is an abbreviated form of the methodology currently employed by the Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) for the purposes of the Koala Habitat Atlas and is based on the smallest unit of assessment considered to provide a reliable means of determining the significance of a given area of habitat from a Koala’s perspective. The methodology has been validated by radio-tracking studies of free ranging Koalas and the results from an ever increasing number of plot based samples from forest communities occurring on medium to high fertility soils, Including Quaternary sands, along the eastern fall and coastal lowlands of the Great Dividing Range. It’s application in low fertility sites is still being evaluated. Note. those attributes of the biophysical environment which combine to influence koala habitat quality, in addition to the socio-biological considerations determining the ranging patterns of Koalas, are complex and often poorly understood. Without the further modifications and sampling protocols required to provide necessary measures of statistical sensitivity, the “Spot Assessment Technique” as described below is not intended to provide a tool to comprehensively assess, determine and rate Koala habitat and tree preferences over an entire planning area.

Recommended Applications Application of the Spot Assessment Technique is recommended for the purposes of Local Environmental Studies, Fauna Surveys, Pre-logging surveys, Fauna Impact Statements, Environmental Impact Statements, SEPP 44 assessments (NSW only) and other land use planning studies and or activities. For the purposes of preliminary surveys, plot assessments should be evenly distributed throughout the area to be assessed and be representative of major forest types and soil types. Notwithstanding further provisions detailed below, the minimum recommended density of spot assessments is one per hectare (1/ha) in areas known or considered likely to be supporting Koalas. The Spot Assessment Technique The Spot Assessment Technique involves assessment of Koala activity within a circle of minimum radius 10 metres from any one point around the basal circumference of a tree of any species known or otherwise considered likely to have been utilised by a Koala. In order of decreasing priority, criteria for the selection of sites for spot assessment are as follows:- 1. a tree of any species beneath which one or more Koala faecal pellets have been observed; 2. a tree in which a Koala has been sighted; 3 any other tree known or considered likely to be an important tree for Koalas in a particular area. Note: For statistical purposes, a minimum of twenty (20) trees must be contained within the circle; if this cannot be achieved, the minimum radius must be extended accordingly to include at least the minimum number of trees. All trees in the circle, regardless of species, should be assessed [For the purposes of the assessment, a tree is defined as a live woody stem of any plant species (excepting palms, cycads, tree ferns and grass trees) which has a diameter at breast height (dbh) of 100mm or greater].


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Undertaking Assessments in the Field 1. Locate and mark with flagging tape a tree which meets one or all of the criteria specified above; 2. mark with flagging tape all trees captured by a circle of minimum radius 10m from any one

point around the basal circumference of the tree identified in Step 1, ensuring that a minimum of twenty trees have been captured in the circle;

3. undertake a systematic faecal pellet search beneath each of the flagged trees as follows: a) a precursory inspection of the undisturbed ground surface within a catchment of 100cm

from the base of trees with a dbh of 400mm or less, 120cm for larger trees; followed by a more thorough inspection involving disturbance of the leaf litter arid ground cover within the search area.

A maximum of between two to three person minutes should be devoted to the faecal pellet search around each tree. For the purposes of the assessment, the search can be concluded once the maximum search time has expired, or a single koala faecal pellet has been detected, whichever happens first. The above process should be repeated until each tree in the prescribed circle has been assessed. For more detailed reporting purposes, information relating to the specific location of the spot assessment (i e AMG co-ordinates or Lat/Long), the criteria used to select the site (as specified above), the species of trees assessed and the number of koala faecal pellets observed and or counted within the prescribed search area of each tree should be recorded in a held note book for later reference. Faecal pellets should be returned to the base of each respective tree and should not be removed from the site unless some verification (i e that they are in fact Koala faecal pellets) is necessary.

Calculating the Activity Level The activity level for each spot assessment is expressed as the percentage equivalent of the quotient derived by dividing the number of trees which had one or more koala faecal pellets recorded beneath them, by the total number of trees assessed in the circle The Significance of Activity Levels As a general rule, spot assessments which return activity levels of approximately 30% or greater are likely to be within areas containing home range trees and or areas of major activity currently being utilised by koalas with well defined home range areas. Such animals are likely to be members of a socially stable breeding aggregation. In contrast, but with some exceptions (see below), spot assessments which return activity levels below 30% are generally indicative of areas of either unsuitable habitat, little used parts on an individual koala’s home range area, or areas of otherwise suitable habitat which are not presently supporting socially stable Koala populations Low activity levels recorded in what would otherwise be considered critical /significant Koala habitat may also be a result of historical factors such as past land use, bushfire, disease or predation and should not necessarily detract from the importance of the habitat for longer term koala conservation. Application of the “Koala Habitat Atlas” methodology over a regional area in conjunction with historical research would be required to effectively resolve such issues and gain an appreciation of the likely influence of such factors.

appendices

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Use of the Spot Assessment Technique to Delineate Areas of Significant Habitat 1. Where the results of a spot assessment return an activity level of less than 25% and the

activity level is derived from scattered trees with low faecal pellet counts (generally less than 5 and usually 1‘s and 2’s), and the faecal pellets appear old and/or decayed - the current level of use by Koalas is unlikely to be significant.

Recommended Response No specific action required. However, any further evidence of Koalas (sightings, faecal pellets) located outside of the area of assessment should be regarded as being potentially indicative of utilisation by a socially stable breeding aggregation of Koalas - the Spot Assessment Technique should be reapplied.

2. Where the results of a spot assessment return an activity level of less than 30% but is

otherwise high (greater than 25%) and derived from a discretely located small cluster of trees, some of which have high faecal pellet counts (generally greater than 5, sometimes several hundred, and the faecal pellets are clearly of varying ages) - the clustered group of trees potentially contains an important browse tree or possibly a home range tree, and could be adjacent to an area of major activity.

Recommended Response.

Identify the tree or trees with a protective buffer at least equivalent in size to the area of the spot assessment. However, any further evidence of Koalas (sightings, faecal pellets) located outside of the buffer area should be regarded as potentially indicative of utilisation by a socially stable breeding aggregation of Koalas and the Spot Assessment Technique should be reapplied

3. Where the results of a spot assessment return an activity level of 30% or greater - the area

is like to be within an area of major Koala activity.

Recommended Response Further assessment should be undertaken as follows: a) an additional four trees must be selected for spot assessments at a distance of no

more than 50m from the tree at the centre of the initial spot assessment The additional trees must be located at each of the four cardinal compass points and selected in accordance with the criteria specified earlier. If a tree cannot be found which satisfies the criteria, then an alternative tree should be selected, regardless of whether or not faecal pellets are present. The Spot Assessment Technique should be applied around each of the four trees selected.

b) for each subsequent spot assessment returning an activity level of 30% or greater,

a further three trees should be selected and assessed on an identical basis to that described above. This process should continue until the full extent of the area of major activity has been determined

Significant Habitat Zones A “Significant Habitat Zone” of 0.25ha (being a square 50m X 50m or a circle of radius 25m), centred upon the area of the spot assessment, should be applied to every spot assessment which has an activity level of 30% or greater. Further assessments of “Significant Habitat Zones” should be dependant upon the nature and extent of any proposed activity which has the potential to adversely affect the area. Particularly


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where disturbance to the understorey and/or the removal of home range trees and/or secondary browse trees (where known) is likely to be involved. Further advice on the types of assessment required and various ameliorative measures which might be suitable can be provided by the Australian Koala Foundation. Note: Further information and advise regarding application and use of the Spot Assessment Technique can be supplied if required. The authors would also be grateful for any feedback regarding its use for any of the purposes indicated in this report.

appendices

71

5.11 Standardised vegetation communities for Lower Hunter Central Coast Region

Source: NPWS on behalf of LHCCREMS (2000).

Map unit

Community name Map unit

Community name

1 Coastal Wet Gully Forest 32 Nerong Smooth-barked Apple Forest

1a Coastal Warm Temperate - Subtropical Rainforest

32a Scrub

2 Sandstone Ranges Warm Temperate Rainforest 33 Coastal Sand Apple – Blackbutt Forest

3 Hunter Valley Dry Rainforest 34 Coastal Sand Wallum Woodland – Heath

3a Dry Rainforest Canopy Dominant 34a Heath

4 Littoral Rainforest 35 Kurri Sand Swamp Woodland

5 Alluvial Tall Moist Forest 36 Tomago Sand Swamp Woodland

6 Coastal Narrabeen Moist Forest 36a Heath

7 Sheltered Rough-barked Apple Forest 37 Swamp Mahogany - Paperbark Forest

8 Sheltered Blue Gum Forest 38 Redgum Rough Barked Apple Forest

9 Coastal Ranges Open Forest 39 Apple - Palm Gully Forest

10 Sandstone Grey Myrtle Sheltered Forest 40 Swamp Oak Rushland Forest

11 Coastal Sheltered Apple - Peppermint Forest 40a Phragmites Rushland

12 Hunter Valley Moist Forest 41 Swamp Oak Sedge Forest

13 Central Hunter Riparian Forest 42 Riparian Melaleuca Swamp Woodland

14 Wollombi Redgum – River Oak Forest 42a Melaleuca Scrub

15 Coastal Foothills Spotted Gum - Ironbark Forest 43 Wyong Paperbark Swamp Forest

16 Seaham Spotted Gum Ironbark Forest 43a Melaleuca Scrub

17 Lower Hunter Spotted Gum - Ironbark Forest 44 Coastal Wet Sand Cyperoid Heath

18 Central Hunter Ironbark – Spotted Gum – Grey Box Forest

45 Lepironia Swamp

19 Hunter Lowlands Redgum Forest 46 Freshwater Wetland Complex

20 Dharug Roughbarked Apple Forest 47 Mangrove – Estuarine Complex

21 Hunter Range Grey Gum Forest 47a Saltmarsh

22 Coastal Narrabeen Scrub Forest 48 Coastal Clay Heath

23 Broken Back Grey Gum – Stringybark Forest 48a Nora Head Endangered Heath-Woodland

24 McDonald Exposed Ironbark Woodland 49 Wallum Clay Shrub Heath

25 Sheltered Dry Hawkesbury Woodland 50 Coastal Sand Scrub

26 Exposed Hawkesbury Woodland 51 Coastal Headland Complex

26a Heath 52 Rocky Headland Scrub

27 Exposed Yellow Bloodwood Woodland 53 Beach Spinifex


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Map unit

Community name Map unit

Community name

28 Scribbly Gum – Dwarf Apple Woodland 54 Sandstone Hanging Swamps

28a Dwarf Apple Scrub Beach sands / Sand

29 Hawkesbury Coastal Banksia Woodland Qa13 Closed Heath / Scrub (Ti-tree)(Payne, 1999)

29a Scrub Rocky Coast

30 Coastal Plains Smooth-barked Apple Woodland Seagrass

31 Coastal Plains Scribbly Gum Woodland Water

NOTE: There may be other vegetation communities that exist in the region that are not mapped by LHCCREMS (e.g. Quorrobolong Scribbly Gum Woodland in the Cessnock Local Government Area).

5.12 Vegetation community distribution by local government area, Lower Hunter Central Coast Region

Map unit

Community name Local government area

Cessnock

Gosford Lake Macquarie

Maitland

Newcastle

Port Stephens

Wyong

1 Coastal Wet Gully Forest + + + - + + +

1a Coastal Warm Temperate- Subtropical Rainforest

+ + + - + - +

2 Sandstone Ranges Warm Temperate Rainforest

- + - - - - -

3 Hunter Valley Dry Rainforest + - - + - + -

3a Dry Rainforest Canopy Dominant - - - - - + -

4 Littoral Rainforest - + + - - + +

5 Alluvial Tall Moist Forest + + + + + + +

6 Coastal Narrabeen Moist Forest + + + - - + +

7 Sheltered Rough Barked Apple Forest + + - - - - -

8 Sheltered Blue Gum Forest + + - - - - +

9 Coastal Ranges Open Forest + + + - - + +

10 Sandstone Grey Myrtle Sheltered Forest + - - - - - -

11 Coastal Sheltered Apple – Peppermint Forest

- - + - + + +

12 Hunter Valley Moist Forest + - - + + + -

13 Central Hunter Riparian Forest + - - + - + -

14 Wollombi Redgum - River Oak Forest + + - - - - -

15 Coastal Foothills Spotted Gum – Ironbark Forest

+ + + - + + +

16 Seaham Spotted Gum Iron Bark Forest + - - + - + -

17 Lower Hunter Spotted Gum – Ironbark Forest

+ + - + + + -

18 Central Hunter Ironbark - Spotted Gum - Grey Box Forest

+ - - - - - -

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73

Map unit


Cessnock


Maitland

Newcastle

Port Stephens

Wyong

19 Hunter Lowland Redgum Forest + - - + - + -

20 Dharug Roughbarked Apple Forest - + - - - - -

21 Hunter Range Grey Gum Forest + + + - - - +

22 Coastal Narabeen Shrub Forest + + + - - + +

23 Broken Back Grey Gum – Stringybark Forest

+ - - - - - -

24 McDonald Exposed Ironbark Woodland + - - - - - -

25 Sheltered Dry Hawkesbury Woodland + + + - - - +

26 Exposed Hawkesbury Woodland + + - - - - +

26a Heath - + - - - - -

27 Exposed Yellow Bloodwood Woodland + + - - - - -

28 Scribbly Gum – Dwarf Apple Woodland + + - - - - -

28a Dwarf Apple Scrub - + - - - - -

29 Hawkesbury Coastal Banksia Woodland - + - - - - -

29a Scrub - + - - - - -

30 Coastal Plains Smooth-barked Apple Woodland

+ - + - + + +

31 Coastal Plains Scribbly Gum Woodland - - + - - + +

32 Nerong Smooth Barked Apple Forest - - - - - + -

32a Scrub - - - - - + -

33 Coastal Sand Apple – Blackbutt Forest - + + - + + +

34 Coastal Sand Wallum Woodland – Heath - + + - - + +

34a Heath - + + - - + -

35 Kurri Sand Swamp Woodland + - - - - - -

36 Tomago Sand Swamp Woodland - - - - - + +

36a Heath - - - - - + -

37 Swamp Mahogany - Paperbark Forest - + + + + + +

38 Redgum Rough Barked Apple Swamp Forest

- - + - - - +

39 Apple - Palm Gully Forest - - + - - - +

40 Swamp Oak Rushland Forest - + + + + + +

40a Phragmites Rushland - + + - + + +

Note: + indicates map unit recorded by LHCCREMS vegetation study

- indicates map unit not recorded by LHCCREMS vegetation study


74

Map unit


Cessnock


Maitland

Newcastle

Port Stephens

Wyong

41 Swamp Oak Sedge Forest - + + + + + +

42 Riparian Melaleuca Swamp Woodland - - + - - + +

42a Melaleuca Scrub - - + - - - +

43 Wyong Paperbark Swamp Forest - + + - - - +

43a Melaleuca Scrub - - - - - - +

44 Coastal Wet Sand Cyperoid Heath - - - - + + +

45 Lepironia Swamp - - - - - + -

46 Freshwater Wetland Complex + - + + + + -

47 Mangrove-Estuarine Complex - + + + + + +

47a Saltmarsh - + + - + + +

48 Coastal Clay Heath - - + - + + +

48a Norah Head Endangered Heath-Woodland

- - - - - - +

49 Wallum Clay Shrub Heath - - + - - + -

50 Coastal Sand Scrub - + + - + - +

51 Coastal Headland Complex - + + - + - +

52 Rocky Headland Scrub - - - - - + -

53 Beach Spinifex - ? ? - ? ? ?

54 Sandstone Hanging Swamps - + - - - - +

Qa13 Closed Heath / Scrub (Ti-tree) (Payne, 1999)

- - - - - - +

Note: + indicates map unit recorded by LHCCREMS vegetation study

- indicates map unit not recorded by LHCCREMS vegetation study

NOTE: There may be other vegetation communities that exist in the region that are not mapped by LHCCREMS (e.g. Quorrobolong Scribbly Gum Woodland in the Cessnock Local Government Area).

5.13 Matters of local significance in the Cessnock Local Government Area

Matters of local significance, as detailed below, must be addressed in any flora and fauna assessment carried out in the Cessnock Local Government Area.

Vegetation Communities of Local Significance

Recent vegetation surveying and mapping undertaken as part of the Lower Hunter & Central Coast Regional Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and by Bell and Murray (2001) has revealed at least seven vegetation communities that are largely confined to the Cessnock LGA and are not well protected in reserves. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), the Lower Hunter and Central Coast Regional Environmental Management Strategy (LHCCREMS) Steering Committee and the Hunter Catchment Management Trust (HCMT)

appendices

75

have also identified a number of communities in the Cessnock LGA as being of conservation significance due to their natural rarity and the historical extent of clearing. These communities are as listed in the table following.

In addition, Landsberg (2000) contains the Commonwealth’s draft regulations for assessing the level of threat to ecological communities in Australia. The draft regulations will be implemented by the Commonwealth Threatened Species Scientific Committee which will be responsible for assessing nominations to the Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999. It is assumed that ecological communities which meet the draft Commonwealth criteria (Landsberg 2000) will also be eligible for listing in NSW under the Threatened Species Conservation (TSC) Act 1995.

The Landsberg (2000) criteria ‘A’ is based on:

“very severe decline in geographic distribution” and therefore eligible to be listed as critically endangered (CR) under the EPBC Act 19991; or

“severe decline in geographic distribution” and therefore eligible to be listed as endangered (EN) under the EPBC Act 19992.

1 “Very severe decline” is defined as a threshold decline of c. 90% or more. 2 “Very severe decline” is defined as a threshold decline of c. 70% or more.

The Landsberg (2000) criteria ‘B’ is based on:

Restricted geographic distribution such that the community could be lost within the near future by the action of a threatening process, as indicated by either of the following:

restricted natural geographic distribution (<10,000ha) and a substantial decline (50%) in that distribution; or

restricted natural or current geographic distribution and subject or vulnerable to a known threatening process with potential to cause complete destruction or extreme degradation in the near future.

A community that meets this criteria is eligible to be listed as Endangered (EN) under the EPBC Act 1999. Communities meeting these criteria, as advised by the LLCCREMS Steering Committee, are as listed in the table overleaf.

The table also lists any vegetation communities in the Cessnock Local Government Area that have been listed under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.


76

Alluvial Tall Moist Forest (MU 5)

18% of this community (approximately 1212ha) occurs with in the Cessnock LGA, none of which is reserved in National Parks. This community had been nominated for listing under Schedule 1 of the TSC Act 1995 as an endangered ecological community and has been identified by NPWS as a community they wish to see conserved (consultation under s34A EP&A Act 1979). This community is likely to meet EPBC Act 1999 criteria ‘A’ – Endangered Community.

Central Hunter Ironbark - Spotted Gum - Grey Box Forest (MU18)

100% of this community (approximately 128ha) occurs within the Cessnock LGA, none of which is reserved in National Parks. Conservation of this community is important as it is restricted to less than 1000 hectares remaining. This community is likely to meet EPBC Act 1999 criteria ‘A’ - Critically Endangered Community.

Central Hunter Riparian Forest (MU 13)

96% of this community (approximately 880ha) occurs within the Cessnock LGA of which 0.6% is reserved in National Parks.

Coastal Foothills Spotted Gum - Ironbark Forest (MU 15)

34% of this community (approximately 6825ha) occurs within the Cessnock LGA of which 34% is reserved in National Parks. Identified by NPWS as containing high quality habitat for at least 2 endangered fauna species and has been identified by NPWS as a community they wish to see conserved (consultation under s34A EP&A Act 1979).

Coastal Narabeen Moist Forest (MU 6)

37% of this community (approximately 11460ha) occurs within the Cessnock LGA of which 22% is reserved in National Parks.

Hunter Lowland Redgum Forest (MU 19)

This community is listed under Schedule 1 of the TSC Act as an endangered ecological community. 78% of this community (approximately 5465ha) occurs within the Cessnock LGA of which 6% is reserved in National Parks. This community is likely to meet EPBC Act 1999 criteria ‘A’ – Endangered Community.

Hunter Range Grey Gum Forest (MU 21)


Hunter Valley Dry Rainforest (MU 3)

13% of this small community (approximately 164ha) occurs within the Cessnock LGA of which 100% is reserved in National Parks. This community has been nominated for listing under Schedule 1 of the TSC Act as an endangered ecological community. This community is likely to meet EPBC Act 1999 criteria ‘A’ – Endangered Community.

Hunter Valley Moist Forest (MU 12)

32% of this small community (approximately 1773ha) occurs within the Cessnock LGA of which 22% is reserved in National Parks.. Due to the small size of the regional community (approximately 5524ha), the proportion within the Cessnock LGA is regionally important.

Kurri Sand Swamp Woodland (MU 35)

100% of this community (approximately 2379ha) occurs within the Cessnock LGA of which 7% is reserved in National Parks. This community is listed under Schedule 1 of the TSC Act as an endangered ecological community and has been identified by NPWS as a community they wish to see conserved (consultation under s34A EP&A Act 1979).

Lower Hunter Spotted Gum – Ironbark Forest (MU 17)

85% of this community (approximately 27444ha) occurs within the Cessnock LGA of which 6% is reserved in National Parks. Identified by NPWS as containing high quality habitat for at least 2 endangered fauna species and has been identified by NPWS as a community they wish to see conserved (consultation under s34A EP&A Act 1979).

Sandstone Grey Myrtle Sheltered Forest(MU 10)


Scribbly Gum - Dwarf Apple Woodland (MU 28)

20% of this community (approximately 183ha) occurs within the Cessnock LGA of which 100% is reserved in National Parks. Conservation of this community is important as it is restricted to less than 1000 hectares remaining.

Sheltered Blue Gum Forest (MU 8)


Swamp Oak Rushland Forest (MU 40)

0.01% of this community (approximately 0.35ha) occurs within the Cessnock LGA of which 24% is reserved in National Parks. This community is likely to meet EPBC Act 1999 criteria ‘B’.

Wollombi Redgum – River Oak Forest (MU14)

93% of this community (approximately 1512ha) occurs within the Cessnock LGA of which 15% is reserved in National Parks. This community has been nominated for listing under Schedule 1 of the TSC Act as an endangered ecological community and has been identified by NPWS as a community they wish to see conserved (consultation under s34A EP&A Act 1979. Conservation of this community is important as it is restricted to less than 1000 hectares remaining. This community is likely to meet EPBC Act 1999 criteria ‘A’ – Critically Endangered Community.

Quorrobolong Scribbly Gum Woodland

This community is listed under Schedule 1 of the TSC Act 1995 as an endangered ecological community and occupies approximately 70ha of land in the vicinity of Sandy Creek Road and Whitings Lane, Mulbring.

[MU = Map Unit (LHCCREMS Classification)]

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77

Habitat/Fauna Movement Corridors of Local Significance

A habitat, or fauna movement corridor is an area of habitat that enables migration, colonisation and interbreeding of plants and animals between two or more larger areas of habitat. Habitat corridors may consist of a continuous linear segments of native vegetation, or a sequence of discontinuous areas of habitat, such as feeding trees, caves, wetlands and roadside vegetation.

Whilst habitat corridors have not been mapped in the Cessnock LGA, advice from the Native Animal Trust Fund suggests that two major habitat/fauna movement corridors exist and are generally located between Bellbird and Mt. View and between Neath and Weston. Roadside and creekline habitat corridors are also identified in Council’s Vineyards District Development Control Plan No.28. In addition, recent studies carried out at Bow Wow Creek Gorge and Ellalong Lagoon have delineated a further two habitat/fauna movement corridors in the LGA.

Any habitat corridors present within the study area are to be surveyed for their condition, width and ecological function. They are to be identified on vegetation or habitat maps and the impact of the proposed development, directly and indirectly on the habitat corridor, must be identified and addressed in the flora and fauna survey report. Assessment of habitat fragmentation and corridor connectivity is of particular importance.

Declared world heritage areas & national parks

There are a number of National Parks in the Cessnock Local Government Area as listed below:

• Watagans National Park

• Werakata National Park

• Yengo National Park

Yengo National Park also forms part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.

Where a development application is located in proximity to any area of National Park, then the flora and fauna survey is to determine whether there is likely to be a significant impact on the park. Included in this assessment should be a discussion of the impact of edge-effects (e.g. pest species invasion and habitat modification) as well as impacts on habitat corridors and the like. Furthermore, should the development be situated within the Yengo Creek or Macdonald River catchments, then the flora and fauna survey is to determine whether there is likely to be a significant impact on world heritage values.

Part: 6

Glossary

78

Biodiversity means the variability among living organisms from all sources (including terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part) and includes:

• diversity within species and between species; and

• diversity of ecosystems.


Flora and fauna survey is an ecological study of a specific area of land that:

• documents components of biodiversity confirmed to be present within the study area

• documents components of biodiversity not confirmed, but likely to be present within the study area

• assesses the extent and nature of likely impacts of planning, land management or development proposals on the components of biodiversity referred to above, and specifically, any likely impacts on:

- critical habitat

- threatened species, populations or ecological communities

- matters of national environmental significance

- matters of regional significance

• makes recommendations as to how any planning, land management or development proposals relating to the study area should be dealt with or modified so as to avoid unacceptable impacts on biodiversity.

Clearing native vegetation means any one or more of the following:

• cutting down, felling, thinning, logging or removing native vegetation,

• killing, destroying, poisoning, ringbarking, uprooting or burning native vegetation,

• severing, topping or lopping branches, limbs, stems or trunks of native vegetation,

• substantially damaging or injuring native vegetation in any other way.


Ecological community means an assemblage of species occupying a particular area.

Ecosystem is a dynamic complex of plant, animal, fungal and microorganism communities and associated non-living environment interacting as an ecological unit.

Fauna means animals (including both vertebrates and invertebrates).

Geographic information system (GIS) is a computer based system for storing, managing and analysing spatial data, including maps.

Habitat means the biophysical medium or media:

P A R T : 6

glossary

79

• occupied (continuously, periodically or occasionally) by an organism or group of organisms; or

• once occupied (continuously, periodically or occasionally) by an organism, or group of organisms, and into which organisms of that kind have the potential to be reintroduced.

Habitat corridor means an area of habitat that enables migration, colonisation and interbreeding of plants and animals between two or more larger areas of habitat. Habitat corridors may consist of a continuous linear segments of native vegetation, or a sequence of discontinuous areas of habitat, such as feeding trees, caves, wetlands and roadside vegetation.

Indigenous vegetation is any species of vegetation that existed in NSW before European settlement.

Locally indigenous species is a species that occurs naturally within a local area and which has genetic material deriving from that local area.

Migratory species are those that move from one location to another, then return to the same location on a seasonal or annual basis.

Native vegetation means any of the following types of indigenous vegetation:

• trees,

• understorey plants,

• groundcover,

• plants occurring in a wetland.

and includes aquatic, estuarine and marine vegetation.

Nomadic fauna are species which move widely in response to availability of resources, such as food or nesting sites. These species do not necessarily return to the same location on a regular basis.

Plant community (or vegetation community) is a group of organisms living together in a definable region or habitat defined by its vegetation.

Population is a group of organisms, all of the same species, occupying a particular area.

Rare species is a species considered to be unusual or present in small numbers, usually but not necessarily due to a population decline.

Species is a group of organisms capable of interbreeding freely with each other but (usually) not with members of other species. It includes any recognised sub-species or other taxon below a sub-species, and any recognisable variant of a sub-species or taxon.

Species impact statement (SIS) is a study that predicts the harmful effects of a proposed development or activity on threatened species, populations or communities or their habitats, and recommends measures to protect against those effects. It is prepared under Division 2 of Part 6 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 or Division 6 of Part 7A of the Fisheries Management Act 1994. A species impact statement must be prepared in relation to certain development proposals and activities under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

Species presence refers to the fact that a species was observed at a nominated location at the time of a survey.


80

Species absence refers to the fact that a species was not observed at a nominated location at the time of a survey. Species absence does not necessarily indicate whether or not the species occurs at that location.

Sub-species is a geographically separate population of a species characterised by morphological or biological differences from other populations of that species.

Threatened species is a species considered to be at risk of becoming extinct, or of becoming endangered. Such species are listed for NSW by the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and the Fisheries Management Act 1994. At the national scale, threatened species are listed by the (Commonwealth) Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Threatening process is a process that threatens, or may have the capability to threaten, the survival or evolutionary development of species, populations or ecological communities.

Urban Bushland Urban bushland is bushland occurring in an urban setting. Bushland is land on which there is vegetation which is either a remainder of the natural vegetation on the land or, if altered, is still representative of the structure and floristics of the natural vegetation. (adapted from SEPP 19).

Vegetation structure refers to the pattern of the height, form and density of vegetation.

Vulnerable means in need of urgent conservation action or further compromised by clearing.

Wetland includes any shallow body of water (such as a marsh, billabong, swamp or sedgeland) that is:

• inundated cyclically, intermittently or permanently with water (fresh, brackish or saline), and

• vegetated with wetland plant communities.

For a more comprehensive list of terms, refer to the Biodiversity Planning Guide for NSW Local Government.

7.1 References

Adam, P. (1987) New South Wales Rainforests. The Nomination for the World Heritage List. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Sydney.

Archer, W.R. (1984). Thesium australe R. Brown (Santalaceae): Field notes and observations. Victorian Naturalist 101(2): 81-85.

Australian Environmental Surveys (1995) Morisset Forestry District Environmental Impact Statement, Supporting Document # 7. Reptile and Amphibian Fauna Survey.

Bartrim, G. and Martin, A. (1986a). Notes on the distribution and abundance of the vulnerable plant species Tetratheca juncea. Unpublished report.

Belcher, C.A. (1995) Diet of the Tiger Quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) in East Gippsland, Victoria. Wildlife Research 22, 341-357.

Bell, S.A.J. (1997a). 1996 assessment of revegetation on the Tomago Sandbeds. Eastcoast Flora Survey - Unpublished report to RZM Pty Ltd. January 1997.

Bell, S.A.J. (1997b). Tomaree National Park: Vegetation Survey – A Fire Management Document. Eastcoast Flora Survey - Unpublished Report to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (Hunter District). May 1997.

Bell, S.A.J. (1998a). Lake Macquarie SRA, Pulbah Island NR, and Tingira Heights NR: Vegetation Survey – A Fire Management Document. Volumes 1 & 2. Eastcoast Flora Survey - Unpublished Report to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (Hunter & Central Coast Districts). April 1998.

Bell, S.A.J. (1998b). Glenrock SRA and Awabakal NR: Vegetation Survey – A Fire Management Document. Volumes 1 & 2. Eastcoast Flora Survey - Unpublished Report to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (Hunter District). August 1998.

Bell, S.A.J. (1998c). Wollemi National Park: Vegetation Survey – A Fire Management Document. Volumes 1 & 2. Eastcoast Flora Survey - Unpublished Report to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (Upper Hunter District). August 1998.

Bell, S.A.J. (1998d). Popran National Park: Vegetation Survey – A Fire Management Document. Volumes 1 & 2. Eastcoast Flora Survey - Unpublished Report to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (Central Coast District). December 1998.

Bell, S.A.J. (2001a) Notes on the distribution and conservation status of some restricted plant species from sandstone environments of the upper Hunter Valley, New South Wales. Cunninghamia 7(1): 77-88.

Bell, S.A.J. (2001b) Survey and assessment of Angophora inopina in the Lower Hunter and Central Coast. Unpublished report to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Threatened Species Unit, Central Directorate.

Bell, S.A.J. (2001c) The vegetation of Werakata (Lower Hunter) National Park, Cessnock, Hunter Valley. Unpublished report to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Bell, S.A.J. (in prep.). The Threatened Angophora inopina within Wyong and Lake Macquarie Shires: Distribution, Conservation & Management - Final Report. Eastcoast Flora Survey - Unpublished report to Wyong Shire Council.

Bell, S.A.J. (in press) Habitat of the endangered Hibbertia procumbens (Labill.) DC (Dilleniaceae) from the Central Coast of New South Wales. Victorian Naturalist Bell, S.A.J. (in review) Notes on population size and habitat of the vulnerable

Cryptostylis hunteriana Nicholls (Orchidaceae) from the Central Coast of New South Wales. Cunninghamia

Bell, S.A.J. and Simpson, J. (in prep.). Some notes on the ecology of the endangered Rulingia prostrata Maiden & Betche (Sterculiaceae) on the Tomago Sandbeds, New South Wales. MS.

Bell, S. and Garofalow, F. (1999). The Threatened Angophora inopina within Wyong and Lake Macquarie Shires: Distribution, Conservation & Management - Interim Report. Unpublished report to Wyong Shire Council. November 1999.

Bell, S. and Murray, M. (2001). The Ecological Significance of Bow Wow Creek Gorge, Mulbring, Hunter Valley, New South Wales: A Nationally Significant Site. Unpublished report to Cessnock City Council. June 2001.

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Binns, D. (1996). Flora survey, Morisset Forestry District, Central Region, New South Wales. Morisset Forestry District EIS Supporting Document No. 3. State Forests of New South Wales: Sydney.

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Bishop, A. (1996). Field Guide to the Orchids of New South Wales and Victoria. University of New South Wales Press: Sydney.

Briggs, J.D. and Leigh, J.H. (1996). Rare or Threatened Australian Plants: 1995 Revised Edition. CSIRO: Australia.

Brunner, H. and Coman, B.J. (1974) The Identification of Mammalian Hair. Inkata Press, Melbourne.

Carolin, R.C. (1992). Goodeniaceae. Pp. 450 – 469 IN Flora of New South Wales: Volume 3. Ed. by G.J.Harden. NSW University Press: Kensington.

Carolin, R. and Clarke, P. (1991). Beach Plants of South-eastern Australia. Sainty & Associates: Sydney.

Caughley, C.J. and Sinclair, A.R.E. (1994) Wildlife Ecology and Management. Blackwell Science, Cambridge.

Clancy, G.P. (1991) The biology and management of the Osprey (Pandion haliaetus cristatus) in NSW. Species Management Report Number 6. New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Clements and Associates Pty Limited (1992) Flora and Fauna Report for the Environmental Assessment of Fern Bay, New South Wales. Prepared for Port Stephens Shire Council.

Cogger, H.G. (1992) Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia (5th Edition). Reed International Books, Sydney.

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Cooper, M.G. (1986). A pilot survey of six rare plants in New South Wales. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service: Sydney.

Copeland, L.M. and Hunter, J.T. (1999) Range extensions and conservation status of 18 restricted plant species in north-eastern New South Wales. Cunninghamia 6(2): 395-400.

Croft and Associates (1982) Environmental Impact Statement for Extension of Existing Mining Operations in the Tomago Sandbeds Water Supply Catchment Area. Prepared for Rutile and Zircon Mines (Newcastle) Limited.

Dawson, T. And Prentice, C. (1994). Study into the distribution and effects of fire upon endangered flora of Tomaree National Park. Bachelor of Applied Science (EAM) Specialist Study, prepared for NPWS, Hunter District.

Deacon Graham and James (1997) Cameron v Nambucca Shire Council - Compliance with Section 77 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act - Council’s Obligations.

Debus, S.J.S. (1995) Surveys of Large Forest Owls in Northern New South Wales: methodology, calling behaviour and owl responses. Corella, 19(2), 38-50.

Debus, S.J.S. and Rose, A.B. (1994) The Masked Owl Tyto novaehollandiae in New South Wales. Australian Birds Supplement 28, 40-64

Duncan, S. (in prep.) The biology and management of Melaleuca biconvexa on the Central Coast of New South Wales.

Eby, P. (1991) Seasonal movements of Grey-headed flying-foxes, Pteropus poliocephalus (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae), from two maternity camps in northern New South Wales. Australian Wildlife Research 18, 547-559.

Ecotone Ecological Consultants (1995b) Fauna impact statement for the proposed stage 2 augmentation of Grahamstown Dam. Report to Hunter Water Corporation Ltd. January 1995.

Ecotone Ecological Consultants (1997) Flora and fauna survey and assessment - Vales Point Power Station perimeter lands. Report to Delta Electricity. June 1997.

Ehmann, H. (ed.)(1997) Threatened Frogs of New South Wales; Habitats, Status and Conservation. Published by Frog and Tadpole Study Group of NSW Inc. Sydney.

Environment Australia (2001) National Objectives and Targets for Biodiversity Conservation 2001 – 2005. Published by Environment Australia, Canberra

ERM Mitchell McCotter (1999) Karuah to Bulahdelah Pacific Highway Upgrade. Species Impact Statement. Prepared for the Roads and Traffic Authority.

Fairley, A. and Moore, P. (1989). Native Plants of the Sydney District: An Identification Guide. Kangaroo Press: Kenthurst.

Ferrier, S., Shields, J., Lemckert, F.L., Wilson, P., Mackowski, C.M. and Saxon, M., undated: Fauna Impact Statements - A Standard Methodology for Surveying Endangered Species. A Joint Report for the National Parks and Wildlife Service and New South Wales Forestry Commission.

Floyd, A.G. (1985). Rainforest of the Cessnock-Wyong area. Unpublished report for the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Sydney.

Fly by Night Bat Surveys and TUNRA, Ltd. (1996) Mount Owen Coal Mine Wildlife Management Pilot Study. Report to Mt Owen Coal Mine and HLA Envirosciences Pty Ltd. October 1996.

Fly By Night Bat Surveys (1996) The exclusion and subsequent re-establishment of a colony of Fishing Bats Myotis adversus at Stockton creek Bridge near Morisset, New South Wales. Report to Lake Macquarie City Council. November 1996.

Fly By Night Bat Surveys (1997) A survey of the bat fauna of an area north of Hawks Nest, New South Wales. Report to ERM mitchell McCotter. January 1997.

Forest Fauna Surveys et al, (1996) Species Impact Statement, SRA Land, Glendale. Report to Lake Macquarie City Council by Forest Fauna Surveys, in association with EcoPro P/L and Fly By Night Bat Surveys P/L.

Forest Fauna Surveys, et al (1997a). Flora and Fauna Survey Guidelines: Lake Macquarie Shire. Report to Lake Macquarie City Council. Prepared by Forest Fauna Surveys, EcoPro P/L and Fly By Night Bat Surveys P/L.

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by G.J.Harden. NSW University Press: Kensington Kavanagh, R.P. and Peake, P. (1993) Survey procedures for nocturnal forest birds: an

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Kavanagh, R.P. and Murray, M. (1996) Home range, habitat and behaviour of the Masked Owl (Tyto novaehollandiae) near Newcastle, New South Wales. Emu. 96, 250-257

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Land & Environment Planning (1999) Myambat Vegetation and Fauna Management. Guidelines for Landscape Management at the Myambat Logistics Company site. Prepared for Department of Defence.

Lander, N.S. (1992) Olearia. Pp. 185-197 IN Flora of New South Wales Volume 3. Ed by G.J. Harden. UNSW Press, Kensington.

Latham, H. (1995). Proposed National Parks additions in the Sydney Region. NSW National Parks Association. October 1995.

LHCCREMS (2000) Vegetation Survey, Classification and Mapping - Lower Hunter and Central Coast Region. Lower Hunter and Central Coast Regional Environmental Management Strategy.

LMCC (1996) Lake Macquarie City Council State of the Environment Report. Prepared by Lake Macquarie City Council.

LMCC Fauna Database (2000) Fauna database compiled by Michael Todd, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, as one of the components of the Lake Macquarie Biodiversity Project.

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Marchant, S. and Higgins, P.J. (1993) Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Volume 2: Raptors to Lapwings. RAOU. Melbourne Oxford University Press.

Marchant, S., and Higgins, P.J. (1996) Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Volume 3 - Waders to Pigeons. RAOU. Oxford University Press, Melbourne.

Maryott-Brown, K. and Wilks, D. (1993) Rare and endangered plants of Yengo National Park and Adjacent areas. Unpublished report to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Matthes, S. and Nash, S. (1993). Conservation Research Statement and Species Recovery Plan for Cynanchum elegans. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service - Report to Australian Nature Conservation Agency, Endangered Species Program, Project No. 311. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Maynes, G. (1977) Distribution and aspects of the biology of the Parma Wallaby, Macropus parma, in New South Wales. Australian Journal of Wildlife Research 4: 109-125.

Meggs, R.A., Lindenmayer, D.B., Linga, T. and Morris, B.J. (1991) An improved design to trap brackets used for trapping small mammals in trees. Wildlife Research 18, 589 - 91

Menkhorst, P.W., Weavers, B.W., and Alexander, J.S.A. (1988) Distribution, habitat and conservation status of the Squirrel Glider, Petaurus norfolcensis (Petauridae: Marsupialia) in Victoria. Australian Wildlife Research 15, 59-71.

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Morrison, D.A. and Davies, S.J. (1991). Acacia. Pp. 327 – 392 in Flora of New South Wales: Volume 2. Ed. by G.J.Harden. NSW University Press: Kensington.

Murphy, C.L. (1993). Soil landscapes of the Gosford-Lake Macquarie 1:100 000 sheet. Department of Conservation and Land Management: Sydney.

Murray, M. (1996) Eleebana Local Squirrel Glider Study. Report to Lake Macquarie City Council by SWC Consultancy.

NHMRC (1997) Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Experimental Purposes. 6th Edition.National Health and Medical Research Council, Commonwealth of Australia.

NPWS (1997) NSW Comprehensive Regional Assessments - Vertebrate Fauna Surveys (1996-97 Summer Survey Season Field Survey Methods) Amended January 1997. Prepared by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

NPWS (1998) Submission to Lake Macquarie Council on the 1997 Flora and Fauna Guidelines, National Parks and Wildlife Service 26 October 1998.

NPWS (2001). Threatened Species Information. Grey-headed Flying Fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) Temminck, 1825. May 2001.

NPWS and State Forests of NSW (1994). Guidelines for the Preparation of Fauna Impact Statements for Forestry Operations within State Forests. “1. Fauna Survey”. Prepared by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and State Forests of NSW. Version 1, July 1994.

NPWS (2001, August) Hygiene protocol for the control disease in frogs. Threatened Species Management Information Circular No.6. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

NPWS and SMEC (draft 2001) Threatened Species Survey and Assessment. Guidelines for developments and activities. Prepared by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and SMEC Australia.

NSW Agriculture (1995) Draft Guidelines for the Use of Pitfall Traps. Draft report prepared by the Wildlife Advisory Group, Animal Research Review Panel, NSW Agriculture.

NSW Fisheries (1999). Policy and Guidelines, Aquatic Habitat Management and Fish Conservation 1999.(Eds. Smith, A.K. and Pollard, D.A). NSW Fisheries, Port Stephens Research Centre. 86 pp.

NSW Department of Mineral Resources (1999) Standards for the submission of digital mineral exploration reports and data (groups 1 to 7). P 16 Minfo 65. www.mineral.nsw.gov.au

O’Brien, D. (1990) Owls and Nightjars on the Central Coast. Australian Birds 24, 9-19. De Oliveira, M.C. (1998) Anabat System Practical Guide – survey techniques,

collection and characterisation of reference calls, common field problems and problem solving. Department of Natural Resources Queensland.

Parry-Jones, K. and Augee, M.L. (1991) Food selection by grey-headed flying-foxes (Pteropus poliocephalus) occupying a summer colony site near Gosford, New South Wales. Wildlife Research. 18(1), 111-124.

Payne, R.J. (1991). New findings of the rare tree Syzygium paniculatum in the Wyong area, New South Wales. Cunninghamia 2(3): 495-498.

Payne, R.J. (1993). Prediction of the habitat for Tetratheca juncea in the Munmorah area, near Wyong, New South Wales. Cunninghamia 3(1): 147-154.

Payne, R.J. (1996) State Environmental Planning Policy No. 44 Koala Habitat Protection: Koala survey for lands east of the Sydney – Newcastle Freeway. Shire of Wyong. Unpublished report prepared for Wyong Shire Council.

Payne, R.J. (1997). Vegetation survey: Wamberal Lagoon Nature Reserve, Wyrrabalong National Park, Munmorah State Recreation Area. Ecological Surveys and Management - Draft Report to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Central Coast District. April 1997.

Payne, R.J. (1998). Lake Macquarie Tetratheca juncea Conservation Management Plan - Interim Report. Ecological Surveys & Management - Report to NPWS, BHP Pty Ltd, and Lake Macquarie City Council. September 1998.

Payne, R.J. (2000). Lake Macquarie Tetratheca juncea Conservation Management Plan. Prepared by Ecological Surveys & Management for NPWS, BHP Pty Ltd, and Lake Macquarie City Council. November 2000.

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Pressey, R.L., Broadbent, J.A., Kemper, C.H. and Andrew, D. (1981) Faunal studies for the proposed Wallarah Creek interchange, Wallsend section of the Sydney Newcastle Freeway No. 3. Report to Department of Main Roads by Centre for Environmental Studies, Macquarie University.

Port Stephens Council and AKF (2001) Port Stephens Council Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management (CKPoM). Prepared by Port Stephens Council and Australian Koala Foundation, July 2001.

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Quin, D.G. (1995) Population ecology of the Squirrel Glider (Petaurus norfolcensis) and the Sugar Glider (P. breviceps) (Marsupialia: Petauridae) at Limeburners Creek, on the central north coast of New South Wales. Wildlife Research 22, 471-505.

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Shelly, D. (1993) A 1990-91 survey of the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby (Petrogale penicillata) in the Warrumbungle National Park, Coonabarabran, New South Wales. In Re-interpreting the Past: zoologist as ecological historian. Australian Zoologist, 29 (1-2), 79-84.

Shields, J.M., York, A., and Binns, D. (1992) Flora and Fauna Survey, Mt. Royal Management Area, Newcastle Region. Prepared by Forest Ecology Section,

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Smith, A.P. (1996) Adequacy of fauna assessments: proposed subdivision 5A Wollombi Road, Bilgoa. Supplementary Report. Submission to Land and Environment Court, Planning Workshop vs Pittwater Council.

Smith, A.P., Lindenmayer, D., Begg, R.J., MacFarlane, M.A., Seebeck, J.H. and Suckling, G.C. (1989) Evaluation of the stagwatching technique for census of possums and gliders in tall open forest. Australian Wildlife Research 16, 575-580.

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Suckling, G.C. (1978) A hair sampling tube for the detection of small mammals in trees. Australian Wildlife Research 5: 249-252.

SWC Consultancy (1995) Ecological Assessment of Proposed Awaba Nature Reserve. Lake Macquarie City Council Environmental Research Grant.

SWC (1998) Lake Macquarie Wetlands Management Study prepared by Shortland Wetland Centre Consultancy for Powercoal, December 1998.

Tame, T. (1992) Acacias of South-eastern Australia. Kangaroo Press Pty Ltd. Kenthurst.

Thackway, R. and Cresswell, I.D. (eds)(1995) An Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia: a framwork for establishing the national system of reserves. Australian Nature Conservation Agency, Canberra.

Tidemann,C.R. and Woodside,D.P. 1978: A collapsible bat trap and comparison of results obtained with the trap and with mist-nets. Australian Wildlife Research 5, 355-362.

Timms, B.V. (1975) Frogs of the Cooranbong Area. Hunter Natural History 7, 51-53. TUNRA Ltd. and FBN Bat Surveys (1995) Pinney Beach Fauna Study (including

Wallarah Peninsula South). Report to Lake Macquarie City Council by TUNRA (The University of Newcastle Research Associates Ltd) and Fly By Night Bat Surveys P/L.

Walker, J. and Hopkins, M.S. (1990) Vegetation. In Australian Soil and Land Survey Field Handbook. (Ed. McDonald, R.C., Isbell, R.F., Speight, J.G., Walker, J. and Hopkins, M.S.) pp. 58-86. Second Edition, Inkata Press, Melbourne.

West, G. (1997) Quantifying habitat fragmentation in the Lake Macquarie Catchment using Landsat thematic mapper data. Proceedings of 2nd Higher Degree Student Conference, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle.

West, G. (1999) Lake Macquarie Biodiversity Project, Landsat Imagery component. Landsat mapping undertaken by Greg West of the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle for Lake Macquarie Council and the Lake Macquarie Catchment Management Committee.

(This project has been supported by the One Billion Trees/Save the Bush Program a Federal Government Initiative administered by the Australian Nature Conservation Agency as well as Total Catchment Management Funds administered by the NSW Government).

Weston, P.H. (1993). Cryptostylis Pp. 218 – 219 IN Flora of New South Wales: Volume 4. Ed. by G.J.Harden. NSW University Press: Kensington.

Wheeler, D.J.B., Jacobs, S.W.L. and Norton, B.E. (1990) Grasses of New South Wales. University of New England Monograph No. 3. 2nd Edition.

Wiecek, B. (1992). Santalaceae Pp. 55 – 61 IN Flora of New South Wales: Volume 3. Ed. by G.J.Harden. NSW University Press: Kensington.

Wilson, D.G., Gott, M. and Schofield, M.J. (1997) Vegetation Mapping Guidelines for Reserve and Conservation Planning. NSW Biodiversity Survey Program, NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service.

Wilson, P.G. (1991a). Melaleuca Pp. 173 – 179 IN Flora of New South Wales: Volume 2. Ed. by G.J.Harden. NSW University Press: Kensington.

Wilson, P.G. (1991b). Syzygium. Pp. 142 – 145 IN Flora of New South Wales: Volume 2. Ed. by G.J.Harden. NSW University Press: Kensington.

Winning, G. (1992) Conservation Status of Rare Plants in The Lake Macquarie Area. Report prepared for Lake Macquarie City Council. Shortland Wetlands Centre Ltd.

Woodside, D.P. (1995) Golden-tipped Bat (Kerivoula papuensis) in Strahan, R. ed. The Mammals of Australia. Reed Books, Chatswood. p.484-485.

Wyong Shire Council (1999). Flora and fauna guidelines for Development. Wyong Shire Council. January 1999.

York, A.; Binns, D. and Shields, J. (1991) Flora and Fauna Assessment in NSW State Forests - Survey Guidelines. Report by Forest Ecology and Silviculture Section, Wood Technology and Forest Research Division, Forestry Commission of NSW.

Young, J. (1999) Northlakes Forest Owl Project. A survey on resident Masked Owls in the vicinity of a proposed residential subdivision at Northlakes. Report to Lake Macquarie City Council.

7.2 Useful web pages

Legislation www.austlii.edu.au/

National Parks and Wildlife Service www.npws.nsw.gov.au

NSW Agriculture www.agric.nsw.gov.au

NSW Fisheries www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au

Environment Australia www.ea.gov.au/epbc

Lower Hunter Central Coast Regional Environmental Management Strategy

www.lhccrems.nsw.gov.au

Environmental Defenders Office (general advice and overview)

www.edo.org.au

TSC Act (NSW) www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/tsca1995323/

EPBC Act (Commonwealth) www.biodiversity/biodiversity/wildlife/lists/theatsp

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